[u]Part 22[/u]
Will and Liz had been standing with their hands twined together holding the orb for what seemed like forever.
Alex let out a long sigh when he realized that he had been holding his breath. He thought he heard Michael huffing with impatience but he didn't turn his head to make sure. He didn't want to miss it.whatever [I]it[/I] was.
All he knew was that nothing was happening. He wasn't really sure what was supposed to happen, being as he hadn't witnessed that damn destiny message back in the spring, but it was pretty obvious that nothing was happening now.
He didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing. Glancing at Max, who was beginning to relax, he had to think it was a [I]good[/I] thing. But from the look of anticipation and hope on Kate's face, he felt a real spasm of desire for it to work, because she wanted it to, so badly. He couldn't help the slight admiration he felt that she cared so much about her brother.
Of course, she wasn't the only alien princess he knew who cared about her brother. Alex felt a flash of guilt as he reflected that it was the first time he had actually thought about how Isabel might react to these proceedings were she around. The fact that she wasn't.He just [I]knew[/I] that it was his fault. Maria had been right to fly off the handle at him earlier. His loyalties were becoming divided and it was wrong. Even if he knew that he and Isabel likely weren't meant to be, he still owed her his allegiance. In spite of everything, she was his friend and he had hurt her. Sure, she had hurt him a lot over the past few weeks too, but the difference was that she hadn't done it on purpose.
He had.
As he stared at Kate now, he realized that it was true. Alex had been hurt by Isabel and he had known exactly how to hurt her back and so he had done it. It had been wrong. And now he was forgetting all about her because of the new girl in town.
What if something had happened to her? She was obviously missing and it couldn't be a coincidence that there had been an orb left on the counter in Michael's apartment. What if it was a ransom message? What would they do then?
Alex grimaced in frustration. Why wasn't anything [I]happening?[/I]
He saw that Will was starting to sweat. Alex could see his desire to make the orb work imprinted on his face. Liz looked no less determined, but clearly for an entirely different reason. For Will, if he and Liz could activate the orb, it meant they were the mated pair. Alex suspected that all Liz really cared about was getting the information contained within it.
"It shouldn't be taking this long," Kate whispered to Alex. "I think we should let Max and Tess."
But Tess had obviously already decided that this was the route to take. "Give that to me," she snapped, having come from behind Kyle to snatch the orb from Liz and Will. "Max, come here."
Liz's eyes snapped open and she frowned slightly. She didn't seem mad though, merely confused. Alex watched her gaze meet Max's. They stared at each other for a long moment. Max's eyebrow was raised questioningly, but Liz shrugged, then shook her head, beginning to look upset. Alex was surprised to see an expression of satisfaction cross Max's face.
"Will." Alex felt Kate move away from his side to comfort her brother. Will had turned his back when Tess had taken the orb. Alex could see the tension he was feeling in the stiff line of his back.
"Liz?" Alex asked quietly. "What happened?"
She didn't answer though, merely narrowed her eyes as Max and Tess moved together and linked hands, holding the green alien communicator between them. Max seemed somewhat reluctant but Tess was eager, obviously wanting to prove once and for all that she and Max [I]were[/I] the matched pair, whether Max wanted to believe it or not.
Alex was really tempted to start tapping his foot when nothing happened this time either.
"Is it just me or is this all a little anticlimactic?" Alex tried not to smirk at Kyle's loud whisper. He wasn't quite sure who it was directed at, but this whole process certainly was turning out to be a whole big lot of nothing.
"Okay, is that thing defective?" Michael demanded loudly.
Max's eyes were open again and he was staring down at the orb, his face etched with concentration. "I can't [I]feel[/I] it," he finally admitted. He looked up at Will, who had turned around again, his face now expressionless. "I mean, I can feel that there's something there, but it's like a lock and I don't have the right key." Alex saw Will nod reluctantly, like he hated to agree with Max, but that he did in spite of it.
"I think Max and Liz should try it." This came from Maria. Alex whipped his head around to stare at her, as did most of the others. "I mean, I don't care what [I]any[/I] of you say," she said, looking right at Liz, who, strangely, seemed uncomfortable. "I've always known that they belong together. I bet they can make it work. Especially if everyone's right and Liz [I]is[/I] a Czechoslovakian."
"That's crazy!" Tess exclaimed. "Max and I made the orb work in the pod chamber. Obviously something's just [I]wrong[/I] with this one."
"I've been thinking," Maria continued, ignoring Tess. Maria [I]thought[/I] about things other than Michael? Alex reflected in wonder. "Since Max told us last night that Liz is supposedly this Rowena chick. Is it or is it not true that anytime Max has made one of those alien thingies work, Liz has been nearby? And I'm not just talking orbs. I'm talking healing stones too."
"This is insane!" Tess said. "What are you even saying?"
Maria looked at Tess, exasperated. "Tess, I'm not trying to step on your toes here. I told you last night that I believe that [I]you[/I] believe that you and Max are supposed to be together, but try and look at it from an outsider's perspective. Because that's what I am and I don't have all the emotional baggage you all do." She turned her head, regarded Michael. "You've never believed that you and Isabel have to be together, but you do buy that you're matched in your four square thingie. You guys have always worked well together and since you've known that you are a pair, you've been able to control your powers a lot more. Have you noticed that?"
Michael nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe." He paused, then admitted sheepishly. "Not that I'm very good even now."
"You're improving," Maria reminded him, "And it's [I]only[/I] been since you found out about the four square. It's like you found your focus or something."
"Go on." This came from Max, who was listening intently.
"Okay, so think about it. When that orb worked the first time, Liz was there. And when you guys brought Nasedo back to life the first time, she was there too. She [I]wasn't[/I] there when you tried to heal him a few weeks ago and it didn't work. Maybe the times it did work, Max was tapping into his connection to Liz or something, without even knowing about it."
"This doesn't make any sense," Will interrupted. "Rowena belongs to [I]our[/I] four square. Why would you even think about these things?"
Maria glared at him. "I wasn't thinking that Liz was an alien dummy! I was thinking about focus." She looked at Michael. "It's why I haven't fully believed that you don't have feelings for Isabel - because she made you find your focus. I've always seen it with Max and [I]knew[/I] it was because of Liz and since your powers have improved lately, I thought it was because of Isabel. I thought you were falling in love with her," she finished quietly. "But now I see that's it's because of the four square."
"Maria, are you insane?" Michael demanded. "I don't love Isabel! [I]You're[/I] the reason I'm more focused. Don't you remember what I told you? I don't trust that I'm not going to hurt you. That's why I've improved - so that I won't!"
Alex wondered if Michael and Maria were even aware that they weren't alone anymore. "Michael."
"Maria, I love [I]you[/I]."
"Oh Michael! I know. I'm just saying that I'm not jealous anymore." She rushed towards him and they started kissing, making Alex's face flame twelve shades of read. Would Liz and Maria [I]never[/I] understand that forcing him to watch such displays was enough to scar him for life?
"Okay, this is sweet and all."Kyle interrupted, who sounded like he would prefer to be anywhere but in the alley. Alex was beginning to agree. "But is there a point somewhere in our future? Maria, keep talking woman!"
"I think these people are crazy," Alex heard Will mutter to Kate and was forced to wonder if maybe the alien king was right. While Maria and Michael seemed to understand what the hell they had been talking about, no one else did if the expressions on his friends' faces were any indication.
Maria turned herself within Michael's embrace. "Sorry, got a little distracted there. Anyway, as I was saying, maybe it's because he loves her, maybe it's alien stuff, or maybe it's both, which makes sense because Michael has both now too, but, whatever it is, Liz makes Max focus. I think they can make it work."
"Well, if that's true, why didn't it work with Max and Tess?" Kate asked quietly. "Liz is [I]here[/I]."
"Yes, she [I]is[/I], isn't she?" Max's voice seemed strangely challenging to Alex's ears, like maybe Liz [I]wasn't[/I], although she was standing right in front of them. He looked at his friend curiously but could see that Max was staring at Liz, his expression firm.
"I don't think this is a good idea," Liz said, worried and glancing at Will.
"I think it's a [I]great[/I]idea," Max retorted. "Even if I still have no idea what Maria was [I]really[/I] saying, I think it's the best idea I've heard all day."
Alex was beginning to realize that Max and Liz were entering into a battle of wills the rest of them couldn't begin to understand.
"Max."
"[I]Liz[/I]." Max's emphasis on Liz's name seemed overly significant.
Liz finally sighed. "Fine." She stomped over to him, placing her hands on the orb along with his. "But this is stupid. It's not going to work. Michael's right. This orb is defect."
She was cut off by a blast of light so intense, Alex was forced to shield his eyes. He heard Tess screech in surprise and Michael's patented "What the hell?" before he was able to refocus.
"Well, it's about frigging time," Kyle muttered. Alex realized that the jock was now standing at his elbow, as though having identified the person most likely to commiserate with him through this strange alien sideshow. Alex could hear how pleased Kyle was though, as though he was happy that Max had made the orb work with anyone other than Tess.
Alex did not reply, his entire attention abruptly focused on the image of a short kid, who was now standing in front of them. Or at least a hologram type projection of said kid was standing in front of them.
"Hello Zan. Bet you thought you'd seen the last of me."
"Nicholas," Michael ground out through clenched teeth. Alex tilted his head and studied the face of their enemy. He hadn't been in Copper Summit after all and hadn't seen him before. He didn't [I]look[/I] scary.
His opinion changed abruptly when the image flickered, replaced by that of Isabel tied to a chair. Alex felt his blood run cold. Izzy's head was lowered, her blonde hair falling into her face. She was quite obviously unconscious. "Imagine my surprise to find Vilandra wandering the streets of Roswell all alone. She hasn't quite been convinced to change her allegiances again, but I'm working on her."
Alex could hear Maria gasped as Nicholas's hand came up and planted itself firmly on Isabel's head. Isabel's eyes snapped open and rolled up into her head as she screamed. Alex couldn't tell what the little troll was doing to her, but there was no question that she was in excruciating pain. Nicholas chuckled to himself before moving his hand. Isabel slumped into her chair again.
[I]Oh God! Isabel![/I]
Had she been in that small monster's clutches since she had run out of the Crashdown yesterday? That was over twenty-four hours ago! Alex clenched his fists at his sides.
"That's what we on Antar call a mind-rape Zan. I know you don't remember them, but know that enough of them can bring religion to even the most hardened atheist. Not only am I getting some interesting information from your sister, I'm also reminding her of exactly what kind of bastard you once were. When I'm done with Vivi here, she's going to wish she never knew your name. She'll remember exactly why she turned on you last time and she'll join Khivar again too."
Alex turned his head to look at Max. Isabel's brother was standing ramrod straight, his jaw clenched as he listened. Liz was beside him, holding onto his arm and watching the message, a horrified expression on her face.
He looked back and saw Nicholas's projected image start to pace in front of them. "Of course, as much as I know Khivar wants the lovely Vilandra back in his bed, there is something else he wants more."
"The granolith," Kate gasped. Alex looked at her sharply. She seemed just as dismayed as any of them. "Will, what is he [I]doing?[/I]"
"I'd be willing to make a little trade," Nicholas continued, turning back and staring right into whatever was recording him. "Your sister for the granolith. I want it's location by six o'clock tonight or Isabel Evans will cease to exist and Vilandra and I will have some fun before I turn her over to Khivar." He quirked a malicious little grin. "Don't worry about finding me your highness. I have my eyes on you. I'll come to you once I know you've made your decision."
With that, the image flickered and disappeared. They all stood there in silence for several long moments. Alex knew his mouth was hanging open. His entire being was focused on one fact alone.
Isabel. She was in trouble and it was all his fault.
This was exactly what he was thinking when all hell broke loose.
"SON OF A BITCH!"
Michael was on Will an instant later. Kate screamed as Alex's friend thrust her brother up against the brick wall of the Crashdown. His rage was a palatable force. "Where is she? Where did your creepy little brat take her?"
Will's hands were clutching at Michael's arm, which had him pinned at the neck. He obviously couldn't breathe, let alone talk and, fortunately, the lack of oxygen seemed to have caused the alien king to forget that he was capable of blasting Michael if he wanted to. Alex crossed his arms, not the least bit concerned that Michael might very well kill Will. What the hell had Will, Khivar, whoever he was, unleashed on them? How could he have allowed Nicholas to take Isabel?
"Alex! Alex, stop him!" Kate had grabbed his arm, was shaking it. "Will did not authorize this. I swear to God." Alex looked down at her, scowling. Her blue eyes were pleading, but as he watched they narrowed. "Alex, I don't want to hurt Michael, but if he doesn't let Will go, I'm going to have to."
Alex shook her off. In spite of whatever attraction he might feel for her, when it came to a choice between these new acquaintances and Isabel, there was no choice to be made.
He glanced at Max, who stood staring at the scene in front of him, no expression on his face. A muscle twitching in his jaw was the only indication that he was at all upset. "Michael," he finally said, after what seemed like an inordinate amount of time. "Let him talk."
Alex could see that Liz had moved forward, was tugging on Michael's arm. "Michael, he needs to be allowed to talk."
Michael growled but loosened his grip. Alex was amazed that Will still didn't unleash his gifts. He had been half-expecting it. Instead, he took several deep breaths, coughing slightly, then managed to say, "I swear I had.nothing.to do with this." He raised his head, looked at Liz, who seemed to be the only person whose opinion he cared about. "I don't know what the hell he was talking about Rowena. I swear to God I had nothing to do with this."
"I thought Nicholas worked for you," Max interjected. "Why did he take her if not for you?"
Will looked at him, his expression, for once, non-confrontational. "He wants the location of the granolith. It's the only way to save himself. I did not order this though. This is not how we do things."
"Can you contact him? Make him give her back?" Max asked quietly.
"Maxwell! You don't [I]believe[/I] him?" Michael sounded outraged as he glanced over his shoulder at Max, because he was still holding Will firmly against the wall.
"I can try," Will replied. "But the fact that he went and did this when he [I]knew[/I] we were already here working another angle."
"You expected to convince Liz to tell you where it was," Max said, shaking his head in disgust.
Will shrugged, after finally struggling hard against Michael and managing to break free. "Yes. I admit it. I thought that once Ro remembered who she was, she'd tell us. Once she knew that we weren't going to use it for anything but good. My only intention, ever, has been to save my people with it. I don't take playing with the granolith lightly." He paused, as though implying that others - namely Max - might. Will glanced at Liz, who had her head tilted thoughtfully, seemed to decide to abandon that route. After all, he was trying to convince Max to believe him. Hostility was extremely out of place at the moment. Alex almost felt proud of the arrogant alien king, like Will was, for once, thinking how what he said might be perceived.
"Anyway, I don't know what he's doing," Will continued. "This was [I]not[/I] part of the plan. Vilandra is [I]not[/I], nor has she ever been, my enemy."
"I'd guess not, seeing as she betrayed Max for you and all." Michael said sarcastically. Alex whipped his head around and stared at Michael. [I]This[/I] was news to him. "But it's all becoming clear now. You seduced her."
"Who told you that?" Will demanded. "That is a complete lie!"
"Nicholas [I]just[/I] said it," Michael retorted. "Didn't you hear it? We knew that you somehow made Vilandra switch sides but we didn't know it was by pretending to love her."
Will was outraged when he snapped, "I did [I]not[/I] seduce Vilandra!" He looked at Liz. "Rowena, that is completely untrue!"
"Then why the hell did the troll just say it?" Michael asked, sounding smug, like it amused him that Will wasn't nearly so perfect as he tried to pretend.
"I heard him," Kyle agreed. "He [I]did[/I]say it."
"I have no idea," Will said, sounding completely confused now. "I really have no idea." The tone of his voice was so unsure that Alex couldn't help but believe him.
"It doesn't matter." Alex looked at Max, who gently took Michael by the shoulder and pulled him away from Will. "What happened before is not what is important." He glanced at Liz again as he said it. "The important thing is the fact that Isabel is being held by Nicholas and that Jack is still missing."
"Oh God!" Kate stepped forward. "Will, he can't be working [I]with[/I] Nicholas?" She appeared on the verge of tears, making Alex's heart ache in spite of his new resolve to side with [I]his[/I] Czechoslovakians. She brightened. "Maybe he mindraped Jack too!"
"You say that like it's a good thing," Kyle interjected. "Mindraping sounds [I]all[/I] bad to me."
"I don't even know what he [I]means[/I] by it," Kate replied, lowering her eyes. "But he seemed to be implying that he could change Vilandra by doing it. Maybe he did the same thing to Jack."
"Maybe," Will said quietly, obviously now upset. "I don't even know [I]what[/I] to think anymore."
"We can figure all this out later," Liz interjected smoothly. Alex noticed that she had taken Max by the hand and was reaching for Will's as well. "Here's the thing guys. Whether you like it or not, we're all in this together now. No one knows what's going on and the only thing we can do is trust each other."
Alex saw Max's eyes narrow, but he nodded, "She's right." He gently let go of Liz's hand and moved it towards Will. "You can go back to hating me after this is over if you really want to, but right now I need you to help me get Isabel back." He paused, then swallowed. "If you do that, maybe we can talk about the granolith."
"Max!" Tess exclaimed, sounding horrified. "You can't do this! You're playing right into their hands!"
"I said we'd [I]talk[/I] about it," Max repeated firmly. "And I will do anything to save my sister."
Will continued to hold Liz's hand for another moment, his eyes glued to Max's face assessingly. He glanced once at Kate, who Alex saw nod in encouragement. He finally allowed Liz to guide his hand until he was grasping Max's in a firm handshake.
"You've got a deal."
To be continued.
Will and Liz had been standing with their hands twined together holding the orb for what seemed like forever.
Alex let out a long sigh when he realized that he had been holding his breath. He thought he heard Michael huffing with impatience but he didn't turn his head to make sure. He didn't want to miss it.whatever [I]it[/I] was.
All he knew was that nothing was happening. He wasn't really sure what was supposed to happen, being as he hadn't witnessed that damn destiny message back in the spring, but it was pretty obvious that nothing was happening now.
He didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing. Glancing at Max, who was beginning to relax, he had to think it was a [I]good[/I] thing. But from the look of anticipation and hope on Kate's face, he felt a real spasm of desire for it to work, because she wanted it to, so badly. He couldn't help the slight admiration he felt that she cared so much about her brother.
Of course, she wasn't the only alien princess he knew who cared about her brother. Alex felt a flash of guilt as he reflected that it was the first time he had actually thought about how Isabel might react to these proceedings were she around. The fact that she wasn't.He just [I]knew[/I] that it was his fault. Maria had been right to fly off the handle at him earlier. His loyalties were becoming divided and it was wrong. Even if he knew that he and Isabel likely weren't meant to be, he still owed her his allegiance. In spite of everything, she was his friend and he had hurt her. Sure, she had hurt him a lot over the past few weeks too, but the difference was that she hadn't done it on purpose.
He had.
As he stared at Kate now, he realized that it was true. Alex had been hurt by Isabel and he had known exactly how to hurt her back and so he had done it. It had been wrong. And now he was forgetting all about her because of the new girl in town.
What if something had happened to her? She was obviously missing and it couldn't be a coincidence that there had been an orb left on the counter in Michael's apartment. What if it was a ransom message? What would they do then?
Alex grimaced in frustration. Why wasn't anything [I]happening?[/I]
He saw that Will was starting to sweat. Alex could see his desire to make the orb work imprinted on his face. Liz looked no less determined, but clearly for an entirely different reason. For Will, if he and Liz could activate the orb, it meant they were the mated pair. Alex suspected that all Liz really cared about was getting the information contained within it.
"It shouldn't be taking this long," Kate whispered to Alex. "I think we should let Max and Tess."
But Tess had obviously already decided that this was the route to take. "Give that to me," she snapped, having come from behind Kyle to snatch the orb from Liz and Will. "Max, come here."
Liz's eyes snapped open and she frowned slightly. She didn't seem mad though, merely confused. Alex watched her gaze meet Max's. They stared at each other for a long moment. Max's eyebrow was raised questioningly, but Liz shrugged, then shook her head, beginning to look upset. Alex was surprised to see an expression of satisfaction cross Max's face.
"Will." Alex felt Kate move away from his side to comfort her brother. Will had turned his back when Tess had taken the orb. Alex could see the tension he was feeling in the stiff line of his back.
"Liz?" Alex asked quietly. "What happened?"
She didn't answer though, merely narrowed her eyes as Max and Tess moved together and linked hands, holding the green alien communicator between them. Max seemed somewhat reluctant but Tess was eager, obviously wanting to prove once and for all that she and Max [I]were[/I] the matched pair, whether Max wanted to believe it or not.
Alex was really tempted to start tapping his foot when nothing happened this time either.
"Is it just me or is this all a little anticlimactic?" Alex tried not to smirk at Kyle's loud whisper. He wasn't quite sure who it was directed at, but this whole process certainly was turning out to be a whole big lot of nothing.
"Okay, is that thing defective?" Michael demanded loudly.
Max's eyes were open again and he was staring down at the orb, his face etched with concentration. "I can't [I]feel[/I] it," he finally admitted. He looked up at Will, who had turned around again, his face now expressionless. "I mean, I can feel that there's something there, but it's like a lock and I don't have the right key." Alex saw Will nod reluctantly, like he hated to agree with Max, but that he did in spite of it.
"I think Max and Liz should try it." This came from Maria. Alex whipped his head around to stare at her, as did most of the others. "I mean, I don't care what [I]any[/I] of you say," she said, looking right at Liz, who, strangely, seemed uncomfortable. "I've always known that they belong together. I bet they can make it work. Especially if everyone's right and Liz [I]is[/I] a Czechoslovakian."
"That's crazy!" Tess exclaimed. "Max and I made the orb work in the pod chamber. Obviously something's just [I]wrong[/I] with this one."
"I've been thinking," Maria continued, ignoring Tess. Maria [I]thought[/I] about things other than Michael? Alex reflected in wonder. "Since Max told us last night that Liz is supposedly this Rowena chick. Is it or is it not true that anytime Max has made one of those alien thingies work, Liz has been nearby? And I'm not just talking orbs. I'm talking healing stones too."
"This is insane!" Tess said. "What are you even saying?"
Maria looked at Tess, exasperated. "Tess, I'm not trying to step on your toes here. I told you last night that I believe that [I]you[/I] believe that you and Max are supposed to be together, but try and look at it from an outsider's perspective. Because that's what I am and I don't have all the emotional baggage you all do." She turned her head, regarded Michael. "You've never believed that you and Isabel have to be together, but you do buy that you're matched in your four square thingie. You guys have always worked well together and since you've known that you are a pair, you've been able to control your powers a lot more. Have you noticed that?"
Michael nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe." He paused, then admitted sheepishly. "Not that I'm very good even now."
"You're improving," Maria reminded him, "And it's [I]only[/I] been since you found out about the four square. It's like you found your focus or something."
"Go on." This came from Max, who was listening intently.
"Okay, so think about it. When that orb worked the first time, Liz was there. And when you guys brought Nasedo back to life the first time, she was there too. She [I]wasn't[/I] there when you tried to heal him a few weeks ago and it didn't work. Maybe the times it did work, Max was tapping into his connection to Liz or something, without even knowing about it."
"This doesn't make any sense," Will interrupted. "Rowena belongs to [I]our[/I] four square. Why would you even think about these things?"
Maria glared at him. "I wasn't thinking that Liz was an alien dummy! I was thinking about focus." She looked at Michael. "It's why I haven't fully believed that you don't have feelings for Isabel - because she made you find your focus. I've always seen it with Max and [I]knew[/I] it was because of Liz and since your powers have improved lately, I thought it was because of Isabel. I thought you were falling in love with her," she finished quietly. "But now I see that's it's because of the four square."
"Maria, are you insane?" Michael demanded. "I don't love Isabel! [I]You're[/I] the reason I'm more focused. Don't you remember what I told you? I don't trust that I'm not going to hurt you. That's why I've improved - so that I won't!"
Alex wondered if Michael and Maria were even aware that they weren't alone anymore. "Michael."
"Maria, I love [I]you[/I]."
"Oh Michael! I know. I'm just saying that I'm not jealous anymore." She rushed towards him and they started kissing, making Alex's face flame twelve shades of read. Would Liz and Maria [I]never[/I] understand that forcing him to watch such displays was enough to scar him for life?
"Okay, this is sweet and all."Kyle interrupted, who sounded like he would prefer to be anywhere but in the alley. Alex was beginning to agree. "But is there a point somewhere in our future? Maria, keep talking woman!"
"I think these people are crazy," Alex heard Will mutter to Kate and was forced to wonder if maybe the alien king was right. While Maria and Michael seemed to understand what the hell they had been talking about, no one else did if the expressions on his friends' faces were any indication.
Maria turned herself within Michael's embrace. "Sorry, got a little distracted there. Anyway, as I was saying, maybe it's because he loves her, maybe it's alien stuff, or maybe it's both, which makes sense because Michael has both now too, but, whatever it is, Liz makes Max focus. I think they can make it work."
"Well, if that's true, why didn't it work with Max and Tess?" Kate asked quietly. "Liz is [I]here[/I]."
"Yes, she [I]is[/I], isn't she?" Max's voice seemed strangely challenging to Alex's ears, like maybe Liz [I]wasn't[/I], although she was standing right in front of them. He looked at his friend curiously but could see that Max was staring at Liz, his expression firm.
"I don't think this is a good idea," Liz said, worried and glancing at Will.
"I think it's a [I]great[/I]idea," Max retorted. "Even if I still have no idea what Maria was [I]really[/I] saying, I think it's the best idea I've heard all day."
Alex was beginning to realize that Max and Liz were entering into a battle of wills the rest of them couldn't begin to understand.
"Max."
"[I]Liz[/I]." Max's emphasis on Liz's name seemed overly significant.
Liz finally sighed. "Fine." She stomped over to him, placing her hands on the orb along with his. "But this is stupid. It's not going to work. Michael's right. This orb is defect."
She was cut off by a blast of light so intense, Alex was forced to shield his eyes. He heard Tess screech in surprise and Michael's patented "What the hell?" before he was able to refocus.
"Well, it's about frigging time," Kyle muttered. Alex realized that the jock was now standing at his elbow, as though having identified the person most likely to commiserate with him through this strange alien sideshow. Alex could hear how pleased Kyle was though, as though he was happy that Max had made the orb work with anyone other than Tess.
Alex did not reply, his entire attention abruptly focused on the image of a short kid, who was now standing in front of them. Or at least a hologram type projection of said kid was standing in front of them.
"Hello Zan. Bet you thought you'd seen the last of me."
"Nicholas," Michael ground out through clenched teeth. Alex tilted his head and studied the face of their enemy. He hadn't been in Copper Summit after all and hadn't seen him before. He didn't [I]look[/I] scary.
His opinion changed abruptly when the image flickered, replaced by that of Isabel tied to a chair. Alex felt his blood run cold. Izzy's head was lowered, her blonde hair falling into her face. She was quite obviously unconscious. "Imagine my surprise to find Vilandra wandering the streets of Roswell all alone. She hasn't quite been convinced to change her allegiances again, but I'm working on her."
Alex could hear Maria gasped as Nicholas's hand came up and planted itself firmly on Isabel's head. Isabel's eyes snapped open and rolled up into her head as she screamed. Alex couldn't tell what the little troll was doing to her, but there was no question that she was in excruciating pain. Nicholas chuckled to himself before moving his hand. Isabel slumped into her chair again.
[I]Oh God! Isabel![/I]
Had she been in that small monster's clutches since she had run out of the Crashdown yesterday? That was over twenty-four hours ago! Alex clenched his fists at his sides.
"That's what we on Antar call a mind-rape Zan. I know you don't remember them, but know that enough of them can bring religion to even the most hardened atheist. Not only am I getting some interesting information from your sister, I'm also reminding her of exactly what kind of bastard you once were. When I'm done with Vivi here, she's going to wish she never knew your name. She'll remember exactly why she turned on you last time and she'll join Khivar again too."
Alex turned his head to look at Max. Isabel's brother was standing ramrod straight, his jaw clenched as he listened. Liz was beside him, holding onto his arm and watching the message, a horrified expression on her face.
He looked back and saw Nicholas's projected image start to pace in front of them. "Of course, as much as I know Khivar wants the lovely Vilandra back in his bed, there is something else he wants more."
"The granolith," Kate gasped. Alex looked at her sharply. She seemed just as dismayed as any of them. "Will, what is he [I]doing?[/I]"
"I'd be willing to make a little trade," Nicholas continued, turning back and staring right into whatever was recording him. "Your sister for the granolith. I want it's location by six o'clock tonight or Isabel Evans will cease to exist and Vilandra and I will have some fun before I turn her over to Khivar." He quirked a malicious little grin. "Don't worry about finding me your highness. I have my eyes on you. I'll come to you once I know you've made your decision."
With that, the image flickered and disappeared. They all stood there in silence for several long moments. Alex knew his mouth was hanging open. His entire being was focused on one fact alone.
Isabel. She was in trouble and it was all his fault.
This was exactly what he was thinking when all hell broke loose.
"SON OF A BITCH!"
Michael was on Will an instant later. Kate screamed as Alex's friend thrust her brother up against the brick wall of the Crashdown. His rage was a palatable force. "Where is she? Where did your creepy little brat take her?"
Will's hands were clutching at Michael's arm, which had him pinned at the neck. He obviously couldn't breathe, let alone talk and, fortunately, the lack of oxygen seemed to have caused the alien king to forget that he was capable of blasting Michael if he wanted to. Alex crossed his arms, not the least bit concerned that Michael might very well kill Will. What the hell had Will, Khivar, whoever he was, unleashed on them? How could he have allowed Nicholas to take Isabel?
"Alex! Alex, stop him!" Kate had grabbed his arm, was shaking it. "Will did not authorize this. I swear to God." Alex looked down at her, scowling. Her blue eyes were pleading, but as he watched they narrowed. "Alex, I don't want to hurt Michael, but if he doesn't let Will go, I'm going to have to."
Alex shook her off. In spite of whatever attraction he might feel for her, when it came to a choice between these new acquaintances and Isabel, there was no choice to be made.
He glanced at Max, who stood staring at the scene in front of him, no expression on his face. A muscle twitching in his jaw was the only indication that he was at all upset. "Michael," he finally said, after what seemed like an inordinate amount of time. "Let him talk."
Alex could see that Liz had moved forward, was tugging on Michael's arm. "Michael, he needs to be allowed to talk."
Michael growled but loosened his grip. Alex was amazed that Will still didn't unleash his gifts. He had been half-expecting it. Instead, he took several deep breaths, coughing slightly, then managed to say, "I swear I had.nothing.to do with this." He raised his head, looked at Liz, who seemed to be the only person whose opinion he cared about. "I don't know what the hell he was talking about Rowena. I swear to God I had nothing to do with this."
"I thought Nicholas worked for you," Max interjected. "Why did he take her if not for you?"
Will looked at him, his expression, for once, non-confrontational. "He wants the location of the granolith. It's the only way to save himself. I did not order this though. This is not how we do things."
"Can you contact him? Make him give her back?" Max asked quietly.
"Maxwell! You don't [I]believe[/I] him?" Michael sounded outraged as he glanced over his shoulder at Max, because he was still holding Will firmly against the wall.
"I can try," Will replied. "But the fact that he went and did this when he [I]knew[/I] we were already here working another angle."
"You expected to convince Liz to tell you where it was," Max said, shaking his head in disgust.
Will shrugged, after finally struggling hard against Michael and managing to break free. "Yes. I admit it. I thought that once Ro remembered who she was, she'd tell us. Once she knew that we weren't going to use it for anything but good. My only intention, ever, has been to save my people with it. I don't take playing with the granolith lightly." He paused, as though implying that others - namely Max - might. Will glanced at Liz, who had her head tilted thoughtfully, seemed to decide to abandon that route. After all, he was trying to convince Max to believe him. Hostility was extremely out of place at the moment. Alex almost felt proud of the arrogant alien king, like Will was, for once, thinking how what he said might be perceived.
"Anyway, I don't know what he's doing," Will continued. "This was [I]not[/I] part of the plan. Vilandra is [I]not[/I], nor has she ever been, my enemy."
"I'd guess not, seeing as she betrayed Max for you and all." Michael said sarcastically. Alex whipped his head around and stared at Michael. [I]This[/I] was news to him. "But it's all becoming clear now. You seduced her."
"Who told you that?" Will demanded. "That is a complete lie!"
"Nicholas [I]just[/I] said it," Michael retorted. "Didn't you hear it? We knew that you somehow made Vilandra switch sides but we didn't know it was by pretending to love her."
Will was outraged when he snapped, "I did [I]not[/I] seduce Vilandra!" He looked at Liz. "Rowena, that is completely untrue!"
"Then why the hell did the troll just say it?" Michael asked, sounding smug, like it amused him that Will wasn't nearly so perfect as he tried to pretend.
"I heard him," Kyle agreed. "He [I]did[/I]say it."
"I have no idea," Will said, sounding completely confused now. "I really have no idea." The tone of his voice was so unsure that Alex couldn't help but believe him.
"It doesn't matter." Alex looked at Max, who gently took Michael by the shoulder and pulled him away from Will. "What happened before is not what is important." He glanced at Liz again as he said it. "The important thing is the fact that Isabel is being held by Nicholas and that Jack is still missing."
"Oh God!" Kate stepped forward. "Will, he can't be working [I]with[/I] Nicholas?" She appeared on the verge of tears, making Alex's heart ache in spite of his new resolve to side with [I]his[/I] Czechoslovakians. She brightened. "Maybe he mindraped Jack too!"
"You say that like it's a good thing," Kyle interjected. "Mindraping sounds [I]all[/I] bad to me."
"I don't even know what he [I]means[/I] by it," Kate replied, lowering her eyes. "But he seemed to be implying that he could change Vilandra by doing it. Maybe he did the same thing to Jack."
"Maybe," Will said quietly, obviously now upset. "I don't even know [I]what[/I] to think anymore."
"We can figure all this out later," Liz interjected smoothly. Alex noticed that she had taken Max by the hand and was reaching for Will's as well. "Here's the thing guys. Whether you like it or not, we're all in this together now. No one knows what's going on and the only thing we can do is trust each other."
Alex saw Max's eyes narrow, but he nodded, "She's right." He gently let go of Liz's hand and moved it towards Will. "You can go back to hating me after this is over if you really want to, but right now I need you to help me get Isabel back." He paused, then swallowed. "If you do that, maybe we can talk about the granolith."
"Max!" Tess exclaimed, sounding horrified. "You can't do this! You're playing right into their hands!"
"I said we'd [I]talk[/I] about it," Max repeated firmly. "And I will do anything to save my sister."
Will continued to hold Liz's hand for another moment, his eyes glued to Max's face assessingly. He glanced once at Kate, who Alex saw nod in encouragement. He finally allowed Liz to guide his hand until he was grasping Max's in a firm handshake.
"You've got a deal."
To be continued.