A/N: final chapter of this story. Duccia, a fellow cliffy fan, I hope you enjoy the ending. To those who have been reading (I see the satistics) did you like it?"

Isabel lay there in Michael's arms, as she gasp for air, her eyes half open. Frantically he pushed with his powers, just once he wanted to use his powers to heal, to save her. He had never been able to heal, and maybe he couldn't. But he tried, he reached deep inside himself, willing to use his own life for to infuse in her, if need be.

The light grew brighter, until Michael could not see anything as he felt power built up. The hairs on his arms raised as the power built.

Max came into the cave, put a hand up to block the light. He moved closer to the pair, but he could not get near, the light blocked him from them. He stood, waiting. "Michael?"

Michael was unaware of the other mans presence. The glow went out like a candle being snuffed out. Max moved closer to them, putting his hand out touching his sister.

"What happened Michael?"

"Alcohol, she drank some."

Max couldn't believe she would have done it. She knew it was poison to them. He touched her forehead and closed his eyes for a few moments. Looking up at Michael, he smiled. "You did it Michael, you healed her."

Michael leaned over and kissed Isabel's head. "I thought I had lost her." Max could barely hear the soft words.

"She needs to rest, and fully recover."

"I'll take her to my place. I will watch out for her." Michael stood up holding her in his arms.

"Ah, Michael, if you do, everyone will know you are back. The apartment is still yours, and paid up. But it will be daylight in two hours. Then what?"

"I don't care, I will darken the place, and I will stay awake and take care of her."

Max studied his friend for a moment. "Michael, we need to talk, and I want to help you."

Michael's eyes locked with his best friends."Maybe you can and maybe you cant,Max. But I can't think about that right now…not while Isabel needs me."

Sudden understanding came to max. "You came back for her didn't you?"

"Yes. No one understands, accepts, or loves me like she does." Michael looked down at the woman in his arms and Max saw the expression on Michael's face. It surprised him that he wasn't hiding behind that hard exterior that he had perfected over the years. Maybe Isabel would all right with Michael. When he was fixed.

"Just don't hurt her Michael, or else. We need to change you back first. When we get to your place I will try."

"Fine Maxwell, whatever. If it doesn't work Isabel and I are going to go Vampire hunting."

"You mean we will." Max followed Michael out the cave, down the incline, and to Max's car. Michael got in with Isabel in his arms, as Max took the drivers seat. The air hell the usual chill in the nighttime dessert.

OOOOOOO

Max sat next to Michael who lay on the old sofa. He had his hand on Michael's head, and over his heart. He had never tried to cure a vampire before, and wasn't quiet sure what to do. So he concentrated on making his best friend as he was months ago. Removing any foreign parasites, or whatever that didn't belong.

As he looked into Michael, seeing the darkness there, pushing at him. He saw flashes of the vampire who had turned him, the loneliness that Michael had felt after he ran off. He saw Michael's feelings for Isabel. He drew back when he saw a bit of last night. His face reddened when he caught a glimpse of them together.

He pulled back looking down at his friend who lay there with his eyes closed. He would have to have a little talk with Michael, about his behavior with his sister. No more of that without getting married. What if she got pregnant?

Michael slowly opened his eyes and he glanced at Max. He caught the questioning look on the other man's face. Michael moved his tongue over to his canine teeth, feeling them.

"Well?" Asked Max anxiously, as he waited, hoping for a positive answer. He glanced towards the bedroom door and then back at his friend. For all their sakes it had to work.

Michael sat up, and put his hand on his friends shoulder. "Thanks Max. It worked." Max stood up, a bright smile crossing his face. Michael got up and opened the curtains, letting the bright sunlight fall on his face. Laughter bubbled out of him, and Max joined him. He was back, the old Michael was back.

Michael turned to Max. "Now I can offer her more than the night, and death." Max grabbed his best friend and gave him a big hug then released him and shoved him towards the bedroom.

"Go, sit with her. I have to talk to Liz."

Michael turned to his friend. "Liz? You going to tell her?"

"Yeah, just between us for now. I have a party to plan. My best friend is back, and my sister is going to be happy…you are going to do the right thing by her aren't you?"

Michael pursed his lips as though he had to think about it. "I don't know, Max. Do you think your sister would have me, your highness?"

"Get out of here, idiot. Keep that up and I'll not allow it, even if you are my second in command."

"Michael gave him a mock salute, and then went into the bedroom and shut the door. Max went to the front door, a bright smile on his face. 'I can't wait to tell Liz, she will know how to put this all together. I'm just glad that Maria is with Kyle. They make a good couple. Now everyone is happy.

OOOOOOOOO

Michael walked into the bedroom, and over to the bed. Sitting down gently he took Isabel's hand in his. He brought it to his lips and gently kissed it.

"Isabel, please wake up, I need to see you are alright. I need to tell you something."

Isabel's eyes opened, and then focused on Michael. A slow smile on her face brought one to his. "Michael."

"Isabel, I was worried about you. Why did you drink?"

"I didn't. I only had an ice tea."

"Izzy, that wasn't an ice tea, but a long island ice tea. It very potent and lots of liquor in it, with a little tea. I hear it's hard to know it's there." Then he grew angry. "Some damn fool did this. Maybe the damn bartender, I need to go have a talk with him."

Isabel reached up with her free hand, grabbed his tee-shirt, pulled him down to her, and kissed him. When she released him, he was smiling again.

"Don't bother, Michael. I don't want you in trouble." She glanced at the window, where light was coming in. "Michael," she said suddenly worried, "stay away from the light."

"It's alright my Isabel, Max cured me."

She sat up and wrapped her arms around him, holding him as tight as she could. "Oh Michael I am so happy. You are free of it."

"Isabel, I have to know something. If I couldn't have been fixed, would you have stayed with me?"

Isabel pulled back looking into his eyes. "No matter what, Michael, I would have stayed with you. I would have joined you. For my life would not have been worth anything without you."

"Oh Isabel. You would sacrifice so much for me. I am glad not everyone knows how special you are. That way I don't have to fight off the other guys. You're all mine, aren't you Isabel?"

"Yes, if you want me."

"Do you even need to ask? I love you. You are the light that brightens my life, you are my pillow when I am weary of my life here on earth. You are the reason my heart beats, and my soul is content. If I were a king I would lay the world at your feet, I'd do anything for you."

Isabel now had tears trickling down her cheeks, as she smiled at him. "Oh Michael, I love you so much. You say you aren't good with words, but I have never heard better. I never want to be apart from you again."

"It's forever my sweet Isabel. I'll love you until all the stars burn out in the heavens. Marry me Isabel."

"Yes!" Yelled Isabel as Michael pulled her into his arms, his lips capturing hers. Michael had come home, to the arms of the only one that mattered. His heart and soul were safe there in her keeping, as hers was with him.

The End