Thank you so much for your reviews! I'm so excited to write another Voltron fic. By now, I think most you realize that I changed my name. I thought it would be fun to have a name change. For those who still don't know…I used to be WadeWells.
So a little about this fic: I began writing it in 2008 but stopped because I found it very challenging at the time. I had a hard time with the character development and keeping up with the sub stories within the main plot. My skills were still elementary and I didn't feel I would give it justice if I completed it at the time. I'm hopeful that I can do that now. I hope that I was able to put everything together. Still skeptical about that. LOL.
So music also inspires my scenes. So, I'm hopeful that you listen to some of the playlists to get a feel of the fic. Let me know your thoughts if you do actually listen to them.
It is my favorite of all my fics, I'm very attached to it. I do hope you enjoy and have fun with it!
Cubbiefan1: First, thank you so much for all your support. You definitely motivate me. And yes…cliffhangers, I've been known for that, but I don't think I'll have that much in this fic…I think ;) As far as timeline, yes, it's the future, but it's also kind of alternate universe. I hope you like it.
Kristina Marie: Happy dance girl! I hope I did it justice. This story is my Achilles' heel. LOL!
Sunshineleo: Hello! So glad to hear from you. Yes, I'll explain the lions' gifts. And Keith and Allura…well, you'll see. But remember, I promise I always deliver HEA. LOL!
Mertz: Thank you my friend! As always, your support is much appreciated. Hugs to my chica!
Playlist:
Destiny-Zero 7
Don't Believe in Love-Dido
Soon We'll be Found-Sia
Chapter 2
Penthouse 53, located inside the tallest skyscraper on Harbor Bay, faced the Bandor Sea, one of the seven oceans that covered Arus. The large body of water, named after a prince called Bandor who died protecting his people during the war with the Drules, was the largest body of water on Arus. Harbor Bay, primarily catering to socialites and heirs of former royalty, housed a very prominent figure for both the military and entertainment world. One would never associate an arriviste like Lance McClain with the silver spoon society of Arus, but somehow, his fame and background earned him a place with the elite.
Coran found his former lieutenant treated as a celebrity in such circles. McClain not only possessed fame, but a very impressive portfolio that made him a top contender among the classes of Harbor Bay and the rest of the galaxy.
These days the advisor rarely saw Lance in person. Whenever such instances occurred, they briefly discussed the particular mission in person so that all information remained confidential. Most of the time, however, their interaction occurred via vidscreen.
Lance loved to discuss business from the comforts of home. The advisor loathed such interactions via vidscreen, but McClain would have it no other way. No other operative in the Garrison or the Corps compared to him. Going along on his terms seemed like a small price to pay for his services.
Coran never visited his home, but circumstances made him do so this evening. When the older man rang the doorbell, he expected a butler or a maid to open the door. Surprised, he found the lieutenant greeting him instead. Even more surprising to the advisor was who came along with him. Two beautiful women, one blonde, one brunette. Each one in one of his arms. Their ensembles consisted of the scantest negligees Coran had ever seen. The women smiled. Lance smiled. Coran didn't know where to look.
"Greetings old friend!" Lance replied with his usual air of arrogance. "It's been a while. What brings you to my humble abode?"
"Lieutenant–"
"You must be in a real bind to meet me personally. And, without an appointment mind you."
As usual, Coran just shook his head. For all the money in his bank account, for all the celebrity status he gained over the years, for all the people he amazed to earn his place on Harbor Bay, Lance McClain would never change nor become in any way…regal.
"It's nice to see you too, Lieutenant," Coran replied too embarrassed to look the man in the face.
"Don't mind my girls," he laughed. "They are part of the decoration scheme."
"Oh Lance!" the blonde giggled.
"Come in!" the young man gestured, as he let go of his possessions.
Inside the spacious suite, Coran saw the incredible mush of luxury Lance lived him. Three floors full of art, expensive furniture and electronic gizmos that catered to his every need. Soft classical music played in the background. Coran wondered if Lance knew anything about the composer. "Lieutenant, if I may have a few moments of your time, alone? I would greatly appreciate it."
"Sure, but I don't mind if the girls hear about what I have to do," Lance replied with excitement in his tone. "Where do I have to go? Am I off to the forests of Tyrus to destroy an enemy base?" He smiled, obviously engrossed in the act of showing off to the girls. "Or, am I going to the Trokia moons on an undercover mission to retrieve important specimens for the scientific advancement of the Arusian Corps?" He asked as he rubbed his hands against the girls' backs. The women's eyes widened with excitement at hearing the things their lover did.
Annoyed and tired of his games, the advisor stared with a firmness and seriousness at the younger man, whose eyes began to show acknowledgement that the initial visit ignited more importance that he originally thought.
"Lieutenant McClain, I'm here to inform you that as of this moment, you are placed on active duty for the Arusian Corps as second in command to the Voltron Force."
Lance's face went from all smiles and laughter to complete darkness and coldness. Dropping the women from his arms, he looked at the advisor with an equal serious expression that ironically put Coran at ease, "Let's talk in my study."
"Lance?" the brunette raised her voice as he walked away from her, clearly confused as to what happened.
"Later," he answered her without any care. "This way Coran."
VVVVVVVVVV
Humphrey's Peak in Arizona, with an elevation of over twelve thousand feet, seemed like an easy hike for Darrell whose life ambition before death was to climb or hike all the tall mountains around Earth. His best friend, William, Hunk, as everyone at the base called him, didn't share the same sentiments. He'd rather sit on a beach, play golf, or spend time with Lucy, his wife. The latter felt like a better idea as soon as he saw the huge peak.
"This wasn't my idea of a vacation," Hunk solemnly told his best friend as they made the first point of the mountain.
"How could you not like this?" Darrell asked mesmerized by the nature he saw around him. Trees that reached the sky surrounded them as they made their way up. The wind whispered to the leaves around them and the soft warm breezes led the way through their trail. The trail, not as hard as Darrell thought it would be, annoyed the hell out of Hunk whose sweat slid down his forehead. Darrell almost regretted his decision to invite him. He usually trekked alone, but he needed his best friend on this one, "Besides, we chose a pretty easy trail and we'll be at the next point in a day or two."
"This is your idea of a vacation?" Hunk shook his head, "Honestly, Darrell, I wonder what Hope sees in you."
"She's not going to be seeing much these days…we broke up." Darrell answered as he looked ahead.
"You what?" Hunk stopped walking. "What do you mean you broke up?"
"I kind of broke it off," he shrugged uneasily. Truthfully, Darrell wanted to find the right opportunity to let Hunk know about his breakup. As soon as he opened his mouth, he knew he had chosen the wrong time. Well, he couldn't do anything about it now.
"Why? And why didn't you tell me before we started this so called "vacation"?"
Darrell stopped and turned to face his friend, "I just didn't find the right opportunity." Sighing he continued, "Hunk, I'm just not ready to commit man. Hope wanted a marriage, family…I'm just not ready for that."
Hunk snorted, "You're in your mid-thirties, how could you tell me you're not ready?"
"I'm just not. There are too many things I want to do before I settle down. Besides, if I commit to a woman…she'll have to take the oath as well to link us together for life. For life, do you even know what that means?"
"Yes," Hunk nodded without any reservations, "It means you'll have a partner for a lifetime or until we no longer deserve to have this gift. Darrell, you can't live forever and have no companionship, no one to share your triumphs or console your defeats. You need someone to help you see the life we don't see when we close ourselves to battle. You need someone who will love you through it all. As ridiculous as you think this might sound, it's the truth."
Darrell walked up to Hunk. Looking at his friend curiously, he asked, "Is that what Lucy does for you?"
Hunk smiled, "Lucy is my world. She helps me see light when all I see is darkness."
"I don't know what to tell you," Darrell said looking down for a moment, not wanting to meet his friend's gaze, "I wish I could see in Hope what you see in Lucy."
After a moment, both men continued their trek upward in silence, pondering on what occurred moments earlier. The tranquil walk now reeked with awkwardness. Finally, when he couldn't remain quiet any longer, Hunk began speaking, "So, why do you think you can't commit?"
The other man shrugged, "I don't know. What if Hope isn't the one? This is a lifetime commitment Hunk. And if you haven't noticed, lifetime to us is literally lifetime."
"If you haven't found anyone in twenty years, what makes you think you'll find someone in your next twenty?"
"Don't start with that," Darrell tried to evade the question, but Hunk would not allow him to.
"If you become too picky," Hunk intervened, "You'll end up with the worst of the litter." The older man laughed sardonically.
"Bull."
Hunk snorted again, "Don't get cocky, kid. I know what I'm telling you."
As they continued their walk, Darrell spoke, but never faced his friend, "I invited you to hike with me to enjoy nature, not too give me a damn therapy session."
"Who's talking smack now?"
Darrell said nothing about the subject after. In fact, he dismissed it so suddenly, that Hunk realized that a part of his younger friend questioned if he had made the correct decision. Maybe time will help him see, he thought as Darrell talked about how far they would hike today before breaking for lunch.
About three hours into the hike, both their comm. units sounded. "Garrison," Hunk immediately told Darrell as the younger man turned around.
"What's going on?" he questioned. "We're on leave for a month? Why would they want us to report?"
Hunk shook his head, "I don't know, but let's find out." Taking out his comm. he pressed the button to connect, "Garrett here."
A voice answered, "Good morning Lieutenant Garrett. Is Lieutenant Stoker with you?"
Both men noticed the voice of Grand Marshall Hawkins, the man who commanded the entire Garrison. After looking at Darrell with question, Hunk answered, "Affirmative, sir. He's right next to me."
"Acknowledged. We are asking that you report back to the Garrison base immediately."
Hunk and Darrell looked at each other, "Is there a problem Marshall Hawkins?"
"We will brief you both once you return to base," the man answered without a tinge of urgency.
"That might be a problem," Darrell then came in, "We're on Humphrey's Peak in Arizona. It will take us about a day or so to catch a transport back to California and…."
"That will not be a problem Stoker," Hawkins interrupted, "We've located you through satellite. I'll have a starship pick you up. Do not move from your position. We will arrive within an hour. Hawkins out."
After the communication terminated, both men looked at each other with questionable glances.
"What is going on?" Darrell asked.
"I don't know," Hunk shook his head. "But whatever it is…it can't be good."
VVVVVVVVVV
The night, illuminated by the three moons of Arus, lit the causeway where a multitude of Arusians walked, shopped and ate dinner on sidewalk boutiques and restaurants. One restaurant in particular had an ambiance of glowing elegance and tranquil beauty. Abnormally, calm and relaxing amidst a setting filled with surrounding nightlife, Ambrosia had a way to close itself from the busy world around it.
The perfect setting with the perfect woman, he smiled. The officer held her hand gently as the waiter brought the check.
The Bible, the most famous and oldest Terran book known to exist, spoke of the first woman God created. Eve. Her beauty surpassed any other woman God created thereafter. Until now, the officer thought as he looked at the woman in front of him. Allura Altair's beauty could put Eve's through some major competition.
"I hope you enjoyed dinner this evening General Gellar," the waiter told the man before he turned his sights to the young woman across from him, "Lieutenant Altair, please come again."
"Thank you," she smiled back. The waiter nodded, smiled, and left.
"Another one you should add to your list of puppy lovers," the general laughed.
She snorted dismissing his statement, "Please, he's a kid."
"So are you."
"I just look like one," she reminded him with a smile and a wink.
He knew that, but he liked teasing her. The general kissed her hand gently, "You do look beautiful tonight Allura."
Her blue eyes glistened against the lanterns hanging around the pillars of the restaurant. The sconces decorating the pillars held candles that further contributed to the romantic warm ambience against the stars of the night. Seated on a nook close to an outside wood burning fireplace, the couple felt warmth and comfort despite the coolness of the night. The aroma of Italian spices sautéing on different grills, still tickled their palates and the music of the three piece string quartet playing on the speakers relaxed them.
"Thank you Sam," she replied with a soft smile, "Thank you for tonight."
"It's what I live for," Sam replied with a tender smile as he kissed her on the lips. Pulling back with hesitation, he added the end to his statement, "To spoil you rotten."
"Happy anniversary to you too," she whispered, kissing him back. "Did you like your gift?"
He broke off from her gently and held out his hand. "I loved the watch," he replied admiring the platinum timepiece with the classic Roman numerals and encrusted diamonds.
Allura thought about writing an inscription. Ten years seemed like a massive benchmark for a couple, but she could not bring herself to do it.
"I hope you loved the earrings," the general mentioned as he pushed her hair away from her ear to see the pinkish colored three carat stone diamonds.
"Of course," Altair answered him as if surprised by his unease, "I put them on as soon as you gave them to me!" She teased him playfully.
He laughed, "You look like a child and sometimes you act like one too," he told her as he caressed her cheek.
She closed her eyes, enjoying his touch.
Sighing, he then whispered, "I could have given you something different tonight."
His sudden words froze her. Her eyes iced, the enjoyment gone. "Sam, let's not start this again. It's a beautiful night, let's not ruin it." Her eyes showed a fire that if not careful would ignite against him.
He sighed, his tone, apologetic, "I know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it."
She knew he had. By no means did they have a typical relationship, Allura at least sympathized with him. Countless times Sam had proposed in the ten years of their relationship. Countless times she denied him a simple yes, stating that what they had was all she could give. She knew he wanted more of a formal relationship, a family perhaps…eternity with her.
Sam knew of the lion's oath. Allura possessed the soul of the lions and therefore would live forever; or until the soul decided she was no longer worthy of its powers. Part of him understood why Allura wouldn't commit to him. He, however, did not care about that reason. For as long as she'd have him, General Samuel Gellar would live with her for the rest of his life. Still, it saddened him that Altair didn't feel the same sentiments that he felt for her.
"How about we call it a night?" she simply told him, "I have an early meeting with Coran tomorrow morning."
His eyes suddenly showed interest, "With Advisor Coran? About what?"
She shook her head, "I have no idea. He just told me that we needed to talk. He even asked me to cancel classes with my recruits. Very unlike him."
"Maybe it has to do with the recent attacks on the Garrison Base at Korrinth."
Allura's brows knitted together upon learning that information, "An attack? Of what kind?"
Sam shook his head, "I heard about it while you took your class on survival training exercises. I don't know the details fully." He said with a thoughtful gaze, "Apparently it's deemed classified as a level 5. None of the generals in my ranking have access to the information. I only found out by mere accident." Allura knew very well, Sam had friends of higher rank that trusted him with information. But the fact that they didn't divulge more to Sam worried her. It meant that even they weren't privy to all information. Whatever Coran hid, he hid it well.
Allura's heart thumped faster. Somehow, she knew Coran's meeting tied to what Sam had just disclosed to her.
VVVVVVVVVV
The bar, filled with the lowest canaille of the city, made the young woman who tallied her latest receipts at the register cringe in agony. She hated the joint more than she hated going to her mother's on Sunday evenings for dinner. Family dinners brought to the mind the idea of togetherness, happiness and a safe haven. When one went to dinner at mom's it simply made a person giddy with excitement, nothing could ever be better than mom's home cooked meals. Unfortunately, for this woman, dinner at mom's brought nothing but turmoil, feelings of despair and downright anger.
Dinner at mother's one bedroom apartment consisted of prepackaged food, a couple of cans of beer and if luck ran with her, mother passing out in front of the vidscreen while watching the ten o'clock news report. Mother was not a cook, but a drunk. No wonder she ended up working in the god forsaken place. Ironically, she hated liquor, maybe it had something to do with her upbringing, or perhaps she just didn't want to be her mother. Either way, she counted the days when she'd leave the corrupt hellhole.
She made a promise to herself that she wouldn't leave until the man who saved her life walked out with her. No one in her life ever protected her the way he had that night. No one would have cared. The sick bastard who accosted her that night two months ago would have killed her after taking what he wanted. Her protector had come out of nowhere and beat the man to the point of unconsciousness after making sure he would never use his groin again (at least for those purposes). He did it without shame, without care. The woman had been grateful. Feeling indebted to him, she felt she needed to stay by his side.
She knew he didn't belong with the riffraff; he looked so out of place. He always came alone, always sat in the same table, unless occupied. That rarely happened. She wouldn't allow it and made it a point to move anyone who sat there. After what the others had seen him do for her, they made sure to listen.
When he came in, the protector took a seat in his chair. He never looked around his surroundings, although she believed he did without anyone noticing. Lost in thought, she believed he relieved whatever his mind decided to remind him of. She wondered what he thought of, where he travelled in that mind of his. So many ghosts around him. She worried. His eyes carried a sadness that seized his gaze like a cat clutching its prey with its nails. The sadness, deep like a catacomb would not let him go.
"Hey, Liza, your boyfriend just walked in," she heard the rough voice of bartender whisper in her ear. "Make him happy, don't want him tearing up the place."
The woman didn't answer the fat bastard. Instead, she finished counting the money, closed the register and waited until her protector took his customary seat. When she watched him sit, she immediately walked over to him. She hoped that he wouldn't order the Everclear again. "What will you be having tonight?" she asked. They never shared formalities. Somehow, it felt natural to both of them.
"Sit down," he ordered firmly, but calmly.
Taken a bit back, she stared at him surprised by the sudden order, "What?"
Keith looked up at her. Those deep stygian eyes that showed her absolutely no emotion, nothing that would give her an idea of how he felt. "Sit," he gestured for her to take the seat next to him. Cautiously, Liza followed orders and sat down. "You didn't listen to me last time."
She didn't respond. Instead, Liza studied him. She knew he possessed handsome features, but upon studying him, the woman realized that he was not only handsome, but the most beautiful man she had ever seen. He had a slightly oval face which narrowed toward the chin, a firm nose, which enhanced his looks even more and a strong jaw line chiseled the look on his face. He was…perfect. Liza suddenly found herself looking away, not wanting him to notice the way she looked at him. Keith must have taken the gesture in another way, for he told her, "Don't evade me. Why didn't you leave when I told you?"
Curious, she looked up at him again, "Why haven't you?"
Keith hesitated a bit before answering. So used to keeping his affairs private, it felt rather odd to answer her question. "I'm leaving."
It felt bittersweet to listen to those words, Liza thought as she sighed trying to make the words sink into her brain. She wanted him in her life, but knew he was not meant to be in hers. She didn't say a word, just nodded her acceptance. Keith looked around as he continued speaking to her, "They won't touch you knowing I'm here. But once they notice I'm not coming back every night…you'll be in danger again."
"I understand," Liza nodded again. "Is this your last night at the bar?"
"Yes," Keith replied. From the bar, a rather large bartender noticed the conversation taking place between his waitress and the nightly visitor. Keith made eye contact with the burly beast before the bartender looked away, probably not wanting to cause any trouble. Looking back to the young woman, Keith added, "You don't belong here."
"Neither do you," she blurted out as her eyes widened.
Surprised by her response, Keith sighed and evaded the topic of conversation that would most likely come up by her retort, "You should give your notice tonight."
"Who are you? Why do you come here?" Liza asked. She wouldn't let go of an opportunity like the one she had with him pass her by, "You're not like them. You are different. Why live in a world you obviously do not belong in?"
"That's none of your concern."
"But it is," she firmly replied back. "You're asking me to do what you want. To follow your orders. At least allow me to know a bit about the man who wants to change my life."
"Some life," he scoffed.
"Nevertheless, it is my life," she paused for moment before continuing. "I'm willing to do what you ask. I owe you that much, maybe more. But, at least let me know who you are."
Sighing in defeat, he answered, "I don't live around the area. I like it here because no one knows me, that's all. Now, will you leave tonight?"
"Yes," she answered, "But you still haven't answered the other part of my question. Who are you?"
At this, Keith quickly changed the subject, "Why do you work here?"
"I've have no other place to go. Truthfully there aren't many places on Arus that will employ a drop out like me."
"Drop out?"
"I dropped out my sophomore year of high school. My mother….what's the point. I had to help her. I had to work," she shrugged. "Not that she cares what my efforts did for her."
"If you had a second chance, what would you do?" Keith asked her seriously.
Liza smiled, "I'd go back to school. But…I'd need to get out of Almeria. Don't see that happening anytime soon. I'll give my notice…I'm sure there's another bar that will be more decent than this joint."
Keith stayed quiet for a long moment, looking at her intently. Lisa averted the lingering stare. Finally, he retrieved something from his pocket, "There are two addresses on that piece of paper. The first is the restaurant you'll be working at. It's in the city…Pandora's Box. It serves Arusian delicacies. It's an upper scale place. Should give you the experience this place won't give you. Speak to a woman by the name of Kathleen Gray. She's the owner. She'll train you. The second is the address of the apartment I rented for you. I know the owners of the building. They're willing to give you three months free of rent. After that, I've arranged a modest rent payment for the first year. When your lease is up, I'm hoping you'll be stable enough to find your own place. Maybe stay there, if you can afford it. Think about going back to school."
The woman looked at him in total shock.
Ignoring her, he continued, "You get all this today, if you leave right now. Forget what they owe you. In the apartment, I left you enough money to live off for a month, if you spend it wisely."
Stunned, Lisa took the piece of paper from him with a trembling hand. She looked at him baffled, "Why are you doing this?"
"Simple. Everyone deserves a second chance," Keith answered with a firm look in his eyes. "The offer is good for the next five minutes, that's how long I have left in this place. What's it going to be…Liza?"
Amazed that he even knew her name, she just nodded, "Yes…yes!"
"Don't tell your boss, I don't want trouble. Just walk away," he told her with a smooth coolness about him.
Liza looked at him, "Just pick and leave…just like that?"
He nodded calmly, "Your neighbor in 4C has your key access code. You'll be able to change it to your personal once you enter it. Now go."
"Thank you," her eyes began to well up in tears.
"Go," Keith told her looking over to the entrance door. "Go live the life you've always wanted."
Liza began to stand up, but suddenly she stopped herself and looked at Keith one more time, "What's your name?"
"Not important," he shook his head.
"Yes it is… to me. Please, tell me."
Keith hesitated, she noticed. He looked down for a moment, as if thinking he should tell her. Finally, after a long pause, he looked back up to her, "Kogane. Keith Kogane."
She had heard the name before. Years ago, as a child. She could have been maybe six or seven back then. Keith Kogane. Leader of the Voltron Force. He had gone to jail, she couldn't quite remember the reason. This man who stared back at her, almost twenty years her senior, didn't look much older than her.
"I've heard of you," she replied in a whisper. She remembered the news reports and how they said he had killed a man. "I've heard about you," she nodded, fully remembering.
"I'm sure," Keith replied in a mirthless tone. "Now you know. Go."
"You couldn't have done what they said you did."
For the first time since she had met him, he smiled. But the smile did not convey any happiness or feelings of relief by her words. "Oh, but the sad part in all this is that I did do it. Everything they said. All true."
Lisa shook her head, "No, I don't believe you."
His smile faded, "Our five minutes are up. It's time to go Liza."
Liza didn't want to leave him. And, she didn't want him thinking she believed him to be a murderer. But, the young woman knew that whatever she'd tell him would not change his mind. All she could offer him was gratitude, "Thank you."
"Goodbye Liza," Keith simply replied.
The woman turned around and walked straight toward the doors. The bartender called out her name, but she didn't answer him. Didn't look back. She just walked out.
"Good girl," Keith whispered to himself as the bartender looked at him, probably wondering what the two had spoken about.
Without a word, Keith stood up and followed Liza's departure.
Without a word, he said goodbye to the so called life he didn't belong to.