School Days
Part III
Together at Last
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 adult themes, violence and bad language.
Author’s notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. I want to thank Lynne (Bonds of Love) who took time to proof-read and her ideas. Esto es para ti, Lynne.
I also want to thank Ariane, who's helping me with the French part and offered some ideas for the series. Merci beaucoup, Ariane. C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 07/05/2000 - Revised 03/07/2015
Rating: PG-13 for adult themes, violence and bad language.
Author’s notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. I want to thank Lynne (Bonds of Love) who took time to proof-read and her ideas. Esto es para ti, Lynne.
I also want to thank Ariane, who's helping me with the French part and offered some ideas for the series. Merci beaucoup, Ariane. C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 07/05/2000 - Revised 03/07/2015
Click on the following links to move along to that chapter.
The five space explorers could not believe the wondrous sight before their eyes.
Pidge sighed. "She's beautiful," he said softly.
Hunk nodded. "Breathtaking," he said full of awe.
"Trés Belle," Lance whispered enchanted.
A slow smile appeared on Sven's face. "Deilig," he whispered. (lovely)
Keith just stared at her. At that moment, it was as if the breath had left his lungs and his heart had ceased to beat. Then his heart came to vibrant life, thudding with a rapid drumbeat that surely had to be audible.
Allura was wearing a pink satin gown with white ruffles. Her shoulders were bare and the neckline dipped into a soft vee. Her golden hair wasn't braided – it was hanging loosely, reaching her waist. A circlet rested upon her head.
She looked like an angel.
"Princess, these five brave explorers have just escaped from the evil Zarkon. And now they've come to help us."
"Who wouldn't want to help her?" Pidge said, unable to take his eyes off her.
"The Princess and I are the only survivors of the royal court. We're determined to free our planet and restore it to glory."
Slowly, she came down the long stretch of stairs while they continued gawking at her.
She caught a glimpse of each of the young men, but the one wearing the red flight suit captured her attention, making her heart skip a beat.
Is he real or merely an apparition, a vision she had summoned in her moment of need?
"Our prayers have been answered. You're a great team and a blessing," Coran continued.
When she reached the last step, the diplomat extended his hand to her. She placed her hand on his waiting palm and stood next to him.
"Please, tell me your names," she said quietly.
Swallowing hard, Keith stepped into the light to face her. "I'm Keith – the Commander."
Her breath got caught in her chest, and she couldn't breathe for a few moments; it wasn't a figment of her imagination, He was really here!
Eventually she was able to draw the breath he had just taken away and turned to the others.
"My name is Sven," he said in a low voice.
"Lance," he said gruffly.
"I'm Hunk," he declared.
"Everybody calls me Pidge," he said shyly.
Her big blue eyes glistened with tears. "Welcome to our poor planet, Coran has told you what a beautiful place Arus once was."
She then lifted her head and tears spilled down her rosy cheeks. "I'm glad my father isn't here to witness this destruction. His brave, noble heart would be broken. He was a fair and generous ruler. Zarkon destroyed everything but his memory," she said, her voice a choked whisper.
Keith felt a twinge of pain in his heart. Allura had suffered the loss of her family and the destruction of her planet and he wasn't at her side to comfort her.
Now he was here, and with the help of his friends he was going to make Zarkon pay dearly for hurting his beloved.
"But our king left us Voltron," Coran said thoughtfully. "If he were alive we would know how to activate the invincible robot."
"We know about the legend of Voltron," Hunk broke in. "That's why we're here."
Lance felt horrible looking at the princess in this state. "We'll save you," he declared.
"You said you have Voltron," Pidge said.
"We do and we don't," Coran answered.
"Which is it?" Keith said anxiously.
Coran sighed. "When Zarkon attacked, we sent Voltron into action at once. But Zarkon sent his old witch Hagar to work her most powerful evil. She changed herself into a beautiful space goddess and lured Voltron close, then sent an enormous charge of destructive energy into him. She didn't succeed in destroying him but broke him into five separate units and sent them plunging back to the ground. The five parts came falling down as mechanical lions, each one a fighting machine, but only one fifth strong as the mighty Voltron. Each lion buried itself in a different part of the planet as it landed."
"Without Voltron to come to our aid, Zarkon was able to crush us," Coran said in a rough voice. "Although we still have Voltron scattered in five parts like sleeping lions, we didn't have King Alfor who knew the secret of Voltron; he would have known how to reassemble the five lions."
Keith glanced back at his first officer who had remained silent throughout the diplomat's explanation and waited for his input.
Sven raised his head. "Voltron is loved by all good people and feared by evil," he declared.
Keith nodded and then turned his gaze back to Allura. "And if we locate those parts, we can operate them. There are five of us!"
Allura brushed away her tears with the back of her hand and offered him a smile.
"And when we form Voltron," Pidge began. "No evil will harm you again."
Coran smiled at Allura. "Princess, our prayers are answered, from this moment on, you will be known as the Voltron Force!"
"Please, Keith, come to my side," he called, and when the space explorer had joined them, he placed the princess' dainty hand into the large hand of the commander.
"Do you promise to serve and protect HRH Princess Allura of Arus?"
"I promise, as God is my witness," he replied, his voice full of conviction.
Without releasing her hand, he knelt down in front of Allura. Their eyes locked for a few moments. He then kissed the back of her hand. The press of his lips against her flesh sent a series of chills along her spine and her cheeks felt warm.
Reluctantly, he stood back up so the rest of the team could pledge their allegiance to her. Lance was the last one. Unfortunately, when he about to kiss her hand they heard the sound of alien ships.
Pidge sighed. "She's beautiful," he said softly.
Hunk nodded. "Breathtaking," he said full of awe.
"Trés Belle," Lance whispered enchanted.
A slow smile appeared on Sven's face. "Deilig," he whispered. (lovely)
Keith just stared at her. At that moment, it was as if the breath had left his lungs and his heart had ceased to beat. Then his heart came to vibrant life, thudding with a rapid drumbeat that surely had to be audible.
Allura was wearing a pink satin gown with white ruffles. Her shoulders were bare and the neckline dipped into a soft vee. Her golden hair wasn't braided – it was hanging loosely, reaching her waist. A circlet rested upon her head.
She looked like an angel.
"Princess, these five brave explorers have just escaped from the evil Zarkon. And now they've come to help us."
"Who wouldn't want to help her?" Pidge said, unable to take his eyes off her.
"The Princess and I are the only survivors of the royal court. We're determined to free our planet and restore it to glory."
Slowly, she came down the long stretch of stairs while they continued gawking at her.
She caught a glimpse of each of the young men, but the one wearing the red flight suit captured her attention, making her heart skip a beat.
Is he real or merely an apparition, a vision she had summoned in her moment of need?
"Our prayers have been answered. You're a great team and a blessing," Coran continued.
When she reached the last step, the diplomat extended his hand to her. She placed her hand on his waiting palm and stood next to him.
"Please, tell me your names," she said quietly.
Swallowing hard, Keith stepped into the light to face her. "I'm Keith – the Commander."
Her breath got caught in her chest, and she couldn't breathe for a few moments; it wasn't a figment of her imagination, He was really here!
Eventually she was able to draw the breath he had just taken away and turned to the others.
"My name is Sven," he said in a low voice.
"Lance," he said gruffly.
"I'm Hunk," he declared.
"Everybody calls me Pidge," he said shyly.
Her big blue eyes glistened with tears. "Welcome to our poor planet, Coran has told you what a beautiful place Arus once was."
She then lifted her head and tears spilled down her rosy cheeks. "I'm glad my father isn't here to witness this destruction. His brave, noble heart would be broken. He was a fair and generous ruler. Zarkon destroyed everything but his memory," she said, her voice a choked whisper.
Keith felt a twinge of pain in his heart. Allura had suffered the loss of her family and the destruction of her planet and he wasn't at her side to comfort her.
Now he was here, and with the help of his friends he was going to make Zarkon pay dearly for hurting his beloved.
"But our king left us Voltron," Coran said thoughtfully. "If he were alive we would know how to activate the invincible robot."
"We know about the legend of Voltron," Hunk broke in. "That's why we're here."
Lance felt horrible looking at the princess in this state. "We'll save you," he declared.
"You said you have Voltron," Pidge said.
"We do and we don't," Coran answered.
"Which is it?" Keith said anxiously.
Coran sighed. "When Zarkon attacked, we sent Voltron into action at once. But Zarkon sent his old witch Hagar to work her most powerful evil. She changed herself into a beautiful space goddess and lured Voltron close, then sent an enormous charge of destructive energy into him. She didn't succeed in destroying him but broke him into five separate units and sent them plunging back to the ground. The five parts came falling down as mechanical lions, each one a fighting machine, but only one fifth strong as the mighty Voltron. Each lion buried itself in a different part of the planet as it landed."
"Without Voltron to come to our aid, Zarkon was able to crush us," Coran said in a rough voice. "Although we still have Voltron scattered in five parts like sleeping lions, we didn't have King Alfor who knew the secret of Voltron; he would have known how to reassemble the five lions."
Keith glanced back at his first officer who had remained silent throughout the diplomat's explanation and waited for his input.
Sven raised his head. "Voltron is loved by all good people and feared by evil," he declared.
Keith nodded and then turned his gaze back to Allura. "And if we locate those parts, we can operate them. There are five of us!"
Allura brushed away her tears with the back of her hand and offered him a smile.
"And when we form Voltron," Pidge began. "No evil will harm you again."
Coran smiled at Allura. "Princess, our prayers are answered, from this moment on, you will be known as the Voltron Force!"
"Please, Keith, come to my side," he called, and when the space explorer had joined them, he placed the princess' dainty hand into the large hand of the commander.
"Do you promise to serve and protect HRH Princess Allura of Arus?"
"I promise, as God is my witness," he replied, his voice full of conviction.
Without releasing her hand, he knelt down in front of Allura. Their eyes locked for a few moments. He then kissed the back of her hand. The press of his lips against her flesh sent a series of chills along her spine and her cheeks felt warm.
Reluctantly, he stood back up so the rest of the team could pledge their allegiance to her. Lance was the last one. Unfortunately, when he about to kiss her hand they heard the sound of alien ships.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.04.11.2
Yurak is still looking for us. I hope we can find Voltron before he decides to attack. Coran and Allura showed us their control room, which was hidden behind a large portrait of King Alfor. Everyone was shocked. We couldn't believe they had been able to hide such advanced technology for so long. Coran said that if Zarkon knew about this, it would be the end of Arus.
We were admiring the control room, when he said, "Gentlemen, these are for you."
"What's that?" I asked looking at the box he was carrying.
"New uniforms," he replied.
"We really don't need uniforms," I said dismissively.
"We need Voltron," Sven said gravelly.
Coran frowned slightly. "It's royal tradition."
Sven and I just glanced at each other, unable to find an argument.
Pidge turned to Allura. "If it pleases the princess, okay."
"You're so kind," she whispered.
He smiled at her and adjusted his glasses. "Suit up!"
We took the uniforms and went into the next room; minutes later we came out.
Allura and Coran smiled at us.
"Perfect!" he breathed.
The white uniforms had accents in five vibrant red, blue, green, yellow and black. Sven chose the black one. Lance took the blue one. Hunk grabbed the yellow uniform, Pidge the green one and I picked the red uniform.
"I'm very pleased to see our uniforms back in service," he added.
After fulfilling this royal tradition, I asked him for the location of the lions.
Pressing a button in the console, the five lions appeared on the screens. "They're close to the sources of their individual powers. The Black Lion that forms the body of Voltron is on top of the lion monument."
"That's the best place for Black Lion to harness the power of air and thunder," Allura said.
"The Red lion," Coran continued, "lies beneath the fiery lava of the volcano. The Green Lion is hidden deep in the forest. Somewhere at the bottom of the lake the Blue Lion is resting. And the Yellow Lion lies hidden out in the sands of the desert. We have underground tunnels to all of them. And those who know the magic formula they can be made to unite like this."
Coran walked to the main console and sat down. He pressed a series of buttons and five robot lions appeared on the screen, and they joined quickly to form the mighty robot.
"Far out!" Pidge exclaimed.
I gazed at Allura and said, "Okay, Princess."
Allura smiled at me for a few moments. She and Coran then glanced at each other and nodded.
"You're the saviors of Arus, we have no other hope," Coran said. "You offered to come to our defense and we trust you to battle the evil Zarkon. Go now; take your places in the five lion robots. Combined you will become mighty Voltron, king of robots, defender of the universe!"
Save… close.
Yurak is still looking for us. I hope we can find Voltron before he decides to attack. Coran and Allura showed us their control room, which was hidden behind a large portrait of King Alfor. Everyone was shocked. We couldn't believe they had been able to hide such advanced technology for so long. Coran said that if Zarkon knew about this, it would be the end of Arus.
We were admiring the control room, when he said, "Gentlemen, these are for you."
"What's that?" I asked looking at the box he was carrying.
"New uniforms," he replied.
"We really don't need uniforms," I said dismissively.
"We need Voltron," Sven said gravelly.
Coran frowned slightly. "It's royal tradition."
Sven and I just glanced at each other, unable to find an argument.
Pidge turned to Allura. "If it pleases the princess, okay."
"You're so kind," she whispered.
He smiled at her and adjusted his glasses. "Suit up!"
We took the uniforms and went into the next room; minutes later we came out.
Allura and Coran smiled at us.
"Perfect!" he breathed.
The white uniforms had accents in five vibrant red, blue, green, yellow and black. Sven chose the black one. Lance took the blue one. Hunk grabbed the yellow uniform, Pidge the green one and I picked the red uniform.
"I'm very pleased to see our uniforms back in service," he added.
After fulfilling this royal tradition, I asked him for the location of the lions.
Pressing a button in the console, the five lions appeared on the screens. "They're close to the sources of their individual powers. The Black Lion that forms the body of Voltron is on top of the lion monument."
"That's the best place for Black Lion to harness the power of air and thunder," Allura said.
"The Red lion," Coran continued, "lies beneath the fiery lava of the volcano. The Green Lion is hidden deep in the forest. Somewhere at the bottom of the lake the Blue Lion is resting. And the Yellow Lion lies hidden out in the sands of the desert. We have underground tunnels to all of them. And those who know the magic formula they can be made to unite like this."
Coran walked to the main console and sat down. He pressed a series of buttons and five robot lions appeared on the screen, and they joined quickly to form the mighty robot.
"Far out!" Pidge exclaimed.
I gazed at Allura and said, "Okay, Princess."
Allura smiled at me for a few moments. She and Coran then glanced at each other and nodded.
"You're the saviors of Arus, we have no other hope," Coran said. "You offered to come to our defense and we trust you to battle the evil Zarkon. Go now; take your places in the five lion robots. Combined you will become mighty Voltron, king of robots, defender of the universe!"
Save… close.
An hour later, Allura, Coran and the new Voltron Force were having a late supper in the dining room. The royal advisor told them about their trials and tribulations at the hands of Zarkon.
Keith entered the room after sending a message to the Garrison informing them about the conditions on Arus.
Allura stared after Keith as he strode toward the table at the end of the room to take his seat beside Coran. He was taller, and his shoulder-length hair brushed broad, muscular shoulders. The complexion of his angular face was sun browned. His jaw was strong like the rest of him.
Keith commanded himself to continue ignoring her, as he had been attempting to do since their arrival. He had a responsibility to the Alliance, and that he would fulfill, despite his strong desire to wrap his arms around her and tell her how much he loved her.
With such thoughts in his mind, he was glad he had been unable to see her blush when she spilled some of the coffee on the floor. Nor had he paid any attention to the way the tip of her tongue touched her lip as she poured his coffee. He would concentrate on the task at hand and forget about the princess with golden hair he would like to bury his hands in.
Lance turned to Allura. "Don't you think it would be wise if you leave Arus while we take care of Zarkon?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I will not abandon my people in their hour of need," she said with determination, "I would not be able to live with myself."
~Spoken like a true leader,~ Keith thought, his pride in her growing by the minute.
"King Alfor and Queen Alexandra instilled in their only daughter a strong sense of duty and valor. Zarkon has tried to subdue her countless times, but she has been able to fend off his verbal attacks," the royal advisor stated.
She blushed slightly and placed her hand over his. "Coran has been my only source of strength these past two years, but now you have come to help us."
"You can count on us, Princess!" Hunk said. "Right guys?"
"Right!" they replied in unison.
"We must inform our people this happy news!" Coran said, "But now I believe we should retire. It has been a long journey for you, and tomorrow we have much to discuss."
They nodded and rose from their seats. Allura took hold of a nearby torch and stuck it into the fire, lighting it before going to the door to wait for them.
Allura led the way to the castle wing where guests were customarily housed. Holding the flickering torch, she tried to concentrate on the ground, and not be as conscious of Keith's proximity as they walked together in the pool of light. The rest of the team and Coran were with them, but she felt as if they were the only two people in that hallway.
If only she knew he felt the same way.
Keith entered the room after sending a message to the Garrison informing them about the conditions on Arus.
Allura stared after Keith as he strode toward the table at the end of the room to take his seat beside Coran. He was taller, and his shoulder-length hair brushed broad, muscular shoulders. The complexion of his angular face was sun browned. His jaw was strong like the rest of him.
Keith commanded himself to continue ignoring her, as he had been attempting to do since their arrival. He had a responsibility to the Alliance, and that he would fulfill, despite his strong desire to wrap his arms around her and tell her how much he loved her.
With such thoughts in his mind, he was glad he had been unable to see her blush when she spilled some of the coffee on the floor. Nor had he paid any attention to the way the tip of her tongue touched her lip as she poured his coffee. He would concentrate on the task at hand and forget about the princess with golden hair he would like to bury his hands in.
Lance turned to Allura. "Don't you think it would be wise if you leave Arus while we take care of Zarkon?" he asked.
She shook her head. "I will not abandon my people in their hour of need," she said with determination, "I would not be able to live with myself."
~Spoken like a true leader,~ Keith thought, his pride in her growing by the minute.
"King Alfor and Queen Alexandra instilled in their only daughter a strong sense of duty and valor. Zarkon has tried to subdue her countless times, but she has been able to fend off his verbal attacks," the royal advisor stated.
She blushed slightly and placed her hand over his. "Coran has been my only source of strength these past two years, but now you have come to help us."
"You can count on us, Princess!" Hunk said. "Right guys?"
"Right!" they replied in unison.
"We must inform our people this happy news!" Coran said, "But now I believe we should retire. It has been a long journey for you, and tomorrow we have much to discuss."
They nodded and rose from their seats. Allura took hold of a nearby torch and stuck it into the fire, lighting it before going to the door to wait for them.
Allura led the way to the castle wing where guests were customarily housed. Holding the flickering torch, she tried to concentrate on the ground, and not be as conscious of Keith's proximity as they walked together in the pool of light. The rest of the team and Coran were with them, but she felt as if they were the only two people in that hallway.
If only she knew he felt the same way.
APRIL 11TH
Dear diary:
The space explorers have just arrived and guess what? Keith is among them! He's the commander of the team!
He kept his promise to become a space explorer. I'm so proud of him! Gone is the young man who disdained authority and didn't care about the future.
As I was listening to his account about their adventures on Doom I could see that his friends really look up to him. He's a true leader.
I don't know how I was able to restrain myself from running to him and telling everyone how much I love him. Does he still love me? Or is it wishful thinking on my part?
Maybe his feelings toward me have changed. During this time he could have met another girl and fallen in love with her. I couldn't blame him for that. He has the right to go on with his life.
I shouldn't be thinking about this. My priority right now is saving my planet from Zarkon.
Nevertheless - I wish I could talk to him. Maybe if I – no, I don't think I should.
I'll do it. I'll write him a note, asking him to meet me at the ruined tower. I hope he comes.
More later.
Dear diary:
The space explorers have just arrived and guess what? Keith is among them! He's the commander of the team!
He kept his promise to become a space explorer. I'm so proud of him! Gone is the young man who disdained authority and didn't care about the future.
As I was listening to his account about their adventures on Doom I could see that his friends really look up to him. He's a true leader.
I don't know how I was able to restrain myself from running to him and telling everyone how much I love him. Does he still love me? Or is it wishful thinking on my part?
Maybe his feelings toward me have changed. During this time he could have met another girl and fallen in love with her. I couldn't blame him for that. He has the right to go on with his life.
I shouldn't be thinking about this. My priority right now is saving my planet from Zarkon.
Nevertheless - I wish I could talk to him. Maybe if I – no, I don't think I should.
I'll do it. I'll write him a note, asking him to meet me at the ruined tower. I hope he comes.
More later.
[Keith was lying in bed, unable to sleep. Too much excitement for one day, he thought. He decided to continue with his journal and took out his palmtop]
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.04.12.1
I wished King Alfor had sent Allura back to Terra when the fighting erupted. I could have asked my stepfather to protect her. She could have stayed with mother and him while I was in the academy.
But she's right, she can't abandon her people. She has a duty as ruler of Arus, and I promised to protect and preserve the freedom of the planets of the Alliance. I must concentrate on my mission and wait for the right moment.
[Keith heard footsteps in the hallway and quickly sat up. He directed his attention to the door and saw someone slipping a note underneath it. He rose from the bed and strode toward the door, leaned down, and reached for the piece of paper]
~K: We need to talk. Please meet me at the ruined tower in the east wing of the castle. A.~
[He heaved a heavy sigh as he read the note again]
Should I pay attention to this note?
After all… she's a princess and I am a space explorer… we have nothing in common. Except those days back at St. Mary's.
Maybe she has not forgotten what we had so long ago; maybe there's still a chance for us.
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.04.12.1
I wished King Alfor had sent Allura back to Terra when the fighting erupted. I could have asked my stepfather to protect her. She could have stayed with mother and him while I was in the academy.
But she's right, she can't abandon her people. She has a duty as ruler of Arus, and I promised to protect and preserve the freedom of the planets of the Alliance. I must concentrate on my mission and wait for the right moment.
[Keith heard footsteps in the hallway and quickly sat up. He directed his attention to the door and saw someone slipping a note underneath it. He rose from the bed and strode toward the door, leaned down, and reached for the piece of paper]
~K: We need to talk. Please meet me at the ruined tower in the east wing of the castle. A.~
[He heaved a heavy sigh as he read the note again]
Should I pay attention to this note?
After all… she's a princess and I am a space explorer… we have nothing in common. Except those days back at St. Mary's.
Maybe she has not forgotten what we had so long ago; maybe there's still a chance for us.
Save… close.
Allura came to a halt in the ruined tower. The cold air blew through her dress and whipped her hair about her face. It howled through the gaps in the stones of the ancient tower like the keening of mourning women.
Wrapping her arms about herself for warmth, her gaze moved to the lake, its shimmering water lit by the pale twin moons.
Maybe it was mistake to ask him to meet her there.
Keeping to the shadows, Keith hurried cautiously through the castle. He made his way closer to the tower. He hoped he was not too late. Even more anxious than before, he dashed across the stairs and stopped in front of a wooden door.
He opened it and stepped outside and he found himself standing a few feet away from her.
"Allura," he called out softly.
She whirled around at the sound of his voice. Then, she slowly brushed her amazing hair away from her face and looked at him, her azure eyes large, and they held an expression he had seen before.
Half defiant pride, half yearning vulnerability...
Allura did not speak or move, but regarded him steadily, her lips parted as if she would speak. He waited, not breathing, for her to utter a single word.
She walked up to him and rose on her toes to press a light kiss upon his cheek, the sensation like the touch of a feather tip. She had kissed him before, of course, but this gentle caress seemed to make his blood burn beyond anything he had felt before.
She enjoyed the sensation of the stubble of his cheek against her mouth, the scent of his skin… and the yearning that had blossomed within her.
"Keith," she breathed.
He reached for her and enfolded her in his arms. He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.
"Allura, mi hermosa Allura." (Allura, my beautiful Allura)"
Turning suddenly, she twisted her face to stare up into his. Their eyes locked. He felt her trembling in his arms, and he tightened his grip on her.
Her lips parted slightly, almost expectantly, and before he could stop himself he bent down and kissed her fully on the mouth.
After a few moments of intense kissing, they stopped, drew apart and stared at each other breathlessly, wonderingly.
"Allura – I love you so much. You don't know how many times I've dreamed of this moment."
"I love you, Keith."
Happiness overwhelming her, she threw herself into his welcoming embrace and wept.
"Don't cry, Ally. We're together at last," he crooned tenderly, holding her gently.
"I missed you… so much," she said, choking and sobbing and smiling all at the same time, scarcely daring to believe that he loved her still.
"And I missed you too," he replied, and then kissed her again with all the passion she dreamed of, yearned for.
"Thank God you were able to escape from Zarkon… the mere thought of losing you is unbearable!"
"I should have gotten here sooner, but my friends and I were in the opposite side of the universe, in the war of the Magenta galaxy."
"What matters now is that you're here with me," she murmured.
He kissed her forehead. "I wish I could take you away from this."
A sob caught in Allura's throat as he hugged her tightly. "Me too, but we can't think about our happiness when my people are suffering at the hands of Zarkon."
"I know," he sighed.
"Do your friends know that we met years ago?"
"No. They're very especial guys and I love them, but if they knew I went to school with a princess, I would not hear the end of it!"
"I don't understand…"
He chuckled softly. "You will… soon."
"They seem very nice."
"And they are."
She drew back from his arms, looked into his eyes and said, "Then we must keep our relationship a secret at least for the time being."
He smiled softly at her. "Ally," he said, "waiting will be difficult for both of us, but I know it's for the best."
She then reached up to kiss him.
"Very well, my love."
Wrapping her arms about herself for warmth, her gaze moved to the lake, its shimmering water lit by the pale twin moons.
Maybe it was mistake to ask him to meet her there.
Keeping to the shadows, Keith hurried cautiously through the castle. He made his way closer to the tower. He hoped he was not too late. Even more anxious than before, he dashed across the stairs and stopped in front of a wooden door.
He opened it and stepped outside and he found himself standing a few feet away from her.
"Allura," he called out softly.
She whirled around at the sound of his voice. Then, she slowly brushed her amazing hair away from her face and looked at him, her azure eyes large, and they held an expression he had seen before.
Half defiant pride, half yearning vulnerability...
Allura did not speak or move, but regarded him steadily, her lips parted as if she would speak. He waited, not breathing, for her to utter a single word.
She walked up to him and rose on her toes to press a light kiss upon his cheek, the sensation like the touch of a feather tip. She had kissed him before, of course, but this gentle caress seemed to make his blood burn beyond anything he had felt before.
She enjoyed the sensation of the stubble of his cheek against her mouth, the scent of his skin… and the yearning that had blossomed within her.
"Keith," she breathed.
He reached for her and enfolded her in his arms. He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.
"Allura, mi hermosa Allura." (Allura, my beautiful Allura)"
Turning suddenly, she twisted her face to stare up into his. Their eyes locked. He felt her trembling in his arms, and he tightened his grip on her.
Her lips parted slightly, almost expectantly, and before he could stop himself he bent down and kissed her fully on the mouth.
After a few moments of intense kissing, they stopped, drew apart and stared at each other breathlessly, wonderingly.
"Allura – I love you so much. You don't know how many times I've dreamed of this moment."
"I love you, Keith."
Happiness overwhelming her, she threw herself into his welcoming embrace and wept.
"Don't cry, Ally. We're together at last," he crooned tenderly, holding her gently.
"I missed you… so much," she said, choking and sobbing and smiling all at the same time, scarcely daring to believe that he loved her still.
"And I missed you too," he replied, and then kissed her again with all the passion she dreamed of, yearned for.
"Thank God you were able to escape from Zarkon… the mere thought of losing you is unbearable!"
"I should have gotten here sooner, but my friends and I were in the opposite side of the universe, in the war of the Magenta galaxy."
"What matters now is that you're here with me," she murmured.
He kissed her forehead. "I wish I could take you away from this."
A sob caught in Allura's throat as he hugged her tightly. "Me too, but we can't think about our happiness when my people are suffering at the hands of Zarkon."
"I know," he sighed.
"Do your friends know that we met years ago?"
"No. They're very especial guys and I love them, but if they knew I went to school with a princess, I would not hear the end of it!"
"I don't understand…"
He chuckled softly. "You will… soon."
"They seem very nice."
"And they are."
She drew back from his arms, looked into his eyes and said, "Then we must keep our relationship a secret at least for the time being."
He smiled softly at her. "Ally," he said, "waiting will be difficult for both of us, but I know it's for the best."
She then reached up to kiss him.
"Very well, my love."
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.04.12.2
The next morning, I came out of my room and met with my friends in the hallway. We headed to the dining room. Allura was already there. She had prepared a simple breakfast for us.
She smiled at us. "Good morning!" she said brightly.
"Good morning, Princess!" we replied in unison.
"Please sit down. I hope everyone had a good night sleep," she said. "Coran is waiting for us in the control room."
"I sure did…" Hunk yawned and stretched lazily.
Pidge rolled his eyes at him. "Yeah, I could hear you snoring from my room."
"Stop complaining," I ordered. "We had to stay late to analyze the schematics of the robot lions and their operation manuals."
"That's right," Sven intervened. "We've already memorized the basic operation for each of the lions."
"Also, we agreed on the pilot formation," Lance noted with a smile. "Of course, Keith will ride Black Lion, when we find its key."
"We'll find it, you can count on that," Hunk said.
"And Keith already has memorized the formation sequence for Voltron," Pidge said.
"Last night, Sven and I took a little tour of the castle," Lance said. "It's going to take a lot of time and effort to rebuild it. Maybe we can use Voltron for that."
"We'll see," I replied.
Afterwards, we entered the control room. Coran was looking at the view screen and glanced back.
"Good morning, Coran," we greeted him.
"Good morning, gentlemen."
Everyone gazed at the screen for a few moments. I told Coran that Zarkon's attack squad was getting closer by the minute. He agreed with me but persisted on not telling us how to operate the lions. I pressed him for the information until he relented. We needed five special keys to operate the lions, and they were kept on King Alfor's tomb because it was his final request.
Desperate for action, Pidge volunteered to go outside and see how close the attack squad was to the castle. Sven suggested that he better stay undercover, to which the little guy said that we shouldn't worried. That they wouldn't hurt a guy with glasses.
Coran asked us to follow him to the royal crypt. We were about to take an elevator when Allura appeared in the hallway. She wanted to join us in the search for the keys. The diplomat said it was not a pleasant place to visit and would bring her sad memories. She replied that she had gone many times and it wasn't a sad place and it gave her strength. Surprised by her confession, the man agreed.
We entered the tomb and the doors closed behind us. We stood in total darkness for a few moments, when suddenly a bright light appeared before us. It was the spirit of King Alfor, welcoming us to his planet, happy to see that Allura and Coran were surrounded by friends, willing to help them form Voltron and restore Arus to glory. He told us the keys were with him and to take them, and that now he could rest. When he disappeared, I turned to Allura and saw that she was crying.
After paying our respects we opened the casket.
"The keys!" Hunk said. "Five keys to five lions. There are five of us, one key for each of us."
Lance shook his head and pointed to an empty box. "There are five boxes, Hunk, but only four keys."
"What?" Coran gasped and stepped forward to look inside the coffin.
Hunk shrugged his shoulders. "Well, we got four keys; we can try to put Voltron together."
Coran shook his head. "No, it's impossible. The key to the main lion is gone."
"You mean we won't be able to unite the five lions and form Voltron?" I asked.
He pressed his lips together. "No, and the Black Lions cannot operate at all."
Lance leaned over the coffin. "Who could've taken the key?" he asked quietly.
"Find out later," Sven said agitated, "Zarkon's attack squad is here."
Hunk frowned at me. "What do we do?"
"Use sticks and stones and spears," I replied simply.
Save… close.
The next morning, I came out of my room and met with my friends in the hallway. We headed to the dining room. Allura was already there. She had prepared a simple breakfast for us.
She smiled at us. "Good morning!" she said brightly.
"Good morning, Princess!" we replied in unison.
"Please sit down. I hope everyone had a good night sleep," she said. "Coran is waiting for us in the control room."
"I sure did…" Hunk yawned and stretched lazily.
Pidge rolled his eyes at him. "Yeah, I could hear you snoring from my room."
"Stop complaining," I ordered. "We had to stay late to analyze the schematics of the robot lions and their operation manuals."
"That's right," Sven intervened. "We've already memorized the basic operation for each of the lions."
"Also, we agreed on the pilot formation," Lance noted with a smile. "Of course, Keith will ride Black Lion, when we find its key."
"We'll find it, you can count on that," Hunk said.
"And Keith already has memorized the formation sequence for Voltron," Pidge said.
"Last night, Sven and I took a little tour of the castle," Lance said. "It's going to take a lot of time and effort to rebuild it. Maybe we can use Voltron for that."
"We'll see," I replied.
Afterwards, we entered the control room. Coran was looking at the view screen and glanced back.
"Good morning, Coran," we greeted him.
"Good morning, gentlemen."
Everyone gazed at the screen for a few moments. I told Coran that Zarkon's attack squad was getting closer by the minute. He agreed with me but persisted on not telling us how to operate the lions. I pressed him for the information until he relented. We needed five special keys to operate the lions, and they were kept on King Alfor's tomb because it was his final request.
Desperate for action, Pidge volunteered to go outside and see how close the attack squad was to the castle. Sven suggested that he better stay undercover, to which the little guy said that we shouldn't worried. That they wouldn't hurt a guy with glasses.
Coran asked us to follow him to the royal crypt. We were about to take an elevator when Allura appeared in the hallway. She wanted to join us in the search for the keys. The diplomat said it was not a pleasant place to visit and would bring her sad memories. She replied that she had gone many times and it wasn't a sad place and it gave her strength. Surprised by her confession, the man agreed.
We entered the tomb and the doors closed behind us. We stood in total darkness for a few moments, when suddenly a bright light appeared before us. It was the spirit of King Alfor, welcoming us to his planet, happy to see that Allura and Coran were surrounded by friends, willing to help them form Voltron and restore Arus to glory. He told us the keys were with him and to take them, and that now he could rest. When he disappeared, I turned to Allura and saw that she was crying.
After paying our respects we opened the casket.
"The keys!" Hunk said. "Five keys to five lions. There are five of us, one key for each of us."
Lance shook his head and pointed to an empty box. "There are five boxes, Hunk, but only four keys."
"What?" Coran gasped and stepped forward to look inside the coffin.
Hunk shrugged his shoulders. "Well, we got four keys; we can try to put Voltron together."
Coran shook his head. "No, it's impossible. The key to the main lion is gone."
"You mean we won't be able to unite the five lions and form Voltron?" I asked.
He pressed his lips together. "No, and the Black Lions cannot operate at all."
Lance leaned over the coffin. "Who could've taken the key?" he asked quietly.
"Find out later," Sven said agitated, "Zarkon's attack squad is here."
Hunk frowned at me. "What do we do?"
"Use sticks and stones and spears," I replied simply.
Save… close.
APRIL 13TH
Dear diary:
We waited for Pidge for about an hour. Everyone was getting restless, especially Hunk. He seems to be very protective of the little one. Suddenly, there was an incoming message. Keith took out the communication device and asked Pidge if he was in trouble. He answered that he was surrounded by Zarkon's evil soldiers and needed help. Hunk grabbed the communicator from Keith and asked him to continue undercover and give out his exact location, when they lost contact.
Lance widened his eyes. "Poor guy!"
Sven frowned. "Now we've got to use the lions!"
"Without the fifth lion you'll never be able to form Voltron," Coran insisted.
Keith huffed. "We'll take our chances with the four lions."
"We've got to get Pidge out of there," Sven snapped.
"It's a life or death," Hunk growled.
"Coran - where are the lion ships?" Keith asked quietly, drawing to a standstill in front of him, his black eyebrows puckered together in a frown. "Coran… please!"
Coran hesitated for a few moments.
"Coran, we can't wait any longer for your okay. We'll go out after Pidge without help," he said angrily and hurried off, followed by rest of the team.
"Please, wait," I said.
They stopped and glanced back at me.
"You cannot go and face Zarkon's fleet without any means of defense."
Keith raised an eyebrow. "We got our bare hands," he declared.
I smiled at his determination and that of his teammates. So I turned to Coran and said, "Show them the way to the lion ships."
He nodded. "Yes, Princess. Let's hope the lions still respond." He sat down and pressed a button on the console, making it rise from the floor so the five portals appeared before them.
"Each of you ride an elevator to the lions and let's hope this works!"
Keith nodded. "All right, let's go team!" he ordered.
More later…
Dear diary:
We waited for Pidge for about an hour. Everyone was getting restless, especially Hunk. He seems to be very protective of the little one. Suddenly, there was an incoming message. Keith took out the communication device and asked Pidge if he was in trouble. He answered that he was surrounded by Zarkon's evil soldiers and needed help. Hunk grabbed the communicator from Keith and asked him to continue undercover and give out his exact location, when they lost contact.
Lance widened his eyes. "Poor guy!"
Sven frowned. "Now we've got to use the lions!"
"Without the fifth lion you'll never be able to form Voltron," Coran insisted.
Keith huffed. "We'll take our chances with the four lions."
"We've got to get Pidge out of there," Sven snapped.
"It's a life or death," Hunk growled.
"Coran - where are the lion ships?" Keith asked quietly, drawing to a standstill in front of him, his black eyebrows puckered together in a frown. "Coran… please!"
Coran hesitated for a few moments.
"Coran, we can't wait any longer for your okay. We'll go out after Pidge without help," he said angrily and hurried off, followed by rest of the team.
"Please, wait," I said.
They stopped and glanced back at me.
"You cannot go and face Zarkon's fleet without any means of defense."
Keith raised an eyebrow. "We got our bare hands," he declared.
I smiled at his determination and that of his teammates. So I turned to Coran and said, "Show them the way to the lion ships."
He nodded. "Yes, Princess. Let's hope the lions still respond." He sat down and pressed a button on the console, making it rise from the floor so the five portals appeared before them.
"Each of you ride an elevator to the lions and let's hope this works!"
Keith nodded. "All right, let's go team!" he ordered.
More later…
APRIL 13TH
Dear diary:
After convincing Coran to show Keith and the boys the way to the lions, we saw them on the view screen. They fired upon the Doom fighters with a wide array of laser weaponry. It was like they had flown the lions before. The Alliance had chosen the right men for the job.
But still there was no sign of Pidge. Where could he be?
"Look Princess!" Coran exclaimed. "Yurak and his fleet are leaving!"
"And the lions are going after them!" I said. Until they were taken aback by a sandstorm created by Yurak's destroyer. We thought it was the end of him, but Hagar had a surprise for the Voltron Force - a robeast.
"Can they cope with that awful thing, Coran?" I asked, but he just stared at the screen, and I suddenly felt so afraid of losing Keith and my new friends.
The robeast was enveloped in a glowing fog that made it grow to twenty times its original size. The Voltron Force had never seen a creature like this, but they attacked anyway. Unfortunately the monster proved too powerful, and they went down repeatedly.
I reached for the microphone and cried out their names but they didn't respond.
"This can't be happening!"
Coran averted his gaze. "We must inform the Alliance about this," he declared, his voice filled with sadness.
We waited for endless hours. But they didn't come back. I couldn't accept the fact that we had lost them.
All of sudden we heard the swish of the door. We turned around and saw Pidge.
"The little one has returned!" Coran gasped.
"Pidge!" I said, "What happened?"
He started to walk down the stairs when he stumbled and rolled down to land at the bottom.
Coran and I ran to him. "Pidge… please, wake up," I said while I held him in my arms to give him some water.
He opened his eyes. "Princess," he whispered.
I swallowed hard. "You should have never gone out alone. Your friends tried to rescue you. I'm afraid… they still have not returned."
He sat up. "They're not here?" he whispered. "The Voltron Force can pull through anything. They can't be lost. They can't be… you'll see!"
He leaned down on the console and started hitting it. "They're just trying to worry me!"
Then we he heard a strange noise coming from the speaker. Pidge raised his head and said, "That's Hunk… snoring, it's Hunk!"
He adjusted his seat and began punching the controls. "Hunk, I know it's you snoring, your trans-waver must be still turned on, you big dummy. I know you're alive now."
"Wake up, buddy. Did you guys crashed? Are you knocked up or just sleeping? Answer me, buddy, please!"
"Keith, Lance, Sven, please, somebody answer! Where are you guys? Please, come in! Yurak's killer robots are out there and that monster is going to attack again!"
"You're ok, Pidge?" Keith asked.
Pidge smiled widely as tears came running down his face. "Safe and sound, Keith, it's you."
"Alive and well, not thanks to robeast!"
I hugged Coran. I was so happy! Keith and his friends were alive!
"Hello," Sven said quietly.
"Hello, Sven!" Pidge said excitedly.
"That monster sure packs a wallop," Lance groaned.
"The Voltron Force is tougher," Pidge said.
"We'll be a lot tougher when we find the missing key," Hunk said.
"Then we can form Voltron, come back team," he pleaded, jumping from the chair. "Yahoo!"
He fell on his backside and gave me a smile. "And I promise never to go out alone again, and you guys must promise too!" He took off his glasses and wiped his tears with the back of his hand. "I'm so happy, I don't know whether to laugh or cry."
"We're coming back in, Pidge," Keith said happily.
Minutes later the boys came out of the portals and looked around for their friend.
"Pidge?" Hunk asked.
Lance smiled slightly. "I'll bet he's hiding."
Keith turned to me and asked, "Princess – do you know where Pidge is? Is this some sort of a joke? Pidge has a funny sense of humor."
I tried to keep a straight face, but the little one was making me laugh. I pointed towards the console.
They looked up and saw a grinning Pidge sitting on top.
"Yahoo!" he cried, jumping toward Keith, Lance and Hunk. They came crashing onto the floor, Pidge on top of the pile.
"I've got back before you, by using my head," he squealed kneeling next to Keith.
He quirked an eyebrow and gave him a little push, making him fall on his behind. "Knock it off!" he said, feigning outrage.
"Ouch!" Pidge grumbled, rubbing his backside. Everyone laughed at his reaction. That would teach him not to mess with his commander.
Sven then glanced at me. "Have you been able to find the missing key for the fifth lion yet?"
I shook my head. "No."
"Yurak's robots are getting ready to attack," Keith said.
"And this is for that ugly monster!" Hunk breathed.
Sven sighed. "If we could only form Voltron."
Pidge winced. "We gotta find the key to the main lion."
Hunk frowned deeply. "Now!"
And they ran out of the control room.
More later…
Dear diary:
After convincing Coran to show Keith and the boys the way to the lions, we saw them on the view screen. They fired upon the Doom fighters with a wide array of laser weaponry. It was like they had flown the lions before. The Alliance had chosen the right men for the job.
But still there was no sign of Pidge. Where could he be?
"Look Princess!" Coran exclaimed. "Yurak and his fleet are leaving!"
"And the lions are going after them!" I said. Until they were taken aback by a sandstorm created by Yurak's destroyer. We thought it was the end of him, but Hagar had a surprise for the Voltron Force - a robeast.
"Can they cope with that awful thing, Coran?" I asked, but he just stared at the screen, and I suddenly felt so afraid of losing Keith and my new friends.
The robeast was enveloped in a glowing fog that made it grow to twenty times its original size. The Voltron Force had never seen a creature like this, but they attacked anyway. Unfortunately the monster proved too powerful, and they went down repeatedly.
I reached for the microphone and cried out their names but they didn't respond.
"This can't be happening!"
Coran averted his gaze. "We must inform the Alliance about this," he declared, his voice filled with sadness.
We waited for endless hours. But they didn't come back. I couldn't accept the fact that we had lost them.
All of sudden we heard the swish of the door. We turned around and saw Pidge.
"The little one has returned!" Coran gasped.
"Pidge!" I said, "What happened?"
He started to walk down the stairs when he stumbled and rolled down to land at the bottom.
Coran and I ran to him. "Pidge… please, wake up," I said while I held him in my arms to give him some water.
He opened his eyes. "Princess," he whispered.
I swallowed hard. "You should have never gone out alone. Your friends tried to rescue you. I'm afraid… they still have not returned."
He sat up. "They're not here?" he whispered. "The Voltron Force can pull through anything. They can't be lost. They can't be… you'll see!"
He leaned down on the console and started hitting it. "They're just trying to worry me!"
Then we he heard a strange noise coming from the speaker. Pidge raised his head and said, "That's Hunk… snoring, it's Hunk!"
He adjusted his seat and began punching the controls. "Hunk, I know it's you snoring, your trans-waver must be still turned on, you big dummy. I know you're alive now."
"Wake up, buddy. Did you guys crashed? Are you knocked up or just sleeping? Answer me, buddy, please!"
"Keith, Lance, Sven, please, somebody answer! Where are you guys? Please, come in! Yurak's killer robots are out there and that monster is going to attack again!"
"You're ok, Pidge?" Keith asked.
Pidge smiled widely as tears came running down his face. "Safe and sound, Keith, it's you."
"Alive and well, not thanks to robeast!"
I hugged Coran. I was so happy! Keith and his friends were alive!
"Hello," Sven said quietly.
"Hello, Sven!" Pidge said excitedly.
"That monster sure packs a wallop," Lance groaned.
"The Voltron Force is tougher," Pidge said.
"We'll be a lot tougher when we find the missing key," Hunk said.
"Then we can form Voltron, come back team," he pleaded, jumping from the chair. "Yahoo!"
He fell on his backside and gave me a smile. "And I promise never to go out alone again, and you guys must promise too!" He took off his glasses and wiped his tears with the back of his hand. "I'm so happy, I don't know whether to laugh or cry."
"We're coming back in, Pidge," Keith said happily.
Minutes later the boys came out of the portals and looked around for their friend.
"Pidge?" Hunk asked.
Lance smiled slightly. "I'll bet he's hiding."
Keith turned to me and asked, "Princess – do you know where Pidge is? Is this some sort of a joke? Pidge has a funny sense of humor."
I tried to keep a straight face, but the little one was making me laugh. I pointed towards the console.
They looked up and saw a grinning Pidge sitting on top.
"Yahoo!" he cried, jumping toward Keith, Lance and Hunk. They came crashing onto the floor, Pidge on top of the pile.
"I've got back before you, by using my head," he squealed kneeling next to Keith.
He quirked an eyebrow and gave him a little push, making him fall on his behind. "Knock it off!" he said, feigning outrage.
"Ouch!" Pidge grumbled, rubbing his backside. Everyone laughed at his reaction. That would teach him not to mess with his commander.
Sven then glanced at me. "Have you been able to find the missing key for the fifth lion yet?"
I shook my head. "No."
"Yurak's robots are getting ready to attack," Keith said.
"And this is for that ugly monster!" Hunk breathed.
Sven sighed. "If we could only form Voltron."
Pidge winced. "We gotta find the key to the main lion."
Hunk frowned deeply. "Now!"
And they ran out of the control room.
More later…
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.04.13.1
We searched the castle twice while Coran and Allura went to the nearby caves to announce our arrival. But we couldn't find the fifth key, and I said that I was open to suggestions. Sven suggested going back to the king's tomb hoping we had overlooked something.
As we opened the casket Hunk discovered a crack in its side, and it had what appeared animal bites.
Lance frowned slightly. "It looks like a mouse hole, but…"
I studied the crack for a few moments. "No question about it, we're dealing with very special mice," I said.
"That's pure solid rock," Sven noted.
Suddenly, Pidge's face lit up and he told us of a family of chubby space mice he had seen when we arrived to Arus and then saw them again during his return to the castle. He even claimed that one of the critters yelled to him.
Lance glanced at him. "You dreamt it," he said dismissively.
He shook his head. "No – I really saw them. Maybe they took the key."
"Hmmm… if they like rocks," Sven said rubbing his jaw thoughtfully, "maybe they ate the key."
"Let's hope not, for everyone's sake," I said.
"Follow me, I know where they live," Pidge said.
"That could be the answer!" I exclaimed, winking.
Hunk smiled. "We'll need a mousetrap," he said.
We grabbed a mousetrap from a warehouse and went looking for those mice. Pidge stopped in a corner and knelt down and we stood close to him. When he saw a little blue mouse entering his nest and smiled brightly. Hunk nodded and showed him the mousetrap. Pidge walked toward the mouse hole and then glanced back and winked at me, and I winked back.
He knelt down and looked inside. The little creatures ran to another hole, but Hunk and Lance were waiting for them. We placed the mousetrap with the four mice on a table.
"Keith – you're the captain. You talk to them," Hunk suggested.
"Alright – but I feel kind of silly talking to mice."
Lance chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Keith, we won't tell anyone."
I took out the key to Green lion from my pocket and showed it to the mice. "Do you mice know anything about a key like this one?"
The mice just stared at me all huddled together trembling like leaves.
Pidge knelt down in front of the cage and narrowed his eyes at them. "You- the big one! Where's the key? And don't lie to me! I can see the guilty look in your little red beady eyes."
The large blue mouse smiled and nodded enthusiastically.
"Confess!" Pidge cried, "Confess now! Ouch! I bit my tongue!"
"Stop! What are you doing to those poor mice?!"
We turned around and saw Ally standing there. She walked over to the table and knelt down in front of the cage. She told us that they were her friends. When she was child her parents didn't spend a lot of time with her because of their busy schedules, and the mice would accompany her and entertain her. Then even dressed up and danced for her.
I was overwhelmed by a wave of tenderness. Now I understood her behavior when I released that white mouse in the laboratory back in school. It reminded her of her playmates.
She stood back up and gazed at me. "I don't know what they did, but let them go, please."
I stared helplessly at her. "Princess – I understand that they're your friends, but…"
Sven, who was leaning on a column with his arms folded across his chest, broke in. "We think maybe they stole the fifth key."
"Really?" she said, "Dotty – Inky. Is that true?"
She spoke with them for a few minutes and then glanced back at me. "They thought it was pretty, and they took it to their nest as a good luck charm."
I smiled at her. "Well, tell them it has brought them good luck."
Sven stepped forward and smiled gently at her. "Because we'll let them go, if they get the key and bring it to us right away."
Allura smiled at him and gave a quick nod. "It's a deal!"
Moments later, the mice ran back with the missing key. She kneeled down and thanked them, took the key to turn it over to Coran for inspection. He opened the case and the key began to glow. Smiling, he said, "Yes, this is it, Voltron shall live again!"
Save… close.
We searched the castle twice while Coran and Allura went to the nearby caves to announce our arrival. But we couldn't find the fifth key, and I said that I was open to suggestions. Sven suggested going back to the king's tomb hoping we had overlooked something.
As we opened the casket Hunk discovered a crack in its side, and it had what appeared animal bites.
Lance frowned slightly. "It looks like a mouse hole, but…"
I studied the crack for a few moments. "No question about it, we're dealing with very special mice," I said.
"That's pure solid rock," Sven noted.
Suddenly, Pidge's face lit up and he told us of a family of chubby space mice he had seen when we arrived to Arus and then saw them again during his return to the castle. He even claimed that one of the critters yelled to him.
Lance glanced at him. "You dreamt it," he said dismissively.
He shook his head. "No – I really saw them. Maybe they took the key."
"Hmmm… if they like rocks," Sven said rubbing his jaw thoughtfully, "maybe they ate the key."
"Let's hope not, for everyone's sake," I said.
"Follow me, I know where they live," Pidge said.
"That could be the answer!" I exclaimed, winking.
Hunk smiled. "We'll need a mousetrap," he said.
We grabbed a mousetrap from a warehouse and went looking for those mice. Pidge stopped in a corner and knelt down and we stood close to him. When he saw a little blue mouse entering his nest and smiled brightly. Hunk nodded and showed him the mousetrap. Pidge walked toward the mouse hole and then glanced back and winked at me, and I winked back.
He knelt down and looked inside. The little creatures ran to another hole, but Hunk and Lance were waiting for them. We placed the mousetrap with the four mice on a table.
"Keith – you're the captain. You talk to them," Hunk suggested.
"Alright – but I feel kind of silly talking to mice."
Lance chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Keith, we won't tell anyone."
I took out the key to Green lion from my pocket and showed it to the mice. "Do you mice know anything about a key like this one?"
The mice just stared at me all huddled together trembling like leaves.
Pidge knelt down in front of the cage and narrowed his eyes at them. "You- the big one! Where's the key? And don't lie to me! I can see the guilty look in your little red beady eyes."
The large blue mouse smiled and nodded enthusiastically.
"Confess!" Pidge cried, "Confess now! Ouch! I bit my tongue!"
"Stop! What are you doing to those poor mice?!"
We turned around and saw Ally standing there. She walked over to the table and knelt down in front of the cage. She told us that they were her friends. When she was child her parents didn't spend a lot of time with her because of their busy schedules, and the mice would accompany her and entertain her. Then even dressed up and danced for her.
I was overwhelmed by a wave of tenderness. Now I understood her behavior when I released that white mouse in the laboratory back in school. It reminded her of her playmates.
She stood back up and gazed at me. "I don't know what they did, but let them go, please."
I stared helplessly at her. "Princess – I understand that they're your friends, but…"
Sven, who was leaning on a column with his arms folded across his chest, broke in. "We think maybe they stole the fifth key."
"Really?" she said, "Dotty – Inky. Is that true?"
She spoke with them for a few minutes and then glanced back at me. "They thought it was pretty, and they took it to their nest as a good luck charm."
I smiled at her. "Well, tell them it has brought them good luck."
Sven stepped forward and smiled gently at her. "Because we'll let them go, if they get the key and bring it to us right away."
Allura smiled at him and gave a quick nod. "It's a deal!"
Moments later, the mice ran back with the missing key. She kneeled down and thanked them, took the key to turn it over to Coran for inspection. He opened the case and the key began to glow. Smiling, he said, "Yes, this is it, Voltron shall live again!"
Save… close.
APRIL 14TH
Dear Diary:
Today Keith and his friends formed Voltron for the first time. Poor Coran was concerned for them, but I asked him to let them go. We were in the control room watching the view screen. Doom fighters were attacking the nearby caves. Keith was shaking his head in anger, saying that Zarkon was mad. I told him that Zarkon wanted to destroy our planet for good. Poor Coran said that he didn't give up easily in his efforts to capture our world.
Sven asked that why were they wasting time, that they should go to work. Keith agreed wholeheartedly, telling his friend to go the lions and form Voltron. But Coran stopped them, saying that it was dangerous because they have never formed Voltron. Keith insisted they had to do it because nobody was going to be safe while they continued firing those lasers, and Sven as his first officer agreed.
Despite my own fears, I tried to give a brave face and asked them to go, that we needed Voltron, but pleaded with them to be careful. That's when Keith had a gesture with me that moved my heart.
He gave me a military salute. "We will – Your Highness," he said softly.
More later…
Dear Diary:
Today Keith and his friends formed Voltron for the first time. Poor Coran was concerned for them, but I asked him to let them go. We were in the control room watching the view screen. Doom fighters were attacking the nearby caves. Keith was shaking his head in anger, saying that Zarkon was mad. I told him that Zarkon wanted to destroy our planet for good. Poor Coran said that he didn't give up easily in his efforts to capture our world.
Sven asked that why were they wasting time, that they should go to work. Keith agreed wholeheartedly, telling his friend to go the lions and form Voltron. But Coran stopped them, saying that it was dangerous because they have never formed Voltron. Keith insisted they had to do it because nobody was going to be safe while they continued firing those lasers, and Sven as his first officer agreed.
Despite my own fears, I tried to give a brave face and asked them to go, that we needed Voltron, but pleaded with them to be careful. That's when Keith had a gesture with me that moved my heart.
He gave me a military salute. "We will – Your Highness," he said softly.
More later…
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.04.14.1
In a matter of seconds we reached the five lions. I gave the order to place the keys In their special sockets and the lions came to life. We then headed to the desert and met Yurak and his robeast. I told my teammates the robeast was waiting for us to take it out, and feeling confident that we could beat it without forming Voltron I ordered them to turn on their megathrusters.
I was the first one to attack, clashing onto the robeast head on, but it was like hitting a brick wall. The rest follow suit with the same results. We changed tactics but still couldn't bring it down.
The monster unsheathed a sword and walked toward us. I warned them to stay away from that sword. The beast went after Lance first, but he was able to escape in the nick of time.
No doubt about it, the robeast was more powerful than before. The five lions weren't enough, we had to form Voltron. We flew away to form the robot, but the robeast fired at us and we came crashing onto the mountains.
We need to form Voltron as soon as possible, I said. We recovered quickly and blasted off once again. We flew in a standard V-shaped formation while the robeast continued firing at us.
And then I began to recite the formation sequence that I memorized last night.
"It's time to form Voltron. Get ready to assemble. Activate Interlock. Dynatherms connected. Infracells up."
"Voltron!" we cried in unison for the first time.
And the magical transformation began.
"Form feet and legs. Form arms and body. And I'll form the head."
"Go Lion!" Lance cried.
A face appeared in the open maw of Black Lion, and the legendary Voltron came to life. We landed in front of the robeast, who stared at us for a few seconds. Then it brandished its sword once again and went after us. Green Lion was able to capture its hand and we tossed it around, making it lose its weapon. The robeast fired torpedoes at us and we were engulfed in flames for a few minutes. He growled in pleasure, believing he had won, but he was dead wrong.
The monster soon realized that Voltron wasn't affected by the fire; it grabbed its sword and ran toward us. "Form blazing sword!" I yelled, "Let finish off this monster!"
Lance's years of fencing lessons soon proved a great asset because Red Lion drew out the blazing sword and easily swiped the robeast twice. Everyone started laughing and shouting hurrahs, and I congratulated them for a great job. After watching how Yurak and his fleet ran off, we returned to the castle to celebrate our first victory as Voltron with Allura and Coran.
Save… close.
In a matter of seconds we reached the five lions. I gave the order to place the keys In their special sockets and the lions came to life. We then headed to the desert and met Yurak and his robeast. I told my teammates the robeast was waiting for us to take it out, and feeling confident that we could beat it without forming Voltron I ordered them to turn on their megathrusters.
I was the first one to attack, clashing onto the robeast head on, but it was like hitting a brick wall. The rest follow suit with the same results. We changed tactics but still couldn't bring it down.
The monster unsheathed a sword and walked toward us. I warned them to stay away from that sword. The beast went after Lance first, but he was able to escape in the nick of time.
No doubt about it, the robeast was more powerful than before. The five lions weren't enough, we had to form Voltron. We flew away to form the robot, but the robeast fired at us and we came crashing onto the mountains.
We need to form Voltron as soon as possible, I said. We recovered quickly and blasted off once again. We flew in a standard V-shaped formation while the robeast continued firing at us.
And then I began to recite the formation sequence that I memorized last night.
"It's time to form Voltron. Get ready to assemble. Activate Interlock. Dynatherms connected. Infracells up."
"Voltron!" we cried in unison for the first time.
And the magical transformation began.
"Form feet and legs. Form arms and body. And I'll form the head."
"Go Lion!" Lance cried.
A face appeared in the open maw of Black Lion, and the legendary Voltron came to life. We landed in front of the robeast, who stared at us for a few seconds. Then it brandished its sword once again and went after us. Green Lion was able to capture its hand and we tossed it around, making it lose its weapon. The robeast fired torpedoes at us and we were engulfed in flames for a few minutes. He growled in pleasure, believing he had won, but he was dead wrong.
The monster soon realized that Voltron wasn't affected by the fire; it grabbed its sword and ran toward us. "Form blazing sword!" I yelled, "Let finish off this monster!"
Lance's years of fencing lessons soon proved a great asset because Red Lion drew out the blazing sword and easily swiped the robeast twice. Everyone started laughing and shouting hurrahs, and I congratulated them for a great job. After watching how Yurak and his fleet ran off, we returned to the castle to celebrate our first victory as Voltron with Allura and Coran.
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.04.25.1
Zarkon hasn't attacked Arus in ten days. I guess they didn't expect to see Voltron again. During this time we have been practicing with the lions. King Alfor included a wide assortment of weapons on each of the lions that we have never used. Fortunately Coran was able to safeguard the original manuscripts and schematics of Voltron.
Allura and Coran have been trying to convince the citizens of Arus to go back to their villages. Some of them have complied but the rest are still afraid. Coran suggested that we go and talk to these people. Maybe we could dissipate their fears by telling them about our experiences on Doom and how we were able to escape.
Lance and I went to the caves, while Hunk and Pidge headed to the forest. I asked Sven to stay with Allura to protect her.
"Let's try there," I said to Lance, pointing to a cave near a cliff.
He nodded. "D'accord (Ok), but I'll do the talking this time."
"Alright."
We stopped at the entrance of the cave and saw four men hidden behind some rocks.
Lance cleared his throat. "People of Arus, we have escaped from the dungeons of Zarkon; we have seen your planet in danger," he said. "We can free your world, but we need your help."
They just stared at him. Determined to get his message across, he continued. "Zarkon is planning another invasion, he will come and make us his prisoners and he will make you his slaves! We're asking for your help for the Princess' sake."
He then stepped back. "Let's talk, please come outside, I'll give you room…" he trailed off when he suddenly lost his footing and almost fell from the cliff.
"Whoa!"
I grabbed his arm and pulled him back to safety.
"Phew! I think I gave them too much room," he breathed.
We turned around and realized that the villagers had come forward, but at the last moment they were spooked and ran back inside.
"Wait!" Lance cried, "Don't you want to help us save your world?!"
He then glanced at me and said helplessly, "Keith – I don't think they got the message."
"Lance – if you had seen your world destroyed, would you trust some strangers who want to help you fight?"
Lance glanced back at the cave and frowned. "Probably not."
Afterwards, we met Hunk and Pidge in the bridge near the castle. By the somber look on their faces we concluded that they weren't successful either with the people in the forest. Hunk said they're afraid, and Lance said that he couldn't blame them for feeling that way. But I insisted it was up to us to change their minds.
Pidge looked up and noticed that Allura and Sven were in the castle tower installing an antenna. At least the Princess is trying to help, he said thoughtfully, but hated the idea of giving her the bad news about our failed attempts.
When we joined them at the tower, Allura smiled brightly asking how we did in our talks with the villagers. Pidge told her that nobody wanted to help us. Her smile faded instantly and she agreed that her subjects are afraid because Zarkon's attacks are so brutal and he has taken many as slaves.
Coran came outside and listened to our conversation. Pidge suggested that we could rescue those slaves with Voltron. Lance reminded him that we must defend Arus against Zarkon. Hunk agreed, saying they could attack us any minute. Then he said that it was too bad we couldn't use Voltron to finish Zarkon first.
Allura frowned deeply, stating that Voltron doesn't attack, that he's the defender.
Coran broke into the conversation, saying that Zarkon wants everyone of us as his slaves. But the slave he desires the most is Princess Allura.
I glanced back at him and fought back a curse. I could not bear the thought of that bastard hurting Allura.
"If he so much lays a hand on her I'll-" I said viciously when Coran cut me off.
"And I fear this time Voltron will face his greatest feat of all. You must be ready!"
"Don't worry. We'll be ready," I said, "Right?"
"Right!" Sven agreed.
"You bet!" Lance stated.
"For sure!" Hunk exclaimed.
"Absolutely!" Pidge snapped.
Coran nodded. "Good."
At that moment Cheddar appeared and climbed up to Allura's shoulder. He whispered something into her ear and she widened her eyes, saying something about an attack. Suddenly, a laser from a Doom fighter hit one of the towers. Sven ordered her to get down, jumping to cover her from the flying debris.
Pidge said that Zarkon was here, stating the obvious. Grateful that Sven lead the princess to the safety of the castle, I ordered the other to get to the lions.
Now it was personal.
Save… close.
Zarkon hasn't attacked Arus in ten days. I guess they didn't expect to see Voltron again. During this time we have been practicing with the lions. King Alfor included a wide assortment of weapons on each of the lions that we have never used. Fortunately Coran was able to safeguard the original manuscripts and schematics of Voltron.
Allura and Coran have been trying to convince the citizens of Arus to go back to their villages. Some of them have complied but the rest are still afraid. Coran suggested that we go and talk to these people. Maybe we could dissipate their fears by telling them about our experiences on Doom and how we were able to escape.
Lance and I went to the caves, while Hunk and Pidge headed to the forest. I asked Sven to stay with Allura to protect her.
"Let's try there," I said to Lance, pointing to a cave near a cliff.
He nodded. "D'accord (Ok), but I'll do the talking this time."
"Alright."
We stopped at the entrance of the cave and saw four men hidden behind some rocks.
Lance cleared his throat. "People of Arus, we have escaped from the dungeons of Zarkon; we have seen your planet in danger," he said. "We can free your world, but we need your help."
They just stared at him. Determined to get his message across, he continued. "Zarkon is planning another invasion, he will come and make us his prisoners and he will make you his slaves! We're asking for your help for the Princess' sake."
He then stepped back. "Let's talk, please come outside, I'll give you room…" he trailed off when he suddenly lost his footing and almost fell from the cliff.
"Whoa!"
I grabbed his arm and pulled him back to safety.
"Phew! I think I gave them too much room," he breathed.
We turned around and realized that the villagers had come forward, but at the last moment they were spooked and ran back inside.
"Wait!" Lance cried, "Don't you want to help us save your world?!"
He then glanced at me and said helplessly, "Keith – I don't think they got the message."
"Lance – if you had seen your world destroyed, would you trust some strangers who want to help you fight?"
Lance glanced back at the cave and frowned. "Probably not."
Afterwards, we met Hunk and Pidge in the bridge near the castle. By the somber look on their faces we concluded that they weren't successful either with the people in the forest. Hunk said they're afraid, and Lance said that he couldn't blame them for feeling that way. But I insisted it was up to us to change their minds.
Pidge looked up and noticed that Allura and Sven were in the castle tower installing an antenna. At least the Princess is trying to help, he said thoughtfully, but hated the idea of giving her the bad news about our failed attempts.
When we joined them at the tower, Allura smiled brightly asking how we did in our talks with the villagers. Pidge told her that nobody wanted to help us. Her smile faded instantly and she agreed that her subjects are afraid because Zarkon's attacks are so brutal and he has taken many as slaves.
Coran came outside and listened to our conversation. Pidge suggested that we could rescue those slaves with Voltron. Lance reminded him that we must defend Arus against Zarkon. Hunk agreed, saying they could attack us any minute. Then he said that it was too bad we couldn't use Voltron to finish Zarkon first.
Allura frowned deeply, stating that Voltron doesn't attack, that he's the defender.
Coran broke into the conversation, saying that Zarkon wants everyone of us as his slaves. But the slave he desires the most is Princess Allura.
I glanced back at him and fought back a curse. I could not bear the thought of that bastard hurting Allura.
"If he so much lays a hand on her I'll-" I said viciously when Coran cut me off.
"And I fear this time Voltron will face his greatest feat of all. You must be ready!"
"Don't worry. We'll be ready," I said, "Right?"
"Right!" Sven agreed.
"You bet!" Lance stated.
"For sure!" Hunk exclaimed.
"Absolutely!" Pidge snapped.
Coran nodded. "Good."
At that moment Cheddar appeared and climbed up to Allura's shoulder. He whispered something into her ear and she widened her eyes, saying something about an attack. Suddenly, a laser from a Doom fighter hit one of the towers. Sven ordered her to get down, jumping to cover her from the flying debris.
Pidge said that Zarkon was here, stating the obvious. Grateful that Sven lead the princess to the safety of the castle, I ordered the other to get to the lions.
Now it was personal.
Save… close.
APRIL 25TH
Dear Diary:
After Sven made sure I was safe, he ran into the portal of Blue Lion. Coran was keeping a close watch of Yurak's fleet. The Doom fighters continued attacking the castle. The lions soon appeared on the screen. He pressed a button on the console to see another angle of the battle and discovered that Yurak had brought a robeast that appeared stronger and deadlier than the last one.
"That robeast is horrible!"
"Terrible!" he breathed.
"Can you see it, Keith?" I asked.
"Yes, we're ready," he replied reassuringly.
The robeast began its attack on the lions. The boys realizing their ships couldn't bring it down decided to form Voltron. But the monster soon overpowered our defender, pinning him to the ground. Yurak used this opportunity to reinforce his assault on the castle with his destroyer.
Coran shook his head. "This is not good," he said, panic in his voice.
"They will not lose Coran. My father built Voltron and the Voltron Force knows how to handle him!"
I grabbed the microphone and said, "Use your missiles!"
Sven appeared on the view screen. "We've used just about everything, Princess," he replied.
"There must be another way - there has to be!"
Coran groaned deeply. "This is hopeless. Call Zarkon and surrender!" he pleaded.
I shook my head violently. "No! I can't do that!"
"This castle is the only thing you have left. Ask him not to destroy it."
"My father would never submit to him. I still have faith in Voltron!"
I stared at the screen. "My poor people have suffered a lot. They have nothing. With the castle standing they still had a reason to live. If only my father could advice me. He said that Voltron would save us."
I could hear Sven's voice in my head… We need help, Princess.
I rose from my seat, saying that I would fight. Coran turned to me, his eyes filled with apprehension and whispering a helpless no.
I closed my eyes briefly, asking father to tell me what should I do, and soon I got a signal. I asked Coran to follow me. We used the elevator and went down to the royal crypt while the castle crumbled before our eyes. I prayed to God that we would make it on time to help Keith and the rest. We ran into the room and called upon my father's spirit.
Father asked me if Voltron hasn't saved our planet, I had to tell him that Zarkon was about to destroy Voltron. He asked to come forward and press a button located on the center of the crown sculpted onto his crypt, promising that I would come victorious.
I leaned over and noticed a glowing button. I pressed it, and suddenly we heard an ominous rumbling. The castle! A new castle is coming up, Coran cried.
More later.
Dear Diary:
After Sven made sure I was safe, he ran into the portal of Blue Lion. Coran was keeping a close watch of Yurak's fleet. The Doom fighters continued attacking the castle. The lions soon appeared on the screen. He pressed a button on the console to see another angle of the battle and discovered that Yurak had brought a robeast that appeared stronger and deadlier than the last one.
"That robeast is horrible!"
"Terrible!" he breathed.
"Can you see it, Keith?" I asked.
"Yes, we're ready," he replied reassuringly.
The robeast began its attack on the lions. The boys realizing their ships couldn't bring it down decided to form Voltron. But the monster soon overpowered our defender, pinning him to the ground. Yurak used this opportunity to reinforce his assault on the castle with his destroyer.
Coran shook his head. "This is not good," he said, panic in his voice.
"They will not lose Coran. My father built Voltron and the Voltron Force knows how to handle him!"
I grabbed the microphone and said, "Use your missiles!"
Sven appeared on the view screen. "We've used just about everything, Princess," he replied.
"There must be another way - there has to be!"
Coran groaned deeply. "This is hopeless. Call Zarkon and surrender!" he pleaded.
I shook my head violently. "No! I can't do that!"
"This castle is the only thing you have left. Ask him not to destroy it."
"My father would never submit to him. I still have faith in Voltron!"
I stared at the screen. "My poor people have suffered a lot. They have nothing. With the castle standing they still had a reason to live. If only my father could advice me. He said that Voltron would save us."
I could hear Sven's voice in my head… We need help, Princess.
I rose from my seat, saying that I would fight. Coran turned to me, his eyes filled with apprehension and whispering a helpless no.
I closed my eyes briefly, asking father to tell me what should I do, and soon I got a signal. I asked Coran to follow me. We used the elevator and went down to the royal crypt while the castle crumbled before our eyes. I prayed to God that we would make it on time to help Keith and the rest. We ran into the room and called upon my father's spirit.
Father asked me if Voltron hasn't saved our planet, I had to tell him that Zarkon was about to destroy Voltron. He asked to come forward and press a button located on the center of the crown sculpted onto his crypt, promising that I would come victorious.
I leaned over and noticed a glowing button. I pressed it, and suddenly we heard an ominous rumbling. The castle! A new castle is coming up, Coran cried.
More later.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.04.25.2
As we continued fighting that robeast, we saw the castle being attacked by Yurak's destroyer, and there was nothing we could do.
"Look!" Pidge cried, "Something is happening to the castle!"
We stared in awe as a new castle rose above the heaving ground, gleaming and shining.
"A new castle!" I gasped. "Someone must have worked all night."
"That's incredible!" everyone cried.
I then noticed that someone was firing a laser at the destroyer - and that someone was wearing a pink gown.
"Hey! The Princess has joined the battle. The team has a new member," I said proudly.
"While the Princess takes care of Yurak, let's get rid of that ugly!" Lance snapped.
"Let's go team!" I yelled.
After we destroyed the robeast, we landed in front of the new Castle of Lions, and ran to Allura and Coran's side.
She looked skyward and her eyes glistened with tears. "The people of Arus are grateful to our friends the Voltron Force, who fought bravely to stop Zarkon from destroying our planet".
She turned to look at us. "Thanks to you we can start rebuilding our world." Her eyes blazed as she declared - "I – Princess Allura, proudly join Keith, Sven, Lance, Hunk and Pidge in keeping the secret of Voltron – defender of the universe."
Save… close.
As we continued fighting that robeast, we saw the castle being attacked by Yurak's destroyer, and there was nothing we could do.
"Look!" Pidge cried, "Something is happening to the castle!"
We stared in awe as a new castle rose above the heaving ground, gleaming and shining.
"A new castle!" I gasped. "Someone must have worked all night."
"That's incredible!" everyone cried.
I then noticed that someone was firing a laser at the destroyer - and that someone was wearing a pink gown.
"Hey! The Princess has joined the battle. The team has a new member," I said proudly.
"While the Princess takes care of Yurak, let's get rid of that ugly!" Lance snapped.
"Let's go team!" I yelled.
After we destroyed the robeast, we landed in front of the new Castle of Lions, and ran to Allura and Coran's side.
She looked skyward and her eyes glistened with tears. "The people of Arus are grateful to our friends the Voltron Force, who fought bravely to stop Zarkon from destroying our planet".
She turned to look at us. "Thanks to you we can start rebuilding our world." Her eyes blazed as she declared - "I – Princess Allura, proudly join Keith, Sven, Lance, Hunk and Pidge in keeping the secret of Voltron – defender of the universe."
Save… close.
Keith went to the control room and asked Coran for Allura's whereabouts. The royal advisor said that she had gone to visit her mother's tomb, which was located in the hilltop.
Allura was kneeling down in front of the tomb. She sensed his presence.
"Keith – how did you know I was here?"
He kneeled down beside her. "Coran told me," he answered and then looked around. "This is a beautiful place."
She nodded slowly. "It's been more than two years since I was able to come here. Mother always loved this hill. That's why father decided to bury her here."
Coran had told him that Queen Alexandra died six years ago of a mysterious illness. The royal physician couldn't find a cure. The three men suspected Hagar had used her evil magic to cause the queen's death in retaliation for not agreeing to form an alliance with Zarkon.
"When I returned home from Terra, I found my mother very sick and Dr. Gorma couldn't find the cause."
Suddenly, tears welled up in her sapphire eyes and she looked at him helplessly.
"Father and I had to watch her slowly waste away," she said in a brittle voice.
Keith could not bear to see the pain settling on her lovely face. Forgetting that someone could see them, he wrapped his arms around her. He found himself thinking about his own life at that age. It had been a happy, carefree time and he felt so guilty. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and vowed he would do everything to ease her burden.
"I'm here, I'll look after you," he murmured gently.
She gave a little sigh and snuggled closer to him. "I brought these wild flowers. She used to keep a beautiful garden with flowers from all parts of the galaxy," she broke off, "But that garden doesn't exist anymore."
"We'll create another one. I'll ask my mother to send us seeds and flowers from Terra."
She touched his cheek in a loving gesture. "Thank you, Keith."
He looked down at her with a small smile. "Tú sabes que haría cualquier cosa por ti." (You know I would do anything for you)
The sun slipped behind a bank of clouds, causing Allura to shiver. He got to his feet, and then helped her to stand.
"Let's go inside."
"Okay. I must prepare dinner."
He nodded. "I'll help you."
As they made their way to the dining room, they were overwhelmed by the wonderful aroma of meat sizzling over the fire and bread baking on the oven.
Pidge came out of the kitchen. "You can't come in, Princess!"
She frowned. "Why?"
"You will be our guest tonight, Princess," Keith said.
She turned to him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"You have been so kind to us, that we wanted to return the favor," he replied gently.
She offered them a smile. "You shouldn't have."
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes," Pidge said and returned to the kitchen.
"Where's Coran?" she asked.
"We invited him for dinner, but he preferred to stay in the control room. We promised to save a plate for him."
"Poor Coran – he doesn't rest."
"He will from now on. We're taking over the watch."
Meanwhile in the kitchen…
"How's that venison, Hunk?"
"It's ready," he replied as he reached for a platter from the counter.
Lance then opened the oven to retrieve the bread. "Fetch me that basket Pidge – s'il vous plait."
Pidge glanced back and saw the basket on a small table. He picked it up and noticed that Sven was pouring the contents of a skillet in a white bowl.
"Green beans with butter! My favorite!" Pidge said to him.
Sven frowned slightly. "I only found canned green beans in the cupboard, I hope she likes them."
"Oh! She will. In the meantime I'll open those cans of berry juice."
Minutes later they came out of the kitchen. They placed the food on the table and then took a seat.
Allura lifted the platter of roasted venison and offered Keith some. He surprised her by taking it from her hands.
"I can serve myself, Princess. Please, sit here and fill your plate."
The rest of the guys watched with matching looks of surprise and amusement. Allura felt her cheeks grow hot as she settled herself beside him. Their knees brushed and she experienced a pleasant sensation.
Enjoying himself while keeping a straight face, Keith held the platter out to her. She was forced to serve her plate under his watchful gaze. When she had taken what she wanted, he filled his own plate, before passing it on to the others.
She took one bite and gave a sigh of pleasure. "Hunk – I don't think I've ever tasted anything so tender. What you did you do to this meat?"
He smiled sheepishly at her. "I just cooked it the way my mother always does. Although the recipe calls for beef."
Lance picked up the basket and held it out to her. "Please try the bread; I made it with my father's special recipe."
She reached for a piece of bread and took a bite. "Delicious!" she exclaimed. "You must give me the recipe!"
He smiled at her. "Of course."
After a pleasant dinner, she said, "Our cooks prepare great food, but they could never measure up to what I've just sampled from you. Thank you for this wonderful dinner."
"You're welcome, Princess."
Keith pushed back his chair and started to clear the table. Allura followed suit. "I will give you a hand."
"Okay," he said, not looking at her.
The rest rose from their seats. Lance walked up to her and offered his arm. "I'll help you," he said, "You don't mind, do you, Princess?"
Keith groaned inwardly and thought, ~Lance just met her and already is putting the moves on her!~
Lance, his full attention on the Princess, didn't see the knife-like gaze that Keith was directing at him. Allura gazed at Keith for a few moments and then stared back at Lance.
"Of course I don't mind, but you prepared dinner, let Keith and I clean up," she said sweetly.
"Are you sure?" he asked, making his disappointment obvious.
She blinked. "Yes."
He nodded slowly. "All right, we'll go to the control room to check up on Coran."
"Then we'll check out the castle grounds," Pidge said.
"Ok – but don't stay up too late. We have practice tomorrow at 0700."
"Yes – Commander," they said in unison, before departing.
Keith and Allura went into the kitchen. She placed the plates in the sink and turned on the water. He put the glasses in the sink. She picked up a piece of cloth and began to wash the dishes. She kept her head bent, her attention fixed to the dishes. But she was aware of the man whose arm was pressed to hers.
"You work so hard," he remarked.
"Not as hard as you."
She told herself not to look at him. But in spite of her best intentions, she lifted her head and slanted her gaze. She suddenly felt his fingers brush the ends of her hair and dropped a glass.
"I'm not usually this clumsy," she laughed nervously. She stooped to pick up the pieces of glass, and he dropped to his knees beside her.
After she tossed the broken glass on the wastebasket, she started to rise, but Keith pressed his hands on her shoulders, keeping her beside him. Her eyes widened with fear and confusion, before she turned her face away.
"Don't be afraid," he said.
He gently lifted his head to force her to look up. The expression on his face had her heart turning over. He was staring at her with a strange fascination. In his dark eyes there was something that she recognized immediately. Hunger - a hunger that matched her own.
"You mustn't look at me like that…" she whispered.
He leaned closer until his warm breath feathered the hair at her temple.
"They could-"
Before she could finish he placed his mouth on hers, as soft, as cool as the brush of a snowflake. He heard her quick little intake of breath and forced himself to remain just so… easy, unhurried, even though he wanted to crush her in his arms.
Warmth spread through Allura's body. One moment she wanted to run like a frightened deer. The next she was unable to move. Though his hands were as gentle as his lips, she was held as if she'd been imprisoned. All she could do was to kneel there, rocked by the most amazing sensations; a sudden yearning for something she couldn't even name.
When Keith lifted his head, he could see the warm flush that colored her lovely throat and spread across her cheeks. In her eyes, he could see the awakening of a long slumbering passion.
She scrambled to her feet and prayed her trembling legs would hold her. Leaning on the counter for support, she took in a ragged breath before managing to say, "Keith… we must be careful."
Slowly he rose, still unable to take his eyes off her. "Forgive me, I just couldn't help myself. It will not happen again."
She nodded slowly. "We'll finish the dishes tomorrow. Good night."
"Good night."
She lifted her skirts and hurried off. Keith stood there, enjoying the way her gown clung to her shapely backside, before she disappeared.
He let out a long, slow breath, and realized his hands were trembling. He muttered a few curses before making his way to his room.
Sleep, he knew, would be a long time coming.
Allura was kneeling down in front of the tomb. She sensed his presence.
"Keith – how did you know I was here?"
He kneeled down beside her. "Coran told me," he answered and then looked around. "This is a beautiful place."
She nodded slowly. "It's been more than two years since I was able to come here. Mother always loved this hill. That's why father decided to bury her here."
Coran had told him that Queen Alexandra died six years ago of a mysterious illness. The royal physician couldn't find a cure. The three men suspected Hagar had used her evil magic to cause the queen's death in retaliation for not agreeing to form an alliance with Zarkon.
"When I returned home from Terra, I found my mother very sick and Dr. Gorma couldn't find the cause."
Suddenly, tears welled up in her sapphire eyes and she looked at him helplessly.
"Father and I had to watch her slowly waste away," she said in a brittle voice.
Keith could not bear to see the pain settling on her lovely face. Forgetting that someone could see them, he wrapped his arms around her. He found himself thinking about his own life at that age. It had been a happy, carefree time and he felt so guilty. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and vowed he would do everything to ease her burden.
"I'm here, I'll look after you," he murmured gently.
She gave a little sigh and snuggled closer to him. "I brought these wild flowers. She used to keep a beautiful garden with flowers from all parts of the galaxy," she broke off, "But that garden doesn't exist anymore."
"We'll create another one. I'll ask my mother to send us seeds and flowers from Terra."
She touched his cheek in a loving gesture. "Thank you, Keith."
He looked down at her with a small smile. "Tú sabes que haría cualquier cosa por ti." (You know I would do anything for you)
The sun slipped behind a bank of clouds, causing Allura to shiver. He got to his feet, and then helped her to stand.
"Let's go inside."
"Okay. I must prepare dinner."
He nodded. "I'll help you."
As they made their way to the dining room, they were overwhelmed by the wonderful aroma of meat sizzling over the fire and bread baking on the oven.
Pidge came out of the kitchen. "You can't come in, Princess!"
She frowned. "Why?"
"You will be our guest tonight, Princess," Keith said.
She turned to him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"You have been so kind to us, that we wanted to return the favor," he replied gently.
She offered them a smile. "You shouldn't have."
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes," Pidge said and returned to the kitchen.
"Where's Coran?" she asked.
"We invited him for dinner, but he preferred to stay in the control room. We promised to save a plate for him."
"Poor Coran – he doesn't rest."
"He will from now on. We're taking over the watch."
Meanwhile in the kitchen…
"How's that venison, Hunk?"
"It's ready," he replied as he reached for a platter from the counter.
Lance then opened the oven to retrieve the bread. "Fetch me that basket Pidge – s'il vous plait."
Pidge glanced back and saw the basket on a small table. He picked it up and noticed that Sven was pouring the contents of a skillet in a white bowl.
"Green beans with butter! My favorite!" Pidge said to him.
Sven frowned slightly. "I only found canned green beans in the cupboard, I hope she likes them."
"Oh! She will. In the meantime I'll open those cans of berry juice."
Minutes later they came out of the kitchen. They placed the food on the table and then took a seat.
Allura lifted the platter of roasted venison and offered Keith some. He surprised her by taking it from her hands.
"I can serve myself, Princess. Please, sit here and fill your plate."
The rest of the guys watched with matching looks of surprise and amusement. Allura felt her cheeks grow hot as she settled herself beside him. Their knees brushed and she experienced a pleasant sensation.
Enjoying himself while keeping a straight face, Keith held the platter out to her. She was forced to serve her plate under his watchful gaze. When she had taken what she wanted, he filled his own plate, before passing it on to the others.
She took one bite and gave a sigh of pleasure. "Hunk – I don't think I've ever tasted anything so tender. What you did you do to this meat?"
He smiled sheepishly at her. "I just cooked it the way my mother always does. Although the recipe calls for beef."
Lance picked up the basket and held it out to her. "Please try the bread; I made it with my father's special recipe."
She reached for a piece of bread and took a bite. "Delicious!" she exclaimed. "You must give me the recipe!"
He smiled at her. "Of course."
After a pleasant dinner, she said, "Our cooks prepare great food, but they could never measure up to what I've just sampled from you. Thank you for this wonderful dinner."
"You're welcome, Princess."
Keith pushed back his chair and started to clear the table. Allura followed suit. "I will give you a hand."
"Okay," he said, not looking at her.
The rest rose from their seats. Lance walked up to her and offered his arm. "I'll help you," he said, "You don't mind, do you, Princess?"
Keith groaned inwardly and thought, ~Lance just met her and already is putting the moves on her!~
Lance, his full attention on the Princess, didn't see the knife-like gaze that Keith was directing at him. Allura gazed at Keith for a few moments and then stared back at Lance.
"Of course I don't mind, but you prepared dinner, let Keith and I clean up," she said sweetly.
"Are you sure?" he asked, making his disappointment obvious.
She blinked. "Yes."
He nodded slowly. "All right, we'll go to the control room to check up on Coran."
"Then we'll check out the castle grounds," Pidge said.
"Ok – but don't stay up too late. We have practice tomorrow at 0700."
"Yes – Commander," they said in unison, before departing.
Keith and Allura went into the kitchen. She placed the plates in the sink and turned on the water. He put the glasses in the sink. She picked up a piece of cloth and began to wash the dishes. She kept her head bent, her attention fixed to the dishes. But she was aware of the man whose arm was pressed to hers.
"You work so hard," he remarked.
"Not as hard as you."
She told herself not to look at him. But in spite of her best intentions, she lifted her head and slanted her gaze. She suddenly felt his fingers brush the ends of her hair and dropped a glass.
"I'm not usually this clumsy," she laughed nervously. She stooped to pick up the pieces of glass, and he dropped to his knees beside her.
After she tossed the broken glass on the wastebasket, she started to rise, but Keith pressed his hands on her shoulders, keeping her beside him. Her eyes widened with fear and confusion, before she turned her face away.
"Don't be afraid," he said.
He gently lifted his head to force her to look up. The expression on his face had her heart turning over. He was staring at her with a strange fascination. In his dark eyes there was something that she recognized immediately. Hunger - a hunger that matched her own.
"You mustn't look at me like that…" she whispered.
He leaned closer until his warm breath feathered the hair at her temple.
"They could-"
Before she could finish he placed his mouth on hers, as soft, as cool as the brush of a snowflake. He heard her quick little intake of breath and forced himself to remain just so… easy, unhurried, even though he wanted to crush her in his arms.
Warmth spread through Allura's body. One moment she wanted to run like a frightened deer. The next she was unable to move. Though his hands were as gentle as his lips, she was held as if she'd been imprisoned. All she could do was to kneel there, rocked by the most amazing sensations; a sudden yearning for something she couldn't even name.
When Keith lifted his head, he could see the warm flush that colored her lovely throat and spread across her cheeks. In her eyes, he could see the awakening of a long slumbering passion.
She scrambled to her feet and prayed her trembling legs would hold her. Leaning on the counter for support, she took in a ragged breath before managing to say, "Keith… we must be careful."
Slowly he rose, still unable to take his eyes off her. "Forgive me, I just couldn't help myself. It will not happen again."
She nodded slowly. "We'll finish the dishes tomorrow. Good night."
"Good night."
She lifted her skirts and hurried off. Keith stood there, enjoying the way her gown clung to her shapely backside, before she disappeared.
He let out a long, slow breath, and realized his hands were trembling. He muttered a few curses before making his way to his room.
Sleep, he knew, would be a long time coming.
Dawn light was just coloring the horizon when Allura came out of her bedroom and went to the kitchen. She'd been awake for hours, replaying in her mind the glorious kiss she had shared with Keith.
How would she able to face him again? What could she possibly say to cover her awkwardness when she was around him? To a man like Keith those kisses probably meant no more than a pleasant moment. For her it was more than that.
She decided to use the same routine she had used with him at school. She would ignore him. She would try to stay away from him.
She entered the kitchen. Fortunately the boys already had breakfast. She was serving herself a cup of coffee when she noticed a plate covered with a napkin and a note.
~Princess: I saved these for you, enjoy. Lance~
It was filled with mini croissants.
She smiled. He's so sweet. All of them are. She was glad to have them as her friends.
How would she able to face him again? What could she possibly say to cover her awkwardness when she was around him? To a man like Keith those kisses probably meant no more than a pleasant moment. For her it was more than that.
She decided to use the same routine she had used with him at school. She would ignore him. She would try to stay away from him.
She entered the kitchen. Fortunately the boys already had breakfast. She was serving herself a cup of coffee when she noticed a plate covered with a napkin and a note.
~Princess: I saved these for you, enjoy. Lance~
It was filled with mini croissants.
She smiled. He's so sweet. All of them are. She was glad to have them as her friends.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.05.12.1
We were in the recreation room planning tomorrow's practice when Coran entered and informed us that members of the royal staff have returned to the castle.
Among them: Dr. Oliver Gorma the royal physician, 2 nurses, 50 royal guards, 10 engineers, 2 cooks, a dozen maids and 10 groundskeepers.
He then asked us to come to the balcony for he had a surprise for us. We stepped outside. Allura was already there. She was wearing a beautiful pink jumpsuit and her hair was pulled into a bun.
She turned around and said that her subjects were coming out of the caves. There were about a hundred people at the entrance of the castle. Some had come by foot, others on horseback. She said it was nice to see them again enjoying the sun, free at last. Coran commented that more will come when they learn the Voltron Force is here.
She walked up to the railing and told her people the greatest robot ever made was protecting them once more and the evil Zarkon would not enslave them again. People were cheering and applauding. Some were weeping with joy.
I gazed at her while she waved at her people. I hoped she was right.
When Coran suggested that we should celebrate this occasion with a fabulous banquet, Pidge and Hunk got really excited with the idea of great food and wondered if there would be enough. Allura smiled at them and asked them to take a look in warehouse #2. Lance immediately volunteered to go with them so he could keep an eye on them.
"What can I do to help, Princess?" Sven asked her.
She glanced at him and smiled. "I want to go down there and greet my people. Would you be my escort?"
"Of course." He walked up to her and took her hand, tucking it into the crook of his arm.
Pidge looked at me. "What about you, Keith?" he asked.
I glanced at Ally and noticed that she deliberately turned her head and spoke to Sven. I guess she was still angry for what happened last night and I decided to give her time to calm down.
"I'll stay here with Coran. We must prepare a contingency plan for the banquet," I replied.
Save… close.
We were in the recreation room planning tomorrow's practice when Coran entered and informed us that members of the royal staff have returned to the castle.
Among them: Dr. Oliver Gorma the royal physician, 2 nurses, 50 royal guards, 10 engineers, 2 cooks, a dozen maids and 10 groundskeepers.
He then asked us to come to the balcony for he had a surprise for us. We stepped outside. Allura was already there. She was wearing a beautiful pink jumpsuit and her hair was pulled into a bun.
She turned around and said that her subjects were coming out of the caves. There were about a hundred people at the entrance of the castle. Some had come by foot, others on horseback. She said it was nice to see them again enjoying the sun, free at last. Coran commented that more will come when they learn the Voltron Force is here.
She walked up to the railing and told her people the greatest robot ever made was protecting them once more and the evil Zarkon would not enslave them again. People were cheering and applauding. Some were weeping with joy.
I gazed at her while she waved at her people. I hoped she was right.
When Coran suggested that we should celebrate this occasion with a fabulous banquet, Pidge and Hunk got really excited with the idea of great food and wondered if there would be enough. Allura smiled at them and asked them to take a look in warehouse #2. Lance immediately volunteered to go with them so he could keep an eye on them.
"What can I do to help, Princess?" Sven asked her.
She glanced at him and smiled. "I want to go down there and greet my people. Would you be my escort?"
"Of course." He walked up to her and took her hand, tucking it into the crook of his arm.
Pidge looked at me. "What about you, Keith?" he asked.
I glanced at Ally and noticed that she deliberately turned her head and spoke to Sven. I guess she was still angry for what happened last night and I decided to give her time to calm down.
"I'll stay here with Coran. We must prepare a contingency plan for the banquet," I replied.
Save… close.
I accompanied Pidge and Hunk to the storage room. Pidge said all the planet had been invited to the banquet and that we must make sure we have enough food. Hunk said he hoped there was enough for him.
I folded my arms across my chest and frowned slightly. "There's never enough for you," I said. "What a lucky coincidence that Princess Allura discovered this secret storage room filled with food."
Pidge gave me a puzzled look.
I couldn't help smile. "I think she knew it all along, but played it smart. She knew this day would come and planned for it. She loves her people dearly," I said, unable to hide my admiration.
Hunk nodded slowly, and raising his hand, promised not to eat too much.
Pidge nodded in agreement, knowing that we must wait for the banquet but he still wanted to look inside and dream a little. He then did a somersault, landed in front of the control panel and opened the door.
We stared in awe for a few moments; the place was packed with cans, boxes and barrels of food and drink.
A huge smile erupted on Hunk's face. "If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up."
"Remember – we wait for the feast," I warned him.
Pidge strolled along the aisle and found the space mice eating a big piece of cheese, he began ranting at them telling them that food for wasn't for them. But then he changed his mind, saying that they were heroes too for returning the key to Black Lion and alerting us of Zarkon's most recent attack.
Suddenly, the castle began to move. Yurak and his fleet were back!
"Let's go to the control room!" I cried.
I folded my arms across my chest and frowned slightly. "There's never enough for you," I said. "What a lucky coincidence that Princess Allura discovered this secret storage room filled with food."
Pidge gave me a puzzled look.
I couldn't help smile. "I think she knew it all along, but played it smart. She knew this day would come and planned for it. She loves her people dearly," I said, unable to hide my admiration.
Hunk nodded slowly, and raising his hand, promised not to eat too much.
Pidge nodded in agreement, knowing that we must wait for the banquet but he still wanted to look inside and dream a little. He then did a somersault, landed in front of the control panel and opened the door.
We stared in awe for a few moments; the place was packed with cans, boxes and barrels of food and drink.
A huge smile erupted on Hunk's face. "If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up."
"Remember – we wait for the feast," I warned him.
Pidge strolled along the aisle and found the space mice eating a big piece of cheese, he began ranting at them telling them that food for wasn't for them. But then he changed his mind, saying that they were heroes too for returning the key to Black Lion and alerting us of Zarkon's most recent attack.
Suddenly, the castle began to move. Yurak and his fleet were back!
"Let's go to the control room!" I cried.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.05.12.2
Yurak and his fleet suffered another defeat before Voltron and the new defense system of the Castle of Lions. We were able to continue with the banquet as planned.
I entered the dining room after giving further instructions to the royal guards. Allura and the guys were already sitting on the table. I noticed that the seat to her right was empty.
I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder and glanced back.
"Coran," I said, "I placed some additional guards in the hallway."
He nodded approvingly. "That's good. Now please sit down and enjoy the feast, Commander."
"Okay, I'll sit at that table," I said while pointing to a nearby table on my left.
Coran smiled at me. "You must sit next to the Princess and your friends; it's because of all you that we're finally enjoying peace again."
"But-"
"Keith – go," he ordered, pushing me into the direction of the table.
"Hey Keith!" Hunk shouted, waving his arms at me, "Hurry up! Coran said that we can't begin without you."
Reluctantly I walked over and sat beside Ally. Lance was on her left. Sven sat next to him. Hunk and Pidge were at my right.
"How about a few words from Her Royal Highness?" Coran asked.
She nodded and rose from her seat. "My dear people, we're glad you could join us in this celebration. Arus is entering a new era of peace and happiness and we owe this to these courageous and honorable men, who brought Voltron back to life."
She smiled broadly and raised her glass to make a toast. "Long live the Voltron Force!"
Everyone smiled and raised their glasses as well. "Long live the Voltron Force!"
"This is a victory banquet, the Princess invites all to dig in," I said, when suddenly Hunk stood up and buried his hands on the food.
"I didn't mean dig in like a shovel," I said mortified.
"Sorry, chief," he mumbled, then quietly picked up a platter with a roasted turkey and sat down.
I glanced at Allura. She was covering her mouth trying to suppress a giggle.
"I'm sorry about that."
"Oh, Keith – let him enjoy himself," she chortled.
I sensed her change of mood and said, "I need to talk to you."
She calmly reached for a bowl of rice. "There's nothing to talk about."
I leaned closer and said, "I'll wait for you in the conference room- tonight."
When she had taken what she wanted, she passed me the bowl and whispered, "Okay."
Save… close.
Yurak and his fleet suffered another defeat before Voltron and the new defense system of the Castle of Lions. We were able to continue with the banquet as planned.
I entered the dining room after giving further instructions to the royal guards. Allura and the guys were already sitting on the table. I noticed that the seat to her right was empty.
I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder and glanced back.
"Coran," I said, "I placed some additional guards in the hallway."
He nodded approvingly. "That's good. Now please sit down and enjoy the feast, Commander."
"Okay, I'll sit at that table," I said while pointing to a nearby table on my left.
Coran smiled at me. "You must sit next to the Princess and your friends; it's because of all you that we're finally enjoying peace again."
"But-"
"Keith – go," he ordered, pushing me into the direction of the table.
"Hey Keith!" Hunk shouted, waving his arms at me, "Hurry up! Coran said that we can't begin without you."
Reluctantly I walked over and sat beside Ally. Lance was on her left. Sven sat next to him. Hunk and Pidge were at my right.
"How about a few words from Her Royal Highness?" Coran asked.
She nodded and rose from her seat. "My dear people, we're glad you could join us in this celebration. Arus is entering a new era of peace and happiness and we owe this to these courageous and honorable men, who brought Voltron back to life."
She smiled broadly and raised her glass to make a toast. "Long live the Voltron Force!"
Everyone smiled and raised their glasses as well. "Long live the Voltron Force!"
"This is a victory banquet, the Princess invites all to dig in," I said, when suddenly Hunk stood up and buried his hands on the food.
"I didn't mean dig in like a shovel," I said mortified.
"Sorry, chief," he mumbled, then quietly picked up a platter with a roasted turkey and sat down.
I glanced at Allura. She was covering her mouth trying to suppress a giggle.
"I'm sorry about that."
"Oh, Keith – let him enjoy himself," she chortled.
I sensed her change of mood and said, "I need to talk to you."
She calmly reached for a bowl of rice. "There's nothing to talk about."
I leaned closer and said, "I'll wait for you in the conference room- tonight."
When she had taken what she wanted, she passed me the bowl and whispered, "Okay."
Save… close.
The festivities continued until late in the evening. Allura, Coran and the Voltron Force bid farewell to the people of Arus, as they returned to the caves with the promise of going back to their villages early tomorrow morning to begin a new life.
"I don't think I could eat another bite," Hunk said contently as he and the others (minus Keith) headed for their quarters.
Pidge glanced at him and grimaced. "I still can't understand how you were able to eat a whole turkey all by yourself!"
Hunk gave him a puzzled look. "Easy… with mashed potatoes and gravy."
Sven and Lance grinned at them.
"The Princess looked very happy," Lance remarked.
"Yes, she really cares about her people. She's a lovely young woman," Sven said.
"Now that the Princess is part of the team, I think we should give her some flying lessons," Lance went on.
"You mean teach her how to fly the lions?" Hunk asked.
Lance smiled wistfully. "And even form Voltron."
"Do you think Coran would approve?" Pidge asked apprehensively.
"I don't see why not, we would be looking after her."
"You're forgetting something," Hunk said.
"What?"
"Keith won't let her fight. That's our job."
"Besides – I don't think he even likes her," Pidge added.
Sven quirked an eyebrow at him. "Why do you say that?" he asked in amusement.
"Because he doesn't talk to her unless it's really necessary, and when she enters the room he always comes up with an excuse to leave."
"Pidge – Keith always has been like that around girls. When we were in the lyceé he didn't have a girlfriend," Lance recalled.
"He had one while we were in the academy," Sven added.
Lance nodded. "Yes, Cecilia. But that's because she would follow him everywhere until he finally gave in."
Hunk nodded. "She was quite pretty – blond, blue-eyed, nice figure. Like Princess Allura, don't you think so?"
"Now that I think about it," Lance said. "You're right. Although the Princess is more beautiful."
"Without a doubt!" Hunk said.
"But she dumped him just before graduation, and Keith didn't tell us why," Sven remembered.
"We'll probably never know," Lance sighed.
Hunk stopped in front of his door and punched a code on the control panel. "I suggest you forget your idea of flying lessons if you don't want to get in trouble with the Chief," he warned the rest. "I'll see you tomorrow at practice. Nighty night!"
"Good night, Hunk," they replied in unison.
Pidge stifled a yawn. "I'm so tired," he sighed, and then he entered his room, leaving his friends in the corridor.
Lance glanced at Sven. "Well – I'm going to offer my services to the princess without telling Keith. Are you with me?"
Sven smiled slightly. "Selvfølgelig." (Of course)
Lance grinned at him. "Magnifique." (Great)
"I don't think I could eat another bite," Hunk said contently as he and the others (minus Keith) headed for their quarters.
Pidge glanced at him and grimaced. "I still can't understand how you were able to eat a whole turkey all by yourself!"
Hunk gave him a puzzled look. "Easy… with mashed potatoes and gravy."
Sven and Lance grinned at them.
"The Princess looked very happy," Lance remarked.
"Yes, she really cares about her people. She's a lovely young woman," Sven said.
"Now that the Princess is part of the team, I think we should give her some flying lessons," Lance went on.
"You mean teach her how to fly the lions?" Hunk asked.
Lance smiled wistfully. "And even form Voltron."
"Do you think Coran would approve?" Pidge asked apprehensively.
"I don't see why not, we would be looking after her."
"You're forgetting something," Hunk said.
"What?"
"Keith won't let her fight. That's our job."
"Besides – I don't think he even likes her," Pidge added.
Sven quirked an eyebrow at him. "Why do you say that?" he asked in amusement.
"Because he doesn't talk to her unless it's really necessary, and when she enters the room he always comes up with an excuse to leave."
"Pidge – Keith always has been like that around girls. When we were in the lyceé he didn't have a girlfriend," Lance recalled.
"He had one while we were in the academy," Sven added.
Lance nodded. "Yes, Cecilia. But that's because she would follow him everywhere until he finally gave in."
Hunk nodded. "She was quite pretty – blond, blue-eyed, nice figure. Like Princess Allura, don't you think so?"
"Now that I think about it," Lance said. "You're right. Although the Princess is more beautiful."
"Without a doubt!" Hunk said.
"But she dumped him just before graduation, and Keith didn't tell us why," Sven remembered.
"We'll probably never know," Lance sighed.
Hunk stopped in front of his door and punched a code on the control panel. "I suggest you forget your idea of flying lessons if you don't want to get in trouble with the Chief," he warned the rest. "I'll see you tomorrow at practice. Nighty night!"
"Good night, Hunk," they replied in unison.
Pidge stifled a yawn. "I'm so tired," he sighed, and then he entered his room, leaving his friends in the corridor.
Lance glanced at Sven. "Well – I'm going to offer my services to the princess without telling Keith. Are you with me?"
Sven smiled slightly. "Selvfølgelig." (Of course)
Lance grinned at him. "Magnifique." (Great)
MAY 13TH
Dear diary:
This morning I went to the dining room. I knew they guys would be practicing in the desert, so I sat down in the table while the servants served me breakfast. I was enjoying a plate of oatmeal with peaches when I heard the sound of someone clearing his throat.
I turned around and saw Keith in the threshold.
"Good morning – Princess."
I swallowed hard. "Good Morning, I thought you were in the desert."
"We decided to go tomorrow," he replied, while strolling over to the table and taking a seat next to me.
"Oh," I mumbled, looking down at my plate.
He reached for a glass of orange juice and took a sip. "Last night, I waited for more than two hours, why didn't you come?"
"I've never said that I would," I replied innocently.
He took another sip and then said quietly, "We can't go on like this."
"And why not?"
"We're not fifteen anymore, we're responsible adults; at least I am."
I frowned. "Oh, really? You didn't act like a responsible adult in the kitchen the other night."
"I told you that I was sorry, it will not happen again."
"And I'll do my best not to give you another chance."
"Unless you want me to," he taunted.
I could have sworn there was a hint of laughter in his voice. "You took advantage of me," I whispered.
"Did I?" he asked, "From the way you responded, I thought it was something we both wanted."
"Well, you were wrong. You merely caught me in a moment of weakness. See that you don't do it again."
"Okay – I'll remember. I'll be sure to ask your permission, Princess. Is that what you'd like?"
"What I'd like…" I trailed off. I was angry and confused, and most of all, deeply aroused. And that fact frightened me more than any other.
I reached for my glass of orange juice and rose from my seat. "What I'd like is for you to bank your fire, Commander Keith!" and I poured the contents of the glass on his lap. Caught by surprise, he shoved his chair back and rose from his seat.
"Look what you did to my uniform!" he growled.
"Don't worry, it will wash off," I replied saucily, and walked up to the door.
He sighed heavily. "All right – I deserved that. But I have one more thing to say."
I looked over my shoulder as he was reaching for a napkin to remove the excess.
"What?"
He looked up and smiled. "Te amo, princesa."
I stared at him in openmouthed surprise. He knew that I loved the way he talked in Spanish. I shook my head and couldn't help but smile at him.
"Y yo a ti." (And I love you too)
At the moment Beatrix entered the dining room. She stared at me and then at Keith in bewilderment.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," I said in the sweetest voice I could muster. "Please go and change and bring Beatrix the uniform."
He nodded. "Don't worry, Princess, it will wash off," he said matter-of-factly.
I glanced at Beatrix. "I accidentally knock over my glass of juice onto the Commander's uniform. Please wash it for him."
She nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."
Before leaving I looked back, promising myself that I would give him another chance – very soon.
More later.
Dear diary:
This morning I went to the dining room. I knew they guys would be practicing in the desert, so I sat down in the table while the servants served me breakfast. I was enjoying a plate of oatmeal with peaches when I heard the sound of someone clearing his throat.
I turned around and saw Keith in the threshold.
"Good morning – Princess."
I swallowed hard. "Good Morning, I thought you were in the desert."
"We decided to go tomorrow," he replied, while strolling over to the table and taking a seat next to me.
"Oh," I mumbled, looking down at my plate.
He reached for a glass of orange juice and took a sip. "Last night, I waited for more than two hours, why didn't you come?"
"I've never said that I would," I replied innocently.
He took another sip and then said quietly, "We can't go on like this."
"And why not?"
"We're not fifteen anymore, we're responsible adults; at least I am."
I frowned. "Oh, really? You didn't act like a responsible adult in the kitchen the other night."
"I told you that I was sorry, it will not happen again."
"And I'll do my best not to give you another chance."
"Unless you want me to," he taunted.
I could have sworn there was a hint of laughter in his voice. "You took advantage of me," I whispered.
"Did I?" he asked, "From the way you responded, I thought it was something we both wanted."
"Well, you were wrong. You merely caught me in a moment of weakness. See that you don't do it again."
"Okay – I'll remember. I'll be sure to ask your permission, Princess. Is that what you'd like?"
"What I'd like…" I trailed off. I was angry and confused, and most of all, deeply aroused. And that fact frightened me more than any other.
I reached for my glass of orange juice and rose from my seat. "What I'd like is for you to bank your fire, Commander Keith!" and I poured the contents of the glass on his lap. Caught by surprise, he shoved his chair back and rose from his seat.
"Look what you did to my uniform!" he growled.
"Don't worry, it will wash off," I replied saucily, and walked up to the door.
He sighed heavily. "All right – I deserved that. But I have one more thing to say."
I looked over my shoulder as he was reaching for a napkin to remove the excess.
"What?"
He looked up and smiled. "Te amo, princesa."
I stared at him in openmouthed surprise. He knew that I loved the way he talked in Spanish. I shook my head and couldn't help but smile at him.
"Y yo a ti." (And I love you too)
At the moment Beatrix entered the dining room. She stared at me and then at Keith in bewilderment.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," I said in the sweetest voice I could muster. "Please go and change and bring Beatrix the uniform."
He nodded. "Don't worry, Princess, it will wash off," he said matter-of-factly.
I glanced at Beatrix. "I accidentally knock over my glass of juice onto the Commander's uniform. Please wash it for him."
She nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."
Before leaving I looked back, promising myself that I would give him another chance – very soon.
More later.
Three months have passed since the Space Explorers arrived in Arus. King Zarkon has continued with his vicious attacks, but he hasn't been able to destroy Voltron or at least kill the meddling space explorers.
If the military side of this mission has been successful so far, the fight for the civil and economic recovery of the planet has yet to be decided. It is the hardest aspect of the mission; dozens of humanitarian organizations applying dwindling amounts of aid while trying to encourage villager resettlement.
Some critics say that the Voltron Force should pull out and go back to the Magenta Galaxy, where they're really needed.
But these people have stared too long at maps and television screens, but never peered into the eyes of the people on the ground; into the faces of abandoned old folks, widows, and children whose only crime was to live in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Today, Terra enjoys the most prosperous time in its history. If their interplanetary commitments are significant, they haven't kept them from buying that new car of playing with the latest technology stock.
The people of Arus deserve a chance for a normal life and hope, just like the rest of the galaxy.
That's why the Voltron Force will not leave. Their training centered on the psychological aspects of being a warrior, as well as physical fighting techniques. The end result was to provide superior proficiency in deciding on how much force should be applied in a given situation. That's important because space explorers are the first ones into combat. However, they also must be ready for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
Unfortunately, good men are often the prey of evil.
The Voltron Force accompanied Allura to small village called Nova Arusia, ten miles east of the Castle of Lions. They rode through the village on horseback and brought a carriage filled with Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's) and treats for the children.
Allura stood behind the carriage while the boys and Cheddar were standing in front of a wall keeping a close watch on their princess.
Hunk looked in both directions and frowned. "We have all this food and nobody wants it!"
Sven leaned his head on the wall and closed his eyes briefly. "They feel safe in their caves."
Keith glanced at him. "They will come out, Sven. We just need to apply some pressure."
Pidge and Cheddar glanced at him. "We'll invite them to come."
Hunk, Pidge and Lance went to the nearby forest to talk to the villagers, but they wouldn't come to the village for fear of another attack.
"Come outside and celebrate!" Pidge said.
"Aren't you hungry?" Hunk asked.
"The Princess is going to be very disappointed," Lance whispered sadly, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"Let's go back to the village and try again," Hunk suggested.
They stood on the middle of the empty street.
"You will be safe outside!" Lance shouted.
"Zarkon will not bother you again!" Pidge cried.
Suddenly they saw a boy. Pidge and Cheddar smiled and waved at him.
"Hi! The Princess has brought food for you and your family, please join us". Pidge said.
Another boy stepped forward. Moments later a child and his mother came out from a ruined building. Little by little, the people started to come out and they stood in line. Allura clapped her hands in delight. "There's food for everyone!" she said.
A red-haired boy was given a big and shiny red apple. He sat on the floor next to a building and took a bite. Sven walked up to him and bent down to talk to him. "Are you really enjoying that apple?" he asked with a smile on his face.
The boy nodded. "Yes."
Sven glanced back a Keith. "Not so long ago, we only had bread and water," he recalled.
Keith smiled wistfully at him. "That's right."
A woman walked up to the Princess. "Your Highness – you're as kind as your father. May God bless you," she said. She and two other women knelt down in front of her. "Thank you, for you sharing this food with us," she said and kissed her hand.
Allura smiled at them. "Thank you. God bless you all."
Sven looked at the Princess. How suited she was to be the ruler of Arus, he thought admiringly. He promised himself to continue helping her in anything he could.
Keith gazed at the object of his affection. He couldn't help but feel happy for her. He was so proud of her.
But they weren't the only ones enjoying that touching moment.
"Look, my evil pet," Hagar the witch said to her cat Coba, "There's the Voltron Force. Go now, and call their attention. Bring me one of them. I only need one."
Cheddar, who was still perched on Pidge's shoulder saw the cat and started squeaking.
"What's wrong Cheddar?" he asked.
Lance turned around and saw the blue cat. "Look!"
Pidge turned around. "A blue cat!" he cried. "That one belongs to Hagar!"
Lance quirked an eyebrow. "Pidge, be careful. That means Zarkon's witch must be nearby."
Sven glanced back and frowned. The cat hissed at them and then ran away.
"I'm going to look for her!" Lance yelled, dashing off.
"Lance - don't go alone!" Sven called back and went after him.
Keith saw them leave and then turned to Pidge and Hunk. "Stay close to the Princess," he ordered.
Pidge and Hunk nodded. "We'll do, Commander!" they replied in unison.
Lance followed the cat to an empty street. He looked in both directions and frowned. "Where's that cat?" he asked.
Suddenly, he was trapped in a magic net.
"Heh heh!"
"Your magic isn't going to work on me - you miserable witch!"
The old hag couldn't stop laughing at him. The net was draining him of his strength. He managed to pull out his laser gun from his jacket, but he was too weak to use it and dropped it.
Hagar was pulling the helpless Terran in her direction when out of nowhere came Sven running sword in hand and cut through the net, and Lance came crashing onto the ground.
"Thanks!" he gasped.
Sven glared at the witch. "Lance – go for help! I'll keep her busy!"
Hagar released a hideous laughter. "It doesn't matter. You will do just fine."
Sven narrowed his eyes at her. "You're not in your domains, miserable old witch," he sneered. He then glanced at Lance. "Go and tell the others! Hurry!"
"Right!" he stood back up and hurried off.
Sven then glanced back at her. "Now I'm going to show you some of my magic," he said, rushing forward at her with his sword.
"Foolish boy!" she hissed and then began replicating herself. Sven launched at her but only hit air. Her replicates surrounded him in a matter of seconds. He clenched his left fist and widened his eyes.
"Which one is the real one?!" he wondered out loud.
Hagar raised her staff once again and attacked him with a white fire. Sven growled and covered his eyes.
"It's no use, Sven… my magic is better that yours."
He started trembling and closed his eyes. He made the sign of the cross and his whole body was engulfed by some kind of energy and his face turned white. Without opening his eyes, he raised his sword above his head and ran towards her.
"I can sense your real presence!" he said in a thunderous voice.
Hagar was startled by Sven's abilities but managed to block his sword with her wooden staff.
Seeing its mistress in danger, Coba jumped onto Sven and scratched his face. Sven yelled and tried to free himself from its grasp, not realizing that Hagar's blue robeast was right behind him. The monster gave him a crippling blow on his back. Sven released his sword, which buried itself on the ground. He dropped to his knees in searing pain, and fell face down.
The beast growled and raised its claw at him. Sven forced himself to move and face his attacker. He widened his eyes and released a desperate scream.
Meanwhile…
Keith turned around and frowned. "What? Sven is fighting with Hagar?"
Lance nodded. "Y-yes!" he gasped, trying to catch his breath.
He glanced at his teammates. "Hunk! Pidge! Take the Princess back to the castle and protect her with your lives!"
"Right, skipper!" Hunk shouted and grabbed Allura's hand. "Time to go, Princess!"
Hunk helped Allura mount her horse, climbed atop his own horse and they were off along with Pidge, while the villagers looked at each other and wondered what had happened.
Lance and Keith ran to aid their friend. They found him sprawled out on the ground.
Keith widened his eyes. "Sven!" he yelled.
They went to his side and knelt down. Keith turned him around and gasped. Sven's face was covered with blood.
"Are you badly hurt?" Lance asked.
Sven's eyelids fluttered. "Yes. I'm in pretty bad shape. Hagar has a new monster. You have to stop it," he said and swallowed convulsively. "I'm sorry; I can't help you form Voltron."
Keith and Lance looked helplessly at him and held back tears. "There's a doctor on Planet Ebb," Keith said with a reassuring voice.
Sven shivered violently. "Please take me there – fast," he moaned raggedly before losing consciousness.
Lance swallowed hard. "Is he dead?" he whispered.
Keith hurriedly checked Sven's pulse and shook his head. "No. Tell Pidge to page Dr. Gorma immediately."
Lance nodded mutely and took out his communicator from his pocket.
"Pidge – this is Lance," he said in a choked voice. "We found Sven badly hurt. Tell Dr. Gorma to be ready."
The young man gasped loudly. "Will do! Hunk is on his way."
"Ok - Lance out."
"He's going to make it, right Keith?" he turned to his friend, his face full of anguish.
"Yes, he will. Sven's a fighter!" He replied, intensity in every word.
Lance gazed skyward and tears started to run down his cheeks. Keith averted his gaze, fighting back his own tears.
Would they be able to save their dear friend from a horrible death?
How were they going to defend Arus without him?
The journey for the fair Princess Allura and the brave space explorers is not over yet.
The End.
07/05/2000
Revised 03/07/2015
If the military side of this mission has been successful so far, the fight for the civil and economic recovery of the planet has yet to be decided. It is the hardest aspect of the mission; dozens of humanitarian organizations applying dwindling amounts of aid while trying to encourage villager resettlement.
Some critics say that the Voltron Force should pull out and go back to the Magenta Galaxy, where they're really needed.
But these people have stared too long at maps and television screens, but never peered into the eyes of the people on the ground; into the faces of abandoned old folks, widows, and children whose only crime was to live in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Today, Terra enjoys the most prosperous time in its history. If their interplanetary commitments are significant, they haven't kept them from buying that new car of playing with the latest technology stock.
The people of Arus deserve a chance for a normal life and hope, just like the rest of the galaxy.
That's why the Voltron Force will not leave. Their training centered on the psychological aspects of being a warrior, as well as physical fighting techniques. The end result was to provide superior proficiency in deciding on how much force should be applied in a given situation. That's important because space explorers are the first ones into combat. However, they also must be ready for peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
Unfortunately, good men are often the prey of evil.
The Voltron Force accompanied Allura to small village called Nova Arusia, ten miles east of the Castle of Lions. They rode through the village on horseback and brought a carriage filled with Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's) and treats for the children.
Allura stood behind the carriage while the boys and Cheddar were standing in front of a wall keeping a close watch on their princess.
Hunk looked in both directions and frowned. "We have all this food and nobody wants it!"
Sven leaned his head on the wall and closed his eyes briefly. "They feel safe in their caves."
Keith glanced at him. "They will come out, Sven. We just need to apply some pressure."
Pidge and Cheddar glanced at him. "We'll invite them to come."
Hunk, Pidge and Lance went to the nearby forest to talk to the villagers, but they wouldn't come to the village for fear of another attack.
"Come outside and celebrate!" Pidge said.
"Aren't you hungry?" Hunk asked.
"The Princess is going to be very disappointed," Lance whispered sadly, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"Let's go back to the village and try again," Hunk suggested.
They stood on the middle of the empty street.
"You will be safe outside!" Lance shouted.
"Zarkon will not bother you again!" Pidge cried.
Suddenly they saw a boy. Pidge and Cheddar smiled and waved at him.
"Hi! The Princess has brought food for you and your family, please join us". Pidge said.
Another boy stepped forward. Moments later a child and his mother came out from a ruined building. Little by little, the people started to come out and they stood in line. Allura clapped her hands in delight. "There's food for everyone!" she said.
A red-haired boy was given a big and shiny red apple. He sat on the floor next to a building and took a bite. Sven walked up to him and bent down to talk to him. "Are you really enjoying that apple?" he asked with a smile on his face.
The boy nodded. "Yes."
Sven glanced back a Keith. "Not so long ago, we only had bread and water," he recalled.
Keith smiled wistfully at him. "That's right."
A woman walked up to the Princess. "Your Highness – you're as kind as your father. May God bless you," she said. She and two other women knelt down in front of her. "Thank you, for you sharing this food with us," she said and kissed her hand.
Allura smiled at them. "Thank you. God bless you all."
Sven looked at the Princess. How suited she was to be the ruler of Arus, he thought admiringly. He promised himself to continue helping her in anything he could.
Keith gazed at the object of his affection. He couldn't help but feel happy for her. He was so proud of her.
But they weren't the only ones enjoying that touching moment.
"Look, my evil pet," Hagar the witch said to her cat Coba, "There's the Voltron Force. Go now, and call their attention. Bring me one of them. I only need one."
Cheddar, who was still perched on Pidge's shoulder saw the cat and started squeaking.
"What's wrong Cheddar?" he asked.
Lance turned around and saw the blue cat. "Look!"
Pidge turned around. "A blue cat!" he cried. "That one belongs to Hagar!"
Lance quirked an eyebrow. "Pidge, be careful. That means Zarkon's witch must be nearby."
Sven glanced back and frowned. The cat hissed at them and then ran away.
"I'm going to look for her!" Lance yelled, dashing off.
"Lance - don't go alone!" Sven called back and went after him.
Keith saw them leave and then turned to Pidge and Hunk. "Stay close to the Princess," he ordered.
Pidge and Hunk nodded. "We'll do, Commander!" they replied in unison.
Lance followed the cat to an empty street. He looked in both directions and frowned. "Where's that cat?" he asked.
Suddenly, he was trapped in a magic net.
"Heh heh!"
"Your magic isn't going to work on me - you miserable witch!"
The old hag couldn't stop laughing at him. The net was draining him of his strength. He managed to pull out his laser gun from his jacket, but he was too weak to use it and dropped it.
Hagar was pulling the helpless Terran in her direction when out of nowhere came Sven running sword in hand and cut through the net, and Lance came crashing onto the ground.
"Thanks!" he gasped.
Sven glared at the witch. "Lance – go for help! I'll keep her busy!"
Hagar released a hideous laughter. "It doesn't matter. You will do just fine."
Sven narrowed his eyes at her. "You're not in your domains, miserable old witch," he sneered. He then glanced at Lance. "Go and tell the others! Hurry!"
"Right!" he stood back up and hurried off.
Sven then glanced back at her. "Now I'm going to show you some of my magic," he said, rushing forward at her with his sword.
"Foolish boy!" she hissed and then began replicating herself. Sven launched at her but only hit air. Her replicates surrounded him in a matter of seconds. He clenched his left fist and widened his eyes.
"Which one is the real one?!" he wondered out loud.
Hagar raised her staff once again and attacked him with a white fire. Sven growled and covered his eyes.
"It's no use, Sven… my magic is better that yours."
He started trembling and closed his eyes. He made the sign of the cross and his whole body was engulfed by some kind of energy and his face turned white. Without opening his eyes, he raised his sword above his head and ran towards her.
"I can sense your real presence!" he said in a thunderous voice.
Hagar was startled by Sven's abilities but managed to block his sword with her wooden staff.
Seeing its mistress in danger, Coba jumped onto Sven and scratched his face. Sven yelled and tried to free himself from its grasp, not realizing that Hagar's blue robeast was right behind him. The monster gave him a crippling blow on his back. Sven released his sword, which buried itself on the ground. He dropped to his knees in searing pain, and fell face down.
The beast growled and raised its claw at him. Sven forced himself to move and face his attacker. He widened his eyes and released a desperate scream.
Meanwhile…
Keith turned around and frowned. "What? Sven is fighting with Hagar?"
Lance nodded. "Y-yes!" he gasped, trying to catch his breath.
He glanced at his teammates. "Hunk! Pidge! Take the Princess back to the castle and protect her with your lives!"
"Right, skipper!" Hunk shouted and grabbed Allura's hand. "Time to go, Princess!"
Hunk helped Allura mount her horse, climbed atop his own horse and they were off along with Pidge, while the villagers looked at each other and wondered what had happened.
Lance and Keith ran to aid their friend. They found him sprawled out on the ground.
Keith widened his eyes. "Sven!" he yelled.
They went to his side and knelt down. Keith turned him around and gasped. Sven's face was covered with blood.
"Are you badly hurt?" Lance asked.
Sven's eyelids fluttered. "Yes. I'm in pretty bad shape. Hagar has a new monster. You have to stop it," he said and swallowed convulsively. "I'm sorry; I can't help you form Voltron."
Keith and Lance looked helplessly at him and held back tears. "There's a doctor on Planet Ebb," Keith said with a reassuring voice.
Sven shivered violently. "Please take me there – fast," he moaned raggedly before losing consciousness.
Lance swallowed hard. "Is he dead?" he whispered.
Keith hurriedly checked Sven's pulse and shook his head. "No. Tell Pidge to page Dr. Gorma immediately."
Lance nodded mutely and took out his communicator from his pocket.
"Pidge – this is Lance," he said in a choked voice. "We found Sven badly hurt. Tell Dr. Gorma to be ready."
The young man gasped loudly. "Will do! Hunk is on his way."
"Ok - Lance out."
"He's going to make it, right Keith?" he turned to his friend, his face full of anguish.
"Yes, he will. Sven's a fighter!" He replied, intensity in every word.
Lance gazed skyward and tears started to run down his cheeks. Keith averted his gaze, fighting back his own tears.
Would they be able to save their dear friend from a horrible death?
How were they going to defend Arus without him?
The journey for the fair Princess Allura and the brave space explorers is not over yet.
The End.
07/05/2000
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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