Baker's Farm…

Goofing around, Kyle began chasing Liz around the group of friends. Laughing, Liz ran and hid behind Max, pleading with her eyes for him to protect her. Glimmering with mischief, Max's eyes showed no mercy as he reached out and held Liz to him. Leaving Kyle the opportunity he needed to get on the ground and begin tickling Liz until tears streamed down her face.

"Stop! Please! I beg you!" Liz's ragged voice broke out between screams of laughter. Smiling, Max slowly released her and watched as Kyle backed off. The two rarely agreed on anything, but this time the temptation had been too great.

"Oh guys, leave her alone. Let her eat," Maria said, insisting that her hard work on the food she had prepared for this picnic outing wouldn't go to waste. Still giggling, Liz dug into her food with zeal. Her hunger this day was great, and she recognized the slow growls from her tummy as a sign it was time to eat. Munching on his food, James felt a rush come over his senses.

"Clay?" James uttered his friend's name questioningly before hearing a gruff response.

"I feel it too." Clay said, watching as Isabel's eyes opened.

"It's Caitlin." Isabel said, shocking the entire group. Turning to look at their friends, Isabel's smile lit up her face. "She's safe." With that, the small group allowed their thoughts to linger on their missing friend for a few minutes before picking up with the jovial occasion. Today's outing was a celebration, of sorts. They had managed to avoid the Special Unit for months, and remained out of Kivar and Petrax's radar. Without knowing how they could be so blessed to have such peace in their lives at last, the group felt it was necessary to show their gratitude. The simple picnic was their way of doing exactly that. As the laughter continued, Clay focused on Caitlin and his need for her. He could barely believe she was alive. It had been so long since he allowed himself to dream of her that he now struggled with the feelings inside him. Deep in concentration, a smile slowly graced Clay's lips as Caitlin's love and need for his strength filled him. Willing her to come home to him, Clay was disappointed when she didn't open the connection to him fully, allowing the two to become one. Unsure if it was because she was awake or he was, Clay reluctantly contented himself with just being able to feel her again.

After tiring themselves that evening, the small group returned to the farmhouse and discovered without much surprise Clay heading to bed early. Inwardly smiling, the others just nodded in understanding as they moved to the living room to watch a new movie. Grateful, Clay went to his room and fell into bed. While he slept, disturbing dreams kept him company.

"Clarek? I'm sorry, I should have realized how you felt about my sister. She didn't bother hiding her love for you, but I thought… well, I was wrong. I'd be honored to have you marry Kristlyn. You have my blessings." Kilsnar gruffly hugged Clarek before releasing the long time friend. Smiling, Clarek allowed his joy to show. "You shall marry before leaving." At the news Clarek's face once again turned stoic. "I am sorry my friend, but one day we will have a proper celebration. For now, your bride's life is in danger and it is imperative that you two leave, you must protect her." Nodding his head, Clarek understood the gravity of the situation. Kristlyn's now deceased fiancé had King Kiven calling for blood, and if his bride was to be safe they would need to leave soon.

"I will protect her with my life." Clarek said, not knowing that Kilsnar prayed it did not come to that. Moving silently through the castle's halls, Clarek found his hidden princess and took her in his arms. "My love." Hugging her to him, Clarek told Kristlyn of her brother's consent to their wedding and his plans to have them wed before leaving. Overjoyed, Kristlyn waited impatiently for the presiding authority to arrive with her brother. Although it saddened her that they could not have a huge celebration and include their cousins, Vorak's princess understood the wisdom behind a quick and secret ceremony. King Kiven's demands were no longer a threat; he could not wed a princess who was already married. The ceremony was short and sweet, bringing the newlyweds to their goodbyes and a trip deep into Vorak's splendid caves.

The royals were the only ones who traveled through the underground networks freely, having successfully learned the ins and outs centuries ago. Now, thankful their ancestors had exhibited such foresight, the two traveled out of the castle and down paths leading deep within the planet's core. Traveling for weeks, Clarek and his new wife prayed Kilsnar found the support in the Royal Four that he assured them he would. It wasn't until a month in hiding that Clarek received a message from Volandra, assuring him that she and Zan had fully supported them. Now, a month and a half into their self enforced exile, Kristlyn tugged on Clarek's arm to gain his full attention.

"Clarek, sweetie, have you noticed a change?" Kristlyn whispered softly, her soft body flushed against Clarek's solid one. Shifting his head, he looked down slightly confused. "Have you felt it?" Kristlyn took his hand and placed it on her, letting him feel what she was talking about. Opening his eyes wide, Clarek inhaled deeply. She was pregnant, and soon would need more care than he could give her. Holding her tightly to him, it was that night that Clarek silently called to Selena. Reaching out, Clarek entered the Queen's dreams in a disturbing fashion.

"Kil-s-nar!" Selena and Kilsnar merged as one before her majesty drifted off into a deep, and relatively complete sleep.

"Hello sis! I see Kilsnar is doing his best to get an heir," Clarek said shamelessly, causing heat to rise within Selena.

"There had better be a good reason for your visit, dear brother, or else I'll make your return hellish for you. That I promise!" Selena said, flustered.

"Kristlyn's pregnant," Clarek whispered, "she will need care soon." Shocked, Selena smiled largely before moving to embrace her brother.

"That's wonderful news! I will talk to Kilsnar and see if he thinks it is safe for you both to return. King Kiven's convoy has come and gone. When he saw he had no support from Antar, he decided to move on." Selena said, hoping war would not break out soon. Saying goodbye, Selena woke up and immediately began updating Kilsnar. Pleased to learn he would be an uncle, Kilsnar doubled the castle guards and Selena let Clarek know to start the return trip home. Weeks later, after months of separation, the couples were reunited with their siblings.

Turning over, Clay's dreams took a startling turn. Not long after Kristlyn gave birth to a boy, King Kiven sent a convoy of peace, requesting the presence of the Vorakian royals to discuss the truce. Never having liked the King or his son, whether for personal or political reasons, Clarek could not move passed the feeling in his gut that the angry King could not be trusted. Kilsnar hoped for peace, and would not accept Clarek's arguments.

"He no longer poses a threat to Kristlyn, Clarek, I cannot understand why you are so set on not meeting with him." Kilsnar said, his frustration in his second in command evident.

"Something's not right, Kilsnar, you know more than I King Kiven's stubborn streak. Does this offer of peace really ring true to you? My gut tells me he is up to something, and I refuse to put my wife or son in danger." Clarek bit out, his frustration mounting. Sighing, Kilsnar looked at the man who had been a loyal friend for so many years, a man he himself grew up with.

"We have to meet him, I can't let a chance at peace slip by." Kilsnar said, the finality in his voice signaling the end of the conversation to Clarek.

"Fine, but I am not taking my child with us. Don't ask, but your nephew will remain safe." Clarek turned around and left the chamber, leaving an understanding and grateful brother-in-law behind. The royals could definitely defend themselves, but a worried princess would not help their situation.

Back in his private chambers, Clarek held his son in his arms and watched as Kristlyn paced back and forth. Looking down, the dark eyes radiated love, an innocence that took his breath away.

"We have no choice, do we?" The princess asked, trying to find logical reasons to not go and sighing as none came to her.

"The King does not think we can afford to let an opportunity at peace go by, even considering the dubious intentions of our hosts." Clarek said, enjoying the warm feel of his newborn.

"You do not agree," Kristlyn stated matter-of-factly.

"Do you?" Clarek asked, his voice rough with emotion. Turning around, Kristlyn looked at her husband.

"He is my brother, and my King. If he thinks the offer is sincere, then we have no choice." The princess, full of pride and loyalty, said softly. "My husband, I am yours. What would you have me do?" Kristlyn's question did not mock Clarek as it would have any other man, but instead, made it plain that her loyalty to him and her family came first. Sighing, Clarek stood up and walked until he stood by his wife's side.

"We keep Vlad's birth a secret, and he remains here until we return. We will leave for Canor tomorrow, with the King and Queen." As Clarek spoke, he and his wife gazed down at their son. His innocence inspired them to do all they could to assure peace. Entrusting the care of their son to Kristlyn's maid and her young sister, the two left the next day. Waking abruptly, Clay stared straight ahead as the fear filled him. Caitlin's connection with him flared, as if she sensed his pain. Assuring him all would be well, Clay screamed as Caitlin's presence dimmed until his soul felt alone once again.

"What the…" Michael jumped out of bed. Grabbing sweatpants he fumbled trying to put them on. Maria watched the man she loved hit the door hard on his way out.

"Hey! What's?" Michael and James found themselves looking at a shaken Clay.

"Clay?" James asked quietly, his insides twisted in turmoil. Max walked in with Liz leaning against his side, tears streaking her face.

"What's going on?" Michael saw Liz and knew there was trouble.

"It's time." Max said, sensing his sister walk up behind him. "It's time we finish this."

Clay inhaled deep breaths to force his body to stop shaking. After a few minutes of silence, he looked around the room and saw his cousins and friends exchange looks. Isabel caught his attention as she came to stand to Michael's other side.

"Selena contacted me. The rebellion has come to ahead on Vorak. A war has started. Caitlin was caught in the middle of it."

"Is she?" Maria asked, unable to complete the question.

"I don't..." Isabel shook her head slightly.

"She's alive." Clay, James and Liz all said at once. Tears fell as the small group looked at each other, grateful for the friends and family they saw.

"Selena was supposed to keep her safe. She was supposed to…" Maria's green eyes went blank, unable to understand why the shapeshifter hadn't brought their friend back to them. Michael pulled Maria in tightly, hugging her to his chest as he gently caressed her hair.

"There is nothing Selena could have done differently. Caitlin was catatonic when she rescued her. She took her to Vorak to keep her safe. Caitlin came around, just in time." Isabel explained.

"In time?" Maria asked, confusion evident on the pretty blonde's face.

"To meet the true king of Vorak." Isabel said, brown eyes intensely focused on Clay.

"I had a vision." Liz's soft voice caught everyone's attention. Up until now she had remained silent, but now she felt compelled to speak. "In it she died protecting Vorak's true King. She died protecting her son." Liz said, glancing from Isabel to look at Clay.

"I don't understand, you guys keep saying Vorak's true king. That doesn't make sense. Does it?" Kyle asked.

"Kristlyn and Clarek had a son before they were killed. He was hidden for his own protection." Clay whispered, his heart torn into a thousand pieces.

"The rebellion on Vorak, he is the one leading it. In my vision he met with Caitlin, but was followed by one of Petrax's spies. They discovered his true lineage and attempted to kill him… Caitlin, Caitlin protected him." Liz looked at Max, leaning into him as her husband pulled her closer.

"He's determined to take back what was taken from his family." Isabel said. "Now is the time for us to fight, to aid the people of both Antar and Vorak. Max?" Isabel's voice was strong, and her determination written into her posture and facial expressions.

"Yes, we will help our people. The time to hide is over. We fight, and hope we can get to Caitlin in time." Max said, looking at Clay.

"That may not be necessary. I can dreamwalk her, contact her, warn her." Clay said, looking at Isabel who nodded in understanding.

"I'll contact Selena. We need transportation off this planet if we're going to help anyone." Max looked at his sister, a sense of pride at the woman who stood a few feet way from overtaking him. His sister, the beauty queen, the Christmas Nazi, the blonde, was beautiful and strong and full of compassion. He marveled at the way she literally radiated. And he began to hope. They could do this, together. And here they all stood, together. Friends and family. Minus one. Not for long.

"Do it." Max said, a half smile gracing his lips at the look of trust and strength coming from the people he loved most.