Roswell Fanatics

Battle for the Heart
by Strawberry Shortcake 17

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posted on 7-Feb-2003 12:57:03 AM by Strawberry Shortcake 17
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Setting:Max is the hero and king of Antar. In this story, Antar is a Kingdom in the times of Ancient Greece. They are fighting against Kivar and the Kivarians who, during the reign of Max's father, overtook Antar and killed his father and has enslaved his mother, keeping her as a war prize.

FYI:CC/AU. I'll keep the powers, but they are gifts from the gods-so kinda but not really aliens. They will use their royal names in public and their common names in private(just so you know who they are).

Inspiration: Currently reading the Iliad and the Odyssey in college myth at PSU. It will have Homeric influences, but after that, it's all my mythic dreamer imagination.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Roswell or it's characters, but I do like to play with them. But they aren't my toys, they belong to UPN and Katims and Metz and that gang and I also don't own anything Homer ever wrote. This is not a copy of the Iliad or the Odyssey. The idea for mythic maxwell just came to me.

ok, here it goes, I hope you enjoy, and give lots-o-feed back.

Part 1

"They've surrendered!" repeated the messenger. Max could hardly believe his ears. He was slowly gaining back his kingdom, with the outer cities returning willingly and internally overthrowing the guard outpost of Kivar and welcoming Max and his army whole heartedly.

This was the first city that had put up a fight. The reason it had was because one of Kivar's generals, Parkereous, had decided to make it his home. He brought with him his army and they had fought valiantly for the city, but the Antarian army was just too strong.

The battle field was littered with Kivarians and Antarians alike, but the were far fewer Antarian men dead than was expected.

The king had been favored by Apollo who, along with his sister Artemis, had saved Max and his twin sister Isabel when Kivar had sacked the capital city, Meneaos. Apollo has favored Max so much that he gave him his godly power to heal. Isabel was given power over dreams and things concerning the workings of mortal minds at night.

Apollo and Artemis rasied Max and Isabel at the foot of Olympus, shrowded in a cloud of mist so that Zeus would not find them. Zeus was the reason Kivar had overrun Antar. King Phillip had married Diane, the daughter of Zeus, without his permission. Zeus was enraged and sent the Kivarian armies against Antar. It took several years, but Kivar ultimately won the seige and killed the king. But, within those years, Max and Isabel had been born and Apollo, not agreeing with Zeus's unguided rage, saved the twins.

Kivar was sent to kill king Phillip and then return Diane to Zeus, but once Kivar witnessed her beauty, he decided to keep her. Zeus was furious with Kivar and sent many armies to regain his daughter and destroy Kivar, but none had been successful.

After the 14th year of Zeus's seige of Kivar, Apollo approached Zeus, explaining to him that he had found his champion. He explained that Zeus would have to wait a few more years until the champion was ready to lead an army. Zeus begged Apollo to show him the would be champion, who was his last hope.

Apollo brought Max, along with Isabel, out from their secret hiding place to meet the king of the gods-their grandfather, Zeus. He was impressed by the 17 year old Zandros. He could tell Zan had spent much time at Apollo's side. His skin was bronzer than the finest armor, his eyes shown like they were lit by an internal flame.

Apollo had trained him to drive his chariot of fire across the sky and his already well defined muscles spoke of his prowess. He stood staight and tall and looked Zeus directly in the eye. He was raised by gods, why should he fear them, but he did have deep respect for them, since they were his only remaining family, aside from Isabel and a mother he could behrly remember.

Zeus moved his gaze to the fair and light skinned Vilandra at his side. She had her eyes down cast to show respect and also to shield her eyes. She had spent the last 14 years of her life in teh company of Artemis, who being the goddess of the moon, had become accustomed to the dark. The light eminating from Zeus was just to much.

Zeus could also see the strength this young woman possessed. Her delicate features were not to be mistaken with laziness or lack of work, but her skill with the bow and arrow. Artemis had taught her to hunt and was the most skilled archer in the land, next best only to her brother, the pupil of Apollo.

"Let me gaze upon your lovely face child," Zeus commanded, while gesturing to come closer. Isabel did as she was told even with the pain from his luminesence. She held her gaze straight with his and allowed him to study her.

Zeus couldn't believe how much she looked like her mother. It made his heartache for his daughter even more. The only differnece was the shade of her eyes. Her eyes were a deep blue that looked like they could hold within them the entire night sky. One could drown swimming in the depths of her eyes.

"Well children of my daughter, you appear to be strong of body, mind and heart. In a few years you shall be ready to win the battle to bring my daughter back to me. I love your mother very nuch and miss her dearly. You have many of her qualities and I shall always be on your side if you obey me for all your days. I am aware of your gifts and you have been well blessed. Had I not been so enraged by your father, I would have saved you myself. Rage can even blind a god, not often, but it has been known to happen," Zeus said to Max and Isabel. He turned to Apollo and Artemis and bowed his head to thank them for saving his grandchildren.

"And Zeus, my great and powerful lord and grandfather, will you help me prepare for battle, training me in the arts of war to give you ultimate glory and winning that which was mine by destiny?"Max questioned the almighty Zeus.

"Yes, my son, I shall teach you with the help of my warlike son Ares. We shall teach you the ways of war and I shall bestow upon you the virtue of brillant speech and all who hear you speak shall follow you till the end of time," Zeus answered Max.

"And what of my sister, my lord?" Max questioned.

"Mind your tongue young Zandros. You have been heavily blessed. Do not disrespect our lord, Zeus," Apollo said sharply to Max.

"My, my young Zandros. You are not only brave, but kind and mindful of others. This quality came from your mother. Because of your kind heart, I shall reward you with the hand of Ava, the sea nymph, and for your sister, she shall be the most beloved woman in all the land and when Aphrodite has found her perfet match, she shall have love undying, in this life and all others after it," Zeus repiled.

A bright smile spread across both their faces. Such wonderful gifts they were given today.

"Oh, thank you most gracious and wonderful Zeus. We shall strive to please you all of our days," Isabel and Max said together while bowing and backing away.

Apollo and Artemis bowed in front of Zeus and spoke their gratitude.

"You are so generous father. Thank you for finding favor in our actions. We shall protect Zandros and Vilandra until it is time for them to meet their destiny on the battle field to win against Kivar in your name," They rose up and left.

TBC.. ok, so there is a lot of lead in, but you need it to understand my story ides. hope you guys like it

posted on 7-Feb-2003 9:50:05 AM by Strawberry Shortcake 17
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Part 2

Several Years had passed and Max grew stronger and trained night and day with the spear, sword, and bow. He was lethal with all 3. Isabel would hunt for them and cook dinner every night. SHe knew what the future held for her brother and even though she would have loved to train right by his side, she knew the battle field was no place for a woman. She was contented to dream of her future love and discovering new and pleasing ways to prepare Max's much needed food and training fuel. She made his home comfortale and cleaned up after him every day. She would come to him in the evenings and they would have long talks about the future, about the battle, about being in love, and about seeing their mother for the first time in almost 20 years.

Isabel would tease Max and tell him he was lucky. He knew his bride to be. He found her pretty and charming, a little drippy, but he was sure that was because she was a sea nymph. Isabel would try and envision her love in her dreams, but Aphrodite kept his identity clouded to her. Extremely frustrated, Isabel would just settle for daydreaming. She had only been exposed to her brother, Apollo, and her grandfather Zeus. Isabel was sure she didn't want her love to look like any of them, but she did hope she could talk to him like she could talk to Max. Free, easily, and she could speak her mind, completely. Apollo and Artemis were always busy, preparing for the coming battle and well, there are somethings a girl just can't tell her grandfather.

Then finaly came the day when Zeus called upon them to join him on Olympus. Max was ready to lead his kingdom to victory and finally wed Ava. Isabel was less than thrilled. SHe prayed that her future love was not as annoying as Ava, and much less klingy.

They approached Zeus who was flanked by Apollo and Ares and seated next to him was Hera, his queen, and she was joined by Artemis, Aphrodite, and Athena. Max and Isabel bowed low in front of all the gods and waited for Zeus to tell them the much awaited news.

"My children, when Apollo arises to drive his chariot across the sky for the 150th time, all things shall be ready. Zandros, I shall call upon the champion of my son Ares and he shall be your greatest fighter. Athena has also offered her greatest war strategist to assist you in the upcoming battle. There are also many who are loyal to you still on earth. They have been in hiding and are awaiting your return. They are lead by your uncle's son, Kyle."

"Kyle lives!" Isabel and Max shouted in unison. They faintly remembered their childhood friend and had feared the worst all these years.

"Yes he does children," Zeus replied," Now Zandros, your trianing will intensify until the last 5 days. At that time we shall have great feast in your honor with all of the gods present. I also have a present for you young Zandros. Hephaestus has asked me if he could fashion you armor such that the worls has never seen before. This great work of his will out shine even the great armor of Achilles," Zeus said while motioning for Hephaestus to come forward.

The blacksmith of the gods approached Zandros carrying a breast plate made from the finest bronze and leg guards from the same stunning material. He also carrieda spear that glittered brightly and had the deadliest of ends. He had a broad sword and and helmet made of bronze. The helmet had royal purple plummage to signify Max's heritage. The last piece to be shown to him was the magnificent shield. In the center of the sheild was the symbol of Zeus and around it was all the gods. Apollo and Artemis were at the top to show that they were his patrons. Aphrodite was the only Olympian not present on the shield. She said she would not enter the battle until Max's heart had been won. Once that day has come, she would add her symbol to the mighty shield. The gods were puzzled by her actions, but then again, love works in mysterious ways.

The shield held the day and night, the earth and the heavens and all those with in. The shield also held the underworld because those who fought against it would sent there shortly.

Max was in awe of these amazing gifts an clasped hands with Hepaestus.

"Thank you noble blacksmith for now I shall truly win the day." Max said greatfully. Hephaestus was a god of very few words, so he grunted and shook his hand harder.

"Zandros, there is one more gift I have for you and your sister." Apollo said to them, "Artemis and I have hopefully trained you well and have fashioned bows that can only be strung by you. The bow shall be useless in the hands of all others. The arrows for the bows shall be able to hear your thoughts and will be able to strike any one you desire, but use them wisely for they disappear after they have killed so they cannot fall into Kivar's hands. These arrows cannot kill Kivar because fate has proclaimed that you must fight him hand to hand to win this battle."

Apollo gave the twins the bows and a quiver of 100 arrows each. Artemis also handed Isabel a cloak. It was the same deep blue as the night sky and it was covered by constallations and planets.

"This my child is the Cloak of Midnight. When you wear this cloak, no one will be able to see you and you can wander the battle field unseen to help rescue the fallen heros." Artemis told her.

"Now go, both of you, and prepare for battle. Leave us gods to plan the war you are soon to fight,' Zeus said waving them to go.

Max and Isabel left with their magical gifts and returned to their home at the foot of Olympus.

ok, i hope you guys like this next part. I had already written it, but I wanted to see if anyone wanted me to keep going. I guess I will.

posted on 7-Feb-2003 7:03:56 PM by Strawberry Shortcake 17
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Part 3

The gods were gathered around the great table that had the world upon its surface. All people were on the table. This was how the gods could control from a far.

Zeus could see that Rathos was making his yearly pilgrimage to the oracle at Delphi. A prophet had come to Rathos and told him to make his pilgrimage early because Zeus had great news for him that would appease his warrior heart.

Rathos was approaching the temple of Apollo and entering it to hear the wisdom of the oracle. He took his place in the temple and waited for the oracle to tell him his future.

The oracle stopped what it was doing and walked straight to Rathos. Zeus had taken over the oracle and was now speaking through it.

"Powerful warrior Rathos, who finds much favor in the eyes of Zeus and his warlike son Ares. You will be told many great things for the future that will assuage your waring heart. You are to be upon te shores of Antar at the foot of Mt. Klos. There you will find a man of strong features and bronze armor. You shall know it is him when you view his shield. It has upon it the symbol of Zeus. With him will be a woman of golden hair and the purest of white skin. They are the royal family of Antar and you will lead them to victory against Kivar. You are to follow this man above all others for he has all the gods on his side. Go now Rathos and prepare your army. You are to be upon the beach by the second full moon. Only set foot on the beach by night. This is the command of the great and most high Zeus." The oracle slumped after being so over taken by the good.

Rathos left the temple with a new mission and the chance to do much battle, his favorite thing. So, a king of Antar lives, well I will follow him, but he must earn my respect before earing my alligence.

Then came the day of the feast. All the gods were present. Discord was told to stay in her room for causing so much trouble at the last feast. Starting the Trojan war had gotten her grounded for the next century.

All the gods and goddesses wished the best for the twins and admired Max's shield. Ava was close at hand. Posiden brought her so she could bask in the spotlight next to her betrothed.

Ava soaked it all in, loving the attention. Isabel had tried to pry Max away several times but Ava would follow right behind. She hadn't let go of his right side for hours. Isabel finally gave up and went to take her seat next to Max at the feast table. Much to her suprise, she found Ava in her seat and refusing to move. Nasty little sea witch was all Isabel could think. She decided then and there if that was love, she wanted no part of it.

Aphrodite witnessed the exchanges and giggled to herself. Ava was putting on quite a show for all the guests. She knew Ava felt no love for Zandros, only lust and the need for power. "Silly little sea nymph, you shall have niether. I will not allow you to add this heroic notch to your belt. This man shall never love you, wed you, or bed you, no matter what you try," Aphrodite uttered the curse and so it was done. The instant the words had been spoken, Max ripped his arm from Ava's grasp and approached Zeus.

"Great lord, this feast has been wonderful, but I am bored with it. Please may I retire and train more for the battle," Max begged.

"of course Zandros, you may do as you please, but do not over tax yourself. You will need to be ready in the next few days for a long time of war," Zeus reminded him.

"I shall be my lord. I thank you," he replied. Max turned on his heal and grabbed Isabel by the hand and rushed out of the banquet hall.

Aphrodite could hear Isabel's thoughts against Ava and against love. Isabel was glad Max had turned away from Ava and she vowed to do the same to all men.

"Foolish princess, you know not where you meddle. For your careless words, you shall not know the true love from another until you have spoken your feelings first. Such shall be your fate with your love through all your lives together." Aphordite cursed.

Max didn't know why he had left in such a hurry. One minute he was having a good converstation and listening to Ava laugh at all his jokes and the next minute he was sure the if he let Ava touch him any longer, his skin would melt right off, Her touch was painful and he could feel her true feelings for him, and they had repulsed him. He needed to get himself and his sister out of there so he could clear his thoughts.

The 150th day arrived and Max and Isabel prepared to leave their home at the foothills of Olympus. The battle was no longer a far off future, but the present and both were worried they would disappoint all who had faith in them.

They said their goodbyes and thank yous to all the gods and hugged their grandfather. He bid then farwell and promised to always be be by their side. They climbed aboard Apollo's chariot, who had just returned from lighting the sky. The chariot looked like a shooting star and landed upon the shore of Antar at the foot of Mt. Klos.

They could just see the ships approaching and bid one last farwell to Apollo. Apollo told them not to fear for either he or Artemis would be watching them at all times and all they had to do was look to the sky. This was very reassuring. Apollo's chariot charged back into the heavens and for the first time, Max and Isabel were alone and they watched patiently as the ships and their hopeful champion approached.

TBC...

posted on 7-Feb-2003 8:52:53 PM by Strawberry Shortcake 17
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Part 4

Max was so lost in his reflections that the messenger had to repeat his question to the king.

"What shall I tell Rathos your majesty?" he asked. This messenger was convinced the king had been striken deaf because of his need to repeat everything.

"What?" Max said, snapping out of his haze," Oh, tell Rathos to gather the Kivarians of the city. I want general Parkerteous brought to me. Round up all the Kivarian women. My great fighters will be allowed to pick their prize and enjoy a night of feast and eros," said Max.

The messenger quickly turned and sprinted to the side of general Rathos and told him the kings decision. Rathos was pleased. He could use some female company for the evening and to entertain him for the remainder of this war. Rathos was not interested in love, merely a pretty and passionate woman he could use to satisfy his needs, and maybe hers.

Rathos had his men bind all the remaining Kivarian men and he bound up General Parkerteous himself. Then all the women were flushed out of the homes and lead in front of the men into the center of the city.

Max stood in front of all the people and had General Parkerteous at his side in the hands of Rathos. He reguarded all the people, Antarian and Kivarian.

"People of my kingdom and those apposed to my reign. I am, undenyably your king. I am the son of King Phillip and the grandson of Zeus. I shall not allow the desicration of any man, woman or child." He turned and raised his knife and slit the throat of Parkerteous. He fell to at Max's feet and bled to death, "But, I cannot be expected to save those who championed the man who stole from me my kingdom and my mother. Those of you who are members of the army, you will be given the option of falling upon your sword or swearing your loyalty to me. If you break your oath, I can have Apollo drag you from his chariot. Choose wisely, for I will not take back my word once it has been given."

Many of the men in the army fell upon their swords and died in the middle of the city. Those who did not swear their loyalty to Zan. Many of the men who had now entered his forces had been Antarians who had been forced into Kivar's army. They were pleased to see their king had returned.

Then the women of the town were brought forward. If a man was given a war prize, then he was considered one of the best fighters. General Rathos had the first pick, for he was the best fighter of the Antarian army. He walked past all of the women before stoping in front of a blonde girl who looked to be 17 or 18. She looked him straight in the eye, as if daring him to choose her, and choose her he did. He always liked the firey ones. He hoisted her above his shoulder and carried her off. This was his sign he had claimed his prize and was done with the battle for the day. He was more content to enjoy his prize than to to anything political, like Max was giong to be doing for the next few hours.

Kyle was called upon next to make his choice. He chose a fair skinned girl with strawberry blonde hair. Kyle was much more diplomatic and led the woman away by her hand. Alexander's turn was next and he declined, mumbling something about wanting a different prize.

At this, Isabel's ears perked up. She had to admitt she enjoyed Alex's company and they talked often, because Max was always too busy and he was willing to listen. Sure she had feelings for Alexander, but she had sworn off men and was trying, as hard as she might, to stick to that oath.

She could still remeber their first meeting, on the shores of Antar that first night. Rathos had introduced himself and shook hands with Max. Isabel's eyes were pleased by what she saw. If he was to be her future love, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Then he turned around and introduced Alexander, who first bowed to Max and then kissed Isabel's hand.

"Athena did not lie to this poor soul. She spoke of a man and a woman who were as different as day and night. She also spoke of her great beauty, proclaiming her lovely skin was of the finest white and her long gold tresses were like the finest coins in the land and her eyes were the same shade as the night sky, but she hardly captured all of your beauty fair princess. I am Alexander and forever in your humble service my good lady," he said and then kissed her hand again. He rose to full hieght to look into her eyes. She was lucky the night hid the deep blush that had spread across her checks.

Her and Alex had a budding friendship and possibly something more, but Isabel was too unsure of her feelings to let him get too close. They had had an arguement over the issue just this morning. Alex was tired of being pushed away, but Isabel had just turned away and ran from him. She put on the Cloak of Midnight to hide herself from him and maybe from her feelings.

Next was Max's choice. He was still king and he did deserve one of the first choices. He had taken a good look at all the women before him but none of them had caught his eye as this dark haired beauty infront of him. He reached out his hand to raise her chin. Tears were streaming down her face, but she kept her gaze straight and bravely looked him in the eye. Max grabbed for her hand and she tried to pull it away, but he was too fast. He pulled her from the line up and had her taken to his private tents.

She went slowly, but not being dragged. She disappeared into the tent and Max turned to his army to give away the remaining women. He told the people to prepare a great feast and sacrafice to the gods for they had helped him win the battle. They did and all had eaten their fill and enjoyed the wine and spirit of the evening.

Max stood and told the people to keep enjoying themselves, but he was going to retire and for them too keep feasting until they could eat no more.

Max walked into his tents and found his war prize curled up in a ball upon his bed. He was sure she was asleep. She must have been waiting for him, but he was mistaken. He reached out his hand to touch her and was surprised to find her holding a knife and having it positioned at his throat. She thought she had him, but his reflexes were too fast and he easily wrestled her to the ground and pinned her.

"Vile creature, do not touch me. I am betrothed and will not be spoiled for my husband,"she spat at him.

"And may I get the name of the viper in my bed?"questioned Max.

"I am Elizabeth and you are to unhand me this instant!" she yelled again.

"Well dear Elizabeth, since I am the one in control of your fate, you would do good not to say such things to me," Max scoleded her.

"I care nothing of or for you sir and I wish you just would have let me fall upon my sword like the rest of the men. Then I too could have enjoyed an honorable death, but instead I am to be subjected to your unwanted attentions and made into a defiled woman. No, you are wrong, it would do me much good to say such things to you." she said and stared him down.

"And why lady would you have rathered death than life?" he questioned.

"Because, today I was forced to watch you kill my father like an ox in the town square and I would rather have died than have become any prize of yours." she replied while the tears welled up in her eyes.

"Fine then, poisonous tongued one, you shall not enjoy my bed, but you shall be made to sleep on the floor, with your hands and ankles bound. I do not want you to find another dagger and attempt to kill me again," he said, while doing just that.

"You cannot know how much I despise you," she whispered just loud enough for him to hear. Max took off his garments and layed down in his bed. He rolled over so that he could not look at her. " Your king killed my father first," he mumbled just loud enough for her to hear, then he fell into a fitful sleep.

TBC...

Part 5

Liz lay on the floor trying to make sense of her surroundings. It had been a whirlwind day. The battle field had erupted at dawn and the dieing men could be heard screaming to gods who weren't listening. Then by midday the men of her father's army had been pushed back to the walls of the city. This group of rebels had just been too strong. Her father knew what was coming and rushed to find his wife and daughters. They knew what would happen of the city was taken and slavery was worse than death. Liz and her sister Maria were forced to watch as their father killed their servants who wished to be dead rather than taken to foreign lands. Then he killed their mother. She told him she would wait for him in the Agean Fields and then they kissed as he took her life. Liz was sure her mother felt no pain because all the pain was in her heart.

They could hear the rebels inside the city and her fatehr was tryingto regain his composure and do the same for his daughters. He had the knife poised to send Liz along with her mother when the soilders rushed in and captured them all. That was the last time she would see her father alive.

And now she was on the floor of the tent of her father's murderer, the king of the rebel army. Her betrothed, Sean, was dead. She watched him die on the field from her window. She decided to go on pretending he was still alive and looking for her in hopes of protecting her virtue from this barbarian. Her poor sister was yet to be promised, but she was strong. From what Liz could tell, her sister was in the hands of the rebels army's greatest hero. She had a good chance of gaining access to her sister, and maybe she could free them. But she was not very successful at freeing herself.

She found her hands and feet to be bound and a rope wrapped around her waist, keeping her hands and feet close to her stomach. This made it impossible to move anywhere and because her feminine curves decided to make themselves more pronounced over the last year, slipping out of the rope around her waist was out of the question.

She tried to find away out, but finally gave up in defeat. She figured she should try and get some sleep if she was going to get free tomorrow. She would let the silly little king think he had won. Then when the enemy has their guard down, you strike and strike hard. She paid attention when her father discussed battle tactics. Sleep well soveriegn, it may be your last.

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Max had been laying wide awake in his bed listening to his captive try to struggle free. He knew she couldn't, but it was fun to let her think she could. He hadn't expected the dagger, but he also hadn't expected her to be the recently deprated general's daughter. His heart reached out to her when he learned this, but she slapped it back in his face. And why should she just be passive, she was just trying to protect herself. Little did she know that he wouldn't hurt her, even if his life depended on it, ever again. He would protect this girl from all things and maybe they would come to care for each other, but there could be nothing more. He wil give her back to her betrothed when the war is done, but not before. He needed keep her as a sign of strength in front of his men, and the Kivarians.

She finally quieted down and he took this as his que to finally fall asleep.

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Liz wasn't sleeping, but she was deep in thought. She was left to her mind and the horrid scenes of the day. Her parents' deaths, her betrothed's death, her and her sister's inslavement. One of those days you wish you could just crawl back into bed and start over, looking for a different outcome. Liz played her father's death over and over in her mind. She couldn't close her eyes because she could see it all on the backs of her eyelids, but no matter what, she could hear the sounds. The knife cutting, the blood spurting, her father's gasp, his body hitting the ground. He could still feel the chills that went down her spine from seeing her father's eyes staring right at her, even when they had lost their sight.

Liz began to whimper, the tears finally coming. She couldn't shed them before, she had to be strong, but know, all alone, she could let them all out, just raining down her face. Then she felt a soft hand touch her cheek, whiping away the tear. She blindly turned towards the hand. "Daddy?" she asked. and then opened her eyes to look not on the face of her beloved father, but the murderer. She shrank back from him, but he only gathered her in his arms and stroked her hair. When she finally gave up struggling, she let the tears fall again. They fell for her father, they fell for her mother, her sister, her betrothed, her city, her situation, and for herself.

And Max just held her and let her cry till she fell into a deep depression induced sleep, and he carried over to his bed and layed her down next to him. He protectively held her in his arms and soothed her each time she cried out in her sleep. Tears fell from his own eyes. What he done to this angel, what had he done?

posted on 17-Feb-2003 12:30:21 AM by Strawberry Shortcake 17
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Part 6

Liz woke up the next morning to find herself curled up next to someone. She was still to sleepy to discern where she was, so she snuggled up closer. Whom ever they were they were so warm and solid, yet soft, and they smelled so good. Her feet had been unbound and they were now tangled up to the person next to her. She moved even closer, so close she could hear the heart beating in this person's chest. She could see the rise and the fall of their breathing and feel her own breath after it had bounced back off the flesh of the body in front of her. She was feeling things like warmth and safety, especially from the very heavy arm drapped over her side. When she snuggled in, the arm pulled her tighter to the wall of muscle.

She was half sleeping half dreamily dozing when the body streched and she heard a deep male yawn come from the body. Then all of a sudden, all her memories came flooding back to her. She looked up and screamed.

"How dare you! Don't touch me you filthy beast. Help, someone heff!" she yelled out as Max's hand came over her mouth.

"Now, that will be enough of that. It's much to early to be screaming like that." he said in her ear," Now, calm down and I'll let go if you promise to speak at a quieter level and in a decent manner. If not, I'll just keep holding you till you sufficate"

Liz squirmed a bit and tried to fight back. She finally nodded her head in defeat, but gave him a look that could cut right through him before she did. He left go of his hold of her and let his hand fall from her mouth.

"Let's try this again madame, Good morning." he said. Liz turned her head and folded her arms. Max reached out and grabbed her by the arms and yanked her to look him square in the eye. "I'm trying to be civil, you would do well to follow suit, madame."

She looked right back at him and said. "I will do nothing of the sort. I do not have to follow orders from the likes of you."

"That is where you are wrong my venomus angel. I am the king and your captor, you have to do everything I say. All I want on this first morning together is to be civil and be greeted by a much more pleasant personality than yours at the moment. I'll give you one last try to behave, and if you can't, I'll give you to one of the other men in my camp, and they wouldn't be as kind to you as I am." he said.

Liz couldn't believe her ears. He wouldn't, he couldn't. But then again, she kept forgetting where she was. She was the captive and she had no authority in her new reality and like it or not, she had to get used to it. Submissive was not a term ever used to describe her, nor would it ever be, but complacent would have to suffice. And, if she was cast away to one of the other men, she would not have the ability to get at her sister, and she could not afford to lose that.

"Good morning your majesty. I trust you slept well." she said as sweetly as she possibly could. Max could see her gritting her teeth and her forced smile. The malice in her eyes could not be missed either.

"Please, call me Max, and it was madame. It is not often I am priviliged to company as lovely as yourself in my bed." he said.

"I hope these are not the permant sleeping arrangements," she blurted out.

"Yes Elizabeth, they are. You are my prize of war and I like to keep my most percious possessions close to me at all times. Now, I hope you are ready for the day. We will be packing and moving on to the next city. I'm not sure if we will meet battle there or not, but we must be ready at all times. You will help to gather my things and be helpful to all in my camp. You are the war prize of a king, make a good example of yourself. Be pleasant to all the people you meet. It will make this time of your life much less painful, and maybe you will come to enjoy your time with my people."

I highly doubt that your majesty," she said cutting him off, "But I am of high birth and I will act according to my upbringing in front of all your people. Do not though, expect me to be as sweet to you, your majesty, because I was taught that scoundrels such as yourself were to be treated with much less. I do not want you to ever think that my actions in front of your people will ever be refelcted back towards you."

"That is just fine with me, my spirited beauty, but your temper will only get you cast from my tent. Do not enrage me agian as you did this morning. It will do you no good." He said and puncuated by leaving the tent.

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One divinity looked down from her spot on Olympus and smiled to herself. Like shooting fish in a barrel, she thought. Firey tempers only lead to fits of passion, and passion was her specialty. She reached out to a cloud and stirred her hands inside. "This rain shall melt away the hardend walls built around our heart young maiden. Each rain drop that kisses your delicate skin will only help to cleanse your eyes to the man you are destined to love. Now cloud, find the woman with skin of the olive and hair dark earth brown. Rain upon her until she has realized her love for the grandson of Zeus, the brave king of the Antarians."

And the cloud left the sides of Olympus, but not without being seen by a sea nymph who's rage was boiling on the ocean floor.

Ok, I'm back like I promised. I hope you like the next part. I want you to know that my Micheal isn't the unfeeling beast he was portrayed as in the show. I think he could have been a much more interesting character if he didn't spend the entire time brooding, but that's just me.
Ok, on with the myth
Part 7

Micheal stalked out of his tent, his head down, running his hand threw his hair. He would never tell anyone what had gone on in his tent, but his body language spoke volumes. He looked exhausted, but it wasn't the same reason why he was getting knowing looks from his men. They all kept winking at him and patting him on the back.

His night had been HELL. She hadn't stopped screaming since he dropped her on his floor. Her screams, he deduced had been misinterpreted. That was for the better. He had to save face and not being able to tame the schrew he chose for a prize would have the opposite effect.

She had screamed, hissed, kicked, and nearly scratched his eyes out 4 times. She had pulled his hair, tried to rip off his ears, he barely dodged her dangerously low kick and all of this had been in the first 10 minutes of her being there. She began to throw things at his head. Then she started crying and telling him to take her to Elizabeth. He didn't know who that was, so he just tried to get her to stop crying. In a bold act on his part, he put his hand on her cheek. When she looked him in the eye, he could see the tears flowing freely down her face, but what drew his attention was the fire in her eyes. He was drawn to that fire. It was all consuming. But, just as he felt the moment would last forever, like he could drown in them and let the fire cleanse him, she quickly turned her head away and buried her head in her hands. He heard her mumble to back off and he did. He knew that fire in her eyes could warmly caress or badly burn him. He wasn't sure which scared him more.

"So, my moping maiden, what is your name?" he asked trying to clear the air, and his thoughts.

"What do you care?" she spat back.

"I was just curious, no need to snap at me." he hollered back.

"If you did care, like you pretend to do, you wouldn't have flung me over your shoulder like a fresh bag of grain. I will not tolerate such treatment, not even from a beast like you."

"Watch your tongue woman. All I asked was your name and if I want to fling you over my shoulder like a bag of grain, hang you from the nearest tree like a theif or take you like my stallion takes the mares in the pasture I shall do as I please. You are my prize and that to do with as I wish." he said, rage oozing out if every pore, "Now, don't enrage me further and tell me your name!"

"My name is Maria, daughter of General Parkerous and I truely hope that the things you said happen in that order, because I would surely kill myself if you ever touch me in anyway, you inhuman monster." she hissed.

"Trust me madam, you would not say such things if I did and know this, you are my prize and my whim is your law. you must accept this, for this," he said motioning around the room and then pointing to himself, "is your life."

After that squabble, she sank into a far corner of the tent, as far away from him as possible. She kept her head down, but her eyes never left him so that he couldn't sneak up on her. Everytime he came near, she would glare at him and he would back away. He could feel that fire start to scorch him.

Finally he gave up and decided to give taming her a rest. He kept trying to offer her his bed, but she wouldn't accept it. She was sure it was a trick.

Ok, so the bed idea hadn't worked, but he knew it wouldn't. He knew shw was too smart for that. He laid down with his back to her. He couldn't sleep though, because how could he sleep through her tears.

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Now he looked worn out, but it was his emotions, the few he thought he had, that were frayed. He decided he needed to put some distance between him and the wild cat in his tent. He figured he'd find Max and ask him if he knew of this Elizabeth. Maybe that would calm her down and he could get a chance to ease his pent up "frustrations".

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Max had just stumled out of his tent, looking just as ill-rested. He wandered into the main tent and found Alex hard at work, looking for the next outpost that would be the best to hit. Alex had been a god send, well, a goddess send if you wanted to be technical. He was Athena's greatest strategist and the goddess gave him insight when she could.

Max walked past a pile of cushions and he saw a shimmer of light. He was the only one who was able to see Isabel behind her cloack. She also knew he could and she hoped he wouldn't give her away.

"Good Morning Alex,"Max said, startling him. His protactor and compass flew off the table.

"Oh, good morning your majesty. I hadn't heard you enter,"he said trying to cover the map.

"And, what were we working on?" Max asked, looking over hi shoulder. His eyes lit up when he saw the start of a poem entitled "My Goddess Princess". "Becoming a bard, are we Alex?" Max teased.

Alex looked at him worriedly and started to stammer, ''Um, well, I ah, um, I...oh Max, I'm sorry. I should be focused on our next battle, but my heart just isn't in it."

"No I can see that your heart is all over it." Max said, noticing little hearts all around the poem. Alex blushed beet red. "Why don't you just tell her how you feel Alex? I'm sure she feels the same things for you."

"I've tried, I really have, but every time I do, I just can't say it. I really want to tell her, but it feels like something is stopping me. I guess its my own insecurity. If she would just tell mehow she felt, I'm sure I could over my fears and just tell her that I, that I, I..." Alex stammered again. This happened every time he got close to saying how he felt if she was in ear shot. He scanned the room. He couldn't see her, but she had to be close by.

"Cats out of the bag sis, you better come out," Max said. Isabel emerged from her cloack. No wonder ha had had such a hard time writing this poem. Everytime he had spoken the words out loud, he had gotten tongue tied and when he looked down at what he had written, he found his hand, not under his own control earsing the lines. It was weird, but then again, a lot of of the gods were involved in this royal pair, so unexplainable things happened daily.

Isabel turned around and left the tent, wrapping th cloack around her agian. Max followed, but not before turning back to his friend, "Good luck with her Alex. She likes you, she does. I hope that can give you confidence." Max said walking out.

It gives me confidence, he thought , but it doesn't solve the mystery of why my mouth and my mind can't function together when I get close to expressing my feelings.

Ok, I'll work on the next part and get it up soon. Lots of love everyone. Next part will be back to our fave dreamer pair, and keep your eyes open for a possible fan cover artist looking to do my fic some justice.
Thanks-Strawberry Shortcake 17[/img]

Ok, so I took a little while longer than I thought I was gonna,but I have been down with a bad case of allergies and I had this part all written out on the board and then it logged me out, or something went screwy.
Oh well. Now I have lots of time to devolt to you and this new part.
Lot of love-Strawberry Shortcake 17

Part 8

A shepherd was sitting on a hill, watching his flocks and staring dreamily at the sky. the sky was a beautiful blue, full of bright puffy white clouds. Then a dark cloud passed overhead. He quickly hearded the sheep into a cave to keep them safe from the storm.

The storm never came. The clouds passed over, headed to a destination unknown to mortals, and most of the gods. The one goddess who knew where it was bound watched intentlyas it neared it's destination.

Unkown to that goddess, one extremely tempermental sea nymph knew what her plan was also. She had seen the goddess smile at the banquet when Zandros had turned away from her. She wasn't powerful enough to remove the curse, but she could meddle in her plans. A slow smile spread across the face of the sea nymph. She would fix her, she always got what she wanted, no goddess would stand in her way.

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The camp was alive with activity. They were packing everything to move to the next battle. Many of the men from the outpost had joined the rebellion and were falling into ranks of the moving troops. Max had left some men as defenders for the recently taken city. He did need the men, but he couldn't afford to let Kivar come behind him and take the city back. Kivar had sent men to this out post to try and help defend it, but they had all met their death, at the end of an Antarian sword.

Liz decided to help gather Max's belongings. She didn't consider herself his slave, she just needed something to keep her hands busy so her mind would turn off.

Most of the people she had interacted with had been very friendly. One woman in particular had been very warm to her. Her name was Claudia and she had a very grandmotherly way about her. She told Liz that if she ever needed anything, she was not to hesitate in asking. Liz enjoyed being around Claudia. She gave her a sense of peace she didn't think she'd find here.

Claudia had been Max and Isabel's nurse maid when they had been young, and much to Liz's dismay, that was all she talked about. Some of the stories had been interesting though. There were stories about Max dancing with the Princess of Athens and stepping on her toes constanly. Then he cried because Isabel wouldn't stop dancing with Prince of Sparta. There was the time when Isabel had placed Max's crown on the head of the Pig in the center of the dinner table. It had gotten them both grounded. Her for disrespecting his crown and him for not taking enough care of his royal symbol. She also told her about the time she had caught Max, right before he had launched himself off the edge of the castle walls. A bard had told him to follow his dreams and the night before, he had dreamed he could fly.

These stories conveyed Max and Isabel's innocent childhood. Liz felt herself becoming jealous. She had been the daughter of a general. Death and battle were always the focus of attention. Her father was a very cautious man. He was sure that if someone wanted to defeat him, they would go after his daughters first. For years, Liz wasn't allowed to even be near the doors of the house. She had finally just convinced her father to allow her outside 3 years ago. She finally got to experience that innocence she had always craved. She felt it when she would lie in the grass and watch the clouds drift by. She felt it when her and Maria played in the stream just outside of town. It was bliss and because of these rebels, the only thing she had ever wanted had been ripped away from her. She no longer had her freedom, but she was again slave to another man's wishes.

Liz knew Max's childhood hadn't all been innocent like Claudia wanted to remember. Liz picked up on the old woman's stiffening and quick change of the subject at the mention of the king or the queen.

No matter how hard Liz tried, she couldn't shake Max's words from her brain. "Your king killed my father first". It played over and over in her mind. In no way did it make what he did to her right. He was still her father's murderer and for that he must pay, but she couldn't help but think that Max must have felt the same things she does now. Was he made to watch his father die? Her father had been the champion of Kivar at the time of the take over, had he held the king while Kivar had killed him?

No, her mind yelled out. Daddy would never do something like that! He would have seen the pain in their eyes and would have stopped it. And then a little voice, far in the back of her mind could be heard saying 'Your father was a general, and a very good one at that. Many men died at your father's hand for him to have reached that position.'

Liz could feel her self getting sick. She excused herself from Claudia's side, complaining of fatigue. She went to the farthest corner of the tent and cried. She was ashamed, ashamed that her father was a moster, for what he had done, for being his daughter, and for being so blind for all these years.

The tears fell and she cried herself into another fitful sleep.

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Max entered the tent, intent on finding a set of scrolls Alex had requested. He decided he needed a better system of keeping track of things. He searched his table tops, his bed and finally found it in his wooden chest. He was about to leave the tent when he heard the faintest of sounds, coming from inside. He turned back to look for it, and when he couldn't find it, went back to the door. Then the sound came again. It was like a whisper, but it held so much saddness. Max followed the sound and it led him to a pile of pillows behind his bed. At first he didn't see anything, but then a slender foot came into view, just under the pillows.

He lifted the first pillow and it revealed a shapely calf, the next revealed a creamy white thigh, the next brought a tunic covered hip and stomach into view, the next revealed a pair of tunic covered yet well defined firm breasts, the next revealed a graceful neck and the last pillow gave way to her beautiful face. Max's breath was taken away by her beauty. He felt his heart wrench at the sight of the tear stains on her face. She had been crying again, and he was sure it had been his fault. He had done nothing but hurt this beautiful creature.

He knelt down next to her and reached his hand out to brush away the tears. He felt this amazing tingle in his fingertips. He could smell her scent now that he was this close. It was intoxicating. He wished he could just drown in the beautiful vanilla scent that was Liz. His mind was in a haze. He felt his eyes drift downward and they rested upon her lips. The last coherent thought he had was he wondered if those lips tasted like the strawberries they resmebled. He bent his head down and captured her lips in a soft and sweet kiss. Her lips yeilded to his and he heard a soft whimper.

That was all it took to finally shake him from his trance. He opened his eyes to find her's staring straight into his. She looked shocked and frightened, but he didn't miss the desire that was also present.

He stood and walked to the door of the tent. He wanted to leave before she could say something that would break the spell of their kiss. He reached the door and looked back at her, one last time. Her cheeks were flushed and she looked utterly beautiful. He walked out of the tent.

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Liz sat there, looking at the door he had just left through and she raised her fingers to her lips. They were still burning with his kiss. She had just had her first kiss, the most wonderful thing she had ever experienced, from the murderer of her father. Her world was so turned upside down, she didn't know what was right anymore. She decided to just focus on how strange and wonderful it felt.

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A goddess stood beside her with a huge grin on her face. She had made it just in time to help the king along with kissing this maiden. She loved the looks they were giving each other. The passion in them could burn the whole tent to the ground around them.

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One poor cloud was having the worst day. It had been blown of course several times and had gone past Atlas twice. The little cloud had to act fast. He waited till the right gust came up and it pushed him right over the Antarian camp, over the tent of the king. This was his only hope. He dropped his precious rain drops over the tent, right before another gust swept him away.

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The rain drops fell to the ground unnoticed by most of the camp, but then again, so did the boiling of the ocean floor right off the Antarian coast. Her plan had backfired! She had made an alliance with Aeolus, the god of the winds, too keep the cloud busy, but it had used the winds against them. She stamped her foot in protest and it set off a distant sea volcano. She decided then and there that she wasn't going to take this lieing down anymore. She stormed off to Posiden. She'll fix Aphordite, and that little brunette too.

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Liz pulled her hand back into the tent. When Max had kissed her awake, it had startled her and she had shrank back. Her one hand had slipped out from under the tent.

Her hand was tingling. It felt like at first that water had touched it, but her hand wasn't wet. She felt the tingling spread up her arm, to her heart and through her entire body. It made her feel so warm, from the inside out. She raised her hand t her lips again. The tingling on her lips had intensified for an instant, but then it was gone. She felt a void. She wanted to feel that tingle again. She wanted to feel Max's lips on her's again.

Deep inside her hardened heart, the walls began to crumble, and a small fire of desire was lit.

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Max's shield had been hanging on the wall. Aphrodite walked towards it and touched it. Her fingers lazily drug themselves over the polished front, and as she did that, her symbol appeared on it. She would not add her symbol until the young king had found his soulmate. Now that he had, and the feelings were beginning to surface in her, she would help this young king. She vowed to protect him and his love, for all time.

TBC...

Ok, so they are starting to like each other, but love is never that easy, even if a goddess is helping things along. Human insecruties always throw a monkey wrench into the works, that and a soogy gerbil deciding to throw her sluttiness around.

Ok, i'm finally back. Took me forever, but I'm back. I have had the new part done and Ihad started typing it, but my roomie played with the comp, and alas, it was lost, so we begin again.

Part 9

They finally decided to make camp for the night. It had been a long journey and it was far from over. The camp had picked up mid afternoon the day before and they had been moving ever since. Liz rode on Max's horse in front of him. Liz had a hard time focusing on staying on the horse because of her close proximity to Max.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't see Maria. she could hear her, oh yes, she could hear her over every footfall and moving cart and yelling drill sergeant in the entire army, she just couldnt' see her.

Max took the time to introduce people as the walked or rode past. Isabel rode up next to Max and Liz on a beautiful white mare. Her horse complimented her very light features, just as Max's sleek black stallion helped to give him an even more commanding appearance and accented his dark hair and features.

"Can you hear that girl carry on? She is being ridiculous!" Isabel commented to them.

"Yes, I think she has called him every nasty name in the book," Max joked.

"Maria knows 5 different languages and the nasty names in most others." Liz told them, " She is just getting warmed up."

"You know that mouth with legs?" Isabel questioned rather nastily.

"Yes I do and that mouth with legs as you refer to her happens to be my sister." Liz said looking Isabel directly in the eye. Isabel was taken aback with Liz's directness. No one talks to her like that, especially not a slave girl like her. Isabel fogot the Max and Micheal put her in her place but she was mad, and her common sense never seemed to win out when she was mad.

"Well," she huffed and galloped away.

Max was tring to hide his smile. He enjoyed seeing Isabel put in her place, but he was sure he should warn her about Izzy. She may be full of herself, but she was still his sister and the Princess of Antar.

Liz was glad she could hear Maria, even if she couldnt' see her. This meant she was taking care of herself and even though Liz would still worry, she wouldn't have to worry so much. If Maria was in the frenzy it sounded like, then not even the champion of this army could contain her. If Liz could only see her, Maria was riding Micheal's horse, but not in the same position as Liz. She had started out the day like that, but the mintue Micheal had jumped upon the horse behind her, she began to kick and scream. Micheal attempted to wrestle her into calming down, but his horse decided he didn't appreciate having the squirming, screaming blonde on his back and he dumped them both on the ground. Micheal, being extremely annoyed by Maria and by his horse, grabbed Maria, put her over his knee, spanked her bottom, flung her over the back of the horse, binding her hands and her feet to his saddle, all the while fighting her struggling, mounted the horse and pulled on the reigns. Maria proceeded to scream like someone had ripped her legs off.

Liz was glad they had decided to make camp for the night. The night before she had slept in the saddle with Max's arms holding her up and her head resting on his shoulder. Not that she hadn't enjoyed the closeness, but she was glad to get off the horse for awhile. A small tent was set up for Max, so Liz quickly entered it. She hoped she could find a comfortable place to sleep and be asleep before Max came in. The kiss they had shared earlier the day before still had Liz confused. She easily avoided conversation because she could keep her face away from him, but if he tried to bring soemthing up or kiss her again, she didnt' have anywhere to hide if she wasn't asleep. One small part of her hoped he would kiss her again, but her mind kept screaming at her to be sensible. You can't have feeling for this man, he killed your father, you shame your patronage. Yes, but your father killed his father. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, Life for a Life.

Liz had seen many of the great tragic plays , and she realized she was now wrapped up in one of her own. He r choices were avenge her father's murder and be a good daughter or end the circle of revenge and forsake her father. This inner turmoil was eating her up inside. The tears started flowing because they were just too hard to keep inside.

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Max entered the tent and his eyes automatically found Liz. She was curled up in a ball and she was whimpering. She looked up at him and raised her hand to whip away the tears.

She did whip them away, but not before Max had seen. He felt his heart twist in pain and he fell down to her side.

"Liz, I'm so sorry," he moaned, scooping her up in his arms and burying his head in her neck like it was the most natural thing in the world, "If I had known that he was your father I neverwould have done this. I know you hate me, but know that it tears me up inside knowing thatI caused you so much pain."

"Shh, shh," she hushed while stroking his hair," It's me who should be saying sorry. My father committed the first sin. I'm just confused. I should hate you for what you've done, but I don't. I'm not sure if this makes me a terrible daughter or a better person than those of grrek tragedy. I want the cycle of revenge to end with me." Max looked up into her eyes to see if there was any indication in them if she was lying. He was overjoyed when he didn't find what he was searching for.

He reached up his hands and cupped her face,"Oh, Liz" was all he said in a voice that conveyed all of his love and his fears in those 2 words. then before Liz could say anything, Max's lips were pressed against hers. Max was afraid his heart would pound right out of his chest. Then her lips softened under his and his heart sped up even more.

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His lips were so soft and full and they felt so wonderful against hers. All her fears and doubts melted away in that kiss. Finally she broke off the kiss because she knew they would both need air. Liz pulled back and looke into his eyes. Her breath caught in her throat when she found the love in his eyes and something darker. She could feel the desire radiating off him and soaking into her. It was too much for her. She just gave herself over to the passion. She flung her arms around his neck and forcefully pressed her lips to his. Max wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tight against him. Liz could feel Max's lips massaging her own and then she felt his tongue run across her bottom lip. She gasped and he took this as his chance to enter. Liz flet his tongue dance across her own and the amazing sensations going through her made her head spin. Her skin was tingling all over and she could feel her own heart beating out of control.

Liz got so absorbed in the kiss that she let her guard down. Then the flashes began. Liz saw everything. She saw Isabel, his mother, his father being drug away, his life with Apollo, Zeus and the other gods, the earth from his prospective in Apollo's chariot, meeting Micheal, his shield, the battle that took her city, killing her father, and then she saw herself through his eyes. She was the center of his being. The scary part was she was not only saw, she felt all those things. She felt his pain and fear of loosing his parents, she felt how much he didnt' want to kill her father, she felt how his heart hurt and the sorrow he felt whenever he saw her cry, she felt his fear and his love for her and his fear of how quickly he had fallen in love with her.

She pulled back to find the same shocked look on his face as hers.

"Wow," was all he could manage to say. His mind was trying so hard to process all the things that he had seen that he couldnt' formulate a coherent senctence.

They sat there, staring at each other, looking feshly kissed and deeply puzzled.

TBC....

Ok, I promise not to take so long this next time. I'm already started on it and I'll finish it very soon.

I want to say thanks to marteloise and to frenchkiss 70 for bumping my fic while i've been gone and supporting me. Love you guys

Ok, I'm back. I'm about ready to fling my comp out the nearest window, or maybe at the girl who lives next door to me. I think the latter would be more satisfying!(Down with freaky music girl).
I have a headache, but this relaxes me. Then again, the mention of Max's name makes me want to melt. Sigh
Ok, on with part 10

Max reached out his hand to caress her face. Liz jumped back. She had a very confused look on her face.

"What was that?" she questioned him.

"I don't know. That's never happened to me before." he replied running his fingers forcefully through his hair. As much as he wanted to just continue kissing her, he did need to figure this out, even if it wasn't as appealing as the first option.

"You saw things too?" Liz squeaked.

"Yes, I saw your sister's kitten that scratched your lip and I saw your placing a small book in your wall. Why what did you see?" he asked. Of course, he didnt' tell her everything he saw. He had seen her betrother die on the battle field and her father's lifeless eyes staring up at her. He had seen her fear of him and how she had felt when they shared that first kiss.

"I saw a shield and I think Apollo, but I'm not sure."She said. she was a little shocked by all the things she had seen. She wasn't sure if they were true, or if she hoped they were.

"Well, I was raised by Apollo, and the shield was a gift from the gods." he told her.

"My mother was the daughter of Apollo." she stated.

Max could feel the wheels turning. "Do you have the gift of sight?" he asked.

"My mother did, but I never tried. I figured the gift was hers alone since Maria tried all the time and could never do it." she told him. "When I touch people, I get feelings from them sometimes, usually the storngest feeling they have at that time., but never images like that. Why do you think we saw things?"

"I don't know. Maybe Apollo gave me a ability and never told me I had it or maybe that just happens when you kiss someone." he kept trying to explain this, but he was still confused.

"No, I was kissed by my betrothed once, and I never saw anything," she told him.

He leaned in closer and told her in the huskiest voice she had ever heard. "Maybe we should try it again."

She could feel her heart start to hammer uncontrolably, even as she felt herslef melting from the desire in his voice. She looked into his dark passion filled eyes and unconsciously liked her lips.

He groaned at the sight of her tongue running across her lips. She looked so innocent, so pure and breathtakingly beautiful. He felt that pull towrads her again and he was powerless to resist it. he swooped his head down and captured her lips again. She was so soft, so warm, and that familure taste of strawberries and scent of vanilla that was all Liz filled his senses.

His hands just couldn't be left out of this amazing experience. His arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close, while his other hand moved itself behind her head and thread itself through her dark tresses.

This kiss deepend as his tongue ran across the lips she had just been wetting in anticipation. She gasped and his tongue plundered her mouth. She was tentative, but then she became bolder as she tested this new freedom. They explored each other's mouths, just as their hands explored each others bodies. Liz hands had wrapped themselves around his neck and they were threading through his short hair. she found the nape of his neck to very sensitive after she stroked it and felt him shudder.

Max loved the feel of her mouth, but he wanted more. He broke their searing kiss and worked his way to her neck. she arched up to him, loving the feeling of his lips and tongue on the pulse point of her neck. The senstations running through her body were amazing. She felt his mouth move up her neck and begin sucking her ear. She was shuddering at the pleasure.

Max couldn't contain himself, he needed to feel more, experience more of this intoxicating woman. His hands slide to the bottom of her top and inched their way in.

Liz gasped at the feeling of his hands on her bare skin. His hands were so rough, yet so soft. His hands moved up her back , dragging the shirt with them. Liz lifted her arms as the shirt was lifted over her head. She saw him look down at her and she suddenly felt shy. She knew she wasn't well indowed like her sister and she was afraid he wouldn't like what he saw.

He saw her eyes look away and her hands reflexively move to cover herself and he stopped her. He was speechless at the perfection before him. He creamy white skin and small but firm breasts were the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. "Your perfect' he whispered in her ear as he moved his hands to her chest. His palms were the first to come in contact with her already hard nipples and she let out another gasp. His hands needed the flesh as he kissed his way down her neck. She was trying her hardest to arch as close to him as she could.

His lips were hovering right about her breast. He removed that hand and his lips desended on her nipple. She let out a low moan of pleasure. Max grinned to himself that he had been the cause of that moan. He swirled his tongue around the erect nipple and sucked it into his mouth. His other hand still paying affactionate attention to her other breast. He sucked and pulled on her nipple with his teeth, gaining moan after moan of pleasure. Her moans and heavy breathing were like music to his ears.

Liz's head was swimming with pleasure. She found it a task to remember to breath. His mouth was doing amazing things to her and she felt this ache deep inside of her. She couldn't quite pinpoint it, but she knew this was just the beginning.

Max switched to the other breast and loved it equally to the other, gaining more moans and a few 'oh, Max' 's from Liz. His hands began to move lower when a little voice in the back of his mind mentioned maybe he should stop. He really didn't want to, but he knew it was the right thing to do. He could feel her innocence in her responses and he knew that if he didnt' stop this right now, he'd never stop. he also reminded himself that she hadn't told him about her dead betrothed. He wanted to hear her tell him that he was the only man in her life, and the only one for him, even if he already knew. He had seen a few little flashes this time, but he hardly payed them any attention. He was so consumed in consuming Liz that flashes took second bidding in his mind.

He pulled back from her and she felt the chill of his body no longer in contact with hers. She shuddered at the loss.

"We better stop for now. We need to get our rest so we can continue our journey tom." he told her, reaching for her top. She slowly put it on and layed down with him reaching for a blanket and moving in behind her. The spooned into each other and fell into a deep and statisfied sleep. Well, at least Liz. Max hoped she couldnt' feel how undersatisfied he felt at that moment.

TBC...