Good evening! This chapter is a little shorter than most, but hopefully you will like it.
Mertz: Yep! You know that's what I like. There's a lot of mysteries in this fic. LOL. Well…I hope they came out the way I thought about them in my brain. :))
Kristina Marie: You'll be glad to see that there are very much grown up and very much imperfect in their own right. Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoy this new style of writing. Hee hee hee.
Cubbiesfan1: Well, my friend, you will see that Lance's gravitates on the pompous, but his heart is always in the right place. Most of the time. ;). The reunion should be very interesting. The team is very broken. They are really going to have to work together to get over some major issues not only among each other, but their inner selves.
Carly Chameleon: Thank you so much! Thank you for your compliments. The immortality angle really came from watching that horrible vampire movie Twilight. LOL! Sorry, I thought it was so bad, but I loved the idea of living forever. But as you will see, I have even twisted this a little. If you decide to keep reading you will see what I did. But, thank you so much for reading. I've been out for a while, so coming back to the Voltron world is both exciting and a little scary.
Sparky88: Let's just say that 1. I believe in happy endings, and 2. I believe that ALL deserve a happy ending. ;)
Okay. Here's three. Hope all of you have a wonderful week.
Playlist:
Fade into You: Mazzy Star
Inescape: Stateless
Bullet Proof…I wish I was: Radiohead
Chapter 3
Sam walked Allura to her apartment door later that evening, annoyed that he dropped her off at her place on the eve of their anniversary. Separate abodes, he inwardly sighed. Yet, another ongoing issue in our turbulent relationship.
"You know," he gently started, "You could pick up some of your things and we can head back to my place?"
Altair immediately shook her head, "No, I'd rather stay here, Sam." As she turned and swiped her keycard to the slot, the front door swooshed open. It felt right to stay at her place tonight. She had many things to think about before her meeting with Coran. Turning around to bid Sam goodnight, Allura suddenly felt his lips on hers.
"Let me spend the night with you?" He told her after the lingering kiss. The question sounded more like a statement than a request.
She felt like turning him down, but Sam's gentle kisses swayed her answer. She didn't reply. Instead, Allura allowed him to guide her into the apartment. As he kissed her, he loosened the stings that held the top of her red dress. The tall man continued undressing her between kisses and gentle caresses. The door of her apartment closed.
VVVVVVVVVV
Keith had not seen the people he considered family for years, much less spoken to them. He didn't initiate any contact or interactions either. He disappeared from their lives or rather his decision pulled them apart.
The last time he saw the team, the former commander of the Voltron Force had turned twenty seven, two days prior to his transfer to the Garrison Penitentiary, at his sentencing hearing. Once the judge sentenced and ordered him out of the courtroom, Keith turned to see them and was greeted with stone cold faces filled with anger, disappointment, and hatred. He showed no emotion in return. Looking back to the guard that retrained him, he whispered his desire to leave. The celebration for that birthday took place in a five by six cell as he pondered on his actions.
He accepted no visitors during his incarceration, but knew of one that attempted to see him and demand an explanation for his actions. He would not provide one nor did he wish to. With time, the attempts ceased.
Part of him felt relieved, the other felt disappointment. But, in the end, Keith could not take back what he did. He never went back on his word or his actions. Final decisions. No going back. Keith lived that way and would die that way. The only relief he felt during the years of incarceration was that the team had gone on with their lives despite his actions.
As he left the bar, he rode his motorcycle out of Almeria and into Costas Del Sol, an area filled with high rises and small boutiques, galleries, and stores. The area had upscale restaurants, casual cafes, and delightful delicatessens on almost every corner. A combination of a business and art district, Costas Del Sol had a charm and attraction that mixed both corporate capitalists, eccentric artists, and social busybodies. Keith didn't know why he rode there. But he needed to. As he thought back on his incarceration and the reinstatement of the team, he contemplated on one person, his soul.
Allura constantly made a presence at the penitentiary. She immediately left Arus and relocated to Earth just to be with him. But, despite her efforts, Keith turned her away countless times. The first year the relentless Altair visited him three or four times a week. It killed him to say no every time. At one point, the guards begged him to spare a few minutes and see her, even if just tell her to stop coming. He couldn't do that either. Keith couldn't see her. She stopped visiting him after an exhausting three years of trying. Looking at her would provoke him to open a box full of...
"Damn!" he breathed out suddenly.
The horn from the car behind startled him. Keith hadn't noticed that he had stopped at a red light. Now green, he hadn't bothered to continue. Thinking of Allura made it impossible for him to do the simplest of tasks. Turning onto Mareo Avenue, he parked the bike a few blocks away from his destination. He would walk the rest of the way.
He lived the first years at the Garrison Penitentiary, five levels below the surface in solitary confinement. Solitude at his side. The deeper levels housed inmates considered highly dangerous to the population and the guards. Years of Opt Training gave Keith skills that surpassed the average Garrison soldier. In his small cell, sealed from almost everything and everyone, he knew the moment Allura entered the penitentiary. He sensed her. Their bond, so special, never broke despite the distance. The bond, so strong between them, almost addicting, drew them closer than imaginable. With such fervor that at times, he ached and could feel her ache as well when their emotions peaked. He missed that feeling. But more than that, he missed her.
Keith hadn't seen her in years, but knew Allura found another person to share her life with. A good man, Samuel Gellar made her happy. He hated the bastard. Well, not personally, but he hated that Gellar could give Allura what he could not.
Stopping by her high rise building, Keith looked up, closed his eyes and focused on her. All these years, he purposely tried to avoid her, to keep his distance, to let her live her own life. Tonight, he could not. Drawing closer to the building where she lived in, he smelled her essence, remembered how her soft skin felt against his, how his fingers caressed her long blonde mane. He hadn't seen her in years, but soon that would change.
VVVVVVVVVV
With a jolt of shock hitting her chest, Allura woke from a deep sleep. Her body always responded when she felt him close. She never understood why the bond between them never ceased, despite what she thought of him. He's here. Carefully, Altair pulled away from Sam. The man murmured a bit, but she quieted him down, "Shh, go back to sleep Sam," she whispered. "I'm thirsty, I'm getting some water." He murmured again, but within seconds went back to sleep.
Altair walked to her closet and found her satin robe to pull it over her naked body before leaving the room. Walking toward the balcony door, she pushed a button on the wall and the doors slid open. Gentle winds embraced her as she stepped out and walked to the rails.
"Keith," she whispered. Allura knew she'd receive no answer. Never having received one in the past, she didn't expect one in return. Closing her eyes to feel his presence. Allura felt so complete and safe when she bonded with Keith. Sighing heavily, she almost smiled at the sensations that went through her body. She could feel his body against her, could almost taste him. How can I still feel this way about you after all these years?
Allura thought of all they went through together, the love they shared, and endless nights of raw…
Quickly, she opened her eyes and shook her head with regret. No! The woman couldn't allow her thoughts to take her back to a past she escaped from years back. She would not allow the hurt to come back, not ever!
Suddenly, it felt wrong to stand there for a traitor, a murderer she now hated. Allura could not allow herself to feel anything for him. Tears suddenly fell from her eyes, but she hastily stopped herself. I will not cry for you…you did not deserve it!
Wiping them away, she turned and headed back to her room, blocking feelings that she usually longed for, turning them away.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
With eyes still closed, Keith felt a massive flood of warmth and desire. Then, they abruptly stopped. Coldness seeped his bones as the coolness of the night settled around him. He bowed his head in regret. His longtime friend solitude accompanied him as he turned and walked away.
VVVVVVVVVV
Lotor, crowned Prince of Doom, walked the hallways of his castle with a satisfactory grin and a dignified saunter. Thick gold walls decorated the entire Castle. Marble floors shined against the crystal chandeliers casting a dim and rather eerie light throughout the hallways. His father, the deceased King Zarkon, wouldn't have settled for anything less grandeur when it came to showing the fruits of his conquests around the galaxy. It offended the prince to see how the Garrison carelessly dismantled his father's palace. They even had the audacity of using the castle as a storage facility to keep whatever they did not find use for.
Out of all of Zarkon's treasures very few things survived. Century old paintings worth millions were taken and sold, jewelry belonging to his family vanished after his father's murder. With all his family's fortune missing, nothing remained for the long lost ruler other than meager leftovers of a once powerful empire.
When he first walked in to the castle, the prince felt disillusioned at the site of his father's musty dark dwellings that held nothing of his past. But Lotor refused to let his surroundings discourage him. Another couple of years and they would of broken the castle apart as well. Infidels! He thought. How dare they demoralize our royal line?
The Garrison, accomplices of the murders of his father and brother, would soon meet their demise. Now, strong enough, Lotor had every intention to make them pay for what they had done to him. Galaxy Garrison would think twice about touching him or his people. Of course…that would be if they'd in fact survive his wrath.
With the conquests he gained in other galaxies, Lotor began rebuilding his family's castle. Nowhere restored to its original glory, he knew the structure would one day rise. The prince swore to recover everything that had been stolen from him. He made a promise to his family and he'd delivery it, no matter what challenges came.
His trip down melancholy road ended once one of his servants interrupted him. Previously, a civilian of Korrinth, Lotor learned that Yurak served under his father's army. Later, after the invasion, Yurak was put on trial for his crimes. The Drule's sentence, ten years in a Korrinth penitentiary, left him filled with rage and thoughts of revenge. The feelings ended once Lotor regained control and took over the planet. It didn't take long for the older Drule to not only claim back his prestigious position, but to promise his unconditional loyalty to the prince.
When Lotor took over Doom, Yurak immediately offered his services. Apparently, his civilian profession left nothing to be desired. The prince took him in as his first officer. Yurak provided a wealth of information for him, "Sire, I've located your father and brother's portraits in one of the castle basements and ordered them hung in the throne room."
"Perfect. Show me," Lotor ordered as both Drules headed to the throne room.
Once they arrived, Yurak opened the doors to the prince who immediately smiled as he walked in. The throne room had been restored days earlier. A long isle welcomed them when the golden doors opened. The isle guided him toward three thrones, all made of gold and decorated with a massive amount of stones. Three thrones, Zarkon's, Zolon's and his….what would have been, until Garrison changed the plans.
Lotor looked around the room. His father's portrait, so majestic, so regal, so proud…everything Lotor yearned for himself, now a distant memory. He took a look at his brother's portrait. The prince could see the similarities between him and Zolon. They almost looked alike. Both had long lustrous white hair, light blue skin with strong upper torsos. The only difference lied in their eyes. Zolon had taken his mother's features of human round eyes, whereas Lotor had taken his father's yellow reptilian shape.
"Impressive." Lotor nodded.
"I've already found an artist who will paint yours. Soon the throne room will be completed and ready for your coronation."
"No coronation. I've changed my mind," Lotor turned and began walking out.
Perplexed, Yurak followed him, "Your Highness, I don't understand. As the last surviving member of the royal line, you are next to stand as king. Why won't you take your father's place?"
"Because, Yurak," Lotor continued walking down the hallways toward his control room, "It is not my rightful place…yet." Stopping, he turned around to his first in command. "My father's life must be avenged before I can claim what belonged to him. Only then will my coronation have meaning. I've promised them to destroy everyone who partook in taking them away from me."
Yurak smiled proudly. Lotor was more than he could have ever hoped for in a monarch and a ruler. "You will make your father and brother very proud," he nodded.
Lotor smiled at his officer, "I plan on rebuilding their memory and ending the lives that ended theirs. Until then, I cannot claim my rightful place as their successors."
VVVVVVVVVV
As the ship touched down on the Arusian Corps landing bay, Darrell looked out the window paying close attention to the area outside, "Hasn't changed much," he acknowledged.
"No, not at all," Hunk answered as he scanned the area. "Do you think we'll see them today?"
"Oh, I'm sure," Darrell nodded. "Knowing Coran, he'll stick us all in one room and begin barking orders."
"I'm not looking forward to this," Hunk sighed as the honesty of the statement marked the features in his face.
He had spoken to Lucy the day before and she agreed to accompany him to Arus and live with him at the base until the mission ended. Hunk warned her that Arus would probably be their home for a long time, that this new turn of events would mean a shift in their current life. Lucy just smiled and kissed him, "Where you go, I go," she simply told him before walking out of their living room and telling him, "I'll start packing your things." Just remembering the moment brought a smile to his face. Hunk took a deep breath. God, he missed her.
"Lucy will be here in a month or two," Darrell replied trying to console his friend who knew immediately where his thoughts drifted to.
Hunk nodded, "I know. That's the only thing that keeps me at sane." Lucy stayed behind to put up the apartment for sale, settle their affairs and complete a couple of pending jobs her clients had commissioned her to do.
The younger man didn't reply. He had thought of calling Hope before he left, but quickly stopped himself from doing it. She had heard, probably from Lucy that he'd be leaving for Arus and had called him a few times. He never answered the calls. Now, part of Darrell felt guilty.
Darrell couldn't fathom why Hope, with only twenty one years of age, had attached herself so deeply to him. She could experience so much more. But the young girl had told him once that, she never needed to search, she always knew it was him she wanted. Darrell still couldn't understand that. She's too young, she doesn't know squat! He couldn't allow her to get too close to him. Or worse, tie herself to him for an eternity. Yet, Darrell missed her, too much, he admitted to himself. The man shook those feelings away. Hope was now his past, he had to focus on his present and the new chapter he now faced.
The vidscreen of the ship automatically turned on to reveal Coran with a small smile staring back at them, "Gentlemen! Welcome back to Arus."
"Hello Coran." Hunk replied with a genuine smile. "It's great to see you too. Although, I wish it could be under better circumstances."
"I agree Lieutenant, but we must make due with what we have. You have clearance to enter the base. I'll have Ensign Mosley bring you in. We'll see you soon." With that the vidscreen flashed back to black.
"You think he's in there?" Darrell asked as they began disembarking the ship.
"Who?"
Snorting and shaking his head, Darrell answered, "You know who. Him?"
"I'm sure he is," Hunk nodded. "Bastard will most likely have command."
"Do you think you'll be able to work with him?"
Laughing sarcastically, Hunk replied, "Like we have a choice. Do I want to work with Kogane? No." He shook his head, "But we better. This mission is about saving Arus and the Garrison, certainly not about him or the hell he put us all through."
"You didn't really answer my question," Darrell snorted as he listened to Hunk state a very diplomatic answer that he didn't buy for a second.
Sighing, Hunk replied, "I don't know…but I have to try."
VVVVVVVVVV
When both men entered the base, a petite young woman with short blonde hair greeted them. Her round green eyes and a bright smile enchanted anyone who crossed paths with her, "Morning gentlemen, I'm Ensign Kirian Mosley, assistant to Advisor Coran. Welcome back to Arus!"
"Hello. I'm Lieutenant Darrell Stoker, pilot of the green lion," Darrell smiled as he greeted the cute young woman. Hunk inwardly rolled his eyes. "This is a real nice welcome."
"What is?" the young girl asked a bit naively.
"You. You are a very nice welcome Ensign Mosley," Darrell answered with a wink. The young girl giggled a bit. Her cheeks flushed red. Hunk sighed, Damn, he's worse than Lance now.
"Allow me to show you where your team will meet," Mosley turned around and gestured to follow them. "Please follow me."
As Mosley led them down the long corridors, Hunk gave his younger friend the look of death. Darrell snorted silently. When they reached an entrance to another unit of the building, the young girl turned around and faced them, "Please wait a moment, I'm going to inform Advisor Coran that you are here." She smiled, turned and entered the door, leaving the other two outside.
"What are you doing?" Hunk asked roughly, looking at his friend. "Don't start playing with that kid. You have reservations against Hope and she's twenty one. This girl is about the same age."
"Who says I'm playing with her? I just greeted the woman." Darrell firmly answered. "Hunk, leave me alone, I know what I'm doing."
"The hell you do!" His friend answered. "You are not playing this girl. I mean it, Darrell. Why can't you stay still for a while? Maybe you'll realize what you really want before hurting someone else."
Darrell sighed, "I'll keep my pants on if that's what you mean, okay?"
"That's the least of my worries," Hunk stated. "Listen, you were with Hope for two years. Frankly, I think she was the best thing that ever happened to you. But if you feel she's not the one, then…so be it. I can't change that. Just sort out your feelings first and then decide where you want to go from there."
Sighing, Darrell nodded, "Why do you care so much? We don't all have to have someone. I mean, Lance is okay living his life the way he does, he's alright."
Hunk snorted, "Lance has a lot to learn. He's a lost cause."
About to counter the argument, Darrell didn't have a chance to, as Mosley opened the door for them, "Gentlemen, they're waiting for you."
VVVVVVVVVV
Allura walked through the titanium walls inside the Arusian base feeling each beat of her heart pounding against the cold metal walls. The coolness around her felt ironically stifling. A pulsating and nagging feeling surfaced in the pit of her stomach. Nerves. She hadn't been through the area in years, not because she lacked bravery to do so, but because many memories swarmed along the confines of the area. Altair had no desires to revisit memories of a life no longer in existence.
The walls marked the entrance of the secret confine beneath the base. Only used when discussing secret missions, co-op operations and confidential projects, the area stayed locked and restricted to other personnel at the base. The confines also held all five lions that lay dormant, waiting for their pilots to bring in their souls and awaken them from slumber.
When Allura reached the base early that morning, Advisor Coran's apprentice notified her that he'd be waiting for her in confine twenty-eight, the lions' lair. Now, as Altair walked the hallways, an eerie tingly feeling crept at the nape of her neck. It might as well have been a déjà vu of times long ago. Surprised, she found that this feeling brought a life within her that she hadn't felt since she last walked the hallways so many years ago.
Entering the confine doors, a holographic image of a young man in Arusian uniform appeared in front of her, "Good morning, Lieutenant Altair. Please provide your code of entry."
"115813," Allura declared.
"Thank you." The image disappeared and another set of doors a few feet away from her opened. The image then reappeared and guided her in, "Please follow me, Lieutenant Altair. The rest of the team is waiting for you."
"Rest of the team?" She asked with a confused look.
"Yes, your team," the image smiled. "Advisor Coran will relay further details to you once you enter."
Coran wanting to speak to her.
Keith's visit earlier that morning.
Oh no. Her heart thumped faster.
She knew. Oh God. Feeling him was one thing, seeing him…working with him…having him close…Allura didn't know how strong she could be if she physically had Keith Kogane next to her.