Keith couldn't believe he got dragged into another quest, really, he could've just refused but that would've only caused more unnecessary problems and he just wanted his property back. So this comprise was his best bet to get it back. The rest of the crew were practically radiating excitement, much to his dismay. Well it doesn't matter now, they had a prince to save. It was no other than the Altean prince himself. Unbelievable, it's like life wanted to fuck him over and bring back childhood memories he seriously didn't wish to be brought up once more. There's a reason why he buried that specific memory of the prince deep within the depths of his mind. He wanted absolutely nothing to do with his royal highness. He can't complain though, he's doing it for his shack...his home. They currently were being navigated courtesy of Slav. This yupper knew his way around the entire goddamn planet to which he's grateful. Good thing he's the one who tagged along with him, otherwise he'd be lost.
Pidge's the one whose looking forward to meeting the prince, for some explanations unknown, but if Keith had to guess it was probably had to do with his curse as no one really knew what he transformed into when the sun sets. Her thirst for curiosity never ceased to amaze him. It was probably one of the things he liked about her. Then there's her brother, Hunk, who unlike his sibling didn't quite share her enthusiasm. As usual, he's a bit skeptical about the whole thing, voicing his concerns; like what if it's a trap? What if once they return with the prince, they're killed on the spot. What if Keith never really gets his property back, etc. Honestly, the Balmeran made a few fair points but at this rate, what choice did he have? He needed to do this. Shiro, their newest addition to their ragtag group, remained neutral, didn't show any type of emotion. This worried him a bit however, it's none of his business. For a sixteen year old, he's pretty distant. Then again, he was a prisoner of Sendak and lost his right arm, poor guy went through some heavy trauma.
Although, whenever he sees Pidge interact with the boy, he could swear he sees a tiny glimpse of a smile on the human's face. Keith finds it a bit suspicious but doesn't think nothing of it. He could say it's cause the boy's developing a crush, however, he doesn't want to jump to conclusions. Then there's Slav. He's been rather hard to figure out, one minute he's ready for anything, spouting nonsense and their chances of success, the next, he's panicking and screaming their gonna fail miserably. He's not sure what to expect anymore if he's being honest. Yeah, that's the gist of the situation. Keith could care less though, he just wants to get this quest over with. They end up on road for four days straight, taking occasional well deserved breaks. They can't rescue a member of the royal family low on energy, they'd get roasted alive. Eventually, they all arrived to the dragon guarded castle, everyone staring in awe. It's funny to see before this point, everything's all clear blue skies and beautiful, once one reaches the dragon's keep, it's dark and gloomy, smoke hovering above the volcano.
Well, that's one way to make a impression.
The group slowly walks towards the castle-it looked more like a fortress if you'd ask him-and climbed it carefully. Keith peered over, Slav and Shiro to his left, the Holt siblings to his right. They all glanced at one another as soon as they spotted the bridge connecting this side of the volcano to the castle, lava bubbling below it. Hunk was the first to react, stammering.
"I-I don't about this guys, maybe we should just head back and tell Sendak that the p-prince was already rescued or s-something-"
Pidge elbowed her brother, frowning. "No, because then Keith wouldn't get his property back and who knows what he'll do to us."
"She's right, if you fail Sendak in anyway, you're either pronounced dead or punished. He's a heartless bastard, this is our best bet Hunk."
Everyone turned to frown disbelievingly at Hunk, who just gave a sheepish smile. "Ok, gotcha."
They all slid down the rocky terrain and slowly approached the bridge, Slav immediately cowering in fear and hid behind Keith. Said person turned to the other three, "You guys stay here and keep guard, Slav and me will go rescue the prince."
"I-I'm sorry, come again?" Slav stuttered, looking at the Mamoran.
"You and I will go for the prince, Shiro, Pidge, and Hunk will stay on the lookout."
That's exactly what he was worried about, begrudgingly he nodded, swallowing. Keith then walked over to the bridge and motioned to Slav go first. The yupper gulped, and cautiously made his way over, taking the first few steps and immediately regretting it afterwards. He began backing up. Keith however wouldn't allow it and gave a light nudge, encouraging him-something unusual of him. This was enough for Slav and bravely continued, finally after a few dobashes, they arrived on the other side. The pair waved over to the group to assure them they were just fine, Pidge sent them a thumbs up, Hunk gave them a weak wave, and Shiro just sent them a firm nod. Keith sighed, and spun on his heels, entering the castle through it's rather run down destroyed gates, Slav close behind him, looking at all sorts of directions, for any sign of danger. The duo walked through piles of bones of that held metal helmets and shoulder pads. It seemed they were in the main entrance, as it was connected to other areas. Keith made his way over to one of them and ripped of the helmet of the skull, reaching for the shoulder pads. He easily slipped them on and he turned to the yupper.
"Slav, go over there and see if you can find any stairs."
"Stairs? I thought we were looking for the prince."
"The prince will be up the stairs, in the highest room of the tallest tower."
"What makes you think he'll be there?"
"I read it a book once."
"Great. You'll handle the dragon and I'll handle the stairs. I'll find them alright, don't you worry Keith." Slav assured as Keith turned the other way, going in a different direction leaving the yupper to his business.
He stumbles upon a pair of doors, and enters, rambling about probabilities of this ending up well and backfiring. He's unaware of the turquoise eye opening itself, and slowly turned around. Meanwhile, Keith spotted the tower not too far away from where he was standing.
"At least we know where the prince is, but where's the-"
"Dragon!" Slav screamed, running away from the beast as he desperately headed back to where Keith was. The dragon was a pure baby blue, eyes a silver hue, scales glistening as it let out fire of it's maw-the color of it's flames were magnificent icy blue.
Keith turned to Slav, eyes widening as he noticed the dragon chasing after his companion. It let out another blast of flames, as Slav neared and he reacted quickly, pushing Slav out of danger just in time as he jumped back avoiding the flames. It continued to chase after the yupper, and he eventually stopped running, and opted to cower in fear instead. His butt high up in the air, tail erect as he narrowly avoid the next outburst of scorching hot flames from the dragon. He's whimpering, praying to the gods that he'd be spared as the dragon's opened maw is closing in on him. Just then, Keith came in time and grabbed the creature by it's ginormous tail, and he smirks triumphantly for a brief moment only to be flung carelessly into the air which sent him crashing into the tower. He fell onto the floor with a thud, debris joining him on the floor.
Slav flew the scene meanwhile escaping into the nearby staircase, only to get chased out by the flames and onto a another bridge that headed for another part of the castle. The dragon in turn slammed it's tail on either side, corner the poor yupper who trembled on the spot, looking up at the beautiful blue dragon who roared.
"Oh no, I'm doomed." He shrieked almost managing to slip from where he stood. It opened it's mouth getting ready to devour him but he hoped to stall time so he spoke.
"Oh, what large teeth you have."
It let out another hefty roar.
"I..I mean what white sparkling teeth. I..I know you probably hear this from your food all the time but you must bleach or something because that's one dazzling smile you have!"
The dragon stared, ears flattening as it raised an arm to it's chest as if it were mimicking a woman accepting a compliment.
"And do I detect of minty freshness? ahem, and you know what else...you know what else..you're a girl dragon." Slav finally finished his sentence as the dragon seem to bat it's eyelashes cooing, and laughed nervously. "Oh sure, I mean, of course you're a girl dragon 'cause you're just reeking of feminine beauty."
She continued to bat her eyelashes, much to his confusion. "Uh, you alright? Do you have something in your eye?"
The dragon just puffed smoke in shape of a heart. He coughed, and backed up a bit. "It was fun talking to you but I really got to get back with my friend, so if you don't mind...Keith!"
The dragon took this opportunity to grab him by the tail with her mouth and happily walked away to her resting area, Slav's screaming becoming mere whispers in the wind. "Keeeith! Keeeith!"
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The sound of something hitting the floor caught his attention, and turned, noticing a silhouette of someone slowly standing up. Lance couldn't believe his eyes, someone had actually came to his rescue. Nervously, he pretended to fall asleep, a bouquet of daises in his grasp; excitement coursing through his blood. As he felt the mysterious night get close, he couldn't help but subtly pucker his lips, they were so close, he could feel it-he then was shaken awake.
"Wake up!" The knight said a bit irritably.
He snapped his eyes open, "What?"
"Are you Prince Lance?" He asked.
"I am; awaiting a knight so bold as to rescue me."
"Aw that's nice." the knight said, before glaring. "Now let's go!"
"But wait! Sir knight, this be-eth our first meeting. Should it not be a wonderful romantic moment?" Lance said, swooning as he his hand lay against his head.
"Yeah sorry, but there's no time." He said, pulling the prince by the arm and dragging him to the door.
"Hey wait! What are you doing?" He asked, a bit frustrated. "Y..You know you should be sweeping off my feet at out yonder window and down a rope onto your valiant steed."
"You had a lot of time to plan this? Haven't you?"
"Mhm~"
The knight just sighed, and smashed through the door, running down the stairs dragging a startled Lance. He had a bit of trouble keeping up with is savior but stamina be damned. The mice that were tuckered away in his bag peeked out, squeaking excitedly. They wee also being set free, and able to see the world at last. Like the Altean prince, they too were stuck up there for a year or two, even though it was limited compared to Lance, they desired to see the wonders of the world too. As they ran down the staircase, the prince spoke up again.
"We have to savor this moment, you can recite an epic poem for me, a ballad, a sonnet?"
They ran over a mini bridge, a few feet in the air as random molten lava roar viciously, and made it to the other side. Lance having had enough, yanks his arm free. "Or something!"
"I don't think so."
"Can I at least, know the name of my champion?" He asked, catching his breath.
"Uh, Keith."
"Sir Keith, ahem." He cleared his though, raising his hand which held a handkerchief. "I pray that you take this favor as a token of my gratitude."
Keith stares at him and back to the cloth in his hand, "Thanks." He used it to wipe away the sweat and other gunk on his face, promptly handing it back to the prince. Lance grimaced in disgust as he peered down at the used thing. Thankfully, the roaring in the distance caught their attention making him drop the handkerchief onto the floor.
"You didn't slay the dragon?"
"It's on my to-do list, now come on."
Keith replied back, pulling Lance by the arm as they began to run once more and along the way, the prince made it clear by voicing his opinion on the matter. "But this isn't right! You're meant to charge in, sword drawn, prepared to fight. That's what all the other knights did!"
"Yeah, right before they burst in flames.
"That's not the point, ugh." He groaned, frowning watching as Keith walked off. "Wait, where are you going? The exist is over there."
"I have to save my yupper."
Lance looked at him confused. "Just what kind of knight are you?"
He smirked behind his helmet. "One of a kind."
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"I, uh, I'm not ready...uh, I don't want to rush into a relationship. I'm not emotionally ready for commitment of this um, magnitude." Slav mumbled nervously as he was ensnared within the dragon's tail, and she just purred, scratching his under his chin. "H...Hey! That's unwanted physical contact! Hey, what are you doing?"
The female dragon lit the chandelier with her flames, blinking down at him and lowered her head. Keith came just in time, peeking over what seemed the dragon's den. Slav's protests were heard. "Ok, Ok, look; listen, let's just back up a little and take this one step at a time. I think we should get to know each other first as friends or maybe as pen pals."
The male grabbed onto a the nearby chain and hoisted himself up on the balcony; with one hefty jump, he flew across missing the dragon as it ducked down. Slav's protests were heard. "Hey! That's my other tail, you're gonna tear it off. Whoa, hey what do you think you're doing?"
Eventually, the silver chains were a little too old and rusty that he ended up slipping, dragging the chandelier upwards. Upon the impact, he knocked the yupper out of her grasp, replacing it with himself, and apparently got a kiss to his butt in the process. Keith's eyes went wide as once the dragon realized Slav was out of her grip, she let out a mighty roar, getting ready to eat him instead however the chandelier came crashing down, onto her neck acting as a collar. Taking this momentary interruption, the pair made a run for it. The scientist crying out his gratitude as the ascended up the stairs. As they passed by the dragon, he picked up Slav with ease-thanks to his lineage. He ran right past the next puff of blue fire. In the midis of the chaos, Keith jumped down, landing on the floor and finally meeting up with the prince. Lance perked up, about to speak, only to get swept off his feet and on the male's left. Slav gave an eye smile.
"Oh, you found his royal highness."
"It can talk?!" Lance exclaimed in pure awe.
"The real problem is getting up to shut up." Keith chimed in, continuing to run as sweat dripped down his face.
They stumbled upon a fallen pillar that curved in the middle, and he took his chances as the dragon's roaring was becoming louder. So he jumped, using it as a slide, holding onto the two securely. He ended up at the bottom rather quickly and took this moment to steady himself, with a shake of his head and determination shinning in his yellow eyes, he continued to run. Passing by an area where the floor had miniature cracks, some lava slipping through. He made it his job to go in circles, to limit the dragon's movement. Luckily, the creature fell into the trap without much hesitation as she seriously seemed to want Slav in her possession. He went from left to right, to back and fourth, until they returned to where they started. He sprinted, panting heavily as he spotted an embedded sword in the ground from the distance. His eyes twinkled gleefully, once he reached the weapon, he dropped the two as they ran off to safety. Keith managed to dislodge the sword, and slam it through some of the chains that overlapped each other. He ended fleeing as soon as he heard the roaring, turning the corner, he shouted to the other two who where waiting for him.
"Run!"
And so they did, until Keith caught up, the dragon just peeking around the corner and coming into full view. It let out another burst of flames came rushing forward as they ran for their lives. The three of them all scampered about on the bridge, only making it half way before the fire burned through the ropes and wood of platform. Several screams where heard as half of the bridge made contact with the rocky terrain, leaving them hanging and tightly gripping the wooden planks with their lives as the fire breathing creature loomed closer only to pulled back by it's chains, it's eyes bulging out of it's sockets for a brief moment before stabilizing itself in mid air, flapping it's wings and flew backwards onto the stone edge. Shiro and the others popped up, waving their arms around as they pulled to safety. Hunk was the first to fuss over the pair, piratically crying and bringing them into a hug. They all turned back to the dragon as it let out a sad roar, ears drooping as she watched them go and disappear from her view. The group slid down the volcano's slope and Lance excitedly cheered as they all gathered.
"That was amazing, stupendous, exhilarating. You two were amazing!"
