Progeny Category CC/UC Rating R Summary Max and Tess' son comes back, told from his POV. Spoilers Up to S3- 'Busted' He could have been a King, a great leader for his people. He could have been a loving husband, devoting and kind. He could have been my father, the apple of his son's eye. He had to chose her instead. Life is never simple. Choices he made shaped my life. He should have asked for the truth. Reality is not always what it appears to be. Lies are the truth and the truth is not what it seems. She may have given him an easy out. But, I'm not like my mother. Be prepared for my return, be prepared for my betrayal. ~ I'm not a baby anymore, yet he thinks of me as one. He has told her that he doesn't care anymore, that he has moved on with his pathetic excuse for a life. The setting is set and I am ready to set the bait. Is he ready? I think not. ~ I can feel the cold water around him. A chill runs down our spine as I connect with him. I bring him a little closer to my world and I give him a glimpse of my home, the world he claims he has forgotten. I pull him under the water. He gasps and cries out to her . She doesn't hear him and I'm glad. He drifts in the realm of dreams and I show him a tortured life of a frail little boy. The trap is set. ~*~ Earth, cold, heartless. My mother's hell and his paradise. The air feels lofty and thin. My head spins with the lack of oxygen and the need to breathe. I close my eyes and allow my body to adjust to the harsh atmosphere. I can feel him near by. I can feel him reach out to me in vain. He searches for his lost, poor, helpless, son. He believes that I am. He wants his son. He thinks that I am in danger, that I need him. He's wrong. ~ I enter the house and look around the dimly lit room. I can feel her. She still lives... her vibe, her energy. She's still here. My heart aches for her smile, for her loving touch. Years later, I can still recall her words of love. She had dreams that I would follow my dreams, my hopes. She had dreams that I would live the life she never had. I will follow my dream. My dream is his nightmare. ~ "Max," an annoyed voice rang from behind. "I told you not to use your powers to let your self in." I can't help but smile at his tone of voice. "Kyle," I reply as I turn to him. Our eyes lock and a wave of fear flicker in his eyes. He walks closer, seemingly intrigued. "Tess," he whispers as he continues to study my face. "You're eyes." "Yes." "Too bad you look like your father," he laughs nervously. "The ears and all." "Too bad," I reply as he runs a hand through his hair. I know he wants to know the details of who, what, when, and where. I can sense that his loyalties are strong and that he will fight for them and for me. "She said I could trust you," I whisper as I look away. "She said that you were her only friend, her family." A heavy silence lingers in the air. "He's searching for you. It's been his quest for the last few months." "I know.” He looks up at me in confusion, "why did you come here? To me?" "You are the only one I can trust." "Max... I mean..." he pauses not knowing what to call me. "Jak," I offer. "My name is Jak." ~*~ "Jak," Kyle repeats my name softly, sounding out each letter. "Why did she chose Jak?" I smile. He would understand the significance of my name. "My mother named me after the two men that gave her a home and the feeling of love and security. She named me after the one she killed and mourned for. My name is three in one, a trinity of sorts. I am Jim, Alex, Kyle... Jak." "It's perfect," he smiles as he sits down on the couch. "I agree," I reply as I sit beside him. The next few hour pass as I explain to him my life on Antar. I tell him the truth of my people and my race. I tell him that Khivar is dead and has been for years. His expression speaks of relief and of confusion. "Who is the enemy?" he asks after a slight pause. "Nicholas. He has played you all beautifully." He nods and looks away. "Everything is not as it seems..." he whispers as he turns and looks at me. "What about your father?" He inquires as my anger rebuilds. He has to pay. He has to know the suffering and the pain he caused us. "Jak?" I look at him. "Can I stay here? I can't face him just yet." He nods. He listens, he cares. I wish he was my father. ~ I look into the mirror and change my appearance slightly. I can now pass as a cousin or as a son. The night covers the Earth and I go to him. I stand outside the Crashdown and I see him with her . I feel the rush of anger as I see him caress her face. No! I feel my lungs tighten and I can't breathe. I turn away as he kisses her . My eyes blur with hot tears. "Why?" I cry out to him and walk away. He has betrayed me, he has betrayed her memory. He will pay for his sins. ~*~ I crawl back through the window, my head still spinning from my brief outing. "Where have you been?" A voice booms as I turn and look into the darkness. "Kyle?" I inquire not able to make out the figure in the shadows. "Jak," he replies with a stern voice as he flips the light on. "If you want to stay here, you can't be running around town and disappearing like that!" I look at him in awe as he continues to yell at me. No one has ever reprimanded me. "Jak?" Kyle asks as he waves a hand in front of my face. I can't help but grin. "I won't do it again," I reply as he nods and starts to walk away. "Dad," I add under my breath. He pauses and I wonder if he heard me. "Where did you go?" he asks as he turns back to me. "I went to see him," I moan as I look down at my hands. "And?" "He was with her ," I growl as I look up at him with contempt. "Oh," he whispers as he runs a hand through his hair. "You mean, Liz?" I close my eyes and I can see them together. Kissing. My father kissing her . "Jak, Liz is his girlfriend. They have been together for awhile now and..." "I know." I cut him off as I start to pace. My heart starts to pound. My head spins. I can't breathe. "Jak?" Kyle moans as he puts his hands on my shoulder stopping me in my tracks. I look into his eyes. I blink back the hot tears. I am strong. I don't need anyone. "Jak," he whispers. "You don't have to be so strong." I nod as I stop trying to blink back the tears. "He's with her ." I push his hand away as a flash of anger takes hold. "He chose her instead of me!" I sank to the bed and look up at him. "He chose her over my mother." He nods and sits down beside me. I lean back and stare at the ceiling. He places a hand on my shoulder. He chooses me. "He has to pay," I admit. Silence. "He has to know the pain he caused." Silence. "He has to..." "To what?" Kyle interrupts. "Do you really know what you want?" I look at him. He's testing me. "He has to pay." "Hasn't he?" "What?" I ask slightly confused. "Even if you don't want to admit it. He loves you, he cares for you, he has been doing everything to find you." I stare blankly at him. "So?" "He's your father, he gave you life." "Who's side are you on?" I growl not able to contain my anger. "Hasn't he hurt you too?" He tenses and I know I hit a nerve. "That's different." "Is it?" I whisper testing him. "Didn't he give you life? Didn't he betray you?" Silence. "He has hurt everyone. I bet he has even hurt her as well." Silence. "He has, hasn't he?" He sighs defeated. I win. ~*~ The silence grows. Kyle looks at me one more time and stands up. "Do what you have to," he pauses and rubs the strained muscles in his neck. "Be careful." I nod in response as he leaves me alone, to think. Silence. My mind races. Silence. I begin to pace the room. The silence continues to grow and my thoughts run rampant. Silence. "Ahh!" I cry breaking through the suffocating silence. I glance around the room once more and pause before I crawl out the window. ~ I'm drawn to him and I soon find myself at his window. I look in. He's asleep. I open the window and I enter. I raise my hand to strike, to kill the agony within. Instead, I turn and leave. It's not time. ~ I run. I run faster ignoring the cool air that burns my lungs and my aching muscles. I pause gasping for air. I stiffen as I feel someone close by. I glance and search the shadows, but I see nothing. I can feel a vibe lingering in the air, a vibe that is similar to my mother's. Michael. ~ I place my hand on the rough door. I can feel him within. Michael. My mother's brother, my uncle. I jump back startled as the door swings open. "Max," He grumbles as he heads into the kitchen. I step inside and the door slams behind me. "Did you forget something?" He asks as he looks up at me. Our gazes lock. "Michael," I whisper as I take a step closer to him. He steps back as his eyes narrow. He raises his hand and fires an energy blast at me. I flitch in response to the electricity. I raise my hand towards him as he fires another blast. Damn. I feel like I'm floating as I fall backwards. Darkness flashes before my eyes. Silence. ~ My body tingles as I open my eyes. My heart beat quickens as I look up into his eyes. He leans in closer. "Who are you?" He demands as his hand rests on my neck. Silence. His fingers tighten slightly as I gasp for air. I slowly lift my hand and place it on his. He flinches as I connect with him. He moans in response as I push my memories into him. Images of my mother, of Max, and of my childhood flash before us. He slowly releases me and I take a deep breathe of relief. I struggle to sit up and I look up at him. Silence. I rub my neck sending a soft healing touch with in, "Michael?" I inquire my voice sounding harsh and weak. "You're his son?" he asks. I nod, "and you are my uncle." ~*~ Silence. He continues to stare at me, as if, I would disappear if he looks away. Silence. "Uncle?" he repeats slowly. "Yes." "No," he groans as he rubs his eyebrow in thought. "Not possible." "Yes, you are my mother's brother." He glares at me with disbelief. He doesn't believe me, he's afraid to. "Tess was not my sister," he grumbles as he crosses his arms across his chest, building a stonewall against me. I look past his exterior and I smile as a notice a faint glimmer of hope reflecting in his eyes. He needs the truth. "Rath and Ava were twins of Tirath and Savana Novinus. He was the Second in Command to the King and she was the trusted royal friend of the Queen." Silence. I sigh and take a deep breath as I take off my ring. "This ring has the emblem of our family crest," I explain as I reach out and offer him the ring, his ring. He looks at me inquisitively. The ring stands for everything he has ever wanted; a family, a past. Silence. "Michael, she loved you.” I explain. “She wanted more then anything to come back to her brother. To tell you the truth. You were the only family she had left, besides me." I pause and lower my voice to a whisper. "The only family that I have left." "You have Max," Michael replies quickly, without missing a beat. "No," I reply clenching my hands together. "I don't." Silence. "You have a father who loves you..." "I have a father, who betrayed his wife and his son. He chose another life, one that did not include me. He chose to leave us. He chose to destroy my life before it began." I reply harshly. "I don't have a father." I toss him the ring and turn away from him. "Wait." I stop and turn towards him. Silence. "You don't look like him," he comments. I laugh bitterly. "What?" He asks as I wave a hand across my face. He blinks and then stares at my face. "I may have his face, but nothing else." "He's been looking for you." "So, I have been reminded." "Max is your father, you owe him to…" "I owe him nothing." "If I had a chance to see my father…" "I’m not you. You don’t know me, you don’t know what he has done." "Tell me." I glance at him and sigh. I sit down and tell him the truth. ~ A hour passes as I tell him the truth about my life, about his past, and about my father's deeds. A reflective silence embraces us. A shrill ring breaks the silence. We glance at the phone, neither of us moving towards it. I know before I hear his voice, who it is. "Michael. This is Max." We briefly look at each other as he reaches for the phone. I grab his arm. "… call me." Michael looks to me with new understanding. "You want me to chose." "No," I lie as I look away. "Liar," he laughs. "You're just as bad as Max." I stare at him. I open my mouth to reply but nothing comes out. I look like him. That’s all. I’m not like him. I can’t be. "Jak?" He calls out as he waves a hand in front of my face. I stare back at him as I feel my blood begin to boil. My chest squeezes and I gasp for air. My head spins. I turn and run. ~ I pace back and forth under the stars. My hands tremble with unspent energy. In less then a few hours, I have told my story to the two men I have admired most of my life. I need them to chose me. I need them to be my family. I need them to tell me it’s okay. “Max?” a voice calls out interrupting my thoughts. I look from the shadows and I see her . I smile. “Yes?” I reply as she walks closer and I step back further into the shadows. “You sound funny, are you okay?” “What are you doing out this late?” “I needed to clear my head,” She whispers as she encircles her arms around my waist. I stiffen slightly as I feel her vibes of anger towards my mother, towards me. Her lips graze my chin and I gently push her away, no longer being able to tolerate her touch. “What’s wrong?” She asks softly as she touches my chest. “I can‘t be with you.” I reply harshly as I push her hand away. “What?” She asks confused. “Why? What’s happened?” “You.” I simply reply as I turn and start to walk away. “Max?” She calls out with a hint of tears in her voice. I keep walking. Her cries, her pleas mean nothing to me. The game has begun. ~*~ I walk back to the house feeling recharged. I feel stronger and more alive then I have in years. My plans are coming to a peak. My life has been leading to this, my future, my revenge. I pause. Voices. I walk closer trying to hear the hushed voices within. ~ "We have to tell him." "It's not our place to do so." "Jak, trusts you. He came to you first." "It's not our place to tell." "Max needs to know." "I agree, but it's Jak's life. It's his choice." Silence. I use the pause and walk in. I look at the two men in my life as they look at me expectantly. "Hi," I grin as I sit down. "Well?" Michael asks as he continues to pace. "Well, what?" I reply as I look towards Kyle. "Where did you go? What did you do?" Michael asks sternly as any good father would do. "I walked a little, I ran a little. I just needed to clear my head." "And?" Kyle asks sensing something more. I sigh. "Jak?" "I bumped into her ," I admit as I smile at the memory of our encounter. "And?" Kyle repeats. I glare at him. How does he know that there is more? What does he sense? "Nothing," I reply harshly. "Jak, you can't go around pretending to be Max." Kyle reprimands as I continue to stare at him. "He will find out if you keep playing these childish games." "How do you know?" I cry out. "I only had a feeling,” he replies softly. “But now, I know." He continues his eyes gazing into mine. I stare at him. "What does he mean? What did you do?" Michael asks. Silence. "What happened? What the hell is going on?" Michael cries out losing his patience. Kyle and I both glance at him. "Jak pretended to be Max," Kyle replies as he looks at me for confirmation. "Right, Jak?" "Yes," I mumble looking down at the ground, suddenly feeling bad for my actions. "Why?" Michael gasps. "If you hate him so much, why would you want to pretend to be him?" I open my mouth to explain when the phone rings. I freeze. I know that he is calling, he is suspicious. He knows about her . My heart starts to race. The pounding of my heart echoes in my ears. I can't think. "He's on his way over," Kyle announces as he hangs up the phone. "It's now or never." My breath catches in my throat. I'm not ready. It's not time. "No," I moan. My breathing quickens. Once again, the air feels lofty and thin. "Jak?" They ask as I stand up. I must leave, I must go. "No." Not now. It's not time. I'm not ready. I turn around. My body stiffens. Our gazes lock. My breath catches in my throat. My heart skips a beat. "Daddy?" I whisper. ~ Silence. The Earth has stopped and time stands still. He looks at me with shock as he stares at my reflection. He doesn’t understand. I take a deep breath as he steps closer. "Who are you?" he inquires his voice harsh and uneven. My jaw clenches as he grabs my shoulders. A rush of images invade my mind of her . I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. He looks towards Michael and to Kyle for an explanation as his grip tightens slightly. I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. I feel him trying to connect. Images of Antar flash between us. "Where's my son?" "I hate you!" I cry as I push him away using an energy blast. I blink back tears as I turn and run away. ~*~ My body trembles. My heart races. I glance around at my surroundings, but nothing is clear. My mind clouds over as my heart sinks. He loves her more then me. He has only loved her . "Jak?" I hear him whisper. A chill runs down my spine and I freeze. "Jak?" He repeats and I turn to him. His dark eyes lock with mine. "Is it true?" He whispers taking a step closer. I step back unable to answer. "What is?" I manage to ask. "Are you my son?" He asks his voice wavering close to tears. He's good. I have to admit, for a second I actually think he cares. "Does it matter?" I reply. Silence. He reaches out to me, his hand brushes my shoulder as I take step back. "Please," he whispers. "Why?" I ask harshly. "Why?" He repeats as I take a step closer. "Why did you chose her over my mother?" I ask as he blinks in response. "Why did you chose her over me?" "You're mother -" "Don't blame my mother! She didn't leave me. She didn't betray her family." "Tess betrayed us..." "That's what you'd like to believe." I reply, my anger increasing. "You don't know the truth. You never even made an effort to find out the truth!" "I know the truth," He replies harshly. "Do you?" I laugh. "Did you know that the war is over? Did you know that Khivar is dead? Did you know that my mother tested you and you failed?" Silence. I step closer. "You are not my father," I whisper into his ear. He flinches in response. I turn and walk away. ~ "What happened?" Kyle asks as I enter into the house. "Nothing," I whisper as I walk past him and into the room. I feel empty. I feel lost. "Jak?" He whispers as he follows me. I glance out the window and for a second I thought that he was there. He's not there. He doesn't care. He didn't come after you. Again. I sigh and collapse onto the bed. "Do you want to talk about it?" Kyle asks as he sits beside me. "No," I moan. Silence. He sits beside me. He doesn't say a word. I can see why my mother loved him. I know, I do. ~*~ Blood. Lighting. No! My heart pounds. Blood. Pain. My lungs burn. Help! Please! Silence. My eyes snap open. My heart continues to race. Silence. My head spins. I take a deep breath trying to readjust to the atmosphere. I hate it here. I want to go home. Silence. But there's no reason to go back. No one's there waiting for me. I walk over to the vanity and briefly study my reflection. His reflection. The brilliant blue of my eyes seem to laugh at me. The only thing I have of my mother's seem lost in what my father has claimed. The color of my eyes will fool her . I laugh as I quickly change the color of my eyes. The soul less hazel eyes stare back at me. '"Let's see if she really loves you. If she is worth the heart ache." ~ The morning sun has barely pierced the sky. I look up and climb up to her window. I knock. She looks at me and walks to the window. "It's early," she whispers as she opens the window and lets me in. "Did you see him?" She asks. I nod assuming she is talking about him coming to see me. "And?" She implores as she touches my hand softly. I pull away; wrapping my arms around my body. "He looks just like me" I whisper trying to force out the words. " like you said." I pause gauging for a reaction, "he hates me." I reply making my voice softer, more vulnerable. "He doesn't want me." "Max," She whispers as she wraps her arms around me. I freeze as more images flash before my eyes. They burn and choke me. I stare at her . "What about Tess?" Liz inquires softly looking away. "Did she return as well?" "No," I reply as I use all my strength not to push her away. "She died." "I'm sorry." She whispers almost like she means it, but I know she doesn't. She can't feel anything. "I just need some time alone," I reply pushing her away. "I understand," She replies coyly. I lean in and kiss her . I push every flash that I had ever received by my mother of her and my father. I pull away and I smile. She looks at me with confusion. She touches her lips and stares at me. "Do you love her ? " Her ?" I ask as a smirk crosses my face. "Tess. Did you love her?" Liz gasps as she continues to stare at me. "You told me that.." "I have always loved her. Seeing my son, brought back memories." "Get out!" She cries and I turn without another word and leave. I look back as she starts to cry. She expects him to turn back around and announce his undying love. Too bad she's got the wrong guy. ~ "Jak!" Kyle cries out as I reenter the room. "What?" I ask sitting down on the bed. "Breakfast." He stares at my eyes. Damn. He turns without questioning my new eye color. I quickly change my eyes back and follow him to the kitchen. "I hope you know what you're doing." Kyle replies as he hands me a plate of food. Silence. "Jak." I stare at my food not knowing what to say, what to do. Silence. "I don't want to see you get hurt." He replies as I look up at him. "He can't hurt me anymore." Silence. "No one can hurt me." Silence. "I didn't say he would," Kyle explains. I stare at him. "Be careful," he warns as he leaves me alone in the kitchen. "Be careful?" I smile bitterly. I can take care of myself! I don't need him, I don't need anyone. "Oh, and Jak?" "What?" I grumble. "Just remember, we are here for you." Are you? Will he leave like everyone else in my life? I have lost everything that has ever meant anything to me. I can't afford to lose him too. My heart won't allow it. ~*~ Silence. I stare up at the ceiling. "Jak." Kyle calls from the next room. I sit up in response. "Get your ass in here." Michael demands as I jump to me feet. My heart beat quickens. I slowly open the door and peak out. "Now!" Oh, shit. "What?" I ask. They stare at me. I look at Kyle and then at Michael. "What?" I ask again, my voice faltering. "What were you thinking?" Kyle inquires. "Did you think that we wouldn't find out?" Michael adds harshly. "What?!" I cry. I look back and forth between them, not fully understanding their concerns. "Liz." Kyle replies. "Oh," I gasp. Silence. "Is that it?" Kyle demands. "What the hell where you trying to do?" Michael inquires. Silence. "I tried to let you find yourself. I gave you space so you could figure out your feelings." Kyle whispers, "You are mad at your father, understandable. But, Liz hasn't done anything to you." "It's her fault!" I cry out. "No. It's not," Michael replies harshly. "It's her fault!" I repeat my anger rising. "Don't blame her for you father's decisions," Kyle reprimands. I can't help but stare at them. My heart pounds, echoing in my head. The air thinkens, closing around me. No. No. No. "Leave her alone," Michael warns. I take a step back. "It's her fault." I whisper harshly. "Why?" Kyle gasps. "Why is it her fault?" "She-" I moan, my thoughts scattering. "It's her --" "That’s not an excuse," Kyle groans. "It's time for you to talk with Max." My head spins. "I-" I whisper, taking a quick breath. "I can't." "You have no choice." Michael states harshly. "You can't play this game." "You are hurting innocent people," Kyle adds as I turn away from them. They don't understand, they don't see. Their voices continue to echo in my ears. Their pleas, their concerns. I'm not heartless. I'm not like my father. I do care. I do listen. "Stop!" I cry over their voices. Silence. My heart races. I close my eyes and take a cleansing breath. "I'll talk with him," I mange to say as I walk away. ~ Darkness. Silence. I look at the stars. "Jak." I close my eyes and I turn towards him. "Yes?" I reply harshly. "Why?" He asks. I look at him. 'why?' No, hello? No, how are you son? No, I love you? I turn away. "Jak. Please, talk to me." "Why?" I laugh. "I'm your father." "You are?" I turn to him, my anger, my focus returning. "Then why did you leave me? Where were you when I needed a father?" "Jak. I-" "I needed you." I whisper harshly. "And you weren't there." He steps closer to me and reaches out. "Jak," he whispers. I step back, "don't touch me." He cringes slightly and I laugh. "What do you expect from me?" "Nothing." I reply quickly, "I gave up on you, when my mother died in my arms." "Tess?" He asks his eyes flashing a sense of sadness? of relief? "But you wouldn't care. Would you? You hated my mother, you hated me. You only wanted her ." "That's not true. I wanted you." "Don't lie to me!" I growl. "You knocked her up and you left her, alone, in a foreign land." "She lied to us, she betrayed us." "She didn't betray you. You betrayed her by loving that bitch." "Jak. I don't know what she told you-" "She didn't tell me anything. She was weak and sick. I tried to heal her. I saw everything. The truth, your betrayal." "She killed Alex." "I know." I pause and look at him. "But, this has nothing to do with Alex." "It has everything to do with him." "Yes, she made a mistake. It was an accident. But, why would you care? You never truly knew her. She gave you her heart and her soul, twice. She gave up her happiness for you." "She betrayed you." "Betrayed me?" I laugh. "She loved me. She protected me. She protected me from the truth, the truth about you." He looks away from me. I blink back tears, "she cried herself to sleep. She wanted everything for me, but she couldn't give me the one thing I wanted, you." He turns around quickly, "Can't you see that is what I want?" He moans his voice wavering with tears. "I want you, Jak." "No." I reply. "It's not that simple." "Why can't it be?" "Why did you leave me?" I whimper. I feel the hot tears roll down my face. "Why didn't you come for me?" "I tried. I have been searching, but you have to understand. It's only been a few months for me." "So?" I reply wiping my tears away. "I watched you- you chose her ." "I love her, she supported me in finding you." He whispers. "I love you." "You think saying it will make it all better?" I cry out. "You have to prove it to me." Silence. "Anything," he replies. "Anything?" I repeat. He nods in reply. Anything? I raise my hand and open the worm hole. I look at him. "Come with me." I feel the electricity of the worm hole, I know that I can't keep it up- I’m not the strong. Hurry. Please. I look at him, expectantly. I close my eyes. "Daddy?" I whisper. He closes his eyes and turns away. He chooses her ? No! I turn away, blinking back tears. My muscles start to ache. I can't hold on much longer. I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn around as I feel his arms wrap around me. "Anything," he whispers. I search his eyes and he smiles. "You'd give up everything?" I ask pulling him away. He hesitates slightly and nods. I fall to my knees as the worm hole closes. "Jak?" I close my eyes. He loves me? He loves me. Silence. I smile. The End

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