HAUNTED PAST - PART 2 Category Alternate Universe, Conventional Couples, POV Rating PG-13 Summary Mostly Kyle & Tess and Alex & Isabel, with Michael & Maria and Max & Liz Spoilers S1 - The White Room Author's Note Follows along Season 2 but drifts off into my little world, when Kyle learns about his haunted past. Read Haunted Past - Part 1 I looked around at the battle scene in front of me. The sky turned a shade of light murky green, the fields red and black- soldiers were lying in the fields crying out for their loved ones as their spirits evaporated into the atmosphere. It was the picture from Kyle's memory or was it mine? I looked around for a familiar face. The great war of Antar, were many died including Khivar at the hands of his brother. Was I in the past? Everything seemed so real. "Rath!" I turned to see Alex running towards me. He was covered in blood. "Khivar is dead!!" He gasped as a soldier grabbed him. "Khivar?" I asked as I noticed Max standing near by. "What happened?" I asked knowing the answer. "Your precious brother killed Khivar," Max replied icily as he walked over to me. "He will be executed for his murder." "No!" Alex cried. "It's not true!" "I know, I will get you out!" I vowed as they dragged Alex away... "What is happening?" I cried to the sky. I followed the caravan back to the castle. As I stepped into the main hall I saw Tess, or rather Ava crying. "Ava?" I whispered as I took her in my arms. "He's dead!!" She moaned as she cried into my arm. "I know he did it!" She cried. "He killed his own brother." "Shh, it will be okay?" I whispered knowing that I was lying. "No! It shall be horrid! I will be forced to marry the man that killed my husband. How am I to tell my child that-" "Child?" I gasped as Tess began to cry harder. "I just found out," She whimpered as the lady in waiting took her away. A baby? No one said anything. Of course Kyle and Alex wouldn't have known. These were my memories, my past. And I wanted to go home. I took a deep breath and willed myself home. I looked around at the strange forbidding castle. It didn't work! I needed to find Alex. After hours of searching I found Isabel instead. "Have you seen my brother?" I asked realizing I had called him my brother for the first time. "Yes," She moaned turning to me, exposing her swollen stomach, she was with child! "The King has declared that he shall die at sundown!" She cried rubbing her hand over her stomach. "But, he's innocent!" I cried. They could not do this! I had to stop them! "I doesn't matter. Zan proclaimed he saw him kill Khivar. The King will never go against his precious son's word." Isabel remarked harshly. "The King will now have his precious royal four they way he wanted it!" "What?" I asked confused. What royal four? I had lost count. "The King has proclaimed that Ava is to marry Zan and that I am to marry you. The royal four!" Isabel explained through her tears. The royal four, it was wrong now and it sure was wrong then!! "Where are they keeping him?" I asked softly as I tried to comfort Isabel as her lady in waiting appeared. "In the tower," She whispered as the lady escorted her to her room. I watched sadly as she walked away. No wonder we were unable to follow that stupid destiny! I could see it in their faces, their true love for their husbands. Royal Four my ass! I walked quickly to the tower to find the room empty. "No!!" I cried as I looked outside through the window into the courtyard below. I noticed the setting sun and I glanced over to the corner of the court yard in time to see an arrow pierce through Alex's heart. "NO!!" This can't be. They can not kill my brother, my heart crying out in pain. I ran down the hall and down the stairs. I ran as fast as my muscles would allow. My muscles ached as I went to my brother's side. "You're a little late." Max chuckled. "This is your fault!" I cried. "Is it?" He replied with a smirk on his face, I looked down at Alex's lifeless body. "How could you? He had a wife and child on the way?" I asked harshly standing up. "Vi will be fine, after all she will have you." "I was referring to Ava." I replied icily. He looked at me with shock, he didn't know. "No!!" Isabel cried as she saw her husband's life less body. She ran to him and covered his body with hers. "My wife is not going to have a baby." Max replied recovering form his shock. "Wife?! How can she be your wife? Khivar has been dead for less than a day." I asked my mind spinning out of control with anger. "We were married this evening." Tess replied softly as she came out of the shadows. "But I shall never see the light of another morning; I shall rejoin my husband and the true heir!" She cried as she pulled a dagger out of her robe. Max ran to her side and stopped her. "No! You shall not kill yourself! We are to be the royal four!" Max shouted his temper rising as he flung the dagger aside. "No!" Tess cried as she sunk to the floor and began to cry. The Royal Four. The feelings of hatred and sadness filled my entire being. I remembered the past, I remembered the destruction, and I remembered the pain- I wanted to go home, I wanted to see them alive. I wanted to kill Max! I closed my eyes and screamed, letting go of all of my frustrations. "Michael?" I heard a familiar voice call using my name. I looked up to see Alex standing over me. "Alex? You're alive?" I cried feeling a surge of happiness run through my body. I jumped off the floor and hugged my brother. I looked over to see Kyle standing next to him. "It was just a dream." "No, it was our past," Kyle replied softly. "We saw and relieved our past." ~*~ I looked over at Isabel and sighed. It had been over three hours since they told us that they needed their privacy. What was taking so long? "I wonder what they are talking about." I whispered, standing up from Isabel's bed and walked over to the window. "I assume they are telling Michael the truth," Isabel replied softly looking up at me. "How did you find out?" She inquired. "I had just moved into the Valenti's. I was minding my own business, when I heard shouting coming from the living room. I tiptoed down the stairs to see that Alex and the Sheriff were fighting." I paused and walked over to Isabel, "I had never seen Alex so upset he was furious. I overheard Sheriff telling Alex he was an alien and that he was one of the original members of the royal four." "What did you do?" Isabel interrupted. "I freaked!" I admitted throwing my hands in the air. "I ran into the room. I stood right up to the Sheriff and I told him that he was lying! I continued to babble that I knew the truth because Nesado had told me the truth." "Wow!" Isabel replied, she couldn't help but giggle. "He replied that Nesado was one of the King's best friends and alliance. It was his mission to set up the royal four as the King saw fit." I paused looking at Isabel giggling in front of me. "It wasn't funny!" "I know, but I can just picture the whole thing." Isabel mumbled. I thought back to the night and I could see her point, soon I joined her with my giggles. "What do you remember?" Isabel purred obviously thinking of Alex. "At first I denied the whole thing. I had always thought I was supposed to be with Max, living and being around Kyle brought back feelings I had with Khivar." I sighed. "Feelings? Anything else?" Isabel inquired. "Yes, memories of us together. Memories of us talking, singing, holding hands, kissing, and of making love to him." I sighed, they were beautiful memories. "Then last night when we-" "Umm, last night was a big night for both of us." Isabel whispered. "Izzy! You and Alex?" I squealed not realizing that they were together in that way. They had been hinting at it and I had not noticed. I was a little distracted myself. "Yeah," Isabel blushed. "Alex connected with me and opened my memories of the past, and one thing lead to another. I wanted him. I needed him. It was like-" "You became one. That you finally found what you never knew was missing," I sighed finishing her train of thought. "Exactly," Isabel sighed. "I remember being pregnant. I remember being told about Khivar and that my husband was to be executed and then it's all blank. Like my former self is protecting me from the bad memories." Isabel's voice trailed off. "I don't remember anything past them telling me Khivar was dead. I think our subconscious must be protecting us." I admitted softly. "It could not have been that bad? Could it?" Isabel asked as I shook my head in dismay. "I- It-" I mumbled not knowing how to answer her question. I honestly didn't know how to answer her. We sat in silence contemplating our past and our future. "Isabel!!" A voice cried breaking our silence. I looked at Isabel with intrigue as Max opened the door. We looked at him for the first time since the truth came out. My emotions ranged from hatred and fear, to love and kindness. "Hi, Tess. I didn't know that you were here." Max paused as he looked at our blank expressions. "Did I interrupt something?" "No." Isabel replied softly. It was only Max, not Zan. I repeated in my head. Then why was I so scared? He has not hurt us. Well, he did hurt me and he hates Kyle- "Did you need something?" Isabel asked softly. "I just had this weird feeling," Max announced. "I just wanted to find out if you felt it too." He has no idea. ~*~ We were relaxing in Michael's apartment after our brief history lesson. "What about Max?" Michael asked softly. "We can't avoid him." Why not? I had done a pretty good job of it. I had Isabel, I had my brother, life was good. "I don't know." Kyle responded. "I don't want the Zan from the past to come back. He killed me!" "Max saved your life!" Michael cried. "Ironic, if you ask me." I interjected. Kyle and Michael just glared at me. "He has been like a brother to me, he's not Zan." Michael pleaded. "I can understand your point, Michael." Kyle replied taking a deep breath. "He didn't chose to heal me, he felt obligated to heal me. Max doesn't like me and honestly neither do I. We're only friends now because of circumstances." Kyle admitted. We sat in silence once more. Kyle's and Max's relationship did mirror to some degree, Khivar's and Zan's relationship. Could they overcome their past and present obstacles and become friends, brothers? "I think you should go talk to him." I replied surprising myself. "I haven't known Max long, but I've never seen the Zan part of him." "I want to believe that," Kyle replied. "I agree with Alex. You have to go to him and talk with him." Michael added as he looked at me, my brother. "The sooner you talk to him, the better he'll take it." "I'll go talk to him," Kyle stated defeated. "If I don't return within the hour, send reinforcements." He added as he stood up and walked out the door. "He'll be okay." Michael replied softly trying to convince me or maybe, himself. "I hope so," I agreed. Michael and I stood in awkward silence for a few minutes, before he dropped his guard and crossed over to me. We hugged, a brotherly embrace, we knew the depths of our feelings. No words were said. None were needed. We had time to make up, we were brothers. We had to be strong, if we were going to bring Max and Kyle together. ~*~ I walked back to my room after the weird conversation with my sister. Something was going on, I can feel it. The air had been filled with electricity. Something was definitely going on! I reread the same paragraph three times unable to concentrate- I am getting no where. "I need to get out and get some fresh air," I mumbled to myself. I have to be strong. I have to be level headed... I'm supposed to be the leader, but sometimes I don't feel like it. I grabbed my jacket and opened the door to reveal Kyle standing in front of the door. "Kyle?" I asked my head spinning, since when has Kyle made house calls? "We need to talk." He announced as he looked me in the eyes. I could sense the urgency in his voice and the sadness in his eyes. "Okay, come in." I replied as he walked in and took a seat. "Does this have anything to do with why Isabel and Tess are acting weird?" "In a way," He whispered. "What is it?" I asked as the electricity in the air intensified. "It can't be that bad." I mumbled as he glared at me, or maybe it was. "To make a really long story short," He announced as he stood up and shook my hand. "Hi! I just found out that I was Khivar in my former life. That I am an alien and your twin brother." He let go of my hand and looked away. I stood their in shock as his words rang through my head... Khivar, Alien, Brother. Khivar, Alien, Brother. Khivar, Alien, Brother. Khivar?! Alien?! Brother?! "What?!" I cried after finding my voice. Impossible! It couldn't be.... Khivar was supposed to be our enemy. "I'm an alien. The Sheriff is not my father; he's been protecting me from you. Or rather your former self, Zan." Kyle replied his voice wavering with emotions. "Zan," I repeated, I don't even remember my former self. "You remember me as, Zan?" "Unfortunately, yes." Kyle whispered as I strained to hear it. "What is that suppose to mean?" I asked, my head was spinning, my heart started to pound. If his implications were true.- "Why did you heal me?" Kyle asked interrupting my train of thought. His gaze locked onto mine. "I-" My god? Why is he asking me this? It has been so long. "I-" "Okay, I'll make it easier for you. Yes or No? If I was shot, as I walked out this door, would you heal me?" "Yes." I answered without thinking. Kyle looked at me with surprise and he wasn't the only one. "Why?" "I honestly don't know, I just would have too." I mumbled not sure as to why. We have never been close; in fact there was still some hostility between us. "Thank you." He whispered as he sat back down on my bed. "You're welcome," I whispered back sitting down across from him. "Maybe they were right," Kyle mumbled rubbing his head. "Who are right?" I asked my heart skipping a beat. Who else knew? "Alex and Michael." He whispered putting his head into his hands. "They know? Who else knows? Why didn't you tell me? I'm supposed to be you twin!" I cried as more questions ran through my head, I could feel my anger rising. "I just came from Michael's, Alex and I told him about us-" "Us?" I questioned trying to figure out the connection to Alex. "Is Alex an Alien?" "Yes, he's also my Second in Command and Michael's brother." "Whoa," I cried- too much info. Okay. Need to calm down, deep breath. "Tess and Isabel know and that's why they were probably acting strange." Kyle continued softly. Made sense. "Liz and Maria?" I inquired, they were the only ones left in our group. "Not involved at this time." "Kyle!" A voice called from the open door. We both looked over as Tess ran in and into Kyle's arm. "What are you doing here?" She whispered as she kissed him. "I told him." He whispered as they continued to kiss. It was not just playful kissing, they were making out in my room!! "What?" I cried. When did this happen? "Oh! Hi, Max." Tess purred as she remained in Kyle's lap. "Did you show him?" She whispered. "Show me?! You can show me!" I cried. Why are we talking if he can show me the truth, the past! "I'm afraid too." Kyle whispered to Tess, I could barely hear him. Why? The past can't be that bad, he can't be afraid of me. "This is, Max. He's not, Zan. We can trust him." She whispered looking at me quickly and then turning her focus back to him. "He won't kill you like." "Tess." Kyle snapped. "I didn't tell him." "Sorry," she whispered as their gazes locked onto me. What? Okay, I'm lost. She made it seem that I- No, I couldn't have. "I killed Khivar?" I gasped. My mind raced with unanswered questions. I wouldn't have killed my brother... no matter what the circumstances were. I am not a killer, I heal. Oh. That's why he asked me. He was testing me. "Max?" Tess inquired as I snapped back into reality. "Kyle! Tell me! Show me!" I pleaded as I jumped out of my seat. "Tess, could you give us a few minutes alone." He asked softly. "Yes, my love." She whispered and kissed him briefly. "I'll be with Isabel." "Thank you." He whispered and watched her leave. As the door closed he turned his attention back to me. Kyle stood up and walked over to me. He took my hands in his. The connection was immediate. The room faded around us as the energy around us exploded. I felt his initial feelings of fear and guilt. He was scared and frankly, so was I. The past materialized between us. Images of two boys playing, love and happiness radiated from the images. The birth of our sister, the death of our mother and our biological father, mixed feelings of love and sadness overfilled me. The King's approval of Zan and the shattering of our brotherly bond- the constant fighting and bickering, the feelings of jealously and anger raising. Khivar's attempts to win the Kings affection, the feelings of hatred and jealousy cementing. Meeting Rath and Drejlex. The message of peace and obligation could not penetrate our feelings towards each other- the royal four dissolving. Zan's spying and jealousness of Khivar's and Ava's growing relationship. The memories of the beginning of war and of marriage overlapped. The battlefield- Zan's feelings of hatred and jealousy coming to an end as he killed Khivar. Our connection broke suddenly as we fell back from each other gasping for air. I felt numb. "I can't show you anymore," Kyle admitted blinking back tears. "Kyle, I-" I mumbled my feelings were mixed. I could remember the feelings Zan harbored and they felt foreign to me. "I have to go." He whispered as he started to leave. "Wait." I cried as I grabbed his arm. We were brothers, I had hurt him in his previous life and I had not been the nicest in this one. Kyle stopped and looked at me. The sadness and the loss he felt overwhelmed me. I could feel the hot tears sting my eyes. "I'm not, Zan." I managed to say as a tear escaped and rolled down my check. His eyes searched mine. What did he see? A brother or his enemy? "But, do you remember?" He asked, his voice cracking ever so slightly. "I do," I whispered looking away. "Would you do it again?" He implored. I froze my mind racing. It was such a simple question. I felt trapped; of course I wouldn't do it again. "Yes." I answered before I had realized what I had said. "No. I mean. I-" "Zan has awakened in you," He replied harshly pulling his arm from me. "You are my brother and I will always love you." He admitted his voice straining as he turned and walked towards the door. "Kyle! Wait! I-" I called my feelings and my past fighting in my head and heart. "Max, you must fight the demon of the past and win." ~*~ I stepped out of the room and walked across the hall. "Tess," I managed to whisper. I slowly sank to the floor, no longer possessing the strength to stand. I could no longer fight the tremendous sadness and fear I felt. I had to tell him. I awakened the past, would Max be able to fight the demons within? I felt Tess' arms encircle me, the warmth of her embrace and her love radiated through me. The tears that I had held back earlier began to fall freely. I leaned on her for support and I held on to her for dear life. "Kyle, what happened?" Tess asked with concern in her voice as she continued to massage my back with her hand. "Zan has awakened," I managed to reply through my tears as Tess and Isabel gasped in return. "Isabel, he needs you. I have Tess-" I requested knowing he must be worse off than I was. Isabel nodded in response. She quickly gave me a tender hug and whispered in my ear, "Remember your family loves you." "I will try," I whispered as I hugged her back. Hesitantly she left the room. What was to happen to our family? Would we be able to reunite? Will the past be swept away? I could only hope that Max would break through the past and embrace me as a true brother. Only then will the Royal Four be complete. "Let's go home." Tess whispered as she helped me up. "Okay," I mumbled wiping away my tears. We left the safety of Isabel's room and walked into the hallway. I stopped momentarily in front of his door. I wanted to check on him, I wanted him to tell me everything was going to be okay. I wanted to forget the past and start anew- I wanted him to tell me he loved me and accepted me as his brother. I suppose, I wanted too much. ~*~ I watched him leave, I should have stopped him, but I couldn't. I stood frozen in place, in time. I wanted to make it all go away. Kyle was Khivar. Khivar wasn't the enemy; he was Zan's twin brother. Kyle was my twin brother. Zan killed Khivar and I healed Kyle- I would kill him again! Wait! No! I- "Max?" A voice called out to me, breaking my concentration. I looked over to Isabel. "Can I come in?" She asked with a faint hint of fear in her voice. "If you wish," I replied harshly as I looked away from her. "How are you doing?" She asked timidly. "What do you expect?" I cried... "Everything we have been told has been a lie! Is the truth the truth?" "Max?" Isabel cried, "This isn't like you." "Who am I Like? Am I acting like Him? I don't even know. Do you expect me to be this monster?" I rambled on with my anger rising. The feeling was exhilarating, the feeling was familiar. "Max, what are you going to do?" She inquired softly. I looked at her with my interest peaked. What was I going to do? Shouldn't it be what we were going to do? "You mean, what are we going to do? Right?" I asked as Isabel flinched. "You have already accepted this? Haven't you?" "Yes," she whispered avoiding eye contact. "Why?" I implored grasping her face in my hands and looked into her eyes... "Alex." "Alex," I repeated. What did he have to do with- Oh, he was her husband, her lover, her confidant. "You remember him as well?" I asked letting her go and turned away from her. "Yes." She whispered her voice wavering close to tears. "Do you love him?" "Yes." "Do you love me?" "Max?! Of course I do. You're my brother." "And I've done awful things- more than you even know!" I cried as my mind raced back to my memories of the past. "Max! You must not despair, Zan is the past." "The past is back to haunt us." I interrupted. What am I going to do? "Together, we will be able to make it," Isabel replied optimistically. "I don't know," I replied as Isabel embraced me. She didn't remember. Zan had killed more then once. "I believe we can," she purred. I wanted to believe her. I wanted her to tell me that everything was perfect, that Zan's memory would never hurt us. I wanted Kyle to come back in and tell me he forgave me. I wanted the happy ending that our past lives never had. Maybe, I wanted too much. ~*~ I went to open the door when I realized that the door had been open, someone had opened it. The frame and door knob was intact... no earthly force had opened it.... "Hello?" I called out as I went inside. The air hung in deathly silence. My heart leapt in my chest. "Father," a voice replied as I searched in the darkness for my son. Alex? He came to talk, wait- if I'm not mistaken. "Michael?" I questioned as the lights flickered on. "Yes," Michael replied his voice harsh and stern. I looked around the room to see Michael and Alex standing near by. "I gather, Alex told you." I responded softly. My heart began to ache as I noticed their tear streaked faces. "Amazing thing really," Michael began. "My brother finds out and he comes to me. He wanted me to know. My Father, on the other hand, has had years to tell me and he chose not to." "I can explain," I cried. Please, God, let me have the chance to explain before I lose my sons again. "Oh, really?" Alex interrupted. "How much does he know?" I asked. "Everything, we connected and exchanged our memories of the past," Alex explained as he took a seat on the couch. "Michael, how much do you remember of the past?" I asked hoping he did not remember everything. "I remember up to the night of my brother's death and the announcement of the Royal Four," Michael replied as he took a seat beside his brother. "Is that all?" I gasped. He did not remember the rest of Zan's rage. I looked at the two together, their bond had returned. They worked so hard to bring Khivar and Zan together, only in the end, it cost them their lives. "Yes," Michael replied as he continued to stare at me. "You have known all this time about our past and you chose not to tell us." "The time was not right." I stated firmly as I began to pace. "What makes the timing right now? You forced Kyle into facing his past and he wasn't ready!" Alex cried. "Because Khivar has practically destroyed the planet, he has enslaved our people. We need to return with the royal four intact in order to kill him!!" I yelled as my sons gasped in front of me. "I thought Kyle was on the good side." Alex mumbled. "No not Khivar- I mean Kyle. The King is also known as Khivar. He has ruled the planet since the deaths of the Royal Four. He's waiting for Zan to return and take over his place." "Khivar is our enemy after all," Michael responded softly. "Yes," I replied softly, I couldn't believe the chain of events, the past is repeating itself. "How can we go home?" Michael asked softly. I knew that he has always wanted to go home. He has always wanted a home to call his own and I had denied him his family. "The Granolith." "That's it?" Michael interrupted. "We've had the power to go home sitting in the pod chambers?" "The Royal Four are the only ones that can open the porthole back home." "Which Royal Four?" Alex inquired, "As I recall there are three versions." "The original Royal Four is the strongest, but that combination is not possible." "Why not?" A voice called from behind me. I turned around to see Kyle and Tess. Kyle looked drained as if he had been crying. "Zan can't be awakened. He is the cause of your deaths and the reason the war began." My voice trailed off as a look of fear flickered on Kyle's face. No! Oh, God. I watched as Kyle sank to the floor, "is the past going to repeat itself?" Kyle whispered. "Over my dead body," I vowed. "That too can be arranged," A voice from the past rang out. I looked over to see Max in the door frame with Isabel beside him. My worst nightmare had begun. ~*~ They were all staring at me. I just walked through the door, what's so wrong with that? "Max?! I can't believe you would say that!" Michael shouted as he crossed over to me. "Say what?" I asked. I didn't say anything. I looked around the room, my head was spinning. "I didn't say anything." "Max didn't say anything, Zan did." Kyle announced as he picked himself of the floor. "I'd recognize that voice anywhere." "You awakened, Zan!" The Sheriff cried as he grabbed Kyle. "You have ruined everything! You are the same spineless, worthless, brat!!" "Stop! Don't say that!" I cried as I pulled Kyle away. "He told me the truth! He opened the past, with his help; I can break the link to the past." I looked at my brother, would he forgive me? "Max." Kyle whispered as we embraced. "Oh, please, what games are you playing?" The Sheriff asked as he tore us apart. "Pull him back into your good graces, so you can kill him again?" "Of course," I heard myself reply. No. What is happening to me? "Zan." Kyle responded harshly. "Yes," I replied, I was no longer in control. I looked desperately around the room as Kyle pushed the Sheriff aside and came to my side. "Max, you must fight him!" Kyle urged. "Kyle," I moaned as I sank to the floor. A battle had begun. Memories of the past filled my head. "Don't even bother with him. Zan had a role in each of your deaths!" The Sheriff announced. He would tell them, he was going to take away my anchor to the present- to me. "What do you mean?" Michael asked softly. "No, please! They don't remember." I cried, finding my voice. The Sheriff glared at me, he had the right to hate Zan. He had the right to hate me. "Please!" I begged. "Zan killed Khivar. He had Drejlex executed." The Sheriff began revealing their forgotten past. "He killed Ava and her unborn child." "What?" Tess cried out as her hand clutched at her stomach as if to mourn the loss of her child. Kyle looked at me with hatred as he left my side to be with her. Divide and conquer. "Shh, baby." Kyle whispered to her as she cried in his arms. "Why?" "She deserved it," I heard myself reply as a surge of energy exploded in my body. "She wanted to join you in death. So, I gave her a first class ticket!" I stood with newfound energy. I let Zan take over. I had no choice. I was alive, and it felt great. I looked at my pathetic brother and his lover. "Zan?" Vilondra asked as she touched my arm. "Vi," I replied harshly as I glanced at her. "God, you still are as pathetic as our brother!" I laughed. The whole gang was together, but not for long. "What have you done to Max?" Drejlex asked as he came towards me. "Come any closer and I'll kill your lover again." I cried as he stopped in his tracks. "Again?" Vilondra gasped. "You killed me?" "It was an accident; I was aiming for Rath. The poor bastard didn't even know what hit him!" I cried with tears of laughter. Oh, God this was fun, better then killing them. Stop! A voice cried in my head. No! I am here to stay! "Goodbye, Zan!" I heard Jamzair cry. I was caught off guard. I was too busy having fun. I felt myself fall. I expected the hard ground to catch me, to my surprise Vilondra held onto me. Funny, how past repeats itself. I could feel my life drain away. "Noo!!" Khivar cried as he ran to me. "Max, look at me." No! I am not going to let him heal me. I would rather die!! "Kyle," I managed to whisper as I felt his presence leave. I tried to open my eyes, I wanted to live. "Max, open your eyes, I need you to look at me!" Kyle begged. I opened my eyes and our gazes locked, I was lost in the connection. ~*~ Oh, God please. "Max?" I cried. His heartbeat was weak and his breathing was shallow. "Kyle. You've done your best." Tess whispered in my ear as I turned my attention back to her. She cradled me in her arms. "I can't lose him." I cried in her arms. "It worked. I can't believe it worked." My father, my protector- Oh, whatever he was, mumbled to himself with a hint of awe in his voice. "You planned this?" Michael asked as he kneeled beside Max's body. "I shot the energy blast. I could have killed him. That's why I tested Max, I had to see if he." My father announced. Okay, I know he's not my real father, but- "So, I'm not the same spineless, worthless, brat?" I asked harshly. It had hurt me to hear him say that. "No, I needed to see Max's reaction." He replied softly. "Okay, you tested Max. You provoked Zan to reveal himself. You shot Zan, knowing that Kyle would heal him, all in hopes that Zan would disappear." Alex listed off the events that had occurred. "Exactly." "Okay, I'm impressed." Alex whispered as he walked over to Isabel and embraced her. "You think he will wake up?" Isabel cried. "I hope so," Alex whispered, I hope so too. "Is the history true? Did Zan?" Michael asked softly as he turned his attention to my father, or his father, whatever works. "Yes. I am afraid that was true." He whispered. The room was silent except for Max's labored breathing. I touched his hand and I sent the last of my energy to him, he needed it more than I did. I watched as Alex escorted Isabel outside for some fresh air. Michael left the room for something to drink. "Everyone can stay over night if they wish. It has been a long day. When he awakes we will prepare to go home." My father announced as he went to his room. "If he wakes up," I whispered. "He will," Tess replied as she softly kissed my lips. We remained lip locked sitting beside Max. It felt good to lose myself in her embrace, in her kiss. "Don't you guys ever stop?" A voice rang out. "Max?" I questioned as we pulled apart. "I think so," He whispered as he pulled himself up into a sitting position. "Max! You're alive!" I cried as I embraced my brother. "Thank you." He whispered. "You're welcome," I whispered back as tears filled my eyes. "Can you ever forgive me?" Max asked as a tear fell from his eye... "I already have." I whispered, brothers united. We had conquered the past, Zan and Khivar were no more. Together we would save our planet. Together we could do anything! ~*~ I sighed as I looked at the night sky. I felt physically and emotionally drained. I had shed tears of fear, tears of pain, and tears of joy, all within the last 24 hours. I had learned about my past and the secrets that lingered on. "What are you doing?" Alex asked as he wrapped his arms around me. "Stargazing," I sighed as I relaxed in his embrace. "Without me?" He pouted. "I had a feeling you would follow me," I whispered. "You were right." Alex purred. I felt safe, I felt content. I could feel his heartbeat beat with mine, we were one. I wanted to stay in his arms forever... "I love you," I whispered as I turned around to face him. His eyes twinkled in the starlight. "As I love you," He replied capturing my lips with his. I hungrily accepted his kiss, wanting more. "I want you," I moaned. "Isabel," Alex replied his voice deep and wanting. "Alex," I gasped as his hands traveled down my body. We were lost in the sensations; the heat flickered and roared between us. I was his lover once more. "We are leaving tomorrow." I whispered as I snuggled up tight against him. "If all goes well." Alex replied softly. Tomorrow morning, we were to embrace our past. We were to go home. My brothers were to face off with our enemy, if all goes well. ~*~ I walked up to her window, I could barely see the outline of her figure as I pressed my hand up and touch her reflection. I longed to tell her, to touch her- she knows me more then I know myself. So, why can't I find the words to tell her? How can I hurt her again? Our relationship has never been easily defined. I turned my back towards the window as I felt the tears sting my eyes. So much has happened; my world has been turned upside down. "Michael?" A voice rang out into the silence. Great, now I am hearing her too. "Michael, what are you doing here?" I turned to see her at the window, I had awakened her. "Maria," I gulped as the tears rolled down my checks. She was the first to see me cry, the first I gave my heart to. "What's wrong?" She whispered as she helped me through the window. "We're leaving!" I blurted out. "When?" She asked softly as her eyes grew bright and large with anticipation. I could see her hand trembling; she's trying to be strong. "This morning," I whispered. "Are you coming back?" She asked as the tears began to fall. I opened my mouth to answer her, I wanted to say yes. I wanted to tell her that she is my home and I will find a way to come back, instead I kissed her. We were lost in our kiss and then she hesitantly pulled away, taking my hand. "Maria?" I asked softly as she escorted me to her bed. "I love you," She whispered as she pushed me to the bed, my heart racing with anticipation. "I love you too." I replied as she tugged at the hem of my shirt. "No, Maria. We shouldn't." "Oh! Yes we are! You're not leaving me with out this memory to cling to!" She cried. Who was I to argue with that reasoning? Maria- my love, my lover. I looked over at the clock and I knew I had to leave soon. I had a part of her with me now. I felt stronger. "Is it time?" She asked as she looked up at me. "Yes," I moaned as I sat up in bed. "I'll be okay. Don't worry about me- I have Liz, Alex, and Kyle. Together we'll be strong and we'll wait." She paused as she studied my face. How could I tell her we were all leaving? "What?" "Kyle and Alex are coming with us." "What?! Hell no! If they can go, I want to go!!" She cried. "Maria, Kyle and Alex are Aliens." "What?" She gasped her temper cooling. "It turns out that Kyle is Max's twin brother and Alex is-" I paused looking at Maria. "Alex is what?" She repeated softly. "He's my brother," I whispered. "Wow." "The four of us are the true Royal Four..." "What about Tess and Isabel?" "It turns out that Tess and Kyle and Isabel and Alex were married in our former lives and they are couples now." "Amazing," Maria purred. "Tell me about it. Are you going to be all right?" I whispered knowing that as soon as I leave she would be lost. "I will be," She sighed; she's not a very good liar. "Stay with me until I fall back asleep." "Yes," I whispered as she snuggled back into my chest. It seemed like a lifetime before she fell asleep. "Remember, I love you." I whispered as I crawled out of bed and I looked at her sleeping peacefully. I love you and I will try my hardest to come back, if all goes well. ~*~ I sat alone in the darkness of the dingy attic. I felt alone. Kyle had Tess, Alex had Isabel, and Michael went to find Maria. And I had- Liz? No!! After today, I have no one. I had transformed into Zan, the evil had coursed through my veins. How can I love again? When I know about my past? Kyle saved my life today, but can I live it? "Max?" I heard a voice call from behind me. I slowly turned my head and stared at my intruder. "Liz?" I gasped as she sat down beside me. "What are you doing here?" I asked as my mind raced with questions. "Kyle called," Liz whispered as she reached over and placed her hand on mine. "He said you needed me." "Huh?" I mumbled as I looked into her eyes and for a second I was lost in her eyes, my soul reaching out to hers. I could feel the love that radiated between us. For a second, I thought I could love her again as she loved me. "He didn't have to ask twice." "Liz, please, you don't know what has happened today." I pleaded as I took my hand away from hers and looked away. "Then tell me, show me!" She begged. "I can't," I whispered choking on my words. I could never show her the true evil of my past. "Max you're hurting, let me help you!" Liz cried. "Liz, I- you can't help me." I mumbled as I felt the familiar sting of tears. "Would you let me try," she whispered as she touched my arm. I turned back and faced her. "You don't always have to be the King." "Actually, Kyle is the true heir." I whispered with a smile on my face, he's the true leader. "What?" Liz replied softly as her eyes grew wide with amazement. Our gazes meet once more, this time I was unable to pull myself away. I have always loved her, can she still love me? I wanted to embrace her and have her take all my pain away. "Liz," I whispered as I softly stroked the side of her face, my finger pausing momentarily on her lips. "Max," She moaned as she leaned forward and kissed my lips softly. I felt a burst of energy flow through my veins as if she had fully awakened the Max she had known and loved. I pulled her closer to me as our kiss intensified. I opened the door to my heart and I showed her all that I knew and all that had happened that day. I felt the loss of her lips and I knew she had chosen to leave me. I shouldn't have showed her the truth. "I love you Max Evans and I will be here waiting for you to return," she whispered as she kissed me again. What?! Was I dreaming? I hesitantly pulled away, "What about the past? What about Zan?" "It's in the past." "I love you," I whispered, she had accepted me. Our kiss intensified, our bodies entwined, our love untied- I felt stronger. I felt alive. ~*~ I looked up at the Granolith, a pendulum of sorts suspended in the air. This had the power to take us home? Yeah, right. I looked over at Michael and Max they seemed lost and hesitant to go, after all they were leaving their loved ones behind and the Sheriff has not said either way if we were going to be able to come back. I had Kyle, Isabel had Alex- "Let me have your attention," The Sheriff announced, "I need to tell you all a few things, before you go." "Aren't you coming with us?" I asked as I squeezed Kyle's hand harder. "No, I can't." He responded harshly. "By the time you reach Antar, two days will have passed on Earth. Every day on Antar equals two days here. The Granolith is set to deconstruct after ten days of you opening the portal." "That leaves us only three days to find and kill the King," Alex gasped. "Yes, if you want to be able to come home." "We will!" Michael responded harshly. "A transformation will occur as you are transported. Your bodies will return to their former images, before your deaths." "We will look like our former selves?" I asked softly. What were we like? In my memories, every one looked the same as we did now. "Yes." "Where will we be transported to?" Kyle asked his voice wavering. "Into a Granolith chamber similar to this one, it has been hidden and can only be operated by the Royal Four. If something should happen, any of the possible Royal Four configurations will work- that is the only reason I'm letting all six of you go." "And all six will return!" Kyle responded. He was slowly becoming the leader of the group. He was taking charge; taking the responsibility- after all he is the true heir. "As you leave the chamber, there should be a road the travels straight to the Castle. Be careful," The Sheriff replied as he placed his hand on a palm print on the wall. We watched in amazement as four crystal cylinder posts emerged from the floor around the pyramid base. "Alex and Michael take the posts on the left. Each of you take a post and place one hand on it. Isabel, I need you to stand in between them and hold their free hands. Kyle, Max, and Tess repeat the same thing on the right." The Sheriff ordered. We quickly got into place, it was time. My heartbeat escalated, my hands started to sweat. Would it hurt? Would we make it? "Close your eyes, the next time you will open them you'll be on Antar. I need you to concentrate your energy and send them through the posts and-" The Sheriff's voice faded away as I felt a rush of energy and a tingling sensation in the air. I opened my eyes, our surroundings looked the same. I glanced up at Kyle. "Oh, my God!" I cried. He wasn't kidding when he said we would look different. "Tess?" Kyle, I think, asked. "Yes, Kyle?" I whispered as I studied his face. "Yes," Kyle whispered as he touched my face. He looked older. His eyes were the same beautiful blue, his hair was a little longer and a shade of golden blond. His profile reminded me of Kyle, but his features were more chiseled and hardened. He appeared to be a few inches taller and he still had a great body, he was gorgeous. "We made it!" I heard Max behind me. I turned around to look at Max. Damn! If Liz could see him now. I watched as Max walked over to Kyle, they were almost identical. Same hair, same eyes, same built. The only difference was that his profile reminded me of Max, his features were also more chiseled and hardened. I looked at them in amazement. "Tess!" I heard, Isabel cry as she walked around the Granolith. "Isabel?" I cried. Her blues eyes sparkled as she embraced me. Kyle, Max, and Isabel had the same blue eyes. Her auburn hair cascaded down her back in curls. She had the same tall, shapely figure. I studied her face, her profile looked like Isabel, her facial features were softer and she seemed to glow. Then it dawned on me, we were the same height! I wonder how I must look. "Isabel," A voice called and I watched as Alex or was it Michael. approached from behind Isabel. "Oh, my God!" I cried again as I saw Alex and Michael together. They were Identical! No one had said they were identical! They had a mixture of both Alex's and Michael's features. They were tall with broad shoulders and narrow waists. They had Alex's eyes and lips, Michael's cheekbones and jaw line. Their hair was jet black, short, and spiky like Michael's old hairstyle. They looked good. "We better go," Kyle announced as he took a good look at Michael and Alex. "Okay, who's who?" "This is Alex," Isabel purred as she put her arms around one of them. "I'm Michael," he commented as he ran his hand through his hair. "Do we really look that much alike?" "Yes," we responded in unison. "I need a mirror." Michael whispered. "Why? Just look at Alex." Kyle laughed as Michael glared back at him. Kyle continued to laugh to himself as he walked over to one of the walls... he placed his hand on the metal surface and made it into a mirror. We all crowded around the mirror to get a good look at our selves. I studied my reflection; I had long black hair that cascaded down my back in soft waves. My eyes were a dark emerald green and my facial features were a little sharper. I had the same tall shapely figure as Isabel. I had to admit I looked good! After a few minutes of looking at ourselves, I realized that we were dressed differently as well. Our clothes were rustic almost renaissance in style. Isabel and I were in long dresses and the guys were in tight very well fitted pants, which looked damn good! "We better head out, we only have three days." Kyle announced as he cleared the way to the outside. It took a moment for our eyes to adjust to the red sun. We could smell the smoke in the air. We looked for the road that he said we would find and found none. "Khivar, Zan!" I heard a woman call as she raced to our side. Who was she? "It's so good to see the two of you together again. Ah, Vilondra-" She whispered. "Hurry we must get out of the open." "Wait. Who are you?" Kyle asked as he stared at the women in front of him... "I heard that you would be coming, I have been waiting nearby for weeks. I could sense that you would be returning. I wanted to help you when I could not before." She whispered as she continued to gaze at Kyle and Max. She reached her hand out to Kyle. "No, it can't be. You're dead." Kyle cried pushing her away and I hurried to his side, holding onto him. "That's what he wanted you to believe," She whispered. "Who are you?" I asked softly. "I am their Mother." ~*~ It can't be true, this has to be a trick. My mother left me once in this life time; I can't have been abandoned twice!! "No, it's not possible!" I cried as I felt Tess' arms embrace me. "Oh, Khivar- my son, I had to leave. I was forced to- I did it all for you." She mumbled with tears. "Are you truly our mother?" Isabel asked a she stepped forward. "Yes, Vilondra I am," She cried as Isabel lovingly touched her arm. It can't be. Why would she leave me, us? "Why?" I asked harshly. "He threatened to kill you and Vilondra if I did not leave. I had no idea he would fake my death and kill your father." Our mother tried to explain. "What about me?" Max interrupted. "He loved you, he wanted you to be the King." "But why?" Max asked. "Khivar grew up as the spitting image of your father. You two have many of the same features, but you did not remind him of your father. He took you under his wing at a young age. He gave you some of his powers, a part of himself, and parts of his memories." How could you do that to a child? That would change. Of course! No wonder Zan betrayed everything he could have loved and killed without hesitation and grief. He was not himself. The King had controlled him, the King lived in him!! I looked over at my brother with a new sense of understanding. The silence had been interrupted by sounds of rustling in the woods around us, perhaps the sound of footsteps? "Where is your cottage?" I asked quickly, we had to get out of sight. I had no choice but to trust her. "This way," She whispered as she started to retreat back into the woods. We followed her through the woods and into a rundown cottage. "Kyle, what are we to do?" Tess whispered into my ear as she continued to cling onto me. "Kyle," My mother repeated. "On Earth we had different names," Max informed her as she turned towards him. "I see." She whispered. "Where is the Castle?" I inquired as I looked over at my Mother; she said she wanted to help. "About a day's journey form here." "A day's journey?" Michael cried. "We only have three days!!" "Three days for what?" My mother asked him. "To kill King Khivar and get out of here!" Michael cried as he began to pace around the room. "That's impossible!" She cried visibly shaken. "Why?" I asked. "He's already dead!" ~*~ We stood there in silence. He's dead? We traveled all this way and Khivar's dead! "No!" I cried. "That's not possible! My father told us that we had to return to kill Khivar and stop the war!" "Khivar has been dead for almost ten years." their Mother explained. "However, King Anton has been groomed by Khivar since his birth. He rules Antar and the war continues." "King Anton?" Kyle inquired, "Who's he?" "Do we know him?" Isabel asked softly. "A few of you do." She whispered as she walked over to Isabel and touched her elbow tenderly. "I'm sorry. If I could have done anything, I would have." Isabel grabbed onto me, she was visibly shaken. Did she know him? "No," Isabel gasped as she buried her face into my chest and began to cry. I wrapped my arms around her. "Shh, it will be okay," I whispered not really trusting my words. "Vilondra, when you died, he was left helpless. Khivar took him in. He wanted an heir. Anton was of Royal blood, no one objected." "Who are you talking about?" Max asked feeling frustrated. "Drejlex Anton," Isabel whispered. "Our son." "What?" I cried as I looked down at Isabel. "Is it true?" I whispered. I looked in her eyes and I knew. Our son was the enemy. I looked around the room as it spun. The expressions on everyone faces blurred. The mission just turned for the worst. Khivar was of no relation, he was the enemy, an easy target. Anton. Anton was my son, our son, their nephew. How can I kill the life that we created out of love? "There has to be another way!" Michael cried. "We will figure something out!" Kyle replied harshly. "Can we?" I asked softly. "We only have three days!" "Mother, we need to get to the Castle. Will you show us the way?" Kyle asked as their Mother nodded. "Follow me," She commanded. Kyle, Tess, and Max started to follow her as Isabel and I stood there for a second longer. "I remembered before about being pregnant, but it wasn't until my Mother touched me that I remembered giving birth to our son. I named him after you." Isabel continued to cry in my arms. "He was so beautiful, so perfect. We've missed him grow up. He's had no one to love him," She looked lost and I could feel her pain. It mimicked my own. "Isabel, we have to go," I whispered. "I don't know what will happen. We were able to save Max- maybe we can save him too." "I hope so." "Alex, Isabel hurry up!" I heard Michael cry. I hugged her tightly and kissed her. "Let's go." We slowly let go of each other and walked outside hand in hand. The future looked bleak and we had only three days to figure it out. I love you my son, we are coming. ~*~ I am lost. I'm not in control, I haven't been for years. I cling to these rare times when I feel like me, the real Anton. I walked over to the desk and pulled out the old torn picture. It was a picture of a couple on their wedding day, my parents. I never knew them. The stories I have heard of the past haunt me as my own actions haunt me. "King Anton, Sir." I heard a voice ring out. I gestured for the messenger to come in. "People have reported that they have been seeing ghosts..." "So? This is a land ravaged by war, there are bound to be ghosts in every corner." I replied harshly wanting the messenger to leave. "The people are saying that they have seen the original Royal Four and their wives...." "What?" I cried losing my composure. "Zan, Khivar, Ava, Rath, Drejlex and Vilondra." My parents. I've always heard of the rumors that the royal council sent the Royal Four to be reborn. Could it be them? Could I meet my parents? I don't want this life! It is filled with lies and hate. "Follow them!" I ordered and the messenger disappeared. Kill them. No, not know, please. Kill them. Kill them. "No!" I cried as a servant girl dropped the dinner tray, startled by my voice. "I'm sorry, Sir," She muttered as she started to clean up the mess. "Get out!" I cried, I needed to be alone. My mind raced, could it be true? My parents? I could feel him, I wouldn't be able to hold him off for long, I never have been able to. I looked in the mirror at my reflection. It was no longer my image- it was his, the one he created. I killed you! Stop haunting me! ~*~ We arrived at the castle at sunset and we were exhausted, both mentally and physically. Everyone looked at me for the answers, but I had none to give. Our original plan had been trashed. We were not expecting a different King, let alone my nephew and their son! "I want to go to him!" Isabel pleaded as she continued to cling to Alex. They had not separated from each other since this morning's news. "Isabel, do you think that is wise?" I asked softly as she continued to beg with her eyes... How I could deny her the opportunity to see her son? "I will go with her. We need to know what we are up against." Alex announced trying to put up a hard front, his eyes giving away his true feelings. He too, was as lost as Isabel. "Be careful," I replied. "Wait," Tess cried as she ran over to Isabel. "Be careful." She whispered as she embraced the two. "We will," Isabel replied softly. "I will go," Michael announced. "The may need back up." "Yes," I replied. "We will meet you here." "No!" I looked at my mother, if she was my mother. We never did clarify that fine little detail. "Why?" Max asked "It is rumored that Khivar is still in control of him from the grave," our Mother whispered. "Like Zan?" I asked. Oh, if only! "Yes." She replied. Yes! We could do this. "That's perfect!" I cried as Max looked at me with confusion. "We were able to kill him in Max; we can do it for Anton as well." "Really?" Isabel and Alex cried together as they smiled for the first time since this morning. "I think so," I responded as they embraced and kissed. "Mom, Dad?" A trembling voice whispered from the shadows. It couldn't be. We stood their in shock as young man stepped out of the shadows. He looked like Alex, except for the auburn hair. Anton. "Anton?" Isabel asked softly as she walked towards him. "Yes," he whispered as he collapsed on the floor. "Anton!" Alex cried as he ran to his side. "My God! What happened?" Isabel cried taking him into her arms as I noticed the blood. "I'm okay, it just hurts a little." He moaned, liar. "Son. Look at me! I can heal you," Alex managed to whisper. "No! It's the only way. He doesn't like the pain, he will stay away-" he mumbled as his breathing became shallower. "He wanted to kill you." He sacrificed himself for his parents... ~*~ No! Khivar can't win!! I watched in agony as Anton's breathing became more ragged and shallow as Isabel's tears washed over him. Anton refused to let us heal him, he would rather live with the pain and die, then to have him in control of his life and of those he loved. I know how tortured he must feel, I've felt the same way. Except, I was only tortured for a day in this lifetime, while he has been tortured for a lifetime. I must bring him back at all costs, lives depended on it. I pushed Alex away and placed my hands on Anton's chest. I easily made contact... I could feel myself sink deeper into his subconscious. "Zan," a voice whispered harshly. I can do this. I have to be strong! "Khivar," I replied as I turned to face my enemy. "I didn't expect to see you here." "What are you doing in this weak body?" I challenged him, I can do this. "He's a little weak." "He's dying!" I cried. "Where's your back up plan?" I inquired as I watched him ponder his situation. "I-" "Come with me," I invited. "I'm stronger! I want the power! I want the revenge!" I cried. Oh, God please let him agree. "Zan, do you expect me to believe you?" He questioned. "No." I replied. I had lost my chance, unless. "My offer is on the table, take it or leave it. Live or die!" I cried and began to walk away. "Agreed." He replied and I froze. I can do this. For Anton, for my sister. He entered my mind easily, as if he had never left. I quickly pulled myself away from Anton. I stumbled back from Anton's body. "Alex. Now. Hurry!" I cried my voice frantic. Alex looked at me with concern, but did not hesitate to help his son. "Anton, look at me," Alex cried as Anton opened his eyes. A glow radiated from Alex's hands as he began to heal his son. I backed away from the group as Kyle came to my side. "What did you do?" He asked with his voice filled with concern. "I had no choice," I replied as I felt him trying to emerge. "Max?" Kyle questioned searching my face, my eyes for an answer. He turned his attention away from me as Anton awakened. "Not for long," I whispered to myself as the internal struggle began. I let him in, opened the door. He was stronger this time around. I can't hold him back for long. I have no choice. I'm sorry. I'm alive and so is Anton. He deserved to die! I quickly looked around the room, they all deserved to die! "Zan," a familiar voice called to me. I looked over to see her. I haven't seen her in years- I once had a soft spot for her, my wife, my traitor. "Mother," I whispered as I felt her loving arms encircle me. I turned to face her. "Arianna," I whispered softly. I watched as her eyes flickered with recognition and fear at the sound of my voice. I could feel her body tremble with fear. "Khivar?" She whispered as she searched my eyes. "The one and only!" I smirked. "Good bye, Arianna," I whispered as I sent an energy blast down her spine and through her body. Her lifeless body sank to the ground. I turned to the others, they were to busy rejoicing over Anton's pathetic life, that they didn't notice. I looked at Anton, his gaze locked with mine. He knew. ~ Read Haunted Past - Part 3

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