Title: Echoes

Author: Fyre Goddess

Email: burgundyburning@yahoo.com

Category: Crossover, but M/M is the main couple.

Author's Notes: If you haven't read Idylls of the King, this story won't make too much sense. Otherwise, journey forth and enjoy.

Spoilers: Post Destiny.

Rating: PG-13 (whatever. Ratings are just some stupid socialists idea of keeping kids out of cool movies. I WILL NOT CONFORM!!!!!)

Summary: (Roswell/Charmed) Tragedy once again strikes the DeLuca household, leading to a very interesting story of Maria's family history.

Disclaimer: I don't own Roswell or Charmed. Since I'm not making a damn cent off of this nobody can really sue. Ah ha ha ha!

* * * * *

Michael had woken up early that morning. Senior year was almost over and the class trip began today. Spring Break would officially begin on Monday but the seniors saw no point in wasting the weekend when they could be on a beach in Mexico.

Rolling off the bed, he stumbled his way to the adjoining bathroom. He and Maria had moved into the master bedroom right after Taja came to live with them. At first, Maria had been uncomfortable sleeping in her mother's room. Michael took it upon himself to make the room theirs. He took Maria shopping, a true act of love. They bought a new bed, furniture, drapes, and bathroom accessories. The finished result was excellent. Liz commented that the room looked older now, reflecting the change in Maria's personality.

Picking up his razor, he lathered his face generously. Staring into the mirror, he thought back through the last three months. Of underground tunnels and love through impossible odds.

After Max and the gang arrived, they had spent several continuous, mind-numbing days listening to their 'fearless leader' voice his doubts and concerns, at the top of his lungs, about Taja. It wasn't until Kytanna appeared to Max and Isabel later that night that they actually believed what was told to them. Isabel was suspicious of Taja right from the start. Maria recognized this tactic of Isabel's to be a suit of armor guarding her jealousy and insecurities dealing with anyone who comes close to taking another piece of her brother's heart away from her. She and Liz both had experienced it first hand in the beginning when Max had first revealed their well kept secret.

Liz and Alex took the news far better. Never having trusted Tess completed anyway, the complete role change was almost welcome.

The day they had first met Taja, Liz had clung to Max, willing him to make the right decision regarding the situation. In the end, though, everything went as planned. Michael returned to Roswell, New Mexico with a soul mate, a sister, a spirit guide, and a whole community of friends.

The people of the Tunnel community had embraced the group of wayward aliens with the same fever that they had Vincent. Mary and Catherine worked with Father to celebrate the Taja's return to her family. A production not too unlike Winterfest was organized. William labored deep in the kitchen for days to prepare all of the food, Rebecca and Mary threw themselves into the making of dozens of candles, and the children spent every waking minute of their free time dusting, moping and renovation the Great Hall.

When all the preparations were complete and the friends arrived, the Tunnel dwellers showed the Royal Four just how much they liked to see happy endings. In the midst of the festivities, a new fairy tale was being woven as Vincent and Catherine's engagement was announced. Cheers went up through the crowd and the party lasted into the wee hours of the morning.

The next morning Father was more than slightly cautious when Vincent informed him that Taja planned to head home with her new family. The policy for people leaving the community was not very specific for Father had always encouraged people to stay unless they were furthering their education. In the end, while he was not especially pleased, sent his blessing along with Kipper to the gate to see them out, ensuring them a welcoming home had they any need of sanctuary.