Heavy Is the Head (XO JA, UC, Liz/Michael) Adult Chpt 2 11-1-16
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2016 9:33 pm
Title: Heavy is the Head
Author: Burningchaos
Rating: Adult
Category: XO Roswell/Jupiter Ascending
Pairings: Liz/Michael, Isabel/Kyle
Summary: Finding a way back to Antar was the first mistake. Liz and the others struggle with Khivar, being Entittled Reaccurances and desperately try to save themselves and their planet. Takes place before Jupiter Ascending and after Cannon Roswell.
Note: I've not wrote in years, have no banner, no beta and no idea how to bring about the ending this fic seems to want but here it is. Also I have no idea where Maria is so let us just pretend she is still on Earth singing and happily famous.
Note 2 http://jupiter-ascending.wikia.com/ for what you don't know.
I own nothing.
Max burst through the door, “I found a way off planet.” His words exploded though the silence that had settled over the room before he arrived. No one moved, no one said a word… “I found a member of the Ageis, he can get us a transport to Antar. We’re going home!”
Three Years Later…
Liz stood tall and proud as the servants fluttered around adjusting her gown. It was of the purest white, the silk was so thin and fragile the layers were see through. “My Lady?” Liz turned from the window and look at the girl who spoke.
“The Jet will do.”
“But, My Lady..”
“The Jet, suits my mood.” Liz’s face was grim. Nothing was as it was supposed to be. Nothing.
“My Lord Khivar will not be pleased.”
“Lord Khivar can be spaced for all I care, I will wear what I desire.” She pulled the pins from her hair as she spoke, “And I will wear my hair loose.”
Turning completely away from the window, “I may not have the power to overthrow Lord Khivar but I am recurrence of Mira Antares, the warrior Queen who founded this planet, I will only be dictated to so much as this farce of a wedding calls for.”
The servants fell to their knees as they heard a slow clap and their Lord’s voice, “Brava, Brava, my dear. I almost believed your performance.” He strode toward her with the confidence of a man who knew he had won.
Liz closed her eyes and forced herself not to crumble. “It is not a performance.” She picked up the jet necklace that had been set before her. “I am Queen Mira,” she lifted her chin and looked Khivar in the eye, “this will not last. I will not be complacent, I will not be used. Max...Zan is dead, Kyle is beyond your reach and the others have assimilated to their new lives. They don’t see what I see.”
Khivar smiled, and Liz tried not to shudder, “That, dear Elizabeth, is exactly why you are in a wedding gown and will soon be My Lady.” He reached out to stroke her face but Liz jerked away. He smirked and called out, “Don’t be late.” as he left the room.
~*~
“We need to stop this.” Michael hissed in Isabel’s ear. They danced gaily around the ballroom, smiling and greeting those that called out to them. “We can’t let Liz do this.”
“Keep smiling, and make sure it reaches your eyes. Everyone is watching us.” Isabel murmured as she followed Michael into another turn. “We’ve no choice, she has no choice.”
“Damn it, I hate this.” The music ended and he leaned in to kiss Isabel’s cheek.
“Just like I hate pretending to be in love with you. You are as much my brother as Max was.” Isabel tried not to frown. It had been a year and four months but it still hurt everyday.
“General Rathgar, Lady Vilandra it is so wonderful to see the two of you dance together again. When will we be celebrating your nuptials?” An Entitled they didn’t recognize reached out to grasp Michael’s hand, shaking it vigorously before leaning in to brush his lips across Isabel’s. “I was so pleased to hear Vilandra had persuaded you to our side. You will, once again, be the greatest General Antar has had in the last three hundred years. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for The Abraxas’ forces.” The man rambled on, he noticed his glass was empty and placed it on a passing servant’s tray. “Lady Vilandra, would you grant me the privilege of the next dance.”
“Rath?” Isabel’s mask was firmly in place as she smiled and rested her hand on the unknown Entitled’s wrist.
Michael stomped down any resistance he might of had and nodded, “Of course my love, I am going to go see a man about a horse.” He laughed, it felt bitter and contemptuous.
“Darling, we’ve talked about that.” Isabel turned toward the Entitled, “He loves those quaint Earthisms, much to my dismay.”
“Ah, well we all have our quirks.” The Entitled chuckled as he lead Isabel to the dance floor.
Michael made his way over to bar and watched Isabel work her magic. Whoever that Entitled was she would know everything about him by the end of their dance. If he was someone they could ignore or if they needed to cultivate a friendship with him, and if there was anyway he could be of use to them. He tossed back the liquor the bartender handed him and grimaced. Michael hoped that wherever Kyle was he was safe and doing better than they were.
~*~
“Look, kid, you’re going about this all wrong.” The Skyjacker that had hauled him out of the fight reached into the fridge and tossed him an icepack. Kyle looked around, he was in some sort of barracks. Bleeding from his mouth, nose and a cut over his eye he hesitated for a moment before putting the icepack on his eye.
“Look, it’s nice that you saved my ass and all - and yeah, I suck at this Alien shit. I know I’m Entitled but I know jack all about it. Liz, my sister and Christ I am still not used to that, kicked my ass off the planet to save me and now she a fucking hosteage. This Khivar dude is like my planet’s version of Hitler and….” Kyle looked up as he heard the guy chuckle.
“Alright, I get your lost...and lucky for you I have a weakness for strays and a bunch of downtime.” The Skyjacker walked toward him, held out his hand, “I’m Stinger Apini.”
“Kyle...er Atik Antares brother to Queen Mira Antares and co-ruler of the Planet Antar.” Kyle shook Stinger’s hand as he spoke.
“Good now that’s out of the way we’ll, after we find my second, stitch you up and you can tell us all about it.” Stinger slapped him on the shoulders and pulled him out the door. Kyle had a bad feeling about all this, not that he thought Stinger was Khivar’s man - Khivar hated Splices, it was more of the same feeling he got the night Max healed him. Death or Glory with lots of pain along the way.
~*~
“General Rathgar, Lord Khivar would like to speak to you before the wedding.” A nameless servant slid along side him and whispered. Michael nodded, finished his second drink and headed up stairs.
Liz’s door was open as he passed and he could see her dressed in white and black, fussing with her hair she looked stunning. She always looked stunning. He remembered the day she married Max, her second hand thrift shop dress and flowers in her hair. Everyone had been so happy that day, even though they were on the run and broke. He shook the memories off and continued to Khivar’s private offices. Michael took a deep breath and knocked.
“Enter.”
“My Lord, you summoned me?” Michael walked toward the despot he wished he could kill.
“Look at the rabble out there. Ungrateful bastards, they are protesting the wedding. Look at them. Disgusting.” Khivar stood in front of the window, agitation and revulsion warred on his face. Michael walked to his side and looked. He saw their people were starving, dying and here they were hosting an Entitled hoard just for Khivar’s enjoyment and advancement.
“They don’t understand your plans, of the greatness you will bring Antar, sire.” Micheal forced himself to stay in character.
“No, they don’t...and once you didn’t either.” Khivar turned toward him, grabbed Michael's face with both hands and squeezed. “You, what should I do with you General? You act the part, but do you believe it? If only I could look into that brain of yours and see.” Khivar swore, and dropped his hands back to his side.
“Sire…”
“Hush, I am thinking.” He turned and started to pace. “You saw my lovely and venomous bride did you not?” Khivar looked at him and then continued, “Of course you did. You’ve known her for years yet here you stand by my side letting me marry her. Is it all part of a game?”
Michael watched Khivar carefully desperate not to give anything away. “There is no game. You have the power to change our planet for the better, she may be a reaccurance but she has no power, no armies. Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. I learned that on Earth.” He knew as soon as he said that it was a mistake, Khivar’s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer.
“And is that what you are doing, General? My second in command, General of all my armies - are you keeping me close?”
“Sire..”
“Leave me, I have things to prepare for the meeting with Abrasax Industries tomorrow.” Khivar grabbed a sheaf of papers from his desk as he spoke and Michael knew he played the wrong card at the wrong time.
He bowed, smacking his heels together as he did so. “Certainly, My Lord.” Before he turned and left.
~*~
Stinger shoved open the door to the dingiest dive Kyle had ever had the misfortune to see. “Caine, where the hell are you?” Stinger shouted above the din. “Stinger, on the left.” A voice shouted back just as loudly.
Kyle winced as Stinger pulled him through the crowds. They made it it to a table where a Lycantant and a Nesh were arm wrestling. All around the table money was changing hands. Stiger clapped the Lycantant on the shoulders, “Finish this, we’ve busniess.” Kyle watched a reckless grin spread across Caine’s face as he turned his full focus on the Nesh. “Sorry there lad, you never stood a chance.” As he pushed and slammed the back of the Nesh’s hand on the table. “AHHHARAH!” The Nesh screamed in fury.
Caine stood, “Look, Merrick, I told you this was a bad idea.” He took a fistful of money from the bet holder.
“You owe me Caine.” Merrick moved around the table, his fist moving back to take a swing at Caine. Kyle started to move around to Merrick’s left but before he had a chance Stinger was there grabbing Merrick and tossing him against the wall.
“You lost, it was a fair match. We don’t have time for this and do you really want to tangle with two Skyjackers?”
Merrick’s face was sullen. “No.” he snarled, “I won’t forget this Apini.”
“Don’t,” Stinger smile was cold and his tone dismissive, “We’ll play when you have your herd at you back.” Stinger let him down, turned his back on him and started walking toward the door. Caine showed Merrick his teeth as he turned to follow Stinger.
“I’m so fucked.” Kyle murmured to himself as he to followed Stinger out the door.
~*~
Michael turned and stared at Khivar’s door as he closed it. He looked toward Liz’s still open door and decided to chance it. He hadn’t been alone with her in months, not since she hashed out the plan, not since she talked him into it and Isabel forced him to stick to it. He still couldn’t see how marrying Khivar would do anything other than trap her, gathering allies, seeking power behind the scenes would take years if not decades. Antarians wouldn’t last that long - not if the harvesting went as Khivar planned.
He walked to Liz’s room, saw her standing alone staring into the mirror and, not for the for the first time, wished he was the one she would be walking toward.
“You shouldn’t be here.” Liz stared at him, not turning around. She met his his eyes through the mirror.
“I know.” He hovered in the doorway for a moment before stepping into the room.
“Michael.”
“Don't tell me to leave.” He walked toward her, “Just let me touch you.”
Liz turned around, she looked so sad and so beautiful. “We talked about this.”
“Not in months. I’ve only seen you in passing, you’ve not talked to me, you’ve barely looked at me. I’m not good at this. I …” Michael’s hands hovered over her shoulders. “I miss you.”
Liz turned and reached up, her hands resting on either side of his face. “You're not alone.” She brushed her thumb over his lips as his hands settled on her. “I’m always here, I’m waiting for you and someday you’ll will just have to say my name and I will be in your arms.” Liz stepped away. “Today’s not that day, but it will happen. I promise.”
Michael watched her walk away, the door she opened clicked behind her with finality before he turned and went to find Isabel.
Author: Burningchaos
Rating: Adult
Category: XO Roswell/Jupiter Ascending
Pairings: Liz/Michael, Isabel/Kyle
Summary: Finding a way back to Antar was the first mistake. Liz and the others struggle with Khivar, being Entittled Reaccurances and desperately try to save themselves and their planet. Takes place before Jupiter Ascending and after Cannon Roswell.
Note: I've not wrote in years, have no banner, no beta and no idea how to bring about the ending this fic seems to want but here it is. Also I have no idea where Maria is so let us just pretend she is still on Earth singing and happily famous.
Note 2 http://jupiter-ascending.wikia.com/ for what you don't know.
I own nothing.
Max burst through the door, “I found a way off planet.” His words exploded though the silence that had settled over the room before he arrived. No one moved, no one said a word… “I found a member of the Ageis, he can get us a transport to Antar. We’re going home!”
Three Years Later…
Liz stood tall and proud as the servants fluttered around adjusting her gown. It was of the purest white, the silk was so thin and fragile the layers were see through. “My Lady?” Liz turned from the window and look at the girl who spoke.
“The Jet will do.”
“But, My Lady..”
“The Jet, suits my mood.” Liz’s face was grim. Nothing was as it was supposed to be. Nothing.
“My Lord Khivar will not be pleased.”
“Lord Khivar can be spaced for all I care, I will wear what I desire.” She pulled the pins from her hair as she spoke, “And I will wear my hair loose.”
Turning completely away from the window, “I may not have the power to overthrow Lord Khivar but I am recurrence of Mira Antares, the warrior Queen who founded this planet, I will only be dictated to so much as this farce of a wedding calls for.”
The servants fell to their knees as they heard a slow clap and their Lord’s voice, “Brava, Brava, my dear. I almost believed your performance.” He strode toward her with the confidence of a man who knew he had won.
Liz closed her eyes and forced herself not to crumble. “It is not a performance.” She picked up the jet necklace that had been set before her. “I am Queen Mira,” she lifted her chin and looked Khivar in the eye, “this will not last. I will not be complacent, I will not be used. Max...Zan is dead, Kyle is beyond your reach and the others have assimilated to their new lives. They don’t see what I see.”
Khivar smiled, and Liz tried not to shudder, “That, dear Elizabeth, is exactly why you are in a wedding gown and will soon be My Lady.” He reached out to stroke her face but Liz jerked away. He smirked and called out, “Don’t be late.” as he left the room.
~*~
“We need to stop this.” Michael hissed in Isabel’s ear. They danced gaily around the ballroom, smiling and greeting those that called out to them. “We can’t let Liz do this.”
“Keep smiling, and make sure it reaches your eyes. Everyone is watching us.” Isabel murmured as she followed Michael into another turn. “We’ve no choice, she has no choice.”
“Damn it, I hate this.” The music ended and he leaned in to kiss Isabel’s cheek.
“Just like I hate pretending to be in love with you. You are as much my brother as Max was.” Isabel tried not to frown. It had been a year and four months but it still hurt everyday.
“General Rathgar, Lady Vilandra it is so wonderful to see the two of you dance together again. When will we be celebrating your nuptials?” An Entitled they didn’t recognize reached out to grasp Michael’s hand, shaking it vigorously before leaning in to brush his lips across Isabel’s. “I was so pleased to hear Vilandra had persuaded you to our side. You will, once again, be the greatest General Antar has had in the last three hundred years. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for The Abraxas’ forces.” The man rambled on, he noticed his glass was empty and placed it on a passing servant’s tray. “Lady Vilandra, would you grant me the privilege of the next dance.”
“Rath?” Isabel’s mask was firmly in place as she smiled and rested her hand on the unknown Entitled’s wrist.
Michael stomped down any resistance he might of had and nodded, “Of course my love, I am going to go see a man about a horse.” He laughed, it felt bitter and contemptuous.
“Darling, we’ve talked about that.” Isabel turned toward the Entitled, “He loves those quaint Earthisms, much to my dismay.”
“Ah, well we all have our quirks.” The Entitled chuckled as he lead Isabel to the dance floor.
Michael made his way over to bar and watched Isabel work her magic. Whoever that Entitled was she would know everything about him by the end of their dance. If he was someone they could ignore or if they needed to cultivate a friendship with him, and if there was anyway he could be of use to them. He tossed back the liquor the bartender handed him and grimaced. Michael hoped that wherever Kyle was he was safe and doing better than they were.
~*~
“Look, kid, you’re going about this all wrong.” The Skyjacker that had hauled him out of the fight reached into the fridge and tossed him an icepack. Kyle looked around, he was in some sort of barracks. Bleeding from his mouth, nose and a cut over his eye he hesitated for a moment before putting the icepack on his eye.
“Look, it’s nice that you saved my ass and all - and yeah, I suck at this Alien shit. I know I’m Entitled but I know jack all about it. Liz, my sister and Christ I am still not used to that, kicked my ass off the planet to save me and now she a fucking hosteage. This Khivar dude is like my planet’s version of Hitler and….” Kyle looked up as he heard the guy chuckle.
“Alright, I get your lost...and lucky for you I have a weakness for strays and a bunch of downtime.” The Skyjacker walked toward him, held out his hand, “I’m Stinger Apini.”
“Kyle...er Atik Antares brother to Queen Mira Antares and co-ruler of the Planet Antar.” Kyle shook Stinger’s hand as he spoke.
“Good now that’s out of the way we’ll, after we find my second, stitch you up and you can tell us all about it.” Stinger slapped him on the shoulders and pulled him out the door. Kyle had a bad feeling about all this, not that he thought Stinger was Khivar’s man - Khivar hated Splices, it was more of the same feeling he got the night Max healed him. Death or Glory with lots of pain along the way.
~*~
“General Rathgar, Lord Khivar would like to speak to you before the wedding.” A nameless servant slid along side him and whispered. Michael nodded, finished his second drink and headed up stairs.
Liz’s door was open as he passed and he could see her dressed in white and black, fussing with her hair she looked stunning. She always looked stunning. He remembered the day she married Max, her second hand thrift shop dress and flowers in her hair. Everyone had been so happy that day, even though they were on the run and broke. He shook the memories off and continued to Khivar’s private offices. Michael took a deep breath and knocked.
“Enter.”
“My Lord, you summoned me?” Michael walked toward the despot he wished he could kill.
“Look at the rabble out there. Ungrateful bastards, they are protesting the wedding. Look at them. Disgusting.” Khivar stood in front of the window, agitation and revulsion warred on his face. Michael walked to his side and looked. He saw their people were starving, dying and here they were hosting an Entitled hoard just for Khivar’s enjoyment and advancement.
“They don’t understand your plans, of the greatness you will bring Antar, sire.” Micheal forced himself to stay in character.
“No, they don’t...and once you didn’t either.” Khivar turned toward him, grabbed Michael's face with both hands and squeezed. “You, what should I do with you General? You act the part, but do you believe it? If only I could look into that brain of yours and see.” Khivar swore, and dropped his hands back to his side.
“Sire…”
“Hush, I am thinking.” He turned and started to pace. “You saw my lovely and venomous bride did you not?” Khivar looked at him and then continued, “Of course you did. You’ve known her for years yet here you stand by my side letting me marry her. Is it all part of a game?”
Michael watched Khivar carefully desperate not to give anything away. “There is no game. You have the power to change our planet for the better, she may be a reaccurance but she has no power, no armies. Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. I learned that on Earth.” He knew as soon as he said that it was a mistake, Khivar’s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer.
“And is that what you are doing, General? My second in command, General of all my armies - are you keeping me close?”
“Sire..”
“Leave me, I have things to prepare for the meeting with Abrasax Industries tomorrow.” Khivar grabbed a sheaf of papers from his desk as he spoke and Michael knew he played the wrong card at the wrong time.
He bowed, smacking his heels together as he did so. “Certainly, My Lord.” Before he turned and left.
~*~
Stinger shoved open the door to the dingiest dive Kyle had ever had the misfortune to see. “Caine, where the hell are you?” Stinger shouted above the din. “Stinger, on the left.” A voice shouted back just as loudly.
Kyle winced as Stinger pulled him through the crowds. They made it it to a table where a Lycantant and a Nesh were arm wrestling. All around the table money was changing hands. Stiger clapped the Lycantant on the shoulders, “Finish this, we’ve busniess.” Kyle watched a reckless grin spread across Caine’s face as he turned his full focus on the Nesh. “Sorry there lad, you never stood a chance.” As he pushed and slammed the back of the Nesh’s hand on the table. “AHHHARAH!” The Nesh screamed in fury.
Caine stood, “Look, Merrick, I told you this was a bad idea.” He took a fistful of money from the bet holder.
“You owe me Caine.” Merrick moved around the table, his fist moving back to take a swing at Caine. Kyle started to move around to Merrick’s left but before he had a chance Stinger was there grabbing Merrick and tossing him against the wall.
“You lost, it was a fair match. We don’t have time for this and do you really want to tangle with two Skyjackers?”
Merrick’s face was sullen. “No.” he snarled, “I won’t forget this Apini.”
“Don’t,” Stinger smile was cold and his tone dismissive, “We’ll play when you have your herd at you back.” Stinger let him down, turned his back on him and started walking toward the door. Caine showed Merrick his teeth as he turned to follow Stinger.
“I’m so fucked.” Kyle murmured to himself as he to followed Stinger out the door.
~*~
Michael turned and stared at Khivar’s door as he closed it. He looked toward Liz’s still open door and decided to chance it. He hadn’t been alone with her in months, not since she hashed out the plan, not since she talked him into it and Isabel forced him to stick to it. He still couldn’t see how marrying Khivar would do anything other than trap her, gathering allies, seeking power behind the scenes would take years if not decades. Antarians wouldn’t last that long - not if the harvesting went as Khivar planned.
He walked to Liz’s room, saw her standing alone staring into the mirror and, not for the for the first time, wished he was the one she would be walking toward.
“You shouldn’t be here.” Liz stared at him, not turning around. She met his his eyes through the mirror.
“I know.” He hovered in the doorway for a moment before stepping into the room.
“Michael.”
“Don't tell me to leave.” He walked toward her, “Just let me touch you.”
Liz turned around, she looked so sad and so beautiful. “We talked about this.”
“Not in months. I’ve only seen you in passing, you’ve not talked to me, you’ve barely looked at me. I’m not good at this. I …” Michael’s hands hovered over her shoulders. “I miss you.”
Liz turned and reached up, her hands resting on either side of his face. “You're not alone.” She brushed her thumb over his lips as his hands settled on her. “I’m always here, I’m waiting for you and someday you’ll will just have to say my name and I will be in your arms.” Liz stepped away. “Today’s not that day, but it will happen. I promise.”
Michael watched her walk away, the door she opened clicked behind her with finality before he turned and went to find Isabel.