Thank you to all who continue to read my stories and PM me despite my delay in posting. I say this all the time, but it truly motivates me to keep going. I am doing everything I can to finish this book. I have had some serious writer's block along the way which has made it difficult for me to move forward. I think I may have found a way to move passed it (fingers crossed) Thank you again for your continued support!

Disclaimer: I do not own/profit from Voltron/Go Lion or its characters. All OCs belong to me

The Resistance: Book III

Chapter 12

The aggressive midnight air reeked of jet fuel burn-off as the royal cruiser roughly slammed down on the make-shift landing strip. Imperial guards stood at attention as they awaited the arrival of their new master. The Dark Monarch had been traveling for weeks in search of any remaining allies still found within the Drule empire. He was angered upon the realization that so many of his esteemed generals had perished, leaving behind a long line of-

"Imbeciles and incompetence! Is there no one left who has any Drulean pride?" snarled the king as he stormed into his small yet lavish temporary throne room.

Lotor gave a momentary pause while he scanned the musty scented room full of tacky gold embellishments and jewel lined trims. The gaudiness of it all made him cringe. In all his recent travels, he had yet to find a location that was suitable for a permanent base outside of Korrinoth II. Quite frankly, he did not find it to be a priority. Instead, he chose to focus on other more pressing things that needed to be accomplished. The sound of Haggar's gravel filled voice brought him back to the moment. He shook his head and continued to walk through the room.

"I take it your mission was unsuccessful, Sire." Haggar stated.

"Unsuccessful? No, on the contrary. Those fools were eager to join the ranks of a new kingdom. Not sure how much use that cowardly bunch will be, but it is at least a start." He replied as he whipped off his cape and began to pull at the tips of his gloves.

"I see." Said the witch in response and she pondered for a moment. "Well then, perhaps it might be wise to send some of our newly enhanced generals to assist in rebuilding morale."

The Dark King arched his brow "Enhanced? Really? Well well Haggar, I see that you have been busy in my absence." He said, throwing his cape and gloves onto a side table.

"Of course, Sire. There is no time to waste. It is important to ensure that any forces we have are capable of battle at the highest level." She paused and looked at the Drule prince through narrowed eyes. "I have been having visions, Sire- visions that lead me to believe that the Daughters of Arus may have returned. If the visions are true, it will only be a matter of time before they achieve their full powers. We must be prepared! The average robeast will be no match for the lions once they are enhanced, nor will our ground troops stand a chance against the Daughters once they have mastered those powers."

Lotor clenched his jaw and let out a growl. "You give them too much credit, Haggar. Even if the Daughters have reunited, are you forgetting the history between Allura and that red head? In order for all of them to be at full capacity they have to be in sync and surrender themselves to something greater; something that the Terran pilots cannot fathom in their analytical little Milky Way minds." He snarled. "They were not raised in the mystical traditions and beliefs that compose the Denubian galaxy, nor do they have the mental capacity to comprehend all that entails. For now, they are more of a nuisance than a threat" he scoffed.

Haggar narrowed her amber eyes once more "To underestimate them would be a grave mistake, my Lord. My visions have shown me that they are more connected than any of us could ever have imagined."

The Drule king wanted to continue the debate; however, something in her gaze made him retreat from any further argument. The powerful witch had a look about her that he was not used to seeing. Is that fear? By gods, is Haggar afraid? If it were true, then he had to know what was happening on back on Arus. He brushed passed her and found a chair to sit in. Lotor took in a deep breath, rubbed his forehead, and looked up to address the sorceress that raised him.

"I will heed your advice, Haggar. What do you suggest we do?"

The witch momentarily bowed her head to him in appreciation. "Thank you, Sire. We must find a way to determine how far along they have come. This will give us a better idea of how much time we still have to execute our plan. I believe I may be able to create some kind of diversion that can help."

"Very well. How long will you need for this diversion?" he asked, throwing his gaze up while twirling his hand.

"A few days- maybe one week at the most."

He nodded "Be on your way then, witch. Let me know when you are ready to proceed" He then waived her off. She bowed once more and left the room.

The Dark King leaned back in his chair, gripped on to the armrests, and closed his eyes. He knew that in order for his mission to be successful, it was imperative that he take Haggar's visions seriously. Zarkon had ignored the sorceress and paid the price. He was not his father. Haggar had tremendous respect for Lotor. She held on to the belief that the newly crowned Drule king would lead them all to greatness. She had faith in him. If Lotor were to rise to full power, he would have to have faith in her. Hard as it was for him to accept, he knew that he needed her. He would have to try his best to tame his ego and allow Haggar's visions to guide him.

Still half asleep, Lance roamed the halls in search of a much needed cup of coffee. Although he wasn't as obsessed with the black liquid gold as his commander, he still couldn't go without his morning dose. Too early for a drink? The red lion pilot, as well as everyone else in the castle, was still coming to grips with all that had occurred over the last few weeks since the arrival of Liam and, of course, the head bitch and her posse. Lance was still trying to figure out whether or not he was ready to trust them. It didn't help that the Daughters of Arus had made themselves scarce over the last few weeks while they participated in several failed, and often unethical, attempts to unleash Allura's powers. After they had crossed the line a few too many times, Romelle refused to assist any further. Lance rubbed his forehead as he pondered the Daughters' failures. Just too much to think about this early in the morning…coffee first…then brain activity.

He turned into the kitchen located in the hall adjacent to their rooms and was instantly greeted by a barely dressed Shalhevet who wore nothing but a short t-shirt that hung off her shoulder. Yeah, way too early for this…

"Looks like you didn't get Nanny's memo about the dress code. I suggest you throw something on before you send her to the mental health wing of med tech."

Shalhevet turned to face him, leaning back against the counter, and swirling her cup of coffee "What's wrong, cowboy? Too much for you?"

Lance gave a sarcastic snicker "Heh… Don't flatter yourself, sweet cheeks. Way too predictable."

Shali tilted her head to the side "Predictable?"

Lance rolled his eyes "Oh come on! You…the firestarter, me the pilot of Red…you'd think it'll be a given- but, not really doin' it for me" he shrugged "Now, your amazon-like cousin, is it? Hell if I saw her standing there like that…" he closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath "Damn!"

"Pfft…Really? and what makes you think she would give you the time of day?" she snickered. "Besides, predictability would dictate that she should be with yellow lion, if I'm not mistaken."

Lance rubbed his chin "That would be true; but, you see Hunk's heart is already taken so that's a big 'not gonna happen'. Besides, Mika? She's definitely way too much woman for him…Hunk's a warm and fuzzy kind of guy."

She hissed "Ha! And what? You think you can tame her? That's a joke!"

The trademark mischievous grin crossed Lance's lips "Tame her? Aw hells no! Why would I want to do that?"

Shali rolled her eyes and moved to the side as Lance pushed his way through to get his highly anticipated cup of steaming hot coffee- with just a touch of sweet cream. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Keith approaching. Ahhh…this should be fun..

Keith turned into the kitchen, took one look at Shali, and let out an agitated growl. "Seriously? What the hell do you think this is? Your bedroom? Have some respect for god sake!" he snarled. Unfazed by his outburst, the red head ignored his presence and continued to lean against the counter sipping away at her coffee. The commander hissed as he stormed passed her and shoved Lance out of the way to get his own cup of salvation.

"Dude!" snapped Lance but backed off when he saw the 'don't mess with me' look in his friend's eyes. He turned to Shali "Man, you sure know how to bring out the best in people." and turned his attention back to Keith. "So, what's the plan mon capitan? Obviously the firestarter's methods ain't worth shit" Shalhevet snorted in response to his comment.

It was Keith's turn to ignore her presence and turn to his surrogate brother "I'm not sure, Lance. I know that the last couple of weeks have been a complete waste of time and have only accomplished to add to everyone's stress, especially Allura's."

Shalhevet decided that she'd had enough. She slammed her cup down and shuffled to the door, throwing them both a deadly glare over her shoulder as she exited. The two men shook their heads and huffed in unison. Lance grabbed his coffee and swung around, taking a seat at the table in front if the captain.

"I know, I sound like a broken record but- really, I will slap her"

Keith snickered "Yeah, well- get in line"

"Seriously though, what now? I thought the whole point of these chicks showing up meant that Lura-Lu would get her powers and it doesn't seem to me like she's even close. I mean, they have pulled some serious shit on her Keith and…nothing." Lance said, voicing his obvious concern.

Black's pilot ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "I know, Lance- I know." He rubbed his face in his palms "But, I have no idea where to go from here. I mean, it was hard enough to learn how to handle the whole mind connection and empath thing- but this? Powers? Actual magical powers? And it doesn't help that we don't even know what her powers are or what they are supposed to do! How can we help her if we don't even know what we are supposed to be helping her with? They have powers and they can't help her. How the hell are we?"

Lance furrowed his brow. This whole ordeal was taking its toll on all of them; but, nowhere near as much as Keith and definitely not as much as Allura. "Have you talked to Alfor again? Maybe he can give you some wisdom as to what might be blocking her?"

Keith tossed his head to the side and snorted "Yeah, I tried. He's been MIA. Not sure if that's intentional or not. I know he had said that once Allura came into her powers he would 'move on' but that hasn't happened yet so not sure why we he isn't around. Last time I spoke to him he was confident that it was time, that Allura was ready- especially after the Daughters appeared as soon as she connected with Black. He specifically said that they would come when she was ready."

"Well, something's obviously blocking her and this dumb ass crap that Shali's been pulling has got to stop. Romelle is done and, from what I gather, Mika and Sia have reached their breaking point too." Lance added.

The commander nodded. "I know. I am going to have everyone meet in the conference room after lunch so we can try and go over this as a group; look at what they've tried so far and see if we can figure out what the block is. Maybe if we all think this through together we can come up with something."

"That's great and all, but Shali's not much of a team player" Red's pilot reminded him.

"She's going to have to learn to be. That's just as important as Allura getting her powers. We all have to be connected, we all have to work as one or else none of this will matter." He replied as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms in front of him.

Lance shrugged then got up from the table and put his coffee cup in the sink. "Well, as stimulating as this conversation has been, I have training to get to. My commander can be a real asshole if I'm late" he snickered as he patted his friend on the back and headed out the door. Keith closed his eyes and shook his head in response.

Liam filled his container with coffee that he planned to enjoy on his way to the Arusian Institute of Technology where he had been overseeing the project headed by Eugene Iasona. After all, that was why he was sent to Arus in the first place. He actually enjoyed it. The work kept him away from all the ongoing drama and tension within the Castle of Lions. He especially enjoyed the walk through the Royal gardens on his way to the transport station. The refreshing early morning stroll was exactly what he needed to get his day going. This place is beautiful, no doubt He thought to himself as he took a sip of his coffee. He paused for a moment when he noticed someone sitting on a bench at the end of the path. Speaking of beautiful...now there's a surprise…

The last few weeks had taken a toll on Allura. Although she considered herself to be well versed on the prophecy having studied it her whole life, she was never told that she and the Daughters would have actual powers. If it was written in the texts, then it was very well hidden. The princess knew how important it was for her to achieve the level of mysticism needed for the Daughters to bond; however, no matter what Shali and the others tested her with she just couldn't conjure them up. There was nothing the gifted women could do that would rattle Allura enough to draw her powers to the surface. We are doing something wrong. This just isn't working! Why isn't it working? The princess rubbed her forehead in frustration then looked up to catch a glimpse of her new comrade: Black Lion. She was still amazed that after all these years of piloting Blue, it was Black who gave her so much peace. You saved me once Black…I need to you save me again. Help me understand what I am doing wrong…what am I missing? She closed her eyes and felt a warmth surround her, like the sunlight kissing her cheeks. The moment brought a smile to her face and she inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh scent of the lavender that surrounded her. The princess' trance was broken by the sound of a familiar voice calling out to her.

"Hey there, Blondie!"

Allura caught his gaze and smiled "Hey stranger!" Happy to see him, she got up to give him warm a hug. "You in a rush or can you sit for a few minutes?" she asked

"I always have time for a chat with you chicky babe" he winked.

They both took a seat and the princess picked up her coffee from the side of the bench "So, how's it going at AIT?"

"Not bad. Still a lot to do but we're off to a good start. You've got some brilliant ones here Blondie" he chuckled.

"Yep, that's for sure. I'm just glad that we can finally do something to get them noticed."

Liam nodded "Well, this'll do it for sure" Allura smiled at him then looked down at her hands. "Of course, I don't think that's really what you wanted to chat about. What's going on love? I know that it's been a rough go the past few weeks. Talk to me." He pleaded.

The princess gave him a nudge and smiled. "That's and understatement" she giggled "You know, you've been out of this whole mess so maybe a fresh set or ears will help" she let out another heartfelt giggle and went on "I don't know, Liam. I'm frustrated, you know? They have all been trying so hard. With all of these failed attempts to get my powers to show up I realized something about myself, something that disturbs me." She sighed

The handsome infinity commander furrowed his brow "What is it Allura?"

She met his somber gaze "Liam, nothing scares me- I mean, nothing. At least not enough for me to need to rely on my powers- whatever the hell they even are. Shalhevet and the others have used so many tactics, some unfathomable, and as angry as I get or as powerless -if you will- I am, I cannot get my actual powers to come through." Allura looked down at her hands once more "Am I that used to terror and horror that nothing phases me anymore? Have I become so cold that even seeing the ones I love being tortured isn't enough to get this power to come through?"

Liam contorted his face in question "What? How the hell do they pull that off?"

"They put me in the simulation room and inject me with something that makes me believe that everything that's happening is real" she cringed at the thought.

He was disgusted "That's fucked up!" Liam asked her to look at him. "Listen to me, Allura. You are one of the most compassionate women I know and you would do anything to defend those you love. These tactics- they're all bloody bullshit! If you ask me, I think you're going about this all wrong" he added

The princess arched a brow "What do you mean?"

The Infinity commander turned his body to face her "Why are they trying to conjure your powers by pissing you off and torturing you? With all the shit you've been through in your life it seems kind of pointless. I mean, you already showed them that wouldn't work on the first day they got here. You know how to deal with anger and pain, love- that's why you are so bloody good at what you do. You know how to keep composure and your head clear- you've always had to- and have been doing it since you were a little girl."

Allura shrugged "That's true, but the whole premise is to bring me to the point that I am in a situation that is so desperate that I have no other choice but to draw out my power."

Liam snorted. "I don't buy that- sorry. Besides, didn't you already use some of your powers when you connected with Black Lion? You enhanced him, right?"

"Hmm, yeah. I guess I did" she agreed

"Were you pissed off then?" he asked, crossing his arms in front of him.

Allura pondered that for a moment "Huh. No. Actually, I never felt more relaxed or at peace."

He smiled "Well, there ya go, Blondie! Here's what I say: tell these bitches to bugger off and go find a place where can chill. This all has to do with the elements you're connected to somehow, right?" The princess nodded and he continued "Is there a place you can go to where you'll feel connected to whatever your element is? Maybe even take Black with you to get there?"

The princesses thought for a moment "Yeah, you know, there actually is. Huh. The Valley of Souls."

Liam grimaced slightly "Well, that sounds creepy"

She looked at him and chuckled "No, silly. It's actually quite beautiful." She slightly bit her lip as she pictured the location in her mind. "The Valley of Souls is full of raw energy. You can feel it as soon as you get there. It's incredible. It's also where the Crystal Caves are. You can find pretty much any crystal known to man in its raw form- amethyst, fluorite, obsidian, moonstone, you name it." She gave a brief pause "Black does draw some of his energy from the Valley of Souls."

"Bonza! Well, there you have it! That's where you need to go! Now, aren't you glad I ran into you this fine morning?" he said as he flashed his debonair smile.

Allura linked her arm through his and briefly put her head on his shoulder "Indeed I am, Sir Liam. I was looking for a fresh perspective and along you came" she gave him a kiss on the cheek to show her appreciation.

"Thanks Blondie, but watch it- Don't need Kogane back on my bad side while I'm here" he winked and gave a long sigh. "Alas, the techies at AIT await. Good luck love. Hope you find what you're looking for" He got up, placed a kiss atop her head, put his bag around his shoulder, grabbed his coffee, and was on his way.

Allura watched her friend disappeared and thought about her next step. Amazing, something so obvious yet none of us thought about it. Everyone was convinced that her power had to be drawn out by anguish and desperation- after all, that's how it came for Romelle. Had any of them taken the time to reflect they would have remembered that the Lion Guides always brought a sense of calmness, peace, and unity to everything they touched. The question she now asked herself was would she be able to reach such a level of calm? Would she be able to establish that deep connection that would allow her to harness her power? Only one way to find out.