Disclaimer: This is a Tribe crossover with Roswell, completely original idea of how the author thinks some things should have been or could have been with these two shows. I do not claim ownership of any of the shows or characters other then the few of my own creation.

Whomever is reading this now,

We all decided that we wanted to write a diary when we began seeing the changes that would be made in our lives. Though at the time, we never knew that others were doing them. Once we found out, we decided to put our diaries together and leave it in several copies for our descendants. We did this as a way of showing what we went through, but most of all that we lived. You'll notice that at times we set it up from each of our points, giving hints of what we were feeling, but we also recreated the events into a story format for you. We hope that you will find something you are looking for from reading our triumphs and tribulations. Now, most of us didn't begin writing in journals until we were living in the mall or parts of a Tribe.

Sincerely,

Mallrats and Friends

Jan read the cover page of something she'd found in the attic in the farmhouse. She knew who the Mallrats were, her grandmother had told her about how her mother used to tell stories about being a Mallrat. What she didn't know, she decided could be answered if she read this compilation. At twenty years old, Jan had very little time for reading, but after seeing this, she felt that perhaps it was time for her to set aside chances to do so. Sitting down at the kitchen table, her daily chores complete, Jan sat back with a glass of tea and flipped the page to see the first entry. Bray's Journal, entry one.


I'm not quite certain how it's happening or even what is going on at the moment, but I can see my brother changing before my eyes and I don't know what to do. It shouldn't be this way. I guess I should start at the beginning. Martin had always been a rather quiet and shy type of boy while we were growing up. I didn't realize then that he was jealous of me and I still don't understand, but suddenly when I was sixteen everything began to change. Things I thought would last, began to crumble. Mom and Dad were both often busy but we had a loving family. I felt closest to Dad, but Mom.. well she was Mom.

One day, I came home from school with Martin and we walked into the house to find a note from Mom telling us that she was at the hospital with Dad, he'd taken ill. Of course, we were instantly concerned and rushed over to the hospital which was barely a block away and asked for our fathers room. Mom met us at the door, telling us that they didn't know what was wrong with our father. I didn't think about it then, but mom wasn't looking that good either.

Only days later, both of our parents were in the hospital and mom seemed to fade faster then my dad. I was sitting with him before he died and he had me promise to look after Martin, and I gave him my word I would.

Of course, I wasn't in class the day Martin's change was made even more apparent. However, my then girlfriend, Ebony, was and I guess she saw something in Martin who later called himself Zoot that she didn't see in me. Trudy, a friend, came to me and told me that she was pregnant with Martin's child. She was afraid of what the future would bring and I promised to protect her and her unborn child in the brave new world we were facing.

Within months the entire adult population was gone, we were the new adults and it was up to us to survive.

Jan found herself tearing up as she thought about what Bray had gone through and tried to decide how she would have reacted if her parents had died, leaving her as a child to fend for herself. It was then that she decided to call her friends together so they could read this as a group. She felt that for some it might remind them how lucky they were to have what they had. Looking at the back of her hand she smiled, she'd had a tattoo done that her grandmother had told her was the symbol of the Mallrats.

Somehow, she felt that learning more about her ancestors would help her in the future. Walking over to her phone, she picked it up and began dialing one of her friends. As soon as she heard the voice on the other end she said simply, "We need a gathering." She and her friends had come up with certain things to use as codes and a specific setup for each of those codes. After she recieved an affirmative reply she hung up and began calling her section of the list, knowing that the others would be called as well.

Once everyone was gathered, Jan sat down on the leather chair arm next to her brother and began, "I know that many of us have heard stories about the Mallrats and those that were close to them, but I think that this book will have more answers for all of us. I want this to become a part of what we do. I've even called and set up for people to help out because I think this is more important to all of us then working our tails off and getting no answers." She held the book up with a smile, her emerald green eyes looking out over the faces of her friends and for the most part, her second family.

"I'm going to read the first log and then let you decide whether to stay." She said as she opened the book to read the cover page and then Bray's first entry. Again, as she had when she'd read it alone, she teared up while reading it aloud to the others. When she looked up, she noticed that she wasn't the only one.

"Anyone that's leaving can go now." She said as she looked around, smiling as she noted that no one moved. With that, she once again returned her gaze to the book and began reading.

Dal's Entry one

The television braodcast a special live warning to the cities all over the nation. People stopped on street corners, in stores when they heard the familiar voice sounding over the air waves. "Authorities are appealing for calm throughout the evacuation process. All children under the age of 18 years should report to their local sector for transportation. Priority will be given...to those children exposed to adults already contaminated."

Transport vans with loud speakers moved through the streets, replaying this over and over in order to insure that everyone heard it. Amber's father had already seen her and myself off when things began getting bad and he had become ill. Together, we trecked across land wanting to get as far from the city as we could, however this was not to be the case as we came across a lone child who was being chased after by the Locos.

Amber's kind heart caused her to step in and help the little girl who's name she learned was Cloe. I can tell you, I wasn't all that happy that we'd stopped. I mean, I wanted to leave the city and get far away, but I couldn't leave Amber who was like a sister to me and when she decided to help the girl Cloe, I went with her. I didn't know what to expect when we found ourselves forming a tribe not long after.

I missed Bellevue Heights, the suburb wher I'd first met Amber who was a year older then I was. I could still remember when I'd first met Amber, she was in the midst of defending someone from a bully on the school grounds and I was simply walking past. Her sense of justice seemed to call to me and soon we'd forged a griendship. Who would have known that short years later, we would be traveling away from home after having lost our parents.

My dad was a doctor and I'd wanted to be one too, but I didn't know that I was going to be one in a different way.

Amber's Note:
To help you understand where things here begin, I felt it necessary to insert a small note explaining what has happened up to this point. Dal and I found the girl Cloe, went with her to meet up with her friends. Patsy, Salene and Paul who also had a dog named Bob with them. We were chased to the mall by Lex, Zandra and Ryan, but they were trapped by a boy named Jack who claimed ownership over the mall.

However, soon we were all living there and beginning to for the most part work together even when a guy named Bray brought a pregnant girl named Trudy to the mall and she had her baby, Brady. We also had a few others that joined over the course of a few months. Ebony, K.C., and Tai-San. The virus seemed to mutate and began affecting the children that had survived sending us on a search for the cure.

Unfortunately, this is when things began to change even more. Zandra and I were injured during an explosion and trapped inside a small air pocket of stones for about a week before I managed to get us out without killing us, but the damage was done. We'd both had head injuries and forgotten who we were and where we were from. Found wandering and starved, a man named Pride took us to his Tribe's camp.

The reading was interrupted by one of Jan's friends saying, "Hey, that's my great grandfather." She looked over at him and smiled and waited before Proud Wolf, looked slightly embarrassed, "Sorry, Jan. Please continue."

While that was happening, the Mallrats believed both Zan and I had died in that explosion. Bray, who was at that time my boyfriend moved on after a while and Lex did the same. Now, I'll turn this over to one of them to continue with since I still don't know everything.

Tai-San's note:
Hello, readers. I'm certain that this is not something you expected to see or find. As Amber was saying, we thought they were dead and I found the antidote for the virus. Though Ebony and Lex would have liked nothing more then to charge for it, I wouldn't let him. We had some new friends come into the picture, their names were Danni, Ellie, May, Alice, Liz, Maria, Kyle and Alex. It was strange at first having these people join our numbers, but they proved to be good friends to us.

Alex's note:
Sorry, had to take my turn. Liz, Maria and Kyle joined me when we all decided we needed to get far away from home, we traveled from our city to this new one for months, but we just couldn't stay home anymore. Nothing was the same. So when we came across an injured Salene, she'd twisted her ankle, we helped her get back to the mall and were asked to stay the night. Who thought we'd actually end up living there?


Amber takes back over:

Anyway, we'll go ahead and let you read our story, more notes or entries may come at another time.

At the Mall:

Bray and Danni sat in the room they were sharing, but things weren't as serene as some might thing seeing this scene. Bray simply sat quiet after making another one of his comments, knowing but forgetting that it would set Danni off.

"Bray! I am not going to keep doing this emotional roller coaster with you. Either you love me and want to be with me, or you love your precious dead Amber who I am tired of you trying to compare me to!" Danni yelled and stood up. "Make your choice, Bray. Either a memory or me, because I'm tired of doing this with you."

Bray didn't respond, didn't even look up at her and she shook her head, "Fine, consider us as over. I'm not competing with a ghost." With that said, she walked out of the room and walked to the cafe before she finally allowed the tears to begin to fall. Sitting down at one of the tables, she dropped her head into her hands and let herself cry out her pain and frustration. She'd tried for months to deal with the way he was, to live with it, but it was becoming obvious that she couldn't ever live up to what he wanted or needed.

She was so lost in her tears that she didn't hear someone come up and sit down beside her and barely registered the fact that someone had placed a hand on her back. It wasn't until the hand began rubbing her back in a comforting manner that she lifted her tears streaked face to peer up at a serious yet calm looking Alex. "Thought you could use a shoulder." He told her softly, as he simply continued the act of giving comfort as she so obviously needed.

Outside in the Woods...

Max was still distraught, tired and feeling lost. He didn't know why he insisted on keeping himself and the others moving so much, in fact, the only thing he was certain of was the fact that he hated what and who he was. What good did it do him when he couldn't even save his own parents. He glanced over at his sister, Isabel and noticed that she seemed to be just as weary as he was. Looking at Michael he said, "I think we should stop here for a time. We'll take a little rest and then figure out if there's any shelter anywhere around here."

Tess complained, "It's about time, Max. We've been walking for days. How are we for food?" She asked and Max turned to Isabel who had the pack with the food.

"We'll be lucky to have more then one more meal," Isabel responded as she moved to sit down on the ground and sat up against a tree. There was a time when Isabel wouldn't be caught dead living as she currently was, but times had changed. The loss of the only parents she'd ever know, the only humans she'd ever trusted had cause a great deal of change in her life.

"You know, Maxwell. This is another fine mess you've gotten us into," Michael began, "Here we are, who knows where, almost out of food. All because you chose to bypass the last farm we were near. We could have been under shelter by now and maybe found some food of some sort."

"Michael, will you just shut up." Tess interrupted before Michael could continue his tirade.

Michael in his frustration balled up his fist and then simply released some energy into a nearby rock, causing it to burst. Isabel jumped and looked at him, hissing. "Michael, you really need to stop."

A few minutes later, several figures covered in furs came out from around them, surrounding them and one spoke, "What is your business here?"

Isabel turned toward the voice, responding before anyone else in her group could say something. "We're just trying to rest, we've been traveling for weeks and we're running low on food. We aren't looking for any sort of trouble."

The guy that had spoken in the beginning said, "Alright, come with us. We'll get you something warm to eat and you can sleep in one of our shelters."

Tess smiled, "Thank you, it's so nice to find people that can be kind."

Michael remained silent, but Max stood and nodded, "We appreciate the offer, thank you." He turned to the others, "Come on, let's not hold them up from getting wherever they need to go."

Ebony's Journal Entry one:

Yeah, I know. Everyone here inside the mall would probably flip if they knew that I wrote in a journal. After all, I'm distant and unfeeling as far as they know. None of them really care to learn anything about why I am who I am or actually who I really am. Oh well, it's not as though I'm willing to let them get that close anyway. Why should I? We've had kids dissappearing from the city and I've decided to beef up security and such. I'm going to move to the hotel away from everyone that likes to whine about everything. They just get on my nerves, the whole lot of them goody two shoes.

Bray's been even worse since Danni moved out of his room and has stopped even talking to him unless it's absolutely necessary. In fact, I may never admit this aloud, but I kind of am starting to warm up to Danni because of a few things she's said lately.

Ebony sat in the cafe of the mall with the rest of the Mallrats gathered around, her militia standing nearby. "We've had another report come in that shows yet another twenty city kids have gone missing in as little as four days. We need to work out a better system for security, which means from now on, no one leaves the Mall without someone else with them. If necessary, the runs to the farm will need to stop. We need to find out who is doing this as soon as possible before someone from right here in this Tribe ends up being next."

"Is that a threat?" Lex stood up as he looked at Ebony with accusation. "How do we know that you aren't the one that's doing this as some form of scare tactic to keep the city under control?"

Ebony rolled her eyes, "I have nothing to do with it, I'm the one that saved you, all of you, just last week from a public lynching." She shook her head, "Forget this, either you want my help with the security or not. I'm outta here." She turned on her heel, motioning to her militia to follow her and left the mall.

Bray turned to Lex, "What did you go and do that for?" He questioned.

"Come on, you can't believe she has no idea what's happening." Lex responded.

Ryan shook his head, "I don't know. She has been different in the last few months. She hasn't caused any sort of problems."

Trudy sighed, "I don't care what's going on, I just want to be certain that my daughter remains safe." She repositioned Brady in her arms and began burping her.

Salene was sitting at her side, looking over at Ryan and trying to decide what she should do. Things between them had seemed to have been cooling down in the last few weeks. Salene wasn't quite certain whether she liked this idea or not, since she was certain that she was still in love with Bray.

Ryan glanced over at Alice, "What do you think, Alice?" He'd been growing closer to her since she came to the mall with her little sister and respected her opinion. He'd also been learning a few things from her, like how to have a backbone for one.

As Ebony left the mall, a figure was laying in wait, watching in silence while planning the mode of action that was going to be taken. He'd been watching for days for signs of them, but so far he hadn't found them. He knew that his boss was not going to be happy knowing that so far there had been no sign of the four. However, he'd come across someone else that he could easily manipulate into doing his will, doing the job he wanted done while at the same time, it could easily help him locate his quary.

Slipping back away from the nearby building, he drew himself back into the shadows and chuckled maniacally. They had better have gone a different way, otherwise he knew he'd have them trapped soon. They were such suckers for human life.

In the Woods:

Max, Isabel, Michael and Tess followed the fur covered people until they came upon what looked like a rather well organized village. The first thought that ran through Isabel's mind was that these people looked like they were living in a primitive society, then again she couldn't really say anything. Before this virus had messed everything up she'd never been in the woods more then a weekend every year when she had gone on a school camping trip with her dad and Max.

A couple of them motioned for the group to follow them and Isabel grabbed her brothers hand as he'd begun looking around and dawdling. She just wanted to learn what they were going to and then be given the chance to rest and eat. As she watched, a man removed his upper covering, the fur being placed on a small line and she couldn't help but think that for a human, he wasn't all that bad.

Glancing over at Tess, she noticed that the other girl had also noticed and was openly looking at the guy. Without caring whether she was seen or not, Isabel reached over and pinched Tess before giving her a look that said, 'don't.'

Michael watched both girls seem to lose concentration by seeing some guy stripping until he was shirtless and shook his head. Looking at Max he said, "Are you sure we should be trusting them?"

Max turned to look at Michael, "We have no reason not to, besides they are bringing us to their home. They are showing us the benefit of the doubt, we owe them the same."

Tess nodded, "Besides, if I have to I can warp them." She said simply and then walked away from the men as she saw the guy open the flap of a tent and motion for them to go in. Tess went ahead and entered first, Isabel behind her, then Max and finally Michael bringing up the rear.

As they all sat down the man introduced, "I'm Pride and this is our leader Eagle."

Isabel smiled, "It's nice to meet you both. I'm Isabel, this is my brother Max and our friends, Tess and Michael. We appreciate the hospitality you are showing us."

Eagle simply nodded, "You are welcome to stay for a couple of nights, should you decide to stay longer we'll need to ask that you pitch in as does the rest of the Tribe. We are the Gaian's and our Tribe is a peaceful one." She explained.

Max nodded, "We understand and we thank you. If there is anything we can do to repay your kindness please let me know." He couldn't help but think there was something familiar about the girl being called Eagle, like he knew her from somewhere.

Eagle stood and it was apparent as she did that she was heavy with child, in fact it seemed that she was due anytime soon. "Congradulations on the expected child," Tess spoke sincerely.

Eagle simply looked to Pride, "Guide them to the meals and guest tents."

Isabel had an idea already forming in her mind when it came to what she would be doing later, actually two things that she would be doing later. She stood as did the others and Pride led them outside. Once they were away from Eagle's range of hearing she asked, "Why did she seem to tense up at mention of her pregnancy?"

"She does not know who she is other then who she has become since joining our Tribe. She was pregnant when she came to us, as was another girl that was with her. They both have amnesia where it concerns their lives before coming here." Pride explained.

Max saw the look that passed over Isabel's face and knew what she was thinking and he couldn't seem to tell himself not to think about it himself.

The following morning, Isabel seemed to have awakened before everyone else. She'd done exactly one of the things she had planned as soon as she'd heard the night before about Eagle's amnesia. Now, all she needed to do was let her brother know and see what they could do to help her and the other girl. Some of the things she'd seen during the dreamwalk had made her very curious, then again she'd become even more curious when she'd decided to dreamwalk another certain individual.

Deciding that it would be a good idea for her to stretch her legs, she silently stood and exited the guest tent that she'd been shown to the night before. Her eyes took a moment to adjust to the light outside as she noticed that she'd awakened just at sunrise. Folding her arms across her chest, she strode toward one of the edges of the camp, affording herself the view of the beauty that shown as the sky took on different shades of pink, red and orange.

She vaguely heard someone clear their throats before turning to see Pride approaching. For a human, she got the feeling that he wasn't that bad and could even see that if she allowed herself to trust another human, he might be one she could trust.

"Good morning, Isabel." Pride said, a smile upon his lips. "Are you enjoying the view?"

Isabel nodded as she turned to look back where she had been, "It's beautiful out here. This is the first time I've had the chance to simply let myself enjoy the sight and feel of a dawning morning." She replied truthfully. She was surprised to find that she had actually relaxed in this camp when in most cases, she was always waiting for someone to descend upon them and begin experimenting on herself or the others.

"Have you and the others decided where you'll go if you leave here?" Pride asked her as he looked out over the horizon as well. He had this strange feeling that she was different in some way that was beyond his true comprehension.

Isabel shook her head, "Max was thinking we might try and hold up somewhere in the next city we came to." She drew in a deep breath, feeling that the morning air was crisp and the scent of the dew was something that was relaxing even as she continued, "I don't quite know how we would have made it if we hadn't been located by your tribe." Turning to look at him again she said, "Thanks, it's been a while since we've had the chance to simply relax in peace for more then an hour at a time. I wish we had a way that we could repay the kindness of your tribe."

"There is no need to worry about that. As was said last night, we are a peaceful tribe and having the chance to help others is something we don't mind as long as the secrets of our tribes location never get out to those that would cause trouble." Pride responded and for a few moments they lapsed into silence.

Elsewhere in the city: The man made his way into the secret hide-out belonging to the Chosen. As he entered, he immediately went to speak to the leader as he always had since joining him and letting his plan begin. As he entered he said, "Zoot Be Praised."

Guardian turned to face him as he questioned, "So, have you decided just how we are to get the Divine Child?"

He laughed, "Of course, Guardian. I can snatch the child without being caught, can take the Supreme Mother easily as well. I just want to be certain before I do that you remember that Zoot in his infinite wisdom placed you in charge of everyone else, but that I was never to take orders from you. Otherwise, I won't help you get either the child or the woman, in fact, I will help protect them instead."

The man stared down Guardian who finally nodded, "Yes, yes I know. Zoot has spoken and said you are a partner not a worker. I await the presentation of the Supreme Mother and Divine Child, when you are ready."

The man smiled and walked out of the room, making for a different one. Once he was certain he was alone, he lifted a hand in front of him and closed his eyes, taking the guise of someone that many believed to be dead. If anyone had seen beneath the door, they would have known that he was there. They would have seen the flash of light that accompanied his change. However, as he walked out of the room he pulled a hood over his features, not wanting to stir up the Chosen themselves.

He was completely willing to stir up the rest of the city however.

Ellie and Dal were walking ahead of Salene, Ryan, Cloe, and Patsy who were all going to the farm to tend to getting more of the supplies they needed before they all stopped going out that way. Dal and Ellie were talking about the things going on in the city and about what to report in the news sheet when Dal stopped in his tracks, fear and shock etched on his features.

Ellie looked to see what he was looking at and shook her head, "It can't be.. can it?" She asked in confusion.

Salene had noticed that the two had stopped and as she saw what they were looking at she did the first thing she could think of at that point, screamed. "Girl's, run back to the mall, now!" She heard Ryan say, but she couldn't take her eyes off of the figure walking towards them.

Cloe jumped, startled by the scream that Salene released. "What is it, what's wrong?" She asked after hearing Ryan yell for her and Patsy to return to the mall. No way, was she going anywhere without knowing what was going on. Cloe moved to look around and she who it was Salene had seen when she heard the all to familiar voice.

"Power and Chaos!"

Patsy turned to Cloe at the same time as the other girl turned to her and they began running quickly, making their way back toward the mall.

Dal shook his head, "Your supposed to be dead." He muttered as the man moved closer. It couldn't be Zoot. Dal knew it couldn't be, he'd been there. Seen the body...

'Zoot' grinned as he started walking toward the small group of Mallrats that were simply staring at him like they were seeing a ghost. In his mind he couldn't help but think that they were going to make this far too easy for him. However, he continued to walk, more of a plan building in his mind. Messing with these humans was turning out to be more fun then he'd expected it to be. He watched as after several stunned moments the small group ran off and simply began calling out, "Power and Chaos." It was actually fun to be able to do what he was doing.

"Jan, does this thing even give any idea of who this creep is that is pretending to be this Zoot guy?" Jan looked up as the entire group began laughing at her cousin's question. Rochelle was always rather impatient and at the moment it was definitely showing in her amber eyes that she was expecting and answer.

Jan shook her head, "Sorry, Ro. I haven't read ahead so I have no idea who or what is going on here. Don't worry, we'll find out. Who wants to read next while I start dinner?" She glanced around the group and saw that Damian was sitting there with his hand out. Standing she handed the book over to him with a smile, "Alright, you read and make certain it's read loud enough so I can hear since I'll be cooking in the kitchen. I'm making dinner for all of us."

Damian laughed, "No problem, Jan. I'll move my chair over to the passage between living room and kitchen just so we can make certain you can hear and so can everyone else."

While he spoke, he was already standing up and placing the book on the seat as he lifted the reclining chair, carrying it into the doorway that connected the two rooms. As he settled down to start reading again, Jan went about prepping the meal. Wondering just what her great-grandmother was like.

Ellie's Journal Entry One.

I'm not quite certain how it could possibly be that Zoot is alive. Jack, Dal and the others keep telling us that they saw his body. Bray even said that they gave him a burial at sea. Yet, I'd seen this guy, heard the cries of "Power and Chaos". I don't recall ever being so frightened. Alex and Jack have been working on making the alarm system even better. Tensions are running really high among the Mallrats now. Even my sister is hard to get to relax.

I haven't quite decided what to write up for the news sheet. I mean, we don't have any clue who this guy was really. So far, I've simply written about the disappearances. There was a vote done, no one plans to close the market even with everything going on. It's the belief that it keeps Moral up. I don't know about Moral, but I know that I like the idea of being able to have something else to do to keep my mind off things. I was really creeped out, but I'm worried about Bray and Lex. Yeah, I can't believe I'm worrying about Lex... but ever since we returned and informed them that we'd seen Zoot.. well.. they haven't quite been themselves.

Ebony seems strange too. I would have expected her to be happy about the chance of Zoot being back but, well she's seeming to become rather distant.

Trudy sat in the cafe, it had been three days since Salene and Ryan had returned with the others talking about seeing Zoot, but to Trudy it didn't make a difference how much time passed. She kept hold of Brady more often and she was lost in her own fear. Salene and the others were growing concerned because she hadn't really been eating all that much.

Salene carried a plate of food over and set it before Trudy, "Trudy, you need to eat. You won't be any good to Brady if you end up sick."

Trudy had heard this so many times over the last few days that she finally snapped, "Then you could take her! I know you've been wanting my daughter to be yours!" She stood up quickly, knocking her chair over and glared at Salene.

'Dal' rushed over to Trudy's side, "Why don't we go for a walk, Trudy?" He asked, hoping to calm her down. Not to mention, having an idea in his mind.

Trudy looked over at Dal and her expression softened only slightly before she nodded and picked up Brady. Together Dal and Trudy left the mall.

Elsewhere in the city:

Dal was tied into a chair with a blindfold covering his eyes. He had no idea how he'd gotten into this current situation, the last thing he remembered was feeling pain in the back of his head and then he'd awakened in his current position. For probably the hundredth time, he tried to remove the gag from his mouth, trying to use his tongue to push it out, but yet again he couldn't manage to do it. All he knew was that somehow he had to warn the Mallrats because the voice he'd heard when he'd first awakened was.. well somehow it was his voice.

In the Mall:

Liz sat on the bed in her room, Maria sitting with her as they discussed everything that was going on. "What are we going to do, Liz? We came into the city hoping that things would be alright, but maybe we would have been better off back home."

Liz shook her head, "Maria, we can't keep thinking about the past. We need to look forward, if we don't... well, we can't give up hope for a better future. Come on, this isn't the Maria DeLuca I remember growing up with. Where's the optimist?"

"Chica, Maria DeLuca is no more. I'm simply Maria now and as such, what is there to be optimistic about? I mean, certainly not a chance at a relationship. I am not going down that road." Maria responded to her best-friends question.

"You could always pick up your mom's habit and make some of her famous alien keychains." Liz joked and was glad that she managed to get a smile out of her friend.

In the Woods:

With supplies in hand and plenty of rest already had, Max and his small group had left, planning to make their way toward the city. Though, surprisingly, they weren't alone. Pride, Eagle, Wren and a couple other Gaian's had decided to travel with them. Pride said that it would be easier to make certain that their tracks were covered, and Eagle had some more of her memories back as did Wren. Both, with babies in papooses nodded as Pride asked if everyone was ready to go after the group had stopped for a small meal break.

Max had only expended a small amount of energy, making certain that it hadn't been obvious that he'd been helping when Eagle went into labor two days before. Now that she wasn't heavy with child, she was ready to travel and the healers had been amazed that she seemed healthy enough so soon after the birth of her baby girl.

Wren carried her son in his papoose and the two girls looked at each other with smiles as Tess simply looked over at Max. He knew she wasn't happy about the risk he'd taken by helping Eagle and Wren, but he'd felt the need to, especially after what his sister had told him she'd seen when she'd done the Dreamwalk.

Isabel glanced over at Pride as they walked, "So, how long do you think it will take before we reach the city?"

Eagle answered instead, "As long as we keep our current pace, we'll be there in the next three days." Isabel looked over at the girl and smiled.

Back in the City:

As 'Dal' was walking with Trudy who held Brady in her arms, he suggested they take a small break when she seemed to be tired. He'd seen that she didn't sleep well the night before. As soon as she had seemed to relax, he'd signalled the Chosen guards that were waiting nearby and distracted her with talk, long enough to wait until they were surrounded before as planned they were captured. He even made certain that it seemed as though he was being captured.

Trudy's concerned scream about her baby caused him to have to force himself not to smile as she was blindfolded and led into the nearby building that was used as a temporary headquarters. "What are you going to do with us?" He heard Trudy question fearfully as she was led into one of the rooms where the real Dal was tied up.

Before anything else happened, the man went into another room and retook his true form before walking back out and stating, "Remove the blindfold from the Supreme Mother."

As the blindfold was removed, Trudy's eyes widened as she saw how they had Dal trussed up. "Let him go!" She exclaimed.

"Oh we're going to. He's going to be our messenger since we have who we want." The man responded with a grin as he walked over to Dal, "Are you hearing me, boy?" He questioned as he removed the blindfold from the kid he'd captured the day before. Dal couldn't say anything but he tried and the man simply laughed, "Listen good, Dal. You are going to go back to the Mallrats with a message. We have Trudy and her baby and as long as The Chosen doesn't meet any resistance, they will be unharmed. Do you understand?"

Dal nodded though he looked at Trudy with concern and watched as the man signalled, the robed people began dragging Trudy away and as he watched Brady was snatched from her arms.

A few hours later, Dal was limping back into the mall and was met by an instantly concerned Alex who'd been checking the grille. "Dal, what happened to you?"

Dal shook his head as he responded breathlessly, "No time to explain. We need the tribe gathered quickly."

A girl, looking maybe eight or nine years old came across the travelers in the woods, her one piece black and silver outfit causing her to stand out. Even as she approached the small group, she simply smile as the Gaian's moved to intercept her and shook her head, "No no no, that's not the way to greet someone with news." She walked around them and stopped in front of Eagle. "Past meets present with a bang, very little time remains." She said simply before in a slight flash of white light, she was gone.

Eagle looked at the others in confusion, "Did I just imagine that little girl?" She asked, thinking maybe her mind was playing tricks on her, even as she tried to decide what the girl had meant.

Wren shook her head, "If you were, so was I. I don't know what's going on, but I think we need to hurry up and get to the city. I have a bad feeling about this."

"I agree." Eagle responded.

Max shared a look with the other three that he considered family and could see the questions in their eyes, having a feeling that they might well be thinking the same thing he was. Could this little girl somehow be like them? They had no idea whether there were more out in the world like them and they had learned that they each had an ability that the others didn't have.

Amber's Note:

Meeting that girl in the woods was strange enough, but we never expected that we'd be seeing more of her or the strange things she was capable of saying and knowing.

Ebony's Journal Entry two:

I have no idea what to think or how to act knowing that Zoot has been spotted. No one really knows what I went through with him and it actually scares me to think that after all this time there could even be a chance. I know Bray told me that Zoot was dead, but I still couldn't shake the fear and now Dal has told us about this new group called The Chosen and mentioned hearing them praising Zoot like he was some God or something.

I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever be free of the memories of what had been done to me. Trudy and the brat are gone, having been abducted and I don't know why but I kind of feel sorry for her. I mean, she seems to be stuck with some loonies. With some of the things that are happening, I'm not even certain whether I can trust anyone, not even myself. I won't admit it to the others but my sleep hasn't exactly been that peaceful, in fact I don't remember the last time I slept through the night. I wish I knew who to turn to. I never realized until this moment just how lonely I really am.

Ebony paced her office, glaring from time to time at some of the assembled militia, the others were still on assignments. "I don't want excuses anymore. I want to know what the hell is going on and who these people are. We need numbers, strengths. Everything we can possibly use. I will not tolerate anymore failures. In fact, I've decided to bring someone else into this who is known for getting the job done."

The door opened to admit Alice who walked in and waited for someone else to join her. A moment later, Kyle was also coming into the room and the two stood silently waiting to see what Ebony had to say. Kyle had been working alongside Lex and Alice at the market place as well as finding that in a way it seemed as though he might well be following in his fathers footsteps. His father would have liked that, so would his grandfather, but he wasn't completely pleased with that idea.

His attention was caught when Ebony spoke again, "Alice and Kyle are joining in this hunt for information and if they manage to learn more then any of you have that won't look too good for you. Now, get back out there and get me the information I want!"

As the militia filed out, Alice and Kyle stood there waiting until they were left with just Ebony and then Alice questioned, "What exactly was the meaning of that? When did we suddenly become members of your team?"

Ebony looked over at Alice as she responded, "Alice, we have no idea whether we have spies working among us or not. I want to know that at least two people working with me aren't spies. I need intelligence on the Chosen. Without it, we might as well consider the city gone if the take-over begins."

Kyle shook his head, "And how do you expect us to get this information?"

Ebony's grin caused him to regret that question before her words added to that feeling, "Well, simply put. Kyle you are going to make it known that you are a believer in Zoot. They may induct you into their ranks and ask you to spy on us. If they let you in, you'll be able to bring back information to me but it would look wrong if we met after that point so Alice will be our contact person since you would be in the mall."

"Oh No! Ebony, I am not the type that could act something like that out. I don't have the ability to carry something like this off. Ask Liz or Maria, even Alex and they will tell you I was simply always the jock." Kyle's voice sounded with slight panic.

Alice turned to Kyle, "Would either of them be able to do it?"

Kyle shrugged, "Maybe Maria, but I wouldn't want to put her at risk. I don't think she'd do it even though I am certain she could pull it off."

Alice smiled, "I'll talk to her then." She turned to Ebony, "If that's all you wanted for now, we'd better start making this look good and get out of here."

Ebony nodded, "Just be careful and if you see any of my militia, don't let them suspect you."

Alex glanced over at Jack as they prepared to test their newest invention they'd created together. "If this works everyone is going to love us, Jack." He said as he reached his hand out for one of the switches.

"It'll work." Jack responded. "It has to work because it will give us more opportunities here."

Both of them pressed their switches and listened as the small humming noise filled the air and watched the indicators. Alex moved to test the charge and smiled. "Looks like your right, Jack. We now have a solar generator to power the mall."

"Let's give it a day to build a charge then we'll show the others tomorrow." Jack suggested and Alex nodded, though he wasn't quite certain how he would be able to keep from saying anything to his best-friends. He had never liked keeping secrets from his best-friends and had never been any good at it either.

Guardian stood overlooking his chosen as he lifted Brady, "The Will of Zoot is clear, my brethren. We have both Divine Child and Supreme Mother as The Spirit has shown us. Now we will prepare for cleansing the Babylon and spreading the Message of Almighty Zoot."

"Praise be to Zoot." Trudy said as she stood at his side, fear forcing her to remain still and she attempted to keep herself from crying.

"And to his Chosen victory!" Came the cry of the Chosen.

Guardian looked over his assembled followers, "Who am I?" He asked them as he did many times.

"You are the Guardian of Zoot's Word." Came the reply.

"Who are you and what will you inherit?"

"We are the Chosen of Zoot and will have Power and Chaos." They began before taking up a chant of "Power and Chaos."

Trudy longed to hold her daughter but had been kept from her accept for on similar occasions as this. She was afraid for her daughter, terrified that they would never be free of this madness. As the Guardian looked at her she intoned loudly, "Zoot lives!" She knew what was expected of her and as long as it kept her alive so she might have some hope she would do whatever was necessary.

Michael's Journal Entry One:

Yeah, I decided I might as well write things down in someway, though I am carefully keeping it hidden from everyone else at the moment. I don't understand why it seems that Isabel and Max are still so determined to act human. I mean, we aren't really and I'm getting tired of all the please and thank you's. I would much rather be doing something, not to mention I want to have a reason to use my powers.

Sometimes, I wish we knew a way to return to where we came from. I know we aren't from this miserable planet and for us to be stuck here was frustrating. Even before this virus had struck, I didn't consider this place home. Never had and doubted I ever would. I don't know how many times I went to school hiding bruises from my foster fathers little drunken moments. Max and Isabel had been lucky, they had parents that loved them.

I'm still not certain that I trust Tess. We'd only known her a couple months before the virus and I think the only reason we let her come along was because she is one of us.

Tess Journal Entry One:

I wish I knew a way to get Max to believe what Nacedo had told him about his past being entwined with mine. I can't help but feel love toward Max, he was my husband in our other life. I don't understand why they can't remember our lives before. Though, I'm kind of glad that Isabel can't. She seems a much better person now then she did when she was Vilandra. Michael is the same as he was when he was Rath and Max is still similar to Zan. I just wish that Max could remember how beautiful our love was.

I know that the only reason I remember so well is because of the fact that Nacedo helped me and I also know that one of the reasons going toward this city was good was because Nacedo had told me we'd find more from our past not far from there. So, unwittingly, Max was having us go exactly where I was kind of unofficially guiding him without saying a word.

I just hoped that when we found what we were going there for, Max would remember.

"I thought I told you we were through, Bray." Danni commented softly as Bray attempted to talk to her as though they were still lovers. She was growing tired of fighting it because she really did love him.

"I've told you, I'm sorry for making you feel like you were competing with a memory." Bray said earnestly. His hands on her shoulders as he looked in her eyes.

"Bray, just leave me alone. I'm not going to be on a rollercoaster ride with my emotions." Danni responded, painfully close to tears.

Bray shook his head, "I can't.. I.. I love you Danni. I can't stop thinking of you. I dream of you." Before she could say anything, he leaned over and kissed her gently yet with insistance.

Danni pushed at him, not wanting to give in even though she could feel her resolve weakening even as she felt his arms go around her and before she could even think of her reasons why she was fighting him, she melted under his kiss and let herself enjoy it for the time being. In the back of her mind she insisted that this didn't mean she was back with him.

Bray pulled back slightly and looked at her, "How can I prove that I love you and want to be with you?" He asked her softly.

Danni looked into his eyes seeing the pleading in their depths and shook her head, "I don't know, Bray. It'll take time." Before she could even think to respond further, she walked away from him and made her way to the cafe' where the others were gathering for the meal.

Isabel's Journal Entry One:

I'm not quite certain what to think, we've stopped for another break on our way toward the city and already, I'm concerned that this move might be a bad one. The only thing that seems to fit is that Eagle had dreams of someone else and of a place in the mall. I remembered when I first slipped into her dream that I was standing in pitch darkness, waiting to see what was going to be revealed and the first thing was I'd heard distant voices. Someone speaking to a girl named Amber and then Eagle's voice saying the name Bray.

I'd heard other voices and slowly images seemed to come into focus. I'd seen Eagle standing amongst a group of people and watched as she'd tried asking these people who they were, why she recognized them and who she was. I'd felt so down about this, like there had to be something I could do to help, so I had gone and told Max what I'd seen.

I was glad when Max went and helped the girl and then even found that he wanted to help the other girl, now I was just wishing that we knew whether or not they knew their real names or not.

Pride wasn't quite certain what to think at the moment, these people that he was traveling with other then his tribe members seemed somehow different. Yet, he was more concerned with Eagle and what was happening there. He cared a great deal for her and was worried that by her taking this trip to the city, she would decide that her old life; whatever it was; was more of what she wanted. He sighed as they started picking up and preparing to continue on their journey. It was only another few days and he hoped that she would be returning with him, but down deep he had a feeling that wouldn't be the case.

Eagle looked over at Pride with a smile, "Is everything alright, Pride?" She questioned, her blue eyes filled with concern.

Pride turned to smile in response, "Everything is fine, Eagle. I've just been deep in thought. Are we all packed up and ready to go." Eagle's baby had proven to be rather quiet during the journey thus far, where as Wren's had shown that he wanted attention.

After a moment, he turned to see that Wren was seated on the ground a blanket wrapped slightly around her and could tell she was probably feeding her son. He knew that Falcon was taking some getting used to for her, but she could also see how she and one of his tribe members were beginning to look at each other. As he glanced their way, he saw said Gaian standing there and watching Wren with a smile.

In a way, he felt that even this was not going to be a good thing once they reached the city limits. If not for Eagle; who had told him she remembered some of her old life including her old name; he would happily lengthen their journey as much as possible. He wished though that Eagle would share what she remembered with him, help ease some of his concerns, but he wouldn't ask that of her.

Max stood and watched everyone preparing to move on yet again. He wished there was something he could do that would get them there faster and yet a part of him had enjoyed their short tenure amongst the noble Gaian's. Thus far, since the virus had taken the adults, the Gaian's were the first group fo people he had found that were true to their word when it came to being a peaceful tribe. Isabel had even seemed to be at peace from time to time and he was glad that she'd been able to relax.

All he had was his sister and his best-friend Michael and now Tess whom he was still trying to figure out. He only knew that he had a power that was capable of being used to help people, but that no matter how hard he'd tried he wasn't able to save his parents. If not for his sisters obvious insistance he wouldn't have used his power again, but it seemed to be something she needed him to do and he couldn't let Isabel down. Looking over at Isabel, he smiled as he saw her talking with one of the Gaian's who he had learned was called Wind Walker.

Glancing around, he saw that Wren had finished breast feeding her son and was getting ready to get to her feet and walked over, holding a hand out to her. "I'll help, Wren." He said with a smile.

Wren placed her hand in Max's with a smile. "Thank you, Max." She said as he helped her to a standing position. Once she was standing she placed her son in his papoose and wrapped it around her back.

The instant Max had touched her hand, he saw a flash of images run through his mind and looked at her as he released her hand and stated softly, "You're married, Wren." He'd seen her in what appeared to be wedding clothes standing with a guy with dark hair and seen a ring being slipped onto her finger among other things, but it was this one that had stood out the most.

"Wh..What do you mean?" Wren asked as she looked at him. "How do you know?" Her voice was low so that none of the others could hear her.

"I can't really explain it, I just have this feeling." Max told her, hating the fact that he was hiding the truth of how he'd seen and wishing he hadn't spoke. If he somehow revealed himself, he would have been risking the others as well.

Wren looked slightly nervous as she said, "Please, don't say anything to the others. I think I am too, but can't quite remember."

Max nodded, "I promise, I won't say anything. This is your secret to share not mine."

Liz's Journal Entry One:

I was Liz Parker, but one day several months ago that changed and I became simply Liz. No one knows where the virus came from, though Jack and Ellie are actively seeking those answers which have been harder to look for with the arrival of the Chosen's threat. I'm not sure I want to know, I feel better just knowing that thanks to Tai-San we had an antidote. Maria, Alex and I have always been close and my relationship with Kyle hasn't changed that.

I've been thinking lately, that with everything else that's going on the only thing normal in my life is my friendships and being with Kyle. Though, there's something different going on with me I think. I've begun feeling like maybe I shouldn't be dating Kyle anymore. It's strange but other couples have begun sharing rooms and other things but I haven't wanted that with Kyle and it seems as though he does.

Maria and Alex both agree with me in feeling that some traditions should be held onto, I'm just not certain which ones anymore.

Ryan's Note:

We know that there are certain things we could keep going on and on about, dragging out days, but we decided that at points we would skip over days so the next part you'll read is a few days later.

Jan was finished with the meal and called out, "Alright, everyone come dish out some food and get a drink. We'll take a break from reading just long enough to eat."

"I'm going to read, while we eat. This is getting my interest going more then I thought possible. I mean, who is this strange little girl and how does this Max, Isabel, Tess and Michael seem to have powers?" Oriel asked as she stood, taking the book from her brother and carrying it with her toward the kitchen.

Marcus laughed, "I agree, I would like to know more as well. I mean, these are our ancestors. We're not just reading their stories, but their thoughts. I always wondered when Grandma Brady told me about growing up as a Mallrat what some of them were thinking and feeling. And to learn that she and my great-grandmother were kidnapped by some freaks when she hadn't been old enough to remember that... well it's.."

"Amazing." Sandra finished for him laughing at her cousin's speachlessness. He simply nodded and she smiled, "I agree too. I think we can still read while eating."

Jan nodded, "I feel the same too, I guess. I am wondering how my great-grandparents actually got together because so far there hasn't been any mention of that."

Oriel got her meal and took a seat as she began reading again, taking a bite of food here and there.