School Days
Part VI
Like Father, Like Son
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. This part of the series explains why I gave Princess Allura a Danish background. It happened quite by accident, while watching a documentary about spiders. The entomologist was from *Aarhus* University. My source about the history of the European Space Agency (ESA) is 'The Handy Space Answer Book' by Phillis Engelbert and Diane L. Dupuis (Visible Ink Press 1998)
Lynne (Bonds of Love) – thank you for your help, you're the best :D Ariane – thanks for your help. By the way, that's the real name of the rockets ;-) I hope you enjoy it, please tell me what you think. C&C welcomed.
Originally Published 10/10/2000 - 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. This part of the series explains why I gave Princess Allura a Danish background. It happened quite by accident, while watching a documentary about spiders. The entomologist was from *Aarhus* University. My source about the history of the European Space Agency (ESA) is 'The Handy Space Answer Book' by Phillis Engelbert and Diane L. Dupuis (Visible Ink Press 1998)
Lynne (Bonds of Love) – thank you for your help, you're the best :D Ariane – thanks for your help. By the way, that's the real name of the rockets ;-) I hope you enjoy it, please tell me what you think. C&C welcomed.
Originally Published 10/10/2000 - Revised 03/07/2015
Click on the following links to move along to that chapter.
[Keith was in his room, recording his journal]
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.08.16.1
After lion practice, the guys and I went to the conference room, for our first Arusian history class. I must admit that history wasn't my favorite subject back at school, but nothing or no one would keep me from attending.
Why?
[He chuckled softly]
Allura was going to be our instructor.
Upon entering the room, I noticed that Ally was already there working on her notebook while an aid was setting up the projector. The rest of the Voltron Force entered the room and began to take their places. I sat before her and then glanced at the wide screen.
"What presentation software are you using?" I asked nonchalantly.
"PowerPoint 2297," she replied curtly, her blue gaze fixed on the monitor.
Pidge grinned. "Princess- the next time I talk to my brother Chip, I'll ask him to send you an upgrade of Microsoft Office 2302."
She glanced back at him and smiled. "Thank you, I'll need it for my presentations when I go back to school."
When the aid informed her that the projector was ready, she rose from her seat and walked over to the left side of the room. Extending her palm outward in a friendly gesture she said, "I know you could get this information from our archives, but I prepared this presentation about our kingdom. I hope you like it."
She pressed a button on the remote and the presentation began. It had an attention-getting title: "Aarhus – A New Beginning."
A map of Denmark appeared on the screen. She pointed at the right upper side of the map with the mouse.
"Our planet was named after Århus, the second largest city of Denmark. This country forms a link between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. Scandinavia consists of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. My ancestors were forced to leave their homeland because of the impending danger of a World War. They arrived here in the year 2050."
"That's more than two hundred years ago," Hunk noted.
"I could just imagine how exciting it was for them to see this wonderful planet, just waiting for them," Pidge said, full of awe.
"I guess they felt same way Christopher Columbus did when he discovered America," I offered.
Lance leaned back in his chair and pondered for a few moments. "But what is the correct spelling, Arus or Aarhus?" he asked.
Allura picked up a red felt pen and walked over to a white blackboard.
"Arus is also from time to time written as Århus or Aarhus as it was in the old days," she said while writing both names, "The latter is still used in the name of the university. The name is pronounced more like Orhus - as in Oregon - than Arhus."
"I prefer Arus," Pidge said.
"Me too," Hunk added.
[Keith hears a knock on the door and stops the recording]
"Who is it?" he asked.
"It's me, Pidge. Nanny sent me to tell you that dinner is ready."
"Thanks, I'll be right over,"
[Keith resumes with his diary]
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.08.16.1
After lion practice, the guys and I went to the conference room, for our first Arusian history class. I must admit that history wasn't my favorite subject back at school, but nothing or no one would keep me from attending.
Why?
[He chuckled softly]
Allura was going to be our instructor.
Upon entering the room, I noticed that Ally was already there working on her notebook while an aid was setting up the projector. The rest of the Voltron Force entered the room and began to take their places. I sat before her and then glanced at the wide screen.
"What presentation software are you using?" I asked nonchalantly.
"PowerPoint 2297," she replied curtly, her blue gaze fixed on the monitor.
Pidge grinned. "Princess- the next time I talk to my brother Chip, I'll ask him to send you an upgrade of Microsoft Office 2302."
She glanced back at him and smiled. "Thank you, I'll need it for my presentations when I go back to school."
When the aid informed her that the projector was ready, she rose from her seat and walked over to the left side of the room. Extending her palm outward in a friendly gesture she said, "I know you could get this information from our archives, but I prepared this presentation about our kingdom. I hope you like it."
She pressed a button on the remote and the presentation began. It had an attention-getting title: "Aarhus – A New Beginning."
A map of Denmark appeared on the screen. She pointed at the right upper side of the map with the mouse.
"Our planet was named after Århus, the second largest city of Denmark. This country forms a link between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. Scandinavia consists of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. My ancestors were forced to leave their homeland because of the impending danger of a World War. They arrived here in the year 2050."
"That's more than two hundred years ago," Hunk noted.
"I could just imagine how exciting it was for them to see this wonderful planet, just waiting for them," Pidge said, full of awe.
"I guess they felt same way Christopher Columbus did when he discovered America," I offered.
Lance leaned back in his chair and pondered for a few moments. "But what is the correct spelling, Arus or Aarhus?" he asked.
Allura picked up a red felt pen and walked over to a white blackboard.
"Arus is also from time to time written as Århus or Aarhus as it was in the old days," she said while writing both names, "The latter is still used in the name of the university. The name is pronounced more like Orhus - as in Oregon - than Arhus."
"I prefer Arus," Pidge said.
"Me too," Hunk added.
[Keith hears a knock on the door and stops the recording]
"Who is it?" he asked.
"It's me, Pidge. Nanny sent me to tell you that dinner is ready."
"Thanks, I'll be right over,"
[Keith resumes with his diary]
Save… close.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.08.16.2
Allura then continued with her presentation…
"Denmark was member of the European Space Agency (ESA), an organization of fourteen European countries founded in 1975 for peaceful scientific purposes. Their mission included developing and launching communication and weather satellites, scientific spacecraft, and space transportation systems. ESA member nations jointly funded and selected projects for the agency."
She showed a slide listing the countries that belong to the European Space Agency.
"The member nations of ESA included Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Each country contributed to the general operating fund. Its headquarters were located in Paris, France," she said.
"But they had offices in Copenhagen and Århus," Sven remarked.
Allura nodded. "That's right, because the director of the agency was Prince Åalfor Løve, second cousin to King Frederick X of Denmark. He was a scientist, who maintained a lifelong interest in rocketry and space travel. Unlike so many scientists and engineers of his time, who used their intellect to create weapons of mass destruction, he worked for peaceful purposes; including the development of technology to reduce the length of space missions."
A photograph of Prince Åalfor came up next. He was standing next to a maquette of the old Castle of Lions. The Danish Prince had dark brown hair and brown eyes; his face was edged with a beard and mustache that connected about his mouth. He was wearing a dark blue uniform with red accents and golden buttons.
"Far out!" Pidge gasped, "He looks just like King Alfor!"
"The resemblance is amazing," Hunk noted.
Allura gazed at the picture of her ancestor and smiled wistfully. "My mom and I used to tease my dad about that."
"Not only did he inherit his looks, but also his intelligence. We would not be here if he had not created Voltron," I stated, glancing at Allura.
Her lips curved into a slight smile and her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. "That's so true," she replied in a hush tone.
While reading the Royal Archives, I learned that His Majesty became an amateur astronomer at an early age. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the Danish Society for Space Travel, a group that built several experimental rockets that reached heights of up to ten miles. He then studied physics at Aarhus University and earned his doctorate in 2035. Years later, he was named director of the European Space Agency.
"One of the most noted accomplishments of ESA was the Ariane rocket series," Allura said.
"What was the purpose of those rockets?" Lance asked when a prototype of the Ariane rocket appeared on the screen. The Princess gazed at him. "They were used to launch European scientific and communications satellites into space. The first successful Ariane launch was in 1979. Since then, the rocket was used many times. One famous mission involving Ariane was the 1985 launch of the ESA's Giotto, a probe that flew very close to the center of Halley's comet."
Sven smiled and a boyish look appeared on his face. "I saw that comet in 2290, when I was eleven years old," he reminisced, "It was spectacular."
Lance, Hunk and I smiled at him. "I saw it too," we replied in unison.
Not wanting to be left out, Pidge intervened. "I read somewhere that ESA and NASA worked together during that time," he said.
"That's right," Allura replied, and the logos of ESA and NASA appeared on the screen. "ESA worked in cooperation with NASA on several projects over the years, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spacelab science experiments carried on board various U.S. space shuttles. The two agencies worked toward the construction of an International Space Station, which was launched on 2002. Ariane 5 rockets carried supplies and astronauts to the Space Station."
"That station remained in use until it was destroyed in the World War of 2052," I remarked, "But when the Alliance was formed in 2108, the remaining space agencies in Terra united, and they decided to launch another station, the Renaissance."
A representation of the Milky Way was the next slide. Allura said, "They also sent interplanetary probes that traveled through out the solar system and beyond. The idea was to find planets similar to Terra to create space colonies. One of their probes, Auriga, discovered the Denubian Galaxy."
She then frowned slightly. "Unfortunately, some of the members of ESA fell on difficult economic times and political unrest, and the agency was forced to cancel a number of projects, primarily the construction of the Leo program of manned spaceflights to our galaxy."
"Here's a news clip where Prince Åalfor was reporting to the United Nations about the agency's findings, with the idea of asking for their support," Allura offered.
It was a video of the Prince talking to the delegates at the UN headquarters in New York.
"We'll go to the Denubian Galaxy, the only issue is when. So far, we have found two planets in that part of the universe that can sustain life, but my team is sure that there are many more. We must make an effort to reach our goal. Humanity will expand, there's no doubt about that," he declared, his face filled with determination.
"We must give the human species a place to survive after Earth. Put it this way, if we do it, in two hundred years there will be two hundred million people in the Denubian Galaxy. There will be a new branch of human civilization, adding their chapter in history. And if we don't cross that frontier, we're going to move into a period of stagnation and decay on Earth; the signs are beginning to appear: the civil wars in Europe and Central America, the creation of nuclear weapons by Third World countries, and the abuse of our natural resources. Limited to a planet, the human race could be extinguished in a heartbeat."
The image of the Prince froze on the screen and Allura sighed. "But they ignored his pleas for help. He was considered a maverick, a non-conformist with far out ideas. The delegates were more interested in their own agendas, and going to a far away galaxy wasn't part of it. But he didn't give up. He surrounded himself with the most capable people from the University of Åahrus, with degrees in engineering, math, medicine, biological and physical science. They spent the next three years on the construction of a space shuttle called the Black Leo. Four new shuttles were later added to the fleet, and I think you can guess their names," she said glancing at Pidge, a smile touching her lips.
He grinned at her. "Don't tell me- Red, Green, Blue and Yellow."
"Yes, you could say that he was preparing the path for the creation of Voltron."
The screen then turned black. "We'll that's all for now, in our next session we'll talk about the construction of the old castle."
"Great presentation, Princess," Hunk declared.
She smiled warmly at him. "Thanks, Hunk."
He rose from his seat. "I really mean it, I know how difficult it is to present in front of a group. I used to give workshops back in the academy and even though I knew all the material, it was a nerve wracking experience."
"I hope I can get a copy," Pidge added shyly.
"Of course," she answered, pleased by the response of the guys.
A slow smile crept over Lance's face and leaning over me, he whispered, "Tomorrow, I'm going to bring a red apple; maybe I'll become the teacher's pet."
I smirked. You're too late, Lancey, I thought, I am the teacher's pet.
"You better bring that apple for Nanny," I suggested, "Tomorrow we have etiquette lessons."
I watched in amusement as color washed up over my friend's cheekbones. "Damn!" he mumbled under his breath, "I'd forgotten about that."
Save… close.
Allura then continued with her presentation…
"Denmark was member of the European Space Agency (ESA), an organization of fourteen European countries founded in 1975 for peaceful scientific purposes. Their mission included developing and launching communication and weather satellites, scientific spacecraft, and space transportation systems. ESA member nations jointly funded and selected projects for the agency."
She showed a slide listing the countries that belong to the European Space Agency.
"The member nations of ESA included Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Each country contributed to the general operating fund. Its headquarters were located in Paris, France," she said.
"But they had offices in Copenhagen and Århus," Sven remarked.
Allura nodded. "That's right, because the director of the agency was Prince Åalfor Løve, second cousin to King Frederick X of Denmark. He was a scientist, who maintained a lifelong interest in rocketry and space travel. Unlike so many scientists and engineers of his time, who used their intellect to create weapons of mass destruction, he worked for peaceful purposes; including the development of technology to reduce the length of space missions."
A photograph of Prince Åalfor came up next. He was standing next to a maquette of the old Castle of Lions. The Danish Prince had dark brown hair and brown eyes; his face was edged with a beard and mustache that connected about his mouth. He was wearing a dark blue uniform with red accents and golden buttons.
"Far out!" Pidge gasped, "He looks just like King Alfor!"
"The resemblance is amazing," Hunk noted.
Allura gazed at the picture of her ancestor and smiled wistfully. "My mom and I used to tease my dad about that."
"Not only did he inherit his looks, but also his intelligence. We would not be here if he had not created Voltron," I stated, glancing at Allura.
Her lips curved into a slight smile and her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. "That's so true," she replied in a hush tone.
While reading the Royal Archives, I learned that His Majesty became an amateur astronomer at an early age. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the Danish Society for Space Travel, a group that built several experimental rockets that reached heights of up to ten miles. He then studied physics at Aarhus University and earned his doctorate in 2035. Years later, he was named director of the European Space Agency.
"One of the most noted accomplishments of ESA was the Ariane rocket series," Allura said.
"What was the purpose of those rockets?" Lance asked when a prototype of the Ariane rocket appeared on the screen. The Princess gazed at him. "They were used to launch European scientific and communications satellites into space. The first successful Ariane launch was in 1979. Since then, the rocket was used many times. One famous mission involving Ariane was the 1985 launch of the ESA's Giotto, a probe that flew very close to the center of Halley's comet."
Sven smiled and a boyish look appeared on his face. "I saw that comet in 2290, when I was eleven years old," he reminisced, "It was spectacular."
Lance, Hunk and I smiled at him. "I saw it too," we replied in unison.
Not wanting to be left out, Pidge intervened. "I read somewhere that ESA and NASA worked together during that time," he said.
"That's right," Allura replied, and the logos of ESA and NASA appeared on the screen. "ESA worked in cooperation with NASA on several projects over the years, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spacelab science experiments carried on board various U.S. space shuttles. The two agencies worked toward the construction of an International Space Station, which was launched on 2002. Ariane 5 rockets carried supplies and astronauts to the Space Station."
"That station remained in use until it was destroyed in the World War of 2052," I remarked, "But when the Alliance was formed in 2108, the remaining space agencies in Terra united, and they decided to launch another station, the Renaissance."
A representation of the Milky Way was the next slide. Allura said, "They also sent interplanetary probes that traveled through out the solar system and beyond. The idea was to find planets similar to Terra to create space colonies. One of their probes, Auriga, discovered the Denubian Galaxy."
She then frowned slightly. "Unfortunately, some of the members of ESA fell on difficult economic times and political unrest, and the agency was forced to cancel a number of projects, primarily the construction of the Leo program of manned spaceflights to our galaxy."
"Here's a news clip where Prince Åalfor was reporting to the United Nations about the agency's findings, with the idea of asking for their support," Allura offered.
It was a video of the Prince talking to the delegates at the UN headquarters in New York.
"We'll go to the Denubian Galaxy, the only issue is when. So far, we have found two planets in that part of the universe that can sustain life, but my team is sure that there are many more. We must make an effort to reach our goal. Humanity will expand, there's no doubt about that," he declared, his face filled with determination.
"We must give the human species a place to survive after Earth. Put it this way, if we do it, in two hundred years there will be two hundred million people in the Denubian Galaxy. There will be a new branch of human civilization, adding their chapter in history. And if we don't cross that frontier, we're going to move into a period of stagnation and decay on Earth; the signs are beginning to appear: the civil wars in Europe and Central America, the creation of nuclear weapons by Third World countries, and the abuse of our natural resources. Limited to a planet, the human race could be extinguished in a heartbeat."
The image of the Prince froze on the screen and Allura sighed. "But they ignored his pleas for help. He was considered a maverick, a non-conformist with far out ideas. The delegates were more interested in their own agendas, and going to a far away galaxy wasn't part of it. But he didn't give up. He surrounded himself with the most capable people from the University of Åahrus, with degrees in engineering, math, medicine, biological and physical science. They spent the next three years on the construction of a space shuttle called the Black Leo. Four new shuttles were later added to the fleet, and I think you can guess their names," she said glancing at Pidge, a smile touching her lips.
He grinned at her. "Don't tell me- Red, Green, Blue and Yellow."
"Yes, you could say that he was preparing the path for the creation of Voltron."
The screen then turned black. "We'll that's all for now, in our next session we'll talk about the construction of the old castle."
"Great presentation, Princess," Hunk declared.
She smiled warmly at him. "Thanks, Hunk."
He rose from his seat. "I really mean it, I know how difficult it is to present in front of a group. I used to give workshops back in the academy and even though I knew all the material, it was a nerve wracking experience."
"I hope I can get a copy," Pidge added shyly.
"Of course," she answered, pleased by the response of the guys.
A slow smile crept over Lance's face and leaning over me, he whispered, "Tomorrow, I'm going to bring a red apple; maybe I'll become the teacher's pet."
I smirked. You're too late, Lancey, I thought, I am the teacher's pet.
"You better bring that apple for Nanny," I suggested, "Tomorrow we have etiquette lessons."
I watched in amusement as color washed up over my friend's cheekbones. "Damn!" he mumbled under his breath, "I'd forgotten about that."
Save… close.
Slowly, Sven was returning to his old routine, which included daily exercises, planning lion practice with Keith, and monitoring the Princess's progress from the control room while the rest of the team continued with her training.
A month had passed since his confrontation with Hagar's blue robeast. He felt ready to go back to his post as pilot of Blue Lion, but Dr. Gorma wouldn't hear of it. He had to stay in the castle, and if he insisted on disobeying his orders, he had threatened him with sending him back to planet Ebb. Sven didn't want to leave his friends, so he accepted his fate.
Now that Allura had been formally inducted into the Force, they also had been teaching her how to protect herself with the art of judo. When Nanny and Coran found the Princess wearing the white, pajama-like garment of strong cloth worn in all training called the gi and mingling with the boys, they took her away and locked her in her room. That wasn't the proper behavior of a Princess, they said scandalized.
Fortunately, Keith and Sven came to her rescue and convinced them that it was for her own good.
Allura and the Voltron Force were in the exercise room. They were sitting on the floor and Sven was standing before them.
"We were the first generation of Space Cadets to add aspects of the martial arts to fighting techniques already taught by military close-combat instructors. We got some hand-to-hand combat work in basic training, but this added to our options, and we welcomed that."
"This part of our training was implemented on the orders of Space Marshall Graham. He thought that martial arts, as part of our regular training, could provide positive results in us, that it would improve self-discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, unit cohesion, defensive and offensive warrior combat skills, physical fitness, as well as establish goals," Keith added.
Allura smiled at him. "Well you have proven that he was right, you really work as a team."
"When we finished the training we were able to wear T-shirts affixed with various colored emblems, much like some martial-arts practitioners wear brown or black belts to indicate their level of expertise," Pidge commented.
"Really?" the Princess asked surprised. "I hope I can get a T-shirt too."
Pidge grinned at her. "We'll ask the Alliance to send one especially for you."
Sven continued. "Our training was centered on no particular martial-arts form, but rather in a mish-mash of various styles of karate, judo, tae kwon do and several other disciplines. But afterwards the five of us decided to stick with judo, which is a combat sport, in some way similar to wrestling. It was developed from a form of unarmed combat known as jujitsu, which was practiced in Japan. Other martial art sports such as karate are also based on the original jujitsu method of fighting."
"Jujitsu was probably introduced to Japan from China in the 12th century by monks who had developed the art to protect themselves against armed brigands. The Samurai, or warrior class, used it if they became unarmed during battle," Keith said.
"It consists of many dangerous blows and throws, and also locks, or holds, on bones and joints and even various methods of strangulation which can render a person unconscious in seconds," Lance offered.
"The original idea of jujitsu- and it is this that makes it different from wrestling- is that it is non-resistant," Hunk stated.
Allura gave him a puzzled look. "What do you mean?"
"If two men are pushing against one another, the stronger man will probably win. If, however, one man suddenly gives way by moving backwards of sideways, his opponent will continue to move forward and can easily be thrown by his own impetus," Sven replied. "The aim is to use a variety of holds, falls and throws to pin an opponent down on his or her back under control. In the advanced technique, pressure holds may be used to choke an opponent of force him to submit."
She winced slightly. "Oh Sven, I don't know if I'll ever be able to master this sport."
He smiled at her. "Princess- there's nothing mysterious about judo. A strong person would probably defeat a weaker one of the same skill, but if the weaker person is the more skillful he or she may very well win. Skill is developed only through constant training and practice."
Pidge stood back up. "Sensei," he began, "I don't want to rush you but, let's begin practice before Coran and Nanny come for the Princess like the last time."
"Don't worry Pidge," Lance said glancing at Allura, "They went to visit HRH Queen Orla, they won't be back till late in the evening."
Sven chuckled softly. "Per is right, let's begin." The rest of the group stood back up.
"Ok- the first thing learned in judo is how to fall. This is called ‘breakfall.' It is done by striking the mat with the inside of the arm from fingertips to armpit. A fraction of a second before the body hits they mat, so that the shock of the fall is absorbed painlessly in the arm. Lance and Hunk will give us an example."
Lance stood in front of Hunk. They were in the basic starting position: feet apart, toes out.
In a blink of an eye, Lance knocked Hunk to the ground, using the one-arm shoulder throw.
Sven shook his head. "Hunk- you need to fine tune your defensive skills, you have to take a fall without injuring yourself."
Hunk groaned loudly. "I'll try Sensei, but you know my thing is weightlifting."
Lance grinned at Hunk. "There are so many ways to take out an aggressor even if you've been knocked to the ground," he taunted.
Pidge laughed. "Princess- this is an example on which an opponent's *greater* weight, strength and aggressiveness may be used against him."
Hunk glared at him. "Uh, shut up!" he snapped rising to his feet.
Sven then glanced back at Allura. "Princess– why don't you and Keith practice last week's technique?" he asked, "The one that will help you ward-off an attack."
Keith and Allura glanced at each other baffled. "But Sven," her voice taking on a pleading tone, "Last week I practiced with Pidge, can't I continue with him?"
Pidge cleared his throat. "Rule number fourteen of the Dojo- OBEY the instructions given by the Sensei."
"Besides, you must practice with higher ranking opponents to improve your skills," Sven added, a hint of mischief on his voice. "No offense, Pidge."
"None taken."
"All right, I'll do it…" her voice trailed off.
Keith groaned softly. "Let's get it over with."
Their reactions didn't go unnoticed by Sven. He had seen the way they had been dancing on Keith's Appreciation Day celebration. There was something going on between them, he was almost sure of it. But he decided to keep his suspicions to himself for the time being.
"We'll simulate an attack. You'll try to kick Keith in the shin, pull back and then punched him on the chest."
"That's right Princess," Sven said encouragingly, "Kick, pull back and punch."
They practiced the drill several times.
"Okay, now a choke grab!"
Keith lied on the ground and Allura sat on top of him. She placed her hands around his neck and squeezed.
"You're not choking him, Princess," he chided. "You're giving him a massage."
Lance was half amused and half jealous. "Keith, I wish I were in your predicament."
Keith shot him a warning look.
There were guffaws of laughter from Hunk and Pidge, which made Allura blushed furiously. She could feel her heart begin to pound in her chest. But she had to prove that she could master this sport. She squeezed his neck a little tighter, her thighs tightening seductively around his hips.
Keith suddenly imagined they were in bed, making love. The thought aroused him even further. Here he was, with a huge erection straining in his pants.
Allura's eyes widened in shock when she *felt* him. And he was big. No matter what the books said, at that moment she didn't believe he would fit inside her.
She inhaled sharply. ~Allura! How could you think about that at this moment?~ she scolded to herself.
She looked searchingly at him and noticed the strained look on his face. ~How are we going to escape from this?~ she thought.
He nodded his understanding. His mind coldly weighed their peril. He had to distract himself- but how?
Keith remembered his undercover work. His leg began to ache where he had been bruised by enemy fire while escaping, and his lust was defused. He feigned being injured. "I-I give up," he gasped.
"Good!" Allura squeaked and immediately got off from him and rose to her feet. Keith stood back up and adjusted his gi. Thank God he was wearing loose clothing!
"Very well, Princess," Sven said, "And remember– this will disable an attacker long enough for you to flee the situation."
"You take your job very seriously," she breathed reaching for her white towel.
Pidge nodded approvingly. "That's why we call him Sensei, that's Japanese for teacher or master of any discipline" he said. "The cloth belt he's wearing is black, that's the highest degree of achievement. Keith is a brown belt and the rest of us are green belts."
"That's because those two took judo at the lyceé (high school)," Lance added.
"And why didn't you join them?" Allura prodded.
"I was on the soccer team. I was a midfielder and an excellent one I might add," he replied with that killer smile of his.
Pidge rolled his eyes at him. "Lance- you'll never be accused of being humble."
"Hey– is it my fault that we Frenchmen have football in our blood?"
The young pilot shrugged. "No– I guess not."
"And don't forget my little friend, we're champions of the world," he said proudly.
"How could I? You keep saying that all the time!"
"And we'll win the next one, I assure you."
Sven narrowed his eyes at him. "Lance, stop talking about soccer and concentrate."
Closing his eyes and raising his index finger, Lance said solemnly, "Rule number nine of the Dojo- DO NOT talk loudly or carry on idle chatter while lessons are in progress."
He opened his eyes, and leaning closer to Allura, he whispered, "He's still bitter because Norway was eliminated in semi-finals in this year's World Cup. But he says that his country will win the Euro Cup of 2304."
She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Lance- Norwegians like all Scandinavians are very good players, rugged and tireless. And they have a habit of beating major international teams."
"But they were kicked out anyway," he replied, winking at her.
"Lance– you will fight with Keith," Sven ordered.
"Hai."
Keith smiled slowly. ~I'm going to enjoy this,~ he thought, rubbing his hands together.
The space explorers stepped onto the mat. They gripped each other's clothes. Suddenly, Keith rolled to the left and threw Lance onto the floor. Allura grimaced when she saw Lance hitting the floor with a thud.
"You caught me off guard!"
"Always the same excuse," Keith replied shaking his head. ~That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.~
"I suppose when you were learning martial arts you had many injuries," Allura said gazing at Sven.
"We had our share of bruised knuckles, sprains, cuts and scrapes. Once, I was accidentally kicked in the face. Lance nursed some bruised ribs after he took a blow to the stomach from a classmate," he replied glancing at him.
Lance rose to his feet. "Yeah, Jeff Chaucer, the leader of Vehicle Voltron," he snorted. "But everybody had something or another injured. You just had to keep going."
Keith noticed that Sven looked tired. "I think that's enough for today, you shouldn't force yourself," he suggested.
Sven groaned softly. "Just three more weeks," he said anxiously, "And Dr. Gorma will release me."
Allura touched his sleeve. "Sven, you know it's for your own good."
"I know, Princess," he replied, smiling down at her.
Turning to the others she said, "Let's freshen up and then will have lunch."
"Excellent idea!" Pidge and Hunk exclaimed in unison.
A month had passed since his confrontation with Hagar's blue robeast. He felt ready to go back to his post as pilot of Blue Lion, but Dr. Gorma wouldn't hear of it. He had to stay in the castle, and if he insisted on disobeying his orders, he had threatened him with sending him back to planet Ebb. Sven didn't want to leave his friends, so he accepted his fate.
Now that Allura had been formally inducted into the Force, they also had been teaching her how to protect herself with the art of judo. When Nanny and Coran found the Princess wearing the white, pajama-like garment of strong cloth worn in all training called the gi and mingling with the boys, they took her away and locked her in her room. That wasn't the proper behavior of a Princess, they said scandalized.
Fortunately, Keith and Sven came to her rescue and convinced them that it was for her own good.
Allura and the Voltron Force were in the exercise room. They were sitting on the floor and Sven was standing before them.
"We were the first generation of Space Cadets to add aspects of the martial arts to fighting techniques already taught by military close-combat instructors. We got some hand-to-hand combat work in basic training, but this added to our options, and we welcomed that."
"This part of our training was implemented on the orders of Space Marshall Graham. He thought that martial arts, as part of our regular training, could provide positive results in us, that it would improve self-discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, unit cohesion, defensive and offensive warrior combat skills, physical fitness, as well as establish goals," Keith added.
Allura smiled at him. "Well you have proven that he was right, you really work as a team."
"When we finished the training we were able to wear T-shirts affixed with various colored emblems, much like some martial-arts practitioners wear brown or black belts to indicate their level of expertise," Pidge commented.
"Really?" the Princess asked surprised. "I hope I can get a T-shirt too."
Pidge grinned at her. "We'll ask the Alliance to send one especially for you."
Sven continued. "Our training was centered on no particular martial-arts form, but rather in a mish-mash of various styles of karate, judo, tae kwon do and several other disciplines. But afterwards the five of us decided to stick with judo, which is a combat sport, in some way similar to wrestling. It was developed from a form of unarmed combat known as jujitsu, which was practiced in Japan. Other martial art sports such as karate are also based on the original jujitsu method of fighting."
"Jujitsu was probably introduced to Japan from China in the 12th century by monks who had developed the art to protect themselves against armed brigands. The Samurai, or warrior class, used it if they became unarmed during battle," Keith said.
"It consists of many dangerous blows and throws, and also locks, or holds, on bones and joints and even various methods of strangulation which can render a person unconscious in seconds," Lance offered.
"The original idea of jujitsu- and it is this that makes it different from wrestling- is that it is non-resistant," Hunk stated.
Allura gave him a puzzled look. "What do you mean?"
"If two men are pushing against one another, the stronger man will probably win. If, however, one man suddenly gives way by moving backwards of sideways, his opponent will continue to move forward and can easily be thrown by his own impetus," Sven replied. "The aim is to use a variety of holds, falls and throws to pin an opponent down on his or her back under control. In the advanced technique, pressure holds may be used to choke an opponent of force him to submit."
She winced slightly. "Oh Sven, I don't know if I'll ever be able to master this sport."
He smiled at her. "Princess- there's nothing mysterious about judo. A strong person would probably defeat a weaker one of the same skill, but if the weaker person is the more skillful he or she may very well win. Skill is developed only through constant training and practice."
Pidge stood back up. "Sensei," he began, "I don't want to rush you but, let's begin practice before Coran and Nanny come for the Princess like the last time."
"Don't worry Pidge," Lance said glancing at Allura, "They went to visit HRH Queen Orla, they won't be back till late in the evening."
Sven chuckled softly. "Per is right, let's begin." The rest of the group stood back up.
"Ok- the first thing learned in judo is how to fall. This is called ‘breakfall.' It is done by striking the mat with the inside of the arm from fingertips to armpit. A fraction of a second before the body hits they mat, so that the shock of the fall is absorbed painlessly in the arm. Lance and Hunk will give us an example."
Lance stood in front of Hunk. They were in the basic starting position: feet apart, toes out.
In a blink of an eye, Lance knocked Hunk to the ground, using the one-arm shoulder throw.
Sven shook his head. "Hunk- you need to fine tune your defensive skills, you have to take a fall without injuring yourself."
Hunk groaned loudly. "I'll try Sensei, but you know my thing is weightlifting."
Lance grinned at Hunk. "There are so many ways to take out an aggressor even if you've been knocked to the ground," he taunted.
Pidge laughed. "Princess- this is an example on which an opponent's *greater* weight, strength and aggressiveness may be used against him."
Hunk glared at him. "Uh, shut up!" he snapped rising to his feet.
Sven then glanced back at Allura. "Princess– why don't you and Keith practice last week's technique?" he asked, "The one that will help you ward-off an attack."
Keith and Allura glanced at each other baffled. "But Sven," her voice taking on a pleading tone, "Last week I practiced with Pidge, can't I continue with him?"
Pidge cleared his throat. "Rule number fourteen of the Dojo- OBEY the instructions given by the Sensei."
"Besides, you must practice with higher ranking opponents to improve your skills," Sven added, a hint of mischief on his voice. "No offense, Pidge."
"None taken."
"All right, I'll do it…" her voice trailed off.
Keith groaned softly. "Let's get it over with."
Their reactions didn't go unnoticed by Sven. He had seen the way they had been dancing on Keith's Appreciation Day celebration. There was something going on between them, he was almost sure of it. But he decided to keep his suspicions to himself for the time being.
"We'll simulate an attack. You'll try to kick Keith in the shin, pull back and then punched him on the chest."
"That's right Princess," Sven said encouragingly, "Kick, pull back and punch."
They practiced the drill several times.
"Okay, now a choke grab!"
Keith lied on the ground and Allura sat on top of him. She placed her hands around his neck and squeezed.
"You're not choking him, Princess," he chided. "You're giving him a massage."
Lance was half amused and half jealous. "Keith, I wish I were in your predicament."
Keith shot him a warning look.
There were guffaws of laughter from Hunk and Pidge, which made Allura blushed furiously. She could feel her heart begin to pound in her chest. But she had to prove that she could master this sport. She squeezed his neck a little tighter, her thighs tightening seductively around his hips.
Keith suddenly imagined they were in bed, making love. The thought aroused him even further. Here he was, with a huge erection straining in his pants.
Allura's eyes widened in shock when she *felt* him. And he was big. No matter what the books said, at that moment she didn't believe he would fit inside her.
She inhaled sharply. ~Allura! How could you think about that at this moment?~ she scolded to herself.
She looked searchingly at him and noticed the strained look on his face. ~How are we going to escape from this?~ she thought.
He nodded his understanding. His mind coldly weighed their peril. He had to distract himself- but how?
Keith remembered his undercover work. His leg began to ache where he had been bruised by enemy fire while escaping, and his lust was defused. He feigned being injured. "I-I give up," he gasped.
"Good!" Allura squeaked and immediately got off from him and rose to her feet. Keith stood back up and adjusted his gi. Thank God he was wearing loose clothing!
"Very well, Princess," Sven said, "And remember– this will disable an attacker long enough for you to flee the situation."
"You take your job very seriously," she breathed reaching for her white towel.
Pidge nodded approvingly. "That's why we call him Sensei, that's Japanese for teacher or master of any discipline" he said. "The cloth belt he's wearing is black, that's the highest degree of achievement. Keith is a brown belt and the rest of us are green belts."
"That's because those two took judo at the lyceé (high school)," Lance added.
"And why didn't you join them?" Allura prodded.
"I was on the soccer team. I was a midfielder and an excellent one I might add," he replied with that killer smile of his.
Pidge rolled his eyes at him. "Lance- you'll never be accused of being humble."
"Hey– is it my fault that we Frenchmen have football in our blood?"
The young pilot shrugged. "No– I guess not."
"And don't forget my little friend, we're champions of the world," he said proudly.
"How could I? You keep saying that all the time!"
"And we'll win the next one, I assure you."
Sven narrowed his eyes at him. "Lance, stop talking about soccer and concentrate."
Closing his eyes and raising his index finger, Lance said solemnly, "Rule number nine of the Dojo- DO NOT talk loudly or carry on idle chatter while lessons are in progress."
He opened his eyes, and leaning closer to Allura, he whispered, "He's still bitter because Norway was eliminated in semi-finals in this year's World Cup. But he says that his country will win the Euro Cup of 2304."
She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Lance- Norwegians like all Scandinavians are very good players, rugged and tireless. And they have a habit of beating major international teams."
"But they were kicked out anyway," he replied, winking at her.
"Lance– you will fight with Keith," Sven ordered.
"Hai."
Keith smiled slowly. ~I'm going to enjoy this,~ he thought, rubbing his hands together.
The space explorers stepped onto the mat. They gripped each other's clothes. Suddenly, Keith rolled to the left and threw Lance onto the floor. Allura grimaced when she saw Lance hitting the floor with a thud.
"You caught me off guard!"
"Always the same excuse," Keith replied shaking his head. ~That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.~
"I suppose when you were learning martial arts you had many injuries," Allura said gazing at Sven.
"We had our share of bruised knuckles, sprains, cuts and scrapes. Once, I was accidentally kicked in the face. Lance nursed some bruised ribs after he took a blow to the stomach from a classmate," he replied glancing at him.
Lance rose to his feet. "Yeah, Jeff Chaucer, the leader of Vehicle Voltron," he snorted. "But everybody had something or another injured. You just had to keep going."
Keith noticed that Sven looked tired. "I think that's enough for today, you shouldn't force yourself," he suggested.
Sven groaned softly. "Just three more weeks," he said anxiously, "And Dr. Gorma will release me."
Allura touched his sleeve. "Sven, you know it's for your own good."
"I know, Princess," he replied, smiling down at her.
Turning to the others she said, "Let's freshen up and then will have lunch."
"Excellent idea!" Pidge and Hunk exclaimed in unison.
August 18th
Dear diary:
After spending the whole afternoon in the conference room with Coran talking about the signing of the commercial treaty with planet Arcturus, I decided to go to Keith's room.
I stopped in front of room R109, which was Pidge's bedroom. I could hear Hunk and Pidge's voices. They were playing video games.
"I told you that I would reach level 34!" Hunk cried excitedly.
"You were lucky!" Pidge laughed.
I then moved over to R111, Sven's room, but couldn't hear anything. He must be in Lance's room, I thought. I crossed the corridor and stopped at R110, which were Lance's quarters. I pressed my ear on the door, when suddenly…
"I can't get nooo… satisfaction! I can't get nooo… satisfaction!"
I quickly drew back and covered my ears. Stupid Lance! He had the audio system at full power!
Fortunately Nanny lived on the opposite side of the Castle and couldn't hear the ruckus. And Coran had ordered the staff not to bother the Voltron Force when they were having time off.
Who's singing anyway? I wondered briefly. It's a group from the 1960's called- The Beatles? Or is it the Rolling Stones? I think is The Rolling Stones. I must take a refresher course on Terran pop culture.
I then strolled over to R112- Keith's room. I looked in both directions of the corridor- the coast was clear. I then punched the secret code he had given me weeks ago, went inside and quickly closed the door. I found Keith sitting on his desk, working on his computer.
"Keith."
He looked up and smiled. "Ally, I'm glad you came. I've got something for you," he said extending his hand to me. I walked up to him and took his hand, and I sat on top of the desk.
"Let me have it," I replied suggestively.
He laughed softly. "Close your eyes," he commanded.
I closed my eyes, and heard what sounded like wrapping tissue being crushed.
"You can open your eyes now."
I saw a miniature Eiffel Tower in front of me and let out a little laugh of delight. I reached for it and said, "It's beautiful, I always wanted to have one."
"I'm glad you like it. I hope that someday I can take you to Paris and see the real thing."
"I hope so too."
I put the tower on the desk and then I leaned on him to press a kiss on the corner of his mouth.
"Thank you, my-"
He pulled me to his lap and covered my mouth with his in a kiss so hot, so hungry, that it stole my breath.
When at last he lifted his head, he traced the outline of my cheekbones and lips with his index finger.
"I love you so much," he murmured, and he kissed me again, this time teasing my lips with his tongue. I opened on a quick breath and let him take my mouth completely. I slowly ran my fingers through his hair, and heard his sharp intake of breath when I caressed the nape of his neck. His warm hand sprawled across my back and lower backside; his touch was filled with magic.
I knew that Keith was the only man who could create such emotions within me.
His hand cupped one my breasts and I cried out startled, lost in the moment. He had never touched my breasts, never…
"Allura," he shuddered hoarsely against my neck.
"Sorry," I whispered, holding him against me, not wanting to let go.
"It's getting harder every day," he replied in a husky voice.
"I know," I said, stroking his cheek with the back of my fingers.
"Forgive me," he chuckled softly, "I guess my common sense left me for a few moments."
"You're not the only one."
He pulled back. His eyes were very, very dark, reflecting his desire and his love.
"Allura- there comes a time when desire is so strong, it rises and rises, and then you can't block it. The time will come when we make love-"
"And we'll be ready," I finished for him. My body throbbed as I imagined, almost physically felt– being in Keith's strong arms, his powerful hands and fingers caressing my body and leading me to completion.
"Yes," he said firmly and kissed me swiftly on the mouth, and then he set me on my feet and walked over to a wooden file cabinet that had belonged to my father. He opened the first drawer and took out a box wrapped in a flowery design.
He turned around and gazed at me. "Do you remember our first date in Terra?" he asked.
I nodded. "Of course, we went to Horton Plaza and had dinner at Planet Hollywood."
"I wanted to take you to see a horror movie, but you suggested that we should see Romeo and Juliet."
"But you said that you didn't like love stories, so we settled for dinner."
"Well- I want to make it up to you," he said and handed me the box.
I gave him a puzzled look and reached for the box. It was a copy of the movie ‘Romeo & Juliet', starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
"Oh Keith! This is wonderful!" I gasped, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Thank you for remembering."
He looked down at me. "We'll watch it tonight, after everyone has gone to bed. How's that?"
I smiled seductively at him. "Perfect- I'll prepare the popcorn."
More later...
Dear diary:
After spending the whole afternoon in the conference room with Coran talking about the signing of the commercial treaty with planet Arcturus, I decided to go to Keith's room.
I stopped in front of room R109, which was Pidge's bedroom. I could hear Hunk and Pidge's voices. They were playing video games.
"I told you that I would reach level 34!" Hunk cried excitedly.
"You were lucky!" Pidge laughed.
I then moved over to R111, Sven's room, but couldn't hear anything. He must be in Lance's room, I thought. I crossed the corridor and stopped at R110, which were Lance's quarters. I pressed my ear on the door, when suddenly…
"I can't get nooo… satisfaction! I can't get nooo… satisfaction!"
I quickly drew back and covered my ears. Stupid Lance! He had the audio system at full power!
Fortunately Nanny lived on the opposite side of the Castle and couldn't hear the ruckus. And Coran had ordered the staff not to bother the Voltron Force when they were having time off.
Who's singing anyway? I wondered briefly. It's a group from the 1960's called- The Beatles? Or is it the Rolling Stones? I think is The Rolling Stones. I must take a refresher course on Terran pop culture.
I then strolled over to R112- Keith's room. I looked in both directions of the corridor- the coast was clear. I then punched the secret code he had given me weeks ago, went inside and quickly closed the door. I found Keith sitting on his desk, working on his computer.
"Keith."
He looked up and smiled. "Ally, I'm glad you came. I've got something for you," he said extending his hand to me. I walked up to him and took his hand, and I sat on top of the desk.
"Let me have it," I replied suggestively.
He laughed softly. "Close your eyes," he commanded.
I closed my eyes, and heard what sounded like wrapping tissue being crushed.
"You can open your eyes now."
I saw a miniature Eiffel Tower in front of me and let out a little laugh of delight. I reached for it and said, "It's beautiful, I always wanted to have one."
"I'm glad you like it. I hope that someday I can take you to Paris and see the real thing."
"I hope so too."
I put the tower on the desk and then I leaned on him to press a kiss on the corner of his mouth.
"Thank you, my-"
He pulled me to his lap and covered my mouth with his in a kiss so hot, so hungry, that it stole my breath.
When at last he lifted his head, he traced the outline of my cheekbones and lips with his index finger.
"I love you so much," he murmured, and he kissed me again, this time teasing my lips with his tongue. I opened on a quick breath and let him take my mouth completely. I slowly ran my fingers through his hair, and heard his sharp intake of breath when I caressed the nape of his neck. His warm hand sprawled across my back and lower backside; his touch was filled with magic.
I knew that Keith was the only man who could create such emotions within me.
His hand cupped one my breasts and I cried out startled, lost in the moment. He had never touched my breasts, never…
"Allura," he shuddered hoarsely against my neck.
"Sorry," I whispered, holding him against me, not wanting to let go.
"It's getting harder every day," he replied in a husky voice.
"I know," I said, stroking his cheek with the back of my fingers.
"Forgive me," he chuckled softly, "I guess my common sense left me for a few moments."
"You're not the only one."
He pulled back. His eyes were very, very dark, reflecting his desire and his love.
"Allura- there comes a time when desire is so strong, it rises and rises, and then you can't block it. The time will come when we make love-"
"And we'll be ready," I finished for him. My body throbbed as I imagined, almost physically felt– being in Keith's strong arms, his powerful hands and fingers caressing my body and leading me to completion.
"Yes," he said firmly and kissed me swiftly on the mouth, and then he set me on my feet and walked over to a wooden file cabinet that had belonged to my father. He opened the first drawer and took out a box wrapped in a flowery design.
He turned around and gazed at me. "Do you remember our first date in Terra?" he asked.
I nodded. "Of course, we went to Horton Plaza and had dinner at Planet Hollywood."
"I wanted to take you to see a horror movie, but you suggested that we should see Romeo and Juliet."
"But you said that you didn't like love stories, so we settled for dinner."
"Well- I want to make it up to you," he said and handed me the box.
I gave him a puzzled look and reached for the box. It was a copy of the movie ‘Romeo & Juliet', starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
"Oh Keith! This is wonderful!" I gasped, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Thank you for remembering."
He looked down at me. "We'll watch it tonight, after everyone has gone to bed. How's that?"
I smiled seductively at him. "Perfect- I'll prepare the popcorn."
More later...
Later that evening…
Allura was getting ready to watch a romantic movie with Keith in the rec room. She was in the kitchen waiting for the last batch of popcorn.
"Keith doesn't like butter on his popcorn, but I do, he prefers lemon and chili sauce. Where's that bottle of sauce?" she pondered briefly.
She opened the cabinets and rummaged through the various bottles of spices and sauces that Hunk had given Keith for his birthday. At the far corner was the chili sauce, called Salsa Amor. Funny name for a chili sauce, she thought.
The popcorn machine stopped. She emptied the contents on a bowl. She placed the bowls, salsa, lemons cut in half and napkins on a tray and left the kitchen.
Keith was in the rec room. He had already placed the movie in the player. He was rearranging the cushions on of the couch when he heard her come in.
"Here's the popcorn," Allura said cheerfully.
"Great!" He walked up to her and took the tray from her hands, and placed it on the coffee table.
She grimaced. "You know what? I forgot the drinks."
"Don't worry; I put a six-pack of Coke in the fridge." He went over to the wet bar and opened the small refrigerator, and took out two cans.
"Would you like a glass?"
"Yes, please," she replied and sat on the couch.
He reached for a glass and placed it on the counter. He opened up a can and served the contents in the glass. He then strolled over and sat next to her.
"Here you are,"
"Thank you, love."
He opened his can and said, "Salud." (cheers)
She laughed, gently hitting the can with her glass. "Salud."
He grabbed the remote, pressed a button and the lights in the room dimmed. "Showtime," he said, pressing the play button on the remote.
"I love these universal remote controls," she purred, snuggling next to him.
"Me too," he replied gruffly.
And the credits began to appear on the giant TV screen.
Meanwhile in room R108…
Hunk was lying on bed, tossing and turning, his stomach growling furiously. "I'm so hungry… I wonder if Nanny saved some of that apple pie," he murmured.
He decided to find out and jumped out of bed and grabbed his yellow robe. He left his room and headed for the kitchen. He walked pass the rec room and suddenly twitched his nose.
"That smells like popcorn."
The brawny pilot stepped back. The scent of freshly popped popcorn increased. He burst into the room and punched the button on the control panel with his fist, turning on the lights.
"Damn!"
"Hey, can I have some-" Hunk began and found Keith and the Princess sitting on the couch watching TV. Their faces were flushed and they were breathing heavily.
Unbeknownst to him, Allura had been on Keith's lap. It seemed that the movie had given them a few ideas and had been engaged in very serious petting.
Fortunately, Keith had heard the door and pushed her away just in the nick of time.
Hunk saw the bottle of chili sauce. ~They put too much sauce on their popcorn~ he thought.
"W-what are you doing here?" Keith choked out, scrambling for his can of soda.
"I was on my way to the kitchen when I smelled the popcorn," he replied sheepishly and then looked at the TV screen. "What are you watching?"
"Romeo and Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio," she replied nervously, adjusting her golden circlet.
Hunk grinned. "That's one of my favorite movies."
He stepped out of the room. "Pidge! Lance! Sven! Come here! The Princess and Keith are watching a movie."
Keith and Allura glanced at each other and groaned loudly.
Frowning, he buried himself on the couch and folded his arms across his chest. She heaved a heavy sigh and leaned back.
"What movie?" Lance shouted from the hallway.
"Romeo and Juliet- the 1996 version!" Hunk replied.
"Perfect! A movie with lots of gratuitous violence," Pidge added.
Hunk walked up to the couch with a smug look on his face. He sat down between the angry couple. "You don't mind, do you?"
Allura forced herself to smile. "Of course not, enjoy."
He grinned at her. "Thanks, Princess," he replied, grabbing the bowl of buttered popcorn from the table.
Moments later, the rest of the Force entered the room and sat on the floor to watch the movie.
Lance reached for the remote. "Let's rewind the movie," he suggested, "Those in favor say aye."
"AYE!"
"Those against say nay."
"NAY!" Keith and Allura quickly replied.
Lance grinned wickedly at them. "Sorry- you lose," he said and pressed the rewind button.
"Turn off the lights, Lance," Hunk quipped.
"Wait!" Pidge exclaimed, "Where can I get a Coke?"
"There are some cans in the fridge," Keith mumbled under his breath.
Pidge smiled at him. "Thanks!" he replied and went to the wet bar.
"I want one!" Hunk shouted.
"Me too," Sven said.
"We're in luck, there are four cans."
"Bring them over here!" Lance exclaimed, taking a handful of popcorn.
Keith glanced at Allura, a look of anger crossing his fair features.
"¿Sabes una cosa?" (You know something?)
"¿Qué?" (What?)
"Algunas veces quisiera matarlos." (Sometimes I wish I could kill them)
Turning her face to his, she whispered, "Por favor, cálmate." (Please, calm down)
"Para la próxima pondré una clave de acceso en el panel de control." (Next time I'll set an access code on the control panel)
"Está bien, pero no te enojes." (All right, but don't be angry)
He lowered his lashes. "Yo quería que esta noche fuera especial." (I wanted this night to be special)
"Would you keep it down?" Hunk asked, "This is no time for Spanish lessons. We want to hear the movie."
Allura flushed, and realized that the others were watching her. "Sorry, Hunk."
"Yeah- you know that Hunk has a problem understanding Shakespeare," Pidge replied, placing the cans on the coffee table.
Hunk glared at him. "Ha ha! Very funny!"
Pidge frowned at the remaining bowl of popcorn. "Who put salsa on the popcorn?" he asked.
"That's *my* popcorn," Keith hissed.
The teenager blinked. "Sorry, Commander," he replied. ~I wonder why he's so upset,~
From where he was sitting, Sven watched and listened intently. His Spanish wasn't that good, but he was able to catch some of their words. Allura was trying to calm him down. But why did Keith want this evening to be special?
Allura's gaze rose to Keith's, wide and innocent in its appeal. A flick of need crossed his steady stare, an expression so surprisingly revealing. They were drawn to one another. There was no denying it.
Sven was then struck by the realization that his friend was in love with the beautiful Princess and she felt the same way about him.
He lowered his head and his lips twitched in a secret smile. ~Love is in the air,~ he thought amused, remembering the title of a silly old Terran song from the 1980's.
"Shut up and let me watch the movie," Lance said, his mouth filled with popcorn.
Oh yes! It was the perfect date, a movie, popcorn, soda, and four nosey chaperones.
Allura was getting ready to watch a romantic movie with Keith in the rec room. She was in the kitchen waiting for the last batch of popcorn.
"Keith doesn't like butter on his popcorn, but I do, he prefers lemon and chili sauce. Where's that bottle of sauce?" she pondered briefly.
She opened the cabinets and rummaged through the various bottles of spices and sauces that Hunk had given Keith for his birthday. At the far corner was the chili sauce, called Salsa Amor. Funny name for a chili sauce, she thought.
The popcorn machine stopped. She emptied the contents on a bowl. She placed the bowls, salsa, lemons cut in half and napkins on a tray and left the kitchen.
Keith was in the rec room. He had already placed the movie in the player. He was rearranging the cushions on of the couch when he heard her come in.
"Here's the popcorn," Allura said cheerfully.
"Great!" He walked up to her and took the tray from her hands, and placed it on the coffee table.
She grimaced. "You know what? I forgot the drinks."
"Don't worry; I put a six-pack of Coke in the fridge." He went over to the wet bar and opened the small refrigerator, and took out two cans.
"Would you like a glass?"
"Yes, please," she replied and sat on the couch.
He reached for a glass and placed it on the counter. He opened up a can and served the contents in the glass. He then strolled over and sat next to her.
"Here you are,"
"Thank you, love."
He opened his can and said, "Salud." (cheers)
She laughed, gently hitting the can with her glass. "Salud."
He grabbed the remote, pressed a button and the lights in the room dimmed. "Showtime," he said, pressing the play button on the remote.
"I love these universal remote controls," she purred, snuggling next to him.
"Me too," he replied gruffly.
And the credits began to appear on the giant TV screen.
Meanwhile in room R108…
Hunk was lying on bed, tossing and turning, his stomach growling furiously. "I'm so hungry… I wonder if Nanny saved some of that apple pie," he murmured.
He decided to find out and jumped out of bed and grabbed his yellow robe. He left his room and headed for the kitchen. He walked pass the rec room and suddenly twitched his nose.
"That smells like popcorn."
The brawny pilot stepped back. The scent of freshly popped popcorn increased. He burst into the room and punched the button on the control panel with his fist, turning on the lights.
"Damn!"
"Hey, can I have some-" Hunk began and found Keith and the Princess sitting on the couch watching TV. Their faces were flushed and they were breathing heavily.
Unbeknownst to him, Allura had been on Keith's lap. It seemed that the movie had given them a few ideas and had been engaged in very serious petting.
Fortunately, Keith had heard the door and pushed her away just in the nick of time.
Hunk saw the bottle of chili sauce. ~They put too much sauce on their popcorn~ he thought.
"W-what are you doing here?" Keith choked out, scrambling for his can of soda.
"I was on my way to the kitchen when I smelled the popcorn," he replied sheepishly and then looked at the TV screen. "What are you watching?"
"Romeo and Juliet, starring Leonardo DiCaprio," she replied nervously, adjusting her golden circlet.
Hunk grinned. "That's one of my favorite movies."
He stepped out of the room. "Pidge! Lance! Sven! Come here! The Princess and Keith are watching a movie."
Keith and Allura glanced at each other and groaned loudly.
Frowning, he buried himself on the couch and folded his arms across his chest. She heaved a heavy sigh and leaned back.
"What movie?" Lance shouted from the hallway.
"Romeo and Juliet- the 1996 version!" Hunk replied.
"Perfect! A movie with lots of gratuitous violence," Pidge added.
Hunk walked up to the couch with a smug look on his face. He sat down between the angry couple. "You don't mind, do you?"
Allura forced herself to smile. "Of course not, enjoy."
He grinned at her. "Thanks, Princess," he replied, grabbing the bowl of buttered popcorn from the table.
Moments later, the rest of the Force entered the room and sat on the floor to watch the movie.
Lance reached for the remote. "Let's rewind the movie," he suggested, "Those in favor say aye."
"AYE!"
"Those against say nay."
"NAY!" Keith and Allura quickly replied.
Lance grinned wickedly at them. "Sorry- you lose," he said and pressed the rewind button.
"Turn off the lights, Lance," Hunk quipped.
"Wait!" Pidge exclaimed, "Where can I get a Coke?"
"There are some cans in the fridge," Keith mumbled under his breath.
Pidge smiled at him. "Thanks!" he replied and went to the wet bar.
"I want one!" Hunk shouted.
"Me too," Sven said.
"We're in luck, there are four cans."
"Bring them over here!" Lance exclaimed, taking a handful of popcorn.
Keith glanced at Allura, a look of anger crossing his fair features.
"¿Sabes una cosa?" (You know something?)
"¿Qué?" (What?)
"Algunas veces quisiera matarlos." (Sometimes I wish I could kill them)
Turning her face to his, she whispered, "Por favor, cálmate." (Please, calm down)
"Para la próxima pondré una clave de acceso en el panel de control." (Next time I'll set an access code on the control panel)
"Está bien, pero no te enojes." (All right, but don't be angry)
He lowered his lashes. "Yo quería que esta noche fuera especial." (I wanted this night to be special)
"Would you keep it down?" Hunk asked, "This is no time for Spanish lessons. We want to hear the movie."
Allura flushed, and realized that the others were watching her. "Sorry, Hunk."
"Yeah- you know that Hunk has a problem understanding Shakespeare," Pidge replied, placing the cans on the coffee table.
Hunk glared at him. "Ha ha! Very funny!"
Pidge frowned at the remaining bowl of popcorn. "Who put salsa on the popcorn?" he asked.
"That's *my* popcorn," Keith hissed.
The teenager blinked. "Sorry, Commander," he replied. ~I wonder why he's so upset,~
From where he was sitting, Sven watched and listened intently. His Spanish wasn't that good, but he was able to catch some of their words. Allura was trying to calm him down. But why did Keith want this evening to be special?
Allura's gaze rose to Keith's, wide and innocent in its appeal. A flick of need crossed his steady stare, an expression so surprisingly revealing. They were drawn to one another. There was no denying it.
Sven was then struck by the realization that his friend was in love with the beautiful Princess and she felt the same way about him.
He lowered his head and his lips twitched in a secret smile. ~Love is in the air,~ he thought amused, remembering the title of a silly old Terran song from the 1980's.
"Shut up and let me watch the movie," Lance said, his mouth filled with popcorn.
Oh yes! It was the perfect date, a movie, popcorn, soda, and four nosey chaperones.
Days later…
Hunk and Lance were on their way to the recreation room, when they found Pidge teaching the space mice a few tricks.
"Ok- now do a double somersault," Pidge ordered. "Perfect!"
"Hey-" Hunk said, "What are you doing?"
The teenager glanced at his friends. "I'm teaching them a few tricks; they're so good that I'm thinking about becoming their manager."
Lance smiled mischievously at him. "Really? And what are they going to do? Test mouse traps?"
The mice were annoyed by his comment and ran off. "Don't go! Don't listen to him," Pidge pleaded. The mice stopped in front of a register, but before entering they turned around and stuck out their tongues at the space explorers. Lance and Hunk just glanced at each other in amazement.
"Jeez- can't they take a joke?" Lance asked.
"Guess not," Hunk replied.
Meanwhile, the village of Elsinore swarmed with activity. People tended to their daily activities, carrying baskets with food and clothing, their pleasure-filled voices echoing up the streets. Children ran and shrieked with laughter.
Suddenly, the sound of a ship was heard. A young couple gazed skywards and their expression of joy changed to one of fear. "It's an enemy ship!" he cried to her and the ship began firing, causing pandemonium in the village.
Lance, Pidge and Hunk ran into the control room, they had been summoned by their Commander.
"Keith! What is happening?!" Hunk exclaimed.
"Arus is under attack," he replied grimly, pointing at the view screen.
Coran, who was sitting on the console, glanced back. "It's only a cruiser," he stated.
"Look- it's coming this way," Pidge added.
"Let's go and see who it is," Hunk suggested and dashed off, followed by his friends.
When the four men entered the observation room, the mysterious cruiser was hovering a few feet away from the window.
They noticed that the pilot was a Drule. His skin was of the palest shade of blue. His feline eyes were of a bright yellow color. They concluded that he wasn't a space pirate, because he was wearing the uniform of a high-ranking officer. He also wore a helmet, with two axe heads.
The stranger studied them for a few moments and then opened his P.A. system.
"I'm Crowned Prince Lotor– son of King Zarkon of Doom. I'm here to tell you that Arus has only one chance to escape eradication-"
At that moment, Allura entered the room and stood right next to Keith. Lotor's jaw dropped. She was probably the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. She had truly golden hair, and even from where he was sitting, he could tell that her eyes were a bright and vibrant blue. Her features were perfect: flawless skin, a straight nose, and a generous mouth that asked to be kissed.
Keith noticed the way Lotor was ogling at Allura and it made his blood boil. He had just met this so-called prince and he already despised him.
A cool smile slid across Lotor's face. "And who are you– my pretty?" he asked in a velvety voice.
Allura's eyes blazed. "I'm Princess Allura– and I command you to leave my planet this instant!" she ordered hotly.
Lotor narrowed his eyes into slits. "What? How dare you!" he snapped, "Pretty or not, you can't tell me what to do!"
The Princess flinched slightly at his outburst. There was a flurry of soft oaths filtered out from the back that brought Keith's head up in wide-eyed alarm.
Realizing his mistake, Lotor immediately made amends. "Princess- I have an offer to end this war and establish peace and cooperation between our planets."
Lance raised an eyebrow. "I don't trust him," he said in a low voice.
"I'm willing to face a member of the Voltron Force in a hand to hand combat."
Pidge clenched his hands into fists. "Well, come here and we'll show you who's stronger!"
"If your champion proves his strength, I promise you that King Zarkon will leave your planet alone forever."
He then gazed at Allura and smiled. "You can trust me Princess, as crowned prince, I'll keep my word."
Allura stared at him for a few moments. The offer sounded tempting but…
"I'm sure it's a trick!" Lance whispered loudly to Keith, who continued staring at the Prince.
Lance turned to Lotor and spat, "Va te faire voir!" (Go to hell)
The young Drule chuckled softly. "Is the Voltron Force formed by mere cowards? No one has the courage to face me?"
Keith could not contain his anger any longer and stepped forward. "All right, I accept your offer," he replied stiffly.
Lance jerked back abruptly. "No!" he cried.
"We'll see who the coward is," Keith added, ignoring his friend.
A sardonic smile crossed Lotor's face. "Ah! And what is your name?" he asked in a dismissing tone.
He lifted his head in defiance. "I'm Keith."
The Prince gave a quick nod. "I'll meet you at Devil's Canyon. You know where it is, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Very well. But you must come alone!" he exclaimed and flew away.
"Keith– It must be a trap" Allura said, her voice anguished.
"It has to be!" Hunk snorted.
"Of course! He's Zarkon's son," Lance stated.
Keith frowned deeply. "I know, but I have to take the risk. It may be our only chance to bring peace to Arus once and for all." He then turned around and said, "Lance- I'm leaving you in charge. You must protect the Princess."
He nodded. "All right- but I think you're making a huge mistake by meeting that Drule in the canyon."
Allura clasped her hands together. "Please, Keith, be careful!"
His gaze locked with hers. "I will, Princess," he promised. He wanted to kiss her, and tell her how much he loved her and that everything would be all right, but pushed the dangerous compulsion inside. He just bowed before heading out the door.
Hunk and Lance were on their way to the recreation room, when they found Pidge teaching the space mice a few tricks.
"Ok- now do a double somersault," Pidge ordered. "Perfect!"
"Hey-" Hunk said, "What are you doing?"
The teenager glanced at his friends. "I'm teaching them a few tricks; they're so good that I'm thinking about becoming their manager."
Lance smiled mischievously at him. "Really? And what are they going to do? Test mouse traps?"
The mice were annoyed by his comment and ran off. "Don't go! Don't listen to him," Pidge pleaded. The mice stopped in front of a register, but before entering they turned around and stuck out their tongues at the space explorers. Lance and Hunk just glanced at each other in amazement.
"Jeez- can't they take a joke?" Lance asked.
"Guess not," Hunk replied.
Meanwhile, the village of Elsinore swarmed with activity. People tended to their daily activities, carrying baskets with food and clothing, their pleasure-filled voices echoing up the streets. Children ran and shrieked with laughter.
Suddenly, the sound of a ship was heard. A young couple gazed skywards and their expression of joy changed to one of fear. "It's an enemy ship!" he cried to her and the ship began firing, causing pandemonium in the village.
Lance, Pidge and Hunk ran into the control room, they had been summoned by their Commander.
"Keith! What is happening?!" Hunk exclaimed.
"Arus is under attack," he replied grimly, pointing at the view screen.
Coran, who was sitting on the console, glanced back. "It's only a cruiser," he stated.
"Look- it's coming this way," Pidge added.
"Let's go and see who it is," Hunk suggested and dashed off, followed by his friends.
When the four men entered the observation room, the mysterious cruiser was hovering a few feet away from the window.
They noticed that the pilot was a Drule. His skin was of the palest shade of blue. His feline eyes were of a bright yellow color. They concluded that he wasn't a space pirate, because he was wearing the uniform of a high-ranking officer. He also wore a helmet, with two axe heads.
The stranger studied them for a few moments and then opened his P.A. system.
"I'm Crowned Prince Lotor– son of King Zarkon of Doom. I'm here to tell you that Arus has only one chance to escape eradication-"
At that moment, Allura entered the room and stood right next to Keith. Lotor's jaw dropped. She was probably the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. She had truly golden hair, and even from where he was sitting, he could tell that her eyes were a bright and vibrant blue. Her features were perfect: flawless skin, a straight nose, and a generous mouth that asked to be kissed.
Keith noticed the way Lotor was ogling at Allura and it made his blood boil. He had just met this so-called prince and he already despised him.
A cool smile slid across Lotor's face. "And who are you– my pretty?" he asked in a velvety voice.
Allura's eyes blazed. "I'm Princess Allura– and I command you to leave my planet this instant!" she ordered hotly.
Lotor narrowed his eyes into slits. "What? How dare you!" he snapped, "Pretty or not, you can't tell me what to do!"
The Princess flinched slightly at his outburst. There was a flurry of soft oaths filtered out from the back that brought Keith's head up in wide-eyed alarm.
Realizing his mistake, Lotor immediately made amends. "Princess- I have an offer to end this war and establish peace and cooperation between our planets."
Lance raised an eyebrow. "I don't trust him," he said in a low voice.
"I'm willing to face a member of the Voltron Force in a hand to hand combat."
Pidge clenched his hands into fists. "Well, come here and we'll show you who's stronger!"
"If your champion proves his strength, I promise you that King Zarkon will leave your planet alone forever."
He then gazed at Allura and smiled. "You can trust me Princess, as crowned prince, I'll keep my word."
Allura stared at him for a few moments. The offer sounded tempting but…
"I'm sure it's a trick!" Lance whispered loudly to Keith, who continued staring at the Prince.
Lance turned to Lotor and spat, "Va te faire voir!" (Go to hell)
The young Drule chuckled softly. "Is the Voltron Force formed by mere cowards? No one has the courage to face me?"
Keith could not contain his anger any longer and stepped forward. "All right, I accept your offer," he replied stiffly.
Lance jerked back abruptly. "No!" he cried.
"We'll see who the coward is," Keith added, ignoring his friend.
A sardonic smile crossed Lotor's face. "Ah! And what is your name?" he asked in a dismissing tone.
He lifted his head in defiance. "I'm Keith."
The Prince gave a quick nod. "I'll meet you at Devil's Canyon. You know where it is, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Very well. But you must come alone!" he exclaimed and flew away.
"Keith– It must be a trap" Allura said, her voice anguished.
"It has to be!" Hunk snorted.
"Of course! He's Zarkon's son," Lance stated.
Keith frowned deeply. "I know, but I have to take the risk. It may be our only chance to bring peace to Arus once and for all." He then turned around and said, "Lance- I'm leaving you in charge. You must protect the Princess."
He nodded. "All right- but I think you're making a huge mistake by meeting that Drule in the canyon."
Allura clasped her hands together. "Please, Keith, be careful!"
His gaze locked with hers. "I will, Princess," he promised. He wanted to kiss her, and tell her how much he loved her and that everything would be all right, but pushed the dangerous compulsion inside. He just bowed before heading out the door.
Prince Lotor was waiting for the foolish space explorer. Maybe he changed his mind, he thought, an expression of wickedness appearing on his face as he leaned on his cruiser.
~He must be afraid of facing the great Prince of Doom.~
His musings were suddenly interrupted by a roaring sound. He looked skyward and saw nothing, but the noise was becoming louder and bothersome every second. He glanced back and saw the dark-haired Terran riding a 2-wheeled vehicle. He narrowed his saffron eyes. He had seen one of those things before, in one of the many Terran space colonies he had ravaged for his wretched father.
Keith stopped next to Lotor's cruiser and turned off the ignition, and got off of the motorcycle.
"Space explorer, are you ready for combat?"
Keith nodded in the affirmative and reached for his sword.
Lotor smirked. "Well then, let's begin and may the best man win," he said reaching for his sword (A.N. it wasn't his lazon sword, because it didn't glow), and the duel began.
With each blow of his sword, the Prince inched his way closer to his rival. The air was filled with curses and moans as the two men used their skill to bring this battle to a close.
Keith moved forward and thrust at his opponent with an extension of the arm, body and legs called the lunge. Lotor parried by swiftly retreating out of distance. He tried to confuse Keith by false attacks, hoping to make him parry too soon and so leave himself open to the real attack.
"Give up Terran!"
"Not a chance!"
"You're getting tired," he taunted, "Aren't you?"
"Don't worry about me, Your Highness," he replied sarcastically.
"Fool!" he growled. And he continued trying to run his blade through the heart of the space explorer.
Keith didn't feel the pain as the sword pierced his shoulder. He seemed genuinely surprised at the trickle of warmth where the blood spilled. Still, since he'd been trained to use both arms in battle, he caught up his sword in his left hand and continued holding his enemy at bay.
The Prince could not help but admire his determination, but he knew that soon the loss of blood would take its toll on him.
In a matter of minutes he managed to put our hero on the edge of a cliff. Keith could feel the ground crumbling under his feet. He glanced back and swallowed convulsively.
Chatoyant eyes glowed wickedly at him. "Down you go," he hissed and lunged at him, but Keith's keen reflexes managed to save him from the flashing blade. In the blink of an eye, Keith took Lotor's weapon and shoved it away, landing a few feet from them.
Lotor turned his back to him and dropped to his knees. Damn him! He couldn't believe he had lost to this boy! He should have brought his lazon sword.
"It appears we're evenly matched, huh?" he asked quietly.
Still pointing his sword at him, Keith quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah?" he said, not realizing the prince had grabbed a stone.
"Yes, except when it comes to-"
And standing back up swiftly, Lotor whirled around and hit Keith on the side of the head with the stone.
"Brains!" he laughed meanly.
Keith cried out in pain and rolled down from the cliff, landing face down.
"You're a fool! This duel was only an excuse to separate you from your friends. You will not be able to form Voltron- Arus will be destroyed and Princess Allura will be mine!"
Sensing victory, he quickly returned to his cruiser. ~They're without defenses. It's time to attack,~ he thought. He summoned his fleet, which was hiding at the Dauthr Desert.
"Yurak! It's time to redeem yourself for your past failures, that's why Hagar turned you into a robeast. Destroy those damned Lions!" he ordered in a thunderous voice.
The former commander and chief came out of a coffin and was engulfed by a glowing, yellowish fog, which increased his size
The rest of the Voltron Force waited impatiently for any news of their commander, but when they found out that a Doom fleet was in the desert, Lance gave the order to get to the Lions.
The pilot of Yellow lion gasped loudly. "I think my eyes are playing tricks on me!" he said, "Is that Yurak?!"
Lance's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "He's now a horrible robeast, you guys!"
Pidge adjusted his glasses. "He always has been horrible," he retorted acidly.
Allura swallowed convulsively. "And we're going to have big problems with him," she added. "I'd better find Keith; we're going to need him."
Lance nodded approvingly. "Hurry!" he said.
Things didn't look too bright for Keith either. His right arm was bleeding profusely and his body hurt all over. He forced himself to move and leaned on the flat rock. He touched his forehead and hissed, as his hand came away bloodied. He should have listened to Lance.
He gazed toward the heavens and saw Lotor's ship circling above him. What is that bastard up to? He thought, pressing his palms against the rock to push himself up.
Lotor smirked. "I'll get rid of him for good," he said and began firing at Keith, who tried to cover himself from the lasers.
The dark Prince was enjoying this cat and mouse game tremendously when someone attacked him from behind.
"Who dares to…" he trailed off and realized that it was Blue Lion.
"Get away from him- you beast!" Allura cried, firing a flurry of lion claws at his cruiser.
Lotor barely managed to escape from the Princess' vicious attack. He risked a glance over his shoulder and vowed to do away with the meddling space explorers. And then he would take that foolish Princess, and make her pay for this insult.
Blue Lion landed on the plateau. "Keith, are you okay?"
Keith looked up. "Yes!" he yelled out.
"I'm glad. We need you, please hurry."
He winced slightly. "Yes, I'm coming," he replied, and saw Blue flying away. He then climbed back up and retrieved his motorcycle.
~He must be afraid of facing the great Prince of Doom.~
His musings were suddenly interrupted by a roaring sound. He looked skyward and saw nothing, but the noise was becoming louder and bothersome every second. He glanced back and saw the dark-haired Terran riding a 2-wheeled vehicle. He narrowed his saffron eyes. He had seen one of those things before, in one of the many Terran space colonies he had ravaged for his wretched father.
Keith stopped next to Lotor's cruiser and turned off the ignition, and got off of the motorcycle.
"Space explorer, are you ready for combat?"
Keith nodded in the affirmative and reached for his sword.
Lotor smirked. "Well then, let's begin and may the best man win," he said reaching for his sword (A.N. it wasn't his lazon sword, because it didn't glow), and the duel began.
With each blow of his sword, the Prince inched his way closer to his rival. The air was filled with curses and moans as the two men used their skill to bring this battle to a close.
Keith moved forward and thrust at his opponent with an extension of the arm, body and legs called the lunge. Lotor parried by swiftly retreating out of distance. He tried to confuse Keith by false attacks, hoping to make him parry too soon and so leave himself open to the real attack.
"Give up Terran!"
"Not a chance!"
"You're getting tired," he taunted, "Aren't you?"
"Don't worry about me, Your Highness," he replied sarcastically.
"Fool!" he growled. And he continued trying to run his blade through the heart of the space explorer.
Keith didn't feel the pain as the sword pierced his shoulder. He seemed genuinely surprised at the trickle of warmth where the blood spilled. Still, since he'd been trained to use both arms in battle, he caught up his sword in his left hand and continued holding his enemy at bay.
The Prince could not help but admire his determination, but he knew that soon the loss of blood would take its toll on him.
In a matter of minutes he managed to put our hero on the edge of a cliff. Keith could feel the ground crumbling under his feet. He glanced back and swallowed convulsively.
Chatoyant eyes glowed wickedly at him. "Down you go," he hissed and lunged at him, but Keith's keen reflexes managed to save him from the flashing blade. In the blink of an eye, Keith took Lotor's weapon and shoved it away, landing a few feet from them.
Lotor turned his back to him and dropped to his knees. Damn him! He couldn't believe he had lost to this boy! He should have brought his lazon sword.
"It appears we're evenly matched, huh?" he asked quietly.
Still pointing his sword at him, Keith quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah?" he said, not realizing the prince had grabbed a stone.
"Yes, except when it comes to-"
And standing back up swiftly, Lotor whirled around and hit Keith on the side of the head with the stone.
"Brains!" he laughed meanly.
Keith cried out in pain and rolled down from the cliff, landing face down.
"You're a fool! This duel was only an excuse to separate you from your friends. You will not be able to form Voltron- Arus will be destroyed and Princess Allura will be mine!"
Sensing victory, he quickly returned to his cruiser. ~They're without defenses. It's time to attack,~ he thought. He summoned his fleet, which was hiding at the Dauthr Desert.
"Yurak! It's time to redeem yourself for your past failures, that's why Hagar turned you into a robeast. Destroy those damned Lions!" he ordered in a thunderous voice.
The former commander and chief came out of a coffin and was engulfed by a glowing, yellowish fog, which increased his size
The rest of the Voltron Force waited impatiently for any news of their commander, but when they found out that a Doom fleet was in the desert, Lance gave the order to get to the Lions.
The pilot of Yellow lion gasped loudly. "I think my eyes are playing tricks on me!" he said, "Is that Yurak?!"
Lance's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "He's now a horrible robeast, you guys!"
Pidge adjusted his glasses. "He always has been horrible," he retorted acidly.
Allura swallowed convulsively. "And we're going to have big problems with him," she added. "I'd better find Keith; we're going to need him."
Lance nodded approvingly. "Hurry!" he said.
Things didn't look too bright for Keith either. His right arm was bleeding profusely and his body hurt all over. He forced himself to move and leaned on the flat rock. He touched his forehead and hissed, as his hand came away bloodied. He should have listened to Lance.
He gazed toward the heavens and saw Lotor's ship circling above him. What is that bastard up to? He thought, pressing his palms against the rock to push himself up.
Lotor smirked. "I'll get rid of him for good," he said and began firing at Keith, who tried to cover himself from the lasers.
The dark Prince was enjoying this cat and mouse game tremendously when someone attacked him from behind.
"Who dares to…" he trailed off and realized that it was Blue Lion.
"Get away from him- you beast!" Allura cried, firing a flurry of lion claws at his cruiser.
Lotor barely managed to escape from the Princess' vicious attack. He risked a glance over his shoulder and vowed to do away with the meddling space explorers. And then he would take that foolish Princess, and make her pay for this insult.
Blue Lion landed on the plateau. "Keith, are you okay?"
Keith looked up. "Yes!" he yelled out.
"I'm glad. We need you, please hurry."
He winced slightly. "Yes, I'm coming," he replied, and saw Blue flying away. He then climbed back up and retrieved his motorcycle.
The pilot of Black Lion entered the control room. He looked and felt terrible. Blood was gushing from a cut on his forehead and he held his right arm in a vain attempt to stop the bleeding.
Nanny and three young maids intercepted him. "Captain– you must rest," she pleaded.
He gently pushed her away. "I must… help them. We need… Voltron… to beat Lotor."
"But you're too weak, and your arm…" Nanny said, pointing at his injured limb.
Keith winced in pain. "I must do it- or it will be the end of us," he breathed while walking toward his portal.
"Good luck," she said to his retreating back. ~That dear boy, he's so brave.~
Keith could barely hold on to the trapeze. He grimaced at the thought of becoming another guest of the medical wing. One member of the Force out of commission was enough.
Nanny and three young maids intercepted him. "Captain– you must rest," she pleaded.
He gently pushed her away. "I must… help them. We need… Voltron… to beat Lotor."
"But you're too weak, and your arm…" Nanny said, pointing at his injured limb.
Keith winced in pain. "I must do it- or it will be the end of us," he breathed while walking toward his portal.
"Good luck," she said to his retreating back. ~That dear boy, he's so brave.~
Keith could barely hold on to the trapeze. He grimaced at the thought of becoming another guest of the medical wing. One member of the Force out of commission was enough.
PERSONAL.LOG.STAR DATE.2302.08.26.1
I found my teammates in the Dauthr desert, fighting with a robeast that looked like Yurak!
Clenching my teeth, I pulled the lever to make Black Lion jump from a cliff to slam into the Drule Commander, making him fall face down onto the hot sand.
I then called out my comrades, who were lying on the canyon. "Yellow lion… Green lion… Red lion… Blue lion… it's Black lion!"
Seconds later, they appeared on my screen.
Pidge grinned broadly. "Keith!"
Allura's face lit up. "You're here!"
"It was about time," Lance sighed.
"Welcome back!" Hunk greeted him.
"Sorry I took so long," I said.
Yurak stood back up, growling and cursing at us.
"Ready to form Voltron!"
The five lions flew away effortlessly in a V-shaped formation and then we joined forces to create the mighty robot. When Voltron landed in front of him, Yurak extended his arms and fired missiles at us. We fired thermal rays and proton missiles and most of them hit their mark.
Yurak's long ears projected deadly rays at Voltron's face, and he protected himself with his right arm.
"Let's create a robeast without ears!" I suggested. We threw a rotating blade at him, cutting off his ears. Yurak grimaced and instinctively covered his head.
"Now let's go for the main course- form blazing sword!"
Voltron swiped his rival in half. Yurak jerked his head up and then plummeted to the ground. He lifted his right arm, before exploding into a million pieces.
Save… close.
I found my teammates in the Dauthr desert, fighting with a robeast that looked like Yurak!
Clenching my teeth, I pulled the lever to make Black Lion jump from a cliff to slam into the Drule Commander, making him fall face down onto the hot sand.
I then called out my comrades, who were lying on the canyon. "Yellow lion… Green lion… Red lion… Blue lion… it's Black lion!"
Seconds later, they appeared on my screen.
Pidge grinned broadly. "Keith!"
Allura's face lit up. "You're here!"
"It was about time," Lance sighed.
"Welcome back!" Hunk greeted him.
"Sorry I took so long," I said.
Yurak stood back up, growling and cursing at us.
"Ready to form Voltron!"
The five lions flew away effortlessly in a V-shaped formation and then we joined forces to create the mighty robot. When Voltron landed in front of him, Yurak extended his arms and fired missiles at us. We fired thermal rays and proton missiles and most of them hit their mark.
Yurak's long ears projected deadly rays at Voltron's face, and he protected himself with his right arm.
"Let's create a robeast without ears!" I suggested. We threw a rotating blade at him, cutting off his ears. Yurak grimaced and instinctively covered his head.
"Now let's go for the main course- form blazing sword!"
Voltron swiped his rival in half. Yurak jerked his head up and then plummeted to the ground. He lifted his right arm, before exploding into a million pieces.
Save… close.
August 26th
Dear diary:
After making sure that Lotor and his fleet had escaped, we flew back to the castle. Coran, Nanny and Sven were waiting for us in the control room. We stepped out of the portals, except for Keith.
"That's strange," Hunk said, glancing back. "He's always the first to come out."
"I wonder what's keeping him," Pidge added.
Nanny blinked. "Oh dear," she said turning to Coran, her voice filled with concern, "I asked him not to go."
He frowned slightly. "You couldn't stop him Nanny, it was his duty."
"What's wrong Coran?" I asked, as I felt a terrible fear settling in the pit of my stomach.
He just glanced at Sven, who let out a long sigh. They were hiding something from us, but what?
Minutes later we knew the answer as Keith came out from his portal, holding his arm in the matter of someone in pain. I saw a thin line of blood on his forehead and my heart leapt to my throat.
My God! He was hurt!
I rushed to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. I felt him start to weaken in my arms. Air sucked through his teeth in a noisy hiss and his fingers bit into my upper arms as he swayed.
"Oh Keith! Why didn't you tell us that you were badly hurt?"
He winced in pain. "I'm all right, Princess," he gasped, "It's just a scratch."
A scratch?! His right sleeve was covered with blood and that cut on his forehead… God! I don't know how he was able to fly Black Lion!
"Nonsense! You need medical attention," I replied. "Hunk, Lance- please help him!"
Lance and Hunk ran toward us. "Don't worry Princess- we'll take him to the medical wing," Lance stated.
"I already paged Doctor Gorma," Coran offered.
Hunk and Lance placed Keith's arms around their shoulders. His closed his eyes; his exhaustion was plain in the droop of his shoulders. Pidge ran after them.
At that moment, I hated Lotor with a vengeance for hurting my beloved like that, and felt tears slipping down my face.
Sven walked over to me. His knuckles lightly grazed my cheek, brushing away the tears.
"Don't cry, Princess," he said gently, "Keith is going to be all right, you'll see."
I stared up at him, puzzled by his compassion, by his intensity. Does he suspect something? Or is it my imagination?
"I know," I answered automatically.
"Let's go after them," he suggested, extending his hand to me. I nodded mutely and placed my hand in his, and we left the control room.
More later…
Dear diary:
After making sure that Lotor and his fleet had escaped, we flew back to the castle. Coran, Nanny and Sven were waiting for us in the control room. We stepped out of the portals, except for Keith.
"That's strange," Hunk said, glancing back. "He's always the first to come out."
"I wonder what's keeping him," Pidge added.
Nanny blinked. "Oh dear," she said turning to Coran, her voice filled with concern, "I asked him not to go."
He frowned slightly. "You couldn't stop him Nanny, it was his duty."
"What's wrong Coran?" I asked, as I felt a terrible fear settling in the pit of my stomach.
He just glanced at Sven, who let out a long sigh. They were hiding something from us, but what?
Minutes later we knew the answer as Keith came out from his portal, holding his arm in the matter of someone in pain. I saw a thin line of blood on his forehead and my heart leapt to my throat.
My God! He was hurt!
I rushed to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. I felt him start to weaken in my arms. Air sucked through his teeth in a noisy hiss and his fingers bit into my upper arms as he swayed.
"Oh Keith! Why didn't you tell us that you were badly hurt?"
He winced in pain. "I'm all right, Princess," he gasped, "It's just a scratch."
A scratch?! His right sleeve was covered with blood and that cut on his forehead… God! I don't know how he was able to fly Black Lion!
"Nonsense! You need medical attention," I replied. "Hunk, Lance- please help him!"
Lance and Hunk ran toward us. "Don't worry Princess- we'll take him to the medical wing," Lance stated.
"I already paged Doctor Gorma," Coran offered.
Hunk and Lance placed Keith's arms around their shoulders. His closed his eyes; his exhaustion was plain in the droop of his shoulders. Pidge ran after them.
At that moment, I hated Lotor with a vengeance for hurting my beloved like that, and felt tears slipping down my face.
Sven walked over to me. His knuckles lightly grazed my cheek, brushing away the tears.
"Don't cry, Princess," he said gently, "Keith is going to be all right, you'll see."
I stared up at him, puzzled by his compassion, by his intensity. Does he suspect something? Or is it my imagination?
"I know," I answered automatically.
"Let's go after them," he suggested, extending his hand to me. I nodded mutely and placed my hand in his, and we left the control room.
More later…
Allura slid into Keith's hospital room after making sure that the rest of the Voltron Force had retired to their quarters. Doctor Gorma had told them that Keith's injuries weren't very serious, but she wanted to be sure.
When the doctor came out of the examining room he had said, "Your Highness- the Commander had a cut on his shoulder, which required stitching to aid the healing and to prevent scarring. He will have to use a splint for a few days. He also has a superficial cut on the forehead, and some minor bruises and abrasions on both arms. He insisted that he felt fine and wanted to go back to his room, but I ordered him to stay overnight."
Allura approached his bed slowly. She was shocked at the extent of his wounds. Not only the fresh ones, but the scars from earlier wounds as well. There was no doubt he was a warrior.
Her thoughts were disrupted as he shifted beneath the sheets, growing restless in his drugged-induced slumber. The white covers lowered, gifting her with a superb view of his upper body. She couldn't help noticing the hard, firm body, the muscled arms and shoulders. Her brow furrowed when she saw the Doom skull tattooed on his left arm.
He once said that he would keep it as a reminder of all the slaves they had seen on Doom, slaves that someday would be freed with the help of Voltron and the Alliance.
A strange tingling and a hungry yearning engulfed her suddenly. She wanted to lie next to this beautiful man and kiss him and touch him and make the hurt go away.
She bit her lower lip. Keith was right; it was getting harder every day to dismiss these feelings of longing.
Her trembling fingers touched the bandage on his forehead and his eyelids flickered once or twice. She leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips. "I love you," she whispered. When she straightened, she noticed his warm brown eyes watching her. "Ally," he whispered, a faint smile appearing on his handsome face.
"Do you need anything?"
He nodded and felt his head swim from the effort. "W-water."
He kept her in sight as she crossed the room, then returned with a glass of water. She sat facing him, and placed one hand under his head, lifting gently until he was high enough to drink and swallow. High enough, he realized that if he could move, his mouth would encounter a firm, creamy, jutting breast. The thought brought a fresh wave of heat that had sweat breaking out on his forehead. As she lifted the glass to his lips, he pulled back. "I-it's hot in here," he gasped.
Oblivious to his predicament she replied, "That's because you have a fever. Have some water, and you will feel better."
He did as she asked, forcing himself to concentrate on the enticing cleft between her breasts. Even though he was in pain, he could still react to the nearness of her. He could smell the wonderful scent of jasmine. As she bent forward, her golden tresses tickled his chest. Sensations rippled through him, stronger even than the pain.
In no time the glass was empty, and Keith was almost sorry when she lay him back down.
She rose from the bed. "I have to go; the nurse could be back any minute."
"Don't go," he pleaded his voice a choked whisper.
She tousled his raven hair. "Sleep now, my love, I'll be back tomorrow."
She blew him a kiss before striding from the room. "Good night," she whispered.
"Good night, Princess."
Keith closed his eyes and his lips curved into a slight smile. As soon as he was strong enough, he would reclaim his place, and help his comrades in arms drive Zarkon and Lotor from Arus forever.
~Lotor- like father like son,~ he thought wearily, ~I'm sure that we'll meet again.~
But, though it was a pleasant enough thought, he found his mind drifting back to his Princess. It was her angelic face he saw as sleep overtook him. Her musical voice that played through his mind, blotting out the sounds of battle that tormented him.
God only knew what he'd be without her.
The End.
10/10/2000
Revised 03/07/2015
When the doctor came out of the examining room he had said, "Your Highness- the Commander had a cut on his shoulder, which required stitching to aid the healing and to prevent scarring. He will have to use a splint for a few days. He also has a superficial cut on the forehead, and some minor bruises and abrasions on both arms. He insisted that he felt fine and wanted to go back to his room, but I ordered him to stay overnight."
Allura approached his bed slowly. She was shocked at the extent of his wounds. Not only the fresh ones, but the scars from earlier wounds as well. There was no doubt he was a warrior.
Her thoughts were disrupted as he shifted beneath the sheets, growing restless in his drugged-induced slumber. The white covers lowered, gifting her with a superb view of his upper body. She couldn't help noticing the hard, firm body, the muscled arms and shoulders. Her brow furrowed when she saw the Doom skull tattooed on his left arm.
He once said that he would keep it as a reminder of all the slaves they had seen on Doom, slaves that someday would be freed with the help of Voltron and the Alliance.
A strange tingling and a hungry yearning engulfed her suddenly. She wanted to lie next to this beautiful man and kiss him and touch him and make the hurt go away.
She bit her lower lip. Keith was right; it was getting harder every day to dismiss these feelings of longing.
Her trembling fingers touched the bandage on his forehead and his eyelids flickered once or twice. She leaned over and kissed him gently on the lips. "I love you," she whispered. When she straightened, she noticed his warm brown eyes watching her. "Ally," he whispered, a faint smile appearing on his handsome face.
"Do you need anything?"
He nodded and felt his head swim from the effort. "W-water."
He kept her in sight as she crossed the room, then returned with a glass of water. She sat facing him, and placed one hand under his head, lifting gently until he was high enough to drink and swallow. High enough, he realized that if he could move, his mouth would encounter a firm, creamy, jutting breast. The thought brought a fresh wave of heat that had sweat breaking out on his forehead. As she lifted the glass to his lips, he pulled back. "I-it's hot in here," he gasped.
Oblivious to his predicament she replied, "That's because you have a fever. Have some water, and you will feel better."
He did as she asked, forcing himself to concentrate on the enticing cleft between her breasts. Even though he was in pain, he could still react to the nearness of her. He could smell the wonderful scent of jasmine. As she bent forward, her golden tresses tickled his chest. Sensations rippled through him, stronger even than the pain.
In no time the glass was empty, and Keith was almost sorry when she lay him back down.
She rose from the bed. "I have to go; the nurse could be back any minute."
"Don't go," he pleaded his voice a choked whisper.
She tousled his raven hair. "Sleep now, my love, I'll be back tomorrow."
She blew him a kiss before striding from the room. "Good night," she whispered.
"Good night, Princess."
Keith closed his eyes and his lips curved into a slight smile. As soon as he was strong enough, he would reclaim his place, and help his comrades in arms drive Zarkon and Lotor from Arus forever.
~Lotor- like father like son,~ he thought wearily, ~I'm sure that we'll meet again.~
But, though it was a pleasant enough thought, he found his mind drifting back to his Princess. It was her angelic face he saw as sleep overtook him. Her musical voice that played through his mind, blotting out the sounds of battle that tormented him.
God only knew what he'd be without her.
The End.
10/10/2000
Revised 03/07/2015
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"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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I can't help it... I ❤ love ❤ Voltron!