Max came around to the passenger side of the Jeep and helped Liz down onto the ground. He pressed a light kiss to her temple and brushed her hair back over her shoulder. Max flashed her a wry smile and tilted his head to the right. He turned around and headed for his destination. Max had only taken a few steps when he felt Liz’s hand pulling on his arm.
Max: Liz?
Liz: Are you sure about this, Max?
He spun around to face her at her question and noticed the worried look she wore.
Max: There aren’t a lot of options here.
Liz: But the last time we were here...
Max: Was when we thought Michael was dying.
Liz: Is that why we’re here? Am I dying?
Max: No.
Liz: You think I might be.
Max: No. I... I don’t know what to think, Liz.
Liz: It’s gotta be pretty bad if you’re coming back here. We’re not exactly welcome here.
Max: You mean I’m not welcome here.
Liz: Max...
He stepped in front of her then and cradled her face in his hands. Max waited for her to raise her eyes to his before he spoke, doing his best to make her understand.
Max: I don’t care. This isn’t about me, or any other aliens. This is about you, Liz. I... They’ll be happy to see you.
Liz: Be that as it may...
Max: I’m not leaving you alone here.
They lapsed into silence then, staring into each other’s eyes as they fought an unspoken battle of wills. Liz tried to communicate her worry for him, while Max tried his best to hide the fear that was consuming him. He focused on his concern for her health instead. So caught up in their gaze, they did not hear anyone approach. Max looked up as he felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder.
Eddie: Why are you here?
Max looked up in surprise and groaned internally when he saw who was standing next to him. He shrugged his shoulder, trying to get Eddie’s hand off of him. Eddie just tightened his grip. Max sighed and, grabbing one of Liz’s hands in his own, turned to face the young man.
Max: We need to see River Dog.
Eddie: He won’t see you.
Liz: Eddie, I...
Eddie smiled when Liz looked up at him. He dropped his hand from Max’s shoulder and extended it toward Liz for a handshake. Liz dropped her hand from Max’s and gave a pleased Eddie a quick hug. Max frowned but remained silent.
Eddie: You, he might talk with. But not him.
She grabbed one of his hands and pulled Eddie a short distance away from Max. Liz gave an unhappy Max a look, telling him to stay put.
Liz: I need him with me.
Eddie: Is this about the visitors?
Liz: Isn’t it always?
Eddie: We don’t know anything more. Come with me. Your friend stays in his car.
Max watched their agitated gestures and couldn’t carry out Liz’s silent request. He strode forward, reaching them just as Eddie was starting to pull Liz towards the woods. Max cupped a hand over one of Eddie’s shoulders. Liz rolled her eyes at the proprietary display. The two men locked eyes.
Max: I go where she goes.
Eddie: You don’t have a say in it.
Liz: Stop it!
Max: I’m a part of this, whether you like it or not.
Eddie: That doesn’t matter. We told you not to come back.
Liz: Please!
Max: And I respect that. But not when Liz is involved. (pauses) Please. He’s all we’ve got.
Liz: (painfully) Max!
Her sharp cry pierced the jealous conversation. Max dropped his hand from Eddie and hurried to get to Liz. She wilted against him. Max picked her up in his arms and looked at Eddie with a plaintive expression.
Eddie: Holy shit.
Liz groaned into Max’s neck. He rubbed gentle circles into her back and kissed the top of her head.
Max: Does it hurt?
Liz: Y-Yeah.
Eddie: (sighs) Follow me.
He brought them once again to the cave with the symbols on the wall. Eddie made sure they were somewhat comfortable before heading out of the cave.
Max: Wait! Where are you going?
Eddie: Wait here. He’ll be here soon.
Max sighed and nodded before returning his attention to Liz. He lowered himself to the ground, and Liz curled up into a smaller ball in his arms. Green lights continued to flicker over her body, but they were not as violent as they had been only a few minutes earlier. Max held her to him tightly, rocking her as he closed his eyes in silent prayer. There was a quiet shuffling noise at the cave door that Max did not hear. He was too busy murmuring quiet reassurances to a barely conscious Liz.
River Dog: You aren’t wanted here.
Max lifted his eyes to those of the old man. He could barely make out River Dog’s face around the tears that flooded his eyes. Max quickly wiped away the moisture before addressing him.
Max: I know. But Liz is sick.
Eddie: She’s covered in green sparks.
River Dog: Bring her to me. (turns to Eddie) You may leave now.
Eddie grimaced but headed out of the cave. Max was too caught up in Liz’s troubles to respond to the small victory. He slowly stood up, careful not to jostle her body any more than could be helped. Max approached River Dog, never cowering away from the old man’s stern expression.
River Dog: What have you done to her?
Max: I... I don’t know.
River Dog reached his hand out towards Liz’s body, but he hesitated as he noticed the green streaks lighting up her body.
River Dog: How is it she has your energy in her?
Max: I, umm... I healed her.
River Dog: When?
Max: Over a year ago. Last September.
River Dog: Is she conscious?
Max: I think she’s sleeping.
River Dog: You brought her back from the dead?
Max: Yeah. I guess so.
River Dog: What else?
Max: There isn’t any more.
River Dog: No. There has to be.
Max: How do you know?
River Dog grasped onto a small strand of his long, white hair. He closed his eyes, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. Max watched, feeling confusion, awe, and fear as he witnessed the hairs slowly turn black. River Dog’s eyes flew open as he dragged in deep breaths of air. Max stepped back quickly, wanting to keep Liz as far away from any potential danger as possible. His mind raced with ways out of the cave, out of the situation.
Max: I thought you were human!
River Dog hunched over, resting his arms heavily on his upper legs. He panted heavily and slowly raised a single arm. One finger was raised before his hand fell again. A few minutes later, River Dog was finally in enough control to stand up straight. He approached Max, his chin raised and fists clenched. His eyes narrowed as Max continued to back up.
River Dog: I will not harm you.
Max: I don’t believe you.
River Dog: I wanted only to show you how I know there is more going on.
Max: Because you’re not human?!
River Dog: I am. I was healed by the visitor long ago.
Max: Brought back from the dead?
River Dog: There are many stages of life and death. I was somewhere in between. This girl is lost in the middle, too, I think.
Max: What do you mean?
River Dog: You have seen the extent of my abilities. I was brought back from the dead by a full-blooded visitor over forty years ago. This small display has taken a great deal of energy...
Max: You never had the green energy, did you?
River Dog: No. I’m sorry.
Max: What do I do?
River Dog: Have you tried to restore her balance?
Max: I... No.
Max shook his head, wondering why he hadn’t thought of this earlier. He whispered apologies against her cheek. River Dog watched the display of affection in silence. A flicker of green on Liz’s body reminded the old man of the urgency of the situation.
River Dog: Where are the stones?
Max: They’re at home.
River Dog: Go. Get them. Bring back the stones and only those you trust.
Max: Will she be okay?
River Dog: I don’t have the answers you’re looking for.
Max: I... I’ll be back in an hour.
River Dog: Good. (pauses) Bring only the humans.
Max: What? Why?
River Dog: There will be too much alien energy. Her path is difficult. She must find her way back to her origins.
Max: I don’t understand.
River Dog: Go. I fear our time is short. Leave her here with me.
Max: What? No!
River Dog quickly came to stand eye-to-eye with Max. His dark eyes met Max’s worried ones.
River Dog: You can trust me.
Max: I don’t... It’s -
River Dog: Now! We don’t have much time.
Max: I... You won’t leave her?
River Dog: No.
River Dog laid a blanket down on the ground and Max gently lowered Liz onto it. She curled in on herself but didn’t awaken. Max pressed a kiss to her temple and stood up. He slowly backed out of the cave, making eye contact with River Dog as he reached the exit. The old man nodded his head and an understanding was reached. Max turned and ran for his car.
*Sorry for the distance between posts and any confusion that last week's useless display of insecurity may have ignited. I have every intention of finishing this, even if I'm the only one reading it.
I just wanted to stress that this story isn't cut and dry and won't be an easy read... well, probably ever. lol But, thanks for all of your supportive feedback. It warmed my icy heart, lol. -Jen*