Love Changes Everything ~M/L CC~ {COMPLETED}

[majiklmoon]

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Thirty-Six It’s a Twin Thing

“She did what?” shouted Max. “You did what?” he added turning to Ava. “How could you do something like that? You put everyone in jeopardy with that little stunt. You can’t go off half cocked like that!”

“I had a plan,” said Ava, weakly.

“No, Ava, a plan is something that is well thought out, and takes everything into consideration. What you did was react.”

“She saw and opportunity, and she took it,” said Michael. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Alex did a great job and totally warped Tess, and if he hadn’t, I would have done it,” Ava added.

“That’s not the point,” said Max, banging his hand on the table for emphasis. “You just went off on your own, with no consideration to how it would effect anybody else. Just like when Michael kidnapped Maria and stole her car.”

“I didn’t kidnap Maria,” Michael said, defensively. “She just wouldn’t get out of the car.”

“Um, guys,” said Kyle.

“Besides, we learned a lot on that road trip,” continued Michael, as if Kyle hadn’t spoken. “Think about everything we found out.”

“That’s not the point, Michael,” said Max. “I’m just saying the both of you tend to go off, without any planning. We can’t do that.”

“Hello?” said Kyle, waving his hand at Max and Michael. “Is anybody listening to me?”

“It’s easy to see that you two are related,” Max continued, ignoring Kyle. “You both go off half cocked without a thought to the consequences.”

“For Christ’s sake, Max. Will you quit coming down so hard on the two of us. You’re sitting here whining about something that happened last year, and totally coming unglued because Ava got Alex to use his powers successfully. From where I’m sitting, you’re the one who’s out of control here,” said Michael.

“They’re not just brother and sister!” Kyle yelled, stepping in between Max and Michael. “They’re TWINS!”

“Kyle, do you mind, I’m trying to make a ……they’re what?” asked Max.

“Finally,” said Kyle, sitting back down. “I thought I was going to have to stand on my head and dance naked to get your attention. I said that Ava and Michael are twins. It’s right here, in the new and improved addition of the book that we’re supposed to be committing to memory. Apparently, I’m the only one who is doing that,’ Kyle added.

“What!” said Michael, excitedly. “Show me where it says that.” Kyle handed him a copy of the translated book with the passage highlighted, and Michael grabbed it and read it eagerly. He read silently for several minutes. When he finished, he looked up, and his face radiated a joy that none of the others had ever seen before.

“Maria, can you believe it?” he asked excitedly. “Not only do I have a sister, I have a twin. This is more than I ever expected!” He hugged Marian and then jumped up and hugged Ava as well. “Can you believe it?” he said. “We’re twins!”

“Yeah, and it looks like they both got the stupid plan gene,” said Maria softly, her face marred by a frown. She stood up and grabbed some empty glasses and walked out to the kitchen. Liz watched her leave and stood and slipped out behind her.

“Maria, what’s wrong?” she asked her friend. “You looked so upset in there.”
“Upset, me, upset? What’s to be upset about,” Maria said, her voice slightly hysterical. “Michael has the family he always wanted. Who could ask for anything better than that?”

“Why are you so upset about that, Maria?” Liz asked. She moved closer to her friend and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Do you think that now that he has a sister, Michael isn’t going to need you any more?”

“No,” said Maria, wiping a tear from her cheek. “We’ve known Ava is his sister for a while now, it’s not that.”

“Then what is it, Maria? Tell me, don’t keep it bottled up inside. Oh, wait,” said Liz, as she began to realize what Maria was feeling. “It’s not the fact that she’s his sister, it’s that they’re twins. That’s it, isn’t it?”

Maria didn’t say anything; she just sniffed and pulled away from Liz. She crossed the kitchen and began to fill the empty glasses with tonic. When the glasses were full, she reached up into the cabinet and grabbed a bag of chips. She transferred all the glasses to a tray, and reached to pick it up.

“Maria, stop this,” said Liz. “I can’t believe you are acting like this! The only thing Michael has ever wanted was a family, and now you’re trying to take his away from him. Well guess what, it isn’t going to work. It’s not just Ava you know; it’s all of us. We’re all his family. Or are you so blind, and so selfish that you can’t see it?”

“Selfish?” said Maria, her voice low and angry. “I’m selfish. That’s a good one. I got dragged, kicking and screaming into this whole alien mess, and here you are, telling me that I’m selfish.”

“Dragged?” asked Liz, incredulously. “Maria, you wouldn’t stop hounding me until I had told you what happened that day in the CrashDown. I did my best to keep you out of this whole thing, remember?”

“You bitch!” cried Maria. She turned around, and through her hands up in the air. A bolt of energy shot out of it straight towards Liz. “Liz!” Maria screamed as Liz fell to the floor. “Oh my God, Liz. What did I do to you? Max! Oh, God, Max, come here!”

Max rushed out of Maria’s bedroom, and into the kitchen. He saw Liz on the ground, and his face paled.

“What happened? Who did this? Was it Tess?” he said as he knelt on the floor next to Liz.

“Maria, baby, what happened, are you alright?” asked Michael as he entered the room, with the others on his heels.

“It’s not me, its Liz,” Maria cried. “We had an argument, and I turned around to yell at her some more, but I, well, I blasted her.”

“What do you mean, you blasted her?” asked Alex.

“Just that. A bolt of energy flew out of my hand, right at her. I did this to her,” cried Maria. “I bitched and whined and complained about not having any powers, and then I killed my best friend.”

“No you didn’t,” said Kyle. “You missed, but I think your mother is going to be pretty pissed about the giant hole in her china cabinet.”

“I think she banged her head when she fell,” said Max, touching Liz’s head gingerly. “Yeah, right here, I can feel a bump.”

“Can you heal it, Max” asked Isabelle.

“I don’t think I’m going to have to,” said Max. Everyone turned to look at him, and they saw a small glowing handprint appear on Liz’s head. “I think the baby is taking care of it for me.”

Liz’s eyelids began to flutter, and then opened completely and she groaned.

“What happened?” she asked. “I feel like a tank ran over me. The baby,” she added clutching her stomach. “Is he alright?”

“Yeah, the baby’s fine, and we just got proof positive that he’s Max’s kid all right,” said Alex. “N-not that there was any doubt,” he added when he saw seven pairs of eyes glaring at him.

“Hey, look at this,” said Kyle proudly. Everyone turned to look at him and watched as he repaired the scorched hole in the china cabinet. “I fixed it!”

“Great, thanks, now could all of you leave Liz and I alone for a minute,” said Maria.

“Maybe I should just take Liz home,” said Max.

“No, Max. It’s okay. Maria and I have a few things to clear up,” Liz said softly. She waited until the others left the room, Max at the end, watching her with worried eyes. “Maria, what happened?” she asked.

“Oh, God, Liz. I was so angry with you,” Maria began. “Because you were right. I was resentful of a bond that may or may not exist between Michael and Ava. I was so angry that I wanted to slap you, but when I turned around, I, Liz, I almost blew you up. I wasn’t trying to do that. I was just so scared, and so angry,” Maria paused.

“That you just reacted,” finished Liz. “Hmmm, seems like Michael and Ava weren’t the only ones to get the stupid gene,” she joked.

“You heard that, huh?” asked Maria.

“Yeah, I did. I’m going to tell you something, Maria. Michael loves you. He’s not the best at showing it, but he does love you. You need to talk to him about what you’re feeling. He needs to know that you’re afraid. Maria, are you listening to me?” She looked over at Maria, who was touching each of her fingernails one by one.

“Cool!” said Maria. “Look what I can do.” She held up her left hand and displayed her fingernails, which were now painted in a variety of colors. “Oh, I’m sorry, were you saying something?”

Liz just rolled her eyes and stood up. “Maria, talk to Michael,” she said as she began to walk out of the room.

“Liz, wait,” said Maria, jumping up off the floor. She reached out and hugged Liz. “I’m sorry. Sorry for not listening to you to begin with, and sorry for almost blowing you up.”

“Well, I can’t say that the thought of you with that ability doesn’t scare the hell out of me,” said Liz. “If you almost blew me, your best friend up, what are you going to do the next time Pam Troy pisses you off?”

[majiklmoon]

Authors note: Thanks for waiting so patiently for this update, and for the bumps. I apologize for it being so short Hopefully i'll be able to manage my time better in the future and get back to updating regularly.

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Thirty-Seven Bridging the Gap

Michael parked the motorcycle and killed the engine. Maria removed her helmet and climbed off, followed by Michael.

“Do you think this is going to work?” she asked as they walked up the sandy incline.

“I don’t know,” replied Michael. “It helped Alex, so I figured you might as well try it before you really do blow somebody up.” They quickly ascended the small slope and stood outside the door to the hidden pod chamber. Michael hung back and gestured to Maria. She stepped forward and used her newly acquired powers and activated the door.

“Did you see that?” Maria asked. “I did it!”

“You sure did,” said Michael, stepping into the chamber. Maria quickly followed him, and the door closed behind her, effectively insulating them from the burning heat of the desert. Maria moved across the chamber and began to examine the incubation pods that were housed there.

“Which one was yours?” she asked. Michael pointed to a chamber, and she moved closer, her hands moving to feel the insides of it.

“There’s nothing there, Maria,” he said. “I’ve checked it a million times already.”

“I wasn’t really looking for anything,” said Maria. “I was just, well, marveling at it.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s what brought you to me,” she answered. “If these things hadn’t done their job, you and I wouldn’t be standing here right now.

Michael stepped closer to Mariah and slipped an arm around her shoulder.

“I never really thought about it like that before,” he said. “Then I guess I’m thankful right along with you, because there isn’t any place I’d rather be, or any person I’d rather be with.”

“What about Ava?”

“What about her?” Michael asked, his expression showing his confusion.

“Isn’t she what you always wanted? A family. And not just any family, but a twin! How perfect for you,” said Maria, her voice filled with venom.

“Maria, what are you talking about?” said an already perplexed Michael. “Wait a second, is this what you were upset about last night? Maria, come on. You already knew that Ava was my sister. So we’re twins, so what? What difference does that make? We were in our mother’s uterus at the same time. What, did you think we bonded in there or something? Maria, will you get real, that was another life. It was another solar system! Yes, Ava is important to me, I won’t deny that. But, Maria, I wouldn’t even know what a family was if it wasn’t for you! You, Maria, you’re my family. Max, Isabelle and I gravitated to each other because we were so different. That’s what brought us together. Hell, we didn’t even like each other much to begin with, we just knew we needed to stick together.” Michael paused for a moment to gather his thoughts.

“You were different, Maria,” he said in a softer voice. “You were the first person to ever love me just for me. You’re the one who taught me how to love, what it feels like to be loved! Ava is my sister, that’s great, but let’s face it Maria, you’re my everything!”

Maria stood silently with her back to Michael during his impassioned speech. When he finished speaking, she turned around to face Michael, her face streaked with tears.

“I thought that now that you had her, you wouldn’t need me any longer,” she sniffed.

“Maria, that’s crazy. I need you now, more than ever. When everything around us totally goes crazy, I can always count on you,”

“To totally freak out,” finished Maria.

“Well, yeah,” Michael said, with a small smile. He gathered her into his arms and kissed her. Gently at first, then with increasing passion. He swept her into his arms and carried her across the chamber to where his old sleeping bag lay on the floor. He knelt carefully next to the sleeping bag, and gently laid Maria down. He lay down beside her and the two began to kiss passionately. After several minutes, Michael groaned, the sound came from deep in his throat, and he started to pull away from Maria.

“No,” whispered Maria. “I don’t want to stop.”

“Are you sure?” Michael questioned softly.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” she said, pulling his head down to hers. She kissed him deeply, and moaned with pleasure as Michael’s tongue found it’s way into her waiting mouth. Their tongues twirled around each other, sending shivers of delight down their spines.

“Are you sure?” Michael asked again.

“Very, very sure,” said Maria.


Michael arranged the sleeping back to cover Maria more completely. She lay in his arms; her head nestled on his chest, a look of contentment on her face.

“I love you,” he whispered, his fingers trailing through her hair.

“Michael?” she said, her voice drowsy. “Did I fall asleep?”

“You sure did,” he said kissing her cheek. “Are you alright?”

“Alright, I’m more than alright,” said Maria. “That was so totally incredible. It was like everything I’ve ever imagined, and a million times more than that.”

“You imagined it?” said Michael, a look of interest on his face.

“Well yeah,” said Maria, in her no duh voice. “Don’t try and tell me you haven’t.”

We’re not talking about me,” said Michael. “We’re talking about you. What did you imagine? Come on, spill it.”

“I imagined,” said Maria. “That we have to find a way out of here, and fast,” Tess is on her way.”

“How much time do we have?” asked Michael as the two scrambled to get dressed.

“Not much,” said Maria. “I think she’s already here.”

Michael grabbed her hand and pulled her into the chamber that contained the granolith. They looked around, but couldn’t find any place to hide.

“Oh God, Michael, what are we going to do?” whispered Maria. She watched as Michael knelt down at the base of the granolith and began to push at the panels. One slid open revealing a small crawl space. He grabbed Maria and pushed her inside.

“We’re going to hide,” he said as he crawled in beside her. He quickly set the panel back into position just as Tess entered the Granolith chamber, followed by Rath and Lonnie.

[majiklmoon]

Sorry for the delay, and thanks to buffyrosfan for all the emails keeping me going through this busy time This part is for you!

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Thirty-Eight The Wrath of Rath

“So, this is where you hatched from?” said Rath. “Cool. What’s that over there?” he asked, pointing to the sleeping bag.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” said Tess. “Michael used to sleep in here sometimes when his foster father was drunk and beat on him. He said he felt safe here.”

“Aw, now ain’t that just a special kinda stupid,” said Lonnie. “Why the hell didn’t he just blast the shit outta the dude and split?”

“I don’t know,” said Tess. “He probably stuck around out of some misguided sense of loyalty or something. Nobody ever claimed he was the brightest star in the galaxy.”

“For sure he ain’t like my man Rath here,” said Lonnie

“Co ‘mere baby,” said Rath. He pulled Lonnie to him and began to kiss her, his tongue thrusting violently into he mouth. He reached down and pulled at her let. Lonnie raised her leg, and wrapped it around him.

“Will you to cut it out,” said Tess. “We don’t have time for this.”

“Jealous,” said Rath, coming up for air. “You could always join us.”

“Oh, please,” sneered Tess. “Jealous of you two. I don’t think so.”

“Yeah, that’s it,” said Lonnie. “You’re pissed because me and Rath are together, and you can’t be with Zan, cause we iced him.”

“I belong with Max,” said Tess, defensively.

Yeah, you wish,” snorted Rath. “You know as well as we do that Nasado managed to switch all the pods back to where they belonged, except for yours and Ava’s. The only reason he didn’t destroy the other royals was cause he didn’t get you out in time.”

“Don’t remind me,” snapped Tess. “He reminded me of that fact almost every day. The only break I ever got was when he was with you, or out searching for the surviving protectors.”

“Searching my ass,” said Rath. “He wasn’t searching for them, he was hunting them down to kill them.”

“And he succeeded too, didn’t he,” said Tess, her voice tinged with pride. “He got all of them except for the one in California. He said he had taken on the role of a movie producer or something and was too high profile to kill.”

“This is getting to be a friggen bore,” said Lonnie. “Why are we here anyhow?”

“I told ya babe, I think that stupid Zan wanna be stole our book. We need to find it. That’s our ticket home baby!”

“Why don’t we just make him tell us where it is? If he ends up dead, who cares?”

“Can’t do it babe,” said Rath. “Much as I’d like to blast that stupid Opie grin off of his face, we can’t. We need to have a four square to get back home. Four square, just like that,” he said, pointing to the tattoo on her arm.

“Why don’t I just try mind warping him into telling me,” said Tess, nervously. “Rath is right, we can’t kill him. We need him.”

“Yeah, right, you need him,” said Lonnie. “Try thinking with your brain instead of with your.”

“Shut up you stupid bitch,” yelled Tess. “You have no right to tell me what to do. When we go back. I’m going to be queen, not you!” She reached out and slapped the taller girl across the face.

“Son of a bitch,” said Lonnie. She raised her arm to blast Tess.

“Stop it, the two of you!” roared Rath. “I don’t have time to put up with the two of you fighting. Lonnie, chill out, and you,” he said turning to Tess. “If you ever touch my woman again, I’ll kill you myself.”

“No you won’t,” said Tess. “Just like you won’t do anything to Max either. You need us, remember that. But we don’t need you. We still have Michael and Isabelle here. You’re the ones who are expendable, not Max and I. Now can we stop this stupid fighting and figure out what Max did with the book?”

“Yeah, fine, whatever,” snapped Rath. “You go looking for you’re little Maxie boy. Me and Lonnie are gonna split for a while, get the lay of the land and all that. We’ll meet up with you later tonight, at the motel outside of town.”

“Who died and made you king, Rath? You don’t give me orders. Remember, you’re just the second in command,’ said Tess. “I’ll meet you tonight, but only if I have news. I’m not going to spend any more time with the two of you than I have to.” Tess turned and activated the door and stepped out into the hot desert air.

“She’s really getting on my nerves. We may have to kill her,” Rath whispered to Lonnie as they followed Tess outside.


The panel under the granolith slid back and Michael crawled out, followed by Maria. He stood up and reached down to help Maria to her feet.

“Did you hear that?” he asked. “We have to find Max, and warn him.” He grabbed Maria by the hand and led her back out into the pod chamber. Michael opened the door to the outside and looked around to make sure it was safe before signaling to Maria to come outside. They walked around the back of the sandstone outcropping to where Michael had hidden his motorcycle. Michael stopped and kissed Maria passionately.

“Whatever happens,” he said. “Remember that, and remember that I love you with all my heart.”

“And I love you Space Boy,” said Maria.

The two climbed on, and the motorcycle roared to life. Michael and Maria headed back into town to warn their friends

[majiklmoon]

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Thirty-Nine Who are You?

“Do you have to do this, Alex?” Isabelle asked as she helped him pack his bag.

“You know I do,” Alex replied, shoving some extra socks into his duffle bag. “Tess has it all worked out, or she thinks she does. She’s sending me off to Las Cruses, to use their super computer to decode the book, and I’m supposed to tell everyone on an exchange trip to Sweden.”

“Why Sweden? It’s not like you’ve ever studied Swedish. They don’t even offer it at West Roswell High.”

“I don’t know,” said Alex, rubbing his head. “I guess she didn’t really plan that far ahead, and when push came to shove, Sweden was the only place she could think of. Do you have any aspirin, Isabelle? My head is killing me.”

“You’ve had an awful lot of headaches lately, Alex,” said Isabelle. “I’m starting to worry about you. Maybe you should go to the doctor.”

“Oh, right Isabelle. And tell him what? Doctor, I’ve noticed an increase in headaches ever since I developed the power to warp people’s minds? Sorry Isabelle, I don’t see that happening.”

“No, I guess you’re right, but we should do something. Maybe Max could heal you.”

“No dice, he tried already,” said Alex, shoving a razor into his bag.

“Well, maybe we should go back to the granolith again, all of us, together. Maybe that will help.”

“Okay,” said Alex. “I’ve been kind of worried about it myself. Maybe being there will give Max a power boost or something.”

“Alex,” called Mrs. Whitman, knocking on his bedroom door. “You have more company.

“Who is it, Ma?” asked Alex.

“It’s Maria, and Michael. They came to say goodbye to you.”

“Send ‘em in please,” said Alex.

Michael and Maria walked into Alex’s room. On the surface, they did their best to appear calm, but both Alex and Isabelle were able to see past the façade.

“What’s wrong?” asked Isabelle, as soon as the door was shut.
“It’s Tess,” said Maria. “She brought Rath and Lonnie to the pod chamber. We just barely managed to hide under the granolith before they came in.”

“Under the granolith?” asked Isabelle.

“Not important,” said Michael. “We’ll show you later. Anyhow, we need to find Maxwell. They’re pretty sure he stole their book, and they want it back, and their not opposed to killing me and Isabelle to get it.”

“What?” shouted Alex. “That does it, I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here with you, Isabelle. There is no way I’m going to leave you alone while those psychos are in town.”

“Alex, that’s sweet, but you can’t. We have to stick with the plan. You have to and pretend to decode our copy of the book. I’ll be alright, we all will.”

“I don’t like it,” said Alex.

“Don’t like what?” asked Kyle, sticking his head in Alex’s window.

“We have company,” answered Michael. “In the form of Rath and Lonnie.”

“Damn,” said Kyle, climbing in the window. He reached back and held out his hand and helped Ava into the room. “What do they want?”

“The book,” said Ava, sitting down on the bed. “What else could they possibly want?”

“Well, Max for one,” said Maria. “They need him to make up their four square.”

“We’ve got to find him right away,” said Michael. “Does anybody have any idea of where he is?”

“Yeah, Ava and I passed him on our way over here. He and Liz were heading out to the quarry. I think they were looking for a little alone time.”

“Yeah, well, it’s going to have to wait,” said Michael. “We need to warn them, and it has to be now.”

“I’ll go,” said Kyle, moving towards the window. “Ava, you better stay here. If Rath and Lonnie are around, you’d better lay low. Michael, watch out for her?”

“With my life, man,” said Michael.

“Wait!” cried Isabelle. “Bring them to the granolith.”

“Why?” asked Kyle, one leg over the windowsill.

“We don’t have time for explanations now,” said Isabelle. “Just do it. We’ll meet you there in an hour.”


Kyle parked his car and climbed out and began to make his way down the rock-strewn path that led into the quarry. He slipped on some loose rocks and skidded part way down the slope.

“Damn,” he said as he tried to stop his fall. He skidded for several more feet before stopping at the bottom of the path. He groaned and tried to get up on, but collapsed, a small trickle of blood dripping down his face.


“Max, I know I heard something,” said Liz. “We should probably get out of here.”

“Relax, Liz. It was probably just an animal or something,” said Max. “We never get a chance to be alone anymore, and I don’t want to leave any sooner than we have to.”

“Humor me Max,” said Liz. “Please. I’m sure I heard something.”

“Alright,” said Max. He stood up and reached down to help Liz up, grabbing the blanket that they sat on as well. “Come on, let’s go play Nancy Drew and Frank Hardy and see what made the noise.”

“Thanks for understanding, Max,” said Liz. “I know it’s stupid, but I just think we should check it out.”

“Don’t worry about it, Liz,” said Max. The two began to walk across the quarry toward the path that would take them to Max’s jeep. Liz stopped and looked around, staring into the darkness.”

“Did you hear that?” she asked Max. “It sounded like somebody was groaning. It came from over there.” She pulled Max by the arm towards the base of the path. As they drew closer, both of them were able to make out a form lying on the ground.

“Wait here,” said Max, as he rushed forward. He knelt down beside the body and rolled it over. “Liz, it’s Kyle, and he’s hurt!”

“Oh, God!” cried Liz, rushing over to Max’s side. “”Max, what happened to him?”

“I’m not sure,” said Max. “I’m guessing he came out here to find us.” He put his hand against Kyle’s head. His hand began to glow and the wound healed. Kyle’s eyes fluttered, then opened fully.

“Ouch, what happened?” he said. “Liz, where are we?” he asked. He turned and looked at Max. “Who are you and what are you doing with my girlfriend?”

[majiklmoon]

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Forty Pulling Together

“I’m serious Liz,” said Kyle, struggling to sit up. “Why are we here, in the middle of nowhere, and in the middle of the night? Did we have an accident? Liz, are you okay?”

“Kyle, if you’ll just sit back for a second, we’ll explain everything,” said Max.

“Don’t tell me what to do,” said Kyle. “Hey, wait a second, you’re that freak, Max Evans, aren’t you?” Kyle looked closely at Max. “You are, aren’t you? I’ve seen you around school before, with that hulking freak friend of yours. And I’ve seen you at the CrashDown too, checking out my girl!” Kyle’s voice grew louder as he became more agitated. “Is that what happened? You were trying to spy on me and Liz, and you forced us off the road? You’re not going to get away with it. Do you have any idea who my father is?”

“Kyle, if you’ll shut up for a second, I’ll explain everything to you!” Liz shouted over Kyle’s voice.

“Liz,” whispered Max. “You can’t explain the past year and a half to him and expect him to understand. It’s almost as if the fall erased everything about us from his memory.”

Liz caught her lower lip between her teeth and chewed on it thoughtfully.
“You’re right,” she said. “Let me handle it though, okay. He seems really resistant to you. Kyle,” she said turning to the other boy. “It’s not like that. You and I were walking down the path. We came out here to look at the stars for a science project. You slipped and fell. Max was out here working on the same project, and he heard me scream when you fell. He came over to help us.”

“Yeah, well, whatever, I’m fine now,” said Kyle, glaring at Max.

“How about if you wait and go all Rambo on me AFTER we get you to the top,” said Max.

“I don’t need your help,” said Kyle, struggling to his feet. He stumbled and started to fall back down, but Max grabbed him and held him up.
“Okay, maybe I do need some help,” Kyle admitted.

“Liz, why don’t you run up to my jeep and grab the flashlight that’s in the back seat,” said Max. “And try and get a hold of Michael and find out why Kyle was out here,” he whispered as she walked past.

Liz quickly scrambled up the path and reached for her cell phone. She dialed Maria’s number, with trembling fingers and waited anxiously for Maria to answer.
“Maria!” she yelled.

Liz, did Kyle find you? Maria asked.

“Yeah, but there’s a little problem with that,” answered Liz. “He fell, and bumped his head. Maria, he doesn’t remember anything about Max and the others, and he thinks we’re still together.”

Oh, we so don’t need this, moaned Maria. Listen. Lonnie and Rath are back in town, and they are looking for a certain missing book. Meet us at the granolith, and I’ll fill you in.

“The granolith?” asked Liz. “Why?”

I don’t know, said Maria. Isabelle just said for us to meet her there. And Liz, be careful.

“You too,” said Liz, ending the call. She grabbed the flashlight out of Max’s jeep and shined it down the path towards Max and Kyle. Max tightened his arm around Kyle’s waist and half led, half carried him up the path. Once they reached the top, Kyle pulled away from Max, resentment filling his face.

“I’m fine,” he said. “I can handle it from here. Uh, where’s my car?”
Liz took the flashlight and pointed it into the darkness.

“There it is,” she said. “Kyle, why don’t you give me the keys, and I’ll drive. You probably shouldn’t get behind the wheel right now.”

“Y-yeah,” said Kyle, reaching into his pocket for the keys. “That makes sense,” he said, handing them to Liz.

“Max, thanks so much for all your help,” said Liz. “We’re going to head back now.”

“Do you want me to follow you, to make sure you make it okay?” asked Max, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, that would be great,” said Liz. “Kyle come on, let’s get you back to the car.” She slipped her arm around Kyle’s waist and led him in the direction of his car. She helped him into the passenger seat and waited until he fastened his seatbelt. Once she was sure Kyle was securely buckled in, she moved around the front of the car to the drivers seat and climbed in. She took a minute to fasten her own seat belt, and then she started the car. The engine roared to life, and Liz turned on the lights and began to drive.

Liz watched in the rear view mirror as Max pulled out behind her and followed her at a safe distance down the highway. Liz made small talk with Kyle as they drove down the deserted highway. In the distance, she could see headlights approaching, and she killed her high beams.

The car slowed as it approached them, and Liz was able to see inside the passing vehicle. To her horror, she saw Rath and Lonnie in the car as it passed. Lonnie’s eyes locked with hers, and in that second, she felt a shiver reach down into her very core. It felt like everything was moving in slow motion to Liz. She turned her gaze back to the road and stepped on the accelerator. In the rear view mirror, she could see Max’s headlights, but she also saw Lonnie and Rath’s car slam on its brakes and turn around. Panicked, Liz pressed even harder on the accelerator.

“Liz, Jesus, slow down!” yelled Kyle. “Are you trying to get us killed?”

“I know none of this means anything to you, Kyle, but I’m trying to NOT get us killed,” said Liz, through gritted teeth. She tightened her grip on the steering wheel and gave the rear view mirror another check. The other vehicle pulled out and passed Max, and came up behind Kyle’s mustang.

“Hold on!” she cried as the car behind them hit their rear bumper. The mustang jerked against the impact, and Liz struggled to keep it on the road.

“What the hell?” shouted Kyle as he was jerked forward by the impact. “Who the frig is back there, and what is their problem?”

“OH, God!” shouted Liz. “Kyle, hold on!” Kyle looked past Liz to see the other car pull along beside them. He looked and looked again, shocked by what he saw.
“Isn’t that Max’s sister and that freaky friend of his? What the hell are they doing to us, and when did they go punk?”

“Kyle, we so don’t have time for this,” said Liz. “Look, it’s not Michael and Isabelle, but they do look just like them, and they are trouble, big big trouble!” There was a clash of metal as Rath forced the car into Kyle’s mustang. Liz struggled to keep the car on the road, but she wasn’t strong enough. Rath gave one final shove, and the mustang went off the road, and down a steep embankment.”

“Liz!” screamed Max from the jeep as he watched the car go off the road. He pulled off the road and jumped out of the jeep and slid down the embankment.
“Liz! Liz, are you okay?” he yelled. “Kyle? Damn it, Valenti, answer me?”

“Max? Is that you?” he heard Liz’s voice call faintly. “Max?”

“Liz? I’m coming!” Max called as he made his way over to the overturned car. He pulled at the driver’s door, but it wouldn’t open. He held his hand against the lock and concentrated until he heard the lock release. He pulled the door open and found Liz, upside down, but held in place by the seatbelt. He released the safety mechanism and caught Liz in his arms and pulled her from the car.

“Get Kyle,” she whispered. “Please Max, get him out.”

Max rushed around to the other side of the car and pulled the door open. He quickly pulled Kyle out and dragged him away from the car.

“Max, is he okay?” Liz asked in a tired voice.

“I don’t know,” said Max. “Wait, be quiet, what’s that?” Max stood up and began to make his way up the embankment

“Maxwell? Where are you?” he heard a voice call. Max remained silent, afraid that it wasn’t Michael, but Rath, trying to trick him.

“Max! Are you down there?” he heard Maria call. Max smiled and continued his climb.

“I’m coming,” he said. “I need your help. Kyle and Liz were in an accident. They were forced off the road.”

Michael and Maria scrambled down the embankment, followed by Isabelle, Ava and Alex. The reached the bottom of the gully, and Maria rushed over to Liz and knelt down beside her friend.

“Liz, are you alright? Who did this?”

“It was Rath and Lonnie,” said Liz. “They passed us on the road, and turned around and came back. They ran us off the road on purpose.”

“Liz!” Kyle’s voice rang out into the night. “Liz, where are you?” Maria helped Liz up, and the two made there way over to Kyle.

“I’m right here, Kyle,” she said. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I was hit by a truck, but that isn’t important. I came to find you and Max. We need to get to the granolith. Lonnie and Rath are in town, and it looks like they’re going to cause trouble.” Kyle paused and looked around at his surroundings. “Where are we, and what’s everybody doing here? I thought we were going to meet at the granolith?”

“Kyle, do you remember anything about the last hour?” asked Ava, kneeling down beside him.

“No, the last thing I remember was being at Alex’s house. Why? What happened?”

“I’m going to try something, if it’s okay with you,” said Ava. Kyle nodded, and Ava closed her eyes and concentrated on Kyle. She focused on his mind, until she found the area that was blocking his memory, and gave it a small nudge. She opened her eyes and smiled.
“Try and remember,” she said.

“I left Alex’s house, and went to the quarry. I slipped on some loose stones and slid down the path. When I came to, Liz was kneeling beside me, and I, I thought she was my girlfriend. Wow, it was like I totally blocked the past year out of my mind or something. Man, I was a total jackass.”

“Don’t’ worry about it, Kyle,” said Liz. “The important thing is that you’re alright.”

“Forget about me,” said Kyle. “What about you, and the baby? Are you two alright?”

“I seem to be okay,” said Liz. “And as far as the baby. Well, he still seems to be there hanging on,” said Liz. “At least he hasn’t sent out any danger signals.”

“We need to get out of here,” said Max. “They may come back and check out their work. Michael, can you and Alex help Kyle get up the embankment? I’ll take Liz. Once we get up to the top, we’ll head straight to the granolith.”

The group made their way to the top of the embankment as quick as possible. Max strapped Liz into the front seat of his jeep, and Kyle and Ava climbed in the back. Michael and Maria climbed into Alex’s car along with Alex and Isabelle, and the two groups sped off into the night toward the granolith.

[majiklmoon]

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Forty-One ~ Dissention in the Ranks

“So then I jerked the wheel and hit them, and they went right down over the embankment,” Rath said.

“What!” shouted Tess. “Why did you do that? Do you realize that your stupid stunt could bring Max and Liz together again?”

“What I think, Your Majesty,” Rath said in a sarcastic tone. “Is that my little stunt may have gotten rid of your little problem completely. Now what I think you should do is sit down, shut the hell up, and let me run the show.”

“Yeah, you ain’t gettin’ nothin done, bitch,” said Lonnie. “From now on, we’s runnin the show.”

“I don’t think so,” said Tess, her voice filled with steel. “I’m in charge, I make the decisions. Is that clear?”

“Whoa! Chill babe, you’re in charge, we get it,” said Rath. “Don’t need to get all nasty.”

“Nasty. Nasty!” shrieked Tess. “You haven’t begun to see nasty you stupid freak! You pull another stunt like that, and I’ll take you out myself! Do – I— Make — Myself – Clear?”

“Wait a second,” said Lonnie. She turned to Tess and shoved her against the motel room wall. “Who the frig decided you get to run the damn show? I’m sick of mouth, I’m sick of your attitude, and I’m sick of this whole friggen place. We don’t need you, you stupid bitch. All’s we need is Zan, and we’re outta here,” said Lonnie, snapping her fingers. “Do you really think anybody’s gonna care if we leave you’re sorry carcass rottin in the desert?”

Tess slapped Lonnie and shoved the taller girl away from her.
“You have it all wrong, Lonnie. You need me, not the other way around. I have someone set up to decode the book, I have Max wrapped around my little finger, and I have Isabelle and Michael. Both of them do whatever Max says, and Max does whatever I say. And right now, I’m saying that the two of you need to shut the hell up and stay out of sight!” Tess pushed past Lonnie and walked out the door, slamming it behind her.

“Rath, no!” shouted Lonnie. She grabbed his arm and pushed it back down. “You can’t kill her. Not now anyhow. She’s right about one thing. She’s holdin all the cards right now. But once she gets that stupid book figured out, then you can kill her all you want.”

“That’s my smart baby,” said Rath with an evil smile. He gave Lonnie a shove and she landed on the bed. He leered at her and jumped on the bed next to her. “I think I can figure out a way to entertain myself while we wait.”



“This is getting ridiculous,” said Maria. “Not only do we have to deal with that psycho bitch Tess, but now we have Lonnie an Rath playing demolition derby.” She waved her hand, activating the door to the pod chamber. “That is so cool,” she said with a grin. “I just don’t see why we don’t go on the offensive and take care of them,” she said, resuming her previous diatribe.

“Maria, you know Max isn’t the crush kill destroy type,” said Michael. “There is no way he’d go for anything like that.”

“Well, maybe this time he’s wrong,” said Maria. “Maybe this time you,”

“Don’t, Maria!” Michael said sharply. “Just don’t. This isn’t the time, or the place. I hear what you’re saying, and I’m only going to say this once. Don’t say it to anybody else. Not now, not ever. I may not be the smartest one of us, but I do know that we have to be united in this, or it’s all going to fall apart.”

“Did anyone ever tell you how cute you are when you’re noble, not to mention right,” said Maria. “Now let’s get in there, the others are waiting for us.

Michael and Maria walked though the pod chamber, and into the hidden chamber concealing the granolith. Liz, Alex and Kyle sat on the floor, while Max, Isabelle and Ava hovered nervously over them.

“What’s the matter?” asked Michael.

“Alex passed out on the way over her,” said Isabelle. And then his nose started bleeding, and wouldn’t stop. Max was finally able to get it to stop, but I’m worried.”

“I’m fine, Isabelle. Now stop freaking. We’re here to do something, so lets do it,” said Alex, standing up.

“Alex, I really think that,”

“Enough, Isabelle. You’re not my mother, damn it, you’re supposed to be my girlfriend!” Alex said, angrily. As he yelled, his nose began to bleed again. Max moved forward to try and stop the bleeding but Alex shoved him away.
“Just leave it,” he muttered. “Let’s get this over with. I just want to go home, I have a headache.”

The group took their original positions in the pod chamber. Max slipped the two destiny books on the console and went to stand across from Liz. As soon as he was in position, the granolith activated, and all of them were doused in a blue beam of light. Suddenly, the light turned a violent white, temporarily blinding all of them. As quickly as it happened, the light subsided and the granolith shut down. Slowly, their eyes adjusted to the light. Standing in the center of their square was a man, dressed in gray, tight fitting clothing, with a short green cape.

“Greetings,” he said. “I am Che’koth, royal emissary from Antar.”

[majiklmoon]

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Forty-Two – Who is that Masked Man?

“What?” said Max, pushing Liz behind him. “You’re who?”

“I am Che’koth, and I am the royal emissary from Antar. Greetings Your Majesty,” said Che’koth, kneeling down before Max. “We have been monitoring the granolith activity all this time. We had just about given up hope that you and the others would find your mates and activate the granolith.”

“The hell you say!” shouted Michael. “I don’t know what kind of freak trick Tess is playing, but it ends here!” Michael raised his hand and shot an energy blast at Che’koth, but instead of hitting him, the bolt passed right through him, and ricocheted off the walls of the chamber.

“Lord Rath,” said Che’koth, bowing down before Michael. “It is good to know that some things don’t change. You always were quick to protect King Zan. But you cannot protect him from me, nor do you need to, for I am not really here. I am what you would call a holographic image.”

“A what?” asked Kyle.”

“A holographic image. I am on Antar, in a chamber similar to this, and my image is projected down here to you.”

“So it’s kind of like video conferencing,” said Liz, stepping out from behind Max.

“My Lady,” said Che’koth, falling to one knee and bowing his head. “We on Antar feared that this day would never come. You carry the royal heir.”

“H-how do you know that?” Liz asked.

“When activated, the granolith scanned your bodies and sent readings back to Antar,” answered Che’koth. “We’ve tracked your physical development with that scan, and used the granolith to repair any damage or anomalies that were found.”

“What do you mean, anomalies?” asked Isabelle, stepping forward. “Is there something wrong with us?”

“Princess Vilondra,” said Che’koth, bowing once more. “Do not fear, no anomalies were found in the royal four. It was merely a precaution. We were not sure if the embryos we sent to Earth would develop normally. The scan was much like the physicals that Earth children are given.”

“You said we were fine,” said Max. “But what about the others? Maria, Alex, Liz and Kyle? Are they alright too?”

“Our scan did show some abnormalities,” admitted Che’koth. Especially in the two young men.” At his pronouncement, Isabelle moved closer to Alex, as if her presence could somehow protect him, and Ava slipped her hand into Kyle’s and squeezed it gently.

“What kind of abnormalities?” she asked, her face filled with concern as she looked at Kyle.

“Lady Ava,” said Che’koth, bowing yet again. “It isn’t anything to concern yourself over.”

“Wrong answer, asshole,” said Ava. “I think it is something to concern myself over. I don’t know what the status of woman was on Antar, but here on Earth, we’re equal. I care about Kyle, and I’ll damn well be concerned about him if I want to!”

“No, no My Lady,” said Che’koth. “You misunderstand me. I only meant that the abnormalities were not severe, and have already been repaired by the granolith scan. Humans do not use as much of their brain as we Antarians do, and both these fine men have been subjected to many exposures of the nashra – pindo.”

“Nashra – pindo?” said Kyle. “What’s that?”

“Mind warping,” said Alex, his voice flat. “It’s what Tess is doing to us. Me because she wants me to decode the book, and you, just because she lives with you. She’s probably probing your mind whenever she can.”

“Princess Vilondra’s mate is correct,” said Che’koth. “But it isn’t anything we can’t deal with. You shouldn’t suffer any other side effects.”

“Wait a second,” said Maria. “That’s the second time you said mates. What are you talking about?”

“What?” asked Che’koth. “You didn’t know? Didn’t your protectors explain it to you? Haven’t you read the book?”

“We don’t have a protector,” said Max. “Or if we do, we’ve never seen him. There was Nascedo, but he’s dead. He was also incredibly evil.”

“Nascedo,” spat Che’koth. “The traitor. He was the one responsible for mixing up the embryos before we sent you here to Earth. But I am pleased to see that you managed to assemble the true royal four.”

“Only recently,” said Max. “Nascedo brought Tess here. Ava was in New York with Lonnie, Rath and Zan. After Rath killed Zan, they came here to find me, to attend some summit meeting. If I promised to turn over the granolith, Kivar’s emissary promised us passage home.”

“Something you obviously didn’t agree with,” observed Che’koth.”

“No, not at all,” said Max. “Anyhow, Ava decided to stay here with us. Alex managed to decode the books, but with everything that’s been going on, we really haven’t had the opportunity to study them as much as possible.”

“And your protectors?”

“As I said, we never knew them,” said Max.

“Nascedo killed them all,” said Michael. All except for one, who is living in California.”

“Look, this is all well and good,” said Maria. “But I want to know about this mate thing.”

“It is simple,” said Che’koth. “In our world, we mate for life. We have a certain gene that modifies itself in a certain way when we meet what you here on Earth would call our soul mate. When we created you, we recoded the gene so that it would activate the granolith when the four of you came here with your mates.”

“That’s not possible,” said Liz. “You can’t manipulate DNA that way.”

“No Your Highness,” said Che’koth. “Your scientists can’t modify DNA in such a manner, but ours can.”

“But still,” argued Liz. “Wouldn’t it take the modified DNA of all eight of us to activate the granolith?”

“Yes,” said Che’koth.

“But that means,” said Liz, her voice trailing off.

“That means that your DNA has been modified as well, you are now, and forever will be, the mate to the King.”

[majiklmoon]

Finally - a new part...thanks for all your patience. And a special thanks to Bisty for the great banner

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Forty-Three – Oops, He Did it Again

“I am so NOT anybody’s mate,” snapped Maria. “So why don’t you just climb back into your spaceship, or whatever it is, and head back to Venus?”

“Yeah,” added Kyle. “I mean, how do we know the Great Gazoo, here is on the level?”

“The Great Gazoo?” queried Che’koth. “I’m sorry, but I am not familiar with that reference.”

“See, that’s my point,” ranted Maria. “How can somebody, so ignorant of basic Earth culture come in here and tell us we’re mated for life, like a bunch of animals in the zoo?

“Maria, will you relax,” said Michael quietly. “Give the guy a chance to explain, will ya?

“Maria, shut up!” said Liz, catching a glimpse of pain in Michael’s eyes. “Michael’s right, we have to give him a chance to explain.”

“Fine, whatever,” snapped Maria. “Okay, Gazoo, you heard the woman, explain.”

“What is it you want to know?” inquired Che’koth.

“Well, more about this mated for life thing, to start with,” said Liz. “Not that I don’t love you Max,” she said, turning to him. “But being told that we have no choice in any of this is a bit unnerving.”

“You take offense at the term mated, then?” asked Che’koth. “Forgive me. My aim was not to insult anybody. I think perhaps, the true meaning has been misinterpreted.”

“That’s a possibility,” said Isabelle. “Can you try and explain it again, so we understand better?”

“I can do better than that, Your Highness,” said Che’koth. “If you would all join hands and circle the granolith please, I will try and show you exactly what I mean.”

Liz and Max quickly joined hands and moved closer to the granolith. After a slight hesitation, Isabelle put her hand in Max’s, and held out her other hand to Alex. Michael moved to stand next to Liz, and took her hand in his, and looked back at Maria. Maria glared at the room in general for a moment, then with a huff, moved into the circle and placed her hand in Michael’s, and Kyle and Ava quickly completed the circle.

Che’koth bowed his head, and an intense look of concentration crossed his face. In seconds, images began to fill the heads of the group. Liz saw what she took to be an Antarian couple meeting for the first time. She could feel the attraction that the girl felt for the boy. Then she saw a flash of the girl with other people, and she could feel the longing the girl had for the first boy. Another flash, and she saw the boy and girl together again, and felt the love between the two. Another flash, and she saw what she thought was an image of Romeo and Juliet.

The images faded away, and Che’koth raised his head. Liz could see that it glistened with sweat.

“I think I get it,” she said, to the room in general.

“Me too,” said Alex and Isabelle simultaneously.

“Is there a more correct term?” inquired Che’koth. “I have no wish to offend any of you with improper language.

“Soul mates,” said Maria, softly. “You were trying to say we were soul mates. But I still don’t understand the DNA stuff. How did our meeting, change our bodies? Is this some alien thing that happened to us?”

“I don’t think so,” said Liz. “That’s why we saw Romeo and Juliet. They were so much in love, that they’d rather die than be apart. I think what Che’koth was explaining to us has been happening forever, but our technology isn’t advanced enough to detect it. It probably ties in with pheromones. I can’t really explain it very well, but I think it’s okay Maria. I mean, think about it, as many times as you and Michael have fought and broken up, you always end up back together.”

“I suppose,” said Maria.

“And when you’re apart, think about how miserable you are,” continued Liz. “I really think that’s what Che’koth was talking about when he said our DNA changed and that we were mated for life. Am I close?” she asked, turning to the holograph of the Antarian.”

“I believe so, Your Majesty. You are very wise, as well as very beautiful. The child you carry is fortunate to have a mother such as yourself.”

“How do we know this isn’t just some other type of mind warp or something?” asked Kyle. “I mean who is to say he isn’t just working some other type of alien mojo on us.”

“I don’t think he is,” said Alex. “It didn’t feel anything like when Tess tries to mind warp us. He was just trying to explain something to us, that’s all.”

Kyle broke free of the circle, and pulled Ava to one side. He looked over his shoulder and glared at the others who were all watching intently. As one, they all turned away and began to discuss anything and everything but the subject at hand with Che’koth and each other.

“Ave,” Kyle began. “Look, it’s not that I don’t care about you. Please don’t think that. It’s just that all of this is just being thrown at us out of nowhere, and I have to admit to being kind of freaked out.”

“Would you be freaked out if someone came and told you that you and Liz were destined to spend the rest of your lives together?” Ava asked, a hint of jealousy in her voice.

“Damn right I would be,” said Kyle. “I’d freak even if Hugh Hefner himself showed up and said I was destined to spend my life with Jody Ann Patterson!”

“Who?” asked Ava.

“Jody Ann – never mind,” said Kyle. “My point is, knowing that I found my soul mate is a realization I’d like to come to myself. Not something that I want to find out in an alien singing telegram.”

“I think I understand,” said Ava.

“Um, guys,” said Alex. “I hate to interrupt what appears to be a meaningful moment and all, but the Great Gazoo has something he wants to share with us.”

Kyle and Ava followed Alex over to the center of the room.

“Okay, Gazoo, what do you have for us now?” asked Kyle, his tone still resentful.

“I do wish someone would explain the term Gazoo to me,” said Che’koth.”

“Well, are you familiar with the Flintstones?” asked Max, a small grin playing on his face. “If not, we’ll save that discussion for another time. Right now, I’d rather hear what else you have to tell us.”

“There is much to discuss, but my first duty is to inform you you’re your Royal Mother has been informed of your Setara, and has acknowledged them as legal and binding.”

“Setara?” asked Max. “What’s that?”

“You don’t know?” asked Che’koth, his voice full of shock. “You are married.”

Max looked at Liz and shared a secret smile with her.

“That’s okay,” he said. “We were planning on doing that anyhow!”

“Your Majesty,” said Che’koth. “I’m not sure you are understanding me. It is not just you and Liz who are married. “Princess Vilondra and Alex are, as well as Sir Rath, and Maria, and Lady Ava and Kyle. When you activated the granolith, you also participated in the Antarian Setara, or wedding ritual. All of you are married now.”

[majiklmoon]

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Forty-Four – Message in a Bottle

Without a word, Maria spun on one heel and exited the granolith chamber.

“Michael, wait,” said Alex, holding up an arm to stop Michael from following Maria. “Let me talk to her.”

“Fine!” said Michael, his voice sullen. “Obviously she finds the thought of me repulsive anyway. This is all your fault,” he said, turning towards Che’koth. “If you had just kept your big mouth shut, everything would have been fine.”

“I am sorry I have angered you, Lord Rath. We just assumed that your basic understanding of our culture, coupled with the explanations in the book would clarify everything for you,” said Che’koth

“Again with that damn book!” shouted Kyle. “Why do you keep harping on it anyhow? How did you expect them to read it? The damn thing is written in Antarian. Alex just figured out how to decode the stupid thing. Not that it did any good, at least until Max stole the other book from those rejects.”

“You are telling me that none of you can read Antarian?” asked Che’koth.

“Boy, he’s really quick on the uptake,” Kyle said to Ava. “Hello, Gazoo, are you even listening?” Kyle asked, waving his hand in front of the holographic image. No, they can’t read Antarian.”

“But how can that be?” asked a confused Che’koth. “That knowledge, as well as a rudimentary history of our world was into your cells when you were created.”

“Well, it didn’t work,” said Max, flatly.

“You are telling me that all you know of our world is what I have told you, and what you have found out for yourselves from a book decoded by a human?”

“Light dawns over marble head,” said Michael. “You got it, dude.”

“This is unthinkable,” said Che’koth. “I must meet with the others and find out how they want to proceed. When would be a convenient time for us to reconvene, Your Majesty,” said Che’koth, turning to Max.

“Uh, tomorrow night, at 10:00?” said Max, looking at the others for confirmation.

“That’s no good, Max,” said Isabelle. “Alex is leaving for Las Cruses the day after that. His parents will want him home.”

“Damn, that’s right. Okay, tonight then?” queried Max. After everyone nodded, he turned to Che’koth. “Tonight, at 10:00 p.m. We’ll be here, and you had better be back, with answers for us.”

“As you wish Your Majesty,” said Che’koth. He bowed, and his image faded from the chamber.


“Maria, wait up, will you?” shouted Alex as he chased Maria down the path. “What is your problem?” he panted as he jogged up beside her.

“My problem? My problem? Alex, didn’t you hear what I heard in there. What do you think my problem is?” ranted Maria.

“Well other than the fact that if you don’t breathe soon, you are going to pass out from lack of oxygen, I’m not really sure,” said Alex.

“Well, maybe you want to be glued to Isabelle for the rest of your life,” Maria snapped, but I think I deserved some say in being with Michael for all eternity!”

“Maria, will you listen to me for a second?” asked Alex. “I mean really really listen?”

Go ahead,” said Maria. “I’m listening.”

“Do you love Michael?”

“What kind of a question is that?” asked Maria. “You know I do.”

“And if you could spend the rest of your life with any one person, who would it be?”

“Mel Gibson,” said Maria, promptly.

“Maria, we’re existing on this plane, not the one that lives in your mind,” said Alex with a sigh.

“Michael,” said Maria, grudgingly. “But I just don’t like being told that I have no choice in the matter.”

“See, I knew it,” said Alex. “I knew you weren’t listening. Maria, it was all about choice. We all chose each other, and when our bodies recognized that we found our true loves, our biological selves accepted it. For all we know, human DNA does the same thing, but our scientists haven’t discovered it yet. If your heart and soul hadn’t already chosen Michael, there is now way we could have activated the granolith.”

“Well, I…,” began Maria.

“I know, it’s just that it all happened so fast, and Che’koth was throwing around all these words that none of us expected to hear,” said Alex.

“And I freaked,” said Maria, ruefully. “God, Michael must totally hate me about now.”

“Not hate,” said Alex. “But he’s hurt, Maria. Bad.”

“Alex, how can I ever get him to understand that it wasn’t about him. Not in a bad way, anyhow. It’s just that I felt like I was losing my free will. I love Michael Guerin, with all my heart. I’m never going to be able to explain to him why I acted like such an ass. He’s never going to forgive me!” wailed Maria.

“Well, not right this second, I’m not,” said Michael, coming up behind her. “But I probably will by tonight, if you promise to stop freaking out so easily.”

“Michael, I’m so sorry,” cried Maria, throwing herself into his arms. Michael wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly, their two bodies swaying slightly.

“What’s tonight?” Alex asked, as the rest of the group approached.

“Tonight is when we get some answers we hope,” said Isabelle, slipping her hand into Alex’s.

“Yeah, according to Che’koth, when we all hatched, we should have known how to read Antarian, and had a rough idea of what life on our planet was all about,” said Ava.

“But things didn’t go according to plan, which I’m beginning to believe is pretty much standard when it comes to you guys,” said Kyle. “Anyhow, the Great Gazoo is going to try and get some answers for us, and we’re all going to meet back here tonight.”

“Tonight?” said Alex, his voice cracking with anger. “This is my last night with Isabelle before I go off to be the computer slave of the evil mind warping hell beast. Great!”

“Alex, don’t worry,” Isabelle said, softly. “We’ll work something out. Besides, I’m going to be looking at some colleges soon, I’m sure I can arrange a tour of the Las Cruses campus.”

“I just don’t want to leave you here with her and those other psychopaths,” explained Alex.

“I know, but we have to go along with her until we can really figure out what she’s up to. I’ll be safe; we’ll all be safe. You’re the one I’m worried about,” said Isabelle.

“Can we agree that we’re all worried about each other,” said Maria. “And get out of here. It’s hot, and I’m hungry, and I want to finish apologizing to Michael in private.”

They made their way to their cars, and drove off towards Roswell. After several minutes, another car pulled out from behind the sandstone outcroppings and began to follow the small caravan back to Roswell.

[majiklmoon]

Disclaimer: You know the drill…the characters aren’t mine Roswell and all characters belong to Jason Katims, 20th Century Fox etc. I’m just borrowing them.

Rating: PG-13 – possibly to R

Chapter Forty-Five – Deceptions and Delusions

The first day back at school, after finding out she was officially married was a tough one for Liz. Not to mention the fact that she had to watch Tess practically glue herself to Max. It was either that, or possibly some type of alien morning sickness that made her want to throw up every time she saw Tess.

The bell rang, and Liz slid through the door of study hall as the last echo of the ring faded away, earning her a look of reprimand from Mr. Seligman.

“Sorry,” she said, walking past the desk and taking her seat. She opened her chemistry book, and notebook, and tried to study

When the agent is added to the reactant, it’s properties will….. Liz’s eyes glazed over and her mind began to wander.

Che’koth materialized in front of them as they assembled in front of the granolith.

“Greetings Majesties,” he said, inclining his head slightly towards Max and Liz.

Oh my God, Liz thought to herself in shock. He means me. I’m considered royalty now! She shook her head, and tried to focus on Che’koth’s words, while a small part of her brain tried to focus on her realization.

“Our thinkers are unsure as to why the memory implants did not take. They hypothesize that when our enemies tampered with the embryos, some damage occurred. They have come up with a solution to this unforeseen difficulty, however.”

“So like what are they going to get, the Cliff Notes version of Antarian history?” asked Kyle.

“Something like that, my Lord, however, you all will be a part of this process.”

“Uh, define the word process, would you?” asked Kyle, every alien abduction movie he had ever seen flashing through his mind.

“If you will all take your positions around the granolith, the process can begin,” said Che’koth. “It is not a painful procedure, and after it is completed, you will understand so much more about our world, and your place in it.”

As a seamless unit, they move to the places where they had stood the first time they activated the granolith. As soon as they were in place, a burst of orange light shot out from the granolith and enveloped them. Liz felt a surge of energy rush through her body. Her legs felt as if they could no longer hold her up, yet she didn’t topple to the floor. She remained standing, as though held by some unseen force. Suddenly, her mind was filled with images. Scene after scene flashed through her head, along with thousands of voices. Her head felt as though it was going to explode from all the information she was trying to process. Faster and faster the images poured into her head. She was unable to pick out any details, and yet she felt as though she had a complete grasp of everything that she saw. The images began to slow, and she saw Max. She knew it was Max, but it wasn’t.

Zan, she thought. That must be Zan. She saw what her friends lives were like on Antar. She saw them growing up together, laughing, and playing and having fun, swimming in the ocean, and climbing trees. She saw them grow up, and assume adult roles, and she saw them die. She tried to scream. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out, or if it did, it was lost in the cacophony of voices she still heard in her head. Liz saw a beautiful woman emerge amid all the death and destruction, and she realized it was Max and Isabelle’s mother. She saw the scientists working frantically, trying to preserve the DNA of the four, to ensure that they would live again.

The images began to speed up again, and Liz saw how the people of Antar lived since the death of King Zan. On the surface, life was normal, but they were the virtual prisoners of Kivar. An image of Max and Isabelle’s mother appeared again, only this time, she spoke to them directly.

“My children. Che’koth has told me what has happened, and how you have no memory of our world. It is our hopes that after this procedure, you will know all there is to know of our world and our lives. I beg you, do not think of returning to Antar. It is not safe for you her. But do not worry for our safety, for the end is near. We are close to driving Kivar and his followers out of office, and when that happens, the royal house of Antar will again rule!”

“Ms. Parker. Ms. Parker! Were you planning on attending your next class any time soon?” Liz heard a dry voice ask from a distance. She mentally shook herself from her reverie.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Seligman. I was, uh, I was just studying,” stammered Liz.

“Ms. Parker, I may not be ‘with it,’ but I am also not stupid,” said the science teacher. “You were no more studying, than I was. Now get your things together and move along to your next class. I’m certain your next teacher won’t be as understanding as I was.”

“Yes, Mr. Seligman, I’m sorry Mr. Seligman,” said Liz, gathering her books. She rushed out into the hall, and joined the mass of students moving through the hall. Liz pushed on, trying to get to class, when a hand reached out and pulled her out of the crowd.

“Hey, hey Lizzie, babe. How’s it hangin? You are lookin fine, babe. How about youse and I go play a game of tonsil hockey?”

“Michael!” she cried. “What’s gotten into you? Let go of me, I’m going to be late for class.” Liz pulled her arm away from Michael, gave him a strange look and continued her journey up the hall. She was just about to walk into her English class when she heard her name being shouted down the hall.

“Liz! Liz! Wait up a second, I want to talk to you.” She turned to find Michael waving to her, and pushing through the other students to get to her side.

“Now what, Michael?” she asked wearily. “Are you here to challenge me to another game of, what did you call it, tonsil hockey?”

“No, I, what?” he asked, in confusion.

“Just a minute ago,” said Liz. “Down the hall, by Max’s locker, you pulled me out of the crowed and practically mauled me. Wait a second,” she said, her voice puzzled. “How did you get up here so fast, and when did you change clothes?”

“Liz, are you alright?” asked Michael. “You’re talking kind of crazy. I was just down in shop class. I haven’t been near Max’s locker all morning.”

“Michael, stop fooling around,” said Liz. “I just saw you down there, and you were wearing a West Roswell High sweat shirt.”

“Liz, was last night too much for you or something,” he asked worriedly. “I don’t even own a West Roswell High shirt. You couldn’t have seen,” his voice trailed off. He looked around and spied Kyle running down the hall.

“Valenti!” he called. “Get over here right now!”

“No problem,” said Kyle. “Since it’s my class anyhow.”

“I don’t care about that,” said Michael. “I think we have a problem. Stick with Liz. Don’t let her out of your site. I’m going to go check it out!”

“What was that all about?” asked Kyle. “Liz, are you alright?”

“Yeah,” she replied, her voice shaking a bit. “But I think I just had another run in with Rath.”