Roswell Fanatics

Winner - Round 4



Zan

Round 3 Winner




Title: Leftovers
Author: Lelea email IHATEDESTINY@aol.com
Category: Ummm I’ll say CC sort of. Mainly M/L
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Suing would be pointless
Rating: Up to ADULT is what I’ll say cause it always seems to come out that way whether I plan for it to or not.
Summery: Takes place after Wipeout! Emotions are running high as rumors about Liz and Kyle fly through the school. Maria gets Liz to agree to go to a party at the old soap factory to cheer her up. I’m changing a few things..you’ll see that as we go along.

Author’s note: Any songs or movies mentioned not only aren’t mine, but also please cut me a break on release dates. I don’t want to get too bogged down in research and technical details plus sometimes I just ignore silly things like release dates if it works for me! Also as to influences and inspiration that contribute to this story, I read a lot of fan fic, read a ton of books, see a bunch of movies. I would never knowingly steal ideas or parts of any of these things…however all these things influence my thinking. If I pull anything from a book, movie, or anything else not mine I will note that in the part it appears.



Chapter One

Liz sat bent over her homework as her radio played softly in the background but she was oblivious to both. The last couple of weeks had been nothing short of hell. She was now a second class citizen in everyone’s eyes, suspect by her friends and a borderline enemy to the Roswell aliens.

Liz had accepted all of this as her due for what she had done but it still hurt and some of their behavior had shocked her. Max was cold and outright accusing at times. Her face flushed as she remembered his thinly veiled pointed accusation that she had leaked information about the death of the Congresswoman. Tess was smug and taunted her often. Isabel was biting in her comments when she even bothered to speak to her. Michael was Michael. He didn’t say much at all, only speaking when spoken to.

She had never been this depressed or ashamed in her life and it just kept getting worse. The whole school was buzzing with outrageous rumors about her sexual exploits. Just getting through the school day was a nightmare. She hid in the library as much as she could to avoid the snickers and stares. Funny how fast her reputation for being on the uptight geeky side was shot to hell. Liz sighed and tried to refocus on her studies.



Maria was fuming. She didn’t care what anyone said she knew Liz and this was all crap. There was no way that she would accept any of these rumors as truth not even after Liz told her she had slept with Kyle. It just didn’t make sense. She went over the evidence in her head again.

Liz had looked ashamed and nervous when she discussed it that one brief time. When Maria had asked if Kyle had forced her Liz had looked horrified and vehemently denied any such thing. She had also denied that either of them had been drunk, drugged, forced at gunpoint, forced by threats from aliens, or any other logical explanation that Maria could think of. She had simply said that Kyle had been there for her and things had just happened. Bullshit. Things like that didn’t ‘just happen’ to someone like Liz.

Maria had watched Liz and Kyle closely over the last week. They were friendly and easy with other. No sign of intimacy or anything that would point to them having had sex. She had watched Kyle’s expression carefully and when Liz wasn’t aware of it he looked worried. Kyle was worried for Liz. He had also started to distance himself from Tess and defended Liz whenever anyone said anything negative about her in his presence, which at first glance would support the sex thing but at second look just didn’t play. Maria knew that Kyle was a loyal decent person despite first appearance, she had heard all about him from Liz while they had been dating. He had fessed up to his friend’s bad choices in attacking Max even when he knew it wouldn’t help his situation with Liz. He had also plainly made his opinion clear to said friends about that incident. After everything had died down he had made the effort to be friends with Liz and apologized to her for his behavior. He hadn’t turned the aliens in or spilled that information to anyone after he was in the know. So in the end after careful thought Maria could see him defending Liz no matter what had happened. They were friends.

None of this added up yet but Maria was going to get to the bottom of it. She wasn’t going to let Liz be treated like this. Alex had had to pull her off of Tess twice already after her snarky comments. Maria knew for a fact that it was Tess who started the rumors making the rounds. She had investigated that thoroughly and fucking bitch wasn’t getting away with this. Liz had told her to let it go but Maria had had enough. She hated everything about Tess with an intensity that she had never felt for anyone else and there was no way in hell that she would let that skank get away with hurting Liz no matter what Liz said.

Maria blew her hair out of her face with an angry breath. She was angry with all of the aliens and had suppressed numerous violent impulses over the course of the week. Her supply of herbal remedies was running low and there wasn’t enough cypress oil in the world to calm her down at this point. She had decided that she wanted nothing to do with anymore of their alien bullshit. Not when they turned on Liz like this and closed ranks like they were the only ones that mattered. Like the humans in their lives had never helped them at all and were the outsiders in the group. It was disgusting. She had thought that they had cleared up that problem last year but then enter TESS and DESTINY and suddenly humans were scum. Well they could try and go it without her help from now on if that was going to be their attitude. She had her real friends to worry about. She nodded her head and parked the Jetta gearing up for her current mission.


Liz looked up as Maria entered and felt a conflicting rush of emotions. She feared that Maria was going hound her about what was happening and she couldn’t tell her the truth but she was happy to see a friendly face. “Hey Ria. What’s up?”

“We’re going out. I heard about this party and it sounds like fun,” Maria said moving to Liz’s closet.

“Umm yeah…thanks for thinking of me but I think I’ll stay here,” Liz said as she watched Maria flipping through her cloths.

“Nope. I’m afraid that’s not an option. You can’t hide in here forever Liz. It just makes things worse. You have nothing to be ashamed of right? So let’s go out and have a great time. Alex already agreed and is getting ready as we speak,” Maria said firmly. Hmmm no not a sweater. Surely Liz had something that would work. Simple but sexy….not slutty.

“I’m really tired and I have a ton of homework to do and…,” Liz started when Maria just started talking right over her.

“Look at it this way. We need to celebrate our new alien free existence. No more experimental rejects for us. This is a brand new start and I for one welcome it with open arms. Live a little Liz. Let down your hair and embrace life,” Maria said waving her arms.

Liz sighed in vexation. “You’ve been talking to your mom again haven’t you?”

“No. I just see the possibilities that you are refusing to acknowledge. We are two smart sexy girls that have multitudes of choices available to us so why settle for an ‘Island of Doctor Moreau’ reject? We can do better. They are ungrateful scum that are old news anyway. It’s time to greet the future,” Maria said then started humming the old Aretha Franklin song ‘Respect’.

“Definitely your mother,” Liz sighed. “Max isn’t ungrateful. He’s hurt and angry which he has every right to be.”

“I didn’t hear that,” Maria said refusing to listen to the excuses for Max. “This is a good choice. What do you think?”

“Maria! Have you listened to anything I’ve said?” Liz asked frustrated. She didn’t like hearing Maria imply bad things about Max…even if she was starting to wonder about certain things in the back of her mind.

“Uh huh. I’ve heard all the lies you’ve told. You made a mistake. You lost your virginity to Kyle. It was great. I heard I just don’t believe any of it. Now! What about this outfit?” Maria said her tone breezy as she spun around to hold up the outfit for Liz’s inspection.

“Umm it’s fine,” Liz answered not really paying any attention. “They aren’t lies. What do I have to do to prove that to you?”

“Hmm I don’t know. Maybe if you had sex with Kyle in front of me I would believe it,” Maria said thoughtfully. “But first I’d check to see where Tess was. She would love to screw with my head the whore.”

Liz just sat there with her mouth opening and closing in shock.

“Now go put these on. We’re running late. Hustle Liz…Alex is waiting,” Maria said pushing Liz into the bathroom and tossing her the cloths she had picked out. Honestly! Who did Liz think she was talking to? Maria admitted to being born at night but not last night!



“Kyle are you go to the party?” Tess asked casually.

“Not with you,” Kyle muttered shortly.

“What is your problem?” Tess demanded getting pissed.

“You’re my problem. You and the other clones,” Kyle said leaning back on the couch and putting his hands behind his head.

“What are you talking about? I thought we were starting to get along,” Tess asked puzzled. She had tried hard to win this stupid jock over since Max had dumped her here.

“We were until I realized that you’re a fake backstabbing little tramp,” Kyle said and smiled.

“WHAT? What did you say?” Tess shrieked sending dogs barking all over the neighborhood.

“You heard me. I know what you did. I know that you smeared Liz at school and I’ve heard you trash her to the other three clones. You are pathetic and I want as little to do with you as possible,” Kyle said eyeing the blonde alien in front of him. He had given her a chance but she had shown her true colors over the last couple of weeks. She thought she was so sly but she didn’t fool him.

“It’s not MY fault Liz is a faithless whore,” Tess said her eyes shooting sparks.

“Whatever. Go plaster your ass on Max. I’m not interested and I’m certainly not interested in listening to you talk. Move along,” Kyle replied.

Tess flushed in anger her eyes bugging slightly. No one had EVER spoken to her this way. “Is she that good of a lay? I mean really Kyle.”

“You’re just upset that I dumped you when Liz showed up. Get used to it cause Max will do the same,” Kyle smirked. “It’s interesting that if given a choice everyone chooses Liz over you. Maybe that’s the answer to your question.”

“Fuck off Kyle!” Tess yelled and spun on her heels.

Kyle smiled when she slammed the door to his old room. Maybe he would go to this thing. He was suddenly in a great mood.



Alex looked around at the throngs of people as they entered. He had let Maria wrangle him into this to show solidarity. The humans need to stick together in this and he agreed with Maria. Something wasn’t right here. He glanced down when he felt Liz stiffen at his side. Following her line of sight he groaned when he saw the ‘Royal Four’. “Come on let’s boogie,” Alex said and dragged the two girls into the dancing masses.

Liz tried to loose herself in the crowd hoping to hide in the masses of dancing people in the hopes that the four aliens wouldn’t see her.

Maria shot a warning look at the group then focused on her dancing.



“I can’t believe she has the nerve to show her face,” Tess said spotting Liz.

Isabel followed her glare and saw Alex leading the two girls to the dance area. “This isn’t exactly an exclusive kind of party, Tess. Clearly anyone can just show up.”

Michael sighed as the two girls started with the catty comments. He wondered why Max didn’t put a stop to it. This was clearly escalating into war and it was pulling them apart. He didn’t know what to think about what was going on and what was the truth but did it really matter that much? Enough to threaten everything?

Max stayed silent just watching Liz.

Chapter Two

**The song Tess sends out to Liz is ‘Get Down Make Love’ by Nine Inch Nails. The song Maria sends back is ‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’ by Toni Braxton.**

After dancing for over an hour Liz made her way off the dance floor leaving Alex and Maria behind. She carefully chose the opposite side of the room from where she had seen the other half of the group. It was sweltering inside the deserted factory and she could feel a trickle of sweat run down her back as she leaned against a support pillar to catch her breathe.

“You look like you’re at the dentist,” Kyle observed coming up next to her.

Liz looked over at him and smiled. “Umm yeah actually, I think that the dentist would be an improvement.”

“Hmmm Maria drag you here?” Kyle asked amused.

“Yeah. She’s out dancing with Alex,” Liz replied then sighed. How long till she could go home? If she snuck out would Maria chase her down?

“Here this is for you,” Kyle said handing her a drink. “You looked thirsty.”

Liz took the cup Kyle was handing her and smiled her thanks. She coughed and sputtered after drinking a large gulp of the beverage. “What is this?” Liz asked her throat burning.

“Tommy’s punch. Don’t worry you’ll dance it off in no time just don’t drink more then this one cup,” Kyle warned close to her ear. Seeing Evans over her shoulder coming closer he frowned. “I’ll see you a bit later okay?”

“Yeah, thanks Kyle,” Liz said lifting the cup to show what she was thanking him for.

Kyle just nodded and gave her a quick smile before fading into the crowd.

Liz looked around for somewhere to set down her still mostly full cup when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She turned to find Max and her stomach plummeted. “Hey! Max!”

Max studied her eyes for a second before speaking. “So….are you..having a good time?”

“Oh…yeah. This is….nice,” Liz forced out lowering her eyes. She had gotten into the habit of avoiding, at all costs, looking him directly in the eye. Every time she did she was reminded of Copper Summit and how he had looked when he followed her out onto the street and she had utterly crushed him….again.

“Max! What are you doing over here?” Isabel asked sharply from behind Liz. She shot Liz a killing look holding herself in her rigid model posture designed to intimidate.

“I was just saying hello,” Max answered not looking away from Liz. He watched her look away from Isabel and bite her lip looking extremely uncomfortable.

“Well don’t. Let’s go,” Isabel said and grabbed his arm pulling him away.

Liz watched them walk away and could see Isabel was chastising him for talking to her. Feeling the stinging slap Isabel had meant for her to feel she took another sip from her cup. Making a face she coughed and set the cup on the floor. She hadn’t eaten before getting here and was already feeling the effects of the drink. The last thing she needed was to get smashed. Leaning back and watching the people she saw Maria break away as Alex headed in the opposite direction.

“Did you see Stacy? She just totally split her pants,” Maria said as she walked up. She had seen Isabel drag Max away and could guess that it hadn’t been a pleasant experience so she tried to direct Liz onto something else. Alex was following Tess who looked a little too smug for comfort.

“No, I missed that,” Liz said softly.

“It was too funny. She really should wear underwear,” Maria remarked smirking.

“Maria!” Liz exclaimed wrinkling her nose going along with Maria’s distraction. They were interrupted by a change in the music and the DJ’s voice.

“This songs going out to Liz…enjoy.”

Kyle’s eyes snapped over to Liz as he realized what song it was and he started over to her.

Liz paled in a sort of sick shock as she caught on. “Oh god this is not happening to me. Maria, tell me this isn’t happening.”

Maria felt a wave of pure rage sweep through her. This was NOT funny. This was out of hand and she wasn’t going to let this slide.



‘How old were you when you first let a man make love to you? Next,
who was he? Next, how did you feel at the time? Next, how did you
feel afterward? What did you feel, what did you think, were you
pleased, frightened, ecstatic, disgusted? What did he say, what
words did you speak, that's what I want to know, now, tell me, now,
now, all of it, now, yes! Yes!’

Kyle paused briefly to glance over to where the aliens were gathered together. Tess was smirking slightly and when she saw him looking at her she raised her eyebrow as her smirk widened. Trampling down his anger he closed the distance to reach Liz’s side. “I think this is supposed to be our song. Let’s dance,” Kyle said softly to Liz.

“I don’t think…,” Liz started then stopped feeling tears well up in her eyes.

“Come on. Don’t let everyone treat you like this. We didn’t do anything wrong. If this is what everyone wants to see we might as well make this good. Let’s go,” Kyle coaxed.

“Go Liz. Let Kyle help while I take care of something. I’ll meet you on the dance floor,” Maria urged. If Liz ran it would only make it worse.

Liz just nodded feeling stuck and knowing that most of the room was staring at her waiting to see her reaction like shark’s scenting blood on the water. Kyle grinned and pulled her out onto the dance floor fitting her against him.


Get down, make love
Get down, make love
You take my body-
I give you heat
You say you hungry-
I give you meat
I suck your mind-
You blow my head
Make love - inside your bed
Everybody-
Get down make love


Kyle felt Liz slowly loosen up so he leaned forward to speak into her ear. “Ready to really show these assholes something?”

Liz looked up into his eyes and took a deep breath and slowly nodded.

Kyle wrapped one arm around her hips and pulled them into the cradle of his moving to the beat of the song. Liz easily followed making it seem effortless.


Every time I wanna get down, get down, make love-
I can squeeze, you can shake me
I can feel, when you break me
Come on so heavy-then you take me-
You make love, you make love, you make love, you make love-
You can make - everybody
Get down, make love


Maria reached Alex and grabbed his arm almost shaking him as she talked. “It was Tess that did this wasn’t it?” At Alex’s nod she sucked in her breath and held it her mind racing. “She wants to play. Fine. I can play,” Maria said fiercely and released Alex heading over to the DJ.




Get down, make love
Every time I get high, you wanna go down-
Every time I get hot you say you wanna cool down-
You say it's enough, in fact it's too much-
Every time I wanna get down, get down, get down make love-
Get down, make love


Max stood frozen watching Liz and Kyle move together in perfect rhythm.


Get down, make love
Every time I get high, you wanna go down-


Max felt his gut twist as Kyle whispered in her ear. He didn’t hear the others or see anything but Liz and Kyle.


Every time I get hot you say you wanna cool down-
You say it's enough, in fact it's too much-
Every time I wanna get down, get down, get down make love-


Michael winced as he watched Maria shake Alex. Even from here he could tell this was very VERY bad. He whirled on Isabel and Tess. “Which one of you did this?”

“Excuse me?” Isabel asked offended.

“You heard me. One of you two requested this song and I want to know who it was. NOW!” Michael demanded.

“I don’t need to play games Michael,” Isabel snapped back. “It wasn’t me but I don’t see why you’re making a big deal out of it and accusing us. It could have been anyone and who cares anyway?”

“Are you stupid?” Michael asked bluntly. “You think Maria is going to let this slide? I care because at the very least we have a lot to loose here. Have you forgotten the blend in cover we’re working on? How is this blending in?”

“Don’t you dare call me stupid! I didn’t do this!” Isabel replied furious. “I haven’t forgotten anything but LIZ is the one who has put us in the spot light…AGAIN.”

“How’s that? I’m really sure that she spread rumors about herself all over school,” Michael snorted.

“Why are you defending her? She cheated on Max! You remember Max right?” Isabel hissed.

Tess watched them argue for a few minutes then moved closer to Max taking his lax hand in the guise of offering comfort. This was a great idea. It humiliated Liz in front of the whole school and reminded Max that she was a slut.

“I’m not defending her! I don’t care what she did it doesn’t mean we need to expose ourselves like this! In case you forgot we have enemies that might take notice. We have other things to worry about then who’s sleeping with who!” Michael growled beyond angry. Was he the only one that was thinking past this high school shit?

“Stop it both of you!” Max cut in glancing around. “We’re in public,” Max reminded them dropping Tess’s hand to run his hand through his hair. He was suffocating under the ‘help’ his family was giving him. He was still trying to figure out what to do for himself.



“This song is a request for the umm rodent queen? With the message of…drop dead you…okay I think we get the idea.”


Liz gasp as the announcement sank in. Things were getting totally out of hand. She tightened her grip on Kyle in reflex as Maria reached her side. “What did you do?”

“I’m showing that bitch what’s what. Now let’s do this,” Maria demanded.

“Maria…” Liz started only to stop as Maria’s eyes flared.

“No Liz. This is it. I’m not going to allow this to continue another minute and neither are you. Forget Max. This is about Tess. Now stand up and do this with me,” Maria demanded fiercely. She was tired of Liz allowing this to go on. It would only get worse if Liz didn’t do something.

“Okay,” Liz agreed and released Kyle turning to Maria.

Kyle smiled as Liz and Maria started dancing. This he wanted to see.


Who do you think I am
Don’t you know that he was my man
But I chose to let him go
So why do you act like I still care
About him
Looking at me like I’m hurt
When I’m the one who I didn’t
Want it to work
Don’t you forget I had him first


“Maria, this song is…Max is going to think..,” Liz said softly moving in their practiced routine.

“Unless he’s a drag queen the song wasn’t dedicated to him. I think I was clear,” Maria responded smirking. Personally she didn’t give a shit if he did think this was directed at him. If he was a man he would stop those stupid bitches from doing this shit in the first place.


Whatcha thinking
Stop blaming me
He wasn’t man enough for me
If you don’t know now
Here’s your chance
I’ve already had your man
Do you wonder just where
He’s been, yeah
And I’d be worried about him
Now it’s you know the truth
I think he’s just the man for you


Tess stood frozen as Maria shot her a triumphant look accompanied with a smirk.


What are you thinking
Do you know about us back then
Do you know I dumped your husband
Girlfriend,
I’m not thinking ‘bout him
But you married him
Do you know I made him leave
Do you know he begged
To stay with me
He wasn’t man enough for me

Liz glanced over at Tess and saw her face getting red and couldn’t help but feel good about that. Tess wasn’t good enough for Max. She was a horrible person. Just because she wasn’t good enough either didn’t mean Max had to be sentenced to a life with that thing.

Max watched the looks flying between the three girls. He realized that he had to make a decision here. Choose a direction. He may not understand why Liz was lying like she was but he had to trust in his own feelings.

Chapter Three


In the middle of the second verse the girls took off for the bathroom leaving Max standing with Michael watching their ex’s dance.

“Max you better snap out of this funk you’re in and do something here,” Michael said seriously. “Maria can get ugly and Liz is eventually going to get pissed. We can’t afford to have them pissed off like this.”

“I know,” Max agreed softly. Turning to look at Michael he studied his face. “Why were you asking Isabel and Tess about requesting that song?”

Michael sighed annoyed. Was Max completely blind? “Where have you been this week? Rumors are flying all over the school about Liz. Someone started them and I vote for a female. That’s more they’re kind of thing. Same with this song thing…I guess it could have been someone else just rubbing in her new status as the school slut but that doesn’t really make sense does it?” Michael asked watching Max’s brow furrow.

Max frowned his mind racing. “Liz isn’t a slut. What are these rumors? I haven’t heard them.”

“You haven’t heard them because you haven’t been listening. For shits sake Max! You can’t afford to ignore everything like this. It doesn’t really matter what the rumors are does it? There are about a hundred different ones at this point..the point is they came from somewhere. You can’t let Tess and Isabel air grievances in public like this. It isn’t safe,” Michael said hoping Max was finally listening.

“Tess was there in the park. How did she know to be there then? I didn’t tell Isabel anything really. It has to be Tess,” Max said thoughtfully. “I’ll take care of it.”



After the song ended Liz left to find the restroom and Kyle held Maria back. “What’s your plan?” Kyle asked knowing Maria wasn’t finished.

“I’m going to wait until that skank is away from the others and I’m going to beat her senseless,” Maria stated calmly.

“I’m not sure assault is the best option. She has that alien freaky voodoo powers thing going on,” Kyle pointed out.

“No see, I thought about that. I’m going to take her from behind. You know, jump her when she least expects it and since she’s not really human…obviously, it won’t be murder if I accidentally kill her,” Maria said eyes glittering with rage.

“Maria…,” Kyle started but stopped when she held up her hand.

“Don’t spoil my favorite fantasy. That one’s better then any I ever had about Michael so don’t ruin it for me,” Maria said seriously.

Kyle grinned highly amused. “Okay. I won’t say a word. I’ll even bail you out if you get arrested.”

“Thanks buddy,” Maria said and patted his cheek. “I always liked you.”

“Buddha teaches that the mind and body must be in harmony. So whatever your joy is I say follow it,” Kyle amused.

“My mind and body will be in Nirvana when I’m kicking Tess’s ass. Now…I have to catch up to Liz,” Maria said and darted away.


Liz walked over to the sink to wash her hands hoping the water worked here in the fourth ring of hell. Turning the knob she watched a trickle of rusty water dribble out and counted herself lucky for small favors.

“That was quite a display Liz,” Isabel remarked as she left her stall.

Liz ignored her and turned off the water shaking her hands quickly to dry her them.

“Got nothing to say for yourself?” Isabel asked.

“I don’t need to justify myself to you. I belong here. I was born here and have nothing to hide,” Liz replied turning to face her. “What about you?”

Isabel sucked in her breath in surprise. “Are you threatening me?”

“No. Just stating the facts,” Liz denied leaning on the edge of the sink. She was tired of tip toeing around Isabel like she was something special. Isabel was a stone cold selfish bitch and that wasn’t special at all.

“Don’t you feel any shame for what you’ve done? My brother saved your LIFE!” Isabel asked shocked.

“Yes, he did and maybe he shouldn’t have but that wasn’t MY choice was it? I don’t owe you anything. You haven’t ever done anything for me. Whatever happened is between me and Max. He isn’t a little boy, he doesn’t need you to make all his choices and fight all his battles. The fact is we’ve been broken up for months…since May actually, so I can date or sleep with whoever I choose. You don’t own me,” Liz said getting mad. “I’ve put up with you and your bitchy attitude for Max but I don’t have to tolerate you anymore so don’t think you can push me around and I’ll just take it without protest. I won’t. Go talk to the one friend you have on this planet. I don’t want anything else to do with you.”

Tess arched her eyebrow as she stepped out her stall. Interesting. “You mean Max doesn’t want anything more to do with you.”

Liz’s eyes narrowed as she glanced at Tess. “Get over it Tess. I tried to help you snag him but you just couldn’t pull it off. You know as well as I do that if I hadn’t taken the choice out of his hands that he would still be ignoring you. You just aren’t his type. I kept trying to tell you that…reading an actual book once in a while is a plus to Max…but you refuse to listen. That’s your problem. If I wanted to be an aid worker I’d join Green Peace. It’d be more rewarding.”

Tess moved closer in an attempt to box Liz in against the sink. “We don’t need your type of help. If we need someone to spread their legs for the cause we’ll give you a call and if you aren’t under Kyle maybe you can help us out,” Tess sneered.

“Oh I so didn’t hear that,” Maria said from the doorway. “Listen you fake human replica you better save your 35 cents because neither of us would piss on you if you were on fire. Stick to your own kind and call Daddy or is Nesado too busy to take your calls now that he finally got away from you?”

Isabel stayed silent thinking this wasn’t the smartest thing she had ever done. “Tess, let’s go. Just forget it and let’s go find the others.”

“That’s right Princess go find Max so he can cover your ass again,” Maria said not taking her eyes off of Tess.

“Please! Isabel we can handle a couple of humans,” Tess said looking forward to it.

“Tess, Michael’s right we can’t afford to expose ourselves. Let’s just go and leave them to their own kind,” Isabel said hoping to get Tess out of there. She was making her uncomfortable.

“No worries there. We don’t need them anymore so we can afford to get rid of the problem,” Tess replied.

Liz was uncomfortable with how Tess was eyeing Maria and with the things she was saying. This was out of control and they needed to get out of here. “There is no problem. We don’t want anything to do with you anymore. Feel free to live your life free of human influence.”

Maria waited for Tess to turn back to Liz before jumping her. Her first punch was a direct hit to Tess’s face and her nose made a satisfying pop, spraying blood onto her shirt and chest.

“Maria! What are you doing?” Liz cried shocked.

Maria’s second punch grazed Tess’s right eye splitting her eyebrow. “That bitch was threatening us. You heard her. Let her try her voodoo while I beat the shit out of her.”

Isabel’s mouth dropped open as Tess whirled on Maria and they really started to scuffle. She moved to pull Maria off of Tess but Tess had her by the hair. “Stop it! Stop now!”

Liz gave up on controlling the situation. Maria was too angry and Tess was currently bent on making sure Maria was bald. She sighed and looked for an opening knowing she had to help Maria. This was her fault in the first place so she couldn’t let Maria take the beating for it.

Isabel backed away when Liz kicked Tess hard in the back of her knee send the two fighting girls to the floor, Maria on top. Her mouth dropped open when Liz stomped on Tess’s hand wincing as she heard bones break.

“Let go of Maria right now!” Liz yelled stomping on Tess’s hand again. “Maria! Stop punching her.”

“What are you doing? Are you crazy?” Isabel shouted. “Get off of Tess!”

“Shut up Isabel,” Liz returned and ground Tess’s hand into the floor. “If she would just let go of Maria everything would be fine.”

“I can take her, Liz. You get Isabel,” Maria said and drove her knee into whatever body part was closest.

“WHAT?” Isabel yelped.

“Isabel, help me,” Tess pleaded. “Can’t you see they’re crazy?”

“Maria, get off of her. Just stop!” Liz shouted trying to get Maria to come to her senses. This wasn’t ‘Fight Night’. It was luck alone that neither of the aliens had used their powers on them.

“WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE?” Michael bellowed from the doorway.

None of the girls paid him any attention. Seeing Tess try to drive her thumb into Maria’s eye Liz got pissed and kicked the side of her head hard giving Maria the opportunity to pin Tess’s good hand to the floor. Seeing red Isabel shoved Liz hard and was surprised to have Liz shove her back.

Max paused for a second in shock at the sight of the four girls fighting and yelling curses at each other. Moving quickly he wrapped his arms around Liz from behind and pulled her off of Isabel pinning her arms to her side. Michael picked Maria up off of Tess ignoring her yelp of protest. He had to swing his body around as Tess leapt to her feet and tried to take a swing at Maria.

Kyle smirked from the doorway as Alex charged into the room and grabbed a fist full of Isabel’s shirt holding her in place. He knew he had made a good choice in coming to this party.

Liz immediately went lax in Max’s arms hoping he would let go her but apparently he didn’t trust her and just tightened his arms.

Max clutched Liz tightly to his chest as he addressed the room. “What is going here?”

“I think that’s obvious Max,” Maria said her eyes shooting venom at Isabel and Tess in equal measures. “We’re kicking some alien ass.”

Michael tightened his hold on Maria fearing she would try to break free. She was vibrating with rage. “I think the question was how did this get started?”

“She..” Tess said pointing at Maria. “..attacked me.”

“You…skanky ho that you are..threatened Liz and myself.” Maria returned trying to get one arm free as she glared at Tess. “Michael, let me go.”

“Not a chance,” Michael replied.

“Is that true? Did you threaten them Tess?” Max asked.

“No. It’s not,” Tess sniffed like she was going to cry.

“Oh cut it out. You don’t have any feelings so don’t even try it. It looks as fake as it is,” Liz said glaring at Tess. “You know what you said was threat.”

“Isabel?” Max asks looking to his sister.

“Oh yeah ask her because she’s so reasonable,” Liz muttered under her breath. “God knows you can’t make a decision without her.”

Isabel looked around the room not sure what to say. “I think that they might have MISTAKENLY believed it was a threat but that doesn’t mean Maria had to start throwing punches.”

“Yeah, I should just wait for you two to zap us,” Maria scoffed. “You guys started this whole thing. Tess started it when she started spreading all those lies and then requested that song and don’t even deny it because I have proof. Alex saw you with the DJ and I got three separate confirmations on who started all the shit at school.”

“Tess you owe them an apology,” Max said firmly.

“What?” Tess asked shocked. “Liz is the one that..”

“I SAID you owe them an apology. This isn’t your business. We don’t air our business in public Tess. Ever,” Max said firmly still holding Liz.

“Whatever. Fine I apologize,” Tess said pissed off.

“Well I don’t accept. I don’t want to have anything to do with you people anymore. An apology doesn’t do shit to fix this. Liz is getting shit from everyone about this and it’s not called for,” Maria said.

“Maria,” Liz started only to be cut off.

“No Liz. I’ve had it. They come in and take over our lives and act like they have every right to do as they please but you can’t make your own choices because they own you. It’s crazy. If they can’t keep their fucking mouths shut and mind their own business then I guess I can’t either,” Maria said and felt Michael stiffen at her back.

“See? They’re dangerous,” Tess said triumphant.

“Shut up Tess,” Liz replied, then said to Max. “Let go of me. I won’t do anything just let go of me.”

Max let her go and stepped back.

“What we mean is just leave us all alone and we’ll leave you alone. Simple. You don’t want us involved anyway and I see no reason to stay where we aren’t wanted so let’s just agree that this ends here,” Liz said addressing them as two separate groups. Alien verses Human. “We appreciate that you saved some of our lives but I think we helped you too so we’re even. We won’t say anything to anyone just leave us alone.”

Michael shot Max a pointed look as he released Maria.

Alex nodded in agreement moving to stand next to Liz. Maria joined them with Kyle staying at the door.

“Tess, you need to clear up whatever you’ve been telling everyone. You’re not new here anymore and you know this isn’t what we do. Isabel, you will stay out of this completely and you’ll back up Liz on the rumors and be friendly when you come into contact with the others I don’t care if you like them or not. Same for you Tess. I won’t tolerate episodes like this. My feelings are mine and so are my problems. I’ll deal with them. Clear?” Max asked the two girls.

“I’m sorry Max,” Isabel said softly. “It won’t happen again.

“I’m sorry too,” Tess said thinking what a wuss Max was. He should just eliminate the threat and be done with it but then he never could make the hard choices. That was her job.

Chapter Four


Kyle chose that moment to break in by walking over to Liz and slinging his arm around her. “Girl fight….very sexy Liz,” Kyle teased.

“Coming from you that means so much,” Liz replied sarcastically.

“Now now no need to get hostile Beautiful,” Kyle chastised with a grin. “I think this next dance was mine.”

Liz let Kyle lead her out of the bathroom glancing back to make sure Maria and Alex were following. Her eyes collided with Max’s briefly before she looked away.

“Very impressive Maria,” Alex complimented her seriously.

“Thank you but I did have the runt of the litter,” Maria said still amused by seeing Liz take on Isabel. “Hey Liz, you have to admit that was therapeutic. You had to have wanted to have a go at Isabel at least once or twice.”

Liz just smiled and shook her head. She wouldn’t admit to anything.



Isabel held Michael back as Max and Tess left the bathroom. “Michael, I want to tell you something,” Isabel said feeling slightly funny about tattling on Tess like this.

“Well what is it? I don’t have all night,” Michael asked irritated with her.

“Tess encouraged that fight. She seemed to want it to happen. I think…I think she might have really meant to hurt them. She said something about ‘taking care of the problem’ whatever that means. She made me nervous,” Isabel admitted eyes lowered. She felt really funny about that whole fight and felt the need to say something about it. She really hadn’t known that it was Tess that started the rumors or requested the song. She hadn’t cared to find out the truth she admitted to herself. She had been so angry with Liz for hurting Max like she had that she hadn’t bothered to ask many questions.

Michael thought about that for a minute feeling uneasy. This wasn’t the time for this crap. They had just gotten through with the Skins and now Tess was encouraging another confrontation.

“Liz also said something odd. She said she tried to help Tess with Max. Do you know what she meant by that?” Isabel asked.

“No. This isn’t good. Isabel, you had to realize that this wasn’t a good idea. We can’t afford to fight amongst ourselves like this. Something is happening here and we need to be careful,” Michael said watching Isabel’s expression.

“I did realize that. I tried to get Tess to leave but she wasn’t having it. She made me nervous….like she did when she first got here. Like she has her own agenda you know?” Isabel asked softly.

“Maybe she does,” Michael replied thoughtfully.


Tess was fuming over the events in the bathroom. Max hadn’t even asked if she was okay. He had in fact, left her to heal her own wounds. She hadn’t missed the fact that Liz had had to ask him to release her either. This wasn’t how this was supposed to work out at all. Nesado had assured her that they were arriving in town right when the others would be the most vulnerable. Right when their biological drives were awakening and the dreams would start. Max was supposed to be ready to mate.

The other thing was…why had Maria said what she had about Nesado?


Max let his thoughts go trying to puzzle out what was happening. Liz was lying and fighting two things that were contrary to her nature. Tess was spreading rumors and making threats on one hand while trying to present a concerned front on the other. The group that had been solid and a source of strength before this was now split in two and he couldn’t help but point to Tess’s arrival as the start of it all. She just wasn’t like the rest of them and frankly he just wished she would disappear.

He watched Liz dance with Kyle and smile up at him. Something was very wrong here. None of this made any sense it went against a lifetime of knowledge. A person didn’t just change overnight like that without a reason.


“So are you thinking of taking up boxing as a hobby?” Kyle asked smiling.

“Stop it. I never punched either of them. That was Maria,” Liz said lightly slapping his shoulder.

“I saw you take a jab or two at Isabel,” Kyle said and ran his thumb over her knuckles. “These didn’t get bruised and scraped from nothing ya know.”

“Okay, maybe I hit Isabel once or twice. I don’t really remember. I’m not normally a fighter you know that. It just got so crazy in there,” Liz said and nibbled at her lip for a minute. “Maybe you should talk to your dad about Tess. Find somewhere else for her to stay. There’s something not right with that girl.”

“I’m touched. Are you actually worried about me?” Kyle teased her lightly.

“Yes, of course I am. I don’t want anything to happen to you. She’s dangerous Kyle,” Liz said seriously.

Seeing the worry in her eyes Kyle tried to sooth her. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow. It was only suppose to be a temporary arrangement anyway. Are you thirsty?” Kyle asked.

“Actually…yes,” Liz said and smiled feeling relieved that Kyle was going to take precautions. She followed him off the floor hoping that whatever precautions he took would be enough.

Liz tried to get into the swing of the party and relax but her mind was racing. She leaned against the wall sipping Tommy’s punch, the only beverage available besides hard liquor, thinking.

Tess wasn’t what she seemed that was clear. After Future Max she had tried to tell herself that maybe she had never really given Tess a chance. Maybe she had just been insecure and jealous and that had blinded her to some hidden halfway pleasant traits that she had missed before in the other girl. Now she knew she hadn't been wrong. So what now?

How wrong was Future Max? Liz couldn’t imagine Tess actually helping without her own reasons and she doubted those reasons were something Max wanted. Tess had lied and deceived from her very first moments in Roswell. How could that turn out to be anything other then bad?

Liz nibbled on the rim of her cup as she worked through things. Future Max had never actually SAID Max had to be with Tess, just that they needed her powers to complete a Four Square. The problem was Tess. She wasn’t likely to stick around if she didn’t get what she wanted, which was Max. So okay…let’s think about that. Was there any other option…any way to have Tess’s powers without Tess? Maybe Future Max had been more wrong then she had first thought. How could he KNOW that Tess would make the difference? Maybe Max just needed to be alone and focus on building on his powers with Michael and Isabel. The truth was, there was no way to know for sure what to do here. There were too many variations and the slightest thing could change things in unexpected ways. Things were already different otherwise Future Max wouldn’t have disappeared like he had.

Liz took another drink as her head started to pound.

“Hey chica! What’re you doing?” Maria asked and came to stand next to her.

“Just thinking. Hey Ria…..Why did you say that stuff about Nesado? He’s dead,” Liz asked glancing over at Maria.

“Is he? I didn’t see that,” Maria said taking Liz’s cup and taking a sip before handing it back. “Okay let me explain it this way. Why would Nesado’s body last through the body bag the FBI shoved it in and then sit on Max’s floor until they got back to it only to turn to dust when they use the stones on it? Does that make sense? Maybe little Miss Mindwarping Tramp did her trick like the dog she is and fooled the others. Until I see some proof he isn’t dead.”

Liz thought about that and had to give it merit. Tess had mindwarped the others before. It was possible. She shivered at the thought. Nesado creeped her out and the thought that she could run into him and not know it was him again scared her. “You have a good point,” Liz agreed softly.

“Thank you,” Maria said and smiled. “I was thinking about it and I couldn’t imagine Tess without that creepy drone to back her up you know? Plus what a perfect way to make the others feel bad for her. Not that it worked on me.”

Liz smiled in amusement. “Clearly. I didn’t see a hint of sympathy when you were punching her in the face.”

Maria sniffed then grinned. “Today will live in my memory for a long ass time for that alone. Months I’ve waited to do that. If I had known how satisfying that would feel I would have done it ages ago. Besides Alex got to cop a feel so it worked out for everyone.”

Liz just laughed and shook her head.


Alex thought that the one good thing about being the next best thing to invisible was that he learned an awful lot about people. He was on a mission to protect his girls. He hadn’t missed the menace in Tess’s eyes even after her apology. He may be a scrawny guy but when pressed he could summon the force needed to defend his girl friends. He had stayed out of it up to this point knowing Liz was actually very capable of handling herself….more so then Maria really. The thing he had forgotten was that when it came to Max Liz didn’t put herself first.

He slipped through the crowd tracking Tess at a distance. He followed her outside and watched her while she made a couple of calls on her cell phone. He couldn’t get close enough to hear what she was saying but considered the calls suspect. Everyone Tess talked to, in theory, was inside so who was she calling?


Liz fended off several guys’ advances on her way to refill her cup. Pigs all of them and she was getting tired of being nice about being grabbed so when an arm snaked around her waist she elbowed the guy without the slightest hesitation.

“Oomph! Hey there cherry watch the elbows.”

Liz looked over her shoulder and relaxed. “Michael! What are you doing?”

“Just being friendly. How about a dance?”

“Michael. You don’t dance,” Liz reminded him.

“For you I will.”

Liz felt a tinge of unease at the smirk on his face and he still hadn’t removed his arm. “Umm yeah I don’t think so. I was just going to get something to drink.”

“Come on. Don’t be a bitch just one dance then I’ll get you a drink myself.”

Not seeing a good way out of it Liz let him drag her onto the floor. She put her hands on his chest to keep some distance between them as he tried to drag her closer. What was up with him? He was NEVER this friendly.


Max searched the crowd for Liz out of habit. He felt uneasy and restless and Liz had always steadied him when he felt like that. His eyes locked on her and he frowned. What was Michael doing? He watched Liz push him away once and his frowned deepened. What the hell?

“Michael stop it! This isn’t funny. Maria isn’t in the mood for jokes,” Liz protested shoving Michael hard in the chest to gain some room. She didn’t want to draw attention but this was getting ridiculous.

“Ahh come on Lizzie. Haven’t you ever wondered what we’d be like?”

“No! No, I have never wondered,” Liz said horrified. Had he been drinking? “Did you by chance drink some punch?”

Michael didn’t answer just pulled her closer and bent to kiss her as his hand found her ass.


Max started pushing his way through the crowd highly pissed off. Liz was wiggling in ernest trying to get away from him but Michael wasn’t budging.

Liz gasp as Michael’s hands wandered in an entirely inappropriate way. When his tongue pushed into her mouth Liz bit down hard in panic, tasting blood.

“You didn’t strike me as a girl who liked it rough but I’ve been wrong before.”

“Let go of me!” Liz cried struggling outright not caring if she drew attention. She had to get away from him. Just when she was about to start screaming, Kyle punched Michael in the head and pushed his way between them.

“Just try it,” Kyle said glaring at Michael fists bunched ready to go.

“S’alright. Didn’t mean anything by it.”

Kyle glared at Michael until he disappeared into the crowd before turning to Liz. He pulled her to his side and used his thumbs to brush away her frightened tears seething inside. “You okay?”

Liz nodded quickly and wiped her mouth.

Max reached their side and studied Liz for injuries. She looked scared and shaken. “God Liz, I’m sorry. I’ll take care of this. I promise.”

“You better or the next time I see him I’m going to kill him,” Kyle said glaring at Max.

“I don’t understand what he was thinking but I’ll teach him the error of his actions,” Max assured them both. What the fucking hell did Michael think he was doing? Was everyone loosing their mind?

“I didn’t know….I’m sorry Max,” Liz whispered feeling ashamed and scared. “He just…I wouldn’t turn you in. I swear I wouldn’t.”

Max felt his fury kick up a notch. Michael was dead. “I know you wouldn’t. This wasn’t your fault. I’ll take care of it. What did he say to you?”

“Nothing really. He just asked me to dance and wouldn’t take no for an answer so….He..he asked me if..um I ever thought about him and I said no. I don’t know what happened. He’s never acted like that before. I mean, I’ve been alone with him plenty of times and he never scared me or made me nervous,” Liz said wiping her hands down the sides of her jeans. “I asked him if he had been drinking.”

Max scowled trying to figure this out. Michael had never seemed like he would do this. His past had shown him how it felt to be abused and Michael didn’t seem like the type to pull something like this. Even if he had been drinking. “Something’s not right with this. Where are Maria and Alex? I haven’t seen Isabel since the bathroom either.”

“Umm Maria was just dancing. I haven’t seen Alex in a while….are you thinking this is alien related?” Liz asked her worry spiking higher.

“Maybe. I would feel better if we could round everyone up,” Max said looking around to see if he could spot any of the others.

“No offense but getting everyone together might cause it’s own problems,” Kyle pointed out.

“True but I don’t see another way. If we all stay separate we’re easy targets and we’ll never get to the bottom of this,” Max said when they were interrupted.

“Hey if you guys are done with Liz I’d like a turn,” Juan butted in wiggling his eyebrows.

Max scowled and glared at him. “What was that?”

“Sorry man. I didn’t think you’d mind since she swings,” Juan said holding up his hands.

“You fucker! She does not!” Kyle shouted getting pissed off.

Max felt his face turn red with anger. “You better reassess your information. If you bother her again I’ll kill you.”

Liz looked between Max and Kyle seeing them both bristling with rage. She slapped a hand on each of their chests not wanting another fight to break out. “Guys focus please.”

Max looked away from Juan and focused on Liz. He tucked her hair behind her ear then placed his hand over hers on his chest. “It’s okay. Juan understands now and is leaving.”

“Yeah, that!” Juan said and with a glance at Kyle melted back into the crowd. Feeling his neck prickle he picked up his pace trying to put some distance between him and possible danger.

Kyle spotted the bright flash of Maria’s shirt through the crowd. “Hey! I think I see Maria. Wait here and I’ll go get her,” Kyle said and slipped away leaving Max and Liz standing in the middle of the dancing masses.

Chapter Five
**The song in this part is ‘Halo’ by Depeche Mode.**

Liz bit her lip and looked around avoiding Max’s steady gaze. This was the first time in days that she had been anywhere close to being alone with him.

“We might as well dance,” Max said and waited for her response before touching her. He didn’t want to frighten her she was still a little jumpy understandably. Thinking dancing would be less noticeable then just standing there and he could always reaffirm what he felt when he was touching her.

“Umm yeah…okay,” Liz said feeling a little nervous.

You wear guilt
Like shackles on your feet
Like a halo in reverse

Max took one of her hands in his and placed the other on her lower back careful to leave an inch of space between their bodies. They moved together like it was natural.

I can feel
The discomfort in your seat
And in your head it’s worse

“You smell different,” Max said after a minute then flushed slightly.

There’s a pain
A famine in your heart
An aching to be free

“Umm yeah I switched soaps,” Liz answered and made the mistake of looking up into his eyes. His eyes were soft and warm like they always used to be when he looked at her. Her breath caught in her throat as heat unfurled in her belly. “It’s from Maria’s mom’s shop….Jade Spice is…”

Max stayed silent, watching the shadows in her eyes. The crowd faded and all thoughts of danger fled right along with everything else.

Can’t you see
All love’s luxuries
Are here for you and me

“What it’s called,” Liz trailed off not noticing as the distance between them closed.

“It’s nice. I like it,” Max answered softly wanting to bury his face in her neck and hug her tight.


Kyle smirked as he glanced at the dance floor. They were lost. The whole place could be invaded and they wouldn’t have a clue. This had been one of his better ideas. Spotting that flash of color he picked up his pace and almost ran Tess down when she froze in his path. “Watch it!” Kyle said and narrowly avoided her. Stopping and following her line of sight he wasn’t surprised to see Max and Liz. Kyle bent closer speaking almost directly in her ear. “See if you can compete with that. They make their own space when they’re like that. You can’t change that and you can’t compete. Take it from me. The rest of us don’t belong in the space they make together. It’s theirs.”

“Shut up Kyle,” Tess hissed.

“Listen or not but you see it the same way I do. Everyone sees it. You can’t mindwarp that away. It just exists,” Kyle said then walked away not waiting for a response.


And when our worlds
They fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in

Liz could feel the heat from his hand sinking through her shirt and struggled to remember why this wasn’t right. It seemed right and felt that way. It was so effortless. “Max?”

“Hmm?” Max asked fingering the hem of her shirt.

Though we may deserve it
It will worth it

Liz pulled back slightly to see his eyes and forgot her question. She could have sworn the world tilted under her feet.

Bring your chains
Your lips of tragedy
And fall into my arms

Max watched her eyes flare with heat briefly before turning almost black glittering in the dim light. The air heated and felt thick and still around them. He felt the heat as an afterthought nothing feeling real but Liz.

And when our worlds
They fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it

Max’s eyes traced a path from her eyes down her cheek to her mouth. His lips tightened briefly seeing that her lips looked bruised and he wanted to kill Michael all over again. He set her hand that he was holding on his shoulder and moved his thumb to her lips sending out a small stream of healing energy as he softly brushed his thumb across them.

Liz melted at the tender look in his eyes and fell in love all over again. He was the one person she knew she would do anything for if he just asked her to. So what was she supposed to do when he asked two completely opposite things of her?

Max pulled her closer amazed as always how well she fit against him. He sighed in contentment as her head came to rest on his shoulder and felt bold enough to slip his hand just under the edge of her shirt. He stroked her bare skin gently soothing her and himself.


“Just tell me what happened Maria! Is that so hard? No dramatic bullshit just the facts!” Michael shouted fed up.

Maria’s eyes narrowed in warning as she itched to slap his face. “I told you! I came in to the space hyena’s circling Liz like she was their next meal. Tess threatened to take us out and I punched her. Those ARE the facts. I can’t help it if you don’t CHOOSE to listen! It doesn’t matter how many times you ask me, the facts are the same. Now leave me alone! I’m done with the alien version of the Three Stooges with Shemp or whoever Tess is supposed to be,” Maria said and pushed past Michael. She really wanted to give Michael an eye poke that would make Mo proud.

Isabel rolled her eyes as she watched them fight. Covering a yawn she saw Alex sulking in the shadows eyes glued to Tess. Following what Tess was looking at her eyes widened as she spotted Max and Liz. “You guys! Hey!”

“Shut up Barbie! I didn’t ask for a makeover so your intellect isn’t called for,” Maria said not about to let her butt in.

“Just look!” Isabel said pointing. “When did that happen?”

Michael sighed in frustration and looked to see what Isabel was talking about. His eyebrows rose in surprise as he spotted Max and Liz. “Whoa.”

Before anyone could say more Kyle charged up and started poking his finger into Michael’s chest. “If you EVER do that again I’m going to kick your ass alien or no!”

“What the hell are you talking about Valenti?” Michael asked confused.

“I’m talking about what you did to Liz,” Kyle said pissed off.

“I didn’t do anything to Liz,” Michael said and watched Kyle’s face darken with rage.

“I saw you. I saw you grab her ass!” Kyle said eyes sharp and watchful. He saw Michael’s dumbfounded look and agreed this now looked like an alien thing.

“YOU WHAT?” Maria yelled.

“I never touched her! I swear! Do I look like I want to die? I’ve been arguing with you! How could I be with Liz if I’m here with you?” Michael asked backing away from Maria.

“Hold it!” Kyle said before Maria could start swinging. “Liz said that he seemed weird and Max suggested an alien thing so we need to meet up and figure out what’s going on. Tess could be playing tricks or who knows…maybe there are some new people in town.”



High above the dancing people sad eyes searched the room. She didn’t want to be here. They had no business here but she wasn’t in charge. She was never in charge of anything not even her own life.

She was able to find him easily and found he was dancing with a small dark haired girl. Her eyes sharpened at the space the other dancing people seemed to purposefully leave them. Studying the couple she watched their body language closely. She was surprised that he would be so close to a human. It was something that had never occurred to her. Her eyes widened as she saw glowing trials of light following the path of his hands over the human girl’s skin.


Liz felt an overwhelming need to just touch him. She curled her fingers in his shirt fighting to not give in. This wasn’t the time or the place and there were too many lies and secrets between them. The last thing she wanted to do was to hurt him again. He had just momentarily forgot all of his hurt and it wouldn’t be right for her to take advantage of that.

Max was tired of fighting. It didn’t seem to matter anymore. He knew what was important to him and what his instincts were telling him. This time he wasn’t listening to anything or anyone that went against what he knew was true. He belonged with Liz. He felt it so they could work out whatever was wrong. He just couldn’t be alone denying what was right anymore. He loved her and sometimes you had to be willing to suffer some hurt to work things out. It would be worth all the hurt so far and more in the end.

Liz was just about to suggest looking for the others when Max shifted and nuzzled her hair gently. “Max?” Liz breathed.

“Yeah?” Max asked stroking her back lightly.

“Umm wh-what are you…doing?” Liz asked feeling her skin heat.

“I’m taking another step out from behind the tree,” Max answered softly.

“Umm okay? What…does that mean….exactly?” Liz stuttered slightly as trails of heat followed his fingers and ignited deep inside her.

“It means I’m trying to be brave and show you how I feel. I love you Liz. I really love you and I trust you,” Max softly by her ear.

Liz stiffened slightly for a split second before relaxing against him. This was it. Future Max was wrong. She knew he was now she had to decide if she trusted Max…this Max enough to let him in. “I have something to tell you. Now isn’t the best time but…when we have time we need to talk. What I can say is I won’t lie to you anymore. I love you too Max and I’m sorry for everything I’ve done,” Liz said pulling back enough to see his eyes.

Max studied her eyes for a second before smiling broadly and nodding. “We can work this out. Whatever it is,” Max replied already feeling a lightness and freedom that had been missing for a long time.

Liz nodded and smiled hesitatingly. She just hoped she was doing the right thing. The reason she took this course wasn’t to get Max back. It was because she knew that somewhere in Future Max’s plan there was a mistake or error in judgement and the only hope they had was to be honest and work together as a group to figure out what was going on. Max may still decide that he couldn’t forgive her. She had used private personal knowledge of Max to hurt him and played on his insecurities to push him away.

Seeing the doubt in her expression he cupped one side of her face and leaned down to kiss her. When their lips met there was a flare up of power and with a loud explosion the power went out plunging the room into darkness.

People started screaming and shoving as they fought to get to the exit. Liz was shoved hard from behind as someone crashed into her. Max caught her before she could fall and pulled her tight to his body. “Wrap your arms around me. I don’t want to loose you in the crowd,” Max instructed and felt Liz nod and her arms tightened around him. Max started pushing through the crowd trying to get out of the crush of people.


When the lights went out Michael grabbed Maria and pulled her in front of him wrapping an arm around her waist. The crush of people forced them toward the door and away from where they had last seen Max and Liz.

Isabel and Kyle had been trying to slip over to Alex without Tess seeing either of them. When the power went out Isabel pressed herself into the wall as the shoving started. “Kyle?” Isabel called but couldn’t hear him over the screams and other people’s yells. She decided to stay put until the worst of it was over.


Kyle hit the floor hard as he tripped over something on the floor. Several people walked right over him before he could shove his way back onto his feet. He thought he could smell smoke but ignored it. “Isabel?” Kyle shouted knowing she probably wouldn’t hear him. He fought the shoving masses but was carried further away.


Alex stayed still trying not to even breathe. He could hear Tess talking to someone but only caught every other word. From what he could gather she was pissed…with someone. She was angry that he couldn’t follow instructions and let himself be distracted. She said ‘They’ couldn’t continue to clean up his messes.

Alex stayed silent as he eased slowly forward. He had to be careful not to trip over anything in the dark. Hearing the sound of feet on the scaffolding above him he froze.

Chapter Six

Liz clung tightly to Max as he moved them away from the crowd. Finally, the sounds of the crowd faded but she didn’t let go of him until she heard a door close behind them and Max moved to pull her around in front of him.

Max ran his hands over her afraid she had been hurt. “Are you okay? You got hit pretty hard.”

Liz saw the worry shining in his eyes and smiled. “I’m fine. Where are we anyway?” Liz asked looking around.

“I think it’s one of the offices. I didn’t want to rush right out into the open before we had a change to look outside so we’re on the other side of the building,” Max answered not moving.

“Do you…think we did this?” Liz asked turning back to him.

“Knock out the lights? I don’t think so. That’s never happened before,” Max said then grinned.

Liz punched him lightly on the arm and rolled her eyes. “This is serious Max.”

“I know. I’m just a little…punchy I guess. One minute Michael’s manhandling you then a full-scale riot’s breaking out. All this is going on and I’m…,” Max paused feeling a momentary twinge of shame.

“Happy?” Liz asked catching a wisp of his feelings.

“Yeah, exactly. I’m happy,” Max agreed watching her face for her reaction.

Liz nodded a half smile playing over her mouth. “I’m happy too but I’d like to stay that way soo…”

“So we need to get out of here,” Max finished.

“Right. So if it wasn’t us that knocked out the lights then what happened?” Liz asked then her heart clenched in fear. “Oh god! What if Tess saw us?”

Max’s brow wrinkled as he tried to puzzle out why that scared her so badly. “What if she did? She’s going to figure it out soon enough anyway.”

“No. Max, you don’t understand. She’s….I haven’t worked it all out yet. She’s going to be so pissed. What if she does something? I think she was going to..get rid of us. If Isabel had been okay with it I really think she would have. Now…now who knows what she’ll do,” Liz worried out loud. Chewing on her lip as she started to pace she again wondered if she wasn’t making a mistake. “Who knows what she’s already done. Max? Do you think it’s possible that she mindwarped all of you into believing Nesado was dead? Is that farfetched? I mean how well do we really know Tess? Has she talked about her past on this planet much?”

Max struggled to follow the conversation but sensed he was missing something. Focusing on her questions he thought about it before answering. “It’s possible I guess. None of us really understand her powers very well and she was raised and trained by Nesado so it’s possible. Why?”

“Umm it’s just that…that thing with Michael earlier? Umm he did something sort of….close to that,” Liz said eyes wide with fear. She had never told Max about that. He had been through hell and she didn’t want to add to it and it had been over. Max didn’t know…how scared she had been or that she still had nightmares about it. Nightmares where Nesado did more then kiss her and she didn’t get away.

“He who? NESADO?” Max asked in shock. “Liz…What happened? Why didn’t I know this?”

“Yes,” Liz whispered. “He…umm sort of..It doesn’t matter now. It just reminded me of…and I wondered…”

“It does matter. It matters,” Max said softly moving in front of her and pulling her close. “Tell me what happened…Please?”

Liz wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek on his chest. “He pretended to be you. When we got in the car….I teased him and he pulled off to the side of the road. I…kissed him. That’s when I knew….he wasn’t you. He was scary and dark. Max…he’s…there’s something really wrong with him. The things I saw….he scares me. The thing is…after he…took me out of the Fun House…I was so confused. I thought..I hoped it was you and instead of telling me that it wasn’t…he kissed me again. Why did he do that? Why did he take me out and not you? He was ready to kill me before so what changed?”

Max listened to her while stroking her hair. He sensed she was leaving something out or just brushing over it. He could feel her fear and something more then that. Tilting his head he realized he could FEEL it. “I don’t know. I never really thought about it. Did he…do anything else?” Max asked softly.

“Not how you mean. I think maybe if there had been time….I got flashes from him…both times. I can’t really…explain what I saw or how it felt but..if he raised Tess then...she's not like you. I get a feeling of….wrongness from both of them. He seemed…to sense that I saw..something and was..surprised or confused? I don’t know. I was so relieved when he died…I never said anything. I didn’t say anything about Tess because…well lots of reasons really,” Liz said rubbing her cheek against his shirt. She was afraid he would be angry with her. She hadn’t meant to hide so much…there had just never been time and then…the future had intruded.

Max felt fear bloom in his chest. He knew what she meant in part. He had felt that odd vibe from both of them at different times. The things that could have happened….his fear solidified inside him. “I’m so…sorry Liz. If anything ever…happened to you..”

Liz pulled back and looked into his eyes. “Nothing happened. I’m fine Max. I promise. Don’t dwell on the past it wasn’t your fault and it’s over. Okay?” Liz asked worried about him.

Seeing her studying him, he made an effort to appear relaxed so she didn’t worry. “Okay. We’re okay,” Max said and kissed her forehead. He tried to keep his touch light and easy, fighting the urge to clutch her tightly to him to keep her safe. “Do you think that was Nesado?”

Liz thought about that carefully for a long minute. “No. I can’t see him calling me cherry. That doesn’t seem….like him.”

“Cherry?” Max choked.

Liz blushed bright red and nodded. “Umm yeah…that’s what he said. I should have realized then that he wasn’t Michael.”

Max just ran a hand through his hair feeling uncomfortable. He didn’t want to push her but…

“Just ask me. I’ll tell you the truth,” Liz said softly watching him with large dark eyes.

Max looked up from the floor and took a deep breath. “Did you…sleep with Kyle?”

“No. I didn’t. I didn’t mean any of that stuff I told you either,” Liz answered her eyes never leaving his.

Max just nodded and smiled. “Okay. I’m guessing that it’s a whole long story behind those lies so I’ll drop it for now. I want you to know that…what I said about leaking that information…I’m sorry. I knew you wouldn’t do that I just…I knew you were lying and I was so angry with you for lying that I couldn’t see straight. That you would trust Kyle more than me…it hurt.”

“I didn’t trust him more. I didn’t tell him why I needed the favor. I just…I’m sorry. I know I hurt you and I’ll explain everything, I promise, and then you can decide what to do,” Liz said feeling guilty and ashamed. “I have more faith in you then in anyone else.”

“I know what I want to do. Liz…I know things get crazy in our life sometimes but…nothing means more to me then you do. So no matter what happens we can work it out. I believe that…I feel it. It doesn’t change no matter what. So don’t be afraid to tell me anything it won’t change how I feel. This is all new to me too…this weird crap and sometimes the only thing that makes sense to me is you. You’re the one constant thing in my life that I feel no matter how far away you are or what’s going on. I know we’ll make mistakes and bad things will happen sometimes but I can deal with all of that…just don’t shut me out. Deal?” Max asked putting his hands on her hips and watching her face.

“Deal,” Liz agreed and smiled. “Now….how are we getting out of here?”


Michael scowled as he watched the people pouring out of the building. So far he didn’t see any of the others.

“Michael? What do you think happened?” Maria asked her fear and worry clear in her tone. What if the others got trampled to death? Or Tess murdered them? Or the building collapsed or caught fire?

“I don’t know. It was alien though. I felt the….surge of energy,” Michael answered still scanning the crowd. What kind of second was he when he couldn’t protect his leader?

“I saw Max dragging Liz away from the door. Maybe they’ll come out a different way,” Maria said softly then it clicked. Her phone. Liz always had her phone on her. Her parents freaked if they couldn’t reach her. “Michael! I can call Liz! She’ll probably have her phone. I left mine in my car. I’ll just get it and try her.”

“Wait! Just wait a few minutes and I’ll go with you. I don’t want us to get separated. Not with someone wandering around looking like me,” Michael said grabbing her hand. “I just want to see if any of the others come out first.”

“Okay…five minutes,” Maria agreed. After a short pause in which she shifted from foot to foot she spoke. “Michael….I’m really freaked out here. Tess is evil….like Satan evil and if she finds Liz…I’m scared she’ll try to hurt her.”

“Max won’t let that happen. We’ll find them,” Michael said firmly. He wouldn’t except any other outcome.

His firm tone and confidence shored up her courage and she nodded. “Right. You’re right.”


Alex slid his lanky form between some pipes as a soft glow illuminated the area. He glanced up to see a set of combat boots clumping along the catwalk above him on their way to the stairs. Turning his attention back to where Tess’s voice had come from he was shocked to see Michael. Or maybe not Alex thought as the guy turned and spit on the ground while adjusting himself. Good lord who were these people?

“Who told you to approach Liz?” Tess demanded arms crossed over her chest.

“Look, I don’t answer to you got it? You’s the one who asked for my help not the other way around. I don’t need to take shit from you. She looked sweet and tasty,” Rath shrugged with a smirk.

“Get a piece of ass on your own time. You can’t play around like that she’s not retarded,” Tess stated like she was talking to a small half witted child.

“Back off bitch. I ain’t taking any shit from you. What’s it matter anyway? She won’t be around much longer anyways,” Rath replied his eyes sharp and cold. Let this bitch think he was stupid. She would find out soon enough that you didn’t last long by underestimating your enemies.

“Fine…Whatever. Where’s Lonnie?” Tess asked growing bored with the conversation.

“She’s keeping Daddy company,” Rath smirked eyes dancing as Tess’s eyes narrowed.

“You neva said the bitch glowed,” Ava said from the shadows.

Tess turned to her duplicate surprised she had spoken at all. “Excuse me?”

“The human….she glowed,” Ava said studying Tess closely.

“So? That changes nothing,” Tess said then dismissed her by turning back to Rath. “Start searching the building. We need to find them.”

Ava stayed quiet not sharing that she knew which way they had gone. Tess was wrong. The glowing changed everything. She sighed and rubbed her forehead still drained from her New York warping. She hoped it had worked and Zan could find her. These people were fucked up and she wanted out.

Hearing a rustling noise she was brought out of her thoughts. Staying still she saw Lonnie’s dupe creep up slowly, looking around as she went. She stayed still wanting to see what was going on.

“Alex?” Isabel whispered softly. She had waited for Tess and….that ‘person’ to leave before coming closer. She was hoping that Alex was still close to where she had seen him before the lights went out.

“Here,” Alex answered as he slipped out from his hiding spot.

“God! Alex are you okay?” Isabel asked relieved.

“I’m shocked you care,” Alex answered still pissed off. He stretched and winced as his back popped.

“Of course I care. I’m sorry okay? I didn’t know that Tess did that to Liz. I swear I didn’t know,” Isabel said her tone short. This wasn’t the time.

“No, it’s not okay. Run back to Michael I don’t need your help. I have to find Liz,” Alex said just as short. What did she think he needed her? Ha! He was the one with a clue this time. Alex Charles Whitman was not helpless.

“Alex! Cut it out! This is serious. Tess is…I don’t know what she’s doing but it’s not good for Max OR Liz. Can we just put aside our…differences for now? Please?” Isabel asked looking him in the eyes.

Alex considered that for a moment before nodding. “Okay. There are at least three of them sides Tess. The one she was talking to looks like Michael and Tess mentioned someone named Lonnie. The Michael look alike said something about Lonnie keeping ‘Daddy’ company whoever that is. They’re searching the building for Liz now so we have to hustle. Those shoes better not hold you up because I’m not waiting,” Alex warned with a glance at Isabel’s platforms.

Isabel rolled her eyes and kicked off her shoes and waved her hand over them. She slipped on her new mules and sent Alex a bright smile. “Ready.”

Ava watched them disappear intrigued. They all worked with humans. Why had Tess not mentioned that? She was starting to wonder about a lot of things. Again she hoped Zan got here soon. They had already been here for a week and she was starting to loose hope. Zan could figure this out. Ava sighed and set off in the direction she had seen Zan’s dupe go.


Kyle forced himself to get up holding his arm close to his chest. He had been pinned in the crush of people and thought he might have broken his wrist. Fucking people turned into herd animals in a crises he bitched silently. Feeling the slap of colder air he breathed a sigh of relief as his feet kicked up dirt. He was finally out of that hellhole.

“KYLE!” Maria shouted and ran to his side Michael hot on her heels. “Are you hurt?”

“Just my wrist, a few bruises, a couple of bumps from being trampled but otherwise fine,” Kyle returned.

“Pussy,” Michael accused with a smirk.

“Fuck you,” Kyle returned quickly. “Where’s everyone else?”

“Dunno. Let’s get my cell phone and find out,” Maria said and started off to her car. “We better hurry the cops will be here soon I’m sure.”

Chapter Seven

Since the room they were in had no windows to the outside they had just decided to leave in search of a way out when Liz felt her phone vibrate. “Max! Wait a second my phones ringing,” Liz said softly. She put the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

“Liz! Oh thank GOD! Where are you?” Maria asked her eyes on Michael’s.

“We’re in an office on the other side of the building. There aren’t any windows so we’re leaving it to find a way out. Where are you?” Liz asked relieved Maria was okay. “Is everyone else okay?”

“Umm Michael, Kyle, and I are outside but I don’t know about the others. Michael said that whatever happened was like an alien power surge. The building doesn’t seem to be on fire so that’s good,” Maria said pushing Michael’s hands away from the phone.

“Yeah. Listen Max wants to talk to Michael,” Liz said and handed off her phone.

“Michael?” Max asked.

“Just a second there. I expect my Lizzie to come out of there in one piece Max. Understand?” Maria asked seriously.

“I understand. That’s my top priority,” Max answered with a smile.

“Good. Here’s Michael,” Maria said and handed off the phone.

“Maxwell? What’s going on?” Michael asked.

“Listen…don’t trust anything okay? Make sure everyone you run into is who they say they are,” Max said and walked away from Liz lowering his voice. “Keep Maria close. Ask her about Nesado. Liz said some things that….were of concern. Nesado sort of…assaulted her and then someone that looked like you did the same tonight. Understand?”

Michael’s eyes widened as he caught Max’s meaning. “Sexually you mean? Why?”

“Yes and I don’t know. I don’t like it..there’s something we don’t know just keep an eye on Maria. Tess is suspect. Don’t trust her. Try calling Isabel she may have her phone on her…I can’t remember. I’ll call you when we’re out,” Max said and hung up.

Michael turned to Maria. “Tell me what you know about Nesado,” Michael asked watching Maria closely.

“I was telling Liz that I thought Tess might have warped you guys into believing he was dead. Is that what you mean?” Maria asked watching him.

Kyle watched Michael’s jaw clench and unclench and waited to see what was going on.

Michael thought about that and realized Max must think it was possible. “That’s part of it but do you know anything about him doing anything to Liz?”

“Oh. Yeah, I do. She told me not to get caught alone with him that he…sort of freaked her out. He kissed her twice when he kidnapped her and she said he made some…implied sexual comments when he came to visit Whitaker. He was menacing is how she put it. It wasn’t an outright attack it was more…subtle then that. Creepy,” Maria explained watching Michael’s face.

“He ever do that to you?” Michael asked his face stiff and set.

“No. He ignored me totally. I did see him watching Liz though. I can see why she had nightmares about him,” Maria answered wondering what was up with the questions.

“What kind of nightmares?” Michael quizzed her.

“Ummm like some that he was at her window in the middle of the night. Some that he….raped her that day when he pretended to be Max. I don’t remember them all. Why are you asking this stuff?” Maria said getting nervous.

“Does this tie into tonight? Is Max afraid that tonight’s incident ties into that one?” Kyle asked.

“I’m not sure. He thinks something is off with this whole thing. What did you see exactly Kyle?” Michael asked his mind turning it all over looking for an answer.

“Someone that looked like you was dancing with Liz and started getting too familiar. He kissed her and grabbed her ass….like groped her and wouldn’t let go when she protested. I punched him and he took off,” Kyle related.

“Maria stay close to me or Kyle at all times okay? No protests. We treat Tess as a possible enemy and avoid her if possible. I gotta try Isabel,” Michael muttered already dialing.


Isabel followed Alex through the corridors and worried they were never going to find anyone. At least not anyone they WANTED to find. She jumped a foot when her phone rang.

“Shut that thing off!” Alex hissed.

Isabel shot him a glare already opening her bag to answer the phone. “Hello?” Isabel whispered looking around.

“It’s me. Where are you?” Michael asked.

“I’m with Alex. We’re looking for Liz and Max. Alex overheard Tess and some guy that looks like you talking and they’re after Liz for some reason. There are at least four of them including Tess,” Isabel said in a hushed tone.

“Max and Liz are in some office on the back side of the building. They’re going to try to get out. Listen….maybe you should come out now. Something’s going on….I can’t really explain it but it’s possible Nesado isn’t dead and he….has an odd interest in Liz. He umm kissed her a couple of times and…it’s weird so try and get out so we can hook up,” Michael said worried that Isabel might be a target too.

“Nesado kissed Liz?” Isabel asked surprised and saw Alex stiffen.

“Yeah. It’s more then that we think. Just get out now,” Michael said firmly.

“Hang on,” Isabel turned and filled Alex in.

“If they’re at the back of the building….that’s by the loading docks. The building is three stories at the back remember? The ground slopes and they dug it out further for the loading docks. They’ll have to jump or make they’re way down the stairs,” Alex pointed out.

“Crap. I remember,” Isabel said and turned back to the phone. “Michael? Go around back. The building’s three stories high in the back. They might need some help getting out….I think there’s only one stairwell that leads to the loading docks and I doubt Max will chance jumping with Liz. We’ll make our way over there from the inside.”

“Okay. Be careful,” Michael said and hung up.


Zan frowned trying to focus on Ava. His senses were going all screwy for some reason. Why had Lonnie and Rath come here? What did they need their dupes for? When he had arrived last night the first thing he had done was sneak into the school to locate a yearbook. Finding the pictures of their duplicates he had changed his appearance to match wanting to blend in. Exhausted from the long trip and wrung out from overusing his powers over the last several days he had found a place to crash for some shut eye.

Zan headed out of town following the trail leading to Ava. He owed her huge. She had saved his ass so it was his turn to save hers. He frowned as a steady stream of traffic flooded past. Picking up his pace he wondered what the hell kind of trouble they were in.


Max pulled Liz back out of the stairwell and led her back into one of the offices. Opening the closet door he pulled her in and shut the door. Leaning close to her ear he whispered. “I heard something. Let’s wait here a second to see if someone’s coming.”

“Okay,” Liz replied and leaned against him comforted by the steady rhythm of his heart.

Max wrapped his arms around her and listened. Idly tracing patterns on her bare arms he found as time past that he was paying more attention to Liz then to anything outside the closet. Looking down he saw her already looking up at him. Seeing the same longing in her eyes that he felt he struggled to ignore the building heat between them.

“Max? Look,” Liz whispered and nodded toward her arm.

Max watched the soft glowing trails follow his fingers. He looked back to her eyes feeling the same sense of awe and desire he had the first time.

Seeing his gentle smile and the flickering in his eyes she stood up on tiptoes sliding one arm around his neck. She kissed him softly her lips moving gently over his.

He sighed and pulled her closer, splaying his hand wide on her lower back to steady her. He was humbled by her trust as she settled against him, the press of her body fitting into his perfectly. The soft brush of her tongue had his whole body lighting up from the inside like a sparkler. No one could make him feel like this but Liz. This was absolutely right he thought as Liz interlaced the fingers of her right hand with his left.

When Max leaned back against the wall her body followed his guided by the hand at her lower back. She tilted her head as he nuzzled her neck and smiled as his thumb stroked her fingers. His touch was gentle and familiar…perfect. She wasn’t scared or nervous that they wouldn’t make it out. She felt stronger…more sure then she had in a long time. This was how it should be.

“Are you ready?” Max asked brushing his lips over her neck.

“Yeah,” Liz answered as her toes curled in her shoes. She stroked the hair at the back of his neck marveling at the warm silky feel of it.

Taking a deep breath and reigning himself in he pushed them away from the wall hugging her close before brushing his lips across hers. “Okay let’s get out of here.”

Liz followed him back down the hall and into the stairwell. She stopped when he squeezed her fingers and paused to listen. They started down the stairs careful to be silent. They had almost reached the landing for the second floor when the door below them shrieked a protest as it was opened. Max hustled her to the door on the second floor and shoved her through as he eased the door closed behind them. They raced down the hall and ducked into a large open room as they heard the stairwell door open. Heart racing Liz looked to Max for a clue as to what they were going to do.

“Stay here against the wall. I’m going to go check to see who it is,” Max said thinking they didn’t have many options. There weren’t really any hiding places and they couldn’t afford to hole up here.

“Max…we shouldn’t split up,” Liz worried.

“I’ll be right back. We’re not splitting up. Wait for me here,” Max said and smiled at her trying to reassure her. When she nodded he slipped out into the hallway.


Feeling something tugging at him Zan turned away from the direction he knew Ava was in. Creeping in a busted out window he followed his instinct. Stopping and scenting the air he felt a shimmer of…something. Something he hadn’t felt before. Pushing forward he stealthily made his way down the hall and up the staircase. He could feel several people in the area and was careful to remain silent. He knew better then to trust anyone now. Having the shit knocked out of you tended to make you more careful.


Liz waited feeling her nerves pulling tighter as time ticked past. Pressing back into the wall she glanced from side to side watching both doors for Max. When the far door slowly opened her heart jumped in her chest and fear held her still. Seeing Max’s familiar face turning to look at her she smiled relieved.


Zan studied the girl with the huge frightened eyes, frozen in place. When she smiled he eased into the room and walked closer. He stopped two steps from her and tried to figure out what was going on. She was human…sort of.

“Max…I was so worried. Is everything okay?” Liz whispered. “Can we go now?” She asked as she stepped closer. Before she reached out to touch him she froze. Fear bloomed inside her as she realized this wasn’t Max. He smelled different and something wasn’t quite right.

Zan watched her eyes go round as saucers and she stiffened. “S’okay. I’s not gonna hurt you,” He said softly afraid she was about to run.

“You’re not Max. Stop pretending to be him,” Liz said in return easing backwards.

Zan studied her for a second wondering how she could tell he wasn’t his dupe. “Who are you? Why do you feel…..different?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just Liz. I live in Roswell,” Liz said stalling. Her breathing quickened in fear as he stepped closer and she reached for her Max calling for him to help her.

“Where’s Ava?” Zan demanded eyes watching her every move.

“Who?” Liz asked confused and afraid. When he stepped closer scowling she felt something spike inside her and she threw up her hand to keep him from touching her.

Zan saw a flicker of something right before it hit him in the chest. He fell back a step feeling like he’d been kicked in the chest and had the breath knocked out of him. The door burst open and his dupe rushed in.

Max didn’t wait to access the situation. He rushed across the room as he used his powers to fling the person standing in front of Liz away from her. Reaching her side he stepped in front of her. “Liz? Are you okay?”

Liz crowded up to Max’s back feeling weak in the knees with relief. “Yes. I’m okay.”

Max focused on the person picking himself up off the floor. He tried to get past his panic and focus on the situation at hand…..keeping Liz safe and getting them out of here. “Who are you?”

Zan winced as he straightened his chest stinging like a son of a bitch. “I’s Zan. You’s duplicate. I wasn’t doing anything to her. She just freaked,” Zan said rubbing his chest.

“She doesn’t know you…I don’t know you. What did you expect?” Max asked glaring at the guy. “What’s a duplicate?”

“I didn’t expect her to zap me,” Zan grumbled wondering how a human could even do that to begin with. “Two sets were sent to Earth. Yours and mine. What’s with her? She’s like a homing beacon.”

“What? What are you talking about?” Max asked feeling Liz wrap her arm around his waist.

“I’m talking about her! I felt her from the road. She used powers on me and something’s….different with her. What did you do to her?” Zan asked eyeing their body language. “She ain’t sleeping wit you so what’s the deal?”

“She doesn’t have powers. She’s human,” Max denied.

“My chest disagrees wit that!” Zan said frustrated. His scowl deepened as Liz stayed hidden behind Max.

“Max?” Liz whispered softly. “I think…something did happen. He scared me and…I went to push him away and…I felt something.”

“See?” Zan smirked crossing his arms over his chest.

“What about the rest of what you said? How can you feel her? What do you feel and why did you say..?” Max trailed off.

“That she ain’t doing you? Well she ain’t. She wouldn’t be broadcasting like she is if she was bound to anyone,” Zan tilted his head letting his senses creep over the couple. “She’s spiking like crazy. I told you. She feels like homing beacon tugging at my…energy,” Zan finished with a sly grin.

Max glared at him as he felt Liz burrow closer to him. He soothed her by stroking the skin of her arm softly. “Why are you here?”

“I’s here to get Ava. You’re Ava’s got something going on. My other peeps tried to shove me in front of a truck to get rid of me and then high tailed it here with Ava. She ain’t wanting to stay so I’s here to get her,” Zan explained shortly. He watched his dupe run his fingers along the girl’s arm without thought. When the girl moved like she was going to step up next to him he stopped her by holding her hand flat to his stomach.

Max took that in silently then froze as he heard a noise in the hallway.

Chapter Eight

“Alex slow down!” Isabel hissed as Alex strode ahead of her. She was afraid he was going to walk right into trouble.

“If you would just give me your phone I could call Liz but Nooooo,” Alex said fed up with her trying to control him. “Everything’s gotta be your way. That’s very annoying.”

“I told you it may get them in trouble to call!” Isabel hissed in return.

“Liz isn’t you. She’s smart enough to set her phone to vibrate after the first call,” Alex returned feeling what Maria would call pissy.

Isabel bit back her automatic sharp response determined to smooth things out with Alex. He had never been like this with her and she didn’t like it. “Okay, here call her,” Isabel said and handed off her phone.


“Relax it’s just Ava,” Zan said striding toward the door and throwing it open.

Max turned to Liz fear in his eyes, as he looked her over. “Are you sure you’re okay? He didn’t….hurt you?”

“I’m fine really. He just scared me. He looked like you but I could tell he wasn’t and….I just got scared,” Liz explained softly. “Duplicates…that’s interesting. It makes sense in a way. It would be wise to try and ensure the survival of the line.”

Max felt his fear lessen as Liz’s mind started turning things over. She was okay. He smiled relieved and hugged her close. “We’ll talk to him and see what’s going on. Stay next to me okay? Till we figure this out and get out of here.”

Liz nodded her fingers stroking his sides as he hugged her. She felt stronger…safer with him close.


When Ava got close Zan grinned at her. “Hey Baby Girl. Waiting for me?”

“Zan…did ya stop and sightsee or what?” Ava grumbled then smiled.

“Na…I had to heal some stuff. Took me awhile. So…like thanks for…saving my nasty ass,” Zan said softly. “You okay? Getting headaches?”

“I’m okay. They ain’t bad,” Ava said softly. She glanced over at the other two.

“I’s fixing it,” Zan said and stepped closer putting his hand behind her head and easing her pain. “S’okay.”

Ava smiled at him relieved that he had come for her. She hadn’t been sure he would. “So…what’s wit them?” Ava asked quietly.

“Something…not sure. She’s…sending…I can feel it,” Zan answered slinging his arm around Ava. It felt good to see her and know she was the person who he could trust to have his back.

“I seen her glow,” Ava informed him softly as they walked toward the other two.

“You sure? She’s human,” Zan said his brow furrowing.

“I know what I seen,” Ava replied. “Tess..she ain’t listening. He’s got problems.”

“Don’t we’s all?” Zan asked thinking about Rath and Lonnie. They stopped in front of the other two and the couples studied each other for a moment before Liz felt her phone vibrate.

Pulling away from Max enough to answer the phone she kept her eyes on the two newcomers. “Hello?”

“Liz? Isabel and I are on the way to meet up with you. What floor are you on?” Alex asked softly.

“We’re on the second floor but…we sort of met up with two people. Alex, just get out now okay? Don’t worry about us we’ll be fine. Don’t wait go find Michael and the others. We’ll meet you outside,” Liz said trying to eliminate confusion and possible injuries.

“What people?” Alex asked his hands going clammy.

“Umm that’s sort of hard to explain. They’re duplicates of Max and Tess….their names are Zan and Ava….Umm there are dupes of Isabel and Michael too so watch out for them. Max will take care of me so just go and we’ll meet up in a few minutes okay?” Liz asked smiling slightly as Max stroked her hair in reassurance.

“Okay. We’re right by an exit, I think, so we’ll see you in a couple of minutes,” Alex said nervous about this whole situation but seeing the wisdom in meeting up with Michael. He had the most firepower after all.

“Be careful Alex and don’t let Tess find you,” Liz said softly then after Alex’s assurances she hung up.

“The way I see this we all want out of here right? So let’s leave and then we can talk,” Max said eyeing Zan. It was so strange to see someone that looked like him so cozy with….a Tess.

“Sounds stellar,” Zan said and looked at Ava. “We better motor before Rath finds his way to…the girl.”

“Liz. Her name is Liz,” Max corrected him.

“Whateva. Let’s go. I don’t feel like having a family reunion,” Zan said impatient.


Michael strode back and forth assessing the building and whether or not he should wait or try to go in with Maria and Kyle tagging along. His eyes narrowed as he caught a flash of movement in one of the lower windows. “Stay here,” Michael ordered and made his way to the building.

Kyle held Maria back as she took a step to follow him and watched Michael stride forward. Stealth wasn’t his objective apparently Kyle mused. Kyle remained tense and ready to spring into action as Michael reached the building. Seeing Michael catching Alex as he fell out the window had him suppressing a grin. Isabel climbed out directly after and the group made their way over.

“What do you mean dupes?” Michael demanded as they reached Kyle and Maria.

“I don’t know. We didn’t exactly have a long conversation Michael. Liz just said to watch out for a duplicate of you and one of me,” Isabel replied shortly. “Right Alex?”

“Right. I don’t think they had a lot of answers yet. They’re on their way out now,” Alex said eyes on the building.


Max kept Liz close not trusting Zan. He didn’t like the way he kept looking at Liz.

“Someone’s coming,” Zan whispered halting on the stairs. A questioning glance at Ava had her nodding.

“Probably Rath,” Ava whispered back.

Zan weighed their options quickly. They could try to evade him but the girl would keep drawing him back to them. It would be best to just take him out. Even though it would be loud and impossible to hide it had more benefits. It would break any chance at a second Four Square and it would be one less person after the girl. Sides…Rath had pissed him off. He turned to Max. “You got a shield right?”

“Yeah,” Max nodded catching his line of thought.

“Kay. I’ll take him just stay here. Ava can you warp if he’s not alone?” Zan asked.

“No prob,” Ava said and followed him down the stairs. She stationed herself in the far corner of the stairwell back in the shadows ready to see who came through the door.

Zan molded himself to the wall behind the door ready to strike.

Max kept Liz hidden behind him ready to throw up his shield.

Liz peeked around him watching as the door opened and ‘Michael’ strolled through.

“I know you’s here cherry. Come on out,” Rath called as he walked through the door confident that he had them cornered. He grinned as he spotted Max on the stairs and Liz huddled behind him. “S’up Max?” Rath asked smirking as the door drifted closed revealing Zan.

Zan struck without warning punching Rath in the head and knocking him to the ground where he kicked him several times hard in ribs. “Next time fucker don’t run. Check your victim for a pulse,” Zan said coldly and raised his hand.

“Yo dog! Hold up,” Rath said hands raised in submission. “Wadn’t me. Lonnie’s the one.”

“Not interested,” Zan replied and blasted him in the chest. Looking up and seeing the large round eyes of the girl watching him he felt a twinge of conscience but shrugged it off. “Better get her out of here. When he goes it’ll release his energy…might start a fire.”

Max pulled Liz down the stairs and through the door with Ava following them quickly. They felt the rush of air hit them as Zan finished Rath off from the doorway. Liz looked back to see a pillar of flames licking up the sides of the stairwell. They all hit the dirt outside and started running away from the building as they heard the stairwell door explode outward flames rapidly consuming everything in it’s path.



After a brief argument Max managed to convince everyone they needed to get the hell out of there and everyone went to their cars. Maria and Alex took the Jetta. Michael rode with Kyle, Zan, and Ava in the Mustang. Max settled into the back of the Jeep with Liz while Isabel drove to meet the others at Michael’s apartment.

“What do you think Zan meant about me?” Liz asked chewing on her lower lip.

Max sighed and stroked her hair softly. “I don’t really know. I don’t know anything,” Max admitted frustrated and upset that he didn’t have the answers to keeping Liz safe. None of this made sense to him at all.

“This is totally wrong,” Liz said softly thinking out loud. “He never said anything about any of this.”

“Who?” Max asked looking down at Liz who was curled into his side her head resting on his chest.

“That thing I had to tell you about…..see when you came to my balcony and sang to me? Well…this is just going to sound crazy, I know, but just hear me out. See…umm a version of you came back from 14 years in the future and told me he needed my help to prevent your enemies from winning,” Liz tried to explain in a reasonable way.

“Why would he need your help?” Isabel asked from the front seat confused. “How did you even know it was really Max?”

“I know Max. I feel him and he told me things that…I believed,” Liz answered shrugging slightly. “He said that he needed me to push Max toward Tess…to make him fall out of love with me so it wouldn’t split up your Four Square. He said in the future you would need the power of a full Four Square to defeat your enemies. He never said anything about me having some bizarre powers or that there was another set or any of this.”

“Wait a second!” Max burst out. “Why would I say that? Why would I want you to do that?”

“Not you….a different version of you. This isn’t your fault Max, don’t start thinking that it was. He lived a different life and had reasons for thinking as he did but…..I started to wonder about things. That’s why I agreed to tell you finally. I think there were flaws in his logic. Clearly he had no idea what Tess was really like,” Liz said pausing to think. “He said that we got back together and that drove Tess out of town. Isabel and Michael died in the conflict and Earth was about to fall. He said something about cementing….I don’t know. He wouldn’t say a lot so….He asked me to help and at the time I thought he must know what he was talking about. He said that I couldn’t tell you and that he couldn’t go to you himself because of the rules of physics and it made sense. How could two Max’s from different points in time occupy the same space? It seemed to be….possible. Now…well…now I see that there were a lot of things he didn’t know.”

Max sat there thinking about what she had said fingers playing with her hair absently. “But I didn’t. Fall out of love with you I mean. So…what happened to him?”

Liz looked up into his eyes. “After you saw me with Kyle…We talked a little and then he like disappeared. One minute he was there and we were….well the next minute he was gone. I thought it had worked. I think it did work enough to change things…just maybe not the things I thought.”

Isabel parked the car and sat silent for a second. “Maybe he didn’t know about the other set. Tess is the one that brought them here and if she left in the other timeline she might not have had this plan…whatever it is. Things would have been different right?”

“Right but that doesn’t explain this powers thing,” Liz replied.

“We better go in. Maybe we can get some answers,” Max said not sure how to feel about this. What was he supposed to think?


“So Liz…blasted you?” Michael asked turning in his seat to be able to look at the couple in the backseat.

“Nah…I wouldn’t say blasted. It was more like a….strong static shock or something,” Zan said after thinking about it. “How is it you hooked up with humans?”

“Max. He mooned over Liz like every day for years and when she got shot he healed her,” Michael said briefly then glanced at Kyle. “Since it was in her parents café his dad the Sheriff got involved and then Kyle got shot and Max healed him too. Maria and Alex were Liz’s best friends and found out eventually. It just snowballed.”

Zan glanced at Ava then focused back on Michael. “So where was your Ava…Tess during all this?”

“We didn’t come out of the pods together. She was raised by our protector and didn’t come to town until last year. Max, Isabel, and I all came out at the same time and grew up sort of together,” Michael said watching them carefully. He didn’t like that glance Zan had shared with Ava.

“Okay first…those ‘protectors’ are shit. Don’t listen to a word he said to you. They serve but they’ll manipulate the hell out of you if you let them. They’s encoded to obey they don’t havta like it got me?” Zan asked quietly.

“Yeah. I can see that. There’s some questions about him anyway that we need to talk about,” Michael remarked.

“How did you meet up with your protector and Tess?” Zan asked curious.

“Isabel and I set off a signal from a map we found and then Max and Liz found an orb. That’s right about when they showed up. We sorta got a vibe from Tess and started investigating her,” Michael said and saw a flicker in both of their eyes. “What?”

“Max and Liz found an orb?” Ava asked looking to Zan.

“Yeah….Why?” Michael asked.

“I don’t understand this,” Zan said scratching his head. “See that’s supposed to happen when you’s ready to mature. Like…continue that line and learn the purpose behind things. It sets off a signal that tells Antar you’re…on a path I guess. That you’re alive and reaching the markers set out for you. We ain’t gotta worry about that cause we’s like the backups. I ain’t got the seal. Liz…she ain’t part of the plan…something went off the rails somewhere.”

“She’s the one who saw the…visions that lead them to where the orbs were buried. Is there a reason our protector would….come on to her? Rath did it…our protector actually kidnapped her…what’s the deal?” Michael asked.

“Let me ask ya something…you eva get a….vibe from Liz? Like a…pull?” Zan asked and watched Michael’s eyes skitter away from his.

“No,” Michael denied hastily.

Zan smirked and raised his eyebrow. “No?”

Michael shifted in his seat and heaved an annoyed sigh. “It wasn’t like that. I just needed to check her out…make sure she wasn’t a wrong choice.”

“So how’d you do that?” Zan asked amused by Michael’s discomfort.

“I read her journal,” Michael admitted. “I never hit on her or flirted or considered doing either.”

“I didn’t say you did,” Zan pointed out and heard Kyle smother laughter. “What if Max hadn’t been interested in her?”

Michael could feel his knee-jerk defensiveness kick in. “Well he was. I can’t imagine it being different. He made me sit in that café for hours EVERY goddamn day so he could stare at her. Of course I looked but it wasn’t like that!”

Kyle muffled another round of laughter as he made the turn into Michael’s apartment complex.

“That’s da point,” Ava said seeing Michael’s eyes flash with anger. “You’s his second. You neva hit on her cause you’s loyal to Max. It wudden’t a thought cause you’s loyal to him. That’s what Zan’s trying ta say.”

Zan smiled and ruffled her hair. “You’s ruining my fun,” Zan said then turned to Michael. “She’s right. You’s felt it same as the rest you just took it a different direction. You’s his second and looked out for him. You not afta the power or what’s his see?”

“Well okay,” Michael said pacified. “Just don’t say any of that in front of Maria. She’s hostile enough.”

Kyle coughed then bit his cheek to muffle his amusement.

Chapter Nine

Liz tried to ignore her unease as they walked up the sidewalk to Michael’s apartment but it was difficult. She was afraid that she was going to learn something that she didn’t want to know. She had no idea where that feeling came from but it was there never the less. She was scared, nervous, and uneasy. She realized she felt almost hunted….like she had to be on guard against….what exactly? She tried to tell herself that everything was fine and they would figure out what was going on and things would settle down but the events of the evening wouldn’t let her believe it. The way Zan looked at her made her jumpy and Rath had shaken her badly.

Liz grabbed Max’s arm before he could enter the apartment and drew him aside. “Max? Are you upset with me for what I did?”

Max looked into her worried face and realized he hadn’t really responded to her revelation. “No,” Max denied then paused. “I don’t really know how to feel about it. I don’t think I have words for how I feel. I see why you did what you did. I can’t say that I’m not hurt but I can understand. There’s not much about our life that’s normal so sometimes it’s hard to know what to do or how to feel. I know I love you and I know I trust you…that’s all I need to know to believe that we’ll be okay. The rest we’ll work out along the way right?”

Liz studied his eyes and found no anger or resentment. “Right. I just feel like I can never really tell you how sorry I am for hurting you like I did. I hurt you for loving me,” Liz said softly and looked away.

Max tipped her chin up and framed her face with his hands. “You don’t have to tell me. Liz….I know why I would go to you. Things happen and we do the best we can. I know you did the best you could. I know that. It wasn’t just me that got hurt over the last several weeks. I know that too and I’m sorry you had to go through that alone. You know the strange thing? I’m just so happy that you trusted me. I’m glad I know. I think the worst part about this whole thing was not understanding.”

Liz blinked back tears and gave him a watery smile. “I’m glad you know too. I don’t feel so alone anymore. I’m just sorry it didn’t fix whatever was wrong. Something must still be really wrong and I’m scared we won’t be able to figure out what so we can make it right.”

“All we can do is try. I think we have a better shot now then we did. We make a great team,” Max said and smiled. Truthfully he was more worried about keeping her safe at the moment. She was his future so to make it right he needed to protect her.

Liz sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear. “This is just soo…beyond anything I expected. There are so many questions,” Liz paused and walked closer tilting her head to look up at him. Being close to him had her shifting her focus. “Do you feel that thing Zan was talking about? The homing beacon thing?”

“I can’t really say what he feels. I know I’ve always been drawn to you. I’ve just always felt it. It’s gotten stronger since last year but I never really thought about it being strange. It feels right…normal to me,” Max said carefully.

“Why do I feel so different then? Why do I feel…sooo?” Liz trailed off uncertainly. She could feel the heat of his body and suddenly the rest of world just…..slipped to second.

Max felt his heart rate increase and he couldn’t have looked away from her if he tried to. “How do you feel?”

“I don’t know. I don’t understand what’s happening to me,” Liz said starting to fidget as her awareness of him increased. How was it possible to feel like this when there was so much going on that should be more important? They had just started trying to work this out and….it didn’t seem to matter.

“Do you think all this is from when I healed you?” Max asked worried. Could he have done something to hurt her? Maybe it wasn’t safe to….be with him.

“I don’t think so. I don’t feel….bad just…different. Different isn’t necessarily bad. I asked Kyle if he felt different and he said no. Thinking about it I don’t think it was really the healing thing that did it….not completely. It’s hard to say because so much changed right about the same time you know? I was shot, healed, found out about aliens, saw your soul, my Grandma died….it was just happening so fast for awhile there. I felt something change with the healing and then actually SEEING you but…,” Liz paused to tame a loose strand of her hair. “I think I really felt it before we found the orb. Does that make sense?"

“Yes. I felt it too. I remember how that felt,” Max said thinking back to that time.

Liz eased closer, her body brushing against his lightly, watching his eyes through her lashes. “Do you?”

Seeing her slant him a look from under her lashes he felt that instinctive wrenching tug inside him. “I really do,” Max affirmed and captured her mouth with his.


Inside the apartment Zan sat up swiftly like he had pulled up by strings. Ava glanced over at him and saw him break out in a sweat. “You’s okay?”

“Uh huh,” Zan said nodding quickly and looking over at Michael. Michael was staring at the floor with intense concentration and tapping a nervous rhythm on the counter. Wiping a hand over his face Zan looked around the room not really paying attention to what Isabel was saying. Fuck it was hot in here.


Liz dug her nails into his shoulder to keep some sense of what was solid. She deepened their kiss smoothly feeling her blood surge and heat.

Max tangled his fingers in her hair holding her to him as his teeth tugged at her lower lip. She moaned softly in pleasure when he sucked on it, tugging gently. He felt reason desert him completely when her hands slid down his chest and up under his shirt.

Liz broke their kiss panting for breath pleased with the flush and dazed look on his face. She slid her lips over his chin then nipped him lightly soothing the spot with her tongue.

Max groaned and pulled her closer, tight up against him. “Liz…what are you doing?”

“Kissing you. If you don’t like it I can stop,” Liz replied smiling against his neck.

Max closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall his hands coming to rest on her hips. “You’re killing me here. You know that right?”

“Me? I’m not doing anything,” Liz answered trailing kisses down his neck.

Max took her hand guiding it up and pressing it directly over his pounding heart. “That feels like something to me,” He said softly before kissing her.


Ava smirked when she heard Zan growl under his breath. Frustrated much? He was twitchy and flushed and kept glancing at the door. Leaning close she spoke softly in his ear. “Gotta a problem I can help you out wit?”

“Not here you can’t,” Zan said scowling. “You’s getting way too much fun outa this.”

“Yeah,” Ava agreed smirking. “I’s don’t see it as much different from how you’s are normally anyways. Slaves ta you’s….brains.”

Zan glared at her feeling a little testy. This sucked. Why was he here? Putting up with…..this? These weren’t HIS peeps. His peeps threw him in front of trucks and couldn’t be trusted.

Seeing his pout she smiled outright and leaned over and brushed a kiss across his ear. “They’ll be in soon. Don’t you want ta….see how different it could be?”

Zan studied her questioning eyes and could see she did. Heaving a sigh he nodded. “Yup. Relax..we’ll wait and see,” Zan said softly sliding his arm around her shoulders. His brow furrowed as Ava settled against his chest.


Liz flushed under the eyes of the whole room as Max led her inside and sat, pulling her onto his lap.

“So,” Maria said eyebrow arched almost to her hairline.

Alex grinned and took pity when he saw Liz squirm. “So what’s the deal with Tess?”

“That wasn’t MY first question but I can go with it. For now,” Maria said eyeing Liz with a smirk.

“Did ya eva wonder why you’s protector took her and didn’t find the rest of you’s?” Zan asked picking up the ball. At Michael’s blank look Zan continued. “He knew where he put you and it’s not exactly….crowded out here. He coulda found you’s whenva he chose to. He’s you’s protector.”

“Then why didn’t he?” Michael asked interested in Zan’s take on it.

“Cause he had his own plan I would think. He waited till he was ready,” Zan said glancing at Ava.

“From what I saw….Tess..she wants to go back..home. They must have some sort of deal. She wanted us to cause some trouble ya know…pry you guys apart. Rath was supposed to go for Liz howeva he could. Lonnie was to concentrate on Max and filling his head wit crap bout Isabel. I’s just…along for the ride I guess. They watched me all da time and didn’t say much but…Tess has a temper,” Ava said looking over at Max. “She’s pissed you ain’t listening ta her. She don’t get why you don’t fall in line wit the way it’s supposed ta be.”

Max tensed and clutched Liz tighter. “I don’t believe that it’s supposed to be any way that doesn’t feel right. I don’t belong with her. I’ve told her and told her. She just can’t get it. Nesado…our protector was the same way. I’m not ever going to be with her. If our planet depends on that then it’s already over cause it’s not happening,” Max said firmly his jaw tense as he struggled not to grind his teeth in frustration. He was sick and tired of being told things he knew weren’t true.

“Can I ask ya something?” Zan asked quietly.

“Go ahead,” Max replied trying to relax as Liz ran her fingers through the hair curling over his collar.

“I’s not trying ta…..piss ya off. I’s just trying to figure out what’s what. Ya never felt a pull ta Tess? Like ya do ta Liz?” Zan asked studying his dupe.

“No, not like the one I feel for Liz,” Max answered thoughtfully trying to sort out a way to explain what he had felt. “Liz feels right. Like she fits I guess. I’ve never questioned that feeling and it’s always been that way since I first saw her when I was six. When Tess came I felt like I should know who she was but….it wasn’t until the dreams started that I felt a real pull and it felt…wrong. It upset me and made me feel conflicted like….all of me didn’t want her. Like maybe she was pulling out certain traits and sort of….twisting them. I know she used her powers on me. She did the same to Isabel. She wasn’t honest or up front. I didn’t trust her and I didn’t really like her.”

Zan thought about that carefully. Something was off here. “Okay. A couple things coulda happened here that I can think of ta sever you’s ties ta Tess. Her pod coulda been damaged or they coulda mixed her wrong. Maybe the protector moneyed wit her. But…her,” Zan said focusing on Liz. “Her I don’t get. She feels….different from a full human but not like a hybrid or shifter. I’ve neva felt a human send vibes like this.”

“Do hybrids?” Michael asked when Max stayed silent.

“Not like she is,” Zan answered slowly. “She’s…umm it feels like she’s..,” Unclaimed, unfinished, innocent, sensual…humming with life and sex. She felt like the earth a solid steadying element…comforting and necessary. Fuck… “..transmitting stuff.”

“What sort of stuff?” Maria asked concerned.

Zan scratched his ear feeling uncomfortable. “Different stuff. Look we’s off track here,” Zan said feeling jumpy and cornered.

Michael jumped in to help redirect things. “So do you know what this plan could be? Besides going home?”

“I think Tess and you’s protector made a deal with Kivar,” Ava answered feeling Zan’s tension. “For the Granilith most likely but….she needs you, Max, for something. Maybe the seal or I don’t know….but she thinks Liz is in the way.”

“So he’s alive?” Max asked jumping on that bit of information.

“Yeah….Why wouldn’t he be?” Ava asked confused. She saw Michael and Max share a glance and her confusion deepened.

“We thought he was dead,” Isabel explained.

“I seen him when we first got here but only that once. Zan? Why would he make them think he was dead?” Ava asked then looked to Max. “What happened right before then?”

“Last year after we figured out who was who Nesado or Ed Harding…whatever you want to call him….He decided to draw out the FBI. They were all over town because of the shooting where I healed Liz trying to get solid evidence on us. Nesado took my form and got Liz to leave with him. He drew the FBI to a carnival outside of town to kill the head of the Special Unit…an Agent Pierce…but I followed Liz there and they captured me. Nesado got Liz out and they later broke me out,” Max said trying to give them a more complete picture.

“Wait. Why did he bring her?” Zan asked nodding to Liz.

“He said that I was insurance. If he had trouble getting away he could give them me,” Liz said softly.

“That don’t make sense. Out in the open he’s like next to impossible to catch. He can shift shape and blend into a wall or any person he chooses. Sides…why’d he take you out then if he was going to turn you over?” Zan asked.

“I told him to,” Max said softly. “I found them in the Fun House….in the maze of mirrors but I couldn’t reach her. The FBI was in the maze and Nesado reached her first. He told me to get out of there but I couldn’t leave Liz so I told him to take her out of there.”

“You gave him order. That makes sense but what doesn’t is why she was there at all. He didn’t need her….not unless he intended to have you follow her or…he had other plans for her,” Zan mused thoughtfully studying Liz.

Liz squirmed uneasy under his perusal. She glanced up at Max when he pulled her closer to his chest and smiled relaxing as his fingers stroked her back.

“Was she….sending this strong then?” Zan asked looking to Michael for the answer.

Michael looked uncomfortable then nodded very slightly. “Yeah, she was.”

Max’s eyes narrowed slightly looking between Michael and Zan.

“Wait just one second!” Maria broke in. “Michael?”

“What?” Michael asked trying to dissuade her questions with his gruff uncommunicative answer.

“You know what!” Maria said glaring at him.

“Look it’s nothing okay? Relax!” Michael said defensively a fierce scowl on his face. Just fucking great. Like he didn’t get enough shit before this.

“Maria! Just let it go okay?” Liz asked breaking in before this could escalate. “You can’t possibly be thinking that he’s done anything wrong. That’s crazy.”

Maria shot Michael a look but didn’t say any more. She would just take this up with him later.


Tess strode into the small cabin outside of town slamming the door behind her. “Well that could have gone better,” Tess said to the two people in the room. “Rath’s dead. Ava’s god knows where. The soap factory burned down to the ground. Max rushed to Liz’s defense and now I think they’re back together.”

Nesado looked at Tess with cold dead eyes as she ranted. “How did you allow that to happen?”

Tess turned to glare at him resentfully. “I didn’t ALLOW anything. That idiot Rath couldn’t keep his hands to himself. I swear men are the stupidest. Flutter your eyes show a little skin and every last brain cell shuts down. GOD!”

“How did Rath die?” Lonnie asked casually.

“I think Max killed him. The lights went out, which by the way I think Ava had a little something to do with, and Max and Liz took off. Rath and I split up to search the building and next thing I know Rath’s dead and the buildings in flames. Now why would Ava do that?” Tess asked Lonnie.

“Dunno. I wasn’t there was I?” Lonnie asked with a smirk.

“Did Ava say anything we should know about?” Nesado asked no emotion evident in his voice.

“Not really,” Tess said then rethought that answer. “She did say Liz glowed. Is that important?”

“Did you see it?” Nesado asked softly.

“No, I didn’t. Why? What does that mean?” Tess asked.

“It means you have no claim to him. It means that we’re going about things wrong,” Nesado replied.

“What are you talking about? I’m the Queen. He’s my husband,” Tess said her voice rising.

“No. This is a new life I’ve told you that. He’s the one with the seal. Until you are carrying his child or bound to him you have no status. That’s why we’re doing things this way. The question is why doesn’t he feel drawn to you. You were both created to match each other chemically to be compatible or attractive to each other. That light is visible proof of compatibility. I need to think on this,” Nesado said his thoughts whirling.

Chapter Ten

While Alex and Kyle were leaving Michael slipped down the hall to his bedroom needing to get away for a minute. Lying on his bed with the light off he shut out the remaining light by throwing his arm over his eyes. He was fucked fucked fucked.

Max and Liz were staying the night. Here. In his apartment.

Michael’s fingers dug into his scalp in agitation and a scowl crossed his face as he thought about Zan’s smirk when Maxwell suggested it. Fucker. He didn’t see what was so goddamn funny. Zan and Ava were spending the night too so he was just as fucked. Fucking bastard. If Zan thought earlier had been a problem then he didn’t have a clue. Michael had learned his lesson long ago. Don’t be anywhere close to them when they were together. He had discovered that during the orb incident. He had had to go halfway across town and wait, missing his hockey game to do it too. He would have stayed away all night if Maria hadn’t seen him lying on the car and told him she had dropped Liz off at home.

What the fuck was he going to do this time? Move?

“Hey man,” Zan said from the doorway. “You gonna be okay?”

“Like you fucking care,” Michael grumbled his scowl deepening when Zan chuckled.

“Thanks for letting us sack out here,” Zan said not at all put off.

“We’ll see if you’re still thanking me in the morning,” Michael said and removed his arm so he could see Zan in the dim light.

Zan smirked and moved to lean against the dresser. “I got a couple a questions for ya.”

“Gee that’s a surprise. I’ve got a ton for you too,” Michael said feeling sorely put out and grumpy.

“Max says he always felt a pull to Liz. What about you?” Zan asked quietly ignoring Michael’s pissy mood.

“I wasn’t here when Max met her. I was in foster care and didn’t meet back up with Max and Isabel for awhile. Umm no, I didn’t feel this then. I mean, I knew Max was bonkers for her but I coulda cared less at the time. I noticed her sure…I mean Max was making puppy eyes at her so I sort of caught on but….it wasn’t like this,” Michael answered slowly. He HAD noticed Liz but it was….a fleeting thing not strong or constant. Not like it was for Max.

“Kay. So when did that change?” Zan asked tilting his head.

“After Max healed her. Not immediately after but soon after. It could have been a lot of things. Max was hanging around her more and it just slowly intensified,” Michael explained watching Zan’s face closely. “Before Max healed her they didn’t talk all that much and they certainly didn’t date.”

Zan found it interesting Michael made a distinction between before they dated and after. “She dated people before Max though right? Did you feel anything then?”

“Yeah, she dated Kyle. Ummm not really, every once in a while not like….it’s stronger when Max and Liz are together. I don’t mean dating…more like physically in the same area. It’s like tuning a radio it fades in and out and when they’re in the same place or something that’s when you hit a station. Make sense?” Michael asked scratching his eyebrow in agitation.

“Yup. I think so,” Zan said thoughtfully.

“Good. Tonight the volume’s likely to be turned up with them both staying here and being….back together and all,” Michael said pushing himself to his feet ready to join the group again.

Walking back into the living room he saw Maria had taken off without saying goodbye which meant he was screwed there. Michael sank onto the barstool and scowled at the room in general his mood taking another dive. Isabel had gone home to cover for Max so that just left Max, Liz, Ava, and Zan.


Zan took his seat next to Ava and waited sensing Max wasn’t done with his questions. He was surprised when it was Liz who spoke.

“Do you know why Max would be causing glowing trails on my skin?” Liz asked softly looking between Ava and Zan.

“I got some ideas,” Zan admitted. “Did you’s protector say anything bout that?”

“No. We never asked him and I don’t think he knew about it,” Max answered.

“Kay, well ours said something about compatibility and chemical make up but I’s thinking they’s a little off there,” Zan said looking to Ava who nodded. “See they’s talking about sex and continuing the line but they don’t understand the human side much. Shifters ain’t very emotional you know?”

“Yeah, we sorta got that,” Max said dryly.

“Anyways…we all programmed to be with a hybrid right? So in theory we should glow wit our created mate right?” Zan asked looking at Max who nodded slowly. “Well Lonnie and Rath they screw all the time and neither eva glowed that I know about. Ava can make the trails on me but I neva done it on her.”

Ava saw Max’s confused look and took over. “We’s thinken emotion plays a part there. You’s can screw whoeva that don’t mean you’s creating a bond see? You may be attracted to ‘em an all but you’s not feeling…..deep things right?”

“Oh,” Max said and looked down at Liz who looked slightly sad.

“So what we’s saying is maybe they’s certain things that gotta be there to cause a glow and emotions and what eva else are a part of it,” Zan said linking his fingers with Ava’s.

“Makes sense I guess,” Liz said softly. She felt bad for Ava but was also worried that she had never made Max glow. What if he thought she didn’t love him enough and that’s why she couldn’t do it? She wanted him to feel loved and special like she did when he did that to her.

“Does that apply to…other types of….glowing?” Max asked curious.

“Not all types. When we’s use a lot of power it can do that too,” Zan said watching Max’s face wondering if that’s what he meant then a glance at Liz showed her cheeks turning pink. “Why?”

“Umm it’s not important,” Liz said pinching Max to keep him quiet.

“Yeah. I was just…wondering,” Max said in agreement his ears turning red.

“He means he gave Liz a glowing hickey,” Michael answered with an eye roll enjoying their embarrassment. Served them both right.

“Seriously? It like stayed glowing?” Zan asked looking back and forth between them.

“Yeah. It glowed for…awhile. Umm Max had to…touch it or…heal it?” Liz said glancing up at Max in question.

“I just…healed it sort of,” Max answered then scratched one burning ear. “It….pulled some of my power.”

“What ya talking about pulled some power?” Ava asked leaning forward interested.

“I went to heal the bruise and when I touched her it like….pulled the energy instead of me sending it,” Max answered getting the idea that they hadn’t ever had that happen to them.

“That’s when we were getting the glimpses of the orbs location. I got a flash from him when he did that,” Liz explained further. “Things were a little…..out of control then.”

Zan’s eyes narrowed in thought. “Out of control how?”

“Ummm we….ummm had trouble not touching each other,” Liz said squirming her cheeks heating further.

“Michael? What about you?” Zan asked turning to Michael. “Did she feel different to you then?”

Michael scowled not wanting to answer that. “Yeah. She felt….different.”

“Different how?” Zan demanded.

“I don’t know! Different. Stronger I guess,” Michael said shortly.

“So what happened? After you found the orb?” Zan said turning back to Max and Liz.

“It sort of cooled off. Nesado came and Tess and then I left for the summer,” Liz said shrugging lightly and glanced up at Max.

“So Nesado took you after that….soon after?” Zan asked.

“Yeah. Fairly soon…..Ummm I just thought about something. I umm went over to their house once before he took me. He was acting all….weird. He forced me to stay for dinner,” Liz said looking up at Max.

“Yeah, I remember. Tess was freaking me out…using her powers on me so we started looking into her. Liz went over there and planted a camera so we could spy on Tess,” Max said remembering how scared he had been.

“Yeah, so when I got there he like wouldn’t let me leave. He was creeping me out so I called Max and pretended like I was talking to my mom. Max came and got me,” Liz finished.

Zan’s mind started racing trying to figure out what was going on. “What was he saying? Did he ask you questions or did Tess do the talking?”

“No, Tess was pretty quiet. Nesado did most of the talking. He did the usual dad thing….well except that he creeped me out but that was him not what he was saying,” Liz answered.

“What did he say?” Zan asked again.

“Ummm stuff like…you’re a pretty girl you must have a boyfriend….I thought he was trying to get info on Max. I found all these pictures of him in a box,” Liz said not remembering exactly what Nesado had said.

“He didn’t need any info on him. I’s sure he already knew everything,” Zan said more sure then ever that Nesado had been asking about Liz not Max. He wondered what would have happened if Max hadn’t come for her.

Zan laid out the pieces in his head. A forced dinner, a kidnapping, two separate kisses, his faked death, the orb, questions and more questions.

“What are you thinking?” Max asked softly.

“I’s thinking that we’d better figure this out. He’s focused on her for a reason. He homed in on her for something and I’m guessing he felt at least part of what I’m feeling. So how does this fit?” Zan asked. “Did anything else happen? Anything small that seemed odd before?”

Liz chewed on her lip thinking. “Max? What about River Dog? When we went to the cave?”

“What about him?” Max asked.

“He knew I wasn’t a hybrid. I thought it was because I didn’t create a light like Max did but…maybe not,” Liz said softly. “He grabbed my arm as Max and I were leaving and said I wasn’t one of them and to make sure Max deserved my trust. I wondered at the time why he did that because we were holding hands so clearly Max was a friend of mine. He created the light in the first place because I was pulled away from him. Then when Michael got sick….and we had to use the stones,” Liz chewed on her lip. “He said I had to find my own path….he knew I was scared and he…said things like he knew what I was feeling.”

“Who is this dude?” Zan asked.

“He’s the guy Nesado left the stones with,” Max answered.

“Liz, did you hold a stone? Did you help wit da healing?” Zan asked.

“I held a stone but gave it back. He said I was too scared to help and would throw them off or something,” Liz said ashamed.

“Then why did I see you?” Michael asked confused.

“What do you mean?” Max asked linking his fingers with Liz’s and looking over at Michael.

“I saw her in that vision thing. She didn’t come close to me just stayed at the edge of the circle but I saw her,” Michael said firmly.

“Michael, I wasn’t even holding a stone by then. I didn’t chant or drink the water and I wasn’t in the circle,” Liz said her brow wrinkling.

“No, I saw you. After Isabel hugged me Max walked into the circle and looked past my shoulder. I turned and saw you. You stayed at the edge of the circle but you were there. I saw you,” Michael said certain.

“The dude…River Dog, what did he say ta you exactly? What was you’s afraid of?” Zan asked.

“Ummm I was afraid for Max. That something would happen to him and I would loose him. River Dog said……I couldn’t stop the flow or something I can’t remember exactly,” Liz said trying hard to remember. “That my fear was deeper then the healing that I was afraid for someone I cared for a great deal.”

Zan thought about that for a few minutes. He didn’t know enough about using the stones to know what it meant but it seemed odd. “We’s better go see this guy. Ask him a few things.”



Things broke up shortly after as Ava started falling asleep. Michael gave Zan and Ava some blankets and his sleeping bag and they sacked out in the living room. Max and Liz took the couch.

“Liz?” Max whispered feeling how tense she was.

“Hmmm?” Liz said and wiggled around to face him almost falling off the couch.

Max caught her and pulled her close keeping an arm around her to prevent her from falling. “Are you okay? You seem….tense.”

“Just thinking,” Liz whispered back mindful of Zan and Ava a short distance away on the floor.

“About what?” Max asked studying her face his fingers soothing the tension from her back automatically.

“Mmmm, I wish I could make you glow,” Liz said her eyes lowered.

Max sighed lips twitching briefly. “I thought we straightened that out last time.”

Liz’s lower lip pooched out slightly in a pout. “I still want to. I know it’s stupid but…”

Max grinned outright seeing her expression. “Out of all the things that happened tonight that’s what you’re thinking about?”

Liz poked him in the ribs and shot him a look. “Shut up Max.”

Max smiled and kissed her quickly. “I think you’re tired and getting crabby.”

Liz frowned at him, eyes narrowed. “Really? Maybe if you weren’t hogging all the room on this couch I could go to sleep. As it is I’m afraid I’ll fall off.”

“We can’t have that,” Max said and pulled her closer sliding one leg between hers and wrapping an arm around her anchoring her to him. Tucking her head under his chin he settled down. “How’s that?”

“Better,” Liz said softly and eased her arm around his waist closing her eyes.

Max smiled when she went limp against him a few minutes later.