Author's Notes: This fanfic was written for the Voltron Fandom's Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2016, created and hosted by Mylari. A huge thanks to Mylari for all her hard work to make this happen, and for her dedication and multitude of contributions to the fandom! The title, as well as the chapter titles, of this fanfic are all episode titles from the 1984 Voltron: Defender of the Universe.

Prompt: a story where the Space Explorers have to come back to Earth permanently, after the end of DotU original series. The night before their leaving, Keith and Allura find a way to finally express their feeling for each other, knowing they will have to part the next day. Citrus level to be determined by the writer.

Warnings: Adult language. Adult situations. Sexual situations.

Disclaimers: Voltron and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted by WEP. This story is for entertainment only, no money is being made. Original characters have been created and are owned by the author.

Final Victory

By KittyShan (aka LancesKitten; aka Shannon)

"If you live long enough, you'll see that every victory turns into a defeat." ~ Simone de Beauvoir

Part II - The Alliance Strikes Back!

4 days earlier...

"You've known what your mission was all along, Commander. You were sent to Arus to recover the secrets of Voltron and restore the robot defender so we could destroy Zarkon's Forces of Doom. That's done."

"With all due respect, sir, Space Marshall Graham had already given us leave to remain on Arus attached to Voltron as liaisons for the Galaxy Alliance-"

"That's part of the problem. Space Marshall Graham has been far too lenient with the lot of you, and that's why he is currently on leave from duty while an investigation into his activities is underway."

"Space Marshall Graham is a good man, and a great leader! This is bull shit and you know it!" Lance's angry tirade came from just behind Keith's right shoulder.

"Lance," Hunk warned, placing a restraining hand on his friend's shoulder. But Lance wasn't deterred.

"You know I'm right!" He shouted, looking from Keith to Hunk and back at the screen. "You're just another greedy S.O.B. who wants to make money off of Voltron's technology."

"I would remind you, McClain, to whom you are speaking. I am the acting Commandant for Galaxy Garrison."

"Space Marshall Karpp," Allura interrupted the argument. "I would consider it a personal favor if you would reconsider your position."

"Princess Allura," the red-faced man on the view-screen took a deep, calming breath, before forcing himself to smile. "I appreciate your position, and promise we will send another team out as soon as it is possible."

"I don't think you understand how vital it is that this team remains! The Lions are sentient-"

"Your Highness, I believe that you believe that to be true, but it's just a machine and highly unlikely. As you know, we have constructed our own vehicle version of Voltron and are very hopeful with some minor adjustments it will be every bit as capable as your Lion-bots."

"Sir," Keith's voice was tight with an angry frustration. "The Lions are sentient-"

"Commander Kogane!" Karpp slammed his fist down on his desktop. "That's enough! You were allowed to remain on Arus only because the Arusian monarchy's cooperation was needed to stop Zarkon's forces-"

Coran cleared his throat. "I do not wish to interrupt you, Space Marshall Karpp."

Karpp's face was flushed, his eyes bright; it was obvious he understood Coran's positions as both the Arusian Ambassador to Earth and Advisor to the Arusian Monarchy outranked his own and he would conduct himself thusly, but it was also clear that he was not happy about it. "Your Excellency, it's no interruption, please have your say."

"Surely you understand the frustration these young people are feeling. After the many years they have spent here, fighting in what has seemed a hopeless war, they have come to feel that Arus is home. They were promised they would be allowed to remain, and now you are going back on your word, forcing them to return to Earth. Is there no way we can find a resolution to this that would both satisfy the Galaxy Alliance and allow these heroes their desired reward?"

"I understand your position, Your Excellency," Karpp's voice was strained as he battled to keep his emotions in check. "But, I must point out it was Space Marshall Graham who approved their requests to remain on Arus, and he has been relieved of duty. You must also understand these young men are Earth's soldiers, not Arus's, and they made a commitment to the Galaxy Alliance as well the Galaxy Garrison. They will be coming home, either by their own accord or under arrest and in custody of the GG escort that will be arriving in a few days."

"That's outrageous!" Coran's exclamation bordered on a shout.

"You are entitled to your thoughts, sir," Karpp's mouth turned up at the corners in a nasty smile. "But I do believe it's in everyone's best interest if they cooperate, we do have our very own Voltron now, and with Zarkon's defeat, our only use for Arus is trade. It would behoove you to remember that everything you have we can get from other planets. It would be a shame to see your planet's recovery destroyed before it really even started."

"You can't do that!" Allura's voice shook.

"Oh, but I can, Princess," Karpp's smirk grew. "Right now, the Galaxy Alliance is undergoing a massive change in leadership, one that includes many people who share my opinions. If you do not assent of your own accord, we will have no choice but to force your cooperation. The transport ship will arrive in four days time, and you will send the space explorers home."

"But-" Allura turned to her advisor. "Coran?"

"I do not know what choice we have, Princess," Coran hung his head in defeat. "If we do not cooperate, all has been for naught, our planet needs these trade agreements, without them, we will perish."

"I'm glad someone understands how these things work," Karpp's tone was arrogant. "You all have a wonderful day."

It took a few moments after the transmission was cut before anyone could speak. It was Hunk who finally broke the silence.

"What are we going to do, Chief?"

"Do we have a choice?" Keith ran a hand through his hair. "If we stay, Karpp will make sure all of Arus is punished. We have to go."

"This is a bunch of crap!" Lance shoved his hands deep into his pockets.

"It is," Keith turned to find himself looking into Allura's tear-filled eyes. "But we swore to protect Arus, no matter the sacrifice."

"We will find a way to get you back here, as quickly as possible," Coran stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Keith's shoulder. "I give you my word."