Hello all,

All relative disclaimers apply, I don't own Voltron or any of the characters you recognize from the show.  I'm just having a little fun with them.

Thank you for the reviews.

Enjoy!

Failte

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"We just received an Intel report saying that Doom has launched what appears to be a good sized fleet of ships," Allura announced as they all gathered around.  "One large ship, which may contain a robeast, and at least two dozen smaller fighter ships."

"I have contacted the Garrison and they are sending help," Koran added.

"I have sounded the alarm in Alforia and the word is getting out through the televiewer and radio stations to have everyone seek shelter.  ETA is about 30 minutes.  I want the lions in the air and every turret gun manned."  Allura said.

Hunk nodded, "No problem, your highness."

"Pidge, I want you to make sure the shields are up at 100%."

He saluted, "Yes, Ma'am."

"The rest of you, I want you to make sure everyone is out of the towers and all the maids and other house servants have been moved to safer areas.  Be back here in fifteen minutes, unless you hear the alarms before then."

The other three pilots saluted and turned to tend to their tasks.

In the hospital wing, Lance was impatiently pressing the call button.

"Yes sir," Nurse Helene entered the room.  "You only need to push the button once."

"What's going on?"  He asked.

"There has been word that Doom is on its way.  We're safe here in the hospital wing, if the Queen thought we were in any danger, we would be moved."  She assured him as she straightened the blanket around him.

"I need a wheelchair."

"You aren't going anywhere."

"You can either bring me a wheelchair and help me or I will crawl from this bed and find one."

"I'd like to see you try, Lieutenant."

Lance stared at Nurse Helene for a long moment, both waiting for the other to back down.

"Please, Nurse Helene, I need to get to Castle Control.  Dr. Gorma gave me a dose of Bretharteinol, that helps with pain.  I just want to go see what's going on."

"I really don't think that would be a good idea."

Feeling desperate, Lance tried appealing to the heart he knew she had hidden somewhere deep in her thin, old frame.  "Please, my fiancée is up there."

She smiled kindly, "I know this is hard for you, but…"

Lance took her hand in both of his, "Please, just until I know what's going on."

Nurse Helene sighed and shook her head, "Alright, but I'm sending Nurse Jewelia with you, you are to listen to her and return here."

Lance gave her his most charming smile, "Thank you, Nurse Helene."

Ten minutes later, Lance was using the touchpad in the arm of his wheelchair to steer his way to Castle Control.  Nurse Jewelia jogged along side, trying to keep up with him.

"Lance!"  Allura gasped when she saw him.  "What are you doing here?"

Allura, Koran, the five pilots, Sven, Rankin, Paget, and Renata stood before the monitors, watching and waiting.

"I can't just sit in the hospital and wait."  He told them.

"I thought you veren't allowed to leave de hospital," Sven said.

"I was able to convince them otherwise.  What's going on?"

Allura filled him in on what they knew. 

"They sure are moving fast," Lance muttered.  "Where did they get an army so quickly?"

"Ve tink dey found a lot of loyalists in de Darleria Galaxy."  Sven said.

"As long as you're up to it, I am glad that you're here and able to help us out," Allura smiled at Lance.

"I'll do what I can."

Pidge went over the shields with Koran, making sure the advisor understood how he had set up the new, stronger defense.  Sven and Dante were speaking to two of the guards, making sure all the castle guns were manned.  Allura stood with Hunk, watching the monitors for the arrival of any ships into Arusian airspace.

Darcy crossed over to Lance, "Dr. Gorma actually cleared you to help us?"

"I want to help."

"Help or try and baby-sit me?"

"I deserved that."

"Yeah, you did."

He looked up at her, "I'm sorry for my behavior earlier, I was totally out of line."

"I'm a good soldier, Lance, I can handle this."

"You're a great soldier, I was just worried," he admitted.

She watched as his cheeks turned pink.  This was not easy for him, swallowing his pride.  Apologizing for what he had thought was right.

"I will accept your apology as long as you realize that you can't ask me to quit the work I love.  Just because we're getting married doesn't mean I'm going to quit so I can keep house for you."

He grinned at her, "I don't expect that.  Actually, I was hoping once we got married I would quit and keep house for you."

Darcy couldn't help but smile, "As long as we have an understanding."

"This is it," Hunk announced.  "Everyone to your Lions!"

Lance grabbed Darcy's hand as she turned to leave, "Be careful."

She smiled at him, "Now why would I want to do that?"

Lance steered the wheelchair over to the console beside Allura and Sven.  More than two dozen fighters flew in formation around a larger ship.  As soon as the Lions took to the air, the fighters began to circle them and opened fire.  The Voltron pilots easily picked off seven of the fighters.  The turret guns fired and shot down another three of the fighters.  Green took off to follow three fighters who flew around the castle.  Red followed two more as they flew toward the woods.  The fighters continued to split up as the Lions followed them and the turret guns fired upon them.  The castle shook once, twice, three times as the Doom ships hit the fortress.  Koran adjusted the shields as the alarm on the console went off.

Lance watched the split screen showing the intense concentration on the faces of the pilots.

"They're splitting up on purpose, so the Lions continue chasing them and they can't form Voltron."  He announced to the others in the room.

"But what…" Allura stopped and gripped the console as another blast rocked the Castle.  "What else are they supposed to do?"

"Where are the Garrison ships?"

Sven turned to another monitor and consulted the readout on the screen, "Dey're about fifteen minutes out."

"Dammit," Lance swore under his breath.  "I think we should send up some of the Arusian Air Brigade."

"Do you think they're ready?"  Allura asked.

"Noting like trial by fire."  Sven said.

Watching the door on the large ship open, Allura saw a big, coffin shaped vessel slide out.  There was no other choice.  They needed Voltron.

"Alright.  Sven, send them up."

Sven nodded and turned to Rankin.  They exchanged words in hushed tones.  Lance watched them, gripping and releasing the armrests in frustration.  He should be leading the Air Brigade.

"I know," Allura set a hand on his shoulder.  "But Sven knows what he's doing."

He nodded to her and returned his attention to the screens in front of them.  A shot hit Yellow in the underside, sending her flying backwards.  He clutched the armrests as he watched Darcy fight for control of her Lion.

"Darcy!  Can you straighten out?"  Hunk called over the channel as he shot down two more fighters.

"Yeah," she said through clenched teeth as she pulled back.  "I got it."

Lance watched as she shook her head as though she was trying to clear her mind.

Allura stood beside him, her hands fisted together.  She watched the fight before her, felt her Castle shake, and, in the background, she heard Cady crying.   All she wanted to do was run into the tiny nursery and take her baby into her arms.  But she knew she also had a responsibility to her people.  She leaned over the console and spoke to the Lions, "They've released a robeast.  Form Voltron, Sven and Rankin are getting the Air Brigade ready to help cover you until the Garrison ships arrive."

"Are they ready?" Hunk asked.

"We're about to find out."  She replied.

The Castle shook violently as a Doom fighter was shot down by a turret gun and crashed into the tower that housed the nursery.

Allura's knuckles whitened as she gripped her hands.  If she hadn't moved the children…no, she had had the foresight to move them, they were safe.

The coffin shaped vessel landed, hard, in the meadow beside the lake.  They watched in horror as the lid opened and a gigantic, dark blue robeast rose from it.

"Pidge!"  Hunk yelled out, sweat poring down his face.  "Get over here!  We need Voltron!"

Green was on the other side of the castle where he had followed some fighters.

As five of the Arusian Air Brigade ships rose into the air, the five Lions came together to form Voltron.  The turret gunners and the Air Brigade fired on the Doom fighters, taking them down.  The Castle shook again as it absorbed another shot.

The hideous robeast struck out and knocked Voltron to the ground.  Rising to his feet, Voltron fought back and knocked the robeast down.  The two monolithic warriors fought.   Trees fell and the Castle trembled.

"Are we going to be able to win this?"  Allura whispered.

"Yes," Lance replied.  "We have to."

A beeping on the console alerted them to the arrival of the Garrison ships. 

"The Calvary has arrived," Lance quipped.

"Form Blazing Sword!"  Hunk called out.

Voltron brought the weapon down on the robeast, cutting off its left arm.  The beast roared and kicked Voltron down.  The robot knight rolled on his back just as the beast dived on top of him.

Lance and Allura were glued to the monitors, mouths agape in horror as Voltron and the robeast lay unmoving.

After what seemed like an eternity, although it had only been a few seconds,  Voltron pushed up and knocked the robeast off him, the Blazing Sword piercing the beast's torso.  Rising to his feet, Voltron plunged the Sword into the beast.

In a flash of light, the robeast disappeared.

Voltron turned his attention to the large ship that had dropped the robeast onto the countryside.  What was left of the Doom fighters followed their leader ship off of Arus.

Allura let out a breath and watched in silence as the Lions returned to their respective hiding places.  Without looking up, she said to Koran, "I want the full damage and casualty reports as soon as possible."

"Yes, your highness."  He bowed and turned to take care of his task.

"I don't think it's going to be as bad as you think."  Lance spoke up.

"The castle was hit repeatedly."

"Yes, but it was built to withstand that.  I only saw one of the Brigade ships go down."

"But at least six Garrison ships went down."

Their conversation stopped when the five pilots entered the room, all talking at once.

"That was incredible!"

"I took down two Doom ships with one shot!"

"It looks like Haggar has been practicing her robeast making."

"Yeah, that was one nasty creature."

"This was just the beginning, gang."

"Yeah, but I feel like I could go back out there and take on all the Doomies!"

"Did you see the Air Brigade?  They were awesome!"

"I guess they were ready."

A thin trickle of blood ran from Hunk's hairline, down his temple.  Pidge and Dante were both limping.  Darcy rubbed her upper left arm and Caleb massaged the back of his neck.  But overall they seemed in good spirits.

Hunk stopped beside Allura, "All in all, I would say that went well."

"Yes," she agreed.  "There were a few close calls, though."

"Where's Sven?"

"He and Rankin led the Air Brigade."

"Any word on damages yet?"

"Koran is looking into that now."  She told him.

It was nearly an hour before Koran was able to give her the full report.  The western tower had sustained the worst damage when the Doom ship had crashed into it.  Otherwise, there were a few broken windows, but overall the repairs to the castle would be finished in a couple of days.  There were trees all around the castle that were knocked down, they needed to be cleaned up and chopped into firewood.

One Air Brigade ship was lost and two more were damaged and needed repairs.  One pilot was killed and three more injured.  Two turret gun soldiers had been hit, one critically injured, the other seriously.  Eight Garrison ships had gone down with fourteen casualties, three fatal.  The rest of the Garrison gathered up the injured and fallen Doom soldiers to be transported to Zettle for containment until they could be moved to maximum security prisons.

The Voltron Force were sent to Dr. Gorma to be checked out, for the most part they were all fine.  Dante was hurt the worst with a sprained ankle.  Hunk had a small hairline cut that was cleaned and bandaged, Pidge had twisted his ankle, and Darcy and Caleb were just a little beat up and bruised.  They would all be fine.

It was late evening when Allura made her way to the hospital.  Sven had stopped in earlier to talk to Keith.  It had not been a promising visit.  Keith was even more confused.  He was spooked by the sounds of battle, not really knowing or understanding what was going on.  His mind had jumped from place to place and time to time.

Slowly pushing open the door, Allura stuck her head in and found Keith lying on the bed, sound asleep.  She quietly shut the door behind her and crept over to the bedside.

"Keith," she whispered.

He didn't stir.

She kept her voice low as she spoke, "I talked to Sven, he said you were still pretty screwed up, his words, not mine.  Doom attacked.  We lost one soldier.  Vasnea.  You knew him.  He was only twenty three and he was engaged.  I went into town and spoke to his family this afternoon.  That was the hardest thing I ever had to do, Keith.  Don't worry, I took two guards as well as Hunk and Rankin, so I was safe."  She continued filling him in on everything that had happened, all the damage that had been done, the injuries that had been sustained.  It helped.  Allura felt better talking to him, even though he remained quiet and asleep.

Almost unconsciously, Allura stroked his arm.  His skin was warm, not as hot as it had been, but warm.

"Mm," he sighed.

"Keith?" She breathed.

"Allura?"

She leaned over him, "Oh, honey, can you hear me?"

His eyelids fluttered and opened a crack, "Are you alright?"

She smiled.  His first thoughts were of her.

"Yes, Keith, I'm fine.  How're you feeling?"

He closed his eyes, "I'm alright."

"No you're not."

"Well, my head feels like it's about to split open."

Allura gently stroked the hair back from his forehead.  Hope was making her heart pound and her hands shake slightly, "Keith, honey, do you know where you are?"

"I'm in the hospital."

"Do you know how you got here?"

He opened his eyes and blinked, "I, uh, I can't really remember what happened."

"Um," she took his hand in hers, trying to think of how to word her next question.  "Do you, uh…what is our relationship?"

He looked at her, confused, "What?"

"What kind of relationship do we have?"

Keith rolled his eyes, "Allura I just woke up and you want to have a relationship talk?"

"Keith…"

"I love you, Allura."

Relief surged through her, "You remember."

"What?"

"Nothing, honey, just rest."  She placed a soft, lingering kiss on his lips.

Very slowly, he raised his good hand to her, stroking her cheek.  "I'm not sure what you mean, but I will always love you.  I could never forget that, nor should you."

Allura smiled and took his hand in both of hers, "I know that Keith.  I love you too."

She watched as his eyes closed and he fell into a medicine induced sleep.  Settling back in the chair, she looked over at the bedside table and noticed the two pictures were gone.

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Lance had returned to the hospital when his pain killer had worn off.  With the bed half reclined, he was sitting up and shifting his gaze from the televiewer to the clock.  It was nearing nine o'clock.  He knew they had a lot to do and Darcy hadn't really said if she would stop in tonight, but he had taken it for granted that she would.  She couldn't still be upset about what he had said earlier.  No, she wasn't one to hold a grudge.  Granted, she could be oversensitive at times, but she usually forgot about it after a few minutes.

It was now five after nine.  God, how he hated this.  All he wanted to do was push back the covers, jump to his feet and wander the castle halls until he found her.  He wanted to help with the cleanup.  But no, his legs were useless.  He was useless.  Maybe, if all went well, by this time next week he should be up and walking.  Kadmus had said that it would take time, but Lance could just not figure out why.  Once he regained feeling in his legs he would get up and walk.  He knew how to walk, that was not something you forgot.

There was a quick knock on the door and Darcy walked in before he could say anything.  "You are not going to believe what I just had to do."

"What happened?"  He asked, using the button on the side of the bed, he brought the head of the bed up until he was sitting upright.

"Your mother and father contacted Castle Control."     

"What?"

She sat on the edge of his bed.  "Word got to them through the Garrison channels.  They didn't know what exactly had happened, but they had heard that both the Captain and Second-in-Command of the Voltron Force were gravely injured."

"I didn't even think of contacting my parents."  He mumbled.

"Don't worry about it," she took his hand in both of hers.  "I explained everything to them and I promised to keep them updated on your progress."

"Thank you."  He brought her hands to his lips and gently kissed her fingers.

She sighed, dramatically, "When I agreed to marry you, I knew I would have to take on the responsibility of cleaning up after you."

"I promise to make it worth your while," he smiled at her.  "Any news?"

"They've returned to Doom with their tails between their legs.  We spent most of the day cleaning up and patching the windows, it'll be a few days before the Castle is completely repaired."

"And Keith?"

"Sven was in to see him earlier and he said that Keith was still rather confused.  But then Allura went to speak with him and she said he seemed a lot better.  He recognized her."

"That's good to hear."

"Yeah," she yawned.

"You did a great job today."

Darcy flashed him a weak smile.

"I mean it, Darc, you were awesome up there."

"Thank you," she whispered.

Lance put his hands on the bed and awkwardly shifted over.  Taking the hint, Darcy turned and stretched out beside him.

"How're you feeling?"  She asked, laying her head on his shoulder.

"Restless."

"Tell me about the physical therapist."

"Her name is Fatina, Dr. Gorma said she's one of the best in the universe."

"Where did he find her?"

"The same place he found the guy who helped Keith after he was shot in the hand."

"Oh, I liked Isak.  He couldn't come?"

"Fatina specializes in back injuries."  He brought his arm up and around her shoulders.  "You need some sleep."

"Mm hm."  She agreed into his neck, snaking her arm across his waist.

Kissing her forehead, he reached for the button that carefully lowered the bed.

******************************

Pidge wandered down the hall toward the observation deck.  He wanted to check on the windows they had patched up in there.  The wind was picking up and he wanted to make sure they would hold through the night.  Allura had ordered new glass cut to fit the windowsills, but they wouldn't arrive until the next afternoon.

There were six large windows on the one wall facing out over the lake, trees, and hills.  One window had been shattered and three others were cracked.  The shattered glass had been cleaned up and the empty sill was covered with wood.  The cracked glass was reinforced with an epoxy that should hold for the time being.

Satisfied that it was safe, he turned and walked toward the rec room.  It had been a long day and he was ready to relax a bit before heading off to bed.  Before all of this had happened, Caleb had bought a new computer game and he was dying to try it out. 

"Renata?"

He stopped when he saw her standing at a junction in the hallway.

She blushed when she saw him, "Good evening, sir…Pidge."

"Is everything alright?"

"Uh, yes sir.  I, uh, I can't seem to find…"  She trailed off, embarrassed.

He smiled kindly, "A little lost?"

"Yes, sir."

"We really weren't able to give you a decent tour of the castle, were we?"

She shook her head.

Pidge offered her his arm, "I have the time now."

He walked her through, explaining that Castle Control was in the center of the castle and that it was easy to find the rec room, the observation deck, the kitchen, the hospital, and the main entrance from there.  He pointed out the various wings, telling her that Keith, Allura and Cady lived in the north wing, the Force had their rooms in the east wing, Nanny and Koran had room in the west wing, and the south wing was used primarily for guests. 

"When we get everything cleaned up and it's safe, I'll have to show you the gardens."  He said as they stopped outside her room.

"Thank you, Pidge."

"If you need anything, just ask.  They are a great group of people here."

"Yes," she agreed.  "They are."

His hand moved on its own accord as he reached up and tucked a strand of her long black hair behind her ear. His fingers brushed her cheek as he quickly pulled his hand back.

She stiffened and blushed.

"Sorry," he mumbled, embarrassed at his own boldness.

"Um," she looked at her feet.  "Thank you…for, uh, for showing me around."

"You're welcome.  Goodnight Renata."

She nodded, "Goodnight, Pidge."

He waited until she was in her room with the door shut and locked behind her before he turned and headed to his room.