this is a short transitional chapter. Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from GoLion/Voltron or it's characters. All other characters belong to me

The Resistance: Book III

Chapter 9

The princess and Voltron commander's return to Arus was bombarded by media coverage, the likes of which had never been seen on Arusian soil. The TARMAC swarmed with reporters and photographers wanting statements regarding the Alliance and Garrison withdrawal. Of course, that was not to say that the tabloids had not made their presence known as well. As it turned out, the Royal House of Arus had a publicist after all: Minister Coran Argos Raible.

Allura's surrogate father took it upon himself to address the media in regard to the front-page photo, stating that although there is a fondness shared between the princess and captain, neither feel that it is the time to explore the relationship- at least not until the war has been settled. Arus' safety, as well as the safety of all Arusians, was their foremost priority. The Minister added that under the circumstances, Princess Allura would no longer be accepting suitors. The statement was more than enough to satisfy Arusian curiosity, understanding it to mean that Her Royal Highness had already found her potential Prince Consort.

To Keith and Allura's surprise, Nanny took the news of their relationship rather well. The old woman was actually elated; however, the Voltron commander made it very clear that he had no intention of participating in the whole "official Arusian courting ritual", as he'd coined it, until things had calmed down considerably. Nanny was against that decision at first, but Coran was able to convince her that the timing was not appropriate.

It was obvious to everyone that the pair was much more relaxed uopn their return from Earth. Even though they couldn't be as close as they would have liked, the fact that they didn't have to hide their relationship within the castle walls helped to ease previous tension- and that made everyone around them more at ease as well.

Walking along the quiet corridor, Coran thought about the bond shared between Keith and Allura. He sensed that it must have intensified considerably. It must be why Alfor is summoning me. The Minister interlaced his fingers behind his back as he waited for the elevator to take him down to his old friend's crypt. He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the captain approaching.

Keith looked at him and furrowed a brow "Coran?"

"Captain, what brings you here?"

"He summoned me. And you?"

"Interesting…Alfor summoned me as well."

"Why would he summon the both of us?" asked Keith as the elevator doors opened.

"Well, my boy…it seems we're about to find out."

Keith nodded and followed Coran into the elevator. The two men remained silent on the ride down to the crypts, each internally trying to analyze why Alfor had called a meeting with both of them. As the doors opened, Keith and Coran made their way to the heavy stone doors that encased Alfor's final resting place- neither man surprised in the least that the late king was already waiting when they entered.

After a few pleasantries, the late king got right down to business.

"I believe she is ready. You must put her in Black."

Keith shook his head. "Your Majesty, I don't understand. If Allura was meant to pilot Black, why did he choose me? Why is my connection to him so strong?"

Alfor glanced over at Coran and shared a grin. "Captain, Allura is not meant to be Black's pilot…nor Blue's for that matter…"

"What? That can't be" he gasped and narrowed his eyes "I don't understand…Blue has accepted her…she must be meant to fly her." He thought out loud, looking off to the side before meeting Alfor's gaze "Then what's the reasoning behind putting her in Black?"

Alfor motioned to Coran to continue. "Keith, Allura has certain…powers."

"Yeah, I ? She's an empath and a telepath…"

Coran and Alfor chuckled. "No Keith…those are her abilities…something most Arusians have in some form or another. She actually has powers…as do the other Daughters of Arus."

Keith shook his head "I'm sorry…what? You mean…like Haggar?"

"No, son…nothing like that…nothing like that at all." Alfor Interjected. "The Daughters of Arus have the ability to conjure up their elements and use them as a defense…they also serve as metaphysical conduits to the Lions. Each Daughter has the ability to enhance the Lion associated with her element…similar to a co-pilot." Alfor smirked and cleared his throat "…the Lioness Force, if you will."

Coran snickered and picked up where Alfor left off. "It's true. Their combined powers will make them rather formidable as a ground strike team. While in the Lions, however, they each have the capability of increasing power by one-hundred percent, as well as enhancing existing weaponry and the creation of new ones."

Keith's eyes had glazed over as he looked at the two men trying to comprehend what he'd just heard. Do they hear themselves? Have they lost their minds? No…that's not it….I must be dreaming…no- it's the sushi I ate…yeah…that's it…bad sushi.

"It was not bad sushi, Commander, and we have not lost our minds. Still haven't figured out how to control your thoughts I see." chuckled Alfor.

Keith looked up at the king with a slight snarl before running his usual hand-through-hair. "Does she know?"

Coran looked down "No, she doesn't. The prophecy specifically states that the Daughters must come into their powers on their own. Allura is the only one that hasn't discovered them- the rest of the Daughters have."

"How do you know this?" inquired the distraught captain.

Coran and Alfor looked at each other once more. "Keith, Allura is stubborn…we all know this. She is also the most powerful of the five. The other three have been hidden by the Lion Guides, waiting for Allura to unleash her strength. She is the only one who has been fighting for Arus. Because of this, her mind and soul have been in turmoil…hence, suppressing the powers she holds within her. She really hasn't needed them seeing that she's strong enough to battle on her own." began Alfor. "Although she is physically strong, she lacked confidence in herself. This is why it was so important that she finish the competition. That was the first step. The second was acknowledging her past…that's where you came in."

Keith was having a difficult time digesting all of the information "So, you think that putting her in Black will unleash these…powers?"

Coran took over. "Unleash her powers…no, but if she allows herself to connect with Black and let his essence flow through her, that in itself may be enough to bring the Daughters to us. The Daughters will know how to draw out her powers once and for all."

Keith nodded, beginning to allow himself to understand. "If Allura's not destined to fly Blue, then who is? And what about the fourth Daughter…where is she? Are they actually your…daughters?"

The late king laughed. "You really haven't researched much, have you?" Keith pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes while Coran grinned. Alfor lifted his hands up in resignation. "Alright, my boy…don't get huffy. No…they are not my daughters. Coran…care to explain old friend?"

Coran nodded "Of course. At one time, Arus was split into five sectors…Houses, if you will: Hydra, Gaea, Aera, Hyphaestus, and Psychon, with the House of Pscychon being the largest, encompassing the entire northern hemisphere and, therefore, the ruling house."

Keith looked off to the side "It is upon the House of Psychon that all will wait, fate on hold for potential to be reached. Lightening strikes but once, but when it does, behold, the Daughters of Arus will rise once more, the lost will come home and all will take their rightful place. The Great Warrior will be transformed to his full glory with all Knights on their proper thrones. The spirits will sing as the Lionesses call them home setting forth the beginning of the end"

Alfor arched a brow. "You have been reading."

Coran cleared his throat. "Only one other daughter is directly related to the princess. The others are spiritually gifted nobility from their corresponding regions- they are not princess'."

"And they're just going to appear…out of thin air…" the commander waved his hands about for emphasis.

"In all honesty, Captain…we are not exactly sure how they will arrive…only that they will." Answered Alfor.

Keith relaxed his shoulders and blew out a deep sigh "Alright…I'll take her up in Black with me tomorrow and see what happens."

Alfor arched a brow "…and what excuse will you give?"

"I'm not going to lie to her, if that's what you're asking…"

"Keith…"

"I will think of something that will not include all the details….but I will not lie…period!" The captain crossed his arms in front of him as a clear indication that he had no intention to back down.

Allura's father shook his head. "Fine, Commander. I will trust your judgment." He turned to Coran. "Old friend, get ready…you remember what it was like the last time those girls were all under one roof…"

The advisor grimaced "Indeed, I remember all too well…"

Alfor chuckled. "I'll be in touch…good luck to you both- you're going to need it." he smiled before vanishing into the darkness. Keith and Coran looked at each other knowingly- both men contemplating what was about to come.

Xxxxx

The following morning, Keith sat in Black's command chair going over his pre-flight check while Allura settled in to the jump seat. The rest of the team headed out to their consecutive Lions and waited for Keith's all-clear. Convincing Allura to fly with him instead of leading Blue had gone easier than he thought…a little too easy. The Voltron commander glanced at the princess over his shoulder. She appeared to be deep in thought.

"Hey…are you alright?"

Blue's pilot looked up "Hmm? Oh…yeah, of course…I just…I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to do."

Keith turned his chair around to face her and took her hands in his. "Look, I'm not going to pretend to know the answer…what I do know is that, for some reason, Black needs you to connect with him. Does that make any sense?"

The princess took a deep breath. "It does, actually." She paused to look at him. "I've always felt connected to him…not like Blue…different. It was Black who called out to me first, but it wasn't to pilot him…I don't know how to explain it…" she said, shaking her head in confusion.

Keith placed a finger under her chin and turned her gaze toward him. "Lura, don't push yourself right now. Just try and relax your mind. Sit back and let him come to you. Knowing Black, he'll make sure you'll know what he needs." He winked.

The princess couldn't help but chuckle. "It a shame some of his perceptiveness didn't rub off on his pilot all these years…just sayin'" she shrugged.

"Cute, Blue…very cute…now, if you're done mocking me…yet again I might add, we can get this show on the road."

Allura straightened in her jumpseat and gave him a salute "Yes, Commander- Sir!"

Keith rolled his eyes and turned his seat back around "Alright everyone, ready to launch"

"Took you long enough…"

"You know, Lance, I think that- just for kicks- I may test Black's new upgrades out on you…" there was silence at the other end "Yeah…that's what I thought…moving on. You guys know the drill…go ahead and insert keys…ready for launch in five…four…three…two…one…"

In an instant, the four Voltron Lions were already in formation high above the castle. As Keith began to lead the rest of the team through drills, Allura sat back and closed her eyes, trying to relax her mind in hopes of re-connecting with Black after all these years.

It was Black who had awakened her fighting spirit. King Alfor's death was followed by the most brutal Zarkonian attack in years. Nearly everything on Arus had been destroyed, including the majority of the old castle. Altea was completely leveled and all surviving citizens forced into the underground cave and housing system. Allura had tried for months to reach out to the Garrison, pleading with them to connect her with Admiral Graham of the Alliance, but they ignored her requests. As far as the Garrison was concerned, Arus was a lost cause. The princess had given up all hope as she stood on what was left of the front castle terrace, pleading with the Lion Spirits to take her as well. She could no longer stand to see another child orphaned, another woman defiled, or entire villages slaughtered in cold blood because they didn't make it to the caves in time. It was at that moment that he reached out to her, enveloping her in his great strength and power, awakening the passion within and offering her the courage and knowledge she needed to lead- to bring justice to her people. Black Lion gave her the key to access Graham directly and send for the Chosen- the era of Voltron.

Allura sighed, bringing her mind back to the present. So far, nothing profound had occurred. Ugh…this is no use… She leaned her head back and closed her eyes in mild frustration. That was when it happened. Her breathing slowed and deepened, as a jolt of soothing electricity traveled throughout her body. Her mind was filled with a sense of calm, control, and…power.

"Alright guys, that's enough target practice. Head for the South canyon and we'll work on some flight maneuvers." Keith announced.

"Hey Cap…there was a sudden spike in your energy output." Said Pidge.

Keith looked across the console and found the surge. That's odd he thought and furrowed his brow "I see it, Pidge…and it looks like it's getting stronger…" Keith paused and instantly remembered that Allura was with him. She'd been so quiet and he'd been so focused that he'd completely forgot she was in the cockpit. The commander spun his chair around and gasped.

"Geez…Allura!" He lunged forward and grabbed onto her shoulders. At that moment, the princess opened her eyes and they were glowing white.

Keith flinched at the sight. "Allura…are you …alright?" The princess sat up straight, her arms clenching the armrests as she began to call out input codes.

Keith relaxed, but arched a brow. "What am I supposed to do with these?"

Allura answered in a monotone voice "use them, then hold on."

As Keith entered the last code, he sat back in his command chair and held on to the controls. When he heard the princess' eerie voice behind him "I suggest you advise the Team to get out of your way, Commander"

Keith whipped his head forward at the sound of Pidge's voice. "Chief…what's going on? Black's stats are going haywire!"

Keith's eyes, once again, travelled across the control panel. "Guys…I need you to break left."

"Break left…what the…" Lance began

"Now! Break left now!" The three team mates barely managed to bank when Black turned into a ball of light and flashed passed them, only to appear again in the same spot mere moments later and begin a spectacular show of maneuvers and weaponry that they had never seen before, all performed effortlessly at a rate of speed that they never thought possible.

Inside the cockpit, Keith could not contain his excitement as he howled and laughed at the new power at his fingertips. He had never felt so alive and in control. The Voltron commander effortlessly landed Black on his pedestal in front of the Castle while the rest of the team returned to their own lairs.

"Great job everyone. We'll see you in a few."

"Um…Keith…care to explain what the fuck just happened?" spat Lance.

"We'll talk about it when we get back, McClain. Now, head in." Keith retorted and shut down communications and visuals.

He stood up and turned to face Allura, offering her a hand to get up off the jumpseat. Her response shocked him to no end. The princess jumped out of her seat, pushed him against the console and began to devour him with a raw primal passion that he never knew she possessed. It wasn't about making love…no, no…it was all about pure unadulterated need. The things she was doing to him, the way she touched him sent him over the edge and rendered him speechless. Somehow, he managed to gain his wits about him, grabbing onto her arms and pulling her back.

"Allura…" he said her name breathlessly as she tried to push against his grasp, eagerly attempting to latch onto his luscious lips once more.

"Um, although I find this side of you really…uh…intriguing…we can't do this here…not now…" She didn't seem to be listening, either that, or she just didn't care. Oh God, Where the hell did she pick all this up?

"Commander…it would be foolish to resist me." She whispered as she swung her legs around his waist and hungrily pushed up against him. Yeah…I'm about done…he thought as his self-control slipped, throwing her against the console instead, his hands squeezing onto her backside as he ground himself against her. She had, somehow managed to unzip his flight suit, nibbling and sucking at his chest and neck when his personal comm went off.

"Captain! Come in! Captain!" yelled Coran. Keith tried his best to steady his breathing and maintain his balance as he struggled to grab his comm unit. Allura wasn't making it easy.

"Blue…please…it's Coran…"

The princess reached into his pocket and grabbed his comm "Sorry, Coran…the Commander is otherwise engaged." she said as she snapped the comm shut and threw it behind her.

Keith's jaw dropped at her boldness "Allura…for the love of…" Allura's comm began to beep. He arched his brow at her as he reached into her pocket and grabbed it. The princess went to lunge forward but Keith stopped her, giving her a bewildered look in the process. The princess rolled her eyes and slowly began to calm herself down while he answered Coran's page.

"Coran, sorry about that…it appears as though the experiment had some unexpected side- affects." He said, glancing at Allura who responded by biting her lip. Keith shook his head.

"Commander, we have a major situation in the Control room. I suggest you grab the princess and get over here…immediately!" Keith could hear yelling in the background and Coran sounded overwhelmed.

"What's going on? Is it…"

"It's not Drules, Commander….just get over here…Coran out"

Keith closed the comm and looked back over at the princess. Her demeanor had drastically changed, looking almost…embarrassed.

Looks like the primal temptress has left the building. Keith snickered to himself. It appeared as though his Allura had returned. Keith zipped up his flight suit and ran a hand through is overly-unruly hair as he took a seat in front of his soul-mate. He reached out and tenderly took her hand.

"Oh my God, Keith…I'm so sorry. I just don't know what came over me…" said Allura, unable to meet his gaze.

Keith smiled as he bit the side of his lip and reached up to caress her cheek "Hey Blue, this is me…please don't feel that way; besides…it was kinda hot…completely inappropriate of course…but hot nonetheless." He shrugged and waggled his brows up and down. Allura giggled and hid her face in her hands. The pair made their way toward the exit shoot, trying to straighten themselves up along the way. Before they entered the castle transport, Keith pulled her back against him and whispered in her ear. "Of course, if you don't learn how to get a handle on that, I'm not so sure I'll be able to stop next time." He slapped her on the behind and smiled as he jumped into the transport. Allura stared behind him and laughed as she shook her head.