Title: 'Looking to the Future' Author: Lori R 1/03 Email: Gussywussy55@y... Category: Cliffie past life (Rath/Vilandra-Michael/Isabel) with Zan and Ava Rating: Heavy NC 17 by request. PLEASE don't read if you are under the legal age! Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, but borrow them for my own enjoyment. Dedicated to: Monika and the other Cliffies. Requested factors: Past life and heavy smut Summary: What led up to being sent to Earth. ************* "Home. I can't believe we are finally here," said Zan happily looking around, as he and his best friend Rath stepped off of the transport. The business area was bustling with activity and no one seemed to realize who they were quickly passing by. Rath shifted his bag to his other shoulder and said, "So what. We've been gone 3 years and nothing looks any different." Zan smiled as he said, "And that's why I like it." He looked to the left and spied the boats at the Antarian dock bobbing in wait for passengers to take them out. "I've missed it Rath. My wife and family are here and so are my people. The fighting on Therious was exciting at first, but I missed all of this. If I never see another war it will be too soon." Rath shrugged his shoulders. "I guess. But I have no family though so there is really no one to miss me here. But I do admit to missing the ladies of Rilous's End," he said with a wink. Zan slapped his friend on the back as they started to walk. "You 'are' a ladies man my friend. But I wonder if they will remember you?" he said grinning, but he knew that Rath wished that there was one certain person that had missed him. Zan could just never figure out who it was. A sound at Rath's waist alerted him to a message coming in. He held up his com unit and said, "Well they know we're back. So much for trying to arrive unnoticed." Zan sighed. "I should have known Kivar would alert everyone that we had returned. Well let's go see what he has waiting for me." Rath's frown turned to a scowled. "I don't trust him, Zan. He oozes evil everywhere." Zan frowned as well. "He was my Father's most trusted advisor and has given me no reason to distrust him. He encouraged me to back our neighbors on Therious and it turned out fine. So there is nothing to worry about." "I've never understood how your Father could trust him like that. Kivar's family had been enemies of your family's for years! How did he ever become your Father's advisor?" asked Rath scathingly. "I'm not sure, but if my Father was willing to make peace with Kivar and make him his advisor then who am I to be any different?" replied Zan. "Well I don't trust him and I would watch my back around him if I were you," said Rath as they looked up to find several soldiers approaching on starjets. "Great. The calvary is here," he said mockingly. "Your Majesty! Welcome home," said the leader. "Thank you. We've missed it," said Zan. "The Queen and you're Mother await you." Zan nodded. "Let's go," he ordered as he and Rath stepped back on the transport and were immediately taken to the Antarian palace. There they were to find that 'all' things weren't the same as when they left. **************** "Mother!" greeted Zan as he and Rath entered the central room. A woman in long flowing robes rose and smiled, her arms extended open. "Zan! Oh my son how I've missed you!" Zan tightly hugged his Mother and kissed her cheek. "It's good to be home, Mother." "Let me look at you!" Her Mother's eye took in the changes in her son. "You've filled out." Zan grinned. "They fed us well." "It's not just that. You're older now...wiser," she said approvingly. The woman looked at Rath. "Well don't just stand there, come and give me a hug," she ordered as she opened her arms to him. Rath rolled his eyes at Zan then smiled and hugged the woman before him. "Welcome home, Rath. You've done well by bringing my son back to me safely." "Thank you Zaria," said Rath. "It's nice to know I was missed." Queen Zaria had always treated Rath as one of her own. "Where is Ava?" asked Zan eagerly looking about. He had expected her to there to greet him. Zaria smiled. "In your quarters. She wanted to greet you alone." Zan's smile grew as he quickly hugged his Mother once again and hurried off to his quarters. "I guess that means Kivar will have to wait his turn," said Rath hefting his bag. "I'll be off then. I want to settle back into my own quarters." Zaria nodded. "Very well, Rath. We'll see you at dinner?" Rath nodded. "Yes. I would like that." "Good! You can see Vilandra and Ava then. I know they are glad that you as well as Zan have returned." Rath hid a smile of anticipation at the mention of Vilandra's name. He inclined his head and then took his leave. Rath made his way down the garden path towards his own smaller quarters beyond. He was looking forward to dinner later and wanted to clean up before seeing Vilandra. He wondered if she had changed much or if she had even thought about him while he was gone. They frequently sparred with one another not only verbally but physically as well as they developed their powers. Vilandra was constantly trying to out do him and Zan in whatever they did. But he and Vilandra had seemed to always understand that their was something between the two of them that went deeper than friendship. They finally gave in to their attraction for one another, but had kept it secret. They weren't sure how Zan would take their relationship. It was still new and both were upset when Rath went away with Zan to fight. Neither knowing if they would see one another again or if their love would survive. And now he was back. Zan had never mentioned anyone courting Vilandra, but then Vilandra had not written either, something that disturbed him. All of this time and he had no word. Maybe she had changed her mind about him. He pulled up short when he heard snapping sounds followed by a grunt of someone in pain then laughter. Walking towards the sound Rath peered around bush to find a man on the ground looking up at a beautiful young woman dressed in a warriors training garment. The aftermath of a fight lay on the ground. Around them stood other warriors all roaring with laughter. "She's best you again, Shar! Not one of you can best her where the powers are concerned," said a man who stood nearby. The woman extended her hand. "Shar, please forgive me. I do hate to lose, but I also hate to best my friends. We are still friends aren't we?" She smiled beguilingly down at him. Shar reached up. "Friends. I feel honored to have been bested by you." He rose and those around them clapped. "Congratulations. Nasedo has taught you well." "Yes, but you were a worthy opponent," said the beauty as she leaned over to kiss the cheek of the man she had bested. The man smiled. "Thank you." The gathering broke up and the woman began to walk back towards the castle by way of a path that connected with the one Rath was on. He pulled back. "Vilandra," he whispered to himself. He started to take another look when a branch split and landed by his feet. He jumped. "Who are you and why do you spy on me?" came a familiar feminine voice. Rath held up his hands. "I wasn't spying. Not exactly," he amended. "Turn around...slow!" came the order near his ear. Rath slowly turned. The woman had her hand raised ready to defend herself. "You!" came a gasp of shock. Recovering her composure the woman eyed him up and down as she walked around him then cooly said, "So, it appears that what little brains you have in your hard head kept you alive while you were gone. That or Zan must have protected you well." Rath's brows lifted at her words. "And I see you're still trying to figure out how to best the males. Try not to kiss your enemies when you overpower them and that should help," threw back Rath. Vilandra stopped walking and looked at Rath. "You're still rude." "Yeah, well I learned from the best," he said winking at her before walking away. "Bastard," Vilandra hissed behind him. "Bitch," he returned as he walked away. Vilandra watched him swagger away then turned on her heels smiling as she walked towards the palace with a spring in her step. ****************** Later ......... "So Rath, did you get settled in? Do you need anything?" asked Zaria as she and Rath waited in the dining hall for the others to arrive. "I'm fine Zaria, but thank you," said Rath taking a drink of the Olac wine before him. "How is everything here? Are they as well as Zan was led to believe?" Before Zaria could answer they heard footsteps approaching. They looked up to see Vilandra entering the hall. Rath's eyes widened. Gone were the clothes and head coverings of a warrior, and in their place was the gown and hair of a beautiful woman. "Vilandra, you look beautiful," said Zaria lifting her cheek to her daughter to be kissed. "Thank you, Mother." Vilandra looked at Rath. "Rath." Rath slowly stood up and nodded. "Vilandra." He tried not to stare, but it was nearly impossible not to. Where was the girl he had seen earlier? The one he had left behind. This woman, for that is what it was all too apparent she was now, was beautiful. Her long hair was falling down her back in waves that curled at the ends, and her body was curved in all the right places beneath her open low cut gown over tight britches. She looked like one of the angels that the priests spoke of. But he knew better. He had been on the receiving end of her temper often enough and she on his. He couldn't hide the look of appreciation that entered his eyes when he looked at her. Vilandra recognized the look and felt something warm stir inside her. She inclined her head at him to acknowledge the compliment then nervously sat beside her Mother. Why was she so nervous? It was just Rath for goodness sakes. Rath. She had waited three long years for him to safely return and now that he had she was a bundle of nerves. She wondered if he still had the same feelings for her. After their chance meeting this afternoon she wasn't so sure. "Where are Zan and Ava?" she asked. "Late I'm afraid," said Zaria. Her stomach rumbled. Everyone smiled and laughed. "We're here! Sorry we're late," said Zan as he breezed into the room with his wife Ava on his arm. "I guess making love to your wife after 3 years is a good reason to make us all wait," said Vilandra rolling her eyes teasingly. Zan's eyes grew large. "Vilandra?! I would say that can't be you, but that comment sounded like something you would say." He eyed her up and down. "You've changed." He eyed the low cut of her gown and her breasts threatening to spill out. "A lot." "Zan, stop. You'll embarrass her," said Ava. She smiled at Vilandra, her sister by marriage. "I think he thought you wouldn't grow up while he was gone." Zan turned to Rath. "Can you believe this is the same girl who used to best you at the games?" Rath scowled. "She bested you too, if I recall" Then his face took on a slight smile. "But no, I can't believe it." Vilandra blushed with pleasure at their words then hugged Zan. "Welcome home Zan." She turned to Rath. "You too, Rath," she said smiling. "It's good to have you home again, Your Highness," came a voice behind them. Everyone turned to see a handsome slightly older man enter the room. "Kivar," greeted Zan. Kivar stood before Zan and bowed his head. "I'm glad to see you have returned safely." "Thank you." Kivar looked at Vilandra, eying the low cut of her gown appreciatively. "You look lovely, Vilandra." Vilandra raised a hand to her necklace laying at her throat in an effort to hide from Kivar's view. "Thank you," she said tightly. Rath noticed she took no pleasure in his words and had moved closer to her Mother. He clinched his fists. He didn't like the way Kivar was looking at Vilandra. "Are you joining us, Kivar?" asked Ava. "You are more than welcome." Kivar held up his hands. "No, no I just wanted to greet our King on his return." He turned to Zan. "I had thought we would meet earlier, but....." Zan pulled Ava closer to him as he said, "I was occupied with getting to know my wife again, Kivar." Kivar looked at Zan. "I do understand, sire. But we do need to meet first thing tomorrow if possible." Zan nodded. "Fine." Kivar smiled and nodded. "Very good. I will let you resume your festivities then. Good evening." Then he left. Rath looked at Zan who was smiling down at Ava. He then looked at Vilandra and noticed she seemed to be relieved that Kivar was gone. But it was Zaria's look that disturbed him. She was frowing as if worried. He made a note to himself then returned his attention to the party at hand. The meal was taken with a host of spirited conversation and fine food. "I'm glad there wasn't a lot of fan fair tonight. I wanted a quiet time with my family," said Zan. "I thought you might so instructed Kivar there would be no such celebrations....for now at least," said Ava smiling at him. Rath took a drink and glanced up to find Vilandra covertly eying him. She quickly looked away when he raised his glass in a mild salute to her. His eyes drank in her beauty as he again wondered if she still had feelings for him. "Wouldn't you say so, Rath?" came Zan's voice. Rath looked up. "What?" Zan hid a smile. "I said, don't you think that Vilandra has grown stunning since we saw her last?" Rath squirmed in his seat, but gave an honest answer. "Yes, she has grown stunning." Vilandra smiled brightly pleased by the compliment. "But, beauty is only skin deep," Rath added taking another drink. Vilandra's mouth dropped open and quickly shut as she frowned at Rath. The others in the room hid their laughter behind their hands. "You haven't learned any manners while you were gone have you, Rath?" said Vilandra. "Manners? I was taught never to lie." He raised his glass to Zaria. "Thank you for that lesson, Zaria." She laughed. "I think you better watch your back, Rath. My daughter isn't one to take an insult lying down." He looked at Vilandra. "I'll be sure to keep an eye out for her." ********************* Later...... Rath was sitting on the wall that encircled the city and looked out at the activity filling the sky. Transports sped by full of families and soldiers on their way to who knows where. "Are you glad to be back?" came Vilandra's voice behind him. Rath pulled on the tunic jacket covering his suit as he turned to look at her. "Yes." Silence. "So you've....changed," he said pointing to her. Vilandra raised her hand to her bodice then dropped it. "Yes. But so have you." "Is that good?" he asked her as he took a step towards her. Vilandra looked up into his eyes. "Yes." Rath placed his hands on her waist as he looked down at her. His gaze traveled from her silky hair, to her face, her neck, then to the heaving swell of her breasts. "Did you miss me?" "Did you miss me?" she countered plucking at the closures on his tunic. Rath smirked. "I asked you first. From the greeting you gave me earlier I'm sure." Vilandra knew she was heaving with desire, but she was still stubborn. "No," she whispered. Rath's brows shot up as his eyes widened at her words. "No?" He removed his hands from her waist. She bit her lip. He pulled her quickly back against him, his face inches from hers. "Liar," he ground out softly before his mouth descended on hers. Their lips pressed together eagerly as he pulled her tighter to him, crushing her body to his. Vilandra's mouth opened under Rath's hungry one as his hands wandered her back. "I've missed you so, Rath!" breathed Vilandra as she took his face in her hands. "Yeah, all of the communications really showed it," teased Rath as he kissed her again. Vilandra pulled back and looked up at Rath confused. "I sent you communications everyday ...at first. When you didn't respond I stopped. You didn't get them?" Rath stopped trying to kiss her when he heard this. "No. I thought you just didn't want Zan to know about us." Vilandra looked confused. "I thought the reason I hadn't heard from you was because you hadn't received the messages, but then Ava and Mother were getting them from Zan and I thought.....I thought you just didn't want to be reminded of what ....." "Of what we had started here? No, I didn't get them and now I wonder why?" said Rath shaking his head. He pulled Vilandra back into his arms. "I missed you everyday. I was afraid I would never see you again." Vilandra lay her head on his chest. "Was it horrible? We heard their armies had powers stronger than ours." Rath nodded. "It was bad, but we adapted to their strategies and bested them. Zan was amazing! His powers grew stronger in healing and the warriors followed him as they did your Father. He's a good King, Vilandra." "I know he is. But they followed him because he had an excellant counselor in you, Rath, advising him and encouraging him." Rath smiled. "This is true." He laughed when she spat at his chest. "We made a good team." Vilandra's eyes grew sultry and she stepped back taking his hand. "Come." She turned to walk away. He stopped her. "Where?" When Vilandra turned back her eyes were smoldering with desire. "To my quarters." Rath's eyes widened. "No." He pulled away. Vilandra looked hurt. "No? You ...you don't want me?" She was humiliated. "NO! No, that's not it! It's Zan and your Mother. They would kill me if they found me in your quarters." Vilandra looked up from under long lashes. "Really? That's all?" He took her in his arms again. "I want you, Vilandra. I've dreamed of being with you so many times. But now is not the time or place." Vilandra realized he was right. "I understand." He kissed her hungrily. "I'm going to leave before I take back what I just said." He kissed her again, his tongue caressing her lips. Vilandra relunctuntly moved away. "Goodnight, Rath." "Night, Vilandra." He watched her run inside and then made his way to his own quarters. Upstairs there was one watching who hurried away to report to another. ********************** The next day......... "Your Majesty, the people of Antar are over joyed you have returned to them. A time of celebration is in order," said Kivar as he walked about the solarium with Zan. "Ava mentioned a celebration. Go ahead then," said Zan. The doors burst open and Rath walked in. "Zan! Did you sleep well in your own quarters?" asked Zan grinning at his friend. Rath cut his eyes towards Kivar then dismissed him as he addressed Zan. "It was much better than what I've slept on the past 3 years. I had almost forgotten what a bed felt like." Zan smiled then said, "Kivar was just telling me it is time to let the people celebrate our return. I agree." "It's not my return they are celebrating," said Rath. "Maybe not now, but when they find out that their King's new Counselor is the one who stayed by his side these past years, they will cheer," said Zan looking at his friend. Rath's eyes widened in shock. "Me?" Zan clasped his friend's hand as he threw his arm around his shoulder. "Yes, you. You've been my friend all of my life. You know my secrets and I discuss everything with you as it is. A title is in order. Don't you agree, Kivar?" Kivar stood off to one side with eyes that showed how upset he was with Zan's announcement. But in a quiet voice he said, "Yes, sire." Rath heard the tone in Kivar's voice and leveled his eyes on him. There was no love lost there. The hatred was very apparent. He would need to watch his own back as well as Zan's. ********************** Rath followed the path to the Royal Forest of Antar towards the Crystal Waterfall. His desire was to swim in the pool there before heading back to his quarters. He and Zan used to go there growing up, and it was the place where he first kissed Vilandra. He heard the sound of the falls and soon stepped out of the darkened forest into the shining light that reflected off of the crystal water. He held his hand up to shield his eyes until they became adjusted to the light then slowly lowered them until they settled on a lone swimmer in the water. Vilandra slowly swam in the pool, the water droplets sparkling in her hair like the diamonds of Sinaris. Rath's breath caught in his throat at his first sight of Vilandra in all her glory. Her ivory skin covered a voluptuous body that made his own body quicken with need. He had loved her for years, but had never done more than kiss her after declaring his love for her. Now seeing her this way he knew that very soon he would be making her his own. He watched as Vilandra stepped out of the water and lay down on the blue moss there. She stretched, arching her back towards the sun, her hands tangling in her wet hair. She shivered. Raising her hand she waved it from head to toe and dried herself with her powers. Sighing she relaxed against the ground, her eyes closing as if to sleep. Rath started to step out and surprise her when he saw her hands move to her large breasts and began to caress them. He stopped stunned as he watched Vilandra lightly pinch her nipples and rub her breasts. One hand slid over her ribs to her waist while the other continued to rub and pinch her breasts. Rath's breathing grew harder as he watched Vilandra's hand move downward to press against her groomed mound. A finger slid inside and she gasped as her body began to react to the self stimulation. Rath's mouth went dry as his hand waved over his body and he stood naked in the bushes. The hand moved lower and began to fondle his ever growing cock, his eyes never leaving Vilandra. She moaned as her legs opened wider and her fingers played with her hardened nub before sliding into her swollen folds. Rath grasped himself and began to pump, his body aching to find release. "Raaaaath!" cried Vilandra as she arched then went limp. Rath let go of himself and stepped out of the bushes. He stode over to Vilandra and knelt down beside her. Vilandra's eyes opened as a shadow fell over her. Rath. "What....what are you doing here?" she whispered, not bothering to hide herself from his eyes. "I was going to swim, but....." His eyes grew dark with desire as they roamed her flushed body. Her face flamed. "You saw." Now she did try to cover herself. But Rath pulled her hands away. "Don't." It was then that she realized he was naked as well. Her eyes took in his engorged member slick with precum just inches from her. She raised her eyes to meet his, and dropped her hands. "Make love to me, Rath," she begged hungrily. Rath licked his lips then lowered them to hers. His tongue swirrled over her lips tracing their outline before sliding inside and tasting her sweetness. Vilandra wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him down between her thighs. Rath's member poked her dripping opening seeking entrance to her heat. She opened her legs up more and guided him to her. Rath bent his head and took a nipple in to suck while his hand gently kneeded the fullness of her breast. He began to slide inside of her, her juices combined with his making his entrance easy to her untried body. He soothed her while he pushed home. He was her first and if he had his way he would be her last. She was tight and closed around him, her walls trapping him as if to never let him go. "Awwwww, Vilandra," he sighed, his body moving inside hers. Vilandra clasped his body to hers as if afraid he might leave her. She began to move with him. Her hips rocking with his drawing him deeper and deeper inside her. "It feels good, Rath. Sooo good," she moaned. Rath smiled as he pushed farther inside. He didn't know there could be such pleasure when joining with someone you love. "Harder Rath...harder! Deeper....oh please deeper!" Vilandra cried. "I don't want to hurt you," he said slowing down. She kissed him and said, "You aren't hurting me. I feel soooo....awwwww!" Rath raised himself up and began to drive deeper and harder into Vilandra. "Faster, Rath....faster...faster!" whimpered Vilandra. Sweat dripped off of Rath's body down to hers, the moisture making their bodies glide easily with one another. "Aaawwww.......pleeeeease!" Vilandra bucked and cried out then stilled as her body's orgasm shook her. She then held him cradled to her has he came inside her hard, his own cries matching her own. The heat from the fluid of Rath's body burned Vilandra's core, but she loved it and she loved him. Much later Rath leaned up. "Did I hurt you? I never meant to hurt you," he said, checking for signs that he had. Vilandra smiled and stretched. "Nooooooo. I feel wonnnnnnnderful." She touched his cheek. "I love you, Rath," she said softly. He smiled down at her. "I love you too." In the shade of the bushes one watched and frowned, before reporting to another. *********************** Zan sat at his desk reading reports on the monitor infront of him while Ava played a virtual game of chess. A movement in the doorway alerted them to someones presence. "Kivar, do you need something?" asked Zan looking up. Ava looked at Zan. He motioned for her to stay. "I think what I have to say you will want to hear in private," said Kivar glancing Ava's way. "I have no secrets from my wife, Kivar," said Zan sitting back. Kivar hesitated then said, "I've heard that we might expect an attack from Ravon." Zan stood up frowning. "We have been at peace with them since before my Father's time. Where did you hear this?" "Spies. We need to attack them before they attack us," said Kivar darkly. "I'm opposed to force and war if it can be avoided, Kivar. You know this," said Zan. He turned on his com unit. "Find Rath and send him to me." Moments later Rath entered the room. "You called for me?" he asked. He eyed Kivar and knew Kivar wasn't happy to see him. "Kivar says we are going to be attacked by Ravon. Have you heard this?" asked Zan. Rath looked at Zan then Kivar and back. He placed his hands behind his back then said, "No. I haven't heard this." "I have contacts Rath does not have," said Kivar stepping forward. He didn't like being questioned. Zan bit his lip thoughtfully. "Rath, do you think we should send an army to Ravon just in case as Kivar has suggested?" Rath shook his head as he crossed his arms. "Send an army to a so far friendly colony? No! They have done nothing to warrant an action like that!" He looked at Kivar. He could only guess what the man had in mind by suggeting such a thing. Zan nodded satisfied. "Then we wait. Set up extra guards, but do not deploy an army unless I say so." Kivar could barely contain his anger. "As you wish." Then he existed the room. Rath looked at Zan. "You need to get rid of him, Zan. He's up to something." Ava rose and moved to stand beside Zan, placing her arms around him. "He's always been friendly, but he does seem to be angered whenever Rath is near." Zan wrapped an arm around Ava as he looked at Rath. "Maybe I'm not the one that should be careful." Rath nodded. ************************ Rath stepped into his hydra unit and sat down on the bench inside. "Hot mist," he said rubbing his face. The unit began to shower him with a fine mist of heat that felt good to his body. The mist swirrled as someone entered the unit. "Who's there?" he asked alert. Soft hands slowly crawled up his leg to his cock and grasped it gently. "Wha?!" Rath jumped, then relaxed as Vilandra giggled. "What are you doing here?" he asked placing a hand on her hair as she nipped at his thigh. "I missed you," came her sultry reply. Rath smiled as he sighed. Her hand was pumping him slowly, tortureously. "Did you miss me?" she asked before licking the head and making him jump. "Where did you learn that?!" he asked pulling back. Vilandra sat up embarrassed. "I....I heard talk...read...I'm...I'm sorry." Her hair fell infront of her face as a shield from him. Rath blew out a breath. He pushed her hair back and pulled her towards him. "Come here." Vilandra slid over beside him. "I was just ...shocked." She wouldn't look at him. "Hey....hey...look at me," he said placing a hand under her chin. When she did he said, "It felt good." She looked at him. "Really?" "Yeah, really." He kissed her as he pulled her onto his lap. Vilandra wrapped her arms around his neck, her hands playing with his long hair as their bodies crushed tightly together. Rath lowered his head to kiss her neck, her collar bone, the tops of her breasts. He moved so that she lay down and he knelt beside her kissing her belly. He moved lower. "Raaath...what are you doing?" she wondered dreamily. "Sshhhhh...." he replied as he kissed her mound. His tongue slid lightly over her the top of her outer lips. "Oh myyyy..." she gasped arching. Her hands went to his hair, weaving her fingers in the strands as she pushed his head between her open thighs. He slid his tongue inside her, the cool wetness of his tongue caressing her swollen heated lips driving them both wild. He drove deeper inside her drinking in her juices as she bucked up against his face. Vilandra's eyes rolled back in her head before her lids closed over them. She could feel the now familiar urgency of her orgasm rolling over her. Her legs clasped Rath's head as his hand gripped her thighs. Her hands moved over her own breasts, the nipples were hard like pebbles. "More...more....please more," she moaned. Rath teased her over stimulated nub with his teeth then sucked it until she keened. She came hard in his mouth as her body shuddered then was limp. Her thighs fell open and Rath leaned up to look at her face. Vilandra's eyes were glassy as she stared up at him wonderingly. Rath kissed the top of her damp head as he smoothed her wet hair with his hand. "That was ...." she had no words. He smiled, pleased he could give her pleasure. "I want to do that to you. Make you feel what I felt," she whispered. Rath kissed her as he pulled her to a sitting position. Vilandra kissed his mouth hungrily as she held his face between her hands. She could taste her muskiness in the kiss and it encouraged her as she nibbled at his ear, his neck, down his chest. She flicked her tonuge over his nipples as she moved on in her quest. The light hair covering of belly led down to her goal. He was hard, the vein throbbing as she took him in her hand. He was warm, the tip oozing precum that she bent and licked with the tip of her tongue. He hissed as his hand held her head there wanting more, and she gladly gave it. Stretching her mouth over the thick length of him until he gasped. She began to suck, moving up and down on him until he was touching fully inside the warm moistness. "Yes...yes........mmmmm," moaned Rath as she lightly held his sacs in her hand caressing them while she serviced him. She licked his length, swirrling the head and then back again. Rath bucked under her. She could tell he close and worked him harder until the fire inside burned and he exploded. Vilandra pulled back. She could hear him breathing deeply, his hand still on her hair. She looked up. His eyes were closed and he was gasping. "Rath." He opened his eyes and looked down at her. He smiled. She smiled back and crawled on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. "I want to marry you." Vilandra looked up. "What?" "I want to marry you. So, what do you say?" He was beginning to think she was going to say no despite knowing she loved him. "Yes!" she said kissing his again. "I love you, Rath." He sighed with relief. "I love you, too." *************************** In the Main Room.......... "What? You want to marry Vilandra?" asked Zan shocked. He looked between the lovers then at Zaria. Rath nervously held Vilandra's hand tightly. "Zan, please say yes...please," whispered Vilandra. Zaria met her son's eyes. His best friend and his sister would make a good match if he could get over the shock. Ava leaned near Zan's ear. "Zan, she's happy. Say yes." Zan could only think about the ladies that Rath had left with broken hearts already. He didn't want Vilandra to be another. "You love her?" asked Zan. Rath nodded. "Yes." He knew what Zan was thinking and he couldn't blam him to let him. But he loved Vilandra and would have her even if Zan said no. He would lose a friend, but have the woman he had always loved. Zan looked to Vilandra. "You're happy? Truely happy?" Vilandra nodded. "Yes, Zan. Very happy. I love him with all my heart. I always have." Zan looked at Rath. "Do not hurt her, Rath. She gives you her heart, and not lightly. You say you love her. Just don't make her regret loving you for I look forward to having you in my family." Zaria laughed at Rath and Vilandra's faces. Zan's words sunk in and they clasped each other's hands tightly. "I suppose now you'll kiss her," said Zan. Rath looked at Vilandra and did just that. A long deep kiss full of love that left the room in silence. Kivar stood outside the door and seethed. He must move soon. ********************** "We're going to be married," said Vilandra still a bit in shock. "I've dreamed of it, but ...I can't believe it." Rath turned on his side on the ground and kissed the swell of her breast. "Together forever." Vilandra pushed at his hand as she looked around. "Rath, someone might see." "Let them," he said moving his hand over her other breast and gently squeezing. "We're getting married." Vilandra's head fell back as she moaned. "Raaaath." "Let's go to my rooms," he whispered near her ear. Vilandra nodded. "Yessss....yes." "I'll see you in a few minutes," Rath said kissing Vilandra deeply. "Okay," she breathed raggedly. They made their way to Rath's quarters in different directions so as not to draw attention. The door to Rath's rooms slid open and she heard, "Welcome Princess Vilandra." Vilandra waved her hand over the door to seal it and then said, "Only answer to my voice command or Rath's." "Very well," the voice replied. Vilandra made her way to Rath's bedroom and gasped. "I thought you would never get here," said Rath rising naked from the bed, his cock saluting her at full attention. He grabbed her to him and began to tear at her clothes. "I'm hungry for you, Vilandra....so hungry." Vilandra smiled as she reached down to touch his staff. "I want you inside me, Rath. I want you now." Her clothes fell away and he pulled her back on his bed with him, her body straddling his. "I like this position," she purred. She sank down over him, his hardness sliding inside her dripping passage. "Like a knife in a sheath," she whispered softly as he slid to the hilt inside her. Rath placed his hands on her breasts and molded the large mounds. "No one was ever more beautiful than you." Vilandra smiled then lay over him to kiss his lips, her hair casscading around them. Then she began to move. She rocked him slowly, raising now and again to let him slide from her then back in again the sensation thrilling them both so that their bodies flammed. Rath reached for her nub and pressed it with his thumb watching her reaction. She moaned and pressed forward, her hips moving faster. "Ohhhhhh Raaaaaaaaath.........mmmmmmmmmm." She lay forward and he turned them over pressing her hands over her head. He pushed his tongue into her waiting mouth, dancing with hers while he pushed his cock into her hard. Vilandra shifted to take Rath in deeper. "More Rath...more." Rath sped up his movements and soon he was feeling the tightning in his body that called for release. "Vilandra....I ...I" "Now Rath....oh please now!" she cried. Rath's seed burst from him, the molten feeling sending Vilandra over her own edge. They moaned each others name in loving whispers as they rocked until they were laying in one anothers arms spent. "I always want it be like this," she whispered closing her eyes. "It will," he replied joining her in sleep. *********************** Vilandra's Rooms..... Vilandra had finished dressing when a sound behind her made her turn towards her opening door. "Kivar! How dare you enter my quarters without permission!" she said angrily. "No!" she screamed suddenly fearful as Kivar stepped towards her with a raised hand. She struggled to use her powers as she fought him, but was overcome when he pressed his hands to her head and drank of her memories. Withdrawing suddenly he raged. "What Nasedo said is true! You let Rath have you! You were mine to have and not his!" He took a deep breath to calm himself and then again placed his hand on Vilandra as he stared deeply into her eyes. "He may have had you first, but I will have you last. I will have what should have been mine! You will do my will and no one elses. You are mine, Vilandra and no one will come between us. You love no one but me. You do only my will, and want nothing more than to please me." He released her and waited. "Vilandra, my love, are you ill?" he asked with feined concern. Vilandra shook her head as if to clear it then placed her arms around Kivar's neck pulling his mouth to hers. "No my love, just weak from wanting you're kiss." She pressed her lips to his and kissed him. Kivar's arms pulled Vilandra tightly to him and he drank of her kiss. His hand began to mold to her breast, but she stepped back causing him to frown. "We can't Kivar....I have to meet Zan," breathed Vilandra. Kivar frowned at the timing, but continued with his plan just the same. "I think Zan is wrong for not attacking Ravon now. We must attack them before they can do damage to to Antar. If we follow Zan, Antar will be lossed," he said forcefully. Vilandra placed her chin on his shoulder. "I'll try to sway him. I promise." She kissed his cheek. "I must go now." Kivar watched as she left her room. He smiled as he turned to look out her windows to the city below. "Soon Very soon." ************************* The Counsel Room.... "NO! I can't believe you would even ask that of me!" shouted Zan, shocked. "But we will be attacked if you don't send the order for our armies to attack Ravon first!" yelled Vilandra, her eyes flashing. "I'm not doing it Vilandra! I won't order an attack on a planet that has done nothing to warrant it!" He looked at her as if he didn't know her. "What's happened to you? You've never been one to want war unless provoked. What's suddenly happened to you?" The counsel stood outside the doors listening to their King and the Princess. They had never heard the Princess Vilandra sound so angry and it greatly disturbed them. Vilandra's eyes glinted. "Nothings happened to me. I just think Kivar is right and that you should listen before you get us all killed." Zan couldn't believe what he was hearing. "And what of Rath? Does he agree with this?" "No! I do not!" came Rath's voice from behind. He frowned as he approached. "What's going on?" "Vilandra has suddenly decided that Kivar is right in wanting to attack Ravon!" said Zan. He wiped his mouth as if he tasted something bitter. Rath's eyes widened. "WHAT!? Vilandra, why?" he asked as he looked at the woman he loved. "Because he's right!" was her reply as she stood up straight before him. Rath was confused and angry. "Wha-when...why Vilandra? It will cause the deaths of many over nothing! And since when do you listen to Kivar?!" "Since he wants what is best for Antar. And because I love him I support him," came her reply. Rath and Zan stared at her incredulously. Rath's heart felt like a knife had run through it. "What are you saying?" He couldn't believe he was hearing this from her. Only last night they had made love and spoken of their future. What was going on here? "You can't love Kivar!" he said. Vilandra just stared at him. "I can and I do," she finally replied. "What's going on in here?" asked Zaria as she hurried past the counselors into the room. She took in the scene and knew that something was terribley wrong. "Zan? Vilandra?" "She wants war with Ravon, Mother. And....." he glanced at Rath then Vilandra. "She says she loves Kivar." Zaria gasped. "Vilandra!? But you love Rath." What was wrong with her daughter? "I love Kivar." Zaria shook her head. "What has happened to you?" Vilandra walked to the door and turned. "Nothing. I just care about Antar I guess more than any of you." With those parting words she left. Rath was devestated, but knew that he had to stay strong. He didn't know what was going on, but that was not his Vilandra. No matter what it took he was going to find a way to get his Vilandra back. Zaria thought of something and anxiously turned to Zan. "I think Kivar has had a hand in changing Vilandra!" Zan agreed. "The mind warp the scientist enginered. He's somehow aquired it and used it on Vilandra. The question is why her?" "Because he wants her. She's his link to the throne to make it truely his," said Rath rubbing his face. Zan looked at Rath. "I think you're right. He needs her to get Antar." Zan stood infront of Zaria. His mouth was dry. "You know what this might mean." Zaria closed her eyes then nodded. "I know." Zan looked at Rath. "I know," Rath replied looking away. "Then lets prepare," ordered Zan as he hugged Zaria. Zaria clung to Zan, a tear falling down her cheek. * *********************** Kivar's chambers...... "Zan has ordered the ship to be readied," reported Nasedo. Kivar nodded thoughtfully as he sat with his fingertips pressed against one another. "I thought as much. Well he is in for a surprise." "What now?" asked Nasedo. "We kill them," replied Kivar. *********************** The screams coming from the city were horrifying to Ava. She wanted to hide, but knew that she must stay strong to support Zan and fight by his side. Looking out the conference room window, she watched as star troopers from Ravon blasted the city below, the smoke and destruction of their attack everywhere. "Ava, come away from the window," said Zaria. Ava shook her head in sadness. "Our people are dying. So many innocents are dying because of Kivar," she said bitterly. "Not because of Kivar! Zan is responsible for this!" said Vilandra sweeping into the room. "He should have listened to Kivar and attacked Ravon. Now look what his actions have done?" Behind her Zan and Rath entered the room. Zaria watched Zan wince at Vilandra's words, and felt for him hearing Vilandra criticize him like this even if he did know she was being mind warped by Kivar. Rath looked at Vilandra and took a deep breath. He loved her with all of his heart and for this to work she had to feel his love. He walked over to her and grabbed her arm, turning her to face him. "You're under a mind warp, Vilandra. Kivar has mind warped you into thinking everything he does is right. He's using you to gain Antar!" He held tighter as Vilandra tried to wrench away. "Let go of me!" she hissed. Rath wrapped his arms around her. "NO! I love you, Vilandra! I always have and always will! I'll fight for you no matter what because I love you!" "I don't love you," she said without emotion. Rath felt like she had slapped him with her words though he knew them to be untrue. "You do! And I'll prove it!" He kissed her forcefully then, his mouth grinding into hers while she fought him. When he could no longer breath he gasped. "Remember our walks? The talks we had? Making love until we couldn't stay awake any longer?" He knew Zan and Zaria wouldn't be happy to hear the last, but right now he didn't care. He needed Vilandra to hear him. Her eyes shifted and blinked. Rath noticed and pressed on. "We have spent so much time together planning our future. Don't throw it all away on something that isn't real!" He kissed her again, but this time it was soft....passionate and full of love. Vilandra struggled, then her body began to give in. Her mind was swirrling with images of the things Rath had said and she knew them to be true. But along with these images came those of Kivar. She pushed at Rath. "I don't know what to believe!" she cried, falling back as he released her. "Believe me,"he said quietly. Kivar walked into the room followed by soldiers. "Kivar! This isn't over!" said Zan. He knew in his heart that Kivar had used them all and he hated himself for trusting him. Now they would all pay. Kivar smirked. "You really haven't learned have you, Zan? I'm going to kill you. You and that friend of yours tried to take what was mine. But Antar is mine now just like it was meant to be." He eyed them both adding, "And so is Vilandra." Vilandra blinked at the sound of her name. "So Rath was right. You planned this all along?" asked Zan. How could he have been so wrong. Kivar laughed. "I planned this while our families still were at war with one another. I pretended to lose face with my family and your pathetic Father took me in and even made me his Couselor." He laughed wickedly. " Like Father, like son wouldn't you say, Zan? Both trusted the enemy, but you took it a step farther and lost your throne. Now your people are paying for your stupidity." Vilandra blinked again and looked at Kivar. She felt like she was waking up to a nightmare. "Vilandra! Come to me!" he ordered holding out his hand. Vilandra stood still. "Vilandra!" he said sharply. "You did this...you did this to me....to my family, to those innocent people," she whispered blinking as she looked at him accusingly. Kivar's jaw tightened as he lowered his hand. "You should still be mind warped!" he said with anger. Vilandra looked to Rath with pleading eyes. "Rath! Rath, I...I'm so sorry." She touched his cheek. "I've always loved you. Only you." He gave her a little smile as he touched her hair. "I knew it wasn't you, Vilandra. We love each other too much." She smiled softly then looked to Zan. "Zan! What have I done?" She was horrified as she realized her family and Antar were paying for her actions. Zan shook his head. "It wasn't you, Vilandra. I know that. But it doesn't help us now." He placed his arm around Ava and pulled her tightly to him. He could feel her shaking. Vilandra looked tearfully at Rath. "I love you." She understood what was to come. She dried her eyes and looked at her Mother. Her eyes reflected her love for her and she smiled as she drew herself up. Zaria nodded and smiled back. As if reading one anothers minds, Rath, Vilandra, Zan and Ava raised their hands towards the soldiers and concentrated, letting loose a joint blast of energy that destroyed the soldiers "NNNNNNOOOOOO!" shouted Kivar. He hadn't counted on them joining their powers together to fight him. More soldiers burst in the room on Kivar's order. "Now you will die!" he shouted. He raised his hands and threw back his head as he concentrated all of his new found powers on the four. Blasts shot threw the bodies of the four leaders as they fought bravely beside one another against Kivar and the soldiers who came. They screamed as they shook in pain then fell to the floor. Zaria stood by and wept as she helplessly watched the four fall. All had faced death bravely with the one they loved. Kivar approached Vilandra with a mixture of sadness and bitterness. He looked down on her as she lay next to Rath, her hand in his. Beside them Zan clutched Ava's. "It could have all been ours," he said then with both hands raised over the fallen, he shouted and the room turned white with the blast of power he unleashed in his fury. Zaria covered her eyes and wept as she hid behind a fallen chair. When she knew Kivar had left the room, she uncovered her eyes and slowly stood up. Zaria raced the corridors until she reached the ones she sought. "Your King is dead! The Queen , the Princess, and her betrothed! We need to act now!" she said, the trails of dried tears evident on her face. They rushed behind her to the room where their King lay and paused a moment at the sight. Then moving quickly they gathered the bodies and hurried to the secret lab that Zan had ordered built soon after his Father was killed. Working with absolute care, they systematically extracted the essence of the four and mixed it with stored human DNA that had recovered over time. Soon several pods were loaded in a ship and with them protectors to care for and protect those encased in the pods. "You have all been carefully chosen for your job ahead. Nothing you have done before compares to the job ahead of you. I want your vow that you will protect your King and those with him with your lives!" ordered Zaria. The protectors nodded as they vowed with their lives to protect the precious cargo on board. As they boarded Zaria held one back. "Take care of my children, Nasedo. Guard them well and bring them safely home to save us." Nasedo nodded. "I'll do what is required." Then he too boarded. As Zaria watched from the sky port, the ship sailed off threw the sky, her children waiting to be reborn on Earth. "Good-bye, my children. My heart will break until we are reunited again." *********************** Earth, years later............... Isabel was shaking as she stood and listened to the knocking on the door. She knew who stood on the other side and why he had come, and it unsettled her. She had been awakened by the dream again just as she had every night, but this time it had been real. Slowly she opened the door and eyed the one outside uncertainly. Michael stood looking at her as if searching for something in her face. They stared at one another nervously then Michael said, "I think it's time we talked. Really talked." Isabel wrapped her arms around her waste as she sucked in her lip and nodded. She pushed the door open to allow him in. Michael started. He had seen her suck in her lip more times then he could count and he had always found it cute, but now...now he knew why. He followed Isabel into the living room and sat beside her on the couch at the other end. "Do you want something to drink?" she asked as she bounced her legs on top of her hands. She became aware of what she was doing and yanked her hands to clasp infront of herself. Michael shook his head. "No." Both looked at one another then at their hands. Finally Michael clapped his together and it startled Isabel causing her to jump. "We've avoided talking about this since we started having the dreams Isabel. We thought Tess made us have the first ones, but since she's dead and we're still getting them then it wasn't her." Isabel looked at Michael and nodded. She could feel her chest hurting and she placed a clinched fist there as if to still it. Michael splayed his hands out infront of himself and said, "They're sending us our memories Isabel. I don't know how or why....I don't even care. What I do care about is that I've got these... these...remembered feelings for you that I don't know how to deal with." Isabel's mouth fell open. "What?" Michael shook his head. "I can't help it. I feel all of the things Rath felt..I felt...for you. Every dream it gets stronger. I now remember every detail of my life before and Isabel, " he looked at her. "I want it back!" At her stunned look he said, " Not to Antar....I don't mean that. I want my life with you back." When she just sat staring at him, Michael said, "I know, we said that we aren't Rath and Vilandra anymore. What they did isn't us. But we were wrong, They are us." "Then that makes me a traitor, Michael," said Isabel. Michael shook his head. "No, it doesn't! You know what happened. It was Kivar, not you!" He sighed. "Look, we were going to be married and have a family. I want that with you here." He sat back and ran his hands over his jeans as he blew out a ragged breath. He'd said what he had wanted to say and now he would wait to see how she reacted. Isabel tried to take it all in, but she all she could focus on was he wanted to be with her. She swallowed and held her hands together tightly as she struggled to stay calm, but it was hard. Oh so very hard. "Michael, do you know what you're suggesting?" He met her eyes. "Yeah, yeah I do. I want to spend my life with you like we planned." Isabel closed her eyes. "That was in our other life Michael. You're with Maria now. Or you are when you two aren't fighting." "But I love you." The words were said simply, but Isabel could feel all of Michael's love behind them and knew that he meant them. "What if you change your mind?" she whispered. Michael straightened. "I won't!" He watched Isabel suck in her lip again. "We can start slow. Date. Whatever you want to do, but know this. I'm going to marry you Isabel and we're going to spend our lives together like we planned." He reached for her hand. Isabel looked at it and then slowly reached for his. She looked up and smiled softly. Michael leaned over gently and kissed her. Isabel closed her eyes and let the familiar warm rush of feelings flow over her as he kissed her. Their bodies may be different but their souls and memories were the same. She opened her eyes and smiled as Michael moved back. "Well?" he asked her. Isabel nodded. "I want us to be together too, Michael. It's time." Michael smiled back as he put his arm around Isabel and held her, both sighing as they realized that their destiny was finally coming true. End