Welcome back everyone! 'Madness: Spring Break' is dedicated to the memory of my amazing brother. As a tribute to him, one of his dearest friends will be editing this one...thank you!
A.N. The title was inspired by Muse's 'Madness', with the majority of the chapters being inspired by Green Day. Part 2 is a long one and many things will be revealed. There will be humor, laughter, tears, and redemption so...get ready! I hope you all enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from Voltron or its characters. However, characters I have created are mine ;-)
"Madness: Spring Break"
Chapter One: All you do is Talk
"I don't know Kogane…are you sure about this?"
"Yes Lance, I'm sure. This is exactly what the princess needs…a break"
"And how is training at the academy considered a break exactly?"
"Um, you do remember attending the academy with us, don't you?"
Lance wrinkled his brow in thought for a moment, then displayed a sinister grin "OK, point taken…on second thought, is that really what you want the princess exposed to Captain Control-freak?"
"Get off it Lance, the princess doesn't have your sick mind." Keith huffed as he sat back in his chair in the Control Room, linking his hands behind his head.
"The captain's right- on both counts." said Coran, glaring at Lance as he entered Castle Control. "The princess always mentions how much she would have enjoyed attending the Academy, as well as engage in all the things that a 'normal' young woman her age would do." he paused as he stroked his mustache. "Since we no longer have to worry about Korrinoth and Lotor, it is the perfect opportunity for her to go. Granted, this is just a spring program; however, she will be able to socialize with women her own age while perfecting her military skills and strategy."
Lance crossed his arms over his chest, leaned back against the console and snorted "Yeah, socializing, that's what she'll be doing...having high tea with the academy girls" Lance mumbled to Keith as he, in turn, shot him a dirty look.
Coran raised his brow in question "Pardon me?"
Keith sat up "Nothing Coran, Lance is just being his usual unintuitive self."
The Red lion pilot rolled his eyes after receiving his friend's threatening glare unintuitive self? Where does he come up with that shit? he thought as the captain continued. "Anyway, all the paperwork seems to be in order. I have confirmed everything with Admiral Graham and, as long as the princess is on board, all is a go for her departure the day after tomorrow" Keith confirmed.
"Sounds good, Commander. When will you advise her?"
"I'll go find her right now"
"Very well. I will see you boys at dinner. If you will excuse me."
As soon as Coran was out of sight, Lance turned to Keith. "So, Mon Capitan where is she going to be staying? On or off base?" asked Lance
Keith cleared his throat, "Actually, she is going to be rooming with Geni in an apartment I found them… off base" he replied, quickly making his exit from castle control and bracing himself for Lance's predictable reaction. Red's pilot did not disappoint as he darted after his best friend.
"Hold up…Geni? You mean Geni as in Genevieve McClain, my little sister, Geni?" Lance questioned as he followed Keith down the hall.
Keith cringed "Yes."
That did it. Lance erupted into uncontrollable fits of laughter. Plucking at his shirt to cool down, he looked up at Keith and said "Yeah, high tea, that's what she'll be doing with my sister. Nothing to worry about...I am sure they will not get into any trouble what-so-ever...good clean fun- for sure!"
"Lance!"
"Oh come on, Keith! You grew up in my house! You know my sister. She's worse than me!"
Keith stopped, whipped his head around, and looked at him "No Lance, I don't think that anyone could possibly be worse than you" he then turned and continued walking "Besides, I think that the princess will be a good influence on her"
Lance snorted out a laugh. "Or Gen will be a bad influence on Allura." The Red Lion pilot abruptly paused in his step, eyes growing wide with mischief "Damn! Can I go? This is gonna be too good to miss!"
The captain spun around to glare at him once more "Shut up, Lance! Go on, get lost before I find something to keep you occupied"
"Chill Fearless…stop being such a sore ass, you know you'd love to see it too" The Red Lion pilot waggled his eyebrows up and down.
"Now Lance!"
"Fine, geesh…someone needs to get laid" he mumbled as he darted off.
"I heard that!" Keith shouted behind him.
The commander paused for a moment, taking a deep breath and running his hand through his hair, mentally preparing himself for the conversation to come. Allura. Their discussions had been tumultuous- to say the least, often resulting in some kind of senseless argument. For that reason, he stood in front of the entrance to the observation deck in order to gather his thoughts.
Since the fall of Korrinoth, Keith and Allura had only briefly touched upon what had happened in the other realm; more importantly, what was said between them. He did not deny that he had strong feelings for her- how could he? Instead, the captain used his supposed 'unknown military status' as an excuse to put a hold on their budding relationship, justifying his decision by explaining that he wasn't sure where the Garrison would send him now that Korrinoth was no longer of consequence. It was all a façade. Keith knew that the war was far from over and that hell would freeze over before he would ever leave Arus or Allura. In his mind, the primary focus had to be finding Lotor- everything else needed to be put on hold for the time being.
It wasn't just Lotor, however. The ever stoic Black Lion pilot had his own insecurities regarding the princess' feelings toward him. Allura had poured out her heart, professing that she was in love with him. Is she really? Keith was concerned that the inexperienced monarch confused being in love with hero worship. Did she really love him, or was she just infatuated with her 'hero'? Could she differentiate between the two? After all, it's not like she'd ever had a relationship to compare it to. He chuckled to himself Like I have? Keith hoped that, in addition to finally attending the Academy, the trip to Earth would allow her to experience all the things she'd missed out on. He wanted her to make friends, go out, and have the time of her life- no strings attached. If she still felt the same for him when it was all said and done…well, he would cross that bridge when, and if it ever came.
In addition to providing Keith with time to gather intelligence regarding Lotor and Hagar, the well calculated trip also served to keep Allura away from Arus while he figured out exactly what King Alfor wanted from him. She'll be safe at the Academy and I'll be able to focus on getting the job done. Yes, his princess was quite a distraction indeed. With a lightness in his chest, the captain grinned and proceeded to the observation deck.
As intelligent and mature as the princess was in matters of State, diplomacy, and intergalactic relations, that was how immature she was when it came to matters of the heart- especially where the Voltron Force commander was involved. It was no secret that she'd been alone for a few years before the boys arrived, and rarely had any interaction with those of her own age before that. Allura's close friendship with Lance often served to enhance her stubbornness rather than tame it, especially considering how much the Red Lion pilot enjoyed fueling her already roaring flames.
The propriety and tact associated with her station went out the window when she dealt with 'her boys'. In the past few weeks Allura was akin to a ticking time bomb. For all practical purposes, the war was over and she felt… lost. How do I live in peace?. Her mind wandered over unresolved issues- which was the last thing she'd wanted it to do. Ugh…not yet, not now she cringed, holding her head in an attempt to will the thoughts away. It was obvious that all those she cared about had been walking on egg-shells around her, especially Keith. Mr. Always-do-the-right-thing…geesh…I am starting to sound like Lance!
The princess shook her head and grinned to herself. No matter how hard she tried, Allura could not solve the mystery that was Keith Michael Kogane. Her chest tightened as she replayed the moment she'd told him that she loved him and she began to pace. I just don't get it…how can he just turn his emotions off? Bullshit! That's what it is! Her irritated thoughts were interrupted when she heard the signature 'swoosh' of the opening door. The captain slowly approached her and Allura instantly sensed his hesitation. Here we go she thought, releasing a silent sigh.
"Good Evening, Princess. Do you have a moment? There is something I would like to discuss with you" he said, cordially.
Good…evening…Princess? What? Is he for real? Ugh!
Allura placed her hands on her hips in annoyance "Seriously Keith, formalities? Really?"
"Princess, please…"
"Oh whatever, Keith." She barked, crossing her arms in defiance. "What? What is it you want to discuss Commander?"
Keith grimaced slightly at the obvious bitterness and sarcasm in her tone as he handed her the orders from the Galaxy Alliance Academy. "This."
Allura grabbed the paper from his hands and studied it with heightened concentration. The agitation slowly began to vanish and her eyes widened. With a bright smile, she looked at the commander. "Is this for real?"
"Yes, yes it is…as long as you agree to it, of course" he replied with a sly little grin.
Allura was ecstatic. "This is incredible!" she yelled, screeching for joy as she jumped up and threw her arms around him. The commander took a deep breath, filling his senses with the signature fragrance of Arusian lilies he so keenly associated with the princess. He allowed himself a moment to enjoy the feel of her as she clung to him in excitement. Yes, I know… I'm an idiot. Reluctantly, he relaxed his hold on her.
Leave it to Keith to kill the moment! Placing some distance between them, Allura pursed her lips and tilted her head to the side. "I just don't get you Keith. How do you do it? How do you just shut yourself down and pretend that there's nothing more than friendship between us?" she asked with a trace of hurt in her eyes.
Here we go again. Keith drew in a deep breath and exhaled, slowly "Princess, how many times are we going to go over this? Now that the war is over, I don't know what my status is going to be. It's not fair to either one of us to fall deeper into something just to have it ripped away because I'm transferred to god knows where." He said softly, unable to fully meet her gaze.
The princess gave her own exaggerated sigh "I am aware that you have explained this to me Keith and I still fail to see what difference it would make. I would wait for you…come and see you wherever you would be…"
The captain shook his head "No. I can't ask you to do that. It's not right…"
She cut him off as her annoyance shifted to anger "So what, oh great one? You just flip a switch and stop having feelings for me, or did you just lie when you told me that you did?"
"No! I wasn't lying and you know it!" His face reddened and his tone deepened "Damn it Allura! Why are you consistently going out of your way to make this even more difficult than it already is?"
Her fists were clenched so tight that her nails bit into her palms "Because, I need to understand! I need to understand how you can just push aside what we feel for each other as if it means nothing!" she pleaded. Frustrated, she began to walk away.
Keith furrowed his brow, I can't…ugh. Taking yet another deep breath to calm himself, he grabbed Allura's shoulders and turned her to face him. "Allura, please…try and understand. I can't let this go any further until I know what my status will be. Regardless, leaving Arus would be the hardest thing I'd have to do. Please, I don't want to make it even more difficult for either of us." He said with sincerity and tenderness.
Allura closed her eyes and turned her head deciding to play along, knowing fair well that he believed Lotor was still out there, just as she did. She knew that there was no way he would be transferred off of Arus; however, the mere thought of it sent a cold chill down her spine. This is crazy!
"Allie, please, look at me" he sighed.
Allie…I love it when he calls me Allie, damn him! She raised her eyes to meet his.
"I'm crazy about you, Allie, that will never change; but, for now we have to put our feelings aside, at least until you get back form the academy and we know what my orders will be." he whispered. "You know I'm right."
Blue's pilot sighed. "No, actually, I'm sure you're not right" she replied, causing Keith to close his eyes and bow his head in frustration. Seeing this, Allura reached up her hand and caressed his cheek forcing him to look at her. "But, I understand what you're saying and where you're coming from- doesn't mean that I have to agree with it"
A small smile gradually crept across is face as he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against him. God I want to kiss her…I should have kissed her…ugh…don't go there Kogane! He released another deep breath and gently pulled her back in order to continue the discussion regarding the academy. Refocus man! Keith tried to smooth things over by throwing her a mischievous grin. In response, Allura curiously raised her brow. What now?
"Besides, you'll have more fun at the academy as a single lady- ask Lance" he smiled and winked. Allura rolled her eyes at his assumption. "Come on Princess, I want you to enjoy yourself there, and you will most certainly not be able to do that as 'yourself'." A sly grin was still glued to his face.
Allura's forehead pinched, obviously confused by the remark. "What do you mean by that?"
"Well let's face it, you're pretty popular Princess. The minute you land you're going to be swarmed by photographers, journalists, paparazzi, you name it. They'll never leave you alone."
The young monarch cringed then took a seat on the bench as she nervously bit her thumbnail. "Damn! You're right. I didn't even think about it." she paused and looked at Keith. She looked at him curiously and crossed her arms in front of her. "By that look on your face, Captain, it's obvious that you already have something in mind…spill it!"
Displaying a wide grin, Keith went on to explain "As a matter of fact…we decided that it would be in your best interest to attend the academy under an alias. Coran and I already discussed it with Admiral Graham and he agreed it was the best option. The only people who will know that you are…well….you…are Geni, Leesa, Ginger, Jeff, Cliff, and Commander Lochlan…no one really cares about him, and of course, Graham and Lance's parents. Geni's going to help you change up your appearance a bit and get all your IDs in order." The captain's grin gave way to light laughter after noticing the sparkle in the princess' baby blues.
"Are you serious? I get to be…dare I say…normal?"
"Yeah, you sure do…"
The princess couldn't contain her smile and was actually giddy. She was so excited that she couldn't think straight. I can't believe it! Hmm, I need a name… she tapped her finger on her chin. Her expression brightened once more as she jerked her head up to look the captain "Can I choose my name?"
Skeptical, Keith rubbed the back of his head. "Um, yeah, I guess. Did you have something in mind?"
Allura jumped up off the couch in delight as she exclaimed "Dylan MacKenzie…that's the name I want!"
Keith arched a brow "That was fast…how the hell did you come up with it?" he asked.
Allura shrugged. "I don't know…just popped into my head. Why? You don't like it?"
"No, I do actually…I like it a lot. It's just…different that's all." He surmised.
She looked at him and smirked. "Normal…that's what it is."
The captain chuckled "Yeah, maybe. Okay, Dylan MacKenzie it is." Keith grinned before looking at her mischievously through hooded eyes "So… we good?" he asked, biting the inside of his cheek and shifting back and forth on his heels.
With an exasperated sigh she replied "Yes, we're good". Narrowing her gaze as she walked passed him to exit the deck, the princess added "for now"
Keith rolled his eyes and blew out an exaggerated breath as he followed behind her.
The following day, Coran and Keith briefed Allura on what to expect while she attended the Academy program. She'd be there for almost three months, during which she'd engage in combat flight exercises, hand-to-hand, martial arts, and military strategy. Although she'd have plenty of time to socialize and enjoy herself, the princess needed to take the training seriously since she would be awarded an Alliance and Garrison rank based on her performance and scores in the final competition- if she made it that far. Coran and Keith had no doubt that she would.
The opportunity meant the world to Allura. Not only would she be able to live a "normal" life for the next few months, but she would finally be afforded the chance to prove, once and for all, that she was just as good- if not better, than some of her team mates. The young heir longed to be taken seriously and, after all the years of waiting, her chance was finally at hand.
Apart from her shot at redemption, the princess was anxious to finally meet Lance's sister face-to-face. The boys had no idea how close Geni and Allura had become. Lance had put the Arusian princess in touch with his sister so that she could have a female her own age to communicate with. Over the last two years, the young women talked and e-mailed at least two to three times a week; however, it would be the first time they'd meet in person. If anyone could help the princess fit in it would definitely be Geni McClain. Yes, the trip would be good for her, she was sure of it.
xxxxxxx
At the first blush of daylight, Allura headed to the control room anxious to begin her new adventure. She couldn't sit still, practically skipping into castle control with a bright smile and gleam in her eyes. Her excitement was infectious and the group of men waiting to send her off couldn't help but return her enthusiasm. After some light laughter and small-talk, the room began to settle.
"Alright, now, you will have two free days when you get there before you have to check in with Admiral Graham. I'm sure that Geni has plans for the two of you already" said Keith in his usual self assuring tone
"Yeah, I bet she does..." Lance began before being elbowed in the ribs by his commander. After throwing him a dirty look he continued "You'll have a blast Lura-Lu. Geni knows how to have a good time and, unlike her excruciatingly handsome big brother- that would be me of course, she knows when it's time to get serious. She'll help you fit right in." said Red's pilot with his signature smirk.
"Lance, you know how much I adore your sister. I have no doubt that she and I will get along fabulously." She grinned before beginning to gnaw at her lower lip. "It's just going be weird…you know…being normal. I hope I can fit in…"
"Aw, of course you will Princess, you'll see! Besides, Jeff and the others will always treat you like you're part of the team- you know that!" Pidge said, in an attempt to reassure her.
Allura giggled at the sentiment. The youngest team-member always went out of his way to bring a smile to her face. "I know that Pidge. Believe me- I'm very excited about this. It's been a long time coming." She paused, checking the time on her new phone. "Speaking of which, I believe it's time I head out. Coran, anything else?" asked the monarch as she approached her royal advisor.
"No Princess. I believe that we have covered everything. Just take advantage of this opportunity as we never know when you will have this chance again…and for the love of the gods, please be careful and contact us on schedule…as we agreed." said Coran, nervously, as he hugged the young woman who had become his surrogate daughter.
"I will, Coran. I have a mobile phone now." She said with a wink and a smile as she warmly returned his embrace and shook the phone in her hand.
The older man held her tightly, rolling his eyes as he sported a bemused grin "May the lion spirits help us." he chuckled, eliciting another giggle from Allura as she pulled back to face him.
"Please, don't worry. You of all people know I can take care of myself. Thank you so much for allowing me to do this. It means the world to me Coran, really."
Coran looked upon his young charge, his voice cracking slightly from the emotions he felt. "Dearest, I only want your happiness. Enjoy yourself and show those fly-boys what the princess of Arus is made of!"
"You can count on it." Allura turned toward her team mates sporting a wicked grin. Lance was about to respond with a sarcastic comment when a sobbing Nanny threw her arms around the princess.
"Oh please be careful my Princess! Those Alliance boys are not to be trusted! You know they only have one thing on…"
"Nanny!" Allura interrupted. "Relax. I can assure you that I can handle the Alliance 'boys' just fine. Now, I'll be back before you know it." she pulled out of Nanny's hold to meet her eyes. "Please Nanny, try and remain calm while I am gone, for me."
Nanny looked at the young woman she helped to raise, frustration and skepticism alive in her eyes. She breathed in and, finally, sighed...loudly "I…well…I...ugh fine!" She reached up and lovingly held the princess' face between her hands. "I trust you my child. Go on, have fun." The governess dropped her hands from the princess' face "Just don't come back looking like one of those harlots!"
"Nanny!" said Allura with a disgruntled look.
"Don't worry Nanny. If the Princess gets any tattoos, I am sure they will be in places that you would never dream of looking" Lance managed to say before being back handed upside the head by both Keith and Hunk. Nanny snarled at the Red Lion pilot, gave Allura a final hug, and stomped out of the room. Is steam actually come out of her ears? Shit! Lance rubbed the back of his head.
Coran glared at him. "Was that really necessary, Lieutenant Commander?"
"Aw, come on, it was funny!" he leaned toward the princess and whispered in her ear "I can let you know a few good places if you are interested." Lance winked, causing Allura to blush slightly as she leaned in to whisper in his ear.
"Hey…I may actually take you up on that McClain."
Her best friend laughed and gave her a big hug and kiss on the cheek. "Bye Lura-Lu...I'll miss you, girl." Releasing her, he flashed a devilish look "Don't do anything I wouldn't do…Dylan."
"That's not leaving me with many alternatives you know." Allura laughed whole-heartedly and then proceeded to exchange goodbyes with Hunk and Pidge before finally stopping at Keith.
"Princess, if you need anything, just ask Uncle Charles. He is like a father to me and will do anything to help you… within reason of course." he said with a crooked smirk. "You can also call me or the others anytime."
"I will, Keith, Thank you."
The captain gently placed his hands on her shoulders and met her eyes. "I want you to have fun, Allura. Just be yourself. Do all the things you never got a chance to do. This is probably as close as you are ever going to get to normalcy."
Allura gave a light exhale and slightly furrowed her brow. "Keith, I'm not sure what you think will happen…but it won't change anything." She responded, voice laced with determination.
Keith bore his gaze into hers for a moment before releasing a deep sigh. I can only hope… "The guys and I will come and get you when the training is over."
Her face beamed at the statement. "Really?"
"Of course! We want to be there when they announce your rank and support you during the ceremony… we wouldn't miss it!"
With that she threw her arms around him. Keith responded by pulling her tightly against him, a part of him mortified at the thought of letting her go. It would be the first time in two and a half years that the captain would not be near the princess for such an extended period, ready to protect her if need be. He truly wanted this for her; however, the thought of not being there for her terrified him even more. They stood in each other's arms for a few moments until Keith finally pulled away.
"You'd better get going. They're waiting for you" He said as he placed a light kiss on her forehead.
Allura looked up into his warm chocolate eyes "Keith, thank you, for everything."
"Don't mention it Princess. Now go, make us proud" Keith flashed her his devastatingly handsome smile.
The princess winked "You can count on it Captain"
The hanger bay doors opened and Allura slowly turned and walked away. Once she made her way up the ramp, Blue's pilot looked back and waved at her boys one last time before disappearing into the passenger bay. After stowing her carry-on, she found her seat and strapped herself in for take-off. The Alliance pilots began their pre-flight check and Allura watched in anticipation. She thought about the conversation she had with Geni regarding her new persona and a devilish grin crossed her face. Well, here we go….