The Long & Winding Road: Book 1 - Dry Lightening (CC, Mature) Chapter 16 - 10/7/2021
Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2017 8:44 pm
The Long & Winding Road: Book 1 – Dry Lightening
Author(s): KindredKandies
Disclaimer: All characters and plot lines that appeared in the series or in the books are not ours. The concept of Roswell does not belong to us either. They all belong to Melinda Metz, UPN, yada, yada, yada…
Pairings: M&M and M&L… others to follow.
Rating: Rating: Mature – Some scenes will contain graphic violence.
Category: Canon
Summary: Post Departure. The hybrids did leave Earth. Michael never made the choice to stay on Earth and as a result, Liz, Maria and Kyle were unable to warn them of Tess’ betrayal. Fifteen years later circumstances have created a situation that will bring them back to Earth in an effort to make things right again.
Author’s Note: This story is the first installment of what is expected to be a trilogy.
Book One – Chapter 1
October 12, 2016 – Pete’s Liftoff Gas Station, Outskirts of Roswell, NM – 2147 Hours
The wind gusted momentarily, sending a barrage of trash and loose brush racing across the deserted parking lot. Dust rose from the dry earth, swirling around and blocking the moonlight for nearly a full minute before it began to settle. Somber eyes traveled over the area, unaffected by the desolate sight or the eerie quality the haze of settling dust lent to the scene.
His posture was poised, regal. There was no sign of nervousness, no hint of the uncertainty that had plagued him as a teenager. A man stood in the boy’s place. A man hardened by years of war fought on the soil of another world, no longer ruled by his emotions. His mind and body had been honed into that of a man who was now comfortable in his own skin. He knew who he was and he understood his purpose.
A sound from behind him let him know that his sister had succeeded in coaxing the ancient plumbing to cooperate. At one time the Liftoff had been a thriving business, its location on the outskirts of the small town advantageous. It had been a full service station back then, pulling in business from locals as well as the truck drivers that passed through the area. It hadn’t been much, but the offering of a place to stop for a rest, grab a quick bite to eat and a hot shower had been a profitable lure. But progress was a vicious cycle and the station had been abandoned as customers found their way to the station that was built when new access to the highway opened.
He didn’t look away from the barren landscape when movement suggested that she had paused in her endeavor to get clean.
“No sign?”
He shook his head but maintained his silence.
They had grown accustomed to speaking when necessary and keeping their words to a minimum. After a few moments she nodded and retraced her steps, desperately in need of a hot shower. Her eyes briefly rested on the third member of their party, but other than the acknowledgement of her presence no other response was given.
Words weren’t necessary to remind any of them that he was overdue. He should have been there three days ago. Earth wasn’t as hostile as what they had left behind on Antar, but it harbored enough threats to make their very presence a dangerous venture. He listened absently to the sound of water splashing against the tiles, his eyes scanning the dark horizon.
His body went taut when a pinpoint of light appeared in the distance. His eyes locked on it, not moving until it neared and became recognizable as a car. He stepped back out of sight while maintaining a visual on it at all times. The car wasn’t what he was expecting and all of his senses began to scream in response. His hand curled around the weapon at his side. He had grown so accustomed to it that its weight didn’t even register.
“Isabel, we’ve got company.”
The water stopped before the words had fully escaped his mouth and he smiled grimly. There was a time he wouldn’t have believed that to be possible. He barely spared a glance at his silent companion, but his words were directed at her when he spoke again, his voice low and controlled. “Stay back.”
He didn’t wait for a response, fully expecting her to obey his directive for no other reason than the fact that he had issued it. He was a figurehead, a man of authority, and as such, commanded the respect of those he ruled. It never occurred to him that his words might be questioned.
The sound of movements, quick and efficient, met his ears, and he knew Isabel would be ready to face whatever was coming at them before the car had even rolled to a stop. He studied the car as it approached, being driven well above the speed limit. One of the headlights was out and a closer look revealed the missing headlight to be damaged and hanging from its casing. The car braked to a rapid stop and dirt and gravel flew from under the tires to spew across the parking lot, bouncing over the warped wooden planks. The gravel slapped against the station’s door before falling to the ground and silence once again fell over them.
“Who is it?”
He shot a quick glance at her and shook his head, feeling her take up an offensive position in preparation for whatever was coming at them.
The silence was short-lived. Within seconds the driver’s side door was thrown open and the man they had been waiting for emerged, thumping one fisted hand against the roof of the car.
He gestured furiously at the garage that housed what had at one time been a small repair bay. “Get that door up!”
Max relaxed slightly at the familiar snarl, relieved that Michael was alive. He crossed the room and grabbed the chain from where it was secured next to the door and pulled it up. He didn’t so much as flinch when the engine was gunned and the car shot past him, coming within inches of his booted feet. The car came to an easy stop, a feat seemingly impossible, and he quickly lowered the door back into place and locked it.
“What happened to you?”
He whirled around when he heard Isabel’s question, quickly taking note of the blood that seemed to cover Michael from head to toe. It obviously wasn’t his because that amount of blood could only come from a fatal injury and he was not only standing, but moving around the car with a sense of urgency.
“Why’s he driving Amy’s car?”
Max turned when Liz spoke for the first time in hours. “What?” He shifted to look at his friend, his brother. “Michael?”
The silent man didn’t respond as his fingers hooked under the lid of the trunk and jerked it up. A blur of color flashed by as his captive was released and he moved back, giving her space as he met Max’s concerned gaze.
“I ran into a bit of trouble.”
The dark haired man looked at the woman, seeing the spirited teenager in spite of the years that had passed. There was a considerable amount of blood on her as well, garishly painted across her clothes and skin in a distinctive pattern. Arterial spray, he mused, having seen it so many times he could identify it without consciously thinking about it.
“Report,” he snapped.
Michael straightened imperceptibly. “Mission objective was terminated.”
Liz shivered at his tone. It lacked emotion and seemed so foreign coming from him. But he wasn’t the same person he had been fifteen years ago. None of them were. He never moved but she could feel his cold stare cutting into her as she moved closer to Maria. Her friend was in shock; her eyes staring into space, her body trembling uncontrollably, and completely unaware of her surroundings.
“I gave no order to terminate.”
Isabel’s eyes narrowed as she studied the Second’s demeanor. There was no missing the furtive glances he was sending in Maria’s direction and there was no question that whatever had gone down, it was bad.
“You were supposed to retrieve Valenti and Kyle.”
“I didn’t think you’d care to have me haul a couple of corpses back here,” he bit out.
“Kyle and his dad are…?” Liz swallowed hard as the scent of fresh blood suddenly seemed to become stronger and she fought to hold down what little dinner she had eaten earlier.
“Dead,” he snarled at her.
“You killed them too.”
All eyes turned to Maria when she spoke and her whispered words hung heavily in the stale air.
“No.” His voice was hard.
“You did. You killed them just like you killed her!”
Isabel moved slowly, cautiously approaching them. Maria hadn’t moved but she was agitated, unpredictable. She waved a hand over Michael and the blood soaking his clothes and staining his skin disappeared.
“Stay away from me!” Maria screamed when the tall blonde took a step in her direction. “You can’t erase their deaths simply because you can make the evidence disappear! You’re as guilty as he is if you hide what he’s done!” Her expression was grief-stricken but without warning it changed to one of fury and she charged him blindly, her scream of “Murderer!” echoing off of the station’s walls.
He was as solid as a rock, immovable, and it only fueled her anger. She’d thought she’d known hatred when she’d learned that Tess had killed Alex, but this burned even hotter as it raged through her veins and threatened to engulf her. Her fists impacted with his body, seeking to hurt him, to make him pay for what he’d done. Unbidden, the images flashed before her eyes and she struck out blindly, no longer seeing him as he stood in front of her, but seeing instead a man with crazed eyes crashing into the home she’d grown up in and doing the unimaginable.
Her back was turned to Mom as she shuffled the music on her iPod, searching for a piece Cameron had been working on. She felt at peace now that she’d settled things in her head and she was so thankful she had her mom to come to. It wasn’t just advice, it was having someone there who would just listen and then gently guide her in the right direction.
Liz was still her best friend after all these years but there were just some things a girl needed her mom for. And there were some things that, no matter how close the friendship, if the other person had never been in your shoes there was no way they could truly understand. Mom had been there and thankfully, they had a wonderful relationship that allowed them the freedom to be open and honest with each other.
She smiled when she recognized the track. “I’ve got it.” She reached for the stereo plug, connecting it to the iPod dock and shaking her head at the ancient system. “You really need to upgrade, Mom. You do realize the component system went out the door years ago, right?”
Amy met her daughter’s amused gaze and shrugged as she crossed the room to stand close, her eyes scanning over the younger woman. “What can I say? It’s an old system but it still has better sound than anything I’ve heard on the market today.”
“That’s because you still think the local discount store’s the place to shop for electronics.” She rolled her eyes affectionately and adjusted the volume. “Are you ready for this?” Without waiting for an affirmation she started the track and she was turning back around to watch Mom’s reaction when something crashed into the back door. Even without seeing what was happening, she could hear the wood splintering as it was forced away from the frame.
Her heart leapt into her throat and she scanned the room furiously, searching for her handbag and locating it on the couch. She dove for it, upending it and searching for the pepper spray she carried in case of emergency. And to think she’d laughed when Cameron suggested she carry it! Her hand wrapped around it just as the intruder appeared in the doorway and the small tube slipped from suddenly nerveless fingers when she recognized him.
“Michael.” She barely had time to breathe his name before it registered that while this man wore his face, it couldn’t possibly be him. This man was wild-eyed, dangerous… and armed. The boy she’d known had left Earth, taking off for the home he’d always wanted to find. She fumbled for the pepper spray and fear spiked through her when his hand jerked to the side and a moment later the tube flew across the room and well out of her reach.
“Michael?” She heard Mom call his name, watched as something so feral flared to life in the depths of his dark eyes.
Her eyes widened when she realized his eyes, cold and emotionless, had zeroed in on Mom. Her mom had always been so strong, so capable, and even faced with a threat she didn’t back down. She was proud of her mom, but so terrified that her bravery was going to get her killed. She didn’t want Mom to get hurt or worse trying to protect her, and she begged and pleaded with her to stop trying to reason with him.
She never had time to register him moving, she only knew that one second he was standing there, facing her mom, and the next he had been on her like some kind of wild animal taking down its prey. She froze, unable to comprehend what she was seeing, when the light gleamed against the blade of a knife and bile rose up in her throat when she heard the sickening sound of it being thrust into flesh that was warm and alive. Her ears rang with her mom’s screams, the agonized sounds unlike anything she’d ever heard imprinting themselves on her brain.
The abdominal wound forced her mom to stop talking as she doubled over and wrapped her arms around herself. She wanted to rush over and help, but still, she couldn’t move. It was like her feet had melded into the floor beneath them. She screamed when her Mom fought to bring herself upright and she saw him raise the knife, blade still dripping with her blood, and bring it down, slashing through the soft skin of her throat.
She felt something warm land against her skin and it took several long seconds before she realized it was her mom’s blood. She had never given any thought to what death sounded like but now that she’d heard it, she knew she would never forget it. She watched in horror as he continued to attack, every strike precise and yet… so pointless. Her mother was dead. His rage was being taken out against a lifeless body.
Something inside of her snapped and she couldn’t stop the hysterical laugh that bubbled up out of her throat. It was enough to draw his attention and she took a step back, her mind a jumbled mass of confusion that was incapable of questioning why she was suddenly able to move. She had to get away, had to call the police, she had to warn Liz, Kyle and the Sheriff that something had come for them.
But she never made it to the door. He was on her before she could make her escape, his size and strength easily overpowering her. She struggled in vain against the arms wrapped around her like bands of steel and pinning her arms to her sides. She felt sick at the realization that she could feel a mixture of sweat and blood soaking into her shirt where her back was pressed against his heaving chest. His breath was hot as he exhaled and she shuddered in revulsion when it gusted heavily against her neck. She fought harder when he half-carried, half-dragged her out through the door and down into the garage.
He opened the trunk and she knew her life depended on avoiding being trapped inside the confines of the vehicle. She didn’t know who he was, what he was… he couldn’t be Michael, not the same boy that had left Earth fifteen years ago. Michael would never have done what he had just done, never killed so mercilessly. She could remember what it had done to him to kill Pierce and that had been something altogether different. No way could he kill just for the sake of killing.
She suddenly lost the ability to fight against him. Her struggles ceased against her will and she knew whoever, whatever, he was, he had powers that weren’t of this earth. Panic reared up hard and fast when he pushed her into the trunk and slammed it shut.
Author(s): KindredKandies
Disclaimer: All characters and plot lines that appeared in the series or in the books are not ours. The concept of Roswell does not belong to us either. They all belong to Melinda Metz, UPN, yada, yada, yada…
Pairings: M&M and M&L… others to follow.
Rating: Rating: Mature – Some scenes will contain graphic violence.
Category: Canon
Summary: Post Departure. The hybrids did leave Earth. Michael never made the choice to stay on Earth and as a result, Liz, Maria and Kyle were unable to warn them of Tess’ betrayal. Fifteen years later circumstances have created a situation that will bring them back to Earth in an effort to make things right again.
Author’s Note: This story is the first installment of what is expected to be a trilogy.
Book One – Chapter 1
October 12, 2016 – Pete’s Liftoff Gas Station, Outskirts of Roswell, NM – 2147 Hours
The wind gusted momentarily, sending a barrage of trash and loose brush racing across the deserted parking lot. Dust rose from the dry earth, swirling around and blocking the moonlight for nearly a full minute before it began to settle. Somber eyes traveled over the area, unaffected by the desolate sight or the eerie quality the haze of settling dust lent to the scene.
His posture was poised, regal. There was no sign of nervousness, no hint of the uncertainty that had plagued him as a teenager. A man stood in the boy’s place. A man hardened by years of war fought on the soil of another world, no longer ruled by his emotions. His mind and body had been honed into that of a man who was now comfortable in his own skin. He knew who he was and he understood his purpose.
A sound from behind him let him know that his sister had succeeded in coaxing the ancient plumbing to cooperate. At one time the Liftoff had been a thriving business, its location on the outskirts of the small town advantageous. It had been a full service station back then, pulling in business from locals as well as the truck drivers that passed through the area. It hadn’t been much, but the offering of a place to stop for a rest, grab a quick bite to eat and a hot shower had been a profitable lure. But progress was a vicious cycle and the station had been abandoned as customers found their way to the station that was built when new access to the highway opened.
He didn’t look away from the barren landscape when movement suggested that she had paused in her endeavor to get clean.
“No sign?”
He shook his head but maintained his silence.
They had grown accustomed to speaking when necessary and keeping their words to a minimum. After a few moments she nodded and retraced her steps, desperately in need of a hot shower. Her eyes briefly rested on the third member of their party, but other than the acknowledgement of her presence no other response was given.
Words weren’t necessary to remind any of them that he was overdue. He should have been there three days ago. Earth wasn’t as hostile as what they had left behind on Antar, but it harbored enough threats to make their very presence a dangerous venture. He listened absently to the sound of water splashing against the tiles, his eyes scanning the dark horizon.
His body went taut when a pinpoint of light appeared in the distance. His eyes locked on it, not moving until it neared and became recognizable as a car. He stepped back out of sight while maintaining a visual on it at all times. The car wasn’t what he was expecting and all of his senses began to scream in response. His hand curled around the weapon at his side. He had grown so accustomed to it that its weight didn’t even register.
“Isabel, we’ve got company.”
The water stopped before the words had fully escaped his mouth and he smiled grimly. There was a time he wouldn’t have believed that to be possible. He barely spared a glance at his silent companion, but his words were directed at her when he spoke again, his voice low and controlled. “Stay back.”
He didn’t wait for a response, fully expecting her to obey his directive for no other reason than the fact that he had issued it. He was a figurehead, a man of authority, and as such, commanded the respect of those he ruled. It never occurred to him that his words might be questioned.
The sound of movements, quick and efficient, met his ears, and he knew Isabel would be ready to face whatever was coming at them before the car had even rolled to a stop. He studied the car as it approached, being driven well above the speed limit. One of the headlights was out and a closer look revealed the missing headlight to be damaged and hanging from its casing. The car braked to a rapid stop and dirt and gravel flew from under the tires to spew across the parking lot, bouncing over the warped wooden planks. The gravel slapped against the station’s door before falling to the ground and silence once again fell over them.
“Who is it?”
He shot a quick glance at her and shook his head, feeling her take up an offensive position in preparation for whatever was coming at them.
The silence was short-lived. Within seconds the driver’s side door was thrown open and the man they had been waiting for emerged, thumping one fisted hand against the roof of the car.
He gestured furiously at the garage that housed what had at one time been a small repair bay. “Get that door up!”
Max relaxed slightly at the familiar snarl, relieved that Michael was alive. He crossed the room and grabbed the chain from where it was secured next to the door and pulled it up. He didn’t so much as flinch when the engine was gunned and the car shot past him, coming within inches of his booted feet. The car came to an easy stop, a feat seemingly impossible, and he quickly lowered the door back into place and locked it.
“What happened to you?”
He whirled around when he heard Isabel’s question, quickly taking note of the blood that seemed to cover Michael from head to toe. It obviously wasn’t his because that amount of blood could only come from a fatal injury and he was not only standing, but moving around the car with a sense of urgency.
“Why’s he driving Amy’s car?”
Max turned when Liz spoke for the first time in hours. “What?” He shifted to look at his friend, his brother. “Michael?”
The silent man didn’t respond as his fingers hooked under the lid of the trunk and jerked it up. A blur of color flashed by as his captive was released and he moved back, giving her space as he met Max’s concerned gaze.
“I ran into a bit of trouble.”
The dark haired man looked at the woman, seeing the spirited teenager in spite of the years that had passed. There was a considerable amount of blood on her as well, garishly painted across her clothes and skin in a distinctive pattern. Arterial spray, he mused, having seen it so many times he could identify it without consciously thinking about it.
“Report,” he snapped.
Michael straightened imperceptibly. “Mission objective was terminated.”
Liz shivered at his tone. It lacked emotion and seemed so foreign coming from him. But he wasn’t the same person he had been fifteen years ago. None of them were. He never moved but she could feel his cold stare cutting into her as she moved closer to Maria. Her friend was in shock; her eyes staring into space, her body trembling uncontrollably, and completely unaware of her surroundings.
“I gave no order to terminate.”
Isabel’s eyes narrowed as she studied the Second’s demeanor. There was no missing the furtive glances he was sending in Maria’s direction and there was no question that whatever had gone down, it was bad.
“You were supposed to retrieve Valenti and Kyle.”
“I didn’t think you’d care to have me haul a couple of corpses back here,” he bit out.
“Kyle and his dad are…?” Liz swallowed hard as the scent of fresh blood suddenly seemed to become stronger and she fought to hold down what little dinner she had eaten earlier.
“Dead,” he snarled at her.
“You killed them too.”
All eyes turned to Maria when she spoke and her whispered words hung heavily in the stale air.
“No.” His voice was hard.
“You did. You killed them just like you killed her!”
Isabel moved slowly, cautiously approaching them. Maria hadn’t moved but she was agitated, unpredictable. She waved a hand over Michael and the blood soaking his clothes and staining his skin disappeared.
“Stay away from me!” Maria screamed when the tall blonde took a step in her direction. “You can’t erase their deaths simply because you can make the evidence disappear! You’re as guilty as he is if you hide what he’s done!” Her expression was grief-stricken but without warning it changed to one of fury and she charged him blindly, her scream of “Murderer!” echoing off of the station’s walls.
He was as solid as a rock, immovable, and it only fueled her anger. She’d thought she’d known hatred when she’d learned that Tess had killed Alex, but this burned even hotter as it raged through her veins and threatened to engulf her. Her fists impacted with his body, seeking to hurt him, to make him pay for what he’d done. Unbidden, the images flashed before her eyes and she struck out blindly, no longer seeing him as he stood in front of her, but seeing instead a man with crazed eyes crashing into the home she’d grown up in and doing the unimaginable.
Her back was turned to Mom as she shuffled the music on her iPod, searching for a piece Cameron had been working on. She felt at peace now that she’d settled things in her head and she was so thankful she had her mom to come to. It wasn’t just advice, it was having someone there who would just listen and then gently guide her in the right direction.
Liz was still her best friend after all these years but there were just some things a girl needed her mom for. And there were some things that, no matter how close the friendship, if the other person had never been in your shoes there was no way they could truly understand. Mom had been there and thankfully, they had a wonderful relationship that allowed them the freedom to be open and honest with each other.
She smiled when she recognized the track. “I’ve got it.” She reached for the stereo plug, connecting it to the iPod dock and shaking her head at the ancient system. “You really need to upgrade, Mom. You do realize the component system went out the door years ago, right?”
Amy met her daughter’s amused gaze and shrugged as she crossed the room to stand close, her eyes scanning over the younger woman. “What can I say? It’s an old system but it still has better sound than anything I’ve heard on the market today.”
“That’s because you still think the local discount store’s the place to shop for electronics.” She rolled her eyes affectionately and adjusted the volume. “Are you ready for this?” Without waiting for an affirmation she started the track and she was turning back around to watch Mom’s reaction when something crashed into the back door. Even without seeing what was happening, she could hear the wood splintering as it was forced away from the frame.
Her heart leapt into her throat and she scanned the room furiously, searching for her handbag and locating it on the couch. She dove for it, upending it and searching for the pepper spray she carried in case of emergency. And to think she’d laughed when Cameron suggested she carry it! Her hand wrapped around it just as the intruder appeared in the doorway and the small tube slipped from suddenly nerveless fingers when she recognized him.
“Michael.” She barely had time to breathe his name before it registered that while this man wore his face, it couldn’t possibly be him. This man was wild-eyed, dangerous… and armed. The boy she’d known had left Earth, taking off for the home he’d always wanted to find. She fumbled for the pepper spray and fear spiked through her when his hand jerked to the side and a moment later the tube flew across the room and well out of her reach.
“Michael?” She heard Mom call his name, watched as something so feral flared to life in the depths of his dark eyes.
Her eyes widened when she realized his eyes, cold and emotionless, had zeroed in on Mom. Her mom had always been so strong, so capable, and even faced with a threat she didn’t back down. She was proud of her mom, but so terrified that her bravery was going to get her killed. She didn’t want Mom to get hurt or worse trying to protect her, and she begged and pleaded with her to stop trying to reason with him.
She never had time to register him moving, she only knew that one second he was standing there, facing her mom, and the next he had been on her like some kind of wild animal taking down its prey. She froze, unable to comprehend what she was seeing, when the light gleamed against the blade of a knife and bile rose up in her throat when she heard the sickening sound of it being thrust into flesh that was warm and alive. Her ears rang with her mom’s screams, the agonized sounds unlike anything she’d ever heard imprinting themselves on her brain.
The abdominal wound forced her mom to stop talking as she doubled over and wrapped her arms around herself. She wanted to rush over and help, but still, she couldn’t move. It was like her feet had melded into the floor beneath them. She screamed when her Mom fought to bring herself upright and she saw him raise the knife, blade still dripping with her blood, and bring it down, slashing through the soft skin of her throat.
She felt something warm land against her skin and it took several long seconds before she realized it was her mom’s blood. She had never given any thought to what death sounded like but now that she’d heard it, she knew she would never forget it. She watched in horror as he continued to attack, every strike precise and yet… so pointless. Her mother was dead. His rage was being taken out against a lifeless body.
Something inside of her snapped and she couldn’t stop the hysterical laugh that bubbled up out of her throat. It was enough to draw his attention and she took a step back, her mind a jumbled mass of confusion that was incapable of questioning why she was suddenly able to move. She had to get away, had to call the police, she had to warn Liz, Kyle and the Sheriff that something had come for them.
But she never made it to the door. He was on her before she could make her escape, his size and strength easily overpowering her. She struggled in vain against the arms wrapped around her like bands of steel and pinning her arms to her sides. She felt sick at the realization that she could feel a mixture of sweat and blood soaking into her shirt where her back was pressed against his heaving chest. His breath was hot as he exhaled and she shuddered in revulsion when it gusted heavily against her neck. She fought harder when he half-carried, half-dragged her out through the door and down into the garage.
He opened the trunk and she knew her life depended on avoiding being trapped inside the confines of the vehicle. She didn’t know who he was, what he was… he couldn’t be Michael, not the same boy that had left Earth fifteen years ago. Michael would never have done what he had just done, never killed so mercilessly. She could remember what it had done to him to kill Pierce and that had been something altogether different. No way could he kill just for the sake of killing.
She suddenly lost the ability to fight against him. Her struggles ceased against her will and she knew whoever, whatever, he was, he had powers that weren’t of this earth. Panic reared up hard and fast when he pushed her into the trunk and slammed it shut.