(~)
That night, the Arusians held a grand festival for their heroes. Female Arusians danced, showering their guests with flower petals. Hunk played games with the children, as did Lance. Coran happily told some of his old war tales, which left the Arusian warriors staring in awe. Balto played fetch with a few of the children, while Pidge introduced the Arusians to video games. Allura was happily chatting with the king and several of his subjects, all the while female Arusians showered the red lion with flowers. The mecha cat shook them off his head, making Allura giggle.
Keith, however, kept his distance, leaning against a nearby tree, watching as everyone else participated in the festivities. It wasn't that he didn't feel included, it was just that Keith wasn't much of a party person. If anything, whenever there was a festival or special event, nobody, aside from his friends, ever made him feel welcome. This was one of the rare times where someone else have purposely invited him to join in the fun. It was very new and strange for Keith, he didn't know how to respond. Everybody else managed to socialize almost effortlessly well, while he didn't even know how to begin small talk. Even when he first met Allura she was the one who incited the conversation. He didn't even know what to say.
Still, it as hard for him not to feel some form of joy and satisfaction. Here he was, on a strange alien planet with his three best friends, pet coyote, and this spitfire of a princess who managed to literally drag them all the way across the universe in the blink of an eye. A smile formed across his face as he watched Allura laugh alongside the Arusians. She had mentioned she wasn't all that sociable when around other people, but her interactions with the Arusians said otherwise. Then again, she didn't behave like a regal sophisticated princess. She acted like…well, like an ordinary person happily spending time with others. Maybe if this were a literal royal gala or so he would see things differently. Keith had seen Allura once or twice on the news alongside her father whenever they held these royal parties. Allura was always the eye catching beauty that men would wait in line just to have one dance with her. In those times, she appeared very controlled and poised, but here she was…
Free.
"Enjoying the view?"
Keith flinched when he heard Lance sneaking up from behind him. The tan skinned cuban descendant boy held a glass cup of pinkish liquid in his hand, and his free hand behind his back.
"You know I hate it when you do that!"
Lance simply shrugged while wearing a smug smile and turned his attention to Allura. The music had started playing again, and the little Arusians asked the princess to dance with them. She happily complied. Lance's grin only grew bigger once he noticed the look on Keith's face as she moved gracefully alongside the little aliens. Even Balto happily barked and jumped around beside her. Her long silver hair moved like sea foam as the waved crashed into the shoreline. Her laugher rivaled the sound of jingling bells.
So entranced by the princess, Keith was brought back to reality when Lance nudged his arm. "Well, what are you waiting for? Go dance with her."
"Are you crazy? I can't dance."
"Neither can Hunk, but that's not stopping him." Lance gestured to Hunk who was, for some reason, doing the robot with the Arusians. The little aliens laughed and mimicked his moves. Lance gave Keith a gentle nudge, "Come on, man, go for it."
Keith rose an eyebrow, arms still folded over his chest. "Hold on a second. You've done nothing but bicker with her since we left Altea, and now you're telling me to make a move?"
"Hey, don't get me wrong, she's stubborn, unpredictable, snarky, and seems to have some kind of compulsion for piloting…she reminds me a lot of you. You got on my nerves the first time we met."
"That's because you challenged me to a hover bike race after you saw I was faster, and thought I was trying to one up you."
"And we've been best buds/friendly rivals ever since." Lance said with a proud smile. "You know, after I beat you."
"What are you talking about? I beat you."
"Details, details." Lance shrugged it off before wrapping one arm around his friend, "My point is, when the universe is merciful enough to give you that one chance at true love, you don't just sit idly by and let pass. You take by the horns and you nerve look back. All the while sweet violin music plays out of nowhere" Lance said, pretending to play an invisible violin. The expressive young lad contrasting with Keith's calm and rather stoic posture as he watched in concern. It was no wonder he was still single.
"Eh, I don't really think I'm her type." Keith said, looking crestfallen.
"And why not?" Lance asked, ceasing to pretend to play the violin. "This Galra business again? You know, what's wrong with being half and half, I'd like to know. Heck, I'm a proud half cuban half puerto rican, with a pinch of Irish on my dad's side."
"Irish? Really?"
"It's very far back. So, you have a mixed heritage, so what? She doesn't seem to mind."
The music continued to play on, and Allura spun around gracefully, her short skirt billowing as she twirled. The very thought of dancing with her made Keith feel all shaky and anxious. It was easier to talk to her, or at lest less stressful when it was just the two of them (along with the coyote and mice), but with all of these people…he was more hesitant than ever. She didn't appear to mind that he was half Galra, but Keith just because she was okay with it didn't mean her father would be. Or anybody else for that matter. Lance, Hunk and Pidge already received some criticisms just for knowing Keith, he wouldn't want the same to happen to Allura. Not to mention, given her father's less than positive history with the Galra, he would no doubt show even hesitation to allowing his daughter to socialize with him. Shiro may have mentioned various times that King Alfor was a kind and accepting man, but he saw the hesitation in his eyes during Shiro's funeral. he may have held a polite mask all throughout, but there was no mistaking his true feelings.
Keith's eyes looked away. "Look, it's been a long day. I think I'm gonna turn in early." as he prepared to leave, Lance stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, I didn't mean to offend you. Just trying to help ya out, hermano."
"I'm fine. I'm just tired. We've got a long trip ahead of us." with that, Keith walked away, leaving the party. As he did, Allura caught the boy retreating to his sleeping quarters the Arusians had prepared for him and the others. The princess looked on in regret.
(~)
A wet tongue caused Keith's eyes to twitch and he sprung upwards from his bed, wiping the saliva from his mouth in disgust. "Ah! Balto!" the little coyote pup barked and Keith's vision became more focused. He quickly exited the small room and stepped outside. However, rather than seeing the planet of Arus, he was surrounded by a very, very familiar field of flowers, and a town not too far off. He took a tentative step forward, resting his hand against a tree.
"Altea?" he asked himself. There was no mistaking the scenery for anything else. "I'm…I'm home?"
The ground began to rumble and the once clear blue skies suddenly turned blood red. The sun was blocked by dark and gray colored clouds that swarmed over him like a vortex. From the black hole in the sky came a platoon of Galra ships, from all sizes, from small to large. The wind picked up and Keith struggled to cement his feet to the ground. He heard the sound of people screaming in terror as the lasers struck the ground, destroying the beautiful wildlife and the town nearby.
"Keith!"
"Lance?" he shielded his eyes, the desert sands rising upwards and making it difficult to see the town up ahead. He spotted four familiar figures running away from the incoming lasers. More voices called out his name.
"Keith!"
"Keith!"
"Hunk? Pidge?"
His friends ran as quickly as they could as more incoming blasts nearly struck them down. One impact made the ground beneath them rise up and they fell to submission.
"No!" Keith ran towards them, seeing Lance, Pidge and Hunk huddle together, while Allura reached out her hand, desperately trying to grab his. He reached out, but it was too late. The sand had engulfed her entirely, taking his friends along with it.
"Allura!"
The sand spiraled around him. There was nothing left but a deserted sand-like environment. Fire fell from the sky, and the vortex grew in size. All around him, Keith saw an army of Galra soldiers marching towards him. Sparks of ember rose upwards from the ground and spiraled around them. Puffs of black smoke emerged from behind them. Just above, the biggest Galra ship hovered above Keith and everything else.
He began to tremble once he felt his clothes suddenly began heavier. Looking down, he gasped in horror to see his ordinary cloths had somehow transformed into the proper Galra soldier attire. In his hand was his blade, but he didn't see the Heart of Voltron on it. On both sides, the insignia of the Galra were present.
"No. Not, it can't be!"
A horrid laughter echoed in his mind. The environment disappeared. There was nothing but darkness, and an army of marching Galra soldiers all around him.
"You can't run from me." the voice taunted. Keith gazed at his blade, expecting to see his reflection. He did, but instead of seeing the face of a normal human being, he saw the hideous, monstrous yellow eyed face of a Galra.
"You can never run from me!"
(~)
Keith sprung from his bed, gasping for air. His heart was racing rapidly. He ran outside and breathed a deep sigh of relief upon seeing the red lion standing laying down outside and the village of small houses. He was on still on Arus. It was only a dream.
Balto whimpered and nuzzled his face against his leg. Keith crunched down and petted his head. "I'm alright, boy." he said before wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his wrist. He didn't feel much like going back to sleep, so instead he chose to take a walk outside. Back on Altea, late night walks always managed to calm him down. Balto happily tagged along beside him.
The cool nighttime breeze was already doing its job in placing Keith's troubled mind at ease. His ears picked up the sound of the Arusian wildlife playing their soothing melody. However, the more he listened, the more he realized that those were not just the sound of crickets…but an actual person singing.
Ancient words, across an ocean of time
Written in the stone, out of flesh and bone
Echoing through history
Battles that were fought
Heroes who have been adored
Balto's ears perked upwards, indicating he too had heard the voice. The little pup followed the sound, with Keith close behind. The sound was coming from the red lion. Rather odd, Keith thought. He moved towards the side of the beast and quickly stepped back.
Allura was sitting beside the lion, petting its side while singing a soft melody.
Oh, sometimes it's not about the prize
When you and your darkest fears are standing eye to eye
And you're looking for a hero, to carry you away
Riding on the wings of angels
Someone to save the day
From the mountains to the desert
You can search your whole life through
Until you realize the hero
Was always there with you
The mice, who had been sitting on her shoulder the entire time, suddenly began to squeak in alarm. Allura stood up, taking a defensive stance, only to see Balto rush up to her. The princess quickly calmed down. She also noticed Keith hiding behind the lion, taking a hesitant step forward.
"Keith?"
The boy wanted to slap himself so badly right now. She probably thought he was eavesdropping on her or something. "Oh, uh, good evening, princess."
"What are you doing up?"
"I might ask you the same question." he replied, mirroring the last time they had seen one another while sneaking around in the middle of the night.
"I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd spend some time with Red." she said, petting his sides. Allura blushed and placed her hair behind her ear in the most adorable manner. "I guess that means you heard me?"
"It was nice." he said, making her blush deepen. He quickly caught what he said and tried to correct his choice of words. "The song, it sounds nice. I mean, your voice sounds nice too but, what I mean is-" he pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling humiliated, even more than he already did. "Never mind."
Allura giggled softly. "So, why are you here? I answered your question, so now you answer mine."
"I couldn't sleep either. Probably from all the excitement." he said, hoping he sounded convincing enough. The last thing he wanted was to just pliantly say he had a nightmare about the Galra. He really didn't want to talk about it, especially not now.
"Yes, today was pretty spectacular." she said. The lion growled softly upon her touch. Keith gained the courage to pet the lion as well. He was a bit surprised he seemed just as relax with him as he was with Allura. "He really likes you." said the princess.
"Probably because we're wearing the same color." Keith joked, pointing at his red and white jacket. He was a bit surprised when Allura giggled again.
"Thank you."
"For what?" Keith asked.
"For not giving up on me back there. When I couldn't regain control of the lion, I really thought we were done for. Yet, you refused to give up so easily." she smiled, "I can see why the heart chose you to pilot the black lion."
Upon saying this, Keith looked away, crestfallen. "Yeah, about that. You really sure that's what the heart said?"
"You still doubt it?"
"I just think there are better options. I'm not exactly leader material."
"I think you're more capable than you realize."
"I highly doubt one pep talk is enough to make me qualify as a leader. Besides, how can I even pilot the black lion if I've never piloted before?"
"You'll know. Once you've bonded with the lion you'll know by instinct."
Keith sighed sadly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you with this."
Allura placed a hand on his shoulder. "Keith…if you're scared, it's okay to say so."
The young man bit his bottom lip before replying, "Alright, yes I'm scared! Are you happy?" Allura stepped back in surprise and Keith immediately regretted his responce. He face palmed himself in frustration. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blow up like that."
"No, it's okay."
"It's not. I know you're just trying to help."
Allura's pointed ears flickered a bit, hearing the red lion speak to her again. A soft smile formed across her lips. "You know, if you're that nervous about piloting the black lion, then why not get in some practice?"
"Huh?" Keith tilted his head in the most adorable way Allura has ever seen. She got him by surprise when she grabbed him by the arm and led him to the lion's mouth, which opened, allowing them to enter. Once inside the control room, Allura offered Keith the driver seat.
"You're not serious, are you?"
"Come, it'll be fun! I promised you piloting lessons, and I am a princess of my word."
"I don't know. We shouldn't leave the planet."
"We won't. We'll just fly across the sky for a while. Besides, it's night, it'll be no different if we were in space."
Keith hesitantly traced his fingers across the dashboard. "You sure he'll let me?"
"Of course he will." she reached out her hand, taking Keith's. The action made his face turn redder than his jacket. "Do you trust me?"
For a moment, Keith froze as he gazed into Allura's eyes. His heart raced, feeling the warmth of her hand on his. He smiled in return and gave a small nod. Still holding his hand, Keith sat on the chair, and Allura placed his hand on one of the controls. He hesitantly took the second and commanded the lion to move. He let out a small yelp, hoping Allura didn't hear it, and the lion rose from the ground.
Keith inhaled and exhaled to try and calm his nerves. It was strange, he had been inside the lion with Allura earlier today, but now that he as actually attempting to pilot a mystical mechanical lion, he became suddenly very self-cautious. Allura didn't appear bothered by this, however. She seemed perfectly calm and confident, smiling in encouragement for Keith to continue forward.
"Okay, I think I got it." he said, getting a firm grip on the controls.
"Just run towards that hill over there." she said, pointing her finger forward. "And then take off."
"Well, here goes nothing."
Keith did as Allura instructed and made the lion run towards the hill. He already knew the creature was fast, but it was a bit different now that he was in control. He kept his eyes forward, and with a mischievous smile the lion leaped up from the hill, its rockets activating. Before long, the red lion was soaring across the Arusian night sky.
Allura and Keith laughed victoriously as the success. Keith noticed just how small the Arusian village was becoming, and how vast the night sky was. Allura was right, while they didn't plan on leaving the Arusian atmosphere, being out at night was the second best thing as being out in space. The clouds blurred as they speeded onwards.
Keith couldn't suppress himself from smiling as widely as he did. He had already had a taste of being on a ship and going into space, but now he was actually piloting. He was the one in control this time. It was everything he ever hoped for.
"This is incredible!" he said, right before a wild idea popped into his mind.
"Okay, now dive down." Allura instructed.
"What?"
"Don't worry, you'll be fine. Pull up on my signal."
Keith complied, albeit rather confused, and pushed his controls forward. Allura held tightly to the chair as the ground came into full view. A large lake was just beneath them.
"Okay…now!"
At Allura's command, Keith pulled the controls and the lion soared across the surface of the lake. The minerals reflected off of the water, creating a rainbow effect. Keith stared in awe at the display.
"Wow!"
Allura giggled, ruffling Keith's hair. "I told you you'd be fine."
Keith laughed and proceeded to pilot the lion, once again soaring across the sky. In his mind, he wished Shiro could have been here to see him pilot for the first time. But, before he would allow his sadness to take over, he realized that if Shiro were here he would want his little brother to enjoy himself.
I can show you the world
Shinning, shimmering, splendid
For the first time, let go of your fears
Let your heart decide
With Allura teaching him more and more tricks, Keith listened without hesitation. To his surprise, he did exceptionally well. Even Allura was impressed by his skills. Then again, he did have prior knowledge of piloting, it was only a matter of actually doing it.
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over sideways and under
On this enchanting cosmic ride
The lion over mountains, maneuvering various hills and ridges, all the while the two admired the beauty, seeing a variety of plants and wildlife down bellow. For this moment, all of Keith's worries and doubts had completely disappeared from his mind. The indescribable feeling of the experience was beyond words. Even Allura could hardly believe any of this was real. A day ago, she was still in Altea, and now she was seeing a brand new planet, and no doubt there would be more sights for the two to see.
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming
The lion flew around a high mountain, going higher and higher as clouds formed around it. The lion spiraled in mid-flight, as if it were dancing, before going up into the clouds. Allura showed Keith the trick to do a proper air flip, which she managed to do so well, and so fast it felt like a roller coaster. The entire time, the princess laughed alongside Keith. Neither of them felt terror in any of these stunts. If anything, after each one it made them hungry for more.
A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm on a whole new world with you
Now I'm in a whole new world with you!
Keith thought about almost every trick he would do on his hover bike back on Altea, and Allura would show him how he could perform the same ones in the sky. The stars seemed to twinkle even more as they flew higher, seeing various winged alien creatures fly by. Keith had never seen anything like them, and neither did Allura. Creatures like these weren't seen in Altea.
Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky
Allura pointed towards the forest, and Keith didn't hesitate to go through it. The trees were as tall as buildings, with large colorful flowers and creatures of all sizes that came and went as the lion maneuvered the trees before flying back up. Leafs spiraled upwards once the lion surfaced. Unbeknownst to them, Red himself managed to get an exotic looking flower stuck on his mechanical paw.
Keith still couldn't believe this wasn't a dream. He couldn't remember the last time he smiled so much, and Allura couldn't remember the last time she felt this liberated. This completely beat ridding her bike on the fields. Keith shared the same sentiment. To think, everything they had ever wished for, everything they had ever hoped they could do but couldn't, they were doing right here, right now, away from all of that.
A whole new world
(don't you dare close your eyes)
A hundred thousand things to see
(hold your breath it gets better)
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be
The two caught sight of some deer-like creatures running across a vast desert-like field. Red slightly lowered so they could get a better view. The creatures looked so adorable, Allura wished she could pet one.
Every turn a surprise
(with new horizons)
Every moment red letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you
Red took up once more, this time Keith decided to go a bit slower for a bit, just to take in the beauty of the stars that shinned like multiple diamonds around a wealthy woman's neck. To Allura, who had seen diamonds before, even they could never compare to the beauty of the stars themselves. Keith spotted another lake down bellow, and decided to try that nose dive one more time. In doing so, he made the waters create the rainbow effect again. He felt his cheeks redden when Allura's hand fell on his lower forearm, her eyes still on the sight before her. Keith admired the way her eyes sparkled with such avidity, just like they did back at the cave. Perhaps, in some say, the princess and him really were more alike than even he realized.
A whole new world
(A whole new world)
That's where we'll be
(That's where we'll be)
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me
(~)
Red rested on a hill, not too far from the village. Allura now wore the flower the lion had found in her hair, while she and Keith sat on his head, gazing at the stars.
"I could look at the stars forever." Allura said.
Keith nodded, his eyes still looking up. "Yeah." he noticed Allura rubbing her arms. "You cold?"
"A little."
Without thinking much of it, Keith removed his jacket and wrapped it around Allura's shoulders. The prince graciously accepted it, her cheeks turning red. Her eyes caught sight of the purple in Keith's arms, all the way up to his shoulders. He wore a black short sleeved shirt underneath his jacket. Once he realized his most horrid feature was exposed, Keith subconsciously tried pulling up his long black glove. Allura placed her hand over it. A silent way of saying it was not needed.
"Sorry. I'm not used to having these out in the open." he said, already feeling self cautious about his physical Galra trait.
"They're not so bad." Allura said, smiling kindly.
"How is that possible?"
"Well, it's not like you have claws or anything."
"No, I mean, how is it possible that you're not even the tiniest bit bothered by this." Keith gripped the lower half of his purple arm. "Even Lance, Hunk and Pidge had some reaction when they learned about my heritage, but you, you didn't even so much as bat an eye."
"Is that bad?" Allura asked in confusion. She didn't understand why it seemed to bother Keith that she wasn't bothered by his Galra half.
"No, it's just…I'm not used to it. I'm not used to people being 100% not afraid of me."
"Why would they be afraid of you? Just because you're half Galra?"
"Of course! What other reason would it be? The Galra has destroyed lives, enslaved entire civilizations. The galaxy is in ruins because of them!" the more he spoke of the Galra, the more Keith's voice rose in volume. "They don't care about anyone or anything. Taking one life is no different than swatting a fly with a windshield wiper. I don't blame anyone for hatting me."
"I understand your frustration, believe me what the Galra have done upsets me as well. They took my mother and my father has been scarred for life." the princess paused for a moment, looking a bit hesitant to continue. "But, at the same time…don't you think it's possible there could be at least a few good Galra out there?"
"If there were any, they've had ten thousand years to stop Zarkon, and so far I've yet to have seen or heard of one that didn't follow him without question."
"You don't." Allura pointed out. "You may be half human, but you're still Galra and you don't blindly follow Zarkon."
"That doesn't prove anything." Keith said, his eyes narrowing and turning his head away from her.
"It proves that it doesn't matter what's in your blood that matters, it's who you are! For all we know, Zarkon could have been brain washing his kind for decades to do whatever he wants! They probably don't know any better."
"How can you have so much sympathy towards those monsters anyway?"
"Because I know not everyone who's a Galra is automatically righteous!" Keith was silent, his eyes widening in shock as Allura took in a deep breath. "When I was young, I had a teacher who taught me to control my magic. She taught me everything she knows. But, one day, she was caught trying to murder my father in his sleep. I didn't understand why she would do that. I thought she considered us family." her eyes narrowed in anger, "Turns out all she wanted was power. She was sent to prison, but escaped. We never knew what happened to her until a few years ago when one of the military pilots informed us they had spotted her…with Zarkon."
Keith gasped. He had not heard of that before. To think, an Altean would trade sides and align with Zarkon, and all for the sake of power.
"Who knows if she's only one of many whom Zarkon as coaxed to her side." she turned to Keith, her eyes softening. "I don't blame you or anyone for their resentment towards the Galra, and aside from you, I have yet to meet a good Galra. But, after that experience, I wouldn't be surprised if they did exist."
Keith's eyes tensed, his fists clenching. "Let me tell you, they don't."
"There must be. What about your Galra parent? Every parent loves their child."
It was then, that Keith snapped. He stood up from where he sat, while Allura watched him blow up in front of her. "My father was just as much a monster as Zarkon!" he yelled, "He never knew me, and I never knew him! Which is fine because why in the universe would I ever want to meet a crocked sleazeball who kidnapped a married woman just for his own perverted amusement?! Then, after she gets pregnant, he leaves her and her newborn child to die! If she hadn't found that escape pod who knows what could have happened to us! You want proof not all Galra are bad? You won't find it! I'm all the proof you need!"
Keith took in slow deep breaths, his muscles tensing while he pointed to himself. Allura looked up at him, not in fear, but with a look that screamed heartbreak. She felt as if tears would fall from her eyes upon hearing his sad tale.
The young man looked away in shame. "This is why I don't believe I'm fit to pilot the black lion. Why would the most powerful weapon in the universe ever choose someone like me?"
Allura stood upwards, placing a hand over his shoulder. "I'm sorry your father did that to you. You're right, I don't know if there really is such a thing as a good Galra. But, what I do know is that what your father did doesn't determine who you are." Keith slowly turned to look at her, his eyes softening as she rose his arm up for him to look at. "Your brother was one of the most honest and selfless pilots I have ever met and he stood up for you every change he got. A man who loves his brother that unconditionally must be someone special. And I have seen the kind of person you truly are Keith, first hand."
Keith didn't know what else to say. The princess rendered him speechless. It was true, Shiro stood up for him whenever the opportunity called for it. Shiro always believed in Keith, always supported him, the same way his mother and step-father did. Nobody had ever spoken to him the way Allura has. She was so firm, yet compassionate all at the same time. He looked at his Galra arm. It wasn't easy learning to embrace a side of himself he had resented for so long. Still, perhaps, if possible, this journey could be what he needed to finally discover who he was meant to be. The outcast half-Galra couldn't be all he was, right? He still wasn't sure if the black lion would respond to him, but this journey could help him discover more about himself that he never imagined. Best of all, he wouldn't be alone.
He will have his friends…and he will have Allura.
He finally smiled at the princess. "I…don't know what to say about that."
"You don't have to say anything."
Keith froze once Allura wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. The young man had never had another woman hug him before, who wasn't either his mother or Pidge. Her hair smelled of lavender and her embrace made him feel safe and welcomed. He gained the courage to place his hands on her back, still unsure if he should wrap his arms around her waist at this point.
"Regardless of what other half you are, I believe in you. I believe you are capable of so much more than you think. Please remember that."
Keith didn't know if it were possible. He didn't hate his entire self, just his Galra half. Still, hearing the sadness in her voice made him reconsider.
"I will." he said in a soft, empathetic tone. Once they ended the hug, Allura placed a soft kiss on his right cheek….right before playfully placing his jacket over his head, messing up his hair. The princess laughed and ran off like a mischievous child.
"Race you back to the village!"
Keith laughed as well, putting his jacked back on and chasing after the princess. The red lion watched as the two ran down the small slope and back to the Arusian village.
(~)
