Voltron The Beginning Chapter one, a voltron fanfic

What if Beginnings

Chapter one

By Cindra

Rated T

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This first part was originally in three parts, but I combined them all together into one chapter...

Notes:
: or in colons represents two characters mentally talking with each other.
or italics represents a silent thought of a character.
' In bold represents I like to call a heartlink between two characters. (This is usually the way that Keith, Allura, and soul mates talk to each other when they don't want anyone to know what they are saying.)

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In our story we come upon one of the most beautiful jewels in the far galaxy, where magic and the beauty of nature work together in peace and harmony. Arus was a peaceful planet ruled by a very kind and gentle King and Queen, who were very much loved by their people.

Everyone on Arus lived in peace and harmony thanks to the help of their mighty Defender, a sentient being called Voltron. This mighty robot defended the Universe from any form of evil. Unfortunately, he was also very much like the humans that he was sworn to protect and fell under an evil witches spell. He was split into five separate lion robots that were hidden in various parts of the planet, with Voltron lost to him King Alfor found himself in a battle to save his planet from the forces of the Evil King Zarcon.

Desperate to make sure that his only child was going to be able to live her life free of Zarcon's evil rule, the king had his men search the planet for the five missing lions. The men came back with good news and bad news, they had found all of the lairs in which the mighty lions were under a deep sleep, but there was no way to wake them.

The Black lion was sleeping in the stone statue in front of the castle. Red lion was sleeping in what seemed to be a volcano. Green lion was sleeping in a lair in the Arusian forest. Yellow lion was asleep in his lair in the desert. Lastly, Blue lion was sleeping at the bottom of the lake.

Alfor had already known where they lions were, for that was where the mighty robot slept in separate parts when he was not needed. He had secret tunnels that led to each of the lairs and all five keys were hidden in a safe place. He sent word to his friend General Michael Edwards, of Galaxy Alliance that he was in need of their assistance, and that Voltron was no more. The Alliance immediately sent a team of specially trained young men to go bring back the mighty robot and bring peace back to the far galaxy. The problem being that it would take them time to get to Arus, so he had no choice but to pray that the planet was still there when they arrived.

Queen Jessica was taken from the gentle King when the first major attack rocked his planet; the loss of the Queen devastated the King and their teenage daughter. Alfor was even more determined to keep his only child safe and continued to spend hours upon hours making sure that all would be ready when the time came to bring back Voltron and to give his daughter a castle to be proud of.

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Young Princess Allura loved her father and was curious, about what he was working so hard on. On the day of the attack, that would change her life forever, she found him doing something just outside the castle courtyard.

"Daddy, why are you working so hard?" Allura asked curiously.

Alfor looked up at his beautiful daughter and smiled, "You look more and more like your mother everyday."

"Daddy, don't try and change the subject." Allura stood with her hands on her hips and frowned at him.

"And you have her spirit as well." Alfor sighed.

"Daddy, what's wrong?" Allura asked with a worried look on her face.

"Nothing is wrong my child, I am simply making sure that you have a legacy to be proud of."

"Father, you're scaring me! What's wrong? Why is this suddenly so important to you?"

"I need you to be strong in the days ahead and I want you to promise me that you will never give up fighting for this planet or our people." Alfor looked down into his child's emotional azure blue eyes.

"I don't understand..."

The castle was rocked by laser fire; Arus was once again under attack.

"Allura! Get back inside now!" Alfor shouted at his daughter, as laser fire blasted at the ancient stone of the castle, sending debris flying everywhere.

"Not without you!"

"Don't argue with me! Now go back inside where I know that you'll be safe!" Alfor ordered his daughter, but it was too late. The castle was hit by a major blast and debris was going to hit his little girl. "ALLURA!" The king pushed her out of the way and the huge piece of stone fell on him.

"DADDY...DADDY... NO!!!" Allura Screamed. "NO, NOT YOU TOO! DADDY!!!"

"Shhh ... Don't cry sunshine...I will always be with you... remember that... I need you to promise to do what I asked you to..." Alfor tried to talk, but he was growing weaker by the second.

:Daddy, don't leave me!!: She whimpered.

:Listen to me child! I don't have much time...: Alfor tried to calm her down.

:I'M SORRY I DIDN'T LISTEN! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME LIKE MOMMA DID!!!:

:That is out of my control angel. You have to promise me that you will do as I asked you to do.:

:HELP UNCLE KORAN: She cried, "SOMEONE HELP US!"

:This was not your fault my child. Zarcon is not going to win and you are not going to give up! Do you hear me, Allura Danielle? Never give up on this planet or our people!:

:I Promise Daddy, Even if I have to kill Zarcon myself. I promise:

Alfor reached up to touch her cheek. :I will always be with you, my ray of sunshine. I know that you think that you are alone, but that will not be for long. I promise you that.: His eyes closed and Allura let out an agonizing scream.

"NO!!!"

"GUARDS, SOMEONE HELP ME!" Allura called for help though she knew it would be too late to help her father. :UNCLE KORAN!!! HELP!!! I'M IN THE GARDEN!:

Koran and the guards ran outside to see what was wrong with the princess and what they saw horrified them. The King lay lifeless with a huge slab of marble on top of him; Allura was desperately trying to get the slab off of her father. "Princess!" He shouted at the frantic girl.

"Uncle Koran, please help Daddy!" Allura sobbed. "I can't move it. I try and I try, but it won't move."

"Princess, we need to get you into the castle!" One of castle guards shouted at her when the second attack wave hit.

"DADDY!!!" Allura cried, as Koran carried her in side.

Ten guards lifted the marble off of the King. "Sire, we will avenge your death!" They vowed, as they carried their slain monarch into the castle.

"Uncle Koran, it's my fault if I had gone inside when he told me to. He would be alive! Oh why didn't I listen?" She sobbed.

"Allura, this is not your fault, now tell me exactly what happened?" Koran set her down on a couch in the library.

"I don't know!"

"Yes, you do Allura; now tell me what happened to your father." Koran tried to refrain from shouting at the poor girl.

"ALL...I... REMEMBER IS TALKING TO DADDY, THEN HE TOLD ME TO GO INSIDE. I DIDN'T GO... SO IT'S MY FAULT THAT DADDY'S GONE!" She screamed at Koran.

"WHY WEREN'T YOU INSIDE THE CASTLE STUDYING LIKE YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING? ANSWER ME YOUNG LADY!" Koran was now shouting at her.

"I WAS WORRIED ABOUT DADDY! HE' S ALWAYS SO BUSY, SO I ASKED HIM WHAT HE WAS DOING!" Allura screamed at her Dad's best friend and adviser, before the shock of losing her father set in, and she fainted.

His best friend was dead and he wanted to blame someone. He looked down at the girl that had fainted on the couch. "I promise that I will keep her safe for you old friend." He growled hoarsely tears streamed down his face.

Allura began to dream. She saw a familiarly handsome Prince with amber eyes and raven black hair and four other guys on the way to help, but there would be more trouble before help arrived.

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(Six Months Later)

Allura frowned at Koran in annoyance. "Are only hope is whom?"

"The Galaxy Garrison is sending a team here to reactivate Voltron. The team is being led by King Oran's son, Keith Michael." Koran informed her.

"Cassie's older brother?" Dumbfounded she eyed Koran in surprise. "He joined the Alliance's forces?"

Koran was surprised that Allura was reacting this way, "He graduated at the top of his class, earning the rank of Captain. Oran and Zandra are very proud of him."

Allura paced the floor of the Castle of Lion's control room, "He's spoiled rotten and always mister perfect! How in the name of Arus did he make it through the academy without being killed by his fellow cadets?"

"Allura Danielle, you haven't seen him in years, he might have changed! Need I remind you that he is five years older than your fifteen years?" Koran snapped at her.

Allura turned on her heel and glared up at him, "All that he has ever cared about was making himself look good and you expect me to believe that he's changed enough to let him come here to my planet and resurrect my father's dream?"

Allura was clearly not going for any of the GA's latest attempts to save her planet. "WHAT MY DADDY AND MOTHER ENDED UP DYING FOR? MY PLANET IS IN A LOSING BATTLE WITH ZARCON! MY PLANET IS IN RUINS! MY PARENTS ARE BOTH DEAD AND MY ONLY HOPE RESTS WITH A TEAM BEING LED BY HIM!" Allura was not one to lose her temper, but she was furious that she hadn't been told about this.

"DO WHAT YOU WISH UNCLE KORAN, BUT I WILL HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM!" Allura stalked out of the room.

"ALLURA! COME BACK HERE!" Koran roared

"She will change her mind old friend, the young prince feels the same way about seeing her." The ghost of King Alfor appeared next to him.

"She was barely twelve the last time they met and she followed him around the entire time." Koran recalled how frustrated Allura would get when Keith would do anything and everything to avoid her.

"He still sees her as that little girl with pigtails and now she's one of the most beautiful women in the galaxy." Alfor slowly faded away.

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(Days later on Arus)

Keith and his team ended up crash landing on Arus, after escaping from King Zarcon on Planet Doom.

"That statue by the castle saved us!" Keith emerged from the wreck without a scratch.

"What now, oh fearless one?" Lance drawled his voice oozing with sarcasm.

"Zarcon means business this time, so we need to find the five robot lions ASAP." Keith took off running into the woods.

"Do you know where you're going?" Pidge frowned.

"Yes I know where the Castle of Lions is or what's left of it anyway." He led them through the foggy mist and right up to the castle drawbridge.

"This is creepy." Pidge shivered when lightning crashed around them and the eyes of the lion statue began to glow ominously.

"Yah, I agree." Sven nodded.

"That statue just growled at us!" Hunk hissed.

"Let's go chickens." Keith growled.

"He's not kidding Keith! That statue is growling at us!" Lance snarled back.

"Look, guys, maybe you hit your heads in the crash." Keith eyed them, as if they were losing it. "I'm sure that Doc Stevens is he's still the castle Doc can help the three of you."

"HA! HA! HA! Very funny!" Lance glowered at him.

Black Lion let out an ear splitting roar and they all took off running towards the castle.

"Then again maybe you were right…" Keith muttered under his breath.

"Told ya so!" Pidge huffed

As if by magic the storm ended, the sky cleared, and the sun shone on the Castle of Lions.

"This planet is weird!" Hunk growled.

"No, this planet is magical and always has been." Keith grinned at them.

"So how are we supposed to get into the castle? Knock on the front door?" Lance eyed the huge door of the castle and then turned to glare at Keith.

"Oh man! This place has really been roughed up!" Hunk growled.

Keith tried to recall how he used to sneak into the castle when he had visited here during the summers as a kid. "If we can't get in through the front doors then we'll find another way inside. Stay here I'll be right back."

"Keith! Now where is our fearless leader off to?" Lance frowned when Keith vanished from sight.

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(Elsewhere in the Castle of Lions.)

Allura had heard the lion statue's roar and went to see what was going on. "Is it another attack?" She raced down one of the castle corridors.

How much longer could her planet hope to last. She thought.

"Who goes there? Why are you in my home!" Allura shouted at the man that was entering her home through one of the windows.

Keith turned to look at who was shouting at him and the sight of Allura took his breath away.

Allura!?! This beautiful creature is Allura!? Keith was completely speechless.

"Tell me who you are or I will call the guards!" Allura ordered the stranger.

"Calm yourself, Princess; I'm not here to hurt you." Keith growled softly.

"I will be the judge of that! Now tell me who you are!" She commanded.

"I'm here to make sure that your Planet stays free from King Zarcon." Keith informed her.

"YOU!" Allura stalked over to where he was standing, so that she could see his face.

"Hello brat, long time no see." Keith grinned at her.

Allura hauled off with a right cross his jaw. "Don't call me brat!!" She hissed at him. "Ouch! That hurt!" She shook out her stinging hand.

Keith rubbed at his sore jaw. "With the way that you had your hand curled up you're lucky that you didn't break your hand or your fingers. You need to try to not curl your fingers around your thumb." Keith took her hand in his and showed her what he meant. He couldn't help but feel the zing of electricity that passed between them, the moment their hands touched.

Allura stared up at the face of the man that she had just punched. He was to put it bluntly drop dead gorgeous, with raven black hair that she itched to run her hands through, eyes the color of amber, and a killer smile. She also felt her heart skip a beat the second that he took her hand in his own. "I'll remember that the next time I try and deck someone." She tried to keep her voice from trembling.

Keith brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it. "I'm sorry if I frightened you, my lady. I am Crowned Prince Keith Michael of the Planet Ziare. I am also a Captain in the Galaxy Garrison. It is my honor to bring Voltron back and to save this galaxy from the evil forces of King Zarcon."

Allura tried not to get lost in his eyes, but it seemed like she was losing the battle. "You've changed since I last saw you." She frowned at him.

Keith's grin widened even more. "So have you, Princess Allura Danielle of Arus. I'm sorry about the death of your parents, they will be missed." The smile turned serious, as he spoke of her late father.

"Thank you your highness." Allura whispered softly, as the loss of her parents struck her once more, and a single tear slid down her cheek. Then her temper flared up again and her sorrow vanished. "Now why did you sneak in the castle? You did come in a ship didn't you?" She snapped at him.

"YES PRINCESS BRAT WE CAME IN A SHIP! IT TOOK TIME FOR US TO GET HERE MONTHS TO BE EXACT AND WHEN WE FINALLY ARRIVED ZARCON WAS ATTACKING THE PLANET IN A FULL OUT ASSAULT! OUR SHIP WAS NO MATCH FOR A BATTLE CRUISER SO WE WERE CAPTURED AND TAKEN TO PLANET DOOM! NOT WANTING TO BE ROBEAST CHOW WE ESCAPED FROM PLANET DOOM, SO THAT WE COULD COME HERE AND RESCUE YOUR PLANET! SO SORRY THAT WE COULDN'T RADIO AHEAD OR THAT IT INCONVENIENCES YOU!" Keith let loose his temper on her.

"THE FRONT OF THE CASTLE LOOKS LIKE HELL, SO I TRIED TO FIND ANOTHER WAY INSIDE! MAYBE WE SHOULD HAVE DIED AT THE HANDS OF ZARCON OR BETTER YET CUT OUR LOSSES AND LET YOU DEAL WITH THIS ON YOUR OWN!"

"I'M SO SORRY IF THIS HAS TARNISHED YOUR PERFECT RECORD! YOU HAVEN'T CHANGED ONE BIT!"

"LOOK, ALLURA! MY MEN AND I ALMOST DIED GETTING HERE AND WE'RE GOING TO SAVE THIS PLANET BY REACTIVATING VOLTRON, WHETHER YOU APPROVE OF THE PLAN OR NOT!" Keith roared down at her.

"What in the name of Arus is going on out here?!" Koran bellowed at them.

"Hello Uncle Koran, it's nice to see you again. Although, I wish that it were under different circumstances." Keith turned to greet Koran with a smile.

"Your highness, we've been awaiting your arrival. Michael informed me that you had been captured, but assured me that you would be able remedy your situation and come here to focus on your mission." Koran frowned at him. "Are you and your team alright?"

Speak for yourself Koran. Allura thought to herself.

"All of us are fine Uncle Koran and lose the formality its Keith. You've been close friends with my family for years." When Keith went to shake his hand, he found himself being bear hugged by Koran.

"You have grown into the man that we always knew you would become and will make a fine King one day." Koran smiled at him.

"Look Captain, I hate to break up this touching moment, but where exactly is the rest of your team?" Allura snapped at him it annoyed her that he was bonding with Koran. "If I remember correctly you couldn't find your way out of a paper box, let alone lead someone." Allura said sarcastically.

Keith had never had the urge to hit an innocent before, but he was going to take the brat over his knee and seriously give her a well-deserved spanking. "THAT DOES IT ALLURA!" Keith grabbed hold of her brought her over his knee.

"WHY YOU BEAST HOW DARE YOU TOUCH ME!" She screamed at Keith. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!"

"Is that the best you can do? You really are still a little girl aren't you princess and here I thought that you'd finally grown up." Keith smirked down at her furious face.

"Bad move son." Koran groaned when he saw the look on Allura's face.

"Look Uncle Koran, I could careless if little miss perfect princess has gotten her feathers all ruffled! I am here to do a job, not make Alley happy!" Keith snarled at him.

'WHY YOU JERK!!' Allura, unbeknownst to either of them, used the heart link that she had always had with Keith to convey her answer to him and him alone before sending him a mental shove that sent him to the floor. "Next time listen to Uncle Koran!" She went to go brood in her room.

'Not bad Princess, in fact that's very impressive, but don't play with a master unless you're ready to play in the big game.' Keith stopped her in her tracks with a mental command in her mind to stay where she was.

"CHILDREN! WHEN YOU ARE BOTH FINISHED, I THINK THAT WE SHOULD GO LET THE REST OF HIS TEAM INTO THE CASTLE!" Koran roared at them, but the two of them were ignoring him completely.

'This is nowhere near from being over Captain!' She hissed.

'It was fun Alley Cat; try again when you're more of a challenge.' Keith vanished, but still didn't release his control over her ability to move.

"WHY THAT NO GOOD DIRTY ROTTEN CREEP!!!"

"ALLURA DANIELLE YOU WILL STOP THIS AT ONCE!"

"WHY!" She scowled crossing her arms.

"Because, you brought this entire mess onto yourself and I will not allow the crowned princess of Arus to reduce herself to using this kind of grammar!" Koran was furious with her actions.

'I would listen to him if I were you, Alley cat.' Keith growled inside her head.

'This is your fault, you started it!' Allura hissed.

'I started this! You're the one that's been a complete; forgive me for saying this Alley. BITCH! Ever since I got here! What the hell is your problem anyway! Do you really want to end up as one of Zarcon's slave girls!?' Keith snarled back. 'I should let Zarcon have you, but then I wouldn't wish you on my worst enemy!' Keith was way past furious with her.

I'm in trouble now...Me and my big mouth. She thought letting out a huge sigh as tears of rage, hate, and sorrow ran down her face for the first time in six months. I'm such a fool. He's trying to help me and he's right I have been acting like a spoiled child.

"I'm sorry Keith. I really didn't mean to take this out on you or anyone else for that matter. It may not sound like it, but I'm really glad your here. What I really want to do is hurt Zarcon for all that he has done here. I promised Daddy that I'd fight, but I'm fighting the wrong people. Please forgive me Keith Michael?"Allura choked out a most heart-wrenching apology.

"Allura was there when her father died, Keith. He saved her life and she blames herself for his death." Koran explained why Allura was so bitter towards everyone.

"Keith, are you still there?" Allura whimpered.

Keith walked out of the shadows and stood in front of the princess, "Is this true? Do you really think that Uncle Alfor's death was your fault?" Keith growled softly.

"Yes, Keith, I do."

Keith tilted her chin with his finger and forced her to look up at him. "Why?" He asked Allura softly "Why do you feel this way?"

"Because, Daddy told me to go inside when Zarcon attacked again, but I wouldn't go not without him."She answered him, but would not look in to his eyes.

"You didn't want to leave the only parent that you had left and I can't say that I blame you. I would've done the same thing if I'd been in the same situation that you were in."

"But I let him down, Keith. How could I live knowing Daddy died because of me?" Allura sobbed.

Keith pulled her into his arms and held her. "He lives in you and he is at peace knowing that you're safe. He doesn't blame you and Uncle Koran doesn't blame you either. You have to realize that these things happen. They are horrible awful things, but we have no control over them. I believe that your father would want you to be strong and fight to save this planet and your people."

"But how can I? I can't do this on my own. I'm only fifteen for Gaia's sake! How could I run a whole planet? Let alone fight a war? I have never really told anyone this and please don't tell anyone...I'm scared out of my mind! I'm trying to be brave, but it's not working." The look in Allura's eyes said more than she could say in words.

"Whoever said that you were going to be alone? I'm not going anywhere and my team is waiting outside. For once in your life lean on someone else's shoulder and let me help you save your people and this galaxy from Zarcon." Keithfought the urge to close the distance between them to kiss her.

'Thank you, Keith...Thank you ever so much for being a good friend and I mean it with all my heart.' She gave him a big hug.

'I've always been on your side and I always will be, never forget that.' He kissed her softly on her lips.

'Um that was nice, but your friends are waiting and the storms picked up again. Shall we let them in?' Allura blushed crimson. Hmm, I wouldn't mind him kissing me again.

"Can you believe this guy? His highness our fearless leader leaves us outside, while he gets all cozy with some girl!" Lance drawled sarcastically.

'Keith, Who's he?' Allura asked.

'That wise ass is Lt. Commander Lance Anderson. Who happens to be an excellent pilot and one of my best friends? He can be kind of a jerk, but you'll like him once you get to know him.'

'Can I slap him?? Or shove him??' She asked her charming Prince.

'Be my guest beautiful.' Keith winked at her.

"Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you talk to me like that?" Allura hissed giving Lance a mental shove that sent him on his rear.

"Hey smart guy! I want you to meet her Royal Highness Crown Princess Allura Danielle of Arus." Keith let go of Allura and turned her in his arms, so that she was now facing Lance.

Lance looked shell-shocked, as he stared at the princess, and the amused face of his best friend. "I'm sorry! I had no idea that you were the princess!" He didn't know whether he should drool or bow to the beautiful creature standing in front of him.

'Keith, he looks so funny.' Allura thought to Keith 'Poor baby, maybe I should be a little nicer to him?'

'And let him get away with how he acted?! No way! Give him the full royal treatment!' Keith winked at Allura before he glared down at Lance, who was practically groveling at her feet.

'Ok.' She returned his wink. "Thank you all for coming to my late father's and my aid. My royal adviser, Koran, will show you to your rooms. Keith, would you like to be with your team or have shall I have your old rooms prepared for you?"

"He has rooms?" The guys gave Keith a strange look.

"Yes, what's wrong with that?" Allura said trying to hide her smile of amusement.

"Keith has always bunked where we bunked." Lance frowned at her.

"Yeah, it's always been that way." Pidge added.

"Why should it change now?" Hunk was lost.

"It is his choice, but his title grants him the option I have given him. If I didn't offer it, it would have been very rude of me." Allura answered honestly.

"Well, it might be because he is a Prince and this isn't a base on some mission." Sven gave them his view on the current subject.

"Look guys, it would be bad manners if I didn't say yes to her offer to use my old room." Keith grinned at the shocked faces of his friends.

"Keith, they've made their opinions heard, so follow me and I'll so you to your rooms." She said. 'I couldn't break you guys up, besides I'm the only one in that wing anyway and I would feel safer if you guys were in the same wing as me.' She told Keith.

'Look princess, I'm the leader of this mission and that makes me able to make my own decisions myself. My parents would have my hide if I didn't follow royal protocol.'

'You don't need to growl at me Keith Michael! I was going to suggest to Uncle Koran that you guys have those rooms anyway.' The look in her eyes showed that she was getting a major migraine headache. 'I think I need to lie down, after I show you your rooms.'

'Sorry Alley, I guess I need to catch up on my sleep.' Keith shrugged his shoulders.

'That's alright I think we all need to rest.' Allura slightly rubbed the side of her nose, she pulled back her hand and saw the one sign she always hated to see, her nose was starting to bleed from the over taxation of her gift. 'Keith, can you teach me how to use my gift? Please?' The last was said in a plea for help as she showed him her hand with a frown, 'I hate doing this and I can't hide it much longer from Uncle Koran or anyone else for that matter.'

'I would be honored to teach you, angel. You really should go and lie down or your really gonna regret it later.' He smiled at her, and then turned to glare at the guys.

'I already am. Keith, I really think your friends are a little suspicious of us' She turned to face the guys again.

"Hey guys! He's doing that mind thing again and she can do the same thing too." Hunk hissed at the guys.

"Great now we'll never know what's going on between them!" Pidge hissed back.

"I think fearless leader has it bad for the beautiful princess." Lance grinned at Sven.

"Yah, but I would suggest that you not say that to Keith." Sven warned Lance.

"Say what to me?" Keith glared at his men. "I want the four of you to try and catch up on your sleep; because you're gonna need it for what I'm going to put you through at first light tomorrow morning!" Keith ordered his friends.

"Come on Keith! Not that! Anything but that!" They eyed him in mock terror.

'Keith, can I watch? Please, it would be like old times and I need that right now.' She pleaded with him.

"Yeah! We couldn't move the last time that you put us all through our paces!" Lance groaned in remembrance.

'Are you sure Alley? I'm going to get them up at 4am tomorrow?' Keith frowned at her.

'Yes, it would get me away from my studies and Nanny, for a while. I know I won't be in the mood to study with this migraine, besides the fresh air will do me some good.' She smiled at him with hope shining in her eyes.

'NANNY is still here!' Keith's face paled at the thought of seeing her again. 'Has she changed any?'

"Something that the princess said just caused Keith to panic." Lance snickered.

"Uncle Koran, may I take the day off tomorrow? I'm getting one of my headaches and I really want to touch base with Keith again." She asked him. 'No and yes she's still here.'

"Will she be in your way if I allow her to go with you tomorrow?" Koran frowned at Keith.

Allura looked from Koran to Keith and back with a pleading look of hope.

"I think I can keep her out of any trouble, Uncle Koran." He winked at Allura. "And as for that crack that you made about me panicking! Well none of you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Nanny."

"Allura! Where are you? Time for your studies young lady!" Nanny called.

"Nanny?" The guys frowned at him in confusion.

"Yep and here she comes now." Keith groaned.

"Keith, Boys this way to your rooms, NOW!" Allura went to run out of the room.Later Uncle Koran and thank you.:

"Sometimes I wish that she would take a very long, vacation." Koran muttered under his breath.

"You don't have to tell us twice!" The guys took off running.

"KORAN! Have you seen the princess? I can't find her anywhere." Nanny asked him, as she came into the room.

"I think she turned in early and went to her room." Koran informed her.

"I was just there. When did she turn in?" Nanny scowled, "And she hasn't done her studies yet!"

"Look, Nanny, she is fifteen now, maybe she doesn't need to be under your constant care. Frankly, I think that you're starting to smother her." Koran glared at her.

"Me! I'm not either."

"As for her finishing her studies, after all that she has been through these last few months we should be happy that she even feels like studying!" Koran snapped.

"Why? She needs to be up to date with the rest of her class. I don't know why Alfor and Jessica god rest their souls," Nanny crosses herself, "Took her out of school. She would have been perfectly fine there."

"She was taken out of school, because she was miserable there! She is surpassing as in years ahead of the rest of her class mates and that's why I have decided to give her a day off tomorrow." Koran informed her and then stalked past her out of the room.

"What! Why? She can't..." Nanny sputtered

"The subject is closed Nancy! I am her legal guardian and that makes me able to give her a day off anytime that I see fit!"

"You're the boss." Nanny sighed.

"That's right Nanny and don't you ever forget it." Koran stalked off to place a call to Galaxy Garrison and King Oran that Keith and his team had arrived safely.

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(Sunrise the next day)

The boys decided to show off their fighting techniques and were giving her quite a show.

"Not bad" She yawned clearly not used to being a wake at four in the morning. "Can I try?"

"What's the matter, princess? Did we get you up to early?" Lance teased her.

"Or maybe it was the five mile run that he put us through." Hunk grinned.

"If I remember correctly you were falling behind the rest of us, Hunk. True, I haven't run five miles in the last year or so, but I've followed Keith on fifteen to twenty mile hikes before and that was one way." She smiled at Keith 'Remember?'

'Yeah I remember. Master Shey thought it was funny. So did you till you tagged along. If my memory serves me correctly I had to carry you back to the castle.' He sent to her.

"Knock it off you two she's doing great!" Keith glared at them. 'It's okay, angel, they aren't used to being around beautiful women.'

"Keith, I'll go in side if you want?" She shot them a hurt look.

"Hey Princess! We were only teasing you; of course you can have a try at this." Lance winked at her.

"He's right, Princess, we didn't mean to hurt your feelings." Hunk grinned at her.

"So how do you do that?" She forced herself to smile. Now I can show him what I've learned after all these years.

"Well, step over here in front of where I'm standing." Keith instructed her.

"Like this?" She followed him move for move.

"Very good Allura, now try this." Keith flipped Lance over his shoulder.

"You mean if I move like this the opponent falls down?" Allura proceeded to perform that same move on Keith. Ha, ha Got you smarty pants.

"But would happen if I did this?" She rolled with him, letting his momentum pull her down with him in to a summersault bringing her feet up to kick him over her head where he then landed in a patch of dirt.

'Not bad, Alley Cat, but I know you didn't just come up with that, so who taught you?' He dusted himself off.

'From you and Cassie' She tried to tell him more, but nothing happened.'Darn it ! I hope your getting this...I'm all tapped out. Please don't tell Nanny and Uncle Koran. He knows I know the basics, but I've taken more classes as school.' She pleaded with her eyes.

'Don't worry angel, your secret is safe with me.' He smiled at her, "Good job, Princess, and a lucky shot.''

"Nice Shot, Allura. Nobody can do that to him and not still be conscious. He must really like you." Lance congratulated her.

"Yeah, Good job, right now I wouldn't want to be you." Pidge said.

"Why? What do you mean? Oh." Allura asked, as she turned to see the look on Keith's face and knew that she was in trouble. "Now Keith, that was a lucky shot and you know it." She gulped.

"Lucky, yes now what I wanna known is if you can protect yourself the same way again? I know you know the counter move...So...on guard!" Was the only warning he gave her

Allura pulled off the move Keith told her to, but unfortunately she was unable to keep her balance and Keith's weight pulled her off her feet. "Not fair! You did that on purpose!" She cried out in surprise.

"Oh yeah pinned ya."Keith grinned at her.

"Keith, do you really think that was fair? She's just learning," Hunk protested.

"Yes it's fair. If she wants to learn then we can't go easy on her because of her title. She needs to know how to properly defend herself. Not have her think she knows how. Someday her life may depend on it," Keith told the group. 'You're not mad at me, are you? I want you to know the why's, when's, and how's of what I teach you. For what I said is true you may have to depend on them someday when the guys or I aren't around.' Keith explained.

'No Keith, I'm not mad at you. I know that your trying to help me like I asked you too' She was getting another headache so her voice was strained. "Keith, I think we should get back."

"Time to hit the showers," He told his men. 'Allura, you ok? You look really pale and your voice is weak. What's up that you're not telling me?' He asked her a little worried.

'I'm fine. Just a little tired. I don't know what's going on I just have a bad feeling. Can you hear that in the distance?' She frowned

'Yes, what is it?' He answered.

'It's the lions. Not just Blacky, but the other four as well. I've never heard them act like this.' Allura told him, as she chewed on her fingernail. 'Something bad is coming!'

'Alley, I know that you're almost tapped out, so try not to worry so much' Keith was concerned for his princess.

'I'm tapped out, but you can't expect me to ignore this...' Allura got to her feet, but then fainted.

Keith caught her in his arms. "I've got you love," He kissed her on the forehead and then headed for the castle.

---------------------------------------------

(Outside the castle an hour later)

'Allura. Time to wake up. Come on angel, wake up. You don't want Nanny to see you like this, do you?'

"Hmm?" she snuggled against Keith's shoulder.

"Allura, I know you're awake," He chuckled.

"I don't want to. I feel safe here." She looked up at him with a pout.

"I know, but, Nanny doesn't really know I'm here. Besides, if I remember Nanny, she'll have a fit over your filthy clothes." He smiled, as he saw her look at him with wary eyes.

"You're right. She's probably looking for me now. Okay you win." She sighed, as he set her down on her own two feet.

"After you, Princess." He motioned her to lead the way.

"Thank you, Keith."

Allura's little friends the space mice met her at in the entryway of the castle to warn her that Nanny was on the rampage.

"Oh No! Thanks my friends. Nanny's on a tear." Allura sighed.

"Well I see that something's never change." Keith looked down at the little blue and pink space mice.

"Keith, you remember Cheddar and family don't you?" She asked.

"Wow! Space mice!" Pidge eyed the little rodents excitedly. "Do they actually eat through anything?" He asked Allura excitedly.

"Almost," Allura smiled.

"You mean to tell me that those mice are your pets?" Lance eyed her in surprise.

"Awesome! I bet they know every part of this castle." Pidge grinned at her.

"Yes, but friends is more like it. Now if you don't mind I would like to get back to my room and change before Nanny sees us." Allura looked around watching for her governess.

"So far so good," Keith looked around for any sign of Nanny.

"Can you find where she is?" She asked Keith.

"She can't be that bad." Sven refused to believe that a Nanny could strike terror in the hearts of the two people standing in front of him.

"Yeah, I mean what kind of woman is she anyway!" Hunk narrowed his eyes at them.

Keith and Allura turned to look at each other in horror.

'Too late!' Was all the time he had to tell Allura. "Trust me when I say that you do not want to know the answer to that question." Keith winced when Nanny entered the room bellowing at the top of her lungs.

"ALLURA DANIELLE, WHAT ON ARUS WERE YOU DOING AND WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE!?"

"Nanny, you remember Prince Keith Michael of Ziare, Oran's Son, Cassie's Brother?" Allura was trying to keep her temper with her governess.

"Prince Keith! Nice to see you again Your Royal Highness." Nanny curtsied in front of Keith. "Now if you'll excuse, Allura and me, we'll see you at dinner. Come along Princess its time for your Studies." Nanny grabbed Allura's arm.

"NO! Nanny I'm not going anywhere!" Allura finally lost her temper.

"Enough with the tantrum let's go young lady!" Nanny snarled.

"Hello, Nanny. I see that you still haven't changed and unless I'm mistaken Allura is almost sixteen now and more than capable of making her own decisions. Uncle Koran did give her the day off and that's what she's going to have." Keith didn't like the way that Nanny was treating her and he let her have it in his best regal tone of voice.

Allura gave Keith a desperate look. "NANNY, LET ME GO OR SO HELP ME I'LL HIT YOU!"

"I will give you until the count of three to let her go." Keith warned the governess. "Either you let Alley go and lie down in her room for a while or I'm not going to be in a very good mood and you don't want to see me when I lose my temper." Keith gave her an order and a warning.

"Forgive me young Prince, but Allura and I have to correct this attitude problem of hers. Let's go Allura, now! I really don't know where you got this attitude, but it will change!" Nanny continued to pull on her arm.

"I said no and I meant it!" Allura saw Koran enter the room. "Koran, help me! Tell her I can do things on my own without her there by me twenty-four hours a day seven day's a week!" She pleaded to her guardian.

"NANNY, I TOLD YOU LAST NIGHT THAT SHE HAD TODAY OFF NOW LEAVE HER ALONE!"

"Koran, Just Look at her she's filthy. It's unseemly for the crown Princess to look as such!"

"Why? What's wrong with me just taking time to relax? As for the dirt! I went for a run with Keith and his team and then they were showing me how to defend myself!" Allura's headache was turning into a migraine. "Now let go of my arm!"

"No! You are coming with me this instant!" Nanny shouted at the Princess it was as if she had chosen to ignore Keith's threat.

Keith lost his temper completely and let Nanny have it. "I SAID TO LEAVE HER ALONE AND I MEANT IT! IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE HER ALONE I WILL BE FORCED TO MAKE IT SO THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER HER GOVERNESS!" Keith roared down at Nanny's startled face. "SHE'S GETTING TO OLD FOR A NURSE MAID AND NEEDS TO MAKE DECISIONS ON HER OWN!"

Shocked Nanny let go of Allura, "Y...y...yes your h...h...highness." She stammered

"Your Highness, Nanny is just a little overprotective of the princess." Koran tried to find a peaceful solution to this situation. "She really means no harm."

"Would you please stop! All of this yelling is really giving me a migraine." Allura looked as if she was going to be sick.

Keith immediately turned all of his attention towards Allura, "I'm sorry love, but she tends to make me lose my temper every time I see her." His voice was calm and gentle, as he looked down into her azure blue eyes.

"You're forgiven...What did you call me?" She asked in shockDid I imagine it before?

Keith actually blushed crimson when he realized what he had spoken out loud.

"I believe that he called you love." Lance grinned.

"Yep that's what I heard!" Hunk echoed.

Allura looked at Keith with a puzzled look. WOW!

"I guess you've always held a place in my heart." Keith looked down at her with weary eyes.

"I have always felt the same way about you." She smiled "Now can I please get some sleep?" Allura asked everyone standing around.

"Yes, you overdid it today, besides we need to search for the keys to the lions and take them for a flight." Keith smiled down at her.

"Yes, I guess I did." She blushed, "Uncle Koran, could you please show them where my father has hidden the keys?"

"Of course princess, follow me gentlemen." Koran motioned for them to follow him down the corridor.

Keith bent down and kissed Allura on her cheek. "Get some sleep, Alley."He winked at Nanny. 'I will make sure that you and your planet are safe, my love.'

"I can actually relax and sleep, now that you're here to help me protect my planet and it's people. I haven't been sleeping very well lately. Maybe I can get some now." She smiled at him.'Now get going before Nanny snaps out of her stupor.'

"Prince Keith?" Nanny asked politely "May I take Allura to her room now?" Who was still in shock at what he had called The Princess.

"I think that Allura is old enough to tuck herself in Nanny. Aren't you love?" Keith winked at Alley.

Allura blushed three different shades of red "Um...Um."

"Come on Lover boy! We have a job to do remember?" Lance came back to drag Keith away.

"Bye my Prince charming." Allura let Nanny show her to her room.

Keith blushed crimson when Lance burst out laughing. "I'm gonna inform the General that the mighty Keith has fallen head over heals in love with the very princess that we've all been sent here to protect." Lance grinned at his friend who was now glaring at him.

"You do and I make it so that you won't ever father any children. My godfather would never let me live this down!" Keith stalked down the hallway after Lance.

Lance gulped, "Sure, Keith, anything you say."

"Just wait smart ass and we'll see who laughs when you actually find someone!" He shouted at him when Lance took off running in terror.

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(A few days later - Early morning)

Lightning pierced the sky as Arus was hit by yet another strong thunderstorm. Keith found that he was unable to sleep because something was in the air, and he didn't like what he was feeling.

Why can't I seem to stay focused! It's like everything has changed somehow. It's bad enough that the lions have some kind of failsafe device and we've yet to find an override for it. These trips into the lake are really starting to get to me. Yeah that has to be it. He paced the floor of his room.

When you don't know what is wrong, clear your mind, and meditate until you are once again one with your mind and spirit. The words of his teacher echoed in his head, so Keith sat down on the floor of his room and tried to meditate.

Here goes nothing... Keith thought to himself.

-------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, Allura was sleeping deeply and was dreaming of a horseback ride with Keith and their romantic picnic lunch that they would have when they reached the meadow.

Dream

"Keith, remember this place? We all use to come here when we were kids; you, Cassie, Shea and me." She asked as they neared the lake by meadow.

"You and Cassie followed Sheena and I here when we would use this meadow to spare in." Keith grinned at her.

"Yes. It was always fun Cassie and I had a picnic every time." She winked at him from her gray gelding.

"You and Cass used to picnic on the food that Shea and I would bring and then we would have to beg you two just to have some of our own food. You were quite the little shadow, Allura." Keith chuckled. "You never let me out of your sight for more than five minutes. I think that you had a crush on me back then."

"I don't think so. You were a very spoiled brat back then, I think it's more the case of me wanting to hide." Allura blush because some of what he was saying was true.

"I was only a brat, because it was the only way that you would leave me and Sheena alone. Besides, you weren't exactly Miss Angelic Angel back then either." Keith winked at her.

"No, I guess not." She looked down at her hands, "What about now?"

Keith became very quiet and went from teasing her to telling Allura how he truly felt, "I don't mind the fact that you always want to spend time with me, Allura. In fact I like spending time with you as much as you like spending time with me."

"Really? I thought you never wanted me around. You always seem to leave me behind." She gave him a smile.

"That was only for your own protection. I didn't want you getting hurt." Keith growled softly.

"REALLY!"

"Yes really." Keith grinned at her. "Is that so hard for you to believe?"

"I thought you just did your vanishing acts just to make me mad." She smiled back, "This looks like a good place to have our lunch."

"Well... I guess I did do that too." He grinned sheepishly. "Great I'm starving!" He was glad that they were going to change the subject, before he ended up really getting himself into trouble.

"No problem, Keith, lets see what we've got here." She looked into the picnic basket.

"Nanny packed enough to feed an army." Keith looked into the picnic basket. "I think she might actually like me now. Either that or she's resorted to trying to give me food poisoning." Keith winked at her.

"That she did, as to poisoning you, well I'm eating too." She winked back.

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(Back in Keith's Room)

Keith placed himself under a deep meditation and was concentrating on clearing his mind of whatever was causing him to be unfocusedThis isn't even working! Maybe I'll just check on Allura and make sure that she's okay Keith focused on Allura's mind and found that she was dreaming about the two of them. Now this is defiantly a change! He thought to himself. At least she isn't having nightmares about her father's death.

---------------------------------------------

(Alley's Dream World)

After they ate their lunch Keith and Allura went for a walk down by the lake.

"Keith, I'm so happy that your here. I don't know how much longer Arus was going to with stand Zarcon's onslaught." She told him, as they walked along the little lake.

"I won't let him have Arus, Princess. He isn't going to win anymore battles against anyone." Keith growled softly.

"I wish I could believe that, but I don't really see how... I know you and the boys try, but I've lost so much." She turned to look a Keith. "I don't know how to say this, but here goes. I love you...please don't leave me." Tears pooled in her eyes.

Keith stopped and stared down at her. "I know that you've been through a lot, Alley, but I meant every word that I said. Zarcon isn't going to win this war. I care about this planet and I happen to love their princess very much." He growled softly finally admitting his true feelings for her.

"Oh Keith, I'm just afraid that you'll leave me..." She said just before she kissed him."

Keith pulled her to him and kissed her back. "I'm never going to leave you Allura." He promised her.

An Evil laugh pierced her dream. "You can never win! Arus Will be mine!" The giant face of King Zarcon appeared.

"Not if I can help it Zarcon! Your days are numbered!" Keith shouted at the face of King Zarcon.

"Oh yeah? We'll see about that." Zarcon snarled and threw his scepter at him hitting Keith in the arm pining him to the ground.

"KEITH!" Allura screamed. "YOU MONSTER!"

---------------------------------------------

Keith found himself in the middle of what had turned out to be a nightmare. I think that it's time that I woke up my sleeping beauty. Keith tried to gently awaken her with his mind, but she was fighting him, and way too involved in what was happening in the dream. Damn! This is going to be a little more difficult than I imagined. Keith thought, as he continued to try and break her out of her nightmare.

---------------------------------------------

(Dream/Nightmare)

"Look at this puny Space Explore! He can't help you! He can't even defend himself." Laugh Zarcon.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE YOU MONSTER!" She tried to help Keith, but was unable to move the staff. "GO AWAY YOU MONSTER!" She screamed at Zarcon.

Keith was instantly allowed into her nightmare and took control of it. "IS THIS THE BEST THAT YOU CAN DO ZARCON?!" The staff seemed to vanish and Keith vaulted to his feet.

'KEITH! HELP ME!' Allura mentally screamed, as Zarcon grabbed her and started squeezing all her breath out of her.

"Foolish Boy. I will kill your precious kitten!" Zarcon sneered.

Keith sent Zarcon a mind-blast so powerful that he let go of Allura and grabbed at his head in agony. "Touch her again and that's the last breath that you ever take!" He snarled at Zarcon. He now had Allura cradled in his arms. 'All that you have to do is wake up and all of this will go away' Keith tried to get her to wake up.

'I can't! Keith help me I'm trapped!' She cried.

'I'm right here with you angel and I won't let anything happen to you. You're not trapped. Just concentrate and you'll wake up from this bad dream' Keith tried to reassure her.

'I hate these dreams. The only way out was when Daddy woke me up.' Allura explained.

'All that you have to do is know that you're safe, feel that nothing is going to harm you, and think that you can wake up. Then you'll wake up and find that you have a worried Prince staring down at you.'

Allura's eyes flew open and she reached for Keith so he could hold her."Thank Arus your safe."

'Welcome back.' He pulled her into his arms, relieved to see that she was awake. "Yep safe and sound. Are you okay?"

"I..." She tried to speak, but her voice wouldn't let her. 'I think so. How did you know?'

"Let's just say that I will always know when you're ever in trouble or whenever something troubles you." He continued to rock her in his arms. "I know that you've been through a lot, but I meant every word that I said Zarcon is not going to win this war. I care about this planet and I happen to love their princess very much." He quoted what the Keith in her dream had told her word for word.

"How did you know that? Were you spying on me, Keith Michael?"She pulled away so that she could glare at him.

Now you've done it Keith! He thought, as he tried to explain to her what he was doing in her dream. "Easy, Alley, I wasn't spying on you." Keith tried to think of how he could explain this to her.

"Oh really? Then what would you call eavesdropping on my dream?" She snapped.

"I was trying to make sure that you were okay. I wasn't trying to spy on you or anything like that." Keith defended himself.

"Prove it!" She growled.

"Prove it!"

"That's what I said!" She growled.

"How exactly do you want me to prove it?" Keith eyed her warily.

"How did you know that I was having a bad dream?" She frowned at him. 'Thank you for waking me up, though. It's just that dreams are private.'

"Look, it's not exactly easy to prove. It's a feeling that I get whenever something is bothering you or when you're upset." Keith tried to explain. 'Your welcome my angel.'

"You too? I thought I was imagining it?" She shot him a puzzling look. "How did you know exactly when I needed you and how much of the dream were you in?"

"I just do. It's as simple as that." Keith grinned down at her. 'I checked on you when you and I were unpacking the picnic lunch in your dream' Keith waited for her to say something.

"No, it's not that simple. You what? That's not fair! It's my dream." She pouted. 'Tell me did you answer me every time?'

"Will you be quiet! You'll wake up the whole castle!" He hissed down at her. 'I was just making sure that you were okay! Forgive me for caring about you!'

'Sorry. I'll be quiet. I'm not used to talking like this and being heard.' She frowned.

'The only time that I was ever in your dream was when you called for my help!' Keith was hurt that she thought that he would do something like that to her. I'll leave you alone now, Princess, good night." Keith went to leave her room.

'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to accuse you of that. Keith, please don't go.' Allura's fist hit her bed in frustration. Oh great Allura you blew it again! Keith two, you nothing!

"Look, Allura, this isn't easy for me either. In fact these feelings are so intense that they've started to effect how I'm leading my team. Hell I can't even figure out why Black Lion won't let me fly him!" Keith raked his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"What are we going to do? Maybe we should stay away from each other for awhile?" She pouted. "As for what's wrong with Blacky well you have to link with him or any of the cats or they won't let you fly them."

"No! That would just drive the two of us nuts. The team will be fine now that I know what's been happening to me. I am linked to him and he still shoots me out into the lake and if he doesn't let me fly him then the other cats follow suit." Keith was now pacing her room. "Now as for you and I well we share a sort of heart link; I believe that's what Master Shey would call it. It's a soul bond and that makes us able to know what each other is feeling at all times." Keith tried to explain.

"You mean to tell me we've had this the whole time?" She looked at him in surprise "Cassie always wondered how I could always find you." She gave him a sheepish look. "Stop pacing your making me nervous." She hissed.

"Sorry…It's been a long week." He went to sit down next to her.

Koran had decided to check on Allura. "Princess are you alright?" Koran knocked on her door.

Keith and Allura eyed each other and then the door.

'Yikes! We're busted!' Allura bit down on her fingernail. "I'm fine. Just had a bad dream, but I'm fine now." She answered Koran.

"Princess, may we come in?" Nanny called.

"Are you sure, Allura? You seem upset." Koran asked again.

'Nice one, Alley! Now he's gonna want to make sure that you're okay!' Keith frowned at her.

"Yes I'm sure. I was just about to go back to bed." She answered him. 'Sorry, but I had to tell him something!' She was really panicking now. "Uncle Koran, Nanny, please go away. I'm fine, really!" She begged them to leave her alone, but to no avail.

"If you've had another one of those nightmares, then I think that you and I should talk about what you saw in your dream." Koran wasn't about to go anywhere.

I am not hearing this! Keith tried frantically to think of a way out of this whole mess, but he was trapped.

"Uncle Koran, it wasn't any thing new. Just the same one I've been having, about Daddy. I'm fine." She squeaked. 'Keith, will you please hide already or we'll be dead!!!'

Keith looked around her room and then at Allura.'Where am I supposed to hide? I can't fit under your bed and we both know that your closet is packed full!' Keith growled back in frustration.

'Do your shadow thing, there's more then enough of those in here!' She snapped back.

"Princess, enough of this we're coming in now."

'My Shadow thing?!'Keith glowered down at her. 'Fine, but seeing as my concentration has been shot all week I seriously doubt that this is gonna work!' Keith concentrated and within seconds blended in with the shadows of her room.

"Well?" Koran entered the room and frowned at the princess. "Why wouldn't you let us in your room? Are you hiding something, Allura?"

"Hiding something?" She Squeaked, "Why would you say something like that?"

Koran narrowed his eyes down at her and began searching her room. "Answer me young lady! What was going on in here?" He could smell Keith's after-shave in the room.

"Nothing Uncle Koran." She answered him sincerely.

"Princess you better not be lying!" Nanny growled.

"Since when did you start wearing men's after-shave lotion?" Koran wasn't buying any of this and knew that there was something amiss in the room. "Very expensive after-shave lotion." He really began to look for any sign of Keith in her room.

'Keith, you know how I asked if we shouldn't see each other for a while?' She gulped, 'Well I'll see you later that is if I'm not grounded for life!'

"Princess I have never seen you act like this!" Nanny folded her arms across her ample bosom in disapproval.

'Not gonna happen Alley I'll take the heat for all of this!' Keith was not about to let them punish her when this was an completely innocent situation. "I believe that it's me that you're looking for Uncle Koran." Keith appeared out of the shadows of her room.

Alley worried her lower lip. 'I've never seen them this mad before!'

'Trust me, I know what I'm doing.' Keith was unaffected by Koran and Nanny's lethal glares. "She was crying out in her sleep and I came to make sure that she was okay. This is not what the two of you are obviously thinking." Keith shrugged his shoulders, as if nothing was wrong with him being in her room.

"Your room is on the other side of this wing, Keith Michael! Try again!"

"Prince or not you are in trouble Mister!" Nanny snarled. "What would your father say or think!"

"It's true, Uncle Koran." Allura answered, but immediately regretted her words.

"Look! Allura and I are linked somehow! So when she gets upset I know it!" Keith was close to losing his temper with them.

Allura nodded in response to his words.

"You can't possibly mean that you and the princess are soul bonded! It's just not possible!" Koran was not hearing this.

"He's telling the truth, Uncle Koran. I know when he's upset too. I've always known where to find him when Keith and Sheena would run off, leaving Cassie and I by ourselves." Allura whimpered. 'Easy Keith, your temper is giving me a headache.' Allura rubbed her temples.

"I don't believe a word of this!" Nanny fumed.

"Why is this so hard to believe?!" Keith snarled in frustration. "I don't give a damn what the hell you two think anymore! Allura was having a very bad nightmare and I was there to help her wake up! I happen to love her very much and I don't give a damn how you feel about that either!" Keith was tired and not in the mood to argue with Koran and Nanny.

"That is quite enough young man!!" Koran was furious with his godson.

I would like to go to back to bed that's if you three are done waking the castle.."She frowned at Keith. 'Thank you Love, but I have a bad feeling that this is the only way we will get to talk to each other for awhile anyway.' Allura looked at her Alarm Clock it read 5:30 a.m. 'Shoot! So much for sleep! I have to be up in two hours.'

"I am going to have a long talk with your father about your actions!" Koran snarled at Keith.

'Well Keith, No sleep for us, now.' She sighed.

Nanny couldn't believe what she was hearing, but did not say anything because she thought it best to let Koran handle the matter.

"That does it!" Keith had finally had enough. "I'm out of here!" He turned to look directly into Allura's eyes. 'You and I aren't going to avoid each other like the plague, because the two of them are going mental over a completely innocent situation! I could careless if he calls my father or not!' He pulled Allura to him for a fast kiss, before vanishing.

'Ok, so that means that we can still talk like this to each other?' She was dazed by his kiss, but was furious with her elders for treating her like a child. "I WANT YOU TO LEAVE NOW!" She screamed at Nanny and Koran.

'I meant that I don't care what they think and I will talk you or see you whenever I want.' Keith's voice was calm and in control.

"But, Princess?" Nanny sulked.

"I SAID GET OUT!" Allura grabbed one of the books she had finished reading and threw it at them. 'Keith I'm not so sure that I'm ready for all of this yet and your temper is scaring me.'

'Alley and I'm sorry that I'm scaring you. I only meant to say that our relationship is none of their business.' Keith tried to calm her with his mind.

:YOU HEARD HER UNCLE KORAN! GET OUT OF HER ROOM!: Keith roared at his godparent. IF YOU WANT TO YELL AT ME THEN DO IT WHERE ALLEY CAN'T SEE OR HEAR YOU!:

"We are going to talk in the morning." Koran stalked out of the room.

'Ok, But I think Nanny and Uncle Koran are going to try to keep us apart. I pushed him past the red line when I threw that book at him!' Allura cringed at Koran's words.

'I said that I was going to take full blame for this and I will.' Keith had just crawled back into bed. 'Just try and get some sleep. I promise that I will straighten things out with Uncle Koran in the a few hours.'

'Ok I'll try, Keith. Night, My Prince Charming.' She smiled

"What have I told you about not losing your temper?" King Alfor appeared in her room.

"Daddy!" Allura jumped at his voice. "I'm sorry, Daddy, I didn't mean to lose my temper. I don't really understand what's happening to me or what I feel for Keith. Daddy what's going to happen? Why did I dream about Zarcon or why did Keith and I hear all five lions roaring?" She asked, as tears of frustration ran down her face. "I'm scared. I wish you were still here, Daddy."

"Calm yourself my child." Alfor motioned for her to sit down on the bed. "I know that all of this is frustrating and scaring you, but there is nothing wrong with what you are feeling about Keith Michael." Alfor sat next to his child.

"Daddy, Uncle Koran doesn't believe us when Keith told him about knowing what we know what the other is feeling or doing. What am I to do? I don't want to be locked away from him, if that happens I don't think I'll be able to keep my temper for very long." She sighed.

"Koran is being very overprotective of you, but I will not allow him to come between you and the young Prince." Alfor was not at all pleased with Koran or Nanny.

"Why Daddy? What's on your mind?" She asked.

"You might not be too pleased with me when I tell you." Alfor didn't quite know how to say what needed to be said without upsetting his baby girl.

"Maybe not, but if it has to do with Keith and I then I want to know. I promise not to yell." She waited for her father to continue.

"Well, this has something to do with an agreement that Oran and I made when the two of you were very young." Alfor tried to explain to her about her betrothal to Keith.

"How young, Daddy?" She frowned at him.

"He was six and you were one when Oran and I both made this particular decision." Alfor waited for her to react to what he was saying.

"You mean to tell me that we're betrothed? Father how could you!?" She hissed trying her best not to yell or scream at her father.

"Allura Danielle, you will not raise your voice to me!" Alfor glared at her. "I have always known that you and Prince Keith would be together, so of course the two of you were betrothed to each other at such an early age." Alfor tried to remain patient with her.

"Daddy, I can't get married now! I'm only fifteen!"

Alfor tried not to chuckle, as he looked at the panicked expression that his daughter was giving him, "That won't happen until you are eighteen, but the betrothal ceremony will happen on your sixteenth birthday." He didn't know how she was going to react to that news seeing, as her birthday was only less than a week away.

"WHAT!?" She yelped. 'You're not going to like what I found out and what my first part of the dream means for us.' She sent to his sleeping mind.

"It's tradition. The ceremony is always held on the sixteenth birthday of any of the princess's in the royal family of Arus." Alfor was going to talk to Koran about why Allura was not studying about her royal duties. "Sending a cry for help to Keith is not going to get either of you out of this." He arched a brow at his daughter and she gaped at him in surprise that he knew what she had just contacted Keith.

"Daddy, it's my life!" She snapped. "I should have been told about it sooner!"

"You are The Crowned Princess and heir to the throne of Arus!" Alfor was losing his patience with her. "You and the prince are a perfect match and the fact that you two love each other should be making this a little easier on you."

"Why couldn't we find this out after Keith and I are more sure of ourselves? This isn't fair! First Zarcon takes Mom from us! Then he takes you. Now your taking away my right to choose!"

"You made that choice a very long time ago; this ceremony's only a formality." Alfor frowned down at her.

Allura got up out of bed and started pacing her room. "When did I choose this?"

Keith stalked into the room to see who was upsetting Allura this time. 'I'm never gonna get any sleep at this rate!' What he saw when he entered her room was Allura ranting at the ghost of her father. "What's going on in here!?" Keith was getting grouchier by the second and didn't care if he was snarling at the King or not.

"Daddy just told me that we're betrothed and the ceremony to make it official is on my Birthday!"

Keith's face turned bright red. It wasn't from embarrassment, but from being beyond furious with King Alfor and his father. "WHAT!?" Keith roared stalking over to glare into the eyes of King Alfor's ghost.

King Alfor met his glare with one of his own, "This is tradition young man and as a prince you know this!" Alfor snarled back.

"Tradition is overrated in my opinion!" Allura growled.

"TRADITION!?" Keith was not hearing this. "I told my father what I thought of his idea of betrothing me to some princess that I hardly even knew! I told him that it wasn't going to happen! I'll marry whomever I wish and that's all there is to it!" Keith joined Allura in pacing her bedroom carpet.

"Why are you two so upset about this?" This whole situation was not going the way that he had planned.

"Because it's a medieval tradition," She growled.

"Do you or do you not love, Keith?"Alfor frowned at her.

"Yes, but we're still getting to know each other again. Daddy it's been five or more years since we've seen each other and this is so new to me."

He smiled down at her. "What you and Keith share is a link, a bond that no one can ever break. It's taken you till now to realize that."

"He's right Allura; it's been that way since we were kids." Keith let what Alfor was trying to tell them finally sink into his mind. "Master Shey calls it soul bonding two people that are one in heart, mind, and spirit." Keith stopped his pacing and looked over at Allura and her father.

"I don't understand." She replied

"This isn't something that a fifteen-year-old girl should have to be faced with, at least not until a few years from now." Keith tried to make her understand. 'I'm here Alley and I'm not going to go anywhere.'

Allura walked over to Keith, so he could hold her in his arms. "What are we going to do about Nanny and Uncle Koran?" She looked from Keith to her Father and back.

"I did not want to upset either of you, but the situation with Zarcon has changed matters." Alfor was starting to fade away, his time there was up and he had to go.

"Why Daddy?" She asked.

"Hagar is using your fears against you but, as long as you believe that Keith and the others will win the dreams will not return. You have to believe in yourself my child and you can achieve anything that you set your mind to." Alfor was almost gone. "Trust your heart and always remember that I love you..." He was gone.

Keith held her in his arms, as she continued to cling to him. "I've got you, angel."

"I guess we'd better get dressed for the day." She sighed in defeat. "Keith, what's on your agenda today?"

"I have to set Blacky straight so that the other lions will work, then I have to put the guys through drill after drill, and then hopefully I can come back here and crash in my room. That's if Zarcon doesn't decide to attack today and knowing my luck these past few days he will." Keith tried to wake himself up.

"Would you like to eat lunch with me? I'm tired of eating alone." She asked 'I know we have things we have to do, but I don't want to be alone just now.' She sent snuggling a little closer to him.

"Lunch? Sure I'd like that." He smiled down at her. 'You don't have to feel alone anymore Allura, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere.' He continued to just hold her in his arms.

"Thank you, now we need to face our day. I wish I could spend my day with you again. I really enjoyed the time we had together. Would you like to start training me in the ways of the Shadow warrior?"

"Do you know what type of torture that you're getting into? This would be a total commitment. I'll train you, but it won't be easy and I won't go easy on you either." Keith was surprised that she wanted to do this. 'Maybe you need to be part of the team in order to feel like you're not alone anymore' Keith thought that maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.

"Yes, I remember the pain that you went though and yes I want to learn. I need to, our Kingdom depends on it, but I don't want anyone else knowing that you're teaching me." She explained, 'Do you really mean it? You want me as part of the team?'

"Our kingdom." Keith said the words out loud. "I like the sound of that." He smiled down at her. "Yes I meant it, but we'll start you out slowly, and I have to run this by Uncle Koran."

"He won't let me go anywhere near the lions. He's more protective than Daddy was." She sighed.

"I'll handle Uncle Koran." Keith growled.

"Alright, Keith, I'll let you handle this." She kissed him.

'Allura, I always take care of my own.' Keith pulled her even closer to him deepening the kiss.

'I know, but if I know Nanny... she's on her way to give me my lessons.'She sighed, as they end their kiss.

'I'm also supposed to meet the guys in the control room in five minutes.' Keith groaned not wanting to let her go. "I'll see you in a few hours, when we have that lunch together." Keith reluctantly let her go and stealthily left her room.

'Alright, I'll see you at lunch. Be careful please.' She sent as he left.

'Aren't I always.' Keith answered back.

Allura quickly dressed and made her way to her father's study for an hour of studying, but her mind was on her prince.

---------------------------------------------

(Keith's Room)

Keith found that Lance was waiting for him in his quarters, "Yes? May I help you?!" Keith glared at his friend.

"Yeah Keith you can." Lance drawled sarcastically "What was all the yelling about and why haven't you been in your room for the last fifteen minutes?"

"Get lost! I'm not in the mood for twenty questions!" Keith narrowed his eyes at him. "Where I was and what I do on my downtime is none of your business!"

"I don't give a rats-ass what mood you're in! I want to know what's going on between you and the Princess!"

Keith glared murderously at him. "Allura is off limits Lance!" Keith was in the mood to really hurt someone and Lance was really starting to annoy him.

"What right do you have to call dibs?" Lance growled not paying attention to Keith's mood.

"Don't push it Lance, unless you feel that you want to eat floor!" Keith voice was low and lethal.

"What side of the bed did you crawl out of?"

"THAT DOES IT SMART ASS!!" Keith grabbed Lance by his leather bomber jacket and sent him flying across his quarters into the very hard wall of his room.

:Do you want more or are you gonna do the smart thing and leave! She's betrothed to me end of discussion!: Keith snarled in Lance's head.

"Ok so she's yours got it no other demonstration needed!" Lance wiped the blood from his split lip. "What's with you anyway today?"

"Look, Lance, I am running on zero sleep and I don't need your lip right now!" Keith snarled down at his friend.

"I'm going, I'm going!" Lance answered. I wonder what his problem is?! He never loses it even on zero sleep? Lance thought to himself, as he left Keith's room.

"Damn it to hell! I'm really starting to lose it! Lance never gets to me like that!" Keith headed for an ice cold shower, anything that would wake him up.

Unfortunately the Tele-monitor in his room started to beep at him.

What now! Keith stalked over to the Tele-monitor and answered the call. "WHAT?!!" He barked at the caller.

"Good morning to you too grouchy." Sheena arched a brow at him. "What's wrong?"

"I think Keith had a bad night." Cassie smirked.

Keith groaned when he saw who was calling him, "Look, Redwood! I'm running on zero sleep and I just had to endure Lance's smart ass remarks! So forgive me if I'm grouchy! What the hell do you want at 5am anyway!?" Keith glared at the beautiful face of the redheaded amazon on the screen the glared at his sister. "Not you to Cassandra! Don't you have school?!"

"I'll let your Father tell you." Sheena had never seen him this unglued before unless it involved the princess brat.

"No silly I'm on Spring Break. Isn't that great! Oh yeah Myr is here too." Cassie smirked.

Keith raked his fingers through his hair at the mention of his father. "Dad is persona non grata with me right now and the last person that I feel like talking too!"

Keith, are you all right? What's the matter now?' Allura sent to Keith when her head starting hurting again.

'Huh? Sorry Alley, but I'm talking to Sheena and Cass, who just mentioned my father, and I kind of lost it for a second. So you're most likely getting the backlash of my thoughts.' Keith tried to keep his mind and thoughts calm and in control when he sent Alley a reply to her mental question.

"YOU DON'T HAVE MUCH CHOICE! HOT HEAD!" Sheena shouted back.

'No problem. Your father? Uncle Koran works fast...' Allura used the computer in the study to see if any visitors were arriving on Arus.Damn it their headed this way.

"Look Red! It was nice talking with you, but I have some lions to go fly!" Keith snarled back at her. 'Tell me about it! I can't handle a conversation with my Dad right now!'

'Please! Take me with you! I don't want to see them right now either.' She pouted.

'Sweetie, they're calling from Ziare, so you're in no danger of seeing any of them' Keith reassured her.

"Keith wait..." Sheena said just before he shut off the Tele-com.

"Finally peace and quit," Keith sighed in relief and once again tried to head for his shower.

'I don't think so. I did a little scan while you were talking to them. Their closer than you think! Try a few hours away...'

"WHAT!" Keith's bellow echoed in the shower. 'What!? I so do not need this right now!' Keith knew that his day was going to be absolutely blown now.

'Will you take me with you and the boys now? I like your sister, but I don't want to see anyone right now.'

'I'm not even sure that Black Lion is gonna let me fly him. He wouldn't even let me access him yesterday and Uncle Koran won't go for it either. Do you really wish to make him even angrier than he already is?' Keith felt weird talking to her while he was trying to enjoy the peace and quite of his shower.

'Blacky will behave today. I had a talk with him about it and he told me that he was mad at you for staying away for so long.' She blushed as she realized that Keith was in the shower. 'I'll leave you alone now let me know when you can talk again.'

'I really didn't like my little swim in the lake yesterday! That water was freezing! So you finally realized where I was did you?' Keith couldn't help but chuckle to himself. 'That's okay Alley, I'll talk to you as soon as I finish my shower.' Keith continued to chuckle in amusement when Allura refused to answer him.

---------------------------------------------

Lance paced the control room of the castle, as they waited for their fearless leader, and Koran to finally show their faces.

Hunk, Pidge, and Sven were dying to ask Lance where he'd gotten his fat lip, but decided to wait and ask Keith instead.

"What the hell is keeping him?" Lance grumbled.

"Lance?" Pidge started to ask him about his lip, but then decided not to when Lance glared at him.

"WHAT!" Lance glowered at him.

"N-n-never m-mind." Pidge eyed him warily

"Geez Lance! Chill will ya!" Hunk glared at him.

"He was only wondering how you had gotten hurt." Sven frowned at Lance.

"Morning boys," Allura called out, as she walked in to the control room. "Keith and Uncle Koran will be here soon." She sent to Keith. 'Um… you able to talk? What happened to Lance?'

"Don't worry about it." Lance snapped.

"Good morning Princess, I trust that you slept well." Sven turned to greet the princess with a smile.

"Yes, I did thank you." Allura smiled. "Morning boys."

"Do you think that Keith did that to Lance?" Pidge hissed at Hunk. "Morning princess."

"Morning boys." Keith walked into the room. "Hello beautiful." He grinned at Allura. "Lance oh man! What the hell happened to you?!"

'Keith what did he say to you?' Allura asked. "Morning, Keith." She blushed shyly.

'He wanted to know if there was anything going on between you and I.' Keith answered back.

"You boys ready to go?" Allura asked, as she headed over to the tram to activate it. 'Oh my, if you do that to your best friend on no sleep I'd hate to be your enemy.' She teased.

"GO?" The boys looked at her and then at Keith in surprise.

'It was his fault. He wouldn't drop the subject, so I made him become one with the wall in my room.' Keith defended himself.

'You don't have to defend yourself, I wasn't accusing you. Do I get to go with you or do I find a place and hide till lunch?' She asked, "How did you think you were going to get to the Lions walk?" She snapped.

Allura pushed a couple buttons on the console then jumped down off the tram before it could get to high. 'Keith, I programmed the tram to close after we leave.'

"Geez! Did the three of you not get up on the right side of the bed this morning!?" Hunk frowned at Lance, Keith, and the princess.

No just had a bad night. She thought.

"Lance just needed an attitude adjustment."

Lance glared at Keith. "Keith has developed sleepwalking habits that involve the princess."

"Here we go again!" Hunk, Sven, and Pidge grinned at each other.

"Shut it Lance!"

"Make me!" Lance narrowed his eyes at Keith

"So now you want to see what the floor tastes like, is that it Lance? Well that can be arranged!" Keith was spoiling for a fight.

The guys gaped at their friends.

'Let's go before you kill him and get us in more trouble!' Allura stepped between Keith and Lance. "Keith, Lance there will be no fighting!" Allura snapped at them.

'Kill him? I'm not going to kill him just knock a few of his teeth loose!' Keith grumbled.

"I know that look and Keith is about to clean the floor with your face Lance, so I would suggest that you back off." Pidge warned Lance.

'Keith, I can't keep my temper in check if you do this. Can we please go? Uncle Koran is going to be here soon.' She pleaded with him.

"Allura's going to be flying with me and I don't wanna hear anything about it!" Keith headed for the tram.

"Oh this is just great! Fearless Leader won't be paying any attention to what he's doing with that lion! He'll be paying more attention to the Princess." Lance rolled his eyes in exasperation.

'Keith! Can I help kill him?' She glared at Lance.

"YOU REALLY ARE DYING TO GET A TASTE OF THE FLOOR AREN'T YOU SMART ASS!"

"Easy you two!" Hunk stepped between Keith and Lance.

'You can have what's left of him.' Keith snarled back. 'I'm about to seriously injure my best friend.'

"You're a real jerk Lance!" She flipped Lance over her shoulder.

"Lance confronted Keith about his relationship with the Princess that has to be why Keith is so steamed at him." Pidge finally figured out what was going.

"He needs to keep his nose out of where it does not belong." She growled.

"Nice one beautiful." Keith grinned at her. "Now are you gonna drop this or do I really have to seriously injure you?" Keith snarled down at Lance.

Lance looked from the floor to Allura then to Keith. "How did she know that move? We didn't teach her that yesterday."

Keith shook his head and tried not to laugh at the confused expression that Lance was shooting him. "Allura and I grew up together. She spent every summer watching Sheena and I train. So she knows a lot more than just the basics when it comes to fighting."

"Did you have to tell them that?" She pouted.

"How else was I supposed to explain how you did that move?" Keith grinned at her. "After you beautiful," He motioned to the tram.

"Not fair I like the surprise I gave him. Lets hurry Uncle Koran is outside the door."

The six of them entered the Trams just, as Koran stalked into the control room. "GET BACK HERE PRINCESS!" Koran roared, but it was too late.

:NO!:Allura shouted back.

Sorry Uncle Koran, but she's safer with me than around you and Nanny today.:Keith shot back.

---------------------------------------------

Keith and the others took the various trams to the lions.

"Here goes nothing, maybe the water's a little warmer this morning." Keith muttered under his breath, as they were lifted into the lion.

:Blacky, please be nice today.: She sent to the lion then focused on Keith. "He should behave himself today."

"Okay everyone here goes nothing. Insert your keys and let's see if these kitty's are in the mood to fly today." Keith inserted his key and Black lion began powering up.

The stone of the statue cracked and Black lion was finally revealed.

:Good Boy.: She smiled "He's all yours handsome." Allura adjusted her seat harness to make sure it was secure. "I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the ride."

"He just wants me to think that I'm in command of him, but that will soon change once he gets used to me." Black lion shot with a mighty roar into the sky.

"He's the one in control, he just allows you to fly him." She corrected him.

"This is wicked cool!" Pidge flew up next to them in green lion.

Hunk joined them in Yellow lion. "This is way beyond wicked cool!"

The other four lions let out a greeting to each other.

'Keith can you her them? Not the Roars but them?' Allura asked.

"Fantastic. This kitten fits me like a glove." Lance grinned.

Sven shot out from the lake in Blue lion. "It's like they have minds of their own."

'I think that he's saying that it's about damn time that got a clue.'

Black lion let out an ear-splitting roar in reply and shot away from the other lions.

"They do Sven. Blue Lion is the only female of the lions. Blue and Blacky are the more temperamental of the five lions and they all have their own opinions." Allura grinned at Keith's comment. 'Yep, Blue Lion is asking why I'm not on the team to fly her, but that's too much to ask right know isn't it?' Allura chuckled. "She likes you Sven."

"I'll be lucky if Uncle Koran doesn't call the General as it is." Keith winked over at her. "Actually flying one of the lions will have to wait until he calms down a little."

"Forgive me Allura, but I think my kitten here dislikes being called male." Lance chuckled.

'Why? Blacky will let me fly him.' She grinned at Keith. I'm Sorry Red, I didn't mean to insult you.:

"The Princess does not belong in that lion!" Koran snarled at Keith over the intercom in the lion.

'Keith, can you change the channel to something the boys aren't using? I feel the need to yell at someone now.'She asked.

'Sure let me adjust our frequency to a secure channel.' Keith didn't wish for the guys to hear this either.

"Why don't the four of you take your lions on patrol for awhile? You need to get used to flying the lions." Keith ordered the guys.

"Why? What are you to going to do?" Lance frowned.

"Whatever Uncle Koran. Stuff it Lance or you will regret it!" Allura snapped at him.

"Just get going Lance; I really don't want to have to blow you out of the sky." Keith snarled at his friend.

:No prince I like my paint and don't wish it scratched!: Red lion whimpered to Keith.

Then he switched to the other frequency. "I could really and I mean seriously hurt you right now for calling my Dad! So Allura and I are just gonna fly in the lion for a while." Keith snarled at Koran. :Easy girl I was merely trying to get Lance to mind his own business, do me a favor and give him the ride of his life.: Keith replied back to the Red lion.

"I'm up here because I'm not happy with any of you, so just give me some space for awhile! You see Daddy told Keith and I this morning all about our betrothal! I don't wish for anyone to run my life anymore!" Allura let him know how she felt.

:Princess are you going to be all right?: Replied Red Lion.

:I'll be fine Kitten, go on and play.:Smiled Allura.

:Yes cat, please go play and while you're at it teach him a lesson or two.: Keith chuckled.

:Come on Fly-boy it's training time.:

"You know about the two of you being betrothed to each other? Is that why the two of you are doing this to me this morning?" Koran popped two aspirin in his mouth and swallowed them.

"It's an archaic tradition!" Allura fumed.

"Damn right it is!" Keith snarled.

"I know that you have every right to be furious, but that is no reason for Allura to be in that Lion!" Koran snarled back.

"I'm here because I wish to be!" Allura hissed at her guardian.

"You are a fifteen-year-old girl, have no training in that Lion, and have no business flying in it!" Koran did not like the way that she was speaking to him. "You will also lower your voice when speaking to me."

"She's with a trained pilot and is in no danger, so why don't you just leave us alone Uncle Koran!" Keith glared at Koran's image on the screen in his lion.

"I want to learn how to fly the lions."She winked at Keith. 'I'm done'

"You are the heir to the throne and are not going to risk your life in that lion and that is final!" Koran wasn't going to let her off that easily.

'Keith jump in anytime now.' Allura stopped listening to Koran.

"It's only for today Uncle Koran, so don't have a coronary or anything like that. I have no intention of letting her put herself in any danger." Keith tried to be the peacemaker between the two of them. "If she wants to learn how to fly the lions then I'll teach her myself."

:Is he's always this annoying.:Black Lion stated to both Keith and Allura.

:Yes, but he's only annoying because he cares about Allura and I.: Keith explained to his lion.

:That's true, but he doesn't understand that she also needs to learn how fly us..: Black Lion growled .

:Thank you, Blacky:Allura smiled.

:It's not that simple and you're not going to let her fly anything! Is that clear?: Keith growled back

Black Lion let out a loud roar. :Want to go swimming?:

"Keith what's the matter?"

:Let's get one thing straight here buddy! You need me in order to fly again! I know that and you know that, so whatever I say is law! Try it and you'll see just how pissed I can get! I know your systems inside and out, so I can make it so that you're nothing, but a robot lion! Are we clear!: Keith roared. "Nothing Alley, I'm just chatting with my big friend here." He grinned at Allura.

:We're clear, Captian. The Princess needs to learn to fly one of us eventually.:Black made his opinion heard.:Princess, did you know that the Captain here really needs a nap?:

:I know Blacky, I know. There's nothing I can do about it right now.: She answered.

:I think that someone really wants me to declaw him! I intend to teach her how to fly one of the lions, but we happen to be in the middle of a war right now!: Keith growled daring the lion to say anything more.

:That's why all of us, want her to fly! We need her as well as I need you! Jetta, who is Blue Lion likes her pilot that's true, but that is not her soul. Keith you are my soul. Cora that's Red Lion has her soul. So do Ty who's Yellow and Neo who's green.: Blacky explained to Keith. If you don't teach her we will.:

:I understand that, but she's all that the people of Arus have left and needs to be safe. I'll teach her, but I don't think that she's ready for real combat, and I'm not ready or willing to put her at risk like that.:Keith glanced over at his sleeping princess. "At least one of us is getting some sleep."

:I think you're underestimating her. Really Keith, what place is safe anymore? Answer me that one. The only safe place she feels is with you. You're all she has left to live for Keith, you and this planet. We all lost a part of us when we lost our King and our beloved Queen, but Sunshine lost much more. The night you arrived and gave her an attitude adjustment, was when she became herself again.If something should happen to one of your teammates, I believe Allura would blame herself and if some thing happened to you... Keith, I fear this Planet would be lost, because she will have locked herself up emotionally again. In the end it matters not how much fighting we do. We will have lost the jewel of this planet.:Black Lion explained.

:I'm here to keep her safe now and nothing is going to happen to her. I understand what your saying, but stop and think of what your asking me to do.:Keith was getting frustrated. She's a fifteen year-old innocent, who doesn't have the training or the experience to fly any of the lions, or fight in this war. She's not going to have to fight in this unless I have no other choice! I don't want to hear anything more about this and if you care for her as much as I do, you will honor my wishes.: Keith answered back.

:The time will come when neither you nor Koran will have a choice..: Black Lion sighed.

"Your father is not very happy with you and is about five minutes away from Arus." Koran informed him. "You and Allura win for now, but you should be here to greet him when he arrives."

"What's going on?" Allura yawned.

"This is just terrific! Dad's the last person that I wanna see right now." Keith groaned. "Nothing love, my parents are going to be here any minute."

Allura was still half a sleep. "WHAT!?"

"So sleeping beauty finally awakens," Keith glanced over at her. "My parents are arriving at the castle in less than two minutes and Uncle Koran wants us there to greet them." Keith frowned at her.

'I'm not in a civil mood...Let's runaway instead.'

'Well we can choose to ignore them and just fly around in the lion all day.'Keith growled.

'But, that would mean we would be in bigger trouble than what we already are.' Allura thought his words over, 'It would be worth it if I got a flying lesson out of it.' She gave Keith an innocent looking smile. 'What do you say handsome? Teach me or do you want to face the firing squad?'

:KEITH MICHAEL GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE NOW!: King Oran bellowed in his mind.

Keith knew that he was in major hot water with his Dad, but he wasn't in the mood to deal with anything that his father had to say, so he chose to ignore his father's mental summons. "Ready for your first flying lesson?" He acted, as if nothing was wrong.

Allura winced in pain at Oran's mental Voice. "Does he realize that I get the backlash from you? I'll leave dealing with your parents to you. So what do I do first?"

"Allura, he doesn't know about our link, so he wouldn't know that you were going to feel his mental roar." Keith sulked. "Thanks a lot Alley, you're a big help, and here I am about to give you your first flying lesson."

"I was only joking love..." She frowned, "I can always faint that gets them to listen to me."

"Ah yes the fainting spell." Keith winked at her. "The ultimate secret weapon."

"Of course, it's a women's secret weapon except it doesn't always work." She winked at him, "Now how do you fly?"

"It's really not that difficult, except for knowing when to ease up on the pedals at your feet. So watch me as I demonstrate how to turn the lion in the direction that you want him to go." He demonstrated to her exactly what he meant.

"It doesn't look that difficult. Can I try now?" She asked.

:Ok big guy, Allura is going to try and fly you for a few minutes, so please try and keep us in the air, because if we crash I am toast.: Keith sent to Black Lion.

:No problem, Keith. Your father is beyond upset. What did you two do to tick him off like that?:Blacky inquired.

"Sure Allura, now take it nice and slow." Keith reluctantly gave her control of the lion and said a silent prayer to himself. :I cut him off when he called me this morning and now he's really pissed at me.:

:How's your soul mate handling this?:Blacky asked

:Quite well considering that she gets to fly you, because I want to avoid him right now.: Keith tried to remain calm as she continued to fly the lion.

Allura pushed a little to hard on the controls and they head towards the lake for a bath."That's not were I want to go."

:Blacky please pull us out of the dive.:Keith sent black lion a mental command, as the lion continued to fall towards the lake.

"Alley, you have to pull up on the controls or we are going to get wet very fast." Keith tried not to take control of the lion.

:Relax Keith I detest getting wet..:Black Lion answered, Allura, relax your doing fine.:

"I'm trying!" She snapped :I am?:

"That's it ease him back, so that we're flying straight ahead again." Keith instructed with just a hint of wariness in his voice.

"That wasn't a request young man!" Oran snarled over the lion's com. "Look along side you." He ordered.

'Now what Keith?' Allura asked.

"What are you going to do father? Shoot me down with Allura in the lion with me?" Keith snarled back.

"Black Lion you are ordered to return to the castle at once." General Michael Edwards' voice growled over the com of the lion. "That is a direct order from your commanding officer!"

"You were saying son?" Oran tried not to laugh when he saw the startled look on his son's face.

"Black Lion, I overrule the command. Forgive me gentlemen, but these are my loins and I say he stays airborne is that understood!"

"What is Allura Danielle doing in that lion?" Michael was not at all pleased with his godson.

"It's my birthright!" Allura snapped.

"Keith is using taking Allura up in the lions, as an excuse to avoid talking to me." Oran snarled.

"No that isn't it at all! We don't want to see or talk to you right now!" She corrected him.

"I am not! I am taking my lion up for a flight and Allura wanted to see what it was like up here in the lions!" Keith finally got his say in. 'Alley, you're making it worse, but thanks for the assistance.'

'Sorry, I was trying to help besides I have rights to.' She sighed

"I am also in the mood to strangle you right now, for going against my wishes about arranging my marriage without my consent!" Keith snarled at his father.

"He's not the only one!" She grumbled.

'No offence Alley, you may be princess of Arus, but the lions are under my command.' Keith informed her trying to set some things straight about the lions.

"Who told you about that? You weren't supposed to find out this way!" Oran was not at all pleased.

"My father came and visited me early this morning! How could you and Daddy betray us like that and then not tell us? When were you going to tell us anyway? On my Birthday!?" Allura hissed. 'Keith, their also my lions too.'

'Can we argue about this later, angel after we get raked over the coals?' Keith was getting a migraine.

"Alfor told the two of you?" Oran stared at them in surprise.

'Yes, we can. Sorry Love, I didn't mean to yell at you.' She softened her voice because she was getting a migraine as well. "Yes."

"This is not something that I want to discuss over the open air waves, so will the two of you please come back here to the castle." Oran was also getting a migraine.

"I guess." She sighed.'Keith? Do you agree?'

"You win dad. I just don't have the energy to keep arguing with you anymore." Keith sighed in defeat.

"We'll meet to you in the sun room." She also gave in.

"Are you ill?!" Zandra asked her son. "Why don't you have the energy to argue with your father? You always have the energy to yell at him?"

"Because neither of us got any sleep."

"It's a long story Mom and I will tell you about it when we get back to the castle." He sighed in frustration.

"Sheena isn't happy with you either." Zandra informed him.

"Oh, great, that's just wonderful news Mother. Now not only will I face father's wrath, but the wrath of the Redwood as well." Keith groaned he wanted to flee the planet and hide somewhere until his family left Arus and went back home.

:Blacky, lets go home please.:Allura closed her eyes and sighed.

:Sure Princess, Did you and Keith blow off enough steam already?:He answered.

:Yes buddy take over, I think my head is gonna fall off.: Keith laid his head against the console.

:No problem, Do me a favor get some sleep: He offered his advice. The two of them were sound asleep in their seats before Black had finished his comment.

---------------------------------------------

(Back on Arus)

Black Lion landed on his pedestal and waited for someone to wake the sleeping passengers.

Oran waited for the two of them to join them in the castle's sunroom, but when Keith and Allura didn't appear after an hour Oran began to get worried. "What is keeping those two?" He frowned at Koran.

"I don't know?" Koran frowned.

"It's simple he's hiding in the lion." Sheena frowned at them.

"Exactly, how much sleep did he get last night?" Zandra frowned at Koran.

"I don't know. Allura had one of her dreams last night. Nanny and I found them talking." Koran rubbed at his temples as if to ease the tension building there.

"In her room?" Zandra, Sheena and Oran gaped at him in shock.

"Yes." Koran sighed in frustration. "They told us that she called to him, but I don't know what to believe."

"Called to him?" Sheena frowned at Koran. "Did he mention exactly how Allura called to him?"

He frowned trying to remember "I think he said they were linked, but I don't know." He sighed.

"Soul bonded? Keith and the Princess have Soul bonded and still their protesting about being betrothed to each other?" Sheena now knew why Keith had bit her head off this morning.

"He's just mad that he didn't get to ask her himself." Cassie walked into the room with Myria tagging along behind her.

"Cassie, do you know where they are?" Koran asked.

"Big brother is getting married?" Myria blinked at them in confusion.

"NO!" Sheena, Koran, Zandra, and Oran shouted in unison.

Myria burst into tears. "I was only asking."

"Geez, she was only asking a question! You didn't have to bite her head off!" Cassie held out her arms and Myria ran into them.

"Why is Myria crying?" Allura asked as she and Keith walked into the sunroom.

"Yes, why is my baby sister clinging to Cass?" Keith frowned at them.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!" Michael, Zandra, and Koran glared at them.

"Please refrain from yelling the two of us have a headache." Allura winced.

"Snoozing in Black lion," Keith took Myria from Cass.

"Hiding is more like it." Sheena smirked.

"Do any of you have any aspirin? My head feels like it's going to fall off." Keith collapsed into a chair.

"Me too." Allura yawned. 'I just want to curl up and sleep.'

"We aren't going to yell at you, but you are going to listen to what we have to say." Oran handed them some aspirin and two glasses of water. "And I want to know why neither of you got any sleep last night."

"Bad dream." Allura replied, as she popped the aspirin in her mouth and downed the glass of water.

Keith let Myria go, so that he could pull Allura down onto his lap, "Yes, she had a bad dream and I helped her out of it and that's all that you are going to know." He said. 'If we act like we're sleeping maybe they'll leave us alone.'Keith growled.

"You were sharing dreams?" Sheena didn't know that he could do that.

'Good idea not a problem…' she fell asleep in Keith's lap.

Keith closed his eyes and was asleep in seconds. 'I hear you there, Princess.'

"So this is where our fearless Leader is." Lance looked around the room, "Who's the Babe?"

"Babe!?" Cassie bristled narrowing her eyes at Lance.

"Way to go Lance! You really impressed her with that line." Hunk teased his friend.

'What's wrong with Cass?' Allura frowned.

"Look guys I can't help it she's really a knock out." Lance shrugged his shoulders.

'Lance is trying to hit on my sister.' Keith growled in his sleep, then instantly awoke. "Lt. Commander Anderson back away from my little sister and that's an order." Keith glared at him.

"Well, that woke him up." Sheena chuckled.

'So much for us taking that nap,' She got more comfortable in his arms.

'I didn't really think that we were gonna be able to continue our nap, but there's no harm in hoping.'He sighed.

"Look Oran. The two of them are carrying on a silent conversation with each other." Zandra smiled at her husband.

'Drat our secrets out...' She snuggled a little closer to his shoulder.

'Mom and Dad talk like this all the time, so they know the signs.'Keith sighed in defeat.

"Now he tells me." Allura opened her eyes.

"Finally they awaken." Lance drawled. "So why did you two ditch us? Were you running from your parents?"

"Lance, you owe my sister an apology." Keith glared at him.

"Just leave them alone, flyboy. I don't think you have that Fat lip for nothing." Cassie smirked. "Now as for an apology, well, he'd have to have manners to do that."

"What'd I do? I just said that she was pretty." Lance was clueless.

"Lance is so in over his head." Pidge grinned at Hunk.

"Lance, you called his fifteen-year-old sister a babe and didn't even think of saying hello first. You really are lacking in manners. Didn't they teach you any at the academy? I suggest that you say that you are sorry to Cassie or else Keith might give in to the urge to kill you." Allura was keeping Keith pinned to the chair.

"No, but it's amazing just how much pain that you can inflict and not actually kill your prey." Keith tried to get up, but Allura wasn't going to let him move from his chair.

"Tell the princess that you're sorry for insulting her, before Keith tears you in half." Sven hissed into Lance's ear.

"Please forgive me I wasn't thinking." Lance apologized and looked down into Cassie's eyes. "I meant no disrespect its how I call a girl beautiful." He was lost in her eyes and didn't care that Keith was in a mood at all.

'Look at the looks he's giving my sister!' Keith snarled.

"You're forgiven and it's nice to know that you think that I'm beautiful." Cassie smiled at Lance.

'Cassie is just as gone as Lance is. I think that he might have fallen for your sister.' She pointed out to him.

Myria walked over and hugged Allura. "My big brother likes you." She smiled at her.

"I know that he likes me and I like him too. I haven't seen you since you were a baby, but you're almost a little lady now aren't you." Allura hugged her back. 'She's adorable, Keith.'

"Uh-huh I'm gonna be just like you, momma, and my big sis." She was the miniature version of her mother. "I'm glad because he really likes you lots." Her emerald eyes twinkled with delight.

"I'm glad to now do you like to be called Myr or Myria?"

"I know and she's getting to be quite the little lady." Keith chuckled. 'I don't think that either Cass or Lance know that anyone is in the room anymore. They haven't stopped staring at each other ever since she smiled at him.' Keith frowned.

"You can call me Myr if you want." She giggled.

'Time's up. My parents, Uncle Koran, and the General all look like they want some answers.' Keith noticed that his parents were now glaring at him.

'Relax they'll be fine. They have us to make sure they behave themselves.' Allura winked at him. "You can call me Alley it's short for Allura." She smiled down at the little girl. "Boys, could you do me a favor and show Cassie and Myr to their rooms. Keith's mom and dad need to talk to us." She Sighed

"Sure princess." Hunk grinned.

"Thank you." She dismissed them.

Pidge walked over to Allura and Myria. "Hi I'm Pidge. Wanna piggy back ride to your room?" He smiled down at the little girl.

"You said the magic word Pidge. Myria loves to be carried around like that." Keith grinned when his sister leapt onto Pidge's back .

'I really don't want to talk to them.' Allura frowned.

"Bye!" Myria waved to everyone, as she was carried out of the room.

"Bye, Myr." Allura waved back.

"See you a little later, angel." Oran smiled at his baby girl.

"See ya later munchkin." Keith grinned.

---------------------------------------------

"Now the two of you are going to explain what's been going on since you arrived on Arus." Oran frowned at Keith and Allura.

"No not really, all I want to do is go take a nap." Allura pouted.

"Nice try Allura, but the two of you aren't going to get out of this that easily." Koran growled.

"We don't want to talk about it." Allura frowned.

"That is just too bad, because the two of you are going to start talking and I mean now!" Oran ordered them.

'Well I tried…You want to do the talking?'

'Thanks a lot' Keith groaned. 'I'll try and give them bits and pieces, but the rest is private.'

'Skip the good parts about my dream'She sighed.

"That would mean that you're to speak out loud to us and not silently to one another!" Zandra snapped.

"Don't yell like that when we have a headache!" Allura glared at her.

'No way that's between you and me and none of their business!'Keith growled. "Yeah, no yelling we both have migraines." Keith winced in pain.

"Well?" Michael snarled. "We're waiting for an answer."

"What do you want to know?" She sighed in defeat.

"What did Koran mean by a nightmare and why was Keith in your room?" Zandra frowned.

"I had a nightmare and Keith woke me up." Allura answered.

"Fine you want to know what happened well her goes. I was in my room meditating when I felt that Allura was upset about something and in less than a blink of an eye I found myself inside her dream." Keith acted as if it was an everyday thing.

'Nice going genius they aren't buying the truth.' Allura rolled her eyes at him.

"Say that again?" Michael frowned at him.

"It's true I called him." Allura answered.

"You entered her dream?" Zandra blinked at him in surprise.

"Anyway, her dream went from nice into a really wicked nightmare, so I had to help her out of it. I think that this is the old Hags way of playing dirty." Keith snarled.

"Hagar does have access to the dream world." Koran frowned. "But that doesn't explain why you were in her room."

"Yes it does! I was in danger and he came to my aid!" Allura had clearly had enough of these twenty questions.

"Can I help it, if she sends me a cry for help, and I instantly come to her aid!" Keith was also getting tired of the barrage of questions.

"How? It's just not possible!" Koran was in denial.

"Sounds like how Alfor and Oran reacted when they were dating Jessica and me." Zandra sighed remembering the good times.

"It's just like breathing to me." Keith kissed Allura in front of everyone.

'I love you.'She winked at Keith. "Uncle Koran, I called you when daddy was trapped under that stone." She whimpered just thinking of that day brought heartache.

"I know Allura, I miss him too." Oran sighed, as he thought of his best friend. "I think that he was referring to the bond that you and our son seemed to have instantly formed for one another." He tried to keep his tone calm and gentle, as he spoke to her.

"Thank you, Uncle Oran for trying to explain this to Uncle Koran. I tried last night, but he wouldn't listen and then Daddy visited me last night..." She burst into tears.

'I love you too, angel.'Keith rocked her in his arms. "This is upsetting my princess, so this conversation is over." Keith growled.

"His princess," Michael arched a brow at Oran.

"He always has been hers; it just took him forever to realize that." Zandra smiled.

'Keith, it was horrible. Would you hold me for awhile?' She asked.

'I would hold you forever if you wanted me to.' Keith smiled and closed his eyes.

'Your falling asleep aren't you?' She smiled into his shoulder.

'Yeah...'

'Night, my handsome Prince.'Was the last thing she said before drifting off to sleep.

"I think the rest of this can wait." Oran grinned at the two of them sleeping in the overstuffed chair.

---------------------------------------------

(Elsewhere in the castle)

Sheena found herself confronted by three very curious space explorers. "Do you guys have a staring problem or am I going to have to hurt you." She glared at them in annoyance.

"I don't have a problem." Lanced arched a brow at the other guys. "Do you guys have a problem?"

"No." Hunk, Pidge and Sven answered.

"Does the phrase get lost mean anything to the four of you?" Sheena snapped.

"We're doing what the Princess asked us to do and that being to show Cassandra and Myria to their rooms." Pidge stood his ground.

"Yeah, that's right." Hunk met her glare with one of his own.

"Well, seeing as the girls are now safely in their rooms, I would say that your little task is finished. Now run along and go fly the lions or something." Sheena dismissed them.

"Sorry, but you aren't our commanding officer, so we're staying put." Lance growled.

Sheena gave Lance a slow deadly smile. "Do you have any idea who you are speaking to or what can happen to that pretty boy face of yours if you do not leave me alone?" She was only going to give him one warning.

"No nor do I care? I'm a trained Space Explore..." Lance as usual was clueless.

Sheena had him on his face, pinned to the floor, and with his arm bent behind his back almost to the point of breaking it, in what looked to the boys like one tenth of a second. "Any questions smart ass?"

"No not really!" Lance yelped. Three times in one day!

:Poor baby! Did I scare you?:Sheena laughed in his head.

Not another one!? Lance was shocked speechless.

"I'm the second in command of Keith's father's special forces unit. I'm also a master at all of the ancient arts. Now for those of you who are dying to know if Keith and I ever had a relationship. The answer is no. He's my best friend and has been since we both could crawl." She grinned at the pale faces of Earth's finest.

"Unreal!" The guys hadn't realized how much about Keith that they didn't know.

"Unreal? That's all that Earth's finest can say?" Sheena smirked at the four boys. "I expected better than that. I guess Keith is the only worthy one out of all five of you."

"Look it's just one of those days alright!" Lance muttered under his breath.

"You five need a lot of work." She laughed and walked down the corridor.

---------------------------------------------

(In Koran's Office.)

Oran stared in horror at the amount of devastation that Zarcon had inflicted on the planet. "Nothing that you have has even dented Zarcon's forces and he wiped out your entire robot fleet." He frowned at Koran.

"I know," Koran answered with a grim look on his face. "Keith and his team are our only hope now."

"This is not good." Michael knew it was bad, but not this bad. "We can't send anymore to help either. The conflict in our galaxy isn't cooling down either."

"I hate that the only thing we can do is supply you with medicine and supplies." Zandra felt helpless.

"I know that love, but it has to be this way for now. I won't let Arus fall to Zarcon, but I'm going to give our son and his team a chance to win this war on their own." Oran growled.

"I know Zana, but what more can we asked for other than a miracle." Koran paced the Situation room.

Michael stood silently reading over one of the reports frowning.

"My son can do anything that he puts his mind to. He has never failed at anything in his life and I don't think that he intends to start now." Zandra arched a brow at the three of them.

"That's true. Keith has always been that way and I agree with Oran. Keith won't let anything happen to Arus let alone it's Princess." Koran nodded.

"His feelings for the Princess will only end up interfering with his concentration and his ability to lead the team." Michael hadn't counted on the bond between Allura and Keith. "Just look at him!! The boy is a complete nervous wreck!! He has no control over his temper and has lost all of his concentration!" Michael snarled in frustration. "I should have sent my son instead!"

"That's not fair General! He can so still lead the team! If you hadn't sent Keith then Blacky would never have allowed him to fly in his stead!" Allura and Keith paused in the open doorway of Koran's office on their way to the kitchen.

Keith stared at his godfather, as if the general had actually struck him in the face. "It's alright Allura the old man has a right to his opinion. I happen to think that you give me something to fight for and therefore help me fight in battle." Keith smiled at Allura, as he turned to glare at the General. "Jeff never could match any of my scores at the academy and Blacky would've eaten him for breakfast!"

'Could we go and get something to eat?'She asked.

"My princess is hungry, so you four can continue talking about this until your blue in the face! I'm the best at what I do and I intend to free this universe from Zarcon with or without your approval!" Keith snarled at them.

"That's not what we were doing son! You owe Michael an apology for calling him an old man. That is rude and inexcusable behavior!" Oran snarled at him.

"Honestly Keith Michael! I did not raise you to act like that!" Zandra snapped at him.

'Did you hear anything love?'Keith arched a brow at Allura.

'No, let's go. I'll fix us a couple of sandwiches' She smiled at him.

'Sounds like a plan to me.'Keith picked her up, slung her up over his shoulder, and carried her towards the kitchen.

"Keith Michael! Put me down!" She hissed.

"What brat? Did you say something?" He laughed, as she pounded on his back. "Sorry I meant princess." He winced when she yanked on his hair for calling her a brat.

'Keith you're causing parts of my anatomy discomfort. Now carry me like a proper prince.' She pouted.

"I don't they even know that we even said anything to them." Zandra sighed in defeat.

"He's head over heals in love with her and she's his only focus." Oran chuckled.

"They just chose not to listen to us." Koran smirked.

'Sorry about that.'He now had her cradled in his arms. 'We wouldn't want to harm such priceless treasures now would we.'He smiled down at her.

"I give up! Those two are perfect for each other and I like seeing him smiling again." Oran tried not to grin.

'That was very thoughtful of you... Now what do you want to eat?' She turned three shades of red.

Keith got a wicked gleam in his eyes and he gave her a slow lethal smile. It all depends on what you're offering princess.' Keith thought to himself. "Whatever you're having is fine with me." Is what she heard.

'Keith, behave yourself! I was thinking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.' The look on her face was priceless and she was blushing the color of a ripe tomato.

She was not suppose to hear that! Keith blushed crimson himself. "I'm sorry princess that wasn't what you were supposed to hear. Peanut butter and jelly sounds good to me."He set her down on her feet as they entered the kitchen. "I feel so useless being cooped up here in the castle."

"I know what you're thinking most of the time and yes your forgiven. I'm scared. I don't want to lose you or anyone else in this war." Allura sighed, as she went about making their sandwiches. "I feel so useless being cooped up here in the castle."

"Allura look at me." Keith growled softly. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes of course I do Keith."

"I want you to tell me why you feel that your father's death was your fault." He knew that she needed to talk about what was still eating her up inside.

"I don't want to talk about it right now..." She shivered at the memory of the real dream she had the day Zarcon attacked.

"I know this is hard for you to remember, but this is something that you need to talk about. It's killing you inside. It tears me up inside when I see such hurt in your eyes." Keith ignored his sandwich and walked over to pull her into his arms. 'Please Allura talk to me.'

"It hurts too much to think about..."

"Just try..." Keith rocked her in his arms.

"It was back when I was at school with Cassie. I had one of my dreams, but this time I was awake and it was while I was studying. I saw mom and dad being attacked, momma's Death."She blinked back tears.

"That wasn't your fault Allura. You had no control over what happened. There was nothing that you could have done to stop it from happening." Keith stroked her golden head, as she continued to confide in him what was eating her up inside.

"I had this really realistic dream. I saw her fall. It's was like I heard her call out to me just before she died..." She sobbed.

"Allura you're safe that was in the past now please trust me enough to tell me what's tearing you up inside."

'Keith, you really don't want to know...' Allura thought of the horrible morning before Koran and arrived to collect her and take her back home.

'Yes, I do my heart. I care for you very much and it kills me to see you so unhappy. You've kept this to yourself long enough; it's time for you to talk about it...' He crooned softly.

'Keith, I guess the only thing that I can do is show you what I saw.' Allura sighed.

---------------------------------------------

(Seven months before... The day of Zarcon's first major attack on Arus.)

The day was a warm clear August morning, Arus' farmers were preparing for their summer harvest and festival. Queen Jessica deiced to go for her daily ride on her favorite mount, Stormer. When all of the sudden the sky was raining laser fire all around her. Their worst fears had come to pass, Arus was under attack. Jessica tried to get back to the castle, but Zarcon's robot Army was cutting off any chance of that. "I need to get back to the castle run like the wind Stormer!"

But it was too late and she barely had time to send her last good-bye's to her beloved husband and teenage daughter. :Alfor, it's Zircon's troops are cutting me off from the castle...I love you so much. Please take care of our angel...Allura, I love you. Be strong my angel. I'll be watching over you both always remember that…: Was all she had time to say before she was shot by a soldier.

(Elsewhere at a prestigious school for girls on Planet Ziare)

Allura was in her room studding for a test she had in the morning when her mother's final message reached her in a sort of waking realistic dream. "Momma? No don't leave me!" Allura cried out in fright.

Cassie truly concerned for her best friend turned to look at Allura. "Alley are you okay?" She asked her.

Allura couldn't take the shock of what she was seeing and fainted.

"Alley!? What's wrong?" Cassie ran over to her friend.

"I'll go get a teacher!" Cassie ran out of their room.

"Cassandra you are supposed to be studying what's wrong?" The teacher jumped to her feet at sight of the frantic princess.

"Allura fainted in our room! Something weird happened to her! She cried out for her mom and then passed out!" Cassie was hysterical by now.

"Calm down child let's go see to Allura." The teacher took her by the shoulders.

"She's my best friend and something is terribly wrong with her!" Cass wrenched herself free of the teacher and raced back to her room.

"Allura? What seems to be the matter?" The teacher asked gently.

"I must have fallen asleep and had a bad dream." She answeredPlease let it just be a bad dream!

:Alley, you were very much awake curled up on your bed studying for finals...: Cassie frowned at her friend. "Are you sure Alley?"

:I was?: Allura blinked at Cassie.

"Could I please call my Daddy?"" She focused on her teacher.

:One minute you were studying, then you screamed, and fainted.: Cassie nodded. :What happened?:

"Alley might feel better if you let her talk to her Daddy." Cassie smiled at the teacher.

:I don't know, but I need to talk to Daddy. Thanks Cass.: She replied.

"Sure sweetie you can call your father." The teacher smiled gently.

She gave her a hug. :What else are best friends for! You can always count on me.:

:I know.: Allura hugged her back.

"Come along girls then it's back to your studies."

---------------------------------------------

"Keith, I can't do this anymore..." She tried to pull away from him, but, he held her tighter.

"Allura, I know that it's hard but you have to let all of this go." Keith wasn't about to give up on this.

"Keith, please don't make me do this..." Allura pleaded to him with her eyes.

"Alley...This is killing you inside. You need to let this go. I know that you're hurting, but its not good to keep this all cooped up inside of you." Keith tried to make her understand.

"It hurts too much to think about this, let alone relive it in my head!" Allura cried.

"Allura Danielle! I'm not going to let you crawl back into your shell!!" He was losing his patience with her.

"It hurts to think about this…!"

"You've shut it all out of your mind and become someone that you aren't. I'll bet that you've snapped and snarled at Uncle Koran more times in this past week or so than you have in your entire life!" Keith growled.

Allura squeezed her eyes shut in denial.

"Do you want to stay angry and hurt at the world or do you want to be able to be you again?" Keith looked down in to her eyes.

"I've lost so much…I miss my parents so much…I don't want to lose anyone else..." She whimpered. "Why did this have to happen to them?" She finally broke down in tears.

"I'm not going anywhere, Allura. You are not going to lose me. You didn't cause any of this. No one deserves to go through as much pain as you have in such a short span of time. Look this may sound harsh, but bad things happen and there is nothing that we can do to stop them. This isn't something that was intentional...it just happened. I know that it's hard for you to understand, but the pain will go away eventually." Keith rocked her in his arms.

"It not fair! Damn it! I just feel cold inside and want to curl up in a ball and cry!"

'I'm right here, Allura. This is only a horrible memory, one that you have to learn to get past. You need to focus on how much your parents loved you and the nearly sixteen years that you were allowed to share with them.' Keith used his influence over her mind to calm her emotions.

"I'm so tired…" She sobbed against his shoulder. "This castle holds so many memories…"

"We need to go somewhere where we won't be disturbed." Keith knew that his parents would be coming in search of them any time now.

"I know where we could go and no one would look there, but we'll need to go get our jackets and warmer clothes." Allura sniffled.

Keith brushed tear from her cheek with the pad of his thumb, "The caverns?"

"It's where I go when I want to hide away from everyone." She nodded.

"We went there when we were kids. Remember when they thought we were lost?" He chuckled.

"Not even Sheena could find us…" Allura managed a weak smile as he carried her to her room.

"I'll be right outside if you need me." He set her down on her feet and she went into her room.

"You might have to hide the two of us." She came back out of her room dressed in warmer clothing.

'You have the most beautiful eyes.' He her swept her up into his arms and they vanished.

'I do?' She snuggled against his shoulder.

Keith answered her with a nice long kiss.

'Not to change the subject or anything, but why are we upset that we're betrothed again?' She sighed dreamily.

Keith blinked at her surprised. 'I just wanted to be the one to ask you and they took that away from me... I meant us.' Keith was actually pouting.

'Really?' She couldn't pass up this chance to get even with him for all the times he'd picked on her, and it was a way to get him to think about something else. "I thought you wanted nothing to do with me? That you hated me."

Keith was actually at a loss for words. "I...never...what I mean is..."

"What's wrong Keith tongue-tied?" She arched a brow at him when he set her down on her feet in his room.

Keith's face was flushed with embarrassment. "It wasn't that I didn't like you, Allura. I hated that you shadowed me wherever I went." Keith sighed, as he remembered those summers on Arus. "Never once did I ever say that I hated you." He growled softly as he got his own warm clothes and then went to change in the bathroom.

'Yes you did! You told Jeff that you hated me!' She wasn't about to let him off the hook just yet. 'Besides you spent all that time with Sheena! It was obviously that you liked her better than me!' Allura was now pouting.

"I was venting my frustration at the time and since when do you have conversations with Jeff?!" Keith stalked out of the bathroom to glower down at her. 'Sheena and I are best friends and I do not like her better than you. I love you Allura, but I also care very much for Sheena, as a kind of sister and nothing more.' Keith was getting very frustrated by this turn of events. He wasn't the one that was supposed to be in the spotlight she was. He picked her back up in his arms and vanished.

'I overheard you talking to him when Mom sent me to get you! I told Mom I couldn't find you then I went back to my room. Do you have any idea how crushed I was!?' She tried to get out of his arms.

'I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings all those years ago, but I was just a kid, who didn't know any better, and that's all there was to that!' Keith glared down at her.

'You can't get ticked at me because I wish to talk about us instead of what happened with my mom and Daddy!' She snapped.

Keith proceeded to kiss her until she was totally mindless and barely held his true feelings for her in check.

Allura lost herself in the kiss, which allowed him to see the rest of what she didn't wish for him to see in her mind.

---------------------------------------------

(The past the schools communication room)

She stood before the large monitor and placed a call to the castle. "I hope that I'm wrong."

"Sunshine! Is something wrong?" Alfor tried not to panic at the thought of losing her as well as his beloved Jessica.

"No, Daddy, I just had a bad dream. I wanted to know if you and Momma were ok." She sighed in relief when she saw her father.

"Thank Arus that you're still safe." Alfor sighed in relief.

"What's wrong Father? Did something happen? Why are you so upset?" She frowned at him.

"I'm not upset sunshine. Everyone here misses you terribly." Alfor managed to smile at his child even though he was dying inside from losing his wife.

"I miss you too Daddy, What's Momma doing? Can I talk to her or is she busy?" She asked her father.

Alfor had to force himself from losing it the moment that Allura asked for her mother. "She's still out riding sweetie. She'll be sorry that she missed you call." Alfor tried not to let her see the truth in his eyes.

"Well I better get back to studying. I have a history test tomorrow. Love you and mom... I'll see you when I'm back home on break." She blew a kiss to her father and ended the call.

"See Alley. Everything is fine back on Arus." Cassie smiled at her friend.

"He's hiding something..." She nibbled nervously on a fingernail.

"Come along girls your studding awaits."

She saw Koran walk into the room and instantly knew that her dream was true. "Momma's gone isn't she!? Something terrible happened to her didn't it...!" She fell to her knees and burst into tears.

"Princess!" Koran ran over to her.

"Please tell me that it was only a dream..." She sobbed against his shoulder.

"Oh baby, I wish that I could tell you that it's not true, but Arus was attacked and your mother was killed." Koran cradled her in his arms.

"IT WAS KING ZARCON WASN'T IT!? HE KILLED MY MOMMA!" She sobbed.

"How did you know that it was Zarcon that attacked?" Koran was shocked there was no way that she could have known what had happened only hours before.

"I had one of my dreams...Momma was riding...they attacked...she called out to me just before she died." She answered weakly.

"You poor baby..." Koran continued to cradle her trembling form in his arms.

---------------------------------------------

"Keith this is why I didn't wish to face this again." She had tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I know this was heart wrenchingly painful for you to remember, but can't you see how loved you were? During this whole time their main concern was always your well-being." Keith kissed away her tears.

They were sitting in the caverns on a blanket in there old hiding spot.

"I'm scared to care about anyone for fear that I'll have to endure all of that pain all over again" She whimpered shakily.

"Live everyday of your life and remember the promise that you made to your father. That you wouldn't shut down, that you would live, that you would fight, and that you wouldn't let them win!" Keith growled. "Love is a scary thing Allura. Do you honestly think that I'm not scared about all of this? I'm scared out of my mind, but I'm willing to get passed that fear. All you have to do is trust in me; know that I will win this war and that I will never leave you."

"I'll try…but if something were to happen to you I just couldn't take it…"

"Look at me Allura Danielle." Keith tried to get her to see reason. "Nothing is going to happen to me. I happen to be the best at what I do and plan on living, until we are both old and gray, and our great-grandchildren have children." Keith ended his vow with another toe curling kiss.

'I love you.'

'I love you too. This is our planet that we're both fighting for. This is a fight that I will win.' He vowed.

"How can I help in the fight? I know that I'm clueless when it comes to flying the lions and you aren't going to have time to teach me…not with this war going on." She pouted.

"I made a promise to you and I intend to keep it. First your training and then the lions." He smiled down at her.

"Ok, I guess I'll have to deal with being second rate next to Blacky." She was feeling more like herself again.

"Am I that bad?" Keith smirked.

"Yes, but I still adore you!" She kissed him.

---------------------------------------------

:KEITH MICHAEL!! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!!: Oran bellowed in his son's mind.

'Ignore them.' He pulled closer to him deepening the kiss.

:Stop yelling at Keith it hurts my head when you do that!: She shouted at his Father. :And leave us alone!:

:What the hell do you want Dad I'm busy?: Keith snarled back at his father.

:YOU HAD BETTER NOT MEAN WHAT I THINK THAT YOU MEAN!!: Oran lost it completely.

"Keith, I don't think this is one of your better ideas." Allura stared wide-eyed at him.

"Wait until you hear this next one." He winked at her.

"That isn't a good idea…Your dad is beyond mad at us!" She hissed at him.

:We're already promised to one another and this is what you and Uncle Alfor had in mind wasn't it?: Keith sent back.

"Now you've done it..." She buried her face against his shoulder.

"Trust me." He grinned.

:Keith please tell me that you're trying to drive me insane by joking about this.: Oran pleaded with him.

:Well...: Keith started to deny it.

:Keith Michael!!: His mother snarled.

:Aunt Zandra we were just talking about what's been tearing me up inside!.: Allura took matters into her own hands.

:Of course I was only joking!! Allura isn't ready for that step yet!: Keith growled back.

:I want to see you now and Allura is wanted back at the castle.: Oran snarled.

:Now young man!!: Zandra seconded his command.

Allura blushed crimson and glared at him. :Why is that Uncle Oran?:

:Do you two have any idea what time it is and how long that we've been looking for the two of you?: Oran growled.

:Not really and we don't care.: Allura answered.

"Allura it's past midnight." Keith eyed the time from his wrist com.

"Drat it doesn't seem that way…Do I look disheveled?" She asked him.

"You look beautiful, Alley, but then you always look beautiful." Keith grinned. "No wonder they're freaking out! We've been gone for hours!"

"We didn't eat either." She frowned as her stomach growled. 'You aren't that bad on the eyes either handsome.'

"Then maybe you should come back home and eat something!!" Michael's voice snarled from Keith's wrist com.

"Let's go Love. We both need sleep." She yawned.

"Do you want to walk or shall I carry you?"

"I like it when you carry me and thank you Keith for helping me deal with all of this. I just don't want anyone else to know about it."

"That's between you and me." Keith headed back to the castle. "I like holding you in my arms."

"I like being held by you too…I can sleep with no bad dreams." She yawned. 'I wish you didn't have to leave me and could hold me while I sleep.' She pouted.

'I don't think that they would approve, but I'll be watching over you while you dream.' Keith chuckled.

'I know' She sighed.

'They're going to triple the guards on your room, but that won't stop me from being there if you need me.' He yawned as he set her down in her room.

"I will see you in the morning. She kissed him on the cheek and he left to go face the music with the others

---------------------------------------------

Sheena and her second in command stood guard outside of the princess's room and he wasn't at all pleased by the turn of events.

"Tell me again. Why we've been demoted to guard duty?" Rand growled into Sheena's ear.

"Because we're the only two people who can keep Keith out of her room." She hissed back.

"Since when does the royal pain care what happens to the princess?" Rand growled. "Gods I hate guard duty!"

"He's always cared for the Princess." Sheena narrowed her eyes at him. "You do what you are told Rand. The same thing goes for me."

"No way! He's always had a thing for you! He avoided the princess like she was some incurable disease!" He snarled.

"Keep your voice down!" She scowled at him. "I'm like a sister to him and that's it!"

"Is that why the two of you used to call each other every day when he was going to the academy?" He frowned at her.

"Look, he called Cass and Myr too." She sighed in frustration. "What's with the twenty questions?"

"He did not call Cass and Myria every single day like clock work, Sheena!" He turned his back on her. "I think the two of you were an item back then and still are!"

"What's your problem Rand? What's it to you if Keith and I were ever an item or not! I mean it really isn't any of your business!" She snarled at him.

Rand turned to glare at her. "What the hell do you mean by that!? It sure as hell is my business! You happen to be my girlfriend!" He snarled back.

"You are acting like a brat now stop it!"

"I just want to know what the hell is going on between you and the royal pain!" Rand snarled in frustration.

"Nothing is going on! I've told you this a hundred times already. Why do you keep bring it up?" Sheena asked.

"Because, I've seen the way you still look at him." Rand answered softly. "I'm not blind, Red. I can see what's happening right in front of my eyes."

"I..." She sighed in frustration.

"Never mind it doesn't matter." Rand turned away from her.

'Why do we always fight?' She used their link.

'Because! You still have feelings for him and won't admit it to yourself.' He sighed in frustration.

'I do not! He's like a brother to me! Why can't you understand that?!' She sent.

'This is me that you're talking to Sheena! Not some stranger! I know that you had feelings for him! Hell you told me how you felt about him that time we were stuck on that mission and almost got ourselves killed.' He reminded her.

'Look at one time maybe I thought I loved him, but that's changed since I've met you! I don't care for Keith other than him being a brother of sorts! I love you.' She sighed.

'I'm sorry if I'm being paranoid Sheena, but I love you and don't want anyone to take you away from me.' Rand sighed.

'No one is going to take me away from you.' She smiled at him.

---------------------------------------------

Rand went to pull her into his arms for a kiss, but Keith interrupted them. "What's going on here?" He growled.

"Nothing." Sheena smiled.

'Don't believe her. They were having a heated discussion about something.' She sent to Keith. "What was all the yelling about?" Allura yawned sleepily.

"Look! Allura just woke me from a sound sleep because people where shouting outside of her room! Now tell me what's going on!?" He was as grouchy as a bear for having his slumber disturbed. 'I'm just about to find that out angel'.

"She said nothing and she meant nothing. Now go back to your room, your highness." Rand glared at him.

"Keith, there's nothing going on." Sheena rolled her eyes at him. 'He's in a mood so don't push him.'

"Hello Rand, what brings you to Arus?" Keith snarled not at all pleased to see him.

"I go where Sheena goes; you got a problem with that?" He snarled back the two of them had been clashing with each other since they were kids.

'Love, who is this?' Allura frowned. "Why where you two screaming at each other?"

'Rand back off!' Sheena warned.

"No, but I do have a problem with you disturbing my princess and what did you mean by where Red goes you go?!" Keith really didn't like him. 'Nothing is wrong Allura, this is Rand Michael's. He and I were rivals back home.'

'That explains why it feels like you wish to kill him.' Allura frowned.

'I'm not doing anything he is!' Sorry, he always did make me see red.' He pulled Sheena into his arms, but wasn't about to answer Keith's question.

'Hurt him yes, Allura. Kill him no...I don't do that.' Keith sighed. "Well answer me Rand!" Keith tried to keep his temper.

Sheena thought it best not to say anything.

"It's none of your business, your highness." Rand felt calm when he was holding Sheena. "I'm sorry if we woke the princess, it won't happen again."

'Go back to sleep and you can hurt him in the morning.' Allura yawned.

'Go back to sleep, Angel. I promise that I'm going to handle this calmly and rationally.' Keith growled back.

"Anything that involves my family is my business and Sheena has always been family to me." Keith glared at him. :Red? What's going on between you and Rand?:

'Alright.' She sighed.

:Nothing, that I can't handle.: Sheena answered.

:You and him are...?!: Keith stared at Sheena in disbelief.

:Yes, It's my choice and my life. Not yours.: Sheena narrowed her eyes at him.

:What's wrong? Do you have a problem with that?: Rand glared at him easily breaking into Keith's thoughts.

"You have always been bad news my friend and as far as I'm concerned always will be." Keith growled.

"You weren't exactly mister perfect either, Keith. I'm not the same angry kid that you knew when we were kids." Rand defended himself.

Allura watched Rand with the feeling of mistrust. 'Keith, please tell your father and Uncle Koran that I don't want him guarding me. Sheena is fine, but if you don't trust them then neither do I.'

:Look, your highness. His father wanted the best guarding you and we happen to be the best.: Rand grinned at her startled expression. :Yes, Allura, I can hear everything that you two are saying, but only when I want to. You are perfectly safe and I'm sorry if our little argument woke you up.:

'I trust your instincts if you don't trust him then neither will I.' She sent from her heart. "I'm sorry Rand for accusing you. Please forgive me." She apologized.

'Rand has always had a dark side. We've know each other since we trained together under Sheena's Dad. Master Shey called him my darker side, because we always ended up canceling each other out whenever we spared. He does seem different, Sheena trusts him, but he still bugs me.' Keith answered her. "Don't ever do that again Rand! Allura's mind is off limits!"

'Hey I like this no one can hear us.' She smiled.

"I was merely making a point. You love her and I love Sheena and that's all there is to this mess. I'm sorry if our conversation woke the two of you up." Rand tried to make peace.

Sheena Looked from Keith to Rand not believing what she was hearing. He'd never declared his love for her and this was not the way she thought he'd finally tell her how she felt.

"What's the matter Sheena? Don't you have anything to say about all of this?' Keith frowned at her. :I will try and give you a chance Rand, but make one wrong move and I will seriously harm you.: Keith warned Rand.

Sheena stood their silently fuming.

"Sheena?" Keith frowned at her. "What's wrong? You're never this quiet about anything?"

"I'm fine Keith…"

"Nice try, but I know when you're mad. You're either furious at Rand and me or too angry to put anything into words." Keith sighed.

:Look, Keith, I don't want to talk about it. So why don't you and the Princess go back to bed.: She sighed.

"I'll see you in the morning Red." Rand had to leave before he gave into the urge to pound on Keith, but he did pull Sheena to him for a nice long kiss.

'Interesting?' She arched a brow at Keith.

'You could say that. I wasn't expecting that to happen.' Keith arched a brow at the two of them.

:Later, Rand.: Sheena sighed in defeat.

'We aren't that bad are we?' Allura Asked.

:Definitely later, luv.: Rand answered her back. :I love you.:

:I know…: Sheena managed to smiled at him.

'Probably.' Keith answered.

'Night, Keith.' Allura walked over to Keith to kiss him good night.

'Night luv.' Keith kissed her back. "You can go to bed Sheena. Allura is perfectly safe and I'm heading back to my room." He grinned at his friend.

---------------------------------------------

(Castle Doom on Planet Doom a few months later)

"URAK! YOU HAVE FAILED ME FOR THE LAST TIME!" Zarcon roared.

Urak looked at the fury in King Zarcon's eyes and knew that he was doomed. "Sire! I can't fight Voltron if Hagar doesn't come up with an unbeatable Robeast!! This isn't my fault!!" He knelt before the stairs leading to Zarcon's throne.

"Sire, maybe he can still be useful to us. We can have Urak fight Voltron, Himself." Haggar whispered in to Zarcon's ear.

"Sounds Good old witch." Zarcon like her idea. "Urak, You have one last chance to prove your loyalty to me."

Urak gazed at them in horror. "But sire!" He protested.

"SILENCE!" Zarcon roared. "He's yours old witch."

"Thank you, Sire." She bowed then went to prepare what was needed to make Urak into a Robeast.

"No!!!!!" He wailed in protest and ran up the stairs to grovel at Zarcon's feet. "Please sire! Anything but that! Give me one more chance and I will be victorious!!"

"That is your last chance." The King smiled at him.

"Father!" Prince Lotor stalked into the throne room.

"Ah, there you are my son. Tell me you were victorious in defeating the Assimites in the star sector?" Zarcon smiled at his son.

"I was victorious in every battle that I fought and that sector is now under your control. I also brought you back various riches from the many planets that I conquered." Lotor bowed as soon as he reached the stairs to Zarcon's throne.

"I'm proud of you, my son. Now I have another task for you. I want you to go to Planet Arus and defeat Voltron once and for all." The King growled.

"Arus? Haven't you defeated that puny planet by now? They're a peaceful planet and we destroyed there only weapon!" Lotor snarled in disbelief.

"We would have except, Urak keeps failing me." He snarled.

"Even Urak can defeat a defenseless planet! There is no Voltron!! Queen Jessica and King Alfor are dead!! So why has he failed at capturing Arus!!" Lotor glared murderously over at Urak.

"They still have Voltron." Zarcon sneered. "But it's in five parts."

"WHAT?!!!" Lotor turned to glare at his father.

"Don't glare at me! The Defender of the Universe still lives!" King Zarcon narrowed his eyes at his son.

"Who are the ones flying the lions?" He snarled.

"Five Space Explorers that were sent by the Galaxy Alliance. They escaped Urak as well." Zarcon glared murderously at Urak.

"Their Captain is unbeatable! He's always one step ahead of me!" Urak defended himself.

"Come along Urak." Hagar cackled. "Let's go your transformation awaits."

"It's true! Captian Keith is impossible to beat!!" Urak shouted, as he was dragged away.

Lotor ran over and grabbed Urak by the neck. "What did you say?!" He snarled at him.

"Captian...Keith is...unstoppable!" Urak gasped for air.

"No it couldn't be..." Lotor let go of Urak and stalked back over to his father.

"Don't ask me son. I don't know him." Zarcon answered Lotor's unasked question.

"Never mind father. He can't be who I thought he was. Keith is the heir to Planet Ziare and it's crown prince. I seriously doubt that King Oran would let his only son go to the galaxy alliance's academy." Lotor muttered out loud to himself.

"Well, your gem is now betrothed to Oran's son." Zarcon told him.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN THAT ALLURA IS BETROTHED TO KEITH!! SHE'S MINE!!" Lotor roared in fury.

"IT'S TRUE!! NOW LOWER YOUR TONE!" Zarcon roared back.

"WHEN THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN!!?" He roared even louder.

"TWO WEEKS AGO!"

"I'LL KILL HIM WITH MY BARE HANDS!!"

"Go my son and make me proud." Zarcon was hoping that he was going to react this way.

"Don't worry father. I will have Arus and its Princess under my power by the end of the day!" Lotor stalked from the room.

---------------------------------------------

(Arus)

Keith stood before his private ship and tried not to look down into Allura's miserable azure blue eyes. He had to leave for his planet on official business and she didn't want him to go. "I'll be back before you know it." He smiled down at her.

"Keith, why do you have to go?" Allura pouted.

"I have to go Allura, my father summoned me home, and I can't ignore a royal summons from him. I'm not entirely sure that he wouldn't send in the big guns to drag me back home." Keith sighed. "I'm only going to be gone for a few days and the guys promised to watch over you for me. I also trust and know that you can fly the lions if there's an emergency. You know where I am if you want to talk."

"But, your going to be far so away! I won't be able to feel you near me to keep the dreams away." Allura burst into tears. 'Keith, I'm scared.'

"Our link can span the universe and beyond, so I will always be near you to protect you even in your dreams." He brushed a tear from her cheek. 'I'll be back as soon as I see Dad. I promise.' He handed her a small jeweled gold bracelet that had disguised within it a small transmitter device. "Here take this with it you can talk to me wherever I am."

"It's beautiful Keith, thank you." She let Keith put the bracelet on her wrist. 'I still don't want you to go, but I guess this would be a test to see how far we can still talk to each other.' She smiled at him.

"Allura, I hate this, but I have to go." He pulled her to him for a long good-bye kiss. 'I love you'

'Love you too.' She sighed. "Be careful. I'll try not to crash Blacky for you." She winked at him as he boarded his ship.

"Blacky won't let you crash him. He's very protective of you." He chuckled. 'Love you.'

"Later, Keith. We'll keep her safe." Lance waved to his friend.

:You'd better Lance, or I will not hesitate to hurt the four of you.: Keith growled in Lance's mind.

"Sure, Keith we'll do our best to protect her." Lance gulped.

:Later, buddy.: Keith chuckled.

"Come on Allura; let's get you inside so you have a better view." Lance lead her away from the landing platform.

"Alright..." Allura sighed. 'Hurry back my Prince.'

'I will. Remember to use the bracelet if you want to talk.' Keith left Arus for his home planet.

'I will.' She promised.

Lotor had been watching the entire scene and was not at all pleased at what he saw. I will have you Allura! You will be mine, even if I have to kill your protectors to get you! Lotor began plotting a plan.

---------------------------------------------

(The next day)

"Uncle Koran, I would like to go riding for a while, is that ok as long as I take at least one of the boys with me?" She asked her guardian.

"It has been rather quiet and there haven't been very many attacks as of late, so yes you may go riding as long as one of the boy's goes with you." Koran knew that she needed to get out of the castle.

"Thank you Uncle Koran. I'll see who wants to come with me." She went looking for Lance and the rest of the team.

"I only hope that I'm making the right decision." Koran thought of how her mother had died while on her daily ride and shiveredPlease Alfor keep her safe.

"She'll be fine my friend." Alfor appeared beside him. "She won't be hurt."

---------------------------------------------

(Later that afternoon)

"Come on Sven your being such a slow poke." Allura teased Sven. "Star, can go faster than the snails pace your putting him through."

"I wasn't the one who chose this mount Princess." Sven tried to get the horse to respond to his commands. "I should be riding Sirocco. I like Keith's horse."

"Just give him a slap with the reins to get his attention." She grinned at him.

"Alright, I will give that a try." He gave him a slap with the reins and the horse took off at a full gallop.

"Poor Sven. Come on Silver lets go get Star." Allura sighed. :Hold on Sven I'm coming.: She took off after him.

"I have everything under control princess!" Sven denied that he was on a run away horse.

"Whoa Star!" She caught up with him and reached over to pull on his bridle.

"He is quite spirited isn't he?" Sven grinned.

"Maybe we should switch Horses?" Allura asked as soon as she got Star stopped. "Not always. I just wanted to run today."

"Thank you for offering princess, but I think that as long as I don't slap him hard with the reins… he won't do that again." Sven smiled patting his horse's neck. "You were trying to teach me a lesson weren't you."

Star let out a loud whine and shook his head up and down.

Sven laughed shaking his head. "See what I mean?"

"Yes, I do." Allura smiled "We might as well start cooling them down." She said.

Sven frowned sensing that something bad was about to happen. "I think that we should head back towards the castle." He looked around them searching for any sign of their enemy.

"Alright, but lets not run them unless we have to." Allura said watching Sven closely. "What's wrong?" She asked.

"I don't know Allura, but something definitely isn't right. We need to get to the castle as soon as we can." Sven had a very bad feeling about something to come, but was at a loss about what the feeling meant.

"Let's go back then." She sighed.

---------------------------------------------

They were too late Lotor was about to make his move. "Now I've got you where I want you." Lotor's ship landed in front of them.

"Princess! Get to the castle! I'll take care of our visitor." Sven shouted at her.

"No! Not without you!" She shouted at him

"This guy wants you otherwise he would have fired at us by now! So get out of here!" Sven shouted.

:Sven, don't fight him. What if it's you they want?: She reluctantly headed for the castle.

:I promised Keith, that I would protect you and I am not going to let my friend down by failing in that promise.: Sven sent back.

Allura was so startled at his reply that she didn't see the downed tree that Silver was about to jump. She lost her balance and landed on the ground. Her horse left her and continued on to the stables.

"Princess!!" Sven shouted watching as their enemy finally made his move.

:I'm fine, but my pride is a little hurt.: She dusted herself off.

Now I've got her right where I want her. Lotor jumped down from his ship and landed on the ground in front the princess. "Are you hurt my love?" He smiled evilly at her.

"Get away from me!" She glared at him.

"Don't be frightened, Princess Allura. I have no intention of harming you." He growled softly.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Sven dismounted from Star and was now standing a few feet from Lotor.

Lotor laughed at Sven's threat. "I don't think so; I intend to make her my bride. You on the other hand are easily disposed of." He drew his laser sword.

'Keith, I wish you were here! I really need you right now!' She cried out to Keith. "I said get away from me you monster!!"

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Prince Lotor of Planet Doom and you my foolish friend are about to die."

'Allura!! What's wrong?!!' Keith answered her cry.

"The hell I am!" She winced in pain her ankle was injured from her fall off her horse. 'Keith, its Lotor, Zarcon's Son! Sven is no match for him and I can't run away, because my ankle is hurt!'

'Hang in there Angel, I'm on my way! Lotor is dead if he so much as touches you!!' Keith snarled.

'This creep had the nerve to call me his bride!' She hissed. "Not in this life time you monster!!" She snarled at Lotor.

'His what!? He's dead! No one says that to you and lives!' Keith lost it. 'I'm taking my father's fastest ship and I'll be there in an hour! I love you.'

' I love you too, but I might be captured by the time you get here.' She whimpered.

'Then I will tear doom apart with my bare hands. Remember what I've been teaching you and keep the bracelet with you it'll tell me exactly where you are.' He tried to rein in his fury.

"Sven! Be careful!" She shouted.

'Be brave.'

"I will not let you take her anywhere Lotor!" Sven pulled out his weapon and shot at him several times, but Lotor easily deflected his shots slicing Sven's weapon apart.

"Is that the best that you can do?" Lotor winced when Sven kicked his weapon out of his hand.

:LANCE! BLACKY!! HELP!!!: Allura tried to call for help.

Sven used some lightning swift moves against Lotor, but Lotor matched him move for move. "YOU WILL NOT GET THE PRINCESS! NOT WHILE I'M STILL BREATHING!" Sven snarled.

'Keith, Blacky knows that I'm in trouble and will find me.' Allura told him.

'Good. How's Sven doing?' Keith had a bad feeling that something was about to happen.

'The two of them seem evenly matched so far.' She watched the battle unfolding in front of her and was helpless to do anything to help. 'He seems like a fully trained warrior and Sven can't seem to out match him.'

"Then I will just have to make you stop breathing won't I?" Lotor pulled out another weapon and caught Sven off guard.

"SVEN! NO!!" She screamed as Sven fell at Lotor's hands. 'Sven!! Keith, Sven is hurt!!! It's happening all over again!'

"I'm sorry I failed you Keith..." Were Sven's final words and then he laid lifeless on the grass.

'SVEN! NO!' Keith cried out in agony knowing that one of his best friends was dead. 'It's not your fault Allura! Listen to me you have to be strong and trust in the feeling that I'm going to get you back! If he tries anything remember what I taught you and go into hiding. They won't be able to find you.' He tried to give he a pep talk knowing that she was going to be captured by Lotor.

"YOU MONSTER YOU KILLED HIM!" She Screamed at Lotor. 'Please hurry Keith! I will do my best to keep him at bay.' She felt cold as ice knowing that another one that she cared for was gone because of the monsters from Planet Doom.

"Don't make me hurt you, Allura." Lotor grabbed hold of her and started dragging her towards his ship.

Allura fainted in his arms.

Red Lion, Green lion, and Yellow Lion all surrounded the ship.

"Let her go!" Lance ordered him from Red Lion. "OH GOD! SVEN! NO!" Lance spotted Sven's lifeless body on lying on the grass.

:Princess! Please answer us.: Called all three Lions.

"I don't think so and I wouldn't try anything, because if you do I will kill the Princess just like I killed your friend." Lotor shouted at them.

:I hear you, but please wait for Keith. Do you understand? Keith can and will find me just wait for him.: She answered them. 'Keith, the lions aren't happy and I don't think their going to want to wait very long for you to get here.'

:It's okay guys I'm going to get her back.: Much to Allura's surprise Keith sent a message to the lions.

:We understand Princess. Blacky is furious and Jetta is hurting from The loss of her Pilot.: Replied Red lion to both Keith and Allura.

'Keith? How did you do that when you aren't even here?' She asked.

"Who the hell are you?!" Hunk growled hoarsely tears streaming down his face.

"None of your business." Lotor sneered.

"Get back here with our princess!" Pidge snarled his voice hoarse from the loss of their friend.

'I can do anything that I set my mind to. I just don't let very many people know that I have the ability to do it.' He answered her question.

:Boys! Wait Keith is on his way! He wants for you to wait for him!: Allura sent to her friends. 'Nice secret weapon.' She answered.

:We will get you back princess!: Lance was so far gone that he willed himself to send that message to her.

:I Know, but please don't try and be a here and wait, until Keith can get here. Do I make myself clear!: She answered him.

:Crystal clear!: He growled back.

"If any one of you attempts to follow me and the princess dies!" Lotor snarled

"You win for now!" Lance snarled in frustration.

:Do as he says boys.: She was crying silent tears for her fallen friend.

:We will Princess.: Lance let his emotions over come him. "Let's go get Sven and take him back to the castle." He growled hoarsely.

"Lotor, You monster." She hissed under her breath as she finally allowed herself to cry.

"Say good-bye to Arus, Princess, because you are never going to see it again." Lotor informed her.

---------------------------------------------

(Planet Doom)

Lotor dragged Allura with him into the main throne room of Castle Doom. "I told you that I always get what I want and here is the proof!" He shouted at his father. "And I didn't have to use the old witch's Robeast to do it!"

What a dull and gloomy place.She thought.'Keith? Did you say that Doom was dreary and gloomy?' Allura fought Lotor's grip "LET ME GO!"

"Good Job, my son." Zarcon grinned. "Well, well... Who do we have here? Could it be Alfor's brat?"

"Behave Allura or I may have to discipline you!" He yanked on her hair to make his point.

'I hope you get here soon or I might just kill him myself!' She snapped at Keith.

'Very dull and gloomy. Did he just yank on your hair?' He snarled.

'Yes! How did you know?' She frowned.

'Remember when I accidentally pulled your hair when we were training? That's how I knew. Besides that you're thinking of killing someone and no one ever messes with your hair.' He sent back.

'Where are you?' She asked.

'Well I'm currently landing at the castle and will be in my lion in minutes.' He growled.

'Ok, I'll hold out a little while longer.' She sighed.

'If it gets bad vanish and hide out until I find you.' Keith ordered her.

'No problem, but how can I do that when the two of them are watching me? I don't really want them to know that I can do that.' She told him.

'It depends on the situation...I want you to vanish the second they leave you alone! Oh God!! Sven! They will pay for this and taking you!' Keith growled hoarsely.

"Why are you so silent princess? You snarled at me all the way here?" Lotor smirked at her and yanked her hair once more.

'Calm down. I'm fine for now, but I need you to concentrate on getting me the hell out of here.' Allura sent calm thoughts.'That creep yanked my hair again! What can I do to fight him?'She snarled.

'If he does it again flip him over your shoulder. Lotor will never even suspect that you can defend yourself.' Keith growled.'I am concentrating on getting you out of there! That is the only thing keeping me going right now!'

'I would vanish, but he has a hold of my hair.' She sulked. "Let me go you monster!!" She struggled to get free and tried stomp on his foot with the heel of her riding boot.

"Finally my dove shows that she has some spirit in her!" Lotor easily avoided her foot. "Be nice my pet." He yanked on her hair again.

"That does it you creep! Let's see how you like the taste of the throne room floor!" She tossed him over her shoulder then vanished from sight.

"WHERE DID SHE GO? FIND HER NOW!" Zarcon roared.

"HOW THE HELL DID SHE DO THAT!?" Lotor snarled in frustration.

'Keith? I did it!'She sent happily.

'Way to go Angel! We're on our way.' Keith sent her the good news.

'Hurry! I hate this place. Damn it! I broke a nail!' She hissed, as she stuck her finger in her mouth.

'For that they will pay with their lives!' He couldn't help but chuckle.

'Not funny!' She hissed 'Who's coming with you to rescue me?'

'I brought along a friend of ours. She's flying Blue lion, Lance, Hunk, and Pidge are also all with me.' He growled.

"FIND HER OR YOU ALL WILL PAY WITH YOUR LIVES!" Zarcon was beyond furious.

"ALLURA!!! COME OUT HERE NOW AND YOU WON'T BE HARMED!" Lotor roared.

'Who's in Jetta? I like hiding right under their noses. Zarcon is having a Cow! Oh and the baby dragon is yelling for me to come out. Should I answer him?' She asked with a hint of amusement in her voice.

'No stay put! Sheena is in Jetta, so just remain in silence until I find you!' Keith growled.

'Your no fun…' She pouted.

'Allura Danielle, I mean it these are not people that you want to mess with.' Keith warned.

'It's Hard not to laugh at them.' She remained completely still.

'Consider this a test at being able to stay in the shadows.' He growled.

'I'm trying!' She snapped at him.

"FINE PRINCESS!! I WILL NOT BE NICE WHEN I DO GET MY HANDS ON YOU! AND I WILL FIND YOU ALLURA!" Lotor roared.

That's what you think you creep! She wasn't about let him catch her.

---------------------------------------------

:Keith, how are we going to get in to there unnoticed?: Blacky growled.

:Yeah.: The other four lions echoed.

:See that battle cruiser over there?: He grinned, as a plan began to form in his mind.

:Yes?: They answered not sure what he had planed.

:We are going to use that to sneak in undetected: He growled.

:Ok, but what's to keep us hidden while you go get your soul mate?: Asked Black Lion.

:The battle cruiser is huge and can easily hold all five robot lions and that will keep you hidden while I go get my soul mate.: He shook his head not quite used to the fact that he was talking with the lions.

:The Place is crawling with guards. Did the princess hurt someone?: Neo 'green lion' asked curiously.

:No, they captured Allura and we are going to get her back.: Keith sighed trying to remain patient with them.

:I understand and try to relax, Keith.: Replied Black Lion. :Only our true pilots can hear us, but you are the only two that can hear all of us.:

:Oh! Ok.: Replied Neo.

:Look to put it simply we are going to play a game of hide and seek.: Keith sighed. Jeff doesn't have this problem with Voltron one and Mark doesn't have it with Voltron two…leave it to me to get stuck with the living robots.

:Pidge, What is the sum of an atom divided by a star?: Asked Green Lion.

"The odds of us getting back home alive and in one piece." Pidge groaned. He's going to get us shot if Keith loses his temper!

:Oh in that case I'd rather hide..: Neo whimpered.

:Cut the chatter and lets go get the princess.: Keith growled.

:Neo shut up!: The other Lions Snapped at him.

:Thank you. I was beginning to get a migraine.: Keith sighed.

Neo acted as if he were kicked. :Sorry…I'm the youngest of the five of us and I was just curious.: He said.

:I'm not mad little guy, but this is not the time for twenty questions.: Keith groaned.

'Keith? Did all the lions just yell at Neo?'She asked.'I just saw you land. I'm in the ship yard.'

'Yep the little guy is being a chatter box and I was getting a migraine.'Keith sighed. 'Be right there angel.'

'No problem, But I need to move again I'll try and get closer if I can.'She sent.

'Where's Lotor?'

'Looking for me that's why I'm moving.' She answered.

'Is he in the shipyard?'

'He's close. Oh no! I have to sneeze!'Allura sneezed'Hurry! He's found me!'

Keith raced out of the ship and straight to Allura's location. "Get the hell away from her Lotor!" Keith snarled.

"What kept you?" Allura's face broke out in a smile'I love you.'

"Sorry that I'm late, my love. Did I miss anything?" Keith stood in front of where she was hiding.

"Hello Keith, who invited you to the wedding?" Lotor snarled.

'No, but I do want to go home. Would you do me a favor and deck him for me!' She answered. "I AM NOT MARRYING YOU LOTOR!" She screamed at him.

'Love you too. Now if you will excuse me I have to kill him now.' Keith launched himself at Lotor catching him off guard. "I DON'T THINK SO LOTOR!! YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR TAKING ALLURA AND KILLING SVEN!!" Keith roared.

"I enjoyed killing him and Allura will be mine!" Lotor tried to block all of Keith's moves, but it was hopeless.

Allura watched as Keith beat the crap out of Lotor.

"YOU REALLY DO WANT TO DIE DON'T YOU?" Keith continued to pummel him. "GO BACK TO THE SHIP ALLURA!" Keith snarled almost totally consumed by his hate and anger at Lotor.

"Keith you aren't a killer now stop this at once!" She shouted at him, but Keith was seeing red and ignored her. "I want to go home!!" She threw the helmet of one of the fallen robot guards at him.

Keith glared at Allura when it hit him in the back, "WHAT?! IS YOUR PROBLEM! I AM ONLY TRYING TO MAKE HIM PAY FOR HURTING YOU AND KILLING SVEN!" He let a beyond hurt Lotor go in order to focus of Allura.

"You're scaring me! If you do this you are just as bad as Lotor is!" She instantly regretting her words, but the damage had already been done. "I want to go home now. Keith, please don't look at me that way."

"FINE YOU WIN!! GET TO THE SHIP! I HAVE TO TAKE YOU BACK TO ARUS, SO THAT I CAN GO BACK HOME TO MY PLANET AND FINISH UP WITH MY FATHER! I AM SO SORRY THAT I SCARED YOU AND HURT YOU WITH MY CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY!" Keith stalked passed her.

Sheena and the others gaped at him in shock.

"He's really pissed at you princess." Lance whistled under his breath. "You just ranked him up there with Lotor. That was bad form."

"I didn't wish to have someone ripped a part in front of my eyes! That's not something that I really wished to see in my lifetime! Sheena, I'll fly Jetta… if it's alright with you."

"Allura, I'll talk to him for you. You just insulted his honor by yelling at him for defending you." Sheena explained.

"He does tend to be kind of touchy about that." Pidge nodded.

Keith was standing by the ship as she walked towards him. 'I have been worried out of my mind for hours and when I try and make it so that he won't do this again you call me on it! I was not going to kill him; it's amazing what you can live through. I'm sorry that I lost my temper. I hate it when you cry. I love you Allura and I see red when I think of anyone hurting you or threatening to hurt you in any way.'Keith tried to explain what he was feeling to her.

'I know, but Keith, I didn't know that you weren't going to kill him. All I knew was that you had lost it and that frightens me. Could you live with yourself if you had killed him? I told you I was fine.' She could feel how hurt he was. 'I hate to see you get that mad.'She sent as she snuggled into his arms.

'My temper always has been one of my worst faults.' He sighed. 'I worked very hard at mastering my temper and that's why I rarely lose it completely. I'm also not used to someone else feeling my fury. That's something that will take some getting used to.'He smiled down at her. "So love? My lion or yours?"

"What one do you want to be in?" She asked. Mine, I like the thought of that. She smiled.

"Blacky is and always will be my first and only choice. Seeing as you have the key to the Jetta in your hand, I just wanted to know what lion you wanted to fly home in your lion or mine." He arched a brow at her and waited for her response. 'I will love you till the end of time and that is my solemn vow.'

"I hate to interrupt this little moment, but we are on Planet Doom and I really don't feel like seeing that dungeon again." Lance growled sarcastically.

:Hurry up we have company!: Shouted the lions.

"Then who is going to fly mine? Sheena?" He frowned

"I don't care who flies what, but we have to leave now!" Sheena raced into the ship.

"No, I guess not. Here Sheena catch!" Allura tossed her Blue Lion's key.

"They don't look like they're very happy that you beat up Lotor!" Pidge ran past them.

:I hope that you can handle Jetta.: Allura frowned

"Let's get out of here!" Hunk and Lance ran into the ship.

Allura ran into the ship "We're coming!"

:I think that she'll tolerate me for a little while.: Sheena chuckled.

:Thanks Sheena. Keith and I need to work some things out.: Allura sighed.

---------------------------------------------

Keith and the others made it out of Planet Doom with half of Doom's fleet in hot pursuit.

"Time to ditch the decoy and get down to business," Keith growled and Black Lion tore out of the space cruiser.

:Time to make them bleed for their crimes.: Cora 'Red Lion' let out a roar.

'Honey, we will continue this after we get back home'The lion's began to take out the fleet. "Let's see just how bad that they want us!"

'No problem Love, I need to learn all of this since I'll be flying Jetta. That is unless Sheena is the new member of the team.' Allura sighed.

"Uh? Keith? We can't go against the entire fleet." Pidge saw the number of ships that were chasing them.

:He's Right! We need to be where we have the advantage.: Blacky growled.

:I like a good fight, but I'm not stupid!: Cora growled.

"Time to kick the mega-thrusters into overdrive we're out of here!" Keith agreed with them.

'Sheena is only here because she was worried about you and no she isn't the new pilot of Blue lion.'Keith sighed.

'Thank you, Love. This means the world to me.' She answered. 'But you have to convince Nanny and Uncle Koran.' She winked at him and decided to cuddle in his lap.

'You held your own against Lotor, so I think that you are ready to learn to fly Blue Lion.' He tried to concentrate on flying the lion, but it was kind of hard seeing as she was sitting on his lap and placing kisses all over his face.

:Allura, he can't fly with you doing that.: Blacky chucked.

"Sorry." She moved back to her seat and strapped in.

:I'm not complaining, Blacky.: Keith frowned when she went back to her seat. "It looks like we've lost them lets head for home!" He growled at his team.

:Blacky, you sure can spoil things can't you.: Allura pouted.

:Sorry, but I'd rather stay in one piece.: Blacky grumbled.

"Geez Keith! We aren't deaf! You didn't have to shout that at us!" Lance snarled.

"Lance, he's just pouting." Allura smirked.

:Not funny Blacky!: Keith snarled.

"Why's our fearless leader pouting!?" Lance smirked.

"No comment!" Keith muttered under his breath'Your going to pay for that angel.' He growled.

'Why I didn't do anything…'She eyed him warily.

'Don't go all innocent angel, on me princess. You know exactly what you just did.' He growled.

'What did I do?' She really had no clue about what he was getting at.

"Keith didn't get to snuggle with his princess and that's why she said that Keith was pouting." Sheena filled in the blanks.

"Thanks a lot Sheena!" Allura hissed blushing.

"You two behave in that lion." Lance teased his friends.

"We are!"

'You just made them all extremely curious when you said that I was pouting!' He hissed back. "Not funny Lance!"

:I owe you one for that Redwood!: He sent to Sheena.

'I didn't mean to…'She pouted.

"Listen to that guys he really does sound like he's pouting!" Hunk chuckled.

:Oh I'm Scared! Royal Pain.: She answered.

"You and Pidge stay out of this!" Allura snapped.

:I can have Rand transferred to the middle of nowhere.: Keith snarled.

:You wouldn't!: She hissed.

:Try me.: Keith growled.

"Keith you do that and I will hurt you!" Sheena growled.

"Just kidding, Redwood. I wouldn't want to keep you apart from your boy toy." Keith grinned.

"Hey you guys!" Pidge shouted trying to get there attention.

"What?!" Keith and Allura snarled.

:You're going to pay for that brat!!!!: Sheena snarled.

"What is it Pidge?!" Lance growled.

Allura undid her safety Harness and went to cuddle with her prince.

"We're home and Urak is currently trashing the city!" Pidge snarled back.

"That's just great! I get to experience my first Voltron battle." She strapped herself back in. 'I wanted to cuddle.'

'Talk about damn rotten timing!!' Keith muttered. "READY TO FORM VOLTRON!" Keith shouted.

"Geez he sure is ugly as a Robeast." Lance smirked.

'Tell me about it!' She sighed.

They formed Voltron and now stood in front of Urak.

Urak sent a laser blast at Voltron that nailed him in the chest.

Allura hit her head on the console and was knocked out.

'ALLURA!!' Keith was not pleased that Urak had hurt his love. "That does it form spinning laser blades!" Keith snarled and Voltron threw the blades at Urak cutting off both his arms.

"I think that our fearless leader is mad." Lance growled.

"You don't say." Hunk smirked.

"What gave you that Clue?" Pidge grinned.

:Allura are you okay?: Sheena was worried about Allura. "Allura must have gotten hurt." Sheena frowned when she didn't receive answer from Allura.

"FORM BLAZING SWORD!!" Keith snarled and Voltron sliced Urak in two.

"Hey Keith, is the princess ok?" Lance asked as soon as the battle was over.

"Allura speak to me!?" Keith tore off his helmet and pulled her into his arms.'Allura!'

Allura didn't respond to his words.

---------------------------------------------

:Blacky get us back to the castle! Alley is hurt.: Keith was trying not to panic. 'Oh God! Your bleeding!'Keith put a pressure bandage onto the cut on her head. "Please Allura open your eyes! Blink at me! Anything just show me that your okay." Keith pleaded with her tears streamed down his cheeks.

"Ow…" She moaned. 'My head feels like someone hit me with a hammer.'

"Allura? Open your eyes angel." He growled softly.

'I don't really want to my head hurts. I do want to sleep though.'

"No! You can't sleep baby. Now open your eyes and look at me." Keith knew that she had a concussion.

'Don't yell my head feels like it's split in two.' She tried to open her eyes, but the glare was making her head hurt even more.

"Your hurt angel, but we're going to make you better again." Keith lowered his voice.

'How bad did I hit my head and why do I feel that you are trying not to panic?'She frowned.

'You have a concussion and that's why you can't go back to sleep.'He tried to explain. 'Your also bleeding. That alone makes me want to panic.' He sighed.

"I love you. Did we win?"She opened her eyes smiling up at him.

"Did we win?" Keith chuckled.

"Yes we won! He took out Urak in seconds after you got hurt." Lance stuck his head into the cockpit. "Koran and Nanny are panicking." He informed them.

"Please stop yelling. My head can't take it." She cried out in pain. 'Now can I go to sleep? I want to nap for a while.'

"No you can't go to sleep." Keith frowned at her. "You have a nasty looking gash on your forehead and need to stay awake. Is your vision blurry?"

'I think I'm going to be sick and there are three of you.'She turned three shades paler.

Keith scooped her up into his arms and vanished from the lion.'Let's get you into the castle, so that Doc Stevens can take a look at your head and then give you something for your headache.'

'I hate shots!' She told him. 'Keith, promise me, you won't let them give me any shots!' She struggled in his arms and immediately regretted it"Keith, set me down for a minute." She whimpered.

Keith set her down on her feet. "Are you feeling sick to your stomach?" He asked worriedly.

'Yes.' She answered weakly, as she fought to keep her stomach down.

"My poor Angel," Keith crooned. "Can you make it to the med-wing?" He put his arm around her waist to steady her.

'Your moving… are you moving...' She was trying hard not to faint.

"Don't faint on me Alley. You have a head injury and need to stay awake; maybe I should carry you to the Doc Stevens's office." Keith tried not to give into the urge to sweep her back into his arms.

'I can't stand on my feet anymore...' She whimpered. 'Not shots…'

'I will try and keep the dreaded shots away from you, but I can't just let you keep bleeding. What if you need stitches?'Keith carefully picked her up in his arms again.

'Fine, but don't let them hurt me.' She pouted.

'Hurt you? They're going to help you. No one is going to do anything that isn't necessary.' Keith entered the medical wing of the castle and was met by Doc Stevens and his nurse.

Keith walked into the examination room and set her down onto the exam table. "She hit her head on the console. She has a fairly deep gash on her forehead, double vision, is suffering from dizziness, is sick to her stomach, and has one heck of a headache." Keith filled the doctor in on the situation. "Oh and she may have hurt her ankle from when she was captured by Lotor."

'When can I sleep?' She asked Keith. 'This headache is getting worse.'

"Don't go to sleep on me Princess." Dr. Stevens ordered, as he examined the gash on her head.

She winced when he touched her forehead. "Ouch that hurts."

'I know that angel, but you can't go to sleep.' Keith sighed. 'Let me take some of your headache away. That should help you a little.' Keith closed his eyes and concentrated on easing some of the pain that she was in. "Here hold my hand and squeeze it when ever you feel scared."

She squeezed hand.

"That must have really hurt. I think you need a few stitches." Dr. Stevens cleaned the wound with an anti-biotic and then prepared to give her something to ease some of her pain. "I'll check on your ankle as well."

"NO! SHOTS!" She dug her fingernails into Keith's hand.

Keith winced as pain shot up his arm. "Allura calm down. Do you really want him to stitch that up without giving you anything for the pain? That would hurt worse than getting the shot." He prevented her from leaping off the table and running in terror.

'No, but I hate shots!' She stopped struggling against Keith.

'I know that you hate them, but I really don't think you have any other choice.' Keith hated to see her scared, but this was for her own good.

"Don't leave me." She pouted.

"I'm not going anywhere Angel." Keith smiled at her'Squeeze my hand; I'm tough I can take it.'

Allura held Keith's hand in a death grip and squeezed her eyes shut.

"All done Princess and it wasn't as bad as you thought it was going to be now was it." Dr. Stevens re-bandaged her head.

'That's my brave girl. I love you too.' Keith crooned.

"She needs to be watched very carefully and woken up every three hours. That shot should also deaden some of her pain and she needs to stay off her foot." The doctor spoke to Keith.

'Keith, will you please stay with me. I don't care what Nanny and Uncle Koran say. I want you with me.' She whimpered sleepily.

"I'll watch over her Doc. Let's go get you tucked into bed, Angel." Keith carefully picked her up and carried her out of the room.

Koran and the others met him in the corridor.

"Don't start in Uncle Koran! Keith is going to watch over me today!" Allura told them before they could say anything.

"I'm just relieved that your going to be alright and that you were not harmed by Zarcon or his son." Koran seemed relieved to see that she was going to be fine.

'That's odd I expected him to put up a fight.' She frowned at Keith and then closed her eyes.

"Princess? Are you alright?" Pidge asked worriedly.

'Tell them I'm fine.'She didn't' want to open her eyes.

"She's going to be fine, but she did have to have a few stitches." Keith informed them.

"Princess! Talk to me." Nanny yelled.

"Stop yelling Nanny!!!" Keith snarled.

"Shut up!" She snapped.

"Sorry about that angel." Keith growled.

"You take Allura to her room and I will take care of her."

"No Nanny Keith is staying with me!"

"I will take Allura to her room and I will be the one that takes care of her." Keith glared at Nanny. "And I don't want to hear another word about it."

"Watch it everyone Keith is in prince mode." Lance smirked.

"That sure sounded like a command to me." Hunk nodded.

"It's not proper!"

"We'll see you later Keith, Come on guys." Pidge knew when to retreat.

:You will lower your voice or leave the castle!: Keith snarled at her.

"You can't take care of her she's my responsibility."

"I don't want you to take care of me I want Keith!" Allura growled.

"I can and will take care of my princess! I meant it Nanny not another word!" He snarled in a low tone of voice.

Nanny looked to Koran for some help. "How can you let this happen?"

"He has taken care of her since he has arrived on Arus and he is her prince consort. He has a right to want to watch over her." Koran tried to remain open minded about Keith and Allura's relationship.

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you Uncle Koran." Allura yawned. "Can I please go to bed now?"

"That's where we're heading angel." Keith headed down the hallway.

'You take such good care of me.' She sighed.

'Nanny is going to pout all day, but she has to learn that she can't run your life anymore.' Keith sighed in frustration.

'I know… I'm fine so you can relax now.' Allura snuggled against his shoulder.

'You scared the life out of me. I'm sorry that you got hurt, love.' Keith finally felt his guilt setting in.

'It's not your fault, I got kidnapped. Not your fault that I got hurt, so don't blame yourself. I just wish that I could have done something to help Sven.' She finally let herself grieve for the lost of a friend.

"Sven..." Keith felt the grief hit him like a brick wall. 'I should never have left Arus. Sven would still be alive and you wouldn't have been hurt or kidnapped.'

'Stop that! Right now! It's not your fault! If you hadn't gone your dad would have hauled you home or worst yet it could have been you and Arus would not have an heir for I would not be living!' She told him not letting Keith blame himself for Sven's Death.'Sven died with honor Keith!'

"I am the Captain of this team and I let them down by letting my other life interfere with leading the team! I know that Sven died with honor, but I can't help but think that I could have somehow prevented this whole situation from happening!" Keith was really into the blaming himself phase of his grieving.

'Keith stop it! You wouldn't let me live in self-pity! I'm not going to let you do it either!' She opened her eyes to glare at him. "You do not have a choice when it comes to your duties as a Prince, anymore then I do as a Princess! We on Arus have a saying. You can't change your fate or destiny. You maybe able to cheat it for awhile, but you can't change it, or run from it. Please don't blame yourself." She pleaded with him as he tucked her into her bed.

Keith pulled a chair up next to her bed and sat down. "I'm sorry Allura, but he was one of my best friends and I can't believe that he's gone..." Keith buried his face in his hands and finally let himself cry.

---------------------------------------------

(Elsewhere in the castle.)

Lance was the one who broke the sad news of Sven's death to their friends on the other Voltron teams. "I wish that this was a social call, but I'm afraid that we have lost another to the war against Zarcon." Lance had Jeff and Mark on the main screen in the control room.

"What's up Lance is someone hurt?" Jeff frowned at his friend.

"Worse than that one of us is dead." Lance tried to keep his emotions in check.

"WHAT!? What happened was it Keith or the Princess?" Mark couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"The princess was hurt during our tangle with Urak as a Robeast, but this happened while Keith was away. Its Sven guys..." Lance's voice broke, as his emotions over took him. "He tried to save Allura and King Zarcon's son killed him."

"NO!" They exclaimed. "It can't be!"

"I can't believe that he's gone, but he is, and I just thought that all of you would want to know from us instead of seeing it off the media reports." Lance had tears streaming down his cheeks.

"How's Keith?" Jeff knew that Keith must be really hurting.

"Keith is with Allura. I think that it hasn't really hit him yet." Lance growled hoarsely.

"If it hasn't yet it will soon." Jeff growled hoarsely. "He's going to take it hard. You said that he was with the Princess? As in her room?"

"Allura was in black lion when we were fighting Urak and hit her head on Black lion's console. She suffered a concussion and he's watching over her. He won't leave her side…not even Nanny could stop him from taking care of his true love." Lance growled.

"WHAT?! True Love? When did this happen?" They both asked.

"You can't possibly not know about this?!" Lance stared at them in disbelief.

"Look we don't have a clue so fill us in on this situation with Keith being in love with the princess of Arus." Jeff tried to keep his temper in check.

"You do know that Keith is a prince don't you?" Lance arched a brow at them.

"Yes we know that. It's kind of hard to miss when a royal shuttle cames to pick him up during our breaks from the academy." Mark growled.

"My dad is his godfather, he's like a brother to me, so yes I know that, but what does that have to do with him falling for Allura!" Jeff growled.

"His Father, that would be King Oran of the planet Ziare, and her father King Alfor betrothed them to each other when he was five." Lance filled them in. "That was made official at a ceremony held a few weeks ago on her sixteenth birthday. So now do you see why Keith won't leave his princess?" Lance growled. "Oh did I mention that he fell hopelessly in love with her when she decked him?" Lance added that last comment.

"Why the hell didn't you guys tell us about it?" Mark grumbled.

"Dad said something about it, after he came back from Arus, but I wasn't really paying attention." Jeff raked his fingers through his hair in frustration.

"Well Keith has been really busy lately with the war against Zarcon and keeping Allura away from the lions. I guess that telling you must have slipped his mind, but then you don't think much when you're in love with one of the most beautiful women in the galaxy." Lance drawled sarcastically.

"Be careful or he will hear you." Jeff warned Lance.

"He's so focused on Allura right now that he isn't even paying attention to what I'm saying." Lance grinned

:I heard that Lance! Tell Jeff and Mark hello for me and that I will talk to them soon! Like you don't have it bad for my sister!:Keith snarled in Lance's head.

How the hell did he know? Lance thought.

"What's the matter Lance?" Jeff smirked.

:I know all Lance, never forget that.: Keith chuckled.

"He caught you didn't he?"

"Well I just wanted to let all of you know about Sven and I will tell Keith that you all send your regards. Oh yeah and one more thing Keith said that he would talk to you both soon." Lance signed off.

---------------------------------------------

'What's so funny?' Allura frowned at him

'Lance thinks that he can hide things from me.' Keith decided to ditch the chair and hold her for a while.

'I wish I could have seen his face. Are you better now?'She asked. 'I need Nanny for a minute I need to use the powder room.'

'It still hurts like hell, but I don't blame myself anymore.' Keith growled hoarsely. 'No problem Angel...Nanny is pacing outside room.' He winked at her.

"Nanny would you please come in here for a moment." Keith called Nanny's name.

"Is she awake?" She asked.

"Yes Nanny and she wants to see you." Keith smiled at her.

"Princess? What is it that you need my dear?" Nanny asked.

Allura pointed to her bathroom.

'Angel it's okay I know what a bathroom is, so you can say the word if you want to.' He chuckled.

"I see. Just a second and I'll help you." Nanny was happy to feel needed again.

'Thanks Love, but I'm still new at this.' She hissed as she turned three shades of red.

"What did you say to her?" Nanny growled.

'That's not what I meant Allura.' Keith's face also turned a shade of red. "That's none of your business Nanny." He answered.

'What did you mean Keith Michael?' She glared at him.

'I meant Allura Danielle that I would have gone and gotten Nanny.' He glared back.

"Come on Princess. Then we can get you back to bed." Nanny shot Keith a look.

"I think that I'll go check on the others." Keith got up and headed for the door.

'WHAT?' She lost her balance. "No don't go!"

"PRINCESS!"

"Allura!?" Keith caught her in his arms.

'DON'T LEAVE ME.' She snapped. "I'm sure the others are just fine. If you want to go see him then take me with you."

"I just thought you wanted me to leave, since Nanny is in here now" Keith frowned at her. 'Give me a break Alley!! I just lost one of my best friends!' He set her back on her feet in the bathroom.

'I know Keith, and I don't mean to be this way… I really don't… I just don't want to be alone.'She had tears shining in her eyes.

"I'll help her from here." Nanny growled

"It's okay Angel. I'm not going anywhere." He managed a weak smile.

"We could go see the boys if you want." Allura came out a couple minutes later.

"Nonsense you are going to get back into that bed, Princess." Nanny frowned at her.

"Back in bed Allura Danielle you aren't going anywhere." Keith walked over and scooped her back up into his arms.

'Alright, but could you let the boys know how I'm doing?' She yawned.

"Cheezy? Are you trying to check on Allura?" He grinned at the mouse.

The little mouse nodded.

"Cheezy?" Allura asked. "Here?"

"Look Angel, we have a little chaperone." He let Cheezy hop onto his palm.

Allura manage a small smile "Hello my friend." She said.

Cheezy squeaked a question asking what happened to Allura.

"She hurt her head Cheezy." Keith explained.

The little Mouse shook his head and squeaked a shame on you.

"She didn't do it on purpose." Keith grinned.

:Keith, How is your soul mate? No one thought to tell us how she's doing.: Pouted Black Lion.

The little mouse hopped off of Keith's hand and gave Allura a little kiss on the cheek

:Attention everyone. Allura is feeling better and wants you to know that she is going to be fine.: Keith sent the message to all of them.

"Thank you Love." She sighed, as she fell back to sleep.

:Thank you Keith.: All the loins answered.

"Your welcome Angel." He smiled. :Your welcome guys.: He chuckled.

---------------------------------------------

(Three days later on Arus)

Keith, Allura, Lance, Hunk, Pidge, Sheena, Koran, and Nanny all gathered to say goodbye to their fallen friend.

"All of us have gathered here to say good bye to Sven, who gave his life in order to protect the princess. He will be greatly missed by all of us." Keith tried to keep his emotions in check, but it wasn't working.

Allura slipped her hand into Keith's.'I'm here Love.' She sent as she felt his guilt start to creep into his heart again.'You can do this.' She helped him to go on with what he has to say.

"Lance, Hunk, Pidge, and I have known Sven since we all started at the academy together. He was always the quite one of all of us." Keith tried to continue on with his eulogy. "He was always there for you when it really counted and never once gave up on anything that he set his mind to." .

"Keith is right. Sven never gave up when it came to fighting for something that he believed in." Lance could see that Keith was barely able to speak.

'I just can't do this right now! It hurts too much and...' The loss of his friend was just to great and he couldn't continue.

'That's ok love, I've got it.' She comforted him. "I may not have known Sven as well as you boys, but I would not change the time I did have to know him." Allura paused to clear her throat. "I have come to here to honor a very dear friend, that I would have been honored to have called a brother." Allura pushed back her veil to reveal her hair and a six inch braid. "I hereby honor my brother and friend by giving you something in return."

'Oh angel, the Arusian ceremonial tradition to honor its greatest heroes, Sven would have been very honored.' Keith growled hoarsely.

"For what I'm about to give unto you is small compared to that you have given to me." Allura's hand went to the ceremonial dagger at her waist and she unsheathed it. "Please accept this braid in honor for your saving my life." Allura took the dagger, cut off the braided lock of her hair, and laid the braid next to Sven and then the casket was closed'There was no way that I couldn't let his death go unrewarded.'

"I don't understand? Is this some tradition that we don't know about?" Pidge asked softly.

"I'll explain it to you later." She blinked back tears.

"Sven was exactly what Allura said like a brother to all of us and we will never forget him." Pidge tried to keep his voice from breaking.

"To our brother may he always watch over us." Hunk had tears streaming down his cheeks.

"To my brother you will live forever in all of our hearts." Keith could barely speak tears streamed down his face.

"Sven was and always will be our brother." Lance also had tears streaming down his face.

"May you rest in peace." Koran growled softly

They slowly lowered Sven's casket into the grave

Keith couldn't take it anymore and took off running; he needed to be alone for a while.

'Keith do you need me?' She asked.

Keith didn't answer.

"He needs to be alone for a while, Alley. Keith has never taken failure very well and he thinks he failed his friend." Sheena put a hand on Allura's shoulder.

"I wish that Jeff and Mark were here they could get him to talk." Lance felt helpless that his friend was hurting and he couldn't do anything to help him.

"He needs me." Allura whimpered.

"He needs time, Allura." Koran replied softly.

:I can't talk about it! I don't want to talk about it! I just wanna be left alone for a while!!: Keith snarled in all of their heads.

'Keith, don't shut down! Let me help you the way that you helped me.' Allura pleaded with him.

Keith blocked his connection with Allura wanting to be alone for a few hours to finally grieve in private for his friend. I'm sorry Alley, but I need space. Keith ran until he couldn't run anymore and then he fell to his knees and cried.

'Don't shut me out!' Allura felt him shut her out of his mind and it felt as if he had stabbed her. "NO!"

"What's wrong?" Everyone asked her in unison.

Allura took off in search of Keith.

"Allura!! Get back here!!" Koran shouted. "You aren't well yet and need to go back to bed!"

"I DON'T WANT TO GO TO BED! I WANT TO FIND KEITH BEFORE HE GOES AND DOES SOMETHING STUPID!!" She turned to rant at them.

"We'll go find him Allura. Koran is right you aren't well enough to go searching for him." Lance chased after her.

:Let him be Allura!: Sheena tried to get her to understand.

"HE SHUT ME OUT AND I DON'T WANT HIM TO DO SOMETHING RASH, BECAUSE HE'S HURTING OVER THE LOSS OF SVEN!" She glared at Sheena.

"THAT'S BECAUSE HE WANTS TO BE ALONE!!" Sheena stopped her in her tracks. "HE WENT TO CRY ALLURA AND NEEDS TO BE ALONE TO DO THAT!"

"He shuts everyone off when he wants to be alone and in this case that includes the link that he shares with you." Pidge tried to explain it a little better.

:I can't lose him.: She sent to her friend.

"He's done this for as long as I've know him. He didn't leave you princess. He just wants space." Lance also felt that he needed to reassure her.

:You haven't lost him Allura. He can't handle this right now and needs time by himself.: Sheena hugged Allura.

"It's okay princess I'll go find him and then bring him back to the castle." Lance promised.

Allura gave him a very weak smile. :Thank you, Lance.:

"But, first you have to promise me that you will go back to the castle and rest." He frowned at her.

:Like I have a choice.: Hunk picked her up and carried her back to the castle.

---------------------------------------------

Jeff and Mark had managed to take time off in order to attend Sven's funeral, but what they witnessed when they arrived was Keith running blindly away.

"We'll say our good-byes later. Keith is about to break down completely." Jeff frowned at Mark.

"Remember the last time that Keith lost it like this? " Mark growled.

"He got drunk for the first time in his life and we all ended up in the brig." Jeff groaned.

"Hello you two." Sheena stepped out of the shadows.

Jeff eyed the beautiful red headed Amazon. "Long time no see Sheena." Jeff tried to act as if she hadn't startled him.

"I agree but, I wish it was under different circumstances." She smiled. :Gotcha.:

"I hate it when you do that!" Mark growled. "Yes Sven, was a great loss to us all." He agreed.

"How else do you expect me to follow him?" She hissed.

"He's that far gone?" Jeff asked.

"Yep. It didn't help that he closed himself from Allura either." Sheena sighed.

"He really is hurting." Mark growled. "Well let's go find him and pray that he isn't drowning away his sorrows."

"I think we're too late." Sheena led them to the old tavern in the village. "Keith Michael! Drinking yourself to death isn't going to help you!"

"GO AWAY SHEENA KATHERINE!!!" He downed what was left in the bottle.

"Keith this isn't going to make the pain go away." Jeff tried to reason with him.

"Come on Buddy; let's go back to the castle." Mark also made himself known.

"Allura panicked when you shut her out and when you didn't answer her tried to go after you!" Sheena snarled at him.

"I don't want to deal with it right now!! Go away!!" He reached for another bottle.

She took the bottle out of his hand. "I won't let you do this!"

Keith got up to his feet and glared at her. "Get Lost!" He snarled taking back the bottle.

"You're acting like a pathetic idiot!" She pleaded.

"Damn it Keith! Sven didn't talk to you for a week the last time you did this and you think that he would like the fact that your doing it again!?" Jeff kicked the bottle out of his hand sending it shattering against the wall.

"IT'S MY FAULT THAT HE'S DEAD! DAD CALLED ME BACK HOME AND I LEFT THIS PLANET VULNERABLE!" He snarled at them. "SO I WILL GET RIP ROARING DRUNK IF I DAMN WELL WANT TO!"

This is not your fault.. Sheena had rarely seen him this far gone.

"This isn't your fault Keith. Shit happens and there's nothing that you can do about it. Getting drunk is only gonna make things worse." Mark dragged him out of the pub.

"Sven died with honor and this is nothing like what happened a year ago with Kari." Jeff winced when Keith's fist connected with his jaw. That was so stupid! He groaned in pain.

"NEVER MENTION THAT NAME TO ME AGAIN!" Keith grabbed Jeff by his jacket lifting him off his feet.

Lance saw what was going on and dragged Keith away from Jeff. "I thought that I saw you two arrive." He put Keith into a sleeper hold. "I'll be with you in a sec." He kept his hold on Keith until he went limp in his arms.

"Thank you, Lance. Now let's get him home." Sheena growled.

"Boy is Allura, gonna be steamed at him." Lance frowned.

Jeff slung Keith over his shoulder. "Lets get him to the castle; he's gonna be begging us to kill him when he wakes up."

"It would serve him right. My bet is she knows what condition he's in and is going to really let him have it." Sheena Smiled at the thought.

---------------------------------------------

(A few hours later in the castle Sunroom.)

Lance tried to think of a way to explain Keith's current condition to Allura without her going completely mental on him. "Uh princess?" He called softly.

"Yes, Lance." She looked up at him. "Is the idiot awake yet?" She wasn't very pleased that Keith went and tried to drown him grief away with alcohol at the village pub.

"I was just going to check on him now. You do realize that he's gonna be so sick and that he'll be wanting us to put him out of his misery don't you?" Lance tried to warn her ahead of time.

"After I get through with him, he's going to wish that he were never born!" Allura snarled. "Where is he?"

"Alley, he's really hurting and he needed something to deaden the pain." Lance frowned at her.

"Do you think that I didn't hurt when I lost my mom and dad?" She Snapped. "I didn't go and drink myself half to death!"

"This isn't the first time this has happened to him Allura! It brought back some really bad memories!" Lance let that slip.

"What did you mean by that Lance Matthew Anderson?! Talk or I'll hurt you!" Allura glared at him.

"Sorry Allura, but it's not for me to tell!" Lance glared back. "All that matters is Keith and the fact that he's taking Sven's death worse than any of us!"

"If anyone should be taking it hard it should be me. I was there and couldn't help him." She blinked back tears.

"None of us were there to help him! We didn't feel like going riding that day and the result was Sven losing his life and you getting kidnapped." Lance snarled in frustration.

"I know, but none of us knew that it was going to happen. If I hadn't lost my mount… we would have been home safe and sound." She sighed. "We can't keep second guessing ourselves it won't change anything."

"That's true Allura, but then you and I aren't the leader of Voltron. Who happens to think that he needs to have the weight of the universe on his shoulders..." Lance sighed.

"Lance take me to him. He needs me and I can't exactly walk there myself yet.

Lance scooped her up and carried her out of the room. "He's just as stubborn, as his sister is about wanting to come here for an extended visit." He grinned at her.

"I've known him all my life and he's as stubborn as they come…Oh and thanks you for being there for all of us." She smiled up at him.

"Your welcome."

---------------------------------------------

(Keith's room.)

"If I ever do that again you have my permission to kill me." Keith moaned hoarsely. He felt like he was dying everything hurt, his head was coming off, it hurt to open his eyes, he was burning up, and he knew that he was going to have to bolt to the bathroom at any second.

"Don't worry Keith I'll kill you myself if you ever do something as arsine as this again." Allura hissed.

"Buddy you are about to face the wrath of your lady love." Jeff looked up, as Allura was carried into the room by Lance.

"Please set me down by the bed." She took in the two men. She had forgotten how much Jeff, Mark, and Keith resembled each other. :Those three are so alike that they could be brothers.:

Keith buried his face in his pillow and moaned. "Hand me your sidearm so that I can shoot myself and get it over with."

"Sorry that isn't going to happen Keith Michael!" She narrowed her eyes at him.

Mark tried not to chuckle in amusement when Keith asked to be shot. "You do the crime and you have do the time."

"Hello Alley, How are you feeling?" Sheena arched a brow at her.

"Better than Keith will be when I'm done with him. Allura replied.

"Guys allow me to introduce you to Princess Allura." He set her down in the chair. "Allura these are Keith's former partners in crime at the academy, Captain Jeffery Edwards and Captain Mark Hunter. Jeff leads Voltron one and Mark leads Voltron two." Lance did the introductions.

"Pleased to finally meet you." She smiled at them.

Jeff walked over took her hand in his own brought it up to his lips and kissed it. "The pleasure is all mine, princess." He gave her a winning smile.

"Thank you, Jeff, General Michael's son right?" She replied.

"I agree completely my friend. You are a rare treasure, Princess Allura." He went through the same motions, as Jeff only he winked at her.

"Thank you, Mark." Allura blushed.

"Actually, he's my Uncle, but after my parents died he raised me. Keith and I are like brothers." Jeff smiled at her. "But then again I was three, so yeah the General is my Dad."

'Give me one good reason not to really make you pay?' He glowered at him.

"Keith the guys are hitting on Allura." Lance walked over and hissed into his friend's ear.

"I don't think that my cousin Keith deserves an angel like you." Mark was really laying on the charm.

"He may not get the chance to prove it." She smiled sweetly, but her eyes told them how pissed she really was at Keith.

"WHAT!?!" Keith sat straight up in bed, which was a really bad mistake because it caused the nausea to overcome him. "I'll kill you two later after I finish dying." He wheezed.'Allura if you yell at me… you'll kill me...don't you have any sympathy for a dying man?'He stumbled towards the bathroom.

'After trying to drink yourself to death? I don't think so!!' She answered.

'Not so loud!'He moaned, as what felt like bongo drums continued to pound against his skull. "Please someone shoot me and put me out of my misery!" He just knew that he was going to die any minute now.

"Don't tempt me and if anyone hurts you or kills you it's going to be me!" She snapped at him.

"Keith, you really did it this time." Sheena arched a brow at him. "Alley is beyond peeved at you".

"Hey, you're the one that forgot about your allergy, not me." Jeff helped him back into bed.

"You're damn lucky that you didn't kill yourself!" Mark snarled.

"What allergy, since when is he allergic to anything, besides contact lenses?" She snarled. 'YOUR ALLERGIC TO DRINKING ALCOHOL AND WENT AND GOT DRUNK ANYWAY!' She was beyond furious with him now.

Keith did the only thing that he could do and that was burying his face under his pillows. :Thanks a lot you guys! Now she really is going to kill me!: He managed to send them a thought so strong that Jeff and Mark almost fell to their knees.

'That might not have been the greatest idea...'Keith passed out cold.

'Oh no you don't ! I am not letting you block me out again!' She sent him. "Jeff? Mark? Are you two ok?" She asked.

"That isn't something that I want to experience again." Mark groaned.

"Lance, get Dr. Stevens we need to wake him up again and he's burning up." She sent.

Lance raced out of the room.

"He hasn't done that to anyone since the situation back home with..." Jeff stopped in mid sentence when he realized what name that he was about to say.

"You were about to say someone's name now tell me what the hell is wrong with Keith and why he ever tried this before!?" Allura was in the mood to hurt people to get some answers.

"Nothing that I can tell you princess, so don't' hurt me! It isn't for me to tell!" Jeff hid behind Sheena.

"Nice going Jeff! Keith is going to murder us when he wakes up!" Mark hissed in Jeff's ear.

"What happened to Keith! Start talking or I start really making you pay!" She narrowed her eyes at them.

"Allura stop this at once! He's paying the price for his mistake and you are not acting like a proper princess!" Alfor appeared in the room.

"I just wish to know why my soul mate is doing this to himself and what that has to do with something that happened to him in the past! I could careless about being miss manners, especially when he's hurting like this!" She glared at her father.

'It happened a while ago and its something that I don't ever want to remember. Calm down before you relapse.'Keith answered her in a weak voice.

'It hurts me when you do this to yourself.' Allura tried to get him to talk to her.

'I needed to drown out everything that I was feeling and that seemed to be the easiest way.' He groaned. 'I'm sorry that I hurt you.'

'Your life is more important than any grief that you might be experiencing over Sven or anything that happened in the past! You wouldn't let me wallow in my own grief and I'm not going to let you do it either.' She blinked back tears.

"Don't cry Princess. I don't mean to snarl at you." Jeff apologized.

"You didn't make her cry. Alley and Keith are having a very private conversation." Sheena explained. "I think she's winning"

"How can you tell? He's not even moving." Mark frowned.

"My child never could back away from anything." Alfor sighed. "He isn't in any condition for this and she's only making the situation worse. He needs to concentrate on healing himself, but I'm afraid that my sunshine isn't going to let him."

"They have their own way of talking to each other. That's how he knew where to find her when Alley was kidnapped. She told him who, where, and what happened to Sven." Sheena sighed. "They need to heal each other first, Sire. Before she can let him heal the rest of the way."

"That is true Sheena, but he doesn't have then energy to do that right now." Alfor frowned at her.

'Why the hell is it so hot in here!?' Keith felt like his whole body was on fire. 'Did I mention that I get very sick after I drink?'

"Neither does Allura, but my guess is that she's trying to snap him out of his self-pity." Sheena sighed.

"He isn't suffering from self-pity, Sheena! He's deathly allergic to drinking alcohol!" Mark and Jeff snarled.

'No you didn't and that's one of a million things that we're going to talk about as soon as you recover from this!'Allura reached over and felt his forehead he was burning up. "He's burning up!"

"See Doc, he really is in bad shape." Lance led the doctor into Keith's bedroom.

"Allura Danielle what are you doing out of bed!" Dr. Stevens glared at the princess.

"Help him!" Allura cried trying to keep herself from panicking.

He walked over to where Keith lay motionless on his bed and could smell that he had been drinking. "Tell me that he didn't do what I think he did!" Dr. Stevens glared at Sheena, Lance, Jeff, and Mark.

"Yep." Jeff nodded.

"How bad is he doc?" Mark frowned.

"He needs immediate attention David." Alfor frowned at him.

"Hello old friend, checking up on the children?" He eyed the King.

"Keith, if you don't fight this I will never speak to you again!" Allura tried not to think of why her father was there. "I won't allow you to leave me so fight damn it!"

"You could say that." Alfor shook his head, as he gazed at Keith and Allura. :He isn't going to die Allura, he has too much to do, and so much to look forward to.:

David looked at the readings that he was getting from his med-scanner which showed that Keith's fever was 102.5 and rising. "Boy's I am going to need your help." He looked over at them. "Sheena please take the princess out of the room."

"I can't leave him." Allura growled. "He needs me."

"Come on Allura, You need to give them room to help him." Sheena tried to get her to move, but Allura wouldn't budge.

'Keith…keep talking to me!' Allura wasn't about to let him shut off their link again.

'Sorry love but I can't do that...'Keith barely managed the energy to respond.

"Allura leave!!!" David and Alfor both ordered her.

Lance walked over and picked her up. He ignored her attempts to escape his arms and carried the now hysterical girl out of the room.

"Jeff run into the bathroom and set the auto bath so that it makes ice! We need to lower his temperature." He barked out orders.

'If you leave me then I'm going with you! There is no way that I'm going to live without you.'

"Mark help me get him into the bathroom! Then stay with him while I go get him something to fight off his allergic reaction!" David and Mark carried Keith into the bathroom and set him into the icy water.

Dr. David Stevens then said a silent prayer for Keith to hang in there long enough for him to get back with the medicine that Keith so desperately needed to stay alive, as he raced out of Keith's room.

Sheena walked over to Allura to try and calm the young girl down.

'Hot...' Keith moaned.

'I know that handsome, but their trying to bring your fever down, just stay with me.'

'I just want to sleep…'Keith tried to stay with her.

'Sorry that isn't going to happen. You aren't going to leave any of us.'

'Sorry that I failed you too...'He was so weak that he could stay linked with her.

'You haven't failed anyone and there is no way that you're going to leave me.' She gave him some of her own energy.

"He's going to be fine Allura, just as soon as he gets this into his system." David stopped to reassure her before racing back into the other room.

"I know." Allura fell asleep in Lance's arms.

"Allura? Poor girl she's tired." Sheena replied.

"She gave him all that she could give." Lance sighed.

"She's going to hate the world when she wakes up. I've been there." Sheena sighed.

Jeff, Mark, and David all walked out of Keith's room.

"That was close, but he's going to be fine." David sighed in relief.

"I'll kill him myself if he ever does this again." Mark growled.

"You'll have to get in line." Jeff snarled. "He scared the hell out of me in there a few minutes ago!"

"You don't have to worry about that happening, because if he so much as thinks about it Allura will have his hide." Sheena said.

"Wait till his parent's find out what he did." Mark frowned.

"I'd wait till Alley makes her point, before we tell Oran and Zana.

"They'll really let him have it." Lance agreed.

"I'd wait till Alley makes her point before we tell Oran and Zana." Answered Sheena

"What makes you think that they don't already know?" Jeff frowned at Sheena.

"Let's just say that if they do then he's a dead man." She answered

"Keith did get his gift from his parents, so they have to be as strong as he is." David surmised.

"True, but the bond Keith and Alley share is much stronger. Poor Alley, she's going to end up with Keith's hangover in the morning." Sheena frowned.

"Not necessarily Sheena, a parent shares an incredibly powerful bond with their children, and I am willing to wager that they know what happened to their son." David frowned.

"I see your point." Sheena sighed. "We should get Allura to bed."

"Sheena take her to her rooms. I think the boys can handle watching over Keith for a while." David smiled at her.

"Lance, I'll take her now?" She asked.

Lance handed Allura over to Sheena, so she could get the princess in to bed.

---------------------------------------------

(Planet Doom)

"I AM GOING TO KILL KEITH!" Lotor was beyond furious when he finally came to.

"LOTOR YOU DIMWIT!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!? WHERE THE HELL IS THE PRINCESS?!!" Zarcon roared down at him.

"What have I done?" He snarled. "I tried to get my gem back, but he came out of nowhere!"

"YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!!! THAT KITTEN IS NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY CONQUERING ARUS!!!!" Zarcon threw his staff at him.

Lotor dodge the staff. "That's what you think father! If we have their princess then Arus is ours for the taking!" Lotor Snapped.

"LOTOR WE HAD THE PRINCESS, BUT YOU BEING THE HALF-WITTED FOOL THAT YOU ARE!! LET YOUR FOOLISH EMOTIONS FOR THE PRINCESS RUIN MY CHANCE TO DESTROY ARUS!!!" Zarcon roared at him.

"They are one pilot down. I killed him before I captured the princess, now because of that loss their valiant captain tried to drink himself to death and is no longer in any condition to fly his lion!" Lotor sneered.

"Then take Hagar's latest creation and try not to screw up this time!! I will not tolerate anymore defeats!!!" He snarled.

"I will not fail you, father" Lotor stalked out of the room.

"I've heard that one before." Zarcon muttered.

---------------------------------------------

(Arus)

"FIND THE PRINCESS!" Lotor roared out orders from his Command cruiser. "I WANT HER ALIVE!"

Koran eyed the main screen in the control room and knew that a major battle was about to begin. The enemy was launching an all out attack on Arus. He hit the castle alarms and called everyone to their battle stations. "I only hope that we can win this one with only four lion's." He frowned.

"What's wrong Koran?" Sheena came running into the command center.

"Take a look for yourself Sheena." Koran motioned to the screen.

"Son of a bitch!" Sheena Hissed. "This isn't good both Keith and Allura are out for the count."

"I knew we should have dragged the other teams with us!" Jeff growled when he saw that they were under attack.

"Koran what are the chances of Black Lion letting either Jeff or Mark fly him?" Sheen frowned.

"Slim to none." Koran sighed. "He only let's those who are worthy fly him and it's the same with Blue Lion.

"What's the big bloomin deal? Their just robots. It's not like their sentient or anything like that." Mark frowned.

"I see your point Koran." Sheena rolled her eyes at the two clueless young men. "They are sentient and each have their own personalities."

"Huh? What are you getting at? Voltron is a robot! He's not alive or sentient in any way." Jeff looked at them as if they were nuts.

"Voltron's one and two may be robots, but the lions are very much alive. I don't know how to explain it. They just are." Sheena paced in front of them. They even have names Blacky is Black lion, Jetta is Blue Lion, Cora is Red Lion, Neo is Green Lion, and Ty is Yellow Lion."

"He's right. We control our Voltron's and they won't react unless we tell them to via commands to the computer!" Mark wasn't buying any of this.

"Make that no way in hell. Blacky can't stand an ignorant ass for a pilot. He has to tolerate Keith or he'll take him apart piece by piece, but Jeff or Mark not a chance in hell. They would be swimming in the lake two seconds after sitting in the pilot seat." Koran shook his head in defeat.

"Look it's not like we have a choice. I hope you two can swim." Sheena was determined to deal with what they had in order to fight the oncoming attack.

"Sheena let's move! We have to get to the lion's!" Lance raced for the tram, with Hunk and Pidge following right behind him.

"Right behind you boys." She said as she ran to Blue Lions Tram.

"Good luck!" Koran shouted. "You are going to need all the luck in the universe to win this one without the main lion of Voltron." Koran frowned.

"Why not see if we can try to get the main lion working?"

"I agree we can't let them fight without Black lion." Mark nodded.

"Boys that really isn't such a good idea." Koran frowned at them.

:Don't even think about it Koran that's the General's adopted son and he seems as arrogant as his father! I don't belong to anyone, but Arus! I am not the property of this Alliance!.: Blacky growled.

"Trust us sir we're trained to fly any of the Voltron's." Mark grinned.

"Very well, I don't see how we have any choice." Koran sighed. "Do the two of you know how to swim?"

:Get the clueless wonder out of bed! The hell with the fact that he's suffering a hangover! This will teach him a lesson!.: Blacky was not at all pleased with Keith.

"Swimming?" Jeff frowned. "Uh we're Space Explorers we're trained to handle any situation, so yeah we can swim."

:That is not an option Blacky! Keith very nearly died and has more than learned his lesson!: Koran growled.

"What does swimming have to do with flying the lion?" Mark frowned.

:I just don't think that the two clueless morons beside you are going to hack it when it comes to flying me!: Blacky grumbled. :I only allow the best to sit in my pilot seat and the Princess is always welcome training or not.:

:In Alfor's name try and think of this planet instead of your wounded ego for a change. Do this for the prince and the princess. Think of Arus and your sworn duty to protect it.: Koran tried to reason with him.

"Keith went swimming for a few days before he was allowed to fly him. Well good luck you'll need it." Koran shrugged his shoulders in defeat.

"Let's go Jeff." He ran for the tram to Black lion.

:In order to form the ancient one the pilot has to be in direct link with me. Do you really think that either of those two is gifted in that area…I don't.: Blacky grumbled.

:You're just being stubborn and you damn well know it!: Koran snarled in frustration.

Allura's face appeared on one of the monitors. "Koran shut off the alarms at once my head feels like it's going to explode! I'll kill him if I get the brunt of his stupid hangover…Oh yuck I'm going to be sick…" She raced for the bathroom.

"Why the hell are the alarms going off?" Keith stumbled into the control room, but fell to his knees when his legs gave out on him.

"We are under attack." Koran glared at him. "Go back to bed! You are in no condition to be commanding anything let alone fly Blacky."

'Keith, what is wrong are you worse?'She was worshiping the toilet at the moment and wasn't to pleased. 'I feel terrible.'

'You must be experiencing my hangover.' Keith was fighting the urge to run for the bathroom himself. 'Sorry about that.' Keith tried to get up, but his legs were just not going to allow him to stand. "I need to get to my lion..." He crawled towards the tram.

:You idiot go back to bed! What are you allergic to ale?!: Blacky was barely linked with his pilot. :I'll let Jeff fly he's gifted just doesn't know it yet, so Voltron is possible.:

'I'm dying and it's all your fault!!'Allura snarled. :Blacky let one of the boys fly you the planet is in danger!:

:Jeff, Mark, and I are like brothers, so you can trust either of them to fly you. Jeff's the Captain of Voltron One and Mark's the Captain of Voltron Two so they won't deep six you in the lake. : He sent back. 'You aren't dying it just feels that way…and stop snarling at me! 'Keith snarled.

:You didn't send him flying into the lake did you?: Keith groaned.

:I only allow one pilot at a time and it matters not if you happen to be the leaders of my inferior counterparts.: Blacky took off from his pedestal and shot Mark out into the lake. :Happy swimming!:

'Go back to bed and let the others handle it! I will not allow you to go out and get yourself killed!'She snapped.

"Uncle Koran? Could you help me get back to my room before Alley hurts me?" Keith gave up and looked at his God-parent for some assistance.

"Sure." Koran helped him to his feet. "I see that the link between you both has it's disadvantages."

'I love you, Angel mine.'Keith tried to get back into her good graces.

'You'll be lucky if I don't give into the urge to kill you! I detest being sick!'She crawled back into bed.

'Thank you, my heart, for saving my life.'He was helped back into his bed. "I only hope that Blacky doesn't try and test Jeff during the battle." Keith sighed in frustration.

'We're a team mister your stuck with me, but if you ever do that again I'll tear you apart.' Allura focused on trying to keep from getting sick again.

'I've learned my Lesson. Jeff is flying Blacky let's hope that he behaves himself.' Keith downed two aspirin.

:He's going to get me wet I just know it!: Blacky pouted.

:Jeff is a fine pilot just behave yourself will you for once.: She sent as she went back to sleep. 'I love you, but I just don't like you much right now.'

:Stop pouting you big baby!! Kick Lotor off the planet or no joy riding for a week.: He growled.

'Love you to angel. I could come hold you if you want.'Keith wanted to hold her.

'You'll be lucky if I let you hold my hand. Now go to sleep…' Allura grumbled.

:Be prepared to swim the next time you sit in me!: Black Lion snarled.

:Lance honey? Why is the big guy pouting?: Cora asked.

"Jeff is flying, Blacky and he's throwing a tantrum about it." Lance smirked.

:Try it big guy and I will reprogram you to function just like Voltron One and Two!: Keith snarled back.

Black Lion dismantled six robot drones as if trying to work off his anger towards his master.

:He gets himself drunk and then has the nerve to take out his frustration on me! I hope that you're strapped in because I'm in the mood to rip that fleet to pieces!: Blacky snarled at Jeff.

"Easy there big guy." Jeff was beginning to understand that the lions really did have minds of their own. :Black Lion?:

:No it's the ghost of King Alfor! Yes it's me after all you are sitting in my pilot seat…clueless moron…he had better not scratch me or get me wet…: He snarled in a sarcastic tone. :If you are as good as Keith claims then we should get along fine. Otherwise you are going to be in for one hell of a ride!:

:How old are you anyway? You're acting like a two-year-old that can't have his favorite toy!: Jeff growled back.

:I just want to get this battle over with so that I can go back to my nap! My age is none of your business! Hang on to your seat!: Blacky went about forming Voltron.

"Hey!!" Jeff hadn't even touched the controls.

:Blacky just lost his temper!: Sent the other four to their Pilots.

"No kidding!!" Lance, Hunk, Sheena, and Pidge shouted.

"What is this! They should be defenseless!! No matter release the Robeast!" Lotor snarled.

"Form blazing sword!!" Jeff growled.

:Well what do you know, maybe you are worthy to fly me after all.: Blacky growled.

:I'm the leader of Voltron One, so I do know a little about flying Voltron.: Jeff grinned.

:We are not like our inferior counter parts unlike them we are alive….: Blacky grumbled.

:I'm sorry, I was wrong. You really do have feelings.: Jeff sighed.

"See ya later Lotor!" Jeff grinned, now that the Robeast was taken care of he turned his attention to Lotor's ship.

:You are forgiven please tell your friend no hard feelings. Keith needs to get his feelings in check, because his actions are not that of a future King of Arus.: Blacky growled.

:Keith was thinking of something that happened a little over a year ago and that mixed with Sven's death was too much for him to handle.: Jeff explained.

:He needs to understand that they are the hope for this planet now and should not endanger their future by doing reckless things like drinking himself to death.: Blacky landed back on his pedestal. : I'm sorry I was rough on you. You are welcome to fly me anytime.:

:I would be honored.: Jeff grinned.

:Good night, Jeff.:

:Night big guy.: Jeff grinned.

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(Arus a few days later)

It was a beautiful sunny day and Allura thought she would spend her day reading in the sunroom enjoying the peace and quiet.

"Alley!" Myria raced into the room to give her a hug.

"Easy sweetie..." Allura she gingerly hugged her back.

"Sorry are you still hurt?" Myria asked softly..

"Not quite but I'm getting there." She answered softly.'Keith?'

'When are you going to spring me from my cell, Allura?' Keith growled.

'Are you that eager to see your parents?'She asked.

"You're like my sister now, cuz big brother loves you." Myria sat down beside her.

'Ha, ha, ha, very funny angel.'He didn't believe her.

"That's right and I've always wanted a little sister." Allura smiled at the girl.

"Are you taking silent talk with big brother?" She asked curiously.

'I'm not joking Keith. Myria is sitting in my lap.' Allura answered.

"Something like that angel and he doesn't think that any of you have arrived at the castle."

:Hi big brother!: Myria chimed in his head.

:I am so dead!: He groaned.

'Told you.' Allura smirked.

:DEAD IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!: Oran snarled.

:Just so you know I am suffering from his hangover so try not to snarl or yell.: Allura winced in pain.

:How could you Keith Michael!: Zandra was not pleased.

:I do not have a hangover, Angel. This is the aftereffect of my allergy.: Keith growled.

:If you say so, but it sure isn't a very pleasant experience!: She snarled.

:Your suffering from the after effects of your head injury and it has nothing to do with my allergy!: He hissed back.

'That isn't going to work Keith Michael! If you ever try something again I will serious cause you extreme pain!'

"Myr, where are your mom and dad?" Allura asked.

'Go ahead blame this on me, but David said that you were also suffering from a relapse!' Keith groaned. 'Great!! This is all I need my parents are in my room glaring at me!!'

'That was caused when I saved you. I do however love you Keith, and I will not allow you to face your parents alone.' Allura grumbled. "Myr would you like to go and see your brother?" Allura smiled down at the little girl.

"He's in trouble." Myr nodded. "Momma and Daddy are really mad at him."

"They aren't the only one." Allura sighed.

"Hi, Allura!" Cass raced passed the room.

"Hi, Cass..." Allura wondered who she was running from.

"Cassie! That was not funny!" Lance chased after her.

:What's going on?: She decided to ask Lance as she made her way to Keith's room.

"It's not my fault that you fell into the lake after I tried to surprise you." She laughed at him.

:She pushed me into the lake.:Lance growled. "Pushing me in the lake is not what I call trying to surprise me." He growled at her.

Allura lead Myria to Keith's room. "Hello Uncle Oran, Aunt Zana." Allura greeted them, as she entered his room.

"Hello Allura." Zandra hugged her. "How are you feeling?" She led Allura into the other room.

"Hello Allura, is my son driving you crazy yet?" He kissed her on the cheek.

"I'm doing better, but please try not to yell, and as for the other he's in the doghouse." Allura hugged him.

"Why is Lance chasing Cass?" Keith stared at the scene that was going on outside on the castle lawn.

"She pushed him into the lake." Allura sighed.

"And you say that I'm the reckless one." Keith arched a brow at his parents. 'Come crawl in here with me love, you look like you need cuddle for a while.'

'I guess, but I am still mad at you.'Allura allowed him to hold her.

"We are sorry about Sven son, but that was no excuse to do what you did. The situation was nothing like what happened on Earth with Kari." Oran ignored what was going on outside and focused on his son.

Keith stared at his father with very angry eyes. "I know that Dad, but thanks for reminding me." He growled.

"Okay that does it what is everyone talking about and who is Kari?!" Allura narrowed her eyes at Keith.

'I just blew it big time didn't I?' Oran groaned and eyed his wife.

'I would say that you really mess up honey.' Zandra sighed.

"It's something that happened when I was still on Earth." Keith growled.

"I'm listening." She growled.

"Momma can I have a snack?" Myria sensed the coming storm.

"Sure baby let's go get you something to snack on." Oran scooped her up and they bolted from the room.

"Thanks a lot!" Keith shouted after them.

"Start talking."

"Look Allura it had something to do with the uprising a year ago in Alliance City." Keith sighed in defeat.

"The girl that caused all of that mess is the Kari that you're referring to?" She raised an eyebrow at him.

"That would be the same person." Keith nodded.

"Keep going, Keith Michael I wish to know the whole story."

"What do you already know about the situation?" Keith sighed in defeat.

"Kari and some members of her gang tried to destroy the Galaxy Alliance and we're killed when their ship crashed." She frowned.

"That about sums it up... Kari and I were sort of close." Keith prayed that she wouldn't kill him there on the spot.

"She was your girlfriend?" Allura looked into his eyes.

"In a way yes you could say that she was sort of like my girlfriend. She was Michael's daughter and we both were going to the academy." He knew he was walking on egg shells right now.

"How close were the two of you? Are we talking about a serious relationship?" She narrowed her eyes at him.

"Look at that… Cass and Lance are rolling around in the grass." Keith wanted desperately to change the subject.

'Don't even try and weasel your way out of this answer the question!' Allura growled.

"Keith she has a right to know everything." Zandra finally said something.

"Kari had this thing about acquiring power and she saw me as a means of doing that. She was the General's daughter and she played that part very well, until I caught her plotting with her henchman." Keith's voice had turned as cold as ice.

"Well you are the heir to one of the most powerful kingdoms is the three universes, so I can see why she chose you for her plans. So the two of you were close and she betrayed you…" Allura frowned.

"I haven't told you the whole story yet Allura. There is a reason why I compared Sven's death with what happened on Earth." Keith wanted to get this over with.

"Does this have something to do with what you said to me about failing me too?" She asked.

"Yes…" Keith tried to keep his emotions in check.

"You shut me out Keith and anything that makes you do that is something that I need to know…I hurt when you hurt and you scared the life out of me when you shut me out like that." Allura blinked back tears.

"I'm sorry Allura, it wasn't anything that you did, and I swear that I won't shut you out like that again." He promised.

"I'll hold you to that now please tell me what is hurting you so much."

"This might hurt Allura, but I just want to say that I never truly realized what it is to be in real true love until I saw you again." He gave her fair warning.

"You had a life before you came here and I am okay with that. All that matters is that we found each other now please continue." She wasn't naïve he was twenty-one and bound to have had a girlfriend before he came to her planet.

"I really had fallen hard for her and I ignored every one of my friend's attempts to tell me what she really was. Jeff had finally cornered me and showed me hard evidence that she was into some shady dealings." Keith started to tell her the whole story. "Boy did I feel like a fool when I caught her plotting with the other members of her gang. I couldn't believe that she was a fraud. She laughed at me when I told her that she didn't have to be like this and I told her that I would stop her if she tried what she was plotting." Keith growled.

'That girl didn't deserve your time let alone your heart.'She frowned at him.

"She told me that she'd grown tired of me and that she'd been using me to get info the entire time that we had been together. I ran for what seemed like hours and still couldn't believe what a fool I'd been and then she sprang her trap on the alliance." He snarled.

'That witch should be glad she's dead, because if she weren't I would personally tear her in half.' She cuddled closer to him.

"She'd taken everyone by surprise, but then I knew what the whole plan was and was the first to volunteer to take her down. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived on the scene they had killed a number of people and were threatening to kill even more if their demands were not met. They had also placed bombs all over the city and Jeff and his team were trying to get to all of them. This was all going down during the peace conference of allied worlds." Keith continued on.

'So you were the one that stopped her...'Allura was beginning to understand why he felt the way that he did.

"Uncle Koran was there and when I saw that he and the General were among her lists of hostages it made me sick. She was using her own father as a hostage! My parents were also there and that made the situation even worse. Sheena found me and we found a way to free all of the hostages and take down a few of gang members at the same time."

'I was never told any of this…' Allura frowned.

"A few of them managed to escape in a ship, but they were immediately shot down. Kari managed to slip away from the others, but I was not about to let her get away with it." Keith frowned at her. 'I thought that you would have known that Uncle Koran was attending the conference, but then you were away at school.'

"They always keep me in the dark about things, so no one told me about Uncle Koran attending the conference, but that doesn't matter please finish telling me what happened." Allura stopped in mid rant when Keith glared at her.

"The situation went from bad to worse when she decided to make her stand in the middle of a children's play area. Myria was with her Nanny playing in the park and she knew exactly what child to use as a shield." He hated this next part.

'Then she deserved what she got! Using an innocent child as a shield is cowardly!'

"She used Myria as a way to get me to do whatever she wanted me to do. I wasn't about to risk the life of my baby sister, but I couldn't let her get away either. That's when Jeff and the others showed up on the scene. I did the only thing that I could and that was make her let go of Myria using my gift."

"You let her have it with your mind good thinking, but then isn't that common with everyone else?" She asked.

"What we do with our mind isn't considered normal and no it's not a common occurrence in most people." He sighed.

"I've had it all my life so I never thought that it was rare."

'It's a special talent that we happen to have and that is why it's called a gift.' Keith wanted to get this over with. "Anyway that startled her into letting Myria go, but she wasn't about to give in that easily, and began shooting at anything that moved. I shouted at her to stop. I didn't want to have to seriously harm her, but she just laughed. Sheena tried to disarm her, but Kari shot her in the shoulder and that's when I lost it."

"You had no choice…" She kissed him on the cheek.

"I sent a mental blast at her, so powerful that she went flying ten feet into the air, but she still refused to stop. When that didn't work I had no choice, but to take her down and she wasn't going to go down without a fight. She tried to shoot Jeff and I..." Keith couldn't say anything he just stopped talking. 'I had to shoot her and she died… I killed her Alley and that is when I decided to take my first drink.'He growled hoarsely.

"It's okay Keith…you had no choice and I understand why you did what you did now." Allura let him cry while she held him her arms. 'I love you Keith Michael and I promise never to bring up this subject again.'

Myria walked in with two bowls of ice cream. "Is it safe we brought yummy treats." She held out the treat to them. "He'll smile again. He loves ice cream."

'I love you so much.'He let himself cry in her arms.

"Yum he's not the only one and even this guy can't say no to ice cream." She smiled at Myria. ' Myria brought you some ice cream to cheer you up.'

"He's sad again." She crawled up onto the bed and tried to give him a hug. "Love you big brother."

"He told me a sad story that was bothering him, but he'll be better in a little while." Allura reassured Myria.

Keith looked down at the little imp that was trying her best to give him a hug. "I'm okay Myr." He managed to give her a weak smile. "Is that chocolate ice cream?"

"I know how to cheer him up. It worked when he was a child and it still works now." Oran smiled at him.

"He used to bribe him with rocky road ice cream." Zandra grinned.

"I'm not that big of a fan of chocolate, but what's in the other bowl. She asked.

"Strawberry it's my favorite." Myria smiled.

"Yum now that I like." She smiled.

"Allura is strange she hates anything chocolate." Keith teased her.

"I break out in hives when I eat it and therefore I don't like it." She rolled her eyes at him. "It's nice to see that you're feeling better."

"Would someone go find where Cass and Lance disappeared to? They seem to have rolled out of view." Keith was his old-self again.

"Rolled?" Oran frowned. "As in rolling around outside on the grass?"

"She pushed him into the lake and I guess he wants payback." She sighed.

"That's what I said Dad. Lance and Cass like each other as much as Alley and I like each other." Keith growled at him.

"Keith and I are going to nap for a while." Allura snuggled closer to him. "We'll let the two of you see to Lance and Cassie."

Oran raced from the room in search of his child.

'I like napping with you.'He sighed.

'I know so do I… Love you.' Allura was a sleep in minutes.

'Love you too.'

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I in no way own any of the original characters in this story and Voltron is the property of World Events Productions, ltd. (So nobody sue me okay ;) The new characters on the other hand are mine and under no circumstances are they to be used without my permission.