�Max, stop it.� Maria hissed.
�What?� Max tossed her an innocent look.
�I know that they took me but the room was different this time. Last time it smelled like burnt hair. This time it smelled like... rats.� Brody went on.
�Was there anyone else that you can remember?� Max probed, ignoring Maria�s swats.
�No. I can never see anyone else. Funny thing, I know you were there. I could feel you.� Brody took a bite of his sandwich. �It felt very important this time. You know, I�ve been searching for them for seven years and... I wish they had waited just a month longer before taking me...�
�Why?� Maria asked softly.
�The last time, they cured my cancer. You see, I�ve passed the cancer on to my daughter. Maybe they could have taken her and cured her as well.� He shook his head. �It�s mad, I know.�
�You never told me that you had a daughter.� She placed a hand on one of his. �It�s not crazy.�
�It makes sense though.� Max nodded sincerely but Maria could see the amusement in his eyes. She leaned forward and glared at him.
�Stop it. I don�t know what�s gotten into you but stop it. You�re being mean and this is not funny.� She whispered so Brody couldn�t hear. �He believes he was abducted, which he practically was... if you don�t turn back into the Max that left three weeks ago... I will personally beat you into a bloody pulp. Now get out of here.�
--
Isabel paced her room. Alex was getting dizzy watching her. �Am I crazy? Maybe.�
�You�re not crazy.� He reassured her.
�Then why do I feel like everything I know is changing? First the weird pull to Liz, which was explained by her being Antarian. Then the strange way I was feeling toward Zan. Then Max come back and the way I feel about him is changing.� Isabel ran a hand through her hair.
�Changing? How?�
�Since Max came back... I�ve been feeling more and more like he was a stranger instead of my brother. Vice versa with Zan. What is this supposed to mean?�
--
Zan watched Liz work out ten feet away from where he lay. The longer he loved her the more human he felt, the more vulnerable he felt. He didn�t like it. He had never felt that way before.
A movement out of the corner of his eye got his attention. It was Max. They locked eyes. It was like a dream.
Zan had his eyes closed but he knew that his lips were pressed to Liz�s skin. He slid his fingers down her body, not even flinching when his hands came in contact with another�s. He knew they weren�t Liz�s. His eyes fluttered open to look directly into Max�s over Liz�s hair.
Keeping their eyes open they moved in perfect synchrony to press kisses to her neck. Liz fingers wound into their hair, holding their heads to her body, a moan escaping her mouth. To steady themselves, Max and Zan clasped arms. It was so strange to feel his own flesh under his hand like that. Even stranger was what happened next. Their faces moved closer and the second their lips touched...
�You guys okay? Max? Zan?� Liz called nervously.
Zan�s eyes snapped open, still locked on Max�s across the open area of the soap factory. Zan shifted his eyes to Liz. She wiped the sweat off her forehead and tossed back her hair. She moved toward him.
�Hey, you ok? You look like you just saw a ghost.� Her hand touched his face lightly.
Max watched with fascination, which quickly turned to envy. He did not want her touching him. Liz should not touch anyone but him. Anger filled him as he watched Zan�s arm slip around her waist and him press a kiss to her forehead. Before he knew what he was doing, he had marched over and ripped Liz away from Zan. �Don�t touch her.�
�Max! Stop. What has gotten into you?� Liz pulled away from him. She watched them stand nose to nose.
�You are never to touch her again.� Max growled.
�That�s up to her now ain�t it.� Zan narrowed his eyes. �She still came back to me after you.�
�I had her first. You just moved in while she was vulnerable. She came back to me. I here so you can just take off.� Max stepped closer if it was even possible. For a split second they didn�t move. They were too close. It was like that dream.
�Both of you. Shut up.� Liz yelled. �I don�t know what�s going on but we�re going to have to figure something out because I can�t live with my heart in two places.�
Before anyone could say anything else, Max�s pocket started ringing.
--
�Max, um... Brody is acting really weird.� Maria hissed into the phone. Brody was examining the electronics in the room.
�These are really quite primitive.� He told her.
�He doesn�t know who I am or anything.� Maria whispered. �Hurry up.�
�Where is Max? He said that he would find me when I returned. You do know Max, don�t you?� Larek/Brody nodded his head in her direction.
�Yeah, he�s on his way, actually.� Maria closed her phone and edged away from him. �So... you�re Larek?�
�I am.� Maria noted how his entire demeanor was different from Brody�s. From the way he held himself to the way he looked at her. �Who are you?�
�I�m Maria DeLuca. I�m a friend of Max�s. Well really I�m a friend of Liz�s and then became a friend of Max... but you really don�t care about any of this... so I�m going to shut up now.� She backed away whenever he approached.
�Why are you afraid of me?� Larek was slightly amused to find a human holding his hand when he entered the body. The sudden change of character was also amusing.
�Afraid? I�m not afraid. Why would you think I�m afraid?� Maria tried to smile but it wasn�t working. �Ok, so maybe I am afraid. But I�ve never met anyone physically through anyone else.�
--
�Can we just can the flexing until after we hear Larek�s message?� Liz asked from the back seat of the Jeep. �We�re almost to the Center.�
�I�m cool.� Zan reclined in the passenger seat.
�Fine.� Max nodded and glanced at Liz through the rearview mirror.
�You never used to be like this.� Liz looked right into his eyes through the reflection. �I don�t know what�s gotten into you... or you.� She shifted her eyes to Zan. �You�re a big puppy dog now.�
�I resent that.� He muttered.
�Something really strange is going on here and it�s got something to do with why I was still glowing yesterday.� She sighed. �We�ll figure it out after we talk to Larek.�
--
�I�m not going to hurt you and I assure you it doesn�t hurt... Brody. Strange names you humans have.� Larek kept talking. �Maria, Brody, Max, Tess, Liz... Nicholas.�
�And Larek, Zan, Ava, Rath and Lannie aren�t weird names.� Maria countered.
�Actually their names are Avaria, Rathard and Vilandra.� Larek corrected her. �They are strange names but they aren�t my people. Larek is a very fine name. It�s been in my family for generations.�
�Maria is a family name too. It was my grandmother�s name.� She pouted. She was very glad when the door opened admitting two of her favorite people and one of her least favorite. �Finally.�
�Max... why are there two of you?� Larek glanced between the two men.
�Long story. What is it?� Max pulled Larek to a chair.
�Your plan is going into effect as we speak, cousin. Tess has control of one of my armies. They have gone to Antar to make a foothold. Khivar is not happy but I hope to see him fall after the way he did your family wrong.�
�This is good news. I�ve made contact with an Expatriate. They are not organized but we will be. There are more of them than we originally thought. They all survived.� Max nodded to Larek�s surprised expression. �They don�t want to fight but having the Granilith here gives them hope.�
�What?� Liz interrupted. �You want my father to fight? No. No, no, no.�
�Liz, come on. If the others have even a fraction of your abilities, this will not be a difficult battle.� Max insisted.
�Relax, Liz. Your dad hasn�t been awakened. He won�t fight unless he has to and if things go good on Antar, he won�t have to.� Zan thumbed his nose and shrugged.
�Keep your mouth shut, Zan.� Max growled but was suddenly slapped.
�Are you in control?� Liz asked him and Max nodded slowly. �Good.�
Maria scooted to Liz�s side. �He has been so mean today.�
�I know but I have no clue why.� Liz whispered. �And Zan has been... like depressed.�
They watched the interaction between the three leaders but kept whispering back and forth to each other.
�So...� Maria nudged Liz. �Zan and Max, huh? Any... differences?�
�Maria!� Liz�s mouth dropped open.
�Well?�
�Well, no. They�re identical.� She hissed at her nosey friend.
�Come on. You have to prefer one over the other.� Maria tilted her head at her friend. �You can�t have them both.�
�I had a dream that I did.� The words were out of her mouth before she knew it.
�You horny little... oh my god.� Maria let out a little laugh. �Is that an Antarian trait?�
�No.�
�Is she?� Larek pointed to Liz. He had seen the butterfly on her neck. �She�s an Expatriate?�
�Yeah.� Zan raised his eyebrows. �The granddaughter of Clada.�
�Amazing. You�ve already anointed her to take Avaria�s place. Extraordinary. I will spread the news. Back to the subject at hand. There are two of you.� He turned from Max to Zan. �This is unacceptable. I won�t tell anyone but it needs to be resolved before your return.�
�How exactly can this be resolved?� Liz asked. �We just can�t kill one of them.�
�No, we cannot.� Larek concurred.
�Liz, you have to choose. Him or me.� Max turned to her. �You can�t have us both.�
Zan watched her falter. Her eyes flashed with the memory of being with each of them and then the desire that had accompanied her dream. �You horny bitch. That was your dream.�
�Wh-what?� Liz shook her mind free of thoughts about that dream. �How does he know about that?�
�It was your dream. I had it too.� He shook his head at her. Then he locked eyes with Max. �You had it too.�
�I might�ve had a strange dream.� Max shrugged his shoulders. �It doesn�t mean anything.� He didn�t want to admit how much that dream had disturbed him. It made him want Liz all to himself even more than before.
�Dream?� Larek broke into the little three-way circle.
�I guess I�ll try to explain.� Liz rubbed her hands together nervously.
--
�Isabel, where�s your brother?� Diane poked her head into her daughter�s room.
�Um, I haven�t seen him since this morning. He�s probably working out a schedule with Brody for Christmas break.� Isabel glanced up from the puzzle that she was doing and Alex was attempting to help with. He really wasn�t doing more than separating the colors as she had instructed.
�Brody usually takes breaks at the Crashdown.� Alex filled in. �And seeing how the center will close soon. They both could be there by now.�
�I�ll just call the Parkers. So, are Liz and Max back together?� Diane studied their faces.
�Well, in a manner of speaking....� Alex stopped when Isabel smacked him.
�It�s kinda up to Liz. Max said some things to her before he left. I think they�re over it now but uh... We�ll see.� Isabel hurried to cover Alex�s blunder.
--
�This is the strangest predicament that I have ever heard of.� Larek shook his head. �I don�t know what your mother was thinking to allow two sets to be created. I�d say it was a good thing from what happened at the Summit but now there are two Avarias and two Zans.�
�Yeah, we�ve gathered that.� Max huffed.
�I�ll keep the secret of the ones you call Isabel and Michael. We�ll only introduce them if we need them.� Larek nodded.
�Sweet. They can be normal.� Zan fiddled with his lip stud.
�Like you care.� Max muttered.
�Hey. I heard that. I might not�ve know �em long but I know I can trust �em better than I could my own sister and her boy toy.� Zan raged at his twin.
�Enough, you two.� Maria yelled and hugged Liz, suddenly feeling very sympathetic to what her friend was going through.
�I suppose you�ll have to ask the Granilith for assistance. I have to go. I�ve already tarried longer than I should have. Til we meet again, cousins.� Larek shook hands with both Max and Zan, he bowed to Liz and then slumped backward into a chair. Maria stepped forward to check on him. She nearly screamed when Brody sat up and looked around wildly. �Where am I?�
�Sh. It�s okay. You...� Maria looked to the others for help.
�Yo, you like disappeared on Maria. She freaked when she couldn�t find you. Said she turned around and you was gone. We came to look around.� Zan crossed his arms stiffly.
�Max, why are there two of you?� Brody stared between the two men. �What happened here?�
�Brody, we were so worried. We�ve been looking for you for two hours.� Liz jumped in. �This is Max�s brother. We searched everywhere for you.�
�Yeah, I�ll go call everyone to stop looking.� Maria found her tongue again.
�We had just searched this room.� Max finally clued in to what the others were doing. �There was a flash of light and a humming. When we came in here, you were slumped over in the chair.�
�They would take me again? So soon?� Brody whispered.
�Guess they don�t gotta recharge for seconds.� Zan snickered suggestively and was promptly smacked by both Liz and Maria.
�Pig.� They both hissed. Max had to fight to keep the smile off his face but he had just been thinking the same thing.
�Well, I�m sure you�ll be fine now.� Max nodded sincerely. �So we�ll go call the search off. Let me know if you remember anything.�
Liz and Maria shoved Zan out the doorway and Max followed them. Once outside, Max and Zan started laughing. �He walked right into that one.�
�That was classic, man.� Max reached out and they slapped hands. The moment their hands made contact, a glow encircled their hands. They stopped laughing immediately and released their grip.
�Ok, what was that?� Maria�s eyes went wide.
�Maybe we should go... ask... the Granilith.� Liz kept staring at the place where their hands were joined. The two men nodded and followed her to the Jeep. Maria stood still for a moment before running after them. This was going to be a strange night.
Part 20
�Wow.� Liz was in awe as she crawled out and into the Granilith. �It�s even more beautiful than my grandmother remembered.�
�Sweet.� Zan could only manage the one word. Even his programmed memories did no justice to the relic.
Max stood up and looked up at the huge cone in the middle of the room. Maria crawled in behind him and just didn�t get what they were awing over. �Maybe it�s an Antarian thing.�
�So how do we get it to talk to us?� Liz murmured.
�How about we let other people know where we are, in case something happens? What if we need like Isabel and Michael or something?� Maria pulled out her phone.
--
Michael kept himself hidden in the kitchen. Mrs. Evans and Mr. Parker were talking about their children in the dining room. Michael had made sure he was very busy every time a waitress would come tell him that Jeff had been asking for him. Isabel had been frantically motioning for him to come out into the dining room but he was trying to stay out of site. Finally she glared at him and disappeared from his view.
�Michael, get someone to cover for you. We have to go.� She was suddenly by his side.
�Go where?�
�Look, my mom is looking for Max and I have no clue where he went. He�s not at the Center and he�s not here. Neither is Liz. There�s no one at the soap factory... Maria�s gone.� She added to get his attention.
�What do you mean she�s gone?� Michael stopped flipping burgers and turned to her.
�I mean, you said that she was going to be with Brody until Larek or whoever showed up and Brody went home... alone, about an hour ago. I haven�t seen Max since this morning. No one but Maria has talked to Liz all day. Alex and I have been sitting around trying to figure everything out but no one has told us much.�
�So everyone is just gone.� He muttered and fixed three burgers, sliding them onto the counter before turning to Isabel. �Okay, I get relieved in like 15 minutes. We�ll go looking then.�
�Ok.� They both jumped when her phone rang. Isabel blew out a breath, smiled and then opened her phone. �Isabel.�
Michael watched her listen to whoever was on the line. Isabel�s face went pale.
�Really... we�ll get there as soon as Michael gets off.� She closed the phone. �They�re at the Granilith. They want us there, soon.�
�What�s going on?� Michael pressed.
�Like I would know. I was just talking to Maria, hello.� She waved her phone around in the air. �Something about asking the Granilith what to do about Max and Zan.�
�Who all is there?�
�Max, Zan, Liz and Maria.� Isabel nodded. �We need to get Ava and head out there.�
�Okay but when Jose gets here. He�s been making me work half his shifts for a week now. It�s not my idea but I owe him.� Michael trailed off muttering about Mexican cooks holding grudges.
--
�Come on. I just want to see if the glow happens every time you touch.� Liz couldn�t even coax Zan and Max into getting within three feet of each other.
�We are not reenacting your dream.� The two spoke as one, making Maria laugh hysterically.
�I�m not asking you to do that.� Liz held her hands up in surrender.
�Liz, babe, you�re going to have to describe this dream to me. You were being really vague when you told Larek and I just know it was much juicier.� Maria was sitting in Michael�s pod, swinging her legs from side to side.
�No, no, no, no.� They shook their heads in time with each other.
�So neither of you have any clue about how to go about asking the Granilith anything?� Liz asked again.
�No.� Zan shook his head. �None of the protectors ever mentioned the Granilith other than it was powerful and religious... and really important.�
�Nasedo never said anything about it. You think that he would have before he died but...� Max sighed. �We are all in the dark here.�
�How many protectors were there?� Liz leaned against the wall and waited.
�I guess there was the one that hid us. Probably died. We came out in �87... in �90 some chick found us and made sure we knew about our other selves on Antar, blah, blah, blah, she knew about you guys and then we killed her.� Zan shrugged his shoulders at Liz�s look of disgust. �There were two others... they were never much help, just came by to make sure we were still alive... then that last one that I offed.�
�I can�t believe you killed someone when you were... nine years old. Isn�t that a little �Lord of the Flies�ish?� Maria glared at him.
�Ain�t never read that book, good movie.� He nodded to Max who made an expression of agreement.
�Hey, I got a question. That Larek guy and Liz�s dad have been talking about Liz being anointed. What�s that all about?� Maria had to catch herself before she fell back into the pod.
�It�s like this. There this creature on Antar that is a lot like a butterfly. It�s very ugly and then gets very pretty and then gets very mean. Sort of like when you rouse an Antarian�s wrath.� Max and Zan explained together in perfect synchrony. �So it�s like a crest. A royal seal.�
�Ok...� Maria motioned for them to go on.
�Don�t know if you saw it but Lannie had a butterfly on the back of her neck. Just plain. It shows her right to the throne as my sister.� Zan explained.
�The crown on Liz�s symbolizes just how much more of a right she�ll have to the throne.� Max finished.
�Tess and Ava didn�t have one.� Liz pointed out.
�They weren�t chosen by us. It was an arranged marriage and we never anointed them in this life.� Again the men spoke as one. �Not that it would have mattered with you here.� They both smiled at Liz.
�Oh. See... Michael could never get this in sync with anyone. Not that I wanted Rath cause... yuck and eww and nasty but um... you know what I mean.� Maria whined.
�Hey, I heard that.� Michael strolled into the pod chamber with Isabel, Alex, Ava and Kyle right behind him.
�So what�s the big deal?� Isabel avoided looking at her brothers. It was just too weird to handle.
�Well, they glowed.� Maria hopped down from where she was sitting.
�What else is new?� Alex shook his head.
�No, not me.� Liz waved her hands around then pointed. �They did. Their hands touched and glowing right in the middle of the sidewalk. That�s not all. You ask them a question they both know the answer and...�
�We talk like one person.� They finished.
�Ok, that�s beyond weird... even for you Maxwell.� Michael crossed his arms.
�Alright then. Now. I don�t own the Maria filter that everyone else seems to have so, why are we here?� Isabel brought their attention back to their purpose.
�Well, um... Larek suggested that we ask the Granilith what to do but we�re not too sure how to go about doing that. I mean, do we have to turn it on? Is there a button? Is it always listening? Should there be some kind of offering?� Liz had many more questions but none that would even help to find an answer.
�Why don�t you just walk in there and ask?� Michael gestured to enter the Granilith.
�Hey um... just a thought but I don�t think that non-Antarians should go in.� Ava piped up. �Who knows what would happen?�
�Right.� Maria nodded.
�So, just the three of you go in and see what happens.� Isabel pointed.
�What about Liz? She�s not a full Antarian.� Kyle jumped in. �It�s just another little thought.�
�Okay, so we�ll go in alone.� Max and Zan agreed. Liz rushed up to them. They didn�t even have to look into her eyes to know what she was going to say. They each placed a hand on her cheek to soothe her worries. �We�ll be okay. We�ll just go in, ask, and be right out. Promise.�
�You come back.� Liz whispered and pressed a soft kiss to each of their lips. They turned and crawled through Isabel�s pod and into the Granilith. As soon as they crossed the threshold, the door slid shut.
--
�I just don�t know what to do about Max, anymore.� Diane sighed into her cup of coffee. �I don�t want to coddle him because I�m afraid he�ll run away. I don�t want to give him too much freedom or I might never see him. I don�t want to punish him.�
�I understand completely. Liz has been going through so many changes lately.� Nancy offered a smile of comfort. Jeff squeezed her hand under the table. �We can�t control their lives and we shouldn�t try.�
�I�ve never tried to control his life. My son is just so... closed off. He doesn�t talk to anyone about any of his problems. He doesn�t talk to Philip or even Isabel anymore.� Diane sighed.
�That�s understandable, he�s not used to it. He�s used to dealing with these things on his own. From what I understand he was the sole ruler of Antar for many years.� Jeff blurted out before he even knew what he was saying.
�What?� Diane shook her head at Mr. Parker, who suddenly realized his blunder.
�Wait, she doesn�t know about Max and Isabel?� Nancy turned to her husband.
�What about my children?� Diane sat up, alarmed.
�Well, I suppose that it would be better if you knew but this is a long story and I still don�t have the brain capacity to understand all of it.� Jeff took a deep breath then jumped into his explanation.
--
Zan whipped around when the door shut behind him. �Shit. Now what?�
�How do we ask it?� Max pondered as they stepped closer to the cone. A drawer slid out of the wall behind them. Three crystals lay within the drawer. �Okay, what do we do with these?�
�They�re keys.� Zan murmured. �Each one is for a different purpose. The use of the green one is for worship purposes, the purple one is for protection and the white one is forbidden.�
�I�m going to take a wild shot in the dark and say we use the white one.� Max blew out a breath. �Do you know where it goes?�
Both their eyes fell on the slot at the same time. �Ready?�
�But what question do we ask?� Max ran a hand through his hair. �How do we decide who will be King? Who gets to be with Liz?�
�Do we gotta split up the jobs?� Zan whispered. �Does one of us get to be king and the other get her? Does one of us gotta die?�
�I don�t want to give up being King but I don�t want to give her up.� Max stepped closer to the cone.
�I don�t wanna give her up but I don�t wanna stop bein� who I am.� Zan did the same.
The Granilith lit up with a soft glow and a compartment slid open at its base. The glow blinked and the men understood. Max and Zan began stripping, tossing their clothes into the bin. The cone blinked again and they removed their jewelry. Max reached down and slid the white crystal into the slot. All drawers immediately shut themselves and the glow grew brighter.
Both men were drawn to the cone even more than before. Standing on opposite sides of the done, they reached forward and touched the relic. The light surrounded and consumed them both until the entire cavity of the Granilith was filled with white light.
--
Outside, in the pod chamber, a tremor ran through the cave. Without taking a minute to think, they all gathered in the center. Rocks began falling from the cave�s ceiling. Liz reached out and grasped Isabel�s hand, she grabbed Michael�s, he grabbed Ava�s, and she reached around the humans and found Liz�s outstretched hand. The circle of Antarian�s surrounded their human friends and a shield wrapped around them all, protecting them from the debris still falling from above.
�What�s going on?� Maria clutched onto Michael.
�I think the Granilith is giving its answer.� Kyle shouted over the roar. �What do you think?�
�I think he�s right.� Ava nodded vigorously.
Liz kept her eyes on the wall that concealed the Granilith. �Let�s just hope it�s an answer that we can live with.�
Part 21
�This is insane.� Diane shook her head.
�It�s true.� Jeff insisted. �Max was once a leader named Zan. Some people thought he was great and the rest of us thought he was a child. Those of us loyal to his father, came to Earth to find another way to live. The planet will be dead within the next century as it is. It will be too cold to sustain natural life and all beings will be confined to their homes, building tunnels underground to travel by. Artificial living.�
�Diane, it sounds insane but if you could see the things that Liz can do without even thinking...� Nancy trailed off at Diane�s pale face.
�Do?� Diane thought back to a bird with a broken wing that had flown from her son�s hands. The fire blazed before her eyes and was suddenly gone, her son holding a pot over the scorched stove.
�Yes, she has the Antarian gifts to manipulate molecules around her, she can throw energy, deflect it, she can do a lot of things... but you already know that... don�t you?� Jeff could see the threads connecting in the woman�s eyes.
�I just never thought it would be something like this. Max has always been a special boy. I knew it the night that I found them. You�re saying that Isabel is like this too?� Diane�s whole world was spinning and falling into place again. Everything had shifted and become clearer.
�Your son and daughter are heirs to a throne in another galaxy. Max is King Zan, Isabel is Princess Vilandra. My own mother would have been a noblewoman in their court.� He nodded solemnly.
�Where are they now?� Diane felt a desperate need to let her children know what she knew about them and that she still loved them. This explained so much, especially about the conversation that she had had with Max back in February. �It�s nothing bad. It�s nothing dangerous... I beg you to trust me...�
�We don�t know. Liz left this afternoon and she hasn�t been home since.� Nancy sipped her glass. �She�s been making a habit of staying with Michael or Zan when she�s not home. Truth is, we couldn�t stop her even if we tried. We have to trust them. They seem to know what they�re doing.�
�Something is happening that they have to fix. Only they can fix it. As it is... only a strong person can survive their awakening but there is another force at work here.� Jeff looked up as Philip Evans walked into the office.
�I�ll explain it to him.� Diane took a deep breath as her husband reached their table.
--
Liz went absolutely still when the tremors stopped. Nobody moved a muscle. A hum seemed to come from the Granilith. Just when they were about to drop the shield, the rumbling started again. Kyle and Alex felt useless where they stood in the center of the circle formed by their alien friends. Maria clung even tighter to Michael, burying her face in his chest.
�Um, how long can you guys keep this shield up?� Alex asked nervously.
�Liz?� Michael called out.
�As long as we�re connected... it�s not taking too much out of me.� She called over her shoulder, her eyes still fixed on the entrance of the Granilith.
�So this green thing is Liz�s?� Kyle cleared his throat and scratched at his neck. This was the most bizarre thing he�d ever seen.
�Yeah. Zan�s been showing me how to use my abilities. Said that you never knew when you were going to need them.� She shrugged lightly, squeezing Isabel and Ava�s hands.
�Good thing too. Max never got around to showing me how to put the damned thing up.� Michael grumbled.
�Why is this taking so long?� Isabel closed her eyes and prayed to whoever it was that she was supposed to pray to that her brother survived whatever was going on inside that room.
--
Max felt himself become one with the light. It was as if his molecules had been spread so far apart that he filled the entire cavity of the Granilith. There was nothing but light.
Zan reveled in the light. This was it. This was what his people worshipped. No one ever became the light until their death. This was the second time that the light had ever touched him but never had it been inside him.
Spinning, twirling, flying inside the light as it was sucked into the cone. The light used the Granilith as a conduit, an instrument through which it accepted worship and spoke to its congregation. It was also the implement with which its will was done. The light was the beginning and the end, alpha and omega, horizontal and vertical, latitude and longitude, diagonal and level, creator and destroyer.
This power was why it was so important that it never fall into the wrong hands. The light only knew its congregation through its visitors. It strived to appease them. An evil hand could wreak mass destruction if the light felt it would remain worshipped in that manner.
The glow dimmed almost to darkness but the hum remained steady. Progressively, the light returned to the main cavity of the Granilith, shining brighter and whiter than ever.
--
Brody examined the strange looking device in its case. Vaguely he remembered Max�s interest in it. It had come to life on May 14 and never done much since. Once or twice it trembled and a shiver would fly through Brody�s body but he was never sure what it meant. Ever since he had gotten home, it had been blinking off and on. No bleeping, no flashing sections like before. It was so strange. He wondered what on Earth could be happening that it was acting up so.
Not for the first time that day, he wished his daughter were with him. Her bone marrow cancer had advanced in the last year. He would give anything to have her cured. She was only seven and a half years old, there was so much life for her to live. Brody held the device in his hand and stared at the blinking light, wishing he could have the cancer back if it would just leave his daughter�s body.
�Too bad, she�s not due for another week.� He whispered and set the device back in its case. �You and I are going back to work.�
--
Liz didn�t like how long this was taking. Then again, no one knew exactly how long it was actually taking. All their watches had stopped working. Suddenly, Isabel started trembling. Liz immediately let go of her hand and glanced at Ava. The two women took it upon themselves to hold up the shield against the falling rocks and tremors.
�Michael!� Maria�s screamed as he sank to the ground beside Isabel. Alex managed to rush forward and catch Isabel on her way down.
�Kyle, help Maria pull Michael closer to us. Alex, get Isabel in two. Ava and I can hold it only if we make it smaller.� Liz ordered. Kyle and Maria curled Michael up and pushed him nearer to where Alex was kneeling with Isabel in his arms.
�Yo, Liz. We cain�t keep this up if we cain�t complete the circuit or whatever.� Ava shouted over the growing roar in the cave. Liz closed her eyes and brought the shield down closer to them but even that wasn�t enough to lessen the strength they needed to keep it up. Suddenly it hit her. Ava had thought that merely being healed was enough to cause a significant change. Maybe...
�Kyle. Give me your hand.� Liz yelled out. She turned her head slightly to catch his eye. �Take my hand and Ava�s. You can complete the circuit.�
�Are you crazy? I can�t do that.� He shook his head adamantly.
�I need you to clear your mind for us. We�re going to use you like an extension cord.� She told him. �Trust us.�
�An extension cord.� He repeated. �Parker, do you even know what you�re doing?�
�Max saved you. You were practically dead. He brought you back and you�ve got to have some kind of connection to Ava by now.� Liz explained calmly, keeping her eyes locked on his. �You can do this. Clear your mind and let her in. We need your strength to hold the shield while Michael and Isabel are down.� She watched his indecision. �Take our hands.�
�Kyle, baby, come on. If you don�t, the shield will fail and the cave could come crashin� down on our heads.� Ava raised an eyebrow. �Who�s your dad gonna lean on if we get stuck here? What do you think�s gonna happen if he loses you?�
Without further hesitation, Kyle grabbed their hands and shoved everything out of his mind. He felt the energy surge through him, in one hand and out the other. Kyle had never felt anything like it. Even when Max had healed him, the energy had been one way and he had felt how much it had drained the already weak boy. The next few days were hell hiding that handprint but the knowledge that anyone could be that selfless had humbled him. Finding Buddha had helped but... The strong feelings from Ava and Liz were overwhelming. Kyle didn�t think he could let go if he tried, not as if he wanted to.
--
Brody stared in awe at his equipment. The tracking systems were working like crazy and finding nothing. It wasn�t a signal as much as it was a pulse or a tremor or a ripple. One thought formed in his head. �They�re here. Yes! They are here!�
--
Philip shook his head, not believing a single word his wife said. A noise grabbed their attention. Jeff had slammed his hand down on the table and the hand curled around his coffee cup had squeezed so tight that the cup had burst.
�Jeff?� Nancy watched her husband�s body tremble. �Honey?�
�What�s happening?� Diane whispered.
�Call an ambulance.� Philip ordered.
�No.� Nancy shook her head and guided her husband�s seizing body to the ground. �No doctors.�
She pulled his body onto her lap, after sliding onto the floor. Diane and Philip watched Jeff Parker�s body spasm for several moments before he lie still. A glow seemed to radiate from his skin before his body resumed its jerky motions.
�What is that?� Philip motioned to the glow emanating from the fallen man.
�My God... he�s... oh... what did they call it?� Nancy bit her lip in thought. �He�s awakening.�
--
Alex watched Isabel�s face and listened to her erratic breathing. His blue eyes met Maria�s worried green ones. Maria had a hand supporting his head and the other over his heart, his steady beating reassuring her frazzled nerves. Alex�s gasp demanded her attention. �Alex? What is it?�
�She... she stopped breathing.� He whispered. Maria�s eyes widened just seconds before Michael stopped breathing as well.
�Liz. Oh my god... they�re not breathing.� Maria shrieked. Liz was so shocked that she lost her concentration and the shield fell.
--
Brody stumbled and held onto the table. In a few seconds he�d have the exact location of the epicenter. He fought to keep his eyes open. He lost the battle.
Just as his body hit the floor, he pulled himself to his feet. Larek studied the screens and found what he was looking for... the location of the Granilith. He had to get there and get there fast. There had to be some explanation for what was happening on Antar.
--
Max/Zan opened his eyes and struggled to breathe. The light was still everywhere; around him, inside him. He couldn�t see a thing, couldn�t feel anything, couldn�t hear anything or even smell anything. It was as if he was weightless and being deprived of all his senses. Just as the light came to its full intensity, it died. He collapsed to the floor, totally unconscious.
Part 22
Liz threw her arms up to shield herself from the debris falling from the ceiling. She squeezed her eyes shut tight and waited for the impact but nothing hit her. Sinking to her knees, she realized that the tremors and humming had ceased at long last. After taking a moment to catch her breath, she took in the scene around her.
Alex cradled Isabel in his arms. She wasn�t breathing yet but her heartbeat was steady, odd as that was. Maria was crying hysterically over Michael�s prone form. She couldn�t even gather her own breath to attempt artificial respiration on him. Kyle held on to a disoriented looking Ava.
�Is... Is everyone alright?� Liz called out but her voice sounded so soft after the roar that had filled their ears moments before.
�Ava checked out for a few seconds there.� Kyle lowered her to the ground until the dizziness passed. �She seems okay now though.�
�Are they breathing yet?� Liz asked her friends while eyeing the two down for the count.
�No.� Maria whispered, gasping between sobs. Suddenly, Michael�s body jerked upright with a loud intake of breath. His eyes were wide with shock. Momentarily, his wheezing ended and his palpitating heart slowed to regular rates.
�Um, Liz... Isabel�s still not breathing. I�m not a doctor but I�m thinking that if she doesn�t start soon, her heart�s gonna stop.� Alex strained voice echoed through the chamber.
�Give her a minute. Michael started breathin� on his own.� Ava rasped out.
It took a minute for the nails in his wrist to register with his brain. �Ow, ow.� Alex panted. �She�s hurting me.�
Isabel�s eyes were open and bulging out of their sockets. Her mouth hung open but it was clear that she wasn�t getting any air. Michael suddenly turned around and cupped her face and blew air up her nose. Isabel�s coughing and sharp intakes of air were welcome noises to her friends.
�Michael, how�d you know to do that?� Maria hugged him to her.
�Mrs. Riley�s cat almost choked on a hair ball. That�s how we saved his life.� Michael shrugged.
�Okay, are we all alright?� Liz let relief wash over her for a brief moment. Everyone was conscious and seemed fine. The sound of the Granilith entrance opening caught their attention. Minutes ticked by but no one came out. Slowly, Liz got to her feet and made her way over to the entry.
--
Jeff took a deep breath of air and sat up. His eyes ran wild around the dining room, trying frantically to adjust to the newness that everything held for his senses. Sounds were clearer, colors brighter, touches sharper. It was almost as if he had been moving through mud his entire life.
�Jeff honey.� Nancy�s sweet voice filled his ears. �Are you okay?�
�I�m great. I feel amazing.� He met Philip Evans� eyes, then shifted to Diane�s and finally came to rest on his wife�s. �Now I know what Liz was talking about. I�ve never felt this good.�
�Jeff. What exactly just happened?� Philip asked as they all four rose to their feet. Mr. Parker moved behind the counter and began fixing himself something to eat. �That was not normal.�
�Of course it wasn�t. After being alive for 40 years, I finally feel alive. I�ve stopped denying my Antarian side.� He locked his blue eyes with his wife�s. She was beautiful, gorgeous, breath-taking. He wanted nothing more than to take her upstairs and... The phone ringing brought him out of his thoughts. �Crashdown... Vic, slow down... yes, it happened to me too... Did you think I would joke about Zan being here? ... I understand why you�d be concerned... I realize that we didn�t want this to happen but do you want to go back to being regular ole Victor Hendricks? ... I didn�t think so... As soon as I find out what exactly happened I will let you know and you can pass on the word... Yes, as far as I know... It could be... Now I can�t exactly check it out if you don�t hang up the damn phone... I�ll be in touch.�
�Honey?� Nancy�s face was twisted up in confusion.
�Vic said that all his suppressions ended just a while ago... probably at the same time that mine did. Lauren and David called him as soon as they came to. He�s waiting on Julie and Kieran�s call, they�re not answering the phone. My guess is that whatever our kids are up to just caused the entire Expatriate population of Earth to awaken.�
--
Larek silently cursed the primitive transportation vehicles of Earth as he sped through the desert in Brody�s car. When he had left Antar to contact Max and Zan, the Queen had fallen. For some unknown reason, Tess had collapsed just moments after facing Khivar. It was an extraordinary stroke of bad luck. Khivar would no doubt take advantage of her vulnerability. Larek knew he had to hurry and find out just what exactly was going on.
--
Liz spotted the naked body lying prone on the floor of the Granilith. What concerned her was that there was just one body. Silently, she rushed to his side; just as her fingers touched his skin, she pulled them back. He was ice cold. On the up side, he was breathing. Liz wished she could warm him up but she was drained from the exertion the shield had put on her.
Her eyes ran over his body, which oddly was clean of any tattoos. The one ear exposed to her had no sign of having been pierced in either the cartilage or the lobe. His hair lay flat against his head; longer than it had been when he had gone in. His cheeks were smooth and clear, without even a hint of stubble or acne. He looked brand new.
�Liz?� Michael called into the Granilith.
�He�s alive.� She called back.
�Who is? And who isn�t?� Isabel pulled herself through the opening.
�I don�t know.� Liz whispered.
�How can you not know?� Isabel demanded but then noted how Liz wasn�t touching the body.
�Because there�s no way to tell who it is. There�s no second body, there�s no distinguishing marks and he�s not awake.� She sniffed and looked back to find all her friends standing inside the Granilith and staring at their leader�s still form. Liz held out her red fingertips. �He�s very cold.�
�Um, wild question. Where are his clothes?� Kyle had turned Ava to face the wall. The second he asked his question, the compartments slid open. Michael eyed the crystal sticking out of the slot and then the empty slot. He pulled it out and put it in the holder. The drawer shut itself with a low hiss.
�Found his clothes... I think...� Alex pulled out black leather garments. �Um... neither one was wearing these when they came in.�
�Um, Michael, you want to help me dress him?� Liz reached out to touch Max/Zan again. This time his flesh had warmed up considerably.
�Why me?� Michael asked even as he took the clothes from Alex.
�You�re Max�s best friend for one... and because I know Isabel doesn�t want to accidentally catch a glimpse of anything that she hasn�t already seen. Alex and Kyle don�t want to do it. Kyle doesn�t want Ava to do it... and as much as Maria wants to, neither you nor I want her to.�
�Good point.� He nodded and pointed to the door. �Everyone out.�
Maria tossed Liz a look and grinned before heading out after everyone else. Michael motioned to Liz to get started. She shook him lightly, but nothing happened. �Max?� No answer. �Zan?� Still nothing. �Come on. You promised that you�d come back to me.� Still nothing. �Wake up.�
�You push him from that way and we can roll him over.� Michael suggested. As they rolled the prone body over, he opened his eyes. As Michael ran over his king�s face, something caught his eyes. �Liz, check out his hair.�
The locks that normally fell across his forehead were pure white. He blinked rapidly and finished rolling over, laying his head in Liz�s lap. �It�s hot.�
�Hot? You�re freezing.� Liz shook her head and stroked his hair out of his face.
�It was inside us. We were part of it. It answered all our questions.� He whispered.
�It? What it?� Michael eyed the boy cautiously.
�The light. It. Our higher being.� Max/Zan cleared his throat to be heard.
�Are you Max or are you Zan?� Liz bit her lip and waited for the answer. He looked up into her face. He thought she was the most beautiful creature that he had ever seen.
�I don�t know. Who is Max? Who is Zan?� He replied softly. �I am who I am. I am the King of Antar and I love you.�
�It�s gotta be Max. Zan would never say anything like that.� Michael snorted. Liz glared at him.
�You gonna stop checkin� out my package and give me my clothes?�
�I think they merged... because Max would never say that.� Liz raised her eyebrows.
�You�re right. Hey King Dork. Can you dress yourself? Or do you need help?� Michael held the clothes out to him.
�I am kinda weak.� He admitted.
�Ok. Pants first, buddy. Do me a favor... cover the crown jewels. I don�t need your rocks in my face.� Michael motioned for Liz to help him to his feet.
She locked eyes with the King after they got him to his feet. �What are we going to call you? We know you�re the King of Antar but... Zan or Max?�
�What�s the difference?� He asked, lifting his foot to step inside the pants.
�Well, if you�re Zan, you�re pretty much homeless.� Michael butt in. �If you�re Max, you got a family, parents, high school.�
�Do I get her?� He shifted his gaze back to Liz.
�Pretty much either way you go.� She smiled at him, just grateful that he was alive... whoever he turned out to be. He should know what happened... shouldn�t he?
�Then does it matter?�
�Well, if you�re Zan, we have to explain away Max�s disappearance to his parents. This time he�d be gone for good. If you�re Max, we just have to explain that Zan took off and it would relieve Max�s parents because they didn�t like him too much.� Liz explained very quickly. �Do you not remember the Evans?�
Max/Zan closed his eyes and images flashed in front of him: a small ceramic �magic� house, monopoly games, basketball, the fire, getting severely reprimanded for running away with Liz. He opened his eyes again.
Liz slid her arms around his waist so she could fasten the fly of the pants, much to Michael�s relief, as there hadn�t been any underwear in the pile of clothes that he had. They shifted Max/Zan from Liz to Michael so she could slip the shirt over his head.
�I don�t want them to be sad. They are good people.� He spoke softly before he was bombarded with more images: another set of parents, games of war, strategy, a game akin to polo, a funeral, coronation, wedding, death, his mother. He shook his head to clear the images. �But my mother is still alive as well.�
�How about this? On Earth, we�ll call you Max Evans.� Liz suggested. �When you talk to Larek or anyone else from Antar... you can be Zan.�
�This is acceptable.� He nodded and let her tuck his shirt into the pants. Both Liz and Michael helped him into the leather jacket. �It�s hot.�
�I repeat: you�re freezing.� Liz shook her head at him. �Come on. Isabel is waiting to see you.�
�Isabel?� Max shook his head in confusion. Michael and Liz locked wide eyes.
--
Larek glanced around. There were three cars already parked at the base of the up thrusting of rock. The huge rock formation looked inanimate but it was where those monitors had placed the epicenter for the tremors.
He could feel them but couldn�t tell from what direction. All the rock was throwing off his senses. Just as he was going to give up, a grinding noise made him look up at the hanging wall. A stream of people made their way down the side of the formation. �I�ve been looking for you everywhere.�
�Brody?� Maria called out.
�No, Maria. It�s Larek.� He shook his head with a slight smile.
�Right. What are you going back?� She made it to the bottom first.
�I want to talk to Max and Zan.�
�Present.� Max weakly raised his hand from where it rested on Michael�s shoulder.
�I don�t understand.� Larek watched Kyle and Michael help Max into the back of the Jeep.
�Understand what?� Isabel suddenly raged. �That you told them to ask the Granilith. They did and apparently it answered them. Now they have one body but can�t remember the names of their friends and family.�
�Calm down. You must be Vilandra.� Larek bowed his head.
�I am not Vilandra.� Even as the words passed her lips, something was horribly wrong with the statement. �My name is Isabel... but my brother doesn�t seem to remember either name. He knows that I�m his sister but that�s it. This is your fault.�
�Isabel, calm down.� Liz whispered, gently touching the taller girl�s shoulder.
�Calm down. How can you not be freaking? He didn�t know your name either! I... Oh god... this is just not happening.� Isabel leaned on the nearest car for support.
�Can someone explain? This is getting us nowhere and I need answers fast. This is a terrible drain on our resources for me to keep coming back... I imagine it�s taking a toll on the ho--� He trailed off at Maria�s expression. �Brody�s body as well.� He finished.
�We don�t know exactly and he hasn�t been especially fruitful since he�s so weak.� Liz whispered.
�Well, at least he�s properly dressed for once.� Larek commented and climbed into the Jeep to talk to Max. �How are you feeling, cousin?�
�Larek?� Max smiled and leaned back against the bar. �How are you, cousin?�
�I�m fine. What happened?�
�It blessed us.� Max�s voice took on a tone of awe. His eyes fluttered closed. �It took us into it. It reformed our soul.�
�He�s been hallowed.� Larek called over his shoulder. He touched the white locks on his cousin�s forehead. �It left its mark on him.� Liz approached the Jeep slowly. Larek held his hand out to help her into the back with them. �What do you call him now?�
�Max, but he�s still Zan. Call him what you feel comfortable with.� Liz shrugged.
�Zan. What did you ask the Light?� Larek pressed gently.
�We didn�t know what to ask. We went over questions out loud.� Max smiled. �Neither of us wanted to give up the throne and neither of us wanted to live without her.�
�You don�t know her name?� Larek probed.
�What�s with the names? I know I love her. I�d know her anywhere. I don�t need to know her name.� Max sighed, exasperated. �Look. There were a lot of thoughts running through our heads when It was activated. We wanted what was best for our people.�
�That explains it.� Larek nodded, speaking almost to himself. �Which crystal did you use?�
�The white one.�
�Well, now, I suppose that must be why.� Larek stood and faced the others. �Did anything happen while he was inside?�
�Um, Isabel and Michael just passed out. They stopped breathing for a little while.� Maria rushed ahead to explain. �There were rocks falling on our heads and everything.�
�Ava passed out for like a minute.� Kyle spoke up, worried about his sort-of-girlfriend.
�You.� Larek approached the pink haired girl. �Do you feel different?�
�Yo, Lares. Naw. I feel cherry. Just think gettin� tossed out the connection knocked me out.� Ava shrugged.
�I was in that... connection too and I didn�t pass out.� Kyle pointed out.
�Neither did I.� Liz called out, taking Max�s hand in hers, squeezing gently. �I don�t think it was just a coincidence that while Max and Zan were in there that the three of you spazzed out.�
�I believe you are right, Liz.� Larek bowed his head to her in acknowledgement. �Just before I came here, Tess went up against Khivar. It was supposed to be a civil meeting as per Zan�s request. I saw her falter. When she did not seem to be recovering, I knew something had to be wrong. I have no doubt that Khivar will take advantage of her weakness. It may turn to battle.�
�How did you know where we were?� Michael demanded.
�Brody as you call him was in possession of a tracking device, meant to track the four of you when you attempt to make contact with us. The device picked up the Granilith�s effectual... ripples. It was a mighty beautiful sight on those screens. I could feel its power the second I took over his body.� Larek sighed deeply and smiled.
�These ripples...� Isabel asked softly. �What was it?�
�The Light�s will be done.� Max answered.
�Yes, the hallowed one would know.� Larek nodded emphatically.
�What exactly does that mean?� Alex piped up at long last. Everything that had happened in the past year had just dumbfounded him.
�We don�t know yet.�
�I wanted an army. I think I got it.� Max shrugged at Liz�s questioning glance. �I�m really tired. Let�s go home.�
--
Even though he still wanted nothing more than to take his wife upstairs, Jeff Parker managed to eat a strange assortment of food, attempt explanations to the Evans, answer the phone and sooth Nancy�s frazzled nerves. �I would know if something happened to Liz. She�s fine.�
�How do you know?� Philip demanded. He was not buying into this alien nonsense but with both his children missing, there was nothing he could do but sit and wait.
�My daughter and I have a bond. Now that I am everything that I was born to be... there is no way that I wouldn�t know.� Jeff explained while pouring Tabasco over a piece of pie.
�Philip, did you see that? Max and Isabel are always doing that.� Diane hissed.
�Look, I�ll try her cell phone again but it didn�t work last time.� Nancy sighed and picked up the phone. She listened for a dial tone but there was none. �That�s great, the phone�s dead.�
Philip pulled out his cell phone and it didn�t even turn on. �That�s strange.�
Just then, the sound of cars down the road reached their ears. Four cars pulled up to the Crashdown and stopped. Soon after, nine people walked into the restaurant. The first thing that caught the parents� eyes was the slouched figure between Michael and Kyle. They dropped him into a chair. �Bout time. I was gettin� tired of the two of yous feelin� me up.�
�I thought you were supposed to be pure now.� Michael glared down at Max.
�I thought you was supposed to be smart.� Max shot back.
�Michael, he�s a little out of it. He should rest.� Liz pushed past the others and touched Max�s shoulder. �Can you make it up the stairs? Or do you need help?�
�I got it.� Max pushed himself to his feet and nodded to his parents and the Parkers before pushing open the employee�s only door. He moved slowly but surely up the stairs and disappeared from view.
�Where�s Max?� Diane asked them.
�That is Max.� Isabel hugged her mother.
�Ok, you talk about that. We�re taking Brody home.� Maria announced and guided a very confused abduct-ee out of the Crashdown. Michael, Kyle, Ava and Alex followed her out.
�Isabel, what�s going on? Mr. Parker told us what he thought was happening but...� Diane trailed off. �Why didn�t you answer your phone?�
�My phone...� Isabel pulled it out of her pocket and attempted to turn it on. �Huh... it�s not working.�
�Mom... Dad...� Liz turned to face them.
�We�re okay, Lizzie.� Jeff nodded. �We�ve awakened. Everyone in our calling circle... that we know of.�
�Oh my god...� Liz put a hand to her mouth. �Isabel. Did you hear that?�
�What?� Isabel turned her head.
�Remember what Max said. He wanted an army...� Their eyes widened. Liz shook her head free of the implications of hundreds of fully functional Expatriates around the world. �We�ll ask him when he comes to.�
�Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on?� Philip Evans was within an inch of losing his cool.
�Right...� Liz turned to her father. �I imagine you want to rest... so I�ll tell them... and then I�ll tell you tomorrow.�
�Good plan. Nancy, let�s go.� Jeff grabbed his wife�s hand and disappeared with her, up the stairs.
�Well, Mom, Dad.� Isabel led them to a booth. �Where to start?�
�You can start off with why Jeffery Parker thinks you and your brother are aliens.� Philip put on his courtroom face and waited for his eldest to speak.
Liz and Isabel exchanged glances and bit their lips. Liz stood up. �I�ll put on a pot of coffee.�
--
Max was asleep the second that he lay on Liz�s bed. His head was pounding. The informational merging was proving to be harder than the physical merging. The memories that Max and Zan had in common were of the life they had lead before death on Antar and therefore were the strongest. It was integrating the combination of Earth memories that was the trick. Sometimes part of himself was annoyed by the things he said and other times another part was disgusted by things he said.
Max recognized all the faces and some of the relationships but names were difficult. He had seen the hurt on his sister�s face when he couldn�t remember her name. Liz had been more understanding... or at least she seemed to be. He could feel some sort of wall between them. As his mind raced, his body relaxed and then even his mind stopped. Rest. That was what he needed before he attempted to tackle the world and whatever had happened on Antar.
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