Chapter Four- Encounter

Keith squinted as he awoke. His eyes were still sensitive and he reasoned that it would take time before he grew accustomed to his eyes. It's cool that I have enhanced senses, speed, and strength in human form and it makes sense as I am a werewolf, but light sensitive eyes are a bit of a drawback. He stood up, retrieved the basket, and stared making his way home, using his senses as practice. Everything looked and sounded sharper and clearer. The smells he picked up were more distinctive and he breathed deeply before exhaling through his mouth quickly. He smelled something unnatural and it piqued his curiosity. He focused on the smell and followed it, his mind drawing only one conclusion as to its source: A ship.

A Doom ship. It has to be. Maybe even…Lotor's ship! His pace increased at the thought. If it was Lotor, perhaps he could admit his feelings for him. I would like to and I will. I don't care how he takes it, at least it'll be out of my system. He raced through the forest and came to a halt. There, before him was Lotor's ship and leaning against it was Lotor who flashed a smirk Keith found attractive.

"Commander. My ship sensed someone coming. How nice that it was you it picked up."

"Yeah? How come?" Keith snapped, despite being thrilled it was Lotor.

"I was hoping to talk. You've been on my mind a lot lately and I figured we have a lot in common. We're equals in combat, we're both clever, and share similar traits."

"I noticed that too but I have an honor code and sense of fair play that you do not have."

"That is true but perhaps you could teach me to acquire and develop those traits."

Keith had to admit that it was an intriguing proposition. "I could but their development has to include a sense of attraction or love…which you would have as you love Allura."

"I do love, Keith but not for Allura, not anymore. The one I love now…is you, Keith."

"Me?" Keith was shocked, but happy too. If he had a tail, it would be swishing furiously.

Lotor nodded. "Yes. I can't stop thinking about you, proof that I am in love with you. If you doubt my sincerity…"

"Doubt you?" Keith interrupted with a gentle laugh. "I don't doubt it because I love you too."

Lotor gave a real smile. "Perfect. I thought you would reject my love and thought it as part of a plan."

"And I thought you would mock or scoff at me if I told you how I felt. Nice to see that didn't happen."

"I agree."

Keith came closer. "So, is that why you're here? To confess love to me?"

"That was half of the plan. The other half I now find I no longer care about."

"What plan?" Keith asked, wondering if Lotor would tell him.

"First, I would do some reconnaissance so I could fine-tune a plan to capture all five pilots one by one. Four of you would face several robeasts in the arena immediately upon arrival. That last one was to be my slave."

"I guessing the princess to be that slave."

"Yes, but when I thought of you, that changed. Once all five of you were captured, the fleet would swoop in, locate the lions, and destroy them."

"That's a pretty good plan and it would take some time to put into actions as you would have to do a lot of spying."

"Thank you, and yes, it would take time. But now that I have your love, I don't care about capture or destroying Voltron. The problem is that I gave Father a basic outline of the plan even thought I already had concocted it in my mind. He will be expecting me home with information in a few days."

"What kind of information were you seeking?"

"I had thought of learning night watch rotations. Heh, pointless as I can't see inside."

"Oh, I think I can help with that. The five of us and Coran rotate in night watches. I would watch one night, then Lance would the next night, and on and on."

"I see and when is you next watch?"

"Well, it's Allura's turn tonight, and then Hunk and Coran. Then it's my turn."

"Three nights away. We could get together and spend time in really getting to know each other."

"Absolutely," Keith said, his nose flaring subtly to take in Lotor's scent. "How about tonight right here?"

"Agreed." Lotor took Keith's hand and gave it a squeeze. "I will see you soon, dear Keith."

"Tonight, my prince." Keith walked away, a big smile on his face. He had gotten to confess love to Lotor and the prince also loved him! Perhaps our love will end the fighting between Arus and Doom as well as truly bringing peace to the universe. His smiled vanished as a potential obstacle to his relationship with Lotor occurred to him. Suppose Lotor rejects me if he learns I'm a werewolf? That would break my heart and that may feed into my vicious state when the full moon comes. Oh, now I'm starting to wish I hadn't taken the formula. There's no antidote so I'm stuck as a werewolf. Luckily, I have a pendent to keep me human at night. I'll wear it until I go to sleep then I'll take it off and sleep as a wolf.

Lotor climbed into his ship and headed to his cabin in the mid-section. His bed would serve as a nicer place to sleep especially now that he knew the night watch schedule for the castle. And I need a good long nap if I plan to see Keith tonight. He felt the slight weight of the pendent and resolved to give it to Keith tomorrow night. We will talk about ourselves tonight and some of tomorrow before I present the pendent. He laid in bed, picturing that romantic moment.

Keith entered the castle and met up with Coran. He gave a bright smile. "Morning, Coran!"

"Keith? Were you outside?"

"I was. A little morning jog and a light breakfast." He held up the basket. "But I sure could go for a big breakfast."

"Well, I'll take that so you can shower and dress." Coran took the basket.

Keith nodded. Technically he could use a shower as he had been running last night. He headed to his room to grab fresh clothes and his pendent before heading to the shower. He emerged a short time later, dressed and a towel around his shoulders. He had his dirty suit under one arm and a smile still on his face.

"Keith!?" gasped a voice up ahead and he saw Lance gaping at him. "Are you…actually smiling?"

Keith shrugged. "Why not? It's a beautiful day and there's been no attacks. Hey, let's do some practice drills with the lions after breakfast just in case we do get attacked."

"Sure. You're the commander."

"Good. Let the team know. I'll be at the table soon." Keith walked on, leaving Lance a little bewildered. Keith did smile, but usually because of something amusing. It was the smile that mystified Lance as lion drills were typical Keith.

Then again, it could be as Keith said. It is a beautiful day; one to make Keith crack a smile. Lance continued to the dining room to greet everyone and tell them of Keith's plan for lion drills so they're be ready for any attack.