Author's Notes: These chapters are just getting longer and longer. Hope I'm doing the characters justice. Thank you to anyone who reading this story.

Chapter 4: Learning All New, Clever Efficiency

Why did she make this thing so difficult to hit?

The small, automated drone flew around the secondary training room at maximum speed. Maz's invention, along with a self-made blaster, were supposed to enhance her training, not frustrate her. She aimed at the drone again and pulled the trigger, only to add another scorch mark to the walls. Even after nearly a phoebe of distance training, Maz had only hit the drone once.

Why distance weapon training? Maz was still working on her machine for close combat and a drone is easier (and faster) to build. Who knew?

The timer went off telling Maz she needed to charge the drone soon. With a sigh, she pulled out the drone's remote and turned it off.

"Giving up already?"

Maz jumped and started pointing her weapon towards the door, but stopped. Of course, it was the one person who could approach her without warning.

"Simac! You know I hate it when you sneak up on me." she exclaimed, quickly noticing the stern expression she was receiving. "Am I needed in the med bay? I didn't receive…"

Simac held up his hand to silence the now nervous youngling. Maz immediately snapped her mouth shut.

"You have done nothing wrong. In fact, it is quite the opposite." The medical expert stepped aside allowing Princess Allura to step into the room.

Maz's eyes went wide as she gave the Altean a respectful bow. "Your Highness, it is an honor."

"The honor is mine. Please rise." Maz obeyed and received a warm smile. The princess turned to Simac. "Thank you Simac. That will be all." He nodded and left.

"How may I be of service Princess?"

"Actually, I wanted to do something for you. You might want to bring your weapon with you." She motioned for Maz to follow her and the two walked down the hallway. "As of late, I have heard a lot of you Maz. You've made quite an impression. For the past movement, I've had the space mice keep an eye on you."

Wait, what? Maz didn't think the space mice were real.

"You've been training yourself in long range combat and are preparing for close combat training. I wanted to help."

During the conversation, Princess Allura had been leading Maz to the Security Door. Beyond the door was the restricted part of the castle. Maz hesitated as the door slide open, but continued with the Princess who was still walking.

"It has been a while since I've allowed anyone beyond this point. I expect you know the discretion I am asking of you."

Maz nodded in understanding and was lead to another door. The princess stopped, Maz followed suit. "Please take as long as you'd like. They've promised to keep their bickering to a minimum, but…" she shrugged. "Enjoy."

With that, the princess turned and left a dumbfounded Maz at the door. This had to be a fever dream. There is no way Princess Allura would bring her to the restricted area, then leave. On the other hand, there was no way Maz could think of something like this. With that thought she walked through the door.

The sound of a blaster hitting a target greeted her. What she saw was beyond belief.

The man's short brown hair was plastered to darker skin via sweat. The blue shirt wasn't fairing much better. But that wasn't what drew Maz's attention. She was focused on his movement. Long legs carried him with impossible speed while long arms held a strange looking blue and white blaster. The man's expression calm.

Three more shots took down as many targets before he noticed Maz.

"End training sequence," he yelled. The targets still intact disappeared through the ceiling. The man ran an arm across his forehead. The blaster disappearing in a flash of light.

"Hey," he said casually. "You must be Maz. I'm Lance."

"Pleasure." Maz couldn't decide if Lance was his real name. "Are… are you a Paladin?"

"The one and only Blue Paladin at your service." Lance gave a mock bow. "Oh, and Mullet Man over there," he pointed to the corner of the training deck, "is Keith. He's the Red Paladin."

The man in question was sitting cross-legged, gloved hands resting on knees. The red jacket was a stark contrast to his long(er) black hair and extremely pale skin. His expression peaceful with closed eyes. As far as Maz could tell, he'd been like that for a while.

Maz's curiosity got the better of her. "What is he doing?"

"He's meditating. Probably talking to the Red Lion."

"Woah! Really? How does that work?"

Lance gave Keith a puzzled look. "You know, I'm not entirely sure. It's kind of like a trance. We go into a mind-scape that allows us to communicate with our loins and each other. He doesn't even know what's going on around him. I'd wake him up, but being forced out of the mind-meld is extremely painful and disorienting."

"You speak from experience?" Maz raised an eyebrow.

Lance laughed. "Unfortunately. Anyways, nice blaster. Mind if I see it?"

Maz handed over the hand-made weapon. Lance looked it over with careful eyes. Out of nowhere, he aimed at Keith and fired. A scorch mark appearing on the floor just in front of his left knee. Keith didn't even flinch.

"Not bad. Sight needs some slight calibration, but still affective." Lance made an adjustment and fired again. This time hitting dead center in front of the Red Paladin. "Ah ha! There we go. Alright, show me what you got."

Lance handed the blaster back to the speechless Maz. He laughed as he called a stationary target from the ceiling. Still speechless, Maz fired at the target, hitting the outer edge.

"Nice. Already better than Mullet."

Maz laughed, but quickly glanced towards the occupied corner. Again, no movement.

"So," Lance said bring her out of her thoughts, "you got the basics down. All that's needed is some adjustments and you'll be a pro in no time."

Lance showed Maz how to hold herself properly. She was about to take another shot when…

"LANCE!"

Two heads whipped around to see the Red Paladin standing up with his arms crossed. It wasn't anger he showed, but annoyance. That caught Maz by surprise.

"Did you use me for target practice?"

Lance smirked back. "You now I can't resist showing off. You should be lucky that mullet of yours is still there."

"That's the last time I meditate around you." Keith scoffed. His purple gaze turned to Maz. "I'm guessing you're Maz?"

She nodded. It was weird having people, much less the Paladins, know her name.

"I hope Mr. Tailor hasn't corrupted you too much yet." Keith jabbed his thumb towards a seething Blue Paladin.

"Hey!" Lance shouted. "It's Sharpshooter now and no, I haven't 'corrupted' anyone. Now if you don't mind…"

Keith chuckled and rolled his eyes and walked back towards the corner. "Whatever." Lance motioned for Maz to continue.

A few more practice rounds and adjustments later, Maz could hit a slow-moving drone.

"Nice!" Lance proclaimed. "You are quite the fast learner. Maybe it because you had such a great teacher." He puffed is chest.

Keith huffed, but didn't say anything. Eventually, the trio called it a day and the Paladins escorted Maz out of the restricted section planning to meet at the Security Doors the next quintant.

It was extremely difficult to sleep that night.