School Days
Part V
A Day Like Any Other
By KittyCaro
Disclaimer: Characters from the Adventures of Voltron and the New Adventures of Voltron are copyright 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1997 by WEP. Any and all new/original characters belong to the author.
Rating: PG-13 for some language and adult situations.
Author's notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. I want to thank Lynne (Bonds of Love) for her input and proofreading this part of the series. I couldn't have done it without you, my friend. I also want to thank Ariane, for the French phrases. I hope you like this part of the series. C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 09/12/2000 - Revised 03/07/2015
Rating: PG-13 for some language and adult situations.
Author's notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. I want to thank Lynne (Bonds of Love) for her input and proofreading this part of the series. I couldn't have done it without you, my friend. I also want to thank Ariane, for the French phrases. I hope you like this part of the series. C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 09/12/2000 - Revised 03/07/2015
Click on the following links to move along to that chapter.
July 25TH, 2302
Dear diary:
What a busy day this has been. I had to get up at 5am for lion practice. We spent about two hours in the desert, because Keith wanted to see my performance under simulated combat conditions. He said that I if continue with my training, I will be able to guide Blue Lion with skill and dexterity very soon. But I know I couldn't have done it without the help of Lance and Sven.
After practice, I took a quick shower and then had a hearty breakfast with the guys. Later Coran and I met with a delegation from planet Arcturus, which is interested in signing a commercial treaty with Arus. They offer to give us primary metals, chemicals, fuels and lubricants in exchange of transportation equipment and various consumer goods. We need those materials to reestablish our food-processing plants and factories to produce metals, machinery, ship building, electronic equipment, earthenware and porcelain, so Coran and I accepted their offer, and we only have to finalize the details. The delegation left after lunch.
Then I met with Coran in my study to review a pile of royal documents: law proposals, new taxes, and setting up a trust fund to build a new hospital in the village of Aalborg.
When we finished, I thought I would be able to get some rest. I was on my way to my bedroom when Nanny came up to me and began ranting about the boys not paying attention to her etiquette lessons. Why doesn't she understand they're perfect just the way they are?
Smart, witty, warm, unpretentious, funny, adventurous, and so brave.
If she's all worked up with this nonsense, how will she react when she finds out that I'm in love with the Commander of the Voltron Force?
She suddenly turned around, and lifting her arms in supplication exclaimed: "Lord, please give me patience!"
That's when I decided to escape and run to the garden like I used to when I was a child. I love that place. It's so peaceful and beautiful. Keith kept his promise to ask his mother to send seeds and rosebushes to recreate the garden my mother so lovingly had cared for.
Mrs. Harrison and I have been in constant communication. She told me that when she was married to Keith's father, she created an English-style garden with old-fashioned flowers at their home and did it without horticultural or landscaping background. But she was quick to say that you don't need expertise or lots of acreage to make a garden special. Hers started modestly, as a small cutting garden, and a few geraniums above it. She began experimenting with various types of flowers and ended up with a rose garden.
Last week, the gardeners planted Marmalade Skies, a floribunda not exactly orange marmalade in color but rather tangerine-orange; Nanny says she would called it light vermilion. Marmalade Skies tends to exhibit all blooms on the stem in a cluster, which creates a great mass of color covering the bush. Keith's mom told me that the color lasts about two weeks per bloom cycle and considering Arus' climate she estimated that there would be about four bloom cycles.
We talked about Keith and the guys; their victories; their work in the orphanage and the many people they had helped during these past four months. She also has been helping me with the preparations for Keith's surprise party. She e-mailed me Keith's favorite dessert recipes, but I still haven't decided which one should I bake: chocolate, lemon, pastel tres leches (three-milk cake), or cherry cheesecake.
Nanny says that I should bake a traditional Danish birthday cake- a thin, crisp, very buttery cake in the form of a huge B.
I better ask the boys to cast their votes, although I prefer the three-milk cake. Sister Winnifreda baked it as part of the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo at St. Mary's and it was delicious.
I stopped to admire the newly planted roses in sun-kissed shades of yellow and orange. The grandiflora yellow-to-cantaloupe in color is called Glowing Peace, and the yellow miniature roses which are my favorites have the lovely name of Sun Sprinkles. A border of lavender, salvia, verbena and other perennials surround these flowers.
I was about to cut a Sun Sprinkle when someone covered my eyes. I immediately knew who it was.
"Lance, stop that!"
"Lance?"
I turned around and stared at the Commander of the Voltron Force. His eyes were stormy and his cheeks were flushed.
I laughed softly. "I knew it was you all along! Are you jealous?"
"Me? Jealous?"
I wrapped my arms around his neck and looked into his eyes. "Yes!" I laughed.
"All right- I confess," he said, "I can't stand the idea of someone taking you away from me."
"That will never happen."
He closed his eyes and sighed. "I wish I had your confidence," he murmured, brushing his mouth against my brow.
"Oh really, my beautiful Commander?"
He chuckled softly. "Life has made me this way."
He encircled my waist with his strong arms and his gaze fell to my mouth.
I closed my eyes and parted my lips. Keith then leaned down and covered my mouth with his. I felt one of his hands caress my hair as the other stroked my back. Willingly, eagerly, I leaned toward him and returned his passionate kiss. I placed my hands on his broad chest, feeling it rise and lower beneath my palms.
With growing urgency, his mouth moved over mine and when his tongue pressed against my sealed lips, I answered his request, parting them to let his tongue slide into my mouth.
Soon he was clasping me to him as if he would meld us together like beings made of clay and I moaned with delight.
Suddenly, he broke the kiss. I looked at him questioningly, my lips still tingling from his fiery kiss.
"Allura, I love you with all my heart," he said thickly.
"I love you even more."
Laying a warm hand on my cheek, he said, "I never told you this, but when I learned about our mission to Arus, I was afraid of coming here and finding out you engaged or married to a prince or a king."
"When I turned eighteen," I said, tracing imaginary hearts on his chest, "Some princes came here and asked for my hand, but I refused. Besides, I always told my parents that I would only marry for love, not because of the alliances it could bring."
He smiled down at me. "I'm glad you feel that way," he said and kissed me once again.
Then his communicator went off…
"Don't answer it," I whispered against his mouth.
He groaned. "What if is an emergency?"
"I don't hear the alarm."
Cursing softly, he drew back and reached for the communicator. "What?!" he snapped.
"Keith- this is Coran."
Keith widened his eyes. "Y-yes, Coran," he stammered, "How can I help you?"
"Sven detected a problem on sector 25. The surveillance cameras aren't working. Please come to the control room."
He sighed. "Very well, Keith out," he said, and returned his communicator on his belt.
He placed his hands on my shoulders and smiled sheepishly at me. "Sorry- but duty calls."
"Will I see you later?" I asked hopefully.
"Yes," he answered, then dropped a quick kiss upon my forehead before turning away from me.
More later…
Dear diary:
What a busy day this has been. I had to get up at 5am for lion practice. We spent about two hours in the desert, because Keith wanted to see my performance under simulated combat conditions. He said that I if continue with my training, I will be able to guide Blue Lion with skill and dexterity very soon. But I know I couldn't have done it without the help of Lance and Sven.
After practice, I took a quick shower and then had a hearty breakfast with the guys. Later Coran and I met with a delegation from planet Arcturus, which is interested in signing a commercial treaty with Arus. They offer to give us primary metals, chemicals, fuels and lubricants in exchange of transportation equipment and various consumer goods. We need those materials to reestablish our food-processing plants and factories to produce metals, machinery, ship building, electronic equipment, earthenware and porcelain, so Coran and I accepted their offer, and we only have to finalize the details. The delegation left after lunch.
Then I met with Coran in my study to review a pile of royal documents: law proposals, new taxes, and setting up a trust fund to build a new hospital in the village of Aalborg.
When we finished, I thought I would be able to get some rest. I was on my way to my bedroom when Nanny came up to me and began ranting about the boys not paying attention to her etiquette lessons. Why doesn't she understand they're perfect just the way they are?
Smart, witty, warm, unpretentious, funny, adventurous, and so brave.
If she's all worked up with this nonsense, how will she react when she finds out that I'm in love with the Commander of the Voltron Force?
She suddenly turned around, and lifting her arms in supplication exclaimed: "Lord, please give me patience!"
That's when I decided to escape and run to the garden like I used to when I was a child. I love that place. It's so peaceful and beautiful. Keith kept his promise to ask his mother to send seeds and rosebushes to recreate the garden my mother so lovingly had cared for.
Mrs. Harrison and I have been in constant communication. She told me that when she was married to Keith's father, she created an English-style garden with old-fashioned flowers at their home and did it without horticultural or landscaping background. But she was quick to say that you don't need expertise or lots of acreage to make a garden special. Hers started modestly, as a small cutting garden, and a few geraniums above it. She began experimenting with various types of flowers and ended up with a rose garden.
Last week, the gardeners planted Marmalade Skies, a floribunda not exactly orange marmalade in color but rather tangerine-orange; Nanny says she would called it light vermilion. Marmalade Skies tends to exhibit all blooms on the stem in a cluster, which creates a great mass of color covering the bush. Keith's mom told me that the color lasts about two weeks per bloom cycle and considering Arus' climate she estimated that there would be about four bloom cycles.
We talked about Keith and the guys; their victories; their work in the orphanage and the many people they had helped during these past four months. She also has been helping me with the preparations for Keith's surprise party. She e-mailed me Keith's favorite dessert recipes, but I still haven't decided which one should I bake: chocolate, lemon, pastel tres leches (three-milk cake), or cherry cheesecake.
Nanny says that I should bake a traditional Danish birthday cake- a thin, crisp, very buttery cake in the form of a huge B.
I better ask the boys to cast their votes, although I prefer the three-milk cake. Sister Winnifreda baked it as part of the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo at St. Mary's and it was delicious.
I stopped to admire the newly planted roses in sun-kissed shades of yellow and orange. The grandiflora yellow-to-cantaloupe in color is called Glowing Peace, and the yellow miniature roses which are my favorites have the lovely name of Sun Sprinkles. A border of lavender, salvia, verbena and other perennials surround these flowers.
I was about to cut a Sun Sprinkle when someone covered my eyes. I immediately knew who it was.
"Lance, stop that!"
"Lance?"
I turned around and stared at the Commander of the Voltron Force. His eyes were stormy and his cheeks were flushed.
I laughed softly. "I knew it was you all along! Are you jealous?"
"Me? Jealous?"
I wrapped my arms around his neck and looked into his eyes. "Yes!" I laughed.
"All right- I confess," he said, "I can't stand the idea of someone taking you away from me."
"That will never happen."
He closed his eyes and sighed. "I wish I had your confidence," he murmured, brushing his mouth against my brow.
"Oh really, my beautiful Commander?"
He chuckled softly. "Life has made me this way."
He encircled my waist with his strong arms and his gaze fell to my mouth.
I closed my eyes and parted my lips. Keith then leaned down and covered my mouth with his. I felt one of his hands caress my hair as the other stroked my back. Willingly, eagerly, I leaned toward him and returned his passionate kiss. I placed my hands on his broad chest, feeling it rise and lower beneath my palms.
With growing urgency, his mouth moved over mine and when his tongue pressed against my sealed lips, I answered his request, parting them to let his tongue slide into my mouth.
Soon he was clasping me to him as if he would meld us together like beings made of clay and I moaned with delight.
Suddenly, he broke the kiss. I looked at him questioningly, my lips still tingling from his fiery kiss.
"Allura, I love you with all my heart," he said thickly.
"I love you even more."
Laying a warm hand on my cheek, he said, "I never told you this, but when I learned about our mission to Arus, I was afraid of coming here and finding out you engaged or married to a prince or a king."
"When I turned eighteen," I said, tracing imaginary hearts on his chest, "Some princes came here and asked for my hand, but I refused. Besides, I always told my parents that I would only marry for love, not because of the alliances it could bring."
He smiled down at me. "I'm glad you feel that way," he said and kissed me once again.
Then his communicator went off…
"Don't answer it," I whispered against his mouth.
He groaned. "What if is an emergency?"
"I don't hear the alarm."
Cursing softly, he drew back and reached for the communicator. "What?!" he snapped.
"Keith- this is Coran."
Keith widened his eyes. "Y-yes, Coran," he stammered, "How can I help you?"
"Sven detected a problem on sector 25. The surveillance cameras aren't working. Please come to the control room."
He sighed. "Very well, Keith out," he said, and returned his communicator on his belt.
He placed his hands on my shoulders and smiled sheepishly at me. "Sorry- but duty calls."
"Will I see you later?" I asked hopefully.
"Yes," he answered, then dropped a quick kiss upon my forehead before turning away from me.
More later…
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.07.25.1
I was in my study trying to write a report for Coran about yesterday's battle with Yurak. But so far I only have the title and the date.
Coran asked me a few days ago to help him with some royal matters and I complied. He said that as leader of the VF, I have to be familiarized with the affairs of state and Arusian tradition.
But I didn't think it would be so tough. After lion practice and work sessions, I have to read the royal scrolls or accompany the royal advisor to meetings with delegations of the neighboring planets, that I barely have time to be with Allura.
I walked over to the window. I looked down and saw Ally entering the royal garden. I wanted so desperately to follow her, but I had to finish that damn report.
I looked down once again and groaned. I'm not going to miss this opportunity, I thought, and ran off.
I found her trying to cut a sun sprinkle. I sneaked behind her and covered her eyes. I thought she was going to recognize me immediately, but she confused me with Lance!
Turns out she was teasing me. The little witch! Nevertheless I felt compelled to confess that I was afraid of losing her to another man. But she assured me that will never happen, and I believe her, I really want to believe her.
The garden is one of the two places with no surveillance cameras; the other is the workshop. So I took Allura in my arms and kissed her deeply. It feels so good to have her close to me.
Everything was going great when my communicator went off. It was Coran. He told me that I was needed at the control room.
I found Sven sitting at the controls and Coran standing by his side. Sven had detected the problem last night, during his shift.
"Did you hail the guys?"
"No," Sven replied. "They went to the orphanage. It seems that Lance wants to set up a soccer team. They'll be back in the afternoon."
"Alright. Could you display sector 25?"
"Yes," he replied, pressing a series of buttons.
"I checked the logs," Coran said. "That's where His Majesty King Alfor stored souvenirs from his many trips throughout the universe."
"I suppose the Princess would be interested in retrieving her father's belongings," Sven suggested.
I nodded. "You're probably right, but first I'm going to check the cameras."
I grabbed a flashlight and my toolbox from my room and then took the elevator to get down to level 25. The doors opened and I stepped out. The corridor was deserted and the emergency lighting was turned on. It looked like the servants had not cleaned in years. It was filled with cobwebs and debris. I wondered how Nanny could let this happen.
I turned to the right and walked a few steps, and then stopped before Room R250. I reached into my pocket and took out my 'Snitch' (code breaker) pointed it at the control panel, pressed a button and the device immediately began its search. Three minutes later it stopped and the code was displayed on the screen. I punched the code into the control panel, and the doors opened immediately.
I entered and reached for the light switch, but the lights didn't work. Fortunately I had my flashlight.
I allowed the beam of light to play over the shapes of things piled high in the long, wide space; several trunks, bales of yellowed newspapers, and storage boxes.
I let the light run across the left side of the room, and saw the surveillance camera. I stepped closer and tried to turn it on, to no avail. I thought that maybe the medium-voltage cable that fed this part of the Castle was the problem so I decided to proof-test it, and discovered a weak spot; deterioration caused by switching and lighting surges. I'm sure the attacks on the castle by Yurak's destroyer had contributed too.
I reached for my comm unit. "Sven."
"Yes, Keith?"
"Please call maintenance, I checked the voltage levels and I discovered that part of the cable is damaged, some of it is exposed."
"All right, I'll send them right over. Did you find anything interesting?"
"Yes- several trunks, old newspapers and storage boxes, the Princess will need at least a month to review them."
"When the guys return, we'll go take a look," Sven replied promptly.
"Okay."
"By the way, Coran asked me to remind you about the report."
I groaned inwardly. I had yet to prepare a report about Yurak's last attack for the castle archives. "Tell him that he will have it on his desk this evening."
"Okay, Sven out."
I replaced the communicator on my belt and walked over to the storage boxes and reached for the one on top. I pulled the lid and discovered a collection of old compact discs. I took one CD and read the label, "Dreams of Love- The Ultimate Romantic Piano Album."
I smiled. I'm sure Allura would love to hear this music. We share the same taste in music. We like alternative, techno, dance, pop, rock, classical and Latin. But I can't seem to convince her to like heavy metal (AC DC and Metallica especially), she says that it's too loud, but I'll keep trying.
I glanced at the other CD's. King Alfor liked many genres of music: classical (Grieg, Mendelssohn, Strauss, Svendsen and Vivaldi) jazz (Fourplay and Spyro Gyra) new age (Enya, Secret Garden and Ancient Future) and classic rock (Cream, The Eagles, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Rolling Stones).
Suddenly, I heard a noise. I whirled around and directed my flashlight at the right side of the room. It was one of Cheddar's relatives. The little one was probably looking for some cheese.
"Sorry, little guy, the food is in sector 10."
He made a chirping sound. He was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't understand him. I guess he sensed my confusion because he pointed at something that was covered by a white sheet.
"You want me to look underneath?"
He nodded enthusiastically.
I smiled at him and then approached the mysterious object. I pulled out the sheet and I couldn't believe my eyes.
A motorcycle! Not just any motorcycle, but a Triumph… a Triumph Legend TT, in obsidian black!
I had seen one like this at Rover's Motorsport showroom, a dealership in Los Angeles, near the Space Academy.
I still remember the dealer's description of the machine. The legend TT was considered a classic, offering performance from its proven 885cc three cylinder engine with its broad spread of torque look which harks back to Triumph's past. This model is designed to be rider friendly, with its narrow profile, low seat and gravity making this an easy machine to handle whether trickling around the highway or charging down a country lane.
I had wanted to buy it so badly, and I couldn't afford it. How ironic- the son of Kenneth Lyons couldn't pay for a motorcycle. I guess the dealer took pity on me because he let me take the motorcycle for a spin.
I mounted the motorcycle, and noted that the key was missing. I glanced back and there was a metal box near the wall. Inside was a black helmet, the key and a handwritten note in exquisite calligraphy, which read: "Triumph Legend TT especially made for HRH Prince Alfor of Arus, June 30th, 2275."
The image of a young Prince Alfor riding the motorcycle appeared in my mind. Allura never told me that his father liked this sort of thing… or maybe she didn't know. I'll ask her.
Save… close.
I was in my study trying to write a report for Coran about yesterday's battle with Yurak. But so far I only have the title and the date.
Coran asked me a few days ago to help him with some royal matters and I complied. He said that as leader of the VF, I have to be familiarized with the affairs of state and Arusian tradition.
But I didn't think it would be so tough. After lion practice and work sessions, I have to read the royal scrolls or accompany the royal advisor to meetings with delegations of the neighboring planets, that I barely have time to be with Allura.
I walked over to the window. I looked down and saw Ally entering the royal garden. I wanted so desperately to follow her, but I had to finish that damn report.
I looked down once again and groaned. I'm not going to miss this opportunity, I thought, and ran off.
I found her trying to cut a sun sprinkle. I sneaked behind her and covered her eyes. I thought she was going to recognize me immediately, but she confused me with Lance!
Turns out she was teasing me. The little witch! Nevertheless I felt compelled to confess that I was afraid of losing her to another man. But she assured me that will never happen, and I believe her, I really want to believe her.
The garden is one of the two places with no surveillance cameras; the other is the workshop. So I took Allura in my arms and kissed her deeply. It feels so good to have her close to me.
Everything was going great when my communicator went off. It was Coran. He told me that I was needed at the control room.
I found Sven sitting at the controls and Coran standing by his side. Sven had detected the problem last night, during his shift.
"Did you hail the guys?"
"No," Sven replied. "They went to the orphanage. It seems that Lance wants to set up a soccer team. They'll be back in the afternoon."
"Alright. Could you display sector 25?"
"Yes," he replied, pressing a series of buttons.
"I checked the logs," Coran said. "That's where His Majesty King Alfor stored souvenirs from his many trips throughout the universe."
"I suppose the Princess would be interested in retrieving her father's belongings," Sven suggested.
I nodded. "You're probably right, but first I'm going to check the cameras."
I grabbed a flashlight and my toolbox from my room and then took the elevator to get down to level 25. The doors opened and I stepped out. The corridor was deserted and the emergency lighting was turned on. It looked like the servants had not cleaned in years. It was filled with cobwebs and debris. I wondered how Nanny could let this happen.
I turned to the right and walked a few steps, and then stopped before Room R250. I reached into my pocket and took out my 'Snitch' (code breaker) pointed it at the control panel, pressed a button and the device immediately began its search. Three minutes later it stopped and the code was displayed on the screen. I punched the code into the control panel, and the doors opened immediately.
I entered and reached for the light switch, but the lights didn't work. Fortunately I had my flashlight.
I allowed the beam of light to play over the shapes of things piled high in the long, wide space; several trunks, bales of yellowed newspapers, and storage boxes.
I let the light run across the left side of the room, and saw the surveillance camera. I stepped closer and tried to turn it on, to no avail. I thought that maybe the medium-voltage cable that fed this part of the Castle was the problem so I decided to proof-test it, and discovered a weak spot; deterioration caused by switching and lighting surges. I'm sure the attacks on the castle by Yurak's destroyer had contributed too.
I reached for my comm unit. "Sven."
"Yes, Keith?"
"Please call maintenance, I checked the voltage levels and I discovered that part of the cable is damaged, some of it is exposed."
"All right, I'll send them right over. Did you find anything interesting?"
"Yes- several trunks, old newspapers and storage boxes, the Princess will need at least a month to review them."
"When the guys return, we'll go take a look," Sven replied promptly.
"Okay."
"By the way, Coran asked me to remind you about the report."
I groaned inwardly. I had yet to prepare a report about Yurak's last attack for the castle archives. "Tell him that he will have it on his desk this evening."
"Okay, Sven out."
I replaced the communicator on my belt and walked over to the storage boxes and reached for the one on top. I pulled the lid and discovered a collection of old compact discs. I took one CD and read the label, "Dreams of Love- The Ultimate Romantic Piano Album."
I smiled. I'm sure Allura would love to hear this music. We share the same taste in music. We like alternative, techno, dance, pop, rock, classical and Latin. But I can't seem to convince her to like heavy metal (AC DC and Metallica especially), she says that it's too loud, but I'll keep trying.
I glanced at the other CD's. King Alfor liked many genres of music: classical (Grieg, Mendelssohn, Strauss, Svendsen and Vivaldi) jazz (Fourplay and Spyro Gyra) new age (Enya, Secret Garden and Ancient Future) and classic rock (Cream, The Eagles, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Rolling Stones).
Suddenly, I heard a noise. I whirled around and directed my flashlight at the right side of the room. It was one of Cheddar's relatives. The little one was probably looking for some cheese.
"Sorry, little guy, the food is in sector 10."
He made a chirping sound. He was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't understand him. I guess he sensed my confusion because he pointed at something that was covered by a white sheet.
"You want me to look underneath?"
He nodded enthusiastically.
I smiled at him and then approached the mysterious object. I pulled out the sheet and I couldn't believe my eyes.
A motorcycle! Not just any motorcycle, but a Triumph… a Triumph Legend TT, in obsidian black!
I had seen one like this at Rover's Motorsport showroom, a dealership in Los Angeles, near the Space Academy.
I still remember the dealer's description of the machine. The legend TT was considered a classic, offering performance from its proven 885cc three cylinder engine with its broad spread of torque look which harks back to Triumph's past. This model is designed to be rider friendly, with its narrow profile, low seat and gravity making this an easy machine to handle whether trickling around the highway or charging down a country lane.
I had wanted to buy it so badly, and I couldn't afford it. How ironic- the son of Kenneth Lyons couldn't pay for a motorcycle. I guess the dealer took pity on me because he let me take the motorcycle for a spin.
I mounted the motorcycle, and noted that the key was missing. I glanced back and there was a metal box near the wall. Inside was a black helmet, the key and a handwritten note in exquisite calligraphy, which read: "Triumph Legend TT especially made for HRH Prince Alfor of Arus, June 30th, 2275."
The image of a young Prince Alfor riding the motorcycle appeared in my mind. Allura never told me that his father liked this sort of thing… or maybe she didn't know. I'll ask her.
Save… close.
July 25TH, 2302 - Addendum
Dear diary:
I was in the kitchen with Nanny trying the recipes Keith's mom sent me when I was summoned to sector 25 by Coran.
As I came out of the elevator I saw a maintenance crew cleaning the hallway and replacing the lighting fixtures.
I made my way to room R250, and found Coran and the guys talking. It was the first time that I had been in this part of the new castle. I felt transported in time as I stood gazing at the jumble of forgotten possessions. The place seemed very romantic suddenly- not frightening at all.
They turned around and smiled broadly. "Your Highness," Coran said, "Look what the Commander found."
Then I came forward and saw dad's motorcycle. As a child, I had seen him riding it around the castle grounds. And sometimes my mother would join him, much to Nanny's chagrin.
I smiled at Keith's discovery. "I always wondered what happened to his motorcycle. Does it work?"
Hunk shook his head. "I'm afraid not," he replied, "There's a problem in the transmission. But I can fix it."
"Are you going to keep it?" Sven asked me.
"I would like to, but I have never ridden one."
Pidge chuckled softly. "I don't think Nanny would like to see you riding this mean machine."
Coran nodded. "You're right; I remember one time when she caught Her Majesty, Queen Alexandra riding with His Majesty. She fainted."
Lance glanced at Keith. "You used to ride a bike in Paris," he remarked slyly.
"Yes- but that bike was nothing compared to this. The Legend TT is the most radical bike ever built by Triumph. It represents the wild side of sports bike riding, emphasized by aggressive graphics, arresting looks, with the muscles to back them up."
Sven chuckled softly. "As you can see Princess," he began, "Keith is so obsessed with the Legend, and he knows its description by heart."
Lance nodded. "He used to go to a showroom near the Space Academy and pressed his face to the window, staring in awe at this particular model."
Keith shot him a warning look. "You're exaggerating."
"Am I?" he retorted. "So why are you reciting the dealer's speech, word by word?"
Keith's eyes widened. "Uh… b-because we became good friends," he stammered.
"Well," Hunk began, "This model *is* a classic, you could take it to a museum."
Keith sighed. "What a sad ending to a beautiful bike," he said wistfully.
I smiled. "You can keep it, if you want to."
His head whipped around as he stared at me, hope glittering in his eyes. "Really?" he asked, somewhat breathlessly, a boyish grin appearing on his face.
"Yes, I'm sure my father would approve, he loved this bike and I know you will take good care of it."
He hurried over to me and reached for my hand. Reverently, he lifted it to his mouth and kissed it. "Thank you, Princess," he said in a hush tone, his warm, brown eyes looking up at me. "This means a lot to me."
More later…
Dear diary:
I was in the kitchen with Nanny trying the recipes Keith's mom sent me when I was summoned to sector 25 by Coran.
As I came out of the elevator I saw a maintenance crew cleaning the hallway and replacing the lighting fixtures.
I made my way to room R250, and found Coran and the guys talking. It was the first time that I had been in this part of the new castle. I felt transported in time as I stood gazing at the jumble of forgotten possessions. The place seemed very romantic suddenly- not frightening at all.
They turned around and smiled broadly. "Your Highness," Coran said, "Look what the Commander found."
Then I came forward and saw dad's motorcycle. As a child, I had seen him riding it around the castle grounds. And sometimes my mother would join him, much to Nanny's chagrin.
I smiled at Keith's discovery. "I always wondered what happened to his motorcycle. Does it work?"
Hunk shook his head. "I'm afraid not," he replied, "There's a problem in the transmission. But I can fix it."
"Are you going to keep it?" Sven asked me.
"I would like to, but I have never ridden one."
Pidge chuckled softly. "I don't think Nanny would like to see you riding this mean machine."
Coran nodded. "You're right; I remember one time when she caught Her Majesty, Queen Alexandra riding with His Majesty. She fainted."
Lance glanced at Keith. "You used to ride a bike in Paris," he remarked slyly.
"Yes- but that bike was nothing compared to this. The Legend TT is the most radical bike ever built by Triumph. It represents the wild side of sports bike riding, emphasized by aggressive graphics, arresting looks, with the muscles to back them up."
Sven chuckled softly. "As you can see Princess," he began, "Keith is so obsessed with the Legend, and he knows its description by heart."
Lance nodded. "He used to go to a showroom near the Space Academy and pressed his face to the window, staring in awe at this particular model."
Keith shot him a warning look. "You're exaggerating."
"Am I?" he retorted. "So why are you reciting the dealer's speech, word by word?"
Keith's eyes widened. "Uh… b-because we became good friends," he stammered.
"Well," Hunk began, "This model *is* a classic, you could take it to a museum."
Keith sighed. "What a sad ending to a beautiful bike," he said wistfully.
I smiled. "You can keep it, if you want to."
His head whipped around as he stared at me, hope glittering in his eyes. "Really?" he asked, somewhat breathlessly, a boyish grin appearing on his face.
"Yes, I'm sure my father would approve, he loved this bike and I know you will take good care of it."
He hurried over to me and reached for my hand. Reverently, he lifted it to his mouth and kissed it. "Thank you, Princess," he said in a hush tone, his warm, brown eyes looking up at me. "This means a lot to me."
More later…
INTERLUDE 2302.07.28
Allura entered the recreation room, and found her accomplices playing poker.
Pidge glanced at her in relief. "Princess- we were getting worried about you."
She winced slightly. "I'm sorry," she replied, walking toward the table, "but I wanted to make sure that Keith was in the control room with Coran. He has been delegating more tasks to Keith these past few days, so that he wouldn't get suspicious about our little meetings."
Sven pulled out a chair for her. "How was your visit to Løve (Lion)?" he asked.
She sat down. "It went great. Nanny and I talked with Anders Brøchner, the owner of Brøchner Inn, a hotel and restaurant. His family owned several Danish manor houses and estates on Terra before coming to Arus. He still carries the tradition."
She rested her chin on her hands and sighed. "The restaurant had been a popular eating place; its Danish/French cuisine presented the best of the local and European kitchen. My parents and I used to go often."
Lance nodded. "We have passed the Inn a few times while on patrol," he remarked. "It's going through the reconstruction process."
"Would they be able to open the restaurant on time?" Sven inquired.
Allura smiled at him. "I think so, but they will need our help," she replied. "We'll go tomorrow so you can take a look. I think you're going to like it!"
"Did you discuss the menu?" Hunk asked.
Lance rolled his eyes at him. "Hunk- food is only part of what makes a great party," he replied, "We need music, dancing-" he paused and looked at the princess. "-And beautiful girls."
"It's been so long since we have being to a disco," Hunk sighed.
"We had more important things to do," Sven stated.
"Yes- protecting the galaxy from the Drule Empire," Pidge added.
"You haven't had any real time off since your arrival to Arus," Allura said, "That's why I want you go to the Inn. They have a discotheque, but the sound equipment was damaged during the attacks."
Lance smiled at her. "Princess- you're talking to the expert, I'll fix it in no time."
"I'll help you," Pidge offered.
"Thanks."
"Ok- we've got that covered, but about the food?" Hunk insisted.
The Princess giggled softly. "The chef, Nanny and I sat down and prepared the menu, to make sure that every detail was planned well in advance. But the restaurant lacks some supplies. The chef gave me a list," she said opening up her notebook and showing them the printout.
"May I?" Lance asked, taking the piece of paper from her. He studied it for a few moments. "Hm… we can get all these in Paris. I'll ask my folks to send them to Los Angeles so that Captain Harrison can ship them to us ASAP."
Allura smiled. "Thank you, Lance."
He smiled back at her. "Anything for you, Princess."
Sven touched a hand to his leg and grimaced. "I wish I could go with you to the Inn, but I have my therapy session."
"You better listen to Dr. Gorma," Allura told him firmly. "I don't want you to miss the celebration."
He nodded. "In the meantime I'll continue keeping on eye on Keith," he offered.
She placed a hand over his. "Thank you."
She then rose from her chair. "Well, gentlemen this meeting is adjourned."
Allura entered the recreation room, and found her accomplices playing poker.
Pidge glanced at her in relief. "Princess- we were getting worried about you."
She winced slightly. "I'm sorry," she replied, walking toward the table, "but I wanted to make sure that Keith was in the control room with Coran. He has been delegating more tasks to Keith these past few days, so that he wouldn't get suspicious about our little meetings."
Sven pulled out a chair for her. "How was your visit to Løve (Lion)?" he asked.
She sat down. "It went great. Nanny and I talked with Anders Brøchner, the owner of Brøchner Inn, a hotel and restaurant. His family owned several Danish manor houses and estates on Terra before coming to Arus. He still carries the tradition."
She rested her chin on her hands and sighed. "The restaurant had been a popular eating place; its Danish/French cuisine presented the best of the local and European kitchen. My parents and I used to go often."
Lance nodded. "We have passed the Inn a few times while on patrol," he remarked. "It's going through the reconstruction process."
"Would they be able to open the restaurant on time?" Sven inquired.
Allura smiled at him. "I think so, but they will need our help," she replied. "We'll go tomorrow so you can take a look. I think you're going to like it!"
"Did you discuss the menu?" Hunk asked.
Lance rolled his eyes at him. "Hunk- food is only part of what makes a great party," he replied, "We need music, dancing-" he paused and looked at the princess. "-And beautiful girls."
"It's been so long since we have being to a disco," Hunk sighed.
"We had more important things to do," Sven stated.
"Yes- protecting the galaxy from the Drule Empire," Pidge added.
"You haven't had any real time off since your arrival to Arus," Allura said, "That's why I want you go to the Inn. They have a discotheque, but the sound equipment was damaged during the attacks."
Lance smiled at her. "Princess- you're talking to the expert, I'll fix it in no time."
"I'll help you," Pidge offered.
"Thanks."
"Ok- we've got that covered, but about the food?" Hunk insisted.
The Princess giggled softly. "The chef, Nanny and I sat down and prepared the menu, to make sure that every detail was planned well in advance. But the restaurant lacks some supplies. The chef gave me a list," she said opening up her notebook and showing them the printout.
"May I?" Lance asked, taking the piece of paper from her. He studied it for a few moments. "Hm… we can get all these in Paris. I'll ask my folks to send them to Los Angeles so that Captain Harrison can ship them to us ASAP."
Allura smiled. "Thank you, Lance."
He smiled back at her. "Anything for you, Princess."
Sven touched a hand to his leg and grimaced. "I wish I could go with you to the Inn, but I have my therapy session."
"You better listen to Dr. Gorma," Allura told him firmly. "I don't want you to miss the celebration."
He nodded. "In the meantime I'll continue keeping on eye on Keith," he offered.
She placed a hand over his. "Thank you."
She then rose from her chair. "Well, gentlemen this meeting is adjourned."
The Princess, Lance, Hunk and Pidge went to the capital and met with Anders Brøchner. He and King Alfor were childhood friends.
Anders was a man in his early fifties with sandy hair and a beard with flecks of silver, mild blue eyes and a quick smile. He was married to Else, a delightful woman in her mid-forties with pale red-gold hair and gray eyes. They had four children: Viggo, Christian, Anne and Sophie.
Viggo was the administrator of the Inn. The handsome young man with sandy hair and gray eyes had just graduated from Arus University with a degree in business administration, when war broke out. He and his family had fled to the nearby caves for shelter, and had taken all the supplies they could to distribute among the needy. His parents had taught him and his sisters the value of friendship and to always seek the wellbeing of their fellow men. "Give kindness and you shall receive the same," that was their motto.
Now thanks to Voltron, they were able to return to their old Inn. And some of the people they had helped in the caves were now helping them in the reconstruction process.
Allura and Christian had gone to school together and had enrolled at Arus University to earn their degree in political sciences. They were forced to leave on their second year because of the war. They dreamed of someday going back and continue their studies.
Christian was the spitting image of her mother, bubbly and fun to be with. She and Allura were always the center of attention at the university. The young men were always seeking a date with them, with the hope of winning their hearts. But the girls could only offer them their friendship. They probably were waiting for the right person. At least Allura was.
When Lance met Christian, he couldn't take his eyes off her, and she seemed pleased with the reaction of the young Lieutenant. Christian knew what appealed to her- he did. Everything about him did. The long, lean look of him and the hazel stare so stormy with intelligence and intensity. And even though he spoke perfect English, he couldn't hide his beautiful French accent.
Then there was Hunk and Anne. He couldn't help notice her lovely blond hair, blue eyes and voluptuous curves. He always said that he was looking for a girl with some meat on her bones. "Don't trust the skinny ones," he once said, "They must be lousy cooks."
And to his delight he found out that Anne had taken cooking classes, because she wanted to be one of the chefs at the Inn. As for Anne, the pilot of Yellow Lion caught her fancy; she always said that her ideal man had to be tall, dark and handsome. "He has to be able to carry me in his arms, not the other way around, I don't like weaklings." And Hunk fit the bill perfectly.
And last but not least we have Pidge and Sophie. The youngest of the Brøchner clan had blond hair, and blue soulful eyes. She was the serious type, quiet and delicate. When she learned that Allura and the Voltron Force would help them in the restoration of the Inn, she couldn't hide her excitement; she would finally be able to meet the pilot of Green Lion face to face. She admired him tremendously because he was only sixteen and had accomplished a lot of things. Pidge was entranced by her beauty; she reminded her a bit of his favorite pop singer, Sandy Moore. They started talking and he discovered that she loved video and computer games as much as he did.
The young space explorers never imagined that preparing a party for their Commander would be so enlightening and fun.
Anders was a man in his early fifties with sandy hair and a beard with flecks of silver, mild blue eyes and a quick smile. He was married to Else, a delightful woman in her mid-forties with pale red-gold hair and gray eyes. They had four children: Viggo, Christian, Anne and Sophie.
Viggo was the administrator of the Inn. The handsome young man with sandy hair and gray eyes had just graduated from Arus University with a degree in business administration, when war broke out. He and his family had fled to the nearby caves for shelter, and had taken all the supplies they could to distribute among the needy. His parents had taught him and his sisters the value of friendship and to always seek the wellbeing of their fellow men. "Give kindness and you shall receive the same," that was their motto.
Now thanks to Voltron, they were able to return to their old Inn. And some of the people they had helped in the caves were now helping them in the reconstruction process.
Allura and Christian had gone to school together and had enrolled at Arus University to earn their degree in political sciences. They were forced to leave on their second year because of the war. They dreamed of someday going back and continue their studies.
Christian was the spitting image of her mother, bubbly and fun to be with. She and Allura were always the center of attention at the university. The young men were always seeking a date with them, with the hope of winning their hearts. But the girls could only offer them their friendship. They probably were waiting for the right person. At least Allura was.
When Lance met Christian, he couldn't take his eyes off her, and she seemed pleased with the reaction of the young Lieutenant. Christian knew what appealed to her- he did. Everything about him did. The long, lean look of him and the hazel stare so stormy with intelligence and intensity. And even though he spoke perfect English, he couldn't hide his beautiful French accent.
Then there was Hunk and Anne. He couldn't help notice her lovely blond hair, blue eyes and voluptuous curves. He always said that he was looking for a girl with some meat on her bones. "Don't trust the skinny ones," he once said, "They must be lousy cooks."
And to his delight he found out that Anne had taken cooking classes, because she wanted to be one of the chefs at the Inn. As for Anne, the pilot of Yellow Lion caught her fancy; she always said that her ideal man had to be tall, dark and handsome. "He has to be able to carry me in his arms, not the other way around, I don't like weaklings." And Hunk fit the bill perfectly.
And last but not least we have Pidge and Sophie. The youngest of the Brøchner clan had blond hair, and blue soulful eyes. She was the serious type, quiet and delicate. When she learned that Allura and the Voltron Force would help them in the restoration of the Inn, she couldn't hide her excitement; she would finally be able to meet the pilot of Green Lion face to face. She admired him tremendously because he was only sixteen and had accomplished a lot of things. Pidge was entranced by her beauty; she reminded her a bit of his favorite pop singer, Sandy Moore. They started talking and he discovered that she loved video and computer games as much as he did.
The young space explorers never imagined that preparing a party for their Commander would be so enlightening and fun.
Days passed, and the Princess and the members of the Voltron Force continued with the preparations for Keith's birthday party. The poor Commander was so immersed in his work that he didn't have time to spare. If he only knew that it was a ploy to keep him away.
Today a cargo ship from Space Colony Megger had arrived to Arus, bringing the supplies for the celebration. When Allura knew of their arrival, she went to look for her friends, and found them in the recreation room, which was filled with dozens of boxes.
"Where are the supplies?" she asked.
"We left them in warehouse five," Hunk replied.
She smiled widely. "That's wonderful! Everything is going according to plan."
"And Keith's parents were able to sent us part of our things," Pidge said excitedly.
Sven smiled. "That way Keith wouldn't get suspicious," he added.
"It was a good thing that we were able to pack our things before coming to Arus," Lance remarked, "This box contains my collection of compact discs, and nothing is broken. This afternoon I'm going to the Inn to drop them off."
"Were you able to fix their sound system?" she asked.
Lance nodded. "I had to make a few adjustments and replaced the speakers. The sound is superb, just like in the discos back in Terra."
"What kind of music does Keith like?" Allura asked nonchalantly.
Lance pondered for a few moments. "Hmm… he likes alternative, techno, classic rock, and heavy metal, the louder, the better."
Pidge smiled mischievously at them. "He likes Latin music too. I once caught him in his room listening to a song called Besamee Much."
Lance chuckled softly. "That's *Bésame Mucho* Pidge, that's a very famous song from the 20th century. I have heard many versions of it. Even The Beatles took a crack at it." He then took out a compact from the box. "This CD of Luis Miguel includes that song. The girls I used to go out with loved it."
"Well- Keith was really embarrassed and swore that he had bought it by mistake," Pidge added.
Hunk reached for the CD. "Luis Miguel– Romances," he read, and his eyes shot up in surprise. "Whoa- this album is very old, it's from 1997! Where did you get it?"
Lance grinned at him. "At *The Singing Flea*, a music store in downtown Los Angeles. They have a great selection- from the classics like Beethoven and Mozart to the most recent like Brink 2182 and Sandy Moore. And if they don't have what you're looking for, they contact other stores until they find it. That's where I've got Keith's present," he said showing them the CD, wrapped in bright red paper with a white bow.
Sven rose from the couch and limped to the table. "Ever since we met Keith we had never celebrated his birthday. He says that it's a complete waste of time and money," he said.
"That's right. We could never convince him that we wanted to celebrate. But this year is going to be different," Pidge said with a grin. "He won't be able to stop us."
"I hope he doesn't get angry," Hunk said anxiously.
"He won't, because it was her idea," Lance said looking at the Princess. "And he *never* gets angry with her."
Allura averted her gaze and felt her cheeks grow warm. ~That's what you think,~ she thought.
The pilot of Green Lion opened up one of his boxes and his face lit up. "Ah! My Game Boy," he sighed, "And my Xbox, how I missed them!"
"Can I see them?" Allura asked, eagerly.
"Yup," he replied and took out both game systems placing them on the table. "When I went to the store, they had a choice of six colors; I chose green because it's my favorite."
"And you packed all your games, didn't you?" Hunk asked.
"Yes- I've got Re-Volt, Shadow Man, Final Fantasy XXV, Perfect Dark and much, much more."
Sven sighed. "We used to play those games back home. That way we could improve our fighting skills while having fun," he reminisced.
Lance narrowed his eyes at his friend. "You're just saying that because you always got the highest score."
The dark-haired pilot quirked an eyebrow at him. "That only happened when I played with you," he retorted. "Pidge here is the expert."
"I want to play these games," Allura said gazing at Pidge. "Could you teach me?"
He grinned at her. "Sure!"
Allura then peeked inside his box and noticed a bronze plaque among the game cartridges. "What's this?"
"Keith's father gave me that award," he said proudly.
She took out the plaque from the box. It had a beautiful silhouette of a lion. She read the inscription:
"To Lt. Peter Trekell with our sincere gratitude, because of your full support we will be able to bring our most advanced high-tech LEO-5 system into the 24th century.
Warmest regards,
Kenneth Lyons
Chairman/CEO
Lyons 5 Incorporated
San Diego, California
August 25th 2300."
"Pidge is the only one of us who has seen Keith's father. He's very private person," Sven informed Allura.
"Some members of the media consider him the Howard Hughes of the 24th century," Hunk added.
Pidge nodded. "He's a multimillionaire. His company is the world's leading manufacturer of high-speed/high-performance solid-state imaging systems, which are used in worldwide applications such as automotive crash testing, ballistics, high-speed machinery, and they're the driving force in digital/analog and fiber optic combat switching systems which are used in all Alliance ships."
"How did you meet him?" she asked curiously.
"He asked the Space Academy for their best computer programmers to test large high-end LEO-5 based systems. We had to establish test methodologies, design and execute tests, analyze results in the areas of LEO-5 kernel, system management, fault recovery and security."
"And what is he like?" she prodded.
"Well- I only saw him once, at the awards ceremony. When he entered the room I couldn't believe it. Father and son are alike, same black hair and big brown eyes. But when he started to talk to the crowd," he said, gazing upwards, "It was like listening to Keith. Both have the same intonation, pitch and modulation of the voice."
"After the ceremony, I walked over to him and we talked for a few minutes. He has a master's degree in computer systems from San Diego State University. He said that he was impressed with my performance and asked me if I was interested in joining his company, but I told him that I always wanted to be space explorer. I don't think he liked my response, because his face changed dramatically. He then excused himself and walked away."
"Keith doesn't like to talk about his father," Sven said. "He has not seen him in years."
Lance frowned. "And Mr. Lyons hasn't made any attempt to contact him," he stated. "I don't know what's his problem, he should be proud of Keith."
Allura bit her lower lip. "I guess he hasn't forgiven him for leaving school and going to live with his mother in Paris," she murmured.
Lance gave her a puzzled look. "Pardon?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "Oh- I was just thinking that Keith probably misses his father."
At that moment, Keith entered the room and everyone gazed silently at him, which made him feel very uncomfortable.
"Something wrong?" he asked curiously.
Allura shook her head. "No- nothing is wrong. Pidge was just showing us his collection of video games."
Keith noticed that she was hiding the plaque behind her back and grimaced.
"Pidge was showing you the award my father gave him," he said quietly.
Allura thought that his tone betrayed the pain, even after all these years.
Lance intervened. "Keith," he said hastily. "We left your things in your room."
He came out of his revere and smiled weakly at him. "Thanks. I'll be in my quarters if you need me," he replied.
Today a cargo ship from Space Colony Megger had arrived to Arus, bringing the supplies for the celebration. When Allura knew of their arrival, she went to look for her friends, and found them in the recreation room, which was filled with dozens of boxes.
"Where are the supplies?" she asked.
"We left them in warehouse five," Hunk replied.
She smiled widely. "That's wonderful! Everything is going according to plan."
"And Keith's parents were able to sent us part of our things," Pidge said excitedly.
Sven smiled. "That way Keith wouldn't get suspicious," he added.
"It was a good thing that we were able to pack our things before coming to Arus," Lance remarked, "This box contains my collection of compact discs, and nothing is broken. This afternoon I'm going to the Inn to drop them off."
"Were you able to fix their sound system?" she asked.
Lance nodded. "I had to make a few adjustments and replaced the speakers. The sound is superb, just like in the discos back in Terra."
"What kind of music does Keith like?" Allura asked nonchalantly.
Lance pondered for a few moments. "Hmm… he likes alternative, techno, classic rock, and heavy metal, the louder, the better."
Pidge smiled mischievously at them. "He likes Latin music too. I once caught him in his room listening to a song called Besamee Much."
Lance chuckled softly. "That's *Bésame Mucho* Pidge, that's a very famous song from the 20th century. I have heard many versions of it. Even The Beatles took a crack at it." He then took out a compact from the box. "This CD of Luis Miguel includes that song. The girls I used to go out with loved it."
"Well- Keith was really embarrassed and swore that he had bought it by mistake," Pidge added.
Hunk reached for the CD. "Luis Miguel– Romances," he read, and his eyes shot up in surprise. "Whoa- this album is very old, it's from 1997! Where did you get it?"
Lance grinned at him. "At *The Singing Flea*, a music store in downtown Los Angeles. They have a great selection- from the classics like Beethoven and Mozart to the most recent like Brink 2182 and Sandy Moore. And if they don't have what you're looking for, they contact other stores until they find it. That's where I've got Keith's present," he said showing them the CD, wrapped in bright red paper with a white bow.
Sven rose from the couch and limped to the table. "Ever since we met Keith we had never celebrated his birthday. He says that it's a complete waste of time and money," he said.
"That's right. We could never convince him that we wanted to celebrate. But this year is going to be different," Pidge said with a grin. "He won't be able to stop us."
"I hope he doesn't get angry," Hunk said anxiously.
"He won't, because it was her idea," Lance said looking at the Princess. "And he *never* gets angry with her."
Allura averted her gaze and felt her cheeks grow warm. ~That's what you think,~ she thought.
The pilot of Green Lion opened up one of his boxes and his face lit up. "Ah! My Game Boy," he sighed, "And my Xbox, how I missed them!"
"Can I see them?" Allura asked, eagerly.
"Yup," he replied and took out both game systems placing them on the table. "When I went to the store, they had a choice of six colors; I chose green because it's my favorite."
"And you packed all your games, didn't you?" Hunk asked.
"Yes- I've got Re-Volt, Shadow Man, Final Fantasy XXV, Perfect Dark and much, much more."
Sven sighed. "We used to play those games back home. That way we could improve our fighting skills while having fun," he reminisced.
Lance narrowed his eyes at his friend. "You're just saying that because you always got the highest score."
The dark-haired pilot quirked an eyebrow at him. "That only happened when I played with you," he retorted. "Pidge here is the expert."
"I want to play these games," Allura said gazing at Pidge. "Could you teach me?"
He grinned at her. "Sure!"
Allura then peeked inside his box and noticed a bronze plaque among the game cartridges. "What's this?"
"Keith's father gave me that award," he said proudly.
She took out the plaque from the box. It had a beautiful silhouette of a lion. She read the inscription:
"To Lt. Peter Trekell with our sincere gratitude, because of your full support we will be able to bring our most advanced high-tech LEO-5 system into the 24th century.
Warmest regards,
Kenneth Lyons
Chairman/CEO
Lyons 5 Incorporated
San Diego, California
August 25th 2300."
"Pidge is the only one of us who has seen Keith's father. He's very private person," Sven informed Allura.
"Some members of the media consider him the Howard Hughes of the 24th century," Hunk added.
Pidge nodded. "He's a multimillionaire. His company is the world's leading manufacturer of high-speed/high-performance solid-state imaging systems, which are used in worldwide applications such as automotive crash testing, ballistics, high-speed machinery, and they're the driving force in digital/analog and fiber optic combat switching systems which are used in all Alliance ships."
"How did you meet him?" she asked curiously.
"He asked the Space Academy for their best computer programmers to test large high-end LEO-5 based systems. We had to establish test methodologies, design and execute tests, analyze results in the areas of LEO-5 kernel, system management, fault recovery and security."
"And what is he like?" she prodded.
"Well- I only saw him once, at the awards ceremony. When he entered the room I couldn't believe it. Father and son are alike, same black hair and big brown eyes. But when he started to talk to the crowd," he said, gazing upwards, "It was like listening to Keith. Both have the same intonation, pitch and modulation of the voice."
"After the ceremony, I walked over to him and we talked for a few minutes. He has a master's degree in computer systems from San Diego State University. He said that he was impressed with my performance and asked me if I was interested in joining his company, but I told him that I always wanted to be space explorer. I don't think he liked my response, because his face changed dramatically. He then excused himself and walked away."
"Keith doesn't like to talk about his father," Sven said. "He has not seen him in years."
Lance frowned. "And Mr. Lyons hasn't made any attempt to contact him," he stated. "I don't know what's his problem, he should be proud of Keith."
Allura bit her lower lip. "I guess he hasn't forgiven him for leaving school and going to live with his mother in Paris," she murmured.
Lance gave her a puzzled look. "Pardon?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "Oh- I was just thinking that Keith probably misses his father."
At that moment, Keith entered the room and everyone gazed silently at him, which made him feel very uncomfortable.
"Something wrong?" he asked curiously.
Allura shook her head. "No- nothing is wrong. Pidge was just showing us his collection of video games."
Keith noticed that she was hiding the plaque behind her back and grimaced.
"Pidge was showing you the award my father gave him," he said quietly.
Allura thought that his tone betrayed the pain, even after all these years.
Lance intervened. "Keith," he said hastily. "We left your things in your room."
He came out of his revere and smiled weakly at him. "Thanks. I'll be in my quarters if you need me," he replied.
Being a private person, especially when it came to his feelings, Keith preferred to leave the rec room. But instead of going to his room, he decided to go the workshop. With lion practice and all the paperwork that Coran had given him these past few days, he didn't have time to ride his new bike. After a few minutes of staring at the machine, he grabbed a rag from the counter and began polishing the handrails.
Allura opened the door and peeked inside, and then let herself into the workshop.
"Are you okay?" she asked in a hush tone, watching his face.
"Yes," he replied curtly.
"The guys told me that you haven't talked to your father in all these years."
"Oh?"
She stood next to him. "Don't you think you should try to reach out to him?"
"No."
"You would feel better," she prodded him gently.
"I don't think so."
"Keith, you must talk to him."
"Look, Princess," he said, drawing a long breath. "I don't want to talk about this, alright?"
"But I do," she insisted, punching him on the shoulder, hard.
Keith seized her hand. "Stop it," he commanded sternly.
"No, you stop it," she whispered loudly. "I know you're not behaving like this because of that silly plaque. Tell me what's wrong."
He glared at her. "It's none of your business, all right?" he snapped.
Keith fought the urge to push her away. It had been years since he had felt this helpless. Allura's intent face bespoke more than a clinical interest, however. Her beauty had never seemed more radiant than in that moment. Beneath her show of anger lay a concern that felt genuine.
Fighting her instinct to run like she did when they were back at school, Allura forced herself to say calmly, "It is my business, because I love you."
He released her so fast that Allura fell back against the counter. He exhaled and scrubbed the heels of his hands over his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Ally, it's just that-"
"What?"
Keith was silent. His gaze wandered away from Allura, and he appeared to be lost in thought.
"Say something, Keith."
She waited for him to collect his thoughts. It took a while, and she wondered what he was thinking. By the pained expression that flitted across his eyes, he obviously had mixed feelings.
"I thought I had overcome this anger, but I was wrong. The moment someone mentions my father, all the bad memories come back, and if you add to the mix that my birthday is coming up, it gets worse."
He leaned on the counter and folded his arms across his chest. "When I turned six years old," he began, "My father threw me the greatest birthday party. He invited all my friends from school. He even hired clowns and a magician. All the kids were excited, but I could only think of his promise."
"What promise?"
"That he would be there to see me cut the cake, but he was so busy at work that he arrived when the party was over."
"Did he make it up to you?"
He shook my head. "No- he gave me a flimsy excuse and promised that it would never happen again, and like a fool I believed him. Year after year it was the same thing, that's why when I turned ten, I reached a decision."
She cocked her head. "And that was?"
His eyes turned dark. "That I would never celebrate my birthday, why should I?" The people I cared for the most weren't there for me. I couldn't even see my mother or even talk to her, because of the divorce settlement. So I decided that August 8th would be a day like any other. No party, no cake, no gifts, nothing."
Allura was quick to empathize. She wore her emotions very close to the surface. She wasn't afraid to let the turmoil of her feelings show.
"Keith- I can only imagine how painful it was for you, but you're not alone anymore, your friends are here. I'm here. Please try to forget those broken promises."
He lowered his head, unable to react in kind for fear of letting down a floodgate that held back emotions he had been trying to control for years.
"My friends think that I don't like to celebrate my birthday because it's a complete waste of time. I know it's silly, but I want to keep it that way."
"I won't tell them anything, I promise."
"But that doesn't mean that I don't want to spend that day with you," he said.
She smiled warmly at him. "Maybe we could go for a ride on your motorcycle," she suggested.
He inclined his head as though considering it. "Okay- but how are we going to escape from Nanny?"
She took a hold of his arm and leaned into him to kiss him on the lips. "I'll find a way," she replied cryptically, "Just leave it to me."
He offered her a smile and said, "Go back to the Castle, before Nanny comes looking for you."
She gave him a military salute. "Yes- Commander," she replied impishly, and dashed off.
As Allura made her way back to the castle, she thought, ~I'll make you forget those lonely years, Keith. I promise.~
Allura opened the door and peeked inside, and then let herself into the workshop.
"Are you okay?" she asked in a hush tone, watching his face.
"Yes," he replied curtly.
"The guys told me that you haven't talked to your father in all these years."
"Oh?"
She stood next to him. "Don't you think you should try to reach out to him?"
"No."
"You would feel better," she prodded him gently.
"I don't think so."
"Keith, you must talk to him."
"Look, Princess," he said, drawing a long breath. "I don't want to talk about this, alright?"
"But I do," she insisted, punching him on the shoulder, hard.
Keith seized her hand. "Stop it," he commanded sternly.
"No, you stop it," she whispered loudly. "I know you're not behaving like this because of that silly plaque. Tell me what's wrong."
He glared at her. "It's none of your business, all right?" he snapped.
Keith fought the urge to push her away. It had been years since he had felt this helpless. Allura's intent face bespoke more than a clinical interest, however. Her beauty had never seemed more radiant than in that moment. Beneath her show of anger lay a concern that felt genuine.
Fighting her instinct to run like she did when they were back at school, Allura forced herself to say calmly, "It is my business, because I love you."
He released her so fast that Allura fell back against the counter. He exhaled and scrubbed the heels of his hands over his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Ally, it's just that-"
"What?"
Keith was silent. His gaze wandered away from Allura, and he appeared to be lost in thought.
"Say something, Keith."
She waited for him to collect his thoughts. It took a while, and she wondered what he was thinking. By the pained expression that flitted across his eyes, he obviously had mixed feelings.
"I thought I had overcome this anger, but I was wrong. The moment someone mentions my father, all the bad memories come back, and if you add to the mix that my birthday is coming up, it gets worse."
He leaned on the counter and folded his arms across his chest. "When I turned six years old," he began, "My father threw me the greatest birthday party. He invited all my friends from school. He even hired clowns and a magician. All the kids were excited, but I could only think of his promise."
"What promise?"
"That he would be there to see me cut the cake, but he was so busy at work that he arrived when the party was over."
"Did he make it up to you?"
He shook my head. "No- he gave me a flimsy excuse and promised that it would never happen again, and like a fool I believed him. Year after year it was the same thing, that's why when I turned ten, I reached a decision."
She cocked her head. "And that was?"
His eyes turned dark. "That I would never celebrate my birthday, why should I?" The people I cared for the most weren't there for me. I couldn't even see my mother or even talk to her, because of the divorce settlement. So I decided that August 8th would be a day like any other. No party, no cake, no gifts, nothing."
Allura was quick to empathize. She wore her emotions very close to the surface. She wasn't afraid to let the turmoil of her feelings show.
"Keith- I can only imagine how painful it was for you, but you're not alone anymore, your friends are here. I'm here. Please try to forget those broken promises."
He lowered his head, unable to react in kind for fear of letting down a floodgate that held back emotions he had been trying to control for years.
"My friends think that I don't like to celebrate my birthday because it's a complete waste of time. I know it's silly, but I want to keep it that way."
"I won't tell them anything, I promise."
"But that doesn't mean that I don't want to spend that day with you," he said.
She smiled warmly at him. "Maybe we could go for a ride on your motorcycle," she suggested.
He inclined his head as though considering it. "Okay- but how are we going to escape from Nanny?"
She took a hold of his arm and leaned into him to kiss him on the lips. "I'll find a way," she replied cryptically, "Just leave it to me."
He offered her a smile and said, "Go back to the Castle, before Nanny comes looking for you."
She gave him a military salute. "Yes- Commander," she replied impishly, and dashed off.
As Allura made her way back to the castle, she thought, ~I'll make you forget those lonely years, Keith. I promise.~
The royal kitchen was buzzing with activity this morning. Nanny was supervising the cooking, while Allura was giving the finishing touches to Keith's cake. She had also prepared a light lunch for their trip.
She was a bit nervous about Keith's reaction to the celebration. She knew that Keith and the rest of the guys needed this party. They had been working non-stop. It was high time to give them something in return.
After giving instructions to the servants, she came out of the kitchen. Her friends were having breakfast at the dining room.
"Good morning," she greeted them.
They turned around and gazed at her. "Good morn-"
All eyes widened in surprise. She wasn't wearing her customary pink satin gown or her pink jumpsuit, but a slit-neck cropped cotton cardigan with elbow-length sleeves in a vibrant shade of orange, dark blue jeans, and black leather boots. She was wearing her hair down, and to complete the effect, she had taken off her golden circlet. The only piece of jewelry she had on was a pair of gold earrings.
Pidge dropped his fork. "Princess," he gasped. "You look so pretty."
Sven nodded approvingly. "Lovely," he added.
Hunk smiled. "Princess- it's the first time that we see you wearing *civilian* clothes," he noted. "Nice!"
She blushed. "Thanks you guys. It's a present from Keith's mother."
Lance rose from his seat and gazed at her intently. "You… you look like a… well, Princess, you look beautiful," he said, full of awe.
Allura's blush increased, but was pleased. "Thank you," she replied shyly.
"Are you joining us for breakfast?" Hunk asked.
"No, I already had breakfast at the kitchen," she replied. "By the way, have you seen Keith?"
"He's in the control room. He received a birthday message from his mother and stepfather," Sven replied.
"How is he?" she asked.
"He seems a bit annoyed by the attention," Pidge said. "He wanted to go to lion practice, but Coran ordered him to take the day off."
"Our leader doesn't believe in taking a breather, not even on his day," Lance stated.
"We'll meet at the Inn at 1800 hours, okay?" Pidge asked.
"Yes, I'll ask Keith to take me there…" she began when Keith walked into the room. He had always considered Allura gorgeous, but the way she looked this morning was beyond words. His eyes wandered helplessly at her form, those clothes wrapped around her perfect figure so beautifully.
"G-good morning, Princess," he stammered.
"Good morning, Keith," she replied and grinned broadly as Keith stared at her. He looked very attractive in his red short-sleeved T-shirt with the Galaxy Alliance screen design, and jeans that clung to his hips and tapered to black boots.
She walked over to him. "Happy birthday, Commander," she said, wrapping her arms around him and surprising the hell out of him.
"Uh- thank you," he replied, embarrassed by the attention. The guys grinned at each other. They really enjoyed seeing their leader reduced to a mass of nerves in front of their princess.
At that moment Nanny came out of the kitchen carrying a tray of Belgian waffles and placed it on the table.
Allura quickly drew back from him. "Have you had breakfast?" she asked.
"Y-yes" he replied, still rattled.
"Good- because I want you take me to Aalborg, I have an appointment at 10 with the mayor and then I have to meet with the dean of Arus University."
He nodded once. "Very well, we'll take Black Lion."
"No, I want you to take me on *your* motorcycle."
Nanny gasped loudly. "But Princess- you can't be serious!" she exclaimed in horror.
Allura rolled her eyes at her. "Nanny- my parents did it, why can't I?"
"You could get hurt," she sputtered.
"Nanny- how could you say that, Keith is an excellent driver!"
"You can't-"
"I'm sorry, but we're running late," Allura said firmly, reaching for Keith's arm, "Shall we go?"
Fighting back a smile, he nodded in response. "Yes."
She then glanced back at her friends and co-conspirators and said, "I'll see you later."
"Yes, Princess," they replied in unison.
She was a bit nervous about Keith's reaction to the celebration. She knew that Keith and the rest of the guys needed this party. They had been working non-stop. It was high time to give them something in return.
After giving instructions to the servants, she came out of the kitchen. Her friends were having breakfast at the dining room.
"Good morning," she greeted them.
They turned around and gazed at her. "Good morn-"
All eyes widened in surprise. She wasn't wearing her customary pink satin gown or her pink jumpsuit, but a slit-neck cropped cotton cardigan with elbow-length sleeves in a vibrant shade of orange, dark blue jeans, and black leather boots. She was wearing her hair down, and to complete the effect, she had taken off her golden circlet. The only piece of jewelry she had on was a pair of gold earrings.
Pidge dropped his fork. "Princess," he gasped. "You look so pretty."
Sven nodded approvingly. "Lovely," he added.
Hunk smiled. "Princess- it's the first time that we see you wearing *civilian* clothes," he noted. "Nice!"
She blushed. "Thanks you guys. It's a present from Keith's mother."
Lance rose from his seat and gazed at her intently. "You… you look like a… well, Princess, you look beautiful," he said, full of awe.
Allura's blush increased, but was pleased. "Thank you," she replied shyly.
"Are you joining us for breakfast?" Hunk asked.
"No, I already had breakfast at the kitchen," she replied. "By the way, have you seen Keith?"
"He's in the control room. He received a birthday message from his mother and stepfather," Sven replied.
"How is he?" she asked.
"He seems a bit annoyed by the attention," Pidge said. "He wanted to go to lion practice, but Coran ordered him to take the day off."
"Our leader doesn't believe in taking a breather, not even on his day," Lance stated.
"We'll meet at the Inn at 1800 hours, okay?" Pidge asked.
"Yes, I'll ask Keith to take me there…" she began when Keith walked into the room. He had always considered Allura gorgeous, but the way she looked this morning was beyond words. His eyes wandered helplessly at her form, those clothes wrapped around her perfect figure so beautifully.
"G-good morning, Princess," he stammered.
"Good morning, Keith," she replied and grinned broadly as Keith stared at her. He looked very attractive in his red short-sleeved T-shirt with the Galaxy Alliance screen design, and jeans that clung to his hips and tapered to black boots.
She walked over to him. "Happy birthday, Commander," she said, wrapping her arms around him and surprising the hell out of him.
"Uh- thank you," he replied, embarrassed by the attention. The guys grinned at each other. They really enjoyed seeing their leader reduced to a mass of nerves in front of their princess.
At that moment Nanny came out of the kitchen carrying a tray of Belgian waffles and placed it on the table.
Allura quickly drew back from him. "Have you had breakfast?" she asked.
"Y-yes" he replied, still rattled.
"Good- because I want you take me to Aalborg, I have an appointment at 10 with the mayor and then I have to meet with the dean of Arus University."
He nodded once. "Very well, we'll take Black Lion."
"No, I want you to take me on *your* motorcycle."
Nanny gasped loudly. "But Princess- you can't be serious!" she exclaimed in horror.
Allura rolled her eyes at her. "Nanny- my parents did it, why can't I?"
"You could get hurt," she sputtered.
"Nanny- how could you say that, Keith is an excellent driver!"
"You can't-"
"I'm sorry, but we're running late," Allura said firmly, reaching for Keith's arm, "Shall we go?"
Fighting back a smile, he nodded in response. "Yes."
She then glanced back at her friends and co-conspirators and said, "I'll see you later."
"Yes, Princess," they replied in unison.
August 8th, 2302
Dear diary:
Keith and I walked quietly down the main hall of the Castle of Lions on our way to the workshop, located near the gardens. Everyone had stopped their activities and bowed as we passed and congratulated Keith for his birthday.
"I brought ham and cheese sandwiches and two bottles of cranberry juice," I announced.
He smiled at me. "Great- you can put them in the saddlebag," he said reaching for his toolbox. "I'll check the oil and general operating condition."
"Do you need help?" I asked, closing the saddlebag.
"No, but in the meantime open that locker; inside you will find two leather jackets."
I eyed him suspiciously. "But Keith- it's the middle of summer."
He chuckled softly. "When you ride a motorcycle, you have to dress by layering. You start with a T-shirt then a long-sleeve cotton or flannel shirt, a sweater or a leather jacket. As temperatures change, layers can be removed or added."
"Ok- I'm convinced," I said laughingly, putting on the jacket. "Hey- it fits like a glove!"
"That reminds me, you *will* need gloves. Even in summer, a cool morning breeze can make hands unbearably cold."
I grinned at him. "You really are an expert, aren't you?"
He closed the toolbox. "I told you that back in Paris I was a messenger and rode a motorbike. I had to take safety courses to get my driver's license. The French are very strict about that."
"Oh."
"Take my helmet, is underneath those towels."
"It's not here."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
He stood back up and walked over to me. "Damn!" he snapped, "I'm sure I left the helmet in this locker, somebody must have taken it."
I gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I don't need it."
He winced slightly. "But your safety is very important to me," he protested.
"I know," I murmured soothingly, lifting my mouth to meet his. "I know."
He lowered his head and brushed my lips as lightly as butterfly wings making my heart turn over.
I sighed softly when he drew back. He looked down at me and grinned. "You look great in leather," he sighed. "But something is missing."
"What?"
He put on his jacket and took out a red bandana from his side pocket.
"Turn around," he commanded.
I promptly complied. And he tied my hair back with the bandana. He then turned me around and a wicked smile appeared on his face. "Now you look like a biker babe," he said.
"A biker babe?" I laughed.
He nodded. "A gorgeous, biker babe," he stated and then fastened the zipper of my jacket.
"And what are you?" I asked, smiling teasingly into his face.
"A rebel."
After mounting the motorcycle he asked, "Ready?"
"Yes," I answered and sat behind him. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and he turned the key in the ignition.
Soon the Castle of Lions had disappeared from the rear view mirror. Instead of taking the customary road to the capital of the provinces, we chose a country road… a very long country road.
I leaned into him; my head was at the level of his. I could smell the wonderful citrus scent of his hair. My breasts pressed against his back. I experienced his every breath, and found myself pacing my breathing to his.
We rode in silence for a time. I could feel the wind on my face, and there was a freedom about it positively exhilarating.
More later…
Dear diary:
Keith and I walked quietly down the main hall of the Castle of Lions on our way to the workshop, located near the gardens. Everyone had stopped their activities and bowed as we passed and congratulated Keith for his birthday.
"I brought ham and cheese sandwiches and two bottles of cranberry juice," I announced.
He smiled at me. "Great- you can put them in the saddlebag," he said reaching for his toolbox. "I'll check the oil and general operating condition."
"Do you need help?" I asked, closing the saddlebag.
"No, but in the meantime open that locker; inside you will find two leather jackets."
I eyed him suspiciously. "But Keith- it's the middle of summer."
He chuckled softly. "When you ride a motorcycle, you have to dress by layering. You start with a T-shirt then a long-sleeve cotton or flannel shirt, a sweater or a leather jacket. As temperatures change, layers can be removed or added."
"Ok- I'm convinced," I said laughingly, putting on the jacket. "Hey- it fits like a glove!"
"That reminds me, you *will* need gloves. Even in summer, a cool morning breeze can make hands unbearably cold."
I grinned at him. "You really are an expert, aren't you?"
He closed the toolbox. "I told you that back in Paris I was a messenger and rode a motorbike. I had to take safety courses to get my driver's license. The French are very strict about that."
"Oh."
"Take my helmet, is underneath those towels."
"It's not here."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
He stood back up and walked over to me. "Damn!" he snapped, "I'm sure I left the helmet in this locker, somebody must have taken it."
I gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I don't need it."
He winced slightly. "But your safety is very important to me," he protested.
"I know," I murmured soothingly, lifting my mouth to meet his. "I know."
He lowered his head and brushed my lips as lightly as butterfly wings making my heart turn over.
I sighed softly when he drew back. He looked down at me and grinned. "You look great in leather," he sighed. "But something is missing."
"What?"
He put on his jacket and took out a red bandana from his side pocket.
"Turn around," he commanded.
I promptly complied. And he tied my hair back with the bandana. He then turned me around and a wicked smile appeared on his face. "Now you look like a biker babe," he said.
"A biker babe?" I laughed.
He nodded. "A gorgeous, biker babe," he stated and then fastened the zipper of my jacket.
"And what are you?" I asked, smiling teasingly into his face.
"A rebel."
After mounting the motorcycle he asked, "Ready?"
"Yes," I answered and sat behind him. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and he turned the key in the ignition.
Soon the Castle of Lions had disappeared from the rear view mirror. Instead of taking the customary road to the capital of the provinces, we chose a country road… a very long country road.
I leaned into him; my head was at the level of his. I could smell the wonderful citrus scent of his hair. My breasts pressed against his back. I experienced his every breath, and found myself pacing my breathing to his.
We rode in silence for a time. I could feel the wind on my face, and there was a freedom about it positively exhilarating.
More later…
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.08.8.1
Ally and I met with the mayor of Aalborg to discuss the construction of the hospital. The funding had been approved and now they could hire an architect to create the project of what would turn out to be a multimillion-krone construction job involving hundreds of skilled professionals and months of work.
Afterwards, we went to the house of Per Andersen, the dean of Arus University. He had asked Allura to come because he had important news for her. The university had suffered considerable damage during Zarkon's attacks and was forced to close. But now that Voltron was back, school officials decided to rebuild.
Allura's eyes filled with glee as she soaked in the information. AU would reopen its doors once again, and she would be able to finish her studies. Her parents had always encouraged her to study. She didn't want to be like those helpless princesses waiting for a prince charming to take over for her.
I didn't listen to all the details, to tell you the truth. Mostly I watched Ally's face as she talked to the dean. The light in her eyes, her smile and the animation in her expression were charming. The sound of her voice made me feel absurdly happy.
Hours later, as we were leaving the dean's house, my stomach began growling.
"I'm hungry," I gasped.
Allura smiled at me. "Me too, with all the excitement I lost track of time. Let's find a place to have a picnic," she suggested.
After leaving our biking gear on the saddlebags, we walked a couple of yards and found ourselves heading for a hilltop that overlooked Løve. The top field was overgrown, the lush grass congested by wildflowers of different colors.
We sat on the grass and ate without ceremony. It felt right that way. I was content to listen and watch, while tasting the wonderful sandwich Allura had prepared for me. Her energy seemed boundless, her smile infectious, her spirit untamable.
"We're kindred souls, Keith," she declared happily.
Oh God! How I love her! Life without her would not have any meaning.
Afterwards, we stopped at the break in the trees. Allura rested her hands on a weathered fence post, her gaze drawn by the panorama that spread before her. It was a calming scene. The green pastures of neighboring farms with cattle were bordered by new fields of alfalfa and the pale green-yellow of oats.
Allura's fair skin was flushed with sunlight. Her blue eyes were large and expressive.
"This scene would make a pretty postcard," she remarked. "It's so serene."
"You're right."
"You know, I still can't believe that I'm going back to school."
"Hmm… I don't like the idea."
She widened her eyes. "Why?"
"Because you will be busy with your studies and won't have time for me," I said in a serious tone.
"Oh, Keith-" she gasped.
I laughed at the shocked expression on her face.
"I'm joking, I'm glad you're going back."
She kissed me lightly on the temple. It wasn't a gentle kiss, but a teasing one. She caught my earlobe between her thumb and forefinger and gave it tug.
"Ouch!"
"You scared me for a minute!"
"Løve is a few miles away. Do you want to go?" I asked.
"Yes," she answered promptly.
We retrieved the bike and headed for the capital. We were passing through downtown when she said, "Look- Brøchner Inn reopened, let's go and get a cappuccino."
"Okay."
We stopped at the doors of the Inn. Allura told me that Brøchner was the name of the owners. The family had arrived to Arus in 2050 and their descendants still carried the tradition. A young woman with pale red-gold hair, gray eyes and a charming smile greeted us.
"Hi Allura. Hello Commander Keith."
"Hi Chris," she replied.
I extended my hand to her. "Nice to see you, Miss Brøchner."
She smiled warmly at me. "Likewise Commander, please come in," she said, sweeping her hand toward the entrance.
Allura's hand wrapped about my forearm, and we were led from the hall into the chamber. The historic premises, the visible wooden structures and the open fireplace created the ideal setting for a country inn.
"We opened the Inn yesterday, but as you can see it still needs a lot of work. My father estimates that the hotel will be ready in two weeks, three at the most."
"It's a lovely place, isn't it?" Allura asked me.
I nodded. "Yes. It looks like a French country inn."
"And the food is delicious. All their recipes consist of the best meat, fowl or fish the market offers, fresh vegetables and salads followed by desserts. Everything served with excellent Arusian beer or great French wines from a carefully selected wine-list."
Christian smiled at her. "Thank you Allura, you're so kind."
"It's the truth and you know it."
The restaurant was in the cellar of the building. Even though it had been carefully renovated, it told the historic age of the building. The tables, chairs and the décor showed the close connection to the Danish manor houses.
Christian said, "The wine cellar is ideal for receptions and after-dinner coffee. This cozy room has a unique atmosphere with the curved vaults, wine bottles placed on recesses in the walls, antiques, and old paintings that my ancestors brought from Terra more than two hundred years ago."
"Please take a seat, what would you like to have?"
"A cappuccino," Allura replied.
"And for you, Commander?"
"The same. please."
She nodded. "Okay, I'll be back in a minute," she said, hurrying away.
I then looked up and noticed the banner hanging from post to post. It read, "KEITH BEING IN THE GALAXY APPRECIATION DAY."
"What the-"
"Surprise!"
Save... close.
Ally and I met with the mayor of Aalborg to discuss the construction of the hospital. The funding had been approved and now they could hire an architect to create the project of what would turn out to be a multimillion-krone construction job involving hundreds of skilled professionals and months of work.
Afterwards, we went to the house of Per Andersen, the dean of Arus University. He had asked Allura to come because he had important news for her. The university had suffered considerable damage during Zarkon's attacks and was forced to close. But now that Voltron was back, school officials decided to rebuild.
Allura's eyes filled with glee as she soaked in the information. AU would reopen its doors once again, and she would be able to finish her studies. Her parents had always encouraged her to study. She didn't want to be like those helpless princesses waiting for a prince charming to take over for her.
I didn't listen to all the details, to tell you the truth. Mostly I watched Ally's face as she talked to the dean. The light in her eyes, her smile and the animation in her expression were charming. The sound of her voice made me feel absurdly happy.
Hours later, as we were leaving the dean's house, my stomach began growling.
"I'm hungry," I gasped.
Allura smiled at me. "Me too, with all the excitement I lost track of time. Let's find a place to have a picnic," she suggested.
After leaving our biking gear on the saddlebags, we walked a couple of yards and found ourselves heading for a hilltop that overlooked Løve. The top field was overgrown, the lush grass congested by wildflowers of different colors.
We sat on the grass and ate without ceremony. It felt right that way. I was content to listen and watch, while tasting the wonderful sandwich Allura had prepared for me. Her energy seemed boundless, her smile infectious, her spirit untamable.
"We're kindred souls, Keith," she declared happily.
Oh God! How I love her! Life without her would not have any meaning.
Afterwards, we stopped at the break in the trees. Allura rested her hands on a weathered fence post, her gaze drawn by the panorama that spread before her. It was a calming scene. The green pastures of neighboring farms with cattle were bordered by new fields of alfalfa and the pale green-yellow of oats.
Allura's fair skin was flushed with sunlight. Her blue eyes were large and expressive.
"This scene would make a pretty postcard," she remarked. "It's so serene."
"You're right."
"You know, I still can't believe that I'm going back to school."
"Hmm… I don't like the idea."
She widened her eyes. "Why?"
"Because you will be busy with your studies and won't have time for me," I said in a serious tone.
"Oh, Keith-" she gasped.
I laughed at the shocked expression on her face.
"I'm joking, I'm glad you're going back."
She kissed me lightly on the temple. It wasn't a gentle kiss, but a teasing one. She caught my earlobe between her thumb and forefinger and gave it tug.
"Ouch!"
"You scared me for a minute!"
"Løve is a few miles away. Do you want to go?" I asked.
"Yes," she answered promptly.
We retrieved the bike and headed for the capital. We were passing through downtown when she said, "Look- Brøchner Inn reopened, let's go and get a cappuccino."
"Okay."
We stopped at the doors of the Inn. Allura told me that Brøchner was the name of the owners. The family had arrived to Arus in 2050 and their descendants still carried the tradition. A young woman with pale red-gold hair, gray eyes and a charming smile greeted us.
"Hi Allura. Hello Commander Keith."
"Hi Chris," she replied.
I extended my hand to her. "Nice to see you, Miss Brøchner."
She smiled warmly at me. "Likewise Commander, please come in," she said, sweeping her hand toward the entrance.
Allura's hand wrapped about my forearm, and we were led from the hall into the chamber. The historic premises, the visible wooden structures and the open fireplace created the ideal setting for a country inn.
"We opened the Inn yesterday, but as you can see it still needs a lot of work. My father estimates that the hotel will be ready in two weeks, three at the most."
"It's a lovely place, isn't it?" Allura asked me.
I nodded. "Yes. It looks like a French country inn."
"And the food is delicious. All their recipes consist of the best meat, fowl or fish the market offers, fresh vegetables and salads followed by desserts. Everything served with excellent Arusian beer or great French wines from a carefully selected wine-list."
Christian smiled at her. "Thank you Allura, you're so kind."
"It's the truth and you know it."
The restaurant was in the cellar of the building. Even though it had been carefully renovated, it told the historic age of the building. The tables, chairs and the décor showed the close connection to the Danish manor houses.
Christian said, "The wine cellar is ideal for receptions and after-dinner coffee. This cozy room has a unique atmosphere with the curved vaults, wine bottles placed on recesses in the walls, antiques, and old paintings that my ancestors brought from Terra more than two hundred years ago."
"Please take a seat, what would you like to have?"
"A cappuccino," Allura replied.
"And for you, Commander?"
"The same. please."
She nodded. "Okay, I'll be back in a minute," she said, hurrying away.
I then looked up and noticed the banner hanging from post to post. It read, "KEITH BEING IN THE GALAXY APPRECIATION DAY."
"What the-"
"Surprise!"
Save... close.
Keith whipped around and saw Lance, Sven, Hunk, Pidge, Coran and Nanny standing there with huge smiles, their arms loaded with gifts.
"What's all these?!" he exclaimed in shock.
Allura squeezed his arm. "Before you get angry, let me tell you that we're not celebrating your birthday, but you being part of our lives. We care a lot about you, Keith, and we want you to be happy."
He shook his head in disbelief. "Princess, I-"
She touched a gentle hand to his lips to still the rest of that protest. "Please, don't say anything and enjoy the celebration."
He took her hands, and pressed them to his heart for a moment. "Princess, you make it difficult for me to say no," he said softly.
"Then, I have achieved my purpose. Come, and sit next to me," she directed taking his hand and dragging him to the table, followed by the rest.
Keith sat at the head of the table. Allura sat on his right. Coran took the place at his left. Nanny and Sven took seats next to him; Lance, Hunk and Pidge sat next to the Princess.
"You mean everyone was involved in this?" Keith gasped.
"Yes- even Coran," Allura replied, smiling playfully at her advisor. "I asked him to keep you *very* busy."
Coran tried to suppress a smile. "It was all for a very good cause," he declared.
Since his arrival to Arus, Keith's good character had been lauded by young and old, from the little boy who was reunited with his parents, to the royal advisor whose stern visage ventured close to a smile only at the mention of the young commander. And why not, he and his friends had brought happiness to his charge, and for that he would be forever grateful.
But none loved him more than the women, young and old. In breathless whispers, they spoke about his marvelous exploits in battle alongside his comrades, which were told and retold until they were near legend. His kindness was bragged on, his easy manner and charm sighed over.
A group of children was ushered into the room. They walked over to Keith and gave him a basket filled with drawings of him dressed in his Voltron uniform, Black Lion in flight and Voltron.
"These are great pictures," he said, "Thank you."
A gypsy from the village of Kronberg was part of the entertainment. She read them their fortune. Keith's fortune said he would find love. Allura's read she would come into a great treasure. She giggled softly when he acted disappointed that their futures didn't match.
"But Keith, what greater treasure is there than love?" she whispered.
She didn't intend it to tease him, he knew, but it did. Then his old fears took hold of him. What would it be like to see Allura marry a prince or a king- to see their love grow with the passage of time, to watch their children being born and bloom into adulthood? The idea of it brought an end to his hilarity.
Allura noticed his sudden change of mood and reaching for his hand said, "Are you all right?"
He nodded. "Yes."
She smiled. "You said you were happy living in Paris, so we wanted to give you a traditional French dinner, I hope you like it."
A waiter brought the apéritif- a Suze, a bitter liqueur made from the root of the yellow gentian, a mountain flower.
Sven took his glass and rose from his seat. "A toast- to Keith for his bravery, intelligence and decency."
"Here here," they replied in unison.
Allura noticed that Keith's eyes glistened with tears and her heart filled with warmth. He had earned the respect and loyalty of his team and the admiration of her people.
A waiter entered the chamber carrying a tray. "Good evening," he said, putting the tray upon the table.
Keith's nose twitched at the fragrant smells coming from the tray and his eyes widened at the bounty. The entrée was one of his favorites, soupe à l'oignon gratinée (onion soup poured over slices of bread covered with grated cheese).
Later they brought the main course: beef bourguignon (beef cooked in red wine with mushrooms and onions) accompanied by gratin dauphinois (sliced potatoes cooked in cream and milk) steamed vegetables and green salad. The meal was served with bread and accompanied by a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Everyone ate vigorously, finishing everything that had been brought. Even though it seemed like a lot of food because of the several dishes, it actually wasn't. French portions are less generous than in the United States. Lance explained that in a typical French meal, you might spend a long time at the table talking primarily about politics, vacations, and work when in the company of good friends or family.
"The food was delicious," Keith sat back with a smile of satisfaction.
"You'll get no argument out of me on that," Hunk said.
Pidge and Lance shared a knowing smile. "Yes- because Annie was the cook," Pidge remarked impishly.
Flushing, he nodded. "Well- it was her first banquet and she did a great job."
Nanny cleared her throat. "Yes- Anne is very talented," she declared.
"Before the war," Coran began, "Løve was known in the Denubian Galaxy as a living music venue, because it attracted mega stars from the entire universe, not to mention our own Arus Symphony Orchestra and the National Opera."
"You could enjoy theatre competitions and stand-up comedy. Or go right out into space on the wings of the latest in dance and drama," Allura added.
"The capital of the provinces used to have restaurants of almost every conceivable type, everything from the most sophisticated universal cuisine to a wide range of fascinating ethnic eateries, not to mention genuine Danish cooking. I'm glad that Brøchner Inn has reopened, and I hope that someday this beautiful city vill return to its old splendor," Nanny said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"It will, Margaret," Coran declared, "Our people aren't afraid anymore now that the Voltron Force is protecting us."
Afterwards, the waiter brought a tray with a wide assortment of cheeses: Brie, Bresse bleu, Gruyère, Munster, Port Salut and Roquefort.
"My parents sent the cheese," Lance stated.
Keith smiled at him. "Thank you."
"Try the Brie," he suggested. "It's a soft cheese made in large thin wheels and it's one of my favorites."
"I prefer the Gruyère," Sven said cutting up a piece. "It's a hard-pressed Swiss cheese, it's saltier and with smaller holes than the Emmenthal."
Another waiter brought the dessert- a platter with apricots, apples, green grapes, figs, and pears. The sommelier brought coffee with a digestif, an after meal alcoholic drink to help digestion. Coran being a connoisseur, had suggested an armagnac, a brandy distilled from wine in the district of Armagnac in Gascony, France. "It works very well," he offered.
When Allura saw the apricots, she couldn't help herself and reached for one, and another and then another.
Licking her fingers after consuming the fruit, Allura caught Keith's eye on her and smiled like a guilty child caught in the honey. "I love apricots," she explained.
"Then have some more," he commanded. His eyes fastened on the erotic way she sucked on each finger. He blinked away his wayward thoughts and added hoarsely, "There are plenty."
"I have had quite enough," she pronounced with the distinct lack of conviction of someone who could consume more. ~Better leave room for the cake,~ she thought.
She rose from her seat and turning to Nanny said, "Would you accompany to me kitchen, please?"
"Yes, my child," was her reply, and the two women left the table.
"What's all these?!" he exclaimed in shock.
Allura squeezed his arm. "Before you get angry, let me tell you that we're not celebrating your birthday, but you being part of our lives. We care a lot about you, Keith, and we want you to be happy."
He shook his head in disbelief. "Princess, I-"
She touched a gentle hand to his lips to still the rest of that protest. "Please, don't say anything and enjoy the celebration."
He took her hands, and pressed them to his heart for a moment. "Princess, you make it difficult for me to say no," he said softly.
"Then, I have achieved my purpose. Come, and sit next to me," she directed taking his hand and dragging him to the table, followed by the rest.
Keith sat at the head of the table. Allura sat on his right. Coran took the place at his left. Nanny and Sven took seats next to him; Lance, Hunk and Pidge sat next to the Princess.
"You mean everyone was involved in this?" Keith gasped.
"Yes- even Coran," Allura replied, smiling playfully at her advisor. "I asked him to keep you *very* busy."
Coran tried to suppress a smile. "It was all for a very good cause," he declared.
Since his arrival to Arus, Keith's good character had been lauded by young and old, from the little boy who was reunited with his parents, to the royal advisor whose stern visage ventured close to a smile only at the mention of the young commander. And why not, he and his friends had brought happiness to his charge, and for that he would be forever grateful.
But none loved him more than the women, young and old. In breathless whispers, they spoke about his marvelous exploits in battle alongside his comrades, which were told and retold until they were near legend. His kindness was bragged on, his easy manner and charm sighed over.
A group of children was ushered into the room. They walked over to Keith and gave him a basket filled with drawings of him dressed in his Voltron uniform, Black Lion in flight and Voltron.
"These are great pictures," he said, "Thank you."
A gypsy from the village of Kronberg was part of the entertainment. She read them their fortune. Keith's fortune said he would find love. Allura's read she would come into a great treasure. She giggled softly when he acted disappointed that their futures didn't match.
"But Keith, what greater treasure is there than love?" she whispered.
She didn't intend it to tease him, he knew, but it did. Then his old fears took hold of him. What would it be like to see Allura marry a prince or a king- to see their love grow with the passage of time, to watch their children being born and bloom into adulthood? The idea of it brought an end to his hilarity.
Allura noticed his sudden change of mood and reaching for his hand said, "Are you all right?"
He nodded. "Yes."
She smiled. "You said you were happy living in Paris, so we wanted to give you a traditional French dinner, I hope you like it."
A waiter brought the apéritif- a Suze, a bitter liqueur made from the root of the yellow gentian, a mountain flower.
Sven took his glass and rose from his seat. "A toast- to Keith for his bravery, intelligence and decency."
"Here here," they replied in unison.
Allura noticed that Keith's eyes glistened with tears and her heart filled with warmth. He had earned the respect and loyalty of his team and the admiration of her people.
A waiter entered the chamber carrying a tray. "Good evening," he said, putting the tray upon the table.
Keith's nose twitched at the fragrant smells coming from the tray and his eyes widened at the bounty. The entrée was one of his favorites, soupe à l'oignon gratinée (onion soup poured over slices of bread covered with grated cheese).
Later they brought the main course: beef bourguignon (beef cooked in red wine with mushrooms and onions) accompanied by gratin dauphinois (sliced potatoes cooked in cream and milk) steamed vegetables and green salad. The meal was served with bread and accompanied by a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Everyone ate vigorously, finishing everything that had been brought. Even though it seemed like a lot of food because of the several dishes, it actually wasn't. French portions are less generous than in the United States. Lance explained that in a typical French meal, you might spend a long time at the table talking primarily about politics, vacations, and work when in the company of good friends or family.
"The food was delicious," Keith sat back with a smile of satisfaction.
"You'll get no argument out of me on that," Hunk said.
Pidge and Lance shared a knowing smile. "Yes- because Annie was the cook," Pidge remarked impishly.
Flushing, he nodded. "Well- it was her first banquet and she did a great job."
Nanny cleared her throat. "Yes- Anne is very talented," she declared.
"Before the war," Coran began, "Løve was known in the Denubian Galaxy as a living music venue, because it attracted mega stars from the entire universe, not to mention our own Arus Symphony Orchestra and the National Opera."
"You could enjoy theatre competitions and stand-up comedy. Or go right out into space on the wings of the latest in dance and drama," Allura added.
"The capital of the provinces used to have restaurants of almost every conceivable type, everything from the most sophisticated universal cuisine to a wide range of fascinating ethnic eateries, not to mention genuine Danish cooking. I'm glad that Brøchner Inn has reopened, and I hope that someday this beautiful city vill return to its old splendor," Nanny said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"It will, Margaret," Coran declared, "Our people aren't afraid anymore now that the Voltron Force is protecting us."
Afterwards, the waiter brought a tray with a wide assortment of cheeses: Brie, Bresse bleu, Gruyère, Munster, Port Salut and Roquefort.
"My parents sent the cheese," Lance stated.
Keith smiled at him. "Thank you."
"Try the Brie," he suggested. "It's a soft cheese made in large thin wheels and it's one of my favorites."
"I prefer the Gruyère," Sven said cutting up a piece. "It's a hard-pressed Swiss cheese, it's saltier and with smaller holes than the Emmenthal."
Another waiter brought the dessert- a platter with apricots, apples, green grapes, figs, and pears. The sommelier brought coffee with a digestif, an after meal alcoholic drink to help digestion. Coran being a connoisseur, had suggested an armagnac, a brandy distilled from wine in the district of Armagnac in Gascony, France. "It works very well," he offered.
When Allura saw the apricots, she couldn't help herself and reached for one, and another and then another.
Licking her fingers after consuming the fruit, Allura caught Keith's eye on her and smiled like a guilty child caught in the honey. "I love apricots," she explained.
"Then have some more," he commanded. His eyes fastened on the erotic way she sucked on each finger. He blinked away his wayward thoughts and added hoarsely, "There are plenty."
"I have had quite enough," she pronounced with the distinct lack of conviction of someone who could consume more. ~Better leave room for the cake,~ she thought.
She rose from her seat and turning to Nanny said, "Would you accompany to me kitchen, please?"
"Yes, my child," was her reply, and the two women left the table.
Smiling, Sven noticed the way Keith followed the Princess with his heated gaze as she made her way to the kitchen.
"The Princess organized all this, it seems she has grown very fond of you," he said, leaning forward as though to judge his expression carefully.
Keith reached for his glass of wine and took a quick sip. "She would have done the same thing for any of you," he replied evenly.
"Hmm… I'm not so sure about that," he added.
Pidge frowned. "Dang it! I wish my birthday was coming up so I could have a party like this!" he chided.
Sven chuckled softly. "I feel the same way, Per."
Minutes later, Allura came out of the kitchen with a tray and placed it before Keith. He grinned happily, it was a *pastel tres leches* (three-milk cake), a Mexican dessert he had not tasted in years. The cake was garnished with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.
"This is my favorite cake! How did you know?" he asked, surprised.
Allura gazed at him. "I asked your mom, and she sent me the recipe."
"Her Highness baked it herself," Nanny stated.
He smiled at Allura. "She did?" He was deeply touched, "Thank you, Princess."
Allura's cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. "You're welcome, Keith," she replied shyly.
Pidge's eyes wandered greedily over the cake. "Where's the knife?" he asked, "I want a slice- a big one."
"Me too," Hunk said.
"Here it is," Allura replied, and offered it to Keith. He took the knife from her dainty hand and brushed his fingers against hers, which made her smile. It was their secret signal.
Everyone raved about the cake. This dessert had appeared generations ago. It swept through the social set and soon became the thing to serve at fancy parties. A butter cake soaked in three kinds of milk and most often topped with meringue, it is sweet and insanely rich. Needless to say, the baking pan was empty in minutes.
"Now it's time to open the presents!" Pidge exclaimed.
Allura's gift was first. Slowly, Keith removed the wrapping and opened the box. He couldn't help but smile. It was a shiny black helmet; on its side it had a beautiful painting of Black Lion.
"Princess- you shouldn't have."
She gazed at him. "Dad's motorcycle survived the passage of time, but not his helmet. One day while you were in the control room, I sneaked into the workshop and took it."
"Thank you," he said softly.
"My turn," Pidge said and placed his present before him. It was a red case for his palmtop, a new stylus and a package of screen protectors.
"Thanks, Pidge," he said. "I had just installed my last screen protector."
He nodded. "I imagined so, you're always writing on that thing, you must have a complete report of our mission."
"Yeah- very complete," Keith replied averting his gaze.
Lance handed him a gift with a smile. Keith removed the wrapping and tossed it aside. It was the CD 'Binaural' by an old Terran group called Pearl Jam.
"Lance," he gasped, "You found it!"
He grinned at him. "I told you I would."
Keith removed the plastic wrap and opened the black case. On the front cover, it had a picture of the Hourglass Nebula, which encircles a dying star, 8,000 light years away from Terra. He had always been fascinated by that image.
"I had looked for this compact disc for years; it was the only one missing from my Pearl Jam collection. Their music combines crunching metal with an elastic understanding of melody."
"I don't know why you and Lance like that old music," Pidge said.
"Because it's the best," Lance asserted.
Pidge frowned. "For your information, some of today's singers and bands are excellent."
"Come on you guys," Hunk intervened, "You can fight later."
"And which of these songs is your favorite?" Allura asked curiously.
"It's hard to say, I like all of them," Keith replied. "But I suppose I prefer 'Light Years', because of my line of work."
Nanny rose from her seat and presented him with a big white box. "This is for you, Commander." He took the box and placed it on the table.
He opened it and smiled. It was filled with chocolate eclairs.
"Her Highness told me that you like this dessert, it is one of my specialties."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"I didn't know what to get you, Keith," Hunk said reaching for the gift, "But then I remembered your love for Mexican food, so I asked my mom to send a package filled with different kinds of sauces, chilies and candies."
Keith opened the present and grinned. "This is great, we must plan a Mexican dinner," he said happily and then glanced at Nanny, "With your permission of course."
She nodded approvingly. "I'm not familiar with Mexican cuisine, but I vill do my best."
"Here's your present," Sven said. It was a book about the Legend TT.
"But how-"
"I called the dealership in Los Angeles," he said, "It's the history of the model and includes a listing of its components."
Keith flipped through the pages. "These images are wonderful. Thanks!"
"Commander- here's a token of my appreciation," Coran said and handed him a small replica of the lion statue that guarded the entrance of the castle, before their arrival.
"Thank you, Coran, and I also want to thank you for all your support."
"You're, welcome."
At that moment, Anders Brøchner entered the cellar. "It's everything all right?" he asked.
"Yes," Allura replied. "Thank you."
"Well," Coran said, rising from his seat. "I shall return to the Castle."
Nanny shook her head. "I vill stay here, I can't leave the Princess with these boys."
Anders chuckled softly. "Ms. Østergaard," he said, "As member of the Voltron Force, the Princess has faced the enemy dozens of times, and has proven to be an excellent fighter. Do you really think these young men would pose a real threat?"
Allura laughed softly, and the guys joined her in their shared laughter.
"You don't know these Terran boys," she said quietly, "They don't have any manners."
"I'm afraid you're wrong," he retorted. "They're courteous and very helpful. If it weren't for them, we would not be here celebrating."
Coran placed a hand over his mouth trying to conceal a smile. His good friend was the only one who could render Margaret speechless- at least for a few moments.
"Tell you what we'll do," Anders said, "You and Coran can go back, Else and I will keep an eye on them. If we see anything out of the ordinary, we'll stop the celebration."
"But-"
"Let's go, Margaret," Coran commanded, "Her Highness will be all right."
Coran almost had to drag Nanny out of the Inn. If he only knew that the celebration had just begun.
Christian joined her father at the entrance as he bid farewell to his friends. "Dad- it's time," she said.
"All right, tell your brother and sisters to get ready."
Her face lit up. "Yes," she replied and dashed off.
The young woman entered the cellar and walked over to Lance. She whispered something into his ear, which made him smile. Rising from his seat, he said, "Excuse me my friends- I'll be right back."
"Where is he going?" Keith asked, reaching for his second éclair.
"He probably wants to be alone with Chris," Pidge replied slyly.
Allura smiled. "They had been dating for the past few weeks. They make a lovely couple, don't you think so?" she asked.
"Yes," Keith answered.
"By the way, where's Hunk?" Sven asked.
"He went to the kitchen to congratulate Anne for the banquet," Allura replied. "He's really interested in her, and not just because she's a great cook. They also share an interest in helping the needy. He has accompanied her to the orphanage where she works as a volunteer."
Minutes later, Lance returned. He leaned closer to Keith and said, "Mon Commandant, I want to show you something, please follow me."
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see," he replied cryptically.
"The Princess organized all this, it seems she has grown very fond of you," he said, leaning forward as though to judge his expression carefully.
Keith reached for his glass of wine and took a quick sip. "She would have done the same thing for any of you," he replied evenly.
"Hmm… I'm not so sure about that," he added.
Pidge frowned. "Dang it! I wish my birthday was coming up so I could have a party like this!" he chided.
Sven chuckled softly. "I feel the same way, Per."
Minutes later, Allura came out of the kitchen with a tray and placed it before Keith. He grinned happily, it was a *pastel tres leches* (three-milk cake), a Mexican dessert he had not tasted in years. The cake was garnished with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.
"This is my favorite cake! How did you know?" he asked, surprised.
Allura gazed at him. "I asked your mom, and she sent me the recipe."
"Her Highness baked it herself," Nanny stated.
He smiled at Allura. "She did?" He was deeply touched, "Thank you, Princess."
Allura's cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. "You're welcome, Keith," she replied shyly.
Pidge's eyes wandered greedily over the cake. "Where's the knife?" he asked, "I want a slice- a big one."
"Me too," Hunk said.
"Here it is," Allura replied, and offered it to Keith. He took the knife from her dainty hand and brushed his fingers against hers, which made her smile. It was their secret signal.
Everyone raved about the cake. This dessert had appeared generations ago. It swept through the social set and soon became the thing to serve at fancy parties. A butter cake soaked in three kinds of milk and most often topped with meringue, it is sweet and insanely rich. Needless to say, the baking pan was empty in minutes.
"Now it's time to open the presents!" Pidge exclaimed.
Allura's gift was first. Slowly, Keith removed the wrapping and opened the box. He couldn't help but smile. It was a shiny black helmet; on its side it had a beautiful painting of Black Lion.
"Princess- you shouldn't have."
She gazed at him. "Dad's motorcycle survived the passage of time, but not his helmet. One day while you were in the control room, I sneaked into the workshop and took it."
"Thank you," he said softly.
"My turn," Pidge said and placed his present before him. It was a red case for his palmtop, a new stylus and a package of screen protectors.
"Thanks, Pidge," he said. "I had just installed my last screen protector."
He nodded. "I imagined so, you're always writing on that thing, you must have a complete report of our mission."
"Yeah- very complete," Keith replied averting his gaze.
Lance handed him a gift with a smile. Keith removed the wrapping and tossed it aside. It was the CD 'Binaural' by an old Terran group called Pearl Jam.
"Lance," he gasped, "You found it!"
He grinned at him. "I told you I would."
Keith removed the plastic wrap and opened the black case. On the front cover, it had a picture of the Hourglass Nebula, which encircles a dying star, 8,000 light years away from Terra. He had always been fascinated by that image.
"I had looked for this compact disc for years; it was the only one missing from my Pearl Jam collection. Their music combines crunching metal with an elastic understanding of melody."
"I don't know why you and Lance like that old music," Pidge said.
"Because it's the best," Lance asserted.
Pidge frowned. "For your information, some of today's singers and bands are excellent."
"Come on you guys," Hunk intervened, "You can fight later."
"And which of these songs is your favorite?" Allura asked curiously.
"It's hard to say, I like all of them," Keith replied. "But I suppose I prefer 'Light Years', because of my line of work."
Nanny rose from her seat and presented him with a big white box. "This is for you, Commander." He took the box and placed it on the table.
He opened it and smiled. It was filled with chocolate eclairs.
"Her Highness told me that you like this dessert, it is one of my specialties."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"I didn't know what to get you, Keith," Hunk said reaching for the gift, "But then I remembered your love for Mexican food, so I asked my mom to send a package filled with different kinds of sauces, chilies and candies."
Keith opened the present and grinned. "This is great, we must plan a Mexican dinner," he said happily and then glanced at Nanny, "With your permission of course."
She nodded approvingly. "I'm not familiar with Mexican cuisine, but I vill do my best."
"Here's your present," Sven said. It was a book about the Legend TT.
"But how-"
"I called the dealership in Los Angeles," he said, "It's the history of the model and includes a listing of its components."
Keith flipped through the pages. "These images are wonderful. Thanks!"
"Commander- here's a token of my appreciation," Coran said and handed him a small replica of the lion statue that guarded the entrance of the castle, before their arrival.
"Thank you, Coran, and I also want to thank you for all your support."
"You're, welcome."
At that moment, Anders Brøchner entered the cellar. "It's everything all right?" he asked.
"Yes," Allura replied. "Thank you."
"Well," Coran said, rising from his seat. "I shall return to the Castle."
Nanny shook her head. "I vill stay here, I can't leave the Princess with these boys."
Anders chuckled softly. "Ms. Østergaard," he said, "As member of the Voltron Force, the Princess has faced the enemy dozens of times, and has proven to be an excellent fighter. Do you really think these young men would pose a real threat?"
Allura laughed softly, and the guys joined her in their shared laughter.
"You don't know these Terran boys," she said quietly, "They don't have any manners."
"I'm afraid you're wrong," he retorted. "They're courteous and very helpful. If it weren't for them, we would not be here celebrating."
Coran placed a hand over his mouth trying to conceal a smile. His good friend was the only one who could render Margaret speechless- at least for a few moments.
"Tell you what we'll do," Anders said, "You and Coran can go back, Else and I will keep an eye on them. If we see anything out of the ordinary, we'll stop the celebration."
"But-"
"Let's go, Margaret," Coran commanded, "Her Highness will be all right."
Coran almost had to drag Nanny out of the Inn. If he only knew that the celebration had just begun.
Christian joined her father at the entrance as he bid farewell to his friends. "Dad- it's time," she said.
"All right, tell your brother and sisters to get ready."
Her face lit up. "Yes," she replied and dashed off.
The young woman entered the cellar and walked over to Lance. She whispered something into his ear, which made him smile. Rising from his seat, he said, "Excuse me my friends- I'll be right back."
"Where is he going?" Keith asked, reaching for his second éclair.
"He probably wants to be alone with Chris," Pidge replied slyly.
Allura smiled. "They had been dating for the past few weeks. They make a lovely couple, don't you think so?" she asked.
"Yes," Keith answered.
"By the way, where's Hunk?" Sven asked.
"He went to the kitchen to congratulate Anne for the banquet," Allura replied. "He's really interested in her, and not just because she's a great cook. They also share an interest in helping the needy. He has accompanied her to the orphanage where she works as a volunteer."
Minutes later, Lance returned. He leaned closer to Keith and said, "Mon Commandant, I want to show you something, please follow me."
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see," he replied cryptically.
Lance and Keith stopped before a door at the inn. Lance opened it and smiled mischievously at him. "You go first," he suggested.
Keith took a peek inside and frowned. "Lance, it's dark in there, it is still under construction."
"No it's not," he retorted, pushing him inside.
Keith took a few steps and then stood in the middle of the room. ~What are they up to?~ he thought.
He heard footsteps and turned around, but nobody was there.
"Lance, stop this nonsense," he ordered.
He chuckled softly. "Keith- do you remember this?"
And the room was engulfed with the accords of a familiar tune…
"Welcome to Disco Night!" a man's voice boomed, as multicolored spotlights danced across the floor. "I will be your DJ this evening, get up and dance!"
Keith suddenly felt he was back in Paris, at the disco "Les Pins Centreville". He, Lance and Sven had gone to "La Fête de la Musique" (Music Festival) and the song they were playing when they entered the disco was "Blue" by Eiffel 65, an Italian group from the 1990's. That band had topped the charts everywhere from England to Australia with its infectious mix of techno, hip-pop and pop and still had its following after more than three hundred years, because it was at the forefront of the digitally minded 21st century pop.
The TV screens on the right side of the room came to life and they showed a wide array of colors and designs, and then the video to that song appeared. In a matter of minutes, Keith was surrounded by young couples dancing.
"I'm in the Twilight Zone," he muttered wearily, raking his hand nervously through his dark hair.
Lance walked over to Keith and tapped him on the shoulder. "What are you waiting for?!"
Keith frowned. "I don't understand."
Lance laughed. "Ask the Princess if she wants to dance!"
"But what if she says no?!"
"She won't!"
"I don't know if I should!"
"Well, I'm not going to miss this opportunity!" the young Frenchman declared.
Allura was sitting on a table with Anders and Else when Lance walked over to her. "Princess- would you like to dance?" he asked, extending his hand to her.
"Yes," she replied enthusiastically, placing her hand on his waiting palm.
They strode to the center of the dance floor. Lance began to contour to the rhythm, while Allura watched him silently.
"Come on- Princess," he said, "Let yourself go!"
She laughed and began to imitate his movements, and then she stretched every muscle of her frame.
It was a very attractive frame, Lance thought. With those clothes she seemed like a normal Terran girl, so close, but at the same time so far.
He closed his eyes briefly and groaned inwardly at the thoughts that were filling his head. He wanted her. And the wanting was an ache worse than any wound he had ever received in battle. He had never known a girl so sweet… and so beautiful.
~No- this is wrong!~ he thought, ~She's my friend and I came here to protect her people. Besides I'm dating Chris and she's fun to be with.~
Allura threw her head back and her golden hair shimmered in the colored lights, making him come out of his revere. He forced himself to smile. "You really know how to dance!"
She smiled at him, a smile at once teasing and grateful. "Thanks!"
Keith leaned on the wall next to Pidge and Sven and slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans, while watching the Princess. Not only was she beautiful, but a kind of energy surrounded her like an aura.
Allura must have felt his burning gaze, because she turned moments later and stared at him from the dance floor.
Pidge noticed the way Keith was ogling at Allura. He leaned closer to Sven and asked, "Do you think he likes her, at least a little?"
Sven cast a sidewise glance at his friend and chuckled softly. "More than he cares to admit."
Hunk and Anne passed Keith on their way to the dance floor. "Come on, Chief," Hunk said, "Don't let Lance have all the fun, go and ask Princess to dance."
Keith swallowed hard. "I don't want to leave Sven alone," he offered.
Sven smiled at him. "I'm going to be all right," he said, "As a matter a fact, I'm going to talk to that beautiful girl sitting over there."
Keith and Pidge looked on as Sven crossed the room and sat next to a redhead.
"Cluck, cluck, cluck."
Keith glared at Pidge. "Why are you clucking like a chicken?"
"Because you're behaving like one."
"Pidge!"
"Commander, I'm going to ask Sophie if she wants to dance. Show me that you're not afraid, and go and ask the Princess," he said walking away.
Keith closed his eyes and cursed. ~I know who's going to have kitchen duty starting tomorrow,~ he thought.
He decided to enjoy the festivities with a rather studied determination and walked over to Allura and Lance.
"Can I cut in?"
Allura nodded mutely and then granted Lance a perfunctory nod. His hand came and covered hers. Slowly, she turned her hand and curled her fingers around his. She raised her eyes to meet his. "Thanks for everything, Lance."
He laughed, almost roughly. "You're welcome, Princess" he replied, taking his hand from hers, thankful that she didn't notice how much she affected him.
Lance saw Christian entering the lounge and danced his way to her. He pulled her to him, when one of his favorite songs began, ‘Everybody Have Fun Tonight' by Wang Chung (1986).
Allura smiled mischievously at Keith. "I know that you can dance a waltz, but can you dance to this music?"
He grinned. "Of course," he replied.
Keith admired her slender body and each subtle curve and feminine muscle. Her sensual dancing set fire to his blood.
"Where did you learn to dance like this?" he asked, annoyed.
"When I was at the university," she replied saucily, watching the slight frown twitch between his brows.
"Ah."
~I wonder what other things you learned at the university,~ he thought. Then a devilish smile appeared on his face.
The crowd was roaring, the lights were blaring and the music was building up. Lance had chosen from many types of music: techno, disco, Latin, house, garage, hip-pop, soul and funk, soft pop, and rock. During the next three hours they heard classic artists like: Santana, the Bee Gees, Rolling Stones, Duran Duran, Ace of Base, Aqua, Daft Punk, Backstreet Boys, Maroon 5, Capital Cities, Eminem, Destiny's Child, Maná, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and many more.
Pidge had asked him to include new artists like Sandy Moore, Cristina Falcón, Vitamin D, Elusive Dodo, New Kids on the Galaxy and True Drule. Lance complied, because the teenager had been able to salvage most of the music videos. He had spent long hours on this task to make this celebration more enjoyable.
Being Keith's Appreciation Day, all the young women asked him to dance, and he being the perfect gentleman, complied. In the meantime Allura danced with the Voltron Force and old classmates. It had been years since they had been to a dance and they didn't want to miss it.
Later that evening…
The last accords of the song "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1984) resonated on the walls of the small lounge.
Keith had managed to escape from his adoring fans and went to Allura, who was talking with Viggo. The young man smiled at him. "Commander, Allura was telling me that she's going back to AU."
Keith nodded. "Yes," he said. ~Why does he have an arm around her shoulders?~ he thought.
"I managed to save some of my books," Viggo said, looking down at her. "You can use them, if you want to."
She nodded. "Yes- thank you. Chris and I will need them."
"Well- I have to go, nice seeing you, Commander," he said extending his hand to him.
Keith shook his hand. "Likewise."
When Viggo left, Keith turned to Allura and asked, "What was that all about?"
She smiled impishly at him. "Viggo was my tutor. He's like my big brother."
His eyes narrowed. "I see. Well- from now on *I'm* going to be your tutor."
Her blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "Is that a promise?"
He nodded. "Yes." Fighting the urge to smile, he said, "You know how to stir things up!"
She grinned. "The guys helped me."
"I don't know if you have noticed, Princess, but they're trying to match us up."
"Really? But we barely tolerate each other."
"Well- they seemed to enjoy the way we behave in front to them."
"Not as much as we do," she said with a cat-like smile.
He smiled down at her as she raptly gazed up at him.
"Count on these romantic classics to help you keep your love alive forever," the DJ's voice echoed throughout the room and a slow melody came out of the speakers. It was ‘Private Emotion' by Ricky Martin and Meja.
Instinctively Keith slid his hand around her waist, squeezing the lithe curve of it beneath his palm and fingers. Allura shivered with delight. Her heart was beating so fast. It felt so good to be in his arms. He grasped her hand then, interlacing their fingers before she could resist.
"This is the most wonderful birthday I ever had, thank you, Ally," he whispered into her ear, and then gently kissed her temple.
Allura felt her heart flutter inside her breast like a caged bird. The floor actually seemed to tilt beneath her. In fact, the whole world had suddenly slipped away. She was alone in the universe with this man, lost in the wonder of their love.
"Anything for you, Keith," she sighed.
The End.
09/12/2000
Revised 03/07/2015
Keith took a peek inside and frowned. "Lance, it's dark in there, it is still under construction."
"No it's not," he retorted, pushing him inside.
Keith took a few steps and then stood in the middle of the room. ~What are they up to?~ he thought.
He heard footsteps and turned around, but nobody was there.
"Lance, stop this nonsense," he ordered.
He chuckled softly. "Keith- do you remember this?"
And the room was engulfed with the accords of a familiar tune…
"Welcome to Disco Night!" a man's voice boomed, as multicolored spotlights danced across the floor. "I will be your DJ this evening, get up and dance!"
Keith suddenly felt he was back in Paris, at the disco "Les Pins Centreville". He, Lance and Sven had gone to "La Fête de la Musique" (Music Festival) and the song they were playing when they entered the disco was "Blue" by Eiffel 65, an Italian group from the 1990's. That band had topped the charts everywhere from England to Australia with its infectious mix of techno, hip-pop and pop and still had its following after more than three hundred years, because it was at the forefront of the digitally minded 21st century pop.
The TV screens on the right side of the room came to life and they showed a wide array of colors and designs, and then the video to that song appeared. In a matter of minutes, Keith was surrounded by young couples dancing.
"I'm in the Twilight Zone," he muttered wearily, raking his hand nervously through his dark hair.
Lance walked over to Keith and tapped him on the shoulder. "What are you waiting for?!"
Keith frowned. "I don't understand."
Lance laughed. "Ask the Princess if she wants to dance!"
"But what if she says no?!"
"She won't!"
"I don't know if I should!"
"Well, I'm not going to miss this opportunity!" the young Frenchman declared.
Allura was sitting on a table with Anders and Else when Lance walked over to her. "Princess- would you like to dance?" he asked, extending his hand to her.
"Yes," she replied enthusiastically, placing her hand on his waiting palm.
They strode to the center of the dance floor. Lance began to contour to the rhythm, while Allura watched him silently.
"Come on- Princess," he said, "Let yourself go!"
She laughed and began to imitate his movements, and then she stretched every muscle of her frame.
It was a very attractive frame, Lance thought. With those clothes she seemed like a normal Terran girl, so close, but at the same time so far.
He closed his eyes briefly and groaned inwardly at the thoughts that were filling his head. He wanted her. And the wanting was an ache worse than any wound he had ever received in battle. He had never known a girl so sweet… and so beautiful.
~No- this is wrong!~ he thought, ~She's my friend and I came here to protect her people. Besides I'm dating Chris and she's fun to be with.~
Allura threw her head back and her golden hair shimmered in the colored lights, making him come out of his revere. He forced himself to smile. "You really know how to dance!"
She smiled at him, a smile at once teasing and grateful. "Thanks!"
Keith leaned on the wall next to Pidge and Sven and slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans, while watching the Princess. Not only was she beautiful, but a kind of energy surrounded her like an aura.
Allura must have felt his burning gaze, because she turned moments later and stared at him from the dance floor.
Pidge noticed the way Keith was ogling at Allura. He leaned closer to Sven and asked, "Do you think he likes her, at least a little?"
Sven cast a sidewise glance at his friend and chuckled softly. "More than he cares to admit."
Hunk and Anne passed Keith on their way to the dance floor. "Come on, Chief," Hunk said, "Don't let Lance have all the fun, go and ask Princess to dance."
Keith swallowed hard. "I don't want to leave Sven alone," he offered.
Sven smiled at him. "I'm going to be all right," he said, "As a matter a fact, I'm going to talk to that beautiful girl sitting over there."
Keith and Pidge looked on as Sven crossed the room and sat next to a redhead.
"Cluck, cluck, cluck."
Keith glared at Pidge. "Why are you clucking like a chicken?"
"Because you're behaving like one."
"Pidge!"
"Commander, I'm going to ask Sophie if she wants to dance. Show me that you're not afraid, and go and ask the Princess," he said walking away.
Keith closed his eyes and cursed. ~I know who's going to have kitchen duty starting tomorrow,~ he thought.
He decided to enjoy the festivities with a rather studied determination and walked over to Allura and Lance.
"Can I cut in?"
Allura nodded mutely and then granted Lance a perfunctory nod. His hand came and covered hers. Slowly, she turned her hand and curled her fingers around his. She raised her eyes to meet his. "Thanks for everything, Lance."
He laughed, almost roughly. "You're welcome, Princess" he replied, taking his hand from hers, thankful that she didn't notice how much she affected him.
Lance saw Christian entering the lounge and danced his way to her. He pulled her to him, when one of his favorite songs began, ‘Everybody Have Fun Tonight' by Wang Chung (1986).
Allura smiled mischievously at Keith. "I know that you can dance a waltz, but can you dance to this music?"
He grinned. "Of course," he replied.
Keith admired her slender body and each subtle curve and feminine muscle. Her sensual dancing set fire to his blood.
"Where did you learn to dance like this?" he asked, annoyed.
"When I was at the university," she replied saucily, watching the slight frown twitch between his brows.
"Ah."
~I wonder what other things you learned at the university,~ he thought. Then a devilish smile appeared on his face.
The crowd was roaring, the lights were blaring and the music was building up. Lance had chosen from many types of music: techno, disco, Latin, house, garage, hip-pop, soul and funk, soft pop, and rock. During the next three hours they heard classic artists like: Santana, the Bee Gees, Rolling Stones, Duran Duran, Ace of Base, Aqua, Daft Punk, Backstreet Boys, Maroon 5, Capital Cities, Eminem, Destiny's Child, Maná, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and many more.
Pidge had asked him to include new artists like Sandy Moore, Cristina Falcón, Vitamin D, Elusive Dodo, New Kids on the Galaxy and True Drule. Lance complied, because the teenager had been able to salvage most of the music videos. He had spent long hours on this task to make this celebration more enjoyable.
Being Keith's Appreciation Day, all the young women asked him to dance, and he being the perfect gentleman, complied. In the meantime Allura danced with the Voltron Force and old classmates. It had been years since they had been to a dance and they didn't want to miss it.
Later that evening…
The last accords of the song "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1984) resonated on the walls of the small lounge.
Keith had managed to escape from his adoring fans and went to Allura, who was talking with Viggo. The young man smiled at him. "Commander, Allura was telling me that she's going back to AU."
Keith nodded. "Yes," he said. ~Why does he have an arm around her shoulders?~ he thought.
"I managed to save some of my books," Viggo said, looking down at her. "You can use them, if you want to."
She nodded. "Yes- thank you. Chris and I will need them."
"Well- I have to go, nice seeing you, Commander," he said extending his hand to him.
Keith shook his hand. "Likewise."
When Viggo left, Keith turned to Allura and asked, "What was that all about?"
She smiled impishly at him. "Viggo was my tutor. He's like my big brother."
His eyes narrowed. "I see. Well- from now on *I'm* going to be your tutor."
Her blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "Is that a promise?"
He nodded. "Yes." Fighting the urge to smile, he said, "You know how to stir things up!"
She grinned. "The guys helped me."
"I don't know if you have noticed, Princess, but they're trying to match us up."
"Really? But we barely tolerate each other."
"Well- they seemed to enjoy the way we behave in front to them."
"Not as much as we do," she said with a cat-like smile.
He smiled down at her as she raptly gazed up at him.
"Count on these romantic classics to help you keep your love alive forever," the DJ's voice echoed throughout the room and a slow melody came out of the speakers. It was ‘Private Emotion' by Ricky Martin and Meja.
Instinctively Keith slid his hand around her waist, squeezing the lithe curve of it beneath his palm and fingers. Allura shivered with delight. Her heart was beating so fast. It felt so good to be in his arms. He grasped her hand then, interlacing their fingers before she could resist.
"This is the most wonderful birthday I ever had, thank you, Ally," he whispered into her ear, and then gently kissed her temple.
Allura felt her heart flutter inside her breast like a caged bird. The floor actually seemed to tilt beneath her. In fact, the whole world had suddenly slipped away. She was alone in the universe with this man, lost in the wonder of their love.
"Anything for you, Keith," she sighed.
The End.
09/12/2000
Revised 03/07/2015
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Please Note
"The Lion's Keep: The Next Chapter" is the most recent version of the "The Lion's Keep",
and was originally established November 08, 1999
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