BOOK 12 Ð DESTINY DERIVED
(THE ROYAL FOUR RECLAIMED)

 

 

 

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PART 2

 

 

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(2.29.23692)

 

Ava had been awake for hours thinking about her conversation with Rath, the night before.  What she told him had been true, she had no real memories of her past life.  She had a few vague feelings and images but nothing concrete, and not for the first time she wondered about her family.

 

One of the memories that was the strongest was being loved by an older woman, Ava thought to be her mother.  Ava had no memory of what the woman looked like, only fleeting emotions and impressions. 

 

Was her mother, or any other members of her family, still alive? Ava wondered.  She had been gone a long time, presumed dead in the coup, no doubt, and she wondered if her mother were still alive, would she welcome her as a daughter?

 

Of course there was Tess to consider too.  Tess was the real clone, the one who hadnÕt been made as an expendable decoy.  Maybe their mother would consider Tess to be her real daughter.

 

Ava sighed heavily and let her eyes travel over Kyle, sleeping beside her.  He had loved both her and Tess and maybe their mother could too.  Or, Ava thought to herself, maybe their mother would see Tess for the selfish, manipulative, traitor she was and reject her, claiming Ava as her real child, the good daughter.

 

Ava smiled.  She had never thought of herself as a ÔgoodÕ anything, but she rather liked the idea.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

Michael entered the Granolith room behind Max and Liz and looked at the enigmatic machine.  In the past he had felt a sense of power from it but he had never imagined that if could hold all of the answers to his many questions. 

 

As he took a seat next to Max and Liz, Michael felt a sense of apprehension.  What if he regained his memory and it changed who he was?  But, he argued with himself, Max and Liz had done it and seemed mostly the same, a little more sad, more knowing perhaps, but relatively the same. 

 

He glanced at them for reassurance and Liz smiled softly.

 

ÒAre you sure?Ó she asked.  ÒThereÕs no going back.Ó

 

Michael nodded.  ÒIÕm ready.Ó

 

Max and Liz clasped hands and started their connection and each reached out to Michael.

 

He took their offered hands and was immediately drawn into the connection, their overpowering emotions slamming into him. 

 

Michael was awed by the strength of their bond and the deep love they shared.  But he barely had time to consider it before images and emotions from their memories rushed through his mind; LizÕs visit from future Max, her pain from lying to Max, pushing him away when she loved him so deeply, her anguish watching Max grow closer to Tess. 

 

Then Michael saw MaxÕs struggle with his leadership position, his fear for everyoneÕs safety, his feeling of betrayal as one after another of his friends drifted away, including Liz, and the gut-wrenching pain of seeing Liz in bed with Kyle. 

 

And the thought drifted through MichaelÕs mind that he was sorry for any part he had played in increasing their troubles.

 

It wasnÕt your fault, Michael, Max said through the bond.

 

What? Michael asked surprise.  We can talk?

 

Liz and I can speak through our connection, Max explained, so I guess since you are in it with us, you can too.

 

Okay, Michael said, so what do we do now?

 

Now weÕll add the Granolith to the connection, Liz said, and hopefully the power boost will restore your memories too.

 

Hopefully? Michael asked.

 

Well, Liz admitted, we donÕt really know why connecting with the Granolith restored our memories, but we think it had something to do with the amount of power generated.  We know it takes control of our powers to regain our memories and we think the addition of the GranolithÕs power allowed us to focus on the memories.

 

Michael nodded and he felt Max and Liz widen the connection to include the Granolith.  Along with them, he could sense its power and he felt the tremendous burst of energy when it was brought into the bond.

 

For a moment Michael wasnÕt sure it was working and then he was deluged with images and emotions.  The images whipped through his overwhelmed mind faster than he could process and only occasionally could he catch a brief glimpse of a memory or a snatch of a conversation. 

 

And as quickly as it started, it was over, and Michael was left feeling confused and troubled.  I couldnÕt focus on anything, he said.  It was all too fast.

 

Just relax, Liz said.  It takes your brain a few minutes to make sense of what it saw. 

 

She and Max dropped his hands, ending the connection and Liz spoke aloud.  ÒMax and I will wait outside, to give you some time to sort it all out.Ó

 

Michael nodded, still reeling from the rush of images and emotions.  He had never experienced such strong feelings of sorrow, regret and rage, and he was somewhat scared to remember the circumstances surrounding them. 

 

Suddenly an image swirled to the front of his mind, slowly solidifying.   

 

He was in a large room and there was a party in progress.  An engagement party, the sudden thought occurred.  He looked to a quiet corner where Max and Liz were seated, and then he corrected himself immediately, no it wasnÕt Max and Liz, it was Zan and Ava and it was the day they announced their betrothal. 

 

Michael felt a stab of jealously but quickly shoved it away.  He wasnÕt jealous of their happiness or their bond, he was jealous of Zan, because he loved Ava too.  Michael shook his head to clear it.  She wasnÕt just Ava, she was Liz too.   But he wasnÕt just Rath either, he was Michael, and even though he admired Liz, he didnÕt love her, and he worked to let RathÕs emotions within him merge with his own. 

 

And through new eyes, he could see that RathÕs love of Ava had been made of many things; respect of her intelligence and kindness, admiration of her power and strength and beauty.  But now, he could see that what heÕd felt for her hadnÕt been real love.  Like the crush heÕd had on Liz when they were young, it had simply been an infatuation. As Rath he had never found real love to compare it with, but as Michael he had been lucky to find real love with Maria.  Real love was based on all of those things he had admired about Ava but it also included something more.

 

And as if his realization opened the floodgates, all of his memories suddenly spilled into his mind.  Michael saw his parents, his family, his friendship and service with Zan, their plan, and the horrible battle that had ended it all.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

(Royal Palace)

 

Isabel walked slowly around the hedge maze in the palace gardens, with a dreamy smile on her face. 

 

Since she had arrived on Antar, Isabel had questioned her decision to come.  It had been her only choice and she did want to be with Khivar, but the sacrifice of leaving her family and friends and everything she knew, had been overwhelming.  She had also been concerned with what her mother would think about her choice.  But last night with Khivar had been wonderful, and for the first time, Isabel felt hopeful for the future.

 

She loved Khivar and she knew he loved her and last night she had finally let herself relax and give in to her feelings.  The connection she had with Khivar was everything she had ever wanted and she felt so complete and so loved, it was intoxicating.

 

Isabel reached out for a nearby flower and took a whiff of its delicate fragrance, humming softly to herself.  She twirled and danced down the path and around the corner, oblivious to the gardenÕs other occupants until she was practically on top them.

 

ÒIÕm sorry,Ó she started, but trailed off when she saw who it was.  ÒTess!Ó she hissed.Ó

 

ÒIs-Isabel?Ó Tess faltered, eyes wide. 

 

ÒYou bitch!Ó Isabel ground out.  ÒYou pretended to be MaxÕs wife, betrayed us and nearly got us all killed.Ó  She raised her hand, ÒI should kill you.Ó

 

Tess backed away a couple of steps with her hands outstretched placatingly.  ÒWait Isabel!Ó  She motioned behind her to a woman with a baby.  ÒWhat about my son?  MaxÕs son.  He needs me to survive.Ó

 

Isabel barked a bitter laugh.  ÒI seriously doubt that.  HeÕd probably be much better without you.Ó

 

ÒAnd what about Khivar?Ó Tess asked.  ÒHe wonÕt be very happy if you kill me.Ó

 

Isabel smiled.  ÒKhivar would probably thank me.Ó

 

TessÕ face suddenly turned calculating.  ÒThen maybe you should thank me too.Ó

 

ÒWhat?Ó Isabel asked incredulously.

 

ÒWell, if I hadnÕt done it, you wouldnÕt be with Khivar, in the lap of luxury, about to become a queen.  Would you?Ó

 

Isabel surged forward and slapped Tess, and the smaller woman staggered back a step from the force of the blow, clutching a hand to her face. 

 

ÒYou donÕt know what youÕre talking about,Ó Isabel started, but was interrupted by a deep voice. 

 

ÒGetting reacquainted, ladies?Ó Khivar asked, stepping around the corner.

 

ÒShe hit me,Ó Tess accused.

 

Khivar glanced at Tess.  ÒI told you to stay away from Isabel.Ó

 

ÒBut I,Ó Tess started to protest, but Khivar cut her off.

 

ÒLeave us,Ó he said with a dismissing gesture.  He turned his full attention to Isabel.  ÒIÕm sorry, my love.  I warned her to stay away from you.Ó

 

ÒWhy is she here Khivar?Ó Isabel asked.

 

ÒIf she leaves, she takes the child with her and I know neither you nor Max would want to leave his son in TessÕ care,Ó Khivar explained.  ÒSo I invited her to live at the palace where we could keep an eye on her.  When the child is a little older and isnÕt so dependent on his mother, we will renegotiate his guardianship.Ó

 

Isabel nodded.  ÒYouÕre right, we donÕt want to leave the baby with her.Ó  She glanced down the path where Tess had disappeared.  ÒWhat did she name him?Ó

 

ÒZantas, after your ancestor,Ó Khivar said.  ÒTess remembered that it is tradition for Tageonant heirs to be given a form of the name Zan.Ó

 

ÒTess remembers more about my family than I do,Ó Isabel said wistfully.

 

Khivar reached out to touch her cheek.  ÒIf you wish, I can help with that.Ó

 

ÒYou mean youÕll help me recover my memories,Ó Isabel clarified.

 

Khivar shrugged, ÒOr I could simply instruct you in the culture and traditions of our planet.  It is your choice.Ó

 

ÒI donÕt know if I want to remember,Ó Isabel said, crossing her arms across her chest, as a shiver shook her body.

 

Khivar closed the small distance between them and enclosed her in his arms.  ÒThere is no hurry to make a decision,Ó he assured her.

 

As KhivarÕs warmth seeped into her body, IsabelÕs shivers subsided.  ÒI was so happy this morning and then seeing Tess ruined it.Ó

 

Khivar looked down into her face.  ÒWhy were you happy?Ó he asked, with a smile.

 

Isabel met his eyes but blushed as she answered.  ÒWell, last night was so wonderful.Ó

 

ÒIt was magical,Ó Khivar corrected, with a smile.  ÒA night IÕll never forget because it was the first time you came to me when you knew the whole truth, and you accepted me completely.Ó

 

ÒWell, despite the past and who we both are,Ó Isabel said, ÒI love you very much.  ThereÕs no denying it.Ó 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

(Secret Headquarters of the Resistance Loyal to the Tageonants)

 

Michael opened the door to leave the Granolith chamber and colored with embarrassment when he saw Max and Liz.  He looked at the ground, unable to meet their eyes.  ÒSo you two saw what was in my memory.Ó

 

ÒNo,Ó Max said.  ÒYour memories are your own and we didnÕt want to intrude.  When the images started, we blocked them from our minds.Ó

 

Michael looked up.  ÒYou know how to do that?Ó he asked, and then answered his own question.  ÒWait a minute, I know how to do that too, I just remembered.Ó

 

Max smiled, ÒItÕs weird huh?  Having two sets of memories.Ó

 

Michael nodded.  ÒItÕs almost like a movie IÕve watched a million times, that I can quote all the lines to, but itÕs more real than that because we really did live it.Ó

 

Michael glanced at Liz briefly and then back at Max.  ÒNow that I have my memories back, I donÕt see any way our people could have made the mistake of sending Chanya to Earth instead of Ava.  There is just no way to confuse them.  Granted, I died before you did, didnÕt I?  But I still donÕt know how you would confuse a brunette for a blonde.Ó

 

Max nodded, ÒThat occurred to us too.  After your death, Chanya was given tissue-harvesting devices and my mother told her about the plan.  And before Khivar killed us, he told us Chanya was working with him, so she would have had access to our bodies.  Liz thinks Chanya must have made the switch herself, taking my brain material and using a confederate to collect hers after she was dead.  My mother thinks it must have been her protector, a shape shifter called Udac.Ó

 

Michael squinted, thinking.  ÒYeah, I remember her.  She was always petting ChanyaÕs hair, calling her beloved.Ó

 

Max continued.  ÒMother told us that Udac was the one who smuggled AvaÕs and my genetic material out of the palace and to the lab.  But it wasnÕt AvaÕs it was ChanyaÕs.  Udac was hailed as a hero among our people for years, but a few months ago, she just disappeared.Ó

 

ÒTo go back and reveal our secrets to Khivar?Ó Michael asked sarcastically.

 

Max shook his head, ÒApparently she was too saddened by ChanyaÕs death to stay in the resistance and returned to ChanyaÕs fatherÕs house.  It was there that she disappeared.Ó

 

ÒThatÕs quite a coincidence,Ó Michael said.  ÒHer disappearing just before Khivar brings Tess here.  What do you bet sheÕs at the palace too?Ó

 

ÒIÕd say itÕs a strong possibility,Ó Max said.

 

Michael snorted.  ÒAnd I say we get rid of TessÕ dupe before she betrays us all just like Chanya and Tess.  You could say it sorta runs in the family.Ó

 

ÒBut Ava isnÕt like that,Ó Liz protested.

 

Michael opened his mouth to argue but a suddenly memory of LizÕs powers in their other life, made him reconsider.   ÒYou have a feeling about her?Ó he asked.

 

Liz nodded.  ÒSheÕs a good person and we can use all the friends we can get.Ó  She smiled and shoved MichaelÕs arm playfully.  ÒWhy didnÕt you argue with me?  I could tell you wanted to.Ó

 

Michael smiled.  ÒLiz, did I ever tell you that I hate it because youÕre always right?  But now that I have my memory back, I remember you predicted our deaths and it makes me hate it even more that youÕre always right.Ó

 

Liz nodded solemnly.  ÒSo do I.Ó

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

The gang met Toaks, Nedra and Cuerena in the makeshift laboratory in the basement of the house, where Raltos and Hale were being kept. 

 

ÒHas there been any progress?Ó Max asked the head scientist Kranon.

 

ÒNot much yet, your Majesty,Ó Kranon said.  ÒIt is a long process.  Withdrawing information from a subjectÕs mind without damaging it takes a special power and exacting control.  We only have one mind reader who is unquestionably loyal to us and he has an exceptional talent, but the process causes him to tire quickly.Ó

 

ÒWell,Ó Michael said impatiently, Òwhat have you found out?Ó

 

Kranon motioned to a nearby screen.  ÒFrom Hale we retrieved a memory of an abduction and though I donÕt know what the Princess Vilondra looks like now, I assume it was her.Ó  He passed his hand over the controls causing an image of Isabel to appear on the screen.

 

ÒItÕs Isabel,Ó Max corrected automatically.  ÒCan you show us what happened?Ó

 

Kranon passed his hand over the controls again and the image on the screen flickered to life.

 

Through HaleÕs eyes, Max watched the scene he had witnessed firsthand when Isabel had boarded the plane headed for San Diego.  But this time he saw what had really happened. 

 

In a van, Hale and five other men drove onto the tarmac and toward the plane Isabel was on.  As the plane pulled away from the terminal, Hale turned to the man in the passenger seat, ÒI am cloaking us and the van, start the illusion.Ó

 

The man placed his hands to his head and closed his eyes, concentrating.

 

The van closely followed the plane as it taxied down the runway and when the plane stopped to await takeoff permission, Hale and two other men quickly climbed onboard.  None of the passengers on the plane were aware of them and Hale hurried down the aisle locating Isabel. 

 

He used a syringe to IsabelÕs exposed neck to deliver a sedative that acted immediately, causing her to slump sideways.  Her seatmate was unaware of IsabelÕs condition or the fact that Hale lifted her into his arms. 

 

He carried her unconscious form down the aisle and past two of his men, who had just finished activating a series of buttons on a small device that appeared to be a bomb.  They attached it to the planeÕs wiring and followed Hale back to the van where the three others were waiting. 

 

Hale placed Isabel on the seat between himself and another man.  ÒAttend to her, Doctor.Ó

 

He turned to the driver and ordered, ÒGo.Ó  The van sped toward the exit and Hale addressed the man in the passenger seat, ÒStop the illusion.Ó 

 

Hale watched out the window as the plane started down the runway and climbed into the sky. 

 

ÒSir,Ó the Doctor said, drawing his attention.  ÒThe Princess has stopped breathing.Ó

 

Hale turned toward Isabel just as the sound of the explosion reached them.

 

The images on the screen stopped and Liz reached for MaxÕs hand, feeling his heartache.  IÕm sorry Max, it must have been awful seeing that, she sent through their connection.

 

ÒI canÕt believe he killed all of those people just to cover up IsabelÕs disappearance,Ó Alex said.

 

ÒItÕs a good thing he was sloppy,Ó Michael said, Òor we might never have known she was alive.Ó

 

ÒWhat about Raltos?Ó Max asked.  ÒDoes he remember anything?Ó

 

ÒNo,Ó Kranon said,  ÒHe has no conscious memories when Khivar was using his body, but we were able to tap into the part of his brain that Khivar used.  So far all we have gotten are disjointed images and snatches of conversation, but we will keep trying.Ó

 

Kyle motioned to the chevron-shaped device.  ÒWhat about that thing Brody had?Ó

 

ÒIt is a device created by KhivarÕs scientists called a trithium amplification generator.  We have known about them for years.  KhivarÕs troops have used them to subdue the populous, but this is the first time we have had one to examine.  We know it is used as an untraceable communication device and it can temporarily suspend powers but if it has other applications, we havenÕt discovered them yet

 

ÒWell what are you waiting for?Ó Michael asked.

 

ÒWe have limited resources and personnel,Ó Kranon explained.

 

Maria touched MichaelÕs arm.  ÒAnd itÕs only been a day.  TheyÕre going as fast as they can.Ó

 

Alex stepped forward.  ÒIÕd like to help, if I could.Ó

 

Kranon nodded.  ÒYour help would be appreciated.Ó

 

Max put a hand on MichaelÕs shoulder but spoke to Kranon.  ÒWe know youÕre doing everything you can.  If you discover anything else, please let us know immediately.Ó

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

(Royal Palace)

 

Song Playing: Endlessly by Muse

 

Tess entered her room wearily, dismissing the nurse with the baby and waiting until they had left to sink down on to her bed.  The tears that had been threatening started immediately, and quickly turned to sobs that racked her small body. 

 

Isabel was the only real friend she had ever had, besides Kyle, and because of what Lonni had forced her to do, Tess had lost not only Kyle and Max, but IsabelÕs friendship too.  Khivar had told her that Isabel had returned to the planet with them and Tess had actually looked forward to seeing her, hoping to rekindle their friendship.  But it was obvious Isabel hated her.

 

TessÕ sobs intensified as she realized that her loss of Isabel was just the latest in a long line of disappointments.  The first, and most surprising and disheartening, of course, had been MaxÕs rejection of her.

 

She had loved him her entire life, long before they had ever met.  NasedoÕs descriptions of him, as Zan, in his other life, had captivated and beguiled her and she had anxiously awaited their reunion.  Then Nasedo had brought her the pictures of Max and she had fallen even more for him, his handsome face and solid body only reinforcing her feelings that they were meant to be together.

 

She perfectly remembered the day when she had started at West Roswell High and first seen Max.  Yes, he had been with Liz and hadnÕt even looked in her direction, but Tess had been certain that when he did see her, he would be drawn to her as irresistibly as she was to him. 

 

Then Isabel had invited her home and she made her presence known to Max, using her powers to boost his awareness of her, and she had been sure that he had recognized her.  But now she had to admit that Max hadnÕt seen her then or any other time since. 

 

TessÕ tears subsided as her anger took over.  She had loved Max for years and given up any chance she might have had with Kyle, but it hadnÕt done her any good.  All Max had ever wanted was Liz.  Even when Max had finally turned to her, Tess had been horrified to learn that he still loved Liz.  And now that she knew the truth about who Liz was, Tess had to admit that it made sense, but it only made her hate Liz more.  In two lifetimes Liz had taken everything that should have been hers.

 

Looking back over the past year, it was easy for Tess to see that she should have simply left Copper Summit and gone back to Max before the baby was born.  The child was a powerful bond between them and Tess was sure that Max would have overlooked her past mistakes to have his son in his life.  At least she would have had a chance to build something with him instead of being separated on different planets in different galaxies. 

 

Everything was so complicated and all she had wanted was for the man she loved to love her back.  Tess remembered just enough of her other life to realize that Max hadnÕt loved her then either, but she had been close to succeeding, just like she had been close to getting Max in this life.  But the same obstacle had existed in both lives, Liz. 

 

Tess was certain that if Max had never met Liz, he would have turned to her.  She just needed the chance to wipe Liz from his mind and then he would be hers.  But in order to do that, she needed access to Max which meant returning to Earth or bringing Max to Antar, and the only way was with the help of the Granolith. 

 

The problem was, she didnÕt know where the Granolith was.  But she could find out. 

 

She had been used as a pawn, by Lonni and Rath, then by Nicholas, and now Khivar, but, Tess swore to herself, she would never let that happen again.  She would work with Khivar and whoever else she had to, but she had her own agenda and from now on that came first.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

(Secret Headquarters of the Resistance Loyal to the Tageonants)

 

When they left the laboratory, Liz took Maria and Alex aside into a sitting room.  ÒIÕm sorry I havenÕt been able to spend a lot of time with you guys.Ó

 

ÒYeah,Ó Alex said, Òbut thereÕs been a lot of important stuff going on.Ó

 

ÒYou know Alex,Ó Maria started, ÒIÕve been meaning to ask you what you told your parents you were doing.  They donÕt know about the whole alien thing so what did you say, that you were going to join the circus or something?Ó

 

Alex nodded.  ÒWell I didnÕt want to lie to them, but I couldnÕt tell them the truth, so I just said that I had an opportunity to go on a great adventure but I would be incommunicado for a while.Ó  He shrugged.  ÒMy parents assumed that I was going on some kind of archeological expedition in the Amazon jungle and I didnÕt do anything to correct them.  My mother was reluctant to let me go but I told her it was my lifeÕs dream.  She couldnÕt refuse me that.Ó

 

ÒAnd how do you both like being on another planet?Ó Liz asked.

 

ÒIt seems pretty much like Earth,Ó Maria said, Òexcept for the advanced technology, and the red oceans, and the extra moons, and the space ships, and the aliens.Ó

 

Alex smiled at MariaÕs explanation.  ÒItÕs wonderful, but I wish we could see more of it.Ó

 

Maria studied Liz closely.  ÒBut thereÕs something different about you, Liz.  WhatÕs going on?Ó

 

Liz smiled.  ÒNothing gets past you, Maria.  YouÕre right.Ó  She took a seat across from them.  ÒLast night Max and I connected with the Granolith and we got our memories back.Ó

 

For a moment Maria and Alex were dumbfounded but finally Maria spoke.  ÒAll of your memories?Ó

 

ÒYeah,Ó Liz said, Òeverything.Ó

 

ÒHow do you feel about that?Ó Alex asked.

 

ÒItÕs really weird to have memories from two lives,Ó Liz said, Òbut itÕs a relief to know exactly what happened and not have to depend on what people tell us.Ó

 

ÒIt must be wonderful to remember your life with Max,Ó Maria said dreamily.  ÒHow you met, your courtship and marriage.Ó

 

ÒBut she must also remember the bad stuff too,Ó Alex pointed out.

 

ÒYeah,Ó Liz said grimly.  ÒThere are certainly some things that I wouldnÕt have chosen to remember.Ó 

 

ÒIÕm sorry, Liz,Ó Maria said.  ÒI didnÕt think.Ó

 

Liz shook her head.  ÒItÕs okay really.  There were a lot of great memories, friends and family, and Max.Ó

 

ÒSo do you think of yourself as Ava or Liz?Ó Alex asked.  ÒAnd what about Max?  Do you want to call him Zan?Ó

 

Liz shook her head.  ÒIÕm still Liz, I just have more of me to remember.  And Max is basically the same person he was when he was Zan.  There are hardly any differences.  HeÕs still my Max.Ó 

 

ÒOkay,Ó Maria said, ÒSo tell us about you and Zan, how you met, your life together, and youÕre parents.  We want to know everything.Ó

 

Liz nodded.  ÒIÕll tell you everything you want to know but there is one other thing you should know, Maria.  This morning Max and I took Michael to see the Granolith and he got his memory back too.Ó

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

(Royal Palace)

 

When Khivar and Isabel reached their suite of rooms, Khivar allowed her to precede him through the door and closed it behind them with a wave of his hand, before gathering her to him for a searing kiss.

 

Minutes later they parted and Isabel touched his handsome face.  ÒI want to know, Khivar.Ó

 

Khivar knew what she was referring to immediately and kissed her gently.  ÒAre you sure you want to start the memory recovery?Ó

 

Isabel nodded.  ÒI need to know what happened and I want to remember you.Ó

 

ÒOkay,Ó Khivar agreed.  He led her to a sofa and sat beside her.  ÒClose your eyes and we will start with the memory youÕve already partially recovered.Ó 

 

Isabel nodded and closed her eyes.

 

Khivar cupped IsabelÕs head in his hands, opening the connection between them and showing her his memory of the first night they had met when she was Vilondra. 

 

The familiar scene played in IsabelÕs mind, but this time she was able to see herself because it was from KhivarÕs perspective.  And when it was over, she opened her eyes.  ÒI was beautiful,Ó she gasped.

 

Khivar smiled.  ÒYou still are.Ó  He moved in closer, whispering, ÒDo you remember anything else about that night?Ó

 

Isabel shivered in reaction, her eyes flicking between his eyes and lips.  ÒI remember how much I wanted you to kiss me, even though I knew my father wouldnÕt approve.Ó

 

He brushed his lips against hers briefly.  ÒAnd was it worth it?Ó he asked.

 

Isabel nodded.  ÒYes,Ó she gasped, as her hands slid around his neck, drawing him closer.  ÒI never wanted anything so much in my life, except maybe this.Ó  And she raised her lips to meet his.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

(Secret Headquarters of the Resistance Loyal to the Tageonants)

 

Michael had been avoiding her all day, acting strangely, distant, pensive.  In the past it wouldnÕt have alarmed Maria but now that he had gotten his memory back, she was worried.  He hadnÕt said a word to her about his recovered memory and she wouldnÕt even have known if it werenÕt for Liz. 

 

And Maria had been wondering all day why Michael hadnÕt told her.  There had to be a reason he was keeping it from her.  What if he didnÕt love her now that he remembered his past?  What if his memories made him a different person?  What if he had a lover or girlfriend in his other life?  Or worse, what if he really had loved Isabel?

 

Liz had confirmed that Michael and Isabel were engaged in their other life, but she had said it was all an act to convince the people that Isabel didnÕt support Khivar.  But, Maria reasoned, for them to pretend to be engaged and make it convincing, Isabel and Michael must have grown pretty close, and it was possible that he had fallen for her. 

 

After all, Isabel was beautiful and sophisticated and a Princess, and Maria knew there was no way she could compete with that.  She was only a waitress in a small town diner on a backwater planet. 

 

Of course Maria had known that Michael had an entire other life but it had never even occurred to her that his feelings toward her would change if he got his memories back.  But now that he had recovered his memories, it looked like that was exactly what had happened.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

Liz had been looking everywhere for Ava and finally she found her in the solarium.  She was sitting alone, watching the lazy motion of the red viscous liquid flowing down the small built-in creek.

 

ÒAva?Ó Liz called out to get her attention.

 

Ava greeted her with a smile.  ÒHey, Liz.  WhatÕs up?Ó

 

Liz took a seat next to her on a bench.  ÒAre you okay?  You seem sad.Ó

 

With a shrug, Ava looked away.  ÒIÕm really not sure coming here was the best thing for me.  I was never meant to come back, maybe I shouldÕve just stayed on Earth.Ó

 

ÒItÕs because Tess is here, isnÕt it?Ó Liz asked.  ÒThatÕs why you didnÕt stay in Roswell the first time you were there, because of her.Ó

 

ÒItÕs hard knowing she is the real thing and IÕm just a disposable copy,Ó Ava said.  ÒIÕm not really sure what my place is in this world.Ó

 

Liz took her hand.  ÒWell, I can tell you some of it.  You are my friend, and part of our family, and KyleÕs love.  And thatÕs just a start.  As for the rest, you can be anything you want, anyone you want.  ThereÕs no hurry to figure it all out, just take your time.  And just for the record, I am very glad you did come with us.Ó

 

Ava smiled, ÒThanks Liz.Ó

 

ÒBut,Ó Liz said, Òif you are interested in the past, Max and I can help you.Ó

 

ÒWhat do you mean?Ó Ava asked.

 

ÒWe used the Granolith to get our memories back and we helped Michael get his back too.  Now Max and I wanted to offer it to you.Ó

 

AvaÕs eyes grew wide.  ÒGet everything back, just like that?Ó  She shook her head, ÒI donÕt know.  What if it turns out that I was a bad person?Ó Ava asked.  ÒArenÕt you afraid IÕll betray you like Tess did?Ó

 

Liz shook her head.  ÒYouÕre a good person Ava and who you were in another life isnÕt going to change that.Ó

 

ÒBut you remember me, I mean my past self, donÕt you?Ó Ava asked, suddenly realizing the truth.  ÒAnd you know something.Ó

 

Liz nodded sadly.  ÒChanya did bad things, but that doesnÕt have to change who you are now.  I just thought you would want to remember your family.Ó  She continued softly, ÒI remember that your mother died when you were young and you were raised by your father and your protector, a shape shifter named Udac.Ó

 

ÒI would like to remember them,Ó Ava said, Òbut IÕm afraid of what else I might remember.Ó

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

(2.30.23692)

 

Ryden located Michael in the garden.  He had been waiting for two days to get him alone and he finally had his opportunity.

 

ÒHowÕs it going, Michael?Ó Ryden started.  ÒOr should I say Rath now?Ó

 

Michael turned to him with a suspicious expression.  ÒHow did youÉÓ

 

Ryden smiled.  ÒI didnÕt know it was a secret you had gotten your memories back.  It is all over the house that you and Liz and Max have recovered your former lives.  I donÕt think there are any secrets in this house.Ó

 

Michael shrugged.  ÒItÕs not a secret.  I just didnÕt know people knew.Ó

 

ÒAnd now that you have your memory back,Ó Ryden started, Òyou must remember Courtney, or her real name Scorene.Ó

 

Michael nodded.  ÒYeah, I remember her.  SheÕs practically all IÕve been thinking about.  I wish I would have known who she was on Earth.Ó

 

Ryden continued, ÒYou must also remember that she approached your past self about leading our cause, and taking your rightful place as our leader.  We have kept the faith for years that you would return to Antar and lead our planet to peace.Ó

 

Michael smiled grimly.  ÒI remember she had a lot of wrong ideas that made her think I was this great guy.Ó  He turned to Ryden.  ÒThe whole thing is based on misconceptions.  Probably more propaganda that KhivarÕs people spread.Ó

 

A look of confusion crossed RydenÕs face, ÒWhat do you mean?Ó

 

ÒI mean you have all been wasting the last seventy years of your lives on me,Ó Michael said.  ÒAll of that wasted effort and wasted lives.Ó  He shook his head.  ÒI am not the one you wanted, it was Max all along.  He is the generous and caring one, he is the one who fought for the rights of the common people, he is the one who fed and housed them, not me.  Yes, I was in the field supervising everything, but only under MaxÕs orders.Ó

 

Ryden shook his head, ÒThat canÕt be true.Ó

 

ÒI tried to tell Scorene the same thing before the war started,Ó Michael said.  ÒShe wouldnÕt believe me either.  But I will tell you one thing, I will not betray Max.  Not only is he is the rightful King, but he is my best friend and a better leader than I could ever be.Ó

 

ÒBut our people will follow you,Ó Ryden argued.  ÒYou could bring peace to this planet.Ó

 

Michael suddenly grew angry.  ÒAnd what would betraying Max make me?Ó  Michael motioned to the house, ÒWell you donÕt have to go too far to find out, you just have to look at RathÕs loyalty to see.  He betrayed and murdered his best friend and King, who he claimed to love like a brother, and left his lover behind on Earth.  What kind of leader do you think heÕll make?Ó

 

Michael turned and started to walk back toward the house but shouted back over his shoulder.  ÒIf youÕre so anxious to follow Rath, itÕs not me you want.  So just go talk to him.  IÕm sure he would jump at the chance to take the throne and then have you all executed.Ó 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

(Royal Palace)

 

Tess answered the knock at her door and was surprised to see Khivar, but she smiled and greeted him warmly.  ÒKhivar, how nice of you to stop by.Ó

 

Khivar returned her smile.  ÒAs proof of my commitment to working with you, I have a gift for you.Ó

 

Tess stepped aside, inviting him in.  ÒI love gifts,Ó she said. 

 

Khivar motioned behind him and a matronly woman stepped forward.

 

ÒBeloved?Ó she asked Tess.

 

Tess looked to Khivar.  ÒWho is this?  Another nanny?Ó

 

ÒYou do not recognize her,Ó Khivar said.  ÒShe is Udac.  In your other life she was your handmaid and protector.  I thought you would like to have her back.Ó

 

Tess bowed.  ÒThank you, Khivar.  Your gift is very, um, thoughtful.Ó  She waited until Khivar had shut the door behind him before she turned to Udac.  ÒGreat, another shape shifter.  Just what I need.Ó

 

The hopeful look on UdacÕs face fell.  ÒYou truly do not remember me, Chanya?Ó

 

Tess shook her head.  ÒNo, and my name now is Tess.Ó  She looked at the older woman skeptically.  ÒHow do I know youÕre not some spy for Khivar?Ó

 

ÒI would never work against you,Ó Udac said vehemently.  She studied Tess for a moment.  ÒIn your other life, you made a deal with Khivar.  He agreed to eliminate your true loveÕs wife, if you gave him information.  But Khivar betrayed you and killed your love.  That is why you died.  So you could be reunited with your love, in your next life.Ó

 

Tess nodded.  ÒI was, but Max rejected me because his stupid wife showed up.Ó

 

ÒHow is that possible?Ó Udac asked.  ÒShe was dead.Ó

 

ÒShe was reborn into a human,Ó Tess said.

 

ÒAnd you are working with Khivar?Ó Udac asked.  ÒHe will betray you again.Ó 

 

ÒNo, he wonÕt,Ó Tess said.  ÒBefore Max rejected me, we were together one night and I bore his son.  Khivar thinks controlling MaxÕs son will give him power, and he made a deal with me.  So I am working with Khivar, for now.  But the child will assure that Max will never stop looking for me and eventually weÕll be together.Ó

 

Udac shook her head.  ÒKhivar cannot be trusted.  He took me from your fatherÕs house and tortured me until I told him what your powers were.  I suspected he knew your true identity and I resisted as long as I could, but in the end, KhivarÕs men took the information from me.Ó

 

ÒYou betrayed me?Ó Tess accused.  ÒThatÕs how Khivar found out who I am.Ó

 

Udac shook her head furiously and reached out to Tess.  ÒI would never betray you, but I couldnÕt stop them from prying the truth from my mind.Ó

 

Tess backed away a step.  ÒIf Khivar didnÕt know who I am, I would have had a lot more leverage.  I could have been considered the former Queen instead of a merely a Duchess and mother of MaxÕs son.Ó

 

ÒA Duchess?Ó Udac asked.

 

Tess nodded,  ÒItÕs part of my deal with Khivar, he made me a Duchess.  So you can see that heÕs keeping his word.Ó

 

ÒPerhaps you donÕt remember, but Khivar seemed to be keeping his word the other time too, but he was just using you,Ó Udac said.

 

ÒI donÕt remember everything,Ó Tess huffed, Òbut I do remember that I almost had Zan, and I did get Max.

 

ÒBut now that Max has rejected you, how much of a chance do you have with him?Ó Udac asked.

 

Tess narrowed her eyes suspiciously.  ÒDonÕt you want me to be happy?  DonÕt you want me to follow my dream of being with Max?Ó

 

ÒI want everything for you,Ó Udac assured her, Òbut it may not be possible.  I just donÕt want you to set your heart on something that may never happen.Ó

 

ÒOf course IÕll have to mind warp him to forget Liz,Ó Tess said, Òbut we will be happy.Ó

 

Udac shook her head.  ÒZan was too powerful for you and he was able to break your mind warp.Ó

 

Tess hadnÕt liked Udac from the first moment she saw her and she had been about to send her away, but suddenly she saw how the shape shifter could be useful.  She crossed to a sofa and sank down into it, motioning for Udac to take a seat as well.  ÒTell me about the past.Ó 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

(Secret Headquarters of the Resistance Loyal to the Tageonants)

 

Alex sat on his bed and pulled out the picture of Isabel he had brought with him, his eyes tracing her face lovingly.  In the time that he had been presumed dead, she had moved on and he understood that, he really did.  He certainly wouldnÕt have wanted her to mourn for him her entire life if he really had died.  But the months that had passed hadnÕt happened for him and even though he had tried, he still couldnÕt let go of the feelings he had for her.

 

He had known that he couldnÕt compete with Hale, and Isabel was happy with him.  And to Alex, IsabelÕs happiness was all that mattered.  He had accepted that sheÕd moved on, and he wished her well. 

 

But Khivar had lied to and abducted Isabel, and Alex had started to wonder once she found out who Hale really was, would she still love him?  Khivar was their enemy, he was the reason they had died and the reason they had been sent to Earth.  Was Isabel really capable of loving him when she found out the truth?

 

Alex knew it was foolish for him to hope that Isabel would turn back to him, but it was all he had.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

Max and Liz sat wrapped in each otherÕs arms in a large chair that they had brought into the Granolith room. 

 

ÒThis is just like old times,Ó Max said.  ÒConsulting with the Granolith to try and figure out what to do.Ó

 

Liz nodded, taking MaxÕs hand in hers.  ÒAt least we have it back and we remember how to use it now.Ó

 

Max sighed and opened the connection with Liz.  Remember how we used to go into the Granolith chamber in the evenings.  Our powers complimented one another so well, blending so easily.  Together we are stronger than we ever were apart.  But itÕs frustrating to remember how powerful we were and we just donÕt have access to that kind of power now.  We have to grow into it.

 

Liz nodded.  I remember how very powerful you were.  More powerful than anyone I had ever encountered.  I could feel the power surrounding you, just naturally there all the time.

 

I remember you were very powerful too. Max said.  But even with all of that power, we werenÕt able to save ourselves.

 

IÕve been thinking about that, Liz said.  What if it was destiny or fate all along?  What if we werenÕt meant to live the first time?

 

What do you mean?  Max asked.

 

Well, like Kyle said, itÕs a reincarnation thing.  We needed to die and be reborn to learn a lesson, to become stronger.

 

But we donÕt know if weÕve learned the lesson, Max said, and we have to do this anyway.

 

WeÕll get through it, Liz said.  Just like we do everything else.

 

You know that? Max asked.  You had a vision?

 

No, Liz admitted.  But we have to.  You and I and everyone else deserve to be happy, deserve a chance to live our lives.

 

Max squeezed her hand.   YouÕre right, and we will, Liz.  He widened the connection to include the Granolith and instantly felt its familiar energy joining with them.

 

They settled into a type of meditation, relaxing their minds, opening them to the Granolith. 

 

Liz felt weightless like when she astral projected, but at the same time she felt enveloped and protected by Max and by the Granolith.  A feeling of profound peace settled over her and she let her cares be washed away momentarily.  The power of the Granolith pulsed like a heartbeat and Liz once again had the sensation that it was a living thing.  With her mind she reached toward it but was stopped as Max gasped in their connected minds.

 

Liz, he said, itÕs like I can feel the energy in the planet.  ItÕs all around us.

 

Liz focused on his thoughts, feeling the sensations too.  YouÕre right, it is the planet.  IÕve never felt it before and there is a tremendous amount of power.

 

If we could learn to harness that power, Max said, Khivar or no one else would be able to stand against us.

 

It would be dangerous Max, Liz said.  How could you only take the power you could control?  It would be like opening a spillway on a damn to fill a glass of water.  It could easily overwhelm you.

 

YouÕre right, Max admitted, but when weÕre older and stronger and working together, maybe we could control it.

 

Maybe, Liz said, feeling a trickle of apprehension.  She let her mind drift again hoping to discover more about her feelings.  Thoughts, emotions and images of the present and past rolled through her mind faster and faster.  The sensations were different than she had ever experienced before in a connection with the Granolith, and she had a fleeting feeling that it was due to her half-human status.

 

She felt like she was on the verge of a discovery when suddenly she received an intense sensation of horror from Max, and he broke the connection.  Opening her eyes, Liz reached out to him, searching his face.  ÒWhatÕs wrong?Ó

 

Tears spilled out of MaxÕs eyes and down his face, as he glanced at her and then looked away.  ÒIÉ Just now, I realizedÉÓ  He looked into her eyes.  ÒLiz, IÕm a killer.  Potentially worse than Khivar or any other mass murderer.Ó

 

Liz could feel Max's fear through their bond and rushed to reassure him.  "Max you are not a killer."

 

"But I am capable of it Liz, and now that I have an idea of what I could do with my powers..." he let the sentence trail off, somehow feeling if he didnÕt speak the words they wouldn't be true.  He looked down at the ground not wanting her to see the truth in his eyes.  "So much power,Ó he said softly, Òmore than I realized I possessed.  In our other life, I, Zan, could have ended the war the first day if he had realized."

 

"But Max you don't possess destructive powers,Ó Liz argued.  ÒIt's not in your nature.  Your powers heal, give life." 

 

Suddenly she stopped as the possibilities started to crowd into her mind.  She gasped as tears welled up in her eyes.  It was the ultimate cruelty that her gentle, peaceful husband would possess such power. 

 

When she spoke, her voice was breathy, just above a whisper.  "Oh Max, your powers, now I see.  If you can give life, you can take it."

 

Max felt pain slash through him and lifted his eyes to hers expecting to see rejection of the killer he was, but he only saw compassion, sorrow and love.

 

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

TBC

 

 

 



BOOK 12 - DESTINY DERIVED
Part 3
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Alpha & Omega
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