"Let's bring it in boys," Rolo said as he entered the training room. The group huddled around him. "Alright, you all know I come from the Isle," Rolo said which drew nods from everyone. "Things are pretty whack, but there is one thing that the isle's got on Altea," Rolo said which drew curiosity from the other team members.
"What's that?" one of the boys asked.
"If you're strong, we'll want you by our side, girl or boy," Rolo said which made Lotor step in.
"Hold on Rolo, we don't break the rules here in Altea," Lotor said which made Rolo let out a soft chuckle and pull out the rule book.
"A team shall be comprised of a captain and eight men," Rolo said with a smile on his face. Matt smiled as well knowing where he was going with this. "So uh, give it up for your new team captain," Rolo said as Pidge entered the room.
"Woah, what?" Lotor exclaimed with wide eyes. Rolo stepped aside as Pidge ran up beside him and handed her the whistle which she placed around her neck.
"Thank you," Pidge said with a smile. Rolo nodded and started clapping, the others following in suit, Lotor being the last one to start clapping. Pidge blew the whistle and stepped out of the circle.
"Drop and give me ten," Pidge said moving to stand behind Lotor. Pidge placed her left foot on Lotor's back as he did his push-ups, slowing him down quite a bit. "Pick it up Lotor," Pidge said with a smirk on her face.
"Ten!" the boys exclaimed as they finished. Pidge blew the whistle and the boys stood back up. "Okay practice is over, go get ready for Cotillion."
Narti walked up to Axca's "store" and knocked on the door.
"Come in," Axca called out as she placed the last dress on the rack.
"I have a scout badge and smores," Narti said, Axca turned to her in confusion.
"I'm sorry?"
"How could you go camping without me?" Narti asked as she closed the door behind her.
"What?" Axca asked even more confused.
"Are you seeing someone else? Its Rebecca isn't it?" Narti asked, her cheeks flushing showing her insecurity.
"Narti, Lance was captured on the Isle, we rescued Lance and saved Altea from another threat," Axca said with a soft smile.
"Soo, you're not seeing anyone else?" Narti asked to which Axca shook her head softly.
"There's only you," Axca said as she lightly kissed Narti's cheek. "Besides we have dresses to deliver, it is Cotillion Day after all," Axca said as she picked up one of the accessories that Florona had given her.
"After you," Narti said with a bow as Axca grabbed her travel kit and Narti followed her with the dresses.
"Romelle!" Matt called out as he caught sight of the girl walking fast to her next stop. However, she was on the phone and didn't hear him so he ran in front of her, stopping her. "Umm, would you go to Cotillion with me?"
"Yeah, yeah sure we're all taking a stretch carriage over at 6," Romelle said with a nod as she returned to her phone call. "No, no, the pen toppers are in the port side cabin," Romelle said with a sigh.
"No, I mean," Matt said drawing Romelle away from the person on the other line. "With me."
"Yeah, want me to swing by your room?" Romelle asked with a smile before returning to her phone call yet again. "Yeah so when you're on the boat facing left…"
"Okay, this is gonna be tricky," Matt said with a chuckle as he pulled the phone away from her ear and held her hand. "Would you, be my date for Cotillion?" Matt asked which caused Romelle's cheeks to heat up. "And if you don't absolutely hate me by the end, would you consider maybe being more than friends?"
"Like boyfriend and girlfriend where we can hold hands and we can text so I can tell you how great you are because Matt you're really really great?"
"Yeah, all that and more," Matt said with a smile. Romelle let out a squeal and pulled him into a hug. Matt was shocked for a moment by the sudden gesture but quickly hugged the girl back.
"Romelle? Can you hear me? Hello?" the voice said from the phone. Romelle pulled back and gave Matt a smile.
"Sorry, see you later?" Romelle asked to which Matt nodded.
"For sure," Matt said with a smile as Romelle walked off. Matt let out a sigh of relief and headed to his room to get ready.
Hours later, the boat cast off from the shore and the party started. Everyone was dancing and having a blast with the pre-party. Axca was wearing a black gown with a sheer black cape attached at the back. Her hair was pinned back with the pin that Florona had made, which everyone kept asking her about. She was dancing with Narti who had gone for more her style in a navy blue dress with a silver belt around the waist, her hair tied back and a gold necklace around her neck.
Rolo was wearing a pair of black pants, a dark grey shirt, and a crimson blazer. He was dancing with Pidge who was wearing a green romper with flowing sleeves and a train in the back with a bronze belt around her waist, she also wore small black heels (courtesy of her sister Rebecca) and a simple gold chain around her neck.
"Romelle!" Shay exclaimed with a smile as she caught sight of her daughter through the crowd. Shay was wearing a plain forest green dress with lace sleeves and a sheer green cap attached to the back of her dress, she also wore an emerald necklace and matching stud earrings. "there you are, everything looks beautiful my love."
"Thanks Mom," Romelle said with a smile. Romelle was wearing a flowy peach dress with a white bow belt around her waist. She also wore a gold heart pendant with her hair tied into a half updo. Matt gave her a smile and a shrug. He wore black pants, a white shirt, and a green blazer.
"Now, let's get to work before the sherbet melts," Shay said as she started to head back to the punch table, wand in hand.
"Mom," Romelle said, Shay turned around with a smile. "I have a date."
"A date? Really," Shay asked with a smile. She was happy that someone finally asked her daughter to be their date. "Do you have a date to?" she asked Matt with a smile.
"Yeah," Matt said with a smile as he grabbed Romelle's hands and it was then that Shay caught on.
"Oh my! Well you two go have fun, I'll handle the punch," Shay said as she headed back to the table, her smile never leaving her face.
The music stopped and the fanfare blew their horns as Coran walked up.
"The future Lord Keith," Coran announced as everyone gathered around to catch a glimpse of Keith. Keith appeared and a smile grew on Axca's face. He was wearing dark blue pants, a white shirt, and a yellow blazer, different from what Axca had him in at first. The blazer had light blue detailing on the cuffs and on the collar. His hair was tied into a braid and his bangs were combed neatly in front of his eyes.
Everyone clapped as Keith walked down the stairs and was met by Shiro and Allura. Allura was wearing a light blue dress with a white bow belt while Shiro wore black pants, a white shirt, and a blue and yellow blazer.
"Hi," Keith said with a smile as Shiro met him halfway and helped him down the stairs.
"Hi, Lance is on his way," Shiro said with a smile. "You look amazing."
"Oh, thank you," Keith said as he could feel himself shaking. Allura smiled and gently grabbed his hands.
"I know we were shocked at first, but you are exactly what Lance needs," Allura said which made Keith smile.
"And lucky for me, she doesn't go on first impressions," Shiro said which made Keith and Allura laugh. Axca walked up and guided Keith to their friends. Shiro and Allura allowed them to knowing that Keith would feel better around his friends.
"How are you feeling?" Axca asked softly as everyone bowed as Keith walked past.
"Umm, sort of feeling like I'm going to throw up," Keith said as he shakily followed Axca to their friends who gave him smiles as they bowed.
"Okay that's okay," Axca said as they stopped and turned back to the stairs to watch Lance enter. "We're right here with you," Axca said as the fanfare began again.
"King Lance," Coran said with a smile as Lance entered and started walking down the stairs slowly as the crowd cheered.
"Go get him," Axca said as she gently pushed Keith forward as Keith met Lance at the bottom of the stairs. It was silent as Lance bowed to Keith who bowed in return. Something was off though, Lance didn't seem like himself.
"Lance? What's wrong?" Keith asked as he noticed Lance's guilty face.
"Keith, I wish I had time to explain," Lance said as someone entered and the crowd gasped. Keith looked up and his eyes widened upon seeing who it was coming down the stairs.
Zethrid was dressed in a dark purple dress with ruffles on the skirt and flowing lace sleeves with a black bow around the waist. As Lance kissed her hand, Keith noticed his ring on her finger. Keith could feel his heart breaking in two as Lance and Zethid walked towards him.
"I'm sorry, it all happened so fast," Lance said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Something happened to me while I was on the Isle with Zethrid, a connection."
"What are you saying?" Keith asked, though, he knew the answer.
"It was love," Zethrid said with a smile on her face. "It was, I just realized how alike Lance and I are, you know?" Zethrid said as she turned to Keith before turning back to Lance.
"Lance?" Keith asked softly. But Lance only continued to look at Zethrid. "Lance?" Keith asked louder making the "couple" turn to him. "Did you go back for her?"
"He didn't have to," Zethrid said with a shake of her head. "I dove through the barrier before it closed and I'm an excellent swimmer."
"Yes you are," Lance said with a smile. Zethrid nodded and walked up to Keith, grabbing his hand in her own.
"Listen, Keith, I just really wanna thank you, I do," Zethrid said with a smile. "For everything," Zethrid said before pulling Keith into a hug. "Thank you so much."
"Don't you see Keith? You were right," Lance asked as Zethrid pulled away from the hug. "You knew that we weren't meant to be together and that's why you never told me that you love me," Lance said as the "couple" pulled away the as if by magic, a dance song started to play despite the D.J not near the stand. Lance and Zethrid began to dance and Keith could feel hot tears pooling in his eyes.
"Come on," Axca said softly as she pulled Keith back and Matt, Rolo, Romelle, Narti, and Pidge all huddled around him.
"Not too thrilled I risked my life for him," Matt growled out as he wrapped an arm around Keith's waist and glared at Lance.
"We're with you Keith," Pidge said as he leaned close to Keith, a comforting smile on her face.
"Let's get out of here," Rolo whispered as he lightly pushed Matt away and started pulling Keith towards the stairs. He had had enough.
"Okay," Keith whispered back with a nod as a few stray tears fell down his face. Romelle pushed her way through the crowd and up the stairs trying to find Coran.
The small group followed after Keith and Rolo as they headed to the stairs, the crowd not knowing how to react with what just happened. Shiro and Allura stopped them, sympathetic looks on their faces.
"Keith, honey we're so sorry we have no idea this was going to happen," Allura with a frown on her face. She was really disappointed with her son.
"I'm gonna talk to him," Shiro said. Keith swallowed thickly and continued up the stairs as more tears flowed down his cheeks. Romelle finally found Coran and pulled him away from his conversation.
"Coran, unveil the gift, they need to see it," Romelle said to which Coran nodded
"And now for the unveiling of King Lance's masterpiece, designed especially for Lord Keith," Coran said as the music stopped and the fanfare began. Everyone turned to the back to see two servants pulling a curtain away from a covered easel.
Keith's eyes widened seeing the stained glass that Lance had designed for him. The crowd cheered and Lance stepped away from Zethrid, as if coming out of a trance he was trapped in.
"Lance did that?" Keith asked wiping his tears away.
"Yeah he did," Axca said with a nod.
"Lance had known who I was all along," Keith said as he headed back down the stairs, the group following him.
"He loves the real you," Axca said with a smile.
"True love," Keith said with a bittersweet smile.
"Cover that back up," Zethrid said with a growl turning back to Coran with a glare.
"I most certainly will not," Coran said with a shake of his head.
"Umm," Zethrid said as she noticed everyone watching her in shock as her true colours started to shine through. "Why don't you tell everyone the present you have for me Lance?"
"I have an announcement," Lance said drawing everyone's attention to him. "Zethrid will be joining the court tonight as my Lady," Lance said as he connected their hands.
"Lance-" Shiro started to say but was stopped by Lance.
"NOT NOW DAD!" Lance yelled causing Shiro to jump back in surprise. It was then that Keith knew what was up. This wasn't Lance. "So, as my gift to her, I'm bringing down the barrier once and for all," Lance said which drew shock from everyone. "Fairy Godmother Shay, bring down the barrier."
"I most certainly will not," Shay said with a shake of her head, still trying to get over her shock.
"I AM YOUR KING!" Lance yelled.
"Obey him," Zethrid said with a glare which drew even more shock from everyone.
"Lance has been spelled," Keith said.
"Zethrid found your spellbook," Axca said as she put the pieces together. Keith nodded and stared back up at the stained glass picture, an idea forming in his head.
"Lance," Keith said as he walked towards the pair. "Look at me," Keith said as he stood beside Zethrid.
"No, look at me," Zethrid said drawing Lance's eyes back to her. "You love me remember?"
"No you don't," Keith said with a smile and a shake of his head.
"Yes you do."
"Lance look at me," Keith said drawing Lance's eyes back to him.
"Bring down the barrier now," Zethrid growled out glaring towards Shay who shook her head.
"I do not take orders from you."
"Lance, I never told you I loved you because I thought that I wasn't good enough," Keith said as Lance stared at him, still stuck in Zethrid's trance. "And I thought it was only a matter of time before you realized that yourself, but Lance," Keith said as he motioned to the stained glass. "That's me."
"Lance," Zethrid growled out as Lance turned to stare at the stained glass behind the crowd.
"I'm part Isle and part Altean," Keith said as Zethrid turned Lance back around to face her.
"Lance eyes over here."
"And Lance, you've always known who we are and who we can be," Keith said seeing the spell slowly lifting from Lance's eyes.
"Don't listen to him."
"Lance, I know what love feels like now," Keith said with a teary-eyed smile. "Lance, of course I love," Keith said as tears slipped down his cheeks. "Lance I've always loved you," Keith said as he stepped forward and connected their lips in a kiss. Zethrid and the crowd watched with wide eyes and Lance felt the spell wash off of him.
"Keith," Lance said with a smile as they pulled away.
"True Love's Kiss," Axca said with a smile. "Works every time."
"Ugh, give it to me!" Zethrid yelled as she tried to reach for the wand, Axca stepping in to blow her.
"Guards seize her!" Shay yelled. Zethrid growled and ran to the edge of the boat. The crowd crying out and trying to block off her escape, only to be stopped by Keith.
"No, no, stop!" Keith cried out as he stopped everyone from blocking her off. "Zethrid I know you, you are so much more than just a villain and you have to believe me cause I've been there," Keith said as Zethrid studied the crowd. "Do not let your pride get in the way of something that you really want."
It was then that the golden seashell necklace around her neck. She studied the crowd once more before turned around, climbing the railing and jumping off the boat into the water before the guards or anyone could stop her.
The crowd gathered at the edge trying to find Zethrid in the water. All of a sudden an orb of golden glowed from under the surface and the next thing anyone knew, a giant spinning ball of water lifted from the ocean and then exploded. The water splashed onto the boat, soaking everyone and Zethrid fell back into the water. However, this time the lower half of her body had tentacles and she was as big as the boat.
"True Love's Kiss won't defeat this," Zethrid said with a smile as she snapped one of her tentacles at the right side of the ship, the crowd barely dodging it. "The world will know my name!" Zethrid then attacked the left side, the crowd once again barely dodging it.
Keith pulled away from the crowd and could feel anger flowing through him. Lance turned to him just as his eyes started glowing yellow.
"Keith?" Lance asked softly. Keith turned to him and was suddenly encased in a cloud of purple smoke. The next thing anyone knew, a scaled dragon took his place. Keith roared and took flight. Zethrid laughed as Keith flew and roared at her. Keith blew a fireball at Zethrid who barely managed to miss it, Zethrid fire back with a water attack by one of her tentacles, which Keith dodged with ease.
"Come on Keith! Let's finish this once and for all!" Zethrid yelled as Keith flew past, blowing a stream of fire at her which she managed to dodge. She tried to hit him with one of her tentacles while he circled around but he managed to dodge it. Keith stopped midair and fired another fireball at Zethrid who managed to duck down beneath the water in time to dodge it. Zethrid appeared once more but splashed a huge wave towards the boat knowing it would fire Keith up more to see his friends in the line of fire.
"Watch out!" Lance said as the wave hit the boat, splashing the crowd on board. The wave caused the ship to start rocking and everyone struggled to keep their balance. Lance watched as Keith and Zethrid continued to battle it out. Lance took off his crown and blazer and handed them to Rolo who just looked at him in confusion. Lance then ran to the edge and dove into the water, the crowd crying out and running to the edge to find their king who luckily emerged to the surface.
"Keith! Zethrid!" Lance yelled pushing his bangs out of his face. "This needs to stop!" Lance yelled which caused Zethrid to let out a laugh.
"And just what are you gonna do Lance?" Zethrid asked with a smirk on her face. "Splash me?"
"That's enough, this has to stop," Lance snapped back making Zethrid pull back in surprise. "Nobody wins this way, we have to listen and respect each other."
Keith let out a soft growl as he continued to glare at Zethrid as he hovered above the water. He could easily hit Zethrid with another fire attack but now Lance was right smack in the middle. He didn't want to chance hitting Lance.
"It won't be easy, but we have to be willing to try," Lance said as he turned to Zethrid. "Zethrid, I know you want what's best for the Isle, help me make a difference," Lance said as he held out one of his hands, using the other to stay floating. Zethrid studied Lance for a few moments before pushing one of her tentacles slowing towards him. Keith let out a warning roar but Zethrid ignored it and lowered something into Lance's hand.
Lance's ring.
Zethrid gave Lance a sad smile before disappearing under the water. Lance stared at the ring for a few moments before swimming back to the boat. Rolo and Matt grabbed the ladder and swung it over the side, Shiro stepping in to help his son back onto the boat. As soon as Lance was back on board, the crowd cheered for the battle was over and the day was saved.
Everyone turned as Keith let out a final roar and slowly lowered onto the boat, the same cloud of purple smoke reappearing but this time, he appeared as a human in front of the stained glass. However, his outfit had changed. He was now wearing black pants, a lavender shirt, a purple blazer, and black fingerless gloves. His hair was loose from its braid and his bangs were neatly combed from his eyes.
Keith smiled down at Lance and bowed to him, Lance gave a similar smile and bowed as well. Axca headed up the stairs and walked Keith down.
"Sooo, did not know I could do that," Keith said as he and Axca reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Tell me about it, that makes two of us," Axca said they walked towards Lance. As soon as they did, Lance pulled Keith into a kiss and the crowd cheered for them.
"How about that son of mine?" Shiro asked with a smile.
"Ours," Allura said with a roll of his eyes.
"Ours," Shiro repeated as he pulled his wife close.
"How about that boyfriend of his? I think Altea is in very good hands," Allura said with a smile.
"I owe you guys so much," Lance said as he and Keith pulled away. "If there's anything I can do for you or anything that you guys need-"
"Umm, actually there is Lance," Axca said as she glanced to the Isle in the distance. "I know a girl who would really love to come to Altea, it's Haxus's daughter Florona, she's like a little sister to me."
"Then she should come," Lance said as he placed his crowd back on his head.
"Actually umm, Lance there's a lot of kids who would really love it here in Altea, kids also like us who deserve a second chance," Axca said as the names of so many kids popped into her head. "Can I maybe get you a list?"
"Yes, yes," Lance said with a nod of his head. "Please."
"Lord Keith," a servant said as he anxiously interrupted the moment that was clearly over. "We found your spellbook below deck," he said as he handed the book to Keith. "Zethrid had it."
"You know," Keith said as he studied the book and felt Lance staring at him. "This seems like something that belongs in the hands of Fairy Godmother Shay."
"Yes that's me," Shay said as she pushed her way through the crowd towards the couple.
"This belongs in the museum," Keith said as he handed the book over to Shay.
"Yes it does and I'm gonna take it," Shay said with a smile.
"Go for it," Keith said with a smile. "I'm not gonna be needing it anymore."
Keith gave Lance a smirk before kicking some of the water that had stayed on board from Zethrid's wave attacks. Lance gasped before kicking some water back at Keith who gasped at how cold the water was.