Chapter 10: Lights in the Sky

Part 2

Larmina flipped through a few helmets in the garage before selecting one that was painted cherry red. The color seemed to pop amongst the blue and grey gloss of the other helmets. The roar of the hover bike echoed against the walls, indicating that Keith was set to go. Hastily placing the helmet on her head, Larmina dashed out to meet Keith outside. He motioned with his left hand for her to get on. The visor of his helmet had concealed his face completely. Only the sun kissed skin and musculature revealed to her who was underneath. The roar of the hover bike deafened her as she came closer to the vehicle. Hopping on, she gently wrapped her arms around his narrow waist. The black cotton of his long sleeved shirt was thin enough for her to feel his abs through the material. Stifling a flush of her cheeks, Larmina prepped herself for the speed to come.

Activating the large door to close behind them, Keith sped off onto the dirt path, the hover bike rising into the air about an inch or two. He could feel Larmina's grip tighten around his waist. He smiled to himself at her surprise.

"You alright?" he shouted, his voice slightly muffled from the visor.

"Peachy," she replied in a deadpan tone, holding on for dear life.

Easing into the speed, the princess glanced up at the sky, her ponytail whipping behind her. The full moon winked down at them, emerging from behind a violet cloud. Larmina was amazed by the size of the midnight jewel. The stars framed the moon like little white diamonds on a delicate ring. No matter how fast the hover bike was going, the moon was able to follow like lights in the sky. A childish glee washed over Larmina, her grip around Keith's waist loosening up. 'I feel like we own the night. Everyone else is asleep, while we remain awake. No one else exists. It's a nice feeling. Just us and no one else.'

The dirt path soon became a thin cement road as they left castle grounds in the dust. The heat of Keith's back lulled Larmima into a comfortable state of mind. She no longer was bothered by the speed. It was not so much the speed itself, but not being in control of that speed. She did not possess the reins, so to speak. To trust the driver was rather difficult. However, she found herself warming up to the idea of losing control.

After about fifteen minutes of smooth riding, Keith had turned a corner that lead to a memorial park. It was filled with a lush garden and marble statues of honorary voltron pilots of the past. Keith slowed down as they approached the marble archway that was the entrance. The hover bike came to a stop on reaching the entrance, floating down to the ground. Keith firmly planted his feet onto the grass, flipping up the visor of his helmet. Larmina's arms were still encircled around his waist, her head rising up to look around.

"The park?" she questioned aloud. "Why here?"

"It's peaceful here at night," Keith explained, motioning with his hand. "We've stopped, so you can let go now."

Larmina realized her grip was still intact, whipping away from his body as she jumped off the hover bike. Keith chuckled at her attempt to conceal a blush.

"It's ok," he said between chuckles. "I'm telling you that it's safe."

"I don't need you to tell me things like that," Larmima replied, holding her helmet under her arm as she walked through the marble archway.

Shrugging his shoulders at her odd behavior, the commander tucked the key to the bike into his back pocket before removing his helmet. He caught up with the princess, navigating through the curved pathway until they reached a corner where three marble statues were located.

One statue, closest to them, was of a middle-aged man with a trim beard, his helmet cradled in his large left palm. A second statue of another man with a shaved head lay just ahead, his eyes looking away into the distance with a dreamy expression. Last, but not least, the third statue stood several feet away at another corner leading back to the pathway. It was molded into the figure of a woman with long hair curled into spirals. She appeared feline-like with her slim features and sharp gaze.

The crackles and moss of age on their marble skin seemed to give the statues a prestigious air. No matter the weather, they stood tall and proud. Larmina rubbed her arm, feeling somewhat uncomfortable in the presence of powerful figures in stone. She did not feel worthy. Her pace had slowed down, allowing the commander to catch up behind her. He placed a warm hand on her shoulder.

"We'll stop here to chat. Is that ok?"

"S-sure.." she spoke quietly, avoiding his gaze.

"Larmina."

The princess reluctantly turned around to look up at Keith. His eyes softened at her tension.

"I know this isn't easy for you. We're not making decisions for you, please know that. Now come on, let's sit over there at the bench."

He lead her to the nearby iron bench, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. Easing into her seat, Larmina opened the conversation with humor rather than the topic of importance.

"You might want to sharpen your dodging techniques."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"The boys know about me possibly flying Blue. And no lecturing; you should be used to us eavesdropping by now. Anyway, Daniel is particularly not happy, so expect him to glare daggers at you."

"If he were to actually improve on his skills instead of dreaming of the glory, then he would be the standby pilot."

"Why me? You know I don't want this."

"I know you don't want it, but you may need it."

"How the hell do I need it?"

Keith paused for a moment to collect his words. Rubbing his hands together, he met her light eyes in a firm yet gentle stare.

"You're a natural born soldier, Larmina. From the moment I met you, I saw this fire inside you that would burn down cities just to get justice, and never ask for anything in return. Your training has improved the most. If you don't believe me, I'll allow you to look at your track record. Look at the scores yourself."

Larmina did not respond, looking away with tension in her face. Keith tried to make his words more relatable with a memory. She did not seem to respond to "the commander," so perhaps she would listen to Keith Kogane.

"It's about finding a purpose, Larmina. That day when you fought Wade's men, when I first arrived here...you were ruthless. No one would dare shatter your will, because you demanded to be respected. That cannot be taught. I say exactly what I think in this case, and I don't lie because I don't believe in patronizing. That purpose is in you, whatever it may be. I cannot tell you what it is, but, from what I've seen...I think you're on to something. Capture that purpose, and you just might have found a personal holy grail to your mortal existence."

The princess remained silent. Her arms wrapped around her body, a sign of her vulnerability. She would never admit it, but she was scared. How was she supposed to repined to a speech on destiny and purpose, topics much bigger than him and her? Yes, on the battlefield she was fearless. However, with one-on-one relationships, Larmina felt nauseous.

"I want to be somebody," she muttered, staring down at her lap. "..but I'm scared. I mean, who the hell am I, Keith?"

He wasn't sure how to answer her question. In reality, it was not his to answer. However, he attempted to at least guide her to a respectful path.

"You are a destined pilot for Voltron," he said softly, placing a warm hand her own. "It's in your blood. I'm not telling you what to do with your life. However, I will say that it is your duty to protect and serve.

You are more than capable of fighting. You won't be alone, Larmina. You are under my command, and the other pilots will be there with you. However, if you're not ready, then I can't send you out. To send out a reluctant pilot will only lead to danger. I once told you that being a part of the Voltron Force is both a gift and a curse. It's not to be taken lightly. You have to make the final decision."

"But...what if I decline? Who will take my place?"

"We'll just have to figure that out. Allura will have to pilot Blue no matter what, and defenses will be heightened for Arus. No one will blame you. If they do, they'll have to answer to me."

Larmina flushed at his last comment.

"Don't fight my battles for me," she grumbled.

"I'm just watching out for you," Keith quietly commented.

Larmina rested her head atop the commander's shoulder, breathing in the faint scent of aftershave.

"Keith?" she whispered, her eyelids becoming heavy.

"Mmm?" he hummed.

"...Take me home."

Arriving at the castle late into the night, the commander parked his hover bike in the small garage. Just after checking in with the security guard via voltcom, Keith escorted Larmina to her bedroom, avoiding heavily supervised areas. Soon enough, the pair ended up before her bedroom door. Rubbing her forearm for comfort, the princess avoided his eyes as she spoke.

"Thanks for being patient. I just don't want to disappoint anyone...especially you."

"You don't have to impress me," Keith whispered, not sure whether to leave her be or hold her close. "I've seen you in battle. Just sleep on it. The decision will come to you."

"You better be right," she muttered, finally meeting his gaze with a twinkle in her eye.

She stood on the tips of her toes to plant a quick kiss on the commander's cheek. Keith felt his hands develop a will of their own as they cupped her pale cheeks. He thieved a quick kiss before bidding her goodnight. Little did they know, a certain purple eyed cadet was close by, eavesdropping on the situation.

"No way..." Daniel whispered to himself, covering his lips. "So that's how she was chosen. Hmmm."

Author's Note: Hello, hello! Long time no see. Work keeps me busy, and I have limited access to a computer, so I will try my best to post now and then. I am well though, so no complaints! I will be able to post a second chapter tonight, so keep your eyes open. I shall reply to your messages as soon as I can! I really appreciate your support and feedback!

~Much love

P.S.: The Voltron: DotU action figures at New York Comic Con were yummy! I almost licked the glass where Keith's figure was. :p Miiine.