Author's Note:
Hi everyone! Sorry I didn't get this to you yesterday, but here it is! We're creeping ever closer to the final battle now!
Enjoy the read!
I do not own Sym-Bionic Titan. All credit goes to Genndy Tartakovsky.
Five months later
The following five months went by quickly. It had been decided that Ilana would stay with her father in his cabin, while Lance and Octus shared the stick sword-adorned cabin with Hobbs. Kimmy had been put with two other Galalunian nurses, who took on the roles of both her co-workers, and mentors.
Lance and Octus spent their mornings either re-directing Modula's search parties to buy the resistance more time to plan and prepare, helping develop the overall strategy plan for the final showdown, or training with the other soldiers. Both of them spent four hours training with her father every afternoon in the secluded field toward the west. It was only accessible by one tunnel near her father's cabin. No one was allowed to enter during their training, so she was never able to watch.
After the nightly camp-wide dinner, Lance would help train the new additions to the army on proper Manus armor use. Baron, Lance, Hobbs, and her father had been selected very soon after their arrival back to teach the younger soldiers how to effectively operate their own Manus armor, which the quartet had brought with them from Earth.
After training with her father concluded, Octus always made his way back to their make-shift laboratory to help repair/improve old weaponry, and build new inventions to aid them in their upcoming battle.
Kimmy spent most of her time with her fellow nurses; talking with them, and learning everything they had to teach her. She would always make sure to slip away for an hour or two to visit Octus in the research lab.
Ilana made sure she chatted with Kimmy on a somewhat regular basis; at least every other day or so. Aside from Kimmy, though, she really hadn't been able to talk to either Lance or Octus much; they seemed so busy now. She spent most of her own time either with her people, or training in her Corus armor.
She had also joined a few of her father's combat lessons during the morning hours, and she was pleased to say that her fighting skills had improved considerably as a result. The other soldiers always gaped at her when she joined the classes, as she knew that most of them never would have thought that their princess would ever need to learn self-defense; that's what they were for, to protect her and her father. What they didn't take into consideration, however, was that even royalty needed to be sure that they could properly defend themselves and others; they could not always be reliant on their military personnel for protection.
Not only that, it was a way of socializing. Despite being among her people every day, she didn't get to simply enjoy others' company now. She was always treated like the princess she was to them, not as the normal girl she wished she could still be. She was missing her friends; particularly, the handsome, raven-haired soldier who had been doing his level best to avoid her at all costs lately. She knew why, the memory still as painful as the moment it happened exactly three months ago...
(Flashback)
"Ilana, my darling, come here for a minute! Bring Lance, Octus, and Kimmy too!" the king yelled from his position across the campsite, as he walked out of their shared cabin; a radiant and pleased smile adorning his face while he motioned for them to come over.
Ilana had been eating an early lunch with her friends/extended family before the boys had to start training with her father. She was savoring this time together, as it was getting less and less frequent as the days went on. Everyone's schedules were getting busier, with the deadline for the final battle looming.
Ilana looked at the three of them, and, with a nod from each, she turned back to her father to reply. "We're coming, Father!"
With that, all four of them got up, and proceeded to make their way over to the king.
When they reached their destination, they noticed that the king had another person with him; one that neither Kimmy, nor Octus, nor Lance recognized. Lance did notice, however, that he was in a foreign uniform; clearly this man was not a member of the Galalunian army.
His attire seemed to resemble the king's old uniform in material choice and aesthetics; gold braid, filigree, the finest tailoring, and rich colors of blue, yellow, and white.
Those were the hallmarks of royal uniforms, though each country had their own signature colors.
He suspected this may be an ally of the king's from another royal household; probably not from any of their neighboring planets, as he didn't recognize the color guard.
The young man sported short sandy-blonde hair, and a handsome face. He was tall - around Lance's height – with a muscular build, broad shoulders, and a kind expression. He sported freckles, much like Ilana, and had a smaller nose. His eyes were a deep shade of Amber, and his skin was on the paler side. He had an heir of calmness about him.
Lance glanced over to Ilana to see if she recognized this stranger.
What he saw confirmed his suspicions, but her expression jarred his nerves.
Ilana stood stock still; utter shock and disbelief on her face, and her features were tense. Her eyes were wide, and it was clear she wasn't trusting that they were seeing correctly.
Her father merely stood there, tall and proud, smiling the whole time. "I'm sure you must remember Prince Simon of Duran, Ilana?"
Upon hearing that name, Lance tensed as well. That was the prince that the king had attempted to set Ilana up with once before, many years ago. According to Ilana, they had gotten along "really well", which was not helping his overprotectiveness of her to dissipate. She had also told him that Prince Simon's planet had gotten into a civil war, and broken apart. She was unaware if he had even survived. That left one question in Lance's mind: 'What is going on here?'
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(Flashback Continuation)
"Prince Simon...you're still alive?" Ilana asked with a dumb-struck expression.
The prince grinned back at her, an affectionate look on his face that had Lance bristling. "Yes, fortunately. It's a very long story, but I am pleased to say that my country, and throne, has been restored to me. I'd be more than happy to explain everything to you over, say...dinner?" he asked, a shy, hopeful smile adorning his face; his light baritone dancing through the air.
Ilana didn't know what to say. She looked first at her father, who gave her a slight nod; indicating to her that he wanted her to say yes. She then looked at Lance, who had an unreadable expression on his face.
To anyone else, it would've looked like the typical demeanor of a disciplined soldier, but Ilana knew him too well; had committed all of his little nuances to memory. She could tell that he was seething underneath that unemotional mask he was presenting.
She didn't want to upset him, but she also didn't want to offend the prince. Weighing the options, she decided that dealing with a moody Lance for a few days was better than offending an allied monarch. Now that they were back on Galaluna, Lance needed to learn to be a little less protective of her. She had to be the princess once again, and that required that she perform these types of duties. It was something that they both had to get re-adjusted to; protecting her was not his sole mission anymore.
With that decided in her mind, she turned back to prince Simon; a charming smile on her face. "I would be honored to join you for dinner, prince Simon. I look forward to hearing your story."
The prince practically beamed. He then turned slightly to the others standing by the princess. "Would you do me the honor of introducing your companions?" he said as he gestured to the trio standing to her right.
Ilana gave a genuine smile this time. She was always happy to show off her extended family to strangers. "Of course. On the end is Octus. He's a robot that my father constructed especially for my protection. He's...not quite a full robot, but not human either. He experiences human emotions and feelings, yet he's by all 'biological' means, a machine. He doesn't require sleep, food, or any other mortal needs, but he's far more than just a robot. He's become like a second father to me since I was sent to earth three years ago."
The prince nodded to Octus. "It's very nice to meet you, Octus."
Octus nodded back. "It's an honor to meet you as well, your highness."
Ilana continued down the line, pointing next at Kimmy. "This is Miss Kimmy Mysner. She is Octus's significant other, as well as an Earthling. We went to an institution called high school with her during our stay on Earth, and she's become a dear friend. When she found out that we were leaving to return to Galaluna, she decided that she wished to accompany us."
Prince Simon's eyes got slightly wider. "You willingly left your home, your family, and even your own planet in order to remain with Octus?" he said, staring at Kimmy with open wonder.
Kimmy nodded shyly in response. "Yes, your highness. I care deeply about Octus, and didn't want to be parted from him. That left only one option for me, so I decided to accompany them back to Galaluna."
Prince Simon nodded slowly, "I applaud your bravery and strength, Ms. Mysner. Not many would be willing to do what you did in order to remain with the one you care for."
Kimmy gave a shy smile and blush, as Ilana turned her attention back to the matter at hand. She looked last to Lance, who, she was pleased to see, had relaxed a little. "And this is Corporal Lance. When the Mutraddi invaded, and father sent me to Earth, Lance was sent as my bodyguard. He's been a great emotional, moral, and physical support to me over the years. We had to pose as siblings while undercover on earth. When he was younger, he was rather moody and anti-social -"
"I beg your pardon, princess, but I resent that remark. I wasn'tthat hard to deal with." Lance interjected, a cheeky grin on his face, and arms crossed over his chest.
Ilana smirked back at him; a playful look in her eyes. "Hmm...your word against mine, Lance. Sorry." She said with a shrug of her shoulders, and a hand on her hip; a sassy look adorning her features.
Lance simply smiled, rolled his eyes, and shook his head. "Whatever you say, princess."
Ilana gave a triumphant nod, then turned back to Simon. "As I was saying before my bodyguard felt the need to interrupt," at which point Lance scoffed, while Ilana rolled her own eyes in retaliation, "It was very hard for us to learn how to work together during our first few months on Earth. As time went on, however, we began to understand each other better, and get along. Actually, I can probably say that Lance was one of my closest friends during that dark time of being sent away. He's grown into a fine young man, as well as a skilled and dedicated soldier. I'm not sure where I would be, or if I would even still be alive, without him."
Ilana did not miss the visible tensing of prince Simon's facial features. His smile was visibly more strained, and it no longer reached his eyes, as it had done just a moment ago.
She smirked to herself, but still felt some guilt. 'I know what he wants from me, but that's not something I can give now.' She thought. She glanced over at Lance to gauge his reaction, and what she saw melted away any guilt she might have felt for possibly injuring the prince. Lance himself hadn't changed his outward expression, but his eyes betrayed all of his emotions. They were full of genuine warmth as he looked at her. She could see everything he was feeling playing through his mind: joy, amazement, shock, gratitude, affection...and love. Pure, genuine, immeasurable love. It was buried deep, but she could see it hidden beneath the surface.
For a moment, she didn't know how to react. She had never before allowed herself to consider the idea that Lance might have any romantic feelings for her. He always seemed so closed-off when it came to tender emotions such as the ones she was watching dance in his eyes, but the look he was giving her was different from the ones he'd given her before.
At Sherman, it was clearly familial love that he showed when around their peers, but this was something special. He was looking at her as if she was the most precious thing on earth to him; solely his.
Her discovery must have been apparent on her face, because once he noticed, he immediately turned to look at the king once again. The tensing of his face told her that he hadn't expected her to see that deep into his thoughts.
Stirring out of her silent reverie, Ilana swiftly looked back at her father. She could see an odd mixture of pride and disapproval in his eyes as he gazed at her. She shifted under his stare, feeling more self-conscious and timid than she ever had before in her life. She never liked upsetting her father, and was frightened to think that he saw through the silent exchange between the two young adults.
She was about to rectify the awkward – and potentially dangerous – situation, when the prince spoke, "It's wonderful that you have been so well looked after, and cared for, Princess Ilana."
As he spoke, Simon turned to face Lance directly. "Corporal, thank you so much for looking after the princess so diligently. It takes a man of great skill to be able to ensure the safety and well-being of a member of the royal family. You have done a wonderful job with protecting her, I think. I'm sure the king is very grateful for your dedicated service, as am I."
Both boys locked eyes, and Ilana could see the mental battle being waged.
It was not lost on any of them (except her father, apparently) how Simon used both Lance's rank and Ilana's title while addressing him.
Lance gave a slow nod. "Thank you, your highness. I've done my utmost to ensure her safety. If I have accomplished that, then I'm glad."
After one more silent battle of wills, both young men were broken from their staring contest by Octus. "If you will permit me, your highness, I will take my leave, and begin setting up the training area."
The king broke from his own silent contemplation to give a small nod in response. "Of course, Octus. Thank you. We'll be there in a moment."
With that, Octus left the group; followed closely by Kimmy. The king looked to the prince next. "Prince Simon, would you care for a tour of our camp, so we can get your soldiers assigned, and settled?"
The prince looked to the king with a polite smile, and nod of his head. "Yes. Thank you, your highness. That would be much appreciated."
With that, the king gave a decisive nod. Before turning to go, he looked back at the two youngsters still standing before him. "I will explain the details to you both later. For now, know that prince Simon is lending us his aid in the upcoming battle. He was able to smuggle in several battalions of soldiers, and evade Modula's spies and search parties. Please treat his soldiers as you would ours. I'll talk to the both of you later."
With that, the king led the prince away, leaving Lance and Ilana dumb-struck. "He can't be serious...can he?" Lance asked.
Next to him, Ilana stood completely still; mentally sorting through her father's words. "I think he is...Lance, I have no idea what's going on anymore."
To her surprise, Lance gave a small chuckle, as he shook his head. "I haven't known what's going on from day one. I'm just trying to roll with it, but even that's getting difficult now."
Ilana giggled in response, "Yeah, I suppose you're right..."
There was silence between them for a while after that, until Ilana slowly turned to Lance; taking his hand as she did. "Lance...can we talk about something –"
Before she could finish, Lance had promptly withdrawn his hand; turning his back on Ilana to begin walking to he and Octus's training area. "Sorry, princess, but it will have to wait. I need to go help Octus. We can talk later." he said; trying to put as much distance between her and himself as possible.
Before he could gain much ground, however, Ilana had caught up to him, and grabbed him by the back of his jacket (He had changed back into his military attire shortly after arriving).
Both parties stopped still; a moment of quiet passing between them before Ilana spoke. Her voice was timid and quiet as she spoke. "Lance...please don't go. Please. We really need to talk."
She couldn't see his face, but she could tell what he was feeling. She could tell by the way he sighed; the way his shoulders slumped ever so slightly. For a fleeting moment, she thought she'd managed to persuade him - He had always been weak to her pleas - but only for a moment.
His body tensed a moment later as she felt him steel himself, and it was then that she knew he wasn't going to stay.
Lance turned his head ever so slightly, so he could only see her out of his peripheral vision. "I don't think that's a good idea...please let go of me, Ilana. We can talk later."
Against her better judgement, her hand slowly released the fabric within her grasp, and both of them simply stood there for a moment. The silence was agonizing, until Lance spoke one last time. "Goodbye, Ilana."
With that, he began walking briskly past the king's tent, and down the tunnel to the training area.
Ilana simply watched him go, unable to formulate the words to stop him. She knew, though, that he would leave no matter what she said. Lance was first and foremost a loyal soldier, which meant he respected and abided by the governing principles which dominated their society. He hadn't been like that at seventeen, but he had matured as the years had gone by. He was a man of character, she knew. He knew the legal order of things, and he wouldn't put her reputation at risk, no matter what.
It was with a heavy heart, and unshed tears in her eyes that she watched him go; knowing full well that 'later' would not come...
(End Flashback)
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As promised, prince Simon had arrived for her at precisely 7:00 that night to escort her to dinner.
During their evening, he'd explained to her how his country had mended through diplomatic talks between the fractured sides. They had come to an agreement, and re-drafted a new constitution for their planet. They had restored the royal family to their throne, upon their signatures to the new constitution, and the prince once again held his seat as heir-presumptive.
Despite her wish to be with her friends rather than with the prince, she had been glad of the pleasant conversation, and welcome distraction. Her father had taken her aside earlier that day, and explained that prince Simon and his soldiers would be acting as support for their army during the reclaiming of their home.
Her father had also explained how the prince's units would work amongst theirs, and when/how they were to be utilized during battle.
What she hadn't enjoyed was his scolding of her for speaking so warmly of Lance. It was not her first time being scolded by her father for such a thing; several other incidents had already happened in the past few months, but all had been subtle enough to brush off until now.
He had commended her maturity, but reminded her that her position demanded that she not be so familiar with a soldier; though he told her that he felt the same about the young man. Her father had great respect for Lance, and his respect had only grown since their return. Lance had taken on quite a bit of responsibility since returning, and had proven himself to be a capable leader.
He began training with both the more experienced officers, as well as the cadets and new recruits; and he had been spending some extra time training with Arnold, whom he had discovered was the son of his old roommate, Arthur.
According to Arnold, Arthur was one of the men in the group of eight tasked with the previous mission of freeing the king during one of Modula's rare week-long absences for checks on border security.
Unfortunately, it took the men six days to gain entry into the palace undetected, and Modula had come back a day early.
Three men made it back to base that day with the king, and the other five had been captured; Arthur being among the prisoners of war. Their fate was still unknown, but the small boy was holding out hope that his father was still alive.
He told Lance that he had already lost his mother last year in a Mutraddi raid of one of their old bases, and he feared being an orphan.
After that conversation, Lance had taken Arnold under his wing as much as he was able. He looked out for the boy, and trained longer with him than with the other cadets.
Ilana was sure it was because Lance knew exactly how Arnold was feeling; he had gone through the same thing in his own youth, after all.
Since then, his schedule had only gotten busier. He had also become a key figure in both the offensive and defensive strategy planning being worked out by the commanding officers. He trained with her father for hours, and had taken on the majority of the night patrols. She wasn't sure he ever slept - and if he did, it was never for long.
She had been doing everything possible to corner him, get him alone; anything that would enable her to speak to him, if only for a few minutes. Nothing had worked, though.
She couldn't order him to speak with her, she knew. That would only make the situation worse.
Chances to catch him alone were few and far between, and her time was almost up. They were planning their siege of the palace for two days from now, and she was painfully aware that he may not return alive from his special mission.
She knew the risks involved with trying to talk to him, but she didn't care at this point. She knew that she'd only have one last chance tomorrow, before they retired for the night, and she knew what argument she'd use. It was one that he couldn't say no to, since it would inadvertently affect her safety during the siege.
She thought that she would be able to persuade him to stay this time...or, more-so, she hoped.
