Summer Secrets (UC, Liz/Zan, MATURE) AN 5/01/08 pg 10 [WIP]

[kameragrl350]

Summer Secrets

Disclaimer: I don’t own any part of these characters. I’m just borrowing them for the time being. They belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Mentz, The WB, and UPN.

Rathing: MATURE

Summary:

This story begins during Meet the Dupes (everything before that happened). It picks up right before the meeting, which is now held at The Crashdown. Possible unknown back story.

Mainly Liz’s POV – Liz and Zan, I know for sure! (But you never know what the creative juices will do)

Chapter 1:

As Liz opened the back door and walked inside, blood dripped onto the floor. It trailed behind her as she walked into the bathroom. She could hear noises coming from the other room and knew that everyone else had already arrived. She quietly shut the door and began to remove her shirt. That last blast that Nicholas aimed at her had hit her in the exact spot as the bullet that almost took her life over a year ago. “What am I going to do?” She whispered quietly. “I can’t go to Max. He already knows that I’m hiding something. If he really knew everything, I just might lose them all.” Liz waved her hand over the wound and the blood disappeared. “That won’t last very long, but it’s a start.” She fixed the hole and the stains on her shirt, and put it back on. Liz crept over to the door that lead to the diner and quietly cracked it open, so that she could hear what was going on.

Out front, Max was trying to talk to the others about the star incident, but nobody wanted to listen to him. Maria was complaining, yet again, and this of course got Michael all fired up. They were at each other’s throats. Maria looked about ready to smack him when the bell above the door rang a soft ding. Everyone stopped and the pod squad stepped forward with their arms raised to the hooded intruders. “Chill Duke!” The tallest one said, and with that the intruders’ slowly removed their hoods. For Max, Michael, Isabel, and Tess it was almost like looking in a mirror. Their clothes, their accents, and those tattoos were they only things that set them apart, other than that they looked so much alike.

“The other pods.” Maria screamed, “You’re from the other set of pods.”

“What gave it away?” The other Isabel stated with such sarcasm. “Yo, the name’s Lonnie, and this here is Rath. “ She said a little nicer as she pointed to the one that looked like Michael with bad hair. Mohawks are so last season.

“Who are you?” Max asked the other woman.

“Her name is Ava, and I’m Zan. The King of Antar!” Zan stated, and then he stood nose to nose with his duplicate. “Leave her alone.”

“I was just asking a question.” Max stammered, “So, what are you doing here? I assume you want something.” He said as he began to regain his composure.

“Not something, someone.” Zan answered as his eyes fluttered from one person to the next. He was clearly searching for someone, but she wasn’t there. “I know I felt her.” He muttered to himself.

“Well, who do you want then?” Isabel snapped.

“The hot little brunette,” Rath smirked. “What is it they call her, Liz?” Lonnie could see by Max’s face that the comment was about to set him off, and she opened her mouth to say something, but then something slammed against the wall next to her. Michael had one hand stretched out and Rath was pinned against the front door, floating just above the floor.

“If you touch one hair on her head, you won’t even live to regret it.” Michael growled through his teeth.

“An’ I thought she was da King’s, looks like I got it wrong.” Rath responded with a smirk.

“Liz isn’t a possession, she’s a person, and if you hurt her I will kill. No one messes with my family.” Michael looked over when a small hand was placed on his arm, and Ava looked up into his eyes.

“We aren’t here to hurt her.” Ava said with conviction. Michael looked over at the others and could tell that they weren’t here for a fight so he released Rath. “We’re here to save her! Kivar knows how important she is to everyone. He sent Nicholas after her; we need to find her before he does.” A slow creaking noise from the back of the diner caught everyone’s attention. As they all turned to look, Liz emerged from the bathroom.

“What does he want with me?” She asked.

“I don’t know. All I know is that Nicholas is going to come after you. We have to get you somewhere safe.” Ava responded. Liz and Ava just stood there staring at each other, and it seemed like forever before anyone spoke.

“Why is she important?” Max asked, but no one answered. Liz’s eyes began to dart back and forth between Ava, Max, and Zan. The only sound was Liz’s beating heart as she tried to figure out a way out of this situation, but she couldn’t come up with a reasonable excuse to leave. “Why is she so important?”

A new silence came over the room as the tension and anger started to build. Liz scanned the room and when her eyes fell on Michael she looked at him puzzled. He wasn’t his normal angry self; it was like he knew something the others didn’t. “You didn’t! Please, tell me you didn’t!” Michael just shrugged at her, with that crooked grin of his. “You are so dead! I’m going to kill you, do you hear me Michael; I’m going to kill you.”

“It’s not like you told me not to take it. You just said thanks when I gave it back the first time.”

“That didn’t mean you could read it whenever you want.” Liz hissed. “It’s an invasion of privacy.”

“Yeah, well you keep to many secrets. I can’t protect you when you don’t talk to me.” Michael said with an uncharacteristic like sad look in his eyes. Liz just stood there staring at him. It wasn’t like he was lying; she had been keeping things from them. Things like the baby. The baby, that not an hour was still alive, the baby that Nicholas unintentional ripped from her womb, and the baby who was also the heir to their throne. She has kept so many other secrets that they now needed to know. She has kept things hidden from almost everyone in this room, and until Michael’s revelation she thought only Ava and Alex knew what she knew.

Liz looked over to Zan. “Well, before we start with the story telling can you do me a favor.”

“What cha’ need?” Zan grinned, but the grin fell as soon as Liz lifted up her shirt revealing the mark that she had tried cover up earlier. The thin layer of skin that she had repaired was beginning to break back open and bleed.

“Can you fix this, cause it’s really starting to hurt again?” She asked. And before anyone could stop him Zan raced to her side. He cupped her face with one hand and gently placed his other hand over the wound. She gazed up into his eyes and the connection was instantaneous. The flashes started coming so fast, but she tried to concentrate. She needed to help him, she didn’t know if he would be able to ‘take care’ of the baby; she didn’t need him to be a nervous wreck right now. She needed…the King. She didn’t know how he was going to react; they had only spent that one night together. He needed to see everything before they broke their connection, and she showed him. “Thank you!” Liz said as the connection started to fade. Zan looked into her eyes again, gently placed a kiss on her lips, and walked behind the counter. He grabbed a glass from the self, filled it with water, and walked back over to Liz. He handed her the glass and pulled her onto his lap as he sat down in one of the chairs.

“It’s gonna’ be cool! He won’t touch you again. Ya understand.” Zan whispered into her ear as he brushed a lose strand of hair from her face.

“What the hell is going on?” Max roared.

Liz took a swig from the glass of water, looked over at everyone, and with a straight face replied, “The end of the world, again!”

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Let me know if I should continue. There will be flashbacks to explain the different pasts.- Amanda

[kameragrl350]

Chapter 2

May 2000 – Flashback to Liz walking away from the Pod Chamber

Liz ran away from everything that she thought she loved everything that she had ever dreamed about, but Max was destined to be with someone else. He was meant for Tess and there was nothing that she could do to change that. It was written in the destiny book, and it was verified by what his mother had said. Her life had just coming crashing down around her and there was nothing that she could do, so she fell to her knees and let out a piercing scream. Liz let out all the anger and hurt that she was feeling. It all came flowing through her and suddenly she felt something wet on her cheek. When Liz looked up she saw what was left of the cactus in front of her. “What just happened?” She cried. “Did I do that?” Liz stood up and looked around, seeing no one else she reached out her hand and focused all her energy on repairing what she had destroyed. Little by little, and piece by piece the cactus began to take the shape it had once been, and after a few minutes the task was completed. Liz again fell to the ground, this time out of exhaustion. A gentle hand was placed on her shoulder and when looked up she saw the face of a stranger. “I’m not here to hurt you child.” The strange man said.

“Who are you?” Liz asked.

“I am a visitor from another planet.” He responded and with that Liz recoiled away from his touch. “I am not here to hurt you.” He repeated. “I am here to guide you. You must go to New York. The others need you.”

“What others? Who needs me? Why me?” She questioned rapidly.

“Always the scientist!” He chuckled. Then he explained “There is another set of pods, and they don’t know it yet, but they need your help. The world depends on what you choose to do next.”

“I can’t just leave. There would be too many questions.” Liz responded. She thought about what he had said and she wasn’t going to risk her friends or her family's safety. She would have to go. “I won’t be able to leave until the summer.”

“Well, then I guess you have three weeks to come up with a good reason for leaving.” He stated. “And you can’t tell anyone about this, or about meeting me.”

“Why?” She asked.

“Now is not the time. You need to go, and save the others before anyone can know about me.” He said. “When you come back and everything is as it should be I will return to you, and I will tell you and everyone else what you need to know, but until then I will watch over you from the shadows.”

“Well,” Liz thought for a moment and then asked “Got any pointers on how to keep the blowing up cacti in check?”

He laughed and then responded “Keep your emotions in check, and in due time you will be able to control your powers. That is part of the reasons you need to go to New York. They will teach you what it is you need to know, and remember do not tell them about your life in Roswell, and don’t tell anyone from Roswell where it is that you are going.”

“I can’t make that promise.” She said. “I promised a friend of mine that I would no longer lie to him, and I will keep that promise. Besides if anything happens to me I want at least one person to know where I am.”

“Fine, but you must make him swear not to tell a soul.”

“He won’t, that I can promise you.” Liz responded. “By the way, what is your name?”

“Cal.” He said and with that the stranger walked away into the sunset.


Present

“So, you didn’t go to Florida?” Maria asked.

“No, I was in New York. I met the others there and they taught me how to use my powers.” Liz explained. “I still don’t understand something though? Cal said the world depended on it, and nothing happened while I was there.” Liz’s head turned to the back of the diner as the swinging door creaked, and she let out a little gasp when she saw that all too familiar face.

“You went, and in going you saved the world.” Cal stated.

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I know it is a little short, but I felt it was a good stopping place. Thanks for the comments. There will be more to come.

A.N. I forgot to tell you that Max didn't come back from the future. Liz did all those things to Max, because she didn't want him to find out about the baby. Other than that there are really no changes to the story up until Meet the Dupes except what Liz really did over the summer.

Amanda

[kameragrl350]

Adult Language in this Chapter

Chapter 3

Present

“You see I was visited by a Seer from our home planet of Antar, just days before I found you alone in the desert. She told me that there was going to be a great war, unlike anything the universe has ever seen. She warned me that the side of good, your side, wasn’t going to be prepared. The four squares weren’t complete, because neither one of them knew of each other’s existence. Then she mentioned a girl, a human girl that was pivotal to everything that the Queen had worked for. She said that this girl alone could unite her allied forces, and that I had to go to her and make her understand. She told me where to find you that day in the desert, and she told me to send you to New York. That there you would find the others and create a bond that would unite the two squares permanently, insuring the survival of not only Antar, but Earth as well. But, I have failed you. I couldn’t protect you like I said I would. I am the reason that your child, the heir to the throne of Antar is gone, and for that I will take my punishment as you see fit.” Cal responded as he bowed his head and got down on his knees.

Liz looked over to the broken man and stated, “You may have failed in protecting my child, but you have not failed in protecting me. If you hadn’t sent me to New York I never would have learned to protect myself. I will always be indebted to you for that.” And with that being said Liz walked over to the man, helped him to his feet, and placed a tender kiss on his cheek. “Now, I think we need to catch the other up to speed on what’s been going on. There seem to be quite a few puzzled faces.” She chuckled.

“How about we start with the whole, your child and heir to the throne comment?” Tess snapped.

Liz chuckled and turned to Tess, “It wasn’t Max’s so chill the fuck out. “ She spat at the blonde, “In fact it didn’t happen on purpose either,” Liz stated as she looked over to Zan, “but more like a stupid, random mistake.” Zan looked a little disappointed when she said that but he really couldn’t blame her. It was as she had said a stupid mistake, neither one of them was really in their right mind at the time. “I think it might be easier for everyone to understand if I just start at the beginning. So, let me explain what happen while I was in New York.”

June 2000 – Flashback to New York City

When Liz got to New York she didn’t exactly know where to go, so she decided to just wander around the city and take in the sights. By then end of the day she was getting tired, so she decided to ride the subway back to the hotel. It was cheaper than taking a cab, and she didn’t want to spend to the extra money. She wasn’t sure if she might need it later. When she walked into the train car she could see that it was almost empty, just an older couple to her left, a group of teenager at the other end of the car, and two men that got on behind her. Then at the next stop the older couple got off and just as the doors closed one of the men grabbed her from behind and held a knife to her neck. The other man began taunting her. He placed his hand on her knee and slowly glided it up her leg to the top of her jeans. “Stop, please stop.” She screamed, but the man didn’t; he unfastened her buckle, and was about to pull down the zipper when something distracted him. He looked over his shoulder and saw the group of teenager slowly making their way towards them.

“Don’t ya know it’s ain’t nice to hurt little girls?” said one of the boys.

“Yea, didn’t your mama ever teach ya how ta treat a lady?” The taller girl questioned.

“You’ll mind your own business if you know what’s good for you.” The man with the knife stated. “Now, you should run along unless you want what she’s gonna get too.” By now the teenagers had gotten close enough for Liz to see their faces, and she was shocked by what she saw. They were the people she was looking for, and that gave her courage. She winked at the small, blonde girl, who then gave her a puzzled look. Liz smiled, raised her foot and slammed it down on top of foot of the man holding onto her. She leaned to the side, the knife just nicking throat, and turned to punch the man in the jaw, connecting before he knew what hit him. When Liz smiled and raised her foot the short, blonde realized what it was that she was going to do and when Liz slammed her foot down the blonde lunged at the other man knocking him to the ground. Liz grabbed the pepper spray in her bag before anyone else could move, and sprayed her assaulters in the face just as the train came to a stop. Liz ran out of the car, sure that the others would follow, and they did.

“Wasn’t…sure… you were…gonna catch that.” She panted as she slowed to a stop to catch her breath.

“Pretty tricky, you ain’t from around ere’ are ya?” The blonde said. “The name’s Ava, but the way.”

“Elizabeth, and no; I’m visiting from Florida.” She stated.

“Takin’ the subway at night, an alone, that ain’t to smart.”The boy that distracted the men stated.

“Thanks, for back there. It a…probably would have a…ended badly.”

“They weren’t kiddin’ around. Ya know, yous could get yourself hurt down here,” stated the boy with the mohawk.

“Oh no, I meant them!” Liz laughed. “I’m not stupid. I just couldn’t reach my bag.” And with that Liz pulled out the handgun that Cal had left at her hotel with a note that said it was for extra protection. Then she placed the gun back in the bag and started looking around. Ava stared at her and then started to laugh. “What?” Liz asked.

“You jus’ don’t look the type.”

“To carry a gun, I’m not but this is New York. How else is a single girl gonna protect herself?” Liz chuckled.

“You have no idea.” The tall girl mumbled. “I’m Lonnie, this Rath.” She pointed to the guy with the hawk. “An’ this is ma’ brother Zan,” motioning towards the boy with the dark golden eyes.

“Yo, how bout you hang with us for a’ while? Ya don’t need them creeps trackin’ ya down.” Zan declared. Liz hesitated for a minute. She needed to get close to them, but she wasn’t sure if she could trust them quite yet. Zan looked into her eyes, as if understanding her reservations and stated, “We don’t bite. Unless, of course, you ask!" He smirked. "Sides, you need ta take care a' dat cut.” He said pointing to her neck.

Liz touched her hand to her neck, looked at her fingers, and then wiped the wet blood on her pants. “Sure, why not. So, where are we going?”

“Back to da crib, home sweet home baby.” Rath stated with a smile. And with that Liz followed the four of them through the underground subway tunnels unsure of where exactly it was they were taking her.

[kameragrl350]

A.N. In "Blind Date" Max drank more than just a sip to get him drunk. Alcohol effects the Aliens just the same as humans.

Chapter 4

Present

“You gave her a gun!!” Max shouted.

“She needed the extra protection. I didn’t want her to have to use her powers until she was ready.” Cal declared.

“Chill out Max! It’s not like I ever actually had to use it.” Liz yelled back. “Anyways…as I was saying…”

June 2000 – New York City

When Liz and the others had reached their destination she gazed around unsure of herself. They were in what looked like an abandoned, underground subway tunnel. As her eyes looked around the “room” she saw what looked like four pods in the ceiling. “I guess this is where they were born.” She thought. “I wonder if Cal ever came back here looking for them.” She didn’t want to the let the others know that she had noticed them, so she quickly averted her eyes and focused them on the couch.

“Ya wiped?” Ava asked when she noticed Liz looking at the couch.

“A little,” Liz replied, “but I should probably bandage this up first,” she pointed to her neck. “Do you have like a first aid kit, or something?”

“Here!” Lonnie handed her a small box and a mirror. “Dare’s beds in da back dat yous can crash on when you done.”

“Thanks.” She smiled. Zan grabbed the box and the mirror from Liz’s hands and she looked up at him confused.

“I’ll do it.” He stated, and Liz sat down on the couch while Zan took his time slowly cleaning the wound and placing a bandage over the shallow cut. “Dare, all done.”

“Umm, thanks!” She mumbled. For some reason the closeness and tenderness of the moment left Liz unable to form a sentence. She couldn’t keep from staring into his eyes. When she started to get up from the couch he reached for her hand and all of a sudden she was hit with a flash. She saw Zan; she saw him sit down, and stare at the other pods like he was waiting for something to happen. The flash knocked her off balance and she fell back onto the couch. When she came out of the flash four sets of eyes were hovering over her. “I think I may have lost a little too much blood.” She stated with a chuckle. “I just need to lie down for a little bit, and then I’ll be ok.”

“I’ll show ya where yous can crash.” Ava replied, helping Liz off the couch this time. Ava led her down what looked like a hallway, and when they turned the corner there was a small bed and what looked like a dresser. “Yous can sleep in ere’. I’ll crash on da couch.”

“Is this your room?” Liz asked.

“Ya, but it cool. I’ve passed out on da couch before.” Ava asked. “Holla’ if ya need anytin’. K?”

“I will. Thanks!” Ava left the room when Liz sat down on the bed. She let out a sigh of exhaustion, took of her shoes, and when her head hit the pillow she was out like a light. When Liz awoke a few hours later she heard voices coming from another room. She slowly crept down the hall, stopped where she knew she wouldn’t be seen, and eavesdropped on the conversation.

“I’m tellin’ ya dare’s sumtin’ off with ‘er.” Rath grumbled, in true Michael fashion.

“Yous say dat ‘bout everyone.” Ava countered. “She’ jus’ a little cornball, dats all.”

“She’ got power, I can feel it.” Zan muttered, “When I grabbed ‘er hand…was like a lighten’ bolt.”

“Maybe we jus’ ask ‘er?” Ava questioned. “Ain’t like we can’t defend ‘rselves if she try somethin’.”

Liz stepped out from around the corner and caught Zan’s eye. Then she said, “I don’t know what it is. Some asshole shot me while robbing a gas station in this little town just outside of Texas, and I was lying there in a pool of blood. Then poof, no blood, no gunshot wound just an old man standing over me, telling me to get up and run, so I did. I got in my car and drove home. A week later weird things started happening, so I packed up my stuff and I’ve been on the run ever since looking for that man. There wasn’t exactly a logical explanation for my hands to spout off green electrical currents.” She had repeated to them the lie that Cal had come up with hoping that they bought it, and she was sure that they had when Ava asked.

“So, why ya tellin’ us.”

“Because along with the whole, being able to melt things with my hands, I get these weird feelings and visions, and that’s what told me to come to New York and to get on that train. When I touched Zan, I knew that here is where I need to be.” Liz explained.

“Den ‘ere is where yous gonna stay.” Lonnie declared. After that first night everything seemed to fall into place, it was as if Liz and the others had always been together. They taught her about her powers and she learned everything she could, as fast as she could. When they weren’t practicing with her powers they were gallivanting around New York, showing Liz the sights. The summer flew by so fast, when it was time for Liz to think about heading home so started to have visions, or at least that is what she told the others.

“It’s like the visions want me to go and do something, but just me. None of you guys are with me, for some reason I have to do this myself; I have to leave you behind.” Liz told them, but from the look on Ava’s face Liz could tell that she wasn’t buying it. It’s surprising that she would have such a close connection with Ava after everything that had happened with Tess. Liz decided that she was going to tell Ava the truth, there wasn’t any other way around it.

“So, when ya leavin’?” Rath asked.

“I don’t know, tomorrow I guess.” Liz declared.

“Den yous goin’ out wit’ a bang!” Zan stated.

Ava turned to Zan and said, “Why don’t yous guys git some…provisions?”

“I’m comin’ too.” Lonnie said. She and the boys left leaving Liz and Ava alone.

“So, ya wanna tell me what’s really goin’ on?” Ava questioned. Before the others got back Liz had told Ava everything. She started with Max saving her life and ended with meeting Cal that day in the desert. Ava promised Liz that she wouldn’t say anything and she would do her best to keep the others away from Roswell until Liz needed them.

“Who’s read…y to par…ty?” Rath hollered. The girls laughed as he started pulling bottles of liquor out of the bag he was holding.

Present

“I didn’t want to lie to you guys,” Liz said looking at Zan, Rath, and Lonnie, “but I didn’t really have a choice. I needed to do as Cal told me; I wasn’t sure how much you guys could know without affecting everything that he had planned.” They just nodded in understanding, knowing that Liz would never purposely deceive them without a very, very good reason.

“And the baby!” Tess questioned, staring at Liz.

“Not that it is any of your business, but “it” happened the last night I was there.” Liz told her, “And besides don’t you think that might be kind of personal, I’m pretty sure everyone could do without the details.” Rath opened his mouth to say something and without even looking at him Liz said, “Shut it Rath!” Then she turned to him and smiled.

“Now dat yous done talkin’ ‘bout dis summer yous wanna fill us in on whatcha been up to lately?” Lonnie asked.

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A.N. I'm gonna be at a convention this week, so I might have trouble posting another chapter before next monday.

[kameragrl350]

A.N. Buckling down really works. Thanks for the feedback.

Chapter 5

Present

“Michael, can you fire up the grill and cook some food for everyone while I tell Zan, Rath, and Lonnie what’s been going on?” Liz asked when she heard Ava’s stomach rumble.

“Sure! Why don’t you guys help me in the kitchen?” Michael told everyone. Cal, Ava and Alex were the only three not following him into the kitchen. Michael noticed Max look back at them, so he added, “Alex, can you get the drinks.”

“Sure,” He responded, “Cherry coke ok?”

“Yea, that’s fine.” Michael answered.

When the others had finally left the room Liz sucked in a long breath and turned to face the others. “I’m sorry.” She said. “I wish I could have told you sooner, but I wasn’t sure what would happen. I had to do what Cal told me. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Liz was on the verge of tears when she looked over at Zan. She stood there staring into his eyes, not sure of what to say. Leaving him the way that she did wasn’t what she had wanted to do. He was the one for her body, mind, and soul. He understood her, and let her be her for the first time in her life. He never questioned her, never talked down to her. He was always just….there for her. She loved him more than anything and she knew that her earlier comments had hurt him, but they had been reckless that night and now their son was gone.

For the first time in a long time Liz began to cry. Zan reached out for her, but she stepped away from his grasp; she could not feel his touch right now it would only make it worse. After a moment Liz began to compose herself. She sucked in another long breath, wiped her hands long her tear stained face, and told them everything. She explained about Nasedo’s death, the incident with the congresswoman, and the trip to Arizona. She told them about her weekly calls to Ava, and about the lengthy conversation she had with Alex when she first got back. She didn’t leave out anything. “I’ll explain what happened earlier today when everyone gets back. They all need to know what’s going on.” She stated.

“We need ta talk, soona rather dan latea.” Zan said when she was finished.

Liz looked over to him again and answered “We will, but not right now. After everyone is done eating we can go upstairs.” The others walked in from the back room carrying plates of food and set them on the counter. Everyone grabbed a plate and sat down to eat: Max, Isabel, Maria, and Tess in their usual booth, Zan, Lonnie, and Rath at the counter, and Liz, Ava, Alex, Michael, and Cal at a table across the room from the Roswell gang. When everyone had finished their supper Liz stood up, cleared her throat, and began to explain the events that happened earlier that day.

“I was at the library doing some research for a paper, and when I noticed it was getting late. I grabbed my things, and when I turned the corner I noticed a piece of skin on the ground. I high tailed it out of there, and was crossing through the park when Nicholas caught up with me. I didn’t see him until the blast hit me; I didn’t have time to react. I was losing so much blood, and I could feel the baby slipping away.” Liz’s breathing picked up and she had to pause to calm herself. “I couldn’t focus to fight back, so I just dropped my books, and ran. I was a block away when I fell to the ground. The pain was so horrendous. I felt the exact moment when the baby was gone.” She paused again to regain her composure, but it didn’t help. “I came in the backdoor, and went into the bathroom to try and slow the bleeding. That’s when I heard you guys talking and came out here.” By the time Liz was finished there were tears running down her cheeks. Maria, Isabel, and Ava were openly crying, and Zan sat there staring off into space. The glasses behind the counter began to shake, then they burst, and everyone ducked to avoid the flying glass.

“Sorry!” Zan stated never moving, still staring off into space. He raised his hand towards the broken glass, and the glasses put themselves back together and then replaced themselves onto the shelves.

“Maybe we should talk now.” Liz stated.

“Yea, dat might be a good.” Zan answered her.

“We’re gonna go to my room.” She said to the others. Then looked over at Maria and stated, “My parents are out of town this weekend, so can you show them where they can sleep.”

“Yea, chica.” With that Zan followed Liz upstairs to her room. When they got inside she shut the door, and watched as Zan looked around her room.

“So, dis is yo crib.” He said in more of a statement than a question.

“Yea.” Liz answered anyways not knowing exactly what to say. She walked over to her bed and sat down. She started to fidget with her hands wringing them over and over. Zan watched her for a moment and then crossed the room. He gathered her up into his arms and placed her on his lap as he sat down. With Zan holding her close she began to sob; she cried harder than she had ever cried before. Zan was gently stroking her hair in an effort to calm her down. After a few minutes Liz’s cries came out more like hiccups until they stopped completely. Liz looked up into Zan eyes and gently kissed his lips. The gentle kiss began to grow into something more, and the passion that they had for each other began to escalate. Liz opened the long dormant connection, ignored the flashes coming from him, and focused on showing him everything that she felt.

She showed him her fears of rejection that she felt after waking up next to him, afraid that he felt he had made a mistake. They had both been drunk that night and neither one of them was thinking rationally. He saw her the moment that she realized she was carrying his child: the immediate love that she felt for this being growing inside of her, and then the doubts that plagued her mind. Would Zan reject her and the baby, would the others reject them. She feared her parents’ reactions, and the whispers in the hallways. She’s only seventeen; how was she going to raise a child? What would happen if their enemies found out?

She showed him the incident with Kyle and that her reasoning behind it was to make Max stay away from her. Liz didn’t want Max knowing about the baby or the others yet. She wanted him to move on, and she couldn’t find another way to accomplish that goal. Zan understood that nothing had really happened, but that Liz had felt like in some way she was betraying him by even being there. She loved Kyle as a friend and only a friend. Zan even respected Kyle because he had helped Liz with no questions asked, and didn’t try anything while they were in the compromised situation.

Then Zan saw the bond that she was developing with the child, he felt how she felt when that bond was no longer there. To Liz it was like a piece of her soul had been ripped out, and Zan felt the same way when he understood that his child was no longer there. He understood the love that Liz felt for him and was awed by the complete trust that she had in him; he also sensed her reluctance because she feared that he didn’t feel the same. He could tell from the flashes that everything Liz felt for Max was nothing compared to the bond she had with him. She loved Max because he had saved her life, but with Zan she loved him for him. She loved him for his heart, his soul, and because of the way that he treated her, to him she wasn’t fragile, and she wasn’t weak. As the images began to slow Zan broke away from the kiss. He gently placed his hands to cup her face, and brought her eyes level with his.

He spoke softly while caressing her face, “I ain’t good with da words, but I’s want yous ta know, everything yous feel I feel too.” A look of relief crossed Liz’s face and she grabbed onto Zan neck pulling him into another deep, passionate kiss. Liz moved around and straddled Zan so that she could get closer to him. She needed to feel his body next to hers; she needed comfort, and Zan more than willingly obliged. When things began to progress to the next level Liz came up for air stopping them.

“We…need…to…stop.” She said breathless, but Zan tried kissing her again not quite understanding what she meant. “Please, Zan.” Liz stated pulling her head back from him, so she could look him in the eyes.

Zan stared at her for a moment then stated, “Yous ain’t ready, are ya?” He questioned still not sure of what she was wanting.

Liz looked down and blushed. “I just…We…were…We rushed into things last time and I want to take slow. Is that ok?” She looked back into his eyes when she asked her question.

Zan smirked with a twinkle in his eye and stated, “Yous da boss.” Then he chuckled, and said, “Why don’t we’s see what de otha’s are ups ta.” Liz placed a peck on lips, got up from her position on his lap, and straightened her clothes.

“I wonder if everyone’s still here.” Liz commented as she looked back to Zan.

“Let’s find out.” He answered back grabbing her hand and pulling her through the doorway. They walked down the hall, and stepped into the living room. Max, Tess, and Cal were nowhere to be seen, but it seemed as if someone had called Kyle and Jim while they were in the other room.

“Hey, Sheriff.” Liz exclaimed.

“Seems we missed the powwow, but Michael and…Ava caught us up while you were gone.” He answered her back. Kyle looked over at Zan with questioning eyes, and then looked back at Liz. He seemed unsure of the man, but as he looked down at their joined hands he seem to relax a little bit.

“So, I take it you’re the reason.” Kyle questioned to Zan.

“Yea, you cool wit dat.” Zan asked.

Kyle looked him over once more and answered, “Does it really matter.”

“Nope.” Zan smirked, and Liz smacked him on the back of his head causing Rath and Ava to chuckle. As he rubbed the spot her hand had just left he said, “Thanks…for what cha did.” Kyle just nodded back in understanding as Lonnie, Rath, Maria, Isabel, and Jim had puzzled looks on their faces.

Liz laughed for a moment and then stated, “We never actually slept together. I just set it up because I needed an excuse to get Max to leave me alone. I didn’t want him to find out about Zan or the baby yet.”

“Do I even want to know what you’re talking about?” Jim replied.

“It’s ok sheriff. Kyle did me a favor; let’s just leave it at that.” Liz answered him with a yawn. “It’s been a long night and I’m getting tired, so whoever’s staying, there are extra blankets in the hall closet. You guys can fight over the guest room, but no one sleeps in my parents’ bed.” She looks pointedly over at Lonnie and Rath, then states, “Got it!”

“Yes Sir!” Rath salutes her with a smirk.

“Rath!” Liz says with a scowl and another pointed look.

“Yea, yea, but Lonnie an’ I gets dibs on da room.” Rath declared, looking around at the others as if to say try and stop us.

“Looks like I’s gettin’ da couch.” Ava responded.

“Kyle and I should probably be heading home. We’ll see you tomorrow around breakfast, Liz.” Jim told her.

“Bye!” Kyle hollered to everyone as they walked out the door and down the back stairs of the Crashdown.

“Maria, can you give me a ride home?” Isabel asked her. Maria nodded back to the girl and looked at Michael to see if he wanted a ride. Michael grunted back to her and mumbled a good bye to Liz before going downstairs. Isabel gave Liz a soft hug with a look that said I’m sorry, and then she too walked out the door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow chica.” Maria said giving Liz a tight squeeze before turning to Alex and saying, “You still need a ride home too.”

“Yea.” Alex turned to Liz and gave her a hug, with a small peck on the cheek causing Zan to growl at him. Alex looked over at the other man and laughed. “I’ll be back tomorrow to check in, ok?” He left without an answer, both knowing he was going to be there whether she wanted him or not.

“Bye, Alex.” Liz turned and yelled after him. “Ask Maria to lock up for me will ya.”

“See you tomorrow.” He shouted from the bottom of the stairs.

When Liz turned back around Lonnie and Rath were already gone and Ava had passed out on the couch. Zan reached for Liz’s hand and guided her back to her bedroom. He closed the door behind him and Liz went into the bathroom to change her clothes. When she emerged from the small room in her pj’s Zan was in his boxers laying on the bed waiting for her. She laid down next to him and he pulled her into a tight embrace. She curled up into his big, strong arms as he gently kissed the top of her head. For the first time since their first together night she felt safe. “I love you.” Liz whispered into his chest.

“I love ya too baby.” He stated in a husky voice. Liz reached up and placed a gentle kiss on Zan’s lips before letting much needed sleep overtake her.

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A.N. Ok, so I know where the next part is going. The only thing is I still need to flush it out
quite a bit more so I might not have another post till the end of next week. Thanks again
to those who diligently waited for this part. I'll try not to keep you in suspence for to long.

Amanda

[kameragrl350]

I got inspired. Hope you like!

Chapter 6

One Hour Earlier – Downstairs

As Zan and Liz headed upstairs Maria turned to the New Yorkers and said “It’s getting late, so why don’t we go upstairs. I’m sure Liz wouldn’t mind you guys hanging out in the living room.” She turned to Michael and Alex, “Can you finish cleaning up down here I’ll be down in a minute to help?”

A, “Sure,” from Alex was the only reply that she got as Michael was in a heated argument with Max. Maria and the others went upstairs to get settled in, besides it was getting late and the drive had been long since they didn’t stop on the way. From the outside looking in you could tell the Lonnie, Ava, and Rath were almost dead on their feet. As they ascended the stairs Maria could faintly fear Michael hollering, just enough to know that it was him, but not enough to know what he was saying.

“Max, back off.” Michael yelled at his once and future king.

“She had no right, and you had no right. How could you keep something like this from me, from all of us?” He barked back at the other man.

“It wasn’t my secret to tell. I knew that if I had told you she would have left, and then I wouldn’t have been able to protect her and the baby, fat good I did anyways.” A solemn look came over Michael’s face, and if you looked closely you could see a single tear threatening to break from his right eye. “I don’t know why, but when she got back in August I felt like I had to protect her, like it was my duty or something. I stayed close, watching over her, and one night we started to talk. The Parkers just became like my family; I can’t explain it, but I guess over time Liz became like a little sister to me.” Everyone just stood there not sure of how to respond to Michael’s revelation.

“She has that effect on people.” Cal said breaking the silence. “The protection thing, that you felt back in August was for the child, but the rest of it, that’s just who Liz is. She crawls under your skin and it’s like you would do anything just to keep her safe. I never wanted this.” He added looking in Max’s eyes. “When your mother came to me I tried to say no; I tried to fight what she wanted me to do. I just couldn’t get Liz’s face out of my mind. I would see her every time I turned the corner; it was like she was pulling me here. There is something about that child that is extraordinary, and I’m pretty sure it starts with her heart.”

The others just stared at Cal unsure of the man in front of them. He was nothing like Nasedo, and Tess voiced this, “You’re not anything like him. Are you?” She asked the older man.

“No, Nasedo wanted this. He wanted to be the protector of the royals. He thought they were Antar’s salvation. He never understood the true reason the queen sent you here.”

“Why did she send us?” Tess asked him curiously.

“Well, of course, she wanted you to stop Khivar, but she also wanted you to be happy. She wanted you to grow up in a world free from obligations and responsibilities. She knew that in time you would grow to be the people that you were meant to be, but in the beginning she just wanted you to be happy. She knew the pain and isolation that you would feel when you got older and she wanted you to truly know what it was you were fighting for.” Cal answered the young girl. When he was finished she looked lost in thought, unable to understand what he was saying.

“I have…I have to go.” Tess stated as she grabbed her jacket and raced out of The Crashdown.

“Tess, wait.” Max yelled as he ran after her.

“I should be going as well.” Cal told the other three. “I need to make sure that Nicolas is really gone. I will do a sweep of the town, and then check your homes to make sure no one is lurking in the shadows.” With that being said Cal exited through the back door, leaving no room for discussion.

“We should probably call the Sheriff and Kyle.” Alex thought out loud.

“Yea, they need to know what’s going on. I’ll call and tell them to come over; this is probably something we shouldn’t talk about over the phone.” Isabel answered him as she began to walk over to the phone.

Alex started washing the dishes as Michael began cleaning the kitchen. When Maria came back downstairs she helped Isabel finish wiping down the counter and tables. Maria had just started mopping when Kyle and Jim showed up. “Why don’t you guys take them upstairs and fill them in on what’s going on. I’ll finish things down here and come up when I’m done.” Maria said.

“Ok.” Michael answered before walking up to her and placing a kiss on her forehead. “I didn’t want to keep it from you.” He whispered in her ear.

“I know.” She smiled sadly at him; it was a smile that said she understood why he had. “Now go, Spaceboy.” She snapped his rear with a dish towel as he headed for the back. Michael looked over his shoulder at Maria and smirked causing her to chuckle.

Michael walked up the stairs following the others. Tonight had already been a long night, but now it just seemed like it would never end. As he reached the top of the stairs and walked through the front door he noticed Ava, Rath, and Lonnie sitting on the couch. From what Michael could tell Lonnie and Ava were fighting over control of the remote and somehow Rath had gotten stuck in the middle, literally. “Children…children quiet down.” Michael chuckled as Alex seemed to make the girls snap out of it.

“Thanks.” Rath grumbled. “Thought d’hey was gonna start a smack down.” Ava leaned back into the couch signaling Lonnie behind Rath’s back. She counted down from three with her fingers.

“Now,” Ava yelled. Lonnie and Ava launched themselves at Rath before he had a chance to move. Ava held him down and Lonnie tickled his sides causing him to start bellowing.

“Stop….Stop.” He screamed in between hardy laughs. Lonnie finally conceded and Ava let go of Rath. Only two of the room’s occupants stood there in a daze while the rest looked at the three on the couch with amusement in their eyes.

“Yo, who called da cops?” Ava said nodding her head towards Jim with a smirk on her face.

Jim just stood there looking at them with shock. “Uh…Uh.”

“Spi’d it out all ready.” Ava said to the older man.

“I pulled you over.” He said snapping out of his stupor with a puzzled look on his face.

His father’s voice seemed to revive Kyle as he looked at the three on the couch and said, “Holy Buddha, there’s more of them.”

Michael took this opportunity to start explaining about earlier. He told the Sheriff and Kyle all the details of the earlier conversations. Some of the other members of this newly added to group chimed in when their perspectives were needed, and by the time Maria had finished downstairs Kyle and Jim were up to date on all things alien. Everyone decided that they were going to stick around until Liz and Zan were finished talking. They all wanted to make sure that Liz was ok, or as ok as one can be when they were in her situation.

Elsewhere – The Park

“Tess…..Tess, wait up.” Max yelled.

“I can’t, just go away Max.” Tess hollered back at him, openly crying. She didn’t want him to see her cry. She wasn’t supposed to show emotion. Showing emotion made them weak, that was what he had always taught her. When the thought popped into her head she fell on a bench, her shoulders racked with sobs. Max sat down next to her and pulled her into a hug. Tess fought him, before finally letting him console her. When her sobs slowed and the crying stopped she whispered. “I didn’t get that. I didn’t get that happy childhood. He moved us around from place to place. I was always on guard. He taught me how to control my powers; he taught me how to fight. It was always about survival when I was with him. I didn’t get all the things that you guys had. I never had friends; I never had family. I only had him, and he wasn’t anything but mean and callus towards me. It was always his way, with no room for discussion.”

Max stared into the distance holding the little, blonde haired girl unsure of what to say. After a moment he said the only thing he could, “I’m sorry, Tess. I wish things could have been different. I really do, but I can’t change the past.”

“I know. I have spent my entire life looking for the three of you, only to find out what I thought I knew was all a lie. Everything he told me, everything he taught me doesn’t matter now.” Tess said with conviction.

“Let me walk you home.” Max said to her, pulling her up from the bench.

“Sure.” Tess responded and the two of them walked into the night, still holding onto each other. Something had changed between the two of them in that moment. Max was finally beginning to understand Tess, and Tess, well; she finally understood what it meant to be human. She didn’t need to guard her emotions anymore. She had people around her that would catch her when she fell, and for the first time in her life she could breathe. All she had to do now was apologize to the others. She needed them to know that things were going to be different; she wasn’t going to live by his rules anymore. She was going to live by her own.

[kameragrl350]

Chapter 7

The Next Morning – Crashdown

Liz woke up early the next morning and snuck downstairs. She turned on the coffee pot, and started breakfast before she had to open the Crashdown. Her parents weren’t coming back for a few more days, but they expected her to run the diner while they were gone. Normally, Liz would just make breakfast upstairs, but with the number of guest she had and the others that said they were coming over had her downstairs in front of the grill. As, Liz looked up from the pancakes she was grilling she saw Michael in the doorway. “Yea, need some help?” He asked her.

“Sure, why don’t you start on the eggs?” Liz responded. Michael grabbed a two dozen carton of eggs from the fridge and started whipping up the scrambled eggs. The two of them worked around each other as if they had been doing it for years. They worked in a peaceful silence, and as they were finishing up Zan walked into the kitchen and placed a soft kiss on Liz’s head. Michael looked at the other man. His eyes weren’t full of jealousy, but love and protection. “It’s ok, Michael. We more or less discussed everything last night.” Liz told him as she leaned back into Zan’s arms.

“Yo duke!” Zan said to Michael. Michael raised an eyebrow to him. “Thanks, fo’ watchin’ out fo’ ‘er.”

“Anytime,” was the only thing Michael said before heading into the diner with the eggs and hash browns. By this time Ava, Rath, and Lonnie had come downstairs. Maria was at the door letting the others in. To Liz’s surprise, Max had come with Isabel and from what she could see Tess was in the backseat of the Sheriff’s cruiser. Liz and Zan walked in from the kitchen carrying the rest of breakfast when Tess warily walked over to Liz.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” Tess asked Liz never looking her in the eye.

Zan gave the girl a cautionary look, but Liz laughed and said, “Sure, Tess.” Liz placed the food on the counter and walked through the door to the backroom. Tess followed her looking even more uncomfortable than before.

“I…I’m.” Tess stumbled and looked at Liz with tears in her eyes. “I’m so…so sorry, Liz.” She paused and looked over at Liz who was still standing there waiting for an explanation. “All my life, I was told that I’m the Queen and Max is my King. I never knew any different. Now, I’m not using that as an excuse, but I just want you to know that when I moved here I thought I was finally getting what Nasedo had always told me I deserved...my family.” Liz’s faced soften a bit as Tess continued.

“I always thought that once I found the others everything would feel right. That all those horrible years with him meant something because I had finally found them. I was so jealous. I mean ever since I can remember Nasedo was always telling me that Max was my husband and that he loved me. Then I meet you and I realized that it couldn’t have been true. I just wanted a family. I never had one before and after what Cal told us last night I don’t really think Nasedo was thinking straight half the time. I mean what he said just makes more sense than the stuff Nasedo was always spewing. I’m sorry Liz. I know you can never forget what I did to you, but I was hoping that over time you could forgive me?” Tess asked her.

Liz glanced at the petite, blonde girl, and said, “You’re forgiven.” Tess looked into her eyes. “I get it. I guess I never really looked at it from your point of view. I would probably be pretty pissed if I was you, so friends?” Liz stuck out her hand for the other girl to shake, and it was that handshake that began their friendship.

When Liz and Tess returned from the back everyone else had started eating and to Liz’s surprise everyone was mingling together unlike the night before. In fact the only person missing from this rag tag bunch of people was Cal. Of course, he never was much for social interaction with the group, preferring to watch from the outside.

Liz sat down next to Zan and began eating the plate of food he had gotten for her. Tess grabbed some food from the counter and sat in the empty chair next to Liz. Eleven sets of eyes looked at Liz and Tess, some in amusement and some with a puzzled look. “We made up.” Liz stated between bites. “So, anyone looking for a knockdown drag out is going to have to look elsewhere.”

Tess smiled into her bite as Rath muttered, “Damn, I was hopin’ fo’ sum girl on girl mud wrestlin’. Thanz, fo’ ruin’ it.” Lonnie smacked him upside his head and laughed. The rest of breakfast went about as it normally would. Well, as normal as eating breakfast with aliens can go.

Although the Pod Squad didn’t openly use their powers, their dupes had no problem with it. More than twice Liz had to yell at Rath to stop “magically” adding Tabasco sauce to Maria’s pancakes. The Roswellians had never heard Liz raise her voice, let alone swear before. Once Liz and Lonnie had Rath in check breakfast went by smoothly.

Everyone helped clean up from breakfast and Liz greeted the morning staff when they came in before heading back upstairs to where the others had already gathered. When she walked in the door she noticed Rath and Michael on the couch arguing about some hockey game. The others were just watching them; it was a sight to actually see someone arguing with themselves.

Liz walked further into the room and saw Zan watching Max with curiosity. Max, however, didn’t notice; he seemed to be staring off into space. While still watching Max Zan walked up behind Liz and put his arms around her. “So, anyone got any questions?” Zan asked, causing the others to look at him. In that moment Zan looked like a King. He had an “air” about him that said I’m in control, so listen up.

“You didn’t really sleep with Kyle, did you?” Tess asked.

“I don’ think I did.” Zan said scratching his chin. Liz elbowed him in the rib cage. “Oww. I thou’ht it was funny.” He muttered.

“No, I didn’t.” Liz answered her.

“Good!” Tess exclaimed not realizing she said it out loud. That is until the others looked at her causing her to blush.

“Oh, really!” Kyle smirked at her. Jim cleared his throat. Kyle looked over at his dad and stated. “What? I’m sure she’s just looking out for my virtue. Aren’t you, Tess?” He winked at her when his father wasn’t looking. Jim seemed to drop the subject at that oblivious to what was really going on.

“So, does anyone have any more questions?” Liz asked.

Max stepped forward and looked to Zan before asking Liz, “Can I talk to you…alone?” Liz looked at Zan and told him with her eyes that she would be ok, before heading into the kitchen. Max followed her through the door. Liz sat down at the table and Max stood there unsure of what to say.

“We could have done this in the other room.” Liz told him.

“So, the whole thing with Kyle, was that because you didn’t want me to know about Zan?” Max asked her quietly.

“Look Max, when I left you at the pod chamber I was sure that the whole destiny thing was what was meant to be. I didn’t find out until later that even though you and Tess were together in your past life that didn’t mean you were going to be together in this life.” Max opened his mouth to interrupt her, but she raised a hand to stop him. “Let me finish. While I was in New York something happened. I changed, and I’m not the girl you used to know. I need you to understand that I loved you, I really did, but I couldn’t take the heartache anymore.”

Liz paused and got up from her chair. She began to pace a little trying to collect her thoughts. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him, and hurt you. It just…happened. The pain that you and I went through…it’s not like that with Zan. He lets me be myself; he doesn’t put me up on some crazy pedestal, and…he doesn’t push me away.” Liz looked into Max eyes to make him understand. “You will always be my first love Max, but what we had doesn’t exist anymore. I’m sorry.”

“I guess I just didn’t want to believe that it was over.” Max dropped his head to look at the floor. “But, if he makes you happy then…I guess I’m gonna have to live with that.” Max looked back up at Liz, stuck out his hand, and said, “Friends?”

Liz smiled and shook his hand, “Friends.”

“I’m sorry about last night; I overreacted.” Max said to her.

“It’s ok, Max. I probably would have too, if I had been in your shoes.” Liz laughed causing Max to chuckle with her. “Come on let’s go back in with the others. I’m kind of afraid to leave them alone for too long. They tend to get into trouble.”

“Yea, I’ve noticed that.” Max told her with a smile.

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A.N. Thanks for all the feedback guys. Hope you liked this part. - Amanda