Episode 10

By Bianca

Author Notes: I'm writing this on my own now. I fully plan to keep this story up, but it might take a little longer than before. Also you will see the word days of labor in this episode, and it mean the days before one is to gives birth.

Chapter 1

Instantly Liz's feet crumbled from under her, and she landed on the couch as she was stunned. Although she knew it was coming it didn't make it any easier to take. Looking over to where Maria was being inconsolable even though Kyle was trying his best. Then looking to Claire who was calm, and it was like it was a everyday thing. Max started speaking but Liz couldn't hear a word of it. Watching him speak she knew that within ten minutes after he gave out the orders they'd be on their way.

"Liz, get the kids, and get them to the car," said Max as Liz finally heard something he said.

Getting up Liz headed upstairs not noticing Michael behind her. Getting to the girls room; Liz opened the door standing there.

"You okay?" asked Michael as he wrapped his arms around her.

"I don't know. Physically, I'm fine, but other wise I don't know. Max said it was over," said Liz.

"How are you really?" asked Michael.

"I'm fine," said Liz and she walked into the room.

Gently Liz patted each girl awake.

"Mommy," questioned Piper as she sat up.

"Mommy," question Cassie right behind her sister in sitting up.

"You need to get one I can't live without item," said Liz as she went and got a dress, a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

Quickly Cassie went to a board in a corner popping it up, and taking her sphere out. Taking her dress Cassie changed keeping the sphere out of sight. On the other hand Piper got up and dressed first before getting her necklace her mother in the future had given her. It was a simple gold chain with a heart locket that didn't open. After grabbing some scrunchies, and a brush before Liz grabbing Piper pulling her hair into a ponytail. Then Liz got a hold of Cassie, and split Cassie's hair putting two French braids tying them off with the scrunches.

"Lexie," said Piper, and Lexie came running.

Gently Piper grasped the collar, and Lexie instantly became a kitten. Carefully Piper picked her up.

"Let's go get Zan," said Liz.

The bustle from downstairs was loud as Liz and the girls went down the hall to Zan's room. Standing in his crib Zan seemed to be almost waiting for them, and Liz scooped him up.

"Girls, grab hold of my shirt," said Liz and the girls did so.

Leaving Zan in his sleeper; Liz with the two girls hooked to her shirt headed downstairs and out to the car. Going to the right side and opened the door putting Zan in the car seat that was in the middle. Next Liz put Piper in the car and buckled her before shutting the door. Making her way over to the other side Liz opened the door, and got Cassie in buckling her. Shutting the door Liz went and got in the driver's seat waiting. Looking towards the van Liz saw Max and Kyle struggling to get Maria into the van. She was kicking, screaming, and swinging her arms. Then Max put his hand over her eyes, and then she was out like a light. He had forced her to sleep and Liz was relieved she could see Maria's chest moving up and down steadily.

"Parker," said Michael getting in the passenger's seat and shutting the door.

"Hi," said Liz.

"Kids are asleep," said Michael looking into the back.

"Good. It'll be easier for them that way," said Liz.

"Maria," asked Michael.

"Yeah, I'm just so worried. Some things that didn't make since so long ago seem more strange now," said Liz.

"Spill" said Michael.

"Maria's mom would keep Maria away from windows, and keep blinds closed all the time. There was never any pictures before her third birthday, but everything after that was ton of pictures for everything. Maria told stories of a place far from here maybe not of earth. A place of Ice that was so beautiful. When her mom caught her she'd tell her not to say such things. What if she isn't of Earth either? How did she survive for so long? How did she get to the hotel with that gash in her head?" asked Liz.

"I don't know, but on the road tell me what you remember being told," said Michael as he saw Max coming their way.

Turning to see Max coming Liz rolled down her window.

"We are going to head to Georgia," said Max.

"Okay we'll need to stop in the morning for breakfast, and get the kids out to stretch," said Liz.

"Okay, we can do that. Follow the van, and here is some jerky Claire made for the trip for snacking" said Max handing her a bag of jerky.

"Alright," said Liz handing the jerky to Michael.

"If you get tired just flash your lights and we'll pull over then you can switch with Michael," said Max.

Watching Max leave to go get in the van Liz rolled up her window and started the car. Not long before the van pulled out and Liz pulled out behind it. Going out to the main road Liz couldn't help, but look back in the rear view mirror for a moment. Soon enough they were on the highway, and on their way to Georgia.

"Start talking," said Michael.

"I remember the first story the clearest. A small girl no more than five years old wrapped in a fur wrapping was outside in the court yards of the castle Extorcia. Quickly she put on leather skates that had ice blue snowflakes on the side as she sat by the frozen lake. Watching for any sign of anyone as she got to her feet, and stepped out onto the ice. Gliding on the ice she stretched out one leg looking like a ballerina. Carefully she brought her leg up and grabbed the blade bringing it over her head." said Liz as began telling one tell that would lead to the next.

At that point Michael wish he hadn't asked, but to see her so happy as she told the tells he didn't mind so much.

Chapter 2

The sun came up, and Michael had fallen asleep soon after. Silence was nice to have for a while for Liz. Grabbing yet another stick of jerky Liz relished each bite. In her mind she knew this had to be her first craving. Looking ahead Liz saw the van pulling off onto an exit, and she followed in tow. It wasn't long before they pulled into a camp ground. Pulling up next to the van Liz killed the engine, and opened the door. Kyle and Claire were the first out dragging fish gear. Getting out Liz shut the door walking towards the lake in the opposite side of where Claire and Kyle went. Then something caught her eye it was Maria going into the woods. Following Liz wondered where Maria was going. There was this rich scent of flowers, and this bitter chill in the air that wasn't there before. Soon the summer scenery slowly change as she kept going turning to bare trees. Something cold and wet hit her feet through her sandals. Peering down Liz saw the snow, and although her feet were getting cold she pressed on. Soon Liz came to a clearing to see a lake that had steam coming off it making a thick fog on the lake only. Someone stood out on the water, and then there was this light coming from under the figure. Suddenly the light burst golden in color revealing Maria in a ice blue gown that hugged every curve as she was suspended above the water. Her eyes were closed with her face towards the sky, and then suddenly her head dropped. Instantly her eyes came open, and she started to walk towards Liz. Although it took Liz by surprise there was a gentleness in Maria that put her at ease. As Maria got a few feet from Liz she stopped. For a long time Maria stood there and Liz didn't know what to say or do. Something inside Liz told her she'd never forget this moment, or that her friend looked so different. There was a grace and elegance to Maria that had never been there before. An air of sophistication replaced Maria's quirky demeanor almost like looking at another person. Then Maria stretched out her hand for Liz, and Liz took her hand being instantly dressed in a white gown with a pearl chocker that had a gold crescent moon in the middle.

Gently Maria let her go and placed her hand on Liz's cheek. A small smile fringed with worry played on Maria's face.

"I can't run anymore," said Maria.

"From what?" asked Liz.

"From the past. From the future. From it all," said Maria.

"Why does this feel like goodbye?" asked Liz.

"It is for now. I'm not fighting the remembering, and excepting my part in the future. It'll be okay," said Maria.

"Maria," said Liz in a quiet whisper.

"Time will pass, and we'll see one another again," said Maria.

"Okay," said Liz

"Through the day and through the fight.

No ships would sail through the night.

There would only be the morning light.

A haven within the wings of time we'd stay.

No doubt to have but time to play.

Time always on our side every day.

Fearing nothing for time is near.

Together again with time in joy of the past.

No tears to stain the cheeks of woe.

Standing in the test of time it's self.

A courage of men and woman to know. Remember," said Maria as she dropped her hand, and started to float away.

Sounds of a piano caused Liz to turn, and she was in a room only lit by a single lamp on a baby grand piano. A man of Asian descent in his early twenty's with hair as white as snow played a beautiful tune. For some reason Liz felt like she could trust him.

"She's protecting you," said the man not looking up.

"Why do you say that?" asked Liz.

"Cause I'm the other half of her heart," said the man as he instantly looked up connecting with Liz's eyes.

With that Liz could see the fire for Maria that was the passion of his love for her.

"Dyria," said Liz.

"Yes," said the man.

"I have to go," said Liz.

"You won't find her, but Dyria will find you. Dyria is counting on you to lose it. That's the one thing you can't do," said the man.

"How?" asked Liz.

"Before she was turned by Khivar she was my best friend since we were five till her seventeenth birthday," said the man.

"You loved her," said Liz almost questioning.

"I never had a sister. She was the closest thing I had to it, but I failed her when it counted," said the man turning back to the piano beginning to play a sad song.

In the next second Liz found herself outside the woods. Walking back to the others Liz shed a tear as she decided not to tell the others Maria was kidnapped. As she got close to the car Piper, and Cassie ran up to her hugging her.

"Hi babies," said Liz as her emotions got the best of her, and tears fell.

"Momma, why are you crying?" asked Cassie.

"I just love you so much," said Liz as she wiped away her tears as she saw Max coming their way.

"Girls, go get Kyle and Claire," said Max.

"Okay," said Cassie and Piper together and ran off.

"How are you" asked Max.

"Physically okay, but emotionally I don't know," said Liz.

"I know I feel the same," said Max.

"Maria is gone," said Liz.

"We won't find her this time will we," asked Max.

"No, we won't. She's facing the past and the future which is a scary thing," said Liz.

"I know what you mean," said Max.

"The dreams?" asked Liz.

"They're worse," said Max.

"Of your childhood?" asked Liz.

"No, the last battle with Khivar, but there is something that seems to be missing. I always black out for a second, and then I'm on the ground with Khivar standing near by laughing as I die," said Max.

Chapter 3

Back on the road Max's words haunted Liz so much she could see a wiry looking man with this evil look about him. The thing that was odd was it saddened her and broke her heart in a way she didn't understand. Trying to shake it off Liz grabbed a piece of jerky trying to eat the feeling away.

"Liz," said Michael from the driver's seat.

"Huh," said Liz as Michael broke through her thoughts.

"What is it?" asked Michael.

"What?" asked Liz nervous.

"Whatever has you in knots," said Michael.

"It really isn't my place," said Liz.

"Tell me what you can," said Michael.

"Khivar," said Liz.

"Khivar?" questioned Michael.

"In my mind I can see him, and I see the evil. I don't know why, but he breaks my heart in a way I don't understand. He grins like you can't forget, but I don't know what it is," said Liz.

"Just try to rest," said Michael.

"Don't tell anyone," begged Liz.

"Okay," said Michael.

"Thanks, I just want a chance to figure this out without the others sticking their noses in it" said Liz.

"It'll all work out," said Michael.

"Michael, are we ready for this?" asked Liz changing the subject.

"You are, but I'm not so sure," said Michael.

"It scares me," said Liz.

"You'll be a great mom," said Michael.

"Thanks," said Liz.

"You've kept us all together in the most difficult times in our lives," said Michael.

"You think?" asked Liz.

"I know, and these kids will be the luckiest kids alive having you," said Michael.

"They'll have one great dad too," said Liz.

"Yeah?" asked Michael.

"I do," said Liz.

"What's going on in that mind of yours?" asked Michael.

"I was thinking that if we change what happened that maybe we should give the babies new names," said Liz.

"What were you thinking?" asked Michael.

"Faith Rose Guerin, and Hope Elizabeth Guerin," said Liz.

"I like that," said Michael.

"Good cause I need to get some sleep. That is if your children will let me," said Liz.

"They're mine when there acting up, but I guess there yours when their good," said Michael.

"You got it," said Liz.

"I see how it is," said Michael.

Putting her seat back Liz tried to get comfortable as she could. Laying there the babies seem extremely active today of all days, and Liz couldn't sleep. Rolling back and forth for a while until the babies settled down, and by then exhausted Liz fell asleep.

(Dreams)

Suddenly Liz found herself in a garden with flowers of all kinds and all colors.

"Kendrella, where are you?" said a boy who was no more than ten passing her without giving her a second look.

Following the boy from a distance Liz watched as he looked and looked. Then Liz saw him spot some flowers move, and he ran for them.

"Oh no," came the voice of a little girl.

"I found you, Kendrella," said the boy as the little blonde haired girl who was no more than four years old came out with her arms folded.

"You always find me, Khivar," said little Kendrella as she smiled.

"I always will cause I'm your big brother," said little Khivar.

"We'll be like this forever! Won't we?" asked Little Kendrella hugging her brother.

"Always, little sis," said Little Khivar.

Then everything started to spin and Liz did her best to stand up. When it finally came to a stop she was in a bedroom lit only by an oil lamp. A kind looking young man who had to be Khivar was throwing clothes into a satchel, and what looked like a lady like Liz stood by who had to be an older Kendrella.

"Khivar, you can't go," said Kendrella.

"He wants me gone then I'm gone," said Khivar.

"What about me?" begged Kendrella.

"You're my sister and I will always love you," said Khivar.

"It's too dangerous," pleaded Kendrella as tears slid down her face.

"I'll be fine. Nothing will happen to me I promise," said Khivar as he stopped and reached out to wipe the tears off his sister's face.

"I'm not going to see you again," questioned Kendrella turning her face away.

"Of course I'll visit you soon as I'm settled," said Khivar cupping her face and having her look him in the eyes.

"No, you won't," said Kendrella as she stepped away and tried to compose herself from breaking down anymore.

Once more the room began to spin faster and faster before coming to an abrupt halt in an office. Once again Liz saw an older Kendrella in her late twenties standing before the desk, and knew Khivar had to be in the chair that faced the window.

"Leave," came Khivar's voice in a evil and cruel tone.

"You promised you wouldn't change," said Kendrella.

"Foolish!" said Khivar cackling.

"I know you have a good heart," pleaded Kendrella.

"That good heart died along ago," spat Khivar.

"Daddy was hard on us all," said Kendrella.

"Never good enough. Well now I don't need the stinking old man. Oh wait he's dead some years now. I sent dear little sweet Dyria to do it. A few choice words, and she fell in line," said Khivar turning around to reveal the hard evil looking man he was.

(End of Dream)

Bolting up Liz could feel the hot tears streaming down her face, and Michael flashed his lights . Michael pulled off the shoulder followed by the van. After killing the engine Michael reached over and wrapped his arms around Liz as she sobbed uncontrollably. Luckily the kids didn't wake up, but Max, Isabel, Kyle, and Claire got out coming their way. They all looked worried, and Michael couldn't blame them for he was just as worried

Chapter 4

Finally calming down Liz wiped away the tears noticing everyone looked worried even the children who were now awake.

"Kyle and Claire, can you take the kids for a walk?" asked Liz.

"Momma," questioned Cassie.

"I'm fine," said Liz faking a smile.

"Sure," said Claire as Kyle got the kids out, and got Zan out cradling him.

"Thanks," said Liz.

"Come on," said Kyle.

Watching them leave Liz waited for them to get out of hear shot.

"Liz?" questioned Michael.

"Khivar?" said Liz.

Suddenly Isabel looked like she was about to jump out of her skin, and Max looked betrayed.

"What about him?" asked Michael.

"He was my brother in the past. Father was always so overbearing with him. I don't remember exactly why, but he left after a fight of some sort with our father. I begged him not to go. Many years later I went to see him, and he changed so. I loved him so, and it broke my heart. He turned Dyria, and he spoke with such ease about turning her," said Liz as the tears welled up in her eyes, and Max eyes softened.

"It's not your fault," said Michael as he knew Liz's mind all to well.

"I should of stopped him," sobbed Liz.

"You couldn't. How long?" asked Michael.

"It had to be years he looked older," said Liz knowing what he was asking.

"See there was no way," said Michael.

"What happened is what I don't get?" said Liz as Michael wiped away her tears.

"You may never know," said Michael.

His heart was breaking for her, but Michael knew she would have to work through this in her own time.

"We're half way to Georgia. Let's stop for a day or two at the next camp site. Some fun will do us all some good," said Max knowing they all needed a break.

All of a sudden the beef jerky was catching up with Liz causing her to bolt out of the car. Heading for the nearest tree Liz felt it all about to come back up. Scrambling out of the car Michael went behind, and when he got to her side he pulled Liz's hair away from her face as she threw up. This time he was going to be there for it all from the beginning. What? Furrowing his brow Michael wondered why he had thought such a thing. With that confusion Michael looked ahead, and suddenly he found himself no longer on the side of the road with Liz.

Now Michael stood in a tent of some sort looking at a man who looked like himself. In that moment Michael knew it had to be Rath. Rath stood looking over a map laid out on a long table, and a single photo was in his right hand. Of what Michael could see it looked like Liz, but it was Kendrella in this time. Then a soldier came in looking worried as he approached Rath.

"Your Majesty," said the Soldier.

"Speak," said Rath firm with irritation in his voice.

"Khivar is heading towards the north board of the Moon Kingdom," said the soldier.

"Send three infantry units. Dismissed," said Rath firm with a sigh of frustration.

"Yes, sir," said the soldier and he left.

Walking over to his chair Rath sat down looking over the photo that was worn where it had been held so much.

"Kendrella, I'll be home in time," said Rath as he kissed the photo, and a single tear slid down his cheek.

Suddenly the room spun and Michael found he was the only one to notice. Next thing Michael knew he was outside in a desert like place, and Rath was there also. This time Rath lay on the ground staring at the stars. Something in Michael told him something was wrong. Seconds later a soldier came running pass him up to Rath handing him a flat square piece of metal. After Rath ran his hand over it a small hologram popped of the man who he thought to be Rath's father.

"Rath my son, you must come home Kendrella is starting her days of labor. Please come home soon," said Rath's father.

"Pack my things," said Rath and the soldier left.

Once more the place spun only for Michael. Outside once again Michael stood in a graveyard with Rath by a grave this time. Looking down on the grave Michael saw Kendrella's name on the stone. Falling to his knees Rath looked lost to Michael.

"Our daughter needs you!" screamed Rath in anger as he hit the ground until he fell flat on the ground.

"Why wasn't I enough? Or our daughter?"

Rain started to fall Rath lay there silent for the longest time.

"I'll make sure you get a second chance. I promise some how. You'll never know him and he won't break your heart. Khivar won't have this hold over you ever again," said Rath as he pulled himself up off the ground.

Suddenly Michael found himself face to face with a worried Liz, and he wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. Max could see the worry in Michael's eyes, and he knew he had to talk with him as soon as they got to the camp site. Then he'd have a chance to get Michael alone for a little bit, and find out what was going on. No matter what was going on between them Max couldn't shake that look of complete terror for the split second. Luckily it seem like he was the only one to catch it.

"Come on let's get going," said Liz as she broke the hug, and led Michael back towards the car.

"Yeah," said Michael.

"Time waits for no man," said Max.

Walking back to the car they were glad to see the kids were back. Everyone piled in to the car and van. Soon they were on the road again, but only until the next camp site which was a relief to them all. Although something hung over some of them weighing hard on their hearts.