Hope you enjoy chapter 2 of Faith. Thanks to Mertz again for proofing.

I do not own Voltron or the WEP characters.

Sections in italics are thoughts and words in bold print are words that are stressed.

CMS

Coran talked the four men into eating dinner without Allura. He informed them that he was sure their conversation would be a lengthy one. Coran paid close attention to the disappointment on Keith's face. There wasn't much discussion at the dinner table for the men were quite tired from the day's events.

"Well, I am going to take a nice hot shower and hit the sheets. I'm beat." Lance informs the group.

"I was just thinkin the same thing. I'll catch up with you guys in the morning." Hunk rises from his chair and exits the dining room.

"I think I may go read a book in the rec room and then hit the hay. Tell Allura that I'm sorry I missed her." Pidge directs his attention to Coran.

Coran nods and says, "Of course Pidge. Good night." Coran shifts his gaze to Keith as Pidge leaves the room. He notices Keith staring into his glass, deep in thought. "Keith? Is there something bothering you?"

Keith looks up and meets Coran's eyes. "Why isn't the King here with Allura? I would think he would be here to greet us and doing everything he can to protect his wife and her people."

Coran nods his head and states, "Yes, well, he probably would be here if he wanted you here to begin with. Also, I guess he would be here if he really cared about Allura and her people."

The confusion on Keith's face is evident. "I don't understand. What are you saying Coran?"

Coran stands and walks to the side table. He begins to pour himself a cup of tea. "Keith, I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but I know how much you care for Allura….how much you have always cared for her."

Keith begins to speak, but Coran walks back to the table and says. "Please..no one but the council knows of this and I would like to keep it that way."

Keith nods his head for Coran to continue.

"Keith, Allura and Nathan are going through divorce proceedings."

Keith can't help but show a bit of relief on his face. Coran just smiles. "Happy?"

Keith looks surprised at Coran's remark. "Relax Keith…I have to admit…I am a bit happy myself. She deserves so much better. Someone who loves her for the wonderful person she is."

"Are you saying that he doesn't love Allura?"

"Keith…I am saying he never loved Allura. I am afraid it is because of me that she married Nathan to begin with. I pushed and pushed until she couldn't take anymore. You were gone…" Coran stops as he becomes aware of what he is about to say.

"Coran…will Allura be alright? I mean, how is she handling this?"

"She is tired…having to go in front of the council for hours on end to discuss the reasons for divorce. It is their final decision."

"Well, I don't think that is right."

"It may not be right Keith, but it is our law. We have to abide by them. She is royalty and the proof must be set out in front of them. No question unanswered." Coran looks down at his watch. "I have to get going Keith. Please, don't let what we have discussed go any further."

"Of course I won't Coran. I appreciate you telling me this."

Coran exits the door and Keith stands to leave as well. I shouldn't feel so relieved. Allura is going through a tough time. Don't be selfish Keith. Help her through it…that is what friends are for…friends….friends? How can I do this? How can I be here…with Allura and act like all I am is a friend to her?

_______________________

Unable to sleep, Keith walks the gardens. He watches the night sky as the stars shine brightly. "Why does it always seem like there are more stars in the skies of Arus than on Earth?" He asks himself.

"Because there are less surface lights to disrupt the view Commander."

Keith jumps and looks up to see a beautiful, slender woman with her long, wavy, blond hair blowing in the breeze. She is wearing a long, silky nightgown and she has a light weight blanket wrapped around her shoulders.

Keith raises an eyebrow and folds his arms across his chest. "Are you spying on me?"

Allura begins to descend the stairs that lead into the gardens. "If I were spying on you, I would have had to follow you here. I believe, I was here first. I could say that you were spying on me….you did that a lot if I recall." She comes to a stop right beside him.

He lowers his arms and turns to look out over the gardens. "Yeah, well, someone had to do it. You went out whenever and wherever you wanted….not caring what lurked in the shadows."

"I'm not afraid of what lurks in the shadows. I'm afraid of what lies in front of me." Allura says as she stares out into the darkness.

Keith turns to her. "Care to share?"

Allura lowers her head. "I don't know…I just have a lot on my mind…"

Keith lowers his head as well, he raises it to watch her expression as he says, "I'm sorry. You probably have your husband to talk to about things that trouble you. I didn't mean to pry."

Allura looks up to meet his gaze. Her heart sinks as she watches the concern, yet hurt in his eyes. "Keith…Nathan doesn't want to know about what troubles me. He never did."

"Well, I find that hard to believe. How could anyone not care about your feelings if they are that much in love with you?"

"He doesn't love me. Nathan and I are getting a divorce." She begins to walk away from him and he catches up to her.

"Allura…I'm sorry to hear that."

"Yes well, it was something that should have never happened to begin with. But because I am so weak, I went ahead with it."

Keith puts his hand on Allura's arm to stop her from walking. He turns her toward him and he says, "You are not weak Allura. You are the strongest person I know. You survived years of havoc on you and your people, you became one of the best pilots I know, and…..and….you are a caring, loving, woman and I am thrilled to have been called your friend."

"Thank you Keith…you just don't know everything. I may not be that person you once knew. A lot has happened in the last four years. I've been alone."

Keith lowers his head in shame. "Allura, I know I wasn't here for you after we left, I tried to get a hold of you several times, then, when you got married….well, I…couldn't bring myself to cal…."

"There you two are! We looked all over for you!"

"Sven!" Keith shouts as Sven walks up to him. They embrace in a hug and Romelle walks up as well.

As she walks up to Allura, the tears begin to fall from Allura's face. Romelle hugs Allura tightly and whispers in her ear, "It's alright cousin. Nothing and no one will ever keep us apart again."

Allura's crying gets louder and Keith looks to Sven with confusion written on his face. Sven looks at Keith and shakes his head. "I'll talk to you in a little while."

Keith nods his head in understanding.

The cousins release one another once Allura's crying has diminished. Wiping at her cheeks, Allura says, "I'm sorry Sven….how are you?"

Sven embraces Allura and answers, "I am fine. It is you I am worried about."

"Please don't worry about me. Everything will be better soon."

He whispers in her ear, "Do you still hurt?"

She nods her head slightly.

Sven tightens his hold and whispers again, "Bastard".

Keith watches the whole display of emotions. Not hearing the entire exchange, he becomes suspicious and decides to find out from his friend what is going on.

"Well Keith, while Romelle and Allura get caught up, how 'bout a drink with your ole buddy here?"

Keith looks to Allura to try to catch her eyes but is unsuccessful. "Sure Sven…I think I could use a drink. Good night Romelle….Allura."

"Good night." They both respond. Sven and Keith exit the gardens and Romelle and Allura remain, enjoying each other's company.

________________________

Sven and Keith make their way to the kitchen. Keith rummages through the cabinets to find some whiskey while Sven gets glasses and fills them with ice. "Ahhh…got it." Keith says as he pulls out the bottle of whiskey.

They sit down at the small table and Keith begins to fill each glass. "Here's to friendship," Sven says as he holds his glass up and taps it to Keith's glass. "It is good to be here with you again Keith. Miss Arus much?"

"I have to admit…yes I did. It is like being home." Keith admits while twirling his ice.

"How 'bout Allura? Miss her too?"

Keith smiles at Sven's forwardness. "Like I said…it's like being home."

"I'm glad to hear that Keith, because she is going to need you now more than ever."

Keith places his glass down. With a confused expression on his face, he says, "I don't know what you mean Sven."

Sven leans closer in towards the table. "You do know she is getting a divorce from Nathan?"

"I didn't think anyone knew except Coran and the council."

"Romelle and I only know because of the last incident between the two. We told her that if she didn't do something quick, we would have no choice but to go public with it." Sven takes a drink from his glass.

"Sven….what incident are you referring to? I thought things just didn't click between the two of them."

Sven lets out a chuckle. "Come on Keith, you don't think the council would even entertain the idea of a divorce if things just didn't 'click' between the two. Royal marriages rarely have the pleasure of love. If it was just that, then Allura would have to deal with it. You know damn well that she would have tried her best to make it work out…even if she is in love with the one person she can't have."

Keith raises an eyebrow. "She's in love with someone else? And she can't have him? Who?" The disappointment is clear in his voice.

Sven places his glass down and says, "Come on Keith…you kidding me? It's you…always has been. You are the one she loves and you are the only one she will ever love. She can't have you, because you won't make yourself available to her. I know you are in love with her as well, but for some reason, you won't tell her."

"Sven, she's married…"

"Going through a divorce."

"Ok, going through a divorce. But she is royalty…she has to marry someone of royal blood."

"Don't give me that bullshit. I am married to Romelle, Keith. I am not of royal blood. Not an ounce in me in fact. Stop with the excuses my friend."

Keith sighs and places his head in his hands. "I know Sven…it's been four years. How can I get time back?"

"You don't need time back. You go with the time you have now. I must warn you though...she's been through a lot."

"She made a comment about not being the same person she once was. Sven, could you tell me what she may mean by that?" Keith asks as he takes a drink of his whiskey.

Sven sighs. "I don't know if I should be the one to tell you…"

"Sven, if you don't, who will? Allura? I am not sure she wants to. Please, I want to help her."

"Ok, Keith, but I must warn you…it is pretty bad."

Keith nods his head in understanding. Sven begins, "Where to begin? Well, of course I met Nathan at the wedding. He seemed nice enough. Of course, he wasn't you. Allura was quite beautiful, no surprise there. She seemed happy, but Romelle and I knew different. Anyway, we had to go back to Pollux. Romelle and Allura talked often, then as time went by, their conversations were less and less. Romelle tried to get in contact with Allura, but was unable to reach her. When Allura did talk to Romelle, Nathan would listen to their conversation, and then he would demand Allura to get off. Romelle found out that he told Allura that he didn't want her to talk to Romelle anymore. That she was a bad influence on her. 'She married a low-life pilot' is what he said.

"You're kidding me?" Keith's eyes are wide with disbelief.

"I wish I was. Keith…there are things about Nathan and Allura's relationship you don't know about."

"Why do I get the feeling I am not going to like what you have to say?"

"I don't even like it. Ok, anyway, Nathan pretty much alienated Allura from everyone...even Coran." Sven states.

"How is that possible?"

"Well, Nathan brought in his own advisor. Coran got in his way. As a matter of fact, when Coran could not hold his peace any longer, Nathan had Coran thrown in the cells."

"The cells? Those cells haven't been used in I don't know how long. Why?"

Sven stands and walks to the kitchen door. He peers out to make sure no one is lurking around. He closes the door and walks back to the table and sits. "Allura was put into MedTech."

"What! Why?"

Sven sighs once more. "Keith…Allura was pregnant."

Keith's eyes go wide and Sven continues. "Nathan was less than faithful. He had a different woman just about every night, from what I've heard. Allura couldn't take anymore and confronted him with it. He got angry and…well, took his anger out on her."

Keith stands and places his palms on the table. Leaning over it, he asks with gritted teeth, "You mean he beat Allura?"

Sven looks up to him and nods his head. Keith slams his fist into the table. "THAT MOTHER FUCKER!!!!"

Sven stands quickly and moves to Keith's side. He places a hand on his shoulder. "Calm down Keith…he is a bastard, but he is getting his."

"Getting his? Getting his? How Sven!? He needs his ass kicked then thrown into a cell to rot for eternity. He likes to beat woman? Let him loose on me…I'll show him what a real beating is!"

Sven grabs Keith to calm him. "I agree with you Keith but if you go and seek him out, you will have ruined all the hurt and anguish Allura has gone through to get him out of her life."

Keith searches Sven's eyes, then he calms down. "Keith, Allura has to tell the council everything about her marriage to Nathan….everything in order for them to grant this divorce. Keith, I probably don't need to tell you this, but there wasn't just one beating…it happened quite a bit. She lost the baby and that was the turning point for her…well, I guess for Coran as well. She was in pretty bad shape. Coran went against Nathan and called Romelle and I. We came right away. Found out she had a few broken ribs and she is still recovering from that. She had head trauma and the blows to the abdomen are what did it for the baby."

Keith pulls away from Sven and sits down limply in the chair. "Why didn't you inform me?"

Sven pulls a chair up to sit next to him. "Allura didn't want anyone to know. Her people don't even know. She is very ashamed."

"But it isn't her fault. No woman deserves that. I don't understand why she just didn't beat his ass. We taught her self-defense. Hell, she used it quite often against Lotor."

"Nathan is her husband. She couldn't fight him. He is the King of Arus….for now anyway."

Keith lets out a sigh. "I should have been here for her. I abandoned her Sven. I was so hurt when she got married, that I couldn't even bring myself to call her. Selfish, I know. I should have never left."

Sven pours more whiskey into Keith's glass. "You couldn't have done anything if you were here Keith. Nathan would have had you thrown in the holding cell too. Hell, he probably would have done it just because you were here."

"Why? What did I ever do to him? I don't even know him."

"Keith…whether you know him or not, Nathan is very jealous of you. He knew Allura's heart wasn't fully his. Somehow he knew you captivated it."

Keith takes a drink. Sven follows his movements with his glass. "It will take some time for her to get back to who she was. You should be the one to help her. I think she would prefer that."

Keith looks over toward Sven. "I want to be the one to help her through this. But don't ask me to stand by and do nothing about Nathan. He will regret ever putting his hands on Allura. Got it?"

"Yes Keith…I've got it."

_______________________

Romelle walks with her arm around Allura. "How are you feeling cousin?"

Allura smiles slightly. "Better. I still hurt from time to time, but I think things are beginning to come to a close….finally."

"And, the boys are back." Romelle says with a chuckle.

"Yes, I am very glad about that. I've missed them so much."

"And especially Keith…" she smiles to Allura.

Allura stops and looks to Romelle. "Romelle! I can't believe you."

"Allura…look…this is like a second chance for the two of you. You had to learn a hard lesson to get to this point. Don't let this opportunity pass you by…again."

Allura lowers her head. "I just don't know if I can. I don't know who I am right now Romelle. I feel so…lost."

"I understand Allura. Any other woman would have crumbled by what you have been through. You have lifted yourself up and done what you needed to do." Romelle hugs Allura tightly. "Have faith Allura. Everything happens for a reason. Things will work out. I know they will."

Allura deepens her hug with Romelle and simply says, "Thank you." With a single tear escaping.

_________________________

The next morning, Allura enters the Control Room to see everyone standing, watching the view screen. "What's going on?"

Lance turns to her and replies, "Well, I thought we were going to have lion practice, but it seems like the 'fearless leader' decided to have it alone."

Allura raises her gaze to see that the view screen is showing the Black Lion speeding through the skies, dropping missiles, and shooting at every practice target in its path. "Why do you think he is out there alone?"

"Well, a lot of things haven't changed with Keith over the years. He still gets out on a one man mission when he is pissed off about something. Don't know what hit his button so quickly." Lance rubs his chin in thought.

Allura meets Sven's gaze, but he quickly drops it. "Maybe we should go join him. He needs to calm down and if we are out there with him, it might help."

"I think Allura is right. Voltron Force, go to your lions." Coran demands. The remaining members enter the chuts and descend to their lion's den to join their commander in the sky.

Romelle looks to Sven as she says, "Sven, what did you say to Keith last night?"

Sven looks heavily into Romelle's eyes and answers, "I told him everything…just about."

"Oh Sven!" Romelle throws her hands in the air. "How could you? It wasn't your place to say anything."

"Keith is my best friend Romelle. He has always been there for me. We all know how the two of them feel about one another. If anyone can help Allura through all of this…it is Keith!"

Coran interrupts, "Romelle, forgive me, but I think Sven is right. The only people Allura has told about her terrible marriage she had is the council. They of course are not going to be the ones to help her through this. They are simply gathering data to grant a divorce. I don't think they really are too concerned about how she heals from this. Keith cares more for Allura than we even know. I truly believe that this is their time."

Romelle crosses her arms in front of her chest. "Yes, if they would both stop being so stubborn."

"Well yes, there is that." Coran chuckles.

___________________________

"Hey Keith! How come you didn't invite us to this party?" Hunk says lightly.

"What are you guys doing up here?" Keith's voice is full of irritation.

Lance rushes in and says, "Well, it is lion practice and we are flying the lions. I sure hate to be those targets right about now. Problems?"

"None….why would there be 'problems'?" Sarcasm beams over the airways.

Lance's shocked face is seen over the monitors. "Hey, since when has he started taking lessons from me?"

"Lance, please. Keith, is there something bothering you? This isn't like you…."

"Allura? Why are you up here? Shouldn't you be with the council?" Keith snaps.

Allura is caught off guard. What in the world is wrong with him?

"Fine! I'm heading back to the castle. You guys can stay up here and practice all you want." Keith turns Black lion quickly and speeds back to the castle, leaving the others to wonder.

Keith enters the control room and quickly exits it, making contact with no one. Sven, Romelle, and Coran just stand, watching his retreating back.

"He doesn't look too happy." Sven says.

"I just don't know if he was ready to hear this. They've only been back a short time."

Sven pulls Romelle into a hug and kisses the top of her head. "He will be fine. He just needs some time to cool off. I am just glad Nathan isn't around. Then, we would have some serious trouble."

The remaining members of the Voltron Force enter the room. They briskly walk in and Allura passes them all. "Where is he?"

Sven answers, "I am not sure, he just walked out."

Allura tosses her helmet to Lance. "Wait, where you goin?" Lance asks.

"I'm going to find out what the hell is wrong with our Commander!" She storms out of the room.

"Whoa….I hate to be him right now. I've never seen her like that." Lance admits.

________________________

Allura quickly walks down the halls of the castle. She spots a guard walking in her direction. "Josh, have you seen Commander Kogane anywhere?"

"Yes Your Majesty. He went into conference room B."

"Thank you." Allura picks up her pace. Reaching the door, she stops upon opening it. She takes a deep breath and walks in. She closes the door behind her and scans the room with her eyes. She sees Keith sitting on the long, rectangular table with his legs dangling over the side. His palms are pressed firmly to the surface and his head is held low.

She walks slowly up to the table and stops a few feet away from him. "Keith? Please don't do this. I'd like to know if I can help you through whatever is bothering you."

Keith raises his head and meets her caring eyes. "You want to help me through whatever it is? What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Why Allura? Why did you let him do those things to you?" Keith pleads with her.

Allura's eyes widen and she turns away from him. "I guess you and Sven had quite a talk last night."

Keith scoots himself off the table and comes closer to where she stands. "I dragged it out of him."

"How much did he tell you?"

"Everything. That he alienated you from your friends and family. He cheated on you, and…..and caused you to miscarry your child."

Allura looks away once more with tears in her eyes. Keith moves to comfort her, but she moves away. "You want to know why I let him do those things to me? I want to know why he did those things to me. I asked myself that question everyday for two and a half years. I still catch myself asking it. I know I will never get the answer."

"He was my husband. He didn't really want me. He wanted the power that came along with being King of Arus. He got Voltron that way, not to mention the respect of the entire galaxy because of it. It isn't really his fault I guess…I didn't really want him either."

"Allura….don't do that."

"Oh, I'm not defending him Keith. I stopped doing that the day our child died…my child. I may not have loved the father, but I would have loved that baby no matter what."

"I know you would have. I'm just trying to understand." Keith tries to get her to make eye contact with him.

"Understand? How can I help you understand when I don't? Why are you so angry anyway?"

Keith runs a hand through his hair agitatedly. "Because Allura! I wasn't here! I wasn't here to help you through this! I should have been….I hate….to see you hurt."

Allura stands with her mouth agape. "Keith, you couldn't be here. You are an Alliance pilot and you were needed elsewhere. I wish you were here too, but that didn't happen. Please don't blame yourself." She walks over and places a hand on his forearm. He raises his head to look into her eyes. "You were always good at blaming things on yourself Commander. Don't do it anymore…ok?"

Keith smiles at her. "I'll try. As long as you don't blame yourself for what that jerk did to you."

"Well, I'm getting there. I wish I heard word from the council…then I would feel much better."

"How long did they say it would take?" Keith asks.

"I had my last proceedings yesterday. Who knows when they will make their decision."

Allura sits up on the table in a similar fashion to the way Keith had just moments ago. "So, tell me. Is there a lucky woman waiting for you back on Earth?"

Keith searches her eyes. "No"

"No!? Come on…four years and no one?" Allura tries to lighten the mood.

"Well, I had dates, but I just didn't connect with anyone…I guess. I went out on a lot of missions. I was gone for months at a time….couldn't really have a relationship."

"Oh Keith, when you find that special person, distance is nothing…time even." The last words are lightly spoken.

Keith walks up to where Allura sits and he stands just in front her. He gives her no choice but to look up at him. He feels his heart tighten in his chest and he can contain it no longer. He says to her, "I could never give my heart to anyone because my heart was already taken."

Allura gazes deep into Keith's eyes and he reaches down and captures both of her hands in his. He pulls them to his chest and kisses them lightly. She watches every movement he makes and her heart begins to beat quickly. Tears begin to fall down her cheeks and Keith pulls her into an embrace. He wraps his arms around her frame and she fists his shirt into her hands.

Allura pulls him closer to her and he tightens his embrace. The tears continue to fall and the only word she is able to whisper is… "Keith."

The conference room door swings open and the couple parts. Coran comes rushing in the room. "Your Majesty! There is news…the council has made their decision!"

Allura and Keith look to one another. Keith smiles at her. "Go get 'em."

She pushes herself off the table and says, "Wish me luck."

Keith holds her hand and says, "You don't need luck. You got this." She smiles at him and they hold their gaze a little while longer.

Coran holds his arm out for her to take it and she accepts it.

____________________________

Coran and Allura walk to the council chambers. Before the doors open, Coran turns to Allura and gives her a hug. "No matter what happens in there, you are a survivor. You can overcome anything."

Allura pulls back from him and smiles deeply. She places her hands on the door to open them. As the doors open, Allura strides in. It is time for her to face the council and find out what her future will be.