Hello everyone! The Spring Competition has arrived and our Princess is about to illicit some jaw-dropping moments, indeed! THANK YOU to all who continue to read/follow/review/PM! The support has been a true blessing!

WarzonePrez: Yes, the illustrious Commander is not use to being in such a position...but, for once, he has realized that he seriously needs to chill out (about time, I say!) Next three chapters are action packed (or, at least my feeble little attempt at action...not really one of my strong suits for sure LOL)

JustLucky05: I have to say, things from this point on until 'Madness' ends, will be pretty fun...and intense...setting everything up for Book III. I am trying to make sure that there will never be a dull moment from this point on...let's see ;-)

KathDMD: Yes...it did need to happen...absolutely! Now, as for Keith blowing up at Lura...hmmm...will just have to see how that first meeting goes... xoxoxo!

Achangel Wolf: Oh yeah...Keith is hiding quite the little surprise (sorry...won't be revealed until Book III) However...their reuinion will be a long awaited one for sure! (complete with a visit from an old friend)

Cubbie and Chris: Soon Luv...very soon ;-)...and don't worry about reviewing stress...we all have crazy lives! It's enough that you are so incredibly supportive! xoxoxo

Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from Voltron or its characters. All OCs belong to me...

"Madness: Spring Break"

Chapter 25 Hyperspeed

Overview A.N. : The next three chapters will be all about the Spring Competition. Although I have tried to offer some explanations here and there, I figured it might help to put a few 'competition facts' in one spot. The 'enemy' that the competitors will be fighting against is an 'army' of actual war criminals- all of which are highly skilled and trained as well. Participation in the Flight Op and Ground Op is part of their sentence. In some respect, it is kind of like 'roll play' however, the criminal participants are told that anything goes; If they are able to stop the Alliance participants from completing the Flight Op or Ground Op, they will have a reduction in their sentence- additional 'perks' in the case of a life sentence. This is done to assure that the Spring Competition is as close to 'live warfare' as possible. All weaponry used, on both sides, has not been set to full capacity as to avoid unnecessary fatalities. (with the exception of Phase Three) Jeff had once mentioned that it was 'as close to real as it gets'…he wasn't kidding. It all leads up to the KA moments you have all been waiting for…

(Prodigy's "Hyperspeed" seemed like the perfect soundtrack for this Flight Op)

It was a picturesque day in San Francisco, California- a clear spring day to top all others. Seventy-five degrees Celsius and not a cloud in the sky…Ahhh, yes…May…the month of…'yes you may'… thought the Red Lion pilot, throwing his sunglasses on as the ramp lowered down to the TARMAC. He stepped out into the open, inhaling deeply while patting his chest

"Ah…take a deep breath, Kogane! Smell that salty sweet air! San Fran baby!" Lance yelled as he threw his arms in the air.

Keith gave a light chuckle. "Yeah, it's amazing the little things you miss."

"I can't believe we're here! I honestly thought we would never see this place again." Said Hunk, excited to be back even if it was only for a week.

"How 'bout it…oh…the memories" added Pidge.

Keith moved forward. "Hey, you guys can reminisce later. Let's get to the apartments and drop our stuff off. We only have a half hour before the flight op."

"After you, Chief!" laughed Green's pilot as he followed Keith down the ship's platform and onto the TARMAC.

The four were fortunate that Sven had been on Arus. Brilliant navigator that he was, the Swede set all the coordinates, providing them with the most time efficient jump-gates- thanks to which they arrived in record time. Of course, half way into the flight they received communication from an irate Dr. Gorma and Coran, lecturing Keith in regard to his 'irresponsible behavior'. The captain assured them that he would do his best to be careful and not overdo it. Knowing him as well as they did, Gorma and Coran were far from convinced; however, in this instance, it did, indeed, ring true- Keith had actually spent the entire flight in his bunk.

It was a little after 0500 when they arrived at the Alliance base. The Flight Op was to start at six; however, Graham had requested that they meet at the observation deck no later than 0545 so that the girls wouldn't catch on that they'd arrived days earlier than expected. The Force was about to leave when they noticed a group of officers approach them, led by Admiral Graham himself. The four men immediately saluted their superior.

Graham smiled as he called 'at ease'. After instructing a young group of cadets to assure that the Force's things be delivered to their apartments, he marched directly in front of Keith. "Kogane, my boy, I'm relieved to see you up and about. You had us all pretty worried there." The Admiral spoke with sincerity as he shook the captain's hand.

Keith grinned at his mentor. "Thank you, Sir. I can assure you, no one is as relieved as I am." He chuckled.

Graham raised his brow. "Well, I don't know about that." he winked. "Of course, sneaking off Arus doesn't exactly top your list of crowning achievements." He added with sarcasm, motioning for the group to follow him as he led the way to the observation deck.

"Yeah, well, he wouldn't have had to sneak away if the Alliance wasn't trying to hijack our Blue Lion pilot." snorted Lance. Keith threw him a cautionary glance over his shoulder.

Graham looked up then shook his head. "Lieutenant Commander, I can assure you… we didn't have to do much arm twisting."

"With all due respect, Sir, why would the Alliance even offer her such a position?" inquired Pidge.

The Admiral closed his eyes and chuckled. "1st Sergeant Stoker, after you boys bear witness this competition you won't be asking that question." He smirked.

"Admiral, the princess has been part of our team for almost two years. We know fair well what she's capable of." Keith began when the Admiral spun around to look at him.

"No Captain, I really don't think any of you have a clue as to what she's truly capable of." He paused as Keith and the others looked surprised. "It appears as though Her Majesty has been holding out on you boys…probably doesn't want to deflate your egos" he laughed.

The captain huffed in response while they continued their walk. "Regardless, she has a responsibility to Arus, to her people. She's not thinking clearly."

"Oh and you are, Captain? Holding on to intelligence confirming Prince Lotor's survival, going after him without proper back-up, and getting yourself critically wounded in the process… how was that in Arus' best interest exactly? It seems to me that of the two of you, Princess Allura is the logical one." expressed the Admiral

"Oh snap!" chided Lance earning yet another dirty look as Hunk and Pidge chuckled along with him.

The Admiral joined in however, noticing Keith's discomfort, he patted him on the back. "Come now, Kogane…we'll have time for debate later. For now, you boys just sit back and enjoy the show. Oh, by the way, the princess told her team about the alias today since it is the final so she'll be competing as herself." He smiled. "Charles is already up there. The Piranhas are just wrapping up the Ground Op."

"Already?" questioned Hunk.

The Admiral sighed "As cocky as they have been I'm afraid none of them made it past the middle point of Phase One…sad really. Back in the day all three teams were a force to be reckoned with. Your class was full of determined and honorable young men and women. These newbies…they're all ego."

"So in other words you've got an Academy full of Lance's" chuckled Hunk.

"Funny big guy…let's not forget who Number Three is…solo, I might add." Lance snarled as he whacked Hunk on the side of his arm. The group laughed while Red's pilot pouted his way onto the deck.

Upon entering, they were immediately greeted by Charles McClain, who had just returned from Arus the week prior. "So, you boys ready to meet the women who are about to blow you all to hell?" he laughed.

"Please Dad. I'm still the best fly-boy in the universe. Geni's blood and all, but she can't top her big brother." Red said, patting himself on the back. He heard a familiar sweet little voice explode behind him.

"Don't hurt yourself space jockey. You won't look as sexy."

Lance spun around "Ginger-snap, baby!" he said as he swept her up in his arms and spun her around.

"I thought it was you!" yelped Ginger "Why the hell didn't you guys say you were coming? We weren't expecting you until the Honors Ceremony!" she continued, now jumping off of Lance and throwing her arms around Keith, who winced a bit before returning the hug. Ginger pulled back with concern.

"I'm fine Ginge, really…anyway, we wanted it to be a surprise." said Keith while the strawberry-blonde moved on to Pidge and Hunk.

"Well it sure as hell is!" said Leesa who hugged Lance, Hunk, and Pidge first and then turned to Keith, putting her hands on her hips. "You!" she wagged her finger at him "You're lucky you're so hot otherwise I'd have to kick the shit out of you for almost getting yourself killed!" she scolded but then relented and gave him a hug.

He laughed "Watch it Lees. I don't think Jeff would take too kindly to you referring to me as hot" he laughed as she pulled back.

"Ha! After the way I've tolerated his secretly drooling over Dylan over the last two months he's lucky that's all I do!" she snorted. The group laughed at the thought.

Eventually, the men of the VF were surrounded by old friends and classmates. The group split off into the 'Alliance Elite' when Jeff and Cliff arrived. After the string of reunion banter, Keith was starting to ache so he grabbed a chair to sit, assuring his friends that he was fine. The captain closed his eyes and took a few calming breaths when he heard that voice. His eyes shot open.

"Well, ain't this a beaut? Give you credit, Kogane. Never thought you'd last this long knowing that I was here." smirked Liam.

Keith snorted, crossing his arms in front of him. "Why, pray tell, would I give a shit about you being here, Lochlan?"

"Don't give me that 'airy fairy' bullshit, mate. Worried that your Princess may want to take a walk on the wild side, is why…" He laughed while the captain stared at him.

"You flatter yourself."

"I don't know, she seemed to enjoy my company." Liam winked at Keith who remained unflinching. Lance moved to stand next to his best friend, causing the Infinity commander to roll his eyes.

"Actually, Lochlan, from what she's told me the only thing she enjoyed was kicking your ass." Lance snorted.

Liam looked at Red's pilot with intent "I can assure you, McClain- that's not all she enjoyed." He said with a devilish grin.

Uh oh…not…good! Thought Hunk as his eyes went wide, immediately motioning to Jeff and Cliff. Keith reached over and took hold of Lance's arm but was too weak to stop him.

"That's it!" yelled Lance as he lunged at Liam.

Jeff and Hunk quickly intervened and held him back while Cliff pushed his fellow Aussie out of the way. Keith clenched his eyes shut and tried to calm himself knowing that had it been under different circumstances, Lochlan would have been a dead man.

"Shit Liam! Stop mucking around! When in bloody hell are you going to learn to belt up!" Cliff yelled at Liam.

"Bugger off, Cliff! It doesn't take much for McClain to chuck a mental." Spat Liam.

"Right mate, because chatting up the princess or insinuating that you shagged her was completely appropriate." Cliff barked. Liam flashed him a crooked smirk.

"You know, Lochlan. I'm running out of ways to defend you. One of these days I'm just going to let them beat the shit outta you." he huffed at Liam, pushing him out of the way as he marched back over to the rest of the group- who'd managed to calm Lance down before anyone really noticed what had happened. Liam ignored them all and approached Keith, holding his hands up in resignation. Black's pilot glared at him- jaw clenched, eyes aflame.

"Apologies, Kogane- truly. Haven't seen you in years and just wanted to get a rise outta ya, for old time's sake. Let's just call a truce, at least for the remainder of this competition. Last thing either of us want is for the brass to tell us to rack off." He said in what appeared to be a sincere tone.

Dangerously narrowing his eyes, Keith responded with a threat. "The only reason you're still walking is because I'm still recovering. Don't push me, Lochlan. You know damn well what I'm capable of."

Liam chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it, oh Noble One." He spat. "Besides, despite popular belief, I happen to respect Allura a great deal."

Keith's lips drew into a thin line at Liam's casual use of Allura's name. "Respect, right- that's what you call it." he said in a dry tone.

It was Liam's turn to narrow his eyes. "You know what? I really don't give a rat's arse what you think. Allura and I have an understanding, and she knows how I feel- that's all that matters." He barked and made his way to one of the seats on the other side of the deck.

The Voltron Force commander shook his head and looked around to make sure that neither Graham nor his uncle had noticed what almost went down. If they had, they certainly weren't acting like it. It was at that moment that the Admiral turned to speak to those in attendance on the deck.

"As you all know, teams have been competing over the last two days with tremendous results; however, as always, we have saved the best for last. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the competition that has produced our most elite alumni. Every name in our Academy top ten ranking has made it at least to Phase Two of the Ground Operation. We firmly believe that this group will hold the first two female Alliance personnel to ever place in the top five. As most of you already know, only the top three scorers of the Flight Operation will move on to the Ground Op." Graham explained as the sound of roaring engines could be heard outside. "The first part of the Flight Op will be aerial maneuvers. We'll be able to watch those clearly from here. Once they are completed, the team will be given a signal to break atmosphere for the combat portion, which will take place in outer space. We'll be able to hear them over their coms and watch them on screen with the aid of our satellites" he continued. Focus went off him as the ships were being towed onto the TARMAC. Each single pilot, fully loaded, jet black ship slowly came into view as they were flagged in to their assigned spots. Five ships in all, each one with a different color on its wing tip for identification and an all too familiar roaring Black Panther on its tail. Keith sported a wicked grin and Lance nudged him with a sly smile.

The group in attendance on the deck was slap-happy with excitement and anticipation. A young ensign leaned over and whispered to Graham who then cleared his throat.

"The ships are in place and our Panthers should be coming around the corner in a moment. The Black Panther Commander for this op, as you now all know, is 2nd Lieutenant Allura Altair, A.K.A. Dylan MacKenzie, with 2nd Lieutenant Genevieve McClain as her Second-in-Command and their team mates 2nd Lieutenants Jason Carter and Harold Mitchel, as well as Sergeant Major Ryan Perry."

Graham was interrupted by Ginger's whooping. "Oops, sorry. Just excited." She cringed as the boys all chuckled at her enthusiasm. Truth be told, it was what they all wanted to do.

Graham smiled. "Ah, here they are." He said as everyone got up to look on the TARMAC, laughing as they caught sight of Geni.

"Yeah, definitely your sister" Pidge said to Lance with a loud chuckle.

Keith glanced to Geni's left, his eyes fixating on the platinum blonde with black streaks in her hair. His breath caught. My God she looks amazing!

xxxxx

"Damn it Gen- sit your ass down!" Allura yelled as she pulled her down onto the seat.

Geni couldn't help it. She loved to fly. This was her thing. She and Allura were riding in a black, open top jeep with the Black Panther emblem painted on the side. Allura drove while Geni stood on the seat with her hands in the air, screaming at the top of her lungs, until the princess disrupted her display.

"That's right baby! Woo!" Geni continued, fist pumping her hands.

The young monarch was overpowered with excitement as well- which was more than evident in her broad, confident smile as she spun the jeep around bringing it to a screeching halt. The two friends jumped out of the vehicle dressed in their back and gray camo cargo pants with black, skin-fitted tees. The remaining three Panthers sped out behind them in another open-top jeep and eagerly ran to greet them. The team huddled together, exchanged words of encouragement, and broke to go to their assigned fighters and throw on their flight suits.

Allura reached the top of her ship first and opened the cockpit hatch, then turned and waited for the rest of her team to do the same. Once they were all in sight, she lifted her right arm in the air. Using the thumb and index finger of her free arm, she let out a loud whistle while her extended arm made a circular arm gesture signaling for each team member to enter their cockpits, put their helmets on, and seal their hatches. Once they were all in place, Allura followed suit. Her voice then filled the observation deck, sending chills down the captain's spine.

"Commander Allura Altair, Black leader, online. Com check. Roll call." She said. The Voltron Force pilots looked at each other- pride evident within the smiles that tugged at each of their lips. One by one, her Panther team confirmed

"Lieutenant Mitchel, online."

"Sargent Major Perry, online"

"Lieutenant Carter, online"

"Lieutenant McClain, red hot and online- your Blackness" snickered Geni, earning chuckles on the deck.

"McClain, don't start!" snapped Allura.

The deck erupted in laughter as everyone turned their gaze toward Lance. "What? Why are you all looking at me?" he huffed and rolled his eyes.

Allura's voice boomed through the speakers once more "Alright Panthers, prepare to ignite engines. Start number one." She ordered. Once she had heard from each of them she continued.

"Start number two."

"Mitchel…two's up."

"Perry…two's up."

"Two up" said Carter.

"Two's up…guess who." snickered Geni.

Allura was not amused. "Turn on rear engine three" she snapped.

"Three's on." Confirmed Mitchel

"Perry's three on"

"Carter…on"

"Oh, it's on alright!" said Geni.

"Damn it, McClain!" Allura raised her voice in response.

"Fine!" huffed Lance's little sis. "McClain's three is on." Uh oh, she's switching to private com "Yes my oh so wonderful and patient Commander, what can I do for you?"

"You know Gen, I'm in a pretty good mood…is there a reason why you are going out of your way to piss. me. OFF?"

"Why, I can't imagine what you mean!"

"Geni! Cut it out! I mean it! Don't make me kick your ass!" said Allura over her private com to Geni, which, although could not be heard by the other three, could still be heard in the observation deck. Needless to say, they were all enjoying the banter.

"Girl, you're strapped in. You're not going anywhere. Bah! Empty threats!" chuckled Geni. There was silence. "Um…Lulu? Ugh…fine! I'll behave! Cut the silent treatment!" she huffed.

Allura switched back to the main com. "Run full system check, weapons included." she commanded.

After they all acknowledged that they were up and running, Graham's voice echoed throughout the cockpit. "Commander Altair, issue maneuver sequence. You have five minutes. Go" he said.

The princess went on to issue a series of maneuver sequences that the team was to follow before splitting off into their individual exercises. The orders were issued with the ease of a true leader, impressing all those listening on the deck. Each Panther member quickly acknowledged, repeating their orders- and not a moment too soon.

"Black Panther squadron you are all clear. Prepare for launch in three…two…one"

The sleek black ships were off with a thunderous roar in perfect V formation, engaging in the most intricate maneuvers as a team and then splitting off for their individual. The Panthers performed the most glorious of dances in the sky and it was breathtaking to watch- some formations bringing them close together that many observers in the deck gasped and held their breath in fear of a collision. There were none. They were all that good. It was a toss-up as to who out maneuvered who between Altair and McClain. Graham mentioned that they may have to look at the printouts to determine for sure.

Allura's cockpit filled with an indicator sound and she knew that meant it was time for combat. "Panthers, acknowledge." She said. After they all checked in she continued. "Initiate all weapons systems online, radars online, system status online. Acknowledge when ready." They all confirmed. "All Panther craft, prepare for atmospheric break and immediately follow my lead in three…two…one!"

The sound was defining as they broke barriers tearing through the sky and shooting into space. After several grimaces, those on the deck turned their focus to the big screens and radars.

As soon as the Panthers broke atmosphere, enemy craft were waiting.

"Shit!" yelled Geni "they could've given us a second!" she said as she started firing on the approaching crafts.

"I'm not even going to justify that with a response." said Allura with an eye roll. "McClain, Carter, break left. Mitchel and Perry, break right and cover me." They split in two causing the enemy craft to split as well. A full scale battle ensued. The Panthers held their own; however, the enemy craft continued to multiply at record speed- with every ship eliminated, another one took its place. This is crazy…have to eliminate the mother. With Perry and Mitchel now eliminated, Allura knew they had to disable the Mother Ship…and fast.

"McClain, Carter, split and follow gamma formation. Meet me in sector two so we can take out the mother." issued Allura.

"Got it" acknowledged Geni.

"Then what? Even if we manage to take out the mother we're still out numbered, boss lady." said Carter.

Dumb move, Carter. Now you've pissed her off thought Geni.

"Ouch. He's ballsy" said Leesa

"Yeah, reminds me of someone else." smirked Keith.

"Shut up Keith. I never question you." spat Lance.

"Yeah. You're right. Must have been another Red Lion pilot." Hunk interjected as Lance threw him a look.

The banter stopped when they heard Allura tapping on her com. "I'm sorry, something must be wrong with my com. Let's try this again, shall we?" She paused and slightly raised her voice "McClain and Carter, split and follow gamma formation then meet me in sector two so we can take out the mother…Altair out!" she spat, taking off toward sector two taking out several enemy craft in the process.

McClain and Carter met up as ordered. Allura continued to call out commands and formations as they took down the mother in a matter of minutes. They split in three directions, all listening as the Black Panther commander guided them through different attack positions. Everything was running smoothly until Carter was eliminated.

"Aw crap! What the hell now!" yelled Geni.

Allura momentarily closed her eyes and took in a cleansing breath "Relax Gen. I have a plan." She said as they both continued to out maneuver enemy craft.

"Um, not that I don't completely respect your wisdom, your Blackness, but we're just a tad bit outnumbered…just sayin." said Geni.

Allura blew out yet another puff of air "Oh ye of little faith." she mumbled. "I can assure you, Gen, we are not out numbered. It's all relative. We just have to be smarter and more observant. Now, tell me when you're ready." She replied, continuing to battle.

Geni sighed "Go ahead, I'm listening."

"Great. I noticed something a ways back that just might work. I need you to feign being hit then go on full stealth mode…disappear. Hang back and follow as close as you can without being detected. I will be going at max speed. When I give you the signal, hit close to max and engage with all you have Ms. Trigger-happy...got it?"

"Got it." acknowledged Geni , eager to see what her friend had up her sleeve.

Allura adjusted her scanners and re calibrated her weapon's systems. "Ready?" she gave a slight pause, then "GO!" she yelled.

As Geni feigned being hit and disappeared off the radars, Allura pushed her ship to max velocity and engaged the enemy in a high speed chase- making sure to stay as close to the surface of the moon they were over as possible. Geni followed closely behind the last enemy ship waiting for the princess' signal. As she observed in waiting, she couldn't help but wonder what the hell her Commander was up to.

In the observation deck, Keith looked at Lance with a huge grin. "You saw it too, didn't you?" he asked.

Lance chuckled "Yeah, I sure did."

"You know what she's doing, right?" The captain arched a brow.

"Seriously?" Lance snarled, a bit offended.

Keith gave a light laugh. "Just checking."

"What? What is she doing?" asked Jeff.

Keith, Lance, Hunk, and Pidge looked at each other and grinned, then looked at Jeff

"Asteroids" they said in unison.

"Asteroids? Where? I don't see any." said Cliff

"That's the point, Jack. She noticed them earlier and remembered where they were." explained Lance.

"They're on the other side of the moon. Watch and learn." snickered Keith.

Allura pushed her ship, increasing just beyond the brink of max velocity. Almost all remaining enemy ships were on her tail. She would only have seconds to maneuver herself out of the way. Here it comes she thought. She approached fast, deciding to wait until last minute to pull back speed so that the oncoming enemy craft would not have a chance to bank before realizing what they were in for. There it was, the asteroid belt.

At first sight she pulled up with all her power and yelled "Now, McClain! Now!" veering straight up in a ninety degree angle before banking right to circle around and join her teammate. The enemy craft were caught by surprise, with the majority unable to pull up fast enough to avoid slamming head on into the asteroid belt. One by one they began to explode. Those that managed to veer off were taken out by Allura and Geni until there were none left.

Geni grinned from ear to ear as she waved her hands victoriously, still amazed at what the two of them had just pulled off. "I've said it before and I'll say it again- you are one crazy bitch, Altair; effective, but crazy." laughed Geni.

Allura looked ahead, sporting a confident, self-satisfied grin. Yes, yes I am…