Chapter 8

A/N: Thanks for sticking with me guys. I realized something when writing this story:

It's not easy choosing between character development and continuing the plot. Keith's character has to develop more before he becomes legendary, that's why his past teammates and the people who know him are going to play a part in that.

I've already reached chapter 8 and I'm still developing him, so let me know what you think. Should I focus more on his character or do you prefer I just get on with the plot.

Thanks! Read on.

Again, I own nothing.

"I wonder if she was worth it?" Shannon asked from his cell across from Sven's, throwing his ball on the wall in front of him before catching it.

"What do you mean 'if'? She is the princess after all." Rocky answered through the bars of his own cell, trying to get some sleep as it was so late, but finding it impossible with the racket from the others.

"Honestly, I was kinda surprised when she fainted before. I mean, that's a new one, even for the Keith. Women literally throw themselves at him, but falling into his arms is a first." Shannon said, chuckling at the memory.

The men in the cells laughed, continuing to joke around as if they hadn't been incarcerated for treason by the very people they protected. The dim yellow lights of the prison area flickered a bit, a few insects dancing dangerously around the hot glass, unknowingly seduced by the brightness they saw. Shadows danced along the cold, harsh stone walls, contrasting the light jovial mood the Crimson Guard were in. It was 12 hours since the arrest of the 24 men that made up the elite team on charges of treason, kidnapping and conspiracy by Lady Serena and the brass. It also didn't help that their general was the prime suspect and was the one who had facilitated Keith's unreported departure from the bunker. Apparently with the princess in tow.

From his shadowy cell, Sven lay as he listened to his men as they discussed possible reasons for Keith's sudden 'eloping' with the princess. Kidnapping too harsh of a word to use to describe their law abiding, sometimes by the book leader.

"Well, the Noblesse finally got one up on us, those sissies." Another soldier snorted from way back in the distant cells.

"Aki is probably jumping for joy at the opportunity to hunt Keith down. He's been waiting for a chance to prove himself to the crown. Now he's got it." Shannon added, his deep Irish accent mocked at the statement.

The Noblesse, the antithesis of the Crimson Guard were a squad of soldiers from rich families, children from titled families and land barons who joined the army for the sake of looking good in the army uniform, and more importantly, for the opportunity to climb up in rank so they could get closer to the key players in the kingdom and away from direct danger. Unfortunately, breed doesn't follow talent, a lesson they had to learn countless times as the Crimson Guard had to save them on missions they'd botched time and time again. What Keith's men lacked in pedigree and class, they made up for in boat loads with courage and heart. Most of his men were troublemakers, expelled army soldiers who were too wild to conform to the strict standard of basic protocol. Most had been deemed unworthy, only able to die young as they were too unconforming. One incident changed all that and their heroism was recognized, although skeptically. But who didn't love a rogue?

"Everyone knows that Jeff's dad has been grooming him for nobility for years. The princess's disappearance puts a wrench in his plans big time. Did you see how he manipulated that the Noblesse would hang around her since she came?" Shannon asked again.

"Maybe he isn't grooming him for nobility alone." Sven said quietly, mind working smoothly, filling in the missing pieces. Everyone was paying attention now since their vice seemed to know something. And his hunches usually were right.

"What do you mean by that?" Shannon asked quietly, interest piqued.

"Think about it. There are countless numbers of men that the princess can choose from to be her husband. Nobles of higher standing and higher value than the Aki family."

"Like yourself." Rocky added quickly, reminding everyone of Sven's noble bloodline.

"Yes. Or even higher. Basically, in this race he stands no chance unless the princess really likes him, or even loves him. That's why his father wanted him to be close to the princess at all times and he hasn't ever pursued a relationship with Lisa."

"Jerk." Someone said quietly.

"And then there's the second card he's willing to play. He wants Jeff to be one of the chosen." Sven said assertively.

"Seriously?" Shannon asked, suddenly shocked.

"Yeah. It's the biggest gamble he can make and if he wins, his greatest doorway to everything he'd ever wanted. Money, prestige, upper nobility, I mean you know how legendary the lions are. Even the princess then has to acknowledge him."

"But there's no guarantee that will happen right? I mean, it's Jeff, selfish, proud, loud-mouthed Jeff who runs his mouth a lot. Right?" Rocky asked, trying to slay his doubt about the uneasy feeling he was getting.

"There's no guarantee of that happening, Rocky, so relax. That is actually the problem isn't it Sven?" Shannon answered, trying to calm the others' apprehension.

"Yes." Sven said after a while. "The reasons are simple actually. According to legend there are five lions, which means there are five chosen souls of these lions only. Secondly, we don't know how these souls, the other halves are chosen. This is the first hurdle he has to overcome to get Jeff in. The other is how much sway the monarch or the people have on the lions and the chosen. This he's tried to mitigate by having Jeff join the military and not associate with the lower class. I really think he's narrowed down that the chosen are descendent from nobility or are current nobility. Keeping an eye on all the nobles in this place means he can spot it when it happens.

"To eliminate that person?" Rocky asked quietly, unnerved by the news. The others were quiet too.

"I don't see him making his obstacle his friend, buddy. It's impractical." Rocky said.

"Not necessarily a friend. But a tool. He wants to control that person. Make him or her a tool for his own ambitions." Sven clarified to all of them.

"As much as I don't like it, it makes sense. If he can't beat them, why not put them on a leash. Wonderful." Shannon snorted, totally disgusted by the idea.

"Let's hope that lion has a brain, cause I really don't want to put my life in Jeff's or his father's hands. We'd never live it down!" Rocky said, imagining Jeff laughing maniacally.

"Before that, let's hope the Chief comes back soon. I had a few dates lined up and the food here is aweful. And why the hell did he tell you only? I would've gone too." Shannon complained.

"He'll be back. Keith always keeps his word." Sven said confidently, turning on his side in the narrow bed before dozing off.

Lance sighed quietly as he slumped in a vacant chair in the conference room where he'd just finished talking to the King.

"That bad, huh?" Pidge asked as he entered the room, seeing Lance uncharacteristically down.

"He chewed me out, spit me out, then had my father run over me before setting me alight. It was wonderful." Lance said sarcastically.

"Better you than me any day. I just came from the interrogation room. They're done with the questioning, for now."

"And nobody said anything, right?" Lance guessed.

"How did you know that? You weren't there the whole time. Did you send in Red?" Pidge asked, quite surprised at the prediction. Lance acted like an idiot most of the time, but he was quite observant of people. His sense about people was usually spot on. The ladies did throw him off quite a few times though.

"Their faces. All of them. They are loyal to that old man Graham and they are loyal to his son. You don't have to ask whether they know anything or not. It doesn't matter because they would rather die than sell out one of their own. And I think they don't know anything either." Lance said.

"They should care about what happens to them, Lance. They have people who care about them waiting. A few are engaged even. I think we should ask their loved ones." Pidge reasoned.

"The student does not understand what the master sees, no matter how many times its shown to him." Lance said cryptically.

"Did you just call me dense, you jerk?" Pidge bristled, angry that Lance still treated him like a kid despite all he'd gone through. Especially since the loss of his twin.

"Not at all." Lance said seriously. " You should remember that soldiers don't share intel with their families and loved ones because of the risks involved. Meaning, that's a dead end too. What you can't see is something else."

"Which is?" Pidge asked, slightly pacified.

"They are loyal to the core. Such loyalty is hard to build in any group, especially one being bombarded by drules constantly. This isn't blind loyalty at all. It's deep trust despite overwhelming circumstances, earned and not forced. You've seen it every day too." Lance answered him.

"I have?" Pidge asked, slightly confused.

"Yes. In the people's faces when anyone talks about the king."

Pidge's confusion cleared as he remembered the faces of the soldiers they had interrogated and realized what Lance was saying. They showed no fear, just resolve at the situation. Or was it because of the person? General Graham was the only one who seemed very relaxed through it all, laughing even. But he hadn't said anything useful.

Hunk then marched his way into the room with one Captain Jeff Aki who had been quite helpful in the search of the Crimson Guard's rooms.

"We picked apart every room, especially the general's and his son's, but we've found nothing. No clue. No plan. Not even the slightest shred of torn paper. All I know is they're pretty neat and disciplined. Not frivolous. Well, except for the general's 50 year old whisky and some fine cigars. Otherwise, zero. Nada."

"Thought so." Lance said, looking at Aki for a second. He once saw a ruffled peacock once, prancing around in the gardens of a place he'd gone to visit as a child. This same look is one that Jeff Aki had. He didn't like him at all.

"Wait. Did I miss something?" Hunk asked, surprised by Lance's cool attitude towards the news. He expected curses at least.

"Nope. Nothing at all. All that's left is to get some rest. We've been at this since 3 a.m. Everyone to bed. We can find a new start in the morning, preferably not too early." Lance said, yawning loudly and not even caring about Jeff's raised brow at his behavior.

"And also, Captain," he said as he was leaving his shocked team mates in the room, "have all the suspects released. Now."

"What?!" three shocked raised voices shouted in disbelief.

"You heard me. I'll talk to her ladyship on my way to bed. I want them all free in five minutes. Sleep tight." Lance said, leaving a flustered Jeff. Hunk and Pidge were rendered speechless.

Lance arrived at Lady Serena's command before entering without knocking. She looked tired and he felt absolutely bad for her. The princess' disappearance under her watch was the last thing she'd expected, let alone a family member and close friend being involved. She was sitting with her generals, discussing their next move.

"Lieutenant, I've heard the reports. We were discussing other options at getting Allura back. Sending out search parties is a start." Lady Serena told him.

"Also we've discussed that we may have to engage in a rougher form of questioning. Simply asking at this point has proven futile." General Aki stated clearly, his implied meaning obvious.

Torture.

"I've decided that that isn't necessary, sir." Stopping himself from showing feeling of utter disgust at the thought. This was how he treated one of his own, huh?

" Everyone has had a long day and I think we should all rest. Later tomorrow we'll convene and think of a way out of this mess. And I request that all the men arrested be released immediately."

"What?!" people shouted and hissed at the suggestion, obviously insulted. Lady Serena was just shocked.

"I've decided that all the suspects be released. They are no threat and are of no use since they don't know anything." Lance reasoned.

"And who gave you the right to make such a decision in this case? Her ladyship or us?" General Aki snarled, anger brimming from him in waves. The other men at the table were no better, all ready to pounce at the suggestion.

"We will handle this situation as WE deem fit. No one will be released until we know the exact location of her highness and that bastard child that took her." One older man said in full support of Aki.

"The fact that I'm the princess's superior officer, for one. The second is that I talked to her father, the king and the admirals back at the castle and they told me to deal with this as I deem fit is the second. Thirdly, there is no reason to hold them for no wrong doing. And lastly, whether someone goes missing or not won't stop drule from attacking us. As I heard from you all, those guys happen to be your elite, which means they're still very much needed for the sake of the greater good. I personally want to work with them too. That is my right as you put it."

Lance almost laughed at how ridiculous General Aki looked, swollen and red faced from all the rage he felt.

"HOW DARE YOU INSOLENT BRA…" General Aki didn't finish his sentence.

"We'll do as you say, Lieutenant." Lady Serena said, firming her expression until all opposition was silenced. Only looks of disbelief and rage could be seen, but no one dared to say anything.

That's one scary lady, Lance thought to himself as he bowed to her before leaving for his room.

Somewhere in a dense dark forest…

Allura's small feet trudged through the dense undergrowth of the forest floor, trying to secure her footing in the pitch blackness of a moonless night. She had given up on glaring at the back of the stoic man in front of her as exhaustion had set in, the cold of the drizzling showers and apprehension numbing her mind and emotions. Her path was getting darker and darker, her mind unknowingly shutting down her weary body to the point that when she lost her footing for the umpteenth time, she didn't correct herself as she let her body fall forward.

She felt the warmth of a pair of arms catch her instead of the cold ground before her and she allowed her mind to shut down in relief. She heard his gentle words before she fell asleep.

"You've made it a habit of falling into my arms, hime. I've got you."

Translations:

Hime – Princess