Good evening all! I know I'm taking a long to post, but it's been hugely busy for me. But, I haven't forgotten and I intend to finish it. Hope you like this latest chapter.

GoPinkLion: Never fear. Darrell has his reasons. Not sure if I agree to them, but nevertheless, they are his. Guess you'll find out now what happens to Allura. In answer to your question, if she marries Sam, she will pass the gift onto him. And if that happens, she will be with him for eternity. Think about it. She has feelings for Keith, yet she marries Sam who will be with her forever…Romelle may be thinking this through a lot more than Allura.

SnyperLady: Hmm…let's see how you like this chapter! Yes, the plot is thickening.

Guest: Thank you so much! So appreciative. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Mertz: LOL! You really don't like Sam. Not sure what Kath's going to think about this…

Nico2883: Well…let's see what happens. But, like I've always said, I believe in HEA's!

Playlist:

Thom Yorke-Hearing Damage

MISSIO-Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea

Rob Zombie-Dragula

Chapter 19

Sitting in front of the large vidscreen, Keith prepared himself both mentally and emotionally. A call from Hazar meant one thing-he had information. And having information meant that the Drule would be prepared to negotiate a deal. Today, Keith wasn't in any moods to talk. "Connect the call Agatha," he said aloud before the computer system automatically turned on the vidscreen.

Hazar immediately appeared, as always, showing his pearly whites that to Keith looked like threatening fangs, "Greetings, Captain."

Keith bypassed the greetings, "What do you have?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, Captain," Hazar shook his head. "Where did your manners go? How prison changes you–"

"Hazar. Information. Now."

Snorting, the Drule looked at the human with a little mockery and resignation. He guessed the Captain of the Voltron Force was in no moods to play the game tonight, "It's not the information you originally requested. But, I think it may be of interest to you."

"How much?"

"That's the thing, Kogane," Hazar replied with a shrug. "This one is one the house."

Keith looked at him expressionless, but inside he was as shocked as ever. Hazar never gave away anything for free. So what did he really want?

"On the house?" Keith asked, "Now, why is that"? What do you gain by giving me this information?"

"This time it is me who needs the favor," he replied turning serious. "If you are willing to help me, the information I'll provide to you is free."

"What is it that you want?"

"No what, who," Hazar told him as he typed a few codes from his end, "Take a look at the file I sent you."

Keith received an alert of an incoming file. Immediately, opening it, a picture of a young Drule, probably no more than eighteen years of age, appeared on his other screen. He had short dark hair, bluish, purple skin tone and deep red eyes with a thin slit of an iris in each, "Who is this?"

"His name is Sandu. He's my nephew," Hazar explained. "My sister's only son." Hazar's tone softened and Keith believed that sadness appeared in his features, "My sister is not like me. She's a good woman. She left Korrinth after Zarkon's demise and went to live on Ebb. Looking back, maybe I should have gone with her, who knows," he sighed, "Maybe my life would have turned out different. Anyways, Sandu lived with her until he decided he wanted to pursue higher education on Arus. Dorma wasn't too happy about it, but conceded and allowed the kid to go. Sandu is a good kid. Dorma raised his right, but too soft. Kid thinks everyone is good. His belief is that there isn't malice in the world."

"Wishful thinking," Keith interjected.

"Ain't that the truth!" Hazar exclaimed with agreement, "Anyways, long story short. The kid got mixed up with the wrong people and is now serving time at a state penitentiary."

"Says here that he's serving a three year sentence on arson. Some storage facility from what the pictures show," Keith read out loud as he scanned the file. "He's only just completed his first year."

"All the kid did was pick up the pricks who burned the place two blocks away from the crime scene. There was a witness who saw Sandu pick them up from a public transportation stand. He, and the rest of Arus police, thought he was in on it when in fact, he had nothing to do with it. He thought he was driving his friends back to campus after some party. Dorma is heartbroken. She hasn't spoken to me in over ten years. For her to find me and ask for help…" he couldn't finish.

"So you want me to get him out," Keith responded.

"He's a good kid, Kogane. Wants to become a doctor. He doesn't deserve to be in there for being plain stupid. I know you can do something. Help me and I'll help you."

Keith thought for a moment. Taking out someone from the penitentiary before completing his sentence? He'd need Coran's help. He'd have to convince Coran and that wouldn't be easy. The information had to be important if Hazar was willing to leverage it. Looking up at the screen, Keith asked, "The information is accurate?"

"Please Kogane," Hazar snorted, "When have I ever given you false information? It's good and valuable to you and your team."

Not happy with the trade off, but finding it necessary at this point, Keith nodded, "Fine. I'll get him out."

"I want his record wiped clean," the Drule added. "He'll never get into medical school in his current state."

"Okay," Keith nodded again.

"As always, it is a pleasure doing business with you," Hazar smiled satisfied. "Now, to keep my end of the bargain, I'll need you to meet me at Xmortis in an hour."

"You want to meet in person?" Keith was a little surprised by the announcement.

"It isn't my choice, but the information I need to give you, can't be sent out virtually. I can't risk it. If it ever leaks, it will come back to me. So, do you want it or not?"

"I'm in," Keith replied. "See you in an hour."

"Looking forward to it."

XXXXXXXXXX

Somewhere between the crying, the fighting, pushing and pointing at fingers, hand holding, hugs, and caresses, Hunk and Lucy ended in their bed, exhausted after making passionate love to each other.

He held his wife close to him as she breathed softly on his neck, "Lucy, I'm sorry."

"I know you are," she whispered softly. "I'm sorry too."

"For what?"

"For not understanding you side," she answered as she pushed herself up a little to face him, "Will, I threw this at you so unexpectedly. You were called back to duty, you've had to face people from the past that you thought you'd never see again. Move to a planet that you haven't lived in for decades. And here I go and throw you this!"

"No," Hunk began shaking his head, "Don't say–"

"It's the truth," she immediately cut him off, "I should have asked you what you thought, how you felt. And, I'm sorry about that. It's just that you've always loved kids, I just automatically assumed that you'd be happy about having one of your own."

He felt like answering her. He felt like telling Lucy that he would be and was happy to have a little version of him and her, but it just didn't come out. Hunk didn't feel that way at all. Instead, he took his wife into his arms and kissed her with as much love as he could muster. That was easy. He loved Lucy more than his life.

And somehow, even though Lucy kissed him back and felt his love. The disappointment in him not validating her statement greatly plagued her.

XXXXXXXXXX

Reading the latest reports, Lotor looked up from his tablet to find Cossack walking in, "News, old friend?"

"Eklestak and his team have made progress," Cossack said as he handed him a small jar.

Looking at the contents inside, Lotor couldn't help but to smile, "He had said three months."

"Seems like the scientist took your words seriously and has made the advancement quicker," the Drule replied. "He has asked if you're willing to go to the lab tomorrow morning. Apparently, there is more he wants to show you."

"Good. Looking forward to it," Lotor sighed. "How's the other project doing?"

"On schedule," Cossack nodded. "We followed all directions the witch gave us and the prototype is ready."

"Can we test it?"

Cossack laughed, "Yes, but don't ask me to be your subject for that. Not my thing."

At that Lotor laughed as well, "No worries my friend, that's why we have humans. Pick any of the ones incarcerated. I'd like to see what the prototype does to them. Should be an interesting day tomorrow."

"I'm sure."

"Don't schedule me for anything other than to see Eklestak tomorrow. I want to spend the day working on both of these projects."

"Alright, sire," the Drule responded before turning around to head out.

"Oh, and Cossack," Lotor called out.

"Is my attire ready for the ball?"

Now Cossack laughed harder, "I can't believe you're going to do this."

Lotor shrugged as he smiled, "Why wouldn't I? There's nothing strange about visiting the woman you love and asking her for a dance."

XXXXXXXXXX

Allura didn't know Keith's address, but she had access to all files in the base and was able to download his file automatically. When she drove up to his place, she looked around and couldn't help but smile sardonically. "You and your love for New York," she shook her head. "You're stalling, Allura," she said to herself.

What was she supposed to tell her? Why was she even there? "Why am I here?" she asked herself. Taking a deep breath, she sat in her car for what seemed like hours trying to figure out what she would say when she rang his doorbell.

Allura had not felt this nervous since she first kissed him. That first time…

"Do you ever get the feeling that you're being watched?" Keith asked as looked out at the dark sky from a watchtower point of the castle. The evening was warm, but a slight breeze from time to time cooled the surroundings.

Allura stood at a distance behind him, "If it's bothering you, I'll stop."

Turning around to face her, Keith, "What's on your mind, Altair?"

"Many things, Kogane," she sighed, "I'm scared."

"Of what?"

"I overheard what you told Lance, earlier," she noticed how Keith suddenly stiffened. "You're afraid of me."

"I'm afraid to love you," he corrected her, his gaze reflecting what he'd told her

"Why?"

"Because," Keith walked up to her, "I'm afraid of what I'm capable of doing for your love, Allura."

She took his hand and squeezed it gently. Her eyes became watery, but not one single tear cascaded down her cheeks, "I'm scared to love you too. Keith, the scariest part about being in love with you is the uncertainty that you may stop at any moment loving me."

"That's impossible," he whispered as he got closer to her.

"Is it?" she whispered back. "You fight with me all the time. I get on your nerves for just about everything and practically defy most of your orders–"

"Well, I can understand why you would think that way," he gave her a small smile, "But, that's what made me fall completely and insanely in love with you."

She smiled too. "Are you sure?"

He didn't answer her with words. Keith just took her into his arms and kissed her.

Allura didn't need an answer. She knew what it was at that moment. He'd never stop loving her.

"Impossible," Allura whispered to herself as she brought herself back from the memory. "Or, is it?"

Suddenly startled awake by the sound of an outside noise, Allura looked around the block and watched Keith's garage door open. She quickly turned on her car, but turned off the lights so as to not get noticed, "What are you up to Kogane?"

Moments later, she heard his motorcycle come to life before she watched him pull out close the garage door and drive away. Without a second thought, she followed.

XXXXXXXXXX

Pulling in to Ostia Boulevard, Keith parked his motorcycle in front of Club Xmortis. Ostia Boulevard wasn't area that catered to the normal. Those who resided in the area were more than just shady. They were convicted criminals and murderers who had served their sentence, but couldn't find a life in what others called a "regular" life. No, these beings needed to reside in a place where they understood each other, a place that they could easily assimilate and blend in. The normal world wasn't for them, but Ostia Boulevard was their "City of Refuge". And, the best place to spend their time and money was at Club Xmortis.

Dismounting from the bike, he watched three semi-built men walk up to him. One, a black man with tattoos in almost every place of his body. He commented, "Nice bike."

"I expect to find it here when I come back," Keith answered eerily calm and collected as he eyed each man.

"You do? In a place like this, that may not be possible buddy," the second of the three said. He was a bald man with a blue skin tone and round yellow eyes. He was also heavily built and didn't look like he scared easily.

"I'm sure, you three will watch it for me while I'm inside."

"Really?" the third man sarcastically laughed. This one looked human with a short blond crew cut that brought out his rugged features, "And what makes you think that?"

"Because, in the short time we've spoken, I've memorized every one of your features and it won't take me long to look each of you up on Garrison and Arusian Corp files," Keith smiled maliciously, "And, when I know who you are, I will come for you."

"Who the hell do you think you are?" The black man's voice rose as he looked at Keith with anger.

He extended his hand, "Keith Kogane."

The demeanor of the three quickly changed. "You're the Voltron pilot?"

"Yes," he nodded as he put his hand down. "And if you remember correctly, I'm also a convicted killer."

The three men knew the story quite well. They had heard it on the news and other communication mediums for years. Yet, that's not what frightened them about Kogane. What frightened them were the stories they heard from their peers and friends of their peers. The ones that had served time with Kogane. The ones that had personally seen what he was capable of. Immediately, they backed own.

"We won't let anyone near your bike," the blond man nodded respectfully.

It wasn't the type of reaction Keith expected, but he would take it. He needed to see Hazar. Not letting his guard down, he replied as he took some money from his pocket, "For your services."

Handing them the money, the men smiled appreciatively.

"I'll be out in about an hour."

"Don't worry Kogane. We got you covered."

Nodding his thanks, Keith turned around and began walking in to the establishment.

XXXXXXXXXX

Romelle walked into her apartment feeling happy. The day had gone better than expected. The renovations to the ballroom were on schedule, the meeting she had just finished had gone so well that she was able to secure extra monies for another project she was working on for the foundation, and best of all, her daughter was working with her on a cause that she truly had passion for.

And I even got a date for the ball, she caught herself thinking.

Stopping at the living room, Romelle gasped at the thought. A date for the ball. A date with Lance McClain. She hadn't really thought about it till now, but the giddiness and that happiness she felt began after both Hope and Lance coerced her to have him as her date.

She had fought so hard to keep her feelings for Lance in check and now they were coming out without any thought. That was dangerous and Romelle knew it. Sighing as all the happiness and giddiness slowly faded away, Romelle walked over to the sofa, sat down and unpinned the bun she wore on her head to release the blond mane.

You got to get a grip, Romelle, she told herself. You can't allow yourself to love him again. You can't!

Part of her understood why he did why he did, but she couldn't forgive him for it. So many lost chances. So much loneliness for so many years. She had to admit that marrying Ryan had been for the best, but the pain of not being with Lance ached her. And now to come back, to have those feelings resurface. She couldn't allow that to happen. Even if Lance wanted to.

So why now? What is different today? Why doesn't he just let things be?

Romelle couldn't answer the questions. She didn't know why Lance did the things he did. She didn't know twenty years ago and she wouldn't know now. There was no sense in killing brain cells tonight to figure it out either.

Instead, Romelle stood up and began calling for her daughter. When Hope didn't answer her, Romelle tried a second time.

Seeing that she didn't get answer, she began looking around and noticed that her daughter wasn't home. Romelle looked at her watch. Too late to be at the base and she knew Hope wasn't with her grandfather because Romelle had spoken to Coran on her drive home.

"So where is she?" she asked aloud.

Then, she remembered that Hope spent the entire day at the base. No doubt she ran into Darrell at some point. And if she ran into Darrell….

"Damn it!" she whispered to herself.

Growing angry, Romelle shook her head as she made her way to her room. She'd speak to her daughter as soon as she got home. There was no way she was going to allow Hope to make the same mistake she made all those years ago.

XXXXXXXXX

Keith must have been so focused on where he was going and what he was about to do that he didn't notice Allura following him from a distance. As he pulled up to the club and parked his bike, Allura watched the exchange of words from across the street. She couldn't hear much of what they group was saying, but she could tell how the men's attitudes changed after Keith presented himself. He must have identified himself when she watched him extend his hand in greeting.

"They're afraid of him," Allura whispered to herself.

She continued watching the exchange without really understanding everything that occurred. She also watched as Keith handed them each something. Money. After Keith entered the establishment, the men stayed put and checked out the bike. They didn't look like they would steal it, rather, it looked like they were protecting it from others who passed by and watched it.

"He paid them to watch the bike," she said to herself as she turned the car around and made her way to the establishment. Parking right in back of Keith, the men watched as she exited the car. Seeing that she wore an Arus Corps uniform, none of them questioned her or her purpose for being there.

"You with Kogane?" one of them asked.

"Yes," she nodded keeping her eyes straight on him, but also making sure she was aware of her surroundings.

"We'll watch the car," the other said. "For a small fee, of course."

From her pockets, Allura retrieved some money and offered the trio what she had, "Not a scratch on it."

"Don't worry lady," the black man replied. "No one will come near it. But, I do have a suggestion for you."

"What's that?"

"That get up you have on…you may want to find a way to cover the insignias. Those people in there don't like the Corps any more than the Garrison."

"Kogane should have warned you," The blue man said looking at her suspiciously.

Altair smiled, hoping that what she could pull off what she was about to say, "Kogane asked me to come exactly as is. I don't think this place would want the Corps to raid it if they somehow harmed an officer, would they?"

Looking like they understood the reasoning two of the men nodded slightly, but the third one just stared at her still unconvinced, "Watch you back."

Nodding, Allura turned around and walked in to find the person she sought.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Greetings Captain," Hazar smirked as he watched Keith take a seat on a chair across from him. "You're a very punctual man." Looking at his watch, Hazar added, "Exactly an hour."

"This isn't a social meeting, Hazar," Keith responded in a loud voice.

"No, It's not Kogane," the Drule hollered, the volume of the music making it challenging for them to speak. Hazar picked up a bottle of Everclear from the table and served himself and Kogane from two shot glasses that were already on the table. Putting the bottle down, he handed one of the glasses to Kogane, "Let's get down to business. Ever heard of a scientist by the name of Eklestak?"

Keith shook his head.

Taking out a crystal sphere from this pocket, Hazar put the item in the middle of the table. He tapped the top of the sphere and the image to a tall, somewhat slender being with light yellow skin, oval shaped eyes and thin lips appeared. The being had grey hair that fell down to his shoulder. "He's a scientist from planet Galra," Hazar began. "And probably the smartest bastard on the galaxy. Galra was one of the planets conquered by Lotor a few years ago. After the planet's massive destruction, Eklestak was thought to be dead. That is until this picture of him," Hazar tapped on the sphere again, "popped up in one of my sources satellite systems a few days ago."

Keith looked at the picture, "He's on Korrinth."

"Yes," the Drule nodded, "Right outside one of Lotor's bases a few miles away from the castle."

Keith recognized the area. It was the same one that Darrell had picked up activity on some days back. It was also the area where the underground base was held, "Why would Lotor need him?"

Hazar shrugged, "That I couldn't tell you. My sources have not had the opportunity to find out anything in that area. Lotor has eyes on it at all times. But, I can tell you that whether Eklestak is working for the prince willingly or not, you have a big problem Kogane."

"Why?"

"Because Eklestak is a genius. His expertise goes beyond the normal. This guy knows biochemical weaponry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and quantum physics just to name a few of the sciences. He's pioneered several theories that have revolutionized the way many think of science. What I'm saying Kogane is that I'm sure Lotor is hiding something big and I have no doubt that whatever it is, it is Eklestak's creation and you and your friends will need to watch your back."

"You think he's stronger than the witch?" Keith seemed skeptical.

Hazar laughed, "No, not stronger. No normal being is stronger than that monstrosity, but he and her collaborating…you all need to be careful. Even the kitty cats."

XXXXXXXXXX

As soon as she walked in, Allura smelled the vile odors of aged liquor, cigarette smoke and possibly body odor. She tried to ignore the latter so as to not throw up. The place was dark with a huge dance floor in the middle and columns, which gave the area the look of 15th century Terran castle. Red, purple and green lights flashed from just about everywhere. The music blasted a rhythm of heavy metal alternative rock. She heard the distinctive sounds of guitars and drums working simultaneously to create a rather rough but catchy sound. People, entranced with the music, gyrated on the dance floor, obviously having the time of their lives. Some of those on the floor did more than just dance.

Allura took her sight away from the vulgar displayed scenes and instead looked for Keith. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally found him sitting on a far end table with a Drule man. Standing behind a column, she observed them. The two were drinking and apparently having a conversation that looked quite serious as they ignored everything and everyone around them.

She focused on the Drule man, he looked very familiar, but couldn't place him. It took her several minutes as she watched them when she figured out who the Drule was, Hazar!

He looked older than the pictures on file, but it was definitely him. She shook her head in disbelief. Keith was a friend of Hazar? What type of people did he now associate with? Why was he in this place? Who was Keith, now? The questions circled in her head as her attention fell on the men just a few feet in front of her. So focused was Allura's attention that she didn't notice the man standing behind her.

"Hey beautiful," someone whispered in her ear.

Startled she jumped a little before turning around. But when she did, Allura found herself in front of a tall Drule man with rough features. He was completely one hundred percent Drule, not a hybrid, heavily built, with dark orange hair, wide reptilian eyes and pointy ears. He looked menacing.

Trying not to show the intimidation she felt, Allura snapped, "Get lost."

"Oh, honey," he laughed. "I don't think so."

XXXXXXXXXX

"What else did you find?" Keith asked, trying to find as much information as he could from his informant.

"In the last few weeks, there's been a significant increase of alloys and metals coming in to Korrinth," Hazar replied. "From what my sources have been able to tell me, Tungsten, Titanium and Steel. Crates full of them. But don't ask me what they are doing with it, none of my people have been able to access that base."

Keith nodded, "Could be they are building a robeast?"

Hazar immediately shook his head, "Without the witch there?"

"No word on her?"

"No, not yet," the Drule answered. "But, I'm working on it. I'm searching for a specific someone who I won't mention that may have some information. But, he doesn't like to be found, it will take me some time."

"Hazar," Keith sat up, but calmly responded, "I'm running out of time."

"You want it done, right? Then you wait, Captain," he seriously answered. "I'll find her and I'll tell you where she is. Don't doubt me."

"Fine," the captain said with a sigh before he went back to topic, "He's building a weapon and I need to find out what it is so that we're prepared when he showcases the damn thing."

"If I find anything on that, I'll let you know," Hazar replied with a grin, "On the house, I'll include that in our deal."

Looking at the Drule, knowing he wanted a confirmation on what he needed, Keith told him, "I'll talk to Coran tomorrow morning to pardon your nephew. He'll be out by end of day."

Smiling happily, Hazar took a swing of his drink, "Glad to do business with you. I hope our other transaction works out just as easily."

"It will," Keith simply answered.

Suddenly, Keith heard a woman scream out, "Get away from me you bastard!"

It wasn't that she was loud or that she stood out among the noise around them, it was that he knew that voice. Immediately turning to the direction of the sound, Keith watched a massive amount of blond hair belonging to a woman dressed in Corps uniform.

Damn her!

Quickly, he looked at the Drule who drank blissfully without noticing what occurred, "Hazar, you got to go!"

"What? Why?" the Drule looked confused.

"No time to explain," Keith answered, not wanting Hazar to know Allura was there, "I don't want you getting caught. Leave now. I'll buy you some time."

Knowing he was being given a chance to escape, Hazar would not waste his time trying to figure out the why's. Kogane was astute. Something must have spooked him. Quickly standing up, he said, "I'll contact you as soon as I have news on the witch."

"I'll be waiting. Now, go!"

Taking his leave to the opposite side of the club, Hazar followed orders.

Once gone, Keith pushed people aside to get through to Allura. Once there, he found the Drule grabbing Allura by her arm. The beast was completely doped up with some narcotic. His eyes were glazed and his movements were awkward, "You're coming with me!"

"The hell I am!" Allura responded trying to break free from the strong hold.

"Let her go!"

Allura turned around just as the Drule looked to Keith.

"I said, let her go," Keith walked closer.

"This ain't your business," The drugged up Drule shouted.

"She's my business," Keith's voice hardened. "Now, let go of her."

Angry, the Drule pushed Allura so hard, she fell onto the floor as the Drule charged at Keith. Trying to take a swing, his missed as Keith ducked. Seeing the opportunity, Keith swung and hit the Drule hard in the abdomen.

The purple man fell on his back onto a table. Taking the opportunity, Keith grabbed the guy by the collar of his shirt, pulled him up forcefully and pounded his face using his fist.

Quickly standing up, Allura watched, along with other onlookers, as Keith continued hitting the Drule with such force that he broke the guy's nose and split his lip. The Drule was losing consciousness, but that didn't stop Keith from continuing to beat him. Seeing he was about to do more damage, Allura ran to him, "Stop it! Keith stop! He's down."

He didn't listen. He continued hitting again and again.

"Keith, damn it! Stop!"

Only when the Drule completely lost consciousness, did Keith dropped him and let him go. Turning to Allura, he said, "Let's get out of here."

The two headed out as the crowd either stepped back or looked as both of them with hard stares. Once outside, Keith noticed Allura's car parked outside.

"We need to leave now."

"What was that back there?" she asked. "You almost killed him!"

"I didn't," he answered heading to his bike. The men who guarded the vehicles walked up to them. Looking at them, Keith pulled out more money and gave them each equal amounts, "If anyone asks who we are, you don't know me or her. Got it?"

Satisfied with the pay off, the three nodded and agreed. The tall black man said, "As far as we know, we have no idea you two exist. Something tells me you should be going."

Nodding, Keith turned to Allura, "Go home."

"Not until you tell me what went on in there!"

Knowing she wouldn't let me go that easily, Keith shook his head, "Get in your car and follow me."

Wasting no time, Allura ran to her car just as Keith got on his bike. As she drove, Allura couldn't help to think if what she was about to find out would leave a sour taste in her mouth.