Hi everyone!

Okay, a long time has passed since my last update and I apologize for that. Things have been a little hectic with me flying to another country (at the other end of the world) and commencing my veterinarian studies. In addition, I've been busy with one of my other fics "Love by Any Other Name" since I just started to have some inspiration for that one. I took the chance at writing down every idea before they disappeared again.

So, I'm really really sorry for leaving you hanging like this. I'm not sure that I even have any readers left, but for those of you who are still around – THANK YOU!

I was thinking that maybe it would be a good idea if I gave you a brief summary of what's happened, just to refresh your memory. I usually suck at summaries, because I always have troubles keeping it short and concise. I'm going to give it another try today.

Okay, this is what has happened. Liz Parker was living in New York. She had lived there most of her life. Her mother died when she was young, stepping out in the street in front of a bus. All her life, Liz has known that she was different. She didn't have any friends growing up. She was a prodigy. She could speak a lot of different languages and was always considered very intelligent and mature by teachers.

Moving to present time… Liz gets attacked by someone trying to rape her. She is saved by a mysterious man who disappears just as quickly as he appeared, after making sure that she is safe again. The mystery person was of course Max Evans. Max is not of this Earth (no surprise there) and he is haunted with premonitions about people ending up in "bad" situations. One day he just starts dreaming about this dark-haired, beautiful woman (guess who) and he goes to New York to help her. The premonitions don't end though and soon Max and Liz meet, even though Max tries his best to prevent it, in order to protect Liz.

Weird things are happening the more time Max and Liz are spending together. There is an almost instinctive need between them. And this need catapults weird things to happen. Like Liz getting a fever the day after Max and her first kiss. The fever is gone the next day. But during her fever-distorted dreams, she hears voices speaking a language that isn't English. Dreams have always haunted Liz during her life. Nightmares tainted with the guilt of her mother's death, but also nightmares of losing someone she loved more than life itself. Of being pregnant and having the child ripped away from her before it was even born.

This is where I came to the conclusion that I had confused my readers enough, so I started to throw in interludes. The interludes were of another culture, on another planet, several million light years away. A short tale of how a princess fell in love with her personal protector, their love forbidden and hence kept secret. The story ends tragically with both the princess and the protector being killed.

As the interludes play out, the story set on Earth in present time still runs. There Max and Liz are getting closer, but not close enough, since Max is still unwilling to share his secret of his origins with Liz. Liz feels that he doesn't trust him and she is not able to give him her trust if it isn't returned. So after spending a couple of days with Max in his home town Roswell, Liz flies back to New York.

Liz's colleague, David Anderson, at work has set out to catch the unattainable Ms. Parker in his nest. The fact that she didn't fall for his charms, as the majority of women did, angered him, but also challenged him to "win" her. So he set out a personal hunt to get Liz interested in him. Unfortunately, his attempts went unanswered and something snaps. When Liz comes alone to look over a house for future building prospect, David arrives and tries to rape her. Something happens when Liz tries to defend herself. David rolls away, in pain, leaving Liz confused and terrified. Not knowing what to do, she calls the police. But the people arriving short thereafter are not the police. They sedate her and she is brought to a facility out in the middle of nowhere. There she is told that she is committed because of a sleeping disorder. A serious case of insomnia, leaving her in a comatose state for several days. This would mean that she never actually met Max, Maria, Isabel and Michael in reality, but only in her dreams.

Her heart and mind doesn't allow this "truth" that the men at the facility are providing her with, to settle. And as soon as she starts resisting, they start the test, without anesthetics.

In the meantime, Max and co is trying to find Liz. They are finally led to an abandoned warehouse. At their arrival, the warehouse is on fire, and the chances of finding anyone alive are miniscule. They find Liz though, in torn clothes a couple of meters away from the burning warehouse, her body scratched and showing some lighter burns. What's weird is that she's glowing. A purple light is surrounding her and when the others try to touch her they are repelled. For some reason (hmmm), Max is not repelled and they get her back to the car.

During the whole search for Liz, Alex plays a smaller role, but it's getting more significant. Alex was Liz best friend from university. He's the only close friend she has ever had and they mean a lot to each other. So when Liz ends up missing and the people looking for her are acting really weird, Alex doesn't hesitate much before deciding to follow them. So he's along for the trip as well.

So, that's where we are right now… In a car, out on the highway someplace out in the middle of nowhere…






Chapter 47


A silence had fallen over the interior of the moving vehicle. The only sound to be heard was the humming of the car as it was moving along the empty highways. Neither the sound of the engine nor the meeting of an occasional car was noticed by the passengers completely immersed in their own thoughts.

Alex was sitting at the back, staring out the window. He had very conflicted feelings and thoughts about everything that had happened lately.

Next town.

That's what they had agreed upon. He turned his head slightly to inconspicuously look at Isabel in his peripheral vision. Since they had all gotten into the car, Alex had had the chance to get to know the others more, just by observing how they were handling the situation. Especially Max and how he took care of Liz. Something told Alex that Max wouldn't do anything to hurt Liz. Not intentionally anyway. And that he would do anything to keep her safe. They were a lot alike that way, Alex and Max. Their main goal right now was to protect Liz. And they would stop at nothing to do it. Which was probably the reason why Alex was still riding in the car along with some strangers with very questionable backgrounds and probably the reason to why he hadn't jumped off in that "next town", when they had gotten some gas. He kept telling himself that the only reason he was still here was because he couldn't just let some strangers take Liz away in the night. The thought of abandoning her like that was chilling him. But his heart told him of other reasons too.

Isabel looked at Alex out of the corner of her eye. For some reason, which she didn't quite dare to think any further about right now, he was still with them. He hadn't jumped off. She knew that he was only looking out for Liz, but there was something inside of her rejoicing over the fact that he was still here. His presence calmed her even though it scared her to some degree as well. There was this unexplainable need to tell him everything about herself. Everything. Green slimy details and everything. She had never felt that need to tell anyone about that before besides her mother. The really absurd thing was that didn't even know Alex and all the signs she was getting was telling her that he really didn't want anything to do with her.

But still, he hadn't gotten off at the first chance he had gotten.

Maria caught the look Isabel gave Alex and inwardly she smiled. There was definitely something going on between Isabel and Alex, even though Alex wasn't at the most cooperative level at the moment. Which was fully understandable. She had been shocked to find out that her friends were not human and they had been her friends many years by then. Alex had no reason to stay. He had no reason to believe anything they were telling him. He didn't know that Max, Michael and Isabel were just like any other human, just a tad more insecure and with a stronger need to feel loved and accepted. She had never met anyone that was more loyal. On the other hand, their loyalty could mean the difference between life and death, so maybe it wasn't too strange that they stuck by each other through thick and thin. She knew that she could always count on them. They had always been there for her. Her thoughts wandered to the sacrifice Max had done when he had healed her two years ago. That's the only time he had gone against that loyalty to his friends. He had followed his heart and saved her.

Maria looked at Max sitting in the front seat and her heart twitched with compassion and pain. She had never seen him more worried. He was not in the world of living any longer; he was somewhere else, focusing completely on Liz. Maria knew how much Liz meant to him; maybe she was the only one who had really been able to see just how much. And seeing the devastated state Max was in right now was enough to break her heart. With a tired sigh, she leaned back in the seat, squeezed in between Alex and Isabel, and closed her eyes. This was going to be a long night.

Michael looked at Max to his right. Liz was curled up in Max's arms, and if it hadn't been for the purple light Liz was still radiating, Michael wouldn't be able to tell where one ended and one began. He glanced at Maria in the backseat, and, noticing that her eyes were closed, he sighed. It felt like the weight of an elephant was pressing down on his chest. Was this how it felt to have responsibility? He was afraid. So frightened that he would do something wrong, now that everyone seemed to depend on him. He looked at Max again and for about the one hundredth and fiftieth time drew the conclusion that he couldn't count on Max to help out. Max was as lost to the world, like a dead man. He wondered what he was going to do. He needed to have a plan. He glanced in the rearview mirror again at Maria. She was the only one in the group who seemed really there and she was probably the worst to depend upon in emergency situations. But looking at her now she seemed reasonably calm. He snorted softly and shook his head to himself. She never ceased to amaze him. She had to be the most unpredictable person he knew. She could freak out if the rain forest was getting burned down but when it came to her own safety she was cool as a cucumber. That reasoning he didn't understand. What made rain forests so important? He stole another look in the mirror and was a little surprised to find Maria's eyes looking back into his. He quickly averted his eyes back to the road, pretending that it was raining. Maria leaned forward between the seats, and as if hearing his worries, she asked, "So, what's the plan?"

Michael gave her a grunt in response.
"You do have a plan, don't you?" Maria asked pointedly.
"I didn't exactly foresee this happening," Michael snapped.
"Michael," Maria said softly, "I'm not accusing you of anything. If you need my help, just ask."
Michael pressed his lips together. He felt like he should be able to handle this on his own. But he had been completely unprepared. Even though Max wasn't the official leader of the group, it was always Max who had come with the wisest decisions. Michael had just taken for granted that Max would always do that. Michael had more or less leaned back and laid his feet on the table. Max being so distant was as frightening as it was unexpected.
"You have any ideas?" Michael mumbled, ashamed to have to ask.
"Maybe we should stop somewhere," Maria answered him.
"Yeah, that's my thought too," Michael said quickly.
"I think we need to lay Liz down or something. She doesn't look so good."
"That purplish light looks a bit freaky," Michael admitted, looking at the light purple glow surrounding Liz.
"Hey." Michael gave a startle when Maria's placed her hand gently on his shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll get through this."
"How are you so calm?" Michael asked her, frowning at this very un-Maria behavior. She had been freaking out when they had been at the warehouse, which on one hand was totally understandable since it had been a scary environment. But now she was unnaturally calm. He frowned suspiciously and looked at her in the mirror.
"It doesn't help to freak out," Maria said. "Michael, Max can't help us right now. It's the rest of us who has to help him for a change."
"Don't I know it," Michael murmured.
"Let's just take this one step at the time," Maria said.
Michael turned half-way in his seat. "Okay. Who the hell are you and where's Maria?"
"Michael," Maria said sternly, "Watch the road!!"

"Please, don't start," Isabel moaned beside Maria.
"Isabel, do you have a plan? What should we do?" Maria asked, turning towards Isabel.
Isabel rubbed her forehead tiredly. "We should probably stop somewhere like you said."
"How about there?" Michael said, pointing at a bed and breakfast to the left of the road.

-----------------------------------------------------------------




Michael jumped out of the car to open the door for Max and Liz. Max gave him a slight nod of gratitude before returning his attention to Liz. He gently cradled her closer to his body and began to move out of the car.

Isabel looked over at Alex tentatively as they walked out of the car. "Are you okay?"
Alex met her eyes and answered seriously, "I'm not going anywhere."
Isabel didn't know if she should be happy about that or not. She gave him a timid smile.
Max stood up with Liz and carried her like she weighed nothing.
"I'll get us a room," Maria volunteered and disappeared.
Alex started moving, somewhat awkwardly, after Max and Isabel.

The room was fixed in a minute and Maria led them to the room with the numbers matching that of the key. They stepped into the room, containing a dresser, two chairs, a table and a double bed.
The first thing Michael did as he stepped into the room was to clear his throat uncomfortably. "Uhm… I'm hoping that we aren't staying over. It's not really enough space for me."
"I don't know," Maria said, her statement making everyone except Alex look at Max expectantly, out of reflex. He was just lowering Liz on the bed, brushing some strands of hair from her forehead.
"Max?" Isabel questioned.
Max straightened up, his hand lingering at Liz's unconscious form. His eyes never left her face, and he answered, "I have to… I don't…" He looked up and met Michael's gaze, and they all saw Max's whole demeanor change in front of their eyes.
"Michael, we need to check out which routes we can take. We need to get back to Roswell, the sooner the better."
Michael just nodded, slightly taken aback by Max's sudden leadership qualities floating to the surface.
"Isabel, can you check the radio and see if they report anything from the warehouse? If there is anything suspicious you have to tell me."
"Sure," Isabel said, glad that she had something to do. Alex's looks were unnerving her slightly.
"Maria, could you call Liz's father? Liz has been gone for some time now; he has to know that something is wrong. Oh, and while you're on it, call Liz's boss as well."
"Okay," Maria nodded. She worriedly looked over Liz. "How is she doing?" She wasn't dead, that much they could all see by the energy field surrounding her.
Max turned his eyes back to Liz, lowering himself on his knees by the bed. "I don't know," he whispered, the worry penetrating his every word with a strong acidic taste. "I don't know what's wrong."
Maria stepped up to him and gave his shoulder a consoling squeeze. "She'll be okay, Max. I have a feeling."
Michael grunted at Maria's last comment before leaving the room. Maria glared at his disappearing back before giving Max a soft reassuring smile and moving to the phone. Alex stayed where he were, watching Liz like a hawk.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------



"Hey Alex, you want something to eat?" Maria asked.
Alex yawned and nodded. He was getting really tired of sitting in this chair. But he it was still with some reluctance that he considered the aspect of leaving Liz alone with Max. They others were still away and Maria had just finished her phone calls. Max was lying on the bed next to Liz, asleep, with his arm wrapped around her. The glowing purple light had lessened to a soft, almost non-existent, white glow. No more than an inch in diameter surrounding the outer surface of her body. Alex took one last look before surrendering to the grumblings of hunger in his stomach. "Sure, but can we bring it back in here to eat?"
Maria smiled knowingly. "You don't have to worry about those two. Max is harmless."
"I really want to believe you."
"Just follow me," Maria said, "I have something to tell you that might change your mind."
Alex was unable to hide the curiosity on his face and rose, languidly stretching his stiff limps. "Okay, but only if it doesn't take too long."
"Deal."

They disappeared out the door, leaving Max and Liz alone in the hotel room.


Feet were thudding against the green ground. The sunlight was tickling her face, making her heart sprint in happiness. She could feel the soft warm breeze against her rosy cheeks and the softness of the grass under her bare feet.

Running.

She saw a butterfly pass by her face and a radiant smile bloomed out on her face. She felt free. Free like a bird. Like a butterfly.

Running.

Running over the green carpet, with bird song in her ears.

Her steps faltered in contemplation as she saw a figure at the end of the hill. It was still; the clothes cladding its body moved slightly in the wind. Her eyes squinted and her forehead furrowed in concentration when she desperately tried to see who it was. Her heart already knew, but her mind was still suspicious. Her feet were already picking up the pace, her heart already matching the newly awaken bouncing in her steps.

Her smile widened as his eyes became more detailed and a happy soft giggle left her lips. He was smiling too, watching her come closer.

Running.

His eyes widened, opening up his warm embrace for her. She had never run as fast. She had missed him. She had missed him so much. Her heart almost exploded with all emotions when she closed in on him, before she threw herself in his arms and the familiar safety, contentment and relief spread itself through her with the warmth of his secure arms closing around her.

She burrowed her face in his shirt, nuzzling her nose against the bare skin of his neck, letting his scent fill her once again. She hadn't forgotten it. She had just lost it for a while.

He kissed the top of her head, before angling her face up towards his. Her breath hitched in her throat when his eyes met hers and she felt the tears build inside of her, wanting to break out. He gently cradled her face between his warm strong hands, his thumbs softly caressing her flushed cheeks, and ever so slowly he lowered his head face towards hers. He had no power of it. The forces moving between them were greater than they would ever know. His lips softly touched her, barely making contact, like the touch of the wings of the butterfly, which was sitting on a flower somewhere in the meadow. Her eyes closed at the contact, inhaling his taste, his touch, his caress. Him.

"Am I dead?" she whispered, her eyes still closed.
"No," he whispered back, before his lips moved to hers again. The softness of that kiss moved her, reached into the deepest parts of her essence. It was strong, passionate, yet still comforting and tender. Like feathers caressing her soul.

Their lips reluctantly parted as the need for air overtook them and she looked up at him. "But you…you died."
She could feel the motion of his thumb against her cheek like he was shooting fires of pleasure into her exact nerve endings. He smiled sadly. "So did you."


Her breath caught in her throat as the surroundings around her started to change. The green fresh colors turned gray, the red, blue and yellow turned black. Then it started to melt; to blend. The trees blending together, forming concrete. The softness under her feet transformed into hardness.
"Nooo…" she whispered as she felt, sooner than saw, him start to dissolve into particles. Disappear into nothingness in her arms. Her eyes quickly moved to him. He was now translucent, but his eyes were shining bright. Shining with never-ending love. Love for her.
"Don't leave," she pleaded, fresh tears of despair running down her cheeks.
"Don't forget."
His voice was merely a whisper, carried by the wind, as he disappeared into the darkness that was spreading around her. And suddenly urgency invaded her senses. Her heart started to beat erratically inside her chest, wanting to make her run. She knew that she had to run. She had to hurry. She turned and ran. Her bare feet hit the hard ground, sharp pebbles sunk into the soles of her feet, tearing away the skin layers, leaving trails of blood behind her. Her long hair hung heavily against her back, some lighter strands getting caught in the wind, while the other strands were fueled with water from the surrounding mist.

Run.

She needed to hurry. Hurry.

She felt like she was flying and suddenly her stomach jerked as if being pulled with suction. And then there was baby cries. Screams. And a bright light hit her eyes. She could feel the coldness against her skin. Her bare skin. And she soon realized that it was her voice she was hearing. It was she who was crying.

Big hands took her and wrapped her up. Old, wrinkled hands, filled with the lines of age and wisdom.
"Welcome, Aliandra. Welcome to this world."

Aliandra.

She could hear his voice in her head as she was placed against someone's warm chest.

Don't forget.

She could feel the weakness in the heart under her head, and she knew that the person at whose chest she was resting was dying.

And then she was pulled free again. The air was being sucked from her lungs and she was thrown through space and time. Through vacuum and eternity.

She was sitting on the floor. Looking down, she saw pink flowers on a dress, where tanned legs were sticking forward with white stockings and white sandals. She looked up around her and it didn't take her long to realize where she was. And she knew what she had done. She had forgotten. But now she was starting to remember.

She turned her head to the left, knowing what she would find there. A piece of paper.
"Mommy! Look what I've painted!"
Her mother turned around, her bright eyes smiling as she crouched next to the paper.
"Oh, that's beautiful, honey," she said and pointed on the two children that the little girl had painted with such accuracy. A boy and a girl. "Is that a boy from school?"
The little girl bit her lower lip and smiled secretively. "No. His name is Zan and he just came back."
She remembered the confusion on her mother's face with painful clarity. It was when she had felt him emerge from the pods. When she had felt him being reborn. When she had felt him coming alive at the back of her head.

The day it all began. All over again.



TBC...