| Secrets In The Past |
| Chapter 21 _____________________________________ Max pulled the Jeep into the drive cursing himself for the late hour. He had gotten so lost in thought while driving around in the desert he had not noticed when it got dark. He called Isabel who thoroughly raked him over the coals for not telling her where he was then turned back towards Roswell. He had been plotting exactly how he was going to get Liz alone, away from Michael, and talk to her. He had several scenarios anticipating anything that could get in his way. There was even one that involved kidnapping her that he was rather fond of. Unfortunately he was concentrating so hard he had not noticed how far he had driven and how much time it would take him to get back to town. It was now almost two o�clock in the morning. It was a really good thing his parents were away at the office in Clovis. However, it was way to late to go over to Liz or Michael�s. It would have to wait until tomorrow. At least they didn�t have school for the rest of the week. Some weird teachers sabbatical or something. Why they made them go to school on Monday and not just give them the whole week off was a mystery. (Note: this actually happened at the author�s high school every Feb. She�s not just making it up for convenience sake.) The time off would definitely make the kidnapping option more viable if it was called for. Max quietly unlocked the door and tip toed up the stairs. Izzy was a very light sleeper and man, was she cranky if you woke her up. He was concentrating on being as silent as possible when a high pitched scream ripped through the house scaring him half to death. Regaining his bearings Max raced down the hall to Isabel�s bedroom. Flinging the door open he found his sister sitting up hugging herself and muttering �I�m sorry,� over and over again as tears flowed down her face. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* She was standing up on a platform looking down on what was supposed to be a garden party. Judging from the decoration it was a big occasion. There were dark clouds rolling in over head and an icy wind was kicking up. She hugged herself to try to keep warm. Now there were two other people standing with her. A man and a woman. They were familiar. She knew them but did not know them. The girl, her name was Lillyah. How did she know that? And the man, Durton, he was insane. What was she doing up her with him? Looking around again she saw two men down in the garden. Rath and Zan. They looked upset. They were yelling at her about something. Asking her to help. Help with what? She looked back to the girl, Lillyah. She looked scared too. Now she noticed that Durton was holding her around the waist. Rath and Zan were still yelling at her to do something. They were now being help back by large men. A scream pierced the air. Her gaze returned to Lilly and Durton. He was plunging a large dagger repeatedly into Lillyah�s stomach. She wanted to go over and help, really she did. She wanted to obey her brother and answer her friends cries but she could not. All she could do was stand and stare. He face impassive, revealing no emotion. Durton dropped Lillyah and ran. The men released Zan and Rath who ran to her body. Zan fell to his knees sobbing while he cradled her lifeless form to his. He looked right in to his sisters eyes and asked �Why? She was your friend. Do you really hate me so? Why?� Then the sobbing reclaimed him. She felt someone wrap their arm around her shoulder and turn her away from the grotesque scene. A voice whispered in her ear �You did well Valondra, I�m proud of you.� Then she was lead away. ~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* �Isabel? What happened?� Max asked as he sat down on the bed next to her. She raised her glassy eyes but avoided his direct gaze. �I�m sorry Zan. I�m so sorry,� she moaned, continuing to rock. �I didn�t know. I swear, I didn�t know.� Max was completely freaking out. She was calling him Zan, as in his past life Zan. He grabbed her shoulder and shook her a little to try to snap her out of it. �Izzy. Isabel, look at me.� She didn�t look up so he shook her again. �Isabel, I�m Max. Not Zan, Max. And your Isabel. Not Valondra, Isabel.� She looked up, finally, and cocked her head to the side. �Max?� she asked in a small voice. �Yes! I�m Max.� She latched on to him and held on for dear life. �Isabel, what happened? Did you have a nightmare? You were in some kind of trance, you scared me to death.� �Oh God Max. It was so horrible.� He pulled back to look at her. �You kept calling me Zan and telling me you were sorry. Did you have another dream about Valondra?� She nodded trying to come up with the words to describe what she had just experienced. �It ... I... it,� she stuttered. �Take your time, Izzy. You don�t have to tell me right now.� �Yes! Yes I do. I can�t keep these things from you. It�s the only way I think I can prevent them from happening again.� �Okay.� Max nodded trying to understand how his sister was feeling. he knew she would never betray him, if he could only convince her of that. �I was in this garden waiting for a party, I don�t think that�s important though. Then there were these two other people there. A man and a girl. Then you and Michael were there or Rath and Zan. They didn�t look or sound like you guys but I knew who they were. They- you - they, whatever, were yelling at me to do something, to help her, the girl on the platform. I looked back and the guy she was with was stabbing her in the st-stomach.� She sniffled a little trying to fight the fresh wave of tears. �She was screaming and there was blood everywhere. There were men holding you guys back so you couldn�t help her. There was no one holding me.� She lost her fight against the tears. Lowering her head on to Max�s shoulder she sobbed for a few minutes before regaining her composure. Max rubbed her back soothingly. He didn�t know what was going on. There was obviously more to the dream. He had never seen Izzy so upset before. Sitting back up she started again. �Th-there was no one holding me back. I just stood there watching while you yelled and begged me to help her. I just stood there and watched her die Max. I could have stopped it and I didn�t. What kind of monster am I?� �Isabel no. You are *not* a monster. You are good and kind and would never betray your family. It�s over now. We don�t even know that this really happened. It was only a dream Izzy.� �I have not even told you the worst part. When ... after she was dead, the girl, you picked up her body. You were sobbing hysterically like your heart had just been ripped out. Y-you asked me why. Why hadn�t I helped her? Why did I let it happen? You said that she was my friend too. And you asked me if I really hatted you that much� �Oh Izzy,� he hugged her again. �It was not me. Even if it really did happen it wasn�t me. It was Zan.� Max realized she hadn�t said who the girl in the dream was. He didn�t want her to be more upset but something in him really wanted to know about the girl. �The girl. You said you knew her.� Izzy puled back again and wiped her face with the back of her hand. Max always knew what to say to make her feel better. He was the only one who could assure her that she was *not* Valondra. She thought back trying to remember the girl. �Yeah, but it was different now that I think about it. I knew who Zan and Rath were that it was really you and Michael. Kinda or... you know what I mean. Anyway, the girl I knew her, her name then but I don�t know her now. But... there was something so familiar like I knew her but I didn�t. I don�t really know how to explain it.� �It wasn�t Tess, I mean Ava?� �No. She wasn�t there. I knew her name, what was it? Lilah? No. Lizzy? No. Lilly... Lillyah! That�s it, her name was Lillyah.� �Lillyah? That sounds kinda familiar.� Max said a little unsure of himself. The name was evoking a response in him that he could not explain. �You said you thought you knew her, do you mean now?� �Yeah. Like...like when someone calls you and you can�t quite place the voice on the phone but you know you know them. It�s like that. I recognized her essence I guess you could say. Like I did yours and Michael�s but I could not match a person I know now to it.� Max thought about it for a minute. �Do you think this was more than a nightmare Isabel?� �The more I think about it the more I think this was like a warning. That girl, Lillyah, she�s here Max. I�m positive of it. We have to find her.� �I don�t know Iz. We know so little about our past lives. How do we even know what you dreamt was a memory and not just a nightmare.� �It was my dream Max. I know. Please can�t we just consider it. Talk to the others about what they think. Max, I stood there watching that maniac stab her to death three feet away from me. If she�s here I need to find her. Plus if she was that important to the two of you who�s to say they didn�t send her too. We didn�t know about the dupes until a few months ago, there is the possibility there could be more of us.� This was already so important to her he could not say no. What harm could having a meeting about her theory do? He was not willing to admit that he was also feeling a strange pull to the name Lillyah. �Ok, I�ll call everyone in the morning and we can meet here in the afternoon. Oh, actually it will have to be for dinner. I have to work from nine to six tomorrow. Brody is still MIA. Can you wait that long.� �I guess I don�t really have a choice do I? Do you think Larek took Brody again?� �I�m not sure. It�s been awhile and the real Brody keeps leaving messages on the machine for me. If it were Larek don�t you think he would have just told me he was here?� �Really I have no idea. Bring it up at the meeting tomorrow.� �I will. Do you think you can sleep now?� �Yeah.� she lay back down and flipped off the bed side lamp. Max brought the covers up and kissed her forehead. �You know where I am if you need me.� �Thanks Max.� �No problem. Night Izzy.� �Night Max.� ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The next evening... Michael kept taking sidelong glances at Liz as he drove. She was definitely better this evening than she was yesterday but he still didn�t think this was such a good idea. They only had to wait a few more days until Gwyn got back. If she could just hang on until then things would start to get better again. His resolve was slowly dwindling, though. He was watching his sister lose it with the weight of all these secrets and lies and unanswered questions. He would let her do just about anything she wanted to but this was the only thing she had shown any interest in. She had not even asked to work on her powers. After the whole Rob thing yesterday Michael was even more paranoid and protective than before. He had not let her out of his sight in the last thirty six hours. The only exception was his shift at the Crashdown last night that Maria insisted he go to. Liz had been almost despondent at the time. She sat on the couch starring off into space with a blank, hopeless look in her eyes. Every time you looked at her it was a struggle not to break down yourself. Maria told him he had to go to work, that being away from each other might do he and Liz some good. Maybe she could get her to talk. Michael was reluctant to say the least. Maria reasoned that if Rob was the guy looking for Liz it was unlikely that he would do anything tonight after such a public display earlier in the day. Also, he would probably not think to look for Liz and Michael�s apartment. He finally agreed to leave but he was not leaving them alone. Liz was in no shape to defend herself. There was a little voice that he refused to acknowledge that wondered if she would even try, if she even cared anymore. He was so desperate he almost called Max but Maria suggested that Colin guy Liz was fond of. It wasn�t a choice he would have made normally but Liz liked him and at this point he would try anything to get through to her. Plus Colin had plenty of opportunity over the last couple weeks to kill her, no thanks to Liz, but didn�t. According to Maria, Liz responded to Colin some. Talked to him, he got her to smile a little. Loath he was to admit it, but it hurt that Liz would open up to someone not in their group. Maria said it was because he didn�t know the truth. In Liz�s fragile mind Colin lived in as much of a dream world as she would like to. She didn�t really know anyone who was unaware of aliens and destiny and the elite unit of the FBI anymore. Talking to Colin was like living before her life had been turned upside down. When she talked to him she could once again be Liz Parker, smallest of small town girls. Not Liz Parker former soul mate of the destined leader of an alien race and his second in command�s alien sister. Liz had gradually gotten better as the night went on. She slept soundly in Michael�s bed while he watched over her. In the morning she was able to hold a real conversation as long as they had nothing to do with the current situation. Both Michael and Maria had tried to get her to say something, anything about Rob but she simply left the room if the subject was addressed. She was talking, that was of the good, but they had yet to get her to eat something. Not to mention the fact that she still looked like she had been hit by a train. She was gaunt and pale, bags under her eyes from crying, and there was an ugly green bruise under her chin. That bruise. Every time Michael saw it his blood boiled. The bruise was also another reason he didn�t think letting Liz go to this emergency meeting was a good idea. Max was going to see that mark and want to heal it. Michael wanted him to do it too, but there was no way Liz could handle any physical contact with Max. She would complete crack. Unfortunately his resolve about letting her go was virtually nonexistent since she showed an actual desire to go. It was the first time in near a month she had expressed any interest in doing anything besides her powers. She had been in the room when he received the very curt call from Max demanding their presence at this meeting tonight. Isabel had some kind of dream that was freaking her out. Max thought letting her tell everyone about it would help her but refused to go into any detail. Liz had heard him talking about it and wanted to help Isabel. She smiled and gave him that puppy look with those big doe eyes and he could not refuse her anything. Now as they were driving to the Evans� his apprehension about not leaving her locked up until Gwyn came back was growing. Something told him that Liz should not be at this meeting. She looked so tired and fragile. Something was going to happen, he could feel it. All he could do right now was stand by and hope they all survived the on coming storm. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Max paced anxiously around the room. He was doing a lot of that lately, pacing. Everyone was here except Michael, Maria, and Liz. Surprise, surprise. He was getting nervous that Liz would not come. He really needed to see her. Michael would not let him talk to her when he called earlier. When he found out Liz had spent the night at Michael�s to say he was disturbed was an understatement. He was willing to let it go though, if and only if she was here tonight. And if she was not he was going to go get her. The bell rang halting his rut in the carpet. Isabel answered the door. A few moments later she came back into the living room followed by Michael and Maria but no Liz. Before he could ask where she was Michael answered his question. �Liz is out in the car. She wants to talk to Tess alone for a minute.� Everyone turned to her. �Ummm ok. Did she say what about?� Tess asked. �No she would not tell us.� Michael was very nervous about this new development. �Yeah I�ll be right back I guess.� She left to go see why Liz wanted to speak with her. The silence weighing the air was heavy. �How is she doing?� Isabel finally asked. She had been really worried about Liz yesterday. Sure what Rob did was horrible, but it should not have completely desolated her like that. �She�s ok. Still a little shaky but she speaking now so I think that�s an improvement.� Maria answered. �Oh, she�s a little pale, but don�t say anything ok? I think she�s a little self conscious.� Maria didn�t say anything about the bruise hoping maybe Max would not notice. Yeah, and your not dating a space boy, keep telling your self that Maria. �So what�s all this dream stuff about? Why couldn�t it wait until later?� He wanted to get Liz out of here as soon as possible �I think we should wait until Liz and Tess get back.� Max answered in a frigid tone. Then they walked throughout the door. Tess in the lead, looking very concerned and Liz behind, a small smile on her face as she caught Maria�s eye. Maria�s eyes lit up as she realized why Liz wanted to talk to Tess. Liz might be fighting off that padded cell after all. Michael grabbed her hand and pulled her down next to him wrapping an arm tightly around her thin shoulders. He ignored the looks of shock and disbelief that this thin, pale, fragile looking girl had once been their Liz and focused on her alone. She was smiling a little and that scared him. What exactly had she talked to Tess about? Then he felt Maria tug on his shoulder so she cold whisper in his other ear. �She got Tess to heal the bruise on her chin.� Michael looked back to see she was correct. Liz�s chin was as good as new. Not a speck of green or brown in sight. Thank God. One disaster averted, on to the next. Max could not take his eyes off Liz. If it were not that Isabel needed him too he would grab Liz right now and run as far as he could with her. She looked positively ill. After this meeting was over Liz was not leaving this house. His parents would be away for a week, Iz was here if there were an implications of impropriety. It was beyond obvious now that he was the only one capable of taking proper care of her. Whatever was bothering her was slowly eating her away to nothing. How could Michael and Maria sit idly by and let that happen? Wait. They were not sitting idly, they were actually helping Liz to destroy herself by keeping Max from her. Nope, it was not going on any more. After this meeting he was taking responsibility for Liz�s well being like he should have done in the first place. He was going to keep her here and find out what was going on if it meant tying all seven of the others up. �Well, why don�t we start this thing.� Alex tried to break the ice. Everyone had been staring at Liz and Max seemed in no hurry to stop giving Michael the alien death ray treatment. Not that he blamed him one bit. �Right.� Max snapped out of his thoughts and moved to sit next to Isabel. �Izzy had a nightmare last night, we think it was a memory from her past life.� He glanced over at her to make sure she was ok so far. She nodded so he continued. �We can�t be sure what was real and what was a product of her... guilt, but she is positive that there is someone we are supposed to find. There was a girl in her dream along with the three of us,� he pointed to Michael, Isabel, and himself. �We were our past personas but this girl was also there and now Izzy thinks we need to find her. That she�s here, on earth.� Michael was silently freaking out. Please, oh please don�t let that dream be what I think it was, he prayed. �How do you know that girl was not Tess or Ava or whatever?� Isabel spoke up finally, �It wasn�t. I knew Zan and Rath. You could say I recognized their essences and could place them as you and Max. The girl, I knew her essence but I could not connect her to anyone I know now.� It was obvious there was more to the dream than they were saying. Tess was curious, her place in the group had always been questioned and now it was happening again. Maybe who ever this girl Isabel thought was here could give her some answers. �Maybe if you told us the whole dream, we could give you a few suggestions.� Max squeezed Izzy�s hand and she took a deep breath. She was hoping to get out of giving them all the details but Tess was right. Maybe they could give better imput if they knew everything. �all right. I�m going to give you the short version because it was really disturbing. Basically I, Valondra, was in this garden waiting for a party. There was this girl and another man there. Then Zan and Rath were there, they were screaming at me to help, to save the girl. I looked back and the guy was brutally stabbing the girl. Zan and Rath were being held back but I wasn�t. I just stood there and watched her die.� Tears were streaming down her face while she tried to finish. �I-I umm, just stood there while Max picked up her body and asked why I didn�t help her, why I hated him so much.� Max put his arm around her. �Izzy, its ok. You know that�s not true. We love you and you would never let anything like that happen. Its ok now.� She pulled out of his grasp, �No, its not ok Max. I stood there and watched. I stood there and I let that guy kill her. I just watch Lillyah die. I could have saved her but I didn�t. I just let Lillyah die.� The room suddenly exploded with activity. At the mention of her past persona Liz�s eyes grew wide. Then she let what Isabel was saying sink in. She had been stabbed to death, murdered. Isabel had let it happen. No! She knew Izzy and there had to be an explanation. She was instantly on her feet and kneeling in front of the now sobbing Isabel. Michael was having trouble breathing. Isabel had helped someone murder his sister? He didn�t want to believe it but he knew about Valondra and he had already seen the dreams. He stood and started pacing in circles trying to think of what to do. Isabel thought she had to find Lillyah. Was Liz in danger from Isabel? Maria was sitting in stunned silence, her mouth agape and her eyes wide. Then she remembered, Liz didn�t know any of this. The cat was out of the bag now. She noticed Michael looked like he was about to blow. She stood and tried to calm him. The last thing Liz or Isabel needed was his recent cave man attitude. The others didn�t know what to think. Isabel thought she had something to do with a murder? Who was this Lillyah girl? What was up with Michael? He looked like he was going to explode. Not to mention Liz. They had not seen this much activity in her in months. Max could not tear his eyes away from Liz. She was hugging Isabel tightly and rocking back and forth as Izzy sobbed in to her neck. They had never been close. Sure Liz was always a soft heart but her reaction to Isabel�s dream did not seem consistent with just comforting her. �I killed her. I let her die.� Izzy moaned mournfully into Liz�s neck. Liz hugged her tighter then pulled back to cupped her face in her hands. �Izzy look at me.� Liz had tears flowing down her face as well. �You don�t know what you saw was real.� Izzy shook her head. �It was Liz, I know it was. I just stood there while she screamed and I did nothing.� �Izzy whatever the reason Valondra did what she did. If it happened like you said, if it was worse, where ever she is now,� Liz tried to surprises the sob building in her throat �where ever Lillyah is I know she forgives you.� With Liz�s kind, heartfelt words Isabel promptly lost it again and this time so did Liz. Unfortunately at this point Michael�s fog also lifted. He ripped Liz out of Isabel grasp so roughly she almost fell on the floor. He had to get her out of here and now. They had to go away, Michael was convinced she was not safe, he did not have a single rational thought in his head. He was going purely on instinct. That instinct was telling him to get Liz as far away from Max and Isabel, from Roswell as he could. �Michael! What the hell are you doing?� Max stood trying to get between him and the door. �Liz we- we have to go. I-I have to work tonight. I just remembered.� He improvised lamely while pulling Liz behind him. �Michael, she is not going anywhere.� Max held his ground in front of Michael. �Maria, car, now.� Knowing this was not the time to mess with him, she obediently complied with his order. �Max, she is coming with me. She is only safe with me. If you don�t move right now I will make you move.� he growled. �Only safe with you? Safe from what? Where do you get off Michael? I would protect her with my life, you *know* that.� �That�s what you said last time,� was the only answer he got before he was shoved back in to the wall hitting his head. Michael took off past him dragging Liz along behind. �Oh my God, Max!� Tess and Isabel ran to him. He recovered quickly but not quickly enough. He got to the front door just in time to see Michael peeling out of the drive. Chapter 22 ______________________________________ They got to the Crashdown in record time. Liz and Maria barely had time to process where they were going let alone what was going through Michael�s head. Liz also had a few other things going through her mind. He was now leading the two of them swiftly into a deserted Crashdown. That was a good thing too, there didn�t need to be any witnesses to the scene that was about to play out in the dining room. Once they were inside Michael pulled the shades on the doors flipped the sigh to closed. He was still holding on to Liz�s arm from where he had dragged her into the cafe. Maria was looking at him like he was completely insane. Liz was staring at the floor and being very quiet. Too quiet. Maria had known Liz forever and she did not envy Michael when Liz finally found her tongue. �Maria, give me your phone and credit card. Then take Liz upstairs and pack a bag.� �WHAT?!� �I have to get her out of here.� �Michael, you have completely lost it. We are not taking her anywhere. And if you keep giving me orders like that I�ll tell you where you can take yourself.� �We don�t have time for this.� He wrapped his arm around a slightly trembling Liz and began walking to the back stairs. Liz stopped abruptly halting his own progress. �Liz sweetling, we need to go away for a few days.� He smiled down at her, speaking as if she were a small child. Roughly, she extracted herself from his arms and backed away. She raised wild eyes to his concerned ones. He reached for her, �Liz what�s wrong?� He tried to keep his voice calm and soothing but she was scaring him. �Did you know?� she asked in an even, chilled tone. He stopped just short of touching her, �what?� �DID YOU KNOW!?� she screamed, backing away some more. �Liz,� he advanced on her again, �Liz, please. You have to calm down.� �Calm down? You want me to calm down? I just found out that one of my best friends helped orchestrate my murder and my brother was keeping it from me. You be calm Michael.� Liz began pacing around the Crashdown like a caged animal. She pulled at her hair, muttering to herself while Maria and Michael followed her around. �Liz, I didn�t know about Valondra. I swear.� �I don�t understand. Secrets. That�s all my life is now, secrets and lies. I was always a good girl. Did what was expected of, asked of me. I was good in school, nice to animals, loved my parents. Why is everything being taken away? It was only ever the one thing I wanted. I helped, why now? After everything, why is it being taken now? Can�t even be in the same room.� Tears were rolling down her cheeks as she stalked around shaking her head mumbling fractured sentences. �Why didn�t you tell me? Was it that you thought it was funny watching me live in fear or maybe its watching me lose my mind that�s so entertaining.� �Liz no.� he tried to stop her but she sidestepped him �We, Gwyn and I, we didn�t think you could handle it right now. Not with everything else.� �No of course not. Why would you? I�m just living day to day hoping that that guy will find me so that I don�t have to live with all these secrets and unanswered question. Praying that I don�t have to look at him and *sob* lie to him again. Why would you think answering one of my questions would help me in the least.� �Liz, we were only doing what we thought was best. It could have put you in danger.� She turned to face him when she reached the wall near the swinging door in the back. Slowly, staring off into space, she slid down until she was sitting with her knees pulled up to her chest. �I-I can�t do this anymore.� She was crying hard now, her hair sticking to her wet face. �Please, just-just let me go. I can�t do this anymore. It�s too much, too many secrets, too many...� �Lizzy! Oh god.� Maria rushed to her side. �It�ll be Ok, Liz. Michael is going to fix everything.� She smoothed back Liz�s hair trying to look into her eyes. �Too late. Too many lies. Never get it back.� Her eyes were blank now, not seeing anything. She didn�t even really hear Maria, she was shutting down completely, giving up. �Liz!� Maria shook her shoulders. �Don�t say that! It�s not too late. You have to hang on. Please.� she begged. Liz dropped her head to her knees and whimpered. Michael was standing helplessly over her shoulder. He had no idea what to do. Liz was going over the edge and he still needed to get her out of here. �Michael-� she was about to tell him to do something, anything but the bells on the door of the diner stopped her. They turned around to see an extremely irate Max followed by Alex storming throughout the doors. Max strode up to Michael, took one look at the little pool of Liz on the floor and used his fist to send him flying half way across the cafe. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ A few Minutes Earlier... The five remaining members of the group stood on the doorstep in silent dismay as they watched the empty road. Kyle finally broke the silence, �What the hell was that all about?� �I don�t know but I think it�s safe to assume something is going on now, and it�s not post traumatic stress disorder.� Alex responded. They all went back into the house to try to come up with an explanation. Isabel was still sniffling, terribly upset by not only the dream but Michael�s actions. Tess was whispering something in Kyle�s ear. Max was standing perfectly still attempting to get a hold on his immense anger. �What do you think he meant, �that�s what you said last time�? Max has never intentionally put Liz in danger. And what was up with Maria? She was actually taking orders from him. Something is not right here.� �She�s mine! How dare he do that?� Max exploded, unable to control the primal urges of jealousy and protectiveness coursing through him. Every one turned to stare at Max�s brash comment. The whole group knew they still loved each other but Max truly looked like he would hurt anyone who got in his way right now. �Umm Max. That�s not terribly P.C. You might want to discuss it with Liz before you drag her off to your cave.� Max glared at Isabel. He knew his feelings were wrong and not politicly correct, but he couldn�t help it. He was feeling so many things not the least of which was shame. He had let her slip through his fingers once again. She was the love of his life and he was apparently unable to protect her. In so many ways, even though they currently were not together, she was his and he hers. Right now he didn�t care how anyone felt besides Liz. He had to decide what to do now. He was tired of waiting for Michael to come to him. This was not a trade off. It was becoming clear that if he wanted her to be safe, to get better, to be with him, he would have to get her himself. This sentiment seemed to be echoed by the group. �Max, I think we should go after them. The three of them have all been edgy lately and Liz is just... not right. Then their reaction to my dream. It was just plain strange. Michael seemed to truly believe that we were a danger to her. Not to mention the weirdness of him protecting her in the first place.� Max nodded trying to put something together in his head but nothing fit. He noticed Tess was being oddly quiet. �Tess, what did Liz want to see you about?� She looked at the ground, making small circles in the carpet with her shoe. �I, umm, well...� she tried to stall. �Tell him Tess,� Kyle glared at her . �Kyle she asked me not to and I don�t think it will help the current situation.� She gestured to Max and raised her eyebrows. �He needs to know Tess.� he said firmly. �What? What�s wrong?� Max was growing impatient with the situation. She sighed and conceded defeat, �she ... she asked me to heal a really nasty bruise on her face. That�s why she didn�t come in the house to talk to me. She didn�t want you to see it.� The unadulterated fury that flooded Max�s countenance made her gasp. They all took a few steps back afraid of what he might do next. His eyes were literally black with rage. Turning he let out a fierce growl before he put his fist through the wall. Without another word he grabbed his keys off the hall table and made his way to the Jeep. �Oh my God! Alex, go stop him.� Isabel cried, �He�s going to kill Michael.� �Uh, Hi. Lowly human getting between two pissed off aliens about to fight over a girl. I don�t think so.� �Alex you have to go. Max thinks Michael hit her.� Tess exclaimed, realizing where Max�s out of control emotions had led his thoughts. �Kyle can�t go, Max still thinks Liz slept with him, in the state he�s in he will kill Kyle too.� Isabel and Alex only had a moment to stare at Tess. Liz didn�t sleep with Kyle? �Alex GO!� �Right.� Alex took off and jumped into the passenger seat at the same moment Max gunned the engine and squealed out of the drive. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ �Max No!� Alex yelled as he got in between Max and a quickly recovering Michael. This had better get him some major brownie points with Isabel, he thought. Getting in the middle of an alien smack down was not high on his to do list. Maria moved to intercept Michael as her threw an offending table out of his way. Maria didn�t know why she was so surprised. The way Michael was acting with Liz around him lately, it was a wonder Max had not blown sooner. �Michael stop.� His eyes never left Max, �Maria, Alex leave. This is between Max and me.� �I don�t think so Space Boy. You two need to have a good old fashioned man to man talk not a jealousy induced fist fight.� He hit me, I get to hit him.� �For pete sake step off the play ground and act like an adult. There are more important things going on than your stupid ego, Michael.� Silence descended for a few moments while the staring contest continued, neither willing to back down. It was broken by a few soft whimpers from Liz. Everyone looked over to where she was curled into a ball. �Liz...� Max whispered. His heart breaking for what was becoming of her. Michael�s face also softened at the sight of his despondent sister. Max shifted his gaze back to them, then moved towards Liz. Michael picked Maria up and moved her out of his way in an attempt to keep Max away from Liz. �Get away from her.� He growled Max spun on his heal to regard him, �Me? Oh no,� he laughed, �I am not the one that�s staying away from her. If you ever lay another hand on her again don�t think I won�t come after you Michael.� Michael took another step towards him, narrowing his eyes �What exactly are you implying Maxwell?� Max took another step bringing them almost chest to chest �You know *exactly* what I�m talking about.� Michael was just about to lunge at Max when Maria�s scream brought him to a halt. �STOP IT!� They turned to look at her, she was furious, they were scared. �I am so sick of you two. How can you be fighting? Look at her. Go ahead, look. She�s giving up and you two are facing off in some kind of misguided attempt to defend her honor. Well, what good is that going to do if she�s dead?� Everyone stood in stunned silence at Maria�s words. She was right, they were acting like idiots. �Alex take Liz upstairs and put her to bed. Do not, I repeat do not leave her alone. I don�t care if she has to go to the bathroom or wants to take a shower. You don�t let her out of your sight. Is that clear?� �Yeah.� They all watched while he gently picked up Liz�s limp body and carried her up stairs. Then she turned back to her very guilty looking space boys. �First I think we need to clear one thing up. Max did you talk to Tess before you came over here?� �Yes,� he refocused on Michael, �If you *ever* lay a hand on a woman again, let alone Liz, I will make it my mission to make your life a living hell.� �What are you talking about? I would never harm Liz.� �That�s what I thought. Max, Max when I speak to you I expect you to look at me.� he turned reluctantly back to Maria, �that�s better. As I was trying to tell you, Michael did not hit Liz. That bruise was from yesterday when Rob accosted her. Trust me when I say Michael would be more likely to raise a hand to me before he would Liz.� Michael looked sharply at Maria �Maria I would never...� She took his hand and squeezed it quickly, �I know that, I was just making a point.� �Fine. So you didn�t hit her. That does not excuse whatever amount of trauma your influence is causing her.� Michael visibly winced at his words but Max didn�t care, �I am taking her with me and you will not get in my way again.� �No, you can�t take her Max. I am helping her if you want to believe that or not.� �Michael do you even see her when you look at her? You are doing anything but helping her.� He headed toward the back door but Maria grabbed his arm. �Max he�s right,� she said in a somber tone, �You can�t take her right now. Not alone. You will lead them right to her.� �Maria!� Michael hissed. �Who? Lead who to Liz?� He flitted his gaze between the two who seemed to be having a wordless war. �Is someone after Liz? Damn it! Someone answer me.� �Michael tell him.� �No, you know I can�t do that.� �You have to tell him. He virtually already knows. How long do you think it�s going to be before the others are able to put all the pieces together?� �Only a few more days. It�s only a few more days.� �Michael, you saw her. She�s not going to last that long. The secrets, the lies, it�s too much for her to handle in addition to everything else she has to deal with. Protecting her is worthless if she kills herself over the guilt. The not knowing is enough, at least let Max be there for her until she gets some answers.� �Maria you know what Gwyn said, he could lead her right to them.� �Michael do you really think that with everything that�s happened, people watching her, the little alien dolls, the stalker, Rob yesterday, that they don�t already know who she is? The only thing Max knowing will do is take some of the weight off of her. Granted they should not go somewhere alone together, that might confirm any doubts they have but he should know. It�s time to tell him.� �Tell me what? Is Liz in danger?� Max was completely panicking. Maria smiled reassuringly at him. �I am going upstairs to help Alex with Liz. Michael tell him or I will. Then you are going to go back and explain everything to Isabel and pray she forgives you for you reaction. She would never do what you were thinking and you know it.� She left to go upstairs but turned with one last thought. �Neither of you come back here until tomorrow. Don�t argue Michael. If anything happens we will call you. Liz needs to rest without you two baring down on her. Alex and I will keep her safe.� Then she left leaving the two boys to their own devices. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Maria walked into Liz�s bedroom. Alex had tucked her into bed and was sitting in a chair next to her. She came over and sat one the bed at Liz�s hip. Liz was laying one her back staring unblinking at the ceiling. �Lizzy,� she leaned over her so she could look into her eyes. Smoothing her hair back she tired to get through to her. �Lizzy, I really need you to hear me. Please Liz, we need you.� She blinked once, Maria took it as a good sign and continued. �Liz, Michael is downstairs right now with Max. He�s telling him everything.� That got her attention, she turned her head and her eyes filled with terror but she still didn�t say anything. �What? What�s wrong?� Alex asked, noting straight away Liz�s terror. �No Liz, not *that* everything. That�s for only you to tell him if you want. Michael�s just telling him about the sister thing, about Lillyah.� A deep breath escaped Liz, it was the first time she was able to breath in weeks. Max knew! A small smile appeared on her face and her eyes filled with tears. Maria smiled back. She gently wiped the tears from her eyes and kissed her forehead. �Can you rest a little while now?� Liz nodded and yawned. She rolled into a more comfortable position and fell asleep almost instantly. She still had the little smile on her face. Maria tucked the covers around her and lead Alex out of the room. She left the door open so they could keep an eye on her. �Ok Maria, What is going on?� �Liz is Lillyah.� She stated matter-of-facty while walking to the living room. �What?� �Liz is Lillyah, Michael�s sister.� She continued into the kitchen leaving a speechless Alex in her wake. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Michael sat heavily into a chair after Maria left. Maybe she was right. It was only a few more days and at this rate out of the three of them only one would be left standing. He was pretty sure it would not be him. �Michael tell me what�s going on. Is Liz in danger? Why do you think that my being with her is a threat.� Michael continued to stare at the ground. �Michael say something!� �I think you should sit down.� �Why?� �Just sit Max.� He sounded tired now, defeated. Max grabbed a chair and pulled it in front of him. Michael took a deep breath. �You have to believe I never meant for Liz to get this bad. All I was doing was trying to protect her.� �From what Michael? Why did you think I could not protect her?� �Because you make her easier to find.� �Michael, would you stop speaking in code and just tell me what the hell is going on.� �Fine. You know Isabel�s dream?� �Yeah...� �That girl Lillyah that Isabel thinks she has to find?� �yeah, what about it?� �We don�t have to find her, she found us.� Michael smirked �I suppose we could say you actually found her, but she was more persistent.� �What? You know who she is?� What did this have to do with protecting Liz? �Yeah. I know who she is.� �Michael spit it out, I swear you are worse than Liz when it comes to getting things out of you.� Michael laughed, �Funny you should say that Max. Did you know that Lillyah was Rath�s sister? That she�s my sister?� �No. Why is that funny?� For a bright guy Max was being really slow about this. He took another breath and let it out before dropping the big bomb. �Liz is Lillyah Max. Liz is my sister.� Max�s eyes grew wide and his mouth dropped open but he could neither form thoughts nor words. �And you know the guy who murdered her on Antar? He�s back and he�s looking for her.� Chapter 23 ____________________________________ �Valondra?� she called as she walked in to the garden off the main palace. �Vonnie? Where are you?� She shivered and batted at her skirts as a chilly wind kicked up. Looking to the dark clouds dotting the horizon she hoped it wouldn�t rain. Tonight was going to be perfect and she didn�t want anything to ruin it. She smoothed out her gown again as she moved farther into the garden to look for Vonnie. It was the exact same shade of aqua as the stones in the crown she would receive later tonight. Zan had said it was her best color. She smiled at the thought. Her life had become a blissful dream. It didn�t matter if it rained, nothing could spoil her happiness. She walked back up to the platform connected to the large doors leading into the main gallery. She could get a better view of the expansive gardens from here. Suddenly Valondra materialized at her side. �Oh! Vonnie you scared me. What did you want to see me about?� she smiled at her. Thunder clapped in the distance and a cloud blocked out the light. �Vonnie? What�s the matter?� She followed her blank stare over her shoulder. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw what Vonnie was looking at. �W-what are you doing here?� she asked the mad man in front of her. �Lillyah!� She turned at the sound of her name to see her fiancee and her brother charging the to platform. She began to inch towards them but he was faster. There was a commotion but the rushing sound in her ears and the abject terror she was feeling kept her from hearing anything at all. Then the whole world faded away to reveal nothing but immense pain. She could not even hear her own screams. There was only pain. Ripping, burning, tearing, numbing, scalding pain. It encompassed her very being until all that existed was the endless darkness and the agonizing pain. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Screaming, there was someone screaming. Liz opened her eyes and realized that she was the one screaming. She sat up and another cry was pulled from her raw throat as she gripped her stomach in agony. Tears ran freely down her cheeks as she tried to get the pain under control. She took a few deep breaths to try to calm herself. �Maria? Alex?� she called weakly into the early morning darkness. There was no answer. She didn�t know what to do. It hurt so bad and she was scared so she did the only thing she could think of in her addled state. Groaning loudly she fumbled for the phone on the other side of the bed. Dialing the numbers she noticed something dark smearing over the key pad but paid no attention while waiting for the other end to pick up. �Hello?� an out of breathe voice answered. �M-Max?� ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Michael rubbed his temples. Max had been grilling him for hours now. He didn�t seem to understand that he didn�t know anymore now than he did two hours ago. After Michael had dropped the big news Max became pretty much a zombie. He just stared at him. Michael suggested they go back to the Evans� to tell the others. Max nodded mutely and handed Michael the keys to the Jeep. When they got there the response had been similar. Kyle and Tess were speechless and Isabel was hysterical. All she could process was that she had killed Liz. That was what finally snapped Max out of his stupor. Isabel was almost inconsolable, eventually Max had to actually put her to sleep. It was something he had been able to do since they came out of the pods but only to Izzy. They figured it was an alien sibling thing. Michael then went over the basics of what he knew. Everyone sat with rapt attention listening to the events of the past few weeks. After going over things three times Kyle took a sleeping Tess home around midnight. It was getting close to two in the morning now. Isabel had woken up and was sitting quietly on the couch watching Max pace nervously around the living room. He had a look of severe concentration as he tried to piece together the greater puzzle from the bits of information he had. Maria had called around eleven to check on them. She also reminded Michael not to let anything slip about a particular sacrificial prophecy or visitors from the future. That was for Liz alone to tell Max. She had also assured him that Liz was sleeping peacefully. Maria had told her that he was telling Max and she showed immediate improvement. �You�re sure Gwyn was ok, she wasn�t trying to expose the rest of us?� Max pulled Michael from his musings. Michael sighed. �Yes, I�m sure. She was very concerned about her safety. Also, in the Granolith chamber, she was so happy she was crying.� �So she remembers us, or who we used to be?� �Yes.� �But she didn�t come at the same time as us?� �No she came later but I don�t know how much later.� �But Liz was sent here before us?� �Yes.� �Why? and how come she�s not older than us?� �Well I would assume because she died before we did. I don�t know why were all the same age. We we�re different ages on Antar.� �We were? You didn�t say that.� �I forgot, how old we were in past lives is not really a pressing matter when someone is trying to kill you sister Max.� �Right, sorry, so?� �Lilly and I were two years apart and I think you and Valondra and I were the same age but I�m not sure on that one. She might have been a year or two older. I don�t know how old we were when we all died, only that Lilly and I were five and three when we went to live with you.� �But Liz is completely human. I know, I healed her. She had he tonsels out in the sixth grade. How can she be one of us?� Michael sighed again. Poor Max. His brain worked so much like Liz�s. Getting close to Liz had made him understand Max and how he worked better. Right now his questions had now coherent line. He was grasping for any bit of information he could get. �The only thing Gwyn said about that was that she was made completely human for her own protection.� �But if she�s completely human how were we supposed to find her?� Crap. This was the one thing other than future Max he had been trying to avoid. Lilly/Liz�s link to Zan/Max. They had not told Liz about it and he was not sure if Max should know right now either. Now he was going to have to say something since Max had asked point blank. �Michael what are you not telling me?� Max had seen him debating something in his head. This was perhaps one of the greatest revolutions of his life: He had known Liz in his past before. It was something he had wished for more than anything. Now that it was becoming a reality he needed to know everything. He needed to be able to put somethings together so that he could be there for Liz. Help her through this. No wonder she was going crazy. Liz was logical just like he was. The not knowing what she is or why she is here must be killing her. Her entire life, everything she knew to be fact, was an illusion. It might be one of his greatest dreams but he didn�t want it to happen like this. He couldn�t even imagine what she was going through. He had played witness her steady decline but it was probably nothing compared to what was going on in her head. At least Max had always know what he was. He always knew there was something out there looking for him. He knew he had questions that there may never be answers to but to just wake up one day and find those things out. There was no way he was going to let her go through this alone. And he could not properly help her if Michael was withholding something. �ummm... they were kinda expecting you to find her.� �What? How was I supposed to find her when I didn�t even know she existed?� �I don�t know all the details there was some prophecy that said you guys would find each other again... so congratulations you fulfilled the prophecy.� �Michael, what are you not telling me? What do you mean find each other *again*? What was Lillyah to me on Antar?� Michael conceded defeat once again. �I�ll tell you but you can�t tell Liz. We decided not to tell her about this until we got some other answers from Gwyn. We thought it would be just too much for her to handle.� �That worked so well with the murder thing didn�t it?� Max asked flippantly. �That was not my idea. That was Gwyn, she told us not to tell Liz about the murder and not to tell you about Liz.� �Yes, but WHY?� �Max, would you calm down? Michael is trying his best here.� Isabel spoke for the first time in an hour. Max sat down on the couch resting his elbows on his knees and hung his head. �I�m sorry. This is just so frustrating. I can�t help her if I don�t know what�s going on.� Izzy patted his back gently. �Max you don�t have to know anything to help her. Deep down you know that. You just have to be there for her.� Max nodded and turned his attention back to Michael. �Michael, I�m waiting.� �Fine, but you can�t tell Liz, not until we know more about Tess.� �About Tess?� �Yeah, Gwyn did not explain Tess�s presence in you life then or now. Knowing what Lilly was to you and then knowing Tess is here now, plus everything else she�s gone through... trust me she could not handle it.� �Ok, I won�t tell her, just tell me.� �Lillyah and Zan were engaged. I don�t know when, Gwyn only said that she was killed before you were married. The prophecy said something about the fates bringing you back together in another life.� �soul mates.� Max and Isabel whispered at the same time. Michael shook his head, �That�s what Maria said too. Anyway, that�s how we were supposed to find her. You would know her.� �Well that certainly explains a few things, huh Max?� Isabel grinned at the dumbfounded expression on her brother�s face. �You said you were not supposed to tell Max about Liz being Lillyah, why?� �Gwyn assumed, and correctly, that once he knew it would be impossible to keep Max away from her.� Max blushed and averted his gaze to the floor. �Unfortunately this was a widely known prophecy, I guess. Somehow she already knew who the four of us were. They assumed whoever was close to Max would be Lillyah. Gwyn said that was the main thing that threw her off or she would have found Liz weeks before she did. We thought that if we kept Max away from her it would do the same thing with Durton.� �And that�s the guy who killed her?� �Yes, but its pretty safe to assume that he knows who she is now.� �Ok, I don�t get it. If Liz and Max were in love in that life and this one, what�s with Tess? I mean their own prophecies said they would be together again.� �Yeah, that�s why we have not told Liz. Destiny pretty much destroyed her life. If Max and Tess are supposed to be together for some reason, to know about the soul mate thing would be putting the nails in her coffin ourselves.� Max shook his head. This was such a mess. He was so deep in thought about the triangle that just became even more complicated he almost missed the drop in his stomach. His heart started to race and there was a dull ache in his abdomen. He winced a little and clutched his stomach. �Max? Are you ok?� Isabel noticed he was grimacing like he was in pain. The phone ringing stopped him from answering. It was so late it was probably important. He grabbed the phone off the coffee table, he was still a little out of breath from that weird pain. �Hello?� �M-Max?� a shaky, feminine voice asked. His head shot back and he made eye contact with Michael. �Liz?� �Umm Max... do you think you could come over here?� �Absolutely. What�s wrong?� He was walking around grabbing his jacket and keys as he talked. She sounded so weak and fragile. Michael and Isabel were anxiously following him around. �I-I had a bad dream.� Max smiled a little. She had a nightmare and had called him. His mental happy dance was interrupted when he remembered something. �Liz, was it like the other dreams? The ones you told me about?� �Uh huh. Max, it hurts... really bad.� Max closed his eyes for a minute to keep from crying. Her voice sounded so small. He never, ever wanted to hear either that tone or those words from her ever again. �I�ll be there in five minutes Liz. Can you wait that long?� �O-kay� �Where are Maria and Alex?� There was something else not right about this situation. �I don�t know.� �It�s fine Liz, I�ll be there as fast as I can. Every thing's going to be fine.� �Please hurry Max. I don�t like being alone in the dark. Its scary.� He moved his hand over his heart to keep it from falling to the floor. He had not heard that scared, little girl tone in her voice since grade school. �I�m coming, Liz. Hold on.� He heard the dial tone on the other end and silently added an �I love you� He turned back to Michael and Iz. �We have to go. Now.� He went out to Jeep without further explanation. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* �Max! Slow down. You are going to kill us before we get there.� Isabel screamed as Max took a corner so sharply the Jeep almost tipped. �Max, what�s wrong? What did Liz say?� Max had not said a word and Michael was about to have a coronary. Liz and Maria were alone in that house. How could he have been so stupid? Max was not purposely keeping them in the dark but he needed his full attention focused on driving. He normally obeyed all traffic laws to the letter but he had to get to Liz. She needed him. Not only that, but she asked him to come. If he were not so worried about her he would have held a parade for that reason alone. He came to a screeching stop straddling two parking spots in front of the Crashdown. Jumping out he ran over to the ladder leading to Liz�s balcony. Michael and Isabel were close behind. He stopped on the first rung to issue a few commands. �No, you guys go in through the front and lock the door behind you. Liz said she didn�t know where Alex and Maria were.� �What?!� Michael didn�t wait for his answer before taking off for the front doors of the Crashdown. �Michael, wait!� Isabel called as she ran after him just as scared for Alex. Max was up the ladder and over the ledge in record time. The lights were still out in Liz�s bedroom. He made his way to the window and melted the seal Michael had put on it a week ago. Lifting the window he called softly into the room �Liz?� He stepped into the room and let his eyes adjust to the darkness. �Liz, it Max.� Then he saw her and his heart broke all over again. Sitting against the headboard, her knees pulled up to her chest, trembling was his dream girl, his soul mate and she was covered in blood. It was soaked into the sheets and probably the mattress and he could make out dark spots on the carpet where it had dripped. �Oh God, Liz...� he moaned, rushing to her side. Feeling his weight on the bed, Liz raised her head to look in to his eyes. �Max?� He gave her a small smile while edging closer to where she was in the middle of the bed. He didn�t care that he could feel the blood soaking into his trousers. He brushed the hair back from her face and tucked it behind her ear. �yeah, It�s me. Does it still hurt?� She shook her head. �Just a little bit. It�ll go away in a minute.� �You�re sure you are not hurt. That this isn�t your blood.� �I-I think its just from the dream.� �Ok.� He glided his hand down from her hair to cup her cheek. Liz reached out tentatively to touch his chest leaving a red hand print on his T-shirt. �What?� he asked softly. She turned her gaze back to his. Her eyes were filled with reluctant amazement. �You came.� she said her voice full of awe. Max smiled at her again. He grabbed her hand and held it over his heart. The other hand continued to cup her cheek, his thumb lightly grazing the bone. �I�ll always come for you, Liz.� Back Next |