For those who are still reading, thank you so much for your patience. Only a few chapters to go! I have had an immense amount of work in the past few months that I have been unable to finish the story as fast as I wanted to, but it's getting near completion and I'm happy about it.
Please be patient and I hope you like where I'm going with this…
Guest: I'm going as fast as I can. LOL! Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Guest: You know, I've never watched GOT. Everyone has suggested watching it, but since I don't have HBO…oh well. Maybe I'll read the books. Did I mimic something in that series? Honestly, I'm lost every time people talk about it.
LibAkilah: Sorry!, But, the reveal is coming very soon. I'm hoping in the next one or two chapters. Does that make you feel better? In terms of the chapters, this one is my longest one. Mertz wanted to literally kill me when I sent it to her for edits. Thank you for enjoying them. And you know, this Allura, although some people have shared with me that they don't like her, is just my favorite interpretation of her. I have a hard time writing her as a "innocent" princess type…I don't now, that's just me. Holograms…yeah, had no idea I was going to put that in until the idea came to me early one morning as I drove to work. Hope you like this chapter!
Feli3: Hope you enjoy this one my friend!
Snyperlady: Yeah…to me, this Keith is yummy. LOL. Secret revealed in the next one or two chapters
Mertz: Did I kill you with the 16 pages? Well, I'm hopeful this will be the last of the long chapters…I hope. Hee hee hee.
Guest: Stop working! Read! It's much more fun.
GoPinkLion: Ha ha! I absolutely love this Lotor. Well, in terms of Allura, she looks like she's in her twenties, but she's really in her 40's. Being in your 40's and being military, I can see her being controlled and much more experience that Lotor who IS in his twenties. Yep, the lions do have a connection with Keith and yep, secret revealed soon! Thank you! The scene with Blue was thought of as I was listening to a song at work. I don't listen to too much modern/contemporary music, at least not for this fic. This one is more movie soundtrack music.
Always grateful to my editor Mertz for making this fic even better! So thankful to know her. Besos mi amiguita linda! No sabes cuanto lo aprecio.
Okay, here we go!
Playlist
Two Steps from Hell: All is Hell that Ends Well
Audiomachine: Black Caldroun
Audiomachine: Being Alive
Chapter 29
Sitting on the floor in front of the large floor to ceiling window that overlooked the glimmering city, Romelle's thoughts wandered. So many things went through her mind as she nestled herself in the blue throw blanket wrapped around her. Was Allura safe? Was Lance going to be okay? Would she have the opportunity to undo…?
"Mom," she heard Hope's voice call out to her.
Turning around, she watched her daughter walk to her holding a mug in each hand, "Just made some Earl Grey. Thought you might want some." Offering a mug to her mother, Hope said, "You know, she's going to be okay. Aunt Allura is one tough chick."
Romelle knew her daughter tried to appease her nerves, but she could not help it, she was nervous. Taking the mug from her daughter's hand as the younger woman sat next to her, she answered, "That's my worry. Your aunt can be so impulsive that I don't think she realizes that being tough doesn't always mean being smart."
Taking a more serious tone, Hope replied, "She'll be fine. They will all be fine."
Romelle smiled a little as she opened the blanket and shared it with her daughter, "I just can't help worrying. I feel the same way when they went off on missions all those years ago. It was nerve racking then and it's pretty much the same now."
The two remained silent for a moment, enjoying their hot beverages while staring at the sun dipping below the horizon, the fleeting colors of dusk slipping away and introducing the charcoal black sky contrasting the city lights that slowly grew brighter.
"Can I ask you something?" Hope looked at her mother.
"Sure," Romelle gave her daughter a gentle smile, "What's on your mind, kiddo?"
"Don't you think it's time to tell the truth?" Hope looked straight at her mother with a gentle quiet firmness. A look in her eyes that reminded Romelle of Sven.
Romelle's gentle smile withered away at the question her daughter posed, "Hope…"
"I'm not sure what you're hiding," the younger woman said quickly, "Or why. But, I'll never judge you for it. You had your reasons and I trust them. However, I know that secret destroyed all of you. Mom, I have not seen you happy in years. And, I want you to be happy. You deserve to be happy."
Romelle took her daughter's hand, "Honey, it's not that easy."
Hope shook her head, "Nothing ever is. All I know is that whatever you've held on to for so many years is eating away at you." She paused for a moment before continuing, "Uncle Lance has been in love with you ever since I can remember. As far as I know, it's always been Uncle Lance. I love both my fathers, with all my heart, but I also love Uncle Lance and I know he is the right person for you. Mom, be happy again. Promise me you'll be happy again."
A single tear escaped from Romelle's eyes. She nodded, "I promise. But you have to promise me something too."
"What's that?"
"When Lance comes back, I'm going to tell him…things. Things that you'll also hear and will not like. Promise me forgiveness, Hope! I'm not sure Lance will and I'm prepared to live with that, but I can't…I couldn't stand if you left me too."
"No!" Hope put the mug down on the table and hugged her mother, "Mom, I could never leave you."
Hugging her daughter tightly, Romelle was not sure if Hope would keep her promise once she found out the truth.
XXXXXXXXXX
Coran took a short break from the Lion's Lair to brief Galaxy Garrison on the Voltron Force's rescue mission on Korrinth. Deciding to take the call from his office allowed him the opportunity to gather his thoughts in new surroundings. The past thirty-two hours confined in the Lair tired him. He needed not only a mental break, but a visual break as well. Being away didn't worry him, he was able to connect to the Lair from his office should an emergency arise.
After his briefing, he leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and thought about Allura. He was worried. Allura was his second daughter. And, truth be known, more like him than his own daughter. Perhaps that was the reason they consistently got on each other's nerves. He smiled sadly. If anything were to happen to his little girl, he'd have a hard time continuing to fight this war. He lost his brother and his wife…he could not take another loss. He wouldn't accept the loss of Allura by any means.
He was tired. Nearing seventy, Coran Altair felt the years, lately even more so, crashing down on him. His hair was no longer the cooper brown it was once. Now, he sported an all gray look. He counted his lucky stars. At least he had hair.
There were far more wrinkles on his face than there were years prior and he noticed that he'd need to increase his eyeglass prescription soon. The advisor exercised regularly; keeping himself active was a necessity in his line of work. He ate healthy, slept as much as he could…overall, not too bad for a man who would celebrate his sixty-ninth year of life in a few months.
He felt himself dosing when he heard the sound of chimes alerting him to someone at the door. Clicking on his vidscreen, he saw Kirian Mosley waiting patiently outside his office. He pressed the button that opened the door and allowed the young woman in.
"How can I help you, Ensign Mosley?" he asked as he sat up.
Feeling a little shy for a moment, the young girl shrugged nervously, "I…I wanted to inquire about the team? How they are doing?"
Sighing a little, Coran replied, "I really cannot give you such information, Ensign Mosley. You very well know that the captain does not wish to share any information about the mission."
"My apologies, Advisor Coran," Kirian answered defensively, "I don't understand why I'm being shut out of this mission."
"You must understand, Ensign, that we need to find how Lotor entered the planet in the first place," he reasoned with her. "Someone let him in and we suspect it must have come from the inside. We need to keep the information on this mission completely secret until it is over."
"I understand that," she nodded, her tone of voice, had lowered. "What I can't understand is why include me in these suspicions."
"I'm not including you."
"Well, it sure feels like it," the young woman raised her tone again.
"Ensign," Coran lowered his voice dangerously, "You are out of line! May I remind that you have taken liberties that are not yours to take? You don't speak to your commanding officer in such a manner and I hope this is the last time it happens. If it does, I will not hesitate to ship you back to Earth. I suggest you go back to your assigned post and await further instructions."
The woman backed off. Shaken, she stepped back and took a breath to calm down, "My apologies, Advisor Coran. I'm not sure what came over me. I'm just…I'm just worried for them."
Nodding and calming down himself, Coran responded, "I understand. But, you must follow protocol. Don't take it personally, Ensign Mosley."
"It's just that, I've been included in everything until now," she shrugged. "I feel left out."
"I also understand that," Coran with a curt nod, "And again, you need to understand protocol. In terms of Voltron, not even I have the authority to make decisions. This is the captain's orders and they supersede mine."
"I understand," she nodded. "Again, I'm sorry."
"Then, if all is understood, you are dismissed."
The young woman saluted, turned, and walked out the office without another word.
Sitting back down, a feeling of frustration riled within him, Coran wondered what transpired in the last few minutes. It was so unlike for Mosley to react in such a way, "What is going on with that child?"
XXXXXXXXXX
Three dozen fighters emerged from the planet at amazing speeds. It did not take long for Lance to feel the impact of the enemy fighters within the first few seconds, "We got company!" More would come. Lance knew it. "Lock and load!"
"They don't waste time, do they?" Hunk expressed. Following command, he slammed his lion into a Drule fighter. He couldn't help noticing the beautiful design of the drule ships. Twin engines, twin-tails, and variable swing-sweep wings. They were tactical fighter aircrafts designed to be fast, flexible, and incredibly versatile. Hunk hated to admit it, but he was in love. If he made it back, he'd bring ideas to redesign some of the Corps and Garrison fighters.
Darrell, about to hit his target, was surprised when the fighter took evasive maneuvers, turned sideways and avoided the hit within mere inches, "And fast! These things are wicked!"
"Keep your eyes on the present. You know the drill, guys, we're only here to divert attention," Lance responded. "How are the holograms working?"
"So far, so good." Darrell evaded incoming fighters as he worked on the holographic images, "The fighters are avoiding the supposed hits Black and Blue throw at them, but it won't be long before they realize that there's nothing there but empty space. You got to get Keith in there fast."
"Stay behind us," Lance ordered. "Hunk and I will take lead."
"Got it," the younger of the men answered as he allowed his teammates to pass him.
"Captain," Lance switched channels to connect to Kogane, "How far away are you?"
XXXXXXXXXX
"I can already see the interaction," Keith acknowledged. "Heading to you in two minutes, fifteen seconds."
"Copy that," he heard Lance state from the connection.
Turning to his co-pilot, Keith said to Sam, "See the button located to your left?"
Sam gazed at the immense number of fighters littering the dark space ahead of them. They looked like bright lights flickering crazily with no apparent rhythm. Like stars constantly twinkling. Yet, he knew that the twinkling was really missiles going off in every direction.
"Gellar," Keith called out.
Coming back to the present, Sam looked at Kogane before setting his sights on the button Keith directed him to, "Yeah," he nodded.
"When I tell you to, I need you to press that button," he replied looking forward, getting closer to the galactic battle taking place in front of them.
"You can get through that?" Sam asked. Not exposed to air combat, the man looked nervously ahead.
"There are not as many as I thought there would be," Keith commented. "Shouldn't be a problem. Make sure you are strapped in. Once we go into stealth mode, you won't be able to secure yourself."
Nodding, Sam strapped in while continuing to look ahead. The lights brightened.
XXXXXXXXXXX
"I'll create an entry path for you," his second-in-command answered. "Enter stealth mode at my signal."
"Confirm," Lance heard Keith's acknowledgement.
"Hunk," Lance then ordered. "Keep'em off my tail."
"Got it!" Hunk yelled out as the Red Lion sped through in a linear sequence toward the planet. Hunk, in turn, took out the enemy fighters in Lance's way while Darrell covered both lions from his location.
"Get ready, Captain," Lance yelled moving forward, "five…four…three…two…one. Go!"
XXXXXXXXXXX
Upon command, Keith pushed his aircraft to full speed. Soon, he was a few hundred feet from the Red Lion.
"Now!" he ordered and Gellar pressed the button. The aircraft moved faster, gaining distance on the lion at an alarming rate.
We're going to collide! "We're going to hit it!" Sam yelled when suddenly the lion's bulky torso veered right, allowing the aircraft to continue pushing forward, getting closer to the planet. Keith ignored him, looking straight ahead.
Within seconds, they entered Korrinth's stratosphere, before diving and swerving to avoid the tall mountainous terrains of the planet. Keith realigned the craft to make a safe and seamless landing behind some cliffs overlooking Lotor's castle.
Engines off, he turned on the multi-spectral camouflage feature to blend in with the cliffs. Keith communicated with his second-in-command, "I'm in, Lance, stall as much as you can."
Connecting to Keith's ship, Lance stated, "You got an hour. Proceed to target, prosecute with precision."
"Acknowledged," Keith replied. Looking at Gellar, he asked, "Ready?"
Nodding curtly, the older looking man answered, "Let's go."
XXXXXXXXXX
"Acknowledged," were the words of his former friend before the communication ceased.
As the battle continued outside the planet, Lance watched the rest of the team handle the influx of ships coming out of Korrinth, "Guys, time to retreat for now."
"We're just going to leave?" Darrell asked.
"They're in," he answered. "We need to wait until Keith contacts us. Don't worry, we'll be close by."
"Won't they suspect something?" Hunk chimed in as well as he fought against the incoming ships coming his way.
"It's not going to take long before they realize we are two lions short," the Red Lion pilot reminded them. "I'm sure they know we are planning something. Hopefully, by the time they figure out Keith and Gellar are in, they will already have rescued Allura."
"How close is close?"
"A few thousand miles," he answered. "Let's lead these fighters away from Korrinth. That should distract them a little longer."
"Got it!" Darrell answered. "Let's go."
Nodding, Lance turned his lion and distanced his team away from the planet. The drule fighters followed. Korrinth looked farther and farther by the second. "Good luck," he whispered to the dead link. A perturbing feeling grew within him.
XXXXXXXXXX
The heaps of dark thick desert sands did not overshadow the greatness of Lotor's monstrous gothic castle that stood in the middle of the desert, surrounded by smaller buildings and steadfast walls. The smoldering walls of dark grey stone rendered it gloomy, but sublime and even threatening. Circular towers around the compound served as watchtowers, most likely filled with Drules watching and guarding the area.
As twilight approached, the structure took an even darker tone. Sam, looking through his binoculars, thought for a moment of how they would get in. It seemed impenetrable. "How will we ever get in there?"
"How else?" Keith shrugged as he studied the area in front of him through his own set of binoculars, "We blend in."
"What?" Sam looked at the captain, confused by the answer. Then, he looked around. There were some drule soldiers in uniform patrolling the perimeters. He looked at Keith for a moment, "I sure hope that whoever we knock out is our size. How will we even get down there?"
"Night fall is approaching. We'll have to wait till then," Keith answered with a sigh. "We'll probably need to head west of the compound. There looks to be less movement in that area."
"Where's that?"
Keith pointed, "The arena."
The once great arena that hosted the battles Zarkon used as entertainment for his people was desolate and deteriorated. It reminded Keith of Rome's Colosseum on Earth. He had seen pictures of the ancient structure in books. No longer standing, it now existed in historical references. The structure was pitted and scarred, the columns worn and crumbled. He wondered how many ghosts walked aimlessly, reliving their deaths in that trap.
From the malformed cliffs a few hundred feet across from Lotor's inherited castle, Keith and Sam watched what laid ahead of them. It would be challenging and Keith doubted an hour would be enough. He prayed that it would.
"Kogane!" Sam suddenly whispered excitedly. "Look! Isn't that, Allura?"
The men watched Lotor and Allura walk out of the castle towards a cruiser parked at the entrance. Lotor helped Allura get in and then he entered the vehicle before it drove away from the castle, north toward the outside grounds.
"Where do you think they are headed?" Sam asked as he looked through the binoculars.
"I don't know," Keith, answered, putting his binoculars on the ground. Taking out a small electrical device from his pocket, he began looking over the digital map of the area.
"They are driving pretty fast. Can you tell where they are going?"
Moments of silence passed before, Keith answered, "It looks like they are heading toward Creta."
"From what McClain shared with me, isn't that..."
Keith nodded, "We better get there fast. I have no idea what he's planning, but I don't want Allura there when he begins."
"How will we get there?"
"We're going to have to steal a cruiser," Keith replied, looking at a second cruiser parked by the arena, "Come on!" Heading down the cliffs, Keith continued speaking as Sam followed behind him, "Stay close and follow my lead."
"Don't worry about me, I can handle my own," the general firmly stated.
"I hope so," Keith answered as he and Sam ran to the cruiser.
VVVVVVVVVV
They reached Creta within a few minutes after getting inside the cruiser. As they walked inside the base, Allura looked around unimpressed by the surroundings that showed nothing out of the ordinary. However, her suspicion grew the more she took in. It was a small base with the simplest communication devices handled by a few young Drules that looked like they had just graduated from wearing diapers and had moved on to pull-ups.
"I don't understand. Why have you brought me here?" Allura asked as she looked at Lotor, who had not let go of her hand since he had helped her out of the cruiser.
"Like I told you," Lotor replied, "I want to show you how I plan to take over your world and end Garrison's reign over the galaxy." He led her to an elevator hidden on the farthest corner of the square like base. "Come Allura," he told her gently with a smile as the doors opened. "You do want to see…don't you?"
"Of course," she replied, walking in with him. Soon, the doors closed and Altair felt the elevator descend to a destination she thought to be darker than oblivion.
VVVVVVVVVV
Sundown offered great cover as the two climbed down the cliffs. The red planet dimmed down to an eerie blackness that threatened to swallow the men into the night. It did not take Keith and Sam too long to reach the dilapidated structure. Keith studied the way the transporter rode around, surveying the area in a slow, steady drive. They were patrolling, and as he drew closer, he noticed that the drule's driving seemed relaxed, not particularly expecting an encounter like the one they were about to receive.
They attacked when the transporter made a stop and a drule left the vehicle, most likely to inspect an entryway of the arena. Sam forced out the drule that was still in transport using the element of surprise by putting his blaster to the Drule's head and whispering to slowly get out of the car before knocking him out. Keith, on the other hand, found the one by the entryway and knocked him out cold without even a warning. Sam never heard a sound.
After locking them in one of the arena's cells, they blasted the cell doors shut. It would take a while for them to be found. Taking the transport, they drove down to the base and parked the cruiser close to the area.
The two of them watched from their positions as Lotor and Allura entered the Creta base. Lotor held Allura's hand possessively with Allura not appearing to fight the advance.
Keith knew her game; she was obviously playing the young fool in order to acquire information. Still, the jealous part of him fumed at him touching any part of her. He turned to Sam, who looked like he didn't like it any better.
"He's taking her to the lower levels," he stated seriously. "Whatever he's planning, it's taking place down there."
"What's in the lower levels?" Sam turned to look at the captain, who stared back.
"I don't know," he shook his head. "We haven't been able to find out what's down there. That was the point of using a mole. Guess we won't need one after all."
Opening the backpack he carried, Keith retrieved some weaponry, "We're about to find out the old fashion way."
"How?" Sam inquired naively.
"Front door attack. No other choice. There's only one entry," Keith answered without a hint of emotion. "Better get ready, Gellar. You're about to save your girl."
VVVVVVVVVV
When the doors of the elevator opened, Altair's eyes grew wide while taking in the sight in front of her. A mammoth of a laboratory welcomed her and Lotor as they walked out. When she first entered the base, she saw nothing out of the ordinary. It looked like a regular military surveillance base. But, Lotor guided her to an elevator that he said would take them to the ground floor. Keith and Lance had mentioned that, she inwardly reminded herself. Now, she was about to get look at what Lotor hid below ground.
Around her, numerous drules walked, from one end to another, working diligently on something Allura couldn't quite see. Others inputted data on different vidscreens, typing characters so foreign to her eyes, she didn't even try to understand. But, she knew that whatever information they typed in would prove to be very valuable.
At the farthest end of the lab, she saw a huge window. The see-through glass showed no exterior, no outside landscaping of any sort, nothing. But, she did notice something peculiar happening inside. Something…many things… moved. They looked like bugs. "What the hell?" she whispered as she let go of Lotor's hand and walked closer to the window.
"Look closer, my dear princess," Lotor slowly spoke as he allowed her to walk towards the window.
Allura passed the drules who worked around her, without any regard of her presence. She made her way closer. Her eyes widened when she saw the swarms of bugs flying all over the large room. They look like flies…but…they're not.
"Meet your destruction, Allura," Lotor called out as he walked up behind her, gently placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Oh my God!" Allura whispered, finally realizing what she was seeing.
VVVVVVVVVV
The night sky appeared quite fast as Korrinth's sunrises lasted longer than the sunsets. By the time Keith and Sam reached the base, darkness draped over the skyline. Luckily, the two men carried with them night vision glasses that allowed them to navigate the terrain.
Keith signaled Sam. Silently, he held up his fingers and counted, one, two, three…
Sam nodded.
Both men silently counted to three before Keith took lead. Blasting the entrance door of the compound before kicking it open, the two found themselves immediately attacked by drules. Keith opened fired with such ease that astounded Sam.
Not wasting any time, Sam targeted and blasted those soldiers coming his way.
In a matter of seconds, all of the drules were on the floor. No one else came. No alarms set off.
"I don't like it," Keith said.
"What?"
"This is too easy," Keith replied. "These are kids. Why would Lotor place inexperienced young soldiers on this base?" He was silent for a moment, "Whatever happens from here on, get Allura out. Got that?"
"You think this is a trap?"
"I believe so," he hesitated. "Get ready."
"What now?" Sam asked.
"Follow me," Keith replied as he walked cautiously farther into the base. Soon, they found themselves entering an elevator, "Guess, we're going underground."
"You think they're waiting for us?"
"I know so."
VVVVVVVVVVVV
Turning around, Allura's eyes locked on the drule prince, "How?"
Lotor shrugged and gave her a soft smile, "Now, why should I give away my secrets? I'll tell you all in due time." A moment later, a drule entered the room and walked over to the prince. He whispered something in his ear. Lotor nodded before the man walked away. He looked at Allura, "Your rescue party has arrived."
The prince turned to the staff, who continued their tests on the other side of the room, "Lock up the facility. No one enters until I say. Prepare for our first test subject."
Allura walked up to him, "What are you talking about?"
"My dear," Lotor shook his head slowly, "I need to test my creation. What better way to conduct its capability than in a controlled environment?"
Her eyes widened, "This whole kidnapping was…"
"Very astute, my dear princess," Lotor replied immediately and with pride. "Keeping you here would be the ideal situation, but it's not a priority for the moment. Your time with me will come soon enough. I guarantee it. Right now, I have other pressing matters that are of more importance."
"No…" she whispered, realizing what his priority was.
"Come now, Allura," he took her by the hand, "Your friends are waiting."
VVVVVVVVVV
"Lance, come in," Keith contacted his second-in-command as he and Sam took the elevator to the lower floors of the compound.
"I'm here," Lance replied through Keith's earpiece, "Is everything alright?"
"I need you guys here, now," Keith quickly answered. "Something is not right. They know we are here. I need an extraction as soon as I get out of this base."
"How long?" Lance replied without hesitation.
"Ten minutes. Allura will be out in ten minutes," he quickly replied as the elevator began to slow down, preparing itself to stop. "When you see her, leave."
Sam looked at the captain, realizing what his words meant.
"Roger," Lance confirmed. "We'll be there in ten."
The elevator stopped. Keith looked at Sam, "Stay here. Your job is to guide Allura back to the surface."
Sam nodded.
"I don't have to tell you that anyone other than her, you shoot. Don't hesitate, don't question. Shoot." Keith was cold, emotionless. Sam knew that there was no room for error.
"I know," he replied with a curt nod.
The doors opened. Keith immediately prepared for combat.
The corridor was empty.
No one rushed them.
Keith stepped out of the elevator, gun in hand, and prepared to blast anything in sight. What stood in front of him was a maze. A vast array of hallways lay before him, leading to the unknown. He moved straight forward, looked around, ready for an altercation, but not expecting one. Somewhere in this compound, they patiently waited for him. He continued walking down the corridor; quickly trying to find the only person he wanted to see while hoping he took the right path.
"Keith!" he heard her calling.
"Allura!" he hollered back, trying to locate where the voice came from.
"Keith!" she called out again.
He closed his eyes, trying to connect to her. Suddenly, Keith's vision materialized and he saw the corridors that he needed to take to find her. Opening his eyes, he ran through the maze, knowing exactly how to get to her.
Soon Keith found her running to him. Without realizing it, both embraced, an overwhelming feeling of happiness and shared relief. She looked at him, "I knew you'd come."
Gently, he touched her cheek, "We need to get out of here."
Allura nodded, "He's−"
"Why leave so soon, Captain?"
They both turned and watched as the prince appeared at the end of the hallway. "At least, allow me to first conduct my test."
"Keith, we need to go! Now!" Allura desperately replied.
"You know the way out," Keith answered calmly as he stared at Lotor. "Sam is waiting for you by the elevators. Lance and the team are outside."
Realizing what he was saying, Allura shook her head, "No!"
"It's the only way to hold him off, Allura." He turned to face her, "I'll catch up."
Suddenly, they heard the clomp of heavy walking. A loud, hard sound of booted feet pounding the ground floor.
What is that? Keith asked.
"Let's begin the test, shall we? Allura, I'll see you soon, my love," Lotor smiled as he casually moved aside, preparing to allow the visitor to pass right by him.
Go now, Keith whispered in her mind, not waiting for her answer. As the entity drew closer, the pounding grew louder, heavier.
"I'm not leaving without you," Allura said aloud. Her voice reflecting the nervousness she tried to control.
Thump
Thump
Lotor gloated.
"Allura, just go," Keith firmly replied. "You need to go now. I'll follow soon."
He was lying and she knew it. Lotor would not let him leave, and Allura could not do anything about it, I'll come back for you.
He shook his head, "Just go."
Thump
Thump
"Be careful." Hesitantly, Altair took leave. She ran to the elevator in haste. Her plan was to reach the surface, get one of the lions and tear the place apart.
She was not leaving without him.
That was not an option.
VVVVVVVVVV
As expected, the lions met a swarm of drule fighters upon re-entry into Korrinth, not to mention the few that followed them back from their diversion. By this point, the drules realized only three lions fought against them.
"We can't waste any time," Lance called out. "This is an extraction. As soon as you see them, get them and get out."
"Right," both men replied as they fought their way in.
Lance took lead. By the way Keith spoke to him, something was very wrong. He expected Sam and Allura out, Keith not so much. The thought left a sour taste in his mouth.
XXXXXXXXXX
Once Allura left them, Keith's concentration turned to what headed his way. The thundering steps continued moving closer. Lotor watched with a smile and Keith couldn't tell what the hell the monster smiled at.
"Care to share what you're so happy about?" Keith yelled as he held steadily onto his weapon and quickly checked the accessibility of other weapons around his combat suit.
Turning slowly to face the captain, Lotor sighed in satisfaction, "Oh, I'm just really proud of my creation. To think all these years and it's finally alive."
The hard sounds of the steps grew even louder…it was close.
Thump
Thump
"What did the witch conjure up this time around?"
Lotor laughed, "No, not the witch."
Keith finally watched as Lotor took one-step aside. His eyes widened in amazement at the one thing he'd never thought he'd see.
XXXXXXXXXX
Hearing running footsteps, Sam yelled out, "Allura!"
She emerged from the long corridor with frightened eyes, "Sam!"
Sam met her and drew her close to him. Allura, instinctively hugged him back, "Sam! Thank you for coming. Thank you."
"I'd never leave you," he replied, holding her tight. "Are you alright?"
Tenderly, she put her hand on his cheek, "No, you wouldn't," she gratefully smiled. "I'm alright, but we have to get out of here."
"Where's Kogane?"
"With Lotor," Allura answered worriedly. "Who else is here?"
"The rest of your team. They should be close."
"Okay," she nodded. "We need to get to one of the lions and then come back for Keith."
She felt Sam hesitate at the statement. Allura knew it was not because he didn't want to help Keith, he just wanted out of this place. As much as he fought for it, this just wasn't Sam's strength, "Yes. Come on."
About to go to the elevator, they heard the sounds of an alarm and the computerized voice system, Warning. This facility will self-destruct in T-minus 2 minutes.
"He's going to blow the entire facility!" Sam yelled.
"No," Allura replied, "Just the top ground. We need to get out, now. If not, we'll be stuck here with no way out." And, no way to get Keith back. Running to the elevator, Allura prayed that she'd have time to come back.
VVVVVVVVVV
From the air, Lance desperately searched the ground for any signs of his teammates as he battled the enemy fighters around him, "Anything?"
"Nothing," Hunk quickly answered, scanning the ground below. With the explosions and debris falling all around them, it was a challenge to see below.
A surge of fighters appeared within minutes after the trio arrived and had taken control of the sky. Lance shook his head in frustration and disgust. How long could they remain up there destroying fighters? Whatever they destroyed in the sky would affect those on the ground and the last thing he wanted was something from the sky killing the team below.
"They are not quitting," Darrell called out. "They just keep coming. What's he planning?"
"I'm not sure," the red lion pilot replied, "Hunk, you and Darrell try to divert the fighters away from the base. Maybe, we can clear the area so I can get a better look below."
"Got it," Hunk answered swerving his lion away from above the base. Darrell followed suit.
"Come on, guys," Lance whispered to himself as he looked at the base, "Get the hell out of there."
VVVVVVVVVV
T minus one minute.
As the elevator continued its ascent, Allura desperately tried to connect to Keith. See through his eyes, anything that could tell her how he was doing. He had shut her out. She knew it wasn't on purpose. Rather, whatever was happening had his complete attention, and hindered her from reaching him the way she wanted to. God, please let him be all right, she prayed.
"Follow me on the way out," Sam suddenly told her, looking at her curiously. It was the first time he had seen her scared and he knew it wasn't because of where she was, but who she was leaving behind. Her features showed so much regret, so much fear. Sam doubted she would ever show those feelings for him. She loved him. He was sure of that, but the love she had for Kogane would never compare to the love she would have for him. That's when he finally realized it. There was no denying it to himself anymore. She had made her choice and he had to accept it. And he stayed behind to save her. He would have done that without thinking it twice. He loved her. They loved each other. It never stopped. It would never stop. "I know the way out."
"Okay," she managed to say before she looked back at the doors. Hoping they would open.
"Allura..."
"Yeah," she whispered.
"He's going to be fine," Sam gently told her.
About to answer him, the door opened. Instead, Allura said, "Come on."
VVVVVVVVVV
Lance continued his search, scanning every possible area, hoping to see any of them emerge from the entrance of the base, "Come on…come on," he whispered to himself.
WHOOSH!
Suddenly cut off guard, an enemy fighter flew by next to him, "Damn that was close!" Turning his sights back to the ground, he watched two figures emerge from the base, "Allura?"
Confirming, he quickly descended to pick them up, when a drule fighter retaliated and fired at the two figures below. Lance watched as the two split, evading the storm of rapid fire coming their way. Turning his lion, he fired back at the culprit. No doubt it was the same fighter that passed him seconds before. Firing two missiles at the fiend, he quickly blasted him away just before he heard an explosion from below.
Lance watched a mushroom cloud emerge from the base, followed by a mass of wind and sand that enveloped everything in sight including Altair and Sam, "No! Allura!"
VVVVVVVVVV
"Run!" Sam bellowed as the warning sounds of the base alerted them that its end was imminent.
Both raced away from the building when a litter of rapid fire from above showered down on them. Instinctively, they split from each other, trying to avoid the hits. Allura kept running but noticed immediately that the fire ceased. She gave herself a second to look up and watched as Red Lion destroyed the drule fighter. "YES!" she yelled.
"Allura, Run!" she heard Sam's voice just before a heat wave hit her from behind. She felt a strong hot gust of wind lift her from the ground and lunge her forward. A mass of sand quickly followed and she lost sight of Sam as red sand engulfed her.
VVVVVVVVVV
Partly opening his eyes, Keith found himself in a room resembling a basement. The air around him was humid and he found himself submerged in water. He hoped it was water. The stench of iron filled his nostrils, his left eye hurt, and his lower lip felt swollen. Licking his lip with his tongue, confirmed his suspicions. A low humming sound blasted his ears. It was annoying.
He could tell many deaths happened in this room. Somehow, he knew his own drew close.
"Well, well, well, look who's come back from the dead."
Keith heard the voice of the demon prince as he walked out from the darkness of the room to light, "Don't worry, Captain, you'll go back soon enough."
Now coherent, Keith lunged himself at the fiend before he realized his hands were chained to the ceiling of the room. Below, from his knees down, he was submerged in a small tank filled with water. He noticed that they had stripped off the top of his flight suit. Bare chest exposed, he wondered what type of torture session was to be. The humming sound increased.
Lotor stepped forward now, laughing. Meeting Keith's eyes, he smiled at his prisoner, "I'm looking forward to this. I made our little session extra special."
Keith stared at the drule questionably, something about the tone of his voice made him uneasy, "What do you mean?"
Lotor shrugged, "You did this to yourself, Captain. You managed to take the poison I administered. Humans, so…predictable. It now lies dormant in your system. But soon, I'll awaken it."
He didn't know what Lotor meant, but he didn't like it, not one bit. Rage sucked every bit of restraint Keith had in him. He struggled against the chains slopping water around while trying to rip free.
"Save your strength, you'll need it, Captain."
Keith scowled at Lotor while the prince continued glaring with his insolent smile.
"I'm glad you woke up. I was beginning to bore myself watching you slumber," the prince walked around the tank like a predator studying his prey. "Tell me, Captain, when you killed my father and brother, how did that feel?"
"Thrilling," Keith spat out.
"Oh, I'm sure. You felt victorious, powerful. I'm sure you couldn't stop smiling?"
Keith did not give him the satisfaction of an answer. Lotor continued his game, "Thrilling? I guess that is what I'm feeling right now, thrilled. For years, I've dreamed of having you in front of me like I do at this moment." He faced Keith again, bringing his hands to Keith's head and yanking his dark mane to the side. "To stand in front of my father's murderer, my brother's killer. It's shocking. Are you shocked, Captain?"
No answer.
"If you're not, you soon will be," he sneered.
He let go of Keith's hair and returned to the darkness, his steps echoing around the room. The humming sound continued, its eerie melody slightly increased as Lotor brought the sound closer. Keith looked at the dark ominous device shaped like a cylinder. From the top portion, Lotor drew out a thick baton made out of titanium, "I've read a lot of information on Terran culture," Lotor began. "Torture played a large role in gathering information or finding the whereabouts of someone when an enemy was captured. I even read it was used as a way to seek out revenge. I think I'll choose the latter with you, Captain."
Keith maintained his vigil of the crazy man as Lotor walked up to him and held the humming baton to his ear, "Electrocution was a means to torture the enemy. I find it quite fascinating when I use the term Terran culture. That sounds funny, doesn't it?" Lotor laughed. "As if you simple specimens deserve some type of culture."
The humming pounded in Keith's ear, but he never flinched, even though he knew what was coming. Lotor taunted him shamelessly, "They say that after twenty minutes, the man in question either ends up insane or dead. What do you think will happen to you?"
Keith didn't answer him.
"Feel free to scream, Kogane," Lotor calmly offered before hitting Keith in the chest with the baton.
Keith screamed a lunatic high scream as his legs thrashed in the water, splashing Lotor as well. Whipping from side to side, the room around him whirled. Lotor's wild face and laugh kept coming into sight repeatedly.
Lotor removed the device away from his chest, and immediately Keith slumped. His head hung low, he moaned as he tried sucking in as much air as his lungs could take.
"My! That was most entertaining!" Lotor laughed wildly. "Didn't you think so?"
Keith raised his head, his watery eyes filled with hate.
"Now, now," Lotor said sarcastically, "Save your energy, we've only just begun."
Lotor then dunked part of the baton in the water tank at Keith's knees. He screamed again as the room spun wildly.