Chapter Nine- Secret Plan

"Lotor said an attack fleet will be here in one day and he's sabotaged the ships?" Allura said.

Keith nodded. "He asked that if we were outside when it happens, the exploding ships will prove that he's on our side. After that, we could all talk on the secure channel."

"It would be useful to have a spy on the inside," Allura said thoughtfully. "And if this attack is sabotaged, then it'll prove Lotor's loyalty."

Keith nodded and rubbed his eyes. He had gathered the team as soon as it was morning and was tired as a result.

"Keith, you need sleep, man," Lance said.

"Yes, but I need to make some points first. Look, I had good reasons not telling you I was a werewolf and loving Lotor. I knew you would view me as dangerous and possibly someone who deserved to be a monster."

"A monster?" Allura asked. "You're not a monster."

"Exactly. I'm not a monster. My ancestors were just wolves or werewolves. The heritage is only passed through the male line and those who make wolf sounds can unleash the wolf within as my family calls it. My dad and grandpa showed no signs but I think my great-grandpa did."

"What's it like being a werewolf?" Pidge asked.

Keith's face lit up. "It's amazing. I have sharper senses, faster speed, and increased strength. I'm pretty good-looking as a wolf, according to Lotor."

"You did look impressive," Allura admitted. "When you said sharper senses, does that mean you can see in the dark?"

"Pretty much, but I don't think that includes pitch black. The drawback is that my eyes are sensitive to sunlight and it takes time for them to adjust.

"Now, about Lotor…"

"You don't need to explain that," Allura interrupted. "It's obvious why you didn't tell us."

"I feel I should have. I mean, you could have thought I was turning traitor or being influenced."

"The influence we would have thought of if Lotor hadn't said anything about that idea."

"So…you're okay with me being a werewolf?"

"Yes. As you said, it's your family's heritage."

"And Lotor?" Keith asked quietly.

"That remains to be seen."

"What's this secret plan, old witch?"

"All in good time, my prince. Believe me, this plan will put an end to Voltron."

"I doubt it. My analyses tell me that Voltron can't be beat. You tried to destroy Voltron, but only broke it into five robot lions. So, I doubt your magic could end Voltron this time."

Hagger cackled. "Oh, but this time I can't fail. I explained it to your father and he agrees with me that it'll destroy the mighty robot."

"I look forward to witnessing your secret plan." Lotor walked out of Hagger's lab, concerned. Hagger refused to reveal her secret plan and it frustrated him. How could he warn Keith if he had no idea what to warn him about? Ah, but if she's with me, I can wreck her plan once it goes into motion. It may expose me as a traitor, but I will have haven on Arus. Lotor headed to his control board and sent the beam to the Castle of Lions. He knew Keith wasn't on duty and hoped it was someone who would believe him. He received a reply and opened it to see Lance.

"Lotor. You want to talk to Keith?"

"It's not necessary. I'm calling because of a secret plan Hagger has. She won't tell me anything beyond claiming that it'll destroy Voltron."

"That's quite a claim seeing as nothing's worked before."

"Well as Hagger will be with me, I'll be able interfere with her plan when it goes into motion."

"Won't that blow your cover?"

"It may. Would it be too much to assume that I would have sanctuary on Arus?"

"Hey, if you do stope the witch, I'm sure Allura will let you live here."

"That's good to hear. Please tell the others what I told you."

"Will do." The transmission ended and Lance marveled at how he managed to have a civil conversation with Lotor. It would seem his love for Keith really did change him. We were wrong to doubt him and I'll say as much tomorrow.

"A secret plan?" Coran repeated.

"Oh, yeah," Keith spoke up. "I forgot to mention that. Hagger will riding with Lotor during the attack."

"The old witch won't tell him the plan except that it'll destroy Voltron."

Keith then laughed. "Well as we'll be outside watching the fleet fall apart, Voltron won't be needed so that plan goes down the tubes."

"He seemed concerned about it and stated that he'll do what he has to do to stop her even if it reveals that he's a traitor. Allura, would you give Lotor safety on Arus if his cover's blown?"

"Of course. He'll have proven that he's changed."

"I say he's already changed and that we were wrong to doubt him. Hey, Keith. How about some sparring?"

Keith blinked at him. "Seriously? I almost beat you last time."

"Hey, I didn't know you were a werewolf then. Now that I know, I want you to help me fight better."

"I guess I could. Hunk? I'd like to test my strength against you."

"Sure, Keith." The team filed out to change clothes and practice their fighting skills.

Only Coran remained behind. It amazed him how open Lotor was being with the attack and how he was making sure it failed. It was the secret plan he didn't know all the details of and it was clear that it frustrated him but he provided what he knew nonetheless. He also revealed that he intended to put a stop to the plan even at the risk of being exposed as a traitor and possibly being killed. Well, as the attack will be on Arus, Lotor can live here and not be concerned about death. I will tell Pidge that I will fill in for him tonight so he can help if it's needed tomorrow.

Lotor watched with satisfaction as the sabotaged ships were loaded into the warship. He was glad that his smug expression could be attributed to the upcoming attack.

He heard a cackle and saw Hagger come up beside him. "Tomorrow will be a great day for the empire."

"Indeed. It will be a day for the history books," Lotor said, his idea of history clearly different from Hagger's idea.

"Yes. You should sleep, my prince as tomorrow is a big day."

"Sound advice, witch. I will heed to it. Good night."

"Sleep well, prince." Hagger bowed to Lotor and then watched the loading with a gleeful expression. Their lack of attacks had been part of a master plan. It would lull Arus into a false sense of security and leave them unprepared for this massive attack. And my plan will be the icing on the cake, she smirked.