Part 31.
Michael scowled as he worked the grill. Jeff had decided to open for business after all at Liz’s insistence, but not before Jeff had pulled fatherly rank, and told her she wasn’t to set foot in the café, due to the gossip already floating around Roswell. She didn’t need it, and he didn’t need to be hit with a lawsuit for punching anyone who looked at her funny.
Liz had smiled, tears swimming in her gaze as her father kissed the top of her head and sent her back up stairs. Maria was running around like a headless chicken, the café filled to bursting with people. Most were concerned, others just plain curious. Two other waitresses ran with her, Sarah and Annabel. Jeff was also helping out, when movement caught Michael’s eye. He dropped the spatula in shock, before cursing as his burgers caught on fire. Jose started laughing as he elbowed Michael out the way.
“You prepare and dish, I’ll cook young Michael,” he said, oblivious to Michael’s surprised look.
Michael nodded silently as he stared at the scene before him. Isabel was pouring drinks, and manning the cash register, her cheeks stained a light pink. Tess was standing at a table taking an order, looking like she had been a part of the waitress team for years. The antenna on her head bobbed merrily as she nodded, a friendly smile splitting her face as she hurried towards the order window.
“An order of one Will Smith and Saturn rings, with a Sigourney Weaver please Jose. Oh...hey Michael.”
Tess turned and walked quickly over to the drink machine, pouring a cherry coke and lemonade, before serving the drinks, and then moving on to the next table. Michael shook his head, before going back to his job. He kept his eyes on both Tess and Isabel as the lunch crowd got bigger, and then he didn’t have the time to watch them any longer.
Four hours slid past in the blink of an eye, the crowd slowly leaving until only a few tables and booths remained occupied. Michael watched as Tess walked through the swinging doors to the break room, deciding now was the time to talk to her. Throwing his rag down on the bench, he turned to Jose.
“I’m just gonna go take five,” he mumbled, Jose waving him away with his spatula. Walking into the break room, he looked at Tess as she sat slumped on the couch. She was rubbing her eyes with the heels of her hands, the headband on the couch beside her. Crossing the room, Michael sat down beside her, Tess turning to face him, a resigned look on her face.
“What is it Michael?” she asked warily.
Michael paused before speaking, remembering what he and Alex had spoken about earlier that morning at the lake.
“I haven’t said anything to anyone but Alex about this, but when were you planning on telling us about Zan?” he asked quietly.
Tess sighed, slumping further into the couch. “I was going to tell you all today, but then Mr. Parker opened the café, and when I saw how busy it was, I offered to take over Liz’s shifts until she heals.”
Michael nodded, chewing on his lower lip thoughtfully. “Have you kept in contact with them since New York?” he asked.
Tess nodded. “Yeah. I speak to Jy at least once a week, and I speak with Zan then as well. Zan isn’t checking up on you guys, he’s checking up on me. Making sure I’m ok. And as Jy is my cousin, he keeps in touch too. But I mainly speak to Ava. She’s like a sister to me Michael. We speak at least three times a week. It’s nice, you know…to have that with her.”
“Why didn’t yo tell me about…”
“…Lyra?” Tess interrupted. Michael nodded, Tess sighing as she looked down at her hands. “Because she didn’t want you to know yet. She didn’t feel you were ready to know. They didn’t know where we were, until the hit on Zan. She’s seen you though. They all have.”
“When?” Michael exclaimed softly.
“When Zan came after Max and me to find Ava. They stopped for a break, and then kept going. Zan stayed with Jy and Serena, and Kyan and Lyra came here. Lyra said to me later, that it was like coming home. She never felt right with Rath, yet watching you, and seeing that temper of yours, she knew. She didn’t need to look at you face, she could feel you.”
“What does she look like?” Michael asked, desperate for some answers. Tess looked at him.
“Do you trust me?”
Michael nodded without thinking, a small gasp escaping his mouth when Tess grabbed his hand and fed him a flash. It trickled through his mind slowly, showing him everything…
A couple walked into the café, taking a seat at the counter. Sapphire blue eyes peered out from under the rim of a baseball cap, searching the café slowly. They landed on Tess, who jerked when she recognised the owner of those eyes. A delicate eyebrow arched, Tess tilting her head in the direction of the kitchen.
Lyra looked towards the kitchen, her gaze landing on Michael as he scraped the grill. Recognition flared in her gaze, a small smile playing around the corners of her lips as Michael thumped a plate on the counter, and rang the bell. He waited a few minutes for Maria to stop talking, before bellowing at the top of his lungs, “ORDERS UP!”
Maria sauntered over, picking the plate up, and tossing him an annoyed look. “Chill out Spaceboy,” she purred, Michael scowling as he went back to preparing another order. Lyra turned to her companion, nudging him gently. Purple eyes locked onto Michael’s face, a smirk crossing Kyan’s face as he grinned at Lyra. They stood up, and left as silently as they’d come, Lyra looking back once more, before she walked out.
Michael blinked rapidly as Tess let his hand go. His emotions were crashing through him rapidly, leaving him breathless and weak.
“She’s beautiful,” he mumbled.
Tess nodded, Michael looking down at his hands.
“We have the same lips,” he mumbled again. Tess smiled.
“She’s a shape shifter, but this is as close to what she really looks like in human form.”
Tess stood up slowly, cracking her back slightly as she arched. Glancing back down at Michael, she spoke softly.
“I didn’t keep this from you deliberately Michael. I know how important family is to you. I was just following an order.”
Michael looked up at her. “Is Zan going to cause trouble?” he asked quietly.
Tess couldn’t hide the grin that lit up her face. “Zan’s trouble with a capital T Michael. But he’s not going to be a problem if that’s what you think. He’s coming here to help. He’ll be able to teach you to control the powers you do have, and learn the ones you don’t. But he has a wicked sense of humour, and he’s a flirt at the best of times. They all are.”
“Will Zan go for Liz?” he mumbled, worrying about Max’s reaction.
Tess shook her head. “Nah…he’s too wrapped up in Ava. Always has been. But then again, I wouldn’t put it past him to flirt with Liz just to yank on Max’s chain for the hell of it either.”
“But Ava told Liz Zan didn’t love her like that,” Michael said.
Tess smiled again. “That’s what he wanted her to think. He knew something was up with the others, so he kept Ava at arm’s length.”
“So he believes in destiny then?” Michael asked, shuddering at the thought.
Tess snorted. “He believes in destiny as much as you guys do. He loves Ava because he chooses too…not for any other reason. I’d better get back…Michael?”
Michael looked up, seeing Tess standing there and chewing on her lower lip.
“I never meant to hurt you with this…I’d never do that to you.”
Tess walked away quickly, leaving Michael to brood alone with his thoughts, and the vision of a girl who had pale blonde hair, and sapphire blue eyes. His family. Michael shut his eyes at the unfamiliar tickle in them. He was no longer going to be alone. Michael wasn’t sure what scared him more. No longer being alone, or not measuring up to Lyra’s standards. Only time would tell. Time, he knew, they were running out of.
Part 32.
The last of the customers left for the day, Maria locking the door with a sigh. She slumped down into one of the booths, yanking her headband off and tossing it on the table. Michael was scraping the grill, Maria watching him closely for a moment. His lower lip was caught between his teeth, and it was obvious he had something on his mind. Maria knew she’d get it out of him…when she had the strength to move again.
Isabel was curled up in Alex’s arms, her eyes closed as she snored softly. Maria smiled slightly. Isabel hadn’t stopped all day, and the last few days had taken their toll on her. It hadn’t taken much for Alex to coax her into the booth, and not much more coaxing for her to rest her head on his shoulder. Sleep had claimed the ice princess, Maria thinking she had never looked as innocent or as beautiful as she did right then.
Max and Liz were sitting together too; Liz curled up in a colourful blanket as they spoke softly. They both looked wrung out, having gone through the emotional wringer today. When Liz had first come down stairs with Max, Pauly, Tommy, and Ricky had been sitting at a table with Kyle. Liz’s hair was in a loose braid, her frailty obvious as Max kept his arms around her as they slowly crossed to a booth. They had all looked at her in shock, Kyle standing up and crossing the room to give her a gentle hug.
The other boys had followed quietly, joining Max, Kyle and Liz for a few minutes. Liz had rested her head on Kyle’s shoulder, Kyle’s arm circling her gently when she closed her eyes. Kyle had given Max a wry smile, before brushing his lips over her temple, being careful of the stitches. Max had been the first to speak.
“Kyle, you’re in English with Liz. Can you get her assignments tomorrow? I can get the biology ones, and Izzy is picking up the maths and Spanish notes.”
Kyle had nodded silently. “Sure Max. Are we meeting up here after school?” Max had nodded again, his eyes never leaving Liz’s face when he softly thanked Kyle.
Maria hadn’t missed the looks the other guys had shared. They hadn’t cracked any awful jokes, nor had they made it obvious they were staring at the bruising that circled Liz’s throat, and marred her face. “Umm…Liz? We’re both in creative writing. Do you want me to get you the assignments?” Pauly had asked softly.
Liz and Max had looked at him in surprise, Kyle just smiling softly to himself. He knew his friends were pains some times, but he also knew that they knew Liz was one of his best friends. Liz had smiled slightly, her eyes dark with pain and grief.
“Thanks Pauly. That’d be great.”
Pauly had blushed. “No worries. I’ll drop in after school, just in case I need to let you know what happened in class.”
Liz nodded again, Pauly glancing at the other guys and then standing up.
“We’ll leave you to it then guys.”
Pauly had reached out, shaking hands with Kyle. He had paused, and then looked over at Max. Max had looked up, Pauly noticing just how badly this had affected Max. The circles under his eye stood out in stark contrast to his tanned face. Pauly had stuck his hand out, Max covering his surprise and shaking his hand.
“See ya both in school tomorrow then,” he had said, Max nodding as they left.
Maria smiled slightly. Kyle had left Max and Liz to talk, returning to his table to wait for Tess. Maria glanced around at the thought of Tess. The blonde alien had surprised Maria today. She had worked hard, covering Liz’s section, and getting the job done. When she had first come down stairs in the uniform, Maria had been struck silent. She had been standing near Jeff when Tess walked over to him, her hair a mass of loose curls around her face.
“Mr. Parker? I know you’re down a waitress with Liz being out, so I’m happy to fill in until she’s better. Is that ok with you?”
Jeff had nodded, quickly explaining the sections to Tess, who had nodded, and then gotten stuck into it. She hadn’t messed up a single order, or dropped a single plate. A memory jumped out at Maria suddenly, causing her to smile. Well…maybe just the one plate…and it had been for a good cause!
Pam Troy had walked in with Tiffany Green and Lindsay Cooper, the three girls taking a seat in Tess’s sections. Tess had taken their order, and the girls had then gone back to being their usual bitchy selves. They hadn’t noticed Tess returning a few minutes later, a bowl of Alien brains spaghetti in her hands….
“Well personally, I think the little bitch deserved it. I mean…she cheated on poor Max Evans with Kyle. Everyone knows that. She’s probably saying its rape to cover it up!” Pam had said.
Tiffany’s mouth had fallen open. “That’s nasty Pam. Even for you. No one deserves this. Not even Liz. I mean I know you hate her, but she didn’t deserve this, and you’re just being a bitch for saying it.”
Pam had snorted, not seeing Tess’s eyes light up from within in anger, Maria close enough now to see the illusion of flames flicker behind her eyes, before they became ice cold.
“Well I still think she’s a little whore...hey!”
Tess covered her mouth with mock dismay, her hatred and anger visible in her eyes. She had dumped the whole plate on Pam’s lovely white pants and top ensemble, the red sauce seeping into the material.
“Ohhh…I’m so sorry…here…let me help you.”
She had bent down, swiping at Pam’s top. Pam glared at her, but then paled when Tess turned her head, looking the other girl straight in the eye.
“The great thing about pasta sauce Pam, is that it eventually comes out in the wash…blood doesn’t. And if I ever hear you speak about Liz like that again, I’m going to spill yours. In great quantities. Are we clear? Or would you like a demonstration now? Coz I’m quite happy to scratch your fucking eyes out.”
Tess had straightened up, her smile back in place. “Thank you for coming to the Crash Down…let’s hope we don’t see you again. Bye-bye now!” she trilled with a fake smile, waving her fingers as she said bye-bye.
Maria had burst out laughing when the other girls slunk away, Tess whirling around to face her. Her eyes had been uncertain, a look of hesitancy on her face. Maria had sauntered over to her, and glanced at the mess in the booth. When she had looked back up at Tess, her eyes had been sparkling with laughter, and acceptance.
“Let me know when you’re ready to spill it…I’ll hold her down.”
Tess had giggled at that, Maria nodding as they both got back to work. Maria looked around the room for Tess. She spotted her putting the last of the glasses away, while Michael used his powers to help him clean the grill. They were talking quietly, Maria sitting up straight as Tess’s face paled. Tess covered her face and turned away slightly, Michael gripping her shoulder gently and speaking softly in her ear.
Maria watched in confusion as Michael turned Tess slightly into his chest, Tess’s shoulders shaking as she cried. Michael was still talking softly into her ear, Tess shaking her head. Michael spoke again, Tess looking up at him. She nodded slowly, Michael squeezing her shoulder and then steering her out into the dining area.
“Max…Tess has something she needs to tell us all. But before she does…I’m telling you now.” Michael’s gaze flicked to Alex, and then back to Max. “I support her on this Max. I know her reasons, so hear her out, before you jump down her throat.”
Max nodded in confusion, the others gathering around the booth as Liz pulled Tess down beside her and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Tess looked panicked, Kyle sliding into the booth beside her and Liz and slipping his arm around her. Tess swallowed hard, and then raised her gaze.
“Max…I…we’re…umm…”
Michael sighed, and interrupted her.
“Tess made a phone call yesterday. She rang for back up. For help. The people who are coming aren’t going to hurt us. They’re going to help.”
“Who’s coming Tess?” Max asked.
Tess closed her eyes. “Your cousin Serena. Her lover, my cousin, Jy. Kyan. His lover, and Michael’s cousin, Lyra.” Tess opened her eyes, and looked at Max, pleading silently with him to understand. “Ava and Zan.”
Max blinked, now understanding why Michael had said not to jump on Tess over this.
“I thought Zan was dead,” he said carefully.
Tess shook her head. “No. I don’t know how he survived being hit by the truck, but Serena bought him back, and healed him. By the time he was almost 100% better, we were already in the city. When you found me…do you remember asking me where the others had gone? And how I said I didn’t know how I’d fought back?”
Max nodded. “I was telling the truth Max. I had my eyes closed when Zan killed the others. I know he broke Rath’s neck, and I know he vaporised Niko, but I have no idea what he did to Lonnie. But he ordered me not to tell you. When I rang him the other day, he told me then, to let you know he was coming.”
“When are they going to get here?” Max asked, his head spinning with all the new information he was being fed. The roar of a motorbike’s engine cut him off, Max watching as Tess swallowed weakly, obviously recognising the bike. “Now?” she answered weakly.
Redemption. CC M/L Adult. chaps 102 & Epilogue 21/11/20
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 33.
Max watched as the bike was turned off, his fear and hope causing his stomach to twist. Kyle slid from the booth when Tess nudged him, both of them watching as the rider yanked their helmet and black leather jacket off. They dropped them on the bike, before walking over to the café doors. Tess slid from the booth, and took a hesitant step forward. Max saw the lock on the door glow, before the door was yanked open, and a young man stepped through.
Time seemed to slow for the others, and they watched as Tess took another step forward. The guy was slender, yet muscular at the same time. Even Isabel blinked at his sensual good looks. He wore black leather pants low on his hips, and a sleeveless black tee shirt. Jet-black hair stood up in every direction, his pale skin gleaming under the dim lights of the café.
High cheekbones highlighted his eyes, his lips a deep red. Isabel looked at his mouth, Alex watching as she blushed as the guy sucked his lower lip between his teeth. A very full lower lip…. Isabel dropping her gaze when Alex chuckled softly in her ear. Bright green eyes swept the room, holding everyone captivated. Thick black lashes lined his eyes, a tattoo of a scorpion visible on his collarbone. Tess’s breath hitched in her throat, those amazing green eyes landing on her, before flashing emerald fire.
Tess took another step forward, only to have the guy cross the room in three long strides, and sweep her into a tight embrace. One hand cradled her neck, the other arm wrapped tightly around her waist as he pulled her closer. He bent his head to rest it against hers as he closed his eyes in obvious relief. Tess wrapped her arms around him, her body visibly shaking. Strong hands cradled her face as he pulled back slightly, his accent thick with a New York twang.
“Tess…”
He breathed her name softly, his gaze sweeping her face as Tess gripped his wrists as she looked up at him.
“Hey Jy,” she mumbled. “Where are the others?”
Jy smiled slightly, just a gentle uplifting of the corner of his mouth. “Bout an hour away sweet doll. I left ‘em behind when Kyan stopped for gas…I started pickin up on ya emotions ‘bout four hours ago, and I couldn’t wait for ‘em. I had to see ya…make sure ya were aiight.”
Jy paused, his head tilting as his eyes narrowed slightly. He swept his thumbs under Tess’s eyes, concern filling his own.
“Tess…. what is it? What’s wrong? Ya been stressing off ya nut for da last three days, but ya peaked last night…enough to call Zan…what da hell’s goin on? …Other than Kivar?”
Tears filled Tess’s eyes, and she was once more pulled into strong arms, her neck stroked as she cried on his chest.
“Hey…it’s ok sweet doll…it’s ok now…come on…shhhh…”
Jy leant against the edge of a table, still holding Tess close as she wept softly into his chest. He whispered softly into her ear, his fingers glowing even as they were in constant motion on the back of her neck. Tess hiccupped, her head lolling slightly against Jy’s chest as he continued to whisper to her. Max watched as Jy stood up not five minutes later, and swung Tess into his arms. She had fallen asleep thanks to those glowing fingers, Jy shifting her in his arms so that her head rested on his shoulder. Max stood up, indicating to the now empty half of his booth.
“You can sit here if you want,” he said softly. Jy simply nodded as he slid into the booth, Tess still locked in his arms. As if feeling the gazes of the others even in sleep, Tess turned more into Jy’s embrace, tucking her head under his chin as she slept in his lap. Kyle approached him, a blanket in his hands from where he had retrieved it from the break room.
“Here…it’ll keep her warm,” he mumbled, Jy looking up at him. Kyle stood still, letting Jy measure him up, as if he was assessing his intentions. It was all he could do, not to squirm under Jy’s alien gaze, but stay still Kyle managed to do.
“So you’re Kyle. You’re the one she won’t admit to carin ‘bout,” Jy said finally, liking what he saw.
You could have knocked Kyle down with a feather. His eyes widened, and he sank into the booth next to Jy, automatically picking Tess’s feet up and resting them in his own lap. Jy flicked his gaze down, watching as Kyle stroked Tess’s ankle softly. Flicking his gaze back up, he saw that Kyle wasn’t even aware that he was doing it.
“What do you mean?” he mumbled, Jy smirking slightly as he looked at Kyle.
“How ‘bout some intro’s first, then I’ll tell ya what I mean,” he suggested, raising his eyebrow.
Kyle blushed, but indicated to each person.
“Max. Isabel and Alex. Michael and Maria. Liz. And I’m Kyle.”
Jy smirked again, letting his gaze sweep each person. When it landed on Liz though, he frowned slightly.
“So you’re da reason Tess called us. She wouldn’t say much last night, but when I rang her this mornin, she said that one of her friends had been attacked. I take it then, that it was you?”
Liz blushed, but nodded as she lowered her gaze. Jy chuckled softly, reaching across the table to grip her hand. Liz looked up, Jy smiling slightly.
“Don’t ever lower ya gaze to me Liz…not to any of us. Ya ain’t done nothin wrong. Tess rang, and asked for help. She said that she had a shit fight on her hands. So here we are…well…some of us anyway!”
Liz smiled at his words, and she nodded as Jy gave her hand a squeeze, before reaching up and tangling it in Tess’s hair again. Kyle coughed slightly, before glancing at Jy, a pale blush staining his cheeks.
“What did you mean before? About Tess and me?” he asked softly.
Jy snorted with obvious amusement.
“So you’re livin in da land of denial too hey? Damn, between you and da blonde bombshell here, ya could bottle da stuff, and sell it on Ebay and make a nice tidy sum.”
Kyle blushed, Jy snorting with laughter again. He shifted Tess on his lap, before glancing at the windows.
“Ya might wanna lock us in then, if ya wanna know ‘bout it,” he said softly, indicating to the people who were glancing in as they walked past.
Max and Michael both stood up, Max going that one step further to step outside and grab Jy’s jacket and helmet. Jy nodded his thanks when Max set them down on a table, only to smile slowly up at Isabel when she set a cup of black coffee in front of him. She blushed again, Jy chuckling softly. Michael recalled Tess’s earlier words, about how they were all flirts, and he couldn’t help but grin as a flustered Isabel sat back down.
“Mmmkay then…so ya’ll wanna know how I know ‘bout sweet doll and da sheriff’s son here…how we knew ‘bout ya’ll when I’ve only just met ya’s yeah?” Jy asked bluntly after he’d taken a mouthful of coffee.
Everyone nodded, Kyle leaning forward slightly. Jy glanced at him, and raised his eyebrows with a smirk. Everyone noticed, and quiet laughter filled the café. It broke the tension, Kyle blushing as he sat back in his seat. Jy shook his head, before holding his left hand out over the surface of the table. The table shimmered, before going opaque.
Everyone glanced at Jy in surprise, his answering smirk crossing his face slowly. “No talking now…show time’s about to begin,” he murmured. The group turned back to the tabletop, watching as it shimmered again. Just like Jy said, ‘show time’ began, soft gasps echoing as images appeared like a movie on the tabletop…
Jy and Tess were sitting on the UFO centre’s roof, looking out over the main street. You could clearly see Jy’s bike parked in the street below, his helmet and jacket beside him.
“Who’s that with…Michael?” Jy asked, pointing out Maria as she and Michael argued out the front of the Crash Down.
Tess nodded as she smiled. “That’s Michael, and his girlfriend Maria.”
“Damn man, she’s got a set of lungs,” Jy said, whistling softly as Maria stomped away.
Tess laughed softly. “I think she and Michael enjoy their fights Jy. They’re good together though.”
“So tell me ‘bout them,” Jy said, settling back against the edge.
Tess shrugged. “I don’t really know them Jy. I mean…we all circulate together, but it doesn’t really go any further than that.”
Jy sighed, before spotting Alex and Isabel. “And them?” he asked.
Tess shrugged again. “Alex and Isabel.”
Jy frowned. “So that’s da one Nasado wanted ya to mind warp?” he murmured.
Tess scowled. “Don’t mention his name to me Jy. He’s dead, and all I can say, is thank god!”
Jy chuckled softly, pulling Tess against him and giving her a kiss on the temple.
“Settle down little fire starter…it’s all good. So…is that your Zan then?” Tess shook her head as Max sat down at an outdoor table.
“No…that’s Max, and he was mine in our last life Jy. He belongs to Liz in this one.”
Jy peered over the edge of the building again. He searched the sidewalk, and finally spotted the ‘Liz’ in question.
“She’s beautiful,” he admitted.
Tess sighed. “Yeah she is. It would make it all so much easier if I could hate her Jy, but I can’t. I’ve never been able too. She’s an enigma.”
“What do ya mean?”
Tess sighed. “Liz is nice to everyone Jy. Genuinely nice. And she’s smart. I guarantee it, you look up the head of molecular biology in ten years, and it’ll be her. There’s just something about her.”
Jy nodded, Tess sighing as they continued to watch everyday life pass them by.
“And who’s that?” Jy whispered, pointing out a familiar figure. Tess smiled again, her whole face lighting up.
“That’s Kyle. I live with him and his Dad.”
Jy smirked slightly, watching Tess out of the corner of his eye as he started humming the bridal march under his breath. Tess glanced at him. Jy kept humming. Her eyes narrowed, and before Jy could move, she slapped him on the back of the head.
“Hey! That’s not nice ya know!” he hissed, rubbing the back of his head.
Tess snorted, Jy narrowing his eyes as he stared at her. Tess glanced at him again, and then shook her head. “No way Jy! I am not going to let you ‘peek’ as you so nicely put it, into my brain. If you want to know something, just ask!”
Jy started laughing. “Ok then fire starter! But tell me somethin Tess…why haven’t you told him how ya feel?”
Tess shook her head slightly. “I don’t feel that way about Kyle…what are you laughing at?” she huffed as Jy laughed at her.
“I’m laughing at you, ya blonde! Jesus Tess. I’m an empath sweet doll. Ya know that. And I can tell ya now, ya heart beats that little bit faster when you talk about him, and when you saw him, you did da whole internal happy dance! Ya like da guy! Just admit it!”
Tess pouted, before shaking her head.
“Do not.”
“Do too,” Jy returned.
“Nu-uh.”
“Uh-huh…Tess has a crush!” The last part came out in a singsong way.
Tess narrowed her eyes. “I’m telling on you!”
Jy started laughing again. “Who ya gonna tell?” he teased.
Tess took her phone out of her back pocket, and flipped it open. Hitting speed dial, she hummed “you’re gonna get an ass whooping” under her breath.
Jy frowned, his face paling when Tess smiled.
“Hey Serena…Jy’s picking…hey!”
Jy grabbed the phone from Tess, his voice innocent when he spoke.
“She’s just poutin baby, coz I know she has a crush…no I’m not pickin on her…baby…no…awww come on Serena…baby…. please don’t say ya gonna hold out on me…. baby…. pfthht…fine…” Jy huffed, and turned to face Tess, who was grinning at him.
“Sorry Tess.” Tess made a whipping motion complete with sound effects, Jy shooting her another glare, before turning his attention back to the phone.
“That better baby? …Yeah…so I’m gonna get some huh? …What are ya wearin? …Take it off for me baby…HEY!”
Jy rubbed his ass where Tess had zapped him, before hanging up the phone on a laughing Serena. Tess shook her head.
“No way are you having phone sex on my phone Jy!”
Jy pouted, Tess holding the phone out of reach when he moved. The two cousins glared at each other, before Jy finally sighed.
“What are ya so scared of sweet doll? I mean, incest inducing comments aside, ya fuckin hot! I know ya like him, so don’t bother denyin it. What’s da problem?”
Tess shook her head, before glancing down.
“It’s not a problem of whether or not I care for Kyle Jy. I’m just scared that he’d laugh at me. I mean…I don’t let anyone in Jy. You know that. But what if I let him in, and he laughs? What if…”
Jy silenced her with a finger to the lips.
“What ifs get us no where sweet doll. So ya take a deep breath, and jump in with both feet…coz at da end of da day? He might just feel da same way…”
The ‘movie’ faded, Jy sitting back and picking up his cup. Silence filled the café, the group staring at a sleeping Tess. The silence was broken when Jy put his cup back down and smirked. Wondering what he was smirking at, Max jumped slightly when the roar of another bike was heard. Without turning, Jy spoke.
“Hey baby….”
Max watched as the bike was turned off, his fear and hope causing his stomach to twist. Kyle slid from the booth when Tess nudged him, both of them watching as the rider yanked their helmet and black leather jacket off. They dropped them on the bike, before walking over to the café doors. Tess slid from the booth, and took a hesitant step forward. Max saw the lock on the door glow, before the door was yanked open, and a young man stepped through.
Time seemed to slow for the others, and they watched as Tess took another step forward. The guy was slender, yet muscular at the same time. Even Isabel blinked at his sensual good looks. He wore black leather pants low on his hips, and a sleeveless black tee shirt. Jet-black hair stood up in every direction, his pale skin gleaming under the dim lights of the café.
High cheekbones highlighted his eyes, his lips a deep red. Isabel looked at his mouth, Alex watching as she blushed as the guy sucked his lower lip between his teeth. A very full lower lip…. Isabel dropping her gaze when Alex chuckled softly in her ear. Bright green eyes swept the room, holding everyone captivated. Thick black lashes lined his eyes, a tattoo of a scorpion visible on his collarbone. Tess’s breath hitched in her throat, those amazing green eyes landing on her, before flashing emerald fire.
Tess took another step forward, only to have the guy cross the room in three long strides, and sweep her into a tight embrace. One hand cradled her neck, the other arm wrapped tightly around her waist as he pulled her closer. He bent his head to rest it against hers as he closed his eyes in obvious relief. Tess wrapped her arms around him, her body visibly shaking. Strong hands cradled her face as he pulled back slightly, his accent thick with a New York twang.
“Tess…”
He breathed her name softly, his gaze sweeping her face as Tess gripped his wrists as she looked up at him.
“Hey Jy,” she mumbled. “Where are the others?”
Jy smiled slightly, just a gentle uplifting of the corner of his mouth. “Bout an hour away sweet doll. I left ‘em behind when Kyan stopped for gas…I started pickin up on ya emotions ‘bout four hours ago, and I couldn’t wait for ‘em. I had to see ya…make sure ya were aiight.”
Jy paused, his head tilting as his eyes narrowed slightly. He swept his thumbs under Tess’s eyes, concern filling his own.
“Tess…. what is it? What’s wrong? Ya been stressing off ya nut for da last three days, but ya peaked last night…enough to call Zan…what da hell’s goin on? …Other than Kivar?”
Tears filled Tess’s eyes, and she was once more pulled into strong arms, her neck stroked as she cried on his chest.
“Hey…it’s ok sweet doll…it’s ok now…come on…shhhh…”
Jy leant against the edge of a table, still holding Tess close as she wept softly into his chest. He whispered softly into her ear, his fingers glowing even as they were in constant motion on the back of her neck. Tess hiccupped, her head lolling slightly against Jy’s chest as he continued to whisper to her. Max watched as Jy stood up not five minutes later, and swung Tess into his arms. She had fallen asleep thanks to those glowing fingers, Jy shifting her in his arms so that her head rested on his shoulder. Max stood up, indicating to the now empty half of his booth.
“You can sit here if you want,” he said softly. Jy simply nodded as he slid into the booth, Tess still locked in his arms. As if feeling the gazes of the others even in sleep, Tess turned more into Jy’s embrace, tucking her head under his chin as she slept in his lap. Kyle approached him, a blanket in his hands from where he had retrieved it from the break room.
“Here…it’ll keep her warm,” he mumbled, Jy looking up at him. Kyle stood still, letting Jy measure him up, as if he was assessing his intentions. It was all he could do, not to squirm under Jy’s alien gaze, but stay still Kyle managed to do.
“So you’re Kyle. You’re the one she won’t admit to carin ‘bout,” Jy said finally, liking what he saw.
You could have knocked Kyle down with a feather. His eyes widened, and he sank into the booth next to Jy, automatically picking Tess’s feet up and resting them in his own lap. Jy flicked his gaze down, watching as Kyle stroked Tess’s ankle softly. Flicking his gaze back up, he saw that Kyle wasn’t even aware that he was doing it.
“What do you mean?” he mumbled, Jy smirking slightly as he looked at Kyle.
“How ‘bout some intro’s first, then I’ll tell ya what I mean,” he suggested, raising his eyebrow.
Kyle blushed, but indicated to each person.
“Max. Isabel and Alex. Michael and Maria. Liz. And I’m Kyle.”
Jy smirked again, letting his gaze sweep each person. When it landed on Liz though, he frowned slightly.
“So you’re da reason Tess called us. She wouldn’t say much last night, but when I rang her this mornin, she said that one of her friends had been attacked. I take it then, that it was you?”
Liz blushed, but nodded as she lowered her gaze. Jy chuckled softly, reaching across the table to grip her hand. Liz looked up, Jy smiling slightly.
“Don’t ever lower ya gaze to me Liz…not to any of us. Ya ain’t done nothin wrong. Tess rang, and asked for help. She said that she had a shit fight on her hands. So here we are…well…some of us anyway!”
Liz smiled at his words, and she nodded as Jy gave her hand a squeeze, before reaching up and tangling it in Tess’s hair again. Kyle coughed slightly, before glancing at Jy, a pale blush staining his cheeks.
“What did you mean before? About Tess and me?” he asked softly.
Jy snorted with obvious amusement.
“So you’re livin in da land of denial too hey? Damn, between you and da blonde bombshell here, ya could bottle da stuff, and sell it on Ebay and make a nice tidy sum.”
Kyle blushed, Jy snorting with laughter again. He shifted Tess on his lap, before glancing at the windows.
“Ya might wanna lock us in then, if ya wanna know ‘bout it,” he said softly, indicating to the people who were glancing in as they walked past.
Max and Michael both stood up, Max going that one step further to step outside and grab Jy’s jacket and helmet. Jy nodded his thanks when Max set them down on a table, only to smile slowly up at Isabel when she set a cup of black coffee in front of him. She blushed again, Jy chuckling softly. Michael recalled Tess’s earlier words, about how they were all flirts, and he couldn’t help but grin as a flustered Isabel sat back down.
“Mmmkay then…so ya’ll wanna know how I know ‘bout sweet doll and da sheriff’s son here…how we knew ‘bout ya’ll when I’ve only just met ya’s yeah?” Jy asked bluntly after he’d taken a mouthful of coffee.
Everyone nodded, Kyle leaning forward slightly. Jy glanced at him, and raised his eyebrows with a smirk. Everyone noticed, and quiet laughter filled the café. It broke the tension, Kyle blushing as he sat back in his seat. Jy shook his head, before holding his left hand out over the surface of the table. The table shimmered, before going opaque.
Everyone glanced at Jy in surprise, his answering smirk crossing his face slowly. “No talking now…show time’s about to begin,” he murmured. The group turned back to the tabletop, watching as it shimmered again. Just like Jy said, ‘show time’ began, soft gasps echoing as images appeared like a movie on the tabletop…
Jy and Tess were sitting on the UFO centre’s roof, looking out over the main street. You could clearly see Jy’s bike parked in the street below, his helmet and jacket beside him.
“Who’s that with…Michael?” Jy asked, pointing out Maria as she and Michael argued out the front of the Crash Down.
Tess nodded as she smiled. “That’s Michael, and his girlfriend Maria.”
“Damn man, she’s got a set of lungs,” Jy said, whistling softly as Maria stomped away.
Tess laughed softly. “I think she and Michael enjoy their fights Jy. They’re good together though.”
“So tell me ‘bout them,” Jy said, settling back against the edge.
Tess shrugged. “I don’t really know them Jy. I mean…we all circulate together, but it doesn’t really go any further than that.”
Jy sighed, before spotting Alex and Isabel. “And them?” he asked.
Tess shrugged again. “Alex and Isabel.”
Jy frowned. “So that’s da one Nasado wanted ya to mind warp?” he murmured.
Tess scowled. “Don’t mention his name to me Jy. He’s dead, and all I can say, is thank god!”
Jy chuckled softly, pulling Tess against him and giving her a kiss on the temple.
“Settle down little fire starter…it’s all good. So…is that your Zan then?” Tess shook her head as Max sat down at an outdoor table.
“No…that’s Max, and he was mine in our last life Jy. He belongs to Liz in this one.”
Jy peered over the edge of the building again. He searched the sidewalk, and finally spotted the ‘Liz’ in question.
“She’s beautiful,” he admitted.
Tess sighed. “Yeah she is. It would make it all so much easier if I could hate her Jy, but I can’t. I’ve never been able too. She’s an enigma.”
“What do ya mean?”
Tess sighed. “Liz is nice to everyone Jy. Genuinely nice. And she’s smart. I guarantee it, you look up the head of molecular biology in ten years, and it’ll be her. There’s just something about her.”
Jy nodded, Tess sighing as they continued to watch everyday life pass them by.
“And who’s that?” Jy whispered, pointing out a familiar figure. Tess smiled again, her whole face lighting up.
“That’s Kyle. I live with him and his Dad.”
Jy smirked slightly, watching Tess out of the corner of his eye as he started humming the bridal march under his breath. Tess glanced at him. Jy kept humming. Her eyes narrowed, and before Jy could move, she slapped him on the back of the head.
“Hey! That’s not nice ya know!” he hissed, rubbing the back of his head.
Tess snorted, Jy narrowing his eyes as he stared at her. Tess glanced at him again, and then shook her head. “No way Jy! I am not going to let you ‘peek’ as you so nicely put it, into my brain. If you want to know something, just ask!”
Jy started laughing. “Ok then fire starter! But tell me somethin Tess…why haven’t you told him how ya feel?”
Tess shook her head slightly. “I don’t feel that way about Kyle…what are you laughing at?” she huffed as Jy laughed at her.
“I’m laughing at you, ya blonde! Jesus Tess. I’m an empath sweet doll. Ya know that. And I can tell ya now, ya heart beats that little bit faster when you talk about him, and when you saw him, you did da whole internal happy dance! Ya like da guy! Just admit it!”
Tess pouted, before shaking her head.
“Do not.”
“Do too,” Jy returned.
“Nu-uh.”
“Uh-huh…Tess has a crush!” The last part came out in a singsong way.
Tess narrowed her eyes. “I’m telling on you!”
Jy started laughing again. “Who ya gonna tell?” he teased.
Tess took her phone out of her back pocket, and flipped it open. Hitting speed dial, she hummed “you’re gonna get an ass whooping” under her breath.
Jy frowned, his face paling when Tess smiled.
“Hey Serena…Jy’s picking…hey!”
Jy grabbed the phone from Tess, his voice innocent when he spoke.
“She’s just poutin baby, coz I know she has a crush…no I’m not pickin on her…baby…no…awww come on Serena…baby…. please don’t say ya gonna hold out on me…. baby…. pfthht…fine…” Jy huffed, and turned to face Tess, who was grinning at him.
“Sorry Tess.” Tess made a whipping motion complete with sound effects, Jy shooting her another glare, before turning his attention back to the phone.
“That better baby? …Yeah…so I’m gonna get some huh? …What are ya wearin? …Take it off for me baby…HEY!”
Jy rubbed his ass where Tess had zapped him, before hanging up the phone on a laughing Serena. Tess shook her head.
“No way are you having phone sex on my phone Jy!”
Jy pouted, Tess holding the phone out of reach when he moved. The two cousins glared at each other, before Jy finally sighed.
“What are ya so scared of sweet doll? I mean, incest inducing comments aside, ya fuckin hot! I know ya like him, so don’t bother denyin it. What’s da problem?”
Tess shook her head, before glancing down.
“It’s not a problem of whether or not I care for Kyle Jy. I’m just scared that he’d laugh at me. I mean…I don’t let anyone in Jy. You know that. But what if I let him in, and he laughs? What if…”
Jy silenced her with a finger to the lips.
“What ifs get us no where sweet doll. So ya take a deep breath, and jump in with both feet…coz at da end of da day? He might just feel da same way…”
The ‘movie’ faded, Jy sitting back and picking up his cup. Silence filled the café, the group staring at a sleeping Tess. The silence was broken when Jy put his cup back down and smirked. Wondering what he was smirking at, Max jumped slightly when the roar of another bike was heard. Without turning, Jy spoke.
“Hey baby….”
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 34.
Everyone glanced up as the bike was turned off. The rider swung gracefully from the bike, and tugged their helmet off. A young woman approached the doors, the lock glowing again as she let herself in. Setting her helmet down, she unzipped her jacket, and pulled it off. Thick black hair, that was streaked blonde on top slid free from under the jacket, and swung down around her face as she lent forward to touch her toes.
She moaned softly when her back cracked, before standing up and tossing her hair out of her face. Where Jy was at least six foot tall, she stood no more then five foot five, her body slender and curvy in all the right spots. Her eyes were a strange violet colour, pulsing internally with power and light. A sulky look was on her face, the others somehow knowing it was because she was tired.
Like Jy, she was wearing black leather pants, with a white tank top. On the tank top were the words, “I don’t have PMS…. I’m just a bitch.” Her eyes were heavily rimmed with black eyeliner, her mouth a deep red. A thick black leather cuff circled one wrist, a chunky black leather watch on the other. She looked over at the group, a sensual smile crossing her face when Jy turned to grin at her.
Without a word, she crossed over to them, and slid into the booth behind Jy. Leaning over the edge of the seat, she kissed him hello. Jy raised his hand, sinking it into her hair and holding her head in his palm as he kissed her back. They broke apart a minute later, the girl looking over Jy’s shoulder at Tess.
“Oh Tess…” she murmured, leaning further over the edge so she could Tess.
Kyle blushed when she wiggled again, her hips resting on his and Jy’s shoulders as she bent down and kissed Tess softly on the lips. The girl brushed a loose curl out of Tess’s eye, before sliding back into her own seat. She remained kneeling, her face unreadable as she finally looked at the others.
Jy smirked when they started fidgeting, an answering smirk crossing her own face. Standing up, the girl left the booth and came around to sit beside Liz. The girl looked at Jy, an unspoken conversation apparent between them when Jy scowled at her. She raised a single eyebrow, Jy huffing as he broke eye contact.
“Fine! Guys, this is Serena. Baby…Max, Isabel, Alex, Michael, Maria, Liz and Kyle.”
Serena smirked again, her gaze slowly flicking over each person. Measuring. Feeling. Looking deep with in each of them. They all felt the gentle caress of her mind as she looked into them. Checking them out with her powers. Serena seemed to linger longest on Isabel and Michael, a slight nod letting them both know she had been deliberate in what she was doing.
“Hey,” she finally said. Her voice was husky, her eyes lingering again on each person.
“What were you doing just then?” Isabel blurted out, unable to not keep quiet. Serena smirked lazily, stretching before she answered.
“Readin ya. Checkin out what made ya ticked.” Isabel blinked, opening her mouth to speak. But it was Michael who beat her to the punch.
“Yeah? What’d you find then?” he asked sarcastically. Serena laughed at that, crossing her arms over her chest before speaking to each person. She started with Michael.
“Ya hide behind stone walls, not letting anyone in. Ya want a family, and ya so scared of screwin that up, that ya keep everyone at arms length. Ya love Maria with everythin ya are, but ya scared that it’s gonna blow up in ya face. Ya fight with her, coz ya enjoy it, as does she. It’s what makes ya strong. And ya nothin like that screw up Rath. Ya turn to Max for direction, and ya question everythin he says, coz ya wanna keep all of ‘em safe, human and alien alike. It’s just who ya are.”
Michael’s mouth dropped open in shock, Serena winking at his reaction. She was spot on, and she knew it. Serena looked then to Maria.
“Ya love Michael just a fiercely as he loves you. You hate ya Dad coz he walked out on ya, so ya tend to view men as a species who ain’t to be trusted. Ya take all ya hidden emotions, and put them down on paper, in the way of songs. Ya used to envy what Max and Liz had, but ya now know that Michael is da one for ya. Ya loyal, and fiercely protective of Liz. If anyone was to hurt her, even Max, ya wouldn’t hesitate in taking them down…metaphorically speakin.”
Serena smirked when Isabel lowered her head, Isabel afraid of what Serena would see with in her, and that she would confirm her worst fears.
“Da ice princess. What no one knows is that a heart of pure heat beats behind those icy walls. You love Alex, and admire da way his brain works. You love Max and Michael more than anything, includin ya own life. Ya carry ya guilt like a mantel, due to learnin ‘bout ya past life, and what ya did to Zan in it. Ya use ya popularity and looks, to hide from people, yet when ya do let ‘em in, they have a friend for life. And like spaceboy, ya ain’t nothin like Lonnie or Vilandra for that matter.”
Isabel started crying softly, Alex wrapping his arms around her as she lowered her gaze. Serena moved onto Alex.
“Da boy who wonders how da hell he got as lucky as he did, when da ice princess finally let him in. Let him see her. And he sees her as beautiful. You’re smart, and ya loyal. Ya carry anger at da moment due to Liz, and ya carry guilt that it happened. Ya wonder if she blames ya, coz ya weren’t with her when it happened. And ya know in ya heart, that if ya find da guy who did it, ya gonna lay ya life down to protect her and Maria. Ya carry no animosity towards Tess, coz ya know she’s changin. And I hope ya never lose what makes you Alexander Charles Whitman, coz ya a damn good man.”
Kyle blushed when Serena’s gaze deliberately skipped Max and landed on him.
“You’re in love with Tess. You have been since she first moved in, and snapped ya boxers that mornin. Ya think she’s beautiful and fragile and that she’s da best thing that’s ever happened to ya dad and you. She’s startin to let ya in. Ya know this, when it’s just da two of ya at home, and she curls into ya when ya watchin ya movies. She makes two bowls of popcorn, so ya don’t have to eat da spicy one.”
Serena tilted her head slightly.
“Like Maria, ya tend to have trust issues, coz ya Mum walked out on ya’s when ya were little. But when it comes to you and Tess, it’s not a matter of whether ya trust her or not, coz ya do. It’s a matter of whether or not ya think ya good enough for her. That’s what’s held ya back for so long. Ya so damn scared of going up against her memories of Zan that ya hiding ya love inside. I’m tellin ya now man. Don’t. Coz she’s mad assed in love with ya too. She’s just as scared as you, but when ya finally get ya shit together, and she lets all her walls down, she’s gonna love ya like no one else…includin what she had with Zan.”
“Tess ain’t had it easy, and she’s gonna fight what’s she’s feelin, coz she’s just as scared, if not more so. Liz is da first person she’s truly let in, and she’s gonna die to protect Liz if it comes to that. She’s moved out from under Nasado’s fucked up spell, and she’s standin on da edge of a chasm. All she needs to do is let go. Ya damn well better be ready to catch her when she does Kyle, coz other wise ya gonna have to deal with Jy.”
Serena sat back, and glanced between Max and Liz. Her face was calm, pity swimming in her eyes.
“Da king and his chosen queen. Whether we rule down here or up there, this is da life ya have chosen Max. Ya can’t change what’s happened. So let it go, and start to heal. Pierce was as evil as they come, and ya nightmares and ya fears is what Kivar’s gonna use against ya. Zan can help ya with that if ya let him. He knows betrayal better than anyone.”
“Ya loved Liz enough to expose who ya were when ya healed her. Ya love her still, just as she loves you. Ya should be changin ya name to guilt, coz that’s what swims in ya right now. Guilt over what happened to Liz. Both da attack and Future Max. Of what he asked her to do. And ya so damn scared that ya never gonna be able to love her freely. Cut it da fuck out. Ya need time, as does she.”
“You on da other hand Liz, ya hold back on Max on purpose. Ya convinced that he belongs with Tess. That’s why you were able to help Future Max so easily. Ya put ya own happiness aside, in da hope that Max would be happy. He ain’t. Ya feel guilt from walkin away from him that day, believing ya were doin da right thing. Ya weren’t. He knows it. Tess knows it.”
“Ya thought ya were tellin da truth when ya said ya didn’t love Max anymore. Ya so damn confused, ya wouldn’t know love, if it came up and bit ya fair on da ass. Ya so scared that he’s gonna wake up and realise he loves Tess, that ya built a wall around ya heart, and he can no longer get inside of ya. Ya no longer know who ya are, or where ya place is with ya friends. The attack only made things worse.”
“What none of ya realise is da reason behind Kivar’s attack. Ya think it was to hurt Max through Liz. It wasn’t. When Max healed Liz, he changed her. Gave her some of who he was. Some of the seal. And Kivar knows this. He knows with da war, that Max’s people are fighting for him and Zan. He also knows that if he gets da royal heir, he can rule unopposed.”
Liz went white, Max also blanching at what she was saying. The others looked on in confusion, Liz starting to sway. Serena reached out and grabbed her face in her hands. The two girls locked eyes, Liz slowly calming down as Serena continued to stare at her.
“It ain’t gonna happen Liz. He ain’t able to that down here. He can’t control it. But that’s what it’s all about. Ya started somethin with Max last year. It’s slowly building in both of ya. Kivar picked up on it, and decided he’d rather have ya in his bed, than let ya go to Max’s. He knows if you and Max get back together, one things gonna lead to another, to da point that ya ain’ gonna be able to control it. It’s then that ya gonna be vulnerable. Coz if Kivar pops ya cherry…ya gonna belong to him.”
“What do ya mean?” Max wheezed, sitting down with a thud. Serena shook her head, cursing Nasado under her breath as she did.
“Antarians mate for life Max. We don’t do casual sex….”
Jy snorted, Serena glaring at him.
“What da hell was Zan doin then?” Jy asked sarcastically. Serena’s eyes flashed brightly with anger, and she turned that anger on her lover, not caring what the others thought.
“Ya know as well as I do Jy, what it cost Zan to do that to Ava. To keep her away, and to let her think he didn’t want her. That he was happier fuckin random faces, than doin her. He did what he did to keep her safe, so back it up off of my cousin Jy, or so help me god, I’ll rip ya a new one! Lovers or not, I will take ya down over this!”
Jy snorted, but looked down. Serena sighed, lowering her own gaze and massaging her temples. Jy sighed then, reaching out to cover Serena’s hand.
“I love ya babe…ya know I do. Just as ya know I’d do anythin for Zan. I know he did what he did for a reason, but he hurt Aves babe. And I’m havin trouble forgivin him for that. Ya know I view Aves and Tess as sisters, not as one person split in two. I’d kill for both ‘em…that’s just it. And I’m goin against da grain with this. I’m sorry.”
Serena nodded, and then looked back at Max. She’d deal with Jy later.
“As I was sayin Max…we mate for life. And coz you’ve changed Liz, she’s gonna be da same. If Kivar gets to her first, that’s it. It’s all over. He’ll get da heir, and then he’ll kill her. This was never about you. It was about her. He ain’t gonna be able to get back here in pure form for a while, so you have time. But that time’s runnin out. So you have to work on ya powers, and ya have to be willin to go to da bat for her. Coz when Kivar comes back? …. It’s gonna be a shit fight.”
“How much time do we have?” Max asked weakly.
Serena gave him another look of pity. “You have maybe a month…two at most.”
Max blinked then, hearing Serena in his head. A private conversation just for him.
“And in that time…ya’d better bond with Liz, coz if ya don’t, and he takes her…she dies Max. We all do.”
Part 35.
“So tell me Serena…did ya scare da shit outta ‘em with da fact ya can read people so easy?” Laughter accompanied that question, everyone turning to look at who had spoken. Two new people sat on the counter, seven mouths falling open in shock. Serena smirked, shaking her head as she stood up to make the introductions.
“Get fucked Kyan. Guys…this is Kyan and Lyra…. shut up Kyan!”
Kyan snorted, jumping down from the counter and turning to help Lyra down. It gave the others time to look at them, Serena and Jy shaking their heads as Kyan kept laughing at Serena. Max glanced out the window, his surprise obvious when he saw another two bikes parked outside. None of them had heard them arrive, but then again, they had all been caught up in what Serena had had to say.
Kyan was about the same height as Jy. A strong angular jaw was covered with a five o’clock shadow, his sensual lips in a constant smirk. Dark purple eyes were framed with dark lashes, his black hair spiked. The tips of his hair were bleached blonde, giving him a surfie look. Faded jeans sat low on his hips, a tight black tee shirt showing his muscled body off.
Lyra was slightly shorter than Serena, her blonde hair layered and swinging as Kyan lifted her down and set her on her feet. Startling blue eyes checked the group over, Michael blushing when they lingered on him, before moving on. Lyra stretched, showing off a tanned stomach when a pale grey tan top rode up. Army fatigue style cargo pants rode low on her hips, all the guys blushing when she turned around. She had a hole in the seat of her pants, just below the cheek of her ass.
“When did you guys get in?” Jy asked, reaching out to shake Kyan’s hand. Kyan shrugged.
“Round ‘bout fifteen minutes ago…just in time to see ya get ya ass kicked by ya woman again man!”
Jy scowled, but tilted his head back when Lyra cupped his jaw in her hand. Seven mouths fell open when Lyra kissed Jy on the lips, Lyra smirking when she let him go.
“Ya might be getting ya ass kicked Jy, but it lets people know who wears da pants in ya relationship…right Kyan?”
The question was directed at her lover with raised eyebrows, Kyan shrugging.
“What can I say babe? …If I want in ya pants, I let ya wear mine.”
Jy snorted, Serena laughing out loud. Lyra smirked again, trailing her hand over Kyan’s stomach.
“That’s right baby…ya pussy whipped, and ya know it.”
“And proud of it,” Kyan purred, grabbing Lyra by the hips, and hitting her hips with his own.
Seven faces turned bright red at the blatantly sexual way they were with each other, yet it was obvious that Serena and Jy were used to it, and not fazed in anyway.
“I’ve been hittin on that sweet ass of yours for years now baby…mmm…I ain’t gettin sick of it yet,” Kyan murmured in Lyra’s ear, running his hands down over her ass. Lyra laughed, the sound low and throaty as Kyan lowered his head to her shoulder, biting down lightly when his lips met her skin.
“Hate to break up da fuck feast ya caught all up in Kyan, but where da hell are Zan and Aves?” Jy spoke up, Kyan smirking when he lifted his head. He continued to hold Lyra close to his body, one hand sliding up her back to cradle the back of her neck. His hand tangled in her hair, and with a slight movement of his wrist, Kyan tugged Lyra’s head back to expose the smooth skin of her throat.
“I ain’t his keeper Jy. Zan’s a big boy now. Don’t stress it man…he’s around. And as for Aves? …She’s with him.”
“Fuck Kyan, ya gotta learn to keep ya dick in ya pants man. It won’t fall off if ya ain’t getting any in da next twenty minutes.” Jy raised an eyebrow as he waited, both guys locked in a silent conversation. It was obviously funny, because Kyan grinned.
“I’ll cut his dick off, if he ain’t lettin me go in da next five nanoseconds,” Lyra huffed.
Kyan snorted with laughter at that, Jy smirking as Kyan released Lyra from his embrace.
“Chill baby…ya know ya love it,” he purred, Lyra rolling her eyes as she glanced at Michael again.
“Phfft…. hate to be a cock block guys, but Jy’s right. Where did you leave Aves and Zan?” Serena asked.
Kyan sighed, watching his lover as she watched Michael. “I dunno Jy. Ava was scared about comin here, and Zan was talkin to her. He sent us ahead…said he’d meet up with us here.”
Michael blushed slightly. “I think I know what’s wrong with Ava…the last time she was here, Isabel and I weren’t the nicest to her.”
“We were worried about Max though Michael. I’m sure Ava would understand that.”
A soft snort broke the staring contest going on between all of them. Tess shifted on Jy’s lap, her gaze sleepy as she blinked herself awake. Jy turned to face her, a soft smirk on his face.
“Heya sweet doll…how ya feelin now?”
Tess answered in a way that had Serena, Kyan and Lyra laughing, and the rest of the group hiding smiles. She slapped him on the back of the head.
“Yeouch! What da fuck was that for?” Jy squeaked, Tess glaring at him as she slid from his lap.
“I told you last time Jy, don’t use your powers on me. It’s not nice! …. I’m telling on you!”
Her last comment, along with the matching pouts she and Jy wore, broke everyone up into laughter. Kyan came forward, and grabbing Tess around the thighs, swung Tess up into a tight hug. Tess shook her head, staring down at Kyan from where she was at least a head’s hight above him.
“Hey Kyan…you gonna put me down now?”
While Kyan and the others were talking more with ease, Lyra approached Michael. They had been staring at each other for a while now, and the closer Lyra got to Michael, the more he blushed. Lyra came to a halt in front of Michael, and stared up at him. Reaching out, she slid her arms around his waist, Michael blushing again.
“Is that any way to greet family?” she whispered softly.
Michael blushed again, but he gave in, and let Lyra hold him. He closed his eyes when he felt her hand tread itself through his hair, and he rested his head on her shoulder. No matter what happened now, he was home. They all were. But then reality intruded, Max’s voice rising above the din.
“Where’s Liz?”
Everyone glanced up as the bike was turned off. The rider swung gracefully from the bike, and tugged their helmet off. A young woman approached the doors, the lock glowing again as she let herself in. Setting her helmet down, she unzipped her jacket, and pulled it off. Thick black hair, that was streaked blonde on top slid free from under the jacket, and swung down around her face as she lent forward to touch her toes.
She moaned softly when her back cracked, before standing up and tossing her hair out of her face. Where Jy was at least six foot tall, she stood no more then five foot five, her body slender and curvy in all the right spots. Her eyes were a strange violet colour, pulsing internally with power and light. A sulky look was on her face, the others somehow knowing it was because she was tired.
Like Jy, she was wearing black leather pants, with a white tank top. On the tank top were the words, “I don’t have PMS…. I’m just a bitch.” Her eyes were heavily rimmed with black eyeliner, her mouth a deep red. A thick black leather cuff circled one wrist, a chunky black leather watch on the other. She looked over at the group, a sensual smile crossing her face when Jy turned to grin at her.
Without a word, she crossed over to them, and slid into the booth behind Jy. Leaning over the edge of the seat, she kissed him hello. Jy raised his hand, sinking it into her hair and holding her head in his palm as he kissed her back. They broke apart a minute later, the girl looking over Jy’s shoulder at Tess.
“Oh Tess…” she murmured, leaning further over the edge so she could Tess.
Kyle blushed when she wiggled again, her hips resting on his and Jy’s shoulders as she bent down and kissed Tess softly on the lips. The girl brushed a loose curl out of Tess’s eye, before sliding back into her own seat. She remained kneeling, her face unreadable as she finally looked at the others.
Jy smirked when they started fidgeting, an answering smirk crossing her own face. Standing up, the girl left the booth and came around to sit beside Liz. The girl looked at Jy, an unspoken conversation apparent between them when Jy scowled at her. She raised a single eyebrow, Jy huffing as he broke eye contact.
“Fine! Guys, this is Serena. Baby…Max, Isabel, Alex, Michael, Maria, Liz and Kyle.”
Serena smirked again, her gaze slowly flicking over each person. Measuring. Feeling. Looking deep with in each of them. They all felt the gentle caress of her mind as she looked into them. Checking them out with her powers. Serena seemed to linger longest on Isabel and Michael, a slight nod letting them both know she had been deliberate in what she was doing.
“Hey,” she finally said. Her voice was husky, her eyes lingering again on each person.
“What were you doing just then?” Isabel blurted out, unable to not keep quiet. Serena smirked lazily, stretching before she answered.
“Readin ya. Checkin out what made ya ticked.” Isabel blinked, opening her mouth to speak. But it was Michael who beat her to the punch.
“Yeah? What’d you find then?” he asked sarcastically. Serena laughed at that, crossing her arms over her chest before speaking to each person. She started with Michael.
“Ya hide behind stone walls, not letting anyone in. Ya want a family, and ya so scared of screwin that up, that ya keep everyone at arms length. Ya love Maria with everythin ya are, but ya scared that it’s gonna blow up in ya face. Ya fight with her, coz ya enjoy it, as does she. It’s what makes ya strong. And ya nothin like that screw up Rath. Ya turn to Max for direction, and ya question everythin he says, coz ya wanna keep all of ‘em safe, human and alien alike. It’s just who ya are.”
Michael’s mouth dropped open in shock, Serena winking at his reaction. She was spot on, and she knew it. Serena looked then to Maria.
“Ya love Michael just a fiercely as he loves you. You hate ya Dad coz he walked out on ya, so ya tend to view men as a species who ain’t to be trusted. Ya take all ya hidden emotions, and put them down on paper, in the way of songs. Ya used to envy what Max and Liz had, but ya now know that Michael is da one for ya. Ya loyal, and fiercely protective of Liz. If anyone was to hurt her, even Max, ya wouldn’t hesitate in taking them down…metaphorically speakin.”
Serena smirked when Isabel lowered her head, Isabel afraid of what Serena would see with in her, and that she would confirm her worst fears.
“Da ice princess. What no one knows is that a heart of pure heat beats behind those icy walls. You love Alex, and admire da way his brain works. You love Max and Michael more than anything, includin ya own life. Ya carry ya guilt like a mantel, due to learnin ‘bout ya past life, and what ya did to Zan in it. Ya use ya popularity and looks, to hide from people, yet when ya do let ‘em in, they have a friend for life. And like spaceboy, ya ain’t nothin like Lonnie or Vilandra for that matter.”
Isabel started crying softly, Alex wrapping his arms around her as she lowered her gaze. Serena moved onto Alex.
“Da boy who wonders how da hell he got as lucky as he did, when da ice princess finally let him in. Let him see her. And he sees her as beautiful. You’re smart, and ya loyal. Ya carry anger at da moment due to Liz, and ya carry guilt that it happened. Ya wonder if she blames ya, coz ya weren’t with her when it happened. And ya know in ya heart, that if ya find da guy who did it, ya gonna lay ya life down to protect her and Maria. Ya carry no animosity towards Tess, coz ya know she’s changin. And I hope ya never lose what makes you Alexander Charles Whitman, coz ya a damn good man.”
Kyle blushed when Serena’s gaze deliberately skipped Max and landed on him.
“You’re in love with Tess. You have been since she first moved in, and snapped ya boxers that mornin. Ya think she’s beautiful and fragile and that she’s da best thing that’s ever happened to ya dad and you. She’s startin to let ya in. Ya know this, when it’s just da two of ya at home, and she curls into ya when ya watchin ya movies. She makes two bowls of popcorn, so ya don’t have to eat da spicy one.”
Serena tilted her head slightly.
“Like Maria, ya tend to have trust issues, coz ya Mum walked out on ya’s when ya were little. But when it comes to you and Tess, it’s not a matter of whether ya trust her or not, coz ya do. It’s a matter of whether or not ya think ya good enough for her. That’s what’s held ya back for so long. Ya so damn scared of going up against her memories of Zan that ya hiding ya love inside. I’m tellin ya now man. Don’t. Coz she’s mad assed in love with ya too. She’s just as scared as you, but when ya finally get ya shit together, and she lets all her walls down, she’s gonna love ya like no one else…includin what she had with Zan.”
“Tess ain’t had it easy, and she’s gonna fight what’s she’s feelin, coz she’s just as scared, if not more so. Liz is da first person she’s truly let in, and she’s gonna die to protect Liz if it comes to that. She’s moved out from under Nasado’s fucked up spell, and she’s standin on da edge of a chasm. All she needs to do is let go. Ya damn well better be ready to catch her when she does Kyle, coz other wise ya gonna have to deal with Jy.”
Serena sat back, and glanced between Max and Liz. Her face was calm, pity swimming in her eyes.
“Da king and his chosen queen. Whether we rule down here or up there, this is da life ya have chosen Max. Ya can’t change what’s happened. So let it go, and start to heal. Pierce was as evil as they come, and ya nightmares and ya fears is what Kivar’s gonna use against ya. Zan can help ya with that if ya let him. He knows betrayal better than anyone.”
“Ya loved Liz enough to expose who ya were when ya healed her. Ya love her still, just as she loves you. Ya should be changin ya name to guilt, coz that’s what swims in ya right now. Guilt over what happened to Liz. Both da attack and Future Max. Of what he asked her to do. And ya so damn scared that ya never gonna be able to love her freely. Cut it da fuck out. Ya need time, as does she.”
“You on da other hand Liz, ya hold back on Max on purpose. Ya convinced that he belongs with Tess. That’s why you were able to help Future Max so easily. Ya put ya own happiness aside, in da hope that Max would be happy. He ain’t. Ya feel guilt from walkin away from him that day, believing ya were doin da right thing. Ya weren’t. He knows it. Tess knows it.”
“Ya thought ya were tellin da truth when ya said ya didn’t love Max anymore. Ya so damn confused, ya wouldn’t know love, if it came up and bit ya fair on da ass. Ya so scared that he’s gonna wake up and realise he loves Tess, that ya built a wall around ya heart, and he can no longer get inside of ya. Ya no longer know who ya are, or where ya place is with ya friends. The attack only made things worse.”
“What none of ya realise is da reason behind Kivar’s attack. Ya think it was to hurt Max through Liz. It wasn’t. When Max healed Liz, he changed her. Gave her some of who he was. Some of the seal. And Kivar knows this. He knows with da war, that Max’s people are fighting for him and Zan. He also knows that if he gets da royal heir, he can rule unopposed.”
Liz went white, Max also blanching at what she was saying. The others looked on in confusion, Liz starting to sway. Serena reached out and grabbed her face in her hands. The two girls locked eyes, Liz slowly calming down as Serena continued to stare at her.
“It ain’t gonna happen Liz. He ain’t able to that down here. He can’t control it. But that’s what it’s all about. Ya started somethin with Max last year. It’s slowly building in both of ya. Kivar picked up on it, and decided he’d rather have ya in his bed, than let ya go to Max’s. He knows if you and Max get back together, one things gonna lead to another, to da point that ya ain’ gonna be able to control it. It’s then that ya gonna be vulnerable. Coz if Kivar pops ya cherry…ya gonna belong to him.”
“What do ya mean?” Max wheezed, sitting down with a thud. Serena shook her head, cursing Nasado under her breath as she did.
“Antarians mate for life Max. We don’t do casual sex….”
Jy snorted, Serena glaring at him.
“What da hell was Zan doin then?” Jy asked sarcastically. Serena’s eyes flashed brightly with anger, and she turned that anger on her lover, not caring what the others thought.
“Ya know as well as I do Jy, what it cost Zan to do that to Ava. To keep her away, and to let her think he didn’t want her. That he was happier fuckin random faces, than doin her. He did what he did to keep her safe, so back it up off of my cousin Jy, or so help me god, I’ll rip ya a new one! Lovers or not, I will take ya down over this!”
Jy snorted, but looked down. Serena sighed, lowering her own gaze and massaging her temples. Jy sighed then, reaching out to cover Serena’s hand.
“I love ya babe…ya know I do. Just as ya know I’d do anythin for Zan. I know he did what he did for a reason, but he hurt Aves babe. And I’m havin trouble forgivin him for that. Ya know I view Aves and Tess as sisters, not as one person split in two. I’d kill for both ‘em…that’s just it. And I’m goin against da grain with this. I’m sorry.”
Serena nodded, and then looked back at Max. She’d deal with Jy later.
“As I was sayin Max…we mate for life. And coz you’ve changed Liz, she’s gonna be da same. If Kivar gets to her first, that’s it. It’s all over. He’ll get da heir, and then he’ll kill her. This was never about you. It was about her. He ain’t gonna be able to get back here in pure form for a while, so you have time. But that time’s runnin out. So you have to work on ya powers, and ya have to be willin to go to da bat for her. Coz when Kivar comes back? …. It’s gonna be a shit fight.”
“How much time do we have?” Max asked weakly.
Serena gave him another look of pity. “You have maybe a month…two at most.”
Max blinked then, hearing Serena in his head. A private conversation just for him.
“And in that time…ya’d better bond with Liz, coz if ya don’t, and he takes her…she dies Max. We all do.”
Part 35.
“So tell me Serena…did ya scare da shit outta ‘em with da fact ya can read people so easy?” Laughter accompanied that question, everyone turning to look at who had spoken. Two new people sat on the counter, seven mouths falling open in shock. Serena smirked, shaking her head as she stood up to make the introductions.
“Get fucked Kyan. Guys…this is Kyan and Lyra…. shut up Kyan!”
Kyan snorted, jumping down from the counter and turning to help Lyra down. It gave the others time to look at them, Serena and Jy shaking their heads as Kyan kept laughing at Serena. Max glanced out the window, his surprise obvious when he saw another two bikes parked outside. None of them had heard them arrive, but then again, they had all been caught up in what Serena had had to say.
Kyan was about the same height as Jy. A strong angular jaw was covered with a five o’clock shadow, his sensual lips in a constant smirk. Dark purple eyes were framed with dark lashes, his black hair spiked. The tips of his hair were bleached blonde, giving him a surfie look. Faded jeans sat low on his hips, a tight black tee shirt showing his muscled body off.
Lyra was slightly shorter than Serena, her blonde hair layered and swinging as Kyan lifted her down and set her on her feet. Startling blue eyes checked the group over, Michael blushing when they lingered on him, before moving on. Lyra stretched, showing off a tanned stomach when a pale grey tan top rode up. Army fatigue style cargo pants rode low on her hips, all the guys blushing when she turned around. She had a hole in the seat of her pants, just below the cheek of her ass.
“When did you guys get in?” Jy asked, reaching out to shake Kyan’s hand. Kyan shrugged.
“Round ‘bout fifteen minutes ago…just in time to see ya get ya ass kicked by ya woman again man!”
Jy scowled, but tilted his head back when Lyra cupped his jaw in her hand. Seven mouths fell open when Lyra kissed Jy on the lips, Lyra smirking when she let him go.
“Ya might be getting ya ass kicked Jy, but it lets people know who wears da pants in ya relationship…right Kyan?”
The question was directed at her lover with raised eyebrows, Kyan shrugging.
“What can I say babe? …If I want in ya pants, I let ya wear mine.”
Jy snorted, Serena laughing out loud. Lyra smirked again, trailing her hand over Kyan’s stomach.
“That’s right baby…ya pussy whipped, and ya know it.”
“And proud of it,” Kyan purred, grabbing Lyra by the hips, and hitting her hips with his own.
Seven faces turned bright red at the blatantly sexual way they were with each other, yet it was obvious that Serena and Jy were used to it, and not fazed in anyway.
“I’ve been hittin on that sweet ass of yours for years now baby…mmm…I ain’t gettin sick of it yet,” Kyan murmured in Lyra’s ear, running his hands down over her ass. Lyra laughed, the sound low and throaty as Kyan lowered his head to her shoulder, biting down lightly when his lips met her skin.
“Hate to break up da fuck feast ya caught all up in Kyan, but where da hell are Zan and Aves?” Jy spoke up, Kyan smirking when he lifted his head. He continued to hold Lyra close to his body, one hand sliding up her back to cradle the back of her neck. His hand tangled in her hair, and with a slight movement of his wrist, Kyan tugged Lyra’s head back to expose the smooth skin of her throat.
“I ain’t his keeper Jy. Zan’s a big boy now. Don’t stress it man…he’s around. And as for Aves? …She’s with him.”
“Fuck Kyan, ya gotta learn to keep ya dick in ya pants man. It won’t fall off if ya ain’t getting any in da next twenty minutes.” Jy raised an eyebrow as he waited, both guys locked in a silent conversation. It was obviously funny, because Kyan grinned.
“I’ll cut his dick off, if he ain’t lettin me go in da next five nanoseconds,” Lyra huffed.
Kyan snorted with laughter at that, Jy smirking as Kyan released Lyra from his embrace.
“Chill baby…ya know ya love it,” he purred, Lyra rolling her eyes as she glanced at Michael again.
“Phfft…. hate to be a cock block guys, but Jy’s right. Where did you leave Aves and Zan?” Serena asked.
Kyan sighed, watching his lover as she watched Michael. “I dunno Jy. Ava was scared about comin here, and Zan was talkin to her. He sent us ahead…said he’d meet up with us here.”
Michael blushed slightly. “I think I know what’s wrong with Ava…the last time she was here, Isabel and I weren’t the nicest to her.”
“We were worried about Max though Michael. I’m sure Ava would understand that.”
A soft snort broke the staring contest going on between all of them. Tess shifted on Jy’s lap, her gaze sleepy as she blinked herself awake. Jy turned to face her, a soft smirk on his face.
“Heya sweet doll…how ya feelin now?”
Tess answered in a way that had Serena, Kyan and Lyra laughing, and the rest of the group hiding smiles. She slapped him on the back of the head.
“Yeouch! What da fuck was that for?” Jy squeaked, Tess glaring at him as she slid from his lap.
“I told you last time Jy, don’t use your powers on me. It’s not nice! …. I’m telling on you!”
Her last comment, along with the matching pouts she and Jy wore, broke everyone up into laughter. Kyan came forward, and grabbing Tess around the thighs, swung Tess up into a tight hug. Tess shook her head, staring down at Kyan from where she was at least a head’s hight above him.
“Hey Kyan…you gonna put me down now?”
While Kyan and the others were talking more with ease, Lyra approached Michael. They had been staring at each other for a while now, and the closer Lyra got to Michael, the more he blushed. Lyra came to a halt in front of Michael, and stared up at him. Reaching out, she slid her arms around his waist, Michael blushing again.
“Is that any way to greet family?” she whispered softly.
Michael blushed again, but he gave in, and let Lyra hold him. He closed his eyes when he felt her hand tread itself through his hair, and he rested his head on her shoulder. No matter what happened now, he was home. They all were. But then reality intruded, Max’s voice rising above the din.
“Where’s Liz?”
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 36.
Just to let you all know, you might not like Zan for a while. But keep in mind, the reasons behind his attitude and his actions. You’ll see what I mean as we go along. Enjoy.
Liz slipped away easily while the others were chatting. Her stomach was churning, her head filled with anguish as she replayed what Serena had told them. Fear had become her enemy, twisting and churning through out her body. It left her cold and clammy, the beginnings of a monster headache thudding behind her eyes.
“If Kivar pops ya cherry…ya gonna belong to him.”
“Coz when Kivar comes back…”
“You have maybe a month…two at most.”
“Coz when Kivar comes back…”
“Oh god…” Liz clapped her hand over her mouth, blindly pushing the bathroom door open and falling to her knees. Tears ran down her face as she threw up, her whole body trembling. Resting her head on the edge of the toilet, Liz cried softly. When another wave of nausea rose, she gagged, her whole body growing weak as she gripped the edge of the toilet.
She vaguely heard the toilet door open, her tears coming faster when strong hands slid up her shoulders. Leather clad knees slid past her thighs, strong hands gathering her hair away from her face as she retched again. A gentle hand rubbed her back, Liz falling back weakly against a strong chest. A cool hand rested against her forehead, gently pressing her head back against his shoulder.
Liz could feel the entire length of his body pressed against hers as he knelt behind her, one arm around her waist to hold her up, the other smoothing her hair back over her head. Liz shivered, before he pushed her forward again, once more holding her hair back as she finished emptying the contents of her stomach. When she was finished, she collapsed back against his chest again, her eyes sliding shut weakly as she panted.
“Ya aiight?”
Liz opened her eyes, getting her first glimpse of Zan. He was so similar yet so different from Max that she blinked. The same eyes. Same nose. Same lips. Same everything. Yet where Max’s eyes were gentle and warm, Zan’s were unreadable and cold. His hair stood up in thick spikes, a goatee covering his chin. Then there were the tattoos and piercings. The leather pants. The tight black tee shirt. And the faint whiff of cigarette smoke.
“Ya aiight now?” Zan asked again, his accent as thick as Jy’s.
Liz nodded weakly, Zan reaching out for the wall, and standing up. Liz went with him as he stood, his arm locked firmly around her waist. Liz stumbled when he took a step backward, Zan grabbing her before she could collapse. He swept her up into his arms, and walked into her room. Liz closed her eyes, feeling the softness of her mattress as Zan laid her down in her bed.
“Oh Lizzie girl…Zan…get me a face washer.”
A cool hand accompanied the familiar voice, Liz turning her cheek into Ava’s hand as the mattress dipped beside her. Ava slid her free arm around Liz’s waist, Liz resting her head against Ava’s chest as she closed her eyes. The bed dipped behind Liz, a calloused hand turning her face. A warm face washer wiped over her mouth and face, gentle fingers sweeping her hair backwards.
“Da fucker did a number on her face” Zan murmered softly, his fingers moving gently over the remaining swealing in Liz’s eye. Liz opened her eyes, staring up into Zan’s steady gaze. He gave her a crooked smile, Liz bursting into humiliated tears. Zan simply pulled her into his arms, Liz resting her head on his chest as she cried. She felt Ava shift behind her, before another pair of arms slid around her tear wracked body.
Zan met Ava’s gaze over the top of Liz’s head, the anger in his gaze visible. Ava smiled gently in return, knowing the true reason behind Zan’s anger. Ava let her mind drift slightly, remembering another time…another place…and the overwhelming guilt and sadness that both she and Zan carried behind their eyes. The reason they had come back to Roswell. The reason, Zan came with murder in his heart, and revenge on his mind...
Ava left Roswell, carrying a secret under her heart. She had told Liz that Lonnie and Rath didn’t like loose ends, but she had another reason for moving on. Another life to think about. A small part of Zan that would live on, even though he was gone. A child. His child. A child, that he had never known existed. He had died before she could tell him.
Ava had moved on to New Orleans. The city that had a soul. The city of good food, and even better music. The city, in which she planed on getting lost in. Making a new life for herself. For her child. And move on she had. She got a job. An apartment. And a sense of rightness that she had never felt before.
She worked at The Devil’s Inn, a Cajun bar and restaurant. The owners, Louisa and Grant, had taken one look at her punk outfit and appearance, and had shaken their heads. But when Ava had appeared the following day, minus the piercings and streaked hair, they had given her a chance.
She worked hard, Louisa surprised when Ava would work the split shifts. From six am until two pm. a two hour break. And then from four pm until two most mornings, six days a week. She never complained, and did her job well, and had hid the fact she was pregnant until it all came crashing down six weeks later.
Louisa had opened the bar; surprised that Ava wasn’t waiting for her. Louisa had shrugged, figuring that Ava was running a few minutes behind. But when Ava failed to appear by eight, Louisa knew something was wrong. Ava was always punctual. Louisa had left Grant running things, and had crossed the road to the apartment building Ava lived in.
Running up the stairs, Louisa had knocked on the door. A soft moan had caught her hearing, Louisa trying the door. It had been locked, and she’d run for the super intendant. When Frank had let her in, she had found something she knew would haunt her until the day she died.
Ava had been curled up in the foetal position in the small lounge room. Curled up, in a large pool of blood. Ava had both hands clenched around her abdomen, her face deathly pale, and her lips tinged blue. Ava had been delirious, her eyes flat when Louisa rolled her onto her back.
“Ava sweetie, are you ok? How far along were you?”
Ava hadn’t answered, her eyes unseeing as she stared at the roof. Grant and Frank had been summoned, and between the three of them, had cleaned Ava up, and put her back to bed. The one thing Ava had said was no hospitals, and she adamant on that. So Louisa moved in with Ava for a few days, making sure she ate, and trying to get the silent girl to talk.
Only a week later, Zan showed up on her doorstep. Louisa had taken one look at him, a knowing smile on her face. This was the young man she had heard Ava call out for in her sleep. So she had slipped away, giving Zan directions to the bedroom. Zan had picked up on Ava’s sadness and over whelming guilt, the feelings crashing through him.
He had climbed the stairs silently, his heart in his throat as he peered through the door of Ava’s room. She was lying on her side facing the window, her back to the door. Zan had stood in her doorway, suddenly unable to speak as he stared at her frail form. Her feelings were a suffocating blanket in the air, Zan’s eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to sort through them.
But then Ava had muffled a soft sob, Zan taking a silent step through the door. And when she spoke, unaware that he was standing there, Zan had realised just how damaged his relationship with her was. And the true reason behind her guilt and pain. It had shattered his heart, and weighed him down with guilt.
“I’ve gotta be goin fuckin nuts. I can still feel ya. But I guess that’s my punishment for not bein able to save ya that day. For not bein able to save our baby. I tried Zan. I tried so hard, to keep her with me. She was all I had left of ya, and I lost her too. What did I do that was so bad, that I’m bein punished like this? You didn’t want or love me, and da one thing I tried to hold onto, I lost as well.”
Zan’s jaw had dropped at her soft speech, his feet propelling him quietly across the floor to her side. He had lain down behind her quietly, Ava freezing when the bed dipped behind her. She felt an arm slide around her waist, tugging her back against a familiar body gently. A calloused hand caressed her abdomen gently, healing warmth spreading through out her limbs. Ava grew drowsy, and she fought to keep her eyes open.
“I know this is a really great daydream, but I hope to god I remember how this felt,” she wept softly, unable to fight off her fatigue any longer. It was then that Zan let part of his grief and guilt go, his tears as silent as his lover. Without moving from where he lay, he kicked his shoes off, and slid under the blankets with Ava.
When she woke up four hours later, she had rolled onto her back, staring up into Zan’s open gaze. That had bought tears to her eyes. She couldn’t really remember the last time he had been so open with her. But there he was, alive, his gaze open. Love shone in his gaze, along with guilt, hatred and self-discrimination.
“I’m sorry baby…I’m so sorry.”
It was whispered, Zan barely able to get the words out as Ava stared up at him through wounded eyes. Her eyes had filled with tears, Zan pulling her further into his embrace. And as the last of the sun’s rays had died away, they cried in each other’s arms. For each other. For the betrayal of family. And for the loss of their child...
“Aves…”
Ava opened her eyes, guilt swimming in her gaze. Zan sighed, shaking his head as he continued to hold Liz in his arms. He knew what she was thinking about. He was thinking about it too. Things had changed in the last five months. He and Ava weren’t together at the moment, both deciding to restart their relationship at ground level. To build a friendship first, and then see what happened.
But it was still hard. On both of them. Want and need swamped them both at the best of times, Zan spending a lot of time in cold showers, and Ava biting her nails in frustration. While they still shared the same bed, Ava would wake in the middle of the night to find Zan curled around her. If he woke, he’d bolt for the shower, leaving Ava wondering why the hell they were holding back in the first place. But then she’d remember, and her tears would fall once more.
Ava looked over at Zan, a sad smile crossing her face when she lowered her eyes to Liz’s sleeping form. Reaching out, she moved a stray strand of hair back from Liz’s face. She could feel Zan’s gaze on her, and she struggled to find the words she knew he wanted to hear. The reason why she had been so addiment on coming back here with them. The reason why, she had directed him up a fire escape to Liz’s room.
“She helped me Zan. When I was here last. She took me in, and gave me a place to stay. She’s…she’s a friend Zan. And I ain’t had to many of them. So when I spoke to Tess, and she told me it was Liz…I knew…this was my chance to make things right. To thank her, for opening her heart to me, when she and Tess weren’t getting along back then.”
“What ‘bout…Michael? And Isabel? They hurt ya last time Aves…whether or not they meant it, they still hurt ya. It was Rath and Lonnie all over again.”
Ava sighed, knowing just how pissed Zan had been when he found out that snippet of information from Jy.
“They were just bein loyal to Max Zan…. let it go.”
Zan scowled, and shook his head, before glancing down at Liz. She was asleep, her face troubled as she fought internal demons. Zan sighed, sliding from the bed with feline grace. Ava followed him, Zan bending to cover Liz over with a blanket as Ava closed and locked the window. Zan turned to watch Ava as she sealed the window shut. No one but her or Tess could open it now, until one of them took away the seal.
“I’m glad ya here Aves.”
Ava turned to face Zan, her surprise written all over her face.
“I thought you were gonna spank my ass for comin” she said, a gentle note of teasing entering her voice.
Zan grinned at that, his eyes lighting up momentarily with humour, before they darkened with something that sent a shiver down Ava’s spine. He crossed the distance between them, before lowering his head slightly so his breath brushed her cheek.
“Oh I’m still gonna spank ya ass…not yet though. But trust me baby…” Ava looked up at Zan, her eyes locked with his. “…Ya gonna enjoy it when I do.”
Ava blushed, lowering her gaze as warmth crossed her cheeks, and spread through her belly. It wasn’t so much what he’d said…. it was the tone he’d said it in. A promise lingered in his voice. A promise, Ava knew he’d keep. Zan smirked at her flustered face, before taking her hand in his, and leading her down stairs. As they approached the swinging doors, they heard a male speak.
“Where’s Liz?”
Ava sighed, glancing back at Zan as he dropped their jackets and such on the couch. He waved her forward, Ava knowing he’d be right behind her. Pushing the doors open, she was unaware the others were about to be shown the fallout of the anger Zan held within him, and how much betrayal could mess with a person….
Part 37.
Ava pushed through the doors first, the others glancing up as she let it close behind her. She took a hesitant step forward, Michael reaching for her without thinking. His hand closed around her arm gently, tugging her forward. A sharp spear of fear flooded her body before she could contain it, her mind flooding with memories of Rath, and the violence with which he had treated her. Jy shot up out of his chair when the door opened behind Ava, his warning shout coming too late as Zan stepped into the café. Jy knew Zan had felt Ava’s fear, just as he had, and he knew it wouldn’t be good.
Zan’s eyes narrowed when he saw Michael grip Ava’s arm, and he snarled softly. Time seemed to slow at that point, Zan’s eyes flooding gold. His hand glowed as he flicked it, and Michael wrenched away from Ava. Even as Michael spun around, Zan lashed out with his power. Michael gripped his head in pain, before a startled cry escaped his mouth as Zan hit him in the chest with a solid blast. It launched him into the air, and sent him flying across the room.
Even as Michael flew through the air, Zan was moving. His hands shot out, gripping Ava’s arms gently as she swayed. He pulled her into his arms, one arm around her waist holding her up, the other hand holding her head as she buried her face in his chest. Michael hit the counter, and then the floor with a groan. Zan lowered his head and spoke softly in Ava’s ear as he ignored the horrified looks he was getting. Ava whimpered, Zan’s head shooting up. His eyes landed on Michael, his voice low when he spoke.
“Ya touch her again asshole, and I’ll rip ya fuckin throat out. I killed ya dupe…who says ya gonna come out any better?”
Max stood up angrily, Zan simply raising his eyebrows.
“Whatcha gonna do boy? Ya wanna throw down over this? Try me Max…just fuckin try it, and lets see who comes out on top, coz I guarantee ya boy, I’ll bury ya ass where ya fuckin stand, so sit…back…down.”
Max took a step forward, Zan’s eyes narrowing. His hand glowed again, a ball of fire appearing on his palm. It spun lazily, the flames circling his wrist as he raised an eyebrow at Max.
“Take another step Max, and we’ll see how good my aim is…and just how good at healin ya really are…”
Max blanched, sitting down with a thud. He watched as the flames winked out of sight, causing Jy to sigh as he stood up. He slid from the booth, and slowly approached Zan and Ava. Reaching for his cousin, he was humiliated when Zan flicked his fingers, causing Jy to stumble back a step and trip. Jy landed hard, his hurt obvious as he stared up at Zan. Looking into Zan’s eyes, he saw his friend was lost between the past and the present, an internal war going on as he struggled to calm down.
“Zan…. relax man. It’s all good,” Kyan said. Zan ignored him, his angry gaze centred on Jy.
“I fuckin told ya yesterday Jy…no one touches Ava. She’s been through enough man…ya know this. Ya swore to me…ya fuckin promised me Jy…. Rath touches her again, and I’ll kill all of ‘em….”
Zan broke off abruptly, burying his face momentarily in Ava’s hair. The others watched in silence, unsure of what was really going on. Jy lowered his gaze, his nod almost lost as he sighed. Kyan reached out, gripping Zan’s shoulder gently. Zan swung his head up, his gaze molten gold, and burning with anger and grief. Kyan smirked at him, before nodding his head slightly.
“Ya aiight Zan…calm it da fuck down bro…ya aiight. Aves’s cool…we’re all cool. Calm it down bro. Ya don’t wanna do this man…come on…look at Ava…she needs ya bro…come on.”
Zan blew his breath out in anger, his eyes slowly turning a darker shade of gold. Shaking his head, he cupped Ava’s face in his hands, tilting her head back so he could see into her frightened gaze. Like him, she was having trouble differentiating between the past and the present. She had retreated into herself, hiding inside where she wouldn’t be hurt. Zan sighed softly, before sweeping his thumb over her lower lip.
“Aves…baby…come on baby…let me in…”
Zan lowered his head, rubbing the tip of his nose against hers. He felt Ava jerk in his arms, before her arms slid around his waist, clutching him tightly. Zan sighed, closing his eyes as he held her tighter. What he didn’t know, was that the others saw the flash of naked pain that crossed his face and lingered in his eyes. Zan buried his hands in Ava’s hair, his chin resting on her head as they held each other tightly.
Maria hurried to Michael’s side, helping him to stand up as he continued to stare at Zan with a mix of fascination, envy and fear. Somehow, deep inside, he knew Zan wasn’t going to hurt him. That it had just been a knee jerk reaction, but the amount of power he had displayed, and the control he had used with his powers, had earned Michael’s respect…even with the circumstances.
Tess stood up slowly, approaching Zan quietly. She reached up, touching his cheek gently. Zan opened his eyes, pain swimming in their depths as the two shared a look. Tess slid her arms around Ava from behind, holding onto her double as Ava shook silently within Zan’s arms. She knew what was going on behind those expressive eyes, so it was no surprise when Zan let Ava slip out of his embrace, and into her own arms. Tess led Ava out to the back room, Kyle slipping out of his seat, and following the two girls.
Zan was silent as he watched them go, before turning to face the others. Crossing the room, he held his hand out to Jy. Jy looked up at him, before grasping Zan’s wrist. He let Zan help him to his feet, their eyes locked as they stared at each other. Jy finally nodded, his free hand reaching out to grasp Zan’s shoulder.
“I know man…I know better than anyone remember. But ya can’t let ya anger out like that man…. I know what ya goin through Zan…but ya gotta trust me on this. Trust Tess. They ain’t Rath and Lonnie. It ain’t gonna go down like that again. And ya know me man…I’ll kill anyone who lays a hand on Ava. But they don’t know what’s goin on man…they don’t get what went down. And they’re gonna be in da dark until ya shed some light on da sitch.”
Zan snorted, before shaking his head. “Fuck that Jy…I ain’t into sharin…ya know this…so drop it already.”
“Zan…” Jy began.
“I said, fuckin drop it Jy!”
Kyan snorted, stepping over to where the two aliens were squaring off. He clamped his hand down on Zan’s shoulder, his trademark smirk firmly in place. But his voice was serious when he spoke. Serious enough, that Zan actually listened.
“Zan…bro…ya my best mate, so ya know this comes with love and all that girly shit. Ya gotta listen to us man. Do ya really think we were gonna let ya walk in here, without readin ‘em all first? Do ya really think, that they’d still be standin if they were anythin like Lonnie and Rath? Fuck no! I’d kill ‘em first, no hesitations. I ain’t got no ties here Zan other than Lyra…ya know that. Ya da reason I’m here. Nothin else.”
Zan shook his head, Kyan’s grip on his shoulder tightening.
“Zan…come on man. I know this shit fucked ya up one side, and down da other, but ya gotta get it together for Aves. I know ya in and out man…ya drownin…. I know it…Jy knows it…. I’m holdin out a hand here Zan…. all ya gotta do is take it.”
Zan looked Kyan straight in the eye, his voice low when he spoke again.
“Do ya know what it felt like, to walk into da room, and find her lyin there like that man? How would ya feel if it was Lyra? How would you react? How would ya handle knowin it was ya fault?”
Kyan sighed softly, his eyes dark with grief.
“No I don’t man. But I know what it felt like when we found ya that day in New York. And ever since then Zan…ya’ve been a walkin time bomb. I know ya love her Zan…but ya can’t change what happened. Ya can’t carry this on ya own. All ya can do is help her, and let us help you. And trust me when I say, that if I see any of Rath or Lonnie in ‘em, I’ll kill ‘em. Simple as that.”
The others held their breath as they watched. At the back of their minds, Isabel and Michael knew they should be worried with the comments, but they weren’t…not really. So they kept quiet, watching silently as Zan tilted his head back slightly, obviously fighting with himself. He sighed heavily, before slowly nodding. He glanced at Michael, who shrugged.
“If I was you, I would have done the same thing,” he admitted softly, Zan nodding his head. Max stood up, approaching Zan cautiously. Zan turned to face him, Max blinking at the residual anger that was held in Zan’s gaze. Max held his hands out, a gesture of peace. Even at his worst, Michael had never been like this, so he approached his double with caution.
“Do you know where Liz is?” he asked softly. Zan stared at Max for a moment longer, before nodding.
“We found her upstairs. She was sick…we took care of it, and put her back to bed. She’s sleepin now…Aves sealed her window shut.”
Max nodded, both guys turning when a soft voice called Zan’s name. Max watched as Zan relaxed, Ava shooting a timid glance at Michael as she crossed quickly to Zan. Zan slid his arm around Ava, his free hand cupping her chin so he could tilt her head back slightly. They gazed at each other silently, Zan smiling wryly as he pulled Ava into a hug.
“I ain’t ever really been able to say no to ya,” he murmured in her ear. Ava nodded against his shoulder, before pressing her lips to his cheek in response. Zan flushed slightly, his fingers brushing the spot her lips had touched. He caught Ava’s eyes as he did, both of them blushing slightly. Before she could change her mind, Ava pushed him slightly towards Max.
“Go…ya need to do this Zan. I’ll…I mean…we’ll be here when ya get back,” she whispered.
Zan nodded, and with a sigh, turned to face Max. Tess walked out of the backroom as Zan spoke, Kyle behind her. They all watched as Zan lowered his gaze, before flicking it back up again, his gaze meeting Max’s.
“Ya got somewhere we can talk?” he asked quietly, slipping some car keys out of his pocket.
Max nodded, handing the keys to the Jeep to Isabel. They turned for the front door, Tess nudging Ava. Maria and Isabel both noticed, and they watched as Ava glared at Tess. Tess rolled her eyes, glancing towards Zan again. She made an impatient gesture with her hands, Ava poking her tongue out in response. Zan cleared his throat, catching their attention, both girls turning innocent eyes towards him.
“Aves…ya gonna be ok while I’m gone?”
Ava nodded, Tess nudging her again as Zan turned away slightly. Tess rolled her eyes, huffed loudly, and then grabbed Ava by the arm. The contact allowed her to mimic Ava’s voice. As she spoke, she pushed Ava forward, a twinkle in her eye as she did.
“Zan!”
He turned back, a small spark of hope in his gaze. Ava glared at Tess, before glancing back at Zan. The hope in his eyes wasn’t lost on her, so she bit the bullet. She took the two steps separating them, and reaching up on tiptoe, pressed her lips quickly to his. It was fleeting, but the smile that lit up Zan’s face was priceless. It had been the first physical contact that was even remotely sexual that they had had in almost five months, and it stunned everyone in the room who knew this.
Ava blushed, biting her lower lip as Zan took a step away from her. He took another step, and promptly bumped into the table behind him. Ava giggled when he blushed again. Max hid his smile, the others all looking at everyone but Zan as he turned towards the door again. He took another couple of steps, before pausing. He glanced over his shoulder at Ava, a smile breaking out over his face.
Ava smiled in return, ducking her head when Zan brushed his fingers over his lips. Max chuckled then, guiding Zan to the door by the arm. They reached the door, Zan glancing back at Ava once more. He stopped when she met his gaze, a small smile gracing her face.
“Go…I’ll be here when ya get back Zan.” With another nod, they were gone. Ava turned to Tess then, a frown crossing her face. A frown however, she couldn’t keep up for long. A smile split her face, and with a soft squeal, Ava launched herself at Tess, catching the girl she considered a sister in a tight hug. Everyone laughed then, and they settled down to get to know each other some more.
Just to let you all know, you might not like Zan for a while. But keep in mind, the reasons behind his attitude and his actions. You’ll see what I mean as we go along. Enjoy.
Liz slipped away easily while the others were chatting. Her stomach was churning, her head filled with anguish as she replayed what Serena had told them. Fear had become her enemy, twisting and churning through out her body. It left her cold and clammy, the beginnings of a monster headache thudding behind her eyes.
“If Kivar pops ya cherry…ya gonna belong to him.”
“Coz when Kivar comes back…”
“You have maybe a month…two at most.”
“Coz when Kivar comes back…”
“Oh god…” Liz clapped her hand over her mouth, blindly pushing the bathroom door open and falling to her knees. Tears ran down her face as she threw up, her whole body trembling. Resting her head on the edge of the toilet, Liz cried softly. When another wave of nausea rose, she gagged, her whole body growing weak as she gripped the edge of the toilet.
She vaguely heard the toilet door open, her tears coming faster when strong hands slid up her shoulders. Leather clad knees slid past her thighs, strong hands gathering her hair away from her face as she retched again. A gentle hand rubbed her back, Liz falling back weakly against a strong chest. A cool hand rested against her forehead, gently pressing her head back against his shoulder.
Liz could feel the entire length of his body pressed against hers as he knelt behind her, one arm around her waist to hold her up, the other smoothing her hair back over her head. Liz shivered, before he pushed her forward again, once more holding her hair back as she finished emptying the contents of her stomach. When she was finished, she collapsed back against his chest again, her eyes sliding shut weakly as she panted.
“Ya aiight?”
Liz opened her eyes, getting her first glimpse of Zan. He was so similar yet so different from Max that she blinked. The same eyes. Same nose. Same lips. Same everything. Yet where Max’s eyes were gentle and warm, Zan’s were unreadable and cold. His hair stood up in thick spikes, a goatee covering his chin. Then there were the tattoos and piercings. The leather pants. The tight black tee shirt. And the faint whiff of cigarette smoke.
“Ya aiight now?” Zan asked again, his accent as thick as Jy’s.
Liz nodded weakly, Zan reaching out for the wall, and standing up. Liz went with him as he stood, his arm locked firmly around her waist. Liz stumbled when he took a step backward, Zan grabbing her before she could collapse. He swept her up into his arms, and walked into her room. Liz closed her eyes, feeling the softness of her mattress as Zan laid her down in her bed.
“Oh Lizzie girl…Zan…get me a face washer.”
A cool hand accompanied the familiar voice, Liz turning her cheek into Ava’s hand as the mattress dipped beside her. Ava slid her free arm around Liz’s waist, Liz resting her head against Ava’s chest as she closed her eyes. The bed dipped behind Liz, a calloused hand turning her face. A warm face washer wiped over her mouth and face, gentle fingers sweeping her hair backwards.
“Da fucker did a number on her face” Zan murmered softly, his fingers moving gently over the remaining swealing in Liz’s eye. Liz opened her eyes, staring up into Zan’s steady gaze. He gave her a crooked smile, Liz bursting into humiliated tears. Zan simply pulled her into his arms, Liz resting her head on his chest as she cried. She felt Ava shift behind her, before another pair of arms slid around her tear wracked body.
Zan met Ava’s gaze over the top of Liz’s head, the anger in his gaze visible. Ava smiled gently in return, knowing the true reason behind Zan’s anger. Ava let her mind drift slightly, remembering another time…another place…and the overwhelming guilt and sadness that both she and Zan carried behind their eyes. The reason they had come back to Roswell. The reason, Zan came with murder in his heart, and revenge on his mind...
Ava left Roswell, carrying a secret under her heart. She had told Liz that Lonnie and Rath didn’t like loose ends, but she had another reason for moving on. Another life to think about. A small part of Zan that would live on, even though he was gone. A child. His child. A child, that he had never known existed. He had died before she could tell him.
Ava had moved on to New Orleans. The city that had a soul. The city of good food, and even better music. The city, in which she planed on getting lost in. Making a new life for herself. For her child. And move on she had. She got a job. An apartment. And a sense of rightness that she had never felt before.
She worked at The Devil’s Inn, a Cajun bar and restaurant. The owners, Louisa and Grant, had taken one look at her punk outfit and appearance, and had shaken their heads. But when Ava had appeared the following day, minus the piercings and streaked hair, they had given her a chance.
She worked hard, Louisa surprised when Ava would work the split shifts. From six am until two pm. a two hour break. And then from four pm until two most mornings, six days a week. She never complained, and did her job well, and had hid the fact she was pregnant until it all came crashing down six weeks later.
Louisa had opened the bar; surprised that Ava wasn’t waiting for her. Louisa had shrugged, figuring that Ava was running a few minutes behind. But when Ava failed to appear by eight, Louisa knew something was wrong. Ava was always punctual. Louisa had left Grant running things, and had crossed the road to the apartment building Ava lived in.
Running up the stairs, Louisa had knocked on the door. A soft moan had caught her hearing, Louisa trying the door. It had been locked, and she’d run for the super intendant. When Frank had let her in, she had found something she knew would haunt her until the day she died.
Ava had been curled up in the foetal position in the small lounge room. Curled up, in a large pool of blood. Ava had both hands clenched around her abdomen, her face deathly pale, and her lips tinged blue. Ava had been delirious, her eyes flat when Louisa rolled her onto her back.
“Ava sweetie, are you ok? How far along were you?”
Ava hadn’t answered, her eyes unseeing as she stared at the roof. Grant and Frank had been summoned, and between the three of them, had cleaned Ava up, and put her back to bed. The one thing Ava had said was no hospitals, and she adamant on that. So Louisa moved in with Ava for a few days, making sure she ate, and trying to get the silent girl to talk.
Only a week later, Zan showed up on her doorstep. Louisa had taken one look at him, a knowing smile on her face. This was the young man she had heard Ava call out for in her sleep. So she had slipped away, giving Zan directions to the bedroom. Zan had picked up on Ava’s sadness and over whelming guilt, the feelings crashing through him.
He had climbed the stairs silently, his heart in his throat as he peered through the door of Ava’s room. She was lying on her side facing the window, her back to the door. Zan had stood in her doorway, suddenly unable to speak as he stared at her frail form. Her feelings were a suffocating blanket in the air, Zan’s eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to sort through them.
But then Ava had muffled a soft sob, Zan taking a silent step through the door. And when she spoke, unaware that he was standing there, Zan had realised just how damaged his relationship with her was. And the true reason behind her guilt and pain. It had shattered his heart, and weighed him down with guilt.
“I’ve gotta be goin fuckin nuts. I can still feel ya. But I guess that’s my punishment for not bein able to save ya that day. For not bein able to save our baby. I tried Zan. I tried so hard, to keep her with me. She was all I had left of ya, and I lost her too. What did I do that was so bad, that I’m bein punished like this? You didn’t want or love me, and da one thing I tried to hold onto, I lost as well.”
Zan’s jaw had dropped at her soft speech, his feet propelling him quietly across the floor to her side. He had lain down behind her quietly, Ava freezing when the bed dipped behind her. She felt an arm slide around her waist, tugging her back against a familiar body gently. A calloused hand caressed her abdomen gently, healing warmth spreading through out her limbs. Ava grew drowsy, and she fought to keep her eyes open.
“I know this is a really great daydream, but I hope to god I remember how this felt,” she wept softly, unable to fight off her fatigue any longer. It was then that Zan let part of his grief and guilt go, his tears as silent as his lover. Without moving from where he lay, he kicked his shoes off, and slid under the blankets with Ava.
When she woke up four hours later, she had rolled onto her back, staring up into Zan’s open gaze. That had bought tears to her eyes. She couldn’t really remember the last time he had been so open with her. But there he was, alive, his gaze open. Love shone in his gaze, along with guilt, hatred and self-discrimination.
“I’m sorry baby…I’m so sorry.”
It was whispered, Zan barely able to get the words out as Ava stared up at him through wounded eyes. Her eyes had filled with tears, Zan pulling her further into his embrace. And as the last of the sun’s rays had died away, they cried in each other’s arms. For each other. For the betrayal of family. And for the loss of their child...
“Aves…”
Ava opened her eyes, guilt swimming in her gaze. Zan sighed, shaking his head as he continued to hold Liz in his arms. He knew what she was thinking about. He was thinking about it too. Things had changed in the last five months. He and Ava weren’t together at the moment, both deciding to restart their relationship at ground level. To build a friendship first, and then see what happened.
But it was still hard. On both of them. Want and need swamped them both at the best of times, Zan spending a lot of time in cold showers, and Ava biting her nails in frustration. While they still shared the same bed, Ava would wake in the middle of the night to find Zan curled around her. If he woke, he’d bolt for the shower, leaving Ava wondering why the hell they were holding back in the first place. But then she’d remember, and her tears would fall once more.
Ava looked over at Zan, a sad smile crossing her face when she lowered her eyes to Liz’s sleeping form. Reaching out, she moved a stray strand of hair back from Liz’s face. She could feel Zan’s gaze on her, and she struggled to find the words she knew he wanted to hear. The reason why she had been so addiment on coming back here with them. The reason why, she had directed him up a fire escape to Liz’s room.
“She helped me Zan. When I was here last. She took me in, and gave me a place to stay. She’s…she’s a friend Zan. And I ain’t had to many of them. So when I spoke to Tess, and she told me it was Liz…I knew…this was my chance to make things right. To thank her, for opening her heart to me, when she and Tess weren’t getting along back then.”
“What ‘bout…Michael? And Isabel? They hurt ya last time Aves…whether or not they meant it, they still hurt ya. It was Rath and Lonnie all over again.”
Ava sighed, knowing just how pissed Zan had been when he found out that snippet of information from Jy.
“They were just bein loyal to Max Zan…. let it go.”
Zan scowled, and shook his head, before glancing down at Liz. She was asleep, her face troubled as she fought internal demons. Zan sighed, sliding from the bed with feline grace. Ava followed him, Zan bending to cover Liz over with a blanket as Ava closed and locked the window. Zan turned to watch Ava as she sealed the window shut. No one but her or Tess could open it now, until one of them took away the seal.
“I’m glad ya here Aves.”
Ava turned to face Zan, her surprise written all over her face.
“I thought you were gonna spank my ass for comin” she said, a gentle note of teasing entering her voice.
Zan grinned at that, his eyes lighting up momentarily with humour, before they darkened with something that sent a shiver down Ava’s spine. He crossed the distance between them, before lowering his head slightly so his breath brushed her cheek.
“Oh I’m still gonna spank ya ass…not yet though. But trust me baby…” Ava looked up at Zan, her eyes locked with his. “…Ya gonna enjoy it when I do.”
Ava blushed, lowering her gaze as warmth crossed her cheeks, and spread through her belly. It wasn’t so much what he’d said…. it was the tone he’d said it in. A promise lingered in his voice. A promise, Ava knew he’d keep. Zan smirked at her flustered face, before taking her hand in his, and leading her down stairs. As they approached the swinging doors, they heard a male speak.
“Where’s Liz?”
Ava sighed, glancing back at Zan as he dropped their jackets and such on the couch. He waved her forward, Ava knowing he’d be right behind her. Pushing the doors open, she was unaware the others were about to be shown the fallout of the anger Zan held within him, and how much betrayal could mess with a person….
Part 37.
Ava pushed through the doors first, the others glancing up as she let it close behind her. She took a hesitant step forward, Michael reaching for her without thinking. His hand closed around her arm gently, tugging her forward. A sharp spear of fear flooded her body before she could contain it, her mind flooding with memories of Rath, and the violence with which he had treated her. Jy shot up out of his chair when the door opened behind Ava, his warning shout coming too late as Zan stepped into the café. Jy knew Zan had felt Ava’s fear, just as he had, and he knew it wouldn’t be good.
Zan’s eyes narrowed when he saw Michael grip Ava’s arm, and he snarled softly. Time seemed to slow at that point, Zan’s eyes flooding gold. His hand glowed as he flicked it, and Michael wrenched away from Ava. Even as Michael spun around, Zan lashed out with his power. Michael gripped his head in pain, before a startled cry escaped his mouth as Zan hit him in the chest with a solid blast. It launched him into the air, and sent him flying across the room.
Even as Michael flew through the air, Zan was moving. His hands shot out, gripping Ava’s arms gently as she swayed. He pulled her into his arms, one arm around her waist holding her up, the other hand holding her head as she buried her face in his chest. Michael hit the counter, and then the floor with a groan. Zan lowered his head and spoke softly in Ava’s ear as he ignored the horrified looks he was getting. Ava whimpered, Zan’s head shooting up. His eyes landed on Michael, his voice low when he spoke.
“Ya touch her again asshole, and I’ll rip ya fuckin throat out. I killed ya dupe…who says ya gonna come out any better?”
Max stood up angrily, Zan simply raising his eyebrows.
“Whatcha gonna do boy? Ya wanna throw down over this? Try me Max…just fuckin try it, and lets see who comes out on top, coz I guarantee ya boy, I’ll bury ya ass where ya fuckin stand, so sit…back…down.”
Max took a step forward, Zan’s eyes narrowing. His hand glowed again, a ball of fire appearing on his palm. It spun lazily, the flames circling his wrist as he raised an eyebrow at Max.
“Take another step Max, and we’ll see how good my aim is…and just how good at healin ya really are…”
Max blanched, sitting down with a thud. He watched as the flames winked out of sight, causing Jy to sigh as he stood up. He slid from the booth, and slowly approached Zan and Ava. Reaching for his cousin, he was humiliated when Zan flicked his fingers, causing Jy to stumble back a step and trip. Jy landed hard, his hurt obvious as he stared up at Zan. Looking into Zan’s eyes, he saw his friend was lost between the past and the present, an internal war going on as he struggled to calm down.
“Zan…. relax man. It’s all good,” Kyan said. Zan ignored him, his angry gaze centred on Jy.
“I fuckin told ya yesterday Jy…no one touches Ava. She’s been through enough man…ya know this. Ya swore to me…ya fuckin promised me Jy…. Rath touches her again, and I’ll kill all of ‘em….”
Zan broke off abruptly, burying his face momentarily in Ava’s hair. The others watched in silence, unsure of what was really going on. Jy lowered his gaze, his nod almost lost as he sighed. Kyan reached out, gripping Zan’s shoulder gently. Zan swung his head up, his gaze molten gold, and burning with anger and grief. Kyan smirked at him, before nodding his head slightly.
“Ya aiight Zan…calm it da fuck down bro…ya aiight. Aves’s cool…we’re all cool. Calm it down bro. Ya don’t wanna do this man…come on…look at Ava…she needs ya bro…come on.”
Zan blew his breath out in anger, his eyes slowly turning a darker shade of gold. Shaking his head, he cupped Ava’s face in his hands, tilting her head back so he could see into her frightened gaze. Like him, she was having trouble differentiating between the past and the present. She had retreated into herself, hiding inside where she wouldn’t be hurt. Zan sighed softly, before sweeping his thumb over her lower lip.
“Aves…baby…come on baby…let me in…”
Zan lowered his head, rubbing the tip of his nose against hers. He felt Ava jerk in his arms, before her arms slid around his waist, clutching him tightly. Zan sighed, closing his eyes as he held her tighter. What he didn’t know, was that the others saw the flash of naked pain that crossed his face and lingered in his eyes. Zan buried his hands in Ava’s hair, his chin resting on her head as they held each other tightly.
Maria hurried to Michael’s side, helping him to stand up as he continued to stare at Zan with a mix of fascination, envy and fear. Somehow, deep inside, he knew Zan wasn’t going to hurt him. That it had just been a knee jerk reaction, but the amount of power he had displayed, and the control he had used with his powers, had earned Michael’s respect…even with the circumstances.
Tess stood up slowly, approaching Zan quietly. She reached up, touching his cheek gently. Zan opened his eyes, pain swimming in their depths as the two shared a look. Tess slid her arms around Ava from behind, holding onto her double as Ava shook silently within Zan’s arms. She knew what was going on behind those expressive eyes, so it was no surprise when Zan let Ava slip out of his embrace, and into her own arms. Tess led Ava out to the back room, Kyle slipping out of his seat, and following the two girls.
Zan was silent as he watched them go, before turning to face the others. Crossing the room, he held his hand out to Jy. Jy looked up at him, before grasping Zan’s wrist. He let Zan help him to his feet, their eyes locked as they stared at each other. Jy finally nodded, his free hand reaching out to grasp Zan’s shoulder.
“I know man…I know better than anyone remember. But ya can’t let ya anger out like that man…. I know what ya goin through Zan…but ya gotta trust me on this. Trust Tess. They ain’t Rath and Lonnie. It ain’t gonna go down like that again. And ya know me man…I’ll kill anyone who lays a hand on Ava. But they don’t know what’s goin on man…they don’t get what went down. And they’re gonna be in da dark until ya shed some light on da sitch.”
Zan snorted, before shaking his head. “Fuck that Jy…I ain’t into sharin…ya know this…so drop it already.”
“Zan…” Jy began.
“I said, fuckin drop it Jy!”
Kyan snorted, stepping over to where the two aliens were squaring off. He clamped his hand down on Zan’s shoulder, his trademark smirk firmly in place. But his voice was serious when he spoke. Serious enough, that Zan actually listened.
“Zan…bro…ya my best mate, so ya know this comes with love and all that girly shit. Ya gotta listen to us man. Do ya really think we were gonna let ya walk in here, without readin ‘em all first? Do ya really think, that they’d still be standin if they were anythin like Lonnie and Rath? Fuck no! I’d kill ‘em first, no hesitations. I ain’t got no ties here Zan other than Lyra…ya know that. Ya da reason I’m here. Nothin else.”
Zan shook his head, Kyan’s grip on his shoulder tightening.
“Zan…come on man. I know this shit fucked ya up one side, and down da other, but ya gotta get it together for Aves. I know ya in and out man…ya drownin…. I know it…Jy knows it…. I’m holdin out a hand here Zan…. all ya gotta do is take it.”
Zan looked Kyan straight in the eye, his voice low when he spoke again.
“Do ya know what it felt like, to walk into da room, and find her lyin there like that man? How would ya feel if it was Lyra? How would you react? How would ya handle knowin it was ya fault?”
Kyan sighed softly, his eyes dark with grief.
“No I don’t man. But I know what it felt like when we found ya that day in New York. And ever since then Zan…ya’ve been a walkin time bomb. I know ya love her Zan…but ya can’t change what happened. Ya can’t carry this on ya own. All ya can do is help her, and let us help you. And trust me when I say, that if I see any of Rath or Lonnie in ‘em, I’ll kill ‘em. Simple as that.”
The others held their breath as they watched. At the back of their minds, Isabel and Michael knew they should be worried with the comments, but they weren’t…not really. So they kept quiet, watching silently as Zan tilted his head back slightly, obviously fighting with himself. He sighed heavily, before slowly nodding. He glanced at Michael, who shrugged.
“If I was you, I would have done the same thing,” he admitted softly, Zan nodding his head. Max stood up, approaching Zan cautiously. Zan turned to face him, Max blinking at the residual anger that was held in Zan’s gaze. Max held his hands out, a gesture of peace. Even at his worst, Michael had never been like this, so he approached his double with caution.
“Do you know where Liz is?” he asked softly. Zan stared at Max for a moment longer, before nodding.
“We found her upstairs. She was sick…we took care of it, and put her back to bed. She’s sleepin now…Aves sealed her window shut.”
Max nodded, both guys turning when a soft voice called Zan’s name. Max watched as Zan relaxed, Ava shooting a timid glance at Michael as she crossed quickly to Zan. Zan slid his arm around Ava, his free hand cupping her chin so he could tilt her head back slightly. They gazed at each other silently, Zan smiling wryly as he pulled Ava into a hug.
“I ain’t ever really been able to say no to ya,” he murmured in her ear. Ava nodded against his shoulder, before pressing her lips to his cheek in response. Zan flushed slightly, his fingers brushing the spot her lips had touched. He caught Ava’s eyes as he did, both of them blushing slightly. Before she could change her mind, Ava pushed him slightly towards Max.
“Go…ya need to do this Zan. I’ll…I mean…we’ll be here when ya get back,” she whispered.
Zan nodded, and with a sigh, turned to face Max. Tess walked out of the backroom as Zan spoke, Kyle behind her. They all watched as Zan lowered his gaze, before flicking it back up again, his gaze meeting Max’s.
“Ya got somewhere we can talk?” he asked quietly, slipping some car keys out of his pocket.
Max nodded, handing the keys to the Jeep to Isabel. They turned for the front door, Tess nudging Ava. Maria and Isabel both noticed, and they watched as Ava glared at Tess. Tess rolled her eyes, glancing towards Zan again. She made an impatient gesture with her hands, Ava poking her tongue out in response. Zan cleared his throat, catching their attention, both girls turning innocent eyes towards him.
“Aves…ya gonna be ok while I’m gone?”
Ava nodded, Tess nudging her again as Zan turned away slightly. Tess rolled her eyes, huffed loudly, and then grabbed Ava by the arm. The contact allowed her to mimic Ava’s voice. As she spoke, she pushed Ava forward, a twinkle in her eye as she did.
“Zan!”
He turned back, a small spark of hope in his gaze. Ava glared at Tess, before glancing back at Zan. The hope in his eyes wasn’t lost on her, so she bit the bullet. She took the two steps separating them, and reaching up on tiptoe, pressed her lips quickly to his. It was fleeting, but the smile that lit up Zan’s face was priceless. It had been the first physical contact that was even remotely sexual that they had had in almost five months, and it stunned everyone in the room who knew this.
Ava blushed, biting her lower lip as Zan took a step away from her. He took another step, and promptly bumped into the table behind him. Ava giggled when he blushed again. Max hid his smile, the others all looking at everyone but Zan as he turned towards the door again. He took another couple of steps, before pausing. He glanced over his shoulder at Ava, a smile breaking out over his face.
Ava smiled in return, ducking her head when Zan brushed his fingers over his lips. Max chuckled then, guiding Zan to the door by the arm. They reached the door, Zan glancing back at Ava once more. He stopped when she met his gaze, a small smile gracing her face.
“Go…I’ll be here when ya get back Zan.” With another nod, they were gone. Ava turned to Tess then, a frown crossing her face. A frown however, she couldn’t keep up for long. A smile split her face, and with a soft squeal, Ava launched herself at Tess, catching the girl she considered a sister in a tight hug. Everyone laughed then, and they settled down to get to know each other some more.
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 38.
Max followed Zan down the footpath, Zan gesturing to a familiar Trans Am. It was the same one Rath and Lonnie had come to Roswell in, Max watching as Zan slid into the driver’s seat. Six duffel bags were stacked in the back seat, Max glancing at them as Zan started the car. Metallica’s ‘I Disappear’ blared out of the speakers, Zan hitting a button on the dashboard.
Max watched as the soft-top roof retracted, leaving them in an open-air car. Zan shifted into reverse, the tires spinning on the damp road as he backed out of the space quickly. He’d gripped the headrest of Max’s seat as he reversed, checking over his shoulder. Max saw the flash of a tattoo on the under side of Zan’s wrist, before he was forced to grab the edge of the dash board, Zan planting his foot on the gas pedal, and taking off down the street.
They were silent as they drove, the blaring music making conversation difficult. Max gestured every now and then, to which way he wanted Zan to go. Max watched Zan though, as he tapped a static rhythm out on the steering wheel as he drove. He was singing along to the song, his voice low. Max listened to what he was singing, getting a new insight into how Zan ticked.
“Do you bury me when I'm gone?
Do you teach me while I'm here?
...Just as soon as I belong,
Then it's time I disappear.”
His double had a lot of anger in him that was for sure. It was freaky in a way, looking at Zan and seeing his own face. But the more Max looked at him, the more subtle differences he saw. His jaw was set at a stubborn angle, and his nose had obviously been broken. But it had been reset well. Zan’s hair was also longer, the thick spikes standing up on end. Max had seen streaks of dark red in his hair, adding an edge to his overall look. Zan’s eyes were also lighter than his, and they seemed to change into different shades of hazel and gold. And while Max’s own eyes were clear and open, Zan’s were guarded, the icy film of betrayal obvious in his gaze.
“Ya finished checkin me out yet?”
Zan’s voice was low, the music shut off with a wave of his hand. Max blushed, Zan’s low chuckle setting his ears on fire. Max shook his head, directing Zan into the parking bay at the lake. Zan shut off the engine, and swung gracefully from the car. When Max shut his door, the car beeped, Zan setting the alarm with the keys.
They walked in silence down to the dock, before leaning against opposite guardrails. Zan reached into his pocket, producing a packet of cigarettes. Max was silent as Zan tapped the pack against his hand, and lit his cigarette. The end flared as he inhaled, the smoke drifting around his face slowly as he stared straight back at Max.
“Where are you staying?” Max blurted out, unable to think of what else to say. Zan shrugged.
“I ain’t thought that far ahead as yet. I do know, that one set of shifters will be with Liz every night. She’s da main target, so they made da decision to have one set on duty, while da other slept. You guys are with her during da day, but it’s at night that she’s vulnerable.”
Max nodded, before taking a deep breath.
“We told Mr. Parker and my parents the truth yesterday. I’m sure it won’t be a problem for the others to stay with Mr. Parker and Liz…. and we have a spare room at our house…if you’re interested…. I mean, we can say then, that we’re cousins or…brothers…and it won’t raise any eyebrows.”
Zan nodded. “Whatcha folks like?”
Max smiled slightly. “They’re great people. They took the fact that we’re aliens like it was nothing. I was always so scared that they’d reject us, but they didn’t.”
“What do they do?” Zan asked, tossing his finished smoke out over the water. There was a small flash of light, the butt disappearing before it could hit the surface of the lake.
Max blinked in surprise before answering. “My dad’s a lawyer, and my mum…well…she’s something different entirely. I hope you have a steel lined stomach…”
Zan tilted his head slightly, Max grimacing. “She loves watching Martha Stewart…. Don’t get me wrong, I love her to bits, but god she can’t cook for anything!”
Zan snorted with laughter, Max grinning slightly. “I’m not joking Zan…. make sure you wear something with deep pockets when she makes a frittata…. Ughhh.”
“K then…thanks,” Zan mumbled, moving to the end of the dock and sitting down. Max nodded, moving to sit beside him.
“What powers have ya got?” Zan asked.
Max shrugged slightly. “I can make a shield, but I can’t hold it for any more than a few minutes. I can heal, and we can all manipulate the molecular structure of things.”
Zan’s jaw dropped open, and he swung his head to look at him.
“Ya fuckin with me right? That’s all ya can do?”
Max blushed, but he nodded, Zan groaning slightly as he scrubbed his hand over his lower jaw.
“Shit…k then. Damn! This is gonna be harder than I thought.”
“What can you do?” Max asked softly.
Zan sighed before answering. “Heal. Manipulate. Throw a shield. Borrow powers from other aliens. Shift to a degree. Dream walk. Mind warp. Blast. Control people. And that’s just da start of ‘em.”
Max’s jaw fell open, Zan shaking his head slightly as he glanced down.
“What do you mean, that you can…shift?”
Zan glanced at him, and with a smirk, waved his hand over his face. Max scrambled back slightly, ‘Isabel’ snorting with laughter at his reaction. Another wave of his hand, and Zan was back. Max’s jaw fell open again, Zan snorting with laughter again.
“How’d you do that?” Max asked in shock.
“Easy. All your powers are easy Max. It’s mind over matter. With shifting, ya changin da basic structure of ya face. I ain’t able to hold it for long, but I can do it. You can too. Ya just never been shown how. Ya can do everythin I do.”
“What do you mean?” Max cried.
“How do ya throw your shield? Ya basically hold ya hand out, and ya will ya energy to form a barrier. It’s da same thing when ya blast. Ya throw ya energy, and it comes out. Once ya know da basics, ya can do what ever ya want.”
Zan fished another smoke out of his pocket, the snap of his Zippo lighter echoing across the lake.
“Startin Tuesday, we’re gonna divide ya’s up. Work one on one with ya powers.”
“How?” Max asked, turning to face Zan.
“We spoke ‘bout it before we got here, and we figure that it would be easier like that. Jy’s takin Michael. Isabel with Lyra. Tess with Kyan. And you’re with me. Ava’s gonna go group to group, lendin a hand where she can. Serena’s gonna stay with Liz. Da other thing we’re doin, is teachin da humans to fight properly.”
Zan glanced at Max then, his gaze steady. “Jy with Kyle. Kyan with Alex. Lyra with Maria. And I’ll be workin with Liz.”
Max frowned slightly. “Why you?” he asked, hoping his voice was steady.
“Coz ya changed her Max. When ya healed her, ya changed what makes her human. And it ain’t gonna be pretty when her abilities start emerging. Her abilities are gonna be like ours, not like da shape shifters. Add to da fact, that Ava’s not really in da right place in her mind, to be showin Liz how to control it…so that leaves me.”
Max nodded, not entirely happy with the situation at all. He continued to watch Zan, remembering how protective of Ava Zan had become earlier, and his threats against Michael and himself.
“Would you really have hurt me if I’d taken another step?” Max asked quietly, needing to know where he stood with Zan.
Zan simply nodded. “Yeah. When it comes to Aves…yeah. I wouldn’t have hesitated Max. I would have killed ya, and not even blinked an eye over it.”
Max shuddered. “How can you be so casual about it?” he asked quietly, shocked that Zan and the others spoke about death so easily.
Zan glanced at Max, and then held his palms up. “I have more blood on my hands Max, than you’ll ever spill. It’s da nature of da beast. Kill, or be killed. And when it comes to Ava? …I don’t hesitate.”
“Tess said that you…killed…. Lonnie, Rath and Nikolas in New York.”
Zan’s eyes turned icy at the mention of their names. He lifted himself into a standing position, a scowl on his face as he turned away slightly. Shoving his hands in his pocket, he glanced out over the water, his whole body tense as he stood there.
Max stood up slowly, his gaze worried as he stared at Zan’s back. When Zan spoke again, his voice was low.
“What do ya want me to say Max? Yeah, I killed my own sister. Da man I thought was my best friend. And da psycho runt who helped ruin everythin that was good about me when we were younger.”
“I thought they killed you,” Max whispered.
Zan shuddered slightly, before shocking Max once more.
“They did.”
Max swallowed hard, before asking a question he knew would send him flying if it angered Zan.
“Tell me about it?”
Zan turned to face him, his face pale.
“Ya think ya strong enough for it Max? Can ya take what I have? Can ya give what I want in return? Are ya really ready to wake up? Coz if we do this, that’s what’s gonna happen.”
“What do you mean?” Max asked.
Zan looked down, chewing his lower lip slightly as he contemplated his words. When he looked back up again, his eyes were shifting between hazel and gold, the combination seductive in holding Max’s gaze.
“Lonnie and Rath were right when they said ya’ll were more human than us. But it’s still there Max…just waitin to be set free. If we do this…there ain’t no goin back. Ya gonna be stronger. More alien. Ya gonna want things, and ya gonna be hard set fightin ya natural desires. Things will change for ya…but whether we do this tonight or not…ya gotta be woken anyway…it’s da only way.”
Max bit his lower lip, but nodded anyway. Zan nodded at his consent, and reached for Max’s face. As he did, his eyes flared pure gold, his hands cool when they grasped Max’s face. The connection was immediate, as was the blinding pain that ran rampant through Max’s body. Max gasped, and grabbed at Zan’s wrists.
“Let go…let go Max…”
Zan’s voice was deeper, his strength overpowering Max easily. Max let out a cry, falling to his knees as Zan’s gaze burned into his own. He could feel it tearing its way out from inside. It was instinctive. Primal. Pure alien. Max sobbed in pain, his tears sliding down over Zan’s fingers as Zan forced Max’s head back, his gaze unwavering as he opened his end of the connection fully.
“Let go…”
Max shuddered as he felt Zan’s seal flare against his temple. That was the tattoo he’d seen earlier, and it’s burning pain was intense as Zan let his powers unleash fully. Another strangled scream echoed across the silent lake, before Max stopped fighting and let Zan guide him where he wanted Max to go. Max sobbed once more, before there was darkness…. and then nothing else mattered…
Part 39.
Thanks guys
An ice-cold hand squeezed her throat, causing spots to swim before her eyes as she struggled to breathe. The sound of ripping cotton had her bucking wildly beneath his weight, a low chuckle echoing in her ear. Rancid breath swept her chin, hard lips bruising her mouth as he kissed her passionlessly.
“Does he touch ya like this baby? …Has he had the pleasure of burying himself in that sweet body of yours yet? Or do I get to take that too? Ya gonna love it Liz...that’s if it doesn’t kill ya…I bet his highness won’t stand for sloppy seconds…not that there’ll be much left once I’ve torn ya apart…”
“Please…let me go…”
“Why should I baby? Ya da king’s chosen…. and as I rule da planet, that makes ya mine too…”
“But Max and I aren’t together! He won’t care about this, coz he’s with Tess!”
“Ya might be smart my dear, but you’re a terrible liar. Don’t worry Lizzie…I’m gonna make sure ya enjoy it…”
“Noooo! …”
The scream that echoed around the silent apartment caused several things to happen at once. Michael jumped, his nerves shot to the point that a lamp shattered. Isabel gave a very undignified squawk. Kyle fell off the edge of the couch, Tess landing on top of him from here she had been sitting on his lap. Ava went bone white. And Maria and Alex both ran for Liz’s room, getting tangled in the doorway as they tried to get through at the same time.
Seven people ran for Liz’s room when the second scream emerged, Jeff beating them all to Liz’s side. He scooped his daughter into his arms, shaking her gently as she struggled against him. Tears were streaming down her face, her jagged nails gauging his cheek as she lashed out at him. Jeff cried out in pain, five parallel grooves starting to weep blood.
“Nononononononono…don’t hurt me…nononononononono……….”
Maria burst into tears, Alex pulling her close as Tess elbowed her way past them. She hurried over to the bed, her hands gentle as she pulled Liz away from Jeff. Liz struggled even as Tess slid onto the bed behind her, Tess wincing when Liz’s elbow caught her left cheekbone. As suddenly as it had started, it ended, Liz falling back against the blonde alien with a whimper. Tess’s hand glowed as she ran it across Liz’s brow, but she knew it wasn’t enough. Liz still continued to jerk slightly in her arms.
“Maria…come here…I need your help,” Tess said in a low voice.
Maria jerked in Alex’s arms, but hurried to Tess’s side. She sat down beside Liz, taking her hands when Tess instructed her to.
“Talk to her Maria…talk about your childhood…your earliest memory of each other…” Tess whispered.
Maria bit back a sob, Liz’s eyes open and vacant as she stared at the ceiling. Tears continued to stream down her face, Liz once more locked away in her mind.
“Do…do you remember the first day we met Liz? We met in kindergarten. We were drawn to each other, because we were both wearing red sneakers, a denim skirt and our hair was in piggy tails. You were wearing a light blue tee shirt, and mine was pink. I’d found a baby bird on the ground, and you came over to see why I was crying. I remember looking up at you. You were chewing your bottom lip like you do when you’re upset, but too scared to show it.”
Maria reached out, gently wiping away Liz’s tears, even as they continued to fall.
“You asked me what was wrong with the baby, but neither of us knew. So we took the bird to a teacher…I think her name was Mrs. Fending. She helped us put the bird into a box, and told us it was our responsibility to look after it. Do you remember how seriously we took that? I would bring in little pieces of biscuit and you would bring in bacon pieces. I remember how we both cried when the bird was well enough to be set free.”
“You’ve been my best friend ever since. Two peas that are polar opposites, yet part of the same pod. You know me better than anyone Lizzie…I know you on the same level. I know what makes you who you are, and he can’t take that from you…. Lizzie? It’s gonna be ok Liz…you’re stronger than this…you’re stronger than him.”
Liz slowly stopped struggling against Tess. Tess nodded in encouragement, twisting slightly as she laid Liz down. Maria stretched out on one side, Tess on the other. Liz’s eyes slowly slid shut, Maria resting her hand on Liz’s stomach. Maria looked at Tess when the other girl’s hand brushed her own, Tess meeting her gaze straight on.
“You did really good Maria,” Tess whispered softly, before lowering her head to the pillow.
Isabel crept forward softly, her hand shaking as she touched Mr. Parker on the shoulder. He turned to face her, his eyes dark with grief. The scratches on his cheek stood out, the bleeding stopped.
“May I?” she whispered, gesturing to his face.
Jeff nodded, Isabel touching each deep scratch gently with her fingertip. Jeff felt a warm tingle run down his cheek, Isabel watching as the skin knitted back together. When she was done, she stepped back, Alex’s arms sliding around her waist. Jeff ran his fingers down his face, a look of awe appearing in his steady gaze.
“Handy gift you have there Isabel.”
Isabel blushed. “Max is much stronger in that area than I am.”
Jeff nodded, several frightened gazes flicking to the window when it abruptly slid up. A pair of leather clad thighs slid through, Jy twisting slightly as he slid through the window.
“Mmmkay then…. I’ve got Jy on da roof next door, and Serena on ya own roof. Lyra’s on da one across da street, and I’m crashin on da balcony. All of ya…. go home. Get some sleep. Ya gonna need it.”
“When are you going to sleep?” Jeff blurted out.
Jy winked at him. “We only need a few hours to regenerate, so tomorrow while da kids are at school. I just spoke to Zan. He’s bringin Max back to Max’s place. Max offered for Zan and Ava to stay with ya Isabel. He also said that ya wouldn’t mind if da rest of us crashed here Mr. P.”
Jeff nodded weakly, Maria sitting up to protest. “What about Liz? I should stay here.”
Jy shook his head. He crossed the room quickly, brushing his hand over Liz’s brow. “She won’t wake or dream until tomorrow now Maria. You need to go to school tomorrow. So you need to sleep tonight. Go on.”
It was with much reluctance that the others left, Ava following Isabel after a long look at Jy. Jy simply nodded in reassurance, knowing the reasons behind her pale, frightened gaze. Jy stopped Jeff with a simple glance, yet he remained silent until he heard Kyan whistle from the roof next door.
“Mr. P, there was something else I wanted to ask ya before we go any further tonight.” Jeff nodded, Jy glancing towards Liz’s frail form.
“Do ya care about what ya learnt these past few days?”
Jeff glanced up. “Max saved my daughter’s life Jy…I’m in debt to him.”
Jy watched Jeff leave silently, thankful that he wouldn’t have another problem to take care off…
Max followed Zan down the footpath, Zan gesturing to a familiar Trans Am. It was the same one Rath and Lonnie had come to Roswell in, Max watching as Zan slid into the driver’s seat. Six duffel bags were stacked in the back seat, Max glancing at them as Zan started the car. Metallica’s ‘I Disappear’ blared out of the speakers, Zan hitting a button on the dashboard.
Max watched as the soft-top roof retracted, leaving them in an open-air car. Zan shifted into reverse, the tires spinning on the damp road as he backed out of the space quickly. He’d gripped the headrest of Max’s seat as he reversed, checking over his shoulder. Max saw the flash of a tattoo on the under side of Zan’s wrist, before he was forced to grab the edge of the dash board, Zan planting his foot on the gas pedal, and taking off down the street.
They were silent as they drove, the blaring music making conversation difficult. Max gestured every now and then, to which way he wanted Zan to go. Max watched Zan though, as he tapped a static rhythm out on the steering wheel as he drove. He was singing along to the song, his voice low. Max listened to what he was singing, getting a new insight into how Zan ticked.
“Do you bury me when I'm gone?
Do you teach me while I'm here?
...Just as soon as I belong,
Then it's time I disappear.”
His double had a lot of anger in him that was for sure. It was freaky in a way, looking at Zan and seeing his own face. But the more Max looked at him, the more subtle differences he saw. His jaw was set at a stubborn angle, and his nose had obviously been broken. But it had been reset well. Zan’s hair was also longer, the thick spikes standing up on end. Max had seen streaks of dark red in his hair, adding an edge to his overall look. Zan’s eyes were also lighter than his, and they seemed to change into different shades of hazel and gold. And while Max’s own eyes were clear and open, Zan’s were guarded, the icy film of betrayal obvious in his gaze.
“Ya finished checkin me out yet?”
Zan’s voice was low, the music shut off with a wave of his hand. Max blushed, Zan’s low chuckle setting his ears on fire. Max shook his head, directing Zan into the parking bay at the lake. Zan shut off the engine, and swung gracefully from the car. When Max shut his door, the car beeped, Zan setting the alarm with the keys.
They walked in silence down to the dock, before leaning against opposite guardrails. Zan reached into his pocket, producing a packet of cigarettes. Max was silent as Zan tapped the pack against his hand, and lit his cigarette. The end flared as he inhaled, the smoke drifting around his face slowly as he stared straight back at Max.
“Where are you staying?” Max blurted out, unable to think of what else to say. Zan shrugged.
“I ain’t thought that far ahead as yet. I do know, that one set of shifters will be with Liz every night. She’s da main target, so they made da decision to have one set on duty, while da other slept. You guys are with her during da day, but it’s at night that she’s vulnerable.”
Max nodded, before taking a deep breath.
“We told Mr. Parker and my parents the truth yesterday. I’m sure it won’t be a problem for the others to stay with Mr. Parker and Liz…. and we have a spare room at our house…if you’re interested…. I mean, we can say then, that we’re cousins or…brothers…and it won’t raise any eyebrows.”
Zan nodded. “Whatcha folks like?”
Max smiled slightly. “They’re great people. They took the fact that we’re aliens like it was nothing. I was always so scared that they’d reject us, but they didn’t.”
“What do they do?” Zan asked, tossing his finished smoke out over the water. There was a small flash of light, the butt disappearing before it could hit the surface of the lake.
Max blinked in surprise before answering. “My dad’s a lawyer, and my mum…well…she’s something different entirely. I hope you have a steel lined stomach…”
Zan tilted his head slightly, Max grimacing. “She loves watching Martha Stewart…. Don’t get me wrong, I love her to bits, but god she can’t cook for anything!”
Zan snorted with laughter, Max grinning slightly. “I’m not joking Zan…. make sure you wear something with deep pockets when she makes a frittata…. Ughhh.”
“K then…thanks,” Zan mumbled, moving to the end of the dock and sitting down. Max nodded, moving to sit beside him.
“What powers have ya got?” Zan asked.
Max shrugged slightly. “I can make a shield, but I can’t hold it for any more than a few minutes. I can heal, and we can all manipulate the molecular structure of things.”
Zan’s jaw dropped open, and he swung his head to look at him.
“Ya fuckin with me right? That’s all ya can do?”
Max blushed, but he nodded, Zan groaning slightly as he scrubbed his hand over his lower jaw.
“Shit…k then. Damn! This is gonna be harder than I thought.”
“What can you do?” Max asked softly.
Zan sighed before answering. “Heal. Manipulate. Throw a shield. Borrow powers from other aliens. Shift to a degree. Dream walk. Mind warp. Blast. Control people. And that’s just da start of ‘em.”
Max’s jaw fell open, Zan shaking his head slightly as he glanced down.
“What do you mean, that you can…shift?”
Zan glanced at him, and with a smirk, waved his hand over his face. Max scrambled back slightly, ‘Isabel’ snorting with laughter at his reaction. Another wave of his hand, and Zan was back. Max’s jaw fell open again, Zan snorting with laughter again.
“How’d you do that?” Max asked in shock.
“Easy. All your powers are easy Max. It’s mind over matter. With shifting, ya changin da basic structure of ya face. I ain’t able to hold it for long, but I can do it. You can too. Ya just never been shown how. Ya can do everythin I do.”
“What do you mean?” Max cried.
“How do ya throw your shield? Ya basically hold ya hand out, and ya will ya energy to form a barrier. It’s da same thing when ya blast. Ya throw ya energy, and it comes out. Once ya know da basics, ya can do what ever ya want.”
Zan fished another smoke out of his pocket, the snap of his Zippo lighter echoing across the lake.
“Startin Tuesday, we’re gonna divide ya’s up. Work one on one with ya powers.”
“How?” Max asked, turning to face Zan.
“We spoke ‘bout it before we got here, and we figure that it would be easier like that. Jy’s takin Michael. Isabel with Lyra. Tess with Kyan. And you’re with me. Ava’s gonna go group to group, lendin a hand where she can. Serena’s gonna stay with Liz. Da other thing we’re doin, is teachin da humans to fight properly.”
Zan glanced at Max then, his gaze steady. “Jy with Kyle. Kyan with Alex. Lyra with Maria. And I’ll be workin with Liz.”
Max frowned slightly. “Why you?” he asked, hoping his voice was steady.
“Coz ya changed her Max. When ya healed her, ya changed what makes her human. And it ain’t gonna be pretty when her abilities start emerging. Her abilities are gonna be like ours, not like da shape shifters. Add to da fact, that Ava’s not really in da right place in her mind, to be showin Liz how to control it…so that leaves me.”
Max nodded, not entirely happy with the situation at all. He continued to watch Zan, remembering how protective of Ava Zan had become earlier, and his threats against Michael and himself.
“Would you really have hurt me if I’d taken another step?” Max asked quietly, needing to know where he stood with Zan.
Zan simply nodded. “Yeah. When it comes to Aves…yeah. I wouldn’t have hesitated Max. I would have killed ya, and not even blinked an eye over it.”
Max shuddered. “How can you be so casual about it?” he asked quietly, shocked that Zan and the others spoke about death so easily.
Zan glanced at Max, and then held his palms up. “I have more blood on my hands Max, than you’ll ever spill. It’s da nature of da beast. Kill, or be killed. And when it comes to Ava? …I don’t hesitate.”
“Tess said that you…killed…. Lonnie, Rath and Nikolas in New York.”
Zan’s eyes turned icy at the mention of their names. He lifted himself into a standing position, a scowl on his face as he turned away slightly. Shoving his hands in his pocket, he glanced out over the water, his whole body tense as he stood there.
Max stood up slowly, his gaze worried as he stared at Zan’s back. When Zan spoke again, his voice was low.
“What do ya want me to say Max? Yeah, I killed my own sister. Da man I thought was my best friend. And da psycho runt who helped ruin everythin that was good about me when we were younger.”
“I thought they killed you,” Max whispered.
Zan shuddered slightly, before shocking Max once more.
“They did.”
Max swallowed hard, before asking a question he knew would send him flying if it angered Zan.
“Tell me about it?”
Zan turned to face him, his face pale.
“Ya think ya strong enough for it Max? Can ya take what I have? Can ya give what I want in return? Are ya really ready to wake up? Coz if we do this, that’s what’s gonna happen.”
“What do you mean?” Max asked.
Zan looked down, chewing his lower lip slightly as he contemplated his words. When he looked back up again, his eyes were shifting between hazel and gold, the combination seductive in holding Max’s gaze.
“Lonnie and Rath were right when they said ya’ll were more human than us. But it’s still there Max…just waitin to be set free. If we do this…there ain’t no goin back. Ya gonna be stronger. More alien. Ya gonna want things, and ya gonna be hard set fightin ya natural desires. Things will change for ya…but whether we do this tonight or not…ya gotta be woken anyway…it’s da only way.”
Max bit his lower lip, but nodded anyway. Zan nodded at his consent, and reached for Max’s face. As he did, his eyes flared pure gold, his hands cool when they grasped Max’s face. The connection was immediate, as was the blinding pain that ran rampant through Max’s body. Max gasped, and grabbed at Zan’s wrists.
“Let go…let go Max…”
Zan’s voice was deeper, his strength overpowering Max easily. Max let out a cry, falling to his knees as Zan’s gaze burned into his own. He could feel it tearing its way out from inside. It was instinctive. Primal. Pure alien. Max sobbed in pain, his tears sliding down over Zan’s fingers as Zan forced Max’s head back, his gaze unwavering as he opened his end of the connection fully.
“Let go…”
Max shuddered as he felt Zan’s seal flare against his temple. That was the tattoo he’d seen earlier, and it’s burning pain was intense as Zan let his powers unleash fully. Another strangled scream echoed across the silent lake, before Max stopped fighting and let Zan guide him where he wanted Max to go. Max sobbed once more, before there was darkness…. and then nothing else mattered…
Part 39.
Thanks guys
An ice-cold hand squeezed her throat, causing spots to swim before her eyes as she struggled to breathe. The sound of ripping cotton had her bucking wildly beneath his weight, a low chuckle echoing in her ear. Rancid breath swept her chin, hard lips bruising her mouth as he kissed her passionlessly.
“Does he touch ya like this baby? …Has he had the pleasure of burying himself in that sweet body of yours yet? Or do I get to take that too? Ya gonna love it Liz...that’s if it doesn’t kill ya…I bet his highness won’t stand for sloppy seconds…not that there’ll be much left once I’ve torn ya apart…”
“Please…let me go…”
“Why should I baby? Ya da king’s chosen…. and as I rule da planet, that makes ya mine too…”
“But Max and I aren’t together! He won’t care about this, coz he’s with Tess!”
“Ya might be smart my dear, but you’re a terrible liar. Don’t worry Lizzie…I’m gonna make sure ya enjoy it…”
“Noooo! …”
The scream that echoed around the silent apartment caused several things to happen at once. Michael jumped, his nerves shot to the point that a lamp shattered. Isabel gave a very undignified squawk. Kyle fell off the edge of the couch, Tess landing on top of him from here she had been sitting on his lap. Ava went bone white. And Maria and Alex both ran for Liz’s room, getting tangled in the doorway as they tried to get through at the same time.
Seven people ran for Liz’s room when the second scream emerged, Jeff beating them all to Liz’s side. He scooped his daughter into his arms, shaking her gently as she struggled against him. Tears were streaming down her face, her jagged nails gauging his cheek as she lashed out at him. Jeff cried out in pain, five parallel grooves starting to weep blood.
“Nononononononono…don’t hurt me…nononononononono……….”
Maria burst into tears, Alex pulling her close as Tess elbowed her way past them. She hurried over to the bed, her hands gentle as she pulled Liz away from Jeff. Liz struggled even as Tess slid onto the bed behind her, Tess wincing when Liz’s elbow caught her left cheekbone. As suddenly as it had started, it ended, Liz falling back against the blonde alien with a whimper. Tess’s hand glowed as she ran it across Liz’s brow, but she knew it wasn’t enough. Liz still continued to jerk slightly in her arms.
“Maria…come here…I need your help,” Tess said in a low voice.
Maria jerked in Alex’s arms, but hurried to Tess’s side. She sat down beside Liz, taking her hands when Tess instructed her to.
“Talk to her Maria…talk about your childhood…your earliest memory of each other…” Tess whispered.
Maria bit back a sob, Liz’s eyes open and vacant as she stared at the ceiling. Tears continued to stream down her face, Liz once more locked away in her mind.
“Do…do you remember the first day we met Liz? We met in kindergarten. We were drawn to each other, because we were both wearing red sneakers, a denim skirt and our hair was in piggy tails. You were wearing a light blue tee shirt, and mine was pink. I’d found a baby bird on the ground, and you came over to see why I was crying. I remember looking up at you. You were chewing your bottom lip like you do when you’re upset, but too scared to show it.”
Maria reached out, gently wiping away Liz’s tears, even as they continued to fall.
“You asked me what was wrong with the baby, but neither of us knew. So we took the bird to a teacher…I think her name was Mrs. Fending. She helped us put the bird into a box, and told us it was our responsibility to look after it. Do you remember how seriously we took that? I would bring in little pieces of biscuit and you would bring in bacon pieces. I remember how we both cried when the bird was well enough to be set free.”
“You’ve been my best friend ever since. Two peas that are polar opposites, yet part of the same pod. You know me better than anyone Lizzie…I know you on the same level. I know what makes you who you are, and he can’t take that from you…. Lizzie? It’s gonna be ok Liz…you’re stronger than this…you’re stronger than him.”
Liz slowly stopped struggling against Tess. Tess nodded in encouragement, twisting slightly as she laid Liz down. Maria stretched out on one side, Tess on the other. Liz’s eyes slowly slid shut, Maria resting her hand on Liz’s stomach. Maria looked at Tess when the other girl’s hand brushed her own, Tess meeting her gaze straight on.
“You did really good Maria,” Tess whispered softly, before lowering her head to the pillow.
Isabel crept forward softly, her hand shaking as she touched Mr. Parker on the shoulder. He turned to face her, his eyes dark with grief. The scratches on his cheek stood out, the bleeding stopped.
“May I?” she whispered, gesturing to his face.
Jeff nodded, Isabel touching each deep scratch gently with her fingertip. Jeff felt a warm tingle run down his cheek, Isabel watching as the skin knitted back together. When she was done, she stepped back, Alex’s arms sliding around her waist. Jeff ran his fingers down his face, a look of awe appearing in his steady gaze.
“Handy gift you have there Isabel.”
Isabel blushed. “Max is much stronger in that area than I am.”
Jeff nodded, several frightened gazes flicking to the window when it abruptly slid up. A pair of leather clad thighs slid through, Jy twisting slightly as he slid through the window.
“Mmmkay then…. I’ve got Jy on da roof next door, and Serena on ya own roof. Lyra’s on da one across da street, and I’m crashin on da balcony. All of ya…. go home. Get some sleep. Ya gonna need it.”
“When are you going to sleep?” Jeff blurted out.
Jy winked at him. “We only need a few hours to regenerate, so tomorrow while da kids are at school. I just spoke to Zan. He’s bringin Max back to Max’s place. Max offered for Zan and Ava to stay with ya Isabel. He also said that ya wouldn’t mind if da rest of us crashed here Mr. P.”
Jeff nodded weakly, Maria sitting up to protest. “What about Liz? I should stay here.”
Jy shook his head. He crossed the room quickly, brushing his hand over Liz’s brow. “She won’t wake or dream until tomorrow now Maria. You need to go to school tomorrow. So you need to sleep tonight. Go on.”
It was with much reluctance that the others left, Ava following Isabel after a long look at Jy. Jy simply nodded in reassurance, knowing the reasons behind her pale, frightened gaze. Jy stopped Jeff with a simple glance, yet he remained silent until he heard Kyan whistle from the roof next door.
“Mr. P, there was something else I wanted to ask ya before we go any further tonight.” Jeff nodded, Jy glancing towards Liz’s frail form.
“Do ya care about what ya learnt these past few days?”
Jeff glanced up. “Max saved my daughter’s life Jy…I’m in debt to him.”
Jy watched Jeff leave silently, thankful that he wouldn’t have another problem to take care off…
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 40.
Isabel pulled into the driveway, and cut the engine to the jeep with a sigh. She’d dropped Alex off at home, before heading for her own. Ava sat in the backseat silently, chewing her nails as she stared at Isabel. Isabel swung from the jeep, and motioned to the front door. Ava looked up, and swung from the car silently.
“It’s not the Hilton, but it’s home.”
As Ava drew closer to Isabel, she spoke softly.
“It’s more than we ever had.”
Isabel sighed, dropping her eyes guiltily. Ava sighed herself.
“I ain’t meaning nothin by it Isabel. But it is more than we ever had. So I don’t expect da Hilton…I’m just grateful for a pillow.”
Isabel gave Ava a small smile, knowing just how uncomfortable around her the other girl was. She led Ava to the front door, and pushed it open. Ava followed her through, Isabel calling out for her mother and father as Ava silently shut the door. Hearing footsteps, Ava shrank slightly into the shadows, watching silently as Diane pulled Isabel into her arms for a hug. But Diane spotted her anyway.
“Hello Tess. How are you tonight?” Diane asked, even as she did a double take. This wasn’t Tess…was it?
Isabel turned to Ava, and held out her hand. Ava flinched; Isabel sighing softly as she walked the few steps separating them, and gently took Ava’s hand in her own. With a gentle tug, she led the other girl forward.
“Mum…Dad…this is Ava. Remember how Max told you there were two sets? …Well Ava is Tess’s double.”
Both Phillip and Diane nodded, Ava lowering her gaze slightly. But her eyes flew back up when Diane spoke.
“It’s lovely to meet you Ava. Would you like something to eat or drink?”
Ava swallowed. “Just a glass of water if it ain’t too much trouble,” she said, her voice husky and low.
Diane stared at Ava silently, and then held out her hand. Ava took her hand hesitantly, a small smile crossing her face at Diane’s next words.
“I think I can manage more than a glass of water. How about some toast and tea?”
Isabel and Phillip watched as Diane led Ava to the kitchen, Isabel smiling when Ava shot a glance over her shoulder at Isabel. But her smile faded when she turned to look at her father.
“Daddy…we need your help.”
Phillip nodded, leading Isabel into his office quietly. They sat down together, Isabel biting her lower lip as she wondered how to begin. Her father however, beat her to it.
“If Ava looks that much like Tess, what does her Max look like?”
Isabel smiled. “Zan and Max are identical. But Zan’s a lot rougher around the edges Daddy…and I do mean a lot. I was wondering though, if he and Ava could stay here while they are in Roswell.”
“We only have the one guest room Isabel,” her father reminded her gently.
Isabel blushed slightly, her hands twisting in her lap.
“Daddy…Zan and Ava have been together for a long time by the sounds of things. But they aren’t together now. And I think they need each other. I know they won’t…do anything…while they are here, if that’s what’s worrying you.”
Phillip smiled as Isabel stumbled over the words, and he steepled his fingers under his chin as he gazed at his daughter.
“Why do they need each other?” he asked softly.
Isabel glanced at her hands again. “Rath and Lonnie…they’re Michael and me in the other set…they tried killing Zan Daddy. And he seems to have trust issues. He’s arrogant, and he swears a lot. But he’s still like Max Daddy. What Max might have turned out like if it hadn’t been for you and Mum.”
Isabel raised her gaze slowly, fear swimming in the dark depths.
“We need his help Daddy. That’s why I’m asking. We’re going to say he is our brother or cousin. I wouldn’t ask otherwise Daddy.”
Phillip blinked, suddenly seeing what Isabel was trying to show him. She needed his help. Not only Zan’s. She was including him in the trouble that plagued his daughter and son’s lives, and Phillip knew if he said no, they wouldn’t come to him again.
“Ok then Izzy…I’ll help you make up the bed for them.”
Isabel smiled brightly, and followed her father up the stairs to make up the guest room. They didn’t take all that long, and as they started back down the stairs, Ava and Diane came out to greet them. Just as the group was about to move into the lounge room, a knock sounded on the front door…if you could call it a knock. It sounded more like someone falling against it. Phillip reached out, the door swinging open. Zan stood in the doorway, Max unconscious in his arms.
“Max!”
Isabel hurried forward, slipping her arms around him from the other side as Zan hoisted him up again. They ignored Diane’s frantic questions of wether Max was all right or not, and between the two of them, half carried, half dragged Max up the stairs. Isabel opened Max’s door, and stood aside as Zan dragged him over to his bed. It was only when Zan dropped Max onto the soft mattress that she rounded on him.
“What did you do to him?” she cried angrily. Zan turned on her swiftly, his eyes glowing slightly as he glared at her.
“I ain’t done nothin that shoulda already been done! Ya protector…the wise and wonderfully fucked up Nasado was meant to wake ya’ll ages ago, but he didn’t. That’s why ya ain’t got ya memories, and why ya as weak as they come! So back it off Isabel. I gave Max da choice, and he chose this…I ain’t forcin nothin on no one, but as he knows, if ya’ll wanna survive this war, ya gotta know where ya came from, so we do it my way!”
Isabel took a step toward him, Zan’s eyes narrowing slightly. “Then why is he like that huh? Why does he have that weird colour on his eyelashes? …I mean, is that blood? What the hell did you do him Zan?”
Zan snorted, lowering his head slightly so he could stare into Isabel’s eyes directly.
“I woke him up…that’s it. The blood on his eyes? Phfft…it ain’t no picnic in da park princess. It hurts like nothin ya ever felt before. Ya alien side’s rippin free…makin itself right at home in da drivers seat. He’s still ya bro…he’s just stronger now. But don’t worry princess….” Zan chuckled slightly. “…Ya time will come too.”
Max’s soft moan cut the argument short, Zan grabbing Max’s bin as Max rolled weakly to the side. Gripping Max’s head gently, Zan guided Max to the bin. Isabel dropped to her knees as Max vomited. When he finished, Zan placed the bin by the bed, and rolled Max back onto his back. Diane bit back a sob when she saw the red tears that leaked from the corners of Max’s closed eyes. Zan lifted Max’s eyelid, Isabel gasping slightly.
“See…he’s still Max…. just more alien now,” Zan said softly, letting Max’s eyelid drop. Max’s lashes fanned down across his skin again, hiding the burning gold depths of his eyes behind them.
“Zan?”
Ava peeked at him from behind Phillip, Zan sighing softly as he held his hand out to her. Ava hurried to his side, Zan wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his face against her stomach as she stood before him. Ava ran her hands through Zan’s hair gently, feeling the warmth of Zan’s breath against her stomach.
“I had to do it Aves…it was da only way.”
“I know that Zan…I know. But Jy was right Zan…ya gotta tell ‘em everythin. I know ya think ya in da right hidin da shit that went down with Rath and Lonnie and Niko, but how can ya teach ‘em what they’re up against, when ya ain’t willin to share what makes ya da man ya are today?”
“Ava…I can’t.”
Ava tilted Zan’s face back, her touch gentle as she feathered her index finger along his eyebrow. Zan stared up at her; Isabel was able to see his gaze was completely open with Ava. Even as Ava ran her finger down the side of Zan’s face, and along his lower lip, she started to speak.
“Ya not to blame Zan. Ya never were. If it hadn’t been for you, I’d be dead. Ya know this. Ya ain’t able to change what happened to da baby Zan. What were ya meant to do? Ya were smeared across da street.”
Zan’s eyes closed in pain, Ava still touching his face gently.
“How were ya to know that Kivar would come to me like that? How were ya meant to know he’d hurt me? Ya didn’t know I was pregnant. But if ya had of known? …Ya would have died once more to protect her and me. Ya have to tell ‘em everythin Zan…why they need to be woken. Why ya have so much hatred for Kivar.”
Isabel’s hand came up over her mouth as Ava spoke, so many things starting to make sense. She glanced over at her mother and father, and saw that they too, had gone pale. They too, were feeling the pain and guilt Zan carried on his shoulders. Zan, who looked so much like their own son.
“I can’t Aves…please baby…not yet. It’s hurts too much.”
Zan’s voice cracked slightly as he finished speaking. Ava nodded, Zan closing his eyes as he once more rested his head on Ava’s stomach. But not her stomach, Isabel realised. He was resting, where his child should have lain. Even as Isabel watched him, Zan pressed a gentle kiss just below Ava’s belly button. It bought tears to her eyes when she saw the single tear that slid down his face, his lashes glinting slightly as he pulled back slightly.
“Get some sleep baby…ya need ya rest. I’ll stay with Max tonight…make sure he’s ok.”
Ava nodded, and brushed her lips over his cheek. Phillip and Diane headed to the kitchen to make Zan something to eat, knowing he needed a few minutes to calm down before they spoke to him. Isabel walked out as well, waiting in the hallway for Ava. So she heard Zan speak again, her heart breaking slightly.
“Aves?”
Ava turned to face Zan, who looked at her with open eyes.
“If it takes me da rest of my life, I’ll make it up to ya baby…I promise.”
Ava smiled slightly, and then spoke quietly.
“What’s my favourite song Zan?”
Zan frowned slightly. “Always by Saliva…why?”
“It reminds me of ya… ‘I love ya, I hate ya, I can’t live without ya.’ This life. Our last life. Da next one too…I’m always gonna love ya.”
Ava turned then, heading for the door. Zan’s voice stopped her though as she stepped through.
“Ava? …” Ava glanced back at him. “I love ya too baby.”
Ava smiled. “I know.” And then she was gone.
Isabel pulled into the driveway, and cut the engine to the jeep with a sigh. She’d dropped Alex off at home, before heading for her own. Ava sat in the backseat silently, chewing her nails as she stared at Isabel. Isabel swung from the jeep, and motioned to the front door. Ava looked up, and swung from the car silently.
“It’s not the Hilton, but it’s home.”
As Ava drew closer to Isabel, she spoke softly.
“It’s more than we ever had.”
Isabel sighed, dropping her eyes guiltily. Ava sighed herself.
“I ain’t meaning nothin by it Isabel. But it is more than we ever had. So I don’t expect da Hilton…I’m just grateful for a pillow.”
Isabel gave Ava a small smile, knowing just how uncomfortable around her the other girl was. She led Ava to the front door, and pushed it open. Ava followed her through, Isabel calling out for her mother and father as Ava silently shut the door. Hearing footsteps, Ava shrank slightly into the shadows, watching silently as Diane pulled Isabel into her arms for a hug. But Diane spotted her anyway.
“Hello Tess. How are you tonight?” Diane asked, even as she did a double take. This wasn’t Tess…was it?
Isabel turned to Ava, and held out her hand. Ava flinched; Isabel sighing softly as she walked the few steps separating them, and gently took Ava’s hand in her own. With a gentle tug, she led the other girl forward.
“Mum…Dad…this is Ava. Remember how Max told you there were two sets? …Well Ava is Tess’s double.”
Both Phillip and Diane nodded, Ava lowering her gaze slightly. But her eyes flew back up when Diane spoke.
“It’s lovely to meet you Ava. Would you like something to eat or drink?”
Ava swallowed. “Just a glass of water if it ain’t too much trouble,” she said, her voice husky and low.
Diane stared at Ava silently, and then held out her hand. Ava took her hand hesitantly, a small smile crossing her face at Diane’s next words.
“I think I can manage more than a glass of water. How about some toast and tea?”
Isabel and Phillip watched as Diane led Ava to the kitchen, Isabel smiling when Ava shot a glance over her shoulder at Isabel. But her smile faded when she turned to look at her father.
“Daddy…we need your help.”
Phillip nodded, leading Isabel into his office quietly. They sat down together, Isabel biting her lower lip as she wondered how to begin. Her father however, beat her to it.
“If Ava looks that much like Tess, what does her Max look like?”
Isabel smiled. “Zan and Max are identical. But Zan’s a lot rougher around the edges Daddy…and I do mean a lot. I was wondering though, if he and Ava could stay here while they are in Roswell.”
“We only have the one guest room Isabel,” her father reminded her gently.
Isabel blushed slightly, her hands twisting in her lap.
“Daddy…Zan and Ava have been together for a long time by the sounds of things. But they aren’t together now. And I think they need each other. I know they won’t…do anything…while they are here, if that’s what’s worrying you.”
Phillip smiled as Isabel stumbled over the words, and he steepled his fingers under his chin as he gazed at his daughter.
“Why do they need each other?” he asked softly.
Isabel glanced at her hands again. “Rath and Lonnie…they’re Michael and me in the other set…they tried killing Zan Daddy. And he seems to have trust issues. He’s arrogant, and he swears a lot. But he’s still like Max Daddy. What Max might have turned out like if it hadn’t been for you and Mum.”
Isabel raised her gaze slowly, fear swimming in the dark depths.
“We need his help Daddy. That’s why I’m asking. We’re going to say he is our brother or cousin. I wouldn’t ask otherwise Daddy.”
Phillip blinked, suddenly seeing what Isabel was trying to show him. She needed his help. Not only Zan’s. She was including him in the trouble that plagued his daughter and son’s lives, and Phillip knew if he said no, they wouldn’t come to him again.
“Ok then Izzy…I’ll help you make up the bed for them.”
Isabel smiled brightly, and followed her father up the stairs to make up the guest room. They didn’t take all that long, and as they started back down the stairs, Ava and Diane came out to greet them. Just as the group was about to move into the lounge room, a knock sounded on the front door…if you could call it a knock. It sounded more like someone falling against it. Phillip reached out, the door swinging open. Zan stood in the doorway, Max unconscious in his arms.
“Max!”
Isabel hurried forward, slipping her arms around him from the other side as Zan hoisted him up again. They ignored Diane’s frantic questions of wether Max was all right or not, and between the two of them, half carried, half dragged Max up the stairs. Isabel opened Max’s door, and stood aside as Zan dragged him over to his bed. It was only when Zan dropped Max onto the soft mattress that she rounded on him.
“What did you do to him?” she cried angrily. Zan turned on her swiftly, his eyes glowing slightly as he glared at her.
“I ain’t done nothin that shoulda already been done! Ya protector…the wise and wonderfully fucked up Nasado was meant to wake ya’ll ages ago, but he didn’t. That’s why ya ain’t got ya memories, and why ya as weak as they come! So back it off Isabel. I gave Max da choice, and he chose this…I ain’t forcin nothin on no one, but as he knows, if ya’ll wanna survive this war, ya gotta know where ya came from, so we do it my way!”
Isabel took a step toward him, Zan’s eyes narrowing slightly. “Then why is he like that huh? Why does he have that weird colour on his eyelashes? …I mean, is that blood? What the hell did you do him Zan?”
Zan snorted, lowering his head slightly so he could stare into Isabel’s eyes directly.
“I woke him up…that’s it. The blood on his eyes? Phfft…it ain’t no picnic in da park princess. It hurts like nothin ya ever felt before. Ya alien side’s rippin free…makin itself right at home in da drivers seat. He’s still ya bro…he’s just stronger now. But don’t worry princess….” Zan chuckled slightly. “…Ya time will come too.”
Max’s soft moan cut the argument short, Zan grabbing Max’s bin as Max rolled weakly to the side. Gripping Max’s head gently, Zan guided Max to the bin. Isabel dropped to her knees as Max vomited. When he finished, Zan placed the bin by the bed, and rolled Max back onto his back. Diane bit back a sob when she saw the red tears that leaked from the corners of Max’s closed eyes. Zan lifted Max’s eyelid, Isabel gasping slightly.
“See…he’s still Max…. just more alien now,” Zan said softly, letting Max’s eyelid drop. Max’s lashes fanned down across his skin again, hiding the burning gold depths of his eyes behind them.
“Zan?”
Ava peeked at him from behind Phillip, Zan sighing softly as he held his hand out to her. Ava hurried to his side, Zan wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his face against her stomach as she stood before him. Ava ran her hands through Zan’s hair gently, feeling the warmth of Zan’s breath against her stomach.
“I had to do it Aves…it was da only way.”
“I know that Zan…I know. But Jy was right Zan…ya gotta tell ‘em everythin. I know ya think ya in da right hidin da shit that went down with Rath and Lonnie and Niko, but how can ya teach ‘em what they’re up against, when ya ain’t willin to share what makes ya da man ya are today?”
“Ava…I can’t.”
Ava tilted Zan’s face back, her touch gentle as she feathered her index finger along his eyebrow. Zan stared up at her; Isabel was able to see his gaze was completely open with Ava. Even as Ava ran her finger down the side of Zan’s face, and along his lower lip, she started to speak.
“Ya not to blame Zan. Ya never were. If it hadn’t been for you, I’d be dead. Ya know this. Ya ain’t able to change what happened to da baby Zan. What were ya meant to do? Ya were smeared across da street.”
Zan’s eyes closed in pain, Ava still touching his face gently.
“How were ya to know that Kivar would come to me like that? How were ya meant to know he’d hurt me? Ya didn’t know I was pregnant. But if ya had of known? …Ya would have died once more to protect her and me. Ya have to tell ‘em everythin Zan…why they need to be woken. Why ya have so much hatred for Kivar.”
Isabel’s hand came up over her mouth as Ava spoke, so many things starting to make sense. She glanced over at her mother and father, and saw that they too, had gone pale. They too, were feeling the pain and guilt Zan carried on his shoulders. Zan, who looked so much like their own son.
“I can’t Aves…please baby…not yet. It’s hurts too much.”
Zan’s voice cracked slightly as he finished speaking. Ava nodded, Zan closing his eyes as he once more rested his head on Ava’s stomach. But not her stomach, Isabel realised. He was resting, where his child should have lain. Even as Isabel watched him, Zan pressed a gentle kiss just below Ava’s belly button. It bought tears to her eyes when she saw the single tear that slid down his face, his lashes glinting slightly as he pulled back slightly.
“Get some sleep baby…ya need ya rest. I’ll stay with Max tonight…make sure he’s ok.”
Ava nodded, and brushed her lips over his cheek. Phillip and Diane headed to the kitchen to make Zan something to eat, knowing he needed a few minutes to calm down before they spoke to him. Isabel walked out as well, waiting in the hallway for Ava. So she heard Zan speak again, her heart breaking slightly.
“Aves?”
Ava turned to face Zan, who looked at her with open eyes.
“If it takes me da rest of my life, I’ll make it up to ya baby…I promise.”
Ava smiled slightly, and then spoke quietly.
“What’s my favourite song Zan?”
Zan frowned slightly. “Always by Saliva…why?”
“It reminds me of ya… ‘I love ya, I hate ya, I can’t live without ya.’ This life. Our last life. Da next one too…I’m always gonna love ya.”
Ava turned then, heading for the door. Zan’s voice stopped her though as she stepped through.
“Ava? …” Ava glanced back at him. “I love ya too baby.”
Ava smiled. “I know.” And then she was gone.
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 41.
Kyle woke up slowly, hearing the light footsteps heading toward the kitchen. He lay still, knowing that Tess was still upset; despite the front she had shown to the others. The radio snapped on quietly, the dial twisted in the darkness to a soft rock station. The soft strains of the music drifted around the house, Kyle able to see the time from the glowing numbers on the clock. It was three am.
The haunting strains of guitar music drifted around him, Kyle recognising the song easily. Alison Krauss’s ‘It Doesn’t Matter.’ Kyle watched in silence as Tess opened the door to the microwave, before hoisting herself up on the bench, a tub of yoghurt in her hand. She’d opened the door to the microwave so she could see, while not disturbing anyone by putting on a larger light.
Kyle’s mouth went dry when he realised she was once more wearing the blue shirt she had worn the first morning he had found her in his house. The long length of her legs were bare, her skin glowing with an ethereal light in the semi darkness. Tousled blonde curls framed her face, adding to the fragile picture she unwittingly created.
As she sat there, she sang softly. Kyle remained silent still, watching Tess through new eyes. Her eyes slid shut as she started singing, her hand going to her forehead as she rubbed at a phantom pain. Her voice was soft and husky, sending goose bumps skittering over his naked skin.
It doesn't matter what I want
It doesn't matter what I need
It doesn't matter if I cry
Don't matter if I bleed
You've been on a road
Don't know where it goes or where it leads
Kyle’s mind started ticking. He could almost see Tess’s insecurities. Her private pain. Her private thoughts. So still, he remained silent. Starving for a glimpse into what made her tick. What made her so beautiful to him. What kept him from reaching out to her.
It doesn't matter what I want
It doesn't matter what I need
If you've made up your mind to go
I won't beg you to stay
You've been in a cage
Throw you to the wind you fly away
Tess wiped her eyes, once more burying her pain as she tossed her finished tub of yoghurt in the bin, and washed her spoon. Yet even as she did so, she continued to sing softly.
It doesn't matter what I want
It doesn't matter what I need
It doesn't matter if I cry
Doesn't matter if I bleed
Feel the sting of tears
Falling on this face you've loved for years
Tess braced her hands against the sink, staring out the kitchen window at the night sky. The stars mocked her silently, so close, yet so far away. Would she spend her life on Earth? Would she ever see Antar in this life? Did she even want too? So many questions remained unanswered. So many fears, yet to die a silent death. She thought back to the dream that had woken her. It had sent chills down her spine, fear twisting in an intimate dance within her heart…
They had all been there. Family. Friends. The night sky rumbled with power. The stench of alien blood hung in the air. And in the middle of a bright light, stood Kivar. His human form was gone, and in its place stood reality in all its terror. His clawed hand gripped Liz’s throat, the small brunette standing on tiptoe as Kivar backed toward the light with her.
The tips of his claws were spilling Liz’s blood again, the scarlet trickle standing out in terrifying clarity against her skin. Fear danced within her eyes, sending her pain down her face in silent tears. Even as Kivar backed away, Liz had locked eyes with Tess. Love. Friendship. Understanding. Acceptance to her fate.
“How far are ya willin to go? …What are ya willin to do…for redemption?”
Zan’s voice echoed in her head, Tess nodding. She knew Liz knew the end result. Was resigned to it. They both were. With a look of sorrow in her gaze, Tess let go…Avaria coming out in full force even as Max screamed the word “No.” Flames had filled her vision, before darkness took away the results…
Tess sighed again. She didn’t know if the dream was a premonition, of what was to come. But she did know, Liz’s life hung in the balance. And with that, hung the chance to make all past sins right again. Tess knew, that if she failed…that if Liz died…they all would. Liquid strength straightened Tess’s spine, her words soft as Zan’s voice whispered the yet to be asked question once more.
“How far are ya willin to go? …”
“All the way….” Her answer was whisper soft, a promise made, but yet to be kept.
Flicking the radio off, she exited the kitchen, fully intending to go back to bed. But she didn’t. Instead she moved to the couch, looking down at Kyle in the darkness. His eyes were shut, his breathing even. Kneeling down beside him, she watched him sleep silently. The sharp lines of his jaw. The gentle slope of his nose. The thick strands of his hair, and the way it fell in tousled waves across his face.
He was innocent as he slept, Tess unable to understand why his mother had left all those years ago. Her son was a good guy, well on his way to becoming a great man. A man who would make a great husband one day. An even better father. He was great at sport, and should have been concentrating on that, yet here he was, neck deep in the alien abyss. He deserved better. Better than her.
With a soft sigh, Tess stood up, shaking her head as she went to move away. But she jumped, a small cry of shock escaping her lips when a warm hand closed around her wrist. Looking back down at Kyle, she could see his eyes were open and glowing slightly as he stared up at her, a look she didn’t know or understand appearing in his gaze.
Without a word, Kyle shifted on the couch, making more room for her. He didn’t speak, Tess also remaining silent as Kyle lifted the blankets up in silent invitation. Tess could see the dark band of his boxer shorts against his taunt stomach, and the length of his bare legs as he continued to look up at her.
Swallowing slightly, Tess moved closer. Kyle continued to hold her gaze with his own, those gentle eyes almost pleading in their intensity. Tess took another step, her knees bumping against the couch. Rolling slightly onto his side to make even more room, Kyle tugged on her hand gently, and without a word, Tess let him guide her down onto the couch beside him.
Tess swung her legs up onto the soft cushions, and shifted down slightly, before Kyle slid his arm around her waist, and pressed her gently down onto her back. Tess felt the blankets close around them, and she was surprised that she was warm. Without a word, Kyle pulled her closer to his body, fitting her against him so that her head was nestled against his shoulder, her hair spread against his pillows.
Tess rolled onto her side, sliding her knee through Kyle’s knees, her arm sliding across his stomach as he wrapped one arm around her shoulders, and the other around her waist. They both shifted once more, Tess tucking her head against Kyle’s shoulder, her lips barely grazing his collarbone. She felt him rest his cheek against her forehead, his breath puffing slowly across her skin.
The silence of the night was peaceful; both too scared to shatter the intimacy of the moment by speaking. Kyle closed his eyes, breathing in the lemony scent of her hair, and the fresh smell of soap against her skin. Unable to help himself, he lifted the hand that rested against her shoulder, and ran his fingers through her hair, the curls wrapping around his fingers slightly as he moved his hand.
Tess closed her own eyes when Kyle started stroking her hair, the musky scent of his skin teasing her senses. She could hear the steady thumping rhythm of his heart as she pressed closer to him, needing the silent comfort he was offering. She didn’t know how Kyle had come to understand her so well, but she grateful.
“Tess? …” It was a soft whisper, stirring the curls that lay against her temples.
“Yeah? …” Her reply was just as soft, but the throaty way in which she spoke, sent his heart beat soaring.
“It matters…to me…it matters.”
Part 42.
I borrowed some lines from Departure.
Michael scowled as he wandered the silent streets. His life was spiralling rapidly out of control, and he was helpless to stop it. The thought that they could all be dead within the month was almost paralysing. Would they be ready in time? Would they be strong enough? Would they win…or lose? Michael sighed softly, staring up at the night sky. His thoughts had driven him from bed, driven him to the dark streets.
“You guys don’t let anyone get close. Not even those who love you.”
Alex’s voice echoed in his head, Michael pausing as he contemplated what he wanted to do. He knew Alex was right. He kept Maria at arm’s length. He always had. He knew how much it hurt her that he kept himself shut off from her, yet at the same token, he was almost as scared to let her in, as he was to face Kivar when the time came.
Even as he was lost in his thoughts, his feet made the decision for him. They led him to Maria’s street. Down it. Across her lawn. Through the back gate. Around to her bedroom window. It was only when the soft glow of her lamp caught his attention, did he know what he was doing there. The window was silent as it slid open, Michael just as silent as he crept inside.
He stood in the shadows, staring down at her as she slept. Blonde curls lay in disarray across her pillow, her hands clenched together under her chin as she huddled under the blankets for warmth. Her eyelashes brushed her skin, her eyelids twitching as she dreamed. Michael eased himself down onto her bed, resting his head against the wall behind him.
Maria shifted closer to him as she continued to sleep, Michael playing with the ends of one of her curls. The door to her bedroom opened suddenly, Amy appearing in the weak light. Michael looked up at her, his loneliness and confusion shining brightly in his eyes before he could hide it. Amy simply sighed, entering Maria’s room and coming closer to Michael.
“I wasn’t gonna do anything,” he mumbled, sitting up as he made ready to leave Maria’s side. But Amy simply pushed him back down next to her daughter.
“And you still won’t do anything Michael, but protect her…that’s what you do. It’s what you’ve always done.” Amy sat down beside Michael, and took his hand in hers. She traced his palm gently, her dark eyes glittering in the pale light. When she lifted her head some time later, new knowledge, along with acceptance, shone in her eyes.
“I don’t pretend to understand you Michael. I don’t pretend to understand why you push Maria away. But I know this isn’t the first time you’ve just watched Maria sleep. You’re always gone in the morning…you’ve never stuck around for my famous waffles. And for once Michael…I’d like to see you at my breakfast table at 6.30 am sharp. Am I making myself clear?”
Michael nodded, Amy cupping his cheek in her palm as she stood back up. She glanced down at Maria, a sad smile crossing her face.
“She grew up on me Michael, before I was ready for her to stop being my baby. And if she has to have a man in her life…if and when she takes that next step…I’m hoping it’s with you.”
Amy held her hand up when Michael went to speak, effectively silencing him with a single look.
“My daughter puts across a front of strength Michael. But she’s only human. She does get hurt easily. So I’m offering you a chance here. A chance to become more than a lost child, who was spat out by the system. Let her in. Love her wholly. And so help me god Michael, you get her pregnant before you’re married, and I’ll castrate you. General or not.”
Michael’s jaw hit the ground, Amy smiling as she once more cupped his face in her hand.
“I’ve always known you were different Michael. But I too have a gift. A gift for reading people. Their pasts. Their futures. And your future is bright…if you let her in. Let her love you. She’ll heal all wounds Michael. But I promise you this…nothing on earth will save you if you hurt my baby. I will hunt you down, and make you sing like a choirboy. I don’t care if you’re different. I don’t care where you came from. Or what you’ve done to stay safe. My main concern is that you start treating Maria like she was the most important thing in your life. And that you start using my front door, instead of my daughter’s window.”
Amy walked away, pausing when Michael called her name softly.
“Ms. Deluca? How did you know?”
Amy smiled. “You fixed my sink Michael. I saw you…and my suspicions were confirmed. I’d always thought your aura was different from humans. You. Max. Isabel. Tess. You’re not human. You’re alien. So I watched you. Read you. And came to my own conclusions. One more thing Michael…. it’s Amy. Not Ms. Deluca. I’ll see you at breakfast.”
Michael nodded, returning his gaze to Maria as she lay sleeping at his side. Shifting lower on the bed, Michael reached out, tracing her jaw gently with his fingertip. Maria snuffled, rolling closer to him as he continued to stare down at her. Amy’s words echoed in his head, along with Alex’s, showing him the true side of Maria as he watched her.
“I’m scared Maria. So scared,” he mumbled softly. “What if something happens to you? What if I’m not strong enough to handle what the future brings? I’m scared of letting you in. The reason you didn't get the flashes is because I didn't let you get them. I didn't let you see me. I've never let anyone see me before...because there are things inside of me that I don't want people to see. There are things inside of me that I'm not so proud of…things I’ve done that I’m not so proud of.”
Michael sighed softly, brushing his lips over Maria’s brow softly.
“The thing that scares me more than anything Maria? It’s not that I let you in, and you turn from me coz of what I’ve done. It’s that I let you in, and you love me anyway. Coz then there’s no more excuses. No more reasons to hide. You compare Liz and Max to Romeo and Juliet. Who do we compare to? Who do I measure up to with you?”
Michael sighed; closing his eyes as he tried to control the outpouring of emotions he was experiencing. He wasn’t used to it. Feelings were as alien to him, as he was alien to earth. He was Stonewall Guerin. Nothing got to him. Nothing penetrated those walls. Nothing…. until now. With her large green eyes, and short fuse temper, Maria had pushed and prodded, dug and burrowed, until she was curled up inside of him. Holding his heart in the palm of her hand. And that scared the shit out of him.
“Michael?” Her voice was sleepy, Maria looking up at him out of gentle eyes. Love shone in those eyes. It was then Michael knew…. he held her heart too.
“I don’t compare you to anyone. Because there is no one on Earth like you. Whether or not you let me in, I’m always gonna love you Michael. And nothing you say or do will change that. You’re my prickly alien. You take care of me. You push me to be better. And you love me. I don’t need to hear the words to know that Michael.
“I see it in your eyes. I see it when you make me fresh fries after we shut, even though it means cleaning the grill again. I see it when you make me a spring loaded, wooden napkin holder. I see it, when even though you were trying to stay away from me, you couldn’t stop watching me. I see it, you buy my best friend a doughnut, coz you know she loves them. It was better than flowers to her Michael.”
Maria sat up, cupping his face in her hands. Her hair tumbled around her shoulders in delightful confusion, the strap of her tank top slipping down one shoulder. Michael’s gaze lowered to the smooth skin, but he flicked it quickly back up to Maria. She smiled gently, her eyes shining in the dark.
“You might not realise this Michael, but you’ve already let me in. You let me in, the night you first came to me. When you let me see you cry. When you let me hold you all night, because you didn’t know how to deal on your own. And I’ve been inside ever since. You’ve been inside of me ever since. I love you Michael. I always have. And I always will. Nothing will change that. Or make me turn away from you.”
Michael swallowed hard, Maria pressing her fingers to his lips when he went to speak. She shook her head slowly, before replacing her fingers with her lips. Love, desire, and need were a solid fist to his stomach, Michael sinking his hands quickly into her hair when she went to pull back.
Maria’s lips parted in surprise, Michael taking the opportunity to taste her, tease her, sliding his tongue along hers, and groaning low into her mouth when she responded. He wasn’t sure what he was doing until Maria gasped into his mouth; sudden tears lending a salty taste to their kiss. Michael stopped fighting, and let her in. All the way in. And the whole time he showed her who he was...what he was…he could taste her unconditional love.
When he eventually pulled away, Michael swept her tears away with his lips. With his thumbs. With the tip of his tongue at the corner of her slightly swollen lips. Pressing his forehead to hers, he looked into her eyes. Saw acceptance. Love. Faith. And whispered softly, his words echoing in his eyes, and sending more tears streaming down her face.
“I love you…I’ll always love you.”
Kyle woke up slowly, hearing the light footsteps heading toward the kitchen. He lay still, knowing that Tess was still upset; despite the front she had shown to the others. The radio snapped on quietly, the dial twisted in the darkness to a soft rock station. The soft strains of the music drifted around the house, Kyle able to see the time from the glowing numbers on the clock. It was three am.
The haunting strains of guitar music drifted around him, Kyle recognising the song easily. Alison Krauss’s ‘It Doesn’t Matter.’ Kyle watched in silence as Tess opened the door to the microwave, before hoisting herself up on the bench, a tub of yoghurt in her hand. She’d opened the door to the microwave so she could see, while not disturbing anyone by putting on a larger light.
Kyle’s mouth went dry when he realised she was once more wearing the blue shirt she had worn the first morning he had found her in his house. The long length of her legs were bare, her skin glowing with an ethereal light in the semi darkness. Tousled blonde curls framed her face, adding to the fragile picture she unwittingly created.
As she sat there, she sang softly. Kyle remained silent still, watching Tess through new eyes. Her eyes slid shut as she started singing, her hand going to her forehead as she rubbed at a phantom pain. Her voice was soft and husky, sending goose bumps skittering over his naked skin.
It doesn't matter what I want
It doesn't matter what I need
It doesn't matter if I cry
Don't matter if I bleed
You've been on a road
Don't know where it goes or where it leads
Kyle’s mind started ticking. He could almost see Tess’s insecurities. Her private pain. Her private thoughts. So still, he remained silent. Starving for a glimpse into what made her tick. What made her so beautiful to him. What kept him from reaching out to her.
It doesn't matter what I want
It doesn't matter what I need
If you've made up your mind to go
I won't beg you to stay
You've been in a cage
Throw you to the wind you fly away
Tess wiped her eyes, once more burying her pain as she tossed her finished tub of yoghurt in the bin, and washed her spoon. Yet even as she did so, she continued to sing softly.
It doesn't matter what I want
It doesn't matter what I need
It doesn't matter if I cry
Doesn't matter if I bleed
Feel the sting of tears
Falling on this face you've loved for years
Tess braced her hands against the sink, staring out the kitchen window at the night sky. The stars mocked her silently, so close, yet so far away. Would she spend her life on Earth? Would she ever see Antar in this life? Did she even want too? So many questions remained unanswered. So many fears, yet to die a silent death. She thought back to the dream that had woken her. It had sent chills down her spine, fear twisting in an intimate dance within her heart…
They had all been there. Family. Friends. The night sky rumbled with power. The stench of alien blood hung in the air. And in the middle of a bright light, stood Kivar. His human form was gone, and in its place stood reality in all its terror. His clawed hand gripped Liz’s throat, the small brunette standing on tiptoe as Kivar backed toward the light with her.
The tips of his claws were spilling Liz’s blood again, the scarlet trickle standing out in terrifying clarity against her skin. Fear danced within her eyes, sending her pain down her face in silent tears. Even as Kivar backed away, Liz had locked eyes with Tess. Love. Friendship. Understanding. Acceptance to her fate.
“How far are ya willin to go? …What are ya willin to do…for redemption?”
Zan’s voice echoed in her head, Tess nodding. She knew Liz knew the end result. Was resigned to it. They both were. With a look of sorrow in her gaze, Tess let go…Avaria coming out in full force even as Max screamed the word “No.” Flames had filled her vision, before darkness took away the results…
Tess sighed again. She didn’t know if the dream was a premonition, of what was to come. But she did know, Liz’s life hung in the balance. And with that, hung the chance to make all past sins right again. Tess knew, that if she failed…that if Liz died…they all would. Liquid strength straightened Tess’s spine, her words soft as Zan’s voice whispered the yet to be asked question once more.
“How far are ya willin to go? …”
“All the way….” Her answer was whisper soft, a promise made, but yet to be kept.
Flicking the radio off, she exited the kitchen, fully intending to go back to bed. But she didn’t. Instead she moved to the couch, looking down at Kyle in the darkness. His eyes were shut, his breathing even. Kneeling down beside him, she watched him sleep silently. The sharp lines of his jaw. The gentle slope of his nose. The thick strands of his hair, and the way it fell in tousled waves across his face.
He was innocent as he slept, Tess unable to understand why his mother had left all those years ago. Her son was a good guy, well on his way to becoming a great man. A man who would make a great husband one day. An even better father. He was great at sport, and should have been concentrating on that, yet here he was, neck deep in the alien abyss. He deserved better. Better than her.
With a soft sigh, Tess stood up, shaking her head as she went to move away. But she jumped, a small cry of shock escaping her lips when a warm hand closed around her wrist. Looking back down at Kyle, she could see his eyes were open and glowing slightly as he stared up at her, a look she didn’t know or understand appearing in his gaze.
Without a word, Kyle shifted on the couch, making more room for her. He didn’t speak, Tess also remaining silent as Kyle lifted the blankets up in silent invitation. Tess could see the dark band of his boxer shorts against his taunt stomach, and the length of his bare legs as he continued to look up at her.
Swallowing slightly, Tess moved closer. Kyle continued to hold her gaze with his own, those gentle eyes almost pleading in their intensity. Tess took another step, her knees bumping against the couch. Rolling slightly onto his side to make even more room, Kyle tugged on her hand gently, and without a word, Tess let him guide her down onto the couch beside him.
Tess swung her legs up onto the soft cushions, and shifted down slightly, before Kyle slid his arm around her waist, and pressed her gently down onto her back. Tess felt the blankets close around them, and she was surprised that she was warm. Without a word, Kyle pulled her closer to his body, fitting her against him so that her head was nestled against his shoulder, her hair spread against his pillows.
Tess rolled onto her side, sliding her knee through Kyle’s knees, her arm sliding across his stomach as he wrapped one arm around her shoulders, and the other around her waist. They both shifted once more, Tess tucking her head against Kyle’s shoulder, her lips barely grazing his collarbone. She felt him rest his cheek against her forehead, his breath puffing slowly across her skin.
The silence of the night was peaceful; both too scared to shatter the intimacy of the moment by speaking. Kyle closed his eyes, breathing in the lemony scent of her hair, and the fresh smell of soap against her skin. Unable to help himself, he lifted the hand that rested against her shoulder, and ran his fingers through her hair, the curls wrapping around his fingers slightly as he moved his hand.
Tess closed her own eyes when Kyle started stroking her hair, the musky scent of his skin teasing her senses. She could hear the steady thumping rhythm of his heart as she pressed closer to him, needing the silent comfort he was offering. She didn’t know how Kyle had come to understand her so well, but she grateful.
“Tess? …” It was a soft whisper, stirring the curls that lay against her temples.
“Yeah? …” Her reply was just as soft, but the throaty way in which she spoke, sent his heart beat soaring.
“It matters…to me…it matters.”
Part 42.
I borrowed some lines from Departure.
Michael scowled as he wandered the silent streets. His life was spiralling rapidly out of control, and he was helpless to stop it. The thought that they could all be dead within the month was almost paralysing. Would they be ready in time? Would they be strong enough? Would they win…or lose? Michael sighed softly, staring up at the night sky. His thoughts had driven him from bed, driven him to the dark streets.
“You guys don’t let anyone get close. Not even those who love you.”
Alex’s voice echoed in his head, Michael pausing as he contemplated what he wanted to do. He knew Alex was right. He kept Maria at arm’s length. He always had. He knew how much it hurt her that he kept himself shut off from her, yet at the same token, he was almost as scared to let her in, as he was to face Kivar when the time came.
Even as he was lost in his thoughts, his feet made the decision for him. They led him to Maria’s street. Down it. Across her lawn. Through the back gate. Around to her bedroom window. It was only when the soft glow of her lamp caught his attention, did he know what he was doing there. The window was silent as it slid open, Michael just as silent as he crept inside.
He stood in the shadows, staring down at her as she slept. Blonde curls lay in disarray across her pillow, her hands clenched together under her chin as she huddled under the blankets for warmth. Her eyelashes brushed her skin, her eyelids twitching as she dreamed. Michael eased himself down onto her bed, resting his head against the wall behind him.
Maria shifted closer to him as she continued to sleep, Michael playing with the ends of one of her curls. The door to her bedroom opened suddenly, Amy appearing in the weak light. Michael looked up at her, his loneliness and confusion shining brightly in his eyes before he could hide it. Amy simply sighed, entering Maria’s room and coming closer to Michael.
“I wasn’t gonna do anything,” he mumbled, sitting up as he made ready to leave Maria’s side. But Amy simply pushed him back down next to her daughter.
“And you still won’t do anything Michael, but protect her…that’s what you do. It’s what you’ve always done.” Amy sat down beside Michael, and took his hand in hers. She traced his palm gently, her dark eyes glittering in the pale light. When she lifted her head some time later, new knowledge, along with acceptance, shone in her eyes.
“I don’t pretend to understand you Michael. I don’t pretend to understand why you push Maria away. But I know this isn’t the first time you’ve just watched Maria sleep. You’re always gone in the morning…you’ve never stuck around for my famous waffles. And for once Michael…I’d like to see you at my breakfast table at 6.30 am sharp. Am I making myself clear?”
Michael nodded, Amy cupping his cheek in her palm as she stood back up. She glanced down at Maria, a sad smile crossing her face.
“She grew up on me Michael, before I was ready for her to stop being my baby. And if she has to have a man in her life…if and when she takes that next step…I’m hoping it’s with you.”
Amy held her hand up when Michael went to speak, effectively silencing him with a single look.
“My daughter puts across a front of strength Michael. But she’s only human. She does get hurt easily. So I’m offering you a chance here. A chance to become more than a lost child, who was spat out by the system. Let her in. Love her wholly. And so help me god Michael, you get her pregnant before you’re married, and I’ll castrate you. General or not.”
Michael’s jaw hit the ground, Amy smiling as she once more cupped his face in her hand.
“I’ve always known you were different Michael. But I too have a gift. A gift for reading people. Their pasts. Their futures. And your future is bright…if you let her in. Let her love you. She’ll heal all wounds Michael. But I promise you this…nothing on earth will save you if you hurt my baby. I will hunt you down, and make you sing like a choirboy. I don’t care if you’re different. I don’t care where you came from. Or what you’ve done to stay safe. My main concern is that you start treating Maria like she was the most important thing in your life. And that you start using my front door, instead of my daughter’s window.”
Amy walked away, pausing when Michael called her name softly.
“Ms. Deluca? How did you know?”
Amy smiled. “You fixed my sink Michael. I saw you…and my suspicions were confirmed. I’d always thought your aura was different from humans. You. Max. Isabel. Tess. You’re not human. You’re alien. So I watched you. Read you. And came to my own conclusions. One more thing Michael…. it’s Amy. Not Ms. Deluca. I’ll see you at breakfast.”
Michael nodded, returning his gaze to Maria as she lay sleeping at his side. Shifting lower on the bed, Michael reached out, tracing her jaw gently with his fingertip. Maria snuffled, rolling closer to him as he continued to stare down at her. Amy’s words echoed in his head, along with Alex’s, showing him the true side of Maria as he watched her.
“I’m scared Maria. So scared,” he mumbled softly. “What if something happens to you? What if I’m not strong enough to handle what the future brings? I’m scared of letting you in. The reason you didn't get the flashes is because I didn't let you get them. I didn't let you see me. I've never let anyone see me before...because there are things inside of me that I don't want people to see. There are things inside of me that I'm not so proud of…things I’ve done that I’m not so proud of.”
Michael sighed softly, brushing his lips over Maria’s brow softly.
“The thing that scares me more than anything Maria? It’s not that I let you in, and you turn from me coz of what I’ve done. It’s that I let you in, and you love me anyway. Coz then there’s no more excuses. No more reasons to hide. You compare Liz and Max to Romeo and Juliet. Who do we compare to? Who do I measure up to with you?”
Michael sighed; closing his eyes as he tried to control the outpouring of emotions he was experiencing. He wasn’t used to it. Feelings were as alien to him, as he was alien to earth. He was Stonewall Guerin. Nothing got to him. Nothing penetrated those walls. Nothing…. until now. With her large green eyes, and short fuse temper, Maria had pushed and prodded, dug and burrowed, until she was curled up inside of him. Holding his heart in the palm of her hand. And that scared the shit out of him.
“Michael?” Her voice was sleepy, Maria looking up at him out of gentle eyes. Love shone in those eyes. It was then Michael knew…. he held her heart too.
“I don’t compare you to anyone. Because there is no one on Earth like you. Whether or not you let me in, I’m always gonna love you Michael. And nothing you say or do will change that. You’re my prickly alien. You take care of me. You push me to be better. And you love me. I don’t need to hear the words to know that Michael.
“I see it in your eyes. I see it when you make me fresh fries after we shut, even though it means cleaning the grill again. I see it when you make me a spring loaded, wooden napkin holder. I see it, when even though you were trying to stay away from me, you couldn’t stop watching me. I see it, you buy my best friend a doughnut, coz you know she loves them. It was better than flowers to her Michael.”
Maria sat up, cupping his face in her hands. Her hair tumbled around her shoulders in delightful confusion, the strap of her tank top slipping down one shoulder. Michael’s gaze lowered to the smooth skin, but he flicked it quickly back up to Maria. She smiled gently, her eyes shining in the dark.
“You might not realise this Michael, but you’ve already let me in. You let me in, the night you first came to me. When you let me see you cry. When you let me hold you all night, because you didn’t know how to deal on your own. And I’ve been inside ever since. You’ve been inside of me ever since. I love you Michael. I always have. And I always will. Nothing will change that. Or make me turn away from you.”
Michael swallowed hard, Maria pressing her fingers to his lips when he went to speak. She shook her head slowly, before replacing her fingers with her lips. Love, desire, and need were a solid fist to his stomach, Michael sinking his hands quickly into her hair when she went to pull back.
Maria’s lips parted in surprise, Michael taking the opportunity to taste her, tease her, sliding his tongue along hers, and groaning low into her mouth when she responded. He wasn’t sure what he was doing until Maria gasped into his mouth; sudden tears lending a salty taste to their kiss. Michael stopped fighting, and let her in. All the way in. And the whole time he showed her who he was...what he was…he could taste her unconditional love.
When he eventually pulled away, Michael swept her tears away with his lips. With his thumbs. With the tip of his tongue at the corner of her slightly swollen lips. Pressing his forehead to hers, he looked into her eyes. Saw acceptance. Love. Faith. And whispered softly, his words echoing in his eyes, and sending more tears streaming down her face.
“I love you…I’ll always love you.”
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 43.
Diane crept down the hallway as the sun rose. Worry for her son had kept her awake most of the night, her sleep sporadic as she tossed and turned. She had heard Max being sick several times, Zan’s low voice almost comforting as he spoke quietly to her son. The nurturing mother within her, had forced her to his door several times, but fear of another alien kept her from entering. Another alien, who wore her son’s face.
But she could no longer handle it. Taking a deep breath she pushed the door to Max’s room open. As it swung open, she steeled herself for an explosion from Zan. But it never came. Taking a hesitant step forward, Diane looked into the room, the pale dawn of day highlighting the scene before her.
Max was fast asleep; his head nestled near the edge of the bed. The bin was still below him, but it had been washed out. The blankets were tucked firmly around his still form, a form that had been wracked earlier with tremors. Zan was sitting up against the bed head, wearing only his leather pants. His hand glowed as it rested on Max’s bare shoulders, Diane wondering if it was Zan’s way of protecting Max while he slept.
Zan too, was fast asleep. Diane’s hand fluttered to her throat, her eyes filling with tears. Innocence was obvious in sleep, and Zan wore it like a fragile mask. But it wasn’t that which had Diane crying softly. Isabel was curled up between Zan’s legs, her head pillowed on one muscular thigh. His free hand was entwined with Isabel’s, a sign of trust after his family had tried to destroy him.
Even as she watched them, Zan started to wake up. He woke slowly in stages. A twitch of his eyelids. A wrinkle of his nose. A soft snort. A flexing of his hand within Isabel’s. A yawn. And then Zan opened his eyes. Diane took a step backward, watching as Zan’s eyes flew down to Isabel nestled so trustingly against him, and then over to Max.
Zan lifted his hand, and ran it inches above Max’s skin, down over Max’s body as far as he could reach. He sighed softly, obviously finding nothing of concern, and shifted his steady gaze back to Isabel. Pain leapt in his gaze, his hand clenching sightly as he stared down at her. Removing his hand from where it hovered above Max, Zan let his hand hover above Isabel’s head for a moment, before he ran it down over her hair.
He sighed softly, shifting her hair back over her shoulder, fingering the burnt gold strands slightly, before swiping his hand over his face. His breath exploded out in a large whoosh, his head thudding against the wall as he shut his eyes. His jaw clenched tightly, his whole body tense as he reopened his eyes.
Slipping his hand under Isabel’s head, Zan lifted her head from his thigh, before scooting off the bed. He stumbled as he hopped up, landing heavily with a thud and a vicious curse. Diane bit back an inappropriate giggle, watching as Zan stood up, hopping slightly as his stubbed toe throbbed merrily on his foot.
“Damn it! …Jesus, Mary, mother of god, fuck, that hurt! …. Awww! …. Fuckin hell! …. Owwww!” he hissed softly, sitting down on the floor and lowering his head so he could examine his toe. Lifting his gaze, he glared at the item he had tripped over. His eyes widened, a look of shock crossing his face, as he picked up a one of Isabel’s sky-high platform shoes.
The shoe was a dark red number, the six-inch platform heel sending her already statuesque height soaring. He looked at the heel height, and then back at Isabel. “Can ya even walk in these damn things?” he muttered in wonder. Diane was unable to stop the snort of laughter that escaped her lips, Zan’s eyes shooting up to look at her as she covered her mouth to trap the laughter inside. Zan scowled slightly, but his eyes danced with laughter.
“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up at my pain…I’m all injured and hurt, and ya standin there, laughin ya ass off at me…phfft…typical woman.”
Diane snorted, Zan smirking as she shook her head at him. “Breakfast?” she asked, Zan nodding.
“Bathroom?” he asked as she went to walk away.
Diane pointed it out, Zan nodding his thanks. He stood up and turned towards the window, Diane freezing when she saw more differences between her son, and the man who could be his twin.
The piercings were obvious. Diane had seen the one in his chin and eyebrow, and she was pretty sure she had caught sight of one in his tongue. She shivered at the thought, wondering what drove people to pierce their flesh that way. It was the tattoos that caught her eye though. All five of them.
A V shape was on his right wrist, made up of five circular objects. The twin points of the V pointed out towards his little finger and his thumb. Diane vaguely recalled Max talking about a seal, and she wondered if that was it. A planet surrounded by flames rested on his right arm near his elbow, with what looked like three claw marks running through the planet. Above the planet, were the words, “Death before dishonour.”
A ring of barbed wire circled his left upper arm, the points appearing to press into the muscle of his arm as he stretched. But it was the eagle on his back that had her staring. Its wings were out stretched, the tips spanning the width of his shoulders. It was drawn so it appeared to swoop, it’s talons coiled into vicious hooks, its beak partially open in a silent screech. Zan turned around as she continued to stare at them, raising his eyebrow up as Diane bit her lower lip.
“Did they hurt?” she asked as Zan continued to stare at her.
“Huh? What?” he asked in confusion.
“Your tattoos. Did they hurt?”
Zan shook his head, crossing the room silently. He took her elbow, gently guiding her from the room and downstairs. Sitting Diane down at the table, Zan spotted the coffee pot, and turned it on. He could feel Diane staring at him as he moved around the kitchen, and it unnerved him slightly. Making himself a cup of coffee, Diane was surprised when he made her a cup of tea, the way she liked it.
“How’d you know how I took my tea?” she asked weakly, her head spinning as Zan lowered himself into the chair opposite her.
He smirked slightly, setting his mug down on the table.
“First question first. No, the tattoos didn’t hurt. I did ‘em myself. I did have another one where da words are, but after Rath and Lonnie, I removed it. Replaced it with a new way of looking at things.”
Diane looked back at the words, a shiver skittering down her spine as the differences between Max and Zan became more apparent. He spoke again, Diane forcing her gaze up to meet his eyes.
“As for how ya take ya tea…I connected with Max yesterday. I know everything about ya. About ya family. His friends. Just as he knows me. What I’ve seen. What I’ve done. What I’m capable of. What I’m willin to do, to protect what’s mine.”
Diane swallowed, Zan suddenly smiling at her.
“Ya scared of me.”
It was a statement of fact, not a question to be denied. Diane nodded, Zan chuckling softly. He reached across the table, taking Diane’s cold hand in his. He gave it a gentle squeeze, never letting his gaze leave her face.
“I ain’t here to hurt no one. I ain’t here to hurt Max or Isabel. Tess rang me, coz she was scared. So here I am. I ain’t so different from Max, Mrs. Evans. We just grew up differently. I’ve seen things, and I know things, that Max will hopefully never have to experience. He grew up with a family who loved him. Mine tried to kill me.”
Diane blinked in shock, Zan giving her hand another gentle squeeze, before he let her hand go and picked up his mug. Taking a deep mouthful, he closed his eyes slightly, a purr escaping his lips as he finished his coffee. Setting his mug down, he looked back at Diane.
“What did you do to Max last night? What’s changed in him?” Diane whispered.
Zan smirked, rubbing his hand over his face as he thought about how to answer.
“I woke him up is all. Da alien lay almost dormant in him. To have full control of his powers, he needs to wake up. Which he did. He’s gonna be stronger now. Able to control those powers. He’s gonna remember his life on Antar. Da people he knew. Da betrayal of his family. But he’ll also know he differences between Vilandra and Isabel.”
“Will he remember Tess?” Diane asked, remembering that her son was married to the young girl in that other life.
Zan nodded. “Yeah. He’ll remember her. But da thing is Mrs. Evans, is that he’s in love with Liz down here. And that will take da front seat for him.”
“How?” she whispered, starting to understand what Zan was telling her. Zan smirked again.
“He’ll want her.”
“Will it be like last spring, when they spent the night in the desert?” Diane asked, wondering what would happen if her son and Liz got back together.
Zan nodded slightly. “Yeah. But more on Max’s half now. Liz is what keeps Max grounded. His anchor to this world. And she’s in a bad place right now. So he needs to bring her back to him. He’s gonna be like a bull at a gate at times, but he’s still your Max. That’s what you have to understand. He’s still your son. He’s just less human than ever. And he need to be like that, if he’s gonna survive what lies ahead.”
Zan stood up, ready to take his mug to the sink. Diane watched as he rinsed his mug out, before resting it in the dish drainer.
“Zan?”
He turned back to face her, Diane swallowing hard as she stood up and came to stand in front of him. Diane looked up at him, at the man her son would fight side by side with. The man, her son could have become if he hadn’t come into their lives when he did.
“I’m not scared anymore. Circumstances made you who you are, but after telling me what you have, I’ve come to understand something. You’re a good man. And I’m glad you’re here.”
Zan nodded, Diane patting his cheek as she started to make everyone breakfast. Zan smiled slightly, before heading upstairs for his shower.
Part 44.
Jim stretched as he wandered down the hallway. He tapped gently on Tess’s door, waiting for her usual grumble. Hearing nothing, he pushed her door open gently. Seeing that her bed was empty, he hurried into the kitchen, thinking maybe she was starting breakfast. He skidded to a stop however, when he saw the couch.
Kyle and Tess were still asleep, their closeness freezing Jim in place. Tess was lying on her stomach, Kyle curled over her. Their legs were tangled together, Kyle’s arms wrapped tightly around her waist. The blankets had fallen down around their thighs during the night, Jim a little alarmed at what they were wearing, or should he say, weren’t wearing.
Even as he watched them, Kyle shifted, Tess automatically rolling onto her side, and tucking her head under his chin. Kyle grunted, palming Tess’s thigh and dragging it across his waist as she stroked his bare chest lightly in sleep. How they had managed to sleep side by side all night on the couch was beyond Jim, and he felt a small sphere of parental worry rise in his chest.
It wasn’t that Tess was only wearing one of his shirts, or that Kyle was only clad in boxers. What worried him was the level of intimacy that shrouded them as they slept. Kyle was snoring softy, something he only did when he slept peacefully. What worried him was the way Kyle had his arms wrapped around Tess possessively. Like she was made of spun glass. Like she would break if he let her go.
Jim swiped his hand over his jaw, and he leant against the door jam with a sigh. The sound woke Tess, who leant up on her elbow and smiled slightly down at Kyle. She traced his jaw with her finger, Kyle opening his eyes at her gentle touch. Kyle smiled sleepily, reaching up to tuck a curl behind her ear.
“Hey,” Tess whispered, a small smile crossing her face as she laid her head back down against his chest. Kyle simply hummed softly, shifting slightly as he dragged the blankets back up over their bodies. He yawned widely, his left hand sinking into her hair as he closed his eyes again. Jim could see Kyle’s fingers flexing gently, Tess emitting a soft purr as she settled against him.
Jim staggered back out into the hallway. He leant against the wall, his heart thundering in his chest as he dragged his hand over his jaw again. When had this happened? And under his nose nonetheless. Were they using protection? What would happen if Tess fell pregnant? Was he ready to be a granddaddy? He’d hated changing nappies, and the smells! My God!
“Ohhhh…” Jim groaned, the thought of multicoloured diapers and their wonderful surprises and smells springing to mind. That was something no parent ever forgot!
“Dad?” Jim looked over at Kyle, who was scratching his head as he stared at his father. “What’s wrong?”
“Son…we need to talk,” Jim said, uttering the words all teenagers dread hearing.
“What ever it is Dad, I didn’t do it,” Kyle protested, beginning to back away. Jim groaned again, and gripping Kyle by the arm, dragged him into the bedroom and firmly shut the door. Jim pointed to the bed, and without a word Kyle sat down. Jim sighed, once more wondering when his son had grown up.
“Ummm…Kyle…. when a man and a woman grow close…. ummm…. things tend to happen. Feelings arise…not that those feelings are bad, but they tend to make a man lose control…”
Comprehension dawned on Kyle’s face, and he held his hands up in horror. “Dad!” Jim silenced Kyle with a single look, and he began to pace the room.
“Shut up Kyle! Now…I’m sure that you think you know what you are doing, but you are so young…”
“Dad! I’m…”
“I said be quiet Kyle! Now Tess is a beautiful young…alien. But you have to be careful. You don’t know what could happen if she fell pregnant…could the baby survive here? Would it come out human, or with three eyes and five legs?”
“Dad, I’m not…this isn't happening...”
“But Kyle, sex is a big step, and I’m sure you now what you think you are doing is right, but it’s so much more than that…does Tess enjoy…”
“DAD! I’m not…awww jesus, this really is happening...”
“You have to make sure she does enjoy it Kyle…but so help me god son, if you get her pregnant…”
“DAD!!!”
“…. I know for a fact that you would find yourself in so much trouble! What would Jy say? MY GOD! He’d kill you Kyle!”
“For crying out loud Dad!!”
“You listen to me Kyle James Valenti! Don’t have sex! Not with Tess! Not with anyone! I’m not equipped to handle being a granddaddy yet! I still haven’t gotten over changing your shitty nappies! I’m not ready yet!”
“DAD! I’m not having sex with Tess! Jeez! Buddha…you told me you’d lend me strength in times like this, but…Jesus Dad!”
Jim stopped short, his mouth falling open in shock. Before Kyle could move, Jim swooped down, and wrapped his arms around Kyle tightly.
“Thank god! Don’t ever, ever, ever have sex Kyle!”
Kyle groaned, shaking his head as he patted his father on the back.
“Dad…”
Jim pulled back, Kyle turning bright red as he started to speak.
“…. I’m not a virgin Dad. I’ve been devirginised as Alex puts it, for a while now, and I don’t have any illegitimate kids running around. As for Tess…that’s really none of your business Dad. I’m not sure what’s happening between us, but I can promise you this…. if Tess and I get together, we will tell you, and if we do ever have sex…. I won’t tell you, nor will I make you a ‘granddaddy’ until you’re old and grey!”
Jim nodded in silence, too stunned to speak. Kyle stood up, his face still stained with embarrassment.
“Dad…I’m nearly eighteen years old. I know that people view me as some dumb jock that won’t amount to anything. That I’ll end up pumping gas for the rest of my life. But the thing is Dad? Tess believes in me. She has faith in me Dad. And because of that, I try harder. Do I want to be with Tess? Yes. Do I love her?”
Kyle’s voice hitched. “I think I do. Do I need her? More than I need anyone Dad. But last night, she needed me. And I was there for her. And I’m not leaving her now. I’m not expecting anything from her. I never have. But I won’t be ashamed of that Dad…and I won’t let you dictate to me how to live my life. Because for all I know…I could die at the end of this.”
Kyle dropped his eyes, biting his lower lip as he thought about what he was trying to say.
“At the end of the day Dad? If Tess dies? I’d probably end up leaving Roswell. But if I die? I’d die happy, coz I know at least I gave it a go. At least I opened myself to her, and let her in. At least I loved.”
Jim stood up, his hand firm as he gripped his son’s shoulder.
“I’ve had moments in your life Kyle, where I have been proud to call you my son. Moments where I have wanted to kick your ass for a prank you’ve pulled. But the god honest truth Kyle? Never have I been as proud of you, as I am right now. You’ve became a man in front of me, and I didn’t even realise it.”
Kyle nodded, and once more headed for the door. But before he stepped through though, he turned back to face his father.
“Hey Dad? One thing though….”
Jim looked up, Kyle blushing as he spoke.
“…Don’t ever try to have the sex talk with me again?”
Laughter filled the house, Kyle heading into the shower. As he started to get ready, he made his mind up. He would talk to Tess. Today.
Diane crept down the hallway as the sun rose. Worry for her son had kept her awake most of the night, her sleep sporadic as she tossed and turned. She had heard Max being sick several times, Zan’s low voice almost comforting as he spoke quietly to her son. The nurturing mother within her, had forced her to his door several times, but fear of another alien kept her from entering. Another alien, who wore her son’s face.
But she could no longer handle it. Taking a deep breath she pushed the door to Max’s room open. As it swung open, she steeled herself for an explosion from Zan. But it never came. Taking a hesitant step forward, Diane looked into the room, the pale dawn of day highlighting the scene before her.
Max was fast asleep; his head nestled near the edge of the bed. The bin was still below him, but it had been washed out. The blankets were tucked firmly around his still form, a form that had been wracked earlier with tremors. Zan was sitting up against the bed head, wearing only his leather pants. His hand glowed as it rested on Max’s bare shoulders, Diane wondering if it was Zan’s way of protecting Max while he slept.
Zan too, was fast asleep. Diane’s hand fluttered to her throat, her eyes filling with tears. Innocence was obvious in sleep, and Zan wore it like a fragile mask. But it wasn’t that which had Diane crying softly. Isabel was curled up between Zan’s legs, her head pillowed on one muscular thigh. His free hand was entwined with Isabel’s, a sign of trust after his family had tried to destroy him.
Even as she watched them, Zan started to wake up. He woke slowly in stages. A twitch of his eyelids. A wrinkle of his nose. A soft snort. A flexing of his hand within Isabel’s. A yawn. And then Zan opened his eyes. Diane took a step backward, watching as Zan’s eyes flew down to Isabel nestled so trustingly against him, and then over to Max.
Zan lifted his hand, and ran it inches above Max’s skin, down over Max’s body as far as he could reach. He sighed softly, obviously finding nothing of concern, and shifted his steady gaze back to Isabel. Pain leapt in his gaze, his hand clenching sightly as he stared down at her. Removing his hand from where it hovered above Max, Zan let his hand hover above Isabel’s head for a moment, before he ran it down over her hair.
He sighed softly, shifting her hair back over her shoulder, fingering the burnt gold strands slightly, before swiping his hand over his face. His breath exploded out in a large whoosh, his head thudding against the wall as he shut his eyes. His jaw clenched tightly, his whole body tense as he reopened his eyes.
Slipping his hand under Isabel’s head, Zan lifted her head from his thigh, before scooting off the bed. He stumbled as he hopped up, landing heavily with a thud and a vicious curse. Diane bit back an inappropriate giggle, watching as Zan stood up, hopping slightly as his stubbed toe throbbed merrily on his foot.
“Damn it! …Jesus, Mary, mother of god, fuck, that hurt! …. Awww! …. Fuckin hell! …. Owwww!” he hissed softly, sitting down on the floor and lowering his head so he could examine his toe. Lifting his gaze, he glared at the item he had tripped over. His eyes widened, a look of shock crossing his face, as he picked up a one of Isabel’s sky-high platform shoes.
The shoe was a dark red number, the six-inch platform heel sending her already statuesque height soaring. He looked at the heel height, and then back at Isabel. “Can ya even walk in these damn things?” he muttered in wonder. Diane was unable to stop the snort of laughter that escaped her lips, Zan’s eyes shooting up to look at her as she covered her mouth to trap the laughter inside. Zan scowled slightly, but his eyes danced with laughter.
“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up at my pain…I’m all injured and hurt, and ya standin there, laughin ya ass off at me…phfft…typical woman.”
Diane snorted, Zan smirking as she shook her head at him. “Breakfast?” she asked, Zan nodding.
“Bathroom?” he asked as she went to walk away.
Diane pointed it out, Zan nodding his thanks. He stood up and turned towards the window, Diane freezing when she saw more differences between her son, and the man who could be his twin.
The piercings were obvious. Diane had seen the one in his chin and eyebrow, and she was pretty sure she had caught sight of one in his tongue. She shivered at the thought, wondering what drove people to pierce their flesh that way. It was the tattoos that caught her eye though. All five of them.
A V shape was on his right wrist, made up of five circular objects. The twin points of the V pointed out towards his little finger and his thumb. Diane vaguely recalled Max talking about a seal, and she wondered if that was it. A planet surrounded by flames rested on his right arm near his elbow, with what looked like three claw marks running through the planet. Above the planet, were the words, “Death before dishonour.”
A ring of barbed wire circled his left upper arm, the points appearing to press into the muscle of his arm as he stretched. But it was the eagle on his back that had her staring. Its wings were out stretched, the tips spanning the width of his shoulders. It was drawn so it appeared to swoop, it’s talons coiled into vicious hooks, its beak partially open in a silent screech. Zan turned around as she continued to stare at them, raising his eyebrow up as Diane bit her lower lip.
“Did they hurt?” she asked as Zan continued to stare at her.
“Huh? What?” he asked in confusion.
“Your tattoos. Did they hurt?”
Zan shook his head, crossing the room silently. He took her elbow, gently guiding her from the room and downstairs. Sitting Diane down at the table, Zan spotted the coffee pot, and turned it on. He could feel Diane staring at him as he moved around the kitchen, and it unnerved him slightly. Making himself a cup of coffee, Diane was surprised when he made her a cup of tea, the way she liked it.
“How’d you know how I took my tea?” she asked weakly, her head spinning as Zan lowered himself into the chair opposite her.
He smirked slightly, setting his mug down on the table.
“First question first. No, the tattoos didn’t hurt. I did ‘em myself. I did have another one where da words are, but after Rath and Lonnie, I removed it. Replaced it with a new way of looking at things.”
Diane looked back at the words, a shiver skittering down her spine as the differences between Max and Zan became more apparent. He spoke again, Diane forcing her gaze up to meet his eyes.
“As for how ya take ya tea…I connected with Max yesterday. I know everything about ya. About ya family. His friends. Just as he knows me. What I’ve seen. What I’ve done. What I’m capable of. What I’m willin to do, to protect what’s mine.”
Diane swallowed, Zan suddenly smiling at her.
“Ya scared of me.”
It was a statement of fact, not a question to be denied. Diane nodded, Zan chuckling softly. He reached across the table, taking Diane’s cold hand in his. He gave it a gentle squeeze, never letting his gaze leave her face.
“I ain’t here to hurt no one. I ain’t here to hurt Max or Isabel. Tess rang me, coz she was scared. So here I am. I ain’t so different from Max, Mrs. Evans. We just grew up differently. I’ve seen things, and I know things, that Max will hopefully never have to experience. He grew up with a family who loved him. Mine tried to kill me.”
Diane blinked in shock, Zan giving her hand another gentle squeeze, before he let her hand go and picked up his mug. Taking a deep mouthful, he closed his eyes slightly, a purr escaping his lips as he finished his coffee. Setting his mug down, he looked back at Diane.
“What did you do to Max last night? What’s changed in him?” Diane whispered.
Zan smirked, rubbing his hand over his face as he thought about how to answer.
“I woke him up is all. Da alien lay almost dormant in him. To have full control of his powers, he needs to wake up. Which he did. He’s gonna be stronger now. Able to control those powers. He’s gonna remember his life on Antar. Da people he knew. Da betrayal of his family. But he’ll also know he differences between Vilandra and Isabel.”
“Will he remember Tess?” Diane asked, remembering that her son was married to the young girl in that other life.
Zan nodded. “Yeah. He’ll remember her. But da thing is Mrs. Evans, is that he’s in love with Liz down here. And that will take da front seat for him.”
“How?” she whispered, starting to understand what Zan was telling her. Zan smirked again.
“He’ll want her.”
“Will it be like last spring, when they spent the night in the desert?” Diane asked, wondering what would happen if her son and Liz got back together.
Zan nodded slightly. “Yeah. But more on Max’s half now. Liz is what keeps Max grounded. His anchor to this world. And she’s in a bad place right now. So he needs to bring her back to him. He’s gonna be like a bull at a gate at times, but he’s still your Max. That’s what you have to understand. He’s still your son. He’s just less human than ever. And he need to be like that, if he’s gonna survive what lies ahead.”
Zan stood up, ready to take his mug to the sink. Diane watched as he rinsed his mug out, before resting it in the dish drainer.
“Zan?”
He turned back to face her, Diane swallowing hard as she stood up and came to stand in front of him. Diane looked up at him, at the man her son would fight side by side with. The man, her son could have become if he hadn’t come into their lives when he did.
“I’m not scared anymore. Circumstances made you who you are, but after telling me what you have, I’ve come to understand something. You’re a good man. And I’m glad you’re here.”
Zan nodded, Diane patting his cheek as she started to make everyone breakfast. Zan smiled slightly, before heading upstairs for his shower.
Part 44.
Jim stretched as he wandered down the hallway. He tapped gently on Tess’s door, waiting for her usual grumble. Hearing nothing, he pushed her door open gently. Seeing that her bed was empty, he hurried into the kitchen, thinking maybe she was starting breakfast. He skidded to a stop however, when he saw the couch.
Kyle and Tess were still asleep, their closeness freezing Jim in place. Tess was lying on her stomach, Kyle curled over her. Their legs were tangled together, Kyle’s arms wrapped tightly around her waist. The blankets had fallen down around their thighs during the night, Jim a little alarmed at what they were wearing, or should he say, weren’t wearing.
Even as he watched them, Kyle shifted, Tess automatically rolling onto her side, and tucking her head under his chin. Kyle grunted, palming Tess’s thigh and dragging it across his waist as she stroked his bare chest lightly in sleep. How they had managed to sleep side by side all night on the couch was beyond Jim, and he felt a small sphere of parental worry rise in his chest.
It wasn’t that Tess was only wearing one of his shirts, or that Kyle was only clad in boxers. What worried him was the level of intimacy that shrouded them as they slept. Kyle was snoring softy, something he only did when he slept peacefully. What worried him was the way Kyle had his arms wrapped around Tess possessively. Like she was made of spun glass. Like she would break if he let her go.
Jim swiped his hand over his jaw, and he leant against the door jam with a sigh. The sound woke Tess, who leant up on her elbow and smiled slightly down at Kyle. She traced his jaw with her finger, Kyle opening his eyes at her gentle touch. Kyle smiled sleepily, reaching up to tuck a curl behind her ear.
“Hey,” Tess whispered, a small smile crossing her face as she laid her head back down against his chest. Kyle simply hummed softly, shifting slightly as he dragged the blankets back up over their bodies. He yawned widely, his left hand sinking into her hair as he closed his eyes again. Jim could see Kyle’s fingers flexing gently, Tess emitting a soft purr as she settled against him.
Jim staggered back out into the hallway. He leant against the wall, his heart thundering in his chest as he dragged his hand over his jaw again. When had this happened? And under his nose nonetheless. Were they using protection? What would happen if Tess fell pregnant? Was he ready to be a granddaddy? He’d hated changing nappies, and the smells! My God!
“Ohhhh…” Jim groaned, the thought of multicoloured diapers and their wonderful surprises and smells springing to mind. That was something no parent ever forgot!
“Dad?” Jim looked over at Kyle, who was scratching his head as he stared at his father. “What’s wrong?”
“Son…we need to talk,” Jim said, uttering the words all teenagers dread hearing.
“What ever it is Dad, I didn’t do it,” Kyle protested, beginning to back away. Jim groaned again, and gripping Kyle by the arm, dragged him into the bedroom and firmly shut the door. Jim pointed to the bed, and without a word Kyle sat down. Jim sighed, once more wondering when his son had grown up.
“Ummm…Kyle…. when a man and a woman grow close…. ummm…. things tend to happen. Feelings arise…not that those feelings are bad, but they tend to make a man lose control…”
Comprehension dawned on Kyle’s face, and he held his hands up in horror. “Dad!” Jim silenced Kyle with a single look, and he began to pace the room.
“Shut up Kyle! Now…I’m sure that you think you know what you are doing, but you are so young…”
“Dad! I’m…”
“I said be quiet Kyle! Now Tess is a beautiful young…alien. But you have to be careful. You don’t know what could happen if she fell pregnant…could the baby survive here? Would it come out human, or with three eyes and five legs?”
“Dad, I’m not…this isn't happening...”
“But Kyle, sex is a big step, and I’m sure you now what you think you are doing is right, but it’s so much more than that…does Tess enjoy…”
“DAD! I’m not…awww jesus, this really is happening...”
“You have to make sure she does enjoy it Kyle…but so help me god son, if you get her pregnant…”
“DAD!!!”
“…. I know for a fact that you would find yourself in so much trouble! What would Jy say? MY GOD! He’d kill you Kyle!”
“For crying out loud Dad!!”
“You listen to me Kyle James Valenti! Don’t have sex! Not with Tess! Not with anyone! I’m not equipped to handle being a granddaddy yet! I still haven’t gotten over changing your shitty nappies! I’m not ready yet!”
“DAD! I’m not having sex with Tess! Jeez! Buddha…you told me you’d lend me strength in times like this, but…Jesus Dad!”
Jim stopped short, his mouth falling open in shock. Before Kyle could move, Jim swooped down, and wrapped his arms around Kyle tightly.
“Thank god! Don’t ever, ever, ever have sex Kyle!”
Kyle groaned, shaking his head as he patted his father on the back.
“Dad…”
Jim pulled back, Kyle turning bright red as he started to speak.
“…. I’m not a virgin Dad. I’ve been devirginised as Alex puts it, for a while now, and I don’t have any illegitimate kids running around. As for Tess…that’s really none of your business Dad. I’m not sure what’s happening between us, but I can promise you this…. if Tess and I get together, we will tell you, and if we do ever have sex…. I won’t tell you, nor will I make you a ‘granddaddy’ until you’re old and grey!”
Jim nodded in silence, too stunned to speak. Kyle stood up, his face still stained with embarrassment.
“Dad…I’m nearly eighteen years old. I know that people view me as some dumb jock that won’t amount to anything. That I’ll end up pumping gas for the rest of my life. But the thing is Dad? Tess believes in me. She has faith in me Dad. And because of that, I try harder. Do I want to be with Tess? Yes. Do I love her?”
Kyle’s voice hitched. “I think I do. Do I need her? More than I need anyone Dad. But last night, she needed me. And I was there for her. And I’m not leaving her now. I’m not expecting anything from her. I never have. But I won’t be ashamed of that Dad…and I won’t let you dictate to me how to live my life. Because for all I know…I could die at the end of this.”
Kyle dropped his eyes, biting his lower lip as he thought about what he was trying to say.
“At the end of the day Dad? If Tess dies? I’d probably end up leaving Roswell. But if I die? I’d die happy, coz I know at least I gave it a go. At least I opened myself to her, and let her in. At least I loved.”
Jim stood up, his hand firm as he gripped his son’s shoulder.
“I’ve had moments in your life Kyle, where I have been proud to call you my son. Moments where I have wanted to kick your ass for a prank you’ve pulled. But the god honest truth Kyle? Never have I been as proud of you, as I am right now. You’ve became a man in front of me, and I didn’t even realise it.”
Kyle nodded, and once more headed for the door. But before he stepped through though, he turned back to face his father.
“Hey Dad? One thing though….”
Jim looked up, Kyle blushing as he spoke.
“…Don’t ever try to have the sex talk with me again?”
Laughter filled the house, Kyle heading into the shower. As he started to get ready, he made his mind up. He would talk to Tess. Today.
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 45.
Think season three hair…all scruffy…sexy…Max…mmm
Isabel walked out of Max’s room quietly, closing the door behind her as she did. She had crept into Max’s room during the night, needing to be near her brother if he needed her. She had found Max and Zan both asleep, Zan’s hand gripping Max’s shoulder in protection. Isabel had slipped under the covers behind Max, Zan shifting slightly as she sat down.
Isabel had slid between Zan’s spread thighs, lying down and using his leg as a pillow. Her hand had rested on Max’s back, sleep claiming her quickly. But she had woken when Zan had touched her hair. She had remained still, feigning sleep when she felt how tense he was. She had felt his hesitancy when he stroked her hair, knowing that his fear rose from the betrayal by someone who wore her face.
Isabel showered quickly, before heading into her own room to get dressed. She heard the shower start up again, Isabel knowing Max was in there. She chose simple jeans, with a long sleeved black top, and dressed quickly, wanting to see Max. Twisting her hair up into a loose bun, she slicked some lip-gloss over her lips, and pulled her boots on, before hurrying out of her room. As she twisted to shut her door, she failed to see Max step out of his own room, the two siblings colliding when they both stepped forward.
“Oomph!” Isabel bounced off of Max’s chest, and landed with a thud. Looking up at her brother, her mouth fell open, her shock clear in her gaze as she stared up at him. Faded jeans hugged his hips and thighs, the material stretched and worn almost white across his groin. Heavy boots protected his feet, his black leather jacket hanging from one hand.
What shocked her most though was the rest of his appearance. He was wearing a simple black tee shirt, the material stretched across his chest and shoulders. Muscle tone she had never seen before rippled under the material, Isabel knowing that Max didn’t realise the effect he would have on the entire female student body. His hair hung in thick strands across his forehead, Max tossing his head slightly as the long strands brushed his eyes.
It was his eyes that caught Isabel off guard though. Max’s eyes were lighter than before, swirling gold light visible within the burning depths of his unwavering gaze. Max had Zan’s eyes now. Completely alien. Even as Isabel stared up at him, Max smirked slightly and stuck out his hand. It was then that Isabel saw the seal on Max’s wrist. Five glowing points of light, pulsing with power.
“Isabel…”
Isabel took Max’s hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. She continued to stare at her brother, her lips parted in shock. Max simply chuckled, and gripping her elbow, led her down stairs. When they entered the kitchen, they found Zan straddling a chair, wearing leather pants and nothing else. Max and Zan locked eyes, the two sharing a smirk as Max deposited Isabel into a chair.
“What are your plans for today Zan?” Max asked, helping himself to a cup of coffee.
Zan shrugged, swivelling in his chair as Ava walked into the kitchen. He tugged her hand, pulling her down onto his lap and brushing a kiss over the side of her neck. Max grinned when Ava blushed, before sliding a cup of coffee over to Isabel. Max glanced at Isabel when she failed to drink her coffee, a slow smirk crossing his face.
“You might want to shut your mouth now Isabel. You might catch a fly if you don’t.”
Isabel snapped her slack jaw shut, wincing when she bit her tongue. Max and Zan both started laughing, Max sitting down and gripping Isabel’s hand in his.
“I’m still me Izzy. I’m still the same man.”
Isabel nodded, her eyes searching his.
”What’s it like?” she whispered.
Max smirked again. “Empowering. We’re going to win this Izzy. I’ve never felt this strong in my life. I know what I have to do now. I know what I want. And nothing will stop me from getting it.”
“What do you want Max?” Isabel asked softly.
Max smirked. “What I’ve always wanted Isabel. I want Liz. And nothing is going to stop me this time. Not you. Not Michael. Not some threat from an unknown enemy. And certainly not some future version of me, who doesn’t have all the facts. I’ve been in love with Liz since the first day I saw her Isabel, and nothing in heaven or on earth, will stop me from making her mine.”
Isabel went to speak, Max silencing her with a single look.
“I don’t care what you think of Liz Isabel. I don’t care what Michael thinks. I’ve stepped back for you two, too many times in regards to Liz. I’ve wasted too much time. I’ve done everything you and Michael have ever asked of me Isabel, but I won’t put my own happiness aside anymore. I’ve given enough for this damn cause…. no more.”
“But Max…what about Kivar?” Isabel managed.
Max shrugged. “What about him? He put his hands on what’s mine. For that alone, I’m going to kill him. I’m sick to death of hiding Isabel. I’m telling you now…let Zan wake you. You’ll never regret it Izzy. And you’ll see what I see.”
“What do you see Max?”
Max smiled then, the gentle smile Isabel was so used to seeing on her brothers face.
“That you are nothing like Vilandra. That you are nothing like Lonnie. You’re my sister Izzy…I just want you to be strong. I want you to remember. Not the twisted version Lonnie remembered. I want you to remember the truth. It was Vilandra who betrayed the original Zan. Lonnie who betrayed this Zan. You are nether woman. Both Zan and I can see this.”
Isabel’s gaze flew to Zan, who simply smirked at her, his cocky wink causing Isabel to smile slightly.
“Did it hurt?” Isabel whispered.
Max bit his lower lip, even as the corner lifted in what was fast becoming a carbon copy of Zan’s smirk.
“It made what Pierce did to me seem like nothing Isabel.”
Isabel’s jaw fell open again, Max reaching over and lifting her chin so that her mouth shut.
“You can feel bone shifting. It grates. Your joints become more limber, making it easier to shift. Your blood heats up, to the point that you want to rip your skin off to let it out. Memories flood your mind. Yours. The person’s who woke you. Those belonging to your past life. You feel what they feel. Know what they know.”
“What do you mean?” Isabel interrupted. Max grinned, his eyes sliding slyly towards Zan.
“I know for a fact, that Ava loves it when Zan plays with her hair after they have sex.”
Both Ava and Isabel turned bright red, Max starting to laugh when Ava pinched Zan’s thigh.
“Yeouch! Damn it woman! I didn’t tell him! He just knew!”
“What else Max?” Isabel asked.
“It hurts Isabel. I know that Zan had to dump me in the lake half way through, coz I was glowing so brightly. Mind you, he got wet too, coz I was too weak to stay above the water by myself. My blood cells mutated…changed…my whole body is throbbing with power Isabel. I can hear better than ever before. I can see further. I know you used wild flower soap this morning…I can smell it. No perfume though, coz Alex loves the soap you use.”
Isabel’s jaw dropped again, Max chuckling slightly as he reached out to shut her mouth.
“He told you that just after we went on the father’s camping weekend. That the scent of simple wildflower soap on your skin, was the greatest undoing to man. That perfume was overrated, and the sexiest thing about you, was the gentle scent of your skin and hair. But when it’s a special occasion, you use ylang ylang perfumed oil, to up the potency of the scent, and it drives Alex wild. You used it prom night. That scent, combined with wearing red, was what got you and Alex back together.”
Isabel blinked in shock, before narrowing her eyes.
“Ok…who are you, and what have you done with my brother?” she hissed.
Max chuckled again. “Do you remember how Ms. Topolsky told me I was behind a tree?”
Isabel groaned, her head dropping into her hands. “You haven’t stepped out from behind the tree Max…you blew the damn thing away!” she mumbled.
Silence met her statement…but not for long. Zan and Max locked eyes, Zan snorting a moment later. “Boom,” he said dryly, before both he and Max started howling with laughter. Isabel stared at them in shock, at the tears of laughter that ran down her brother’s normally serious face. Ava rolled her eyes, her lips twitching slightly as she gazed at Isabel.
“Great…that’s all we need…they can speak telepathically now.”
Zan snorted, Max choking with laughter as Zan wiped his eyes. Just as they calmed down, Zan muttered softly, “Roots and all sky high, hey Max? …Ka-boom!” It just started them off all over again. Ava shook her head again as she stood up, heading for the safety of her own chair as Zan slid bonelessly to the floor. Max laid his head on the table, his whole body shaking with laughter as Zan held his stomach on the floor.
“Damn it Max! …No more!” Zan managed to gasp out.
“Why? Don’t like Marvin the Martian?” Max gasped. “Coz all of a sudden, there was an earth shattering ka-boom!” he managed, the cartoon character’s voice imitated to perfection. Zan howled with laughter as Max sent him a mental picture of the little black alien blowing a tree into the air, revealing a startled Max hiding behind it.
Isabel looked at Ava, and muttered softly, “As I said…who the hell are you, and what have you done with my brother?”
Zan simply smirked as he sat up weakly. “Come on fool…I’ll take ya laughin ass to school. I need to work on da jeep today anyways.”
Max nodded, Zan simply grabbing his keys, and leading the others outside. Isabel shook her head as she followed them with Ava. Only Zan wouldn’t see the problem with being shirtless. It certainly would give the girls at school something to talk about. It was going to be a long day...
Part 46.
The school parking lot was crowded with teenagers as Kyle clung to Serena’s waist. Jy and Serena had turned up not long after his embarrassing chat with his father, casually letting them know that they needed Tess’s SUV and Kyle’s Mustang. Zan and Jy were going to be working on them while the others were in school, to make sure they worked properly. No one mentioned the reason why, but it was obvious. Incase they were attacked, they needed vehicles that were reliable.
Kids scattered as Serena pulled wide and parked the bike, Jy pulling in beside her. Serena turned the bike off, Kyle pulling his helmet off as Pauly, Tommy and Ricky were walking past. Pauly’s mouth dropped open in surprise as Kyle slid from the back of the bike. Serena tugged her helmet off, and grinned up at Kyle who was hooting with laughter.
“Damn Serena! And I thought Michael was dangerous on a bike!” he cried, Serena poking her tongue out at him.
“Ya loved it Buddha Boy,” she purred, sliding off the bike and stretching her leather-clad legs. Tess started laughing as Jy pulled her helmet off, sending blonde curls tumbling around her face.
“I could hear you squealing Kyle!” she blurted out, Jy snorting as he pulled his own helmet off.
“Yeah! …Well…you try hanging on and not grabbing what you know for sure you’re not meant to touch, while she does 120 down the bloody street!” he cried, Serena starting to laugh as Jy snorted again. Tess started laughing, Jy wrapping his arm around her hips as they waited for the others to arrive. Pauly crossed the distance between Kyle and the other, touching his friend gently on the arm. Kyle turned to face him, a wary look crossing his face. Pauly watched as Kyle glanced at Tess, before his gaze flicked over to Jy.
“What’s up man?’ Kyle asked at last, Pauly shrugging slightly as the other two boys joined them. Before they could exchange any more words, another two bikes pulled into the parking lot. The three teenagers looked on in surprise as Maria hopped off the back of Kyan’s bike, Michael sliding from Lyra’s.
“I’m telling you now Spaceboy….” Maria began, her face pale as she tugged her helmet off. “…. You ever ride like Kyan does, and I’m sending you into orbit…. are we clear?” she demanded, Kyan snorting with laughter as Michael sighed.
“Yeah blondie…we’re clear,” he mumbled, shooting Kyan a dirty look. Kyan just smirked, sliding off his bike and throwing his arm around Maria’s shaking shoulders.
“Ya aiight there shortie?” he asked, Maria glaring up at him.
“I distinctly remember you telling my mother, that you were a cautious rider Kyan! Cautious my ass!” Maria poked him in the chest with her finger, Kyan putting a wounded expression on his face.
“I ain’t feelin da love shortie,” he declared dramatically, Maria unable to control the giggle that erupted. Kyan grinned wickedly, and he began to circle Maria as the others started laughing.
“Show me da love Maria,” Kyan pleaded, causing Maria to giggle again. Pauly cleared is throat quietly, Kyle glancing at him again.
“Oh right…ummm…guys, this is Pauly, Ricky and Tommy. Guys, that’s Kyan, Lyra, Serena and Jy.”
The others exchanged hellos, Matt Malamoot deciding to come and join them as they talked quietly. Malamoot’s gaze kept travelling over to Tess, Kyle and Jy both narrowing their eyes. As they watched him watch Tess, loud music sounded. The group turned as one, Kyan smirking as Lyra came over and leant between his legs as Zan pulled the car to a stop beside the bikes.
Max climbed out the car, everyone’s mouths dropping open in surprise when Zan also exited the car. Ava slid out of the back seat, Isabel and Alex following as Zan slung his arm around Ava’s shoulders. They approached the others, Maria openly staring at Zan’s bare chest. Pauly looked between Max and Zan, his surprise evident as Kyan held his hand out.
“Soul man!!…where’s ya damn shirt? Ain’tcha cold?”
Zan smirked, reaching out to grasp Kyan’s hand. “Nah man…ya know me…I ain’t feelin da cold today.”
Kyle smirked when Pauly visibly swallowed his surprise, and he decided to take pity on his friend.
“Pauly…this is Zan and Ava. Zan is Max’s…”
“…Brother,” Zan injected smoothly, talking the hand that Pauly offered.
“You could be twins,” Paul said in awe, Zan sliding his gaze over to Max.
“Nah man…more like…duplicates…hey Max?” he said slyly, Max snorting with laughter.
Pauly blinked in surprise, Zan smirking slightly. “Nah…Aves and Tess are da twins…I’m older than Max.”
“How old are you?” Pauly asked.
Zan grinned wickedly. “Nineteen. I was…born…first, followed by Isabel and then Max.”
Max snorted when Zan said “born,” Isabel shaking her head in defeat.
“How’s Liz today Max?” Pauly asked quietly, a sombre silence falling over the group.
“We all stopped in to see her this morning, but she was still sleeping. But thanks for asking Pauly.”
He nodded, the warning bell sounding as Pauly’s friends all looked at the ground. Zan turned to face Max.
“What time are ya gettin outta school?” he asked casually, Max looking up at Zan. He could see the hidden concern in his dupe’s eyes, and gave him a wry smile in return.
“Three. We’ll meet up here yeah?”
Zan nodded, squeezing Max’s shoulder before sliding his arm around Ava’s shoulder and leading her towards the car. But as he passed Isabel he paused, and kissed her on the cheek. Isabel looked at him in surprise, Zan speaking softly.
“I wish Lonnie had been like you.”
He didn’t wait for a reply, but kept walking with Ava towards the car. It was only when he slid into the car that he locked eyes with her again. Zan gave her a sad smile, before throwing the car into reverse and backing out as the shape shifters started their bikes. With a squeal of tires, Zan took off, the four bikes following the car.
The group tuned towards the school, Pauly touching Max on the shoulder as the others stared forward. Max turned back to face him, Pauly biting his lower lip slightly.
“I just wanted to apologise for…you know…beating you up that day. I was just looking out for Kyle…not that Kyle knew until after…but sorry for that.”
Max shrugged, his head tilting slightly as Pauly bit his lower lip.
“I also wanted to say how sorry I was, about what happened to Liz. I hope they catch who ever did this to her, and that they kill him. No one deserves that, least of all her.”
Max smiled slightly, Pauly watching in confusion as Max’s eyes flared slightly, changing to a deeper gold.
“Thanks Pauly…but don’t you worry. He’s already dead. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
Max left Pauly staring after him, confusion and questions swirling through his mind. There was something different about Max. Something strange. It was almost like he wasn’t human…nah….that was stupid. Pauly shook his head, before starting after them. He’d keep his eye on Max that was for sure.
Think season three hair…all scruffy…sexy…Max…mmm
Isabel walked out of Max’s room quietly, closing the door behind her as she did. She had crept into Max’s room during the night, needing to be near her brother if he needed her. She had found Max and Zan both asleep, Zan’s hand gripping Max’s shoulder in protection. Isabel had slipped under the covers behind Max, Zan shifting slightly as she sat down.
Isabel had slid between Zan’s spread thighs, lying down and using his leg as a pillow. Her hand had rested on Max’s back, sleep claiming her quickly. But she had woken when Zan had touched her hair. She had remained still, feigning sleep when she felt how tense he was. She had felt his hesitancy when he stroked her hair, knowing that his fear rose from the betrayal by someone who wore her face.
Isabel showered quickly, before heading into her own room to get dressed. She heard the shower start up again, Isabel knowing Max was in there. She chose simple jeans, with a long sleeved black top, and dressed quickly, wanting to see Max. Twisting her hair up into a loose bun, she slicked some lip-gloss over her lips, and pulled her boots on, before hurrying out of her room. As she twisted to shut her door, she failed to see Max step out of his own room, the two siblings colliding when they both stepped forward.
“Oomph!” Isabel bounced off of Max’s chest, and landed with a thud. Looking up at her brother, her mouth fell open, her shock clear in her gaze as she stared up at him. Faded jeans hugged his hips and thighs, the material stretched and worn almost white across his groin. Heavy boots protected his feet, his black leather jacket hanging from one hand.
What shocked her most though was the rest of his appearance. He was wearing a simple black tee shirt, the material stretched across his chest and shoulders. Muscle tone she had never seen before rippled under the material, Isabel knowing that Max didn’t realise the effect he would have on the entire female student body. His hair hung in thick strands across his forehead, Max tossing his head slightly as the long strands brushed his eyes.
It was his eyes that caught Isabel off guard though. Max’s eyes were lighter than before, swirling gold light visible within the burning depths of his unwavering gaze. Max had Zan’s eyes now. Completely alien. Even as Isabel stared up at him, Max smirked slightly and stuck out his hand. It was then that Isabel saw the seal on Max’s wrist. Five glowing points of light, pulsing with power.
“Isabel…”
Isabel took Max’s hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. She continued to stare at her brother, her lips parted in shock. Max simply chuckled, and gripping her elbow, led her down stairs. When they entered the kitchen, they found Zan straddling a chair, wearing leather pants and nothing else. Max and Zan locked eyes, the two sharing a smirk as Max deposited Isabel into a chair.
“What are your plans for today Zan?” Max asked, helping himself to a cup of coffee.
Zan shrugged, swivelling in his chair as Ava walked into the kitchen. He tugged her hand, pulling her down onto his lap and brushing a kiss over the side of her neck. Max grinned when Ava blushed, before sliding a cup of coffee over to Isabel. Max glanced at Isabel when she failed to drink her coffee, a slow smirk crossing his face.
“You might want to shut your mouth now Isabel. You might catch a fly if you don’t.”
Isabel snapped her slack jaw shut, wincing when she bit her tongue. Max and Zan both started laughing, Max sitting down and gripping Isabel’s hand in his.
“I’m still me Izzy. I’m still the same man.”
Isabel nodded, her eyes searching his.
”What’s it like?” she whispered.
Max smirked again. “Empowering. We’re going to win this Izzy. I’ve never felt this strong in my life. I know what I have to do now. I know what I want. And nothing will stop me from getting it.”
“What do you want Max?” Isabel asked softly.
Max smirked. “What I’ve always wanted Isabel. I want Liz. And nothing is going to stop me this time. Not you. Not Michael. Not some threat from an unknown enemy. And certainly not some future version of me, who doesn’t have all the facts. I’ve been in love with Liz since the first day I saw her Isabel, and nothing in heaven or on earth, will stop me from making her mine.”
Isabel went to speak, Max silencing her with a single look.
“I don’t care what you think of Liz Isabel. I don’t care what Michael thinks. I’ve stepped back for you two, too many times in regards to Liz. I’ve wasted too much time. I’ve done everything you and Michael have ever asked of me Isabel, but I won’t put my own happiness aside anymore. I’ve given enough for this damn cause…. no more.”
“But Max…what about Kivar?” Isabel managed.
Max shrugged. “What about him? He put his hands on what’s mine. For that alone, I’m going to kill him. I’m sick to death of hiding Isabel. I’m telling you now…let Zan wake you. You’ll never regret it Izzy. And you’ll see what I see.”
“What do you see Max?”
Max smiled then, the gentle smile Isabel was so used to seeing on her brothers face.
“That you are nothing like Vilandra. That you are nothing like Lonnie. You’re my sister Izzy…I just want you to be strong. I want you to remember. Not the twisted version Lonnie remembered. I want you to remember the truth. It was Vilandra who betrayed the original Zan. Lonnie who betrayed this Zan. You are nether woman. Both Zan and I can see this.”
Isabel’s gaze flew to Zan, who simply smirked at her, his cocky wink causing Isabel to smile slightly.
“Did it hurt?” Isabel whispered.
Max bit his lower lip, even as the corner lifted in what was fast becoming a carbon copy of Zan’s smirk.
“It made what Pierce did to me seem like nothing Isabel.”
Isabel’s jaw fell open again, Max reaching over and lifting her chin so that her mouth shut.
“You can feel bone shifting. It grates. Your joints become more limber, making it easier to shift. Your blood heats up, to the point that you want to rip your skin off to let it out. Memories flood your mind. Yours. The person’s who woke you. Those belonging to your past life. You feel what they feel. Know what they know.”
“What do you mean?” Isabel interrupted. Max grinned, his eyes sliding slyly towards Zan.
“I know for a fact, that Ava loves it when Zan plays with her hair after they have sex.”
Both Ava and Isabel turned bright red, Max starting to laugh when Ava pinched Zan’s thigh.
“Yeouch! Damn it woman! I didn’t tell him! He just knew!”
“What else Max?” Isabel asked.
“It hurts Isabel. I know that Zan had to dump me in the lake half way through, coz I was glowing so brightly. Mind you, he got wet too, coz I was too weak to stay above the water by myself. My blood cells mutated…changed…my whole body is throbbing with power Isabel. I can hear better than ever before. I can see further. I know you used wild flower soap this morning…I can smell it. No perfume though, coz Alex loves the soap you use.”
Isabel’s jaw dropped again, Max chuckling slightly as he reached out to shut her mouth.
“He told you that just after we went on the father’s camping weekend. That the scent of simple wildflower soap on your skin, was the greatest undoing to man. That perfume was overrated, and the sexiest thing about you, was the gentle scent of your skin and hair. But when it’s a special occasion, you use ylang ylang perfumed oil, to up the potency of the scent, and it drives Alex wild. You used it prom night. That scent, combined with wearing red, was what got you and Alex back together.”
Isabel blinked in shock, before narrowing her eyes.
“Ok…who are you, and what have you done with my brother?” she hissed.
Max chuckled again. “Do you remember how Ms. Topolsky told me I was behind a tree?”
Isabel groaned, her head dropping into her hands. “You haven’t stepped out from behind the tree Max…you blew the damn thing away!” she mumbled.
Silence met her statement…but not for long. Zan and Max locked eyes, Zan snorting a moment later. “Boom,” he said dryly, before both he and Max started howling with laughter. Isabel stared at them in shock, at the tears of laughter that ran down her brother’s normally serious face. Ava rolled her eyes, her lips twitching slightly as she gazed at Isabel.
“Great…that’s all we need…they can speak telepathically now.”
Zan snorted, Max choking with laughter as Zan wiped his eyes. Just as they calmed down, Zan muttered softly, “Roots and all sky high, hey Max? …Ka-boom!” It just started them off all over again. Ava shook her head again as she stood up, heading for the safety of her own chair as Zan slid bonelessly to the floor. Max laid his head on the table, his whole body shaking with laughter as Zan held his stomach on the floor.
“Damn it Max! …No more!” Zan managed to gasp out.
“Why? Don’t like Marvin the Martian?” Max gasped. “Coz all of a sudden, there was an earth shattering ka-boom!” he managed, the cartoon character’s voice imitated to perfection. Zan howled with laughter as Max sent him a mental picture of the little black alien blowing a tree into the air, revealing a startled Max hiding behind it.
Isabel looked at Ava, and muttered softly, “As I said…who the hell are you, and what have you done with my brother?”
Zan simply smirked as he sat up weakly. “Come on fool…I’ll take ya laughin ass to school. I need to work on da jeep today anyways.”
Max nodded, Zan simply grabbing his keys, and leading the others outside. Isabel shook her head as she followed them with Ava. Only Zan wouldn’t see the problem with being shirtless. It certainly would give the girls at school something to talk about. It was going to be a long day...
Part 46.
The school parking lot was crowded with teenagers as Kyle clung to Serena’s waist. Jy and Serena had turned up not long after his embarrassing chat with his father, casually letting them know that they needed Tess’s SUV and Kyle’s Mustang. Zan and Jy were going to be working on them while the others were in school, to make sure they worked properly. No one mentioned the reason why, but it was obvious. Incase they were attacked, they needed vehicles that were reliable.
Kids scattered as Serena pulled wide and parked the bike, Jy pulling in beside her. Serena turned the bike off, Kyle pulling his helmet off as Pauly, Tommy and Ricky were walking past. Pauly’s mouth dropped open in surprise as Kyle slid from the back of the bike. Serena tugged her helmet off, and grinned up at Kyle who was hooting with laughter.
“Damn Serena! And I thought Michael was dangerous on a bike!” he cried, Serena poking her tongue out at him.
“Ya loved it Buddha Boy,” she purred, sliding off the bike and stretching her leather-clad legs. Tess started laughing as Jy pulled her helmet off, sending blonde curls tumbling around her face.
“I could hear you squealing Kyle!” she blurted out, Jy snorting as he pulled his own helmet off.
“Yeah! …Well…you try hanging on and not grabbing what you know for sure you’re not meant to touch, while she does 120 down the bloody street!” he cried, Serena starting to laugh as Jy snorted again. Tess started laughing, Jy wrapping his arm around her hips as they waited for the others to arrive. Pauly crossed the distance between Kyle and the other, touching his friend gently on the arm. Kyle turned to face him, a wary look crossing his face. Pauly watched as Kyle glanced at Tess, before his gaze flicked over to Jy.
“What’s up man?’ Kyle asked at last, Pauly shrugging slightly as the other two boys joined them. Before they could exchange any more words, another two bikes pulled into the parking lot. The three teenagers looked on in surprise as Maria hopped off the back of Kyan’s bike, Michael sliding from Lyra’s.
“I’m telling you now Spaceboy….” Maria began, her face pale as she tugged her helmet off. “…. You ever ride like Kyan does, and I’m sending you into orbit…. are we clear?” she demanded, Kyan snorting with laughter as Michael sighed.
“Yeah blondie…we’re clear,” he mumbled, shooting Kyan a dirty look. Kyan just smirked, sliding off his bike and throwing his arm around Maria’s shaking shoulders.
“Ya aiight there shortie?” he asked, Maria glaring up at him.
“I distinctly remember you telling my mother, that you were a cautious rider Kyan! Cautious my ass!” Maria poked him in the chest with her finger, Kyan putting a wounded expression on his face.
“I ain’t feelin da love shortie,” he declared dramatically, Maria unable to control the giggle that erupted. Kyan grinned wickedly, and he began to circle Maria as the others started laughing.
“Show me da love Maria,” Kyan pleaded, causing Maria to giggle again. Pauly cleared is throat quietly, Kyle glancing at him again.
“Oh right…ummm…guys, this is Pauly, Ricky and Tommy. Guys, that’s Kyan, Lyra, Serena and Jy.”
The others exchanged hellos, Matt Malamoot deciding to come and join them as they talked quietly. Malamoot’s gaze kept travelling over to Tess, Kyle and Jy both narrowing their eyes. As they watched him watch Tess, loud music sounded. The group turned as one, Kyan smirking as Lyra came over and leant between his legs as Zan pulled the car to a stop beside the bikes.
Max climbed out the car, everyone’s mouths dropping open in surprise when Zan also exited the car. Ava slid out of the back seat, Isabel and Alex following as Zan slung his arm around Ava’s shoulders. They approached the others, Maria openly staring at Zan’s bare chest. Pauly looked between Max and Zan, his surprise evident as Kyan held his hand out.
“Soul man!!…where’s ya damn shirt? Ain’tcha cold?”
Zan smirked, reaching out to grasp Kyan’s hand. “Nah man…ya know me…I ain’t feelin da cold today.”
Kyle smirked when Pauly visibly swallowed his surprise, and he decided to take pity on his friend.
“Pauly…this is Zan and Ava. Zan is Max’s…”
“…Brother,” Zan injected smoothly, talking the hand that Pauly offered.
“You could be twins,” Paul said in awe, Zan sliding his gaze over to Max.
“Nah man…more like…duplicates…hey Max?” he said slyly, Max snorting with laughter.
Pauly blinked in surprise, Zan smirking slightly. “Nah…Aves and Tess are da twins…I’m older than Max.”
“How old are you?” Pauly asked.
Zan grinned wickedly. “Nineteen. I was…born…first, followed by Isabel and then Max.”
Max snorted when Zan said “born,” Isabel shaking her head in defeat.
“How’s Liz today Max?” Pauly asked quietly, a sombre silence falling over the group.
“We all stopped in to see her this morning, but she was still sleeping. But thanks for asking Pauly.”
He nodded, the warning bell sounding as Pauly’s friends all looked at the ground. Zan turned to face Max.
“What time are ya gettin outta school?” he asked casually, Max looking up at Zan. He could see the hidden concern in his dupe’s eyes, and gave him a wry smile in return.
“Three. We’ll meet up here yeah?”
Zan nodded, squeezing Max’s shoulder before sliding his arm around Ava’s shoulder and leading her towards the car. But as he passed Isabel he paused, and kissed her on the cheek. Isabel looked at him in surprise, Zan speaking softly.
“I wish Lonnie had been like you.”
He didn’t wait for a reply, but kept walking with Ava towards the car. It was only when he slid into the car that he locked eyes with her again. Zan gave her a sad smile, before throwing the car into reverse and backing out as the shape shifters started their bikes. With a squeal of tires, Zan took off, the four bikes following the car.
The group tuned towards the school, Pauly touching Max on the shoulder as the others stared forward. Max turned back to face him, Pauly biting his lower lip slightly.
“I just wanted to apologise for…you know…beating you up that day. I was just looking out for Kyle…not that Kyle knew until after…but sorry for that.”
Max shrugged, his head tilting slightly as Pauly bit his lower lip.
“I also wanted to say how sorry I was, about what happened to Liz. I hope they catch who ever did this to her, and that they kill him. No one deserves that, least of all her.”
Max smiled slightly, Pauly watching in confusion as Max’s eyes flared slightly, changing to a deeper gold.
“Thanks Pauly…but don’t you worry. He’s already dead. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
Max left Pauly staring after him, confusion and questions swirling through his mind. There was something different about Max. Something strange. It was almost like he wasn’t human…nah….that was stupid. Pauly shook his head, before starting after them. He’d keep his eye on Max that was for sure.
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 47.
Ava let herself into Liz’s room quietly. With the others in school or tinkering with engines, she had offered to stay with Liz. Crossing the room quietly, Ava eased herself down beside Liz. Liz laid silently, her eyes shut as she breathed deeply. Ava fluffed up the spare pillow and leant back against it, her hand unconsciously going to her womb, to stroke the life that no longer lingered within.
Ava had her own reasons for coming to Liz’s side that morning. The memory of her kindness and compassion was still fresh. A human girl who helped a stranger. A stranger, who wore the face of the girl who tore her world apart. Ava sighed softly, her finger gently combing through Liz’s hair as she slept.
“You and me Lizzie girl…we’re both broken,” Ava whispered softly. “Broken for da same reasons. Broken by da same monster. Broken by da love we have, for da same king…Max or Zan…one and da same.”
Ava sighed again, her fingers absently moving trough Liz’s hair. She was unaware that Liz had woken at her gentle touch, and was lying there silently listening to Ava’s story. Ignorant to Liz listening, Ava felt safe enough to let it out.
“I ran as fast and as far as I could when I left ya. I ended up in New Orleans. Da city of soul Lizzie. It has its own old world charm. A place where ya can disappear. And disappear I did. I got rid of da punk look as ya can see. Got a job. A place to live. Made a friend or two. I made plans. I knew I wanted to make a new life for myself. I kinda had too.
“I was pregnant Lizzie. I was plannin on tellin Zan da day he…died. I was only a month or so along when Lonnie and Rath killed him da way they did. Pushin him in front of da truck. I knew Lonnie and Rath would come lookin for me, so I ran. And for a while there, things were ok. I was earnin good money. Payin for things. Getting ready to bring her into da world.
“I missed Zan every day. Thought about him all da time. Of what coulda been, and what never would be. Life was finally treatin me good Lizzie. Louisa gave me as many shifts as I wanted. I had nothin else to do with my time, so I spent it workin. On Sundays though, I would go out into da city. Lookin for baby things. I didn’t know what to buy, so I just looked…. planned.”
Ava sighed again, looking down silently at her legs. She felt tears prick behind her eyes, and wiped angrily at them when they threatened to spill.
“It all came crashin down though. Kivar found me. I opened my door one mornin to go to work and there he stood. He was wearin his human form, and I didn’t pick up on his flavour. Did you know all humans and aliens alike have a flavour? Anyways…I opened up da door, and he just smiled at me. I never saw it comin…
“He hit me hard Lizzie. Launched me clear back into da other room with his powers. I hit hard. He still kept coming. He called me da kings whore, and that he wanted a heir. It was then that he realised I was already pregnant with Zan’s baby. He pulled me to my feet, and started hittin me. Da last thing I remember was him knockin me back to da floor. When I woke up next, I was in pain…and she was going…leavin me…like Zan did….”
Ava felt her tears start streaming down her face, but she let them go.
“I tried healin da damage he’d done. But I wasn’t strong enough. Somethin in me died when she did Liz. Somethin I ain’t ever gonna get back. Louisa found me on da floor. When she asked how far along I was, and I managed to tell her just over three months, she tried takin me to da hospital. She thought I was a fuckin nut when I told her no.
“All I knew was, that I’d let Zan die, and I’d let my baby die too. I couldn’t save either of ‘em. She stayed with me for a while. Made sure I ate. Made sure I rested. Made sure I continued to breathe, when I all I wanted to do was die. I got to da point, that I started plannin on takin my own life. I didn’t see da point of livin no more. Everything I’d ever loved was gone. It was then that Zan showed up.
“He’d been trackin me down for nearly eight weeks by then. I thought I was dreamin, but I wasn’t. When I woke up, there he was. God we cried that night. And he’s carried da mantle of guilt ever since. It was then that I learnt da truth. Do ya remember when I said I was never really sure if he loved me back? He did.
“He’d been sleepin around, and keepin me at arm’s length for a reason. He knew somethin was up twelve months before he died. He’s older than us. He hatched when he was like a five year old. A full twelve months before we did. He’s just turned nineteen. He knew somethin was wrong with Lonnie and Rath. So he sat and watched. And finally figured out what da hell it was. And he still sat on it.
“They paid though. He snapped Rath’s neck like a twig. Zan told me that as he dropped Rath on da ground, Rath was still alive. He died lookin up into da face of da man he thought he’s killed. He obliterated Niko. And he choked Lonnie while fryin her from da inside out. Da whole time he was killin Lonnie, he was pushin on her mind. Lettin her feel what he felt when da truck hit him.
“Tenfold he said. A life for a life for a life. Rath’s life for his life. Lonnie’s for mine. He didn’t know I was alive then. It was Tess who told him. And he immediately left da city. Once I got over da shock of seein him alive, I ripped him a new one. He finally tied me to da bed after I’d thrown every book, cup and knife I had at him and I’d broken a lamp over his head.
“I laid hog tied to da damn bed for nearly a week, his powers keepin mine at bay. He force-fed me, when I told him I wanted to die. Got soaked when he held me locked in his arms in da shower everyday. He learnt to keep his knees shut though, when I tried putting his nuts back up into his stomach. I hit him. Bit him. Kicked him. Tried gouging his eyes out. God I hated him that first week.
“It was only when I woke up in da middle of da night and found him awake that I stopped fightin him. I remember it so clearly. He was standin at da window, lookin down at da streets. Da moon was full, and it showed his body off to me as he was only wearin his pants. I could see da damage on his left side where da tuck had hit him. He was yet to finish healin it.
“He was standin there, arms braced above his head, and he was cryin. Not some loud noisy sobs, but his shoulders were shakin, and his whole body was tense. It was then that I realised what he had done, and why he had done it. He thought that if he kept me away from him, I’d try to keep livin if he did die. That I wouldn’t die with him.
“The cost of that Lizzie…Jesus…it was then that I stopped fightin. I opened up to him, somethin I hadn’t done in nearly twelve months. I opened our connection while he was unaware, and it was like bein hit by a truck. I nearly drowned in feelings Lizzie. His guilt and anger over our child. His pain over da betrayal. His love. And da thought that he’d damaged me and our relationship beyond repair.
“It was only like a minute that his feelings were open and out there on display, before he realised I’d opened to him. He slammed himself shut so quick it nearly burned. It hurt both of us, and we spent da next day and a half cryin and talkin. Da truth ‘bout everythin came out Lizzie. All da hurt, and da pain. Da anger and da guilt. Da lies and da truth.
“It was a purging of sorts. A cleansin of da soul. It was only as da sun rose on da second day, that we decided to take it slow. A day at a time. Even now, I know Zan wants more. I know he’s ready to wait for me, but I’m so scared to take him back into my heart that way. It took me nearly five months to kiss him again! And even then it wasn’t a kiss…but god I want to Lizzie…I want him so much.
“I want to feel his touch again…. feel him touch my heart again…touch my soul again. I know he’s holdin himself in check until I am ready, but it’s so hard. I remember what it was like between us, and I know that it’ll be better this time…coz there won’t be no lies between us…just black and white…. no more grey areas of doubt…. but can I put myself out there like that, knowin what was in da past?”
Ava broke off when Liz touched her hand gently. She looked down at Liz, whose own eyes were swimming with tears. Ava bit her lip, and spoke once more before she dissolved completely into tears.
“I’m so scared Liz…what if I put it all on da line…and he hurts me? I couldn’t handle it…not again…I’m just so scared Liz…so scared.”
Liz pulled Ava down into her arms, and let her old friend cry.
“Me too…me too,” she whispered.
Part 48.
Song used is “Incomplete” by the Back Street Boys.
Max walked steadily down the corridor in search of Maria. She hadn’t met them for lunch, Max agreeing with Michael that Maria too, was probably upset at the amount of attention she was receiving due to Liz. He knew Alex had band practise, and that he was making the most of the band room with his friends. As he rounded the corner, he ran into Pam Troy. She was with a few of her friends, Max frowning slightly as she ran her hand down his arm.
“Hi Max…how have you been?” she purred, batting her lashes up at him coyly.
Max smirked slightly. “Not going to happen Pam,” he purred just as silkily, removing her hand from his arm and stepping back slightly.
Pam blinked, but smiled all the same.
“You sure Max? I mean…it’s not like you’re with anyone. I’m sure I can handle a stud like you.”
Max smirked again, leaning down as Pam tilted her mouth up in invitation. Her lips parted slightly, Pam watching Max in anticipation as his eyes darkened. She had wanted this for so long…
“As I said Pam…not gonna happen. Why would I want the town slut, when I’m in love with someone as innocent as Liz?”
Pam reared back like she’d been slapped, Max chuckling softly at the expression on her face.
“I know that it was you who spread the rumors about Liz and Kyle. But I can tell you now Pam…I won’t back down a second time. You hurt her in any way…I’ll make your life a living hell. I’m in love with Liz…I have been for a long time. And whether we are together or not, there is no chance in hell, that I’d step up to where so many have been before me.”
Laughter filled the hallways, the lingering students laughing as Pam flushed bright red. Gathering the last of her dignity, she drew herself up to her full height, and thrust her chest out. Her eyes flashed with humiliation and anger, and she spoke loudly, words that she would later regret.
“Fine Max! Stay with the slut then! The little bitch deserves what happened to her! Always thinking that she’s better than everyone else! I bet she’s claiming that it’s just rape because the guy has a girlfriend!”
Dead silence followed her statement, Max’s face pale, his eyes glittering with barely concealed rage. It was Pauly who stepped forward though, his voice carrying to the listening ears of every student who stared at Pam in utter horror and disgust.
“You’re a nasty bitch Pam. You always have been and you always will be. I’ve seen Liz. I spent some time with her last night as her father was closing the café, and let me tell you this: No one deserves what happened to her. You haven’t seen her Pam, so you don’t know what she looks like. I have.
“I’ve seen the bruises that circle her neck, where the guy tried to choke her to death. I’ve seen how she can only see out of one eye, because the other is swollen shut. I’ve seen the way that she had to lean on Max as she walked, because her ribs were obviously broken. I’ve seen her hands Pam…they’re bruised and her nails are torn, where she fought to stay alive.
“You’ve always hated Liz, because she’s prettier than you. More popular than you. Kyle turned you down for her, just like Max did. And I’m sick to death of seeing you shoot her down. But this is over stepping the line…how would you feel if it was you? If it was your younger sister? Your best friend? How would any of you feel?
“I’ve always admired Liz…she’s been my friend since grade school. I watched Kyle fall for her…watched Liz fall for Max. And last night, I saw the three of them sit together. Kyle holding one of his best friends, and Max watch the girl he’s in love with as she rested in the arms of another guy. Someone tried to kill her Pam…and you’re finished…. I’m going to ruin you for those comments…. not that it’ll be a big job, because you’ve just shown your true colours.”
Pauly stepped over to Max, who looked like he was ready to punch Pam in the face.
“Come on man…she isn’t worth it…besides…you don’t hit girls.”
“Max doesn’t…. but I do…” a new voice said, Pam turning around. A squeak erupted from Pam, Pauly stepping out of the way as Pam fell back violently to the ground, her nose obviously broken. Tess stood behind her, wringing her hand as she glared at the other girl.
“I told you yesterday Pam…blood doesn’t come out,” Tess said coldly. “You obviously weren’t listening…would you like a recap?” she asked low enough so that only Pam could hear, the venom dripping from her voice. Pam shook her head, tears streaming down her face as everyone looked at her in disgust. Tess glanced at Max, before holding her hand out to him.
“I found Maria…. she’s with Alex.”
The crowd parted, Max following Tess. But he paused a minute later, turning back to face Pauly.
“Thanks…” Max’s glance turned to Pam. “You’re a whore Pam. Liz isn’t. But I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy what she’s going through…and if I hear any more comments like I heard come out of your mouth, I’ll remove the person’s tongue…spread that you bitch.”
Pam scrambled to her feet and fled, Max not even watching her go as he once more followed Tess. Pauly followed Max at a safe distance, watching as the pair slipped into the band room. He counted to five, and slipped in behind them, standing in the shadows as Max walked over to Maria and gave her a hug. Alex looked up and flashed Max a weak smile, his band mates slipping away to give them privacy as Max sat down.
“Girlfriend…you ok?” Maria asked, taking in Max’s angry face, and Tess’s stormy eyes.
Max managed to smile slightly. “You just missed Tess punching Pam Troy,” he said, giving Tess a small smile.
Maria grinned, Tess shaking her head. “The bitch deserved it Maria,” Tess said softly, Maria nodding.
“What are you guys up to?” Max asked. Alex shrugged.
“Maria wrote a new song…we’re just about to put it to music Max.”
“What’s it about Ria?” Tess asked softly. Maria bit her lip, before answering softly.
“Me and Michael. Isabel and Alex. Max and Liz…you and Kyle…and the summer we found out about destiny….and all the shit that’s happened ever since.”
Tess blushed, Maria flashing her a significant look…. a look that wasn’t missed by Tess.
“Can we hear it?” Max asked. Maria nodded, picking up the microphone and joining Alex at the piano.
“Empty spaces fill me up with holes
Distant faces with no place left to go
Without you within me I can't find no rest
Where I'm going is anybody's guess
I've tried to go on like I never knew you
I'm awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete
Voices tell me I should carry on
But I am swimming in an ocean all alone
Baby, my baby
It's written on your face
You still wonder if we made a big mistake
I've tried to go on like I never knew you
I'm awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete
I don't mean to drag it on, but I can't seem to let you go
I don't wanna make you face this world alone
I wanna let you go (alone)
I've tried to go on like I never knew you
I'm awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete
Incomplete”
Pauly watched as Tess continued to rub her hand as the others sang, her knuckles red and split. Max glanced down, and took her hand in his. Pauly’s mouth fell open as Max covered Tess’s knuckles with his hand. Max’s hand glowed slightly, ad when he let Tess’s hand go, her knuckles were smooth…. no longer red and split. Pauly blinked, yet he continued to watch as the others finished the song, Max stepping forward and giving Maria a hug.
“That was beautiful Maria…Liz would love it,” he said quietly.
Maria looked up at Max, her eyes filled with worry. “What’s gonna happen Max? To Liz? I’m just so scared Max…that we’re gonna loose this one…that he’ll win….”
Max shook his head. “Nothing gonna happen Ria. I’d die to protect her…you know this. I love her…and I’m going to kill Kivar for touching her. Threaten me all you want. Take my planet. My throne. Don’t touch Liz…and he did Maria. He put his hands on her, and for that he’ll pay. I swear it to you. If it takes me the rest of my life, I swear he’ll pay.”
Pauly slipped away, confusion swirling through him like fire.
“What the hell are you Evans?” he mumbled, now more than certain that he had to watch this guy. He’d sit on this new info for now…. but sooner or later he’d have to confront Max with it…and hopefully get some answers.
Ava let herself into Liz’s room quietly. With the others in school or tinkering with engines, she had offered to stay with Liz. Crossing the room quietly, Ava eased herself down beside Liz. Liz laid silently, her eyes shut as she breathed deeply. Ava fluffed up the spare pillow and leant back against it, her hand unconsciously going to her womb, to stroke the life that no longer lingered within.
Ava had her own reasons for coming to Liz’s side that morning. The memory of her kindness and compassion was still fresh. A human girl who helped a stranger. A stranger, who wore the face of the girl who tore her world apart. Ava sighed softly, her finger gently combing through Liz’s hair as she slept.
“You and me Lizzie girl…we’re both broken,” Ava whispered softly. “Broken for da same reasons. Broken by da same monster. Broken by da love we have, for da same king…Max or Zan…one and da same.”
Ava sighed again, her fingers absently moving trough Liz’s hair. She was unaware that Liz had woken at her gentle touch, and was lying there silently listening to Ava’s story. Ignorant to Liz listening, Ava felt safe enough to let it out.
“I ran as fast and as far as I could when I left ya. I ended up in New Orleans. Da city of soul Lizzie. It has its own old world charm. A place where ya can disappear. And disappear I did. I got rid of da punk look as ya can see. Got a job. A place to live. Made a friend or two. I made plans. I knew I wanted to make a new life for myself. I kinda had too.
“I was pregnant Lizzie. I was plannin on tellin Zan da day he…died. I was only a month or so along when Lonnie and Rath killed him da way they did. Pushin him in front of da truck. I knew Lonnie and Rath would come lookin for me, so I ran. And for a while there, things were ok. I was earnin good money. Payin for things. Getting ready to bring her into da world.
“I missed Zan every day. Thought about him all da time. Of what coulda been, and what never would be. Life was finally treatin me good Lizzie. Louisa gave me as many shifts as I wanted. I had nothin else to do with my time, so I spent it workin. On Sundays though, I would go out into da city. Lookin for baby things. I didn’t know what to buy, so I just looked…. planned.”
Ava sighed again, looking down silently at her legs. She felt tears prick behind her eyes, and wiped angrily at them when they threatened to spill.
“It all came crashin down though. Kivar found me. I opened my door one mornin to go to work and there he stood. He was wearin his human form, and I didn’t pick up on his flavour. Did you know all humans and aliens alike have a flavour? Anyways…I opened up da door, and he just smiled at me. I never saw it comin…
“He hit me hard Lizzie. Launched me clear back into da other room with his powers. I hit hard. He still kept coming. He called me da kings whore, and that he wanted a heir. It was then that he realised I was already pregnant with Zan’s baby. He pulled me to my feet, and started hittin me. Da last thing I remember was him knockin me back to da floor. When I woke up next, I was in pain…and she was going…leavin me…like Zan did….”
Ava felt her tears start streaming down her face, but she let them go.
“I tried healin da damage he’d done. But I wasn’t strong enough. Somethin in me died when she did Liz. Somethin I ain’t ever gonna get back. Louisa found me on da floor. When she asked how far along I was, and I managed to tell her just over three months, she tried takin me to da hospital. She thought I was a fuckin nut when I told her no.
“All I knew was, that I’d let Zan die, and I’d let my baby die too. I couldn’t save either of ‘em. She stayed with me for a while. Made sure I ate. Made sure I rested. Made sure I continued to breathe, when I all I wanted to do was die. I got to da point, that I started plannin on takin my own life. I didn’t see da point of livin no more. Everything I’d ever loved was gone. It was then that Zan showed up.
“He’d been trackin me down for nearly eight weeks by then. I thought I was dreamin, but I wasn’t. When I woke up, there he was. God we cried that night. And he’s carried da mantle of guilt ever since. It was then that I learnt da truth. Do ya remember when I said I was never really sure if he loved me back? He did.
“He’d been sleepin around, and keepin me at arm’s length for a reason. He knew somethin was up twelve months before he died. He’s older than us. He hatched when he was like a five year old. A full twelve months before we did. He’s just turned nineteen. He knew somethin was wrong with Lonnie and Rath. So he sat and watched. And finally figured out what da hell it was. And he still sat on it.
“They paid though. He snapped Rath’s neck like a twig. Zan told me that as he dropped Rath on da ground, Rath was still alive. He died lookin up into da face of da man he thought he’s killed. He obliterated Niko. And he choked Lonnie while fryin her from da inside out. Da whole time he was killin Lonnie, he was pushin on her mind. Lettin her feel what he felt when da truck hit him.
“Tenfold he said. A life for a life for a life. Rath’s life for his life. Lonnie’s for mine. He didn’t know I was alive then. It was Tess who told him. And he immediately left da city. Once I got over da shock of seein him alive, I ripped him a new one. He finally tied me to da bed after I’d thrown every book, cup and knife I had at him and I’d broken a lamp over his head.
“I laid hog tied to da damn bed for nearly a week, his powers keepin mine at bay. He force-fed me, when I told him I wanted to die. Got soaked when he held me locked in his arms in da shower everyday. He learnt to keep his knees shut though, when I tried putting his nuts back up into his stomach. I hit him. Bit him. Kicked him. Tried gouging his eyes out. God I hated him that first week.
“It was only when I woke up in da middle of da night and found him awake that I stopped fightin him. I remember it so clearly. He was standin at da window, lookin down at da streets. Da moon was full, and it showed his body off to me as he was only wearin his pants. I could see da damage on his left side where da tuck had hit him. He was yet to finish healin it.
“He was standin there, arms braced above his head, and he was cryin. Not some loud noisy sobs, but his shoulders were shakin, and his whole body was tense. It was then that I realised what he had done, and why he had done it. He thought that if he kept me away from him, I’d try to keep livin if he did die. That I wouldn’t die with him.
“The cost of that Lizzie…Jesus…it was then that I stopped fightin. I opened up to him, somethin I hadn’t done in nearly twelve months. I opened our connection while he was unaware, and it was like bein hit by a truck. I nearly drowned in feelings Lizzie. His guilt and anger over our child. His pain over da betrayal. His love. And da thought that he’d damaged me and our relationship beyond repair.
“It was only like a minute that his feelings were open and out there on display, before he realised I’d opened to him. He slammed himself shut so quick it nearly burned. It hurt both of us, and we spent da next day and a half cryin and talkin. Da truth ‘bout everythin came out Lizzie. All da hurt, and da pain. Da anger and da guilt. Da lies and da truth.
“It was a purging of sorts. A cleansin of da soul. It was only as da sun rose on da second day, that we decided to take it slow. A day at a time. Even now, I know Zan wants more. I know he’s ready to wait for me, but I’m so scared to take him back into my heart that way. It took me nearly five months to kiss him again! And even then it wasn’t a kiss…but god I want to Lizzie…I want him so much.
“I want to feel his touch again…. feel him touch my heart again…touch my soul again. I know he’s holdin himself in check until I am ready, but it’s so hard. I remember what it was like between us, and I know that it’ll be better this time…coz there won’t be no lies between us…just black and white…. no more grey areas of doubt…. but can I put myself out there like that, knowin what was in da past?”
Ava broke off when Liz touched her hand gently. She looked down at Liz, whose own eyes were swimming with tears. Ava bit her lip, and spoke once more before she dissolved completely into tears.
“I’m so scared Liz…what if I put it all on da line…and he hurts me? I couldn’t handle it…not again…I’m just so scared Liz…so scared.”
Liz pulled Ava down into her arms, and let her old friend cry.
“Me too…me too,” she whispered.
Part 48.
Song used is “Incomplete” by the Back Street Boys.
Max walked steadily down the corridor in search of Maria. She hadn’t met them for lunch, Max agreeing with Michael that Maria too, was probably upset at the amount of attention she was receiving due to Liz. He knew Alex had band practise, and that he was making the most of the band room with his friends. As he rounded the corner, he ran into Pam Troy. She was with a few of her friends, Max frowning slightly as she ran her hand down his arm.
“Hi Max…how have you been?” she purred, batting her lashes up at him coyly.
Max smirked slightly. “Not going to happen Pam,” he purred just as silkily, removing her hand from his arm and stepping back slightly.
Pam blinked, but smiled all the same.
“You sure Max? I mean…it’s not like you’re with anyone. I’m sure I can handle a stud like you.”
Max smirked again, leaning down as Pam tilted her mouth up in invitation. Her lips parted slightly, Pam watching Max in anticipation as his eyes darkened. She had wanted this for so long…
“As I said Pam…not gonna happen. Why would I want the town slut, when I’m in love with someone as innocent as Liz?”
Pam reared back like she’d been slapped, Max chuckling softly at the expression on her face.
“I know that it was you who spread the rumors about Liz and Kyle. But I can tell you now Pam…I won’t back down a second time. You hurt her in any way…I’ll make your life a living hell. I’m in love with Liz…I have been for a long time. And whether we are together or not, there is no chance in hell, that I’d step up to where so many have been before me.”
Laughter filled the hallways, the lingering students laughing as Pam flushed bright red. Gathering the last of her dignity, she drew herself up to her full height, and thrust her chest out. Her eyes flashed with humiliation and anger, and she spoke loudly, words that she would later regret.
“Fine Max! Stay with the slut then! The little bitch deserves what happened to her! Always thinking that she’s better than everyone else! I bet she’s claiming that it’s just rape because the guy has a girlfriend!”
Dead silence followed her statement, Max’s face pale, his eyes glittering with barely concealed rage. It was Pauly who stepped forward though, his voice carrying to the listening ears of every student who stared at Pam in utter horror and disgust.
“You’re a nasty bitch Pam. You always have been and you always will be. I’ve seen Liz. I spent some time with her last night as her father was closing the café, and let me tell you this: No one deserves what happened to her. You haven’t seen her Pam, so you don’t know what she looks like. I have.
“I’ve seen the bruises that circle her neck, where the guy tried to choke her to death. I’ve seen how she can only see out of one eye, because the other is swollen shut. I’ve seen the way that she had to lean on Max as she walked, because her ribs were obviously broken. I’ve seen her hands Pam…they’re bruised and her nails are torn, where she fought to stay alive.
“You’ve always hated Liz, because she’s prettier than you. More popular than you. Kyle turned you down for her, just like Max did. And I’m sick to death of seeing you shoot her down. But this is over stepping the line…how would you feel if it was you? If it was your younger sister? Your best friend? How would any of you feel?
“I’ve always admired Liz…she’s been my friend since grade school. I watched Kyle fall for her…watched Liz fall for Max. And last night, I saw the three of them sit together. Kyle holding one of his best friends, and Max watch the girl he’s in love with as she rested in the arms of another guy. Someone tried to kill her Pam…and you’re finished…. I’m going to ruin you for those comments…. not that it’ll be a big job, because you’ve just shown your true colours.”
Pauly stepped over to Max, who looked like he was ready to punch Pam in the face.
“Come on man…she isn’t worth it…besides…you don’t hit girls.”
“Max doesn’t…. but I do…” a new voice said, Pam turning around. A squeak erupted from Pam, Pauly stepping out of the way as Pam fell back violently to the ground, her nose obviously broken. Tess stood behind her, wringing her hand as she glared at the other girl.
“I told you yesterday Pam…blood doesn’t come out,” Tess said coldly. “You obviously weren’t listening…would you like a recap?” she asked low enough so that only Pam could hear, the venom dripping from her voice. Pam shook her head, tears streaming down her face as everyone looked at her in disgust. Tess glanced at Max, before holding her hand out to him.
“I found Maria…. she’s with Alex.”
The crowd parted, Max following Tess. But he paused a minute later, turning back to face Pauly.
“Thanks…” Max’s glance turned to Pam. “You’re a whore Pam. Liz isn’t. But I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy what she’s going through…and if I hear any more comments like I heard come out of your mouth, I’ll remove the person’s tongue…spread that you bitch.”
Pam scrambled to her feet and fled, Max not even watching her go as he once more followed Tess. Pauly followed Max at a safe distance, watching as the pair slipped into the band room. He counted to five, and slipped in behind them, standing in the shadows as Max walked over to Maria and gave her a hug. Alex looked up and flashed Max a weak smile, his band mates slipping away to give them privacy as Max sat down.
“Girlfriend…you ok?” Maria asked, taking in Max’s angry face, and Tess’s stormy eyes.
Max managed to smile slightly. “You just missed Tess punching Pam Troy,” he said, giving Tess a small smile.
Maria grinned, Tess shaking her head. “The bitch deserved it Maria,” Tess said softly, Maria nodding.
“What are you guys up to?” Max asked. Alex shrugged.
“Maria wrote a new song…we’re just about to put it to music Max.”
“What’s it about Ria?” Tess asked softly. Maria bit her lip, before answering softly.
“Me and Michael. Isabel and Alex. Max and Liz…you and Kyle…and the summer we found out about destiny….and all the shit that’s happened ever since.”
Tess blushed, Maria flashing her a significant look…. a look that wasn’t missed by Tess.
“Can we hear it?” Max asked. Maria nodded, picking up the microphone and joining Alex at the piano.
“Empty spaces fill me up with holes
Distant faces with no place left to go
Without you within me I can't find no rest
Where I'm going is anybody's guess
I've tried to go on like I never knew you
I'm awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete
Voices tell me I should carry on
But I am swimming in an ocean all alone
Baby, my baby
It's written on your face
You still wonder if we made a big mistake
I've tried to go on like I never knew you
I'm awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete
I don't mean to drag it on, but I can't seem to let you go
I don't wanna make you face this world alone
I wanna let you go (alone)
I've tried to go on like I never knew you
I'm awake but my world is half asleep
I pray for this heart to be unbroken
But without you all I'm going to be is incomplete
Incomplete”
Pauly watched as Tess continued to rub her hand as the others sang, her knuckles red and split. Max glanced down, and took her hand in his. Pauly’s mouth fell open as Max covered Tess’s knuckles with his hand. Max’s hand glowed slightly, ad when he let Tess’s hand go, her knuckles were smooth…. no longer red and split. Pauly blinked, yet he continued to watch as the others finished the song, Max stepping forward and giving Maria a hug.
“That was beautiful Maria…Liz would love it,” he said quietly.
Maria looked up at Max, her eyes filled with worry. “What’s gonna happen Max? To Liz? I’m just so scared Max…that we’re gonna loose this one…that he’ll win….”
Max shook his head. “Nothing gonna happen Ria. I’d die to protect her…you know this. I love her…and I’m going to kill Kivar for touching her. Threaten me all you want. Take my planet. My throne. Don’t touch Liz…and he did Maria. He put his hands on her, and for that he’ll pay. I swear it to you. If it takes me the rest of my life, I swear he’ll pay.”
Pauly slipped away, confusion swirling through him like fire.
“What the hell are you Evans?” he mumbled, now more than certain that he had to watch this guy. He’d sit on this new info for now…. but sooner or later he’d have to confront Max with it…and hopefully get some answers.
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 49.
I’ve borrowed lines from Liz’s journal entries, in season one and two. I’ve changed some words to suit the purpose. The song use is Undertow by Ivy. It’s the soft song used during the episode Heart of mine. Enjoy.
Liz ran a bath, leaving Ava asleep in her bed as she lit the candles that dotted the tiny bathroom. Pouring some cinnamon scented bath foam into the water, Liz watched as the water level rose, along with the bubbles. Turning her CD player on, Liz closed the door and slid into the fragrant water with a sigh. Picking her journal up, she opened it, her eyes heavy with grief as she reread some of her most private thoughts.
That girl was dead now…her life torn away in the cold night. Tears slowly slid down her face as she traced her finger over Max’s name in the pages she read. Her life was laid before her eyes, sending her back in time as she read silently. Back to a time where she was innocent. Where she was with Max…where life was still horror free…
It's September 24th, I'm Liz Parker and five days ago I died. But then the really amazing thing happened. I came to life.
God. To go back to when she was as innocent as that. Before Kivar. Before the white room. Before Tess even. To where she was only concerned with loving Max. And having him love her back.
October. 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, you go into the unknown. And once you do, you can never go back.
Liz had left normal the day a shy boy bought her back from the brink of death. Bought her back, because he loved her enough to lay it all on the line. To expose himself. To love her. And with leaving normal…. She had lost the one woman who understood her better than anyone.
December. The heat wave finally broke and I'm probably the only person in Roswell who didn't benefit from it. But it's for the best. Because if Max Evans and I had given in to temptation, if we had kissed each other even once, it would have taken us somewhere we both know we never should have gone.
Well. Yeah. She had left normal that night, locked in the arms of the boy who held her heart in his hand. It had been Max’s first kiss. His hesitancy had been sweet, yet he caught on very quickly, and now she was doomed to never know what normal felt like again. When Max Evans kissed you…you could fly…
It's February 20th. I'm Liz Parker, and lately I've been having these feelings, like I'm changing inside, and part of me doesn't want to change. Part of me always wants to be my mom's little girl. But the thing is, these feelings are strong...dangerous, undeniable. It's like I have no choice. It's like...chemical.
She could remember that. Remember feeling out of control, and filled with desire and need. Loved. Wanted. She wasn’t that little girl anymore, and her mother had left her when she needed her most. And for that, Liz would never forgive her.
April 27th. We try to live responsible, logical lives. But we can't tell our hearts how to feel. Sometimes our hearts lead us to places we never thought we wanted to go. And sometimes our hearts can be the sweetest, gentlest things we have. Sometimes are hearts can make us feel miserable, angry, excited and confused. All at once. But at least my heart is open. And I'm writing again. I'm feeling. I'm breathing.
Had she really only written that a week ago? She wasn’t breathing now. She was suffocating. She was lonely. She was scared. And for once, she wanted to let go…let Max back in…let him heal what was damaged.
“I wonder if his highness will want you when I’m finished....”
Liz sat up abruptly, her whole body shaking. The cold timbre of his voice…the feel of his clawed hand on her stomach. The tearing of her top…her screams…his laughter…alone…no one to help her..... Grabbing her washcloth, Liz scrubbed at her arms, trying to shake the coldness that clung to her body…both inside and out. It was a physical pain… ice-cold claws, trailing over her arms…her face…her stomach…just like he had… oh god.
With a soft sob, Liz drew her knees up, and let go of her control. Her body shook with the force of her sobs, and yet as Ava had said, it was a cleansing of sorts. Her pain was festering within. Turning rancid the longer she kept it locked away. And if she was truly honest with herself, she knew part of the reason she cried, was for a love lost to the future…and the past. Destroyed by her own hand.
Finally lifting her head, Liz picked up her journal, staring down at the words she had written when she was still Max’s. When she was still innocent. When Kivar hadn’t come to her, and tried taking the only gift she had left. When he had tried taking her life. Taking her pen, Liz sighed, and began the journey towards healing.
May 7th. I’m Liz Parker. And three days ago, my life ended. For all intense purposes, I should have died on the ground. But I didn’t. Someone saved me. Someone I never thought would be my friend. Tess. She found me in a way I hope to never find anyone. And she stayed. She helped me. And she became my friend.
I’m not ready to do this yet…to talk about what happened. I feel like no one can really see me anymore. Like I’ve disappeared. In a way I have. Ever since Future Max came to me, I’ve been drifting…pretending to live. I’m not though. I see Max everywhere I go. I thought FM was right…that he needed to be with Tess.
But what if he was wrong? What if we just needed to accept Tess into the group? In her own way, she’s as broken as I am. To endure ten years at Nasado’s hands…god. I think in a way, she and Michael were as abused as each other. Michael by Hank’s fists. Tess, by the starvation of any emotion.
I’m sitting here; listening to ‘Undertow’ by Ivy…Max gave it to me with some silver earrings as a prom present. God. I miss him. I do. I can lie to his face…tell him I don’t love him. But on the inside…god…he’s all that I live for. I keep hearing what Ava said about Zan. About needing to feel his touch.
I’d give anything; to just stop fighting this, and let him back in. Let him see me again. Let him love me again. But something holds me back. Fear. Pure and simple. How does he see me now? Does he see me as damaged? Am I no good anymore? Tainted? Would he recoil from me? Laugh in my face? Or even worse…come back to me out of pity?
I don’t think I could handle that if he did. I don’t think I’d be strong enough to face what’s coming. They think they can shield me from it…that I’m oblivious to what’s happening. But I’m not. I know the other reason why Kivar wants me, other than to use me as a vessel for his heir before he kills me. Something I haven’t told the others.
I’m changing. On the inside. It’s chemical. Powerful. Alien. And I think it’s because Max healed me. The other day in the hospital, I wanted Maria and Michael to leave…I screamed for them to go…and they did. When I asked Maria about it yesterday, she looked really confused. I think Kivar is aware of these changes. And that he’s willing to use them to get to Max.
God…did Max even realise the power of the lyrics of this song? Maria calls it the alien abyss…we get sucked back in whenever we try to escape. The day Max healed me, my life became theirs. Whether Max and I are together or not, he will always be a part of me. I will always be a part of him.
Standing by yourself
High on the hills above the ocean
This is where you'd come
To walk with your friends
Strange how it leaves you
With no emotion
You can't fight the undertow
Not when you're all alone
You can't fight the undertow
How long til you let go
Take it one step back
Try to pull yourself together
No matter what you say
Nothing you do
Can hold by the forces of youth forever
You can't fight the undertow
Not when you're all alone
You can't fight the undertow
How long til you let go
You can't fight the undertow
Not when you're all alone
You can't fight the undertow
How long til you let go
How long til you let go
How long until I let go? How long until I stop fighting, and face up to the choices I’ve made? The lies I’ve told. How long…until I live again? Breathe again? Let Max love me again? I want to live…I want to love. Because if what’s happened to me shows me anything, it’s this: I can’t live without Max Evans. And I no longer want too. I want him back. I want his love. I need to heal…I need to breathe…I need to love. I need to live.
Liz stopped writing, reading the words she had written without thinking. For the first time in a long time, Liz looked down at the truth of her words, her vision blurring as she realised just how lost she was. With another gut wrenching sob, she let her journal slip from her hands, where it landed with a thud on the floor. Curling up again, she started to cry once more.
All she had to do was let Max in…and that was the scariest thing of all. Because if she did…she would leave normal. And she would never return. Lives hung in the balance. All for a small town girl, who loved a boy. A boy…who was destined to be king. A boy, she knew, would give it all up…for her. You can’t fight, what destiny brings. You can’t fight the undertow. And as she sobbed, Liz simply stopped fighting. And let it suck her back in….
Part 50.
The remainder of the day slipped by without incident; the word spread that Max was willing to take out anyone who even muttered Liz’s name in vain. It was also made known that the rest of his friends stood with him, along with a few newcomers. Pauly’s name came up, as did his friends Ricky, Matt, and Tommy. Pam Troy’s name was mud, Pauly letting it be known what she had said.
Maria and Tess walked out of their last class together, and headed for the car park. Both girls were silent, each lost in thought as they walked. Pushing through the double doors, they both blinked at the bright light, before heading for the car park. They could see the rest of the group waiting for them, Maria suddenly grabbing Tess by the elbow.
“I’m going to say this real quick. I hated you when you first came here. You represented why Liz was gone, why Max was miserable and why Michael and I were apart. But times have changed Tess…and so have you. I don’t hate you now…but I still don’t know you. I want to change that. I want to get to know you…if you’ll let me.”
Tess blinked, her eyes suspiciously bright.
“I’d like that too,” she said softly, Maria flashing mega watt smiles at her.
“One more thing Tess…” Maria said, as Tess turned to go. Tess turned back to face her, Maria grinning.
“I like what you did to Pam…to bad you didn’t knock her head off…”
Tess snorted with laughter, her cheeks turning a pretty pink colour as Maria linked arms with her, the two girls continuing on together. Students watched as Maria kissed Michael hello, before taking the helmet Kyan handed her. The group made small talk, before Max, Alex and Isabel slid into the car with Zan, and the others climbed onto motorbikes with the shifter they had travelled with that morning.
Ten minutes later, they were all gathered at the Crashdown, Maria running upstairs to check on Liz before she started her shift at four. Tess and Isabel were starting at five, Michael already behind the grill. Max was sitting with the others, waiting for Maria to return before he went upstairs himself. Maria appeared a few minutes later, her uniform on, Ava at her side.
Max slid from his seat, Ava taking his spot beside Zan. Max left the room quietly, heading upstairs after asking Mr. Parker if it was ok. Jeff said yes, before informing Max he needed to go to Las Cruces for a few hours…would he help close up that night? Max nodded, before heading up to Liz as Jeff left for the rest of the day. Tapping softly on the door, Max waited for Liz to answer. When she didn’t, he gently pushed the door open, expecting to find Liz asleep. Upon finding that she was not in the bed, Max’s gaze swept the room.
Not finding her inside or out on the balcony, he tapped softly on the bathroom door. Liz still didn’t answer, but a closer inspection of the door showed Max the steam coming from under the door. Max pushed the door open quietly; ready to shut it if Liz asked him too. Steam poured out of the room, Max waving his hand in front of his face so he could see. Taking a step into the bathroom, he paused at the sight and sounds that greeted him.
Liz was sitting in the bath, her skin slowly turning red due to the heat of the soapy water. Her legs were drawn up, her arms wrapped around her knees. Her head was resting on her knees, Liz crying quietly. Her journal lay open on the floor by the bath, candlelight flickering distortedly in the steam. The seductive scent of cinnamon, ylang ylang and rose filled the air, a warm blanket of scent wrapped in flame. Liz’s hair hung in wet strands down her back and around her face, her pain private as she wept softly.
‘Undertow’ by Ivy played by the bath, muffling any noise he would make. Max knew he’d given Liz the CD single as part of her prom present…. god that seemed like a lifetime ago. Max shrugged out of his jacket, and hung it on the doorknob as he walked softly over to the bath. Sinking to his knees, he dipped a finger into the water, hissing softly when he felt it’s scalding temperature. A quick wave of his hand cooled the water slightly, sadness and rage twisting within him as he picked up a face washer.
Liz jumped when she felt the cloth being dragged gently across her hunched shoulders, and she lifted her head slowly. Max swallowed, before reaching out and cupping her face gently with his free hand. Sweeping his thumb under her eye, he caught the tear that lingered on her lashes. Liz’s eyes closed briefly, her lips trying to turn up. But it was too much effort, Max stilling her lips when she went to speak.
“Don’t…it’s ok, …” he whispered.
They stared at each for a long moment, before Liz looked down at the water again, Max still moving the cloth across her back. Liz looked at him again, a blush appearing on her face.
“Max…will…will you stay with me for now…you know…hold me?” she whispered.
Max nodded, Liz scooting forward slightly in the bath. When she looked back over her shoulder again in silent invitation, Max swallowed, finally understanding her needs. It was too soon…he knew this… but he still stood up and kicked his boots off. Liz lowered her gaze when Max lifted his tee shirt off, dropping the material outside the bathroom door. Liz kept her eyes lowered, until she heard the unmistakable sound of Max’s jeans and belt hitting the floor.
Liz stood up and turned slightly, Max’s gaze drawn to the curve of her spine, and the gentle swell of her ass. Black bruising stood out on her ribs, Max frowning slightly as he finished shedding his clothes. Stepping into the bath behind Liz, he sat and then lay down, quickly wetting his hair. When he sat back up, he averted his gaze for Liz’s sake, until he felt her sit back down between his legs.
Max’s breathing hitched…and then caught in his throat as she lay back against him in the still too hot water, her head resting against his shoulder. Unable to not touch her, Max slid one arm over her stomach, and trailed his fingers through the heavy wet strands of her hair with the other hand. The water level, combined with the many bubbles, gave her a sense of modesty, mainly hiding her from view.
They lay together quietly, Max raising his left leg so it bent at the knee. It gave Liz more room between his thighs, and Max the ability to once more get an iron clad grip on his emotions. Liz turned slightly in his arms, her back pressing along his raised thigh as she nestled against him further. Her hand inched up over his torso, to settle gently against his heart. Max turned his head slightly, looking down at Liz as she tilted her head back to look up at him.
“Max?” she whispered softly.
“Yeah?”
“Am I…am I…different now? …You know…bad?”
Max’s eyebrows drew together painfully, his shock apparent on his face. Lifting his right hand, he cupped the side of her neck gently, his thumb stroking her jaw line.
“You’re beautiful Liz…you’re innocent and…and desirable…god…I don’t think you’ve been…damaged if that’s what you think…I still want you as much as I ever have…even more so now, because you were almost taken from me…don’t you understand that? …don’t you see what I see when I look at you?”
Max feathered his fingertip down over her bruises and cuts, a small smile crossing his face.
“I don’t see this…I don’t see you as broken Liz…all I see…is you…all I’ve ever seen is you.”
Liz lowered her gaze, Ava’s voice echoing in her head once more.
“I want to feel his touch again…. feel him touch my heart again…touch my soul again. I know he’s holdin himself in check until I am ready, but it’s so hard. I remember what it was like between us, and I know that it’ll be better this time…coz there won’t be no lies between us…just black and white…. no more grey areas of doubt…. but can I put myself out there like that…”
Lifting her head back up again, Liz swallowed, needing to feel his soul searing touch like she had so long ago…needing to feel his gentle warmth…a balm for her broken mind…. for her shattered soul… Max read the look in her eyes, and keeping their gazes locked, lowered his head enough to brush her lips with his.
It was a gentle brushing…a way out if she felt uncomfortable. Lifting his head, he stared down into eyes that had been shuttered against him for so long. They were no longer shuttered though… love shone in those expressive eyes…love…fear…need…pain…a silent invitation to take more. To make her feel beautiful again.
“Slow…” she whispered, Max nodding as he lowered his head again.
He brushed his lips over hers gently, feeling the slight shudder that wracked her body. It was gentle pressure he applied to that bruised mouth…until she opened to him. Ironclad control was all he had, his tongue dipping slightly. He felt the tentative brush of her own tongue, and simply gave in, kissing her in a way he hadn’t in nearly six months... the music played on, the lyrics receiving new meaning as they lost themselves in each others arms.
“You can't fight the undertow
Not when you're all alone
You can't fight the undertow
How long til you let go?”
Meanwhile…
Pauly walked in with Ricky, the two guys heading for the counter. Maria glanced up, a small smile of gratitude crossing her face.
“Thanks for today by the way…you know…for putting she devil in her place,” Maria said by way of greeting.
Pauly shrugged slightly. “Ummm…Mr. Stedman assigned me and Ricky with Liz today for a new assignment. I thought while Max was here, we could get some work done…you know…so Liz won’t be uncomfortable in any way.”
Maria smiled slightly. “That was thoughtful of you Pauly…come on…hey Spaceboy! …I’m just taking Pauly and Ricky up to study with Liz. Max is upstairs…I won’t be a sec.”
Pauly blinked, his eyes narrowing slightly as Michael waved his spatular in acknowledgement. “Spaceboy?” he mumbled slightly, wondering if Michael was…different…like Max. He shrugged, following Maria upstairs as she led the way, elbowing Ricky as his friend stared at Maria’s swaying hips. Everyone knew Maria was off limits because of Michael… now that was one scary dude you didn’t mess with!
Reaching Liz’s door, Maria pushed it open, and walked inside, three pairs of eyes drawn straight to the bathroom, and the intimate scene within. Maria went to speak, Pauly slapping a hand over her mouth, effectively silencing her as he dragged her back a few steps out of sight. They could still hear Max talking, and they could see Max and Liz’s heads and shoulders in the foggy mirror.
The image of Max and Liz in such an intimate setting was seared onto all three minds. The way Max was holding Liz so gently. The way she had curled into his body so trustingly. The way that water clung to both of their naked shoulders. Max’s hair was slicked back over his head, Liz’s hair hanging in heavy strands over Max’s arm.
Candlelight flickering turned them both bronze in the dim light. Max’s eyes glowing gold…Liz’s glowing with unshed tears. Max was trailing his hand over her hair, rubbing the wet strands through his fingers as they lay there. The hesitancy in Liz’s voice was loud and clear. She was scared…
“Am I…am I…different now? …You know…bad?”
Maria gasped against Pauly’s hand, her eyes filling with tears at the effect of the attack on Liz. How she would ever recover from this was beyond her. How would her best friend ever become strong again, when she was so obviously broken?
“You’re beautiful Liz…you’re innocent and…and desirable…god…I don’t think you’ve been…damaged if that’s what you think…I still want you as much as I ever have…even more so now, because you were almost taken from me…don’t you understand that? …Don’t you see what I see when I look at you?”
Normally, both Pauly and Ricky would start laughing at what Max had said, but this was no laughing matter. Both guys had sisters. Pauly was in a serious relationship with Natalie…had been for nearly eight months now. And the thought of their loved ones being in this position scared them both.
It took a man to say what Max had just said…a man, to say it and mean it. Three wide pairs of eyes watched in silence, unable to move as they watched Max touch Liz’s face…her injured eye, and the cut on her temple. Love shone in his gaze, fragile gentleness apparent in his touch. This man would die for her…it was clear now.
“I don’t see this…I don’t see you as broken Liz…all I see…is you…all I’ve ever seen is you.”
Pauly could feel Maria’s silent sobs as they watched Liz lower her gaze. Max’s eyes darkened slightly, his pain visible for the girl he loved. And yet, when Liz lifted her gaze again, they seemed to speak without a word. Maria gasped softly when Max lowered his head and brushed a gentle kiss over Liz’s lips. He lifted his head, staring down at her silently.
“Slow…”
Max lowered his head again, his left arm holding her close around the shoulders, his right hand trailing over the side of her neck as he supported her head. His lips brushed hers…and clung. It was a deep kiss, Pauly slowly backing away with Ricky at his side, and Maria locked in his arms as Max continued to kiss Liz slowly…. deeply…
The three teenagers closed the door behind them, Pauly finally letting Maria go. They stared at each other silently, Maria glancing at the bedroom door, and then back to Pauly and Ricky. It was Ricky who obviously figured it out first, because his voice was low when he spoke.
“I have a fourteen year old sister Maria. I didn’t see anything in that room…in fact…we’re gonna go down stairs, order a burger, and wait for an hour…maybe then you could take us back up?”
Maria swallowed, but nodded anyway. “You swear?” she said suddenly. Both guys nodded, a secret made…one more to be kept…but this time…everything rode on the line. And all three knew it. But only Maria knew the depth of the secret…two more thrown into the alien abyss…without knowing the reason why.
I’ve borrowed lines from Liz’s journal entries, in season one and two. I’ve changed some words to suit the purpose. The song use is Undertow by Ivy. It’s the soft song used during the episode Heart of mine. Enjoy.
Liz ran a bath, leaving Ava asleep in her bed as she lit the candles that dotted the tiny bathroom. Pouring some cinnamon scented bath foam into the water, Liz watched as the water level rose, along with the bubbles. Turning her CD player on, Liz closed the door and slid into the fragrant water with a sigh. Picking her journal up, she opened it, her eyes heavy with grief as she reread some of her most private thoughts.
That girl was dead now…her life torn away in the cold night. Tears slowly slid down her face as she traced her finger over Max’s name in the pages she read. Her life was laid before her eyes, sending her back in time as she read silently. Back to a time where she was innocent. Where she was with Max…where life was still horror free…
It's September 24th, I'm Liz Parker and five days ago I died. But then the really amazing thing happened. I came to life.
God. To go back to when she was as innocent as that. Before Kivar. Before the white room. Before Tess even. To where she was only concerned with loving Max. And having him love her back.
October. 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, you go into the unknown. And once you do, you can never go back.
Liz had left normal the day a shy boy bought her back from the brink of death. Bought her back, because he loved her enough to lay it all on the line. To expose himself. To love her. And with leaving normal…. She had lost the one woman who understood her better than anyone.
December. The heat wave finally broke and I'm probably the only person in Roswell who didn't benefit from it. But it's for the best. Because if Max Evans and I had given in to temptation, if we had kissed each other even once, it would have taken us somewhere we both know we never should have gone.
Well. Yeah. She had left normal that night, locked in the arms of the boy who held her heart in his hand. It had been Max’s first kiss. His hesitancy had been sweet, yet he caught on very quickly, and now she was doomed to never know what normal felt like again. When Max Evans kissed you…you could fly…
It's February 20th. I'm Liz Parker, and lately I've been having these feelings, like I'm changing inside, and part of me doesn't want to change. Part of me always wants to be my mom's little girl. But the thing is, these feelings are strong...dangerous, undeniable. It's like I have no choice. It's like...chemical.
She could remember that. Remember feeling out of control, and filled with desire and need. Loved. Wanted. She wasn’t that little girl anymore, and her mother had left her when she needed her most. And for that, Liz would never forgive her.
April 27th. We try to live responsible, logical lives. But we can't tell our hearts how to feel. Sometimes our hearts lead us to places we never thought we wanted to go. And sometimes our hearts can be the sweetest, gentlest things we have. Sometimes are hearts can make us feel miserable, angry, excited and confused. All at once. But at least my heart is open. And I'm writing again. I'm feeling. I'm breathing.
Had she really only written that a week ago? She wasn’t breathing now. She was suffocating. She was lonely. She was scared. And for once, she wanted to let go…let Max back in…let him heal what was damaged.
“I wonder if his highness will want you when I’m finished....”
Liz sat up abruptly, her whole body shaking. The cold timbre of his voice…the feel of his clawed hand on her stomach. The tearing of her top…her screams…his laughter…alone…no one to help her..... Grabbing her washcloth, Liz scrubbed at her arms, trying to shake the coldness that clung to her body…both inside and out. It was a physical pain… ice-cold claws, trailing over her arms…her face…her stomach…just like he had… oh god.
With a soft sob, Liz drew her knees up, and let go of her control. Her body shook with the force of her sobs, and yet as Ava had said, it was a cleansing of sorts. Her pain was festering within. Turning rancid the longer she kept it locked away. And if she was truly honest with herself, she knew part of the reason she cried, was for a love lost to the future…and the past. Destroyed by her own hand.
Finally lifting her head, Liz picked up her journal, staring down at the words she had written when she was still Max’s. When she was still innocent. When Kivar hadn’t come to her, and tried taking the only gift she had left. When he had tried taking her life. Taking her pen, Liz sighed, and began the journey towards healing.
May 7th. I’m Liz Parker. And three days ago, my life ended. For all intense purposes, I should have died on the ground. But I didn’t. Someone saved me. Someone I never thought would be my friend. Tess. She found me in a way I hope to never find anyone. And she stayed. She helped me. And she became my friend.
I’m not ready to do this yet…to talk about what happened. I feel like no one can really see me anymore. Like I’ve disappeared. In a way I have. Ever since Future Max came to me, I’ve been drifting…pretending to live. I’m not though. I see Max everywhere I go. I thought FM was right…that he needed to be with Tess.
But what if he was wrong? What if we just needed to accept Tess into the group? In her own way, she’s as broken as I am. To endure ten years at Nasado’s hands…god. I think in a way, she and Michael were as abused as each other. Michael by Hank’s fists. Tess, by the starvation of any emotion.
I’m sitting here; listening to ‘Undertow’ by Ivy…Max gave it to me with some silver earrings as a prom present. God. I miss him. I do. I can lie to his face…tell him I don’t love him. But on the inside…god…he’s all that I live for. I keep hearing what Ava said about Zan. About needing to feel his touch.
I’d give anything; to just stop fighting this, and let him back in. Let him see me again. Let him love me again. But something holds me back. Fear. Pure and simple. How does he see me now? Does he see me as damaged? Am I no good anymore? Tainted? Would he recoil from me? Laugh in my face? Or even worse…come back to me out of pity?
I don’t think I could handle that if he did. I don’t think I’d be strong enough to face what’s coming. They think they can shield me from it…that I’m oblivious to what’s happening. But I’m not. I know the other reason why Kivar wants me, other than to use me as a vessel for his heir before he kills me. Something I haven’t told the others.
I’m changing. On the inside. It’s chemical. Powerful. Alien. And I think it’s because Max healed me. The other day in the hospital, I wanted Maria and Michael to leave…I screamed for them to go…and they did. When I asked Maria about it yesterday, she looked really confused. I think Kivar is aware of these changes. And that he’s willing to use them to get to Max.
God…did Max even realise the power of the lyrics of this song? Maria calls it the alien abyss…we get sucked back in whenever we try to escape. The day Max healed me, my life became theirs. Whether Max and I are together or not, he will always be a part of me. I will always be a part of him.
Standing by yourself
High on the hills above the ocean
This is where you'd come
To walk with your friends
Strange how it leaves you
With no emotion
You can't fight the undertow
Not when you're all alone
You can't fight the undertow
How long til you let go
Take it one step back
Try to pull yourself together
No matter what you say
Nothing you do
Can hold by the forces of youth forever
You can't fight the undertow
Not when you're all alone
You can't fight the undertow
How long til you let go
You can't fight the undertow
Not when you're all alone
You can't fight the undertow
How long til you let go
How long til you let go
How long until I let go? How long until I stop fighting, and face up to the choices I’ve made? The lies I’ve told. How long…until I live again? Breathe again? Let Max love me again? I want to live…I want to love. Because if what’s happened to me shows me anything, it’s this: I can’t live without Max Evans. And I no longer want too. I want him back. I want his love. I need to heal…I need to breathe…I need to love. I need to live.
Liz stopped writing, reading the words she had written without thinking. For the first time in a long time, Liz looked down at the truth of her words, her vision blurring as she realised just how lost she was. With another gut wrenching sob, she let her journal slip from her hands, where it landed with a thud on the floor. Curling up again, she started to cry once more.
All she had to do was let Max in…and that was the scariest thing of all. Because if she did…she would leave normal. And she would never return. Lives hung in the balance. All for a small town girl, who loved a boy. A boy…who was destined to be king. A boy, she knew, would give it all up…for her. You can’t fight, what destiny brings. You can’t fight the undertow. And as she sobbed, Liz simply stopped fighting. And let it suck her back in….
Part 50.
The remainder of the day slipped by without incident; the word spread that Max was willing to take out anyone who even muttered Liz’s name in vain. It was also made known that the rest of his friends stood with him, along with a few newcomers. Pauly’s name came up, as did his friends Ricky, Matt, and Tommy. Pam Troy’s name was mud, Pauly letting it be known what she had said.
Maria and Tess walked out of their last class together, and headed for the car park. Both girls were silent, each lost in thought as they walked. Pushing through the double doors, they both blinked at the bright light, before heading for the car park. They could see the rest of the group waiting for them, Maria suddenly grabbing Tess by the elbow.
“I’m going to say this real quick. I hated you when you first came here. You represented why Liz was gone, why Max was miserable and why Michael and I were apart. But times have changed Tess…and so have you. I don’t hate you now…but I still don’t know you. I want to change that. I want to get to know you…if you’ll let me.”
Tess blinked, her eyes suspiciously bright.
“I’d like that too,” she said softly, Maria flashing mega watt smiles at her.
“One more thing Tess…” Maria said, as Tess turned to go. Tess turned back to face her, Maria grinning.
“I like what you did to Pam…to bad you didn’t knock her head off…”
Tess snorted with laughter, her cheeks turning a pretty pink colour as Maria linked arms with her, the two girls continuing on together. Students watched as Maria kissed Michael hello, before taking the helmet Kyan handed her. The group made small talk, before Max, Alex and Isabel slid into the car with Zan, and the others climbed onto motorbikes with the shifter they had travelled with that morning.
Ten minutes later, they were all gathered at the Crashdown, Maria running upstairs to check on Liz before she started her shift at four. Tess and Isabel were starting at five, Michael already behind the grill. Max was sitting with the others, waiting for Maria to return before he went upstairs himself. Maria appeared a few minutes later, her uniform on, Ava at her side.
Max slid from his seat, Ava taking his spot beside Zan. Max left the room quietly, heading upstairs after asking Mr. Parker if it was ok. Jeff said yes, before informing Max he needed to go to Las Cruces for a few hours…would he help close up that night? Max nodded, before heading up to Liz as Jeff left for the rest of the day. Tapping softly on the door, Max waited for Liz to answer. When she didn’t, he gently pushed the door open, expecting to find Liz asleep. Upon finding that she was not in the bed, Max’s gaze swept the room.
Not finding her inside or out on the balcony, he tapped softly on the bathroom door. Liz still didn’t answer, but a closer inspection of the door showed Max the steam coming from under the door. Max pushed the door open quietly; ready to shut it if Liz asked him too. Steam poured out of the room, Max waving his hand in front of his face so he could see. Taking a step into the bathroom, he paused at the sight and sounds that greeted him.
Liz was sitting in the bath, her skin slowly turning red due to the heat of the soapy water. Her legs were drawn up, her arms wrapped around her knees. Her head was resting on her knees, Liz crying quietly. Her journal lay open on the floor by the bath, candlelight flickering distortedly in the steam. The seductive scent of cinnamon, ylang ylang and rose filled the air, a warm blanket of scent wrapped in flame. Liz’s hair hung in wet strands down her back and around her face, her pain private as she wept softly.
‘Undertow’ by Ivy played by the bath, muffling any noise he would make. Max knew he’d given Liz the CD single as part of her prom present…. god that seemed like a lifetime ago. Max shrugged out of his jacket, and hung it on the doorknob as he walked softly over to the bath. Sinking to his knees, he dipped a finger into the water, hissing softly when he felt it’s scalding temperature. A quick wave of his hand cooled the water slightly, sadness and rage twisting within him as he picked up a face washer.
Liz jumped when she felt the cloth being dragged gently across her hunched shoulders, and she lifted her head slowly. Max swallowed, before reaching out and cupping her face gently with his free hand. Sweeping his thumb under her eye, he caught the tear that lingered on her lashes. Liz’s eyes closed briefly, her lips trying to turn up. But it was too much effort, Max stilling her lips when she went to speak.
“Don’t…it’s ok, …” he whispered.
They stared at each for a long moment, before Liz looked down at the water again, Max still moving the cloth across her back. Liz looked at him again, a blush appearing on her face.
“Max…will…will you stay with me for now…you know…hold me?” she whispered.
Max nodded, Liz scooting forward slightly in the bath. When she looked back over her shoulder again in silent invitation, Max swallowed, finally understanding her needs. It was too soon…he knew this… but he still stood up and kicked his boots off. Liz lowered her gaze when Max lifted his tee shirt off, dropping the material outside the bathroom door. Liz kept her eyes lowered, until she heard the unmistakable sound of Max’s jeans and belt hitting the floor.
Liz stood up and turned slightly, Max’s gaze drawn to the curve of her spine, and the gentle swell of her ass. Black bruising stood out on her ribs, Max frowning slightly as he finished shedding his clothes. Stepping into the bath behind Liz, he sat and then lay down, quickly wetting his hair. When he sat back up, he averted his gaze for Liz’s sake, until he felt her sit back down between his legs.
Max’s breathing hitched…and then caught in his throat as she lay back against him in the still too hot water, her head resting against his shoulder. Unable to not touch her, Max slid one arm over her stomach, and trailed his fingers through the heavy wet strands of her hair with the other hand. The water level, combined with the many bubbles, gave her a sense of modesty, mainly hiding her from view.
They lay together quietly, Max raising his left leg so it bent at the knee. It gave Liz more room between his thighs, and Max the ability to once more get an iron clad grip on his emotions. Liz turned slightly in his arms, her back pressing along his raised thigh as she nestled against him further. Her hand inched up over his torso, to settle gently against his heart. Max turned his head slightly, looking down at Liz as she tilted her head back to look up at him.
“Max?” she whispered softly.
“Yeah?”
“Am I…am I…different now? …You know…bad?”
Max’s eyebrows drew together painfully, his shock apparent on his face. Lifting his right hand, he cupped the side of her neck gently, his thumb stroking her jaw line.
“You’re beautiful Liz…you’re innocent and…and desirable…god…I don’t think you’ve been…damaged if that’s what you think…I still want you as much as I ever have…even more so now, because you were almost taken from me…don’t you understand that? …don’t you see what I see when I look at you?”
Max feathered his fingertip down over her bruises and cuts, a small smile crossing his face.
“I don’t see this…I don’t see you as broken Liz…all I see…is you…all I’ve ever seen is you.”
Liz lowered her gaze, Ava’s voice echoing in her head once more.
“I want to feel his touch again…. feel him touch my heart again…touch my soul again. I know he’s holdin himself in check until I am ready, but it’s so hard. I remember what it was like between us, and I know that it’ll be better this time…coz there won’t be no lies between us…just black and white…. no more grey areas of doubt…. but can I put myself out there like that…”
Lifting her head back up again, Liz swallowed, needing to feel his soul searing touch like she had so long ago…needing to feel his gentle warmth…a balm for her broken mind…. for her shattered soul… Max read the look in her eyes, and keeping their gazes locked, lowered his head enough to brush her lips with his.
It was a gentle brushing…a way out if she felt uncomfortable. Lifting his head, he stared down into eyes that had been shuttered against him for so long. They were no longer shuttered though… love shone in those expressive eyes…love…fear…need…pain…a silent invitation to take more. To make her feel beautiful again.
“Slow…” she whispered, Max nodding as he lowered his head again.
He brushed his lips over hers gently, feeling the slight shudder that wracked her body. It was gentle pressure he applied to that bruised mouth…until she opened to him. Ironclad control was all he had, his tongue dipping slightly. He felt the tentative brush of her own tongue, and simply gave in, kissing her in a way he hadn’t in nearly six months... the music played on, the lyrics receiving new meaning as they lost themselves in each others arms.
“You can't fight the undertow
Not when you're all alone
You can't fight the undertow
How long til you let go?”
Meanwhile…
Pauly walked in with Ricky, the two guys heading for the counter. Maria glanced up, a small smile of gratitude crossing her face.
“Thanks for today by the way…you know…for putting she devil in her place,” Maria said by way of greeting.
Pauly shrugged slightly. “Ummm…Mr. Stedman assigned me and Ricky with Liz today for a new assignment. I thought while Max was here, we could get some work done…you know…so Liz won’t be uncomfortable in any way.”
Maria smiled slightly. “That was thoughtful of you Pauly…come on…hey Spaceboy! …I’m just taking Pauly and Ricky up to study with Liz. Max is upstairs…I won’t be a sec.”
Pauly blinked, his eyes narrowing slightly as Michael waved his spatular in acknowledgement. “Spaceboy?” he mumbled slightly, wondering if Michael was…different…like Max. He shrugged, following Maria upstairs as she led the way, elbowing Ricky as his friend stared at Maria’s swaying hips. Everyone knew Maria was off limits because of Michael… now that was one scary dude you didn’t mess with!
Reaching Liz’s door, Maria pushed it open, and walked inside, three pairs of eyes drawn straight to the bathroom, and the intimate scene within. Maria went to speak, Pauly slapping a hand over her mouth, effectively silencing her as he dragged her back a few steps out of sight. They could still hear Max talking, and they could see Max and Liz’s heads and shoulders in the foggy mirror.
The image of Max and Liz in such an intimate setting was seared onto all three minds. The way Max was holding Liz so gently. The way she had curled into his body so trustingly. The way that water clung to both of their naked shoulders. Max’s hair was slicked back over his head, Liz’s hair hanging in heavy strands over Max’s arm.
Candlelight flickering turned them both bronze in the dim light. Max’s eyes glowing gold…Liz’s glowing with unshed tears. Max was trailing his hand over her hair, rubbing the wet strands through his fingers as they lay there. The hesitancy in Liz’s voice was loud and clear. She was scared…
“Am I…am I…different now? …You know…bad?”
Maria gasped against Pauly’s hand, her eyes filling with tears at the effect of the attack on Liz. How she would ever recover from this was beyond her. How would her best friend ever become strong again, when she was so obviously broken?
“You’re beautiful Liz…you’re innocent and…and desirable…god…I don’t think you’ve been…damaged if that’s what you think…I still want you as much as I ever have…even more so now, because you were almost taken from me…don’t you understand that? …Don’t you see what I see when I look at you?”
Normally, both Pauly and Ricky would start laughing at what Max had said, but this was no laughing matter. Both guys had sisters. Pauly was in a serious relationship with Natalie…had been for nearly eight months now. And the thought of their loved ones being in this position scared them both.
It took a man to say what Max had just said…a man, to say it and mean it. Three wide pairs of eyes watched in silence, unable to move as they watched Max touch Liz’s face…her injured eye, and the cut on her temple. Love shone in his gaze, fragile gentleness apparent in his touch. This man would die for her…it was clear now.
“I don’t see this…I don’t see you as broken Liz…all I see…is you…all I’ve ever seen is you.”
Pauly could feel Maria’s silent sobs as they watched Liz lower her gaze. Max’s eyes darkened slightly, his pain visible for the girl he loved. And yet, when Liz lifted her gaze again, they seemed to speak without a word. Maria gasped softly when Max lowered his head and brushed a gentle kiss over Liz’s lips. He lifted his head, staring down at her silently.
“Slow…”
Max lowered his head again, his left arm holding her close around the shoulders, his right hand trailing over the side of her neck as he supported her head. His lips brushed hers…and clung. It was a deep kiss, Pauly slowly backing away with Ricky at his side, and Maria locked in his arms as Max continued to kiss Liz slowly…. deeply…
The three teenagers closed the door behind them, Pauly finally letting Maria go. They stared at each other silently, Maria glancing at the bedroom door, and then back to Pauly and Ricky. It was Ricky who obviously figured it out first, because his voice was low when he spoke.
“I have a fourteen year old sister Maria. I didn’t see anything in that room…in fact…we’re gonna go down stairs, order a burger, and wait for an hour…maybe then you could take us back up?”
Maria swallowed, but nodded anyway. “You swear?” she said suddenly. Both guys nodded, a secret made…one more to be kept…but this time…everything rode on the line. And all three knew it. But only Maria knew the depth of the secret…two more thrown into the alien abyss…without knowing the reason why.
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 51.
Kyle watched silently as Tess flittered around the room, taking orders, and flashing quick smiles as she delivered food and drinks. As he watched her, he was struck mute by the knowledge that Max had watched Liz in the same way for years. Simply content to watch her from afar. Silent in his love. It had taken them a long time to get together…to be honest about their feelings.
Kyle chewed his lower lip as he continued to watch Tess. Did he have the luxury of just watching? Did he have the time to memorise the way her hips swung under that exceptionally short aqua dress? Did he have time on his side at all? Would they come out of this ok…would they survive this upcoming war?
He knew he had to talk to Tess. He’d known it for three days now. Ever since Tess had found Liz, and she had come through the doors with Mr. Parker, Liz’s blood staining her hair and clothes. God he’d been so scared in that moment. He could remember his heart hammering in his chest as he searched for the source of the blood.
He’d been able to feel Tess’s fear that night. It had been tangible. Choking her, and transferring to him when he held her in his arms. That same fear was still alive within Kyle. He knew Tess was hiding something from him. Something that had driven her from bed at three in the morning. Driven her from bed, and into his arms.
Glancing around the café from the booth he sat in, he could see the café was filled. Students from school lingered over food and drinks, curiosity their main driving point. Jy, Serena, Kyan and Lyra had left with Zan and Ava half an hour ago, leaving Kyle to watch in silence. Alex was with Kyan and Lyra, showing them what he could do with a computer. They had asked if he could decode something for them, Alex puffed up in surprise and pleasure at being able to help in his own way.
“Kyle…you alright man?”
Kyle looked up a Pauly and Ricky, who were both staring at him. Kyle frowned, wondering what had the two guys so worried as he gestured to his empty half of the booth. They sat down silently, both waiting patiently for an answer. Kyle was saved from answering however, when Tommy and Matt Malamoot entered the café, crossing the room to sit with them. Kyle stood up, allowing Tommy to sit down, before he sat on the edge of the booth again.
“Valenti…what’s shaking man?” Matt asked, his gaze following Tess as Kyle glanced up.
The unanswered question snapped into place for Ricky and Pauly, the two guys exchanging winks as Kyle glared at Matt.
“Nothin Malamoot,” he said flatly, Matt looking at him in surprise as Kyle continued to glare at the tabletop.
Tess chose that moment to come over, her hand resting on Kyle’s shoulder as she gave a small smile.
“Hey guys, what can I get you?” she asked.
The guys ordered, Tess once more flashing them a small smile, before moving away to get their drinks. As she moved away however, something else drew Kyle’s gaze, along with most of the people in the Crashdown. Max walked out of the backroom, conversation stopping as he appeared. His hair was wet, and slicked straight back over his head, his tee shirt sticking to his skin in some parts.
It wasn’t what he looked like that caused conversation to stop however. It was the appearance of Liz beside him. Her hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, the long strands hanging in a damp fall down her back. Everyone put two and two together almost immediately, recognising that Max and Liz were back together.
Liz faltered when conversations stopped, her face flicking between pale shock and red embarrassment, before she backed out of the room. Max sighed, jerking his head in an upward motion that wasn’t lost on Kyle. Kyle sighed softly, having seen the tears that welled in Liz’s eyes before she backed out of the room. Looking up, he saw that everyone was still staring at where Liz had stood, his anger rising so quickly, that it swamped him.
“What the hell are you all looking at?” he spat loudly, standing up and letting his angry gaze travel the room.
“Haven’t you all seen someone who’s been hurt before? Jesus… talk about making her feel like a fuckin freak in her own home!”
Everyone looked away quickly, most feeling shame as they looked anywhere but at Kyle or the swinging doors. The guys all exchanged quick glances, concern for their friend apparent when Matt leant forward and lightly knocked knuckles with Kyle. Kyle’s jaw tightened, and he drummed his fist lightly on the table.
“It just makes me angry guys…Liz is one of the nicest people I know, and for everyone to openly stare at her like that…Jesus!”
Kyle dropped his head into his hands, his shoulders shaking slightly as he once more pictured Tess the previous night in his mind. She was scared. Something big was coming…something she wasn’t sharing with the rest of them. He knew she would tell him in her own time…but once more, time wasn’t a luxury they had much of.
Light footsteps caught his hearing, the fresh scent of lemons teasing his nose as Tess approached them. Kyle smiled wryly. It figured. He was on walking senses overload when it came to Tess, and here he sat, too damn scared to do anything about it. He needed to be a man. Take the bull by the horns. He needed to…
Tess’s hand came to rest naturally on his shoulder again as she took a quick break. Everyone put two and two together in that split second. The second Tess’s hand touched Kyle; he relaxed, his eyes closing briefly. When Kyle opened his eyes again, he turned to slowly look up at Tess, who glanced down when she felt his gaze. The two locked eyes, the rest of the room fading away as they stared at each other.
Kyle stood up slowly, Tess’s hand sliding down over his chest as he stood up. When he was standing, Tess’s hand came to a stop, directly over his heart. Kyle lifted his hand slowly, placing his palm over Tess’s hand, trapping it against his chest as they stared at each other. Curling his fingers around Tess’s, Kyle gently walked Tess back a few steps. When he stopped walking, Tess knew he was giving her a choice.
Tess licked her bottom lip, before walking backwards again. Leading Kyle with her, she backed into the backroom, her hand never leaving his. The door swung shut behind them, Kyle’s friends all sitting up straighter so they could see through the diamond cut out in the door. Kyle reached out, tucking a stay curl behind Tess’s ear, his blue eyes warm as he stared down at her.
“Tess?” he whispered softly.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t wanna play games any more.”
Tess nodded, Kyle tracing her cheek with his fingertips.
“I had an embarrassing conversation with Dad this morning…and it made me realise something that I’ve been coming to know over the past few days…”
Cupping Tess’s face in his hands, Kyle took another step towards her.
“I need you. I need you to know the truth. I can’t play with this anymore. Not when life’s as fragile as it is.”
Tess lifted her face up, her voice whisper soft as Kyle started to lower his head.
“I need you too,” she whispered, a scant second before his mouth touched hers.
And then it didn’t matter anymore. All she could do was feel. The way his heart thumped wildly under her hand. The way his hands cradled her face gently. The firm satin of his lips on hers. And the wildly passionate taste of his tongue as it stroked hers. Coiled with hers. Her bottom lip caught lightly between his teeth, before his tongue plunged back into her mouth again.
Kyle could barely breathe. All he could do was feel. The soft curl of her hair around his fingers. The tip of her nose brushing his cheek. Her hand pressed against his heart. The other caught up in the hair at the base of his neck. Her lips pliable and eager under his. Her soft gasp as he nipped her lower lip, that same gasp becoming a tiny moan when he delved back into her mouth again.
Kyle pulled away slowly, pressing soft damp kisses to her suddenly swollen lips. Tess looked dazed; her skin flushed, her eyes sparkling and dark, her breaths coming in short pants. Kyle’s own breathing was unsteady, a small smile crossing his face as he stared at her.
“All I can say is…once you’ve had an intergalactic kiss like that…there’s no going back,” he murmured softly, Tess smiling slightly.
“That…was outta this world,” she murmured in agreement.
“Wanna try it again?” Kyle asked.
“Oh yeah,” was all he heard her say because it took effort to hear after that. All he could do was feel again…and he never wanted to stop.
Part 52.
Warning. This chapter deals with Zan's anger over the betrayal of his family. It deals with torture and death, so if that makes you uneasy, please don't read.
Jy sat on the low brick wall that ran beside the driveway of Max’s house, humming under his breath as he listened to Zan mutter from under the Jeep. Zan’s legs were bent at the knees, his whole upper body under the Jeep as he worked. Something metal clanged on the driveway as Zan dropped it, his ferocious curse echoing as his hand appeared near the tire, searching for the wrench.
Jy sighed, dropping to his knees and tapping Zan on the knee. Zan’s hand appeared, Jy handing him the wrench silently. Zan’s fingers curled around the tool, and disappeared back under the Jeep. A few more minutes passed, Zan wriggling out from under the Jeep with a hiss of pain as his back scraped the concrete. He stood up slowly, stretching as Jy reached into the jeep and started it. Zan smirked slowly, counting silently as he listened to the engine hum.
“Purrs like a fuckin kitten,” he muttered happily, tossing the wrench back into the toolbox and snapping it shut.
Jy rolled his eyes. Zan and cars went together like cake and cream. A perfect mix. Jy knew Zan had scanned magazine after book after manual, learning to work cars as well as he could breath. It gave him something to do, and the ability to work at whatever garage or dealer ship he wanted. Zan had fixed Max’s Jeep, Tess’s SVU, Kyle’s Mustang, Maria’s Jetta and Alex’s Rabbit all in a matter of six hours. And all five cars ran like they were brand new again…and them some.
Looking over at Zan, Jy couldn’t help but laugh at his friend. Zan had grease all over his hands and arms, and a smudge of it across one sharp cheekbone. Zan scowled at him, causing Jy to laugh even harder as Zan patted his pockets as he searched for his lighter. Finding it, he lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around his face as he exhaled.
Leaning against the Jeep, Zan squinted up at the fading sun, his steady gaze thoughtful. Jy watched him silently, his gaze filled with worry as the moment stretched out silently. Zan was an enigma to most. Hard. Cold. Brutally vicious at times. And when it came to Ava? He could be down right cruel when protecting her. A memory rose against the back of his eyelids, Jy shutting his eyes as it played out for him….
Zan had found Ava, and after their week of solitude, Zan had bought her back to New York City with him. The night they arrived in the city, Zan had knocked Ava out with a gentle nudge of his powers, before hitting the streets. The hunters became the hunted that night…
Jy and Kyan had taken off after him, but by the time they found him, it was already too late. Zan had found the Skin that had taken Niko’s position, having already killed at least thirty Skins to get to him. A Skin by the name of Gareth. A Skin, personally chosen by Kivar. Family and all…Gareth was Kivar’s nephew. Jy and Kyan had burst into the old building, stopping short at the scene before them.
His wrists bound, Gareth was forced to stand on tiptoe, the rope tossed over a cross beam, and tied off. His head had hung forward, his shirt in tatters around his waist. Shallow cuts crossed his chest and back, the pale green fluid that ran through his veins running freely over his ruined husk. Zan had been sitting on an empty milk crate smoking as he casually watched Gareth. The smell of gasoline was heavy in the air, Jy spotting Zan’s bag of tricks near his friend’s feet.
A small can, obviously empty. Another length of rope. A 9mm hand gun, the barrel gleaming in the dim light. And in Zan’s hand, a knife blade glinted wickedly, the handle and blade of the knife etched with intricate carvings. Zan had been tossing the knife casually, catching the blade, before flicking it again, catching the handle. The blade glinted every time Zan tossed it, the glimmer making Gareth lift his head.
Zan had stared him straight in the eye, his smirk down right mean as Gareth opened his mouth to speak. No words came out though, only a guttural scream as Zan threw the knife straight at him, the blade sinking into his upper thigh with perfect aim. Zan had thrown it by the blade end, Gareth twitching in pain as he wept.
Zan had stood up, his step relaxed as he walked over to the skin. Zan gripped the handle of the knife, drawing it out of Gareth’s thigh slowly, Gareth ready to pass out when it finally exited his flesh. Zan examined the blade slowly, before wiping it on Gareth’s thigh. He turned slowly, and walked back to his crate, taking his time to sit down. When he spoke, Zan’s voice was casual, belying the threat that he spoke.
“I told ya before…ya speak to me? I’ll cut ya fuckin tongue outta ya head. That was ya last warnin. Don’t piss me off again. Now…ya ready to play answer da damn question?”
Gareth had nodded; beyond ready to tell this alien anything he wanted to know.
“Why da fuck did Kivar go after Ava?”
“He wants an heir. He figures that your people will stop the war, and allow him to rule if he has the queen’s child.”
Zan snorted. “News flash moron…Aves was pregnant. He kicked da shit outta her. She miscarried. He had a chance to get da legit heir…and he killed it. Almost killed her. So again…. why did Kivar go after Aves?”
Gareth’s mouth hung open in shock, his eyes wild with fear. “The queen was pregnant?”
Zan snarled softly. “Was bein da right choice of words ya asshole. Ya ‘king’ fucked up when he laid his hands on her. For that alone, I’m gonna rip his spine out. I can understand Lonnie’s betrayal to an extent…she wanted off da rock we call home…I wasn’t comin to da party…what da fuck was hurtin Ava gonna do? Other than start a fuckin war?”
Gareth saw then, that he wasn’t going to survive this ‘meeting.’ He had nothing else to loose, so why not rub it in. Like the salt Zan had rubbed into the cuts on his body? Pain for pain Zan had called it.
“He probably didn’t want your tainted blood on his throne. He wanted a pure heir…not a weak one. Besides…. look at her man! Who wouldn’t want to fuck her? I bet she woulda loved havin Kivar between her thighs…”
Zan simply smirked.
“Ya words ain’t gonna make me angry enough boy. But a message needs to be sent anyways. I know how ya Skins work. Even after death, Kivar can access ya memories. See da last thing ya saw…so pass da message on like da good little fuck up ya are…I’m comin for ya Kivar. There ain’t nothin else ya can do to me…da last thing ya gonna see is my face…and this…”
The snap of a Zippo lighter was heard, Gareth’s face contorting with real terror. Zan too a few steps backwards, and picked up his bag. Slipping it over his shoulder, Zan passed his fingers through the flames of his lighter. When he looked back at Gareth, who was desperately trying to loosen his bonds, Zan smirked once more.
“A life for a life for a life. You took my daughter’s. I’m taking his. Then I’m coming for you.”
Zan turned and walked away a few more steps, before tossing the Zippo over his shoulder. The flame flared, before it hit the ground at Gareth’s feet. It landed with a splash…the smell of gasoline turning into flames and shooting up Gareth’s body within a heartbeat. Gareth opened his mouth to scream, flames pouring out of his mouth as Zan continued to walk. The flames had highlighted Zan’s eyes in that moment. Undiluted Rage. Absolute hatred. And bitter revenge.
Zan had brushed past Kyan and Jy without a word, melting into the night like a ghost. When morning came, they finally found him in the last place they thought of to look. In bed with Ava. He had showered, not wanting to taint his lover with the blood on his hands. He slept peacefully, Ava wrapped safely in his arms.
And after that, nothing was the same. Zan continued to hunt down the Skins in New York. The remaining Skins fled, a month before Tess rang. And in those months, Zan never left Ava’s side during the day. They fought like cat and dog, rehashing old wounds, Zan letting Ava scream at him. Hit him. Anything to stop her festering on the inside. And at night, he took his guilt and pain out to the streets.
Oh yeah. Lonnie had done a good job on her brother. Betrayal was his mantra. Guilt his name. Revenge his game. Gone was the cocky boy. In his place, was a man hell bent on restoring his lover to health and peace of mind. A man, hell-bent on killing those that had betrayed him. And in the end? Only Kivar remained…
“Jy?”
Jy snapped his eyes open, blinking in surprise at Zan who had taken him by the shoulders.
“Where’d ya go man? Ya looked like ya saw a ghost.”
Jy shrugged, a bitter taste in his mouth. His brother had come a long way. But his demons still haunted him. Just how far was Zan willing to go?
“Yeah man…I’m aiight. Just a memory.”
Zan smirked, and stood up.
“Aiight Jy. I’m gonna hit da showers. I’ll catch ya later ‘kay?”
Jy nodded, watching as Zan headed inside. He already knew the answer. Zan would go all the way. What worried Jy though, was who would he take with him?
Kyle watched silently as Tess flittered around the room, taking orders, and flashing quick smiles as she delivered food and drinks. As he watched her, he was struck mute by the knowledge that Max had watched Liz in the same way for years. Simply content to watch her from afar. Silent in his love. It had taken them a long time to get together…to be honest about their feelings.
Kyle chewed his lower lip as he continued to watch Tess. Did he have the luxury of just watching? Did he have the time to memorise the way her hips swung under that exceptionally short aqua dress? Did he have time on his side at all? Would they come out of this ok…would they survive this upcoming war?
He knew he had to talk to Tess. He’d known it for three days now. Ever since Tess had found Liz, and she had come through the doors with Mr. Parker, Liz’s blood staining her hair and clothes. God he’d been so scared in that moment. He could remember his heart hammering in his chest as he searched for the source of the blood.
He’d been able to feel Tess’s fear that night. It had been tangible. Choking her, and transferring to him when he held her in his arms. That same fear was still alive within Kyle. He knew Tess was hiding something from him. Something that had driven her from bed at three in the morning. Driven her from bed, and into his arms.
Glancing around the café from the booth he sat in, he could see the café was filled. Students from school lingered over food and drinks, curiosity their main driving point. Jy, Serena, Kyan and Lyra had left with Zan and Ava half an hour ago, leaving Kyle to watch in silence. Alex was with Kyan and Lyra, showing them what he could do with a computer. They had asked if he could decode something for them, Alex puffed up in surprise and pleasure at being able to help in his own way.
“Kyle…you alright man?”
Kyle looked up a Pauly and Ricky, who were both staring at him. Kyle frowned, wondering what had the two guys so worried as he gestured to his empty half of the booth. They sat down silently, both waiting patiently for an answer. Kyle was saved from answering however, when Tommy and Matt Malamoot entered the café, crossing the room to sit with them. Kyle stood up, allowing Tommy to sit down, before he sat on the edge of the booth again.
“Valenti…what’s shaking man?” Matt asked, his gaze following Tess as Kyle glanced up.
The unanswered question snapped into place for Ricky and Pauly, the two guys exchanging winks as Kyle glared at Matt.
“Nothin Malamoot,” he said flatly, Matt looking at him in surprise as Kyle continued to glare at the tabletop.
Tess chose that moment to come over, her hand resting on Kyle’s shoulder as she gave a small smile.
“Hey guys, what can I get you?” she asked.
The guys ordered, Tess once more flashing them a small smile, before moving away to get their drinks. As she moved away however, something else drew Kyle’s gaze, along with most of the people in the Crashdown. Max walked out of the backroom, conversation stopping as he appeared. His hair was wet, and slicked straight back over his head, his tee shirt sticking to his skin in some parts.
It wasn’t what he looked like that caused conversation to stop however. It was the appearance of Liz beside him. Her hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, the long strands hanging in a damp fall down her back. Everyone put two and two together almost immediately, recognising that Max and Liz were back together.
Liz faltered when conversations stopped, her face flicking between pale shock and red embarrassment, before she backed out of the room. Max sighed, jerking his head in an upward motion that wasn’t lost on Kyle. Kyle sighed softly, having seen the tears that welled in Liz’s eyes before she backed out of the room. Looking up, he saw that everyone was still staring at where Liz had stood, his anger rising so quickly, that it swamped him.
“What the hell are you all looking at?” he spat loudly, standing up and letting his angry gaze travel the room.
“Haven’t you all seen someone who’s been hurt before? Jesus… talk about making her feel like a fuckin freak in her own home!”
Everyone looked away quickly, most feeling shame as they looked anywhere but at Kyle or the swinging doors. The guys all exchanged quick glances, concern for their friend apparent when Matt leant forward and lightly knocked knuckles with Kyle. Kyle’s jaw tightened, and he drummed his fist lightly on the table.
“It just makes me angry guys…Liz is one of the nicest people I know, and for everyone to openly stare at her like that…Jesus!”
Kyle dropped his head into his hands, his shoulders shaking slightly as he once more pictured Tess the previous night in his mind. She was scared. Something big was coming…something she wasn’t sharing with the rest of them. He knew she would tell him in her own time…but once more, time wasn’t a luxury they had much of.
Light footsteps caught his hearing, the fresh scent of lemons teasing his nose as Tess approached them. Kyle smiled wryly. It figured. He was on walking senses overload when it came to Tess, and here he sat, too damn scared to do anything about it. He needed to be a man. Take the bull by the horns. He needed to…
Tess’s hand came to rest naturally on his shoulder again as she took a quick break. Everyone put two and two together in that split second. The second Tess’s hand touched Kyle; he relaxed, his eyes closing briefly. When Kyle opened his eyes again, he turned to slowly look up at Tess, who glanced down when she felt his gaze. The two locked eyes, the rest of the room fading away as they stared at each other.
Kyle stood up slowly, Tess’s hand sliding down over his chest as he stood up. When he was standing, Tess’s hand came to a stop, directly over his heart. Kyle lifted his hand slowly, placing his palm over Tess’s hand, trapping it against his chest as they stared at each other. Curling his fingers around Tess’s, Kyle gently walked Tess back a few steps. When he stopped walking, Tess knew he was giving her a choice.
Tess licked her bottom lip, before walking backwards again. Leading Kyle with her, she backed into the backroom, her hand never leaving his. The door swung shut behind them, Kyle’s friends all sitting up straighter so they could see through the diamond cut out in the door. Kyle reached out, tucking a stay curl behind Tess’s ear, his blue eyes warm as he stared down at her.
“Tess?” he whispered softly.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t wanna play games any more.”
Tess nodded, Kyle tracing her cheek with his fingertips.
“I had an embarrassing conversation with Dad this morning…and it made me realise something that I’ve been coming to know over the past few days…”
Cupping Tess’s face in his hands, Kyle took another step towards her.
“I need you. I need you to know the truth. I can’t play with this anymore. Not when life’s as fragile as it is.”
Tess lifted her face up, her voice whisper soft as Kyle started to lower his head.
“I need you too,” she whispered, a scant second before his mouth touched hers.
And then it didn’t matter anymore. All she could do was feel. The way his heart thumped wildly under her hand. The way his hands cradled her face gently. The firm satin of his lips on hers. And the wildly passionate taste of his tongue as it stroked hers. Coiled with hers. Her bottom lip caught lightly between his teeth, before his tongue plunged back into her mouth again.
Kyle could barely breathe. All he could do was feel. The soft curl of her hair around his fingers. The tip of her nose brushing his cheek. Her hand pressed against his heart. The other caught up in the hair at the base of his neck. Her lips pliable and eager under his. Her soft gasp as he nipped her lower lip, that same gasp becoming a tiny moan when he delved back into her mouth again.
Kyle pulled away slowly, pressing soft damp kisses to her suddenly swollen lips. Tess looked dazed; her skin flushed, her eyes sparkling and dark, her breaths coming in short pants. Kyle’s own breathing was unsteady, a small smile crossing his face as he stared at her.
“All I can say is…once you’ve had an intergalactic kiss like that…there’s no going back,” he murmured softly, Tess smiling slightly.
“That…was outta this world,” she murmured in agreement.
“Wanna try it again?” Kyle asked.
“Oh yeah,” was all he heard her say because it took effort to hear after that. All he could do was feel again…and he never wanted to stop.
Part 52.
Warning. This chapter deals with Zan's anger over the betrayal of his family. It deals with torture and death, so if that makes you uneasy, please don't read.
Jy sat on the low brick wall that ran beside the driveway of Max’s house, humming under his breath as he listened to Zan mutter from under the Jeep. Zan’s legs were bent at the knees, his whole upper body under the Jeep as he worked. Something metal clanged on the driveway as Zan dropped it, his ferocious curse echoing as his hand appeared near the tire, searching for the wrench.
Jy sighed, dropping to his knees and tapping Zan on the knee. Zan’s hand appeared, Jy handing him the wrench silently. Zan’s fingers curled around the tool, and disappeared back under the Jeep. A few more minutes passed, Zan wriggling out from under the Jeep with a hiss of pain as his back scraped the concrete. He stood up slowly, stretching as Jy reached into the jeep and started it. Zan smirked slowly, counting silently as he listened to the engine hum.
“Purrs like a fuckin kitten,” he muttered happily, tossing the wrench back into the toolbox and snapping it shut.
Jy rolled his eyes. Zan and cars went together like cake and cream. A perfect mix. Jy knew Zan had scanned magazine after book after manual, learning to work cars as well as he could breath. It gave him something to do, and the ability to work at whatever garage or dealer ship he wanted. Zan had fixed Max’s Jeep, Tess’s SVU, Kyle’s Mustang, Maria’s Jetta and Alex’s Rabbit all in a matter of six hours. And all five cars ran like they were brand new again…and them some.
Looking over at Zan, Jy couldn’t help but laugh at his friend. Zan had grease all over his hands and arms, and a smudge of it across one sharp cheekbone. Zan scowled at him, causing Jy to laugh even harder as Zan patted his pockets as he searched for his lighter. Finding it, he lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around his face as he exhaled.
Leaning against the Jeep, Zan squinted up at the fading sun, his steady gaze thoughtful. Jy watched him silently, his gaze filled with worry as the moment stretched out silently. Zan was an enigma to most. Hard. Cold. Brutally vicious at times. And when it came to Ava? He could be down right cruel when protecting her. A memory rose against the back of his eyelids, Jy shutting his eyes as it played out for him….
Zan had found Ava, and after their week of solitude, Zan had bought her back to New York City with him. The night they arrived in the city, Zan had knocked Ava out with a gentle nudge of his powers, before hitting the streets. The hunters became the hunted that night…
Jy and Kyan had taken off after him, but by the time they found him, it was already too late. Zan had found the Skin that had taken Niko’s position, having already killed at least thirty Skins to get to him. A Skin by the name of Gareth. A Skin, personally chosen by Kivar. Family and all…Gareth was Kivar’s nephew. Jy and Kyan had burst into the old building, stopping short at the scene before them.
His wrists bound, Gareth was forced to stand on tiptoe, the rope tossed over a cross beam, and tied off. His head had hung forward, his shirt in tatters around his waist. Shallow cuts crossed his chest and back, the pale green fluid that ran through his veins running freely over his ruined husk. Zan had been sitting on an empty milk crate smoking as he casually watched Gareth. The smell of gasoline was heavy in the air, Jy spotting Zan’s bag of tricks near his friend’s feet.
A small can, obviously empty. Another length of rope. A 9mm hand gun, the barrel gleaming in the dim light. And in Zan’s hand, a knife blade glinted wickedly, the handle and blade of the knife etched with intricate carvings. Zan had been tossing the knife casually, catching the blade, before flicking it again, catching the handle. The blade glinted every time Zan tossed it, the glimmer making Gareth lift his head.
Zan had stared him straight in the eye, his smirk down right mean as Gareth opened his mouth to speak. No words came out though, only a guttural scream as Zan threw the knife straight at him, the blade sinking into his upper thigh with perfect aim. Zan had thrown it by the blade end, Gareth twitching in pain as he wept.
Zan had stood up, his step relaxed as he walked over to the skin. Zan gripped the handle of the knife, drawing it out of Gareth’s thigh slowly, Gareth ready to pass out when it finally exited his flesh. Zan examined the blade slowly, before wiping it on Gareth’s thigh. He turned slowly, and walked back to his crate, taking his time to sit down. When he spoke, Zan’s voice was casual, belying the threat that he spoke.
“I told ya before…ya speak to me? I’ll cut ya fuckin tongue outta ya head. That was ya last warnin. Don’t piss me off again. Now…ya ready to play answer da damn question?”
Gareth had nodded; beyond ready to tell this alien anything he wanted to know.
“Why da fuck did Kivar go after Ava?”
“He wants an heir. He figures that your people will stop the war, and allow him to rule if he has the queen’s child.”
Zan snorted. “News flash moron…Aves was pregnant. He kicked da shit outta her. She miscarried. He had a chance to get da legit heir…and he killed it. Almost killed her. So again…. why did Kivar go after Aves?”
Gareth’s mouth hung open in shock, his eyes wild with fear. “The queen was pregnant?”
Zan snarled softly. “Was bein da right choice of words ya asshole. Ya ‘king’ fucked up when he laid his hands on her. For that alone, I’m gonna rip his spine out. I can understand Lonnie’s betrayal to an extent…she wanted off da rock we call home…I wasn’t comin to da party…what da fuck was hurtin Ava gonna do? Other than start a fuckin war?”
Gareth saw then, that he wasn’t going to survive this ‘meeting.’ He had nothing else to loose, so why not rub it in. Like the salt Zan had rubbed into the cuts on his body? Pain for pain Zan had called it.
“He probably didn’t want your tainted blood on his throne. He wanted a pure heir…not a weak one. Besides…. look at her man! Who wouldn’t want to fuck her? I bet she woulda loved havin Kivar between her thighs…”
Zan simply smirked.
“Ya words ain’t gonna make me angry enough boy. But a message needs to be sent anyways. I know how ya Skins work. Even after death, Kivar can access ya memories. See da last thing ya saw…so pass da message on like da good little fuck up ya are…I’m comin for ya Kivar. There ain’t nothin else ya can do to me…da last thing ya gonna see is my face…and this…”
The snap of a Zippo lighter was heard, Gareth’s face contorting with real terror. Zan too a few steps backwards, and picked up his bag. Slipping it over his shoulder, Zan passed his fingers through the flames of his lighter. When he looked back at Gareth, who was desperately trying to loosen his bonds, Zan smirked once more.
“A life for a life for a life. You took my daughter’s. I’m taking his. Then I’m coming for you.”
Zan turned and walked away a few more steps, before tossing the Zippo over his shoulder. The flame flared, before it hit the ground at Gareth’s feet. It landed with a splash…the smell of gasoline turning into flames and shooting up Gareth’s body within a heartbeat. Gareth opened his mouth to scream, flames pouring out of his mouth as Zan continued to walk. The flames had highlighted Zan’s eyes in that moment. Undiluted Rage. Absolute hatred. And bitter revenge.
Zan had brushed past Kyan and Jy without a word, melting into the night like a ghost. When morning came, they finally found him in the last place they thought of to look. In bed with Ava. He had showered, not wanting to taint his lover with the blood on his hands. He slept peacefully, Ava wrapped safely in his arms.
And after that, nothing was the same. Zan continued to hunt down the Skins in New York. The remaining Skins fled, a month before Tess rang. And in those months, Zan never left Ava’s side during the day. They fought like cat and dog, rehashing old wounds, Zan letting Ava scream at him. Hit him. Anything to stop her festering on the inside. And at night, he took his guilt and pain out to the streets.
Oh yeah. Lonnie had done a good job on her brother. Betrayal was his mantra. Guilt his name. Revenge his game. Gone was the cocky boy. In his place, was a man hell bent on restoring his lover to health and peace of mind. A man, hell-bent on killing those that had betrayed him. And in the end? Only Kivar remained…
“Jy?”
Jy snapped his eyes open, blinking in surprise at Zan who had taken him by the shoulders.
“Where’d ya go man? Ya looked like ya saw a ghost.”
Jy shrugged, a bitter taste in his mouth. His brother had come a long way. But his demons still haunted him. Just how far was Zan willing to go?
“Yeah man…I’m aiight. Just a memory.”
Zan smirked, and stood up.
“Aiight Jy. I’m gonna hit da showers. I’ll catch ya later ‘kay?”
Jy nodded, watching as Zan headed inside. He already knew the answer. Zan would go all the way. What worried Jy though, was who would he take with him?
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 53.
Silence echoed through the Evans’ house, all asleep in bed. All except one. Ava sat at the desk in the spare room, the dim lamp giving her enough light to draw with. A CD Lyra had made of all of Ava’s favourite songs played softly, keeping her awake rather than letting her dream. Dreams were bad. They showed her what had been…what she was scared of having again. She had started drawing after Zan’s ‘death,’ finding it therapeutic.
She had sketchpad after sketchpad filled with drawings. She used pencil mainly but the occasional oil work was there. Landscapes. People. Buildings. Memories. They were all there. A snuffle broke her concentration, Ava glancing over at the bed. Zan was lying on his back; the sheets low around his hips. His bare chest gleamed in the dim light, one arm braced under his head as a pillow, the other resting on his stomach.
Ava glanced down at her sketchbook again, seeing the same image on the page before her. God. She’d cried earlier on in the day. Telling her story to Liz had left her drained. Yet strangely enough, peaceful. Content. Willing to bury the past. Concentrate on the future. She could do this. Her drawings had shown her that. Thunder rumbled trough the night air, the pounding rain suiting her mood.
Glancing at the CD player, she smiled slightly when she heard the song that was playing. Ironic really. She was being given signs all over the place. Each and every song on the CD reminded her of Zan. Drawings she drew within half an hour. The simplest of pleasures in Zan’s eyes when she had kissed his cheek goodnight. The way his eyes had burned into her back as he watched her before he went to sleep.
Ava shook her head, turning back to her drawing. The finishing strokes appeared, Ava smiling softly. The bed creaked softly behind her, Ava turning to see Zan rise from the bed. He tugged a black shirt on, leaving it unbuttoned over his faded jeans, the cuffs hanging open and loose around his hands. Looking up, his sleepy gaze met hers, a slow smile crossing his face. Ava’s breath caught in her throat, and her heart did one slow, steady double thump.
“I’m gonna get a drink…ya want one?” he asked softly, Ava shaking her head as he nodded and left the room.
Ava let her breath out in a shaky gasp, her hand pressing against her thumping heart as she closed her eyes. People thought Zan was at his most potent when he was awake. They were dead wrong. It was when he first woke up, his eyes heavy with sleep, and his whole being rumpled. That’s when he was sexiest. When he was most dangerous. When she desired him most.
She was pretty rumpled herself. Her hair hung in loose curls to her shoulders, framing her face. She was wearing a black jumper, its long sleeves coming down over the back of her hands, the material hanging to mid thigh. The jumper hung loose around the neck, exposing most of her right shoulder. A skimpy pair of black shorts was all she had on underneath, her long legs bare.
Glancing back down at her sketchbook, Ava failed to see Zan return to the room. He leant against the doorframe, his glass in his hand as he watched Ava pick her pencil up again. She made a few strokes, before gathering her hair in her hand, and pulling it to the left side of her neck. Zan felt his mouth go dry at the sight of her exposed shoulder, his groin tightening painfully.
Taking a few steps towards her, Zan set his glass down on the tallboy, before coming to a stop behind Ava. He could see her drawing, his mouth curling into a small smile. She had written under the picture the word “desire” before she set her pencil down, and shut the book. Ava turned then, a small gasp escaping her lips when she looked up at him.
They stared at each other silently, Zan’s stance relaxed. But Ava could see the muscle in his jaw jumping. His eyes had darkened slightly, smouldering with need as he looked at her. She could almost feel the iron clad control he had over his emotions, his hands clenched at his sides. It was almost like he was scared to touch her. That if he did, he would lose control.
“Is that how you see me?” he asked quietly.
Ava swallowed hard, Zan taking a step towards. He paused, glancing down at her face, before deliberately stepping between her thighs, and reaching behind her. He could feel Ava’s breath coming in sharp pants against his bare chest, Zan straightening up slowly as he picked her sketchbook up. Flipping it open, he turned to the last drawing, staring down at the fresh drawing in concentration. Tracing his finger over the word, he glanced down at Ava again.
“Aves? Is this how you see me?” he asked again.
Ava lowered her eyes, followed by her chin, Zan biting his lip as he waited for her to speak. When she finally nodded, Zan let his breath out in one large whoosh. Closing the sketchbook, he tossed it back on the desk, and sank to his knees before her. Gripping her chin gently in his fingers, Zan forced Ava to lift her head. When her eyes finally met his, he smiled slightly.
“I’m scared,” she whispered softly, her fear a living entity in her gaze. Zan smiled again, his fingers feathering across her cheek.
‘Painted on My Heart’ by The Cult played quietly in the silence, Zan smiling slightly as he listened to the words. Looking back at Ava he stood up slowly, his gaze never leaving her face as he took a step away from her. Taking another small step backwards, Zan paused again, his hands hanging by his sides as he continued to watch her.
Ava glanced at the CD player again, reminded of a night when she had been alone with Zan, this song on repeat. She had been speckled with paint, Zan taking his time that night. Afterwards, she had lain spent in his arms, Zan chuckling softly as he removed each and every paint speckle with his powers. Ava had been unable to move, her soft moans turning into louder ones when Zan had taken her in his arms again.
Looking back towards Zan, Ava let her gaze travel up his body slowly, until she finally met his gaze. She knew he knew the effect his hooded gaze was having on her, yet he still made no move to touch her. Ava chewed on her lower lip slightly, the fullness of her lower lip marred by her teeth, turning the flesh bright red as blood rushed to the surface. She heard his soft groan, her eyes flying back up to his face.
“Do ya love me?”
Zan blinked at her soft question, his eyebrows rising as he stared down at her.
“Ya know I do Aves.”
“Why?”
Zan held his hand out, Ava taking it in confusion as he tugged her gently to her feet. Reaching out, he twirled one of her curls around his index finger, his head tilted to the side slightly as he looked down at her.
“When I came outta da pods, I was as scared as all get up. It was cold, and it was dark, and I was alone. I remember lookin up at da other pods, and seein ya face. I loved ya in that moment Aves…I always have. Not coz of what we had back then…it’s coz of what we have now. There’s a difference Ava.”
“Then why did you push me away Zan?”
“Coz I knew, that if I died, and I’d kept ya close, ya’d die too. I didn’t want that for ya Aves. I wanted ya to live. Da other girls? They meant nothin Ava. Every time I hit on another chick, I could see ya was hurtin. And da more I hurt ya in those last months, da more ya pulled away from me. When Rath pushed me…I knew I’d done da right thing. Even when they were holdin me down…I heard ya scream. But it was too late, and I closed my eyes…and thought of ya.”
Tears welled up in Ava’s eyes, and spilt over, sliding down her smooth cheeks slowly. Zan swallowed, pain visible in his gaze when he reached out to wipe them away. Realisation dawned in his eyes, causing his hand to tremble slightly, his voice shaky when he spoke.
“Ya never gonna forgive me for that are ya?” he murmured slowly. “Ya never gonna move past da fact that I betrayed ya over and over again…are ya?”
Ava swallowed, Zan blinking as he stepped away from her and went and sat down on the end of the bed. He dropped his head into his hands, his voice low and heavily laced with pain when he spoke.
“I can only say sorry so many times Aves. I can’t change da past. I can’t change what I’ve done. And if ya ain’t able to move on…move past it…then I ain’t gonna beg ya too. When we’re done here…I’m gone. I’ll leave ya with Jy and da others. Coz I ain’t gonna wait for da rest of my life, for ya to make ya damn mind up. I did what I did to keep ya safe. And I’m done apologising for it.”
Ava stared at Zan in shock, watching as he reached out and pulled his boots on. Standing up, Zan turned to face her, his pain visible for her to see. Ava blinked then, the final veil of betrayal lifted from her eyes. And she saw what the others saw. Zan was drowning in his guilt. He stayed strong for her. Kept it inside for her. And it was slowly killing him. She was killing him.
Yes, he had slept around. But they hadn’t been together. He’d kept her safe from Rath and Lonnie. He’d protected her in the only way he knew how. But before she could utter a word, Zan turned and walked out of the room, the soft click of the door more painful…more final…than if he’d slammed it shut. Ava blinked again, before running for the door. It took her three goes to get it open, her tears sliding faster down her face as she ran down the stairs quietly.
A quick check of the kitchen and lounge room told her, what she already knew. Zan was gone. Running for the front door, she pulled it open, ignoring the cold rain as she ran out into the middle of the street. Ava was drenched within seconds, the rain causing her hair to hang in wet curls around her face as she looked to the left. Nothing. To the right…Ava squinted, spotting a lone figure walking slowly down the road.
“Zan!”
Zan stopped, his head hanging in defeat as Ava ran up behind him. Grabbing his arm, Ava forced him to turn around, her heart thumping double time in her chest as he turned slowly to face her. Ava bit back a sob when he lifted his gaze, and she saw first hand the pain and devastation swimming in his eyes. Eyes, which were also swimming with tears.
“I can’t do this any more Aves. I just…can’t.”
Zan’s voice broke, along with Ava’s heart as she stared up at him through eyes that were no longer blind. Reaching up, she brushed his wet hair out of his eyes, letting her fingers trail down the wet skin on his cheek as she moved her hand. Zan’s eyes slid shut as she swept her thumb under his eye, wiping away tears as she stepped closer to him.
Zan’s eyes snapped open quickly however, when he felt her lips press against his. Looking down at Ava, he stayed still. Watching her watch him. Watching her swallow. Watching as she rose up on tiptoe again, and kissed him gently once more. Then her hand slid into his, and she took a step backwards.
“Come home.”
It was pleaded, Zan’s eyebrows drawing together. Ava saw his hesitation, and spoke quietly.
“Home is where ever ya are Zan…no matter how far we go…no matter where we end up…my home is you.”
Zan simply swallowed, and let Ava lead him back…. she was right…. she was his home too.
Part 54.
Alex swung up out of bed when his window was knocked on again, his eyes wide as he felt beside his bed for his baseball bat. He’d been sleeping lightly, his mind full of thoughts and memories as he lay quietly. Gripping the bat tightly, he walked on tiptoe to his window, and swung the curtains back swiftly.
His mouth dropped open in shock when he saw Isabel, her thin tank top and cargo pants drenched and sticking to her skin as she shivered in the rain. Her long hair was plastered to her head, her lips tinged blue as she stared at him. Alex dropped his bat as he pushed the window open, his hand held out to help Isabel inside.
“God! Are you crazy?” he cried, feeling how cold her skin was as she stumbled over the ledge.
Isabel could barely speak, her teeth chattering violently as she shook under his hands. Swearing softly, Alex dragged her down the hallway to the bathroom, and flicked the light on. Yanking open the shower door, he turned the hot water on, and looked back at Isabel, who was watching him through wide eyes.
“Strip off, and get in the shower. I’ll get you a towel and some dry clothes,” he instructed briskly, Isabel nodding as Alex left the room. Alex muttered under his breath as he stalked back to his room, wondering what the hell had possessed Isabel to come out in such bad weather. Wrenching his closet open, he grabbed a pair of baggy sweat pants, and a jumper.
Jogging over to his tallboy, he grabbed some boxer shorts, before heading back to the bathroom. As he past the linen press, he paused long enough to grab a towel. He could hear the shower still running as he stopped in front of the bathroom door, so he raised his hand and knocked quietly.
“Come in,” Isabel called, Alex easing the door open and slipping inside.
The smell of his shampoo hit his senses, Alex breathing in deeply as he set the dry clothes on the bathroom counter. Turning around, he stopped short when he caught sight of Isabel’s profile behind the shower door. Although he couldn’t see her, he could see her outline, and it stunned him with how beautiful and erotic it appeared. He could see she was washing her thighs, her breast highlighted by the shadows.
“Alex?”
Alex blinked, and stumbled to the door.
“Towel’s on the vanity,” he managed, before slipping away and heading for his room. He was sitting on his bed, and strumming his guitar softly when Isabel walked into his room. Her hair hung in damp strands down her back, and she looked like a little girl lost when Alex looked over at her. Her eyes were lowered to the floor, her hands twisting together as she stood there nervously.
“Isabel? Iz…what’s wrong?” he murmured softly when he finally caught sight of her face.
Isabel lifted her gaze, tears swimming slightly in the dark depths as she stared at him. She took a step towards him, followed by another and another, until she was standing in front of him. Reaching out, Isabel upped his face in her hands, and lowering her mouth, kissed him slowly. It was a brief kiss, but when she pulled back, Alex gripped her wrists, his gaze serious as he stared up at her.
“Isabel…talk to me.”
Isabel swallowed, Alex drawing her down to sit beside him. She plucked nervously at her knee, her hair swinging down to hide her face from view. Alex reached out, gripping her chin gently as he forced her to look at him. Fear swam in her gaze, along with helplessness.
“Kyan said he’s waking us tomorrow night.”
Alex nodded, Isabel looking down again as she spoke.
“This is the last time I’ll be just me Alex. The last night where I’m just a girl. A simple girl. Tomorrow, I’m going to different. More… alien. I’ll remember things…. from the past. Michael. Kivar. Everything.”
Alex waited as Isabel gathered her thoughts, wondering why she was so nervous.
“I’ll remember Zan…Vilandra. And what she did…”
Realisation dawned, Alex pressing his fingers over her lips gently.
“You are not Vilandra Iz. You’re Isabel Evans.”
“But what…”
Alex shook his head, Isabel falling silent as Alex continued.
“Do you know what I see when I look at you Isabel? I see my dreams. You are so beautiful. Both in and out. Your looks…. they mean nothing to me Isabel. I remember you, when you were at the queer stage between teenager and young woman. You were as beautiful to me then, as you are now.”
Isabel shook her head violently.
“You don’t understand Alex…. what she did…she betrayed her own brother for his enemy…she chose Kivar over Zan. And it got them all killed.”
Alex smiled slightly.
“You don’t understand either though Isabel. You aren’t Vilandra. You sure as hell aren’t Lonnie. You’re Isabel Evans. The girl of my dreams. You’d never betray Max. You’d never betray this Zan either.”
Isabel sighed softly.
“I’m just so scared Alex. What if I change too much?”
“Max isn’t that different Isabel,” Alex interrupted. Isabel laughed bitterly.
“Isn’t he? You guys don’t see it yet. His actions? They scream pure Max. But he isn’t Max anymore. He’s Zan. Alien King. He and this Zan are almost carbon copies now Alex. Max…he’s driven to hunt Kivar down and kill him now. I over heard him and Zan talking earlier. Max told him, that he doesn’t care if he has to hunt Kivar to the end of the universe…he’s going to kill him. And I know he will Alex. And he won’t regret it either.”
Alex looked closely at Isabel, and then spoke quietly.
“What are you so scared of Isabel? Other than remembering?”
Isabel licked her lips, and then spoke frankly.
“I’m scared, that when I go to school on Wednesday, I’m going to walk straight past you. I’m scared, that I’ll never get the chance to tell you how I really feel. That I won’t remember you…and that I’ll remember Michael. I don’t want that Alex.”
Isabel looked up then, her eyes seeking his gaze out and holding it as she stared into his eyes.
“I want you to know Alex. I want you to know the truth.”
Isabel faltered then, but she pressed on.
“I love you Alex. I’ve loved you for a long time now.”
Alex simply smiled.
“I think we both know, that I love you too.”
Isabel smiled, reaching out to press her lips against his. And when she went to draw him down, Alex simply stopped her, holding her face in his hands.
“Not yet Iz…but we will. Coz I know something…I love all of you. Human and alien. And you’ll remember that. We have time Iz…and tonight? I just want to hold you. Is that ok?”
Isabel nodded. Sliding under the covers when Alex drew them back, she lay down, her head resting on his chest. The last thing she heard as she drifted off to sleep was his heart felt words. She fell asleep a smile on her face, and his words echoing in her ear.
“I’m always going to love you…no matter what happens.”
Silence echoed through the Evans’ house, all asleep in bed. All except one. Ava sat at the desk in the spare room, the dim lamp giving her enough light to draw with. A CD Lyra had made of all of Ava’s favourite songs played softly, keeping her awake rather than letting her dream. Dreams were bad. They showed her what had been…what she was scared of having again. She had started drawing after Zan’s ‘death,’ finding it therapeutic.
She had sketchpad after sketchpad filled with drawings. She used pencil mainly but the occasional oil work was there. Landscapes. People. Buildings. Memories. They were all there. A snuffle broke her concentration, Ava glancing over at the bed. Zan was lying on his back; the sheets low around his hips. His bare chest gleamed in the dim light, one arm braced under his head as a pillow, the other resting on his stomach.
Ava glanced down at her sketchbook again, seeing the same image on the page before her. God. She’d cried earlier on in the day. Telling her story to Liz had left her drained. Yet strangely enough, peaceful. Content. Willing to bury the past. Concentrate on the future. She could do this. Her drawings had shown her that. Thunder rumbled trough the night air, the pounding rain suiting her mood.
Glancing at the CD player, she smiled slightly when she heard the song that was playing. Ironic really. She was being given signs all over the place. Each and every song on the CD reminded her of Zan. Drawings she drew within half an hour. The simplest of pleasures in Zan’s eyes when she had kissed his cheek goodnight. The way his eyes had burned into her back as he watched her before he went to sleep.
Ava shook her head, turning back to her drawing. The finishing strokes appeared, Ava smiling softly. The bed creaked softly behind her, Ava turning to see Zan rise from the bed. He tugged a black shirt on, leaving it unbuttoned over his faded jeans, the cuffs hanging open and loose around his hands. Looking up, his sleepy gaze met hers, a slow smile crossing his face. Ava’s breath caught in her throat, and her heart did one slow, steady double thump.
“I’m gonna get a drink…ya want one?” he asked softly, Ava shaking her head as he nodded and left the room.
Ava let her breath out in a shaky gasp, her hand pressing against her thumping heart as she closed her eyes. People thought Zan was at his most potent when he was awake. They were dead wrong. It was when he first woke up, his eyes heavy with sleep, and his whole being rumpled. That’s when he was sexiest. When he was most dangerous. When she desired him most.
She was pretty rumpled herself. Her hair hung in loose curls to her shoulders, framing her face. She was wearing a black jumper, its long sleeves coming down over the back of her hands, the material hanging to mid thigh. The jumper hung loose around the neck, exposing most of her right shoulder. A skimpy pair of black shorts was all she had on underneath, her long legs bare.
Glancing back down at her sketchbook, Ava failed to see Zan return to the room. He leant against the doorframe, his glass in his hand as he watched Ava pick her pencil up again. She made a few strokes, before gathering her hair in her hand, and pulling it to the left side of her neck. Zan felt his mouth go dry at the sight of her exposed shoulder, his groin tightening painfully.
Taking a few steps towards her, Zan set his glass down on the tallboy, before coming to a stop behind Ava. He could see her drawing, his mouth curling into a small smile. She had written under the picture the word “desire” before she set her pencil down, and shut the book. Ava turned then, a small gasp escaping her lips when she looked up at him.
They stared at each other silently, Zan’s stance relaxed. But Ava could see the muscle in his jaw jumping. His eyes had darkened slightly, smouldering with need as he looked at her. She could almost feel the iron clad control he had over his emotions, his hands clenched at his sides. It was almost like he was scared to touch her. That if he did, he would lose control.
“Is that how you see me?” he asked quietly.
Ava swallowed hard, Zan taking a step towards. He paused, glancing down at her face, before deliberately stepping between her thighs, and reaching behind her. He could feel Ava’s breath coming in sharp pants against his bare chest, Zan straightening up slowly as he picked her sketchbook up. Flipping it open, he turned to the last drawing, staring down at the fresh drawing in concentration. Tracing his finger over the word, he glanced down at Ava again.
“Aves? Is this how you see me?” he asked again.
Ava lowered her eyes, followed by her chin, Zan biting his lip as he waited for her to speak. When she finally nodded, Zan let his breath out in one large whoosh. Closing the sketchbook, he tossed it back on the desk, and sank to his knees before her. Gripping her chin gently in his fingers, Zan forced Ava to lift her head. When her eyes finally met his, he smiled slightly.
“I’m scared,” she whispered softly, her fear a living entity in her gaze. Zan smiled again, his fingers feathering across her cheek.
‘Painted on My Heart’ by The Cult played quietly in the silence, Zan smiling slightly as he listened to the words. Looking back at Ava he stood up slowly, his gaze never leaving her face as he took a step away from her. Taking another small step backwards, Zan paused again, his hands hanging by his sides as he continued to watch her.
Ava glanced at the CD player again, reminded of a night when she had been alone with Zan, this song on repeat. She had been speckled with paint, Zan taking his time that night. Afterwards, she had lain spent in his arms, Zan chuckling softly as he removed each and every paint speckle with his powers. Ava had been unable to move, her soft moans turning into louder ones when Zan had taken her in his arms again.
Looking back towards Zan, Ava let her gaze travel up his body slowly, until she finally met his gaze. She knew he knew the effect his hooded gaze was having on her, yet he still made no move to touch her. Ava chewed on her lower lip slightly, the fullness of her lower lip marred by her teeth, turning the flesh bright red as blood rushed to the surface. She heard his soft groan, her eyes flying back up to his face.
“Do ya love me?”
Zan blinked at her soft question, his eyebrows rising as he stared down at her.
“Ya know I do Aves.”
“Why?”
Zan held his hand out, Ava taking it in confusion as he tugged her gently to her feet. Reaching out, he twirled one of her curls around his index finger, his head tilted to the side slightly as he looked down at her.
“When I came outta da pods, I was as scared as all get up. It was cold, and it was dark, and I was alone. I remember lookin up at da other pods, and seein ya face. I loved ya in that moment Aves…I always have. Not coz of what we had back then…it’s coz of what we have now. There’s a difference Ava.”
“Then why did you push me away Zan?”
“Coz I knew, that if I died, and I’d kept ya close, ya’d die too. I didn’t want that for ya Aves. I wanted ya to live. Da other girls? They meant nothin Ava. Every time I hit on another chick, I could see ya was hurtin. And da more I hurt ya in those last months, da more ya pulled away from me. When Rath pushed me…I knew I’d done da right thing. Even when they were holdin me down…I heard ya scream. But it was too late, and I closed my eyes…and thought of ya.”
Tears welled up in Ava’s eyes, and spilt over, sliding down her smooth cheeks slowly. Zan swallowed, pain visible in his gaze when he reached out to wipe them away. Realisation dawned in his eyes, causing his hand to tremble slightly, his voice shaky when he spoke.
“Ya never gonna forgive me for that are ya?” he murmured slowly. “Ya never gonna move past da fact that I betrayed ya over and over again…are ya?”
Ava swallowed, Zan blinking as he stepped away from her and went and sat down on the end of the bed. He dropped his head into his hands, his voice low and heavily laced with pain when he spoke.
“I can only say sorry so many times Aves. I can’t change da past. I can’t change what I’ve done. And if ya ain’t able to move on…move past it…then I ain’t gonna beg ya too. When we’re done here…I’m gone. I’ll leave ya with Jy and da others. Coz I ain’t gonna wait for da rest of my life, for ya to make ya damn mind up. I did what I did to keep ya safe. And I’m done apologising for it.”
Ava stared at Zan in shock, watching as he reached out and pulled his boots on. Standing up, Zan turned to face her, his pain visible for her to see. Ava blinked then, the final veil of betrayal lifted from her eyes. And she saw what the others saw. Zan was drowning in his guilt. He stayed strong for her. Kept it inside for her. And it was slowly killing him. She was killing him.
Yes, he had slept around. But they hadn’t been together. He’d kept her safe from Rath and Lonnie. He’d protected her in the only way he knew how. But before she could utter a word, Zan turned and walked out of the room, the soft click of the door more painful…more final…than if he’d slammed it shut. Ava blinked again, before running for the door. It took her three goes to get it open, her tears sliding faster down her face as she ran down the stairs quietly.
A quick check of the kitchen and lounge room told her, what she already knew. Zan was gone. Running for the front door, she pulled it open, ignoring the cold rain as she ran out into the middle of the street. Ava was drenched within seconds, the rain causing her hair to hang in wet curls around her face as she looked to the left. Nothing. To the right…Ava squinted, spotting a lone figure walking slowly down the road.
“Zan!”
Zan stopped, his head hanging in defeat as Ava ran up behind him. Grabbing his arm, Ava forced him to turn around, her heart thumping double time in her chest as he turned slowly to face her. Ava bit back a sob when he lifted his gaze, and she saw first hand the pain and devastation swimming in his eyes. Eyes, which were also swimming with tears.
“I can’t do this any more Aves. I just…can’t.”
Zan’s voice broke, along with Ava’s heart as she stared up at him through eyes that were no longer blind. Reaching up, she brushed his wet hair out of his eyes, letting her fingers trail down the wet skin on his cheek as she moved her hand. Zan’s eyes slid shut as she swept her thumb under his eye, wiping away tears as she stepped closer to him.
Zan’s eyes snapped open quickly however, when he felt her lips press against his. Looking down at Ava, he stayed still. Watching her watch him. Watching her swallow. Watching as she rose up on tiptoe again, and kissed him gently once more. Then her hand slid into his, and she took a step backwards.
“Come home.”
It was pleaded, Zan’s eyebrows drawing together. Ava saw his hesitation, and spoke quietly.
“Home is where ever ya are Zan…no matter how far we go…no matter where we end up…my home is you.”
Zan simply swallowed, and let Ava lead him back…. she was right…. she was his home too.
Part 54.
Alex swung up out of bed when his window was knocked on again, his eyes wide as he felt beside his bed for his baseball bat. He’d been sleeping lightly, his mind full of thoughts and memories as he lay quietly. Gripping the bat tightly, he walked on tiptoe to his window, and swung the curtains back swiftly.
His mouth dropped open in shock when he saw Isabel, her thin tank top and cargo pants drenched and sticking to her skin as she shivered in the rain. Her long hair was plastered to her head, her lips tinged blue as she stared at him. Alex dropped his bat as he pushed the window open, his hand held out to help Isabel inside.
“God! Are you crazy?” he cried, feeling how cold her skin was as she stumbled over the ledge.
Isabel could barely speak, her teeth chattering violently as she shook under his hands. Swearing softly, Alex dragged her down the hallway to the bathroom, and flicked the light on. Yanking open the shower door, he turned the hot water on, and looked back at Isabel, who was watching him through wide eyes.
“Strip off, and get in the shower. I’ll get you a towel and some dry clothes,” he instructed briskly, Isabel nodding as Alex left the room. Alex muttered under his breath as he stalked back to his room, wondering what the hell had possessed Isabel to come out in such bad weather. Wrenching his closet open, he grabbed a pair of baggy sweat pants, and a jumper.
Jogging over to his tallboy, he grabbed some boxer shorts, before heading back to the bathroom. As he past the linen press, he paused long enough to grab a towel. He could hear the shower still running as he stopped in front of the bathroom door, so he raised his hand and knocked quietly.
“Come in,” Isabel called, Alex easing the door open and slipping inside.
The smell of his shampoo hit his senses, Alex breathing in deeply as he set the dry clothes on the bathroom counter. Turning around, he stopped short when he caught sight of Isabel’s profile behind the shower door. Although he couldn’t see her, he could see her outline, and it stunned him with how beautiful and erotic it appeared. He could see she was washing her thighs, her breast highlighted by the shadows.
“Alex?”
Alex blinked, and stumbled to the door.
“Towel’s on the vanity,” he managed, before slipping away and heading for his room. He was sitting on his bed, and strumming his guitar softly when Isabel walked into his room. Her hair hung in damp strands down her back, and she looked like a little girl lost when Alex looked over at her. Her eyes were lowered to the floor, her hands twisting together as she stood there nervously.
“Isabel? Iz…what’s wrong?” he murmured softly when he finally caught sight of her face.
Isabel lifted her gaze, tears swimming slightly in the dark depths as she stared at him. She took a step towards him, followed by another and another, until she was standing in front of him. Reaching out, Isabel upped his face in her hands, and lowering her mouth, kissed him slowly. It was a brief kiss, but when she pulled back, Alex gripped her wrists, his gaze serious as he stared up at her.
“Isabel…talk to me.”
Isabel swallowed, Alex drawing her down to sit beside him. She plucked nervously at her knee, her hair swinging down to hide her face from view. Alex reached out, gripping her chin gently as he forced her to look at him. Fear swam in her gaze, along with helplessness.
“Kyan said he’s waking us tomorrow night.”
Alex nodded, Isabel looking down again as she spoke.
“This is the last time I’ll be just me Alex. The last night where I’m just a girl. A simple girl. Tomorrow, I’m going to different. More… alien. I’ll remember things…. from the past. Michael. Kivar. Everything.”
Alex waited as Isabel gathered her thoughts, wondering why she was so nervous.
“I’ll remember Zan…Vilandra. And what she did…”
Realisation dawned, Alex pressing his fingers over her lips gently.
“You are not Vilandra Iz. You’re Isabel Evans.”
“But what…”
Alex shook his head, Isabel falling silent as Alex continued.
“Do you know what I see when I look at you Isabel? I see my dreams. You are so beautiful. Both in and out. Your looks…. they mean nothing to me Isabel. I remember you, when you were at the queer stage between teenager and young woman. You were as beautiful to me then, as you are now.”
Isabel shook her head violently.
“You don’t understand Alex…. what she did…she betrayed her own brother for his enemy…she chose Kivar over Zan. And it got them all killed.”
Alex smiled slightly.
“You don’t understand either though Isabel. You aren’t Vilandra. You sure as hell aren’t Lonnie. You’re Isabel Evans. The girl of my dreams. You’d never betray Max. You’d never betray this Zan either.”
Isabel sighed softly.
“I’m just so scared Alex. What if I change too much?”
“Max isn’t that different Isabel,” Alex interrupted. Isabel laughed bitterly.
“Isn’t he? You guys don’t see it yet. His actions? They scream pure Max. But he isn’t Max anymore. He’s Zan. Alien King. He and this Zan are almost carbon copies now Alex. Max…he’s driven to hunt Kivar down and kill him now. I over heard him and Zan talking earlier. Max told him, that he doesn’t care if he has to hunt Kivar to the end of the universe…he’s going to kill him. And I know he will Alex. And he won’t regret it either.”
Alex looked closely at Isabel, and then spoke quietly.
“What are you so scared of Isabel? Other than remembering?”
Isabel licked her lips, and then spoke frankly.
“I’m scared, that when I go to school on Wednesday, I’m going to walk straight past you. I’m scared, that I’ll never get the chance to tell you how I really feel. That I won’t remember you…and that I’ll remember Michael. I don’t want that Alex.”
Isabel looked up then, her eyes seeking his gaze out and holding it as she stared into his eyes.
“I want you to know Alex. I want you to know the truth.”
Isabel faltered then, but she pressed on.
“I love you Alex. I’ve loved you for a long time now.”
Alex simply smiled.
“I think we both know, that I love you too.”
Isabel smiled, reaching out to press her lips against his. And when she went to draw him down, Alex simply stopped her, holding her face in his hands.
“Not yet Iz…but we will. Coz I know something…I love all of you. Human and alien. And you’ll remember that. We have time Iz…and tonight? I just want to hold you. Is that ok?”
Isabel nodded. Sliding under the covers when Alex drew them back, she lay down, her head resting on his chest. The last thing she heard as she drifted off to sleep was his heart felt words. She fell asleep a smile on her face, and his words echoing in her ear.
“I’m always going to love you…no matter what happens.”
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 55.
Remember how I said there would be hints of UC? This is one of those parts. Read between the lines guys...you might start to understand what's really going on....
The song in this is called ‘Closer” by Nine Inch Nails. Enjoy.
Jeff looked down at his daughter as she lay sleeping. Liz woke in fright when Jeff touched her, her face pale as she stared up at her father silently. Jeff sighed, smiling apologetically as he sat beside his daughter. Moving slowly, he reached out and swept a few strands of hair back from her face.
“You ready to get up Lizzie?” he asked quietly, Liz nodding.
Slipping his hand under her neck, he helped her sit up, Liz wincing as her ribs scraped against each other. Jeff saw the look of pain that crossed her face, and licking his lips, he regarded her seriously.
“Why don’t you get Max to heal your ribs? I know you need to leave the rest of the bruises, but can’t he at least heal your ribs?”
“I can do that” a new vice said, Liz and Jeff looking towards Liz’s window.
Serena was sitting by the open window, Jeff nodding as Serena slid inside. Standing up, Jeff left the room, Serena helping Liz into a standing position. Reaching out, Serena lifted the edge of Liz’s top, a frown crossing her face when she saw the damage Kivar had inflicted to Liz’s side.
“Take ya top off” Serena said softly, Liz blinking in surprise.
Turning her back, Liz unbuttoned her pyjama top, and let it slid off her body. She lay down on her bed on her stomach when Serena asked her to, her eyes sliding shut when she felt Serena’s warm hands touch her skin.
“I’m gonna give ya a massage Liz. What that’s going to do, is allow me to heal you inside, while leaving da bruising on da outside. It’ll be an illusion…you’ll still appear to be injured, when you’ll actually be better. Is that ok?”
Liz nodded, a soft moan scaping her lips when she felt warm energy running along her spine as Serena rubbed her back gently. Liz could feel her limbs growing heavy as the silence stretched out, Serena working her magic under trained eyes. Serena let her gaze distort, allowing her to ‘see’ under Liz’s skin.
Serena let her gaze travel the length of Liz’s body, starting at her head. She repaired the tiny hairline fracture at the back of Liz’s skull, the result of being slammed down on her back. The deep bruising at the back of Liz’s neck, where if left undetected, would result in a clot. The bruising under her arm, where her bag had been wrenched from her body.
Even as she repaired the internal damage, Serena could ‘see’ what had happened to Liz at Kivar’s hands. She could feel each punch, each kick, and each blow as if it was happening to her own body. But she pressed on, gritting her teeth, as she slowly grew dizzy. But as she closed her eyes, as her body grew limp, Serena felt Jy’s presence, his calming influence as he gathered her into his arms, and lifted her from the bed.
Liz opened her eyes when smooth hands were replaced with calloused. Looking over her shoulder, she met Kyan’s calm gaze as he picked up where Serena had left off. Looking a bit further around, Liz saw Jy sink into her armchair, Serena clasped in his arms. Jy simply smiled when Liz bit her lip, his voice soothing when he spoke.
“She’s asleep Liz. She just wore herself out is all…don’t worry sweetpea. Kyan knows what he’s doin…. trust him.”
Liz nodded, Kyan giving her a small smirk as she lay back down and closed her eyes. Kyan glanced at Jy, who nodded his consent. Kyan changed his powers slightly, setting a well-worked plan into effect. A plan, which would ensure everyone’s survival…and Kivar’s defeat. Reaching up, he swept Liz’s hair to the side, exposing her whole back and neck. Long sweeps of his hands turned Liz’s body to mush, her breathing slowing as Kyan’s energy seeped into her skin.
She could feel it running through her body, and setting her blood aflame. It coiled within each blood cell, slowly filling her with power. Energy. Desire. Desire filled her like a living entity, warming places that had remained dark for too long. Kyan’s hands swept down over her ribs, healing fractured bone as he went. Liz muffled a very tiny moan when his fingertips brushed the sides of her breast gently, Max’s face flashing behind her eyes.
Kyan kept his hands moving, repairing damage, and replacing fear with anger and need. He wasn’t stupid…. he could smell the change in Liz as he swept his hands down her ribs again slowly. Smell her desire…. her arousal. Hs own need surfaced, desire taking centre stage as he rubbed small circles on Liz’s lower back. Lyra’s face flashed before him, and he called to his mate silently. Liz felt Kyan shift on the bed beside her, his breath brushing her face when he spoke softly into her ear.
“Do ya trust me?”
She nodded weakly, her whole body humming. She froze momentarily however, when Kyan’s fingers hooked into her pyjama pants, his intentions loud and clear.
“Trust me Liz…I ain’t gonna hurt ya…I just need to get to ya hips and that.”
It was that statement that had her lifting her hips enough, so that Kyan could tug her pants down and off, leaving her in her underwear. She didn’t know why, but she did trust the six new aliens in her life. They wouldn’t hurt her. But then his hands closed around her calves, and she simply stopped thinking. Long strokes of his hands on the backs of her thighs had her trembling, Max’s face flickering constantly behind her eyes.
She felt safe with Kyan touching her. It wasn’t sexual in any way, but it was sensual. When his hands finally left her fully healed body, she glanced over her shoulder to thank him. No words came out however, when she saw Max staring back at her, desire, love and need naked in his eyes. He reached out, tracing her spine with a single finger, before smiling.
Liz blinked, Kyan winking at her as he removed his hand again from her back. Liz blinked again, certain that she’d seen Max looking at her. But he wasn’t there. Just Kyan, his purple eyes twinkling as he stood up. Liz felt her gaze grow heavy, Kyan reaching down and dragging the covers over back up over body, his fingers glowing as he let them scrape her skin along the way.
It was that final touch of power that had Liz falling into a dreamless sleep, her breathing steady as she lay sprawled on her stomach. Kyan tucked the blankets secularly around Liz’s body, before stumbling for the bedroom door. Jy reached out as Kyan past him, concern brimming in his eyes.
“Ya aiight man?”
Kyan groaned softly, rocking slightly on his feet.
“Ya need to keep Jeff down stairs for a while…leave Serena in here with Liz. I need Lyra man…fuck…I need her now….” he managed hoarsely.
Jy nodded, Kyan stumbling from Liz’s room and into the guest room. Kyan shut the door quietly, locking it behind him as Lyra rose from the bed where she had been siting patently, waiting for him. She knew why he had called her, his desire throbbing through their connection like liquid fire. Kyan growled when he saw Lyra, the sight of her body wrapped in a short red silk robe flaming him even further. He crossed the room in two strides; his arms twin bands of steel as they crushed her to him.
Kyan groaned low in his throat as he caught her mouth with his, Lyra’s lips parting under the bruising assault he presented her with. Her lover was usually gentle, worshipping her body with a finesse that stole the breath right out of her body. It was what made being in human form so damn…tasty. What made it worth being almost immortal.
But there were also times when he would leave her nearly broken, his need and desire swamping him, his antarien side coming out in full force. It was then that he would drop his human form, and take her as the full-blooded alien that they both were. It was then that he would need to heal where he had been too rough with her. But she loved him, and she trusted him, so she was never frightened of him when he came to her like that.
Kyan waved his hand impatiently at the stereo, a familiar song thumping through the speakers. It was soft enough not to bring Jeff to their door, but loud enough to drown out any sounds from within the room. Lyra cried out softly when the full force of his emotions crashed into her, flooding her body and leaving her weak kneed. His desire and need became her own, Lyra unable to do anything but hold on tightly. She felt him tug the robe she was wearing apart, his hands grasping her bare skin tightly.
You let me violate you,
You let me desecrate you
You let me penetrate you,
You let me complicate you
Even as Kyan backed Lyra roughly into the wall, the lyrics to the song haunted him, his need to escape his body, burning him from the inside out. He felt her lips part under his, and wasting no time, Kyan slid his tongue straight into her mouth, stroking hers, and moaning softly when her familiar taste flooded his senses. He wanted her as his human lover now, not as his alien mate, but where did the line between the two become blurred? He’d soon find out…
Help me; I broke apart my insides,
Help me; I’ve got no soul to sell
Help me, the only thing that works for me,
Help me get away from myself
Fisting her hair in his hand, Kyan tugged Lyra’s head back, his teeth scrapping her jaw lightly as he trailed nipping kisses down her throat, before laving the sting away with his tongue. He could feel Lyra tugging the buttons to his shirt open, the material tearing slightly as she yanked his shirt roughly from his shoulders. He let go of her body long enough to finish taking his shirt off, before gripping her naked waist again.
I want to fuck you like an animal
I want to feel you from the inside
I want to fuck you like an animal
My whole existence is flawed
You get me closer to god
He felt Lyra’s hands slid down to his jeans, his low growl echoing between them as she pushed his pants down his thighs. Kicking them away, Kyan skimmed his hands down her body, seeking out her folds impatiently. Liquid heat slid through his fingers, Lyra lightly biting his shoulder as Kyan teased her.
You can have my isolation,
You can have the hate that it brings
You can have my absence of faith,
You can have my everything
Kyan felt Lyra tense, and then go limp when he slid his finger between her folds. Her head fell forward against his shoulder, her sharp pants blowing hot breath against his shoulder. Kyan snarled softly, withdrawing his hand from between her thighs abruptly, and levering her up into his arms. He felt her legs wrap around his hips like a vice, their twin groans of pleasure echoing when he thrust into her with no preamble.
Help me, tear down my reason,
Help me, its' your sex I can smell
Help me, you make me perfect,
Help me become somebody else
Kyan pulled back slightly, before plunging back into her welcoming warmth. His mouth sought hers out, Lyra moaning when he caught her lower lip between his teeth. They locked eyes, Kyan thrusting deeply as he watched Lyra’s eyes darken from their usual sapphire blue, almost turning cobalt in colour as he continued to thrust sharply into her body. He was loosing control, his need for her almost drowning him with unbridled pleasure.
I want to fuck you like an animal
I want to feel you from the inside
I want to fuck you like an animal
My whole existence is flawed
You get me closer to god
Lyra felt him desperately searching for his release, her own imminent as her body continued to bump slightly against the wall, Kyan’s right arm holding her lower back, his left gripping her hip tightly. His fingers dug into her flesh, his eyes flooding black as he snarled helplessly again. Yanking her away from the wall, he walked the few steps to the bed, and dropped her upper body onto the mattress, her legs remaining locked around his waist as he knelt in the middle of the bed.
It changed the angle of his penetration; a single thrust sending Lyra over the edge. Kyan thrusted wildly as Lyra cried out his name, his soft hiss followed by a hoarse cry as his orgasm washed over him violently. His hips jerked again, Lyra’s breath stolen once more as he fell forwards, his solid weight familiar as he lay panting above her.
As Kyan slowly returned to the land of the living, he felt Lyra’s fingers trailing gently through his hair and over his damp skin. He managed to lift his head from her breasts, his eyes searching hers as they slowly returned to their usual warm purple colour. He saw no discrimination in her gaze, only love. Understanding. Acceptance.
“Ya aiight?” he whispered weakly, Lyra simply smiling.
“Ya my lover Ky…I know what ya just did to Liz, and I also know what it cost ya…. if ya wanna loose it in me, then its all good baby. I love ya…simple as that. I’m aiight.”
Kyan nodded; leaning forward to brush a petal soft kiss over her swollen lips, before lowering his head back to her breasts. Sleep claimed him within minutes, Lyra following him quickly.
Through every forest, above the trees
Within my stomach, scraped off my knees
I drink the honey inside your hive
You are the reason I stay alive.
Part 56.
Liz stood before her bedroom mirror naked, tracing her fingers over her skin slowly. As she had woken up slowly, her first thoughts filled with memories of Max. The feel of his lips on hers. The way his hands would scrape along her lower back when they were kissing. The strength of his arms as they held her. Picking up her robe, Liz drew it on, before sitting down on her bed and picking up her journal. Letting her thoughts flow, Liz wrote quickly.
May 8th. I’m Liz parker, and something strange is happening to me. Kyan healed me on the inside earlier, and I honestly think he did something other than just heal me. I can feel it. Feel it heating my blood. Feel it heating my soul. Feel it, calling out…calling to Max. That scares me in a way.
When Kyan was rubbing my back, I looked over my shoulder at him, and for one moment, I saw Max staring back at me. Naked desire and hunger in his gaze. A look, like he would eat me alive crossing his face. Eat me, in tiny mouthfuls. Even now, I’m blushing at that look. But it wasn’t Max. It was Kyan. And he wasn’t looking at me like that.
Even now, I can feel that strokes Kyan/Max gave my skin. I felt it from the tip of my head, right down to my toes. I can write this in here, because only Michael has balls enough to read my journal, but if it had been Max staring at me? If he had taken me in his arms? I wouldn’t have said no…
Hence why I’m scared. A part of me wants to stay hidden. Stay simple. But another part. A newer part. A part that Kyan slowly woke, want’s Max Evans to take her in his arms…take her and make her his. Future Max said we had fourteen years together. Fourteen years of days. Of nights.
What I didn’t get to tell him was, that I’ve had the last six months to dream of that. Of what it would have been like. To feel that skin against mine. To feel his lips against my skin. To just feel. The heat that Max has in his body burns. I remember when we were looking for the orbs, and I touched his chest for the first time with no clothing…
My god. It felt like he had a temperature. Soft skin, covering a body that no seventeen year old should be aloud to have. Max has that V. You know, the v shaped ridge of muscle, that runs near his hips? I’ve dreamt of touching that. Of licking the small mole he has near his underarm.
God. I’m becoming a sexual deviant in my dreams. My fantasies. If you’d asked me last week what my main sexual fantasy with Max Evans was, I would have said that I no longer thought of Max like that. Now though? I thought my shower fantasy was hot! Max blew that one out the water when he kissed me in the kitchen when we first looked for the orbs.
I can still remember exactly what happened that night. How it felt. The unrestrained passion I felt rolling off him in waves. The way he simply took what he wanted. Picked me up, and sat me on the bench so he could reach my mouth easier. The way he unsnapped my dress, his movements bordering on near insanity.
The feel of his lips on mine. On my neck. On my chest. His lips trailing heat, his hands burning as he touched my breasts for the first time. His breathing was harsh, yet he remained gentle. Yet even as he continued to lean into me…lean over me…I knew, he was hanging onto that restraint by his fingertips.
Now though? I was naked in his arms last night in the bath. I felt that skin slide against mine in the water. Wet silk is what Maria calls it. And that’s how it felt. Like wet silk wrapped around me. Max took control of that kiss last night. Of each kiss. I’m not some simpering teenager. I know what happens when a man is aroused.
Yet Max didn’t push the issue. We both knew…the evidence of that was pressed along my hip as he continued to kiss me. Yet he made no move to take more. To touch me. Not that I am ready for that, but a part of me continues to want Max. A part of me continues to call to him. And I’m left wondering, how long until he doesn’t stop? And his body answers the call mine is making?
Liz closed her journal slowly, before standing up and sliding it back into its hiding place. Heading into the shower, she simply dropped her robe to the floor, and stepped under the heavy spray. Closing her eyes, Liz let the water run down her back as she leant her head against the tiles. Max’s face flickered in her mind, causing her to moan softly.
She could still feel his touch on her skin. Not only from last night, but also from this morning when she mistook Kyan for him. For one heart stopping moment. The feel of his lips against her lips. Against her jaw. On her shoulder. Another tremor shook her body, Liz bracing herself against the wall, her fingers splayed as she tilted her head back under the water.
Closing her eyes again, Liz let her memories flood her mind, her desire burning low in her belly. She could almost feel Max’s hands sliding across her hips. His body pressed against her back. His erection nestled against her ass. His lips moving slowly over her neck. His tongue licking at the water that ran across her shoulders. His hands moving up her ribs, to cup her breasts.
“Ughhh…”
The moan that spit from her lips was almost as silent as her ghostly companion. She knew she was in the shower. She knew she was alone. She knew…Max was at school. She knew he was sitting in study hall, his eyes closed as he caught a quick nap. The teacher didn’t mind, because Mr. Fitzpatrick knew about Liz, and that Max had been at her side almost since the beginning. So the teacher let him sleep. Let him dream...
Max stepped into Liz’s bathroom, his gaze drawn to the figure standing behind the shower curtain. Desire shot through his blood stream, Max dropping his clothes where they fell. Stepping into the shower behind Liz, Max slid his arms around her waist, his hands grasping her hips gently. He was hard; Liz’s hips tilting back slightly against his erection.
Max groaned softly, dropping his lips to her neck. He could feel her pulse thumping against his lips, his tongue sneaking out to lick her throat. Renewed by the soft moan that spilt from Liz’s lips, he slowly moved his hands. He wanted to touch her. But he went slowly, so that she wouldn’t be scared of him.
He could feel her stomach flexing against his palms as he moved his hands slowly. Up over her ribs, his fingers splayed. The first touch of his thumbs against the underside of her breasts had her arching back against him slightly, Max sucking lightly on her shoulder as he continued to move. They both shuddered when he cupped her breasts, his thumbs scrapping over her nipples.
Liz moaned again, her nipples tightening against his palms as Max kneaded her soft flesh. She fit into his hands perfectly, her heart beating quickly as Max moved his lips to her throat again. The need to kiss her was overwhelming, Max letting go of one breast long enough to cup her face. Tilting her head back against his shoulder, Max twisted his body enough to get to her lips. His hips bucked slightly when Liz’s lips parted under his, her tongue scraping along his as he returned his hand to her breast.
Max felt himself drowning slightly as he continued to devour her mouth with his own; his soft hiss unnoticed when Liz shifted against him. Max rubbed against her gently, the friction of her wet skin against his erection torturous. It wasn’t enough. Max pulled back from Liz’s lips slightly, feeling her breath skittering along his swollen lips as they both panted.
“Can I…”
Liz opened her eyes slowly, her skin flushed as she looked up at him. Max let her breast go, and moved his hand slowly down her ribs again. Liz continued to stare up at him, her face flushing when he rested his hand against her pubic bone. A harsh pant tore free of his lips, Max catching Liz’s lips once more.
Liz was caught up in the web that Max spun around her, every neve ending on her body singing. Then she felt his hand move again, her breath hitching in her throat when he trailed his fingers through her wet curls. She heard Max’s low groan when she gripped his wrist, stopping his movements.
“I’m not going to hurt you Liz. I just want to touch you…make you feel good” he whispered hotly against her mouth.
Max hissed when she slowly relaxed her grip on his wrist, allowing his hand to move lower. Then she stopped thinking, her surprised cry echoing around them when Max slid his finger between her folds. Max moaned, his head falling against her shoulder when he felt her wetness coat his finger. Nudging her feet apart some more, Max starting to thrust his finger slowly, before wrapping his free arm around her waist.
“Max…Max…”
Max hissed harshly, slipping another finger into her body as he thrusted at a faster pace. He could feel the tremors that started at the base of Liz’s spine, her hips undulating against his as he continued to move his hand. This was the first time he had been this intimate with Liz before, and he could only judge that what he was doing felt good by her response to him.
Liz rolled her hips against Max’s groin, Max sucking hard on her throat in response. He heard her breath hitch, before it spilt from her with a sob. Max could feel what she was feeling through their open connection, his whole body starting to shake. When Liz gasped again, Max sought out her clit with his thumb, circling the tightening bundle of nerves, before pressing on it firmly with the pad of his thumb.
Liz let out a small cry, her head falling back against him as her body shattered around his fingers. Max cried out, her inner walls clenching around his fingers rhythmically. With another harsh sound, he jerked her hips against his, and bucked wildly, his own orgasm spurting free in thick waves against her lower back.
As his body slowly returned to earth, Max tilted Liz’s face back up to his, his lips brushing against hers softly. As they parted under his, the bell rang, startling him out of his daydream. He groaned softly, his whole body damp and relaxed. Looking down, Max smiled wryly, before glancing quickly around the class, and waving his hand over his groin, cleaning away the evidence of his release. He hadn’t had a wet dream since he was thirteen!
Across town, Liz slid on shaky legs down to her knees, her head resting against the tiles. When she finally felt strong enough to move, she turned the water off, and stepped out of the shower. As she got dried, something caught her attention, and she stepped closer to the mirror to see it. There on her neck, was a hicky. Liz swallowed, moving her finger over the small mark slowly. A soft gasp escaped her lips however, when the mark pulsed with heat, before disappearing completely.
“What’s happening to me?” she whispered. “It was just a dream…wasn’t it?”
Remember how I said there would be hints of UC? This is one of those parts. Read between the lines guys...you might start to understand what's really going on....
The song in this is called ‘Closer” by Nine Inch Nails. Enjoy.
Jeff looked down at his daughter as she lay sleeping. Liz woke in fright when Jeff touched her, her face pale as she stared up at her father silently. Jeff sighed, smiling apologetically as he sat beside his daughter. Moving slowly, he reached out and swept a few strands of hair back from her face.
“You ready to get up Lizzie?” he asked quietly, Liz nodding.
Slipping his hand under her neck, he helped her sit up, Liz wincing as her ribs scraped against each other. Jeff saw the look of pain that crossed her face, and licking his lips, he regarded her seriously.
“Why don’t you get Max to heal your ribs? I know you need to leave the rest of the bruises, but can’t he at least heal your ribs?”
“I can do that” a new vice said, Liz and Jeff looking towards Liz’s window.
Serena was sitting by the open window, Jeff nodding as Serena slid inside. Standing up, Jeff left the room, Serena helping Liz into a standing position. Reaching out, Serena lifted the edge of Liz’s top, a frown crossing her face when she saw the damage Kivar had inflicted to Liz’s side.
“Take ya top off” Serena said softly, Liz blinking in surprise.
Turning her back, Liz unbuttoned her pyjama top, and let it slid off her body. She lay down on her bed on her stomach when Serena asked her to, her eyes sliding shut when she felt Serena’s warm hands touch her skin.
“I’m gonna give ya a massage Liz. What that’s going to do, is allow me to heal you inside, while leaving da bruising on da outside. It’ll be an illusion…you’ll still appear to be injured, when you’ll actually be better. Is that ok?”
Liz nodded, a soft moan scaping her lips when she felt warm energy running along her spine as Serena rubbed her back gently. Liz could feel her limbs growing heavy as the silence stretched out, Serena working her magic under trained eyes. Serena let her gaze distort, allowing her to ‘see’ under Liz’s skin.
Serena let her gaze travel the length of Liz’s body, starting at her head. She repaired the tiny hairline fracture at the back of Liz’s skull, the result of being slammed down on her back. The deep bruising at the back of Liz’s neck, where if left undetected, would result in a clot. The bruising under her arm, where her bag had been wrenched from her body.
Even as she repaired the internal damage, Serena could ‘see’ what had happened to Liz at Kivar’s hands. She could feel each punch, each kick, and each blow as if it was happening to her own body. But she pressed on, gritting her teeth, as she slowly grew dizzy. But as she closed her eyes, as her body grew limp, Serena felt Jy’s presence, his calming influence as he gathered her into his arms, and lifted her from the bed.
Liz opened her eyes when smooth hands were replaced with calloused. Looking over her shoulder, she met Kyan’s calm gaze as he picked up where Serena had left off. Looking a bit further around, Liz saw Jy sink into her armchair, Serena clasped in his arms. Jy simply smiled when Liz bit her lip, his voice soothing when he spoke.
“She’s asleep Liz. She just wore herself out is all…don’t worry sweetpea. Kyan knows what he’s doin…. trust him.”
Liz nodded, Kyan giving her a small smirk as she lay back down and closed her eyes. Kyan glanced at Jy, who nodded his consent. Kyan changed his powers slightly, setting a well-worked plan into effect. A plan, which would ensure everyone’s survival…and Kivar’s defeat. Reaching up, he swept Liz’s hair to the side, exposing her whole back and neck. Long sweeps of his hands turned Liz’s body to mush, her breathing slowing as Kyan’s energy seeped into her skin.
She could feel it running through her body, and setting her blood aflame. It coiled within each blood cell, slowly filling her with power. Energy. Desire. Desire filled her like a living entity, warming places that had remained dark for too long. Kyan’s hands swept down over her ribs, healing fractured bone as he went. Liz muffled a very tiny moan when his fingertips brushed the sides of her breast gently, Max’s face flashing behind her eyes.
Kyan kept his hands moving, repairing damage, and replacing fear with anger and need. He wasn’t stupid…. he could smell the change in Liz as he swept his hands down her ribs again slowly. Smell her desire…. her arousal. Hs own need surfaced, desire taking centre stage as he rubbed small circles on Liz’s lower back. Lyra’s face flashed before him, and he called to his mate silently. Liz felt Kyan shift on the bed beside her, his breath brushing her face when he spoke softly into her ear.
“Do ya trust me?”
She nodded weakly, her whole body humming. She froze momentarily however, when Kyan’s fingers hooked into her pyjama pants, his intentions loud and clear.
“Trust me Liz…I ain’t gonna hurt ya…I just need to get to ya hips and that.”
It was that statement that had her lifting her hips enough, so that Kyan could tug her pants down and off, leaving her in her underwear. She didn’t know why, but she did trust the six new aliens in her life. They wouldn’t hurt her. But then his hands closed around her calves, and she simply stopped thinking. Long strokes of his hands on the backs of her thighs had her trembling, Max’s face flickering constantly behind her eyes.
She felt safe with Kyan touching her. It wasn’t sexual in any way, but it was sensual. When his hands finally left her fully healed body, she glanced over her shoulder to thank him. No words came out however, when she saw Max staring back at her, desire, love and need naked in his eyes. He reached out, tracing her spine with a single finger, before smiling.
Liz blinked, Kyan winking at her as he removed his hand again from her back. Liz blinked again, certain that she’d seen Max looking at her. But he wasn’t there. Just Kyan, his purple eyes twinkling as he stood up. Liz felt her gaze grow heavy, Kyan reaching down and dragging the covers over back up over body, his fingers glowing as he let them scrape her skin along the way.
It was that final touch of power that had Liz falling into a dreamless sleep, her breathing steady as she lay sprawled on her stomach. Kyan tucked the blankets secularly around Liz’s body, before stumbling for the bedroom door. Jy reached out as Kyan past him, concern brimming in his eyes.
“Ya aiight man?”
Kyan groaned softly, rocking slightly on his feet.
“Ya need to keep Jeff down stairs for a while…leave Serena in here with Liz. I need Lyra man…fuck…I need her now….” he managed hoarsely.
Jy nodded, Kyan stumbling from Liz’s room and into the guest room. Kyan shut the door quietly, locking it behind him as Lyra rose from the bed where she had been siting patently, waiting for him. She knew why he had called her, his desire throbbing through their connection like liquid fire. Kyan growled when he saw Lyra, the sight of her body wrapped in a short red silk robe flaming him even further. He crossed the room in two strides; his arms twin bands of steel as they crushed her to him.
Kyan groaned low in his throat as he caught her mouth with his, Lyra’s lips parting under the bruising assault he presented her with. Her lover was usually gentle, worshipping her body with a finesse that stole the breath right out of her body. It was what made being in human form so damn…tasty. What made it worth being almost immortal.
But there were also times when he would leave her nearly broken, his need and desire swamping him, his antarien side coming out in full force. It was then that he would drop his human form, and take her as the full-blooded alien that they both were. It was then that he would need to heal where he had been too rough with her. But she loved him, and she trusted him, so she was never frightened of him when he came to her like that.
Kyan waved his hand impatiently at the stereo, a familiar song thumping through the speakers. It was soft enough not to bring Jeff to their door, but loud enough to drown out any sounds from within the room. Lyra cried out softly when the full force of his emotions crashed into her, flooding her body and leaving her weak kneed. His desire and need became her own, Lyra unable to do anything but hold on tightly. She felt him tug the robe she was wearing apart, his hands grasping her bare skin tightly.
You let me violate you,
You let me desecrate you
You let me penetrate you,
You let me complicate you
Even as Kyan backed Lyra roughly into the wall, the lyrics to the song haunted him, his need to escape his body, burning him from the inside out. He felt her lips part under his, and wasting no time, Kyan slid his tongue straight into her mouth, stroking hers, and moaning softly when her familiar taste flooded his senses. He wanted her as his human lover now, not as his alien mate, but where did the line between the two become blurred? He’d soon find out…
Help me; I broke apart my insides,
Help me; I’ve got no soul to sell
Help me, the only thing that works for me,
Help me get away from myself
Fisting her hair in his hand, Kyan tugged Lyra’s head back, his teeth scrapping her jaw lightly as he trailed nipping kisses down her throat, before laving the sting away with his tongue. He could feel Lyra tugging the buttons to his shirt open, the material tearing slightly as she yanked his shirt roughly from his shoulders. He let go of her body long enough to finish taking his shirt off, before gripping her naked waist again.
I want to fuck you like an animal
I want to feel you from the inside
I want to fuck you like an animal
My whole existence is flawed
You get me closer to god
He felt Lyra’s hands slid down to his jeans, his low growl echoing between them as she pushed his pants down his thighs. Kicking them away, Kyan skimmed his hands down her body, seeking out her folds impatiently. Liquid heat slid through his fingers, Lyra lightly biting his shoulder as Kyan teased her.
You can have my isolation,
You can have the hate that it brings
You can have my absence of faith,
You can have my everything
Kyan felt Lyra tense, and then go limp when he slid his finger between her folds. Her head fell forward against his shoulder, her sharp pants blowing hot breath against his shoulder. Kyan snarled softly, withdrawing his hand from between her thighs abruptly, and levering her up into his arms. He felt her legs wrap around his hips like a vice, their twin groans of pleasure echoing when he thrust into her with no preamble.
Help me, tear down my reason,
Help me, its' your sex I can smell
Help me, you make me perfect,
Help me become somebody else
Kyan pulled back slightly, before plunging back into her welcoming warmth. His mouth sought hers out, Lyra moaning when he caught her lower lip between his teeth. They locked eyes, Kyan thrusting deeply as he watched Lyra’s eyes darken from their usual sapphire blue, almost turning cobalt in colour as he continued to thrust sharply into her body. He was loosing control, his need for her almost drowning him with unbridled pleasure.
I want to fuck you like an animal
I want to feel you from the inside
I want to fuck you like an animal
My whole existence is flawed
You get me closer to god
Lyra felt him desperately searching for his release, her own imminent as her body continued to bump slightly against the wall, Kyan’s right arm holding her lower back, his left gripping her hip tightly. His fingers dug into her flesh, his eyes flooding black as he snarled helplessly again. Yanking her away from the wall, he walked the few steps to the bed, and dropped her upper body onto the mattress, her legs remaining locked around his waist as he knelt in the middle of the bed.
It changed the angle of his penetration; a single thrust sending Lyra over the edge. Kyan thrusted wildly as Lyra cried out his name, his soft hiss followed by a hoarse cry as his orgasm washed over him violently. His hips jerked again, Lyra’s breath stolen once more as he fell forwards, his solid weight familiar as he lay panting above her.
As Kyan slowly returned to the land of the living, he felt Lyra’s fingers trailing gently through his hair and over his damp skin. He managed to lift his head from her breasts, his eyes searching hers as they slowly returned to their usual warm purple colour. He saw no discrimination in her gaze, only love. Understanding. Acceptance.
“Ya aiight?” he whispered weakly, Lyra simply smiling.
“Ya my lover Ky…I know what ya just did to Liz, and I also know what it cost ya…. if ya wanna loose it in me, then its all good baby. I love ya…simple as that. I’m aiight.”
Kyan nodded; leaning forward to brush a petal soft kiss over her swollen lips, before lowering his head back to her breasts. Sleep claimed him within minutes, Lyra following him quickly.
Through every forest, above the trees
Within my stomach, scraped off my knees
I drink the honey inside your hive
You are the reason I stay alive.
Part 56.
Liz stood before her bedroom mirror naked, tracing her fingers over her skin slowly. As she had woken up slowly, her first thoughts filled with memories of Max. The feel of his lips on hers. The way his hands would scrape along her lower back when they were kissing. The strength of his arms as they held her. Picking up her robe, Liz drew it on, before sitting down on her bed and picking up her journal. Letting her thoughts flow, Liz wrote quickly.
May 8th. I’m Liz parker, and something strange is happening to me. Kyan healed me on the inside earlier, and I honestly think he did something other than just heal me. I can feel it. Feel it heating my blood. Feel it heating my soul. Feel it, calling out…calling to Max. That scares me in a way.
When Kyan was rubbing my back, I looked over my shoulder at him, and for one moment, I saw Max staring back at me. Naked desire and hunger in his gaze. A look, like he would eat me alive crossing his face. Eat me, in tiny mouthfuls. Even now, I’m blushing at that look. But it wasn’t Max. It was Kyan. And he wasn’t looking at me like that.
Even now, I can feel that strokes Kyan/Max gave my skin. I felt it from the tip of my head, right down to my toes. I can write this in here, because only Michael has balls enough to read my journal, but if it had been Max staring at me? If he had taken me in his arms? I wouldn’t have said no…
Hence why I’m scared. A part of me wants to stay hidden. Stay simple. But another part. A newer part. A part that Kyan slowly woke, want’s Max Evans to take her in his arms…take her and make her his. Future Max said we had fourteen years together. Fourteen years of days. Of nights.
What I didn’t get to tell him was, that I’ve had the last six months to dream of that. Of what it would have been like. To feel that skin against mine. To feel his lips against my skin. To just feel. The heat that Max has in his body burns. I remember when we were looking for the orbs, and I touched his chest for the first time with no clothing…
My god. It felt like he had a temperature. Soft skin, covering a body that no seventeen year old should be aloud to have. Max has that V. You know, the v shaped ridge of muscle, that runs near his hips? I’ve dreamt of touching that. Of licking the small mole he has near his underarm.
God. I’m becoming a sexual deviant in my dreams. My fantasies. If you’d asked me last week what my main sexual fantasy with Max Evans was, I would have said that I no longer thought of Max like that. Now though? I thought my shower fantasy was hot! Max blew that one out the water when he kissed me in the kitchen when we first looked for the orbs.
I can still remember exactly what happened that night. How it felt. The unrestrained passion I felt rolling off him in waves. The way he simply took what he wanted. Picked me up, and sat me on the bench so he could reach my mouth easier. The way he unsnapped my dress, his movements bordering on near insanity.
The feel of his lips on mine. On my neck. On my chest. His lips trailing heat, his hands burning as he touched my breasts for the first time. His breathing was harsh, yet he remained gentle. Yet even as he continued to lean into me…lean over me…I knew, he was hanging onto that restraint by his fingertips.
Now though? I was naked in his arms last night in the bath. I felt that skin slide against mine in the water. Wet silk is what Maria calls it. And that’s how it felt. Like wet silk wrapped around me. Max took control of that kiss last night. Of each kiss. I’m not some simpering teenager. I know what happens when a man is aroused.
Yet Max didn’t push the issue. We both knew…the evidence of that was pressed along my hip as he continued to kiss me. Yet he made no move to take more. To touch me. Not that I am ready for that, but a part of me continues to want Max. A part of me continues to call to him. And I’m left wondering, how long until he doesn’t stop? And his body answers the call mine is making?
Liz closed her journal slowly, before standing up and sliding it back into its hiding place. Heading into the shower, she simply dropped her robe to the floor, and stepped under the heavy spray. Closing her eyes, Liz let the water run down her back as she leant her head against the tiles. Max’s face flickered in her mind, causing her to moan softly.
She could still feel his touch on her skin. Not only from last night, but also from this morning when she mistook Kyan for him. For one heart stopping moment. The feel of his lips against her lips. Against her jaw. On her shoulder. Another tremor shook her body, Liz bracing herself against the wall, her fingers splayed as she tilted her head back under the water.
Closing her eyes again, Liz let her memories flood her mind, her desire burning low in her belly. She could almost feel Max’s hands sliding across her hips. His body pressed against her back. His erection nestled against her ass. His lips moving slowly over her neck. His tongue licking at the water that ran across her shoulders. His hands moving up her ribs, to cup her breasts.
“Ughhh…”
The moan that spit from her lips was almost as silent as her ghostly companion. She knew she was in the shower. She knew she was alone. She knew…Max was at school. She knew he was sitting in study hall, his eyes closed as he caught a quick nap. The teacher didn’t mind, because Mr. Fitzpatrick knew about Liz, and that Max had been at her side almost since the beginning. So the teacher let him sleep. Let him dream...
Max stepped into Liz’s bathroom, his gaze drawn to the figure standing behind the shower curtain. Desire shot through his blood stream, Max dropping his clothes where they fell. Stepping into the shower behind Liz, Max slid his arms around her waist, his hands grasping her hips gently. He was hard; Liz’s hips tilting back slightly against his erection.
Max groaned softly, dropping his lips to her neck. He could feel her pulse thumping against his lips, his tongue sneaking out to lick her throat. Renewed by the soft moan that spilt from Liz’s lips, he slowly moved his hands. He wanted to touch her. But he went slowly, so that she wouldn’t be scared of him.
He could feel her stomach flexing against his palms as he moved his hands slowly. Up over her ribs, his fingers splayed. The first touch of his thumbs against the underside of her breasts had her arching back against him slightly, Max sucking lightly on her shoulder as he continued to move. They both shuddered when he cupped her breasts, his thumbs scrapping over her nipples.
Liz moaned again, her nipples tightening against his palms as Max kneaded her soft flesh. She fit into his hands perfectly, her heart beating quickly as Max moved his lips to her throat again. The need to kiss her was overwhelming, Max letting go of one breast long enough to cup her face. Tilting her head back against his shoulder, Max twisted his body enough to get to her lips. His hips bucked slightly when Liz’s lips parted under his, her tongue scraping along his as he returned his hand to her breast.
Max felt himself drowning slightly as he continued to devour her mouth with his own; his soft hiss unnoticed when Liz shifted against him. Max rubbed against her gently, the friction of her wet skin against his erection torturous. It wasn’t enough. Max pulled back from Liz’s lips slightly, feeling her breath skittering along his swollen lips as they both panted.
“Can I…”
Liz opened her eyes slowly, her skin flushed as she looked up at him. Max let her breast go, and moved his hand slowly down her ribs again. Liz continued to stare up at him, her face flushing when he rested his hand against her pubic bone. A harsh pant tore free of his lips, Max catching Liz’s lips once more.
Liz was caught up in the web that Max spun around her, every neve ending on her body singing. Then she felt his hand move again, her breath hitching in her throat when he trailed his fingers through her wet curls. She heard Max’s low groan when she gripped his wrist, stopping his movements.
“I’m not going to hurt you Liz. I just want to touch you…make you feel good” he whispered hotly against her mouth.
Max hissed when she slowly relaxed her grip on his wrist, allowing his hand to move lower. Then she stopped thinking, her surprised cry echoing around them when Max slid his finger between her folds. Max moaned, his head falling against her shoulder when he felt her wetness coat his finger. Nudging her feet apart some more, Max starting to thrust his finger slowly, before wrapping his free arm around her waist.
“Max…Max…”
Max hissed harshly, slipping another finger into her body as he thrusted at a faster pace. He could feel the tremors that started at the base of Liz’s spine, her hips undulating against his as he continued to move his hand. This was the first time he had been this intimate with Liz before, and he could only judge that what he was doing felt good by her response to him.
Liz rolled her hips against Max’s groin, Max sucking hard on her throat in response. He heard her breath hitch, before it spilt from her with a sob. Max could feel what she was feeling through their open connection, his whole body starting to shake. When Liz gasped again, Max sought out her clit with his thumb, circling the tightening bundle of nerves, before pressing on it firmly with the pad of his thumb.
Liz let out a small cry, her head falling back against him as her body shattered around his fingers. Max cried out, her inner walls clenching around his fingers rhythmically. With another harsh sound, he jerked her hips against his, and bucked wildly, his own orgasm spurting free in thick waves against her lower back.
As his body slowly returned to earth, Max tilted Liz’s face back up to his, his lips brushing against hers softly. As they parted under his, the bell rang, startling him out of his daydream. He groaned softly, his whole body damp and relaxed. Looking down, Max smiled wryly, before glancing quickly around the class, and waving his hand over his groin, cleaning away the evidence of his release. He hadn’t had a wet dream since he was thirteen!
Across town, Liz slid on shaky legs down to her knees, her head resting against the tiles. When she finally felt strong enough to move, she turned the water off, and stepped out of the shower. As she got dried, something caught her attention, and she stepped closer to the mirror to see it. There on her neck, was a hicky. Liz swallowed, moving her finger over the small mark slowly. A soft gasp escaped her lips however, when the mark pulsed with heat, before disappearing completely.
“What’s happening to me?” she whispered. “It was just a dream…wasn’t it?”
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 57.
Serena sat up slowly, her brow wrinkling as she felt the residual energy in the air caressing her skin. She heard Liz start the shower, so she reached out further with her mind. Desire hit her like lightening, coupled with desperate need, Serena retracting her mind as quickly as she could. Understanding slowly dawned, and she rose fluidly from the bed. Walking over to the window, she looked outside and saw Jy leaning against the wall as he inhaled on his cigarette, his eyes closed.
Serena climbed out the window silently, cloaking her presence from her lover as she walked up to him. Raking her eyes over his body, she looked through his aura, her anger doubling when she found what she was looking for. It all became clear in the moment, Serena realising just how much Jy and Kyan had kept from her. She bit down hard on her lip to stop herself from exploding, and counted to ten under her breath. When she was in control again, she spoke quietly, her anger coming through loud and clear.
“What’d ya do?”
Jy flinched, but opened his eyes anyway. When he saw the anger in Serena’s gaze, he sighed softly, before sitting down on the edge of Liz’s balcony.
“What needed to be done Serena,” he said warily.
Serena narrowed her eyes, her arms coming up to cross over her chest as she glared at Jy.
“You’d better not be talkin ‘bout what I think you’re talkin ‘bout.”
Jy lowered his gaze, Serena exhaling loudly as she tapped her foot.
“Ya took away her freewill? Ya made her susceptible to da fuckin seal? Have ya got any idea at all, just how FUCKED that is Jy?” she cried angrily.
Jy stood up then, his own anger surfacing.
“I told ya Serena. I’ll do what ever has to be done to make sure we win this. I am willin to cross da line, to make sure we all live. If that means wakin her up slightly, then yeah. I’ll do it.”
“Jy…Zan woke Max a few days ago. He’s already gonna be like a bull at a gate with her…why put her in this position, where realistically, she has no fuckin choice! She’s innocent Jy!”
Jy bit his lip, but scowled at Serena anyway.
“Doesn’t make a difference Serena. This needed to be done. Max knows he’s gonna be her first. He’ll know it at da back of his mind. Do ya really think I’d let her be harmed? Do ya really think that little of me?”
Serena snorted angrily.
“At this point Jy? Yeah. I do. She’s human. She didn’t ask for da seal. She doesn’t know what it means to have it. To have no choice in da matter. Kivar tried to rape her Jy. How’s this any different?”
Jy blanched, sitting down with a soft thud. His eyes were filled with painful memories, and horror at what she was suggesting.
“Max wouldn’t force her Serena. I wouldn’t do that to her.”
“No…he wouldn’t Jy. Da seal will. Ya know how this works as well as I do. When da king finds his chosen…it awakens part of him. Zan finished da job. His desire will become hers. His need will become hers. And at da end of da day Jy? He’ll take her…whether she’s ready or not…. for that…I could kick ya ass.”
Jy frowned, his hand reaching out to grip her upper arm gently.
“Serena…please. Just listen to me. To why I did this. You remember as well as I do what Kivar did to Avaria. What his soldiers did to her. Do ya want that for Liz? We don’t have da time for it to build naturally. I’m sorry lover…but we don’t. Kyan and I spoke it over just before we left da city. We decided to wake that part of da seal…da part Max gave her when he healed her.”
Jy lowered his gaze, his voice low.
“It lets her lose her inhibitions. Helps her let Max inside her heart again. Its da shortcut through da ‘dating process’ if ya will. They love each other Serena. This just helps ‘em some. Coz how do ya think Kivar will treat her? Ya think he’ll take her on a bed of satin and lace? Provide candles and flowers? He’s just gonna fuck her Serena…use her as a brood mare…you know it as well as I know it. Ya remember it as well as I do.”
Jy covered his eyes, his shoulders shaking slightly. He could still hear it…. still see it…still smell the blood in the air.
“I remember Kivar forcing Zan to watch as his soldiers took turns raping his wife. Raping his sister. Da last thing he saw was Avaria reaching out to him…her whole body broken Serena. I’m not gonna let that happen again. Think of me what ya will…but don’t think I’m heartless. I sat beside her all night remember? Watchin every frown that crossed her face. Wiping away every tear that fell. Blockin her memories, so she ain’t haunted by it.”
“Jy…”
“Nah fuck it Serena. I won’t let da fucker win a second time. It’s not just Liz either. Ava. Remember her? Zan doesn’t know all that Kivar did to her in that room. Ava don’t remember it all either. Coz I buried it so deep in her that it’ll never surface. My gift to her. I wasn’t able to save her last time. This time, I will. No matter what it takes. No matter how far I have to go. I’ll kill him Serena.
“He destroyed my whole family. Kyan’s. Lyra’s. Yours. I’ve waited nearly sixty years for revenge. And I’m not backin down on this. I did what I did to keep Liz safe. To make her Max’s, rather than Kivar’s. To eliminate da fact that only her father would understand. And if I had da choice, I’d do it again. I’ll do what ever it takes. No matter what. I looked at Zan da other day, and I remembered how he was when he got back to da city.
“I didn’t really understand it then. Hell, I didn’t get it a few days ago either. I do now. If it means I die, so they live? So be it. If it means crossin da line, so that Kivar can’t touch her coz of da seal? Then so be it. I’ll deal with da fallout. Ya wanna tell Liz? Fine. Tell her. But ya also tell her why I did it. Ya tell her how far I’m willin to go to make sure she stays safe. And ya tell her that I’d never do nothin to hurt her!”
“Jy…What else have you done?”
Jy frowned, his whole face filled with sadness.
“Nothing that can’t be fixed Serena.”
“Nancy?”
Jy shoved away from the wall angrily.
“It was you who said she was unstable Serena! It was you who said she wouldn’t understand. That she was a liability. You. Not me. So I took care of it. When this is over, she’s gonna leave da dream world, and come back home. No damage done. Only Liz and Jeff will know da truth, and nothin will come of it. Kivar woulda inhabited her body to get to Liz. It was him who was in control when they were lookin for da damn orbs. Him. Not Nancy.”
Serena’s mouth fell open; Jy nodding as it slowly became clear.
“That’s right…Kivar’s been watchin ‘em that long. Preparing for this for that long. He’s already tainted Liz’s family. Watched Liz. Read her journal. Looked into her memories. Everything. Held her in his arms, while posing as her mother. I had no choice Serena. This has been goin on for a long time. If what I’ve gathered is true, it’s been happening since Max took his first look at Liz.”
“Jy…that was in da third grade.”
“Ya said it yaself Serena…we mate for life. We love for longer. I knew da minute I saw ya, all those years ago, that I’d never love another. Max might be human Serena…but he’s also an alien. And right now…he’s more alien than ever. He risked it all for her Serena. What do ya think he’s capable of now? Da others still see Max. I see Zan.”
“What?”
“I see Zan and Max as da one person, split in two. Same as Aves and Tess. I told ya what Zan did in da city. What he did to get answers. I can see Max doin da same Serena. Da others can’t. They don’t understand what Zan was pushed to do. They don’t get that Max would do da same. They’ll get it when they’re woken tonight. That’s when it starts for real.”
Jy scowled, before lowering his head so that he could see into Serena’s eyes. She stared straight back at him, trying to understand, but not getting what he was trying to say.
“Just…no matter what happens in da future…remember I did this coz I love them. Max and Zan. Ava and Tess. Isabel. Michael. Da humans. I did this coz I have da power to stop history repeatin itself. No matter what Serena…I did this for them.”
Serena got it then. Understood what he was really saying.
“Ya don’t think we’re gonna make it do ya? I mean, ya think we’re gonna die?”
Jy lowered his gaze, his eyebrows drawing together as he swallowed. When he spoke his voice was low, but filled with certainty.
“We’re not all gonna make it Serena. At da end of da day? Some of us will live. Some of us will die. If it means laying my life down, so that those kids survive? I will. I asked Zan once, how far was he willin to go to make it up to Aves? He said to me then, what I’m tellin ya now. I’m willin to go all da way. No matter what it takes. No matter what I have to do. I can live with da guilt of what I’ve done. Of what I’ve had to do.”
Jy looked up then, pleading with his gaze for his lover to understand.
“I let them die once Serena. I won’t do it again. I’m willin to do anythin…what are you willin to do?”
Serena went to answer, but Liz beat her to it.
“I want the truth Jy…now.”
Part 58.
Jy’s true form is a mix of Mystique and wolf man from the xmen movie. A little visual help. Let me know if you want to see what Jy and co look like, and I'll post a link with the next lot of chapters.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/ ... arians.jpg
Liz zipped up the jacket Serena had given her, the warm leather hanging to mid-thigh. Jy handed her a helmet, his gaze serious.
“I might as well teach you a few things while we’re out today. When you’re on da bike, ya gotta let ya body lean with mine. Don’t try to stay upright…it don’t work that way. I’ll go slow for now, until ya get da hang of it. ‘Kay?”
He slid onto his bike, before patting the seat behind him. Liz climbed onto the bike awkwardly, Jy chuckling softly as she sat behind him.
“Scoot forward some more Liz. You need to be able to hang on tight. That’s right…now wrap your arms around my waist, and just hang on.”
Liz did as she was told, Jy straightening the bike, and kicking up the stand.
“Aiight Liz…I’m gonna rock da bike for a minute, so ya get used to how to lean. When I lean into a curve, I lean my body da same way as da bike. Like this…”
Jy leant the bike to the right; Liz squeaking as she almost fell off. He started laughing, straightening up the bike slowly.
“Listen to me Liz…don’t try to sit up…lean with me…I ain’t gonna let ya fall…. ‘kay?”
Liz nodded, and when Jy leant the bike again, she saw what he meant. Her body fought to sit upright naturally, but she concentrated on what Jy was saying, and a few leans left and right later, she had the hang of it. Jy helped her tug her helmet on, and do the chin strap up. Jy tugged his own helmet on, before flipping up the visor on his helmet, and turning to look at her.
“Liz…I ain’t hittin on ya sweetie, but ya gotta sit closer to me.”
Grasping her thighs, Jy tugged her forward, so that her body was pressed firmly against his. Her thighs hugged his, Jy smirking at her before snapping his visor down. Liz tapped him on the shoulder, Jy flipping his visor up once more as he glanced back at her.
“I need to stop by school too…can we do that later?”
Jy grinned.
“Yeah…I’ll even hold ya hand.”
Liz smiled then, Jy smirking at her as he started the bike. She knew Jy had hidden things from her for a reason. Instinctively, she knew it hadn’t been to hurt her, but to protect her. Then all thought was lost, Jy backing up close to the wall, so he could turn his bike around in the narrow alley way behind the Crashdown, where all four motor bikes were parked.
Liz tightened her arms around his waist, Jy patting her hand with his, before letting the bike roll to the mouth of the alley way. He checked the traffic both ways, before gunning the bike, and taking off out of the alleyway. Liz let out a small gasp as the bike dropped off the pavement and hit the road, her arms gripping his waist tighter as she felt the initial kick of power as Jy changed gears.
The scenery flew past, Liz closing her eyes and letting herself feel the experience. She soon opened them though, when she felt Jy start to lean, and she let out a small giggle as her body leant naturally with his. All too soon they were bumping over the rocky ground of the quarry, Jy parking the bike and helping her off. He led her down the rocky incline towards the bottom of the quarry, where t hey sat at the water’s edge.
“Did you know that this lot of water ends up joining the water at the lake?” she asked as she skimmed her fingers though the water. Jy shook his head, Liz continuing to trail her fingers in the water.
“Most of the earth is made up of water, as is the human body.”
Liz looked up at Jy then.
“What are you made of? I mean, is what you look like an illusion? Is it real?”
Jy nodded, but then shook his head.
“Ya wanna know what I really look like?” he asked quietly. Liz nodded, Jy searching their surroundings, before simply dropping his human form, and showing Liz his true nature.
Liz gasped quietly, her eyes widening as she looked at him. Her hand shook for a moment as she lifted it, but at Jy’s nod, she reached out, and touched his face. He still looked human, but different at the same time. His human bone structure was the same, but different in some areas. His skin had taken on a gold tone, his hair still spiky, but it was now green as were his eyes.
Tiny scales covered his forehead, and ran in an arching pattern over his cheekbones and down the side of his neck. Starting in between his eyes, small spikes appeared, moving in a V pattern into his hairline. His eyes had elongated, the green more pronounced and alien. Where the white of his eyes had once been, the tissue was now an unearthly blue, highlighting the green and making his eyes glow.
Liz let her eyes drift down over his body. More of the scales covered his shoulders and upper chest, Jy lifting his tee shirt off and tossing it aside so she could finish looking. Realisation dawned, Liz letting her hands trace over his stomach. The scales were armour of sorts, protecting the most delicate parts of his body.
Looking down at his hands, Liz picked one of them up, looking down at it in fascination. His fingers were twice as long now, yet his thumb stayed the same length as it had originally been. Where a human hand had the main knuckle attached to the hand and two joints in the finger, Jy had the knuckle in his hand, followed by five more joints.
His nails were longer, Liz touching the tip of the gold nail softly. A breath hissed out of her mouth when she felt how sharp they were, her hiss dying on her lips as Jy flexed his hand. Three razor sharp blades extended slowly from the back of his hand, lining up perfectly between his index, middle and little finger, giving him seven deadly weapons, literally at his finger tips.
Looking back at Jy, she watched as his human side remerged, only the hand Liz was holding remaining completely alien. He curled his hand into a fist, the three blades remaining straight. When he uncurled his hand again, Liz could see the geniuses behind the alien weaponry.
“Ya have ya hands free for power, and ya blades ready to kill. Ya fingers are weapons enough, but da blades are what we use in da killin fields.”
“Do they hurt?” Liz asked, watching as the blades sunk back into Jy’s skin.
“Nah Liz. When we’re born, they attach a parasite to us. It burrows into our body, and begins da graftin process. When we reach maturity, the parasite falls out, and we’re left with da blades. Only warriors have this done. Only those who are deemed worthy by da king. It was Zan’s father who chose Kyan and me. Zan who chose us as his royal army. We served directly under Rathard. We still do.”
Liz nodded, her eyes searching his. With a final sigh, Liz looked over the sparkling water, her voice low when she spoke. But the tone Jy knew well. She wanted the truth. No matter what it would reveal. And he knew she was ready.
“I remembered something while I was listening to you and Serena arguing. A memory maybe. Call it what you will. And I want you to tell me what it was.”
Liz looked straight at him then, the need to be treated normally shining in her gaze.
“Why was Kivar unable to rape me? I mean, I know he tried.”
“Why do ya ask that Liz?”
Liz snorted softly.
“I didn’t remember it straight away. But I felt comfortable with you from the start Jy. There was something there that calmed my soul. Now I remember what it was that gave me that feeling.”
Jy lowered his gaze, before nodding. Liz tightened her grip on his hand, and spoke quietly.
“I don’t know what you’ve done to me Jy, but I can talk about this now. But only to you. He slammed me down on the ground. The whole time he was taunting me about Max, he was…touching me. He pressed his hand into my stomach…I know now he was testing my uterus. I’d had my period two weeks before hand. So I know I was ovulating. He knew it too.”
“Even as he tugged at my jeans, his face kept flickering between human and…what he really is. He got my jeans down Jy. I know he did, because I remember the gravel biting into the backs of my thighs as he pinned me to the ground. I felt him grasp himself, ready to rape me, but then he was gone. I could hear him growling, and then there was a flash of light.”
“His voice echoed... “I’m not done here,”…and then there were warm hands. Warm hands pulling my jeans up. Doing them up. Smoothing my hair back. Repairing the tear in my top a bit. Healing the fact that he had basically tore my throat out when he bit me. Not enough to rouse suspicion, but enough so I wouldn’t die. And I looked up. And I saw you.”
Liz looked at Jy then, tears sparkling on her lashes.
“You saved me Jy. It was you had Tess take that exact path through the park. You, who stood guard over her and me in the shadows. You, who watched from the shadows until we got to the hospital. And then you were gone. I don’t know how you did it. But you were here…and then you were back in New York. And I never got to say thank you.”
“Liz…”
“No Jy… I know you don’t want the others knowing. And I won’t tell them. You have my word. But what I want to know is, why? Why did you save a simple human? Why are you here? Why is this happening to me?”
Jy smiled sadly.
“Because you remind me of Avaria. Not Tess and Ava. Avaria. She was more than my cousin Liz. She was my best friend. She had such a gentle soul. But back her into a corner, and she came out swinging. Zan loved her. More than anything. When he saw her, he had to have her. So he did. And they loved unlike anything I’ve ever seen Liz. Until now. When I see Zan and Ava. You and Max. Tess and Kyle eventually. Don’t you see?”
Liz shook her head.
“Antarians love with everything they have Liz. Don’t fear Max. He remembers Tess. He remembers Ava. He remembers Avaria. But his love for you out weighs it all. He’d die for you Liz. Just as you would for him. We will win this. And I promise you this Liz. I’ll return everything to normal when we do. Your mother. Everything.”
“But why?”
“Coz he gets off on pain Liz. If he’d succeeded…he would have literally ripped you in half. He would have fixed enough so that his spawn could be born, but the birth would kill you. And if that didn’t…he would have given you to his men. Just like he did to Avaria.”
“I’m scared Jy. I’m scared that he’ll win. That I’ll end up dying.”
Jy smiled then, and shook his head.
“I give you my word Liz…ya ain’t gonna die. I’ll give my life to protect yours. You have my word on that.”
Jy and Liz continued to sit there quietly, speaking in hushed whispers as the day stretched out before them. Asking questions and receiving answers. And when Jy offered Liz his hand, and helped her to her feet, Liz felt safe for the first time in a long time. They would be ok. But neither of them knew at what cost.
Serena sat up slowly, her brow wrinkling as she felt the residual energy in the air caressing her skin. She heard Liz start the shower, so she reached out further with her mind. Desire hit her like lightening, coupled with desperate need, Serena retracting her mind as quickly as she could. Understanding slowly dawned, and she rose fluidly from the bed. Walking over to the window, she looked outside and saw Jy leaning against the wall as he inhaled on his cigarette, his eyes closed.
Serena climbed out the window silently, cloaking her presence from her lover as she walked up to him. Raking her eyes over his body, she looked through his aura, her anger doubling when she found what she was looking for. It all became clear in the moment, Serena realising just how much Jy and Kyan had kept from her. She bit down hard on her lip to stop herself from exploding, and counted to ten under her breath. When she was in control again, she spoke quietly, her anger coming through loud and clear.
“What’d ya do?”
Jy flinched, but opened his eyes anyway. When he saw the anger in Serena’s gaze, he sighed softly, before sitting down on the edge of Liz’s balcony.
“What needed to be done Serena,” he said warily.
Serena narrowed her eyes, her arms coming up to cross over her chest as she glared at Jy.
“You’d better not be talkin ‘bout what I think you’re talkin ‘bout.”
Jy lowered his gaze, Serena exhaling loudly as she tapped her foot.
“Ya took away her freewill? Ya made her susceptible to da fuckin seal? Have ya got any idea at all, just how FUCKED that is Jy?” she cried angrily.
Jy stood up then, his own anger surfacing.
“I told ya Serena. I’ll do what ever has to be done to make sure we win this. I am willin to cross da line, to make sure we all live. If that means wakin her up slightly, then yeah. I’ll do it.”
“Jy…Zan woke Max a few days ago. He’s already gonna be like a bull at a gate with her…why put her in this position, where realistically, she has no fuckin choice! She’s innocent Jy!”
Jy bit his lip, but scowled at Serena anyway.
“Doesn’t make a difference Serena. This needed to be done. Max knows he’s gonna be her first. He’ll know it at da back of his mind. Do ya really think I’d let her be harmed? Do ya really think that little of me?”
Serena snorted angrily.
“At this point Jy? Yeah. I do. She’s human. She didn’t ask for da seal. She doesn’t know what it means to have it. To have no choice in da matter. Kivar tried to rape her Jy. How’s this any different?”
Jy blanched, sitting down with a soft thud. His eyes were filled with painful memories, and horror at what she was suggesting.
“Max wouldn’t force her Serena. I wouldn’t do that to her.”
“No…he wouldn’t Jy. Da seal will. Ya know how this works as well as I do. When da king finds his chosen…it awakens part of him. Zan finished da job. His desire will become hers. His need will become hers. And at da end of da day Jy? He’ll take her…whether she’s ready or not…. for that…I could kick ya ass.”
Jy frowned, his hand reaching out to grip her upper arm gently.
“Serena…please. Just listen to me. To why I did this. You remember as well as I do what Kivar did to Avaria. What his soldiers did to her. Do ya want that for Liz? We don’t have da time for it to build naturally. I’m sorry lover…but we don’t. Kyan and I spoke it over just before we left da city. We decided to wake that part of da seal…da part Max gave her when he healed her.”
Jy lowered his gaze, his voice low.
“It lets her lose her inhibitions. Helps her let Max inside her heart again. Its da shortcut through da ‘dating process’ if ya will. They love each other Serena. This just helps ‘em some. Coz how do ya think Kivar will treat her? Ya think he’ll take her on a bed of satin and lace? Provide candles and flowers? He’s just gonna fuck her Serena…use her as a brood mare…you know it as well as I know it. Ya remember it as well as I do.”
Jy covered his eyes, his shoulders shaking slightly. He could still hear it…. still see it…still smell the blood in the air.
“I remember Kivar forcing Zan to watch as his soldiers took turns raping his wife. Raping his sister. Da last thing he saw was Avaria reaching out to him…her whole body broken Serena. I’m not gonna let that happen again. Think of me what ya will…but don’t think I’m heartless. I sat beside her all night remember? Watchin every frown that crossed her face. Wiping away every tear that fell. Blockin her memories, so she ain’t haunted by it.”
“Jy…”
“Nah fuck it Serena. I won’t let da fucker win a second time. It’s not just Liz either. Ava. Remember her? Zan doesn’t know all that Kivar did to her in that room. Ava don’t remember it all either. Coz I buried it so deep in her that it’ll never surface. My gift to her. I wasn’t able to save her last time. This time, I will. No matter what it takes. No matter how far I have to go. I’ll kill him Serena.
“He destroyed my whole family. Kyan’s. Lyra’s. Yours. I’ve waited nearly sixty years for revenge. And I’m not backin down on this. I did what I did to keep Liz safe. To make her Max’s, rather than Kivar’s. To eliminate da fact that only her father would understand. And if I had da choice, I’d do it again. I’ll do what ever it takes. No matter what. I looked at Zan da other day, and I remembered how he was when he got back to da city.
“I didn’t really understand it then. Hell, I didn’t get it a few days ago either. I do now. If it means I die, so they live? So be it. If it means crossin da line, so that Kivar can’t touch her coz of da seal? Then so be it. I’ll deal with da fallout. Ya wanna tell Liz? Fine. Tell her. But ya also tell her why I did it. Ya tell her how far I’m willin to go to make sure she stays safe. And ya tell her that I’d never do nothin to hurt her!”
“Jy…What else have you done?”
Jy frowned, his whole face filled with sadness.
“Nothing that can’t be fixed Serena.”
“Nancy?”
Jy shoved away from the wall angrily.
“It was you who said she was unstable Serena! It was you who said she wouldn’t understand. That she was a liability. You. Not me. So I took care of it. When this is over, she’s gonna leave da dream world, and come back home. No damage done. Only Liz and Jeff will know da truth, and nothin will come of it. Kivar woulda inhabited her body to get to Liz. It was him who was in control when they were lookin for da damn orbs. Him. Not Nancy.”
Serena’s mouth fell open; Jy nodding as it slowly became clear.
“That’s right…Kivar’s been watchin ‘em that long. Preparing for this for that long. He’s already tainted Liz’s family. Watched Liz. Read her journal. Looked into her memories. Everything. Held her in his arms, while posing as her mother. I had no choice Serena. This has been goin on for a long time. If what I’ve gathered is true, it’s been happening since Max took his first look at Liz.”
“Jy…that was in da third grade.”
“Ya said it yaself Serena…we mate for life. We love for longer. I knew da minute I saw ya, all those years ago, that I’d never love another. Max might be human Serena…but he’s also an alien. And right now…he’s more alien than ever. He risked it all for her Serena. What do ya think he’s capable of now? Da others still see Max. I see Zan.”
“What?”
“I see Zan and Max as da one person, split in two. Same as Aves and Tess. I told ya what Zan did in da city. What he did to get answers. I can see Max doin da same Serena. Da others can’t. They don’t understand what Zan was pushed to do. They don’t get that Max would do da same. They’ll get it when they’re woken tonight. That’s when it starts for real.”
Jy scowled, before lowering his head so that he could see into Serena’s eyes. She stared straight back at him, trying to understand, but not getting what he was trying to say.
“Just…no matter what happens in da future…remember I did this coz I love them. Max and Zan. Ava and Tess. Isabel. Michael. Da humans. I did this coz I have da power to stop history repeatin itself. No matter what Serena…I did this for them.”
Serena got it then. Understood what he was really saying.
“Ya don’t think we’re gonna make it do ya? I mean, ya think we’re gonna die?”
Jy lowered his gaze, his eyebrows drawing together as he swallowed. When he spoke his voice was low, but filled with certainty.
“We’re not all gonna make it Serena. At da end of da day? Some of us will live. Some of us will die. If it means laying my life down, so that those kids survive? I will. I asked Zan once, how far was he willin to go to make it up to Aves? He said to me then, what I’m tellin ya now. I’m willin to go all da way. No matter what it takes. No matter what I have to do. I can live with da guilt of what I’ve done. Of what I’ve had to do.”
Jy looked up then, pleading with his gaze for his lover to understand.
“I let them die once Serena. I won’t do it again. I’m willin to do anythin…what are you willin to do?”
Serena went to answer, but Liz beat her to it.
“I want the truth Jy…now.”
Part 58.
Jy’s true form is a mix of Mystique and wolf man from the xmen movie. A little visual help. Let me know if you want to see what Jy and co look like, and I'll post a link with the next lot of chapters.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/ ... arians.jpg
Liz zipped up the jacket Serena had given her, the warm leather hanging to mid-thigh. Jy handed her a helmet, his gaze serious.
“I might as well teach you a few things while we’re out today. When you’re on da bike, ya gotta let ya body lean with mine. Don’t try to stay upright…it don’t work that way. I’ll go slow for now, until ya get da hang of it. ‘Kay?”
He slid onto his bike, before patting the seat behind him. Liz climbed onto the bike awkwardly, Jy chuckling softly as she sat behind him.
“Scoot forward some more Liz. You need to be able to hang on tight. That’s right…now wrap your arms around my waist, and just hang on.”
Liz did as she was told, Jy straightening the bike, and kicking up the stand.
“Aiight Liz…I’m gonna rock da bike for a minute, so ya get used to how to lean. When I lean into a curve, I lean my body da same way as da bike. Like this…”
Jy leant the bike to the right; Liz squeaking as she almost fell off. He started laughing, straightening up the bike slowly.
“Listen to me Liz…don’t try to sit up…lean with me…I ain’t gonna let ya fall…. ‘kay?”
Liz nodded, and when Jy leant the bike again, she saw what he meant. Her body fought to sit upright naturally, but she concentrated on what Jy was saying, and a few leans left and right later, she had the hang of it. Jy helped her tug her helmet on, and do the chin strap up. Jy tugged his own helmet on, before flipping up the visor on his helmet, and turning to look at her.
“Liz…I ain’t hittin on ya sweetie, but ya gotta sit closer to me.”
Grasping her thighs, Jy tugged her forward, so that her body was pressed firmly against his. Her thighs hugged his, Jy smirking at her before snapping his visor down. Liz tapped him on the shoulder, Jy flipping his visor up once more as he glanced back at her.
“I need to stop by school too…can we do that later?”
Jy grinned.
“Yeah…I’ll even hold ya hand.”
Liz smiled then, Jy smirking at her as he started the bike. She knew Jy had hidden things from her for a reason. Instinctively, she knew it hadn’t been to hurt her, but to protect her. Then all thought was lost, Jy backing up close to the wall, so he could turn his bike around in the narrow alley way behind the Crashdown, where all four motor bikes were parked.
Liz tightened her arms around his waist, Jy patting her hand with his, before letting the bike roll to the mouth of the alley way. He checked the traffic both ways, before gunning the bike, and taking off out of the alleyway. Liz let out a small gasp as the bike dropped off the pavement and hit the road, her arms gripping his waist tighter as she felt the initial kick of power as Jy changed gears.
The scenery flew past, Liz closing her eyes and letting herself feel the experience. She soon opened them though, when she felt Jy start to lean, and she let out a small giggle as her body leant naturally with his. All too soon they were bumping over the rocky ground of the quarry, Jy parking the bike and helping her off. He led her down the rocky incline towards the bottom of the quarry, where t hey sat at the water’s edge.
“Did you know that this lot of water ends up joining the water at the lake?” she asked as she skimmed her fingers though the water. Jy shook his head, Liz continuing to trail her fingers in the water.
“Most of the earth is made up of water, as is the human body.”
Liz looked up at Jy then.
“What are you made of? I mean, is what you look like an illusion? Is it real?”
Jy nodded, but then shook his head.
“Ya wanna know what I really look like?” he asked quietly. Liz nodded, Jy searching their surroundings, before simply dropping his human form, and showing Liz his true nature.
Liz gasped quietly, her eyes widening as she looked at him. Her hand shook for a moment as she lifted it, but at Jy’s nod, she reached out, and touched his face. He still looked human, but different at the same time. His human bone structure was the same, but different in some areas. His skin had taken on a gold tone, his hair still spiky, but it was now green as were his eyes.
Tiny scales covered his forehead, and ran in an arching pattern over his cheekbones and down the side of his neck. Starting in between his eyes, small spikes appeared, moving in a V pattern into his hairline. His eyes had elongated, the green more pronounced and alien. Where the white of his eyes had once been, the tissue was now an unearthly blue, highlighting the green and making his eyes glow.
Liz let her eyes drift down over his body. More of the scales covered his shoulders and upper chest, Jy lifting his tee shirt off and tossing it aside so she could finish looking. Realisation dawned, Liz letting her hands trace over his stomach. The scales were armour of sorts, protecting the most delicate parts of his body.
Looking down at his hands, Liz picked one of them up, looking down at it in fascination. His fingers were twice as long now, yet his thumb stayed the same length as it had originally been. Where a human hand had the main knuckle attached to the hand and two joints in the finger, Jy had the knuckle in his hand, followed by five more joints.
His nails were longer, Liz touching the tip of the gold nail softly. A breath hissed out of her mouth when she felt how sharp they were, her hiss dying on her lips as Jy flexed his hand. Three razor sharp blades extended slowly from the back of his hand, lining up perfectly between his index, middle and little finger, giving him seven deadly weapons, literally at his finger tips.
Looking back at Jy, she watched as his human side remerged, only the hand Liz was holding remaining completely alien. He curled his hand into a fist, the three blades remaining straight. When he uncurled his hand again, Liz could see the geniuses behind the alien weaponry.
“Ya have ya hands free for power, and ya blades ready to kill. Ya fingers are weapons enough, but da blades are what we use in da killin fields.”
“Do they hurt?” Liz asked, watching as the blades sunk back into Jy’s skin.
“Nah Liz. When we’re born, they attach a parasite to us. It burrows into our body, and begins da graftin process. When we reach maturity, the parasite falls out, and we’re left with da blades. Only warriors have this done. Only those who are deemed worthy by da king. It was Zan’s father who chose Kyan and me. Zan who chose us as his royal army. We served directly under Rathard. We still do.”
Liz nodded, her eyes searching his. With a final sigh, Liz looked over the sparkling water, her voice low when she spoke. But the tone Jy knew well. She wanted the truth. No matter what it would reveal. And he knew she was ready.
“I remembered something while I was listening to you and Serena arguing. A memory maybe. Call it what you will. And I want you to tell me what it was.”
Liz looked straight at him then, the need to be treated normally shining in her gaze.
“Why was Kivar unable to rape me? I mean, I know he tried.”
“Why do ya ask that Liz?”
Liz snorted softly.
“I didn’t remember it straight away. But I felt comfortable with you from the start Jy. There was something there that calmed my soul. Now I remember what it was that gave me that feeling.”
Jy lowered his gaze, before nodding. Liz tightened her grip on his hand, and spoke quietly.
“I don’t know what you’ve done to me Jy, but I can talk about this now. But only to you. He slammed me down on the ground. The whole time he was taunting me about Max, he was…touching me. He pressed his hand into my stomach…I know now he was testing my uterus. I’d had my period two weeks before hand. So I know I was ovulating. He knew it too.”
“Even as he tugged at my jeans, his face kept flickering between human and…what he really is. He got my jeans down Jy. I know he did, because I remember the gravel biting into the backs of my thighs as he pinned me to the ground. I felt him grasp himself, ready to rape me, but then he was gone. I could hear him growling, and then there was a flash of light.”
“His voice echoed... “I’m not done here,”…and then there were warm hands. Warm hands pulling my jeans up. Doing them up. Smoothing my hair back. Repairing the tear in my top a bit. Healing the fact that he had basically tore my throat out when he bit me. Not enough to rouse suspicion, but enough so I wouldn’t die. And I looked up. And I saw you.”
Liz looked at Jy then, tears sparkling on her lashes.
“You saved me Jy. It was you had Tess take that exact path through the park. You, who stood guard over her and me in the shadows. You, who watched from the shadows until we got to the hospital. And then you were gone. I don’t know how you did it. But you were here…and then you were back in New York. And I never got to say thank you.”
“Liz…”
“No Jy… I know you don’t want the others knowing. And I won’t tell them. You have my word. But what I want to know is, why? Why did you save a simple human? Why are you here? Why is this happening to me?”
Jy smiled sadly.
“Because you remind me of Avaria. Not Tess and Ava. Avaria. She was more than my cousin Liz. She was my best friend. She had such a gentle soul. But back her into a corner, and she came out swinging. Zan loved her. More than anything. When he saw her, he had to have her. So he did. And they loved unlike anything I’ve ever seen Liz. Until now. When I see Zan and Ava. You and Max. Tess and Kyle eventually. Don’t you see?”
Liz shook her head.
“Antarians love with everything they have Liz. Don’t fear Max. He remembers Tess. He remembers Ava. He remembers Avaria. But his love for you out weighs it all. He’d die for you Liz. Just as you would for him. We will win this. And I promise you this Liz. I’ll return everything to normal when we do. Your mother. Everything.”
“But why?”
“Coz he gets off on pain Liz. If he’d succeeded…he would have literally ripped you in half. He would have fixed enough so that his spawn could be born, but the birth would kill you. And if that didn’t…he would have given you to his men. Just like he did to Avaria.”
“I’m scared Jy. I’m scared that he’ll win. That I’ll end up dying.”
Jy smiled then, and shook his head.
“I give you my word Liz…ya ain’t gonna die. I’ll give my life to protect yours. You have my word on that.”
Jy and Liz continued to sit there quietly, speaking in hushed whispers as the day stretched out before them. Asking questions and receiving answers. And when Jy offered Liz his hand, and helped her to her feet, Liz felt safe for the first time in a long time. They would be ok. But neither of them knew at what cost.
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 59.
The group met up after dinner at the lake, a light wind tossing up leaves and causing ripples to appear on the surface of the water. Only Liz and Jy were missing, everyone noticing the new closeness between the two. Only Serena knew why, having answered some more of Liz’s questions after Liz had returned from her outing with Jy. A friendship had sprung up between the two girls, Liz revealing what Future Max had said to her about their future friendship.
“Look like that’s da only thing he got right,” Serena had mussed, before both girls had giggled.
Maria, Alex, Kyle and Jim had all asked to be present at the awakening for the others, so it was a larger group that sat waiting. A single light suddenly cut through the trees, Max straightening up as Jy rode into the clearing. He parked his bike, before climbing off and helping Liz with her helmet. Glancing at his watch, Max saw that it was close to nine pm, so it was safe to assume that they wouldn’t be getting any visitors.
Jy strolled closer, his arm looped casually around Liz’s shoulders as he stopped near the table where the others were sitting. Liz left his side, heading over to Maria. As she passed Max, she paused and looked up at him, Max smiling softly. A memory of her shower fantasy/dream rose, Liz blushing. Max blinked, and then licked his lower lip, before standing up straight. Jy clapping his hand together broke the moment, Liz scurrying over to Maria.
“Aiight...this is how we’re gonna do it. Michael…Kyan’s gonna look after you, with Lyra’s help. Isabel with Zan and Max. Tess with Serena and me. It ain’t gonna be easy guys, so keep that in mind. But this needs to be done. Any questions?”
Maria raised her hand, blushing furiously when she realised she had done so.
“What can we do to help?” she asked quietly, entwining her fingers with Michael’s.
“Nothin Maria. Not a damn thing. We got it under control. No matter what happens, ya gotta stay back. If a loose energy bolt gets free, and ya get caught in da cross fire, ya dead. Ya wanted to be here, that’s fine. But ya let us handle this. That goes for all of ya.”
With that, Jy beckoned to Tess, who looked up at Kyle and Jim first.
“I guess I’ll see you both on the other side,” she whispered. Pressing a kiss to Kyle’s cheek, and giving Jim a quick hug, she followed Jy and Serena down to the water’s edge. Kyle watched as Maria kissed Michael, a small smile crossing his face when he heard Michael whisper to her.
“I love you…remember that.”
“I love you too Spaceboy…you remember that,” she whispered back, Michael nodding gruffly as he walked away.
Isabel held Alex tightly, her head buried in his shoulder.
“I don’t want to do this…I’m scared Alex. What if I…”
“I love all of you Isabel. That will never change.”
Isabel kissed him desperately, hoping against all hope that she would remember that when she woke the following day. And then she was gone, holding Max’s hand as he led her towards the water’s edge.
Tess looked up at Jy as he approached her, her fear and uncertainty visible in her gaze. He smiled slightly, before bending down and kissing her forehead.
“It’ll be ok Tess…I promise.”
Tess nodded, Serena moving to stand behind her. She felt Serena grip her hips, keeping her steady as Jy let his gaze slowly darken. Tess looked into his eyes helplessly, drawn in by the sudden swirling of gold that shot through his eyes. Jy lifted his hands slowly, Tess fascinated by the fact that his hands suddenly appeared longer. His touch was gentle as he slid his hands through her hair, cupping her face gently.
“I’m sorry Tess,” he whispered.
Tess was confused by his apology, until the first trickle of pain distorted her vision. Surprised pain flickered through her eyes, her lips parting slightly as she reached up to grasp Jy’s wrists. She gasped out weakly when his hands tightened, his thumbs digging into her temples slightly. That’s when she saw it. The change within Jy. The warm gold swirling in his gaze was replaced with ice-cold silver, his skin shimmering slightly.
Pain slammed a velvet fist into her body, Serena keeping her upright as Tess struggled against the pain in her mind. It felt like she was being torn apart on the inside. It was Nikolas and New York all over again, pain tearing her mind apart as she opened her mouth to scream. But no sound came out however, Tess too caught up by the sudden flash of memory…
A lavish hall, tall statues of former kings lining the walls. The floor was cold beneath her bare feet, Jy’s hand warm as he tucked her hand into his. He led her forward, soldiers placing their left hand in the centre of their chest and tilting their heads as she passed them. The moonlight bounced off of walls that were made of hammered gold, the air heavy with the scent of fire… her beloved waiting for her at the foot of a dais.
“Your Highness…your young bride Avaria…”
Tess cried out then, pain burning her alive from the inside. She stumbled, Serena’s hands replacing Jy’s as he half lifted, half dragged her into knee-deep water, and sank down with her still locked in his arms. Bone scraped against bone, the joints in her hands popping one by one as memories continued to assault her.
“Zan…what is the word amongst the solders? Rathard has told me that Kivar is planning on moving against us. Is that true my lord?”
A gentle smile, followed by a hand sweeping her hair back over her shoulder. Warm lips brushed her bare back, her husband gathering her close.
“Don’t worry your pretty head about it Avaria. Kivar will not breach Antar’s walls. He cannot get to you my love. You are safe.”
“But my lord…”
“Shall I give you something else to think about on this night? What to do, what to do…ohhh…I know…”
Tess screamed then, Jy catching both of her hands in his and keeping them prisoner, so she would not tear at her skin. Memories assaulted her too quickly to catch them now, but they left an overwhelming sense of sadness and pain. Betrayal stood out. Murder…
Cruel laughter as she was pinned to the floor, another face replacing the previous one. She could see her husband on his knees nearby, Kivar forcing him to watch as yet another one of his men defiled her. Blood coated her thighs, Avaria managing to get her hand free as she reached out to Zan, pleading with her eyes for him to help her.
A guttural scream ripped free how ever, when Kivar jerked Zan’s head back, and spilt his blood with a single sweep of his claws. Kivar let Zan drop then, the king slowly dying as he bled out in front of his young wife. Avaria reached with all that she was, her fingertips brushing Zan’s once. He lifted his head slightly, an apology apparent in his gaze…
The pain started to ease up, Tess managing to open her eyes slightly.
“Nearly there Tess,” Serena whispered.
Tess could barely nod, but fear slammed a one two into her, when Serena slid her gaze over to Jy, and nodded. Before she could even react, the pain tore her in two, Tess crying out once more, before water closed over her head, and gave a slight reprieve to the fire storm that caught her blood in flames, and spewed out into the night sky.
In the moments that Tess was held under the water by Jy, the cool balm putting out flames of power, she was caught in a place of utter knowledge.
A figure walked towards her slowly, Tess staring as Avaria walked closer. She was whole. Undamaged. Serenity radiated out of her silver eyes, loose silver curls tumbling around her warm gold skin. Her body was delicate, but strengthened by determination and knowledge.
“I live on in you now Tess. In Ava. I’m your guide for the remainder of this journey. You have been shown what was. Now I show you what is. What shall be. Only you shall carry this knowledge. The burden of all burdens. The future my dear, is already written. You have the power to change it. But there will be consequences if you do. Shall I show you now?”
Tess nodded, her hands reaching out to grasp Avaria’s. Before they could connect however, Tess spoke up.
“Just tell me one thing…do we win?”
Avaria smiled. “Yes. We win. For all life to prosper, we must win. You have strength young Tess. You will have the knowledge of how to use that strength. You have love in this life. A true love. A pure love. But be careful of the boy Tess. He is only human. And his heart will break as easily as the next. You must keep that in mind. For what the future brings, will be your guiding hand.”
Tess nodded and closed her eyes.
** A bluff. **
** Blood heavy in the air, and seeping into the ground. **
** Evil laughter. **
“Tess! Noooo!”
** Undiluted power. **
** Redemption. **
Tess opened her eyes, her heart heavy with sadness. She stared at her predecessor, who was shrouded in darkness now.
“Knowledge is a lonely path Tess. It is yours to do with what you will. You may share it, or keep it silent. Either way my dear, blessings are upon you and yours. I will see you again if you will it.”
Tess sat up gasping, her whole body humming with power and knowledge. Jy thumped her on the back, Tess vomiting as the water was forced from her lungs. Lifting her eyes to the night sky, her last conscious thought was, “How far am I willing to go?” before darkness claimed her, along with bone numbing peace. It blocked out the pain, leaving her in quiet relief. It would be one of the last nights of peace she would know for the time being.
Part 60.
Isabel stared into Max’s eyes as the groups sorted themselves out. They had all gathered near the water’s edge, Isabel remembering how Max had said that Zan had nearly drowned him when he was at the pinnacle of the change. Max smiled at her, before moving to stand behind her. Isabel bit her lip in surprise when Zan stood in front of her, a smirk crossing his face.
“Max?” Isabel whispered, looking over her shoulder at her brother as he wrapped his arms around her waist, and held her tightly.
“It’s going to be ok Izzy…I promise.”
Isabel looked back at Zan, who was watching her with an unreadable expression on his face. Before she could react however, Zan reached out, his eyes flooding gold as he gripped her face in his hands, and tore through her mind’s defensives. Blinding pain tore throughout her body; Max’s arms the only thing that held her upright.
“Tell me brother mine, how is my dear lord Rathard on this wonderful day?”
Zan looked at her like she had grown a second hump and cackled like a mad woman.
“Do you wish to tell me what has made you so happy Valandra dear? Or shall I…tickle it out of you?”
Valandra squealed with laughter as her serious brother tackled her among the cushions, and tickled her without mercy. When he finally let her go, she rolled over to face him.
“I think he loves me Zan. I want your permission to talk with him.”
“Done sister dear. He’s already made the same inquiry.”
Isabel felt her eyes well with tears. Tears that spilt down her cheeks and over Zan’s fingers as he tore through the remaining block to her mind, and set her memories flooding free. Her hair crackled with static electricity, and if Isabel had been of sound mind in that moment, she would have groaned at how fluffy her hair was turning.
“My Lord Larek. Lord Kivar. How lovely of you to join us at my brother’s coronation. Such a joyous occasion don’t you think?”
“You are looking as beautiful as ever Princess Valandra.”
“Thank you Lord Kivar.”
“May I ask what brought about such a happy glow to your eyes?”
“It’s silly, but love did. My lord Rathard has asked for my hand.”
“Such news Valandra! Kivar! We must congratulate the general. Blessings my dear.”
Isabel groaned as she felt water seep through her jeans, yet it cooled her burning skin. She managed to open her eyes, staring up at Zan as he stared down at her. As she watched, a tear slid down his face, Isabel knowing he was reliving the moment with her. Then the scene changed, and she was given a rare glimpse into Zan’s life, before the pain took her under again.
“They contacted us again last night. Same invite. We gotta tell 'em somethin.”
“Tell 'em no.”
“Yo, you sayin' we ain't going to the summit?”
“That's what I'm sayin.”
“Yo, that's messed up, duke. This is da only time we've ever been contacted.”
“Phfft. Whatever. That's it.”
“But Zan, we tell 'em no, they won't ask again.”
“Tell 'em hell no”
“What is up with you, man? I'm tired of you. I'll go by myself!”
“They don't want da numba two… they want da royal four.”
“Why don't we go and see what they gotta say? Why don't we go and get da answers?”
“What if it's a set-up?”
“No, it's not a set-up! They need us!”
“I'm da man. Don't forget.”
“Yo. Guys. It's been a mad long day. Let's just chill.”
“Yeah. You the man.”
Blinding pain as the truck crushed him, leaving him broken and dying in the street, Lonnie’s laughter echoing around him.
“Oh yeah bro…you da man aiight…da man of death…fuck ya baby bro…I’m goin home!”
Behind her closed eyes, Lonnie’s face mingled with her own, before becoming Valandra’s. The sight was terrifying, Isabel finally screaming out in pain. She had time to gasp once, before it went black on her, her memories slowing and showing her the final truth.
“Valandra dear, how are you on the day of your engagement?”
“Lord Kivar! You startled me! Not meant to offend my lord, but why are you in my private quarters unescorted?”
“I didn’t realise that I made you uneasy dear heart. I must admit my dear, that I envy Rathard immensely on this day. I was hoping to offer for your hand myself.”
“I see. I’m sorry Lord Kivar but may I have my privacy please?”
“I only wish to give you a farewell kiss Valandra dear. Will you grant me that one boon?”
“As you wish Lord Kivar…what are you doing? …ZAN!!”
Isabel wept bitterly as her memories played out; showing her what Max had been trying to tell her all along. Valandra’s mind had been slowly taken against her will, leaving her open to Kivar’s suggestions. His administrations. His abuse. His plan. And when her brother lay dead, her whole family gone, he tore her throat out himself. This had never been about her. It had been about power, and taking the throne, no matter the cost.
Struggling to open her eyes, she stared up at Zan, who was looking down at her as his fingers slowly eased upon their painful grasp of her face. He swept his thumb under her eye once, before smiling sadly.
“So now ya know…ya ready for da rest now?”
Her strangled cry echoed once more, before darkness rose, and left her open to Zan’s powers. She didn’t see Jim holding Alex back. She didn’t see the water close over her head. All she saw was darkness. All she felt was pain. And when it swallowed her whole, leaving her limp in Max’s arms, all she knew was truth. She hadn’t been to blame. And Zan would only tell her his story. Then she knew nothing else.
The group met up after dinner at the lake, a light wind tossing up leaves and causing ripples to appear on the surface of the water. Only Liz and Jy were missing, everyone noticing the new closeness between the two. Only Serena knew why, having answered some more of Liz’s questions after Liz had returned from her outing with Jy. A friendship had sprung up between the two girls, Liz revealing what Future Max had said to her about their future friendship.
“Look like that’s da only thing he got right,” Serena had mussed, before both girls had giggled.
Maria, Alex, Kyle and Jim had all asked to be present at the awakening for the others, so it was a larger group that sat waiting. A single light suddenly cut through the trees, Max straightening up as Jy rode into the clearing. He parked his bike, before climbing off and helping Liz with her helmet. Glancing at his watch, Max saw that it was close to nine pm, so it was safe to assume that they wouldn’t be getting any visitors.
Jy strolled closer, his arm looped casually around Liz’s shoulders as he stopped near the table where the others were sitting. Liz left his side, heading over to Maria. As she passed Max, she paused and looked up at him, Max smiling softly. A memory of her shower fantasy/dream rose, Liz blushing. Max blinked, and then licked his lower lip, before standing up straight. Jy clapping his hand together broke the moment, Liz scurrying over to Maria.
“Aiight...this is how we’re gonna do it. Michael…Kyan’s gonna look after you, with Lyra’s help. Isabel with Zan and Max. Tess with Serena and me. It ain’t gonna be easy guys, so keep that in mind. But this needs to be done. Any questions?”
Maria raised her hand, blushing furiously when she realised she had done so.
“What can we do to help?” she asked quietly, entwining her fingers with Michael’s.
“Nothin Maria. Not a damn thing. We got it under control. No matter what happens, ya gotta stay back. If a loose energy bolt gets free, and ya get caught in da cross fire, ya dead. Ya wanted to be here, that’s fine. But ya let us handle this. That goes for all of ya.”
With that, Jy beckoned to Tess, who looked up at Kyle and Jim first.
“I guess I’ll see you both on the other side,” she whispered. Pressing a kiss to Kyle’s cheek, and giving Jim a quick hug, she followed Jy and Serena down to the water’s edge. Kyle watched as Maria kissed Michael, a small smile crossing his face when he heard Michael whisper to her.
“I love you…remember that.”
“I love you too Spaceboy…you remember that,” she whispered back, Michael nodding gruffly as he walked away.
Isabel held Alex tightly, her head buried in his shoulder.
“I don’t want to do this…I’m scared Alex. What if I…”
“I love all of you Isabel. That will never change.”
Isabel kissed him desperately, hoping against all hope that she would remember that when she woke the following day. And then she was gone, holding Max’s hand as he led her towards the water’s edge.
Tess looked up at Jy as he approached her, her fear and uncertainty visible in her gaze. He smiled slightly, before bending down and kissing her forehead.
“It’ll be ok Tess…I promise.”
Tess nodded, Serena moving to stand behind her. She felt Serena grip her hips, keeping her steady as Jy let his gaze slowly darken. Tess looked into his eyes helplessly, drawn in by the sudden swirling of gold that shot through his eyes. Jy lifted his hands slowly, Tess fascinated by the fact that his hands suddenly appeared longer. His touch was gentle as he slid his hands through her hair, cupping her face gently.
“I’m sorry Tess,” he whispered.
Tess was confused by his apology, until the first trickle of pain distorted her vision. Surprised pain flickered through her eyes, her lips parting slightly as she reached up to grasp Jy’s wrists. She gasped out weakly when his hands tightened, his thumbs digging into her temples slightly. That’s when she saw it. The change within Jy. The warm gold swirling in his gaze was replaced with ice-cold silver, his skin shimmering slightly.
Pain slammed a velvet fist into her body, Serena keeping her upright as Tess struggled against the pain in her mind. It felt like she was being torn apart on the inside. It was Nikolas and New York all over again, pain tearing her mind apart as she opened her mouth to scream. But no sound came out however, Tess too caught up by the sudden flash of memory…
A lavish hall, tall statues of former kings lining the walls. The floor was cold beneath her bare feet, Jy’s hand warm as he tucked her hand into his. He led her forward, soldiers placing their left hand in the centre of their chest and tilting their heads as she passed them. The moonlight bounced off of walls that were made of hammered gold, the air heavy with the scent of fire… her beloved waiting for her at the foot of a dais.
“Your Highness…your young bride Avaria…”
Tess cried out then, pain burning her alive from the inside. She stumbled, Serena’s hands replacing Jy’s as he half lifted, half dragged her into knee-deep water, and sank down with her still locked in his arms. Bone scraped against bone, the joints in her hands popping one by one as memories continued to assault her.
“Zan…what is the word amongst the solders? Rathard has told me that Kivar is planning on moving against us. Is that true my lord?”
A gentle smile, followed by a hand sweeping her hair back over her shoulder. Warm lips brushed her bare back, her husband gathering her close.
“Don’t worry your pretty head about it Avaria. Kivar will not breach Antar’s walls. He cannot get to you my love. You are safe.”
“But my lord…”
“Shall I give you something else to think about on this night? What to do, what to do…ohhh…I know…”
Tess screamed then, Jy catching both of her hands in his and keeping them prisoner, so she would not tear at her skin. Memories assaulted her too quickly to catch them now, but they left an overwhelming sense of sadness and pain. Betrayal stood out. Murder…
Cruel laughter as she was pinned to the floor, another face replacing the previous one. She could see her husband on his knees nearby, Kivar forcing him to watch as yet another one of his men defiled her. Blood coated her thighs, Avaria managing to get her hand free as she reached out to Zan, pleading with her eyes for him to help her.
A guttural scream ripped free how ever, when Kivar jerked Zan’s head back, and spilt his blood with a single sweep of his claws. Kivar let Zan drop then, the king slowly dying as he bled out in front of his young wife. Avaria reached with all that she was, her fingertips brushing Zan’s once. He lifted his head slightly, an apology apparent in his gaze…
The pain started to ease up, Tess managing to open her eyes slightly.
“Nearly there Tess,” Serena whispered.
Tess could barely nod, but fear slammed a one two into her, when Serena slid her gaze over to Jy, and nodded. Before she could even react, the pain tore her in two, Tess crying out once more, before water closed over her head, and gave a slight reprieve to the fire storm that caught her blood in flames, and spewed out into the night sky.
In the moments that Tess was held under the water by Jy, the cool balm putting out flames of power, she was caught in a place of utter knowledge.
A figure walked towards her slowly, Tess staring as Avaria walked closer. She was whole. Undamaged. Serenity radiated out of her silver eyes, loose silver curls tumbling around her warm gold skin. Her body was delicate, but strengthened by determination and knowledge.
“I live on in you now Tess. In Ava. I’m your guide for the remainder of this journey. You have been shown what was. Now I show you what is. What shall be. Only you shall carry this knowledge. The burden of all burdens. The future my dear, is already written. You have the power to change it. But there will be consequences if you do. Shall I show you now?”
Tess nodded, her hands reaching out to grasp Avaria’s. Before they could connect however, Tess spoke up.
“Just tell me one thing…do we win?”
Avaria smiled. “Yes. We win. For all life to prosper, we must win. You have strength young Tess. You will have the knowledge of how to use that strength. You have love in this life. A true love. A pure love. But be careful of the boy Tess. He is only human. And his heart will break as easily as the next. You must keep that in mind. For what the future brings, will be your guiding hand.”
Tess nodded and closed her eyes.
** A bluff. **
** Blood heavy in the air, and seeping into the ground. **
** Evil laughter. **
“Tess! Noooo!”
** Undiluted power. **
** Redemption. **
Tess opened her eyes, her heart heavy with sadness. She stared at her predecessor, who was shrouded in darkness now.
“Knowledge is a lonely path Tess. It is yours to do with what you will. You may share it, or keep it silent. Either way my dear, blessings are upon you and yours. I will see you again if you will it.”
Tess sat up gasping, her whole body humming with power and knowledge. Jy thumped her on the back, Tess vomiting as the water was forced from her lungs. Lifting her eyes to the night sky, her last conscious thought was, “How far am I willing to go?” before darkness claimed her, along with bone numbing peace. It blocked out the pain, leaving her in quiet relief. It would be one of the last nights of peace she would know for the time being.
Part 60.
Isabel stared into Max’s eyes as the groups sorted themselves out. They had all gathered near the water’s edge, Isabel remembering how Max had said that Zan had nearly drowned him when he was at the pinnacle of the change. Max smiled at her, before moving to stand behind her. Isabel bit her lip in surprise when Zan stood in front of her, a smirk crossing his face.
“Max?” Isabel whispered, looking over her shoulder at her brother as he wrapped his arms around her waist, and held her tightly.
“It’s going to be ok Izzy…I promise.”
Isabel looked back at Zan, who was watching her with an unreadable expression on his face. Before she could react however, Zan reached out, his eyes flooding gold as he gripped her face in his hands, and tore through her mind’s defensives. Blinding pain tore throughout her body; Max’s arms the only thing that held her upright.
“Tell me brother mine, how is my dear lord Rathard on this wonderful day?”
Zan looked at her like she had grown a second hump and cackled like a mad woman.
“Do you wish to tell me what has made you so happy Valandra dear? Or shall I…tickle it out of you?”
Valandra squealed with laughter as her serious brother tackled her among the cushions, and tickled her without mercy. When he finally let her go, she rolled over to face him.
“I think he loves me Zan. I want your permission to talk with him.”
“Done sister dear. He’s already made the same inquiry.”
Isabel felt her eyes well with tears. Tears that spilt down her cheeks and over Zan’s fingers as he tore through the remaining block to her mind, and set her memories flooding free. Her hair crackled with static electricity, and if Isabel had been of sound mind in that moment, she would have groaned at how fluffy her hair was turning.
“My Lord Larek. Lord Kivar. How lovely of you to join us at my brother’s coronation. Such a joyous occasion don’t you think?”
“You are looking as beautiful as ever Princess Valandra.”
“Thank you Lord Kivar.”
“May I ask what brought about such a happy glow to your eyes?”
“It’s silly, but love did. My lord Rathard has asked for my hand.”
“Such news Valandra! Kivar! We must congratulate the general. Blessings my dear.”
Isabel groaned as she felt water seep through her jeans, yet it cooled her burning skin. She managed to open her eyes, staring up at Zan as he stared down at her. As she watched, a tear slid down his face, Isabel knowing he was reliving the moment with her. Then the scene changed, and she was given a rare glimpse into Zan’s life, before the pain took her under again.
“They contacted us again last night. Same invite. We gotta tell 'em somethin.”
“Tell 'em no.”
“Yo, you sayin' we ain't going to the summit?”
“That's what I'm sayin.”
“Yo, that's messed up, duke. This is da only time we've ever been contacted.”
“Phfft. Whatever. That's it.”
“But Zan, we tell 'em no, they won't ask again.”
“Tell 'em hell no”
“What is up with you, man? I'm tired of you. I'll go by myself!”
“They don't want da numba two… they want da royal four.”
“Why don't we go and see what they gotta say? Why don't we go and get da answers?”
“What if it's a set-up?”
“No, it's not a set-up! They need us!”
“I'm da man. Don't forget.”
“Yo. Guys. It's been a mad long day. Let's just chill.”
“Yeah. You the man.”
Blinding pain as the truck crushed him, leaving him broken and dying in the street, Lonnie’s laughter echoing around him.
“Oh yeah bro…you da man aiight…da man of death…fuck ya baby bro…I’m goin home!”
Behind her closed eyes, Lonnie’s face mingled with her own, before becoming Valandra’s. The sight was terrifying, Isabel finally screaming out in pain. She had time to gasp once, before it went black on her, her memories slowing and showing her the final truth.
“Valandra dear, how are you on the day of your engagement?”
“Lord Kivar! You startled me! Not meant to offend my lord, but why are you in my private quarters unescorted?”
“I didn’t realise that I made you uneasy dear heart. I must admit my dear, that I envy Rathard immensely on this day. I was hoping to offer for your hand myself.”
“I see. I’m sorry Lord Kivar but may I have my privacy please?”
“I only wish to give you a farewell kiss Valandra dear. Will you grant me that one boon?”
“As you wish Lord Kivar…what are you doing? …ZAN!!”
Isabel wept bitterly as her memories played out; showing her what Max had been trying to tell her all along. Valandra’s mind had been slowly taken against her will, leaving her open to Kivar’s suggestions. His administrations. His abuse. His plan. And when her brother lay dead, her whole family gone, he tore her throat out himself. This had never been about her. It had been about power, and taking the throne, no matter the cost.
Struggling to open her eyes, she stared up at Zan, who was looking down at her as his fingers slowly eased upon their painful grasp of her face. He swept his thumb under her eye once, before smiling sadly.
“So now ya know…ya ready for da rest now?”
Her strangled cry echoed once more, before darkness rose, and left her open to Zan’s powers. She didn’t see Jim holding Alex back. She didn’t see the water close over her head. All she saw was darkness. All she felt was pain. And when it swallowed her whole, leaving her limp in Max’s arms, all she knew was truth. She hadn’t been to blame. And Zan would only tell her his story. Then she knew nothing else.
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 61.
Michael crossed his arms and scowled down at Lyra as they stood at the water’s edge. She simply smirked up at him, and mirrored his pose as Kyan laughed at them quietly.
“What? Ya think that look’s gonna work on me? Try again…General…I’ve known ya in two life times now, and ya ain’t as scary as ya like to think,” she purred, Michael’s lips twitching as he tried to suppress a smile.
Lyra shook her head, before starting to reach up. She stopped however, when Michael grabbed her wrists, his eyes narrowing suspiciously as he stared down at her.
“I wanna know what ya gonna do to me first,” he said in a low voice, Lyra nodding.
“To put it as simple as I can Michael? I’m gonna tear ya mind apart. Find what makes ya Rathard, and set it free. It’ll hurt like nothin Hank ever did to ya. But it’ll also make ya more in control. It allows ya to control ya powers. Control ya emotions better under pressure. And realise that ya ain’t alone.”
Michael swallowed, his grip still tight on Lyra’s wrists.
“Will I remember…Isabel…in that way?” he asked softly.
Lyra nodded. “Yeah, ya will. Ya gonna remember everything Michael. But ya missin da point here. Ya little fire cracker over there is ya anchor to this world…ya gonna remember that da most. Look at Max and Liz. She’s still what he wants da most.”
Michael licked his lips slowly, his gaze never leaving Lyra’s face. The two cousins continued to gaze at each other without a word, but Lyra knew Michael understood when his grip on her wrists loosened. His hands remained on her wrists, Michael able to feel the first hum of power as Lyra let his hands glide along her skin as she reached up to his face. Her fingers touched his temples, and his back arched at that first spasm of pain...
Rath stared down at the small alien before him, who had tilted his nose up in distaste at his dusty uniform.
“Tell me soldier, why do you seek council with his royal highness, Zan of Antar? Don’t you have other…duties...to attend too?”
“That is enough Triton…Rathard is the general of the armies of Antar, and my best friend on top of that. Why else does he need permission to seek my council?”
“Your highness! I apologise for my incompetence in these matters. General Rathard, accept my apology! I didn’t realise it was you!”
Rath rolled his eyes, before following Zan into the king’s private chambers. Zan chuckled when Rath collapsed on his cushions, a low groan escaping his mouth.
“How goes it Rath?”
“All is well Zan…who is the imprudent little whelp guarding your chamber doors?”
“Aye…that would be Larek’s nephew. Why Rath? Don’t you care for him?”
Rath rolled his eyes again, Zan snorting with amusement as Rath kicked his boots off.
“He might wish to mind himself Zan. Avaria will box his ears if she hears him speak in such a manner again.”
“Don’t we know it. Aye, I have missed you brother.”
Rath gazed at his king, and closest friend, feeling at home within the king’s private walls.
“And I you.”
Michael groaned softly, feeling the strength of love and friendship between the two aliens. Stature didn’t separate them, nor did their social obligations. He could feel their mutual affection, and shared amusement, a deep jolt of recognition flowing through him. He no longer envied Max. Not when he now understood the depth of their friendship. His back arched once more, another memory surfacing.
“I will not!”
Rath glared down at the young queen, trying desperately to hide his smirk as she crossed her arms over her chest in defiance. Her lower lip pouched out in a pout, Rath fighting to twist his face into a stern mask.
“You will Avaria. Zan has asked you to do this, and you will do as he deems fit.”
Avaria stamped her foot in temper, her aura turning a dark crimson as her temper rose.
“NO! You can’t make me!”
“Avaria…for the love of Zan!”
Rath lunged for her; her furious scream of anger echoing off the roof as Rath strode forward and dragged her down the hallway. He pushed her into her room, and locked the door behind them, Avaria glaring at him with such a miserable look on her face, that Rath paused.
“You either apologise to Triton for boxing his ears, or Zan will be upset with you. Believe me Avaria, I understand how you feel.”
“Do you Rath? I don’t think you do. I love my husband, and I know he loves me, but I get so lonely here. And for that little…thing! …. To send my cousin away like that! Who does he think he is? Jyrelik is family, and to be treated like that when he is a guest in our home! I should box his ears more often!”
Rath squirmed as she gave way to her tears, understanding how lonely she really was. Life as queen left no time for family, so a visit was as precious as the liorala gem.
“Hush young queen. All is well with Jyrelik. I’ve arranged for him to stay for my engagement party to Princes Valandra.”
Avaria smiled sadly trough her tears.
“I’m sorry Rath. Truly I am. I am unsure why I am so emotional of late. Maybe I should see the healer.”
Rath glanced around, before hugging the young girl close.
“You have a friend in me Avaria. Never forget that.”
Michael sank to his knees with a soft cry of pain, his teeth gritted as he struggled to remain silent. He could remember that day as clear as glass. It turned out Avaria had been pregnant, a time of complete joy for the young family. But tragedy had struck a few weeks later, their untimely death taking that chance. Taking his love…
“Tell me something Rath.”
“Anything Valandra.”
“Why do you wish to form a marriage between us? Is it political for you?”
Rath turned to face his lover as she lay in the darkness beside him. Her warm gold gaze caught his own, love shimmering in the sweet night air. Valandra looked into his silver gaze, once more wondering how anyone could say his eyes were cold.
“I don’t marry for political gain, nor do I marry for an alliance Valandra. I marry for you. I marry because I don’t wish to wake up another night alone. I love you. Is that enough?”
Valandra smiled up at him brightly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Rath reached out, wiping them away with a scrap of silk as she stared up at him.
“What is it my love? You know you can tell me anything.”
“I am scared Rath. I have been plagued by such terrible dreams of late.”
Rath sat up slowly, his smooth forehead wrinkling as he frowned. Valandra had the gift of sight, so her dreams were not to be taken lightly.
“What is it you dream of love?”
“Death Rath. Yours. Mine. Zan and Avaria’s. There is something coming. Something that will change the history of Antar. Ohhh…for the love of Zan, I wish I could remember!”
“What do you mean love…you always remember your dreams.”
“Not since the night of our engagement Rath. Not a single dream.”
“Then how do you know we die?”
“I just do. I’m scared love. This…being in my dreams…it’s cold and filled with malevolence. It means to do great harm to our household. I can feel it deep with in my shacara…my soul.”
“Have you spoken to anyone else about this Valandra?”
“No my lord. Only you. Rath?”
“Yes Valandra?”
“I marry for love too. You are the other half of my shacara. I only feel safe with you.”
“And I you love. Always.”
Michael opened his eyes slowly, staring up at Lyra as she held him under the water. He was startled to find he could hear her in his mind, her soft voice stopping his thrashing movements as a final memory rose, showing him what he desperately searched for…
“Lyrina!”
“Rathard! Look at you…your mother would be so proud of you right now Rath. A general! I’m proud of you.”
“Like wise cousin. How is your shacara?”
“Kyan sends his well wishes to you and yours Rath.”
Rath stared at Lyrina, before reaching out and running his finger down her nose.
“Why the long face then Lyrina?”
She smiled sadly. “You grew up on me cousin. No more running through the meadows, and swimming in the moonlight.”
“Aye cousin…there will always be time for that. There will always be time for us.”
Michael opened his eyes slowly as Kyan helped him sit up. Lyra stared down at him, his face cradled between her palms. With the last of his strength, Michael reached up and ran his middle finger down her nose, the gesture not lost on Lyra. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she repeated the gesture.
“I remember you… Lyrina.”
Michael passed out in Kyan’s arms, leaving Lyra to look up at the moon, her tears as silent as her memories. Now it would start. The question remained though. How would it end?
Part 62.
Pauly sat on the hood of his car as he waited for Natalie to arrive. The day was warm already, students wandering around as they started to get ready for class. He sat up a bit straighter when he saw Kyle’s Mustang pull into the car park, Pauly watching as his friend climbed out of his car and started towards the school entrance. Looking closely at Kyle as he drew closer, Pauly frowned. Something was wrong with his usually happy friend. Deep shadows ran under his eyes, and his shoulders were sagging as if he carried a heavy burden.
“Hey man…you alright?” he asked when Kyle drew level with him. Kyle shrugged.
“Yeah man, I’m ok. Just tired. Tess got a bit sick last night, and I was up most the night with her.”
“She ok now?” Pauly asked softly.
Kyle shrugged again. “Dunno man. She was still asleep when I left this morning.”
Further conversation was paused however, when Maria and Alex walked up, both of them also pale and drawn. The three of them shared a look, Pauly once more left wondering what was going on behind the scenes. But then Natalie walked over and wrapped her arms around her boyfriend, his thoughts occupied for a different reason when she pressed her lips against his. By the time he withdrew from his Natalie-induced cloud, the other three were already walking into school, Pauly shrugging as he once more lowered his head.
The morning slipped by quickly, the heat rising slowly as the bell for lunch rung. Maria walked out of general maths, her thoughts occupied as she met up with Kyle and Alex as they exited the English class opposite hers. They spoke quietly for a moment, before starting to head to the quad for lunch.
Students walked around happily in the heat, which was causing them to shed jackets and sweaters for the first time in months. Spring had arrived with a vengeance, the cooler months gone for now. As they walked past the eraser room, Alex and Maria never saw the door open, a slender hand shooting out and grabbing Kyle, before pulling him inside and closing the door. But Pauly saw, and simply grinned as he kept walking.
Kyle felt a hand close around his wrist, jerking him into the dimly light room, the door shutting with a thud. He was spun around and pushed against the wall, Kyle having only enough time to register a head of curly blonde hair, and soft skin, before his eyes slid shut, Tess pressing her lips against his. If he thought their first kiss was hot, he was wrong. It was nothing compared to this.
He could almost feel the change within her. She had taken control of the kiss from the start, her body pressed firmly against his as she stood on tiptoe, her hands threaded through his hair as she slanted her lips over his, her teeth nipping his lower lip lightly, before laving the sting away with the tip of her tongue.
Kyle groaned low in his throat, wrapping his arms around her waist and jerking her tightly against him. When he picked her up and bodily turned them so she was pressed against the wall, Tess went willingly, her soft chuckle echoing around them when Kyle yelped as she gripped his ass and tugged him closer. Lifting his head in a daze, Kyle stared down at her, watching as Tess lifted eyes the same as Lyra’s to his. Bright blue, certainty shining in their bright depths.
“Tess?” he mumbled slightly, Tess licking her lower lip slowly.
“Screw destiny Kyle. I only want you.” Kyle groaned again, lowering his head and attacking her mouth with renewed desire…
Meanwhile….
“Where the hell did Kyle go?” Alex asked in annoyance, looking around for their wayward friend who had disappeared. Maria shrugged, the two friends continuing down the hallway. They both blinked as they walked out into the bright sun, before heading for their usual table. They ignored the soft murmurs of the other students as they sat down, intent on eating their lunches and getting the day over with. They sat with their backs to the table top, stretching their legs out before them.
When the hushed conversations around them stopped all together, they both looked up to find out why. Two jaws dropped open in surprise, twin looks of surprise crossing their faces as they watched what everyone else was watching. Michael, Max and Isabel were crossing the lawn together, the two humans drinking in their appearances silently.
They could see the changes already. They had seen it in Max. In his appearance. His demeanour. His attitude. And now they could see it for themselves. Isabel as always, was dressed to kill. Black leather pants. A simple black sleeveless top, which plunged to startling depths, showcasing her cleavage, and black-heeled boots. Her hair was down, her golden gaze sweeping the campus. It zeroed in on Alex, her stride purposeful as she crossed the quad.
Michael was wearing baggy blue jeans, and a white tee shirt, his hair hanging in messy waves around eyes that were almost pure silver. He saw Maria, and started forward with Isabel, both of them ignoring the looks they were receiving from other students. You could feel the power rolling off of hem in waves, causing people to stop what they were doing, and simply stare. Isabel reached Alex, and held her hand out silently.
Alex took her hand and let her lead him away, a stupefied look on his face as he watched her swinging hips. When Isabel spoke, her words took a moment to register, Alex blushing bright red as she chuckled softly.
“Stop staring at my ass Alex.”
“I…I…I wasn’t!” he stammered out, Isabel stopping mid stride and turning to face him.
“Liar,” she muttered, before grabbing his shirtfront, and stepping closer to him. Alex had time to blink, before she simply kissed him, right there in the hallway in front of half the student population of Roswell High. It was a slow kiss, passion fuelled, and burning with need as she slowly let his lower lip slip from between her own from where she had nibbled on it.
Alex stared at her mutely, Isabel steering him to the side of the hallway, Alex dimly hearing the thud of lockers as she pushed him against them. When her arms slid around his waist, Alex automatically locked one arm around her shoulder, the other sliding around her lower back. They stared at each other for a moment, before Isabel spoke again.
“I like that you look Alex. I like that you feel you can look. But don’t ever lie to me again.”
“Yes ma’am,” he managed in surprise, Isabel smiling slightly. She lifted her lips to his again, and just before they touched, she murmured for his ears only.
“I remember you…I’ll always remember you.”
Meanwhile…
While Isabel and Tess had taken the private route, Michael simply took the direct approach. As Isabel lead Alex away, he held his hand out to Maria. She stared up at him silently as she took his hand, Michael smirking as he lowered his head and caught her mouth in a kiss that left no room for doubt. She dimly felt his hands slid down across her ass, before he lifted her up and sat her on the edge of the table.
Stepping between her thighs, he cradled her face in his hands, kissing her slowly and with purpose. He let her into his mind with no warning, showing her their time together. Their fights. Their kisses. His feelings. And it all came back to her. When he lifted his head moments later, he stared down into green eyes that were swimming with tears.
“I might not always say it Maria, but I do love you. I love our fights. I love making up with you more. I hate your mother’s waffles, but I eat them because it makes you happy.”
Maria nodded, her voice low when she spoke.
“Do you remember?”
Michael nodded.
“Everything. Everyone. All that happened.”
Maria swallowed, Michael knowing what she was thinking before she even thought it.
“Yes, I remember Isabel. I remember how much I loved her. How much she loved me. But you wanna know something?”
“What?” Maria asked quietly, staring up into his eyes.
“She isn’t you. And it’s you I need.”
When he lowered his head again, he could taste her tears, and her happiness. But then it didn’t matter, because they were together again. And nothing on earth would ever tear them apart.
Michael crossed his arms and scowled down at Lyra as they stood at the water’s edge. She simply smirked up at him, and mirrored his pose as Kyan laughed at them quietly.
“What? Ya think that look’s gonna work on me? Try again…General…I’ve known ya in two life times now, and ya ain’t as scary as ya like to think,” she purred, Michael’s lips twitching as he tried to suppress a smile.
Lyra shook her head, before starting to reach up. She stopped however, when Michael grabbed her wrists, his eyes narrowing suspiciously as he stared down at her.
“I wanna know what ya gonna do to me first,” he said in a low voice, Lyra nodding.
“To put it as simple as I can Michael? I’m gonna tear ya mind apart. Find what makes ya Rathard, and set it free. It’ll hurt like nothin Hank ever did to ya. But it’ll also make ya more in control. It allows ya to control ya powers. Control ya emotions better under pressure. And realise that ya ain’t alone.”
Michael swallowed, his grip still tight on Lyra’s wrists.
“Will I remember…Isabel…in that way?” he asked softly.
Lyra nodded. “Yeah, ya will. Ya gonna remember everything Michael. But ya missin da point here. Ya little fire cracker over there is ya anchor to this world…ya gonna remember that da most. Look at Max and Liz. She’s still what he wants da most.”
Michael licked his lips slowly, his gaze never leaving Lyra’s face. The two cousins continued to gaze at each other without a word, but Lyra knew Michael understood when his grip on her wrists loosened. His hands remained on her wrists, Michael able to feel the first hum of power as Lyra let his hands glide along her skin as she reached up to his face. Her fingers touched his temples, and his back arched at that first spasm of pain...
Rath stared down at the small alien before him, who had tilted his nose up in distaste at his dusty uniform.
“Tell me soldier, why do you seek council with his royal highness, Zan of Antar? Don’t you have other…duties...to attend too?”
“That is enough Triton…Rathard is the general of the armies of Antar, and my best friend on top of that. Why else does he need permission to seek my council?”
“Your highness! I apologise for my incompetence in these matters. General Rathard, accept my apology! I didn’t realise it was you!”
Rath rolled his eyes, before following Zan into the king’s private chambers. Zan chuckled when Rath collapsed on his cushions, a low groan escaping his mouth.
“How goes it Rath?”
“All is well Zan…who is the imprudent little whelp guarding your chamber doors?”
“Aye…that would be Larek’s nephew. Why Rath? Don’t you care for him?”
Rath rolled his eyes again, Zan snorting with amusement as Rath kicked his boots off.
“He might wish to mind himself Zan. Avaria will box his ears if she hears him speak in such a manner again.”
“Don’t we know it. Aye, I have missed you brother.”
Rath gazed at his king, and closest friend, feeling at home within the king’s private walls.
“And I you.”
Michael groaned softly, feeling the strength of love and friendship between the two aliens. Stature didn’t separate them, nor did their social obligations. He could feel their mutual affection, and shared amusement, a deep jolt of recognition flowing through him. He no longer envied Max. Not when he now understood the depth of their friendship. His back arched once more, another memory surfacing.
“I will not!”
Rath glared down at the young queen, trying desperately to hide his smirk as she crossed her arms over her chest in defiance. Her lower lip pouched out in a pout, Rath fighting to twist his face into a stern mask.
“You will Avaria. Zan has asked you to do this, and you will do as he deems fit.”
Avaria stamped her foot in temper, her aura turning a dark crimson as her temper rose.
“NO! You can’t make me!”
“Avaria…for the love of Zan!”
Rath lunged for her; her furious scream of anger echoing off the roof as Rath strode forward and dragged her down the hallway. He pushed her into her room, and locked the door behind them, Avaria glaring at him with such a miserable look on her face, that Rath paused.
“You either apologise to Triton for boxing his ears, or Zan will be upset with you. Believe me Avaria, I understand how you feel.”
“Do you Rath? I don’t think you do. I love my husband, and I know he loves me, but I get so lonely here. And for that little…thing! …. To send my cousin away like that! Who does he think he is? Jyrelik is family, and to be treated like that when he is a guest in our home! I should box his ears more often!”
Rath squirmed as she gave way to her tears, understanding how lonely she really was. Life as queen left no time for family, so a visit was as precious as the liorala gem.
“Hush young queen. All is well with Jyrelik. I’ve arranged for him to stay for my engagement party to Princes Valandra.”
Avaria smiled sadly trough her tears.
“I’m sorry Rath. Truly I am. I am unsure why I am so emotional of late. Maybe I should see the healer.”
Rath glanced around, before hugging the young girl close.
“You have a friend in me Avaria. Never forget that.”
Michael sank to his knees with a soft cry of pain, his teeth gritted as he struggled to remain silent. He could remember that day as clear as glass. It turned out Avaria had been pregnant, a time of complete joy for the young family. But tragedy had struck a few weeks later, their untimely death taking that chance. Taking his love…
“Tell me something Rath.”
“Anything Valandra.”
“Why do you wish to form a marriage between us? Is it political for you?”
Rath turned to face his lover as she lay in the darkness beside him. Her warm gold gaze caught his own, love shimmering in the sweet night air. Valandra looked into his silver gaze, once more wondering how anyone could say his eyes were cold.
“I don’t marry for political gain, nor do I marry for an alliance Valandra. I marry for you. I marry because I don’t wish to wake up another night alone. I love you. Is that enough?”
Valandra smiled up at him brightly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Rath reached out, wiping them away with a scrap of silk as she stared up at him.
“What is it my love? You know you can tell me anything.”
“I am scared Rath. I have been plagued by such terrible dreams of late.”
Rath sat up slowly, his smooth forehead wrinkling as he frowned. Valandra had the gift of sight, so her dreams were not to be taken lightly.
“What is it you dream of love?”
“Death Rath. Yours. Mine. Zan and Avaria’s. There is something coming. Something that will change the history of Antar. Ohhh…for the love of Zan, I wish I could remember!”
“What do you mean love…you always remember your dreams.”
“Not since the night of our engagement Rath. Not a single dream.”
“Then how do you know we die?”
“I just do. I’m scared love. This…being in my dreams…it’s cold and filled with malevolence. It means to do great harm to our household. I can feel it deep with in my shacara…my soul.”
“Have you spoken to anyone else about this Valandra?”
“No my lord. Only you. Rath?”
“Yes Valandra?”
“I marry for love too. You are the other half of my shacara. I only feel safe with you.”
“And I you love. Always.”
Michael opened his eyes slowly, staring up at Lyra as she held him under the water. He was startled to find he could hear her in his mind, her soft voice stopping his thrashing movements as a final memory rose, showing him what he desperately searched for…
“Lyrina!”
“Rathard! Look at you…your mother would be so proud of you right now Rath. A general! I’m proud of you.”
“Like wise cousin. How is your shacara?”
“Kyan sends his well wishes to you and yours Rath.”
Rath stared at Lyrina, before reaching out and running his finger down her nose.
“Why the long face then Lyrina?”
She smiled sadly. “You grew up on me cousin. No more running through the meadows, and swimming in the moonlight.”
“Aye cousin…there will always be time for that. There will always be time for us.”
Michael opened his eyes slowly as Kyan helped him sit up. Lyra stared down at him, his face cradled between her palms. With the last of his strength, Michael reached up and ran his middle finger down her nose, the gesture not lost on Lyra. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she repeated the gesture.
“I remember you… Lyrina.”
Michael passed out in Kyan’s arms, leaving Lyra to look up at the moon, her tears as silent as her memories. Now it would start. The question remained though. How would it end?
Part 62.
Pauly sat on the hood of his car as he waited for Natalie to arrive. The day was warm already, students wandering around as they started to get ready for class. He sat up a bit straighter when he saw Kyle’s Mustang pull into the car park, Pauly watching as his friend climbed out of his car and started towards the school entrance. Looking closely at Kyle as he drew closer, Pauly frowned. Something was wrong with his usually happy friend. Deep shadows ran under his eyes, and his shoulders were sagging as if he carried a heavy burden.
“Hey man…you alright?” he asked when Kyle drew level with him. Kyle shrugged.
“Yeah man, I’m ok. Just tired. Tess got a bit sick last night, and I was up most the night with her.”
“She ok now?” Pauly asked softly.
Kyle shrugged again. “Dunno man. She was still asleep when I left this morning.”
Further conversation was paused however, when Maria and Alex walked up, both of them also pale and drawn. The three of them shared a look, Pauly once more left wondering what was going on behind the scenes. But then Natalie walked over and wrapped her arms around her boyfriend, his thoughts occupied for a different reason when she pressed her lips against his. By the time he withdrew from his Natalie-induced cloud, the other three were already walking into school, Pauly shrugging as he once more lowered his head.
The morning slipped by quickly, the heat rising slowly as the bell for lunch rung. Maria walked out of general maths, her thoughts occupied as she met up with Kyle and Alex as they exited the English class opposite hers. They spoke quietly for a moment, before starting to head to the quad for lunch.
Students walked around happily in the heat, which was causing them to shed jackets and sweaters for the first time in months. Spring had arrived with a vengeance, the cooler months gone for now. As they walked past the eraser room, Alex and Maria never saw the door open, a slender hand shooting out and grabbing Kyle, before pulling him inside and closing the door. But Pauly saw, and simply grinned as he kept walking.
Kyle felt a hand close around his wrist, jerking him into the dimly light room, the door shutting with a thud. He was spun around and pushed against the wall, Kyle having only enough time to register a head of curly blonde hair, and soft skin, before his eyes slid shut, Tess pressing her lips against his. If he thought their first kiss was hot, he was wrong. It was nothing compared to this.
He could almost feel the change within her. She had taken control of the kiss from the start, her body pressed firmly against his as she stood on tiptoe, her hands threaded through his hair as she slanted her lips over his, her teeth nipping his lower lip lightly, before laving the sting away with the tip of her tongue.
Kyle groaned low in his throat, wrapping his arms around her waist and jerking her tightly against him. When he picked her up and bodily turned them so she was pressed against the wall, Tess went willingly, her soft chuckle echoing around them when Kyle yelped as she gripped his ass and tugged him closer. Lifting his head in a daze, Kyle stared down at her, watching as Tess lifted eyes the same as Lyra’s to his. Bright blue, certainty shining in their bright depths.
“Tess?” he mumbled slightly, Tess licking her lower lip slowly.
“Screw destiny Kyle. I only want you.” Kyle groaned again, lowering his head and attacking her mouth with renewed desire…
Meanwhile….
“Where the hell did Kyle go?” Alex asked in annoyance, looking around for their wayward friend who had disappeared. Maria shrugged, the two friends continuing down the hallway. They both blinked as they walked out into the bright sun, before heading for their usual table. They ignored the soft murmurs of the other students as they sat down, intent on eating their lunches and getting the day over with. They sat with their backs to the table top, stretching their legs out before them.
When the hushed conversations around them stopped all together, they both looked up to find out why. Two jaws dropped open in surprise, twin looks of surprise crossing their faces as they watched what everyone else was watching. Michael, Max and Isabel were crossing the lawn together, the two humans drinking in their appearances silently.
They could see the changes already. They had seen it in Max. In his appearance. His demeanour. His attitude. And now they could see it for themselves. Isabel as always, was dressed to kill. Black leather pants. A simple black sleeveless top, which plunged to startling depths, showcasing her cleavage, and black-heeled boots. Her hair was down, her golden gaze sweeping the campus. It zeroed in on Alex, her stride purposeful as she crossed the quad.
Michael was wearing baggy blue jeans, and a white tee shirt, his hair hanging in messy waves around eyes that were almost pure silver. He saw Maria, and started forward with Isabel, both of them ignoring the looks they were receiving from other students. You could feel the power rolling off of hem in waves, causing people to stop what they were doing, and simply stare. Isabel reached Alex, and held her hand out silently.
Alex took her hand and let her lead him away, a stupefied look on his face as he watched her swinging hips. When Isabel spoke, her words took a moment to register, Alex blushing bright red as she chuckled softly.
“Stop staring at my ass Alex.”
“I…I…I wasn’t!” he stammered out, Isabel stopping mid stride and turning to face him.
“Liar,” she muttered, before grabbing his shirtfront, and stepping closer to him. Alex had time to blink, before she simply kissed him, right there in the hallway in front of half the student population of Roswell High. It was a slow kiss, passion fuelled, and burning with need as she slowly let his lower lip slip from between her own from where she had nibbled on it.
Alex stared at her mutely, Isabel steering him to the side of the hallway, Alex dimly hearing the thud of lockers as she pushed him against them. When her arms slid around his waist, Alex automatically locked one arm around her shoulder, the other sliding around her lower back. They stared at each other for a moment, before Isabel spoke again.
“I like that you look Alex. I like that you feel you can look. But don’t ever lie to me again.”
“Yes ma’am,” he managed in surprise, Isabel smiling slightly. She lifted her lips to his again, and just before they touched, she murmured for his ears only.
“I remember you…I’ll always remember you.”
Meanwhile…
While Isabel and Tess had taken the private route, Michael simply took the direct approach. As Isabel lead Alex away, he held his hand out to Maria. She stared up at him silently as she took his hand, Michael smirking as he lowered his head and caught her mouth in a kiss that left no room for doubt. She dimly felt his hands slid down across her ass, before he lifted her up and sat her on the edge of the table.
Stepping between her thighs, he cradled her face in his hands, kissing her slowly and with purpose. He let her into his mind with no warning, showing her their time together. Their fights. Their kisses. His feelings. And it all came back to her. When he lifted his head moments later, he stared down into green eyes that were swimming with tears.
“I might not always say it Maria, but I do love you. I love our fights. I love making up with you more. I hate your mother’s waffles, but I eat them because it makes you happy.”
Maria nodded, her voice low when she spoke.
“Do you remember?”
Michael nodded.
“Everything. Everyone. All that happened.”
Maria swallowed, Michael knowing what she was thinking before she even thought it.
“Yes, I remember Isabel. I remember how much I loved her. How much she loved me. But you wanna know something?”
“What?” Maria asked quietly, staring up into his eyes.
“She isn’t you. And it’s you I need.”
When he lowered his head again, he could taste her tears, and her happiness. But then it didn’t matter, because they were together again. And nothing on earth would ever tear them apart.
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 63. Ana Johnsson - We Are
Liz was lost in thought following Maria’s phone call, her best friend alternating between tears and happiness as she replayed the day’s events to Liz. Liz was happy for the others, she really was. But now all she could feel was pressure. Pressure to get back together with Max, and move on. Maria had summed it up the best on the phone, Liz silent as she listened.
“Look Liz, you need to move on with Max. I mean, you guys were so happy together, and you need each other now, more than ever.”
“I’m scared Maria. It isn’t that easy for me.”
“Why? It’ll be ok Liz. Look at everyone else. We’re all still together, and it’s so good! Michael is so much more open now! And the kisses Liz! My god. I thought they were powerful before! He barely has control now! And the amazing thing is, that I can feel what he’s feeling, and just how much he wants me!”
Liz sighed unhappily, her hands clenching and unclenching in her lap as she stared through vacant eyes at her reflection in the mirror. Raising her hand, she traced the phantom bruises that mottled her eye now, and the multiple bruises on her throat. A knock on her bedroom door had Liz looking up and tucking her hair shyly behind her ear as Zan smirked at her from the doorway. He came into her room and sat on her bed, his pose open and relaxed.
“Whatcha doin?” he drawled, Liz shrugging slightly.
“Ya ready for a crash course in bein healed by an alien, and what happens?” he asked, Liz raising her eyebrows in confusion. Zan chuckled, before clarifying what he meant.
“Ya gotta learn to control what Max did to ya when he healed ya.”
Liz bit her lip slightly, before speaking softly.
“What about Kyle? Max healed him too,” she said softly.
Zan grinned. “Aves and Jy have got that under control. So what do ya reckon? We blow this pop stand, and go for a drive?”
“A drive?”
Zan grinned at the sudden interest in Liz’s voice, and stood up silently.
“A drive,” he confirmed, Liz’s face breaking out into a smile.
Zan tossed her leather jacket to her, before holding his hand out silently. He’d read the unhappiness and confusion in Liz’s eyes when he’d first walked in, and knew where it came from. It was the same look that haunted Ava’s eyes. Liz grabbed the jacket and draped it over her arm, before taking Zan’s outstretched hand, and following him down the stairs and out the back door.
He led her silently to the Trans Am, and when she slid into the car, slammed the door shut behind her. He jogged around to the driver’s seat, and sliding in, slammed his own door. Starting the car, he glanced at Liz who was looking back at him silently. He offered her a small smile, before letting the car roll slowly down the alleyway.
As he waited for a break in the traffic, Zan reached out and turned the radio up. Liz smiled when she heard the song that was playing, Zan nodding as the music thumped through out the night air. Feeling someone’s gaze on him, Zan glanced to the left, looking out past Liz as she turned to face him, a small smirk crossing his face when he saw Max staring at them in surprise from out the front of the café.
A small sound of distress caught Zan’s hearing though, and he glanced back at Liz, who was also staring at Max. Desire, fear, need and confusion rolled off her in waves, Zan putting two and two together in a split second. Liz didn’t want to be around Max in that moment in time, Zan understanding the reasons why perfectly.
Max took a step towards them, Zan smirking again as he winked at Max. Max took another couple of steps towards them, only to stop as Zan gunned the engine, and took off with a squeal of tires. Zan could see Max staring after them in surprise, the look on his face causing him to chuckle softly under his breath. It was so much fun to make Max look like that!
Ten minutes later, Zan let the car roll over the bumpy surface of the ground. He parked the car, and climbed out, Liz following him as they walked in companionable silence down to the lake’s edge. The music continued to play in the warm night air, Liz sitting down silently as Zan lit his cigarette. They sat quietly, Zan turning to face Liz as he listened to the song that was playing.
There were so many similarities between Liz and Ava. He knew he had to tread carefully, but he’d become an expert at that recently. As he stared at Liz, he could see that she too was listening to the music, tears shining in her eyes as she stared out over the lake. Never had the lyrics come to mean so much to Zan. This song was another of Ava’s favourites, something she listened to when she really upset. When she was blaming herself for his ‘death,’ and the death of their child.
See the devil on the doorstep now. My, oh my.
Telling everybody, oh, just how to live their lives.
Sliding down the information highway,
Buying them just like a bunch of fools.
Time is tickin' and we can't go back. My, oh my.
“Liz…don’t do this to yaself.”
What about the world today?
What about the place that we call home?
We've never been so many,
And we've never been...so alone.
Liz turned to face him, her tears slowly starting to slide down her cheeks. Fear, heartbreak and utter misery swam in her eyes, showing just how broken she really was. Her teeth were biting into her lower lip hard, her chin trembling as she tried to keep her emotions bottled inside. Zan sighed softly, flicking his cigarette butt away, before reaching for Liz, and simply dragging her into his lap.
You keep watching from your picket fence,
You keep talking but it makes no sense.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
You wash your hands, you come out clean,
But you fail to recognise, the enemy is within.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
We are.
She stiffened for a heartbeat, before she broke down completely, her hands gripping his shirt tightly, as Zan tucked her face into his shoulder, and wrapped both arms around her shaking body tightly. Sliding his hand up her back, Zan tunnelled his hand into her hair, and held her head as she sobbed bitterly, Zan resting his head against hers as he held her.
One step forward making two steps back. My, oh my.
Buying pity on the bad boy's back for life.
Lining up for the grand illusion.
No answers for no questions asked,
Lining up for the execution, without knowing why...
“Oh God…I’m so scared…I’m so scared Zan. Why did this happen to me? Why me? Why?”
You keep watching from your picket fence,
You keep talking but it makes no sense.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
You wash your hands, you come out clean,
But you fail to recognise, the enemy is within.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
We are.
“Ya ain’t to blame Liz. Ya did nothin wrong sweetpea. Kivar’s just a sick fuck, who takes immense pleasure in other people’s pain. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s ours. For bein who we are. For bein what we are. You. Aves. For simply lovin us. For wantin to be with us. You’ve both paid da ultimate price.”
It's all about power, by taking control,
Breaking the will, erasing the soul.
They suck us dry till there's nothing left.
My, oh my. My, oh my.
“He’s in my head Zan…he did something to me. I can feel it. I know Jy tried blocking it out for me, but I can still feel him. Still feel his touch. He’s there when I’m awake. He’s there when I’m asleep. I feel like he’s watching me all the time. Just biding his time. Oh god…I just feel so dirty all the time. I can feel him all over me. It won’t go. It won’t leave me alone.”
What about the world today?
What about the place that we call home?
We've never been so many,
But we've never been...So alone.
So alone.
We are, we are, we are.
So alone
“Ya safe Liz. None of us are gonna let him touch ya again. I swear it. Not you. Not Aves. I’ll kill him first. That’s why we’re here. Da fucker’s goin down.”
You keep watching from your picket fence,
You keep talking but it makes no sense.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
You wash your hands, you come out clean,
But you fail to recognise, the enemy is within.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
We are.
Liz lifted her head slowly, and stared at Zan through her tears.
“I know. But it doesn’t help. It never will. I’m still dirty. Tainted. He tried to kill me Zan. He tried to get …to…he …”
“Shhh…he didn’t though Liz. Yeah, he tried. But he failed. And ya ain’t tainted…ya pure. Ya innocent. Don’t ya see that?”
Liz’s lower lip trembled again, Zan smirking suddenly. He stood up with Liz cradled in his arms, and started to walk. Liz looked at him in surprise as he walked down the dock, heading for the edge. When they reached it, he turned his head to look at her.
“My hands are stained with blood Liz. Yours are stained with innocence. Yet ya feel as dirty as they come. So what do ya do when ya feel that way?”
Liz shrugged, Zan smirking.
“Ya take a bath.”
Liz had time to scream once, before Zan stepped off the edge of the dock straight into the warm water. The water closed over their heads, drowning out her scream and his laughter.
Part 64.
Liz surfaced with a gasp, Zan’s low chuckle echoing around them as he shook his head. The motion sent water droplets flying, Liz laughing softly as he blinked water out of his eyes, his hair sticking up even more than normal. Swimming over to where Liz was treading water, Zan grasped her hand, and tugged her into the shallower water, where they were both able to stand. Liz smoothed her hair back over her head, Zan snorting softly with laughter as she stuck her tongue out at him.
“Feel better now?” he asked quietly, Liz shrugging.
“Wanna talk ‘bout it?” he asked again, Liz staring up at him in the dappled moonlight. She swallowed once, before nodding slowly.
“I guess you understand where I am coming from, what with Ava probably feeling like this too,” she murmured, Zan nodding as his jaw tightened slightly.
“I spoke to Maria earlier on tonight. She’s just so happy Zan that Michael still wants to be with her. That his alien side has emerged, and made him more open to her. She said that she could…feel…how much he wanted her.”
Zan nodded slowly, stroking his goatee as he moved slightly in the water.
“Yeah…that’s right. When ya as alien as we all are now, ya partner can feel what ya feel when ya want them too. It makes for some mad assed lovin.” Zan paused, watching as Liz lowered her gaze.
“That’s what’s got ya so damn uptight all of a sudden…ain’t it,” he stated. “Ya know Max wants ya, and ya still unsure ‘bout it. Right?”
Liz bit her lip, her gaze hidden beneath her eyelashes as Zan waited for her to gather her thoughts.
“Yeah…. it is,” she admitted slowly. “Everyone has paired up now, and that’s great…for them. I’m just not ready Zan. I mean…it hasn’t been that long that Kivar tried to…rape me. And everyone expects me to just put that aside, and jump straight into bed with Max. Jy told me what Serena said to Max. About having a time frame. Well I’m sorry…. but who asked me? What about what I want?”
Liz looked up at Zan then, her eyes flooding with tears again.
“Everyone forgets that I was hurt Zan. I mean…. look at you and Ava. It’s been what? Five months?”
Zan nodded. “Yeah…that’s right. I ain’t gonna push her into nothin…. Max ain’t gonna push you either though Liz.”
Liz shook her head slowly. “I’m scared of this Zan. I remember how it was when we were looking for the orbs, when we couldn’t stop then. What’s it going to be like now? Will I get a choice in the matter? Or will Max’s needs override my own? I mean, yeah, we kissed the other night in the bath, and it was beautiful. But then I had this weird…thing…yesterday.”
“What thing?” Zan asked, Liz looking at him in surprise. When she blushed, Zan simply smirked.
“Come on Liz…ya can tell me.”
Liz sighed, averting her gaze as she spoke quickly.
“I was in the shower, and it was like Max was in there with me. I could feel him touching me Zan. I knew he was at school…I even knew what class he was in, and that he was asleep, but I wasn’t. And when I got out of the shower, I had a…hickey on my neck. It flashed when I touched it and then disappeared. What’s happening to me Zan?”
Zan sighed softly, running his hands through his hair as he contemplated what she was asking.
“I think I know what’s goin on. Everyone has a…flavour Aves calls it. A unique trace scent that we pick up on. Sometimes, we can see it around a person. It’s how we know who’s alien and who ain’t. When we’re…spose ya can say, fantasisin ‘bout someone, we can pull them in if they’re alien. Ya ain’t alien, but ya ain’t quite human no more either.”
Liz’s lip trembled again, her eyes searching Zan’s.
“What does my…flavour look like? Or is it taste…like?” she asked.
Zan smirked slowly.
“Its look Liz. To taste, ya have to literally…taste da person. And as for you…ya shimmer Liz. Ya shimmer gold. That’s why Max was drawn to ya from da start. It’s part of who ya are. Ya genetic makeup. He recognised somethin in ya, and was drawn to it.”
“Are you gold too?”
Zan nodded. “Yeah. Gold shimmer. Max and me. One and da same Liz.”
“What about…Ava?”
Zan smirked slightly. “Gold too…same as Tess.”
“What does it look like?” Liz asked.
Zan shrugged. “Dunno. It’s hard to explain. It’s like…ummm…you know when ya see da heat risin off da concrete? It’s like that. But with da concrete, it’s a clear shimmer. People have colours…ummm…shades I suppose ya could say. Different tones. Warmth. Good people are warm. Those who are bad though? It’s colder. Aliens tend to be colder. Kivar shimmers black. As does his type. Coz we’re part human, we still shimmer gold. But Jy and them? Different all together. They shimmer…a silvery colour.”
“How do you see it?” Liz asked.
Zan shrugged. “Dunno. We’ve always been able too. If ya know what ya lookin for Liz, ya able to see it too.”
Liz grabbed Zan’s hand suddenly. “When Max and I were looking for the orb, he was able to cause a shimmery trail of light run down my arm. Is that what you mean by shimmer?” she asked excitedly.
Zan smirked. “Yup. Damn girl! Ya do get off on knowledge don’tcha!”
Liz blushed, Zan laughing as she ducked her head.
“It’s all good Liz. When I woke Max, I learnt everythin ‘bout him. He learnt everythin ‘bout me.”
Liz nodded, letting the water support her as she floated on her back. “Max’s strongest power is healing. Is that yours too?” she asked.
Zan sighed inwardly, before turning to face her.
“Come on Liz…’nuff with the talkin. We got things to do.”
Liz floated upright once more, a playful pout crossing her face.
“Not until you tell me what your strongest talent is,” she said.
Zan smirked at her slowly, playfully letting his gaze travel over her face and body. Liz suddenly blushed when she realised what he wasn’t saying, Zan snorting with laughter.
“Yeah…. that’s my best…talent…”
Liz grimaced at him, before sending an arc of water at his face. Zan snorted, splashing her back. At the back of his mind though, he knew he had to talk to Max. Because if tonight showed him anything, it was this. Liz wasn’t ready. And no amount of pushing would work. They would take that step together…. when it was the right time…
Liz was lost in thought following Maria’s phone call, her best friend alternating between tears and happiness as she replayed the day’s events to Liz. Liz was happy for the others, she really was. But now all she could feel was pressure. Pressure to get back together with Max, and move on. Maria had summed it up the best on the phone, Liz silent as she listened.
“Look Liz, you need to move on with Max. I mean, you guys were so happy together, and you need each other now, more than ever.”
“I’m scared Maria. It isn’t that easy for me.”
“Why? It’ll be ok Liz. Look at everyone else. We’re all still together, and it’s so good! Michael is so much more open now! And the kisses Liz! My god. I thought they were powerful before! He barely has control now! And the amazing thing is, that I can feel what he’s feeling, and just how much he wants me!”
Liz sighed unhappily, her hands clenching and unclenching in her lap as she stared through vacant eyes at her reflection in the mirror. Raising her hand, she traced the phantom bruises that mottled her eye now, and the multiple bruises on her throat. A knock on her bedroom door had Liz looking up and tucking her hair shyly behind her ear as Zan smirked at her from the doorway. He came into her room and sat on her bed, his pose open and relaxed.
“Whatcha doin?” he drawled, Liz shrugging slightly.
“Ya ready for a crash course in bein healed by an alien, and what happens?” he asked, Liz raising her eyebrows in confusion. Zan chuckled, before clarifying what he meant.
“Ya gotta learn to control what Max did to ya when he healed ya.”
Liz bit her lip slightly, before speaking softly.
“What about Kyle? Max healed him too,” she said softly.
Zan grinned. “Aves and Jy have got that under control. So what do ya reckon? We blow this pop stand, and go for a drive?”
“A drive?”
Zan grinned at the sudden interest in Liz’s voice, and stood up silently.
“A drive,” he confirmed, Liz’s face breaking out into a smile.
Zan tossed her leather jacket to her, before holding his hand out silently. He’d read the unhappiness and confusion in Liz’s eyes when he’d first walked in, and knew where it came from. It was the same look that haunted Ava’s eyes. Liz grabbed the jacket and draped it over her arm, before taking Zan’s outstretched hand, and following him down the stairs and out the back door.
He led her silently to the Trans Am, and when she slid into the car, slammed the door shut behind her. He jogged around to the driver’s seat, and sliding in, slammed his own door. Starting the car, he glanced at Liz who was looking back at him silently. He offered her a small smile, before letting the car roll slowly down the alleyway.
As he waited for a break in the traffic, Zan reached out and turned the radio up. Liz smiled when she heard the song that was playing, Zan nodding as the music thumped through out the night air. Feeling someone’s gaze on him, Zan glanced to the left, looking out past Liz as she turned to face him, a small smirk crossing his face when he saw Max staring at them in surprise from out the front of the café.
A small sound of distress caught Zan’s hearing though, and he glanced back at Liz, who was also staring at Max. Desire, fear, need and confusion rolled off her in waves, Zan putting two and two together in a split second. Liz didn’t want to be around Max in that moment in time, Zan understanding the reasons why perfectly.
Max took a step towards them, Zan smirking again as he winked at Max. Max took another couple of steps towards them, only to stop as Zan gunned the engine, and took off with a squeal of tires. Zan could see Max staring after them in surprise, the look on his face causing him to chuckle softly under his breath. It was so much fun to make Max look like that!
Ten minutes later, Zan let the car roll over the bumpy surface of the ground. He parked the car, and climbed out, Liz following him as they walked in companionable silence down to the lake’s edge. The music continued to play in the warm night air, Liz sitting down silently as Zan lit his cigarette. They sat quietly, Zan turning to face Liz as he listened to the song that was playing.
There were so many similarities between Liz and Ava. He knew he had to tread carefully, but he’d become an expert at that recently. As he stared at Liz, he could see that she too was listening to the music, tears shining in her eyes as she stared out over the lake. Never had the lyrics come to mean so much to Zan. This song was another of Ava’s favourites, something she listened to when she really upset. When she was blaming herself for his ‘death,’ and the death of their child.
See the devil on the doorstep now. My, oh my.
Telling everybody, oh, just how to live their lives.
Sliding down the information highway,
Buying them just like a bunch of fools.
Time is tickin' and we can't go back. My, oh my.
“Liz…don’t do this to yaself.”
What about the world today?
What about the place that we call home?
We've never been so many,
And we've never been...so alone.
Liz turned to face him, her tears slowly starting to slide down her cheeks. Fear, heartbreak and utter misery swam in her eyes, showing just how broken she really was. Her teeth were biting into her lower lip hard, her chin trembling as she tried to keep her emotions bottled inside. Zan sighed softly, flicking his cigarette butt away, before reaching for Liz, and simply dragging her into his lap.
You keep watching from your picket fence,
You keep talking but it makes no sense.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
You wash your hands, you come out clean,
But you fail to recognise, the enemy is within.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
We are.
She stiffened for a heartbeat, before she broke down completely, her hands gripping his shirt tightly, as Zan tucked her face into his shoulder, and wrapped both arms around her shaking body tightly. Sliding his hand up her back, Zan tunnelled his hand into her hair, and held her head as she sobbed bitterly, Zan resting his head against hers as he held her.
One step forward making two steps back. My, oh my.
Buying pity on the bad boy's back for life.
Lining up for the grand illusion.
No answers for no questions asked,
Lining up for the execution, without knowing why...
“Oh God…I’m so scared…I’m so scared Zan. Why did this happen to me? Why me? Why?”
You keep watching from your picket fence,
You keep talking but it makes no sense.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
You wash your hands, you come out clean,
But you fail to recognise, the enemy is within.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
We are.
“Ya ain’t to blame Liz. Ya did nothin wrong sweetpea. Kivar’s just a sick fuck, who takes immense pleasure in other people’s pain. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s ours. For bein who we are. For bein what we are. You. Aves. For simply lovin us. For wantin to be with us. You’ve both paid da ultimate price.”
It's all about power, by taking control,
Breaking the will, erasing the soul.
They suck us dry till there's nothing left.
My, oh my. My, oh my.
“He’s in my head Zan…he did something to me. I can feel it. I know Jy tried blocking it out for me, but I can still feel him. Still feel his touch. He’s there when I’m awake. He’s there when I’m asleep. I feel like he’s watching me all the time. Just biding his time. Oh god…I just feel so dirty all the time. I can feel him all over me. It won’t go. It won’t leave me alone.”
What about the world today?
What about the place that we call home?
We've never been so many,
But we've never been...So alone.
So alone.
We are, we are, we are.
So alone
“Ya safe Liz. None of us are gonna let him touch ya again. I swear it. Not you. Not Aves. I’ll kill him first. That’s why we’re here. Da fucker’s goin down.”
You keep watching from your picket fence,
You keep talking but it makes no sense.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
You wash your hands, you come out clean,
But you fail to recognise, the enemy is within.
You say we're not responsible, but we are, we are.
We are.
Liz lifted her head slowly, and stared at Zan through her tears.
“I know. But it doesn’t help. It never will. I’m still dirty. Tainted. He tried to kill me Zan. He tried to get …to…he …”
“Shhh…he didn’t though Liz. Yeah, he tried. But he failed. And ya ain’t tainted…ya pure. Ya innocent. Don’t ya see that?”
Liz’s lower lip trembled again, Zan smirking suddenly. He stood up with Liz cradled in his arms, and started to walk. Liz looked at him in surprise as he walked down the dock, heading for the edge. When they reached it, he turned his head to look at her.
“My hands are stained with blood Liz. Yours are stained with innocence. Yet ya feel as dirty as they come. So what do ya do when ya feel that way?”
Liz shrugged, Zan smirking.
“Ya take a bath.”
Liz had time to scream once, before Zan stepped off the edge of the dock straight into the warm water. The water closed over their heads, drowning out her scream and his laughter.
Part 64.
Liz surfaced with a gasp, Zan’s low chuckle echoing around them as he shook his head. The motion sent water droplets flying, Liz laughing softly as he blinked water out of his eyes, his hair sticking up even more than normal. Swimming over to where Liz was treading water, Zan grasped her hand, and tugged her into the shallower water, where they were both able to stand. Liz smoothed her hair back over her head, Zan snorting softly with laughter as she stuck her tongue out at him.
“Feel better now?” he asked quietly, Liz shrugging.
“Wanna talk ‘bout it?” he asked again, Liz staring up at him in the dappled moonlight. She swallowed once, before nodding slowly.
“I guess you understand where I am coming from, what with Ava probably feeling like this too,” she murmured, Zan nodding as his jaw tightened slightly.
“I spoke to Maria earlier on tonight. She’s just so happy Zan that Michael still wants to be with her. That his alien side has emerged, and made him more open to her. She said that she could…feel…how much he wanted her.”
Zan nodded slowly, stroking his goatee as he moved slightly in the water.
“Yeah…that’s right. When ya as alien as we all are now, ya partner can feel what ya feel when ya want them too. It makes for some mad assed lovin.” Zan paused, watching as Liz lowered her gaze.
“That’s what’s got ya so damn uptight all of a sudden…ain’t it,” he stated. “Ya know Max wants ya, and ya still unsure ‘bout it. Right?”
Liz bit her lip, her gaze hidden beneath her eyelashes as Zan waited for her to gather her thoughts.
“Yeah…. it is,” she admitted slowly. “Everyone has paired up now, and that’s great…for them. I’m just not ready Zan. I mean…it hasn’t been that long that Kivar tried to…rape me. And everyone expects me to just put that aside, and jump straight into bed with Max. Jy told me what Serena said to Max. About having a time frame. Well I’m sorry…. but who asked me? What about what I want?”
Liz looked up at Zan then, her eyes flooding with tears again.
“Everyone forgets that I was hurt Zan. I mean…. look at you and Ava. It’s been what? Five months?”
Zan nodded. “Yeah…that’s right. I ain’t gonna push her into nothin…. Max ain’t gonna push you either though Liz.”
Liz shook her head slowly. “I’m scared of this Zan. I remember how it was when we were looking for the orbs, when we couldn’t stop then. What’s it going to be like now? Will I get a choice in the matter? Or will Max’s needs override my own? I mean, yeah, we kissed the other night in the bath, and it was beautiful. But then I had this weird…thing…yesterday.”
“What thing?” Zan asked, Liz looking at him in surprise. When she blushed, Zan simply smirked.
“Come on Liz…ya can tell me.”
Liz sighed, averting her gaze as she spoke quickly.
“I was in the shower, and it was like Max was in there with me. I could feel him touching me Zan. I knew he was at school…I even knew what class he was in, and that he was asleep, but I wasn’t. And when I got out of the shower, I had a…hickey on my neck. It flashed when I touched it and then disappeared. What’s happening to me Zan?”
Zan sighed softly, running his hands through his hair as he contemplated what she was asking.
“I think I know what’s goin on. Everyone has a…flavour Aves calls it. A unique trace scent that we pick up on. Sometimes, we can see it around a person. It’s how we know who’s alien and who ain’t. When we’re…spose ya can say, fantasisin ‘bout someone, we can pull them in if they’re alien. Ya ain’t alien, but ya ain’t quite human no more either.”
Liz’s lip trembled again, her eyes searching Zan’s.
“What does my…flavour look like? Or is it taste…like?” she asked.
Zan smirked slowly.
“Its look Liz. To taste, ya have to literally…taste da person. And as for you…ya shimmer Liz. Ya shimmer gold. That’s why Max was drawn to ya from da start. It’s part of who ya are. Ya genetic makeup. He recognised somethin in ya, and was drawn to it.”
“Are you gold too?”
Zan nodded. “Yeah. Gold shimmer. Max and me. One and da same Liz.”
“What about…Ava?”
Zan smirked slightly. “Gold too…same as Tess.”
“What does it look like?” Liz asked.
Zan shrugged. “Dunno. It’s hard to explain. It’s like…ummm…you know when ya see da heat risin off da concrete? It’s like that. But with da concrete, it’s a clear shimmer. People have colours…ummm…shades I suppose ya could say. Different tones. Warmth. Good people are warm. Those who are bad though? It’s colder. Aliens tend to be colder. Kivar shimmers black. As does his type. Coz we’re part human, we still shimmer gold. But Jy and them? Different all together. They shimmer…a silvery colour.”
“How do you see it?” Liz asked.
Zan shrugged. “Dunno. We’ve always been able too. If ya know what ya lookin for Liz, ya able to see it too.”
Liz grabbed Zan’s hand suddenly. “When Max and I were looking for the orb, he was able to cause a shimmery trail of light run down my arm. Is that what you mean by shimmer?” she asked excitedly.
Zan smirked. “Yup. Damn girl! Ya do get off on knowledge don’tcha!”
Liz blushed, Zan laughing as she ducked her head.
“It’s all good Liz. When I woke Max, I learnt everythin ‘bout him. He learnt everythin ‘bout me.”
Liz nodded, letting the water support her as she floated on her back. “Max’s strongest power is healing. Is that yours too?” she asked.
Zan sighed inwardly, before turning to face her.
“Come on Liz…’nuff with the talkin. We got things to do.”
Liz floated upright once more, a playful pout crossing her face.
“Not until you tell me what your strongest talent is,” she said.
Zan smirked at her slowly, playfully letting his gaze travel over her face and body. Liz suddenly blushed when she realised what he wasn’t saying, Zan snorting with laughter.
“Yeah…. that’s my best…talent…”
Liz grimaced at him, before sending an arc of water at his face. Zan snorted, splashing her back. At the back of his mind though, he knew he had to talk to Max. Because if tonight showed him anything, it was this. Liz wasn’t ready. And no amount of pushing would work. They would take that step together…. when it was the right time…
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 65.
Max sat in the semi darkness, his anger growing as the minutes ticked by slowly. At the back of his mind, he knew he was being irrational, but at the same time, the pull to see Liz was getting stronger. She was avoiding him. There was no two ways about it. And to see her not only with Jy the night before, but now with Zan, was weighing heavily on his mind. So he sat and stewed in silence, not knowing the full reason why he felt this way, or the results of his change, and the impending confrontation it would bring….
One hour later.
Zan pulled into the driveway, letting the car coast to a stop as he turned the engine off. He had spent close to four hours with Liz, just talking quietly and lending her an ear. He understood her in a way that surprised him, yet it also gave him an insight to what made Ava tick now. By the time he dropped her back at home, and made sure she was inside, it was close to midnight. Climbing out the car, he pocketed the keys and walked inside, humming softly under his breath. He never saw Max coming.
Zan felt a hand grip his arm as he was swung around, Max’s fist connecting with his jaw with a resounding crack. Zan stumbled but managed to stay upright, his eyes glittering dangerously as he straightened up to regard Max. Max stood in the hallway light, anger and jealousy rolling off of him in waves. His hands were clenched, his breaths coming in sharp pants.
“What da fuck is ya problem man?” Zan hissed, glaring at Max who returned his furious look.
“You are! What the hell were you doing with Liz all this time?” he spat angrily.
Zan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, a smirk crossing his face slowly as his eyes continued to glitter angrily. Max’s raised voice woke the whole house quickly, Isabel, Ava and Max’s parents coming out of their rooms and standing near the top of the stairs. The four of them could see Max and Zan near the base of the stairs, clearly squaring off. When Diane went to speak, Phillip grabbed her hand and shook his head.
“They need to work this out themselves…no matter what. We need to let them sort this out as men,” he warned softly.
“What’s it to ya boy? Ain’t like ya’s are together…or is that da whole point Max? Ya got problems in ya love life, so ya take it out on me? That sum it up for ya?” Zan asked sarcastically.
“She belongs to me Zan! So stay away from her!” Max hissed heatedly. At the back of his mind, his inner love child’s mouth fell open, but his more alien side was in control now.
Zan snorted. “Ya clear outta ya mind Max! There ain’t nothin goin on between us!”
“Yeah right. Then why the hell have you been with her all night? What? You ruined your own relationship, so you move onto my girlfriend?”
Zan shook his head slightly. Max’s words had hit hard, Zan starting to lose control of his own anger.
“Ya fucked in da head Max…what? Ya think I been doin her? Is that it? Ya think I just spent da last four hours…what? Fuckin her? Convincin her to be with me? Yeah ok Max…ya caught me out. I just gave her da best sex of her life…. Phfft…GROW UP MAN!”
Max swung at Zan wildly, only to grunt loudly as Zan caught his fist, and in one quick movement, twisted Max’s arm up behind his back, and slammed him face first against the wall. Zan leant closer to Max’s ear, his voice dangerously low as he spoke, Max helpless to move against Zan.
“Ya got a problem with da fact that I was spendin time with her? What’cha gonna do ‘bout it Max? Other than act like a spoilt child whose favourite toy was taken away?”
Max exploded, his free elbow coming up and jabbing sharply into Zan’s left side. Pain exploded down his side, from injuries that were still slightly raw, Zan letting Max go as he hissed in pain. Max swung around when he felt Zan’s iron grip loosen, his fist coming up again, and slamming hard into Zan’s cheekbone.
The blow split Zan’s cheek open, a fine spray of blood splashing across the white wall. Max blinked at the sight, suddenly realising how he had been acting, and what he had just done. But before he could react or apologise, Zan straightened up slowly, his eyes trained on Max. He spat the blood out of his mouth, his voice deathly flat.
“Fine. Ya wanna throw down over this Max? Lets get it done.”
That was all the warning Max got, Zan’s eyes flooding gold as he swung at Max, his powers behind each blow. His fist connected with Max’s chin, snapping his head back sharply, a second blow causing Max to double over when Zan’s fist sank into his stomach. Before he could blink though, Zan punched him again, the upper cut connecting with his chin, and launching him into the lounge room, where he crashed into and then through the coffee table with a loud crash.
The crash bought the whole house thundering down the stairs as Zan stalked over to where Max lay on the ground panting. Max saw Zan grab the desk chair, before he groaned as Zan set the chair over Max’s chest, and sat down, effectively pinning Max in place as Zan straddled the chair, his whole body tense with temper.
Phillip, Diane, Isabel and Ava all skidded to a stop when they saw the scene before them, struck silent as Zan leant over the back of the chair and stared down into Max’s pale face. The silence was deafening, everyone staring in horror at the blood that was running slowly down Zan’s skin, standing out in stark contrast to the rest of his face.
“Zan…I didn’t…” Max started, but Zan cut him off angrily.
“Bullshit Max! Ya knew what ya were doin. Ya knew it da minute I stepped into da fuckin house. Ya fucked in da head boy! Ya thought I was steppin to Liz? That I was gonna compete with ya over her? Ya forget that my lover’s upstairs Max. Remember Ava?”
“Zan…I didn’t mean it…”
“Don’t fuckin lie to me Max! Don’t lie to yaself! Ya mad ass jealous over da fact that I was with Liz tonight. Get over yaself man! I told ya da other day, she needs to be trained too. That I was gonna be da one to do it. And ya immediately think I’m gonna step to da plate. If I wanted her Max, she’d be mine. No two ways ‘bout it. No matter da history between ya’s. She’d be mine, and in my bed before da night ended.”
Max swallowed, his anger completely gone. In its place were embarrassment, regret and anguish at the fact that he had let his emotions spiral out of control to the point that Zan had used his powers on him.
“I’m sorry Zan…I…”
Zan shook his head slowly, his jaw tight as he stared down at Max.
“Fuck you. You…of all people Max…pfthht…we’re done. Ya can do this on ya own, coz I ain’t puttin up with this shit. Not from you.”
Zan stood up, and turning around, walked past the gathered group, and out the front door. Max knocked the chair out of the way, and scrambling to his feet, ran for the front door, the others following him silently. They watched as Max grabbed Zan’s arm, a pleading expression crossing his face as Zan swung around. Zan shook Max off, Max reaching out once more.
But Zan was at the end of his tether, and he swung at Max again, knocking Max to the ground when Zan’s fist connected with Max’s jaw. Betrayal clouded his eyes, pain radiating off him as he stood above Max panting.
“Fuck ya Max! My own fuckin family made sure I was smeared across da street. I didn’t wanna come here…I didn’t wanna open myself up to da possibility that maybe we’d become family too. But I did. Worst mistake of my fuckin life. Ya forget somethin boy. I got reason to be here too. Ava. Kivar tried killin her Max…he kicked da shit outta her, and she miscarried. So fuck you! Ya ain’t da only one with problems” Zan cried angrily, his voice laced with disbelief and sorrow.
“Zan…let me…”
“No! I came here for you! To help you! I didn’t want to, but I came to help ya…we’re one and da same Max! I wouldn’t step to her …how could ya even think that! How could ya even begin to think that I’d do that to ya? You…. of all fuckin people? Ya wanna know why I was with her tonight? To make sure she understood what was goin down. Ya wanna know why she’s avoidin ya? Look in da fucken mirror man, and look at how ya actin…phfft…we’re done.”
Zan yanked the door to the car open, and slid inside. The engine started with a roar, Zan backing out of the driveway quickly. Max watched in dazed silence as Zan threw the car into gear, and took off down the street with a loud squeal of tires and disappearing around the corner with a roar, before the silence of the night appeared once more.
Max stood up slowly, shame coursing through his body as he stared down the street. Feeling a presence behind him, Max turned around slowly. His lips parted when he saw his family standing behind him, Ava standing before him with an unreadable expression on her face. Ava shook her head slowly, her eyes shimmering with angry tears as she looked down the street in the direction Zan had gone. When she spoke, her voice was flat though, devoid of any emotion at all.
“Of all da things ya coulda said to him Max, it had to be that. Ya had to bring me into it. Ya had to bring up da past. Ya got no idea what ya just did.”
“Ava…”
Ava slapped his face then, the sound of her palm striking his cheek echoing as she turned around, and walked back inside. The sound of her bedroom door slamming caused Max to jump, utter horror at what he had caused rolling through him as his parents headed back inside silently. Isabel shook her head slowly, her voice low when she spoke.
“You’d better find him Max. You have to fix this. We’re at war. This isn’t a pissing contest. We need him. He needs us. And you need to get your jealousy under control. Green really isn’t your best colour.”
“Isabel…”
“No Max. I’ll back you on anything, you know that. You’re my brother. I love you. But that was just low. You need to get your head on straight…now.”
Isabel turned around, and walked back inside, the soft click of the front door more final than anything else. Max swallowed, before jogging over to the Jeep. He had an apology to make.
Part 66. “Redeemer” ~ Marylin Manson.
Max sat outside the Crashdown silently, his hands loose on the steering wheel. He’d looked everywhere. Had done so for the last hour. There was no sign of Zan or the Trans Am. As a last resort, he’d come here, hoping that Jy or Kyan would know where to look. As he sat there quietly, he sensed someone watching him. Looking up, he saw Lyra on the roof of the building in front of him. As Max watched her, Lyra looked around, before walking to the edge of the roof, and simply stepping off. She landed easily on her feet, before crossing the distance between them.
“What are ya doin here Max?” she asked quietly.
Max swallowed, unable to look at Lyra. He could see that she knew what had happened by the look in her eyes, Max feeling the shame with in him rise once more.
“I had a fight with Zan earlier. I can’t find him.”
Lyra snorted softly. “He ain’t hidin Max. He just doesn’t want ya to find him right now. And trust me…ya really don’t wanna find him. Not with da mood he’s in. He’s liable to put ya in da ground.”
Max swallowed, but spoke anyway. “I know. But I still need to find him. I need to apologise. I said some really spiteful things to him Lyra. I need to make things right. I need to know what happened between him and Ava. He’s blocking things from me, because I know most of his life from when he woke me, but I had no idea that Kivar had hurt Ava.”
Lyra blew her breath out slowly, glancing up at the roof of the crash down. Max followed her eyes; his face paling slightly when he saw Kyan glaring down at him. Max spoke again, his words causing Lyra to make a decision.
“I stuffed up. I need to apologise to him. I can’t do this on my own Lyra.”
“Hmmm…. okay. He’s at this old factory. Da guys set up da punchin bag and shit there. He’s probably takin his anger out on da bag.”
“The old soap factory?” Max asked.
Lyra nodded, her hand restraining Max’s when he went to start the car.
“Word of warnin though Max…ya bought Aves into it. Zan feels guilty enough over what happened to her, without ya addin to it. Keep that in mind man. He doesn’t trust easily, and when he’s down like this, he’s a loose cannon. He either withdraws into himself, or he lashes out …brutally. Ya might wanna take my number with ya…just in case.”
Max nodded, storing Lyra’s number in his cell, before starting the Jeep and backing out. He turned to wave goodbye to Lyra, his mouth falling open as he watched her walk over to the wall, and simply jump. Her powers gave her height enough to grip the roof and pull herself up, before she turned back to face him. The warning was clear in her gaze though, Max reading it loud and clear, even as Lyra projected a memory to him, followed by a message.
“Zan…bro…ya my best mate…do ya really think, that they’d still be standin if they were anythin like Lonnie and Rath? Fuck no! I’d kill ‘em first, no hesitations. I ain’t got no ties here Zan other than Lyra…ya know that. Ya da reason I’m here. Nothin else.”
“Ya fix this with him Max…or we’re gone. We’re here with Zan…we’re here coz Tess asked us to come…ya might wanna remember that da next time ya chuck a tanty. We ain’t got no reason to be loyal to ya man. But we have reason to be loyal to Zan…he came for ya….we didn’t.”
Max nodded up at Lyra, who simply tilted her head, before she disappeared from sight. Max stepped on the gas, and headed for the old soap factory. It was a fifteen minute trip, Max cursing as the heavens suddenly opened, and rain began to fall heavily. He jerked the car over to the side of the road, and quickly put the roof up.
Within minutes he was back behind the wheel, and heading towards the outer edges of town. As he turned into the parking lot, lightening flashed, illuminating the old factory and the Trans Am. Max sighed softly. He hadn’t been here since the party with Liz last year. The fire had done its damage, the roof almost completely gone. Climbing out of the jeep, Max sighed again. Music thumped loudly in the night air, Max listening to the lyrics as he walked into the old building. He stopped short however when he caught sight of Zan.
Zan had taken his tee shirt off, and was standing with his back to the doorway. The rain poured through the roof, drenching them both, Max watching Zan silently as he took his anger and frustration out on the punching bag in front of him. The music was coming from a CD that rested on a burnt bench, the music loud, and the surface of the CD dancing with light. Yet it wasn’t loud enough to drown out Zan’s grunts as he threw himself into his work out, or the heavy sounds of his bare fists hitting the leather in front of him.
Max winced, recalling the strength behind those fists as he continued to watch. The song changed, Max straightening up slightly as Zan sagged against the bag. Max went to take a step forward, but he paused as Zan started singing to the music, the heavy beat of the song now punched out on the bag in front of Zan in an unyielding rhythm.
The hunger inside given to me,
Makes me what I am
Always it is calling me,
For the blood of man
Max winced when the lightening flashed again, showing fresh blood on the punching bag. Zan didn’t seem to notice that his knuckles were raw and split, so intent on the bag before him. It ran freely down his hands, and dripped onto the ground as Zan continued to punch the bag. The gash on his face was still bleeding freely too, the blood mixing with rain and tears, running slowly down over his neck and upper chest, staining his skin red.
They say I cannot be this
I am jaded, hiding from the day
I can't bare, I cannot tame the hunger in me
Oh, I say I did and always searching,
You can't fuck with me.
So instead you'll taste my pain.
Zan stopped hitting the bag slowly, his shoulders starting to shake as he gripped the sides of the bag with both hands, his head resting against the warn leather as he panted. His eyes slid shut, fresh pain coursing through him when Max’s words echoed in his ears again. “You ruined your own relationship, so you move onto my girlfriend?” Zan snarled, renewing his assault on the punching bag.
The hunger inside given to me,
Makes me feel alive.
Always out stalking prey,
In the dark I hide.
Feeling, falling, hating,
Feel like I am fading, hating life.
Max felt his guilt rise again as Zan snapped his right foot out, the kick hitting the upper middle of the bag, and sending it spinning wildly. He watched in silence as Zan kicked the bag a second time, the bag spinning back quickly, and hitting him hard. Zan stumbled, a soft sound of anger and pain escaping his lips as he threw another wild punch.
They say I cannot be this
I am jaded, hiding from the day.
I can't bare, I cannot tame the hunger in me
Oh, I say I did and always searching,
You can't fuck with fate.
So instead you'll taste my pain.
Zan grabbed the bag, his hands gripping it tightly as he closed his eyes. A memory tore through him, leaving him weak kneed as it taunted him. “Oh yeah bro…you da man aiight…da man of death…fuck ya baby bro…I’m goin home!” Max was right. He was good at ruining things. Look at what he’d done to Ava. What his own sister had done to him. King…what a fuckin joke…
You say your life I'm taking,
Always bothering me,
I can't take this anymore,
I'm failing, always smothering me
Life was one fucked up joke, and it just kept on laughing at him. Taunting him. Showing him just how much his family thought of him. How much he had hurt Ava. That was what he was good at. Killing people and driving his loved ones away. His own lover wouldn’t let him in…his own image…Max…Jesus…
You look down on me,
Hey what you see,
Take this gift from me
You will soon feed from me.
Max swallowed when Zan sank to his knees, his head hanging low as he pressed his hands against his wet thighs. Zan’s shoulders were shaking as he knelt silently, Max taking a hesitant step forward. Max suddenly realised that although he had pushed Zan tonight and had hurt him, this went deeper than his thoughtless words. Betrayal was what haunted Zan now. Max’s words had just tipped him over the edge.
Nothing seems exciting,
Always the same hiding
It's haunting me.
It's haunting me...
Max shook his head, and crossed the room quickly. Sinking to his knees behind Zan, he reached out, and gripped Zan’s shoulder. Zan turned to face him slowly, Max seeing the utter misery and pain that Zan kept bottled inside stamped all over his face. Max shook his head slightly, keeping his gaze trained straight on Zan’s eyes. As they stared at each other, Zan’s eyes became shuttered. Closed off. Max sighed, his voice low.
It's haunting me...
“I stuffed up before. I took my jealousy and insecurities out on you. I’m sorry for that Zan. I really am. You came here to help us, and that’s how I repaid you. It won’t happen again. You’re like a brother to me. I get that now. We aren’t duplicates. We’re family. And family sticks together.”
Zan shook his head slowly, his jaw tight, a tick evident in his cheek. His voice was low, yet laced heavily with pain.
“I don’t want this Max. So take ya pity and go choke on it.”
“Zan…”
“I don’t want this…I don’t need this! … I don’t need you…I don’t need anybody! I ain’t here for a fuckin laugh Max! I came here to help ya, and ya think I’m steppin to Liz? Ya thought I’d do that to ya? Jesus man! Ya saw inside me Max…ya saw me…don’t ya get that? I don’t let no fucker in…I let ya in…I trusted…”
Zan broke off abruptly, Max hearing Kyan speaking in his mind as a memory surfaced, showing him just what Zan was trying to say…. What he was trying to do…
“I know this shit fucked ya up one side, and down da other, but ya gotta get it together for Aves. I know ya in and out man…ya drownin... I’m holdin out a hand here Zan…all ya gotta do is take it…”
Max reached out, and grabbed Zan by the shoulders, his voice ringing with honesty.
“You don’t need me…but I need you. You don’t want to be here…but I want you here with me…don’t you get it…I’m holding out my hand Zan…all you have to do is take it…let me in…let me help you.”
Zan swallowed, his voice cracking when he spoke again.
“I don’t know how…”
Max smiled slightly. “I do.”
It's haunting me...
“How?” Zan asked quietly, the water running down over his face and mingling with his tears.
“I need the truth. The whole truth. What happened in New York?”
Zan winced, struggling to stand up and get away from Max’s questions. Max simply tightened his grip, Zan landing on his ass with a thud as Max pushed him back down. They stared at each silently, before Zan sagged, the last of the fight leaving his body.
“What do ya wanna know?” he asked in defeat.
“Everything….”
It's haunting me...
Max sat in the semi darkness, his anger growing as the minutes ticked by slowly. At the back of his mind, he knew he was being irrational, but at the same time, the pull to see Liz was getting stronger. She was avoiding him. There was no two ways about it. And to see her not only with Jy the night before, but now with Zan, was weighing heavily on his mind. So he sat and stewed in silence, not knowing the full reason why he felt this way, or the results of his change, and the impending confrontation it would bring….
One hour later.
Zan pulled into the driveway, letting the car coast to a stop as he turned the engine off. He had spent close to four hours with Liz, just talking quietly and lending her an ear. He understood her in a way that surprised him, yet it also gave him an insight to what made Ava tick now. By the time he dropped her back at home, and made sure she was inside, it was close to midnight. Climbing out the car, he pocketed the keys and walked inside, humming softly under his breath. He never saw Max coming.
Zan felt a hand grip his arm as he was swung around, Max’s fist connecting with his jaw with a resounding crack. Zan stumbled but managed to stay upright, his eyes glittering dangerously as he straightened up to regard Max. Max stood in the hallway light, anger and jealousy rolling off of him in waves. His hands were clenched, his breaths coming in sharp pants.
“What da fuck is ya problem man?” Zan hissed, glaring at Max who returned his furious look.
“You are! What the hell were you doing with Liz all this time?” he spat angrily.
Zan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, a smirk crossing his face slowly as his eyes continued to glitter angrily. Max’s raised voice woke the whole house quickly, Isabel, Ava and Max’s parents coming out of their rooms and standing near the top of the stairs. The four of them could see Max and Zan near the base of the stairs, clearly squaring off. When Diane went to speak, Phillip grabbed her hand and shook his head.
“They need to work this out themselves…no matter what. We need to let them sort this out as men,” he warned softly.
“What’s it to ya boy? Ain’t like ya’s are together…or is that da whole point Max? Ya got problems in ya love life, so ya take it out on me? That sum it up for ya?” Zan asked sarcastically.
“She belongs to me Zan! So stay away from her!” Max hissed heatedly. At the back of his mind, his inner love child’s mouth fell open, but his more alien side was in control now.
Zan snorted. “Ya clear outta ya mind Max! There ain’t nothin goin on between us!”
“Yeah right. Then why the hell have you been with her all night? What? You ruined your own relationship, so you move onto my girlfriend?”
Zan shook his head slightly. Max’s words had hit hard, Zan starting to lose control of his own anger.
“Ya fucked in da head Max…what? Ya think I been doin her? Is that it? Ya think I just spent da last four hours…what? Fuckin her? Convincin her to be with me? Yeah ok Max…ya caught me out. I just gave her da best sex of her life…. Phfft…GROW UP MAN!”
Max swung at Zan wildly, only to grunt loudly as Zan caught his fist, and in one quick movement, twisted Max’s arm up behind his back, and slammed him face first against the wall. Zan leant closer to Max’s ear, his voice dangerously low as he spoke, Max helpless to move against Zan.
“Ya got a problem with da fact that I was spendin time with her? What’cha gonna do ‘bout it Max? Other than act like a spoilt child whose favourite toy was taken away?”
Max exploded, his free elbow coming up and jabbing sharply into Zan’s left side. Pain exploded down his side, from injuries that were still slightly raw, Zan letting Max go as he hissed in pain. Max swung around when he felt Zan’s iron grip loosen, his fist coming up again, and slamming hard into Zan’s cheekbone.
The blow split Zan’s cheek open, a fine spray of blood splashing across the white wall. Max blinked at the sight, suddenly realising how he had been acting, and what he had just done. But before he could react or apologise, Zan straightened up slowly, his eyes trained on Max. He spat the blood out of his mouth, his voice deathly flat.
“Fine. Ya wanna throw down over this Max? Lets get it done.”
That was all the warning Max got, Zan’s eyes flooding gold as he swung at Max, his powers behind each blow. His fist connected with Max’s chin, snapping his head back sharply, a second blow causing Max to double over when Zan’s fist sank into his stomach. Before he could blink though, Zan punched him again, the upper cut connecting with his chin, and launching him into the lounge room, where he crashed into and then through the coffee table with a loud crash.
The crash bought the whole house thundering down the stairs as Zan stalked over to where Max lay on the ground panting. Max saw Zan grab the desk chair, before he groaned as Zan set the chair over Max’s chest, and sat down, effectively pinning Max in place as Zan straddled the chair, his whole body tense with temper.
Phillip, Diane, Isabel and Ava all skidded to a stop when they saw the scene before them, struck silent as Zan leant over the back of the chair and stared down into Max’s pale face. The silence was deafening, everyone staring in horror at the blood that was running slowly down Zan’s skin, standing out in stark contrast to the rest of his face.
“Zan…I didn’t…” Max started, but Zan cut him off angrily.
“Bullshit Max! Ya knew what ya were doin. Ya knew it da minute I stepped into da fuckin house. Ya fucked in da head boy! Ya thought I was steppin to Liz? That I was gonna compete with ya over her? Ya forget that my lover’s upstairs Max. Remember Ava?”
“Zan…I didn’t mean it…”
“Don’t fuckin lie to me Max! Don’t lie to yaself! Ya mad ass jealous over da fact that I was with Liz tonight. Get over yaself man! I told ya da other day, she needs to be trained too. That I was gonna be da one to do it. And ya immediately think I’m gonna step to da plate. If I wanted her Max, she’d be mine. No two ways ‘bout it. No matter da history between ya’s. She’d be mine, and in my bed before da night ended.”
Max swallowed, his anger completely gone. In its place were embarrassment, regret and anguish at the fact that he had let his emotions spiral out of control to the point that Zan had used his powers on him.
“I’m sorry Zan…I…”
Zan shook his head slowly, his jaw tight as he stared down at Max.
“Fuck you. You…of all people Max…pfthht…we’re done. Ya can do this on ya own, coz I ain’t puttin up with this shit. Not from you.”
Zan stood up, and turning around, walked past the gathered group, and out the front door. Max knocked the chair out of the way, and scrambling to his feet, ran for the front door, the others following him silently. They watched as Max grabbed Zan’s arm, a pleading expression crossing his face as Zan swung around. Zan shook Max off, Max reaching out once more.
But Zan was at the end of his tether, and he swung at Max again, knocking Max to the ground when Zan’s fist connected with Max’s jaw. Betrayal clouded his eyes, pain radiating off him as he stood above Max panting.
“Fuck ya Max! My own fuckin family made sure I was smeared across da street. I didn’t wanna come here…I didn’t wanna open myself up to da possibility that maybe we’d become family too. But I did. Worst mistake of my fuckin life. Ya forget somethin boy. I got reason to be here too. Ava. Kivar tried killin her Max…he kicked da shit outta her, and she miscarried. So fuck you! Ya ain’t da only one with problems” Zan cried angrily, his voice laced with disbelief and sorrow.
“Zan…let me…”
“No! I came here for you! To help you! I didn’t want to, but I came to help ya…we’re one and da same Max! I wouldn’t step to her …how could ya even think that! How could ya even begin to think that I’d do that to ya? You…. of all fuckin people? Ya wanna know why I was with her tonight? To make sure she understood what was goin down. Ya wanna know why she’s avoidin ya? Look in da fucken mirror man, and look at how ya actin…phfft…we’re done.”
Zan yanked the door to the car open, and slid inside. The engine started with a roar, Zan backing out of the driveway quickly. Max watched in dazed silence as Zan threw the car into gear, and took off down the street with a loud squeal of tires and disappearing around the corner with a roar, before the silence of the night appeared once more.
Max stood up slowly, shame coursing through his body as he stared down the street. Feeling a presence behind him, Max turned around slowly. His lips parted when he saw his family standing behind him, Ava standing before him with an unreadable expression on her face. Ava shook her head slowly, her eyes shimmering with angry tears as she looked down the street in the direction Zan had gone. When she spoke, her voice was flat though, devoid of any emotion at all.
“Of all da things ya coulda said to him Max, it had to be that. Ya had to bring me into it. Ya had to bring up da past. Ya got no idea what ya just did.”
“Ava…”
Ava slapped his face then, the sound of her palm striking his cheek echoing as she turned around, and walked back inside. The sound of her bedroom door slamming caused Max to jump, utter horror at what he had caused rolling through him as his parents headed back inside silently. Isabel shook her head slowly, her voice low when she spoke.
“You’d better find him Max. You have to fix this. We’re at war. This isn’t a pissing contest. We need him. He needs us. And you need to get your jealousy under control. Green really isn’t your best colour.”
“Isabel…”
“No Max. I’ll back you on anything, you know that. You’re my brother. I love you. But that was just low. You need to get your head on straight…now.”
Isabel turned around, and walked back inside, the soft click of the front door more final than anything else. Max swallowed, before jogging over to the Jeep. He had an apology to make.
Part 66. “Redeemer” ~ Marylin Manson.
Max sat outside the Crashdown silently, his hands loose on the steering wheel. He’d looked everywhere. Had done so for the last hour. There was no sign of Zan or the Trans Am. As a last resort, he’d come here, hoping that Jy or Kyan would know where to look. As he sat there quietly, he sensed someone watching him. Looking up, he saw Lyra on the roof of the building in front of him. As Max watched her, Lyra looked around, before walking to the edge of the roof, and simply stepping off. She landed easily on her feet, before crossing the distance between them.
“What are ya doin here Max?” she asked quietly.
Max swallowed, unable to look at Lyra. He could see that she knew what had happened by the look in her eyes, Max feeling the shame with in him rise once more.
“I had a fight with Zan earlier. I can’t find him.”
Lyra snorted softly. “He ain’t hidin Max. He just doesn’t want ya to find him right now. And trust me…ya really don’t wanna find him. Not with da mood he’s in. He’s liable to put ya in da ground.”
Max swallowed, but spoke anyway. “I know. But I still need to find him. I need to apologise. I said some really spiteful things to him Lyra. I need to make things right. I need to know what happened between him and Ava. He’s blocking things from me, because I know most of his life from when he woke me, but I had no idea that Kivar had hurt Ava.”
Lyra blew her breath out slowly, glancing up at the roof of the crash down. Max followed her eyes; his face paling slightly when he saw Kyan glaring down at him. Max spoke again, his words causing Lyra to make a decision.
“I stuffed up. I need to apologise to him. I can’t do this on my own Lyra.”
“Hmmm…. okay. He’s at this old factory. Da guys set up da punchin bag and shit there. He’s probably takin his anger out on da bag.”
“The old soap factory?” Max asked.
Lyra nodded, her hand restraining Max’s when he went to start the car.
“Word of warnin though Max…ya bought Aves into it. Zan feels guilty enough over what happened to her, without ya addin to it. Keep that in mind man. He doesn’t trust easily, and when he’s down like this, he’s a loose cannon. He either withdraws into himself, or he lashes out …brutally. Ya might wanna take my number with ya…just in case.”
Max nodded, storing Lyra’s number in his cell, before starting the Jeep and backing out. He turned to wave goodbye to Lyra, his mouth falling open as he watched her walk over to the wall, and simply jump. Her powers gave her height enough to grip the roof and pull herself up, before she turned back to face him. The warning was clear in her gaze though, Max reading it loud and clear, even as Lyra projected a memory to him, followed by a message.
“Zan…bro…ya my best mate…do ya really think, that they’d still be standin if they were anythin like Lonnie and Rath? Fuck no! I’d kill ‘em first, no hesitations. I ain’t got no ties here Zan other than Lyra…ya know that. Ya da reason I’m here. Nothin else.”
“Ya fix this with him Max…or we’re gone. We’re here with Zan…we’re here coz Tess asked us to come…ya might wanna remember that da next time ya chuck a tanty. We ain’t got no reason to be loyal to ya man. But we have reason to be loyal to Zan…he came for ya….we didn’t.”
Max nodded up at Lyra, who simply tilted her head, before she disappeared from sight. Max stepped on the gas, and headed for the old soap factory. It was a fifteen minute trip, Max cursing as the heavens suddenly opened, and rain began to fall heavily. He jerked the car over to the side of the road, and quickly put the roof up.
Within minutes he was back behind the wheel, and heading towards the outer edges of town. As he turned into the parking lot, lightening flashed, illuminating the old factory and the Trans Am. Max sighed softly. He hadn’t been here since the party with Liz last year. The fire had done its damage, the roof almost completely gone. Climbing out of the jeep, Max sighed again. Music thumped loudly in the night air, Max listening to the lyrics as he walked into the old building. He stopped short however when he caught sight of Zan.
Zan had taken his tee shirt off, and was standing with his back to the doorway. The rain poured through the roof, drenching them both, Max watching Zan silently as he took his anger and frustration out on the punching bag in front of him. The music was coming from a CD that rested on a burnt bench, the music loud, and the surface of the CD dancing with light. Yet it wasn’t loud enough to drown out Zan’s grunts as he threw himself into his work out, or the heavy sounds of his bare fists hitting the leather in front of him.
Max winced, recalling the strength behind those fists as he continued to watch. The song changed, Max straightening up slightly as Zan sagged against the bag. Max went to take a step forward, but he paused as Zan started singing to the music, the heavy beat of the song now punched out on the bag in front of Zan in an unyielding rhythm.
The hunger inside given to me,
Makes me what I am
Always it is calling me,
For the blood of man
Max winced when the lightening flashed again, showing fresh blood on the punching bag. Zan didn’t seem to notice that his knuckles were raw and split, so intent on the bag before him. It ran freely down his hands, and dripped onto the ground as Zan continued to punch the bag. The gash on his face was still bleeding freely too, the blood mixing with rain and tears, running slowly down over his neck and upper chest, staining his skin red.
They say I cannot be this
I am jaded, hiding from the day
I can't bare, I cannot tame the hunger in me
Oh, I say I did and always searching,
You can't fuck with me.
So instead you'll taste my pain.
Zan stopped hitting the bag slowly, his shoulders starting to shake as he gripped the sides of the bag with both hands, his head resting against the warn leather as he panted. His eyes slid shut, fresh pain coursing through him when Max’s words echoed in his ears again. “You ruined your own relationship, so you move onto my girlfriend?” Zan snarled, renewing his assault on the punching bag.
The hunger inside given to me,
Makes me feel alive.
Always out stalking prey,
In the dark I hide.
Feeling, falling, hating,
Feel like I am fading, hating life.
Max felt his guilt rise again as Zan snapped his right foot out, the kick hitting the upper middle of the bag, and sending it spinning wildly. He watched in silence as Zan kicked the bag a second time, the bag spinning back quickly, and hitting him hard. Zan stumbled, a soft sound of anger and pain escaping his lips as he threw another wild punch.
They say I cannot be this
I am jaded, hiding from the day.
I can't bare, I cannot tame the hunger in me
Oh, I say I did and always searching,
You can't fuck with fate.
So instead you'll taste my pain.
Zan grabbed the bag, his hands gripping it tightly as he closed his eyes. A memory tore through him, leaving him weak kneed as it taunted him. “Oh yeah bro…you da man aiight…da man of death…fuck ya baby bro…I’m goin home!” Max was right. He was good at ruining things. Look at what he’d done to Ava. What his own sister had done to him. King…what a fuckin joke…
You say your life I'm taking,
Always bothering me,
I can't take this anymore,
I'm failing, always smothering me
Life was one fucked up joke, and it just kept on laughing at him. Taunting him. Showing him just how much his family thought of him. How much he had hurt Ava. That was what he was good at. Killing people and driving his loved ones away. His own lover wouldn’t let him in…his own image…Max…Jesus…
You look down on me,
Hey what you see,
Take this gift from me
You will soon feed from me.
Max swallowed when Zan sank to his knees, his head hanging low as he pressed his hands against his wet thighs. Zan’s shoulders were shaking as he knelt silently, Max taking a hesitant step forward. Max suddenly realised that although he had pushed Zan tonight and had hurt him, this went deeper than his thoughtless words. Betrayal was what haunted Zan now. Max’s words had just tipped him over the edge.
Nothing seems exciting,
Always the same hiding
It's haunting me.
It's haunting me...
Max shook his head, and crossed the room quickly. Sinking to his knees behind Zan, he reached out, and gripped Zan’s shoulder. Zan turned to face him slowly, Max seeing the utter misery and pain that Zan kept bottled inside stamped all over his face. Max shook his head slightly, keeping his gaze trained straight on Zan’s eyes. As they stared at each other, Zan’s eyes became shuttered. Closed off. Max sighed, his voice low.
It's haunting me...
“I stuffed up before. I took my jealousy and insecurities out on you. I’m sorry for that Zan. I really am. You came here to help us, and that’s how I repaid you. It won’t happen again. You’re like a brother to me. I get that now. We aren’t duplicates. We’re family. And family sticks together.”
Zan shook his head slowly, his jaw tight, a tick evident in his cheek. His voice was low, yet laced heavily with pain.
“I don’t want this Max. So take ya pity and go choke on it.”
“Zan…”
“I don’t want this…I don’t need this! … I don’t need you…I don’t need anybody! I ain’t here for a fuckin laugh Max! I came here to help ya, and ya think I’m steppin to Liz? Ya thought I’d do that to ya? Jesus man! Ya saw inside me Max…ya saw me…don’t ya get that? I don’t let no fucker in…I let ya in…I trusted…”
Zan broke off abruptly, Max hearing Kyan speaking in his mind as a memory surfaced, showing him just what Zan was trying to say…. What he was trying to do…
“I know this shit fucked ya up one side, and down da other, but ya gotta get it together for Aves. I know ya in and out man…ya drownin... I’m holdin out a hand here Zan…all ya gotta do is take it…”
Max reached out, and grabbed Zan by the shoulders, his voice ringing with honesty.
“You don’t need me…but I need you. You don’t want to be here…but I want you here with me…don’t you get it…I’m holding out my hand Zan…all you have to do is take it…let me in…let me help you.”
Zan swallowed, his voice cracking when he spoke again.
“I don’t know how…”
Max smiled slightly. “I do.”
It's haunting me...
“How?” Zan asked quietly, the water running down over his face and mingling with his tears.
“I need the truth. The whole truth. What happened in New York?”
Zan winced, struggling to stand up and get away from Max’s questions. Max simply tightened his grip, Zan landing on his ass with a thud as Max pushed him back down. They stared at each silently, before Zan sagged, the last of the fight leaving his body.
“What do ya wanna know?” he asked in defeat.
“Everything….”
It's haunting me...
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.
-
majiklmoon
- Dorkus Maximus and Super Wuss
- Posts: 14820
- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2000 8:01 pm
Part 67.
“Slept so long” ~ Jay Gordon.
Zan stood up slowly, his whole body starting to tense as he reached for his cigarettes. Lighting one, he tilted his head back, the rain sliding down over his face and bare chest as he stood there. He listened to the music as he tried to gather his thoughts together. How was he meant to tell Max what happened? What his family had done? What he had done?
Walking, waiting
Alone without a care
Hoping, and hating
Things that I can't bare
Phantom pain stole his breath away, ghostly headlights blinding him as he stared up at the night sky. He once more felt Rath’s hands in the middle of his back, and heard Ava scream out in pain and shock. Lonnie’s laughter echoed in his ears, along with the sickening crunch of bone. His bone.
Did you think it's cool to walk right up
To take my life and fuck it up
Well did you
Well did you
The smell of blood hung heavy in the air, causing him to gag slightly as his memories assaulted him from every angle. Rath humming as he held him in place on the ground with his powers, while combining his powers with Lonnie’s for extra boost. Ava crying as she struggled against Lonnie. And the squeal of tires on the wet road…
I see hell in your eyes
Taken in by surprise
Touching you makes me feel alive
Touching you makes me die inside
Pain. Undiluted pain. Crushing him. Spilling his blood. Taking his life. Leaving him dead in the street. “Oh yeah bro…you da man aiight…da man of death…fuck ya baby bro…I’m goin home!” Ava’s voice echoed in his head, her anguish tearing straight through him. “How could ya Zan? Ya let me think ya were dead! I hate ya. I’m never gonna forgive ya for this…never.” Her tears. Her pain. Her hatred.
Walking, waiting
Alone without a care
Hoping, and hating
Things that I can't bare
Pain as a cup broke against the wall above his head and showered him with the sharp shards. Ava throwing a knife at him. The metallic sound of metal hitting tiles as it skidded under a couch. Blinding pain as she grabbed a lamp and bought it down over his head and shoulders. Sudden anger mingling with his pain and guilt. Grabbing her arms as she scratched his face, and twisting her within his arms, so that her hands were locked in his, her arms crossed over her chest, her back pressed flush against his chest.
Did you think its cool to walk right up
To take my life and fuck it up
Well did you
I hate you
Her screams of indignation as he picked her struggling form up, and carried her over to the bed and pushed her onto the mattress. Her wild struggles as he straddled her hips, and pressed her hands between her body and his thighs. The ripping of cotton as he tore his tee shirt apart, and used the material to tie her first hand to the headboard.
I see hell in your eyes
Taken in by surprise
Touching you makes me feel alive
Touching you makes me die inside
Another scream of rage from Ava when she realised what he meant to do. The way her struggles had increased. Digging her nails into his hand when he grabbed her other hand. The tears of anger and humiliation that ran down her face. “I hate ya. I’m never gonna forgive ya for this…” “Yeah? Makes two of us babe…but them’s da breaks right?”
I've slept so long without you
It's tearing me apart, too
How to get this far
Playing games with this old heart
Ava crying herself to sleep, while lying with her arms stretched out above her head. She had started screaming, Zan finally gagging her with the scarf she wore at work. Now she lay exhausted, her face lined with tear tracks. Zan approached her carefully, looking down at her while she slept. “I’m sorry baby...I’m so sorry.” Lying down beside her, and slipping his arm across her waist.
I've killed a million petty souls
But I couldn't kill you
I've slept so long without you
Letting her loose the next morning so she could shower. Ava slapping his face, the flicker of fear appearing in her gaze when he grabbed her hand mid air, and twisted her within his arms once more, before pushing her into the bathroom. The fight that broke out once inside. Accusation, and recriminations. Zan simply turning the cold water on, and shoving Ava fully clothed into the shower, before turning his back on her. His first and last mistake in the week to come.
I see hell in your eyes
Taken in by surprise
Touching you makes me feel alive
Touching you makes me die inside
Ava jumping on his back, her knees an iron band around his still broken ribs. Falling to his knees, Ava hitting him as hard as she could. Twisting to the side, Ava landing with a thud. Both of them coming up fast. Ava swinging at him again, only to land on her ass when he swept his foot under hers and knocked her feet out from under her.
I see Hell in your eyes
Taken in by surprise
Touching you makes me feel alive
Touching you makes me die inside
Ava reaching under the couch for the knife, intent on stabbing him with it, causing him to dive for it too. His powers sending it into a molten puddle on the floor, his vision blurring when she slapped his face. Knocking her backwards with his hand, the breath knocked out of her lungs. Straddling her hips again, and forcing a connection. Her cry of pain as he knocked her out with his powers...
“Zan?”
Zan jumped, emerging from his memories as he turned to face Max. Max reached out, putting a firm hand on Zan’s shoulder as he started to sway. A frown crossed Max’s face; Zan still dazed as Max pulled his leather jacket off, and wrapped it around Zan’s cold body.
“Oh god…. You’re freezing Zan. Come on …let’s go home.”
Zan turned to look at Max then, Max seeing the lost little boy within the man. A man who was used to violence, and looking out for others. A man, who had never had anyone look after him. Who was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Home?”
“Home.”
Max smiled, slipping his arm around Zan’s shoulders and leading him over to the jeep. He pushed Zan gently into the passenger seat, and closed the door, before pulling his cell phone out his pocket and dialling Lyra’s number. She answered on the first ring.
“Ya survived?”
Max laughed softly.
“Yeah…but Zan’s in no shape to drive. He’s kinda…gone into himself. Can someone come and get the car?”
“Yeah…ya probably gonna get Kyan meetin ya at ya place… that aiight? He’s mad assed worried ‘bout Zan coz he felt him use a huge amount of power about five minutes after ya left, so he’s probably close to passin out anyways.”
“Yeah…. I’ll see him there”
“Just a word of warnin though Max…. da last time Zan did this? He kinda went all alien on us.”
“Ummm Lyra? He is an alien.”
Lyra snorted softly. “I mean 100% alien Max…it was damn scary man…if that happens? Ya gonna need all of us.”
Max said good-bye and hung up, and with a soft sigh, climbed into the Jeep. Looking over at Zan, he felt his worry rise again. Zan’s eyes were clouded over, a blank look covering his face. With a sigh, Max started the Jeep and started the trip home. Zan needed to face his past. Maybe then, they could all move forward.
Part 68. The language spoken in this is Spanish. Big thanks to Selena for helping me with the translations, which are at the end of the chapter. Enjoy.
Max pulled into the driveway and turned off the jeep. As he turned to face Zan, a single headlight cut through the darkness, Kyan pulling in beside him. Max watched as Kyan swung off the bike, concern stamped all over his face. He had obviously come straight there, because he wasn’t wearing his helmet or jacket, his hair and clothes saturated as he jogged over to the passenger side of the jeep. Kyan pulled the door open, and touched Zan’s shoulder gently.
“Zan…ya aiight man?”
Zan turned to face Kyan slowly, Kyan swallowing hard as tremors continued to wrack Zan’s body. Reaching around Zan’s body, Kyan released the seatbelt, and then slid his arms around Zan. Max slammed his door shut and jogged around to help Kyan, Kyan shooting him a look that clearly said “You and me are gonna have a sit down!” as Max slipped his arms around Zan from the other side.
Between the two of them, they supported Zan as he stumbled, helping him walk towards the front door. As they approached it, it swung open, revealing Isabel. Her mouth fell open, and she disappeared as they helped Zan inside. Isabel reappeared a few minutes later with a blanket in her hands. She swung it out and around Zan’s shoulders as Ava ran down the stairs.
“Kyan…towels are in the upstairs hall closet. I’ll make some coffee,” Isabel said softly, Kyan nodding.
Isabel and Ava were both still dressed for bed, wearing only tank tops, Isabel wearing pyjama pants, Ava wearing warn cargo pants low on her hips. Zan continued to sway on his feet as Ava reached out for him, her hands cradling his face as he lifted his gaze to hers. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close, leaning into her as he dropped his head onto her shoulder. Max let Zan slip completely out of his arms, a shocked sound escaping his mouth when Zan buckled and landed on his knees, taking Ava down with him.
Zan’s head rested on her right shoulder, Ava staring up at Max in shock. Ava bit her lip, sliding one hand around Zan’s waist, and stroking the nape of his neck with the other. She was kneeling between Zan’s spread thighs, his breathing slow against her shoulder. She felt his hand slide up her left arm to the strap of her top, his thumb hooking under the thin scrap of material. Her breath caught in her throat when he dragged it down her shoulder, his lips brushing the side of her neck.
Zan shivered suddenly, biting down gently on her neck, his soft moan muffled against her skin. His tongue scraped over the bite, sending shock waves of desire spiralling through both of them. Ava’s breath hitched, Zan sliding his arm further around her waist and tugging her closer, his arms tightening around her when she tried to lean back. A softly snarled warning echoed between them, Ava feeling his hand slide slowly up her back to tangle in her hair. He tugged gently, pulling Ava’s head back to expose the smooth skin of her throat.
Ava whimpered when she felt his lips suck slightly at her pulse, Zan slowly rising to a kneeling position, his arms bringing her body tightly against his. He continued to trail his lips slowly up the side of her throat, soft nips and warm sweeps of his tongue causing Ava to shiver continually within his embrace. The blanket fell to the floor, leaving a lot of bare skin under Ava’s hands, her soft moan not lost on Zan. He lifted his head slowly, Ava shivering again as he opened his eyes, the burning gold depths completely alien. Zan fisted his hand in her hair, his head tilting slightly as he stared down at her. He licked his lower lip slowly, his tongue piercing flashing in the dim light, before a slow smirk crossed his face.
“Eres mia…me perteneces…siempre…en esta vida... y el siguiente…siempre mia” Zan whispered heatedly.
Ava had time to blink once, before Zan tightened his grip, and caught her mouth with his. Her shocked gasp parting her lips and allowing Zan entrance to the warmth within. He didn’t waste any time, Ava jerking when she felt his tongue-piercing slide over her tongue, her soft moan swallowed by Zan as he kissed her leisurely, his tongue sliding teasingly along hers. Zan pulled back slowly, his eyes blazing with heat as he stared down into her dazed eyes.
Desire burnt brightly in his golden gaze, his free hand sliding down over her lower back to her ass, his grip firm as he pulled her even closer. Chest to chest. Hip to hip. Thigh to thigh. His breath skittered over her lips, Ava trembling with need as he caught her lips again, with a sound that was half snarl, half moan. All she could think was, “Oh God…oh god...” She knew what he was saying. She knew what he meant. And it burnt a path of fire straight through her. Zan knew seduction, and it was his greatest weapon against her, it always had been…and he was using it now…
Zan didn’t disappoint. He kissed her slowly. Intensely. And all the while, even though his tongue teased hers, even though his hands grew restless on her ass, he never lost control. Until he lifted his head once more, and stared down into eyes that were finally open to him. Reflecting need and want. Desire. Ava watched as Zan blinked slowly, his long eyelashes fanning down across his cheeks, before he opened his eyes again.
“Mina…”
Zan’s voice ended on a soft groan, his eyes fluttering shut as he started to lower his head again, Ava helpless as he entrapped her in a web of need and desire. She could feel his heart thumping against her chest, and with a soft groan, closed her eyes as Zan’s arms tightened around her. He caught her mouth again, the kiss instantly deep and full of need. Ava fisted her hand in his hair, Zan pushing her emotionally with his end of the connection, fuelling her desire by opening to her and letting his own desire crash into her as he continued to gently assault her mouth and neck with drugging kisses.
Ava groaned against Zan’s lips, causing his body to go taunt with awareness and need. Zan would have dragged her to the floor then, dragged her down and given them both what they wanted and needed, but Kyan saw what was happening as he came down the stairs, a soft curse escaping his lips. He grabbed Zan by the arm, breaking the moment, Ava gasping as she reopened her eyes.
“Zan…come on man…”
Kyan gently pulled Zan to his feet, Zan slowly opening his eyes. They were still burning gold, Zan’s hands clenching and unclenching as he swept the hallway with eyes that were blind to all but Ava. She was all he could see…all he wanted…needed…his whole body was aching with need, Zan holding his hand out to Ava in silent invitation.
“Aves…come ‘ere…. deseo soltarme dentro de ti… quiero sentirte envuelta a mi alrededor.”
Zan’s voice was low and hoarse, the command ringing clear in his voice as looked at her. Max stepped around him to help Ava to her feet, Ava backing away and taking Max with her slowly as Zan continued to look at her. Kyan tightened his grip as Zan took a step towards her, his desire and need rolling off of him in waves. Zan snarled softly at Kyan, who hissed under his breath, before speaking quietly. The words were lost on Max, who stared at them in fascination. It was the same language Zan had used before, the words lyrical and smooth.
“Zan… relajate…”
Zan snarled softly again, before issuing an order at Kyan.
“Sueltame Kyan...ahora.”
Kyan kept his voice low, his tone gentle, even though his grip on Zan’s arms was bruising.
“Estas cambiando muy rapido.... y estas asustando a Avaria... ahora relajate...”
“La necesito Ky…sueltame...”
“No puedo.”
“Ahora Kyan.... es una orden.”
“No puedo. Mirala Zan. Tu la amas... y lo sabes. ... Vuelve a nosotros, por favor.... ella te necesita.”
Zan took another step towards Ava, Kyan sighing softly, as he tightened his grip on Zan’s arms.
“Zan…please…come on man! Ya scarin me here Zan…come on…come back to me….”
Zan stopped, before shaking his head slightly. He blinked a few times, his eyes slowly turning hazel again as he turned to face Kyan in surprise. What the hell? How’d he get here? Why was he wet? And damn cold! What the fuck was going on?
“Kyan…what are ya doin here man? What da fucks goin on?”
Kyan scowled at Zan then, reaching out to slap him on the back of the head.
“Ya just went all Zanith on me man! Ya were talkin in fuckin antarien Zan! This has gone on long enough bro…sit ya punk ass down!”
Zan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he turned as if to ask Max a question. But as he turned, the full knowledge of what had happened that night came flooding back, Zan recoiling from the others with a low groan. Kyan grabbed his arm tightly, putting his face only centremetres from Zan’s, his eyes flooding silver and flashing with coldness as Kyan hissed angrily at him.
“NO! Enough Zan! This shit’s gone on for too long. I ain’t gonna sit back no more, and watch ya destroy yaself! It ends tonight…it all comes out now! Da truth man! Ya need to do this not only for yaself but for Aves too. If ya don’t, it’s gonna destroy ya both! Got it!”
Zan nodded silently, Kyan releasing him and stalking into the lounge room. He sat down with a soft curse, pointing at the couch in front of him.
“Sit…da lot of ya.”
Isabel, Max, Ava and Zan walked into the lounge room quietly, sitting down as Kyan continued to glare at Zan. It wasn’t anger he was feeling, and Zan knew this. It was frustration. Kyan glanced at the small pile of broken wood near his feet, that had once been the coffee table, a snort of anger escaping his mouth as he waved his hand over the pile. The table reformed slowly, Kyan waving his hand over the freshly repaired surface.
The surface flickered before turning opaque, much as it had when Jy showed them how he knew them a few nights ago at the café. Kyan looked up, watching as Max, Ava and Isabel all came over and knelt by the table. Zan remained on the couch opposite Kyan. He knew what Kyan was going to do. Knew it in his heart. He didn’t need to see it replayed again.
The two aliens shared a long look, before Kyan smirked. “Ya my boy…my best mate…so get ya ass over here now…. or I’ll give ya an ass kicking that made the one you gave Max look like a bitch fight…all face slappin and hair pullin.”
Zan shook his head slightly, Kyan pointing at the floor.
“Now Zan…ya need to see this as I saw it…ya need to see why ya ain’t to blame…please man…”
Zan shuddered, but rose from the couch silently, and came to kneel by Isabel’s side. Kyan looked around the table silently. Max. Ava. Isabel. Zan. He shook his head slightly, before waving his hand once more, and showing them why Zan was as broken as he was. Why he had issues with trust. With anger. And why, Kyan had come to Roswell in the first place. Pure revenge. For the man he considered his best friend, and for those who had betrayed him. It was time… for Zan to find redemption…. to find home. The tabletop flickered, before Zan’s life was played out, in shocking clarity…
Translations….
“You’re mine…you belong to me…always…in this life…and the next…always mine.”
“Mine…”
“Aves…come ‘ere…I wanna loose myself in ya…I wanna feel ya wrapped around me.”
And….
“Zan… relax…”
Zan snarled softly again, before issuing an order at Kyan.
“Let go of me Ky…now.”
Kyan kept his voice low, his tone gentle, even though his grip on Zan’s arms was bruising.
“You’re changing too fast man…. you’re scaring Avaria…now relax…”
“I need her Kyan…let me go…”
“I can’t.”
“Now Kyan…. that’s an order.”
“I can’t. Look at her Zan. You love her…you know this. Please…come back to us…. she needs you.”
“Slept so long” ~ Jay Gordon.
Zan stood up slowly, his whole body starting to tense as he reached for his cigarettes. Lighting one, he tilted his head back, the rain sliding down over his face and bare chest as he stood there. He listened to the music as he tried to gather his thoughts together. How was he meant to tell Max what happened? What his family had done? What he had done?
Walking, waiting
Alone without a care
Hoping, and hating
Things that I can't bare
Phantom pain stole his breath away, ghostly headlights blinding him as he stared up at the night sky. He once more felt Rath’s hands in the middle of his back, and heard Ava scream out in pain and shock. Lonnie’s laughter echoed in his ears, along with the sickening crunch of bone. His bone.
Did you think it's cool to walk right up
To take my life and fuck it up
Well did you
Well did you
The smell of blood hung heavy in the air, causing him to gag slightly as his memories assaulted him from every angle. Rath humming as he held him in place on the ground with his powers, while combining his powers with Lonnie’s for extra boost. Ava crying as she struggled against Lonnie. And the squeal of tires on the wet road…
I see hell in your eyes
Taken in by surprise
Touching you makes me feel alive
Touching you makes me die inside
Pain. Undiluted pain. Crushing him. Spilling his blood. Taking his life. Leaving him dead in the street. “Oh yeah bro…you da man aiight…da man of death…fuck ya baby bro…I’m goin home!” Ava’s voice echoed in his head, her anguish tearing straight through him. “How could ya Zan? Ya let me think ya were dead! I hate ya. I’m never gonna forgive ya for this…never.” Her tears. Her pain. Her hatred.
Walking, waiting
Alone without a care
Hoping, and hating
Things that I can't bare
Pain as a cup broke against the wall above his head and showered him with the sharp shards. Ava throwing a knife at him. The metallic sound of metal hitting tiles as it skidded under a couch. Blinding pain as she grabbed a lamp and bought it down over his head and shoulders. Sudden anger mingling with his pain and guilt. Grabbing her arms as she scratched his face, and twisting her within his arms, so that her hands were locked in his, her arms crossed over her chest, her back pressed flush against his chest.
Did you think its cool to walk right up
To take my life and fuck it up
Well did you
I hate you
Her screams of indignation as he picked her struggling form up, and carried her over to the bed and pushed her onto the mattress. Her wild struggles as he straddled her hips, and pressed her hands between her body and his thighs. The ripping of cotton as he tore his tee shirt apart, and used the material to tie her first hand to the headboard.
I see hell in your eyes
Taken in by surprise
Touching you makes me feel alive
Touching you makes me die inside
Another scream of rage from Ava when she realised what he meant to do. The way her struggles had increased. Digging her nails into his hand when he grabbed her other hand. The tears of anger and humiliation that ran down her face. “I hate ya. I’m never gonna forgive ya for this…” “Yeah? Makes two of us babe…but them’s da breaks right?”
I've slept so long without you
It's tearing me apart, too
How to get this far
Playing games with this old heart
Ava crying herself to sleep, while lying with her arms stretched out above her head. She had started screaming, Zan finally gagging her with the scarf she wore at work. Now she lay exhausted, her face lined with tear tracks. Zan approached her carefully, looking down at her while she slept. “I’m sorry baby...I’m so sorry.” Lying down beside her, and slipping his arm across her waist.
I've killed a million petty souls
But I couldn't kill you
I've slept so long without you
Letting her loose the next morning so she could shower. Ava slapping his face, the flicker of fear appearing in her gaze when he grabbed her hand mid air, and twisted her within his arms once more, before pushing her into the bathroom. The fight that broke out once inside. Accusation, and recriminations. Zan simply turning the cold water on, and shoving Ava fully clothed into the shower, before turning his back on her. His first and last mistake in the week to come.
I see hell in your eyes
Taken in by surprise
Touching you makes me feel alive
Touching you makes me die inside
Ava jumping on his back, her knees an iron band around his still broken ribs. Falling to his knees, Ava hitting him as hard as she could. Twisting to the side, Ava landing with a thud. Both of them coming up fast. Ava swinging at him again, only to land on her ass when he swept his foot under hers and knocked her feet out from under her.
I see Hell in your eyes
Taken in by surprise
Touching you makes me feel alive
Touching you makes me die inside
Ava reaching under the couch for the knife, intent on stabbing him with it, causing him to dive for it too. His powers sending it into a molten puddle on the floor, his vision blurring when she slapped his face. Knocking her backwards with his hand, the breath knocked out of her lungs. Straddling her hips again, and forcing a connection. Her cry of pain as he knocked her out with his powers...
“Zan?”
Zan jumped, emerging from his memories as he turned to face Max. Max reached out, putting a firm hand on Zan’s shoulder as he started to sway. A frown crossed Max’s face; Zan still dazed as Max pulled his leather jacket off, and wrapped it around Zan’s cold body.
“Oh god…. You’re freezing Zan. Come on …let’s go home.”
Zan turned to look at Max then, Max seeing the lost little boy within the man. A man who was used to violence, and looking out for others. A man, who had never had anyone look after him. Who was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Home?”
“Home.”
Max smiled, slipping his arm around Zan’s shoulders and leading him over to the jeep. He pushed Zan gently into the passenger seat, and closed the door, before pulling his cell phone out his pocket and dialling Lyra’s number. She answered on the first ring.
“Ya survived?”
Max laughed softly.
“Yeah…but Zan’s in no shape to drive. He’s kinda…gone into himself. Can someone come and get the car?”
“Yeah…ya probably gonna get Kyan meetin ya at ya place… that aiight? He’s mad assed worried ‘bout Zan coz he felt him use a huge amount of power about five minutes after ya left, so he’s probably close to passin out anyways.”
“Yeah…. I’ll see him there”
“Just a word of warnin though Max…. da last time Zan did this? He kinda went all alien on us.”
“Ummm Lyra? He is an alien.”
Lyra snorted softly. “I mean 100% alien Max…it was damn scary man…if that happens? Ya gonna need all of us.”
Max said good-bye and hung up, and with a soft sigh, climbed into the Jeep. Looking over at Zan, he felt his worry rise again. Zan’s eyes were clouded over, a blank look covering his face. With a sigh, Max started the Jeep and started the trip home. Zan needed to face his past. Maybe then, they could all move forward.
Part 68. The language spoken in this is Spanish. Big thanks to Selena for helping me with the translations, which are at the end of the chapter. Enjoy.
Max pulled into the driveway and turned off the jeep. As he turned to face Zan, a single headlight cut through the darkness, Kyan pulling in beside him. Max watched as Kyan swung off the bike, concern stamped all over his face. He had obviously come straight there, because he wasn’t wearing his helmet or jacket, his hair and clothes saturated as he jogged over to the passenger side of the jeep. Kyan pulled the door open, and touched Zan’s shoulder gently.
“Zan…ya aiight man?”
Zan turned to face Kyan slowly, Kyan swallowing hard as tremors continued to wrack Zan’s body. Reaching around Zan’s body, Kyan released the seatbelt, and then slid his arms around Zan. Max slammed his door shut and jogged around to help Kyan, Kyan shooting him a look that clearly said “You and me are gonna have a sit down!” as Max slipped his arms around Zan from the other side.
Between the two of them, they supported Zan as he stumbled, helping him walk towards the front door. As they approached it, it swung open, revealing Isabel. Her mouth fell open, and she disappeared as they helped Zan inside. Isabel reappeared a few minutes later with a blanket in her hands. She swung it out and around Zan’s shoulders as Ava ran down the stairs.
“Kyan…towels are in the upstairs hall closet. I’ll make some coffee,” Isabel said softly, Kyan nodding.
Isabel and Ava were both still dressed for bed, wearing only tank tops, Isabel wearing pyjama pants, Ava wearing warn cargo pants low on her hips. Zan continued to sway on his feet as Ava reached out for him, her hands cradling his face as he lifted his gaze to hers. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close, leaning into her as he dropped his head onto her shoulder. Max let Zan slip completely out of his arms, a shocked sound escaping his mouth when Zan buckled and landed on his knees, taking Ava down with him.
Zan’s head rested on her right shoulder, Ava staring up at Max in shock. Ava bit her lip, sliding one hand around Zan’s waist, and stroking the nape of his neck with the other. She was kneeling between Zan’s spread thighs, his breathing slow against her shoulder. She felt his hand slide up her left arm to the strap of her top, his thumb hooking under the thin scrap of material. Her breath caught in her throat when he dragged it down her shoulder, his lips brushing the side of her neck.
Zan shivered suddenly, biting down gently on her neck, his soft moan muffled against her skin. His tongue scraped over the bite, sending shock waves of desire spiralling through both of them. Ava’s breath hitched, Zan sliding his arm further around her waist and tugging her closer, his arms tightening around her when she tried to lean back. A softly snarled warning echoed between them, Ava feeling his hand slide slowly up her back to tangle in her hair. He tugged gently, pulling Ava’s head back to expose the smooth skin of her throat.
Ava whimpered when she felt his lips suck slightly at her pulse, Zan slowly rising to a kneeling position, his arms bringing her body tightly against his. He continued to trail his lips slowly up the side of her throat, soft nips and warm sweeps of his tongue causing Ava to shiver continually within his embrace. The blanket fell to the floor, leaving a lot of bare skin under Ava’s hands, her soft moan not lost on Zan. He lifted his head slowly, Ava shivering again as he opened his eyes, the burning gold depths completely alien. Zan fisted his hand in her hair, his head tilting slightly as he stared down at her. He licked his lower lip slowly, his tongue piercing flashing in the dim light, before a slow smirk crossed his face.
“Eres mia…me perteneces…siempre…en esta vida... y el siguiente…siempre mia” Zan whispered heatedly.
Ava had time to blink once, before Zan tightened his grip, and caught her mouth with his. Her shocked gasp parting her lips and allowing Zan entrance to the warmth within. He didn’t waste any time, Ava jerking when she felt his tongue-piercing slide over her tongue, her soft moan swallowed by Zan as he kissed her leisurely, his tongue sliding teasingly along hers. Zan pulled back slowly, his eyes blazing with heat as he stared down into her dazed eyes.
Desire burnt brightly in his golden gaze, his free hand sliding down over her lower back to her ass, his grip firm as he pulled her even closer. Chest to chest. Hip to hip. Thigh to thigh. His breath skittered over her lips, Ava trembling with need as he caught her lips again, with a sound that was half snarl, half moan. All she could think was, “Oh God…oh god...” She knew what he was saying. She knew what he meant. And it burnt a path of fire straight through her. Zan knew seduction, and it was his greatest weapon against her, it always had been…and he was using it now…
Zan didn’t disappoint. He kissed her slowly. Intensely. And all the while, even though his tongue teased hers, even though his hands grew restless on her ass, he never lost control. Until he lifted his head once more, and stared down into eyes that were finally open to him. Reflecting need and want. Desire. Ava watched as Zan blinked slowly, his long eyelashes fanning down across his cheeks, before he opened his eyes again.
“Mina…”
Zan’s voice ended on a soft groan, his eyes fluttering shut as he started to lower his head again, Ava helpless as he entrapped her in a web of need and desire. She could feel his heart thumping against her chest, and with a soft groan, closed her eyes as Zan’s arms tightened around her. He caught her mouth again, the kiss instantly deep and full of need. Ava fisted her hand in his hair, Zan pushing her emotionally with his end of the connection, fuelling her desire by opening to her and letting his own desire crash into her as he continued to gently assault her mouth and neck with drugging kisses.
Ava groaned against Zan’s lips, causing his body to go taunt with awareness and need. Zan would have dragged her to the floor then, dragged her down and given them both what they wanted and needed, but Kyan saw what was happening as he came down the stairs, a soft curse escaping his lips. He grabbed Zan by the arm, breaking the moment, Ava gasping as she reopened her eyes.
“Zan…come on man…”
Kyan gently pulled Zan to his feet, Zan slowly opening his eyes. They were still burning gold, Zan’s hands clenching and unclenching as he swept the hallway with eyes that were blind to all but Ava. She was all he could see…all he wanted…needed…his whole body was aching with need, Zan holding his hand out to Ava in silent invitation.
“Aves…come ‘ere…. deseo soltarme dentro de ti… quiero sentirte envuelta a mi alrededor.”
Zan’s voice was low and hoarse, the command ringing clear in his voice as looked at her. Max stepped around him to help Ava to her feet, Ava backing away and taking Max with her slowly as Zan continued to look at her. Kyan tightened his grip as Zan took a step towards her, his desire and need rolling off of him in waves. Zan snarled softly at Kyan, who hissed under his breath, before speaking quietly. The words were lost on Max, who stared at them in fascination. It was the same language Zan had used before, the words lyrical and smooth.
“Zan… relajate…”
Zan snarled softly again, before issuing an order at Kyan.
“Sueltame Kyan...ahora.”
Kyan kept his voice low, his tone gentle, even though his grip on Zan’s arms was bruising.
“Estas cambiando muy rapido.... y estas asustando a Avaria... ahora relajate...”
“La necesito Ky…sueltame...”
“No puedo.”
“Ahora Kyan.... es una orden.”
“No puedo. Mirala Zan. Tu la amas... y lo sabes. ... Vuelve a nosotros, por favor.... ella te necesita.”
Zan took another step towards Ava, Kyan sighing softly, as he tightened his grip on Zan’s arms.
“Zan…please…come on man! Ya scarin me here Zan…come on…come back to me….”
Zan stopped, before shaking his head slightly. He blinked a few times, his eyes slowly turning hazel again as he turned to face Kyan in surprise. What the hell? How’d he get here? Why was he wet? And damn cold! What the fuck was going on?
“Kyan…what are ya doin here man? What da fucks goin on?”
Kyan scowled at Zan then, reaching out to slap him on the back of the head.
“Ya just went all Zanith on me man! Ya were talkin in fuckin antarien Zan! This has gone on long enough bro…sit ya punk ass down!”
Zan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he turned as if to ask Max a question. But as he turned, the full knowledge of what had happened that night came flooding back, Zan recoiling from the others with a low groan. Kyan grabbed his arm tightly, putting his face only centremetres from Zan’s, his eyes flooding silver and flashing with coldness as Kyan hissed angrily at him.
“NO! Enough Zan! This shit’s gone on for too long. I ain’t gonna sit back no more, and watch ya destroy yaself! It ends tonight…it all comes out now! Da truth man! Ya need to do this not only for yaself but for Aves too. If ya don’t, it’s gonna destroy ya both! Got it!”
Zan nodded silently, Kyan releasing him and stalking into the lounge room. He sat down with a soft curse, pointing at the couch in front of him.
“Sit…da lot of ya.”
Isabel, Max, Ava and Zan walked into the lounge room quietly, sitting down as Kyan continued to glare at Zan. It wasn’t anger he was feeling, and Zan knew this. It was frustration. Kyan glanced at the small pile of broken wood near his feet, that had once been the coffee table, a snort of anger escaping his mouth as he waved his hand over the pile. The table reformed slowly, Kyan waving his hand over the freshly repaired surface.
The surface flickered before turning opaque, much as it had when Jy showed them how he knew them a few nights ago at the café. Kyan looked up, watching as Max, Ava and Isabel all came over and knelt by the table. Zan remained on the couch opposite Kyan. He knew what Kyan was going to do. Knew it in his heart. He didn’t need to see it replayed again.
The two aliens shared a long look, before Kyan smirked. “Ya my boy…my best mate…so get ya ass over here now…. or I’ll give ya an ass kicking that made the one you gave Max look like a bitch fight…all face slappin and hair pullin.”
Zan shook his head slightly, Kyan pointing at the floor.
“Now Zan…ya need to see this as I saw it…ya need to see why ya ain’t to blame…please man…”
Zan shuddered, but rose from the couch silently, and came to kneel by Isabel’s side. Kyan looked around the table silently. Max. Ava. Isabel. Zan. He shook his head slightly, before waving his hand once more, and showing them why Zan was as broken as he was. Why he had issues with trust. With anger. And why, Kyan had come to Roswell in the first place. Pure revenge. For the man he considered his best friend, and for those who had betrayed him. It was time… for Zan to find redemption…. to find home. The tabletop flickered, before Zan’s life was played out, in shocking clarity…
Translations….
“You’re mine…you belong to me…always…in this life…and the next…always mine.”
“Mine…”
“Aves…come ‘ere…I wanna loose myself in ya…I wanna feel ya wrapped around me.”
And….
“Zan… relax…”
Zan snarled softly again, before issuing an order at Kyan.
“Let go of me Ky…now.”
Kyan kept his voice low, his tone gentle, even though his grip on Zan’s arms was bruising.
“You’re changing too fast man…. you’re scaring Avaria…now relax…”
“I need her Kyan…let me go…”
“I can’t.”
“Now Kyan…. that’s an order.”
“I can’t. Look at her Zan. You love her…you know this. Please…come back to us…. she needs you.”
It all started with a boy, a girl, and a silver handprint.