Roswell Fanatics

Chapter 180


- Ok Maria, what’s going on here? What was Max doing? - Isabel’s eyes bore into Maria’s.

Maria turned to look at Liz for some help and support, but Liz just stared back unmoved.

- Well, It got a little rough last night…Max came to do some healing…- Maria looked down full of guilt.

- What did you do to him? - Isabel exploded.

- It was just a little scratch, a tear actually, just by the scar you left on him, at least this one won’t leave a mark, it’s healed and already gone! - Maria snapped back and it was Isabel the one who looked guilty now.

The alien girl took the human girl’s hand and pulled her to her in an embrace.

- I’m sorry Maria, I had no right…- Isabel gulped and Maria knew she had swallowed her pride, and what it had taken her to do that.

- No Isabel, I had no right to rub it in, or to hurt him. - Maria gave a little sob and hugged Isabel back, real tight.

- Don’t feel bad, you did what he likes, what he wants, I did it too, for him, cause I knew he needed it. I’m sure he appreciates it that he has a mate that understands that, and in both lives. Isn’t he lucky? - Isabel gave a tentative giggle turning the dramatic scene into a joke and was thankful and relieved when Maria joined in.

The girls pulled away and there was an impish grin in Isabel’s face.

- I think we should wake him up. He’s slept enough and we must get ready to go to Serena’ cause she said she wanted us there as early as we could. And I’m not waiting for Michael’s early 10 am. I don’t know about you guys - She turned to Liz and Laurie who were watching the scene played before their eyes with an understanding look, - but I can’t wait to find out what she has for us. -

- Ditto! - Maria said grinning mischievously.

Michael chose that very moment to turn his face the other way and started making himself comfortable in his usual way uncaring of who was watching him, which would have been exactly the same if he were awake and aware of his audience. His timing was, unknowingly, the worst, and triggered the two girls involved in the endeavour of waking him up, to pounce on him and tickle him mercilessly. Their well filed nails teasing the ticklish insides of his thighs, had him writhing and squirming and trying uselessly to twist away from them and believe it or not, their efforts were unsuccessful. He moaned and growled his protest but didn’t wake up.

- A hand here! - Maria turned to Liz and Laurie who were laughing out loud, arching her eyebrows at them, exasperated at their lack of participation.

The two girls jumped in and soon Liz could tell through her empathy with the victim that he was beginning to finally wake up, and his whimpers and his efforts to form his words into an articulate plea, not just grunts and gasps, started paying off.

- No please…I’m sore…it hurts…please…stop…Stop!...STOP! -

Michael’s eyes flew open and pushed up, as he shifted violently away from them, surprising them with the amazing strength in his move that sent the four girls flying to the edges of the huge bed. They lay stunned, on their backs with their legs in the air staring at him as if they had never seen him before in their lives. The power they had felt coming from him, had left them open mouthed in its intensity. Michael, now almost completely awake started realizing what had happened. He remembered pushing up on all fours and shaking his torturers away from him like flies. In his nighmare, they had been skins, with Nicholas in the lead and now he saw his four girls sprawled around him and apparently scared of him.

- Michael…are you ok? - Liz asked in a tiny thread of a voice. She had channeled into his nightmare when she touched him and was about to warn them when he lashed out, too fast for her.

- What? Of course I am! I’m sorry…shouldn’t I be asking you that? - Michael was looking around him not knowing who to help up first.
They sat up still a liitle in awe of him, and gradually started loosening up. They knew Michael had meant them no harm, and they smiled at him and sighed.

- Ok, Spaceboy, the only way you can make it up to us, is joining us in a Jacuzzi right away! - Maria grabbed his arm and Isabel the other. She waved her hand and got him on the white swimming trunks. Maria shook her head in disapproval but Isabel just shrugged and they got him out of the bed.

He looked ashamed and uncomfortable, and stood there rooted to the floor.

- Hey kid bro, it’s ok, we’re fine, we were the ones tickling you and you reacted to it, anyone would’ve! - Laurie soothed him.

- Michael, c’mon, no harm done, you’ll feel great in a second. - Liz assured him.

- I’ll make the water just like you like it, you’ll see, you’ll be nice and relaxed before you know it! - Isabel contributed.

- Babyboy, come here, come with me…come with us. - Maria corrected herself holding his hands and pulling him gently towards the bathroom.

Then very slowly, the worried look left his face and he smirked. Maria placed one of his hands in Isabel’s and together, they got him moving. Liz and Laurie place one hand each on the small of his back and pushed him on.

- Ok, ok…- He surrendered. - I can’t believe I did this! I could’ve hurt you! I would never forgive myself if anything had happened to you! -

Liz had clearly felt he let out a blast that would have sent them slamming into the walls of the large bedroom, thanking that there were walls to stop them, but the second he let go he stalled, as if some special alien sense told him he was wrong. That’s why the original momentum died as soon as it hit them and it only carried them to the edge of the bed. Their vibes were so strong to him, that they had saved them.
They arrived at the bathroom and the girls dropped their clothes to stay in their bikinis, except Maria who went back to the bedroom to get hers on. Once they were all settled, with Michael between Maria and Isabel, the two girls placed their hands on his back and didn’t stop massaging him until they were sure his muscles were totally relaxed and his eyes had closed again.

- They’re not in here…- Kyle’s voice came from the bedroom.

- Hey! We’re here! In the Jacuzzi! - Liz called out to the guys who had returned from their jog and were looking for them.

- Great idea! Do you think we’ll all fit there? - Stuart had his doubts.

- It’ll be a tight fit, but we’ll manage. - Laurie observed.

- We were thinking of taking a dip in the pool but decided to find you guys first, so we have our bathing trunks on. - Said Max as they started pulling off their sweat soaked clothes.

- Hey! Wait! - Isabel stopped them as they were about to hop in. - Take a shower first! You’re all sweaty! Ewww! -

Obediently, Stuart got into the shower stall and rinsed himself before getting into the sudsy water, then Max and Kyle followed suit.

The guys noticed that they were the only ones making a conversation, or at least trying to, the girls were unusually quiet.

- Ok, what’s going on? - Max was getting these weird vibes from Isabel and Liz.

Isabel gestured for silence and checked Michael. She squeezed his shoulder and called him softly. Nothing. Maria patted his cheek, as he was facing her way, and shook her head, confirming he was asleep again.
Isabel reached her hands to the others, and skipping Michael, they connected. She let them know what had happened and how bad Michael felt about it. When they broke up, the guys’ eyes turned to Michael.

- He doesn’t know how strong he is, but he always suspected it was more than we could all imagine, that’s why he was so traumatized after he zapped Pierce, and was scared to be near Maria. Now you get it? - Max said to her.

- Yes, and I’ll never forget that he said it was because he loved me too much. I should have followed him and kissed him until he changed his mind and I convinced him that the safest place I could possibly be was with him.-

- It wouldn’t have worked. He was in complete denial, and you know how stubborn he can get. - Max knew he was right.

- Miss Laurie? Are you in here? - Anita’s voice came respectfully from just outside the bedroom.

- Yes Anita, we’re in the Jacuzzi, come in. - Laurie answered.

They heard her steps stop by the bathroom’s door.

- Miss. Serena just called and told me to tell you she’s ready to receive you.-

- What time is it? - Laurie asked.

- It’s twenty to nine. - She told her.

- Wow! Anita, we’ll be right down for breakfast and please call her and tell her we’ll be there 9:30 at the most, and apologize for the delay, we’ll explain when we get there, ok? Thanks. -

- Yes Miss. -

They started getting out of the whirlpool and Laurie waited until her steps faded away.

- I’ll never get her to call me just Laurie! - She shook her head. - Ok, how do we wake up my baby brother without getting blasted to kingdom come?-

- Let me…- Said Maria, as she placed her lips on his and his arms went immediately around her.

- Ok, I don’t think she needs any help and is in no danger. We better get dressed and meet at the kitchen, real fast! - Liz started herding everyone out of the room.

Chapter 181



They were halfway through breakfast when finally Michael and Maria made their appearance, Michael’s arm around her shoulders and hers around his waist. They sat side by side, Michael leaning towards Maria as she expertly tipped the glass of o.j. into his mouth, and then fed him his milk soaked cereal by spoonfuls. Everyone stopped eating to watch them.

- What? - Asked Maria, rather irked.

So they went on eating, not feeling the need to answer her. Then they decided to walk over to Serena’s even if it meant they would arrive a few minutes later. They rounded the house to go straight to the pool area, as Anita had told them, and found both Serena and Uncle Derek lounging on the deck chairs. They greeted them and Serena specially went to Michael, placing her hands on his hips and giving them a squeeze.

- Too early for you? - She smiled at him.

- Nah…it’s ok…- He shrugged as it was obvious she knew he was the reason for their delay.

She stood on tiptoes and he bent so she could kiss his cheek, then he pulled her up in his arms to kiss hers as she giggled like a girl. Uncle Derek smiled, shaking his head. He went over to his wife and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

- Ok kids, I leave you in good hands…take care of my wife. - He chuckled as he waved and started turning into the house.

- Have a nice day too! - Serena blew him a kiss.

- Yeah, sure, a business meeting every two hours until 5pm if I’m lucky! Thanks a lot! - He scoffed but chuckled again as he left.

- Ok, let’s get started, but I need to warn you that it’s not going to be a totally pleasant journey. Things in Antar were not a fairy tale life. Kal Langley obviously told you what he thought you could cope with not going too deep into what it was all about. -

- What? I’ve dealt with a life of torture here and Kal thinks I won’t be able to deal with my other life? I’m the one to decide it, not him! - Michael exclaimed.

- He meant the rest of you guys, Michael, certainly not you. I also think you’re the only one who can take it without the shock Max and Isabel, and of course your human friends will go through. - Serena looked sad.

- How can you be so sure that`s what he meant? - Michael was always the sly one, wanting to know every aspect.

- I had a long talk with him yesterday. - Serena confessed.

- How? - Michael asked as the rest backed his question, staring at her wide eyed with surprise.

- On the telephone, of course! Oh, right! I had forgotten the way he got through to you. This was very human-like. - Serena turned and took Maria’s and Isabel’s hands in hers. - Maria, you know I can’t help what went on in Antar. You will see Rath and Vilandra together, will you be ok, or would you rather not take part directly? -

- What? No way, I’m in, I know how much they loved each other. It will be like watching a film, with Michael playing the leading guy and Isabel the leading lady. But Isabel won’t look the same, right? - Serena shook her head no. - But Michael will. It’s ok, really. It goes both ways, and I think Vilandra was luckier than Isabel cause I wasn’t there to take her gorgeous boyfriend away. I love you Iz, I’m sorry. -

- Don’t. Maria, if you had spent all the years I did thinking Michael was your brother and it was just a sister’s crush, to suddenly get this unstoppable rush of lust over him, and the guilty feelings after, you’d know I have no reason to be angry at you. You’re lucky not to have the baggage I have when it comes to my feelings for Michael, specially after I found it why I really felt guilty. Believe me, you have no reasons to be jealous, and loving him like I do, I know he’s better off with you. Even if he gave his life protecting you, it wouldn’t be as bad as it was in Antar. Of that I’m sure. And I’m happy for him, for both of you. - Isabel’s eyes were filling with tears.

Isabel and Maria were lost in an embrace that had the others wondering what had happened there. Michael smirked, sensing what was going on, and passed it on to Liz through their empathy. She smiled sadly back at him.

Serena wrapped her arms affectionately around the two girls and whispered softly in their ears : “It’s time then.” As she gently pulled them apart.

- Don’t worry, I’ll be with you all the time, to guide you and explain. Come with me. -

Serena guided them down to the garden where they followed a little path leading to a wooded area, thick with trees, where the sun managed to shoot in a ray or two every now and then through the close knitted leaves. It was cool with a soft breeze and mysteriously shady.They saw the stack of matts from the shack by the pool had been arranged in a circle, spreading out from the one in the centre. There were 9 in total.

- Nine is a perfect number…- Serena said looking very serious. - all its multiples add up to the original nine…had you noticed? -

She pointed to the matt in the middle and right before their eyes, the table of nine appeared in jet black numbers. She pointed to the column on the right and chanted:

- Nine times two, eighteen…eight plus one equals nine. Nine times three, twenty seven…seven plus two equals nine. Nine times four, thirty six…six plus three equals nine, and so on. And it’s the highest one digit number. We need to form a circle with everyone in full comfort. Just lie down with your head towards the centre holding your neighbour’s hand and I will take care of the rest. Ok. Michael lie down here. - She indicated one of the matts as she waved her other hand and the numbers disappeared from the one in the middle.

Michael knelt on the matt and flopped down on his belly, then he stretched
and snuggled making himself at home. When he finally sighed and relaxed with his cheek on the soft resilient material, he realized the absolute silence that surrounded him. He suddenly suspected they had played a trick on him and they had all gone somewhere else. He raised his face with a puzzled expression and they all couldn’t hold back their laughter any longer.

- What? - He asked, looking from face to face as they shook their heads smiling and rolled their eyes.

- Spaceboy, you’re really something, you know? - Maria rushed to his side falling to her knees beside him, and bending down, kissed his hair.

- Ok, Maria, you were going to be by him anyway so stretch out beside him. You are his partner in this life. Isabel, you go on his other side as his partner in the life we will be visiting. Kyle, go beside Maria, and Stuart, you go beside Isabel. Laurie, go beside Kyle and Liz, beside Stuart. Now Max…Max? - Serena scoffed and they all locked their eyes on Max from where they were still sitting.

Max was totally focused on Michael and didn’t hear them until they exploded in a chorus.

-MAAAX! -

He jumped, pulling his eyes away from Michael.

- WHAT! - He sounded angry at the distraction, but then he saw them staring at him and realized what had happened. A sheepish grin curved his lips as he apologized : - Sorry…didn’t mean to shout…-

- Well, we did! Tell me, when was the last time you two…connected…- There was no subtle way possible that Serena could put it.

- About a..a…week…- Max stuttered blushing and looking at his feet.
- When we brought him here after he was hurt. -

- Yes, right, you need it again, but you’ll have to do it when this is over, and please! Stop staring at his a…at him. - Serena checked herself just in time.

Max went beet red and sat down on the matt. Serena stepped into the circle looking like a pagan priestess, with her long white robe-like top and her ankle long ample pants of the same colour, ending against her bare feet. She sat facing Max, with her back to Michael.

- Alright! I want you all to lie back and hold hands. Good, now, a circle has no beginning or end, but I started forming it with Michael and wrapped it up with Max. So, Michael, I will make contact with your shoulders. - She lay back stretching her arms up over her head so that the back of her hands rested on Michael’s shoulders and she felt his energy rushing up her arms and channeling into her brain like a torrent.

- Max, I will rest my feet on your shoulders, you ok with that? - She pressed them lightly after he accepted, feeling his energy coursing up her legs.

They were so different. Michael’s rushed like a powerful storm. Max’s eased up tentatively, feeling the way. Serena saw this amazing sexual scene jumping at her brain in which the pattern was totally reversed :
Max ramming into Michael like a thunderbolt, no mercy, with Michael gritting his teeth and pushing back on his knees, willingly taking it. Then Michael carefully and gently making love to Maria, as she smiled and reached her arms up to him. Serena scoffed. Homo-hetero, hell of a difference. Michael liked to get it rough from Max, yet he was a kitten in bed with Maria! She heard the difference in the breathing all around her and knew she had unwittingly sent the images all around the connection. Oh well, they were up to an X-rated alien show anyway, so this would be just a preview of what they could expect. Sorry, it got out of my hands, should have been only a threesome…that came out weird…I meant just me and the two boys…I’m making it worse. Ok, here we go…-

A blast of every colour possible and impossible surrounded them completely, even with their eyes closed, they knew exactly what colour they were touching or was touching them, it was uncanny, their senses were totally in overload. They knew they were advancing, but their feet touched no ground. Perhaps feather soft clouds? Perhaps…Serena’s laugh sounded like water cascading down from a foliage covered hill into a cool pond with a pebbled bottom, each one reflecting all the colours they were experiencing. What they were feeling was impossible to describe. Then Serena’s voice became just that again…a voice. Their feet touched a sandy soft floor and the air smelled like it did after a heavy rainfall. Serena’s voice started with that under water quality but cleared out after the first two words.

- Now, remember, you are absolutely invisible, and you won’t be heard either, even if you scream your heads off! So nothing can harm you, physically as long as you stay in contact with each other. - She specified. - Keep your connection. I’m not sure what will happen if one of you breaks loose. I’m safe here in the middle, contained within your energy field and I’m staying here for you. Ask anything you want, I’m ready to answer. -

The glittering colours started receding and left them in what looked like a crystal clear bubble. They couldn’t actually see it, but they knew it was there. Isabel reached out full of curiousity and felt her hand going through something like jello. She was reminded of the membranes that had contained them at the pod chamber, and pulled her hand back. She wasn’t ready to get “hatched” into this world until she got to see what it was like. As far as she knew, being a princess here wasn’t as charmed as it should be. It meant following a lot of protocol, it meant sharing her lover, it meant watching him hurt in battles to keep them safe, it meant betrayal and cruel death. No, she didn’t think it would be fun at all to find out about her previous life. She started feeling some regrets when Serena’s hand patted her arm.

- You’ll be fine. You will regret it though, if you don’t find out about your real world. - She whispered, and Isabel had to admit she was right. - As Isabel has just found out, the energy field is kind of gooey, and will unfailingly absorb anything harmful coming your way. Nothing can come in, but you can go out if you force yourselves through. I wouldn’t recommend it though, you’ll find the Antares air breathable but intoxicating until you get used to it. But that is for the future, not for the peek we’re taking now. There’s the castle! -

The sight that met their eyes was absolutely unexpected. It was a castle, but the huge windows gave it a lack of privacy. They were used to Earth’s castles, where you couldn’t see inside. They couldn’t help blinking as the panes turned almost black and became clear again. Serena laughed.

- The inhabitants’ energies do that when they pass a window, still they can let themselves be seen when they want to. -

- I used to do it, to tease Zan…- Michael chuckled.

The panes went dark and cleared to show two boys, one laughing the other one frowning. Rath-Michael was easily recognized but the other one, though he had the same brooding look of Max, the ears, the slim body, was different. They watched entranced as Zan kept darkening the panes and Rath-Michael clearing them up to Zan’s fury. When they had first made their appearance, Rath-Michael seemed to be pretending to escape from Zan, just playing with him and letting him catch up. Zan grabbed the waistband of Rath-Michael’s pants from behind and pushed his hand in, then noticing the clear pane, he frowned and waved his hand, darkening it. But Rath-Michael made it clear again a few seconds after and showed Zan had pulled his pants down to his midthighs as his hand dug high up between them. Rath-Michael’s bubbling laughter showed he was having fun. Zan frowned at the window, dark again. Clear, Zan had his arms wrapped around the laughing boy’s stomach pressing him back against his crotch. Zan cursed and Rath-Michael laughed louder still…dark…clear. A tall guard was carrying a still laughing Rath-Michael over his shoulder as Zan walked backwards, spanking the boy’s bare ass in front of him, the bulge in his pants quite obvious. They rounded a corner and disappeared, no need to darken the pane now. It stayed clear.
The scene had progressed from right to left, through the whole length of the window.

- So you started young, huh? - Maria scoffed.

- Remember Zan was three years older though Rath-Michael was the bigger boy. - Serena reminded them.

- How old were they then? - Liz asked.

- Rath-Michael had just turned 9, Zan was 12. - Serena answered after closing her eyes briefly, accessing the correct information.

- Were they going to do it? - Kyle had his doubts.

- Oh yes, Zan was quite capable of it, though by Antares standards, he was considered a virgin until he did it with a girl. - She knew how the little scene
had ended.

- I thought they had done it for the first time when Zan established himself as his healer. - Stuart wondered.

- That’s right, Zan was able to do it properly that first time. So far, he would get it up, push it in and came right away. No healing was involved, just horsing around, for Rath-Michael, though Zan took it quite seriously, that’s why the younger boy made him so mad. - Serena smirked.

- Wasn’t Rath-Michael hurt? - Maria asked.

- After how his father was lashing his ass since I can remember? C’mon, Zan’s prick was playtime for him! - Isabel exclaimed to everyone’s surprise, herself included.

- It was not! Even then I had a big one! - Max said outraged.

- Sure it was, but you came the second it touched me, so it helped you push it in for the few seconds you managed to keep it up after. And yeah, it hurt some, nothing I couldn’t deal with. - Michael chuckled.

- Don’t lie! It hurt you a lot! You squeezed me like hell! - Max yelled.

- I squeezed to slide it out! That’s what really happened! - Michael scoffed.

- This is getting gross, can we move on? - Serena interrupted the pointless argument. - We should go chronologically, that was an accident, I was just trying to adjust the time sequence. I think I have it now. -

Chapter 182


We shall begin from the crowning of King Zeolan, Zan’s father. Serena waved both her hands, crossing them in front of her face. They saw the castle’s yard and a solemn looking man, that looked very much like an older version of the boy Zan they had just seen. He sat in what must be a throne because it was completely covered by his purple robe. Another man, older looking with grey hair, approached him and placed a staff on his hand and a crown on his head. Then he said some words in Antares, that only Michael could understand, made some signs with his hands and then the newly crowned king rose to his feet and faced his people. The silence was absolute, only their heads were tipped down. Then the man walked back into the castle to join a small group waiting for him there. The woman was carrying a child, and Serena told them it was her sister, the queen and baby Zan.

- No cheering? That was so cold! - Said Kyle.

- Silence is a sign of respect in Antar, but you’re partly right. People were cold to him, he wasn’t much liked. They had expected Rath-Michael’s father to take the throne, and they were very disappointed, even though they understood that for their sake, he was better off leading the army. - Serena explained before moving on.

King Zeolan was speaking in his native Antares and again, only Michael wasn’t lost.

- Excuse me…- Serena made a different pass with her hands and it came out in English.

- This will not work, the people dislike me. - The king sat on a huge bed with his head in his hands.

The queen sat by him and placed her hand on his arm.

- Give them time, they will get to know you and get used to you. Ramthis will address them tomorrow and he will make them see reason. You will see. He know how to get to them through the respect they have for him. -
She spoke to him soothingly and he nodded frowning.

Serena brought an important looking man, standing where the king had been crowned, talking to the people. He was one of those persons who is impossible to forget, every eye was on him and the look on all the faces was one of awe. He had their complete attention, and when he finished explaining the importance of his leadership in the army, they all raised their right arms and cried his name. RAMTHIS! This time there were smiles and the people were nodding before he left.

- That is your father, Michael. The warlord of Antar. You inherited his presence, his power to lead, and his charisma, not to say his courage. -

They suddenly found themselves looking at a group of four men and a woman, with a little boy, with their backs to them, looking into a small room with only a huge window separating them from her. Two of the men were dressed in white robes. Serena raised the bubble so they could see over their heads what was going on. In the room, facing them, was the queen, sitting back comfortably on an armseat with plush white cushions all around her, apparently asleep. She wore a long white robe, like the two men outside, that covered her to her feet. It was obvious that she was sitting with her legs wide open. She sighed and smiled, and the two men in white reached towards her feet through the pane as if it wasn’t there, and raising the white robe, brought out a baby from the padded container between her feet. They handed the baby to the king who received it smiling and informed them that it was a girl. He bent down in front of the boy to show him the baby, but he turned away looking disgusted.

- That’s you Isabel, well, Vilandra. That’s the way Antares babies are born. The mother goes into a sleeping trance and the baby’s fluid bag breaks and washes it out of the mother. No strain whatsoever. -

- I hope I’m totally alien by the time I have my baby! - Maria said nudging Michael hard in the stomach.

- Ditto! - Said Liz and Isabel, giggling together.

The queen presented her baby to the people and was received by the same respectful silence, but then they saw her sitting in what seemed a public place, surrounded by the people, as she had her baby girl in her arms, and they were warm to her as they smiled and played with the baby.


Lord Ramthis was accosted by the people in the streets, demanding a Royal Heir to the crown, as he promised them there would be one, when the time was right. There was a rapid strobe-like flashes of the said Lord with different women, possible brides, they were always smiling trying to capture his heart, but his smiles were not encouraring, and were quite forced, until the last one, where he changed completely. The woman was beautiful, and he held both her hands as she laughed at whatever he was saying to her. The next scene was their wedding at the same yard, and this time all the people’s arms were raised and there was a general humming which Serena explained was the Antares approval.

- That is your mother, Michael, she was loved by everyone, and being the king’s sister, she brought the people a little closer to him. - Serena smiled.

- She didn’t look like him at all. - Observed Liz.

- Well, Zan and Vilandra didn’t look alike at all either, like Max and Isabel. She was my sister’s best friend, and mine too, I loved her very much. She brought so much joy and hope to the people, and they adored her. The queen and her would spend most of the day in the citadel with the people, seeing to their needs and helping everyone anyway they could. But the king, unfortunately, was not very social or outgoing, so the two women made up for that. Ish´Mandra, Michael’s mother, was an excellent cook, and they would visit different houses during the day and she would cook with the women and share recipes, like any Earth woman. My sister Wyteeah would eat her fill, and do the chatting. - Serena laughed, remembering.

- Is Serena also your Antares name? - Asked Isabel.

- No, but nearly. It’s Ser´eeah. Serena was the closest I found. -


Now there was Ish´Mandra talking to a boy who looked just like Michael, and about his age too, sitting on a couch and with his hands in hers, she seemed very much at ease with him.

- That is Michael Dupree, Charles’ twin brother. The one they think responsible for the fact that Prince Rath-Michael was also a twin. -

- There is no doubts that his DNA was used to create the human part of Michael, but then his twin brother Charles’ would have had the same result, right? - Stuart observed.

- Except for the fact that Michael Dupree had the hero in him to take five shots that saved his brother’s life. And our Michael here did the same for you. Coincidence? Or history repeating itself? - Serena knew she was right.

- Right. - Stuart nodded.

Serena’s next step was of course, the birth of the twins, and the visual differences were evident. Their features were identical, but the original Rath had the Antares dark hair, the other one had a dark blonde one.
The dark haired one was very quiet, while the other one was restless. They witnessed the mother and child’s death and Ramthis’ despair and near madness when he lost them, leaving the surviving child with his wife’s family and disappearing in the barracks until he was able to face his son again. They saw the tears in his eyes when the boy reminded him of his wife, and having the uncanny memory of how, when she was expecting him and was constantly visited by the human boy, everyone teased her saying he could easily pass as her son, they looked so much alike. She would joke back saying they must mean he could pass as her brother, cause she certainly wasn’t old enough to have a son his age. And yes, he admitted the boy looked so much like her, and that he had thought that if they had a son and he took after her, he would probably look just like the human boy. And eventually, his son did. They all perceived his thoughts as if they were their own. They felt and saw Vilandra’s love for her cousin, creating the conflict with her brother, which their mother’s love for the child only made worse. They felt and saw the close, almost identical thoughts of king Zeolan and his son, how he indulged him, and hinted his plans to keep the throne for him, how they gloated when the boy preferred the army as his father had, challenging him and having his father make his life a living hell while the boy stubbornly held his ground until the reluctant warlord had to bend to his son’s will. They felt and saw how Zan, for once, was grateful for his sister’s power over the boy, pushing him to get what he wanted, because she knew it would make him happy and she loved to see him happy. Cause after all he had been through to get it, only that would make it all worth it. Unwittingly, she was doing just what her father and brother wanted : to keep Rath-Michael away from his rightful throne. They felt and saw the interaction between the boys, Zan´s lust for his cousin born of the jealousy brought on by his sister, he wanted for himself what she wanted, partly to spite her. His father saw it and realized it was the best way to be protected, cause the boy’s potential was impossible to deny. King Zeolan couldn’t believe his luck when his son turned to have the healing powers which enforced the link between the two boys. He was overjoyed by Zan’s choice of the sexual healing connection making it the strongest possible. They witnessed the constant friction between the boys, Zan wanted to dominate the younger one because of his age advantage, and Rath-Michael, because of his physical advantage, turning it into a sort of lovers’ spats, to kiss and make up. The attraction Zan felt for Rath-Michael was evident and the younger boy willingly accepted it. They saw Vilandra drive Rath-Michael wild in bed since the boy could remember, her hands and mouth awakened these incredible feelings in him despite of his age. He was as sexually oriented as they came, having been born in the month of fire, he couldn’t help it, it was latent in him since the day he was born. And she sensed it and took full advantage of it. He was the most potential lover she could possibly find and he surrendered to her at her simplest touch.

Chapter183


Suddenly they could hear Michael speaking, and they turned to look at him to find he was looking fixedly in front of him, his lips unmoving. They were hearing his thoughts, rather his memories activated with the visual aids he was receiving.

- Vilandra just needed a look, a touch, and she just had me. Ever since I remember, we went to bed together, where she was touching and kissing me, and I just loved it. I thought nothing of it, but she made me feel so good. I was just a baby, but as the time passed, these feelings started waking up in me with the things she did to me. I kissed her back and sucked her nipples, remembering what little I could of my mother, loving her back. But I liked it better when she did things to me, I loved to feel her hands on me, in me, Zan got angry and wanted to do it too, but Vilandra didn’t let him. With Zan it was always a struggle, I knew he didn’t want Vilandra to know, so I teased him and refused to play with him, just to make him angry and when it didn’t get him anywhere and I threatened to tell her, he started begging and I gave in, cause that’s what I wanted him to do.
He was rough, not gentle like her, he hurt me, but he told me he loved me, so I just took it and learnt to enjoy it too. -

The scene turned to the children’s bedroom. Vilandra and Rath-Michael slept together in a large bed, and Zan slept on a smaller bed to the right of the room against the wall. The baby was sleeping over Vilandra, his face on her breast, and she started touching him and tickling him. He woke up laughing and wiggling and ended on the bed beside her as she rubbed and kissed his back which brought Zan over. Vilandra told him angrily to go back to his bed, and she took the baby back in her arms, telling Zan to go away. Zan returned to his bed frowning.
Then Zan was in a garden alone with the boy. He was older now, he walked by himself. Zan took his hand to walk him behind a bush or any secluded spot and with the excuse of tickling him like Vilandra did at night, he fondled the child making him laugh and cling to him.

Michael gasped and bent over clutching his stomach. Serena went to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. The others started moving towards him but Serena stopped them with her hand and a shake of her head.

- Michael are you alright? -

- Huh? Yeah, yeah, I…just felt kind of dizzy. - He said as he straightened up and sighed.

He seemed ok again and Serena nodded and pointed ahead to draw their attention back to the castle.

The King and Lord Ramthis were discussing heatedly in a large room. Ramthis was telling the king that he had spies all over the planets and that Kiraiven and his son Khivar were rallying up a protesting faction against them, insisting each planet should have its own king and that they shouldn’t depend or obey Antar. They wanted their independence. King Zeolan insisted they were just rumours, he didn’t believe them, he knew the families in the other planets and they wouldn’t do anything so stupid. Ramthis shouted that they would be the stupid ones if they didn’t start doing something about it, that they should invite all the governors of the planets to a meeting and reach an agreement to keep the peace and good relations between the planets, before it was too late. The King refused and Ramthis simply told him that this would hopefully not happen in his reign, but they had to think of what they would leave for the next generation. Finally the King, thinking of his son, gave in and accepted calling a meeting.

Vilandra left her room and her mother was right outside waiting for her. Vilandra screamed her brother’s name and her mother tried to quiet her down saying she would wake up Rath-Michael. Vilandra told her it wouldn’t and screamed again. Zan came rushing out of the room with his shoes in his hand. They left and Zan waved goodbye to them as he entered another room. The door soon opened and he returned to their bedroom smiling. He closed the door and looked out of the window to see Vilandra and their mother walking away. Vilandra turned to look back at their bedroom window frowning, and Zan ducked just in time. He went and sat on the bed. He took the sleeping Rath-Michael’s arms and ran his hands over them and his lower legs. Then he started kissing the boy’s cheek and what he could reach of his lips. He moved down his back with mouth and hands and the child started moving. Zan bit his ass a little too hard and the boy whimpered and woke up. He didn’t seem to be able to move his arms and legs. Zan soothed him telling him he was practicing for when he would become a healer. Rath-Michael just nodded sleepily and Zan played with him as his sister did. The boy winced and moaned and tried to writhe away from Zan’s hands. He buried his face in the pillow and his hands clutched the sheet.
Zan had his cousin in what looked like a small pool, washing him. “You see? I can heal you…I’m going to be a great healer.” The younger boy just nodded still wincing.

Rath-Michael was lying naked on his bed with Zan kneeling between his thighs fully dressed but with his pants open at the front. He pulled the boy’s hips up to him. “This will be better than Vilandra, you’ll see.” Zan said. He penetrated him as Rath-Michael’s eyes shut tight and he bit his lip, his hands clutched the sides of the bed. Zan humped him about five times and sighed. Rath-Michael scoffed wincing. “At least Vilandra’s finger doesn’t go limp.” “Shut up! It’s my first time! And you’re right! Fingers don’t go limp!” His hand disappeared between the boy’s thighs and Rath-Michael gasped and sobbed into the pillow.

Rath-Michael was carried over the black man’s shoulder with Zan walking beside them into a room with a table and a long stool. The slave deposited the half asleep child on the stool and instead of sitting he stretched out burying his face in his arms. Zan was frowning down at him because there was hardly any room for him to sit. A tall thin elderly man put his hand on the boy’s shoulder and shook him gently, smiling. “Rath-Michael, wake up, you have a lot to learn, please, sit up so Zan can sit beside you.” “I don’t want to be here, I want to be with my father!” The boy moaned back sleepily. “He wants you to be here, he wants me to teach you what you will need to be a good king.” The man was coaxing him patiently, pushing his hands under the boy’s chest and gently helping him up. The boy slumped over the table and went on snoozing. The man shook his head and looked dismayed.
Lord Ramthis had his son over his lap and was spanking him hard, his face red with anger, the king, queen and their two children sat at the table watching. The king looked very serious, Zan was grinning, but the queen and Vilandra were holding each other’s hands and looked distressed, totally disapproving it but having no right to interfere. Ramthis was his father, and could punish him the way he saw fit. Rath-Michael gasped and moaned but didn’t protest.

- The problems began when Rath-Michael was five years old and was expected to attend the classroom along with Zan as his future advisor. Zan, of course, had been taken the teachings since he was five from his father, who didn’t want his son to lose three years plus until the Royal Heir turned five. The king could indulge his son, but couldn’t be a teacher, so when Rath-Michael turned five, the task was taken on by the king’s father, his own teacher, as the advisor to the previous king, with whom he had been trained by his own father, as was the custom. Rath-Michael rebelled against the teachings and kept running away and riding to the barracks, where he would defy his father and get spanked in front of the army as punishment. His father did it to shame him, but it backfired, because the boy took it to prove his father he was tougher than him. - Serena told them.

Lord Ramthis was standing in a strange shady room with his son in front of a group of ancient looking men in robes. He looked furious, his mouth set in a straight line. The men were nodding and frowning as the warlord and his son turned and left.

King Zeolan with Zan were in a small room sitting in front of each other. The king was smiling from ear to ear just as his son. “If Rath-Michael keeps this up, I can assure you we will stay in the throne.” “My stupid sister is doing a great job and she doesn’t even know it!” Zan giggled but stopped when he saw the stern look his father gave him.

Rath-Michael walked into their bedroom and dropped on the bed. Vilandra came in after him and with a wave of her hand, she made his shirt, riding pants and boots disappear. She sat on the bed by him and started massaging his back. The boy had red welts from the small of his back all the way down to his thighs. “Your father is a beast!” Vilandra exclaimed. “No, he’s making me tough, that’s what I need.” He answered while Zan stood at the door and grinned. “What did he do to you?” Asked Vilandra. “He spanked me.” “And what else? Those welts are not from his hand!” “It was the riding crop, I deserved it, I answered back in front of the soldiers.” “What are you waiting for, you idiot, call the healers!” She snapped at her brother without turning. “They’re here, waiting for you to shut up and get out of the way!” Zan snapped back.
The healers worked with Zan, showing him the techniques and letting him practice in a couple of welts, satisfied with his obvious skills. They were his teachers on that subject, and he was proving to be an apt student with the constant practice he got with Rath-Michael’s knack for getting hurt.

- Unfortunately in Rath-Michael’s case, there was no possibility of having a healer of his Royal status, like the previous generations, so although his hurts could be effectively healed, there was nothing they could do about the pain, which took the normal healing cycle to go away. Rath-Michael had the typical “accident prone” syndrome. He enjoyed the extra attention he got when he was hurt, keeping Vilandra by his side all the time, and even Zan, cause that was the only occasions she would tolerate her brother, because of his skills. - Serena went on.

They then watched the severe training Rath-Michael went through since he turned seven and the elders had to accept momentarily, his decision to inherit the army instead of the throne. Since he trained like a soldier, his father treated him as one despite the fact he was only seven. It was his decision and his father did everything he could to make him back down. The only one who received punishments was him.

- The soldiers were scared to death of the warlord, and to be banished from the army was the worst dishonour which not one of them was willing to risk.- Serena said.

They saw how the spankings kept happening at home, but at the barracks, he was bent over a barrel and lashed with the thin riding crop his father had for show.

- He never used on his beloved horses. He saved it for his insolent son who gave him reasons to wield it at least three times a week. Rath-Michael was not afraid of his father, in spite of all he had to take from him, he would openly criticize his strategies and take it unto himself to prove himself right and be lashed for his impudence. Secretly, Lord Ramthis was impressed by the child and absolutely proud to see he would accomplish everything he put his heart on, and would surpass him by far. The boy was fearless, something he wished he had been, his son was a born leader, he had all it took to be one. This went on for the long seven years until his final word when he turned fourteen and was ready for his first battle. He had two more years after that to change his mind, but it would never happen. During that time, Rath-Michael had severe fevers and had to stay in bed for a week, because although his flesh was healed, the pain of the punishments kept overlapping the ones of the previous ones. About every three months, he would go on overload from the excessive suffering to his young body and it took him a whole week to get back on track. - Serena narrated.

The meetings with the different governors of the other planets began to get somewhat difficult because of the king’s attitude. Lord Ramthis reminded him he was not only the warlord but his advisor too, and if he simply kept ignoring his recommendations, he was leading them straight to disaster. Zeolan had just made an enemy of the governor of Sero, who was an ally and gave them the advantage over the enemy who were only allied to Hanar. Now Antar only had one ally : Kathana, and were at a disadvantage with three planets against them. Lord Ramthis was furious and after calling the king a complete fool, thundered out of the room. The king was livid with fury because he knew Ramthis was right. That meant that the attacks could begin any minute. He marched to his bedroom slamming the door, and when his wife innocently asked him what had happened, he took it out on her, screaming at her he needed his family on his side, not against him. When she asked him what he was talking about, he yelled that she preferred Rath-Michael to her own son, just because of his Royal blood, and was pimping her daughter to him when poor Zan was doing his best to…the queen interrupted him saying she knew their son was sexually harassing their nephew and the king raised his hand and was just about to slap her when the door opened and Vilandra told them with reddened eyes that they could hear them all the way to their bedrooms and what was the matter. The king ignored him and Rath-Michael rushed by Vilandra and stood in front of the queen, daring the king to hit him. The king was flushed red, specially when he saw a pale Zan standing by the door, paralyzed with fear at what his father had just been about to do, and wishing he had the guts to do what Rath-Michael had just done for their mother. The king’s fury turned to shame, and he disappeared into the bathroom slamming the door behind him.

Vilandra started going with her mother every afternoon to these sessions with the only three female elders, who were in charge of guiding her on her coming of age when she turned thirteen in about three months. Rath-Michael knew it would be her right to take a lover, and she had already told him she would wait for him. But two years was too much for Rath-Michael and he went to the scientists for help. They checked him out and said his body was fit for the treatment that would even him up with Vilandra. All he needed was a hormone boost to catch up with his size. They gave him three injections a week for the next three months and by them they assured him he was as fit as she would be. Now he needed the experience he wasn’t getting from Zan, who just thought of himself, rammed, humped and came, and Rath-Michael’s instincts were telling him that wouldn’t do.
He went to the black stable slave, whom he trusted and had him show him on his body, how and what he had to do to please Vilandra, so she wouldn’t need to postpone her ceremony for him. During the last week, when Vilandra’s sessions were in the evening, he went to the stables and submitted to his own training in the matter. Zan watched through a small window, the whole ordeal from the first time, hidden outside the slave’s room. The next day, Vilandra was away since very early until she would be presented as a woman during supper that evening. As soon as he woke up, Rath-Michael went to the stables, and left with the slave. His father and the king had an important meeting with some visitor from one of the planets who was their ally and the man would not be missed. Zan watched him, with helpless jealous, from the window of the classroom. They took the largest of the horses and rode him double, ending having sex on it with the boy lying low on the animal’s neck and the black slave taking him from behind.

Serena noticed Kyle was quite agitated during the scene, and she immediately knew a similar act had occurred between him and Michael. She smiled to herself and went on.

After having lunch alone, the two boys went together at Zan’s insistence, to have some fun, and ended at the back of the brothel. Rath-Michael got bored and decided to leave which made Zan clumsy and they were almost discovered. Rath-Michael got hurt in the getaway and ended rescued by the black slave and back in his bedroom. The healers explained to Zan why he hadn’t been able to heal him, and they were left alone to make their connection.

Chapter 184


Rath-Michael was suffering terrible pain from a badly torn thigh. Zan’s powers chose to fail when his cousin was ducking under the barbed back fence of the brothel in their hasty get away, and Zan was in a hurry not to be seen, so he was clumsy. The healers had already offended Zan by exposing his virginity, where women were concerned, which was the only one that counted for them, so he was furious. He was not going to take their stupid advice to use his hands on anywhere in his cousin’s body to make the healing connection. He was going for the kill : he would join with him where he bloody well wanted to and hoped he gave those retards the shock of their life. He knew his father would totally be with him, he didn’t care much what his mother thought. He had heard quite clearly when his father said she preferred Rath-Michael to him, and he believed him, so let her be shocked too, he couldn’t care less. And his sister! She would throw a Royal fit! Of course she already considered herself a Royal, with Rath-Michael all her own. Well, I got news, sister, he’s been mine first, and now, he’ll be mine for as long as he lives, cause I’ll be the only one to be able to heal him, so how do you like it?”

His thoughts were in the minds of Serena’s group, making them all turn to Max who was so focused on the scene before his eyes, that he was completely unaware of their grossed out looks. To their surprise, so was Michael.

Zan ran his hands down the hurt boy’s arms and legs to immobilize them, which he knew, worked perfectly well for him, and positioned him as he wanted him. He willed his precum to flow for lubrication, which he had already mastered too, and spreading the firm globes under his hands, he rammed as he usually did. Rath-Michael braced himself for Zan’s fast culmination but Zan had higher goals this time. “I’m sure you love our healing connection, dear cousin, you better, because it can’t be changed.” He chuckled and watched the boy shudder. “You may as well learn to enjoy it as you have with your black slave, cause he’s given me one hell of a lesson too, and I only needed to watch you two together. So now I can fuck you as good as he does!” And Rath-Michael had to admit he was passing the test. Zan had him gasping and hissing, whimpering and begging him not to stop, while Zan chuckled and gave it to him cruel and hard . Once he had the boy coming, he filled him, and proceeded to heal him just as effectively as was expected. They had one hell of an aftermath together, longer that they had ever had, thanks to Zan’s new technique and experience, and then, totally satisfied and sure of himself, he opened the door to be evaluated by his now obsolete teachers. He gloated at the disgust on their faces and the pride on his father’s. Vilandra was a different story. She burst into the room with her mother, and had to keep it down for her sake, but once the queen left them alone, Zan started losing ground and just wanted to be swallowed by the spot he was standing on. He was sure she would rip his head off his neck, and when she locked her murderous eyes on him, that was all it took for his terror to have him on his knees blubbering like an idiot. He was spilling it all, including the incident with the black slave Geehan, which he had planned to keep as an Ace up his sleeve. When it was all out of the bag, he was surprised to see Vilandra seeming to take a bow, but by the time he realized what she was really doing, she had her shoes in her hands. He turned to flee but his sister managed, with amazing speed and aim, to impact his head both times before she had him screaming his way out of the room. She did a lot of the screaming herself, before she turned to the amused and sore Rath-Michael to show him her admiration for all he had gone through for her. They knew Zan was watching them through his stupid peep holes he thought no one had noticed and she could almost see him drooling and jacking his prick off. That damn kid kept mooning him and driving him out of his mind. “Just wait.” Zan promised him, “I’ll make you pay!”
But that was easier said than done, as now that Vilandra knew where Zan stood with the healing, she would be present everytime Rath-Michael needed him, to make sure he wouldn’t take advantage of it.

After several months of political conflicts, Khivar, who had taken over Larek, set him free and allowed him to return to his father’s planet. Now that Larek was released and confessed he had been very well treated and lacked nothing during his captivity, Hanar made his peace with Antar, paying king Zeolan and Warlord Ramthis a surprise visit. They understood his forced opposition because of the situation with his son, and now he was struggling with a planet with a majority of Khivar’s followers. His son Larek was doing his best to try to win them back and was in dire need of help. Zan said it might be a good idea to pay them a visit and reach out to the next generation. Lord Ramthis and Hanar didn’t think it was such a good idea but Zan insisted, being his idea, and of course his father consented. “Rath-Michael will come with me as my protector. He says he’s better than any soldier in my uncle’s army.” Hanar shook his head. “My lord Zan, the situation in my planet is totally different than the peaceful life you are used to, here in Antar, I wouldn’t recommend…” “I agree, it makes no sense to send children to an unsafe environment.” Ramthis interrupted, agreeing with Hanar’s sensible advice. “I am not a child, and I have made my decision, Rath-Michael can stay if he’s afraid to go.” Rath-Michael smirked. “If I don’t go, you don’t go. You can’t go without protection, and you’ve just named me your protector, think before you speak, cousin.” “It’s a good idea, well thought, I approve.” The king nodded, and the warlord seethed, knowing there was no way he could make his son stay behind and label him a coward. Hanar sighed, thinking the problems ahead when the king’s brat came of age. Rath-Michael’s choice was well known all through the planets, and was one of the reasons for the rebellion. They knew his mind was set. “Allow me a week to make the arrangements before Lords Zan and Rath-Michael come over. We’ll be in touch.” Hanar bowed his head and put an end to his visit. King Zeolan and Zan were all smiles, but Lord Ramthis was frowning, and Rath-Michael just smirked, which could mean anything at all. As they left the castle, the warlord turned to his son. “Zan has no idea what he is getting both of you into.” “They’ll fry him, that’s why I must go. It’s not so much for him, it’s for Vilandra and my aunt.” “It is for him too, remember he is your healer.”
“Yes, I know, thanks for reminding me.” The boy scoffed and they left for the barracks.

They watched Zan and Rath-Michael board the Royal transporter with a pilot and a guard for each boy. Vilandra stared at her brother, murder in her eyes. It would have been great to sent the idiot alone in the hope he would not return, but he had to involve her love. Damn him! Vilandra thought and blanked her mind of anything negative to send Rath-Michael one of her sweetest smiles. The boy rushed back and kissed her, as she gave him a tight hug before she let him go. She watched wistfully as the craft swiftly disappeared in the horizon. Zan sat at the far back of the ship, not to get nauseous with the notion of speed made obvious by the view from the cockpit. Rath-Michael on the contrary, took his place by the pilot, learning the mechanics immediately, and taking supervised control during the short flight. Hanar was just the next planet.
As they neared the citadel, they got in touch with the planet and the command of the ship was taken over by the land authorities to master the landing, a usual courtesy in the five planets. The pilot was surprised when they overflew the appointed landing place and continued a few miles into open land. He turned to Rath-Michael and knew he had been on to it as soon as he had. “Zan, come here, and please! Keep calm, alright?” Zan ran towards them, forgetting his nausea in his fright. They saw a crowd of armed soldiers waiting for the landing, and Zan started to shake rather badly, his eyes wide open. Rath-Michael scoffed and snatched the communicator from Zan’s trembling hands. “Attention Antar, unexpected situation, need assistance immediately.” “Rescue ready to leave, use shield the second the hatch is opened. That enables the activation. Keep in touch to negotiate.” “Right.” Rath-Michael hid the communicator with a wave of his hand. Only he could bring it back. They were in their hands until the power of the ship was restored to them. Rath-Michael arched his eyebrows at the pilot and he nodded back. The ship touched down and the hatch was activated from outside, yielding the control back to them. The pilot activated the shield right away but the leader and two guards were already inside, another guard ducked under the lowering shield and a fourth crawled just in time. The pilot and the two Antares guards took out their weapons, and Rath-Michael snatched out his invisible sword which was strapped to his thigh. It materialized in his hand as he pushed Zan behind him. The younger boy was an inch taller and much broader, so the king’s son stayed out of sight. The leader stood aside, watching his soldiers do the fighting, and his eyes popped out as the young boy slashed his attacker’s throat in a fraction of a second. How exactly did it happen, the leader couldn’t tell because the soldier had covered the boy’s actions. Then, shoving Zan aside, Rath-Michael got him crouching under the ship’s control panel. Then he went to the pilot’s help. The man was no fighter and he had been gashed on the forehead. Rath-Michael pushed him down to squat before his enemy and cut the soldier’s throat rising over the pilot’s head. The man didn’t know what had happened to him. The leader was furious, a child had just taken down his two best elite guards. He sprang towards the boy, shouting with anger, and Rath-Michael’s sword stopped the man’s easily. He had seen the boy cut two throats and he was busy protecting his, when his soldiers disposed of the two Antares guards just like the boy had done his. They turned on the boy and they were about to stab him in the back when the leader stopped them with a shout. One froze, but the other one had been faster and had slashed the boy a slanting one from the middle of the small of his back, downwards and outwards as far down as his hip, as he tried to stop the stroke to obey his master. The boy fell forwards, gritting his teeth, and the leader gestured with his head to the other boy hiding under the panel. “Shield!” Grunted the fallen boy, and Zan obeyed automatically, thankful he had mastered the shield that had been given to him by the Granilith a week ago for this trip. Before they were even near him, the greenish shield had covered him completely. Zan stupidly screamed “Rath-Michael!” as the shield was covering him, giving away his identity. The leader chuckled. “So it’s true! This is Warlord Ramthis’ son! He’s better even than the father! Did you see him take my elites? And they were my two best! Damn child!” The two guards left looked at each other, obviously offended at not being considered as good as their dead comrades. “Well, I need him.” He knelt by Rath-Michael and ran his hand over the bleeding wound, with no results. “I can’t heal him!” He exclaimed unbelieving. Zan watched his cousin wincing and bleeding and decided he couldn’t lose him no matter how much he envied him. The sexual pull was too strong. “I’m his healer…” He said in a shaky voice. “Heal him them!” Zan knelt opposite the man and stretched his hand to place it on the cut flesh. The shield allowed just his hand to cover the damaged area and the wound was gone. “You are the usurper’s son!” “My father is the King!” Zan’s anger overruled his fear. “Show yourself!” Zan made the shield crystal clear and went livid with fury when the man broke out laughing. “He’s a slug! Look at him! Do you eat at all?” The man went on laughing good naturedly, no offense meant but a lot taken. “Don’t worry, we’ll feed you right, maybe you can look at least normal when we connect you to your father!” He turned to the wincing boy on the floor and slid his hand under his chest, helping him up. “Why don’t you join us? You’ll be my elite right away.” I am my father’s second!” “No doubts about that, but we’re too many. Three planets against two? Not a chance! Half Kathana’s ours already. Want to be a winner?” “I was born a winner! I don’t need you, I’m a Royal!” “Well, your healer sucks, you’re still hurting.” “He doesn’t have my blood. You couldn’t even heal me!” The man looked at the Royal boy with a mixture of admiration and hate. The leader turned to look at his guards who sat the pilot at the panel and ordered him to fly it where they would tell him.
“Forgot the shield? We’re not going anywhere until the Royal army flies in. Anytime now.” “Kill him!” Shouted the leader, but Rath-Michael yelled at Zan who was standing by the pilot and he whisked him into his shield. “Neat!” Rath-Michael smirked. The leader walked up to the boy and smiled as he gestured to his guards with his head. “This feisty one needs a lesson! Now!” The guards grabbed Rath-Michael’s arms and tied them behind his back. The boy held the leader’s eyes fearlessly making him even angrier. “I have my powers too!” the man grimaced and turned the pilot’s seat into a stool long enough to bend the boy over it. The guards knelt at either side of him wrapping their arms against his legs, holding them against their bodies, and keep him still. Zan watched his cousin savagely gang raped by the three men, and he couldn’t help grinning. He was sure he could have easily got to him and shielded him in at least three occasions, and he was glad he hadn’t. He remembered his promise to make him pay, and he was keeping it now without moving a finger. Vilandra would not be able to blame him, and that was the best part. He had to admit Rath-Michael was taking it just as expected. He could see his muscles protesting though, but he knew the tough boy would not give them the pleasure of hearing him scream. A hiss, a gasp and a grunt was all they were getting out of him.
The voice of the Antares Warlord boomed over the enemy's waiting connection. “We are ready to bargain! What do you want to free our people?” “You will have to wait!” The leader panted. “No interruptions now! I’m so far up your son’s ass that I’m giving him a stomach ache! And my two guards are waiting in line! Oh, and I’m having second helpings as soon as they’re over!” He cut off the connection. Of course the Antares could hear what was going on inside the captured ship because of the communicator Rath-Michael had hidden, which the enemy knew nothing about, putting them at a disadvantage when they had cut themselves off from what was going on outside the craft. Zan and the pilot were too far from the control panel to lift the shield but they had to wait to make sure it was safe to do so. The fact that Lord Ramthis had communicated with the leader with them, didn’t mean he wasn’t doing it from his craft, and the enemy was still surrounding them on land. They had seen a good number of them before landing and probably a fierce battle was going on outside. The shield was covering their view and they had no way no way of knowing what action to take until they had a clear sign. Their active communicator had an alarm system that could be activated from a sister ship, so that would be their signal. Rath-Michael had just braved the second guard and the leader was up to the hilt in him again when the signal took them all by surprise. The three enemies looked immediately towards the door, giving Zan and the pilot time enough to dash for the panel and lift the shield. When the leader realized what had happened, he pulled roughly out of the boy, and dragged his two guards with him trying to secure the hatch. Rath-Michael raised his hand and sent it flying outwards, leaving them at the mercy of the Antares triumphant army. The leader pushed his guards towards Rath-Michael screaming : “Kill him!” Just as Zan pulled his cousin into his shield. Lord Ramthis and his five elite guards burst into the ship and easily overpowered the three enemies, dragging them away. Zan had healed Rath-Michael during the scuffle and was holding him up with the pilot’s help the best they could. He simply couldn’t meet his uncle’s eyes, and looked down at the floor. It was the last time his father would back up any of his ideas.

Chapter 185


“You can turn your shield off, Zan.” The warlord ordered his nephew, who obeyed immediately. Then he faced his son. He could see the boy was trying not to wince, but Ramthis knew him too well, and he could tell he was hurting bad. “What did they do to you?” “I’m fine.” “That’s not what I asked you.” “They hurt me but Zan healed me. I’m fine now.” “Zan?” “It’s true, uncle.” Zan wanted Rath-Michael on his side for obvious reasons and if he didn’t want to give his father a detailed account, Zan trusted he knew what he was doing. Still, he wanted no problems with his powerful uncle. They needed the army and the Royals on their side. Ramthis nodded. He knew that was all he would get, so he let it go. “I’m taking you home.” He led them to his much larger ship, surreptitiously checking out his son’s progress, but the boy was managing fairly well on his own. Once inside, Rath-Michael headed for the back, to the private cubicles with litters. He slumped on one of them and Zan sat on the other opposite him. Zan knew his cousin had to be in a great deal of pain, the men had been quite brutal, and now he honestly felt bad for not having helped him when he could, specially after Rath-Michael had kept him safe behind him. He went to sit beside him, rubbing his back as he held his hand. Zan leant over and kissed the corner of his mouth. “Thank you.” He whispered and Rath-Michael smirked.
Zan used his healing powers to put him to sleep. Though it was troubled and restless, at least he was clutching Zan’s hand tight while he slept. On their arrival, The black slave Geehan was waiting to carry the boy over his shoulder as he usually did, all the way to his bedroom. When Rath-Michael didn’t protest, Zan knew he must be hurting real bad. Vilandra was beside herself with worry, but her mother kept her in their bedroom until he arrived. The slave carefully placed him on the bed, still clinging to Zan’s hand. Vilandra’s eyes noticed the contact and stared at her brother expecting a satisfying answer, but Zan looked away still feeling guilty by the way his definitely stupid idea had turned out. At least some kind of understanding had occurred between the boys. Vilandra eased Rath-Michael’s hand from Zan’s to her own, and sent her brother away with one of her intimidating looks. Zan truly wanted to stay with his cousin, but played it safe and left.

Hanar and his son Larek paid them another surprise visit late one night. Hanar told the king worriedly that he was losing control of his planet and his people, but there were no aggressions, it was in a very peaceful and diplomatic level. That had him even more confused. And as far as he knew, it was the same in the other planets. Nothing was out in the open. Even Kiraiven played to perfection the innocent bystander, `just going along with his people’s decisions´, so he said. Still, Ramthis’ spies kept him well informed of the undefined enemy incursions in the distant villages of Antar, where they came with a fairly large army to try to force them into submission. Ramthis would immediately march over with his men and engage them in victorious battles, driving them away. But at the most once a month, he had to face these armies which were made of soldiers from the other four planets. Their leaders were always obscure and unknown, so the mastermind behind the whole uprisal, was either a very well kept secret or they were truly ignorant of his identity. The governor left right after he made his point, still at night, apologizing for the uncomfortable situation, and assuring Zeolan and Ramthis that he would always be on their side, as would his son Larek. Zan was summoned to these unusual meetings, as part of his training for advisor, `or king,´ as his father secretly hoped. Rath-Michael was fast asleep in Vilandra’s arms, but his instincts for reading out the enemy and finding the way to defeat them, were unfailing and accurate. He didn’t need to attend a classroom to know what to do. He had been born with the knowledge, that’s what made him so special. There was no enemy capable to match his skills.

By the time Rath-Michael turned fourteen, war was a way of life in Antar, never too near, but still on the civilized side of the planet, close enough to the citadel. Rath-Michael itched to go with his father and had to stay behind, sullen and frustrated, under the calming influence of Vilandra which sometimes was not enough and he turned to Zan, only when her mother needed her as company. She had to accept he sometimes needed male company too, not very convinced her brother was the best choice.

Once again he was taken before the elders, at the shrine of the Granilith, to make his final decision to embrace the army and decline the throne. Having no other Royal, Zan, the present king’s son, was the only choice, being trained for the advisory, just as a future king was. Rath-Michael would be the warlord and advisor, as his father before him. There were still the two years ahead for any change of heart, and the people put their hopes there. They also hoped Rath-Michael and Vilandra had many Royal children to continue the blood line and give them true Royal kings. Rath-Michael was now eligible for the next battle, so he was given the choice of sharing the protection of his father’s shield, or an armour with the protection of the Granilith. Rath-Michael chose the second one. He decided a transparent one would be more intimidating, showing his lack of fear for the enemy, but of course, it would need a genital cover for the sake of decency. The incursion at the Royal armourer was turned into a near sexual encounter by the boys, as Zan took literally the discreet and nervous request of the tailor that he needed Rath-Michael in a state of arousal for the measurements of the restraining sheath to be exact. Zan slapped Rath-Michael’s ass and had him bending over just enough, bracing his hands on his thighs as he used his saliva to finger fuck him until he was fully erect, as the small man stood beside him and watched open mouthed. No sooner had the man finished measuring him when, guessing their plight, he took them to a back room and they went right ahead, knowing the man was watching them and not caring at all. Then that afternoon, Rath-Michael rode to the shrine three times with his three horses, to have them blessed and made completely invulnerable to any weapon and untouchable by anything harmful whatsoever, just as his father’s horses were too. This blessing was specially for steeds, it couldn’t include the rider. That was his armour’s task, though it had its flaws, but it definitely prevented poison of any kind to go past it and enter his body.
Finally, on the day they were leaving for the battle, when Vilandra saw Rath-Michael in his armour, she almost pounced on him and kept him from leaving. Their goodbye kiss would be commented all through the citadel until well after the next one. She was eating him up with her eyes until he disappeared from her sight in the distance.
The sun was rising in the sky and Rath-Michael still looked half asleep. Ramthis decided the best way to wake him up completely was to go over the strategy they had come up with, and practiced until Rath-Michael could do it with his eyes closed. Then, since the march to meet the enemy would take at least three hours, Rath-Michael and Ramthis had a father-son chat.

- Does it feel bad to kill a man? - Rath-Michael asked.

- They will kill you without giving it a thought. - Ramthis assured him.

- They’re also fighting for what they believe in. - The boy insisted.

- So are we. Any doubts? You’re still in time to turn back. - Ramthis meant it.

- Nah…just wondering. I know what pain is like, and I’d hate to cause that to anyone. - His son frowned.

- No problem. The Royal Antares move is so fast, the man won’t know what hit him. Just do it right and there will be no time for pain. -

Rath-Michael nodded, smirking.

The sun was making the boy’s hair shine with the bright gold streaks it was giving it. His helmet was hanging down his back, impossible to wear it in this heat. He was the only one without one on his head and he couldn’t understand how they could take it.
They arrived at the plain where the battle would take place, and they only waited about fifteen minutes before the enemy appeared in the distance.

- Put on your helmet, we are marching on. - Ramthis ordered and scoffed when the boy shrugged and disobeyed, nudging his horse on.

They marched until they were a hundred yards away from the enemy lines.

- PUT IT ON! - Roared Ramthis and Rath-Michael smirked and obeyed.

- ADVANCE! - Ramthis raised his sword and Rath-Michael did so too.

They took off at a trot as the soldiers jogged along with the two horses.

Rath-Michael decided his first battle had to be remembered by everyone and planned to make it so. He had a secret move that not even his father knew about. When they were almost a dozen yards away, Ramthis, according to his custom, leapt off his horse, and pointed his sword forwards. To everyone’s surprise, specially the warlord’s, his son turned to look behind him and pointed his sword in that direction smirking.

To Serena’s and everyone’s dismay, the sword was pointing at Michael. He reached out and seemed to touch the point, also smirking. Then he was gone. Maria screamed, followed by Isabel and Laurie with all the rest.

- MICHAEL! NOOO! -

But it was useless. He had merged with his other life, and they watched the warrior Rath-Michael blink as his clone was invited to share the experience. There was nothing they could do but watch, holding unto each other close together, their eyes popping out of their heads.

Rath-Michael turned and now pointed his sword forwards like his father and together they yelled : CHARGE! And the whole army took a running stride to meet the enemy. But Rath-Michael didn’t dismount. He charged taking off at full gallop, using his powers to fasten the reins to his wrists and change the shape of his body length shield to a half moon, with the crescent outwards and honed as sharp as his sword. The horse obeyed blindly, intoxicated with his young master’s courage, as it took the huge powerful animal about five or six strides at the most to reach the enemy’s disbelieving eyes, who thought it was an illusion created to intimidate them. As horse and rider reached the front line, they realized they were quite real, but it was too late. Rath-Michael stretched his sword to his right and his shield to his left and rode right over them, screaming like possessed, leaving uncountable headless bodies in his wake. When he cleared the last line, he swerved to his right and kept riding back to his own lines, taking the first three lines again by surprise as he came behind him at full speed. The next ones tried uselessly to get out of his way, as they turned to find him already upon them. When he was back with his own, he saw all the actions on both sides had stopped to watch him. He leapt off his horse by his open mouthed, wide eyed staring father, reshaped his shield to its original form and turning to the frozen enemy, shouted : CHARGE! Again and rushed to engage them in combat. His voice galvanized them into action and the battle began. After his fierce attack, those who faced him had terror in their eyes and it cost them their lives. The first man Rath-Michael took on foot, and the first one he actually felt he was killing, gave him an amazing rush of power. Just as he had mastered his secret moves with his father, he ducked, slashed the foot off at the ankle and turned his sword up to receive the falling man’s exposed throat. It was like slicing through butter, his blade was so sharp. The blood soaked his hand as he was being attacked again from both sides. He kept the one on the left at bay with his shield while he disposed of the other one and then turned and got rid of the one he was holding back, just the same. After that, he simply had no time to think at all. His Royal guard of three, fought one on his right, one on his left and the other one behind him, back to back. His father began to his right, totally shielded, with just the blade of his sword protruding from the green sheen. Wherever he turned, the enemy eluded him, knowing they were on the losing side with him, so he spent the battle supervising the action, walking safely all around the battlefield, rousing his army and coming to his men’s help when it was needed. At first, he stayed by Rath-Michael, until he saw he was doing fine. After checking out the whole battlefield, he returned to be near his son. He grimaced when he saw the boy take a sword slash in the hip towards the back, his third guard had drifted away and was fighting his way back to him. Rath-Michael turned and the man who had attacked him went down fast, and took another one and the next. Ramthis decided he was alright just as he was about to rush to him and pull him into his shield. He kept the boy within his sight, checking the action around him, when he saw him almost fall but recover and dispatch an enemy as his guards surrounded him. Ramthis approached him and saw one of his soldiers tugging at an arrow which had impacted into Rath-Michael’s inner thigh high up. It had probably bounced off a shield. He saw the boy’s muscles tight with the pain as he snapped at the man to pull the damn thing out of him. Ramthis covered them with his shield and Rath-Michael protested through gritted teeth.

- I don’t need this! - To his father. - Just pull it out, dammit! I’m wasting time! - To the soldier.

It was a Turian arrow, with three barbs, and it took Ramthis and the soldier a hard tug together to bring it out tearing the flesh and bathing the boy’s thigh with bright blood. Rath-Michael grunted and shuddered. Ramthis tore a thick strip of his tunic and tied it hard around Rath-Michael’s thigh, but it soaked through right away. Ramthis cut two more strips, bending one many times over and tying it in place with the other one. The pressure applied controlled the bleeding, and before Ramthis could stop him, Rath-Michael burst out of the shield and went on fighting. Ramthis saw he was limping, the cut in his hip was on the same side, bloody too, but not as bad as the thigh. They didn’t stop him from doing the job. The battle was over in less than two hours, the enemy decimated by Rath-Michael’s wild charge. What was left of their defeated army turned and fled. Ramthis got his men together, did a body count and left the designated guards to sent a transport for the dead. Rath-Michael tossed his helmet back and took a deep breath shaking out his hair and using his hands to rid it of the sweat with his powers.

- Let’s go home! - Rath-Michael sighed and whistled shrilly to hear the hooves approaching.

He heaved himself on the horse wincing as he swung his hurt leg over.

- Rath-Michael, you’re in no condition for riding, you stay and rest and I’ll send you a transport with Zan to heal you as soon as possible. - Ramthis ordered sensibly.

- I’m not dead or anywhere near. I’m riding home. - He turned his mount away and started walking.

Ramthis scoffed and walked beside him to get his horse and start marching home.
The ride back was taking its toll on the stubborn boy who was suffering the most torturous agony as each of the horse’s strides rubbed mercilessly against his wounded thigh. A little over halfway back, Rath-Michael slumped over the horse’s neck, wrapping his arms around it and moaning.
Ramthis pulled close to him from his left and called to their guards for help. The warlord slid his arms around the boy’s back and with the help of the guards, eased him over his horse, jackknifed across it in front of him. That way, the boy’s hurt side was away from him and spared from unnecessary pain. Both the thigh and the hip were soaked in blood, and as he held him by the good thigh and his lower back, he felt the boy burning with fever. The boy was conscious, but wracked with pain.

- Let me know when the citadel is in sight. - He rasped.

- I will, just rest. - Ramthis reassured him.

The warlord waited until he considered they were getting in the citadel’s range of sight, and squeezed his son’s thigh.

- We’re close enough. - He informed the boy.

- Guard! My horse! - The man immediately obeyed.

- Rath-Michael, you don’t need this! - Ramthis disagreed.

- I’m riding in. That’s final! - Rath-Michael was adamant.

Ramthis shook his head and ordered the Royal guard to walk the horse as close as possible. Then Rath-Michael making an extreme effort, with his father’s and the guard’s help, eased himself back on his horse. Ramthis couldn’t understand how he was able to stay on, quite straight, until he rode into the citadel As they approached the gates, they were received by the people chanting his name. The preceding messenger had got the word around of Rath-Michael’s feat of courage and he was received as a hero. He sent Vilandra a kiss before he dismounted and held on to the horse’s back. Then Geehan was behind him and he slumped into his arms. The black slave expertly maneuvered the boy over his shoulder and carried him to the healing room which opened to the yard. Zan was standing at the door, ready for him with the castle’s healers, who were his teachers. Once the slave placed him on the healing table, Zan took a look at the wounds and decided they were not life threatening and he could cope with them without the need of the healers, so he dismissed them. They refused to leave and stood back, just in case. Zan waved away the armour and made the connection as Rath-Michael shuddered and whimpered in pain. When he drove the final inch into him, the boy writhed adding to Zan’s pleasure. Zan healed him effectively and handed him over to Vilandra, who took him in her arms and rushed him to their room. As Rath-Michael lay on the bed and fell asleep, Michael slumped on the floor in front of Serena and his friends.

Chapter 186


- Oh my god! Michael! - Maria screamed and rushed to him, while they all crouched around him.

Maria wrapped her arms around him and Isabel, Liz and Laurie pounced on him from all directions. Michael moaned and squirmed under them.

- Sorry, sorry…- They apologized and moved back from him. Michael looked over his shoulder and saw Serena, Max, Kyle and Stuart staring at him looking scared.

He slowly pushed up from the floor and the girls helped him up.

- Michael, why did you do that? - Serena was outraged.

- I couldn’t refuse, I just needed to be there, to be myself again. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.

Warlord Ramthis’ voice interrupted them and they concentrated on the castle in front of them. Vilandra sat on the bed by Rath-Michael, kissing his cheek as he woke up. His father’s hand was warm in the middle of his back.

- When you plan to pull a stunt like that, at least let me know! - He protested.

- But you say that the element of surprise is half the battle won! - He stretched luxuriously in the large bed and rolled over on his side to face him.

- You sure scared the crap out of the enemy and of ourselves too. Where did that come from? - He knew he would never have thought of doing that.

- I don’t know, I just did, it was as if I had split in two, and one part told the other to do it, and the other agreed. So I went for it. I didn’t mean to scare you, but I sure scared them. - Rath-Michael smirked, satisfied.

- So I have one dare-devil of a cousin, huh? And just a baby! - Zan was grinning at the door, and even Vilandra grinned back at him.

- C’mon Zan, you’re just three years older! - He told him.

- And three months…- Zan reminded him.

- I’m a soldier Zan. I’ll do what I need to. -

- Well, I’m glad you’re on our side. -

The king and queen arrived at that moment, and walked up to the bed.

- Thank you, son. - The king placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

- Your mother would be as proud of you as I am. - The queen said and kissed his cheek, tousling his hair.

- I’m hungry. - Rath-Michael said and got them all laughing.

Vilandra rushed to wave her hand over him as he got up to cover his nakedness with some snug fitting shorts, which were just as indecent,
but nobody seemed to mind. The three youngsters walked hand in hand with the young warrior in the middle and for once seemed to be getting along. The king was specially glad to see his son was not making a fool of himself


- So your spies have detected no enemy activity whatsoever these last two months? What do you think is going on? - The king asked.

- Wish I knew, we’ll just have to wait. - Ramthis said.

- Guess that wild son of yours did scare the crap out of them, but still I don’t think they will desist in their attacks. They must be up to something, and as you say, time will tell. - The king chuckled.

A messenger came barging into the room, dirty and visibly tired.

- My apologies, my lord, but it is urgent! - He dropped to one knee in front of Ramthis and the king looked irked and the preference. As he looked up, Ramthis gestured with his head towards the king. The man went red.

- I am very sorry, your Highness, I…- He stuttered embarrassed, turning to the king.

- Go on man, don’t lose time. - The king interrupted him.

- We discovered quite by accident a secluded training camp in an uninhabited deserted area behind the flat mountains. Transports keep bringing troops every night, but they are only visible when they land. -

- Khivar. His scientists have been working on that. As far as I know, they still can’t master it on people, but they seem to have done so with their crafts, no wonder we haven’t detected them. The spell probably can only last long enough for the trip. Dammit! How large is the army? - Ramthis demanded.

- Still not twice as large as ours, but getting there. -

- We’re ready for them. We march tomorrow. We better take transports to cover the distance faster, before more soldiers arrive. How often are they landing? - The warlord sounded worried.

- Twice a week. Another should be arriving in three days, just before midnight. -

- They’ll be too late! - Ramthis exploded and simply left the room with the messenger leaving the king without even asking if he agreed.

Rath-Michael arrived at the citadel with Vilandra riding behind him to find his father looking grim as he waited for him at the stables.

- We`re marching tomorrow night on a surprise skirmish. - He announced.

- Where are they? - Rath-Michael inquired.

- Behind the flat mountains. We’ll arrive at 5pm, still daylight, to check out the place and sleep at the top of the mountains far back so they won’t see us.. We’ll surprise them at dawn.There’s a path that leads between the mountains wide enough for ten men and a smaller one to the left too narrow, for two men at the most. We’ll use the large one.They are winding so they’re not visible to them. If we’re fast, we’ll be out in ten to fifteen minutes tops. The messenger has mapped out the place for us. He should have eaten by now and rested enough to brief us. C’mon. -

They spent some time checking out the map and found out there was a long improvised barrack on the north side, so the big path was right behind them. It only had windows in the front. The Antares army would be right behind them so they wouldn’t be seen until it was too late. They only needed one man on the lookout to make sure they were all out. According to the messenger, there were no watchmen at night, no need, as they were sure nobody knew where they were. They had arrived by aircraft and would leave the same way as they knew of no other way out, or in, of course.They came out and formed for inspection and instructions at 6am sharp, in front of the barrack, already armed, so that’s when they would pounce on them. They would come through the path at 5:30 so that by the time they came out, they would be ready for them, coming from around the barrack on both sides. Rath-Michael decided he would be the lookout staying low at the narrow path, which was much lower, practically at ground level, where he could overlook the front of the barrack. He would come thundering down when they were all out and ready to be attacked. He would be the signal and lead the attack on the left side. Lord Ramthis would lead the one on the right. The area was completely surrounded by hills, and it wasn’t that big, so they had nowhere to run, it was a deathtrap.

That night, Vilandra allowed Zan to stay with them when he came into the room almost at midnight. They had had sex for about two hours and Rath-Michael was fast asleep. She knew he needed to be rested for the hard training he would have next day to be ready for the coming battle, so she wasn’t expecting more action that night. She also knew Zan had been watching them, that’s why he came when he was sure they had finished and Rath-Michael was sleeping. He suspected Vilandra would let him be for the rest of the night. He just stood there by the door, silently begging for her permission, so she rolled her eyes and waved him over.

- He needs to sleep, ok? So behave or you’re out of here! - She was quite bossy as usual, but this time she was right.

Rath-Michael was half over her, and sideways enough for Zan to spoon against part of his back and part of his side. He purred into Vilandra’s breast, her nipple still in his parted lips, and pushed his ass back against Zan. The older boy shoved his knee high up between the younger’s thighs, nudging and teasing. Rath-Michael hissed and squeezed it, squirming and rubbing against it.

- What did I tell you? - Vilandra was getting pissed.

- He’s doing it, not me! - Zan protested.

Vilandra scoffed and decided to ignore him, since Rath-Michael seemed to be enjoying it. He was quite asleep, in spite of everything. Vilandra woke up at the break of dawn to find Rath-Michael was no longer on top of her, still he was right beside her. She sat up to see he had turned towards Zan, who was also on his back as she had been, his mouth open and snoring lightly. Rath-Michael was spooned into his side, one of his thighs straddling Zan’s legs which were close together. Her hand was possessively on his ass, but one of Zan’s arms was wrapped around his body and his hand was also on his ass right beside Vilandra’s, his other hand was holding Rath-Michael’s, where it lay on his chest. When she sat up, Zan woke up immediately, being a very light sleeper just like her. They looked at each other, and a shadow of a smile passed between them, watching the sleeping boy, whom they both loved in their own way. As daylight began to creep into the room, Vilandra turned to Zan.

- You better leave. They coming to get him early today. -

She was right, and Zan bent to kiss Rath-Michael’s cheek, moving to the corner of his lips as he turned his face enough for Zan to kiss him fully. Then he slid from under him and let him roll on his belly. He kissed him all the way down his back, from his shoulder to his thigh. Vilandra couldn’t help shuddering when he kissed his butt. He backed all the way to the door, his eyes on him until he closed the door.

Geeham knocked on the door just a couple of minutes after Zan had left, and she suspected he had seen him leave and waited a reasonable time to come to the door. She got up, covered herself with a long robe, and opened the door for him. She watched as he patiently tried to dress the boy, knowing only his father’s stern voice would manage to wake him up. Vilandra helped him with her powers and soon the black slave picked him up from the bed, writhing and moaning his protests. Once he had him over his shoulder, he respectfully backed out of the room, like Zan had, but for different reasons. Vilandra felt very lonely the second he was gone from her side.

Chapter 187


Rath-Michael spent most of the morning practicing with his horse, going down a steep hill, first slowly and gradually faster until he was galloping down full speed without a problem. The animal was not only sure-footed, but protected by the power of the Granilith. Once he was satisfied, he joined his father and the messenger.

- When the enemy found this hideaway, they thought nature was on their side, but they’re in Antares, and Antares nature is on the side of the Antares. - He proclaimed. - Look, this is what I’m talking about. -

Rath-Michael focused on the map the messenger had made. His father was right. The top of the flat mountains was even most of the way, but tilted pronouncedly upwards to the side overlooking the hideaway, keeping the Antares out of sight . the craft would take them back down to the larger tunnel-like path, using the landing bridge for the army to go straight in. Then it would take Rath-Michael with his horse and Geeham, who always travelled with the animals used in battle, and land them on the smaller tunnel.

- Chose a guard to go with you. - Ramthis told his son.

- I don’t need a guard there, I’m not a child. - Rath-Michael protested. - Geehan will be with me, that’s all I need. -

- I was thinking it would be better if we dropped you first. What if you fall asleep lying on the lookout? - Ramthis knew his son’s sleeping habits.

- I won’t, and if I do, Geehan knows how to wake me up. - He assured him.

- I’m sure he does…- Ramthis scoffed sarcastically, he was also aware of the boy’s sexual romps. He would not need the slave since he would not take his horse for this battle, so the boy could have him.

Rath-Michael glared at his father and turned to the messenger, wanting to know all the details from the place. The man told them the mountains and hills that encased the enemy quarters were impossible to climb from the outside, being covered in jutting sharp rocks. But on the inside, they were sandy, of a very fine kind, also impossible to climb because of its sliding quality. You climbed a step, you fell back three. There were some rocky parts here and there but it was mostly sand. It would be very easy and safe for them to slide down, though. Satisfied with the workout, Ramthis and Rath-Michael rode back to the citadel and had lunch with the rest of the family. Then Ramthis went to sit at his favourite spot on the terrace just outside the dining room and suggested to Rath-Michael he should relax too. The army was meeting at 4pm where the craft would be ready and would leave at 4:10, waiting for no one. Rath-Michael agreed with him and took Vilandra’s hand, leaving the room. Soon after, Ramthis saw them riding in the direction of the lakes where they went every afternoon they could. Ramthis shook his head, wondering if the boy would ever show some responsibility.
Rath-Michael enjoyed at least two hours of the most relaxing nap, buck naked and refreshed by the cool waters, with Vilandra playing all over his back. Zan reluctantly went with his father to make sure every detail of the strategy was covered and nothing was left out. Zan knew it was unnecessary because Ramthis was very efficient in that area, and he hated to admit that Rath-Michael excelled his father there, too. Vilandra woke him up at 3:30, rolling him over as he fought her all the way. She straddled his chest and when he was about to sent her flying, she leant over and kissed him. She had him up and ready to leave in five minutes flat and by 3:45, Geehan received him with his battlehorse ready, as Ramthis was itching to leave. Geehan rode in the small transport with the warlord and the rest of the family, who went to see them off. They army boarded the huge craft with Ramthis right behind them. Geehan walked in as Rath-Michael rode inside, last of all. He sent Vilandra his usual kiss as the hatch was closed.
Rath-Michael went to the cockpit to join his father and the messenger who would guide them to the flat mountains, being a native of that part of the planet. Ramthis asked the messenger about the hideaway, and the messenger told them the true story of the place :

- Many years ago, in the time of my grandparents, these outlaws who were renegade soldiers, stole a craft and on the getaway, they overflew the place and thought it was perfect. They flew around it slowly and saw there was no way to get in from the outside, so they landed inside and made it their home. They would attack and rob all the villages in the area, and even if they were followed, they would only see their craft disappear behind the flat mountains. After months of being victimized, the people got together and went to a seer, who told them where they were and the only way to get into their hideaway, was to dig a tunnel all the way in. The mountains and hiils were solid rock except behind the red rock formations where the thin layer of sand on the inside, reached all the way out. A group of villagers travelled to the place and divided into two parties surrounding the area from different directions. When they met, they had each found a red rock formation. One was on the North-East and the other on the East. They chose the last one, because that was where the sun rose from, and peeking over the mountains, it would make them invisible for most of the morning. They dug the tunnel, but it was barely two men wide. Still they surprised the outlaws and killed them. They found all the stuff they had robbed, and decided to take it back to their owners. Then they had a major problem. Being farmers, no one could fly the craft, and they found it impossible to climb back to the tunnel even if it was just 5 yards above the ground. So since they had no use for the craft, they dismantled it and used its parts for a makeshift ladder to the tunnel, and that way they were able to start carrying what they could of the stolen goods out of the place. They filled their carts and came back for the rest. It would take them a long time to get it all out, so they decided to try the other red rock formation at the North-East. The sandy path was much larger and they were able to dig a tunnel for ten men wide. Most of the craft, not being that big, was used to access the second tunnel which was about twice as high as the other one, and it was almost as invisible as the small one, since the rising sun covered most of that area too. The farmers cunningly changed the way out into the secluded area, making it winding, and opening behind a rocky area, totally hidden from sight, and to mark it from the inside, they brought some of the red rocks from the other end and placed them with the rocks on the sandy mountain side. Only my people know that the entrances from the outside and from the inside are marked by these red stones. The enemy must have discovered it overflying it like the outlaws did. They have no idea that it’s accessible by the tunnels. - The messenger grinned.

- Like I said, Antares nature is with us! - Ramthis grinned back.

The pilot announced the mountains were in sight, so they flew very low, almost skimming the ground. Khivar may have mastered invisible crafts, but the Antares’ ones were absolutely silent. They passed by the two red rock formations to recognize the place of the tunnels and rose to the mountain top to land. While the rest were making camp, Rath-Michael went to the tilting inner edge and checked out the enemy camp, lying flat on the ground. He soon returned to find his sleeping quarters ready, he would share with Geehan. The slave had waited until everyone had chosen their spot and he discreetly set up their tent away from them near the craft, using the excuse he needed to be near the horse. They had their evening meal and got together to polish the last details. Rath-Michael instead, went to their tent for an early bedtime. He wanted to be sure he would be up and wide awake as early as his father expected him to be. Geehan fed and left a bucket full of water for the horse in the improvised corral, making him as comfortable as possible, then he went back to the tent. He found Rath-Michael sprawled out and apparently asleep. Geehan lay on his back beside the boy, and placed his hands under his head. Rath-Michael was sleepy but not quite there, he knew what would relax him to really go to sleep. He heard Geehan stretching out behind him and waited for him to make the first move. When he didn’t, he rolled a little on his side and backed against him. He heard the man chuckle and spoon him as he ground back into his already steel hard cock. The sight of the boy’s naked ass when he went into the tent had that immediate effect on him, but he too wanted the boy to make the first move, out of respect for his status. He wrapped his arms around his young master as the boy positioned his body for a deep penetration and waved his slave’s clothes away. The black man’s precum was abundant, and was always enough. He slid in very slowly, taking some time because of his length. When the boy’s insides stopped him, still a couple of inches shy, he grabbed Rath-Michael around the stomach and rolled him back prone, then raised his hips so he was on his chest and knees. Rath-Michael spread his thighs wider to enable the slave to make his next move, which he just loved. The man pushed his lower body under and forwards, aiming the head of his cock further back inside the boy. Rath-Michael almost lost it when the black cock shoved and he felt his insides give to let it in. He squeezed so tight, that it was all the black man could do not to come. They lay still until they were back in control, the slave waiting for his master to let him know. Rath-Michael pushed back into him.
Then he started sliding slowly out until the huge head was kissing the tight entrance and shoved it in until their bodies jammed together, the man’s balls resting on the boy’s. He kept his teasing and torturing just the way the boy loved it, out slowly, making him feel every inch and back up all the way in, with a hard low dipping thrust, to make sure it would bury in completely. Rath-Michael was purring like a cat, writhing and squirming as the man cupped his round buttocks and kept him wide apart, watching his huge thick cock slide out and ram back in as the boy clenched tight with the exquisite pain. His hands kept the boy totally exposed to him, watching himself fucking the firm perfect body that drove him crazy. They didn’t know how long they lasted like this but Rath-Michael knew he couldn’t take it anymore, he needed to come and he needed it badly.

- Geehan…please…- He moaned, and the slave knew exactly what his young master wanted.

He pulled it a little more that halfway out and changed the direction of his entry, pushing down and forwards. He felt the broad head of his cock collide with the boy’s prostate gland which bulged gently into his intestine and kept stabbing it shortly and hard, non stop. Then Rath-Michael’s impossibly narrow passage gripped him in a vice as the boy came, hissing and growling, twisting his body left and right, which drove his lovers out of their minds, milking them to the last drop. Geehan literally exploded into the boy, filling him with his stinging seed, typical of his race. The burning deep injection drove the boy wild, grinding back into the black man as he kept ramming him until he had no strength left. He pulled them on their sides holding the boy tight against him as they enjoyed the orgasmic aftermath. It was just what Rath-Michael needed. When he felt Geehan slipping out of him, he rolled over on his belly, facing his lover, and moved over him, his face on his chest.

Rath-Michael felt a saliva slick long thick rough finger pushing its way up his ass and he groaned in pleasure. Then it pulled out and teased the opening without going in. Everytime Rath-Michael bucked, it retreated.

- Please…- He begged.

- Open your eyes, then, wake up. - Geehan demanded.

Rath-Michael groaned his protest. He just wanted to lie there and have him fuck him, with tongue, fingers, or cock. Yes, cock.

- Wake up! - He insisted and forcibly rolled the boy over and held him there, not letting him roll back.

- Rath-Michael, open your eyes! Your father’s coming to see if you’re awake like you promised him! - Geehan wasn’t lying.

- RATH-MICHAEL! - The warlord’s voice filled the tent and the boy’s eyes flew open.

Geehan pulled him up and was about to help him into his armour but the boy did it with his powers, so that when his father peeked into the tent, he saw them both dressed and ready. They quickly ate some fruit, for the energy boost, on the way to board the craft. Rath-Michael heaved himself on his horse and rode in as Geehan walked beside him, his hand on the boy’s thigh. They arrived at the tunnel through the ship’s landing bridge, and the rest of the army left for the other tunnel. Rath-Michael and Geehan crossed the tunnel and reached the winding end. The boy dismounted and Geehan took the reins. He had one of his father’s crops in his other hand.

- What did you bring that for? - He asked him.

- It’s for you, to make sure you stay awake on the lookout. - He grinned.

Rath-Michael smirked and stretched out face down behind the rocky wall, peeking through the hidden side. The view was perfect, he checked the way out, and it was wide enough for him to go through on horseback safely. The slope wasn’t as steep as the ones he had practiced at, so they would have no problems. He watched the army sliding down from the other tunnel with time to spare, and form silently behind the building. Geehan cut him a stinging lash on his ass, and he turned over his shoulder.

- Hey! I’m not even dozing! - He protested just before he got another one.
- You’re turning me on! -

- I know, the pain in your ass will make you fight better. - Geehan grinned.

- What about the hard on? - He asked.

- The restrainer will take care of it, I’ll make it up to you after the battle. - The dark eyes shone with lust.

- You better...I’ll make sure you do. Alright, they’re out and forming. I’m off. You stay here out of sight, you hear, no matter what. You are not a soldier and you’re not trained to fight. - He watched the black man sit behind the rocks and peek between two of them, completely out of sight. - The second you see me dismount, you whistle for Storm to rush back here. He knows he can’t go back up and will stay right under the tunnel. You just keep talking to him to calm him down. Then the second the battle’s over, you run back and sent the transporter in. You return through the tunnel and walk Storm back to me. -

- Yes my lord. Don’t worry, I’ll be ready. -

Rath-Michael heaved himself across his horse’s back and just as he was about to swing his leg over it, Geehan lashed him again.

- That one’s for luck. - He reached over and kissed Rath-Michael’s thigh.

Chapter 188


Rath-Michael reached out and Geehan handed him his shield and watched fascinated, how he altered its shape to the honed half moon. Then the boy patted his sword on his hip, just to make sure he wasn’t missing anything. He clicked his tongue and the horse walked around the stones and out of the tunnel. He stepped on the slope with his strong forelegs and when the ground under them gave, he sat back on his haunches and went with the sliding sand, like a sled. Rath-Michael eased his body backwards to keep his mount’s balance, and when they reached solid ground, the boy leant forwards urging his horse on with their body language.The huge animal took off at full gallop as Rath-Michael fastened the reins to his wrists and fixed his eyes on the enemy ahead of him. He was waiting for a sign that they had heard him, saving his breath until then. A few more, strides and he saw their heads turning up, swiveling left and right, as they heard the thundering hooves and tried desperately to find out where the hell they were coming from. “So they can hear Storm, well, they may as well hear me too!” Rath-Michael let out a blood curdling scream as the enemy went crazy, having heard from their defeated allies about the latest Antares tactics. Their leader was unsuccessfully trying to regain control and get them in battle formation, and was dismayed to see he was getting nowhere.
“Where the hell is he? Where is he coming from?” He kept asking himself, when he saw first, the sand disturbed and flying out from under the hooves as the horse and rider materialized three strides away from the last line. His eyes opened wide and so did his mouth but he couldn’t utter a sound. His men saw his shocked expression and followed his gaze to find the monstrous animal and his rider with his sword and shield held out on either side, heading straight for the milling and confused, not to say scared to death, men. Rath-Michael rode them down in a wide clockwise circle, then cutting through the middle and circling again in the opposite direction. When he reached the left side of the barrack, he threw his body back, hardly tugging at the reins, and the horse stopped dead on his tracks. He leapt down and a piercing whistle had the animal racing back the way he had come. The enemy leader couldn’t take his eyes away from the horse, but still he could see from the corner of his eye, the naked looking boy yelling : “CHARGE!” as he led the Antares army rounding the barrack, and almost simultaneously, the booming voice of the Antares warlord echoed his son’s as he led the other part of his army from the right side of the barrack. He watched mystified, as the horse vanished in thin air, knowing it had to be the glare of the rising sun in his eyes the one responsible for the appearing and disappearing miracle, and braced himself to defend his life. It was impossible to even guess how many of his men had been beheaded in the unusual attack. He cunningly avoided the warlord and his wild son, staying unscathed until he saw his last man fall, and he shoved the point of his sword into the ground in surrender. He saw a group of Antares bearing down on him, and new it was the end. Then out of nowhere and with the speed of lightning, his current worst nightmare stood in from of him, covering him with his body.

- NO! - Rath-Michael shouted warding them off with his sword and normal shaped shield, and the soldiers froze and retreated.

The leader could see the boy had two nasty cuts and was risking his life shielding him with his body, because he could easily raise his sword and kill him before anyone was able to stop him. But he simply couldn’t, it would be cowardly and he respected the boy’s courage. The warlord’s son turned to face him, and shook his helmet back from his head, shaking out his gold streaked hair as the Antares shouts of victory filled the air. The leader’s jaw dropped. “He is so young! 17 or 18 at the most! And he is gorgeous! Really beautiful!” He spoke to himself mentally. He realized he was making a fool of himself, so he picked up his sword and handed it to Rath-Michael, who smirked and shook his head no, letting him keep his honour. The leader would have dropped to his knees, but it would be totally unbecoming and shameful, still he felt he had to say something.

- How…how old are you? - He stammered, but his answer came from the soldier at the boy’s shoulder.

- Prince Rath-Michael is fourteen and two and a half months. -

When it came to Royalty, the information requested had to be exact and precise, and then the man realized his mistake. To them he was the true Royal Blood Prince, but he shouldn’t have said it publicly, the title should have been Lord. The man went bright red, and stammered worse than the enemy leader had.

- I…I am so s-s-sorry, my lord, I meant…-

- Don’t worry, we’re all brothers here, right? - Rath-Michael smirked again.

The man reached over and squeezed his shoulder very familiarly and utterly disrespectful, the enemy leader observed. Then the immense Antares ship came silently over the mountain top and hovered for a few seconds above the ground before it landed. Ramthis stepped beside his son and placed his arm around the boy’s shoulders. He peeked behind him checking out his wounds.

- You alright? - He asked frowning.

- Sure. -

A movement on his left caught his eye and he saw Geehan leading Storm, clearing the misleading deceit of the sun. Rath-Michael grinned like the child he was and let out a shrill whistle. The horse pulled free as the tall thin black man let him go, his smile showing white teeth in contrast with his midnight skin. The enemy leader couldn’t help shuddering as the thundering hooves approached him once again, but this time under quite different circumstances. The animal screamed his greeting much like the boy had screamed his threat, and came to a sliding stop in front of the waiting boy. He pushed his nose on his chest and the boy wrapped his arms around the large head and kissed the flowing forelock. The black slave frowned like the warlord had when he saw the blood on the boy. His finger traced the long cut running from below his shoulder blade to his lowest rib beside his spine and the other one, even longer, starting about halfway on the outside of his thigh and slanting up to end in the small of his back, also by his spine. The boy answered the silent question.

- I’ll live, and you will keep your promise. -

Again the sexy smirk and the enemy leader detected more than familiarity in the look that crossed their eyes. He was jealous! He couldn’t believe it! He had no right! He had just seen the boy for the first time in his life!

- You are my son’s prisoner. Take him away! - Lord Ramthis ordered, as his highest ranking officer, and old seasoned veteran, took the enemy leader by the arm towards the craft.

- He will be treated with respect. - Rath-Michael demanded, and the officer nodded and dipped his head.
The Antares army boarded the craft, leaving the usual guard to await the other ship to transport the dead. These, as custom demanded, were all laid on their backs on their shields, their helmets covering their faces and their swords crossed over their chests. Lord Ramthis and Rath-Michael, leading Storm with Geehan by his side were the last to board. The boy, the horse and the slave went to the back of the ship to accommodate the animal first, and then they entered the private Royal chamber. Rath-Michael was in a reasonable amount of pain due to his injuries and just lay down in one of the cots, waving his armour and kneehigh boots away.

- Come here. - Rath-Michael whispered and Geehan went to sit beside him.

- Ease my pain…- He begged.

- I’m afraid I would only make it worse, or add to it. - Geehan shook his head.

- Since when you don’t keep your promises? -

- You’re suffering enough, it’s not the right time. - Geehan knew he was making sense, but not to Rath-Michael.

The black hand skimmed over the long cuts making the hurt boy shudder.

- No, not until you are healed. Then I will keep my promise. -

- Dammit, Geehan! - Rath-Michael protested.

- If you insist, I will leave. I will call your father to stay with you. - Geehan knew that was the last thing he wanted to do.

- Alright. - Rath-Michael sighed. - But at least touch me. -

Geehan kneaded his body, still stressed by the fighting. His gentle hands did wonders, relaxing him completely, making him shiver as he took deep breaths slowly falling into an uneasy sleep.

- Rath-Michael…- A soft whisper against his shoulder followed by a matching soft kiss.

- Mmm?...- Rath-Michael started stretching and gasped with the pain that crossed his body from his shoulder to his thigh.

Geehan rolled him over on his side, careful of his sore back, to ease him over his shoulder as the army was leaving the craft.

- No, I’m riding. -

- You’re in no condition…-

- I’m alright. - He rose to his knees wincing and stepped off the cot to wave his armour and boots back on. Then he limped towards his horse.

He refused a leg up, and heaved himself on, lying on the horse’s neck, moaning until he arrived at the hatch. There he straightened up and rode to the castle’s yard. Vilandra received his fevered body in her arms and gave Zan a worried look as he stood at the door of the healing room.

- We have to get him here. - Zan rushed up to them.

- Zan, please, not here, in our room. - He whispered, the pain was getting worse by the second.

He tried to step forward and slumped against Vilandra with a grunt. So like it or not, it was Geehan’s shoulder all the way to their room. Vilandra took care of his armour and boots and handed them to Geehan. He backed reluctantly out of the room and closed the door.
Zan pushed the pillows under his hips and made the connection very carefully. Rath-Michael hissed when Zan entered his body, and the healer got flashes of the boy’s encounter with Geehan. No wonder he was sore, plus the ride and the battle on top of all. He healed his wounds but the fever resisted him, he would have to let it take its course. The siblings spent the whole night sponging his body with cold water until finally, at 4am, the fever broke and Rath-Michael started breathing without moaning and whimpering. He slept for 36 hours, with his cousins beside him, taking turns to sleep by him the few hours they needed to keep watching over him. But it was worth it, cause when he finally woke up, he was in perfect health again.

Max had been stealing glances at Michael during the whole thing, watching him leaning on the resilient bubble, his eyes fixed and unblinking. It was definitely weird but he didn’t want to interrupt. He saw his chance and inched towards him to nudge him on the ribs, and his hand went clean through as if he wasn’t there. “Oh shit! What now?” He thought.

Chapter 189


Max reached out and touched Serena’s arm. She turned to him and saw Max push his hand through Michael’s shoulder without the least reaction from him. Serena’s eyes narrowed, then she blinked and nodded, gesturing with her head to Rath-Michael waking up in his cousins’s arms. Serena’s eyes went back to them as the rest of the group kept waiting for the next scene to appear in front of their eyes. It would not happen, since Serena had changed her focus to the two alien boys’ actual predicament. Max faced Michael again, his hands hovering at the sides of his hips, still afraid to touch him, though he looked quite solid,. but he had been that way all the time. His eyes started opening, and Max saw the honey coloured irises flecked with the Gandarium bright blue, as he was still merged with his other life as the Antares Prince. Max felt the heat coming from his body as he appeared to be recovering his solid condition.

- Michael? - Max whispered loud enough to catch the attention of the rest of the group.

- Michael, are you alright? - Maria asked beginning to get alarmed as her boyfriend didn’t seem to be responding to Max’s voice and now not even to hers.

- He’s just coming back, give him time. - Serena raised her hands to keep them away from him.

Michael wobbled, his eyes still unfocused, as if in a dizzy spell and Max’s eyes went wide with fright as Michael reached out for him, sure he would go clean through him. But Michael’s hands on his shoulders felt solid enough just as his chest did when he slumped into him. Max’s hands took hold of Michael’s hips, sure that he had materialized completely, but he was wrong. His palms felt the firm body under them, but his fingers kept going in before Michael’s flesh gripped him and Max cried out yanking his hands away. Michael hissed in pain as his larger frame toppled Max backwards, falling over him. One of his hands shot out behind Max’s head, and the other pressed against the hard floor, stopping Max an inch away from it, .protecting him from the hard crash that would have been inevitable, otherwise. Then, very slowly, he lowered them onto the floor. Still, Max had all the air pushed out of him by Michael’s weight, as he felt it blowing out of his mouth, and Michael was breathing heavily into his neck. Max was struggling to breathe and Michael was struggling to get up, his body totally back to normal now, and the pain at its highest peak.

Kyle and Stuart rushed to help him, ignoring Serena’s warning, standing at either side and easing him upright. Michael stretched his hand out to Max, who took it gingerly, and he got him up on his feet effortlessly. Michael took a deep breath and winced.

- Michael? - Maria was not sure of what to do.

Her eyes went searching for an answer in Liz’s, which were as wide and scared as Max’s had been.

- He was there since the training. There was nothing any of us could do, so I said nothing not to scare you. - Liz confessed.

- Well he just did. I suspected something was wrong because he was so quiet and didn’t blink even once. But I wasn’t sure what was going on. - Max was quite upset.

- How could he merge with his former self if he was physically here all the time? - Isabel couldn’t understand it.

- The first time they bonded was so strong that he only needed to project his essence, leaving his body behind so you wouldn’t worry. - Serena said.

Laurie beat Maria rushing to hug him tight in her arms as Maria took him from the rear.

- You sure you’re alright bro? - Laurie tilted her head up to look into his eyes which were reflecting the pain he was suffering.

- Of course he’s not alright! He’s been through a lot! - Maria squeezed him in her arms and Michael gasped and shut his eyes tight.

- Ok, I’m kind of sore…- He had to admit as Maria’s hip bones were digging into the injuries he had just unwittingly received from Max.

He just hanged on, not having the heart to tell her how much she was hurting him. Laurie buried her face in his chest, not wanting to see him wincing.

- Michael, Max, what’s wrong with your hands? - Isabel’s voice was shaky.

Michael didn’t answer, knowing exactly what she was talking about. Max, not sure which one of his hands Isabel was referring to, raised both up in front of him, turning them to see his palms. He cried out again in surprise to see them bloody.

Liz and Serena exchanged shocked knowing looks and as discreetly as they could, they moved to Maria’s sides and gently pulled her away from Michael, who sighed with relief. Maria’s eyes were now the ones wide open as she saw Michael’s jeans soaked in bright red blood, and watched Isabel’s, Kyle’s and Stuart’s expressions miiror her own when she looked down at herself and her dress was as bloody as Michael was. She opened her mouth to scream, but before she could utter the slightest sound, Liz and Serena wrapped their arms around her and stopped her from crying out.

- It’s ok, Max will take care of him. - Serena soothed her.

- He’ll be fine, Max will heal him, don’t worry. - Liz calmed her as Maria began to whimper and sob.

Laurie stepped back startled at Maria’s and the others’ behaviour as Max confidently took her place. Serena reached for her with her free arm and walked them away. She only needed one look at Kyle and Stuart to let them know they had to leave Max alone with Michael. Isabel didn’t have to be told, she understood what her brother needed to do.

- Use the door to your right. - Serena told Max as they gave them the privacy they required.