Hello all—
I know I've been MIA, but I've been swamped with so much work, that it's been next to impossible to sit down and write. So please accept my apologies if you have been frustrated that I haven't updated this story. I am still very committed to finishing it.
Mertz: It's here! It's here! Let's see where you kide where I leave this
Carly Chameleon: I'm so glad you're enjoying the story and I hope you continue reading. Yes, I ty to keep it as realistic as I can. It's human reactions like you said. No one is perfect. I can't very well have Keith be all mighty all the time. He has to have imperfections just like all of us do. Again, thank you for reading!
Snyperlady: Girl, I hope you like what I've done with this chapter!
LibAkilah: Thank you for reading. I think you will like what happens in this chapter…maybe.
GoPinkLion: Hi! Hope you like what this chapter holds!
Playlist
Anonymous: Destroyer
Extreme Music: Never Surrender
Midnight Machines: Muscle Memory
The Fly's: Got You Where I Want You
Chapter 23
Lotor charged, sword ready and lethal. Accepting Keith's invitation without fail, he swung the blade toward his opponent without mercy. Keith didn't waste time. Immediately countering the swing with surprising speed, he blocked Lotor's attack before using his foot to kick the prince in the abdomen and away from him.
Lotor fell to the ground and barely had time to get out of the way before Keith charged at him. Getting back up quickly, he retreated seconds before feeling the air of Keith's blade an inch or two from his face. The two sparred, countering each other's moves with indisputable success. Both were good. Too good.
"Didn't think I was a worthy opponent, did you?" Lotor asked in between the fight.
Keith just smiled. Weaving right, he was about to reach his opponent and slash the drule downward with his sword, but Lotor parried with his own sword, the blades clashed against each other.
XXXXXXXXXX
The team was in awe. The fight was flawless, perfect. Both Keith and Lotor fought well. No one knew who'd end up the victor in the battle.
"He's good," Lance whispered over the audio.
"Which one are you talking about?" Darrell asked with a concerned tone.
"Both," Hunk sighed as he watched the fight unfold.
"He'll win," Allura firmly stated to no one in particular. Everyone knew who she spoke of.
XXXXXXXXXX
He'll win.
Allura's comment was not left unnoticed. From the corner of her eye, Romelle watched Sam stiffen as her cousin stated the words. Romelle could only imagine the pain the man must have been feeling. She knew her cousin didn't mean any harm by the statement, but knowing what Sam felt, it was nothing but harmful.
"This doesn't look good," she stated wanting to defer Sam's thoughts away so he could focus on what was important at the moment.
"No," he shook he head, agreeing with her, "It's not."
"Enemy fighters retreating, Advisor," Kirian called out.
"General," Coran nodded before he called out. "I need you to run protocol with the Garrison. They are calling to assist us should an attack occur."
Not wanting to leave, but knowing he had, Sam turned away from the screen and walked toward the door, "Mosley, I'll be at the main control room. Connect me in five."
"Yes, General," she nodded as she continued working on multiple screens as the events occurred around her.
As he walked out, Romelle turned her attention to the screen.
XXXXXXXXXX
A roundhouse kick to the face had Keith flying backward before landing on the ground. Blood ran freely from the side of his forehead. Barely having enough time to block Lotor's next blow, he managed to get back up, but Lotor wasn't going to allow the Captain to recover so easily. He rushed at him.
Keith quickly rolled away before Lotor plunged the sword on what would have been in chest. Kicking up himself from the floor, Keith barely had enough time to duck before he found Lotor's sword swing just above his head. The Captain then swung his sword diagnolly through Lotor's chest, not deeply, but just enough to shred the prince's clothing.
"It's over," Keith called out. "You're dead!"
Lotor laughed, "No my dear Captain. Not yet."
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"Yes!" Allura's exclaimed excitedly as she watched Keith slash Lotor in the chest. But her joy quickly dissipated when she heard the Prince's words.
XXXXXXXXXX
"I'm through playing your games," Keith he replied. "This is over!"
"Almost," he responded. Drawing his sword. He swung it various times with all his strength, he attempted to slash his opponent. Keith retreated, avoiding each attempt.
Keith pulled up his sword, but within Lotor's various swings, the prince was able to disarm the captain. Keith's sword flew away from his hand, flying high and landing far away from them. Evading each move, Keith moved further and further back into the forest.
Trees enveloped both of them as they entered the forest.
"You should never underestimate a Drule, Captain!" Lotor yelled. "An insignificant wound to the chest. Drules have thicker skin than you just mere humans."
Cornered into a large tree, Keith had no other place to move. Lotor took advantage and took his sword plunging it through Keith's chest and through the tree. Surprised, Keith looked into Lotor's gloating yellow eyes.
"Now, it's over," the prince stated satisfactory as he retrieved the sword away from Keith. "Thank you for your time, Captain."
Keith didn't reply.
"No words, Captain?" Lotor smiled as he walked away to pick up the other sword.
"You know the way out," Keith replied as he walked over to his lion. Without any further words, Keith mounted Black and flew out.
Once gone, Cossack appeared within the bushes, "Interesting fight."
"Indeed," Lotor nodded. "Is everything else in order?"
"Everything is set," his friend replied, "Your little game worked out for more than just your purpose. Tell me, was it to your satisfaction?"
Barely smiling, Lotor shrugged, "Not as satisfying as when I'll be able to plunge that sword into his chest for real."
Noticing the Prince's demeanor, Cossack asked, "What's bothering you?"
"He's good," Lotor acknowledged. "Quite good."
"You won."
"Barely," he sighed. "I'll need to do something about this." Looking at his second in command, Lotor asked, "We'll be ready when we come back?"
"Absolutely," Cossack nodded.
"Okay, let's get out of here," Lotor replied, "I need to contact Haggar."
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The rest of the team was left speechless as they watched the fight unfold and finally end. When Lotor plunged his sword into Keith's chest, Allura gasped, "No!"
Lance's eyes widened, "Damn it."
"He's okay," Hunk replied as he realized that it was the magical sword that was plunged into the Captain's chest.
"No, he's not," Darrell replied with a deflated tone. "He lost."
Moments later, they heard the Captain call out, "All lions back to the lair."
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Walking in to the base, the team waited until Keith entered the command room. Once in, he looked around at the questionable gazes, some looking slightly disappointed. Turning to Coran instead of answering them, he asked, "Is he gone?"
"Left the planet about fifteen minutes ago," Coran nodded.
"Evacuation procedures?"
"They've ceased," Mosley replied as she walked up to him. "I've ordered them to stop. We've started sending people back home. Are you alright?"
Noticing the young woman's move toward the Captain, Allura couldn't help to pay attention to Mosley's features. She seemed infatuated with Keith. She wasn't liking her looks toward him one bit.
"I'm fine," he quickly looked at her before his gaze fell back to him team. "I need you all back out. The people…they might feel at ease seeing the lions."
"Presence," Romelle nodded.
As if realizing she was there, Keith stiffened and curtly nodded.
Mosley, not bothering to pay attention to him, walked back to a small area in the bay that contained disposable supplies. There, she found some napkins and quickly picked up some and walked over to him.
"Would it be alright if I take the zone where I live by?" Hunk suddenly asked. "I'm sure Lucy evacuated and–"
"It's alright Hunk," Keith agreed. "Go check on Lucy."
"Here," Mosley broke in. "You need to stop that bleeding."
Nodding his thanks, Hunk turned and went back out. Keith took Mosley's offering before he continued sending out orders, "Darrell, conduct a sweep of the forest. I want to make sure that Lotor didn't leave anything behind."
"On it," the younger man replied. Knowing he wouldn't receive any other explanations from the Captain, he began walking out, but not before winking at Hope who blushed and smiled as he walked out.
"Lance–"
"What did he want?"
Shaking his head, Keith sighed as he continued putting pressure on the wound, "I have no idea. I know part of it was to test my skills–"
"And he beat you," Lance snorted.
"Lance!" Romelle gave him a warning look.
Looking at her, Lance stiffened before he walked up a little toward Keith, "I mean…I didn't mean…"
"It's alright," Keith replied coldly.
"So, what now?"
"I can't help to think that he used this opportunity as a type of diversion," Keith said noticing that he was still bleeding.
"For what?" Allura suddenly asked.
"I'm not sure Altair," he genuinely responded. "But we have to figure it out fast. For now, I need you both outside. The people need to feel safe."
"You're not going too?" Lance asked trying hard to hold his sarcasm.
"I think he needs to go to MedTec," Mosley interrupted. "Captain, I think those napkins aren't helping you stop that bleeding. You might need stiches."
"Ensign Mosley is right, Captain," Coran suddenly chimed in. "Why don't you go to MedTech? Lance and Allura can go out and help the people get back to normality."
"I'll go with you," Kirian smiled at the Captain, "I need to go to MedTech and find out how many physicians Dr. Gorma deployed onto the city."
Hope, who had been quiet the entire time, observing the scene in front of her, walked up to her mother as she watched her aunt's features hardened as Keith and Mosley left the room., "Mom?" she asked as she watched her grandfather walk over to Lance and Allura to give out orders.
Turning to her daughter, Romelle said, "Yeah, honey."
"I think Aunt Allura is in trouble," she whispered.
"What do you mean?"
The younger woman replied sadly, "I think she still hasn't let go."
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Keith had walked to MedTech with Mosley to take care of his head wound. The two were silent until she told him that she'd be at the nurse's stations finding out if anyone was brought in due to any incidents during evacuations.
"I'll see Gorma after he's seen you."
He nodded and went over to Dr. Gorma's examination room knowing the physician was already waiting for him. No doubt that Mosley had already arranged it. He was right. As soon as he was about to alert the doctor he was outside, the doors opened.
"Come on in Captain," Gorma ordered as he finished preparing the materials he needed. Walking in, Keith watched as the physician gestured for him to sit down. Studying the cut, Gorma sighed, "It's going to need stiches."
Keith noticed the lack of greeting, but for once he didn't mind. He didn't feel like going through any formalities either. The good thing about Gorma was that he was never good with bedside manners. Apparently some things had not changed.
"I'm going to have to numb the area," Gorma said seriously.
"That's alright doctor, go ahead," he answered solemnly. At least the lack of talking would help him concentrate on other things that were on his mind.
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When Hunk arrived to his area, the first thing he did was to look for Lucy who he found in one of the underground waiting areas. The time felt endless as he searched for her in the various areas underground. It wasn't until he arrived at the second to the last area that he found her in a corner sitting down, carrying a crying child, about two, who clung to her fiercely.
"Lucy," he called for her.
Looking up, she saw her husband by the door. Picking up the child, she briskly walked over to Hunk who met her half way. Taking his wife into his arms, Hunk felt a massive weight lifted off him. Knowing that his wife was alive and safe put him immensely at ease.
"Are you alright?" he asked, studying her to make sure there were no physical injuries.
"I'm alright," she nodded. "I followed the evacuation procedures just like you taught me," she smiled trying to lighten the moment.
He smiled back, "Good girl." Now, taking a look at the child, he asked, "And who is this?"
"To tell you the truth, I'm not sure," she shook her head, "As we were guided in, I found her on a corner in the hallway, crying. She must have been separated from her parents." She was a cute little girl with curly black hair and green eyes. She cried quietly, probably already succumbing to exhaustion after such a stressful time. "I was going to look for someone who could help me find them."
Hunk knew he had other duties, but he couldn't tear himself from his wife at the moment, "Well, I have some things I need to do here." She looked down, but he gently touched her shoulder. "But, why don't you and this little one come with me. Maybe we'll find her parents on the way."
Lucy smiled a little as Hunk took her hand, "Okay," she whispered as they walked out.
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The fleet headed back to Korrinth, Lotor's ship leading their way back. The prince, sitting on the captain's chair in the bridge, couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
"I don't think I've seen you this happy in…well, not in a long time," Cossack shook his head as he smirked.
"This short visit granted us so many opportunities, Cossack," Lotor laughed. "Everything so far is going according to plan. Soon, Allura will be mine and the captain will be dead."
"And you can finally call yourself King," his friend reminded him.
Lotor nodded, "All in due time. There's also the destruction of Arus. But, that will also come soon enough."
"Your father would be proud of you," Cossack turned to look at his friend and brother. With the smirk gone from his features he spoke proudly and firmly, "I mean it Lotor. He and your brother would be incredibly proud of your accomplishments thus far."
Wiping away his own smile, Lotor's solemn eyes looked back to Cossack. He nodded curtly, taking in the meaning of what his friend's words really meant, "I couldn't ask for anything more than their approval. Should their lives have not been cut so short, who knows what our Empire would have looked like. Believe me when I tell you Cossack, the throne is not a priority for me. It is only a means to keep their legacy alive."
"What will happen after?" Cossack asked. "I mean, once you destroy Arus and Voltron, what's next?"
"After our enemy's destruction, I plan to continue my father's plans. From what Haggar told me, Father and Zolon wanted to take over the Coral Quadrant. Back then, Planet Ebb began experimenting on technology that far exceeded any other planet's technology. Today's they are the center of immense scientific breakthroughs. I have my sights on them after we get rid of Arus."
"You have it all planned, don't you?"
Lotor shrugged, "I've been planning for years. Like I said Cossack, all in due time. For now, my energy is on making sure we get rid of Kogane and Arus."
"And get your princess," his friend reminded him.
Lotor smiled, "And get my princess."
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The day had been long and arduous. Both Hunk and Lucy had come home drained and emotionally spent. But something in the day made Hunk realize just how strong his wife was. He had been so worried about her and the baby, but he was starting to believe that she could take care of herself, even if he wasn't there for the moment. Perhaps, he hadn't given her the credit she deserved.
He was sure Keith would reinforce patrol for all of them tonight, but was glad when he was told that the Captain would take patrol and the Corps fighters would back him. Hunk, for a moment, had forgotten that this was not the Arus of decades ago when the planet solely relied on them. Today, Arus' military was as big as the Garrison's. There was a lot more flexibility and support for the five pilots.
The two entered the apartment. Both had been mostly quiet on the way home, keeping their conversation fairly superficial. Hunk noticed how at times, Lucy would go mentally away before answering his questions in a detached way. The pilot thought that the trauma of the day had left her emotionally exhausted.
"Will?"
"Yes," he answered as he heard her voice for the first time since they had made it home.
Turning to face her husband, she said, "I think I should leave."
"What?" the statement took him by surprise. "Lucy, what are you talking about?"
With unshed tears, Lucy shook her head, "I think I understand why you're so scared of having this baby."
"Lucy,"
"Let me finish," she sighed, turning her back to him because facing him was getting harder and harder for her. "Today opened my eyes Will. You have so much on your plate and having me and the baby here is an obstacle, a hindrance."
"No," he shook his head. "Lucy, you don't understand."
"Yes," her voiced choked. "I do. Don't you get it? If there's another attack, I can't bear to think how you'll handle yourself in the air, while we are here. You'll worry. And, and…if something should happen to you because you got careless…I get it now. I do. That's why I think it's better for me to leave."
"You're leaving me?" his eyes widened in hurt and surprise.
"No!" she went and hugged him fiercely. "Never. I love you too damn much! No, Will. I'm just saying that I think it's best for me to have this baby on Earth. Just…just until things calm down here a bit…or we figure something out. I don't know. All I know for now is that we need to keep this baby safe. We need our child to be safe, Will!"
Hunk felt her heart pounding. He could tell how frightened and nervous she was and as much as he wanted to tell her that he wanted her to stay, no that he needed her to stay, he just couldn't in his heart allow her to continue feeling as scared as she was at the moment.
Holding his wife tightly, he felt the tears fall from his eyes and his own voice wavering as he told her, "I want our baby to be safe. And I want you to feel safe. Go. Go to Earth Lucy. We'll be fine. And somehow, we will make it work. I promise you that sweetheart."
Smiling sadly as she held her husband arms around her, Lucy sighed in relief, "I love you. I love you so much."
"So do I," he whispered before wondering what life would be now without his wife.
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When the doorbell rang at around twelve o'clock later that morning, she knew who'd be at the other end. Opening it, she found Lance holding a bottle of wine and a smile on his face, "We didn't get to finish our date."
Smiling back, Romelle stepped back and allowed him in.
"Are we alone?"
"Technically, no," she replied. "Hope got back in about an hour ago. She said she was exhausted after waiting for Darrell to come back go base. I'm pretty sure she's asleep by now."
"Well, I'm sure she won't interrupt," he answered as he made it into the kitchen with the bottle in hand. He knew Hope wanted nothing more than for him and Romelle to get back together so having her there was not going to be a problem for them.
If there was something that Romelle loved about Lance was his confidence. It was a characteristic that she longed and attracted her to him more than anything else. Lance's confidence projected an energy and power that undeniably gave her goosebumps.
It should have bothered her that he walked in to her kitchen with such coolness, but it didn't. Any other person would have felt disrespected by the action, but Romelle didn't mind one bit. Having him there, comfortable in her surroundings made her very happy.
Following him inside, she walked over to the cabinet that contained the glasses as he searched for the bottle opener, "Second drawer from the right," she told him knowing exactly what he was looking for. "How did it go tonight?" she asked.
"Well, as expected," he replied with a tone of concern, "The citizens are nervous. The base is up in arms trying to figure out how that maniac got past our security measures," he found the bottle opener and began opening the bottle as he spoke and she walked toward him with the glasses. "And the fact that Keith lost to the bastard was not very comforting. Personally, I'm glad that craziness wasn't televised because if it had, the people would have gone insane with worry."
"Did you find anything in the forest?"
He shook his head, "Not a thing. Darrell is going find alternative ways to search forest later today. Hopefully he'll find something."
Curiously she asked, "How's Keith?"
He looked at her before he shrugged, "Quiet. You know him. Whatever he's thinking, he's going to keep it in his mind. No way he'll talk about it." Once he opened the bottle, he poured the clear content into each of the glasses.
Romelle wanted to tell him to try to talk to Keith, but she didn't want to sour the evening with Lance getting angry, so she gave up the thought and changed the subject, "Well, thank goodness nothing else happened tonight."
"Yeah," he agreed. "Keith took patrol. I guess he wanted time to think. He usually strategizes while he's up there."
"Oh?" she asked curiously.
"Yeah," he nodded. "Knowing him, he's thinking about his next move. I assure you, he'll tell us something when we meet with him again."
She guessed Lance was doing some thinking of his own. She withheld the smirk that tempted to rise from her lips. Taking her glass, she asked, "Why don't we take this in to the living room?"
XXXXXXXXXX
When Allura walked into Sam's apartment, she found that the dining room, which had been left a mess after she was called in, was clean. Walking to the kitchen, she found the plates and glasses washed and the food containers properly placed in the garbage bins.
Sam must have gotten back early, she thought wondering why he'd be home so early. She was sure the Generals would be meeting strategizing the Corps next course of action.
She didn't wait long when she heard footsteps coming from the living room area. Walking out of the kitchen she found Sam with a duffle bag and dressed in military field gear.
He was surprised to see her, "I thought you'd still be patrolling."
"I thought you'd still be meeting with Coran and the other Generals."
He shook his head, "I was excused." He put the duffel bag down, "Coran moved up the field project. He wants us to leave tonight."
"Why?" she blinked harshly shock.
"Lotor coming here bypassing security systems scared the hell out of a lot of people," he explained. "Coran is pushing the bio-weaponry department to expedite all projects. Mine included. I have two weeks to come back with samples and first phase testing."
"Wow," she whisprered, "First phase testing? That's insane."
"But not impossible," he reasoned. "I won't have time to breathe, or eat, or sleep," he smiled a little trying to break the awkwardness he lately felt around her.
She too back, "Talk about expectations for your first field work assignment, huh Gellar?"
He rolled his eyes, feigning annoyance, "That Coran's a heinous man."
At this she laughed. And her heart found a place for him that she had long lost. Allura couldn't leave things as they were. Sam was such a good man and it pained her that she had treated him so bad. Without warning, she walked over to Sam and hugged him. He hugged her back with such affection that she almost cried. With a gleam in her eyes full of pride, she said, "You'll do one hell of a job, Sam. I couldn't be any more proud of you."
"You think so?"
"I know so," she nodded with full determination.
He smiled, a sense of pride and confidence showing in his features, "I guess I better go."
"Come on, I'll drop you off."
"It's okay," he gently told her as he picked up his bag.
"No," she responded, "I want to see you off. I want to be there for you."
Happily, Sam sighed, "Thanks Allura."
She shrugged, "I mean it Sam. You'll do great!"
XXXXXXXXXX
Sitting down drinking still drinking their wine, Lance poured the last of the bottle into the two wine glasses. They had been speaking for over an hour about the evening events. Romelle shared the little information about Sam's expedition, based on what Allura had told her in passing. Lance shared his discussions with Keith and whatever Lotor held in that base on Korrinth. Neither really thought about discussing anything else, the evening's events remained vividly on their minds.
"Has Keith shared with you who'd like to take the mission," she asked curiously wanting to know if he knew that Sam wanted to go.
Lance shook his head, "Nothing other than the fact that none of us can go. We're too well known to set foot there. But truthfully Elle, I couldn't imagine anyone in the base going. Most soldiers have never set foot on Korrinth and if they have, they don't know the Korrinth of the past, the Korrinth that Lotor's resurrected since his arrival."
"Do you really think it's that bad?"
He drank from his glass, "They are free from Garrison vigilance. I'm sure the Drules from our time are having a field day and those who never knew the past won't give up their new found freedom. It's going to be one dangerous place for any human."
"And if you don't have any experience-"
"You'll be good as dead."
Romelle thought about Sam again and prayed that Keith wouldn't feel cohersed to fulfill Sam's wishes. Sam didn't belong there. No one on Arus did.
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Allura and Sam walked toward the expedition bay, the area where the research and development scientists kept all their field ships. Twenty-seven ships of various sizes were housed and ready for flight. Sam and Allura walked over to a small but powerful looking cruiser approximately 250 meters in length.
"It's pretty small," Allura sighed worriedly.
"Needs to be," he nodded, "The smaller it is the less likely it is to be detected, especially with the Drules around."
She turned to him, full of worry, "Sam, be careful out there. Get what you need and go. Don't play hero and if, heavens forbid you're attacked, use evasive maneuvers to get away. This ship is not capable of fighting any Drule ship. It's limited in artillery and truthfully, the only good thing in its defense is its speed."
"I know Allura," he agreed. "But truthfully, I doubt I'll have that trouble. They're paying attention to Arus. It's you who needs to be careful. Watch your back. Lotor will be back."
"We'll be ready," she replied.
They're were quiet for a moment, neither knowing what to say next. A few seconds later someone called Sam's name. Both looking to the direction of the voice, they watched as a young soldier walked to them.
"That's Private Nelson O'Reilly. He's part of the crew," Sam said as he waved a curt hello and watched the kid with the short cropped hair and freakles made his way closer to them.
"He was in my field experience class last year," Allura remembered. "Good. He can help you if you're not sure about a certain procedure." A few other officers began to enter the base and walking toward him. Turning to him again, Allura, "Your crew is making their way here. I guess it's really time to say goodbye."
"Guess it is," Taking her into his arms, Sam hugged her gently, softly kissing her forehead, "I'll see you soon, Allura."
"See you soon Sam, " Allura replied with a little smile. She thought he'd kiss her goodbye and suddenly felt disappointed. Not because he didn't kiss her, but because a small part of her was glad he didn't.
XXXXXXXXXX
Once she said her goodbye's Allura began walking back in to the main building just as she heard the familiar sounds of a lion flying above the sky. She had grown accustomed to the sounds that the lions made while in the air and there was no doubt in her mind one had just flown above. One she knew quite well. She didn't need to look up, for she already knew who it was. Instead, she turned to Sam who was speaking to his troops. Whether he knew, or not, that Black lion had flown above, Allura couldn't tell. He was either too focused on task or chose to ignore it.
Altair, however, wasn't about to. An inner feeling, deep inside urge her to go to him. Without a second thought, Allura walked back to the base with the intention of heading to the lair, not knowing that from afar, as he spoke to his troops, Sam watched her.
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"I better get going," Lance said as he stood up and picked up the two glasses along with the empty bottle of wine. "It's getting pretty late and I'm sure that the briefing later today won't be easy."
As he walked back to the kitchen, Romelle asked, "Are you sure you should be driving?"
"I feel fine," he answered putting the glasses in the sink.
"Lance we drank a full bottle of wine," she reasoned.
Feigning to be tipsy, Lance walked to her, "Well, you know, I do feel a little…dizzy." Wrapping his arms around her waist he said, "Perhaps I should stay here tonight." He began to kiss her neck and Romelle closed her eyes enjoying the feeling.
"Lance," she said weakly. "We…we can't."
"Who says," he replied as he made his way to her lips.
His kisses felt wonderful. Intoxicating, just amazing. Romelle couldn't stop. She couldn't find a way to make him leave. She didn't want him to leave.
Letting her go for a moment, Lance ran her fingers through her blonde hair, whispering, "How about it Elle? You want me to stay?"
XXXXXXXXXX
Making it to the lair from the launch base took at least fifteen minutes. The launching bay where Sam was to deploy was a separate bay from the one Corps troops used. Allura figured that by the time she reached the area, Keith would be out of the lion and by the control center.
When she reached there however, he was nowhere to be found. Neither was Black. Bewildered, she walked over to control. Mosley wasn't there. Usually she manned control. "She transferred communications to the tower," Allura whispered.
With all that occurred earlier today, Kirian was most likely at control overseeing all other orders from Coran, the Generals or the Garrison itself. It had been definitely an out of the norm day.
Punching in codes, Allura began to search for Black's signal. He had to have landed. As she walked over to the lair, she had distinctly heard the Corp fighers take flight to patrol. The wait didn't take long, that part didn't surprise Allura. Black's location did.
"The moat?" she questioned. "Why is Keith by the moat?"
The moat was Black's resting place decades earlier. Long ago, when the castle was still used as the central point of the planet, Black lion stood by a large tall tower, surrounded by the moat. Today, the water was gone, the tower was empty and the moat was basically a lot unsued for anything other than infantry practice.
Now, more than ever curious, Allura quickly left the lair and briskly walked over to area. Remembering that an elevator was built in the base to access the tower, she decided to go there to get a better view of what Keith was doing below.
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When the doors of the elevator door opened, Allura was hit with a gust of wind. She had forgotten how high the tower was. During daylight, she'd be able to see an amazing view of the city. There were two elevator doors. One accessed the base the other brought you down to the ground area. The square shaped tower now had rails to keep anyone from failing and to be able to walk to the edge and view the action happening below.
Walking over to the rails, Allura did just that and held her gasp when she saw Black lion lying down in a crescent position, curled up with its tail wrapped around its body. It's eyes glowed mildly and Allura could have sworn she heard soft purring, even from where she stood. And right by the lion's mouth was Keith. His back resting against its jaw sitting down, as if he was relaxing.
It was the most surreal thing that Allura had ever seen. The lions were always thought at machines, magical machines in fact, but they were never thought of to have animal like tendencies. Yet, Black, demonstrating animal like qualities of a feline. It was impossible!
Allura's blue eyes were wide with surprise and awe. Wanting to know more, she looked around and noticed a button close othe a corner wall. It was used to be able to listen to anything happening below. Immediately she pushed it and heard…
"What makes you think I did it on purpose?" she heard Keith say in the most gentle and relaxing tone. This was a tone she hadn't heard for decades. A very relaxed Keith spoke and it brought her a level of happiness she didn't think she had for him.
The lion purred.
"I know," he continued. "But it has to be done."
Altair put her hand over her mouth in surprise. Keith wasn't talking to himself. He was talking to the Black Lion and Black was answering him. Not in words, something else. Allura walked over to the rails once again and looked below. The lion's eyes were still glowing. "He's communicating with Keith," she whipered to herself.
Suddenly the lion looked up and Allura stepped away, not wanting to be caught. Her heart pounded fast. "Damn it!"
She heard Keith ask, "What?"
Quickly, getting back to the elevator, she opened the doors, wanting to get back to the base. The last thing she wanted was for Keith to catch her spying on him.
XXXXXXXXXX
From below, Keith stood and looked up. He knew she had been there, but for how long?
When Black looked up, he immediately felt Allura's presence, but he hadn't before. So, there was no way of knowing how long she'd been there or how much she saw.
The relaxing feeling he had before completely left. Back again was his solemn and stoic stance.
"It' time," he seriously said.
The lion growled gently as if regretting looking up. Clearly he didn't want to go.
Keith smiled a little, "I promise that next time, we'll stay out here longer."
Satisfied with the answer, the lion opened its mouth and allowed Keith access to the cockpit.
It didn't take long before they flew back to the lair.