"I have to go back. Please! My family is waiting for me."

The native arusian ignored Keith and continued her odd 'cleansing ritual'. All it did was fill the small hut with acrid smoke that threatened to choke him. She waved her burning incense sticks as she danced. When she finished, the shaman that sat beside a bowl took the sticks and broke them in pieces. Using a stone pestle, he ground the incense to a pungent ash and approached Keith.

Keith held up an arm. "Cut it out! I don't want any of this!"

"But, without the ceremony, your divine grace will blind us poor mortals!" The shaman clutched onto Keith's arm and the woman let out a gasp. Whatever they believed about him was wrong, but they wouldn't listen to anything he tried to say. The shaman gestured to their humble surroundings and asked, "Why do you think we work in such dark lighting?"

The woman bowed low to the ground and begged, "Please, your grace, let us continue so that the rest of the village may gaze upon your splendor."

Keith felt Red's temper start to rise and took a deep breath. No. They couldn't attack these people. However confused and simple as they were, the lion was a symbol of peace and protection. They worshiped the lions, and now him as Red's paladin, as gods. That was why they'd taken him at the lake. Shoving his frustration into the back of his mind, Keith folded his arms. "Fine. Just get it over with. And stop prostrating yourself. It creeps me out."

The woman startled and sat up quickly, folding her hands. "Of course, lion goddess."

Keith felt his neck heat up and looked away. He wished they'd stop calling him that. It wasn't even remotely true. Then the shaman's brush painted the warm ash of the incense onto his bare skin. It tickled and the weird oil he'd mixed with the ashes itched and irritated, but Keith allowed it. This was temporary.

The woman offered a bowl of food. Keith recognized the wild grains and berries he'd gathered between hunting trips with Ulaz. Right. These people were gatherers. They didn't hunt. Their warriors were completely under prepared for anything except the most basic attacks from wildlife. He cringed just thinking it, but the arusians were primitive by the standards he was used to. He wanted to leave, but he didn't want to deprive them the chance to grow without interference. So he'd play their little game of make believe... at least until the blades found him.

When the shaman finished, Keith struggled not to immediately smudge it. The woman held aside the hanging grasses that blocked the light from the door. Shivering from the first gust of fresh air, he stood to follow the shaman out of the hut. When he ducked under the door frame, he saw the entire village gathered between the huts. A bead of sweat ran down his back as he realized there were more arusians here than when he'd disappeared into the hut a couple days earlier.

The leader of the village stood first, leaning on his staff. Keith waved a hand to disperse the cloud of smoke that surrounded him and blinked in the bright sunlight he hadn't been allowed to see. Looking around, he couldn't find any familiar landmarks. Crud. How far had they taken him?

A rumble in his chest made him whip around. Red. Where was she? Panic quickly built when he didn't see her. Where. Was. She? Her weight had been the only thing keeping him calm throughout this hostage situation. Because that's what he was here. The arusians were keeping him prisoner, but in much kinder conditions than the empire had. Every time he tried to leave, they'd offer their lives as sacrifice to 'appease' him, effectively isolating him from Lance and the others.

Lance. Fuck, he needed to get back. He needed to make sure Lance was alright. He needed to make sure he was safe.

A low growl made him turn and he saw Red rise from her stomach where she'd lain in wait stalking the village. Relief flooded through him and he sprinted to her. "Red! Red, are you okay?" What was he saying? Of course she was okay. She was a freaking sentient robot cat!

Before he could protest, she rolled onto her side and scooped him up with her paws. Like a mother cat, she nuzzled him and her purr was a full body massage. Keith groaned and wriggled to free himself. When his torso and one arm were loose, something warm rasped across his bare back. "Red, wha- Yeek!" Keith arched his back as she licked him again, cleaning the ask and oil from his skin like the most aggressive exfoliating scrub in existence.

Keith sputtered until she finished his tongue bath. Content and relieved, she gazed lovingly at him and tucked him into the side of her neck. Her purr died down until Keith could hear himself think again. He curled into her and asked, "Where are the others, Red? What happened to Lance?"

Red's thoughts pushed towards him. The warm feelings she had toward her sister flooded his emotions and he sagged in relief. "Thank god she reached him in time." Taking a deep breath, he felt better than he had in two days, ever since the arusians had ambushed them at the lake, and it had everything to do with Red. "We need to get back. As soon as the natives understand, we'll leave."

Red rubbed into him a final time and spread her front legs to release him. When he emerged from her sanctuary, he froze. The villagers were completely mesmerized by the appearance of the lion. They worshiped her. Keith fought embarrassment and approached the shaman. Kneeling, he kept his voice low and said, "Don't do that. You don't need to worship her."

"Oh, lion goddess, we can do no less. Your coming has been foretold since time immemorial. We must worship you and the sky warrior during this joyous time of prophecy fulfilled."

Keith groaned and rubbed his temples. He shouldn't have promised Red they'd leave soon. For hours, he pleaded with the arusians until he was beyond frustrated to the point of tears. He finally gave up and laid spread eagle on the ground. There was nothing he could say that wouldn't result in a guilty conscious. His head pounded and his gut physically hurt he was so upset. This was agony. He almost believed the galra cruiser had been a better prison.

Red growled only to him. He closed his eyes and pushed away his dark thoughts. Standing, he ignored the arusians and returned to the hut. If they wouldn't listen to reason, it would be best to disappear without warning. When night fell, he'd sneak away. Red's soothing pulse echoed his heart beat until they were in sync. She agreed with his plan. He settled on the woven mats that functioned as a bed and tried to get some rest.

Coleen winced and looked at her hand. The nail bled where she'd picked at it almost continuously since Keith had gone missing. She squeezed the finger in her other hand to stop the bleeding and turned to pace the other direction. Brad and Chad were gearing up for the mission to get Keith back. The assassins emerged from the darkness. If Coleen hadn't spent the last month seeing them do that, she would be terrified.

Losing Keith had affected them all differently. Coleen herself had only felt the panic of a mother, once again renewed from Keith's troubled youth. Brad and Chad had fallen back on their military training. If they were scared of failure, they didn't show it. In contrast, Krolia and Thace were beyond feral. Thace stood perfectly still. Coleen couldn't even see him breathing and his face was hidden in the shadow of his hood. His only tell was the death grip he had on his sword. He seemed willing to do anything to rescue his student and Krolia would join him in his crusade. She was struggling to remain calm and collected, but Coleen could see her complete terror when she thought no one was looking. Those moments when she couldn't catch her breath and her eyes grew glassy and wild. Only Ulaz kept the other assassins in check.

If only Lance could understand they were trying to protect him. But he only saw it as being overlooked and under appreciated. Coleen chewed on a hangnail and looked toward the blue lion. Lance wore a neutral expression beneath Blue's glowing eyes. The fire reflecting off her metallic skin was her only other giveaway. They both were quiet. Earily so. Coleen knew he was still upset about earlier. Beneath that broody silence was simmering anger. Lance stood and walked into the night. He ran a hand along the blue lion's side. Then the lion rose with feline grace, following her paladin until the darkness swallowed them both with a final flick of her tail.

Coleen furrowed her brow and resumed pacing. At last, Krolia lifted her hood, her blade on her hip. Without a word, the others copied her. Chad and Brad shared a look and formed up. Coleen put a hand on Thace's arm when he passed and whispered, "Bring him home... and stay safe."

He covered her hand with his and barely tipped his chin. It was the only acknowledgement she needed. He moved to walk on and froze with a sharp inhale. Drawing his blade, he awakened the sword. In the flash of blue light, Coleen saw figures in the dark. Then Thace stood in front of her. She turned and saw the other four had formed a circle facing outward.

"Who's out there," Thace demanded.

There was a moment of tense unbroken silence. A flash of blue light answered Thace. Chad and Brad instantly aimed their pistols at the tall figure, but Thace relaxed and walked toward them. Ulaz put a hand on Chad's arm and instructed, "Lower your weapons. They are not our enemy."

Coleen watched as nearly thirty people wearing armor like the assassins emerged from the dark. They spread out at the edge of the firelight, completely at ease and aware of the affect they had on her and the other refugees. Thace went to the one who'd drawn their blade and they clasped arms. "You are late. We feared the worst when we failed to make radio contact."

The man replied, "A small distraction. The empire is in a frenzy following the loss of the lions and two of Zarkon's favorite generals. We were forced to make three emergency extractions on our way here."

"Leader, I-"

"Krolia!"

An assassin shouldered through the others and approached Krolia. He was taller than her by at least a foot, but he bent to fold into her embrace. Krolia hugged him and stepped back. Putting her hand to his cheek, she said, "You have grown, Regris."

He leaned into her touch. "Your hair is so short. Father won't let me cut my own until I pass the trials."

Krolia chuckled and pushed back her hood. Then another taller assassin approached. He took Krolia's other hand in both of his and held it to his chest. "Sister, I am glad you have returned to us."

Krolia's gaze softened for him. "I missed you, Antok... nephew."

Coleen gasped. These were the ones she'd spoken to so vehemently during that call two weeks ago. Which meant... She turned to look at the one Thace spoke to in hushed tones. He was their leader, the one who made Krolia so angry.

"Who are your companions, Krolia?"

Coleen turned back at Antok's voice. He looked down at her with open curiosity, though only because he was nearly twice her height. Coleen reached out a hand. "My name is Coleen Holt. We spoke on the coms."

"Ah, the prisoner hacker. The empire had quite a file on you. I believe you were scheduled to be sent to a high security scientific research facility." Antok passed her hand and clasped her forearm like Thace had. His fingers overlapped where he held her, but his grip was gentle in its firmness. "I am glad we have your abilities out of their grasp."

Coleen glanced wide eyed at Krolia and then made eye contact with Antok. "I... Thank you."

"Coleen has been doing wonders with the programs from the cruiser." Ulaz offered an encouraging smile and winked.

Krolia cocked a hip and folded her arms. "We are too removed from the empire to test the computer system, but the ships themselves are nearly complete. We're waiting for two circumstances to resolve."

Ulaz stared at her intensely and added, "The crystal from the cruiser is incapable of powering all three ships. And... Antok... the other..."

"Where are the lions? We must be away as soon as possible."

Krolia and Ulaz flinched at their leader's voice. Thace followed and circled in front. "Kolivan, there is a more sensitive matter." Krolia covered her mouth with two fingers and turned away. Thace put a hand on Kolivan's arm and the other man stopped.

Kolivan blinked, his gaze flicking to Krolia's blade at her waist, and turned to his agents. "Clear the area. Make sure we have defenses in order. Thace, I am not pleased how easily we ambushed your camp. Krolia, with me." Then he moved on.

Krolia didn't look as their leader passed her, but she held out an arm. Thace paused and she hissed, "Does he know?"

Thace leaned close and whispered, "I have bought you discretion... but I will not reveal what you have hidden. Teacher... I suggest you act with haste. You no longer have the luxury of time." He stepped around her and followed Kolivan into the dark.

Antok raised an eyebrow in Thace's direction and asked, "What is going on, Krolia?"

Krolia chewed her cheek and followed the others without answering. Coleen watched her leave with anxious sympathy turning her stomach and said, "I'll find Lance and the blue lion."

She left the campfire. Chad and Brad followed her. "We'll help you."

Coleen glanced over her shoulder. "They're not going to do anything."

"We're more worried about what Lance will do," Chad answered.

Coleen chewed on her hangnail with fresh worry making her head pound. They were between the ships when Brad whispered, "That's odd."

Chad held his gun at the ready and murmured, "Get behind us, Coleen."

She put a hand on his shoulder and let them take the lead. Brad asked, "Did they go somewhere else to sleep?"

Chad looked at the ground and scuffed the ground with his boot. "No. They came this way." He crouched and cursed. Pointing, he said, "He knew we'd see them from the other side of the ships, so he went the opposite direction." He stood and scanned the horizon. "With the lion, making a huge loop wouldn't be a problem. Coleen, they've gone after Keith."

Coleen sprinted back the way they'd come, lifting her skirt. When she rounded the ships, she shouted, "Krolia! Krolia, he's gone! They're both gone!"

"Coleen, what's wrong? What's happened?" Krolia sprinted and gripped Coleen's arms.

Coleen said in tears, "Lance and the blue lion are missing! They went after Keith!"

The fear Krolia had been holding in check for days flashed through her eyes. Her chest rose rapidly and she bore her teeth in a snarl. Whipping around, she snapped, "Thace, Ulaz, start the land crosser."

Brad and Chad jogged back. Chad re-holstered his gun and said, "He's only got an hour's head start on us, but that lion crosses ground faster than we can."

Coleen wiped at her eyes and marched toward the all terrain vehicle. "I'm coming too."

Krolia climbed over the side into the driver's seat with a steel glance at her. "Get in."

"Krolia, no."

Krolia glared at Thace. "I said she's coming."

Coleen opened the door and grabbed Chad's offered hand. Settling between him and Brad, she said, "I need a gun."

"Coleen-"

"Give her a fucking gun, Ulaz!"

Thace put a hand on Krolia's arm. His voice was low as he said, "Krolia, look at me. Nothing has changed." Reaching to the compartment on the side of the vehicle, he removed a pistol and held it out. "Coleen, let us lead."

Coleen checked the gun and tucked it into her belt. "Understood."

Antok climbed over the side and settled in the back. "I am coming as well. Kolivan will hold this base."

Krolia responded by gunning the engines.

Lance let Blue do most of the work as she ran across the plains. She knew where she was going, leaving him to get a feel for her movement and controls. It was smooth, but felt like trying to ride a horse and steer a bike at the same time. She was more than the fighter jets they'd trained to fly. How had Keith managed to land the red lion by himself?

Blue let out a purr and Lance felt her reassurance flood into him. She was right. They were finally out here doing something. This was better than waiting for someone to rescue Keith. This was better than being told he wasn't good enough. Blue gave him a mental nuzzle and he shivered. Right. Concentrate on piloting. Remember the drills. Blue chuffed and roared in approval. She was laughing. Lance smirked. Yeah... this felt right.

They ran through the night for several hours. When Blue finally started slowing down, there was a low glow on the horizon. Blue went into a crouch and crept forward to the crest of a low hill. Lance stood from the pilot's seat and went down the ramp. Outside, he laid on the ground beside the lion and crawled to the top. "Where are they, Blue?"

She answered in his mind with a low growl, but he understood where she meant. She backed up, silent as the hunter she was, and left him. Gritting his teeth, he crawled forward and slid down the other side of the hill. While Blue met up with her sister, he'd find Keith. He ran toward the fires dotting the village ahead. It was too quiet now that Blue was gone. Without even his footsteps to keep him company, he found himself jumping at every shadow.

He tried to keep quiet, prayed that he wasn't as loud as he feared, and entered the edge of the village. Blue had said the earthen hut in the center was where Keith was. Lance kept an eye out as he got closer. Whoever had taken him was nowhere in sight. It did not give an ounce of comfort. But then he was at the door. Steeling himself, he ducked inside.

He expected chains or rope, but there was only Keith. He was sleeping on some kind of mat, his head on one arm and his hair covering his face. The locals had dressed him in a simple skirt. His skin was marred with some kind of shimmering substance and what looked like dirt. He looked alright. He looked beautiful. Lance could have cried in relief. Rushing forward, he knelt beside Keith and shook his shoulder. "Keith, wake up buddy."

Keith startled and lifted a fist before his eyes widened. "Lance? Lance! Lance, thank god you're alright!" He hugged Lance tight with his chin on his shoulder and said, "I was so scared. In the water..."

Lance kissed Keith's cheek and said, "It's over. It's all over. I came to take you back."

Keith nodded. "Yeah. Let's go home."

Lance took Keith's hand and crouched by the door. "The lions are waiting outside of town."

Keith squeezed and answered, "Roger, sharpshooter."

Lance nodded. "On three. One, two, three!" He pushed through the hanging grasses and took two steps.

A plume of flame rose thirty feet into the sky. The sudden heat was intense. He put up an arm at the same time Keith wrapped his arms around him and pulled them both to the ground. Keith's hand covered Lance's head as they both panted in sudden fear. Then the flames died down and Lance saw small unfamiliar alien feet.

Keith moved first. Holding Lance to himself, he shouted, "Just let us go!" Lance finally looked around and saw the natives that had taken Keith and tried to take him were gathered around. One particular rotund native arusian was speaking. While Lance struggled to take in what was happening, Keith shot back, "We don't want your fucking worship! We want to go home!"

Lance asked, "What's going on?"

Red and Blue growled ominously and emerged from hiding. The natives smiled and cheered upon seeing them. Blue was super pissed, which surprised Lance more than the natives. Keith snarled, sounding a lot like the lions, and put his forehead to Lance's. "They worship the lions and won't let me..." He bit his lip and shut his eyes. "They won't let us leave. It wouldn't be hard to beat them up and escape, but Red... The lions are everything to these people. I don't want to hurt them. Not after everything the empire has done to so many people like them."

"Hey, mullet... don't cry."

Keith chuckled weakly and wiped at his eyes. "I'm just so frustrated. I was lonely... and scared."

Lance offered a brave smirk. "Well... for what it's worth, Krolia and the others are going to be coming shortly. So we may as well enjoy the party." He stood and took Keith's hands. Pulling him to his feet, he said, "Let's dance, alpha."

Keith took a deep breath and followed him to where the natives circled the bonfire. Lance smiled with full dimples and tugged. He was starting to feel again. The silence from the past two days wasn't so oppressive anymore. The musicians played drums and reed instruments, and even though he could only feel the vibrations, it was enough. He twisted his hips and jumped in time with the drums. When he looked at Keith, he was smiling, even though it was shy. Like he wasn't trying to enjoy being together again.

Coleen grabbed the knife Brad had made from scrap metal and animal hide and used it to cut her dress so she'd be able to run. Handing it back, she vaulted the side of the vehicle and followed Ulaz and Thace to where Antok and Krolia observed the village. They spoke in low tones. Coleen overheard Krolia say, "... are there near the fire. Those two like the other earthlings are the ones bonded to the lions."

Antok replied, "The kits appear to be unconscious. If the lions are here, why are they not rescuing their paladins?"

Thace handed Coleen a pair of binoculars and answered, "Their abilities are limited by their paladins. When Lance was within the healing pod of the castle of lions, the blue lion was almost entirely incapacitated."

Coleen looked through the binoculars and brought the village into focus. The little creatures Lance had described were gathered around a bonfire. They danced and played music that could faintly be heard from where they watched. Coleen looked until she found Keith and Lance. They were cuddled up together. Lance had paint on half of his face.

As she watched, a native approached them with a platter of food. Keith startled awake when she was less than a foot from him and scooted away holding Lance to his chest. The woman held out the food insistently and Keith declined it vehemently. She bowed low at the waist and placed the plate near them, backing away without standing. Keith glared at her before looking once again at Lance.

Chad took the binoculars and scanned the scene below. Handing them to Brad, he muttered, "It looks like a sacrificial ritual." Coleen glared at him as Krolia growled. Chad cleared his throat and swung his legs over the side of the rocky slope. "Coleen, Brad, and myself will flank right."

"Thace and I will take them head on," Krolia replied.

Antok asked, "Wouldn't it be safer for Mrs. Holt to spot for us from here?"

Coleen opened her mouth, but Chad said first, "Don't worry about momma bear. She's not as good a shot as Lance, but Coleen knows her way through a combat zone." Then he put a hand on her shoulder SWAT style and dropped over the bluff.

Coleen followed a second later. Chad helped her land and took the lead toward the village. The lions sat before the bright sunrise. As long as they continued to face them, the natives wouldn't see them coming. They were halfway to the village center when Antok said through their coms, "Wait to engage until we know they're hostile."

"Negative, brother. They took our kit by force. We have all the intel we need." Krolia's cold words were followed by alarmed shouts.

Ulaz cursed and growled, "Wait! We are not yet in position!"

"Early. Why am I not surprised," Antok muttered reproachfully.

Chad increased their run to a sprint. When they rounded the huts, the square was in chaos. Logs had been knocked from the fire, threatening to set buildings ablaze. The natives were running in terror. When they saw the humans, they slid to change direction. The lions stood, blocking out the sun as they sought out their paladins in the riot.

Coleen forced her way into the crowd. The natives were barely taller than her waist, but they crushed against her. She braced with all her strength and called, "Keith! Lance!"

"Coleen!" Keith shouted back from somewhere to her right.

"We're coming!" Coleen screamed over the din, "Come towards my voice!"

He called out again. When Coleen rounded the fire, she saw him forcing his way against the crowd to her. Coleen reached out, fingers stretched. Keith's fingertips brushed hers. Then he grabbed hold and his footing slipped. Coleen gasped and laced their fingers, yanking him to her chest and keeping them upright. Through her com, she relayed, "I have Keith! Does anyone have eyes on Lance?" To Keith, she asked, "Where is he?"

Keith braced as the last natives rushed by. "We got separated near the fire."

"Three o'clock!"

Coleen turned as Brad aimed where Lance was being dragged away by a native holding his hand. Keith gasped and pulled out of her hold. Reaching for the gun, he shouted, "Don't shoot!"

Brad pulled the trigger as Keith pushed up. The blast went high, but Keith didn't stop. Using a leg, he knocked out one of Brad's knees and completed the take down with a knee placed in the middle of Brad's shoulders below one hand. Coleen screeched, "What-"

Keith took the com from Brad's ear and shouted through his panting, "Hold your fire! I repeat, do not shoot!" A roar punctuated his command.

Coleen's jaw dropped as the red lion walked to her paladin. Keith let Brad up and offered a hand before meeting Red. She crouched over him and looked to her sister. Keith ran a hand along her underside and jogged to Blue. The blue lion lifted her head to reveal Lance kneeling in the dirt with the native cowering under him. Keith shouted, "Lance!"

Lance looked up, but the native clung to his arm in fear. Keith put the com in his ear and said, "We're unharmed. The arusians are not a threat."

Coleen overheard Lance ask, "Is that the blades?"

"Uh..." Keith's tone dropped and he asked nervously, "Can everybody... um... sound off?"

Chad answered, "Holt, Miller, and Davis here."

"Krolia and myself are here as well, kit."

"Thace?" Keith turned, seeking him out in the abandoned square. When the assassin rounded the bonfire, Keith took off sprinting. He slammed into Thace's chest and squeezed him tight. Thace went down on one knee and held the back of Keith's head in one large palm. Keith was trembling, every breath aparent as his bare chest heaved unevenly.

Thace began murmuring to Keith. Coleen pulled the com out of her ear. Those words weren't for her. Instead, she went to Lance where he stood dejectedly with the arusian hiding behind his legs. When he saw her, he glanced away sheepishly. Coleen bit ehr lip and reached out to cup Lance's cheek. He looked at her with wide anxious eyes and she signed, "I'm glad you're both safe."

"Are you mad at me?"

The fear in his whispered question hurt her heart. "Yes, but I was more scared." She pulled him down into her and hugged him tight. She would deal with his reckless behavior later. Right now, he needed a mother's love.

Antok watched the scene from the shadows near Ulaz. The latter finished scanning their surroundings and approached the two males who stood at the other side of the square keeping a careful watch for enemy movement. The woman was moving her hands rapidly and the taller kit nodded at times with his head ducked in shame. Her care and affection was intimate, though there was no physical resemblance between them. The man had called her 'momma bear'. Antok didn't know the the second part, but he recognized the mother in her. It was what he'd seen in his own mother and the woman he loved, the mother of his son.

However it was the other kit that demanded his attention. Thace was overly fond of the little one, so small in the agent's arms. So this was the reason they'd all been so quiet during the night trek. Antok furrowed his brow in concern as he listened in on Thace and the kit.

"I wanted to come home, but they wouldn't listen! I begged them to let me go for days, Thace! What took you so long?" The accusation was weakened by the kit's desperate rasp. Like he was on the verge of tears.

Thace tensed up and kissed the kit's hair. "Forgive me, precious one. We came as soon as we learned where you were." The kit only moaned and shivered. Thace looked up at Krolia.

Her eyes were brimming with tears and she held a hand to her mouth. She approached almost cautiously and knelt behind the kit. Wrapping one arm around his chest and pressing her cheek into his hair, she soothed, "We're here now, Keith. You're safe."

"Breathe, kit... like I taught you. Focus." Thace's guidance and Krolia's comfort finally broke through the kit's hysteria.

Antok blinked in understanding. Stepping back, he vanished into the shadows and said, "Leader, we have found the missing kits and their lions. Our return is imminent. Father... there is something we must discuss... as a family."

I swear I've worked every possible familial relationship between Kolivan and Keith into these stories! Review please?