Hi all,
Okay, two things. First,I tend to use the three period method of showing pauses in the conversations or when someone is interrupted, but for some reason, two of the periods always disappear when I post a story now. I guess it's just a little FF.net quirk, but I hope it doesn't cause any confusion.
Secondly, MustangAce, I wanted to address your review. Thank very much for your review, I really do appreciate it and you addressed a topic I've worried about. Am I becoming too repetitive? Probably. I try to avoid it the best I can, but then I am just writing these for fun and, to be perfectly honest, I don't think these are the best stories I've written. I've said before (I forget where, in one of my previous stories) that I am concentrating more on their relationships than anything else. At this point in the story, the Force has been on Arus for over two years and there have been numerous fights, I just didn't want to show them all, granted I could have shown more and there will be more to come. But I've been concentrating on the building of Keith and Allura's relationship and since this story is already a lot longer than I had planned on, I have to be careful what I keep in and what I omit, I don't want it drag out and bore you all.
As for your Koran question, well, before I started posting I had read a story where it was spelled that way and I found a rather in depth Voltron website that said both Koran and Coran are acceptable spellings of his name. I thought about changing the spelling, but it would have really bothered me to change the spelling halfway through a story and I would have had to go back and repost the stories with the other spelling, so I just kept it as it was.
Anyway, thanks for your review and to everyone else who reviews, it means a lot to me to know you are reading and enjoying my story. I also use your reviews and suggestions to try and improve my writing.
Enjoy,
Failte
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Around about midmorning, Lance made his way into the hospital. He had only had about five hours of sleep the night before and he was feeling rather tired, but Keith wanted an update and he owed it to him.
He had expected to see Allura in Keith's room, she had disappeared after breakfast and they had all assumed she went to sit with Keith. Lance was surprised to see his captain lying in bed alone in his room.
"Hey, Cap, how're you feeling?" Lance asked as he sauntered into the room.
"I'm feeling better. The fever's gone and Dr. Gorma said there is no sign of infection, I should be able to move back to my room in a few days."
Lance sat in the chair beside the bed, "That's good to hear."
"So what do you have for me?"
"Well, we can't find anything. No more sign of Lotor or Haggar. We've spoken to the Garrison and they're going to send us another dozen troops to help secure the castle grounds until the current threat has passed. Other than what happened in Allura's room last night, things have been fine."
Keith whipped his head to the side to look at Lance, "What happened in Allura's room? Is she alright?"
"I thought she would have told you."
"I haven't seen her yet today. What happened?"
"Oh, well, Sven was just down the hall last night when he heard a blaster shot in Allura's room. When we got there we found the room was really cold, even though the temp control was set at sixty five, and she said she had felt a strong draft. Something moved and spooked her, so she fired a shot, it ended up being her nightgown on the back of her door. Allura was shaken up and had a really bad headache, but after a few minutes she said she was fine. She refused to see Dr. Gorma, but we got her to agree to stay in your room so we could fix the temp control. A couple of hours after she turned in, she showed up in Castle Control, mumbling to herself and when I spoke to her she freaked out saying Haggar was here and she was after Voltron." Lance explained, hurriedly.
Keith pursed his lips, "Why hasn't she come and told me this? Where is she now?"
Lance shrugged, "We haven't seen her since breakfast, I just assumed she was here."
"Go find her, Lance, I want to talk to her."
"Yes, sir."
Keith stared at the ceiling, his teeth clenched in frustration. He had had a bad feeling the night before, but since no one had come and told him anything and there had been no alarms sounded, he ignored it. Keith knew better than to ignore his feelings, he should have called Lance up on his communicator.
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Lance checked Allura's room, the rec room, Castle Control, and finally her study before he found the Princess.
"Who is it?" She called when he knocked.
"It's Lance."
"Come in."
Allura was seated behind her desk, looking worn out. Dark circles had formed beneath her eyes, her face was pale, and she seemed irritated.
"Hey, Allura, how're you feeling?"
"I'm fine, Lance, what's up?"
"I just spoke to Keith, he told me he hasn't seen you yet today."
"I've been busy."
Lance raised his eyebrows, "Too busy to see Keith?"
"Yes, Lance, I do have a planet to run and it's rebuilding to see to and as you can see I'm still busy, so may I ask why you are here."
"Uh, well, like I said, I just spoke to Keith and he would like to see you."
She sighed, "Fine, I'll go see him when I'm done here."
"I think he wants to see you now."
Allura slowly raised her eyes to his, "I do not take orders from the Captain or you. I will go see him when I am able to."
Lance inhaled sharply, "Okay, well, I just thought you should know he wants to speak with you."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "I'm sorry, Lance. It was a long night and I guess I'm just tired and cranky. Of course I'll go see Keith, I'll go in a few minutes."
He nodded and smiled reassuringly, "I know a lot is happening right now, Allura, but we're all here to help you. If you need anything at all, just ask."
"I know Lance," she smiled. "And I really appreciate that. Thank you."
"Take it easy, Allura," he told her as he stood in the doorway. "And you know where to find me if you need anything."
She nodded and looked back at the paper in front of her. The truth was she had been avoiding Keith, seeing him meant telling him about last night and she wasn't sure how to explain it to him since she didn't understand it herself.
Taking a deep breath, Allura pushed her chair back and stood, running her hands over her hair and then smoothing her skirt. She pinched her cheeks, hoping to bring a little color to her face. Pasting what she hoped was a believable smile on to her face, Allura left her study and took the long way around the Observation deck, past Castle Control, and behind the kitchen to the Hospital wing.
Keith was propped up on a few pillows, a book open on his chest, but he was staring at the wall opposite him. When the door slid open, he raised his worried gaze to the woman who looked back at him. He could see past the weak smile and the pink cheeks to the tired look and harried appearance. "Hey."
"Hi, Keith, how are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling better, the fever has passed and Dr. Gorma said there was no sign of infection."
"Oh, I am so glad to hear that," she walked slowly into the room, the door
closing behind her.
"But I want to hear about you," he said, holding his hand out to her. "Tell me what happened last night."
She sat on the edge of his bed, taking his hand in hers, "It was nothing, silly really, the temp control in my room malfunctioned, Hunk already has it fixed. Then I had a nightmare with Haggar and I went sleepwalking."
Keith pursed his lips, "Allura."
"What?"
"Lance thinks it was more than just a nightmare."
She rolled her eyes, "Really, Keith, you guys worry way too much. I have a lot on my mind and I do have nightmares sometimes."
"But I've never heard of you sleepwalking."
"I used to as a child," she lied.
"Allura."
"So," she interrupted. "Where is Black's key?"
Keith raised an eyebrow, "Don't worry, it's in a safe place. Why do you ask?"
"Well, if we were attacked while you were laid up, I would have to fly Black."
"Oh, well, Lance has it. If anyone attacks, he'll give you the key."
"Why didn't you give it to me?"
"You seemed a little stressed out, I thought, at the time, it was best I give it to him. Allura, what's going on?"
She looked down at their joined hands and sighed, "Nothing, I guess I'm just a little nervous."
"You have nothing to worry about, Angel, nothing is going to happen to you."
"I know."
"So, is that all you're going to tell me about last night?"
"There is nothing else to tell you."
He nodded, frustrated by her lack cooperation. "I love you."
She smiled softly, "I love you too, honey."
"I only want to help you."
"I know, you want to help me, Lance wants to help me, maybe I don't need any of your help."
"Allura," he said sharply. "I know we've become close and the guys are your friends, but our first and foremost concern is your safety, we are still your guards. How can we keep you safe if you don't tell us what's happening?"
"It was just a nightmare," she whispered weakly.
Keith reached up with his other hand and captured her chin, forcing her to look at him, "Did you get any sleep at all last night?"
"Some."
"I think you should talk to Dr. Gorma and see if he has something to help you sleep."
"I don't want to. If we get attacked in the middle of the night and I'm drugged, what good would I be?"
"You'd be about as good as you are with no sleep at all."
She straightened the blanket around him and changed the subject, "So when does Dr. Gorma think you'll be out of here?"
"I can move back to my room in another day or two."
"That's good news, you'll be back on your feet before long."
"Yeah, uh, listen, I have a huge favor to ask you."
"Anything," she smiled at him, glad to have something else to occupy her mind.
"Lance had to report my injury to the Garrison which means my family back on Terra will be contacted."
Allura nodded, remembering back on the times any of the guys had been injured their families had been contacted and then given the opportunity to call the Castle of Lions.
"If my mother calls, would you please be the one to talk to her? I know its Lance's place as the acting commander, but I would rather you tell her I'll be fine in a few days."
"Of course, Keith, that's no problem at all."
"Then why do you look so terrified?"
"I'm not terrified," she insisted, her voice rising a little. "I'll admit to being a little nervous, but I'm not terrified."
"You've never spoken to my mother, have you?"
She shook her head.
"I want her to get to know you."
"And what better way than to have me tell her you were stabbed."
"I wrote to her and told her about us," he admitted quietly.
Allura raised her eyebrows, "When did you do that?"
"I emailed her the day before yesterday, before all this happened."
A grin spread across her face, "So I guess we're official then, huh?"
"Yeah, well, I had to tell her. My mother was convinced I was going to be married to the military and that no woman would be able to put up with me."
Allura leaned down and gave him a quick kiss, "I guess you're lucky I can put up with you."
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It was later that evening that Keith's mother contacted the Castle of Lions. Allura had left word with the guards on duty to contact her the moment Mrs. Whitaker was able to reach Arus.
"Your Highness," Pvt. Fforden
stood in the open door of her study.
"Captain Whitaker's mother is on the videophone, I told her you would be
right with her."
"Yes, have it forwarded in here, please."
He saluted and turned on his heel, hurrying down the hall.
Allura crossed the room and shut her door. Taking a deep breath, she turned to the monitor on the wall beside her desk. The screen flickered and turned blue before dissolving into the image of Isabelle Whitaker. She was a handsome woman with dark red hair and Keith's big, brown eyes.
"Mrs. Whitaker," Allura greeted her with a smile. "How are you?"
"Uh, Your Highness, I'm fine. How's Keith?"
"Please, call me Allura. Keith is doing fine. The injury was not life threatening and, although he did have a fever yesterday, it passed and there is no sign of infection. Dr. Gorma expects him to be back in his room in a couple of days and he'll be back on his feet not long after that."
Isabelle let out a breath, "I am so glad to hear that. I was so worried when he was stationed so far from home. He is so headstrong and stubborn. I bet you're having a hard time keeping him in bed, aren't you?"
Allura nodded, "Yes, Ma'am. He isn't one to lie down for long. I think if he had his way, we would move his hospital bed into Castle Control."
"Or right into the Lion," the older woman chuckled. "It is such a relief to know he'll be alright. You'll have him call me as soon as he's on his feet, won't you?"
"Of course."
"So, Allura, dear, how are you doing?"
"I'm fine, Mrs. Whitaker."
She nodded, "Good, I'm glad to hear that. I know now is not the best time, but when things calm down a bit, I would like to talk to you some more, get to know you better."
"I would like that too."
"Give Keith my love and if anything should happen, please contact me. I would much rather hear it from you than the Garrison."
"Of course, Mrs. Whitaker, I'll keep you posted. And once things calm down, I would like for you and your family to come to Arus."
"Oh, that would be wonderful," Isabelle gasped. "I would love to see where Keith has been living these past couple of years."
"The door is always open, Mrs. Whitaker."
"I will definitely take you up on that offer, Allura. I just want to ask you to look out for my Keith. Make sure he eats properly and gets enough rest. I worry about him so much."
"I will. We've all been looking out for each other."
Isabelle smiled slyly, "I'm putting his wellbeing in your hands, Allura, if I can't be there to take care of him, someone has to."
Allura felt the heat rise to her face, but she smiled, "I will do my best."
"Thank you, Allura, please keep me posted on his condition."
"I will."
"Good night, dear."
"Good night, Mrs. Whitaker." Allura watched the screen fade to blue and then flicker to black. She felt good. She wasn't sure what to expect, talking to Keith's mother for the first time alone, but it had been painless and now right enjoyable. Isabelle was a pleasant, nice woman. But then what else could you expect from the woman who raised Keith.
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Two nights later, Allura went to bed feeling great. Keith was going to be fine, he had been up and observing practice from Castle Control that morning, there had been no more signs of Lotor and Haggar and the backup guards from the Garrison had arrived the day before. Sven was helping Lance in the running of the Force and practice so some of the pressure was taken off the Red pilot.
Koran had brought in a report stating that the orphanage had been completed and building had begun on the school. If everything was clear tomorrow, Hunk, Pidge, and Allura were going to go into town after practice to see what they can do to help.
To top it all off, she hadn't had any headaches and it seemed, or rather she hoped, everything that had happened that night was a one-time event.
Curling up in bed, Allura picked up the most recent trashy novel Lance's sister had sent her from Terra. Not long after the Force had arrived on Arus, Lance had noticed how she didn't have any friends her own age, particularly any girlfriends. So he contacted his sister Leslie, who was only a couple of years younger than Allura, and got her to send Allura a few things from Terra that she might like. The girls now wrote to each other and exchanged small gifts from their planets.
Sleep came easily as she relaxed. Her heart wasn't as heavy as it had been and her mind was clearer.
"Princess."
Allura squeezed her eyes shut, whispering to herself, "It's just a dream, it's just a dream."
"This is no dream, Princess." Haggar hissed.
"You're not really here."
"Yes I am."
Taking a deep breath, Allura opened her eyes and saw the dark outline of the witch standing over her, cradling her cat in her arms. "This is a dream."
"No it isn't."
Without realizing it, Allura was on her feet, standing in front of the old woman. "I want you out of my castle and off my planet now."
"I want Voltron."
"No."
"So the pilot of the Red Lion has the key to Black Lion?"
"How do you know that?"
"I know everything you know. We will get both keys along with your key to Blue Lion and then we will have the upper hand."
"No!"
"Allura?"
The Princess shook her head and looked up to see Hunk watching her worriedly.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
She looked around. They were standing outside Lance's closed bedroom door.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"You sure?" He asked skeptically.
"No."
"What is it?"
"I saw Haggar," she whispered.
"Where?"
"Here, with me now."
"Allura."
"I saw her Hunk, as clearly as I am seeing you now!" Allura insisted.
"Maybe you should."
"Don't tell me to go see Dr. Gorma," she interrupted. "He can't help me with this."
"Okay," the big guy ran a hand through his hair. "Maybe you should stay with Romelle."
"I don't need a babysitter," her voice rose with frustration but her argument died on her lips at the sound of the castle alarms.
Hunk and Allura were quickly joined by Sven, Lance, and Pidge as they all ran to Castle Control.