Well...here we go! I have finally drawn up the courage to post my first fiction and am super nervous!

KathDMD: What can I say? Thank you so much for taking on the roll as my 'Editor in Chief', especially with all you have going on! You are wonderful and a true blessing.

Cubbie: You, my dear, are a true inspiration to us all! Thank you for being the little voice inside my head screaming 'post please!'

To all the authors in my 'Favorites List' (especially those I have communicated with): Your stories have gotten me through some serious struggles and have helped me to learn to believe in myself. You are all brilliant!

I chose to post today as it is my dearest friend's birthday. I have been through quite a bit over the last year and she has been my rock...always encouraging me to continue on with my writing and to share it with others. A.S...this is for you... Happy Birthday!

Disclaimer: I do not profit from or own any part of Voltron or its characters.

"TAKEN"

Chapter One

She was the first one to arrive back at the castle. She exited the chute into castle control and pulled her helmet off, releasing her golden blond mane from confinement. She shrugged her shoulders and hung her head as she slowly walked out of the room, her body aching from their current battle, her ego bruised from her not-so-stellar performance.

She couldn't face them, so she made it a point to get away before they arrived. She knew that they would patronize her, and she just didn't want to deal with it. She knew what she was capable of. She knew that she was just as good as they were. After all, she had been piloting Blue for a little over a year now and her natural instincts sometimes kicked in and then some. However, what that...animal...said to her over her private comm sent her over the edge.

She'd lost all focus as her anger and need for revenge consumed her. She wanted him to die, slowly and painfully, and she wanted to be the one to deliver the fatal blow to the Prince of Korrinoth.

Keith tried to help her regain focus to no avail. She went after the dark prince with a vengeance, splitting her team up in the process. The move could have cost them dearly had it not been for their Commander's well-honed combat strategy and leadership abilities. He and Lance followed the Princess while Hunk and Pidge held the robeast at bay. Between Keith's razor-sharp maneuvers and Lance's spot-on targeting, they were able to deter the obviously-set trap in time to regroup, form Voltron, and take out the robeast.

Once again, she'd lost focus. Once again, she'd allowed his words to get the best of her. Once again, they had to come to her rescue. Once again, I failed them, she thought as she let out a heavy sigh.

She wouldn't go to the rec room; she knew they would all end up there at some point. Nor would she head to her room, as that would be the first place they would look for her. Instead, she made her way to the entrance of the caves that led to the only room that remained from the old castle. The castle she grew up in, a place once filled with so much love and happiness that, like the castle itself, existed no more…except for this one singular room that had become her own little sanctuary. There she could regroup and hopefully let go of her anger and frustration, at least for the time being.

She unzipped her uniform jacket to relieve the suffocation she felt, and threw her aching body down on the couch.

Coran paced back and forth in the control room as he waited for the rest of the team to return. He knew that Allura wasn't with them, as he saw that Blue had already been put into rest mode. One by one, they entered, and the dais slowly lowered out of sight. The four men looked exhausted, both physically and mentally.

Keith immediately caught Coran's gaze. He sighed and ran a hand through his disheveled raven hair. "Where is she?" he asked, his voice hoarse from the battle that had just occurred.

"I'm not sure, Commander. The dais was already raised when I arrived," Coran answered as he shook his head wearily.

"Did anyone check her room?" Pidge asked.

"She wouldn't go there, man," Hunk pointed out. "She knows that's the first place we'd look. How 'bout the rec room?"

"Yeah, that's the last place she'd go. She's avoiding us, remember?" Lance huffed. Keith winced imperceptibly as the others nodded in agreement.

Keith looked at his teammates, and then at Coran. "You heard what he said to her, didn't you, Coran." He said it more as a statement than as a question.

The advisor looked at him regretfully and nodded. "Yes, Captain, I did, and it is not something I care to repeat. I will say that her reaction did not surprise me in the least; quite the contrary, I would have been much harsher. That heathen certainly knows exactly what buttons to push when it comes to the Princess."

"She's gotta know that we get it, that we don't blame her for going after him," Hunk chimed in.

"That's just it, Hunk. She hates it when we do that. She knows that if any one of us had pulled that shit, our fearless leader here would have reamed us a new one," Lance snorted, tilting his head in Keith's direction.

"I never patronize the Princess, Lance. I just tone it down a bit, that's all," Keith replied. "Bottom line: you three are Academy alums. A reaction like that from any one of you would be completely unacceptable. Yet, despite not having any training, she handles herself like a pro - with the exception of that bastard. Who can blame her? None of us knows for sure to what extent he has terrorized her."

"Yeah, but she hates being the exception, Keith. You know that," Lance argued.

"Gentlemen," Coran interjected, "the Princess has proven that she is a solid member of the team. Maybe it's best that we drop the issue." He paused to look at Keith. "Commander, we will just have to rely on your quick reflexes in the event that this should occur again. Hopefully, it will not."

"Yeah, right!" Pidge exclaimed. "After the rise he just got outta her? He'll probably use that strategy in every battle from this point on!"

Keith furrowed his brow and crossed his arms in front of him. "You're probably right, Pidge, which is why you have to come up with a way for us to intercept any incoming transmissions to Blue from an outside source. With the damage we gave his fleet today, it will be at least a month before Lotor comes calling again. That should give you plenty of time," he commanded.

Pidge nodded in agreement.

"As for the rest of you, go change and get some rest."

"You got it, Cap!" Hunk agreed. Pidge seconded the sentiment with a nod.

"Lance, hold up a sec," Keith called to his friend as he, too, was about to leave. Lance reluctantly stayed behind, and turned to face Keith and Coran. Keith glared at him.

"You know where she is," he stated accusingly.

Lance caught Coran's gaze momentarily, then turned his attention back to Keith. "So what if I do?"

Keith sighed, allowing Coran to speak. "Lieutenant Commander, she trusts you. She considers you a dear friend. Please."

"I really don't know what you expect me to do. You both know how stubborn she is."

Keith shot him a pleading glance. "Lance, just talk to her like you always do. Let her know that we are not patronizing her, but that we get it."

"So why don't I just tell you where to find her and you go talk to her, oh Fearless? It'll probably mean more coming from you," Lance smirked.

Frustrated, Keith squinted his eyes. "You know damn well she isn't comfortable talking to me about this like she is with you…God knows why…so cut the crap. Believe me, if she would let her guard down for one second, I would gladly talk to her."

Lance chuckled, "Well, if that isn't the pot calling the kettle…" He paused once he noticed Keith's expression. "Ugh, fine! I'll go talk to her, OK?" He threw his hands up in the air.

Keith nodded in satisfaction.

"Thank you, Lance," Coran offered. "That's all we ask."

Lance sighed, and with a smirk at the advisor, he nodded his head and exited the control room. Truth be told, he had every intention of talking to Allura. He knew her better than anyone and she had confided many things to him...especially her feelings regarding their illustrious commander.

He made his way through the caves to the room where he knew she was hiding. He slowly pushed the door open and caught a glimpse of her on the couch. Her hair was loosely flowing around her and her uniform jacket was unzipped, revealing a rather form-fitting tank top underneath. Lance caught his breath for a moment.

He had learned long ago to repress his natural instincts when it came to the Princess. He loved her, that was a given, but he was most certainly not in love with her. Lust? Maybe, but most definitely did not go beyond that. No…that's Keith's department, he thought with a smirk. Still, he couldn't help but admire just how breathtaking she was.

He entered the room and cleared his throat. Startled, she gasped, turning her head until she saw him.

"Damn it, Lance! You scared the crap out of me!" she huffed.

Lance smirked and leaned against the door. "Tsk tsk, such language! What would Coran say?" he teased as he walked over to the couch and took a seat next to her.

Allura rolled her eyes and then slightly grimaced, biting her thumbnail in the process.
"Is he really mad at me?"

"Who, Coran?"

"No, you jerk!" she replied as she smacked his arm.

"Oh, you're referring to the Noble One," he smirked, and she nodded her head. His eyes relaxed a bit as he looked at her. "No, Allura. Of course he's not mad, not at you anyway. But I wouldn't want to be Lotor right now, that's for damn sure."

She looked down at her hands. "He should be angry. He gave me an order and I ignored it…again. I put all of you in danger."

"Yeah, I know. I told him that we should spank you for it." He chuckled, and Allura smacked him again. "Oh, come on! We all know how much Keith enjoys coming to your rescue…boosts his ego…you're his full-time damsel in distress." He winked, but softened his expression after noticing the distraught look on her face. "Allura, he gets it, we all get it."

"No, Lance, you don't." She paused to let out a deep sigh. "Lotor has done unspeakable things to those that I love. It's when he throws those things in my face that I lose control. All the pain, all the emotions come flooding back, and I just can't put it aside. At that moment, the only thing that exists is my anger and my need for vengeance. He knows it…that bastard knows it…and I fall for it every time!" She angrily slammed her fist into the palm of her hand.

Lance tried to comfort her. "Allura, no one blames you…"

"Stop it, Lance! I hate it when you guys patronize me!"

"I'm not patronizing you, Allura, so you stop throwing that line in my face! I am the last person who would patronize you!" he scolded, growing a bit irritated.

She stared at him blankly.

"All we're saying is that we understand. We're not excusing it, but we get why you did it, that's all." He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward him. His voice suddenly changed, becoming thick with tenderness. "Lura-lu, what did he say to you?"

She looked up at him, her eyes full of obvious pain, and shook her head no.

He sighed and pulled her in for a hug. "I want to help you, Lura. Let me help you," he murmured, placing a kiss on the top of her head.

She pulled back to look at him. "You are helping me, just by listening and letting me be irrational," she told him, trying to give a slight grin.

He wasn't convinced. Skeptical as always...

She slowly lifted herself off the couch and wrapped her arms around her torso. "He has taken so much from me, Lance, more than you can imagine. He's taken everyone and everything I've ever loved, and he continues to hurt my loved ones still. He has robbed me of so much, and I hate the fact that I continue to let him have control over me!"

"He does not control you, Allura! You are one of the strongest chicks I know."

She smiled at him briefly, then furrowed her brow. "But he won't stop, Lance. He will keep coming after me until he gets what he wants. It's only a matter of time."

"Allura, you know that hell will freeze over before Keith lets that bastard get anywhere near you like that, and we'll all be right behind him backing him up." The defensive tone in his voice was unmistakable.

"I know you boys will always come for me, Lance, but one of these days…I might just kill him first."

"Lura…"

"No! Ugh! He's taken enough! I have nightmares about that bastard kissing me…touching me…" She paused, cringing. "I'll be damned if he gets anything else!"

She was disgusted. And horrified. Lance flew off the couch and quickly moved to where she was standing, spinning her around to look at him.

"Allura, has he…has he…?" Lance couldn't get the words out.

Allura shook her head. "No," she whispered. "Not for lack of trying, and he most certainly has tried." She caught the flash of anger that crossed his emerald eyes, and pulled away from him. "Not a word of this to anyone Lance…I mean it… especially Keith."

He looked at her as if unwilling to agree.

"I mean it, Lance!"

He ran a frustrated hand through his hair, a move he'd picked up from his best friend over the years. "As much as I don't want to keep this from him, I know my best friend and I'm in no mood to chase after him on a Korrinoth crusade right now…I'm exhausted," he huffed as he looked at the Princess.

She nodded in agreement, then sat back on the couch. He returned to their original spot and took a seat by her side. "So," he began as he scratched the back of his head, "Blue Balls kissed you, huh." He made a face and shook, disgusted.

"You know, all a girl dreams about is that first kiss, and I had to have that. Seriously, what gods have I pissed off?" she snorted.

"Did he really kiss you…I mean…really?" He was horrified.

She gave him a sideways glare.

"Yuck! Oh man! That sucks..."

"Literally…"

He chuckled. "Eh, I guess it could have been worse…"

"Yeah, I guess I could have been forced to kiss you," she winked.

"Hey Princess, I'll have you know that I'm a fantastic kisser…or at least that's what I've been told." He waggled his eyebrows up and down.

"Is that so?" she challenged flirtatiously.

He leaned back on the couch and smugly put his hands behind his head. "Yup. You would've been lucky to have me kiss you…tough break."

"Why, Lancelot McClain, are you offering me a redo?" she giggled.

He shot up to a seated position, grinning. "I'm not a masochist, Allura."

"Hey! Just because I've never kissed someone doesn't mean that I would be awful!" she pouted.

He laughed. "Oh, I don't doubt it, Princess. But it's not you I'm worried about…it's Commander Protocol. I'm sure he'd like to have a go first." He shot her a sly grin.

Allura rolled her eyes. "Please, Lance…if I wait for Keith than I might as well join a...what did you call it? Ah, yes. Convent."

Lance laughed. "Aw, come on, Princess, you're just not trying hard enough, that's all."

"What would you have me do, Lance? Throw myself at his feet and beg?" she snorted.

"No, of course not, but avoiding him is not the way to go, and you are most definitely avoiding him. He knows it too, only he can't figure out why. Ha! Commander Clueless, that's what I should call him."

He snickered and Allura joined in. Somehow, he'd done it again. He'd managed to get her mind off her pain. She knew that she could always count on him to lift her spirits and make her forget her troubles. Once the laughter subsided, she took his hand and gave him a crooked smile. "So, do you want to?"

"Um, want to what?" he asked, confused.

"Kiss me?"

He laughed, but only until he realized that she was serious. "Girl, are you crazy?"

"Oh, come on, Lance. Don't be such a prude."

"Ha! You are calling me a prude? That's awesome!"

"Come on, Lance! It's just a kiss…it won't mean anything."

"Sure it will! It means that I'll get my ass kicked! Hell no!"

"Aren't you the least bit curious?"

"No. No, I'm not. I have kissed many girls, remember?"

"Yes, but you haven't kissed me," she added slyly.

He tossed her an incredulous look. "Allura, are you serious? Why would you want me to kiss you? It's not like that with us."

She looked at him and sighed. "I know, I know. It would just be so much easier if it were."

He smiled at her and put his arm around her. "I know, girl, but you can't force what isn't there. You're so obviously in love with him and I know you guys are meant to be together. I saw it from the first minute he laid eyes on you. He loves you, Allura. He may be fighting it with everything in im, but I have no doubt…that man truly and deeply loves you."

Allura smiled and looked at him with fondness. "You say that, but…I don't know. Besides, what if I kiss you and realize that maybe I was wrong? Do you want to go on for the rest of your life wondering?"

"Allura, have you lost it?"

"No one needs to know, Lance. It would be our little secret."

"No."

"So you're just going to let me go on with the idea that Lotor is as good as it gets?" she challenged.

He raised his brow at her and thought for a moment. "Why, yes. Yes, I am."

"Lance!"

He turned to look at her. "No way, Allura! It's not gonna happen, so drop…"

Too late. She grabbed his face in her palms and planted a kiss on him. He tried pushing her away, but then relaxed and gently broke the lip lock. They both looked at each other for a moment, Lance in shock at the Princess' boldness. Allura bit her lip and studied his expression.

He chuckled. "Babe, stop trying to force something that isn't there. Although I will say, not bad for a newbie Princess." He winked, and she looked down and giggled.

"I'm sorry, Lance. I just had to know. I had to make sure." She looked back up to her best friend.

He caressed her cheek. "Hey…don't be sorry! Our friendship means the world to me, Lura-lu. Besides, I've already got the upper hand on everyone else." He smiled warmly.

"Oh yeah? How so, McClain?"

"Let's see…where do I begin?" he started. His eyes wandered, and he tapped his chin. "I get hold your hand whenever I want." He took her hand in his. "I can give you little kisses whenever I want," he said as he kissed her forehead. "I can tickle you whenever I want," and proceeded to tickle her profusely as she laughed with all her heart. He then gathered her into his arms as they lay back on the couch. "And look at this! I get to hold you whenever I want. Girl, I got it made! Everything Commander Awesome fantasizes about, I have with no strings attached! Yeah, like I said, upper hand." He shot her a cocky smirk, and Allura laughed.

"Yes, I guess you do," she agreed as she snuggled into him. "I love you, Lance."