Love Springs Eternal Book I
By: Bill a.k.a. Darth Maul 214
Category: Crossover with The Crow. A/I M/L M/M K/Ava Serena/? Jim/Amy Brody/Laurie Larek/Siah Sean/?
Rating: R(violence, language)
Disclaimers: Roswell belongs to Jason Katims and Melinda Metz. The Crow universe belongs to James O'Barr. No infringement intended.
Summary: Alex had his own secrets before he moved to Roswell.
Authors Note: Bold italics denote telepathic communication. Italics are thoughts. The italicized quotes are voice-overs. The beginning quote has Liz speaking the first sentence, Maria, the second and Isabel, the last. The second quote , which will be at the end of Book III is v.o'd with Liz speaking till the comma and Maria finishing that sentence. Isabel speaks the second sentence. These are direct quotes from the movie, Sarah's v.o's at the beginning and end of the movie. The way things are on Alex's tombstone are from a picture of the location. All songs belong to their respective copyright holders. Niahl is pronounced NEE ahl. Kyahn is pronounced KEE ahn. Maea is pronounced MAY ah. Van is pronounced Vahn. Celena is pronounced Cell een ah. Siah is pronounced SEE ah.
Distribution: The Observatory and The Pod Chamber. If you want it, email me at darthmaul214@croswinds.net.
Feedback: is always welcome. Send to darthmaul214@crosswinds.net.
Prologue
"People once believed that when someone dies, a crow
carries their soul to the Land of the Dead."
"But sometimes, something so bad happens, that a
terrible sadness is carried with it and the soul can't rest."
"Then sometimes, just sometimes, the crow can bring
that soul back ... to put the wrong things right."
April 29, 2002
Three friends: the petite brunette, the vivacious blonde, and the statuesque blonde kneel before a simple tombstone. It is a ritual the three women have done weekly for the last year, paying homage to their friend, and to the statuesque blonde, much more, the first casualty in a war none of them wanted to fight. He had given his life so that they could live.
Liz Parker, the brunette, places a single yellow rose on the grave marker of her best friend, Alex Whitman. "Alex it is hard to believe it's been a year since you left us. I miss you. We all do."
Maria DeLuca, the vivacious blonde, places her own yellow rose next to Liz's. "Alex, Michael, mister non-commitment proposed to me at the prom. I wish you could have been there. See you soon."
Isabel Evans, the statuesque blonde, placed her red rose next to Liz and Maria's yellow ones. "Alex, I miss you so much. I wasted too much time. I never got to tell you this before you left us: I love you. I wish to God, I had. I'm not sure I can let any guy get as close to me as you are. Kyle and I are good friends, not as good as we are, but good friends nonetheless. He really helped me through your leaving us. I might have joined you if it weren't for him. Thank you for translating the Book. I sometimes wish you hadn't, then maybe you would be preparing to graduate high school. I took the one class I needed to graduate this year, to be with my family. I will always love you, Alex. I knew you loved me. We will be together again one day."
As the three young women prepare to go, a crow perches on the branch above Alex's grave.
"Are you like the night watchman?" Maria asks the raven.
"Caw!" responded the raven. The trio leave the cemetery and go home.
Thought they would never leave. The raven
lands on Alex's tombstone and raps its beak on it. Come on kid, wake up.
I don't have all night.
The ground moves ever so slowly until a hand breaks through the surface, frantically digging to be free of the choking dirt. The boy climbs out and falls to the ground in pain and confusion, gasping for air, as if being born again.
Kid, I'm gonna give you a minute to recover. My name is Edgar. I'm your guide and anchor to this world. We are gonna meet an associate of mine who will fill you in on the rules. Come on, I haven't got all day.
Who am I? thought the boy.
Look at the marker, Kid. I can't give you the answers,
but I can lead you to them.
The boy looks at the marker. It reads:
ALEXANDER C. WHITMAN
JUNE 21,1984 - APRIL 29, 2001
BELOVED SON AND FRIEND
MAY YOUR SONG ALWAYS BE SUNG.
Alex touches his tombstone and images flash by in his mind.
*Max placing a flower on his coffin.*
*Isabel, in a black dress, breaking down.*
*Maria singing "Amazing Grace" and "Ave Maria" at his funeral mass.*
*Liz being relentless in her pursuit of the truth behind his death.*
*Liz taking the translation from Leanna, no Jennifer, no Serena's dorm room.*
*Liz finding out that she is the Queen of Antar, not Tess and Ava.*
*Isabel, Maria and Liz's weekly visits.*
*Michael visiting the day before prom saying he will never hurt Maria again. He pulls out the engagement ring he bought for her, five diamonds set, on a platinum band, in the shape of the constellation Aries, with the words "No more running" engraved on the inside using his powers, so the words would never fade.*
*Kyle visiting. Giving Progress reports on Isabel. Being hurt by being used by Tess. Falling in love with her and her throwing it back in his face. Kyle letting Ava in and falling in love again.*
*Ava visiting. "Look, Alex, I didn't know you. I've seen what your death has done to the others. Isabel is getting better. Kyle is
keeping an eye on her. When Liz called me back, because Kyle, Michael, and Max had to kill Tess to save Liz, Isabel and Kyle were emotional wrecks. Isabel blamed herself for what happened to you and my beloved Kyle had to kill the woman he loved to save one of his best friends. I took a while for him to trust me, because I look exactly like her. She betrayed him on so many levels. She was a fool. Kyle is an incredible guy. I'm finally in love with someone who loves me back, but sometimes I wonder if he loves me because I look like her."*
*Serena visiting. "Alex why were you so fucking stupid? Why in hell did you risk getting yourself killed? did you have a fucking death wish? You did it all for Vilandra, I mean Isabel. She fucking ignored you, yet you kept on fucking loving her. Why couldn't you fucking love me?"
*The Honda speeding up and steering itself, the brakes not working. Going over the double yellows head-on into a tractor trailer. Watching the life leave his body. , seeing Rath, Lonnie, Tess, and a thirteen year-old, who must be Nicholas walk over to the "accident" scene.
"Kivar will be pleased, but we still need the translation this pathetic human was working on.", sneered Nicholas.*
*Working on the translation at UNM at Las Cruces with Serena.*
Kid, we have to still meet my associate. He'll be by
the gate. Come on!
Alex, still processing the memories from touching his tombstone walked to the gate. Standing before him was a man he hadn't seen since he was nine, Eric Draven.
"Alex, good to see you. I wish it were under different circumstances."
"It's good to see you too, Eric."
"You have definitely grown. You switched to bass. Why? You were my best student. In the three months I taught you, you showed so much potential. You could have been the next Steve Vai or Eddie Van Halen. Sarah died last year in L.A. She died helping another Crow. But I know Maggie is alive, Alex."
"Where is she, Eric? Please tell me. I'm begging you. I need to know where my sister is."
"Alex, I don't know where she is. If I did, you know I would tell you. I see you fell in love with a very unique woman. I know you know what I mean by unique. Isabel's beauty is quite unearthly, and I mean that literally."
"How do you know about Isabel, Eric?"
"I was given a case file on you. You broke her heart and yours as well. You took risks and allowed yourself to be murdered, so that you could come back as a Crow to protect her and your other friends. You planned this, Alex. Why?"
"Isabel is my Shelley. As plain old Alex Whitman, I couldn't protect her from what she has to deal with. But as a fucking Crow, I can."
"I understand Alex. I'm supposed to go over the rules with you and explain about your abilities. You are immortal as long as Edgar is alive. He dies, you die. If you work for the living, such as when I cured Sarah's mom of her drug addiction, you become vulnerable. Lastly you must follow Edgar. He will take you where you need to be.
“As for your abilities, think of Wolverine, without the adamantium skeleton and the claws. You are equivalent to a fifth degree black belt in Taekwondo, Wu Shu, Jiujitsu, and Jeet Kune Do. You are extremely strong and agile. You are a master of Ninjitsu. Lastly you are fearless, only when it comes to your own safety. You will still fear for the safety of others. You are an angel of death. When your vengeance is complete, you will be granted your rest."
"I know that, Eric. Did you think I took this lightly? I swore I would do anything to protect Isabel, even this. I love her so much it scares me. I've always loved her, before I really even knew her."
"Edgar is getting impatient, Alex. I will see you later."
"Bye, Eric" ,p>With that Eric Draven fades into the ether.
Kid time to go to your first stop, home, to get some
clothes you can fight in.
Climb this fire escape and jump from roof to roof,
kid. It'll keep you from being noticed.
Alex did as Edgar instructed until he arrived at his house. Finding the key that was hidden for emergencies, he stealthily entered the darken house and slipped into his old bedroom, which was left as a shrine by his dad.
Edgar perched on the rooftop, ready to give Alex a warning if someone showed up. Alex went through his closets and found a pair of black leather pants, a pair of Doc Marten's, and a black muscle t-shirt. Isabel had convinced him to buy the leather pants on a shopping excursion during the "Summer of Destiny". She had said he looked good in them. He wasn't so sure, but bought them anyway because she liked them. He knew he would never wear them. "We live in New Mexico, Isabel, a hot, dry climate, not exactly suitable for anything leather, except for jackets," was his response before he caved to her. But then again, Isabel in leather had a certain appeal to him.
He took off his burial clothes and slipped into his new
outfit, which fit like a second skin. Thank God I chose to go commando. These
pants are skintight.
Too much information, kid. Your dad should be here soon. Come on.
Alex found the keys to his dad's old station wagon and proceeded to load his bass, electric, and acoustic guitars, his Gorilla amp, all his pedals and an 8-track recorder into the car and left, minutes before Chuck Whitman returned.
He drove to the old soap factory and dropped his gear off in one of the back offices. Edgar, I need you to watch my instruments.
I need to see a couple of people tonight. I'll be back
before sunrise.
Remember the rules, kid and be careful.
Alex drove and abandoned the station wagon three blocks from the Crashdown. He jumped rooftop to rooftop until he reached the Crashdown's back alley. And jumped to the ground landing cat-like in the alley. Climbing Liz's fire escape and hiding in the shadows of her balcony, Alex waited. Half an hour later, Liz entered her room. Alex knocked on her window before she changed out of her uniform.
"Come on in, Max. My parents aren't home," she responded, not even looking out the window.
Alex didn't want to pass up the invite. "Liz, you really should know who you are inviting in."
Liz froze. It had to be a shape shifter. Alex is dead. I went to his funeral. Liz turned around and looked into his eyes and with fire in her eyes, replied regally, "Change into someone else, Shape shifter."
"Liz, I'm not a shape shifter or a Skin. It's me, Alex."
Liz, not believing him, stated calmly, "Prove it."
"OK, Your Highness, Queen Maea. I wrote a binary code on a receipt for Thai food before I died. You know how much I hate Thai. It was the decryption key for the translation of the Book. I left all my findings with Jennifer, or should I say Serena."
Liz's jaw dropped, knowing this was Alex. She approached and hugged him. "Alex, I've missed you so much. I saw your body, I went to your funeral. How are you still alive?"
"Liz, the thing is I'm not alive. I'm what you call a Crow, I'm a soul that can't rest until I set the wrong things right. Meaning, I have to pass judgement on my murderers. Max, Michael, and Kyle did some of the work for me. Tess is dead. I still have 4 people to pass judgement on: Rath, Lonnie, Nicholas, and Kivar. I'm going to defer Rath's fate to you and Lonnie's to Isabel."
"Alex, why do I decide Rath's fate?"
"You are his sister, after all. His twin sister."
"Liz, a look of revulsion on her face, replied, "Eww! My twin brother stuck his tongue down my throat and hit on me! He really is a freak!"
"Liz, he doesn't know. I only know because Serena told me. She was your best friend and chief bodyguard. She had been away attending her mother's funeral the day you were killed. She blames herself for your death and the death of Ava, your other bodyguard. Ava was her brother's fiancee. Liz, I've told you to much. If you don't know this already, she must not have contacted you. She was supposed to, if I died. I made her promise. I'm so fucking pissed with her right now. Don't tell the others I'm here, OK. Get them to meet me tomorrow night at the old soap factory at 8:00 and I'll explain everything. I will drag Serena there if I have to. I'm going to go see Isabel and the find Serena. She is going to have to do a lot of explaining to me. Goodnight, Liz."
Alex climbed out Liz's window and jumped off her balcony landing on his feet and went to Isabel's.
Ten minutes later, Alex knocked on Isabel's window. Isabel appeared at the window and saw who was standing there. Alex, sensing Isabel was about to scream put a finger to his lips, signaling for her not to. She slowly opened the window and climbed outside instead.
"This is low blow, Shape shifter. Take any form but this one", she hissed venom dripping from her voice.
"Isabel, I'm not a shape shifter. It's me, Alex."
"Alex is dead, because of me. Because of who I am."
"It is true, I am dead. I'm Alex. It wasn't your fault, darling. It was Rath, that psychotic slut who wears your face, the shrimp, Tess, and ultimately Kivar who murdered me."
"Prove you're Alex."
Alex knew of only one way to prove it to her. He kissed her hoping beyond hope that it would be enough to convince her. Isabel, hesitant at first, responded, knowing only Alex Whitman could make her feel this euphoric from a kiss. After a minute, they broke apart, flushed.
"How?"
"I'm a Crow, a soul that can't rest until it puts the wrong things right. I have to pass judgement on Rath, Lonnie, the twerp and Kivar. I want you to determine her fate. Liz, or should I say Queen Maea, knows I'm here. Don't tell anyone else. She's going to get everyone out to the old soap factory tomorrow night at 8:00. Could you take your mom's car and get there at 5:30. I missed you so much, I have so much more to tell you, but I can't tonight. I have to go find someone who broke a promise to me. I'm extremely pissed off at her. She will be at the meeting one way or another."
"Who are you talking about?"
"Serena."
"The one who modified the Granolith into a time machine?"
"Yeah. She was Liz's best friend on Antar. She was supposed to reveal herself to you if anything happened to me. She promised me she would. Ava was to be her sister-in-law. Remember the animosity between Liz and Tess, she feels the same way towards you. I can get flashes, like you guys from touching objects or people. I never knew it, but she fell in love with me. I could only love you, no matter how badly you treated me. I didn't know how you really felt about me until it was too late to save my life. I never wanted to hurt you, love."
"But you did, Alex. If it weren't for Kyle..."
"I know, honey. My path was already set. The old Alex Whitman couldn't protect you. The new, improved Alex Whitman can't die, is a lethal weapon, death personified. He can keep you alive. Serena told me about what you all have to face. Without me like this, you would die. I couldn't let that happen to you. When I said that I'd do anything to protect you, I was actually saying 'I love you' without freaking you out. I love you Isabel Evans, I always have. I always will. In my heart, you are Isabel Whitman, my wife, my love, my life. I came back for you."
"Alex, I love you, too. I didn't realize it until Junior Prom. Two days later, you were taken from me, before I could tell you. I nearly joined you. I should have believed Liz after your funeral, when she said your death was no accident. I should have known."
"Chere, stop blaming yourself. It wasn't your fault."
"If it wasn't for me, Vilandra, you would be alive. Everything I touch turns to crap, Alex."
"Isabel, Vilandra did not betray her people. Kivar used her. Vilandra's only crime was being blinded by love. She fell in love with the wrong man. You are not her. You did not make the same mistakes she did. You fell in love with me, the right man, one who died and came back from the dead to protect you. Lonnie is another story, she makes Vilandra seem like a saint. She makes you look like an angel, MY angel. I have utter contempt for her, but I'm not sure I could kill her. She does wear your luminous visage. That's why I want you to pass judgement on her. You need to bury Vilandra, if you want to move forward as Isabel. I need you to. That is part of why I came back. I really need to find Serena. We can talk at the factory tomorrow. Maybe we can do some other things, my love."
"Alex, I'll see you at 5:30 tomorrow. I love you. Our love even transcends death." Isabel pulled Alex's lips to hers, losing themselves in each other. They stayed like that for a half hour, before Alex really had to leave to find Serena.
Alex opened up his senses and found Serena, disguised as an elderly woman, in a park on the east end of town.
"Hello, Serena."
The elderly woman looked at the young man in shock. "Alex? It can't be!", the fear rising in her voice.
"It is. Why in hell have you not revealed yourself to the others, especially Liz and Ava? The three of you were like sisters. Tess
nearly fucking killed Liz. On Antar, Maea's death wasn't your fault. You and Kyahn had to go to your mother's funeral. If Liz would have died that day, it would have been. Do you hate me and Isabel so much that you would sacrifice Liz to get back at us!", Alex bellowed at the shocked elderly woman.
Her expression changed from shock to rage instantly. "Alex, I do hate Isabel, because she has what I want: you. I would never let Liz die. How dare you say that I would, you fucking bastard!" The woman's hand morphed into a steel bar and slapped across his face.
Realizing he said the wrong things in his anger, he replied, "Serena, I deserved that. I've had a very bad night. I clawed my way out of my grave, found out I missed an entire year in the life of all my friends, being an undead weapon of vengeance has made my temper ten times worse than Michael's. Michael is fucking Zen compared to me right now. I'm sorry I hurt you. We are having a meeting at the old soap factory at 8:00 p.m. Be there.
"The war is going to end. In time, I will kill Kivar. The others need your guidance. You fucking promised me that you would train them, if anything happened to me. Why didn't you? If you had Tess might still be alive today. Kyle might not have had to kill her to save Liz. Oh, by the way I told Liz about the connection between Rath and Maea."
"Alex, I'm sorry, but I had to stay in the shadows, Nicholas was still in the area. I couldn't risk him finding out Liz is Maea."
"Please show up. They need to now what we're up against. I know you didn't tell me everything. If you don't show up, I'll hunt you down and take the info from your head and kill you. I died to protect them. I would kill you in a way that would make you wish that the Twerp had you. Sorry, aggression overload."
"I will be there Alex. I won't fail you or Liz."
"Serena, I know how you feel about me, or rather, felt. My actions and words may not show it. I'm just majorly stressed, ok. See you tonight."
"Bye, Alex."
Alex returned to the factory before sunrise. Not having touched a guitar in a year, he began to play "Let Me In" by Save Ferris quite rustily. By the second verse, he had it perfect. For the next couple of hours, he practiced the songs he planned on serenading his lover with.
He spent the next four hours exploring his fighting skills. He had noticed he had the agility and speed of an Olympic athlete. He
practiced his stealth, gymnastics, sprinting, and going through the "forms" but at full combat speed. He also discovered he had a
vertical leap that rivaled Michael Jordan's.
After his workout, he still had six and a half hours before
Isabel would be here. Edgar, would Eric appear if I asked him to?
Yes, but only twice more.
Thanks, Edgar.
Anytime, kid. Be careful with her heart, when this is done, you have to go back. It will hurt her much less if you don't let it get too personal.
Edgar, I know I'm going to hurt her. It kills me
inside. I hurt her badly enough. She's my sanity, she's why I came back. I made
a promise to her. I will fulfill that promise, because I've never broken a promise
to her, and I won't now.
I hope you know what you're doing, kid. 'Cause I sure
don't.
Edgar gave Alex a lot to think about. Isabel nearly killed herself because I died. What will happen when I have to go back? I
know what they have to go through to defeat Kivar. Do I have the right to put her through hell again, because I can't get
the memory of her kiss and the way our bodies fit together while dancing out of my head. It has to be her decision. Closing
his eyes, although not asleep, he awaited his princess.
Silently she entered the dilapidated factory. He sensed her inner light. She is here. His princess, his soul mate, his one and only. And he has to rip both their hearts out, to spare her further pain. He steps out of the shadows into the harsh light of day, so that she could see him.
"Isabel. over here, Love." He takes out his acoustic guitar. "Sit on the stairs, please. I have so much to tell you, but most will have to wait till the others get here. But first, I'm going to give you a private concert."
The opening chords to "Dream On" by Aerosmith fill the air.
Every time that I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face gettin' clearer
The past is gone
It went by like dust to dawn
Isn't that the way
Everybody's got their dues in life to pay
I know what nobody knows
Where it comes and where it goes
I know it's everybody's sin
You got to lose to know how to win
Half my life is in books' written pages
Live and learn from fools and from sages
You know it's true
All the things come back to you
Sing with me, sing for the years
Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears
Sing with me, if it's just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away
Dream On, Dream On
Dream yourself a dream come true
Dream On, Dream On
Dream until your dream come true
Dream On, Dream On, Dream On...
Sing with me, sing for the years
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tears
Sing with me, if it's just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away
"Alex, why such a sad song?" Isabel interrupted before the next song.
"It's not sad. It's about living in the moment. You never know what's going to happen, unless you get a visitor from the future."
"How do you know about that?"
"Liz and Max spoke about it at my grave. I got a flash of it. Remember, the dream you had after ... I was in the one where you told me you loved me. I had to try to get you to mourn and try to move on. I didn't mean to deceive you. I needed you to be strong, for Liz and Maria. I'm glad Kyle was there for you. I loved some of those pranks the two of you played on Max, they were worthy of me. We all know your brother is controlling and stubborn, but so is Liz. Now back to the concert with something completely different."
Here we are
Born to be kings
We're the princes of the universe
Here we belong
Fighting to survive
In a world with the darkest powers
And here we are
We're the princes of the universe
Here we belong
Fighting for survival
We've come to be the rulers of your world
I am immortal
I have inside me blood of kings
I have no rival
No man can be my equal
Take me to the future of your world
Born to be kings
Princes of the universe
Fighting and free
Got your world in my hand
I'm here for your love and I'll make my stand
We were born to be princes of the universe
No man could understand
My power is in my own hand.
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
People talk about you
People say you've had your day
I'm a man that will go far
Fly the moon and reach for the stars
With my sword and head held high
Got to pass the test first time - yeah
I know that people talk about me I hear it every day
But I can prove you wrong cos I'm right first time
Yeah Yeah
Alright
Watch this man fly
Bring on the girls
Here we are
Born to be kings
We're the princes of the universe
Here we belong
Born to be kings
Princes of the universe
Fighting and free
Got the world in my hands
I'm here for your love
And I'll make my stand
We were born to be princes of the universe
"That sure was different, Alex."
"Sorry, major Highlander fetish. At least I didn't play "Flash"."
"So you would love to see me with a sword, Alex.", Isabel quipped, a wicked gleam in her eye.
"Not what I meant, but that could be fun, but I picture you more like a Julie Bell painting."
"So you would like me in armor that looks like a bra and panties, carrying a large sword. I might do that one day, if you looked like Conan." the gleam in her eyes intensifying.
"Open mouth; Insert foot. On a more serious note, Isabel, can you deal with losing me again? Once Kivar is dead, so am I. I don't want to hurt you again."
"Alex, I love you. I want you. You are what I need, Alex. I can deal with it."
"Isabel, we have no future."
"Like you said, live for the moment, Alex. I want that with you."
"Isabel, I love you, My Angel." The opening notes of "Angel" by Aerosmith waft through the air seconds later.
I'm in tears, and the cryin' that I do is for you
I want your love, let's break the walls between us
Don't make it tough, I'll put away my pride
Enough's enough, I've suffered and I've seen the light
Baby,
(Chorus)
You're my Angel, come and save me tonight
You're my Angel, come and make it alright
You're my Angel, come and save me tonight
Don't know what I'm gonna do about this feelin' inside
Yes, it's true, loneliness took me for a ride
Without your love, I'm nothing but a beggar
Without your love, a dog without a bone
What can I do, I'm sleepin' in this bed alone
Baby,
(Chorus)
You're the reason I live
You're the reason I die
You're the reason I give
When I break down and cry
Don't need no reason why
Baby, baby, baby
(Repeat Chorus)
That was quickly followed up by another song.
Ooh you make me live
Whatever this world can give to me
It's you you're all I see
Ooo you make me live now honey
Ooo you make me live
Ooh you're the best friend that I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
Oh you're my best friend
Ooo you make me live
Ooh I've been wandering round
But I still come back to you
In rain or shine
You've stood by me girl
I'm happy at home
You're my best friend
Ooo you make me live
Whenever this world is cruel to me
I got you to help me forgive
Ooo you make me live now honey
Ooo you make me live
You're the first one
When things turn out bad
You know I'll never be lonely
You're my only one
And I love the things
I really love the things that you do
You're my best friend
Ooo you make me live
I'm happy at home
You're my best friend
Oh you're my best friend
Ooo you make me live
You you're my best friend
Awestruck by the last song, Isabel beamed, "Alex, I love you so much!"
"I know, Sweetness. I love you too, always."
"Alex, I'm ready."
"Ready for what, Heart?"
"I'm ready to ..."
"Isabel, are you sure?"
"Alex, I've always wanted my first time to be with someone special. You are the only one I want to share this with."
"Isabel, I'm not sure I can."
"We'll see." With that, she grabbed his face with both hands and began kissing him with wanton abandon. Alex's reaction was quite swift.
Gasping for air, he quipped, "I guess I can."
One hour later, they held each other. "Isabel, I may need your help to change my appearance. I can't be seen by anyone outside the group. What would you say to red hair down to the middle of my back, a goatee, a couple of tattoos, and some freckles on my face."
"Alex, I'd love you no matter how you look. Why the Axl Rose look?"
"I created a new identity for me, if I came back as a Crow. I'm now going to be known as Alexander MacGregor, I need to look of Scottish ancestry."
"I'll need Max and Ava's help, but I could do it."
"Sweetness, I love you."
"And I you, Husband. You are my heart, my soul, my love forever. When did I turn into, Max?"
"That's a scary thought. You can never turn into Max, but what's wrong with being a hopeless romantic. I know I am. You are worth waiting for."
"No, Alex, you were worth waiting for. We will make the most of the time we have. I wasted too much before."
"I know, Chere. I know we will. Isabel Evans will you marry me?"
"Yes, Alex. Yes I will marry you. But how?"
"Alex MacGregor will have to have a whirlwind romance with you and propose. I'll have Max duplicate the licence and place my real name on it. I love you more than words can express."
"You expressed your love quite well before."Isabel purred, blushing at the memory.
"So did you, Love. I wish I still had the marks to prove it. Damned healing factor." They both blush at Alex's comment.
"Alex, the others will be here in fifteen minutes.", Isabel stated, looking at her watch.
"Let's prepare for them, Love."
"Isabel, Honey, we need to find the circuit breaker for the lights. Would you mind shedding some light on the situation?", the grin illuminating his face. A soft white glow emanated from Isabel's outstretched hand, it's partner entwined with her lover's, reflecting the state of their souls.
Finding the circuit breaker, Alex reset power to the lights. Looking around, he let his mind drift back to the rave two and a half years ago, the start of their bond, and how he nearly destroyed it before it began.
"Penny for your thoughts."
"You would need an entire bank branch, Sweetness. Just thinking about the last time the two of us were here together. I should have let you explain. I misjudged you."
"Alex, you didn't have all the facts. It was a logical conclusion. I misjudged you, too. Michael and I are so much alike. He kept
pushing Maria away, kept hurting her, because he knew that being who he was was going to hurt her. He was trying to be cruel to be kind. I did the same to you. I wouldn't have, had I known I'd have lost you, almost forever.", Isabel broke down, sobbing.
"Isabel, you will never lose me. Even if I'm not here physically, I will live on in here ...",kissing her forehead, "... and here.", placing his hand over heart. "Never forget that, Sweetness. Even in death, I carried you with me. It's what kept me sane this past year. When I go back, I will wait for you. Promise me, you won't follow me until you've led a long, full life."
"I promise.", she replied reluctantly, knowing it would hurt him and everyone else if she ended it all, but also knowing life without Alex isn't life at all.
Slowly, the others filed in. Max and Liz led the way, their movements in such synch that they seemed to be a single entity,
MaxandLiz. Michael and Maria were next, almost as in synch as their best friends. Kyle and Ava were next. Ava had defiantly
changed. Gone were the pink hair, tattoos, and piercings she had worn a year and a half earlier. She now had flowing blonde hair, and a contented smile on her face.
Next to enter were Jim Valenti and Amy DeLuca, followed by Sean, Brody, and Laurie Dupree, who held onto Brody's arm. Lastly were a man and woman he couldn't recognize. He wore a black Armani suit, long brown hair tied back. He had an almost regal air about him. The woman, she was about four or five years older than him, no more than 22. Her long brown hair was done up in an ornate coif. She had these intense blue eyes.
Her eyes look like mine. I have a feeling I know her. Looking closer, realization hits Alex. It can't be! I must be mistaken. But what if it is, Alex? What if it is her?
Serena's entrance at that moment pulled him out of his dilemma. She wore a form fitting tank top and low cut jeans. Long, red
tresses ended about mid back. She attracted the others' attention, while he and Isabel remained out of sight on the catwalk in the back.
"Who are you?" growled an angry Michael, raising his arm into attack position.
"My name is Serena."
"Michael, she's a friend!" Liz screamed. At that, Michael lowered his arm.
"Why did you call us here then?" Michael spat at the redhead.
"She didn't. I did, Michael", Alex stated, walking down from the catwalk with Isabel next to him. Michael prepare to attack again. Liz couldn't stop him this time; Max had put up his shield around her. Isabel instinctively spun herself in front of Alex. Alex, knowing what she was doing continued the spin so that he could absorb the blast. He managed to take 3/4 of the blast, due to the dance of survival he performed. They hit the stairs hard. There was a loud crack.
Alex knew Isabel's back broke on contact with the stairs. He ignored his own pain and tried to heal her. He was able to heal most of her injuries but couldn't heal her back. "Max, Isabel's back is broken. I healed all her injuries except for that. I'm too hurt myself to heal her fully." Alex cried out at his friend, his future brother-in-law, who was already running towards them.
"Max, I can't feel my legs. Help me. Trust Alex. I love him."
Max grabbed her hand and made a connection. He saw from Isabel's memories that it was indeed Alex who stood next to him. He also had seen what had occurred earlier that afternoon. "Treat my sister well, Alex MacGregor.", a grin crossing Max's face, followed by punch to Alex's stomach. "That was for sleeping with my sister. I'm glad it was you. Anyone else would need intensive care."
"You know I would never intentionally hurt Isabel. You have nothing to worry about."
"I just needed to hear you say it, Alex. Welcome to the world my future brother-in-law."
"Max, who are the guy in the Armani suit and the brunette with him?"
"That's Larek and his wife, Siah. They arrived here three months ago."
“Is Siah a Shape shifter?"
"No, she's human. Larek found her as a child. She had amnesia. Why are you asking?"
"She's my sister, Maggie,", whispered Alex, before he turned his attention back to his fiancee's well-being.
"Isabel, Honey, are you up to the meeting? I can call it off."
"No, Alex. This is important."
"You're just as important. No, you're more important. We have a year until Kivar gets to Earth."
"No, I'm O.K. We'll start in ten minutes. Are you O.K.? You took most of the blast."
"When I helped Max heal you, I lost my ability to self-heal for a few hours. I'll be O.K. I'm just sore, Honey."
"You sure? I could heal you."
"No, Sweetness. You're still weak. Neither Max nor I could heal you alone. We nearly lost you. Max's punch was worth having you able to walk again, Lover. Don't try to protect me again by trying to sacrifice yourself. I know it's instinct, but I can't lose you. If I hadn't taking most of Michael's blast, I would have. I don't blame him. He went to my funeral, what else could he have believed? I think we better get to the others." With that, Alex scooped his lover into his arms. Isabel wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled there, lost in the unique scent that was Alex, and the love radiating off him. They started to walk towards Michael, who was being comforted by Maria.
"Michael, Maria, it's good to see you two again. Congratulations on the engagement. You two really make each other happy.
"Michael, I don't blame you for what just happened. It was a judgement call. I would have done the same thing. Don't blame
yourself. Isabel's O.K. Max and I healed her."
"Michael, look at me. I don't blame you, either. Alex asked for the purpose of the meeting to be a secret. The only ones who knew the truth were Liz, Serena and me. Alex is blaming himself for me getting hurt. I can't have my almost brother and my fiancé consumed with guilt over an accident. No one is to blame. Understood?"
"Isabel, did you just say fiance?", asked Michael and Maria simultaneously.
"You heard right, Michael. You're not the only ones getting married."
"Alex, why are you carrying Isabel?"
"She's a little weak. She could probably walk, but she seems to enjoy it in my arms..."
"Damn straight!", Isabel murmured into Alex's neck.
"Besides, after nearly losing her, I want her as close to me as possible."
"I understand that completely, Alex. I would be lost without Maria. By the way, why did Max punch you?"
"Think Amy DeLuca armed with a rolled-up newspaper, but we actually ..."
"T.M.I., Alex", replied Michael.
"Maria, I see we have to develop a Michael Filter. You are defiantly rubbing off on him."
"Michael, I know you yearn for family. You have a sister. She and I are like siblings, and it isn't Maria."
"Liz is my sister!"
"Yes, I knew it before I died. I couldn't say anything at the time. Serena told me while we translated the Book. She was supposed to help you overtly, but the Twerp, Rath and Lonnie are still in the area. I have to neutralize them soon. You know what I mean by that."
"Yeah, I do. Are you strong enough, Alex? I remember you hurt your hand clocking me during the Courtney mess."
"Michael, I took 3/4 of one of your blasts and am barely hurt at all. Those things, pack a lot of kick. That alone should make me tough enough, but I can probably kick the shit out of Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Sammo Hung, and Chow Yun Fat at the same time. One of the perks of being a Crow is instantly becoming a living weapon. I'm a master at Taekwondo, Wu Shu, Jeet Kune Do, and Jujitsu. I have to kill Kivar. Since he won't reach Earth for a year, I'll teach you all. Do you think Brody and Laurie could front me the money to turn this place into a dojo."
"Probably, they've already donated to the cause."
"Let's ask later. Michael, go hug your sister. She knows. I told her last night. Isabel, Sweetness, I'm going to put you down. Would you please introduce me to Larek and Siah?"
"Why?"
"Outside of Laurie, they are the only ones in the group I don't know." Alex gently set Isabel down on her feet, but held onto her waist, partly as a sign of affection, partly to make sure she didn't fall. They slowly approached Larek and Siah.
"Larek, Siah, this is Alex Whitman, my intended." Alex bowed, facing Larek, while Isabel Curtsied, facing the alien king. They rose and turned towards Siah, repeating the protocol.
Larek, impressed by the young man's knowledge of protocol, spoke clearly and concisely, "You cannot be the Alex Whitman the entire Royal family of Antar, especially Vilandra, I mean Isabel, mourns for. You are very much alive."
"Your Highness, I am the same Alex. I am very much dead. I'm what's called a Crow, an avenging spirit. I'm on Earth until I kill Kivar, then I must go back to the afterlife. I don't want to sound to forward, Your Majesty, but how did you meet your wife. I mean no disrespect."
"No disrespect taken, Mr. Whitman. In the Earth year 1993, I found her beaten and left for dead on a road near the city of Detroit. I nursed her back to health. She had no identification. She had been violated, and had no memory of her past. I took her as a ward and eventually fell in love with her. Why do you ask?"
"I had a sister. She disappeared in June of 1993. Siah could be her. They look a lot alike, King Larek. I can get impressions from people and objects, like the Royal Five. If you would allow me, I might be able to find out for sure by seeing your memories of Siah. I will show some of my memories of my sister, Maggie, as a sign of good faith. I need to know if I'm your brother-in-law."
"If this will ease your mind, Mr. Whitman, I agree." Alex grasped Larek's hand and memories of Siah rocked his body as he gave Larek some of his memories of Maggie. He released Larek's hand and screamed, "Don't touch me!", after seeing the barely alive form of Siah, knowing that Siah is Maggie.
"Thank you for loving my sister and taking care of her, King Larek."
"We are family, Alex. Call me Larek."
"Thank you, Larek." He extended his arm in friendship. Larek returned the offer. "Siah, Maggie, I've missed you so much.", he
sobbed, hugging the slightly confused woman tightly.
"Siah, Maggie, if you want, I could let you see some of my memories of you. It might help you remember."
"Alex, Maggie Whitman is dead to this world, she disappeared nearly nine years ago. I accept that I'm her, but I'm Siah now. But you are still my brother. If I remember it's just going to be too painful, since I can't tell our parents. Just like you can't tell them about you."
“Siah, I understand. I really hated leaving mom and dad alone. You're right, I can't tell them. Too many people's secrets would have to be revealed. I'd better start the meeting."
"Michael, whatever happens, I need you to stand down. Eric, I need your help explaining the past." Eric Draven materialized next to Alex for all to see. "You are wondering why I called you all here today?" Eric chuckled, remembering when he said those same words to an entire room of armed thugs, eventually massacring them all, using handguns, knives, and a katana.
"I lived in Detroit until the middle of fourth grade; My parents, my sister, Maggie,..." looking at Siah when he said this,"and me. Eric Draven, the spirit standing next to me, was a neighbor of ours. He lived with his fiancee, Shelly Webster. Maggie had a friend named Sarah, who Shelly and Eric looked after, since her mom was a drug addict. Maggie disappeared in June of 1993. I never saw her again until tonight. Siah is my sister. Eric and Shelly were murdered October 30, 1993. Eric was stabbed and shot five times in the chest, and thrown out the window of their loft."
Eric picked up the story, "Shelly was savagely raped and beaten by four men, partly while I was forced to watch. Shelly died from her injuries thirty hours after being taken away in an ambulance. We were murdered the night before our wedding."
"Who gets married on Halloween?" asked Michael.
"No one. May I please continue. One year later, I rose from my grave, with no memory of who I was. The more contact I had with my past the more I remembered. I came back for vengeance. I eventually met up with Alex and Sarah. That's how Alex knew what Crows are, even before he became one. I was Alex's first guitar teacher.
"I killed the criminals responsible for murdering Shelly and me. I killed them quite viciously. One I stabbed one in every major organ with his own knives. Another I release five syringes of morphine directly into his heart and carved the image of a crow into his chest. The third, the leader, or so I thought, I blew up, fusing his body to his suped-up Thunderbird. The forth, a speed freak with few brain cells left, I threw out of a fourth story window, landing on a cop car. I did that after killing much of Detroit's underworld to get to him. I was ready to go back to the Land of the Dead to be with Shelly, but Sarah was kidnaped and taken to an abandoned church in the cemetery where Shelly and I were buried next to each other. I faced Grange, a professional hit-man, Top Dollar, a major crime boss and his half-sister, Myca. I was able to save Sarah with the help of a cop named Albrecht, who kept an eye on Sarah after Shelly and I were murdered. I went to my grave and was reunited with Shelly. Shelly was my soulmate. Isabel, Alex told me shortly after he came back that you are to him what Shelly is to me. After seeing the two of you together I can see it."
"Crows have increased strength, speed, and agility. We have instinctive knowledge of multiple martial arts and gymnastics. We are essentially invulnerable, unless we stray from our path of vengeance and work for the living, like when I healed Isabel earlier. I lost my ability to heal my self, like Wolverine. It should come back in a few hours.", Alex explained to the gathering.
"Alex, They are going to reward you since your vengeance affects the fate of six worlds. You get your life back when it's over. You never died, but all you did as a Crow will remain.", Eric told him. Isabel hugged Eric and thanked him. Alex kissed Isabel on the forehead before thank his mentor for the news. Eric smiled at the two lovebirds, suddenly wanting to be with Shelly.
Alex, seeing that Eric was missing Shelly said, "Eric, go home. Shelly probably misses you. I can see that you miss her. I'll answer any questions they have." Eric faded before the astonished crowd.
"Laurie, Brody, could you loan me the money to turn this place into a dojo? I want to train you all to defend yourselves in
hand-to-hand combat, while Serena helps those with powers develop them. I will pay the two of you back."
"Michael, what do you think?" Laurie asked her "brother".
"Laurie, Alex is someone I trust with my life. He is one of the bravest and most noble people I've ever met. He's saved my life on more than one occasion. I think all of us learning self-defense is a great idea."
"O.K., we'll lend you the money," Laurie told Alex.
"Serena, tell the others your story, please.", Alex told the petite redhead.
"I'm Liz's chief bodyguard and her best friend on Antar. We had another close friend, Ava, Liz's other bodyguard," looking at Ava and smiling. "I had two brother's Niahl and Kyahn. Niahl was know to you as Nasedo. Kyahn was Ava's fiance."
"I was not there the day the Queen and Ava were mortally wounded by Kivar. Niahl, Kyahn and I were attending our mother's
funeral. That day was supposed to be the happiest day of my brother and best friend's lives, their wedding day. The wedding was postponed for a year for grieving purposes. After the funeral, We came back to find out that Ava was dead and Maea was dying. I was chosen to house my best friend's consciousness until a cloned body could be created. Our people are telepathic.
"Then the rest of you died; King Zan, Princess Vilandra, and Lord Rath, the Queen's twin brother. The Queen Mother, Celena, had her children, Lord Rath, and Ava each cloned as human hybrids twice. Ava was sent as a decoy. I was to place Maea's conscious in a completely human body.
"Niahl, Kyahn, and I were sent to protect them. Niahl, not being the brightest, was kept in the dark about most of the plan. He
believed Ava was Maea. Kyahn and I knew everything. The ship crashed. The pilot died on impact. Kyahn was mortally wounded. He transferred his consciousness to me, asking me to find a way he could be with his beloved again.
"Niahl hid you four. Yes, Ava, you were supposed to be here not with the defectives. Tess was the defective one.
"Over the years, I learned many things about humans. I met a woman name Claudia Parker, an archeologist, who specialized in the Anasazi and Navaho. I eventually told her about who I was. Nineteen years ago, she told me her son and daughter-in-law were trying to have a child, but were not conceiving. I took the form of a fertility expert and your mother had you using in vitro. I had a vessel for Maea's consciousness. I delivered you, Liz and transferred my best friend's soul to you."
"I'm just a fucking vessel for a dead alien queen. I'm not a person, I'm just a tool."
"No, Liz. The person you are is a combination of Maea and the person you would have been without Maea's soul. The two souls in your body combined.
"Kyle, you hold Kyahn's soul, like Liz holds Maea's. I transferred Kyahn's soul to you, because if I didn't, you would have been a newborn fatality statistic. You were very week, when you born, when you were born, your umbilical cord started to wrap around your neck. You were barely alive. You were stabilized. I transferred Kyahn's soul to you to heal you with healing stones once I could be alone with you."
"So, in a way, I'm your brother, Serena. Twice aliens have brought me back from the brink of death."
"Thank you for saving my son before he had a chance to live, Serena."
"You're welcome Sheriff. Yes, Kyle, in a way that's true.
"I've helped you all from time to time." Serena morphed into Hank Guerin. Michael cringed in fear. "Michael, he will never hurt you or anyone else ever again. I killed him the night you used your powers to scare him. He was a threat to you all. Sheriff, I was the one who signed Michael's emancipation papers." Hank became Deputy Blackwood. Serena swallowed a couple of breath mints changing into a face familiar to both Max and Liz, the rancher who found them after they found the orb. The rancher became Dr. Margolin, Kathleen Topolsky's psychiatrist. Lastly she morphed into Leanna and back to the way she was before.
Alex and Isabel walked over to Kyle and Ava. "Kyle, thank you for being Izzy's friend. I owe you. I wish Tess hadn't turned out the way she did. I know killing her was tough on you. I had flashes of you talking about it at my grave. I know you loved her. I have to kill Lonnie and Rath. I have to kill murderers what wear the faces of a friend and my soulmate."
"Alex do what you have to. Up until today, I thought they were my family. I then became a part of this family, and find out today, I was always meant to be here. Lonnie and Rath would kill me in a second. I love them, but they need to pay for their crimes. Remember they may look like Michael and Isabel, but they aren't. They don't have the strength of character," replied Ava, easing Alex's mind.
"Thank you, Ava. Are you sad you aren't queen?"
"Alex, I'm not. Somehow I knew Zan wasn't the one, but I loved him. Then I met Kyle and understood Liz better."
"So are you two living together?"
"Do you think I would be allowed to if we were together. I room with Michael. Staind and Metallica don't bother me, but I'm totally into Nelly Furtado and The Donnas. Hell, Michael likes The Donnas and L7."
"Michael listening to girl groups, even if they are punk. Now that's funny, but they and Nelly are cool.
"Kyle are you O.K. with what Serena told you about who you are?"
"Alex, I'm a little shocked, but I have Ava regardless."
Alex gesture for the group to gather again. "Everyone, we'll meet again tomorrow. Spend time with your loved ones. We have a tough year ahead of us. I want to spend more time with my fiancee," hugging Isabel tightly.
"Serena, do you want to hang out?", asked Sean, looking the shape shifter over.
"Sean, why not. You try anything, I hurt you. Remember that."
"Understood, I'm just tired of being lonely," Sean replied, looking at Liz.
Serena, noticing Sean's look at Liz, decided it was time for a confession of sorts. "I know how you feel. I have fallen in love twice with people whose hearts belong to others," looking at Michael, then Alex.
They all file out leaving Alex, Isabel, Larek and Siah. "Larek, Siah why aren't you two leaving?" Alex asked his sister and her
husband.
"Alex, we want to give the two of you your wedding present early. Alex, please kneel," Siah asked her brother.
"Alex, you are now a Duke on the planet Zontar, my home. I dead to you the equivalent of 1,000,000 acres of my own land and a castle on that land. It is only fair. That way Celena or anyone else cannot disapprove of your marriage. You are a nobleman on one of the five planets."
"Thank you both. I'm honored. I don't know what else to say."
"Thank you, but I have to believe my mother isn't as judgmental."
"Isabel, she isn't, but not everyone is as liberal. Good night," replied Larek.
"Alex, Larek and I will come by with holograms of your nieces and nephews. Their names are Zan, Rath, Maea, and Alexandra. I think I subconsciously named one of my daughters after you, bro."
"I'm an uncle!" beamed Alex. With that, Larek and Siah got into their Lexus and went home.
"Alex, what do you want to do?"
"Izzy, I just want to hold you in my arms while you sleep. I can't be away from you. I need you near me all the time."
"I feel the same way, but I want you to make love to me, then you can watch me sleep. I wonder if the second time will be better than our first."
"For us, the party's just begun, Sweetness. I love you."
"I love you to, Alex."
After another hour, Isabel fell asleep in Alex's arms, murmuring into his neck. Alex stared at her, his home, a contented smile on his face.
I don't want to miss a thing (?)
I could stay awake just to hear you breathing,
Watch you smile while you are sleeping,
While you are far away and dreaming,
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender,
I could stay lost in this moment forever,
Where a moment spent with you is a moment I treasure,
I don't want to close my eyes, I don't want to fall
asleep,
Cause I miss you baby, And I don't want to miss a thing,
Cause even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will
never do,
I still miss you baby and I don't want to miss a thing
Lying close to you feeling your heart beating,
And I wondering what you are dreaming,
Wondering if it's me you are seeing,
Then I kiss your eyes and thank god we're together,
I just want to stay with you in this moment forever and
forever forever
I don't want to close my eyes, I don't want to fall
asleep,
Cause I miss you baby, And I don't want to miss a thing,
Cause even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will
never do,
I still miss you baby and I don't want to miss a thing
And I don't want to miss one smile,
I don't want to miss one kiss,
I just want to be with you right here with you,
Just like this, I just want to hold you close,
I feel your heart so close to mine
And just stay here in this moment,
For all of the rest of time
I don't want to close my eyes, I don't want to fall
asleep,
Cause I miss you baby, And I don't want to miss a thing,
Cause even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will
never do,
I still miss you baby and I don't want to miss a thing
Shafts of light danced down from the skylight down onto the lovers lying under the skylight. "Honey, you've got to get up. You've got to go to school," Alex reminded his bride to be.
Do I have to?", Isabel pouted like a small child. Alex was amused by the fact that his Angel didn't want to leave him.
"Yes, Love, you do. You graduate in four weeks. I would love nothing more than to make love to you all day, but you've got school and Larek and my sister will be here today. I think we have a little time. I love you, Sweetness." Alex slowly nibbled on Isabel's neck, eliciting an almost purring sound from her.
"Alex, I love you. I think I have since I first dream walked you," Isabel moaned from Alex's ministrations, "I'm sure Max can cover for me at school."
"Izzy, Honey, we have forever to make love all night, sleep and wake up to do it again. I want nothing more than that. I want to have children with you. Little girls with their mother's caring heart, love, and eyes. Sons with our courage and our talents. You will make a fantastic mom for our children. You have so much love in you, you glow with a blinding, white light."
"We're not even sure if we can have kids. I want that too, but we're so different."
"Izzy, I believe we can. It's near the end of the Book. We probably can't until Kivar is dead, and I get my life back. If not, we can adopt. We can adopt anyway, like your parents did for you and Max."
"Planning our future already, Alex, I like it."
"Where were we before we got to planning our family. Oh yeah, I was doing this.", returning his lips to Isabel's throat, feeling the vibrations from her moans. Minutes later giggles, moans, then a screamed "Alex!", followed by a "Forever, Sweetness," reverberated through the factory.
After finally convincing his Princess and himself that she had to go to school, Larek and Siah arrived with two bodyguards. These guys looked like contestants out of a tough man competition.
Maybe I can get one of them to spar with me if I hold back and promise to heal him. mused Alex.
"No one but the Royals are to disturb us," Larek ordered the guards.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Permission to speak freely, Your Majesty."
"Granted."
"Why does this peasant not bow to you, Your Majesty?"
"He is the Queen's brother and a member of Our court, and will be treated as such."
"Larek, I want to spar with a live opponent. I will heal him when I'm done."
"Alex, is that wise?" asked Siah.
"Larek, do they carry handguns."
"Yes, Alex. Why?"
"I want one of them to shoot me in the hand at point blank range."
"Van, when he says to discharge your weapon, do so."
"Yes, King Larek."
Alex approached the bodyguard who responded. Van drew his 9mm Glock, Alex placing his hand palm forward inches from the barrel. "Now!" The bullet tore through his hand and impacted the wall 100 feet down. Alex howled in pain and brought his hand up to show all present the gaping hole in his hand. Slowly, the bone, muscle, tendons, ligaments, and flesh knit themselves together, leaving his hand as if it hadn't been shot.
"What are you!", Van squeaked, making the mountain of muscle sound like a frightened child.
"I'm a dead man with a job to do. I'm going to kill Kivar. Van we will spar later. I will hold back."
Van's fear tripled with Alex's words. To reassure the man, Alex added,"I will heal you after we're done. Larek, Siah, let's go in the back. I want to see what my nieces and nephews look like." Larek and Siah followed him into one of the offices on the second floor.
Larek activated this device that looked like a digital camera which project an image of two little boys. The boys had Larek's looks, but Siah's eyes. They were identical twins. Zan is on the left and Rath is on the right. They're four Earth years old."
"They are the image of the two of you."
"Thanks, bro.", replied Siah.
"Here are Maea and Alexandra. Maea is wearing the white dress Lexie, that's her nickname, is in the blue dress."
"Sis, they are adorable. They look just like you."
"Thanks, Alex."
"How are things up there?" Alex asked pointing up, the universal sign for the Royal Five's home system.
"Sixty-five Earth years of constant warfare.", replied Larek.
"I have to end it. Once Kivar is gone, maybe a lasting peace can be worked out."
"It won't be easy, Alex. There is too much hatred and distrust. It's like what's happening here on Earth with the Catholics and
Protestants in Northern Ireland and The Palestinians and the Israelis in the Middle East multiplied by a factor of one hundred,"
responded Larek.
"Peace never is, Larek. You know it."
"That I do, Alex."
"I want to meet my nieces and nephews when it's over."
"That can be arranged, little brother," replied Siah. The trio walked down to the factory floor.
"Are you guys ready for the show? Van, you get five attacks, which I can only block or evade. After that I can fight back."
"Agreed," Van replied, feeling more confident he could give a good show. With that, Van closed on Alex. Alex stood firm. Van threw a haymaker at Alex's head, which Alex dodged easily.
"That's one."
Van shot a straight kick to Alex's ribs. Alex knocked it away as if it were an insect annoying him. "Two." Van shot a roundhouse to his head. Alex bent back quickly into a handspring, landing ready to face Van's next attack, which was a head butt. Alex slid his right hand up to take the impact. Van then lifted Alex up into position for a pile driver. Before he contacted the ground, Alex used his arms to cushion the impact, tucking his head into his chest and thrusting up and hit Van under the chin with his heels. Van's head snapped back and Alex was released. Alex turned his handstand into a handspring. Alex, once on his feet, took a strange stance, and had a glazed look to his eyes. Van had recovered and was closing again.
At this point the others entered. Alex got distracted and got hit by a roundhouse that knocked him backwards, Alex turned his fall into a backwards roll. When Van came to him, Alex turned to the side, planted his right hand on the ground and shot both feet into Van's chest. A sickening crack was heard. Alex spun and caught Van with a sweep causing the bigger man to fall backward. Alex sprung to his feet, sat on Van's chest, then backed away to help him up. Gasps and applause erupted from all present.
"This was a demonstration of what I could teach you." With that Alex healed Van's broken ribs and collapsed lung.
"I missed you, Izzy," Alex stated, walking towards his lifemate.
"I missed you too, Alex. It's only been eight hours, but it felt like a month."
"Soon, Love, we can go public. Let's get to changing me into Alex MacGregor."
"Max, Ava we need your help. Alex wants to have red hair down to mid-back, a goatee, and freckles. I'll take care of his body art in private."
Ava lengthened his hair and turned it auburn. Max gave him a matching goatee down to his clavicle and added freckles to his face, chest and back.
"Thank you," Alex replied, impressed with his make over.
Alex took Isabel's hand and led her up to one of the offices. "What do you want, and where?", asked Isabel, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
"You, me, no clothes, candles, and romantic music, under the stars",Alex replied, an equally mischievous glint in his eyes, as he
looked her up and down, knowing now isn't the time. "But as for tattoos, I want a gold ankh running the length of my left forearm..." Isabel waved her hand over his skin giving it the desired design. "... a crow on my right bicep ...", she placed a beautiful rendering of a crow in flight on his arm. "...and a double heart with your name on it over my own, to show where you will always be." Isabel, brought to tears by his words, gave him his final marking, after removing his shirt.
Isabel pulled off her crimson blouse and removed her black lace bra.
"Izzy, Sweetness, we can have fun later. We have all our friends downstairs."
"No, Alex, I want to show you my new tattoo." She waved her hand over her left breast. When Alex could see her breast again, there was a double heart with his name on it over her own. She found seven paper clips in a dispenser on the desk. She turned two of the clips into hoops. One, she placed in her hand and placed it to his navel. When she removed her hand, he had a navel ring. She repeated the process on herself.
"Sweetness, the navel rings are cool, but let's not pierce anything else. I love you the way you are."
"I know, Alex, but if you have to change so much, I want to, too." She then changed two more into hoops and pierced his right
eyebrow, as well as her own. She then changed the last three clips into two tongue bars. She holds her tongue with one hand and painlessly pierced her tongue with her other hand. She then put the other bar on her tongue and pulled him into a searing kiss, piercing is tongue with her own.
"Sweetness, no more piercings, please. I fell in love with you. It almost seems like your trying to look like Lonnie."
"Alex, you look so sexy. You always do. I want you to think of me as sexy."
"Isabel, Love, you'd be sexy in a burlap sack. If the tattoo and piercings make you happy, keep them. Don't do them for me."
"Alex, you should know by now that I don't do anything I don't want to."
"I know, Lover. I love that you're so independent, yet vulnerable. Your looks are not what I fell in love with; it was the person you showed around Max and Michael. I saw that you could be such a loving person. I always wondered why you seemed to be two different people. I was attracted to the Ice Princess. What guy wasn't, but I was in love with Isabel, the real one. I thank God every day for you. Every minute I spend with you is a miracle to me. I'm blessed that you love me."
"No, Alex, I'm the one who's blessed by you loving me. You were the first guy who cared about who I was on the inside, not my breast size or looks."
"We are both blessed by having each other." They embraced for a kiss while they traced each other's double heart tattoo. The door suddenly opened, revealing an extremely incensed Max Evans.
Alex, Isabel, could you please do that in private!" screamed Max, after closing the door.
"Max, since when is it alright for you and Liz, but not for me and my husband-to-be. By the way, we were in private. You walked in without knocking, little brother."
"Alex, you hurt her, and I'll hurt you."
"You hurt Liz, I'll do the same. You know that little exhibition I had before, I was holding back to about 25% of my abilities. I could kill you within a minute. When do you plan on marrying Liz? I know you two are sleeping together. I proposed after Isabel and I gave ourselves to each other. I would have proposed before we did anything. I wanted to since I first saw her again two days ago. I've loved your sister almost as long as you've loved Liz. Max, if I didn't get the deal, I would only have a year. You've been with Liz for two lifetimes. I had a chance to only have one year with my soulmate. I consider you a friend, hell, we've saved each other's lives. Just stay out of my relationship with your sister, and we'll stay that way. I held my tongue all those times you hurt Liz. The only reason I didn't drop you like I did Michael is because I knew you did it for her safety!" Alex was seething.
"Max, get out. If you tell anyone about what happened here, you'll have nightmares for a month." Max slammed the door and walked down to the factory floor.
"Alex, Honey, calm down," Isabel murmured, rubbing his spine gently.
"I'm sorry, Sweetness. I'm getting angry extremely easily. I was almost at the point of attacking him. I'm afraid of my temper. It
could get you killed," Alex sobbed into her tattoo.
"Alex, we can get through this together. I believe in you. The others do, too. Max just has a sequoia up his ass."
"Sweetness, that was quite, funny and quite true. He forgot that you can take care of yourself. I think his words were from the shock and embarrassment of seeing his sister and her boyfriend kissing, touching each other's chests, half-naked. I'm furious at him, but I understand. Next time melt the lock, Lover." After a few kisses, the bars in their tongues adding to the pleasure, they dressed each other and climbed down to the others.
Maria giggled and Liz blushed when they approached. The others just stood in shock. Max will so have nightmares! Isabel thought. Liz pointed to Isabel's blouse. Looking down, Isabel realized it was on backward. Looking at Alex, she realized she put his shirt on backward, too.
"Fuck it!", she replied, kissing Alex hard, their tongue bars clanking together.
Alex broke the kiss reluctantly when he saw a house along 285 on the way to Hondo. Rath was sitting on a bed. There were Asian and Spanish swords all along one wall of the bedroom. Outside were two motorcycles: a BMW cruising bike and a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softtail Classic. He knew he had seen through Edgar's eyes.
You ready, Kid.
I'll be there soon, Edgar.
"Michael, Maria, I know where Rath is. Drive me there, but stay outside. at the first sign of Lonnie or Nicholas, escape. Maria, take the Jetta. Michael, take Rath's BMW motorcycle. The Harley Softtail is mine."
The fifteen minute drive was uneventful. Maria cut the engine and the lights and coasted to the house.
Alex climbed through the window. Rath sprung up from the bed.
"Who the fuck are you, dog?"
"I'm the last thing you will ever see, Rath. Death has come for you. You killed me a year ago, made it look like a traffic accident. Murderer!"
"You want to know about murder. It's quick and it's easy. A sword flew from the wall towards Alex. Dodging right, the sword
embedded itself in the wall. Two more swords took flight. Alex dodged one, but the other embedded itself in his chest about three inches from his heart, about three inches deep. Alex grabbed the blade and worked the sword out of his chest.
Rath watched the hole in Alex's chest close. A puddle formed at Rath's feet. He recovered and was about to blast Alex when Alex brought the sword he removed from his chest, a katana with an ivory hilt, carved into the mouth of an Asian dragon, down at Rath's shoulder, disarming him. Alex spun and repeated the process.
"Rath, now that you've been disarmed, I have to tell you something. You know Liz Parker."
"The King's human bitch. I'd do her in a minute."
"She is human, yes. But she is the true Queen. Ava's a decoy."
"So what if she's the Queen, I'd still fuck her."
"She is your twin sister. Would you still fuck her, Rath! Would you fuck your sister!"
"No!", Rath screamed, a shocked look on his face.
"There can be only one, Rath." With that, Alex swung the katana at Rath's neck. Rath's head rolled to the night stand, the horror still on his face.
Alex decided to have a little fun. After fifteen minutes to set up the game and take the swords he wanted, a leather trench coat, and the keys to the bikes, Alex picked up Rath's cell and dialed speed dial 1, which had to be Lonnie.
"Rath, what do you want?"
"I'm not Rath, Lonnie."
"Opie?", the fear rising in her voice.
"Yeah, the name's Alex by the way. Rath can't come to the phone right now due to a slight case of death. You're next. I have a little game for you, Lonnie. It's called find the corpse. Rath's corpse is hidden around the house. You have to find all five pieces of him."
"You sick bastard!"
"No, bitch! You're the sick one! You murdered your own brother, tried to murder Max, murdered me!"
"How are you alive? We watched you die."
"You did watch me die. Tell Nicky Boy that I'm coming for him, too. Don't try to find me. I suggest you find Rath before an odor starts. Bye, Lonnie." Alex hung up.
Alex took the bag of swords and the keys. He put the leather coat on. Alex placed the swords on the rear floor of the Jetta. "Maria, drive carefully, you are transporting valuable swords." Maria drove back to the factory. "Michael, here." Alex tossed him a BMW key ring with the key to Michael's new bike. Alex straddled his own bike, leather trench coat flapping in the wind, as he rode into the night.
End Book I