Title: Revelations (part 8)

Author: Angela Rae

Category: Max/Liz, Michael/Maria, Isabel/Alex, Kyle/Tess (M) (AR)

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these fabulous characters, more's the pity. They are the exclusive property of 20th Century Fox Television, Regency Television, Jason Katims, Melinda Metz and Laura J. Burns. To quote some of my favorite fan fiction authors, I'm just borrowing – I'll return them as I found them. Cross my heart!

A/N: Sorry this one took so long! I lay the blame entirely on a summer cold, a new job, and corporate restructuring. To all of you who're sticking with this story in spite of the detours and delays – THANK YOU. You're the best.

Rated M for safety reasons… this fic is set at the end of "Destiny", ep 1:22, which makes it AR. Hope you Enjoy!

To Tay, my lovely beta. Thank you for all you do to make this ever so much better.

Isabel Evans looked up at the bright sun overhead and was thankful that they had chosen a table in the shade. They were lucky it had been open. The quad was packed with other students just as desperate to escape the day's heat she noticed as she scanned the crowd.

Blonde hairs prickled at the back of her neck when she noticed the boy staring at their table from across the quad. His face was pale and dotted with rather large pimples. His hair was a lank, sandy brown and, though she couldn't quite make them out, she had the impression of cold eyes watching them with interest.

Those eyes met hers for one strange moment before he got up and walked back into the school.

Creepy, was the only way she could describe the moment.

Okay, get ahold of yourself, Isabel. He's probably just one of your more psychotic admirers. Nothing you can't handle, she thought as Alex squeezed her hand to get her attention.

She turned her interest back to the discussion at hand, dismissing the strange boy from her mind. Isabel picked up a fry and dipped it in Max's Tabasco and honey sauce as she listened to Alex's words.

"What we really need to get is access to more information on your enemies," Alex said, turning to face Max. "You need to know what you're up against before you can fight them."

"You're right, Alex," Liz said quietly, setting aside her Trig notebook. Studying for the final could wait. This was important. "Max, you guys can't stand against something you don't understand."

"I know," Max sighed, "And we're still waiting for Tess. She's meeting Nesedo today so, hopefully, he'll have the information we need. We just have to be patient."

That brought Isabel's mind more fully into the conversation. She turned to look at her brother and asked, "What are we going to do about her, Max?"

"Do about who?" Michael asked as he strode up to the table, his expression interested and alert. In one hand, was a basket containing a chili dog with extra chili and fries; Maria's hand was tucked firmly in the other. He took a seat and pulled Maria down next to him.

"Hey, what have you two been up to?" Isabel's smile was decidedly wicked, her thoughts moving from one topic to the next with the blinding speed of the social butterfly she was.

She laughed delightedly as Maria blushed and Michael scowled. When she looked over at Liz, the other girl just smiled and winked.

Managing to hide his own amusement at Michael's discomfort, Max took pity on them and turned the subject back to the original topic.

"To answer your question, Michael," Max said, with a quelling look at Isabel to remind her that this wasn't the time to pick on Michael, "Tess is the 'who'."

Michael raised an eyebrow and nodded as he ripped open some sugar packets and dumped it on the chili.

"I think I understand what Iz is trying to say," Liz said quickly and glanced at Michael with a reassuring smile. "We've all made some really big decisions that she doesn't know about and… well…" Liz trailed off, unable to think of a tactful way to say it.

Maria didn't have that dilemma.

"You mean you think she's going to turn into a 'Grade A' bitch when she finds out we've all decided to stick together, right?" She wrinkled her pixie nose in exasperation, knowing they needed to get ready for Tess' return and finding Michael's chili and sugar mix really nauseating.

"What?" Michael asked her with a grin. He gestured with the hot dog, "Want some?"

Maria just snorted in disgust and punched him in the arm.

Ignoring Michael's comment, Liz continued, "Yeah, and, in her mind, I'm going to be the problem."

"You're not a problem," Max said quietly. His arm encircled her shoulders in a protective embrace.

Liz smiled up into his eyes and, for a quiet moment, the world narrowed to include only each other before it slowly expanded again.

Her voice was soft when she said, "Tess wants you, too – and I can't blame her. She's spent her whole life being told you're her destiny. That's not something you just get over." Liz sighed. "I know what it is to lose you and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I just… I don't know… I just don't want her to hurt for something we can't let go of. I love you and…"

Max's kiss cut her off mid-sentence. The connection flared into brilliant life as her consciousness sank into his and every barrier fell away as if it had never been. She gasped into his mouth, shattered by the strength of his emotions as they pulsed around her. Feelings of warmth, pride, and protectiveness enfolded her spirit, soothing away her worry.

Max withdrew slowly, savoring every moment of the contact and the unique flavor of Liz, her warmth and innate goodness. He held onto the strength of their connection, leaving his heart bear to her touch, so that she wouldn't be able to doubt the truth of his next words.

"I love you, Liz." His fingers entwined and locked with hers, his voice was low and forceful. "Right now, that's all that matters. No matter what happens, I will not lose you again. Do you understand?"

Liz nodded, her eyes shining with tears and her lips offered a shaky smile.

"Alright, then," Max said and then turned to the others who were watching silently. "We'll meet at our place tomorrow night to figure out what our next move is. We should have something more to go on once Tess gets back, and we might as well get it all over with at once. Until then, we've got to stick together, keep to our normal routines, and no one goes out alone – stay in pairs at least. We don't know what's out there and until we do we need to be careful."

As everyone nodded, he looked from Liz to Maria.

"Okay," Maria said. Her blue eyes sparkled mischievously and she winked at Liz. "We'll get Mr. Parker to let us off an hour early. I'm sure Karen can cover for us."

"Good," said Max.

The bell sounded, signaling the end of their lunch break. Everyone got up from the table, ready to move on to their next classes.

Max stood, Liz's hand still tucked firmly in his own, but she held him back as the others began walking towards the door. She could feel his anxious worries as plainly as if they were her own.

"What is it?" she asked softly.

He sighed, resisting only for a moment, before giving into the feelings of comfort and support she offered so selflessly.

"I just don't know if I can be who they all need me to be. Who you need me to be." He admitted his fears with an openness he only showed to Liz.

Liz's heart filled with an understanding that was all the deeper for sharing their new connection. Resolution pulsed through the link between them and she knew Max felt it as she said, "Okay, first of all, I don't need you to be anyone other than who you already are." Her brown eyes were filled with a truth that he trusted above all else. "And, secondly, we aren't counting on some myth or legend. We're counting on you.

And you can't be anyone other than who you already are and no one is asking you to be. We need you to trust yourself, Max. You were born a king, but you've learned to be a leader, and you will make the choices you have to because there is no other option.

Michael, Isabel, Maria, Alex… me, we're with you. Right or wrong, good or bad, we stick together. And I'm going to be there, Max, right beside you, all the way."

"Thank you," Max whispered into her hair as he pulled her into a tight hug.

"You're welcome," she whispered back.

They let each other go and Max waited until Liz had gathered her books before putting his arm around her shoulders as she slipped hers around his waist.

Together, they walked to where the others waited.

(***)

Kyle Valenti watched as they turned and went into the school together. Knowing the truth about Evans and Guerin still boggled his mind – and made him a little uncomfortable with confronting the whole group to talk to one member.

He could see that it was serious between Max and Liz, it was obvious to anyone who really looked at them, and Kyle didn't want Max to think that he was challenging him or anything. What he'd had with Liz was over and he was okay with that now – even a little relieved.

Liz had always been different, it was one of the things that had attracted Kyle to her in the first place, but he'd known from the first time they'd kissed that they didn't really share the connection they were both looking for.

That she was with Max now made sense to Kyle, almost more sense than his pride wanted to admit sometimes. Plus Liz had been really decent about giving Kyle the time and space to move on and he felt the rightness of just being friends with her.

That's why he wanted to talk to Liz alone, without the rest of the Pod Squad around. He trusted her the most, and if anyone would understand what was going on with him, it was Liz, for sure.

It was weird but ever since Max had healed him, he'd been having these strange dreams. It was all really confusing and he was starting to feel like he didn't understand anything anymore.

Geez, he thought, how did my life get so complicated?

He'd even gone to the public library in an attempt to figure things out on his own. He'd asked the librarian where in the decimal system thingy he could find the meaning of life. She'd looked at him strangely, pointed him to the "World Religions" section. Most of the books were over his head, but then he'd found one called "Buddhism for Beginners" that looked like it made sense, so he'd checked it out.

The warning bell rang and he shook his head. Anyway, he figured he'd call Liz later or something. He had to get to class or Mr. Henderson would probably talk to Coach. One more tardy and he'd be stuck with an extra ten laps at practice. Coach didn't believe in letting grades slide just 'cause you were an athlete.

With one last strange look at the now empty doorway, Kyle turned and double-timed it down the hall.

(***)

He stood in the cramped motel bathroom, the late afternoon sun streaking through half-curtained windows, and stared at the pale alien features of his human face in the dingy mirror. He turned to the side and touched his jawline gingerly before peeling away a long, dry layer of skin.

These husks are falling apart faster than we anticipated, he thought sourly.

His head snapped up when he heard the shrill sound of the antique rotary phone ringing on the bedside table. He quickly set aside the lotion he had been squeezing out of its big 'buy in bulk' bottle and hurried to snatch up the handset.

Speaking firmly into the receiver, he identified himself, "This is Davis."

"Verify," came a cold, hard response from the other end of the line and it sent an icy shiver of fear down his spine. He knew this voice.

"Anann cuia Kivar aran en' Antar," he said quietly, repeating a creed of loyalty he'd vowed to defend with his very life.

There was a momentary pause before the reply came and the voice took on an eerie false note of cheer, "Davis, my old friend. You can't imagine how surprised I was to get the report that you found them. I suppose I should say congratulations, or something along those lines, but really it was only a matter of time, right?"

"Nicholas," Davis said cautiously, feeling one eye begin to twitch in a nervous tic that he knew looked very unattractive on the face of this adolescent husk, "I didn't expect your call. Where is Elisha? He was my contact for this sweep."

"Elisha… well, let's just say, I had to let him go," Nicholas said slyly, chuckling in appreciation of his own wit. Davis could hear the hint of smug satisfaction in his tone. "He'd served his purpose. So, I'll be taking command from here. I'm assuming you have a location scouted out that is both local and secure?"

"Yes, general," Davis said immediately, but his mind was still reeling in shock. Elijah had been one of his oldest associates on this hostile rock of a planet, not just an ally but a friend as well, and Nicholas had just admitted to his murder. He clamped down hard on the feelings of hatred and betrayal he had always harbored for the megalomaniacal prick and concentrated on keeping his voice neutral, for his own survival, as he said, "There is an abandoned textile mill in Melena off Highway 70, it's not far and it's isolated."

"Hmm…" Nicholas said, "Well, that's all there is for now then, I guess. Keep an eye on them. Observation only. We need more intel, so get it. I've been delayed in New York by some unexpected new developments but I'll be arriving there in person in two days. And Davis… don't disappoint me."

"Yes, sir," Davis said quickly as he heard the line go dead.

(***)

"Just focus on 'nudging' the molecules. It's all about a delicate touch," Isabel said patiently, then sat back and watched as Michael attempted to, yet again, turn the white blackfoot daisy to a different color.

Michael growled as the delicate petals turned to ash beneath his fingertips, for the twelfth time.

Isabel took a deep breath and glanced around her mother's garden, thankful there were so many flowers this time of year that she wouldn't notice the small cluster behind the retaining wall that was down to its last five blooms – and surrounded by mysterious little piles of soot.

"I can't do it, Izzy," Michael said angrily, running both hands through his hair in frustration before clasping them tightly behind his neck and grunting, "This is stupid. I don't even know what I was thinking! You and Max are the ones who can do this kind of crap, I'm just the hammer when something needs smashing, ya know?"

"You were thinking you need to get some kind of control over your powers. And you were right," Isabel said firmly, "It takes time and practice. You can do this, Michael. Now, try again, only this time try to focus on something that makes you feel calm, a memory or a thought, whatever it is that centers your concentration. Just remember to focus and let the energy out nice and easy."

Michael sighed and glanced up at the last rays of the setting sun as they painted the sky in colors of orange, red, purple and pink.

Max stood off to the side with Alex, both of them watching as Isabel and Michael worked together but trying not to interfere.

Max bet that everyone there knew exactly what, or rather who, Michael was thinking about when his expression suddenly smoothed and he closed his eyes, looking more peaceful than Max could remember him ever being before.

Max, Alex and Isabel watched in amazement as Michael took a deep breath and let it out slowly, his eyes still closed, as the flower slowly changed under his fingertips. The brilliant white petals bled out into a soft coral pink and the yellow center took on a dusky brown hue.

Michael sighed, obviously bracing himself for another disappointment, and opened his eyes.

He let out a whoop of triumph and glanced at Isabel who was grinning from ear to ear as she hugged him in congratulations.

"A few more like that and you'll have it locked down in no time," Max said smiling and walking forward.

"Yeah, well, it's a start at least," Michael said, before he reached over and picked the newly dyed flower.

"Yeah, it's a start," Max said, looking at the flower in Michael's hand, quirking an eyebrow in question.

Michael frowned and said hastily, "Your mom might think it was weird that the flower's the wrong color or something... And, anyway, I figure I'll give it to Maria tonight when I go over to her place after Amy goes to sleep. We still didn't know what's really out there waiting for us and I'm not taking any chances. There's no way she's sleeping alone tonight. But I figure she might have objections, 'cause she never does things the easy way, so I'll bring the flower… you know, to soften her up."

Max gave Michael a look that said 'yeah right' and opened his mouth to rib his best friend a little on how much he'd changed in the one day since he and Maria had made up, when he thought the better of it. Michael was finally starting to open up and he didn't want to make him regret the decision in any way. Maria was good for him and deserved whatever gestures Michael was able to make.

He noticed Isabel and Alex exchange quick smiles but stayed silent too.

So, instead of poking fun, Max just nodded and said, "The girls should be done with their shifts soon anyway. You go ahead; I promised Liz I'd grab a few things for her first, so I'll catch up with you. Besides, the faster you get there, the sooner you can talk her around to your way of thinking."

Michael smirked at the thought and said, "Right. I'll see you guys later."

They watched as Michael walked away, throwing a wave over his shoulder in their general direction before disappearing around the corner.

Max walked back into the house, leaving Isabel and Alex to enjoy some time alone together, a small smile playing around his lips. They still had so much to learn and no idea what they were really facing now, but Iz, Michael and he were finally happy. All thanks to three special human beings who loved and accepted them unconditionally. And Max knew he, his sister, and his best friend would do whatever it took to hold onto them, no matter what.

His thoughts turned to Liz as he walked into his room and pulled out a few of his t-shirts, intending to bring them to her like she'd asked him too, when Max felt a wave of longing that took his breath away. He'd spoken to Liz about it earlier but they hadn't really had a chance to talk about the side-effects of their new bond; the new need to be in physical contact as often as they could manage it. Max knew it scared Liz a little, but he didn't mind at all. The idea of spending the rest of his life touching Liz Parker sounded great to him.

Max smiled as he realized she was probably completely off her shift by now and they could spend some real time together.

He was still getting ready to leave the house when a sudden spike of fear that wasn't his own stabbed through his heart. His knees buckled as his hand clutched his chest and he felt his heartbeat race from the sudden surge of adrenaline, his face blanching white.

The t-shirts slid from his numb fingers, forgotten in the moment.

Liz.

Without a word, Max took off, bursting out the front door and racing down the street at a dead sprint toward the Crashdown.

(***)

Liz walked into her bedroom, a fluffy, green towel wrapped loosely around her body, and opened a dresser drawer. A long, hot shower was just what she'd needed after managing the dinner rush in the café tonight. She rolled her head to loosen up neck muscles that were cramped from bending over take orders for the last few hours. Her warm brown eyes closed as she leaned into the stretch and groaned with relief.

She sighed softly as she felt another wave of longing, recognizing the feeling for what it was. Ever since she and Max had made this new, more intimate connection with each other, she'd begun experiencing an intense need for him when he wasn't there. It was a craving Liz knew he felt too. It wasn't so bad when she could distract herself during the day, but she already theorized that settling down to sleep would be something else entirely. Maybe she should try to get in some extra study time instead.

The fluffy, green towel dropped to the floor and she started to pull out her favorite pajama set when she heard the startled shout behind her. "Geez, Liz! What the heck!"

She screamed and whipped around, snatching up the towel to shield herself, as a sudden surge of terror swept through her. She felt the bond flare wide and suddenly it was as if Max was right beside her. An answering wave of alarm came crashing back along their connection, but she didn't have any time to respond as she struggled to calm her own pounding heart and took a deep, relieved breath when she realized who was on the other side of her window.

Kyle Valenti stood outside her windowsill, his eyes covered with both hands, looking for all the world like he was five years old. "Can I look now? Are you decent?"

"No!" Liz exclaimed, unfreezing enough to snatch the clothes from the drawer and hastily pull on the light cotton t-shirt and pant set that had been a gift from her grandma. They were cream colored with little blue flowers all over them.

She pulled her hair into a hasty ponytail and glanced around quickly to see that everything was as it should be before she allowed her legs to collapse and abruptly sat in the chair across from her bed. She took a few more deep breaths before saying, "It's alright, Kyle. You can look now."

Kyle pulled his hands down from his face, peeking through his fingers as if he didn't quite believe her, before letting them drop completely. His cheeks were red and his eyes apologetic as he said, "I'm so sorry, Liz. I didn't mean to just barge in on you like that. Well, I sort of did, since I obviously climbed up the fire-escape, but I didn't mean to invade your privacy like that. And the Buddha says the secret of happiness lies in the mind's release from worldly ties, so I'm trying to give up that kind of thing for now anyway and…"

"Kyle, stop," Liz interrupted swiftly, holding up her hand to cut him off. She really didn't want to know where that train of thought was headed and she was already having a hard time not smacking him for scaring her so badly.

"Okay," he said suddenly, snapping his mouth shut and looking around uncomfortably. He took a sudden seat on the window ledge, his legs dangling over into her room. His expression was darn close to that of a wounded puppy.

Liz sighed, feeling a little guilty for snapping at him. She tried to sound a little more reassuring when she said, "It's alright. So, what's on your mind?"

Kyle hesitated for a moment before he sighed, his shoulders drooping. "I don't know how to explain it, Liz, but I figured if anyone would understand it's you. It's all so confusing. Ever since Max healed me I haven't felt quite right, you know? And I've been having these dreams…"

Liz's eyes filled with sympathy for her former boyfriend. She knew exactly what he was feeling. The shock and suddenly different perspective after everything you thought was impossible suddenly became real. It made you question things you always thought you just knew.

"What dreams?" she asked quietly.

"It's the same thing over and over," he said, his voice halting, "I'm in this room. It's dark, but there's a dim light coming from the far wall and I see a pattern that's kind of glowing. It's four dots, they make a square, only the one on the bottom left is sort of pulsing. Then the light gets brighter, only it's not white anymore, it's blue, and there are these symbols that start flashing by. I don't understand what they mean but I know they mean something. And I'm supposed to go there, Liz. Wherever that blue room is, that's where I'm supposed to be. Do you know where it is? Do you know anything about what I'm seeing or am I just going crazy?" His voice took on a desperate edge as he looked at her searchingly.

"It's okay, Kyle," Liz said quickly, "You're not crazy. I know some of what you're seeing and I'm sure Max and the others can help with the rest." She stood and crossed the room. She took his hands and pulled him to his feet, holding his eyes with her own, she willed him to believe her.

"I don't know what I'm doing anymore, Liz. I feel like the world is tipped upside down. Buddha says a man centered in loving kindness dies free of fear and confusion, and I'm trying to stay centered here. I'm really trying. But I can't help but feel like this is a little more than I can handle, Liz. Like maybe I'm not really meant to be here at all. Maybe I was meant to die that day. Maybe it's unnatural that I'm even alive right now… I just don't know." Kyle shook his head, his fingers tightening on hers.

"No, Kyle!" Liz exclaimed. "I don't believe that and neither do you, not really. And you're not the only one Max has saved. Do you think that he was wrong to save me? Do you think I shouldn't be alive anymore either? Because I'd be dead right now if not for him."

"I didn't mean that, Liz," Kyle said, his eyes widening as the idea of a world without Liz Parker occurred to him and made his blood run cold. She meant so much too so many people he couldn't imagine her not being there. "Max saving you was the best thing he's ever done."

Liz sighed and wrapped her arms around the other boy, trying to offer some comfort. "Saving you was too." She felt his arms come around her and squeeze her tight as they just held each other for a moment.

Liz felt him before she saw him. The sudden rush of fear and love alerted her to his presence outside her window and she gasped, looking up.

Her gaze clashed with Max's. She watched as the fear drained away and was replaced by something else when he saw her standing in the circle of Kyle's arms.

TBC…

A/N: R&R is always appreciated. So, press the little blue button… :)