Author's Notes:

This story is part of the Fearless Arc and is a prequel to "Kogane: Prophecy and Legacy." This is a rehash of an old fanfic that didn't have an ending and I am rewriting and renaming this old fic as my reply to FroofyB's KAEX Challenge 'Between Scenes / After Credits Roll'. This story starts at Voltron Force ep "Clash of the Lions" and will end by Voltron Force episode "I, Voltron"

Encouraged by (Australians' cousins) the Canadians' enthusiasm to Voltron Force, (namely Aryea & Nerdmom1701's fanfics and Forever4Blue's positive cheers and support on Twitter), I suddenly don't feel alone anymore in liking/loving this KA version, unlike during time when i started writing Fearless.

Thankyou to all the KA writers for all the fanfiction uploads week after week! It's has been the best kind of busy updating the fan blog, the KAEX weekly update email and the monthly list on the official Voltron are all amazing! ((GINORMOUS GROUP HUG))

I dedicate this fanfic to all the KA fans who are carers of kids with special needs and disabilities

Rating T for minor cursing and sexual innuendos. End chapter would be rating M.

Adding standard disclaimer clause that WEP owns Voltron and Voltron Force.

Chapter One

The moment Voltron landed on Ebb, the Commander of the Voltron Force and his second-in-command knew straightaway: Wade crossed the line.

Upon returning to Arus, the team immediately went to Castle Control. Keith ordered Pidge to do a full structural analysis of Wade's Alliance compound and his defence capabilities. Lance coordinated with Hunk on the arsenal they needed to bring the Wade down.

While in the middle of all the prepping, Allura angrily stalked into the control room, determinedly approached Keith head on, "Oh please, don't pretend this is some noble revolution," she said sarcastically.

Keith raised his brow.

Allura glared at Keith. She wouldn't back down. His icy stare and imposing commander mode didn't affect her that much any more, "Your assault on Wade is personal, not political," she said pointedly.

Keith was taken aback by her ferocity. She stood front of him with such defiance. She was so close, he could smell her intoxicating floral scent. Gritting his teeth, he had to stop himself for wanting to both shake Allura and kiss her senseless in front of everyone. God, I love you, you stubborn woman.

"You better believe it's personal, he tried to take you out!" Keith replied angrily.

Allura had compromised her own safety and the safety of her advisor and niece when they accepted an invited to Ebb. Keith already warned her beforehand that it was a trap, yet she stubbornly refused to listen to any of his warnings.

His princess was feisty and was fighting him over something what must be done at any cost. Even at the cost of openly arguing each other where everyone could see. Was she questioning his authority as Commander of the Voltron Force? If only she knew the thousand what-ifs that haunted Keith. No, Allura. This is personal. I don't know what I would do if something had happened to you. Keith was emotionally invested in the plan to take down Wade.

His wingman interceded, "He's dangerous, Allura," Lance said with a more levelled tone. "You know we have to stop him sooner or later." He raised his voltcom's red energy, "I vote sooner."

Keith let out a frustrated sigh. He didn't want a repeat of yesterday's security fiasco. Wade had to be stopped at all cost. Even if the cost of you hating me from this point on.

Clenching his hand, he fought the urge to smash his fist to the nearest wall. Dammit, I love this woman. Why can't she understand my need to protect her?

Allura piercingly stared Keith, "This is not what we do. Voltron is the defender of the universe. We protect," she paused, slamming her fist to her palm. "We don't assault and certainly not for revenge; and most certainly not for revenge on my behalf. I refuse to be a part of this." She crossed her arms in defiance.

While Coran narrated to the cadets about his history with Wade during his younger days, Keith pulled Allura aside. In a warning voice only she could hear, he asked, "What do you think you're doing?"

"I should ask you the same thing. You are making a big mistake," she yanked her arm out of his grip and stomped away. Then, without any warning, she stopped mid-stride.

Allura knew Keith was watching her intensely. She turned around and while she continued to glower, she hailed a holo-table between them. She deliberately removed her voltcom and slammed the device on the holo-table. "Go on. If you're going to do this with or without me, then it's without me." Pivoting, she stormed out of Castle Control.

vvvvvVvvvvVvvvvv

Voltron was towed back home to Arus.

Lying lifeless in supine position, their beloved giant robot hauled into the Castle's hangar bay while Voltron Force stepped out of Mansett's cargo ships looking like penitent, delinquent juveniles.

Allura let out a heavy sigh, They are my family no matter what. Arus bless them.

Voltron went home with their precious Black Lion having a hole in its chest, and of all places, on the insignia crest. A hole on the symbol of Arus and Voltron. Sure, the robot lions have had all kinds of damage throughout different battles in the past. However, this time was significantly different. Would Voltron still be operable? Would they be able to detach and re-attach and form Voltron? How would this affect the team? Most especially, how would this affect Black Lion's pilot and the planetary owner of Voltron, the Princess of Arus?

The Voltron Force eventually accomplished what they went out to do, even at the cost of Allura and Keith's big and public argument in front of the team before they left for Earth.

The Galaxy Alliance was once again back under rightful authority, finally ending Wade's military reign that started as a coup d'état when Keith brought home Black Lion. Wade was now in custody, at the highest security prison, awaiting for trial.

Keith quietly approached Allura as she continued to stare stoically at their broken giant robot.

The normally hard, unrelentingly, and uptight commander appeared just as broken as his robot lion. Looking at Allura with pleading puppy eyes, Keith didn't even know where to begin. What did he want from Allura? Was it understanding, forgiveness or something else?

He noticed she was unusually silent.

"Allura..." Keith started hesitantly as she turned towards the hangar bay exit.

(TO BE CONTINUED)