Roswell Fanatics

Title: Full Circle
Summary: Liz is not what she seems and is forbidden from revealing the truth as she works to help the Royal Four discover their powers and destiny.
Characters: Roswell plus others from my imagination.
Pairings: Polar mainly.
Rating: May be mature in future.
Disclaimer: No infringement intended. Roswell belongs to Jason Katims and Melinda Metz (et al.) Only the story is mine.
Sitting at the counter Liz tried to fous on her history homework. Her eyes, however, kept drifting from the industrial revolution to the corner booth where Maria was sitting with Michael sharing a sundae. Michael had his arm draped over Maria's shoulders laughing everytime she got some tabasco tainted ice cream. Maria's eyes danced as she leaned in to kiss Michael sweetly on the mouth.

Pulling her mind back to the task at hand Liz sighed deepely and resumed learning about population density. A cough from across the room startled her out of her self imposed stupor.

"Hey Parker." Michael called out. "Quit tapping your pen. It's annoying."

Liz looked down at her right hand and saw that she had made a mess of her text book by forgetting to cap her pen. She cursed softly discreetly waving her hand over the page making the blue ink stains disappear.

"Guys, if you don't mind I would like to close up and go to bed." Liz called out across the room.
"Sure thing, Lizzie." Maria called over.Liz had to listed to a gushy exchange between the couple as they came to the realisation that Ms DeLuca would probably notice if Maria went over to Michael's. Michael grunted a goodbye, which Maria seconded a they walked out of the front door. Liz locked it behind them and grabbed her books off of the counter as she ran upstairs.

Everyone thought that she was still upset about her break up with Max. But they were wrong. She was a little upset about losing Max's company but knew ultimately that it was for the best. Liz felt time running through her fingers and knew that soon her relatively simple easy life would be ripped apart.

A knot had formed in her stomach a few weeks ago and it had yet to go away. It was only a matter of time, days even, before her lies would be exposed and her true purpose revealed.

Liz spent most of her nights dreading the responses and reactions of her friends. They wouldn't forgive her. None of them. Her heart broke but she steeled herself against self pity. A fiery resolve burned within her. If she was going to be cast aside she had to make sure that her mission was completed first. Her friends would close rank and not let her back in... everything had to be completed efore that.

Quickly changing out of her Crashdown uniform, Liz climed out of her window and down the fire escape running in the direction of the UFO Museum. She needed to talk to Larek.

Brody walked towards her to inform her that the museum was closed. Liz used her powers to form a connection to Larek through Brody. After a moment to centre himself in his new vessel, Larek nodded slightly to reassure Liz of his presence whilst motioning for her to sit down.

"How much time do I have left?" Liz asked pointedly.
"I don't understand what you mean?" Larek replied.
"Yes you do." Liz returned firmly. "When are you planning to tell them what I am?"
"No decisions have been made yet?" Larek stated looking Liz straight in the eye. "You have not fulfilled your mission and we are concerned about that."
"I realise that, but it has been difficult to get them to focus on themselves and not concentrate on every real or imaginary threat on the horizon." Liz sighed. "They fail to grasp the fact that they would be better protected if they knew how to use the foursquare."
"Which is why you need to guide them." Larek pushed.
"I am not dealing with the Royal Four." Liz spat out. "I have got four teenagers who combined don't have the concentration span of a drunk monkey."
"The subtle way is not working. They will have to be told what you are and then forced to realise that they must learn from you." Larek responded.
"If you do that I guarantee that none of them will speak to me ever again." Liz cried. "I will not be able to teach people who won't talk to me!"
"If they know that you have full memories of your life on Antar and that you knew each and everyone of them, their curiosity will be peaked and they will come to you." Larek reasoned. "Be careful what you reveal to them. Given who you were and who you were to them a lot of things could become very complicated." Larek warned.
"Will we ever know why the granolith chose to bring me back?" Liz questioned softly.
"We have no idea." Larek replied. "The truth will be revealed to the Royals tomorrow. It would be best if all of you were present."

Nodding Liz rose and left the museum.

Thanks to:

Forever Dreamer
Polar Vixen
KiaraAlexisKlay
Lightning Summer

For the feedback.

To KiaraAlexiaKlay - There are no dupes in this timeline. Tess is part of the group. Max and Liz have broken up and Isabel and Alex are not together. Hope that clarifies some of your questions.
The following day as expected Liz was summoned to the museum with the rest of the group. She felt surprisingly light and relaxed. The matter was out of her hands and the only options she had were to stay or to run. She was no coward.

Max stood with Larek slightly apart from the rest of the group. Liz walked past the rest of her friends and made herself comfortable on the same seat she had occupied the night before. Picking at her cuticles Liz waited for the bomb to drop. Max sat in the middle of the rest of the group as they all looked at Larek in expectation.

“We had hoped that as a foursquare you would have made greater progress with your powers.” Larek stated bluntly.
“Well we haven’t exactly received a lot of help with that.” Michael bit back defensively.
“We had hoped that it would be a more natural process.” Larek explained. “We believed that when the four of you were reunited that your memories would automatically return and you would all remember your powers and the foursquare would be second nature again.”
“Why didn’t that happen?” Tess asked.
“We don’t know.” Larek replied honestly. “You, the Royal Four, are the only occasion that we have used this technology. This is unchartered waters for us too.”
“So what do we do?” Michael asked. “How important is it for us to remember our past lives and the foursquare?”
“Vital.” Larek responded passionately. “No memories means no foursquare. No foursquare means no claim to the throne.”
“So what do we do?” Max asked repeating Michael’s earlier question.
“You will be directly taught.” Larek replied. “Schooled in the ways of the foursquare.”
“By you?” Isabel asked.
“No.” Larek replied. “By her.”

Everyone turned to look in the direction that Larek was pointing and only saw Liz.

“Who?” Alex asked for clarification.
“Liz.” Larek confirmed.
“What?” The single word echoed off of the walls of the museum was voiced by her seven friends.

Liz looked up at them and rolled her eyes. She went back to examining her fingernails.

“Liz, what is he talking about?” Max asked with a hoarse voice.
“Liz is Antarian.” Larek answered on her behalf.

A full minute of silence followed Larek’s announcement. The group of seven people had identical looks of disbelief on their faces. Not even Michael, who was known for his emotional outbursts could think of anything to say.

“I realise that this comes as a surprise to all of you.” Larek stated softly. “Liz was ordered to conceal her identity from you and that order still stands.”
“This is crap.” Kyle stated eventually. “Liz was born here on Earth to human parents. We all grew up together.”
“That’s true.” Maria chimed in.
“Besides, she has no powers.” Isabel stated. “How can she help us?”

Larek motioned to Liz. She sat up straight and raised her chin slightly. Exhaling slowly objects around the room began levitating at her command. She performed an aerial ballet that far exceeded anything that even Tess could do.

The group looked on the impressive display with a combination of awe and horror. Larek could see that they were becoming distressed and motioned to Liz to stop her display.

However Liz wasn’t done yet.

She wanted the group of seven to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was not somebody to be taken lightly. She wanted to prove to them that she was capable of teaching them how to use their powers. Most of all she wanted them to know how difficult it would be to cast her aside.

Looking Michael straight in the eye she formed a small connection. It wasn’t enough for him to see anything in her mind but enough for her to access is powers.

Michael felt his pals start to tingle the way they did when his powers were active. He looked at Liz in horror as two brilliant white orbs flew out of his hands.

Nobody noticed that the objects that had been flying around the room had returned to their original positions looking as though they had never been disturbed.

Everyone’s attention was focused on the two orbs of energy swirling around the room. The two balls collided in mid air causing a blinding white light to engulf the room.

After a few minutes of blinking, trying to clear their vision, the group was confronted by a shimmering ball, the size of a classroom globe, floating in mid air before them. The ball was a blue/green colour with unidentifiable features.

“That’s Antar.” Tess breathed with wide eyes.
“Yes it is.” Liz spoke for the first time. “Antar is the sole surviving planet of what was once a solar system. It has since gravitated towards a new system and sun but took with it four moons. When these four moons stopped their paths they created what you recognise as the ‘V’ shape.”
“Liz.” Max stuttered. “What is going on?”

Ignoring him, Liz waved her hand and most of the planet turned red.

“The red area is controlled by Kivar.” Liz continued. “If you have no foursquare you have no claim to the throne. If you have no claim to the throne the loyalist army will not fight for you. Does anyone see where I am going with this?”
“There is no point in us going back if we can’t use the foursquare.” Max stated.
“Precisely.” Larek confirmed.
“So let me know if you decide to seriously lean about the foursquare and you power.” Liz added as she turned on her heel and walked towards the exit. “Otherwise don’t waste my time and yours.”

Thank you all for your amazing feedback.

I know this is all being posted pretty quickly - but my muse gets paid for overtime!!
It was three days before anyone spoke to Liz. She was not surprised that it was Tess. Of all of the pod squad she was the most anxious to learn about Antar and her previous life.

“I want to learn.” Tess confessed as she took a seat on Liz’s balcony.
“I don’t work one to one.” Liz replied. “It’s all or nothing. I can’t teach you about the foursquare and then have you go back and parrot it back to the rest of them. It won’t work that way.”

Tess at least had the courtesy to look slightly embarrassed.

“You tell them that they don’t call the shots.” Liz said softly. “The buck stops at me and I am the one who is ultimately responsible for getting them in one piece and whole.”
“Who are you?” Tess asked in confusion.
“I am not at liberty to tell you.” Liz pointed out.
“Who were you to us?” Tess persisted. “You knew all of us right? Otherwise you wouldn’t have been entrusted to do this.”
“I was chosen by the granolith to protect and teach the foursquare. Nobody knows why.” Liz revealed.
“That’s got to suck.” Tess stated glumly. “I can’t help but wonder how us learning your identity could cause so much trouble.”
“Believe me it would.” Liz sighed. “The situation is just so complicated. Too complicated in fact.”
“I’m on board with you teaching us how to do this.” Tess stated.
“But Isabel and Max are on the fence and Michael is refusing.” Liz finished for her.
“Basically.” Tess admitted. “A lot of trust has been lost.”
“But not for you who never trusted me in the first place.” Liz pointed out.
“I find it easier to trust Antarians than humans. I find humans so fickle.” Tess confessed. “People befriended me because of the way I was engineered to look.”
“I hardly think Antarians more noble.” Liz countered. “The prejudices, the class systems and the racism that caused the war make the French Revolution look like a food fight.”
“I really don’t know much about the start of the war.” Tess confessed.
“None of you were bothered with the annoying and inconvenient uprisings of the people.” Liz stated. “These small outbursts of discontent were unheeded and unnoticed until it was too late. The people rallied behind a leader who was sympathetic to their cause.”
“Kivar.” Tess stated. “What is he like? Are we the lesser of two evils or are we justified in fighting him?”

It was not a question that Liz had expected from Tess.

“To begin with Kivar was an amazing man.” Liz conceded. “He is a gifted orator, handsome and debonair. I suppose that is why Vilandra fell in love with him.” Liz paused thoughtfully.
“To begin with?” Tess queried.
“His true colours began to show after his first victory. His cruelty and inhumanity were obvious. His army was subjected to terrible ordeals to the point where his soldiers would try to get captured by Rath’s troops. They were more humanely treated.”
“How awful.” Tess gasped in horror.
“Kivar soon put a stop to that.” Liz continued. “Any soldier who was captured would be deemed a traitor. As punishment their entire family was killed. Any soldier who deserted was hunted down and executed as was his family.”

Liz and Tess sat in silence both thinking over the horrors that must still be unfolding on Antar. With a nod, Tess bade Liz a silent farewell as she descended the fire escape.

Thanks for the feedback.
After Tess had related to the others what Liz had told her, Michael decided that it was time to speak to Liz himself. His own anger and distrust had prevented him from speaking to her before Tess had related what she had discovered.

With a frown placed firmly on his brow Michael sat with ever decreasing patience on Liz’s balcony. He had been waiting for close to forty minutes when Liz finally entered her room in her usual breezy manner.

He cleared her throat and got her attention.

Liz spun on her heel startled by the noise on her balcony. She was surprised to see Michael of all people. When she looked closer she noticed the deep furrow lines and the grimace, emphasised by his hostile body language.

A giggle escaped her throat.

“What is so God damned funny?” Michael demanded as he stormed into Liz’s bedroom.
“You trying to intimidate me is what’s so funny.” Liz shot back. “I suggest that you don’t try.” Liz raised an eyebrow as a challenge. “What are you doing here? You are the last person I expected to see here.”
“And why is that?” Michael bit back sitting on her window sill.
“Pride, trust and self sufficiency.” Liz replied smugly. “Your pride has taken a bruising because something was happening right under your nose and you didn’t see it. Any trust that you had in me and your own judgement has also taken quite a dent. Not to mention the thought of asking anyone for help, especially me, goes against the grain.”
“Well aren’t you just the brainiac.” Michael spat out.
“It just makes me absolutely sure that even death couldn’t change your most basic personality traits.” Liz returned.
“You knew me?” Michael asked in surprise.
“Yes.” Liz replied softly. “Better than most.”
“What did you know?” His voice softened and his posture switched from aggressive to defensive.
“What did I know about you?” Liz asked.

Michael nodded.

“You were an only child. Your mother passed away when you were little and your father never remarried. He kept you close at all times and you succeeded him as General of the Armed Forces. You were quite a bit older than the other members of the foursquare.” Liz paused thoughtfully. “You were less suspicious and paranoid than you are now. You were more confident both personally and professionally. You had more faith in your own beliefs and ideas. You were very much as you are now. Only freer.”
“How did you know me?” Michael asked.
“I can’t tell you that.” Liz replied softly. “I’m not allowed to reveal my identity.”
“If I order you to?” Michael pressed.
“I’d just laugh at you.” Liz replied with a small grin.
“Can you help us with the foursquare?” Michael asked.

He knew from her responses and body language that he wasn’t going to find out about who she was. She was under orders and he of all people could respect that.

“Yes I can.” Liz replied with conviction. “You need to agree with the others to listen to me and follow my instructions.”
“I’ll talk to Isabel. She’s the one holding Max back.” Michael admitted.
“She’s scared.” Liz stated.
“Yeah.” Michael confirmed. “You know more about us than we do. Especially Vilandra.”
“Not really.” Liz replied. Answering Michael’s confused expression she continued. “I was dead, long gone, by the time that affair started.”
“What happened?” Michael asked in concern.
“Nothing I really want to talk about.” Liz replied stiffly. “It’s something I try not to dwell on too much.”
“Sorry.” Michael responded with a pitying smile.
“I doubt it was any worse than what happened to the four of you.” She offered a small smile in return.
“I’ll speak to Max tomorrow and we’ll sort out a training schedule.” Michael rose from his perch but for some reason hesitated about going out onto the balcony.
“Is there something wrong?” Liz asked in concern.
“I don’t know.” Michael confessed in a bewildered voice. “I get the feeling that… that I need to talk to you about something but I don’t know what.”
“It can’t have been that important then.” Liz replied glibly turning her back on him.
“Bye then.” Michael muttered before leaving.

The next morning as he had promised Michael woke Max up by banging on his window at 6am. A very dazed and confused Max stumbled out of bed and over to the window. He was shocked to find Michael; especially since he didn’t think his friend knew that there was a six o’clock in the morning.

“What the hell man?” Max groused as he collapsed back onto his bed.
“We need to talk about training with Liz.” Michael said bluntly.
“What?” Max nearly yelled. “Where the hell is this coming from?”
“I spoke to her last night.” Michael answered tightly. “She is the only hope we have.”
“What did she say?” Max asked as he rose to a sitting position.
“She’s under orders not to reveal her identity.” He said.
“That’s what Tess said too.” Max interjected.
“She told me a bit about who I was and what I was like.” Michael answered softly. “She knows a lot about me.”
“Such as?” Max prompted in interest.
“I was an only child.” He replied. “My mother passed away when I was young but I was close to my father. I was a bit older than the rest of you. That kind of stuff.”
“That’s great.” Max said sincerely. “You should tell Izzy. It may bring her round a little.”
“No need.” Michael replied.
“Why not?” Max asked with a furrowed sleepy brow.
“She’s standing outside you door.” Michael revealed.

With a rueful look on her face Isabel pushed Max’s door open and sat next to her brother. Both sister and brother looked over to Michael who was leaning against Max’s desk.

“Liz doesn’t know anything about Vilandra.” Michael bluntly stated to a horrified Isabel. “She says that the whole thing with Kivar happened after she was killed.”
“What happened?” Isabel asked.
“She won’t say.” Michael replied.
“Which worries me.” Michael cut in. “How can we trust her when she refuses to tell us the truth?”
“How can we not give her the benefit of the doubt?” Michael replied to a stunned Max. She was under orders not to reveal her identity. She has honour. She has never done anything to endanger us. She is one of us.”
“Okay.” Isabel said slowly. “Who are you and where is my paranoid pseudo big brother.”
“Isabel.” Michael admonished in a hurt voice.
“What?” She asked in an incredulous voice. “You of all people caving at the thought of a little information about who we used to be.”
“At least I’m not terrified of finding out the truth.” Michael shot back with venom. “You are the only reason we are not using this opportunity to learn who we were and what it is that we have to do to fulfil out destiny. Your selfishness. But then again we should be used to that shouldn’t we?”

With that parting shot Michael climbed out of the window and stormed away from the house leaving Isabel and Max sitting on his bed.

“He has a point Izzy.” Max spoke softly.
“What?” Isabel cried in alarm. “How can you say that?”
“I know you are afraid of what you will find out.” Max soothed. “But you have to trust that we will find out together and that no matter what we learn that nothing between us will change.”
“Of course it will change!” Isabel wailed. “Who knows what we could find out? How I hurt you all. The ways I betrayed you all.”

Isabel was unable to continue through her tears. She collapsed in on herself in despair.

Max sided up to his sister and pulled her into a comforting hug. He knew how scared she was of finding out the truth. To be truly honest with himself he was scared of what he would find out too. He loved his sister but ever since finding out about her betrayal he had been wary of exposing any weakness to her.

“This is the inevitable result of our search.” Max spoke softly. “This is the next step.”
“I’m afraid.” Isabel confessed.
“We all are.” Max replied. “Not of Vilandra but of ourselves. You have more to worry about than us but I guarantee you that we will all have things revealed to us that we will be ashamed of or regret.”
“Ok.” Isabel breathed.
“I’m going to phone Liz and we can arrange a training session.” Max said in the same soothing tone he had been using. “You should go back to bed. It’s still early.”

Isabel nodded and sniffed. She rose and shuffled out of Max’s room back to her own. She closed the door behind her and sank to the ground. Silent tears streaking her face and falling to the carpet.

The next day the Royals were congregated at the rock formation with their newest member. There was a palpable sense of trepidation and distrust. Liz sat contemplating the rock formation, giving the four friends a chance to regroup before she began her training.

“So are we doing this or what?” Michael blurted out in frustration.

Liz gave out a small laugh as she turned to face the group.

“Well aren’t we eager!” She teased.
“I thought that was the point.” Michael shot back.
“Are you two done?” Tess interrupted. She was a little surprised about the interaction between Michael and Liz.

Liz motioned for the others to sit down next to where she was standing.

“The foursquare is a connection.” She started speaking in an authoritative voice but her eyes were glassed over as though she was seeing something that wasn’t there. “It connects the four people in it mentally, physically and by your powers.”

She presided over a rapt audience.

“When in the foursquare each of your individual powers is increased exponentially. Your four main powers work together to protect. Max’s shield, Tess’s mind warp, Isabel’s empathic abilities and Michael’s power blast.” She explained.
“How?” Max asked. “How does it work?”
“The granolith allows it.” Liz clarified. “Don’t think of the granolith as a paper weight or a lava lamp. It is for all intents and purposes a living being. Capable of making decisions and bestowing powers.”
“The granolith is alive?” Michael asked in confusion.
“Yes.” Liz explained. “The granolith chose to bring me back. That was nothing to do with the process that brought the four of you back. It was a decision made by the granolith.”
“Perhaps it was aware that we would need more help than was going to be made available.” Tess proposed.
“Perhaps.” Liz agreed with a smile at her new ally. “When the Royal Four are crowned the granolith bestows on them the ability to form the foursquare. I think that it is to strengthen the bond between the royals.”

She looked around the group into the eyes of the sceptic, the fearful, the anxious and the true believer.

“So how do we get this foursquare to work?” Michael asked.
“It is kind of a catch-22 situation.” Liz revealed. “You have the information inside of you…”
“Without our memories we can’t get the foursquare but without the foursquare we can’t remember who we were.” Michael bit out in disappointment.

He knew that it had been too good to be true. He had wanted to believe her and he had believed her. But to hear that their situation was basically impossible was frustrating beyond belief.

“Oh simmer down.” Liz commanded seeing the deep seated irritation on his face. “If that was the case would I have promised you the other night that I can help you?”

Michael looked up into her eyes with scepticism and mild distrust. In her eyes, however, he saw conviction and mirth. There was something else but he couldn’t place it.

“The four of you need to connect with each other and learn the powers of the others.” Liz explained. “For any connection to exist between you, you must have the knowledge of each others abilities and limitations.”
“Where do we start?” Isabel asked.
“Split into two groups.” Liz commanded. “Michael and Tess go together and Max and Isabel.”
“Why?” Michael asked.
“Abilities and powers.” Liz explained. “Tess is the most competent and has the fullest use of her powers. Michael’s powers are the most powerful. The two of you will be more able to deal with each others powers. Isabel is the most uneasy about the whole situation and being with the person she trusts most in the world is the best bet.”

Isabel looked up in surprise. She was touched that Liz was so aware of how potentially awful this could be for her.

“I want you to sit together and explain to each other as best you can how you use your powers. How you feel when you use them.” Liz commanded. “Intimate knowledge is the only way to fully be able to connect.”
“Everything?” Michael asked with trepidation.
“Everything.” Liz confirmed. “Feelings, fears, thoughts, the physical reactions and sensations. All of it matters.”

Liz sat away from the pairs as they started to do what she had asked of them. She could tell by their body language that they were not comfortable being so open with one another. Their years of hiding had resulted in them hiding from each other as well.

She sighed. This was going to be harder than she thought. Pasting a look of confidence on her face Liz walked over to where Michael was sitting with Tess. They immediately halted their conversation as she approached.

“Do you still get the tingling sensation behind your right eye when you mind warp?” Liz asked Tess.
“Yes.” Tess replied in surprise. “How did you know?”
“Your powers make you feel vulnerable. You don’t know if your powers leave your body weak to attack when you are in deep concentration on the task at hand.” Liz continued. “You worry that your ability to manipulate people leaves them wary of you and less inclined to want to be friends with you. You have a very clear vision and mind, both of which allow you to create false images and fool the enemy.
“How do you know this?” Tess asked as she got paler.
“Your powers drain you more quickly than those of the others. You are afraid of being the weak link. Of not being able to contribute when it really matters. You hear, see and sense nothing when you are using your powers. Everything goes away. You only know what you create – what you project.”
“I didn’t know any of that.” Michael said softly. He was gaining a new respect for Tess through this exercise.

Tess blushed a little and looked down.

“I want you to think about what Tess does when she uses her powers.” Liz commanded Michael. “Take her hands and try to make me see something that isn’t there.”

After a few deep breaths Michael clasped Tess’ hands in his and focused on Liz. As an artist his imagination was clear. He thought of his favourite painting, Dusk by Monet, and tried to change what Liz saw.

He was struggling until he heard Tess’ voice whispering in his mind. She gently guided Michael in the use of her powers.

Liz meanwhile was pleasantly surprised to see the desert scenery around her change to the deep tones of red and yellow in one of her favourite paintings. She could see the dark shadow of the distant building where the rock formation had been.

Than as quickly as it had appeared the beautiful scenery disappeared.

“That was impressive.” Liz complimented Michael with a warm smile. “You should be able to do that more easily in future. Why don’t the two of you start discussing Michael’s powers while I go and see how the others are doing.”

Liz rose and walked over to where Max and Isabel were sitting. Their body language did not give her much hope that they had had any success.

“How is it going?” Liz asked brightly.
“Not well.” Max sighed. “We can’t seem to get this.”
“Ok.” Liz said softly as she sat down beside them. “Max’s powers are defensive whereas Isabel’s powers are empathic.”
“Well that sucks.” Isabel muttered.
“Why?” Max asked.
“Well, you, Tess and Michael can all use you powers to defend yourselves.” Isabel explained petulantly. “I get to know how people feel.”
“Exactly.” Liz pointed out. “You know if a person’s intentions are honourable or vindictive before they attack. You can read the enemy and distinguish between the good and the bad.”
“But not Kivar.” Isabel said quietly.
“I know that that doesn’t make much sense.” Liz said gently. “The best we can figure out is that Kivar somehow was able to manipulate your powers. Use them against you and gain an ally within the Royal Four.”
“Or I knew the truth and was evil.” Isabel stuttered as tears spilled over her lashes.
“Do you think that is true?” Liz asked Max.
“I don’t know.” Max replied honestly.

Isabel looked up with hurt in her eyes.

“I know that it isn’t now.” Max continued. “I know that Isabel wouldn’t do anything to hurt us.”
“Thank you.” Isabel whispered.

After giving them a few moments to collect themselves Liz started to talk them through connecting their powers to form the foursquare. But they were unsuccessful. Isabel could not form a shield and Max couldn’t sense what anyone was feeling. Believing that Isabel was still too afraid of the truth Liz decided to let them rest and just relax.

She walked back to where Tess and Michael were sitting. She could tell by the aggravated look on Michael’s face that they were not having the same success with Michael’s powers that they had had with Tess’.

“No joy?” Liz queried gently.
“I don’t get it.” Tess stated. “I don’t know if I can?”
“Of course you can.” Liz chided. “You have in the past and you can now.”
“It’s not working.” Michael groused.
“You don’t want it to.” Liz shot back softly.
“Excuse me?” Michael asked in anger.
“Your powers are volatile and potentially dangerous.” Liz stated in a soothing tone. “It’s bad enough that you have to deal with it - but to put that on everyone else is something that you can’t even imagine doing.”
“We have to trust that we will use each others powers wisely.” Tess added. “Please know that we would never abuse your powers. And we are all aware of dangerous they can be.”

Michael nodded, his eyes fixed on the sand and rocks between him and Tess.

“Your powers are more emotional than mental.” Liz explained. “They are reactionary and used mainly on impulse. A warmth spreads from the pit of your stomach to the palms of your hands where the energy pools and is directed to where you want it to go.”

Tess looked at Liz with deep respect for her knowledge and how she used it. She knew how to speak to Michael and how to reach him. She knew how to reach all of them.

“Anger, distrust, fear are all triggers of your powers.” Liz continued. “A fierce protectiveness accompanied by a very clear sense of your surroundings and any possible dangers. Your palms ache if you repress your powers especially if your mind suspects that there is still a potential threat. You can get headaches if you repress your powers or if you have pushed them too hard.”
“How do you know this?” Michael demanded in a thick voice.
“You have a deep resistance to using your powers.” Liz carried on as though he hadn’t spoken. “Your powers make any action that you commit more personal and mentally scarring than any other.”
“What do you mean?” Tess asked, confused.
“To kill or wound someone with a gun, knife or any other weapon is kind of detached. Impersonal.” Liz explained. “To kill or hurt someone with your powers, an extension of yourself makes the act more personal.”

Giving Michael a moment to recover from the revelation of a lot of personal information, Liz sat silently watching the emotions play across his face and throughout his body. Michael hated being vulnerable and exposed. Liz had just practically stripped him naked in front of Tess.

“Tess, take Michael’s hands in yours.” Liz waited for them to comply. “Calm down and relax. Michael you have to trust that Tess will be responsible. Tess you have to try and create the emotions that trigger Michael’s powers.”
“I feel it.” Tess gasped. “Wow.”
“Stay calm.” Liz cautioned. “I want you to let go of Michael’s hands and allow the power you have within you to pool in your hands.”

Tess took a deep breath and removed her hands from Michael’s. Michael opened his eyes and looked at Tess with panic. He knew how he had felt the first time that he had used his powers and did not want the same self loathing to affect Tess.

“How do you feel?” Liz asked softly.
“Short of breath.” Tess panted. “Hot. Nervous.”
“That’s more than normal.” Liz smiled. “I am going to get Michael out of the way and then you are going to open your eyes and release the energy into the desert.”
“Okay.” Tess whispered.

Michael moved out of the way and sat down next to Liz. He was really blown away by how calm and collected she was.

“Now open your eyes and raise your hand and release the power.” Liz commanded.

Tess complied with her instructions and aimed at a rock far passed the formation. But nothing happened.

“It won’t leave my hand.” Tess gasped. “What do I do?”
“You have to visualise the energy leaving you body.” Liz soothed. “If you can picture it – you can do it.”

Tess tried again but still nothing happened. Tess started to panic.

Liz crawled over to Tess to try and absorb some of the power that was trapped in her body. The second that Liz touched Tess’ arm a loud crack sounded through the air followed by a bright light.

After his vision cleared Michael panicked when he could only see Tess in font of him and not Liz. Tess’ face was the perfect image of confusion and terror. Isabel and Max rushed over the join them after witnessing Tess’ display.

The colour drained from Michael’s face as he looked over by the rock formation and saw Liz’s prostrate form. Her body was crumpled like a rag doll.

And she wasn’t moving.

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Michael was off the ground and running towards Liz before anyone else had a chance to react. He threw himself down on the ground beside Liz’s unconscious form. He swept her hair from her pale face.

“Liz.” He called out in panic.

She didn’t respond. She didn’t move. Michael’s heart dropped from his throat to his toes.

“Max.” Michael called out in anguish.

Max was only a couple of paces behind Michael when he heard his friend call for him. He had rushed towards Liz after he had recovered from the shock of seeing her crumpled body.

“Is she breathing?” Max asked fearfully.
“Barely.” Michael panted.

Max grabbed Michael’s hand and placed his own hand on Liz’s chest above her heart. Michael instinctively pulled his hand away from Max’s scowling at him.

“We need to heal her and quickly.” Max yelled.

Using what Liz had told him earlier Max connected with Michael and absorbed some of his powers. He combined Michael’s power with his own and used it to heal Liz. She had several broken bones and a little internal bleeding.

Michael watched his brother work with trepidation. He had already seen what could go wrong when a novice used his powers. Max seemed to be handling them well though. Liz’s eyes fluttered open.

“Whoa.” She gasped. “Max.”
“Yeah.” Max breathed. “What can I do?”
“Get your hand off my boob.” Liz cracked with a thin smile.
“Huh?” Max was confused. “Oh. Right.” He blushed pulling his hand away from Liz’s body.

Liz attempted to sit up but was prevented from doing so by Michael’s hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him with a concerned look on her face.

“Are you ok?” She asked biting her lip.
“I’m not the one who was catapulted across the desert.” Michael responded distantly.

Liz raised her hand and placed it on Michael’s cheek.

“What exactly is it that you think you could have done?” Liz asked him. “Lay it on me. How could you have stopped this from happening?”
“By not letting someone else use them.” Michael ground out in frustration.
“No power share, no foursquare.” Liz replied. “You all have to learn to use each others powers.”
“Well, Max used mine.” Michael said trying to change the subject.
“How?” Liz asked.
“I didn’t think I had enough energy to heal you.” Max answered after giving Michael the chance. “I grabbed Michael’s hand but he pulled it away. Somehow I was still able to take some of his energy.”
“That’s great.” Liz smiled.
“Liz.” Tess tentatively called out.

Liz looked over at where Tess was standing with Isabel a little ways off. Her face was pale and her big blue eyes were shimmering with tears.

“Let’s not do that again ok.” Liz smiled warmly at her. Seeing the distress on Tess’ face Liz continued. “These things happen. Why do you think Max has his healing gift? Don’t worry about it.”
“I’m really sorry.” Tess cried.
“Don’t worry about it anymore.” Liz soothed. “I think we should call it a day.”
“Agreed.” Isabel chimed in.

Michael bent down and scooped Liz into his arms. He stood up with little effort and began to walk back to the car.

“I’m fine.” Liz protested. “This is really unnecessary.”
“Quiet.” Michael commanded.

Liz rolled her eyes and resigned herself to being treated like an invalid. Michael placed Liz gently in the front seat of the jeep and climbed into the back. Max sat behind the wheel and Isabel and Tess joined Michael in the back.

The twenty minute ride passed in silence. Each of the Royals were deep in contemplation of their own situations.

Isabel was worried that it was her fault that she and Max hadn’t been able to connect and use each others powers. She was terrified of what he would see and what she would discover.

Max was torn between being relieved that he was able to connect with Michael and heal Liz and being worried about what they were getting themselves into.

Tess’ hands were still shaking. She couldn’t believe how dangerous Michael’s powers were. She felt dizzy and a little twitchy after her experience. She was grateful and deeply touched when Michael reached across and took one of her hands on his. Tess leaned her had against his shoulder and took comfort in him.

Michael didn’t know what possessed him comfort Tess. It was against his character. Or so he believed. There was something wrong. Something was nagging at him but he couldn’t think of what it was.

Liz slept.

Before long they were parked in the alley at the back of the Crashdown. Michael jumped out of the jeep and carried a sleeping Liz up the back stairs to her room. Max used his powers to unlock the door, sae in the knowledge that Jeff and Nancy would be downstairs in the diner.

As Michael turned the corner into Liz’s room he stopped cold.

A pair of cold, angry eyes were glaring at him.

It took Maria a few moments to realise what she was looking at.

At first she was still burning the fury that seemed to have taken up residence in the pit of her stomach after the revelation of the betrayal of her friend.

Seeing Liz in Michael’s arms raised her blood pressure higher than she thought possible – and she was a DeLuca.

The rational part of her brain finally kicked in when she looked more closely at her friend cradled in her boyfriend’s arms.

“What happened?” Maria asked with wide eyes.
“A little accident when Tess was trying to use my powers.” Michael replied.
“What?” Maria screamed.

Liz squirmed a little in Michael’s arms but was soon hushed back to sleep by a few soothing words from Michael.

“It was an accident.” Michael whispered harshly. “Liz was hurt but Max was there and healed her. She’s fine, just tired.”

Michael walked into the room and placed Liz gently on her bed. He turned and pulled Maria by the elbow out of the room and down the outside steps. He turned to address the others who had followed him and Maria out of the apartment.

“Maxwell, why don’t you take Tess and Izzy home?” Michael suggested forcefully. “I’ll walk Maria home.”
Sure.” Max said carefully. He had a bad feeling that Maria and Michael were about to implode.

Michael led Maria out of the alley and towards the street. It took a few minutes before either of them spoke.

“I take it you have forgiven her.” Maria spat out.
“She didn’t have a choice.” Michael returned. “She was and is under orders to not tell us who she is, or was.”
“Bullshit.” Maria shot back. “She could have told me.”
“So this is about your hurt pride?” Michael scoffed. “Never mind what she had gone through all of this time on her own. Never mind about anyone or anything but your hurt feelings!”
“How can you say that?” Maria raged. “Is that what you really think of me?”
“She had no choice.” Michael said softly. “Ask yourself if you honestly think that she would want to lie to you and to everyone around her. If you can’t forgive her then walk away from her and us right now.”

Maria stopped cold. She looked at Michael with surprise and hurt.

“Did you just say that if I don’t forgive Liz then I lose you?” Maria demanded.
“What?” Michael asked in confusion.
“That’s what you said.” Maria continued. “What is going on?”
“I can’t do this.” Michael muttered.
“Do what?” Maria barked. “Be with me?”
“Yeah.” Michael said in a whisper. “I think it is a mistake.”
“I don’t believe this.” Maria ranted. “A week ago we were happy and together and there were no problems. Then all of a sudden Liz stops being Liz and starts being someone else and everything goes to shit!”

Michael tried to restrain Maria by holding on to her elbow but Maria pushed him away.

“Tell me the truth.” Maria demanded. “Is there something going on between you and Liz?”

Michael said nothing.

Maria’s jaw dropped in horror. She took several steps away from Michael, her eyes fixed on his face. It was expressionless. Maria was really confused. She turned on her heel and ran away from her ex-boyfriend.

Maria didn’t know where she was going to go. So she went to the only place she had ever found consolation and comfort.

The Crashdown.

On autopilot Maria climbed the stairs to the apartment and pushed the door open. She had no idea what she was doing there. Or what she could possibly have to say or hear from Liz.

When she entered Liz’s room she found her former best friend sitting on the end of her bed with her head in her hands.

“You ok?” Maria asked surprising even herself.

Liz’s head shot up in shock. Her face soon crumpled as she winced in pain. Her hand was pressed against the back of her neck trying to ease the injury that Max had missed.

Maria ran to the bathroom and grabbed a face cloth from under Liz’s sink and soaked it under the cold tap. She wrung it gently before returning to the bedroom and pressing it against the back of Liz’s neck.

“Thanks.” Liz gasped as the cold compress soothed the ache in her head.
“Michael said you were hurt.” Maria’s eyes expressed worry. “What happened?”
“I was trying to teach Tess to use Michael’s powers and she had some problems letting the energy out of her palms. It kind of exploded and I got sent flying.” Liz explained. “When did you see Michael?”
“I was here when he brought you home.” Maria said in a clipped tone. “We were walking back to my house when we had a big fight and broke up.”
“Oh honey.” Liz cried. “I’m sorry.”
“Are you?” Maria challenged.
“What?” Liz asked. “Why would you ask me that?”
“A week ago we were fine.” Maria repeated. “After you came out of the alien closet things stopped being fine. He trusts you implicitly. He shouldn’t. It goes against his nature to trust that easily.”
“I didn’t do anything.” Liz defended herself against the accusations Maria was throwing at her.
“I asked him.” Maria began as she rose from the bed and walked away from Liz afraid of what her reaction would be. “Something is going on.”
“I don’t understand.” Liz stated honestly.
“I asked Michael if something was going on between you and him.” Maria recalled with anger.
“Maria.” Liz nearly laughed. “Nothing has been going on between Michael and me. I promise you that.”
“Now that was the answer I was expecting.” Maria wailed. “Do you know what Michael said?”
“I can’t imagine it would have given you the impression that something is going on because it isn’t.” Liz tried to soothe Maria.
“He said nothing.” Maria cried. “No admission but no denial.”
“What?” Liz gasped.
“What do I do with that?” Maria whimpered. “You deny it and I believe you. But Michael didn’t deny it. What does that mean?”
“Did he say anything specific?” Liz asked.
“No.” Maria sobbed. “Like what?”
“His instincts know that there was something there.” Liz sighed. “He just can’t remember.”
“Remember what?” Maria demanded.

Liz looked up at Maria and shook her head.

“If you ever want me to trust you again you have to tell me.” Maria exclaimed.
“Sit down next to me.” Liz commanded.
“No matter what it is I have to know.” Maria said firmly as she rejoined Liz on the edge of the bed.
“What I am about to show you must never, never, be revealed to anyone.” Liz stipulated.
“I promise.” Maria raised her right hand. “I swear that I will tell nobody.”

Liz took Maria’s hands in hers and formed a connection. What Maria saw shook and saddened her to her core.

“Oh my god.” She breathed quietly.
“If anyone found out.” Liz warned.
“Oh God.” Maria gasped. “That could really complicate things.”
“I never wanted to lie to anybody.” Liz started.
“I know.” Maria interrupted. “I hate that I don’t get to be mad at you anymore.”
“It’s a sign of maturity.” Liz quipped.
“Don’t even joke about that!” Maria shot back in mock horror.

The two friends exchanged rueful smiles.

“I’m sorry about you and Michael.” Liz said sincerely.
“I’m sorry about you and Michael too.” Maria replied.
“Wow this is weird.” Liz gave a short laugh.
“We need ice cream.” Maria dictated. “And some girl time.”
“Agreed.” Liz grinned. “Do you want to call Alex and Kyle or should I?”

Maria let out a loud laugh.

“It may not be a bad idea.” Maria wondered aloud. “They are pretty pissed off at you.”
“Compared to how well you are coping with everything.” Liz returned. “I think I can take anything that Alex and Kyle can throw at me.”
“They won’t know why I have calmed down.” Maria reasoned. “Unless you think we can tell them.”
“Telling you was against orders.” Liz said softly. “Telling the others would be seriously out of line.”
“Who ordered you?” Maria asked.
“What do you mean?” Liz’s brow was creased.
“Max is the King.” Maria reasoned. “Michael is his second in command. Who has the authority above them to order you what to do? If you go against orders what will your punishment be?”

Liz looked up at Maria with surprised. She hadn’t thought about it in that way before.

“Does Larek have any real authority over you given who you were?” Maria continued. “Who you technically still are and who they acknowledge you to be.”
“Those are some excellent questions.” Liz said slowly. “I can’t really go back to Antar so there is nothing they can do.”
“Whilst I agree that telling the pod squad is a mistake.” Maria hurriedly added. “Telling Alex and Kyle couldn’t really do any harm and will go a long way to making things better within the group.”
“I agree.” Liz concurred. “You call them and I’ll get the ice cream.”

Thank you one and all.
The next day Isabel came to the Crashdown. She climbed the fire escape and walked over to the window. She was really surprised to find Liz with her three Earth friends lying in the room surrounded by empty ice cream cartons and chocolate bar wrappers.

Isabel tapped on the window gently. She saw Liz’s eyes flutter open. It took her a few minutes to register where she was and where the tapping sound was coming from. She looked up from the end of the bed to see Isabel at her window. Grabbing a blanket from the head of the bed Liz wrapped the soft fleece around her shoulders and climbed out to join Isabel.

She motioned for Isabel to make herself comfortable in one of the deck chairs as she settled into another.

“How are you?” Isabel asked in concern. “I see that things between you and the others are looking up.”
“I’m fine.” Liz smiled. “Maria and I talked. She and Michael broke up. I think we were all in need of a little normalcy.”
“We had a feeling that that was going to happen.” Isabel grimaced. “How is she?”
“She’s ok.” Liz reassured her. “It’s going to be weird for a while but I think we will get through it.”
“Do they know?” Isabel asked. Seeing the confused look on Liz’s face she explained. “About you and who you were?”
“Yes.” Liz replied truthfully. “They have all also been told not to reveal it to anyone.”
“I had a feeling that you would tell them.” Isabel said knowingly.
“It was really the only way for them to understand why I did what I did.” Liz explained. “The four of you need me. The three of them don’t.”
“Yes they do.” Isabel returned. “Look in there and tell me that any of them wouldn’t have come to terms with this weirdness. They would have forgiven you and understood even if you hadn’t told them. It’s the nature of your friendships.”
“So what can I do for you?” Liz asked.
“I want to know how to overcome this block that I have.” Isabel explained. “If the foursquare is ever going to work we have to be able to connect. And I am stopping that from happening.”
“It’s emotional.” Liz stated. “Your fears are what are holding you back.”
“So how can I overcome that?” Isabel cried.
“You have to be as open with the others as possible.” Liz said. “I know that you are afraid of what you will find out but you have to overcome that.”
“Where do I start?” Isabel moaned.
“What, in your opinion, is the worst case scenario?” Liz questioned.
“Well.” Isabel sighed. “I suppose that would be Vilandra knowing who Kivar was and what he was up to. And going along with it anyway.”
“Making the conscience decision to support Kivar and betray you brother and family.” Liz added.
“Precisely.” Isabel whispered in a thick voice.
“Everyone has that same fear.” Liz revealed. “Max, Tess and Michael have all got that thought playing the in the back of the minds.”
“They do?” Isabel gasped.
“Of course.” Liz returned. “You have to have known that! Vilandra was a traitor. That fact alone sent a huge shockwave through the group.”
“Oh God.” Isabel sighed.
“Vilandra was a traitor.” Liz repeated. “Isabel isn’t!”
“What?” Isabel asked in shock.
“You have done nothing in this life for them to worry about.” Liz explained. “Get them to focus on that fact. You have done nothing wrong.”
“Do you think that will work?” Isabel asked cautiously.
“It has to work for you.” Liz answered. “You have to believe that fact. If you don’t you won’t be able to open up to the rest of them and form the foursquare.”
“That makes sense.” Isabel smiled. “Thank you.”
“Not a problem.” Liz replied, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

After Isabel left to go home Liz crawled back into her bedroom where her friends were still in their ice cream comas. Dropping her blanket on the bed next to Maria, Liz walked into the bathroom to take a shower.

After washing her hair Liz returned to find her friends awake and clearing up. Alex was rolling up the sleeping bags he and Kyle had used, whilst Kyle helped Maria gather up the rubbish.

“Is the shower free?” Maria asked.
“Sure!” Liz nodded as she wrung out her hair.
“What were you and Isabel talking about?” Kyle asked discreetly as Maria entered the bathroom and Alex went in search of food.
“I thought you were asleep.” Liz avoided the subject.
“The window tapping roused me.” Kyle admitted. “I wasn’t fully awake until you stood on me though.”
“Sorry.” Liz giggled. “Did I hurt you?” She asked in mock concern.
“Yeah.” Kyle shot back. “Lose some weight.”
“Izzy is concerned about her inability to connect with the others and wanted to know if there was anything she could do to stop herself from closing her mind.” Liz explained.
“Oh.” Kyle said with sympathy.
“It’s fine.” Liz smiled tensely.
“Liar!” Kyle shot at her with a teasing look in his eye.
“Shut up.” Liz laughed.

Liz spent the morning hanging out with her friends. She was relieved that they were speaking to her. They understood why she had done what she did.

After they left she sat alone on her balcony thinking about what had happened in the last week. She was happy and touched that her human friends had forgiven her. But she was concerned about what Michael had said to Maria. Or more to the point what he had failed to say to Maria.

There was no way for the plan to succeed if Michael was in anyway conflicted. Isabel’s inability to connect with her brethren was also causing her concern. Whilst it could be simply a matter of Isabel’s own fears causing the block in the connection. It could also be something worse.

Liz rubbed her face and groaned in frustration. She needed to speak to Larek.

She waited until the museum had closed for the night before entering and communicating with Larek. He was distressed to learn that Liz had taken her Earth friends into her confidence. She soon had him convinced that the truth was still safe.

“Do you remember what I told you the first time we talked?” Larek asked.
“Yes.” Liz growled. “How could I forget?”

***

It was a couple of days after the pod squad had met Larek for the first time. Liz had gathered her courage and approached a man she wasn’t particularly fond of in her previous life. She used her powers to connect with Larek through Brody.

“Who are you?” Larek demanded grabbing her arm. “How did you do that?”
“I know that I can trust you.” Liz stated pulling her arm out of Larek’s grasp. “I do not know why I am here or how. I remember everything about my previous life.”
“Your previous life?” Larek asked in confusion.
“My name is Ashana.” Liz stated softly.

Larek froze.

“I lived as a human with my parents until the day I was shot in the Crashdown and healed by Max.” Liz related. “All of a sudden I have full memories of my life.”
“Who have you told?” Larek demanded roughly.
“No one.” Liz replied.
“Good.” Larek sighed. He looked at Liz in wonder. “How is this possible?”
“I don’t know.” Liz replied honestly.
“You remember how bad things were and still are on Antar.” Larek continued when he saw Liz nod. “Our only hope is to restore the Royal Four to the throne. It is the only way to end the bloodshed.”
“You think I don’t realise that.” Liz shot back.
“I don’t know why you are here.” Larek continued. “It is indeed a miracle. But it creates unforeseen problems.”
“I know.” Liz sighed.
“Nothing and no-one can come between them and their mission.” Larek pressed. “You cannot tell them who you are and who you were to them.”

Liz nodded. Her shoulders slumped in defeat.

“The consequences could be catastrophic.” Larek added. “You must help them.”
“What?” Liz cried. “How can I help them without telling them the truth?”
“They need assistance.” Larek replied. “They are not progressing as we would like and they are needed on Antar.”
“You ask too much of them.” Liz shot back.
“No.” Larek stated roughly. “You of all people will realise how vital the royals are to Antar. How nothing can be done without them. People are dying! And they are whining about puberty and High School!”
“Had you given them a more capable mentor other than the psychotic Nacedo things could have been handled better.” Liz cried.
“We did not foresee the crash.” Larek admitted tersely. “We did not realise the impact that Earth would have on Nacedo. He was chosen for his cunning and his military strength.”
“He was crazy.” Liz cried. “He kidnapped me and got Max caught by FBI!”
“I know.” Larek sighed. “Nothing else can go wrong. If their return to Antar is delayed any longer I don’t know if there will be an army left for them to lead to victory.”

***

“That still stands.” Larek placed a hand on Liz’s shoulder. “I know that this has been difficult.”
“I’m not here to talk about me.” Liz quickly changed the subject. “I am going to gather the whole group together tomorrow at the granolith chamber. Isabel can’t seem to get passed the past. She is unable to form a connection with any of the group.”
“How can I help?” Larek asked.
“They need an authority figure there.” Liz explained. “I am asking the Sheriff to come along too. It is all getting a bit too much. They need some of the pressure taken off of them.”
“I fail to understand.” Larek admitted. “But I will comply.”
“Meet us tomorrow outside the granolith chamber at 10am.” Liz ordered.

Her next stop after she left the museum was the Valenti household. She knocked on the door and was greeted by the Sheriff. He looked surprised to see her and was even more surprised to find out that she was there to speak to him.

“How can I help?” Jim asked.
“The group looks up to you.” Liz stated with a smile. “Despite being destined for great things. Despite technically being older than you, they are a group of teenagers. A parental figure would be good.”
“I don’t know how much good I could do.” Jim said modestly.
“I think you will be a positive presence.” Liz smiled.
“How are you?” Jim asked. “Kyle told me some of what is happening?”
“I’m dealing.” Liz replied.
“Dealing or avoiding?” Jim pressed.
“A little of both.” Liz admitted. “Meet us tomorrow outside the granolith chamber at 10am.”
“I will.” Jim smiled.

Thanks for all of the feedback. The next chapter will have a lot of answers in it. But for now...
The following day the group of ten were congregated outside the granolith chamber. Larek stood a small ways away from the group unsure of how to interact with the humans. There was still a little discomfort within the group. Kyle was doing his best to kind of cajole the group into hanging out like they used to. With little success.

“Why don’t we go inside?” Liz suggested.

She motioned for Max to lead the group into the chamber. He nodded and used his powers to reveal the hand print and open it. He led the others into the cooler more humid atmosphere of the chamber.

“I want you four to sit around the granolith and try to connect with each other.” Liz ordered. “I don’t want you to touch. You have to do all of that around the granolith. The intention being to connect with the granolith as well.”
“What about us?” Alex asked.
“You guys just hang out.” Liz replied. “There’s a basket full of goodies in the car.”
“Cool.” Kyle nodded, running out of the cave to get the snacks.

When she turned to face the granolith she found the four of them sitting around the granolith as she had requested. Their eyes were closed and she could see the concentration on their faces. Liz entered the inner sanctum and walked slowly around her four friends.

“Keep calm.” Liz stated soothingly. “Focus. Concentrate. Breathe. You will find each other. You just have to reach out with your minds.”

She walked out of the inner chamber and rejoined the others. Kyle and Alex were outside throwing a football around. Maria was sitting with Jim on a blanket spreading the picnic out. Larek remained at the mouth of the inner sanctum keeping an eye on the Royals. Liz knew that it would be pointless to ask him to sit with them so she just left him alone.

Sitting with Maria and Jim, Liz started snacking on some crisps and grabbed a can of Dr Pepper. She called the guys in to join them for the picnic. They were interrupted by the sound of Isabel’s voice.

“This isn’t working.” She cried out.

Liz looked up at Larek who motioned for her to join him. Liz stood at the entrance to the inner chamber and looked around the room. She could see Isabel with her knees tucked under her chin, a scowl on her face. The others in the room were more peaceful and didn’t seem to have been disturbed by Isabel’s outburst.

Liz could see that despite the apparent success of the others, if Isabel wasn’t able to partake in the connection that it was ultimately doomed to fail. Liz entered the room and placed her hand on Michael’s shoulder to rouse him from his meditative state. The last thing she expected was to be pulled into his connection.

At first Liz wasn’t sure that she was in Michael’s subconscious. She was standing in front of the granolith. The others were missing and Michael wasn’t there. After a few moments Liz saw a tall, imposing figure storm into the granolith chamber.

It was Rath.

And he was furious. And distraught.

To Liz’s horror he kicked the granolith. Hard. He followed it by a punch and a power blast. He screamed really loud and continued to attack the granolith.

Liz stepped towards him and tried to restrain him. But her hand passed right through him.

“Bring her back!” Rath yelled. “You have to bring her back.”

Rath continued to attack the glowing structure in front of him. Tears worked their way out of his eyes and down his face. He was the perfect picture of agony and pain.

Liz realised what she was looking at. And why he was acting the way he was acting.

With a gasp Liz was back in the granolith chamber with the others. It took her a few moments to register the transition between the connection and reality. She looked down to see Michael looking at her in horror.

“What did you do?” Michael demanded. His eyes were wide and he was breathing heavily.
“That wasn’t me.” Liz gasped. “That was a memory of yours.”
“What happened?” Michael demanded.
“It’s you memory.” Liz told him as she straightened up. “Not mine.”
“I saw it too.” Max confessed.
“Me too.” Tess chimed in.

Michael looked away in shame.

“Why don’t we call it a day?” Jim suggested.
“I think that’s a good idea.” Alex chimed in.

Liz backed away from Michael and walked out of the suddenly cold environment out into the warmth of the desert. She took a deep, calming breath. She heard the others filter out behind her.

Nothing was really said as the group dispersed into the three cars. The pod squad in Max’s Jeep, the Earthlings in Kyle’s Mustang and Liz and Larek in Liz’s parents’ car. Liz dropped Larek off at the museum and went home. She dumped the car keys in the bowl in the hall and walked into her room.

She turned to the balcony and saw Kyle sitting on the ledge.

“Just once.” She grumbled. “I’d like to come home and find no-one waiting to talk to me!”
“I’ve figured it out.” Kyle told her.
“Figured what out.” Liz asked wearily.
“Why the foursquare isn’t working.” Kyle revealed.

Liz looked up in surprise.

“Isabel is blocking the connection.” Liz explained. “She’s afraid of the others finding out what happened back on Antar.”
“That’s not true.” Kyle returned. “The reason the foursquare isn’t working is because it’s not complete.”
“What?” Liz eyes widened.
“You used Michael’s powers.” Kyle stated. “Only a member of the foursquare should have been able to do that.”
“Oh God.” Liz cried as she started to cry.

Back in his apartment Michael was lying in bed trying to sleep. He couldn’t get the image he had seen earlier out of his mind. What had happened? What had made his former self so… broken?

His mind was tired after the meditation and connections it had formed earlier in the day. He was struggling to stay awake. He wanted to figure out what was going on. He didn’t want to relive in his dreams what he had seen earlier.

His minds slipped slowly into sleep where the answers he was craving were to be found.

Nananananananana (Twiglight Zone Music)

Flash back!!

Thanks for the feedback.
Rath was sitting in a transport with his father on their way out of the city to the countryside. Rath was slumped in the chair.

“We had an agreement.” His father chided him.
“I know.” Rath bit out. “It doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“You were free to find a bride on your own.” His father, Kavos, reminded him in an exhausted voice. It was obvious they had had this conversation before. “You will meet several girls I have chosen. You will meet with each of them and make a decision.”
“Fine.” Rath grumbled.

The transport landed in a clearing outside of a stately home. The home was large and old. It was obvious that his father had chosen this girl because of her family connections and lineage.

He straightened his shoulders and walked side by side with his father up the grand staircase. They were admitted to a reception room where they were soon greeted by the girls’ parents. They made idle chit chat whilst they were waiting for the girl to arrive.

It became apparent that she was not going to turn up soon when a servant came into the room and whispered a message to his master. It was suggested that Rath take a walk around the grounds to disperse his nervous energy.

Breathing a sigh of relief Rath walked out of the reception room and into the garden. He had heard rumours about this girl. She was practically a recluse. She was never present at any social function or gathering. She had never been known in town. Rath dreaded to think what kind of simpleton the girl was.

Rath entered the stables where some beautiful horses were kept. Rath walked towards a pure white horse fenced into the last pen. He pushed the gate open and walked up to the beautiful creature.

“What do you think you are doing?” A female voice from behind him demanded.

Rath spun around to find one of the servants behind him. He cursed himself for allowing someone to sneak up on him.

“My name is Rath.” He said. “I’m here with my father.”
“Oh.” Said the girl. “You’re the war monger.”

Rath’s brow creased in surprise when he heard himself referred to in such a manner.

“War monger?” He asked.
“Isn’t that what you do?” She asked. “Make war.”
“It’s a little more complicated than that!” Rath shot back. “Who are you to judge me?”
“Who are you here to see?” She asked avoiding the question.
“My father wants me to meet the daughter of Vilnus. I don’t know her name.” Rath replied. “What’s you name?”
“Ashana.” She replied.
“Am I getting in your way?” Rath asked.
“Yes.” Ashana replied. “I was going to take him out for a ride.”

Ashana pushed passed Rath into the stall. She guided the horse out and put a bridle on him.

“Want to come?” Ashana challenged him as she mounted the beautiful animal.
“Sure.” Rath threw back over his shoulder. He walked over to another horse and climbed up. He followed the trail of dust the girl had left.

The house was surrounded by dense forests. Rath felt the branches sweep past his arms as he struggled to keep up with his fellow rider. All of a sudden the forest ended and before him was a wide open plain. Rath was stunned by its’ beauty.

“Stunning isn’t it?” Ashana called out.

Rath looked to his right where she was sitting.

“How did you fly over this in your transport and not see it?” Ashana asked in confusion.
“I was pre-occupied.” Rath said in a distracted voice.
“With what?” Ashana asked.
“My father choosing a bride for me.” Rath bit out in frustration. Her questioned had broken him out of his stupor. He looked over at Ashana to find her staring at him with a raised eyebrow. “What’s she like?”
“Your potential bride?” Ashana asked. When Rath nodded she barked a short laugh. “And why would you trust and believe what I have to say about her?”
“You’ve met her and are quite brutally honest.” Rath shot back.
“Why would she choose you?” Ashana turned the question around on him. “You act as though you are the one who gets to decide. What about what she wants.”
“Look.” Rath scoffed. “I am in a position, both socially and economically to provide for a very comfortable match to whomever I marry.”
“Not to mention arrogant and conceited.” Ashana retorted. “To marry you a woman with have to put up with a great deal. You are not quite the package you believe.”

Ashana kicked off and her horse raced away from Rath. He was angered by her statement and took off after her.

“I ask again.” Rath thundered as he caught her horses bridle and pulled their horses to a halt. “Who the hell are you to say that to me?”
“Someone who lives on this world.” Ashana raged. “Look around you. This beautiful world that you and others like you are tearing apart.”
“Do you think I like war?” Rath yelled.
“Why else would you make it?” Ashana shot back.
“To protect.” Rath roared. “You enjoy your freedoms and the ability to ride wildly through this beautiful countryside because generations before you have sacrificed their lives to ensure the freedom and freewill of their descendants.”

With fire in her eyes Ashana broke free, the bridle tearing out of Rath’s hands. She took off at a gallop and rode over the crest of a hill a few miles in the distance. Rath was furious. He chased her and nearly fell off of his horse when he caught up with her on the other side of the hill and nearly ran into the back of her.

“Look.” Ashana demanded. “Look out onto the people who are so blessed with freedom and freewill.”

Rath saw the people who were carrying out their daily tasks in the village below. Small children were running around barely clothed with nothing on their feet. Their circumstances were pitiful.

“I don’t understand.” Rath admitted. His brow was creased in confusion.
“I take it that there is nothing like this in your magnificent city.” Ashana stated softly but with meaning.
“No.” Rath whispered.

Not content to leave Rath without the full picture, Ashana once again tore away on her horse leaving Rath in the dust. It took Rath a few moments to realise that he had once again been left in the dust. Irritation rose in his chest as he raced off after her.

They rode at a gallop for twenty minutes. Rath was getting frustrated. This girl, this presumptive, high and mighty woman was battering his ego. And opening his eyes.

When he brought his eyes back into focus he saw scarred ground. The beautiful plain was burned black. The soil upturned.

“What happened?” Rath gasped.
“The people are unhappy.” Ashana stated sadly. “Scuffles between the poorest people of this planet and your father’s guards.”
“What?” Rath exclaimed.
“Tell me who else would have been provided with weapons like that.” Ashana pointed to the broken weapon a few feet away from them.

Rath jumped from his horse and walked over to the broken staff.

“What you do.” Ashana started. “Or at least what you will do when your father retires - will do this.” Ashana swept her hands around at the scorched plain to emphasise her point.
“We should be getting back.” Rath muttered. He strode over to his animal and led the way back to the stables.

They rode back in silence. Dismounted and led their horses into the stalls.

“Why did you show me that?” Rath asked as he leaned against one of the stalls.
“Because you didn’t know it.” Ashana revealed. “And nobody was going to tell you.”

Rath looked up at her. Her clothes were neat and well mended. Nothing a proper lady would wear. Her clothes were not used to promote her figure but for practicality. Her hands emphasised her life of work. Her eyes were bright and intelligent.

Taking two steps forward Rath clasped her shoulders and kissed her. He could tell by her reaction that she had not expected him to do that. He was surprised when she kissed him back. He had expected her to pull away from him and slap him. He just knew that he would regret it if he didn’t kiss her.

A loud cough interrupted their embrace. The couple steps away from one another. Rath straightened and took a second to realise that his father and his potential in-laws had just seen him kissing one of their servants.

He bowed stiffly to Ashana, turned to Vilnus and his wife Joula and bowed to them. Without waiting for a response he brushed past his father and walked out of the stables.

Later in the transport Rath refused to look at his father. He knew that he had embarrassed him. It took his father’s voice to rouse him from his trance.

“Considering how much fuss you made.” Kavos smirked. “You caved quite quickly.”
“What?” Rath asked in confusion.
“I thought it would be more difficult for you to see my side.” Kavos added. “I had a feeling that Vilnus’ daughter would be for you. She’s a very beautiful girl.”
“I’m confused.” Rath confessed.
“When we walked in to see you kissing Ashana we thought that you had agreed an engagement with her.” Kavos stated joining his son in the state of confusion.
“Turn the transport around.” Rath yelled at the pilot. “Go back to the clearing.”
“Rath.” Kavos cried as he was juddered by the 180 of the transport. “What is going on?”

Rath gave his father no answer. His jaw was set and his eyes cold. As soon as the transport landed Rath jumped out and stormed over to the stables. He saw her leaning against the stall stroking the face of the white stallion she had ridden earlier.

“What the hell were you trying to accomplish?” Rath demanded.
“What brings you back so soon?” Ashana smiled at him.

Rath realised that she had changed out of her more rustic apparel. Her dress was far simpler than anything he had seen at court or back in the city. But more appealing. It emphasised her figure. Her long hair that had been tied up before was now hanging loosely to her waist.

“What exactly was the point of what you did?” Rath cried. “You just wanted to humiliate me?”
“I wanted to meet you.” Ashana shot back. “You not the image. And I wanted you to meet me. Do you not think that I am under huge amounts of pressure from my parents to marry too?”

Rath was silent for a few moments. He of all people could appreciate the pressure she was under.

“Are we agreed?” Rath bit out.
“Yes.” Ashana replied with a smile.
“Good.” Rath said.

He walked over his betrothed and kissed her softly on the mouth before turning and re-entering the transport.

Michael awoke with a jolt. He sat up and ran his hand through his hair. Rath had been engaged before Vilandra! Rath had chosen a bride.

Michael felt a slow grin spread across his mouth. She was a hell of a woman.

His grin slipped as he realised what everything he had seen meant. It was vital that they not find out! She said that she was ordered not to tell them the truth.

Liz was Ashana.

What he couldn’t understand was why she was here. And how she could possibly affect the destiny on the Royal Four. A group she wasn’t a part of.