LIES Category Conventional Couples Rating R Summary Alternate ending to 'Departure'. Spoilers Hinted- All of S2, parts of S1 Author's Note What if all the theories floating around cyberspace were real? They believed me. They believed the lies. There is no way they will look for them now. It would have been better if I was able to bring Max home, but he was definitely no King- I'll have his baby, I'll have the heir. They were so gullible. I've been in their mists since Vegas, and they just had no idea. I have to admit the lies were coming easier. My only problem had been that I started to grow attached to the damn Valentis- If it weren’t for them, I would've let him die- he definitely lost it, but he’s not dead! He’s with Tess- may they be happy forever. They will die soon, I didn’t leave that many supplies. Oh, well. I’m going home. Screw the rest! ~ “I don’t think she’s coming back,” she whispered as she huddled in the corner. “Why would you say that? She comes everyday- well, she used to,” he replied as he paced back and forth. “She left more supplies than usual. She looked sick. We don’t get sick!” “I don’t know.” “Would you please sit down, you are driving me crazy!” “Like you drove me crazy?” “I’m sorry-” “It’s your fault I am here.” “No! It’s her fault!” “You started it!” “But, I stopped! I no longer wanted- I- we have already had this discussion!” “I want answers!!” “If I had the answers would we be stuck here?!” The silence filled the room. “Please say something, the silence is worse-” she whispered. “Fine- where are we?” “How long has she been you?” “Since Vegas-” “Vegas?! But that was-” “Forever ago.” “Wow. I didn’t know it had been that long.” “We are going to die here.” “They already think I‘m dead.” “They don’t even know that I’m gone.” “Are you sure all of your powers are gone?” “If I had powers, do you think I would be here?” “You helped me-” “I used the last bit of power I had regained to heal you- she sucked me dry.” “Can you regain them again?” ~ “Talk to me,” she whispered. “Please-” “What’s with the talking?” “I need to hear your voice. I need to know that I'm still alive.” “You do realize that today is the first day, that we have actually talked. We have fought and you’ve ignored me- what’s changed?” “I was afraid.” “Afraid of what?” “Afraid of you-” “Why?” “Tell me about them.” “You didn’t want to know before-” “Indulge me here.” ”Well, we all went to prom.” “Prom?! I missed prom? Did she go with Kyle?” “Yeah and she kissed Max.” “No!! Eww, Why?!” “I thought you’d be pleased- you've always wanted Max.” “I worked so hard!! God, the sexual tension had been killing me! I wanted him- I still do!” “Kyle?” “Why are you so shocked? We were practically all over each other-” “Not since Vegas. I believe it was you- I mean it was her that told us that you two had decided that you were more like family, brother and sister.” “No, way! He loved me! I know he did- she must have used her powers.” “And you never have?” “I did it for a good cause! I only gave you an idea- I only gave you a copy of the book. The rest was all you.” “That’s a lie. You were there the whole time, you told me to go to- you would visit me every night. I was going crazy!!” “No Alex, I didn’t go. It wasn’t me.” “If it wasn’t you, then who was it?” “I-” “Did you tell anyone? Ava couldn’t have known- she took over after Vegas. This was before Christmas!!” “I told you, I stopped doing it. I thought you went to Sweden.” “She knew, when I confronted her she knew. Kyle was there he could-” “Kyle?” “He was there, he helped her move my body- I was so out of it.” “What if she’s not working by herself? To pull this all off, she had to have help.” “But who?” “I have no clue.” ~ ”So?” he asked as he sat down beside her. “What?” “Did you figure it out?” “Huh?” “Who is helping Ava? What about the others, Lonnie and Rath?” “I killed them.” “What?” “Don’t ask.” “Okay- would you stop that!” “Stop what?” “That tapping, it's driving me crazy!” “What tapping?” she asked as he put his hand on hers. “That tapping-” “Sorry, must be a nervous habit. You do it all the time, too.” “Do not.” “Do too.” “Wait. We're getting off the subject. Let’s see- Nicholas? “I don’t know.” “Nesado say anything?” “Nesado? Oh!” “What?!” “Before he died. He was mumbling something about a deal and that I wasn't strong enough. I was becoming too human-” “Too human? What if he was able to contact Ava earlier, would she have done it?” “I don’t know.” ”Come to think about it, how did she know you would be in Vegas? She had almost all of your mannerisms. I had no clue it wasn't you.” “What if she never left Roswell, what if-” “We need help. We need to get out of here! Our food and water are gone-” “We need a miracle,” she whispered as the ground began to shake, the room around them fading into a cave setting. “We're in a cave!?” “That’s about to collapse!” she cried as rocks fell from the walls and ceiling. “Look- an opening! Hurry!” “Ahhh!” She cried as he turned to see her lying on the ground. “Tess!!” “I-” “Get up, we have to go,” he urged as he helped her up and practically dragged her to the opening. The two emerged out into the open. They blinked at the brightness of the sun. “Oh, my!!” “What?” “The pod chamber is over that cliff! I can’t believe we were-” “Tess!” He cried as she passed out in his arms. He picked her up and made his way down to ground level. Looking around he noticed a red car parked across the way. A red car that looked like- “The Jetta! Thank God!” He cried as he started to carry Tess to the car. “Where is everyone?” He opened the door and placed her inside- they would have to wait. “Tess?” He asked as he sat down beside her as she started to moan. “Stay with me. We can’t let her win,” he whispered as he stroked her hair. He could hear voices and footsteps approaching the car. He stood up and looked towards the sound. He noticed six people walking towards the car- his friends, they looked lost in thought, distraught. Isabel was trailing behind the group when she looked up and froze. Their gaze connected- “Alex?” she questioned as she nodded in disbelief and looked away. “It’s my imagination,” she whispered. Alex approached the group as the rest of them noted his presence and froze in place. “There is no time to explain, I need your help. She’s hurt!” Alex cried. Max, who was the closet to him, reached out and touched him. “You’re real?” Max gasped as Isabel pushed through the group and embraced him. “Yes.” Alex whispered as he wrapped his arms around her. For a second he was lost in her touch, her smell- their lips touched sweetly and time stood still. “Wait.” Max interrupted, still in shock over their friends' resurrection. “Who’s hurt?” “Oh," Alex responded as he hesitantly pulled away. “She passed out. I carried her to the car.” “Who?” Isabel asked as she followed closely behind Alex to the car. “Tess,” Alex answered as six faces looked at him in disbelief. “What?” Kyle cried as he pushed past Alex- “Oh, Buddha!” he cried as he pulled her out of the car and cradled her in his arms. Her breathing was shallow- she was barely a skeleton of her old self. “Max, you have to heal her!” Alex begged and Max turned away. “She saved my life!” Alex cried. “What?” Max cried as he turned back to Alex. “I'm not going to save her! She has betrayed her family, she killed you!” “I don’t know what has happened since we’ve been away. I don’t know what she did to you. But, Tess saved my life- she watched over me for days, she gave the rest of her strength, her power to save me.” “Kyle?” Tess coughed as a little drop of blood escaped from her mouth. “Ohh, I’ve missed you-” she gasped as she reached a hand up to Kyle’s face. “Tess?” He whispered and smiled as he placed his hand over hers. “Oh, God!” “What?” Alex cried. “Max,” Kyle gasped as Tess lost consciousness. “He’s not lying- you have to save her.” Max looked at the faces around him. “I can’t,” he whispered and walked away. “Max?” Liz called as she went after him. “Isabel? Please-” Alex begged. Isabel looked into his eyes, she'd do anything for him. “I will try,” she whispered as she knelt down next to Tess and Kyle. “Tess?” She whispered. “I need you to look at me.” Tess moaned and opened her eyes. Isabel reached down and placed her hands on Tess’ body. She still didn’t understand what was going on- but, she was doing it for Alex. Michael approached them behind, he felt the need to help. He knew his healing powers were nonexistent but he could give Isabel his power, his help. Isabel made contact as she felt an extra surge of energy run through her body and into Tess. Isabel searched for the damage, the funny thing was there was a lot of damage- tissues and capillaries were torn, internal bleeding. Isabel struggled to heal her as images flashed before her- images of Kyle, images of growing up, images of her friends, and then the images turned black. They were blocked. Isabel pulled away, she had stopped the bleeding. Tess blinked and sat up. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you,” Alex responded as Isabel stood up. He wrapped his arms around her and she eagerly melted in response. “Time for some explanations,” Michael announced as he sat down beside Kyle. “If you are Tess, then who did we send home?” “It worked?” Alex whispered. He had spent all that time translating the book, but he never actually considered the fact that it would work. “Why didn’t you go? It was a one time deal-” “Something came up, who was she?” Michael replied. ”Ava,” Tess whispered as she snuggled into Kyle’s chest. The four gasped in shock. “Why was she sick?” “She was pregnant-” Kyle replied softly as he wrapped his arms protectively around her. “What?!” Tess and Alex cried. “Apparently, the baby can’t survive on Earth.” Maria answered as she sat down on Michael’s lap. “Who’s the father?” Tess whispered, not really wanting to know the answer. “Max,” Isabel replied. “She slept with Max! Why? What was the deal? Did no one notice that it was weird?” Tess cried as she jumped out of Kyle’s arms. “Tess-” Kyle urged as he stood up. “I can’t believe you would believe her! She was a fake!” She continued to yell. She turned to Kyle- “I loved you,” she whispered. “Didn’t you notice the change? Didn’t you care?” she cried as tears fell from her eyes. Kyle wrapped his arms around her as he tried to dry her tears. “I did notice, the attraction was gone. I didn’t love her. I love you.” Kyle whispered as he choked back his tears. Tess looked up at Kyle- no words were said, no more were needed. Kyle leaned down and kissed her. Their first kiss was filled with a passion and hunger, that neither of them could ignore. “We need your help,” Alex announced. “We know someone has been helping her, but we don’t know who- we won’t be safe until we find him or her.” “Do you have any ideas?” Michael asked. “We can’t remember-” Tess whispered as she pulled her attention away from Kyle. Kyle and Tess sat back down. Alex and Isabel leaned against the car. An intense silence overcame the group as they tried to think of who it could be. “What’s with the tapping?” Michael whispered to Maria. “Did I miss something?” Maria looked over at the others. Kyle was tapping his fingers against Tess’ back, Tess was tapping Kyle’s arm, Alex was tapping the car, and Isabel was tapping her face. “Oh, My God!!” Maria cried as the others snapped to attention. “You all have been mindwarped!” “What?!” Isabel and Tess cried out as Alex and Kyle looked at them with amazement. “What do we do now?” Michael asked. “They have to remember. Locked in their brains are the answers we need,” Maria whispered. ~ Max and Liz walked up to Alex and Isabel as the Jetta pulled away. “What’s going on? Where are they going?” Max asked harshly. “If you weren’t so selfish, you would know the plan.” Isabel replied icily as she turned her back against her brother and snuggled into Alex’s shoulder. “Maria took the others home. She will be back to pick us up.” Alex answered as he rubbed Isabel’s back with his hand. “Is Tess okay?” Liz asked softly. ”Yes, Isabel and Michael healed her.” Alex replied as he glared at Max. “What’s the plan?” Max asked as he glared back at Alex. “We will go home, rest, and we will regroup in the morning,” Alex answered. “Who did I send home?” “Ava,” Alex replied. “Ava?!” Max and Liz cried. “Ava has been pretending to be Tess since Vegas.” Isabel explained as she turned back to the couple. “How?” Liz gasped as she grasped Max’s hand. ”That’s what we are going to find out,” Alex whispered. “Tess will pretend to be, Ava pretending to be Tess, in hopes that Ava’s partner will show up,” Isabel explained. “Is that safe?” Liz asked softly. “We have no choice.” Alex replied. “What about you, Alex? Where are you going to go?” Max asked. “I’m staying at Michael’s, until we can figure out how to explain my so called death.” “We will figure something out,” Isabel whispered as she kissed his neck. “I know, but we are not safe until we find her partner.” Alex whispered. “Welcome back,” Liz whispered as she squeezed his hand. Isabel pulled away and let Alex hug his best friend. “I’ve missed you!” she cried. The four still had questions running through their heads, but they knew it would be best to wait until the next morning to talk. The couples waited in silence for Maria to return. ~ ”Watch your backs!” Michael cried to Kyle and Tess as they got out of the car. “We will see you in the morning.” Kyle and Tess nodded and waved goodbye as the Jetta left. They walked into the house and Tess looked around. “I can’t believe I’m home.” Tess whispered. “I’m glad you are.” Kyle purred as he wrapped his arms around her. "What do you want to do first?" “I want a shower! A real shower. Oh, and some strawberry and Tabasco topped waffles.” Tess cried with excitement. “Go take a shower and I will work on the waffles,” he replied as he pushed her away, towards the bathroom. “Okay, I will be waiting,” Tess cried as she ran to the bathroom. “A real shower!!” she moaned as she stepped into the hot water. Tess looked at her strawberry scented shampoo and conditioner. “She used the same stuff,” she whispered to herself. She quickly washed her hair and scrubbed down for the first time in months in a real shower. She dried off and pulled on her robe. She opened the door and walked into her room in time to see Kyle pulling off his shirt, her heart started to race with anticipation. “Kyle?” Tess inquired as she closed the door. He turned around to face her as he used his shirt to wipe his face. Traces of white fluff still lingered on his face and neck. “Don’t ask,” je laughed as he looked up at her, and gasped as he noticed how the robe revealed her tender bare skin. “No, I insist, what happened?” she giggled as she closed the gap between them. “Let’s just say that the whipped cream won,” he gasped as she touched his bare chest. His heart raced. “Still need that lamp trimmed?” she moaned as she pressed her body to his. “Trim away,” Kyle moaned as their lips made contact for the second time. They collapsed onto the bed as they unleashed months worth of built up passion. The couple forgot about the strawberry and Tabasco topped, slightly burnt waffles in the kitchen and they remained in each others arms, reaching another goal between alien and not so human relations. “Why did we wait so long?” Tess whispered as she tried to catch her breath. “We didn’t know what would happen, we were scared to make a commitment.” Kyle whispered as he stroked her hair. “We won’t be making that mistake again,” she whispered as she closed her eyes and drifted of into sleep. “You’re stuck with me for life,” he soothed as he closed his eyes. ~ Kyle awoke to being pushed to the floor. “Tess?" he cried as she pushed her hand on his mouth. “Shh, I hear someone at the- hurry under the bed, it could be-” “Ohh,” he whispered as he crawled under the bed. Tess grabbed her robe as the window opened up. ”What the fuck happened?” A voice cried, it sounded familiar to her, but she couldn’t place it. “What?” she asked as she turned to face him, the room was dark and she couldn’t see his face. “We have worked for months for this? You were suppose to take them home!” he cried. “It didn’t work,” she mumbled. “Don’t lie to me, Ava! I’ll be back later!” he cried as he turned towards the window, the light reflecting off his face. “Sean?” she gasped. “You know how I hate it when you call me that!” he cried as he climbed out the window. “Sorry.” she whispered, her mind racing. Ava’s partner was Sean? “Sean?!” Kyle cried as he emerged form under the bed. The couple embraced as fear engulfed their bodies. Their enemy had been revealed. ~ Alex tossed and turned on the couch. It was his first night of freedom and he couldn’t sleep. ”Won’t they ever stop?” Alex whined as he pulled his pillow over his face and ears, in hopes of drowning out Michael’s and Maria’s giggling. “Alex?” a voice whispered as Alex felt a hand on his leg. Alex sat up to come face to face with Isabel. He noted the tears in her eyes. “Isabel?” he whispered as he embraced her. “I’m sorry,” she cried as she buried her face in his chest. “You have melted my heart. I am yours forever. I love you.” Alex lifted her face and gazed into her eyes. “I have always been yours and you already know that I love you.” he whispered as he dried her tears. “There is no need to cry.” “I thought you died not knowing my true feelings, I felt so empty, so lost.” “We have found each other again,” he moaned as Isabel’s hand massaged his lower back. “I am never letting you go again!” she cried as she pushed him down on the couch... she lowered her lips onto his. “Isabel,” he moaned as their kiss deepened. “Maria and Michael are in the back room.” “So?” she replied as she continued to nibble at his neck. Their lips met again, slowly and softly, filled with love and passion. They wanted each other, they needed each other. They became one. “Now that was a homecoming...” Alex moaned as he wrapped his arms around her. Soon their breathing relaxed as they started to fall asleep. The phone rang. Isabel looked up at Alex. “Michael will pick it up,” Alex whispered as Isabel snuggled back down on his chest. Michael walked into the living room. He stopped and turned around as he spotted the two on the couch. “A little warning next time would be nice!” He cried as Isabel and Alex dashed for their clothes. “Are you done?” he asked as he turned around to them. “What’s wrong?” Alex asked. “Ava’s partner showed up!” Michael announced as Alex jumped up. “Who?” Alex inquired. “He wouldn’t tell me. Everyone is coming over.” Michael explained as Alex started to pace the room. “Alex? It will be okay.” “Do we know him or her?” Isabel asked as she reached out and grabbed Alex. “I don’t know.” Michael answered as Maria came into the room. “Isabel? I didn’t know you were here.” Maria yawned as she sat down on the couch and patted the cushion beside her. “I’m not sitting on that!” Michael cried as he looked over at Alex and Isabel, now sitting on the floor. “Why?” Maria asked confused. “Michael!” Alex whispered harshly. “Fine.” Michael replied as he sat down beside Maria as Liz and Max came through the door. “What’s going on?” Max asked as he took a chair. “Kyle and Tess have news on Ava’s partner,” Michael began to explain. ”We know who he is,” Kyle announced as he and Tess walked through the door. “Who?” “Sean,” Tess whispered as she looked at Maria. “Sean who?” Maria asked softly. Tess and Kyle looked at her and then Maria knew. “Not my cousin Sean!” “The one and only!” Tess whispered as she clung onto Kyle. “No!” Liz cried. “You kissed the enemy?” Max cried. “At least I didn’t sleep with him!” Liz cried. “Guys!” Kyle cried. “This is not the time for that discussion.” “Sean?” Maria whispered. “It kinda makes sense. He came out of nowhere. He shows up at the weirdest times. He has never questioned any of the odd alien activity. He hates Alex. His main goal is to get Liz.” “Wait, is it really Sean or a fake Sean?” Alex asked. “My Dad called the detention hall. They have a Sean Deluca listed and he is not eligible for parole until next year,” Kyle explained. “And he told me that he hated it when I called him Sean- so, he has to be the fake Sean!” Tess whispered. “So, who is he?” Maria asked. “I don’t know, but he said he would see me later.” Tess whispered. “He believed you to be Ava?” Alex asked as he cringed at the thought of her name. “So far,” Tess whispered. “What are we to do now?” Liz asked as she looked over at Max. “We will have to wait for him to contact Tess.” “We could always use the Granolith.” Alex announced. “It’s gone, it was a one time space ship," Max replied. "What is so grand about that?” “You’re joking, right?” Alex inquired. “You translated the book, you should know,” Max replied. “I know I did. Did you read the full translation?” “Well,” Max mumbled. “Did any of you read the full thing?” “I skimmed through most of it,” Michael whispered. ”I almost died translating that book and you didn’t even bother to read the damn thing?” Alex cried, losing his temper. “If you had read the damn thing you would know that the space ship thing was not the real Granolith. We assumed it was the real thing, but it was a decoy for the enemies.” Alex looked around at the stunned faces in front of him. “If there’s two, where is the second one?” ”New York!” Alex looked around the room. He thought he was literally going to explode. Alex couldn’t take it, so he headed for the door. “No, Alex!” Isabel cried. “You can’t go outside!” “Fine!” He cried as he went to the bedroom and slammed the door. “Why didn’t you read it?” Isabel asked as she headed back to the bedroom. “Didn’t you see how long it was?” Michael gasped. “Of all the people I would think you would be the first ones to devour the whole thing!” Isabel cried. “I didn’t care.” Michael replied softly as he turned his attention towards Maria. “I have found my home.” “Ahh!” Maria purred as she kissed his hand. “Whatever!” Isabel cried as she disappeared behind the bedroom door. Michael stood up and went over to the kitchen counter and picked up the translation. “You’re the king. You get to read it!” Michael announced as he tossed the papers to Max. “I’m hungry,” Tess whispered. “Liz, can we go raid the Crashdown?” “It’s 5 am.” “Exactly, no one will be there!” Tess replied. “I am so hungry! Please!!” Tess begged. “Fine.” “Kyle and I will bring back breakfast for everyone, it will give Max time to read the book and Alex a chance to cool down.” Tess explained as she grabbed Kyle’s hand. “Wait!” Max cried. “Michael, go with them!” He ordered as he looked over at Michael. “Why?” “Tess still doesn’t have her powers and if they encounter our friend Sean...” “Ohh.” Michael interrupted. “Let’s go.” The three left the apartment and quickly went over to the Crashdown. Michael and Kyle went into the kitchen as Tess stopped in the lounge. Tess placed her hand on her stomach, the sensation she was feeling was new. A cramping sensation. A bout of nausea filled her body. “Oh, God!” She moaned as she ran to the bathroom. Not bothering to shut the door, she threw up in the toilet. She suddenly felt better. “Must be the nerves,” she mumbled to her self as she went to the sink and cleaned out her mouth and wiped off her face. “Morning sickness, ain’t it a bitch!” A voice cried out as she looked up and saw his reflection in the mirror. Her heart stopped. “What are you doing here?” she asked as she turned to face him. “I told you I would find you later.” “What do you want?” she asked as she eyed the open door. “Is that any way to treat your lover?” Tess heart stopped. She didn’t know what to say. “Is that so, Sean?” “Ugh! Don’t call me that!” “Sean! Sean! Sean!” Tess cried as he slapped her face. She quickly held her hand over the warmth and stinging she felt radiating on her face. “Bastard!” she cried blinking back tears. “Leave me alone!” she ordered as she headed for the door. Sean blocked her path and shut the door. “No! We have been working this gig for to long for you to screw this up! I did my part getting Liz to break up with Max.” “Oh, and how did you manage to do that?” Tess challenged, hoping he would spill the beans. “I am genius!” he gushed as he transformed into a older version of Max. “She was so gullible and Max was too predictable. Future Max my ass.” “Future Max?” Tess gasped. “An older pathetic version of me.” He sighed as he turned back into Sean. “How’s our baby?” he asked as he reached over and placed his hand on her abdomen. She froze as his hand radiated a soft glow, she knew he would figure it out. She couldn’t think of a way to stop him. Her powers were drained she couldn’t mindwarp him. She was going to lose. “Leave us alone.“ she cried as she pushed him away. “Damn it, Ava. He’s really weak. Why haven’t you been giving him extra powers? He has to appear to be bigger.” His voice trailed off. Tess grabbed her abdomen. “Leave us alone. I can’t do this with you here.” “Fine. I’ll leave. He wants to meet us at midnight, at the clearing.” He ordered as he left the room. Tess sank to the floor, her mind racing with the new information. Her body began to shake as tears fell from her eyes. “Tess? We are ready to go,” Michael called out as he noticed her on the floor. “Kyle!” He cried as he dropped the bag of food to the floor. “What happened?” Kyle asked as he watched Michael cradle Tess in his arms. “Tess? Can you hear us?” Michael whispered. Tess looked at him with a blank appearance, “Sean,” she gasped as she fainted. Michael and Kyle looked at each other. They had failed their mission. They had to get her back to the Apartment. ~ “Alex! Please calm down!” Isabel cried as she continued to watch Alex pace back and forth. “Why? I nearly died translating that book!” Alex hollered as he looked at her. “You didn’t even read it!” “I couldn’t,” she whispered. “Every time I picked it up, I had a flash of you and all my pain, my sorrow would return.” “Izzy, I didn’t know,” he whispered, his temper cooling as he wrapped his arms around her. “I assumed that they read it,” Isabel whispered as she snuggled into his arms. “I’m sorry.” “It really doesn’t give us all the answers, but it gives us a place to start.” Alex whispered as they kissed. “What happened?” A voice cried in the next room. Alex and Isabel looked at each other and headed for the door. “Tess!” Alex cried as he watched Michael place her limp body on the couch. Kyle sat beside her and cradled her in his arms. “Max, would you help her?” Kyle asked softly. Max nodded. It was time for him to put his feelings for Ava aside. Max went to her side and he placed his hand on her abdomen. His hand started to glow as he made the connection. His mind was bombarded with images and feelings of her encounter with Sean. He tried to push his feelings away as he gave her the extra energy, the extra power her body needed for the baby. “Max?” Kyle asked as Max stumbled away from her body. Tess stirred and looked up at Kyle. “Kyle,” She moaned as she sat up and Kyle embraced her. Tess snuggled against his chest as they looked over at Max. “Did you see?” Tess gasped as she noticed Max starting to pace. “Yes.” Max replied as he stopped. He glanced over at Liz, “Who is Future Max?” Liz froze, her mind raced. She didn’t know what to say. “How do you know about him?” “Why did you break up with me because of him? What does he mean to you?” Max cried. “Liz, he wasn’t real- it was Sean.” Tess whispered as Liz paled, her hands began to shake. “It was a lie? All my pain and suffering was due to a lie?” Liz cried. “Oh, God. All of this could have been avoided.” “That still doesn’t answer who he was?” “He convinced me that he used the Granolith, as a time machine, to come back and warn me- he told me that he loved me, but for the sake of the group, for the world we would have to break up!” “Why didn’t you come to me?” Max asked. “We could have found another way,” Max voice cracked as he blinked back tears. “They have been planing this for a long time,” Michael replied. “Kyle, how can you be so irresponsible!” Max cried, turning his sorrow into venom. “What?” Kyle gasped, confused. “He was responsible! We used protection!! We were not stupid!!” Tess cried in defense. “Then why are you pregnant?” Max yelled as silence fell over the group. “Tess, are you?” Kyle whispered. “Yes.” Tess whispered as she turned to face him. “I thank God that I am! He would have known I wasn’t Ava- he would have killed me!” Tess exclaimed as tears formed in her eyes. “Tess,” Kyle whispered as he kissed her. “I love you. We will work this out. How do you feel?” “A little weak,” Tess answered softly. “Since she is weak, her body can’t support him, he's taking energy from her,” Max explained. “What is the plan?” Alex asked. Max looked around the room and took a deep breath, “Zan wants her to meet them tonight.” “Zan?” Everyone cried out in surprise, except for Tess. “Sean is Zan.” Max explained. “He’s dead!!” Isabel cried. “Are you sure it's Zan?” she asked, turning towards Tess, “Did he tell you?” “No, he implied it. He said that we were lovers and that Future Max was an older pathetic version of him.” Tess explained. “What is their goal? Why would Ava and Zan work together?” Alex cried. “We will find out tonight.” Max replied. “Tess, you are our only hope.” “I don’t know if I can do it.” “You have no choice.” ~ Michael, Max, and Tess were in the Jeep heading for the clearing. “Are you sure this is going to work?” Tess asked for the fifth time as she played with her necklace. “Yes, Tess.” Michael replied slightly annoyed. “The necklace contains a camera and a mic. You will walk and meet them, while we watch and listen from afar. If anything should happen we will be there.” Michael repeated for the fifth time. “I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.” Tess mumbled as the jeep came to a stop. “Be a bitch, make us proud!” Max exclaimed as he helped her out. She looked at them and forced a smile. Tess started to walk towards the clearing when she turned around a hugged Max quickly and then turned and hugged Michael. “Good luck,” Michael whispered. “I am going to need it,” Tess replied as she turned around and walked towards the clearing. As Tess walked closer she was able to see three figures. The darkness masked their features. “You’re late,” a familiar voice cried. Tess stopped in her tracks as the small lamp glowed eerily on the three faces in front of her. The funny thing was that she recognized all three of them. “Couldn’t get away,” Tess replied harshly, trying to hide the fear in her voice. “Zan, Nasedo, Nicholas- what can I do for you this fine evening?” “We have to come up with another plan,” Nasedo replied as he glared at Tess. “There is no way to rectify the last plan?” Tess asked in hope that they would tell her what the last plan was. “Have they suspected anything?” Nicholas asked harshly as he paced the small clearing. “No,” Tess replied quickly. “A little sure of yourself are we?” Nasedo mocked. “Don’t be fooled by appearances.” Tess reminded silent. She knew that with one slip, they would know. “Ava, my dear, come here.” Nesado commanded. Tess hesitantly walked over to him. He looked down with her with disdain and slapped her across the face. “Bastard!” Tess cried as she rubbed her face. “Ava, you are lying to us,” Nicholas smirked. “We have gone to the cave. The space ship has left!” Nasedo cried. “I said it didn’t work! Yes, the space ship did leave. We were not able to get in.” Tess cried trying to think of an excuse. “It drained my powers.” “Did it drain all of their powers as well?” Nasedo asked quickly. “Yes,” Tess lied. “That can work for us, we have to send the three back. Khivar wants them dead. The only reason he is willing to spare your life is because you're his sister.” Nicholas announced. Tess stood there for a second shocked. She was Khivar’s sister? “What about Tess?” she asked. “They’re dead.” Zan replied. “The cave collapsed, I couldn’t get to them- too bad, Tess was a better lover.” “What?” Tess cried. “Just joking. You know I'd rather sleep with Liz!” Zan laughed. “Stay away from her!” Tess ordered as Zan walked up to her. “You have always been a jealous lover.” Zan replied as he pulled Tess into his embrace. Tess struggled as he kissed her hard. “Stop!” Nasedo cried. “We don’t have time for this.” Tess pushed Zan away, “Why is he letting Zan live as well?” Tess asked, trying to piece the puzzle together. “A lover’s quarrel? You asked for him to live.” Nasedo laughed. “I’ve changed my mind!” Tess cried. “It’s to late now. Khivar is happy with Zan’s progress,” Nicholas replied. “Do you talk to him often?” Tess asked, realizing that Khivar could tell them that Ava went home. “Maybe once a week at most. Why? Is there something you wanted him to know?” Nicholas asked. “No more small talk. What’s the plan?” Zan interrupted. “We have to go to New York,” Nasedo announced as he walked over to Tess. “And Ava, don’t screw up this time.” “How am I supposed to get them to New York?” Tess whispered. “Find a way!” Nasedo cried. “Once we deliver them, we are free, we can go home.” “And the baby?” Tess asked. “Who cares!” Nasedo cried as he walked away. “Don’t worry, I won’t let Khivar hurt our son, if anything we can still use that angle to manipulate Max.” Zan replied softly as Nicholas followed after Nasedo. Tess looked at Zan as he turned back into Sean. “Do you need a ride?” “I talked Max into letting me use the Jeep. I assume I will see you later,” Tess replied as she turned towards the Jeep. “Yes, see you later.” He whispered as she watched him walked over to the Jetta and drive away. Tess looked around to make sure everyone was gone and ran to the Jeep. Michael and Max sat there in silence with the computer screen in front of them. “Did it work?” Tess whispered as she sat down in the car, her body started to tremble and tears came to her eyes, her body couldn’t take it, she broke down form the strain. “We heard every word,” Max groaned as Michael embraced Tess. “Let’s get you home.” Michael whispered as Max started the engine. “We have a trip to plan.” ~ Four humans and one alien were waiting impatiently for the three to return. It was getting late and Kyle was getting worried. “I should have gone,” Kyle moaned as he paced the room. “She's too weak for this.” “I'm sure they will be here soon,” Isabel replied softly. “We're home!” Michael whispered to Tess as he helped her into the room and handed her off to Kyle. “Take her into the bedroom, let her sleep.” Kyle nodded and took Tess in his arms. “Hi? Are you sleepy?” “Hi, am a little sleepy.” she yawned as she relaxed in his arms. She felt safe and warm in his embrace. Max watched as Kyle disappeared behind the door with Tess. “You won’t believe who is still alive!” “Don’t tell me, umm- it’s Nasedo.” Alex guessed. “How did you know?” Michael gasped as he sat down next to Maria. “I’m right?” Alex cried as he exchanged confused glances with Isabel. “He died in front of us, he crumbled into dust!” Isabel exclaimed. “No wonder the healing stones didn’t work.” Michael mumbled to himself. “There’s more.” “Wait, shouldn’t we wait for Kyle?” Liz asked softly. “No, Tess needs him now. She will tell him,” Max answered as he looked at Liz. He wanted to take her in his arms. He wanted to go back to the beginning. “Nicholas is also working with them, he is representing Khivar.” Michael explained. “I don’t understand, why does Khivar want us dead but is willing to let Ava and Zan live?” Isabel asked softly. “He is willing to let Ava live due to the fact that she is his sister.” “Sister?” The group cried in shock. “From what I could piece together, Ava asked him to spare Zan’s life. Ava and Zan were lovers.” Max explained. “So, is Ava’s baby yours or Zan’s?” Michael asked. “Would it matter? Max and Zan share the same DNA.” Liz explained. A silence fell over the room. “What’s the next step?” Alex asked breaking the silence. “They want Ava- er, Tess to convince us to go to New York.” Max replied as he looked towards the back room. “For what?” Maria gasped. “To kill us or to deliver us to Khivar- whatever it is, it’s not good.” Michael whispered. ~ “How're you feeling?” Kyle whispered as Tess snuggled into his arms. “Better, now that you're here. I just feel so drained,” Tess whispered. “Please don’t hate me.” “Hate you? Never.” “I’m Khivar’s sister!” she cried with fresh tears in her eyes. “Shh. I love you no matter who you are related to.” “Really?” “Yes.” “Nasedo’s alive and Nicholas is helping too,” Tess whispered as she closed her eyes, letting sleep take its course. ”I know.” Kyle whispered as he placed his hand on her abdomen and gave their baby extra power. ~ Tess woke up feeling refreshed. She glanced up and noticed Kyle staring out the window, in deep thought and concentration. “Kyle?” Tess inquired as she got up out of bed and walked over to him. “Tess,” Kyle moaned as he blinked back tears. “There is something that I need to tell you.” “What’s wrong?” she gasped as she looked into his eyes. “I love you, I don’t want to lose you.” “I would never leave you.” she insisted as she wrapped her arms around him. “But, I have lied to you, I have lied to all of you.” “Everyone tells lies.” Tess whispered. “I know the truth,” Kyle stated dryly as Tess blinked in response. “I have the answers that they want.” “The truth?! The answers to what?” Tess asked, confused. “I didn’t remember until- I had no idea I had this much knowledge, this much power.” “Kyle, I don’t understand.” “We all have a purpose. It wasn’t a mistake that Liz was shot that day. Liz was the key, Alex was the translator, Maria was the heart, and I was- I am-” “You’re what?” “Your protector.” “How can you be our protector? Are you an alien?” Tess asked softly. “No, we are human,” Kyle paused as he looked out the window. “He told me everything that would happen, and so far everything has come true. There are so many lies.” “Kyle, when did- how?” Tess mumbled, trying to figure it out. “I will explain,” Kyle whispered as he pulled Tess closer to him and kissed her softly on the lips. “It’s time.” he whispered as they walked to the door. Tess and Kyle walked through the door. Everyone else was still in the living room, still sleeping. Michael and Maria were sleeping together on the couch. Isabel and Alex were sleeping together on the floor. Liz had fallen asleep in a chair and Max was sleeping on the floor as well. “Don’t wake them,” Tess whispered as Kyle walked to the middle of the room. “I have to- they need to know the truth,” Kyle whispered as he looked around the room. “Oh, No! Nasedo!!” Kyle cried with a grin on his face. Every one shot up and was wide awake. “Where?” Michael cried as he looked around the room. “Now that I have your attention, I have something I have to tell you,” Kyle announced as he motioned for Tess to take a seat. “Kyle, what is going on?” Max inquired. “I have to tell you the truth.” Kyle replied as he started to pace. “When Tess and I made love, it awakened my blocked memories of last summer.” “Blocked memories?” Liz whispered. “Last summer? Weren’t you at football camp?” Maria questioned. “It turns out that I wasn’t at football camp. I was being tutored, I was being prepared for this battle.” “Why?” Michael asked as he rubbed his eyebrow. “I am your true protector. I have been given the truth to your future and to your past.” “Our protector? You expect us to believe you?” Max cried as he stood up. Kyle knew that they would hesitate, that they wouldn’t trust him. Kyle turned to the wall and projected a hologram of the V constellation on the wall. “Wow!!” The group gasped. “It’s the royal seal!” Max cried as he walked closer to examine the image. “Yes, and it was engraved in the head of the second in command, the decoy,” Kyle explained as he looked at Max. “What?” Max cried. “That’s not possible! I have the seal.” “I know, you are not the king.” Kyle announced as he turned towards Michael. “Michael is.” “I’m the king?” Michael gasped as Maria tightened her grip on his hand, giving him her support and love. “Yes, and Isabel was your Queen,” Kyle explained. “Why do you think Khivar doesn’t care if Zan lives or dies, he wants the King dead, not the second in command.” Kyle looked at the faces in front of him. A mixture of confusion and awe were apparent. “It can’t be.” Max mumbled as he looked over at Michael. “Michael is the King,” Kyle replied as he rubbed his head. “Think about it. He has had more visions and dreams, he has had flashes from the key. He knew where to place the healing stones in the cave painting map. He knew how to navigate the astronomical symbols. He is the warrior, the great King. The rebel skins knew the truth, Courtney implied the truth,” Kyle paused as he sat down. “In the last few months, you two have switched your roles. Michael has found his heart, his home. He has become the responsible one, the one with the answers.” A silence overcame the group. No one knew where to start, what to say, their whole existence has been based on a lie. “What about the dupes?” Tess asked softly. “Decoys,” Kyle responded. “They had no protector, no human counterparts- you are the true royal four.” “The destiny, the translation of the book, were they all lies as well?” Alex asked. “Yes, the destiny crap and the book were fake. Nasedo made them up. Nasedo also made a deal forty years ago with the enemy.” Kyle explained as he looked over at Max. “The royal council knew of his betrayal. They made sure there would be a support system in place. Liz, Alex, Maria, and I are your support system, your human counterparts,” Kyle explained. “What part do we play?” Maria asked curiously as she looked at the others. “Liz is the key, she brought us together. She opened the door to the truth, to the future. The shooting was no accident. “Alex is the translator, he was given the knowledge to translate our language. You are to translate the real destiny book, our future. You are the voice of reason in the group.” Kyle whispered as he paused and took a deep cleansing breath. “What about you and Maria?” Michael inquired. “Maria is the heart, she was to lead the King to his destiny. She brought the spirit and love to the group. “I am your protector, I have been given powers to help you and to protect you. I am to teach you and to guide you to our destines.” “Is there another book?” Alex spoke up after a brief silence. “Yes, it has been implanted in my head.” Kyle replied as he picked up a school book. “Do you want this?” Kyle asked Michael. “No.” Michael replied as Kyle placed his hand on it. All watched on as the pages of the text book changed into the familiar metal like pages with their ancient symbols. Kyle turned and handed the book to Alex. “I don’t know if I can do it without my computer.” “Yes you can, you know it,” Kyle encouraged as Alex sighed and closed his eyes. Alex opened his eyes and looked down at the book, instead of the foreign symbols he could read words. “We are all in here!” Alex cried as he started to read the book. “What is the next step?” “To survive. We have to kill Nasedo and Nicholas. Once they are dead, Khivar will be forced to come here, we have to kill Khivar.” Kyle answered. “Are we to go home?” Isabel asked softly. “According to the book your mission is to stay here, to protect the Earth, and start a new generation, a new race.” Alex announced as he continued to read the book. “You can’t travel home, your bodies wouldn't survive, you are too human,” Kyle explained. “What about Ava?” Tess inquired. “The reason Khivar wanted you to go home was because it would be a suicide mission. Ava’s dead.” Kyle replied harshly. “Ava and Zan think Nasedo is telling the truth. Once everyone is dead he can go home. He doesn’t have a human body, he can go home. That’s what he has wanted from the beginning." “Who told you? Who taught you?” Max asked harshly. “How do we know you are telling the truth?” “His name was Arick. He took me out of football camp. For three weeks he trained me an opened up my powers, he taught me the truth.” Kyle answered. “Didn’t you all think it was strange that I came back from camp enlightened by Buddha?” “Yes!” The group cried. “Oh! My God!!” Alex cried standing up with the book in his hands. “Ava and Rath were brother and sister,” Alex exclaimed. “That makes Khivar and Rath brothers!” “I have a family,” Michael whispered as he looked over at Tess. Michael reached out and squeezed Tess’s hand. “Michael,” Tess whispered as Michael stood up and hugged his sister. “Now what are we going to do about our pesky brother?” Tess laughed as she wiped the tears in her eyes. “Actually he is your half brother. Your father had an affair and well, he had another kid. He has been trying to get full control of the planet ever since you left.” Alex announced as he looked down at the book studying it. “Whoa,” Alex whispered as he continued to read. “What?” Kyle asked slightly concerned. “It’s like reading a history book. It talks about everything that has happened to us, it even tells us how we are able to go to New York. It stops at the confrontation with Nicholas and Nasedo,” Alex explained as he looked up at Kyle. “It would have saved a lot of time and effort if you two had sex earlier.” “Alex!? Please! You are talking about my sister!” Michael replied with a grin on his face. “So, how do we get there?” Max asked as he looked over at Alex. “Simple, we will charter a flight and fly there tomorrow,” Michael announced. “We will tell those who have parents that it’s a once in a life time deal, an extra credit course for the summer. Kyle’s dad will come and he will be enough supervision to please the parents.” “And how can you afford this?” Maria asked softly as Michael wrapped his other arm around her. He had his sister in one arm and his love in the other. “Laurie has been sending me money every week, since our Vegas trip. I have been saving it. I knew something big would be coming,” Michael explained. “Wow!” Alex gasped as everyone turned to him. “What?” Isabel asked. “That’s what the book said, this is too cool!” Alex exclaimed. “What else does the book say?” Tess asked as she broke away from Michael and went to Kyle. “It talks about your baby." “What does it say?” Tess squealed as she ran over to Alex, pushing Isabel aside. “All it says is that Ava and the Protector will produce an heir that will cement the group. All the hybrids and their human counterparts will in time have children of their own.” “That’s our destiny? To be together?” Isabel asked Alex softly. “Yes,” Alex responded as he leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips. “Did I really betray my brother?” Isabel questioned, her eyes filling up with tears. Her past has been haunting her and now she could find out the truth. “No, Vilondra did not betray the king. She didn’t have an affair with Khivar and-” Alex paused as he looked into her eyes. “And what?” Isabel gasped. “She didn’t have a brother.” Alex managed to reply as Isabel’s face went ghostly white. “What?” Max cried. “That’s it! I can’t believe everything in my life has been a lie. I am not the King?! I don’t have a sister?!” Max cried as he stood up and walked over to Kyle. “You have always hated me!! These are your lies! You don't know anything!! I won’t let you change my life!!” “Max!” Michael cried. “Don’t kill the messenger!” “Why not?” Max questioned. “Of course you would embrace this!! He gave you everything that you wanted and gave me nothing!” “Max,” Kyle warned. “What are you going to do?” Max challenged as Kyle lifted his hand and froze him in place. “More than you can imagine,” Kyle responded as he walked up to Max and placed his hand on his head. Kyle connected with him and gave Max the proof he needed, the proof that he was telling the truth. “What did you do?” Michael inquired as he looked at Max frozen in place. “I froze him and I showed him flashes of the three weeks I was with Arick.” Kyle responded as he sat down on the couch. “Are you going to unfreeze him?” Michael asked with a grin plastered on his face. “In a little bit, I think he needs to think for awhile and let his anger disperse.” Kyle responded. “Isabel, how are you doing?” “I- I feel great!” Isabel whispered. “Max will always be my brother and now my conscience is free about my past and I have a destiny, a future that I love!” Isabel cried as she embraced Alex. “Now, I just have to come back from the dead, officially to the public.” Alex sighed as Isabel snuggled in his arms. “I’ve already fixed that.” Kyle replied. “How?” Alex inquired. “You can’t just mindwarp the whole town!” “But, I already have.” The group fell silent and stared at Kyle. They were speechless. “What?” Kyle cried as Tess walked over to him and sucker punched him in the gut. “How could you do something so mean?” Tess cried as Kyle moaned out in pain. “Man,” Kyle gasped, trying to catch his breath. “Can’t you guys take a joke?” he sighed as he sat down rubbing his abdomen. “A joke?” Alex whispered. “Mindwarping is no joke! It can kill.” “I’m sorry.” Kyle apologized to Alex and the rest of them. “Then how did you fix it?” Isabel asked softly. “My Dad is setting everything up.” “Who will I be?” Alex inquired. “Alex Manes, my cousin,” Kyle replied. Alex nodded and looked back at the book. “It won’t hurt, will it?” Alex asked as he looked at Kyle. The rest of the group looked on in confusion. “No,” Kyle replied as he walked over to Alex’s side. “What are you guys talking about?" Isabel questioned as she held onto Alex tighter. “My new image,” Alex replied as Kyle placed his hands on his face. A bright light flashed from his hands and Kyle removed his hands to reveal a new Alex. “How do I look?” Isabel looked at him. He looked like Alex, but he didn’t. He had a few new features that would make him a close relative of the Valenti’s. “Looking good,” Isabel whispered as she kissed him. “What are we going to do now?” Maria asked as she looked at Michael. “I will call and reserve a plane. Everyone needs to go home and get permision.” Michael replied as he turned to face Maria. “I need you to convince Sean to come with us.” “No!” Liz cried as she stood up. “Michael, that will be-” “An order!” Michael cried as he looked over at Liz. ”What’s that saying, ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’.” “He will come, it is already written.” Alex whispered. The group turned and looked at him. “What else does the book say?” Michael asked as he turned to him. “Max is going to kill Zan before we land.” “What?!” The group cried as they turned to the frozen Max standing in the living room. “Um, Kyle. I think he has learned his lesson.” Michael laughed as Kyle walked over to Max. Kyle waved his hands over Max and Max started to move. “It’s about time!!” Max cried as he stretched out his cramped muscles. “Sorry.” Kyle chuckled as he turned his attention towards Alex. “By the way, I won’t kill Zan!” Max cried as he sat down beside Liz. Liz reached over and took his hand into hers. “We will see.” Alex whispered. ~ “Is everyone ready?” Michael asked as he looked over the group. Within 24 hours, everyone had reassembled, plus one ally and one enemy. “The plane will be leaving soon.” The plane was a large private jet, it had five cushioned seats on each wall with a little table in the middle. There was a door at one end that went to a back room and a door at the other end leading to the cockpit. “Nice digs.” Sean mumbled as he stole a glance at Liz. “Having a rich relative comes in handy, every once in awhile.” Michael joked as he buckled his seat belt. The plane started to move and a tense silenced filled the air. They remained in their seats as the plane took off. Soon they were flying in the air, on their way to New York City. “Who are you?” Sean asked Alex, breaking the silence. “My name is Alex Manes. I’m visiting my Uncle for the summer,” Alex responded smoothly. “Since they are going to New York, I get to go too.” “Oh, makes sense,” Sean whispered as he continued to stare at Alex. “Sean, thanks for coming!” Maria exclaimed, trying to shift his attention away from Alex. “No problem, I’ve had an itch to go to NYC for a while,” he replied as he shifted his gaze to Tess. Michael stood up a stretched. “The back is stocked with drinks and snacks. Help yourself,” Michael announced as he headed for the cockpit. “Anyone wants a drink?” Liz asked as she unbuckled her seat belt and started to head towards the back room. “Why not?” Maria replied. “Do you need any help?” “No, I think I got it.” Liz replied as she looked around at the others. “Anyone else?” The others shook their head and continued on with their activities. Liz walked into the back room and let out a sigh of relief. She pulled out two cans of pop from the mini fringe and turned around to see Max. “Max.” “Liz,” he replied as he put his arms around her. “What’s wrong?” “Zan scares me.” Liz whispered as she put her head on his shoulder. “Fuck! How did you know? That bitch!” He cried as he tightened his grip on Liz. Liz struggled to move, dropping the sodas to the ground. “Zan!” She tried to cry as he placed his hand over her hand. “Cat got your tongue?” he chuckled as he pushed her up against the wall. Liz started to cry as Zan leaned in and kissed her. ~ “What’s in your bag?” Max asked Alex as he noticed the faint glowing coming from the bag. “Oh, it’s the book,” Alex cried as he pulled the book out of the bag as it stopped glowing. “Why is it glowing?” Maria asked as Michael returned from the cockpit. “I don’t know.” Alex replied as he started to look at the book. “Where’s Liz?” Max asked as he looked around the cabin, starting to get worried. “She went to go get the drinks,” Maria replied as she watched Max stand up and head to the back room and disappeared behind the door. “It changed!” Alex cried standing up. “How can it change?” Isabel inquired as a wave of fear washed over her. “What has changed?” Michael inquired. “It says that you are going to kill Max!” Alex cried. “What?” Michael cried as he looked around the room for Max. “How?” “There will be a struggle and you will kill Max, thinking it is Zan!” Alex exclaimed as he dropped the book. “No!!” a muffled voice cried from the back room. The group looked towards the back room as Liz came running out. “What’s wrong?” Michael asked. “Max and Zan, they’re fighting!” Liz mumbled as tears ran down her face. Michael turned to Kyle. ”Take care of her,” he ordered as he headed to the back room. Michael opened the door as they came tumbling out. Max and Zan were fighting the old fashion way, without powers. Michael shocked them with his powers and the two flew apart from each other. “What is going on?” Michael commanded as every one looked on. “He started it!” Max or Zan cried. “Did not!” The other countered. “Zan? Why are you doing this? You are ruining the plan!” Tess cried, hoping that Zan would respond. Both looked at her like she was crazy, they were truly identical in every aspect. Michael rubbed his head, “Max, you're the king! You should be acting like one!” “But you're the king!” One exclaimed as he got up from the floor. Michael immediately shot him an energy blast that sent him flying across the room. “Wasn’t that risky? It could have been me!” The other asked as he got up from the floor and walked over to the body. “Max?” Michael asked as he nodded in reply. “Alex, the book, what does it say?” Michael inquired as he watched Max look over his dupe's body. “It changed back.” Alex gasped as they watched Max hands start to glow and Zan’s body disintegrate. “He attacked Liz.” Max whispered as Liz went to him. “How did you know it was Zan?” Kyle asked in amazement. “I thought it was Max.” Michael replied. “You were going to kill me and let Zan win?” Max gasped as he stared at Michael with wonder. “I thought you were Zan, so I knew you were Max,” Michael replied as he sat down. Max was speechless, he didn’t understand Michael’s actions. Everyone who heard Alex’s earlier prediction understood. A silence fell over the cabin as they settled back down in their seats. “How do I explain Zan’s absence from the meeting?” Tess asked softly, breaking the silence. “He will be there.” Michael whispered as he looked over at Alex and then at Kyle. “How?” Kyle whispered. “You will change my appearance to look like Zan,” Alex replied as he continued to read from the book. ~ “How do I look?” Alex asked as he looked at his new appearance in the mirror. “You look great!” Max replied with laughter in his voice, “but the hair and piercings really do have to go.” “Kyle, are you okay?” Tess asked as Kyle slumped to the floor. “I’ll be okay. It just took a lot of strength to change Alex.” Kyle moaned as he closed his eyes. “You have at most four hours.” “Let’s go.” Michael announced. The couples embraced as if it was for the last time. “I will watch over them,” Jim replied. “We will be awaiting for your return.” “We will be back,” Michael whispered as he kissed Maria goodbye one last time. Michael, Max, Isabel, Tess and Alex left the small hotel room and hailed a taxi. “Do you think we're ready for this?” Isabel asked softly as she held onto Alex’s hand. “We have no choice,” Michael replied harshly. “It's now or never.” They climbed into the taxi and rode in silence, according to Alex’s translation the final battle was to take place in an old abandon warehouse. “Tess, if something should happen, I want you to know that I forgive you,” Alex whispered softly breaking the silence. “Forgive?! You can forgive me for what I have done?” Tess questioned. “I mindwarped you.” “And you were mindwarped into mindwarping me in the first place. It wasn’t your fault.” Alex explained. “Huh?” Tess gasped. “How do you know?” “It’s written in the book.” “Why was I mindwarped?” Isabel asked softly, interrupting Alex. “You figured it out, you confronted Ava about the way she was acting and you accused her of killing me.” “I did?” Isabel whispered. “So she mindwarped me too?” “Yes.” Alex whispered as she leaned in to kiss him. “Augh! That’s sick!” Max cried as he watched his dupe kiss Isabel. “I’ve always thought you two would make a cute couple.” Michael jested as Max punched him in the arm. “It’s a little crowded in here for you two to be fighting!” Tess shouted as she shoved Max aside. “Sorry.” The two moaned. “King material my ass.” Alex moaned as the two lunged for him. The taxi swerved to the side and stopped on the wrong side of the road. The taxi driver yelled at them in a foreign tongue and kicked them out of the car. Tess and Isabel glared at the guys as they avoided their nasty looks. Alex pulled out the book and then looked around at their surroundings. “Where are we?” Tess asked as she leaned against a lamp pole. “A block away!” Alex exclaimed as he put the book away. “Good.” Michael whispered. “We should separate now. Alex and Tess should go into together. I don’t think they would buy that Zan would come along with us for fun.” “I have three and a half hours at most,” Alex reminded them as a soft glow radiated from his bookbag. Alex pulled out the book and started looking for the changes. “Now what?” Michael groaned as they started to walk towards the building. Isabel guided Alex as he continued to look for the changes. “Umm, guys!” Alex cried as he stopped in his tracks. “What?” Max inquired as he turned around to face him. “Khivar’s dead.” ~ ”Khivar’s dead?” Michael cried. “How?” “The rebellion led an attack against Khivar and they managed to kill their enemy as the hybrids face their enemies on Earth,” Alex read from the book. “What happens now, Michael?” Max questioned. “We kill Nicholas and Nasedo, and we go home to our loved ones,” Michael answered as he headed for the building. The rest followed his lead and they were off to battle the last of their enemies. ~ The warehouse was dark and dusty. Tess and Alex walked in and looked for Nasedo and Nicholas. “When are they coming?” Nasedo asked as he appeared from around the corner. “Any minute, what’s the plan?” Alex asked, mimicking Zan’s voice perfectly. “We’ll kill them.” Nicholas purred as he walked up from behind. “What about us?” Tess asked as she linked her arm around Alex’s. “So they lovers made up?” Nasedo questioned as he started to stare at Alex. “You will come home with us,” Nicholas replied with a grin on his face. “You haven’t forgotten about the other Granolith?” “No,” Alex replied harshly. “Have they regained their powers?” Nasedo inquired. “No,” Tess lied. “They won’t know what hit them.” “Good.” Nasedo replied as he turned to the sound of footsteps. Nicholas turned away from Tess and Alex to see the trio walk through the door. Tess grabbed a piece of old pipe and hit Nicholas in the back, breaking the seal in his dying husk. Nicholas vanished into thin air as a pile of dust appeared on the floor. “One down, one to go!” Tess whispered to Alex. “Nasedo, it’s over!” Michael cried. “And to think, I wanted you to be my father, how foolish could I have been?” Nasedo looked confused as he noticed that Nicholas was gone and that Tess and Alex had joined the others. “Confused?” Isabel inquired. “Alex, take Tess out now!” Michael cried as he shot an energy blast at Nasedo. “Michael?” Alex questioned. “Now!” Michael commanded as all three of them shot an energy blast at Nasedo. Nasedo took a few steps back, his body convulsing. Nasedo tried to regain his composure as he looked at Michael. His mind was racing. “Tess and Alex are dead!” “Not exactly,” Tess whispered as Alex escorted her out of the room. Nasedo shot an energy blast at them but Max stopped it with a shield. Nasedo knew he was stronger and kept shooting at them. “I can’t hold him off much longer!” Max cried as Michael and Isabel continued to shoot energy blasts at Nasedo. Nesado dropped to his knees. He looked up at the trio. “Stop! You win!” “Why should we trust you? You betrayed us!” Michael cried. “You have been playing us as fools!” “I had no choice!” Nasedo cried, “I was forced to come here! I just wanted to go home!” “Then go home!” Michael cried as he shot him. Nasedo crumpled to the ground. “Is he dead?” Isabel asked as Nasedo’s body vibrated and turned to an ashen gray. Max shot another blast at him and the body turned to dust, “Now he is!” “That’s how he died before and he came back!” Isabel whispered as Tess entered the room. “Is he gone?” She questioned as Alex appeared behind her. “I tried to stop her.” Alex admitted as he looked around the room. “Did we win?” “Yes,” Michael replied as he looked down at the piles of dust. Alex and Isabel embraced and kissed as Michael turned and headed to the door. “Where are you going?” Max asked Michael as he walked after him. “Home!” ~ They had been waiting for their return. It had been three hours since they had left. All eyes went to the door as it opened. Tess ran over to Kyle still lying on the floor, Max walked over to Liz, and Maria ran over to Michael. The couples embraced and kissed as Alex and Isabel walked through the door. They quickly glanced at each other. “Is it over?” Maria asked softly. “Yes,” Michael answered. “We can go home.” ~ Liz sat up and looked around her room. Her heart was pounding. She brushed the thin film of sweat off her brow. She tried to recall her dream. Liz reached over to her journal and picked up her pen. She glanced over at the clock and began to write. “It's September 18th, I'm Liz Parker and I had one of the weirdest dreams- all I can remember is that I am the Key. The key to what? The key to my past or the key to my future? I have a feeling something big is going to happen today.” ~ The End

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