Hi everyone! So, I have never written a song fic before but I had to write this as song fic chapter. It just made sense. This is also one of the fluffiest chapters in this fic. I might write an outake of just Michael and Isabel as a separate story with just a ton more details, but I won't add it to this fic. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. I feel it helps the story move past the events of the second to last chapter.
Thanks for the reviews and new additions to favs and follows. So exciting. Now I won't bore you with more comments and onto the chapter. :-)
Friends and Family
At the Valenti's Isabel is in Kyle's room laying on the bed with Tess.
"I really thought he had something planned, but I guess it's Michael," Tess says.
"I know. It's just... the last couple of days things between us have been… wonderful. And he didn't really have to do anything special," Isabel says and sits up. "He just had to be at the pod chamber at the same time we go every day to see Adam and then come with me to drop off your car and head home. That required like no effort."
"And that's all you wanted?"
"Yeah." Tess looks at her questioningly. "Fine, I might have hoped he would surprise me with something, flowers that we didn't make appear from thin air, or candy, or a card, just… anything. I brought him with me to pick Liz's flowers. I figured that might show him how simple gestures are a human way to express to someone that they are special to you."
"Which he didn't realize applies to Valentine's day and not just apology day."
"It doesn't matter. If he had just shown up an hour and a half ago instead of making me wait until I gave up and drove back here, I wouldn't have cared. He's always there and of all days he chooses Valentine's to not show. I took care of everything, dinner, dessert, candles. I waxed this morning and went to the salon and got my hair done during my lunch break. We would have had the perfect evening."
"Wait, back-up. You waxed? As in you used your alien powers to do the wax we read about in Cosmo?" Isabel blushes. Tess sits up. "Oh my God, you were planning to have sex with him!"
"So those Neruda poems my brother gave you were incredible."
"Don't even try! This is the most exciting in a good way news I've had since… it feels like forever." Isabel looks annoyed. "Come on, let me put my mind into something fun and happy instead of worrying about hatching my brother and the skins and finding a new way to move on once Max goes back to Liz."
"That doesn't have to happen. Tess, I know my brother and if he says he cares about you then he does."
"I guess you're right… but he shouldn't give up the love of his present life because he remembered that Zan and Ava actually loved each other in a previous one. He deserves better and so do I. Anyway, you have nothing to worry about with Michael. When he realizes that if he had just shown up you two could have had your first time, he will smack himself." Isabel is quiet, looks down at the comforter and starts picking at a loose threat. "Unless this wouldn't have been the first time?" Tess asks. Isabel stays quiet and is biting her lip. "You sneak! You had sex with Michael!"
"Shut up! The entire town doesn't need to know."
"The entire town thinks you're pregnant with his baby."
"I hate you."
"No, you don't. Now tell me everything. How was it? Is it like human sex? I can't believe you lied to me!"
"First, I don't know what human sex is like so I can't say anything and I'm not saying anymore because it's personal. Second, when have I lied?"
"I asked you on Saturday."
"I didn't lie. We hadn't," she says blushing.
"Hondo?" Tess asks, looking not quite as happy as before.
"I'm sorry. I know you don't really want to think about Sunday."
Tess takes a breath and seems to get herself together. "I'm okay." She takes Isabel's hand. "I'm happy for you. You love him and he loves you. Even if he messed up Valentine's day, he loves you. You know that."
"Yeah, I should just go home and let this go."
"No way! You're staying the night here. I call girl night. Michael can clean up your dinner and candles and think about what he missed out on. You started having sex less than a week ago and he stands you up on Valentine's day! Jerk!" No wonder Maria said we're clueless jackasses.
Kyle knocks and then walks in the room. "How much did you hear?" Tess asks.
"Something about sex and jerks on Valentine's day." Isabel looks angry but doesn't say anything. "Peace, my alien Amazon. I didn't mean to snoop. I just came to tell Tess to come to the door."
"Okay," Isabel says, deflating and looking sad again. "Could you… not tell people about the sex thing? I'm not ready for Max and everyone else to know." He nods.
"Who's at the door?" Tess asks.
"You're just gonna have to come and see," Kyle answers. He turns to Isabel, "I suggest you put on the belly."
They follow his directions and open the door. They see Max at the front yard with Alex and his band, but no Maria. There is a huge pink sign with red letters that has been staked into the ground at the Valenti's.
It doesn't matter why I feel this way or what it took to make me see you.
It doesn't matter because even if I didn't mean to love you, I do.
I don't know what will happen next, but I am sure that I want to face it with you.
I choose you because I want you, because I love you.
Max is standing next to the sign with a streak of red marker on his cheek. He's holding flowers and chocolates and pointing at the sign with a flashlight, making it easier to read. Kyle pushes Tess outside, closes the door, and locks her out.
"Subtle," Isabel says with a smile.
"She's stubborn."
"Shall we?" she says, pointing towards the window that would let them see what's going on. But Kyle has already walked away and is getting something from the garage.
"What in the world?" she questions as she sees the black cat he's holding when he comes back. Kyle eases the cat from the window to the ground outside and then they watch. They see Max and Tess talking and then he picks up the cat and gives it to her. The band starts playing. One of the guys is singing. He's not as good as Maria, but it works.
I didn't mean to miss you but I do
I didn't mean to want you but I do
I didn't mean to think about you
Thought I could do without you
I didn't mean to love you but I do
"He enlisted your help and all theirs, my sweet wonderful brother," Isabel says, with a mix of pride and sadness. My romantic brother found the perfect song to describe how he feels.
"This is about Michael standing you up after you two started having sex." She stays quiet. "I'm sure he had good reasons."
I didn't mean to tell you so
I didn't mean to let you know
I didn't mean to come back to you
I didn't mean to love you but I do
"He's not in danger or anything like that. I would know if he was." Kyle looks confused. "You don't want to know." She looks at Kyle and smiles weakly. "Thanks for caring. You're a good guy."
Isabel smiles. Hopefully this is enough for Tess to stop denying that she should give Max a chance. They could be happy together. Tess says something to Max and he nods and they hug. Isabel and Kyle hug in excitement. Then she sees Michael arrive on the motorcycle with Maria riding behind him. The small smile leaves her face.
I didn't mean to let you know
I didn't mean to tell you so
I didn't mean to come back to you
I didn't mean to love you but I do
"Ah crap!" Michael says, seeing the commotion Max has outside as he and Tess hold each other. Good for Max, but there are flowers and chocolates and band and even a freaking cat. This just makes everything harder. Him and Maria get off the bike and head to the door.
I didn't mean to tell you so
I didn't mean to let you know
I didn't mean to come back to you
I didn't mean to love you but I do
"Guerin," Tess says not so kindly.
"Hey. So, you two are -"
"We're none of your business," Tess says.
"Whatever. Would you let me through so I can see her?" The music ends and now Alex and everyone else is just standing around.
"You stood her up! On Valentine's day!" Tess accuses. He can hear a groan from the band guys. It's a mix of sympathy and a 'you idiot' sound.
"You stood up my sister, today?"
"It's not what you think," Maria interrupts.
"Would you let me in!"
"No need," Isabel says after opening the door.
"We're gonna get out of the line of fire," one of the band guys says. "Payment tomorrow Evans." Max nods.
"Let's just go inside," Tess says.
Now it's just friends in the Valenti's living room so Isabel moves her hand so the belly is gone. A part of her wants to stay quiet and let Michael say something that will just get them to go home and figure things out in private. But something inside her is raging. She just saw Max put incredible effort to get Tess to agree to try again. Meanwhile her boyfriend, the one she just shared the most incredible few days with, stood her up and then showed up on his bike with his ex! Not that she doesn't trust him or Maria. He would never hurt her like that and Maria is one of her best friends. But still! She is just mad!
"So, after everything, you couldn't just meet me to see Adam like any other day."
"I'm-" he tries to interrupt.
"I don't ask for much. You just had to show up. I had candles and chicken alfredo. I bought that tres leches cake you liked the other day and added the extra condensed milk and spice and picked the perfect music. You didn't need to do anything else." In the middle of her talking, they hear a knock and Maria lets in the Evanses. Isabel looks panicked and moves to hide until she can put the belly back on.
"There's no need. They know," Michael says.
"What do you mean they know?" Isabel asks.
"Michael told us," Mr. Evans says, looking at Isabel then Max.
"Told you what?" Max asks.
"Everything... about you and Adameus." Isabel and Max look nervous, unsure of what to think.
"They mean they know about us being aliens," Michael adds.
"Because you told them?" Isabel questions. He nods. She looks perplexed.
"That was not your call to make!" Max adds, sounding enraged. He pulls Isabel to his side.
"Shut up, Maxwell," Michael orders. "Iz." She doesn't move just looks upset.
"Honey, it's okay. We love you, both of you. We'll talk about all of it later. Michael explained everything and showed us and you should listen to what he has to say," Mrs. Evans pleads. All eyes are on him and Isabel looks confused and stressed. Max seems like he's deciding if he should kill him or listen and the Evanses look expectant.
"Go on," Maria then orders. Just then a siren is heard.
"What now?" Tess says.
The Sheriff walks in and says a neighbor called about too much noise from his house and he wants to know what is going on. Kyle responds. "Nothing bad Dad. Max just planted a sign, serenaded Tess and gave her a cat and a bunch of stuff. And Michael is getting ready to explain why he told the Evanses about their 'Czechoslovakian' ancestry."
"Czechoslovakian? I thought you were just half alien," Mrs. Evans says.
"Jesus, this is crazy," Max says.
And now Michael is pissed. "Fine! Maybe I make things crazy and this is how this is meant to be!" He sounds like he's just yelling out all his frustrations as he looks at Isabel. "I'm sorry that this is a disaster and you're stuck with me and my messes. I'm sorry you got to see Tess getting all the pathetically romantic gestures your brother is so good at. Thank you, Maxwell! Dammit Isabel! All I wanted to do was talk to your parents and explain everything and get their permission before I proposed to you!"
She gasps as he loudly continues. "I know you wanted them to know and be part of our lives and Adam's and after what we found out I knew they would accept us and it would make you happy."
"Mikey," she murmurs.
"But I was late this morning since you know, so I got detention from Mr. Engels. Then Max was moping over lunch so I couldn't make the run to pick-up the ring before school was done..."
"Michael," she says, but his rant keeps on.
"... and detention and explaining things to your parents took longer than I thought and then -"
"Michael!"
"What!"
"Yes!"
"Yes what!" He asks, still worked up.
She rolls her eyes at him, smiles and then talks. "You said you wanted to propose and I'm saying yes."
"You'll marry me?" Isabel is beaming and nods. Everyone is confused when they see that now he looks miserable.
"Did you want me to say no?"
He sighs. "Of course not, but I'm supposed to ask."
Half the people in the room snicker. Michael looks like he wants the ground to swallow him while Isabel looks at him with adoration. Maria gestures for him to bend down on one knee, Alex smiles lightly and Kyle gives him thumbs up. Max is looking at him stupidly and Tess is smirking like the world just turned right while the black cat meows at her feet. The people around them are looking at him expectantly and his frustration at the mess drains out.
"We already gave our blessing," Mr. Evans says. Michael swallows hard.
The Sheriff approaches him. "Go on, son."
He looks at Isabel. "Ask me," she says sweetly.
He approaches her and pulls out the box he has in his jacket pocket. He doesn't bend on one knee, just opens the box and gets close to her. He places his forehead against hers and talks quietly and with trepidation. "I know we agreed to fight to live for Adam, but I need more. They said in that other future we missed our chance and I don't want that... I want to be with you and find a way to be strong enough... would you... marry me?"
She answers softly with tears in her eyes, "Yes." He puts enough distance between them to take the ring from the box and put it on her finger. She embraces him tightly, then puts enough distance between them to look at his eyes. She places her hands on the sides of his face and kisses him. They hear some background noise, but neither of them cares. In that moment nothing exists besides each other and their lips. Soon they're glowing and the flowers in Tess' hands start to bloom bigger and multiply while the center table burst into flames and the cat runs away.
At the Crashdown Liz gives Kyle a burger and sits across from him.
He smiles at her. "Break time?"
"Yeah. You leave tomorrow?"
He nods. "Dad got us out of school for two days. Should be plenty of time if all goes according to plan." Then he takes a bite of his burger.
"Nervous?"
He shrugs and finishes chewing. "I haven't had time to think about it. We've been moving the house around and Dad's been a bit crazy between work and us helping Michael with the remodel. And Tess is all over the place."
Liz smiles. "She's excited that it's almost time and that you're going with them."
"Excited, freaking out, unbearable... she's lucky Buddha teaches peace in the way to enlightenment otherwise it'd be joining Michael in his quest to shut her up. I may have daydreamed about taping her bossy mouth in her sleep." Liz laughs at him. "I wish you guys were coming." She gives him a questioning look. "You, Maria and Alex were a part of this before me, going without you seems wrong."
"Kyle, you're a part of this as much as any of us. Maybe more since Tess actually lives with you and you're remodeling your house to have the new Czech in town as your roommate. Plus, you're the one that has been managing Tess and Michael's craziness at once. Don't know if anyone else could do it," she says jokingly.
"You are not counting Isabel. If she didn't check in on them that addition would never get done. When she shows up it's all business. She has a way with Tess and Mr. Mall is hopeless."
"Yeah. They're… so different from before. I can't believe it's been less than two weeks since they found out about the future… it feels like it's been forever and so much has happened… we can never go back."
"Liz, are you okay?" She nods and gives him a small smile. "Hey, it's me." They are silent for a few seconds. He stands. "Come on. Ask your dad for a longer break." She looks unsure. "For me."
She does and they go up to her room. Once there, he sits on her desk chair and looks at her expectantly. "So, how are you?"
She shrugs. "I'm happy for them, really. I just…" She takes a deep breath. "Sometimes when I'm trying to sleep or if I just sit here, I feel like I'm in a crime scene, like I live in the only place with evidence of what happened, the only place that holds what could have been, and I don't know what to think. It's like… a part of me still wants to cling to Max and misses him and aches when I see him with Tess. But another bigger part wants to let go so badly and is glad that he convinced Tess to give him a chance, even if it's as friends with probably more to come, and that she'll get her brother and they'll fight the skins. And I truly am happy that Michael and Isabel are getting married once Adam is born. But it also seems so strange, like it's happening too fast and I'm responsible and if everything falls apart and they still die and aliens take over Earth then… "
"Then it's partly on us," Kyle finishes. "I get it. I've thought about it too. Whatever happens now it's partly because of us and changing things. And if they face the skins and die then what was the point? You would have given up your chance with Max for nothing."
She nods and looks upset. "I'm scared of that happening, really scared."
He walks to where she's sitting on the bed, kneels in front of her and takes her hands in his. "It won't end badly, Liz." She looks at him with doubt in her eyes. "You know... Adam once told me that Kivar didn't understand why humans fought so hard despite the odds. He didn't understand how a little boy was able to draw strength from a human family and continue to stand up to him and escape."
"He did?"
"Yeah. We talked a lot. He knew that Buddhism says that with our thoughts we make the world. Liz, I think Kivar and his aliens are prepared to fight who Tess, Max, Michael and Isabel were in their planet, but not who they are now, with us. They don't know who we are and how we think. They don't understand us as friends, as a family."
"Kyle…"
"I'm serious. Think about it, really think about it. If in that future we, a group of humans without alien tech or help, could keep Adam alive for years during an invasion then with what we know now and with our aliens alive and the seals, we can do anything. That's why I convinced Dad and Tess that I should go with them to get her brother. She needs dad and me if things don't turn out right. Max, Isabel and Michael will help, but they're not enough. This entire mess with Adam and them freaking out after they found out showed me that. Tess may have always been strong and smart, but even she said that without Alex and me she would not be who she is, that because of us she has hope and wants to fight harder for what's right. I know she needs us. And Michael and Isabel are two of the most guarded people I've ever met but Maria gets them to listen to her like they listen to only Max and Tess, and Isabel still cares so much for Alex. And you… Max may have chosen Tess, but you're still so important to him, to all of them. Liz where would they be without you and your wits and selflessness and big heart? Where would we all be? So you see, me, you, Maria, Alex, my dad, the Evanses, we matter. And if it's up to us then there is no way that future can come true. We make a difference in this fight and that's why they won't lose. We won't let them."
Liz hugs him. "No one gives you enough credit." They separate and he smiles at her. She keeps talking. "You're right. We'll fight together and we are going to win."
He nods. "And then we'll get a life." She smiles at him. "I'm serious. Once we get Tess' brother, and Adam hatches and we beat the skins, I'm partying big time. Maybe the new alien will be fun and hang out and help me pick-up chicks." She laughs wholeheartedly this time. "You think I'm kidding, but I'm for real. Kyle needs a lady and some serious fun. Half the football team thinks I am now a loser."
"How dare they?"
"I know!"
The next day. Sierra Blanca Peak, NM
They parked the cars and have been following Tess and walking for what feels like forever. It's getting cold and dark, but they continue. "This is it," she says and opens an entrance by placing her hand on a rock. There, in a pod with bluish white liquid, they see him, floating with his eyes closed.
"Damn," Kyle says. "Is this what Adam is like right now?"
"Yeah, just a lot smaller and his pod is more yellow orange not this color" Isabel answers. "You can come see him soon. We should have taken you to see him already." Kyle smiles and nods.
"So now you activate this," the Sheriff says in a way that sounds like both a question and a statement.
Max nods. "Larek said he'll gain consciousness and come out within a few hours from the activation." He looks at Tess.
"I'm ready to get my brother," she assures.
"Let's do it," Michael adds.
They stand around the pod and follow the instructions Larek gave. Tess has already found all the controls he talked about. She tells each of them which button to press and once they do they see the man inside the pod begin to move. His eyes remain closed but he seems more alive.
"And now we wait," Courtney says.
"Cards?" Kyle asks.
"Sure, why not," Courtney answers. "Anyone else?" she asks, looking at Michael.
Isabel turns to look at the controllers again. "No thanks," Michael answers and hugs her from behind. They stare at the pod and begin to whisper to each other.
"It's just cards," Courtney teases.
"He's whipped," Kyle tells the skin, who smiles.
"Let's do this, cutie."
Kyle nods and they start playing rummy. Tess hasn't moved from the spot right in front of the pod.
"Relax," the Sheriff says. She looks at him unsure. "We'll take care of him. You got my word." He takes off his stetson and puts it on her head. "You'll be alright. Go play cards."
Max stands by her and holds her hand. "He's right," he says.
She smiles and nods and they walk towards Kyle and Courtney. It feels like it takes forever and no time at all. Just when they have all sat down and begun to tell stories and laugh at Tess winning all their poker games, they see the man in the pod push against the membrane. They stop everything they were doing and stand up, watching with rapt attention. A hand makes it out covered in white goo followed by a second one. Tess moves towards the pod, but Max stops her from touching it. "Remember what Larek said. Even though they placed a system to induce him out, he needs to do this at his own pace."
"Right. Yeah." They watch as Anquio slowly pulls apart the membrane and sticks his head out. He looks around scared. "It's okay. You're safe," Tess says. He looks at her disconcerted.
Courtney speaks, "Tla pka T'hlua."
Then he screams, "G'holdarnan!" He practically leaps out of the pod as Courtney flies into a corner. Blue energy begins to crackle all around them and suddenly they are in a place made of ice and snow and they are freezing. There are dead bodies of different shapes and sizes all around them and what they assume is blood, some is red, some green and some silvery. Isabel stares at a head that is by her, it looks small, like it belongs to a child. It looks almost human with blond hair, but with only one large eye and skin that is almost translucent. Its mouth is open as if a scream should be coming out. Somehow the small alien face shows fear and pain. Then they see a large beast that looks like a giant gorilla but with huge teeth like a saber tooth behind Anquio.
"Outed mislo q'fauate! Talamar!" he screams and the beast growls loudly. Michael pulls Isabel behind him and tries to use his powers to knock the beast out, but nothing happens. Then Anquio looks at him and he flies into a wall, hits his head hard and lands with a thud.
"Michael!" Isabel screams.
"He's a p'alhar, you have to break his shields!" Courtney yells, looking at Max. Then she's flying into Anquio's arms, screaming in fear. He grabs her by the throat and lifts her up so that she's hanging helplessly.
"Talamar, G'holdarnan!"
"Stop," the Sheriff orders with a voice that is both soothing and stern. He walks towards Anquio with his hands held up. "Let the girl go. She ain't gonna hurt you." Anquio turns and looks at him. He doesn't attack, just focuses on the man before him.
"We're not going to hurt you. You're safe with us," Max adds.
"Please," Isabel says from where she's holding Michael. "We are not the enemy."
Tess faces him and points to herself. "Plok," she says. He looks at her but doesn't release Courtney. Tess gets closer, but both Kyle and Max try to stop her. Then the two of them also get thrown away. "Please don't," Tess pleads, worried. "You are Anquio of the Qotkr clan of Plateia. Larek told us."
"Lah'rek?"
"Yes, Lah'rek," she says with a nod, copying the way he talks. "Lah'rek told us about you and I remember you, Anquio… I remember… you used to tease me. You called me plok, Queen plok. You don't need to fight anyone here. They're friends and I am your sister. I am Tess, but in our planet, I was Ava." She points to herself again. "Ava."
The dead bodies and that beast disappear and they are back in the cave, surrounded by blue energy and freezing cold but back in the cave.
"A'vah?"
"Yes," Tess says, pointing to herself. "A'vah."
He releases Courtney and looks at Tess with intensity. Then he looks at himself and gasps. "You're part human now," Tess explains. He looks at her with big blue eyes that match hers exactly.
Max takes advantage of his focus on Tess to run where Courtney is gasping. He heals her throat until all bruises disappear. "You speak the language. Explain things to him."
"What do you think I was trying to do?" She says angrily. "But he realized I'm a Golderian. He's going to kill me."
"I'll heal Michael then you can hide behind us," Max says. Courtney looks unsure. "Please, we have to try." She does as he asks and once Michael is healed they approach Tess and Anquio. Courtney speaks for a while. They don't know what she says, but she must be explaining everything like Larek told them to do and they can see the change in the alien in front of them.
Anquio lifts his hand, showing one large dot surrounded by three small ones glowing on his hand. Tess gets a look of awe on her face. She lifts her hand and places in in parallel with Anquio's then closes her eyes and exhales, "Plateia…" Then Anquio and Tess speak together.
"Mislo P'tonos eta lunmars sellra monha d'Plateaihn p'alhar prola enterdah."
"I take the brand of my planet and moons to endlessly mark me Plateian warrior." Suddenly they see her hand show the exact same glowing dots.
"A'vah." He stares with disbelief as if she's not real and a single tear falls down his cheek. "Misla q'fernar," he says and then pulls Tess into a hug. The blue energy is gone and the temperature goes back to normal.
"It's okay… you're safe now. We're on earth together. It's okay." Tess repeats over and over while he holds her until he falls to the ground unconscious. "No! Oh God, no!"
"Tess, move," Max says, but she's clinging. Michael and the Sheriff pull her away and Max gets to Anquio to heal him. Isabel kneels next to Max and checks on the alien hybrid on the cave floor. "He has a pulse but is really cold," Isabel says.
Tess is crying and fighting to get close again. The Sheriff and Michael ask her to stop and Kyle gets in front of her. "He needs to get healed. Let Max help him." Tess stops struggling and they look as Max's hand glows.
"Kyle, get the towels and blankets," Sheriff Valenti orders.
"On it."
They start to clean him and cover him. "He's getting warmer," Isabel says.
"He's okay," Max adds. "I can feel it. Physically he's fine. He should be conscious soon."
After a while he wakes up. He looks at Tess and smiles, "A'vah. Er'az tuo vertal?"
"Ava are you real?" Courtney says.
Tess smiles, "Real. I'm real."
Courtney speaks again for a long time and eventually Anquio answers. "Fomanka Ta, Taktra dla G'oldariah."
"Azellama," she answers.
"What did he say?" Tess asks.
"Forgive me, Taktra of Golderia," Courtney answers. "He knows you're his sister. I explained that he died and the Queen mother and Larek send him to Earth. And that I'm a rebel fighting against Kivar."
"Tell him about Max, Michael and Isabel. And that these are Kyle and Jim and they are my human family."
Courtney speaks and then Anquio tries to stand, but settles for just sitting up. "Fomanka Ta, mislo Rikto, Kyle iahs Jim."
"Forgive me, my King, Kyle and Jim," Courtney translates.
Max looks at the man before him and at Tess. "It's okay. Tell him to stay calm and we'll explain everything and that I can help him stand." Again, Courtney translates.
Anquio pulls the blankets around him closer and lets Max take his hand to help him get up. He looks to Isabel and Michael. "Misla Krinla, u deol depoat. J'erssue, u rema plgat tuk at lotta canna."
"My Princess, I deeply apologize. General, I request your pardon and await orders," Courtney says.
"Orders?"
Courtney rolls her eyes at Michael. "You are the General of the Galactic Forces and Head of Royal Defense. He's your first-commander and top palar. You are his boss."
"Great," he answers.
"Son, he's military and you are his superior," the Sheriff says. "If the service is similar to Earth then he respects you. Respect him back and give him orders, just have those follow the plan."
"Okay," Michael says. "Anquio, come with us. You'll live with Tess at the Valenti's and learn to be human. Then we can train and attack the skins and protect Adam and each other." Courtney translates. Isabel smiles at him and takes his hand. Michael squeezes her hand gently.
"Adameus yal'pular nelto Rikto eooncami?"
"Yanla," Courtney says.
"Nuasomea neplata tenta esohi." Then he brings his hand to his chest and a V glows blue on his left pec.
"It matches," Isabel says softly. Michael repeats the motion Anquio made and they see a red glow from under his shirt. Anquio nods and vows his head slightly.
Everyone looks at Courtney and she speaks again. "He asked if Adameus the life bringer child king is really coming and I said yes. He said then our worlds still have hope."
"What is the mark?" Max asks.
Courtney speaks to Anquio and then answers, "The mark of the Valyr's, placed by the King on each of his top warriors so they can be in line to run the Royal Defense if he is ever absent. You have the brightest of the marks on your hand. Your Defense's top five officers have it on their chests."
"You've seen that on Michael before?" Max asks.
Isabel nods. "Later Max. Please."
Anquio and Courtney talk again and then she explains. "He is honored to fight at your side once more, but needs some privacy to properly dress. Someone should stay and show him how. Earth clothing is different than the alien warrior things he's used to."
"I'll stay and help the boy," the Sheriff states.
"Thank you," Tess says.
Well I hope you liked this one. What do you think of the new alien? I'm kinda excited for the character but will make sure to keep him a small part of the story. Anyway so excited for the next chapter. It's big event time.