Part 26
Kyle watched Tess pace the length of the campsite, her form tense.
It was 2:30 a.m. Max, Liz, Isabel and Alex had left on the rescue mission a good five hours ago and there was still no sign of them. Izzy had checked in once, entering Tess's mind to tell them that they were almost there.
Tess had been upset ever since. Her distress had been so great at once point, Kyle had noticed that her illusion had flickered slightly. The Liz figure that had been seated beside him at the fire had disappeared momentarily, but had flared back into existence quickly.
Kyle had been astounded at the detail that Tess had been capable of creating. He could still hear the Alex illusion snoring in the tent beside his dad. To try and lighten her burden slightly, Kyle had suggested that Tess make Isabel, Liz and Maria share the Parker tent. He had watched in amazement as the Liz illusion had gone up to Mr. Parker, had asked if he minded tenting with Mr. Evans that night so that the girls could have a late night gossip session.
"Sure Lizzie." Mr. Parker had said in his usual accommodating way.
"What about Max?" Mr. Evans had asked pointedly, glancing at the Max figure that was leaning against a tree near the fire.
The Max figure had glanced at his dad. "I'll sleep out by the fire tonight with Michael Dad. Care to join us Valenti?" The illusionary Max had sounded so much like Evans, it had made Kyle shiver. He had glanced at Tess questioningly. Her face was blank, her blue eyes wide with concentration.
"Ummm...sure, I guess." Mr. Evans had looked disappointed but the two dads had retired fairly soon after that. Tess had had the Alex doppelganger join his dad in their tent, but had managed to whisper to Kyle that she was going to bring him out soon to rejoin them at the fire so that she could rest for a while.
Sheriff Valenti had finally gone to bed, his expression still highly suspicious, even after the other "six kids" had returned from the forest. He had glanced at Kyle once, his eyes narrowed. Kyle had grinned innocently at his dad, knowing that Valenti was likely seeing right through him.
Tess had heaved a sigh of relief when she had finally let the illusion go. She had been ignoring Kyle ever since. He was worried about her.
Kyle wondered briefly when he had started caring about Tess Harding so much.
When he had dated her that one time last spring, his main motive had been to annoy Max and, he admitted to himself feeling a little ashamed, to hurt Liz. He had seen how uncomfortable Max was around the new girl and Kyle had, for one heart-stopping moment, wondered if Evans was actually interested in Tess. His immediate reaction had been pure, unadulterated joy. Maybe he could get Liz back if Max dumped her!
The way Kyle had felt about Liz - he had loved her in his own way. She was so smart, so pretty, so totally out of his league. Yeah, he was the captain of the football and basketball teams, but his rocky relationship with his dad had seriously undermined his self-confidence. That Liz Parker had wanted to date him - it had been like a miracle.
And then Max Evans had happened. It had come totally out of left-field. Max had always been so quiet, so unassuming, but suddenly Liz was obsessed with someone she had never even really talked about before. When she had broken up with him, Kyle had been devastated...and furious.
Sure, he and Liz had made up a bit during that whole fiasco when he had sprained his ankle. But he had still been angry, even if he hadn't admitted it to himself. The arrival of Tess had been like a dream come true. The chance to annoy Evans, it had been irresistable...even though Kyle had sort of liked Max by then, especially after the night they had hung out together and Kyle had gotten Max drunk. He had been amazed at the intensity of the feeling he had witnessed between Max and Liz that night. And he had been jealous - because he still wanted Liz for himself, but also because he didn't think he would ever find someone who felt the way about HIM that Liz clearly felt about Max. He should have known that Max wasn't interested in Tess.
As he had soon learned, nothing that concerned Max Evans was ever as it seemed.
After Max had saved his life, Kyle had retreated into himself for a while. He was amazed that he wasn't scared by the fact that Max was an alien. Actually, he was relieved - glad to discover that his dad wasn't a loony-tune after all. He had regretted that he had never had a chance to thank Max for what he had done though and for having saved Liz the previous fall, even though that had resulted in Kyle losing her.
But Max and Michael and Tess had disappeared for the summer, as had Liz. Kyle had been too late. He had seen Isabel around town with Alex for a while, but then they both seemed to fall off the face of the planet too. Only Maria had kept him semi-updated about the others, when he had visited her at the Crashdown.
One day, he had been surprised to see Tess sitting at the counter in the Parker's restaurant when he had gone in for an Alien Blast.
"Harding." He had said shortly, deciding to walk right past her. He was still pissed at her for having used him the way she had. It annoyed him even more that Liz had been right.
Tess had turned her blonde head, had blinked at him. "Hi Kyle." She had said quietly. Kyle had paused momentarily, seeing the expression on her face. She looked sort of dazed, like she had just woken up from some sort of weird dream. He hadn't said anything else, but from that moment on he had watched Tess Harding.
He had watched her at school, hanging out with a lonely looking Isabel in the quad, glaring at Max once he had started going out with Pam, bickering with Maria in English, yelling at Michael in the cafeteria.
He had been enthralled. Tess Harding was no longer an enigma. She was a real person who intrigued him beyond all others - even Liz. He knew that she was "not of this world" but it amazed him how human she really was. A snippy one on a regular basis, yes, but Kyle liked that. Attitude attracted him.
And one day he had realized that he was in love with her. He didn't really know her and she certainly did not know he was alive, obsessed as she was with Max Evans, who did not give her the time of day, but he KNEW that there was no longer the possibility that he could be interested in anyone else.
"Are you okay Tess?" He finally asked now, realized suddenly how absolutely stupid it sounded. Of course she wasn't all right! She had just spent the last few hours using all her energy to create the biggest illusion of her alien career and she was also clearly concerned about the others.
Tess stopped pacing, stared at him. "Isabel told me what's going on." She said suddenly, her eyes wide and frightened.
"What!" Kyle jumped to his feet. "You didn't tell me this before now?"
Tess grinned sardonically at him. "I was sort of busy Kyle."
"Right, sorry." He gazed at her questioningly.
"Is it really bad then?"
Tess nodded helplessly. "Michael isn't human anymore Kyle." Kyle felt his eyes widen, but he didn't say anything, waiting for her to continue. "It's kind of a long story, but there's one thing..." she trailed off. Kyle frowned with concern when he saw tears well up in her blue eyes. He moved towards her, cautiously put his arm around her, led her over to a log, made her sit down.
He kept his arm where it was. His heart was thundering in his chest. It was the first time she had willingly come into his embrace. Sure she had thrown herself into his arms way earlier that day when she had come careening out of the forest with Max - when Max had thought Liz was dying - but that had been to hide her face from Evans while she worked her mindwarp of Liz and the blood. Now is NOT the time Valenti! He told himself sternly. "Can you tell me?"
"River Dog is evil." Tess began, clearly struggling to get the words out. It was like if she said them aloud, they would suddenly be real. "He's from our planet and he told Max that Isabel and Michael and I aren't important. He only wants Max. He....he called me insignificant Kyle!" Her frame was tense. She was clearly on the verge of breaking down. "I mean, all my life, my WHOLE life, has revolved around the fact that I am Max's bride."
Kyle felt himself flinch. Tess looked at him momentarily, confusion on her face. He smiled weakly but encouragingly at her. "Anyway, I've like clung to that over the last year. I was sure that Max would eventually accept it - Liz had. I was going to get the only thing I had ever wanted but then he started acting so weird...and now...what if he's right Kyle?"
Kyle swallowed painfully. He couldn't believe that he was about to give Tess Harding love advice about Max Evans. Especially because he KNEW that Max loved Liz and that HE, Kyle loved Tess. "You said yourself that River Dog is evil Tess. He...he could be lying." He managed to stutter.
Tess tilted her blonde head, eyed him assessingly. "I don't know. Isabel said that Max believed him. Not that it would be bad news to Max." She muttered bitterly to herself.
"Well, I don't think that you should get too upset until the others figure out what's really going on." Kyle said decisively, although he could hear the sadness in his voice. He hoped Tess didn't.
"I guess you're right." She brightened a bit. "I mean, why would Nasedo lie to me all these years?" Kyle grinned weakly, moved his arm away from her.
Max Evans wins again, he reflected bitterly, as he watched Tess go stand near the spot where the others had disappeared hours back.
Part 27
Maria was no longer afraid.
After Isabel had left her, Michael had grabbed her, hauling her up against his front, his expression as blank as it had been for the past few months. She had known that her life was about to end. She had served her purpose. Isabel and the others would find them now. He didn't need her anymore. He had them in his clutches.
And then their eyes had met.
Michael had stared at her for what had seemed like an eternity to Maria. His eyes seemed to be devouring her face. She had seen a flash of recognition cross his face.
He had dropped her gently to the ground and untied her. "Leave." He had said abruptly, his tone brooking no opposition.
Maria had stared at him in astonishment, glanced at the gun still in his hand. "What?"
"You heard me. I said leave." He had turned away from her, his face blank again, heading towards the far side of the pool that graced the middle of the cave. Steam was rising, shielding his disappearing form from her sight.
Maria had blinked, unclear as to what this meant.
"Michael?" She had whispered to herself.
She followed him.
Maria was now seated on a natural shelf in the cave wall, her legs crossed up under her, watching Michael intently. It was hot in the cave, a result of the steam, so she had removed her jacket and her fuzzy boots. She knew that her friends were on their way, but she also knew that she was no longer in danger.
She was positive that she had seen HER Michael in the moment before he had turned away from her.
She would not leave him.
She knew that he had seen her join him, but he had not looked at her again. In fact, it was as if she HAD left. He ignored her completely.
Michael was fiddling with something about ten feet to her right. It looked like one of the blue communicator orbs that Max and Liz had found during their passionate make-out sessions the spring before.
"What are you doing?" She asked him suddenly, her voice loud in the silence of the cave.
Michael raised his head, stared at her momentarily, went back to what he was doing.
"Hmmmm...no "it's none of your business?" Maria continued talking. She wanted a reaction out of him. Anything would be better then the expressionless mask he was wearing. She wanted him to get frustrated, to run his hands through his hair in annoyance, to yell at her. "I mean, c'mon Michael! I know it has something to do with your home planet. You used to love talking about that stuff. Why don't you just tell me? We can kill some time until the others get here."
The Michael zombie tilted his head slightly, did not take his eyes off the orb. "Why do you talk to me when I clearly do not want to answer you?" He asked in a peculiar monotone, as though he truly did not understand - like her needling was completely foreign to him.
"Because humans like to talk Michael." Maria replied. "You used to shoot off your mouth about everything."
Michael looked mildly interested. "You mean I spoke when I had nothing to say?"
Maria snorted. "All the time. You NEVER knew what you were talking about." She smiled sadly. "That was one of the things I liked about you. You were so passionate about everything."
"I do not understand this." Michael said dismissively. "The human ability to communicate orally is substandard, but it is clearly overused. Why speak when you have nothing of importance to say?"
"I don't know." Maria shrugged. "We just like to hear ourselves I guess."
"Well, I no longer speak when it is unnecessary." Michael replied. "If you will cease this useless chatter, I will be able to concentrate on what I am doing."
"What ARE you doing?" Maria asked again, desperately. Even when Michael spoke in that dead monotone, it was better then the silence she had been forced to endure for the last few hours.
Michael did not reply. He had stopped moving, was clearly listening to something. "He is here. The time of rebirth is almost upon us."
Maria shook her head in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
And then she heard footsteps, someone fumbling in the dark.
"Michael!" It was Max. "Where are you?"
Michael did not reply. He turned back to the orb, placing it gently on the ground. He picked up a stick, started to carve symbols into the dirt around it. Maria recognized the same picture from Isabel's pendant and some others from the cave on the Reservation.
"Max! We're over here!" Maria called out.
Max appeared through the steam, as if by magic. He did not look pleased. Maria realized that she had no idea whether Liz's plan had worked or not. Was this Mr. Meanie still or had the real Max Evans, Prince Charming, decided to rejoin them?
Her question was not immediately answered, but his tone of voice was all Mr. Meanie. "What the hell do you think you're doing Michael?" Max demanded, glaring at his friend. So far he had ignored Maria completely. Maria wondered where the others were. Somehow she could not believe that Liz, Alex and Isabel were sitting back at the campsite twiddling their thumbs waiting for Max to rescue her.
She carefully began to pull on her boots and her jacket. Max glanced in her direction briefly but quickly turned back to Michael. "Answer me!" He snapped, making Maria flinch. When Max decided to play galactic leader, he really went for it, she thought wryly.
Michael looked up from where he was crouched on the ground. "I'm glad that you decided to join me Jax....er Max...it is time."
Maria was confused. She had climbed down from her perch and had been gradually inching her way away from the two Czechs, hoping to run across Liz or one of the others. She had no idea what was up with Max at the moment and she actually didn't know if he was there to rescue her or not.
She paused at Michael's last words though. Time for what? She wondered to herself. She glanced at Max, bit her lip.
Max had blanched. Maria saw him swallow convulsively. "I'm not ready yet." He told Michael in a choked voice.
"Too bad." Michael paused, tilted his head in that weird way that terrified Maria. It was like whoever he was addressing was completely beneath him, but strangely interesting at the same time. "You have weakened the bonds enough. The cleansing can take place."
Max nodded stiffly, turned to stare meaningfully at Maria. "Get out of here Maria." He said in a hard tone. His eyes did not match his voice though. They were pleading with her, trying to tell her something. And she knew then.
It was the real Max.
Where the heck are the others? Maria wondered desperately. She couldn't abandon Max. Something terrible was about to occur here.
ISABEL! She called out with her mind. WHERE ARE YOU GUYS?
There was no answer. Only silence.
Part 28
Liz could not believe what Max had done to them.
Isabel and Liz had joined Alex and Max at the highway after their short conversation. Neither of the guys had said anything, just looked at them inquiringly. When Liz and Isabel refused to tell them what they had been talking about, Alex shrugged and extended his hand to Izzy.
Max had continued to eye Liz worriedly. "Liz..."
"I'm not telling you Max so just forget it." She had told him firmly. He had frowned slightly but had finally nodded his acceptance.
"Fine. Just promise me that you are both going to do everything I tell you to when we get to the Hot Springs. You guys really don't understand what we're dealing with here."
Liz had smiled at him reassuringly. "I promise Max." She had lied with a perfectly sincere expression on her face, while carefully crossing her fingers behind her back. There was no way that she would not interfere if it meant the difference between saving Max and losing him.
Max had looked unconvinced, but had gently pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. "Okay then. We're almost there. I just want you to know something before we get there Liz."
Liz pulled back, reached her hand up to trace his beloved features. "I already know Max. I love you too."
His gaze had been scorching as he had lowered his head, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss that Liz had never wanted to end.
She knew now that he had been saying goodbye.
Max had led them across the road, through some underbrush and they had emerged on a dirt road. A sign nearby read "Santa Anna Hot Springs - 1 mile."
The smell had been strong - exactly like the cheese Maria had described. Liz had felt her heart starting to beat faster. They were going to face Michael soon - or whoever it was that Michael had become.
Liz had clutched Max's hand tightly, taking comfort in his presence. Isabel and Alex had been close on their heels. Max had paused briefly, pointed ahead to an opening in the slope they had encountered suddenly. "There it is." He had whispered, glancing back at the three of them.
Isabel had a slight frown on her face. "It looks different then I remember." She said quietly.
"You were only ten Izzy." Max had replied impatiently. "I remember it." His tone had been the one only know-it-all older brothers employ. Liz had been forced to suppress a giggle at the irritated expression on Isabel's face, but she had finally nodded.
"Okay." Max instructed, briefly pulling Liz against his side. "You guys know what you're supposed to do. In to get Maria and then OUT. I mean it. I'm going to talk to Michael, try to reason with him."
"And if Michael doesn't suddenly re-transform into human mode?" Alex had asked sarcastically, clearly not at all happy with the plan.
"Then I'll come back and find you guys and we'll figure something else out." Max replied quietly.
Liz had kissed Max quickly and had followed Alex and Isabel to the entrance of the cave. She expected Max to be right behind her.
Liz turned when she realized that he wasn't. He was still standing exactly where they had left him, gazing after them, a strangely sad expression on his face. Liz frowned slightly, ducked through the low overhang into the cave. "Max isn't coming, "she had whispered ahead to Alex and Izzy.
"Oh my God!" Isabel was in the lead. She whirled suddenly. "Go back! Liz, go back!"
But it was too late. A giant rock had suddenly appeared where the entrance to the cave had been. "Max!" Liz yelled, suddenly realizing what he had done.
"Liz, please! I need you to be safe." He was still on the other side of the rock. "I'm sorry. You guys can't come with me. I have to do this alone. You'll be able to get out in a while."
"Max! You let us out of here right now!" Isabel shrieked, fury radiating off her in waves.
Liz motioned for her to be quiet. "Max, what have you done?"
"Remember I love you Liz - and you too Izzy. Take care of them Alex. Please."
"Max!" Liz screamed, suddenly panicked, pounding her fists against the rock. Isabel joined her. They pushed against it with all their strength, but even with Alex helping, it didn't budge.
"How the hell did he do this?" Alex demanded, stepping back and staring at the rock in amazement. "It weighs a bloody ton!"
Isabel kicked at the rock, her expression furious beyond belief. "I don't think it's real. It's an illusion. I think Max has developed Tess's power."
Liz stared at the stone wall in front of her, still not quite believing that Max had locked them in. It had to be a mistake. "I don't get it." She looked at Isabel in bewilderment. "It feels real." And suddenly she remembered the blood that Tess had created on her to fool Max into giving up his anti-Max act. Max had actually FELT the blood, not only seen it. It seemed like days ago, but really had only been earlier that day.
Apparently Tess was not the only one who had been practicing.
Alex was running his hands up the pile of illusionary rocks, trying to find an opening, anything that could help them to get through. He was muttering to himself. "I just can't believe that guy. Who the hell does he think he is? Superman? Why can't he ever just accept a little help?"
Isabel was finally calming down. She had continued to pound and kick at the stone wall, her frustration and anger almost scary.
"There has to be something we can do!" Liz said finally. She could feel her desperation mounting. MAX! She had to get to him - had to stop him. Isabel was staring at the illusion, her expression intent. "Can you reverse it Iz?" Liz asked hopefully.
"I don't know." Isabel replied. "I didn't even know that we shared some powers. I mean I can't heal a fly!"
"Wait!" Liz said suddenly, remembering something Maria had once told her. "Didn't Michael heal River Dog last year? You know, when we were on the camping trip and you guys found the signal from Nasedo?"
Isabel looked perplexed. "He did?"
Liz could feel herself getting excited. "Yeah! Michael told Maria about it later, when they were back together. She asked him one day about his powers and he mentioned that he didn't really know what he could do - and that he couldn't control them like you and Max could."
"No kidding." Alex muttered, clearly remembering some of Michael's bigger past fiascoes.
Liz frowned at him, shutting him up. "Anyway, Michael told Maria that he did think that he had a little of Max's healing power because he had been able to heal River Dog's ankle when he had broken it on the way to the signal."
"So what are you saying Liz?" Isabel asked. "That we all have specific powers that we're most talented at, but that we all have a little bit of each other's ability?"
"It makes sense, doesn't it?" Alex inserted. "I mean, didn't Tess tell Max that your powers are mind-based? You should all be able to develop the same powers if these are all abilities that lie genetically dormant in humans."
Isabel was nodding slowly, clearly thinking quickly. "Just let me try something." She closed her eyes, started taking deep breaths.
Alex and Liz watched her hopefully. The seconds seemed to fly by. Liz glanced at her watch. Max had been gone for at least ten minutes. They had to get out of there - now.
Finally, Isabel screeched in frustration. "Dammit! Nothing!" Her eyes snapped open. "I can't figure it out!"
Liz stepped forward, took her friend's hand. "Try again. I know you can do it Izzy. Remember the pact we made. We have to save him from himself."
Isabel stared at Liz, finally nodded. "I think I'm too upset. I can't concentrate. Alex, I need you to help me."
"How?" Alex asked, confused. Isabel smiled lovingly at him.
"You know how." Alex blinked, suddenly grinned wryly.
"Ummm...I don't really think this is the time Isabel."
Isabel rolled her eyes. "Get over here Whitman."
Liz watched Alex make his way to Isabel's side. He pulled her into his embrace, started stroking her hair. Liz suddenly felt like she was intruding, but she couldn't tear her eyes away.
Isabel closed her eyes, rested her head against Alex's shoulder. She began taking deep breaths again. A slight frown marred her face as she concentrated.
Liz felt tears begin to fill her eyes. She had never realized that the bond between Alex and Isabel ran so deep. The trust the other girl placed in Liz's best friend - it was beautiful.
Max! The thought that Liz was going to lose the one person with whom she shared such a bond....she clenched her hands to her mouth, trying to control the sob that threatened to erupt. She couldn't distract Isabel.
Liz turned to stare at the stone wall hopefully. Please Izzy, please, she chanted in her head.
And suddenly a cool breeze drifted through Liz's hair.
The wall was gone.
"You did it!" Liz threw herself at Isabel and Alex, throwing her arms around both of them. "It's gone!"
Isabel's eyes snapped open. She looked amazed. Alex kissed her quickly. "Good work Iz."
"Let's go you guys!" Liz was out the entrance in a split second.
She halted abruptly when she realized that she had absolutely no idea where she was going. She turned around in desperation. "Isabel!"
"I knew I remembered what it looked like." Isabel was muttering as she took off down the dirt road. "I should have known he was lying to me."
Alex and Liz raced after her. Liz's desperation helped her to run faster then she had ever run before.
And then she heard it...A voice screaming her name. "LIZ!"
It was Maria. "Liz! Where are you? Alex! Isabel!"
"Maria!" Liz yelled back. "Where are you? We're coming."
Maria appeared suddenly in the distance. She was having difficulty running in her ridiculous furry boots. Liz felt a hysterical giggle working its way up from her chest.
Liz threw her arms around her friend when they finally reached her. "Maria! Are you all right?" She managed to inquire though she was breathing hard. Isabel was leaning against Alex, trying to catch her breath.
"There's no time! Hurry you guys! I don't know what those two intergalactic imbeciles are doing but it doesn't look good to me. We have to stop them!" Maria turned on her heel, ran back down the road, Liz, Isabel and Alex right behind her.
Part 29
Max watched Michael warily as Maria gradually inched her way out of the cave.
His ultimate goal was to save Michael, but he couldn't do what had to be done until Maria was gone. He knew that if their Michael had to make a choice, Maria's safety would come first and Max would respect that.
He would let her leave and then it would end - once and for all.
As Maria began to disappear into the steam, Max forced himself to take a deep breath. It was time. "I'm ready." He told Michael, wishing that his voice hadn't cracked. It was really annoying that they were going to know how terrified he was.
The thought that they were going to try and take his humanity - it was the scariest thought he could imagine. The idea of not being able to feel love - not remembering how much Liz, Isabel, his parents, Michael, the others, meant to him - he refused to allow it.
The thought of death was comforting in the face of that.
And that was the choice he had made. He would save Michael, and then he would die.
It was the only way to protect them all.
Michael was still fiddling with one of the orbs, a frown of concentration on his face. "We just have to wait for the master."
Max suddenly felt panic. They needed to do it now! He didn't know how long it would be until Liz, Izzy and Alex found a way through his illusion, but knowing that determined trio, he didn't think it would be long. He tried not to show his concern. "Okay. Will it be long?" He asked calmly.
His question was answered almost immediately. Max blinked in astonishment when Tarsus of Dernia suddenly seemed to melt out of the wall. The shapeshifter immediately assumed River Dog's form. He stalked across the cave, grabbed the orb out of Michael's hand. "You still haven't made it work?" He demanded angrily.
Michael shook his head, no emotion on his face. "I apologize master."
"Bah! You're as useless in this life as you were in your last." Tarsus sneered, turning to Max. "So, my lord, are you ready for your rebirth?" Max was surprised to hear a note of seeming excitement in the shapeshifter's tone. It was the first evidence of real feeling the jerk had displayed in all the time Max had known him.
And to Max it felt like he had known Tarsus forever.
"Ready." Max replied evenly, deciding that the fewer words he spoke, the less chance he would have of screwing up - betraying his plan. "But I don't understand how we can do it here. The pods are back at the Reservation." Besides, Max thought wryly to himself, I haven't exactly been successful at cutting all my emotional ties. The process wasn't going to work anyway.
Tarsus smirked, shook his head. "Your human mind thinks so concretely." He snapped his fingers and suddenly the steam caused by the hot spring began to fade away. Max's eyes widened and he swallowed as he watched the pool of water begin to bubble. Something was happening to it.
A perfectly formed golden pod began to emerge from the pool. Max rubbed his eyes in frustration. The extent of the other alien's powers - it was intimidating - but it did not bend Max's resolve.
Max glanced at Michael. His friend was staring straight ahead, clearly uninterested in the proceedings. Max stepped forward. He turned to Tarsus. "What do I do? Didn't it take Michael a bunch of "cleansings" to change him?"
Tarsus snorted. "His human make-up was more stubborn then was anticipated. Your family chose a complex system into which to clone your essences. Why humanity? They really could not have chosen a more annoying species had they tried. It took me a few stages to work out the kinks." He smirked again. "Michael was really only a test subject anyway. It was ironic that he was so eager to undergo the cleansing, yet in reality he was only clearing the way for one which would be easier - yet so much more important."
Max just shook his head. "Whatever. Let's get on with this."
Tarsus scowled, clearly annoyed that his gloat-fest was at an end. Max felt like rolling his eyes. If this guy wasn't so damn powerful, he would almost be a caricature. "Very well." If Max didn't know better, he would say Tarsus was pouting.
Max moved toward the pod, sighed as he waved his hand over it. This was not going to be pleasant. But he was no longer scared. The only thing that frightened him now was the idea that any of his friends end up hurt.
He removed his coat, decided that since this wasn't going to work anyway, there was no point in undressing fully. Besides, without the steam, it was becoming uncomfortably cold in the cave.
Max took a deep breath and climbed into the pod. He felt momentary panic as it closed behind him. And then it began to fill with the clear, transforming liquid.
He could still see Tarsus and Michael watching him through the transparent side of the pod. He flinched as the slimy liquid began to inch its way up his body. He hoped he would be able to breathe.
And then Max saw something behind his two tormentors that made his heart stop.
It was Liz - and she was staring right at him, horror and pain written all over her beautiful face.
Part 30
"Max!" Liz screamed before she realized what she was doing. The sight of him in that pod - it was too much. It was all too much.
Michael and River Dog whirled to stare at her. Liz didn't even see them. She could not take her eyes off of Max. He had noticed her now and was trying desperately to get out of the pod. Whatever it was he was doing in there, it didn't seem to be working. Max was fumbling with something, but as Liz watched, clear liquid continued to poor into the egg-shaped receptacle. It was up to his chin now.
Liz's gaze snapped away from Max as Michael suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulled her across the room. She struggled to get away from him. Michael threw her down on the floor of the cave, directly in front of River Dog.
Liz looked up at the old man, wished that the creature that she knew inhabited his shape would choose another. River Dog had been so good to all of them. She grieved for the fact that he had been killed by this monster. The false River Dog's head was tilted as he eyed her speculatively. "So, this is the lovely Liz Parker?" He finally said. Michael nodded.
Liz turned on him. "Michael! Snap out of it! I know you're in there! Maria said she saw you! Help us, please!" She was still on the ground, but she started to crawl towards the pod where Max was still struggling although it was almost full. She felt tears begin to fill her eyes as Max's eyes closed and he seemed to fall into a state of unconsciousness.
Michael just continued to stare at her, no sign of Michaelness flickering on his face. Liz brought her hands to her face, wished that they would kill her quickly. Life without Max, HER Max, was pointless anyway.
River Dog reached down and helped her gently to her feet. "Don't cry." Liz looked up at him in astonishment.
"Why not?"
"He will be his true self. Although I do not understand these emotions that you humans feel, I do know that, more often then not, they are painful. Do you not want him to never have to experience pain like that again?" The shapeshifter asked.
She gave him a disdainful look. "I pity that you don't understand - pain and hurt can only happen when one has experienced true happiness and love. I would never trade one second of the love Max Evans gave me to spare myself pain. I would suffer loneliness and heartbreak every day of my life, just to remember the way he made me feel about myself." Liz turned her back on him, walked towards the pod.
She paused briefly about a foot away, swallowed. Max did not appear to be hurt in any way. He just looked like he was sleeping. Liz reached out her hand, traced the contours of his face through the transparent organic material. She remembered the way her heart had pounded as she had done the exact same thing to his actual face less than an hour ago.
"What happens now?" Liz turned and addressed River Dog.
"We take him home." The old man replied, watching her with interest. "He will lead my people to triumph over his own people. It is written in the stars and so it shall be done."
"How?" Liz inquired. The shapeshifter lifted an eyebrow.
"Why do you want to know?"
"My friends need to know what their real role is on this planet. I won't let Max sacrifice himself in vain. Tell me who they really are. Max said that you told him that they were insignificant." Liz prompted.
River Dog laughed. It was disturbing, like it was the first time the shapeshifter had ever made that sound and it definitely was not mirthful. "You amuse me Liz Parker. Very well, I will tell you."
He eyed Michael. "Go find the others." He told his lackey.
Liz's eyes widened. Her mind was screaming for Isabel. Run Izzy! Run!
River Dog leaned up against a natural stone ledge, folded his arms across his chest. "My people have been at war with Jaxon Falconer...er excuse me..." He smirked knowingly. "MAX Evans's people for generations. The message that Max's mother sent to him was truthful, yet incomplete. Michael WAS his second-in-command, but he failed him. The blonde, curly-haired one WAS his bride, but not his wife." Liz wrinkled her brow in confusion. River Dog ignored her. "The tall blonde one IS Max's sister, but she betrayed him. Michael and Isabel, I will use those names as they are the ones known to you, were chief negotiators for your Max. They tried to broker a peace through their marriage, trusted that my leader respected their leader. He did not." River Dog raised his chin proudly. "My leader knew that to save the planet we needed to win unconditionally. So we were willing to lie to gain that end."
Liz curled her lip in disdain. "You work for a being without honor?"
River Dog snorted in derision. "Honor is a human concept. We believe in progress above all things on Illyria. Jaxon Falconer was driving the planet into catastrophe."
Liz sighed. "None of this makes any sense to me." She finally said. She was surprised to realize that her fright of this creature was gone. He was like some totally delusional maniac. "How does Max joining your side help you?"
River Dog scowled. "Despite all my leader's entreaties, the people could not see Jaxon Falconer for what he was - ineffectual and ridiculous. They still await his return." River Dog turned to stare at Max. "To have him return as one of us - they will finally see the light."
"Are you saying that Max isn't supposed to be one of you?" Liz asked suddenly.
The shapeshifter whirled on her. "I have said too much." He grabbed Liz by the arm, thrust her back against the wall. "None of this is important to you as you will soon be dead anyway." He paused momentarily. "But, no. I find you amusing in your stupidly brave little way. If you leave now, I will spare you."
"I'm not leaving him." Liz replied. "So you might as well go ahead and do whatever it is your going to do." Liz took a breath, tried to stare him down.
River Dog did not move. He just continued to eye her.
Their battle of wills ended abruptly as Michael suddenly reappeared, Isabel slung over his shoulder, passed out. "Where are Alex and Maria?" Liz demanded. She felt a tiny bit of relief to see Isabel's back rising and lowering. She was breathing.
"They will not trouble us." Michael replied. He laid Isabel down on the ground beneath Max's pod.
Liz was suddenly furious. All Max's suffering and sacrifice over the last few months - the loneliness and pain. It had all been for nothing.
She knew now that he had been trying to save them all, hoping that by giving himself up, they would be left alone. And now she was captured, Izzy was captured, Alex and Maria were likely dead. She had to see that his sacrifice was not in vain.
She had to save Michael.
Liz motioned towards Michael, who had come to stand beside her, clearly prepared to do whatever the other alien told him to. Liz knew that he would kill her in an instant if that's what River Dog wanted. "You promised Max that you would change Michael back if he gave himself up to you. Are you going to keep that promise?"
She waited breathlessly for his reply.
To be continued...
Kyle watched Tess pace the length of the campsite, her form tense.
It was 2:30 a.m. Max, Liz, Isabel and Alex had left on the rescue mission a good five hours ago and there was still no sign of them. Izzy had checked in once, entering Tess's mind to tell them that they were almost there.
Tess had been upset ever since. Her distress had been so great at once point, Kyle had noticed that her illusion had flickered slightly. The Liz figure that had been seated beside him at the fire had disappeared momentarily, but had flared back into existence quickly.
Kyle had been astounded at the detail that Tess had been capable of creating. He could still hear the Alex illusion snoring in the tent beside his dad. To try and lighten her burden slightly, Kyle had suggested that Tess make Isabel, Liz and Maria share the Parker tent. He had watched in amazement as the Liz illusion had gone up to Mr. Parker, had asked if he minded tenting with Mr. Evans that night so that the girls could have a late night gossip session.
"Sure Lizzie." Mr. Parker had said in his usual accommodating way.
"What about Max?" Mr. Evans had asked pointedly, glancing at the Max figure that was leaning against a tree near the fire.
The Max figure had glanced at his dad. "I'll sleep out by the fire tonight with Michael Dad. Care to join us Valenti?" The illusionary Max had sounded so much like Evans, it had made Kyle shiver. He had glanced at Tess questioningly. Her face was blank, her blue eyes wide with concentration.
"Ummm...sure, I guess." Mr. Evans had looked disappointed but the two dads had retired fairly soon after that. Tess had had the Alex doppelganger join his dad in their tent, but had managed to whisper to Kyle that she was going to bring him out soon to rejoin them at the fire so that she could rest for a while.
Sheriff Valenti had finally gone to bed, his expression still highly suspicious, even after the other "six kids" had returned from the forest. He had glanced at Kyle once, his eyes narrowed. Kyle had grinned innocently at his dad, knowing that Valenti was likely seeing right through him.
Tess had heaved a sigh of relief when she had finally let the illusion go. She had been ignoring Kyle ever since. He was worried about her.
Kyle wondered briefly when he had started caring about Tess Harding so much.
When he had dated her that one time last spring, his main motive had been to annoy Max and, he admitted to himself feeling a little ashamed, to hurt Liz. He had seen how uncomfortable Max was around the new girl and Kyle had, for one heart-stopping moment, wondered if Evans was actually interested in Tess. His immediate reaction had been pure, unadulterated joy. Maybe he could get Liz back if Max dumped her!
The way Kyle had felt about Liz - he had loved her in his own way. She was so smart, so pretty, so totally out of his league. Yeah, he was the captain of the football and basketball teams, but his rocky relationship with his dad had seriously undermined his self-confidence. That Liz Parker had wanted to date him - it had been like a miracle.
And then Max Evans had happened. It had come totally out of left-field. Max had always been so quiet, so unassuming, but suddenly Liz was obsessed with someone she had never even really talked about before. When she had broken up with him, Kyle had been devastated...and furious.
Sure, he and Liz had made up a bit during that whole fiasco when he had sprained his ankle. But he had still been angry, even if he hadn't admitted it to himself. The arrival of Tess had been like a dream come true. The chance to annoy Evans, it had been irresistable...even though Kyle had sort of liked Max by then, especially after the night they had hung out together and Kyle had gotten Max drunk. He had been amazed at the intensity of the feeling he had witnessed between Max and Liz that night. And he had been jealous - because he still wanted Liz for himself, but also because he didn't think he would ever find someone who felt the way about HIM that Liz clearly felt about Max. He should have known that Max wasn't interested in Tess.
As he had soon learned, nothing that concerned Max Evans was ever as it seemed.
After Max had saved his life, Kyle had retreated into himself for a while. He was amazed that he wasn't scared by the fact that Max was an alien. Actually, he was relieved - glad to discover that his dad wasn't a loony-tune after all. He had regretted that he had never had a chance to thank Max for what he had done though and for having saved Liz the previous fall, even though that had resulted in Kyle losing her.
But Max and Michael and Tess had disappeared for the summer, as had Liz. Kyle had been too late. He had seen Isabel around town with Alex for a while, but then they both seemed to fall off the face of the planet too. Only Maria had kept him semi-updated about the others, when he had visited her at the Crashdown.
One day, he had been surprised to see Tess sitting at the counter in the Parker's restaurant when he had gone in for an Alien Blast.
"Harding." He had said shortly, deciding to walk right past her. He was still pissed at her for having used him the way she had. It annoyed him even more that Liz had been right.
Tess had turned her blonde head, had blinked at him. "Hi Kyle." She had said quietly. Kyle had paused momentarily, seeing the expression on her face. She looked sort of dazed, like she had just woken up from some sort of weird dream. He hadn't said anything else, but from that moment on he had watched Tess Harding.
He had watched her at school, hanging out with a lonely looking Isabel in the quad, glaring at Max once he had started going out with Pam, bickering with Maria in English, yelling at Michael in the cafeteria.
He had been enthralled. Tess Harding was no longer an enigma. She was a real person who intrigued him beyond all others - even Liz. He knew that she was "not of this world" but it amazed him how human she really was. A snippy one on a regular basis, yes, but Kyle liked that. Attitude attracted him.
And one day he had realized that he was in love with her. He didn't really know her and she certainly did not know he was alive, obsessed as she was with Max Evans, who did not give her the time of day, but he KNEW that there was no longer the possibility that he could be interested in anyone else.
"Are you okay Tess?" He finally asked now, realized suddenly how absolutely stupid it sounded. Of course she wasn't all right! She had just spent the last few hours using all her energy to create the biggest illusion of her alien career and she was also clearly concerned about the others.
Tess stopped pacing, stared at him. "Isabel told me what's going on." She said suddenly, her eyes wide and frightened.
"What!" Kyle jumped to his feet. "You didn't tell me this before now?"
Tess grinned sardonically at him. "I was sort of busy Kyle."
"Right, sorry." He gazed at her questioningly.
"Is it really bad then?"
Tess nodded helplessly. "Michael isn't human anymore Kyle." Kyle felt his eyes widen, but he didn't say anything, waiting for her to continue. "It's kind of a long story, but there's one thing..." she trailed off. Kyle frowned with concern when he saw tears well up in her blue eyes. He moved towards her, cautiously put his arm around her, led her over to a log, made her sit down.
He kept his arm where it was. His heart was thundering in his chest. It was the first time she had willingly come into his embrace. Sure she had thrown herself into his arms way earlier that day when she had come careening out of the forest with Max - when Max had thought Liz was dying - but that had been to hide her face from Evans while she worked her mindwarp of Liz and the blood. Now is NOT the time Valenti! He told himself sternly. "Can you tell me?"
"River Dog is evil." Tess began, clearly struggling to get the words out. It was like if she said them aloud, they would suddenly be real. "He's from our planet and he told Max that Isabel and Michael and I aren't important. He only wants Max. He....he called me insignificant Kyle!" Her frame was tense. She was clearly on the verge of breaking down. "I mean, all my life, my WHOLE life, has revolved around the fact that I am Max's bride."
Kyle felt himself flinch. Tess looked at him momentarily, confusion on her face. He smiled weakly but encouragingly at her. "Anyway, I've like clung to that over the last year. I was sure that Max would eventually accept it - Liz had. I was going to get the only thing I had ever wanted but then he started acting so weird...and now...what if he's right Kyle?"
Kyle swallowed painfully. He couldn't believe that he was about to give Tess Harding love advice about Max Evans. Especially because he KNEW that Max loved Liz and that HE, Kyle loved Tess. "You said yourself that River Dog is evil Tess. He...he could be lying." He managed to stutter.
Tess tilted her blonde head, eyed him assessingly. "I don't know. Isabel said that Max believed him. Not that it would be bad news to Max." She muttered bitterly to herself.
"Well, I don't think that you should get too upset until the others figure out what's really going on." Kyle said decisively, although he could hear the sadness in his voice. He hoped Tess didn't.
"I guess you're right." She brightened a bit. "I mean, why would Nasedo lie to me all these years?" Kyle grinned weakly, moved his arm away from her.
Max Evans wins again, he reflected bitterly, as he watched Tess go stand near the spot where the others had disappeared hours back.
Part 27
Maria was no longer afraid.
After Isabel had left her, Michael had grabbed her, hauling her up against his front, his expression as blank as it had been for the past few months. She had known that her life was about to end. She had served her purpose. Isabel and the others would find them now. He didn't need her anymore. He had them in his clutches.
And then their eyes had met.
Michael had stared at her for what had seemed like an eternity to Maria. His eyes seemed to be devouring her face. She had seen a flash of recognition cross his face.
He had dropped her gently to the ground and untied her. "Leave." He had said abruptly, his tone brooking no opposition.
Maria had stared at him in astonishment, glanced at the gun still in his hand. "What?"
"You heard me. I said leave." He had turned away from her, his face blank again, heading towards the far side of the pool that graced the middle of the cave. Steam was rising, shielding his disappearing form from her sight.
Maria had blinked, unclear as to what this meant.
"Michael?" She had whispered to herself.
She followed him.
Maria was now seated on a natural shelf in the cave wall, her legs crossed up under her, watching Michael intently. It was hot in the cave, a result of the steam, so she had removed her jacket and her fuzzy boots. She knew that her friends were on their way, but she also knew that she was no longer in danger.
She was positive that she had seen HER Michael in the moment before he had turned away from her.
She would not leave him.
She knew that he had seen her join him, but he had not looked at her again. In fact, it was as if she HAD left. He ignored her completely.
Michael was fiddling with something about ten feet to her right. It looked like one of the blue communicator orbs that Max and Liz had found during their passionate make-out sessions the spring before.
"What are you doing?" She asked him suddenly, her voice loud in the silence of the cave.
Michael raised his head, stared at her momentarily, went back to what he was doing.
"Hmmmm...no "it's none of your business?" Maria continued talking. She wanted a reaction out of him. Anything would be better then the expressionless mask he was wearing. She wanted him to get frustrated, to run his hands through his hair in annoyance, to yell at her. "I mean, c'mon Michael! I know it has something to do with your home planet. You used to love talking about that stuff. Why don't you just tell me? We can kill some time until the others get here."
The Michael zombie tilted his head slightly, did not take his eyes off the orb. "Why do you talk to me when I clearly do not want to answer you?" He asked in a peculiar monotone, as though he truly did not understand - like her needling was completely foreign to him.
"Because humans like to talk Michael." Maria replied. "You used to shoot off your mouth about everything."
Michael looked mildly interested. "You mean I spoke when I had nothing to say?"
Maria snorted. "All the time. You NEVER knew what you were talking about." She smiled sadly. "That was one of the things I liked about you. You were so passionate about everything."
"I do not understand this." Michael said dismissively. "The human ability to communicate orally is substandard, but it is clearly overused. Why speak when you have nothing of importance to say?"
"I don't know." Maria shrugged. "We just like to hear ourselves I guess."
"Well, I no longer speak when it is unnecessary." Michael replied. "If you will cease this useless chatter, I will be able to concentrate on what I am doing."
"What ARE you doing?" Maria asked again, desperately. Even when Michael spoke in that dead monotone, it was better then the silence she had been forced to endure for the last few hours.
Michael did not reply. He had stopped moving, was clearly listening to something. "He is here. The time of rebirth is almost upon us."
Maria shook her head in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
And then she heard footsteps, someone fumbling in the dark.
"Michael!" It was Max. "Where are you?"
Michael did not reply. He turned back to the orb, placing it gently on the ground. He picked up a stick, started to carve symbols into the dirt around it. Maria recognized the same picture from Isabel's pendant and some others from the cave on the Reservation.
"Max! We're over here!" Maria called out.
Max appeared through the steam, as if by magic. He did not look pleased. Maria realized that she had no idea whether Liz's plan had worked or not. Was this Mr. Meanie still or had the real Max Evans, Prince Charming, decided to rejoin them?
Her question was not immediately answered, but his tone of voice was all Mr. Meanie. "What the hell do you think you're doing Michael?" Max demanded, glaring at his friend. So far he had ignored Maria completely. Maria wondered where the others were. Somehow she could not believe that Liz, Alex and Isabel were sitting back at the campsite twiddling their thumbs waiting for Max to rescue her.
She carefully began to pull on her boots and her jacket. Max glanced in her direction briefly but quickly turned back to Michael. "Answer me!" He snapped, making Maria flinch. When Max decided to play galactic leader, he really went for it, she thought wryly.
Michael looked up from where he was crouched on the ground. "I'm glad that you decided to join me Jax....er Max...it is time."
Maria was confused. She had climbed down from her perch and had been gradually inching her way away from the two Czechs, hoping to run across Liz or one of the others. She had no idea what was up with Max at the moment and she actually didn't know if he was there to rescue her or not.
She paused at Michael's last words though. Time for what? She wondered to herself. She glanced at Max, bit her lip.
Max had blanched. Maria saw him swallow convulsively. "I'm not ready yet." He told Michael in a choked voice.
"Too bad." Michael paused, tilted his head in that weird way that terrified Maria. It was like whoever he was addressing was completely beneath him, but strangely interesting at the same time. "You have weakened the bonds enough. The cleansing can take place."
Max nodded stiffly, turned to stare meaningfully at Maria. "Get out of here Maria." He said in a hard tone. His eyes did not match his voice though. They were pleading with her, trying to tell her something. And she knew then.
It was the real Max.
Where the heck are the others? Maria wondered desperately. She couldn't abandon Max. Something terrible was about to occur here.
ISABEL! She called out with her mind. WHERE ARE YOU GUYS?
There was no answer. Only silence.
Part 28
Liz could not believe what Max had done to them.
Isabel and Liz had joined Alex and Max at the highway after their short conversation. Neither of the guys had said anything, just looked at them inquiringly. When Liz and Isabel refused to tell them what they had been talking about, Alex shrugged and extended his hand to Izzy.
Max had continued to eye Liz worriedly. "Liz..."
"I'm not telling you Max so just forget it." She had told him firmly. He had frowned slightly but had finally nodded his acceptance.
"Fine. Just promise me that you are both going to do everything I tell you to when we get to the Hot Springs. You guys really don't understand what we're dealing with here."
Liz had smiled at him reassuringly. "I promise Max." She had lied with a perfectly sincere expression on her face, while carefully crossing her fingers behind her back. There was no way that she would not interfere if it meant the difference between saving Max and losing him.
Max had looked unconvinced, but had gently pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. "Okay then. We're almost there. I just want you to know something before we get there Liz."
Liz pulled back, reached her hand up to trace his beloved features. "I already know Max. I love you too."
His gaze had been scorching as he had lowered his head, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss that Liz had never wanted to end.
She knew now that he had been saying goodbye.
Max had led them across the road, through some underbrush and they had emerged on a dirt road. A sign nearby read "Santa Anna Hot Springs - 1 mile."
The smell had been strong - exactly like the cheese Maria had described. Liz had felt her heart starting to beat faster. They were going to face Michael soon - or whoever it was that Michael had become.
Liz had clutched Max's hand tightly, taking comfort in his presence. Isabel and Alex had been close on their heels. Max had paused briefly, pointed ahead to an opening in the slope they had encountered suddenly. "There it is." He had whispered, glancing back at the three of them.
Isabel had a slight frown on her face. "It looks different then I remember." She said quietly.
"You were only ten Izzy." Max had replied impatiently. "I remember it." His tone had been the one only know-it-all older brothers employ. Liz had been forced to suppress a giggle at the irritated expression on Isabel's face, but she had finally nodded.
"Okay." Max instructed, briefly pulling Liz against his side. "You guys know what you're supposed to do. In to get Maria and then OUT. I mean it. I'm going to talk to Michael, try to reason with him."
"And if Michael doesn't suddenly re-transform into human mode?" Alex had asked sarcastically, clearly not at all happy with the plan.
"Then I'll come back and find you guys and we'll figure something else out." Max replied quietly.
Liz had kissed Max quickly and had followed Alex and Isabel to the entrance of the cave. She expected Max to be right behind her.
Liz turned when she realized that he wasn't. He was still standing exactly where they had left him, gazing after them, a strangely sad expression on his face. Liz frowned slightly, ducked through the low overhang into the cave. "Max isn't coming, "she had whispered ahead to Alex and Izzy.
"Oh my God!" Isabel was in the lead. She whirled suddenly. "Go back! Liz, go back!"
But it was too late. A giant rock had suddenly appeared where the entrance to the cave had been. "Max!" Liz yelled, suddenly realizing what he had done.
"Liz, please! I need you to be safe." He was still on the other side of the rock. "I'm sorry. You guys can't come with me. I have to do this alone. You'll be able to get out in a while."
"Max! You let us out of here right now!" Isabel shrieked, fury radiating off her in waves.
Liz motioned for her to be quiet. "Max, what have you done?"
"Remember I love you Liz - and you too Izzy. Take care of them Alex. Please."
"Max!" Liz screamed, suddenly panicked, pounding her fists against the rock. Isabel joined her. They pushed against it with all their strength, but even with Alex helping, it didn't budge.
"How the hell did he do this?" Alex demanded, stepping back and staring at the rock in amazement. "It weighs a bloody ton!"
Isabel kicked at the rock, her expression furious beyond belief. "I don't think it's real. It's an illusion. I think Max has developed Tess's power."
Liz stared at the stone wall in front of her, still not quite believing that Max had locked them in. It had to be a mistake. "I don't get it." She looked at Isabel in bewilderment. "It feels real." And suddenly she remembered the blood that Tess had created on her to fool Max into giving up his anti-Max act. Max had actually FELT the blood, not only seen it. It seemed like days ago, but really had only been earlier that day.
Apparently Tess was not the only one who had been practicing.
Alex was running his hands up the pile of illusionary rocks, trying to find an opening, anything that could help them to get through. He was muttering to himself. "I just can't believe that guy. Who the hell does he think he is? Superman? Why can't he ever just accept a little help?"
Isabel was finally calming down. She had continued to pound and kick at the stone wall, her frustration and anger almost scary.
"There has to be something we can do!" Liz said finally. She could feel her desperation mounting. MAX! She had to get to him - had to stop him. Isabel was staring at the illusion, her expression intent. "Can you reverse it Iz?" Liz asked hopefully.
"I don't know." Isabel replied. "I didn't even know that we shared some powers. I mean I can't heal a fly!"
"Wait!" Liz said suddenly, remembering something Maria had once told her. "Didn't Michael heal River Dog last year? You know, when we were on the camping trip and you guys found the signal from Nasedo?"
Isabel looked perplexed. "He did?"
Liz could feel herself getting excited. "Yeah! Michael told Maria about it later, when they were back together. She asked him one day about his powers and he mentioned that he didn't really know what he could do - and that he couldn't control them like you and Max could."
"No kidding." Alex muttered, clearly remembering some of Michael's bigger past fiascoes.
Liz frowned at him, shutting him up. "Anyway, Michael told Maria that he did think that he had a little of Max's healing power because he had been able to heal River Dog's ankle when he had broken it on the way to the signal."
"So what are you saying Liz?" Isabel asked. "That we all have specific powers that we're most talented at, but that we all have a little bit of each other's ability?"
"It makes sense, doesn't it?" Alex inserted. "I mean, didn't Tess tell Max that your powers are mind-based? You should all be able to develop the same powers if these are all abilities that lie genetically dormant in humans."
Isabel was nodding slowly, clearly thinking quickly. "Just let me try something." She closed her eyes, started taking deep breaths.
Alex and Liz watched her hopefully. The seconds seemed to fly by. Liz glanced at her watch. Max had been gone for at least ten minutes. They had to get out of there - now.
Finally, Isabel screeched in frustration. "Dammit! Nothing!" Her eyes snapped open. "I can't figure it out!"
Liz stepped forward, took her friend's hand. "Try again. I know you can do it Izzy. Remember the pact we made. We have to save him from himself."
Isabel stared at Liz, finally nodded. "I think I'm too upset. I can't concentrate. Alex, I need you to help me."
"How?" Alex asked, confused. Isabel smiled lovingly at him.
"You know how." Alex blinked, suddenly grinned wryly.
"Ummm...I don't really think this is the time Isabel."
Isabel rolled her eyes. "Get over here Whitman."
Liz watched Alex make his way to Isabel's side. He pulled her into his embrace, started stroking her hair. Liz suddenly felt like she was intruding, but she couldn't tear her eyes away.
Isabel closed her eyes, rested her head against Alex's shoulder. She began taking deep breaths again. A slight frown marred her face as she concentrated.
Liz felt tears begin to fill her eyes. She had never realized that the bond between Alex and Isabel ran so deep. The trust the other girl placed in Liz's best friend - it was beautiful.
Max! The thought that Liz was going to lose the one person with whom she shared such a bond....she clenched her hands to her mouth, trying to control the sob that threatened to erupt. She couldn't distract Isabel.
Liz turned to stare at the stone wall hopefully. Please Izzy, please, she chanted in her head.
And suddenly a cool breeze drifted through Liz's hair.
The wall was gone.
"You did it!" Liz threw herself at Isabel and Alex, throwing her arms around both of them. "It's gone!"
Isabel's eyes snapped open. She looked amazed. Alex kissed her quickly. "Good work Iz."
"Let's go you guys!" Liz was out the entrance in a split second.
She halted abruptly when she realized that she had absolutely no idea where she was going. She turned around in desperation. "Isabel!"
"I knew I remembered what it looked like." Isabel was muttering as she took off down the dirt road. "I should have known he was lying to me."
Alex and Liz raced after her. Liz's desperation helped her to run faster then she had ever run before.
And then she heard it...A voice screaming her name. "LIZ!"
It was Maria. "Liz! Where are you? Alex! Isabel!"
"Maria!" Liz yelled back. "Where are you? We're coming."
Maria appeared suddenly in the distance. She was having difficulty running in her ridiculous furry boots. Liz felt a hysterical giggle working its way up from her chest.
Liz threw her arms around her friend when they finally reached her. "Maria! Are you all right?" She managed to inquire though she was breathing hard. Isabel was leaning against Alex, trying to catch her breath.
"There's no time! Hurry you guys! I don't know what those two intergalactic imbeciles are doing but it doesn't look good to me. We have to stop them!" Maria turned on her heel, ran back down the road, Liz, Isabel and Alex right behind her.
Part 29
Max watched Michael warily as Maria gradually inched her way out of the cave.
His ultimate goal was to save Michael, but he couldn't do what had to be done until Maria was gone. He knew that if their Michael had to make a choice, Maria's safety would come first and Max would respect that.
He would let her leave and then it would end - once and for all.
As Maria began to disappear into the steam, Max forced himself to take a deep breath. It was time. "I'm ready." He told Michael, wishing that his voice hadn't cracked. It was really annoying that they were going to know how terrified he was.
The thought that they were going to try and take his humanity - it was the scariest thought he could imagine. The idea of not being able to feel love - not remembering how much Liz, Isabel, his parents, Michael, the others, meant to him - he refused to allow it.
The thought of death was comforting in the face of that.
And that was the choice he had made. He would save Michael, and then he would die.
It was the only way to protect them all.
Michael was still fiddling with one of the orbs, a frown of concentration on his face. "We just have to wait for the master."
Max suddenly felt panic. They needed to do it now! He didn't know how long it would be until Liz, Izzy and Alex found a way through his illusion, but knowing that determined trio, he didn't think it would be long. He tried not to show his concern. "Okay. Will it be long?" He asked calmly.
His question was answered almost immediately. Max blinked in astonishment when Tarsus of Dernia suddenly seemed to melt out of the wall. The shapeshifter immediately assumed River Dog's form. He stalked across the cave, grabbed the orb out of Michael's hand. "You still haven't made it work?" He demanded angrily.
Michael shook his head, no emotion on his face. "I apologize master."
"Bah! You're as useless in this life as you were in your last." Tarsus sneered, turning to Max. "So, my lord, are you ready for your rebirth?" Max was surprised to hear a note of seeming excitement in the shapeshifter's tone. It was the first evidence of real feeling the jerk had displayed in all the time Max had known him.
And to Max it felt like he had known Tarsus forever.
"Ready." Max replied evenly, deciding that the fewer words he spoke, the less chance he would have of screwing up - betraying his plan. "But I don't understand how we can do it here. The pods are back at the Reservation." Besides, Max thought wryly to himself, I haven't exactly been successful at cutting all my emotional ties. The process wasn't going to work anyway.
Tarsus smirked, shook his head. "Your human mind thinks so concretely." He snapped his fingers and suddenly the steam caused by the hot spring began to fade away. Max's eyes widened and he swallowed as he watched the pool of water begin to bubble. Something was happening to it.
A perfectly formed golden pod began to emerge from the pool. Max rubbed his eyes in frustration. The extent of the other alien's powers - it was intimidating - but it did not bend Max's resolve.
Max glanced at Michael. His friend was staring straight ahead, clearly uninterested in the proceedings. Max stepped forward. He turned to Tarsus. "What do I do? Didn't it take Michael a bunch of "cleansings" to change him?"
Tarsus snorted. "His human make-up was more stubborn then was anticipated. Your family chose a complex system into which to clone your essences. Why humanity? They really could not have chosen a more annoying species had they tried. It took me a few stages to work out the kinks." He smirked again. "Michael was really only a test subject anyway. It was ironic that he was so eager to undergo the cleansing, yet in reality he was only clearing the way for one which would be easier - yet so much more important."
Max just shook his head. "Whatever. Let's get on with this."
Tarsus scowled, clearly annoyed that his gloat-fest was at an end. Max felt like rolling his eyes. If this guy wasn't so damn powerful, he would almost be a caricature. "Very well." If Max didn't know better, he would say Tarsus was pouting.
Max moved toward the pod, sighed as he waved his hand over it. This was not going to be pleasant. But he was no longer scared. The only thing that frightened him now was the idea that any of his friends end up hurt.
He removed his coat, decided that since this wasn't going to work anyway, there was no point in undressing fully. Besides, without the steam, it was becoming uncomfortably cold in the cave.
Max took a deep breath and climbed into the pod. He felt momentary panic as it closed behind him. And then it began to fill with the clear, transforming liquid.
He could still see Tarsus and Michael watching him through the transparent side of the pod. He flinched as the slimy liquid began to inch its way up his body. He hoped he would be able to breathe.
And then Max saw something behind his two tormentors that made his heart stop.
It was Liz - and she was staring right at him, horror and pain written all over her beautiful face.
Part 30
"Max!" Liz screamed before she realized what she was doing. The sight of him in that pod - it was too much. It was all too much.
Michael and River Dog whirled to stare at her. Liz didn't even see them. She could not take her eyes off of Max. He had noticed her now and was trying desperately to get out of the pod. Whatever it was he was doing in there, it didn't seem to be working. Max was fumbling with something, but as Liz watched, clear liquid continued to poor into the egg-shaped receptacle. It was up to his chin now.
Liz's gaze snapped away from Max as Michael suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulled her across the room. She struggled to get away from him. Michael threw her down on the floor of the cave, directly in front of River Dog.
Liz looked up at the old man, wished that the creature that she knew inhabited his shape would choose another. River Dog had been so good to all of them. She grieved for the fact that he had been killed by this monster. The false River Dog's head was tilted as he eyed her speculatively. "So, this is the lovely Liz Parker?" He finally said. Michael nodded.
Liz turned on him. "Michael! Snap out of it! I know you're in there! Maria said she saw you! Help us, please!" She was still on the ground, but she started to crawl towards the pod where Max was still struggling although it was almost full. She felt tears begin to fill her eyes as Max's eyes closed and he seemed to fall into a state of unconsciousness.
Michael just continued to stare at her, no sign of Michaelness flickering on his face. Liz brought her hands to her face, wished that they would kill her quickly. Life without Max, HER Max, was pointless anyway.
River Dog reached down and helped her gently to her feet. "Don't cry." Liz looked up at him in astonishment.
"Why not?"
"He will be his true self. Although I do not understand these emotions that you humans feel, I do know that, more often then not, they are painful. Do you not want him to never have to experience pain like that again?" The shapeshifter asked.
She gave him a disdainful look. "I pity that you don't understand - pain and hurt can only happen when one has experienced true happiness and love. I would never trade one second of the love Max Evans gave me to spare myself pain. I would suffer loneliness and heartbreak every day of my life, just to remember the way he made me feel about myself." Liz turned her back on him, walked towards the pod.
She paused briefly about a foot away, swallowed. Max did not appear to be hurt in any way. He just looked like he was sleeping. Liz reached out her hand, traced the contours of his face through the transparent organic material. She remembered the way her heart had pounded as she had done the exact same thing to his actual face less than an hour ago.
"What happens now?" Liz turned and addressed River Dog.
"We take him home." The old man replied, watching her with interest. "He will lead my people to triumph over his own people. It is written in the stars and so it shall be done."
"How?" Liz inquired. The shapeshifter lifted an eyebrow.
"Why do you want to know?"
"My friends need to know what their real role is on this planet. I won't let Max sacrifice himself in vain. Tell me who they really are. Max said that you told him that they were insignificant." Liz prompted.
River Dog laughed. It was disturbing, like it was the first time the shapeshifter had ever made that sound and it definitely was not mirthful. "You amuse me Liz Parker. Very well, I will tell you."
He eyed Michael. "Go find the others." He told his lackey.
Liz's eyes widened. Her mind was screaming for Isabel. Run Izzy! Run!
River Dog leaned up against a natural stone ledge, folded his arms across his chest. "My people have been at war with Jaxon Falconer...er excuse me..." He smirked knowingly. "MAX Evans's people for generations. The message that Max's mother sent to him was truthful, yet incomplete. Michael WAS his second-in-command, but he failed him. The blonde, curly-haired one WAS his bride, but not his wife." Liz wrinkled her brow in confusion. River Dog ignored her. "The tall blonde one IS Max's sister, but she betrayed him. Michael and Isabel, I will use those names as they are the ones known to you, were chief negotiators for your Max. They tried to broker a peace through their marriage, trusted that my leader respected their leader. He did not." River Dog raised his chin proudly. "My leader knew that to save the planet we needed to win unconditionally. So we were willing to lie to gain that end."
Liz curled her lip in disdain. "You work for a being without honor?"
River Dog snorted in derision. "Honor is a human concept. We believe in progress above all things on Illyria. Jaxon Falconer was driving the planet into catastrophe."
Liz sighed. "None of this makes any sense to me." She finally said. She was surprised to realize that her fright of this creature was gone. He was like some totally delusional maniac. "How does Max joining your side help you?"
River Dog scowled. "Despite all my leader's entreaties, the people could not see Jaxon Falconer for what he was - ineffectual and ridiculous. They still await his return." River Dog turned to stare at Max. "To have him return as one of us - they will finally see the light."
"Are you saying that Max isn't supposed to be one of you?" Liz asked suddenly.
The shapeshifter whirled on her. "I have said too much." He grabbed Liz by the arm, thrust her back against the wall. "None of this is important to you as you will soon be dead anyway." He paused momentarily. "But, no. I find you amusing in your stupidly brave little way. If you leave now, I will spare you."
"I'm not leaving him." Liz replied. "So you might as well go ahead and do whatever it is your going to do." Liz took a breath, tried to stare him down.
River Dog did not move. He just continued to eye her.
Their battle of wills ended abruptly as Michael suddenly reappeared, Isabel slung over his shoulder, passed out. "Where are Alex and Maria?" Liz demanded. She felt a tiny bit of relief to see Isabel's back rising and lowering. She was breathing.
"They will not trouble us." Michael replied. He laid Isabel down on the ground beneath Max's pod.
Liz was suddenly furious. All Max's suffering and sacrifice over the last few months - the loneliness and pain. It had all been for nothing.
She knew now that he had been trying to save them all, hoping that by giving himself up, they would be left alone. And now she was captured, Izzy was captured, Alex and Maria were likely dead. She had to see that his sacrifice was not in vain.
She had to save Michael.
Liz motioned towards Michael, who had come to stand beside her, clearly prepared to do whatever the other alien told him to. Liz knew that he would kill her in an instant if that's what River Dog wanted. "You promised Max that you would change Michael back if he gave himself up to you. Are you going to keep that promise?"
She waited breathlessly for his reply.
To be continued...