Miles to Go (CC, Mature, Imp. AN 3-10-2005) [WIP]

[Beautiful86]

Author: Beautiful86, a.k.a. Kyrie

Disclaimer: I own nothing. I wish I did, but I don’t. I do own Magnolu and any other characters though. I plan to fully corrupt them. Ok then, carry on!

Category: Max/Liz, All other CC

Timeline: This is a sequel to Echo. I highly suggest that you read it but if you don’t want to, here is what happened in there. Liz, Tess, and Michael are siblings. Kyle is an alien. They are paired conventionally. M/L/Mi/T/I/Kyle just boarded a ship to go back to Antar.

Summary: What happens on Antar and how do Maria and Alex deal with being left behind?

Author's Note: I hope yall had a Merry Christmas. I did. Santa was sort of stingy but I met a guy! Yay! I mean, I've met a lot of guys but this one is spey-shall! haha. I really like this so far. I'm having trouble with my plans but I'll make it through.

Enjoy! And reply to moi! I live for it!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Prologue-

Antarian Space Ship

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the lovely Vilandra for helping me murder the Royal Circle. You did so well, my princess. Your brother would be proud, had he survived his murder.” Khivar saw apprehension flicker in her eyes and sighed inwardly. He knew it was too good to be true. She hadn’t changed. Not even a little bit. Khivar knew what he had to do.

“As a final act of gratitude, I want to bestow the blessings on my princess that she has bestowed upon her family.” With that, he drew the same blade that she’d used to murder her queen with to murder her. He drove the dagger hard into her torso, making her cry out loudly in pain. Her eyes flew to his as pain enthralled her entire being.

She realized in that moment what she had done. Vilandra had killed her entire family. She had killed her brother. And what did she have to show for it? As Khivar released her form, she fell helplessly to the ground. Tears fell freely as she realized that this was her end. As darkness surrounded her, Drisana’s face when she realized betrayal was the last thing she saw.

Isabel’s eyes opened immediately. Tears were still falling as she took in her surroundings. The dreams were becoming more and more frequent, with all of them. Sitting up very quietly, she saw Max and Liz by the window. Liz was fast asleep while Max simply gazed out into the stars. Kyle and Tess were asleep under three blankets, as it was rather chilly in there. Michael was on his elbows, looking at a picture of him and Maria.

A new set of tears sprang to her eyes as she thought, for the millionth time, about when they said goodbye to their friends.

Isabel clung to Alex as though he were her lifeline. There were tears falling from both sets of eyes. She pulled back to kiss him gently. He looked down briefly before meeting her tearful eyes. “Do you love me, Isabel?”

She was shocked that he need ask. But assuming it was an effort of comfort, she gave in. “In all my life, past and present, I have never loved anyone more.” He released a deep breath and pulled her to him. He sobbed quietly, trying to stay strong for her. Their time would be up soon and Alex wanted to memorize the way it felt to have her in his arms.

He moved slightly, looking at her deeply. He swallowed the lump threatening to make him weep openly and took a solid breath. “When you come back, I’m going to marry you.”

She smiled sadly, tears still brimming in her eyes. “Count on it,” she whispered back. He leaned in, immediately, filled with an ironic sadness. He should be counting his blessings, but the odds of her return were piled against him. His lips met hers with desperation. They each needed to remember the way it felt to kiss your true love. Isabel broke the kiss, unable to maintain her strong stance any longer.

Pulling away, she whispered “goodbye.” Never looking at him again, she stood by herself and let Alex wander to where Maria and Liz were hugging. They immediately accepted Alex into it, crying harder. Liz looked up, feeling more sorrow than she thought possible.

“I want you both to know…that…you are…the best people…I have ever,” she trailed off, unable to speak through her tears. She breathed soothingly and continued. “…met. Promise me that…you will…take care…of…each…other…for…me.” Alex pulled her tightly to him, crying now.

Maria whispered her promise as did Alex. She pulled away and smiled oh so sadly. “I love you both so much. More than you will ever know,” she said before walking away to join Isabel.

Alex kissed Maria’s head before stepping back, so that she could say her farewells to Michael. When she reached him, he immediately hugged her. “I love you, Michael.” He smiled depressingly down at her.

“Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing…you’re my soulmate Maria. I love you more than anything else in this world…or any other.” A single tear fell from his eye as he pulled away from her, preparing to join Isabel and Liz, who were now standing with Tess and Max.

“Hey!” He turned as she called out to him.

“Yeah?”

“Promise me something?”

“Anything,” he replied sincerely.

“Come back to me?” He walked forward quickly, unable to resist and kissed her once more.

“I promise.” He then left her and walked over to wait for Kyle.

Alex came from behind Maria and wrapped her in his arms. She turned to cry on his shoulder, wracked with pain.

Kyle held his father tightly. The thought that he might never see him again broke his heart, as Jim had become his best friend. “I love you, dad,” he managed through tears.

“I love you too, son.” Jim hugged his son, knowing that he might never lay eyes on him again. “In all my life, I’ve never been so proud of anyone.” Kyle met his father’s tearful eyes and smiled. “Knock ‘em dead, son. Knock ‘em dead.” Valenti watched him turn away and felt the urge to fall to his knees and weep. As he watched the six kids he respected more than any adult in the world, a sense of dread came over him. They were about to experience something life altering.

And into the night they went. Kyle held Tess’ hand for strength, Max was practically carrying Liz, while Michael and Isabel walked alone. As they boarded their ship to Antar, they each turned unanimously to gaze at Earth. It might be the last time any of the six set eyes on it.

Isabel closed her eyes as the memory faded. It was so hard, to live each day without him. If he were here, he would be quipping something witty, making her laugh. She would soon forget about her fears as his lips would kiss hers. More tears fell from her eyes as she realized that she was going somewhere to fight for something she’d never known. Would she ever see him again?

“Alex,” she whispered to herself. She prayed with each breath that he never doubted the love that she had in her heart for him. He was her soulmate, and if there was a God then he would ensure that Alex never felt a moment of uneasiness.

Bustle from behind her caused her to wipe away the tears and turn. Magnolu walked around the corner to smile at the Circle. Max and Liz had moved from their spot by the window and were now nestled next to Kyle and Tess.

“Your highnesses,” he began, excitement bubbling in his voice. “Welcome to your kingdom.”

The six children walked over to the window and drew in sharp breaths. This was theirs, every square inch belonged to them.

“Welcome home,” Kyle muttered.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
TBC~

[Beautiful86]

Thank you so much for all the wonderful feedback! As promised, Maria and Alex are a part of this chapter. I feel sort of bad, having to kill off Alex's parents, but it was either that or Maria develops cancer. And we can't have that! So they voted, and Alex's parents lost. It wasn't like we really knew them anyway. But let's take a moment to remember them....

Ok...beautiful. On with the show...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter One

Earth

Maria let the wind blow on her face comfortingly. It felt amazing to soar through the air this way, even if it was common. Alex pushed her gently from behind, helping her achieve the altitude she wanted. Slowly, he brought her to a stop as he felt their childish mood slip away into a melancholy one.

“It’s already been a month, Maria.” It had been the hardest month of his life. He was worried sick with thoughts about Isabel. And Liz. Two of his best girls were out there, in the blue sky somewhere.

“Yeah, they’ll be arriving soon.” Maria too, dreamt of Michael every night. She longed for his touch with every breath she took. And every thought of him sent spirals of pure fear down her spine.

“Are you worried about them?”

“Irrationally.” Maria and Alex grew silent. Both pairs of eyes traveled up to the clear blue sky above them. Their beloved were out there, somewhere. They were facing their destinies as alien royalty, possibly giving up their lives fighting for a planet they never knew.

“Ironic, if you really think about it.” Alex began. “As children, you gaze at the sky and are filled with a sense of wonder. You can’t help but think that there has to be something amazing out there. Now, I look at the sky and I feel…” he trailed off, unable to pinpoint what exactly it was he felt.

“Cheated,” Maria finished for him. “The sky took them away from us, and now we just have to hope that the sky brings them home.”

They remained quiet after that. With thoughts swirling through their heads, the best friends simply stared at the sky above them. Both feeling resentful as the cloudless blue seemed to mock their pain.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Antarian Royal Palace

Magnolu walked at a close distance behind the Circle. Their heads were more than likely spinning with questions. Eyes were turning every which way, taking in the wonderfully grand architecture. Coming to the unbelievably tall double door, Max hesitated. Magnolu stepped forward, sensing their uneasiness.

“Fear not, majesty. This is your home.” The words sent shivers down six spines. This wasn’t their home nor did they want it to be. They were here to do a task, that was all.

As Magnolu shouted an order, the doors opened slowly. As the Circle walked through the grand hallways, an entirely too eerie sense of déjà vu overcame each individual. Liz, Tess, Michael, and Isabel stopped at the entryway to the corridor on their left. Sensing that this was a place of a horrible memory, Liz looked up. Famusito Hall, the sign read. This was where Isabel and her men murdered Tess, Liz, and Michael.

Liz reached for Isabel’s hand as they kept walking. She smiled up at the taller girl, letting her know that no one blamed her. When they reached a grand stairway, Magnolu turned to the group.

“I’m afraid that we have to stop here. Khivar has been informed that you have arrived and an infantry will be landing on Antar soon. His army currently is residing on Ouryia. I’m afraid your welcome home must be cut short. We have reserved a safe house for the Circle underground. We must go there now.” Magnolu turned and signaled to a guard by the kitchen door.

With a wave of his hand, a group of fifteen guards surrounded the Circle on all sides and led them down a flight of stairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“You’re not focusing, majesty.” He knew that her irritation was growing, but her skills were no where near what they should be.

“Don’t you think I realize that?” she snapped. Her impatience was spiraling out of control, and his incessant whining was not helping.

“I apologize. But you don’t understand the gravity of this.”

“Yes I damn well do! Those are my people!” She felt remorseful when he flinched. She hadn’t meant to yell like that, it was just…there was so much pressure.

“Magnolu, I’m sorry. I just…I’m really stressing here.” He bowed his head at his queen and apologized himself.

“I know, highness. I just…I don’t want you to fail. You could die.” Liz smiled at her friend. He had always been so sweet to her. She had a feeling that in her previous life, she’d held some sort of kinship with him. She placed her hand on his shoulder, letting him know that all was well.

Max walked in, and Liz felt her senses calm. Her beautiful husband wrapped an arm around her shoulder and hugged her lightly, sensing her uneasiness. He knew that she’d been having the most trouble with her powers, and no one was really sure why. Tess and Kyle’s had flourished without hassle. They were now a force to be reckoned with.

Magnolu came to a quick conclusion and blushed instantly. “Sir, Ma’am, I feel as though I may be out of place but I must ask.” He was going to have so much trouble with this. “Isabel and Michael were not engineered the way you other four were. They were not in love, therefore it was not determined that they would be in this life. But Ava, Daniello, Drisana, and Zan were, respectively. Your access to your powers is based upon…well…your connections with your other half…” he trailed off, hoping they knew where he was going.

They didn’t.

Taking a deep breath, he struggled for the right words. “Tess and Kyle have bonded…in a cementing way. Their relationship has formed in an irreversible way.” His cryptic words should have dropped the bomb, but his monarchy was highly naive. He went on. “They have made love.”

Realization dawned on their faces and both felt blood rush towards their heads. Can you spell embarrassing? It was true. In all this time, Max and Liz had yet to make love. At first, Liz had wanted to wait until they were married. Being that they were and considered each other their likewise spouse, out went that argument. Then it wasn’t for lack of trying, but someone always walked in. It was almost always either Maria or Tess, both trying subconsciously to keep Liz’s virtue in tact. She looked up at Max and blushed. She didn’t want to have sex for the first time for political reasons, although if they wanted to win, it looked like they had no choice.

Magnolu shifted uncomfortably, still unable to simply walked out of the room. Max, noticing his demeanor, slipped into his role as the man’s leader. “You’re dismissed.” Magnolu closed his eyes thankfully and backed out of the room, unable to turn his back to the King and Queen.

Max knew what Liz was thinking. They loved each other. They were soulmates. They were married. Well, not officially but the rest was paperwork. They hadn’t planned on making love soon, but they didn’t want to die. It looked like they had no choice. “Liz…” he began.

“No,” she cut him off. “I love you. And it was bound to happen sooner or later. Now, we have an excuse to be alone.” She smiled devilishly at him and he laughed. Maybe he didn’t know what she was thinking after all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Earth

Maria sat alone at the lunch table. Alex was sick today, and wasn’t at school. Days like this sucked. She had other friends, really she did. But it wasn’t the same. She didn’t feel kinship with them. They weren’t her family. As she fingered her food, she let her mind travel back to a happier time.

“So then I walked out of the bathroom and heard Michael scream like a girl…” Liz trailed off in a fit of laughter. “And there he was…with water shooting up into the air out of the faucet. He was trying to get it to stop but kept falling in the puddles. That’s when Maria walked in.” The eight of them were laughing hysterically at the image.

“Imagine my surprise to see my spaceboy and Liz tripping over each other while the back kitchen was flooding. I was going to walk around them when Tess walked in, accidentally pushing me into them. I landed on Liz who fell right back down after trying to get up.” Their laughter died down after a few minutes.

“Yeah, that was a pretty funny sight to see,” interjected Tess. Maria had looked around the table then. It was a beautiful sight, really. Kyle kissed Tess’ forehead while she looked up at him shyly. Liz was elbowing Max who had just finished whispering in her hear. He laughed lightly and rolled his eyes. She pushed him playfully and rolled her eyes right back. Isabel and Alex had become enthralled with their shared history notes, seeing as how they had an exam together right after lunch. He had her hand in his and she was leaning on him gently. To her direct right, her spaceboy took a huge bite of his sandwich and looked at her confused.

“Vat?” he asked with his mouth full. She laughed wholeheartedly and looped her arms through his. He, in turn, rested his head atop hers. Maria sighed contentedly. She loved her life. She loved her friends. She loved her Michael.

Maria fought back tears. Their days had been so happy. They were such a great family. She found herself praying each and every night that her family was safe and ok. It had been six months since they left. Thank God for Alex. He had been her only saving grace.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ouryia

Khivar was outraged. Irate. Livid. If it was in the thesaurus next to angry, that was what he was. They were back. The Royal Circle had not only been assembled but were on Antar somewhere, preparing to attack. This was ludicrous! How had he not seen it?

“Dorian!” he shouted. His guard came running in and stood at attention, awaiting instructions. “Find out where the damn Circle is being hidden. I want their location by the end of the day. I will not stand for such insolence from the Antarian Royal Guard. I want Magnolu if they are not found!” he bellowed.

The soldier flinched at his volume but stood unmoved. “Dismissed!” Khivar yelled. The soldier all but ran from the room, afraid of the man.

If they thought that they were going to take his kingdom from him, then they were dead wrong. And either way, he knew that they didn’t have the Granolith. Without it, Drisana and Avathana were vulnerable. At least he had one card he could play.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

EARTH

Maria held Alex close. His tears wracked his body, making it harder and harder for him to speak. She knew the pain that he must be experiencing. And without the love of his life there to hold him, Maria would have to suffice.

“It’s ok, Alex,” she whispered into his hair. He shook his head reverently, wanting to believe that everything would be ok. Suddenly, he pulled away from Maria and stood up.

“No! It isn’t! My parents are dead, Maria! Dead! They and you were all I have left! Isabel is out there, somewhere. Is she alive? Is she dead? Probably, the way my life works! It’s just so hard!” Alex collapsed in a fit of agony. His only friend in the world drew him into her arms and cried herself.

And there they sat. Girl and boy. Best friends. Each crying for their own losses. Each crying out to the sky to bring their beloved home.

Alex’s parents were dead. Now all he had was Maria.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
TBC~~

[Beautiful86]

Hey guys! Chapter Two! I refuse to issue any insurance, yall just have to have faith in me! This was really hard for me to write but I think it turned out ok.

Big thanks to TVQueen for helping me. Jenn, you are the best! Ok guys, just remember to have faith.

All bets are off...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter Two

Kyle and Max strolled along the underground hallways, laughing. It had been a while since the two had been able to break away from their group and just talk. Over the course of the last year, they had grown from members of the same circle to considering each other a best friend.

Kyle took a deep breath and launched into his fears. “Max, do you think we’ll make it through this?”

Max looked up and around the underground safe haven. “I don’t know, Kyle. Honestly, I don’t. I’d like to say that we would, but it’s just…uncertain. Everything is.”

“It has all been way too easy to this point you know? Like Mag just walks in and we trust him and boom we’re home. And then we’re hidden safely from Khivar and now we have this plan… It’s just seems too easy.”

“I know what you mean, Kyle. I’m sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop too.” Kyle and Max dropped to silence after that. They were merely walking, enjoying the other’s company and lost in thought. Kyle was afraid for Tess’ safety as Max was for Liz’s. At least Kyle had the certainty of knowing that Tess could protect herself from just about anything. Liz couldn’t yet. There was so much to do. She had to bond with Max and then have at least a month to develop everything she was capable of.

Magnolu rushed up to his King and Prince, out of breath and deeply afraid for everyone’s safety. “Khivar’s intelligence has found us. We have no choice. We have to leave and attack tonight. An infantry will be arriving here in an hour.”

Max and Kyle shared a look before breaking into a dead sprint.

They ran for what seemed like years. Finally reaching the Queen’s headquarters, they rushed in and found the rest of the Circle. Quickly explaining their urgency, the Circle was ready to leave in half an hour. Before leaving their safe haven, the close knit group of friends turned to look at a sight they might never see again, their home planet.

They stood, unknowingly, in a circle and everyone shared a look. Magnolu cleared his throat, achieving their attention. Realizing where they were and what was about to happen, seven pairs of legs flew down hallways, turning left and right. Max held Liz’s hand tightly, knowing he was running faster than she could. Finally reaching their destination point, they climbed into the Antarian War Spyder.

Kyle held Tess closely as she trembled with fear, realizing that their time was now. They were officially at war, and it was kill or be killed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Earth

Alex finished moving the rest of his stuff into Amy DeLuca’s spare room. After his parents died, they decided that he would live with Maria and finish high school with her. Maria walked in to his new room as he put a framed picture of him and Isabel next to the Christmas picture of the eight members of their group. She leaned into the door frame.

“You feel it too, don’t you?”

Alex jumped slightly, not knowing that she was there. He met her eyes before looking back at Isabel. “Yeah, I do.”

“I had another dream.”

“With Liz?”

“Yeah.” Maria looked down as tears gathered in her eyes. What Liz had said, she could only hope it had been just a dream.

“What did she say?”

“That they’re all fine, but they have to attack long before planned. Khivar found them and they have to move out.”

Alex met her eyes. “You know they aren’t just dreams, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“What do you think is going to happen?”

Maria walked forward, unable to answer his question. She had a good feeling what was going to happen, but it wasn’t something she thought she could say aloud. Maria knew that one of her friends was going to be hurt. And she knew exactly which one.

And the thought broke her heart into tiny pieces.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ouryia

Khivar slept peacefully, knowing it would soon be over. There was no way those infant hybrids would have intelligence enough to leave Antar. They didn’t even know he was attacking. Alarms surrounded him and he was instantly on his feet. Walking down the corridor, he found Zan, Daniello, and his beautiful Vilandra struggling against the guards. A door swung wide open and in fell a very bodily hurt Drisana and an almost just as bad Avathana. Rath was unconscious as well, but he didn't look hurt.

“We found them a while ago. Avathana was warping and we discovered the rest of the Circle headed towards your chambers. Their plan was to attack in your sleep.”

Khivar looked from his Head to the Royal Circle now at his mercy. “Well done, Dorian. Well done.” Khivar smiled evilly as he realized that this was finally it. Fifty plus years of waiting to finish what the forsaken, and now dead, Triad had done and they were at his fingertips.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Twenty Minutes Earlier

Max held Liz close. This was the hardest moment of his entire life. She was going to leave. How could he just drop his hands away and let her walk? “Liz…”

She silenced him with her index finger. “Max, everything will be fine. Just you watch. We’ve trained for this. I’ll be with Michael.”

Max looked down, unable to accept her words. “I know that Liz. I know he will protect you but if something were to happen to you…” He trailed off, unable to finish that sentence. I would die. And he would, too. Without her, he was nothing. What was a king without a queen?

Liz kissed him then. It was a reassuring kiss. One that promised the rest of their lives. Her lips met his with fierce intensity. The tongues danced quickly together, knowing deep inside there was a chance it might be their last. Max pulled away from her, hesitantly. Resting his forehead against hers, he made her swear to him. “Come back to me.”

Tears were fighting to reach her eyes, but Liz pushed them back hard. He didn’t need her insecurities too. Because, fact be known, she was terrified. They were launching into battle tonight, against an enemy that defeated them last time around. Sure Round 2 was going to be different, but it was so soon. What if their plan had holes they hadn’t thought of? Liz wanted to spend the rest of her life with Max, she wanted her seven friends to be with her too. She wanted Maria to be her maid of honor, Tess and Isabel her bride’s maids. She wanted them to be her house maidens when she was pregnant. She wanted so many things that this man threatened to take from her.

Tess was feeling similar things. Their plan was for Michael, Liz, and Tess to sneak off and launch a massive mindwarp. They were going to warp the entire palace. That meant leaving Kyle behind. What if something happened to him? Or her? She might never feel his arms around her. She might never see what Kyle Jr. would look like. Tess had dreams for her beautiful Kyle. And this man threatened to rob her of all of them. The mere though made her want to kill him herself.

Kyle wrapped his arms tightly around his beautiful soulmate. This was harder than anyone had anticipated. She was so small in his arms, so delicate, so fragile. While he knew somewhere inside that she contained enormous amounts of power in her tiny body, the boyfriend, the human, in him never wanted to let her leave his arms. She was safe here. Kyle would die protecting her. This was the one place, that he knew certainly, she was completely safe. Once she left him, there was no telling. Would Michael be able to protect both her and Liz? What if he was forced to choose? Who would it be? The thought that he might never see her beautiful blue eyes look into his again, it broke his heart.

Kissing her forehead, he whispered his love into her hair. “When we get through this, I’m marrying you.”

Tess smiled slightly. “Bet your ass you are.” Kissing him sweetly, Michael cleared his throat and she met eyes with her sister. It was time to go.

They met in a circle, each facing the other. Max looked around, somberly. “We’re going to make it through this. Isabel, you’ll see Alex again. Michael, you’ll see Maria again. And the rest of us will be with each other in just over an hour. I promise, it will all be ok. Nothing is going to happen to us. Nothing can. We won’t let it.”

With tears choking Isabel’s throat, she walked forward and hugged Liz and Tess. Knowing she was being ridiculous, because nothing was going to happen. “You two are my best friends. I want you to know that I love you like you love each other. You are my sisters. And…” she took a deep breath, and glanced at Max. “You’re going to be at my wedding.” They understood what she was telling them, and the sisters reached forward to hug their might-as-well-be sister.

Liz squeezed Isabel’s hand before releasing it. She met eyes with Michael who took it afterwards. Max, Kyle, and Isabel watched the three of them walk off, hand in hand. This entire plan weighed on their being able to complete the task given them. They were the strongest sub-unit out of the entire Circle. Their powers had been made to work together. And there were prayers spinning around six heads that they were strong enough.

When the siblings reached their destination, Michael turned towards his little sisters. “Are you guys ready?” With a nod of their heads, Michael reached out for their minds. Connecting instantly, Liz and Tess sat at their lookout point. Closing their eyes and concentrating ferociously, Michael stepped back to watch for intruders.

As Tess’ mind gathered power from Michael and Liz, she launched the greatest mindwarp she’d ever tried. She found it was easy enough, with her brother and sister’s powers running at a strong pace through her veins. Liz and Tess reached out to every living member in the palace and made the other half of the Circle invisible.

Liz’s task was to keep their location up to date. She had connected with Max before leaving, letting her know if and when he were in trouble. Through their connection, he would tell her where they were now so that Tess could refocus her warp. After about five minutes, Michael felt his energy draining. Trying hard to keep his wobbling legs from giving out, he realized that this was more consuming than they’d thought it to be. Of course, they had practiced it before but never with the actual stress of knowing that they were fighting for their lives.

It sure did make a difference.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Max walked ahead of Kyle and Isabel. They were almost there. Just a few more steps, from what Kyle remembered of the blue prints. They had to finish the stairs and turn the corner. Walk five more yards and turn left. Khivar’s chambers were the last door on the left. Max froze as a servant made eye contact with him. No, no, no, no. This couldn’t be happening. After blinking, the servant girl looked away and continued walking.

He felt Liz’s concern flood his mind in reaction to his sudden fear. After reassuring her, they continued on their path. Just before reaching the door, pain suddenly filled his mind. Unable to contain his reaction, Max cried out in response. Liz. Liz was in trouble. She was in pain. A lot of pain.

Then all hell broke loose. Guards surrounded them on all sides. How the hell did they see them? That meant one thing. Kyle’s eyes filled with tears instantly. The warp had been dropped.

Tess was hurt.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Across the palace yards, Liz cried out in enormous amounts of pain. Guards surrounded them and Michael felt power surge through his veins. But it wasn’t his power, it wasn’t either of his sisters’ either. It was foreign. It was painful.

He’d been so wrapped up in staying conscious that he hadn’t seen three guards sneak up on them. With a large weapon in hand, he was brought back to the present when Liz was shot. Blue streaks coursed through her skin as she dropped to the ground, convulsing. Tess cried for Liz and almost reached her, then she was shot. With Tess out, the mindwarp was dropped. Michael knew that it meant his friends were in trouble. They, for some reason, kept him conscious to watch the torture of his only family.

One guard walked forward with the gun and, instead of shooting it again, hit Liz in the stomach with it. Shrieking in response, Liz felt pain consume her like never before. The guard, instead of hitting Liz like before, shot Tess again. All three cried out this time, being unable to disconnect from the other. Michael felt every ounce of pain course through his veins that his sisters were feeling. It was excruciating. That’s why they’d kept him awake. So he could feel every second of their pain.

Tears filled his eyes as he watched a guard lift up Tess and another came over. Without a word, he drew his fist back and landed a punch directly on her flawless face. As her head swung to the right in reaction, Michael saw blood shoot from her face. The guard hit her in the stomach before dropping her to her side. The same two grabbed Liz and this time were not so quiet.

“So this is the lovely Drisana?”

“She doesn’t look so lovely now.”

“I wonder what Zan would do to us if her hurt her?”

The guard met the other’s eyes and smiled evilly. “Let’s see.” With five more troops arriving to hold back Michael, they released hell on Liz. Punching her face at least four times, Liz was fighting to stay awake. But the pain was so intense. She knew, even with how much she loved her beloved Circle, she would’ve done anything to make them stop. As Liz fell to her side next to Tess, one of the suits kicked her stomach hard, making her whimper in response.

Knowing that they had to keep her alive, they left it at that. Grabbing the girls and dragging them behind, Michael was kept in tight check. He was able to walk, but barely. He hadn’t been touched since he was shot, but the guards knew it was his sister’s pain that kept him unable.

Bursting through the doors where they knew Khivar to be with the rest of the Circle, the guards smiled triumphantly. Khivar smirked when he saw Zan and Daniello fight the guard to go to Drisana and Ava, who were thrown onto the floor.

Max couldn’t believe his eyes. Liz was so…red. Her face was covered in blood, there was not an inch that was the creamy color he loved so much. Her lip was busted open and bleeding, there was a large black bruise forming over her eye, her cheek had been split open and if he looked hard enough, he was sure he might be able to see her bone. Her clothes were torn and he could see blood dripping from her stomach and arms. And Max was ignoring the fact that there was blood pooling in a small amount around her head.

“What the fuck did you do to her?” Max usually never cussed, but a divine animal instinct to protect Liz took over and he lost control of his senses. Max was on auto-pilot now. And it took six guards to hold him back.

Kyle couldn’t breath. Tess was unconscious. There was a large bruise forming along the left side of her face, the entire left side. Someone had hit her, with a large fist. She didn’t look nearly as bad as Liz, and he would’ve been less worried if it weren’t for the blue streaks coursing under her skin. They were everywhere, and he felt his heart break in response. She had been hurt. Because he hadn’t protected her. His eyes met Khivar’s and felt the same instinct overcome his senses. The enemy had to call two more guards to add to the three that were already holding Daniello back.

Michael had slipped into the unconscious world. The pain had been too much. His brain had reacted in the only way it knew how to, it shut down. It had to kill all nerves in order to stop the immense torture. And now Michael was slumped on the floor.

Isabel couldn’t breath either. How had things gone so wrong? They must have not counted for someone. Even one guard not warped could and obviously did destroy their entire plan. She stood helplessly in two guards’ arms, looking on at who she had just proclaimed as her sisters.

“Take them to the quad and alert the public. There shall be a public execution to show who holds the power.” Khivar walked back into his quarters with Dorian. Max, Isabel, and Kyle were forced at gunpoint to walk ahead. That didn’t keep Max from trying and trying to reach for Liz with his mind. She wasn’t responding. He knew she wasn’t dead. But he also knew she was well on her way.

In his room, Khivar smiled at Dorian. “I’ve now killed the Royal Circle twice. That’s got to be some kind of record.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Earth

“Maria!”

Liz ran to where her friend stood by the stream. Maria met her eyes and instantly knew something was wrong.

“Liz? What is it? What’s wrong?”

“We failed, Maria. Tess is dying as I’m here, and I…I’m using what’s left of my energy to connect with you.”

Maria’s eyes filled with tears instantly. Tess was dying. Tess. She’d grown to love Tess so much before they had left. Tess was one of her best friends and she was dying. What about…

“Michael was fine the last I saw him, though…I’m not sure what will happen next. I just…” Liz began to cry softly. “I wanted to ask you to tell everyone how much we love them. And please, tell Alex that Isabel loved him with her last breath.”

Liz’s image began to flicker before Maria and she reached out to keep her. “No, Liz. Please. No, no, fight for us. Please!” Maria was screaming and crying now.

“I love you so much. Don’t forget us, any of us.” With that, Liz disappeared and Maria fell to the ground, unable to breath. The realization that she would never see any of them again hit her like a ton of bricks from twelve stories up. She would never punch Max, never laugh at Kyle, never laugh with Tess, never shop with Isabel, never dream with Liz… never kiss Michael. It was over. They were going to die.

Maria shot up and screamed involuntarily. Amy and Alex ran in instantly. Maria knew she could speak freely as she and Alex had to tell her mother, the Evans, and the Parkers where their children went. Maria thought it would be the hardest day of her life, but everyone had taken it well. She supposed it was their enormous pride for the type of children they had raised.

Alex grabbed Maria’s arms to calm her. She met his eyes and wanted to die. “What is it Maria? What happened?” He felt the cold hand of fear grasp his heart and squeeze the life out of him.

“They’re dead,” she whispered. “They’re all dead.”

---

TBC~

[Beautiful86]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Guys, thank you so much for all of your feedback. I guess you can tell I'm still new at this because everything happens really fast in my chapters. Like for instance, this story is almost over. But I have a question... Should I write a third story? Make it a trilogy? I was going to make one that was purely fluff about the rest of their lives. So yall could see what happens and stuff.

Yes or no?

Ok, quick disclaimer... No infringement on the episode Wipe Out. You'll get what I mean later. But nothing intended.

Ok, on with the show!!

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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter Three

Max regained consciousness and looked around. His heart broke into a thousand pieces. Liz was awake now. But she was still hurt. Very hurt. Kyle, Isabel, and Michael were tied up as well. But neither one looked very hurt. Isabel had a cut above her eyebrow but was fine. His eyes met Tess’ and he knew instantly that she was ok.

Khivar walked in front of them and Max realized that he was standing on a podium in front of a large crowd. Khivar began to speak to them.

“People of Ouryia and respective systems. I give you the Royal Circle.” He stepped back to reveal the six teenagers tied up.

Murmuring among the crowd erupted. They look like children. They look so hurt. Khivar hurt them. He is doing this as a sign of power. He is trying to squash the rebellion.

Khivar walked over to Zan and smiled triumphantly. “Looks like I won again, Zan.” Max retaliated in the only way he could. He gathered his saliva and chucked his spit into Khivar’s face.

Wiping it away angrily, Khivar shot his hand out towards the other five. When they screamed out in pain, Max yelled for him to stop. Khivar took the opportunity to finally face his lovely Vilandra.

“I hope you understand why I killed you Vilandra. You hadn’t changed. I wanted you to be my queen but you were remorseful. I couldn’t have that. So sad to see history repeat itself. You could, of course, join my side. I would love to have you rule beside me.”

Isabel looked him squarely in the eye. The nerve of this inhuman animal. “Go to hell!” Khivar shook his head slightly and sighed.

“Have it your way.”

Unbeknownst to him, Liz was wide awake. She had been gathering her strength for what she knew she would have to do. Max was in trouble. Tess was in trouble. Michael was in trouble. She had to step up and be their queen.

She had to die for them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Earth

Alex was crying.

Maria and her mother had gone to the Parkers and Evans’ to explain what Maria knew. Alex didn’t want to be there. He wanted to mourn for what was happening. It was his sophomore year in college now. He had graduated from West Roswell with Maria. While the day was the most important to everyone else, it was hard for the two of them. While best friends clung to each other, saying their farewells and drinking good-byes, Maria and Alex mourned for their friends who wouldn’t get to graduate.

Alex had lost Isabel.

And he was crying.

Across town, at the Parkers, Nancy was hysterical. The Evans’ were crying, but it didn’t compare to the sorrow Nancy felt for her daughter. It had been a shock when they’d found out. Her little girl, she was a queen of an alien race. When they’d found her outside of their door, asleep at three years old they’d known she was different. But they never imagined just how different.

And now they’ll never know.

Because she, and her five friends, were all dead.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ouryia

Liz was able to break herself from the ties that bound them. Still keeping her eyes closed and her figure still, she knew that Khivar was inches away from Max with a dagger in his hands.

“Let this be a lesson to all!” Khivar shouted towards the people. “I rule this system! I hold the power! And now, with the death of the Royal Circle, again, I shall never be questioned!” He raised the dagger and Max saw his life flash before his eyes.

-Flash-

Max and Isabel holding hands the first day of school.

-Flash-

Max seeing Liz for the first time.

-Flash-

Tess arriving in town.

-Flash-

Max finding out who they really were.

-Flash-

Liz walking away from Max.

-Flash-

The group finding out who they really were.

-Flash-

The eight of them growing closer.

-Flash-

Maria and Alex laughing.

-Flash-

Max’s parents smiling at him

-Flash-

Maria and Alex crying as they left.

-Flash-

Liz smiling at him.

-Flash-

Max telling her that when they got back to Earth, they were going to get married.

-Flash-

Max standing in his Circle

-Flash-

Max loving every member of it

-End Flash-

And as he closed his eyes, he anticipated a fierce pain. But it never came. Suddenly there was action behind him. And Max’s world changed forever.

Liz lunged for Khivar. Knocking him to the ground, she touched his head and connected with him instantly. Fighting the images she was slaughtered with, she forced fireball after fireball of energy into his head. Khivar screamed out in pain. Just before he felt his life completely drain, he absorbed all of Liz’s essence, killing her in the process.

Max could only stare as the love of both his lives fell down, lifeless. Khivar rolled over beside her and the five saw his eyes roll back into his head. Michael cried out his negative response while Max could only stare.

She was gone.

She’d sacrificed herself for him, for them. Tess felt her grief turn into rapidly growing anger as the Royal Guard of Ouryia began to advance on them, wanting to finish their leader’s work. Suddenly, her power was growing out of control. She felt her ties release her, but she could only stand still, her eyes shut tight in concentration. The power…it was becoming too much. She wanted fight it, but at the same time the animal in her wanted their enemies to pay. She wanted them to pay for all of their pain, for leaving Earth, for killing them, for killing Liz. She wanted them to pay dearly.

Her breath grew louder as the power was overcoming her, quickly turning into something more than she’d ever experienced. Her body was frozen where it stood, unable to so much as inch. Her arms flew to her sides and if possible, her eyes closed even tighter. She could only see white. Tess knew that she should try to fight it, but her anger towards the men she knew to be standing before her was far too great. It was too late now. They’d done pissed her off…and they were going to pay with their lives.

Kyle, Isabel, and Michael looked down in amazement as a wall of fire appeared from behind Tess. The Ouryian Guard looked at it in horror as they knew it would be there end. Tess opened her eyes and met Dorian’s. And suddenly, she released all of her power, knowingly amplifying it more and more. She threw everything she had into that one act. She knew that it would kill them, that she would kill an entire guard, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that her sister was dead…and they killed her. The only sound that could be heard for miles was her high pitched scream as the power ripped through her tiny form. The flames engulfed the army, burning them to their deaths.

When it was over, Tess fell to her knees. Kyle, suddenly free, ran to where she knelt. “What….what…what happened?” She honestly couldn’t remember doing anything. She didn’t know that she just saved everyone’s life. All she could remember was pain, intense pain as enormous power shot through her entire being. Her eyes met Kyle’s as he leaned into her.

“You saved us.” Tess let Kyle catch her as she collapsed. She looked up and saw Max leaning over Liz and the events of the last five minutes came rushing back to her. Her sister was dead.

Tess scrambled to where Max cradled Liz’s head. “Heal her!” she demanded. Max’s teary eyes met her frightened ones.

“I can’t,” he replied, sounding more broken than ever before. “I tried. Khivar…he must have stolen her essence or something. I can’t…I can’t heal that.” Behind him, Isabel dropped to her knees, as grief wouldn’t allow her to stand. Liz had killed herself for her brother, for all of them. The sobs that followed wracked her entire body as Michael made his way to her. Holding each other tightly, the two children wept openly.

Kyle soon joined Max to embrace him in a hug as Kyle, himself, was now crying. Max let Kyle embrace him, in front of an entire kingdom, as sobs began to control his own form. His Liz…his beautiful Liz.

And again, they had formed a circle around Liz. No one was standing, they were all on their knees in front of her broken form. Michael couldn’t help but think that she looked so peaceful, even with the bruises and cuts. She was truly the most amazing person he’d ever met, and it humbled him to no end that she was his sister…his queen.

The people of Ouryia began to mourn the loss of the Royal Circle as well. When gossip that they’d arrived spread, the people of all five planets began to hope again. Truly, their Circle would save them. Looking on, however, they didn’t find six royal powerhouses. Their eyes met six teenagers, who had such a long life ahead of them.

When Drisana sacrificed herself for her Circle, the people of Ouryia knew they’d placed their faith in the right hands. When her sister, Avathana, lost control and her power was shown, they knew they’d been saved. But at an enormous cost. The beloved Drisana, the legendary queen herself, had died in battle. And the image of their leaders crying with grief would be forever burnt into their memories.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

One Antarian Week Later-One and a Half Earth Years Later

As an image of Drisana and Zan flashed in his head, Magnolu threw his Scepter into the wall. He’d had a week to deal with the loss of his queen, but it hadn’t helped. Magnolu finally found himself in his quarters screaming with agony for his lost queen, his lost Drisana…his lost Liz.

He’d admitted to himself that in their last lives, he’d been in love with the queen. But this time around, he merely admired her from a distance. She had been truly amazing. So amazing in fact, that she brought the prophecies to life. They had stated that the daughter of the stars would give her ownself for the sake of her beloved. And she had.

Liz was dead.

As another glass frame went crashing into the wall, Gregorio walked into find his Captain in grief. It lightened his heart to know that he might be able to help.

“Sir?” Magnolu met his eyes and fumed.

“You don’t knock? Do you want to be banished?”

“Sir, we have found something that may help the Circle. May make them intact and whole again.”

Magnolu instantly sobered up as they ran from the room.

That night he sprinted down the hallway, unable to merely walk. This was too wonderful. They had an answer. She could be reborn again!

Without knocking, Magnolu opened Max’s bedroom door and stopped dead in his tracks. Expecting to find Max alone, he was utterly surprised by the image he was met with. There, spread out on Max’s bed, were what was left of the Royal Circle, fast asleep.

Kyle lay on the far left, with an arm around Tess, who was leaning into Michael. Isabel was holding Michael’s hand with the other arm hanging loosely around her brother. Tears threatened Magnolu’s eyes as he thought about the bond they had formed. He knew, without a doubt, since they were all touching, that they had connected before falling asleep. What an amazing amount of trust they must have for each other, to fall asleep completely vulnerable in such a way. More than likely, they had connected in an attempt to console each other for the loss of their sixth.

He desperately needed them to be awake, but didn’t want to disturb their slumber at the same time. Knowing he had to choice, he carefully shook Max. What he had expected, the rest of them woke up when their king did.

“Sire, I’m sorry to disturb you. But we have made some important progress and require an audience of the five of you. Immediately.” Max was wide-awake. As were the other four, together they followed the man they trusted down into a cellar. Looking around, Tess realized where they were standing.

“Yes, Ava. This is Drisana’s and Ava’s lab. This is where they invented the Granolith. Now, for the past week, we have been trying to locate a piece of paper. Ana and Ava wrote down everything that the Granolith is capable of on this sheet. They stored it in a very good hiding place, I might add. But my top researcher found it just minutes ago. Our suspicions were confirmed.”

He did all he could to keep from bouncing with joy, knowing how happy this would make the Royal Circle. “The Granolith holds a copy of both Ava’s and Ana’s essences. It is capable of bringing them each back to life, once.”

“We can save Liz?” Isabel voiced what everyone was thinking. And Magnolu smiled brightly.

“Yes.”

“But the Granolith is on Earth.” Max didn’t want to get his hopes up just yet. He had to be sure.

“Yes,” Magnolu replied.

“But it takes a month just to get there. Liz will be decomposing already.” Michael too, needed to know that this would work before he could let himself do the cartwheel his mind was screaming at him to do.

“Ah, but we can stop the process. In fact, we did it that very day. She is still fully intact, with a serum that we keep flowing through her veins. The body thinks that it’s blood, so it doesn’t die.”

Max felt Tess touch his hand, and he grasped it in response. “Liz will be fine?”

“Yes, my dear Tess. Liz will be fine, once you arrive on Earth.” Magnolu was completely humbled when Max, his king, his Sire, reached out and hugged him more tightly than his own mother ever had.

“I owe you everything.” Max looked him in the eyes and repeated, “everything.” Magnolu bowed his head.

“I am happy to serve you in any way I can.” Max pulled back from him and picked Tess up. Swinging her around happily, Tess giggled. Liz was going to be fine. They just had to get back to Earth.

For the next ten minutes, the group of five spent time laughing and hugging. Their lives weren’t over.

Magnolu cleared his throat. They weren’t finished. Five eyes met his and he felt his own smile creep across his face. “Tomorrow is your coronation ceremony. As you know, we are still crowing Liz queen. But you can announce that you are leaving tomorrow.”

He felt his anxiety grow as their smiles grew brighter. They weren’t just happy. The five were planning something.

The next day, the ceremony was beautiful. People from the other four planets arrived on Antar to see the Royal Circle. The day was beautiful, the two suns beamed down where the five were standing. The purple sky was bright with life, as the people cheered their new leaders.

Max stepped forward. “As your first act as king, I want to declare a new form of government. In order to save your queen, the Royal Circle must travel back to Earth, where the Granolith lies in wait. Before we leave, we need to establish a new ruler, so…” he motioned to a guard on his left. The four remaining royals walked up behind him, as he motioned for Gregorio to bring him a document. Max smiled intensely when he signed the bottom and handed it down the line, all five of them signed it.

Max looked at the crowd and then at Magnolu. “Today, before all of you, we officially declare Magnolu King of Antar.” He laughed out loud as his friend’s eyes grew wide in response.

“Me?”

“Yes,” Max put his hand on his shoulder. “You.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[Beautiful86]

Sorry about waiting so long. Hope you guys enjoy it!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter Four A

Alex looked around confused. He’d been here before. He knew it with every inch of his soul. He’d experienced something here before. So where the hell was he?

“Alex!” The young man froze as he heard the voice he’d know anywhere. Standing very still, almost petrified to turn for fear it would be unreal. His curiosity getting the better of him, Alex turned and met eyes with the love of his life.

“Isabel,” he choked out. She was so beautiful. She walked towards him with her now longer blonde hair flowing. Her eyes lit up at the sight of him. She was so unbelievably beautiful, and it took his breath away.

“Alex, God I haven’t seen you in so long,” she said while she threw her arms around him. Forgetting momentarily why she had traveled across the galaxies with the help of her four friends, she let her soulmate hold her.

Alex’s heart was racing. This was a dream, he knew. But it was the best dream he’d had in so long. His Isabel, his beautiful unbelievable Isabel was in his arms. She was safe, she was ok! The pain of the last year and a half of living with her death went rushing from his heart as he realized that she really was ok!

“God, Isabel. We thought you were dead.” He began to cry, then. Reliving every moment of his days when he realized he’d never hold her again.

She pulled back, horrified. Suddenly, the word dead brought back every ounce of reason in the universe and she realized why she was here. “Alex, I have bad news.”

His heart stopped and his stomach flipped a few times. This is why she’s here? Is she telling me she’s never coming back? Is she telling me she’s dying? Sensing his fear, Isabel quickly calmed his fears.

“We’re coming home…” when his eyes lit up, she felt her heart break. “I can’t stay much longer, but I needed to tell you. We’re coming home because Liz died and we have to save her. We should be arriving May 15th just outside of the Pod Chamber. Do you remember where it is?” When Alex’s eyes clouded over with confusion, she realized that time must move differently. They’d been on Antar for seven months and four days. How long had they been gone on Earth? “How long has it been?”

Alex sighed. “Six and a half years.” The six longest years of his entire life. He’d graduated with out her, both from college and from high school. If it hadn’t been for Maria, he’d have died six and a half years ago.

Isabel felt their connection fading, tears pooled her eyes. “Listen, Max, Michael, Tess, and Kyle are running out of energy. We had to connect so that I could project myself to you. I have to go. Please meet us there. May 15th, the Pod Chamber.” As Isabel faded, Alex could only look on.

He rose from his bed, with fresh tears rolling down his cheeks. Slipping quietly out of bed, he walked across the hallway to Maria’s room. Sparing a glance outside, he realized that it was snowing again. Stupid Maine weather, it was always either raining or snowing. Creeping into her room, he saw her asleep on her queen-size bed. Her blankets surrounded her small figure and Alex smiled with pride. She’d worked so hard in college to get where she was. Graduating from NYU, she’d received her BA in psychology and was now working on a MBA.

She’d recovered well from their trip to Roswell to tell everyone what had happened. Alex chopped it up to her throwing herself into her work. When she’d been offered a job as a university counselor in Maine, Alex had searched for jobs. Finally landing one with Groupe Schneider Automations, he’d been working his way from entry-level to Supervisor of Business Associates. Which, in English, meant he dealt with people complaining about their software.

Shaking her gently, Maria grumbled and rolled over. Alex knew how she could be when you woke her up. You live with someone for five years, you learn these things. “Maria, baby. Wake up, sweetie.”

Maria opened one eye and pushed him away slightly. “This better be good, Whitman. Jason Kidd was totally going to propose!”

“They’re coming home.”

That sentence alone made Maria shoot up in bed, tears flooding her eyes instantly. “All of them?”

Alex felt a sob rise in his throat. “Five of them.”

“Which one isn’t?”

“Well, technically she is. But they have to save her.”

“It’s Liz, isn’t it?”

“How did you know?”

Maria never told him about the rest of the dream with Liz all those years ago. She’d hugged Liz goodbye, knowing her plan. “It’s the DeLuca charm, Whitman. I know all.” Alex laughed whole-heartedly for the first time in six and a half years and pulled her to him. Everything was going to be fine.

“We have to go to Roswell in two weeks. They’re coming back May 15th.”

Maria didn’t have to ask how he knew. Isabel must have told him. She felt hope grasp her heart as she pictured Michael’s face. Was it really true after all these years? Were they finally going to be together?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

TBC~

[Beautiful86]

Hey guys! Back with the rest of chapter 4!! Now before you start throwing rotten fruit at me, please have faith in me. All will be well in the end. I once heard a quite brilliant quote. Everything is ok in the end. If it's not ok, it's not the end. With that said, I issue Gazer and Candy insurance. I usually don't, but I will this one time. Ok? That's awesome. Yay. Ok, on with it!!

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Chapter Four B

Earth

Alex knew why Maria was pacing. They had this secret together. It wasn't something they were proud of, but their significant others were dead. How could they know for certain that they weren't? That everything turned out for the best? The answer was simple. They didn't. After all, in their earthly world, things weren't gray. They were black and white. You were dead or you weren't. It wasn't their fault.

Maria turned to him with tears in her eyes. She truly loved Alex. These past six years had been bareable only because of him. That night that they shared...it was magical and she wouldn't take it back. But in the light of her beloved Michael...and he wasn't dead. This changed everything. "Alex, how are we going to do this?"

He sighed. If he only had the answers his Maria needed. He met her sad eyes and felt his heart break a tad more. He wished he could take back that night five months ago. But he knew in his heart of hearts, that he didn’t. While it would’ve been amazing to share that with Isabel but, at the time, she was dead. “I don’t know, Mare. I wish I did, but I have no idea.”

Maria sat next to him and leaned into his shoulders. “Do you think they will understand?” The image of Michael turning away from her, after so many years of waiting for him…it made her want to puke.

“I’m not sure. I’m really not.” They grew silent as they remembered the events of January.

They sat across from each other in the candle light, tear tracks staining both faces. It had been more than a year since their devastating revelations. Isabel was dead. Michael was dead. They were all dead. Liz had told Maria so herself. They were left shells of themselves. Formerly full of life and love, now left to rot away on Earth until their dying breath.

They had moved closer to each other then. Unable to look away from the other. The emptiness of their souls, the broken pieces of their heart, they all cried out for a human touch. Ironic, really, that a human touch would be their solace when their beings longed for an inhuman one. As their lips met, fresh tears brewed beneath the surface. What they were doing was wrong. They were betraying them, even in death.

But in that moment, neither Alex nor Maria cared. They shared a secret with each other, one so deep and dark that it shook the cores of their very souls. They had lost their loved ones, their first loves, their soul-mates to an unearthly battle, one that took place a million galaxies away. With eyes shut tightly, Alex willed Maria to shift into Isabel, to be the beautiful blonde that had captured him since he could see straight. In return, Maria’s heart cried out for Michael, wishing with her entire being that it was his beautiful brown ambers closed. They leaned into each other for some form of solace, for an ounce of happiness to wipe away the darkest pain ever known to a man and a woman.

That’s what they were, after all. They were not alien royalty, or Gods or Goddesses. They were Alex Whitman and Maria DeLuca. They were people. They were human. Humans made mistakes. They were a man and a woman, destined to spend the rest of their lives comparing every significant other to that of their first. Alex would spend his life comparing each woman to the beauty that was Isabel Evans. Maria would spend her life comparing each man to the passion that was Michael Guerin.

That night…that night that would stand out to them as their lowest point, they had turned to each other for solace. It really was all they’d ever wanted. The best friends had offered each other comfort in a way that no other could. With the candles glowing around them, and tears falling every second of it, they’d reached for each other.

As they made love in the bedroom, in Alex’s bedroom, Maria knew it was wrong. She could hear Alex’s panting but it made no difference. It wasn’t Michael. But in that moment, she didn’t care. Michael was dead. Why should he dictate her life? As their lips met in the blaze of passion, Alex was crying. She wasn’t Isabel. No matter how hard he wished her to be, she wasn’t.

As their hips grinded together once clothes were shred, they’d achieved their goal. For two hours, they forgot why they were heart broken…and why they’d never fall in love again. They climaxed together and the passionate bubble burst around them, leaving them well aware of what had just happened. And yet, there was still no remorse. After all, it wasn’t as though they’d ever be able to seek solace in another’s arms.

And above all, it didn’t matter because the reasons behind the actions were dead. Isabel was dead. Michael was dead. Maria fell asleep in the arms of her best friend, clothed by only a blanket and cried even in slumber. Every dream she’d ever had of her and Michael together had been ripped shamelessly away from her. She was never going to see him again. Never going to kiss him again, never going to hug him again, never even going to look at him again. She never was. Perhaps that’s why she’d reached out to Alex. He was her only form of comfort in a world that tore her only happiness away from her.

Alex rested his head atop Maria’s and still felt no regret. It wasn’t right, granted. But what were the consequences? Isabel, his one true love had been taken from his very arms and sent to a foreign place to fight a battle she knew nothing about. Alex smiled incredibly sadly when he pictured her dying, how she must have died with pride, fighting right up until her last breath was breathed. While he’d never kiss or see or hold or hug again, he was incredibly humbled that she’d loved him. He knew he would never ever be able to forget the way she felt in his arms, or the scent of her hair, or the touch of her lips, or how she was so, simplistically put, Isabel. The word love didn’t do justice to his feelings for her. And he prayed that she knew that when she left. And while Maria would never be Isabel, maybe she didn’t have to be. Maybe she could just be Maria and that would be enough to keep him breathing.

Either way, just for then they’d found solace in the most unlikely of places. They’d sought comfort in their best friend’s arms and found it. Just for then, they could rest assured that someone out there knew exactly what sort of pain encompassed their entire lives. Just for then, they could let themselves imagine that the eyes looking into theirs were that of their beloved. Just for then, they could be happy again. Just for then, they could fall asleep in the pretend arms of those they’d lost.

Just for then.

Alex sighed as he felt Maria sob. They’d never been as close again, since that night. But their friendship had, thankfully, not dwindled. He didn’t think he could live with himself by himself, without the companionship of the only other human who knew what it was like to lose their heart to an alien.

Maybe Isabel would understand why he did what he did. He could only hope…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Roswell, New Mexico. Two Weeks Later.

Magnolu smiled brightly as the Pod Chamber came into view. Shaking Max slightly, he woke him up to the best sight he’d ever seen. Max, in turn, woke the remaining four up and brought them to the window.

Earth.

They were home, at long long last. They were finally home. Once arriving, Max scooped his fragile Liz into his arms and kissed her forehead.

“Almost, love. Hold on.” Max glanced at Isabel, letting her know that she would be the one to wait for Alex and Maria to arrive. Dashing from the ship, Tess led the group careful that no one could see them.

Running as fast as they could, Tess, Kyle, Michael, and Max with Liz in his arms made it into the Granolith Chamber.

Max looked at Tess and realized that he didn’t know what to do. Magnolu ran in behind them and looked at Tess. “You have to connect with the Granolith and then with her. It will feed her through you. You have to hurry though. The Granolith can sense her and if not activated, it will die itself.” Tess nodded and glanced at the inverted cone.

Ok, you made it. Now figure it out. Tess took a chance and put her hand on the side of it. A large swirling vortex appeared just below it and she felt energy course through her. The intensity of the sensation was amazing. She could actually feel Liz. She’d connected with her time and time again, but this was different. It’s like, Tess was actually her sister. Tears sprang instantly to her eyes as she felt who her sister truly was. Compassion and honesty surrounded her senses. Tess felt the love that both Liz and Drisana had felt for both Max and Zan and it brought her to her knees. The love that Liz felt for Tess and Michael was astounding in itself. She collapsed with both ecstasy and grief. Her sister loved her that unbelievably much. It was amazing. She glanced at Michael with tears streaming freely down her face and nodded.

She let go of the Granolith and scrambled to Max and Liz. How would she connect with Liz? How do you reach someone whose dead? Tess deepened her breath and felt the answer. She had to let herself be Avathana. For the first time in her entire life, Tess let go of all resolutions and nature took its course. Ava filled her body, seizing every nerve, every cell. In that moment, she was Princess Avathana, heir to the Royal Throne of Antar. Ava grasped Liz’s temples with her palms and forced her sister’s essence into her. Coercing the energy through her brain, stimulating it back to life, Ava felt her breath grow even deeper. Liz’s eyes shot open as life was brought back to her.

Suddenly, Liz was no more and Drisana existed in her body. Liz’s memories existed in her mind, but her soul was Drisana’s. Drisana opened her arms as she saw her sister and cried aloud. “AVA!” Suddenly, the two were embracing each other fiercely while the other four were left to look on.

Max looked at Magnolu for answers and he gave them. “They are Drisana and Ava for now. Until they are fully healed, they will be them. It’s how it works.” Drisana was crying as Ava was kissing her cheek.

“You’re ok! Oh my God, you’re ok.” Drisana couldn’t believe it. She didn’t know where she was or why she was there but it didn’t matter. Her sister was in front of her.

“And you? Look at you. You look just the same.” Drisana looked down at her hands. Those weren’t her hands. She quickly looked around the chamber and found only one person that she recognized.

“Magnolu! How did you get here? It’s so wonderful to see you.” Magnolu couldn’t help the tears that were brought to his eyes. She was Drisana. She was who he had loved in two lifetimes.

“And you, majesty. You’re looking lovely as ever.” Max watched Magnolu interact with Liz and couldn’t help the jealousy that swept him. He said it would be over soon. His scientific mind had figured out that they must have looked different in this life, because of their human donors. She only recognized Tess and Magnolu because they had the same essences as those she knew. She wouldn’t recognize Michael, or Kyle, or…or even him.

Suddenly, Ava collapsed and Drisana was by her side instantly. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

Ava looked at her sister and cried. “We’re leaving now. We have to go on, sister.” Drisana looked away as she realized her sister’s true words. She held Ava tightly. This would be the last time she’d ever see her beloved Avathana ever again.

Ava clung to her sister as though she were her lifeline. “In our next life, my Ana.” They cried together for what seemed like eternity. They had been reunited only to be torn away again. Magnolu began to cry with them, softly and barely noticeably, but it was too sad to not. Ana had died for her sister and now she’d been brought back to her. Only to be ripped from her arms once again. Ava was all that Ana had in her last life for so long. They’d depended on each other for everything. And now it was all ending, for good.

A brilliant light surrounded Ava and Drisana as they cried out in pain. Max and Kyle lurched forward to reach them, only to have Michael stop them. “It’s ok. I can feel it. They’re fine.”

The white light left the girls and gathered in the air and then shot into the Granolith. It was brought to life and swirled brilliantly before violently exploding in light. Ava and Drisana died for good just then, and they would never be brought back. Magnolu’s eyebrows furrowed as he began to think. The Granolith was supposed to bring Liz and Tess back to life once. Realization slammed into him as he learned that it had. It was programmed to bring Ava and Drisana back to life once. And now its job was dead.

The Granolith collapsed into a fit of darkness and Liz and Tess fell into each other. Liz pulled back to glance at Tess.

“What happened?” Memories of being Drisana slammed into her and she threw her arms around her sister, loving her more than she’d ever before.

Max, Kyle, Michael, and Magnolu looked on peacefully as they cried on the floor together. They cried out of loss and out of love. They’d found home, but they’d found it in the oddest of places. They’d found it in each other.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

NEXT CHAPTER IS THE REUNION! Please go easy on Alex and Maria. Remember, they thought they were dead. Dead! Finite! Caput! Finito Michelito! No more! And they are human. They made a mistake, but I like that they wouldn't take it back. It brought them closer.

What do yall think??

[Beautiful86]

This is it. This is the chapter I've been waiting to write since Echo. It looks like their miles have finally run low and now their stuck with each other. I'm going to post the epilogue.

Who should get married? Which couple?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter Five-The Reunion

85 miles per hour.

Alex didn’t think that Maria’s F150 could go that fast. Yet, here they were, driving like maniacs down a deserted outskirts road. The butterflies in his stomach multiplied four-fold when the pod chamber came into view.

Oh Lord. Was he ready for this? He would actually see her after like six, almost seven, years. He glanced at Maria to see her tapping her index fingers along the steering wheel. She was nervous too. Whenever she was really nervous, she put her hair in a really weird style. One that she’d never done before, and she always wore those particular boots. She sad they were her feel better because you’ve got awesome boots boots. She also always drummed her index finger to a particular beat. It amazed Alex to no end how well he knew Maria.

She pulled the truck to a stop and they sat there, in silence. Neither one looking at each other, neither one breathing really. Just staring at the arch of the rock. Wondering for their own reasons whether or not they were late. Alex took Maria’s hand into his own and broke their silent game.

“You nervous?”

Maria took a deep breath. “The kinda nervous you get right before you jump out of a plane, yeah.” Alex chuckled softly at her humor. That was Maria for you, always trying to lighten the mood.

On the other side, her head was spinning. Never did she think this moment would actually come. Through all of her years of college and now working, through thinking that she might be falling in love with Alex did the thought actually occur to her as real. Sure, it was a fantasy that had passed through her mind every second of almost every day, but it never really seemed possible. Especially once she’d learned that they were all dead. The idea had become a dream more and more with each passing day. Yet, here she sat. Moments and feet away from where he would be waiting for her.

Thinking herself childish, Maria wondered whether he would like her hair. Over the course of his escapades, she’d changed it time and time again. Now it sat, a dark brown with golden streaks through it. She’d gained weight too, but only to fill out. Would he like it? Or did he want her old more boyish figure back? Would he be as happy to see her? Trying to recall their goodbye words, Maria realized that the memory had become a dream to her and had been lost amongst all others.

She gripped Alex’s hand for comfort, something that had become a second nature to her, and let go. As she climbed out of the truck, she realized what her letting go of his hand had symbolized. Not only did she let go of his support and declare herself independent for the first time in so long, but she finally stood on her own. She let go of his support as her lifeline, as the only thing able to make her alive. She stood by herself on the left side of the truck, the sun gleaming down upon her skin, and felt warm for the first time in six years. Feeling like a school girl again, Maria began to run up the cliff, Alex in tow. Looking back, she would never be able to put a finger on what filled her at that moment. Perhaps it had finally hit her. Michael was home. And he was coming back for her.

Racing up the walkway, she slammed to a stop. Alex, unprepared for the sudden change, nearly plowed her over. He glanced quickly at her, making sure she was steady, before meeting the object that caused her to stop.

And his heart stopped.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

There she was. Isabel was standing there, in the same clothes she had left it. In her black shirt, with her gray pants hanging loosely. She was there. Tears filled his eyes instantly. This had to be a dream. A really mean dream because God hated him. He blinked several times and looked back. She was still there. His entire being wanted to run to her. Yet, his feet seemed to be planted where they were. And suddenly, she was running to him. And he was able again. So he took off towards her too, crying the whole time.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Isabel’s mind was screaming. He was here. He was right in front of her. At first, her feet seemed to be frozen as her entire heart screamed and shrieked at her to run to him. Then, her mind finally agreed and she was on her way. She slammed into him with more happiness than she’d felt in her entire life.

“Alex!” was all she seemed to be able to say. The tears she’d been trying to valiantly to hold back, fell freely.

“Isabel! YES ISABEL!” Alex shouted as he finally embraced his love. For once in his life, the stars had aligned and he was happier than any man on the face of the planet. He picked her up and twirled her around. This had to be a dream, or the end of the world, or something. Because, surely, he would wake up in his cold house in Maine, in his bed, alone again.

Slowly bringing her to a stop, Alex placed her back to the ground and pulled back to look at her. “You’re not a dream!” he shouted with pure joy the moment he realized she wasn’t.

Isabel laughed with tears of happiness brimming her eyes and replied. “No, my love. I’m not.” She closed her eyes as he brought his arms around her again, unable to not have her pressed against him.

Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night

Blackbird fly
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night

Maria had tears falling at the sight of their reunion. Life truly couldn’t get any better. She felt obligated to look away as he leaned into kiss her, trying to respect their feelings.

Alex leaned into her beautiful face and felt his eyes close on their own. Needing to feel her love, he closed the distance between their faces and touched her ever so lightly with his lips. As Isabel’s fear of him not loving her any more slipped away, she threw her arms around him and deepened the kiss.

For what seemed like hours, Alex kissed his beloved Isabel. She was finally in his arms. She was safe. She was beautiful. She was his. She was home. She was his. She was happy. And she was his.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Michael turned the corner from the Pod Chamber to tell Isabel that Liz was all right. He stopped dead in his walk when he saw her for the first time in what seemed like lifetimes. She looked different. She was fuller, in a sense. No longer a girl, but a woman now. Her hair was the color of dark brown with golden streaks flowing through it, accenting her angelic face. She met his eyes and tears brimmed immediately in his own. The thoughts of her, the memories taunting his every move vanished as he saw her eyes light up with joy.

And then Michael was running. Forgetting about his newly resurrected sister, or the fact that Isabel was making out with Alex Whitman on his right, didn’t matter. All that mattered was the petite brunette that waited for him for so long.

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Michael’s strong arms surrounded her form and she cried out in happiness. Unable to keep her happiness in, she began to laugh loudly, a sense of peace filling her entire being. He was finally back in her arms. Or rather, she back in his. He pulled back to look at her briefly. His heart melted when he saw that hers hadn’t changed. They’d merely grown, and he could see sadness reflecting behind her happiness. Michael silently vowed to devote his life to taking that sadness away until there was only joy. Maria pulled out of his embrace to push him lightly.

“What took you so long?” He laughed whole-heartedly for the first time in his life and grabbed her again. She hadn’t changed. She was still his beautiful perfect Maria. Michael, unable to resist and finally understanding Alex and Isabel’s PDA, leaned into to kiss her lips.

Maria’s breath stopped as she felt his warm loving lips meet her own. Six years of dreaming of his touch, six years of yearning for his eyes, almost seven long damn years of crying for him, and he was finally here. And he was kissing her. Tears of happiness met from both beings and their hearts were finally mended.

Michael pulled back to look into her eyes. “Marry me, Maria!” Her eyes danced with joy as she sucked in a deep breath. Consequences be damned, she shouted her answer back at him.

“Yes Michael! A million times yes!” Michael picked her up and brought her fully into his arms. Her feet dangled as he kissed her nose, holding her right against him.

“I love you, Maria.” She laughed again. Briefly, Maria thought that she’d laughed more in the last three minutes than she had in almost seven years.

“You better, spaceboy!” At her nickname for him when they were younger, Michael closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. Life couldn’t get any better than this.

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

And Michael knew right there. He’d had all he’d ever wanted out of life in his arms. And no matter what happened, he couldn’t ask for more.

“Save some for the rest of us!” Michael’s eyes widened as he heard her voice. Remembering why they had to come back, he all but dropped Maria and turned to face Liz.

“You’re ok?”

Liz rolled her eyes. “Yes, dear pain in the ass. I’m all right. But you won’t be if you don’t unhand my best friend and give her here!”

Maria laughed, again, and lunged for Liz. Her other half was finally here. The girl she’d grown from diapers with, the girl she’d run to when she’d gotten her period, the girl she could rely on, she was finally here.

“LIZZIE!” Liz toppled over as Maria hit her and they fell to the ground, laughing.

“Nice to see you too Maria. Miss me much?”

“You have no idea!”

For the rest of the afternoon, the group of eight, finally reunited, spent time hugging and crying. They were finally together, and finally happy. Magnolu said his goodbyes and went back to serve his planet, leaving the Royal Circle with their Earthly home.

They knew that life could never get any better than it was in that moment. Maria and Alex shared a look that said they would worry later. As the hours dwindled away, they grew closer than ever before. And by the end of the night, they’d fallen asleep surrounding a fire.

The Circle knew that they should go back into town and see everyone, but for the moment they were content to stay with their reunited family. Even Tess, the one who had been most rejected in the beginning, fell asleep sandwiched in between Isabel and Maria, feeling more at home than she ever could on a far away planet.

And there they slept. Happy and reunited. Michael and Maria, passionate and already bickering. Isabel and Alex, in love and simply holding hands while sharing secret smiles. Max and Liz, as infinite as time itself. Their soulmate status would never be questioned again, and they had the rest of their lives. And Kyle and Tess, an odd pair, but fated nonetheless.

The next morning, they all knew it was time to go back into town. But decided to go get food first. The Circle all but jumped for the chance, having not had real food in almost eight months. After all, they had the rest of their lives to go back into town. The eight knew that it was time to live in the right now. What were their lives if not unpredictable? All they had was right now.

And right now, they had each other.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Epilogue probably Sunday!

What did yall think???

Oh and the song belongs to Doves. It's called Blackbird. And I chose it because the blackbird represents their sadness and being away from each other. Now, if you go back with that knowledge, the song fits perfectly!!

[Beautiful86]

Hi all!!

I am so sorry that there has been such a delay. In the course of work, GoE, and LLV, I just forgot about the epilogue to this story. I will have it posted by Monday.

I was originally planning on working on a sequel and completing a trilogy but with Jenn gone (TV Queen) I've lost my beta as well as my writing companion.

So I will just close this after Monday and wait for it to be moved to the complete FF board.

Just a quick shoutout to Little Mermie... Merms- thank you so much for nominating Echo for the Best Newcomer. I love ya!!!

Thanks a bunch!!

-MtGazer, Jbangelo, Roswellluver, DarthMaul 214, Sternbetracher, RASaerol611, Newbie, Little_Mermie22, TVQueen (JennJennWaffle ), and anyone else I may have missed-

Thank you all so so so much for following me through this story. It was my first of firsts and I think without yall it would've flopped worse than it actually did. So thanks for the inspiration...

AND MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU