What is the Truth?
By Didi
Disclaimers: Do I really need to do this? I mean how many of you would believe me if I did say that I owned them all?
Note: Starts just at the end of Season 2 but I'm writing it my way cause I simply refused to except the way the writer screwed up that storyline. So, here's my take on the end of the episode and what happens afterwards. Forget everything that was on UPN, it didn't happen.
Caution: I can handle creative criticism and all but please no flames of any sort. Oh and if you are a Max/Liz fanatic, I doubt you'll like this story much.
Author's Note: Apologies for the delay in getting this chapter out but by the length of it you'll know why. It was a rather difficult part to write and I'm still not completely satisfied with it. But for now, it'll have to do. I hope you all enjoy it.
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Liz knelt on the bed, her eyes fixed on the back of Kyle's head as he talked calmly and quietly into the phone. The call had come two minutes before and the two friends had reluctantly separately as he answered the piercing shrieks of the phone. Maria, true to her nature, slept through it.
There was something in the way Kyle's shoulders hunched over that had Liz dreading the news as he set the receiver down and turned to look at her. His eyes held such unbelievable sadness and fear. "What is it?"
"She lost consciousness again," he replied calmly enough but his hand shook as he reached for the cup on the little table by the stand. "Michael and her got into some sort of shouting match and... Dad's not sure what happened exactly but he thinks that Michael threatened her with something from their past."
It must have been bad. "What is it?"
"Tess is out and Michael isn't talking. But the result is that Tess agreed to the healing before she pass out," he grabbed the jacket by the bed. He felt numb, and cold, and some unreal at the moment. It was like he was living a waking dream and hoped that any moment now he was going to wake up on the coach with Tess in the kitchen cooking breakfast. "It's getting worse."
"I suspected," she got up from the bed and glanced at Maria's sleeping form. "Should we wake her?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "One more thing."
"What?"
"Michael said that..." he couldn't believe it, didn't want to believe it. "He said that Tess..."
The sheer terror in Kyle's eyes made the hair on the back of her neck stand up on end. "What is it? What did Michael say?"
He turned Liz, seeing his own fears reflected back at him. "That she was muttered a last prayer when she went out cold. He said that she's wasn't going to wake up on her own now."
The blood in her veins seemed to have froze. The certainty of it had been in the back of her mind for some time not but she's always refused to acknowledge it. But now... Tess was going to die. "Max and the others are getting started."
"Yeah, Dad thought maybe we'd like to be there."
"Yeah," she nodded slowly, reaching over to gently shake Maria's shoulder.
Kyle watched her pull herself together. The pain he saw earlier was still there, the wounds were going to bleed for some time to come. But he saw strength there as well. Liz Parker wasn't one to just sit back and take the punches. She was going to give as well as she got. "Liz, you don't have to you know."
"I want to," she said as Maria turned with a groan. "Maria, wake up. We have to go."
"What?" Maria shook her head slowly, trying to clear the cobwebs of slumber from her mind. "What happened?"
"They're starting," Liz explained quietly as she pulled her friend to a sitting position. "Want to wash your face first?"
"Yeah, give me a minute," Maria replied, stumbling toward the bathroom.
"Liz," Kyle called reached to touch her slumped shoulders. "No one would blame you if you weren't there. They'd understand."
"I need to be there," she said turning to him slowly. "Not for Max, for Tess. She's going to need all the moral support she could get now." For her to crumble under Michael's threats, Liz had an achingly painful suspicion that it had everything to do with Max and his lack of memories from their past life. Only something painful could force Tess to back down, Liz knew that for sure. The power of love is a very dangerous weapon to use on and against a person. "She's got to understand that she did the right thing."
"Is it the right thing," Kyle insisted without any force.
"Not to her," she replied. "Not if it meant that Max is in danger again. It's not worth it to her. It's not the right thing for her."
"You'd rather she died?" he asked, no accusation just a curious question.
"No," she replied honestly. "I rather this didn't have to happen like this."
"It's the only way."
"I don't know that. We don't know that."
"Michael did the right thing."
"Maybe, maybe not. We can't be sure of that."
"Liz..."
"I don't want to argue with you Kyle. I'm just saying, Tess isn't going to see Michael's point of view on this. She's going to resent being forced to alter her plans, which includes putting Max in danger again. She's not going to be happy when she wakes up. And someone has to make her see that this is for the best."
Kyle looked at her, eyes narrowing with concern. "And that someone is going to be you?"
She shrugged. "Who better than the woman that Tess considered stole her man?"
"I'm not sure about it."
"A problem to worry about later."
"I'm ready," Maria said as she came out of the bathroom. The tension was high in the room. "Did I miss something?"
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"Focus, Issy," Michael murmured encouragingly. "You can do this. We can do this."
She nodded her head, her mind slowly making its way outwards, away from herself. The stone was cool against her hand, but it warmed to her touch. Eyes closed, she didn't see the glow radiating from her, or that her body seemed to be encased by the power from within. For a moment, as the others watched, she was like an angel sent from above.
Alex didn't shield his eyes. He watched her, awed by her purity and beauty. He always knew she was heaven sent but this... this was beyond anything he could have imagined. She was light, she was air, she was spirit, she was heaven. The powerful wrapped itself around him, like a velvet blanket dropped around his soul.
Max took a breath and felt himself give over to the power. He must have healed a hundred times before, from minor cuts to gunshot wounds to Michael's near death. And every time he touched the soul to heal the wounds of the body, he felt gifted with a purpose in life. This time was no different, only more personal. A week ago, he would have expected darkness there at the heart of the woman he had once been married to. But now, all he saw was ever lasting clarity. It was breathtaking.
Jim Valenti's life used to be so simple. His duties were clear and everything was black and white to him. Now, staring at the brightness of such unfathomable powers, he was glad that he's life wasn't so simple. He was glad that his son lives because of a gift he had no understanding of. He was daunted by the miracles that happen each day he knew these children, if children they really are. And when his eyes dropped to the pale figure in the center, his was humbled by a second chance to be a father.
For a moment, Michael was at a lost. He knew that the others would know what to do, for them it would come naturally. But he feared his own part in this, not knowing what his own destructive powers could do for the two fragile lives that rested in their collective hands. He didn't even know where to start. But like listening to any of your other senses, it called to you, tells you exactly what you need to do. It lured the power from him, curling its gentle needy fingers around his being and drawing him into the nexus of its source. All he had to do was let go.
The light was brilliant. Michael, Isabel and Max thought for a moment that they were too late. The light at the end of the tunnel... wasn't that what they called the ascension to heaven? But even as they stepped into it, they knew it wasn't heaven. It was Tess's soul.
A flash of something hot and sweet.
"It's a girl! It's a girl!" the bearded man laughed and held the tiny bundle in his arms, kissing the crying child on the head.
"You are happy?" asked the tired woman on the bed.
"She is beautiful," he replied, eyes full of wonder at the miracle cradled in his embrace as he approach the bed to look at the woman he loved with reverence. "What will you call her, my wife."
The woman's eyes held such unbelievable joy. "Avienta, child of light."
The man nodded his head. "Avienta. My little Ava."
A flash of green, pure and innocent. Isabel took a breath, almost remembering the fragrance of the flower in the air. It was so hauntingly familiar yet so distant.
"Ava! Ava!"
Her blue eyes peeked over the edge of the brush as she hid a smile as sweet as the sugar saps that were being collected.
"Ava child, we must leave now." The woman called once more. Her tired nanny leaned against a tree. "Ava, your father awaits."
Delight flashed in those guileless eyes. "Papa comes?"
The nurse maid turned and shook her head at the little imp that ruled the house with a grin. "Yes, your papa comes."
Clapping with happiness, she leapt over the bush and headed toward the house. Her face reflecting soul that knew she was loved a cherished.
A flash of tenderness, so full everlasting hope and love. Max could almost remember it in his own mind; almost see it so clearly. He remembered this well.
"Your highness?" Larek bowed at the waist and lift his mischievous eyes at his friends. "May I present, the Ambassador's daughter, Lady Avienta du'Savole."
For a moment, it would appear the newly crowned prince of Antar was incapable of speech. But rallying all the training befitting a military leader, he bowed and took the lady's hand. "My lady," he greeted with more possession than he had intended in his voice.
Ava felt her heart skip a beat. "Your highness, it is a honor to meet you."
Zan held the hand longer than necessary but felt not the least inclination to let go. "My lady, the honor is most assuredly mine."
A flash of bitter heartache, painful and full of sorrow. Michael swallow the pinprick that had started to run down his spine. There was something about the scene that he remembered.
"Marrying him would be a mistake," Joelle said as she combed her daughter's hair. Those golden locks were soft to the touch and spin like silk. "His world is not at peace."
"He is my world, Mother." Ava replied turning to face the woman that had given her life. "I love him. He loves me. He wants me to be his wife."
Joelle touched the sweet face that had brought so much joy in her life. "I do not doubt his love for you, daughter. I doubt his ability to protect you when his duties would tear him from your side."
"He is Prince. The people would expect him to be with them if Khivar's threat to Antar is real." She nodded her head. She was not a foolish child that follows without her head. While she knew that even should Khivar attack, it would not deter her from her decision. Zan was the man for her. He would be her husband and king. "I would expect nothing less from him."
"Ava..."
"Mother, be happy for me. I have fond my mate."
Joelle said nothing. She knew, as any mother did, when it was time they left go. She was losing her child. "I hope you are forever happy."
"I will be," she said assuredly. "I know I will be."
Darkness descends, cold and painful. Max finched as the smoke filled his nostrils, burning his senses as the looked down the long hall and felt his heart clinch. Michael gasp, not sure why they were shown this but understanding that it was an important part of Ava's life.
"AVA!" Zan's voice echoed through the great hall. His footsteps were followed by a dozen soldiers. "AVA!"
"I'm here," she called back pulling herself up from where she had fallen. The last shock wave had knocked her unconscious. She tired to hide the fact but he already knew.
"I want you gone from here," Zan said the moment he reached her. Her small delicate hands fit neatly into his. "I want you safe."
"I am safe," she said reaching out to him. "I'm safe as long as I am with you."
"No," he snapped angry. The last attempt at his position had been too close to the palace. Khivar had good spies. "Rath, I want her gone."
Rath, armed to the teeth, took a step forward and reached for Ava's arm. "My Queen..."
"No!" she jerked herself away from them both. "I will not run and hide like a child when our people are in danger and need me."
"They do not need you dead," Rath argued, seeing the look in his king and friend's eyes. Zan had been distracted, had been so since the battle had moved closer to the palace than ever. His mind was not completely on the battle; it was on his wife and unborn child. The situation has become too dangerous. "It gives the people comfort to know that their Queen and future King are safe. They need Zan has their head and your child has their hope. Do not allow them to lose hope, my queen."
Ava frowned at him. "You don't fight fair, Rath."
The incorrigible first commander grinned at her. "That's what makes me brilliant."
"I don't care how he fights," Zan murmured as he pulled her into his arms once more, seeking peace in her calming presence. "As long as he keeps you safe."
An agony so severe that Isabel cried out in pain as Max and Michael reached out to steady her. It was as if a thousand lives cried out in pain from within and they could not take the onslaught.
"NO!!!" Zan crashed to the ground as he reached out for her.
"AVA!" Rath's face reflected his horror as he watched his King gently lift and cradle that most precious thing in the world. "By the bright lady."
"My love," his hand posed over her head. "You're going to be okay. You're going to be just fine." He fought for control, fought to find the strength within himself to do this.
"No," she reached for his hand, pulled it away. The energy, what was lift of it, was already beginning to fade. "Save yourself, save the people."
"No," he held her tighter, willing himself to protect her, to save her. "I need you."
"Our people need you," Ava could feel her time draw near. "You don't have enough to save us both. Let us go."
"Ava," his eyes read the truth in hers. She was too far-gone for even his powers to do any good. All it would serve was to weaken him and prolong her pain. "My love."
"I love you, Zan. I will always love you," her lips murmured something more, something he could not make out, something that brought Rath to his knees.
A sheering pain, cold and unfeeling crashed against the trio as the next imagines over took them. The room the recognized all to well. But the scene was not one they'd seen before.
She fought her way out, the feel of mucus and membrane rubbing against her tiny fingers. She coughed, choking on the liquid the filled her oxygen needing lungs as she tumbled from the pod that have protected and housed her for longer than she knew.
Wiping her eyes with her sticky hands, she looked around the dark cavern; already knowing something was not as it should be. Turning, she stared at the four pods that lined the walls and gave a soft whimper of fear.
She was alone.
And she was frightened. Turning about, she looked hopelessly at the empty room. Where were the others? Where are the ones that were supposed to be with her?
Then a long shadow was cased over her as she turned to stare at the alien being in the entrance. A sense of dread filled her.
Heart aching loneliness engulfed them for a moment. Max gasped for breath. It was like a cold rain had sudden started up.
"Move," Nasado commanded as he shoved a tired Tess into the car and shut the door firmly behind her.
"What is it?" asked, her voice hoarse from exhaustion. It was the third night he's awoken her from slumber. But this time, it was different. There was a hint of urgency in his tone, something that was very unlike her guardian.
"The enemy is near," he said impassionedly. They could have been talking about the weather for all the emotions he was displaying for her benefits.
"How close?" turning in her seat to look out the back window.
"If they would that close, you'd be dead," he replied shifting the car into gear. "Plus, I found them."
"The others?" a pure joy in her eyes was something wonderful to behold.
"Yes. Looks like the royal four is going to be reunited at long last," he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled several photos out and tossed them in her lap. "This is them."
Picking up the first photo, she knew instantly who it is. Those eyes, it was those eyes that gave him away. "Zan."
"Max," the impatient guardian correctly. "His name is Maxwell Evans. He is seventeen years old and goes to Roswell High. His sister," shifting through the pictures to pull out the blonde goddess, "Is Isabel Evans, also age seventeen."
"Vilandra," she murmured, racing the lines of the beautiful luminous face. "Where's Rath?"
"Rath is now Michael Guerin, age seventeen. Quite the rebel our Commander Rath has become in this life time."
She held the picture up to see better in the light of the following car's headlights. "He looks so young. I don't think I remember him this young before." She smiled and continued to look through the photo, always lingering on Max's pictures. "He looks the same in a lot of ways."
"He doesn't remember. None of them do."
She turned her head, her eyes uncertain for a moment. "What do you mean?"
"They don't know who they are. They've not been through the regression therapies as you have," he answered, one eye always on the back mirror. "You're going to have to gain their trust the human way."
Tess smoothed her hair unconsciously. "Do you think they'll like me?"
"It matters now as long as they trust you."
"But if they don't like me, how are they ever going to trust me?" she asked, afraid not, feeling the sense of belonging slipping away.
Michael swallowed the lump in his throat. The loneliness was palpable, cold and painful. He knew the feeling well. He reached out to touch the springy curls that bounced around the youthful face, so drawn in sadness.
The scene shifted.
"Alex, please." Tess grabbed his arm pulling him back.
"No," he replied steadfastly. "This is going to work."
She looked at the car, ready to be destroyed at her command. "Alex, what if I cannot protect you. I mean, we've never really tried this before. Protecting myself is instinctive but protecting someone else..."
Alex grabbed her hands and stared her in the eyes. "I trust you."
Tess didn't know how to respond to the first honest and truly kind words directed at her. Her heart jumped to her throat and for the first time since she was a child, she wanted to cry. "Alex..."
"I know you can do this," he nodded his head and reached into his coat pocket to pull out the picture of them all at the prom. How happy and alive they all look. "Let's do this for them. For the people we love the most."
She turned to look at the picture. Max, Michael, Kyle, Isabel, Maria, even Liz... she felt a connection to these people, a since of responsibility to them. "Are you sure?" she asked once more, knowing the answer already as she tried to keep her tears in check.
He nodded his head soberly. "I'm sure."
She nodded. "I'll get Kyle then. We need to the process."
"You sure you're going to be able to hold it together?" he asked, his dark eyes filled with concern over her obvious distress.
"Yeah, I have to," she murmured softly. "For Max."
Brilliant warmth envelope them as they caught a mere glimpse of the night in the observatory where for the first time in her earthy life, she felt whole again. No words need to said, all the emotions she felt seemed to swirl in the air, like written testimony to her love and anguish, knowing it would be the last time.
The blood red fill their vision as the baby appeared, struggling desperately for every ragged breath as his lungs refused to process the oxygen enriched air that filled Earth's atmosphere. They felt the pinpricks of pain as carbon dioxide invaded the gills that the baby had developed to breath his mother's strength.
Max felt a moment of terror as he stared at the damage already done to his child. Reaching forward, he let himself go. The lungs needs to be re-sequenced for oxygen intake and the gills removed for carbonation. Max didn't know how intelligently but his spirit and soul knew the way. Allowing his nature to take over, Max gave his past self free reign to heal the wounded and the sick, no matter the consequences.
Isabel watched the halo of light, pure and sweet; encircle her brother and his offspring. Such energy seethed forth as Max forced his powers to its full potential. But being without his earthy form, the energy was not focused but seemed to spread like ink of paper, outwardly reaching. Pushing herself, Isabel wrapped her own energy around Max's, focusing his power back to where it would do the most good.
Michael watched with almost distanced alienation. They were in their elements now, brother and sister. But even as he watched, he could see the light dimming, their energy wavering as time passed. Putting himself into the fold, he gave over the passive source of power that he had been gifted with and poured it out to them. This was what they needed him for, to protect them and to guard them.
With halting breath, Max pulled back, drawing first Isabel then Michael with him. They retreated slowly, watching the scenes of Tess's memory and soul replay itself once more to them, allow them to remember and relive a part of themselves lost so long ago.
And as the light around the four dimmed, Alex held his breath, praying to see a miracle.
Isabel collapsed first, her body unable and unwilling to support her tired frame.
Max gave out next; his body slumped over Tess's in a protective manner that he had once taken in battle.
Michael struggled to stay conscious for another minute, but even he could not fight against the inevitable darkness of rest that was needed to heal.
Jim Valenti watched with some disbelief as Tess took her first unlabored breath and opened her guileless blue eyes, blinking at him with a kind of wonder.
Miracles truly do happen in this world.
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Okay honestly, was that totally crappy? Did anyone buy it at all?