Roswell Fanatics

A/N: HEY! Here's the new chapter. I've worked really hard on this one, it was haunting me. I must have looked like a mad woman, talking to myself, listening to the dialogue play out. It's what I do sometimes, and it comes alive. lol Crazy, I know, but I swear, the characters just take over! Enjoy this one... it's intense.



Chapter 10:

“What!? Liz are you crazy!? You can’t do that!” Maria stepped up certain that her friend lost her mind.

“Maria, that’s where I belong.”

“NO! You belong here with us! With me!” Maria was almost at the point of hysterics. Alex reached for her and Michael watched her, a feeling of guilt taking over his stomach.

“Joshua, you never said anything about leaving so soon. We’re not ready! I’m not ready! Liz, what about your family? Your friends? You’re confused right now.” Isabel was furious. Whatever Joshua had done to freak Liz out wasn’t going to work on her. She wasn’t going anywhere with a strange guy, especially one from a different solar system.

“It is how things are supposed to be Isabel. You’re royalty, don’t you deserve better than this? Being trapped in this lost teenage body?” Joshua stepped toward her, his eyes inviting her into his world.

“No. We aren’t going anywhere. What are we going to do? Just disappear as if we never existed? How would we get there? We just gonna walk up to the castle and declare our appearance? These are things that need to be discussed and planned.” Max held his sister’s shoulders looking for something stable to hold on to, to understand.

“This… this is actually our way home.” Liz spoke softly causing everyone to stop and look at her. OUR WAY HOME. Did she realize how odd that sounded?

“What is it?” Michael got close and put his hand on the cold metal.

“It’s called the Granolith. Liz made it.”

“You made that?” Alex looked at her incredulously.

“In my other life.” She looked at Max now, her cheeks getting warm. He looked up at her and their eyes met. His golden eyes caused something inside of her to snap. She could see him, kissing and caressing her, yet it wasn’t his face. Somehow she knew it was him. She shook her head trying to clear the image.

“We’re not leaving in a week. We need more time to figure out if this thing even works. Besides, they’ve waited for us for over forty years. What’s a few more weeks?” Max looked at Liz one last time and headed out of the cave.

“Come on, let’s go.” Alex grabbed Liz’s and Maria’s hand unwilling to leave Liz alone with Joshua. He was up to no good, he could tell in his eyes.

Isabel followed and after lingering for a few minutes, Michael followed too.
Joshua looked at the Granolith as he stood alone in the chamber. They were all smarter than he thought. He would have to keep an eye on Liz. Make sure that she didn’t change her mind. He would not have them ruin his plans. They would go back. And she would be his.
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“How could you even suggest it?” Maria paced furiously in Liz’s bedroom trying to figure out what had gotten into her best friend.

“I had no choice Maria.” Liz sat on the bed, head down feeling completely lost. She felt like she had no control. Like the life she was living was no longer hers.

***

“There is always a choice Maxwell. I think she just really wants to go.”
Michael looked at Max’s eyes from his spot in the bedroom window. The intense pain he was suffering made him furious. He knew that Liz girl was trouble. Maybe they’d allowed themselves to get weak. To trust these humans. He thought of the look of pure horror on Maria’s face at the pod chamber. Would Liz really just go?

“I think it’s more than that Michael. It’s like… like she couldn’t control her emotions. Like Joshua was DOING something to her.” Isabel looked at Max worried, refusing to believe that the girl she’d come to appreciate for her strength and trust was caving in that easy.

***

“It’s Joshua, you know. He’s doing something to you Liz. I can see it every time you’re around him you lose it. Like you feel you have to do what he says. Like he’s controlling you.” Alex finally took a seat next to Liz on the bed and raised her chin. Her sad brown eyes looked defeated.

“It’s worse than that Alex. So much worse.”

***

“I just don’t understand how she suddenly remembers him. I mean… that just doesn’t make sense to me. All of a sudden she remembers this guy she just met?! She’s known us her whole life… wouldn’t she remember us first?” Max rubbed his forehead in frustrated confusion. He wasn’t sure what to make of Liz’s comment. Was she just saying that to finally end things between them? Had she chosen her destiny? Or was she saying it because it was true? She really did remember, but she wasn’t saying just how much?

“There has to be more to the story then.” Michael stated simply.

***

“What do you mean it’s worse Liz?” Maria stopped in her tracks and took her seat on the other side of Liz. Oddly enough, all she could think of was that they were making a Lizzie sandwich. She wanted to so badly to laugh and hug her and tell her it was all a big joke. But she was scared. It wasn’t a joke… this was all way too real.

“The memories… they really are coming. They’re vivid and overwhelming. But… the more I feel them, the less I think it’s Joshua.” Maria was taken aback by her comment. Her shock was undeniable.

“Who do you think it is?”

“I don’t know yet.” Liz quickly looked down and Alex stood up, refusing to hear that story.

“You know Liz. Come on, tell us.” She took a deep breath and felt her head spin. This was all too much.

“Whenever I’m around Joshua, I get the visions, if that’s what you want to call them. I remember when we first met, our dates, our wedding day, our honeymoon.” Liz blushed but continued with her theory. “It’s like he triggers them. Like he makes me remember him and what we were. But I always feel like there’s something he’s not telling me. Something he’s blocking out and not letting me see. And now, recently, I’ve started to have these dreams. It’s never cohesive and it’s always confusing. But all I know is that these are not triggered by Joshua. He must have tapped into the part of my brain where those memories were and now, they’re beginning to surface on their own.”

***

“If there’s more, then we have to find out what it is.” Michael looked at Isabel and then at Max.

“No. You heard her. It’s over between us.” Max scratched behind his ear in that nervous way he does when he doesn’t quite know what else to do. Isabel looked at him, not recognizing his defeated attitude.

“Aren’t you even going to try and fight for her?” She stopped; shocked that she would even suggest such a thing.

“It’s not my place Isabel.”

“Max, we have to find out what’s going on. You’re the only one who can get it out of her.”

“Why can’t Isabel dream walk her?” Max sat up straight suddenly feeling defensive. They had no right to ask him to do these things. And yet, in his heart, he was aching to speak to her one last time.

“I can only look into her dreams Max. I can’t see into her soul.” With that Isabel stood up and headed out into the hallway and to her room.

***

“Liz, think about what all these things mean. You have to be with who makes you happy, not the alien that walks in saying you are his destined soul mate. These Czechoslovakians are a lot of things… a pain in the neck being one major one… but Max Evans, God Liz that man adores you in ways I didn’t think were possible. Don’t blind yourself into thinking you could feel that way about Joshua. I just don’t see it happening. Granted, it’s complicated, but you have to follow your heart.” Maria hugged her best friend and motioned to Alex that it was time to say good night. They’d been gone long enough. Their parents would begin to worry.

“If you need us, don’t forget to call.”

“I won’t. Thanks Alex. And thanks Maria.” She smiled and shut the door behind them. She could feel her eyes getting heavy. Maybe she just needed a good night’s rest to think about what was happening. She lay on her bed and pulled the covers up trying to find a comfortable position. She closed her eyes and was confronted with Max’s sad eyes from earlier this afternoon. Would she ever be able to deal with the hurt she’s causing him? Finally, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep as the v-formation on her hand began to glow in the dark.

***
Max was relieved to be alone. He lay back on his bed and turned off the light. He had so much to think about. Would he speak to Liz? Of course he would, he had no choice. It was for his family. It wasn’t for himself. He continued to try and convince himself to no avail. The truth is, he needed to speak with her and find out if she was really going to go through with this. It wasn’t like Liz to make such rash decisions. Something was affecting her strongly. Was it fear? Was it uncertainty? He would find out. But first, he had to sleep. He closed his eyes and sighed, feeling the weight of his heart on his chest. Liz still held a tight grip. He felt sleep creep into his body and as he drifted was unaware of the glowing v-constellation on his forehead.
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“Your highness.” Zan stepped into the bed chamber and looked at Ayleyna, her hair perfectly done and her gown decorating her beautiful body. He shook his head. Rath was right and he had been unable to control himself. It was just one romantic moment. He knew, he knew very well things would not happen again.

“Zan, please. It is Ayleyna.”

“I came to apologize about our evening a few nights ago. I was completely out of line.” She stood up, her back still to him as she sat at her desk, her eyes never meeting his in fear of what they would reveal. It would be disappointment. It would be fear. It would be happiness at finding the one person she adored but could never have. She finally turned around; the tears that plagued her face now visible. His demeanor changed and the stiff stance he’d taken broke. She was crying.

“What is it? Why are you crying?” He took a step toward her, his natural inclination to take care of her. He had to stop, he could not do this.

“My father fell ill after I saw him at the marketplace Zan. Serena has just written to tell me that he has died.” He looked into her sad and teary eyes and felt his heart break. He could not let her cry. He stood there, not sure quite what to do, but knowing the feeling entirely too well. His own father had perished when he was a child and Joshua had been crowned king. He was thankful; it gave him a chance to grieve his death. His father had always been closer to him and Vilandra than any of the rest. They shared a bond that no one understood.

“I was not there for him. I was not there for him when he died. What kind of a person does that make me?” Ayleyna broke out into tears, placing her face in her hands. He took another step to her and finally just reached for her and picked her up to hold her in his arms.

“I am sorry.” It was all he said and somehow it made her feel safe. She held on to his strong body, the tears flowing freely as she thought of her life since she’d left her father. She had not gotten the chance to ask Mekhi if they could live with her. Her father never experienced royal life. She dug her head into his chest as she comforted herself in the man before her and felt his fingers reach her neck. He was embracing her as if his very life depended on it. She thought quickly of Mekhi, the man who was to be her husband and felt an instant of guilt.

“Where is Mekhi?” She suddenly regretted saying his name as Zan let her go and pushed her softly away.

“He was caught up on business at Mishpak, he will not be returning for another few days.” His eyes looked at her sadly. She missed his companionship. Perhaps, she was really trying to fall in love with his brother. And so she should. After all, he was her husband.

“Of course.” She laughed with tears in her eyes. It was a sad laugh, one done more out of comfort than humor. She laughed again and turned her face when the tears began to fall again. How would she deal with this on her own?

Zan stood before her, his face displaying his inner battle. He knew what he wanted to do. To hold her and comfort her for the rest of his life. But he knew he loved his brother and his loyalty to him would plague his guilty conscience forever. What was it about this woman that made him so crazy? He closed his eyes and sighed feeling the battle end and he made his decision. He turned and took a step to leave when he heard her soft whisper.

“Wait.” He stopped and hesitated before turning around to face her.

“Please, do not leave me alone tonight.” She looked up at him, her eyes full of tears. He could feel his heart reach out to her and he walked back to touch her face.

“I really should not stay.” He caressed her face, his warm golden eyes looking intensely into hers, assuring her that it would all be alright.

“Why not?” She reached up to touch the hand against her cheek and closed her eyes as she leaned her face against it.

“Because if we… if I do what I want to do, things will change.”

“Maybe.”

“I would not be able to take it back.”

“Would you want to?” She looked into his eyes and leaned forward her lips hanging on his for a moment before she pressed them softly. The scent of her lingered as she pulled away.

“This is wrong.” He tried to control his beating heart afraid that she would hear it racing out of control.

“Is it?” He reached for her face and wiped away the remaining tears. She looked into him with such a force he was afraid she would see what he was really thinking.

“Ayleyna…” She reached up and kissed him again, her body shaking slightly, the fear and passion taking over and making her loneliness go away. She needed him. And in an odd way, she knew he needed her too.
He felt himself get lost in her and finally returned her kiss knowing that there was no way he would be able to leave her. He grabbed her and kissed her more forcefully as he extended one hand and slammed the door shut.
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“OH!” Liz awoke from her dream drenched with sweat. She gasped for air trying to understand the images that still haunted her. The strong feelings that were attacking her heart and soul. She could feel his stare. There was something so familiar about the way he stared into her eyes. Of course, there would be. After all, those eyes, those strong and beautiful eyes belonged to Max. Max was Zan and the way he looked at her that night was unmistakable. It was the same passion he held in his eyes now. The same adoration. The same softness. She could never forget that look as long as she lived. She thought of what it all meant. She and Zan? Was that even possible? She was married to his BROTHER! Could Max ever do something like that? Could she?
She headed towards her bathroom and washed her face. She looked into the mirror and swept some of the sweaty hair off her forehead when she saw it glowing. The mark on her hand. The mark that made her another woman in another time. Ayleyna Bouragio.

She stared at herself for a moment, trying to recapture her breath. She needed some air.

She sat out on her balcony and looked up at the sky. It seemed the stars were shining brightly tonight. She looked over and saw Venus in the sky. It was shining more brightly than normal at this time of year. She thought of what all these things meant. Leaving her friends and her family. Her normal life. She had always wanted to be something more, to live something more. And now that she was getting the chance, she wasn’t sure she wanted it anymore. She thought of her parents whom she loved so dearly. Could she leave them? She felt the tears begin to attack her throat. She thought of Maria’s words. Was she right?
She head fumbling on the stairs and looked up just in time to see Max jump over her balcony wall. She quickly wiped away her tears and looked at him confused.

“What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“Oh.” She looked down at her hand and covered it with the jacket she’d put on. It was too painful to look at with him standing right before her.

“Liz…”

“Max…” They stood aback at their unison and finally Liz nodded for him to speak first.

“What are you doing Liz? Do you know what a big step this is? I mean… Antar. It’s this place, this place with no face. Could you really leave everything behind to go there?” She looked into his eyes realizing what he was asking her. Could she leave HIM behind to go there?

“Max, I’m doing this for you guys. So you can all go back home. Isn’t that what you all wanted?”

Max took a step closer to Liz and stopped, feeling his mind arguing with his heart. What did he expect coming here tonight? At this hour of the morning? How did he even know she’d be awake?

“Liz, all I want is for you to reconsider this. Think about what you’re doing.”

“I know what I’m doing Max.”

“Do you?” Liz finally stood up, anger beginning to build inside of her. Did he really take her for a fool?

“YES! But I don’t think this is about Antar at all, is it Max? This is about Joshua.” She stood now, her eyes piercing through his own. It was too late to back down now. He would have to tell her what he came to tell her.

“Maybe.”

“What do you mean maybe Max? I told you… I already told you…”

“Yea, yea, you told me that you remember. Remember what Liz? Him? I don’t believe you.” She stared into his eyes in shock. It was the first time they’d really gotten into that kind of an argument before.

“Last I checked you wanted it this way!” She could feel her breaths speed up as she squeezed her hands into fists at her sides.

“No… No I didn’t. I wanted space. I wanted to take a step back. You’re leaping forward into a completely different life blindly. You don’t know anything about him Liz and you’re just giving yourself to this guy! I won’t let you.” He stopped, shocked at the sound of his own hurt words. He was pleading with her. His voice was pathetic and distraught. But he didn’t care. He couldn’t let her do this to him. To them. They held something that was too special to ruin. He took another step closer and stood before her now, the anger visible in her eyes, the pleading obvious in his.

“What do you intend to do?”

“I’ll fight for you Liz. I will fight tooth and nail until I’ve won you back. You don’t belong with him.”

“That’s not true.” She looked into his eyes feeling the familiarity of it. Her eyes were wet with tears and he stood before her, struggling as to what he would do next. She thought of her dream and felt her composure begin to crumble.

“It’s not?”

“I belong….” Max reached down and grabbed her hand. The v-constellation was shining brightly and he looked up into the sky. He looked down, the moonlight shining into her watery eyes and did the only thing he could think of. He kissed her. He kissed her as a last resort. He was begging her. He needed her. He felt her tense and then finally kiss him back. He closed his eyes smelling her hair and her skin. He lifted his shaking hands to her face and kissed her again, this time more forcefully as he felt something in him come alive. He had experienced it only once before, the day he’d saved her life. He could feel the flashes overtake him. He could see her milky white skin in the darkness of the large bed chamber. The way her eyes were looking at him in the candlelight. He pulled back to look at Liz, realizing that his dream tonight had been real. Ayleyna had never loved Mekhi.

“Max….” Liz looked into his eyes, sadness plaguing her own.
No, she had never loved him. She loved another man. A man she was forbidden to love. Her brother-in-law. Zan.

“Me…” Max then reached for her again and kissed her as the v-constellation finally aligned in the sky.

A/N: This is kind of a transition chapter, but it does have some important facts. Enjoy!

Chapter 11:

She awoke, feeling the sun shine softly on her skin. She reached next to her, expecting to feel his warm arms. He was not there. She could feel the panic in her throat rise. Was it all a dream? She opened her eyes groggily and lay still awaiting some sort of response. Nothing. Finally, she opened her eyes wider and sat up in bed. She was alone, completely alone in the large canopy bed that sat in the bed chamber. She looked down at her skin and could still feel the warmth it radiated. He had loved her last night. She was not imagining it. She could remember his soft kisses, his strong arms, but most of all she remembered his magical eyes. The way they looked at her indulgently, taking her all in. She had never felt quite as beautiful as she had last night.

“Ayleyna, are you up?” She heard the familiar voice and suddenly felt her cheeks flush at her thoughts. This was wrong. A moment of weakness. She needed comfort, and Mekhi was not there to provide it. She would not allow ridiculous obsessions to take her away from the person who really cared about her.

“Ayleyna?” She heard the whisper again as she ran, naked, into the adjacent room to jump into the waiting warm bath the servants had made for her.

“I’m in the wash room!” She lay into the warm water and sank deep, letting the soap cover her up to her chin. Her head was spinning. How could she betray her husband in such a way? How could she think she could look at him after doing so? She closed her eyes and minutes later felt the burn of a stare.

“Mekhi.” She said his name softly, without opening her eyes, knowing very well that he was standing at the doorway.

“My love.” He smiled, knowing full well that she sensed him.

“How was your trip? I hear Mishpak is beautiful this time of year. My father….” She stopped short at her sentence, remembering why she had given into temptation the night before.

“Your father what?” He walked over to the tub to sit on the ledge. He looked at her sad face, her eyes still closed. He yearned to see the warm brown eyes. The ones that provided him with tenderness and comfort.

“Mekhi, my father has died. I want to have a royal procession for him. And then I wanted to know if we could invite Serena to live with us.” She finally opened her eyes, desperation hiding behind the dark depths. He felt taken aback by her need. Were they not enough there at the castle? Was he not making her happy?

“Serena? The girl from the marketplace?”

“Her name is Serena Montesora, her father, the late Count Montesora, was the most respected trader on our planet. He’s even been known to have dealings on Earth.” She bit back coldly, not liking his tone when talking about her friend.

“Earth? I hear they are all lousy dealers anyway.” She felt anger build in her to a point that she did not know was possible. Who was this man to think he could speak of her family in such a way? King or no king, she would not allow it. She was after all his wife.

“Be it so, that is not the point.” He could sense a coolness in her, some sort of distance she had decided to place between them. He did not like it at all. He came back expecting a loving wife. Someone to love him and hold him and tell him that she loves him so that he could go on with his kingly duties. What he found was a bitter woman, mourning and lonely who wanted nothing more than to just go back home.

“Ayleyna, we will have the procession for your father. I am not sure however of allowing Miss Montesora to join us at the palace….”

“She will be of no trouble, really! She would stay out of everyone’s way. I would take full charge of her myself.” He sensed her pleading and wondered why she wanted a companion so badly.

“And what of me Ayleyna? What of the days when I need you to myself?”

“Do you mean the days that you are actually around?” She bit her tongue the minute she said it.

“You know and have always know the position that I play here. None of this is new to you. If you dislike it… leave.” His voice was venomous, real anger surfacing for the first time. She closed her eyes sadly and felt the tears begin to build. She would leave… but now she had nowhere to go. Her father was gone.

“Mekhi! I hear you’re back!” She hears his voice and closes her eyes to will it away. Zan came storming into the room, an overzealous welcome in his demeanor.

“How was your trip?”

“It was fabulous little brother. If you will excuse me, I will go look for Vilandra. I brought back gifts.” Mekhi stood up, his anger still evident in his manner. Zan froze at the sight of Ayleyna in the tub, and the instant she opened her eyes, their eyes met for one uncomfortable second.

“I am sorry, I did not know…”

“Come with me my brother.” Mekhi looked between the two, trying to understand the tension that had suddenly built around the room.
They walked out into the hallway and Mekhi turned to face his brother. There was something in his eyes he did not fully understand. Something he was not sure he had seen before.

“Is all going well?” Mekhi inspected him and Zan felt the need to put on his outer shell. He would not tell his brother that he suffered a moment of weakness. Those things just did not happen.

“Yes. You were greatly missed my brother.” Mekhi watched Zan collect himself, as he always did when he was nervous. Something was going on and he would soon find out what it was.

They stepped into Vilandra’s room and found no one. Where was she? She should be in her chambers sleeping or awaiting breakfast. They checked her sheets. They were cold. No one had slept on that bed last night. Vilandra had never come home.
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Max watched her face light up with the stream of sunshine from the window. It looked like some magical scene from a movie. He felt as if it were. Last night he and Liz had shared their souls and he was still feeling the buzz. He propped himself up onto his elbow to watch her sleep, her soft brown hair falling softly over part of her face. She was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

She could feel heat and wasn’t sure where it came from. Was it the morning sun that made her cheeks feel so warm and flushed? Or was it the fire with which Max’s eyes burned intensely into her soul? She knew very well it could be either or both. She finally opened her eyes and gave way to morning. She felt….complete. In ways she had never known were possible. Now the question truly was, what did that mean for them? Where did they go from here? She looked up and met Max’s eyes.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning.” She kept her face serious and firm, unsure of what to say. It had been so… intense.

“Figured I’d let you sleep in. Had a long night.” Max smiled at his own inside joke and Liz simply smiled. He could be so corny sometimes. She looked down at the faded v-constellation. It was practically gone. She wondered what that meant.

“Max, this… this was all a big mistake.” She began to sit up, breaking the magic of the moment.

“No, no, no. I will not let you ruin this. This has been like nothing I’ve ever experienced before Liz. I will not let you do this to me now.” He sat up alongside her and placed his hand on her bare skin. The current that passed through them was electric. Then she saw the glow. He made her skin glow. She felt desire develop for him all over again. But not right now. There was much that needed to be discussed.

“Let’s just enjoy each other.” Max stated as if he had read her mind. She lay back into his arms, simply enjoying the feel of them. She wanted nothing more than to sit and watch the sun with him all day.

“I love you Liz Parker.” She looked up at his deep eyes and felt her heart reach out to him.

“I love you too Max.” She leaned up and kissed him knowing that he was the person meant to take away all her pain.
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“Where is Max? Have you seen him? He must have left early this morning, he wasn’t home for breakfast.”

“I haven’t seen him.” Michael shrugged as he and Isabel walked in through the Crashdown doors for breakfast. Maria looked toward the door and met Michael’s eyes for a moment. He looked at her and quickly looked down. They had barely spoken since he’d been sick. So much had happened since then, he really hadn’t had the chance to thank her. He sat with Isabel and then excused himself quickly.

“Hey.” He stood at the counter and she continued drying some cups. She didn’t even look up to see who it was.

“Hey yourself.”

“Have you seen Max?” He kicked himself inside, that’s not really what he came to ask her.

“No, I haven’t. Sorry.” He stood there, letting the silence fall between them.

“Look, I hate this weirdness between us.”

“Weirdness? Please, that is an understatement.”

“I know none of this has been easy but being a prissy princess isn’t going to make it go away.” Maria finally put down the cup and placed her hands angrily on the counter as she looked up at Michael. For a minute, he wished she hadn’t decided to look at him.

“Do you realize what is happening? We’re all drawing away from each other! I don’t care what you say, you guys need us! And now you’ve got Liz freaking out?! That Joshua guy is…”

“A creep?” She looked at him questioningly. Did he see it too? Maybe he wasn’t as stupid as she thought.

“Yes, a creep. He’s doing something to her and I don’t know how to control it.”

“Maria, we won’t let anything happen to her.” Suddenly she looked up, not sure who the man was standing before her.

“Listen, I just wanted to say thanks, for saving my life that time. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know.” She stared into his deep brown eyes and wondered what it was about this arrogant man that made her heart skip.

“Well, if you see Max, let him know that we’re looking for him.” Michael turned around to sit and Maria felt compelled to call him back. Having him near her made her want the comfort of his arms. She looked around. Where was Liz?

“Morning.” Alex walked in the front doors rubbing his eyes. It had been a long night.

“Morning Alex. Have you seen Liz? Has she called you?” Alex sat on the spinning stool and shrugged.

“Nope. Haven’t seen or heard from her. Maybe she’s still sleeping.” Maria looked at Alex and raised her eyebrows. When was the last time Liz slept in? That girl was too tight to sleep in. They heard the bell at the front door ring and they looked over at the tall man walk in. Maria expected to see Joshua’s familiar face and was shocked at seeing a pair of dark green eyes. She walked over to the door to sit him and felt his eyes burn into hers.

“A table please.”

“Of course. Right this way.” She walked him over to a booth and he sat, his eyes facing the door, and the booth before him. Maria walked back to the counter and Alex stared at Isabel’s worried eyes.

“Who’s that?”

“I don’t know.” Maria started to rub down the counter and kept her eyes focused on the man. He was handsome, there was no denying that. But another new guy, in just a few weeks? That couldn’t be a coincidence. Roswell was not known for being a hot spot for new people.

“Look at the way Isabel is staring at him!” Alex grabbed the sugar container and began to pour some into his coffee.

“Alex, she’s probably as curious as to who he is as we are.”

“Yea, but she’s like staring at him! Like STARING! Maybe she thinks he’s hot. Do you think he’s hot Maria?” Maria tried to control her urge to laugh.

“Alex, let’s focus here. This guy could be dangerous.” Maria looked at Alex who was staring over at Isabel.

“Alex… the sugar. ALEX!” Maria grabbed the sugar container and took his coffee. “You’re not drinking this. There is no more coffee in here, it’s all sugar now.”

Alex stood from his seat and headed to their booth.

“Hey, Isabel, can I talk to you for a second?” She looked up at him, as if snapping out of a dream, and nodded as she followed him into the back room.

“I don’t like this. This new guy. And didn’t you and Max say you were being followed by FBI when you went to Marathon after Michael and Maria? All these new people showing up. Something is not right.”

“You’re right Alex. Something is definitely not right. And with Topolski gone, who knows what they’ve found out.”

“We should tell Max.”

“And Michael.” Isabel looked out the glass window on the door. There was something off about the man at the booth. The same way she felt something completely off about Joshua. She knew it meant something, she just wished she knew what. Maria headed towards him to serve him his breakfast platter and Isabel watched in horror as he drenches his eggs in Tabasco sauce.
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Joshua sat at the pod chamber, thinking carefully of his next plan. As long as Liz believed what he said about their relationship, he would get her to go back. It was all he needed. And if she went, Max would go. And if Max went, the rest would follow. He still had a chance to complete his mission. He though of Ayleyna and felt his blood begin to boil. He had loved her. He had given her everything. And she had betrayed him. The woman did not deserve his kindness. It seems that things never changed. Not in this life, and not in the last. So they get what they deserve.

He stood, his head flooded with images of her and the very last time he saw her alive. He had not wanted her to die. After all, he did still love her. But he was unable to protect her. He was unable to protect any of them. He had been distraught and distracted. It was Zan’s fault. If it weren’t for his backstabbing brother, their kingdom would still be intact. Everything would have worked out fine. He wouldn’t have it happen again.

“Still kicking yourself?” He turned to look at the man standing at the cave opening.

“What are you doing here? I told you that I would deliver them and I’ve almost got it.”

“Really? Then where are Max and Liz this morning? They weren’t at the café.” The man headed toward the pod chamber and his eyes widened when he saw what stood behind them.

“You found it.”

“No, I didn’t. Liz did.” He walked in, his eyes taking in the majestic sight before him.

“She remembered?”

“She’s starting to remember things. That is why I have to act quickly. Before it all comes back to her. I’ll have us out of here in a week.”

“And Max?” Joshua flickered at the name. He hated it. The hatred burned deep in his body, years of loyalty and love melting away into one moment.

“I’ll handle Max.”

“Good. I will stick around. I wouldn’t want you to screw things up. We all know how competent you are at keeping things under control.” The man walked toward the cave opening, and turned back, his deep green eyes looking firmly into Joshua’s.

“I will get it done Kivar. And you’ll have your royals.”
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Max finally awoke; he had not realized he’d fallen back asleep. Of course, the woman of his dreams had been in his arms. He looked around, realizing she was no longer lying next to him. She stepped out from the bathroom; her white cotton robe and long wet hair making the situation between them seem so comfortable, so normal. He wished for a moment that things were always like this between them.

“Max…”

“I know.” He looked at her sadly, knowing how complicated things had just gotten. He knew what he felt in his heart. They were meant to be together. Every part of his being told him that. And if the feelings they shared last night were any sign, then she felt it too.

“I don’t think this can happen between us.”

“It can Liz. We choose our own destinies, remember?”

“And Joshua?” She looked at him frightened, knowing that if Joshua found out, things would be very different. She didn’t know why, but something about him scared her. There was something pained, obsessive, and angry in him. And she was afraid she might know why.

“He doesn’t have to know.” Max touched Liz’s wet strands and smiled. “We aren’t on Antar Liz. We’re not the same people.”

She looked at his bare chest and sighed. Perhaps they were more alike than he thought.

A/N: Hello guys! SarahWhitman! Glad to see you're on board and enjoying this! Now it seems, many people have had questions about Liz's symbol. Why the heck would it be different from Joshua's? Well, finally, some answers. Here is the deal with Liz/Max, Ayleyna/Zan...

Chapter 12:

She walked into the darkness, her head covered, her eyes kept low. She looked behind her, making sure no one had followed. She knocked on the window as the rain began to fall.

"Who is...?" Serena's bright blue eyes opened wide as she looked out to the woman at the window.

"Ayleyna!?" She ran towards the door and opened it, inviting her in.

"What are you doing here?!" Ayleyna removed the shawl, her eyes becoming visible. It was obvious she had been crying.

"I cannot do it any longer Serena! I cannot lie to myself. I will not stay there." Serena grabbed her friend's hand and demanded she lower her voice. She led her towards her bed chamber and closed the door quietly behind her.

"You will wake the workers!" She motioned toward the bed and at seeing no response, gently moved Ayleyna towards it. "Now listen to me, you are just having a difficult time adjusting. You love it there. Your lab, your royal events, your husband."

"No! No, I do not love it or him! May the gods forgive me Serena, but my heart has never belonged to that man. In fact, that is why I have come to plea with you." Serena eyed her friend curiously. What could she possibly have up her sleeve?

"Ayleyna, you are being unlike yourself. Think rationally. Think carefully of what this can do. Escaping the castle... do you even realize the danger you have put yourself in? The word in town is that rebel forces have landed on Antar and will stop at nothing until the King is taken down. They are blind Ayleyna. The fact that you are not a blood relative will mean nothing, while the fact that you are Queen will."

"They will not find me. I will remain here." Ayleyna looked around, her head beginning to pound madly.

"How do you intend to do that?"

"The identity serum. And do not say you do not know what I speak of. Serena we practically perfected it." Serena's eyes widened and she turned quickly away. She would not break the law in that way.

"Ayleyna, I do not understand what is bringing this on, but please, get a hold of yourself. Do you realize what you are asking me to do? Feign royal blood? I rid us of those formulas years ago."

"You love him. I know you do. I can see it in your eyes every time you talk about him." Ayleyna finally stood, looking carefully for some reaction. Serena remained with her back turned, the lightning outside suddenly splashing them with light.

"He is your husband and the king. I would not dream of betraying you that way."

"I am offering you a chance to be with him. A few nights is all I need Serena. A few nights to clear my mind. Much has happened since we last spoke, including father's death. There is another man Serena...." Finally she turned around, her blue eyes sparkling even in the darkness. They were full of tears.

"Another man?"

"I told you... I never loved Mekhi. I cannot continue to live this lie or it will kill me." Ayleyna reached out a pleading hand. Serena hesitated and finally reached for it.

"Only a few nights."

"And I will return to the castle. He will never know I was gone."

"It is a cruel thing you are doing to me Ayleyna. Allowing me to experience what I will never have." Serena held her friend's hand tightly in her own, her throat becoming thick with emotion.

"Who knows? Perhaps our fate will change. Perhaps we will both receive what we desire. However, I can promise you one night of magic." Serena nodded and thought it over. She was about to do the most dangerous thing she ever had. She would replace Ayleyna at the palace for three nights. In those three nights, she'd live out her fantasy. Then perhaps, if things fell apart, she'd die.

"Come, let us begin the serum."
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Ayleyna closed the front door quietly behind her and arranged the shawl on her head. The rain was strong now, seeping through the cloth and into her long, loose hair. She looked around at the darkness and after she was sure she could sense no one walked out into the streets. She turned the corner of the road and felt a strong arm reach for her. She went to scream but felt another hand cover her mouth. She felt her heart stop. This could not be happening. She was spun around and found herself faced with a familiar set of golden eyes.

"Would you care to explain what you are doing out here at this hour in the rain?" She stopped suddenly, the shock and relief registering slowly into her brain.

"I need not explain myself to you."

"You are committing suicide out here. My job is to protect you."

"I am fine. Zan, please. Let me be." She sighed feeling helpless. She knew very well he would not let her go.

"Follow me." He kept a tight hold on her hand and continued down the road to a waiting stallion. She looked up and climbed on behind him. They rode in silence until they hit a quiet, uninhabited road.

"This is not the way to the castle."

"No, it is not."

"Where are we going Zan?" She held his waist tightly and strained her eyes to look ahead. A few miles down she could see an image taking shape. They rode faster as the rain continued to drench them both.

"This is the cabin I had built for myself when I was a child. After my father passed away, I used it to be alone. To think about things when they became too complicated. Too real." They stopped before the wooden figure, large and beautiful, like something out of a painting, sitting in the rain below the moonlight.

"I realize that we need to talk. I figured we should do it alone." He jumped off and reached his hand up to help her get down. They stepped inside and Zan closed the door behind them. He reached for the oil lamps and with a touch they lit up. He turned to look at her face, standing wet and cold by the door.

"Perhaps we should get comfortable first." Ayleyna looked into his deep eyes, his dark hair wet and falling over his eyes. His clothes were pasted onto his skin and his gaze held secrets she wanted to uncover.

"I will not do this again, it is wrong Zan."

"I do not intend to seduce you Ayleyna. However, I must tell you... I have never felt this way about anyone before. I do not know what it is about you... but you have managed to turn my life upside down. I know that you do not belong to me. I live with that fact everyday. And yet, I find myself desiring you every moment." He took a step closer to her and she stood still, speechless and listening intently.

"I know you feel the same way. I can sense it when you look at me. The battle that is waging in your heart."

"It is no battle. There is only one right decision." Ayleyna stood frozen, her eyes glued on the man lit by the soft glow of lanterns. She could feel her hair dripping, her clothes weighing down, the drops fall from her eyelashes onto her nose. Yet it was her breathing that bothered her. The heavy, nervous breathing that gave her feelings away.

"Is there? I was once told by my father when I was a child that one day I would find someone. Someone who was my soul mate. Who I would bond with for the rest of my life. He told me I would know it instantly. I would sense her magic. He also told me that this was the woman I should never let go of. Because this woman would save me from myself and what I would do. The oracle prophesied to my father Ayleyna. You are the one I have been waiting for."

"What would you do?"

"Begin a war by killing my sister's lover."

"Vilandra?" Ayleyna stood still, confusion dabbling with her senses.

"That is what was said. And I believe it."

"Why do you believe it?"

"Because Vilandra has gone missing for days. She is involved with someone I am sure is wrong for her. Mekhi said he would handle it."

"If I am right for you, then why would Mekhi choose me? What about him?"

"He had his own prophecy."

"Which was?"

"That he would bring the royal family back together and make them realize their destiny." He walked up to her, finally standing face to face. Ayleyna looked up into his eyes filled with desire. She would not be able to fight him off. Not when she wanted him so badly.

"You are my destiny." With that he leaned down and kissed her, knowing that after tonight, he would not be able to let her go.
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Liz stepped into the night and looked back at the darkness. It was odd how she always felt that she as being watched now. She'd had that feeling before, but tonight it was real and strong. Someone was out there and she was not going to wait to find out who.

She took out her cell phone and dialed the familiar number.

"Hey Alex."

"Liz, I've been looking for you all day. Where have you been?"

"I had to get away to think for a while. I was in Frasier Woods. I am heading home now; will you and Maria meet me in about fifteen minutes?"

"Of course. See you there." He hung up the phone and sped up her walk. She turned the corner and saw the familiar flashing lights of the Crashdown Cafe. Home sweet home. She'd made it. She began to unlock the doors when she felt a stare. She turned around and was startled by the man behind her.

"Oh! God, you... you scared me." She held her keys tightly in her hand, still not fully trusting him.

"I'm sorry. I was looking for you today, I didn't you see at the cafe. Is everything ok?" She put her head down feeling a sudden ounce of guilt.

What could she say? Everything was ok? It wasn’t. Things were changing and quickly.

“Yea, I’m alright. I needed a day off you know? A lot of stuff going in my life that I needed to sort through.” Joshua came out from the shadows and stood before Liz, his golden eyes looking pained. Was there something wrong with him?

“Liz, I know this cannot be easy for you. All of this information in such a short time. I just want you to know if you ever need anything, you can count on me. I would never lie to you.” She looked into his earnest eyes, feeling a sense of frustration. Why did she feel he was lying right now? Why did she know she could not trust him? Her instincts had not failed her before; she had no reason to doubt them. And yet, his eyes were telling her a different story.

“Ok, I do have a few questions.” She looked him straight on feeling a challenge coming on. She wanted to get to the bottom of this.

“Why are you so set on going home?” He stood, his eyes looked down for a moment and finally he looked up as if ready to answer.

“I remember what it feels like. What it smelled like. Antar for me is more real than anything here on Earth. I could never fit in here. It is not my place.”

“Have you ever considered that we’re happy here? That Michael, Isabel, Max, and I have all made lives for ourselves? We can’t remember Antar like you can Joshua.”

“I understand that Liz. But you can. I know you can. I can see it every time you look at me. I feel that sense of familiarity. Even from the first moment we met at the Crashdown. You have to trust that this is for the best. It is what I was destined to do. Awaken your memories and bring you home.” Liz looked up at the flickering street light. Maybe he was right. If it was his destiny, how could he fight it?

“Joshua… why do I have a different symbol than you?” She saw a darkness come over his eyes, and just as suddenly it was gone. Had she imagined it? Were those just insecurities of her heart?

“I have the symbol of the king. You all have the symbol of the royal family. They mean the same thing.”

“Oh.”

“Why do you suddenly have so many questions? I thought you remembered us Liz?” She could hear an angry frustration in his voice. But his eyes remained cool and composed.

“I do remember… us. I remember some things. Not everything is clear yet.”

“You won’t remember everything. That takes years to develop.”

“What happened to us? Why did we die? Why did we end up here?” Joshua stepped forward again, his body touching hers. His eyes were now dangerous and intoxicating. She could feel her guard fall. What was he doing?

“Liz?” She heard the voice and turned her head to look where it was coming from. She saw Alex and Maria stepping out of her red Jetta and turned to look back at Joshua. He was gone.

“Lizzie, you alright? You look like you just saw a ghost. Who were you talking to anyway?” Maria grabbed the bag of junk food from the car and Liz looked out into the darkness. The only thing left before her was the flickering street light. She shook her head willing it all away. Perhaps she just imagined that encounter. But it all felt so… real.

“Come on, let’s go pig out.” Maria grabbed Liz’s keys and unlocked the front doors as she and Alex dragged her inside.

Joshua walked down the dark alley and stopped at seeing his face.

“So now she’s asking questions.”

“Did you expect otherwise? She’s not exactly an idiot you know.”

“I guess not. She seems to know the symbols don’t match.”

“She doesn’t know anything.” Joshua felt his blood begin to boil. His words were venomous. Everything was fine. Everything was under control.

“Really? Admit it Mekhi. She knows. He found her first and they bonded. It’s that simple. She belongs to him now.”

“She will never belong to him. She is my wife and he is my brother and they will see that I am king.”

“I hope you’re right. Because things could get very ugly. I’d hate to have to hurt the pretty little thing.”

“Look, give me a few more days and I will have her convinced. And if Max gets in the way again… I’ll kill him myself.” Kivar stepped out from the shadows and smiled. He knew Mekhi would come through.

A/N: Hi... the story is reaching a very important part. For those of you reading, I will try and post one more chapter this weekend. Then, next week I will be a tad bit busy. So the next major update may be in a week and a half. Forgive the tardiness, finals and life are catching up quick. Enjoy.


Chapter 13:

She lay in the warmth of his arms as she laid her head on his chest to listen to his heart beat again. It was all so real. Like magic. She loved the feeling of his soft skin. She loved the feeling of safety she got from his arms. The feeling was ethereal. She closed her eyes to take in his scent. The scent of a man bathed in oils and the swirling scent of candlelight. This was what happiness was supposed to feel like. She looked down at her small hands as she rubbed his chest softly. Last night had been like nothing she’d ever experienced. The images, the passion, the fire that burned within them was intense. She felt… fulfilled. Like a part of her that was missing had finally returned. She thought sadly about Mekhi. She did not intend to hurt him. She never wanted to. She cared about him. But she did not love him and she could never give him what he expected of her. Perhaps… perhaps for a few nights, Serena could.

She felt a slight movement and looked up to meet the beautiful eyes that resembled the sunrise. That look was all for her.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning.” She whispered softly, a smile creeping to her lips. She never wanted to leave this place of warmth and dreams.

“Ayleyna….”

“Yes?” She started to sit up as she listened to his hesitant voice.

“I love you.” He said it and stopped… he had said it last night, breathy and full of desire. She could easily write it off as a moment of passion. But now, with the sun shining inside of their cabin, and his eyes looking earnestly into hers… she could not accept that her theory was true. This man who was before her, with the golden eyes and tan skin and the dark wild hair that fell softly onto his forehead, this man was absolutely enamored. The truth is, she could not deny that she felt the same way.

“I love you too.” She smiled and reached up to kiss him. There was so much about him that was perfect for her. Why had she met Mekhi first? Why had she not refused his marriage proposal? She remembers her father’s words. She had refused, but no one said no to the king. Especially not the daughter of a traveling merchant. And so she married him. At first, she was sure she’d learn to love him. Now she knew that would not be possible. Not when her heart so fully belonged to another man.
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He raced around the castle looking for them. Everyone seemed to be missing. Zan, Vilandra and Ayleyna. He headed back to his bed chambers, just glad to be home from another long political delegation. He needed a friendly face. Anyone would do. He turned around and suddenly she stood at the entryway, her hair blowing softly in the wind, her eyes full of light and wonder. She looked incredible, like something out of a fantasy storybook. She looked like a goddess. Like the very first day he’d laid eyes on her.

“I was looking for you.”

“Forgive me my lord. I had to take a walk.”

“Where is Zan?”

“I do not know. I left without his knowing.”

“You know I have told you not to do that.” She walked in, one slow step at a time, her eyes never leaving his. They were intense and real.

“I was simply not feeling like myself.”

“You have been acting quite different lately.”

“Just a lot on my mind I suppose. But this is me… the real me.” She looked at him, his eyes taking all of her in. She could feel his adoring gaze intensify. She felt her stomach turn. She had always desired that look. That look of love and passion from his eyes. But she’d imagined it for herself. She felt a twinge of jealousy. Ayleyna had no idea how blessed she was.

He walked up to her, not sure why he felt so different. This woman was not the same woman he’d been arguing with. She was meek, careful, and even a bit frightful. He stopped right before her and placed his hands on her face. She didn’t move. Her eyes continued locked on his own.

“You strike me as… different.”

“Perhaps I am. Perhaps I have not allowed you to see this part of who I am.”

“Let me see.” She leaned up and kissed him now, a careful kiss that proved dangerous to her senses. She knew this was wrong. She felt the rightness of it. She enjoyed the feel of his arms. She enjoyed the power of his gaze.

They moved into the room and he closed the door behind them, his kisses intensifying. She knew what this would lead to. He kissed her neck and she closed her eyes allowing herself to enjoy it. He looked up, his golden eyes looking into hers, and she looked down at him and smiled.

“I love you.”

“And I love you.” She said as she closed her eyes and allowed herself to feel all that she’d dreamed she would.
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Liz sat up on her bed and looked around. It was all becoming so clear. Every night the dreams provided a different piece of the puzzle. The enigma that made up Joshua. She sat and reached for her journal. She had been tracking the dreams, writing down the intricate details. Piecing together this previous life that bonded them all. It was starting to get intense. She had cheated on her husband with his brother. If that wasn’t bad enough, her husband thought she loved him. A night of passion with Serena as Ayleyna convinced him that her coldness had just been loneliness, stress, the death of her father. That is why he was still sure that she was his loving wife. Did he ever know? Did he ever find out?

The questions scared her. Joshua didn’t strike her as someone who would be very forgiving about a situation like that. In fact, he didn’t seem like someone who would accept it at all. She worried about the nights to come. The images she feared she’d see could not be good. After all, how long can one keep such a secret?

She thought back to Max. They were reliving the whole ordeal. Granted, the timing was very different, but she and Max’s relationship developing so far… since Joshua had arrived, it just seemed natural for her to claim him in that way. She needed Max to know she was only his. She looked down at the fated symbol on her hand.

“It must mean something.” She thought to herself, feeling a headache begin to pound within her head.

She finished writing and placed the journal back to its original location. She went to turn off her lamp when she saw the shadow in the window. Her heart stopped, the fear suddenly gripping at her.

“Liz… I need to talk to you.” She listened to the familiar voice and suddenly felt confused. She headed toward the window and opened it to reveal a terrified Isabel.

“Please, I have no one else to talk to.” Liz looked at Isabel, whose eyes were red with tears and nodded. It seemed something really serious was about to take shape.

A/N: HI!!!! Surprise! I'm back a bit early. Finals are going alright... well... as well as you can imagine. They're not great either way. I hate school. Anyway, today is my last day of finals... and this weekened I'll be out of town. So I figured.... let me leave you guys with a little something. (not that anyone was waiting anxiously or anything ) Anwyay, here is a new chapter! Hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 14:

She paced around Liz’s room, running her fingers through her hair and looking around wildly. She felt like a caged animal. There was nowhere to go but in this circle. Everything just pointed back to her. She wouldn’t accept it. It would not be the way he said.

“Isabel, sit down. Just… talk to me slowly from the beginning.” Liz chose her words carefully, knowing that anything other than that might push her away. Isabel had never trusted her, she knew that. She didn’t know what had changed her mind, but whatever it was must be serious. Liz reached for her hand and sat her down on the edge of the bed.

“Isabel! Listen to me… just breathe. You’re safe here.” She looked into her eyes and saw the fear. Something was very wrong.

“I’ve been having these horrible nightmares. And… at first I thought it was just me. Overwhelmed by all of these things that have been happening. Then I could feel him lurking. I know what it feels like Liz, I do it. I dream walk.” Liz listened to her admission. She knew they all had different powers and Maria had told her about her little appearance in her dream. She thought of what Isabel was saying. Someone else could do those things? It would have to be another alien….

“Is it Joshua?”

“No…” Isabel looked down at her hands. Perhaps going to Liz had been a bad idea.

“Who is it Isabel?”

“I came to you because you’re the only one of us that remembers the past clearly. The only one I trust.” She looked away, feeling the vulnerability in her words. She really had no one else to turn to. She knew the issue was important. In her heart she felt the urgency; the matter was one of life and death, and not just for her.

“Ok.” Liz looked into her eyes searching for a clue. What was it she was so afraid of? Her past? Or what Joshua was telling them they’d have to do?

“There was a man Liz, a man in my dreams. He claims to have been my… lover, for lack of better words, back on our planet.”

“Antar.”

“Yes.”

“He keeps telling me that I am his love and that people don’t change. That I am still… Vilandra.” Liz felt her heart sink. Yes, she knew that name. The name brought back a rush of images of the palace. Vilandra had been a beautiful princess, perhaps the most beautiful woman on the entire planet. She had also been a strong woman. Until she met him….

“Liz?” Isabel saw the recognition on her face. She knew something more, it was written all over her face.

“What did I do Liz?”

“Isabel… we are all different people now. Ok? Do not let the words of this man change who you are. You are Isabel Evans. You are a teenage girl. Granted, you have alien powers, but you have a soul of your own. Don’t let them decide your life for you.” She looked at Isabel’s watery eyes. This woman was not the woman she’d been seeing in her dreams.

“Liz please… tell me.” Liz lowered her head sadly and reached for her journal.

“I keep my dreams logged in here. There are bits about Vilandra in several parts… but the last dream was perhaps the most vivid. She’d gone missing… Mekhi, the King, was angry and confused…”
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He sat in the chair at the long eating room table. No word on where Vilandra was had sprung in almost three days. He’d been so busy with Ayleyna… feeling her love him for the first time. His heart swelled with just the thought of it. She really did love him. It had just taken her this long to figure it out. Now his sister was off, parading around with the enemy. He would not have it. Not now, not ever.

“Your majesty.” He looked up to see the general in command.

“Rath… any word from Vilandra?” He heard the clicking of heels down the corridor and sprung to his feet.

“Sir…” He flew past Rath’s warning and out to meet his sister. She walked in furiously, her hair flying wildly as she walked through.

“Where have you been?” She looked up into his eyes and felt the fury build. Why did it matter? He didn’t notice she was gone. Zan hadn’t noticed she was gone. She was lucky Rath wasn’t involved or she could have gone missing for weeks.

“Why? Do you suddenly care? Let me tell you something Mekhi… you may rule this kingdom, but you do NOT rule my life! Stop trying to tell me where I can go and who I can see.” He heard the venom in her voice. The fierce look in her eyes. There was something more she was not saying. She stared at him and walked past him in silent rage. Of course he did not understand. None of them understood.

“I have only cared for you and loved you since our father passed Vilandra! Think of what he would say about you now.” She stopped in her tracks and listened to his words, fists clenching at her sides.

“I have only tried to be the best brother that I can. The best King that I can. I can do no more!”

“You said you would not forget me…” She whispered sadly, thinking back to the night before his wedding. She could not remember the last time she had a conversation with her brother. What was worse, she liked Ayleyna. However, she felt there was something wrong between her and Mekhi’s relationship. She could sense it every time she talked of him with her. And suddenly, Zan went off for a few days and Ayleyna’s demeanor suddenly changed? She could see it… why couldn’t he?

“Vilandra… I could never forget you.”

“But you did!” She turned around, the tears falling freely from her face. “You all did! You abandoned me and put all of your attention into this woman! And Zan? Where has he been? Spending days out of the castle… never any time. Tell me when I am supposed to get any time to talk to you all! Tell me when I am supposed to get your affection and love! TELL ME!” She stopped suddenly, thinking of how wrong she’d been. The night she spent in the man’s arms. The strong arms that made her feel safe and loved and important again. It was wrong… no matter how much she thought she needed it. It was a victory for him. To take down the princess of Antar was like winning a trophy. She thought he loved her.

“Vilandra….” Mekhi walked closer and she stepped sharply back.

“No. It is too late. What is done is done.” She turned around and ran the remaining length to her chambers. Mekhi stood silently, the echo of the door slamming sounding like the crashing in his heart. He had not been fulfilling his duties. He was too wrapped up in it all. Too wrapped up in the woman with the dark eyes and dark hair. He needed space and objectivity. He gathered his long coat and stepped out into the darkening day.

He walked the market quietly, his head held down. He knew the dangers of walking out of the royal grounds without protection. He’d heard of the enemy rebel forces. He knew the risk. But the open market drew him. It was a place to think. He could walk and look and explore. He smiled when he thought back to seeing Ayleyna at the market for the first time. He had gone to ask for a dinner meeting. He was well and ready to start the courting process with her. He knew she was the one for him. He’d laid eyes on a beautiful young woman with long blonde hair and dark blue eyes. She’d smiled and continued about her business. He admired her beauty for a moment and continued on his quest to find Ayleyna. After all, she was the one who was now imprinted in his heart. He’d seen her at her father’s tent, preparing the goods for trading.

Mekhi looked up, recognizing the tent. It was empty now. Her father had passed and she was now in the palace. He mounted the horse that he kept at the city gate and headed towards the cabin. He needed a place to unwind.

He marched up the wooden steps, feeling his heart warm at the sight. The place was just as he remembered it. As a child, he and Zan spent countless days there… hunting and talking, dreaming and living. It had been like nothing else. Perhaps one day, he could take Ayleyna. He smiled at the thought as he opened the door.

Then, it was as if things slowed down. He saw her at the doorway, her hair wet and wavy as it fell over her shoulders. She was smiling, a beautiful smile he had only seen for the first time in the last few weeks. It was the sign of genuine happiness. He’d been full of pride to have finally brought it out. She laughed, that sweet laugh that reminded him of music and was accompanied by a darker laugh, a laugh that belonged to a man. He stood paralyzed as he watched them step out of the wash room, laughter on their faces and moisture still glistening from their bodies. He watched as the familiar face leaned down and kissed her lips and she welcomed them. Lovingly… longingly. He could feel the anger rising. The jealousy was overwhelming. They turned to head toward the sitting room when they stopped short. Her eyes looked up into his own, a true sense of terror in them. He looked and felt it for the first time. A sense of loathing. How could she? After they had finally patched things? After she had said she loved him?

He looked into the familiar golden eyes of his little brother. He stood still, shocked and nervous, but seemingly making no apology for his actions. There was a silence that felt eternal. Then it all broke loose.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“He banished Zan from the kingdom. Told him if he ever saw him there again… he would kill him himself. Ayleyna was dragged back to the palace. By then, word had gotten out of what happened at the cabin. Serena was gone, and Ayleyna faced him alone. The enemy forces heard of it as well. It was their chance to move in… and knowing he would be too distracted to pay them any mind… they started by taking you.”

Isabel sat and cried, her hands shaking mildly. She had feared it was something like that. Something dreadful. She had slept with the enemy and they then used her to take over her kingdom. She held her body tightly, feeling dirty and used. Liz reached out and hugged her, and she welcomed the contact. She did not know how she would tell Max. Did he know that the extent of his affair drove Mekhi mad?

“Isabel, you have to understand that these things are all part of who you were. Things change. You learn from past mistakes. At least you don’t have to face the consequences in this lifetime. Just know… that you are now a different person. And that we all love you.” She looked up at Liz suddenly feeling a wall crumble. She’d wanted to hate Liz. Hate her for all the things she’d messed up in her life. In this one and now the last one. Still, she couldn’t find the strength within her. Liz really cared and her words rung true. Perhaps she was right.
“There is one thing.” Isabel rubbed her eyes and slowed her breathing. She had to control herself. There was a lot at stake.

“What is it?”

“I think he’s here.”

“Who?”

“Kivar.” They both winced at his name, the first mention of it making them uncomfortable.

“Why do you think that?”

“Because I saw him. The other night, he came into the Crashdown as if he were looking for something. Then he looked at me… and I’ve been having the nightmares since then.”

“We have to tell Max.” Isabel nodded and hugged Liz one last time.

“Thank you.”

“Of course.” Liz smiled weakly, feeling the sleep begin to take over her body. Isabel slipped out the window and Liz closed it behind her.

She looked around her room. It looked so foreign all of a sudden. She reached her bed and let herself fall, taken in by the comfort of it all. She knew how things had ended the first time. The question was… how would it all end now?

She closed her eyes and felt the quiet of sleep begin to drift in. She didn’t feel it when she was lifted and taken away into the night.

A/N: Hello everyone! Thanks so much for being patient with me. It has been quite a rough week. But I'm back! And I have tons of free time.
Besides moving and planning my wedding and all. So here's the new chapter! I think it will answer several of your questions. As to Max and Liz's bond... it will now all be explained.

Chapter 15:

Max reached her balcony and jumped over the wall, excitement over seeing his love just a few feet away. He reached the window and looked in, her bed in slight shambles. Perhaps she was in the bathroom getting ready. Today, they would all meet. Isabel had sat him down and spoken to him early this morning. The past was becoming more and more clear. But it was not a past any of them were proud of. Maybe that was their purpose on Earth. To get a second chance to live their lives. To do it right. He could believe that much easier than believing in returning to their planet.

He opened the window and looked around. It seemed awfully quiet. He sat on her bed and put his hand on her sheets. He felt his head spin suddenly, images racing in his mind. She was gone. Someone had come and taken her.

He raced back out onto the balcony and looked around. There was no struggle. No sign of anything having gone wrong. He sped down the ladder of the fire escape and ran into the Crashdown Café. Maria looked up, obvious surprise registering on her face.

“We’re not open yet Max.”

“Liz is gone.” She looked at him curiously, not quite sure what he was talking about. Alex walked in from the back, stopping short at the look on Max’s face.

“Ok, what’d I miss?”

“Max, what do you mean she’s gone? Like she’s not in her room? Cause she could be anywhere. Sometimes she just goes for walks.” Maria stood up as she started to remove her antennas. In her heart, she knew sadly that what she was saying was unlikely.

“I think someone took her last night. Isabel last saw her at about 1:30 this morning… after they spoke… no one has seen or heard from her since.” Max stood frozen, Liz was gone. Someone had taken her. Joshua. He was sure of it. His face lingered in his brain. He’d been up to something. He knew from their last meeting that Joshua would not stop. He was relentless.

“What are we going to do? How do we find her? Who took her?” Maria stood, beginning to react as wildly as he’d imagined.

“Woah, I really walked in at the wrong time didn’t I?” Alex scratched his head in confusion and sat headed over to calm Maria.

“I don’t know.”

“You won’t find her. She’s gone.” They all turned around to see Joshua’s dark face at the door. His eyes were red and swollen, obviously having been full of tears. He kept his eyes cast low and clenched his fists at the sight of Max.

“What do you mean she’s gone?” Alex pushed Maria behind him, not liking the look of madness on his face.

“Get her back here Joshua. This isn’t a game.”

“Oh but it is Max. And this time, I’ve won.” Joshua took a step closer to Max and they could all feel the tension build.

“We’re getting her.” Max stood his ground as Joshua inched closer and closer to him. They stared into each other’s eyes playing a game of mercy. There was something very interesting about both of their inabilities to look away.

“You took her away from me again. You just couldn’t move on, could you? She was MY wife! You were my brother! Do you have no sense of LOYALTY!?” Joshua’s arms flew wildly in the air as he spoke, his eyes wide and crazy. He looked like a drunken man who had not slept in a few days. His hair was messy and his clothes looked disheveled.

“This is a different life Joshua. I am NOT your brother here. And I found her first.”

“No. This isn’t a different life. It’s the same old crap all the time. Things don’t change Zan. Things never change.” Max stared into this man’s eyes afraid of what he was capable of. He’d gone absolutely insane.

“Look, whatever you thought you had with Liz…”

“NOTHING! How could I? You were always getting my way!” He reached his hand out and with a wave Max went flying against the back counter. Maria looked up shocked as Joshua simply stood there, still wrapped in his own remorse. His blonde hair fell across his tired golden eyes and she could see emptiness in them. There was nothing left. Max struggled to stand, feeling the unstableness of his legs.

“I just don’t understand how I have been cursed to allow this to happen TWICE in my lifetime. TWICE!” Alex thought about what he was saying. Twice? What was this dude on? Then suddenly he thought of the symbol. OF COURSE! It all made sense! Liz always had a stronger relationship to Max. They’d had this whole bond that they could never explain! The symbol was Max’s. She was his. Even in the past life, when she was married to the King, her heart belonged to the dark and mysterious Max Evans.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Max tried calming the situation. These things couldn’t happen. Liz’s parents would be back any minute with the groceries for the morning run.

“I can never have her now. All I did was love her!” He was crying now, his tears falling freely over his angry face.

“Joshua…”

“YOU ARE A TRAITOR! My own brother! She was MY wife! She has to die now!” Max ran to Joshua, the words ringing in his head.

“What did you just say?”

“She will have to die. It is her sacrifice that will get us home. You should have let her believe Max. Now neither of us can have her.” Maria’s eyes widened at his comment and she felt her head lighten. She was going to faint.

“No… don’t do this! Joshua if you love her you will not let her die!” Max grabbed his shoulders and shook him. This man was beyond reason.

“And what… let you have her? She dies tonight.” Joshua turned around and walked out of the Crashdown doors leaving Max in total shock. Alex and Maria stood frozen. Was this all even possible?

“Wait…” Max whispered, his throat thick with tears. This situation seemed like a big nightmare. He ran out and followed Joshua.

“Take me to her!” He spun Joshua around, and their eyes met intensely sending Max back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“How dare you! I put you in a position in which I hand you all my trust and you break that! You take advantage of it!” Mekhi paced the room furiously, not even capable of finding the words to express his anger.

“Mekhi…”

“NO! I did not say you can speak. Do you understand the severity of your actions? You have disgraced this family! You have disgraced ME! You are my BROTHER Zan?! How could you do this to me?!” Mekhi’s eyes looked tearfully into his brother’s, a mixture of anger and pain and hatred balled up into one cold look.

“I have nothing to say for my actions except that I did not do it to hurt you.”

“And Ayleyna…”

“She is not happy here… she never has been.”

“That is NOT true! She told me herself that she loved me! We… we made love!” Zan put his head down sadly, his heart breaking in his chest. This was not supposed to happen this way.

“That was not Ayleyna… it was an implant.”

“I would know my OWN wife!” Mekhi answered bitterly, his eyes falling upon Zan’s with an intensity he had rarely ever seen.

“She was not her… Ayleyna was in the cabin for all of a week.” Mekhi felt his blood begin to boil.

“You are to leave the castle tonight.” Zan looked at his brother, a sense of pure shock lingering through his fingers.

“Leave? Where will I go?”

“That is no longer my concern. As of this evening you are exiled. I will not see your face again until one of us dies. And if you try to come back here… that one of us will be you.”

“Mekhi….”

“Do not misread me brother. I have no problem killing you. You are never to see her or try and speak to her again.”

“And what about her happiness!?” Zan made a final plea feeling his life fall right out of his hands.

“SHE WILL BE HAPPY HERE WITH ME! THIS is where she BELONGS!” Mekhi’s eyes were wild with anger and finally he turned away from his little brother, the pain becoming unbearable.

“Leave. I do not wish to look upon your face any longer. You disgust me.” Zan walked out of the chamber and past Ayleyna who stood at the door. She reached her hand out to touch him and he turned to face her with watery eyes. Her large brown eyes opened widely at his expression.

“I love you.” He whispered to her and let go of her hand as he continued to walk down the darkly lit corridor. His footsteps echoed across the floor when she felt the door before her swing open. She walked in fearing her destiny.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“It is no longer under my control.” Max looked at Joshua’s eyes and felt the truth of his words. His panic level began to rise. If Joshua had not taken her… who did?

“It is Kivar who will kill her. Not me. I could never do it myself.” Joshua finally looked up from his deep thoughts and stared into Max’s golden eyes that were so similar to his own.

“But I can kill you.” He placed his hands on Max’s forehead and with a painful shriek; Max fell to the floor and blacked out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Liz felt her eyes open slowly, expecting to see the sunshine from her window. She opened her eyes and closed them again, not sure if she had perhaps lost her vision. All she saw was darkness. She felt around. She could not move. Her arms were tied somewhere. She felt her heart begin to race quickly. She was panicking. She had to keep a cool head. Whatever was going on, she could handle it.

“Good morning sunshine.” She heard the deep dark voice and looked up, finally seeing something in the darkness.

“I’m glad you’ve decided to join us.” She looked up and saw the large funnel. They were at the pod chamber. But who was this man? What was this voice?

“Who are you?” She tried to keep her voice calm, showing fear was a weakness.

“I noticed your symbol has faded.” She looked around confused and finally felt the force holding her hands back, release them. She looked down at her hand and realized he was right. The symbol was gone.

“I suppose it has.” She looked up and saw the figure come in out of the shadows. He stood tall, his dark hair and bright green eyes making him striking.

“So you’ve sealed your fate darling. You and Max slept together, am I right?” She felt her ears heat up. This was not the place for silly high school insecurities.

“WHO ARE YOU?” She stared at him, his face registering with some familiarity.

“You have bonded now.” He continued to avoid her question as he stepped closer to her. He reached his hand out and lit up the room. She felt her breath catch in her chest. In the other corner sat Michael and Isabel, passed out and in some sort of force field.

“Why are you doing this?” She looked up at him, fear taking over her body.

“Because you’re the only person who can get us back now. And I know that he won’t participate without you.” She felt the movement of the ground for a brief moment and then saw the large stone open to reveal some sunlight. It was still day. She recognized the tall figure walking in… with someone in his hands.

“Oh my God…” She gasped as she saw his face come in from the shadow. Joshua put the body down and she stared at Max’s limp body before her.

“Now… where do we begin?” Kivar smiled and she put her hand over her mouth trying to hold back the tears of pure fear threatening to overtake her.

Chapter 16:

Joshua stood motionless in the shadows. Her face at seeing Max on the floor broke his heart. There was pure devastation lying in her eyes. He tried to control his weak human emotions. It didn’t matter how she felt! The man before her was a traitor and deserved all that he got!

“What did you do? God, Joshua, what did you do?” She tried controlling her tears but he could hear the thickness in her voice.

“Now you listen up carefully Ayleyna, this is very important information you know.”

“My name is NOT Ayleyna! I am Elizabeth Parker! I am a human being on Earth! I am a sophomore in high school! I am NOT some queen you are looking for! SHE’S DEAD!” Liz fell to the floor losing all sense. This could not all be happening.

“I could bring him back…” She looked up at Kivar’s words. His face held an odd expression and she looked back up at Joshua. His eyes watched her sadly, a mixture of emotions seeping through them.

“What do I have to do?”

“You have to work the Granolith… send us all back home. And you would have to come with us.”

“I will work it for you, but I will not go. My place is here.”

“I thought you’d say something like that.” Kivar walked over to where Michael and Isabel lay and with a swipe removed the forcefield. Isabel slowly began to awake and she weakly looked over at Liz.

“Help me.” She whispered the words… they were weak and almost impossible to make out. Liz tried to stand, to make her way to her but could barely move her legs.

“WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!” Liz began to cry, feeling her strength diminish. She would not be able to face this man by herself.

“Because, things were supposed to be different this time, and they’re not. So we must do what it necessary to get home. These royals have forsaken their alien past and decided to live and enjoy human life here. That was not their purpose! Now they must go back and die.”

“I will not work a machine that will send them to their deaths.” Liz began to cry, her tears finally falling freely at understanding what her fate would have to be. “You’ll have to kill me first.”

“Well, if that is necessary, it can be arranged.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I cannot believe this! How could you?!” He paced back and forth furiously; each step taking him deeper into his own thoughts. He stopped abruptly; looking at the quiet woman with her head cast low. In a fury, he grabbed her wrists tightly and demanded her attention.

“I loved you Ayleyna! I LOVED you!”

“Mekhi, you’re hurting me.” The soft voice sounded pained and afraid. He let out a frighteningly unnatural laugh.

“Really? Well, this is not half of what you have done to my heart.” His words were venomous, seeped with poison to tear down her guard. With that, he pushed her away from him in disgust as her petite body went tumbling upon the bed.

“Please… I never meant to hurt you.”

“You will NEVER see him again. Do you understand me?”

“Mekhi, I care for you….”

“NO! You LOVE me! You are my wife! We share a bed, hopes, dreams… we share a soul.” The eyes that were looking so intently at him a moment ago looked quickly away. He would break her. There was no doubt about that. He reached for her face and she winced in fear. Slowly, the large almond colored eyes met his wet with tears.

“Say it.”

“Mekhi….”

“I said SAY IT! Tell me that you love me.” He reached for her face in a panic squeezing tightly on her chin. He needed to hear those words. His world was falling apart so quickly and the people he once thought he could trust were now his main enemies.

“Ayleyna!” She struggled from his grasp and finally let out a large cry.

“I NEVER LOVED YOU!”

Mekhi stood shocked at her words. It was as if his heart was breaking within his chest. How could this woman have lived with him and made love to him? How could he have ever loved her?

“Zan is gone. You will never see him again. And if you try… if you try Ayleyna so help me I will kill him. Brother or not he is a traitor. And if you push me I will have you killed as well.” She watched him in horror as his words stung deeply into her body.

“Mekhi please… please just listen to me.”

“Excuse me.” He walked out of the chamber, his hands shaking violently. He heard the door close behind him and her tears followed. He leaned up against the cold walls. The sound of her tears still broke his heart. How could he still love her after all this? Why did it have to be this way? He closed his eyes and allowed the tears to fall. He could not stay here.

***

“Ayleyna!” She turned around at the sound of her name, frightened and startled.

“Shhhh… Serena be quiet!” She grabbed her best friend’s hand and dragged her into her small hut.

“What are you doing out of the palace?!”

“I’m running away… I cannot do it anymore Serena. I have lost the only man I ever loved and Mekhi is falling apart. The kingdom is all falling apart!” Ayleyna began to cry and Serena realized the true depth of her friend’s misery.

“I did not mean to leave Ayleyna… the serum wore off… I was afraid of what would happen if I stayed.”

“Thank you anyway.”

“This is not the end you know.”

“Perhaps it is.” Ayleyna looked up with teary eyes and noticed her friend was crying as well.

“He’s dead! The king is dead! He has been killed by Kivar and the enemy rebels! Vilandra and Rath are trapped in the palace!” Serena turned to look out the window. The town was in pure chaos. Ayleyna turned around and listened to screaming crowds. Her heart fell from her chest. Mekhi was dead, Zan was gone, and she was alone amidst a revolution.

“Just let me die. I have completely ruined everything!” Serena turned around and looked at her friend, lost and confused. She felt her heart break. This was a disaster. Suddenly, she felt an ounce of hope.

“The Granolith Ayleyna! We might still have a chance! Find Zan, I will do the rest!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“It was because of you that Mekhi died Ayleyna. He was weak and exhausted from his arguments with you. Much like now actually, you’ve drained him of his ability to love anyone. The kingdom fell that night and you were all sent to Earth by Serena. Then some men found her and killed her. And the saga continued here on Earth, except there was one major mistake… her love for Mekhi was too strong. She wanted nothing but happiness. So she made is so that he would not be with the rest of them, in hopes that he would make a life for himself and move on. Perhaps find a love here on Earth. But he’s the only one who had such a clear memory of the past. So I am helping get his revenge.”

Liz looked over at Joshua who was now looking down and away from her. She looked down at Max who still lay still.

“Is that what you wanted? To kill us? Joshua I am sorry things worked out the way they did… I am sorry that you did not get your fairy tale. If I could love you I would. But… it would be a lie. Would you want to live a lie again? You are a wonderful man. You should be loved for that… not because of some past. Serena loved you… and the fates played a cruel trick and didn’t let you meet her first. But she truly loved you Mekhi… think of that.” He raised his eyes and looked into hers, tears slowly falling.

“I just wanted you to be happy.”

“I know.”

“I just wanted us all to be a family again.” He was crying now, his face turning red.

“That’s enough.” Kivar stepped in between them and grabbed Liz’s arm.

“It is time.”

“Ouch! Stop it… Kivar, you’re hurting me.”

“Ayleyna….” Joshua looked up, his mind torn between the two worlds. He could no longer remember who he was. Was he Joshua or was he Mekhi? He looked around and saw his family. His brother and his sister. He remembered for a moment what it was like as children. Running around the palace and playing tricks. He felt his heart swell for a moment. He’d spent so long being angry, being wicked, he’d forgotten what it was like to simply love someone. To have a family and to remember the good. There was good back on Antar… for a long time there had been good.

Kivar tossed Liz against the cold glass of the large machine.

“Turn it on.”

She turned around, her hands against the glass and she felt a frightening sense of familiarity. She closed her eyes and thought of Max. She would not let him die. Her hands began to glow against the glass and suddenly a whirl of smoke began to turn inside the funnel.

Kivar stared at the machine with wide eyes. Finally, they had the machine. He had prevailed again.

Joshua ran to Max and picked him up off the floor.

“Talk to me… wake up!” He closed his eyes and touched both sides of his brother’s face. He knew what he had to do know. He would no longer live in this misery. His one true love was gone.

Max opened his eyes slowly. He looked into the golden pair that matched his own.

“I’m sorry brother.” Joshua smiled weakly and pointed at Isabel and Michael. “Go, before it’s too late.”

Kivar stepped closer to the machine when it shot out lights against the steel walls. They burned writing on the walls in the old Antarian language.

“It still works.” He smiled and looked over at Liz.

“I have done my part.”

“You will not get off that easy.” He grabbed her hand and placed it against the glass which now let her hand pass right through.

“STOP!” She struggled against his strong arms when suddenly he weakened his grip and fell upon her onto the cold floor. She looked up and saw Joshua’s angry face. He dropped the large stone and picked up Kivar.

“I have to go before it’s too late.” She looked at him, her eyes wide with wonder.

“What are you doing?”

“This is the only way. If not… we will all die.”

“But what about you?”

“I still love you. I can’t help it.” He stepped closer and kissed her forehead and looked sadly into her eyes. “You will be happy here, with Max.”

“Joshua you don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, I do.” He picked up Kivar’s body and in a flash of light he and Kivar were soaked into the funnel. Max, Isabel and Michael ran into the room as Joshua looked at his family one last time. Then, both bodies disappeared in a flash of light. The walls of the cave began to crumble as Max grabbed Liz’s hand and they all ran out of the cave.

“Are you ok?” Max looked over at Liz and checked her for any bruises.

“I thought…”

“I’m fine…” She hugged him and looked up as the ship exploded into the bright sky.

“It’s over.” Isabel breathed deeply and hugged Michael.

“We are who we choose to be. I didn’t want to be what they were trying to make us.”

“So what now? You have to be human.”

“As long as I’m with you guys… it doesn’t matter what I am. You’re my family.” Michael looked at Isabel and then at Max. Finally, he looked at Liz.

“You were going to give up your life to save us. Why?”

“Because… you’re family.” He smiled and wrapped his arm around Liz and Max.

“God, I’m famished. Let’s go home.” Isabel smiled and they walked down the hill through the dusty path back to Roswell.

THE END