Chapter Seventeen

" This is impossible, " said Max.
They all stood where they were. None of them brave enough to walk forward. Alex's body was laying in the middle of a circle. All around him were the healing stones. Each stone was glowing vibrantly, making that thumping sound.
" That's why he said not to worry " said Isabel not paying attention to the others. " That's why he... " she stopped herself. She walked a little forward. That's why he stepped away from me. He had planned this all along.
" How could the stones be activated on their own? Don't they need someone to hold them? " asked Liz. This was the answer to her question. Thaman was trying to bring back Alex. Why here at the Pod Chamber? He knew that they would activate the Granolith and leave. Why would he take the chance of putting Alex here where he could have been burned? Unless he planned that they wouldn't leave. Somehow he was the one that made them stay. Oh thank you Thaman, she thought. He was trying to save Alex all along. Why wasn't Alex done yet?
" This is impossible " said Michael. " This can't be Alex "
" It's Alex, " said Maria shivering. " That's Alex " she was freaking out.
Michael pulled her close to him and rubbed her back. She was crying hysterically.
Max looked at Liz. Liz just looked at Alex. All these thoughts running through her head. She slowly looked at Max. " Liz " he said reaching for her. She stood there looking at him for a second before jumping into his arms.
" Alex is coming back to us " she said her face soft and calm.
Max looked down at her and touched her face. His Liz, always so calm and cool about everything. Always trying to be the responsible one. She wasn't scared, so he didn't have to be either. Alex was coming back to them and they would all be together again.
Isabel sobbed while she sank to her knees. " Oh God " she said looking at Alex's body. She didn't mind that Max and Michael didn't look over her. She didn't want any of them to do it anyway. They could never comfort her the way she needed right now. Alex was going to come back. She lightly reached towards Alex but knew she couldn't touch him. Alex, she said in her head. You are coming back to me. I am going to have you. Then her thoughts turned. Oh Thaman, Thaman you did this for me. You're sacrificing your happiness for mine. Her heart was pulling her in different directions. She couldn't help feeling so helpless.
They all turned around when they heard another presence walk into the Chamber. Thaman shoved the Second alien in the Pod Chamber. He was just outside where they were. The alien thumped onto the floor. His face was already bloody and peeling from the beating he had just received. Thaman looked at the five of them and froze.
" I wish you would not have found this " he said sadly. But he didn't show my feeling on his face.
" Why didn't you want us to see this? " asked Max, he looked at the alien. He knew who it was.
Thaman looked at the floor. " Because he is not ready yet "
" Why didn't you say anything? " asked Liz. Liz recognized him too.
The alien made an attempt to get up. Thaman waved his hand and he flew across the room. He looked at Isabel. She was crying again. Why does she have to cry? There is no need now. She will have Alex soon.
Isabel seemed to read what he was thinking. She shook her head.
Thaman frowned. Wasn't that what she wanted? She loved Alex so wouldn't she be happy with him? He turned his attention back to the alien.
" Nicholas sent you for what? " he said turning his attention to the alien.
" I told you already "
" Just watching us " said Thaman " I do not believe that "
" It's the truth I tell you, " said the alien begging.
" Drake, I am not stupid " said Thaman.
" That's all I swear " cried Drake. " Thaman please "
" He sent you here because he wants you dead " said Thaman
Drake's eyes widened in realization.
" Then let us just kill you " Thaman made a step forward, but Max stopped him. Thaman looked at Max. Max's face was stern. But from his face Thaman knew Max had something on his mind. Understanding that Max had the authority to handle the punishment, he stepped back and bowed to him in subjection.
Max looked at Liz. Her face was stern as well. She nodded to him. With that Max turned around and looked at Drake and stepped closer to him. " You have stepped out of bounds, " he said walking more closer to Drake. " You have tried to kill the future Queen of Antar and are now at our mercy "
Drake tried to move back. He could almost feel himself dying already. He looked at all the faces looking down at him.
" How do you plead? " said Max.

Drake backed up into a wall behind him. He was terrified beyond control. He had lost feeling in his legs. His body was shaking out of control. He couldn't run or hide, he couldn't even move. Even if he did run, Thaman would hunt him down and kill him. Now Zan was judging him, something all of his kind dreaded on their planet. He had heard stories that the Zan on this planet was weak and trusting. But the face he saw on Zan was nothing of what he was told. He could feel the coldness of his stare in his spine.

Max looked at him coldly.

Drake couldn't respond to his question. The fear of his coming death was shutting his mouth.

" I find you guilty " said Max. He showed no hesitation as he lifted up his hand towards Drake. A small zap escaped his hand. The zap went through Drake's husk and struck his weakness. His eyes widened from the instant pain and then he vaporized. Max sighed. He was about to turn around towards Liz to see her reaction.
" Very Kingly of you " said Brody stepping into the Chamber. He had Kyle by the collar.
" Laric? " asked Max.
" That is not Laric " said Thaman looking at Brody with evil eyes.
" Oh Thaman, always so perceptive " he said throwing Kyle across the Chamber. Kyle landed with a thud. Max made an attempt to get over to him but he was pulled back by a force. Liz and Maria managed to run over to Kyle and look over him. He was stirring but hurt. They looked up at Brody who was know possessed by some other alien. Isabel stood there unable to move again. " I would have loved to have you on my side. We would have done so much damage together. But of course you have to be all-noble "
" I am not a coward Khivar " said Thaman glaring at him. " Seems painfully obvious to me that you are. Hiding behind a body that you know we will not hurt. What are you hiding anyway? We cannot kill you through the connection "
" Khivar? " said Michael. He looked at Brody. The easy going and calm manner of Brody was gone. All he saw in his eyes now were hateful and evil black eyes.
" This is just a visit " said Khivar. " I had to use Brody anyway because he was more easy to take over "
" Laric " said Thaman
" Oh no Laric does not know I am using his personal puppet. Poor fellow, too bad he is next on my list of people to kill " Khivar looked at Max. " So this is my nemesis? " He looked at Michael. " The second in command. That stupid look gives you away "
" Keep your distance Villain, " said Thaman stepping in front of him.
Khivar just looked at him as his eyes roamed. He looked at Liz. " You are not Ava "
" She's human leave her out of this " said Max trying to get to Khivar. His enemy was really standing there, at least his essence.
" She is not just any human " said Khivar stepping forward.
" Back off " said Thaman putting his hand out and shoving Khivar to the wall.
Khivar laughed. " Thaman, you hurt this body, you hurt only Brody " then his face hardened. " If you do not like me visiting then you have to kill Brody " with that he waved his hand and Thaman, Michael and Max flew to his right. He looked at Isabel. " Vilandra " he said softly. He jumped over to her and shielded them both. His shield was red and fiery. Thaman ran forward and crashed into the shield. He scraped the shield with his hand and watched the sparks fly from his touch.
" If you hurt her " started Thaman threateningly.
" You know I my mind " spat Khivar impatiently. He looked at Isabel again. " I have missed you Vilandra " he said. Isabel was against the wall and he kept coming closer. She could feel his breathing on her cheek as she closed her eyes from looking into Brody's eyes. " Did you miss me as much as I have missed you? " his voice was so chilling. She managed to look at him in the eyes. The eyes were all black and she recognized those eyes from her vision. He reached out to touch her face and she cringed at his touch.
" Its going to be us again Vilandra. Just us " he said " You know that right? Nobody is going to come between us again. I am coming for you. You alone are the reason why I let them escape to Earth "
" Let us " laughed Thaman.

" Shut up " said Khivar snapping his head toward them. But he saw nothing. Nobody was standing outside his shield. He turned from Isabel. " Playing games now Thaman " he said to the air. " I know you're all still there. Blocking my vision and making them invisible. Now who's a coward " He opened his shield and looked around. He didn't notice that Thaman appeared right next to him.
" There is a difference from being a coward and taking precautions " Thaman spoke calmly, he had his arms crossed. He thrust his arm out, causing Khivar to fly into the other Chamber. Khivar tried to stop himself and grabbed Isabel. They both flew and Isabel landed on him. She looked at Thaman.
" I'm fine " she shouted getting up and trying to run. But Khivar grabbed her from behind and pulled her close to him. Isabel could feel his heart beat on her back.
" Don't you see what he's doing? He's poisoned you against me Vilandra " he kissed her cheek. He looked down at Alex's body. " What is this? " he walked with her towards Alex. " Trying to save a human? "
" Don't hurt him please Khivar " pleaded Isabel.
" I am not interested in the humans " he said walking past Alex, towards Thaman.
" Let her go " shouted Michael, he reappeared to their left.
" My Lord no " said Thaman, but Michael had already formed an energy ball in his hand and hurled it at Khivar. Isabel elbowed Khivar and ran towards Thaman. She flung herself in his arms. He touched her face gently and checked for any sign of pain. He looked at Michael. The ball went straight for Khivar's head but Khivar stopped it just as Thaman had.
" Is that all? " asked Khivar. He made the ball larger and threw it back at Michael at a faster speed. Immediately a hand appeared in front of Michael and Max appeared. His blue green shield flowed from his hand like water. The impact of the ball caused the two of them to fall back, but the ball hadn't penetrated the shield.
" Aah! " yelled Khivar as he clutched his head. " I do not wish to leave yet. Ah! " he yelled.

Thaman looked at Isabel. She had her eyes closed in concentration. She was fighting the connection with Brody.
" You cannot make me leave! " yelled Khivar he looked up at Thaman. " You, you are making her do this. YOU! " he said putting his hand out towards Thaman.
Isabel opened her eyes and saw the ball flying towards Thaman." No! " she screamed as she got in the way before Thaman had a chance to shield himself. In that instant before impact Thaman grabbed her around the waist and turned his body in front of her. There was a blinding flash.
They all blocked their eyes to try and see what happened. Brody was laying on the floor unconscious. They all turned and saw Thaman laying on Isabel, a large hole in his back.
" Oh God " screamed Isabel turning him over and looking at his face. " No Thaman "
He was heaving heavily, amazed at himself for still being alive. He looked up at Isabel. She was a haze. He could barely feel her tears falling on his face. He was beyond feeling pain as he seemed to just look at her. " You will have Alex soon "

" Thaman stay with me damn it don't leave me, " she said holding his face. " Don't leave me " she breathed pleading with him. " Don't leave me please " she pleaded again. She couldn't control this horrible sinking feeling that was in her chest. She couldn't breathe. All she could do was clutch his body to hers and weep uncontrollably. She sobbed loudly.

The rest of the group stood there looking down at Isabel. Thaman seemed in a daze. He looked as if he almost didn't hear Isabel. Liz could feel her eyes stinging as she grabbed Max. Maria looked down at the floor and looked at Brody. She didn't want to see this.
" Thaman can't die " said Michael. " Thaman can't die "
" Thaman please, stay with me. You can't leave me now " and then she whispered softly. " I love you " she kissed him softly on the lips. She could feel his life leaving his body.

" Forgive me. I should have been more prepared for… "

"Don't be ridiculous, " said Isabel almost unable to talk. " None of this is your fault. Nothing was ever your fault "

Thaman looked up at her shaking, trying to stay alive. The struggle he was going through could be see in his eyes as he tried to focus on Isabel. But he knew it was useless. He could feel his head clouding up. He didn't want to leave her. He couldn't leave her without, without saying... " And I love you " his breathing shaking, the shock of his body was killing him. His lips moved to say something else but the nothing came out. With much fighting he finally gave in to the dark cloud that was calling him. He closed his eyes and exhaled.

Isabel felt the emptiness of his body and screamed." No! " she screamed as she held him close to her chest and rocked the both of them. " Oh please God no, don't take him from me ".
" We can save him " said Michael. " We can use the healing stones "
" But they're being used on Alex. If we take them away from Alex then Alex... " said Liz.
They all looked at each other. It was either one or the other.
" We're in no position to choose who's more important " said Max. " They're both important "
" But we can't let Thaman die " said Michael
" What about Alex? " said Kyle.
" I'm not going to choose one or the other " said Maria she was shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
" Then what the hell are we going to do? " asked Michael. They all looked at Max. He looked at Isabel. Isabel just sat on her knees still holding Thaman's dead body to her chest. She didn't seem hysterical anymore. It looked almost as if she was possessed with some super strength. Her feelings were throwing her inside out. These were two men that she loved. Both were now dead. Now they were stuck with the decision that would make them responsible for a death. She put Thaman's body down on the ground and kissed him softly on the lips. She walked over to the healing stones. " Bring Thaman's body next to Alex's " she said quietly.
The guys looked at each other as they listened to what she said.
" We need to be together on this decision. We can't have any doubts. We have to connect together " She bent down. " Whoever we pick, they will be alive when we're done " she picked up a stone.
The rest of the group looked at each other.

" There are only five. Someone will be left out " said Kyle. He could feel already that he was the one
that didn't have a say.
" Max and Liz can share " said Isabel not looking at him.
As if by instinct they all took a stone and lifted it in their hands. They all closed their eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**Maria picked up a stone. She had done this before but the only difference was that she was so torn between who she would heal. Before she knew that she had to do it to heal Michael. Now she had to decide if she wanted to heal Thaman or Alex. Alex was her best friend apart from Liz, but Thaman was Michael's bodyguard and she knew that Michael would need him for strength when she couldn't help him. She had felt relieved when she believed that Thaman was there to protect them. He could protect them in a way that Valenti or even they themselves couldn't protect them. But Alex was her friend. Thaman wasn't her friend. They had never bonded. Alex hadn't deserved to die and that stupid b&%$# Tess had killed him. This was her one chance to bring back her friend. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind.

" Maria " called a familiar voice. She felt free and happy as she opened her eyes, knowing who she would see standing there.

" Alex " she shrieked. Alex was standing there in front of her. He had that same old grin on his face. He was wearing those same old dorky clothes. She ran to him and hugged him. " Alex! " she screamed as she hugged him. Then she realized that nobody else was standing near them. " Oh God, I'm the only one who made it "

" No Liz, you're not the only one here "

" How come I can't see anyone else? " said Liz, but she couldn't wait for him to answer. " Oh Alex. I've been so lost without you "

" Really? Why is that? "

" Come on man, " said Kyle. " Since you died the group's been crazy. Things have been nuts. Liz was obsessed to find out how you died. Maria looked like death "

" Things shouldn't have been that way "

" We cared about you Alex, " said Max. " We all miss you "

" So you're here to pick me or Thaman "

" Alex, I love you, " said Isabel. " You'll never believe how much "

" I know you love me, " he said grabbing her hand gently. " But you have to let me go "

" Let you go? " asked Michael. " Man you can have another chance at life "

" God can you understand how important this is? "

" Yes it is important, " said Maria. " We can have you back "

" Maria you have to bring back Thaman, you know that's the right thing to do. You can't let Thaman die "

" But we can be together again "

" Do this for Michael, Maria "

Maria looked at the floor.

" My time has passed. I'm already gone "

" But you can come back " said Liz

" Liz you have to think of Max when you make this decision. It can't just be because you want to see me again. You have to do it for the sake of everyone "

" Why can't we bring you back too? "

" And be what? Some freak who came back from the dead? "

" We could make up some story, " said Kyle

" No, you know what you need to do. I'm no better to you alive or dead "

Isabel looked at the floor.

" You can't let them do this Isabel. You know you have to do this. You can't let Thaman go. You need him too much. You have to show the others that "

" But we have to all individually agree, I can't make them do anything. But Alex "

" I know you love me Isabel, " he said gently. This really was Alex, he was there talking to her. She wasn't hallucinating this time. He was really standing there telling her that she had to pick Thaman instead of him. That's something that Alex really would tell her. This has to be Alex. " But you're more guilty and feel responsible "

" Alex if it wasn't for us you wouldn't be dead " said Max

" I don't regret you. I was a part of this special thing "

" But Alex " said Isabel

" Knowing you has made me feel a part of something special. Yeah I'm pissed that I was killed before my prime but what's going to happen is more important. You have the destinies of two worlds on your shoulders. You shouldn't throw that away because of me "

" How can you be so selfless? " asked Michael

" I don't want you to die on account of saving me. You've already made your choice, you just needed a push. Don't worry about me. Let me be a man and remember me as the person who gave up his second chance at life for his friends. You can't change what happened "**

~~~~~~~~~

All the stones lit up at once. They could all feel their bodies in a spin. The process had begun. Isabel opened her eyes as she saw the glow from Alex formed into a ball of light and leave his body.

" We've all decided to heal Thaman " she thought in shock. Everyone wants to heal Thaman? The glow flew above Thaman's body and spread throughout it. Isabel looked at everyone else. Their eyes were all closed in deep concentration. They were all connected and joined for one task, to revive Thaman. She closed her eyes again and tried to clear her mind.

A large flash of light and they were all in the desert together around a circle. They all saw Alex standing in the middle of the circle smiling encouragingly at them. None of them were crying. They all just watched as he just smiled at all of them. Their friend was going and they had all agreed it was the best thing for him. There would be no more regret or mourning. He would always be part of the group and death wouldn't stop that.

" Good Luck " he said as he disappeared.

Everyone stood there a second as they watched Thaman's body rise from the exact spot Alex had disappeared. He was wrapped in like a cocoon. He lay motionless. The glow was all around him. They all looked at each other and Max tapped Isabel. She looked at all of them and they nodded to her encouraging her to step forward. She stepped closer to Thaman's body. Her heart almost flew out of her chest as the cocoon melted away and Thaman's eyes opened. Isabel could feel her eyes stinging with the happiness she felt in knowing he was coming back to her. Her heart was no more suppressed, she could be open about it and it was ok. She reached out her hand for him.

Thaman looked up at the six of them standing above him. He saw Isabel above him and reaching out her hand. They didn't. They didn't pick him over Alex did they? They must have if they were all here. They were all connected and chose to save him. Why? He looked into Isabel's eyes.

" Give me your hand, " said Isabel. He could see the tears in her eyes.

He looked at Maria and Liz, trying to search for some resentment, hatred, regret but he saw nothing but encouraging eyes.

" Come back to us, " said Liz

He looked back up at Isabel. He reached for her and she caught his hand almost like she couldn't believe it was his. He stood up and the flash ended.

They all opened their eyes to see Thaman holding Isabel's hand. Isabel held his hand with both her hands and put it close to her heart.

Max walked over to Thaman. " Welcome back " he said smiling.

" But Alex can't "

" He'll always be with us, " said Maria

" And you will too " said Isabel.

Thaman looked at her. " I thought you loved Alex "

" I do love Alex, " she said. " And I "

" I'm glad you're back Thaman " said Kyle

Thaman looked at all of them. " I owe you all my life "

" I guess that makes us even, " said Maria " For being our guardian angel "

Liz put her hand on his shoulder. " You're one of us now and we need to stick together " Thaman looked at her and bowed. He looked at Max and Michael, careful not to look at Isabel.

They nodded their heads at him. Max grabbed Liz and walked over to Brody's body. Maria looked at Michael and he tilted his head towards Brody. Kyle followed the four of them. Thaman walked over and bent down in front of Brody's body. He laid his hand on his chest and a slight glow came from his hand.

" He is going to be fine " he said and a red glow came out of his hand. " He will sleep soundly for an hour " he looked at Max who nodded. The three guys carried Brody to the jeep and Liz and Maria followed them. They all smiled at Isabel and Thaman as they left the Pod Chamber.

" There is no need for you to come with us Thaman " said Max. " Be sure to bring Isabel back home "

Thaman bowed in consent. Isabel looked at him with hopeful eyes and said good bye to the others.

When he had sensed that they were a safe distance away he turned and finally looked at Isabel. She expected to see those cool calm eyes that she was used to seeing, but they weren't there. She only saw the feelings that, she in her previous life, had wished for so much to see but never got to see until now. Never had she felt more whole than at that moment, looking at Thaman look at her.

It was now early evening and the stars glowed brightly up above. Isabel could name every constellation but tonight she wasn't interested in the stars. She was looking at the most beautiful sight, Thaman sitting beside her. He was looking up at the sky and sighing. They were both on top of the rock formation breathing in the cold desert air.

" I do not know what to say, " he said, breaking the silence.

" Thaman I know " she interrupted. She didn't want to ruin this perfect moment. She was afraid that at any second it would be gone forever. She wanted to bask in it for a little longer. " I know that was just something you said because of the circumstances "

" I am sorry My Princess " he said looking down.

" Thaman I understand "

" No your Highness, you do not understand. I am not apologizing for what I said to you. I do love you "

Isabel looked at him. She thought she was hallucinating him saying that to her. She couldn't say anything but waited for him to continue. How was this going to end?

" I am sorry that I did not tell you sooner. If I would have known "

" You still wouldn't have said anything "

" I do now Princess, " he said. Isabel looked into his eyes as he turned his body towards her. His eyes were sad and moist. He put his hands on her hands. " I just want you to know that I love you. I have always loved you and I will always love you. No matter what happens and no matter what I may do, nothing will ever change that "

" I know, " said Isabel putting his to her face. " But I need you to know that I love you too "

" No you do not, that was Vilandra "

" No Thaman, this is coming from me, Isabel. I am Vilandra and you said so yourself. Ever since I saw you in the desert that day I've had this feeling about you. I felt something that I've never felt for anyone before. I understand now why Max is the way he is with Liz. Because I would do anything for you " She bent over and touched his face. " I don't know how I can prove it but I do love you. I know you think that I love Alex and I do but it's different "

" You do not need to explain that to me Princess. I know what you mean. Even if you loved me half as much as you loved Alex, I am happy. Just the fact that you do care makes me feel like I could do anything "

" Thaman I'm so happy. You can never imagine how happy you've made me "

" And now I have to hurt you again " he said sadly looking down.

" What do you mean? "

" I love you more than life. But I cannot protect you and love you as I do. I am going to mess up and something bad will happen to you and the others. I cannot let that happen " he said. He didn't want to say this but he had to, to save them all. " I will not be able to live with that happening again. I need to love you from afar like I always have or else this will not work. I am not better to you dead "

Isabel looked at him a second and swallowed. " If that's what you want "

" That is not what I want, but that is what you need "

" All I need is you "

" And I will always be here for you "

" I know you will " she said looking at him " And when this is all over, nothing comes between us "

He smiled at her, gently touching her cheek. He looked down at her hands and kissed them. " I will be holding on to that day ".

They both smiled at each other sweetly. One day we will be together, thought Isabel. She had never felt so whole in her life before. She had finally found the love of her life and he would always be there for her. She knew that he would never leave her and that she was safe only when he was there. This wasn't some ordinary kind of love. Who knows how old he actually was. This would make her love life so far from normal. But this time she didn't care. What was so great about normal?

** Ok I don't know if you've guessed but. I will explain it if you don't. With this conversation with Alex, each member of the group does not see the other members. In their minds they're having their own conversation with Alex. Only in the end when they finally heal someone do they see each other. Hope that makes sense.

I hope you guys enjoyed reading this. There is more to come. The story is not finished. I will post what I can soon. Let me know if you liked it so far and your initial reactions. J