I do not own any of the original WEP characters.

I am sorry readers I just had to rework this chapter I hope this works better... Let me know if you approve...Thanks...Diahard

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Everyone heard her anguish, as Diana frantically tried to contact Keith, but there was only agonizing static.

Castle Control watched helplessly as Diana landed the fighter close to the fallen Black Lion. Diana quickly scampered to the hatch of Black Lion. "Please be alive, please be alive," she whispered over and over echoing through Castle Control as she raced through thick smoke to his cockpit.

Black smoke trickled from the Black's head. The smell of burnt circuitry nearly overwhelmed her as she pried open the door manually. She stopped short when she reached the pilot's chair. Keith was unconscious and sprawled on the floor. His red helmet was now blackened and cracked. The visor was shattered and partially melted. Blood oozed from it. "Oh my," she murmured, sinking to her knees.

"Diana hurry. Prepare him for transport. We have no time to lose for his life signs are very weak, and Voltron is needed." Coran ordered softly. "A medical transport is in route to your position."

Mechanically, Diana did as she was told. She got him onto a backboard and after strapping him, down she fastened a neck brace around his neck. Activating the hover mode, she guided the still form of her love, to the medical transport. "Take care of him," she ordered stiffly.

Diana quickly returned to the cockpit of the Black Lion. The controls were very slow to respond. "Are you going to be able lift off, Ice?" Lance asked over the scratchy comm. Then he watched her take off. Using her call sign, he hoped that he could activate her intense pilot side to help her focus on the task that needed to be done. He avoided asking her about Keith's condition. Being distracted in a battle could be deadly for everyone.

"I don't know how long I am going to be able to keep the Black in the air. But we need Voltron now."

"We are right behind you, Ice." Pidge chimed in.

"All right, let's do this." Diana gritted her teeth as the Black fought her every move. Forming the mighty robot seemed to take an eternity. They formed the blazing sword and made every effort to end the battle quickly. Time seemed to drag, but finally, after sustaining some damage to all lions, Voltron sliced it repeatedly causing a massive explosion. Galaxy Garrison's fleet was finishing up with the fighters.

Voltron disbanded and Black Lion listed badly. Diana asked, "We need to get Black Lion to the repair bay."

"You got it Ice. I will look everything over then I will check in."

"All right, how is everyone else?"

"We are fine. How are you?" Lance asked insistently.

"I'm fine. I just need to land without crashing." Her voice betrayed her as it shook almost beyond her control. The other lions used their tractor beams to help her to the ground near the castle outside the repair bay. Diana jumped down and headed across the bay. With her hair flying free of her helmet, Diana raced through the castle mindless of everything except Keith.

"Coran, how is Keith?"

"He has just gone into surgery."

"Has anyone located Keith's family? They are here."

"I will locate them. Why don't you change and relax for a bit."

"I will try, but I am not sure I can relax."

Allura walked in, carrying her tiara, her dress and shoes. "In case you would like to change." Her eyes were distant and still showed puffy traces.

"In a bit, perhaps," Diana murmured, giving Allura a hug before continuing to pace. She absently took the tiara and placed it on her tousled hair.

"You really should change, Diana." Allura murmured.

"I don't want to," Diana snapped spinning around. "I want to know that Keith will be all right."

"I care too." Allura retorted hotly then fell silent. She disappeared a few moments later.

About ten minutes after Allura's disappearance, Diana turned to see Keith's parents enter the room. Keith was a mirror image of his father.

"Greetings," Diana spoke softly, but with the air of dignity. "Please forgive my appearance." She performed a small curtsey.

"This is your planet, your highness. We have just witnessed you valiantly defending it. You attire is appropriate for that. Right now ceremony is not important." Keith's father spoke gently as he bowed to her.

"As you wish," Diana agreed.

Several hours later, Dr. Gorma entered the med lounge looking haggard.

"Doctor," Diana's voice cracked as she took a step forward.

He sighed, before he spoke, taking her hands. "He is very weak. I don't know how he made it through surgery. He is on life support. We will be monitoring his injuries very closely. It could be touch and go for a time. Head injuries can be unpredictable."

"He will pull through. Won't he?" Diana asked, voicing her desperation as tears threatened.

Dr. Gorma was interrupted by a calm young voice from the shadows. "He will recover fully."

Dr. Gorma turned sharply to her, "how can you be so sure when I am not?" He demanded.

The voice stepped out of the shadows. Her face was partially concealed by the dark blue hood that she wore, but as she pushed it back Diana got a glimpse of her amber eyes. "Kat," Diana whispered breathlessly.

The girl laughed softly, "So my brother has spoken of me."

"He has," The beginnings of a smile appeared on Diana's face. "He also told me a little about your abilities."

"My abilities have grown tenfold since the last time I saw him."

"Katrina!" her parents softly exclaimed. "You made it after all."

"Greetings, Mother, Father, I arrived just before the battle began. I felt that I would be needed here. I have been trying to establish contact with our 'Fire'." Kat smiled at the mention of fire. She looked directly at Diana.

"Have you made contact?" Diana was astonished. Her eyes lit up with hope.

"Not yet, but I am sure I will."

"What is going on?" Dr. Gorma burst in.

"Doctor Gorma, this is Katrina, Keith's sister, who is a magi."

"Now I understand. Were you the one to teach him how to hide his mark?"

"I was."

"Can we see him Doctor?" Diana asked.

"I don't imagine I could stop you." The doctor gave in reluctantly.

"No, I would just find a way around."

The group left the doctor and proceeded to Keith's room. As the door slid open, the sounds hit them. "His will to live is very strong. Never forget that your highness,"

"Please call me Diana."

"As you wish for now," Katrina nodded.

They grew quiet as they approached his bedside. Diana sat down beside him, taking his limp, partially bandaged hand in hers. She brushed a kiss across his exposed knuckles. "I love you," she whispered.

"He knows you do." Katrina placed her hand on Diana's shoulder. "He will overcome this. He has much to live for." Katrina spoke firmly, as she stepped forward.

Diana found strength and slipped out to give them some privacy. She found the clothes that she had ignored earlier. Finding a place to change was easy. Ducking into an empty room, she soon looked a little more like a princess than a pilot. Starring into the mirror, her eyes were drawn to the tiara. It reminded her of so many things. One of which was her duty. Sighing, she ran her fingers through her hair. Setting the tiara back on her head, she turned around filled with purpose. She decided to check in with Coran.

"What is our situation?" She asked.

"Our guests are restless and unsure. Many do not know what to do now."

"All right, please have Allura meet me in my room in five minutes. Then maybe between the three of us we can set things right."

"It shall be done."

Then she went into Keith's room. "I must calm my other guests. I hope you will pardon my absence."

"Allow me to assist you, please. There is nothing that I can do here at the moment." Jonathan volunteered. Diana called for an escort for Jonathan and then excused herself.

She headed off to her room. Allura was waiting. "Great, you are here. I need help. I need to look presentable. Can you help?" Diana pleaded.

"First, sit down and relax. Let me see what I can do."

Diana sat down at her dressing table, closed her eyes, and sighed.

After a few minutes, she opened her eyes to find herself transformed.

"Thank you. You worked a miracle, Sis I am sorry for what I said earlier. I know that you care about Keith. I had no right to snap at you like that." Diana stood and gave her sister a hug.

"You're welcome." Allura smiled. "How's Keith?" Her smile faded and was replaced with a look of concern.

"He's still unconscious. He has burns on his hands, upper body, and face. He suffered flash burns to his eyes. His head injury has me worried. It is causing his neck to swell leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. He is on full life support right now."

The girls quickly joined Coran and Jonathan. The crowd fell silent as Diana and Allura entered. Jonathan motioned for them to join them on the stage.

Having everyone's attention from the moment she entered the room, she began to speak. "This battle has been won. Voltron defeated the ro-beast sent by King Zarkon." Diana kept her voice neutral. "But not without a price, our commander and future king was injured but he is expected to recover."

Jonathan stepped forward. "Come let us not let their hard fought victory go in vain. Let us celebrate their efforts." Jonathan took Diana's hand and led her ceremoniously to the dance floor. Coran signaled the band. Jonathan gracefully guided her around the dance floor. Jonathan could see the distance in her eyes. As the dance ended, he took her to the table where Keith's older brother Steven and his expecting wife sat.

Jonathan nodded to his son as he introduced his future daughter-in-law. With a small nod of understanding, Steven took Diana's hand and they began to dance. Jonathan found Allura and asked her to dance. As they glided across the floor, she tried to catch a glimpse of Diana. "You won't find her." He whispered. "She's gone. Her place is not here. Not now. She has done enough. Her heart was no longer here."

"Will Keith recover?" Allura asked, her eyes roamed over his face sadly.

"According to my daughter, she has assured us that he will."

"Is she a doctor?" She asked.

"No," he gave a small laugh, "she is Magi."

"Oh," She blushed slightly, "Is she powerful?"

"She seems to be. She has been away training for about three years or so. She has always had a very strong connection with her brother, Keith which I have feeling that you care deeply for him also. "

Allura avoided his intent gaze briefly "So, will you be staying for a while?" She tried to change the subject.

"Yes, your sister has already invited us. Thank you. My wife and I will be staying for a little while. Steven and his wife will be returning home tomorrow. With her condition, they would prefer to be back at home. I do not know about Katrina. I suspect that she will be staying to watch over Keith much like your sister."

"I have a feeling that we will have to pry Diana away. But he did much the same when she first arrived. He hardly left her side." Jonathan smiled softly hearing that.

Jonathan continued to help oversee the party until it wound down about three. Then he left the ballroom in Nanny's capable hands.

Leisurely he made his way to med bay. He was amused by what he found. Keith was surrounded by his favorite ladies. Allura and Diana were stationed on his right. His mother on his left and his sister hovering at the foot of his bed in a trance like state. Jonathan tried to coax Diana into going to bed, but she would not have it. Finally, he gave up this time.

"You should rest Allura," Diana touched her hand softly.

"How can I sleep when Keith is lying here so still?" Allura's eyes flashed.

"Is being exhausted going to help him? What if Zarkon attacks who is going to fly Black Lion once he is repaired. You have flown him longer that I have. Voltron needs you to be at your best. Please Allura. I promise if there is any change I will let you know personally."

Allura sighed heavily, "All right. Don't you stay up all night either"

When she was alone, her eyes scanned his features. His head was covered with white gauze. His handsome brown eyes were encased in heavy bandages. What was not covered in white held a transparent glow. "Don't leave me Keith, please. Don't leave me." And then, she allowed herself to openly cry. As Katrina listened her heart went out to Diana. She was feeling much the same way. Then something tugged at her. She took a deep breath and began to concentrate harder. An overwhelming sense of helplessness and panic overcame her. "Keith!" She exclaimed. "Follow my thoughts. Come back to us."

"Kat?" was whispered from far away.

"Yes, Keith I am here." Kat's mind shouted. "Diana is here too."

Just before the dawn, Diana went to her room long enough to take a shower and change. As the sun was peaking over the horizon, she was standing at the window in Keith's room. She turned with a soft rustle of ruby fabric when she heard the door swish open.

"Did you sleep at all, my dear?" Catherine asked as she and Jonathan entered.

"Not really," Diana answered. "I was afraid to dream."

"Dreams cannot harm you child."

"Yes, my lady," Diana chose not to argue with a regal tilt of her head. "Nightmares haunt all too often," She barely whispered. "I am not ready for this new kind of nightmare."

"Mother, please be gentle. Dreams can cause their own kind of damage at times." Katrina whispered to her.

Catherine accepted her daughter's words, "Has there been any change?"

Diana walked back to his bedside. "No, no change."

She stayed a little longer then she excused herself. "I must prepare for the breakfast with the dignitaries."

"Would you like some help?"

"The support would be appreciated." With that Jonathan offered her his arm. Outside in the hall she said. "You probably think the worst of me. Since you have met me, I have been a basket case."

"Nonsense, we do not feel that way at all. You have been under a lot of extreme pressure since we've met. What we do see is that you care a great deal for our son and your kingdom."

Diana smiled. "Yes, I do."

Meanwhile, Lance knocked on Allura's door. "Enter." She called.

He sauntered in, "How are you holding up?" He put his arm around her shoulders.

"Not well,"

"You have had a lot to deal with in a short amount of time. Last night Keith is a prince and then Black is shot down."

"Keith and Diana told me just after the council meeting yesterday." She murmured. "They did not want to blindside me at the ball."

"That was nice of them, just blast the rest of us."

"I really don't think they meant to do that." Allura took his hands, "Come let's go to breakfast, you know how Nanny gets when anyone is late."

For the next several days, Diana pasted on a smile and tried to stay attentive to all of her departing guests and promised to send invitations as soon as Keith was well enough to handle a royal wedding and coronation. Allura and Jonathan stationed themselves by her side. She fielded questions about Keith smoothly.

But by the time the last of the delegates boarded the transport shuttles, everyone who knew Diana could tell that she was totally exhausted, physically, mentally and emotionally. But she would listen to no one about resting.

"Diana, please go rest now that everyone has left. What if Zarkon attacked right now? You barely have the energy to hold yourself upright let alone fly."

"Allow me to check in on my fiancé and then I will rest I promise."

"Fair enough," Jonathan conceded.

Soon, she was on her way. Katrina greeted her with a tight smile as she entered. Diana crossed the room. She stopped at his side.

"You look tired." Catherine scolded gently.

"I have promised to rest in a little bit." Diana murmured dutifully. She leaned down and gave him a feathery soft kiss on his cheek. "I will be back soon," she whispered in his ear. "I love you."

"I would like you to have this. Keith has one like it."

"I have seen his. It is the reverse." Tears formed in her eyes as she took the amulet from Katrina. As she looked at the heart shaped ruby encased in pale blue crystal, she murmured "fire and ice."

Katrina helped her put it on. "He has his on now." She whispered.

"Thank you." Diana hugged the girl.

Moments later, Jonathan arrived and ordered her to bed.

She left without argument, but she knew that rest would not come easily. Her feet lead her to Keith's room. His pass worded doors slid open for her effortlessly. She smirked as she entered. "Some things never do change." She thought as she scanned the neat room. Then a wild notion struck her. Smiling, she sat down on his bed. "No one said I HAD to sleep in my bed." She laughed. When she laid her head on his pillow, she could smell Keith's favorite aftershave. She fell asleep with a ghost of a smile.

Several hours later Lance walked passed Keith's rooms on his way to change for dinner. He noticed a flashing light on Keith's door key pad. He crept up to the door. He cautiously peeked inside. He crept into the room. He froze when he spotted Diana fast asleep cuddling Keith's pillow tightly. He covered her and then quickly crept back to the hallway. He called Castle Control on his communicator. "Our future queen knows when to obey orders."

"Oh really, that is unusual," Coran sounded more than a bit surprised. "And just how would you know that, Lance?"

"I just found her asleep in Keith's room."

"Somehow that does not surprise me. That would be the only other place except Black Lion that she could feel close to him without being in the same room. At least she is sleeping."

Meanwhile, Diana was having a strange dream. She was in a desolate, dark gloomy castle. Everything was devoid of color. A grayish white fog swirled around her as she moved but she knew that she was not alone. "Keith?" she whispered.

"Diana?" he called out. "I can't see," his voice betrayed his panic.

"I will find you." She promised to the darkness.

"Where are we?" He asked.

"I'm not sure. But this could be where your mind is holding you."

"Why?"

"You have been unconscious for the better part of two weeks now, Ever since the ro-beast threw Black Lion."

"Did we win?"

"Yes, you were taken to the castle and I flew the Black to form Voltron."

She stepped in front of him. Softly sliding her knuckles down his cheek, she asked gazing into his glassy unseeing eyes. "I love you."

Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, Katrina began smiling uncontrollably. "What is going on, Daughter?"

Katrina moved closer to the bed and took Keith's bandaged hand in hers and laid her cheek upon his knuckles. "She has made physical contact. I knew she would. Her connection with him is even stronger that my own. She has found him. They are together as we speak. Even now she unselfishly shares her strength with him. We will see improvements soon."

About midnight Diana awoke. She went to her room to freshen up and then she headed for med bay. She found the room empty except for Keith. The sounds of the respirator were gone. "You are breathing on your own." She smiled. She lightly touched his cheek. Her stomach rumbled. "I'd better take care of that." She sneaked off to the kitchen. The kitchen was dark as she went to the refrigerator.

"Well, well what do we have here?" A gruff sarcastic voice chuckled behind her, causing her to jump. "Did you have a nice nap?"

"Yes, I did, Lance." She looked at him warily.

"Not too many people know his password of choice." He gave her a sly crooked grin as he came up behind her. "Would you like some hot chocolate to go with your midnight snack?"

"Sure." she smiled.

"What is going on here?" Nanny demanded glaring at Lance who was at the stove.

"Since, I have not eaten much in the last few days. I came to find something to eat." Diana spoke up a little forcefully without any regret as she peeked out of the refrigerator.

"Your Highness," Nanny bowed low realizing her mistake. "I didn't see you."

"Apparently," Diana laughed. "Now may I eat?"

"His Highness must be improving." Lance observed, shaking his head. "It sounds weird to call him that."

"Well get used to it." Nanny huffed. "We all need to. It is hard to imagine him a prince."

Diana glared at her. "Not just any prince, my betrothed, Nanny and yes, he is still weak but definitely on the mend."

"I thought as much."

They laughed and joked as she ate. When she had finished, Nanny shooed them out. Lance escorted her back to med bay.

"How are the repairs coming?"

"All of the minor repairs have been completed. The four are fully operational. Hunk, Pidge and several Garrison engineers are working around the clock on the Black. Everyone is surprised that it flew at all. The electrical system was shot. The engineers say that it should not have gotten off the ground after the fire. The body repairs are almost done. At last check Hunk was estimating at least another few hours to complete them. The electrical system may take longer. Meanwhile Garrison and Terran forces that King Jonathan ordered continue to patrol Arusian air space just in case. Sven is still here in case we need another pilot."

"Has Zarkon been spotted in the area?"

"He is staying in the outer fringes near Zodar. He has not gotten very close yet. He is up to something. We can't fly close enough to find out what. We are keeping a close eye on the activity. We will keep you updated, your highness." He bowed as they reached the door.

"Thank you Commander," she smiled softly.

"Only until Keith is back on his feet"

After checking on Keith, she wandered to the window. Sighing she stared into the darkness. "What are you up to? Why are you waiting to attack? We are vulnerable now. You know that. Why not attack now? What are you waiting for?" She began to pace. "I need to go up there." She spun on her heals and retreated to her room and changed into her flight suit.

"Hunk, I am sorry to bother you but is the Phoenix fueled?" She contacted him as she strode down the hall on her way to the hangar.

"Probably, I try to keep her that way, what are you planning, Diana?"

"Just a little recon, I promise. I will not engage."

"Contact Lance and see what he thinks, I don't like the idea of you going out there."

"I'll be alright Hunk, no heroics. I just want to get close enough to see if I can find out what is going on."

"Call Lance" He insisted.

"All right," she relented, "Diana out."

Diana climbed into her cockpit. "Lance, I am going on a little recon. I can use the cloaking device to move in close. Maybe I can hear something."

"Be very careful," he ordered. "Keith will have my head if you get hurt."

"I won't. I will not engage unless I have to. Just listen and report back anything."

"Happy hunting"

"Thanks Lance." Diana eased the throttle back and taxied her fighter out of the hangar activating her cloaking device.

A few hours later…

She was interrupted by an urgent beeping. Turning away, she answered the communicator. "Yes, Lance what is it?"

"I was getting worried."

"I was just about to contact you. Something big has just arrived. I suspect he will be moving soon. There is a lot of shifting around and garbled excited chatter."

"Try to obtain a better idea of the new arrival and contact with me the information. If they start advancing, you may need to stall them the Black is not finished yet."

"Yes, Commander"

"Stop calling me that. This is only temporary."

"I know, Lance, but someone has to give you a hard time."

"Keep me posted. I will be going to the repair bay soon to check on the Black." Lance terminated the link and turned from the console. Leaving the control room he rode the turbo lift down to the repair bay. He entered the repair bay which was alive with activity. His presence was largely ignored as he moved about in his flight suit. The maintenance bay was empty save the Black Lion. "Good morning Commander," Hunk yawned slightly coming behind her.

"Not you too Hunk, you need some sleep."

"Can't get enough coffee."

"How's the Black coming?" he asked.

"We are almost finished. It should only take an hour or so."

"Great, Allura will take it for a test flight as soon as you have cleared it. Let's hope Zarkon gives us enough time. I have gotten a report that what he has been waiting for has arrived. He may attack soon."

True to his word, an hour later Allura was air borne in Black Lion.

"Coran, Doom forces are on the move." Diana contacted Castle Control. "I am engaging." She terminated the link.

Late afternoon….

Allura tip-toed into Keith's room, she settled into the chair beside him. "I flew Black today," she sighed. "Not as well as you handle him, but we pushed Zarkon's forces back."

She brushed a lock of unruly hair away from eyes. "Hagar's magic was much stronger and it was different. I can't quite describe how." Her slender finger grazed the top of his hand. "We still have not been able to contact the Phoenix. Hunk, Sven and Lance have been searching the debris near the Zodar moon where Zarkon's fleet had been waiting for the crystal ro-beast

He groaned softly at her touch. "Keith?" She jumped back slightly.

"Ohhh, my head," he croaked. "Allura?"

"Shh, yes it is me. Don't try to talk. You are going to be fine."

"I can't see."

"There are bandages on your eyes right now. There was a fire in Black Lion's cockpit. But Dr. Gorma says that there has been no permanent damage though. Do you remember anything that happened?"

"No, not really, everything is pretty fuzzy after I left Diana on the dance floor."

"Rest," Allura could hear the strain in his voice. "Your family will be relieved to hear that you are awake." She smiled.

"My family is here?" he asked his voice began to grow weaker.

"Your mother, father and sister are here. He has been helpful. Keith, please rest. I don't want to see you slip back into a coma again. We'll talk later I promise."

"All right," he sighed.