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Love Can Save the World

By: AshiraDatya



: Prologue :

 Earth 1980

"Are you sure he'll be safe here?" a young woman asked her husband, cradling a sleeping baby. Her husband turned from the couple he was speaking with.

"Terra, this is the only chance Del has to survive. My brother will stop at nothing until he has taken control of Zelden, and that includes killing the heir to the throne." 

He turned back to the couple who waited nervously. "David and Elizabeth Phillips, you have chosen to be foster parents to our son, Del of Zelden. You have promised to raise him as your own and teach him of the ways of his people by showing him this book; the book of prophecy," he said, handing over a very large book to David. 

"Zeke, are you sure we can't just hide here with Del?" Terra asked. Zeke sighed.

"Terra, it is time, we must leave," Zeke said. Terra hugged her small son to her breast and kissed him one last time before handing him over to her husband. Zeke kissed the top of Del's head before slipping him carefully into Elizabeth's waiting arms. "Until we meet again," he said softly before he led his wife to their shuttle. 

Earth 1994

David and Elizabeth Phillips honored their promises to Zeke and Terra of Zelden and when Del reached the age of ten, they showed him the book of prophecy. 

According to the book, there were four Earth children were born with powers that had been sent from Zelden in the late 1970s; they would be the ones to help liberate and free the enslaved people of Zelden from the new King Balus. 

One would have the power to send their thoughts and visions of events past and present straight to another person's brain. Another would have the power to freeze objects; one would have the power to stop moving objects and energies and send them back to where they came from and one would have the power to heal wounds and injuries.

To Del's surprise, he had already met the girl with the eyes the color of the sky, and appropriately enough, her name was Sky and she lived two houses down; she was the younger sister of his friend Billy. Despite the fact that Del was two years older than Sky, the two had become very close. 

Their first kiss was at Sky's birthday party, and it was sweet, but not so innocent.

A young woman sat on the beach watching the waves crash on the shore as the sun began to set, tears streaming down her pale cheeks, her blue eyes rimmed red. "Sky?" She looked up to see Del walking towards her. "Are you okay?" Del wanted to know, his brown eyes filled with worry.

"Do you care?" Sky wanted to know. "After all, you're leaving," she added. Del sighed and ran a hand through his chestnut brown hair.

"Sky, my grandfather is being over run by my uncle. If my uncle succeeds, my planet will be destroyed and Earth will be next," Del reminded her gently.

"I thought you cared about me," Sky sniffled. Del sat down next to Sky and wiped the tears off of her cheeks.

"I do care. We're meant to be together, and it may take a little while, but we will be together. I have to go stop my uncle and I'll be back for you," Del promised. 

"How long?" Sky asked.

"I don't know," Del admitted. 

"Months?" Sky asked.

"Maybe years," Del replied.

"And if I find someone else?" Sky questioned, blanching at the look of possessiveness that came over Del's face.

"You're mine Sky, it was written in the book of Prophecy. My bride will have eyes the color of the sky, and your eyes are the color of the sky. You can't be with anyone else," Del told her.

"I'm not a possession Del, I'm a girl," she reminded him.

Del nodded. "My girl," he said, his eyes going dark as the Earth started shaking. 

Sky watched as the shuttle landed a few feet behind them. "I have to go now Sky. I will come back for you," he promised, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. He handed her a thick book. "Read this, and pay extra attention to the chapter that talks about what will happen when I return," Del added before standing up and hurrying to the shuttle. Sky's brother Billy and their friends Paul and Kari had followed Del to the beach hurried over to where Sky now stood alone and surrounded her and they watched together as Del's shuttle blasted straight up into the atmosphere. 

"Be safe," Sky whispered as the shuttle disappeared out of sight.

"Are you okay?" Paul asked gently. Sky turned to look at Paul, her blue eyes though filled with unshed tears flashed between blue and silver; the power that lived within her surfacing. "Sky?" Paul asked uncertainly, wincing as she projected her thoughts into his mind. "You really need to learn to control that. I really don't want to see your fantasies as far as Del is concerned," Paul said with a grin. 

Sky blushed. "Well, you need to learn how to block," she retorted. Paul grinned.

"C'mon, we'll miss curfew," Paul said, turning to their friends who had hung back.

CHAPTER ONE

-Ten years later-

"Paul, you'll be late for work!" Sky called, coming down the stairs and into the kitchen. 

She stood in the doorway between the kitchen and the living room and watched her friend put the dumbbells back in their spots. 

"I have today off, Kari has her doctor's appointment," Paul answered. Sky gave Paul a sympathetic look.

"It'll be negative," Sky told him. Paul looked at her, his eyes narrowing. 

"How do you know?" Paul asked. Sky held up her hand held scanner.

"No additional life signs," she told him, handing the device to him. Paul looked at the readout and gave a sigh of relief. Before either of them could say anything more, the ground started shaking and Billy ran into the house.

"Turn on the television!" Billy shouted, grabbing a crystal vase that started to fall from the bookshelf. Sky flipped the television on and gasped when she heard the news report. 

"Zelden has been destroyed," Paul said, his voice full of shock. He looked over at Sky. 

"I'm sure Del is fine," he told his friend. "But we need to gear up because if Zelden has fallen, then Balus is headed here," Paul added.

"He's already here," Kari said from the doorway. Everyone turned and Sky's eyes widened when she saw blood falling down her friend's face. 

"I already had a run in with his goons," Kari added, sitting on the couch as Billy grabbed a bandage from the first aid kit. "I'm alright," she told Paul, seeing his look of concern. "Though, I never made it to the doctor's," Kari said softly. Sky consulted the hand scanner.

"Still no additional life signs," Sky told her friends with a grin. 

Billy laughed and checked the cut on Kari's head. 

"You won't need stitches, just a band aid," Billy said. He grabbed a band aid from the box and placed it on Kari's head before tossing Paul a small plastic bag. "Use them, because now is not the time to bring a life into the world," he told Paul. Kari blushed and avoided every-one's eyes. 

Everyone stood up as the door was flung open. Sky gasped when she saw who stood in the doorway.

"Look what the cat dragged in," Billy joked.

"Guys, can you go somewhere for a few hours?" Sky asked. Paul, Billy and Kari looked at each other before nodding and leaving.

Love Can Save the World Ch. 02-03



CHAPTER TWO

"You came back," Sky whispered as Del moved towards her.

"I told you I would, "Del said, studying Sky's appearance. "You look different," he murmured. 

Sky chuckled. "I should, I'm not fourteen anymore," Sky reminded him, backing away slightly. 

The look on Del's face scared her.

"I'm sorry," Del said before he lunged for her.

"What are you ..." Del pressed his lips over hers while his hands pulled her skirt and panties roughly down her legs. Sky pushed Del away, her eyes wide as he pulled his own pants down. 

"Don't fight it Sky, remember the book," Del said with a groan. 

Sky relaxed a little as he picked her up, carried her to the couch and laid her down. Sky screamed as he plunged his long, thick hard cock into her, tearing her hymen. "I'm so sorry," he whispered, moving within her. 

Sky whimpered, unprepared for the assault.

"No Del, not like this," Sky pleaded.

"I'm sorry, I can't stop," Del groaned. Tears filled Sky's eyes and flooded down her cheeks. 

"You're hurting me," Sky complained, squirming to get away.

"Don't fight me, the pain will stop," Del promised, caressing Sky's cheek. 

"Relax," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her lips. Sky gasped as his thrusts sped up.

"Del," Sky moaned.

"Let go love," Del said into her ear before kissing her again. Sky came with a surprised gasp. Del thrust once more and came with a roar as his seed flooded into her.

"Are you okay?" Del asked, stroking her hair gently.

"I think so," Sky answered quietly, her body shaking.

"I'm sorry. I never wanted it to be like this," Del murmured as a scanner beeped.

"What was that?" Sky asked as Del pulled away from her gently. He handed her the scanner. "A new life sign?" Sky looked at Del in surprise who smiled gently. His smile turned to a frown as the device on his belt loop sounded.

"Damn it! Sky, I'll come back and talk to you, I have to go, my uncle is here. Don't leave until I can talk to you, I'll explain everything, I promise," Del assured her as he pulled on his clothing.

Del handed Sky an oval object that looked like a rock with speakers and a button. "If you need me, press the center button and it will connect you instantly to my shuttle. If I don't answer, then my guard Brand will answer," Del said. He pressed a kiss to the top of Sky's head and ran from the house.

CHAPTER THREE

"Sky?" Paul asked, when he, Billy and Kari returned to the house an hour later. "What's wrong?" Paul murmured, crouching down in front of Sky.

"Where are your clothes?" Kari asked, looking around. Kari gasped when she saw the torn dress. "What did Del do?" Paul demanded. Billy put a hand on Paul's shoulder.

"Why don't you and Kari go get some clothes for Sky," he suggested. Paul and Kari walked upstairs and Billy crouched down in front of Sky. "Show me," Billy said, touching his hand to Sky's forehead. Billy's eyes went wide and he blushed at what he saw. "Oh Sky," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her. 

"Billy, we've got her clothes," Paul said, handing them to Sky. Sky pulled them on quickly as the house started to crumble. Billy pulled Sky away from a large piece of drywall and the four room mates ran from the house. Sky screamed when she saw Del, suddenly towering over the house.

"What the hell is going on?" Paul shouted. "Del, what the fuck did you do?!" he asked as Sky, sensing something was wrong shrank back into Billy.

"Sky, come with me!" They whirled around to see Del's oldest friend and body guard Brand running towards them. Sky screamed as bolts of energy burst from Del's fingers. Sky glanced at her friends and they all ran towards Brand. He ushered them into a mobile home type vehicle. "You will be safe here, it's reinforced," Brand said, sliding into the driver's seat and speeding away.

"What the fuck is going on?" Paul demanded to know. Brand sighed and looked over his shoulder at a shaken Sky.

"Del's uncle has infected him with evil energy. There's only one thing that can save him and Earth now," Brand answered.

"And how is that?" Paul asked.

"We have to keep Sky safe until she has her baby," Brand said.

"Her baby? Sky hasn't even had sex yet!" Paul exclaimed. 

Sky looked down at her shoes. "Yes I have," Sky said quietly, so quietly that Paul had to strain to hear him.

"Del has sex with you and then tries to kill you? That's a new one. Did he rape you?" Paul asked. 

"Not exactly," Sky answered. 

Brand came to a stop under an abandoned underpass and handed Paul a book.

"There is something in the DNA of men from Zelden. If they are away from their significant other for more than six weeks, when they return to them, they have to make the other person theirs. The only way to do that is to get their partner pregnant," Brand said. He tossed Billy a different book. "I know you are in medical school, this is a biology book from Zelden. In the back cover, there is a secret compartment with our DNA sequence. You'll see I'm not lying," he added. Brand turned to Sky. 

"Del never wanted to hurt you, he wanted to take things more slowly, but you are his soul mate. He told you about the prophecy?" Brand asked. Sky nodded.

"A little bit. Will he be that rough again?" Sky asked, feeling queasy. Brand shook his head.

"Zeldenese men know the minute their intended conceive. The next time the two of you meet, it will slow and caring, provided of course we can break the spell," Brand promised her.

"And how do we do that?" Kari asked.

"I'm not sure. Nobody has ever been freed by it before," Brand admitted. He looked carefully at Sky before standing up, getting a bottle of water from the fridge and handing it to her. "Sky, Del loves you, please believe me when I tell you that," Brand said gently.

Tears fell from Sky's eyes and her tiny frame shook with sobs. Paul gave Brand a dirty look and wrapped his arms around Sky and held her tightly. 

"You're going to be okay," Paul soothed. He looked over at Billy who was examining the book closely. "Find anything?" he asked. Billy looked up with a sigh.

"Brand was telling the truth; Del's DNA compelled him to mate with Sky the minute he saw her again. He had no control over it," Billy said. Sky pulled away from Paul and dashed into the tiny bathroom. 

Brand sighed. "And now it begins," he muttered.

"What begins?" Paul asked.

"The gestation of pregnant women on Zelden is much shorter than it is on Earth. I don't know what will happen now that a woman from Earth is carrying the child of a Zeldenese man, but if I'm correct, Sky should only be pregnant for six months instead of nine," Brand answered. Sky emerged from the bathroom, her face pale. 

"I'm not feeling so great," Sky murmured before her knees buckled. Brand swore under his breath as he picked Sky up and laid her on the bed in the back.

"What's wrong with her?" Paul demanded to know.

"She'll be okay, her body is adjusting to the pregnancy," Brand told Paul. He placed a cool wash cloth on Sky's forehead.

"What happened?" Sky asked, her eyes fluttering open.

"You passed out. How are you feeling?" Paul wanted to know.

"Like I'm going to throw up," Sky admitted. Brand chuckled and handed Paul a small bucket.

"That's the accelerated pregnancy. You're only going to be pregnant for six months," Brand told Sky. 

Sky screamed as an explosion rocked the trailer. "Shit!" Brand swore, jumping into the driver's seat and driving away.



Love Can Save the World Ch. 04



 If anyone reading this has any suggestions on adding to this story, please send the comments in an email for consideration.

Ashira

*

"How are you doing?" Kari asked Sky, bringing her a bowl of beef stew.

"I just want to go home," Sky murmured, rubbing the small of her back. They had been on the run for over five months and Sky was nearing her due date. They were all exhausted from the constant battles. At only a week shy of being six months pregnant, Sky looked like she was nearly nine months pregnant and very miserable. 

Del was coming closer and closer to finding them every day, but they couldn't move again, not this close to Sky's due date.

"Soon," Brand promised, walking over to them, a tall, elvish looking woman following him. "Sky, Kari, this is my mate Pixel," Brand introduced. Sky gave a shy smile and she noticed instantly that Pixel's clothing was rumpled and her cheeks were bright pink.

"I have news on Del. His uncle is going to order his death if he doesn't bring you and the others to him," Pixel said. 

"We can't send Sky to Del, not now, she's too close," Paul argued, walking over with Billy. Before anyone could say anything else, the door to the hideout flew open to reveal a very pissed off Del.

Del sent a bolt of energy towards Paul and Billy who had stood up to keep Sky protected. Kari stood up and held out her hand, stopping the energy from moving any closer, but she was unable to push it back towards Del. Del waved his hand and Kari flew into the wall with a scream. 

"Stop Del, before you kill someone!" Brand shouted, moving to take Billy's place as he went to check on Kari. 

Del laughed and flicked his wrist sending Brand and Paul against the opposite wall, leaving Pixel and Sky alone. 

"Paul!" Sky shouted as her oldest friend slammed into the wall. She ran over to her friend.

"Get out of here, Sky, before he kills us all," Paul said softly. "How's Kari?" he asked, sitting up. Sky looked over her shoulder and saw her Billy heal Kari before helping her to stand.

"She'll be fine, and I'm not leaving you here," Sky said, stubbornly.

"He'll kill you," Paul protested. Sky looked at Del who had made no move towards them.

"No, he won't. I have an idea. Brand, I'm going to try and talk to Del, get him to remember who he really is. If that doesn't work, can you knock him out so we can escape?" Sky asked. Brand nodded.

"Be careful Sky," Brand warned as Sky stood up and walked over towards Del.

"Del, stop this now before you kill us!" Sky shouted. Del looked at Sky and started to form an energy ball. "Del! Stop this madness! This isn't you, this is your uncle! Look at me and remember who I am, who you are!" Sky exclaimed. When Del didn't move to send the energy ball at her, Sky took a few more steps until she was right in front of Del. 

"Del, do you know who I am?" Sky asked gently. Del stared at her making Sky very uneasy, unaware of the conflict within him.

"Kill her now!" Del's uncle screamed in his head. "She wants to destroy us!" Del raised his hand higher and moved to hit her with the energy ball.

"Del, if you kill me, you kill your son!" Sky exclaimed, following his hand with her eyes. 

"You must kill her! She lies!" Del shook his head, unsure of who to listen to.

"You're lying," Del spat. Sky shook her head.

"I'm not lying." She glanced back at her friends before unbuttoning her shirt, exposing her very pregnant abdomen. "Del, when have I ever lied to you?" Sky asked gently, reaching out for the hand without the energy ball. "Trust me," she murmured, placing his hand over the baby.

"No Sky!" Brand shouted, but it was too late; the minute Del's hand touched Sky's naked stomach, Sky screamed in pain.

"What happened?" Paul demanded to know.

"The energy within Del has triggered Sky's labor," Brand answered. "If she doesn't get through to him before the baby is born, Del's uncle will have the heir he needs and we'll all be dead," Brand added grimly. 

"Del, please, remember who you are; who I am!" Sky pleaded, clutching his hand.

"Sky, use your power to project; show him the past, before he was infected!" Pixel shouted. Sky groaned as a contraction gripped her and she sank to the floor. Something in Del had him stooping down next to her. "Del, please," Sky pleaded again, projecting the only thing she could think of; Del's homecoming. Del grabbed his head, unprepared for the onslaught of memories.

"Sky?" Del asked, uncertainly. Sky breathed a sigh of relief as Del's eyes turned from red back to their normal chestnut brown. Del looked around and his eyes widened when he saw his friends' injuries.

"Thank God!" Brand exclaimed as Billy and Kari surrounded them. "Billy, Sky will need your medical expertise," Brand said softly, but not softly enough. Del looked at Brand for a moment, then at the hostility written on Paul's face and back down at Sky as she moaned in pain. 

"Sky, love, did I hurt you?" Del asked. 

Tears fell down Sky's cheeks and she gasped for air as the contraction eased.

"Sky, slow, deep breaths little sister," Billy said gently, helping Sky stand. "We need to get you to a bed," he added. Billy was unprepared for Sky's knees to buckle again the moment she stood and he eased her back to the floor.

"There's no time Billy," Del said, turning his attention back to Sky. "Ah love, I never meant for this to happen this way," he said sadly.

"Talk later," Billy scolded. "Sky, sweetie, you aren't going to be able to stop this by keeping your legs closed together," Billy said gently. 

Sky moaned again. "Breathe Sky, that's a girl." Billy looked at Del. "Do you know anything that could make this easier on her?" Billy asked. Del looked at Brand who was already pulling a vial out of his bag.

"It's good to have you back Del," Brand said, handing the vial to Billy. 

Billy looked at Brand uncertainly. "Have her drink it; it will help," Brand promised. Billy handed the vial to Sky who downed it quickly, wrinkling her nose at the taste. "Now it's time for Del and Sky to be alone. It's going to be hours before the baby comes, and Del knows what to do," Brand said, pulling a reluctant Billy from the room.

"I will kill him!" Paul swore. 

"Calm down Paul," Billy said.

"Calm down? That's your sister that he raped!" Paul shouted. 

Billy sighed.

"I studied the DNA Brand gave me, and he couldn't have stopped that if he wanted to. Del loves Sky and Sky loves him. They will get through this," Billy said, always the voice of reason, even if he felt like ripping Del apart.

"You need to rest, Balus will not let this go unpunished," Pixel said. Brand nodded in agreement.

"Kari, I suggest that once Billy gives you all a clean bill of a health, you help Paul get rid of some excess energy. After Sky has had the baby and some time to rest, we'll have a meeting to discuss what to do next. At that time, Del and Sky will be married," Brand said.

"I don't think so," Paul snarled. 

Billy laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"It's Sky's decision," Billy said.

"Get some rest, I'm going to catch up with Pixel," Brand said, a devilish expression on his face. 

Paul chuckled in spite of his anger and shook his head.

"That's a pretty deep cut Paul," Billy said, looking at the cut at Paul's hairline. He held his hand over the cut and Paul winced as the warm energy from Billy's hand stung, at least until the cut was healed. Billy moved to check on Kari. "Have you told him yet?" Billy asked quietly, healing her dislocated knee. Kari shook her head.

"You need to you," Billy murmured. Kari nodded.

"I know. Just tell me everything is okay," Kari murmured. Billy gave her a quick exam.

"Everything looks okay, but you really need to see a doctor that specializes," Billy said. Kari nodded again. Billy stood up and headed towards the door. "I'm going to check on Sky then I'm going out for some air and some food. Paul, go easy on Kari and try not to kill Del," Billy said before leaving.

"How is she doing?" Billy asked Del, kneeling down next to her. Del gave Billy a small smile.

"She's doing okay," Del answered.

"I hate you right now," Sky groaned. Billy laughed.

"You'll do fine little sister." He looked at Del for a moment. "Is it okay if I take a look?" Billy wanted to know. Del started to shake his head until Sky gasped.

"Something isn't right," she moaned. Billy stood up, pushed past Del and down by his sister's legs. 

"Sky, I need you to spread your legs," Billy said gently. He swore under his breath. 

"What's wrong?" Sky wanted to know. Billy looked at her with a smile.

"Nothing Sky, the baby is almost here," Del answered for Billy with a grin. "You can't stay to help, it's customary that unless there are complications that the father deliver the baby," Del told Billy. Billy nodded and pressed a kiss to his sister's cheek. 

"I'm going to pick up dinner, hang in there," Billy said before leaving the cabin.

Kari and Paul made their way to the stream. "I'm glad that's over," Paul said before kissing Kari gently. Kari nodded and pulled her dress over her head and let it drop to the ground. "Holy hell Kari, are you trying to kill me?" Paul asked with a groan.

Kari giggled and reached for his belt buckle. "No, but it's been weeks," Kari complained. Paul laughed and inched Kari towards the ground carefully. 

"Do I need to get a condom?" Paul asked Kari. Kari shook her head and Paul sank into her with a groan. "I love you," Paul whispered as he began thrusting hard and fast. Kari moaned happily and met him thrust for thrust. Paul slowed down the pace and stopped to explore Kari's body. "You look different then last time we did this," he observed. "I like the differences, you're bigger here," Paul added, cupping Kari's breasts. Kari moaned as Paul thrust in deeper, slower.

"Paul!" Kari exclaimed as he pinched one of her nipples.

"Did I hurt you?" Paul asked, worriedly. 

"No," Kari assured him, as Paul's hands made their way to her abdomen.

"How are you gaining weight with all of the extra working out we've been doing?" Paul asked before hitting himself on the forehead. "I'm sorry, that was horrible of me," Paul apologized. Kari smiled and kissed Paul.

"Paul, I love you," Kari began. 

"I love you too," Paul murmured.

"Paul, I need to tell you something," Kari said with a moan as Paul's lips found her breast and started sucking lightly on one of her nipples. Paul looked up briefly as he teased her carefully.

"Can it wait?" he asked before biting her nipple lightly. Kari gasped and pulled away slightly. "What's wrong? That's never hurt before," Paul asked with a frown. 

"It didn't hurt Paul, I'm just very sensitive right now," Kari said. Paul studied Kari carefully before pulling out of Kari and sitting up.

"What's going on Kari? Are you sick?" Paul asked, unable to keep worry out of his voice. 

"No Paul, I'm not sick," Kari said with a small smile. 

"Then what?" Paul asked.

"This isn't how I wanted to tell you," Kari sighed.

"Tell me what?" Paul asked, becoming impatient.

"We're having a baby," Kari answered. Kari waited nervously for Paul to react.

"We're what?" Paul asked, unsure if he had heard her correctly.

"I'm pregnant Paul," Kari said. Paul stared at Kari and she looked away.

"Are you sure?" Kari sighed and nodded.

"Very sure," Kari answered. Paul stood up and walked to the bank of the river. 

Kari waited a moment then got up and sat down next to him. "Paul, please say something," Kari whispered. Paul looked at Kari and his expression softened when he saw the tears in her eyes.

"I'm not angry Kari, just surprised. We've always been careful," Paul assured her, raking his gaze over her entire body. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he wanted to know.

"We've been so busy fighting Del and Balus, I didn't want to worry you," Kari said.

"Kari, you should have told me. God, woman, did you even think about what could have happened to you?" Paul growled. Kari sighed and looked down at the ground. 

"I"m sorry Paul," she whispered. 

Paul growled again as he reached out and tilted her face towards his. "I love you Kari Marie Standard." Paul kissed Kari gently before easing her back to a laying position. "Tell me if I hurt you," Paul murmured, entering her slowly. Kari moaned as he thrust gently, lovingly into her.

"I'm not going to break," Kari teased him, thrusting up to meet him. 

Paul thrust harder, but still gently. "I don't want to hurt you," he groaned.

"You won't," she promised. Despite Kari's protests, Paul continued his slow, gently ministrations until she was crying out her pleasure.

"I love you," Paul whispered in her ear as he came deep inside her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Paul and Kari returned to the cottage, Billy was making a big pot of chicken soup. "How long have you known about Kari being pregnant?" Paul asked as Billy was testing the spices in the broth. Billy choked on the broth.

"A little while; I figured it out last month," Billy admitted as Brand and Pixel walked into the kitchen.

"Congratulations," Brand said, hearing the tale end of the conversation. Kari gave him a weak smile.

"How'd you figure it out?" Paul asked. Billy rolled his eyes.

"You didn't notice how many more times Kari was going to the bathroom?" Billy asked. Paul thought about it for a minute and grinned.

"Now that you mention it, yeah, I did," he admitted. Billy laughed and shook his head.

"How far along are you?" Pixel asked Kari.

"Four months, a little under half way there," Kari answered, avoiding Paul's gaze. Everyone looked up as Del walked into the kitchen.

"What's wrong?" Brand asked, seeing the look on Del's face.

"Is my sister okay?" Billy wanted to know.

"Sky's fine," Del said.

"What about the baby?" Paul asked, taking Kari's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"She's just fine," Del answered. Brand gasped.

"A first born a girl?" he asked in shock. Del nodded.

"Is that rare?" Kari asked.

"There hasn't been a first born girl in over two hundred years," Pixel answered. "In fact, usually it takes four or five pregnancies to even have a girl," she added. 

Del rubbed his face and Billy could see his exhaustion.

"Sit down Del, I'll look after Sky," Billy said. Del shook his head.

"As her intended, it's my job to look after her and the baby," Del told Billy.

"I'm her brother Del, do you honestly think I'll hurt her?" Billy snapped.

"Let him go," Brand told Del as Billy left the kitchen. 

"We need to find another place to hide," Del told Paul. It had been two weeks since Sky had managed to purge the evil from Del, and despite the fact that it seemed like Del was back to normal, Paul still didn't trust him.

"We need to wait until Sky recovers completely," Paul argued.

"Del's right, it isn't safe here. I'm surprised Balus hasn't attacked sooner," Brand agreed.

"Of course you agree with Del, he's your best friend," Paul said.

"Oh stop it, all of you! You're acting like children!" Sky exclaimed, walking into the kitchen.

"How are you feeling?" Del asked, setting a plate of chicken pasta salad down in front of her.

"Tired," Sky admitted. Paul frowned.

"That's completely normal," Billy said, ruffling his sisters hair before stealing a sip of her water.

"I managed to hack into Balus' communication center; he's planning on striking the house at sunset," Pixel told them, walking into the kitchen. 

"I have a new safe house lined up, I'll go finish making the preparations. Be ready to leave in two hours," Brand said, standing up and walking out of the house.

Billy helped Sky and the baby into the RV before helping Del, Paul and Kari finish the packing.

"Where are Pix and Brand?" Billy asked, shoving the last suitcase into the back of the RV.

"We're right here, we need to get out of here; Balus' forces are moving," Pixel said, hurrying to the RV. 

"I have some food supplies and a map to the safe house," Brand said, climbing in the driver's seat.

Sky's eyes fluttered open and she smiled when she saw Del watching her. "Hi," she said shyly.

"Sky, I'm so sorry about everything.

"It's okay. Brand explained everything to Billy and he explained it to me. Paul will get over it," Sky assured him. She looked over at her sleeping daughter and smiled. "I can't believe she's here, I never thought that we'd stay safe enough for me to have her," Sky said softly. 

Del gave Sky a gentle hug. "I'm so sorry," Del murmured. He traced the dark circles under Sky's eyes before pressing a kiss to her lips. "I love you Sky." 

"I love you too Del," Sky told him, shivering at the sensations going down her spine. 

"Hey guys, we have trouble heading our way," Brand called from the driver's seat. Sky let out a small scream as the RV swerved dangerously in and out of traffic. Sky pulled the baby into her arms who protested loudly at being woken up so rudely. 

"You guys okay?" Paul asked, coming back with Kari, Billy and Pixel as instructed by Brand. Sky and Del nodded. "Del, Brand may need you up front," he added. 

"And now, before the shit really hits the fan, don't you think it's time to give my niece a name?" Billy teased. Sky laughed.

"Well, she has one hell of a temper," Kari observed.

"I am not naming my daughter Temper," Del said, shaking his head. 

"How about Tempest?" Sky asked. Del smiled.

"It's different, like our names, but not unusual, and it definitely fits her temper," Del agreed.

"Del, get up here, we're under fire!" Brand shouted. "Pix, I need you to man the radar; tell me where they're coming from!" Brand added. Del and Pixel ran to their posts; Del grabbed a laser gun from the storage space under the seats and Pixel turned on a mini laptop and plugged it in to the radar controls. Before she could say anything, a blast hit the center of RV. Brand did his best to keep control of the RV and by a miracle was able get the RV hidden in some bushes before he put the vehicle in park and hurried to check on those in the back of the RV. 

"Pixie, sweetie, can you hear me?" Brand asked as she fell out of her chair and into his arms. Brand looked her up and down and his heart nearly stopped when he saw the gaping wound in her abdomen. "Billy, are you all right?" Brand called. Billy shouted back and hurried to his friend. 

"I'll do what I can for Pixel, but I need for you to go back and put band-aids on the smaller cuts and hold down pressure on the larger wounds," Billy told Brand who nodded and hurried to the very back of the RV.



Love Can Save the World Ch. 05-06



CHAPTER FIVE

"Del!" Del looked up to find his adoptive parents David and Elizabeth hurrying over. "Are you alright?" Elizabeth asked. 

"I'm fine, but Brand's mate isn't doing very well; she took an energy ball to the abdomen," Del answered, glad to see his adoptive parents for the first time in ten years. 

He gave Elizabeth a tight hug before turning to David and giving him a hug.

"It is good to see you," David told his son. 

"Have you seen Sky or Billy? Nobody has seen them in over six months and their mother is worried," Elizabeth asked.

Del grinned and motioned for his parents to wait. He walked back to the doorway of the RV. "Billy, can we move Pix yet?" Del asked. Billy looked up and nodded. Del could see the exhaustion on his face and the worry on Brand's. "Will Pix be okay?" Del asked quietly.

"I was able to save Pixel, but I couldn't save the baby. My healing powers aren't strong enough and that energy ball was the most powerful we've ever encountered," Billy answered. "I'm sorry Brand." 

Brand nodded and gave Billy a wan smile. "I know you tried your best," Brand said, lifting Pixel into his arms. "Are your parents here?" Brand asked. Del nodded and held the door so that Brand could carry Pixel out of the RV. 

Del moved to the back of the RV. 

"Let's get out of here guys," Del said quietly. Kari came out of the tiny bathroom, her face pale and damp with water. "You okay?" Del asked. 

Kari nodded. "Hopefully one of my last bouts with morning sickness. Billy said it can't last much longer," Kari answered. Del gave Kari a sympathetic smile and helped Paul out of the corner that he was thrown into when the attack happened.

"Thanks Del, I was kinda wedged in there," Paul said sheepishly. Del laughed and watched as Paul and Kari left the RV. 

"Are you ready?" Del asked. Sky nodded as Del reached for her duffel bags and swung them over his shoulders. Sky picked up the diaper bag and scooped up Tempest. The baby was awake, but no longer crying; her crystal blue eyes looking around in fascination. Del led Sky out of the RV.

"Thank God you're okay," Elizabeth said with a sigh of relief. 

Her eyes focused in on the gurgling baby in Sky's arms. "When did you have a baby?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes wide.

"She's only two weeks old," Sky answered. Elizabeth looked at Del questioningly and he smiled.

"Do you remember what you learned about people from Zelden?" Del asked. Elizabeth nodded and sighed.

"We need to get out of here," Brand reminded them. Del nodded and helped Sky into the van.

"So where is the new safe house?" Sky asked as the van pulled away from the wreck.

"Some place very safe; it was built by my biological parents before they left me here on Earth," Del answered.

"Are they still alive?" Paul asked. Del and Brand exchanged glances.

"Nobody knows, but it is expected that they were found and killed for refusing to accept Balus' rule," Del answered finally. 

"How much further? Pixel won't be able to handle being bumped and jarred much longer," Billy wanted to know.

Brand took his mate's hand and pressed it to his lips. "Hold on," he prayed.

"We'll be there in five minutes," David promised. 

Billy carried Pixel into a beautiful log cabin that was masked against the forest surrounding it. 

"Will she live?" Brand asked quietly after he followed Billy into a bedroom.

"She should be fine, in time," Billy assured Brand. He covered Pixel with a quilt and followed Brand back to the living room.

"How will we be able to fit all of us in this tiny cabin?" Paul asked.

Del grinned. "It isn't that small." He opened a linen closet, turned on the light and flipped a switch. 

The shelves moved to the left. "This is an elevator that will get us to the cellar below," Del answered. He led everyone down to the cellar and Kari's eyes widened in amazement.

"You're calling this a cellar?" she asked. Del laughed.

"There are four bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen and a workout room," Del said as he began the tour. "My parents will be using the bedroom upstairs so that when my parents go grocery shopping, if they're followed, nobody will be suspicious when they come out here," he added.

He glanced over at Elizabeth who was holding and rocking Tempest. Del led them into the work out room. "There are some really nice body suits that will form to fit your shape, no matter how much weight you gain. They will protect you from most of what Balus can throw at you," Del continued, flipping on the light switch. Sky began to laugh.

"Those body suits will have us looking like the Power Rangers," she joked. Billy chuckled.

"Paul, I'm assuming you and Kari will be sharing a room. I know Brand and Pixie will be sharing a room as will Sky and I," Del said. Paul nodded. "Billy, you get the room down the hall on the left; it isn't the biggest, but it should suffice," he added.

"Have you and Sky finished the mating rituals?" David asked.

"No, not yet. I was hoping you and mom could help me with that," Del answered. 

Elizabeth smiled. 

"We would be honored," Elizabeth said.

"Del, we need a crib for Tempest," Sky said, surveying the room that Del had proclaimed as theirs. Del nodded and reached into a closet. "I think the portable crib I slept in when we vacationed here is in here somewhere," Del murmured.

"We gave it away a long time ago. I'll pick one up when I go into town later for supplies," Elizabeth said.

-2 months later-

"Are you alright?" Del asked Paul as he stumbled behind the car, dodging energy blasts. 

Paul nodded. "Those energy blasts are getting harder to miss," Paul grumbled. He looked over behind another car and saw Billy and Sky firing back.

"Get out of here!" Billy shouted to them. 

"No way!" Del exclaimed, pulling something out of his pouch. "Sky, can you hear me?" Del asked with his mind. He saw Sky look over at him out of the corner of his eye.

"How?" she asked silently.

"I'll tell you later. I have an energy grenade that I'm going to throw. It's really powerful. I'll count to five, and when I get to five, you and Billy need to run. Paul and I will be right behind you," Del told her. Sky nodded and relayed the instructions to Billy. 

Billy nodded and shot one more gun blast at their attackers while Del armed the grenade and threw it. He counted loudly to five and they started to run, fast. Sky gasped as one of Balus' drones fired at Del and Paul as they ran. They caught up to Sky and Billy; Del reached for Sky and pulled her down as Billy and Paul ducked down as the grenade exploded.

"Holy hell, Balus is getting stronger!" Del exclaimed.

"He must have received some of your energy when you were under his power," Billy surmised. Del winced at the reminder that he had nearly killed his friends, and his soul mate.

"It wasn't your fault," Sky murmured, feeling Del's guilt like it was her own.

"Yeah, hell, even I've forgiven you," Paul said with a grin. Del chuckled.

"Okay guys, we need to get back to HQ," Billy muttered. 

Sky nodded and peeked over the side of the over-turned car. "It's clear ... lets go fast," she said quietly. The four of them stood up, looked around and ran for their vehicle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What's going on here?" Del asked as they returned to cabin in the woods. Pixel and Brand looked away from each other and turned towards their friends and team mates; both of their eyes were flashing in anger. Pixel sighed and turned away. "I repeat, what the hell is going on here?" Del growled.

"Brand is being an overbearing jerk!" Pixel exclaimed. Kari came out of the room she shared with Paul carrying Tempest in her arms. Paul grinned at the sight. 

"You look pretty hot with a baby in your arms," Paul said, winking. Kari rolled her eyes and Sky laughed as she took Tempest from her friend. Kari was just around six months pregnant and her brown hair had new streaks of red in a few strategic spots. 

Kari's green eyes flashed in frustration as Brand and Pixel began voicing their complaints to Del at the same time. Billy, Paul and Sky looked at each other before they retreated back into Kari's room.

"Woah! One at a time!" Del said, raising his hands in the air. He turned to Pixel. "What's going on Pix?" he asked. Brand opened his mouth to speak and Del gave him a quick look and Brand closed his mouth.

"Brand wants me to stay here with Kari like I'm a weak child!" Pixel complained. Del looked at Brand in surprise; Pixel was an accomplished fighter, well trained and a useful asset in any battle.

"In my defense, if it wasn't for the baby, I'd be all for having Pix in the field," Brand said. Del grinned.

"I'm happy for the two of you," Del said. Pixel gave a small smile.

"I don't want anything to happen to you," Brand stopped talking to Del and addressed Pixel directly. 

"Before anything else is said, we need to have a meeting to find out what I've discovered," Del interrupted, knocking on the bedroom door. 

-Hours later-

"So Balus wants us for slaves?" Paul asked, nibbling on the bread.

"Yes, but he can't do it; not without Tempest, or Sky," Del answered.

"What do Tempest and I have to do with anything?" Sky wanted to know.

"Right now, I'm the heir to Zelden. That automatically makes Tempest and any siblings we give her heirs to Zelden. Technically, now that Sky and I have had Tempest, I don't have to be the father; any child that Sky carries will be considered by her blood automatically an heir of Zelden," Del answered.

"So how do we stop Balus?" Billy asked.

"I'm not sure yet. According to the book my parents left for my Earth parents, Balus wasn't like this as a child. Something happened to him as a child to make him this angry. I need to find out what that was and find out if it can be fixed," Del answered.

"And it won't be easy. And as much as I hate to say it, it will take all of us to find out and stop Balus," Brand added.

"But Kari's pregnant and ... " Del smiled.

"Yes Paul, we all know Kari's pregnant, it's a little hard to miss," Del said with a laugh, cutting some of the tension. "Billy and I have been working on some modifications to the suits, one that will protect us better; a miscarriage can not happen as long as Kari or Pix are wearing their suit," Del added. Pixel stuck her tongue out at Brand who shook his head. 

"This is the plan," Billy said, rolling out a large sheet of paper. The food was moved away and everyone leaned over the plans.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sky's eyes fluttered open and she sat up, listening in the dark. There was a faint humming sound that had her puzzled. Sky climbed out of bed, careful not to wake Del up and followed the humming until she came to a small cupboard in the laundry area. Nestled in the velvet lining of a medium sized jewelery box was a small speaker. Not knowing what it was, Sky started waking people up.

"I'm tired Sky, what's this about? It's 2:30 in the morning," Kari grumbled.

"I found this in the little cupboard near the washer," Sky began.

"You were washing clothes at 2:30 in the morning?" Paul asked. Sky shook her head.

"It called for me," Sky said, rolling her eyes. She set the box down on the table before them and the speaker type device flew out of the box and danced over each of their heads before levitating in the center of the circle.

"What the ..." Del's voice trailed off as an eerie voice came from the speaker.

 If you are hearing this, then Balus has been corrupted and taken over Zelden. The seven of you are our only hope. The planet of Zelden has sent four of our most powerful gifts to Earth in hopes of keeping them from Balus' hand. One of you has the power to send your thoughts and visions of events past and present straight to another person's brain. Another has the power to freeze objects; one of you has the power to stop moving objects and energies and send them back to where they came from and one of you has the power to heal wounds and injuries.

Use these powers wisely and never, ever use them for personal gain, unless your lives are at stake. You are the only hope for Zelden and in turn, Earth. Train wisely and the power will protect you from harm. Good luck, Warriors of Zelden."

Del pulled out the Book of Prophecy and scanned through pages he had never noticed before.

"Well this is new," he commented. Everyone looked at him expectantly. 

"My grandfather sent the powers, your powers," Del looked at Billy, Sky, Paul and Kari before continuing. "The powers were absorbed into your parents to be passed on to their children. I don't think my grandfather expected two children from one family to be born with two of the powers; I suspect that both of your parents absorbed power. These pages describe how to channel the powers better than you already can," Del told them. Sky took the book and looked at the pages before looking at Del, puzzled. 

"These weren't here earlier," she said. Del nodded.

"I know. Alright, we should get some sleep for a few more hours then start going over how to control your guys' powers," Del said. 

Everyone stood up and returned to their rooms except for Sky and Del. "Are you okay?" Del asked. Sky nodded. "What's up?" Del wanted to know. 

"It's been two months," Sky said quietly. Del nodded.

"I know," Del murmured, his voice just as quiet.

"So what are you waiting for?" Sky asked, her impatience showing in her voice.

"I don't want to hurt you," Del admitted. "Or risk getting you pregnant again. Between Tempest and fighting Balus ..." Sky kissed him, cutting of Del's rambling.

"I won't get pregnant, not until we want to," Sky murmured.

"How can you be sure?" Del asked. 

Sky lifted up the hem of her night gown to reveal a skin colored patch just visible over the top of her panties. "I had your mom, Elizabeth help me get a prescription . It's birth control," Sky told him. Del fought to hide the grin that was forming. "And as for hurting me, Brand reminded me that it was because of the amount of time we were separated. You haven't jumped me yet, so I'm assuming that you won't hurt me," Sky added. Del smiled.

"I didn't want to hurt you then either," he reminded her. Sky nodded.

"So show me how you wanted it to be," Sky murmured.

Sky moaned as Del slid deep inside her, her entire body felt like it was on fire. Del chuckled as he heard her begging him to stop teasing her. "You're loving my teasing," Del rumbled in her ear.

Sky's answer was a hissing gasp as Del began thrusting deeply and tenderly. Gradually, Del quickened the pace and Sky let out a small scream as pleasure crashed over her like waves on the shore. Del grinned at the sound and let go. Del pulled out of Sky and pulled her into his arms. 

"I love you," she murmured, before her eyes fluttered closed. Del kissed the top of Sky's forehead.

"I love you too," he whispered.

CHAPTER SIX

"I look like an idiot," Kari grumbled as she and Paul patrolled the docks. "And what's up with this fog?" she wanted to know. Paul shrugged and motioned for Kari to quiet down.

"Things are dangerous enough without you giving us away by constantly talking," Paul hissed. Kari sighed quietly and Paul mentally kicked himself. "Kari, I'm sorry," Paul said, keeping his voice low. 

He stopped walking and reached for Kari's hand, turning her towards him. 

"What's gotten into you lately?" Kari wanted to know, unable to keep the hurt from her eyes.

"I don't know. I think it's all the stress. Balus is growing more powerful every day," Paul said.

"But ..." a noise off to Kari's left had her quieting instantly. Paul pulled Kari down behind a shipping crate. Kari covered her mouth and gasped softly when she saw the procession of minions walking down the dock and onto a large cargo freighter. When the last of them had passed, Paul and Kari quickly and quietly made their way back to head-quarters.

"Guys, you'll never guess what we found!" Kari said excitedly as they burst into the hidden living quarters. 

"What's up?" Del asked from his spot on the couch.

"What happened to you guys?" Paul wanted to know, seeing his friends all lounging on the couch, save for Sky and Billy who were nowhere to be found.

"Tempest kept us up all night crying," Brand grumbled.

"Oh cut the girl some slack Brand, she had a fever," Pixel said from her spot against Brand's legs.

"Where's Sky and Billy?" Kari asked.

"Sky's taking a nap and Billy's trying to get Tempest's fever down," Del answered. He straightened up. "What did you find?" he asked. Before Paul or Kari could answer, Billy and Sky came running out of Sky's bedroom.

"Her fever's getting worse. If we don't get it down soon, her brain will start cooking," Billy said grimly. Del's eyes met Sky's and they shared a worried look. 

Del stood up and headed over to Billy when Sky let out a startled gasp. 

"Now what?" Paul asked anxiously. 

"Balus. He's doing this. He's projecting into Tempest's head," Sky whispered before her legs buckled and she fell to the ground. Del knelt down next to Sky and helped her stand up.

"We need to find out what to do to get through to Balus, now," Del said grimly.

"I need someone to stay behind and help," Billy said as Elizabeth and David came downstairs.

"You will all be needed to stop Balus. Tell us what to do and we'll do it," David said. Billy nodded, gently handed Tempest to Elizabeth before racing to his computer and printing off some pages. 

"You'll need to essentially put Tempest in an ice bath. Keep an eye on her temperature, if it goes above 103 again, call me on coms and I'll be back here as fast as I can. I'm going to start an IV of cold saline to try and cool her that way," Billy said as he gently inserted the IV into Tempest's arm. The baby began to wail loudly and Billy pressed a kiss to his niece's forehead. "Hang in there little one," Billy soothed. He turned around to listen to Del and Brand give instructions; their fatigue forgotten.

"Where's Sky?" Billy asked. Del swore under his breath.

"She was just here," Del said grimly. "Sky?" he called with his mind.

"I'm fine. I have an idea. Have Paul and Kari lead you to the docks and tell them I'm sorry for invading their minds," Sky said, her voice calm, but twinged with anger and fear. 

One way or another, it ended tonight.

A million thoughts ran through Sky's head until one made her pause. "What the hell?" she thought to herself. Sky stopped, listen to the voice that was speaking in her head and smiled. "Check mate," she said aloud, catching the attention of one of Balus' goons. 

"Take me to Balus," Sky insisted. The guard eagerly did as she requested, grabbing Sky's arm roughly and when they reached the room that Balus had taken control of, threw her down in front of him.

"And which one are you?" Balus wanted to know. Even though she knew Del would be furious, Sky pulled off her helmet. Balus heard himself gasp as Sky's striking blue eyes locked gazes with him.

"So you're my nephew's soul mate," Balus said softly. Sky nodded once.

"You're killing my daughter," Sky said, her voice low, controlled. Balus smiled, a cold, cruel smile.

"And what are you willing to do to save her?" Balus wanted to know.

"Spare your life," Sky answered before sending a wave of energy towards him. Sky was unprepared for Balus to block the energy ball but manged to keep it from hitting her when he sent it back towards her. Balus snapped his fingers and his minions attacked Sky from all sides; but after months of combat training from Brand, Paul and Del, Sky dispatched them quickly and easily; not even breaking a sweat.

Balus was surprised that a human female was able to defeat his men so easily. Sky put her helmet back on, took a deep breath and probed Balus' mind, searching out events of the past to find out what turned him so bad. What she discovered had Sky's eyes widening with surprise. "I should kill you for that," Balus said, his voice surprisingly quiet.




Love Can Save the World Ch. 05-06



"You're welcome to try," Sky retorted. Balus chuckled, the girl had spirit. "She isn't dead. Stop trying to kill my daughter and I will find her," Sky promised. Sky showed him what she was shown.

"Find her first and your daughter will live," Balus bargained.

"Tempest is part human; if her temperature rises any more, she will die. Stop the spell and once I ensure that my daughter is okay, I will begin my search for her. I give you my word," Sky said. Balus snapped his fingers. "Done," he said. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Where the hell did you go?" Del demanded to know when Sky returned to head quarters.

"To see your uncle. How's Tempest?" Sky answered.

"Her fever broke and she's fine," Billy said. Sky nodded and filled everyone in on what she had found out.

"So my uncle found his soul mate and had her ripped away from him?" Del asked. Sky nodded.

"After they mated. Somewhere, he has a child. She was taken by the first evil," Sky answered. Brand looked up from the Book of Prophecy.

"What did you have to promise Balus to get him to stop the attack on Tempest?" Paul wanted to know, rubbing Kari's back to help ease some of the tension.

"To find her," Sky answered. Del sighed.

"If my uncle has a mate out there, and she was taken, it could have driven him mad," Del said thoughtfully. He looked up as Sky gasped and grabbed the book from Brand. "What is it?" Del asked, worriedly. Sky flipped through the pages until she came to the page she was searching for.

"Balus' soul mate, Del, she's your mother's sister; her twin sister," Sky said, showing him the book.

"This is impossible," Del grumbled. 

"Stop being such a baby. We need to find Balus' mate if we ever want to end this," Sky retorted. 

"I don't know about this," Brand said from just behind them. "It seems too easy," he added.

"Brand, what happens to the Zeldenese if they lose their mates?" Sky wanted to know.

"They slowly go crazy," Brand answered.

"So isn't it possible that this is what set Balus off?" Sky asked.

"It's possible, but why would it have been foretold?" Brand granted.

"Maybe it's a test. Maybe fate is trying to determine if the Zeldenese really deserve to exist," Sky suggested.

"Okay, now I'm really getting tired of seeing this much green," Brand groused after two hours of traipsing through the woods.

"I'm with you," Sky agreed. She took one more step and nearly fell through a trap on the ground; she would have if Brand had not grabbed her arm. "Thanks," Sky murmured.

"No problem. I can't have my best friend's mate die on us now can I?" Brand said, winking.

"Very funny," Del huffed, walking up to them. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. My God, you both act like I'm going to break," Sky said, laughing. She walked around the hole while Brand took some soil samples for Billy to analyze. "Del, there's something living in that cave and it isn't an animal," Sky said, looking at the scanner in her hand. 

Del and Brand pulled out their weapons. 

"Sky, stay behind us," Del said softly as they began to inch forward. When they were within a few feet of the cave, they discovered it wasn't really a cave; it was a house disguised to look like a cave.

"Who are you" a young man demanded to know.

"My name is Del of Zelden. This is my friend Brand of Zelden and my mate, Sky of Earth. Who are you?" Del answered, lowering his laser gun just slightly.

"My name is Kellan. Son of Kira. Lower your weapons, you will not be harmed," Kellan told them. 

"Kel, who is it?" a woman asked from within. 

"Visitors. Two from Zelden and one from Earth," Kellan answered. 

The woman walked to the front of the "cave" and Del gasped.

"Del?" Sky asked. Del pulled out his scanner and pressed a few buttons before showing it to Sky.

"I don't understand," Sky said.

"This is a picture of my birth mother," Del said. Sky looked from the picture to the woman in front of her. The woman standing in front of her, while older than the picture of Del's mother, could have been a carbon copy.



Love Can Save the World Ch. 07-08



CHAPTER SEVEN

"Who are you and where are you from?" Del demanded to know.

"My name is Kira, I too am from Zelden," she answered.

"By any chance, do you have a sister?" Brand asked, cautiously.

"A twin sister, Terra, why?" Kira wanted to know. Sky put her hand on Del's arm.

"Ma'am, Del, my mate, his mother is Terra from Zelden," Sky said softly.

"Who is your father?" Kira asked.

"Zeke of Zelden," Del answered.

"Your Balus' nephew," Kira said. Del nodded.

"And you're his mate," Del surmised. 

"Wait, mate? What the hell?" Kellan asked.

"Have you been told any of the customs from Zelden?" Brand asked. Kellan nodded.

"But my mother's mate is dead," Kellan said.

"No, he isn't. He's alive, and right now, he's reeking havoc on Earth," Sky told him as her communicator chimed. "What's up Kari?" Sky asked, taking a few steps away.

"Balus has found head quarters. He has Tempest," Kari answered. Sky and Del's eyes met and Brand took a step back. He could understand their anger, but he had never seen them this angry before. Brand shook his head, it was low, even for Balus to threaten to harm a child.

"Who's Tempest?" Kira asked softly.

"Our daughter," Del answered, trying to keep his emotions under control. 

"You're the only one that can save her," Sky added.

"I'm sorry, but we aren't going," Kira said. Before Sky could protest, Del was standing behind Kira, his laser gun pressed in the small of her back.

"You don't have a choice," he growled, propelling her forward. Reluctantly, Brand pushed Kellan towards their vehicle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How ya doing over there?" Billy shouted to Kari.

"I could use some help. When are Del and Sky going to get here?" Kari shouted back. Before Billy could answer, a laser blast hit Paul right in the chest. He wasn't wearing his suit, there hadn't been time to change; he and Billy had pushed Kari down and made her change. 

"Pix, did you get a fix on Sky and Del yet?" Billy shouted.

"No, not yet, wait! They're almost here. There are two additional life signs in the shuttle with them," Pixel shouted. 

Sky had Del let her out a few feet from the cabin and told him to give her five minutes.

"Balus, you promised!" she shouted.

"You haven't found my mate!" Balus roared.

"Yes I have! The reason she never came back to you is she was told you were dead. We found her! She's alive and well!" Sky exclaimed.

"Show me!" Balus transported himself from above the mayhem and into it. For a moment, his minions stopped attacking. 

"Billy, Paul's pretty bad!" Kari shouted. 

Billy raced to where his friend lay and placed his hand over the blast sight while Kari tried to get one of the henchmen to give her Tempest.

"Where is my mate?" Balus asked again, stopping in front of Sky.

"Right here uncle," Del said from behind them.

"Balus?" Kira asked, stepping forward. Balus looked behind Sky and almost smiled when he saw Kira. "My parents told me you were dead," Kira said softly. Balus looked like he didn't believe her. Sky placed one hand on Kira's and one hand on Balus' hand. Balus shook as Kira's memories flooded his senses. Sky closed her eyes as the emotions from both Balus and Kira soared through her.

"Balus, you need to let go of your rage and anger," Sky said gently. Balus roared; the evil within him did not want to let go. Sky closed her eyes. "Kira, let him see the memory you're holding back; it may be the only thing that can end this," Sky said as the connection began to break. Kira sighed, but released the memory. Balus gasped and stumbled backwards, severing the connection completely. Sky collapsed on the ground, exhausted. 

After a moment, Sky forced herself to stand and face Balus. "You have a son Balus. You need to let go of your rage, your hate and your anger, or I'll have Del take him somewhere that you will never be able to find him," Sky told Balus. "For his own protection," she added. 

"Show me," Balus demanded, his voice quieter then it had been previously. Del and Brand stepped forward, pushing Kellan towards his mother. Kellan stared defiantly at Balus who studied the boys features.

"Balus," Kira whispered, her eyes filled with tears. "This isn't who you are." Balus turned back to Kira and something in the way she was standing had him softening and his glowing red eyes changed to a deep hazel. 

"NO!" Everyone turned at the shout that nearly destroyed their ear drums. "I have not released you from service Balus, you swore to serve me until both Zelden and Earth were mine!" the newcomer snarled.

"He isn't yours any longer Jiff," Brand said, his voice hardening. 

"But she will be!" Jiff said with an evil grin as he headed towards the minion that was holding Tempest. Sky raced to her daughter and dispatched the minion quickly and clutched her daughter to her. "Give me the baby," he said, his voice almost gentle. 

Sky backed away from Jiff, stopping only when she ran into Billy. Sky gently placed her daughter in Billy's arms before turning back to face Jiff.

"My daughter will never belong to you," Sky said, her voice low. Jiff snarled and sent a wave of energy into Sky. The energy knocked Sky off of her feet and into the wall several feet away.

"Sky!" Del shouted. He and Brand pulled their laser guns and fired on Jiff who only laughed.

Suddenly, Balus was next to Del, whispering something in his ear. Del hesitated but relayed the message to Brand and they both aimed their laser guns at Jiff's throat. With any angry cry, Jiff was destroyed. Del and Billy hurried to where Sky lay, barely conscious and hardly breathing. Billy handed Tempest off to Kari and began trying to heal his sister.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Del sat rocking Tempest while he fed her a bottle, sighing when his daughter wrinkled her nose at the nipple. "She'll get used to it," Billy said gently from behind him. He sat down in a chair and watched his brother attempting to feed his stubborn daughter.

"How's Sky?" Del asked, grinning when Tempest finally took the silicone nipple into her mouth and began sucking on the bottle greedily.

"Better. She's still weak, but I think she'll recover nicely," Billy answered.

"I bet she's getting tired of being in bed," Del said. Billy nodded. It had been just over two months since the attack that saved Balus but nearly killed Sky.

"Very," he agreed, frowning when Tempest spit out the nipple. "Let me try; you should go sit with Sky," Billy offered. Del smiled and passed his daughter to her uncle before heading into the room he shared with Sky.

"How are you feeling?" Del asked quietly. Sky looked up from her book and smiled.

"Much better," Sky answered, scooting over to make room for Del. Del pulled Sky into a hug and held her tight. "There is something you can do to help me feel even better though," Sky murmured, sighing contently when Del began rubbing her back gently.

"What's that?" Del asked.

"Make love to me," Sky answered. Del stopped and stared then grinned.

"Are you sure?" he asked. Sky pushed back the covers to reveal a silky, but short lavender colored night gown that stopped just below her pelvis. Del was practically drooling when Sky lifted the hem to reveal that she wasn't wearing panties. 

"I'm very sure," Sky answered. Del quickly shed his clothing before rejoining Sky in the bed.

Del kissed Sky gently as he slipped inside her; filling her. Sky moaned and arched beneath him. "You're so beautiful," Del said, his voice hoarse. Del thrust hard and fast, and Sky rose to meet every thrust. They came together, crying out loudly. Del rolled them to their sides, so he didn't crush Sky. They laid there, locked together for nearly a half hour before Del was able to pull away without hurting Sky. He laid back down next to Sky and took her in his arms. "You know you're pregnant again," Del said gently. Sky sighed but shrugged. 

"What's one more?" Sky asked with a small smile. Del grinned and kissed Sky gently, pulling away only when Billy knocked and opened the door.

"I hate to interrupt, but Paul's taking Kari to the hospital," Billy told them.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Del waited nervously at the beach for his aunt and uncle to show. 

"Del," Kira said softly. Del turned around, surprised to see a group of people with her. 

Del walked over to Kira and to Balus who looked uncomfortable. He still hadn't gotten over what Jiff and his evil had made him do; the fact that he had nearly killed his nephew, his mate and worse of all, his nephew's infant daughter sickened him. 

Del gave his uncle a sympathetic smile.

"I know what you're thinking Uncle, and it'll take some time, but you'll forgive yourself," Del promised. "Who are all of these people?" Del asked Kira, grinning when he saw her slightly rounded abdomen. His uncle had clearly wasted no time in reaffirming that she was his mate.

"Del, these are your birth parents, Zeke and Terra of Zelden," Kira said softly. Del gasped as his parents stepped forward. 

"You are so handsome, like your father," Terra breathed, reaching out and touching Del's face. She smiled. "You have a mate," she whispered. She turned to Zeke. "We have grandchildren," Terra said excitedly. Del couldn't hold back the chuckle.

"Please say you are not angry at us for leaving you alone on Earth," Zeke said, stepping forward. 

Del shook his head. "If you hadn't, I never would have met Sky," Del answered. 

He looked behind his parents and was surprised to notice that the two boys standing behind them looked like younger versions of himself and the lone girl looked like her mother.

"Yes Del, you have two brothers and a sister. Your brothers are Cory and Tyler. Your sister is Sierra," Zeke said. 

"Those are some pretty normal sounding names," Del said with a laugh.

"We hid in up state New York," Terra admitted. Del laughed and glanced at his uncle who was watching them with sad eyes.

"It was not your fault, brother," Zeke said, holding his hand out to his twin; younger by mere minutes. Balus took Zeke's hand and a blinding light washed over them. 

"The world has been purged of any residual anger left by Jiff," Balus said in awe.

Del brought his newly found family to the beach house he and Sky shared with Billy, Paul and Kari.

"Wow, you have a full house," Cory commented. Del laughed.

"I know, but Paul and Kari are Sky's best friends, and if it weren't for them, none of us would be here," Del said.

"And who is that with your mate?" Zeke wanted to know.

"That's Billy, Sky's older brother," Del answered. 

"I'm glad you're back," Billy told Del as he walked forward. "Her labor just started," he said quietly. Del grinned and together, he and Billy helped Sky into their bedroom. 

"I know you're supposed to deliver the baby alone, but the scanner is showing more than one life sign," Billy added. Del stared at Billy before grabbing the scanner; he ran it over Sky's body and Del's mouth dropped open.

"Have Kari sit with Tempest," Del said after a moment. Billy nodded and slipped out the door. He handed Tempest off to Kari and mumbled something to her and Paul before returning to his sister.

When Billy finally left the bedroom, he looked exhausted but had a wide grin on his face.

"Sky's fine Paul," Billy said before his friend could ask.

"What'd she have?" Kari asked.

"I'll let Del answer that in a minute," Billy said. "Where's Jewel?" Billy wanted to know.

"Sleeping in the portable with Tempest," Paul answered. Billy nodded and grinned as Del walked out of the room, pushing Sky in a wheel chair.

"I'm alright Paul, just a little wobbly," Sky said, reassuring her friend. Del motioned for Paul and Billy to follow him into the bedroom.

"Holy hell, what did you do to her?" Paul asked with a grin. 

Del laughed and a moment later, the three friends walked out each carrying a baby.



Love Can Save the World Ch. 09



EPILOGUE

Sky looked up from watching her four children, three girls and one boy sat playing a game of Monopoly while Jewel sat on a small blanket reading a book as Del walked towards her. "How do you like Zelden?" Del asked gently as he sat down next to Sky on the blanket. 

Sky looked around her at the emerald green grass and the rosy sun set sky.

"It's beautiful," Sky murmured as Tempest came to the blanket and plopped down. "Mom, tell Tanner to stop being such a pain in the butt," Tempest complained as her sisters and brother followed her lead, dropping into a sitting position around their parents.

"All of you need to learn to play nicely," Del said, his voice holding a hint of warning. 

"They're just being girls," Tanner said.

Del laughed. "They are girls Tanner," he reminded his son. He looked up as Brand and Pixel walked over with their son Damon. Del didn't fail to notice that his youngest daughter, Zara straightened up and looked at Damon with a small smile.

"Having a hard time?" Pixel asked with a grin. Del laughed.

"Zara, would you like to go into town with me?" Damon asked. 

"Can I?" Zara asked her parents. The triplets were had just turned eighteen, and Del knew he would need to find a mate for each of them. At nineteen, Tempest, who's temperament truly fit her name was scheduled to be mated the next day and she was obviously nervous. 

"Be back by dinner," Sky answered. Zara and Damon raced each other to town, laughing as they ran. Zara's sister, Lindy sighed and looked at her brother.

"Let's go back to the house Tan," she suggested. But Tanner wasn't listening, his eyes were following Jewel as she walked along the river.

"I'll be right back," Tanner said, standing up and jogging to where Jewel was walking. Lindy sighed but returned to the house with Brand and Pixel following her, to ensure she didn't get into any trouble.

"You'd better get home Tempest, you'll need your rest for tomorrow," Sky said gently. She knew her daughter was frightened of the mating ceremony, even though she tried hard not to show it. Tempest gave her parents a kiss on the cheek before running to catch up to her younger brother.

In the years since they had defeated Balus and Jiff, Zelden had returned to normal; crops were rebuilt and lives went on. Del's parents resumed their place as the King and Queen of Zelden, since Zeke's and Balus' father had been killed when Balus tried to take control, and Balus stayed on earth with Kira and their son. He had no desire to return to Zelden unless it was for a visit; he was content to live his life with his mate, where ever that was. 

Billy had mated with Del's sister Sierra and they too returned to Zelden. 

Sierra had just given birth to their first son and regretfully, would not be at the mating ceremony.

Paul and Kari remained of Earth, but visited Zelden often; and the more they visited, the more it appeared that Jewel, their only child would be mated to Tanner; the only son of their dearest friend. They had already spent the last several months on Zelden helping Sky plan Tempest's mating ceremony.

Tanner knelt beside Jewel who was crying softly. "What's wrong?" Tanner asked gently. Jewel looked at him with a sigh. "Jewel are you okay?" Tanner wanted to know.

"I'm fine. It's just that, I went and talked to Billy yesterday," Jewel sniffled.

"Are you sick?" Tanner asked in concern. 

Jewel shook her head. "Not sick, pregnant," Jewel whispered. Tanner took a step back, his eyes wide. The only thought that ran through is head was, "My father is going to kill me." 

Jewel looked up at him and through her tears, she grinned. And as if she could read his mind corrected him by saying, "You have to worry about my father more than yours."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Despite the anger felt by both parents, neither Paul and Kari or Del and Sky were completely surprised. Tanner and Jewel had been dancing around each other for years. 

Tempest's mating ceremony became a double mating ceremony and Tanner and Jewel joined Tempest and her new mate Davin. 

The ceremony had no sooner ended as a large earthquake shook the planet. Del sighed, he knew what the rumbling meant. The time of peace was nearing an end; Zelden was going to have to fight to survive. Del and Brand looked at each other and without a word, Brand went to the book.

"Who is it that is coming to destroy us?" Zeke asked his son's long time friend. 

Brand looked up, his face grim. "The Ladonites," Brand answered. Del sighed.

"Armor for all soldiers," Del shouted. Tanner stepped forward. "You aren't fighting," Del said, pushing his son gently back towards Jewel. Jewel, Tempest, Tanner and Davin huddled together, watching as their fathers and some of the women suit up.

"For Zelden!" Del shouted.

 So this was my first attempt at a Sci-Fi story; I know it's fairly short and pretty fast paced, but please, let me know what you all thought. Thanks for reading!

Ashira