Redemption. CC M/L Adult. chaps 102 & Epilogue 21/11/20

[majiklmoon]

Part 69.

I’ve trimmed this part of meet the dupes for a reason. And don’t forget…this look means thoughts. I also realised that what I want you to see won’t fit into two chapters…so you get four today…. One other warning…this is graphic…really graphic…if that makes you uneasy, for gods sake, don’t read it. Enjoy.

Zan jogged up the steps of Canal Street station, his long strides taking him down Lafayette Street quickly. Ava stuck by his side, Zan smirking when he saw the businessman coming towards them. Prime pickings tonight! Zan deliberately bumped into the man hurrying past, quick fingers taking his wallet and passing it to Rath as Rath walked past him. As they passed the local fruit stand, Zan paused momentarily, Rath smirking at him as Zan casually waved his hand, the supports holding the trays of fruit up collapsing and sending fruit rolling in every direction.

Ava, Lonnie and Rath all turned at the commotion, Ava snorting with laughter and clapping her hands as Zan strolled over to her side. Lonnie raided the till, while Rath made sure the owners were occupied, Zan taking the moment to smirk lustily down into Ava’s eyes. She blushed in response, Zan sucking his lower lip between his teeth when he saw she received the message he was sending.

“We gotta talk later Zan…”

Zan nodded as he reached out, trailing his fingertip down over her breast, all the while staring at her through lowered lashes. Trailing his finger down over her stomach, he lingered at the smooth expanse of skin between her top and skirt, before letting his finger fall away. Ava lowered her eyes, Zan smirking as he took an orange.

“Yeah baby…. we gotta…‘talk’…aiight” he murmered huskily, before turning to walk away, leaving Ava blushing as she stared after him.

* * * * * * *

Rath hustled two young guys out of their basketball, Zan smirking again as they continued to walk.. He glanced back at Ava, a knowing smirk crossing his face when she blushed again. Life was good…money to burn, and down time with his woman were on the cards. Zan licked his lower lip again. Down time indeed…

“They contacted us again last night. Same invite. We gotta tell 'em somethin.”

Zan looked over at Rath and smirked slightly. ‘When are ya gonna learn?’

“Tell 'em no.”

Lonnie’s voice cut through the night air, cold and filled with outrage.

“Yo, you sayin' we ain't going to da summit?”

He smirked again, sparing her a glance. ‘That’s right Lon …I’m still in charge here.’

“That's what I'm sayin.”

Rath got upset, his powers spiking as he stared at Zan in disbelief.

“Yo, that's messed up, duke. This is da only time we've ever been contacted.”

Zan smirked again, dismissing Rath’s concerns with a casual wave of his hand.

“Phfft. Whatever. That's it.”

He’d made his decision. But when Ava spoke up, her voice was unsure. Fear rang in her voice. ‘What da hell? …Aves?’

“But Zan, we tell 'em no, they won't ask again.”

Zan glanced back at her. Sure enough…something was up. She was scared.

“Tell 'em hell no,” Zan said, with a quick jerk of his eyebrows at her. ‘Aves? Trust me babe.’

Rath got up in his face, Zan immediately going on the defensive.

“What is up with you, man? I'm tired of you! I'll go by myself!”

Zan smirked, lowering his gaze to hide his growing anger. ‘Ya always gotta step up don’t ya…when are ya gonna fuckin learn?’

“They don't want da numba two...”

Zan looked up again, a smirk crossing his face. ‘That’s right Rath…look at me man.’

“They want da Royal Four.”

His voice ended on a purr, Zan locking eyes with Rath. Rath stared at him disbelief and growing anger.

“Why don't we go and see what they gotta say? Why don't we go and get da answers?”

Zan got angry again. ‘Why wouldn’t they back me for once? Why do they always have to step to da mark with me on this?’

“What if it's a set-up?” ‘I know it’s a set up…they want somethin…. I ain’t goin down over this shit!’

Rath shook his head, his eyes contradicting his actions. ‘What do ya know ‘bout this?’

“No, it's not a set-up! They need us!” ‘For what…‘bro’…’

Zan scowled then, and stepped towards Rath. His jaw tightened in anger, as they stood nose-to-nose, Zan staring at Rath with unwavering eyes. When he spoke his voice was low and cold, Rath lowering his eyes in humiliation.

“I'm da man…don't forget…”

Lonnie stepped in, playing the peacemaker. She took the ball from Rath, tossing it between her hands as she stared at them with boredom in her eyes. But her body was tense, knowledge shinning in her eyes as she stared at Rath.

“Yo…guys…it's been a mad long day. Let's just chill.”

Rath looked Zan in the eyes again; fear starting to cloud his own as he looked back into the gold depths of Zan’s eyes, which had gone cold with knowledge. Zan continued to glare at Rath, his jaw ticking as he scowled. Rath finally backed down with a sigh.

“Yeah…you da man.” ‘Don’t ya ever forget it either…’

Zan held his hand up, an offering of peace. Rath took it, the two guys shaking hands as they turned to walk again. Zan smirked slightly, gripping Rath’s neck in a subtle submissive gesture, showing him once more who made the decisions in this family. He never saw the looks Lonnie and Rath exchanged behind him. But Ava did, her eyes flicking back and forth in growing trepidation between Rath and Lonnie as her pace slowed.

Lonnie bounced the ball past him, Zan smirking as he took a couple of steps and bent down to grab the ball. He caught it, his senses letting him know he was in trouble a split second before it happened. He felt Rath’s hands in the middle of his back, his powers lending him an edge as he pushed Zan off of the curb and into the street. Zan hit the road hard, the ball bouncing free of his hands and rolling away.

The gravel on the road bit into his stomach and hands, the sting snapping him back into reality quickly as he lifted his head. Something was holding him down…why couldn’t he move? Then he saw something…something that blinded him. Twin headlights, speeding up…they were holding him down…they wanted him dead!

“Nooo!”

Ava’s voice cut through the noise in his mind, Zan having time enough for one harsh explosion of breath, even as he struggled against their combined powers.

“Shit…Ava…”

Zan closed his eyes, but it wasn’t enough. Pain exploded down his left side, and travelling through his body as the truck rolled over the top of him, crushing him beneath its wheels, and dragging him fifty odd metres down the street, before he was thrown free out the other side. He lay on his back, staring up at the night sky as his breathing slowed.

He knew he was screwed. He could tell what injuries he had. His left side was crushed, his lung collapsed. Deep lacerations covered his face and left arm, his lungs slowly filling with blood. Footsteps walked towards him unhurried, Lonnie’s mocking laughter ringing in his ears as her face came into view.

“Oh yeah bro…you da man aiight…da man of death…fuck ya baby bro…I’m goin home!”

Zan’s breath caught in his throat, Lonnie crouching down so she could see straight into his eyes. Eyes, which were slowly clouding over with death.

“That’s right…bro…I want ya to die knowin this…I’ve won twice now…and spilt ya blood both times…so how does it feel Zan? Knowin that I’m still fuckin ya enemy…and getting off on it? Ya think ya da man? Ya gonna die in da gutter bro…while I live da life I was meant to…as queen.” Her voice remained soft…confidential…showing just how insane she really was.

Lonnie stood up, Zan faintly hearing Ava running towards them, as she finally broke free from Rath’s grip. She fell to her knees at his side, her hands hovering above him helplessly as he stared up at her. Tears ran down her face, her breathing harsh even as his grew laboured. Zan felt Ava grasp his right hand tightly, her thumb rubbing his flesh soothingly.

“Don’t leave me Zan…don’t ya leave me…” Her voice was tight with tears, yet she held them inside.

Zan blinked once slowly, before closing his eyes. Ava’s sobs burst free, even as she bent down and pressed her lips against his. Her tears stung his face, Zan keeping his eyes shut even as he continued to bleed to death in the street. He couldn’t look into her tear filled eyes, knowing he would never see them again. Rath’s heavy footfalls approached, Ava crying out in pain as he jerked her cruelly to her feet by her hair. He swung her around and into his arms, Rath kissing her hard on the lips even as she struggled to break free of him.

“I’m gonna enjoy bendin ya over and fuckin ya Aves. Ya know that I’ve wanted ya for ages girl…without da pit bull ‘round, I can bounce on that sweet ass of yours…whenever I want…however I want…and no ones gonna hear ya scream…”

‘Aves…’

“Let go of me Rath! …No! …Let go of me…don’t touch me! Let me go…” The sound of a fist striking flesh echoed, Ava crying out in pain.

“Whore! …I’m gonna enjoy ya tonight Ava…howz ‘bout it? …Blowin da man who killed ya lover…not that ya was getting none lately…he was too busy fuckin real woman Aves…I’m gonna split ya in two…eat ya alive…and ya gonna love it…”

‘Aves…’

Zan’s breathing slowed even more, the pain brutal. He couldn’t feel his legs… Their footsteps faded away, Lonnie laughing, Rath taunting Ava, who was crying and begging them to let her go. He coughed weakly, blood bubbling up out of his mouth and running freely down the side of his face. He couldn’t breathe…he was drowning in his own blood...

‘Aves…’

The silence of the night returned, Zan weakly opening his eyes and staring up at the sky once more. His last thought flickered through his mind, before he stopped fighting, his life spilling onto the ground as he died. To young. To powerful. To alien. Alone. Murdered by his own sister. He lay broken in the street, his eyes open as he stared blindly at the sky as death settled over him like a shroud, clouding his golden eyes as his spirit fled the scene of death…

‘Av…’

* * * * * *

Blinding pain suddenly returned, Zan screaming out in agony as a bolt of pure energy was pulsed directly into his heart, starting the powerful muscle once more, and bringing him back to life. Tears slid down his face, mingling with his blood. For the first time in his life, he started crying, the pain too much to tolerate.

“Zan! You fuckin stay with me bro…open ya eyes man! Open ya fuckin eyes…Jy… Come on Zan… JY! …Come on bro…stay with me now…stay with me…JY!!!!”

‘Kyan? Are ya cryin man?’

Footsteps thudded towards them at break neck speed, only to come to a sudden stop.

“Oh Jesus…careful, I think his back’s broken…careful…that’s right Zan…that’s right man…NO! Don’t ya close your eyes Zan…Kyan…talk to him man…keep him with us…Kyan, what da fuck happened? Who did this to him?”

Warm hands caressed his broken body, too quickly becoming slick with blood.

“Rath and Lonnie man…I was tailin ‘em like we decided, and Rath pushed him in front of a fuckin truck and they…ZAN! Open ya eyes bro…I know it hurts man…come on…come on…I was too far away to stop it…he wasn’t comin to da party, and they wanted to step up in style on Antar yo, so they went to Niko…ZAN!”

‘Let me die…please Jy…I can’t take it…Ky…please…let me go…let me…’

“How da fuck are we gonna move him Jy? What da fuck are we gonna do? Jesus man…I ain’t ever seen so much friggen blood before!”

“Knock him out Kyan…if we move him when he’s awake, the shock will probably kill him…we ain’t got a choice man.”

“I can’t Jy…look at his fuckin face man! Da left side is half fuckin gone! I ain’t gonna hurt him no more than he already is Jy…I just can’t man…”

“Aiight…Zan…look at me man…I’m sorry…aiight...Ky…don’t look man.”

Zan looked up at Jy, who winced as he pulled his left fist back, and drove it against Zan’s jaw. The sound of bone breaking echoed, along with Jy’s howl of pain, and then Zan knew nothing…

Part 70.

Kyan sat back, looking at the others silently. Max looked like he was going to be sick, his face pale, and his mouth tight. Isabel was pale with horror, her hand pressed over her mouth as she stared at the frozen image on the table. Ava had tears sliding down her face silently, the memories all too soon for her. And Zan…Kyan winced at the look on his face. It was the same look he had on his face the day he found out Ava was missing. Pure misery.

“Ya ready for da rest?” Kyan asked in a low voice. They nodded weakly, Zan looking away silently. He knew what was to come…

“Serena! Open da fuckin door!”

“Oh my god Jy…put him down in our room…careful…oh my god…he’s bleedin to death Jy…get Lyra…hurry!”

He’d come to half way home, Kyan and Jy trying to heal his back enough so they wouldn’t do anymore damage. Zan choked on a strangled scream as he was carefully laid down on a bed, his blood soaking into the sheets. Jy and Kyan were covered with it, Kyan running his hands through his hair desperately, and turning the blonde tips red with the blood that coated his hands. He knelt beside Zan, who’s skin was slowly turning grey with blood loss.

“Kyan…Ky…”

“Stay with me Zan…I promise ya man, I’m gonna kill ‘em for this…I’ll crucify ‘em…I’ll fuckin tear ‘em in half, and burn ‘em alive… I swear it man…. just stay with me…stay…JY!”

“What Kyan!!…Oh Jesus…”

“His heart’s stopped again Jy…I’ve already hit him with power once…. what if I overload his system…what if I can’t bring him back again?”

“Then we heal that too…jolt him again Kyan…he’s strong…it’s gonna be aiight…”

* * * * * * * *

Pain returned, Zan screaming out in agony.

“Noooo…AVA!”

“Stay with me damnit Zan! Ya can die later! Not now…not now…it ain’t ya time bro…it ain’t ya time…we got plans remember? Ya gotta stay…” Kyan’s voice broke, and he fell silent.

“Lyra…we need ya power to boost ours…. this is gonna suck people…. but we have to heal da most damage first…what ever is killin him…da rest can wait…Serena…what’s wrong with him?”

“Broken back. Broken leg. Broken arm. Broken pelvis. Broken shoulder. Broken collarbone. Basically? His left side’s fucked…its crushed man… his rib cage is shattered. Left lung has collapsed. Right lung is pierced with bone fragment. He’s drownin in his own blood …he’s dyin from internal bleedin Jy. His spleen is ruptured. His jaw is shattered on da right…who da fuck broke his jaw?” Her clinical voice took on an angry tone.

“I did when I knocked him out…I had no choice…”

“Its aiight Jy…Zan can kick ya ass later aiight…I’ll hit his back…. fix da break more than ya did to carry him here, coz otherwise there ain’t no point in doin this, coz he ain’t ever gonna walk again if we don’t do this right…Jy…. you concentrate on his ribcage and lungs…Lyra…ya with me…. Kyan…look man, ya too shaken for this…ya watch Zan…. tell me if anything happens….aiight? Ya fuckin watch him like a hawk.”

Zan screamed again when his body was suddenly jolted with pure power. Tears streamed down his face relentlessly, strong hands pressing him down firmly on the bed.

“Nooo…noooo…oh god….AVA!”

The power settled down into a constant stream, Zan able to hear bone grating against bone as his rib cage slowly reformed and lifted back into place. Soothing power ran along his spine, repairing bone and nerves. The weight crushing his chest slowly lifted, Zan coughing violently as his lungs inflated suddenly, blood erupting from between grey lips.

“Roll him over!”

Zan could feel power applied directly to his lungs, forcing him to breathe and he choked, before vomiting blood all over the floor. The movement caused pain to erupt all over his face, his jaw throbbing relentlessly. When he stopped being sick, he was rolled onto his back again. He opened his eyes weakly, staring up at Kyan who was holding him down. The two aliens stared at each other, Zan too weak to be shocked at the tears that slid down Kyan’s face.

‘Let me die…I can’t take it no more…’

“Stay with me Zan…stay with me…stay with me…” Kyan whispered.

Zan moved his hand weakly, brushing his fingertips against Kyan’s hand. Kyan didn’t even blink, grabbing Zan’s hand and holding it tightly, giving Zan an anchor to the world his body was struggling to throw him from. Kyan swallowed, before reaching out and running his hand ever so slowly across Zan’s face, healing his jaw and the lacerations on his face as carefully as he could.

When he was done, he wiped his thumb under Zan’s eye, sweeping away the tears that clung to his best friends lashes. The tears continued to flow though, running through the blood on his face and onto the pillow his head rested on, while Kyan’s slid down his face and dropped onto Zan’s chest. Time slid past slowly, Kyan and Zan locking eyes and staying that way. Two hours later, Serena’s tired voice echoed around the silent room.

“Kyan…it’s done. Da worst of it fixed…da rest can be done later. He’s gonna need to rest…”

Kyan looked down at Zan, who blinked slowly, his throat tight with tears. He saw Kyan reach out again, and brush fingers that suddenly glowed over his brow. Kyan continued to stare at him, as Zan’s body grew heavy, his eyelashes fluttering.

“Sleep bro…I got ya…I ain’t gonna leave ya side…I promise ya…just sleep…. just sleep…”

* * * * * * * *

Zan’s eyes opened slowly. He felt sick…his whole body was wracked with tremors as he lay there silently. The copper taste of blood in his mouth was as heavy as the stench of it in the air. He blinked slowly, wondering where he was, and what had happened. He wasn’t underground…it was too quiet for that…

“Ava?”

His voice came out in a croak, his vocal cords rusty from lack of use. He moved his hand, a soft metallic ping echoing in the quiet room.

‘What da? …’

Zan turned his head slowly, feeling the pillow under his head give way. It was stiff with…was that blood?

‘What da fuck?’

A pole gleamed in the moonlight, Zan blinking slowly as he looked at it. A bag with clear fluid hung from it, another bag holding dark liquid. A soft shaft of light suddenly cut across the room, Zan squeezing his eyes shut in pain.

“Kyan…baby…wake up.”

“Whasa matter… Zan?”

“Nah baby…I’m just checkin on his blood and saline bags…he’s getting low on da blood.”

“Then take more of mine…”

“We can’t Kyan…ya weak enough as it is…”

“Don’t fuckin argue with me Lyra…just do it…I can feel my blood levels buildin back up…just take it…please…Ly…oh god...”

Zan opened his eyes again when he heard Kyan start crying.

‘Ky? Why ya cryin man? Ya don’t cry…ever…’

“Shhh…aiight baby…its aiight…gimme ya arm again…”

Zan looked towards the side of the bed. Kyan sat at his side in an armchair, his face pale as he rolled his sleeve up. Needle marks dotted the crook of his arm, the whole area black with abuse. He watched as Lyra gently inserted an IV needle into Kyan’s vein, before standing up and moving to the pole by the bed. She turned a switch, Zan watching silently as blood from Kyan’s arm swirled through the tube, and started filling the bag by the bed again.

Zan blinked, before his eyes slid shut again. As he fell towards the blackness once more, he heard Kyan speak.

“Take what ever ya need bro…ya gonna be aiight…if I have to die, ya gonna be aiight…”

* * * * * * * *
“How is he Ky?”

“He still asleep…he’s ok ain’t he Jy? I mean…he’s gonna be ok right?”

“Yeah man, he’ll be aiight. His body’s just fixin itself. It’s his mind that worries me.”

“What do ya mean?”

“When he wakes up Kyan, he’s gonna remember that it was his sister and da man he thought of as a brother that pushed him under that fuckin truck…that Aves is missin…he’s gonna be a loose cannon Ky…ya ready to deal with da fallout of that?”

“Yeah Jy I am…just ya remember man…Zan told me ‘bout this a while ago…I’ve been ready ever since…”

‘Truck? Ava?’

* * * * * * * *

“Ughhh….”

Zan heard the armchair creak as someone got out of it, before the bed dipped.

“Zan?”

The voice was laced with fatigue and grief.

“Ava?”

“Nah man…”

Zan opened his eyes slowly, and stared up at Kyan.

“Ky?”

Kyan’s face was still deathly pale, a heavy five o’clock shadow covering his jaw. His hair stuck up in every direction, deep shadows running under eyes that were cloudy with exhaustion, concern and remorse.

“Yeah bro…it’s me…”

Zan blinked, and swallowed hard. Why was his throat so dry?

“Where’s Ava…”

Kyan looked away.

“Ky?”

Kyan looked back at Zan silently.

“She’s gone Zan…we can’t find her. Rath and Lonnie are back in da city with ya dupe…they’re at da summit meetin…”

It all came flooding back when Kyan said Rath’s name. The squeal of tires and the blinding pain…Lonnie’s laughter…horror rose with the memories, Kyan’s brow wrinkling as Zan’s face contorted with pain.

“I’m sorry man…I’m so fuckin sorry…”

Zan turned his head away from Kyan’s gaze, bitter anger and hatred rolling throughout him as he closed his eyes. But he was powerless to stop the tears that flowed from under his lashes and down his face. He felt Kyan grip his shoulder tightly, his voice low when he spoke near Zan’s ear.

“I’m gonna get ya outta this bed…I’m gonna clean ya punk ass up…then ya know what we’re gonna do?”

“What?”

“Kill da lot of ‘em…”

[majiklmoon]

Part 71.

Kyan paused the images on the table silently, and looked over at Zan. Zan’s face was pale with grief, but he raised his gaze when Kyan spoke quietly.

“Ya aiight man?”

Zan swallowed hard.

“That’s why I’m as powerful as I am…why I was able to kill Niko so easily…coz I’ve got ya blood in my veins now.”

Kyan nodded silently.

“We couldn’t just take ya to da nearest blood bank and say, ‘oh his type is O positive with a healthy dash of alien in da mix…can we have half a dozen bags?’ It was da only way…ya were made more alien all along Zan…ya knew this…but it was my choice to turn ya as strong as ya are now…ya’d lost too much blood…ya woulda died if we hadn’t. That’s why ya always gonna be stronger than da rest of da hybrids… ya more like me than ever now.”

Zan shook his head slightly. “That’s not what I meant…I meant…I’d forgotten…. ya kept me alive by nearly drainin yaself?’

Kyan smiled slightly. “Ya my boy…ya woulda done da same thing. Anyways…ya were outta of it for da next week anyways.”

Zan nodded. “Yeah…I remember wakin up on da road…da rest is fragments.”

Kyan smiled slightly, and looked over at the others. Ava was still crying, and Max and Isabel were both deathly pale.

“Ya ready?” They both nodded weakly, Kyan waving his hand once more…

Kyan slowly unhooked the IV bags and withdrew the needle from Zan’s arm, before sliding his hand under Zan’s head, and helping him sit up slowly. Zan turned green, Kyan grabbing a bucket from beside the bed and forcing his head into it. Zan retched, his body shaking violently as he vomited. Kyan remained silent, rubbing his back gently.

When Zan was finished, Kyan put the bucket down, and eased him back against the pillows. Zan wiped his hand, his face still pale as he stared down at the blood encrusted sheets.

“How long was I out?”

Kyan bit his lip, before speaking softly. “Ya been unconscious for six days.”

Zan nodded silently, his eyes downcast.

“Kyan…I’m not strong enough to stand up yet…”

“What’s da matter man?”

“I need…I need to go…”

“Ohhhh…aiight man…hang on.”

Kyan stood up, and bent down to help Zan sit up again. Kyan gently helped Zan to his feet, wrapping both arms around Zan when he swayed, dangerously close to passing out again from lack of food and the remainder of his injuries. Kyan tightened his grip, half carrying Zan down the hallway to the bathroom….

The image faded, Kyan sparing Zan a glance. “No need to show ‘em ya naked ass is there man?” he murmured, Zan flashing him a grateful look. The table flickered, before showing a new part of the past…

Kyan tilted Zan’s head back as he sat on the toilet in a fresh pair of boxer shorts. The blood and dirt was gone from his body and hair, leaving behind bruises that mottled most of his body. Kyan tiled his head.

“Lets get rid of these…”

Zan nodded, but grabbed Kyan’s hand when he went to heal the bruises from his ribs.

“Leave those ones…as a reminder…just my face man…neaten up da goatee while ya at it…ya know…trim it down some.”

Kyan nodded, his hands glowing as he repaired the remaining devastation to Zan’s face.

When he was done, Kyan turned around and hung up the towels, before pulling his shirt on again. His pants were already back on, Kyan levelling Zan with a look as he buttoned his shirt.

“Ya ever tell anyone that I held ya naked ass up in da shower while bein naked too, and I’ll push ya in front of a bus…savvy?”

It was a calculated risk, and they both knew it. But Zan also knew Kyan was trying to fire him up. Zan snorted weakly, Kyan smirking as Zan levelled him with a look of his own.

“Aiight man…but ya ever tell anyone that ya needed to get naked in da shower with me coz I couldn’t do it myself, and I’ll push ya own ass in front of a bus…you savvy?”

Kyan hooted with laughter, holding his hand out to Zan who took it with another weak smirk. His smirk faded however, when his back arched in pain, Kyan’s eyes glowing as he fed Zan a pure jolt of power. When he let Zan’s hand go a moment later, Zan slumped, his breathing clear and easy for the first time in days.

“Now ya aiight…ya ready to take on ya psycho fuckin sister?”

Zan’s jaw tightened, his eyes flashing gold. He nodded once.

“Lets get it done.”

Kyan restrained him when he went to stand, a warning light flashing in his eyes.

“Ya take Rath out fast and clean…then ya’ll win…if ya don’t…ya dead man…takin on da three of them at once…ya take him out first... it’s da only way.”

“Not a problem.”

“We keep this in house yeah…between yaself and me? I ain’t tangling with Serena over this…”

“Yeah man…I gotcha back…”

“And I got yours bro…don’t ever forget it…”

* * * * * * * *

Raised voices caught Zan’s hearing as he crept through the shadows towards an open plan warehouse. Kyan had a friend tailing Rath and Lonnie, and he’d made a single phone call. Now they stalked their prey together, Kyan pausing when his phone vibrated against his thigh. He waved Zan on, Zan pausing in the door of the warehouse, his heart leaping into his throat.

‘Aves…’

Lonnie was leaning against the wall, a bored look on her face as she examined her nails. Niko was glaring down at Ava, Rath standing with his back to the door. Too easy…

“Niko man, just fuckin kill her already…she ain’t gonna give it up to ya man!” Lonnie spat angrily.

Zan watched in growing anger as Niko let go of Ava’s face roughly, Ava slumping weakly. Zan raised his finger to his lips when she opened her eyes and saw him creeping up behind Rath. Her eyes widened slightly, Zan too focused on Rath to see. He reached out carefully, his grip sudden and strong when he caught the back of Rath’s head in one hand, and his chin in the other, before twisting sharply.

The crunch of bones rang in his ears, Zan letting Rath go. Zan watched as Rath’s body fell, a sadistic smirk crossing his face as Rath stared up at him for a split second in shock before his eyes went blank with death. Rath’s body hit the ground as Lonnie and Niko whirled around, both of them spotting Zan standing over Rath’s body. Another smirk crossed Zan’s face, his eyes turning golden as he made a kissing motion at Lonnie.

‘Ya goin down bitch.’

“Ya dead! We killed ya!” Lonnie cried, backing away with Niko as Zan walked toward them with feline grace.

Zan smirked, his eyes turning cold. He could see how ridged with fear Lonnie and Niko had become, and it fed his power…his anger.

‘Fuckin cake.’

“Ya gonna wish I was Lon…ya shoulda checked it before ya went off on ya mission, but that was always ya problem…it was always ‘bout ‘you’. What ya wanted, and what ya were willin to do to get it. Ya fucken with da wrong player here Lon...” he spat bitterly, his gaze trained on his sister.

“Max…Nikolas…”

Zan whirled at Ava’s voice, spotting the reason why she had spoken. Her words didn’t register, but the meaning did. Niko was creeping away like the slime ball he was. Anger rolled through him, Zan rasing his hand and willing his power to the surface. A bolt of bright blue energy flew out his hand, hitting Niko in the chest. The energy blast caused Niko to burst into flames, his screams echoing around them as he fell to his knees.

‘Hot Damn!!! Coocoo cachoo…only me and you…’

Niko’s screams died down to a gurgle as he collapsed face first on the ground, before exploding into a pile of burnt ash and skin. Lonnie made a sound of distress, her movement stopped by the wall behind her. Zan turned back to face her, his eyes glittering with anger and hatred.

“Please…it was…Kivar! He made me do it! I never wanted to hurt ya…ya my baby brother. I love ya.”

‘Liar.’

Zan snorted, walking slowly towards Lonnie. He stopped directly in front of her, and leant close.

“Hey I love ya too Lon…but ya betrayed me. Not once, but twice. And that I ain’t ever gonna forgive ya for, nor will I ever forget it. It’s you or me Lon…and I ain’t dyin a second time in this life.”

Lonnie screamed when Zan grabbed her by the throat, forcing a connection with her, and letting every ounce of pain he had felt at her hands roll into her. Lonnie screamed again, Zan focusing on her blood cells. They started to heat up rapidly, Zan letting go of Lonnie when she burst into flames, and disintegrated before his very eyes. He sighed softly, his eyes closing momentarily. A sound of distress behind him had him turning, Zan swallowing when he saw Ava curled up in the foetal position behind him.

‘Oh god…Ava…’

Zan crossed the room quickly, and knelt down in front of Ava. Grasping her face in his hands gently, he pulled her into a siting position. Tears streamed down her face, Zan sweeping his thumb gently under her eyes to wipe them away. Ava kept her eyes closed, Zan’s face contorting with fear and pain as he frantically tried to bring her back to him.

“Aves…baby…open up Aves…let me in.”

Zan kept his voice gentle, sliding his hand around to the back of her head. He cradled her head in one hand, while using the other to tilt her chin up so he could look down at her face. Still she refused to open her eyes, Zan feeling the frustration roll through him violently.

“God damnit Ava! Come on baby, let me in…. let me in…”

Lowering his head, Zan brushed her lips softly, feeling her shiver under his hands when his lips touched hers.

“Let me in baby…”

He lowered his head again, and brushed another soft kiss over her lips. Unable to fight it, he kept his lips on hers, nibbling softly on her lower lip, enticing her lips to come and play with his. Zan groaned low in his throat when her lips became pliant under his, dragging her up onto her knees, and crushing her against him.

Sinking his hand into her hair, he brushed his tongue over her lower lip. Her lips parted under his, Zan sliding his tongue along hers. Ava gripped the front of his top, Zan sliding his hand down around her waist. As he kissed her, images started to form, assaulting Zan with a memory that wasn’t his…

“It’s not just what I want, it’s what’s meant to be. It’s all in here, Max. Our destiny.”

Zan jerked back suddenly, staring down into her eyes as they opened, clouded with desire and confusion.

‘What da fuck? …Max?’

“Aves?”

“Tess…”

‘Tess? Not Ava?’

Zan smirked slightly, letting her slip down out of his arms. Sitting back on his feet, he regarded her silently.

“Where’s Ava?” he asked softly.

Tess rocked back and forth slightly on her knees, Zan reaching out and brushing his hand over her brow. Tess focused on him, Zan rasing his eyebrow silently.

“Where’s Ava?” he asked again.

“Back in Roswell. She refused to return to the city with them,” Tess mumbled.

Zan sank down onto his knees slightly, his eyes closing in relief. Knowledge swam in him, showing him just who Tess was.

“That’s my baby…ok…here’s da thing Tess. I don’t want anyone knowin I’m alive. But I promise ya this…ya ever need me? For anything at all? Ya call me ok. I’ll be there.”

“Why? Why would you help me?”

Zan smirked. “Coz I know what Nasado was like. I know what he did to ya. And I know ya on ya own. I know what that’s like.”

‘How da fuck do I know this though?’

“But Max’ll want to…”

“That’s an order Tess. Ya tell no one. Not a livin soul. But I got ya back baby girl. I’ll take care of it.”

‘I know ya like I know Aves…one and da same…’

Tess nodded, running footsteps causing them to look up as Serena, Kyan, Jy and Lyra burst into the room. Kyan swept his gaze over the room, before nodding with a smirk at Zan.

“Fuck it to hell and back man! It’s one thing to scrape ya nearly dead carcass of da road, but it’s somethin else to put it back together when ya take on da runt and ya psycho fuckin sister! I should kick ya arse back to fuckin Antar!” Serena spat, working herself into a major tizzy.

Zan snorted. “Chill Serena. They’re all dead now. I thought they had Aves…I wasn’t takin that fight down with out killin all three of ‘em. Ya know that; so back it off baby girl. I ain’t throwin down with ya over this shit!”

Lyra snorted. “Damn Zan…getting hit by that truck fucked with ya vision man…that ain’t Jy’s cuz…shit. That’s Ava’s double. So yeah…ok…it’s Jy’s cuz, but ya know what I mean man! Lookit aiight…blonde moment!”

Zan started laughing. “Ya cool Lyra. Guys…this is Tess. Tess…Serena’s my cuz. Her boy Jy is your cuz. Lyra is Rath’s…Michael’s cuz. And her boy Kyan. This is da reason I gave ya an order. It ain’t time for us to party on down with ya crew in Hicksville…but da time will come. Remember…ya need me…just call.”

Before Tess could ask what he meant, more footsteps thundered toward them. Jy pointed at the shadows, the five of them melting into them. Jy grabbed Rath by the collar and dragged him after them as Zan watched his mirror image run into the room. He waited silently; wondering if Tess would give them away. Max…his double in more ways than one. Zan hoped Max would never have to face what he had.

“Tess! Tess! Tess, are you all right?” Max cupped her face in his hands, Tess looking up at him in a daze.

“I don't know.”

“What happened?”

‘They tried to get inside my head, find out where the granolith is. I...I didn't want them to...so I fought back.”

“How?”

Zan held his breath.

“I...I don't know.”

“Where are they?”

“I don't know.”

“Tess...Tess, are you all right?”

“I'm ready to go home now. Home to Roswell.”

Zan exhaled softly, his gaze trained on Max and Tess silently.

“Ok.”

Max helped her to her feet, Tess looking at Zan over Max’s shoulder, when Zan stepped from the shadows. Zan winked at her, before once more placing his finger against his lips. Tess nodded slightly, Zan smirking once more, before melting away. Zan turned to face the others, the look on his face broaching no arguments, even as he leant weakly against the wall.

“We’re goin to Roswell.”

[majiklmoon]

Part 72.

Max looked at Zan in shock, his eyes swimming with guilt. Zan shook his head.

“Don’t…ya didn’t know…no one does.”

Kyan nodded silently, before clearing his throat.

“There’s still more…”

Ava looked up then, shaking her head as she pleaded silently with her eyes. Kyan shook his own head.

“Ya need to do this Aves…trust me babe…it’s gonna be aiight ok?”

Zan stood up, and walked over to her. When she looked up at him, he sank to his knees behind he, and pulled her between his thighs, holding her tightly. Ava relaxed into his arms, her eyes sliding shut as the table shimmered for the last time that night….

It took them nearly eight weeks of being on the road, but they finally found Ava in New Orleans. Lyra had dreamwalked her every night, getting vague images and impressions that grew stronger the closer they got. At last they pulled up in front of the building they knew she was in, Zan turning to face the others in the car. Kyan and Jy were both on their bikes, Lyra and Serena travelling with Zan in the Trans Am. He had found the stolen car near the warehouse, deciding to keep it for himself.

“This is somethin I gotta do myself…either hang ‘round, or head back to da city.”

Kyan shook his head. “Nah man…we’re stayin…we’ll get a room or somethin.”

Zan nodded, and climbed out of the car. Wiping his hands on his cargo pants, he took a deep breath, and ran up the stairs to Ava’s apartment. Knocking on the door, he was surprised when a woman who wasn’t Ava answered. She took one look at him and smiled in recognition.

“Ummm…Aves about?” he asked. The woman nodded, letting him inside.

“Up the stairs sugar, first door on your left. I’ll be on my way now…you take care of that sweet girl you hear me!”

She slipped away, Zan barely noticing that she was gone. He 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 stood in her doorway, suddenly unable to speak as he stared at her frail form, taking in the differences. The streaks were gone from her hair, as was the tattoo on her arm. There was something wrong…Her feelings were a suffocating blanket in the air, Zan’s eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to sort through them. Ava suddenly muffled a soft sob, Zan taking a silent step through the door as she spoke softly.

“I’ve gotta be goin fucken 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, guilt crashing into him harder than the truck had. He grabbed the doorframe to stay up right, his face pale as his eyes glittered with pained shock.

‘Ya were pregnant? Ohhh baby…why didn’t ya tell me?’

But another soft sob from Ava had him crossing the room, and sinking onto the bed behind her. Ava froze when Zan slid his arm around her waist, tugging her back against him gently. Slipping his hand under the edge of her top, he caressed her abdomen gently, sending out his healing energy when he found the massive trauma within her. He felt Ava grow drowsy, her voice laced with pain when she spoke again.

“I know this is a really great daydream, but I hope to god I remember how this felt,” she wept softly, falling asleep in his arms when he nudged her mind gently with his.

Zan felt her go limp in his arms, and tiled his head back to look at the ceiling as his eyes filled with tears. His hand continued to rub circles on her belly, where his daughter should have been laying. Without moving from where he lay, he kicked his shoes off, and slid under the blankets with Ava. He lay there silently, watching her as she slept, marvelling at her simple beauty now that the punk look was gone. It suited her.

The hours crept past, Zan keeping guard over his lover as she healed from the injuries Kivar had given to her. It was four hours later that Zan felt Ava wake slowly, Zan propping himself up on his elbow as she rolled over to look at him. Her eyes filled with tears, and spilt over, Zan biting his lip as guilt and self-hatred crashed through him.

“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. She began to cry bitterly, Zan pulling her further into his embrace. Resting his head against hers, he closed his eyes, his own tears rising once more. As the sun sank, they wept together, finally falling silent as they slept.

* * * * * *

“Ya fuckin dog!”

‘What da fuck?’

Something hard crashed into Zan’s back, waking him quickly and causing him to roll out of bed and land on his knees with a thud. A CD bounced off his shoulder, Zan rolling to the side and coming up in a fighter’s stance as he shook off the last remnants of sleep. Ava stood not five feet in front of him, her hands clenched in anger.

“Aves…”

“Get fucked ya dog! How could ya Zan? Ya let me think ya were dead? I hate ya. I’m never gonna forgive ya for this…never.”

“Ava…please…”

“No! How could ya Zan? What? Ya think ya were just gonna waltz on back in, and I’d be fine with this? Ya were dead wrong man…ya got no claim on me Zan…ya got no place in me no more…ya dead to me…remember?”

She stormed away, and out into the kitchen, Zan following her. Ava grabbed a cup and threw it at him, Zan ducking as it sailed over his head. It shattered against the wall behind him, Zan wincing as the shards rained down onto his bare arms. He danced out of her way, Ava reaching for another plate, and throwing that at him too. The constant sounds of breaking glass along with Ava’s insults were all that were heard for the next twenty minutes, Zan’s eyes widening when she picked up a carving knife.

Ava threw it at him, Zan deflecting it with his powers and sending it skidding under a couch. In that split second, he left himself open, Ava grabbing a glass lamp, and bringing it down over his head and shoulders. Zan snarled with anger then, crossing the distance between them in two strides. Ava lashed out at him, her nails scoring his cheek as he grabbed her left wrist in his right hand.

‘Fuck this!’

Zan spun her under his arm, and grabbed her right wrist in his left hand as she began to struggle, effectively locking her arms across her chest and dragging her tightly against his body so she couldn’t move. Ava screamed out in indignation as he basically forced her towards the bed. A quick movement had her facing him, her hands still locked in his as he shoved her hard onto the bed, letting her hands go at the last moment.

Ava bounced with the force he had used, Zan using that split second to loom above her, straddling her hips and grabbing her hands again. Ava bucked wildly beneath him, Zan forcing her hands between his thighs and her body as she continued to struggle. Her eyes widened in fright when he dragged his tee shirt off, memories of what Rath had threatened assaulting her, only to darken with understanding when he tore it in half.

“Don’t ya fuckin dare!” she hissed angrily.

“Bite me Aves…” Zan wiggled his eyebrows sarcastically, Ava glaring up at him helplessly.

Grasping her right hand, he looped the material around her wrist, and dragged it above her head, where he looped the material through the ironwork at the top of the bed head. Ava screamed then, Zan knotting the material tightly, before grabbing her left hand and repeating the process. Her nails dug into his hand, Zan yelping in pain as he knotted the material. Tears of pain and humiliation ran down her face, Ava glaring up at him.

“I hate ya. I’m never gonna forgive ya for this…”

Her words hit him harder than Zan let on.

“Yeah? Makes two of us babe…but them’s da breaks right? …”

He smirked down at her bitterly, Ava starting to scream again. Zan hissed in frustration, before reaching out and grabbing the scarf from the floor beside the bed. Gripping her chin in one hand, he forced the material between her lips with the other, before knotting it to muffle her screams. With a final smirk at her, he gripped her chin in his hand, and pressed a rough kiss to her lips, before he climbed off the bed, and walked into the next room, leaving Ava to weep bitterly.

Zan slid down the wall outside the room, his head cradled in his hands as his shoulders began to shake. When he lifted his head a few minutes later, tears were streaming down his face, guilt stamped across his handsome face. He knew now. Ava would never forgive him for this. She wasn’t to blame…he was. He’d destroyed her. What they had once had. His daughter…he’d destroyed it all…

‘Oh god…what have I done?’

“I’m so sorry baby…I’m so fuckin sorry…”

* * * * * * * *
Zan took a shower as Ava slept, before quickly returning to her side and finding her still sleeping. With a sigh, Zan headed to the window, and stared down at the city, his hands braced above his head. A week worth of taunts and fights echoed through out the silent room. Zan had regained control of his emotions, and deliberately taunted Ava, catching her off guard with soft kisses and caresses that she didn’t want…but needed.

The way she fought his touch, before her breathing would hitch, her surrender coming on the end of a sob of need. Zan had years of experience, and he used that to his advantage. He knew her body better than he knew his own, his skilful hands and sinful mouth sending her over time after time…but never bodily…that he wouldn’t do to her…not yet…it wasn’t the time…

The anger that came through after she came down from an alien high to find him watching her with his unwavering eyes, always kept her with him…kept her fighting him…kept her alive. It would only be later that she would admit, that his tiger eyes as she called them, were what kept her with him too…those unblinking eyes, coupled with the lazy half smirk he wore…those eyes, which would darken with seduction …completely sinful, but oh, so beautiful.

Now all that remained was silence. Knowledge. Grief. Anger. Betrayal. She’d never forgive him, and he’d never forgive himself either. It was a vicious cycle. He was keeping her here against her will. Tied to the bed as if playing a kinky game. But even at their worst, Zan had never lifted a hand in violence towards Ava, and she had never tried to knee him in the nuts like she had that morning.

Zan looked down at his right hand bitterly. He’d hit her this morning. Driven to the point of no return, he’d hit her. He’d let her loose to have her shower, Ava stumbling as she climbed from the bed. Zan had caught her in his arms, Ava’s grip on his shoulders tightening as she tried to render him sexless. Damn near succeeded too. Zan had dropped to his knees, Ava bolting to the kitchen.

He’d taken off after her, only to skid to a stop when he found her standing there with his bag in her hands, not three steps away. She’d withdrawn her hand, the barrel of the gun gleaming in the dim light. She’d pointed it straight at him, her eyes glittering with over whelming grief and desolation. Zan raised his hands slowly, Ava’s hand shaking as she spoke quietly.

“Don’t ya get it Zan? I don’t want to do this no more…I wanna go some place where no one can hurt me no more…least of all you. I won’t survive it…I won’t survive lettin ya in again…no matter how good it feels…I won’t survive da next girl ya take to ya bed…”

Zan had watched helplessly as she started to raise the gun, moving as soon as her gaze dropped. Grabbing her wrist, he had wrenched her hand to the side, Ava crying out in pain. They had both struggled for control, Ava’s right wrist trapped in Zan’s left hand, her soft skin bruising under the strength of his grip. When she went to knee him again, Zan had snapped, his right hand coming up quicker than he could think, and connecting with her jaw in a hard backhand.

Ava had spun away and slumped to the ground, her eyes sliding shut as she lost consciousness, leaving Zan standing above her in shock. He turned his hand slowly, staring at it in horror, before swooping down above Ava and checking to see if he had hurt her. When he found that she only slept, he had swept her up in his arms, and carried her back to bed. The gun had been melted, along with all the knives. Now Zan stood guard once more, his hands braced above him as he looked out at the night sky.

The magnitude of the situation slammed into him, Zan’s shoulders shaking silently as he let his grief out. He never saw Ava sit up, her eyes clearing slightly when she saw him bathed in moonlight. Never saw her eyes widen at the sight of the damage to his left side. Never saw the tears that ran down her face when she fingered her jaw, and the bruise that marred it. Never saw the knowledge enter her eyes, knowledge that he had been pushed beyond all reason. And never saw the fight leave her slender body.

He didn’t recognise what he felt when she opened her end of the connection. He was so used to it being closed, that he could barely remember how it felt. All he could think and feel was how scared he was. How angry and bitter he was over Lonnie and Rath. Hatred at Kivar for hurting his woman and child. The over whelming love he had always hidden for Ava. His ironclad control on the desire that was burning just below the surface. But she felt it; along with the shock that Zan had done what he had with the knowledge that Rath and Lonnie were moving against him.

When Zan felt the second brush against his mind, he knew just what it was, and whirling around, slammed himself shut to Ava. Her face paled, before she burst into tears, Zan swallowing as he crossed to her side, and pulled her into his arms. For the first time all week, she let him held her; while she wrapped her own arms around him, needing him to anchor her as she let her grief out properly. Zan’s own body shook; his own tears silent as she cried.

“Let it out baby…I ain’t goin no where…you ain’t goin no where…ya ain’t leavin me Ava…ya hear me? Not like that…never like that…God Aves…I love ya…don’t ya get that…I only did this shit to protect ya…god girl…I ‘d never hurt ya for fun Aves…I had to push ya way…can’t ya see that? …I didn’t know how else to protect ya…I’m so sorry baby…I’m so sorry…”

Ava lifted her head slowly, heartbreak and sorrow stamped all over her face.

“Ya love me?”

Zan nodded. “Always have Aves…always will…ya my baby girl…I love ya more than life…don’t ya see that? I love ya…”

“I love ya too Zan…but ya hurt me so bad…all da time ya hurt me…”

“I know baby…I know…god, I’m so sorry Ava…please forgive me baby…I ain’t nothin without ya…”

The table returned to solid wood, Isabel and Max staring at Zan and Ava in shock. It was Kyan who spoke though.

“So now ya know. Ya know everythin there is to know, that can be spoken ‘bout publicly. There are still things that happened in that room, that belong between Zan and Ava alone. If they chose to tell ya, that’s fine, but I ain’t gonna be da one who tells ya. I told ya’ll this tonight, to make ya understand. Ya need to come together…da lot of ya…simple as that.”

Max nodded, swallowing heavily as he stared at Zan in a new light. To have been carrying that all this time…god…no wonder he went off the way he did. Zan felt his gaze, and lifted his head from where he had been resting his chin on Ava’s shoulder. The two mirror images stared at each other silently, before Zan finally broke the silence.

“Don’t blame yaself Max. Yeah, ya hurt me tonight…but I’ve been though worse. Ya know this now. We’re cool aiight? I’m sorry…ya sorry too. I admit, I was in da wrong taken off like that earlier with Liz, but I ain’t gonna step to her man…don’t ya get it yet Max? I’m in love with Aves…I literally died to protect her…I knew what was goin down with Rath and Lonnie a year before it happened.”

Max’s eyebrows shot up, Zan smirking slightly.

“That’s right man…I knew for a whole year that Lonnie was steppin to Niko. I didn’t know she was gonna kill me…but I knew. Da day I realised somethin was up? I changed. I started steppin to da ladies…hurtin Aves like ya wouldn’t ever get…and yeah, I know what Liz did…but ya only saw ‘em…ya didn’t walk in on her goin down on another guy…Aves saw me with some random chick blowin me…I pushed her away deliberately Max…and it saved her life, but destroyed us in da process.”

Zan sighed softly then.

“I dunno if we’ll ever find our way back to each other properly. But that’s my fault. I destroyed Ava when I turned on her like that Max…da amount of times she saw me with another chick…deliberate on my part…I loved her all along…I felt what she felt…felt her startin to hate me…but I was weak…I kept takin her back into my bed, coz that’s where she belonged. And she’d fall in love with me all over again…she’s my one weakness…always has been.”

Zan stretched then, yawning widely as he stood up and tugged Ava to her feet. Looping his arm around her waist, Zan turned to go to bed. He paused at the doorway though, turning back to face Max.

“You and me are gonna have a chat tomorrow…there are things with Liz ya need to know…but not tonight. I’m too damn tired. But know this man…she loves ya. That should be enough…believe me…I know.”

“Zan?”

“Yeah Max?”

Max swallowed, Zan shaking his head again.

“Ya apologize once more, and I’m gonna put ya back through da table…aiight?”

Zan nodded to Kyan once, before leaving the room, and leaving Max to ponder what was going to happen now. He didn’t get to ponder for long though, Kyan clearing his throat. Max looked over at him, Kyan raising his eyebrows.

“Ya get a reprieve for ya earlier fuck up, coz ya got Zan to open up, somethin we’ve been tryin to do since this shit went down…but word of warnin Max…do it again? I’ll bury ya. He’s my boy…my main concern. I know this shit with Liz is eaten away at ya, but Zan’s only here to help ya man. He ain’t here to take ya girl, or ya sister or ya family. He’s here for you.”

Max nodded. “I know that now,” he said in a low voice, Kyan nodding as he stood up and stretched.

“Kyan?” Kyan looked down at Max silently. “Why didn’t you show the others?” Max asked softly.

Kyan sighed softly. “Coz they don’t need to know…Isabel wears Lonnie’s face. That hurt Zan more than anythin…so she needs to know why Zan will fly hot and cold with her…it ain’t personal. Ya needed to know coz it’s by his side that ya gonna work da most. Da others just didn’t need to know is all. It ain’t got nothin to do with ‘em.”

“What about Michael? He looks like Rath” Max argued.

Kyan shook his head slowly. “Rath was pussy whipped Max…led around by his cock…simple as that…Michael uses his brain, and he ain’t easily led into nothin….Michael’s of no concern to Zan or me.”

“Would you have really left? I mean, with Kivar coming?”

Kyan scowled slightly. “No…Zan’s too damn stubborn for that…but he’s my boy Max…my bro. Hurt him? Ya hurt me. Same as you and Michael.”

Max stood up, Kyan regarding him silently before he spoke again.

“Maybe I was too hard on ya…but I don’t know ya Max…I don’t know any of ya crew…I know Zan…who do ya think caught him when he fell off da wall? That was me…. I owe Zan my life in more ways than one man…. that’s just it…Ya gotta understand how to control da animal within Max…Ya saw Zan with Ava earlier…it consumed him, and damn near consumed her…. that’s how it works. You and me? We’re gonna be workin on that as of tomorrow. I’ve been boys with Zan since he first hatched Max…and I ain’t ever seen no one get to him like ya do…except maybe Aves…and he’s in love with her. Maybe there’s hope for da both of ya yet…only time will tell…that’s if ya don’t kill each other first!”

Kyan smirked then, nodding at Isabel before walking out. Max shook his head, following Isabel up the stairs and heading for his own room.

“Maybe there is hope for Liz and me yet” he whispered. It made him smile, something he hadn’t done in a long time. He slid into bed, and with a yawn, drifted off into the land of dreams…and straight into Liz’s…

Part 73.

Max looked around slowly, recognising the lake and dock easily as the full moon rose, and sent dappled light dancing across the lakes surface. The air was warm, the heat of the night relentless as he walked slowly towards the waters edge. Standing there silently, he watched as the water rippled, Max following the ripples progress. His breath caught in his throat, Max staring silently towards the deeper water.

Liz was standing with her back to him, the water caressing her skin just below her shoulders as she tilted her wet head back and stared up at the sky. Her hands trailed over the surface of the lake, her skin shining silver as water droplets ran down her skin. She shifted, Max glimpsing bare skin, his breath exploding from his lungs in one large whoosh. Liz ran her hands over her hair, smoothing it back as she tilted her face up once more.

Max glanced down at himself, a wry smile crossing his face when he saw he was clad in the boxer shorts that he had worn to bed. He heard Liz sigh softly; his earlier thoughts fleeing as sexual desire clouded his mind. Max walked into the water slowly, feeling it caress his skin as he ducked under, and stood back up. Smoothing his own hair back, he made his way towards Liz slowly, stopping just behind her.

She glanced over her shoulder slowly, biting her lower lip as Max stared at her. Innocence shone in her gaze, Max letting his gaze trail down over her shoulders. Her naked shoulders…Max swallowed hard, dragging his gaze with some difficulty back up to Liz’s face. They stared at each other silently, the soft breeze stirring the waters surface slightly.

“What are you doing here Max?”

Max didn’t answer, his gaze flicking between her eyes and her breasts.

“Max?”

Max shrugged slightly, his gaze lowering slightly to the swell of her breasts just hidden beneath the water.

“Are you dreaming Max?” Liz asked softly.

Max frowned slightly. “I know I went to bed…I sure as hell didn’t walk out here in my boxers! I would have remembered doing that! So… I guess I am…why?”

Liz blushed. “I asked Jy to create a dream for me…a dream where I was safe from pain and nightmares…this is that dream Max. I know it is. I wouldn’t go skinny dipping any other time!”

Max chuckled softly, Liz speaking once more.

“So again…what are you doing here Max? Are you dreamwalking me?”

Max shook his head. “No…I just went to bed, and here I am…wherever here is.”

Liz nodded, before lowering her gaze. She blushed as she contemplated her words, wondering if she actually voiced them out loud how Max would react…if she was ready for him to react that way…was she strong enough to find out?

“You…you pulled me into something yesterday Max.”

Max frowned slightly. “What?”

“Your…fantasy.”

“My…ohhh.” Max blushed, Liz biting her lower lip.

“You were asleep Max…I was awake. I was in the shower, and I could feel you…it was like you were really there. And when I got out the shower, I had a…hickey on my neck. I touched it, and it flashed before disappearing.”

Max swallowed hard, a pale blush staining his face.

“Ummm…oh god Liz, I’m so sorry…I swear I didn’t know…I just thought…never mind.”

Liz nodded, lowering her gaze to the surface of the water. Silence stretched out between them, Max finally glancing back at Liz. She looked beautiful in the moonlight. It sent her skin silver, and her hair as black as the night sky. Max shivered, feeling his blood starting to heat. Something was happening to them both, and he was helpless to stop it.

“Did you…”

Max broke off, Liz lifting her head.

“What Max? Did I what?”

Max stared at her, before feeling his Antarian side rush to the surface, and lend him strength.

“Did you like it when I touched you…you know…in that dream?” he asked boldly.

Liz blushed again, Max edging closer as she lowered her eyes again. Reaching out, he trailed his finger up her arm slowly, Liz shivering under his touch. She lifted her eyes slowly, Max’s own eyes shining gold in the darkness, and burning a path of heat straight through her. Her breathing shuddered along with her body, Max smiling slightly.

“Did you?”

Liz blushed and lowered her eyes again, her small nod all but lost on Max. Max’s breath exploded in a relieved sigh, his smile lighting up his face as he stared at her.

“I liked touching you…making you feel good…”

Liz looked up when Max’s hand slid around the back of her neck, his fingers gently rubbing small circles on her bare skin.

“I know this is happening too fast Liz…I know it was only a week ago that you were hurt…I’d never hurt you Liz…I just wanted to make you feel good…make you feel my touch rather than his…that’s all…I need to make you feel good…I swear I’m not pushing…I know I am…but I can’t stop…”

Liz nodded weakly, drawn into his gaze as he drew closer to her. She felt his hand sink into her hair, before he tugged gently, Liz’s head tilting back so that Max could see into her eyes from their height difference. He smiled slightly, his free hand coming up to cup her jaw in his hand. Liz’s lips parted slightly, Max dragging his thumb over her lower lip.

“I feel strange Max…like when we were looking for the orbs…do you remember that?”

Max nodded, licking his bottom lip as he stared down at her. Liz gasped when he slid his arm around her waist, and pulled her against him, her bare skin brushing his and setting them both on fire. He could feel her nipples brushing his chest, the contact tightening them and causing her breath to hitch slightly.

“I remember…I remember how it felt that night in Michael’s apartment…I was so disappointed when Maria barged in like she always does…I wanted you so much that night…I’ve always wanted you…” he finished hoarsely.

Liz’s breathing grew laboured as Max held her in his arms. He hadn’t made any moves to touch her, yet she felt like he had touched her all over. She could feel his erection swelling between them, nestled against her belly as he held her close in the water.

“I want you now…awake or asleep Liz…I want you…I fantasize about it all the time…how it would feel… how you would taste…”

Liz blushed at Max’s husky words, Max gripping her chin and tilting her head back.

“We’re in the land of dreams Liz…but this is me now…I want you…I want to make love to you…learn what makes you moan…what makes you shiver…when you cried out in the shower Liz? It was beautiful…you’re beautiful.”

Liz blushed, looking up at Max through her eyelashes. Max groaned softly, Liz blushing as she leant into his embrace and spoke quietly.

“You make me feel beautiful Max…I need that…no matter how wrong it seems…I need to feel you…forget what that monster did to me, and feel your touch rather than his…it makes me feel alive.”

“You are alive Liz…I live for you…always for you…god…I need you so much right now…”

Max whispered the last word, before bending his head and kissing her. As it was in the land of dreams, Liz was perfect…whole…no bruises marring her skin…no cut splitting that mouth…oh god…Max kept returning to her lips, gentle kisses…slow kisses…designed to relax…when he felt Liz go limp in his arms, he took her mouth how he had wanted too all along.

Liz shivered when Max’s tongue licked her bottom lip, and she opened to him slowly. Max slid his tongue along hers leisurely, tasting her as if it was the first time again. He twisted them in the water, so that she was pressed tightly against him, relishing in the feel of her naked breasts pressed against his chest. He felt her hands slid around his shoulders, holding him as tightly as he was holding her.

When he released her mouth slowly, he pulled back enough to see into her dazed eyes.

“I want…can I…?”

Liz nodded silently, too caught up in his web to form a coherent thought on her own. Max’s eyes blazed, his hand sliding up from around her waist to cup her bare breast. He hissed when her nipple pebbled against his palm, a low groan torn from his throat as he stood up straight in the water and trailed his lips down over Liz’s jaw. She fisted her hands in his hair, Max shaping her breast in his hand. She was perfect. Designed almost, just to fit him.

Liz cried out softly when Max moved his hand, tilting her back over his arm and closing his lips over her breast. Max groaned softly, grasping her legs and dragging them around his waist so he could get closer to her, before nipping her skin gently as he lowered his head more. They both froze when he took her nipple into his mouth, before Max groaned again, sucking gently as Liz floated in his embrace.

He felt Liz fist her hands in his hair, holding his head to her breast as her breaths came out in sharp little pants of need. Max lifted his gaze as he rolled her nipple between the roof of his mouth and his tongue, a harsh gasp escaping his lips as he let her breast go with a moist sound. Liz was laying in his embrace with her eyes shut, a blissed out expression crossing her face…a look he had put there.

Max dragged her upright in his arms, and caught her mouth desperately with his own. Liz shuddered, Max holding her tightly as he moved them into shallower water. He let her slide out of his arms, his hands holding her hips when she swayed. Sliding one arm around her, Max slid his free hand through her curls, Liz’s head falling against his chest as he bent his knees slightly, and nudged her feet apart again.

Max hissed, sliding his finger between her moist folds, and into the wet heat he found. His erection swelled painfully, Max moving his hand in a steady rhythm, coating his finger with the evidence of her arousal. He could feel Liz’s breath hitting his wet chest in time with his hand, her surprised gasp echoing between them when he abruptly withdrew his hand and grabbed hers.

“I need…touch me Liz…please…touch me like I’m touching you…”

Liz looked up into his eyes; her lips parting when he let her go long enough to push his boxers down and kick them away. They disappeared under the water, Max guiding her hand to his throbbing erection. Liz touched him softly, Max hissing in painful delight, his teeth gritting as she ran her index finger hesitantly down his engorged length. When her hand closed around him, he shuddered slightly, Liz moving her hand slowly.

Max bit his lip as his head fell back slightly, his breathing harsh as Liz tightened her grip slightly. Looking back down at her, he closed his hand around hers, tightening her grip slightly, and showing her the speed he needed. Liz followed their joined hands together, stroking him from base to tip, and then back down again, Max muttering softly under his breath as he finally let her hand go.

Liz cried out when his hand slid back between her thighs, Max sliding one and then two fingers into her slick passage, and steadily pumping his fingers in and out of her body. Her slick walls pulled his fingers in every time, Max groaning slightly as Liz continued to move his hand. She was tight around his fingers, Max breathing harshly when her walls started to become tighter, her breathing steadily growing quicker. He caught her lips in a desperate kiss, his tongue sliding along hers in time with his hand when she started to move against his hand.

“Mmm…Max…oh god…”

Max grunted, removing one finger and seeking out her clit with his thumb. He brushed over it, Liz bucking slightly against his hand, her startled cry echoing across the silent lake. The sound enflamed Max, who did it again, his own cry echoing with hers when she orgasmed, her walls tightening rhythmically around his finger. He held her tightly, Liz’s hand slowing as her body spun out of control. Max hissed harshly, reaching between them and gripping her hand again in his.

He bucked quickly into her tightening hand, his own cry echoing a few seconds later when Liz bit down lightly on his chest, causing him to stiffen, before thrusting desperately once more, his semen flowing down over their joined hands in thick waves. His body shuddered, Liz resting her head against his chest when he pulled her firmly against him. They held each other tightly, needing the other to continue standing. Max lifted his head weakly from Liz’s shoulder, before tilting Liz’s head back. She was still panting, Max groaning softly as he lowered his head to kiss her...

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Max sat up in fright…. “Whazzat…Liz?”…Before flopping back against his pillows with a choked laugh. He flung his arm over his eyes, shaking his head when he felt his semen all over his hand and stomach.

“Damn dreams,” he muttered, a wry smile crossing his face.

With another shake of his head, he stood up, chuckling wryly when he found his boxers on the floor at the end of the bed. Pulling them on, he headed for the shower, scratching his belly as he passed the bathroom mirror...and froze. He lifted a shaking hand, and traced a finger over the small bite mark on his chest in wonder. It flashed once, before disappearing, Liz’s words flooding back to him as he stood there in shock.

“You…you pulled me into something yesterday Max…your…fantasy…”

Max turned around out of the bathroom abruptly, and hurried down the hall to Zan’s room. Pushing the door open, he crossed the room quickly, and sat beside Zan. Zan was lying on his back; his arm flung over his head, the other wrapped around Ava, who was curled up on her side and facing away from him. Reaching out, he shook Zan’s shoulder, watching as Zan snorted, his eyebrows twitching as he pulled Ava tighter against him.

Max rolled his eyes, before reaching out and shaking Zan again. Zan muffled a groan, his hand shifting from around Ava’s waist, and running up her body to cup her breast in his hand. Max muffled a snicker, before shaking Zan again, harder this time. Zan rolled over onto his left side, pulling Ava into his lap, and burying his face in her tousled curls. Max sighed softly, before reaching out and tugging Zan’s eyebrow ring…hard.

“Yeouch…whazzamatta…what da…Max?”

Zan opened one eye and glared at him, before freezing when he realised where his hands were. He let Ava go as if she was on fire, wiggling backwards slightly, and rolling onto his back. He lifted the covers and peered beneath them…“Down boy…down…” before shaking his head as he dropped the covers again. Lifting sleep filled eyes, Zan glared at Max out of one eye, the other still shut.

“What da fuck are ya doin, wakin me up at…” Zan looked at the clock “…friggen six am in da mornin Max? Is da house on fire?”

Max shook his head.

“Then what’s da problem?”

“I had a dream…and I need to ask you about it.”

Zan dropped his eyes to Max’s groin, before shaking his head with a smirk.

“So ya had a wet dream…its normal Max…can I go back to sleep now?”

Max shook his head, Zan groaning in indignation as he sat up in bed. Max muffled another snort of laughter as Zan fumbled around with one eye open, the other still shut as he scratched his belly as he swung out of bed. He stretched, his faded jeans sitting low on his hips as he cracked his back and yawned widely. Grabbing his cigarettes from the nightstand, Zan jerked his head at the door.

Max followed him downstairs and into the backyard, where Zan sat at the outdoor setting, and lit his smoke. A small pot plant holder sat on the table, Diane telling Zan that if he wanted to smoke that was fine, but he did it outside, and he used the pot. Zan had agreed, and that’s what he did, Diane often joining him with a cup of coffee for Zan, and a tea for herself.

“Mmm…ok then Max…other than da fact that da birds ain’t even awake, why da fuck am I sittin out here, when I could be in bed with Ava?”

Max snorted softly, Zan smirking despite himself.

“I had a dream…and yes…it was like that, but the thing is though Zan, is that Liz was in it…she said that I pulled her into my…fantasy a few days ago…when I got up to have a shower, I found a bite mark on my chest…she bit me in my dream Zan…what’s happening to us?”

Zan smirked slowly, before laughing softy.

“Ya gettin it in da day… ya get it at night…ya dirty little deviant!”

Max was horrified to find himself blushing, which just caused Zan to start laughing again. He stood up and stretched, before turning to face Max.

“It’s normal bro…with us aliens, when ya want ya lover, ya can pull ‘em into ya dreams…ya fantasies…ya pulled Liz in da other day…she pulled ya in last night…be happy bro…it shows that she wants ya as much as ya want her.”

“But Zan…Liz is human.”

Zan smirked then. “No…she ain’t…well she is, but she’s been changed…as I said last night Max…you and me? We got a lot of shit to talk ‘bout…but now? I really need a cold shower, and then I’m goin back to bed. We’ll do this later when my brain wakes up and my boy goes back to sleep if it’s all da same with ya.”

“Huh?”

Zan smirked. “I ain’t been gettin none in nearly seven months bro…my best friend is my hand lately, so if ya’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go say good mornin to him, so that I can go back to sleep, without tryin to wigg Ava out…dat cool with ya?”

Max shook his head in confusion as Zan disappeared inside, Zan’s soft laughter echoing around them. Max sighed. He’d just have to wait…and remember that dream…it had happened somehow…it had been real…he knew it…. He could remember how good it had felt…realisation dawned, Max screwing up his face.

“Oh my god Zan! WTMI!” he called out, Zan’s echoing laugh causing Max to just grin and shake his head.

[majiklmoon]

Part 74.

“So Zan’s carried that around all this time?” Maria whispered, Max nodding as he sat back with a sigh. They had all cut fourth period, and it was now lunchtime, and Max and Isabel had just finished telling the others an abbreviated version of what had happened. Max and Isabel had agreed to just give the others the facts, and leave out the emotional stuff. It hit the others hard, and now they sat in silence.

“That explains why he called me Rath then,” Michael murmured, Max looking at him surprise.

“When they first got here remember? I reached out to Ava, and I had my hand on her arm when Zan walked into the café. He used his powers on me…he called me Rath that night when Jy and Kyan were trying to calm him down. It was almost like he…I dunno…went back into his memories for a minute, and that he was having trouble telling us apart.”

“I remember…I remember how upset Ava got, and I just thought it was due to how we treated her when she was here last time…I know differently now” Isabel murmered, Michael glancing over at her. Guilt swam in her gaze, Michael noticing for the first time that her eyes were like Max’s now…lighter…golden…as he stared at her, Isabel lifted her eyes, the two staring at each other in pained silence.

“You aren’t like them Michael…Isabel…we all know that. The original Valandra was taken by force…. her mind…she was a pawn in all of this. We all remember that, so stop blaming yourself Isabel. As for Rath and Lonnie…you guys are nothing like them. As bad as things might get, I know you two are on our side…that if anything happens to me, you’ll look after Liz. Please…I don’t blame you, and neither does Zan. Ok?” Max said softly.

They both nodded, Max stretching as he rolled onto his back and closed his eyes. They had chosen the front lawn to have lunch, as it held less chance of being overheard than the quad did. As he lay there, Max heard soft footsteps approaching, and he cracked open his eyes slightly. Pauly, his girlfriend Natalie and Ricky were approaching, the three of them pausing as Max stared up at them.

“Wanna sit down?” Max asked after a moment, Pauly nodding. He sat down and spread his thighs, Natalie sitting down between them and leaning back against him as he slid his arm around her stomach and rested his head on her shoulder. Ricky sat down next to Tess and Kyle, Kyle reaching around from where he sat with Tess in a mirrored pose of Pauly and Natalie, and shook Ricky’s hand.

“How’s Liz?” Pauly asked quietly, Max turning his head to look at him.

“She’s ok. Thanks by the way…you know…for getting her assigned to you and Ricky for that English project. I know you asked for that, so thanks.”

Pauly blushed, Natalie twisting her head to brush his cheek with her lips. She turned back and settled against him, her eyes returning to Max when he stretched, her eyes drawn to the seal on his wrist. Reaching out, Natalie traced the V constellation, her eyes wrinkling in confusion.

“I didn’t know you had a tattoo Max,” she said quietly, Max glancing up at her.

“It’s a…family crest…my brother has it in the same place” he said quickly, the others biting down on the inside of their cheeks at Max’s simple explanation of the source of his power.

“It’s nice…I like it,” Natalie said, letting Max’s hand go and once more leaning back against Pauly.

Pauly met Max’s gaze, a small smile crossing his face as Max simply closed his eyes, enjoying the sun shining down on his face. The others started talking quietly, Pauly continuing to watch Max. The tension in his jaw had relaxed slightly, but the shadows under his eyes were still there. It made Pauly wonder how Max was really handling what had happened to Liz.

His thoughts were interrupted however, when Ms McCormack barrelled down on them like a freight train, her eyes trained firmly on Max. She had been bought in to replace Ms Topolsky as the resident guidance counsellor, and she made it her mission in life to let her ‘children’ know, that she was there for them. If that didn’t put the message across, she sought them out, and right now, her eyes were zeroed in on Max.

“Max Evans…there you are! I have been looking everywhere for you! And here you are, hiding in plain sight!” she chirped happily, Max’s eyes snapping open in fright. They swung to the left, and then to the right, obviously seeking an escape route, but by the time he sat up, poised to flee, Ms McCormack had settled her ass down beside Max, and was clutching his hand earnestly in hers.

“I want you to make an appointment with me Max, so we can talk about how you are feeling…with the tragedy that has occurred,” she said softly, her gentle gaze settled on his face. “That includes all of you,” she said, sweeping the group, and pausing on both Maria and Alex, who both hid their faces respectively behind their appointed aliens in fright. They knew she meant well, but how could you say that your best friend was almost raped because she loved an alien?

“This must be so hard on all of you, but in time, we can move on with our lives, and put this horrible tragedy behind us. We can’t let our emotions become a victim too, we must be strong,” she continued, Alex’s head swinging up in shock. His eyes narrowed, the group treated to a rare display of utter rage.

“She was nearly raped…and yes, she nearly did die, but she didn’t…she isn’t dead. And she has a name, and it isn’t tragedy! It’s Liz. Liz Parker. And she’s my best friend…you don’t know what any of us are going through, so until you do, back off!”

Alex swung up to his feet, and stormed away, Isabel glancing at Max before she stood up and ran after him. The group watched in silence as Isabel reached out and grabbed Alex’s hand, Alex swinging around in anger. His voice carried easily, people stopping and staring at him in shock as he spoke.

“God Iz…they act like she’s died or something! She hasn’t! She’s still with us…she’s still fighting…god! This isn’t a soap opera, she’s a human being, who has a name…she has a name Iz…she…”

Isabel pulled Alex into her arms, Alex lowering his head to her shoulder and holding her tightly as she rubbed his back gently. Isabel murmured softly in his ear, Alex nodding against her shoulder as she held him tightly, her hand rubbing gentle circles on his back, before straightening up. Isabel glanced over at Max, before she took Alex’s hand and led him towards the car park. The Jeep pulled away a few minutes later, Isabel and Alex heading for destinations unknown.

Pauly glanced at Max who was pale with anger as he stared at Ms McCormack silently. She had realised her error, and was trying to figure out how to backtrack, when Pauly beat her to it.

“They don’t need to make an appointment Miss. They’re all talking to my Mum…I’m sure you know her.”

Ms McCormack’s eyes snapped towards them, Pauly narrowing his eyes.

“Rachael Ward…she’s my mother. She’s also one of the best rape councillors in this state. She offered her services the day that Liz was attacked, and everyone in this group is seeing her, including Liz. As you know, it’s detrimental to talk to two counsellor, so maybe they might want to see you about a school related matter, rather than a matter so close to all of them. After all…Liz is a friend…a girlfriend…a daughter…not a tragedy…. don’t you agree?”

The part about his mother offering her services was a complete lie, but Ms McCormack didn’t know this. She nodded seriously, before standing up and with a last smile, headed away. Pauly shook his head slowly, before glancing back over at Max.

“You all right Max?” he asked softly.

Max shook his head and stood up. Looking down at Maria, he spoke softly.

“Can I borrow the Jetta for a while?”

Maria sighed helplessly. “We came to school with Alex and Isabel.”

Kyle looked between them, his earlier decision to treat Max as a friend coming back to him. Shifting slightly, he withdrew the keys to his car, and tossed them at Max. Max blinked, blinded momentarily by the flash to his left, his hand automatically coming up. He caught something hard, and glanced down. He recognised the keys, and looked back at Kyle slowly.

“Don’t scratch her Max. I’m liable to get cranky. Just drop her back to me later on tonight…. I’ll cover your ass in gym. Go see Liz…ya need to see her man…we all know it…we’ve got ya ass covered for ya classes.”

They all watched as Max strode towards the car park, and slid into Kyle’s Mustang. The roof was down today, ‘Closer’ by Nine Inch Nails pounding loudly when Max started the car. Students looked towards the car park as Max reversed out quickly, his hand spinning the wheel in the opposite direction as he changed gears, before taking off with a squeal of tires. Kyle winced, Tess kissing him soundly.

“That was nice of you,” she whispered against his lips, Kyle shrugging slightly.

“I’d want someone to help me if it was you” he whispered back, Tess flushing in surprised pleasure as she caught his lip again.

Behind the wheel of the car, Max’s hands were clenched tightly, his lips settled into a grim line. Enough was enough. He had to see Liz. Talk to her. Hold her. Find out the truth. If last night with Zan had shown him anything, it was that keeping it inside poisoned you. Fragments of his dream kept returning, Max slowing slightly as her words echoed in his mind.

“I asked Jy to create a dream for me…a dream where I was safe from pain and nightmares…”

Dreams. Pieces of the past that we keep locked away. Our greatest desire. Nightmares…things that woke us, causing us to claw our way into waking, skin slick with sweat as we shake with the remaining terror. Liz was having both…for her to ask Jy to help her dream, made Max realise that something else was happening to her. Something she was keeping from him.

Max looked up and blinked, before running a shaky hand through his hair. He was parked in front of the Crash Down, and he couldn’t for the life of him, remember getting there. Getting out of the car, Max jogged over to the café doors, pushing through them as the jingle rang in his ears. He ignored the curious looks he was getting as he pushed through the doors to the back room, and paused long enough to check Mr Parkers office. Seeing that it was empty, Max stepped into the kitchen, and interrupted Jose mid burger flip.

“Hey Jose…where’s Mr Parker?” he asked.

Jose looked up, a warm smile splitting his face.

“He’s had to make a run to Hondo for supplies Max. He’ll be back tomorrow. Jy and the others are here; so little Lizzie is quite safe. I’m pretty sure she’s back from her ride with Jy…why don’t you head on up?”

Max nodded his thanks, before jogging up the stairs to the apartment. The image of Liz on the back of Jy’s bike flickered behind his eyes, Max shoving down the sudden roll of jealousy that threatened to raise its head. He wasn’t up for a repeat performance of last night…Kyan was right. They all needed to come together now. Besides…how else was she meant to get around? Walk?

Max knocked on the apartment door as he pushed it open, the silence deafening as he checked first the kitchen and lounge room, before heading for Liz’s room. He stopped short just shy of entering the room however, once more swallowing back jealousy. Liz was lying on her stomach, a sheet covering her hips…and leaving everything else bare to his greedy gaze.

Jy knelt beside her, his hands glowing as he swept them down her back in long slow strokes, the seductive scent of ylang ylang heavy in the dim room. Jy was nodding and singing softly as he moved his hands back to her hair, sweeping it to the side, and working an exceptionally tense muscle out of her neck.

Sitting back he stretched, before tugging his tee shirt off, and tossing it aside as he went back to work. He and Liz had taken a ride that morning, before Jy had given her the first of many lessons to come. This one had been simple Tai chi, Jy showing Liz how to relax. By the end of it though, Liz was tense again, Jy agreeing to give her a massage when they got home. So here they were.

Liz had fallen asleep ten minutes ago, Jy taking the time to finish healing any damage with in her slender body, and to strengthen the block he had put in her mind. A final sweep of his hands, and he was done. Jy stretched, before tugging the sheet up some more. Slipping off the edge of the bed, he knelt by Liz’s side, smoothing her hair back and tucking it behind her ear as he watched her sleep.

“Ya one brave girl Lizzie doll…ya sleep…ya safe in ya dreams. Ya sleep…and ya heal. It’ll all be different soon. It’ll all be better.”

Leaning forward, Jy pressed his lips to Liz’s forehead, before grabbing his tee shirt. Bending down once more, he kissed Liz’s head again before heading for the window. He slipped out, sliding the window shut behind him and sealing it. He never saw Max lingering in the doorway, his gaze trained on the girl before him.

Part 75.

Max stood there silently, his lips parted slightly as he watched Liz sleep. He blinked slowly; dark lashes fanning down across his cheeks, before licking his lower lip, and silently crossing to the window. Looking outside he saw Jy standing with his back to the window, a lit cigarette in his hand. Knocking softly, Max waved when Jy spun around, Jy crossing to the window and opening it with his powers.

“What are ya doin ‘ere Max?”

“I came to see Liz…I just wanted to let you know, so that you wouldn’t be worried. I’m gonna have a sleep with her…I just wanted to shut the curtains.”

Jy nodded. “Aiight…ya can watch over her for a bit then…da four of us need to take of for a while…get some supplies and shit. I’ll wake ya if ya want, when we get back.”

Max nodded, Jy resealing the window and heading for the ladder as Max shut the curtains. Max crossed the room again, pausing as he once more stared down at Liz. Shedding his jacket, he hung his warn leather coat on the door, before slipping out of his tee shirt and tossing it on the arm chair in the corner. Nudging his shoes off with his toes, Max continued to watch Liz silently.

Her right arm lay close to her body, her left tucked under her chest. Her hair fell in a chocolate wave across her white pillowcases, her warm golden skin gleaming in the pale light. Crossing to her bed, Max knelt down on the soft mattress, before curling up on his side and staring into her face. Reaching out he trailed his fingers lightly across her left arm, and with a final sigh, closed his eyes.

* * * * * * * *

Liz woke slowly in stages. A twitch of her eyes. A wrinkle of her nose. A deep breath taken, that froze in her throat when she smelt Max’s unique scent. Liz opened her eyes slowly, her lashes fanning low across hooded eyes as she swept her eyes upwards. Her nose was only millimetres from Max’s bare chest, and he had one arm wrapped around her waist, the other cushioning her head. His hand was tangled in her hair, the long strands imprisoning his fingers.

Their chests were pressed firmly together, the sheet tangled around her hips and upper body. The sheet was the only thing between them, Liz finding that she had slid one knee through his thighs, Max tucking her firmly against him. Her arm was pressed between them, her other hand resting on his hip. Tilting her head back slightly, Liz looked up into his face, studying him as he slept peacefully.

Ava was right…both he and Zan were as dangerous asleep as they were awake. Thick black lashes that most girls would kill for fanned across his cheeks, his lips parted as tiny puffs of air escaped from between them. His hair lay in tousled waves across his forehead, the ends curling at the nape of his neck. Sexual desire packaged into the body of an alien whose gaze would capture hers when he woke up. Heat flooded her belly, Liz muffling the tiny moan that threatened to escape.

Before Liz could decide if that was a good thing or not, Max’s eyelashes fluttered, his sleepy golden gaze locking with hers as he smiled softly at her. Oh yeah…Ava was definitely right. Tiger eyes. Max’s hand shifted on her bare back as he lifted himself up onto his elbow, those sleepy eyes trained on her face as he smiled slightly.

“Hey…”

His voice was rough with sleep, Max licking his lips as he blinked slowly.

“Hi…” It came out a squeak, Max smiling slowly when she blushed. “What are you doing here Max?”

Max smiled slowly again, his breath brushing her face when he spoke softly.

“You asked me that last night too.”

“When?”

Max smiled then. “In your dreams” he murmered, before lowering his head and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

Liz froze, her eyes wide as she stared up at him in shock. It had just been a dream…right? Max lifted his head, staring down at Liz as she blushed bright red. A frown crossed his face, Max shaking his head slowly.

“Don’t…don’t be ashamed of it Liz. I’m not…to think you want me too? You have no idea how happy that makes me.”

Liz shook her head slightly. “I…I know that Max…but I asked for slow remember? I’m not ready to…to…to make love with you…I’m just not.”

Max nodded even as he smiled. “I know that Liz...I told you I wasn’t going to push you.”

Liz squirmed softly in his arms, Max’s eyes darkening slightly as he tightened his hold around her waist. Liz froze at the movement, Max rubbing her back soothingly as she started to shake. She looked up at him slowly, her eyes shining with unshed tears when she realised he had understood without a word why she had frozen.

“I’m not going to push you Liz” Max repeated softly. “I just wanted you to feel good…to make you realise that you can be touched with gentleness and desire, rather than hatred and as a possession. I’m kind of going into this blind Liz…I don’t know where we stand. Are we together again? Do I have the right to want to make love with you?”

Liz wiggled again, Max letting her slip free of his arms. She stood up, the sheet wrapped around her slender body and driving Max slowly crazy with what was underneath…or wasn’t…Max let his gaze travel the smooth spance of skin on her back, the sheet falling to her lower back and leaving all that smooth skin bare. Soft…smooth…tanned perfectly…no tan lines…did she tan topless or was that her natural colour?

“We need to talk Max…properly. You need to know things…from the past…the fact I’m coming back to school tomorrow…”

Max nodded in distraction, his gaze drawn to the mirror as Liz tugged the sheet up around her shoulders and let it part. He could see her body perfectly. Cheeky green panties gave him a tantalizing peek at the cheeks of her ass, her small waist…bare breasts…Max groaned softly as Liz tugged a tank top and a pair of sweat pants on. Who knew? he wondered, that Liz Parker wore such naughty underwear? Was it naughty? Or was it just him?

He was snapped back into reality when Liz dropped the sheet, and gathered her hair into a messy ponytail on top of her head. She lifted her gaze and froze, meeting Max’s in the mirror as he stared at her. Liz blushed, Max refusing to lower his gaze as he stared at her. He knew that Liz now knew he had been watching her, her belly going liquid as he smiled slightly. He patted the bed beside him, Liz going to sit by his side as she gathered her thoughts. Max made her decision for her though.

“Tell me what else my future self said,” he said softly. “How did you know it was me?”

Liz sighed sadly. “Maria, Alex and I had been to see Madam Vivian, because Maria was convinced she held all the answers. She told Maria and Alex their future, and then it was my time. She said I married for love, and that you chose me over destiny. I was so happy Max…I had been fighting you all summer, trying to get you to at least consider being with Tess, and here I was, being told that you choose me. Selfish I know, but I didn’t want you to be with Tess, but the thought of you one day waking up and deciding you loved her tore me apart.”

Max reach out and cupped her jaw in his hand gently. “Liz…I could never…”

“Let me finish Max…please.” Max nodded, letting his hand fall and watching as Liz settled back among the pillows.

“To be told that you chose me…it was like this great weight had been lifted you know? I came home, and I was in here…there was a flash of light and a rumble of thunder. It knocked me into the mirror, and when I turned around, I could see boots and legs. Legs encased in leather pants. They walked towards my window, and bent down, and I was looking into your face. You…he…you said my name, and I said yours…and then he slid inside, and I saw him properly in the light.”

Liz frowned slightly. “Your hair was longer…brushing your shoulders…you were battle weary Max…you had scars on your face, your hands and your arms. He followed me in a slow circle of the room, trying to calm me down and make me see that he was really you, and not a shape shifter. He finally caught me by the bathroom, and I looked up into his eyes as he started telling me that you would be here to serenade me, and I saw him…I saw him Max…like I see you…and then I knew…it really was you…older….wiser…but it was you.”

“He was here while I was singing to you?” Max asked softly.

Liz nodded, wiping her eyes as tears began to gather in them. “He was standing behind me…he whispered that he had learnt the lines from Mr Delgado at the hardware store…you’d spent a week learning them. It was him that told me you would change the roses from red to white mid air, and that happened too. He told me then, no one could know he was here…especially you.”

“We started to talk…I asked why he was here. It was to get you and Tess together. Not only was she critical to your survival, but to ours too. Without her, we all died Max. I tried hating him for this, but I couldn’t…not with the sadness that I saw in his eyes. This was killing him too…I would carry this on my own…. while he knew that he was about to kill the future…his past…and everything that had happened in it…good and bad.”

“We set it up for you and Tess to meet up…it was him who told me to get Tess to wear that top, because you liked it…god this is so confusing. You came along and sat down, and you and Tess started to talk. I was pretty sarcastic about the whole thing, because it was then he told me more about us. About the future. And I know now, and the back of my mind, that I was thinking I could have it both ways. Make Tess stay, and keep you.”

“What did he tell you?”

“The truth Max. He didn’t just tell me…he showed me. We…we got married Max…at nineteen. That’s when Tess left. She was the first to die…at Kivar’s hands. We didn’t find this out for a long time, but then when Kivar killed our parents, he told us then…she had begged for her life, and he just laughed…he just laughed as he killed her Max. And it was then the end started.”

“We got married?”

“Jesus Max! Keep up already! This is hard enough as it is!” Max snapped his eyes up then, his own anger springing free.

“You’ve had nearly six months to get used to this Liz! I’ve had less than a week! So excuse me if I’m a little slow on the up take! I know it’s hard…I’m sitting here remember, being told why we aren’t together, and it’s because I decided to take a trip back in time, and fuck with everything!”

Liz blanched at him, suddenly realising he was right. She had had the luxury of time to get bitter about this…Max was being hit with a double barrel, and he was trying to be good about it.

“I’m sorry Max…yes…we eloped at nineteen. We drove to Vegas and got married at the Elvis chapel. As he said to me, it was such a great night…we met up with everyone in Phoenix, and we danced all night. Our song ended up being ‘I Shall Believe”…I can’t listen to that song now. And we were together until the end Max…until Serena sent him back after Michael died.”

“Serena? Serena as in shape shifter Serena?”

“I think so…he said she ended up being one of my best friends. She modified the granolith, and that’s how you came back. She sent you back at our insistence, to destroy us both. I couldn’t say no Max…as I said, I thought I could have it both ways. Turned out I couldn’t. You wouldn’t stay away, and he was getting desperate…that’s when Michael cheated on Maria with Courtney. She told me she’d never forgive Michael for it, and I knew…”

“…How to push me away completely,” Max finished quietly.

Liz nodded sadly. “I went to Kyle, and asked him to help me. I wouldn’t tell him then why…I told Maria a few weeks later when Ava was here. Kyle a few weeks after that. But he helped me Max…he didn’t see anything…we didn’t do anything. I knew you were coming to my window that night…he told me how he knew…and why it was so important that you were hurt that night.”

“Why?”

Liz shook her head sadly. “Doesn’t matter now.”

“I think it does. Tell me Liz…why was it so important for me to see you like that with Kyle? That night? That time? Why? What happened that needed to be changed?”

Liz looked up then, tears shining in her eyes. When she spoke, it changed everything, and they both knew it. Whether they could move forward or not hung on Max’s reaction to the revelation, and whether or not Liz would be strong enough to handle what was to come. But they didn’t’ know this yet, and Liz broke them both once more when she spoke, bitter unhappiness and pain ringing in her voice.

“We made love that night…and we destroyed everything for a moment of passion. That’s what changed. We killed everyone because we were weak…we were in love…and the world ended fourteen years later. Everything we know…everyone we love…dead. We did that Max…you and me…. all because a boy loved a girl, who saw into his soul, and thought he was beautiful…we caused all that pain and death…and…god.”

Max swallowed hard before he spoke softly, changing the future once more.

“We might have done that Liz...but I don’t think the other me would have changed it for anything. I…he… loved you…don’t you see? I don’t care what happened in the past. All I care about is you…. all I want is you. We might die in what? Fourteen years? We might not see out the other side of this war. It would have been worth it Liz. It still is. Don’t push me away now…coz I’m not going anywhere. You can run all you like…I’ll just keep chasing you. I love you that much.”

Max reached for her when she started crying, pulling her gently into his lap and holding her tightly. He heard her whisper, his swelling as the final weight lifted off his shoulders.

“I love you too.”

Max lifted her face in his hands, and brushed a soft kiss over her lips. Pulling back he stared into her eyes, and saw they were finally clear of the guilt that had become such a part of her.

“Are you mine again Liz?”

She nodded once, Max tightening his hold on her slender body as she started to cry.

“It’ll be ok Liz…I promise.”

[majiklmoon]

Part 76.

Ava stood back from her easel with a sigh, and surveyed the painting she had started. She had gone to see Phillip earlier in the evening, asking his permission to put a drop cloth down so she could paint in the garage. He had gone one step further, putting the drop cloth down under the patio, so she could see properly, and listen to her CD’s while she painted. Now it was close to midnight, the house dark as she surveyed her work.

Max had come home from Liz’s happier than he had been in a long time according to Isabel. He had joked with Zan, a private matter between them apparently, about secret handshakes, and greeting their best friend in the morning. Zan had nearly choked on a piece of carrot, before both he and Max had started howling with laughter. Ava shook her head, a smile crossing her face.

The speechless, confused looks his parents had shared had set them off all over again, Zan giving Max, who sat across from him at the table, a little shock zap in retaliation between the salt and pepper shakers. Max had yelped, which had set Zan off all over again, Zan laughing his ass off, while Max pouted in indignation. Max had raised his eyes, his voice laced with laughter when he pointed at Zan and spoke softly.

“You’ll keep…just remember…I know what time you shower in the mornings…. who’s gonna have the last laugh then?”

“Me bro…coz ya gotta get ya laughin ass to school…me…I can sleep in…besides…I can dream walk remember…ya ain’t knowin how to do that yet! Believe me Max…I’ll definitely have da last laugh!”

“Muummmm…”

Diane had looked up from where she had been cutting into a piece of lamb roast, her eyes shining with silent laughter.

“Now don’t whine Max…it’s not nice to tease Zan about his…problems.”

Silence had echoed for a full thirty seconds, before the whole table had started laughing, Zan dropping his head into his hands and shaking his head, muttered curses coming out between his snorts of laughter. He’d retaliated later on over the dishes though, Diane threatening to ground him if he didn’t get the static electricity out of her hair…now!

Ava let her gaze travel over the painting slowly. Now the laughter was silent, the night belonging to her alone. She glanced down, scratching wryly at the paint splatter on her thigh. She had an outfit she always wore when painting, and now she contemplated ruining a pair of pants for when the colder months returned.

The simple black jumper she had worn the other night hung from one shoulder and down to mid thigh, her hair a riot of loose curls and her underwear. Hell, it was night time, and no one could see over the back fence. The painting was of the sketch she had done of Zan, the one labelled ‘desire’. It was mainly finished, Ava putting the final touches to it with a fine brush. Adding the scar in that ran down Zan’s left lower ribcage. A reminder is what he called it, to why life had a habit of turning around and biting you on the ass.

Ava smiled slightly, her voice low and husky as she sang along, losing herself within the sounds and smell of the oil based paints she was using. Her song came on, the CD bouncing with lights as Ava started swinging her hips sensually, dancing on the spot as she made the final brush strokes. Tossing her brush aside, Ava rubbed her tense neck with both hands, her hips swinging slowly as she tilted her head back.

That was the only problem with painting in solitude. It gave you too much time to think. All she could think of was how right it had felt to be locked in Zan’s arms the night before. Alien induced moment or not, she had felt the passion burning below the surface of him, burning bright and seeping into her. It had been so long…too long… It was time to let go of the past. Put it away where it belonged. They could only heal from here.

A soft moan escaped her lips, her powers easing the tension as she lifted her hair off of her neck and onto the top of her head with her hands, Ava closing her eyes as she listened to the music. Dropping her hair, she continued to sway her hips from side to side, the sudden sharp intake of breath causing her to freeze momentarily. Ava glanced over her shoulder slowly, relief flooding her when she saw Zan sitting in the shadows behind her, his legs relaxed and spread, the tip of his cigarette glowing in the darkness he sat in.

Turning around slowly, Ava drew her own intake of breath, her eyes travelling his toned body slowly. Bare feet. Baggy faded jeans worn low on his hips, the chain hanging from his hip gleaming. The flash of silver at his right wrist, his ball bracelet shining in the light. The leather cuffs he wore around his left wrist, both of them studded with silver spikes. The short silver braided chain resting on his collarbones…and those damn tiger eyes watching her lazily.

“Aves…”

The tone of his voice held a warning, Ava looking into his eyes as he sat before her. Zan lifted his hand and took a final drag of his smoke, before flicking his wrist; the smoke vanishing as silently as he’d appeared before her. Ava dropped her eyes, only to zero in on the tension in his lap as he dropped his hand to his thigh. She blushed slightly, Zan standing up slowly. Ava lifted her gaze when his feet stopped before her, Zan staring down into her eyes silently.

Ava looked up at him as the music played on, listening to the lyrics and her heart as she stared up at the man who had caused her such pain, but whom she knew had done so because he loved her. Of all the sins Zan had committed, for the all the crimes he was guilty of, loving her was the greatest one of all. His words echoed in her ears, Ava’s lips parting slightly as she turned her back on the past…

“I loved her all along…I felt what she felt…felt her startin to hate me…but I was weak…I kept takin her back into my bed, coz that’s where she belonged. And she’d fall in love with me all over again…she’s my one weakness…always has been…”

I hear... a voice say, "Don't be so blind"...
It’s telling me all these things...
That you would probably hide...
Am I... your one and only desire...
Am I the reason you breathe…
Or am I the reason you cry...

Ava tilted her head back, looking up into Zan’s eyes, which had darkened slightly. A tick jumped in his jaw as he watched her, even though his stance was one of casualness. She’d never noticed just how tightly in check he kept himself around her, until last night, when all walls had been down…. then she’d seen everything. Felt everything. And knew just how much he burnt. All the time. A fire, consuming him at every moment. All for her. Definitely time to let go of the past.

Even as she watched him watch her, he was letting her keep the control. Ava smiled slightly, backing away from him with her lower lip caught between her teeth, her eyes locked with his. Zan followed her slowly, Ava leading him towards the door. She stopped when she bumped into the wall, lowering her gaze as Zan stopped just before her.

Zan’s hands were clenched into fists, his chin tilted up slightly as he stared down at her through eyes that were burning with desire and need. Ava looked up at him through lowered lashes, Zan hissing softly as his hands flexed. Ava smiled inwardly. Yes, Zan knew her body well…knew how to please her. But what he didn’t get? What no male got? She knew how to push him over the edge with a simple look. Ava sucked her lower lip between her teeth slowly, Zan groaning softly.

“Aves…” It was a pleaded warning now, Ava smiling slightly up at him. Oh yeah…she knew what she was doing to him.

“Yeah Zan?” It came out as a purr. He groaned once…took a step towards her…paused…

“What are ya doin to me Aves?”

Ava lifted her hand to her hair and pushed an errant curl out of the way. Zan’s eyes followed the movement, Ava smirking inwardly as she let her curl slide between her fingers, her fingertips sliding down over her bare shoulder slowly. When Zan lifted hi gaze again, Ava smiled slightly, before taking a step towards him. Standing up on tiptoe, she whispered softly in his ear, her words registering when she danced away with a peel of laughter.

“Gettin ya back for last night…and givin ya somethin else to think ‘bout…while greetin ya best friend in da mornins...”

Zan’s mouth fell open in shock as Ava ran towards the stairs laughing, before he smirked and shook his head.

“Wench” he growled, before taking off after her.

He caught up with her just before their bedroom door, his hand closing around her upper arm gently. When she turned laughing eyes back towards him, Zan simply smiled.

“I should spank ya ass for that little show,” he mumbled, pushing her gently against the wall, and bracing his hands either side of her head. Ava simply smirked. Looking up at him, she shook her head slightly, a serious look entering her eyes.

“Don’t promise me nothin ya ain’t gonna follow through on Zan.”

Zan pulled back slightly, his eyes still burning.

“I’m promisin ya Aves…da question is though…ya ready to follow?”

Ava looked up at him silently, Zan taking her hand in his and walking backwards towards their room. He paused once more as he reached behind him to open the door. The door opened, Ava looking up at him silently. Zan waited silently. He’d wait forever…and they both knew it…

Part 77.

“Lexy Roberts. Sixteen-year-old white female. Good home. Good grades. Friendly girl, with a steady boyfriend of four months. No previous sexual activity. Lexy was raped by her neighbour, while her parents were at work, and her younger brother and sister were playing with the neighbour’s own children. Lexy is still showing the classic sign of posttraumatic stress syndrome. Blaming herself for being dressed in summer clothing. She has cut off all of her hair. Won’t attend school. I have prescribed her with anti depressants, and…”

“Ma…you got a minute?”

Rachael Ward looked up when her son’s voice echoed from her office door. Turning to face him, she once more marvelled over the young man before her. He had grown up on her in the last year, his attitude and his general habit for getting into trouble were gone, leaving behind a young man who studied hard, played sport well, and was looking towards his future. Who came to her for advice, rather than fumble along on his own.

After all, it was just the two of them. Paul’s father had died three years ago in a car crash when Pauly was just fifteen, shattering them both. They had clung together, unable to function on their own. But now they could, but they had retained a closeness that most people would put down to Pauly just being a mama’s boy, but they were friends. Above and aboard anything else, they were friends. With that in mind, she set her mini recorder down, closed the open file before her, and swivelled in her chair to face him.

“What’s up Paul?”

Pauly walked into his mother’s office and paused, eyeing the couch by her desk with hesitance.

“Can we do this in the kitchen? I’m not a patient…I just feel funny doing this in here…this is where you work.”

Rachael nodded, standing to follow her son to the kitchen silently. She looked him over when she sat at the bench, Pauly going to the stove and making them both a coffee. His blonde hair and good looks belonged to his father, but those serious grey eyes were hers alone. He was a good-looking boy, whose looks and personality had made him as popular as he was. She was proud of him.

“How’s Natalie?”

Pauly’s face lit up, a smile breaking out over his face.

“She’s great Ma…doing really good in school. She wanted to know if you were coming to see the play. It’s Romeo and Juliet, and she’s playing Juliet.”

“Oh how thoughtful! Tell her I’d be delighted to Paul. I look forward to it.”

“Will you need to check your schedule?”

“No…I’ll be there opening night. It’s important to you, because it’s important to Nat. Therefore it’s my main priority.”

Pauly nodded, Rachael once more watching her son as he searched the cupboards for some biscuits to go with their coffee. Her thoughts drifted to Natalie, Rachael smiling inwardly. Who would have known? Twelve months ago her son had been paired with Natalie for a class assignment. Her son, who was a jock through and through, had fallen for the tiny art and drama student. It bought back a memory, one that made her smile.

“Ummm…Ma?”

“Yes love?”

“I’ve met someone…and I need your help. I don’t know how to approach her.”

“Cheerleader?”

“Ummm…no. She’s the head of the drama department and one of the best artists in school.”

“I see…what’s her name?”

“Natalie…Natalie Jacobs.”

“Sarah’s daughter…she’s a sweet girl Paul.”

“Oh Ma, she’s more than sweet. She’s beautiful. And Smart. She’s so short…I mean she barely comes to my shoulder you know? And she’s got this long black hair…and …and she’s smart Ma…really smart. And so talented. You should see her on stage…and god Ma…she’s just so smart. And…what are you laughing at Ma?”

“Just you love…my son the super jock…in love with an art student.”

“I’m not in love with her Ma…. I just…I just think she’s cool…. I mean…oh shit…love?”

“Language Paul! Yes…love …tell her.”

“She’ll laugh at me Mum! I mean, she’s just so….”

“Smart?”

“Shut up Ma!”

It had taken him another two months to work up the courage to tell Natalie, but he had finally worked out how to tell her in his own way. As predicted, she had shaken her head, thinking it was a cruel joke. Pauly was devastated to think that she thought he could pull a stunt like that with her. When all else failed to convince her however, he finally just kissed her one morning in front of half his team mates, which showed everyone just how serious he was about her. They had been together ever since.

Rachael looked up when her son set a mug before her, along with a plate of chocolate biscuits. It made her pause, knowing this was serious. He only pulled out the Tim-Tams when it was serious, and he needed the chocolate biscuits as a buffer. Rachael eyed her son with a heavy heart. He was fidgeting slightly, his eyes down cast. Uh ohhh…

“Paul.”

He looked up, Rachael looking him in the eye and raising her eyebrow slightly.

“Is Rachael pregnant?”

Pauly blanched.

“God no! Jeez Ma! Gimme some credit here!”

“Are you being careful?”

Pauly sighed heavily. “Yeah Ma. We’re being careful. Natalie’s on the pill, and we still use condoms…she isn’t pregnant Ma…. I swear.”

“How long have you two been sleeping together?”

Pauly blushed and lowered his eyes. “We’ve been together nine months tomorrow Ma…Nat gave her virginity to me when it was our six month anniversary. And no, I didn’t push. She made that decision on her own, and had already been to the doctors to take care of the pill.”

“Please tell me you don’t have sex in the Bronco Paul.”

“MA! NO! That first time was…it was at a motel ok. We either…god, I can’t believe I’m telling you this! We went out for dinner, and then she told me she had some place she wanted to take me. That’s when it happened. We were at a really nice bed and breakfast ok. Since then, it’s either at her house or here. I won’t lie to you Ma. You told me once, you’d rather me have sex under your roof, than in the back seat of the truck. So we do. All right?”

Rachael sighed softly. “Paul…you’re barely eighteen. Nat’s nearly eighteen…you have collage to think of, and all sorts of decisions to make for the future.”

“I know that Ma…Nat and I have discussed all this. If we are still together when we graduate, we plan on going to school together. My grades are finally good enough, and I can get a scholarship to Berkeley. Nat’s doing drama and performing arts, and I’m pretty sure I want to go into journalism. We’ll be sharing an apartment on campus, and sharing the costs. Don’t worry Ma…I love her. I just want to be with her. Maybe marry her one day.”

“Marriage?”

“Yeah Ma…marriage. I love her…she brings out the best in me, and I like to think I bring out the best in her. But don’t worry…. we still have seven months of high school to go, and then another four to six years at collage. We’re talking at least seven years Ma…. but then? All bets are off.”

Rachael laughed then, Pauly smirking as he came around the counter and bumped his shoulder against hers. Sitting down he cradled his mug in his hands, his eyes once more down cast and serious. Rachael picked up on his change of mood, and reached out to rub his shoulders.

“What is it Paul?”

“You know Liz Parker was nearly raped last week right?”

“Yes.”

“Well…she’s returning to school tomorrow…and I was wondering if there was anyway I should act around her. We share a class together…English lit…and none of her usual group is in that class. I’ve been paired up with her and Ricky for an assignment, so we’re used to working together, but should I act the same? I mean, when we’ve studied this week, her boyfriend is always there to smooth it over, but now…”

Rachael sighed heavily.

“All you can do is treat her the same Paul. Don’t make any sudden movements behind her, and if you need to touch her, make sure your movements are slow. If she is grabbed suddenly, she might have a memory flash back, which can be dangerous. If that should happen however, you need to get someone who is familiar to her as quickly as possible. Make sure she isn’t crowded. Try to keep her calm.”

“Anything else Ma?”

“Yes…I love you Paul…my little boy is suddenly a man.”

“Awww jeez Ma…”

“No I do…I’m very proud of you son. To come to me like this over a girl who is a classmate, shows you have maturity beyond your years. So I love you.”

“I love you too Ma.”

“Good…now scram. Go do your homework…ring Nat…just always be my little boy inside the man you are ok.”

“Ok Ma…ok.”

Rachael watched as Paul walked out of the kitchen, his low voice sounding a few minutes later as he started speaking to Natalie. Glancing down at her hands, she wondered silently if she should approach Liz Parker. No…she’d give Paul a card to pass on to Liz’s boyfriend, and hope that maybe Liz would approach her. It would be then, that Liz would heal.

[majiklmoon]

Part 78.

Zan sat back against the pillows silently, his eyes trained on the clock beside the bed. A soft sigh escaped his lips, and eyes fluttering he settled down for another night’s restless sleep. Ava had frozen at the door, Zan simply shaking his head and brushing a soft kiss over her forehead. She wasn’t ready…hell…he didn’t blame her. The last time they had been together, it had been in an abandoned train tunnel, Zan taking her roughly against a wall. Not exactly the stuff dreams were made of.

He had backed into the room, before telling her quietly to go and finish her painting. She had nodded jerkily, before fleeing. That had hurt the most. Watching her basically run from him. With another soft sigh, he closed his eyes, willing sleep to come to him. But it wouldn’t. The moon was high, and sending shimmering light dancing through out the room, the warm desert air teasing his bare back. And just down the hall, Ava was taking a shower. Zan groaned again. This was his punishment, and he was damn sure he was going to die from it.

A flick of his wrist had the CD player springing to life, Zan listening to the music in silence as he sat back up and lounged against the pillows. Frustration ran through him. Not at Ava, but at his own moves. He should have known she wasn’t ready, but damn he wanted her. It was becoming a physical ache, and not only in his groin. In his heart too. Coupled with the mental picture of his woman naked and wet… well…he was screwed. He could picture her in the shower, soap sudds trailing down over her firm breasts, her hand trailing over her flat stomach…

“Jesus H Christ! Get ya mind outta da shower Zan…dead, puppies, dead puppies, dead puppies…” he mumbled as he shook his head in wry amusement.

The door opening had him snapping out of his pity party, only to slam his heart straight into his throat. He thought the image was his punishment? Way off! This was pure torture. Ava shut the door silently, and leant against it, her eyes glowing in the dim light. She looked at him silently, trailing her eyes lazily over his exposed chest. Zan’s breath caught in his throat at her blatant appraisal of him, and he was left wondering what the hell she was up to now.

“Aves?”

Ava looked back up at him, and licked her lips slowly, before raising her hand to hip height, and beckoning to him with her fingertips. Zan’s eyes zeroed in on her moist lips, his silent mantra about dead puppies falling on deaf…ears.

“Come ‘ere.”

Zan slid from the bed and stood up slowly, his height towering above her as he walked over to her, and stood still just before her. Ava raised her eyes slowly, allowing her head to tilt back as she looked up into his eyes. Zan swallowed hard, fighting to keep his stance casual as she looked up at him. When all she did was look, Zan spoke again, his voice thick and low.

“Aves…what are ya doin?”

She smiled at that, reaching out to trail her finger down over his chest and down over his stomach before letting her hand drop again. His muscles jumped at her soft touch, a soft groan escaping his mouth as she looked back up at him. His eyes were shut, his eyelashes fanned down over his cheeks as he stood still.

“Do ya want me?”

Zan swallowed again, his eyes opening slowly as he stared down at her again. Curvaceous body. Long legs. All glistening with water drops. Towel. More bare skin. Jesus.

“Ya know I do.”

It came out a hoarse whisper, Ava knowing she only had to push once more, and he’d snap. She’d walked away from him earlier, because she knew she had to make the decision on her own. And now she’d made it. Ava tiled her head back again, looking up into eyes that were burning. No gentle smoulder, just naked need. Love. Desire. And the slightest sliver of fear. Fear she was just playing another game with him.

“Do ya love me?”

“Ya know that I do Aves…ya know this.”

“Then why are ya standin over there? I told ya to come ‘ere…”

Zan’s eyes blazed, before he stepped into her personal space, and caught her chin gently in his hand. He used his thumb to tilt her head back, his eyes dark as he stared down at her. He braced his free hand beside her head against the door, the muscles in his arm straining as he spoke quietly, the warning in his voice loud and clear.

“Last chance Aves…I’m hangin by a thread ‘ere baby…if ya don’t think ya gonna be able to follow through, walk out that door now, coz otherwise ya gonna find yaself on ya back with ya legs ‘round me waist…if that ain’t what ya wantin, go now…”

“Zan? ...”

“Yeah?”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

He growled quietly at that, his mouth slanting down over hers swiftly. Ava could have cried when she felt the hand by her head shift to sink into her wet hair, holding her head captive as he bit her lower lip gently, before sliding his tongue along hers. God she’d missed this. His taste. The feel of his piercing….cool metal, mixed with warm heat. The way he made love with his mouth, tasting and teasing, nipping and soothing. Small sips …long strokes…Ava cried out softly when Zan’s mouth left hers, his teeth nipping lightly at her jaw, the tip of his tongue flicking out and soothing as he continued down the path of her throat.

She gripped his arms as he bought one down around her waist, the other still cradling her neck; Ava let her head thud gently against the wall as he bit down on her neck, where her shoulder and neck met, before pulling away and dragging her mouth back to his. Zan groaned low in his throat when her tongue slid along his, his hand fisting into wet curls, his other arm dragging her tightly against him.

Picking her up a little, he backed away from the door, Ava moaning softly when he turned with her in his arms, and bought her down under him on the bed. He settled himself between her thighs, his hips arching into hers; denim scraping along already aroused flesh. Ava moaned softly, Zan finally lifting his head and pushing himself up onto his hands as he broke the kiss. Lifting her slightly, he dragged her further up the bed, so that her head was nestled against the pillows, before they locked eyes again, Zan shaking his head as he smiled faintly down at her.

“Ya so fuckin beautiful…”

He lowered his head again as Ava lifted hers, both of them laughing softly as they bumped noses, before Zan smirked, catching her lips in another breath stealing kiss. Ava ran her hands lightly down over his back, feeling the muscle and bone in his back shift as he pressed himself closer to her aching centre. Her surprised groan was lost in his mouth when he rolled, bringing her up to straddle him as he sank his hands into her hair to keep her mouth against his for another slow kiss.

Ava lifted her head slowly, breaking the kiss off with soft nibbles of her teeth in his lower lip, and tiny flicks of her tongue against the stings. Bracing her hands against his chest, she sat up slowly, using his chest as leverage as his hands trailed down over her arms gently. His hands reached hers and then fell away, Zan letting his hands rest beside him on the bed as Ava stared down at him. Looking back up at her, he dropped all defences…all walls…finally letting her see him as he was…who he was…and what she was to him.

He knew she saw him when her eyes filled with tears, Zan reaching up, and wiping the tears from her face with the pad of his thumb. Ava turned her face in his hand, and pressed her lips against his palm gently. She heard the soft hiss Zan couldn’t stop from escaping and smiled. Sitting up, she lifted her hands to her hair, and smoothed the wet curls back, her back arching slightly, emitting another groan from Zan when her breasts pressed tantalizingly against the towel.

“Aves…please…”

It came out half whisper, half plea, Ava smirking slightly as she beckoned for him to sit up under her. Zan sat up slowly, Ava feeling his stomach muscles contract under her palms when she rested her hands on his abdomen. It put them face-to-face, Zan leaning forward and brushing a soft kiss over her lips, before he sat patiently with her still straddling his thighs. This was her show, and they both knew it. Ava swallowed, before whispering softly.

“I wanna feel ya hands on me Zan.”

His eyes flashed once, Zan remaining silent as he reached out and grasped her hips. Running his hands around to her lower back, he let them drift up slowly, his hands curling over her shoulders; his fingers pressing lightly against her collarbones as he gently rubbed her shoulders. Leaning in, Zan pressed a soft kiss to the dip of her throat, Ava tilting her head back as he moved his mouth. He shifted below her, both of them groaning slightly when her hips settled over his erection.

Ava could feel him throbbing through his jeans, yet still he made no move to push her. His lips skimmed over her collarbones, Ava knowing that he was waiting for her to make the next move. It was different…he usually just took…but then again, they were both different now. Reaching between them, Ava untucked her towel, letting it part from around her body and fall down around her hips.

“Sweet Jesus…fuckin beautiful… Oh dios, me quiero arrastrar dentro de ti …ya everythin to me…”

It was mumbled against her shoulder, Ava smiling as Zan continued to mumble soft words, alternating between curses and praises. English and Antarian. She lost that train of thought however, when Zan pulled her down backwards against his legs, leaving her with her body spread out before him, her legs shifting to lock around his hips. Her head rested just past his knees, Ava stretching her arms out over her head.

Zan flattened his hands against her thighs, his fingers splayed as he rubbed small circles on her skin; gradually letting his hands drift higher. When his fingertips brushed her breasts, they both hissed, Zan cupping her breasts in his palms, and moulding her breasts in his hands gently, his calloused palms causing her nipples to tighten. Ava closed her eyes with a soft sigh, feeling Zan shift under her body once more.

A hot puff of breath was all the warning she got, her back arching when he closed his mouth over her breast and sucked. Soft nibbles, gentle caresses, and cool metal flicking over her nipple had Ava letting out a soft sob of need. She raised her hands and sunk them into his hair, feeling the spikes under her palm flatten as she held his head to her breast.

Even as he shifted to her other breast, Zan’s hands were moving. One slid up over her jaw, his palm flattening down over her mouth in warning as he slid the other down over her inner thigh. Even as her brain struggled to catch up, Ava realised why when his hand slid down over her, his hand muffling a cry when his fingers parted her slick folds, and sank into her. Zan’s soft growl was muffled against her breast, Ava twisting as his hand moved against her, his finger sliding back and forth slowly.

She could feel his eyelashes fluttering against her skin as he laid his head on her breast, listening to the soft sounds she made, and the ever-increasing tempo of her heart. He still knew what to do with his hands, Ava arching up with a soft cry as he steadily built a fire in her belly. She could feel his breath washing over her quicker, warm, moist air puffing against her skin as he continued to manipulate her body to where he wanted her to go.

Ava gave a quietly muffled sob, Zan’s soft groan echoing around them when her body arched under him, his hand changing direction. Ava cried out when his thumb pressed firmly on her clit, her back arching as she came apart in his arms. Zan started shaking as she went limp in his arms, her warm centre clenching rhythmically around his fingers as she slowly came down from her high.

Even as she lay panting, she felt Zan shift under again, his hand slowly withdrawing from between her thighs. She opened heavy eyes, only to see the top of Zan’s head as he continued to rest his head on her breast. He was shaking, his body tense as his breath shuddered over her damp skin. Lifting her hand, Ava trailed it through his hair, Zan freezing under her gentle caress.

“Zan?”

Ava lifted her head, her hand trailing down over his shoulder. She could see shimmery lights follow the path her fingers took, realisation slamming into her. He was open…fully open to her. He was letting her in completely. Craning her neck, she peered down at her ribcage, where what looked like dust partials shimmered as they danced in the air and over her skin. His breathing…Ava bit her lip, a single tear sliding down her face as he weakly lifted his head.

Tawny tiger-eyes locked with cerulean blue, Zan untangling himself slowly as he shifted under her once more. Zan stared down at her silently, his eyes hooded as he rolled his tongue piercing along the roof of his mouth. Reaching out, he trailed his hand across her cheek, Ava seeing the shimmering trail out the corner of her eye when his hand slowly left her face.

“I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” he mumbled softly, wiping the trail her tear had left away with his thumb. She knew what he had meant. Open himself completely to her…no walls hiding what he was really feeling.

Ava swallowed, before opening her arms. “Come to me” she whispered, Zan nodding slowly as he stretched out over her.

He pressed gentle kisses to her eyes and temples, before claiming her mouth in one of his drugging kisses. Long sweeps of his tongue, gentle nibbles with his teeth. His hands firm as they skimmed down over her ribs. Ava pushed gently on his shoulders, Zan propping himself up on his hand as he stared down at her. Ava licked dry lips, her hands trailing down over his stomach. When she reached for his belt, Zan caught her hands in his, with a tiny shake of his head.

“We don’t have to Aves….that was enough…I just wanted ya to see…”

Ava simply smiled, pushing his hands away as she went back to undoing his belt. The prong slid free, Ava staring up at him through lowered lashes as she undid the first button on his jeans. Looking back up at him, she pushed him up onto his knees, and sat up under him. She looked up at him again as she slid the next button free, Zan’s eyes sliding shut as he swallowed.

Ava smiled slightly, sliding the third button free. She could see Zan’s hands clenching and unclenching at his sides, and she brushed a soothing kiss over his stomach. It had the opposite effect though, his stomach contracting as if she had scalded him. She might have been worried if it wasn’t for the low groan that spilt from his lips, Ava undoing the final button on his jeans.

Gripping the warn denim in both hands, Ava slid it down his thighs, his erection standing straight and rigid between them. Ava knew if she touched him now, he would snap completely, so she didn’t. She just pushed the denim down to his knees, and then lay back down. Zan bit his lip, his eyes dark as he stared down at her.

“Ya sure?” he mumbled hesitantly, Ava nodding once.

Zan wiggled out of his jeans slowly, silently praying that he could hold out long enough to make it good for her too. It had been so long…and although his hand took off the edge, it was always there…burning. The chain on his jeans clinked as his jeans hit the floor, the sound lost on both of them as he stretched out over her once more. Ava bit her lip as Zan stared down at her, his body still as he watched her.

Taking the initiative, Ava rolled her hips gently against his, a small smile crossing her face when Zan groaned softly again. She rocked up against him again, her answering moan soft when he returned the gesture, pressing himself against her. Zan groped for her hand, their fingers entwining as he reached between them with his free hand. He lifted his head once more, the silent question lingering as he paused.

Ava nodded again with a soft smile, Zan swallowing as he braced the blunt tip of his erection at the entrance to her slick body. With a soft grunt he sunk into her slightly, both of them freezing at the sensation. Ava gave a single soft sob of relief, Zan closing his eyes as he pushed into her body fully. Ava looked up at him, her breathing heavy as she watched his jaw clench.

Lifting her hips, Ava nudged him, Zan groaning as he opened his eyes. He kept his gaze locked with hers as he withdrew slightly, Ava’s eyes sliding shut when he sank back into her again. Zan stopped moving, his whole body straining as his free hand caught her chin, his voice hoarse when he spoke roughly.

“No…open ya eyes Aves…with me…please baby…”

Ava opened her eyes at his rough plea, her lips parting as he began to move again. His skin glided along hers like coarse silk, sweat beginning to bead upon both of them as Ava lifted her knees and opened her body more to him. Zan grunted softly, the muscles in his body straining as he continued to thrust into her welcoming body. She met him each time, Zan bitting his lip as he continued to hold her gaze. One hand held hers, the other braced by her head for leverage, their bodies flowing together continually.

He gave a soft sound of relief when her eyes slowly turned opaque, his mouth coming down over hers desperately as he lunged harder into her body. Ava’s soft cry of release was lost in his mouth, Zan’s answering hiss swallowed as her inner walks tightened around him. His hand tightened around hers as he thrust hard once more, before he stiffened, Ava opening her eyes when she felt him loose himself in her.

Zan groaned once more, before he gave a final lunge, his whole body shaking as he found his release, his orgasm pumping through him violently in continual waves. His free arm gave out, his body collapsing onto Ava’s heavily as he lay panting in her arms, his eyes shut tightly as he continued to shudder.

Long silent moments slipped past them, Zan coming down from his release gradually. First his toes gave way to a gentle tingle, followed by his hands. As he relaxed, sleep beckoned him seductively. He fought to keep his eyes open, but the gentle sweep of Ava’s hand was gradually slowing on his back, and he managed to lift his head. Ava’s eyes were drifting shut, Zan smiling slightly as he brushed a soft kiss over her swollen mouth. Tired eyes opened to him, an answering smile crossing her face as she reached up slightly and brushed another kiss over his mouth.

“Zan…”

“Hmmm….”

“Cover us up babe…I don’t wanna get cold.”

Zan chuckled then, pulling the sheet out from under his knees and draping it over them slightly. When he looked back down at Ava, she smiled once more.

“I love you.”

She nodded silently at his serious statement, the rough street gone from his voice, leaving behind a simple man.

“I love you too.”

Zan smiled then, his arms slowly relaxing as he rested his head on her breasts once more. She wiggled once, Zan withdrawing from her body with a hiss akin to pained arousal, but then sleep beckoned once more, both of them too sated to do anymore than give in. The after glow continued to dance along their limbs, both of them blind to it. Balance had been restore between them…all was right in the pale light of the moon. They were one again.

Translations:

Oh dios, me quiero arrastrar dentro de ti ~ Oh god…I wanna crawl all up inside ya…

Part 79.

The following day dawned bright and clear, the warm sky in direct contrast to how she felt. Liz sat in front of her mirror, staring at the pale girl before her. Reaching up, Liz traced her index finger gently over the swelling in her eye. She could see perfectly, the bruises only on the surface. But by god they were awful to look at. Her entire eye socket was bruised, and the bruises circling her neck were also dark. But they would fade…eventually. Liz dropped her hand and muffled a soft sob, knowing that only time could heal what was hidden under the surface.

The sound of her window opening had Liz looking up, Jy grinning at her as he slid inside and came to stand behind her. Liz looked up at him in the mirror, her eyes blurring as she blinked back tears. Jy smiled down at her wryly, and reached past her to grab her brush. Liz smiled slightly, tipping her head back as Jy started to brush her hair. Running the brush through her hair, Jy spoke softly, his free hand following the brush strokes.

“Ya don’t have to do this today ya know…it’s Friday Liz…ya could always go back on Monday…no one would think any differently.”

Liz shook her head silently, tucking some of her hair behind her ear as she lowered her gaze.

“Liz…talk to me sweet doll.”

“I’m just worried that people are going to talk about me…you know…point at me as I walk past, and whisper behind their hands, ‘that’s the girl that was nearly raped…. she deserved it’…I…I don’t think I could handle that Jy.”

Jy set the brush down, and came around to kneel in front of her. Reaching out he gripped her chin and gently forced her to lift her head. Meeting her gaze, he spoke quietly.

“Ya gonna be fine sweet doll…and if anyone makes ya uncomfortable, ya tell me who, and I’ll kick their ass…aiight? I’m gonna be there at lunchtime…ya daddy already cleared that for us. And ya have Max…Tess…all of ‘em doll. I know ya ended up on the phone to Tess most of last night, and that ya had Maria here until all hours…and ya know they’re all gonna be waitin for ya this mornin. Now come on…get ya ass up…ya ridin with me this mornin…aiight? So come on…you and me.”

Liz nodded, Jy pulling her to her feet. When she paused again, Jy sighed softly, before pulling her gently against his chest, and holding her tightly. Liz wrapped her arms around his waist, and buried her head under his chin, her eyes closing as she fought to regain control of her emotions. She felt Jy brush his lips over the crown of her head, his arms tightening around her as she slowly calmed down.

“Now or never baby doll…ya ready to face da future?”

“No…but then again if I don’t Jy, I never will. Just…can you hold my hand really tight…until I see Max…just…please hold my hand?”

“I ain’t lettin go Lizzie…never ok?”

Liz nodded, Jy grabbing her jacket and helping her into it. As they went to leave the room, Serena slid inside, coming over to give Liz a hug.

“Knock ‘em dead babe. I’ll see ya at lunch time aiight?”

Liz nodded, Jy leading her downstairs and out the back door. He handed Liz her helmet, Liz letting out a soft shriek when Kyan and Lyra simply stepped off of roofs and landed silently in the alleyway near the bike. They both approached her quietly, Liz accepting the hugs they gave her.

“Ya gonna be fine Liz…ain’t she Ly?”

“Definitely…besides…she’s got at least a half dozen aliens that are gonna shake down anyone who steps to da mark…aiight? Ya gonna be fine babe…see ya at lunch…Jy? We’re gonna catch some sleep man. See ya when ya get back.”

Jy helped Liz with her helmet, before sliding onto the bike, and patting the seat behind him with laughing eyes. Liz shook her head, and slid onto the bike, pressing close to Jy as he had shown her, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist as he started the bike, and turned around. He paused at the mouth of the alley, glancing back at Liz once more, his cocky wink causing her to laugh as he shut his visor, and pulled out.

The ride to school was exhilarating, Jy taking the curvy road with controlled speed and long leans of the bike. He could feel Liz relaxing behind him, her death grip around his waist and chest relaxing as she lost herself in the feeling of flying. All too soon he saw the school looming, and he felt Liz tense when she saw it too. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, before tuning into the car park and weaving though the cars and students gracefully.

Liz could see her friends waiting, knowing that only Maria, Max and Tess knew she was returning to school today. Max had told Pauly, who was also there with his girlfriend, considering he and Liz shared their final class of the day together. The bike glided to a stop, the group turning to look at them in surprise. Liz slowly took her helmet off, and shook her head, conversation in the car park dying down when she climbed off the bike, Jy removing his helmet and regarding the group with his bright green eyes.

“Liz?”

Liz smiled slightly, suddenly nervous as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Hi Alex…”

That was as far as she got, Alex sweeping her into his arms and burying his face in her neck. Liz closed her eyes as she slipped her arms around him, her choked laugh spilling out when she felt Maria complete the Liz sandwich from behind her. When they finally let her go, Liz looked up at Max. She never saw the students still watching them, waiting to see how Max would react. Would they be awkward around each other, or…they weren’t disappointed.

Max stepped over to Liz, and reached out to cup her face gently in his hands. Lowering his head, he pressed a soft kiss to her mouth, before pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly. Liz closed her eyes when she felt his fingers sink into her hair, his head coming down to rest against hers for a moment. When he finally let her go a minute later, Tess and then Kyle immediately hugged her. Isabel smiled at her, taking a hesitant step forward, before suddenly shrugging, and enfolding Liz into a quick tight hug. It surprised them all, but no more than when Michael also followed suit, his hand patting her shoulder quickly before he let her go.

Liz turned back to face Jy, who climbed off the bike, and with a pointed look at Max, caught her face in his hands, and rubbed his nose against hers. Dropping a quick kiss on her forehead, he let her go with another smirk at Max, who got the reason behind the display, and just laughed. No need for jealousy here…ever. Jy had known he was there last night…this was his casual way of letting Max know.

“See ya at lunch Lizzie…ya gonna be aiight…and just remember…shake ‘em down aiight?”

Liz nodded with a quick smile, Jy smirking as he tugged his helmet back on and gunned the bike. Looking back at Liz he spoke once more, his voice slightly muffled by the helmet.

“Meetin after school Max…Crashdown aiight? We gotta make up a…schedule…ya hearin me?”

Max nodded, slipping his arm around Liz’s shoulders and speaking quietly.

“Yep…see you at lunch then.”

With a roar, Jy pulled away, Max turning and leading Liz into school, the others forming a protective group around her. Due to the display Max and Tess had put on earlier on in the week, everyone made an effort not to be obvious when they stared at Liz, but she saw them anyway. By the time they reached homeroom, Liz was shaking. The group split at the door, Max stopping in the doorway, and cupping her face in his hands.

“I’ll see you at second period ok…you have English with Kyle next, and homeroom is with Tess. You’re going to be fine.”

Liz nodded mutely, Max giving her another quick kiss, before Tess held her hand out. Liz took it, Tess leading her into homeroom. Liz sat in her usual seat, Tess sitting on the edge of her desk and letting her bright eyes sweep the class in silent warning. Let the real fight begin….

[majiklmoon]

Part 80.

Liz sighed softly as she rested her head against her locker door. She shut her eyes with another sigh, mumbling softly under her breath as Maria and Tess exchanged looks of concern. Liz had made it through four long periods, and lunchtime was now just around the corner. As feared, people did stare at her but no one was game to make snide remarks, or to stare for too long.

Third period however, had proved amusing on so many levels that it was just plain wrong. It was the one class Liz shared with Michael, Tess and Kyle, Michael shocking everyone including himself. Liz had walked inside with Tess, the conversation flittering around the room coming to a grinding halt. Liz had faltered mid-step, causing Tess to crash straight into her.

Liz had lowered her eyes, Michael easing himself out of his chair at the back of the room and casually approaching Liz. When a pair of boots that were warn with age and heavy in appearance stopped in front of her, Liz had cringed slightly, Tess rubbing soothing circles on her back. Michael simply grasped her chin in his hand and forced her to meet his eyes. Liz had lifted her gaze, Michael simply smirking as he spoke.

“I still think ya beautiful Parker…don’t lower ya eyes coz small minded people have fun staring at ya. It just shows ‘em that they can win by publicly humiliating you, when you’ve done nothing wrong. I’d hate to think of how they would react if it was them in your shoes…would they be this strong? Would they be able to handle being stared at like they were a freak?”

A classroom full of eyes dropped to their desks, Michael’s casual words ringing in their ears.

“Don’t worry Liz…I’ll personally step on anyone who stares at you again in this class ok? Doesn’t bother me…I’ve got heavy feet.”

The rest of the class had passed without incident…unless of course you count in the fact that a jock that made the mistake of looking at Liz again yelped when he got an eclectic shock off his desk so sharp, that his hair filled with static electricity for the rest of the hour. When Liz glanced over at Michael in question, he shrugged innocently, his sly wink for her eyes only.

Now that classes were over for now, all Liz wanted to do was go home and crawl into bed, never to resurface again. Tess reached over and placed her hand on Liz’s shoulder, Liz lifting her gaze slowly.

“You ok Liz?” she asked softly, Liz nodding quickly as she chewed her lower lip slightly.

“Yeah…I’ll meet you out there ok…I just…I just need a minute to catch my breath is all.”

Tess nodded, she and Maria exchanging uneasy glances once more before they moved down the hall together. Liz sighed softly, closing her locker door with a gentle clang. Her name being called had her lifting her head, a small smile crossing her face when she saw Ayden, a fellow member of the Science Club, hurrying towards her. Liz leaned against her locker as he skidded to a stop before her, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath.

“Hi Liz…welcome back,” he said, his cheeks red as he blushed. Ayden was a shy boy, his wit and humour hidden until you got to know him.

“Thanks Ayden. How’s the club going?”

“Good…. good…if you have a minute, I can show you the club minutes. They’re in the science room.”

Liz nodded, falling into step with Ayden as they walked back to the biology lab. Walking into the empty room, Ayden shut the door. Liz ran her fingers over the desk slowly as he hurried over to his cubicle and gathered up the notes. He turned around to face Liz, whose smile faltered when he suddenly arched in pain, a strangled groan escaping his lips.

“Ayden?”

He smiled slightly, shaking his head as he gestured for her to sit down. When she hesitated, he smirked and blew her a kiss. Liz stumbled back a step, Ayden smirking again as he shrugged.

“Tell me something Elizabeth…are you dreaming of me?”

Liz choked out a moan of distress when she heard his mechanical voice, Ayden’s normally gentle blue eyes blazing red as he licked his lower lip suggestively.

“No…you’re not here…you’re not real,” Liz whispered, squeezing her eyes shut as she stumbled back another step.

A snort of amusement escaped Ayden’s lips, and he flicked his wrist at her as she skirted around the edge of a desk. The blast was small, but it hit the middle of her chest, knocking the air out of her and sending her sprawling onto her back with a thud. Liz lay on the ground gaping, tears of pain and fear filling her eyes and spilling down her cheeks as Ayden rounded the corner.

But it was no longer Ayden. Kivar was in the driver’s seat, his eyes sparkling with amusement as Liz rolled over to try and pull herself up. Liz cried out when he grasped her hips and simply flipped her onto her back, Ayden’s wiry form bending as Kivar simply straddled her hips and grasped her hands in one of his. Liz opened her mouth to scream, only to bite back a moan of pain when the back of his hand connected with her jaw.

“Shhhh…I wouldn’t do that if I were you…not only will you regret it, but I’ll kill the human boy I’m riding in…how does that sound Elizabeth? Will you bear that guilt? Or will you simply listen?”

Tears ran down Liz’s face silently as she stared up at him in terror, Kivar smirking once more.

“I always knew you were a smart girl…that’s what makes you so special. You understand why I want you…the others don’t. They think I want the seal…that’s only part of it.”

Kivar smiled, running his hand down over Liz’s face and healing the fresh bruise that he had left when he hit her. Liz started crying, Kivar smiling slightly as he laid his finger against her lips.

“Hush little one…I’m just talking…. we have plenty of time to get intimately acquainted later…I look forward to that day…learning what shall make you moan…what shall cause you to scream…pain and pleasure Elizabeth…maybe you should ask Zan about that…it is his speciality after all…but you shall learn it with me.”

Even as he spoke, Kivar ran his hand down over her neck and shoulder, Liz yelping in pain when he cupped her breast in his hand and squeezed cruelly. Her back arched, Kivar smirking when a flicker of green energy ran across her face, followed by another.

“That’s what I’m after. Your power. Your energy. The changes the little king made in you, when he healed you. Couple that, with the powers that I have, and the child of our union will be strong…unopposed. He will rule Antar with an iron fist…and Earth will tremble in his wake.”

“You’re crazy,” Liz managed, Kivar smiling as he lowered his head slightly.

“Not crazy my dear…that would imply that I have no thought beyond killing the Royal Four. Crazy indeed. No…I have a vision. A purpose in life. And that is you. Our child. Can’t you feel it inside Elizabeth? Can’t you feel the changes you are going through? I am offering you the world here…your life. The chance to watch over our son as he grows…watch as he becomes king.”

“I’d rather die…”

Kivar smiled at that. “You won’t though Elizabeth…I’ll make sure of it. You will come to love me…or fear me…either way…. you will be mine. Do you remember our night together yet? Or is Jy’s block too strong? How about I remove it? Let you feel it all over again? I will win Elizabeth…you will share my bed…you will bear my child…and you will watch Max Evans die. That…my dear…is your destiny…I have seen it…you shall see it…Tess…. has seen it.”

Liz shook her head violently. “You can’t touch me if I’m with Max…and Tess won’t let you lay your hands on me…none of them will.”

Kivar started laughing, tears rolling down Ayden’s face as he threw his head back in mirth.

“You really believe that? You really believe you can beat me? You can’t. You’re in no way, shape or form ready to join with Max. If you were, you would have done it already…you would have let him fuck you silly. But you haven’t. You’ve waited…kept your precious virginity…something that I shall treasure…not him. As for Tess, now she and Ava I will enjoy…again. Curvier bodies this time hmm… yes…. I will enjoy them.”

Catching her chin in his hand, Kivar bent his head, his voice low and husky when he spoke.

“I know you think that I am a monster Elizabeth…maybe I am…but I do want you. And I shall have you. No matter what the boy king says. You will belong to me…mind…body…and soul. You already do…you can feel it…you know it…I know it…now it’s just a matter of time. You will dream of me all the time…come to crave my touch…crave my body. I already crave your’s. The smell of your fear…the taste of your blood…. it’s quite the aphrodisiac Elizabeth. I literally starve for you…all of you…”

Liz gagged when he pressed a rough kiss to her lips, her back arching in sudden pain when the block Jy had put in her mind was torn free. Her memories came flooding back, Liz gagging as Kivar watched her terror play out over her face. His body reacted immediately, his low groan of desire drifting through to Liz as he cupped both of her breasts and squeezed her tender flesh hard again.

He grabbed her hand and pressed her palm against Ayden’s groin, rubbing suggestively against her. Liz felt his erection and whimpered, Kivar leaning forward and pressing another rough kiss to her mouth. Liz cried out when he bit her lower lip, her blood standing out against his mouth and tongue as he tilted his head back and groaned in heady delight. When e looked back down at her, his voice was almost tender.
.
“I still bare the marks of your nails my sweet girl…I wear them as a badge of honour.”

Leaning forward he licked the side of her face, lapping at the tears that ran down her face as Liz shut her eyes and wept bitterly. His breath swept over her face like a caress, his voice low.

“Until next time…my lady.”

Kivar stood up and left the room silently, Liz rolling onto her side and bursting into tears. She drew her knees up to her chest and wept silently, fresh pain coursing through her. The door opening fifteen minutes later had Liz cringing and curling tightly into herself, as she desperately tried to muffle her sobs.

“Hang on Nat, I just…” The voice broke off abruptly, the soft footsteps pausing.

Liz looked up at Pauly silently, not really seeing him as he approached her slowly. Kneeling down carefully, he watched as Liz’s eyes slowly turned blank, his harshly whispered “STOP!” warning Nat as she came around the corner.

“I’ll go find Max,” Nat whispered as she stared at Liz in shock, Pauly nodding as she ran out of the room and shut the door behind her. Pauly reached out slowly, his touch gentle as he shifted the hair covering Liz’s face back over her shoulder. His hand froze mid-stroke however, when he saw the green electricity running through her tightly clenched hands. His eyes widened in surprise, his voice low with shock.

“What the fuck?”

Part 81.

“MAX!”

Max looked up when his name was yelled from where he was heading down the school corridor in search of Liz. He frowned slightly as he watched Natalie run towards him full tilt. Her face was pale, and she stumbled as she reached his side, Max reaching out to steady her. Nat grasped his hand tightly, her voice low with urgency.

“It’s Liz…there is something wrong with her,” Nat gasped out quietly, causing Max to immediately pale.

Max turned them towards the wall fluidly as he lowered his head slightly.

“What? Where is she?”

“In the science room…we found her crying on the floor. I don’t think she knew we were there Max…she’s really scared…crying…please Max…you have to hurry.”

Max nodded. “Can you go and get my brother…he’s out in the quad Natalie…. just pull him aside…I don’t want to cause a scene.”

With that he turned and ran, Natalie taking off in the other direction. Max’s heart was pounding in his chest as he ran down the corridor, his fear palpable as he rounded the corner and threw open the door to the science room. He could hear Pauly murmuring softly, his breath coming in sharp gasps as he rounded the desk and stopped short.

Liz was curled up on her side, Pauly’s letterman jacket draped over her shoulders and upper body as she lay there shaking. Pauly looked up, and remained silent as he watched Max’s face contort with pain. Max closed the distance between them and sank to his knees by Liz’s side. He reached out and rolled her over gently, Liz opening her eyes as she stared up at him blindly.

Slipping his arm under her neck, Max sat her up slowly, and gathered her into his arms, as her shaking gradually grew worse. Max sank onto the ground and opened his knees as he pulled Liz tightly against him, her head resting on his chest as she started to cry softly. Supporting her with one arm, Max used his free hand to sweep the hair back from her face.

Liz’s eyes were red and swollen, her face wet with tears as Max swallowed convulsively. Max blinked when Pauly recovered Liz with his jacket, Pauly staring straight at him. When Liz whimpered, Max broke their staring contest, and brushed his lips gently over her forehead as he continued to rub her back. His body felt strange…it hummed…almost like he was attached to a live wire. Looking back at Pauly, Max blinked slightly, his voice low as the feeling continued to run through him.

“Thank you.”

Pauly nodded, and then reached out slowly. He peeled the side of his jacket away, revealing Liz’s hands and gestured to them silently as he continued to hold Max’s eyes. Max looked down; his breath forced out of his lungs in shuddering gasps when he saw what Pauly was trying to show him. Why he had covered Liz up. And why he was staring at Max like he was. Green energy crackled and danced over Liz’s hands, her fingers twitching as if she was in pain.

“Keep her hands covered Max.”

The warning was low, Max covering her hands up as footsteps thudded towards them quickly. Zan burst into the room with Natalie in tow, Pauly blinking in surprise as Zan skidded to his knees before Max. The differences yet similarities in them were amazing. Max in jeans and a tight tee shirt. Zan in leather pants and a shirt that was unbuttoned, revealing his bare chest as he reached out and cupped Liz’s face in his hands.

“Liz…what da fuck happened Max? Jy said she was fine this mornin…what changed it?”

Max shook his head helplessly, the other three watching as Zan swept his thumbs under her eyes.

“Liz…open up baby…come on…”

Zan grew more and more frustrated as Liz’s eyes remained blank, only the falling tears showing them she was still locked inside of herself. The jacket fell away as Max shifted Liz in his arms, Zan’s eyes drawn straight to Liz’s hands. Brief shock flickered in his gaze, before wary distrust took over his golden gaze as he glanced slowly up at Pauly and Natalie through lowered lashes.

“Max…?” His voice was wary, his gaze flicking between the two frightened teenagers and his brother. One he trusted…two he didn’t know.

“I know Zan…that’s the reason he covered her up before I even got in here…I don’t care…I don’t care anymore…it’s gonna all come out eventually anyway…just…please…what do I do? What happened? She was fine Zan…what happened to her?”

Zan looked at Max silently, watching as his younger brother slowly began to lose it before his very eyes. Snapping his gaze over to Pauly, he spoke softly, the warning clear in his voice.

“Shut the door…and lock it.”

Pauly nodded, and scrambled to his feet. Running to the door he shut it softly and locked it, before returning to Liz’s side, Natalie kneeling down beside him and wringing her hands slightly. Zan looked at Max silently, Max raising eyes that were slowly clouding over in pain as he continued to absorb the excess energy in Liz’s body.

“Max…ya sure ‘bout this? Coz I can make it go away…like it ain’t even happenin bro…”

Max felt the first tear slid down his face. He understood now. He was channelling what she was feeling…her pain…her fear…and it shook him to the very depths of his soul. He knew Zan was offering to make Pauly and Natalie forget what they were seeing…in the end he simply nodded.

“All that matters Zan is Liz …the rest can wait…can’t it?”

He directed that last comment at Pauly, who simply nodded when Max’s voice broke slightly. Zan bit his lower lip but nodded in consent. Cupping Liz’s face in his hands again, he ignored the soft gasps that echoed around them when his hands glowed as he tried forcing a connection with Liz. Sweat beaded on his brow and upper lip, Max gradually getting paler and paler as the moments crept past.

The doorknob rattling had them all looking up in distraction, both Natalie and Pauly blinking when the doorknob glowed suddenly and the door swung open. Jy walked in and shut and relocked the door behind him, before turning to face them and striding over quickly. Kneeling down he simply shook his head and spoke quietly.

“Well this is fucked up ain’t it?”

Bright green eyes lingered on Pauly and Natalie, before he spoke again.

“No worries in tellin ‘em Max…they’ll keep it quiet. They’ll back ya when da time comes. As for this…Zan…ya know how to do it. Ya also know ya ain’t gonna be able to do it to Max or Liz or Ava…so back it up man, and support ya brother…he’s ‘bout to fuckin keel over. Max? Ya gonna have to trust me bro.”

Max barely had time to blink, before Jy leant closer to Liz and kissed her forehead gently. When he raised his eyes again, his voice was low.

“Do ya trust me?”

Max blinked, suddenly realising what Jy was asking of him. Did he trust him enough to connect with Liz? Did he trust him to keep her safe? To keep them all safe? To let him in and let him help…something he hadn’t really been doing. To stand aside not only as king, but as a man…and let him save the person Max feared losing more than any other? Was he strong enough to lay Liz’s life in the hands of another alien?

“Yes…I trust you.”

Jy nodded without breaking eye contact with Max, Max slumping slightly against Zan as he sat down behind him and gripped his shoulders, Zan’s low groan telling him that Zan was now channelling this strange energy too. But then it didn’t matter, Max watching in pained silence as Jy tilted Liz’s chin up, one hand holding her face, the other threading through her hair.

When Jy leant closer and pressed his lips against Liz’s, Max simply closed his eyes. He knew better than anyone that this was the easiest way to form a connection, but it still hurt. When he felt a hand grasp his, he opened his eyes again, Zan twisting slightly as the two brothers stared at each other. Max could see the pain in Zan’s eyes, and suddenly understood what Jy had been saying…or hadn’t been saying.

“Ya also know ya ain’t gonna be able to do it to Max or Liz or Ava…”

It would have been the ultimate betrayal for Zan. To finally have Ava in his life…to have Max in his life, which in turn meant Liz…and to Zan, it would have been a betrayal to kiss one girl who belonged to his brother, when his heart was owned by another. To see what Jy was no doubt seeing. To feel what Liz was feeling in those moments…it would have destroyed what little strength Zan had left….strength he needed to face what was coming.

“That fuckin dog!”

It was spat softly, Max breaking the look he shared with Zan to stare at Jy.

“What is it?” he asked weakly.

Jy looked down and sighed, his eyes troubled. When he looked back up he sighed softly again.

“I’m sorry Max…I can’t get to her.”

“What? How?” Max whispered.

Jy swallowed again, and then broke Max’s heart.

“Kivar owns her man…he was here. He’s done this. I’m sorry Max…. but there ain’t nothin I can do…not here anyways.”

“What about the others?” he asked weakly, tightening his hold on Liz.

Jy shook his head sadly. “It’s over Max…now it’s just a matter of time until he comes back for her…or she goes to him. I’m so fuckin sorry man. I can’t fix this…”

Max broke then, pulling Liz closer to him as he buried his head in her neck, his shoulders shaking as Natalie and Pauly looked on in growing horror. This was obviously bigger than they thought. They were so intent on watching Max, that they didn’t see Jy and Zan lock eyes. Didn’t see Zan’s eyebrows jerk up in surprise at what Jy mentally fed him. Or the look of understanding that dawned on Zan’s face. They looked at Jy though, who sighed softly.

“Meet us later on tonight at the quarry…we’ll answer all ya questions then.”

Pauly shook his head, his jaw tightening. “No…I want to know now.”

Max simply nodded. “Alright…we go to my house then. Jy...go get the others.”

[majiklmoon]

Part 82.

Isabel watched Alex with a small smile on her face as he clowned around with Kyle and Tess, showing them that although he was lanky, he was also triple jointed, Tess collapsing against Kyle as tears of laughter ran down her face. The sound of Jy clearing his throat had them looking up, Tess rising to her feet slowly at the look on his face.

“What…what is it?”

Jy swallowed. “Kivar got to Liz,” he said softly, deathly silence following his statement. Jy lowered his gaze and spoke quietly.

“He’s taken da block I put in her mind, and replaced it with one of his own. I can’t get to her…I can’t get in.”

Silence followed his statement, a thick heavy silence that threatened to suffocate them all. Until Alex broke it.

“What do we do now then?”

Jy sighed. “We leave…we’re goin to Max’s house. Can ya’ll meet us there?”

“How are we going to get out of classes? I mean…yeah, we cut no worries, but it’ll be a bit funny to have eight of us missing at once,” Isabel ventured.

“Ummm…ten actually,” Jy mumbled. The silence fell again, Jy speaking quietly.

“That Pauly kid and his missus were da ones who found her…and she was sparkin.”

“Sparking?” Isabel asked in a soft voice.

“Showin power…they both saw it.”

Michael muttered an explosive oath under his breath and stood up, Isabel restraining him as he went to walk away. He swung to face her, anger clouding his eyes as Isabel stood up and stared him straight in the eye.

“No more Isabel…we can’t let anyone else in.”

“It’s too late for that Michael…we have no choice.”

Isabel stepped closer to him, Maria’s eyes widening slightly as Alex paled, Isabel brushing a soft kiss over Michael’s forehead. He relaxed slightly under her gentle caress, a wry smile crossing his face.

“That always calmed me down didn’t it?” he mumbled. Isabel simply smiled, cupping his cheek in her palm.

“Mi Rathard…He sabido siempre usted demasiado bien.”

Michael simply smiled. “And I you,” he murmured, reaching up to trail his hand across the back of her head. Her hair slipped through his fingers as he trailed some of the burnt gold hair through his fingers, a small smile crossing his face.

It was Jy clearing his throat that snapped them out of it, Isabel dropping her hand and Michael jerking back as if her touch had burnt. They stared at each other silently, both of them looking down at the ground as their cheeks burned.

“What the hell just happened?” Michael mumbled. Jy exchanged glances with Serena, and then spoke frankly.

“Isabel just told you…”

“I know what she said! What I want to know is, how the hell do I know? Why did I know she used to do that on Antar, and that it always worked to calm me? Why did I just look at her…like that? Like she was Valandra and I was Rathard again? What’s happening Jy?”

Jy sighed softly, and gathered his jacket and helmet up.

“I’ll tell ya everythin. As for school…Lyra? Ya got it covered?”

Lyra simply winked at him, and then waved her hand slightly.

“Done deal Jy…lets go.”

“Wait…what did you just do? Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?” Isabel cried, getting angrier as the seconds ticked past. Jy turned to face her as he started to back away.

“Lyra just created a warp…not only are all ten of ya in class, but ya all participating like ya normally would too, and da shit you need for class she’ll be able to relay to ya’ll individually. As she said…done deal. Now let’s go.”

It was six very confused teenagers that followed the four shape shifters and Ava down to the car park. They saw Zan leaning against the Trans Am, and Max’s dark head in the back seat of the same car, Liz cradled in his arms as he buried his head against her neck. As they approached them, Pauly pulled in beside Zan in his Bronco, Natalie in the front seat beside him. Zan tossed the keys to the Jeep to Isabel, his jaw tight.

“I’m takin Max and Liz. Aves…come on.”

Isabel nodded, and she walked over to the Jeep with Alex. Within minutes, the car park was missing a Jeep, a Jetta, a Mustang and a Bronco. As Pauly followed behind Zan, he opened his eyes to what he had originally thought was normal. But now he knew differently. There was something completely different about the four who were on the bikes. The two guys stayed either side of the Trans Am, the two girls floating between the three cars behind him.

Pauly shook his head and threw that thought to the wind. No need to speculate now…he’d know the truth soon enough. He chanced a quick look at Natalie, who was chewing her fingertip as she too stared at the car in front of them. They’d both seen Max’s brother’s hands glow…they’d seen it. Pauly was shaken from his thoughts however, when Natalie spoke softly.

“He knew Max was scared…he knew Paul. Max asked me to go and get him…. and as I went to pull the door open, his hand closed around my wrist…and I looked up at him…and he just knew. How’s that possible? I found Max looking for Liz in the hallway…Zan was outside…but he was looking for Max…”

Natalie turned to face him, her lower lip being thoroughly chewed on as she stared at him.

“I’m not sure if I’m ready to find out why…are you?”

Pauly swallowed, and pulled up on the grassy lawn of a well-kept house and shut off the engine. Turning to face her, he took her hands in his, and spoke softly.

“Not really no…but I don’t think it’s bad Nat. Max is just a kid…look at him.”

They both turned to watch Zan slide from the car and reach into the backseat. He gathered Liz up in his arms so Max could climb out, the heartbreak and misery evident as he took Liz back from Zan and turned to face Pauly and Natalie.

“He’s broken over this Nat…that tells me one thing.”

“What’s that?” she whispered.

Pauly smiled sadly. “That he loves her more than you or I could ever hope to comprehend. And that makes him a man in my book. Come on babe…lets go.”

Translations: “My Rathard…I’ve always known you too well.”

Part 83.

“I’m just gonna go upstairs,” Max mumbled as he walked inside, Zan grabbing his arm gently to stop him. The two men locked eyes, Zan speaking softly. His voice was flat, yet it spoke volumes to Max.

“Nah…ya gotta hear this Max. Ya gotta be there. So just sit on da couch…. Liz is sleepin anyways, so she’s safe for now. But when this is done? You and me gotta talk bro. It’s time…ya understandin me? But ya gotta see this out first.”

Max nodded silently, and followed Zan into the lounge room. He sank down into the armchair, Zan covering him up with the blanket from the couch as Liz whimpered softly and shifted in his arms. The others set themselves down around the lounge room, Pauly and Natalie sitting down on the couch with Kyle and Tess silently.

“Question…” Everyone looked up when Jy spoke. “Who was da last ones to see Liz?”

Tess and Maria raised their hands, Jy raising his eyebrow in silence. Tess scowled slightly, both she and Maria already feeling guilty enough as it was.

“Look Jy, she wanted a moment to catch her breath…a moment alone. So we left her at her locker. Is there anything wrong with that? We didn’t know ok?”

Jy sighed softly. “I know Tess…I’m not havin a go at you. I didn’t think he’d go for her at school either. But he did, so we go from there. Now… ‘nother question. Ya’ll wanna ask da annoyin little questions ya’ll have? Ya know? Da ones that niggle at da back of ya head? Or do ya want me to just go with da big picture?”

Max glanced at Pauly, and then spoke quietly. “The little ones…Pauly…why don’t you start out? I’m sure you have some.”

Pauly blanched when the group turned to look at him as one, and he nodded weakly as he swept his gaze over them. Max sitting in the armchair, his whole being shaken as he held Liz who was either asleep or unconscious. Max’s brother Zan, sitting on the arm of the chair Max sat in, Ava leaning against him from where she stood between his thighs. As he watched, subtle movement caught his eye, and he watched silently as the group rearranged themselves.

Isabel came to stand behind the chair Max sat in, her hands resting on Max’s shoulders. Michael stood beside her, his grey eyes flicking between Jy and Maria, a pleading expression on his face. And Tess, who sat at Max’s feet, her hand stroking his shin lightly as if to let him know she was there.

Kyle joined Alex and Maria on the stone hearth of the fireplace, Maria smiling bravely, even as questions danced in her clear green eyes. They held no discrimination as she looked slowly between Michael and Isabel, even though they both blushed and lowered their eyes. Alex laced his fingers through Maria’s, presenting a united front.

And between the two groups, sat the others. Kyan sat sprawled, with Lyra lounging between his thighs. Jy stood behind them, with Serena at his side. Pauly nodded slowly again, his eyes travelling over their faces slowly as he looked at each person. When his eyes finally came to rest on Max’s face, Pauly waited until Max lifted his eyes.

“What are you?”

It was blunt and to the point, Max smiling slightly as he shifted. “You want the long version or the shorter one?”

Pauly glanced at the others, and saw the first trickle of fear they were all trying so desperately to hide. “The shorter one. You all have a reason for being here other than Nat and me. If I have any other questions, I’m sure I can talk to you alone at some point Max.”

Max nodded, and then glanced over at Jy. “You sure about this Jy?” Jy nodded, Max shrugging slightly. He had nothing else to lose. He’d already lost Liz. He looked back at Pauly, and straightened his shoulders, even as his jaw tightened.

“We’re aliens. And what you’ve stumbled into, is a war that’s been going on between worlds, for the better part of the last seventy years.”

Pauly’s reaction was the one they had all been expecting. He snorted. “Sure Max. Aliens. I don’t believe in aliens Max. Aliens are something our parents tell us about in stories…not in reality. Seriously…what’s going on?”

Max smirked then, and let Zan take Liz as he stood up. Zan sat down, Max rolling his shoulders slightly as he approached Pauly.

“You don’t believe me…do you? You really do think I’m making this up don’t you?”

Pauly smirked and shook his head. Zan glanced Jy, and after a quick glance at Max, spoke quietly. “Show him. Show ‘em all.”

Jy smiled and untangled himself from Serena slowly. Standing up he levelled Pauly with another smile, before simply dropping his human form, and revealing the Antarian hidden beneath. His blades were fully extended, his eyes glowing with acidic fire as he smirked. When he spoke, his voice was low and laced with laughter.

“You’d better start believin boy…coz we’re real. Da war is real. And if this is da story of da century…. ya might wanna get comfy…”

Jy stalked over to them, and braced his hands on either side of Pauly’s shoulders and leant forward, letting him into his mind momentarily and showing him the truth. When he spoke again, his voice was so cold, that everyone shivered.

“…Coz ya in it. It’s real man. Da war that rages on our planets? Just spilt into ya back yard. Get ready to rumble Paul…coz by da end of it? Da whole world’s gonna know we’re real…you just get da heads up is all. It’s called bein in da wrong place at da right time. Welcome to reality man.”

Pauly stared up at Jy in shock as he slowly hid his true form under his human shield, the process of shifting back deliberately slow on Jy’s side. Pauly’s eyes dropped to Jy’s hands, where the blades were slowly disappearing under his skin, and then back up at Max. Pauly knew he could react one of two ways. Freak out completely, or sit and listen and keep the freak out to a minimum. He blinked once, and then nodded slowly.

“That actually explains a few things then,” he mumbled.

“Like what?” Max asked as Jy went back to sit with the others. Max approached them slowly, and eased himself down onto the coffee table as Nat stared up at him in a mixture of silent fear and fascination. Pauly looked up, and smiled slightly.

“It was one of you guys then that melted Kyle’s locker and gave Tommy that weird assed rash.”

Michael snorted with laughter and spoke up for the first time. “Yeah…that was me.”

“What can you do? I mean…I think I saw you do something to Tess’s hand the other day after she whaled on Pam Troy. Her hand was split across the knuckles, yet the following period, it was smooth again. Almost like it had never happened.”

“I healed her.”

“Healed?” It was Nat who asked that softly, Max nodding as he looked over at her. When Jy approached her with a small smile, Nat jumped, Jy shaking his head as he held out his hand.

“Just a small demonstration…nothing too bad,” he promised, Pauly nodding as he extended his own hand. He hissed in fright when Jy let one of his real fingers appear, his hiss of fright turning to one of pain when Jy gripped his hand and drew the sharp nail of his index finger down over the centre of Pauly’s palm. Nat gave a small cry of fright when blood immediately welled in the centre of his palm, Jy’s grip incredibly strong as he drew Pauly’s hand towards Max.

“Look at me…”

Pauly looked up at Max, and watched in shock as his eyes flooded gold. A tingle ran over his hands, not so different from pins and needles, and when Max let his hand go, Pauly looked down at his hand in muted fascination. His palm was blood- and cut-free. He snapped his eyes back up at Max, who simply smiled sadly.

“We’re not here to hurt anyone Pauly. We’re here to live. Nothing more.”

“Do you look like that too?” Nat asked. Max shook his head.

“No. Jy and the others are shape shifters. One hundred percent pure alien. They keep their true form hidden behind a human shield. Michael…Isabel…the rest of us. We’re half and half. Human alien hybrids. We’re exactly like you are Pauly…we just have a few added extras.”

“And how did you guys get pulled into this?” Nat asked, looking over at Kyle and Maria and Alex.

Maria smiled slightly at Max. “Liz was shot last September. Max saved her life. That was it. We were in. And when Kyle as shot, and Max healed him too…the group was complete. Eight of us. Four and four. Four square…right Max?”

Max nodded, Pauly knowing instantly that the others would talk to him later, that they had more urgent matters to deal with. Namely Liz. But he couldn’t help asking one last question.

“Max…how did you get down here?”

Max smiled slightly. “We died.”

Pauly blanched, his face paling as Max leant against the chair and gestured to the others.

“I told you Zan was my brother. That Ava and Tess were twins. That’s true. But it’s more than that. We died in the war on our planet. They recreated us…mixed our DNA with human DNA and sent us to earth where we baked for the next forty years. When we hatched…we looked like six year olds. Four of us were hidden in Roswell. Four were hidden in New York. Two sets.”

Pauly blinked slowly, Max shaking his head as he gesture helplessly to Zan for help. Zan smirked and leant forward.

“To put it blunt man? I’m Max. He’s Zan. One and da same person. We both came outta da same mixing bowl. I’ve always known ‘bout Max and them. They found outta ‘bout us earlier on this year. Two kings. Da same king. Yet Max is more my bro, than he is to Isabel. And it ain’t ‘bout livin in da same house. Ya savvy?”

Pauly nodded slightly, Michael turning to face Jy impatiently.

“Enough. We can talk more about that later. Can we get down to it now?”

Jy and Kyan exchanged glances, Jy sighing. “What do ya wanna know?”

“Everything. As you so nicely put it…the niggly shit first…then the real problem.”

Jy smirked and sat back. “Mmmkay then…let’s get it done. Who’s first?”

[majiklmoon]

Part 84.

It was Michael who spoke up first, his cheeks flushing as he glanced at Maria.

“What happened between Isabel and me before?” he mumbled. Jy smirked, and sat back down with Serena.

“That one’s easy. Maria is ya link here…ya human link. We woke ya grumpy ass up remember? Ya dealin with residual emotions that ya had for Valandra. Ya haven’t got nothin to worry ‘bout. It happens. She knew ya Antarian half. Ya alien side. She knows how to calm it down. Just like Maria knows how to calm ya human side. Cos ya now more alien than human, she has to learn how to calm Rathard too, rather than just Michael. She’s dealin with it Michael…. you just have to meet her half way. But don’t stress. Ya ain’t gonna go jump Isabel’s bones any time soon.”

“It still hurt to see them like that though Jy” Maria said softly.

Jy turned to face her, and gestured casually at her and Alex’s entwined hands. “And that little display ain’t hurtin them?”

Maria and Alex both blushed, and let go. Jy chuckled softly, and glanced back at Michael and Isabel. “You both have to remember something. You were lovers on Antar. You were going to be bonded. Down here though…ya bro and sis. Friends. It makes ya both feel freaky when ya get a sudden rush like ya did today. When Rath momentarily comes out to play. When Valandra looks out of ya eyes. It’s kinda like déjvu…but that’s all it is. At da end of da day? Ya human halves? They control ya heart…and who ya let into it.”

Four people visibly relaxed, Max looking over at Lyra when he spoke. “Why did you tell me you were here for Zan? What did you mean by that?”

Kyan and Lyra exchanged silent words, before Kyan spoke up. “Zan’s my boy Max. We’ve already established that. Da reasons behind our loyalty though? I owe both Lyra’s and my life to Zan. I can’t heal, Max. Not like you and he can. Not like Serena and Jy can. Lyra was attacked by a group of Niko’s strongest Skins. If Zan hadn’t been with us? Lyra and I both would have died. He saved her life…and in turn, saved mine. Simple.”

“What do you mean?” Tess asked quietly.

“Lyra and I bonded on Antar. If she dies…I die. Da soul can’t handle it…its like bein cut in half. You see it on Antar between bonded souls. One dies on da killin fields, and da one on da other side of da planet drops dead at da same time. I owe him my life…he has my friendship because I’m his protector. I don’t know you yet Max. but I’m willin if ya are…to meet half way.”

“Where are ours?” Isabel ventured softly. Jy shrugged.

“Dunno. Each set was sent to earth with an individual protector and a group leader. I’m Ava’s…Serena was Lonnie’s. Kyan for Zan. And Lyra for Rath. Cal was our leader, but he shot through, and went and made himself a life. You four had a set and Nasado as a group leader. If what Cal told me is true, when Nasado brought Tess to LA, he realised what Nasado’s plans were, and knew da four individual protectors were dead by Nasado’s hand.”

“Why didn’t you come to help us then?” Michael bit out.

Jy raised his eyebrows silently, causing Michael to fall silent. “Ya have to understand somethin Michael. We didn’t know ya protectors were dead. Not until ‘bout six months ago. And anyways, what could we have done? Hmm? Taken ya outta da foster situation ya were in? Taken ya back to da city, to live in da sewers? Hmm? We got our first place about…. six months before Lonnie and Rath tried murderin Zan. Before that though? We had nothin man…Cal not only left da four high and dry…. he left us high and dry too.”

“What about destiny?” Max spoke up quietly.

Serena snorted softly. “What about it? Ya’ll heard da message. Ya were recreated, and sent to earth. Ya mum told ya who ya’s were in da last life, and that Antar was still in da grips of a civil war. That she wants ya to come home and free ‘em all. Ain’t gonna happen though.”

“Why?” Michael asked.

Lyra looked at him sadly, and spoke softly, her words chilling them all. “Everyone we loved? Everyone we knew? They’re all dead Michael. Yes, Antarians live for a fuckin long assed time, but we don’t live forever.”

Michael frowned slightly. “How old are you Lyra?”

Lyra frowned slightly as she thought about it, her answer sending gasps echoing around the room. “I’ve been on earth for forty odd years now…. I was in da army for thirty odd…I was…Ky? Seventeen? When I joined da army? …Sooo…. nearly ninety in human years?”

She grinned slightly, and blew Michael a kiss. “I look damn good yeah? Seriously though Michael. We live to be roughly a thousand or odd years.” Her smile faded, and she spoke softly. “I’ll still be here Michael…. when your body turns to dust. I’ll still be here…when the world ends. I’d rather live a human life…than basically for eternity.”

“What’s happened to Liz?” Tess asked softly.

Jy sat forward then, and spoke quietly. “Look…this is how it is. Kivar has taken da block I put in Liz’s mind…she’s reliving what happened to her…. over and over again. While that’s happenin…he’s put a block of his own in. It’s changin her…”

Jy ran his hands through his hair when he broke off, his voice low and laced with pain when he answered. “She will wake up soon. And when she does? She’s goin to start turnin. On all of us. She’ll begin to hate us. And crave him. She’s gonna dream ‘bout him. ‘Bout how it would be to be with him. He’ll possess another body whenever he can…come to her side to fuel da fire. And when he gets here in his own body? She’ll go to him willingly.”

“NO! I won’t accept that! I’ll kill him first,” Max spat out angrily, Jy standing up in one fluid motion.

“Ya ain’t got a fuckin choice in this Max. It’s already done! Ya wanna see what she’s seein? Ya wanna feel what she’s feelin? Fine.”

Before Max could react, Jy grabbed him by the arm, and twisted him, so that Max’s back was pressed up against Jy’s chest, Jy shoving him to his knees and grabbing Max’s face in his hands. Just like in New York when the emissary had used his powers to display the seal, Jy used his and Max’s combined powers to show the whole group. And it shattered them all….


Liz glanced around as she headed towards home. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched, and she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the Crashdown lights up ahead. Her relief was short lived however. The silhouette of a man blocked her path, causing her to pull up sharp, her breathing shallow as she looked up into his face.

“Hello, beautiful. I’ve been looking for you,” he said cheerfully.

Liz took a step backward as he took one toward her. “What do you want?” she asked quietly, her whole body starting to shake as fear trickled down her spine.

“I can smell your fear,” he continued cheerfully, as if she hadn’t said a word.

Without another word, he lunged for her. A frightened cry escaped Liz’s lips as her bag was yanked from her back as she turned to run. The strap broke, bruising her shoulder as she ran toward the light, causing pain to explode in her shoulder. She was tugged back suddenly, her hair swinging violently around her face as he caught hold of her cardigan. Liz shrugged free of her cardigan wildly and she continued to run.

As she neared the lights, pain exploded in her head. Her attacker caught her by the hair, swinging her back to him. Her scream of fright died when she saw his eyes glowing in the darkness, her screams further cut off by the hand that squeezed at her throat, cutting off her airway. She clawed at his hands, his low chuckle echoing in the silence.

“I’m going to enjoy this,” he whispered, licking the side of her face.

Liz reared back, her knee coming up instinctively. She felt her knee connect, and for a moment she thought she was free when he let go of her, and she once more turned to run.

“Fuck!”

Then a cold hand closed around her arm, another tight around her waist. Pain exploded in her skull as she was picked up and slammed down on the ground. Stars exploded behind her eyes, leaving her stunned and helpless. His face loomed above her, a sadistic smile crossing his face.

“I wonder if his highness will want you when I’m finished,” he murmured.

Anger flashed in her eyes, her words slipping out before she could stop them. “I’d rather die than let you touch me!”

He smiled. “You might die yet baby…but not before I’m done…”

Liz twisted as he straddled her thighs, pain exploding along her lower jaw when his fist connected with her face. She felt a warm trickle run down the crease of her lip, her soft cry muffled when her attacker bent forward and licked her lips slowly. She cried out, once in revulsion, once in pain, when he gripped her chin in his hand and forced her to meet his eyes.

“Don’t tell me the little king hasn’t had the pleasure of this yet…that he hasn’t broken your body into the Antarian way of life.”

Liz started crying, the man sitting up and tapping the side of his face in delight. Then he grew still, his smile returning as he stared down at her.

“I really should apologise Elizabeth. How rude am I? Here we are, getting acquainted, and you don’t even know who I am. Oh well…time to rectify that I suppose.”

Liz’s chest heaved as his human skin slowly melted away, revealing the truth….

“No more!” Max cried, breaking free of Jy’s hold with a soft sob. Jy sank to his knees, his face dark with anger. Gripping Max’s chin, he forced him to face the wall, and the image that was frozen on it. Kivar’s image.

“Not nearly enough Max! Grow up and face it man. This! Is the fucker who raped and murdered your wife. Your sister. He slit your general’s throat. And made you watch as Avaria was gang raped by his men. That is the fucker ya gonna be facing Max! This is the asshole that tried rapin Liz. Who wants her…who is gonna come down here and kill all of us if we don’t pull together.”

Max shook his head, Jy gripping his chin and speaking so softly, that his words only reached Max’s ears. His words hardened Max’s heart, and turned him into the alien Jy needed him to be. It was a necessary cruelty…if they were to survive. And one he wouldn’t be crucified by anyone for making.

“Then say goodbye to Liz…your soul mate…now Max. There is a way to save her…but I guess ya just ain’t man enough to do it hey? Lay her out then Max…and let Kivar have her. You’re obviously still too weak…. boy…to save her. And here I was…thinkin ya were a man…who loved her enough. Are ya that man?”

Max lifted his head slowly, and looked at Jy quietly. “What do we need to do?”

Part 85.

After eight weeks of being as sick as a dog, and then having my hard drive go to computer heaven, I’m back. I want to thank each and every one of you for your continual patience and well wishes. I’m also now four and a half months pregnant, so I’m no longer sitting here with my eyes hanging out of my head while I stare wearily at a bucket! J

I had this fic basically finished…but then my computer fried, and nothing could be pulled from the old hard drive, so I’m starting fresh too. I’m picking this up two weeks later coz I can! The kids have just finished school, and have the holidays ahead of them. You’ll learn what has happened in those two weeks in later chapters…. I promise!! With that said…on we go…enjoy, and thanks again.


“Ompphh!”

Michael stared up at the clear sky through dazed eyes, his head ringing with a combination of thudding on the hard compacted sand of the desert, and the solid kick Lyra had landed on his chest that had launched him clear into the air. He vaguely heard her heavy boots crunch over the sand as she walked towards him, before her face swam into view before his eyes.

“Ya aiight down there Michael?” she purred, Michael hearing the self satisfied tone that flittered through her voice.

Scowling up at her, he accepted the hand she held out, and let her tug him to his feet. They regarded each other momentarily, before Lyra started laughing, Michael unable to hide the grin that crossed his face at her mirth.

“Da look on ya face Michael…ya got ya ass beat down by a chick man!”

Michael simply scowled, but his dancing eyes gave him away as they trudged towards the bags that were resting by the jeep. They sat side by side, sharing a bottle of cold water as they watched the others practise. They had been training for solidly for nearly eight days now. From the crack of dawn, until the sun sank, they trained with only short breaks for meals and rest.

The others drifted towards them in pairs, taking a brief break from the relentless pace Jy and Kyan were setting, their bones creaking and muscles aching as they all sat down. Only Tess continued to spar with Kyan, the others taking in the changes that were visible with in all of them, but mainly within her.

While Kyan was wearing loose jeans and boots, his bare chest gleaming with sweat, Tess was clad in torn off denim shorts that rode dangerously high, a black bra top, and doc martin boots that were covered with dust. Bruises stood out on her thighs, her curly hair pulled up into a messy knot as she and Kyan worked fluidly in the heat.

“Come on Tess…ya know ya want it” Kyan taunted, Tess’s soft grunt loud and clear as she ducked the punch he aimed at her face.

Even as the others watched in silently, Tess shoved a wayward curl out of her eyes. She straightened up, her eyes clear as she smirked at his taunts.

“What’s the matter Kyan? That all you got? Up the stakes.”

They stared at each other silently, the others wondering what she meant. Kyan knew though, and dropped his fighter’s stance as he stepped closer to her. Staring down at her, he searched her face carefully, his voice low when he spoke.

“Ya sure…really sure about this? I could seriously hurt ya Tess.”

Tess smiled slightly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Is who ever coming at me in reality really gonna stop to gonna ask that? Are they really gonna stop and ask me if I’m ok if I break a bloody nail?”

Kyan shook his head, Tess glancing over at Jy silently. “Jy’s here incase anything goes wrong Kyan…I trust you.”

Kyan sighed but nodded anyway. When he stepped back, he heard but ignored the gasps that echoed around them when he let his hands relax, the lethal blades glowing in the bright sunlight as they slowly extended. Holding his hands out to the sides with his palms up, he regarded Tess once more. When she nodded, he rolled his neck, and they began once more.

They started out slow, Kyan giving Tess time to get used to dodging the blades. They paused momentarily when the tip of one scratched her upper arm, Tess hissing as the others jumped to their feet at the sight of the small trickle of blood that ran down her arm. She waved them back, holding Kyan’s gaze as she smiled again.

“Damn…that didn’t tickle hey! Hurts more than a bikini wax!”

Kyan snorted with laughter, and threw all defences down. Dust was kicked up into small clouds as they danced around each other, ducking punches, and jumping low sweeping kicks. Kyle held his breath in trepidation as the fight grew more serious, but managed a weak smile when Kyan’s loud grunt echoed as Tess landed a kick to his stomach.

Jy sat up straighter as Tess started to gain the upper hand, slowly driving Kyan backwards with each high kick she took. As one, the group held their breath when Kyan’s blades crashed together near Tess’s face, the muscles in Tess’s arms straining as she gripped his wrists in her hands from where she had caught them centimetres from her face.

Tess stared up at Kyan through his blades as she forced his arms apart, his smirk faltering when she made a kissing motion with her lips at him before smirking herself. That was all the warning he got, Tess leaning back slightly, and bringing her leg up between them, and kicking him in the chin. The move snapped Kyan’s chin back, and he stumbled, before falling flat on his back.

It didn’t stop there, Kyan snapping straight back up to his feet, and ducking the next kick Tess aimed at him. He slashed out at her with his blades fully extended, sending them humming with sound and vibration as they narrowly missed Tess’s side. Only her quick twist saved her skin, Kyle and Jy both jumping to their feet in shock.

As the two guys stepped forward however, Jy suddenly stopped and restrained Kyle by the arm, the warning shake of his head telling Kyle he could feel something was off in the air. Jy narrowed his eyes slightly, and started to smile as he stared at something that shimmered behind Kyan as Kyan continued to fight with Tess.

Kyle caught sight of the shimmer as it started to solidify, his grin breaking out in such happiness that his cheek muscles hurt. They watched as Tess approached Kyan silently from behind, while he continued to fight her mirror image. It was the strongest mind warp she had ever pulled off, her eyes narrowed with concentration as she silently stalked up behind Kyan.

He sensed the disturbance in the air a moment too late, Tess’s solid kick sending him sprawling, but not before he grabbed her wrists and dragged her down to the ground with him. He twisted as he fell, Tess landing on top of him with a thud. They stared at each other silently as the dust settled around them, before Kyan smirked and fisted his hand in her hair. Sitting up, he kissed her with a resounding smooch on the lips, before hooting with laughter.

“Ya cheeky fuckin bitch! I didn’t even feel ya warpin me…when da hell did it start?”

Tess grinned. “The first time I knocked you to the ground” she admitted, Kyan shaking his head as he leant to the side and spat some blood out of his mouth.

“Damn girl…ya getting mighty powerful with ya mind there…I’m proud of ya Tess. When have ya been practising?”

“While I watch Liz…”

The menton of Liz’s name sobered the entire group, the others looking down at the ground. Zan, Max and Ava were all missing, the three of them taking their turn to stand guard while the others practised. They took it in turns, sitting with her, and holding her limp hand as she stared vacantly at the ceiling of her room.

“Has there been any news today?” Isabel asked quietly.

Jy shook his head silently, his jaw tight as he glanced at his watch. When he looked back up, he regarded the others silently. Michael stared at him; worry turning his gaze serious and dark.

“What is it?” he asked softly.

Kyan and Jy exchanged glances, before simply sitting down and gesturing for the others to join them. Kyan drew his blades back and forth across the sand slowly, his voice low when he spoke.

“I spoke to da guy this mornin that I have in da city, who is watchin over things for us while we’re gone.”

Kyan flexed his hand, his blades withdrawing into his hand slowly as he lifted his gaze.

“Kivar left Antar a week ago. He’s on his way…with his own personal army.”

The others blanched white, Kyan biting his lower lip as he lowered his gaze again.

“Da army he’s bringin…they’re upper level skins…fully trained and willin to die for Kivar’s cause…namely Liz. These aliens fight almost as well as Antarians do…they know our strengths and weaknesses…they know a human’s strengths and weaknesses. They ain’t like da skins ya fought down here before.”

“What do you mean?” Kyle asked, voicing the question that had sprung to mind with everyone.

Kyan sighed helplessly. “With those skins, ya popped a seal on their back, and they went poof…these skins are different.”

“Different how?” Michael demanded.

Jy glanced up, his eyes flashing emerald fire. “For starters, they’re damn near impossible to kill. Like us, ya have to get close enough to spill blood…or set ‘em on fuckin fire. None of da fuckin easy goin poof shit.”

“What aren’t you saying Jy?” Tess asked quietly.

“We have two choices here…we can either stay and fight…maybe die for a cause that we won’t be able to win.”

“Or?” Michael asked.

“We run.”

“Fuck no!”

It exploded out of Alex’s mouth, the others turning to stare at him as he glared at Jy.

“We stay…we all stay.”

Jy grinned as the others nodded. “I was hopin ya’d all say that…coz I ain’t takin this fucker down on my own…. this is what we’d come up with if ya’ll decided to stay….”

[majiklmoon]

Part 86.

Max stared down at Liz silently; her hand limp in his own as dust particles spun and danced in the air above her bed. Ava was curled up asleep beside her, Ava’s arm tucked gently around Liz’s waist as she snored gently. The creaking of a chair had Max lifting his gaze, and he watched as Zan sat up straight and rubbed his eyes. Zan blinked, his voice low when he spoke.

“Any change bro?”

Max shook his head, and scrubbed at his own eyes tiredly. They had come straight from training the night before to stay with Liz, catching what sleep they could in shifts. Jeff popped into the room hourly during the day, and had slept on the floor near the door that night.

“She woke slightly before, but her eyes were still glowing, so I knocked her back out,” he mumbled softly, Zan sighing as he stood up and came to sit at Max’s side. Max closed his eyes when Zan gripped his shoulder tightly, and dropped his chin to his chest.

“I feel so guilty Zan…she’s never going to forgive me for this. Keeping her unconscious like this with my powers.”

Zan sighed again. “It ain’t like ya got a choice man…ya saw how she was da one day she was awake. Ya gotta look at it from her point of view too Max…she was flittin between bein herself and bein…somethin else entirely.”

Max winced at the reminder, and nodded. The one-day Zan spoke of had been a nightmare. Liz had woken, and it had been almost like she was possessed. One moment she was a woman hell bent on hurting all of them with her words and accusation, and the next she was in tears, horrified with the things she had said and done…

Accusing Max of being after only one thing with her. Accusing Tess of really wanting Max, and of using Kyle to get to him. Calling Maria a selfish bitch, who only cared about what she wanted. Telling Isabel that she had an ice cap shoved up her ass, and a stone heart. The list was endless. Then there was that kiss with Zan…

Max sighed softly. He and Liz had had a blazing row, Zan coming between them to break it up. Liz had stared hard at Max, before smirking, and leaning against Zan.

“I wanna know what it feels like to be kissed by a real man,” she had purred, before yanking Zan’s head down by his collar, and pressing her lips against his in front of everyone.

Zan had shoved her away from himself roughly, Liz colliding with Jy hard. She had shaken her head slightly, before staring up at Jy with tear filled eyes. She had spoken once more, her voice a pain filled whisper.

“Help me…make it stop.”

Make it stop they did…and they all carried the guilt of that discission. Nearly two weeks had passed since that day, and they checked how she was daily. If she was Liz…she sat with them, and tried to apologise. None of them would hear of it. They knew she was being controlled now. But if she wasn’t Liz…well…that was entirely different.

Max sighed softly, thinking back to the conversation he had had with Jy, his own guilt put aside as he slid a sidelong glance at Zan. Zan knew the truth now as did Max…and it had taken Kyan, Michael, Kyle and Alex to hold Zan down. The truth had broken him for a single night…a night he and Ava had spent locked in their room, her soft crying and his anger still carrying through to Max’s room.

“How’s Ava doing?” Max asked softly, Zan glancing down at his lover with concern filled eyes.

“Better…we’ve both spoken with Jy, and we know why he did it. But I’ve gotta say Max…I wanted to kill him that night. I would have if it hadn’t been for da others.”

Max nodded in understanding. The whole truth had come out that night. The others thought that Jy would ask Max to force a bond with Liz, but he hadn’t. All Jy wanted, was for Max to face his alien side completely, and train as hard as he could. To not only train his body, but his powers too. That had been the easy part. The harder part was when Jy took Max aside, and told him to make his mind up. Was he willing to die for this…was he willing to let Liz go if that’s what it would take. Max had shaken his head, Jy smiling slightly as he clapped Max on the back.

“Da hardest thing in this that ya gonna face is da truth Max. Da truth ‘bout ya true origins…da side that ya kept buried. There are still secrets dividin da group…and they need to come out. I ain’t able to shield everyone…no matter how much I want too. Everythin I’ve ever done has been outta love…outta friendship. That can all change…it will all change…and I’m outta time man…I need ya help.”

The truth about what had really happened to Ava had come out. And Zan had seen red. It had taken the four guys to hold him down, and even then that had taken all their combined strength. It was only Ava’s soft sobs that had broken Zan’s anger, and he had carried Ava up to their room.

The following dawn, Zan had come down stairs for a smoke, and had found Jy sitting outside watching the sunrise with blank eyes. It was only then, that Zan saw the toll the last year had taken on Jy, and he had put his anger aside, and listened as Jy spoke in a flat voice, telling Zan the truth, and holding nothing back.

Kivar had rapped Ava. And in those first few hours while Zan and Ava had slept, Jy had come inside to check on his cousin. Being an empath, he had sensed what had happened in the air. It was then, and only then, that he knew he had to bury it within Zan and Ava until the time was right. But then Kivar had tried rapping Liz. And Jy knew he was out of time.

Zan and Max had taken a single night out into the desert together. They had spent all night talking. About Ava. About Liz. Their past lives, and this life too. Rath and Lonnie. Michael and Isabel. Jy and Serena. Kyan and Lyra. Friendship and love. Betrayal. Pierce. Life in the city. Life in solitude. Life in general. Death.

And as the sun rose, they had made a promise to each other. That if one died, the other would look after the others lover. Take care of them. Make sure they were ok. And to bury Kivar, no matter the cost. They went into the desert family. They returned brothers. Best friends. One soul, divided into two bodies. A bond only death would sever. The boy with in Max had fled with the dawn. In his place was a man. A man, who would go all the way.

Max knew how to break Kivar’s hold on Liz. It had been Zan who had explained it to him. Simply put…bond with her. But Max couldn’t do it. Not without her knowledge, and her consent. It had been Ava who had told Liz in one of her more lucid moments. So she knew too. But they were yet to talk about it together.

While her waking moments were rare, her dreams were vivid. They were either filled with what Kivar had done to her, or with what Kivar wanted her too see. And of late, they were starting to become more and more about Kivar himself, and the life he would give her as his queen. Liz had admitted in one of her better moments that she knew it was all lies, but it was still hard for the others to see.

One of the worst dreams Max had gone into with Isabel had been the night before. He had seen Liz at a lavish ball, her hair swept back with ribbons, and an elaborate ball gown. She had been sitting by Kivar’s side, her hand tucked into his. Max had stood on the fringes of her dream, watching helplessly as Kivar escorted Liz onto the ballroom floor, and had swept her into his arms.

Max had watched in pained silence as Kivar led Liz through the dance, holding her close to his body as slow haunting music played. Whether Kivar knew Max was there or not was beyond him, his gaze riveted on Liz as she was turned one way, and then another. Unable to do anymore than watch, Isabel had held Max’s hand, yet they had both seen the sadness and confusion within Liz’s gaze, and it gave them a small measure of comfort, knowing she knew it was all an elaborate lie.

The creaking of the bed snapped Max out of his solitude, and he smiled gently at Ava as she sat up. Dark shadows swept under her eyes, her skin pale as she blinked. Zan sat beside her, and pressed a soft kiss to her temple. They were back at square one, and everyone knew it. Yet no one blamed Jy any longer…he had been trying to do the right thing for his family was all.

“Why don’t you guys go and get some food…I’ll stay with Liz” Max murmered softly.

They agreed, and within moments, Max was alone with Liz. He continued to stare down at her, and watched warily half an hour later when life flickered into her dull eyes. She turned her face towards him, and blinked slowly.

“Max.”

It was the tone with which she said his voice that had him smiling in relief and leaning forward to press a kiss to her lips.

“You came back to me” he whispered.

Liz sighed, even as her eyes slowly darkened again. “Always…find me Max…it’s nearly time…”

Max nodded and watched as she fell silent once more. They were running out of time too quickly now…and there was nothing he could do to help her. Never in his whole life had he felt as helpless as he did right then.

Part 87 ‘Because of you’ ~ Kelly Clarkson

Pale moonlight filtered in the open window, setting the room ablaze with ethereal light. Music played softly in the dimness, a cool breeze sending foamy curtains spinning gently around her as she stared up at the sky silently. Alone with her demons. With her continual nightmare. With the knowledge she probably wouldn’t survive. That she would die young. That her death was for a cause bigger than herself.

Her tears were as silent as her resolve. In moments like this, when the silence of the night was overwhelming, she could almost wish she could turn back time. But then reality slapped her in the face, and she knew she wouldn’t change a single moment. For the first time in he life she was standing on her own two feet. Making her own decisions. Being accountable for her actions, both past and present. She was finally free.

I will not make the same mistakes that you did
I will not let myself cause my heart so much misery
I will not break the way you did
You fell so hard
I've learned the hard way, to never let it get that far

She didn’t turn when her door opened, but simply sighed as warm hands closed over her shoulders, drawing her back against a solid chest. Without a single word he’d known. He always seemed to know when she was at her lowest. He always tried his best to cheer her up. To make the coming days easier to face. He didn’t know the details. She wouldn’t burden him with those. But she was yet to turn him away, when deep inside, she knew she should. It would only end in heartbreak, and deep down, they both knew it.

Yet when she turned within his embrace, blindly seeking out his mouth, he could taste her tears. Her sorrow. And the deep-rooted fear that continued to drive her to breaking point. He just held her tighter, relived that she let him in at all. Let him help her in the silence of the night. Let him help her chase away the demons and pain. It was only when she took a step back from him that he stared down into her bottomless eyes.

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side
So I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

He watched in silence as her shaking hands went to the first button on the shirt she was wearing. Watched as the button slid free, her hands moving down slowly to the following. His own hands came up, and closed gently over hers; stopping the journey they were taking. When she lifted her eyes, fear and tears turning them luminous, he knew if he spoke now, it would drive her away from him. So even though he knew they should talk about this, he undid the next button for her, and watched as love flooded her eyes. Just for him. And he knew he would love her for the rest of his life.

I lose my way
And it's not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry
Because I know that's weakness in your eyes
I'm forced to fake, a smile, a laugh
Every day of my life
My heart can't possibly break
When it wasn't even whole to start with

The feel of satin smooth skin under his fingers drove a soft groan from his mouth, and he pushed the shirt from her shoulders gently as she stared up at him. The dark blue material fell to her feet slowly, her skin gleaming. When he reached for her again, she came to him willingly. Her hands warm as they smoothed up over his chest and around his neck. Her mouth hot as it once more seeked his out. The softness of her hair as it slid over his hands. The smooth skin at the base of her spine. The curve of her bare back, and the fire burning deep with in.

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side
So I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust
Not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

The taste of her skin as he skimmed his lips down her throat, and her soft gasp as he dragged her closer to him. Turning with her locked in his arms, and crossing the few steps to her bed. The trust in her eyes as she stared up at him silently, her hair fanned out around her face, and her skin glowing in the moonlight. That trust turning to surprise as her eyes turned darker when he continued to taste her skin. Her breasts. And the feel of her arching up into him, and delving her hands into his hair.

I watched you die
I heard you cry
Every night in your sleep
I was so young
You should have known better than to lean on me
You never thought of anyone else
You just saw your pain
And now I cry
In the middle of the night
For the same damn thing

Her breathless cries muffled as he skimmed his hands over her body gently. Feeling the softness of her skin, and the gentle slope of her stomach, as he pressed moist kisses to her skin. His low chuckle when she tugged on his hair, her insistence turning his laughter to a groan as she caught his lips, and kissed him desperately. Pink lace panties joining black silk boxers on the floor. And a single whisper in the night as he paused, lying cradled between her thighs, and staring into her eyes.

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side
So I don't get hurt
Because of you
I tried my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you
I don't know how to let anyone else in
Because of you
I'm ashamed of my life because it's empty
Because of you
I am afraid

“Are you sure?”

Because of you

Her wince when he took her virginity. The single tear that slid down her face. And her small smile when he stopped moving, his eyes dark with concern, desire and love. Her breath catching when he moved again long moments later. Her body catching fire with his, and learning slowly as he slid his hands under her hips, and helped her to met him. The feel of their skin rasping against each other. His soft groan against her throat, and her surprised cry muffled when he caught her mouth again, silencing them both as they moved with each other.

The feeling of his back and shoulders slick with sweat under her hands. Strong arms holding her tightly. Arms that were beginning to shake. Her whole body tightened, her cry soft as he lunged harder into her, pushing her that final step, and leaving her shaking in his embrace as he stiffened, and kissed her desperately, his face buried in her neck as he found his own release. Long silent moments passing between them. Broken when he lifted his head, his hair damp on his forehead. Hers in tangles, and caught up in his fingers. Sleepy smiles crossing both of their faces. A serious look entering his eyes and turning his voice low when he spoke.

“I love you…I’m always gonna love you.”

Tears that spilt over her lashes as she stared up at him. Tears he caught with his fingers. And she knew.

“It was always you. I just never knew it. But now I do. Always remember that. No matter what the future might bring…remember this moment…and that I love you too.”

Because of you

The opening of the door didn’t stir them. Neither did that the soft sigh that echoed around them as tired eyes took in the discarded clothing, and the empty condom wrapper. Eyes that took in the silhouette of their entwined bodies under the thin sheets. And the look of love that crossed his son’s face when he woke and looked down at her. And Jim knew…thing’s would never be the same again.

[majiklmoon]

Part 88.

Tess walked across the desert ground silently, her thoughts on Kyle, and how she had felt when she woke, locked in his arms that morning. The blush that had stained her cheeks, and the sleepy smile Kyle had given her. The slight ache between her thighs, that reminded her of how far she had come. Love and pain had driven her into Kyle’s embrace the previous night, and now Tess knew she had to face her future…and her past. Looking up, she regarded the entrance to the pod chamber silently, and knew she had final ghosts to lay to rest.

The chamber door slid open silently, the dust clearing slowly as Tess ducked inside. She stopped short however, when she saw Ava sitting under Max’s old pod, a strange look on her face. It reminded Tess that she wasn’t the only one with ghosts, and she crossed to Ava silently. Kneeling down beside the other girl, Tess simply looked at her. When Ava eventually spoke, her voice was low.

“I know why Jy did what he did, and I’m aiight with it.”

Tess nodded, and simply tucked Ava’s hand into her own. When Ava looked over at her, Tess simply stared back, the two mirror images understanding without a word why they had both come here in this moment in time.

“What did Avaria say to you when you were woken?” Tess asked softly.

Ava stood up and brushed her pants off, before heading for the entrance of the pod chamber. Tess followed her silently, the two girls climbing down the rocky face to stand at the base of the rock formation. Ava stared out across the desert in silence, her eyes shadowed when she finally turned to look at Tess.

“I was woken when I was ten…as were da others. She told me about ya…and that I had to show ya da way. That love and knowledge shared, would win da final war. How ‘bout you?”

Tess lowered her eyes. “She showed me the future…and how to win this. But I don’t know how to tap into it. I’ve done it twice and it scared the utter shit out of me both times Ava.”

Ava nodded, and turned back to face the desert.

“Jy doesn’t know that I know da way. He ain’t gonna know either Tess. This is between you and me…”

Ava glanced back at Tess, and smiled slightly. “Ya ready to shake down girl?”

They settled down on the sand, Ava’s face serene, and Tess’s curious. Leaning back on her hands, Ava tilted her face up to the sun, letting it warm her slowly as she gathered her thoughts on how to explain this to Tess.

“Aiight…ya know how to throw a shield now. Ya focus ya power on da one spot, and when it feels right, it tingles…so ya then focus on forming a wall yeah? A protective wall…and it just…
happens. Am I right?”

Tess nodded as she sifted the sand through her fingers. Ava glanced over at her quietly.

“This is completely different. Ya have to let all da power ya carry out…ya feel it rollin through ya body…heatin ya skin and warmin ya blood…then it comes out in one big assed wave…ya just have to be strong enough to let it happen.”

Tess had been chewing on her lip while Ava tried explaining it to her, and she let her lip slid from between her teeth with a moist sound as she slowly nodded.

“Kind of like when we warp a person…is that what you mean?” she asked.

Ava shook her head. “No…with that, ya tryin to get into da person’s head…makin ‘em see shit that ain’t there. With this…ya lettin it out. I know when I sustain a massive warp; I tend to get a headache after…da power rolls through their mind as well as mine…this is like openin a can of worms…it just…pops…. shit, I ain’t makin no sense am I?”

Tess started laughing, Ava smirking as she shook her head.

“How’s things with Zan?” Tess asked after a while. Ava frowned slightly.

“He’s walkin on egg shells around me…I know he thinks that if he makes a move, or says da wrong thing, that I’m gonna break. But for some reason, I don’t think I would. I think I always knew Tess…that it had happened.”

Tess glanced at her hands, contemplating her words carefully. When she looked up, she took a deep breath, and saw that Ava knew what she was going to say.

“Have you said it out loud at all? Admitted what he did to you?”

Ava scowled. “Admit what Tess? That da fucker raped me? That he kicked da shit outta me. That he had my lover killed …phfft. Believe me babe, I know what he did. And he’s gonna pay. One way or another…he’s gonna pay.”

Tess winced, Ava dusting her pants off as she stood up and stared vacantly across the desert again. Tess watched her silently, her eyes widening slowly when she saw the flames that flickered to life on Ava’s hands, and circled her wrists. Glancing back down at Tess, Ava motioned for her to stand up.

“I’m stronger than I look Tess. And that’s my biggest weapon. Kyan knows…he’s always known. He’s da one who trained me. So he knows what I’m capable of. Just as he knows what you’re capable of. He and Zan might be boys…but in da other life? I was his queen…and he was my protector alone. Him and Trist. Trist was sent with you…Kyan with me.”

“What was Trist like?”

Ava started laughing. “He was worse than Kyan…one overly sexual bein, packed into one hell of a body. Da stronger protectors came with you guys. And Nasado killed da lot of ‘em…”

Tess turned away violently at the mention of Nasado’s name. And Ava knew she finally had the button to push.

“Now that was one seriously fucked up alien. Who da hell did he think he was? Tryin to make ya into a whore? Tryin to get ya to turn ya back on da people we need most? Do ya know that if ya had of returned to Antar, that Kivar woulda killed ya? He woulda had ya publicly executed…and any kid ya were carryin…and da worst part? Nasado knew all of this. Ya were just a means to an end…a ticket home. Ya meant nothin to him…”

Tess closed her eyes tightly, once more hearing Nasado’s voice in her head. Once more feeling the pain he inflicted on her. The lies he had told her. And felt her anger begin to rise. Ava simply smiled as she let her own power gather.

“Did ya know that Cal asked him to let ya be? That ya were innocent? Nasado and Cal were chosen to come here…they didn’t have no choice. And Nasado took his revenge out on ya. A kid. Man…would ya have really tried to warp Max into fallin in love with ya? To havin a kid with ya? Do ya know how much they would hate ya if ya had of done that and yet…here ya are…finally at home with da group…and Nasado wanted to take that all away from ya.”

Tess started to breath heavily, her eyes closed, and her hands tightly clenched as she fought an internal war. And when Ava spoke next, it broke Tess.

“Ya were pregnant on Antar Tess…a baby formed in love. And Kivar took that from ya. His men gang raped ya…in front of Zan…and as his men defiled ya…Kivar killed Zan in front of ya…and that’s what he plans on doin again.”

Tess felt her body coil, her back arching in pain as she fought what she was feeling. Opening her eyes weakly, she gasped in rage when she saw Nasado standing in front of her. A scream of undiluted rage echoed across the desert, Ava throwing a shield up as Tess finally let go. And a wall of flames spewed out across the desert, burning plant life, and crystallising the sand as Tess finally fell to her knees.

When she finally opened her eyes, the sun was setting. Warm thighs cradled her head, a gentle hand sifting through her hair. And Tess looked up into Ava’s warm gaze. And even as Ava spoke, Tess knew. She could feel it.

“Now ya ready.”

Tess nodded, and simply closed her eyes weakly. It taken a lot out of her…but she knew. She knew how far she was willing to go. Opening her eyes, Tess looked up at Ava once more.

“Did I get him?”

Ava simply smiled. She knew Tess knew Nasado had been a warp, but it wasn’t the point.

“Yeah babe…ya crispy crittered his ass. Ya got him.”

Tess nodded, and simply smiled. “Felt good…to pay him back…thank you.”

Ava smiled in response. “Any time…”

Part 89.

Max woke slowly. The room was dark, and the bed beside him empty. Swinging up, he searched the room quickly, a soft sigh of relief escaping his mouth when he heard the bath running. Standing up, he moved silently towards the door, only to stop short when he heard two voices instead of one. Resting his hand against the door, Max listened silently, a small frown appearing between his eyebrows.

“I just feel like I don’t have any choice Tess. That if I don’t do this, that everyone I know and love will die, and that everything is riding on me…bonding...with Max.”

Max swallowed hard, and slid down the wall slowly, his eyes sliding shut in pain as he continued to listen. Inside the bathroom, Tess sat beside the bath, and washed Liz’s back slowly, the steam and gentle scent of vanilla comforting them both.

“You do have a choice Liz,” Tess murmured softly.

Liz looked up at her, and shook her head sadly. “Not really Tess. I can feel him getting closer. Kivar…he haunts my dreams all the time now. Each dream is becoming more detailed…he’s trying to show me the life he would give me. That if I go to him without argument…it would save us all.”

Tess shook her head violently. “No…don’t you even think about that. I’d rather die than watch you fall. You hear me Liz?”

Liz lowered her gaze, tears sliding down her face slowly as Tess stared at her. She heard Tess swear softly, before the water suddenly sloshed dangerously over the edge of the bath, Tess kneeling down in the water in front of Liz and tilting her chin up so that the two girls met eyes.

“No…let me tell you something. You saved me. You saved me from myself. Now it’s my turn to repay the favour. We’ll find a way Liz. If you don’t want to bond with Max, then don’t. No one can force that on you…not Jy and the shifters…not any of us…it’s you who has to make that choice. If you want to…then great. But if you don’t…then don’t.”

Liz bit her lip, and swept some hair behind her ear as Tess continued to kneel before her.

“I’m scared Tess.”

Tess smiled sadly. “So am I Liz…but the thing is though, that you should really talk to Max about this. Tell him how you feel. He can’t read minds Liz. None of us can. In that respect, we are as human as you…fumbling along in the dark.”

Liz sighed, before a small laugh escaped her lips as Tess simply sat back fully clothed in the bath with her.

“How’s things with Kyle?” Liz asked slyly, unable to hide her smile as Tess’s cheeks flamed red.

“Nice subject change Liz…things are great…I should have kissed him a long time ago…he makes me…I dunno….feel safe?”

Liz smiled and nodded. “That’s how I used to feel with Max.”

“Used to?”

“I don’t feel safe with anyone now Tess. And I’m not saying that to hurt anyone…but what if he gets here…what if I go to him. I don’t want to Tess. I want to stay here…I want to love Max. I want him Tess…but not because of this…I just…I just want things to go back to normal.”

Tess sighed, and helped Liz stand up. Looking her square in the eye, Tess spoke seriously.

“That’s the problem Liz…there is no normal. There never was. And all you can do is sit down with Max, and tell him how you feel. Tell him what you told me. That you do want to him, but that you’re scared.”

“How do you know what scares me so well?” Liz mumbled.

Tess simply smiled. “I had sex with Kyle yesterday for the first time Liz…believe me…I was so scared, that I thought I was gonna be sick. But I wasn’t, and it was the best night of my life. Because I learnt something last night Liz…”

“What’s that?”

“That I’m human. That I have a heart. And that I love Kyle. Now get dried, and go and talk to Max.”

[majiklmoon]

Part 90.

Ricardo’s footsteps where muffled by the thick carpet lining the corridor, the dull metal of the ship’s hull gleaming as he swept into the private chambers of his king. Kivar was facing the outer window, the endless spance of star filled darkness glowing in his eyes. His legs were encased with what the humans called leather, the rest of his body bare except for the flowing cape that swirled around his feet. It was how they all dressed…their code. Ricardo knelt on one knee in respect, his head lowered as he waited for Kivar to acknowledge him.

“Rise Ricardo…what news do you bring?”

Ricardo rose slowly, his eyes down cast as he spoke quietly.

“We reach the star system she is located in with in a week my lord. It will take us a further week following that.”

Kivar nodded, and turned his gaze back to the endless spance of space before him. He could feel what Ricardo was thinking, and chuckled softly.

“You wonder if this girl is worth the war that will break out when I take her…am I correct Ricardo?”

“Aye my lord…I mean no disrespect in any way my king, but you are taking a human girl. A girl who is guarded by Jyrelik and Kyan. Many of the men think this is a suicide mission my lord. What makes her so special? Why her, when you could have Avaria. Or Valandra. Other than her beauty, why her?”

Kivar chuckled softly. “Many reasons. Her power. Her beauty yes. The way she fought me. But most of all?” Kivar turned slowly, a feral smile crossing his face. “Because she belongs to him. And he will fight for her…and it warms me to the depth of my being, to know her face is the last thing he shall ever see. That I shall bring him to his knees once more over his chosen mate.”

Ricardo smiled faintly, the scars on Kivar’s face standing out a deep red against his dark skin. When Kivar gestured for him to come closer, Ricardo went willingly, and watched in silence as Kivar raised a clawed hand, and tapped out a code on the hologram board before him. The window shimmered, before turning opaque. When the surface solidified, a single screen appeared, before splitting off into eight smaller screens. And Ricardo caught his first silent glimpse of his king’s enemies.

Maria and Michael sat close together on a swinging hammock, Michael watching the sun slowly sink as they leant against one another. Their hands were entwined, Maria’s eyes shut as she caught up on some much needed sleep. Michael glanced down at her when she shifted, a small smile crossing his face as she resettled, before once more watching the sunset.

Isabel and Alex were sitting on Alex’s bed together. Alex was strumming his guitar softly, Isabel watching his hands closely. When she nodded, Alex handed the guitar to her, and positioned her fingers correctly. Isabel strummed the strings slowly, Alex telling her something silently, that had her throwing her head back in silent laughter, Alex blushing when she leant forward and kissed him slowly.

Kyle was sitting on the couch with Jim, his father’s face serious as he spoke softly. Kyle blushed and ducked his head, Jim’s grip on Kyle’s wrist solid as he shook his head. Kyle looked back up, Jim reaching down behind him and handing Kyle a small box. When Tess walked in, both men blushed, the small box disappearing into Kyle’s pocket, as they turned innocent glances towards Tess. She simply shrugged, and settled down between them, her head resting on Kyle’s shoulder as she turned the television on.

Kyan and Lyra were entwined on the bed together, the sheet covering their obvious nudity as they slept. Their damp skin shimmered with both drying sweat and the more noticeable sign of their shared bond. It set their skin ablaze with dancing light, showing them to be the true aliens they were as their forms shimmered between human and Antarian.

Jy and Serena were caught up in a heated embrace, the setting sun sending sparkles dancing across the surface of the lake as Jy caught a handful of Serena’s hair in his fist, and tugged her head back, giving him easy access to her throat as he trailed his lips down her skin. Her hands slid up over his wet shoulders, and curled around his neck as they sank further into the water, the gentle rocking of the water around them telling Ricardo they were already mating.

Ava was standing next to Diane in the kitchen, her eyes trained on the bowl Diane had in front of her. As Diane listened, Ava spoke quietly, pointing to a herb jar and holding her hand out for it. Diane handed it to her, and nodded as Ava explained what she was doing to the wet mixture before her. Phillip was sitting at the kitchen table, the look on his face one of obvious relief that Ava was cooking, and not Diane.

Zan was in the back yard, the punching bag in front of him swinging violently as he steadily punched and kicked the bag, dodging it when it spun back to him, and simply launching into another round of high kicks and low punch combinations. The scars on his ribs stood out clearly, the skin appearing as if someone had taken a cheese grater to it. His back gleamed with sweat, his eyes glowing golden with silent rage as he continued to fight the unseen enemy…his past.

When Ricardo saw the final screen, he immediately understood his king’s snarl. Max was curled around Liz’s body, her head resting on his chest as he swept his hand up and down her back. Liz was looking up at him, her eyes shining with tears, her hand entwined with Max’s free one, and her body relaxed.

The screens froze, Ricardo turning to face Kivar slowly. He bit his lip, tasting the faint metallic tang of his blood as his teeth pierced the skin. Kivar snarled softly, before speaking, his voice sending a chill down Ricardo’s spine again.

“You wish to know what they are talking about yes?”

Ricardo nodded, and Kivar turned to face his younger brother. “It will give me a greater insight to how they work as a group…how humans work as a group,” Ricardo admitted.

Kivar started laughing, and simply smirked.

“You are also curious…aren’t you? Do not fear me Ricardo…we are blood. Nothing will take that from us.”

Turning back to the screen, Kivar gestured. “Alex is teaching Isabel how to play his guitar. She doesn’t have the skill, and he just told her that her greatest gift is her beauty, which is good thing, considering she is tone deaf. It made her laugh, because it shows how comfortable with her he really is.”

Kivar gestured again. “Kyle’s father just handed him a box of condoms…they will stop Tess getting pregnant. Jim has just explained that he doesn’t want Kyle to feel uncomfortable with this subject, but could he please keep his bedroom door shut.”

“Ava is teaching Diane how to make dumplings the correct way. She just asked for the basil, which is a sweet herb grown on earth. She is aware that Zan is outside, and she keeps watching him. He is just as aware, and is trying to rein his emotions in, but it is of no use. For her, they come across more clearly than if he had them written in blood on his body.”

“And Max…he is promising to always be there for my lady. That is a promise he will break, because I plan on breaking him.”

Ricardo nodded, and followed Kivar over to the plush seating. Sinking down amongst the cushions, Ricardo spoke plainly.

“To beat them cleanly Kivar…you must break them first. Your biggest problem obviously, is the shape shifters. Break them…you break Max. You break Max…you win. And she will be yours.”

Kivar smirked. “She will be mine Ricardo. No two ways about it. I will have her. And I will kill him. History will repeat itself. Now tell me brother. How do I go about this? How do I cripple the group completely?”

Ricardo nodded, and standing up, returned to the screen. Studying it silently, he finally tapped the screen, bringing up two separate images. Pointing to them, he spoke slowly.

“Kill these two…and you have it won. The group will splinter…and nothing will bring it back together again.”

Kivar smirked slowly. “And tell me dear brother…how do you plan on killing them? Because that’s the point isn’t it?”

Ricardo turned red eyes back to his brother…. his king.

“Aye. And as for how? As painfully as possible. I want them to know, that it was alien related. Not some road accident. Not some twist of nature. But a direct hit.”

Kivar nodded. “Done. Take a small group of men, and head out in the shuttle. Make it a clean and fast entry into their solar system, and onto the planet. No need to alert them to the fact that we are moving is there? Who will you take?”

“Larenik, Tyritian, Zima and Maytlen.”

“Go then…I expect you to keep in contact…close contact you hear?”

Ricardo nodded his head, and with a swirl of his cape, turned and left. Kivar turned back to the screens, and watched as the images faded down into the group of eight. Reaching out he bought Liz’s up, and traced her sleeping face gently.

“Soon…soon.”

Part 91.

Big thanks to Timelord31 for part of this idea. Hope you like it darl. Also guys, just a warning: You’re all gonna have to trust me with up coming chapters. It’s not going to be nice and pretty. It’s gonna be down right nasty. But just trust me…remember the words ‘bombshell from hell’? Enjoy.

Liz opened her eyes slowly, an unfamiliar feeling sending chills skittering down her spine as she lay in the darkness. The creak of a chair alerted her to a presence in her room, a scant second before a lamp flickered to life beside her. Liz swung up in bed violently, her hair swinging around her face as she panted harshly.

“Relax cornball…I’m alien but I ain’t that alien.”

Liz relaxed when Ava’s voice drifter towards her, a wry smile crossing her face. Ava stood up and crossed the room towards her. Sitting down beside her, Ava lent back against the pillows, a small smile crossing her face as Liz settled down back beside her. The two girls regarded each other, Ava speaking softly.

“Good to see ya fightin again girl. To see ya more with us than with him. Da closer he gets, da less of a hold he’s got over ya…sounds strange, but it’s true. He can only get in ya head now, and ya know da truth.”

Liz lowered her eyes, her voice low and laced with pain.

“I’m sorry for kissing Zan Ava. I don’t know what came over me…”

“Kivar came over ya Liz. Simple as that girl. He hitched a ride in ya brain, and made ya do some mad crazy shit. We’re cool aiight?”

“Yeah…”

Ava smirked slightly, and nudged Liz with her shoulder.

“Da way I figure it Liz? Ya were drawn to his animal magnetism,” she teased lightly, Liz blushing as she snapped her eyes towards Ava. She could see the smile playing around Ava’s lips, and knew the other girl was trying to lighten the mood.

“Oh I dunno Ava…might have something to do with the fact that I think Kivar’s gay under it all” she replied, causing Ava to smirk.

“Yeah…’bout that. Ya feel it don’t ya?”

Liz straightened up, her eyes sweeping the room quickly. Ava snorted.

“Relax…I sent Max home a couple of hours ago.”

“How? He hasn’t really left my side in the last week.”

Ava smirked. “I told him his mum was gonna start cookin here so she could see him. He freaked, and was gone in a matter of minutes. What he doesn’t know is that his ma and pops are goin out tonight.”

Liz started laughing, the tension between the two girls easing for a moment. Glancing back at Ava a moment later, Liz spoke softly.

“What did you mean before?”

Ava stood up, and stared up at the night sky through Liz’s window. Shaking her head slightly, she turned back to Liz.

“Ya feel him gettin closer. Feel him stronger with each day that goes past. Am I right?”

Liz nodded slightly, unable to lie to Ava as the other girl turned to face her.

“Yes. The dreams are becoming clearer. I can hear his voice in my head. Whispering to me. Telling me how much he wants me. How much he’s fallen in love with me.”

“Ya know it’s a fuckin lie right? Ya know he only wants to use ya and abuse ya right?”

Liz nodded slightly, and Ava pursed her lips as she leant back against the window, absently scratching at a speckle of paint on one smooth thigh.

“Tess told me about ya conversation today. Wanna hear my side now?”

Liz nodded weakly, knowing that she was about to get the brutal truth from Ava. But then again, she had come to expect nothing less.

“Ya bein stupid.”

Liz’s head snapped up, her eyes tinged with anger.

“Excuse me?” she spat.

Ava held her hand up, an eyebrow rising as she stared at Liz. Liz sighed, before nodding her head. It wasn’t Ava’s way to sugar coat things.

“Ya bein stupid. Maybe it ain’t da way ya once envisioned givin yaself to Max. All candles and mood music and shit. But he loves ya Liz. Really loves ya. And that should be enough.”

Liz looked up then, her eyes swimming with tears.

“Kivar…he tried…”

Ava shook her head. “That’s just it Liz. He tried. He didn’t succeed. Ya still as pure as a drift of fuckin snow girl.”

Liz stared at Ava silently, before the final piece of the puzzle snapped into place.

“He did…with you…didn’t he?”

Ava’s jaw tightened, and her eyes clouded over with anger.

“In da few hours he was with me? Repeatedly. He got off on my pain. And that’s what ya gotta get ya had around. If he takes ya Liz? He’s gonna rape ya. It ain’t gonna be like it would be with Max. Ya might not get ya rose petals and ya scented candles, and some harpy crooning in da background, but ya will get da man who loves ya. Who’s willin to die for ya. And that should be enough.”

Liz looked up slowly, and bit her lip as she stared at Ava.

“How did you…the first time?”

“Ya mean, how did me and Zan?…”

Liz nodded, and Ava grinned slightly.

“I was nearly fifteen Liz. Lonnie and Rath were off doin their own thing. They’d been bumpin uglies for a while by this time, but Zan and me just avoided da place when they were at it. Anyways…we were lyin in our bed…just a mattress on da floor, and we were talkin. We’d done everythin else by this stage…just foolin around.”

Ava sighed softly, remembering a time when things had been simpler.

“We’d been foolin ‘round all afternoon, and it just happened. It felt right. It was right.”

“Did it hurt? I mean…it’s gotta hurt right?”

Ava shook her head. “Stung for a sec at first, but then it was all good.”

Liz blushed, silently berating herself for her fear. Glancing down, she spoke softly, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

“It’s not that I don’t want to Ava…but…what if I’m no good? I mean…I’ve never done it before…”

“And Max has?” Ava drawled. “Believe me Liz…ya learnin together. He loves ya…. everythin else falls into place. It ain’t about da perfect settin. It’s about how ya feel on da inside. That’s all that matters. That’s all that should mater to ya. Lemme ask ya somethin girl. If this shit hadn’t happened, and you and Maxie boy were ok all along…. would ya have had sex with him yet?”

Liz blushed, but nodded her head slightly. Ava simply sighed, and pulled Liz to her feet.

“Then go talk to him. See how it feels.”

“What are you going to do?” Liz asked softly.

Ava sighed again. “Take my own advice, and talk to Zan.” She looked up then, her eyes burning with honesty and knowledge. “He’s da love of two lifetimes now Liz…that’s gotta count for somethin. And I know…he’s in love with me. Everythin else is gonna have to wait. Coz at da end of this? When it’s all over? He’s all I want. And I’ll be fucked if that twisted asshole in space is gonna take that from me now.”

Picking her jacket up, Ava headed towards the door. Pausing at its entrance, she glanced back at Liz.

“Ya comin or what?”

[majiklmoon]

Part 92.

Ava pulled Liz through the door of the Evan’s home. Isabel looked up and smiled slightly, before waving Liz up stairs to Max’s room. Standing up, Isabel spoke quickly as she gathered her things together.

“Mum and Dad are having dinner with clients. They should be home in a few hours. And I’m going to go to Alex’s. If you need me, just call the cell.”

Ava nodded, and watched Isabel as she almost danced towards the front door. Dropping the keys to the trans am on the kitchen bench, she shrugged out of her jacket, and slung it around the back of a chair. Glancing out the kitchen window, she watched as Zan washed his hands with the garden tap.

He was shrouded in darkness, his eyes down cast as he reached down and turned the tap off. A few candles flickered on a table at his side as he sat down and stretched, sending his eyes ablaze. Ava smiled slightly, her eyes drawn to the muscles in his stomach. They flexed as he bent down, a small smile touching Ava’s lips as she remembered them flexing for another reason a few weeks ago.

With one eye on Zan, she bent down and tugged her boots off. The grass was cool and damp as she padded across the yard, her footsteps muffled as she approached him. He looked up when she passed her fingers over a CD, sending multi coloured lights dancing over its surface, and one of her favourite song echoing around them.

Zan shifted on the chair, his body open, his legs spread. Only his hands were shaking, something he tried to hide, but she saw them anyway. Ava smiled slowly, her eyes darkening as she stared down at him. Her movements were graceful as she sank to her knees before him, her touch light as she gripped his knees.

“I’m not made of glass Zan…I ain’t gonna break…no matter what’s happened, or will happen…in da future. I’m stronger than that…we’re stronger than that. Don’t pull away from me now.”

Zan sighed softly as he reached for her, drawing her fully between his thighs and resting his forehead against hers. His voice was low when he spoke, his words causing Ava to jerk back and stare up at him.

“It’s my fault Ava. What he did to ya…it’s my fault. How can ya even stand to be touched by me?”

“No way Zan. Get ya punk ass off da pity train. It ain’t leavin no time soon. It’s high time ya listened to me…really listened to me. Da blame rests on his shoulders. Not your’s. So I’m tellin ya this: ya my lover and ya my friend. Don’t let that punk tear us apart coz of what he did. I won’t let ya…I need ya too much, and I love ya too much for that. So guess what…ya stuck with me. So what do ya think of that?”

Zan smirked slightly, the shadows leaving his gaze slowly.

“Da truth Aves?”

“Nothin but Zan.”

“I’m as selfish now as I was in da last life. Da only difference? I’m spillin his blood…he ain’t spillin mine. And I ain’t lettin ya go. Da weeks we were apart while I was healin and ya were tryin to live? That’s long enough to be away from ya. I need ya. I need ya more than anythin.”

“Air ya breath?”

“Air I breath. Ain’t nothin without ya.”

“Ya tryin to sweet talk me baby?”

“Is it workin?”

Ava started laughing, Zan low chuckle mingling with hers as they rested their heads against each other. Ava’s eyes danced with laughter and love, her voice soft.

“Depends on where ya tryin to sweet talk me too.”

Zan grinned wolfishly, and wiggled his eyebrows. Ava’s eyebrows lifted, and she smirked.

“Getting down with nature are ya Zan? Never figured ya for someone who was all about da cool air on his ass and shit.”

Zan smirked again. “I’ll try anythin at least once. Ya should know that. Train tunnels. Nightclubs. Why not my bro’s backyard?”

Ava rose to her feet slowly, and cocked an eyebrow. “Well then?”

Zan blinked, Ava laughing softly as she tugged him to his feet, and into the shadows. His eyes remained on her face even as she leant against the fence, his hands coming up to cradle her face.

“Aves…what did ya mean? Before? ‘Bout da future?”

Ava lifted her gaze, and spoke softly as she tugged his face down towards hers.

“Doesn’t matter Zan…just be with me now…it’s all that matters. Da rest can wait. We’ve got time.”

Zan’s reply was lost when she bit his lower lip, his hands delving into her hair as he responded to her kiss. He could feel her undoing his belt and jeans, and lifted his head weakly.

“Inside…ya deserve better than a backyard Aves…”

Her low chuckle overrode his soft groan, his surrender coming swiftly as her hand tightened around his growing erection.

“I don’t wanna go inside…I wanna stay here…get down with nature and all ya know?”

“Ughhh…k…whatever da lady…”

“Shut up Zan.”

“K.”

Ava sighed in relief when she felt his hand trail up her thighs, bringing her short denim skirt with it. He’d understood what she was trying to say: she didn’t want romance right now. She just wanted him. To feel him possess her again. Make her his once more. And to remove the lingering touch Kivar had left behind on her body and mind.

But then it didn’t matter anyway, because thinking required taking her mind off of what Zan was causing her to feel, and to feel was all she wanted. The feeling of his blunt fingertips tracing her through her underwear, his breath expelled harshly against her neck when he found her already slick with desire.

Cool air against fevered skin as he tugged her underwear down her thighs, the scrap of pale blue lace disappearing into his pocket for safekeeping. His lips skating desperately over her jaw to her mouth. His muttered oath as he simply hauled her into his arms, her thighs locking around his hips automatically.

“Ya too damn short…ya aiight like this baby?”

Then she was lost, her soft cry swallowed by his mouth as he entered her without apology, thrusting deeply and setting a pace that was deep and hard. All she could do was feel…all she could do was surrender without misgiving. Her hands tangled in his hair, her lips seeking his out.

And when she came apart in his arms moments later, seconds before he did, the lingering feeling of being tainted was swept away, leaving her shattered for a whole new reason. Her head rested on his sweaty shoulder, her breathing coming in shallow gasps, his answering gasps sending shivers down her spine. And when he spoke, her laughter echoed around them.

“Gimme time to drag ya into da shower…. get ya all soaped up and clean…and then we’re doin that again.”

Ava continued to laugh as he dragged her inside and up the stairs. But true to his word, Zan did bring her apart again in his arm. And as the long night crept towards dawn, he set out about making her his…time and time again.

Part 93.

Alrighty guys. After much pleading, and some downright begging…. For Abby… my muse. I blame this entire story on you. And for Jenny, who groans every time she gets multiple chapters to beta. You rock babe. This story just wouldn’t be possible without you two ladies. So thanks for the ass kicking when I needed it, and for the encouragement, and for just being there, through every pregnancy induced idea these past few months. I love you both. One other thing guys…. just trust me ok…;) It’ll all work out in the end.

Liz walked towards Max’s room slowly, her heart thumping in her ears as she paused in front of his closed door. She had taken her time coming up the stairs, her fear eating away at her slowly as she climbed them. She had almost doubled back, but something had stopped her. More like someone really. Two someone’s.

Stopping by the backdoor, she had watched as Ava and Zan had spoken quietly, her gaze riveted on the two lovers as Ava knelt before Zan. Even as she watched them, the air almost shifted around them, going from serious to playful, and Liz watched in surprise as Ava tugged Zan to his feet, and into the shadows. Taking a deep breath, Liz headed back inside, and now she stood poised on the threshold.

Her earlier talk with Ava had opened her eyes; yet one more, fear held her back from knocking. Leaning against the wall, she shut her eyes, her heart thumping in her chest as she fought for some margin of control. Her skin was crawling, a familiar presence in her mind fighting to take control of her again.

Kivar.

Liz shook her head violently, her eyes snapping open as she took a deep cleansing breath. It made sense in a way. He could feel her trying to pull away from him, and was trying to gain the upper hand by invading her once more. Trying to separate her from reality. From her family. Her friends. From Max. Stopping her from letting him in completely.

“No.”

It was whispered in the dim light, Liz shoving herself up the wall and straightening her spine. She was only a victim if she let him win. If she let him control how she felt. What he was showing her was a lie. What he was trying to do was destroy her. Not love her. There was only one man who loved her in this reality. Raising a trembling hand, Liz knocked once.

“Come in.”

Liz pushed the door open, and promptly blushed bright red. Max stood in front of her, clad only in his boxer shorts. Small drops of water clung to his skin, a towel hanging from his hands as he looked back at her silently. Music played softly in the semi darkness, the only light coming from the lamp by his bedside table.

“Liz…are you ok?” Max asked softly, surprised beyond belief that she was standing in his room.

Liz nodded slowly, her eyes trained on a single drop of water that clung to his chest. As she watched it, the drop slid slowly down the centre of his chest, down over his stomach, and into the band of his boxer shorts. Max watched her eyes lower, before they slowly lifted again, her dark eyes catching his golden gaze, the moment stretching out between them. Max took a step towards her, only to cross the distance quickly when a thud echoed through out the room.

Liz spun around, Max’s arms closing around her waist protectively and drawing her back against his chest as he lifted his hand towards the open door. A shadow loomed, Liz able to feel Max’s whole being humming as he gathered his powers. They both blinked before starting to laugh however, when Zan stumbled past the door, Ava slung over his shoulder, and his pants held up with his free hand. Zan glanced in as he walked past, and raised his eyebrows slightly.

“Don’t shoot…I’m kinda helpless right now bro” he drawled, Ava’s laughter echoing around them from the base of Zan’s spine, her hair hanging down to the middle of his thighs as Zan winked, and reached in to shut the door.

Max shook his head as he lowered his hand, and he glanced down at Liz who was still laughing softly. A small smile crossed his face, and he unconsciously drew her closer to him. Liz sighed softly, her head turning towards the music as it played. Glancing up at Max, she wondered if he would recognise the song. She got her answer when Max glanced over at the CD too.

“I love this song,” he whispered.

“Why?” she whispered in return.

Max simply smiled. “You let me back in while it was playing. You let me back into your heart, and back into your life.”

“And into the bath too” Liz said softly, Max nodding as Liz turned around and looked up at him through lowered lashes.

“Do you understand the meaning of why this song has become so important to me yet Max?” she asked softly.

Max shook his head slightly, and with a wave of his hand, restarted the song. He listened closely to the lyrics, Liz still standing close to him. Wrapping his arms around her waist as he listened, he slowly began to move to the music, and as he did, it all fell into place with a gentle click.

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

“I’ve been fighting for so long now Max, that I don’t know how to stop” Liz said softly. “Fighting to keep my lies about Kyle intact. Fighting to keep myself from disappearing. Fighting to hide my love for you. And now, fighting for my life.”

Max looked down at her silently; his face shadowed as Liz slowly stepped out of his arms, and walked over to the stereo. She turned the music up slightly, and pressed repeat, the now familiar song a soothing balm on her shattered nerves. She turned back to face Max, and bit her lower lip as she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I don’t know how to stay strong anymore.”

Liz looked up then, and watched as Max slowly crossed the room to sit on his bed.

“I don’t want to stay strong anymore. I don’t want to fight anymore.”

Max looked up, and watched as Liz walked slowly towards him, only stopping when she was a step away from him. Within reach. He tiled his head back slightly when she stopped, her hands fluttering nervously at her waist. He cleared his throat slightly, and wet his lower lip as he found his voice.

“What do you want then Liz?”

Liz lowered her head slightly, her hair swinging down around her face. She smiled slightly however, when Max reached up and shifted her hair behind her ears, the silky strands sliding through his fingers. When he looked at her again Liz spoke softly.

“I just want you.”

[majiklmoon]

Part 94.

Max was stunned into silence, his hand shaking as he lowered it slowly. He watched in silent anticipation as she tangled her fingers with the hem of her shirt, and slowly lifted it upwards. His breath caught when her stomach, and then her ribs were uncovered. Standing up swiftly, her caught her hands in his, and watched as Liz looked up at him.

Max just smiled, and finished helping her remove her top. The dark pink material hung from their clasped fingers for a moment, before Max simply let it drop at their feet. A pale blush stained Liz’s cheeks when Max continued to look at her, but she didn’t lower her eyes as he trailed his eyes over her slender body.

Max bit his lip gently, fighting the groan that wanted to spill free. White lace against tanned skin. Warn blue jeans hanging from rounded hips. And bare feet, Liz’s slip on shoes resting by his doorway. He sat down again on his bed, his breath whooshing out of his lungs swiftly when her hands went to the buttons on her jeans. He wanted her to feel as if she was in control, not the other way around.

Liz wiggled out of her jeans slowly, letting the denim pool at her feet as she stood silently before Max. She watched as he shifted backwards o his bed slightly, his hand rising in silent invitation as he continued to watch her. Liz took that final step towards the bed, and let her hand slid over his, their fingers entwining gently. And with a final shift of his body, Max drew her into a sitting position beside him on the bed.

They sat facing each other for a moment, before Max reached out and shifted her hair over her shoulder, the long strands swinging down around the middle of her back. Liz blushed slightly, and lowered her eyes as Max shifted closer to her, his warm breath brushing her skin as he brushed a soft kiss over her shoulder.

She leant into his solid strength, a small smile crossing her face as his fingers brushed her hand, before trailing slowly up her arm to her shoulder. She felt him hook his finger unde her bra strap, and drag it off her shoulder slowly, his lips skimming her skin softly as he inhaled the scent of her skin.

Liz could feel her hand shaking as she lifted it, Max’s skin warm under her palm when she placed her hand over his heart. The steady thump of his heart was reassuring, Liz lifting her chin when Max used his index finger to nudge her gaze up to meet his. Only love shone in his gaze, the look he sent her melting some of her remaining fear. And when he brushed his lips over hers, she let the kiss linger, before deepening it herself.

It reminded her of the gentle way Max had been in the bath with her. Letting her lead, his own desires and needs kept under lock and key. It was empowering in a way, Liz slowly taking control of the kiss, and leaning further against him. She could feel the tremors that wracked his body when he let his hand slid around the back of her neck, his fingers strong as his other hand came up to cup her face.

Liz broke the kiss off slowly, leaning away from his slightly as she entwined her fingers with his, and lifted their joined hands. Max stared at her silently as Liz placed his palm over her heart, pressing her own hand against his. Liz swallowed gently, her voice low and laced with hesitation as she spoke.

“I can’t fight this anymore Max. Can you feel it? The way it’s beating?”

Max nodded silently, Liz pleading with her eyes.

“This beats for you. It always had. But right now, I’m too frightened to make a move incase it breaks again…my hearts being ruled by my head now…and I just don’t trust myself.”

Max swallowed slightly. “What do I need to do…to make you believe that I love you?” he whispered.

Liz shifted on the bed, and laid back before him, her body stretched out in open invitation.

“I don’t trust my mind…but I trust my heart. I trust you…. show me…show me that you love me. It’s the only thing I know now…the only thing I want.”

Max shifted slowly, his eyes darkening as he laid down beside her. He feathered his fingers along her jaw, his touch warm and sure. But his voice was soft when he spoke.

“I need to know that you’re sure Liz. I need to know that you do want this for us, and not because everyone else wants us too. I need to know that you want me as much as I want you.”

Liz just smiled slightly, and tangled her fingers in his hair. Tugging his lips down, she sought them out with her own, and sighed softly as Max hovered just out of reach.

“It was you…it was always you” she whispered, bringing back a memory of another time and place. But then it didn’t matter anyway, because their lips touched, and they were lost to the moment, and for two lost souls, time simply stood still.

Dreams or not, they both knew the others body now. There was no hesitation in Max’s movements when he lifted Liz slightly off the bed, and snapped the back of her bra open. There was no fear or blushing on Liz’s part when his hands followed by his lips, learnt her slight curves for real.

He was fascinated by the smattering of freckles on her breast. Liz in turn took her time learning the curve of muscle and sinew in his back. The weight of his body as he shifted over her. Trembling hands that weighed her breasts, and slick heat as he drew her nipple into his mouth. Her soft cry of desire enflamed him, and he crushed her to him helplessly.

Liz could feel him hardening against her thigh, and she rolled them both slightly as she sent her hands wandering down over his chest to his stomach. Max groaned softly, his hands delving into her hair as she placed small kisses along his collarbone. Down over sculpted muscle. Silky hair brushing his skin, and setting it on fire.

Siting up quickly Max used his weight to tumble her onto her back, her eyes wide as a small smile crossed her face. He hooked his fingers into the edge of her underwear, and looked up at her. Liz held his gaze as he slid the scrap of white lace down her thighs; his hands closing around her legs and sending sensations dancing on the way back up.

Liz’s back arched, Max’s lips cutting off the moan that spilt from between them as his fingers traced her opening, before he sank into her, stretching her and enflaming her body completely. But even as he sought out the connection that was usually between them, he realised it was shut. He was still on the outside.

Pulling back from her lips, Max stared down at her. Liz opened her eyes, tears swimming in the dark depths as she stared up at him. Her eyes were flickering between cloudy and clear, the tears spilling down her cheeks as she reached up and traced his lips.

“Please Max…I can’t fight him for too much longer…I need you now.”

Max swallowed hard, knowing now what Liz was asking of him. She wanted him to bind her to him bodily. But her mind was still caught in Kivar’s snare, and she was fighting Kivar even now as she lay naked in his arms. Even as he fought his own internal war, some of the conversation he’d had with Zan in the desert came back to him.

“Da whole time Ava was tied to da bed…da whole time she was fightin me…it wasn’t her in complete control. That was Kivar, and he was laughin his ass off as I fought to keep her with me. I guess I musta known on some level what he’d done to her, coz I couldn’t bring myself to make love to her, when that’s what woulda broken her free. But I kept her with me as much as I could with just touchin her. If I’d known then, what I know now Max, I woulda taken her as mine, da consequences be damned. She’s my whole life…I’d die for her bro…I love her that much.”

Max swore softly, and sank into a kiss with her that curled his toes. He felt the sob that ripped free of her chest, her tears mingling with his as he helped her fight her mind. But he knew it wasn’t enough. Pulling back once more, he knelt up, his eyes seeking hers out.

“Just know this Liz. I love you with everything I am…and I’ll make this right for you one day.”

Liz smiled and opened her arms, Max sinking down into her embrace even as she pushed his shorts down over his thighs. Entwining their fingers, Max settled between her thighs, his eyes locked with hers as he reached between them. He begged silently with his gaze, for any flicker of uncertainty to be voiced out loud now. But there wasn’t any, Liz biting her lower lip before speaking.

“”I love you…and that’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter that this is about him as well as us…I just want you now. I want to belong only to you. You already own my heart Max…the rest can wait.”

Max nodded, and edged into her body slightly. His breath escaped from between his lips with hiss, Liz biting her lip again as he pushed slowly into her. Withdrawing slightly, Max pushed forward again, his gaze steady as Liz smiled slightly. With a mumbled apology, Max pushed forward hard, Liz’s soft squeak lost against his shoulder as he claimed her as his.

Max collapsed slightly, his head resting against her collarbones as he struggled to wait for her. Liz shuddered slightly beneath him, but not in pain. Ava had been right…slight pinch, and then…. her soft cry echoed once more when Max moved, unable to hold still any longer.

Long moments in which only their breathing intermingled echoed between them, Max feeling the pinprick of the connection start to open. He surged into her Liz’s welcoming body harder, and felt Liz raise her knees to help him. Lifting his head, he stared down into her eyes. Eyes that were as clear as a summers day. Blinding with love. And he spoke once, his voice ringing with authority.

“Let her go you asshole…she’s mine.”

Liz cried out under him, her teeth sinking into his shoulder as blinding pain tore through her mind, and Max kissed her hard, feeling the pain and sharing it with her as the block Kivar had place in her mind tore free. Images of that night, and that day, tumbled through his mind, along with the burning love she had kept hidden from him. Her feelings pushed them both over the edge; Max groaning loudly as he jerked, stiffened, and then collapsed bodily onto her slender weight.

Long moments drifted past, Max’s whole body numb as he trembled in the wake of it. And when he finally lifted his head, staring down at Liz, tears welled in his eyes and spilt fret when she smiled…really smiled. It was her again…his Liz. One small war won out of love. And as he gathered her close, shifting the blankets over their bodies, Max knew they could face anything together. As they drifted off, Max heard Liz’s last whisper for the night.

“I love you…I’ve always loved you.”

Part 95.

Diane hushed Phillip as she pushed open the front door. The feeling of tremendous weight had lifted from her shoulders a few hours earlier, and without a word, she knew it came from Max. Something good had happened for her son tonight. The Jeep was gone from the driveway, but Diane knew already that Isabel was with Alex, so that took care of that.

Zan’s car was still there, Diane and Phillip pausing at the foot of the stairs as they stared at one another. They had both felt the sudden rush of pain and love earlier, and they now wondered what had caused it. With a final shrug, they started up the stairs, deciding to check on the boys before retiring for the night.

Stopping by Max’s room, Diane pushed the door open gently, her hand groping for Phillip’s and gripping it tightly for a moment, before she reached in and shut the door. She turned to stare at her husband for a moment, both of them blushing as they glanced back at the door again.

“That was more of Liz that I planned on seeing tonight,” Diane mumbled softly, Phillip fighting to hide his smile at his wife’s reaction to the scene they had encountered.

Liz had been facing Max, the sheet low across the base of her spine. Max had his arms wrapped around her, the darkly tanned skin of his arms standing out in stark contrast to the smooth olive of her bare back. Both had been asleep, but it was more than obvious what had transpired in Max’s bed earlier on in the evening.

They continued down the hall, pausing once more outside of Zan’s room. Phillip reached for the handle, but before he could touch it, a low dragged out groan caught both of their ears, Phillip snatching his hand back as if it had been burnt. He looked at Diane in surprise, his mouth hanging open slightly.

“I’m not even going to ask,” Diane whispered with a small smile, before heading back downstairs.

Phillip found her boiling a kettle of water for tea, her face pensive as she stared outside. Her movements were slow and methodical, Phillip sinking into a chair at the kitchen table as he waited for her to gather her thoughts together. He had found her staring off into space several times that night, and he wondered what was causing his wife so much trouble.

“Do you ever wonder why we could never have children, Phillip?” Diane asked out of the blue, her back still turned as she started searching for some biscuits to put with their tea.

“I mean, we had the tests done. We were both fertile. But not even IVF helped us fall pregnant.”

“I remember how upset you were,” Phillip admitted softly. “The dream of having a family slipped away, and we were all that was left. Why bring this up, love?”

Diane set the pot of tea down and set out to make them both a drink as she thought about how to broach the subject.

“I think…it might have been a higher power at work sometimes. We finally gave up having a baby of our own, and only days later we found Max and Isabel. I really think we were meant to find them Phillip. The question is though, why then? Why on that road? And why now, ten years later, do Max’s eyes haunt me? The look in his eyes as he turned to face us?”

“What are you getting at Diane?” Phillip asked in a low voice.

Diane looked up then, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

“Do you not realise how long it took for the fear, mistrust and uncertainty to leave his eyes? To look at him Phillip, and see my son looking back? No walls Phillip. He isn’t hiding anymore…not from us. He’s trusted us with his biggest secret…and I…I’m so scared Phillip.”

“Of what?”

“My son dying. Don’t you see? He’s preparing for war…the fight of his life. And I’m so scared…what if he doesn’t make it? What if he does, and Isabel doesn’t?”

Phillip reached out and covered her hand with his, his grip tight and reassuring.

“Have you spoken to Max about this?”

Diane shook her head, causing Phillip to sigh softly.

“You haven’t watched them train have you? Any of them. They’ll be fine Diane.”

“How do you know?” she whispered softly.

“Because Zan drags Max out of bed at the crack of dawn each day, and they lash it out together in the backyard, under the cloak of morning. Zan’s obviously the better fighter, because he’s had to fight all his life. But you should see Max with him now. If Max does die Diane? He’ll go down fighting. And it won’t be by choice. Whatever Zan did to him, changed him. And in my opinion? It’s for the better. It’ll all work out…you’ll see.”

Diane nodded, and let him kiss her goodnight. Her thoughts slowed, and cleared, Diane realising her husband was right as the minutes ticked by. Isabel came home, and mother and daughter spent a few precious hours talking and laughing softly, before finally heading upstairs too.

The night once more grew silent, stillness returning to the household. Max still held Liz tightly, his face buried in her hair. Zan lay on his back snoring, Ava sprawled limply over his chest. Diane and Phillip slept easily; secure in the knowledge their children were home.

Only Isabel remained awake, her skin still on fire from the feeling of Alex’s trembling hands. Her brother hadn’t been the only one to lose his virginity that night. Looking back up at the night sky, she breathed in deeply, her eyes still sparkling with love and some tears of happiness. To finally let someone in…really let them in…and have them tell you that they had never seen anything as beautiful as you…Isabel sighed softly. It had been all she hoped for and more. She was finally home…. Isabel stood up quickly, her eyes following the trail of dust across the night sky.

“That…what the hell was that?” she whispered, hurrying to pick her phone up and dial Jy’s number. He answered on the first ring, his thick accent echoing in her ears.

“Yo ‘Bella…what’s keepin ya ‘wake at this hour?”

As Isabel explained what she had seen, something else was occurring that would shatter them all in less than twenty-four hours. A door opened slowly, groaning as metal scraped against metal, and letting out a hot hiss as the door to the ship hit the ground with a thud. Footsteps thumped down the walkway from the interior of the ship, Ricardo taking his first lungful of air.

Larenik, Tyritian, Zima and Maytlen all followed him down, the five of them standing together as they stared out over the desert. One by one they shifted into human form, allowing them the ability to blend. Only their eyes remained cold and cruel, their skin glowing silver in the moonlight.

“Let’s get it done,” Ricardo murmured, the others nodding in agreement. A wave of his hand had the ship turning to rock, Ricardo smirking once more. Time to get down and dirty….

[majiklmoon]

Part 96.

The day started out normally enough. The group met at the quarry at dawn, once more setting their training into effect. They stopped at lunchtime for sandwiches, sitting in one large group and talking quietly. The shifters had all noticed the new closeness that the pod squad shared with their respective human partners, Jy smirking to himself when he realised what had transpired the night before.

Only Kyan seemed more on edge than usual, pushing his sparring partner, whomever it might be, to new punishing levels of fitness. It was only when he had launched Max through the air and down onto the ground with a bone cracking thud, that he seemed to snap out of it, his gaze apologetic as he helped Max to his feet.

“Sorry man…” he mumbled softly, Max staring at him closely as the others gathered around them in a small group. Kyan turned beseeching eyes to Jy, and pleaded with him silently, before finally voicing what had been bothering him all day, and which had now heightened as the sun began to lower in the sky.

“Can’t ya feel it Jy? Da subtle shift in da air…we ain’t alone no more man…its time…we gotta move now man…and I mean like…right now.”

Jy blanched when he felt the shift Kyan was speaking of, and surveyed their surroundings warily.

“Aiight…we gotta move. We ain’t safe…Kyan’s right. Ya’ll know what ya gotta do…pack quietly, and meet us back at Max’s place…we gotta get ya humans to safer ground right now.”

The group knew what he meant, and hurried towards their respective rides. The plan had been simple really…four new shape shifters were waiting, ready to take on the forms of Kyle, Maria, Alex and Liz. The real foursome were being sent underground for their own safety…Jy started his bike with a roar, only to jump as a pair of slender arms circled his waist. Glancing over his shoulder he smiled slightly as Ava nodded towards the Trans Am.

“Somethin’s up with da car…I’m ridin with ya, Zan’s with Kyan. Kyle and Tess are with Serena and Lyra…aiight cuz?”

He nodded and dropped a quick kiss on her nose, before the group pulled out. As they rode, Kyan and Jy kept exchanging looks, their senses starting to overload as fear began to set in. They subtly began to pick up the pace, the night beginning to settle in quickly. Shadows loomed around them, moving cruelly in, and Jy blinked as he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. It was only his senses that kept the bike upright, Ava crying out as the blast narrowly missed her head.

“Split it up!” he cried, Kyan nodding, and jerking the bike to the right as Jy swerved to the left.

That move saved their lives, another flaming shot speeding by them as Jy felt Ava’s arms tighten around his waist. Back in the car, Max watched in horror as the ball of flame headed straight for them. He jammed on the brakes, and spun the wheel of the car; the blast sending sparks flying as it bounced harmlessly across the bonnet.

Stamping on the gas pedal as the others cried out, he shot off after the bikes, watching his surroundings warily as Jy and Kyan crossed lanes, Lyra and Serena dropping in speed and falling back behind the Jeep as Max started to reach new speeds. Kyan and Jy both dropped down the sandy edge of the road, Jy momentarily disappearing from sight behind some bushes, only to reappear a few moments later, riding along lower ground.

Michael hung onto the edge of the roll cage, his heart beating quickly when he saw the bridge up ahead, signalling they were just before the town limits. Glancing to his right, he watched as Jy bounced over some rough terrain, only to have his heart skip a beat when he saw the new aliens behind them, shooting off blasts.

They were riding what Michael could only later describe as skateboards without wheels, the slim disks remarkably fast as the two aliens began to get closer to Jy. Wrenching his head to the left, he saw that only a single alien was following Kyan. It was Max’s breath hitching that caught Michael’s attention however, and time slowed down to a crawl as the sky turned black, plunging them into darkness.

Max flipped on the head lights, only to hit the brakes with a burning screech of rubber as Jy suddenly road up the embankment, his bike swerving heavily as he fought for control, when the bike became momentarily airborne, the wheels bouncing heavily when they touched back down on the road. Kyan came up behind Jy, the Jeep, the three aliens on the hovercrafts focusing their attention on the two bikes. Kyan gunned his bike as Max pressed down on the gas pedal once more, the others watching in silent fear as two more aliens were illuminated up ahead on the bridge, their hands already glowing with power as they awaited the two bikes.

“Go Kyan…go, go, go!!!”

Zan’s frantic cry would echo in the stillness that followed, and in their minds for a long to come. The two bikes continued to cross lanes, swerving blasts, and reaching heightened speeds in a desperate move to reach safety. A well judged blast suddenly hit the back tire of Jy’s bike, and the others could only watch in horror as Jy lost control, the bike coming down heavily on its side, and sliding serenely towards the concrete wall of the bridge, still carrying its two passengers.

Kyan swerved violently, barely missing the overturned bike in his path, and almost feeling his own bike drop out from under him. In Max’s headlights, they all saw Ava turn her face towards them; her eyes wide with fear as she looked back at them. A sudden blast from Jy took out half the bridge wall, sending chunks of concrete flying out over the still water below. The bike crashed into the wall, the explosion lighting up the night sky with a fireball. The bike went through the opening Jy’s blast had created, and dropped towards the water below, taking Jy and Ava with it.

Zan’s scream echoed loudly, Max fighting for control of the car as he stepped on the gas pedal once more. The two bikes behind him split paths, and shot past him, Max screeching to a stop a few seconds later, and watching the carnage unfold as tears swam in his gaze. It was all he could do.

He saw Zan come off of the back of Kyan’s bike as Kyan slid to a stop, the bike falling on its side as Kyan wrenched his helmet off, the blades on his hands glowing in the flames that were burning the side of the bridge. Kyan dropped his helmet, and leaped up into the air as one of the aliens ran at him, shape shifting mid jump as his body twisted around, his right arm held high as he started to swing it in a downward arc.

Max fought his nausea as Kyan’s blades made contact with the alien’s body, where his neck and head met, the jump and force behind Kyan’s arm, causing the blades to sink in, and almost tear the other alien in half. The alien dropped dead at Kyan’s feet, Kyan stepping over the body calmly, and starting to fight again.

Zan ran to the edge of the bridge, his right foot hitting the railing, and his body illuminated in fire for one heart breaking moment, as he swan dove off the edge of the bridge into the unforgiving waters below. Kyle followed Zan off the edge of the bridge, leaving Tess fighting for her own life as Lyra and Serena joined the fight.

And then time snapped back into focus, Michael’s disjointed cry echoing in his ears as he started taking careful aim, and sending blasts as he leapt from the Jeep. Max joined Michael, throwing up his shield every few moments, when a blast would come their way, only to lower it again when Michael nodded tersely at him.

The stench of blood was heavy in the air, Kyan’s grunts and the insults he traded with the man he fought spoken too quickly for Max to understand. And as Max lowered his shield for the final time, he watched in amazement as all five aliens, dead and alive, simply vanished from sight. One second they were there, the next they weren’t.

Kyan twisted from left to right, his eyes glowing an unearthly shade of purple in the dying flames as he twisted around completely, his blades drenched with blood, and his chest torn open down the left side. Even as Max stepped towards him, Kyan brushed past him, and ran towards the edge of the bridge.

Michael and Max followed him down the steep embankment, slipping and sliding on loose gravel the whole way. The others followed moments later, all of them coming to a complete stop at the scene before them. Liz gasped, and turned her face away, Maria turning into Alex’s strong embrace as she stored the horrible sight before her in her mind.

Jy lay on his back, half in and half out of the water. His blood ran down his face, throat and chest freely, as Kyle forced air into his lungs as he preformed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. His right arm hung at a twisted angle from his shoulder, the flesh torn and broken, splintered bone poking through the tissue, from where he had born the brunt of the impact of the bike dropping.

Further past them, in the shallow waters, Zan sat with his back to the group; Ava curled up in his arms against his chest. Her helmet lay discarded in the shallows, and her hair hung in wet curls down over Zan’s shoulder and arm. Her head rested against the crook of his neck as he spoke softly in her ear, his hand smoothing her hair back gently.

Max approached Zan quietly, not wanting to startle his brother as he continued to whisper softly to Ava. He turned however, when Jy started coughing violently, the dirty water spewing up from his lungs, and onto the ground as he fought for air. Max turned back to Zan and knelt down by his side. Looking down at Ava, Max swallowed hard, and wished he hadn’t. Her eyes were open as she stared up at the night sky, her face serene as Zan continued to whisper softly, her blood coating Zan’s hand.

“Aves…come on baby…come on baby…stay with me now…stay with me now…remember…ya da air I breath…I need ya baby…I need ya…don’t ya leave me Ava…Aves…please…”

Max stumbled back with a horrified gasp, his stomach heaving as he put two and two together. The longer Ava stayed silent, the more desperate Zan’s pleas became, until his voice cracked, and he screamed out loud. The scream was a strangled sound full of pain and hatred, and it echoed out over the silent waters, and drowned out the sounds of Jim’s sirens approaching, from where Tess had called for help. For Ava, it was too late…but for the rest of them? This was only the beginning…

Part 97.

“No…Aves…please baby…”

It was whispered in the silence of the night, a plea that was choked with grief and fatigue. A lone figure twisted within sweat-drenched sheets, before stilling.

“I’m not made of glass Zan…I ain’t gonna break…no matter what’s happened, or will happen…in da future. I’m stronger than that…we’re stronger than that. Don’t pull away from me now.”

“Aves…what did ya mean? Before? ‘Bout da future?”

“Doesn’t matter Zan…just be with me now…it’s all that matters. Da rest can wait. We’ve got time.”

Zan opened his eyes slowly, and stared up at the ceiling in silence as Ava’s voice whispered through his mind. Rolling over, he tugged her pillow closer, and buried his face in the downy softness, breathing in the lingering scent of her hair as his grief threatened to consume him. She’d known. He knew that now.

Rising slowly, Zan walked blindly to his window, and stared up at the unforgiving sky, unaware that his cheeks were wet with tears, and that someone weighed down by guilt and grief was watching him. Raising his arms, Zan rested his hands to the top of the window ledge, and pressed his burning face against the cool glass. Heavy rain clouds were gathering, adding a bleakness to his mood, that was heavy enough as it was.

“Zan.”

Zan’s head lowered as his shoulders began to shake, and turned blindly into the solid strength of Kyan’s embrace when he felt his friend’s hand come to rest on his shoulder.

“I’m so sorry man…I’m so fuckin sorry…I…this is my fault…if I’d spoken up sooner…she’d still be here man…”

Zan could only shake his head as the two men held onto each other for grim life, both of them sinking to their knees as they shared in their grief for a woman who was family…lover…best friend…confidant…

None of them had been able to bring Ava back. She was gone, her spirit fleeing to the stars above, and leaving more emotional carnage behind than physical. It had been five days since the first attack, four of which Jy spent unconscious. When he had awoken, he had asked after Ava with his first breath, only to retreat into silence when he learnt of her death.

Zan had yet to leave the room in which he had reclaimed his lover. He had retreated into himself with a darkness clinging to him, that Kyan knew would destroy them all if left unchecked, so he had spent those five days curled up against the other side of the door, listening intently as his best friend slipped further and further into his grief.

Jy was in the same dark place, a place that not even Serena had been able to reach him in. He simply sat by his window, staring blindly at the sky as Zan did, cursing Kivar, and making plans. Ricardo had been right: Her death had indeed split the group. Jy kept away from Zan, unaware of how his king would react, and Zan did the same, sure that he blamed him.

Max and the others stayed away too, thinking Zan needed his peace and his space, not knowing the plans his brother and Jy made, or the murderous intent with which now Zan and Jy both breathed. Revenge. It was the only thing keeping them both alive right then.

Zan looked up a few minutes later, and with a heavy sigh, shifted out of the comforting embrace Kyan gave. He stood up on unsteady legs, and shoved his feet into his boots as Kyan continued to kneel there and watch him. When Zan looked back up moments later, he held his hand out, the tremors that shook his hand visible.

“I need ya keys man…I just need to get outta here for a bit.”

Kyan opened his mouth to argue, but Zan shook his head slowly.

“Please man…I just need to say goodbye to her…I need some space…I feel like I’m chokin to death in here…and I ain’t gonna be able to focus if I’m drownin…ya said it yaself Kyan…now I’m holdin out my hand bro…and I need ya to know that it ain’t you who needs to take it.”

Kyan stood up slowly, and stared into Zan’s eyes silently. Grief, anger and hatred clouded Zan’s eyes, along with a sorrow that Kyan knew Zan needed to vent alone. So with a heavy sigh, he slipped the keys to his bike out of his pocket, and handed them over to Zan.

“Zan…ya ain’t gonna do nuthin stupid are ya?”

Zan took the keys silently, and picked up his bag. Turning to face Kyan once more, he spoke softly.

“Da only stupid thing I ever did man, was love her. But am I sorry for it? No. Am I gonna hunt down da fuckers who did this? Not yet. Do I blame you or Jy?”

Zan swallowed hard, and lowered his gaze as Kyan stared at him with wide eyes.

“Not a chance in hell. Am I gonna lay down at my lovers grave, and wish I was dead instead of her? Bet ya ass. Am I askin ya to respect da fact that I need to do this alone…that if ya my bro, ya gonna gimme this? Well…only ya know da answer to that one Kyan.”

Before Kyan could reply, Zan was slipping out the door. Jogging after him, Kyan stopped in the doorway, and sighed heavily as he watched Zan swing his leg over the bike. Max joined Kyan at the door, the two men watching as Zan started the bike and took off into the night, before turning to face one another.

“Are you driving or am I?” Max asked softly, Kyan managing a ghost of a smile.

Kyan waited by the jeep as Max hurried to get his keys, before joining the shape shifter.

“Where too?” Max asked softly as he started the jeep.

“One place I know for fact he’s gonna end up at…her grave.”

Max nodded, and squinted up at the night sky. “Nice night for it isn’t it?” he asked sarcastically, watching as the first of the rain fell, before it became a downpour. Kyan could only manage a weak smile in response, before they too headed off to confront the past.

Max’s parents had helped bury Ava in the Roswell cemetery. Phillip had asked Zan softly on the second day if he wanted Ava’s body shifted back to the city, but Zan had shaken his head.

“No…she’s got family here…if I’m gonna die here too…all I ask is that ya bury me on top of her. Ya cremate da both of us…I ain’t bein dug up by da government.”


Zan stared blindly out across the darkened cemetery, his hands clenched in fists as he tried to lower his eyes. He was unaware of the rain that was falling, or the fact that Max and Kyan were huddled together some distance behind him. All he knew was that if he lowered his eyes now, it would become real. He would wake up, and Ava would be gone. She would be nothing but a jar buried within the earth.

He could smell the heady scent of the flowers that crowded around the simple nameplate. He could also see the flickering light of the candles that dotted the base. Glass covers kept the flames lit, Zan watching as the caused tiny shadows to dance at the bottom of his line of sight.

“This life. Our last life. Da next one too…I’m always gonna love ya.”

Zan groaned softly, and sank to his knees. Lifting his head slowly, he stared down at the brass marker that showed her life in undeniable truth. Reaching out he traced the letters softly, the cold brass under his fingertip reminding him harshly of the fact that her warmth was gone.

Ava Harding. June 2000.
Lives beneath the stars once more.

Zan swallowed hard, and rubbed his hand across the brass plate. Barely aware of the play of lights under his hand, he let his powers spring forth, and add the final etching before he stumbled to his feet and away into the darkness, leaving the bike behind, and letting his feet lead him forward.

Max and Kyan exchanged glances, before walking forward to check what Zan had done to the nameplate. When they saw the new script, they split up, Max running for the jeep, and Kyan bolting for his bike. Fear pushed them both now. Fear for what Zan would do, and fear for what he could withstand…. or couldn’t withstand.

Ava Harding. June 2000.
Lives beneath the stars once more.
I can’t live without you.
I’ll find redemption, and then I’ll find you.

The window slid up slowly, a soft glow allowing it to slid smoothly, rather than squeak. A cold wind blew across the room, causing Tess to wake up quickly. Sitting up in bed, she watched as one leather clad leg appeared, followed by a second, and simply shifted on the bed as Zan slid through her window.

Slipping from under the covers, Tess approached him silently, and reached out. Zan let her pull his top up and off, the soaked material making a soft plopping noise as it hit the ground. He wasn’t aware of the shaking that wracked his body, or the tears that slid down his face as he stared down at her in faint light.

All he could see was her. The way her hair hung in loose curls. The gleam of her skin that showed under the over sized shirt she wore. And when she lifted her head, the tracks her tears made across the smooth spance of her face. The shadows under her eyes. And the pain and understanding that turned her gaze dull.

Kicking his boots off, he felt cool fingers brush his stomach as she undid his pants, before sliding them down his legs and moving to hang them over the back of a chair. Turning back to face him, Tess took his hand, and led him into the warmth of her bed, letting the covers cover them both and warmth to return to their chilled bodies.

They lay silently in the darkness, staring at each other as the moments ticked by. Sharing a pillow, blonde curls and black spikes moved closer together until their foreheads touched. A calloused hand that slid across the smooth skin of her back, and tugged her closer. And the lips that pressed a gentle kiss to eyes that were spilling tears already.

“I know ya ain’t her Tess…I just need…”

“I know Zan…it’s ok.”

And it was only then that Zan let his grief go. Sharing a bed with a girl who wore the face of his lover. Who understood him better than anyone at that point. Tess grieved too, for a girl she considered her sister. For a girl who had laughed with her and at her. And for the man who was shaking so hard, that she feared his whole body would break.

“I miss her Tess…I don’t think I can do this no more. It just hurts too bad.”

Tess shuddered, and pulled Zan tightly into her arms. She felt him angle his head, and the coolness of his breath sweep her skin as he laid his head upon her chest, her heartbeat no doubt thumping out it’s steady rhythm in his ears. Sliding her fingers through his wet hair, she spoke softly in his ear.

“You are going to cry with me tonight Zan. You are going to let your grief out. And tomorrow? You’re going to get up, and show me how to live. And I’ll show you that you can live. And we’re going to hunt them down, and kill them. And when this is all over? Only then can you lie down if you still choose too. I won’t stop you then. But I need you now.”

“She knew Tess…she knew she was gonna die…and she didn’t tell me. She didn’t let me know…she lied to me…”

“I know Zan…but we both know that what she did was right. You know…not telling anyone.”

Zan lifted his head slowly, and stared down into her eyes.

“Do you know Tess?”

Tess simply pulled him back down into her arms, and resumed stroking his head. When she spoke it was softly, her tears sliding down her face as she whispered the words in his ears.

“Ava left me with a message to tell you Zan… part of a song she knew you would understand. Do you want to know what it is?”

Zan shook his head slowly, his eyes clouding over slightly as Tess sat up and reached over him for a CD that was by her bed. Sinking back down into his embrace, she passed her finger over the CD gently, and let Ava’s final message for her lover play out.

No one knows what it's like
To be the bad man
To be the sad man
Behind blue eyes
And no one knows
What it's like to be hated
To be fated to telling only lies

But my dreams they aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free

No one knows what its like
To be mistreated, to be defeated
Behind blue eyes
And no one knows how to say
That they're sorry and don't worry
I'm not telling lies

But my dreams they aren't as empty
As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely
My love is vengeance
That's never free

No one knows what its like
To be the bad man, to be the sad man
Behind blue eyes.

“The message in that Zan? She loved you. You loved her. Use those feelings as your revenge…use that love to keep you alive. Only then…will it all be set right. She never blamed you…she never hated you. You were her whole life Zan…you just need to remember that. She finally understood why you did what you did when you pushed her away…she forgave you for that…and you need to forgive her for this.”

Kivar smirked as he watched the scene unfold before him. Two of his men had died in that confrontation, but they were no great loss. He could barely contain his glee as he watched Zan break down completely in Tess’s warm embrace, and rubbed his clawed hands together. A small communication device beside him sparked, before a message was relayed, causing him to smile even wider.

“Your highness…we have reached the jump point. You will be entering earth’s atmosphere in less than an hour.”

[Island Breeze]

Whoa! Great parts! :D I loved this part between Max and Liz:

“I’ve been fighting for so long now Max, that I don’t know how to stop” Liz said softly. “Fighting to keep my lies about Kyle intact. Fighting to keep myself from disappearing. Fighting to hide my love for you. And now, fighting for my life.”

Max looked down at her silently; his face shadowed as Liz slowly stepped out of his arms, and walked over to the stereo. She turned the music up slightly, and pressed repeat, the now familiar song a soothing balm on her shattered nerves. She turned back to face Max, and bit her lower lip as she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I don’t know how to stay strong anymore.”

Liz looked up then, and watched as Max slowly crossed the room to sit on his bed.

“I don’t want to stay strong anymore. I don’t want to fight anymore.”

Max looked up, and watched as Liz walked slowly towards him, only stopping when she was a step away from him. Within reach. He tiled his head back slightly when she stopped, her hands fluttering nervously at her waist. He cleared his throat slightly, and wet his lower lip as he found his voice.

“What do you want then Liz?”

Liz lowered her head slightly, her hair swinging down around her face. She smiled slightly however, when Max reached up and shifted her hair behind her ears, the silky strands sliding through his fingers. When he looked at her again Liz spoke softly.

“I just want you.”

And Max acting with authority...

he stared down into her eyes. Eyes that were as clear as a summers day. Blinding with love. And he spoke once, his voice ringing with authority.

“Let her go you asshole…she’s mine.”

Liz cried out under him, her teeth sinking into his shoulder as blinding pain tore through her mind, and Max kissed her hard, feeling the pain and sharing it with her as the block Kivar had place in her mind tore free. Images of that night, and that day, tumbled through his mind, along with the burning love she had kept hidden from him. Her feelings pushed them both over the edge; Max groaning loudly as he jerked, stiffened, and then collapsed bodily onto her slender weight.

Long moments drifted past, Max’s whole body numb as he trembled in the wake of it. And when he finally lifted his head, staring down at Liz, tears welled in his eyes and spilt fret when she smiled…really smiled. It was her again…his Liz. One small war won out of love. And as he gathered her close, shifting the blankets over their bodies, Max knew they could face anything together. As they drifted off, Max heard Liz’s last whisper for the night.

“I love you…I’ve always loved you.”

Another great awwww moment. :D I loved that last line. :D

But I'm afraid that big trouble is in the forecast:

As Isabel explained what she had seen, something else was occurring that would shatter them all in less than twenty-four hours. A door opened slowly, groaning as metal scraped against metal, and letting out a hot hiss as the door to the ship hit the ground with a thud. Footsteps thumped down the walkway from the interior of the ship, Ricardo taking his first lungful of air.

Larenik, Tyritian, Zima and Maytlen all followed him down, the five of them standing together as they stared out over the desert. One by one they shifted into human form, allowing them the ability to blend. Only their eyes remained cold and cruel, their skin glowing silver in the moonlight.

“Let’s get it done,” Ricardo murmured, the others nodding in agreement. A wave of his hand had the ship turning to rock, Ricardo smirking once more. Time to get down and dirty….

“Can’t ya feel it Jy? Da subtle shift in da air…we ain’t alone no more man…its time…we gotta move now man…and I mean like…right now.”

The scene with Zan at Ava's grave was touching.

“This life. Our last life. Da next one too…I’m always gonna love ya.”

Totally awesome, mate!

[majiklmoon]

Kerri will be unavailable for a while due to unforseeable personal reasons.

[kerri240879]

Part 98.

Tired eyes looked out over the dim spance of the quarry, unseeing and unfeeling as they waited for death to come knocking…that or the sun to rise, which ever came first. Guilt was heavy within his heart, his betrayal worn upon his sleeve for all to see. The first rays of the sun split the horizon, causing his eyes to water and soulless tears cascading down his face.

Footsteps crunched unhurriedly toward him, before coming to a stop with in reaching distant, and causing his back to straighten with resignation. Death it was. But still he continued to kneel, his head lowering in submission as he awaited the death he felt he deserved.

“I don’t blame ya man…it wasn’t ya fault.”

Jy turned his head slightly, and gazed across at Zan as his friend lowered himself wearily to the ground. The two aliens locked eyes, grief and understanding shadowing both of their auras. Zan held his hands apart slightly, and gave Jy a weak smile.

“Ya once told Tess ya were an empath…read me now Jy. I don’t blame ya. I don’t hate ya for this. We both know who is to blame, and it ain’t either of us. Aves knew man…she knew she was gonna die. But she came with us anyways.”

“How’d she know?” Jy asked softly, his voice rusty from lack of use.

Zan shrugged tiredly. “I dunno man. But Tess told me she knew. I wanna hate her for that…I wanna hate her for not tellin me before…but I understand why. Same as ya do. Ya my boy Jy…how were ya to know? Ya barely survived it yaself.”

“I’d trade places with her in a heartbeat Zan if it would bring her back…I’d give my life for hers if it meant she was still here.”

“I know that man. But I also know somethin that ya don’t…I need ya here with me. I can’t do this alone no more. I don’t wanna do this alone no more. And we still have da others to think of. Liz. Max. Ya woman.”

Jy sighed heavily, and turned his gaze back to the sun. “I failed ‘em all Zan.”

Zan snorted softly, and shook his head. “Nah man, ya didn’t. Ya kept da others alive…”

“That might be so Zan, but Aves…Jesus man…Aves is fucken dead Zan…”

“Yeah man, she is. I feel that down inside, and it burns…ya think I can see past this war? I can’t man. I can’t see nothin but dyin so I’m with her again…but before I can do that, I gotta get da others through this first. Da others are all that matters. That…and killin Kivar. Nothin else matters to me now.”

Jy sighed and looked back towards Zan. He was surprised however, to see Tess lower herself to the ground between them, and lace her fingers through Zan’s.

“Tess…ya ok girl?” Jy asked softly.

Tess shook her head sadly, and squinted up at the sun.

“No I’m not Jy…none of us are. None of us knew this would happen…I didn’t realise what Ava was telling me until her actual death. But I get it now. I’m scared…I’m scared for my family. I’m scared for my friends. I’m scared for my own life…for Kyle’s life. But I can’t hide anymore. I can’t pretend this isn’t happening. And neither can either of you.”

Tess stood up then, and gazed across the empty quarry, the weight of the world resting on her slender shoulders as she weighed up what was on her mind. She had woken Zan early, and told him where he would find Jy. He hadn’t believed her, but now she could see that he did, and it was time for her to tell them why.

“I know how this ends Jy. I can tell you when…where…and who will be left standing.”

She was unsurprised when Jy sprang to his feet, and spun her around to face them, his eyes flashing in shock as he stared down at her.

“How?” he wheezed. Tess simply smiled sadly.

“You woke me…and I saw her. And she told me then…”

“Who?”

“Avaria.”

Jy sat down with a thud, his shock apparent as he stared up at her. Zan smiled sadly, and gestured for Tess to sit back down.

“How does it end Tess?”

Tess looked at Zan sadly, and when she spoke, her voice was low. “You’re not asking the right question Zan…ask me the right question, and I’ll tell you both everything…but I literally can’t tell you until you ask…Avaria made sure of that. Ask me…”

Zan blinked, and watched as Tess’s eyes welled with tears. “Please Zan…ask me the right one…I can’t carry this alone any more…ask me…what are you all searching for? What are you looking for now?”

Awareness settled over all three of them, Tess starting to cry softly as Zan spoke in a low voice, the disturbing calmness of his voice sending chills down his own spine.

“How far…how far are ya willin to go…for redemption?”

Tess’s breath escaped in a shuddering breath, and she straightened her spine.

“All the way…and I can tell you this…I’m who is standing when he falls…this is what Avaria showed me….”

Part 99.

Isabel pushed Max’s door open silently, and looked in on her brother wordlessly. Tess’s revelation had shattered them all, a fight breaking out when Max had stood up and decreed the law. The human’s were to be hidden away, and kept hidden until this was over. He had come up against four very angry people, and was promptly put back into his place.

The imprint of Maria’s palm had stood out against his cheek for days…until the war had started and then she had understood. Crossing to his side, Isabel gripped his shoulder silently as she looked down at the newspaper that was lax in his hands. The headlines stood out clearly and boldly, causing her heart to constrict as she tightened her grip on her brothers shoulder.

‘Three killed in mysterious fire. Roswell mourns.’

Locals Jeff Parker, Amy Deluca, and Sheriff Jim Valenti sadly lost their lives several days ago, when the Crash Down exploded. The local fire station believes it may have been due to a gas leak. Memorial services will be held in due course. The arson squad is investigating. This is a double blow for young Elizabeth Parker, who as recently reported, was attacked while walking home through the park. Her attacker is still at large.

“Gas leak my ass” Isabel muttered savagely.

Max simply nodded mutely. They had found a letter on Max’s bed when they had returned home from the police station. It hadn’t been signed, but the message was clear to all of them.

‘Three down…’

It had shattered Liz, who had simply shut down. Maria had been devastated as had Kyle, the two of them clinging together as they slowly absorbed the fact that their parents had been killed in the cross fire of this alien war. Now the only people who knew where Maria, Alex, Kyle, Diane and Phillip were was Jy, who had promised Max he would hide them in the last place Kivar would think to look. Natalie and Pauly had ended up joining them, when Jy had saved them from also being attacked. Only Liz had stayed, her tearful gaze enough to have Max giving in.

“Max?”

Isabel watched as her brother slowly looked up at her, his golden gaze dark and stormy as he stared at her.

“Talk to me Max…how can I help you?”

Max stood up slowly, and smiled slightly as he shook his head. Isabel swallowed as she stared into her brother’s eyes, fear starting to slowly trickle down her spine when he didn’t answer her. She knew that look that was in his eyes…she had seen it too many times to remember. Straightening up, Isabel put her ice maiden face on, and glared at him.

“Max…this isn’t your fault. It’s his…and he’ll pay.”

Max nodded slowly, and reaching out, caressed her cheek gently. But when he spoke, Isabel blanched, her eyes widening slightly.

“Yes…your brother will pay…Valandra.”

Mean while…

Max dropped his keys on the table with a clunk, before following Zan up stairs. Pausing by Isabel’s room, the two men looked inside, only to find an empty room. Max shrugged slightly, before moving towards his own room. He paused again when Zan grabbed his wrist, both of them hearing the strangled sound of pain.

Max listened silently, both he and Zan leaping towards the door when they heard a second strangled gasp. The scene they came upon froze them both momentarily, before both of them raised their hands, the power humming between them as they confronted their worst nightmare.

Isabel was on her knees with her back to them, her head forced back at an unnatural angle as ‘Max’ slowly chocked her. Isabel was gripping his wrists tightly, her nails dug deep into his skin as she fought to save herself. ‘Max’ slowly looked up, a sadistic smile crossing his face as he made a kissing motion with his lips.

“Hello your majesty…and your majesty…I was hoping to leave Valandra as a welcoming home gift for you, but you’ve gone and spoilt my plans…my lord won’t be happy about this.”

“Let her go ya fucken dog…before I kill her just to get my hands on ya” Zan spat, his whole body ridged with anger and rage as frantically looked for the best way to blast the shape shifter without hurting Isabel.

The shape shifter smiled slightly, and glanced back down at Isabel. Bending from the waist, he pressed his lips against hers as he shifted form, and then stood back up, Ava’s gentle blue eyes staring at the pleadingly.

“Don’t kill me Zan…I’m carrying your baby remember…”

Zan stumbled as his hand fell to his side, guilt and pain radiating off of him in tangible waves. ‘Ava’ smiled slightly, and then looked towards Max, ‘her’ eyes widening as Max hissed angrily.

“Change you mother fucker…”

That was the only warning the shifter got, Max letting his full power surg free, the blast hitting the alien in the chest, and sending it through the wall and into Isabel’s room next door. Max glanced quickly at Isabel as she fell to the floor gasping and crying, before storming through the hole in the wall, his hand still ridged held in front of him.

The alien lay on it’s back, gasping as it slowly bled to death, the large broken wedge of wood that was stuck through it’s chest causing it’s death to be slow and painful. It’s face changed from Ava’s to Isabel’s to Max’s before slowly becoming male. Red eyes stared up at Max, the dark blue skin slowly turning grey as Max stared down at him.

“Your name!” Max spat softly, only to raise his hand even more when he dying shifter shook it’s head.

“I asked for your name…”

“Maytlen.”

“Where is Kivar?” Max asked quietly. Maytlen simply smiled sadistically.

“Watching your woman become his again boy…my lord will win this…and you will die. My death will not be in vain. You got the message…three down…whose next Max? Can you save them all…when they are already targeted…”

Max dropped to his knees, his eyes becoming angry as he watched the shape shifter slip further and further towards death.

“Tell me where he is!” he cried, only to have Maytlen let out a shuddering sigh as he spoke his last words with the last of his strength.

“Your sister survived me…but will your brother survive Ricardo? Will your best friend survive the others? Will ‘she’ survive Kivar?”

Max spun around to stare at Zan, who met his horror filled eyes with an equal look of shocked dismay.

‘And so it begins…’

[kerri240879]

Part 100.

Hey guys. Thank you all for your patience and kindness during the past two months. I sat down tonight, and shot this chapter out in a matter of an hour, yet this also the first time I have looked at this fic in months. So I apologise if it sounds stilted. The nature of the subject is still touchy in a way, but I need to finish this story the way it deserves, so please bear with me for updates. Hopefully you’ll have another one with in two weeks. Love to you all, and Jo? Thank you for the beautiful message in my journal darl. I did get it.

One final thing: Abby, Lisa, Nat and Jen. I wouldn’t have survived the last two months without you guys. From the numerous phone calls, to the daily emails. From allowing me to completely lose it on the phone, whether it is in tears or in temper, to just being there in spirit. Friends come and go, but you guys? You guys are something else completely. My four rocks. I love you all, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Kyan leant against the kitchen sink as he stared into the back yard, his eyes trained on Zan as his best friend took his newly restored grief and anger out on the punching bag in front of him. A sudden storm had sprung up, sending the scent of death and alien blood into the air. Kivar’s doing no doubt. Hide the obvious under the not so obvious.

The others were crowded around the kitchen table. Isabel curled up in Max’s arms as she leant her head against him for strength. Strategy was the main topic at hand. How to beat Kivar, and stop the needless death that had fallen upon them since this had all started two months ago.

Liz was weighed down with guilt as she sat at Max’s side, yet they had all reassured her that was not to blame. She had smiled bitterly at Jy’s soft statement, refusing to believe him. Kivar’s plan was working beautifully. The group was splintering. One by one. Little by little. Lyra and Serena spoke with Michael; quietly reassuring him that Maria was safe. That Alex and Kyle were safe. Angry yes. But safe none the less. Only Tess remained absent, yet they knew she was close. Jy could feel her.

“So what do we do? I mean…how can we find him?” Max asked helplessly.

“Take da fight to him ya mean?” Jy asked, Max nodding in conformation.

“Well…it ain’t that easy man…he’s cloakin his whereabouts…other wise we’d have done that by now. We know he’s here…but where? Max, he could be livin in ya roof, and we wouldn’t fuckin know. I hate this shit Max…I hate feelin like this” Jy spat softly, his anger shimmering around him in a hazy wave.

“I’m so sorry this has happened.”

It was spoken softly, yet all eyes turned towards Liz who lowered her gaze. Max reached out for her hand, yet it was Isabel who spoke up. Her voice was husky, her throat and vocal cords permanently damaged from the attack on her.

“You didn’t deserve this any more than we did Liz. You have nothing to feel guilty about. Nothing to be ashamed of. All you have ever done is help us…protect us. Because that’s what friends do.”

Liz nodded, yet her eyes remained clouded with guilt and grief. Max sighed softly and took her hand in his. Standing up, he pulled her gently from her chair, and wrapped her up in his arms. They stood silently together, drawing strength and love from one another, not knowing what their future was bringing.

“Tess is here” Jy murmered, Kyan nodding as he watched Tess approach Zan in the back yard. Even as he watched, he narrowed his eyes. Something was off. Even as he continued to stare at them, he started to slowly back away from the window, to head towards the door.

Outside, Zan stared down at Tess as she smiled sadly up at him.

“How are you today?” she whispered.

Zan shrugged, his eyes bitter. “Angry. I feel like I’m gonna explode Tess…my skins crawlin…I dunno babe. I miss Aves. I miss her so much…I feel like half my body is missin…”

Tess sighed softly in sympathy and reached out to him. She slid her fingertips into the waistband of his jeans, her knuckles resting gently against his stomach as she slowly lifted her gaze to his. She smiled slowly, and spoke so quietly, that her words whispered through Zan’s system, before he could register the meaning behind them.

“You wish to join your whore then Zan?”

Kyan turned towards the door, only to stop still as he watched Tess walk into the room and remove her jacket, before shaking the rain from her hair. Time stopped as Kyan turned his gaze back outside, only to see Zan jolt slightly as if he had been given an electric shock, his gaze locked with the other Tess’s. And Kyan knew, even as he shouted out to Jy, that he was too late this time…

White-hot pain exploded through Zan’s stomach where Tess’s knuckles rested, Zan lowering his eyes slowly. He could see the metal where it had slid into him from her knuckles, Zan raising pain-clouded eyes. Tess’s eyes flashed red once, before she made a small kissing motion with her lips.

“For Maytlen…my brother…”

Zan cried out as she jerked her hands upwards, the blades biting into his skin and muscle, before tearing free.

“Even if I die Zan…even if I fall…Maytlen has been avenged. And my King shall win. Kyan and Jy cannot save you now…not with the blood of Kivar swimming in your system. You shall die slowly…painfully…with the knowledge that your brother will die soon too. Know my name…Zima.”

Zima jerked his blades out of Zan’s flesh, and watched gleefully as Zan sank slowly to his knees, his hands clenched tightly over his stomach. Zima winked at him, and then raised his eyes as Kyan ran outside, Jy on his heels. Zima smirked at Kyan, and spat out an insult in rapid fire Antarian, before vanishing into the still night.

“Su rey falso muere Kyan... como usted... puede el rey verdadero del reinado de Antar por siempre... mientras que usted writher con en los hoyos del infierno. Le le enviaré allí mismo traidor... y tomaré a su puta como mis la propia.”

Kyan ignored him as he ran towards Zan, who slowly fell onto his back as his knees buckled from kneeling, his hands still clenched over his stomach. His head thudded on the wet ground, the rain streaming down over his face and chest as he coughed. Kyan skidded to his knees by Zan’s side, Max joining him with Jy moments later.

The others gathered two steps away, huddled together in the rain. Kyan gripped Zan’s hands and peeled them away, his face paling when he saw the ravaged wound on his friend’s stomach. Looking up, he watched as the single trickle of blood ran down the side of Zan’s face from the corner of his mouth. The blood was washed away slowly by the rain, but it couldn’t erase death from Zan’s face, nor from his eyes.

“Jy? Max?”

The names came out broken, as Kyan stared from alien to the other, his eyes pleading and his heart breaking. He could hear the ragged way Zan was breathing, the strange rattle that emerged from his broken body. Max’s hands were already pressed down over the wound, his face pale with strain as he poured all his energy into healing Zan. But when he sat back, he couldn’t bring himself to look at Kyan.

“I can’t Kyan…I don’t know why, but I can’t. It’s like I have no powers at all.”

“Kivar’s…blood…in my…blood now…it’s too late Kyan…it’s poison to us…ya know that…man….”

Kyan looked down at Zan, his eyes filling with tears as he watched his friends tanned skin slowly turn grey as his life slipped away from him. Anger spurned him suddenly, Kyan shaking his head as denial sprung forth from his lips.

“No…there has to be a way…ya can’t die Zan…. ya fought too fucken hard to survive last time…now fight…please man…”

Zan sighed softly, the sound spilling a further torrent of blood don the side of his jaw, his eyes slowly dulling as he turned his head towards Kyan. Looking up at him, Zan spoke softly, showing the little boy he kept hidden from years on the street, and sending tears down Kyan’s face with his softly spoken words.

“Ya always been there for me Kyan…always…more then a father…more than a friend…more than a protector…loneliness and fear kept me hidden…ya bought me out into da light man…”

Zan blinked once slowly, his eyes gazing past Kyan slightly, and a small smile gracing his lips even as his body began to twitch.

“Aves…there ya are…”

“Zan!”

Zan blinked and looked towards Max, who had clenched his hand tightly, his eyes bright with pain and fear.

“Ya aiight Maxie boy…more da king than I ever was…keep her safe man…it ain’t over yet…not ‘till da fat lady sings bro…I’m sorry man…that I ain’t gonna…gonna…”

Zan turned back towards Kyan, and smiled dreamily again, his body slowly relaxing as he spoke his final words.

“Aves…”

In the dark streets, a single cry echoed, filled with pain and anger. Max was silent with grief, Jy staggering to his feet and reaching for Kyan. Kyan pushed him away angrily, before turning into Lyra’s wet embrace. Even as he wept onto her shoulder, he still felt the disturbance in the air.

Looking up, he could only blink as he watched the back fence shimmer once, before his blades snapped out, a single sentence echoing, as Kivar, Zima, Ricardo and Larenik stepped forward, ready for war, and a fight that would echo an eternity.

“It has begun…”

“Your fake King dies Kyan...as shall all of you...may the real King of Antar reign forever...while you writher with in the pits of hell. I shall send you there myself you traitor...and take your whore as my own.”

[Island Breeze]

Great parts! I loved this passage:

“I can’t Kyan…I don’t know why, but I can’t. It’s like I have no powers at all.”

“Kivar’s…blood…in my…blood now…it’s too late Kyan…it’s poison to us…ya know that…man….”

Kyan looked down at Zan, his eyes filling with tears as he watched his friends tanned skin slowly turn grey as his life slipped away from him. Anger spurned him suddenly, Kyan shaking his head as denial sprung forth from his lips.

“No…there has to be a way…ya can’t die Zan…. ya fought too fucken hard to survive last time…now fight…please man…”

I'm so sorry you've been going through hard times. I hope things are better now or will be soon. You deserve to have a lot of happiness! And as for this story, it's still great, and I have no doubt that you will not forget it. No worries!