DISCLAIMER: Mine? Yeah right.

CATEGORY: Buffy/Roswell crossover

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Thanx for the reviews pplz!!! Well, here, read s'more. I'll go write s'more.

CHAPTER FIVE

The next day, Max and Isabel had an early start, considering they were up until 3am the night before. They had asked their mother if they could go on a trip to California with their friends for a couple weeks in the summer. After seeing the hopeful looks on the faces of her two children, Diane Evans could not refuse them. Her only problem was the need for chaperones, which they immediately quelled with mention of Giles and Wesley, who they were to meet when they got there.

They arrived at Giles' house at 11:30. They were the last to arrive, being ten minutes later than Liz. Dawn invited them in and led them to the training room in the basement where everyone was gathered, watching something in the center of the room.

"What's going on?" Max asked.

"Michael and Buffy are sparring. We always bet on who's gonna win."

"Who are you betting on?"

"Michael, duh. Buffy may be the Slayer, but Michael is a lot better fighter than she is," she said, watching the fight.

"How much did you bet?"

"Twenty bucks. The pool's usually ten bucks a person but we were allowed double today because of what happened day before yesterday."

"What happened?"

"Maria wasn't here and Michael was like extremely weak. Dude probably couldn't win in a fight against me," she said as she watched her sister land flat on her back and get pinned by Michael.

The cheer of the people who bet for Michael interrupted their conversation. Dawn, Spike, Maria and Anya collected their money from Giles, Xander, Willow, Tara and suprisingly, Liz. Maria ran up to Michael as he helped Buffy up.

"You are so good for my income," she said as she kissed him briefly on the lips.

"Yeah, mine too," Dawn chimed in.

"Traitor," Buffy growled, mock glaring at her little sister.

"Yeah, but traitor with moolah."

Spike and Dawn high fived each other and waved their money in the losers' faces. They were known for their gloating. Xander rolled his eyes and walked off finally noticing the newcomers.

"Hey, guys."

"Hey."

Giles, also noticing that they were finally there cleared his throat and motioned for them to join him at the center of the mat.

"This is the training room," he announced with a flourish, "now, before we start, I want you all to stretch, then I will have each of you use the punching bag so that I can assess your level of agility. Buffy will show you the proper way to stretch." They nodded and he continued; "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go make sure that Michael and Maria are actually training."

He walked towards Michael and Maria who were in the middle of a semi heated make-out session in the corner.

Buffy watched them and grunted, "God, they're worse than Xander and Anya." She shook her head and turned to her new students, "Okay, this is what you have to do…"

She showed them different stretches for different muscles. Then, she showed them some calming yoga positions. The one thing she hated about training, but she knew she had to do it. Half an hour later, Giles returned to teach them combat skills. Max volunteered to go first.

"Okay, I want you to punch and kick the bag at random. Try to put as much power behind it as possible. You don't have to go easy on the bag," he said. He laughed to himself as he thought of the last time he told someone not to take it easy on the bag, "Everything in this room is Maria tested and approved."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when she first came here, we thought that she would have regular human strength until further trained."

"So, what happened?" Liz asked.

"She hit it once and it flew across the room, literally." Their eyebrows shot up as they tried to imagine how the petite blond managed to destroy a punching bag.

"Okay, Max, let us begin."

Max began punching and kicking the bag with mediocre agility and grace. He stepped back after five minutes with the instruction of Giles. Giles nodded his head and Kyle went to have a go at it. He too, had a mediocre, though slightly better performance than Max compared to Michael and Maria on their first day. He had more strength and agility from the sports he played.

Liz was graceful and agile, though not as strong as the others were. She held her own against the punching bag. Isabel was by far the best out of them. She fought with almost the same skill as Michael showed. Her skill surprised Giles as well as the others. Kyle and Max were slightly embarrassed by their lack of skill.

"Good job, Izzy," Michael said as she steadied the bag. She turned around and grinned at her surrogate brother. Michael walked over and gave her shoulders a brief squeeze.

"Yes, quite," Giles said, "Have you had any training?"

"No," she said.

"Okay, from what I have seen, I can assign sparring partners for you all," said Giles, "But for starters, I will teach you some basic punches and kicks and blocks for them."

"Cool," Isabel said, "Can I play with the bag some more? That was loads of fun."

"Later. You must first learn how to fight and then we must try you on the dummy," he said, pointing to the dummy in the corner, "I promise it is just as fun as the bag."

"Hey Giles! I am getting a serious case of the munchies, let's go get some grub," said Xander. Giles looked at his watch and nodded.

"I suppose we could take a break. We can discuss the trip."

They all headed upstairs to find some food. They eventually decided on ordering a few pizzas. They ate in the living room while discussing the upcoming trip to Los Angeles. After two hours, they finally found themselves back in the training room.

Giles made them watch Buffy and Michael fight so that could see the way it was to be done. Max watched in awe as Michael and Buffy went at it like their lives depended on it. Each blow countered perfectly as if Michael knew exactly what Buffy was going to do. Hmm…no Michael couldn't mind read. Max shook that thought out of his head immediately. Michael 'staked' Buffy yet again and stood up. They were both sweaty and breathing heavily.

"Okay, now Isabel," Giles said, "You seem to have a natural ability like Michael. I would like you to come down and spar with Buffy. Michael, go take a break. After, I would like Max and Kyle to go against Xander, and Willow will go against Liz."

At six o'clock they finished training. At the moment, Isabel was the best fighter of the four. Kyle and Max were a not-so-close second and Liz was bringing up the rear. She would probably fight as little as possible. They all headed home to pack for their 2 o'clock flight. They were told to bring light, inexpensive clothing for the fighting. They would all meet Giles at the house where they would go to the airport together.



"So, when will they be coming?" Cordelia asked.

"They should be here by 2:30 for the latest," said Wesley, "Angel and Gunn are going to meet them at the airport."

"H-how many people are coming," asked Fred nervously.

"Um, I believe it's fourteen of them," said Wesley.

"Fourteen! I thought it was ten yesterday," Cordelia exclaimed.

"Yeah, well, change of plans," he said, "The Slayer's friends found out and decided to tag along and help."

Just then, Angel walked in. He came down the stairs and plopped himself on the chair in the lobby.

"Hey guys, hey Fred," he greeted.

"H-hi Angel," she drawled, looking at the floor shyly, "I came out of my room like you said."

"That's great, Fred." He turned to Cordelia. "Cordy, could you rent two minivans for me, please?"

"Yeah, sure. Any color preferences?"

"You can choose," he said. After seeing the mischievous smirk on her face he added, "Just not pink or any outrageous color your evil brain is thinking of putting me in."

"Aw, spoil my fun why don't ya." She went into the office to make the order.

"So, how do you think you'll handle it?"

"Handle what?"

"Buffy."



The plane ride to Los Angeles was uneventful to say the least. They had been given a private flight courtesy the Watchers' Council. Michael and Maria made out the whole time. Max and Liz stared at each other from across the aisle. Isabel and Buffy discussed fashion while Spike, Kyle and Dawn played cards. Xander spent his time trying to convince Anya that the plane was completely safe, even though this wasn't her first plane ride. Willow and Tara chatted quietly in the back while Giles read a book on demons.

When they got to the airport, they saw Angel and Gunn leaning against a wall opposite the gate. After getting their luggage they piled into his two rented vans. He drove the black one and Gunn drove a green one. The Pod Squad went with Gunn and the Scooby Gang rode with Angel. They began to drive in silence.

"God, it is way too quiet in here," said Maria. She leaned forward in her seat and fiddled with the radio until she landed on a station she liked. She sat back and started to sing along with the song on the radio.

Ten minutes and three songs later, they arrived at the hotel. The Roswell Gang was amazed that a 300-year-old vampire without a job could afford such a thing. Angel had set up ten rooms for them, unsure of the pairings if any.

After the introductions were made and Angel regarded Max, Michael and Isabel strangely, they retired to their rooms for the night...or morning, whichever. Cordelia, Wesley and Gunn also stayed for safety reasons. Things were understandably tense between Buffy and Angel but not too unbearable. Fred, being the chicken, antisocial butterfly she was, hid out in the confines of her room. No one had any idea of what was to come, just that it was coming.

The next morning…or the same morning, depending on how you look at it, the three groups gathered in the lobby of Angel's hotel. Everyone stared expectantly at Wesley who was still studying the scroll.

"So, Wesley, are you gonna tell us what it says, or do we have to guess?" asked Buffy impatiently.

"Yes, you're quite right," he said, "Well we've acquired this scroll from Wolfram and Hart. We have already translated part about Angel last year, but I've only recently been able to uncover another section. It was mostly written in grappler and f'nasnian, which is mostly grunts and was quite hard to translate…"

"Can you get to the point?" asked Anya.

"Yes. Well, it says that there will be a rising of something from light to bring darkness. It says here that whatever it is will battle with…either the strong one, or the powerful one. It also hints that it is unknown whether the chosen is good or bad. There are a couple of words that I cannot figure out. They would probably tell us more about what to expect and who 'the chosen' is."

"Like, what do you mean?" asked Dawn.

"Well, the word 'p'noiplre'. It is present in six different languages, all of which have a different translation."

"Wouldn't it be in whatever language the rest of it's in?" Max asked.

"The scroll is written in various languages to make it more difficult to translate."

"The PTB just like to make life hard and annoying," Cordelia added.

"PTB?" the Pod Squad asked.

"The Powers that Be," Angel answered. They shrugged.

"Anyway, the word means either: Strong, powerful, passionate, mistrustful, hidden and apathetic. The word is used to describe the chosen."

"So, is the chosen human, demon, what?" asked Xander.

"That is also another problem," he said, "the scroll just states that it is unlike the population, whatever that means. I think it hints to demon…or perhaps a vampire or Slayer?"

"Perhaps," said Giles, once again cleaning his glasses.

"So we're good then," Maria said.

"What do you mean?"

"We have two vampires…" she started.

"And two slayers…" Michael continued.

"Three if you count Faith…"

"Two witches…"

"An ex-demon…"

"And a key." Michael finished. Angel, Wesley, Cordelia and Gunn watched them in astonishment.

"What…was that?" Cordelia asked.

"They have some sort of connection we have yet to figure out," said Buffy.

"You guys notice it too?" Max asked.

"It was pretty freaky the first couple of times," Xander commented. Michael and Maria shot them identical playful glares.

"Okay," Angel said, "So, how is she at the slaying?" he asked gesturing to Maria with his head.

"Why don't you fight her and find out, Gramps?" said Spike.

Angel shrugged, "Okay."

"Uh, I don't think that's a good idea," said Buffy.

"Why not?"

"You won't live the first five minutes."

"She's ripped the heads off of vampires…with her bare hands," Xander said. Cordelia, Wesley, Angel, Gunn, Max, Liz, Isabel and Kyle stared at Maria in shock.

"Come on, I'm not that bad anymore," Maria said.

"Do we have to remind you of three days ago?"

"Come on, I want to fight the famous Angel."

"How 'bout you watch Michael fight Angel?" Willow asked.

"Hmm. Not as fun, but okay," she acquiesced.

"Should I be fighting a human?" asked Angel, not wanting to hurt him. The Pod Squad shared a knowing smirk.

"Don't worry about it, Michael's tough. He can handle it," Dawn said.

"Okay."

They went down to the basement where Angel had all his training stuff. It was dark and gloomy down there. A dark blue mat lay on the floor surrounded by a punching bag, dummy and an arsenal of medieval weaponry.

"Cool ax," Michael and Maria commented as they admired a huge battle-ax that hung on the wall.

"Do they always do that?" Cordelia whispered to Willow.

"Mostly."

"You guys getting in on the action?" Xander asked.

"Yeah. I put ten on Michael," said Willow.

"What action?" Cordelia asked.

"We always bet on the winners of these sparring contests between Buffy and Michael."

"Oh. Cool, what's the pool up to?"

"Uh…$140."

"Cool, put me down for ten for Angel," she said, handing her a ten.

"Okay little lady. Let's watch the fight then," Xander drawled, turning back to the two men on the mat.

"Okay," said Dawn, as referee, "Let's have a good clean fight." The others laughed. "Let's get it on!"

Michael and Angel circled each other half-menacingly; their bodies ready for the other's next move. Finally, Angel lashed out. He punched at Michael's face, but Michael grabbed it and kicked him in the stomach then twisted his arm. Angel spun to hit him again, but Michael was too fast and punched him in the face, then ducked and tripped him. Angel fell flat on his back.

"You don't have to hold back, you know," Michael said.

"Okay," Angel said, turning to his game face.

"Better."

Angel did a spin kick at Michael hitting him in the stomach; Michael instantly punched him in the face and blocked another kick. Angel punched at him again but he grabbed his arm and flung Angel over his shoulder like he was a little old lady. Angel landed flat on his back. He flipped back on his feet and went after Michael again, this time getting a few punches in. Michael got fed up of fighting. He jumped, launched himself off Angel's chest and kicked him in the head. He ducked as soon as he landed and tripped him, pinning him to the floor, fake staking him.

"I win," he said, smirking. He got off of Angel and held out his hand to help him up. Angel was too shocked to turn him down.

Dawn, Spike, Anya, Maria and Isabel clapped and cheered before collecting their money. Cordelia, Wesley, Angel and Gunn stood in stunned silence. Dawn hugged Michael for her new addition to her money collection.

"He fights like a slayer," Angel finally stated.

"We know," Giles said, "It is a bit odd. Isabel seems to show the same potential."

"Interesting," said Wesley, "I don't suppose you would like to show us?"

"Sure," Isabel said, "Who do I get?"

"Um, Buffy, would you like to do the honors?" asked Wesley, not sure if he should let Isabel fight Angel.

"Why can't I get Angel?" Isabel asked, a sweet smile on her face.

"Okay."

Isabel took Michael's place on the mat circling Angel like a trained Martial Artist. She attacked first kicking Angel in the nuts. She kicked him in the knees and punched him in the face. Angel, who had been holding back until then, kicked at her. She grabbed his leg and flipped him in the air. He jumped back up and punched her in the stomach. She kicked him in the head. His head snapped to the side. She ducked and kicked his feet from under him. He fell flat on his back and she fake staked him.

"Good game, Angel," she said to him before getting off him. Angel was speechless for the second time in the day. Everyone but Michael and Maria looked at Isabel in shock. They were all sure that Angel would win that one if not the one against Michael.

"Okay, fork it over," Michael and Maria said simultaneously. Everyone else handed over ten dollars each. Michael and Maria shared a brief kiss before going over to congratulate Isabel.

"How long have you been training them?" Angel asked Giles.

"Michael's been training a week, but he has been this skilled since the first day. I just met Isabel yesterday."

"Prior training?" Wesley asked.

"None," Isabel answered, walking up behind them.

"Amazing," Wesley mumbled in awe, "How have they faired against Buffy?"

"Same as Angel," Giles answered.

"We thought she might be off her game because of the whole dying thing, but since they kicked your butt…" Xander said.

"Cool," Cordelia said, "Now we've got, like five slayer types."

"Have you checked the books?" Angel asked Giles.

"They say nothing of a male slayer or a Slayer sharing powers."

"What do you mean sharing?" Wesley asked.

"When apart, Michael becomes weak and Maria loses energy," Giles said. They glanced at the couple standing in the corner…or more like making out in the corner. Wesley turned to Angel.

"We should take them to The Host."

"Maybe there's something in the books we overlooked," Angel said.

"We'll look through the books first then we'll go see the Host," Giles said.

"Who is the Host?" Liz asked.

"He is a demon from the planet Pylea," said Wesley.

"So he's an alien?" Max asked, exchanging a glance with Isabel.

"Basically," Cordelia said, "On his planet, humans are called cows and they are slaves. His people rule the planet. I was princess for a couple of days before they tried to make me mate with a groosalug and give up my powers."

"Okay, I'm gonna nod like what you said makes sense," Kyle said.

"How would this Host help us?" asked Max.

"He's psychic."

"Oh."

"But the only problem is he can't read you unless you sing karaoke."

"So you go there often?" Max asked.

"Yeah. My ears still haven't recovered from the last time I had to hear Angel sing," Cordelia said.

"Hey!"

"It's the truth, buddy!" Cordelia said. Angel muttered something under his breath and stalked off.

"Ooh, karaoke!" Maria squealed, "Fun! Let's go!"

"Okay, let's go," said Wesley.

The eighteen of them piled into the two minivans and Angel's convertible. Cordelia led the way in Angel's car in the familiar journey to 'Caritas'. When they got there, Spike and Angel covered their heads with their coats and dashed for the door. The others strolled in after them. The aliens were a little nervous. If this guy was a psychic, would he be able to tell what they were? In a way, he was one, too, but they were still nervous.

The normally full bar was half-empty because of the time of day. There were three other people there besides them. Lorne sat on a stool talking to the bartender and sipping on a martini. He was half listening to the demon that was doing a horrible rendition of 'I Will Survive' that made Angel look like Pavarotti.

"Hey, Lorne," Angel said taking a seat next to him.

"Angel, what's up?" he said.

"Well, there's this prophecy that's coming up soon and we don't know anything about it," Angel said, "and we were hoping you could see why the new Slayer is sharing powers."

"Whew, well, at least I won't be bored today," he said swallowing the last of his drink, "who're your friends?"

"Pardon Angel and his rudeness," Cordelia said, looking pointedly at Angel, "Lorne, this is Buffy, Willow, Xander, Giles, Anya, Tara, Dawn, Spike, Michael, Maria, Max, Liz, Isabel and Kyle," said Cordelia, pointing to each in turn.

"Hey," they said.

"This is gonna be so much fun, Lizzie," Maria squealed, "Where's the list, who's going first?"

"Newcomers first," Cordelia said, knowing full well that nobody in her or the Sunnydale group could sing.

"Cool," Maria said, "How 'bout Max and Lizzie first?"

"Uh, Um, I'm not sure," Max stuttered.

"What's the matter, oh fearless leader?" Michael and Maria asked, "It's not gonna hurt, Maxwell."

"Great, now I got both of them calling me that," Max muttered under his breath, "Okay, Michael," he said, "Why don't you sing with me instead?"

"Okay," Michael shrugged, "you pick a song."

"I don't think you wanna do that Michael," Isabel said, "He'll probably pick some sappy love song."

"God, why don't you all just go?" Buffy said, impatient.

"No," said Lorne, "I want two at a time. How about, Max and Liz first, then Isabel and Kyle, then Michael and Maria."

"Fine by me," Kyle said.

Max and Liz walked to the stage and waited for the music to begin. They had picked a song by the Counting Crows (big surprise). Lorne stared at them in amazement as they began singing. They didn't sound too bad, but what he saw was amazing.

Isabel and Kyle went up next. They sang Green Day's 'Time of your life (Good Riddance)'. It seemed fitting because of the mood they were in for the past month, and for Isabel two months. It was like a final message to Alex and Tess. The sadness that rolled off the two of them made Lorne want to cry. It was so…horrible what had happened to them this early in life…to know such betrayal and loss. Max and Liz had similar emotions rolling off of them in waves.

Finally Michael and Maria made their way onstage. They had decided to sing something for all their friends, new and old. The others looked on as the music began. Michael and Maria sat on the two stools on stage that sat in front of the mics. Maria started the song.

1.1.1 Saying I love you

Is not the words I want to hear from you

1.2 It's not that I want you

Not to say, but if you only knew

1.2.1.1 How easy it would be to show me how you feel

Michael joined in with perfect harmony.

More than words is all you have to do to make it real

Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me

1.2.1.2 'Cause I'd already know

Maria took the lead again.

1.2.1.3

1.2.1.4 What would you do if my heart was torn in two

More than words to show you feel

That your love for me is real

What would you say if I took those words away?

Then you couldn't make things new

Just by saying I love you

La-da-da-da-e-da-di-da-da-da

More than words

La-di-da-da-e-da

The two on stage mesmerized the others, including the three previous customers. The rest of the Pod Squad glanced at each other as the lyrics of the song sunk in. The Sunnydale Gang also exchanged glances as well as Buffy and Angel. Michael and Maria began to sing again; this time Michael took the lead.

Now I've tried to talk to you and make you understand

1.2.2 All you have to do is close your eyes

And just reach out your hands and touch me

Hold me close don't ever let me go

More than words is all I ever needed you to show

Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me

'Cause I'd already know

What would you do if my heart was torn in two?

More than words to show you feel

1.2.2.1 That your love for me is real

What would you say if I took those words away?

Then you couldn't make things new

Just by saying I love you

La-da-da-da-e-da-di-da-da-da

More than words

La-da-da-da-e-da-di-da-da-da

More than words

La-da-da-da-e-da-di-da-da-da

More than words

La-da-da-da-e-da-di-da-da-da

1.2.2.2 More than words

1.2.2.3 Oooooh oooh oooh

More than words

They finished in perfect harmony. After five seconds of stunned silence, they received a hearty round of applause. The groups cheered and clapped without abandon. They bowed and walked off the stage, sitting at the table with Max, Liz, Kyle and Isabel. Isabel and Liz had tears in their eyes.

"That was so good you guys," Isabel gushed.

"That was an incredibly sweet song," Liz said.

"Michael, where did you learn to sing like that?" Max asked, slightly jealous.

"Don't know."

"Come on, it was only karaoke," Maria said.

"You guys, that was great," Cordelia exclaimed, "I bet that was the best performance you've had since Lindsey, right Lorne?"

They turned to look at the stunned demon sitting at the bar.

"Lorne?" Cordelia said waving her hand in front of his face, "Earth to Krevlornswath of the Deathwok clan!"

"Huh? What?"

"You zoned out on us, man, is that bad news?" Gunn asked. Lorne suddenly got up and ushered his other three patrons out the door. He locked it and turned the sign so that it said 'CLOSED' in big black letters. He turned back to the eighteen faces that stared at him expectantly.

"Your majesties," he said, bowing.

"What is he talking about?" Wesley asked.

"You are in the presence of King Zan of Antar, princess Vilandra of Antar and the crown Prince of Carnath," he said, still bowing.

"Um, arise," Max said softly.

"I must have permission from the rest of the royal family," he replied.

"Um, a-arise," Isabel said, "but, we don't know who the crown Prince of Carnath is."

"I'm sure he says to arise too," Michael said, "but he probably doesn't know what you're talking about."

"I am sure you are right, High Prince Rath."

"Prince? I'm just a second in command."

"But, you are the rightful ruler of Carnath," Lorne said, walking over to sit at the bar, "it is your birthright."

"What? For him to be prince he has to born of royal blood right?" Liz asked, ever the scientist.

"Yes, and he was."

"And nobody told me because…?"

"They didn't know," Lorne said, "I'm not sure what the story is, but hidden deep down in your memory, as the others, you have a store of your memories as Rath."

"Wait. The New York guy?" Kyle asked, confused.

"No, his previous life as Rath."

"Um, excuse me," Cordelia interrupted, "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Yeah, Kings, Princesses?" Willow asked, "What are you guys?"

Max glanced at the others. They shrugged.

"You better get comfy," Kyle advised, "this is a long story."

"Max, Izzy and I are aliens," Michael stated bluntly.

The others laughed, "Okay now really, what are you?" Xander asked.

"We are aliens," Max said, "What, you can believe in demons and not aliens?" They stared at them in silence.

"I knew you smelled funny!" Spike said, "never would have guessed that one though."

"We were a part of the 1947 crash in Roswell," Isabel continued, "we were in incubation pods until 1989, and we came out looking like six year olds."

"The twelve year thing!" Xander exclaimed.

"Smart kid," Michael said sarcastically.

"We found out that we had a fourth," Max said, "Her name was Tess and she introduced us to our Destiny." He spat the word out like it was poison.

"Their mom," Michael said pointing to Max and Isabel, "Told us that we lived before. Max used to be King of our planet, Antar. I was his second-in- command, Isabel was his sister and my betrothed, and Tess was Max's young bride."

"Um, Vilandra had an affair with Khivar, their biggest enemy, and betrayed her family," Isabel said, head down, "There was a war and we all died, because of me."

"Izzy, you are not Vilandra," Max reassured her.

"Anyway, their scientists cloned our essence or something, mixed our DNA with human DNA and sent us to Earth. We were supposed to return and release the planet from slavery," Michael said.

"So, y'all are married?" Xander asked. Michael and Isabel looked at each other with disgusted looks on their faces.

"No offense, Michael, but ew!" Isabel said.

"Likewise."

"Okay, so you're royalty, but where's Tess?" Buffy asked getting interested in the story.

"We're getting to that," Michael said.

"Anyway, our protector, Nasedo, went into the special unit of the FBI, imitating the head so he could infiltrate and destroy."

"Didn't they notice the difference?" Willow asked.

"No, he was a shapeshifter."

"Was?"

"He was killed by our enemy, the skins," Michael said, "Anyway, he was the one who raised Tess and so we had to listen to her because she knew more than we did."

"After a while, we found out that there were more pods like ours here on Earth, but we thought the government had them," Isabel said.

"They were our Duplicates," Michael said, "See, their mom sent an extra set just in case. They lived in New York. They remember our past lives. Their names were Zan, Rath, Lonnie, and Ava."

"Rath and Lonnie killed Zan because he didn't want to go to a meeting with all the heads of the five planets in our system. Rath just wanted to go home but Lonnie planned to hand them over to Khivar as soon as they got there," said Max, "They came, got me and Tess and we went to the meeting."

"Then they tried to kill them, yada yada," Maria added.

"Tess came back, killed Alex and got Max to knock her up," Michael summed up.

"She mind warped Alex to translate this book we have so that she could take us home," Isabel continued.

"That lying bastard Nasedo made a deal forty years ago with Khivar, to get the Queen to get an heir from the king and then hand us over for execution when we went home," Michael said.

"But Lizzie figured out that Tess was a murderer right before they had to leave," Maria added, "We warned them about Tess and she left Earth alone."

"So, she's still out there?" Tara asked.

"Presumably," Max said.

"Wow," was all they could say. Suddenly Michael remembered something.

"What were you talking about me being a Crown Prince?" he asked Lorne.

"Carnath is the planet Khivar comes from," Lorne stated, "it was a peaceful planet just next to Antar. Khivar had been planning for years to take over the whole constellation, so he would start with his own planet. Your mother knew it would be dangerous, especially for her first born son. You were only two at the time. She sent one of her servants to carry you over to Pylea to be safe. Her family and the royal family of Pylea were good friends. The servant was attacked on the way there and crash-landed on Antar. He dropped you off at the gate of the royal palace."

"The queen and her two children had been out in the garden and saw you standing there looking forlorn. She brought you inside. Her children took an instant liking to you and so she adopted you when she couldn't find your parents. Well, you know the rest from there."

Michael stared at the floor. Maria hugged him from behind.

"Are they…?"

"I think so, I never really paid attention to Carnath news," Lorne answered, "but I think it was a whole Anastasia thing."

"As if life wasn't hard enough," Isabel murmured.

"Oh my God!" Maria exclaimed as it dawned on her.

"What?" Liz asked.

"Courtney!"

"Huh?"

"She said that some of the skins thought that Michael was the one to unite their planet," she said, "I guess she was right."

"Who's Courtney?" Willow asked.

"A Skin. She said she was part of a revolutionary section of the skins that thought that Rath was the rightful King, that he could reunite their planet…we assumed she meant Antar, but I think she meant Carnath."

Everyone looked at each other thoughtfully. The new revelations took its toll on their new-surprising-thing tolerance. First there's demons, now there are alien kings who fight demons. The group from Roswell retreated to a far corner of the karaoke bar. This news was worse for them. Now not only did they have to protect two worlds, but now three? They had two thrones to reclaim on two different planets. Max and Liz sat across from each other at the table. Isabel and Kyle sat next to Max and Liz while Maria sat on Michael's lap.

"So, what now oh fearless leaders?" Maria asked with a smirk. Max glared at her and Michael for starting it.

"I'm not a leader, I am but a lowly second in command," Michael stated.

"So, how's it feel, Anastasia?" Kyle asked, teasingly. Michael scowled at his new nickname. Isabel snickered.

"Let's focus on the battle at hand," Max stated calmly, "We still need to find out who the chosen is."

"Maybe history guy saw something else while prying into the memories of unsuspecting aliens," Kyle said. They all nodded and went over to where Lorne was sitting at the bar, another martini in hand.

"Did you see anything about the upcoming battle?" Michael asked when he got there.

"Not much," he answered, "Just you guys fighting."

"Did you see who with, or who the chosen is?" Max asked.

"No, I just saw this huge battle. Didn't have time to see who with, I think someone else should sing," he said, "Maria and Michael, why don't you sing again? Or anybody but Angel."

"Hey!"

"It's okay, we'll sing again," they said in unison.

"Lorne did you by any chance see what's causing that connection? 'Cause that is getting a little creepy," Gunn said.

"Not really," said Lorne, "This is the first I've heard of it."

"Could it be, you know, alien related?" Max asked.

"Not that I know of," he said, "but then again, I'm not Carnasian so I wouldn't have a clue."

"Perhaps it is because of the mix of blood?" Wesley asked, "the fact that he's hybrid?"

"No, that's not it," Max said softly, "neither of us has ever had that kind of connection, right Is?"

"No, not really," Isabel said, "I mean, Alex always used to seem like he always knew what I was feeling, but he was like that for everyone."

"Maybe she's preggers," Kyle remarked. Michael and Maria glared at him.

"I don't think so Kyle," they said in unison. Kyle rolled his eyes.

"How do you know," he asked, "Are you doctors or something, now?" He stared straight into their scowling faces and then turned to Lorne, "So, do you aliens get connected when you get together, have baby Czechs?"

"I don't think so," Max stated quietly, "I never felt Tess." There was an awkward silence after that statement. Tess was obviously still a sore spot amongst the group. Max and Liz trained their eyes on their shoes and the polished floors of Caritas. Michael and Maria threw Kyle an 'I-told-you-so- but-I'm-still-relieved' look. Xander cleared his throat loudly to ease the tension.

"So, um, what do we do now?" he asked.

"Well, since we know that the chosen is unlike the population and we've narrowed it down to slayers, demons, witches and vampires, I think we should probably check with Faith," Angel said

"She could be the chosen since she's been on the both sides," Giles added.

They all agreed that Angel and the slayers were to go to the jail to pay Faith a visit. Michael and Isabel tagged along to either stick with a significant other or to get away from the sickeningly sappy couples. By then, it was 7:30 so they took Angel's convertible. Isabel sat shotgun and Michael, Maria and Buffy squeezed in the back. The Roswell residents were excited to meet the dreaded Faith and Angel was just glad to see an old friend again. Buffy didn't really want to go but felt it was her duty as Slayer to check out the prospects for the savior of the world.

She looked across the back seat to the couple that was wrapped in each other's arms. Maria was singing along with the radio that she fought tooth and nail with Angel to put on a pop station. Michael tried his best to scowl at her when she tried to make him sing along with *NSYNC's Gone. After a few seconds of resistance, he finally began to sing along. Surprisingly, he knew all the words. Isabel was also sitting in the front seat, mouthing the words to the song, with a melancholy look on her face. Buffy remembered that look. After all, she had donned that look four times in her twenty years of life. Twice for the figure sitting in the driver's seat trying to ignore the fact that he out aged the other occupants of the car even before he died.

Angel pulled her from her reverie. He had just announced that they had arrived at the jailhouse. They hopped out of the car and headed over to the door. Buffy was slightly anxious for her first visit to a jail. The others didn't seem to be strangers to the place, although they had probably never seen one this size. There were a lot of criminals in LA.

When they asked for Faith and received their visitors' badges, they were led to a room where they could talk to her. They took a seat and waited, as she was lead in by a police officer. He walked out and closed the door behind him.

"Angel," she said, as she embraced him.

"Hey, Faith," he said, "How's it going?"

"Great, I'm getting early parole for good behavior," she said, "Hard to believe, huh? It's a good thing, too, because this place is just downright boring. A little bit again and I would've busted out just for entertainment."

Angel laughed. Buffy couldn't remember the last time she heard him laugh. Faith finally noticed the others in the room. She looked confused for a minute, as if trying to remember the faces. Their identities must have dawned on her because she greeted them with a smile.

"Hey! Rath and Lonnie, you guys finally come to check your best buddy in jail!" she said, "hey, what's with the get ups, is it Halloween already?"

Michael and Isabel glanced at each other then turned back to Faith, whose smile was fading.

"We're not Rath and Lonnie," Michael said, "I'm Michael, this is Isabel. We're their…twins, sort of."

"Oh, yeah," she said, "they mentioned that there was another set of you in some Hick town, they said y'all shamed and disgraced their faces with your pansy attitudes," Faith said, "So, who's your friend?"

"This is Maria," Angel said, "she's another Slayer."

"Oh, died again, B?"

"Yeah."

"So, when do you get out?"

"Actually, I get out tomorrow. God, I can't wait to get out!"

"That's great!" Angel exclaimed, "We could come pick you up tomorrow, if you like. You can stay with us at the hotel."

"Thanks Angel," she said, "then you can fill me in on whatever you came to see me for."

Just then, the police officer came back into the room, signaling for their visit to be over. Faith nodded at him and gave Angel another hug.

"See you tomorrow," he said softly, "what time do you get out?"

"Um, 9:00am. I think maybe you should send someone for me," she said with a laugh.

"See you then." He gave her one last squeeze and they walked out the door. The drive home was silent as they thought about the visit. Everyone was back in the seat they came in. The radio was on yet again, but Michael got his way so it was on K-ROQ. Maria and Michael were singing along to Linkin Park while Isabel stared out the window. She had been quiet ever since the visit. Buffy assumed it was because Faith associated her with Lonnie. Angel seemed happy that Faith was getting out of jail. Buffy was just the silent observer in this group. Michael seemed a little less chipper than usual…no, scratch that, a little more stoic, even though he was singing with his girlfriend. He probably didn't like this Rath guy either. Now, the problem was, if Rath and Lonnie were as bad as they were made out to be, and they were clones of Michael and Isabel and friends of Faith, where did it put them in this battle?

When they returned, they entered Caritas and found seats at the table. Lorne still had the closed sign up, but with a little 'alien magic', they got back in. The others were hanging out on the main floor, drinks in hand. Dawn was currently singing Britney Spears on stage with…Spike? Buffy couldn't believe her eyes. The 'Big Once-Bad' himself was gyrating to Baby one more Time, and singing all the words in perfect tune with the music. She would have to get Dawn to reveal her secret later on. She scanned the floor. Max and Liz were giving each other soulful stares from across a table in the back. Xander, Anya, Cordelia, Gunn and Kyle sat in the front row hooting and cheering them on. Willow and Tara were whispering to each other in the corner. Lorne was sitting at the bar, a Bloody Mary in hand, watching the scene on stage with amusement. The old Brits were in another corner discussing all that is supernatural, as per usual.

She turned to her prison visitor buddies next. Isabel, Michael and Maria were also watching Spike and Dawn with amusement. Angel was just watching in amazement. Who would have thought, Spike would know all the words to Britney Spears! The aliens and the slayers settled in the front row to watch while Angel went to sit in the back by Lorne.

"Hey, anything good?" he asked.

"Besides the fact that Dawn and Spike make a very entertaining couple? Nope."

They turned back to the stage. The song was finally over and the audience was cheering loudly. Spike and Dawn gave silly bows and went back to their seats. Spike was obviously not ashamed of his teenybopper knowledge.

"Come on I wanna go again," Maria said excitedly, "who's coming with me?"

"How 'bout me, baby?"

"Michael, since when are you sleazy?" Dawn asked.

"He ain't," a voice from the stairs said.