| Secrets In The Past |
| Chapter 46 By the time seven rolled around that evening the group was a jumble of emotions, none of them favorable. Fear, anger, and stomach churning anticipation permeated the group as they awaited the arrival of Gwyn, Justin, and whatever news it was he brought. Max and Michael had plastered themselves to Liz after school to the point that Liz had to have Agnes take her shift so Max could open the UFO center. They were starting to make her insane. As much as she loved them and appreciated their need to protect her, she was starting to go stir crazy the way they were following her around. The way they acted you would think she was pregnant or had just been diagnosed with an incurable disease. At this point she didn�t want to be in the same building with them let alone sharing a couch with Max. When she and Max talked yesterday, Liz hadn�t realized that she would open a flood gate. By telling Max about the darkness, she inadvertently opened the Pandora�s Box she kept all her feelings in. Emotions she didn�t want to think about or deal with, let alone acknowledge. But try as she might to ignore them, they were demanding her attention with conviction. The most obstinate of which seemed to be anger. An anger that had been festering below the fear and uncertainty for nearly a year. Anger that was coming to a rolling boil with every suffocating, concerned glance Max and Michael sent each other. Liz didn�t know if she had ever been so glad to see Maria as when she waltzed into Brody�s office and planted herself in Michael�s lap. The thing that was getting her, was that she knew they could feel how angry she was becoming and they were ignoring it. When in this whole thing had it become a goal to keep her contented and complacent? To be fair, Liz knew it was not Michael and Max she was really angry with, it was this bastard Durton and the situation he had put them all in. If this fucker would just leave them alone... She stopped in her own tracks as she realized she had just thought the word fucker. Since when did she even think words like that? Oh well, she was being stalked by an intergalactic looney who had tracked her down through two life times. She was aloud to utter a bad word here and there. She could feel Max watching her as she paced and rung her hands. She could feel him wanting to say or do something to make this better, just this one moment better but there was nothing. There were times when she was positive that being in his arms would make all her problems disappear, this was not one of those times. This was the first time since this whole thing started that Liz could really remember being truly angry. Not just angry, she was irate, enraged, infuriated, maddened, incensed. Find a thesaurus, if it was in there that�s what she was. It was building in her at an alarming rate, canceling out all her fear and terror until she thought it would burst. No, now would not be a good time for Max, who was smothering her, to try to make it all better. She didn�t want it all better, she wanted it over. She didn�t care how, when where, or how messy it was, she just wanted it over. How dare he? How dare this ... words could not describe, come into her already far from perfect life and make things worse? He was stalking her, didn�t he know that she already had problems to deal with? Get in line and take a number buddy, right behind Max, her parents, her grades, college, and a million and one other things. And those were just her problems. What about all the other lives he was disrupting? Poor Max and Michael were going nuts, like they didn�t have enough issues of their own to deal with. Alex was starting to get weird again and Kyle, well no one ever really knew what was up with Kyle. She still felt like she was on shaky ground with Isabel and Tess and now they had to give up every waking moment to make sure she wasn�t kidnapped and murdered. Castration was too good for this guy. Liz didn�t realize it but her inner rant had made her the center of attention. She was stalking around the office muttering and occasionally making a wild gesture with her arms. Maria was glad to see it, she thought it had been way too long since the only emotions out of Lizzy had been docile ones. Liz had a fiery hot streak in her that when it was turned up was just this side of scorching. Although, it might not be good to get quite this worked up right before a meeting that could potentially involve bad news. Maria watched Max and Michael too. She could tell they were at a loss as to what to do. It wasn�t very often that Liz did get this heated and they probably had never seen the full force of Liz�s potential. Just then Liz abruptly stopped pacing. There was a light in her clear, clear eyes that almost looked dangerous. It almost looked... alien. Maria did a double take. It was gone as quick as it had been there, leading her to wonder if it had merely been a reflection. If it wasn�t... let�s just hope what Justin had to say wasn�t too bad. She wasn�t in the mood for cleaning up any fireworks tonight. �The others are here,� Liz announced as she marched out of the room, Max and Michael stumbling to catch up with her stride. The remaining six members of the group were trouping down the stairs into the main room of the museum that was totally empty. Max had been correct when he said business would be slow because of the rain. Apparently the good people of Roswell believed they would melt under prolonged periods of precipitation and there for the town virtually shut down around dinner time. He�d given Stan, the guy who Brody had hired to give tours while Max was otherwise detained with more important matters, the night off, so they were completely alone. Because of the lack of seating in the office, Max led everyone over to the �Alien Next Door� exhibit where there was ample seating once they moved the stuffed alien dolls. Everyone pretended not to notice or be surprised that Liz went to the lawn chair where there was no way anyone could sit next to her and it was not sturdy enough to support the weight of two people if someone got the idea that she should be sitting on their lap. Justin gave Gwyn a questioning look. Obviously he didn�t know Liz well, or at all for that matter, and the last thing he wanted to do was upset her. He wondered if maybe he should only be telling this to a select few members of the group and let them decide who else should know. Reading the waves of his thoughts, Gwyn imperceptibly shook her head. If there was one thing she had learned about the group as a whole, it was what a mistake it was to divide them with secrets. Besides, Liz was royaly pissed, not upset and honestly, it was about time. Liz had been to hell and back over the past few months and in the natural progression of healing it was about time she got angry and took a little of that power back. Gwyn did have to feel sorry for Michael and Max though, they would no doubt bear the brunt of Liz�s aggression. Once they were all seated no one wasted time with small talk, turning to Justin for answers as to the nature of the meeting. His girlfriend rubbed a warm hand up and down his thigh to remind him of her support. His �tour� of the bedroom still fresh in his mind, her ministration diverted his thoughts from the task at hand to their earlier activities and all the things that drove him insane with want. Her silken skin flush against his, his hand tangled in her soft, auburn curls, her intoxicating scent, the way every part of her body tasted like some confectioners delight, the cute little noises she made when he... woah, time to shift gears or the only thing this meeting would be about was where the storage closet was. Yeah, that would be a good opening impression, �hey I have this really important, possible life threatening stuff to tell you about but excuse me while I adjust my pants and take the next few moments to ravage my girlfriend. Apparently spending all afternoon showing her how in love with her I am just wasn�t enough. Feel free to talk amongst yourselves.� Smiling as he thought of a few more places in the house he might need a tour of later tonight, he picked up her hand, kissing it gratefully and kept it firmly encased in his own. He didn�t need the distraction but he did need her support, always. After he had been given a thorough tour of the bedroom he held her close not ever wanting to let go, while Gwyn traced maddening patterns on his bare chest with her delicate fingers. She took advantage of his lethargic, sated state to pry the information she wanted out of him, like she always did. She was a devious one, she was, and oh did he love it. Of course he would never let her know that. Justin had been relieved that he finally had her back to share his fears and insecurities about the situation with, and it helped at the time but it didn�t do a lot of good outside the comfort of their bedroom. Out here he was faced with the other�s reactions and their possible hindrance to his number one priority of keeping his queen safe. Meaning, he had to put all his reservations aside and take their reactions with a grain of salt. Not an easy thing to do when he hoped that these people would become his friends. �I�m sure Gwyn has told you that there have been some odd things going on in Durton�s camp, since November I believe,� he began. �He disappears for a few days then pops back up with a slight english accent. We haven't been able to follow him and the occurrences seem to puzzle the rest of the camp just as much. He�s been having odd mood swings lately too. Yelling at people, saying odd things, ranting about ancient relics and archeological sites, throwing things. Then he�ll be in a good, almost placid mood. Once, we actually caught him whistling. �Two days ago one of the people we have planted in their group reported getting shipments of some very odd things.� �What kind of odd things?� �Huge amounts of toiletries. Paper towels, tooth paste, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, anything and everything. Not just random stuff either. Its all name brand and fragrance specific. He�s got enough raspberry vanilla bath gel, strawberry shampoo, lilac perfume, and white Egyptian cotton bath towels to stock a bathroom for two years.� There were several curses heard from Michael as he began to pace behind the couch. Max was practically shaking with the need to pull Liz to him and never let go. This was not the news they�d been expecting. Well, they hadn�t really known what to expect, but this wasn�t it. While this could mean Durton�s primary goal was not to kill Liz, that didn�t make them feel any better. There were two thousand things, all of which were now running graphically though their heads, that that sicko could do to her that would be worse than death. Then he would probably kill her. �Now we know what they were doing in Liz�s room and why they knocked us out.� Maria dug out her bottle of cedar oil trying to keep calm in light of the new development. �We do?� Alex along with several other�s were a little slower putting two and two together than some. �Nothing was taken but the dresser had been rummaged through, remember? They weren�t there for Liz, they were cataloguing her stuff. I bet everything in that delivery is in Liz�s bathroom right now.� She glanced over at Liz who had yet to voice a reaction. She was sitting quietly watching an ant drag a crumb into a crack in the wall. No one could really see her eyes and the rest of her face gave away nothing as to how she was taking this. When no one elaborated on her deduction or said anything for that matter, Maria continued. �It would take time to write all the stuff down. They had to knock us out to make sure we didn�t come in.� �Why not just kill you, I mean us?� Alex asked again. �Two reasons,� Justin broke in for Maria. �It would have drawn too much attention from both us and the authorities and it would have upset Liz.� �Wait, why would he care if he upset Liz? Stalking her and breaking into her apartment are pretty upsetting in my opinion,� Isabel voiced. �Remembering that he is insane, he believes he�s is in love with her. He probably figures that those things are minor if in the end they are together, but he might not be able to explain away killing her friends, especially the human ones that pose no real threat.� �Oh that makes me feel so much better.� Maria waved the vial under her nose again. �What about the perfume?� Max asked. Maria�s oil reminded him of the perfume Justin had mentioned, he grasped on to the one thing not connected to Liz. �Liz doesn�t use anything Lilac.� �I can answer that,� Gwyn spoke from her seat beside Justin. �Lilac is the closest earth scent to what Lillyah wore. He�s so obsessed, I don�t think he can grasp the concept that Liz is not a direct representation of Lillyah.� This wasn�t the news Max was looking for. The whole thing wasn�t falling into place for Kyle, but then maybe it was because he didn�t want to accent the answer. �I still don�t get it, why get all this stuff if he�s got the death side of the obsession?� The question met with dead silence as everyone shifted around looking uncomfortable. No one wanted to say exactly what it meant, especially in front of Liz. Liz didn�t quite feel the same way. She, aside from being scared to death, was becoming angrier by the second and not just with Durton, she was sick of the whole situation and how they were handling it. �Its ok you guys. I�m not stupid, you can say it.� Her tone was patronizing, mocking them all for being afraid of what she saw as the inevitable. �He�s obviously planning on keeping me for a while.� �We don�t know that for sure.� �Michael, he�s got a two year supply of raspberry vanilla bath gel and tampons. I don�t think he�s buying Christmas gifts.� There were a few smirks and stifled giggles at her unintentionally funny comment. They were quickly put to rest with pointed glares from Michael and surprisingly Justin, this wasn�t the time for levity. �God,� Liz exhaled agitatedly, running a hand through her hair as she stood. �He�s been playing with us since the beginning. He�s been plotting this whole thing all along I bet he thinks its some kind of seduction, saving me from myself, and I would be so grateful...� she trailed off, her thoughts going faster than she could process. Her eyes fell momentarily on Max and it went unspoken that it wouldn't be only herself she was being saved from. She turned, looking with unfocused eyes out the fake window of the play house in the exhibit and brought her arms around herself protectively. Max moved behind her, reaching his hands out to stroke her arms. He wanted to give her some sense of protection and safety. Wanted her to know that he was here, no matter what she was feeling. He knew she was angry, hell he would have known from a mile away. The emotions she was throwing off were practically violent and frankly... they scared him. It was an awakening experience to know that the love of your life, someone you deemed to be the most gentle, loving, and perfect person on earth, was capable of such dark emotions. At the same time it was a relief. Lord knows there had been times where his emotions threatened to blacken his heart and any who came into contact with him. It was an undiniable relief to know that he wasn�t alone and he wouldn't have to hide that part of himself from her. Still, he didn�t like that she was feeling like this, let alone that she was distancing herself from everyone. Max needed her to know that she could be full of rage and he would still love her, still protect her with all that he was. He needed her to know that she didn�t need to be saved from him, not ever again. Right now thought this wasn�t about him, he had the rest of his life to seek reassurance from his Liz. This was about her and how she needed him, accepting or not. Apparently not, because the second his fingers lightly closed around her arms and he brought her against his body she stepped forward, brushing off his warmth. �Isn�t it thoughtful of him to have my favorite bubble bath on hand, so I�ll be as comfortable as possible while he makes me his personal sex toy.� It was said more to herself than the group at large, what it provoked was an outburst no one was prepared for. �Liz!� There were gasps of shock resounding through the room. �What?!� She turned abruptly, nearly knocking Max over as she waving her hands in exasperation. �That�s what you�re all thinking. That�s what you don�t want to say. I�m tired of everyone acting like it isn't the truth when I�m in the room. Are you afraid that saying it will make it more true? Do you think that the idea hasn�t occurred to me or that I�m somehow oblivious to the fact that there is some- guy out there plotting ways to kill me, or worse? �Well I�m afraid that avoiding it will make it true. Avoiding the subject around me won�t make it go away and I resent the fact that you think I can�t handle it. Do you honestly think that doing nothing but hovering over me and invading my space twenty four hours a day will somehow make this ok for me? Nothing can make this ok!� Everyone was on their feet now, desperately looking for a way to calm Liz down. Maria and Gwyn took a step forward, thinking some female bonding might be in order going on her reaction to Max�s attempt. �Liz, sweet...� Max didn�t take the hint and reached for her again as Michael came up on her other side. All the people closing in on her, while it wasn�t their intention, Liz felt they were cornering her. �No!� She nearly screamed at Max as she backed into a wall to get away. She didn�t need or want the comfort they offered right now. �You aren�t the ones who have to wonder what he�ll do to you if something goes wrong and avoiding that possibility isn�t doing us any good. Its not doing me any good.� Angry tears pooled in her eyes as energy began to stir in the room. The temperature increased a few degrees and there was an audible crackle. She felt the hairs on her arms and the back of her neck start to stand on end but it was too late. She had unknowingly let her emotions build her power to a preparation she couldn�t control. Liz closed her eyes trying to block them out and keep it in, but she was so distracted she didn�t know what to do. The fury she felt was so blinding the way it churned in her gut and bubbled in her veins. Each passing moment seemed to stoke it higher, the energy being fed by emulating and becoming the anger, radiating it through her system. Liz began to shake with the force of it and started to panic. She was so angry it scared her, she couldn�t control it. In the depths of her logical mind she knew this wasn�t right, she wasn�t really this mad, she was out of control. It just kept coming and coming of its own volition, building a force within her that could only be described in one way... deadly. |
| Authors Notes: - For anyone who is unfamiliar, here is a brief explanation of the Anasazi: They were a cliff dwelling tribe of Native Americans that resided in the four corners region of the south western United States. Where the Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado borders meet. The earliest artifacts of their existence are from roughly 600 AD. In 1300 AD they all but disappeared from the region leaving little but their dwellings. The reasons for their disappearance are unknown and speculated to be many things from tribal warfare to aliens. Although, most scientists believe that it was a prolonged drought that forced them to move. - The reference to the word �kiva� is correct. They are circular, simi-underground, ceremonial rooms. They are usually quite large and can be found at many of the Anasazi dwelling archeological sites in Arizona. |
| Chapter 47 The room grew heavy with the sticky silence as Liz slumped back into the wall, trying to climb into herself. She was trembling, squeezing her eyes tight, and her hands came up to cover her ears as she shook her head from side to side. �Liz?� Max reached out a hand to her, his panic growing by leaps and bounds with every second. �No!� Justin pierced the room with his gruff shout. �Don�t touch her.� He pushed Maria towards the rest of the group, instructing them to stay back. Since he sounded like he knew what he was doing, they followed his directive and stepped out of the exhibit but stayed within viewing range. Max and Michael ignored his warning to stay away, both reaching out a gentle hand to her shoulders. They were instantly repelled by the lavender bolts of crackling light that reached out and shocked their hands. �What the hell?!� Michael bellowed turning on Justin and shaking his singed hand. Max stared at his hand for a moment before returning his shocked eyes to Liz. What was happening to her? At this point he was expecting pig�s blood to be dumped from the ceiling, it was like a scene straight out of Carrie. Gwyn and Justin only spared them a quick �wow, that was stupid, maybe next time you�ll listen� glance before continuing their hurried conversation, only pieces of which were actually being spoken. �Can you see it? How big?� That was Gwyn. �... almost touching Max... electric violet, almost hurts...� �... how... longer... me?� �Not long... minutes... too dangerous... help?� �... no... ok... might need to... bend your shield.� �Can you... it?� �yea.... Office?� Justin nodded at what seemed to be a question, then Gwyn began to approach Liz. She ignored everyone but Justin and her, which normally would have upset Michael, but from the tone of whatever they said, it sounded like they might be able to help her. �Max step farther away from her,� Justin instructed him again. He was moving along side Gwyn with one hand raised like he was going to put up a shield. When Max hesitated he snapped at him, �Max move! Her energy field is growing and I don�t want you standing in it. Just take two steps back, you too Michael.� Again demonstrating that Justin seemed to know a lot more about what was going on than they did, Max and Michael reluctantly stepped back two paces. Gwyn stopped then too, at what seemed to be an invisible perimeter two feet out from Liz. �What do you need me to do?� Justin asked, his eyes not leaving Liz. �Put up your shield close enough for her to detect it. Let her hit you a few times. She has to syphon off some of her reserve, at this point I don�t think she�d even be able to hear me.� �Ok,� Justin took another step forward and released a shield more like Max�s than Liz�s, except it was a sparkling sapphire blue. The wall had barely stabilized when electric purple lightning, brighter than those only seconds ago, reached out to hit it. Justin adjusted his feet, the force was making it hard to stand. Over the whirring and popping sounds of the raw energy could be heard the sounds of Liz�s moans. The first instinct on everyone's part had been to tell Justin to stop until the pitch and timber changed indicating that Liz was definitely not in pain. If it hadn�t been such a tense moment the display would have been supremely embarrassing for everyone involved. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Liz could vaguely hear voices over the rushing sound of the power begging for more of the release it had just tasted. The brief reprieve moments ago had been so sweet. If felt so good to let that brief surge out, but it wasn�t enough. A drop of water to a man dying of thirst, it only made her thirstier. It was taking every once of her barely there control to keep the power in. As it began to fill the little hole that was left untouched, she began to forget why she had to hold it in at all. The force was incredible and it felt like her skin was ready to split and burst into flames. The energy was becoming a living breathing thing within her. It was calling her. Beaconing her to let it out, to take control and harness this power, give into the temptation to see what it was capable of. Now it used the ecstasy from the brief release as another bargaining chip. Still, some tiny part of her, the single thread that was wrapped tightly around her little bottle of control, was screaming with the terror that she was even capable of this. This wasn�t her, she wasn�t supposed to be capable of things like this, especially when she couldn�t control them. But maybe if she could just let a little bit out, relieve the pressure, it wouldn�t be so bad. If the pulsating would just stop she could get a handle on this. As if in answer to her prayers, something happened and the dam broke. She couldn't hold it in any longer, the surge was too great. The desire of her powers took precedence, she was merely their servant. At the first sign of relief she dropped her hands from her ears. The rushing was abating some, the pulsating in her temples ceasing. God, it felt so good. Had anything ever felt this good? Her head fell back as the rapture of control began to wash over her. She was becoming dimly aware of the power levels in her dwindling, but it was too slow. This even, gradual drain of power was good, but she needed more. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, it stopped. No! A small whimper was all she could manage when what she wanted to do was scream. That wasn�t what she meant, the slow discharge was better than nothing. She had to get this out of her, control was just within reach. It would be so easy, she could just let the rest go right now. However, with the bit of control and clarity she gained with the small expulsion of power, came the annoying knowledge that she could hurt people she loved if she let go. If she could just hold on a little longer... �Liz, just hang on, I�m going to help but you have to do what I tell you. Can you understand me?� Gwyn had come to stand just far enough from Liz that she wouldn�t provoke a blast. Another small whimper came from Liz and she took that as a yes. �Ok, You have to hold it a little longer. I know its hard, but you can do it. We�re going to go into the office and I�ll help you. First, we have to get there. I can guide you, but I need you to pick up your feet and walk. Ok?� There was no response for a moment until she felt a brief wave of apprehension float across to her. Actually that was a good thing, if Liz was worried it meant she had gained at least some control from the planned release. �You won�t hurt me Liz,� she assured her. �I can guide you so you won�t hurt me. Ok?� There was another pregnant pause that ended when Liz took a small step out from the wall. It was obviously very difficult for her to keep control over her body like that so Gwyn moved quickly. Reaching out both her hands towards Liz, she took a deep breath before opening her palms flat. The air between them shimmered like heat on a highway, then in a understatedly spectacular display, two indentions the size and shape of Gwyn�s small hands appeared on Liz�s shoulders. Without fanfare, or purple blots of electricity, Gwyn turned Liz towards the office still standing three feet from her. Oblivious to all else, she gently guided her through the museum until Liz was sitting stiffly in Brody�s desk chair in the middle of the office. Leaning over behind her head but still keeping a safe distance, Gwyn began to speak in a soft, calming, almost mother like tone. �Liz, I want you to listen to my voice, focus only on the sound of my voice, Ok?� She let out a small moan and Gwyn had to push aside the question of whether or not this was actually causing Liz pain. �All right, I want you to imagine something soft and light. Something that could never hurt anyone and is completely inanimate. See the picture in you�re head. Don�t let it go, focus only on that image and the sound of my voice. All your energy is going to go into that object Liz.� She waited a moment to make sure Liz had an object in her mind before continuing. �Ok, now try to channel all the power that has already built up just as you would before doing a normal reconfiguration. Don�t try to build the power, skip to the second step and use what you already have. When you let it go you�re going to create only that object, the one you are thinking of.� Liz was starting to tremble. Gwyn saw rivulets of perspiration beginning to make their way down her forehead. Her eyes and fists were clenched, and every so often she whimpered a little. The strain of trying to actually focus all that ruthless power was taking every ounce of control and concentration Liz had, and some she didn�t. Gwyn could barely make out her fear and apprehension, her overwhelming emotion was determination. That was a good sign but Gwyn was worried that she had to strain to feel even that, the condensed energy was even taking over and out ruling her emotions. �Liz, we�re back in the office away from the others. The door is locked and I am the only one in here. When you release it you won�t hurt me. Remember, I guided you in here and you didn�t hurt me.� Actually, that was only a half truth. If Liz didn�t focus, or lost her focus, she could probably kill Gwyn, but she didn�t want to tell her that. �So, whenever you�re ready, Liz, you can let go. Just focus on the object like you have hundreds of times, and let go.� Almost five minutes passed and the only thing that had happened was that Liz was no longer trembling but shaking violently. Gwyn was beginning to become frantic. If Liz didn�t let go she didn�t know what would happen. How would she explain to everyone that she let the Queen spontaneously combust? Just as she opened her mouth to instruct Liz again a blinding flash of light disoriented her and a shock wave of energy ripped through her, knocking her on her butt. Ascertaining that she wasn�t dead, Gwyn slowly opened her eyes. A giddy laugh bubbled out of her mouth as she looked around the room. She hadn�t known what Liz would focus on and create but she hadn�t expected this. Yet, somehow it was perfect. She picked herself up and twirled around with her arms flung out from her body. The office was full of fluffy, white feathers floating down from invisible clouds and catching in the breeze from the air circulation system. Liz stood shakily in front of her, smiling weakly with gratitude. Grabbing a feather out of the air she laughed ironically, �I never could get that to happen during a pillow fight.� ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ They watched in awe as Gwyn slowly steered Liz into the office. Justin positioned himself outside the door as the hollow clicking sound of the lock echoed through the building. �How did she? I mean, she just... wow.� Alex stood off to the side holding tightly to Isabel�s hand. Liz�s little power display had somehow disoriented him, but he had seen similar displays before from the other aliens, Gwyn�s was new. Justin chuckled a little, �Gwyn�s telekinetic powers are very advanced. I�ve never seen anything like it, she has amazing control.� Isabel had demonstrated a similar strength in power and was going to ask Justin more when the sound of the door at the top of the stairs being opened and a light footstep made her breath catch. Hadn�t that door been locked? Max, Michael, and Justin moved in front of the group and cautiously approached the stairs, waiting for the intruder to show himself. They raised their hands as the annoyingly melodious tune of �Its a Small World� came whistling through the air. There was an inaudible crackle of electricity as they juiced up, ready for battle. As if in slow motion a black shoe came on to the landing, followed by another, then legs, and a small lean torso. The whistling stopped as he came into view and gasps of recognition filled hall. �Brody?� Max stared at his boss in disbelief. �Hey Max, everybody,� he greeted them as he took the last few stairs. He was used to seeing his museum full of Max�s friends by now. It didn�t bother him as long as they behaved themselves and all the work got done. �Oh My God!� Maria hurried over from her place behind Michael. She stopped just short of hugging him, opting instead for grabbing excitedly on to his arm. �Where have you been? I was so worried.� She pulled him farther into the room while she spoke, stopping in front of the group, a few yards from the closed office door. �I�m sorry,� he looked down at Maria, genuinely sorry for worrying her. �I didn�t mean to. Didn�t you get my messages?� He asked Max. �Yeah, I did but you never said much. We we�re afraid you might have been- taken.� Brody squirmed under their questioning eyes, he still wasn�t comfortable with how this group addressed his abduction with such nonchalance. �No, no. Nothing like that. I don�t think if I had been taken I would have left you a message.� He didn�t notice the looks passed between the kids as he further explained his absence. �Some tabloid got hold of my life�s story, including the bit about the money they bought me off with. �In the same issue they printed a story about how the kids at the hospital in Phoenix were healed, including Sydney. Some wanker put it together that she was my daughter and cranked out some bloody threats against us. Normally I wouldn�t have involved the authorities but her mum called in the FBI before I could do anything. They sent us underground until they caught him.� �Oh my gosh, is she ok?� Maria covered her mouth is shock. She had grown very fond of little Sydney over Christmas. �Oh she�s fine. I took her to Disney World for a while. She had a ball. She�s on a first name basis with Cinderella and Snow White,� he smiled in remembrance. �Brody, I�m sorry, I didn�t know.� �I didn�t tell you Max, security and all that. So how are things here? Haven�t burned the place to the ground I see.� He took a cursory glance around the museum. �Things are good. There was a little dip in business early last month so I had Stan do a few of those changes we talked about.� �Good, good...� Before Max could offer to show him one of the new displays, the one farthest from the office, there was a sudden burst of light from behind the office door and a erie stillness broke over the hall like a wave of white noise. Max was desperate to get in there to see if the girls were in one piece but he couldn�t risk it with Brody here. �What�s going on in there Max?� his lyrical accent broke the heavy moment before Max could think of something. �Umm...� Max looked around helplessly, grasping for some kind of plausible explanation while blocking his advancement towards the door. �Photography!� Maria exclaimed a little too brightly, appearing at his elbow. �Huh?� �The photography club, remember Max?� She jabbed him in the ribs conveying her wish for him to play along. �oh, Oh! Right. The photography club...� �Which Liz and Gwyn just joined with me.� �Uh-huh,� Max nodded in affirmation. �And for our first group project we were shooting some publicly shots for the museum. That�s what that flash was. Gwyn, she�s very artistic. You know the type, moody, shuts everyone out, very dedicated to her craft, doesn�t like people intruding.� She glared at Justin�s untimely snort. �Really? You think we need publicity?� Brody turned to Max. It was kinda cute how he seemed to defer to him when it came to things about the museum. �I uh, YES.� Maria poked his ribs again. �Yeah, the um, the crash anniversary is coming up so we should put up some posters, and uh, hand out some brochures to the local motels.� He tried to quickly to add to Maria�s excuse, diverting him. It seemed to be working. Brody was staring at the floor and rubbing the back of his neck the way he did when he was thinking about something. �I never thought of that,� he looked up decisively at Max. �Ok, I�ll check out printer�s fees tomorrow.� �That�s a good idea Brody.� Maria took his arm and began to lead him towards the stairs. �We won�t be much longer. I�m sure you�re tired, why don�t you go home...� her voice trailed off as she led him to the doors. After he was sure they were out of earshot, Max turned to the door speaking to Justin. The others were hanging back a little. Close enough to hear but far enough away to stay out from under their feet. In a way it was like Liz was sick, Justin and Gwyn were the doctors, and Max and Michael were family. The rest had to stand back and wait for word to trickle down to them. �What�s going on in there? What was that flash?� Max asked Justin. He could tell her was barely holding on by a thread. Michael wasn�t doing much better, he hadn�t spoken since that door had shut. Justin was worried, he couldn�t pretend otherwise. He had never something quite like this before, but then he�d met few people as powerful as his Queen. Gwyn seemed to have a handle on things and if she got into trouble he would know. �Most likely the flash was Liz expelling the majority of the power she built up.� �Then why haven�t they come out yet?� he demanded. �Either she needs to let off some more, or she need a few minutes to recover.� �Recover?� That got Michael�s attention, �what do you mean recover?� He came to stand next to Max who was balling his hands into fists at his sides. Before Justin could answer the lock on the door clicked and opened slowly. He took a step back next to Michael and Max as the girls came into view. They were both smiling but Liz didn�t look so great. She was pale, a light sheet of perspiration covered her brow making her hair damp, and Gwyn had an arm looped around her waist keeping her steady. Max was instantly at her side, obstructing Michael�s ability to get to her. Without a word he tried to pick her up off her wobbly legs. �Max, no.� She placed a light hand on his shoulder before he could scoop up her legs. �I�m ok, just a little drained. I don�t need to be carried.� He met her eyes speculatively. Her voice was steady and her eyes were clear, so he settled for crushing her to him. He wanted to pick her up and take her strait to her bed, but if today�s display had taught him anything it was that he needed to stop smothering her with concern. Although, he wouldn�t call it smothering, he was just protective. �Are you really ok?� he whispered in her ear as he held her close. He hadn�t meant for his voice to shake when he said it though. �Really, I�m ok Max. I was just-� �Angry, I know.� He softly kissed the sensitive spot just below her ear before pulling away. �Yeah,� she met his eyes, a light blush tinting her cheeks both from the unexpected gesture and embarrassment. �I�m sorry, I didn�t mean to make you mad.� His voice was low and serious, �sometimes, when its you, I guess I go to far and...� he trailed off as Liz put a hand over his heart motioning for him to stop. �We�ll work it out, but not in front of everyone, ok?� He nodded, knowing this was a more personal conversation and her problem was mostly with him and Michael. In answer to his thoughts, large hands appeared on Liz�s shoulders, turning her around. Liz met his eyes head on, expecting to have to fend off his barbaric overprotectiveness or some lecture on something ludicrous but melted at the gentle apology and fear etched across his features. He reached up to lightly push a few damp strands of hair off her forehead. When he didn�t, Liz stepped forward and hugged him. Michael stood still for a fraction of a second before pulling her close, resting his head on her shoulder. �I�m sorry,� he mumbled brokenly, while Liz ran a hand over his back. �I know.� She pulled back, smiling, �we�ll talk about it at home.� He cleared his throat and nodded, his typical stone expression back in place. �Lizzy!� Maria�s squeal from the stairs abruptly put an end to any more possible sentimental moments as she rushed across the hall to nearly tackle Liz. �You scared me so much Liz! But wow girl! Remind me not to get you too worked up,� she teased her, giving her another quick squeeze. Liz laughed weakly as she pulled away from Maria only to feel another arm come around her shoulders. She gave Max a warning look but didn�t pull away. �Seriously, Liz, you�re ok?� �Yeah, I�m ok.� She looked over Maria�s shoulder, smiling at the rest of their friends who had made their way over. �Embarrassed, but ok.� �Hey, its ok. We�re you�re friends, as long as you don�t blow us up, we�ll be there for ya.� Liz rolled her eyes, leave it to Kyle to make a comment like that to lighten the mood. �So what did happen Liz? I mean I know what I saw, but I�m not too sure I could explain it if you asked me.� Isabel watched the way Max kept her protectively at his side and the way Michael hovered just over her shoulder and it gave her a good idea, but she wanted to know. As much to calm her fears as to know that Liz was ok. The unknown was a scary thing, especially when it was accompanied by unprovoked power blasts at your brother. �I don�t really know what happened. I was just so angry and the more I thought about it, the angrier I got and my power just seemed to latch on to it and they fed one another. Before I realized it, I couldn�t control it any longer. I think... I think I could have hurt someone.� Those thoughts sent shivers up her spine and her heart pounded against her ribs. It was beyond frightening to know that you�re capable of that kind of power. It hit Liz like a ton of bricks and made her knees shake. Max felt her legs begin to give a little and pulled her closer. He expected some resistance but to his relief, Liz wound her arms around his waist and clutched the back of his shirt where no one else could see. Liz was an extremely gentle person, not only that, but she was a her brother�s sister. The realization that there was a possibly deadly force within her was probably hitting her hard, just as it had Michael. Not wanting to draw attention to her insecurity or make her any more embarrassed, he just squeezed her shoulder, willing her to feel his love and reassurance. �That sounds a lot like what happened to me at the school last year,� Tess thought out loud. �Remember?� She glanced at Max, Michael and Isabel, �when the skins had us tied up and Nicholas was trying to mind rape Max, I just got so furious I lost grip with everything around me. Then everything was in flames and they were gone. I don�t remember how it happened, or really what happened, just this overwhelming sense of rage and the total loss of control.� �Liz and Tess� powers are very similar that would make sense,� Gwyn mused. �I thought you said she wasn�t meant to fight,� Kyle put an arm around Tess as he asked. �Technically she�s not, that was a purely defensive maneuver. Her emotions stirred her powers until they somehow felt she needed to defend herself. Probably a lot like what happened to Tess. She was already upset and couldn�t rationalize that we were not cornering her. Her powers were provoked, they saw us as a threat. And as far as I can see its not something she can control. Liz already said she didn�t want it to happen but it was too big for her to control. Its not something she can just call up if needed, it might not ever be. Its like an adrenaline reaction.� Now that Liz was begin supported by Max, Justin came up behind Gwyn wrapping his arms around her waist and bending a little to rest his chin on the top of her head. She leaned back against him, letting his warm body support hers. Nobody else could see the slight tremors making her shake, but he could. Gwyn was really great in a crisis but after it was over she would fall apart some. He also knew the prolonged control the telekinesis took would drain her for the next day or two. �I know you�re worried, but right now Liz�s powers are stronger than any of yours. Just because she has only defensive capabilities doesn�t mean she can�t do a lot of damage. In any war its the defender that has the initial advantage over the aggressor because they have more to fight for.� Justin had meant that to be reassuring but it didn�t help a whole lot. Nobody liked the idea of Liz going into battle, least of all Liz herself. �So is this going to happen every time she gets mad?� �I don�t think so. This has been a long time in coming. The actual outburst was building in power all day. Tess doesn�t set everything on fire when she�s upset, does she?� �I still think I�ll try to stay on your good side Liz, just in case.� Alex joked. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Isabel pulled Gwyn aside as the conversation turned to things of a less important nature. �I need to ask you a question,� she told her when they were out of ear range. �Ok,� she replied seriously. Isabel was fidgeting and shifting from side to side which spurred Gwyn�s curiosity. Isabel was not a nervous person but whatever it was she wanted to ask her, it was obviously very serious. �You said earlier that Sininndor was the leader, uh the person I- Valondra betrayed Zan for.� �Yes,� she nodded. �That�s right, Sininndor seduced and manipulated Valondra.� �Ok, well, on several occasions we had run ins with skins and they all said it was someone named Kivar.� �Yes,� Gwyn nodded again, not understanding Isabel�s point of confusion. �I don�t understand. If it was Sininndor then who is Kivar?� �Oh, I see,� realization dawned, and she knew what was wrong. �Kivar is not a name, its a title, like Caesar or Emperor. Its off the Jannarian word for thrown room, kiva. Sininndor is Kivar.� Liz couldn�t help but over hear and was struck by something odd. She wasn�t surprised that Kivar wasn�t Kivar, so to speak. She�d learned not to accept anything at face value when it came to evil alien relations. It was what Gwyn said about the root of Kivar, kiva. It had to be a coincidence that the Jannarian word for thrown room was the same as the Navajo word for an Anasazi ceremonial room, didn�t it? Chapter 48 _______________ After the meeting broke up Wednesday night Liz went home with Michael for a well deserved night of rest. Thankfully things were fairly quiet the next day. The first few hours of school were a little awkward mainly because she was still extremely embarrassed about what happened. As the day went on Gwyn�s words about her powers being provoked began to sink in and made her feel better. It was comforting to know that she had the power if she might need it, but even more so to know that it probably wouldn�t explode again if she was careful. By lunch everything had been back to normal, or as normal as things got. Justin had not enrolled in school like everyone thought he would. He had gotten his GED several years ago as a part of the whole business thing. During school he would be busy keeping in contact with his informants and setting up the new offices of LGM here in Roswell. That way he could spend more time with Gwyn and still take his appointed shift in the rotation to guard Liz. After school Liz sat Max and Michael down and they had a really good discussion. They were amazingly cooperative, actually listening to her when she told them they were driving her crazy. The three of them worked out a compromise that gave her a little more freedom and personal space, while appeasing their need to keep her safe. Liz knew she still needed protection, especially in light of the most recent news, but she also couldn�t allow Durton to run their lives. She didn�t want to roll over and play his victim any more and this was one way she could fight against him. After explaining how she felt and emphasizing how important it was to her they agreed. Of course, the strategically placed analogy using them and their dealings with the FBI hadn�t hurt either. The best thing to come of their little talk was that she didn�t have to have a chaperone on her date with Max. They could go alone and not drag along a third party to fulfill the usual two protector quota. *And* she got to go shopping. She hadn�t actually been to a public place, school and the Crashdown didn�t count, since they went to the fair a month ago. Continuing on the good note, Rob had only been seen once since Monday and that was at the grocery store with his mother. Friday rolled around and Liz was a ball of energy, the good kind. She, Gwyn, and Justin went straight from school to the mall to find Liz something to wear on her date that night. Gwyn had said she was in dire need of a shopping fix and Justin was unwilling to let the two of them go alone. However, when he was out of earshot, Gwyn whispered to Liz that he actually liked shopping and he was just to macho to admit it. Considering Justin was the one who ultimately picked out her dress and found the perfect shoes to match, she couldn�t argue with Gwyn�s assessment. The three of them had also gotten to discuss some things Liz had been wanting to know about, without the prying eyes and ears of the rest of the group. The afternoon had been really fun and highly productive. She couldn�t wait to tell Max what she�d found out. He still hadn�t told her what they were doing but she had the distinct impression that a few of her friends knew what he was up to. She had caught him and Maria whispering outside a classroom earlier. Gwyn had been instructed on what was and was not appropriate apparel. Finding a dress still didn�t give much away except that it wasn�t a terribly formal restaurant. Even Michael, who she caught sneaking out of her room before school, seemed to be in on some part of the secret. She had thought given the foreboding she had about somehow abandoning him, she would be nervous the closer the night came but it was the opposite. Liz was looking forward to the more than she had anything in a long time. She had a feeling Max was going to a lot of trouble to make this special and she appreciated his effort, but more than anything she just wanted to spend some time with him and get away from the nut house that had become her life. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Watching as Liz and her new friends came out of the mall laughing and giggling he seethed with envy and irritation. This would be so much easier if she hadn�t turned him down. And now she was apparently back with the possessive jerk, making what he had to do so clear. She didn�t belong with him, anybody could see that. Maybe she didn�t belong with his boss either but it had to be better than that neanderthal. I mean, who would turn him down unless they were begin brain washed? He hadn�t counted on her having powers though, this was getting a lot bigger than he thought it would when he accepted the job. The three friends drove away, but he didn�t follow. She was probably going home, they had all become sadly predictable in their movements. That was just fine with him, though. It made it much easier to watch her when he had ample time to find the best hiding places and knew they would be in use for a while. He�d catch up to her later. At least now he knew how they got rid of that window, it had to have been Liz. That had put a major cramp in his original plans. Picking up the phone, he grudgingly dialed his dictator. This should be fun, he thought as he waited for the phone to connect. When it was picked up, the other end didn�t even bother with a salutation. �How are things going with your new team?� �Fine, fine. I haven�t actually met them in person, only on the phone. I don�t want anyone to see us. Just in case.� �Anything else?� �You know the camera we planted in the UFO center to watch Max?� �Yes, what about it?� �Well, it picked up something interesting.� �And what was that?� he asked as if her were speaking to a slow preschool student. �Li- Lillyah had some kind of episode with her powers. I don�t know what caused it, only saw what she did. She�s super powerful sir. She almost killed them all, I�m not sure the current plan is the best way to go.� �Oh you�re not are you? Guess what? I DON�T CARE! This isn�t your operation.� There was a long pause then a small cackle came through the receiver, �so, my little Lilly�s a power house is she?� There was actually pride in his voice and the caller was once again reminded of how insane his leader was. �Why doesn�t that surprise me? Don�t worry about it. One of your contacts has something to help with that situation should it occur. The plan will continue as scheduled. Understood?� �Th-there is one other thing you should know sir.� �What?� he asked, not bothering to hide his impatience. �The new girl who�s been hanging out with them, she knows. She was the only one in the room when Liz went off and... and I think she might be one of them.� �Crap! Probably one of the Underground. That means the little hatchlings probably know who she is. I wonder if security�s been breached? That would would be ambitious of them,� he mused to himself. �Should we abort sir?� �If I didn�t know better I�d say you were going soft on me,� he taunted. �No. Not at all sir.� He adjusted his voice to ooze confidence, internally berating himself for letting the Durton intimidate him. �I was simply thinking of your best interests.� �Sure you were. No, we�re far enough along, it doesn�t matter. Continue as planned. I�m leaving tomorrow and I�ll meet you there. You won�t be able to contact me between then. Have I made a mistake? Can you handle this with out me holding you flaking little hand?� �I�ve got it under control. We�ll meet you at the prearranged coordinates.� �Excellent, and remember if you screw up, your dust.� The damn dial tone echoed in his ears before he could respond. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was six before Liz got home weighted down with bags of every shape and color full of things she didn�t need. �What did you do? Buy out the whole mall?� Michael asked in exasperation as he took another arm load of bags from Justin at the door. He thanked his lucky stars he�d had to work and didn�t have to accompany them on this expedition. �No, for your information I didn�t spend hardly a penny. Gwyn was in a mood to buy me things. I think she feels guilty about what happened Wednesday, she wouldn�t take no for an answer.� She motioned for him to follow her to her bedroom where she set the bags on the floor near her closet and on her desk. �The girl is a machine once she gets going. I would truly be afraid to set her and Isabel loose in there at the same time.� �Remind me to go camping when that happens.� Liz laughed. �You like shopping with Maria, you just won�t admit it,� she teased him. �Yes, and I also enjoy getting my legs waxed, toe nails pained, and watching Beauty and the Beast,� he answered caustically. Liz smiled remembering exactly what Max had told her about her brother�s secret affinity for Disney, but seeing that he was in a relatively good mood today, she kept that to herself. �Did you have a good time?� he asked as he peeked into a few bags. �Yeah, I did. Gwyn and I talked about some stuff, it was good.� �Good, good... what is - Never mind! I�m sure you want to... do- whatever it is you do, so, I�ll be- somewhere else.� Michael stuttered brokenly as he backed towards the door. Liz picked up the bag he�d been looking at when he all but ran from the room and laughed to herself, Victoria�s Secret. Apparently it hadn�t occurred to him that his sister did indeed wear underwear. Setting the bag back down she glanced at the clock. It was almost six thirty, that only gave her an hour and a half until Max picked her up. Finding the bag with her dress, she pulled it out and hung up the one article to shake out. Putting the rest away would have to wait until tomorrow. Digging around she found the other new things she needed to get ready, laying them on the bed. Just as she was about to run her bath she noticed the white rose on her pillow. She couldn�t help but smile knowing there was only one person who could possible have left it. Picking it up revealed the plain white cd case it was resting on. Max had left her a cd? Putting the rose in the bud vase on her night stand along with the one he have her on Wednesday, she picked up the case and opened it. A small note fluttered out and fell on her shoe. Retrieving it, she went to her stereo and put in the disk as she read the note. Liz, My mom had an eighties station on while she was vacuuming the other day and I happened to hear this song. It reminded me of us. I had Alex pull it off the net and burn a copy for you. The lyrics are printed on the inside cover. Remember, I trust you Liz. Always. I am counting the moments until tonight. Love you, in this life and the next, Max She was melting, simply melting. A big puddle of Liz goo, that�s what Max would be picking up this evening. Sighing dreamily, she pushed play. She was surprised when a fairly quick, lively beat came from her speakers. She had been expecting one of those soulful, lusty love ballads that were so popular then, this was not that. The steady drum beat and over tone of the electric guitar was just about as far from what Max listened to as you could get. It made her smile to think of Diane rocking out while doing house work. It wasn�t too fast, a nice even tempo, but still not exactly what she�d been expecting. As the singer began she flipped open the case and followed along. Some love is just a lie of the heart The cold remains of what began with a passionate start And they may not want it to end But it will, it�s just a question of when I�ve lived long enough to have learned The closer you get to the fire the more you get burned But that won�t happen to us Because it�s always been a matter of trust I know you�re an emotional girl It took a lot for you to not lose your faith in this world I can�t offer you proof But you�re gonna face a moment of truth It�s hard when you�re always afraid You just recover when another belief is betrayed So break my heat if you must It�s a matter of trust With that line Liz knew what Max had meant in his letter and tears began to pool in her eyes. He was sending her a message to be sure. Speaking to her fears about the consequences his heart could face if they got back together, he didn�t care what they were, because he had faith in her. He couldn�t have chosen a more perfect song. Though it was old, the words were as if they had been specifically written for the two of them. You can�t go the distance With too much resistance I know you have doubts But for God�s sake don�t shut me out This time you�ve got nothing to lose You can take it, you can leave it Whatever you choose I won�t hold back anything And I�ll walk away a fool or a king Some love is just a lie of the mind It�s make believe until it�s only a matter of time And some might have learned to adjust But then it never was a matter of trust I�m sure you�re aware love We�ve both had our share of Believing too long When the whole situation was wrong Some love is just a lie of the soul A constant battle for the ultimate state of control After you�ve heard lie upon lie There can hardly be a question of why Some love is just a lie of the heart The cold remains of what began with a passionate start But that can�t happen to us Because its always been a matter of trust As she listened to the final strains of the song Liz knew without a doubt she didn�t stand a chance. Tonight she would completely open her heart to him again. She would tell him everything and anything he wanted to know, it would only be the truth. Even if it was something she didn�t want to face, for him she would. Somehow she would find the strength to ask him to help her and communicate the fact that she truly did need him as much as he believed he needed her. It was only a song but to her, to them, it was so much more. Max didn�t care if she broke his heart again, as long as he got this moment with her. She couldn't say she wasn�t afraid for him because as hard as she tried, Liz could never get that little voice to shut up. The one that said she was going to leave him and his heart in tatters. But at some point she had to stop listening, and that moment was right now. Back Next |