Switching Places FF, M/M, Child Ch 28 Pg 4 12/23 COMPLETE

[Redrumm]

AN: The address is just one I made up off the top of my head.

Chapter 15 – The Note

“Zan!” Beth said quickly sitting up from the couch.

“What?” he said, wondering why she was so excited.

“Mom and Dad are in the future!”

“You’re just figuring this out?”

“No, stupid, I‘ve known it all along!” she said rolling her eyes, clearly irritated that he didn’t understand her meaning. “If they’re in our time then everyone is going to think they are us.” she said slowly so he would get the point.

“So? Everyone thinks we’re them. What’s the big deal?” he asked clearly not getting the point.

“What’s the big deal?! We know how to act! We know what’s going on! We know everyone! We know the importance of not changing or messing with things! Do they know what happened? Do they know to pretend to be us? Do they even know about us?” she said now pacing.

“Whoa! Calm down, Sis! They’re smart, I’m sure they figured out what happened and know to keep a low profile.”

“That’s just it! How are they supposed to keep a low profile when they know nothing of the future? They don’t know anything about us, who knows what they’ll do! They could really mess things up for us, Zander! I mean...Oh no...Andon!” she said yelling her boyfriends name as she thought of the possibilities.

“What about Andon?” Zan said with disgust.

“What about Andon?! I think what you should be asking is what will Dad do to Andon! He hates him as much as you do!” she said obviously worried.

“Beth, I don’t think Dad is going to do something to a guy he doesn’t even know. Remember, Dad from this time hasn’t meet Andon yet.” he said, secretly hoping that his dad would do something.

“You think?” Beth asked, feeling slightly better at Zan’s words.

“Of course.” he said and hugged her to further prove his point.

“Thanks.” she said when they pulled apart. “I really needed that. You’re the best big brother a girl could have.”

“Don’t I know it.” he laughed. She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

“Modest much?” He only smiled at her comment.

Several hours later they still had no idea what to do about the crystal. Frustrated and getting tired they both decided to call it a night and figure out what to do in the morning.

“Well, I guess I’ll go back to Gran’s.” Beth said as she started to gather her things.

“Are you sure you want to do that? I mean she was pretty upset when we left.” Zan said.

“I’m gonna have to go back there eventually. I might as well make it sooner rather than later.” she said as she picked up the car keys and headed for the door.

“Wait a minute! What do you think you’re doing?” Zan asked as he stood in his sister’s way.

“What are you talking about.” she said looking everywhere but at him.

“Did you actually think I would let you drive over there?”

“Zaaan, come on.” she whined.

“Okay, I’ll let you go.”

“Really!” she said happily.

“Sure. If you can show me your driver’s license.” he said folding his arms and smiling at the sudden change in her face.

“That’s so unfair! Why won’t you let me drive? It’s not like you haven’t let me drive before! What‘s so different about now?” she said clearly mad.

“What if something happened? We’re lost in time and since our parents aren’t here it’s my job to take care of you and keep you safe. And you driving when you’re not allowed is not keeping you safe.” he stated, not surprisingly, his speech had no effect on Beth.

“What are people going to think if they see Michael driving Maria around in her car? I’m pretty sure mom didn’t let dad drive her everywhere in her own car.”

“You have a point. Okay, fine, you can go.” he said giving up.

“Yeah! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re the best brother in the world, Zander!” she said jumping up and down.

“So you’ve said. Beth, just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“Promise.” she said still smiling, she turned and walked out.

Beth pulled into the driveway and parked the car. All the lights are out. That’s a good sign, maybe she’s asleep. Then I won’t have to fight with her again. Beth thought.

When she got to the front door she noticed it was slightly opened. Worried, Beth put her hand out in front of her to use her powers if necessary and slowly opened the door the rest of the way. She glanced around the room and saw that the house had been ransacked. The whole place was a mess.

Beth ran from room to room looking for her grandmother. “Gran! Gran!” she screamed not caring about the consequences. She just needed to know that her grandmother was safe. When she had looked everywhere possible she leaned up against the wall and slid down to the floor. Shocked, confused, and scared she sat on the floor wondering how this could have happened. Stories that she had heard all her life of the Special Unit and the Skins kept going through her head.

Come on Beth, keep it together! How are you going to save her if you don’t get off you butt and do something! She told herself. So Beth got up off the floor and went back upstairs to her mother’s room. She grabbed the address book that was still sitting where she had left it earlier. She found her dad’s number and picked up the phone to call her brother. He’ll know what to do. I hope. Luckily Amy and Jim never cared to get the new phones that everyone in the future had, so Beth knew how to use it.

“Hello?” came Zan’s voice from the other end.

“Zan, you have to get over here right now!”

“Beth? What’s wrong? What happened?” was his worried reply.

“There’s no time, just get over here now!” Beth said and hung up, then went downstairs to wait for him.

Zan was so worried; he broke every law to get to his sister as fast as possible. Once there he quickly ran inside and found the house turned upside down and Beth sitting in the middle of the living room floor staring at a piece of paper.

“Beth, what happened?” Zan asked gesturing to the destroyed house.

“It was like this when I got here. Gran’s missing too.” she said sadly, still looking at the paper. “I found this after I came down here to wait for you.” she said holding the paper out for him to see. Zan grabbed the paper and saw that it was a note, it said:

If you ever want to see her again, bring the crystal to 25963 Branson St. Wendsday at noon. Come alone and tell no one.

The Following

“Gran’s been kidnapped!” he said shocked. She barely nodded. “And who or what is The following?” he asked.

“I don’t know, but they have her. If they have done anything to her I’ll kill them.” she said truthfully as she got up off the floor.

“We can’t do anything now, so let’s go back to Dad’s and figure out a plan. Don’t worry, we’ll get her back.” he said putting his arm around her and leading her out to the car.

[Redrumm]

AN: (F) Michael or (F) Maria - means Future Michael or Future Maria. (P) Michael or (P) Maria means Past Michael or Past Maria.

Chapter 16 - Morning

Maria woke up from a wonderful dream. She had dreamt that she and Michael had gone to the future. With eyes still closed she willed her dream to return by grabbing onto her pillow. To her shock it wasn’t a pillow it was a person! Scared she tried to get up but her “pillow’s” arm pulled her closer. Glancing down at the arm she breathed a sigh of relief. It was Michael’s arm wrapped around her. She then remembered what all had happened and that her “dream” wasn’t really a dream after all. She smiled as she lay on his chest and thought of what had occurred earlier in the night.

After the pillow fight they laid on the bed in each others arms talking. Following the conditions Maria had given him, Michael stayed until she fell asleep. Actually he never left. When Michael noticed Maria was starting to drift off he covered her up with a blanket. And that’s the way they stayed, lying in each others arms, until she woke up hours later.

Since it was still dark, Maria looked at the clock to see what time it was. It read 3:27. She then looked at Michael for the first time. He looks so cute sleeping. Maria pulled her blanket up closer as she watched him sleep. After watching him a little longer she decided it was time to wake him up. Maria sat up and kissed him, he readily returned it. When he finally opened his eyes he smiled up at her. That is the most beautiful sight I could possibly wake up to. He thought when he opened his eyes and saw her face smiling back at him.

“Hey.” she said.

“Hey.” he said back. “What time is it?”

“3:30.”

“And you woke me up why?” he asked.

“As much as I want my pillow to stay, you have to go.”

“What? Why?” he asked. He really didn’t feel like moving.

“Because I don’t want my future self too see us and get grossed out.” Maria said, but seeing that he still didn’t see why he had to leave, she said, “What would you do if you saw Max and Isabel…..”

“Don’t even say it. I going.” he said disgusted as he got up off the bed and started to leave. He stopped at the door and turned back to face Maria.

“If I have nightmares tonight it’s all your fault.” he said then shut the door and went into Zan’s room to go back to sleep. As soon as he was gone Maria lay back down and tried to go back to sleep too.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Sounded the alarm. Maria reached up and tried to turn it off, but she couldn’t figure out how the thing worked. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Frustrated and tired she yanked the clock cord from the wall and tossed it across the room. She smiled as the noise stopped and all was quiet again. Maria lay back down and was about to go back to sleep when she heard her own voice coming up the stairs.

“Breakfast is ready.” said (F) Maria. (P) Maria reluctantly got out of bed to get dressed.

A little while later she walked down stairs and into the kitchen, (F) Maria was the only person in there. She was cooking and didn’t notice that the teenager had come in.

“Morning.” (P) Maria said as she sat down at the table. (F) Maria turned around and was shocked to see her daughter up so early.

“You’re up early!” she said.

“I had some problems with the alarm clock.”

“Well I hope you didn’t make too big of a mess this time.” (F) Maria said smiling. This time? What does Beth normally do? (P) Maria thought.

“Do you want some coffee, Beth?”

“Yes, please.” (P) Maria said.

“Please? Since when do you have manners?” (F) Maria said shocked.

“I’ve never had manners and I don’t intend to ever get them.” (F) Michael said as he entered the room. (F) Maria laughed and forgot about the manners. That was a close one! (P) Maria thought.

“Good Morning.” he said as he kissed his wife.

“Good morning to you too.” she said smiling.

“Miracles never cease do they?” Michael said when he saw his daughter sitting at the table nursing a cup of coffee.

“What do you mean?” she said trying not to sound as worried as she was.

“I mean me and you are up before Zan. I don’t think that has ever happened.” he said as he sat down beside her.

“Oh my gosh you’re right! Do you think he’s ok?” (F) Maria said suddenly worried.

“Ria he’s fine. He’s seventeen. Zan’s aloud to sleep in every once in awhile.” Michael said trying to calm her down.

“What if he’s sick?”

“Maria has he ever been sick?” he asked.

“No, but there’s always a first time.” (F) Maria said as she left the kitchen and went up stairs.

“She never changes.” Michael said shaking his head as he watched her leave. (P) Maria smiled at the look on her future husbands face.

Upstairs:

Maria quickly went up to her son’s room, wondering the whole time if something had happened to him. When she got to his door she quietly pushed it open just incase he was sleeping. Michael was sprawled out on top of the bed with his clothes on and no blankets covering him. He had fallen back asleep as soon as he hit the bed and he hadn’t moved since.

“Zander.” she said quietly as she sat down on the bed beside him

“Zan.” she said a little louder. Michael heard Maria’s voice, but he couldn’t figure out what she was saying.

“Honey, are you ok? Are you sick?” she said when she saw him start to stir.

“No….mftiph….Ria……fghmt.” he mumbled into the blanket. Aww. He’s dreaming of Marie. She thought, not catching what he had actually said.

“Come on wake up.” Maria said as she shook him.

“Why do you keep waking me?” Michael asked when he woke up and rolled over to look at his girlfriend. He was shocked when he saw it wasn’t her. Well it was, technically.

“Zan are you ok? You’re not sick are you?” she asked as he sat up.

“No why?” he asked hoping that he didn’t say anything he wasn’t supposed to in his sleep.

“Because if you aren’t than Hell has apparently frozen over, since your father and your sister are already awake.” she said laughing. “Well I’ll leave so you can get dressed. But hurry up or your going to be late for school.” she said as she left.

“School!” he moaned as he fell back onto the bed dreading the day.

Downstairs:

While (F) Maria was upstairs, her husband and younger self were talking.

"So are you ok? Did Zan help?" Michael asked concerned.

"Of course. What else are Guerin men for if not to lift the spirits of the Guerin women?" she said smiling.

"It's not the only thing we do, but it's what we do best." he said as he pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. Maria smiled. He still smells the same. She thought as she breathed in his scent.

"So are you going to tell me why you're really up this early?" he asked more seriously when they pulled apart.

"Are you going to tell me why you're up?" Maria asked not sure what else to say.

"Ok, I'll go first. I've got a meeting this morning with a guy who owns an art museum. He wants me to do a show there."

"That's great! I'm so happy for you!" Maria said shocked that Michael had come so far.

"Now I know there's something you're not telling me. Since when do you care where I have my art shows? Spill it why are you so worried about going to school today?"

"Worried? I'm not worried." she lied. He looked at her with the look she gave him when she knew he was hiding something. Realizing he wasn't going to back down she said the only thing she could think of.

"I'm thinking of breaking up with Andon."

"Say that again." She had said it so fast he wasn't sure if he had heard her right.

"You heard me." she said.

"Well now I can see why you're up so early and why you don't want to go to West Roswell High today."

"What do you think I should do?" she asked curious to hear his answer.

"I think you know how I feel about Andon. You might want a non-bias opinion. But if you really want my opinion I say....." Just then (F) Maria came back in the room.

"He's fine, just tired I guess." she said.

"See I told you." Michael replied.

"Rub it in why don't you."

"Don't worry. When the time comes you'll know what to do." Michael whispered to (P) Maria and then kissed the top of head again as he got up. He then kissed his wife goodbye and headed for the door.

"Bye." both Maria's said. He smiled and walked out.

A little while later (P) Michael came down stairs and they both got into the car and left. When they got to school, they stood side by side and starred at the building.

"Wow! It's changed a lot." Michael said.

"How in the world are we going to find out where our classes are or what classes we have for that matter?" Maria asked.

"How are we going to find our lockers?" Michael asked.

"How are we going to do get through this day?" they said together. They looked at each other and smiled.

"Well here goes nothing." Michael said as they both went in different directions to the groups calling them.

[Redrumm]

Chapter 17 - Pod Squad Meeting

When Zan and Beth got back to Michael's apartment they immediately started looking for anything that could help them figure out who The Following were. By the time they were done Michael’s apartment looked worse then Amy’s house.

While she was looking in her father’s bedroom, Beth happened to come across a box full of papers that she had seen earlier that day when they were looking for the crystal. Before she had just glanced in the box but since the crystal wasn’t in there she moved on. But now she looked closely at the contents of the box. The stack she picked up was several papers printed off of the computer, they were papers copied from a website. When she saw what the site was devoted to she called her brother.

“Zan! I’ve found what we’ve been looking for!” He quickly came in the room.

“What is it?” he asked.

“There’re pages from The Following’s website.” she said showing him what she had found.

“Well that was easy.” Zan said. He picked up the box and carried it into the living room so they could look at them.

“You take some and I’ll take some. Read every page, we need as much info on these people as possible.” he said. She nodded and grabbed more out of the box for herself.

Looking through the box they found more than just copies. There were sketches that had been drawn of the crystal, some papers with scribbled notes of dreams or visions (they weren’t sure which), pictures of different people (most likely members of The Following) and their shedules, times for guard shift changes, and aerial photographs of a building, as well as, blueprints for the building in the aerial shots.

Seeing all this they realized what had happened. Either Michael, Maria or both of them had seen visions of the crystal and from some VERY good investigations into it had found out that The Following were keeping it in the building in the pictures. They had apparently stolen it and were curious as to what it did and used it, which was why Zan and Beth had suddenly appeared in their parents time. And since Michael and Maria had stolen the crystal from them The Following kidnapped Amy to get it back.

“What have they gotten us into?” Beth asked to no one in particular.

In the early morning hours they had both nodded off to sleep. Zan had been sitting on the floor leaning on the couch, while Beth was sitting on the couch with her legs pulled up beside her. And that’s the same place they were when Zan woke up to the midday sun.

Zan woke up startled at first, not knowing where he was. But then the events of the past day came rushing back to him. Man, what a long night. He thought as he looked at his watch to see what time it was. 11:30! We slept all morning! We should have been up hours ago! He said to himself as he got up off the floor to wake his sister up too.

Wanting to have a little fun amidst this tragedy and not wanting to wake her up himself, for fear of what she might do, he used his powers to make an alarm clock beside her head. Then he just stood back and watched the fun.

Beth was having a dream about her and Andon. She had finally gotten up the nerve to tell him what she really was. When she had finished her story she looked at him hoping he would be able to except it. He was silent for a little while, but then he opened his mouth to speak, BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

Not wanting to lose her dream she kept her eyes closed as she lifted her hand and used her powers to set the clock on fire. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Irritated she quickly froze it and sent it flying across the room where it hit the wall and shattered. Zan knew she would only go back to sleep so he quickly made another.

Beth had just started to fall back into her dream when BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Completely confused as to how the clock still worked and mad that it kept interrupting her dream, she jumped up and turned to the clock only to find it untouched. She starred at the clock sitting before her baffled. Hearing someone laughing she looked over to find her brother clutching his side from laughter.

“I can’t believe you did that!!” she screamed.

“Well you needed to get up and I didn’t want what happened to that clock to happen to me.” he said when he had finally stopped laughing. Glancing over at where he had pointed, Beth saw the shattered remains of the charred, frozen clock. She smiled realizing that she probably would have done something to him, maybe not that extreme, but something.

“You still shouldn’t have done it.” she said not wanting him to know that he was right.

“If I make you breakfast will up forgive me?” he asked.

“That’s a really nice offer and all Zan, but I really want something more than toast for breakfast.” she said thinking about his cooking skills or lack there of.

“Hey, I’m not that bad.” he said defending himself.

“Okay, you’re not that bad, but how about I make breakfast anyway.”

“Only if you make me my favorite.” he said smiling.

“Bacon, eggs, and Tabasco it is.” she said as she headed for the kitchen.

Two hours later:

“Zan we can’t do this!” Beth said frustrated. After breakfast they had started to form a plan from all of the information they had found.

“We don’t know how to do this secret agent, spy stuff!” she said when he didn’t seem to hear her.

“Beth, this has nothing to do with spies.” Zan stated.

“Mom, Dad, and the rest of the adults know how to handle this stuff but we don’t. We never had to, they made sure of it.” she said ignoring his last statement.

“Well if we want to get Gran back we’re going to have to learn.” he said. She glared at him.

“You’re right.” he said at last.

“I am?” she said surprised that he would admit it. They were both stubborn, just like their parents.

“Yes, you’re right. The adults know how to handle this stuff, they’ve done it many times before. Which is why I think we should tell them what’s going on.”

“What! Are you insane? We can’t let them know we’re from the future or….”

“I didn’t say we would tell them we’re from the future.” Zan said cutting her off. “I said we should tell them what’s going on. As in Gran being kidnapped.”

“Do you really think we should tell them?” she asked unsure.

“You said yourself that they know what to do and we don’t, besides Dad and Mom would have told them as soon as they had found out if things hadn’t got messed up like they did.”

“I guess you're right. But how are we going to get them all together to tell them?” just as she finished speaking the phone rang.

“Hello?” Zan said wondering who would be calling.

“Michael, is Maria with you? None of us have seen her all day and I’ve tried calling her cell and her home but no one answered.” Liz said.

“Yeah, she’s here.”

“Thank goodness, I was so worried.”

“Do you want to talk to her, Liz?” Zan asked.

“Could I?” Zan handed the phone to Beth.

“Hey Liz, what’s up.” she said.

“Maria, I was so worried about you. I’m glad you’re ok. Why aren’t you at school?”

“I’ll tell you later.” Beth said not sure what else to say.

“Promise.” Liz said

“Promise.”

“Okay. By the way there’s a Pod Squad meeting at Michael’s after school. Well I have to get back to class.”

“Ok. Bye, Liz.” said Beth

“Bye.” Beth hung up and looked at her brother.

“What’s a Pod Squad meeting?” asked a very confused Beth.

“I don’t know why?”

“Apparently there’s going to be one here after school.”

“What! We have to much stuff to do. You’re going to have to call her back and tell her she has to have her stupid little meeting somewhere else.” he said.

“I can’t call her back she’s at school.” Beth said.

“Well then we better clean this place up. We both know mom would not stand for even a stupid meeting to be held in this mess.”

“I’ll take the kitchen, you take the living room and bathroom, then we’ll both do the bedroom.” she said getting up.

“Aye Aye, Captain.” Zan said then dodged the pillow that came flying at him.

All to soon the others had arrived and they all were sitting around the living room waiting for Max to explain why he had called the meeting.

“Ok I think we should start by telling everyone what happened to you two in the Granolith Chamber yesterday.” Max said to Zan and Beth. When they had finished their story everyone, but Max and Isabel who had already heard it, started asking questions.

“Are you two okay?”

“Why did it happen?”

“Why didn’t you guys tell us this sooner?”

“Quiet everyone!” Isabel yelled over the talking. “They are both fine and they told you now so calm down and let us get back to the main reason we are here.”

“If that wasn’t the reason then what is?” asked Liz.

“I believe that would be Kyle’s question, Why did it happen?” Max said. Kyle smiled.

“We know why it happened.” Zan said before anyone could say anything else. Everyone including Beth looked at him. “The crystal did it.” he said after a minute.

“What do you mean the crystal did it? You told us you didn’t know where it was.” Isabel said, hurt that they would lie.

“What crystal?” Alex asked.

“It’s from our home planet. And they told us it’s for time travel not crazy wind storms in the granolith chamber.” Max said, also hurt. At the mention of time travel Alex, Kyle, and Ava where shocked into silence. Only Zan noticed that Liz was not fazed by the revelation.

“Are you saying that there is some crystal that can take us back in time! This is awesome there are so many things I want to change!” said an excited Kyle.

“Dude, haven’t you ever watched time travel movies? You can’t just go back and change things without serious consequences in the future.” Alex said.

“Guys, can we focus here please.” Liz said politely trying to get back on the subject. “How do you know the crystal is responsible and do you know why it did that?”

“We’re not sure why it did this to us.” Beth said avoiding the first question.

“Do you know where it is?” Alex asked.

“No, we went to the chamber yesterday to find it, but it was gone. Do you think someone could have stolen it.” Zan asked worried.

“No one stole it.” Ava said.

“How do you know?” Kyle asked his girlfriend.

“Because I have it.” she said as she pulled it out of her coat pocket and set it on the table. “I went there yesterday, because I needed some time alone and I saw this sticking out of the granolith. I didn’t know what it was so I took it. I was going to bring it up later in the meeting.” Beth took the crystal off the table and looked at Zan.

“Do you know what this means.” she said happily.

“We can save her.” he said smiling.

“Who can you save?” Liz asked.

“Why have you two been so cryptic lately?” Max asked.

“Gr....Mom's been kidnapped.” Beth corrected after Zan elbowed her in the side.

“What?!”

“When?”

“Why?” Were the startled replies.

“The Following has her. They want the crystal back.” Beth said.

“What do you mean back?” Kyle asked, but before he could finish Zan brought out a box and set it down in front of the group.

“This box contains everything we know about The Following. They had the crystal originally, but we stole it. Now they want it back.” Zan said.

After the group had looked through most of the contents of the box, they began to plan what to do next.

“I guess the best place to start is for you to tell us how you got in the first time.” Max said to Zan and Beth.

“We have to do it don’t we.” Beth asked her brother, he merely nodded.

“Well......uh......we can’t tell you what you want to know." Zan said.

"Why not? Why are you two constantly keeping us in the dark?" Max asked. He wa starting to get irratated that Michael and Maria weren't telling them everything.

"Yeah, what's really going on?" Alex asked.

"Ok.......it's because we're.......well....." Zan said trailing off, but then Beth eldowed him. "We're not Michael and Maria.” he blurted out.

[Island Breeze]

Great parts! I still love this story!

And I agree, it just wouldn't be Roswell without the humor!

[Redrumm]

Island Breeze - Thanks for the post, I hope you like this chapter. (It's my fav. :D )

AN: The chapter jumps from present to earlier in the day. I’ve marked were the scenes change to the different times, so I hope no one gets confused.

All of the kids look just like their parents except for the things I mention. And to make things easier, here is a list of all the kids are their powers:


Michael and Maria Guerin:

Alexander Maxwell (Zan or Zander) -17- He has brown hair. He can blow things up and conjure (the ability to create any non-living object).

Isabel Elizabeth (Beth) -15- She has short blond hair. She can create and control fire and ice.

Max and Liz Evans:

Michael Jeffrey (Mike) - 16- He has brown hair. He can heal, create a green sheild, and become invisible.

Alex and Isabel Whitman:

Jason Andrew -16- He has blonde hair. He has can dreamwalk and has super speed.

Ava Marie (Everyone calls her Marie, but I’ll put her full name whenever they are not actually saying it so you won’t get to confused with her and Maria’s name being so close.) -15- She has long black hair. She is a telepath; this power is strongest with her twin sister Anna. She also can make a copy of herself that acts and thinks just as she does.

Anna Maria -15- She has short black hair. She is a telepath; this power is strongest with her twin sister Ava Marie. She can also faze (the abitlity to go through solid objects).

Kyle and Ava Valenti:

Kyle Travis Jr. (Travis) -16- He has blonde hair. He can mind warp and teleport.

Emma Jane -15- She has long brown hair. She is an empath and has visions.



Chapter 18 - Life’s More Fun as an Alien

Michael and Maria were sitting by a tree in the park. School was over and they were talking about what all had happened.

“What exactly were you and Mike talking about when we first got to school?” Maria asked her boyfriend.

“Marie.” Michael said.

“Marie?”

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Michael walked across the school grounds to a guy who he assumed was Max’s kid, since they looked the same except for the brown hair.

“Hey, Zan.” he said as Michael got closer.

“Hey.” Michael said.

“So have you and Marie worked things out yet?”

“What things?” Michael asked confused. Who’s Marie? Man, how am I going to make it through this day when I don’t know who these people are? Michael thought.

“You know, the whole drama scene that happened at lunch yesterday.” Max’s son said.

“Right…um…well…see here’s the thing…” Michael said not knowing what to say.

“You don’t want to talk about it. Alright I get it, I’ll leave you alone. But you know sooner or later you’re going to have to spill, because the girls are gonna make you.” he said laughing.

“Yeah, they probably will.” Michael said as he looked over toward “the girls”.

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“You never told me how you figured out where your locker was or what classes you had.” Michael said. She smiled, knowing he wasn’t going to like this much.

“Well, I walked over to the three girls calling me.” Maria began.

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Since Maria didn’t get the chance that Michael had to see all the photos hanging around her future home, she was a little shocked when she saw twin girls that looked just like Isabel but with black hair. I wasn’t expecting that. She thought.

“Beth, I never got to thank you for coming in and helping yesterday. I don’t think I could have made it if you weren’t there.” Emma said.

“No problem.” Maria said just realizing Emma was there. “Oh my gosh! I almost forgot how are you? Are you ok?” she asked worried.

“Yeah I’m fine. Once Andon got me outside and away from you two I started to get better.”

“What are you guys talking about? Emma what happened?” the Isabel look a like with short hair asked.

“Beth and Zan were packing some serious emotions last night at the Crashdown. And I couldn’t take it.”

“What were you two so upset about?” the same girl asked Maria.

“I don’t know why Beth was mad but I’m guessing Zan was upset because of me.” her twin said quietly.

“Oh, Marie, I’m sorry. I completely forgot about the breakup.” Emma said.

“Beth did you talk to him? What did he say? Does he forgive me?” Ava Marie asked.

“Um…well…” Maria said, not sure how to answer.

“I guess that’s a no.” the twin with short hair said.

“Anna!” Emma said.

“What! I was just saying what you were thinking.” Anna replied smugly.

“But I didn’t say it. And stop reading my mind.” Emma said.

“Well I would stop if……”

“Marie what’s wrong? I can feel that you’re scared.” Emma asked worriedly cutting Anna off.

“He’s…I…I…” Ava Marie stammered holding back tears.

“Go. It’s okay.” Anna said to her sister. Ava Marie smiled slightly and left.

“What was that about?” Maria asked confused.

“You’re brother and Mike are over there. Marie’s afraid they might come over and she doesn’t want to be around Zan just now.” said Anna.

“Oh.” was all Maria said as she looked at the guy that was talking to Michael. Well now I know what Max would look like with brown hair.

“Hey.” Andon said as he wrapped his arms around Maria.

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“He did what! That’s it I’m going to kill him!” Michael said angry.

“Calm down Spaceboy. Can I finish my story please?” Maria asked obviously irritated. Not wanting to get in a fight with her over Andon again he nods.

“Thank you. Now as I was saying…..”

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“Hey.” Andon said as he wrapped his arms around Maria. Who said it was ok for you to hang on to me like I’m your property. Maria thought, irritated that someone other than Michael was holding her. Emma and Anna exchanged worried looks, but Maria didn’t notice.

“Andon, would you carry my books to my locker for me.” Maria said pulling away from him as she suddenly got the idea. “Please.” She said when he gave her a weird look.

“Ok. How can I say no to that face?” Andon said smiling. He carried her books in one arm and wrapped the other around her. Then lead the way to Beth’s locker with Emma and Anna trailing behind.

Once they were at the locker Maria realized she had no idea what the combination was.

“Do you know my locker combo, Andon?” she asked.

“Of course.” he said, confused as to why she would ask.

“Prove it.”

“Okay.” He grabs the lock and quickly does it. 5, 22,3. 5, 22, 3. 5, 22, 3.... Maria repeated to herself as she watched.

“Well, I’ve got to get to class so I’ll see you at lunch.” Andon said as he walked off down the hallway.

“What was that about?” Anna asked when Andon was out of earshot.

“What was what about?” Maria asked confused.

“The whole being disgusted by him holding you.” Emma said.

“What?” Maria asked still confused.

“And what was with the whole ‘Who said it was ok for you to hang on to me like I’m your property.’” Anna said.

“I don’t know what you mean.” Maria said not sure what else to say.

“Beth you should know better than to try and lie to an empath and a telepath.” Emma said.

“Okay.” Maria said finally understanding how they knew so much.

“Well?” Anna prompted.

“I’m thinking of breaking up with Andon.” Maria said thinking of the lie she had told future Michael earlier.

“What!?” both girls said shocked.

“Hurry up Beth we’re going to be late for class.” Ava Marie said as she came up to the group and grabbed Maria’s arm leading her to their class.

“Bye guys.” Maria said to the still shocked girls as she was pulled down the hall.

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“And I don’t have to tell you how I figured out all the rest of my classes you were there.” Maria said. Michael nodded as they both remember the incident.

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The bell rang as the first class let out. The eight friends, minus the twins, met up in the hallway by Anna’s locker. The two boys who Michael and Maria hadn’t met yet looked just like Kyle and Alex, but both had blonde hair.

“Hey.” Mike said when he and Michael joined the group.

“Hey Mike.” Maria said. Michael looked at her confused. How does she know his name and I don’t? Wait did she call him Mike as in Michael? What do you know Max named his kid after me! Michael thought feeling proud and flattered.

“So I hear you guys were late again.” Emma said to the two, as yet, unknown boys.

“Jason, I still don’t get how you and Travis can possibly be late for anything.” Anna said as she joined the group. “I mean one can teleport and the other has super speed.” She said still baffled.

“Leave me alone sis, I had a long night.” Jason, the one that looked like Alex, said.

“Anna’s right, there is no excuse for you two to be late for anything.” Emma agreed.

“I have a perfectly good excuse for being late.” Travis said.

“Don’t waste your breathe Trav. Emma isn’t going to buy anything you tell her. Remember, she is your sister.” Mike said. Travis and Jason just stared at their sisters, wishing they were only children.

“Well we better get going the bell should be ringing soon and I don’t want to be late for class.” Anna said. “Oh and before I forget I made a little something for everyone.” She quickly scanned the area to make sure no one else was looking and put her hand through her locker and pulled out some papers and passed them out to everyone.

“What’s this?” Mike asked his cousin.

“It’s everyone’s class schedule.” she said as if it was plainly obvious.

“Why?” Jason asked.

“I thought it was a good thing to have just in case something comes up and we need to get in touch with each other. I don't think anyone of use want a repeat of last week.” she said looking at Jason.

"That was one time and it wasn't my fault! Mindy Andrews was talking to me, I got confused and went into the wrong room!" he said clearly embaressed.

"That can't be the only reason you did this." Emma said as the group looked at Anna like she was crazy.

“Okay, so I did all of this weeks homework and needed something to do. Happy now.” she said irritated that they had caught her. She is such a nerd. Michael thought.

“I heard that!” Anna said pointing at him.

“Heard what? I didn’t say anything.” he said confused.

“Zan you think you would have learned by now not to think bad things about a telepath when they’re around.” Travis said laughing.

“Come on Emma, Beth. Let’s get to class.” Anna said irritated as she started to walk off.

“Okay, Anna.” Maria said as her and Emma ran after the girl.

“We better go too.” Mike said leading the way, reluctantly the others followed.

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“I can’t believe all of the powers they have!” Maria said still astonished.

“I can’t believe they are less alien than we are, but have more powers than us.” Michael said still irritated.

“Aww is somebody jealous?” she said smiling.

“No. I just think its unfair.” he said not wanting to admit that she was right.

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Michael quickly made his way down the hall hoping he wouldn’t get caught. The guys had all decided to skip 4th period and meet up outside of the gym. He was almost at the end of the hallway when Mike appeared in front of him.

“Whoa!” Michael said as he stopped dead in his tracks and starred at Mike in awe.

“Sorry, I just had to do it.” Mike said laughing at Michael’s expression.

“No problem.” He said trying to cover his amazement and shock.

Just then they heard foot steps coming down the hall and getting closer. Mike grabbed Michael’s arm and they both become invisible. Not a minute later Principle Carter walked around the corner and down the hall past the aliens.

“That was close.” Mike said after Principle Carter had gone and they were visible again.

“No that was awesome!” Michael said, thinking of all the possibilities. Mike shoke his head smiling and lead the way outside the gym.

“It never fails those two are always late.” Mike said when they got there.

“I am not late.” Travis said as he appeared out of no where. I’m guessing he’s the teleporter. Michael thought to himself.

“And neither am I.” Jason says as he also appears out of no where. Ok, now I’m not sure.

“See we are both on time.” Travis said.

“Actually, I’ve been here for five minutes. I was just running laps around the school until you guys got here.” said Jason. Now I’ve got it. If Jason’s the one with super speed then Travis must be the teleporter. And Mike can become invisible. What is with these kids? Michael asked himself.

“So Jason did you do it?” Travis asked changing the subject.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Jason said.

“What do you mean you don’t want to talk about it? That’s the reason we all skipped class.” Mike said to his cousin.

“Forget that! You can’t just dream walk Mindy Andrews, the hottest girl in school, and not tell us what happened.” Travis said.

“Fine I’ll tell you.” Jason said grinning from ear to ear. “It was the best dream walk EVER!!!”

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“I can’t believe you guys ditched.” Maria said.

“At least we just skipped one class and not the whole day.” Michael said defensively.

“Where did she go anyway?” Maria wondered.

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Maria was sitting in History class excited. They were studying the 1990’s. I can’t believe it. This it’s my lucky day. She thought. Suddenly she heard a voice in her head.

Beth, do you know where Marie is? Realizing the voice belonged to Anna, Maria quickly responded.

No, sorry. I haven’t seen her since first period.

Ok, well, thanks anyway. Anna said.

That was really strange. I’ve never had a conversation in my head before. Well, at least with another person.

“Miss Guerin.” said a firm voice for the third time. Realizing she was being talked to Maria quickly looked up into the stern face of Mrs. Jefferys.

“Since you are obviously paying so close attention would you please tell the class when was the World Wide Web Born?” the teacher asked smugly.

“1992.” Maria answered smiling. Mrs. Jeffreys glared at Maria and walked back to the front of the class to continue the lecture.

At lunch Maria found the gang already waiting for her at their table.

“So Anna, now that everyone’s here are you going to tell us why you paged us about Marie?” Emma asked.

“What are you guys talking about I’m right here?” Ava Marie said.

“We have gym together and she wasn’t there.” Anna said ignoring her.

“What do you mean I wasn’t there I was to there!” Ava Marie said mad.

“Where is she?” Travis asked, also ignoring her.

“Why did you ask us when you can just figure out where she is yourself, using your powers?” Jason asked obviously worried about his sister.

“She doesn’t want me to know where she is. She’s blocking me.” Anna said hurt.

“Do you have any clue where she could be?” Mike asked.

“No, but she has to be ok. She wouldn’t have created this copy of herself if she wasn’t. She’ll tell us what’s wrong when she’s ready.” Anna said.

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“So how was cheerleading practice?” Michael asked Maria.

“You should know you were there.” She replied.

“I still can’t believe my daughter’s a cheerleader. And all for some stupid guy! I just can’t believe it!” her said irritated.

“You can’t believe it! I’m the one who had to run around yelling and kicking my legs in the air.” Maria said still mad that she had to do it.

“That was so funny!”

“Hey!” she said as she hit him.

“Ow! Ok, I’m sorry. It wasn’t funny.” He said trying not to laugh. Maria just glared at him.

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“This is the best part of my day.” Travis said from his seat on the bleachers. “Watching the cheerleaders and messing with the football players.”

School had ended, but the group was still hanging around. Beth joined the cheerleading squad to be near Andon, so Maria was now trying her best to do the cheers as the rest of the group waited patently for practice to be over. The guys were on the bleachers, while the girls were down on the sidelines talking to Maria when they could.

“Yeah this is the best.” Jason agreed. “Oh my gosh! Did you guys see that! Mindy Andrews just winked at me!” he said excited.

“I think you’re losing it man. She was probably squinting from the sun.” Michael said.

“Are you crazy, Zan? That was defiantly a wink! You heard my dream, she wants the Whitman Love.” Jason said. At this the other three boys almost fall of the bleachers laughing.

“The Whitman Love? You are such a loser Jason.” Travis laughed.

“I hate to break it to you Jason, but that dream does not mean she likes you.” Mike said when they had finally stopped laughing.

“What are you talking about? She wants me. Tell them, Zan.”

“The fact that the only part of her dream you were actually in was when she asked you to do her homework, speaks for it’s self.” Michael said.

“You guys are just jealous. You can’t believe that someone that beautiful and perfect would like me and not you.” Jason said.

“Let’s have some fun with the jocks.” Travis said changing the subject.

“Ok, who first?” Jason said forgetting why he was mad.

“Andon.” Michael said before the others had time to even think.

“My pleasure.” Travis said mischievously, as he began to mind warp Andon on the football field.

“What is he doing?” Maria asked Emma from the sidelines.

“Who?” Emma asked.

“Andon. What’s he doing?” Maria said as she pointed to him across the field.

“It looks like he’s talking to the water cooler.” Anna said laughing.

“What? Why?” Maria asked confused.

“Travis.” Emma said as pointed to the guys laughing hysterically on the bleachers.

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“You guys are so mean. Why won’t you leave him alone?” Maria asked.

“Admit it you thought it was funny too.” Michael said defensively.

“No it didn’t.” Maria said, but she couldn’t keep the smile off her face.

“Do you think anyone has figured us out yet?” Maria asked after a few minutes.

“No. How could they?” he lied as he thought about what had happened earlier.

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After practice was over they were all waiting for Maria to finish changing. Just then Emma froze and her eyes glazed over with a far off look. After a few minutes she blinked and everything was back to normal.

“Emma, what’d you see?” Anna asked.

“I saw Zan and Beth, but there were two of them.” She said confused.

“Two? What do you mean two?” Michael asked nervous.

“I don’t know. I just saw two of you.” Emma said.

“Maybe you saw Uncle Michael and Aunt Maria and thought they were Zan and Beth.” Travis said.

“No, they were teenagers it couldn’t have been Uncle Michael and Aunt Maria.” Emma replied. Just then Maria joined them.

“Why dose everyone look so worried?” she asked, but before anyone could answer her Anna spoke.

“Marie just spoke to me. She’s fine, but told me to tell you guys that she’s sorry for ditching without telling anyone. She feels really bad about it.”

“We better go.” Michael said and pulled Maria toward the car.

They drove straight for the park. Once they got there Michael stopped the car and they got out. Sitting down in front of a tree they begin to talk over what had happened at school.

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“We should be going.” Maria said when they had finished talking.

“Yeah, you’re right. The others will be getting there soon and we should probably be there when they arrive.” he said as he got up.

“And you need to apologize.”

“I was hoping you would forget about that.” Michael whined as he helped her up off the ground.

“Not on your life, Spaceboy.” she said as she led the way to the car.

[Redrumm]

Chapter 19 - Trusting in Strangers

Previously:

“I guess the best place to start is for you to tell us how you got in the first time.” Max said to Zan and Beth.

“We have to do it don’t we.” Beth asked her brother, he merely nodded.

“Well......uh......we can’t tell you what you want to know." Zan said.

"Why not? Why are you two constantly keeping us in the dark?" Max asked. He was starting to get irratated that Michael and Maria weren't telling them everything.

"Yeah, what's really going on?" Alex asked.

"Ok.......it's because we're.......well....." Zan said trailing off, but then Beth eldowed him.

"We're not Michael and Maria.” he blurted out.

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"Ha. Ha. Very funny guys." Kyle said, as he turned back to the others.

"We're not kidding, Kyle. He's not Michael and I'm not Maria." Beth stated.

"Stop fooling around. It's not funny anymore." Isabel said starting to get a little scared.

"We're not trying to be funny." Zan said.

"Just tell us the truth." Liz said, eyes pleading with her friends to come clean.

""We-Are-Telling-The-Truth." Beth said slowly so they would get the point.

"Are you guys serious?" Max asked still not quite sure if he should believe them.

"And people say I'm slow." Beth said to her brother rolling her eyes.

"Yes we're serious." Zan said as he waved his hand over the table and a notebook appeared.

Three palms immediately come up and shot three small bursts of energy. Max, Isabel, and Ava kept their hands ready to defend; while they watched the strangers cautiously. Seeing this action Zan and Beth quickly ducked out of the way.

"What is wrong with you people? You could have killed us." Zan said to the others, angry that they could have hurt not only him, but his sister too.

"That's the point!" Ava said, mad that they had been deceived.

"Where's Maria and Michael." Liz asked concerned for her friends.

"Probably having less problems than we are." Beth whispered to her brother.

"Where are they!" Isabel yelled. She couldn't believe they had been fooled by their lame excuses. It must have been some after effect of the granolith, my foot! She thought mad.

"We don't have time for this. Could you guys please put your hands down so we can get back to work?" Beth asked.

"Are you kidding? We don‘t even know who you are." Max said.

"We can’t tell you. You guys just have to trust us." Zan said.

"Why would we trust an enemy?" Alex asked.

"We're not your enemies." Beth said. Noticing that this was getting them no where Zan began to worry they might never get to save his grandmother.

"You wouldn't let Amy die just because you don't trust us would you? What if we're telling the truth and we are here to help. Do you really want that on your conscience?" Zan said to Max, hoping that if he got Max to believe the others would soon follow.

"Max, don't listen to them. It could be a trick." Kyle said.

"What if he's right?" Max said. "I couldn't live with myself if something happened to Maria‘s mom." He looked at Liz and saw in her eyes that she agreed with him.

That was all he needed to put his hand down and motion for the girls to do the same.

"Thanks for trusting us." Zan said when all was safe again.

"Now would an enemy care about anyone other than themselves or say thank you for that matter?" Beth asked sarcastically.

"How do we know they're not going to try and kill us when are backs are turned?" Ava asked still not trusting them.

"Because we would never hurt friends." Zan said which received him a smack to the back of the head from Beth.

"Idiot." She said.

"What do you mean friends?" Isabel asked confused.

"Now look what you did." Beth said glaring at her brother.

"We were going to have to tell them anyway." Zan replied.

"But you didn't have to……"

"We're from the future." Zan said answering Isabel's question and cutting his sister off.

"What!"

"Oh my gosh!"

"No way!" Came the astonished replies.

"Are you really from the future!" Alex asked.

"Yes, really." Beth said.

"Prove it. Tell us something about the future." Kyle said.

"No one should know too much about their future." Zan said.

"Well that’s convenient." Kyle mumbled to himself.

"What's it like? Are we happy? Is anyone after us?" Liz asked wondering how much had changed since Future Max had come back.

"I’m sorry but we can‘t tell you any thing else about the future." Beth said, upset that she had to keep things from her family.

"Can you at least tell us your names?" Max asked. Beth nodded and smiled.

"I'm Beth." she said as she held out her hand for Max to shake.

"And I'm Zan or Zander if you prefer. Talking with you is nice and all, but we have more important things to go over at the moment." Zan said getting the focus back to saving Amy.

"You're right. Zan was it?" Max asked. Zan nodded.

"I just have one more question, who's Marie?" Isabel asked remembering Zan had called her that.

"It doesn't matter who she is. Now dose anyone have any idea how to get Amy out?" Zan asked changing the subject. Beth mouthed "ex" to Isabel, who nodded in understanding.

Several hours later they had figured out a plan and were on their way to rescue Amy. Max, Liz, Alex, and Isabel were in Max’s jeep, while Zan, Beth, Kyle, and Ava were in Maria’s jetta.

"So do we have any kids? What are they like?" Ava asked Beth, who were both in the back seat.

"Zan will kill me if I tell you anything." Beth said glancing at the guys in the front seat.

"Come on, Beth, I won’t tell." Ava pleaded. Looking up front again and noticing that they were in deep conversation about something Beth figured it was ok to tell her favorite aunt a little bit.

"All I’m going to tell you is that you have two kids a boy and a girl." Beth whispered.

"Really! Do they have any powers?" Ava asked.

"I’ve already told you too much as it is."

"What are you two talking about back there?" Kyle asked as he turned around to face them.

"Nothing, just girl stuff." Ava said.

"That girl stuff wouldn’t have anything to do with the future would it?" Zan asked from the drivers seat.

"Zan, do you really think I would tell her about the future?" Beth asked.

"Yes, I do, but……there it is." Zan said as he parked the car out of site of the building. That was lucky. Beth thought as she got out of the car and walked over to where the group was standing. They quickly went over the plan one last time making sure everyone knew his or her job.

"Here goes nothing." Zan said as they split off into two groups.

[Redrumm]

AN: (F) Michael or (F) Maria - means Future Michael or Future Maria. (P) Michael or (P) Maria means Past Michael or Past Maria.

Chapter 20 – Things Get Weirder

Michael and Maria walked up to the house and stopped in front of the door. Michael placed his hand on the HPIP (Hand Print Identification Pad) and then the automated voice was heard as the door opened.

“Welcome home Michael.” Once they were inside (F) Michael was standing there waiting for them.

“I thought we talked about this yesterday.” he said, but at the look of confusion on their faces he continued.

“Changing your hand prints!”

“Oh yeah, sorry about that.” Maria said.

“Is that all you can say? That doesn’t even cover the trouble you two would be in, not to mention all of us, if someone heard!” (F) Michael said, worried for the safety of his family and friends.

“We’re really sorry, Daddy.” Maria said, hoping it would make him melt like Mr. Parker always did when Liz called him that.

“I guess its okay; just don’t tell your mother I let you get away with it. And please don’t do it again.” (F) Michael pleaded, melting just as she had predicted.

“Okay.” Maria said smiling. “Thanks, Daddy.” she said as she kissed him on the cheek before she ran upstairs. (P) Michael followed not even glancing at his future self.

“You old softie.” (F) Maria said as she came out of the kitchen smiling at how easily Beth had got away without punishment. But her happiness was short lived when she saw the look on her husbands face.

“Michael what’s wrong?” Maria asked worried.

“Zan hates me.” Michael stated as he walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. Maria followed him and began trying to comfort him.

(P) Maria had started to come back down stairs to get her book bag that she had left by the door when she heard the words that broke her heart.

“Zan hates me.”

She couldn’t stand to hear Michael so upset. Zan hates me. The words kept going through her head as she sat on the stairs. Zan hates me. She sat there listening to her older self comforting him, but the words kept coming. Zan hates me. Hates me. Hates me.

“He’s ashamed of me and hates me, Ria.” she heard (F) Michael say from the other room. I can’t take it anymore! She said to herself as she ran back upstairs to make things right.

(P) Michael was lying on Beth’s bed looking for something to watch on TV, as (P) Maria came charging in.

“It’s about time. How long dose it take get a book bag?” Michael asked. He then noticed that she didn’t even have the bag with her.

“Wait a minute you were gone all that time and you didn’t even bring back the stupid bag?” Michael said slightly annoyed.

“Shut up!” she said mad at him.

“What'd I do now?”

“Go down stairs and apologize.” Maria demanded.

“Is that what this is about? I’ll do it, I swear, just not right now ok.” he said as went back to watching TV.

“No.” she said as she took the remote out of his hand and turned the TV off. “You’ll do it now.” she stated firmly. Michael was about to protest, but seeing that she wasn’t going to back down, he relented.

All the way down stairs Michael was trying to think of what to say. It’s hard enough when I have to apologize to Maria. How am I going to apologize to myself? Maybe I should just tell Maria I apologized. No, she’d know I was lying. I can’t do this, it’s just too weird. That’s it I’m out of here. But just as he was about to go out the door (F) Maria came out of the living room.

She was upset, he could tell. She looks like my Maria did last night when I promised her I would apologize. It was bad enough when I made one Maria look like that, but two.

“Zan, are you going somewhere?” she asked trying to hide the fact that she was upset.

“Um, no. I was actually going to see...Dad.” Dad! Man, that is so weird. The things I do for you Maria. Michael thought.

“Really?” she said obviously perking up at the idea.

“Yeah. Is he in there?” she nodded and watched as he walked past her and into the room.

(F) Michael was sitting on the couch playing a video game. (P) Michael sat down beside him. They sat in silence for awhile, then (P) Michael spoke.

“So…umm…about last night…I’m……you know. Those things I said……they…umm…didn’t……you know.” he said not able to actually get the words out.

“Here. I’ll give you a head start.” (F) Michael said as he tossed another controller to the teen.

“I think you’re the one who needs the extra time.” (P) Michael said.

“Not from the way you were playing yesterday.” (F) Michael laughed.

“Yesterday was an off day.” (P) Michael said, his older self just nodded. Both Maria’s looked on smiling from the doorway.

Twenty minutes later the adults had gone upstairs to get ready for their date and (P) Maria had taken the empty spot on the couch beside her boyfriend. Maria unsuccessfully tried to play the game, finally giving up she tossed the controller aside.

“How do you know how to play this? This is completely different from anything your used to.” She said baffled.

“Well, last night after you fell asleep I was wide awake so I came down here and played for a while. It’s not very hard once you figure it out.” Michael said not taking his eyes off of the screen.

“Well I’m not playing any more it’s too complica…AAAHHH!” Maria screamed as she jumped two feet off the couch.

“Somebody’s jumpy.” Travis said smiling at Emma, who was standing right beside him. They both laughed at the look on Maria’s face when they had teleported into the room. Even Michael couldn’t help but laugh.

“Laugh all you want, but your day will come.” Maria said as she got up to answer the door.

After Maria came back with the rest of the group, who were the ones at the door, they all sat around the living room to watch the newest scary movie, The Creature. Maria was sitting between Mike and Michael on the couch; Anna was sitting on the floor in front of the couch; Travis and Jason were lying on the floor; and Emma and Ava Marie were sharing the chair. Soon (F) Michael and Maria came into the room.

“What are you watching?” (F) Maria asked from where she was standing behind the couch with her husband.

“The Creature.” said Jason from the floor.

Just then The Creature jumped out and grabbed an unsuspecting girl; both Maria’s jumped and screamed. It started tearing the girl apart piece by piece. Both Maria’s buried their faces into the chest of their Michael, both guys grinned from their girlfriend/wife’s reaction. Several looks and glances were shared between the friends. “That was weird,” was going through all of their minds.

“Michael let’s go before something else happens. I don’t think I’m going to be able to eat if I see anything else that disgusting.” (F) Maria said as she walked out of the house.

“Don’t do anything stupid.” (F) Michael called as closed the door behind him.

As the movie progressed it got scarier and scarier. Sometimes even the guys would jump; of course they wouldn't admit they were scared even if their lives depended on it. When what seemed like a slow part came Michael got up to get a drink, but just as he left the room The Creature suddenly appeared. Startled and not having Michael to hold onto, Maria grabbed the next best thing, Mike's hand. He immediately felt his face go red and was suddenly glad the lights were out so no one could see. Emma smiled to herself as her empathy kicked in and she felt the effect her cousin had on Mike.

[Redrumm]

AN: I'm not so good with the whole breaking and entering, secrect agent, spy stuff so please bare with me.

Chapter 21 - The Rescue

Following Max’s plan the eight friends had split up into three groups. Liz, Alex, and Kyle stayed behind with the cars. They patiently waited, staying alert and ready to start the cars and leave as soon as the others came running back. Not having any way to know what was going on or any way to talk to the five aliens, the trio tried to keep each other optimistic.

The next group was the three alien girls: Beth, Isabel, and Ava. They were coming to the building from the back. Their job was to sneak in, rescue Amy, and get back to the cars unnoticed. But that is something that is always easier said than done.

The last group was of course, Zan and Max. They were coming from the front; their job was to be a diversion so the girls could get in and out without any problems. They knew the girls could protect themselves, but they didn’t want to take the chance of them getting hurt.

"Do you think they are going to be safe back there?" Beth asked, talking about Liz, Alex, and Kyle, she was worried for their safety knowing that they didn’t have alien powers to protect themselves with.

"It’s not them I’m worried about." Isabel said as they followed Ava through the trees toward the building where Amy Deluca was being held.

"Shhh! Keep you voices down." Ava whispered as she stopped walking and crouched down behind a bush. "There's two guards up there." she whispered, pointing to where the two men where standing by the entrance.

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On the opposite side of the building the guys were having the same problem. "Okay, so the count is five really big guys." Zan said as they watched the scene before them. Just then a car pulls up.

"Make that five really big guys, two important looking men, and one woman." Max corrected as two men and a woman got out of the car and walked into the building.

"So how do you want to do this? With powers or without?" Zan asked.

"I prefer not to use our powers until it’s absolutely necessary." Max said.

"Without powers it is."

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"This is where you come in Ava." Beth said. Ava nodded and closed her eyes concentrating. Then suddenly she got up and walked out into the open motioning for the others to follow her. They quickly did as they were told, having full faith in Ava’s powers.

"This is so strange." Isabel said as she stood in front of one of the men. He was looking straight through her, like she wasn’t even there.

"It’s not strange it’s freaky." Beth said watching the other guy.

"Come on we don’t have all day." Ava said as she used her powers to unlock the door and the three girls walked in.

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Max came into view, seeing him come out of the woods the guards began yelling and started coming over to him.

"Hey, kid, what are you doing here? This is private property." one guard said. Three others were bringing Max toward the door where the one who had spoke was standing. The remaining guard was standing at the opposite corner of the building.

"Look I don’t mean any trouble, my car broke down a few miles back. I was wondering if I could use your phone to call someone." Max said. But before the man had time to answer the guard that was at the corner suddenly fell to the ground. Surprised at this two of the guards holding Max went over to him and they too fell to the ground. While all eyes were on the falling guards, Max passed his hand over the walkie-talkie the head guard was holding.

"Go see what’s going on." the head guard said to the only other guard remaining. He nervously went over, gun ready to shoot. But then he too hit the ground.

The head guard quickly brought his walkie-talkie to his face to call for backup, but it wouldn’t work. Irritated he threw it down. Not wanting to get hurt like the others, but wanting to know what it was, the guard told Max to go over and see what was happening. Max slowly walked over, but as soon as he reached the four guards piled on the ground, his fate became the same as theirs.

Now the last guard knowing he had to find out what was happening started for the pile of men. He reached the pile and started looking them over. Then suddenly there was darkness.

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As soon as the girls got into the building they realized they had made a big mistake. In their hurry to get in the building, they forgot to find out if anyone was right inside. The room was small with a door on the opposite end, but first they had to get past the guy that was shocked at their presence. He quickly grabbed his gun, but Beth fired first.

"Whoa!" was all Ava could say about the frozen form of the guard.

"Can we do that?" Isabel asked shocked.

"Nope, sorry. Now lets get moving before someone finds him." Beth said as she quickly learned from their mistake and cracked the door open.

"It’s clear." Beth whispered and walked down the hall as the others followed.

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"It’s clear." Zan said then reached down to help Max up off the ground. "I can’t believe they actually fell for that."

"I can’t believe you hit them with that!" Max said when he noticed Zan holding a bat.

"What? Did you want me to use a pillow to knock them out?" Zan said defensively as he made the bat disappear.

“I thought we weren’t going to use powers.” Max said.

“I can’t help it. It’s a curse.” Zan said smiling. Max shook his head and led the way to the front. They got to the door and listened before going in. When they didn’t hear anything, Max opened the door while Zan was ready to fire if needed. But luckily there was no need, because the big room was completely empty.

"Is it just me or does this not feel right?" Zan asked. Just then four men came in the door on the opposite side of the room and several others came up behind Max and Zan.

"It’s not just you." Max said.

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The girls were walking down the hallway and suddenly Beth felt a hand stop her. She looked back and saw Isabel pointing to a video camera. Beth was just about to freeze it when Isabel stopped her again.

"That would cause suspicion." she whispered as she used her powers to keep it pointed away from them as they kept moving.

Finally they came to a door; they were deciding whether to go in or not, when suddenly their choice was made for them. Someone was coming! They quickly went in the room; luckily it was only a storage closet. This would be so much easier if Mike or Travis were here. Beth thought as they hid in the closet.

Once they heard the sound of the people walking away, Isabel cracked the door open to see if the coast was clear. Seeing that it was, they came out and continued on their way. Every so often they met other people, who Ava mindwarped into not seeing them. After listening to several different conversations the girls managed to figure out where Amy was being held.

"The end of this hall and we're there." Beth said. Just then a door opened. Not having anywhere to hide, Ava immediately mindwarped the woman coming out so she wouldn't see them.

"That's what Landon said, Sir." The woman spoke into her phone.

"We have the boy and someone else is with him…No, it’s not the girl. It’s another boy. I'm on my way there right now to question them." She nodded to whatever was being said to her.

"Yes, Sir. I'll bring them to you myself. They say they have the crystal if it's…" The girls couldn't make out what else was said because she turned a corner.

"They have the guys!" Isabel said scared. Memories of what had happened to her brother in the White Room kept coming to her mind. "And what does she mean they have the crystal? I thought we left it back at Michaels’ apartment."

"We did leave it. Don’t worry, Iz, they can take care of themselves. They'll be alright." Ava said not really believing it herself, but trying to cheer Isabel up.

"Ava's right we have to save Amy first. She doesn't have any powers to protect herself like Max and Zan do. Besides I bet they planned to get caught and say they had the crystal to buy us some time. And if they didn't I'm sure they could escape before we would even get to them." Beth said, putting a little too much faith in her brother and Max.

Not wanting to discourage her with the truth, Ava and Isabel nodded and decided to try and be brave for Beth no matter what happened.

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Max and Zan had been taken into separate rooms for questioning. Apparently The Following had been expecting Michael and Maria to come and save Amy and were more than a little upset that Max and not Maria had come.

Landon was not pleased at all. The girl was missing and Tatiana was sure to blame him for it. He had called her a few minutes ago and told her everything. She had said she was on her way to "oversee" things. Oversee! The nerve for her! She just wants to make me look bad and get on Marcus' good side. Landon thought to himself as he and Zack made their way to where Max was being held.

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Zan set at a table in a small room. The only light was from a lamp that hung above his head. It reminded him of scenes from old cop movies. Is this supposed to scare me into talking? Zan asked himself, but before he could answer the door opened and in walked a woman carrying several papers. She sat down across the table from him the papers laying face down in front of her.

"I've been told that you have the crystal." She said more as a statement than as a question.

"I do." He replied.

"Give it to me and you and your little friend may go."

"What about Amy?"

"Who? Oh, yes, the woman, your girlfriends' mother. She can go too of course." She said smiling.

"As soon as you let us go I'll give it to you." Zan stated.

"I'm sorry, I can't do that. My boss would not be very pleased if I let you go without getting the crystal first."

"Well then I can't give it to you." He said as he leaned back in his chair smiling.

"GIVE IT TO ME!" she screamed as she slammed her fists on the table. Her change of emotion was so sudden it took all that was in him not to show how scared he had suddenly become.

"As I told the two guys that were in here before, I don't have it with me." He said.

"Then tell me where it is." She said through clenched teeth.

"Let us go first." He said defiantly.

"Fine then, don't tell me. But we will get it back. Mark my words, FREAK!" She yelled storming out of the room, tossing the papers at him.

Zan grabbed the papers. What he saw shocked him. They were pictures; pictures of him and Beth using their powers the day before. He couldn't believe it. Zan put his hand in his pocket and gripped the crystal hoping it would help to calm him down and help him figure out what to do next.

[Redrumm]

Chapter 22 - Caught in the Act

After the movie was over the gang was hanging around the house. The guys were playing video games down stairs, while the girls were upstairs in Beth’s room talking.

"So did you do it?" Anna questioned Maria.

"Do what?" she asked confused.

"Break up with Andon, of course!" Anna said irritated that Beth hadn’t mentioned it since that morning.

"Oh, no, not yet." Maria said as she continued to flip through the magazine she was looking at.

"Wait, are you thinking of dumping Andon?" Ava Marie asked wondering if she had heard wrong.

"I can’t believe it either, Marie. I mean they’ve been going out for almost six months." Emma said still shocked by it all.

"Don’t do it, Beth. Take it form someone who knows. Don’t do it unless you REALLY don’t want to be with him anymore." Ava Marie said. At this all the attention was suddenly off Maria (which she didn’t mind at all) and on Ava Marie.

"Have you told Zan that you still like him?" Emma questioned.

"I can’t just go up to him and say, ‘Hey, Zan, I was stupid yesterday when I broke up with you and I want to get back together.’ Yeah, right! Like that’s gonna work. He hasn’t even looked at me all day!" she said upset. He better not look at you. Maria thought to herself, then started to worry when she remembered who was in the room with, but she calmed down when it was obvious the twins didn't hear.

While Emma and Anna tried to help Ava Marie get the courage to talk to Zan, the guys were having a similar conversation downstairs. "All I’m saying is she told me in Spanish that she really liked you man." Jason said to Mike.

"You should totally go for it." Travis said.

"I don’t think so guys. I mean Janine in nice and all, but she’s not really my type." Mike said hoping it would end the conversation, but knowing it probably wouldn’t.

"You’re 'type' wouldn’t happened to be an alien we all know and love, would she?" Jason asked knowing the answer was yes.

"No comment." was all Mike said.

"That’s a yes!" Jason said laughing.

"Man, just go upstairs and tell Beth that you like her." Travis said irritated at how long Mike had liked his cousin and done nothing about it.

"She has a boyfriend or have you forgotten? And keep your voice down someone could hear." Mike said as looked around the room for the girls.

"They're all upstairs, calm down and Andon is a minor detail." Jason said.

"I hardly call Andon, the captain of the football team, a minor detail, Jason!" Mike said almost yelling.

"You guys sound like a bunch of girls." Michael said sick of the conversation. At his words they grew quiet and then suddenly began playing video games as if the "girly" talk had never occurred. I knew that would work. And there’s no way I’m letting him get anywhere near Maria, just incase he trys something. Michael thought.

A little later the girls came back downstairs to hang out with the guys some more and put their plan to work. Maria was not liking the plan at all.

"Zan, could you get us some chips or something." Emma asked.

"I’ll help." Maria said jumping up to help Michael.

"Beth, I need to ask you something." Anna said.

"Let me help him and then you can ask me whatever you want." Maria said.

"No, it can’t wait."

"It’s ok, I can get the food by myself." Michael said, clueless as to what was about to happen.

He went into the kitchen and grabbed a bag of chips, when he turned around he found Ava Marie standing right behind him. "Hi." he said not sure what else to say.

"Hi." she said quietly. There was an awkward silence.

Not feeling to comftable with Ava Marie, Michael started to leave, but she stood in his way and stopped him. "Zan we need to talk."

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Across town future Michael and Maria were having their monthly dinner ritual. The whole Pod Squad would get together and have dinner once a month. It had started because they had all gotten so busy with their lives, that they didn’t get to see each other often.

A lot had changed since they were teenagers. Michael was now a highly respected artist and his work was very sought after; Maria became a talent scout for a record company. Max became a doctor, while Liz took over the Crashdown (Of course her friends helped her out from time to time). Kyle was now a middle school football coach and Ava had became a youth counselor, she wanted to help kids so they would not make the same mistakes she had made while growing up. Isabel modeled for awhile but when she got pregnant with Jason decided to be a mom; now she was trying to find her place in the working world again. Alex had decided to put his skills to good use and became a computer programmer.

So here they were, all eight sitting around a table talking, laughing, and just enjoying being together. Gradually the talk turned toward their children and that’s where things got interesting.

"I just don’t know what’s gotten into Zan and Beth. Everything was fine and then yesterday….." Michael said trailing off not really sure how to explain it.

"Zan is blowing up at everyone and Beth…isn’t." Maria said. "She didn’t even get mad when Zan punched Andon." At this Kyle spit his drink out, Alex chocked on his food, Max shook his head smiling, and Michael just sat there proud. All the women were in total shock.

"He did what?" Isabel asked her friend, hoping she had heard wrong.

"He punched Andon." Maria stated again, causing all the men to laugh and congratulate Michael on bringing his son up right.

"It was awesome guys! I knocked him out cold!" Michael said.

"I mean, I kissed him he didn’t kiss me." Maria said at the same time.

"Who did you knock out?" Maria asked realizing what he had said.

"Who’d you kiss?" Michael demanded at the same time. Everyone shared confused glances, and Ava gasped.

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The kids were sitting around watching reruns of old TV shows when Ava Marie came running out of the kitchen and straight out the front door, crying the whole time. Startled they all just stared at the door not sure what to do. Finally Anna gained her senses and went after her sister. Maria went to see what Michael had done. If anyone knows how rude Michael Guerin can be it’s me. Poor girl she didn’t stand a chance. He better not have ruined things for Zan. Maria thought as she went into the kitchen.

"What happened? Marie just……" but she didn’t get to finish what she was saying because Michael kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he pulled her closer to him.

"What in the world!" Pulling apart they saw Mike and Travis standing in the door way, looking shocked and completely grossed out.

[Island Breeze]

"What happened? Marie just……" but she didn’t get to finish what she was saying because Michael kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he pulled her closer to him.

"What in the world!" Pulling apart they saw Mike and Travis standing in the door way, looking shocked and completely grossed out.

I loved that the first time I read it, over at Fanfic.net, and I loved it again rereading it here!

Great parts!

Oh, and I agree about Chapter 18 - Life’s More Fun as an Alien being a favorite! I loved the school shenanigans! Actually, some powers could come in very handy at the right times!

[Redrumm]

Island Breeze - The scene at the end of the last chapter (the kissing scene) I had in mind from almost the very begining. Every chapter I had to tell myself "it's too early for that yet", and when I was finally able to add it I was so happy. I laugh everytime I think about the boys faces. : And the kids powers are really cool. I would love to have some myself.

AN: I just want to remind everyone that I'm not very good with the breaking and entering, secrect agent, spy stuff.

Chapter 23 - The Rescue Part II

Beth led the way to the door that Amy was behind. Listening closely the girls didn’t hear anything, so they pushed the door open and went in. The room had no windows and the only door was the one they had just come through. The room was completely black; they couldn’t even see their hands in front of their faces. The girls grabbed each other to make sure they were not alone. Suddenly a voice was heard from somewhere in the room.

"Why don’t you just get it over with and kill me? Because no matter what you say or do to me I’ll never tell you where you can find my daughter!" GRAN! Beth thought when she heard the familiar voice. She felt happiness engulf her as she groped her way across the room to Amy.

Realizing Beth had let go of her arm and was trying to get to Amy, Isabel thought she’d help a little. She used her powers to form a small amount of energy in her hand as a light. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for Beth to run the rest of the way to Amy and embrace her. Amy was more than startled to see her daughter, but was relieved to see she was ok. She grabbed Beth and held her close, hoping everything would be alright.

"What are you doing here?" Amy asked Beth still not letting her go. "How did they find you?"

"They didn’t find me." Beth answered not letting go either.

"What do you mean?" Amy asked looking at Beth confused.

"We came to rescue you." Ava said. At her words Amy looked up and noticed the others for the first time, unfortunately she also noticed the light coming from Isabel’s hand.

"How are you doing that?" She asked confused.

"It doesn’t matter. We have to get out of here and find the guys." Beth said, worried about her brother now that she knew her grandmother was safe.

"Guys? Is Michael here too?" Amy asked suddenly getting mad.

"And Max. We heard someone saying they were caught. We need to find them and get out of here." Isabel said also worried about her brother.

"I knew this had something to do with him. This is all his fault, isn’t it? He got in trouble and now me and you are mixed up in this mess too. When I get my hands on him I’m going to…."

"SHUT UP!" Beth said cutting her off. "If you say one more thing about him, so help me, I’ll leave you to rot in here!" Come on, tempt me and I’ll show you just how much like my father I really am. Beth thought angrily.

"Maria, what in the world has come over you?" Amy asked astonished at her reaction.

"We really need to get out of here before someone finds us." Ava said trying to break up the fight.

"Yeah, let’s go." Beth said glaring at Amy before joining Isabel and Ava at the door.

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Max was sitting on the floor of another windowless room with his back to the wall. There was nothing else but him in the small room. At least it’s not dark. Max thought as the door opened and Zan was thrown in. Max was immediately at his side helping him up from where he had fallen.

"What’d they say to you?" Max asked as they sat in his original spot on the floor.

"They wanted to know where the crystal was and where Maria was. They also threatened to hurt my friends and family if I didn’t tell them what they wanted to know. What about you?" Zan said.

"They wanted to know who I was, where the crystal was and they threatened to torture me. Same as you." Max answered.

"Do you think they know about the others?" Zan asked.

"No, they would have said something otherwise."

"Yeah, you’re probably right." Just then the door opened and in walked the two guys in suits who they had seen arrive earlier and who had questioned them. The boys stood and faced them, both trying to think of a way to get past them and out the door.

The obvious leader of the two looked at Max and said, "A deals a deal. I let you go; you tell me where the crystal is. So start talking." He barked.

"What! Don’t tell him anything! I can’t believe you would sell me out like that!" Zan yelled at Max.

"I’m sorry, but you gave me no choice. How can you expect me to trust you if you don’t tell me the truth." Max said hurt.

"Stop talking to each other and talk to me! Where is it?" he asked again through gritted teeth.

"I can’t tell you where it is, but I’ll show you." Max said.

"Fine. Zack get some guards to meet us out front with the Squealer." With that both men turned and left. Landon picked up his walkie-talkie and ordered several guards to take the prisoners out front. The two teens where left to contemplate what had just taken place.

"I can’t believe this." Zan said still shocked.

"I know, he actually thought I would betray you and give him the crystal." Max said amazed. "Nice acting by the way. I almost believed you where hurt I betrayed you."

"What can I say, it’s a gift." Zan said laughing.

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In the woods and away from the building; Liz, Alex, and Kyle where still waiting by the cars.

“Guys, I’m getting worried. They’ve been in there way too long.” Liz said not able to wait any longer.

“I was just about to say the same thing.” Alex said also worried.

“Do you think we should go in after them?” Kyle asked.

“No, I have a better idea.” Liz said digging in her bag.

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The girls made their way back through the building at a much quicker pace than before and soon were at the place where they had hid in the closet. Here they stopped.

"So here’s the question, do we get Amy to safety and then come back for the guys or do we look for them now?" Isabel asked wanting to save her brother, but not wanting anything to happen to Amy, who couldn’t defend herself.

"We should go back to…" Ava said trailing off as they heard foot steps approaching. What is with this spot? Beth asked herself as they all hid in the closet once again. Gradually the voices became clearer and the conversation was heard.

"Hurry up you two, Landon’s waiting."

"Shut up! You didn’t just get betrayed by someone you trusted." said Zan’s familiar voice. Then the sound of flesh hitting flesh was heard.

"That’ll teach you to tell me to shut up." the guard said laughing. Anger surged through Beth’s body and unknowingly so did her powers. The doorknob she was holding glowed red. From his place on the floor, where he had fallen from the hit, Zan clearly saw the change and quickly took matters into his own hands.

"Do you happen to know what the Fahrenheit is?" Zan asked as he got up off the floor.

"What are you talking about?" the guard asked confused.

"I bet it’s almost at boiling point." Zan said. The guard was about to respond to Zan with another blow to the head, but he didn’t have time to because the closet door flew open and Beth stormed out. Before they even knew what had happened all three guards were frozen solid.

"I HATE that name and you know it!" Beth screamed at her brother.

"Yeah, but it got your attention didn’t it." Zan said smiling at how easy his sister could get mad.

"Maria...how...how did you do that?" Amy asked so quietly that no one heard her, while Max looked on shocked at Beth’s powers.

"Could you save it and yell at me later." Zan said cutting off whatever it was Beth was saying to him that he wasn’t listening to.

"He’s right we need to get out of here." Isabel said having a feeling that Beth was about to do something to Zan. The others nodded in agreement and followed her lead out.

When they got to the room where Beth had frozen the guard earlier, they noticed he was gone and all that remained was a big puddle of water.

"That wouldn’t happen to be some of your handiwork would it?" Zan asked his sister.

"What can I say, it’s a gift." Beth said laughing.

Knowing Ava was getting weaker from the constant mind-warping the guys went out the door first ready to fight, while Beth and Isabel kept Amy and Ava between them as they followed the guys. When they got out into the open suddenly they were surrounded.

"Not again." Zan said rolling his eyes.

Four people moved to the front of the crowd. Zack was in the back, while Landon and Tatiana were on either side of a short fat man, who none of them had seen before. He clapped his hands in approval.

"Well done. You managed to sneak in, rescue the woman, get caught, and almost escape. Very good, indeed. I would have lost respect for you if you had not at least tried to escape." he said.

"Who are you and what do you want with these innocent children?" Amy said stepping forward.

"Innocent! Apparently they have been keeping some things from you. Tatiana the pictures." he said. She came forward and handed the pictures she had shown Zan to Amy. She reluctantly looked at them and then fell over in a shocked faint.

"Now tell me where the crystal that you stole from me is." he said to Zan and Beth. "And all of you may live."

"Never." Beth stated defiantly.

"Landon show them what happens when I don’t get my way." the man said.

"My pleasure, Marcus." Landon said, with a sickening amount of happiness, as he pulled out a gun and walked toward Amy, who was just waking up.

"Last chance to save her life." Marcus said. When no one responded Landon raised the gun, aimed at her head, and was about to pull the trigger when Zan jumped in front of the group.

"Okay! Okay! You win! You can have it, just don’t hurt anyone." Zan pleaded.

"I knew you could see reason." Marcus said.

"Here take it." Zan said as he pulled the crystal out of his pocket. There was muttering and yelling from his friends behind him, but he ignored their comments. Landon grabbed the crystal from Zan’s outstretched hand and gave it to Marcus.

"Kill them." Marcus said as he stared at the crystal.

"What! But you said." Zan yelled.

"Apparently you’re not the only actor around here." Marcus laughed as he got into a car and started to drive away. Seeing the retrearing car, Zan couldn't take it anymore. The ground began to shake and everyone became scared. The car stopped as the ground parted in front of it. Marcus and his driver jumped out and ran away.

"Earthquake!" Shouted a few guards and the rest followed Marcus' example and ran off in different directions to find safety.

Beth turned around and set the building on fire, while Max destroyed the pictures.

Suddenly sirens were heard and blue flashing lights were seen. Before the teens knew what was happening the cops were rounding up the scattered members of The Following and hauling them away.

The five teens and Amy Deluca stood there wondering how the police had found them, but were happy that they had. Soon they saw Liz, Alex, and Kyle coming toward them. Many hugs were shared, as well as, many shouts of relief, happiness, and joy.

"I’m glad you’re all safe." Jim Valenti said as he came up to the group.

"You’re not the only one." Max said smiling with his arm around Liz.

“Sheriff, how did you know to find us here?” Ava asked, knowing the others were wondering the same thing.

“Liz called and filled me in. I got here as fast as I could.” Jim said glad that he'd arrived in time.

"Now that we are all safe, I demand to know what is going on." Amy said.

"Alright we’ll tell you, but not here." Beth said.

[Redrumm]

AN: (F) Michael or (F) Maria - means Future Michael or Future Maria. (P) Michael or (P) Maria means Past Michael or Past Maria.

Chapter 24 - Nothing's Ever Completely Forgotten

Previously:

"What happened? Marie just……" but she didn’t get to finish what she was saying because Michael kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he pulled her closer to him.

"What in the world!" Pulling apart they saw Mike and Travis standing in the door way, looking shocked and completely grossed out.

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“We can explain!” Maria said trying to get them to understand.

“You…and…you……were…” That was all Travis could get out before he put his hand over his mouth and ran out of the room. Mike stood completely still, eyes wide and mouth hanging open, staring at the pair in disbelief.

“What’s wrong with him?” Jason asked, refering to Travis, as he came into the kitchen, oblivious to what had just happened. “What’s going on?” he asked when he saw the looks on the remaining three.

“Nothing. Nothing’s going on. Nothing happened.” Michael said trying to figure out what to do.

“Nothing happened!” Mike said finally regaining his voice.

“Yes, nothing happened.” Michael stated firmly.

“Me and Travis walked in on them…” Mike began to explain.

“Don’t say it!” Travis said as he came back into the room looking pale.

“This is not good! This is not good!” Maria muttered to herself as she paced in front of the sink going into a full Maria rant. Just then Emma and Anna returned with Ava Marie.

The girls had barely stepped foot into the kitchen when their powers started working overtime. Suddenly Emma was curled up in a ball on the floor screaming and crying from all the intense emotions and the twins were grabbing their heads in pain from the overload of thoughts coming from their friends.

Being the only one still with rational thought, Jason grabbed Travis and shook him until he listened. “Trav, get Emma out of here now!” Travis slowly nodded, touched his sister, and teleported back to their home. At least Jason hopped he went back home. He’s so out of it he could end up anywhere. Jason thought, but knew it was too late to worry now. He then got Mike’s attention and had him help calm the twins down and gain control of their own minds again.

While all of this was going on Michael had grabbed Maria and snuck out the back door. They got into the car and flew out of town. “Where are we going?” Maria asked when she realized they had just left Roswell.

“To the Pod Chamber.” he said not taking his eyes of the road.

"What are we going to do?" she asked freaked out.

"I don't know." he said mentally kicking himself for being so stupid. What was I thinking? They were right in the other room!

“I can’t believe this.” Maria said from her place on the floor of the chamber a short time later.

“I’m sorry.” Michael said from beside her.

“For what?” she asked confused.

“It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t kissed you none of this would have happened. We might have been able to find the crystal and get back to our own time, but no, because of me, we’re stuck here forever.” he said still angry with himself.

“Why’d you do it? Kiss me I mean, when they were right in the next room?” Maria said, asking the question that had been plaguing her since it happened.

“Marie kissed me. I was so disgusted and mortified that I was kissing Isabel’s daughter. All I knew was I needed to get that thought out of my head. And then, like an answer to my prayers, you walked in.” Before Maria could respond Travis appeared in front of them.

“What do you want?” Michael asked already on the defensive.

“I was told to come and get you.” he said obviously still picturing the scene in his head.

“We’re not going anywhere with you.” Michael replied.

“I was told not to come back unless you two were with me.” he said disgusted that he was forced to retreive them.

“Who told you that?” Maria asked.

“The adults.” Travis said as if it was a stupid question.

“We’re defiantly not going now.” Michael said.

“We’ll go.” Maria said calmly.

“What? Are you insane? You want to go back there? Who knows what they’ll do to us?” Michael said shocked.

“They are our family, they’re not going to hurt us.” she said.

“Fine.” he said giving in. Travis grabbed hold of both of them, then the Granolith Chamber disappeared and was replaced with the Guerin living room where everyone was sitting around waiting.

“What is this some kind of intervention?” (P) Michael asked when they appeared.

“We know who you are.” (F) Michael stated.

“Well I’d hope so. You wouldn’t be a very good father if you didn’t.” Jason said, which received him a smack on the back of the head from Anna.

“What do you mean? Aren’t they Zan and Beth?” Anna asked confused and worried.

“We’d better explain.” Liz said.

Flashback

“It was awesome guys! I knocked him out cold!” (F) Michael said.

“I mean, I kissed him he didn’t kiss me.” (F) Maria said at the same time.

“Who did you knock out?” Maria asked realizing what he had said.

“Who’d you kiss?” Michael demanded at the same time. Everyone shared confused glances, and Ava gasped.

“It’s happened.” she said.

“What do you mean it happened? What happened?” Kyle asked his wife.

“Do you all remember when Amy was kidnapped by The Following?” Ava asked.

“Yeah, that was the same time Michael and Maria found the crystal, but what does that have to do with this?” Alex asked.

“It has everything to do with this, because that wasn’t Michael and Maria that helped us rescue Amy.” Ava said.

“Of course it was us, we remember it.” Maria said.

“And we remember them being there.” Isabel said.

“You only remember it, because I’ve made you believe that’s what happened.” Ava said upset that she had been deceiving them.

“What?”

“Why?”

“How could you?”

“We trusted you.” was their alarmed replies.

“Would you guys give her a chance to explain. I’m sure she wouldn’t have done this unless there was a good reason.” Kyle said defending his wife.

“Thank you for believing in me, Kyle.” Ava said happy that someone still trusted her.

“You better have a good excuse.” Michael said angry.

“I’ve dreaded and looked forward to this day for years. I knew you would be angry and possibly want to hurt me because of it, but I made a promise and I intended to keep it.” she said.

“Who’d you make a promise to?” Liz asked.

“All of you.” Ava stated.

“What do you mean?” Max asked.

“You asked me to make you forget and not let you know the truth until the time was right.”

“And what is the truth.” asked a confused Isabel.

“It’s easier for me to show you than to tell you.” Ava said as she released the hold she had on all of them.

Suddenly a foggy feeling left the seven friends and then a feeling of clarity took it’s place, as all that had been forgotten came flooding back to them. They all smiled and everyone but Michael and Maria started talking.

“It wasn’t Michael and Maria it was Beth and Zan!” Alex said as he realized the truth.

“When she froze those guards I was so amazed.” Isabel said replaying the event in her head.

“The way he made things out of thin air was so cool!” Kyle said excited.

“I was so scared when he came to the house with her almost dead.” Max said.

“We’re sorry we doubted your loyalty to us Ava.” Liz said.

“Yeah, we should have known you wouldn’t have done anything to hurt us.” Isabel said.

“Wait you guys don’t seem to grasp what this means.” Maria said.

“What are you talking about? Of course we do, you two went to the future and your kids came to the past and helped us rescue your mother.” Alex said.

“No, Alex, that’s not what she means. There’s a reason Maria and I started to get our memories back before Ava realeased her hold on us.” Michael said. “It wasn’t Zan that punched Andon, it was me. And it wasn’t Beth who didn’t seem to care that her boyfreind was knocked out, it was Maria.”

“Do you mean your past selves are here, now?!” Max asked shocked.

“Yes, and if memory serves correctly, your children are about to see us kissing.” Michael said.

End Flashback

“So we rushed over here as soon as possible to straighten this all out.” (F) Maria finished.

“Wait a minute, so your saying that Zan and Beth are in the past and the people we’ve been hanging out with for the past two days are actually Uncle Michael and Aunt Maria?” Emma said not really believing it.

“Is this true?” Ava Marie asked (P) Michael hoping she hadn’t just kissed her boyfriends’ father.

“Yeah, it is.” both Michaels said knowing why she asked. Instinctively both Marias grabbed their Michael also knowing the reason.

“Why did you make them forget?” (P) Maria asked Ava.

“Because we asked her to.” (F) Maria said.

“Why?” (P) Michael asked confused. Why would we want to forget this? he thought.

“Because no one should know too much about their future.” (F) Michael answered.

“It’s really nice to see you guys and all, but I know you want to get back to your time, just as much as we want our kids back in our time.” (F) Maria said.

“Travis, would you mind giving us a lift back to the Pod Chamber?” (P) Maria asked smiling. We’re going home! She thought.

“Sure.” he said as he took hold of them once more.

“Wait, we’ll all go.” (F) Michael said.

The whole group crowded into the cars and made their way to the granolith chamber to say goodbye to past Michael and Maria and welcome Zan and Beth back home.

[Redrumm]

AN: This story in comming to an end, there's only a few chapters left. But I have a sequel in the works if anyone is interested, it's about the kids.

Chapter 25 – It's Goodbye, Not Farewell

Zan and Beth led the party back to the Deluca home once everything had calmed down. Much to Amy’s displeasure the house was trashed. They all helped out and before long the house was almost back to normal. Kyle and Alex had gone for a food run, while the others continued cleaning. They all felt responsible for the house being messed up.

Once the guys got back and everyone had their fill of food, then it was time to spill their guts to Amy. The whole time the teens had been cleaning they had been discussing whether they should tell her or if Ava should just mindwarp her. But in the end they all agreed that they should be honest with her, besides, as Ava pointed out, her power wasn’t strong enough to keep Amy mindwarped for more than a few months, if that.

With all of them gathered around the living room Max began.

“What I’m about to tell you is shocking and might even scare you. But you need to know that first, we would never do anything to hurt you or anyone else, we only want to live normal peaceful lives. And second, by telling you this we, all of us, are putting our lives in your hands. We are trusting you with our lives, Mrs. Deluca, don’t let us down.” Amy looked around scared, not sure if she wanted to know anymore. But then remembering what she had seen her daughter do earlier, she realized she had to know. Whatever they’ve got you messed up in, Maria, I’ll find some way to get you out. Amy thought to herself. Finally she nodded her acceptance of the conditions and Max continued.

He told her about Michael, Isabel, Ava, and himself being aliens from Antar, about their planet being taken over and how they were sent to earth. About being found in the dessert and growing up hiding who they were even from their families. He told about the day that changed all of their lives, the day Liz was shot, and how he had healed her; and how Liz, Maria, Alex, Jim, and Kyle had found our about their secret. Max told Amy there was another set in New York and how the dupe Michael and Isabel had killed their Max, and how Ava was their Tess.

Then he told Amy about Tess, how she came to Roswell, how she had betrayed them and left, and about Ava taking her place and no one was the wiser. He told her everything. Even the reasons why Maria would leave for days at a time or come home late with no explanation and why her car constantly needed to be repaired. Finally, Zan picked up the story and told about what all had happened in the last couple of days. They told her everything, everything that is, but that Beth and Zan where not Michael and Maria and where from the future. In fact they didn’t even tell Jim that.

When the story was finished everyone starred at Amy waiting for her reaction. She couldn’t speak all of it was just too much for her. She tried to process it all but kept getting stuck on one thing. My daughter’s dating an alien. My daughter’s dating an alien! My daughter’s dating an ALIEN! Amy kept thinking completely freaked out.

She jumped as Jim’s hand touched hers. “Amy, I know how you feel. I felt the same way when I found out. But you have to remember they’re still the same kids. Just now you know that they’re special.”

“Special! They’re freaks!” Amy said scared. Beth’s heart broke the moment she heard her grandmother say she was a freak. She sat on the floor stunned, tears streaming down her face. For the first time in her life she didn’t have the strength to scream and yell. In fact she couldn’t even speak; finally she got up and walked out the front door. Zan on the other hand couldn’t believe Amy had just said that. Anger filled him and the room began to shake, things began to explode and break. Then finally he broke too.

“I can’t believe you just said that! Why would you say that! Do you deliberately want to hurt all of us by reminding us that we’re different and will never be normal? We just told you how hard it’s been all our lives trying to hide who we really are, for fear of what they might do to us and then you go and say something like that. Max asked you not to let us down, but now you’ve done more damage with one word than The Following did in two days. Look at what you’ve done!” he said pointing to where his sister had gone. Amy looked over and her heart broke to see her daughter so upset. Did I really do that to her? Amy thought.

“Look what you’ve done to her, your own family. I hate you!” Zan said and walked out of the house to find Beth. Amy watched him leave wondering why as bad as she felt for making Maria so upset that she would actually feel ten times worse when Michael said he hated her. It’s Michael, why should I care if he hates me? She thought confused.

A while later Zan and Beth returned to find everyone still in the same places they had left them in. The moment they were noticed Alex asked Beth if she was alright.

“Yes, I’m fine, I just needed some time.” Beth said.

“What about you, are you ok?” Max asked Zan. He only nodded.

“Look we only came back to say goodbye.” Zan said after a moment.

“What you’re leaving?” Kyle asked.

“I could care less if you leave, Michael, good riddance. But Maria you are not going anywhere.” Amy said standing up.

“Shut up! Don’t you dare try to tell me what to do! We’re leaving and going back to where we belong.” Beth said.

“Where you belong? This is where you belong, where your mother is, where your home is.” Amy said confused and scared that she might lose her daughter.

“What do you mean you’re leaving? You said you can’t leave without the crystal?” Isabel said before Beth could respond.

“And you gave that to Marcus.” Ava said.

“No, I didn’t. It’s still at the apartment where we left it.” Zan said.

“What do you mean, we saw you give it to him?” Max said confused.

“You used you powers didn’t you? You made him believe he had the crystal, but he really didn’t.” Liz said as understanding dawned on her. Again Zan merely nodded.

“Like he said we just came to say goodbye.” Beth said.

Realizing that Zan and Beth were really leaving, the Pod Squad enveloped them in hugs, well wishes, goodbyes, and “we’ll miss yous”. Finally only a confused Jim and an upset Amy had yet to say goodbye.

“I don’t understand, why do you have to leave?” Jim asked.

“The others will explain it all to you. Just know that we love you.” Beth said as she hugged her grandfather. Jim hugged her back unwilling to let the girl he thought of as a daughter leave, but knowing for some reason she had to.

“I’m not too good with saying goodbye so how about……” Zan said trailing off as Jim pulled him into a hug.

“I’ll miss you too, Michael.” Jim said so only Zan could hear, making him smile despite the fact that the comment was meant for his father.

“Take good care of her.” Jim said as they broke apart.

“I will.” Zan said.

“Maria...why...don’t...I love you so much baby.” Amy said with tears streaming down her face.

Beth looked at Amy and then followed Zan out of the house. Beth heard Amy’s cries for her to come back, but she tried to ignore them. She has to realize she can’t treat people like that. I won’t do it. I won’t do it. I won’t...Man! Suddenly Beth turned around and ran back into the house. She grabbed Amy, hugged her and said, “This isn’t farewell, it’s only goodbye.” Beth then let Amy go and ran back out to her brother.

“You ok?” Zan asked.

She smiled and said, “I will be.”

By the time they reached the granolith the sun had already rose. They got out of the Jetta and made their way up to the door of the chamber. Once inside they stood in front of the granolith and grabbed onto something for protection. Zan put the crystal in its spot and then the bright light returned as did the wind, but this time they were ready. When it was all over, they looked around for any sign that they were home.

“Do you think it worked?” Beth asked.

“There’s only one way to find out.” he said as they walked into the pod chamber and he opened the door to the outside world.

“No way!” Beth said shocked at what they saw.

[Redrumm]

AN: (P) Michael and (P) Maria mean Past Michael and Past Maria. And (F) Michael and (F) Maria mean Future Michael and Future Maria.

Chapter 26 - Meeting for the 1st and 2nd Time

(P) Michael and Maria stood in front of the group and said their goodbyes. The weirdest goodbyes was to their future selves. That's something I never thought I'd do. (P) Michael thought. The hardest was saying goodbye to the kids.

"We won't get to see you guys again for years. I'm going to miss you so much." (P) Maria said holding back tears. We've just met them and now we have to go. She thought as she hugged Emma.

Finally all of the goodbyes were said. (P) Michael and Maria started up the rock formation and stopped half way up for one final wave goodbye. When they reached the top (P) Michael was about to open the door when it opened on its own. And starring back at them was…them!

"No way!" the Maria double said.

The four stood in silence starring at each other. Finally, Michael spoke, "So you must be Zan and Beth." The other two looked at each other and then at Michael and Maria. But before either one could say anything a voice was heard.

"Is everything ok?" (F) Maria asked from below. (P) Maria turned around and yelled back to her counterpart, "Oh, nothing we just found something that belongs to you."

"Mom! Dad!" Beth said as she ran to her parents, Zan following behind her. (F) Michael was halfway to the top as soon as her heard his daughters' voice. Beth gladly jumped into his loving embrace.

"I missed you guys so much." She said glad to be home. By this time (F) Maria and Zan had joined the two in a big family hug. Of course the minute that was over Maria had to make sure they were both okay and not bleeding.

Once they were back with the rest of the group there were hugs and "Welcome backs" all around. Even (P) Michael and Maria joined in.

"Do you guys really have to go now? We just got back. We want to spend some time with you two." Beth asked her parents' younger selves.

"Of course we can stay a little longer. I want to spend some time with you too, Baby." (P) Maria said, already getting used to the mother role, as she hugged her future daughter for the third time.

"It's been a long day for all of us. Why don't we all go home and get some rest and tomorrow we'll all take the day off and play hookie." Liz said. Everyone stopped and starred at her.

"Mom, are you feeling ok?" Mike asked a little worried. Mom, want to play hookie! Am I dreaming? Mike thought to himself.

"I feel fine. I just think we all could use a break."

"She's right, when was the last time all of us spent a whole day together?" Max said coming to his wife's rescue.

"It'll be like one big family reunion." Alex said

"One weird family reunion." Jason whispered to Travis.

"Are we going to stand here talking about this all night or are we going home, because I'm exhausted." Zan said and Beth nodded in agreement.

"Do we really have to drive all the way back?" Beth and Emma whined in unison. Much to the girls disappointment they did drive back, but with a little alien help to speed up the trip.

They all slept soundly, (P) Michael and Maria stayed at their future home. Michael slept on the couch, while Maria insisted she had to sleep near her children. So Zan made her a bed in Beth’s room, she fell asleep thinking of what her life was going to be like.

The next morning (F) Maria came down stairs to start breakfast, but was shocked to find (P) Michael and Beth already up and making it. She stood in the doorway watching, trying not to disturb the wonderful moment. They were laughing and talking and having so much fun just being together.

"I can’t believe you actually did that." she heard Beth say.

"I needed a car, she was there. So what? And no matter what she says I never kidnapped her." Michael said.

"Oh yes you did, Spaceboy. You stole my car and kidnapped me." Maria said not able to stop herself.

"I distinctly remember telling you to get out of the car. You were the one who chose to stay." he said confidently as he flipped the pancakes.

"Not that argument again." Zan groaned as he walked into the kitchen.

"Fine, we won’t talk about that. We’ll talk about why you two are up so early." Maria said to Michael and Beth.

"I’m up because somebody decided it would be fun to jump on top of me." Michael said glaring at his daughter.

"Isabel Elizabeth Guerin!" Maria said shocked her 15 year old daughter would do that.

"What? I was bored and I didn’t have anyone to talk to, because everyone was asleep. And I don’t know if you know this, but Dad is really hard to wake up." she said.

"Really, Pot, I didn’t know the kettle was black." Zan joked as he picked at food.

"That gives you no right to do that." Maria said ignoring her sons’ comment. "And why were you awake so early anyway?"

"Well, I wouldn’t have been awake if somebody didn’t snore so loudly I thought the house was falling down." Beth said starring at her mother smiling.

"That, my dear, is what ear plugs are for." (F) Michael said as he came into the room. "Your mother always snores when she’s had a long day."

"You know, you could have warned me she was going to wake me up. (P) Michael said to his future self.

"Hey she woke me up, its only fair she wakes you up too." he replied.

"Everyone’s up early this morning." (P) Maria said joining the group. Zan, Beth, and (P) Michael started laughing.

"What? Is there something on me?" she asked as she looked over her clothes.

"That’s why you were laughing at me!" (F) Maria said to her husband as she smacked the back of his head and led her younger self out of the room.

"Would someone please tell me what’s going on?" (P) Maria pleaded.

"Trust me you don’t want to know." her future self replied.

A few hours later everyone had arrived. The men were huddled around (F) Michael and the grill talking and laughing. The women were getting everything ready. And the kids were doing their best to not get pulled into helping.

"I hope you’ve learned your lesson about messing with things when you don’t know what they are or what they do." Anna said to (P) Maria. The girls had all gone up to Beth’s room to "get ready". So far they’d been “getting ready” for an hour and a half.

"Enough about me and Michael. I want to know why in the world you would join the cheerleading squad to impress a guy, Beth." Maria asked.

"I did not join the squad to impress Andon!" Beth said obviously sick of this argument. "How did you find our about Andon any way?" Suddenly Emma started laughing hysterically.

"What’s wrong with her?" Anna asked confused, as Emma laughed harder and harder.

"Oh my gosh! It all makes since!" Emma said still laughing.

"Emma, shut up! Don’t you dare say a word!" Maria said worried she’d out Michael.

"He was soooo mad! I didn’t understand why, but now……Oh my gosh that was so funny!" Emma said almost falling off the bed from laughing.

"Emma what!" Beth said irritated.

"Okay, okay, I’ll tell you." she said finally calming down.

"Oh no." was all Maria said as she covered her face with her hands.

Meanwhile outside the guys were eating as much food as they could when their mothers weren’t looking.

"So Zan I’ve got to know what in the world possessed you to punch Andon? Not that I’m upset about it, I’m just wondering?" Travis asked.

"What are you talking about?" Zan asked confused.

"Son, I believe you’re asking the wrong Guerin." Kyle said as he walked past.

"Huh? What do you mean the wrong…Oh!" he said as he saw the smug look on (P) Michaels’ face.

"Let’s just say he had it coming." (P) Michael said.

"Wait a minute. You punched Andon, Beth’s boyfriend Andon, and everyone thinks it was me!" Zan said shocked.

"Your welcome." (F) Michael said hearing the conversation.

"You know Beth is going to be really mad when she finds out." Zan said smiling. I wish I could have been there to see that. Zan thought.

"Not that I condone you punching your daughters’ boyfriend, but I've got to know why." Alex said excited to hear the details.

"Yeah stop holding out. What happened?" Mike said. That jerk deserves everything he gets. Beth’s way to go for him. Mike thought to himself.

"Well I saw him kissing Maria." (F) Michael began.

"Then I went into the Crashdown pulled him off her and knocked him out cold." (P) Michael finished proud. All the guys started laughing and saying how they wished they could have been the one to do it. At least I’m not the only one who hates the punk. (P) Michael thought. Then suddenly they heard a scream coming from the house.

"HE DID WHAT?" Beth yelled.

[Redrumm]

AN: (P) Michael and (P) Maria mean Past Michael and Past Maria. And (F) Michael and (F) Maria mean Future Michael and Future Maria.

Chapter 27 - The Final Goodbye

Previously:

Then suddenly they heard a scream coming from the house.

"HE DID WHAT?" Beth yelled.

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"Something tells me Daddy’s Little Angel just found out he punched her Prince Charming." Zan said laughing.

"Her temper is worse than her mother's." (F) Michael said trying to hide his nervousness.

"Serves you right, Michael. You knew what you were doing." Max said.

"Actually, no, I didn’t. I knew a guy was kissing my girlfriend. I didn’t figure out who he was until he woke back up." (P) Michael said.

"What on earth is she screaming about?" Isabel asked as the women joined the guys.

"Oh no! Not now." (F) Maria said shaking her head.

"What?" Liz asked her friend.

"Beth just found out, Michael punched Andon." (F) Maria answered.

"You do know this is all your fault, right." (F) Michael said to his wife. Just then the back door flew open and Beth stormed out with the other girls following close behind.

"I can’t believe you punched, Andon!" she yelled at her father.

"Look if you want to yell at someone, yell at me. I’m the one who just did it." (P) Michael said calmly.

"Why would you do that?" Beth asked as she rounded on (P) Michael.

"What would you do if you saw that punk you call a boyfriend kissing someone else?" he asked.

"I’d kill him and her." she replied coldly. "But what does that have to do with anything?"

"Ask her." he said as he pointed to his girlfriend. Beth turned around and looked at a very pale faced Maria, who was doing everything she could not to look at the teen.

"Well?" Beth asked.

"Michael was being a jerk and I was mad at him. I wanted to get back at him, so I kissed Andon, knowing he would get mad and jealous." she said fast.

"Wait a minute let me get this straight! You were mad at dad so you kissed MY boyfriend knowing he would get mad and hurt or possibly kill Andon!" Beth said, her anger constantly growing. (P) Maria merely nodded.

"Are you insane! Who would do something like that!" Beth said, still too mad to comprehend it all.

"Beth, shut up!" Ava Marie said. Everyone looked at her shocked. None of them would tell Beth off when she was this mad.

"Your dad knocked Andon out. So what! Your mom kissed your boyfriend. Who cares! It happened, it’s done with, let’s move on. It’s not like it’s the end of the world." she said as she picked up a plate and started to fill it with food. Slowly everyone followed her example and soon the incident was forgotten and everyone began talking and laughing again.

A while later, Zan went into the house to use the bathroom on his way back out he bumped into Ava Marie. "Sorry." he said moving to the side.

"That’s ok I just came in to get more ice." she said not looking at him. They stood in silence for a moment and then,

"I’m sorry." they said in unison.

"I should have been more concerned about how you would feel. With me going away to college and you with two years of high school left; I should have known you’d be scared that it couldn’t work out. But I know we can make it work. We just have to…" he said, but was cut off by her voice in his head.

Zan, shut up. When he stopped talking she smiled and spoke.

"You have nothing to be sorry about. I’m the one who was stupid. I should have been more supportive, I should have been happy for you. I was dumb and I know it. I was too concerned about myself; I didn’t even stop to think about how you would feel. I’m so, so sorry I put you through this. And I promise I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you, if you’ll just take me back." she said hoping he would, but preparing herself if he said "No".

Outside:

"What’s taking Marie so long to get the ice?" Alex asked as he starred at his drink that was getting warmer by the minute.

"I’ll go see what’s taking her." Anna said as she got up and started for the house.

"In the mean time, do you think you could help a brother out?" Alex asked as he shook his cup in front of (F) Michael. Michael rolled his eyes and grabbed the cup. Suddenly, to the shock and surprise of (P) Michael and Maria, ice surrounded the outside of the cup. Alex smiled as (F) Michael returned the drink, glad it was cold again.

What the....? How did he do that? (P) Michael and Maria thought as they stared at each other in shock and wonder.

Anna walked up the back steps and was about to open the door when she happened to look through the window and see her sister and Zan kissing. She slowly turned around and walked back to the others smiling.

The rest of the day flew by and before anyone knew it, it was time for (P) Michael and Maria to return home. Once again they all went to the Pod Chamber and once again there were hugs and heartfelt goodbyes. Finally, it was Beth and Zans’ turn to say goodbye.

"We’re really sorry abut any trouble we might have caused you guys when you get back." Beth said sincerely.

"Yeah, we kind of left on bad terms with Gran." Zan said.

"Don’t worry about it. Our future selves already gave us a heads up on what we were going back to." Maria said, hoping that would make them feel better.

"Well, I guess it’s time." Michael said as he noticed everyone else returning. They had all left to give the four some time alone.

"Give this to my younger self as soon as you can." Ava said as she handed (P) Maria an envelope.

"One last thing." (F) Michael whispered as he pulled his double aside. "What ever you do, don’t let Kyle throw you a bachelor party."

"Why?" the younger of the two asked curious.

"Just trust me when I say; you don’t want that to happen."

When all the goodbyes were finally said, everyone left the chamber and soon (P) Michael and Maria were alone. They walked over to the far wall of the chamber and opened a compartment the the others had told them about. Inside was the crystal, Michael took it out and stood back in front of the granolith. When both were holding tight onto the granolith, Michael placed the crystal in its spot.

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Michael and Maria stood outside her home debating whether they should enter or not. "We might as well get it over with." Michael said. Maria looked up at him worried.

"I don't know, maybe we should wait and let her cool off some. I don't really want to see her if she's as mas as they said she was." she replied as she placed her hand in his.

"It'll be okay, I promise." he reassured her as he squeezed her hand to give her strength and led the way inside.

[Redrumm]

AN: This is it the last part. I hope you all have enjoyed reading this as much as I've enjoyed writting it. I would like to thank everyone who reviewd, I loved them all, and all the lurkers.

Chapter 28 - The End of an Adventure

Previously:

Michael and Maria stood outside her home debating whether they should enter or not. "We might as well get it over with." Michael said. Maria looked up at him worried.

"I don't know, maybe we should wait and let her cool off some. I don't really want to see her if she's as mad as they said she was." she said as she placed her hand in his.

"It'll be okay, I promise." he said as he squeezed her hand to give her strength and led the way inside.

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Michael and Maria had come back to their time an hour after Zan and Beth had left it. They hoped that was enough time for Amy to calm down. Michael opened the door and they walked in. Everyone had already gone home, so the only person left in the house was Amy. She was sitting on the couch holding a picture of Maria and crying.

"Mom?" Maria said. At her voice Amy turned around and seeing her daughter, she jumped up and pulled Maria into a hug.

"I’m so sorry, Baby. I didn’t mean what I said. They’re not freaks; they are some of the best kids I’ve ever met. I was just shocked and after every thing that had happened, I lost it." Amy said trying to make her daughter understand.

"Mom, it’s okay. I’m back now and I’m not going to leave again." Maria reassured her mother. "Michael and I aren’t really stupid enough to run away together." At the mention of Michael, Amy looked up and noticed him for he first time.

"Thank you for bringing my daughter back." Amy said as civilly as possible. Be nice to him, for Maria’s sake. It’s for Maria, for Maria. She kept thinking to herself.

"Look, Mrs. Deluca. I know I’m a screw up and a disappointment. I know I’m not what you wanted for Maria and I know she deserves so much more than me. But I love your daughter and I would never do anything to hurt her. I would give my life to protect her. Maria knows this and I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to prove it to you too if I have to. Because I know how close you two are and I don’t want to be the thing that separates you. So if you don’t want us together anymore I understand. I won’t date her anymore, but I’m going to keep coming around, working hard and doing everything in my power to make you believe I’m worthy to be with her." Michael said. Then he turned and started to leave.

"Michael, wait." Amy said. "I may not approve of everything you do and I may not believe you’re good enough for Maria, but I’m willing to be proven wrong. How about we start with you joining us for dinner tomorrow night. I might not be able to say that I like you yet, but after what you just said I can at least say that I have respect for you." she said sincerly.

"Deal." he said as he held out his hand and she shook it. Maria was so happy at the small victory that she could almost cry. I’m not crying now, but if they hug I definitely will. She thought.

The next day after school the Pod Squad, minus Michael and Maria, were at the Crashdown talking over what had happened the last couple of days. The bell over the door rang and the group looked over to find Michael and Maria walking towards them.

"I was going to ask if you were Michael and Maria, but seeing as you’re holding hands, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that you are." Alex said. Maria smiled and nodded as Michael pulled up two chairs to the table.

"When did you get back?", "How was it?", and "What’s it like there?" Where just a few of the many questions asked. They answered some and refused to answer others, simply stating what (F) Michael had told them, "No one should know too much about their future."

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Maria said, "I was told to give this to you." she said as she handed the envelope to Ava.

"Who told you to give it to me and what is it?" Ava asked.

"I don’t know what it is, but you gave it to me. Well your future self did anyway." Ava opened the envelope and pulled out a letter. She silently read it to herself and then folded it up and stuffed it back into the envelope.

"What does it say?" Kyle asked his girlfriend.

"She told me something I have to do and how to do it." Ava said cryptically.

"What do you have to do?" Isabel asked curious.

"You have to make us forget, don’t you?" Michael said knowingly.

"Not just you two, all of you and only if you want me to. She told me it was up to you guys." Ava replied.

"I say we all vote." Max said.

"As much as I’d love to remember what happened, I vote to forget." Maria said which made everyone look at her confused. After everything she’d seen they thought she’d have been the last of all of them to agree to forget.

"If we didn’t get Ava to make us forget in the first place none of this would have happened. We would have known about the whole thing and been there waiting when me and Michael arrived, or have figured it out very quickly." Maria explained.

"She’s right. I’d love to keep these memories, but then it might not happen at all. And I really don’t want that to happen." Michael said.

"Well I guess that settles it. It wouldn’t be fair if we remembered and Michael and Maria didn’t, so the only logical solution is for all of us to forget." Liz said matter-of-factly. Everyone nodded in agreement with Liz and Ava smiled.

"She said this is what would happen." Ava commented. "I’m sorry you all have to forget and I get to remember, but it’s the only way." Ava then closed her eyes and drew on the power she only just found out that she had.

Immediately their memories were clouded and forgotten. Then new "memories" replaced them. When it was all finished everyone "remembered" that Amy had been kidnapped by The Following and they rescued her (but with Michael and Maria not Zan and Beth), that Amy was finally told the truth, and Michael and Maria’s dramatic scene with Amy the night before. Then everyone started talking unaware of what had just happened. As everyone continued talking, Ava began to think about the last lines of her letter.

It’s a hard burden to bare, knowing that your lying and keeping a secret from the people you love and care about the most. Just stay strong and don’t loose heart, because everything will work out in the end.

Ava smiled as hope grew in her heart. I won’t let them down. I can do this, for however long it takes and no matter how hard it may be. She thought to herself and smiled with new resolve and hope.

The End