You Always Come To My Rescue
Anali had made a habit to visit the Queen's Chamber everyday around the second meal when the Suns stood in the middle of the sky. She was convinced that no one suspected her daily visits. But Kivar was not foolish; he suspected she was helping the human girl in something of great importance. He had let Tess be for what now had been 44 moons (about a month and two weeks) this tactic was intentional for her to feel somewhat safe. If he could not physically harm the rest of the Royal Four he would have to resort to mental torture. A smirk crossed his face as he tilted his head; he always did this when he was thinking of something horrible.
Tess sat eating the strange food that Anali had placed in front of her. It was some type of soup. I received a letter from the Life Givers. Immediately Tess looked up after hearing those words she had waited for.
What does it say? Her heart would explode if the girl stayed silent.
Anali mumbled silently in her language as she went through the words written on the note she had so casually hidden in her bosom. Her silence seemed to over take the Queen. Well? Don't leave me waiting what do they say. Tess shook the girl's hand.
It says…
Our dearest Queen,
We're pleased to inform you that we have successfully created a clone from the sample you have provided us. Because of the human DNA present it will take some time for the being to reach proper maturity to survive in Antar. We shall continue to inform you, unfortunately not often, of all progress.
Your Humble Servants.
A large sigh of relief escaped Tess mouth. We did it! She said looking at Anali. Thank you. You have saved my life. I don't know how I will ever repay you. As she finished that sentence the door to her room burst open. Kivar walked in with his usual arrogance. His eyes examined Tess. She could hear as he grunted in disgust. I should have made it a habit to visit you more often Ava, your appearance is quite offensive to me, since I have not been exposed to it. You. He pointed at Anali. Leave us. She took this opportunity to slip the note under the tray and walk out. She bowed to Kivar. The doors closed and Tess was alone with a monster. If the way I look bothers you, leave. Her mind reprimanded her for her stupidity, he could kill her. I see you haven't lost that mouth of yours. Not even Zan could control you. You were always like a Melenic woman, savage and untamed. And yet…you were so graceful and beautiful. No wonder you were like a living Goddess. If you would have been my wife I would have taken care of you. His eyes shone black as he gazed at her with a mad look. Tess was terrified she could only imagine what he would do to her. Now, I have let you be enough time. You broke the pact and now I will do as I please with you Ava, you should have stayed on Earth. Oh…that's right you couldn't have. He laughed out loud; Tess understood that he knew what had occurred. Bitterness filled her mouth and she could not swallow. Do what you want Kivar. I'm not afraid of you. Her lies where as visible as the sun. Kivar's head fell back as he let out a hefty laugh. You reek of fear! His yell startled Tess. Do not speak to me in such a condescending tone Ava! Kivar's face was distorted, as thought the true madness had reached the surface. Suddenly composure took control of him. Now…let us begin. He gestured for Ava to come close and sit in front of him. Sit still little Ava or I will rip your tongue out. Tess' eyes widened and she did what she was told. His large hands rested of the sides of her head and he walked into her mind.
Tess' Mind
Chaos swarmed in the young girls mind. To a corner a mental mural of Max could be seen. Beyond Max, Isabel and Michael were also depicted in a very special way. They mistreated you and you still love them, heh foolish human emotions. Kivar proceeded to what now seemed to be only audio memories. He could hear things that were said to Tess and things she had over heard. A female's voice could be heard a lot, Kivar could identify it as the king's earth love. What affect this insignificant creature has on you and the king. Sad. Towards the end he came upon a swirling orb, at first Kivar was hesitant to enter but his curiosity prevailed and he entered. Oh, by the great beyond! He exclaimed out loud. I have never seen such a place as this in any mind. His thought raced as he got closer to a figure that seemed to float in the middle.
Kivar! A voice like thunder was heard. You must not be here, for it is my power you are blemishing by entering this place. Queen Ava lived was standing back to back with a figure of Tess both with eyes closed. You are not welcomed in this place, for my power, our power is too great for you to ever comprehend. You may raid my mind, our mind but do not come here for you will perish. As she spoke both voices had become intertwined and with a sudden look they gave Kivar he was immediately expelled from Tess' mind.
Outside of her Mind
The young girl fell back and Kivar sat it utter shock. He looked down at Tess who by now seemed to have passed out. Fury could be seen in his face. You are nothing more than an abomination. He stood to leave not once looking back at Tess. Slightly her eyes opened and when the coast was clear she sat up and looked to her hands. What was that? Who am I? Tears flowed freely and as much as she hated to admit it she was afraid. She sobbed quietly on the floor and wished desperately that Max was present to hold her and make it right, like it he always managed to do. As time passed she simply stared out into space feeling violated by Kivar. Every thought filled her with anger and despair. How much will I endure for you, to be free? Her whisper was barely audible. After darkness had set she stood and walked to the bed. Sleep that night came with bit of a challenge but eventually she gave in.
Tess' Point of View
It was late in the afternoon and the wind blew slightly across the grass and trees. Ava sat beneath the trees with eyes closed just enjoying all the peace around her. She had just received news from Zan, her prince, that he would be returning soon and would make her his bride once and for all. Her mind brought her images of what it would be like to hold him at night as husband and wife. She blushed at her thoughts and let out a giggle. A crunch in the grass was heard and Ava's eyes opened. She surveyed the area but could see nothing or no one. As she was about to sit back against the tree she heard a voice. You need to be more prepared. Ava yelled and rolled to her side to get away from her attacker. Zan stood and laughed at the site of his love rolling to get away. Ava lay still for a second and then rose with a fury. ZAN! I' am going to send you back to the Great Beyond. He could see how upset she was. It is rude to startle someone when they are distracted, have you no manners young sir? Ava spoke as she tried to wipe off all that had attached itself when she had fallen. Why sweet lady when I gaze at your beauty it is as though I forget how to be civilized. He walked up to her and gently kissed her forehead and she melted. I have missed you dearly since the moment you left. Ava spoke as she embraced him. Zan hugged her tightly. Not one night passed that I did not wish to see your sweet face and to feel the smoothness of your skin. Night began to fall and the moons to rise, it was a magnificent view from where they stood, still embracing each other the prince spoke. Ava? She looked to his eyes as he called her name. I want you to join souls with me for all eternity. Will you? Zan's voice quivered a bit as though begging. Tears formed in Ava's eyes and she nodded quietly and then kissed her love. My soul has been yours since the moment you spoke my name. They continued to hug as the looked over the city that one day Zan would rule with Ava by his side.
End of Dream
Tess jolted from her bed, sweat covered her body and she felt quite ill. Kivar what have you done to me? She trembled, her body was burning but she was cold. Anali arrived on time as usual, she had knocked and received to answer, full of worry she proceeded to enter the Queen's chambers. Tess lay on her side feeling worse as every minute pass. Maybe I should just die. Her thoughts kept telling her. The maiden walked over and noticed the sweat covering the Queen's body and bed. Without asking she placed her hand on Tess forehead and her eyes widen when she felt the heat. Oh, by the Great Beyond! You are suffering a very high body heating. She spoke no other words, she just reacted. Anali walked quickly to the bathing chambers and filled a tub with cold water and as soon as it was filled she walked back to Tess, who by now was in full hallucinations. Max! Max! please don't leave me alone. I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Ssshhh Ani Kelen, I will take care of you. The maiden picked up Tess with no effort at all and proceeded to slowly submerge her in the water. Tess didn't seem to mind until she was completely in and the cold was over bearing. It had served it's purpose, the hallucinations had ceased and the fever as well. The fever had proven to be too much for Tess and she fell unconscious.
Earth…
Max had had another night filled with a memory dream. He had called Michael and Isabel and they had agreed to meet at the location where the pod chamber had once been. So Max, what was the dream this time? Isabel asked in an excited tone. Well, if I understood correctly it was…the night I well Zan proposed to Ava. Michael and Isabel both looked at each other and then back at Max. What? The boy king asked. Well what a strange dream to have. All the dreams you had before were of the moments leading to our deaths. No you went back to before being King. What's your point Michael? Isabel now asked. I've been thinking about this whole memory thing and Tess leaving. Maybe Tess is having the memories and sending them to you. Max sat quietly for a brief moment. I think you are right Michael actually…I know you are right. Isabel and Michael both raised an eyebrow to that last comment. Max…what haven't you been telling us? Isabel was very serious now. Izzy, Tess has made contact with me. She told me that she is ok. He now looked to the floor. Max are you worried about Tess' safety? Michael's tone was of disbelief. Yes. Answered Max without hesitation. Max! Izzy and Michael said in unison. She is a murderer and a liar, if she dies, it well be a fit punishment for all she has caused us. Anger rose a bit in the king but not one word of it was expressed. I can't explain myself in anyway you will understand, all I can say is that I don't want her to die. But what comes around goes around and I have a feeling she is suffering. Isabel looked away and mumbled. I hope so…
Antar…
Kivar sat by an unconscious Tess and looked her up and down. Every aspect of her state caused him utter disgust and the urge to obliterate her grew more and more within him. Anali sat in a far corner, fearing that the expression Kivar had on his face would lead to him hurting or possibly killing her. Time passed and instead he simply placed his hand on her forehead and began to enter her mind. He was intent on hurting her one way or another; after all she had broken the pack he had made with her watcher Nassedo. He began by playing with her feelings towards the others; he would make a hallucination based on them hurting her physically and emotionally. This would break her. Kivar would plan more tortures for her, each one more horrible than the other. When he finished planting this fake world in her mind he stood and left. The young maiden ran to her Queen's side and began to shake her. Ani Kelen! Ani Kelen! Please do not succumb to Kivar's lies! But no reaction came from Tess. Great Beyond please guide the Queen through this lie. Anali sat by the bed waiting for Tess to awaken.
Dream World…
Tess walked down the streets of Roswell feeling a bit lost and disoriented, Kyle walked with her and it seemed they were on the way to school. Tess, are you listening to me? Kyle sounded a bit aggravated with her lack of attention to his story. I'm sorry Kyle. Tess spoke feeling a bit unsettled by the situation. Like I was saying, Max and the others are going to have one of the meetings so don't forget to meet with me after class. The confused girl simply nodded and watched as her sort of brother run off.
The sky was hazy and the air strangely thick, but Tess brushed it off and continued her way. Perhaps it was all a dream. As she thought to herself Alex walked passed her in a rush, at the sight she froze but automatically called his name. ALEX? He quickly turned around and stared at her for a moment with a cold gaze and then just continued to walk. Tess stood dumb founded by his look but just continued on her way. She walked into the familiar building and looked around, everything seemed to be normal and in the same place. Still something in the back of her mind told her that something was wrong and she was almost sure she could hear a voice calling her. Suddenly a hand touched her shoulder and she turned quickly to see who it was. Max…you startled me. Her face blushed a bit. I'm sorry, it's just you've been standing here for a good couple of minutes and I thought maybe something is wrong. Are you ok? Like always his concerned face was genuine. Yeah…yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit sleepy. Max continued to look at her. Ok, if you say so. But if we don't hurry we'll be late. He pushed her slightly towards the class they had together. Just the feel of his hand on her back made her feel special. The day went on regularly. Tess met with Kyle at the lockers for a brief chat, went to all her classes, etc. By lunch she found herself sitting alone, if Kyle wasn't with her this is how it usually was. Out of nowhere Max had come at sat next to her. You really are distracted today. His voice sounded quite mellow. Max…you are getting good at startling me lately. She flashed him a sincere smile and he responded back. Her smiled died and she asked a question she really didn't want to know the answer to. Where is Liz, don't you usually have lunch with her? I don't know where she is. The boy king extended his arm and placed his hand on top of Tess'. But who cares, after all we are having lunch together. Tess' face burned like a roaring fire and her heart beat was a million miles per hour. Lunch seemed to end abruptly and Max stood to leave. She wanted to tell him not to go, but he hadn't given her that right. So, I'll see you after school for the meeting. Tess nodded and watched the love of her lives walk away. A deep sigh escaped her body and she left to her last classes.
Meanwhile back in the real world…
Anali continued to watch over Tess. It seemed that up to now nothing horrible was happening to her, instead she looked happy. Her fever unfortunately was starting to rise and it caused the young maiden great concern but in this state not much could be done. The Queen's will had to over come the lie. She held Tess' hand tightly and every once in a while she would implore her to wake up but it was all futile.
Earth…
It was now dark in Roswell and Max lay in his bed wide awake thinking of his conversation with Isabel and Michael. They had taken what he said pretty well but reprimanded him for not sharing his still alive connection with Tess with them. Max if we are going to start trusting each other 100 again you need to let us know these things. Said Michael. Whether we like it or not Tess is still a part of us and if she has a connection to you it could be an advantage point. The second in command concluded. Max had now fallen asleep in a light slumber.
Dream World…
Classes had ended and Tess waited for Kyle like he had asked. He pulled up in his car and she stepped in. The sky continued to have a strange haze and the air appeared to have gotten a bit thicker. Doesn't the sky and weather seem weird to you? She casually asked Kyle. Nope it seems normal to me. He looked at her and said nothing else. It wasn't very long before they had reached their final destination. Tess noted as they got off the car that everyone was wearing black from head to toe. As she looked at Kyle she realized he was also in black. She could swear he hadn't been dressed that way before. What's going on guys, are we breaking in somewhere? Tess raised an eyebrow and waited for an answer. Max emerged from the group and smiled slightly at Tess. We are so glad you came Tess. The whole group smiled at her in a dreadful way. You have saved us the trouble of chasing you down like a dog. At the comment Tess began to feel fear. What? She asked. Tonight you will die. Everyone began to approach her slowly. Tess raised her hand ready to defend herself, but nothing happened. As she panicked she tried to mind warp the group. Still no results. She quickly turned and began to run in the dark dessert. The thickness of the air made every step torture and her lungs burned with every breath. She turned and saw that they continued to chase her, she ran but it made no difference even thought they just walked. The dessert kept going and no sight of a city could be seen, finally her body gave in and she fell. Instantly the group surrounded her, laughing and pointing. Did you think Max could ever want someone as worthless as you? Liz spoke and kicked Tess at the same time. Suddenly they all began to kick Tess and mock her. You are nothing! Kyle yelled. They all stopped and Isabel lifted her by the hair. You are a liar and a murderer, you deserve to die! Isabel punched her in the face. Tess fell back with nose bleeding. Now Michael began to lifted her by the neck off the floor. The defenseless girl struggled and kicked but it was useless. He tightened his grip around her neck until it felt like it would break, and when she was about to go unconscious he threw her against a rock. Tess fell lip to the ground barely awake. By instinct her mind called out to Max. MAX HELP ME! MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAXXXXXXXXXXXXXX!
Earth…
This whole time Max had been in a light slumber. He heard Tess voice and immediately felt like he was being sucked in.
Dream World…
Dream Max now approached Tess as she dragged herself away. Tess why are you leaving me? He teased her. GET AWAY FROM ME! She cried in anger and pain. As he reached her and was to struck her the real Max materialized next to Tess. He lifted his hand and dream Max flew knocking over the rest of the group. Tess looked up in disbelief. Please don't hurt me. Tears came down her face now more than before. I wont, it's me, Max…real Max. Take my hand. Hesitantly she stretched out her hand and lifted her up. She could not stand up properly because of all the injuries she had received. Where are we? He asked as he looked at all the damage done to her fragile body. I don't know how I got here or who these people are…I don't know, I don't know. Tess sobbed hysterically in Max's arms. It's ok Tess I will get us out of here. He hugged her as she cried. You aren't taking that bitch anywhere. A voice was heard from behind them. Alex stood with a blank expression. She has to pay for what she did to me. Max stood protectively in front of Tess. I don't know who or what you are but I know you aren't Alex. He died. Dream Alex approached Max and Tess, instantly Max obliterated him and proceeded to do so with the rest of the dream group. By now Tess had been sitting on the ground resting from the beating she had endured. She no longer cried it was more like she had drifted away. Max crouched beside her. Are you ok now? His voice was filled with concern. She blinked out of her trance and looked at him with a swollen eye. I'm fine…thank you. Her guilt over came and two drops fell. I shouldn't have called you to help me. I don't even know how I managed to bring you here. But I was so scared and when I feel afraid I automatically think of you. God, Max I'm sorry. He stood watching the broken girl in front of him, feeling pity for her. Max walked to her and knelt down. I don't think I can ever understand what happened with Alex and I can't say that I forgive you for it…but I want you to know that…I don't want you to die. Tess looked up in surprise. The sky became normal and so did the air. They both looked around and Max smiled. I guess this means you control the atmosphere in this place. Tess simply nodded. The boy king placed his hands over Tess and erased any trace of abuse. Thank you. She said in a whisper. He only smiled and stood, suddenly his body began to fade away. I'm walking up now. Max looked directly at Tess. At least I'm only a mental call away. With his last words he completely disappeared.
Antar…
Tess peacefully woke up to find Anali silently crying as she held her hand. Anali? Immediately the maiden looked at her Queen. Ani Kelen, thank the Great Beyond! How long have I been asleep? Anali stayed silent for a moment. It's been almost 2 days; I feared you were going to die. Your body was covered with injuries and then suddenly they were all gone. How did this happen? Tess smiled. Someone that cares helped me. She said no more. Ani Kelen you know this will continue, Kivar will do these types of things to you until he has been satisfied. The Queen's face showed no expression. I know, but I have to endure everything until the Life Givers are done.
To be continued…