########################################################################
Enemy My Friend
Arus
arus-dot-geo-at-yahoo-dot-com
Voltron and its characters are owned by World Event's Productions.
########################################################################
----------------
Chapter 8
----------------
-----Doom-----
Anala was not prepared for the event that had just happened. She found herself witness to several key memories of the prince of Doom, that she had unwittingly unleashed. As she tried to fight the flood of memories, she could only find her own curiosity explore the images before her.
Key moments stuck out prominently; Lotor's training on other planets when he was young; the winning of his first battle, much to the indifference his father showed. His continued drive to please the one man in his life that was barely there to support him. Then other, more recent events; like his return to Doom after being away for so long. The one time his father showed any type of affection for his son. His near infatuation with the meeting with the Princess of Arus, and his growing hatred of the young captain who seemed to be everywhere she was. His failed marriage to his cousin, Queen Merla. And then, the arrival of his half-sister despite his father's displeasure.
Even the smaller moments seem to key on something Anala immediately picked up from all his memories; the longing, the need to be supported, appreciated, for the man he was; not the man he was trying to be. In all of those memories, however, she noticed not one single moment dwelled on who his mother was. And something insided her told her, that this missing detail was somehow at the heart of what was missing from his life.
Anala then breathed in deeply as she felt a sharp cold steel at her neck, which caused her to suddenly gasp for air, and open her eyes as if she finally woke out of a dream. The room she was in began to spin, realizing now that she was on her back as someone pinned her down to the cushions below her.
As she forced to concentrate, she found herself staring up at Lotor, who had straddled her on the couch, pinning her arms down with one hand, and holding the knife to her neck with the other.
"What the hell did you just do?" he asked, anger in his voice.
"I...I don't know," she said as she breathed heavily. Her heart pounded in her chest, echoing in her ears. "It's never done that before."
"Was that some kind of trick, wench?" he asked as he pushed harder on the blade. "To get inside my mind?"
"No," she said as tears came to her eyes. "I've never seen that happen. I've done it to the rest of the Voltron Force without that ever happening. Please, Lotor, I asked that you trust me."
"Then explain to me why I was able to see your memories?" he asked.
"What?" she asked as she stared up at him.
"I saw everything," he said. "Your childhood, your fight against Kelar, helping your brother on Planet Lyssia; even your break-up with that Voltron Force fellow."
"Please, believe me when I say that I don't know what happened," she said. "The last thing I want to do is hurt you."
Lotor met her gaze and slowly pulled the knife from her neck and placed it back into his boot. He then pulled her up from the couch. Anala's mind started to spin, and she suddenly felt exhausted. Whatever had happened, it affected her enough that she did not have the strength to even stand on her own.
He lifted her into his arms and he walked toward the curtained area, parting it slightly. Anala then felt the cool sensation of bedding as she was laid down on some sort of bed on her front. The room was dark, save for the light that filtered in from the room they were in pior. At that moment, she wanted to find the strength to just run, but a hand pinned her arms to the bed below her, as she felt the belt around her waist loosen.
Her mind then flooded with the notion and rumors she had heard about Lotor and how he treated his women prisoners and slaves. She closed her eyes, not wanting to know if those rumors were coming true.
She felt the jumpsuit she wore, be pulled off of her, and the cold air of the room against her bare back. She was expecting the worst, when it caught her by surprise as a blanket came to cover her and her arms were then released.
"Get some rest," she heard his voice finally. "I will have someone bring you up a new set of clothes for tomorrow."
Through her tired gaze she saw his dark silhouette at the part in the curtain. With one last look in her direction, he left, closing the curtain. She then heard the audible sound of his doors opening and then closing.
Anala could only swallow hard, as she closed her eyes. She wondered what had happened in that moment, where they touched minds, and if something she had seen; or something he had seen in her own memories caught the prince off guard. She couldn't dwell on it for much longer as her exhausted mind and body succumbed to the much needed sleep she was waiting for.
-----/-----/-----/-----/------/------/------/------/-----/-----/-------/------/------/------/------/------/-----/------/------/------/------/------/
-----Arus-----
Keith looked over the star charts again, making sure that their trip in the morning would be as smooth as it could be allowed, knowing that they were in the dark as to why this was happening.
He spied the book left behind by Neive on page he was left to translate for Pidge and Teri, who themselves were down with Dr. Gorma trying to find the medicine that would prevent them from being affected by the poisons of the Lazon. He picked up the old worn book, and marveled at the handwritten tale that was written in dark ink. The cursive writing, flowed almost in haste, as it seemed the author was trying to keep up with whatever tale had been spun by the visitor who enraptured him to document it.
Some of the words he knew and was familiar with stood out, though his understanding of old Arusian would be that of a little child, somehow, he knew the story, as it were told to him. No...as if he were once there himself.
"Keith?"
He looked up from the book as Coran entered the study room, which Keith would commonly use as his make shift office, when he was presented with so much work to do.
"Coran?"
"Lance said that you would be in here," he stated. "I just received a transmission from Galaxy Garrison on Earth."
"What is it?" Keith asked as he closed the book and slowly stood from where he was sitting.
Coran slowly walked into the room and handed him a small folder. "I made sure that no one else saw this," he stated. "Your request to be released from military service has been granted. You will just need the affirmation from Allura to make it formal."
"Thanks, Coran," he stated as he opened the small folder. He smiled to himself seeing that his records from the Academy on Earth had been included as well.
"When did you want to arrange for Princess Allura to consider it formally?" he asked.
"Soon," Keith stated, "But after we can figure all of this out."
"You do realize the consequence of resigning from the Galaxy Alliance?" Coran asked.
"I've been contemplating it for the last month, Coran," he said. "I know this will be best for me... for all of us."
Coran nodded as he turned away from the young Captain and headed toward the door. "You know, if you still want to..." he paused for a second, for what Keith maybe, for the first time, saw the old man smile.
"Want to what?"
"If it is anyone who deserves to be a leader, for the people of Arus," Coran stated as he met Keith's gaze. He then paused for a moment. "I am growing old, and the care of this planet is wearing me down. The Princess' welfare has always been my top priority; but now with the rarity in attacks by Zarkon and Lotor, I find that my job here is becoming less and less important as it was when I served under King Alfor."
"Coran, if you're thinking that I take..."
"No boy," the old man laughed. "That will be Lance's duty when I decide he is well enough and ready to become Castle Magistrate." Coran seemed to take what he said with a smile. "It would sadden me to see Allura alone, without anyone she can trust...to love." He then met his gaze one last time. "What this old man is saying Keith, that you have always had a home here, and if some fancy prince comes by to play up to Allura's affections, I would immediately turn him away; because the best candidate has been sitting under my nose, all these years."
"Coran...I--"
But Coran was already heading out of the room. Keith could only stare at the door as it closed behind him.
Was Coran giving his blessing?
-----/-----/-----/-----/------/------/------/------/-----/-----/-------/------/------/------/------/------/-----/------/------/------/------/------/
-----Doom-----
Anala woke with a start, lifting herself with her arm. The room she was in was still shrouded in darkness, but her eyes were now accustomed to the darkness. She realized that she was still naked, and grabbed a hold of the blanket that covered her and held it tightly to her.
She placed a hand to her now aching head. She felt slightly sick, but it wasn't enough to make her feel uncomfortable. She swung her legs over the side of the bed she was on, somewhat finding it a little difficult to stand. She pulled the blanket around her as she moved across the room to the opposite side of the room. She brushed her hair back as she grabbed at the curtains that covered the window, only to see that like all of Doom, day or night, it was all the same.
She then heard voices from the next room, and quickly laid herself on the bed, as if she was still sleeping. She listened as someone drew back the curtain and suddenly the bed heaved. A foul smelling odor then was presented over her, she opened her eyes at the smell, then looked up to see Lotor sitting beside her. She held the blanket against her as she propped herself up on her arm.
"It's time," he said as she signaled toward the curtain.
Anala watched as the slave girl she saw from the night before enter, carrying with her some clothes.
"Dress, and I will take you to your friend," he stated.
He stood from the bed and walked passed the young girl, drawing the curtain close behind him. The girl then approached the bed, laying the clothes she brought in at the foot.
"I hope that you will find these comfortable, milady," she stated.
Anala nodded as she looked at the clothes. She got off the bed and unfolded the dark uniform. She slipped on the Doom uniform, the pants were a tight fit, but she did not mind. She then tied her hair back as she zipped up the front of the long sleeved top.
"If you are ready, milady, my master is awaiting for you outside."
The young servant then escorted her to the doors of the room where, two guards and Lotor stood.
"Good, we shall leave then."
The guards opened the door to the room and Anala followed them as they led her back to the room where Katherine was being held. One of the guards that escorted them, then opened the door to the room. Katherine stepped out from the room and met their gazes. She then looked at Anala, a little surprised.
"Both of you move," the guard urged.
Katherine fell into place next to Anala, as they walked down the Corridor. They made a short stop where Zeya joined them, coming to walk beside her brother.
Katherine then turned to Anala as they walked. "What happened to you last night?"
"Ever had Li'sara wine?"
"Yeah," Katherine said. "Strong stuff. Takes about 30 years to age it."
"I had four glasses last night," she said. "I passed out."
Katherine then turned to her "It must have been some party," she said. "Better push up your collar on that suit. If Keith sees that cut on your throat, he'll have kittens."
Anala touched her neck, almost forgetting about the incident last night when Lotor held his knife to her neck. She zipped up the front of her top a little more and brought her hair over her shoulder to hide the cut.
"So you gonna tell me what really happened?" Katherine asked. "Or are we gonna leave it at, you just passed out?"
Anala looked toward the front of their small entourage. "I did something that I shouldn't have done, Kit," she stated. "And what I saw, scared me."
"What did you do?"
"I was able to read his mind."
"What?"
"Not exactly read, but I saw his memories," Anala stated.
Katherine followed her gaze to the front of their group as they entered one of the ship bays of the Castle. King Zarkon and the three strangers they saw last night greeted their group as they spoke with Lotor and Zeya.
"I dont trust them," Katherine stated. "Something is not right with what they are doing."
"The same feelings I have," Anala stated. "I warned him that there could be trouble."
"Warned him?" Katherine asked as she turned to her. She looked toward where Lotor stood and then turned to her. She then turned Anala toward her as she met her gaze. Katherine's own eyes widened by the tell-tale expression worn on her cousin's face. "By the love of God, how could..." She then looked toward where Lotor and Zeya stood, then back to her. "You're in love with him?"
Enemy My Friend
Arus
arus-dot-geo-at-yahoo-dot-com
Voltron and its characters are owned by World Event's Productions.
########################################################################
----------------
Chapter 8
----------------
-----Doom-----
Anala was not prepared for the event that had just happened. She found herself witness to several key memories of the prince of Doom, that she had unwittingly unleashed. As she tried to fight the flood of memories, she could only find her own curiosity explore the images before her.
Key moments stuck out prominently; Lotor's training on other planets when he was young; the winning of his first battle, much to the indifference his father showed. His continued drive to please the one man in his life that was barely there to support him. Then other, more recent events; like his return to Doom after being away for so long. The one time his father showed any type of affection for his son. His near infatuation with the meeting with the Princess of Arus, and his growing hatred of the young captain who seemed to be everywhere she was. His failed marriage to his cousin, Queen Merla. And then, the arrival of his half-sister despite his father's displeasure.
Even the smaller moments seem to key on something Anala immediately picked up from all his memories; the longing, the need to be supported, appreciated, for the man he was; not the man he was trying to be. In all of those memories, however, she noticed not one single moment dwelled on who his mother was. And something insided her told her, that this missing detail was somehow at the heart of what was missing from his life.
Anala then breathed in deeply as she felt a sharp cold steel at her neck, which caused her to suddenly gasp for air, and open her eyes as if she finally woke out of a dream. The room she was in began to spin, realizing now that she was on her back as someone pinned her down to the cushions below her.
As she forced to concentrate, she found herself staring up at Lotor, who had straddled her on the couch, pinning her arms down with one hand, and holding the knife to her neck with the other.
"What the hell did you just do?" he asked, anger in his voice.
"I...I don't know," she said as she breathed heavily. Her heart pounded in her chest, echoing in her ears. "It's never done that before."
"Was that some kind of trick, wench?" he asked as he pushed harder on the blade. "To get inside my mind?"
"No," she said as tears came to her eyes. "I've never seen that happen. I've done it to the rest of the Voltron Force without that ever happening. Please, Lotor, I asked that you trust me."
"Then explain to me why I was able to see your memories?" he asked.
"What?" she asked as she stared up at him.
"I saw everything," he said. "Your childhood, your fight against Kelar, helping your brother on Planet Lyssia; even your break-up with that Voltron Force fellow."
"Please, believe me when I say that I don't know what happened," she said. "The last thing I want to do is hurt you."
Lotor met her gaze and slowly pulled the knife from her neck and placed it back into his boot. He then pulled her up from the couch. Anala's mind started to spin, and she suddenly felt exhausted. Whatever had happened, it affected her enough that she did not have the strength to even stand on her own.
He lifted her into his arms and he walked toward the curtained area, parting it slightly. Anala then felt the cool sensation of bedding as she was laid down on some sort of bed on her front. The room was dark, save for the light that filtered in from the room they were in pior. At that moment, she wanted to find the strength to just run, but a hand pinned her arms to the bed below her, as she felt the belt around her waist loosen.
Her mind then flooded with the notion and rumors she had heard about Lotor and how he treated his women prisoners and slaves. She closed her eyes, not wanting to know if those rumors were coming true.
She felt the jumpsuit she wore, be pulled off of her, and the cold air of the room against her bare back. She was expecting the worst, when it caught her by surprise as a blanket came to cover her and her arms were then released.
"Get some rest," she heard his voice finally. "I will have someone bring you up a new set of clothes for tomorrow."
Through her tired gaze she saw his dark silhouette at the part in the curtain. With one last look in her direction, he left, closing the curtain. She then heard the audible sound of his doors opening and then closing.
Anala could only swallow hard, as she closed her eyes. She wondered what had happened in that moment, where they touched minds, and if something she had seen; or something he had seen in her own memories caught the prince off guard. She couldn't dwell on it for much longer as her exhausted mind and body succumbed to the much needed sleep she was waiting for.
-----/-----/-----/-----/------/------/------/------/-----/-----/-------/------/------/------/------/------/-----/------/------/------/------/------/
-----Arus-----
Keith looked over the star charts again, making sure that their trip in the morning would be as smooth as it could be allowed, knowing that they were in the dark as to why this was happening.
He spied the book left behind by Neive on page he was left to translate for Pidge and Teri, who themselves were down with Dr. Gorma trying to find the medicine that would prevent them from being affected by the poisons of the Lazon. He picked up the old worn book, and marveled at the handwritten tale that was written in dark ink. The cursive writing, flowed almost in haste, as it seemed the author was trying to keep up with whatever tale had been spun by the visitor who enraptured him to document it.
Some of the words he knew and was familiar with stood out, though his understanding of old Arusian would be that of a little child, somehow, he knew the story, as it were told to him. No...as if he were once there himself.
"Keith?"
He looked up from the book as Coran entered the study room, which Keith would commonly use as his make shift office, when he was presented with so much work to do.
"Coran?"
"Lance said that you would be in here," he stated. "I just received a transmission from Galaxy Garrison on Earth."
"What is it?" Keith asked as he closed the book and slowly stood from where he was sitting.
Coran slowly walked into the room and handed him a small folder. "I made sure that no one else saw this," he stated. "Your request to be released from military service has been granted. You will just need the affirmation from Allura to make it formal."
"Thanks, Coran," he stated as he opened the small folder. He smiled to himself seeing that his records from the Academy on Earth had been included as well.
"When did you want to arrange for Princess Allura to consider it formally?" he asked.
"Soon," Keith stated, "But after we can figure all of this out."
"You do realize the consequence of resigning from the Galaxy Alliance?" Coran asked.
"I've been contemplating it for the last month, Coran," he said. "I know this will be best for me... for all of us."
Coran nodded as he turned away from the young Captain and headed toward the door. "You know, if you still want to..." he paused for a second, for what Keith maybe, for the first time, saw the old man smile.
"Want to what?"
"If it is anyone who deserves to be a leader, for the people of Arus," Coran stated as he met Keith's gaze. He then paused for a moment. "I am growing old, and the care of this planet is wearing me down. The Princess' welfare has always been my top priority; but now with the rarity in attacks by Zarkon and Lotor, I find that my job here is becoming less and less important as it was when I served under King Alfor."
"Coran, if you're thinking that I take..."
"No boy," the old man laughed. "That will be Lance's duty when I decide he is well enough and ready to become Castle Magistrate." Coran seemed to take what he said with a smile. "It would sadden me to see Allura alone, without anyone she can trust...to love." He then met his gaze one last time. "What this old man is saying Keith, that you have always had a home here, and if some fancy prince comes by to play up to Allura's affections, I would immediately turn him away; because the best candidate has been sitting under my nose, all these years."
"Coran...I--"
But Coran was already heading out of the room. Keith could only stare at the door as it closed behind him.
Was Coran giving his blessing?
-----/-----/-----/-----/------/------/------/------/-----/-----/-------/------/------/------/------/------/-----/------/------/------/------/------/
-----Doom-----
Anala woke with a start, lifting herself with her arm. The room she was in was still shrouded in darkness, but her eyes were now accustomed to the darkness. She realized that she was still naked, and grabbed a hold of the blanket that covered her and held it tightly to her.
She placed a hand to her now aching head. She felt slightly sick, but it wasn't enough to make her feel uncomfortable. She swung her legs over the side of the bed she was on, somewhat finding it a little difficult to stand. She pulled the blanket around her as she moved across the room to the opposite side of the room. She brushed her hair back as she grabbed at the curtains that covered the window, only to see that like all of Doom, day or night, it was all the same.
She then heard voices from the next room, and quickly laid herself on the bed, as if she was still sleeping. She listened as someone drew back the curtain and suddenly the bed heaved. A foul smelling odor then was presented over her, she opened her eyes at the smell, then looked up to see Lotor sitting beside her. She held the blanket against her as she propped herself up on her arm.
"It's time," he said as she signaled toward the curtain.
Anala watched as the slave girl she saw from the night before enter, carrying with her some clothes.
"Dress, and I will take you to your friend," he stated.
He stood from the bed and walked passed the young girl, drawing the curtain close behind him. The girl then approached the bed, laying the clothes she brought in at the foot.
"I hope that you will find these comfortable, milady," she stated.
Anala nodded as she looked at the clothes. She got off the bed and unfolded the dark uniform. She slipped on the Doom uniform, the pants were a tight fit, but she did not mind. She then tied her hair back as she zipped up the front of the long sleeved top.
"If you are ready, milady, my master is awaiting for you outside."
The young servant then escorted her to the doors of the room where, two guards and Lotor stood.
"Good, we shall leave then."
The guards opened the door to the room and Anala followed them as they led her back to the room where Katherine was being held. One of the guards that escorted them, then opened the door to the room. Katherine stepped out from the room and met their gazes. She then looked at Anala, a little surprised.
"Both of you move," the guard urged.
Katherine fell into place next to Anala, as they walked down the Corridor. They made a short stop where Zeya joined them, coming to walk beside her brother.
Katherine then turned to Anala as they walked. "What happened to you last night?"
"Ever had Li'sara wine?"
"Yeah," Katherine said. "Strong stuff. Takes about 30 years to age it."
"I had four glasses last night," she said. "I passed out."
Katherine then turned to her "It must have been some party," she said. "Better push up your collar on that suit. If Keith sees that cut on your throat, he'll have kittens."
Anala touched her neck, almost forgetting about the incident last night when Lotor held his knife to her neck. She zipped up the front of her top a little more and brought her hair over her shoulder to hide the cut.
"So you gonna tell me what really happened?" Katherine asked. "Or are we gonna leave it at, you just passed out?"
Anala looked toward the front of their small entourage. "I did something that I shouldn't have done, Kit," she stated. "And what I saw, scared me."
"What did you do?"
"I was able to read his mind."
"What?"
"Not exactly read, but I saw his memories," Anala stated.
Katherine followed her gaze to the front of their group as they entered one of the ship bays of the Castle. King Zarkon and the three strangers they saw last night greeted their group as they spoke with Lotor and Zeya.
"I dont trust them," Katherine stated. "Something is not right with what they are doing."
"The same feelings I have," Anala stated. "I warned him that there could be trouble."
"Warned him?" Katherine asked as she turned to her. She looked toward where Lotor stood and then turned to her. She then turned Anala toward her as she met her gaze. Katherine's own eyes widened by the tell-tale expression worn on her cousin's face. "By the love of God, how could..." She then looked toward where Lotor and Zeya stood, then back to her. "You're in love with him?"