I don't own Voltron, just the others!

-

Keith clenched his jaw in an effort not to yawn. Arus's eldest Councilor had been speaking for the past half hour, and showed no sign of finishing soon. Lance fidgeted next to him. "Is this guy ever going to shut up!" Lance whispered.

"I doubt it." Keith replied, sighing. He glanced over at Allura. She was listening intently to the speaker. What am I going to do? I love her so much. As if sensing his thoughts, Allura looked over at Keith and smiled. Keith winked back.

Next to Lance, Hunk elbowed Pidge, who was dozing off. Keith had to look away, so he wouldn't laugh. He glanced over at the Vehicle Voltron Force. Jeff had a glazed look over his eyes, and Crick had a little wrinkle in his forehead that meant he was "talking" to some one. Keith sighed and tried to pay attention to the speaker. The bandage on his back started to itch and he resisted the urge to scratch at it. He let his mind wander over his dilemma. It was very likely Galaxy Garrison would assign them somewhere else. There were plenty of hot spots in the universe. And many of those hot spots were far from Arus. Keith sighed again, earning him a puzzled look from Lance.

Finally the elderly spokesman finished talking. There was a loud round of applause, and not for the speech. Allura stepped forward.

"I now call upon the brave men and women who brought forth this celebration. Without them, Arus would still be at war. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Voltron Force!" There was a thunderous cheer as Keith, Jeff, and the others stood up. They all walked to the stage and stood behind Allura. "I present these Medals of Honor to all of you. They come with the thanks of myself and my people. We are forever in your debt." There was more applause as Allura placed medals around everyone's necks. The Teams stood there for a moment, then bowed and made their way back to their seats.

Lance fingered his medal. It had a Lion on one side, and Voltron on the other. "Real gold. Nice!" Keith elbowed him to be quiet.

Allura remained standing. Everyone quieted down. "Captain Montgomery. Will you please rise."

Keith looked up in surprise. He glanced at Lance, who shrugged. Keith made his way back to the dais. "Yes, Your Highness?"

Allura smiled. "Please kneel."

Keith did as he was told, not really sure what was going on.

Allura beckoned to Coran. He stepped forward, carrying something covered in royal purple velvet. Allura took off the velvet, and held a beautiful sword in her hands. "For over two years now, this man has lived here on Arus, taking care of the planet and its people as his own. He looks for no reward for this, only sees it as what he has to do. Many times, he has put his own life in danger to ensure the safety of my planet, my people, and myself." Allura looked down at Keith. Keith's face was flushed pink. She smiled at him. "Keith Alexander Montgomery. For service above and beyond the call of duty and honor, I name thee Knight of the Lion of the Royal House of Arus." She lightly touched the sword to both of Keith's shoulders. "Please rise Sir Montgomery." Keith stood and looked out over the assembled guests. His face was still flushed pink. The hall erupted in cheers and applause. Allura handed him the sword and scabbard. He bowed to her and made his way back to his seat.

Coran gestured for attention. "Now, with the formalities out of the way, I welcome you to partake in the refreshments we have for you in the ballroom. Enjoy yourselves!"

The room grew loud with talking and laughter. Small groups of people started to make their way to the ballroom. Keith stood looking at his new sword, still in shock. Lance patted him gingerly on the back. "Nice going Cap!"

"Skipper!" Hunk grabbed Keith in a bear hug. Pidge pushed Lance out of the way, and hugged Keith around the waist.

Keith laughed. "OK guys! Don't kill me!" They backed off, still all smiling.

Jeff, Cliff and their team came over. "Let's see that pig-poker." Keith handed his

sword to Jeff. Jeff looked it over and whistled. "Very nice." The hilt was in gold, with a lion's head. The lion's eyes were in onyx, and red rubies, green emeralds, yellow topaz, and blue sapphires surrounded the pommel. The blade was long and sharp.

Allura slipped in next to Keith. "Admiring your new toy?" She teased.

Keith looked up at her. "Allura, where did you get this? It's beautiful!"

"It belonged to my Father." She told him proudly.

Keith shook his head. "I can't accept this. I'll get another." He tried to hand her back the sword.

"Told you Princess!" Lance chuckled.

Keith whirled on his friend. "You knew about this?"

Lance grinned. "But of course Mon Capitan!" He turned to the others. "C'mon, let's leave them to fight this one out for themselves." Everyone laughed and followed Lance out of the room, leaving Keith and Allura alone.

Keith looked around. The room was empty except for himself and the Princess. "Allura, really, I can't take this. It belongs to you."

"Actually, it belongs to me."

Keith and Allura gasped as King Alfor appeared before them. Keith dropped to his knees. "Majesty."

"Rise my son." Keith stood next to Allura. "I told my daughter to give you my sword Keith. I could not give it to anyone more deserving."

Keith blushed again. "Sir, I….I'm not used to all this attention."

"All the more reason to give it to you. Keith Montgomery, you a wise and humble man. You are well suited to care for my people and my daughter. Farewell my children." The King faded away.

Keith stared at Allura. Then he smiled and leaned over, catching her in his arms. He kissed her passionately. "I love you."

She smiled up at him. "I know. I love you too." She took his hand. "Let's go join the party." Hand in hand, they walked next door.

The celebration was in full swing. People were talking and laughing, and music could be heard. Allura stood in the doorway for a moment, and her eyes filled with tears.

"Allura, what's wrong?" Keith asked.

Allura turned to him, smiling through her tears. "Keith, do you know how long I have waited for this day? To see my people happy again?"

Keith squeezed her hand, and led her into the room. He grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, and handed one to her. Clinking the glasses together, they took a sip, and went to find their friends. Keith heard Cliff and Lance's laughter from across the room. He winked at Allura and led her to them.

"Did you see his face! He looked like some one hit him in the head with a board!" Cliff and the others laughed.

"Talking about me I presume?" Keith stepped in front of Lance and Cliff.

"Of course Cap! Just reliving your knighting ceremony! Does this mean we have to bow before you now?" Lance asked mischievously.

"No, but you do need to kiss my feet." Keith grinned at his friends. "Don't tell me you all knew?" Keith shook his head. "Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"Because we know you mate. You would have found some reason to decline and spoil the Princess's day!" Cliff told him.

Keith turned to Jeff. "Can you assign him a double shift with Lance?"

Jeff laughed. "I'll see what I can do, My Lord." Jeff bowed mockingly.

Keith groaned as everyone laughed again. Allura spoke up. "I have to go be all Royal for a bit. I will be back as soon as I can." She smiled dazzlingly at Keith and left.

They all stood staring after her for a moment. "You are one lucky guy Keith Montgomery." Jeff sighed. "HEY!" He yelped as Lisa hit him.

"And what am I, chopped liver?" She asked, smiling.

Everyone started laughing again. "I'll be right back. I need to find a place to put this before I end up skewering some one." Keith indicated his sword. He started across the room. Before he could reach to door, a Space Force soldier entered the room. The soldier looked around for a moment, then spying him, came over and saluted.

"Sir! We found something you should see."

"What is it?" Keith asked, not really wanting to know the answer.

"It's best if you come with me to the Control room, Sir."

"I'll be right there." The soldier saluted again, and turned and left. Keith caught Lance's eye and nodded towards the door. Lance put down his glass and hurried toward Keith, grabbing Pidge and Hunk along the way. They went out into the hall, and rushed to the Control room.

"What's going on Skipper?" Asked Hunk.

"Not sure Hunk. They just told me to report to the Control room." The four Teammates hurried down the hall, finally reaching the room. Opening the door, they all entered.

Admiral Harrison and Coran were deep in conversation with a small group of pilots. The Admiral looked up at the Voltron Force. "Good, you're here."

Keith strode forward. "What seems to be the problem Admiral?"

Before Harrison could answer, Allura rushed into the room. "What is it? What happened?" She asked, fearfully.

Coran smiled. "Nothing Princess. Good news actually!"

"It seems this war really is over." The Admiral nodded to the pilots, who left the room. "We have found what we believe to be Haggar's remains."

Everyone gasped. "Are you sure?" Keith's question came out harsher than he meant. "We can't afford to get our hopes up."

Harrison smiled. "We found pieces of a brown cloak, and a burned staff near the body of a cat. Dr. Gorma is running tests now to make sure, but I think we can safely say she is dead."

Pidge whooped for joy, leaping up to hug Hunk. Lance grinned at his father. Allura fell into Coran's arms, crying tears of joy. Keith paced the room. It really is finished. I am going to have to leave. His heart was breaking. Determined not to show his emotion, he faced the Admiral. "That is good news sir."

"It certainly is son." He paused to look at the young people. "I have something else to discuss with all of you. I was going to wait until later, but since you are all here, there's no time like the present."

Keith and Lance exchanged looks. Pidge, Hunk and Allura just looked puzzled.

"About your deployment here on Arus…"

Allura gasped, realizing what was happening. She looked desperately at Keith, who refused to meet her eyes.

"You four…FIVE…have done a remarkable job here. The Denubian Galaxy is a much safer place today. Unfortunately there are other galaxies which are not so safe." The Admiral paused, looking at Keith's expressionless features. "However, we at Galaxy Garrison realize that Voltron does not belong to us. It belongs to Arus and her people."

He faced the Princess. "Therefore, we at the Alliance graciously request that Keith, Lance, Pidge, and Hunk be assigned permanently here on planet Arus. If they all agree, that is."

Everyone looked up in surprise. "Dad, you've got to be kidding…" Lance started.

Admiral Harrison shook his head. "We will still call you for help. You are a unique Team, with very special abilities. Princess Allura, do we have your permission to leave these ruffians here, and borrow Voltron once in a while?"

Allura beamed. "Of course Admiral!"

"And there is one other thing. Princess Allura, it gives me great pleasure to present you with the rank of Lieutenant in the Galaxy Alliance." He handed her a set of Officers Bars.

Allura looked stunned. Lance cheered and swept her up in his arms. Pidge and Hunk hugged them both. Keith still stood in shock. Coran smiled. "Captain, you have been awfully quiet."

Keith shook his head. "I still can't believe this. We can stay?"

Allura shook herself free of Lance and flew in Keith's arms. "Of course you can stay! I love you!"

Keith held her tightly, as his Teammates grinned at him. "I love you too." He released her, and faced the Admiral. "Sir, thank-you, I-I don't know what else to say."

Harrison laughed. "Just say you'll be more careful in the future. I don't want to attend any more of your funerals."

Keith smiled. "Yes sir!" He faced his Team. "Well, you all heard that. Are we ready for this?"

Hunk nodded enthusiastically.

"You bet Keith!" Pidge bubbled.

Lance just grinned. "Ready when you are Cap."

"Aye-aye sir!" Allura told him.

Keith looked them all in the eye and smiled. "Then, let's get back to that party. We have even more reason to celebrate now. Together it's up to us to keep the galaxy safe. We are Voltron, Defender of the Universe!"

The end...For now...