Roswell Fanatics

Title: Paper Flowers

Author: roswellianprincess16 aka Selena

Rating: mature (there will be some tough situations handled in this fic, including violence, insanity, death)

Disclaimer: Roswell and its characters belong to its corresponding companies, ie. WB, UPN, SCIFI, Jason Katims. They are used for entertainment purposes only. No infringement is intended.

Coupling: Primarily M/L, light reference to CC couples.

Summary: Season 1, Beginning of episode Destiny. Max and Liz have escaped the government facility and jumped off the bridge. Within the water, they seperate, sending them both toward very different fates. What happens when Liz is tossed into a world of Max's nightmares? And what happens when she gets lost in her own?

Author's Note: Again, a large thank you to mmcherron aka lissalou72 for being a great, and very patient beta. We all know I need it. lol Thanks to Josephine, aka max and liz believer for the beautiful banner. The title is taken from lyrics to the song Imaginary by Evanescence.

This fic will in no way disturb the posting of my gazer fic at the AU thread. I will probably post on this twice a week. Mondays and Fridays. And yes... I will TRY and stick to schedule this time, instead of all sorts of crazy, sporatic posts.

And now... I present...

Paper Flowers



Blurring and stirring the truth and the lies
So I don’t know what’s real and what’s not.
Always confusing the thoughts in my head
So I can’t trust myself anymore […]
I’m going under…
Falling forever. – “Going Under”, Evanescence

Chapter 1:

The sharp sting of the cold water was her very first sense after the fall. It was practically numbing, the way it seemed to surround her and shut down her senses. Her brain was trying to register a thought. Swim. She had to swim. But, she felt so light, so weightless. She could simply close her eyes and float on the waters forever. Focus, she told herself, knowing very well that she might be getting hypothermia or suffering from a concussion. She had to swim and then check for any serious injuries. Then the events of the last few minutes played in her head, slowly, like a film scroll unraveling.

They had broken Max out of the government facility and she’d sped off in Maria’s Jetta. Her head had been in a thousand different places at once. She was trying to look over at Max, to touch him, to assure herself that he was alright and beside her. She was looking behind her, panicked, knowing they were only minutes… no seconds behind them.

She was stepping on the gas faster than she ever had. She was sure if they had to break suddenly, they would have gone flying out the windshield, seatbelts and all. Then, it was as if it all happened at once, the back window exploded into pieces with the force of the bullet. She turned the wheel in panic, sending them off the road. They had no choice now but to run.

But, where? She looked up, back onto the main road, and grabbed Max’s hand to pull him behind her. She would not let him go back there, to the nightmare that he’d just experienced. She just wouldn’t. They’d have to get through her first.

They ran onto the street, and the minute they did, the flash of bright lights were against them on both sides. She knew for a fact, this was what deer in headlights felt like. Stunned, and absolutely terrified. There was really nowhere to go. She grabbed onto Max as the agents began making their way towards them, flashlights and guns in hand. The fear of losing him began to hum within her. Could she live with herself if she failed in saving him? After he’d risked everything to save her?

She looked around frantically and went the only way she could. Up. She stepped up onto the ledge of the bridge and turned to look back at the approaching bodies. She couldn’t think, she just had to act, quickly. She looked down at the darkness below. There was no telling how cold the water was or how deep. It just looked like endless darkness. And she was willing to face it head on. She wrapped her hand tightly in Max’s and reached over, ready to say her last goodbye. She kissed him, and he seemed to reciprocate her fear. He knew the possibility of this jump. He squeezed her hand tightly, and she knew that had the situation been reversed, he would have done the same, without blinking an eye. So, she jumped.

And now, here she was, trying to find her way in the dark, freezing water to something resembling a shoreline. She couldn’t hear anything other than her own small splashing. Where was Max? Did he make it down safely? She squinted, trying hard to find a shape, a sign of life anywhere beside her.

“Max?” She whispered loudly, listening for any response. Then she felt the water begin to thin out. It was shallow. She stood, trudging over to the shore, dragging her heavy, wet clothes along. She remembered the very moment their hands separated in the water. They’d tried so hard to keep them together, fighting to swim up, while the force of their jump was pulling them down. Then, she’d blanked out.

She walked around, feeling some trees and the muddy ground beneath her. She turned away from the water toward the dark expanse before her. There was only darkness everywhere. Her eyes were adjusting, taking in shadows and silhouettes, but her heart was still thumping heavily in her chest. She heard the crackling of a branch in the distance. She turned her head sharply, trying to make sense of the shape.

“Max?” She whispered, hoping with all her might he’d made it safely. There was only silence. Then, she could hear the sound of leaves crushing beneath heavy feet. The sound was closer and the silence that followed it made Liz step back. Something was not right.

“Max? Is that you?” She whispered again, even softer this time, as if unsure whether or not she wanted to be heard. Then the lights sprung up, as if out of the pure darkness. She turned her head slightly, covering her eyes from the glare. Three men in suits stood only about ten feet away from her, their flashlights shining on her face, and their guns pointing at her from every direction. Then, another man stepped up from the shadows, his hand pressing firmly against his shoulder; an angry growl on his face.

“Well, well. What a marvelous surprise. I was seeking the alien, and instead I got the woman. Miss Parker, I presume. My name is Daniel Pierce, and I suggest we become well acquainted because you and I are going to be spending quite a bit of time together. Grab her.” He motioned to his men and she stepped back in a panic.

“What do you want with me? There is nothing I can tell you that you don’t already know!” She pleaded, wishing desperately that there was someone nearby to save her, anyone.

“Oh Miss Parker, I was under the impression that you were the smart one.” He said with a wicked smirk.

“What?”

“Collateral. With you in our hands, there is no way he won’t reappear. And when he tries to save you, I’ll get my hands on him, and he’ll never see the light of day again. And, frankly Miss Parker… neither will you.”

The men rushed toward her and grabbed her, each on one side, and one behind her, picking her up and dragging her along as she kicked and screamed.

“LET ME GO!” She yelled out when she felt the cold metal against the back of her head. Slowly, it all went back to darkness.

<center>***</center>

Max dragged himself out of the water, lacking the energy to move his legs in unison. One fell heavily behind the other, as he clawed through the cool, slick mud coughing up the water he had swallowed. He fell flat on his stomach, feeling the cool mud slick through his already wet clothes. He tried to even out his breathing, feeling the exhaustion overtake him.

“Liz….” He forced out, trying to lift his neck to look over. She had to be nearby, after all, he had only released her hand for a second.

“Liz? Are you ok?” He whispered, reaching over, to touch the cold muddy ground beside him. His eyes were beginning to focus in the dark, making out vague shapes as he searched for her. He forced himself to stand, despite the pure pain and exhaustion taking over his muscles. He stumbled at first, trying to gain his equilibrium, but feeling like he would tumble right back down. He started walking towards his left, where a faint light seemed to radiate. Perhaps, Liz had fallen further from him than the thought. He staggered over and noticed the large metal tunnel, which drained water into the river.

He climbed up and walked through it, meanwhile, trying to listen out for Liz or for their nearby enemies.

“Liz?” He called out again, a little louder, hearing his voice tremble. Was it fear? Or, was it just from his lack of energy? He wasn’t quite sure what he was feeling, all he knew was that he had to find Liz. The world began to spin slightly, as his head seemed to lift off his shoulders. He was too dizzy to stand, and he continued forward toward an old truck, to sit down.

“Liz…” he whispered, waiting for an answer, and willing the spinning to stop. His legs ached. He was cold. And the pain in his chest was unbearable. He looked down at his chest, remembering the feel of the cold blade against his skin. The image of his own blood dripping down his chest made him shudder. His hands were shaking violently as he reached up to put them over his heart. But, it wasn’t the cut that was burning so deeply. There was a deeper pain threatening to take over him.

“Goooo….” He heard a muffled scream in the distance. He could barely make out the words; his head was too stuffy for anything to go through clearly. Where the agents nearby? Where they calling to each other, telling each other of their coordinates to come and take him back? He needed Liz.

“Liz, where are you….” He trailed off as the throbbing in his head intensified. He had to find her. He knew he had to find her. But, his body was calling out to him much louder than his own thoughts. And it demanded sleep.

By the time he opened his eyes again, the darkness that had surrounded him had transferred into daylight.

“Max… Max, thank God you’re ok. I thought you were hurt!” He tried to focus his gaze on the brown eyes before him. Things still seemed odd, fuzzy within the confused and groggy depths of his mind.

“Max, can you hear me?”

“Isabel?” He whispered as she came into focus, allowing him to make some sense of the moment. The sound of screeching tires suddenly erupted and Isabel turned her head quickly to look out. Her worried eyes turned back toward him, the dark brown depths looking as deep as the sea.

“We have to go. Now, Max.”

“Liz.” He whispered, as he turned, partially expecting her to be at his side. All he found was empty space. “Where is Liz?”

“I… we don’t know Max. We thought she was with you.”

A sudden image of her terrified face sprung into his mind, as the car swerved violently to the side and the back window exploded into a thousand shattered pieces of glass.

“We found the Jetta early this morning Max. The back window had been shot out. It was all we could find.”

His eyes widened. The river, she had to be back by the river. Hiding perhaps, or worse, hurt. He stood up quickly; gaining strength from places he didn’t know existed within him.

“Where are you going?”

“I have to get Liz.” He could hear his sister’s footsteps running close behind him.

“Max, you don’t know where she is!”

“We jumped off the bridge last night. She might still be near the water.” He ran through the metal tunnel, hearing the thudding of Isabel’s heels behind him.

They reached the muddy ground beside the river and he looked down, feeling the strong tug at his chest. The mark of his fingers still lay sprawled across the ground, and the river was quiet and calm. He reached up to his heart and placed his hand there, trying to calm the screaming pain within.

“Max?” He looked across the water to the other side of the river and at the large expanse of trees beyond it. On the ground lay a brown jacket, sprawled and covered in dirt.

“Do you see that?”

“Yea, it looks…” She strained her eyes and shrugged. “I don’t know, like an old shirt, or something.”

“It’s Liz’s jacket.” Isabel’s eyes turned to her brother’s face with a horrified expression lying within.

“No… you don’t think….”

“They have her. They’ve got Liz.”

<center>***</center>

Liz opened her eyes, despite the peaceful world she was enjoying within the realm of sleep. A bright light was shining on her face. Her body was responding by forcing her to awaken, to face the new day.

Her chestnut eyes opened slowly at first, surprised by the burning bulb before her. She closed them quickly in reaction, and then opened them again, trying to focus them more clearly.

“Ah, Miss Parker, finally you have decided to join us on this glorious morning.”

The voice caused a terrifying reaction throughout her body, the hairs behind her neck were on alert, and the danger was very close and very real. She looked around now, and realized that she could not sit up, as her hands were clawed within metal restraints. She tried moving her legs. So were her feet. She took a few deep breaths, feeling the panic begin to rise within her.

“You know, you have quite an interesting file. It says here that you have had first contact. In fact, in September of last year, something happened at your parent’s restaurant, didn’t it Miss Parker?”

“An argument got out of hand.” She hated the sound of her voice, small and whimpering, that seemed to bounce against the walls of the empty room.

“Then a gun went off.” He finally turned to face her, the face that had been concealed in the darkness the night before. Her eyes widened at the sight. She knew exactly who this man was.

“Yes.” She stated simply, unwilling to go into further detail. But, she knew her frightened, cautious eyes were betraying her words. The smell of metal increased as she tried breathing steadily through her nose, to focus on the sound of her beating heart. The fear was paralyzing.

“And you were shot.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I broke a bottle and I slipped and fell.” She repeated straight from memory, listening to Max’s fearful words run through her head at the CrashDown.

“Of course. The ketchup bottle.” He turned back around to face her, a wicked smile covering his face. His eyes were a dark blue and her own were transfixed on them for just a moment. This man was normal once. Just like her very own parents. Now, all she saw in his eyes was fear and anger.

“I had the paramedic’s check me, all I had was a small bruise from the fall.” She spit out quickly, trying to convince the man of a lie she knew he very well didn’t believe.

“You know, Miss Parker, the only way this is going to work is if you’re honest with me. Because, the truth is, I can be very good to you, or… I can make this stay a very unpleasant one. I wouldn’t want to have to do that. You seem like a smart girl, with a bright future. All I want is Max Evans.”

She swallowed hard, feeling the pressure of tears welling in her throat.

“There’s nothing I can tell you that you don’t already know.” She settled for the response she had given him the night before, when they had dragged her through the cold muddy ground by the lake.

“Your choice Miss Parker.” He titled his head quickly, and the sound of a door opening sent her heart racing a thousand miles a minute. She heard the hurried shuffle of feet and then suddenly, there were people surrounding her, dressed in white. One of them pulled out a syringe, and squeezed some liquid out.

“No….” She whispered horrified. “No, please.”

“I guess I will have to do my own investigation. Cut her open.” Pierce stood on one side as the man in white stuck the syringe in her arm. She felt the heat of the liquid flow through her veins. She let the tears fall as an odd taste lingered in her mouth. Her eyes suddenly felt heavy, and she let herself close them, enjoying how light her body felt, as if she were in water, floating.

First there was only darkness, but slowly, things began to take shape within her mind, as she recognized the muddy shore of the river. She lay back in the cold mud, not quite able to make out the size of the tree branches above her or the slow moving clouds in the shape of animals.

“Liz.” She heard his voice and tried looking up, despite the heaviness of her head. Max stood before her, panicked and shaking, as he kneeled to pick her up from the muddy ground.

“Max.” She stated slowly and smiled, letting her arms fall limp over his neck.

“You have to focus Liz. I don’t have much time.”

“We have all the time in the world.” She leaned back, taking in the bright sun. She closed her eyes and sighed softly.

“Liz! Listen to me! Where are you?”

“Near the river.” She stated wispily, feeling his grip tighten around her body.

“Liz please, we need to come get you. Where are you?” Her brows furrowed in confusion as she tried to think, the walls of the picture falling like cardboard around her. Suddenly, she was back in the cold room, the men in white above her. Her fear registered strongly and Max held her tightly, a mixture of anger and sadness looming in his eyes.

“Cut her open.” They heard Pierce’s voice in the background as the sound of metal clicking against itself sent both of their stares to the scalpel that was glowing in the fluorescent lights.

“Liz!” Max yelled. The urgency seemed to snap something in her as she turned to look at his anguished face.

“You’re safe now.” She said with a soft smile, as she placed her hand on his cheek, letting it linger.

“Where are you?”

“I don’t know.”

“I’m coming to get you.” He said with angered determination. Then she felt the first stab of pain on her abdomen. Tears began to well up in her eyes. The burning sensation was enough to make her scream.

“You’re safe now.” She whispered again softly, feeling the high begin to wear off, and the reality of the pain settling in. He had been willing to risk his life to save hers. She wasn’t going to let him do it again. Then, as the blood began to slowly trickle out, she screamed, feeling the sting of the metal against her raw skin. Then Max simply disappeared.

Some lines taken from Heatwave

Chapter 2:

Scatterbrain
You’ve been crying in the rain,
You’ve been drowning in your pain
Ain’t gonna die. – “Wednesday’s Child”, Emiliana Torrini

Max paced back and forth within the room, his hands shaking uncontrollably at his sides. The clock on the wall seemed to be frozen in place, as he awaited the arrival of the rest of the group. They had gotten together the night before. Isabel had managed to get him into her dreamwalk, to get him to talk to Liz. It left Isabel exhausted, and him, frustrated.

Liz had been completely incompetent, babbling and smiling at a world of her very own creation. He couldn’t figure out where they were holding her. What was worse, he couldn’t get her soft whisper out of his head. You’re safe now. She’d repeated, as if she were sacrificing herself on his behalf. A sacrifice he had never asked for and was unwilling to accept.

He would find her, despite what her new intentions might be. Because, the pure feeling of terror was lingering deep within the recesses of his mind, one that he knew all too well on his own, and which he know had to share with the woman he loved. He shivered at the thought, and was startled when Michael barged in first, followed by Isabel, Maria, Alex, Tess, and Jim Valenti. After he’d pulled him out of the government facility, they were forced to explain some things, and despite the initial shock, it was undoubtedly helpful to have the Sheriff on their side. Even, if it were only for Liz’s sake.

“Ok, I have some news.” Jim said as the group sat around the empty living room. Max looked back at the clock, keeping a mental note. His parents would be home in an hour and a half. They all had to be gone by then.

“I heard over the radio that several black SUV’s were seen traveling North on 285 at the dark hours of the morning. They were past Santa Fe last I heard. They might be well into Colorado by now.”

“Are you sure that it was them?”

“They were followed by several white, unmarked eighteen wheelers. I’m pretty sure Eagle Rock is closed down, permanently. They’re taking the show on the road, Max.”

“And, the Parkers?” Max looked over at Maria and Alex, hardening his jaw for the blow. They weren’t prepared to deal with this. None of them were. They could handle him being captured, after all, he had ways of defending himself. He was strong. But… the thought of Liz in there… it was scaring everyone beyond the point of sanity. The image of her empty eyes flashed through his head, of her limp body, of the digital image they’d created as they dragged her, lifeless and bloody through the ground. He shook the image quickly, not wanting them to see his fear.

“We told them that we’re going camping this weekend, and that we’d call if we needed them. So, I can’t go home this weekend.” Maria said, her eyes still red from what he was sure were hours of crying.

“You can stay with us.” Isabel said softly, as they quickly met eyes. “We don’t have to tell Mom.”

“What are we going to do about this Maxwell?” Michael had been pacing back and forth and finally stopped to look him head on, a hint of insecurity flashing in his eyes.

“We need Nasedo.” He looked over at Tess, who sat silently in a corner, her head held low. Her eyes lifted to meet his for a brief moment. She looked around at the other eyes that seemed to be staring through her skin.

“I don’t know. You saw him last. And from what you said, he’d been shot. We need to find him and take him to the pod chamber.”

“That obviously is an impossibility. Do we have any other options?” Max looked around at the pensive, quiet room. Everyone’s head was in their own silent nightmare. “Anything?”

He asked, his voice betraying his desperate plea. Time was running out, and only he knew in just how much danger Liz was lying.

“Well, if we find this Indian named River Dog, we might be able to get the healing stones…”

Isabel looked up at Tess and sighed.

“We already have them.”

“What?” Tess looked confused as she looked over at Max and then Michael.

“Long story.” Michael spit out and then headed to sit in front of her. “Why would we need the healing stones?”

“Nasedo said if anything bad would ever happen to him, those would help bring him back. But, I don’t know if they would work, unless we took him to the pod chamber.”

“We’re going to have to try. It’s the only option we have right now.” Max stood up from his spot on the armrest of the couch, and motioned to Michael. “Get the healing stones. We’re trying this right now.”

Michael nodded and headed upstairs, to retrieve them from Max’s room.

“And, if we fail?” Isabel asked nervously, the worry visible all over her face.

“Let’s hope we don’t. We have to hurry. We don’t have a lot of time.”

<center>***</center>

Liz let her journal close with a soft thud. She looked up at the dark night. The stars were barely visible, which was not usual for Roswell this time of year. She heard him whisper her name.

“Liz, are you there?”

She put down her journal and pen and slowly walked over to the edge of her balcony. She looked down to see his gorgeous face looking up at her.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” She said with a smile, feeling the butterflies taking over.

“Can I come up?” His face was so earnest, she simply couldn’t resist.

“Yea, sure.” She turned to look back through her window, afraid that her parents might hear. By the time she turned back around, he was atop the ladder, and climbing over her balcony. She smiled, glad beyond words to see him.

“That’s very impressive.”

“I try.”

She pulled his arms over to the corner of her balcony, out of sight of her windows. She looked up into his dark, playful eyes. She still couldn’t understand what it was about them that made her feel so open… so, exposed.

“You really can’t stay long.”

“I know.” He looked at her, in that deep way that only he could. “I just wanted to tell you I’ve been thinking a lot about last night.”

“Yea, me too.”

“When I couldn’t find you… it just, it just hit home for me, you know?” She nodded, understanding the feeling entirely too well. The image of him before her, as she reached up to touch him and simply couldn’t. The glass stood between them, and he wanted her to run. But, she couldn’t.

“How much knowing me has screwed up your life.”

“It’s just the opposite actually.” She stared at him carefully, feeling the awkwardness of the moment. She was having a bad case of déjà vu. She was sure she’d been in this position before, at some point. The memory of the heatwave slipped quickly through her mind.

“Liz, I’m coming to save you. You can be assured of it.” He stated firmly, his hand reaching up and sliding through her hair.

“I know you are.” She said in a soft whisper, just enjoying looking into his eyes.

“I didn’t get a chance to tell you this yesterday… in the car, but….”

“I know.” She said with a soft smile as she placed her lips on his, allowing his soft kisses to intoxicate her under the starless sky.

“Wake up!” She heard a voice in the distance scream. She felt a blow to the face and winced at the pain. The world was slowly fading away. The pain became more intense as she regained consciousness. Her eyes opened slowly, as she began to make sense of the bright white walls in the room. They made her head hurt. She felt her eyes begin to water.

“It’s not real.” She whispered, her heart completely shattered. Max’s phantom kiss still lingered on her lips. But instead of his warm, amber eyes, she was faced with the cold ice blues of Pierce.

“This is all very real Liz. You don’t seem to understand. I am not going to hesitate to kill you.” He looked impatient, as if things were rapidly falling apart.

“No, you won’t.” She whispered softly, unaware of having stated her own thoughts out loud.

“Excuse me?” He said, as he got closer to her, placing his hands on the bit of table beside her.

“I said, you won’t. You can’t kill me because you want to test me. But you’re upset, because you’ve tested me and so far found nothing. What’s worse, if you kill me, you lose Max. For good.” She stated slowly and clearly, barely having the energy to lift her eyes to face his head on. His jaw seemed to tighten.

“He would never know.” Pierce’s whisper sounded more like the hissing of an angry snake.

“He’d know.”

“Maybe I’ve just been too kind, in my attempts to get answers.” He snapped and suddenly a team came storming in, ripping her from her spot on the cold, metal table, and sitting her up in a chair, while cuffing her hands and feet. She shook violently, the fear of what would happen next consuming her. She didn’t want to imagine what they did to Max. After all, he was the enemy. She was merely a human who was guilty by association. And if this was any sign of what he received, she felt her heart break within her at knowing what awaited him if they ever caught him again.

It wasn’t until she looked down that she realized she’d been changed into a hospital gown. Her bare feet were cold, practically ice. She looked up as Pierce propped up an x-ray light on the table before them. He switched it on to reveal two films.

“This, Miss Parker, is a sample of your blood, taken from a vein in your arm. Nice, red, plump cells. Quite normal. This next one, is a sample of the area where you were healed. The cells are still red, the look is still normal. But, here’s the odd thing. They are working three times their normal pace. It’s like your body is still adjusting to a sudden change. Trying to slow down, from a sudden movement. But, what was most interesting was the scan we did of your brain activity.”

He tore down the two films and placed two larger ones on the light table. She looked at the first, a scan of her brain, both hemispheres shown clearly, some parts detecting activity. She had seen those type of scans before, they had discussed them briefly in biology.

“This… is the scan we took of your brain the night we brought you in. Regular brain activity, nothing abnormal about it at all. This… is the scan we did of your brain earlier this morning, after we injected you with the sedative serum. You see this bright green and purple area? That’s massive brain activity. Almost looks like the type of activity that happens during REM sleep. Here’s the thing. You weren’t sleeping. And, that’s not the part of the brain that controls your dreams. In fact… this part of the brain usually goes untouched by human beings. Except for you.”

He turned around to face her, as he reached back to click the light off of the machine. She simply stared at him. It was so much to take in. She had known she was changing, something inside her was different. She had said as much in her journal, especially when she and Max started getting seriously physical. But, she never knew to what extent. She could never have imagined to what extent.

“Now, I know that Max Evans went up to you that day at the CrashDown and he did something to you. I know that. But, I need you to tell me exactly what he did.” He had walked over to her and was now in her face, his hands on the metal cuffs that were holding hers down. His warm breath was brushing against her face and her head was so heavy. She barely had the strength to keep it up. She wanted nothing more than to rub her achy eyes. She felt utterly exhausted. How long had she been there? A day? Two? Three? There was no way of telling, she knew, as the days and nights all blended into one in this place.

“Liz, tell me what he did!” He yelled at her, as her tired eyes looked up softly.

“He touched my soul.” She whispered, letting her eyes linger upon his for a moment, and then dropping them back down.

There was a long pause, before she heard another sound.

“I guess you’re just as stubborn as he is. Let me explain something to you Miss Parker. I have ways of making you talk. Very intrusive and unpleasant ways. Now, you must understand that I am doing this for my country. Because this THING you so revere, is a killer.”

“No.”

“He has been killing people for years, one by one, without a second thought or glance.”

“No, it’s not Max. Not Max.”

“But he’s one of them, and it makes him no better!” Pierce yelled out, the sound echoing in the empty room, resonating through her tired body.

“He wouldn’t hurt anyone.” She tried pleading, but he would hear nothing. The doors suddenly opened again, and the paralyzing fear returned. She closed her eyes, seeking the comfort of the quiet place within her mind.

They ripped her from the chair and tossed her into a tub of ice water, dipping her, once, twice, three times. She tried to hold her breath, but the water was numbing, and it stung like knives against her skin. Her mind drifted back to the moment atop the bridge, her hand pressed tightly in Max’s. She had leaned over to kiss him, to bid him a final farewell. Somewhere deep inside she had known they had reached the end of something.

She screamed out, gasping for air, as the frigid water went up her nose and down her throat uncontrollably.

“STOP!”

Pierce held out his hand and they held her up, her barely dressed body dripping.

“Please… stop.” She pleaded through chattering teeth.

“Where is he?” He asked, demanding an answer.

“I don’t know.” Suddenly, her body went back down into the stinging waters.

“Wait!” She yelled as she came out. “He’s coming for me. He’s coming to rescue me.”

“That much I know.”

“Soon.”

“When?”

“I’m not sure.”

“That’s not good enough Miss Parker.”

“I don’t know yet.” She cried out desperately. “I don’t know. But, when I do… I’ll tell you.”

“Very well.” In an instant, the tub of water and the men in white were gone, leaving her and Pierce alone in the room.

“I told you Miss Parker, we can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way. It’s your choice.”

She looked up at him, a burning hatred in her eyes that she had never felt before. They were full of tears, and she could no longer feel the bottom half of her body. She shivered violently, rubbing her moist hands together to form some semblance of heat.

“Good night.”

He stepped out, leaving her alone with her thoughts. For the first time in however long she had been there, they shut off the lights. Now, she sat in darkness. She brought her knees up to her body and wrapped her arms around them. It was too cold. She quickly removed her drenched gown and then wrapped herself up into a ball. She was freezing, naked, and hungry. She had never been more terrified in her life. She closed her eyes, letting the hopeless tears fall.

“Where are you Max?” She cried out. She shivered more intensely, as she kept her legs tight against her chest. She was suddenly very tired. She rocked softly, humming the song her mother used to sing to her as a child, some old Beatles song that had stuck with her throughout her life.

She dug her chin into the back of her hands, listening for any sounds beside her own. The hallways were empty, quiet. It was nearly deafening.

She started sobbing suddenly; the sound of her tears the only comfort in the silence.

“Liz.” She looked up, suddenly seeing Max standing in the middle of the room. She put her head up, leaning it against the wall to see him through her teary eyes.

“Max?” She wiped the tears away slowly and squinted, as if making sure it were really him. She couldn’t make out his exact shape in the dark, but his voice was unmistakable. “How… did you… in? Everything…locked.” She forced the words out through her quivering lips, practically comprehensible.

“Are you ok?”

“Cold. So cold.” She stated as he walked up to her and sat beside her, taking off his leather jacket and over her. He removed his shirt, exposing his bare chest, and picked her up to pull her closer to him.

“What, you… do?”

“I’m warming you up with my own body heat. You’re getting hypothermia, Liz, you have to stay with me. Listen to me, you have to stay with me.” She nodded against his chest, letting the leather be the only border between their naked chests.

She looked up slowly, still shaking, letting her eyes meet his. He looked down at her and smiled softly. Her eyes filled with tears at his smile.

“You’re not real… are you?” She asked softly, dreading the answer.

“I’m as real as you make me.” He said softly, pressing himself tighter against her. She nodded softly and let the tears fall.

“I love you Max.” She said, realizing it was the first time she’d ever said it. She only wished she could have truly said to him, before all of this, before never seeing him again.

“I love you too Liz.” And somehow, she knew that it was exactly what Max would actually say.

A/N: Hello everyone, new readers and faithful readers alike. I'd love to say this was going to get easier... but... I can't. It's an angst fest. However, you will begin to understand a bit more about what some of these things mean. Is it really Max with Liz?

Chapter 3:

You don’t remember me,
But I remember you.
I lie awake and try so hard
Not to think of you.
But who can decide what they dream?
And dream I do…
I believe in you, I’ll give up everything just to find you
I have to be with you
To live, to breathe
You’re taking over me. – “Taking Over Me” Evanescence

Max shot awake in bed, feeling his hands shaking. He was freezing, but he couldn’t understand why. He had seen Liz, sitting on the floor alone. He had gone to her, to put his arms around her lonely frame. Had it been real or just a dream? He couldn’t think. All he knew was the pure agony of solitude that he felt. And, how completely overwhelming it’d been.

There was a loud knock on his door. Then, it slowly creaked open as Isabel snuck her head through. There were dark circles under her eyes. It was obvious she’d slept about as well as him.

“He’s here.” She whispered, as Max nodded and stood up, ready to jump into the shower. They would have to leave the house for this discussion. There was too much at stake for his parents to get involved as well. He didn’t want anyone else he loved being hurt by this. By him. By who he was.

“Mom and Dad went off to work.” Isabel said with a soft sigh. “I’ll meet you downstairs.”

After getting ready as quickly as possible, he threw on his leather jacket and ran down the stairs. He needed answers. Today.

“You’re alive.” Was the first thing he said when he reached the bottom of the stairs and was faced with the familiar face of Ed Harding.

“Yes, I am. Thanks to all of you. Now, let’s try and not repeat the moment, it wasn’t exactly pleasant.” He stated with his overly friendly pasted smile. It made Max’s stomach turn. He looked around at the tired bodies waiting. It had been a long few days, and it was taking a toll on all of them. They had to get her soon, or none of them would make it out of this sane.

“We don’t have a choice. They took Liz and we have to get her out.” Max cleared his throat, realizing the lack of sleep for the past few nights was taking a toll on his voice. He sounded as if he had been screaming at the top of his lungs. Ironically, in some silent way, he had.

“So, what’s the plan?” Michael asked, looking up at Nasedo for some guidance. Max held his hands tightly at his sides. Something told him Nasedo wasn’t going to be the most cooperative person. He could tell by the amused look on his face.

“Are you both insane? We barely escaped with our lives, to save YOU, and you want to go back in?” He said with an unbelieving stare.

“We can’t just leave her in there.” Max said between clenched teeth.

“My job is to protect the four of you; I have no obligation to her.” The room fell quiet. Max looked around catching sight of the distraught faces; they looked like a dark painting, with the sliver of light coming in from the closed blinds, lending to the shadows that they not only saw but felt.

Maria sat beside Alex, her head low and her eyes brimming with tears. Michael sat on the arm of the couch beside her, his leg tapping anxiously, awaiting the go. Isabel was standing, leaning against the wall, lost in her thoughts. Tess simply sat, alone in the recliner, watching, listening, and probably not giving a damn about whether or not Liz ever saw the light of day.

He stepped up toward Nasedo, matching his intensity. No one was going to tell him he couldn’t do this.

“Before you came along, these HUMANS that you have such a problem with were willing to stick their necks out to save us. Now, I’m going back there whether you’re coming or not.” Everyone’s eyes turned upward to face Max. He could feel their stares burning into him. They knew what he was willing to do to save Liz. And, he knew that he could count on all of them, if no one else.

“What do you plan to do Max? Barge in there and demand that they release her? You don’t think they’re expecting you to come and get her?” Ed Harding spit out with a sarcastic ease. He was right, no doubt, but it didn’t make a difference. There was no way around it. They were getting Liz.

“I don’t know. That’s why we needed your help.” Max cleared his throat again, realizing that a hint of desperation could be heard. His heart was beating faster by the minute, as the dream from the night before replayed in his head. He knew the terror of that place and he didn’t want Liz to experience any of it.

“Then, we need a plan. But, it might take some time. You can’t expect to just go rushing in there. That’s what they are hoping you’ll do. We will go in, in say a week. And we get her out. Understood?”

Everyone in the room nodded.

“We have to get to school.” Maria said as she got up slowly, heading toward the door.

“Thankfully, it’s the last day.” Alex said as he patted her back.

“Liz’s parents?” He asked Isabel as she started to gather her things.

“Think she’s rushed to Vermont to visit a friend who’s father just died.”

Max nodded and grabbed his own things.

“We meet back tonight. Start the planning. Michael, your place?” Michael nodded in response. At least now, they had a plan. Sort of.

They all walked out of the room, and Max lingered behind for a moment, looking back at Ed Harding.

“What are the chances?”

“Of what?”

“That we’ll get her out of there?”

“Well, we got you, didn’t we?”

“Will he kill her?”

“He doesn’t want to kill her. He wants to study her. She’s his new science project.” The words made the hair on Max’s arms rise to a stand, giving him a cold chill all over.

“And if we try, and fail?”

“Then that will be our only shot. Trying it more than once will result in sure death. If not yours, then hers.” Nasedo put on his jacket and walked out into the blistery May morning.

<center>***</center>

“Good morning Ms. Parker.” Liz felt the pull of morning on her heavy, aching eyelids. She looked up slowly, lacking the energy to hold her head up long. “Time for breakfast.”

A team of doctors in white coats came in and picked her up from the floor, lying her on a stretcher and injecting her with an IV. She felt her eyeballs roll back in her sockets, and she closed her eyes, trying to stop the dizziness. She wasn’t cold anymore. She opened her eyes again and looked down at her body which was covered again in her hospital gown.

“You know, I find it incredible that you didn’t die in here last night. That water was freezing, and we left you with your hair and gown soaked in it. And still, somehow, this morning you were nice and warm, rolled up in a cuddly ball against the wall. Quite endearing actually.” Pierce’s eyes dug through her as his smile remained a still, stoic picture.

“We’ve decided that today we would begin a regular regiment. Dr. Sawyer, please.” A tall, dark man with graying hair walked in. For a moment, Liz had to blink her eyes, closing them and reopening them slowly to make sure what she was seeing was real. The man looked gentle, like he could be someone’s grandparent. He wore a bright yellow and blue tie that seemed to be the only bounce of life in the plain white room. Her heart jumped for a moment. Surely, if anyone was sympathetic of her situation, this man might be.

“Miss Parker, my name is Chris Sawyer. Let’s get acquainted because we will be seeing quite a bit of each other.”

Suddenly, a crew of men in white came in and laid her down, strapping her arms and legs.

“Why the restraints?” Liz cried out softly.

“Because, this may be slightly uncomfortable.” She felt two gloved hands reach up her gown. She tensed. “You don’t want to make this any worse Miss Parker.”

“What are you doing?” She practically managed to shriek. She tried lifting her head, to see what was happening, but her hands were strapped tightly to the table and a pair of hands behind her quickly held her down.

“Well, you didn’t think that we only wanted to know about the shooting did you? I mean, we’re not done with those tests, not by a long shot. But, you hold a secret far deeper. We’ve been following you for some time Liz.” Pierce stood before her, his face looking down above her.

“What are you talking about?”

“Did you sleep with him?” Her eyes looked up into his as wide as saucers.

“What?”

“We know things were heating up between you. If you slept with him, we have to know. Because the last thing we want is some new breed of human/alien species that will be stronger and smarter than we are. We have to control them now, when they’re still under our control. And you, my dear, you hold all the answers.”

“I NEVER slept with him! We never did!” Liz started shrieking as she felt the cold, gloved hands.

“Your body shows signs of serious sexual activity.” The doctor stated, as his head suddenly appeared and then disappeared back under her gown.

“What?”

“Marks, Miss Parker. Faded areas that look like they were bruised, were those hickeys?” A sudden image of the glowing hickeys came into her mind. She rushed them away. She didn’t want to be here. Why was this happening to her?

“Miss Parker?”

“LET ME GO!” She yelled out suddenly, tears flowing quickly down her cheeks. She tried to sit up, but the hands behind her were digging deeply into her shoulders. “What did I do!? What did I do?”

Her voice practically disappeared, as she was engulfed in sobs.

“She’s hysterical. Sedate her.” A sudden stab to her arm, drew her watery eyes over to her left as she looked up at the man clad in all white and wearing a large mask, like the ones used to keep airborne bacteria away. They were treating her as if she were infected. Infected with the poisonous passion of one man who was more human than any of these men could ever be.

The blue eyes looking down at her through the clear plastic were deep and she tried to look closer, sensing that there was something important they were trying to tell her. But the injection was taking effect, and her entire body was feeling heavy once again. The feeling no longer made her nauseous, as her body was beginning to get used to the practically unconscious state.

Her eyes suddenly felt heavy, as the man’s lips seemed to purse into a pout. Quiet, she said in her mind. He was telling her to be quiet. She nodded slowly, as her head felt it would fall with each shake. She leaned back down as she looked up at the tiled ceiling.

The white suddenly became a deep purple, with dark clouds floating softly across. She smiled softly, enjoying the serenity that it seemed to bring. In fact, it was the soft breeze that made her close her eyes, enjoying the feel of the grass and flowers beneath her. Somewhere in the distance were waves, thick and hearty, hitting against rock.

“Liz.” She opened her eyes and looked over, catching sight of the amber eyes from a distance. She smiled, as she slowly sat up and motioned for him to move toward her. He smiled in return and without a word stepped toward her, until he was standing directly before her.

“I’ve been expecting you.” She said with a flirtatious smile.

“I wanted this to be perfect Liz. Us to be perfect.” He motioned toward the sky with his hand, as she turned her head to catch the setting sun, turning the sky all shades of orange and crimson and violet.

“I love it here.” She whispered softly, as she pulled his arms to bring him down beside her.

“I do too.” He said with a smile.

“Maybe we can just stay here forever.” She turned to look into his bright eyes. He held a ravenous hunger within him, controlled and passionate all at once.

Her hand drifted on top of his, slowly moving her fingers over his skin, enjoying the pure electricity of him. He leaned in, picked up her hand, and kissed it softly, as his eyes looked up to meet hers. She felt her entire body shiver.

“She’s coming out of the sedation.”

She looked around confused.

“What?”

“I want you Liz.”

“I think she’s going into shock.”

“I need you.”

“Someone get the paddles!”

“I love you.”

“Clear!” She felt the burn against her chest as she jumped up violently. The world was slowly fading around her and she held onto it tightly, not wanting to leave.

“NO! No, Max, don’t make me go back there! MAX!” She reached out, her fingers barely reaching his. A group of men in white appeared, trying to pull her back, away from where Max stood.

“NO!” She yelled again, feeling another shock to the chest.

“Liz!” Max tried to reach out, to grab her hand, but they pulled her back, until finally, he was gone.

<center>***</center>

“NO!” Max’s head shot up from his desk, as he looked up to catch sight of the entire class looking back at him, staring.

“Mr. Evans? Anything you want to share?”

He tried to control his breathing. The pure terror of it all was making him shake.

“No.”

“Great.”

“Can I get a bathroom pass?” He stood up quickly, grabbing the pass and practically running out into the hallway.

He put his hand on his chest, trying to stop the pain. It felt like it was burning.

“Liz.” He whispered, as he kept his hand placed firmly against his chest. He forced his legs to walk as he headed toward Isabel’s class. He opened the door, and peered in.

“Excuse me Ms. Picard, can you excuse Isabel for one moment?”

“Un moment, mademoiselle Isabelle.” Isabel rolled her eyes as she nodded and headed out into the hallway.

“What’s wrong? Max… you look pale. Are you ok?” She touched his shoulder and he looked up at her, his eyes registering his fear.

“We have to dreamwalk Liz. Something is wrong. I can feel it.”

“Feel it? What are you talking about?”

“I can’t explain it Isabel, it’s like… like she’s mentally contacting me. I can feel her pain, it’s like I can hear her screams. It’s… terrifying.”

Isabel stared at him wide eyed. She nodded and grabbed his hand, moving him away from the classroom door and toward the eraser room.

“I’m not promising this will work Max.” She whispered, and he could hear the regret and apology all in her voice. She closed the door slowly behind them and locked it shut.

“It has to.” She nodded and put his hand between both of hers. They both closed their eyes, trying to let their minds clear. It was a lot harder than they wanted to admit.

Suddenly, Max felt as if he were falling from a tall building. His stomach was turning, his head was spinning, and the colors were swirling around wildly before him.

“Hello?” He tried to hold on to the white wall, which seemed splattered with random large strokes of purple and red and orange and green.

“Hmm.” He heard the whimper and looked up suddenly, to catch sight of a group of men in white looking down on something. He ran over, still trying to keep from falling, as the floor spun beneath him.

“Liz? Liz, are you ok?” He looked down, as her eyes slowly drifted up to him. “Liz, can you hear me? You have to listen to me, ok?”

She looked at him carefully, as if inspecting his face, and not truly recognizing it.

“Liz?”

“You’re not my Max.”

“What?! Liz, I need you to try and focus! I know, I know it’s hard. But please, try and listen to what I am saying to you.”

“My Max only comes when the sky is dark and the flowers are in full bloom.”

“What?” He looked at her desperately. He couldn’t understand. His head was beginning to hurt from the spinning.

“We’re coming to save you Liz. We’ll come tonight if we can. I’m not going to let them hurt you again… do you understand me?”

“She’s not responding. Try the shock treatments.” Max looked up suddenly, frightened by the voice.

“Liz! Liz, what’s wrong?” He held her face in his hands and bit down hard, feeling the tears begin to consume him.

“They’re never real. You’re never real.”

“I’m real Liz. It’s me. It’s Max.”

“The flowers.” He looked back, in the direction she was turning her weak head. Behind them was a large garden, covered in flowers, and a dark sky.

“I don’t understand.” He pleaded, frustrated.

“Paper flowers.” She whispered. “Like you.”

“What?”

“Fleeting.”

“Ready? Clear!” The whole room shook and Max fell to his knees. The pain within his head was blinding.

“Liz, I’m coming! I’m coming!”

“Max, we have to go! We have to go!” He heard Isabel’s voice but turned toward Liz, trying to stand, despite the burning pain.

“No! I’m not leaving her!”

“Max, come on!”

“AHHH!” Liz yelled with another shock to her system. Max fell down again, barely crawling toward the garden. He looked down to see the ornately folded paper flowers. His eyes were full of tears. What were they doing to her?

Suddenly, one final shock sent him across the room. He could barely open his eyes.

“Max… Max are you ok?” He looked up at Isabel, whose worried dark eyes were looking down at him.

“Liz.” He whispered, before the room went dark.

A/N: Hello everyone. I just wanted to let you all know that I will be posting today and Monday. However, next Friday, i will be unavailable. So, you will probably get the update Monday, as usual. Did that make sense? I hope so...

Chapter 4:

Hold on to me now,
You know I can’t stay long
All I wanted to say was
I love you and I’m not afraid.
Can you hear me?
Can you feel me in your arms?
Holding my last breath,
Safe inside myself,
Are all my thoughts of you?
Sweet rapture and light,
It ends here tonight. – “My Last Breath”, Evanescence

“A rabbit.”

“No, it looks more like a teddybear.”

“A teddybear?” She looked over, a bright smile covering her face. “How did you get a teddybear out of that?”

Max was leaning on one shoulder, his body turned toward her. His button down shirt was partially open, the chiseled tan peeked out at her flirtatiously.

“I don’t know.” He laughed, looking back up at the sky. She looked over at his face, the beautifully carved features looking up at the heavens. It was like he himself was an angel, glowing, waiting for the moment when he was to return. He turned his face suddenly, looking down to meet her eyes. “What?”

“You. You’re just… incredible.” She smiled, feeling her insides practically melt beneath his gaze.

“Liz… why are we here?” She looked at him, a puzzled expression covering her features. She could hear the breeze begin to pick up. She wrapped her arms around her bare arms, trying to rid herself of the goose bumps.

“What do you mean?”

“This, Liz. This place.” He looked around and then his eyes fell back upon her. “It isn’t real. I don’t want to be with you here. I want to be able to really touch you, to feel you.”

She tightened her jaw, getting ready for the tears threatening to plague her. She looked up at the sky, watching the dark black clouds roll slowly by. The sky was once again a deep velvety purple, as they lay in the bright green grass. She reached over and grabbed a flower, blowing it softly, as the paper petals flew off, carried by the wind.

“It’s as real as I want it to be.”

“You know you’re unconscious, don’t you? You’ve been out for almost three days.” She hesitated, not wanting to break the reality of her dream, to admit to the imaginary oasis she was creating.

“Max, I don’t want to talk about this.”

“You’re going to die Liz.”

“You don’t think I know that?! You don’t think that I realize with each passing day that they are killing me?” She stood now, her dress billowing in the wind and sending her hair flowing behind her in long cascades.

“Then fight it!”

“I can’t.” She whispered defeated, lowering her head to allow for the tears to fall. Her hair fell softly down, masking the sides of her, giving her a dark shelter.

“I won’t lose you.”

“There’s nothing you can do… I’m already gone. Can we please, just… lay in the grass together and watch the clouds?”

“They’re coming for you tonight.” She looked up suddenly, catching his stubborn gaze.

“So, you said.”

“You have to be alert, or you’ll miss them.”

“I don’t want to go back there.”

“You can’t stay here.”

“Why not?!” She yelled out, as the wind picked up around them. He was standing before her, his eyes looking into hers sadly, and all she wanted to do was push him. He had no right to tell her this. He was after all, her very own creation!

“Because Liz… it’s NOT real.”

“I’m alive here Max. I am happy here. If you make me go back… I’ll die there.” The tears finally fell down her cheeks. He took a step toward her, and then stopped.

“Liz, I just want you to live.”

“Then let me live. Here.” She pleaded with him through red, teary eyes. He took another step and then finally pulled her in for a hug.

“Ok. Ok.” He held her tightly, running his fingers through her long, dark hair.

“Lay down with me?” She asked softly, looking into his eyes. He nodded softly, as they both slowly knelt, and lay on the cool grass. He wrapped his arms around her, finding that comfortable space on her back, and simply held her. She looked up into the sky. There was one cloud, darker than the rest. It was floating softly by. She stared at it, her heart feeling heavy within her chest. She knew what the cloud looked like. It was the face of a girl. And she was crying, tiny droplets of clouds beneath. Liz sighed loudly. She knew she had to get out, before it was too late.

They would come for her, she thought to herself. They would come for her tonight.

<center>***</center>

“This is a bad idea.”

“Look, we’ve been looking over these plans for a week now. We KNOW them. We can’t keep putting this off. They’re going to kill her.” Max’s booming voice seemed to echo off the partially empty living room. Michael was still gathering furniture for his new apartment, and they were meeting there in the meantime, trying to keep the parents at bay.

“Kill her?” Maria’s voice seemed to shake. Michael wrapped his arm tightly around her shoulders, trying to be of some comfort.

“Nasedo has taken his spot. He’s been there for over three days now. So, if you all feel that you’re ready.” Tess said, standing up from her spot on the couch.

“We’re as ready as we’re going to be.” Isabel said, with her hands crossed against her chest. Max looked over, catching her quick glance. He knew what she was imagining. The scene in the eraser room, three days before. He had practically fallen unconscious in her arms, after the unbearable pain that had exploded in his head. Liz was not only hurt, she was falling apart. Little by little her world was crumbling and she was locking herself up within her head, letting it consume her.

“Everyone know their positions?” Michael said, standing and bringing Maria up with him. They all nodded, and headed out the doors to their respective cars.

Max jumped into the jeep, feeling a rush of fear.

“We’ll get her out.” Tess’ voice sprang suddenly, beside his ear like a soft whisper. He turned to face her, their eyes adjoined in some sort of secret.

“We have to.”

The day was quickly turning to dusk, sending the New Mexico sky into an array of colors. Max stared at the sky, the way the colors swirled through like paint. He sighed loudly, remembering his last conversation with Liz. Things had been silent. Too silent. He knew that if she were dead, he’d know it. Somehow, in some way, he’d know it. He couldn’t quite explain why he was feeling her so deeply, or even if it was one sided, but the complete hopelessness in her eyes was still lingering within him.

They drove for what seemed like hours, north on 285, out of New Mexico and into Colorado. Valenti had gotten word of an abandoned military base up in the snowy hills. That’s where they were heading. The evening turned to night and the night quickly turned to dawn.

When Max opened his eyes again, the sun was arising above the back of the mountain, giving the area a mystical light. He felt his stomach churn. They only had once chance. They couldn’t ruin it.

They drove through the small town, toward the caves on the side of the mountain. According to Nasedo, they would come to a fence that restricted their access. It would look abandoned, but the sign would say government property. Within the land were the caves, and within the caves would be the entrance to the secret city, the government’s own secret base.

They abandoned the car down the road and grabbed their bags.

“We wait until nightfall. Then we go in under the cover of darkness.” The group nodded as Alex looked down at his watch.

“We should synchronize our watches.” They all looked down and set their dials.

“Ok, Maria is back in Roswell, keeping things in order. If something goes wrong, we call her. Understood?” They all nodded again.

“And Nasedo?” Max looked over at Michael confused. “How will we know who he is?”

They all looked over at Tess who simply stared back with an assured expression.

“He will find us. Just like he did at Eagle Rock.”

“Ok.” Michael said with a shrug as they broke up into small groups and began to walk into opposite directions. Alex sat in the car, waiting for them to return. He would be the getaway driver. Max turned around and looked back over toward the car.

“He’s got it under control. We can trust him Max.” Isabel said, while placing her hand on his shoulder.

“I know.” They walked to the right as Michael and Tess walked to the left, ready to set up camp for the afternoon.

<center>***</center>

Liz opened her eyes, expecting to see the warm lilac sky and instead, she was faced with the pale white of the ceiling.

“No.” She whispered to herself. “No, no, no.” She felt her breath quicken. She tried sitting up, realizing she was still cuffed to the gurney. “No.”

She hated the sound of her trembling voice. She closed her eyes, tightened them, willing herself back to the magical place.

“Well, I was beginning to think you had left us Miss Parker.”

“No.” She began to sob, hearing Pierce’s voice so clearly. He had sent her back. Max had betrayed her and sent her back to the land of the living because he was selfish. Because he wanted to touch her and feel her. Because being with her in her mind was simply not enough.

“I know this hasn’t been easy on you. Honestly, Liz, I want to let you go.” He leaned down, his face near hers, his voice a soft whisper. She looked into his eyes, trying to control her quivering lips. Her sobs were chocking her; the emotions that were swirling within her were driving her to madness. “It’s not you I want.” He whispered so softly, it was practically inaudible.

She looked up, hating the old water marks on the ceiling. She hated the smell of the room; the over sterilized metallic smell that made her stomach turn. She hated the coldness it held. She hated being there, having to feel his hot breath on her face.

“He’s coming, isn’t he?” She turned her head away, willing her eyes to look toward a different corner of the room. She could feel his hot glare upon her face. “If you tell me when, I’ll let you go, no questions asked. And you can look back on all this as one big nightmare.”

She swallowed hard; the allure of freedom was like a sweet temptation. Then, suddenly, she saw his face, the concern in his eyes.

“You have to look at me.”

He risked his life by saving her that day. It was time she repaid the favor.

“It doesn’t matter.” She said, not realizing the finality of the sentence. She had made a decision, and deep inside, somewhere, she was pretty sure how this was going to end. “He’ll never let you catch him again.”

“Not even to save you?” Pierce asked, with a hint of surprise in his voice.

“Sometimes, it’s pointless to fight for what you know you’ve already lost.”

“We’ll see.” He turned and walked away, leaving her to the silence. She leaned her head back against the cold metal beneath her. She knew he was near. She could feel him. She just hoped, whatever plan they had devised, would end this terrible nightmare.

<center>***</center>

Max looked down at his watch. It was 8:45pm. He looked over at Isabel. She sat on the blanket, her legs crossed Indian style, her eyes closed. The breeze was blowing softly around her, as if she were a statue caught in her pose.

“You ready?” He asked, more for himself than for her. She nodded softly, standing up to pack up their things.

“I’m going to need you to contact her.”

“I know.”

“Ok.” They walked in silence, heading toward the caves. The land was dry, much like New Mexico’s terrain, but the caves held an exotic beauty. The tops were covered with a touch of snow and the ground always looked as if it had just been frosted slightly.

They both looked down at their watches. 8:56pm. Max began his walk into the cave, when Isabel grabbed his arm.

“To the minute Max.” He nodded, and stood, awaiting the chime of his alarm. The wind began to blow stronger, and he adjusted his black gloves, preparing for the inevitable. He closed his eyes and whispered to Liz in his head. We’re coming. I’m coming.

Suddenly, a soft beep drew his eyes downward. The watch face was flashing. 9:00pm. Then, in the distance was the sound of a large explosion.

“It’s time.” Isabel said with a soft smile. “Be careful.” She hugged him tightly and he turned to go into the darkness. The caves smelled damp, and the darkness made the small sounds and creaks seem terrifying. He heard the commotion of people, at first a soft, distant sound, but eventually becoming louder. He was reaching the opening. A sliver of light appeared on the ground as he took the turn with the cave. Within, there was a long set of stairs, carved into the rocks. He took them slowly down, unsure of who he’d meet along the way. Halfway down, the shape of the cave changed, and he leaned down to look into the large expanse below. There were three story buildings and flat level buildings connected to form a base. It was surrounded by fencing and guarded by several agents at every corner of the facility. He grabbed his cell phone and leaned against the rocks, to block his voice.

He looked down at his phone and cursed under his breath. There was no reception.

“Don’t do this.” He placed his hand over the small antenna and watched as it grew to twice the size. Two small bars appeared on the phone. He quickly dialed the number, waiting for the response on the other side.

“Max?” He took a deep breath, thankful that she answered.

“There are at least 8 guards.”

“Eight? That’s… that’s a lot Max. I’ve never mindwarped that many people before.”

“I need to know if you can do this Tess.” She sighed loudly on the other line.

“Yes. I can do it. I can do it.”

“Ok. Two minutes.”

“Two minutes.” There was a brief silence. “Max, be careful.”

“I have to do this.”

“I know.” She said, and then there was a click. This was it. He walked slowly down the stairs, waiting, taking his time. He had to be cautious. He looked down at his watch. He reached the bottom and slowly walked behind the large rock mass at the bottom. Two, he thought in his mind. He stepped out and walked straight toward the gate, swallowing hard. A guard looked up and over, and Max froze. It was as if the man were looking straight through him. She did it. He picked up his pace and ran in, stopping at the electric door. It was similar to the one at his facility, except, instead of a hand x-ray, it had an eye scanner. And instead of plastic over the bars, they were just iron bars.

“Agent Pierce! There’s been an explosion!” He heard, and he ran toward the hallway for cover.

“Dammit! Watch the girl!” He heard the footsteps as they ran down the hall. He took a deep breath. Liz was nearby. He stood up and headed out into the hallway.

“Right on time.” He turned around startled, to see a white man, with bright blue eyes, dressed in a black suit.

“Nasedo?”

“We have to do something about you. You can’t barge in here looking like a 16 year old.”

“But, I am a 16 year old.”

“This won’t be as easy as it was with Michael, Max. They know you very well. They’ve been studying your pictures for years. You cannot simply waltz by. Now come, I have an idea.”

<center>***</center>

Liz opened her eyes wide at the sound. The blast practically shook her room. She felt her heart skip. They were here. They were coming to get her. She tried to calm the excitement that was running through her veins. He’d come for her, just as he said he would.

She looked around desperately, trying to get a sense of what was happening.

“Agent Pierce! There’s been an explosion!”

“Dammit! Watch the girl!” She heard him yell as he ran down the hallway and toward what she was certain was a slow death.

She listened carefully, trying to catch glimpses into the conversation of the guards outside.

Come on Max, I’m right here. She leaned her head back, trying to see the door. She hated being tied to the table.

“Excuse me gentlemen, there is something I have to attend to.” Liz felt her body freeze as she heard the voice outside the room. She recognized his voice anywhere.

“Dr. Sawyer, Agent Pierce has declared this area unavailable at the moment.”

“Yes, of course.” She heard a long, eerie silence. Then the door clicked open.

She turned her head, desperately trying to make out the face of the person behind her.

“Liz.” She let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. There had never been a sweeter sound to her ears. He ran in front of her, his eyes looking at her with disbelief. For a moment, she thought he would cry. Did she really look that awful? She suddenly felt incredibly self conscious.

“Come on, we have to get you out of here.” He ran toward her, popping open the cuffs that held her to the bed.

“Thank you. For coming for me.” She looked at him, wanting to touch his face. To remember what he felt like when he was real. Solid.

He smiled softly and picked her up, walking her toward the door.

“We have to hurry. We only have two minutes, three tops.” She looked at the man before them.

“Was it you?” She asked, feeling a hint of hatred toward him.

“No. It wasn’t.” The doctor, she knew, was dead. And in some way, it made her feel free. They ran down the hall, which was oddly empty. They had gone to see what the explosion was about.

“There, the door.” Nasedo pointed, as they started running for the iron gate. Suddenly, a siren went off. The alarm was sounding, loud and repetitive.

“The breach alarm. Someone knows.” Nasedo turned to face Max as the gate started closing.

“Come on, come on!” Nasedo ran, leading the way as Max followed with Liz in his arms.

Liz looked at the quickly closing gate. They weren’t going to make it, she thought suddenly. She felt her eyes well up with tears. She watched as Nasedo slipped through.

“You won’t both fit. Put her down.” Max stopped before the gate, quickly letting her go, and slipping through the tight fit. Liz went to go through, but pulled her arm quickly back. The gate shut with a heavy thud against the stone walls.

“No. NO, NO!” Max put his hands on the bars, as if desperately trying to go back through.

“I wasn’t going to fit. I’m sorry.” She looked into his dark, sad eyes and felt her heart crumble.

“No, we’re not done here yet Liz.”

“I’m sorry Max.”

“No! Don’t do this. How do we open this?” He turned to look at Nasedo, who was keeping watch over the door.

“Max, go.”

“No. Not without you.” She placed her hands on his, against the cool iron bars. She leaned forward, allowing herself the pleasure to be so near him.

“Max, I love you.” She whispered softly, as his face came down to meet hers. For a moment, she thought his eyes were full of tears.

“They’re coming Max, we have to go. There are four of them and they all have guns.”

“Liz, can you run?”

“What?”

“Can you run?”

“Two minutes Max.”

“The roof, take a flight upstairs toward the roof. We’ll meet you there.”

“But…”

“One minute.”

“I know!” Max yelled, the frustration overtaking him. He turned back toward her and softened his voice. “Liz, run. Run like my life depends on it. Like our lives depends on it.”

“Max, I just don’t know.”

“Thirty seconds.” Max started moving away from her, taking quick, deliberate steps backward.

“RUN!” He yelled, and she turned around, without looking back, to run faster than she’d ever run before.

<center>***</center>

Max followed Nasedo through the bowels of the facility, until they reached a small, steel circular staircase.

“This leads to the roof.” They ran up, their shoes clinking against the metal. Max tried to calm his screaming heart. Liz would make it. She’d make it to the roof because she was strong. They opened a large door, and they stepped out into the dimly lit roof within the caves. Nasedo looked down, over the edge.

“They are running in here by the ton. Pierce knows we’re here. I just hope Michael and Tess were able to get back to their positions in time. I don’t want to have to make another trip like this.” Max looked at him, understanding his sarcasm. He didn’t care what he thought. He wasn’t going to leave Liz here. Max walked over to the edge, to catch sight of the madness below. He picked up his cell phone and redialed.

“Tess, we’re going to need you to get us out of here.”

“There’s too many Max, I can’t. I can only do a few. Eight maybe ten.” He squeezed his fists in anger. This wasn’t working out according to plan.

“Fine, it’ll have to do.”

“Three minutes Max.” He closed his phone just as the door reopened. He turned around, eagerly waiting to see her standing there. Instead, his mouth dropped. He couldn’t believe what was happening.

“This could have been a lot simpler Max if you had just told me how to use the communicators.”

Pierce stood before him, with Liz held tightly in his arms, a gun pointed toward her head.

“I swear to you, I don’t know!” He tried to calm his crazed breathing. He was practically feeling dizzy. He looked at her, with the red rimmed eyes and the pronounced cheekbones. He felt his stomach drop. They failed.

“Dr. Sawyer… you must be Nasedo. I thought we killed you.” They stood in silence, the two facing off against the man with the gun.

“Let her go. You don’t even want her.”

“No, I don’t. But, I see how deeply she affects you. And I want YOU.”

“Then take me.” He watched as Liz’s tired eyes grew wide.

“No! NO DON’T!” Pierce grabbed her tighter and practically hit her. Max stepped up, just as Pierce held the gun out to him.

“I don’t believe it could ever be that simple.”

“If you want me, come and get me. But, you have to let her go.”

“Max, no.” Nasedo’s voice rang loudly behind him. Pierce took a slow step toward him, still holding on to Liz tightly.

“LET HER GO!” Max’s voice boomed within the confines of the cave.

Then, as if too fast to process, Liz was loose and running toward him. She was screaming, telling him to run, and he watched as Pierce raised his gun.

She fell, slowly, softly, a petal falling from a flower. He couldn’t breathe.

“Come on. NOW!”

“Liz.” He barely got her name off of his lips. He could see the blood slowly pouring out onto the concrete, the warm crimson against the cool cement.

“MAX NOW!” He felt Nasedo’s hand on his arm, just as Pierce started a mad dash toward him. Then, it was as if they were flying, down the expanse of the two stories, straight toward the bottom. They landed inside an army truck and as soon as they touched the seats, the car sped off, straight toward the metal entryway. Nasedo reached out his hand, as a large circle of light burned open a hole and they sped off into the dark night.

A/N: Hey! My dearest mmcherron aka lissalou is posting this for me, because I am currently, both very sick and very busy. That's why it's a day late. I'm very sorry, but fear not, I haven't forgotten about all of you! I hope you enjoy what I have, I know it isn't much.


Chapter 5:
Memories are just where you laid them
Drag the waters ‘til the depths give you their dead
What did you expect to find?
Was there something you left behind?
Don’t you remember anything I said when I said:
Don’t fall away, and leave me to myself
Don’t fall away, and leave love bleeding
In my hands, in my hands again…- “Hemorrhage (In My Hands), Fuel

The pain was unbearable. Liz tried to make sense of the world around her, the screams, the gun shots, and the quickly moving feet. But all her mind was focused on were the tiles that her eyes were quickly passing. They were moving her, quickly, into another area of the facility. She was just beginning to gain full consciousness when she heard his voice.

“Take her into the operating room. I want her alive for what I’m going to do next.”

There was an unmistakable anger in his voice. She felt her heart sink. If it wasn’t enough that he shot her, he would kill her now. With that, she was carted away from him, toward one of the operating rooms in the back of the facility. She tried not to move, knowing that the ache was simply too intense to bear. Pierce knew exactly what he was doing when he shot her; high enough to miss her chest, low enough to miss her head. He didn’t want to kill her, he wanted to knock her down and scare Max to his inner core. And she was sure, with every fiber in her being that Max was dying slowly inside. Because she could feel the pure pain lingering deep within the recesses of her soul, as if she herself was mourning. And perhaps… in some weird way, she was.

It was over. She would not be able to see her family ever again, to be with Maria and Alex, to kiss Max, or do something as simple as seeing the sun. The thought itself was paralyzing.

“Put her under.” They placed a mask on her face, as she heard them count backward, ready to put her to sleep. “100, 99, 98, 97, 96….”

It was as if the world drifted away; leaving her in the magical sanctuary she so loved. She needed it; she needed to be there among the flowers and the sky. She lay in the cool grass and closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the hidden sun on her skin. Perhaps things were not as hopeless as she felt. After all, she could stay here; live out her life in this world, which in some odd way was a parallel to her own. It was topsy-turvy, not quite right, but it always felt like home.

“I’m sorry.” She turned her head quickly, to catch sight of tearful amber eyes. It was as if he was tugging at was left of her heart.

“There was nothing you could have done.” She whispered, after she stood and walked toward him.

They stood in front of each other, two ghostly figures. He wasn’t real, she had to remind herself, but everything about him was exactly what she needed, what she wanted. He was the phantom of her love, and she was but a ghost of her former self. She reached down and grabbed his hand, moving it upwards with her own, palm to palm, simply enjoying the feel of his skin.

“I can’t bear not being with you.” His eyes looked into her own, with that intensity she had become accustomed to. The look that always made her feel like he was looking right into her soul; catching her deepest secrets during his fall. The sky seemed to be glowing brightly, as if the sun were trying to rise again, setting it ablaze with fiery colors.

“You are with me.” She took his hand and placed it over her heart. “The day you saved my life you became a part of me. Permanently.”

She looked down, realizing her hospital gown had been replaced by a dress; a long, flowing red dress that was blowing with the wind. She looked up, consumed by the moment, forgetting anything else existed. Somewhere, her mind knew this wasn’t real, and yet she couldn’t shake how real it felt. How it made her stomach flip and her heart ache. Was it possible to feel so alive when you’re really so dead inside?

“Liz, it wasn’t supposed to be this way. We were supposed to be together. Young and happy and free. You were supposed to have this wonderful future….”

“Stop it.” She whispered softly, still holding his hand tightly against her. “We knew something like this would eventually happen. Remember?”

Almost as if willing him to remember, they spun off into another time, a memory she held deep within her.

“Liz, I think that what I'm afraid of isn't that we try this and it works out really badly. What I'm afraid of is we try it and it works out really well. I'm afraid of feeling everything that I know I would feel. Because I know it's not meant to be. And somewhere down the line, we're gonna get hurt. I can live with that. I just couldn't bear to hurt you.”

“But that’s not your decision, is it?”

She looked up into his eyes, remembering the oppressive heat which had brought everyone together. How long they had tried to deny each other, for the sake of preventing an explosion. It all seemed like so long ago.

“Will you hold me?” She asked suddenly, needing the strength of his arms. He walked her over to the flower field, never once taking his eyes off of hers. They knelt down slowly, until they both reached the ground. Liz looked curiously at his face, as if seeing it for the first time. This is how she would remember Max. Always.

She leaned in and kissed him softly, letting herself revel in his taste. She closed her eyes, feeling intoxicated by his scent. She felt his arms on her lower back, holding her against him closely, embracing her firmly, securely, yet soft to the touch.

She was feeling heavy, her heart, her mind, her body was all just too much to carry. So she let herself go within him, letting her soul drift free in its sanctuary.

***

The feeling was like that of falling through a narrow hole, an endless drop at a blinding speed, back to reality. Liz felt the throbbing in her shoulder. She opened her tired eyes slowly, not wanting to alert anyone near that she was conscious once again. She remembered exactly where she was and why. But now, unlike before, she was simply determined to accept it. They would come for her again… she knew it. It was just a matter of time.

She looked over, and saw Pierce, sitting on a chair, his legs crossed, his arms across his chest. He was staring right at her face, examining her features and finally, his eyes fell upon hers. He laughed suddenly, a breathy laugh that only lasted a brief moment, and which seemed directed toward her.

“What Liz? Did you really expect that he would break you out of here with no problems? Don’t you think we learned from our first mistake with him? I mean… why do you insist on making this more difficult for yourself?”

His smile remained slowly plastered on his face, as he stood up and walked slowly over.

“Why didn’t you let me die?” She asked, not recognizing the sound of her own voice. The tired, gruff, crackling voice that sounded so much older than her years.

“And make it that easy? I don’t think so.” He turned away, walking slowly toward the other side of the room, as if contemplating something important. “You know, there’s one thing I can’t get a grasp on Liz, one thing that continues to elude me.”

She looked at him from the corner of her eye, carefully making out his shape, watching as he turned back around to face her from the distance.

“I don’t understand why you are willing to give up so much to protect him. Don’t you understand what you are throwing away? Harvard, your parents, Alex and Maria, growing up, having children… don’t you realize that you’re giving that all up for, for this thing that might not even be here two years from now? Have you ever thought that maybe he would get pulled back home by his alien family and leave you here?”

She sat in silence, listening to his words, the words that had gone through her own mind several times in just the last few days. She knew very well the risks she was taking. She knew that Max was not a sure thing; in fact, she figured it out quite painfully with the introduction of Tess into their lives. But she also knew how he made her feel. And she knew, deep inside, that no one, despite how much she may love them, would be able to make her feel the same way.

“I understand the risks. I don’t expect for him to be around forever.” She said softly, letting the words finally escape her lips.

“Then WHY do you help him?” He stormed back over to where she lie and looked down at her, digging his eyes into hers forcefully, demanding an explanation to what seemed impossible.

“You’ve never been in love, have you?” She whispered softly. For a moment, it was as if she caught a glimmer of surprise in his eyes, and then pure anger that erupted from every angle of his soul.

“Well, I suppose then that it’s time to make a choice. You have to decide where your loyalties lie.” He took a small control out of his pocket and pressed a button as a screen began to descend from the ceiling. Liz winced as her cot began to come up, startling her, and setting her up for a better view. She looked carefully as the screen came to better focus. Her heart began to thud violently within her chest. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes. Before her was a video of the CrashDown. It was dark out and the street was empty. She even thought she saw her mother at the door, turning over the CLOSED sign.

Her eyes drifted back toward Pierce, confusion and question clearly shining, pleading for an answer. Was this his way of torturing her?

“You and Max were the ones that found the orb.” She watched as he paced, back and forth, covering the screen with his shadow as he walked by.

“What orb?”

“YOU KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!” He yelled, his voice echoing like a boomerang throughout the room. She drew back, suddenly feeling very uneasy.

“All I know is that Topolsky came up to us showing us this, this thing and it had a foreign symbol on it and… I swear, I don’t know what it was.”

There was a pause, a long silence that made her uneasy. Then, he sighed loudly.

“You give me no choice Liz.” He pressed a button on the control and the image on the screen erupted into flames. She turned her head quickly, watching as the windows of her home blew out, crashing like glitter onto the ground beneath. The fire seemed to consume the entire building, sending piles of smoke toward the sky.

She couldn’t breathe. Her chest hurt.

“No… no… no… NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!” She yelled at the screen as the tears fell like cascades across her face. “Noooo.” She cried out, with a wail so miserable it was painful to her own ears.

Her entire body was shaking. She held her stomach, trying to fight the urge to vomit that had suddenly overtaken her. Her sobs were violent and heavy and she let them go, no longer wanting to contain them. Everything she loved had just been set in flames. Her family, her home, and her memories.

“We’ll talk again tomorrow.” Pierce stated simply, and walked out, leaving her alone to the sound of her own tears.

***

“LIZ!” Max shot awake, screaming into the night. He tried to calm his breathing, tried to get a hold of his thoughts. She was screaming out to him so loudly it was like a burning flame within his chest. It hurt not only emotionally, but even physically.

“It’s ok Max. It was just a dream. It was just a dream.” He looked over to see Isabel sitting beside him, and Tess who suddenly sat up at the sound of his scream. They had spent the night in Santa Fe, still having a few hours of driving before reaching Roswell.

“No… something’s wrong. Something is really wrong.” As if on cue, Max’s cell phone rang. The three turned to face it suddenly, and they hesitated, fearful of the news the voice on the other line might bring.”

Max reached over slowly and picked up out of his jacket pocket. He looked down at the number and back up at Isabel with weary eyes.

“Hello?”

“Max… oh my God… something… just… I can’t even explain it….” He felt his heart begin to quicken and he pressed his hand tightly against the phone.

“Maria, just calm down. Breathe. And then, try and talk me through it.” He put on his calm voice, hoping she couldn’t read through the madness that was already building within him.

“The CrashDown Max… the gas stove blew up and the place was set on fire.” He heard her choke back the sob and swallow it as she took another deep breath. “Liz’s parents are in the hospital.”

He held his breath. He had heard her scream. In his head, somewhere he’d heard her terrified voice. Now, he knew why. He was frozen, unable to move. Isabel and Tess simply stared at him, their eyes demanding some sort of answer.

“I’ll get everyone up. We’ll try to make it back to Roswell by this afternoon.” He managed to choke the words out, but he could barely make sense of them.

“Please tell Liz.” His eyes watered up as he lowered his head in shame. She didn’t know that Liz wasn’t with them. And right now, he simply couldn’t tell her.

“I’ll call you Maria.”

“Max?” Isabel looked at her brother’s destroyed face. “What happened?”

“The CrashDown just erupted into flames. The Parkers are at the hospital.” He whispered softly, as if willing it to be untrue.

“Oh my God.” Isabel gasped as she placed her hand over her mouth in horror.

“He’s warning you. It’s a sign.” Nasedo walked into the room slowly, standing near the doorway.

“A sign? A sign of what?”

“Of what he’s willing to do. To her. To you. If you try that kind of a stunt again.”

“You don’t really think I’m just going to let her stay there, do you?” Max could hear the horror in his voice. Something within him was sure that this man would have no problem with that. And knowing that part of him was like Nasedo, alien… heartless, terrified him.

“It’s her parents now, Max. Then yours.” Isabel looked quickly at Max, her eyes panicking.

“Call them. We’re sending them on vacation.”

“You don’t think they’d find them? This is the FBI we’re talking about Max. Not the local Sheriff.”

“There HAS to be some way to STOP this.” Max stated, frustrated, exhausted, and emotionally defeated.

“You have to let it go. It’s the only choice.” Nasedo walked back out into the darkness of the hallway as Max looked at Tess and then at Isabel.

Isabel stood up quickly and started dialing home, ready to send her parents to the end of the earth. To make them disappear. He could hear her slowly waking Michael and Alex in the other room.

His eyes drifted back to Tess, whose eyes seemed so sad and so blue.

“I can’t let her stay there.” He said, as if pleading for someone to understand. She put her hand on his shoulder softly, looking sympathetically into his eyes.

“I know.” She looked back, as if checking to see if anyone was listening and then turned back to face him. “What if I told you that I might be able to help you get her out?”

She whispered carefully, and then turned to look behind her once more, before turning to face him. He stared into her face, trying to read her. What kind of agenda was there behind this? But her eyes held an honesty that stung him.

“Why would you?”

She paused, as if deciding whether or not to release a secret she was keeping so close to her heart.

“Because I see the way you look at her. And all I’ve ever wanted is for someone to love me that much.”

They sat in silence and she stood up, walking toward the door.

“Tess… thank you.”

“We’ll talk once we get back to Roswell.”


TBC

Author's Note: Still in the middle of my production of West Side Story. Busy, busy. So far, so good though. Not completely better... I think I might have had a case of bronchitis. Now I just have a stuffy nose and cough. So... I just try my best to sing and rest my voice everyday. ::sigh:: Figures, out of all weeks. Anyway, again, big thanks to mmcherron, aka lissalou72 for posting this for me! (LOVE YOU!) Enjoy guys.



Chapter 6:

Don’t say I’m out of touch
With this rampant chaos - your reality
I know well what lies beyond my sleeping refuge
The nightmare I built my own world to escape
In my field of paper flowers
And candy cloud of lullaby
I lie inside myself for hours
And watch my purple sky fly over me. – “Imaginary”, Evanescence

Liz smiled as she felt his arms still wrapped tightly around her waste.

“Morning.” She whispered, as she looked up at the lilac sky.

“Morning.” He said with a groggy smile. The image of the night they’d spent together in the desert suddenly flashed in her mind. She pushed it away. She couldn’t think of those times. She needed to focus on the now.

“I was thinking… maybe when I leave here, I’ll write a book or paint about the things I’ve seen.”

“You mean….”

“No, obviously not THAT place. If I wrote about that, they’d kidnap me all over again, it’d be like that movie, Conspiracy Theory.” She smiled, and watched him smile in return.

“Good point.”

“I mean this place. It really is… mind blowing. I don’t think people will believe that this is where I spent most of my time while I was held in captivity by the FBI.”

“I don’t think too many people will believe you were taken hostage by the FBI.” Max said softly, as he sat up beside her, to watch the clouds begin to drift across the lilac sky. She looked over at him, and how life-like he seemed beside the staggered colors of the background. It all felt like an impressionistic painting, along the styling of Monet, but with brighter, more fantastical colors.

There was a brief silence between them, as they simply enjoyed each other’s company.

“You had a rough night last night.” He suddenly said, and she recognized it as her brain trying to make her come to terms with the pure shock of what happened. Funny, try as she might to convince herself of the reality of this world. The logical Liz Parker was constantly reminding her that it was all really just a figment of her imagination.

“I’m fine.”

“Liz.” He whispered, with that voice that always made her smile. She turned to face him and his eyes were looking into hers with an ‘I – know -- better’ look.

“I can’t think about that right now, ok? Because, if I think about what might have happened to my parents, if I let them take my family from me… I won’t make it through this. And when I leave here… because I WILL leave here, I have to know that I’ll be going home to something. To someone.”

She sighed loudly, suddenly feeling emotionally exhausted. And then, it was as if he asked the question she had refused to try and think of.

“And, what if I can’t save you?” She turned her head slowly, facing him with a look of disbelief in her eyes. “Because, it’s possible Liz. It’s possible that I won’t be able to save you.”

She simply continued to look at him, as if giving herself time to process his words. Was she even willing to consider that? Obviously she was, otherwise she wouldn’t have just thought it, but then again, it seemed impossible that he would simply leave her there. Her face wrinkled in frustration as she looked down, away from the honey colored eyes. She didn’t like thinking that Max would be incapable of saving her, because it made the situation hopeless. Because if he, with his alien resources, couldn’t set her free, she wasn’t sure who could. But, she refused to show her fear.

“It doesn’t matter who gets me out Max. Even, if I have to break out myself… I’m not staying here. I refuse to.”

There was a certain strength she felt, at saying the words aloud. She finally had a plan, something to live for. And that… would at least ensure that she lives.

She heard the loud stomping against the cold tiled floors and she turned her head sharply to look behind her.

“I have to go.” She whispered quickly as she closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift back to the land of reality.

“Well, Miss Parker.” Pierce walked in, wearing one of the smiles that made her want to kick him.

“What do you want?” She practically spit out. It was funny, she thought, how unafraid she was. He couldn’t hurt her anymore. All of the pain he’d caused had simply numbed her.

“Aren’t we getting a bit saucy?”

“Let’s not play games here Daniel.” She said, liking the control she felt.

“Daniel?” He asked, suddenly amused.

“What do you want? Because, as it seems, nothing I’m going to say or do is going to change your mind about me. So, tell me what you want to hear and I’ll make up a fun elaborate story in order to please you.” She smiled then, surprised she had the energy to move at all.

“Now, here I was thinking you’d be destroyed this morning, after seeing your parents go up in flames the way you did. Perhaps I underestimated you Liz. You just might be tougher than I thought.”

She raised an eyebrow, as if daring him to challenge her. She tried to hide the thick ball in her throat, as she pushed down the tears. The reference to her parents was still too raw. But he couldn’t know that.

“You can’t keep me here forever. People are going to notice I went missing.”

“We have ways of taking care of those things. Now, I don’t want stories Miss Parker. I want the truth. I want it all.”

“Or else?”

“You know the consequences of ‘or else’ and you’ve seen how unpleasant those can be.”

She thought to herself for a moment.

“And if you don’t believe me?” She asked.

“I doubt there’s anything you can tell me that I won’t believe.”

“Fine. I need food, a small, light meal and a warm blanket.” His eyes widened and he laughed out loud, the sound of it echoing against the empty room.

“This is not a bargain Miss Parker, you talk or I hurt you.” He said, still holding a smile, as if it somehow softened his words.

“Like what? The other times you’ve tried and hurt me?” She said, looking him dead on.

“If he’s visiting you, we can trace that.” He said, his voice taking on a sudden indignant tone.

“Don’t you worry; he’s nowhere to be seen. I doubt he’ll ever come back around again… he isn’t stupid you know. He may love me, but he isn’t suicidal. He made his attempt, and I can never thank him enough for it. Now… it’s me and you. I know only two things are going to happen. Either I’ll die…”

There was a long pause as he looked at her, awaiting the rest of her thought.

“Or?” He finally asked, amused by the entire conversation.

“Or you will.” She said then, keeping a stoic expression on her face. He laughed out loud again, unable to contain how humorous he found her.

“Ok Miss Parker, you win. I’ll get you a bowl of soup and a blanket. But, only because you’ve made my day.” He left the room and as the door slammed closed behind him, she let her head fall back against the wall, as she sighed loudly.

She wasn’t sure how in the world she had managed to stand up and talk to him that way, but for now, she had to hope it would buy her some time. Because, she knew very well… there was nothing left to stop them from killing her now.

***

Max walked down the corridor of the hospital, clenching his fists tightly against his sides. The image of the burned CrashDown was still lingering in his head from the earlier visit. They had nearly burned the place to a crisp, tearing away all of the memories he’d ever had of his childhood. And of Liz….

The rage was consuming him. He didn’t understand how it was possible to get away with that kind of arson, as if it never happened. Sheriff Valenti’s words hung in his head.

They ARE the law Max. Even if I found a trace of a fire being set… it would never get past the Roswell office. They would close down the case, and probably fire me. I’m sorry.

And with that, it was over, just as quickly as it began. Now, he wasn’t even sure how badly the Parkers had been hurt. But, he knew one thing. He wasn’t going to let them die. He had it in his head even before he’d rushed off to the hospital. In fact, he’d thought about from the time they jumped in the Jeep the night before. It was crazy, yes, but it was the only thing he could think of.

Isabel had protested immediately, saying that it was that kind of rash action that had started this entire mess in the first place. And then Michael reminded her that it could be her very own parents next. And she broke down, full of tears and anger. She had practically wanted to drive him over herself.

Then Maria had broken into a hysteric fit about how she and Alex were their next targets, and it took all but a whole two hours to calm her down.

Now, he stood in front of their hospital room, watching them lying still on the beds. Mr. Parker was asleep, but Max could see the entire left side of his body was wrinkled and bruised. He had been badly burned. Saving Mrs. Parker, no doubt. He looked over at her, lying peacefully, with no visible scratch. He looked around carefully, and then went in and locked the door behind him. He closed the shade to the window and made his way over with soft, slow strides. The whole moment was reminiscent to others he’d had, when he’d been in the hospital, twice in the past year. First, for Grandma Claudia and then, for himself. And each time, Liz had always been there. Now, she wasn’t, and it left a burning emptiness in his stomach.

He headed over to Mrs. Parker first, and reached for her chart at the foot of her bed. He read it over and felt his jaw tighten. A piece of the ceiling had fallen on her when the fire spread, and she had fallen. It knocked her unconscious and pinned her beneath it, causing some internal bleeding and rupturing part of her intestines.

He reached his hand over her body slowly, letting himself concentrate. He would stop the bleeding and try to repair the part that was broken. He closed his eyes and felt the energy surge toward his fingertips. Then, it was as if he were thrown into her, traveling through her veins. He felt a quick flash, of her and Mr. Parker holding Liz as a newborn. It was like a kick in the gut. He had to save them, if only because of what he’d done to their daughter.

Moments later, he pulled away, feeling the shock of returning to reality. She was still lying very still, as if in a peaceful slumber. He looked at the machines and then back down at her chart. Her anesthetic level was high, and it would be a while before they realized she would be alright. He dragged himself over to where Mr. Parker lay, looking down at his arms sadly.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered, knowing that he could not erase the visible scars of what the fires had done. But, he could fix whatever else was wrong. He looked at his chart and tried to make sense of what it said. He had suffered from carbon poison because he’d inhaled too much smoke when he went back to save his wife.

All he had to do was help clean out his system. Easy enough, he thought.

He passed his hand over his chest slowly, letting his eyes close as he felt the familiar surge of power. Then, after a few moments, the machine beeped, signifying a steady heartbeat. The blood was flowing faster and cleaner. Max took a deep breath. He started to stand when he heard some movement. And then suddenly, he turned to see the eyes of Mr. Parker, fixed on him.

“Max.” He whispered softly, as Max stood frozen. Did he know what he’d done?

“Mr. Parker. How are you feeling? I… uh… I came by to see you. Make sure you were both alright.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets, feeling awkward.

“Where’s Liz?” Max felt his throat thicken. All he wanted was to see his daughter. And the thought to break a sacred pact suddenly crossed his mind. Isabel would kill him.

“She’s still away Mr. Parker. But, I promise you, she’ll be back soon. And… I’ll tell her that you are both alright. Because, you’ll be out of here in no time.”

Mr. Parker seemed to nod softly and then reached his hand to put it in Max’s.

“Thank you.”

Max nodded, feeling the tears take over. He wasn’t going to cry.

“See you tomorrow Mr. Parker.” He whispered, as he stood up to walk away.

He leaned against the glass outside the room and sighed loudly. They would have to tell the Parkers were their little girl was. Which meant telling them why. No. Isabel was not going to be happy.

***

Liz felt her stomach as it grumbled loudly. Having real food for the first time in what must have been nearly a week was making her feel all queasy. She was alone yet again, as it seemed, the FBI had other matters to attend to. She couldn’t imagine 24 hour watch over a 16 year old teenage girl was one of them.

She sat against the wall, closing her eyes, letting her mind wander. It was becoming frighteningly easy to jump back and forth between her worlds. And that kind of control scared her.

She felt the sudden breeze on her face as she drifted away, into the large field of flowers. She lay down, in the cool grass, allowing them to bend beneath her. She picked one from her left, and unfolded the ornately pressed flowers.

September 23rd. Journal entry one. I'm Liz Parker and five days ago I died. After that, things got really weird...

She felt a small smile crawl up her lips. It was her diary entry. She reached across to undo another flower.

The tough thing about following your heart is what people forget to mention, that sometimes your heart takes you to places you shouldn't be, places that are as scary as they are exciting and as dangerous as they are alluring, and sometimes your heart takes you to places that can never lead to a happy ending. And, that's not even the difficult part. The difficult part is when you follow your heart, you leave normal, and you go into the unknown. Once you do, you can never go back.

She wondered why she never thought to undo the flowers before. This place, the magic that it held was the innocence of the person she’d been, not so long ago. It was a field of memories, all of her deepest and most inner thoughts accompanied her in this field, and as long as she had it, she would never be quite so lost.

***

“Are you CRAZY!?” Isabel spun on her heels, absolute terror written on her face.

“She has a point Maxwell, telling them isn’t going to change anything.”

“How do you propose I explain their missing daughter then?”

“NOT by telling them our secret!”

“I don’t know what else to do Isabel!” Max sat down, finally frustrated beyond his point. Isabel was pacing around furiously and Michael was simply staring at them both.

“We have to come up with a story. Something that Valenti can sign off on.”

“NO. No more lies. I’m not going to keep involving him; he’s done enough for us as it is. Ok?”

“What do you think they’re going to say Max, when you break it to them that you are an ALIEN?” Isabel stood before him, her hands on her hips, her face demanding an explanation, but her eyes looking weary and tired.

“That isn’t the point Isabel. They are going to take into account that I saved their daughter’s life. And now… that I saved his wife as well.”

The room went quiet.

“I knew we shouldn’t have let him do that.” Michael said suddenly.

“If we tell them, then we tell Mom and Dad.” Isabel spit out. Max looked up, the pure horror of her words hitting him. He loved his parents dearly, but the thought of them rejecting him was one of his biggest fears.

“Isabel….”

“That’s it Max. We can’t tell her parents and not our own. Besides, we see how Pierce is willing to do whatever it takes. They’re safer knowing what they’re up against.”

Max looked toward Michael who shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t agree with telling anyone anything. But, I don’t have parents to save.” Max turned to face Isabel again, who had her hands firmly crossed against her chest.

“Fine. We call Mom and Dad and tell them tonight. We tell the Parkers tomorrow.”

Isabel and Michael nodded reluctantly, and then left the room, leaving Max alone to his thoughts.

Only minutes later, he heard a soft knock on the window. He walked over and opened it, making out the face in the darkening day.

“We should talk.” Tess said as she jumped through and landed in his room.

***

Liz heard the ruffling of feet and turned around quickly. They were coming. It was time for a few more tests. Her heart began to beat a bit faster, but she demanded it remain under control. She would not let them scare her.

She didn’t open her eyes, instead she let them pick her up off the floor and lay her on the cold metal table. She felt the prick of the needle on her arm, as they began to draw blood. They were going to continue to examine. They would continue to find nothing.

She sighed internally, trying to keep a firm hold on her imaginary world. She looked up at the last flower she’d picked, eyeing the words carefully. She missed that life.

She felt the needle come out and then she felt the cold plastic in her ears, as they began a general physical.

She kept her focus on the passing clouds. Where was Max? She thought to herself.

***

“There are some things you should know before you can truly understand the nature of yours and Liz’s connection.”

“Ok.” Max said carefully, still not completely convinced just how trustworthy the woman before him was.

“Humans… they hold the capacity to do incredible things. In fact, all of our gifts are powered by our human side, except, a few thousand years in the future. So, despite our alien genetics, we really are in a sense, a type of mutation, a human alien mix that is stronger than humans will be when they reach our… advanced state.”

She paused and looked at him carefully, making sure he understood her words.

“Ok.” He said again, feeling like an idiot. “How do you know this?” He finally managed to ask, as he tried and gathered his thoughts.

“Being with Nasedo all these years has taught me quite a few things. I know you are all a little… rusty with your powers, which is why I have to explain to you… what you’ve done to Liz.”

“Done?” He asked, suddenly taken aback. She made it sound like he had hurt her in some way.

“The day you saved Liz, you jumped started her evolutionary jump. She’s beginning the mutation Max.”

“What?” He scratched his head, feeling flustered.

“Ok… X-men. They’re all humans who have evolved into higher forms of humans. Mutants.”

“Right.”

“Ok… Liz was normal. You healed her. Now…Liz is like… Rogue. She can take on… all of our powers, on a much smaller scale.”

He felt his eyes widen. There was a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“Now, do you see why it’s important that we keep those things a secret? Because… if they test her, and they find those changes. She’ll never be able to escape Max. She’ll be there forever.”

“How should we do that?”

“You have to let me talk to her.” Max sighed, not sure just how that would go over. Tess wasn’t exactly Liz’s favorite person.

“Maybe we should get Isabel.”

***

Liz felt the straps as they held her down. She was going back into the MRI machine. She kept her eyes closed and she thanked them mentally for the earplugs. At least they weren’t trying to make her deaf.

She heard it start up and tried to calm her breathing, despite the small space around her.

Then she felt the tug. It was as if she were being pulled into her subconscious, dragged in by a force stronger than herself.

She looked around at the familiar surroundings and saw him standing in the middle of the garden, confused.

“Max?” She asked suddenly, and she knew, this was not the Max that she was constantly manufacturing. This was Max. The real one.

“What is this place?” He asked, remembering it from his last visit.

“You can’t be here.” She suddenly panicked, remembering where she was. “Max, you have to go, NOW!”

“We have to talk.” He stated simply, not acknowledging her panic.

“NO. GO!” She practically pushed him, looking back, as if expecting someone to appear through thin air.

“LIZ! Listen to me. You can’t let them test you… things are happening within you that you don’t even know about. Tess….”

The sound of her name on his lips stopped her suddenly. She looked up at him confused.

“Tess?”

“She explained that when I healed you something changed… and….”

“And, you suddenly believe her? What makes you think she isn’t lying to you now?”

“Because… this place is just one sign of it. This looks like the type of power Isabel would hold over a subconscious. To be able to return to a dream you’ve had so many times before. Humans generally can’t do that. At least not the ones now.”

She walked up closer to him, feeling how real he was to her touch. So, much more real than the Max she spent her long days with. Then, she heard the loud humming.

“It started! You have to go! You have to leave! They’ll know you’re here!”

“In your head? Liz, how?”

“My brain shows signs of excessive activity every time you dreamwalk me. They know! So, GO!”

His eyes widened quickly as he realized the magnitude of her words.

“We’ll talk. I’ll be back Liz.” Then, he grabbed her and kissed her, the frustrated and terrified kiss he’d needed to give her for days. The kiss he couldn’t give her the day he tried to break her out. It was hard, angry, and heartbroken all at once.

“I know you will.” She whispered after, and watched as he disappeared.


TBC

A/N: Well, I worked all day, and this is what I got. I know it isn't great. But trust me, there is a point to my madness. Hope you can all be patient with me. Thanks.

Chapter 7:

There’s something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing
This lack of self control I fear is never ending
Controlling, I can’t seem
To find myself again, my walls are closing in
I’ve felt this way before, so insecure […]
Discomfort , endlessly has pulled itself upon me
Distracting, reacting
Against my will I stand beside my own reflection,
It’s haunting. – “Crawling”, Linkin Park

6 YEARS LATER

Liz opened her eyes, feeling the familiar sense of restlessness overtake her. She had barely slept. Every night was another trip into an unknown world, where Max would pay her another visit. Each night it was like a gift, making the next morning worth living. But the last night had been one of the most difficult she’d ever experienced.

They lay on the ground, looking up at the bright purple skies. His head was against hers, and the feel of him so near made her smile.

“Thank you for coming again tonight. I know it takes a lot out of you.” He finally said, breaking the peaceful silence between them.

“I don’t like being alone Max. The silence there is deafening.”

“I know.” He said softly, and she believed him. Because he was truly the only other person who could understand.

“What did you want to talk about?”

“I came to tell you that… I won’t be around for a while Liz. I won’t be available.”

She looked at him confused. It was impossible not to be around. She was visiting his dreams, much the way Isabel did, spending her lonely nights melding her dreamworld to his. It was the only thing that kept her sane.

“I don’t understand.”

“You can’t visit me tomorrow night.”

“Why not?” She yelled, not wanting to be angry, but unable to understand his sudden brush off.

“Liz, you just have to trust me.”

“I HAVE trusted you. And you’ve done NOTHING! I’ve been sitting here in this miserable place for five years! Five years Max! Waiting, because you told me you’d come for me. You NEVER came!” He looked down sadly.

“I realize that. And I can’t tell you how sorry I am that we’ve constantly failed you. But Liz, you have to believe me when I say that we’ve tried. It’s like… there is no trace of you. Anywhere.”

“So, you’re just going to stop trying?” She felt her voice hitch in her throat as she practically yelped. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“No! No, I didn’t say that. Liz, I’m in college, and I’m working and trying to find you. It’s not easy.”

“Forgive me for not being more sympathetic Max. I never got to graduate high school.” She bit sarcastically. Her heart was feeling heavy.

“I know that. What I’m telling you is that… there is another plan in effect to get you. But… you have to just wait it out.”

“I’m through waiting! I’ll find a way out myself!” She stood up suddenly and started walking away, past the field of flowers when she heard him behind her.

“Liz… trust me.”

“I’m done Max. I’m wasting my life away here. I’m done waiting. I’m done trusting. I’ll do this myself.”

“That’s not a good idea.”

“You have any better ones?”

“Have I ever given you reason to doubt me?” She stood still and then turned to face him. His eyes were pleading with her to stop, to listen. She wanted so badly to simply forget her anger. But she couldn’t.

“Max, you left me here. After everything I did to make sure we saved you… you’ve simply let me stay here.”

“No. That’s not true and you know it. Now, Tess said that the Destiny book…”

“Tess? Oh, I see. So, maybe we’ll listen to Tess’ ingenious ideas and that might save Liz.”

“She was right about your powers.”

“I don’t care Max. She’s using me to get closer to you, can’t you get that?”

“No… Liz that’s not what she’s about.”

“I can’t believe this.” Liz felt her eyes water, as her dreamworld began to fade.

“Liz… listen to me, you just have to trust me… Liz!”

And with that the world had disappeared. She saw him go for the last time.


That was nearly a year and a half ago. She hadn’t seen Max since. And with every day, a little piece of her died. She couldn’t believe the anger that had built within her, the pure hatred. She was ready to do anything she could. She wouldn’t spend the rest of her life there. Six years… she couldn’t even believe it herself. Six years without seeing sunlight. Without feeling the warm touch of a hug or the friendliness of a smile. All she had left of her life was the dreamworld she’d created for herself, and even that no longer gave her the inner satisfaction it used to. He was gone. She couldn’t for her life understand why. What had happened to him? He had told her to trust him, and despite herself, she did. Even though she’d been waiting almost two years now, waiting to see what it was she was supposed to trust in.

She heard the steps down the hallway and turned her head, expecting the familiar face with the cool blue eyes. She readied herself for the daily battle, the battle that recently, she had come to win, time and time again. Pierce was faltering under her gaze, and with each day, she erased a little more of his memory, enough so that he’d began to forget his home, his family, and his own name. But, when the door opened, she couldn’t help the way her mouth dropped. The man standing there was not Daniel Pierce.

“You must be Liz Parker.” He said suddenly, his voice soft and inviting. She felt her stomach dropping. The man was beautiful, to say the least, and he stood with a smirk on his face that made his brown eyes shine.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.” He said, and then walked in and closed the door behind him. “You do however look different than I imagined.”

“Where’s Pierce?” She asked when she finally found her voice.

“Pierce no longer works for the Bureau.” Was all he said in response.

“Then who are you?”

“My name is Josiah Brown. I’m the new agent in charge here.” She stood up, slowly, keeping her body tight against the cool walls. She looked at him carefully, as he took a few steps toward her. “You know Miss Parker, I hear that you were one very difficult subject. Pierce may have blown his assignment, but I know very well what I want to do with you.”

He continued his slow trod toward her, making her throat thick as she tried desperately to swallow.

“He went about it all wrong.” He finally stood directly before her, both his hands leaning on the wall besides her. His brown eyes looked into hers and she kept hers on his, unwilling to let him intimidate her. But, he was.

“I’ve said all I know.” She stated quickly, hoping to make her stance known.

“And, what of freedom Miss Parker?” Her eyes drifted quickly back to his, at the sound of the words.

“Freedom?”

“I am prepared to let you out. You have, after all, suffered enough. But, I do expect several things in return.” He leaned his body against hers, as she felt the heat emanate from his pores and slowly warm her. She breathed in deeply, unsure of what to make of the many feelings plaguing her. She was terrified, excited, and completely confused.

“What do you want?” She asked carefully, unsure of what kind of advance he was really making.

“If you became one of us, if you joined our partnership, you could enjoy the pleasures of freedom and we could assure that you would never tell of the happenings of this place. We would provide you with all you need. Financially, emotionally… physically.” He whispered; his breath hot against her neck as his head rested beside hers. She shivered at his proximity.

“What exactly do you mean?”

“I mean, that you know more about their inner workings then we could ever learn. With you on my side, it’s guaranteed that we’ll find them.”

“And, why would I help you?”

“Because, you’re here. And… where are they?” He said softly, making the anger rise within her. This was her only chance, she thought to herself. She leaned up tighter against him. Making him look down at her.

“When do we start?”

<center>***</center>

“How do you feel?” He asked softly, as she turned, startled to see his silhouette by the door. She held on tightly to the towel wrapped around her naked body. Her hair was still dripping wet from the long hot shower. She’d eaten dinner, the first solid full meal she’d had in almost five years. She had barely eaten, her stomach was still far too sensitive. But she’d smelled it, enjoyed the way it looked and felt in her mouth. The first few signs of freedom were intoxicating.

“It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a hot shower.” She said, keeping her face blank.

He walked in, out of the steam, until she could see him clearly. His tanned skin and dark black hair framed beautiful features. She simply stared at him, enjoying real human conversation and contact for the first time in far too long.

“You know Liz… it really isn’t fair what they did to you here. The way they destroyed you. But, your loyalty… it really is impressive. Why did you protect them?”

She swallowed hard and turned toward the locker where she’d placed her clothes. They had returned the clothes she’d been captured in. She looked down at the gray shirt and jeans and felt her eyes water. She placed the jeans on, under the towel, and removed it to place her shirt above her head. She could feel him staring at her bare back.

“You can stay with me until we find you a place of your own.” He said suddenly, sounding closer that before. She turned around, and walked toward him, looking up into his dark eyes.

“Whatever you think is going to happen… it’s not.” She stated clearly, feeling the beads of sweat form on her forehead from the lingering steam.

“Right… we’ll see.” He said slowly, a small smirk building on his face. “Tomorrow, we go to the driving range and begin your training. Then, we take you shopping.”

She nodded and walked toward the door, feeling his gaze still lingering upon her. She turned her head toward him, and watched as he simply watched her.

“Tonight?” She asked, as he walked up to her and they stood at the door.

“Tonight, we simply get better acquainted.” He reached over her and opened the door, letting her walk out. They walked down a long empty hallway and then into a busy office, with phones ringing and agents walking back and forth from place to place.

“Where are we?” She asked, taking in the sight. She had always been so sure they were completely alone in the facility. It had always felt that way.

“Washington, D.C.”

“What?! How is that possible?”

“You’ve been moved three times Liz. This was the final stop. The orders to make you co-head of the unit were approved here. And I was assigned to the case.”

Liz continued out of the room and down a long hallway to a door. She turned, and he nodded in response to her silent question. She opened it and was faced with a flight of stairs. They went down the two flights, their shoes clinking against the concrete and there were two doors at the bottom.

She stopped, and he stood beside her, as if waiting. She looked at him, confusion plaguing her features.

“You choose.” He finally said, and she stepped up and opened the door before her. The swift breeze against her skin made her freeze. The night was dark and the moon was full and high above the sky. She felt her eyes water as the dark purple clouds flowed across the sky. “Freedom.”

He whispered softly into her ear and she closed her eyes, letting herself enjoy the first sight of the outside world in six years.

He took her hand and they walked slowly, out toward the parking lot, behind the large building. She looked around, amazed that she hadn’t even known where she was all that time. They stopped in front of a Jeep Laredo and he opened the door, waiting for her to get in. Several thoughts ran through her head. He could be taking her to a remote spot to kill her. He could be taking her away in order to rape her or worse. But, something about his eyes moved her toward the door and into the car.

“Now what?” She asked, while looking at him from her seat.

“Just trust me.” He whispered softly and closed the door.

Chapter 8:

Look at me, my depth perception must be off again
Cause this hurts deeper than I thought it did
It has not healed with time
It just shot down my spine.
You look so beautiful tonight
Reminds me how you laid us down
And gently smiled, before you destroyed my life
Would you find it in your heart
To make this go away
And let me rest in pieces. “Rest in Pieces”, Saliva

Liz felt the heat of a stare on her face. She opened her eyes slowly, letting the light filter through. Her back and neck were slightly sore, and she thought to herself that it was very strange, seeing as how it was her first night not sleeping on a concrete floor.

She turned her head and noticed his eyes looking right at her, staring, and then turning quickly to look back ahead.

She looked ahead herself, realizing they were still in the Jeep, still driving.

“Where are we going?”

“I told you, I was taking you to my house.”

“Where do you live? We must have driven for miles now.”

“We’re in Georgia. In about an hour, we’re going to ditch the car and take an airplane.”

“What is going on?” She asked suddenly, sensing how strange the whole situation was becoming.

“You know, what really gets me is how you’ve survived this entire ordeal. You really should be dead.”

She felt her stomach turn. She knew he was right, and she couldn’t for her life understand how she was still alive either.

“And, what of the man you were protecting? What happened to him?”

She sat in silence, looking out the window at the farmlands around her. She didn’t want to think of Max Evans. Because despite the fact that he abandoned her, it made her angry that she wasn’t angrier at him. Because, she partially understood that he had tried all he could, and anything more would have been an unnecessary risk to his life.

Still… she was sure in some internal part of her, that even now, he was putting together a plan to get her. Because, she simply couldn’t believe he would leave her there to rot. It just didn’t make sense to her. Max was not like that.

But thankfully, her training had given her the confidence she needed to face the FBI alone. Knowing that she was gifted with powers on a small scale had frightened her, but then it made her feel stronger, knowing that it wasn’t just about their safety now, it was about hers as well. It was how she managed to get Pierce to slowly go crazy. A main reason why she was sure he was let go of the Bureau.

It had been odd, when Tess visited for the first time, with her story of her powers and how they worked. Then, it was like cycles, every week, Tess, Isabel, and Michael would teach her a new trick. Max would continually teach her about focus and how to keep herself untouchable. It was why it didn’t make sense that he would suddenly disappear.

“Liz?”

She snapped back to reality suddenly, looking back over at him, letting her eyes linger upon his own dark ones. There was something so enticing about his gaze. Something that made her incredibly uncomfortable.

“I don’t know.” Was all she could say. And the truth was… she didn’t.

“Are you hungry?” He asked suddenly, catching her off guard.

“Umm… a little.”

“Let’s stop and have a bite to eat.” They drove off the highway and down some of the local roads, as she lowered the window to be faced with a humid heat. She closed her eyes, letting herself enjoy the hot breeze on her face and felt his stare yet again.

She turned to face him and he was staring ahead, his face set, as if thinking about saying something desperately.

“What happened to Agent Pierce?” She asked quietly, hoping that perhaps his attraction could work to her advantage.

“I’m not at liberty to talk about him.”

“Is he dead?”

“I couldn’t say.”

“Aren’t I going to have access to the case file anyway?” She asked, looking at him head on. Finally, he turned to face her, his dark eyes driving through her with such force it almost made her dizzy.

“No. There are no records of your stay. They do not exist as your stay never existed. It is all part of an undocumented past.”

She felt the world start spinning slowly.

“There’s no way that they didn’t document their findings. That’s not how it works.”

“Oh they did… but the files have been burned. There is no record of them anywhere.”

“Why would they burn all the years of evidence?” She asked suddenly, almost angry that there was no record of her years of torture; nothing to prove her nightmares were real. Just like that they were gone. No proof. No one would ever believe her.

“Don’t know.”

They stepped into the small diner and took a seat at a booth. She sat across from him, watching his movements carefully. He was very neat, and he walked in long, slow strides. When he sat though, she noticed the ease with which his back went up against the booth. As if, he’d done it his whole life.

“Now, I’m going to trust that you won’t go running away. After all, I am offering you everything you’ve wanted and more. And you know, the minute you run, we will find you, and you will go back to being a prisoner. I don’t think either of us wants that.”

She sat in silence, simply watching him as he twirled his spoon in circles on the table. There was something striking about this man, a feeling that she couldn’t shake and she didn’t know why.

“I don’t plan on going anywhere.” She said finally, and she meant every word.

“Very well.” He opened his menu and looked through it. She simply watched him carefully. He looked up suddenly, through his lashes, as he caught her staring. She felt her cheeks blush a hot red and she looked down quickly at her menu.

“What is it you’d like to know Miss Parker?” He asked, and put down his menu, letting a slow, comfortable smile creep up his lips. His arm was up and leaning against the booth as he faced her, expecting an answer.

“I just… none of this makes any sense.”

“I know, it does seem that way doesn’t it?”

“Are you going to kill me?” She finally asked, hoping that a direct question would elicit a direct answer. But, he just laughed… a soft laugh that was not meant to be neither menacing nor insulting.

“Oh, dear God, no. That is the furthest thing on my mind.”

“Then where are we going?” She insisted, hoping to calm her uneasiness.

“Roswell, New Mexico.” He said with a finality that ended the conversation. She felt her stomach flip. She was going home. But, what was left at home? Would they still be there? Her mind began to spin with endless possibilities. Before she could utter a word, the waitress came and placed down some glasses of water. They were ready to order.

<center>***</center>

After a small breakfast, Liz kept her eyes focused on the man before her, watching his every move with undying interest. He seemed greatly troubled by something, and the food he was chewing, was being pushed down, as if it were the worst he’d ever tasted.

“Not used to fast food?” She asked, hoping to spark some sort of conversation. After all, she knew nothing about this man, and here she was traveling the country with him.

“It’s bland.” He said simply, and reached over to grab more ketchup, despite his having drenched it already.

“Try some salt.”

“What it needs is hot sauce.” She froze suddenly, and looked up slowly, noticing that his hands had frozen. He quickly continued his actions, not looking up to meet her eyes.

There was something tugging at her, something she felt she should know, she should recognize, but it was too far and in between to notice. So, she reached her hand across the table, letting it linger on his. He didn’t look up, but she knew he had his eyes closed, and she could feel the heat rising in his skin. She reached the other hand across the table and felt her breath speed up.

“Josiah….” She said carefully, as if knowing that after this, there was no going back.

“Don’t.” He stated firmly, removing his hands from under her grasp and finishing his food quickly.

She felt the heat still lingering at her fingertips. There was something odd about this man, and she was going to find out what it was.

They finished their food and walked in silence to the Jeep. She got in, and let everything register.

“Here.” He threw something at her, and she quickly caught it, as he jumped into the seat beside her. She looked down, recognizing the beat up phone.

“Does it even work?” She asked, imagining her parent’s death would have caused the phone company to turn her off. The thought of her parents suddenly made her eyes water. She hadn’t thought of them since that day. And now, here she was, imagining their smiling faces. It was heartbreaking.

“You might want to phone home.”

He said shortly, as she looked at him with disbelieving eyes. Was he kidding? He must have known about her parents.

“Is this some sort of joke?” She asked, almost unable to get the words out. “Because if it, I don’t think it’s funny, at all.” She looked ahead, closing her eyes momentarily, feeling the sting of tears on her lids.

“Oh… I must have forgotten to tell you. Your parents, they’re alive. And… they’re in Roswell.”

<center>***</center>

When Liz opened her eyes again, she was startled with the memory that had flashed before her eyes, the very minute she’d opened them. She was on an airplane, heading back home, to Roswell. And the only thing she could think of was her last visit with Max, in that field of paper flowers. Her journal. She missed it so much; she was surprised she managed to keep sane all these years without it.

She looked beside her, and saw his face, serious and pensive, as he looked up at the ceiling. He must have felt her staring because suddenly his eyes were on hers. She wished she had simply not looked. He had this way of staring at her that made her feel like he’d just broken through her skin.

“Who are you?” She asked suddenly, unable to stop her thought from materializing into words.

He smiled, a slightly lopsided grin, and leaned in close, letting the heat of his breath rest softly against her face.

“Did you forget where you are?” She tightened her jaw, feeling a shiver in her spine at his proximity. She didn’t change her expression. She refused to let him intimidate her.

“You know what I mean.”

“I’m not sure I do.”

“If you’re Nasedo, I am not going to fall for this. I want to know where you’re taking me and why. I want to know, right now.”

“Or else?” He asked, his eyes daring her to threaten him.

“You don’t want to know.”

“Right.” He almost laughed, and she reached up, her hands on his cheeks, as her eyes suddenly dilated, letting her right into his head. It was like swimming through a sea of memories. But, there was one that was the strongest. The pure pain and agony as molecules crashed and collided, taking a different shape. The light was blinding, and then suddenly, she saw his original reflection in the mirror. It was Max. But, not her Max. This one was wild, crazy, and dangerous. And suddenly, he was Josiah Brown.

She felt the connection break suddenly, as cold hands ripped hers off.

“Damn it!” She heard him curse, and she looked up to meet his dark eyes. “Why did you do that?” He asked suddenly, anger written all over his face.

“Who are you?” She asked, terrified, and with nowhere to run.

“I’m here to protect you. It’s all you have to know. Anything else can get us both into a lot of trouble. Do you understand?” She nodded, her eyes still wide.

“You’re not Max.” She said suddenly, realizing that for a while, she had been sure it was him.

“No, I’m not.” He said, and looked ahead, not wanting to look at her. She knew how the connection could work if done wrong, and there was no doubt that he had just seen some of her memories. Some of her terrifying thoughts.

“I’m sorry.” She said softly, and he turned to face her, his eyes exploring her carefully.

“Stay out of here.” He said, pointing his finger toward his head.

“I just… I didn’t know…” She hesitated and then a sense of hope began to build within her stomach. A sudden thought began to make a permanent home in her heart. “Did… did Max send you?”

“Yes. We’re going to see him.” She smiled suddenly, the thought of seeing Max after all these years exciting her. Then the flash of rage erupted within her as well. She had a few words she had to say to Max.

“So, if you’re not Nasedo, and you’re not Max… who are you?” She managed to finally ask. His dark eyes looked over at her, with a mixture of seduction and frustration that made her feel two inches tall.

“Zan.” Was all he said in response.

A/N: Warning- plot twist ahead.


Chapter 9:

I couldn't tell you, why she felt that way
She felt it everyday
I couldn't help her, I just watched her make
The same mistakes again
What's wrong, what's wrong now?
Too many, too many problems
Don't know where she belongs
Where she belongs
She wants to go home but nobody's home
That's where she lies broken inside
No place to go, no place to go
to dry her eyes, broken inside. “Nobody’s Home”, Avril Lavigne

Liz felt the heat surround her, and she stopped, closing her eyes to truly let it sink in. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt warm. Her life had been a much darker, colder memory.

“Now listen, you have to follow directions, exactly as I say. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“While here, you are under Josiah Brown’s care, you are to address me as such, and you are in training. No more, no less. You know nothing of Max Evans or the rest of the group. When you see him, he’ll have more instructions.” She walked closely behind him, as the airport assistant pushed the cart with their luggage beside them.

“Why are you doing this?” She asked, unable to help her curiosity.

He simply walked in silence, ignoring her questions and going ahead, making their way out into the hot New Mexico sun.

“How is it that you look like Max… under all that?” She asked again, trying to get some sort of response. He hailed a taxi, and practically pushed her in, as he slammed the door and headed toward the other side. She noticed how he paused, before opening his own door, as if collecting himself for the battle within.

He stepped in and sat, handing some money to the driver, and then turning to face her.

“You feel something for me, I know you do. I can see it every time you look at me.” She finally said, and she could see the wall of silence crumbling. There was no way he’d be able to stay quiet to such a comment.

“Let’s not do this.”

“Isn’t it why you saved me? Why Max couldn’t bring himself to come? What… were the memories too strong for him? Was he afraid of being stuffed back into that dark and abysmal place?” She felt her ears get red, as she felt the frustration build.

“We’re not going to talk about this. He’ll talk to you when you see him.”

“And, what if I don’t WANT to see him!” She turned away, trying to hide the tears that were plaguing her. “Six years… and he couldn’t even meet us at the airport. I mean… do you understand how that makes me feel? I gave up everything for him!”

She felt a hand on her shoulder and she turned, suddenly facing the familiar pair of amber eyes.

“I know.” Was all he said. The fear struck her. How was she to know, which man was which? They held such similarities! And, after six years, she didn’t even know who her Max was anymore.

“Zan….” She whispered softly, wishing she could reach out and touch him, wishing she could believe he was her Max.

“Liz… we can’t do this. There is still too much that you have to hear first.” She recognized his expression, and felt something within her drop low in her stomach.

“You are Max.” She said slowly, stepping back as far away from him as she could, until her entire body was up against the door.

“Liz, wait….”

“You lied to me!” She felt her breathing pick up, as the world began to blend into a wild array of colors. “But, how… Josiah… and your face…?”

“Let me explain.” He whispered, in that familiar voice she’d been yearning to hear. But, it was all too much.

“What is going ON?!” She yelled, feeling a warm panic overtake her. Her entire body felt like it was going on overload, all of her senses reacting violently to the world around her.

“Michael, plan B.” He said, as the driver turned around and faced them, and she felt her entire body chill. Michael Guerin was driving the getaway car, and he looked at her sadly, as he turned away from the main road and down to the desert. She felt herself get lightheaded as the entire world disappeared into blackness around her.

<center>***</center>

She opened her eyes and took a moment, before recognizing her surroundings. She sat up slowly, taking in the familiar landscape. A piece of her heart loved it, and a piece hated it, because of all it represented.

She reached for a paper flower and felt a single tear fall down her cheek.

“I’m sorry this has been so difficult.” She turned to face the familiar voice, and then turned away from him, not wanting to see his face.

“Why should I even listen to you? How do I know that you’re not just another symbol of my complete insanity? Of how my life has just fallen apart?”

“I’m real Liz. I’m very real.”

“No… nothing’s real anymore.” She cried out softly, as she felt the heat of his hand on her shoulder. She turned, and he placed his warm hands on her cheeks, as he looked into her eyes. His sadness was overwhelming and it was as if suddenly she could feel everything he was feeling. She embraced the feeling of being so intimate, and closed her eyes, letting herself feel him again, after so long.

“There’s a lot I have to tell you. You won’t like it all.”

“I figured that.” She took a seat on the grass, and he came down beside her, putting her hands in his, and keeping a firm hold on them.

“First, I want to explain my disappearance.”

Liz looked up suddenly, as if it were the reminder of a painful memory.

“I know you’re still angry.” He said. Angry wasn’t the half of it.

“You simply left me with no word for over a year! Max, do you know what that did to me?! You, more than anyone should know what kind of death lies within those concrete walls! I couldn’t breathe Max! I died a little every day after you left. I’m not even sure what’s left of me anymore.”

“Liz, the reason we lost contact is because, we were in the middle of a plan to save you. A plan that… we should have thought out much more carefully.” She saw the way his eyes lowered sadly.

“Max?” She wasn’t even sure she wanted to know what he was going to say.

“Liz… after we felt confident in your use of your powers, the four of us, Michael, Isabel, Tess and I, went in on a second mission to help you. Nasedo refused to be a part of it, he said what we were doing was suicide. I wish we would have listened. It was a complete disaster. We never even made it into the main building. In an effort to protect us, Tess stayed behind. She was killed.”

Liz felt a knot in her throat. The one person she would never have imagined.

“I’m sorry.” Was all she could say.

“We had already contacted the dupes, a set of duplicates that lived in New York City. Tess knew about them, and despite Nasedo’s complaints, we called them as backup. Two of them were traitors, and had been killed off already, by their leader… my other form. Zan.”

“Zan.” She repeated, remembering the name he’d used.

“I told him about you and about our dealings with the FBI. And, I gave him an assignment. To break you out and protect you at all costs.”

“And you?”

“I went in to finish off Pierce. Because, as long as he was alive, I could not live in peace. I would have looked over my shoulder every day Liz… for myself, and for you.”

“You killed him.” She whispered softly, remembering the words she’d heard in response to her question.

Agent Pierce no longer works for the bureau.

“After Tess’ loss, Nasedo stepped in, afraid we would send ourselves to certain death. He taught Zan how to shapeshift, a very difficult and costly skill. Every time he does, it wipes out all his energy and causes a throbbing physical pain which lasts hours. It was how we created Josiah Brown, who for a year, went in and trained with the FBI. He was made head of the special unit.”

She nodded in understanding, listening carefully to the events of the past year. It all seemed so surreal. She remembered the feeling of time freezing within her room. There were days when she was sure time hadn’t passed at all, and that in fact, it was Pierce’s way of tricking her. But, hearing Max’s words, she now realized just how much time had changed, just how much had happened while she had been away.

“Will he be that way forever?” She asked, wondering what that meant for Zan.

“Liz… the reason he was in Washington is because he shut down the special unit. After certain documents reached the main frame and media, the FBI was forced to shut it down due to the outrage over the death of a boy.”

“A boy?” She asked, and when she was met with his silence, she felt her body begin to shatter from the inside out. It was as if her limbs were all turning to rubber.

“Max Evans was shot by agents of the Special Unit about 6 months ago.”

“No. NO!” She cried out, feeling her hands begin to shake violently.

“Wait, Liz, wait.” He took her into his arms, trying desperately to calm her. “It’s not as bad as you think.”

“WHY!? Why would you let them?” His eyes slanted sadly as he pulled her away to look at her.

“Because, I couldn’t bear the thought of you in there forever, not when you risked so much to save me.” She started crying then, feeling every piece of her being come alive for the very first time in six years.

“And, what about us?”

“Before I died, I made a connection with Zan… he holds my essence within him. All he needs is for you to unlock the memories we’ve shared. They’re within him, but he simply cannot see them.”

“No… no I want you.”

“I love you. It’s why it had to be this way.”

“And, what about Michael? And Isabel?!”

“They are now the royal four. Ava and Michael and Isabel and Zan have all united to form a unit. Liz, he IS me. You just have to believe it.”

“It isn’t the same, and you know it!”

“You can make him love you the way I did. He already does.” A sudden flash of his hungry eyes passed through her brain as she pushed them away.

“Max, please. I don’t want to be alone.”

“You’re not. I’ll be with you. Forever. Here.” He looked around at the landscape and Liz looked up at the sky, which softly began to turn a shade of blue. Her eyes looked on in wonder, at the amazing way the purple lightened and traveled slowly morphing into a different shade. She looked down, as the flowers slowly began to take shape and color. They were no longer made of paper, but instead filled the field with smells and colors of all sorts. Her eyes began to water and she looked up, unwilling to let him go.

“It wasn’t supposed to be this way.”

“Liz, help him remember. Help me remember. Help me come back to you.” The words were like soft whispers, as his image drifted away, along with the flowing wind, and Liz was left alone in the field of flowers, with her eyes full of tears.

A/N: Stay tuned for the epilogue on Monday.

Chapter 10:

I can’t be losing sleep over this, no I can’t
And now, I cannot stop pacing
Give me a few hours, I’ll have this all sorted out
If my mind would just stop racing.
Cause I cannot stand still,
I can’t be this unsturdy
This cannot be happening.
Cause I’m waiting for tonight
I’m waiting for tomorrow
And I’m somewhere in between, what is real and just a dream. “Somewhere in Between”, Lifehouse

There was nothing but a heavy feeling in her head as Liz opened her eyes, to face the darkness around her. She started to make out shapes, silhouettes gathered in the shadows, and slowly, her eyes registered those around her.

Maria was in Michael’s arms, as he held her by the waist, and they both watched her carefully. Isabel and Alex were further back, talking to the man she knew as Josiah Brown. But, their eyes all drifted toward her as her eyes drifted toward the woman standing alone, near the pods.

Liz stood up slowly, keeping her body near the rock wall behind her, watching as all of their eyes watched her carefully, cautiously, and full of anxious fear.

She watched them all for a brief moment, several feelings mixing to make a confused kettle of emotions.

Maria was the first to step forward and hug her tightly. She felt partially numb, in a room with family that were practically strangers and knowing that they knew far more about what happened than she did. And, that in some way, they pitied her for it.

“I’ve missed you so much.” Maria said as Liz pushed back slightly, trying to keep a reasonable distance. There was too much going on in her mind for a sweet reunion. Too many questions that needed answering; too many issues that were driving her insane.

“How could you? All of you! How could you let him…?” She was attacked suddenly by tears, as Maria stepped back, giving her room to grieve. She put her hands on her face, as she felt the force of her sadness overwhelm her, shaking her shoulders, and bringing on an endless supply of tears.

“Liz, it was what he wanted. You know how stubborn he could be.” Michael stepped up slowly, ready to reach his hand to her shoulder, but she stepped back, not ready to accept it.

“No. That’s not enough! Ok? I don’t! Now, you could have stopped him! You could have stepped in and changed his mind!”

“It was all for you Liz. When it came to you, there was no one who could interfere.” Isabel stepped forward from the shadows, her arms wrapped around her waist, a sad expression covering her face. “Trust me, I tried.”

“So, you all just said, fine, commit suicide. It’s alright? How did you all not fight him? I don’t… I don’t understand.”

“Something had to give.” She looked up through watery eyes to face an exact replica of the man she was mourning. She felt a rage overwhelm her as she charged at him, her fists hitting against his chest.

“STOP IT! STOP IT STOP IT! You shouldn’t look like him! You shouldn’t....” She finally collapsed in his arms, as he held her neck against his chest tenderly.

“I’m sorry Liz.”

She pulled back suddenly, the softness of his voice catching her off guard.

“Why did you not heal him?” She asked suddenly, as his eyes stayed glued on hers. She could still feel a connection between them; the one that now troubled her, because she knew it was simply the remembrance of what was.

“I couldn’t. I was gone by then, in the middle of my training. He connected with me through a dream. By then, it was too late.”

“Liz, he is Max.” She heard Alex’s voice in the background, and she turned sharply, shooting him a dark look.

“No. Max is dead. And, so is Tess.” She looked over at Ava, the duplicate standing alone, with tears in her eyes.

“You don’t understand the sacrifice that he made for you.” Ava said suddenly, breaking the tense silence. “He gave up everything, because of his love for you. You have no right to be angry.”

Everyone turned to face Liz, their eyes opened wide.

“Excuse me?” Liz said, suddenly turning around.

“The minute Max Evans healed you, Zan changed. He was searching, endlessly, for someone he didn’t even know existed. I loved him and he could not love me in return, because he was already in love with you. Without ever having seen your face. Do you understand how deep their connection ran? I felt it when Tess died. Because, she was a part of me. Now, Max has given you a gift beyond what any of us could have thought possible… he gave you his soul in the form of the man who used to be Zan. Just take it for god sakes.”

With that, she stomped out of the pod chamber, as Michael went behind her, to calm her tears. Liz stood dumbfounded, her eyes still full of tears. This was a different world, one that she didn’t recognize. She felt the panic build. All she wanted was to go back to a sense of familiarity, a sense of what her life had been like, so long ago.

“Let’s give her a minute.” Maria said, as she and Alex and Isabel stepped out into the desert. Liz turned, her eyes facing Zan’s once again. She was fighting back tears, which refused to obey.

“Are you really in there?” She asked, her voice shaking. She felt his hand come to meet hers, as their fingers intertwined.

“Do you remember me?” She asked again, as his eyes turned to hers, locking her in his gaze. She remembered a similar expression on his face when they’d connected, that very first time at the CrashDown.

“I could never forget you.” He whispered, as she felt her entire body warm. She looked over, watching as their hands glowed softly, a physical symbol of a connection being made.

He leaned down and she tensed, knowing what was to come. The minute their lips touched, it was like a strong force of wind blew, tossing them into a subconscious world.

She saw memories she hadn’t thought of in so long, memories of private moments she didn’t want to relive, that she hadn’t wanted to think about. Because, every time she did, the sadness would overwhelm her. But now, each of those private moments, each kiss, each hug, and each touch of the hand was bringing her back from the dark place she’d lingered in for so long.

But, what truly struck her was the sudden image of her sanctuary, the garden of flowers and the bright sky. The image of it, and of them there, reminded her that the past 6 years would forever be ingrained in her, a part of her life she would not be able to erase. Somehow, it didn’t matter now, because she knew the healing was beginning, and that it would continue, for as long as Max held her in his arms.

He pulled away softly, and she looked up, to catch the adoration in his amber eyes. They were right. He was her Max, in every way that counted.

“I love you.” He said suddenly, and she opened her mouth, in partial shock. He had only once said those words… and it had been so fast.

“I know. I love you too.” She smiled and then heard some feet storming up the path.

“Lizzie!” She turned to see her parents running through the cave, their eyes full of tears. Seeing them again made her entire stomach flutter. Her parents were alive, and they were safe.

“Mom, Dad! I’ve missed you all so much!” They hugged her tightly, not willing to let her go.

“We didn’t know Liz. Max, he explained about why you acted so differently that year, and he… he really is such a sweet boy.” She smiled at her mother, hugging her closer. She looked up, to see the tears in her father’s eyes.

“I love you Liz.” He said softly, and she simply hugged him tighter as well. It all seemed so surreal, having her parents there again, having her friends outside. She watched as Michael and Maria walked in first, watching the reunion with sad smiles. Then, Alex and Isabel followed. Finally, Ava stepped in, her arms across her waist, as if holding on to herself for pure sanity.

Liz stepped away from her parents and hugged Maria first.

“I’ve missed you too.” She said softly, and she felt Maria’s grip tighten.

She pulled away and stood between Michael and Isabel, simply looking up at them.

“I’m sorry, I’m still… it’s all so very different.” They nodded in agreement. “But, I am forever indebted to you both for risking your lives so many times to save me. Thank you.”

Isabel stepped forward first, and hugged Liz tightly. Michael followed.

Then, Alex threw his arms around her, hugging her close.

“You are one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. You lived this nightmare and you survived it. I am here to make sure the rest of your life is one long happy dream.”

She smiled, as her heart swelled with love for her friend. Finally, she reached Ava. Her bright blue eyes looked up slowly, and Liz felt a sudden pang of guilt. She did not have the bitterness that Liz had sometimes caught in Tess’ eyes. Instead, it was just pure pain.

“I realize now, that in a way, you suffered a larger loss, because your Zan is gone. But, I promise that in a show of thanks, I will back you up, whatever it takes, for the rest of my life. You… you’re one of us now.”

She pulled her in for a tight hug, and it was as if everyone released a pent up breath.

“Come on, our parents want everyone over for dinner. Especially you Liz… they know how hard this must be for you… there are some things they want to give you.”

She nodded and turned back, to grab Max’s hand.

“Let’s go home.”