Love Can Endure All Things

Michael and Isabel sat on his couch watching T.V. Isabel needed emotional support during the troubling times and Michael was always willing and ready to comfort her. She looked to him as he appeared so enticed by the images flashing before his eyes. A blush appeared on her a face and a strange warm sensation filled her body. What's going on? Isabel questioned herself. Izzy are you ok? You cold? I can get you a blanket from my room. At his look of concern she felt the heat rise to her face. She quickly stood and looked away from him. Nothing is wrong. I'm just…thirsty, yes thirsty! Michael raised and eyebrow and nodded. Ok, well you know where the fridge is. And with that settled he turned and continued to watch the tube. Isabel reached in and grabbed a Snapple, it was of course one of the only drinks available at the young commander's house. She rubbed the cool bottle against her cheeks to bring down the redness and as she did she stared at Michael. Butterflies instantly filled her stomach. Why do I feel this way when I look at him? He's like my brother. In an instant she got her things and ran out the door. Michael stared at the door in complete confusion. What just happened? He questioned out loud.

Isabel walked silently on the street feeling like a complete idiot. Michael must think I'm crazy. Her thoughts kept telling her. She lifted her gazed and noted Maria walking towards her, apparently submerged in her own thoughts as well. Maria looked up and locked eyes with Isabel. For the both girls timed slowed down. Finally they stood in front of each other silent. Hey Isabel. Maria spoke first putting on a fake smile. Hey. Isabel responded with a slight crack in her voice. They both just nodded and looked away. So…you coming from Michael's house? Isabel felt as the fierce blush rose to her face. Why would you assume I'm coming from Michael's? Maria stared at her with an eyebrow raised. Well, you have a Snapple in your hand and you are coming from that direction. I admit I'm just assuming. Once again Isabel felt like an idiot. All the evidence was quite incriminating. She smiled slightly. Yeah, I was at Michael's, you know just watching some T.V. no big deal. Her words came out quick and filled with some strange guilt. Maria continued to look at the alien princess with an eyebrow raised. What is she hiding? Maria questioned herself. How is he? Maria tried to change the subject slightly. He's good, you know Michael, he acts like everything is fine. Isabel noted the sadness in Maria's eyes. Yeah, that's Michael for you. The young girl chuckled a bit. I'm sorry things turned out the way they did. Maybe it will all work out. Isabel tried to sound comforting. In reality she only meant the first part, for some reason she hoped deep inside that the second part wouldn't come true. No, he was clear. As you could say "I made my bed and now I have to lay in it". Anyways, I'm late for my shift. Do me a favor. When you see him tell him I said hi. And she walked away without getting a response.

Isabel had reached her home and just sat on her bed. All these feelings must be for a reason. Why does Michael make me feel this way if he never has? Isabel felt frustrated and upset. She couldn't go to Max, he would never understand. And Michael…Michael would probably freak out and think she was loosing her mind. She lay back on her bad and drifted into sleep.

Isabel's Point of View…

She walked down a dark tunnel with only a small candle to guide her way. Every night she would make the same trip to see the boy she loved dearly, knowing that if either were caught it would be his end and her possible banishment. She counted the doors to her right waiting to get to the 10th one which would lead her to the Far East gardens where no guard stood and he waited patiently. Finally she stood out in the night sky. It was darker than usual, but it was due to thick clouds covering the moons. She thanked the Great Beyond for providing her with the darkness to cloak her figure. Her step was quick. If she did not see him her heart would explode. In the distance a dim light could be seen. A great smile spread across her face and she ran. Good evening Sir. Vilandra curtsied. Rath turned and walked to his princess, a kiss he placed on her forehead. On Antar such a kiss was seen as something deep between lovers. At only 15 (earth years) they knew they loved each other like no other could ever love. Did you wait for me long? The princess asked feeling bad for her love. No, it was quite difficult to leave military school this night. I have been here only a mere amount of minutes. Vilandra smiled. Shall we sit? He asked as he pointed to a blanket. They both sat and hugged as they did. What shall we do Rath? Soon my father will commence looking for suitors to joins souls with me. Rath looked deeply into her eyes as he tended to do. Rath was a cadet in the royal army; his family was known in the kingdom but had no royal blood. Only if he reached an admirable rank would the king ever consider him a suitable husband for his daughter. Vilandra no one will join souls with you, I promise. One day, soon, I will become the right hand man of the king and then we can be together with no secrets. Vilandra nodded as she rested her head on his chest. He was only a boy, but she knew he would be great.

End of Dream

Isabel's eyes opened slowly. Michael…I didn't know. She said in a sad whisper. She continued to lay on her bed for what had only seemed like minutes but had actually been hours, the sun had gone down significantly but she couldn't move. I thought I loved Kivar? Her mind repeated. But this dream shows me that I loved Michael from before Kivar. What went so terribly wrong? Tears welled up in her eyes. Out of the four royals, Isabel always tried to ignore her memories because she feared the truth. Isabel rose from her bed and sat, she contemplated what she should do about this dream and what it meant.

Back in Michael's apartment…

Michael had drifted in to sleep as he watched T.V.

Michael's Point of View…

The years had gone by and he had worked harder than any his age had ever. His motivation…a princess that had stolen his heart. But troubling times had begun for Antar. The King had died, rumors of a revolution were everywhere and Vilandra was pulling away from her brother who was now King and she was especially pulling away from him. Many where the days she would disappear from the palace without a single word to anyone and Zan rarely reprimanded her for any of her actions and she took advantage of it. Rath sat in his chambers in the palace, another day of waiting impatiently for his love to arrive. It had been only a week that the Queen mother had announced to all that Vilandra and Rath were to join souls as soon as the young King did. He began to suspect that perhaps this was the cause for her more frequent disappearances. A noise was suddenly heard from the corridor. It only contained 3 chambers and it was only to be used by the royal children or their soon to be spouses. Rath walked out a saw how Vilandra walked to her room trying to be as unnoticeable as possible. He quickly walked and grabbed her arm. Vilandra where have you been? They both stood in silence and then she turned to him. Please do not grab me in such a manner I' am a princess. Her words had come out harsh and arrogant. She tried to pull away but Rath held her even tighter. I think I deserve and explanation for your whereabouts my princess. Although Rath's voice was low his eyes did not hide the anger growing inside. Vilandra looked down with obvious fear in her eyes. I simply took a walk in the city, I felt cooped up in my chambers. Her answered seemed 50 sincere but he chose not to push the matter any longer. Vilandra why are you so distant from me, have you lost all of our love? She spoke no words, all she did was stare at the man she was suppose to love and then walked away. Rath stood staring at the door feeling as though his heart would die. What have I done to deserve the rejection of my dearest one? He would not show sadness ever again and so it was from that fateful day that no emotion was ever seen from the Commander.

End of Dream

Michael opened his eyes and stared intently at the ceiling. Damn you Kivar, you took the one good thing in my life. He pondered as to why he and Isabel never seemed to have such feelings for each other now in this time, after all weren't they suppose to have the essence of the people they once were? Michael admitted to himself that on occasions seeing other guys with Isabel made his stomach turn in pure jealousy. When Alex was alive it drove him crazy but she was happy and he was supposed to be with Maria. As much as he hated it, he was kind of relieved when Alex was no longer in the picture. He stood and closed his eyes, maybe another memory would come to him, perhaps one of better times. Nothing happened and frustration over took him. He put his shoes on and walked out the door.

On the street…

Isabel and Michael both walked down the street towards the park, unknown to each other that they were both headed the same way. They reached the corner but on different sides of the block and waited as traffic moved along. The entrance of the park was in the middle of the block ahead and Michael found himself almost right next to Isabel, she had been so distracted by her thoughts that she hadn't even realized that he was there. Michael cleared his throat and Izzy jumped in a nervous way. Oh, Michael it's you. Isabel smiled at him and looked away instantly. Hey Izzy. Was all he said, he could see she was nervous about something. Can we talk for a second? Michael asked in his usual dead tone, it was usually like this when he was nervous. Sure. The young princess answered. They walked silently to the wooded area where they trees hid any presence from the crowded area. Isabel sat with her hands in her lap and right leg moving uncontrollably, it was obvious she was nervous. So…I think we should talk. Michael said trying to lock eyes with his past love. Talk about what? Isabel responded still looking away. You know about what, that's why you are acting this way. It's about…the dreams. They both said in unison. Isabel suddenly felt completely calm as though this was right. You had a memory Michael? When? Michael's expression had now changed to a more relaxed one. Today, after you left I dozed off. They both saw as the sun had completely disappeared and now sat under a street lamp. I had mine after I left your place. Was it a good memory? Michael asked fearing it had been his. Yes, it was quite beautiful. Do you want to know what it was? Her nerves now raced but she wanted to tell him. Of course Izzy, I really want to know. So Isabel retold the story as she had seen it in her dream. Michael was surprised to know that they had been in love long before Kivar and it made his heart hurt not knowing the in between of what happened to the strong love they shared. That's it, what about you? Did you dream the same thing? The second in command took a deep sad breath and began to tell his sad story. He told her about the struggle of the time for the people of Antar and then of her distance from the people she loved and no one knowing why. Isabel had tears in her eyes by the time the story had ended. I'm a monster, I hurt everything I love. Alex and…you. She began to quietly sob. Isabel you are not that person anymore. What happened to Alex was in no way your fault, you need to know that. Yes it is Michael, it's my fault, I should have paid more attention! I could have stopped Tess from hurting him. Her voice was loud and full of grief that had needed to be released. Michael grabbed her and pulled her in for a hug. It's ok Izzy, he knows that, Alex isn't mad at you and…neither am I. Isabel looked up with wet eyes and suddenly she and Michael were locked in a trance. He began to come close to her and she did as well. Just as they were to kiss she stopped. We shouldn't be doing this, I feel so confused. I'm sorry! And she ran with all her strength. Michael sat and didn't move for a long time.

2 weeks later on Antar…

Kivar had not come to see Tess in 2 weeks. She sat by a window and watched the people in the thriving city below. For being under a cruel leader like the skin King Kivar, they seemed to be relatively happy. In her mind Max's words re-played a blush spread on her cheeks. That gesture motivated her more and more to live and go back to Earth, even if it meant confronting Isabel and Michael with the truth. Tess honestly didn't care what Liz or Maria thought, what got to her was the power Liz had on Max. It was that time for the second meal and Anali stepped in the room with a tray of food. Ani Kelen I bring good news. Her cheerful voice could only mean one thing. The Life Givers have sent news? Tess stood as she spoke. Yes Ani Kelen, please let me read it for you. The Queen became silent and waited.

It says…

Our dearest Queen,

The progress of the clone is quite promising. It seems that the being is maturing rapidly and it has begun to move, unfortunately it has not awoken yet. As we can tell from the information you have given us it has reached the proper age it should be; now we must wait for the brain to begin reacting properly to all required senses and for proper pigmentation and hair to grow.

Your Humble Servants.

Tess was taken back, this news meant that she needed to plan her escape as soon as the clone was done and take it back to earth. That would be soon. Anali I need your help again. Tess spoke almost begging. Anything. Anali responded. Once this clone is fully formed I have to get myself and it back to Earth or else Kivar will kill me. I know Ani Kelen, he will kill you and the being. Tell me what I must do and I shall. Tess smiled. You must write a letter for me to the rebels, tell them that I want to join them in a couple of months for an indefinite amount of time. Ask them to please locate a ship that I can take, tell them it's to go back and bring the King and the other royals. Anali wrote the words and left to give it to her contact. Tess saw as everything played out before her eyes. I want to go home…my real home. The words came to no surprise to her because as much as she wanted to come to this place and save her people she was nothing more than an alien. It had now been 2 months on Earth time. Tess sighed. Only 10 more months left. The sarcasm was quite obvious. Max fluttered into her mind as he was making a habit of doing, well not actual Max, she missed him dearly. In her mind she could feel his presence but for one reason or another she was not able to establish any verbal contact.

Her back was turned towards the window and she had not realized that her chamber doors had opened and a few people had slipped in. In an instant her head had been covered and her hands tied to prevent her from using her powers. WHO ARE YOU? WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME? She yelled with all her might. No answer came from her captures. It wasn't very long to get wherever they were taking her when suddenly she was thrown with quite force against a wall and she fell to the floor, she felt as though she would pass out but she didn't let herself. Why are you doing this to me? Tears wanted to fall. Her head continued to be covered and her hands tied. For a moment she was left alone, the floor damp and cold. The door to where she was opened and she could distinguish 2 voices approaching her. Her body began to shake uncontrollably. Oh my God. Was the last thing Tess said. Outside her cell you could hear the beating.

Earth…Roswell High

Max sat in class, the same class he had with Liz. Every so often she would turn to him and smile and he would return the smile. Quite frankly it was beginning to become annoying for the boy king. He lowered his head pretending to read from the text book as the teacher spoke, hopefully she would get the message and stop. He began to remember seeing Tess, sitting with injuries covering her body and how he wanted to hold her. She is brave. He thought to himself. Michael, Isabel and I could never get on a ship and go back to Antar. We are too scared. Max smiled but it wouldn't last long. He began to see flashes of just pure darkness, they would come and go. Then he felt as though he was being kicked over and over. No! He yelled mentally. Stop, STOP! Max fell to the ground holding his stomach, the flashes had ended and he found everyone staring and Liz next to him asking what was wrong. Were we having a bad dream Mr. Evans? The teacher asked looking down with and upset expression. A minute passed. I'm sorry, I must have dosed off. Max looked at Liz and she lowered her eyebrows in disbelief. He looked away and stood. Now, may I continue with out anymore interruptions? No one answered and the lecture continued. Max did not look at Liz for the rest of the class. Tess. He whispered out loud.

Meanwhile…

In front of her mirror Isabel stared at herself almost as though she expected to find something different. I look like a kid. A frown appeared. I'm not in high school anymore and I still haven't changed a bit. She turned her head from side to side and lifted her hair to make it look shorter. Maybe a new look will help me feel better. Isabel walked to her door and locked it and proceeded to the windows to put the drapes down. The last thing she needed was for anyone to see her use her powers. She stared at magazine picture with the cut she wanted and she passed her hand down her hair, instantly the severed hair drop to the floor. Perfect. She smiled to herself. A knock was heard at her door. Isabel, honey? Why is the door locked? It was her mom, how would she explain her new hair. Coming. Isabel yelled as she opened the drapes and ran to the door. Honey what are you doing that you need the door to be locked? Mrs. Evan spoke while she went through a stack of towels, she hadn't realized Isabel's appearance. Here are your…The towels dropped and so did her mouth. Honey…what did you do to your beautiful hair? She grabbed the now shorter strands. When did you go get it cut? Mrs. Evan's could not believe it. Suddenly she tilted to the side and noticed the chunk of hair on the floor. Isabel…you didn't do this to yourself, did you? An eyebrow raised as she waited for an answer. Gosh, mom…no. You see I got it cut and brought the hair back to send it to Love Locks. Her mom interrupted her. You mean Locks of Love? Yes, exactly. So I was fixing the hair to send it and when you knocked I got startled and dropped it. Mrs. Evan's said nothing instead she hugged her daughter. Honey you are so considerate. Isabel smiled and looked down. Yeah that's me. Mrs. Evan's walked away and Isabel closed the door behind. She walked to the newly cut hair and lifted it from the ground. This could never be anyone's. She held the hair and instantly disintegrated and watched as the ashes fell to the garbage. Once again she looked at herself and felt like a weight had been lifted. It's time for an all around change Isabel. She spoke to her reflection and smiled.

Back at School…

Max sat in the eraser room alone. He wanted to reach Tess, but as much as he tried nothing happened. Panic filled his body and frustration was making him desperate. What can I do? Why are they doing this to you? He could feel as the tears filled his eyes. Why now that she is gone, am I suffering like this? She deserves it for what she did, but I don't want it too. He slipped down to the ground and punched the shelves that held the erasers. Max began to remember Tess. Flashes filled his mind. When he first saw her, the fantasies she had placed in his head, her telling him who she was and most of all how she was always by his side. He knew she wasn't completely inhuman, she was a sweet girl. How could he blame her after all she was an alien. Just like me. The boy king said out loud. What she had done to Alex was wrong no matter how you looked at it. His love for Liz didn't allow him to listen to what she had to say. What difference does it make now, you are gone and Kivar will kill you. Max lowered his head into his bent knees.

On the Street…

Isabel now walked with a certain amount of arrogance in her new look and every guy on the street was loving how she looked. She wanted to show off her grown up look, in a technical sense she was most likely a lot older than everyone in this town put together. She paid no attention to were she went, she just needed to feel free from her depression. Alex meant the world to her but she couldn't stay the same pretending he was going to miraculously appear and now with this Michael situation she needed to clear her head even more. As she turned the corner of the block that led to the Crash Down she bumped into Michael. When they looked at each other, eyes locked and passion filled them both. All that escaped from her was a whisper. Michael….

To be Continued

Sorry, hehehehehehe! Reviews please! I promise to let you know what happens next in the next chapter.