Roswell Fanatics

A/N: Hey everyone! Thank you for being so patient! You have all been wonderful. I am posting this new part early... I just found out I have an eye appointment tomorrow. And I'll post chapter 12 on Sunday.

Chapter 11:

They all sat, circling the coffee table, as Liz and Isabel sat across from each other, with Michael in between them.

Liz took a breath and closed her eyes, feeling the hesitation. She was afraid of what they’d find in the mind they were about to visit. The memories they’d stumble across might remind her of everything she’d lost.

“Liz, it’s ok. We can do this.”

“I know. I… I want to help him Isabel. But…I’m afraid of what we’ll find in there.”

“Hopefully its PG rated.” Liz snickered as Maria threw a pillow at Michael’s head, making him fall a bit over the table.

Isabel pushed him off. The laughter died down as she extended her hand over the table toward Liz. Liz hesitated just once more, before extending her arm over the table, placing her hand on top of Michael’s. Then being covered by Isabel’s spare hand. The three closed their eyes as Isabel focused on getting in.

There seemed to be just darkness, as Liz tried clearing her head, waiting for the moment when she felt him near. The moment came fast, and suddenly it was as if they were thrown into the middle of a memory.

They stood on a lift path, in a large metallic hanger of sort; a relatively small spaceship stood eerily still on one of the landing pads. They watched quietly as a large door swung open, suddenly from the side of the ship.

A blood curdling scream broke the silence, as suddenly a body was thrown from the ship, dragging itself slowly, in excruciating pain.

“I told you not to give me a hard time about this. Your body will not be able to survive in this atmosphere. I am simply trying to make the correct adjustments in order for you to survive.”

“Let me die.” His voice pleaded sadly, as another female body walked toward him and circled him slowly. She stood very tall, her limbs extending in what seemed to be an unnatural stretch, her long flowing golden curls reaching her back. Her skin was a very creamy white. Her eyes seemed to glow a deep blue as she looked down upon his bruised body.

“Don’t be ridiculous. It won’t be much longer.” She reached her hand out and he screamed again, a scream that made Liz’s insides want to fall right out. She would kill her. They watched horrified as his arms and legs stretched, his hair lengthened slightly. His clothes morphed into clothes that looked like they belonged to a Moroccan traveler.

“There… now all you need is rest.”

“Why have you done this Tess?” They all looked around at each other, shocked, and yet somehow knowing it had been her.

“Me? You did this to yourself!” He tried standing, unable to take full control of his limbs quite yet. She stood beside him, unwilling to help, simply staring down at him as some lowly life form.

“What?” He pleaded, unsure of what could have brought on her anger. He wanted so badly to get up. Liz could feel his struggle within her. It was all she could do not to get walk over and help pick him up. Her heart got heavy as she suddenly saw his face… a face that looked somehow different, and yet she knew belonged to the man she loved.

“All you had to do was follow the stupid destiny Max! It was written out for you to see! Your mother herself told you! You felt the pull and you fought it with all you could! For what? For her?!” Liz looked over as she saw Michael tense. He wanted to do something. Isabel held her hand out and patted him softly on the shoulder.

“It’s not real.” She whispered as a reminder. But, her eyes registered the same angry hatred toward the tall blonde. Ironic… Tess Harding had a short complex. She made herself taller the minute she got to Antar.

“Why won’t you get through your head that I NEVER loved you!” He stood up slowly, finally getting grasp of his body, his voice booming loudly and echoing through the walls of the edifice.

“That’s right. You love Liz Parker. But guess what? She’s not here now. She doesn’t exist. She’s gone. You know why, because it was everything that you loved about her that brought her to her own downfall.” She laughed, a laugh rigged with evil desires.

“What are you talking about?” He asked carefully, finally standing to face her and being considerably taller. They looked like thin giants.

“Oh, your loyal and noble Liz Parker. Her desire to save you, to save all of you, is what drove her away.” She walked toward the ship, and reached out her hand, as a small metallic circle floated its way toward her. It opened suddenly, revealing a floating picture. “You see that man?” They all strained to look at the image that flickered slightly with the floating movement of the ball. Liz felt her stomach tighten. She was sure she would throw up.

“That’s me.”

“Oh yes. That’s you… well, future you anyway. I came up with this ingenious idea to finally get Liz off my back and get you to pay attention. I created this ravishing version of you and told her, through a mindwarp of course, that if you two didn’t break it off the world would end. A rather devastated Liz Parker then went through all measures necessary to ensure the demise of your relationship.”

Her voice took on a different tone, that with every passing minute sounded less and less like the Tess they’d known.

“Oh my God.” Isabel whispered as she looked over at a tearful Liz.

“You… you lied to her!”

“Didn’t it work? Remember that black v-neck shirt Max?” She whispered slowly and seductively. Liz thought she’d be sick. Oh my God. She’d pushed him right into the arms of the enemy. She’d taken it upon herself to right the wrongs that didn’t even exist. She felt the anger within her rising… the flare within her fingers beginning to heat.

“Liz, no. Stop it, control yourself.” Isabel dictated as Liz took a few deep breaths. It was just a dream, she tried reminding herself. A dream of something that really happened. Then suddenly, it was as if they were falling through a large spiral. She couldn’t scream, but she felt the movement within her stomach, like a large rollercoaster. She closed her eyes, afraid they would be lost within his subconscious forever.

Then, they landed hard and were sitting at a table in front of the CrashDown. It was night, a very familiar night. Liz looked around suddenly feeling queasy. She wouldn’t be able to forget the scene before her.

Tess sat a table, a few feet away, her hair down, her breasts tucked neatly into a snug low cut black shirt. Liz looked across the street as she saw the blinds open and close with her snooping eyes. No… she didn’t want to relive this nightmare. And still, his voice rang out in her head as clear as day. It was as if two pictures were now playing… her own memories melding with Max’s forming a complete picture.

She tried fighting off the memory, tried making it disappeared, but she was being lulled by the connection, as if she were incapable of doing otherwise.

Isabel grabbed her hands, shaking her a bit, trying to get her to come out of trance. But she was gone, wrapped up in a world that didn’t exist.
<center>***</center>

The sound of the streets suddenly became very real as Liz found herself standing on the other side of the glass doors. He stood beside her, his body heat radiating. She looked back out, trying to distract her thoughts. The man beside her… incredible as it was, he was still Max. It didn’t cease to amaze her.

“Here he comes.”

“Just don’t look at him. Let him come to you. Show him the book. Make sure he sees it.” She repeated the words to herself, as if Tess could somehow hear them and prayed silently. Let this work. It has to work.

<center>***</center>

“Hey.” Max walked up toward the CrashDown when he saw her, sitting and reading quietly, wearing the low cut black shirt. He might not have wanted to seal his destiny with this woman, but he couldn’t ignore the fact that she was attractive. Very attractive.

He glided beside her and waved her down as she nonchalantly looked up from reading her book. He looked down and noticed the author, his eyebrows going up. He’d never taken her for much of a reader. Maybe he was wrong.

“Oh, you’re reading Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck huh? I like his stuff. Especially The Grapes of Wrath.” He sat down cautiously, wondering if this would be their first actual conversation.

“Really? Steinbeck’s my favorite author too.” She said with a smile as she put her book down.

<center>***</center>

“He sat down. You got him to sit down with her.” The excitement in his voice didn’t go unnoticed. She rolled her eyes and closed the blind, feeling much less satisfied with her work.

“Rah rah. What?” She asked, finally realizing he was staring at her. In fact, he did it a lot, simply looked at her, with those longing beautiful eyes of his.

“Nothing. It’s just… seeing you at 17 again is making it all come flooding back to me. How my stomach used to rumble every time I saw you.” She felt her heart flutter, realizing that he was telling her exactly what she somehow already knew. And still, it made her feel warm all over.

“So um… did we get married?”

“Liz… you know I can’t.” She turned away quickly, realizing she’d gotten too wrapped up in the moment, the magic that he seemed to carry.

“You… I know, you can’t talk about it. I’m sorry. I know.”

There was a short pause and she looked out the window checking the progress.

“We eloped. We were 19.” His deep voice was doing this to her insides she could not explain, the way he always made her heart jump excitedly in her chest.

They were married. She turned away from the door, suddenly forgetting for a moment the task at hand. They were married.

<center>***</center>

“Listen,” Max said interrupting their conversation about English literature and the awful class at school that always felt more like detention. “I realize none of this is your fault. You just sought me out because it was your destiny.” He chose his words carefully, hoping to help her understand that his problem with her was not personal. In fact, he kind of liked her, despite her obsession with their destiny and their pasts. He couldn’t blame her. She was an orphaned alien who’d been brought up by a shapeshifting alien. She was bound to have issues.

“Hey, I… I can only imagine if you thought you’d found the love of your life and someone comes to tell you you’re meant to be with someone else.”

“Exactly.”

“You know, if things change. They change. If they don’t, it’s ok Max.”

He sighed a bit in frustration. She was being sweet about it. But she just wasn’t getting it.

“I don’t think things are going to change.” He said softly, trying to finalize his statement.

“I know,” she said carefully, “but it takes two. And if Liz isn’t interested...”

The alerts within his brain suddenly set off. What would Tess know about how Liz felt about anything? He looked at her carefully and then back down at the book. Liz knew Steinbeck was his favorite author. An awful feeling started to permeate within his stomach.

“What do you mean if Liz isn’t interested?”

“No, no I didn’t mean…”

He felt the anger begin to rise within him. He would not let Tess sweep in and ruin his life. She had caused enough damage at the end of last year. Damage he was still trying desperately to repair.

“You were talking to Liz about this?” His voice hitched as he tried controlling his anger. Something was going on. He could feel it.

“Nn… not exactly.” Tess whispered softly, looking down. He looked around quickly, catching a set of eyes peeking at him from the glass doors at Congresswoman Whitaker’s office. He stood up immediately as he marched over. This was wrong. It was all wrong.

<center>***</center>

“Damn.” She turned to look out after hearing his voice and saw an angry Max standing up to cross the street. It would have worked. She told herself sadly, it would have been perfect if they’d just talked. Now, it would give him one more reason to be angry at her. He would hate her.

She had to think quickly. “Get outta here.” She pushed future Max toward the back room and turned suddenly at the sound of the door slamming open. There he stood, in all his angry glory, looking at her with those hurt dark eyes.

<center>***</center>

“Max.” It was all she could say, he noticed, having been caught red handed. What was going on? His ears flamed as his anger and frustration remained in tact, despite seeing her blushed cheeks and that adorable pink shirt.

“Were you watching?”

“Umm…” His heart sank. This was all planned. Some sort of set up. Why? He knew his eyes were registering the question, as Liz avoided his glare.

“So it was all a setup.”

“Yea.” She stated, too fast for him to completely believe it. Something was off. He could feel it within the confines of his being.

“You tried to get Tess and me together?” He asked, trying to make sure he wasn’t losing his mind. It just… didn’t make sense.

“Look, I know that you must hate me right now…” She started, talking quickly and averting his gaze, trying to come up with some sort of explanation. But, he was no longer listening, because his heart was falling apart. Because he knew he was losing her day by day, and now it was coming to this. He didn’t know what else to do.

In his desperation, he kissed her.

<center>***</center>

The memories flooded her the minute his lips crashed onto hers, catching her completely off guard. She made sure to keep her hands at her sides, to avoid getting dragged in, but the power of their connection was too strong. His hands were on her face and he was kissing her with the passion that made her knees weak. She could see the flashes clearly, their special moments, filing through her brain, one by one, with every loving and desirous feeling flooding through as well.

She had to fight it, had to fight the power he held over her. It meant the end of everything. He pulled away, leaving her there, with her eyes closed to taste his sadness. Her own was threatening to overtake her.

“I felt that… and I know you did too. I know that you think that… that I need to let you go… for the sake of Michael, and Isabel, and my race.” His voice was thick with pain. She could barely face to open her eyes to meet his again. This couldn’t really be happening. “So you went to Tess.” His voice sounded incredulous. She wanted to hit him. Slap some sense into his muffled brain.

STOP IT. Can’t you see what this is doing to me? She thought, letting her hands shake softly at her sides.

“But, she can’t be you. Tess can never be you.”

She felt her eyes fill up with tears. She had to fight them. She had to be strong. In the distance she could hear a familiar voice, dragging her out of her reverie.

“LIZ! Liz, you have to focus. This isn’t real.” She listened, distracted by the vague voice as Max continued to talk, his mouth moving, but no sound registering within her ears.

“Max?” She asked, suddenly flooding back to the cold metal hanger where Max stood tall.

“All of. It was all a lie.” He spit out at Tess, grabbing her harshly by the arms. “You made her believe it and it was all a lie. You should have left her out of this!”

“I was going to get to you anyway possible. And well… quite frankly, I was ingenious in my plans. I not only managed to get her out of the way for good, I managed to get you to hate her for it.”

“You bi-“

“I would be careful what I said here Max. After all… I am royalty.”

“You’re slime.” He whispered venomously as Tess snapped her fingers, exposing four heavily armed guards.

“Perhaps. But you, my friend, will be dead come the next moon. You chose the wrong girl, now I have to do what’s right for me.” She walked away as the guards cornered him and he fought back.

“Liz… focus. LIZ!” Isabel yelled as Liz’s body finally came forth, her eyes suddenly opening and startling her, causing her to topple down the lift, green erratic lighting bolts flying from her hands, the force slamming her onto the ground.

Max looked up, confused, as Liz fell to the floor and then up at Isabel and Michael.

His face scrunched up at seeing their faces, recognizing, it wasn’t the Isabel and Michael from his memories. He ran over to Liz, trying to pick her up, watching as her body erupted in green lighting.

“What… what’s wrong with her?” He asked, as Isabel and Michael came down the lift, slowly, and the world he’d created began to disappear.

“She’s sick. We… we don’t know how to cure her. Max… when you healed her, it changed her. She… can do things now.” Isabel took a careful step toward her brother, and knelt down, coming face to face with him. “You can’t keep doing this.”

She whispered to him, as the world continued to slowly fade leaving them in darkness.

“It was all a lie. All of it. She took away ten years of our life. I hate her.” He whispered with an anger in his voice that scared everyone.

“We all hate what she’s done. But… we can fight her.” Isabel looked back to summon Michael, who started by picking Liz up. Max stood up beside him, not letting his eyes leave her body.

“She’s dead Isabel.” They stood in silence for a few moments. She reached out to embrace him, unable to contain herself any longer.

“My God Max… I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry we weren’t there to help you.”

“There was nothing you could have done.” He caressed her hair softly, as he allowed the hug to linger.

“Max, you have to let us help you.” Michael put in, not asking, but demanding.

“There’s nothing you can do anymore. I’m… damaged.”

“What do you mean?” Isabel turned to look at him suddenly, refusing to accept his explanation.

“It means that the human part of me died long ago. He only exists here…” He looked around the darkness as Isabel nodded in understanding.

“No Max… he still exists here.” She put her hand on his heart and looked up at him with a determined glance. “I know that there are things you still have to do. But when they’re over… you’re coming home. Home isn’t home without you.” Michael nodded and then looked down as Liz began to whimper.

“Isabel… we have to go.”

“Wait… a few more minutes…” She held onto Max’s hand, not wanting to leave his side.

“She’s… I think she’s falling out of the walk… we have to go NOW.” Max looked at them with a frightened glance.

“We love you Max. It’s going to be ok. I promise.” Isabel walked away slowly, extending her hand out, and looking at him with worried eyes. “It’s going to be ok....”

<center>***</center>

The force with which they snapped back to reality was too much to bear. Her body was already hurting with the intense cramping of her muscles. Now, her mind felt like a batter of Jell-O.

“Liz… Liz are you ok?” She could hear Michael’s voice above her, Maria’s panicked cries, and Alex comforting Isabel hysteria. But, she couldn’t open her eyes. It was as if she truly weren’t there, but still on another plane.

She felt the shock again, as the electricity flowed through her body, moving quickly, causing an intense pain within her.

“My hand… she burned my hand.” Isabel was crying, as Liz wondered what she was complaining about.

“Oh my God!” Maria shrieked. “Look Michael.”

They looked down and saw the bright green sparks flying across Liz’s skin, from her fingertips across her face in painful spurts.

“We need to get her to bed right now. She’s too worked up.” Michael picked her body up and carried her carefully toward the bedroom.

“Is she going to be ok? I mean, what’s happening?” Alex called out and she could hear footsteps close behind her.

“Michael. MICHAEL what’s wrong?!!”

“I DON’T KNOW ok? I… I don’t know Maria.” They put her down to bed and sat beside her, watching her moan in pain.

“God, I feel so helpless.”

“Max.” Michael whispered. “We need to get Max.”

The front door unlocked and they all turned to look, as Ava came in from work and dropped her keys on the counter. She looked around at the tense silence in the room. They had never been happier to see her face.

<center>***</center>

Max shot up in bed, feeling the emotional exhaustion his dreams constantly let on. But, tonight had been different; they’d paid him a visit. And something was wrong with Liz. He took a few deep breaths trying to calm the panting in his chest. He didn’t know what it meant. His head was still floating with the memories she’d thrown upon him.

She hadn’t known it was a lie. She didn’t leave him because she didn’t love him. He’d known that… and still it was somehow comforting to know that she knew he loved her too. But, he was beyond that place now. There was no way of going back to those simple times. Not with what he’d been through. Not with how much they’d grown.

Still… he couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like if they gave it one more chance. Could they once again ignite the flame that had been their love? He wanted with every fiber in his being to believe it was true. Because, then it meant he wasn’t as lost as he felt. That the human part he’d longed to regain, was still lingering deep within.

He got up from the bed and went into the bathroom, splashing some water on his face. The image of Liz falling wouldn’t leave his head.

“It was just a dream.” He said. “It was just a dream.”

A/N: Here is the new part I promised today. Got snowed in BIG time last nite. Blizzard sent over about a foot and a half of snow. Ay... Anyway, just wanted to inform you all that this is nearing completion. I know, you're all saying... how is that possible? I mean, in about 3 chpts or so... but still... I wanted to give you all a heads up. Thank you all for being such loyal readers.

Be back with the new chapter on Tuesday.

Chapter 12:

Max finished his cup of coffee and looked out the window distractedly. He was exhausted. He’d had a hard time getting back to sleep after the dreamwalk. Even if he could, he was afraid of what other nightmares might haunt him. He rubbed his eyes softly, trying to rid himself of the grogginess. He’d showered, he’d gone outside into the cool fall air and even so he couldn’t get himself to think straight.

He was being haunted by the images still floating within his head. The image of Liz lying on the floor, the bright green shots of electricity flowing through her skin as she cried painfully… It still made him shutter just thinking about it. What did it mean? Was it part of his dream or part of the dreamwalk? Why did Michael’s eyes look so worried when he picked her up to carry her away?

He knew whatever it was, it couldn’t be good. That’s why he was glad that he was meeting her. When he’d told her to meet him the day before, it was more out of anger than anything else. He needed to get away from her and away from the group sitting just a few feet away. Because when he was near her, his mind started slipping into places he knew it shouldn’t. Especially, when he was caught looking into her eyes, wanting to tell her everything. But not yet, he wasn’t done yet.

He put down the cash for his meal and stood up, ready to go to Manhattan. He was ready to put an end to this saga. He no longer wanted any part of those haunting memories. He wanted to simply start over. He wasn’t even sure how possible it was.

The memories of his life before it all teased him, making his heart ache for simpler times. Had it really been over 12 years since he would sit in class, staring up at the long brown strands of the girl two seats up? The way he’d dreamed about Liz Parker, hoping that one day he could have the courage to simply talk to her, to sit beside her. That day finally came in the form of their sophomore year, Biology class.

And then came the shooting. Nothing else was ever the same. He could still remember what it felt like to touch her hair, move it past her face and behind her ear, while she looked at him with those big brown eyes….

STOP. He had to stop. There was no point going down that road. That life was long gone. They were both different people. He could focus on explaining their circumstances after he finished what he came to do. He couldn’t even imagine what she would say when she found out the truth. That she’d run off a decade of her life because of a lie. That… they could have been together. He shook his head. Not now.

He was almost at 3rd Ave as he looked down at his watch. He made good time. It was just about five minutes to three. She would be there any minute. He watched as the crowds walked down the streets, people all involved in their own minds, in a rush to go to their perspective places, letting the world slip by. If they only knew that their lives could change in just one instant. Just one moment, one action could change their worlds upside down. He turned around, to look down Lexington Ave when he was startled by the face before him.

Her eyes were lined with a dark black pencil, making the intense blue stand out. On her nose was the sparkle of a ring, and her hair was dark, but streaked with colors. Despite their differences, he couldn’t help the feeling she caused in his stomach. He wanted to reach out and strangle her again.

It was odd, because despite their physical similarities, her eyes held something Tess’ never could. There was a difference, but he rather not believe it. He rather simply bunch her with her evil twin. The devil herself.

“What are you doing here?” He felt his body tense, as he darkened his expression. There was no way of knowing she was trustworthy. After all, they shared the same genes. And Tess, despite seeming like one of them, was not.

“I’m here for Liz.”

“Where is she?” He practically growled, feeling his stomach turn over. She better not have hurt her.

“She’s home.”

“Home? She just decided she didn’t want to come?” He asked, suddenly confused.

“Look, I have a proposition for you. I need you to just shut up and listen for a sec ok?”

He pressed his fingers together into fists as he held them at his sides.

“I can take you to Zan. I know where he is. And you can end whatever it is you’ve got going tonight.”

He stared into her determined blue eyes and caught a glimpse of something that worried him. There was hesitation. What did she know?

“But?”

“Liz is sick, very sick. Her powers are outta control and I don’t know how to calm ‘em. I’ve tried everything.” Her voice was shaky with emotion, despite her steady gaze.

He stared at her for a moment, unsure of what to say. He hadn’t expected her to say that and now the image of Liz on the floor was attacking his vision once more, making him cringe at the pain he could feel.

“What… what do you want me to do?”

“You gotta make a decision Max. This is a spot in the road, a point that will help you decide who you really wanna be. I know you’ve had it hard and I hate to put you here, but it is what it is. Now, it’s up to you to make the decision.”

“What decision? Dammit Ava, stop talking in riddles.”

“You can choose your path right here. I can take to Zan. Or, I can take you to Liz. It’s your choice.”

He stood in silence, the situation frustrating him. His heart was yelling from within. He knew where he had to go. Still, he was so close to just ending it all. Couldn’t he just go see Zan and then go see Liz?

“She’s in pain Max.” Ava’s eyes dug into his own, her blue depths registering a sincere concern for her friend. “She’s in pain and none of us can fix it.”

“You KNOW that I need to see him. You KNOW it.” He cried out with a frustrated sigh. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to calm the nerves that were running through his blood.

“It’s your choice.”

“I NEED TO END THIS.” He yelled out, knowing he’d already made up his mind.

She stood before him, awaiting his answer, holding her hands tightly together. He could tell in her expression that she somehow also knew he’d made up his mind.

“Where is she?” He asked as they headed back down the subway stairs.

<center>***</center>

Liz felt her body relax, as the pain began to slightly subside. Last night had been the worse. She knew part of it had to do with the connection to Max. Her emotions had been at a high, out of control as the memories flooded her. She had very little left to hope for, even after having seen him, and that all died last night.

The one thing she did, thinking she’d done it to save him, to give him a better life backfired. It had all been a lie. The magical future that she dreamt about, although she knew she wouldn’t have it. It was all a lie. It was the only thing keeping her together all these years. Making her remember it was worth running. And now… it was a lie. She would have to live with the pain she caused everyone. Now there was no reason for it. She felt broken. Dark. She hadn’t hated this deeply in a very long time.

She sat up in the warm tub, as Maria rubbed down her arms with a hot wash cloth. She looked down to fix her bra, feeling exposed.

“Don’t worry. It’s not like I didn’t know your bra size.” Maria snickered as she squeezed the washcloth and gave her arm another slow rub. “Is this helping?”

“A little.” Liz nodded as she regained feeling in her fingertips. She could feel her blood flowing again, finally taking some of the static pain away.

“Isabel’s coming back in with some more hot water.” Liz nodded and looked down at the pendant around her neck. She held it in her hand and sighed, feeling completely defeated.

“I’m sorry Maria.” She whispered, unsure of what else to say.

“Oh, what are you going on about? There is nothing to apologize for. You did what you felt you had to do. I could never hold that against you.”

“It was all a lie.” Liz felt the tears begin to form, her voice beginning to shake.

“Hey, hey, stop it. You have to stay calm or it’s going to start again. I don’t know if I can take seeing you in that much pain. So, stop it. You were willing to give up everything to save our lives. Liz… I don’t know if I would have been able to do that.”

“I missed everything. I missed watching you graduate. I missed watching Isabel and Alex finally just get together. Their wedding, God…” She ran her fingers through her hair, letting them linger. She wanted so badly to just pull, pull hard to make the inside pain go away.

“Liz… stop it. I told you already, we’re not mad at you. I’m just glad you’re ok. And… you didn’t make out so bad. I mean, look at you. You’re beautiful… geez, I knew you would grow up to be a vixen, but this is ridiculous.” They both laughed as Liz reached up to touch Maria’s hand. “And you’ve got these great friends. I mean Serena and Ava have really taken care of you. Don’t tell Michael I said so… but your partner, from the picture… he’s hot.”

Liz laughed as Isabel walked in with a big pot of hot water.

“How you feeling?” Liz looked up at Maria and smiled.

“A little better, for now anyways.”

“Good. I sent Ava out to meet Max.” Liz’s eyes widened.

“Oh… Max! I forgot!”

“It’s ok. I think he’s on his way over.” Isabel filled the tub again and Liz winced at the effect of the heat against her skin. The electricity flowing within her was yet to die down. She had a morbid fear that she would electrocute from within.

“Too hot?” She nodded as Isabel placed her hand over the water, cooling it a few degrees.

“Thanks.”

“Liz, you really scared us last night.” Isabel sat at the edge of the tub next to Maria.

“I know, I’m… I’m sorry. I guess I just, I couldn’t handle the connection. Seeing those memories again, after such a long time, feeling what he felt… it was too intense.”

“I’m sorry that I made you do it. I should’ve thought about… well… this.”

“You got to talk to him right? That’s all we wanted.” Liz nodded and smiled as Isabel smiled in return.

“You’re like Rogue from X-men. Your powers are so strong, it’s like you can’t even control them. Even though you fight for the greater good.” Maria said suddenly, sending the room into a quiet pause. Then, there was just laughter.

“Ok, you, Alex and Michael are no longer allowed to have in depth conversation about comic books.” Isabel laughed as she got up to get a dry towel and walked over to Liz.

“Uh oh…” Liz swallowed hard as Maria looked down worriedly. The water was beginning to bubble, steam rising from where Liz’s skin touched the surface.

“Get up! GET UP NOW!” Maria grabbed Liz’s arms and pulled her out of the water.

“Oh no… not again Maria.” She tried to contain her tears, but she was already feeling her body warm.

Isabel turned toward them quickly and wrapped Liz in the towel.

“Just don’t touch us Liz… don’t put your hands on us. We’re going to try and get you back to the room.” Liz nodded; her body stiff and nervous. Her skin was beginning to get uncomfortably warm. She could feel the electricity traveling through her veins.

They walked out into the hallway as she felt the first sting.

“AH!” Everyone in the living room stood up, running over to the hallway to see what was happening.

“I thought you guys said she was better?” Alex looked on worriedly.

“Isabel... what’s going on?” Michael walked over, and moved in front of them to open Liz’s bedroom door.

“It just suddenly started up again. It just flares up… she was fine a second ago. God… she’s burning.”

They put her softly on the bed as Isabel rubbed her hands over it to make cool. It would at least keep Liz’s skin at a more reasonable temperature.

“AHHHH!” She screamed again as they looked on, her eyes pressed tightly together, the green traveling through her skin.

“What are we going to do?” Michael yelled out in frustration. “Where the hell is Ava?”

“Will you stop yelling!” Isabel put her hand to her forehead and looked back down at Liz. “Come on, come on. THINK!” She tapped her forehead when they heard the front door unlock. Everyone turned to look down the hallway when Ava stepped in.

“He’s here.” Max stepped in from behind her, his eyes looked straight forward at the group surrounding the bed.

Then, her scream pierced the air.

<center>***</center>

Everyone stepped back slowly, giving him a clear view of the woman lying on the bed. She had a towel loosely wrapped around her moistened body, the straps of her bra showing on her shoulders, her legs lying bare. But, it was her face that was making his heart break within his chest. She was wincing in pain, her face covered in green bolts of lightning.

“Max… I’m so happy you’re here.” Isabel threw her arms around him, as he stood at the room doorway, still staring ahead.

“Max… please, save her.” Maria looked at him with her terrified eyes and he felt it tug at him. That painful nagging feeling of disappointing someone he cared about.

He walked slowly over to her body, taking deep breaths. He knew what it meant if he did this. He knew it would change everything, just like the first time. But he knew, like he did then, that he couldn’t just walk away and not help her.

“Everyone get out.” He said; his voice low and deep.

“But Max…”

“Please.” He practically whispered as they all nodded in agreement, and filed out slowly.

The door clicked closed behind them as he turned to face her, his hands shaking softly as he brought them up above her. He moved them in slow circular patterns, closing his eyes, trying to focus on her energy. He could feel her electricity, strong and fast, and he looked down at her, wishing she were more alert.

“Don’t do this. Don’t do this right now Liz. I need you….” He whispered as he let some of the energy leave his hands. Her body began to fly up slowly, the towel unwrapping around her body, the green light traveling toward her stomach and concentrating in a large powerful circle.

She started to whimper, crying out in pain, as her eyes suddenly fluttered open.

“That’s right… you know you have to look at me for this work.” He looked into her eyes, and the minute he did, they were sent into a spiral of memories, that flooded both of their brains.

Every single moment together flashed through their minds, from the healing at the CrashDown to the moment she ran away for good. All the kisses, all the stares, all the pain, all the passion… it all came flooding through, attacking both of their senses.

He could see every smile she ever gave him, every whispered ‘I love you’, every magical moment between them. Then he was swirling through her body, clashing into her molecules, moving the pattern of her DNA.

Their intense first kiss on her balcony after the heatwave was everything that he ever dreamed of. The way she looked at him, when he walked away from her, the tears that plagued her beautiful eyes.

He intertwined the old strands to the new, watching as they sped up, and all connected to their rightful partners. They began to glow, as if melding together, to form one being. She was now one of them.

<center>***</center>

Liz could feel the power and warmth settling right above her navel. There was a sharp pain. Then her eyes flew open, meeting Max’s dark ones. The minute they did, they were sent into a slew of flashes.

She could feel the heat of his energy within her, and even so, all she could see were images of them. Then, he was there, standing before her, as she let the water drip from her hair in the showers. Their heated kiss in the CrashDown while she put the strawberries on the table; Max attacked her lips. The incredible glowing hickeys that made her glow all over. She had been changing for a long time.

Then, there was one last memory.

They sat in the cold van, wet and afraid.

“Max, the day you saved my life, your life just… ended.” She sat before him, desperate and confused, wishing she could turn back time.

“No, that was the day my life began. Liz, when I was in that room, and they did what they did to me. You’re what kept me alive. The thought of you, the way your eyes looked into mine. Your smile, the touch of your skin….” He reached out to touch her, her damp skin feeling cold against his fingers. “Your lips…. Knowing you has made me human.”

She smiled sadly, knowing that she could never explain what he has meant to her. Not in words.

“Whether I die tomorrow or fifty years from now my destiny is the same, it’s you. I want to be with you, Liz. I love you.”

She looked into his beautiful eyes and knew that every word was true.

“I love you.” She reached down and kissed him, afraid that it might be for the very last time.

She looked up suddenly, snapping out of the flash, as Max bent over and put his hand on his stomach. He was trying to breathe, trying to regain his strength. She looked down, feeling the calm in her skin. There were no more glowing veins or green lightning. She pressed her fingers together, willing the power to come forth, and saw the sparks. She was in complete control. She sat up, and turned quickly, trying to get him to sit.

“Max… Max are you ok?” He looked up, his face weak and exhausted as he continued trying to even out his breathing. “Here, sit.”

She moved over and sat him down quickly, wrapping her blanket around him. He looked at her intensely for a moment. Then his eyes traveled down her body. She looked down, suddenly blushing intensely. She was in her underwear.

She ran toward the closet and threw on her robe as she returned to her spot beside him on the bed.

They sat in silence for a few moments. Liz looked down at her fingers and placed her hand upon his. His eyes looked up and they met once more.

“Thank you.” She whispered, wanting desperately to kiss him.

“I… I have to go.” He whispered breathlessly.

“Wait, no. You’re not strong enough.”

“I can’t… I can’t stay here.” He stood up, grabbing his stomach in pain. He opened the room door to expose everyone standing before it, listening. They all stood up straight and made room, as he walked through the path and toward the door.

Liz ran through the opening and stood, as he turned in the doorway.

“Max!” He turned around to look at her hurt expression and sighed before closing the door behind him.

A/N: Hello everyone! Here's the new chapter like I promised! Brace yourselves... it's a bit emotional. The new chapter will be posted on Friday. See you all then! Enjoy!


Chapter 13:

The group could only watch in silence, as Liz stood with her robe wrapped tightly around her, and frozen in place staring at the front door.

“What happened?” Alex finally asked, looking around at the rest of the group confused.

“I don’t know.” Isabel whispered beside him, as they all still looked forward at Liz.

“Well… we can’t just stand here. She can’t just stand here.” Serena looked over at Maria who was grabbing onto Michael tightly.

“You’re right. You’re right!” Maria walked up behind Liz and pushed her softly. “Come on Liz. Go and get your man.”

Liz shook her head, as if snapping back some dream. She turned around to look at Maria who had a sad smile on her face.

“Go!” She pushed her again. Liz looked at her wide eyed, her mouth slightly open in shock.

“Right… Right.” She turned around and ran out the door. She stopped, looking around to the left then to the right, trying to figure out which way to go. “Max?” She called out, her heart beating violently against her chest.

She ran to the left, down toward the corridor with the elevator. Nothing. She turned to run the other way and stopped. He was gone. She could feel him leaving the building and getting further and further away. She sighed loudly. She looked down at her barely clad body. She walked back over to her apartment door and walked in, letting it close behind her. Everyone stood up and turned to face her, from their various places in both the living room and kitchen. She stopped for a second, looking back at them.

“He’s gone.” She stated simply and watched as Isabel reached over to grab Alex’s hand. Maria snuggled in closer to Michael and both Ava and Serena were sitting on the stools at the counter, with half eaten sandwiches.

She kept her jaw tight and tried to keep herself from crying.

“Liz…” Serena stood up, ready to give her a hug.

“No. Don’t. I’m sick of this. I’m not taking it anymore. I’ve given everything for him… I’m not letting him leave me again.” She stomped off into the room and slammed the door shut behind her.

There was a long silence as Serena sat back down and everyone stared at each other.

“Damn, it’s about time.” Maria said as she headed toward the room.

She walked in, as Liz threw another skirt upon her bed.

“Woah, ease up. The clothes didn’t do anything to you.” Maria smiled as she moved the pile over and sat on the bed.

“I just… I should’ve done this a long time ago. I should’ve just stop running and stopped being afraid of everything and just loved him.”

Liz turned around from her spot at her closet with teary eyes.

“Uh uh, stop that. No tears. You want to look your best when you go yell at him, don’t you?” Maria stood and walked over, to stand in front of her friends. “Look, we both knew there would be a measure of hurt going into this. You’ve paid yours. Now, it’s your turn to be happy.” Liz smiled and reached out to hug her best friend.

“Thank you Maria.”

“Please babe… I’ve missed this.” She walked over to the closet and started looking around. Liz heard a soft knock on the door and turned to see Serena, Isabel, and Ava at the door.

“Can we come in?” Isabel said with a soft smile as Liz nodded in response.

“I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all of this. I know it has been a nightmare since we told you the truth.” She sat on the bed beside her, taking her hand into her own.

“What are you talking about Isabel?” Liz turned to look at her with surprised eyes. “I don’t feel like I ever really came to life until I learned the truth about you guys. There’s just been… a really big bump in the road. And, now we know why.” She smiled and squeezed Isabel’s hand firmly.

“I can’t believe I let myself trust Tess.”

Ava looked down sadly and reached over to rub her back. “I’m sorry. All I can do is I apologize. I know what it feels like to have one of your own turn on you.”

“Ok, ok, enough of the dramatics. We have to make Liz look delish if Max is going to break. He’s one stubborn man, isn’t he?”

The girls all laughed at Serena’s face wrinkled in confusion.

“You have no idea.” Isabel stood up to look at what Maria was looking at. “You’re not going to put her in this are you?”

“You have better ideas?”

“We want her to look gorgeous, not desperate. Geez. Ok… here.”

She pulled out a pair of black pants and a black off the shoulder sweater.

“Elegant and sexy all at once.” Isabel smiled. “Oh, one more thing.” She swiped her hand over Liz’s face and hair, leaving her with straight dry hair and makeup.

“Thank you.” Liz smiled, reaching up to touch her hair.

“Just bring my brother back to me.” She nodded as they all left the room to give Liz time to dress.

She would go and tell him everything that was on her mind. She wouldn’t take no for an answer this time. He still loved her. She knew it in the depths of her soul. She wasn’t going to allow their stubbornness to keep them apart any longer.

<center>***</center>

Max reached his room and closed the door quickly behind him. He was surprised he’d had the energy to walk the three blocks. His whole body felt weak, but the worst pain was throbbing at his temples. He could still feel the images floating in his mind, the fear and the anger. Another part of Liz was now embedded within him, the new part. The part she had become after leaving Roswell.

His whole body was reacting to her, to her nearness and it was as if he had finally come alive again, after almost ten years of feeling like nothing. Of not feeling at all, of being inhuman.

He took in the darkness of the room and headed for the shower, needing the hot water to relax his tired muscles.

He let the water run for a few minutes, as the bathroom began to steam up, warming up the cool room. He removed his shirt and turned to look in the mirror. His eyes were dark and tired.

It had all just been too much for him. Too much to get used to, to readjust, to feel, Liz everywhere. His mind and body were on overload and he felt like he might explode. The two sides of his being were engaging in a violent fight within him, and it would not end until he finished what he’d come to accomplish.

He stepped into the shower, letting the hot water run in his hair and fall down his face. He closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling and taking slow breaths. He held his hands up against the wall, as the images continued to swirl. She was always going to be a part of him, united by their connection, not only emotionally but physically as well.

He thought back to the image of her, alone and afraid, in a city she had never known. She was walking around the busy airport, with no one to meet her, and not knowing where to go.

She had originally intended to go to Boston, in hopes to go to Harvard and try to regain some semblance of her normal life. She would stay in NYC for a week, in order to relax, to calm her emotions, and then head off.

But, she would never leave. She met Serena at the library, who was coincidentally looking for a roommate. Then she met Ava about a week later. It solidified her life in New York.

But those weren’t the only images that haunted him. Long nights awake from nightmares, nights when she cried herself to sleep, the pure pain of having completely left the life she loved behind.

He felt the tears begin to fall, and let them, still leaning his hands against the wall. They fell and blended with the water, falling from his face in spades.

The strongest memory was the one they both shared. The day he disappeared, the night she felt the connection break. Her tears had come in bundles, the complete feeling of emptiness having overtaken her, feeling like she’d lost everything. She cried the whole night, not able to gain control of her emotions. She had even called Roswell, looking for Michael. Looking for answers, but there were no answers. She’d lived with knowing she might have prevented it all of these years.

He stepped out of the shower, the pure pain of it all attacking his body. He couldn’t control the pure regret if it all, the desire to go back and make things right was too great. He hated the fact that they’d had a bright future ripped from right under them by the woman who was full of lies and deceit.

He headed back into the bedroom, dressed in his shorts and feeling defeated. There was nothing he wanted more than to go back to that life when he just loved her and she loved him. Despite who he was, despite how different they were. He headed toward the window and opened the curtain a crack, enough to look out into the now darkening day.

He heard the door open and he didn’t bother to turn around. He knew she was there.

“What are you doing here?” He whispered, not turning his head.

“I wanted to see if you were alright.” He heard her shaky voice, standing near the doorway.

“I’m fine.” He didn’t know what else to say to her, what else to do. His entire body was burning at her nearness.

“Max, please don’t do this to me.”

He finally turned around, his eyes piercing into hers.

“Do what Liz?”

“Block me out.”

He turned around and walked over to her, standing close enough to feel her breath upon him. The tension was burning within the both of them, his blood flowing quickly to his toes and fingertips.

“God, Liz, don’t you see? That’s the problem. I can’t block you out. I want to so badly but I can’t. I can’t just as much as I couldn’t get rid of myself. Because you’re here.” He grabbed her hand and placed it upon his chest, right above his heart.

“Max?” She looked at him, her eyes questioning.

“I don’t want to feel this way anymore Liz.” He felt himself breaking down, his eyes filling with tears, his voice hitching.

She looked at him desperately, looking to find what was wrong.

“I want to remember what it feels like to run my fingers through your hair.” He moved his fingers towards her ends, letting them linger at his touch.

“Max… I…”

“I want to remember what it feels like to touch you.” He let the tears fall, feeling the final walls breaking. “To kiss you, Liz… I want to feel human again. Please. Remind me what it feels like to love you.”

Liz looked up at him, with her own eyes now brimming with tears, and placed her hands on his face, one on each cheek. Then, she leaned in, slowly, and placed her forehead on his.

“I love you Max.” It was as if all the troubles of the world disappeared. So, he kissed her.

He kissed her for all the pain he’d been through. He kissed her for the years that were lost between them. He kissed her in order to feel complete again. He kissed her because he knew there was no way he’d be able to live without her ever again. And he was still kissing her into the dark of night. He made sure he loved her as if it were their very last night on Earth.

A/N: Hello... as it seems happens so often, another change of plans. LOL. It just doesn't end does it? Oh well. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, and I'll be out most of the morning. So, I'm just going to post the new chapter tonite. And... there's only one chapter left. I will be posting the final chapter on Monday. Thank you so much for reading. You guys are the greatest.

Chapter 14:

Liz felt her eyes pulling her back toward reality. She fought the pull, enjoying the warmth and comfort of dreamland. It was odd, she knew, because she couldn’t remember the last time she felt so safe in her sleep. But today was it, and she was determined to keep that feeling for as long as possible.

She reached over, putting her hand across the cool sheets. Her eyes suddenly flew open, as she looked at the empty space beside her. No. She knew she wasn’t dreaming. What happened the night before was still deeply embedded within her skin. The intensity of the flashes, the tears, the healing, they were all too real to be false. Her sore body told her it wasn’t all within her mind. She sat up slowly, looking around the still reasonably dark room and found him, sitting over by the crack near the window, his hand underneath his chin, propping him up.

She stood up, wrapping the blanket around her naked body, and walked over to him, trying to understand his sadness. She eased her arms onto his shoulders and leaned down, appreciating his warmth. He sat, only in his boxers, so the instant touch of their skin was like a flame sparking to life.

“What’s wrong?” She asked softly, hoping that he wouldn’t say what she was afraid to hear. That it was all a mistake; that they shouldn’t have done what they did. She wasn’t sure she could bear that torture.

He reached up, grabbing her hands in his and holding them softly, causing her to lean her own head into the crease of his neck.

“I… I’d almost forgotten what it felt like, to really feel so much at once. I’ve been dead for so long Liz… just cut off from every possible human emotion, because I couldn’t afford to feel things that strongly. I couldn’t afford to let myself be weak.”

She felt a sting at her heart, knowing that he’d ever have to live like that killed her deep inside. His humanity had been broken and ripped from him. Now, he was afraid of everything it would mean to gain it back.

“But, you don’t have to live that way anymore.” She whispered, tightening her grip on his hands.

“Liz… I want to tell you everything.” She leaned back for a moment, shocked by his words. She released her hands from his and walked toward the chair opposite him. She pulled it out and sat down, wrapping the blanket carefully around the remaining parts of her now cold body. She wasn’t sure she could deal with what he was going to say. If she was even ready to hear it. But… he was ready to talk. She would not take that away from him. She looked up into his eyes, as they looked back into hers with a mixture of emotions. He was afraid. She reached over and grabbed his hand across the table.

“Go ahead.” She nodded in support, and he took a deep breath before starting.

“A few weeks after you left, I had been trying to find you. I was going out for a drive, to see if I could think of any other places you might have disappeared to. I couldn’t come up with anything. Anyway, Tess showed up and offered to ride with me. To make a long story short… she had somehow figured out how to use the Granolith and decided she would no longer take no for an answer.”

“So, she took you.” He nodded in response, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed.

“It was a nightmare Liz. Antar was not a beautiful kingdom far, far away. It was a place too intense for my senses to handle. They tried helping me adapt, but the human side of me was making the transition very difficult. So for weeks, I was sick and feeling heavy. Then, it was as if my natural body process took over. I can’t explain it, but it was like suddenly, my brain could remember things that I myself don’t remember happening. And I could feel my whole self transfer.”

“Transfer?”

“My human side was dying. I couldn’t survive that way and my body was determined to let me survive. So, my alien side took over, and I could suddenly remember the memories I’d let myself suppress for so many years.”

“You remembered?” Her chest suddenly felt tight, trying to understand all the connotations. He remembered being King? Living on Antar? Being Tess’ husband?

She wasn’t sure she really liked that he remembered.

“Yes. Everything just came back to me. And then… Tess revealed her true purpose.” His eyes lowered and Liz felt a sting in her eyes. If she were to ever see Tess again she would probably kill her.

“Max, what did she do to you?” Liz said, unable to hide the anger in her voice. His eyes looked up sadly, as he squeezed her hand tighter.

“She and Nasedo made a deal to turn the royal three in to be killed by the current ruler, Kivar. She was having a hard time filling her part of the deal.”

“Which was?”

“To get me to sleep with her and have an heir.”

“WHAT?!” Liz’s eyes exploded in anger as she stood up. Max looked up and smiled sadly, grabbing her arm and pulling her back down.

“Sit. Let me finish.”

Her jaw was tight and she could feel the familiar tingling in her fingers. Focus… focus. She knew Tess couldn’t be trusted. The conniving little….

“She was furious that I was too in love with you to pay her any mind. So, she kidnapped me. Once I had been on Antar for a few weeks, she proceeded to have me thrown into the pits, where prisoners are left a few days before dying. I was going to be hung in the public square as a sign of the death of the democracy.”

“Oh my God.” Her hand traveled up to her mouth as she took in a deep breath. She felt like she might be sick. She had no idea so much had happened to him. She wished she could just take those painful memories away, as her eyes filled with tears, but she knew that there was no way she could help him. He’d have to fight the demons on his own. She would no doubt be there to support him.

“The day of the hanging, I asked if I could see Tess one last time. I tried convincing her to let me go, that I remembered her and our relationship. But, she was too afraid.”

There was a long silence. Liz felt her stomach flip over within her. She was too afraid? So, what did that mean? Did he die? Was this like some reincarnation of the man she loved?

“I killed her Liz. With my bare hands, I just killed her.” Her eyes widened as she finally understood.

“That’s when you lost it.”

“I no longer felt human. I felt a surge of power, the ability to do anything. I escaped. Within a year’s time I had gathered a rebel army. We were going to fight against Kivar and his people. We were going to free the Antarians.” He laughed dryly, and she examined his features, understanding that it was perhaps not all he thought it would be.

“Did you win?”

“There is no winner in war Liz.”

“What do you mean?”

“War isn’t the glorious thing everyone makes it out to be. Despite what you may be fighting for… it’s never easy to kill someone. To watch people you care about die around you. It does something to you Liz… something ugly.”

She nodded in response as she watched his eyes darken at the memories. She couldn’t even begin to imagine the images that were plaguing him.

“Either way… Kivar is dead. We stormed the castle, and captured him. The nice thing about Antar… is no one has powers. Everyone there is on an equal plane. So, despite his power here, his resources, we were all very capable of facing him there.”

“So, you killed him. Isn’t that what the people wanted? Freedom? You saved them Max. You did what was necessary to save millions of lives.”

“You don’t get it Liz.”

“Get what?” She looked at him, now pleading for him to help her understand what she was missing. “What is it Max?”

“When I killed him, I left chaos. There was no leader, no direction; the people needed food and shelter. Laws needed to be passed it was… insane.” Her eyes rested upon his face, not liking the tone of his voice. Where was he going with this?

“Liz, I did what I could, but I needed to get here to finish things. Because I found that the other set of duplicates had plans of their own. I had to get rid of them, so that everything that I did was not in vain. And then….”

“Then?” Liz held her breath and closed her eyes.

“I promised them I would return.”

<center>***</center>

He watched her chest release the tightened air it was holding. He knew he’d basically just kicked her in the gut with his last words, but he promised he’d explain. He was sure that she wasn’t really thinking, simply feeling all of the emptiness she could possibly feel. Because he could feel it too.

“Oh.” Was all she managed to say, as she arranged the top of the blanket above her breasts, trying to keep her eyes and her hands occupied.

“Liz, you have to know that after this… I could never go back.” Her eyes looked up slowly, meeting his. The truth was, he had never planned on returning. That life was not the one he wanted, and he’d decided the day he left Antar that he couldn’t ever be a part of that society. Yes, it was a part of who he was. Who he would always be. But, his human part was calling out to him, asking to be revived, and using its last breaths to remind him of something he thought he’d long forgotten.

“You can’t just leave them to fend for themselves.” He rolled his eyes and smiled. He knew she would give him a hard time.

“Liz.”

“I mean, if you told them that you’d go back….”

“Stop.”

“You can’t just abandon them….”

“Stop.” He reached over and lifted her face to meet his. Her eyes were full of tears, but she was fighting with all her strength to prevent them from falling.

“Max.”

“Liz. You have done more than enough on your part to ensure a destiny for me that was never meant to be. Neither is this one. Let me make that decision. Ok?” He smiled softly and she nodded breathing in deeply, trying to calm her nerves. “That’s why I need to see Zan.”

“I understand.” She started to stand and he watched as she went to pick up her clothes and head to the bathroom. He caught her arm from his chair as she walked past him and she turned to look at him.

“No Liz, I don’t think you do. I don’t want you to leave. Come with me.” He whispered the last few words, wanting to express his desire for her to stay. He didn’t think he could bear finishing this without her.

“But, I thought you didn’t really want me involved.”

“You’re a part of me. And I’m going to lose a part of me today. I’m going to need you there to remind me who I am.” He stood up and wrapped his arms around her, taking her clothes from her and placing them on the seat where he sat.

“If you want me there, I’ll go. No questions.” She smiled, and he felt his heart glow. He would never understand how she always managed to make him feel… human. With that one smile his entire insides would melt away and it didn’t matter that he’d spent ten years trying to forget her. Because he could never forget something that was so intricately chiseled into his heart…. Or burned so deeply into his soul.

“Shower first?” He smirked, and she smiled widely in response.

“How can you change gears so quickly?” She laughed, and slapped his arm playfully.

“When you’re near me, you’re all that I want to think about. Ever.” He whispered into her hair, as he took in her scent. He couldn’t explain what her presence did to him. How his dark heart had been lifted, and was slowly, but surely healing from its burns.

“Come on.” She grabbed his hand as they headed into the bathroom.

<center>***</center>

They walked down the bright city streets. The sun seemed to be fighting to remain, despite the looming dark clouds. Liz looked down at the hand intertwined in her own, and smiled. She’d forgotten the simple pleasures of being with someone. Someone you loved could make even the simplest of gestures, such as hand holding, an ethereal experience.

They turned the corner and headed down the stairs into the tunnels beneath the city streets. Max tightened his grip on her hand. She looked up to see his eyes quickly searching the area.

They walked through a few entryways and came to a dark corridor.

“Are you sure this is it?”

“This is where Ava said they used to live. She told me he was there again.” He nodded in agreement and walked ahead, dragging her behind him. She took in the scent of cement and mold and old furniture. They reached a lit area, with a couch and some personal belongings. In the back was a set of four pods, all cracked open, looking exactly like those back in New Mexico. Her eyes grew wide. She’d known, but seeing it was a completely different thing.

They heard a rustling behind them, and they turned quickly to see who was there. A figure stepped out of the dark shadows, his black hair was spiky, and his goatee covered the familiar face. She swallowed hard, letting her eyes travel down his body, with the tattoo on his chiseled arm and his baggy pants leading into the combat boots. She looked back over at Max and had to shake her head. She could barely believe these two men were once the same person. A flash of her younger Max plagued her head, and she smiled. Well, these two looked more much similar than the younger Max.

He held a box of pizza in his hands and a scowl on his face.

“What the hell are you doin’ here?” He spit out with a thick accent.

She held on tightly to Max as he stepped forward.

“We have to talk. I think I have a proposition you might want to consider.”

<center>***</center>

“Hungry? I got a large.” Zan opened the box of pizza as Liz and Max stood at a distance, simply watching him in awe. Liz took in the smell of cheese drifting toward her nose.

“I… I would.” She stepped forward, and Max looked at her for a moment, and then followed her toward the pizza. They each grabbed a slice and a paper plate, and stood as Zan threw himself onto the couch with two slices.

“So…” He said in between bites. “You must be the dupe.” Max looked at Liz and she smiled, knowing what he was thinking. Technically, he was the original.

“My name is Max Evans.”

“Zan. But, I’m sure you know dat.” He took some more bites of his pizza and looked toward Liz, with a nod of his head. “And her?”

“She’s with me.” Max said, his voice suddenly deepening, taking on a protective tone.

“That ain’t your Ava.”

“No. Your Ava isn’t here either.” Zan laughed and reached for another slice of pizza.

“Guess you’re right.” There was a lingering silence. “I heard you were the one that did in Rath and Lonnie.”

Liz felt Max tense beside her. They didn’t know much about Zan, but Max was not one to hand his trust out easily.

“Don’t stress duke. You did what I couldn’t. They tried to out me and Ava, so I can’t be mad at you.”

“So, you knew that they had… other plans.”

“I know they was bugging. Acting all secretive and what not.”

“They were plotting to kill you and Ava in order to return to Antar, without you.” Zan sat up straighter, his face registering annoyance.

“They can’t go with no king.”

“I was there. They didn’t need you.” Zan sucked his teeth and shook his head. He didn’t’ seem too surprised, Liz thought. Just upset that he didn’t catch it first.

“So, you was there? What’s it like?”

“Different. Look, I’m not here to waste your time. I did what I had to do there. But they need a king. You’re the only one who can fill my shoes. I feel that you’re strong enough to lead them where they need to go.”

“How bout you duke? Why ain’t you there?” Max looked over at Liz and Zan followed his gaze with a knowing nod.

“Hmm… I see.” Zan nodded and crossed his arms over his chest. “So how do we do this thing anyway? How am I supposed to get back up there?”

“I’ve arranged for a mode of transportation. They are waiting for you in a desert location in Arizona. There are four guards that will be unrecognizable to you, but will stop you and test you. They will see if you have the royal seal embedded in your brain. If you do, they will take you underground, into the vessel to undergo physical examinations. There are some vaccinations you will have to take in order to make it to Antar safely. Then, in about two week’s time, you will be blasted off into the universe. Is it something you think you could handle?” Liz looked up in shock at the detailed instructions. Max had been planning this long before she jumped back into his life. She smiled, realizing that he had been hoping to try again. Hoping to jump back into that human life he’d left behind.

She walked over to him and wrapped her arm through his, leaning her head against him and watching as he looked down, with a smile in his eyes, and a very professional look on his face. He was in king mode, but she could still see his warmth in his eyes.

“Ain’t nothing I can’t handle.” Zan said as he walked over to Max and stood before him.

“I thought you’d say that. That’s why I’m here. I am handing you the crown, officially. I no longer have any interest in being the royal heir to the throne of Antar, therefore I am here to hand you my seal, forever.”

“You sure you wanna do that?” Zan seemed to hesitate, for a moment, as if unsure whether or not to accept such a dramatic offer.

“I’m sure.”

“Whateva.” With that, Max went up to Zan rotated his hands loosely around the sides of his head, letting off a light blue glow, as Zan closed his eyes.

Liz watched in amazement as the familiar v-constellation started to glow upon his forehead. Max’s eyes were closed tightly, his hands now completely still beside Zan’s head. Suddenly, a bright light exploded from his forehead, and onto Zan’s causing a link between the two.

She thought about what it meant. Max was handing over his alien duties. Forever. He couldn’t undo who he was genetically. He would always be different. But as of now, he was deciding on a human life. On her.

The show of lights suddenly stopped, and Max’s hands came down to his side. They stood in silence, simply looking at each other for a moment.

“Good luck.”

“Yea.” Zan smiled and extended his hand out to shake. Max smiled in return and shook his hand. Then he turned to look at Liz with a smile.

“Come on. Let’s go home.” Home. The word had never meant more to her than now. All of her friends and family were back. And now, so was Max. Yes, it was finally beginning to feel like home.

A/N: I don't think I can explain how sad I am that this story is ending. It really has become to me a stretch in my imagination that took me to a place I really enjoyed. I thank you all for taking part in reading this and for your encouraging feedback. You all kept me going. THANK YOU. And I hope you will continue to enjoy what I write. And along those lines... shamlessly plugging the one parters I'll be posting tomorrow.

Without further ado....

Chapter 15:

They stood in front of the apartment door, with their hands pressed together tightly. She looked over at him and smiled, knowing that he was nervous. It was after all, the first time he’d seen his family for a decade. He took a deep breath and she nodded as she reached for the door to unlock it.

The minute they stepped in, the room seemed to freeze. Isabel and Alex looked back from their spot on the couch, as the television continued to play behind them, and stared. Michael and Maria had been arguing at the counter, and Maria lowered the magazine in her hand as Michael put down the bowl of salad he’d been tossing. Ava and Serena looked up from their card game at the table. She felt him tense up beside her. She squeezed his hand softly, to reassure him.

“Umm… you should all sit. There’s a lot we need to explain.” Liz said softly as everyone nodded and went to join Isabel and Alex in the living room. Serena turned off the television and sat down as Liz closed the door behind her.

The room seemed incredibly tense, as everyone fought the urge to go running to Max. They could tell he was slightly uncomfortable. They were trying to keep their cool. Liz dragged him slowly over to the living room as they stood before the group. She looked up at Max who took another deep breath and nodded in response.

“I, umm…” He cleared his throat and continued on. “I guess I should apologize for my delay in coming here. I just… I had things I first wanted to finish.” He looked around, as everyone simply continued to look at him, with a few nods of the head. He took another breath and continued on. “I guess you all want to know where I’ve been all this time. Isabel, Michael… I know you both think you know, but… it’s much more than what you saw.”

“The truth is, Tess kidnapped me and took me back to Antar. Not because she loved me, but because she and Nasedo had made a deal to turn in the royal four to Kivar, the evil leader of Antar, in exchange for her life. She knew she wouldn’t get you two to go… she saw how close you were growing to your human counterparts. I was the worst. So, she figured… if she could break me… if she could get me to hate Liz, then she could take me and your dupes. They were all in on a scheme with Nicholas, Kivar’s second in command, to go back home. It’s why they tried killing you Ava… and Zan.”

Ava nodded in response, evidently chocked by the emotion plaguing her. Her family had been willing to betray her. Serena wrapped her arm around her, unsure of everything that was going on, but feeling her pain.

“In the long run, I was forced to run for my life. She tried to have me hung. I killed her, in order to protect myself. I went into the sub-worlds of Antar, the secret societies that exist underground. In the mountains, they are basically rebels, those still dedicated to the original system on Antar. When I hid there, they made me their leader and we gathered an army. We fought a war… a long, gruesome war, and I saw many people I cared about die beside me. Then, in a violent confrontation, I was forced to kill Kivar in order to preserve my life.”

The room then seemed to freeze as everyone stared at him blankly. Maria reached up toward her eye and looked up at Max.

“Is that…?” She asked as she pointed toward her eye.

“Yes, its how I got the scar.” Max smiled, as he looked over toward Maria. Liz smiled at their connection and squeezed his hand tighter. There were no words to express how good she was feeling.

“After the rebels won the war, I told them I needed to come to Earth to fix some things. They got me a ship and I promised them I would return, not leave them in dire straits. But, I didn’t want to be king… and so I devised a plan to find Zan, and hand him my seal. I am no longer capable of being king. I am now… simply Max.”

Michael stood up, walking towards Michael and put his hand on his shoulder.

“The fact that you did that shows that you’re a great leader. Because you recognize when something is just too much for you.”

Max looked up and smiled.

“I’m glad you’re back.” Then the room exploded to life as everyone stood to go toward Max. They each hugged him and there were some exchanges of laughter.

“Ok, dinner!”

“We’re all gonna get fat with all this celebratory eating.” Alex said with a laugh as Isabel tossed a pillow toward him.

<center>***</center>

“It’s so good to see you again Max. I just… I was so destroyed when you disappeared. I felt so helpless, like it was my fault….”

“Isabel, it wasn’t.”

“I know… but… I was so scared for you Max.” She squeezed his hand tightly. He looked up to reassure her with a smile.

“Isabel, will you stop? He knows. You’ve told him tons of times. You’ve been with Maria too long.” Michael said between bites of his food. Everyone laughed as Maria kicked him underneath the table.

Max looked across the table at Liz and smiled. There was so much in her smile that was looking back at him. He felt his stomach tumble within him. It was odd. Just a week ago, he was sure he could never feel again. Now, here he was, sitting and eating with his family and the woman who turned everything around for him.

He knew it couldn’t be normal. It couldn’t go back to the way things were.

What’s so great about normal?

He heard the voice in his head and was startled as he snapped out of the reverie he was in. He noticed the shy smirk on her face as she lowered her head to look down at her food. He’d heard her voice clearly, repeating the same words he’d once told her.

He wanted nothing more than to be with her again, to let himself feel everything that was beginning to stumble back into his body. It was amazing that simply being near Liz had sparked humanity back into his life like a spreading flame. He hadn’t expected it, he didn’t want it, and yet it consumed him.

I love you. He thought to himself, as he looked at her face. She looked up suddenly, her eyes startled as she smiled in return. Had she heard him?

I love you too. He smiled. Their connection was like nothing he’d ever experienced.

“Will you guys stop making googley eyes at each other across the table please? It’s like we’re in high school again.” Isabel said with a smirk as she looked over at Alex.

“Except this time Alex is actually getting some.” Everyone laughed as Alex turned beet red and Michael smirked.

<center>***</center>

Liz stepped out of the bathroom, ready to get to bed. Serena walked in from the kitchen and smiled.

“It’s all clean. I did the dishes.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it. Sorry this has been so crazy. I promise I’ll explain it all to you eventually.”

“I don’t mind so much except people are probably very uncomfortable. We’ve got people sprawled all over the place. On the couch, in the guest room, on the floor. I feel awful.”

Liz laughed. She had half expected Serena to say something like that.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For everything. For being you. For helping me during my darkest hours.”

“I would never have left your side Liz. Regardless of what happened. You’re lightening even now, I can see it. The evil aura is lifting and your heart is lightening. Let the demons go. Start over.”

“I plan to. I have to live my life.”

“I hope I will still be a part of it.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Liz reached out and hugged her friend, knowing that from that point on, things were going to greatly change.

<center>***</center>

The streets were alive with noise, even at 7am. Liz walked into the familiar building and smiled when the bright pair of blue eyes looked up to meet hers.

“Well, well. Nice to see you back. I’ve missed you.” He smirked as he finished bagging the body he was working on and removed his rubber gloves.

“It’s nice to see you too Colin.” She smiled widely, loving the new feeling overtaking her. She was back at the same place she’d been for so long, and it all still seemed so new.

“Hmm… you look… different. What have you been up to this week Cara?”

“I… I fell in love.” She watched as he choked on his gum and hit a fist against his chest.

“Excuse me lad? I must not have understood.”

“I came to say goodbye Colin. I’m leaving the force. I’m moving to Boston to try and apply to Harvard for a second master’s degree in Biological Engineering.”

“When did you decide all this?” She went toward him and placed her hand on his shoulder.

“When I realized you were right. I had been living this dark mystery for so long… I was beginning to forget who I was. Then… this week, I saw some very special people from my past that helped remind me.” She grabbed his hand then and smiled. “I felt I owed you some sort of explanation. So, if you’re down for breakfast, I’d love to unravel the mystery that was Cara Morrison.”

“How could I resist such an offer?” He smiled in response.

“Liz?” She looked up as Max’s head peeked through the door.

“Who’s that?”

“Colin… that’s Max Evans.” He looked down at her, watching her expression as they looked into each other’s eyes.

“I see. Well, there’s much to say. Let us just clarify… if you harm her… I have used my gun before.” Liz laughed and Max smiled in response.

If he only knew I could blast him to oblivion. Liz laughed as she heard Max’s voice within her head. She knew.

And, somehow that was all that mattered. It was over. She had lived in darkness long enough. Now, she would be able to finally live her life. With the man she loved. She grabbed Max’s hand and pushed Colin ahead.

“Come on, let’s go.” She said as they walked out into the blistery cold autumn day.


<center>The End</center>