Episode Twenty-Five

Adventures on Planet Arista

In a small Arusian fighter ship, Allura flew into the Cerulean Quadrant of the Denubian galaxy. The planet Arista, famed for its thick hot jungles and tribal natives, lay far beyond the reaches of the grip of Zarkon. It was a primitive planet rotating peacefully at the edge of the galaxy. Only a few explorers dared to breech the atmosphere of the planet and visit the jungle covered surface. It was one of the last unexplored regions of the galaxy.

While the ship was on autopilot, Allura sat silent and still, pondering over the recent events that led her on this journey. Feeling rather weak, she scolded herself over and over for letting that witch manipulate her emotions, but he seems so real. Keith felt so real, but it was nothing but Hagar's evil magic. Oh, how she longed to see Keith again, but at the same time, she felt worried. Even if she saw Keith, she couldn't leave her new life behind. After all, she was a mother now. She couldn't leave Lathan and Serenity behind. She paused for a moment, feeling her heart skip a beat. She couldn't leave Gabriel behind either. It was true, she loved Keith with all of her heart, but she had learned to make room in her heart for someone new. She wiped her forming tears. She had to brave. Gabriel needed the Cocona plant, and she would get it for him.

The jungles were dense and thick while the air was heavy with moisture. Teeming with life, thousands of bugs crawled up and down the tree trunks and along the floor. Brightly colored birds constantly squawked and took flight among the canopy of the forest. Occasionally, the howl of a monkey echoed through the forest or the roar of a large cat. Carefully, Allura walked along the natural mud path winding through the forest. With her blaster in one hand and a picture of the Cocona plant in another, she scanned through the bottom of the forest floor. The plant had a skinny green stem with lots of tiny green leaves. At the top, a small fuchsia flower with a bright yellow center blossomed out. It was actually a very beautiful looking plant. As hard as she looked, she only saw the typical jungle plants.

She wandered deeper into the forest. Soon the trail started to descend up and down as the ground became hilly. She found herself sliding down mud trails and grasping onto rocks to climb back upward. With her tracking device, she kept the location of her ship, but she was wandering father and father away from it. After all this time, she still did not see any Cocona plant. Frustrated, she pressed on through the muddy trail, messing up her pink boots. At the sound of rushing waters, Allura ran forward. Coming over the last hill, she found a small waterfall and a stream. She quickly leapt down off the rock she stood on and scurried over to the tiny creek. She pulled off her gloves and cupped the cool water into her hands. Very unlike a Queen, Allura slurped the water out of her hands and repeated the process until her thirst was satisfied. Allura wiped her mouth and glanced up. Diagonal across the creek, a young girl bent over to sip on the water. Her messy brown hair was kept out of her eyes with a brown bandana while her clothes were mostly grass and animal skin. The girl cupped the water into her hands and splashed it on her face. The girl spent a few minutes grooming in the water, but after seeing a white and pink reflection in the water, she jerked up her head and gasped.

Allura reached out her hands, seeing that she had frightened the girl. "Please, I mean no harm. I'm looking for a special plant…"

Terrified, the girl scooted away from Allura. After scooting back a few feet, she turned around and broke off into a run. Immediately, Allura ran through the creek, getting her feet wet, and chased after the girl. The girl would glance back over her shoulder while running, completely frightened. While running, Allura tried to stop the girl, but the girl was very fast.

Suddenly, she fell forward, as if she tipped, but her leg was pulled upward. Before she could even realize it, Allura was dangling upside down from a rope. As she gently swung in the air, she looked forward down the path. The frightened girl ran up to a group of men similarly dressed. They wore bandanas around their heads and arms while only wearing short like pants. They carried bows and arrows and painted their faces with many colors. After hanging upside down so long, the world went black.

She awoke with a massive headache. As she opened her eyes, people were hovering over her and petting her golden hair. As she motioned to sit up, the people backed away from her frightened. She looked around at the people—women from young to old were gathered around her watching her as she slept.

"Where am I?" She asked.

"Village," One of them answered.

Allura looked around at all the women. She saw the young girl that she chased earlier. "Who are you? Why did you run away?"

"I'm Karia." She bowed. "I am sorry. I was afraid." She answered, speaking awkwardly, as if the language was not her first.

"Where am I?"

"My Father's village, my Lady," Karia answered.

Allura rubbed her head. "I must speak with your father then. I'm in search of a Cocona plant." She pulled out the picture. "I must get this plant and leave as soon as possible."

"But why will you leave?" Karia asked, confused. "You have just returned to us."

Allura shook her head. "I've never been here before. Look, I just need this plant, and I'll be on my way."

"Lady Padma, you've come to us finally. Why would you leave so soon?" One of the women said.

"Lady Padma?" Allura questioned. "Who is that? My name is Allura."

"Lady Padma is the goddess of the sun. She has golden hair like you, my Lady. You must be Lady Padma." Another woman answered.

Allura shook her head frantically. "No, I'm not her! My name is Allura! I'm looking for this plant…"

The village woman started chattering wildly. There was to be a great feast in honor of Lady Padma coming to the village after 500 years of waiting. Excitedly, the women exited the small hut and began to prepare for the feast.

Only the young girl Karia remained in the hut with Allura. She gently pushed Allura back down onto the mat and bit her to rest, but Allura popped back up. "No, please! You don't understand! I'm not a goddess! I'm looking for medicine for my husband…"

"Ah, your husband, Lord Devdan of Thunder…"

"No!" Allura exclaimed. "My husband is not a god! His name is Gabriel, and he's dying! He needs medicine!"

Karia looked confused for a moment. "You're not Lady Padma?"

Allura shook her head. "No, I'm not. My name is Allura, and I'm from planet Arus. I came looking for a Cocona plant because my husband is dying." Tears started to form in her frustrated eyes. "Please, if I don't get back to him, he'll die! Don't you understand?"

Karia paused for a moment. "I really don't think the village elders will let you go home. You'll have to stay here." She headed towards the exit.

"Please! You have to convince them that I'm not Padma! Please! My husband is dying!" Allura exclaimed tearfully.

Karia exited the hut.

When the women finally brought Allura before the village elders, the whole village was in an excited commotion. Men, women, and children bowed before her as she walked up to the platform in front of the village elders. As she weaved through the grass, mud, and wood huts, she saw the people of this village dressed in grass and animal clothing. Even though it was rather warm on this planet, they didn't seem to notice. As dusk approached, the torches planted throughout the village were lit up. Before seven older looking men, Allura was brought to plead her case.

The young girl, Karia, walked past the crowd immediately to the man sitting in the middle of the elders. He was the most elaborately dressed in color feathers and a long grass shirt. He carried a long, beautifully carved spear in his right hand, but he took his only child, Karia, into his left arm. "People, we have been blessed on this great day. The goddess Padma has finally returned to us after 500 years. Peace and prosperity will reign once again!"

The village cheered, but Allura tried to speak up. "No! You don't understand! I'm not Lady Padma! My name is Allura!" Ignoring her, the villagers continued to cheer on. They grabbed a hold of Allura and seated her at a large banquet table. She sighed as the villagers didn't listen to her pleas.

The party was for her—well, actually, Lady Padma. The villagers performed dances, skits, and magic tricks in honor of Lady Padma. They gave her all the best foods of meat, fruits, and herbs that they made for the banquet. Excitedly, the villagers partied and danced around the campfire long into the night. After a while, the villagers left Allura alone and allowed her to wander around the village by herself. Frustrated and tired, she decided to get some rest and perhaps she would try to sneak away in the morning. She headed through the small huts getting father and father away from the celebration. As she walked along the edge of the forest, she heard faint voices in the distance. Quietly, she slipped into the dark forest and followed the sound of the voices.

"Bantu, we shouldn't be together. What if someone sees us?"

Allura peered around the large trunk of the tree she hid behind. Deeper into the forest, she saw a tall young man with only an arm band around his head, and his brown shorts. He carried a simple looking spear. The young girl, Karia, stood before him.

"Everyone is at the celebration for Lady Padma. Nobody will know that we are here."

"You know the rules. You have to kill a horracat before you can ask my father for my hand in marriage. You have to become a man first."

The young man nodded, thinking about the ferocious cat called the horracat. "I will, Karia, I promise. I'll slay a thousand of them just to have you as my wife."

Karia slipped her arms around the young warrior. "You must hurry, Bantu. Losting has already killed two horracats, and I know he wants to become chief someday. He just wants to marry me to become chief!"

Bantu nodded. "I know." He put his arms around Karia. "I won't let that happen. There is no way I'll lose you to someone like him."

Allura turned around and walked away.

It was late into the night before anyone came back to the hut. She had tried to sleep, but she couldn't. Hot and heavy tears poured from her eyes. She prayed earnestly that Gabriel was still alive, but there was no way of knowing. Even if she could escape from the village, she couldn't find the Cocona plant. She had looked for hours and found nothing. Everything left so hopeless.

Karia stepped into the hut and saw Allura crying. "What is wrong, my Lady?"

Allura looked up at the young girl. "Please, I need to leave. I have to get the medicine to save my husband. He'll die if I don't get there in time."

Karia shook her head. "I'm sorry. My people believe that you are Lady Padma."

"Please," Allura begged. "I care for my husband like you care for Bantu."

Karia's eyes bulged. She looked around the hut. "How do you know about Bantu and me? Who told you?"

Allura shook her head. "Nobody. I saw you both in the forest. Please, do you understand now? I must get the medicine."

Karia pondered for a moment then she gently nodded. "I understand. I will help you escape." She looked back towards the door. "It is unsafe right now. We must wait until morning."

Allura nodded. "Thank you."

It was early morning in the village- just before the sun arose. Quietly, hoping that nobody was awake, Karia and Allura slipped out of hut. There was barely enough light to see, but if they waited any longer, the women of the village would be sure to spot them when they got up for fresh water.

"Do you know where these plants are?" Allura whispered.

Karia nodded. "Yes, they are not far." She took Allura by the hand and started to lead her through the village.

Suddenly, a large flock of birds flew over the village. Allura looked down to the ground. Brown mice were scurrying along the ground. Allura stopped and looked south. Karia and Allura stood silent, listening.

"What is that terrible sound?" Karia whispered, putting her hands to her ears.

"It sounds like an invasion," Allura uttered, completely confused.

The mechanical sounds echoing through the forest grew louder and louder. Soon, the villagers arose from their slumber and sleepily looked around for the source of the sound. As it grew louder, the sound of breaking trees cracked through the air. On the south end of the village, the came tumbled down as two large land ships burst into the village land.

Allura gasped as her eyes lay upon the two ships. Fitted with skulls in the front, she recognized them right away—they were Zarkon's land ships, fitted for capturing and transporting slaves. Allura glanced over at Karia, who was standing in awe, and grabbed her arm. Allura ran, pulling Karia along with her.

"What are you doing? Where are we going?" Karia asked. "What was that metal beast?"

"Zarkon!" Allura exclaimed.

"Zarkon? Who is Zarkon?"

Allura kept running, pulling the girl along with her. "Just run!"

Karia stopped and looked back towards her village. "Wait a minute. If this Zarkon has come, he should be a guest in our village…"

"No!" Allura exclaimed. "He's evil!"

Karia watched as her people stood amazed before the large metal ships. However, the ships began firing upon the people and Doom soldiers started to pour out the sides.

"Oh, no!" Karia gasped. "I musts go back!"

Allura grabbed Karia and continued to run. "No, you can't! They'll capture you to!"

"But my father!" Karia exclaimed. "Bantu!"

"No, you must run!" Allura exclaimed.

It was a short battle. The villagers, armed with spears and arrows, were no match to the trained Doom soldiers. With their blasters set on stun, the soldiers easily subdued the entire village population. Before the villagers could even think about escape, they were shot, tied up, and loaded on a transport.

Happily, Prince Lotor walked around the desolated village looking at the destruction he had caused. It was a wonderful thing to drive fear into the hearts of people all over the galaxy. These people hadn't heard the name Lotor, and he relished in the fact that he would get to teach them proper fear for his name. He kicked a piece of rubble out of his way and continued through the village.

"Sire, we have searched all the huts. There are no villagers left. All are captured." The soldier bowed to Lotor.

Lotor smirked. "Good. How many captives do we have?"

"Two hundred and thirty seven, Sire, including all men, women, and children."

Lotor looked around. "Doesn't hardly seem worth the effort," He sighed. "Nevertheless, we should return with the cargo we do have."

Another soldier ran up to Lotor. "Sire, we have a problem with the ship."

"What is it?" Lotor asked, annoyed.

"The ship's hull was torn into—probably by scraping up against a rock formation in the dense forest. We'll have to wait until it can be repaired."

"And how long will that take?"

"Only a day, Sire. We should be able to leave by tomorrow."

Lotor sighed. "Oh, fine. Perhaps we can interrogate the chief. Perhaps there are other people we can enslave before leaving this dismal place."

"Why does he want my people?" Karia asked, crying. "What will he do to them?"

Allura sat on a mossy rock next to Karia. "King Zarkon conquers planet just to make the people his slaves. He's almost destroyed my planet numerous times."

Karia put her face into her hands. "This is terrible." She started to sob heavily. "What am I supposed to do?"

Allura sat up straight, hearing an unusual sound.

"What is it?" Karia asked, noticing Allura's posture change.

"Hush!" Allura looked around.

"HAAAAAAA!"

Allura leapt up and grabbed her pink lightsaber. She quickly swung the blade and leapt back to look at her attacker. Standing frightened with only half a spear, the young man known as Bantu trembled before her. He dropped to his knees and bowed before Allura. "Forgive me, Lady Padma. I thought you were one of them."

"Bantu!" Karia threw her arms around the young man. "I thought they captured you."

He shook his head. "I went looking for you, and I saw you running off into the forest." He glanced up to Allura. "What do we do, Lady Padma?"

Karia looked up at Bantu. "She's not Lady Padma. Her name is Allura. We've mistaken her."

Bantu looked down to his feet. "Then she can't help us?"

Allura stepped forward. "I may not be Lady Padma, but I will help you."

Bantu sighed. "There are fifty of those warriors plus their blue-skinned leader. They have those sticks that shoot light too. They said they are leaving tomorrow. Apparently their metal beast is wounded."

"Leaving tomorrow?" Allura pondered. "This might be able to work."

It was a crazy plan. Allura knew that most of the land division forces that Zarkon had were made up of robotic soldiers. The control for these robotic soldiers were located within the command ships. All she had to do, as if it were as simple as saying it, was sneak into the control ships and turn off the soldiers control source. Meanwhile, Bantu and Karia had to distract Lotor and his commanding officers. By posing as another tribe and bringing gifts, Bantu would distract Lotor while Allura snuck inside the ship.

Early the next morning, in a show of extravagance, Lotor prepared his fine-dining table outside of the control ship. With a silk white cloth, fine china, beautiful goblets, and wonderful foods, Lotor dined in excellence in the middle of the jungle ridden planet of Arista.

Lotor swirled his wine around in his glass. "How long until take off?" He asked the soldier standing behind him.

"We are ready to go, Sire," The soldier answered.

"Good," He muttered. "It's already starting to get hot here." He looked into his glass and took a deep drink.

"Sire!" The soldier exclaimed.

Lotor looked up. Out of the mist, two figures appeared, approaching towards the table. As they slowly approached, Lotor stood up at the sight of two villagers coming toward him. "I thought you captured them all, you fool!" He muttered to his soldiers.

"Sire, I…uh…"

"Greetings King Lotor!" Bantu called out. He kneeled before Lotor's table. Karia did the same. "I am the chief of a near-by village. I have come to pay homage to you."

Lotor put his hands on his hips while smirking; he liked the sound of King Lotor. "That's a wise decision, but do you want to tell me why you are being so hospitable?"

"King Lotor has destroyed our enemies—the people of this village. We are please to have you in our presence."

"And tell me, how many people are in your village." Lotor asked, thinking of the slave potential.

"Twice as many as this village," Bantu said.

Lotor looked down at Karia. "And who is this lovely young flower?"

Bantu looked up, frightened. "Uh…my sister…"

"You look young to be chief…"

"That is because my father died recently. I am a new chief," Bantu quickly lied.

"Uh huh?" Lotor smirked. He kept his yellow eyes upon Karia. "Do you wish to be allies with me?"

Bantu nodded. "Yes, I wish so very much, King Lotor."

Lotor grabbed his chin and pondered for a moment. "I suppose an agreement of some sort could be worked out between your clan and me."

Bantu nodded again. "Yes, thank you."

Suddenly, the soldiers around Lotor shut down. They immediately collapsed to the ground. Lotor turned around. The robot soldiers by the ships did the same thing. Angrily, Lotor charged toward Bantu and grabbed his neck.

"THINK I CAN BE FOOLED! I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE UP TO!" Lotor raised Bantu off the ground.

"LET HIM GO! LET HIM GO!" Karia screamed. She started pounding her fists into Lotor, but he was so large and strong that he barely noticed.

Bantu lunged forward and kicked Lotor in the stomach. Soon, the two men were fighting on the ground. After a few rolls and tumbles, they were up to their feet and fighting. Throwing kicks and punches, the two men fought furiously. Lotor, who was taller and stronger, cruelly attacked Bantu, but the spirited young man refused to give up. Even with a bloody nose and feeling dizzy, Bantu charged towards Lotor with a punch. Lotor quickly dodged the punch and tripped Bantu at the same time. With enough time, Lotor was able to pull out his sword. Bantu remained on the ground as Lotor held him at sword point.

"NO, PLEASE! DON'T!" Karia screamed. She tried to hit Lotor again, but he shoved her off to the side.

"This is the punishment for trying to disobey King Lotor!" Lotor raised his sword in the air.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you!"

"That voice!" Lotor turned around. "Allura!" He kept his arms in the air as she pointed one of the fallen solder's blasters at Lotor. "What are you doing here, my dearest flower? Have you come to submit to me and be my wife?" He looked behind her. All the villagers Lotor had captured were now pouring out of the slave ship. Soon, all the villagers lined up behind Allura.

"Lotor, after what you have done to these people, and everyone else, I could never marry you! You are just like your father!"

"I, my dear, am nothing like him. I will be much greater than he could ever dare to dream."

"Not if I shoot you first!" Allura exclaimed.

Lotor grinned. "Touche, Allura, but I have won this round!" He leapt high into the air and landed into the crowd of villagers. He ran towards the ship while weaving through the frightened villagers. Before Allura could see him again, it was too late. He was already on board the ship. She fired upon the ship, but the weapon was too weak. Lotor managed to fly away.

Peace was restored back to the village. Even though Allura was not Lady Padma, she still managed to bring peace to these lost people of Arista. After much deliberation and explanation, the village was finally convinced that Allura was not Lady Padma. With celebration and hope, the villagers allowed Allura to leave their planet while wishing her the best of luck. Thankful for her rescue, the villagers presented Allura with an entire bag of Cocona plant. With laughter and tears of parting, Allura said her goodbyes to the people of Arista.

"I will always remember you, Lady Allura," Karia bowed her head.

Allura nodded. "I will remember you, and will always be thankful for the Cocona plant you have given me."

"May your husband be well," Karia said.

"Yes, thank you." Allura glanced over at Bantu. She bowed her head. "Congratulations, Bantu."

He nodded beaming with pride. For his efforts in rescuing the village, Bantu was to be declared a man by the village elders. "Be safe, Lady Allura."

"Yes, and you too," Allura waved goodbye to the villagers and closed the lid to her spacecraft.

When Allura returned to Arus, the bag of Cocona plants was grinded into a mushy green paste. After smearing it all over Gabriel's magical burn wounds, it provided immediate results. His breathing became more regular within minutes and within a few hours, his skin looked clean and fresh. By that night, the entire Castle celebrated the King's quick recovery. With his friends and family around him, Gabriel finally sat up and opened his tired eyes to the world. With an hour, he was alert enough to hold his son while Nanny tried to calm down Serenity.

"You sure had us worried there, Commander," Pidge said, sitting on one of the other beds.

"Yeah, we've all been a little banged up recently," Hunk added.

Gabriel sighed contently, looking down at his son. Lathan's little hands gently slapped against Gabriel's bare stomach. "Yes, it is good to be feeling well again."

"Are you sure there are no symptoms left?" Cassie asked, writing on her clipboard.

Gabriel shook his head. "No, nothing. I'm just very tired, that's all."

Cassie stood up from her desk. "We should probably go then. The King will need his rest." She began to usher the Voltron Force out of the room. Only Nanny and Coran remained in the room.

Gabriel took the hands of his playing son and playfully clapped them together. The little boy smiled at his father and clapped them by himself.

"I am truly happy to see you well, Your Majesty. You had us all dearly worried for you, and the people prayed diligently for you," Coran said.

"Yes, it is true," Nanny said, holding Serenity. "The people are very happy to have a King again, and they wouldn't want to lose you, Your Majesty."

Gabriel nodded. "I appreciate you saying that." He looked down to his son and sighed. "It is just too bad the Queen does not have the same sentiments." He glanced up for a moment, seeing Coran and Nanny look at each other. "What?"

"She did?"

"It took special medicine to undo the work of that evil witch, Hagar. Allura risked her life to get it for you," Coran said.

Gabriel glanced away. "I didn't know."

Nanny nodded. "You owe your life to the Queen." She beamed with pride. "She's some Queen, isn't she? Foolish at times, but very brave."

Gabriel nodded solemnly. "Nanny?"

"Yes, your Majesty?"

"Could you watch the twins for tonight?" Gabriel started to crawl out of bed.

"Your Majesty, you shouldn't move!" Coran said.

Gabriel passed Lathan over to Nanny. "I have to talk with Allura. Please, just let me go. I feel fine, really."

Coran nodded. "As you wish, your Majesty."

After she recovered from her exhaustion, Allura woke up out of bed and headed straight for the shower. Once she cleaned up and dried off, she threw on a bathrobe and walked over to the bathroom sink. She looked down at her combs. Lying on the edge of the sink was the same hair comb Gabriel gave her for their anniversary. She picked it up, tracing the fine lines of the cherry blossom design. Quietly, she began to brush out her hair. Once she was finished, she headed out of the bathroom into the bedroom.

She looked up as the door opened. The King stood quietly in the room, noticing her before she noticed him. Startled, she gasped. "I was just about to check on you." She walked towards him.

He walked to the center of the room and stopped before her. "I am well now."

She nodded, looking over his bare shoulder. The burns were completely gone—no scars or after marks. "The medicine really worked."

He nodded. "Yes,"

They stood silently for a moment, but she glanced away, feeling tears forming in her eyes. He stood with a questioning look on his face, but she kept her face away from him.

"Is there something wrong?"

She tried to look up at him, but it only made her tears spill. As she quickly turned her face away, he saw the tears rolling down her cheek.

"Allura, please, what's the matter?"

She tried to look at him again, but she couldn't. Her throat squeezed and burned as she tried to speak through her tears. "I…I…"

"Yes?" He asked, confused.

"I…I…I…couldn't bear it if you died!" She immediately wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his chest.

Gabriel stood, completely dumfounded. After a few moments, he snapped out of it, and he slowly put his arms around the weeping girl in his arms. She held him tight and furiously, but he held her gently while stroking her hair.

"I thought I was going to lose you," She sobbed over and over again. He said nothing as he held onto her, but eventually, she calmed down from her tears. After standing for a while, Gabriel's knees gave out, and he collapsed. She caught him in her embrace and pulled him back up. "Are you alright?" She asked.

Gabriel nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just very weak and tired."

"You should lay down then. You probably don't have any strength left." She guided him across the room towards the bed. Surprised, he sat down on the left side of the bed as she laid him down. She pulled his legs up onto the bed, pulled back the covers, and tucked him in. After setting him in, she walked over to the other side of the room to grab her hair brush until he began to cough violently. She quickly grabbed a glass of water and crawled across the bed to give it to him.

Gabriel gulped the entire glass of water then wiped his mouth. "Thanks."

She nodded, sitting next to him. "Your welcome." She looked over at him, seeing exhaustion written all over his face. "You shouldn't have come up here."

"I had to," He looked over at her. "I didn't know you had to go to Arista to get the medicine for me."

She nodded modestly. "It was nothing."

"It was everything, Allura," He said seriously.

"Gabriel, I had to do it." She glanced away. "You would have died otherwise."

Gabriel gently nodded. "So tell me what Arista is like."

The two of them stayed up late discussing Allura's adventures on the Planet Arista, as the night grew late, they fell asleep next to each other.