A Ray of Hope
By KittyLynne
Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known throughout the fandom that I do not claim to own Voltron or any of its inhabitants, which rightfully and legally belong to the corporate kingdom of W.E.P.
Chapter 8 - The Prime Objective: Part Two
The young monarch stared at her folded hands as she collected her thoughts. Her audience waited patiently, all eyes riveted to her regal figure.
Presently she lifted her head and looked around at them, her eyes filled with warmth and sincerity. "Gentlemen, I hope that you will forgive my informality during this presentation; under normal circumstances I would have called for a special ceremony in the assembly hall." She said quietly. "You all deserve full honors, as well as citations and medals, and I will be seeing to that as soon as it's possible for me to do so."
"Don't worry about that stuff, Princess! A simple thank you is more than enough for me," Pidge told her earnestly, and then blushed when Allura bestowed an approving smile upon him.
"You're very kind, Pidge." She said. "I regret that we haven't had much time to get to know each other since you arrived- I would love to hear all about your home world, I know shamefully little about it!"
The Green Lion pilot's lips widened into a large grin. "I'd really like that, Princess, whenever you have the time!"
"I'll make the time!" She declared.
While Allura paused to take a sip of coffee, the grinning adolescent shot a triumphant glance at Lance. "Maybe someone else might be giving that kiss," he muttered, just loud enough for the Red Lion pilot to hear.
"Yeah, right," Lance countered, just as quietly, "now who's living in a dream world?"
Pidge resisted the urge to smack his teammate by focusing his attention solely on the Princess. It wasn't a difficult thing to do; he had found her presence a balm for his jangled nerves from the very first. Just being in close proximity to her, he could feel his irritation melting away. He leaned back into the couch cushion with a smile, and a sigh of contentment as Allura set her cup down.
"All right, I have a gift for all of you." She stated happily. "I wish to present them individually, if you don't mind!"
Keith stared bemusedly at the smear of pink lipstick on the rim of her cup, before responding, "We don't mind."
His teammates gave silent nods of affirmation to his statement.
"Thank you." Suddenly Allura felt nervous. What if they thought her gifts to them were silly or frivolous? "I...uh, I w-want you to know that these particular items have very special meaning to me...since they were created by my father."
She reached out to slide the box nearer to her, and then removed the lid. Reaching in with both hands, she drew out a carved wooden lion that stood about eight inches high. The blond colored wood that made up its essence shone with a glossy patina, as if recently polished. The big cat was balanced on his back paws, as if battling an unseen opponent, its forepaws fully extended to strike a massive blow. The lion's mouth was open in a silent roar, and its eyes were gleaming with purpose.
Keith and Sven sucked in a collective breath as Hunk, Pidge and Lance's mouths fell open. King Alfor's carvings-surely the Princess didn't mean to part with them? The five men exchanged awed glances as they realized how personal and priceless were the gifts the Princess was about to bestow upon them.
Allura turned to Sven first. "I would like to present the first lion to you, Lieutenant Rolvaag, since you saved all of these works of art from being destroyed. Father named this one 'The Champion'. You have been a tireless champion for good in battling Zarkon, and an invaluable asset to Coran in navigational operations. Your integrity shines through in everything you do, and touches all that know you! I trust you implicitly, and so does Coran."
"Princess, I...I cannot accept such a precious treasure," the Blue Lion pilot protested, regarding her with a mixture of disbelief and wonder, "it should be handed down to members of your family!"
Allura held out the lion with a gentle smile, reassured by the look of awe she saw in Sven's eyes. If she could judge all of them by this reaction, her gifts would be well received after all. She held the carving out to him, as one would an offering. "It is being handed to family, Lieutenant. Please, I beg you not to deny me the pleasure of giving you a part of Arus and of me."
Two pairs of blue eyes locked in wordless communication in a room suddenly gone deathly quiet.
What happened next was unexplainable and shook the Scandinavian to the core.
He felt the touch of a flowing essence, tranquil and loving. He had known he possessed some kinetic abilities, but this was way beyond anything he had experienced in that realm of possibility, it was as if he was spiritually forging an unshakable bond with the Arusian Princess. He instinctively reached out with his mind to touch what was offered and was rewarded with a sensation of profound peace.
As soon as the tranquility enfolded him, Sven felt as if he could hear the Princess' heart beating in rhythm with his own. What did this mean? Strong emotions washed over him that he could not comprehend, except to think that somehow, this connection meant that his and Allura's lives would always be entwined in some way. He sensed she felt the same way; his eyes searched hers for confirmation, but a sudden sense of guilt made him break off the contact before anything could be revealed.
Sometimes it was best to leave the future to take care of itself.
He briefly closed his eyes against the sudden pang of loss. He could feel his teammates' eyes boring into him, especially his leader's, but ignored them all. When he'd sufficiently composed himself, his lids lifted to reveal eyes that were a mirror for his heartfelt appreciation towards what had been given to him. "Princess, you honor me," he stated, while carefully taking the lion into his hands. He stroked the satiny wood with gentle fingertips, admiring the late King's craftsmanship. A rare smile touched his face, dazzling Allura with its brilliance. "It's beautiful gift, and I'll treasure it as long as I live! To simply thank you seems inadequate. "
"It's far more than adequate! And you are so very welcome, Lieutenant," she said, beaming.
The Norseman's smile increased in wattage as he gave her a broad wink. "Oh please... after a gift like this, you must call me Sven, ya?"
Allura blushed. "All right...Sven. And please, do call me by my first name as well." My goodness, he's so very handsome! And possibly psychic? I wonder if he can tell that we have connected too? His steady gaze revealed nothing, and yet...
Realizing that she'd been staring at the Blue Lion pilot for too long a time, she hastily averted her eyes to the box and pulled out the next figurine. This lion was a little larger than Sven's and was in a full four footed stance, as if ready to guard his kingdom from danger. The lion's eyes were solemn, intent, yet kindly; the massive paws looked like they would be solidly planted on whatever surface he was placed upon. The animal had an unmistakable air of nobility about it, and it was obvious to Allura who should have this piece.
She turned to the Captain. Her stomach fluttered unexpectedly as she met his gaze. As she gazed deeply into the sable darkness and the color in her cheeks deepened at the warmth of his expression.
"Keith, I'd like you to have this carving. It's called 'The Knight Protector' and somehow I think the title suits both of you," Allura said huskily, a shy smile lighting her features. "When I was a little girl, I always felt so safe with him watching over me, as if he would never let anything harm me in any way. I felt that very same sensation when we first met, and every day since then. Because of you, I can now say that I am no longer frightened of what may come my way in the future." She held out the carving. "I feel so proud when I see you defending Arus. There's never any doubt in my mind that you will prevail, if only by the sheer force of your will. You give me confidence, peace of mind, and hope for happy endings, Captain Powell, and I thank you. Please accept this as a symbol of my respect and admiration for you."
Keith stared at her, his lips parted in amazement. When he finally tried to speak, he found that he had no voice. Silently he reached out for her gift, noticing that the Princess' hands were trembling as she offered the lion to him, and was taken aback to see how unsteady his own hands were, as she placed the wooden figure in his grasp. Their fingertips touched briefly, and a small jolt of electricity seemed to pass between them. Both drew back at the contact, each extremely aware of the other's reaction. He looked down at the magnificent, sleek object he now held in his calloused hands, and then back to the remarkable woman who had given it. She was gazing intently at the lion, obviously fighting to compose herself.
A slight, but sharp pricking behind his eyes took him by surprise and he swallowed convulsively. He admitted to himself that he was almost unbearably touched by her shy confession, it couldn't have been easy for her to say, considering how fiercely independent she was.
The proud, strong, beautiful Princess of Arus was telling him she placed a high value on his presence in her life. That affirmation meant more to him than any military commendation she could have bestowed, even more than the priceless carving.
As he looked down upon the bent head that wore the circlet of her high station , all of the turbulent emotions he felt for Allura rose to the surface and displayed themselves in the depths of his eyes,. The golden tresses seemed to blur and waver for a moment, then thankfully came into sharp focus. He drew a deep, controlled breath and allowed the sweet aroma of her body to fill his nostrils.
That she chose the essence of plum blossoms for her scent didn't surprise him at all; every part of her that should be had to be as soft and as sweet as that particular bloom. He had the mad impulse to draw her into his arms and press that golden head into his shoulder, but fought it off. Thank God for military training; his control was shaken, but still in place.
Barely.
She gets under my skin like no other woman ever has. He thought, almost despairingly. I am in serious trouble. How could I have had the balls to lecture Lance on propriety? I should be telling myself everything I said to him, and more!
He hastened to thank her for the gift, before he could think up any other inappropriate gestures. "Princess, I swear that nothing will happen to you. I took a vow to protect you with my life, and I meant it. I'm in this with you to the end and beyond."
She raised glowing eyes to his. "I know. I felt it from the first."
A poignant silence fell as they felt something new, exciting, and only slightly terrifying building between them.
Lance watched the silent exchange with raised eyebrows. He noted, with interest, the rosy cheeks of the Princess and the flustered expression of the Captain. He tipped his head to the side, pondering the scene before him. It was quite obvious his friend was not immune to the Princess at all, in fact, he looked very taken with her- as a woman, not an icon, if he was a decent judge of body language.
Careful, El Capitan, or your baser urges may get the best of you, Lance thought. He hadn't been able to tease Keith about a female for a long time. This was going to be good, if Keith was even half as infatuated as he looked; The Highly Principled One obviously needed a refresher on section six, paragraph three. Lance made a mental note to obtain an official Garrison captain's manual as soon as possible, to be left in the Captain's new quarters, the pertinent section highlighted in fluorescent yellow.
Oh, and a manual on the joys of French kissing. That should be good for a hoot!
The thought brought a small grin to Lance's face, which disappeared as he caught the frowning gaze of Sven. It wouldn't do for the Norwegian to find out about this prank, Sven never could keep a secret from Keith. He assumed a sober expression, and breathed a sigh of relief as Sven finally ended his scrutiny.
Allura was the first to break the silence, as awareness of the interested bystanders in the room crept into her thoughts. She broke eye contact with the Captain, and blushed prettily. "Yes, now to continue..."
Keith gave a start at the sound of her voice, and then shifted uncomfortably under Lance's knowing stare.
The Princess kept her eyes averted as she reached into the box, removing the next gift. The big cat been carved in a true-to–life crouch, its muscles bunched, looking ready to pounce at anything that moved. The lion's facial expression exuded intensity and confidence.
"Lance, this carving is yours," she announced, leaning over Keith to present it to the Red Lion pilot. "Father called it 'The Valiant Hunter', and I thought that it's perfect for you. I have the highest regard for your bravery and willingess to battle for what's right. I can always depend on you to be ready to protectthe people of this world. I admire your selflessness, tenacity and dedication. You are a winner in all respects, and I thank you for your loyalty to Arus."
Lance had straightened immediately as the Princess had addressed him. He now found himself frozen in place as she extended the gift, her words penetrating the mists of his brain. Had he heard her correctly? She...admired him? She thought he was selfless and dedicated…that he was a winner?
"Lieutenant, are you all right?" The honeyed tones broke into his thoughts.
"Yes, Princess," Lance said quietly. All of his trademark swagger gone from his voice and person. He took the lion from her and cradled it protectively between his hands. "This is the nicest gift I have ever received, and I'm honored that you would find me worthy of it. I hope you know that I'll continue to fight my hardest for you and for Arus for as long as it takes!"
"I would expect nothing less from a champion such as yourself, Lieutenant!" She replied, with an admiring look. "Arus and I thank you!"
Lance was astonished to feel his face heating up. God, after all these years he was actually blushing like a schoolboy…or, more accurately, like the unsophisticated farm boy he had once been!
Although he didn't look around, he was acutely aware that his teammates were chuckling inwardly at his loss of cool. "There's no need for you to thank me," he mumbled, wishing with all his heart that he wasn't the center of attention.
"Sorry, but I must disagree!" Allura smiled at his red-faced expression, and then, much to Lance's relief, turned her attention to presenting the next gift.
When she held it up, it was obvious to her onlookers that this lion was meant for Pidge. The figure was carved in a seated position; the head tilted upwards, forepaws solidly planted on the ground. The eyes looked steadily out into space, their expression sober and intent.
"This one is called, 'The Sentry of Dreams', and it reminds me of you, Lieutenant Trewold." The Princess informed the wide-eyed boy.
"It….it's beautiful," Pidge stammered, as he eagerly reached for his prize. Holding it in front of him, he studied it with an expression as intent as the lion's. "Why did this one remind you of me?"
"Because you have managed to keep your dreams intact and remain optimistic about the future despite the horrors you have seen at such a young age." Allura explained warmly. "Never stop dreaming, Pidge, because I know for certain that you have both the knowledge and the courage to make them come true, and to accomplish great things! I know it can't be easy being so far from home and family. I deeply appreciate the sacrifice you've made, and your companionship. To me you are an absolute wonder, a true friend and a gentleman!"
The Princess reached over and patted his hand as she finished her speech. Pidge stared at the hand, his mouth quivering for moment. He straightened his lips to stop them from trembling, and bowed his head a moment to compose himself. Finally, he looked up with a somber expression, and eyes that seemed as if they had grown to saucer size.
"Thank you, Princess. I'll keep this close to me always, especially since it's from you!"
Allura broke into a delighted grin. "You're so sweet! I imagine that the girls at the Academy must have been beating down your door!"
"Actually, they pretty much beat me up in combat exercises, judo class-you name it." Pidge confessed sheepishly, then glared at Hunk as the big man chuckled. "Shut up! I didn't see any women knocking at your door either, ya big smarty!"
"Course not, because I always left it open," Hunk retorted slyly. "Didn't want to make them wait!"
A general and very loud snicker went around the room until Keith cleared his throat and inclined his head toward the Princess with a meaningful look. Luckily, it appeared that Allura hadn't caught on to the more improper aspects of the comment- or if she had, she was doing a good job of concealing it. "Speaking of waiting, that brings me to you, Hunk," she continued, as she reached for the last lion and brought it into view. The big cat was lying down, with all four paws tucked beneath it- a sight which caused a few sly chuckles at the big man's expense. The chuckling soon tapered off, however, when the Princess turned the figure around to show them the cub lying on its back between the massive front paws of the adult lion. One small paw was raised to the mighty maw of its sire, and the lion appeared to be smiling tenderly, as it looked down upon its offspring.
The room fell silent. Hunk blinked in astonishment. How had she known?
"This piece is called 'Founding Father of the Future'. It goes without saying that I have been amazed by your strength and determination in battle, Lieutenant Titus, but I have been even more impressed by your selfless giving and numerous kindnesses to the children of Arus! I can tell children hold a special place in your heart, and that you would defend their homes to your final breath. I have seen how deeply you have taken our cause to heart, and that you aren't afraid to show it. I respect that so very much, and find it a very endearing quality. You are the type of man my father would have referred to as a 'pillar of solidarity', because he would've seen what I do- that Arus can rebuild if it follows your example of strength, courage and high values..." she paused to smile at him, "never have I been able to say that someone's heart truly matches his stature until I met you, Hunk. I thank you for your loyalty, your loving nature, and your bravery!"
The Yellow Lion pilot's skin took on a dark red hue, and his eyes grew wide as he accepted his figurine, and his huge hands held the lions as carefully as one would an infant. He swallowed hard, and tried to stop the moisture that was collecting beneath his eyelids, but to no avail. A few tears slipped loose, trailed down his ruddy cheeks and finally fell from his squared-off jaw line. "Thanks a lot, Princess! I'm not one for pretty speeches, so I'll just say that I think the kids are awesome, and so are you!" He dragged the back of his sleeve across his watery eyes. "This lion is just right for me! I don't know how you knew, but I am glad you did. Thanks!"
"You're so very welcome, Hunk!" Allura replied, blinking rapidly as her own eyes became misty once again. "That is all I have to give you five for now, but I hope to do better for you in the future! I am sure the people of Arus will wish to honor you as well!"
Keith spoke. "On behalf of everyone, I'd like to thank you for giving us these precious statues, and also for what you did for us out there today! I only wish there was something we could give you that would be as meaningful as what you have given to us!"
Allura turned to him with sparkling eyes. "Actually, there is one thing you boys could give me, Captain."
Keith's eyes went wide- he didn't check, but he was sure the others were taking that statement in a completely inappropriate way. "And that would be-?"
"I wish to start training with you boys. I'd like to have you teach me the martial arts and anything else I could use to defend myself and my planet!"
Silence. The five men exchanged glances as Allura sat and stared at them with a determined expression.
Finally, Keith spoke. "Uh, have you discussed this with- I mean, does Coran know-?"
The Princess shook her head. "No, he doesn't, and I ask that he doesn't find out until I learn enough to prove to him without a doubt that I am not a helpless little girl!"
Keith's sixth sense told him Lance was about to make a comment, and he sent his friend a warning glance. Lance frowned, but subsided immediately-he knew to be silent when the Fearless One looked like that. He shrugged, then nodded.
The Captain looked around at the rest of his men and saw the answer to Allura's question in their eyes. He nodded his acknowledgement. The decision was unanimous. He turned to the Princess.
"We'll be happy to train you, if you're sure it's really what you want. It's going to be tiring, and probably painful," he warned, "we're not going easy on you because you're a girl."
"It will be good pain, and a good tired feeling," she responded firmly, "and I can take it! It's for Arus, and for myself!" She looked steadily into the dark eyes, her expression resolute. "I am choosing my path, and my quest, as I was left to do."
Keith blinked, his thoughts immediately going to the tapestry that had been carefully wrapped and placed in the Princess' quarters. He thought of the storybook princess and her adventures that included monsters, the witch and the mysterious knight, all vividly depicted on the hanging. He thought of how the Princess had been left with no ending but one that she alone could create.
Allura was determined to finish that tale. Who was he to take away her choice to do so? A pleased smile turned up the corners of his mouth. "All right Princess, barring any attacks from Doom, your training starts tomorrow at 0800 hours."
She clapped her hands in delight. "Oh thank you, thank you so much! I promise to be a good pupil!"
His smile became a grin as she literally wiggled in excitement, much as a child would when receiving a treat. Half woman, half child- that would describe her quite accurately, except for the fact that her body was very much a woman's.
Feeling a familiar throb of desire in his loins, Keith stopped his wandering thoughts in their tracks. "More coffee, Princess?" He asked hastily.
"Yes, thank you Keith-oh my goodness, I almost forgot the other thing I brought for all of us!"
The Princess dived into the box once more and lifted out a flat package, ever so gently. Then she held it in a way that they could all read the name on its cover. The five men seated around her leaned forward and read the label in unison: 'Aunt Gertie's Famous Mocha Truffles'.
"I adore chocolate, especially Terran chocolate! I hope these are still good, I ordered the case six months ago from the black market running between Arus and Mora." Allura said, looking a tad uncertain.
"I'm certain they're still good," Keith assured her. "In this case, preservatives are a good thing!"
Allura giggled at his pun. The rest of the team groaned.
Hunk placed a hand over his heart and spoke in hushed, reverent tones. "You are not a princess, Princess... you are an angel."
"Most certainly," Sven agreed. His eyes were fixed on the candy as intently as if it were a target.
"Heavenly," Pidge chimed in, while handing Allura his jackknife to break the seals.
"Auntie Gertie's a babe!" Lance declared, getting in the last word and the last laugh before the chocolate feasting began.
Next up…the Epilogue!