Chapter Eighteen

Danny peeled off her race suit and let herself sink into the tub. People often underestimated the toll that speeder racing could have on one's body. Her speeder bike was like an extension of herself. When her muscles shifted, so did the bike. After a race like the one she just had, Danny felt like she had a thorough body workout.

This most recent race was one she had been looking forward to. Coming to Altaire meant she had gone up in the ranks. Main events were always held here. Of course, after hearing how quickly the lion pilot Lance McClain had decimated the competition since he joined the sport, she wanted to see what the hot shot rookie could do. He didn't disappoint. Turns out Lance had all the instincts she had heard about. Then again, she had let him win.

Danny gave a sigh and sank lower, letting the bubbles encircle her neck. Maybe she shouldn't have done that. She didn't downshift the entire race. Once would have been enough, especially right before the finish line. She couldn't bring herself to allow him to lose for some reason. Maybe it was because she was made aware that Princess Allura and the new Prince Consort Commander Keith Kogane were present to watch their friend. Danny had much respect for the princess. About five years ago, witch Haggar sent a red rain upon her village, searing the streets with fire. Princess Allura and Pidge had helped her family escape the flames, while the other lions scrambled overhead to contain them. It had been the first time that Danny had seen the Voltron Lions, and even amidst the chaos around her, she was completely enthralled. Soon after, she began racing the speeders. Deep in the playful part of her heart, she sometimes imagined instead of a speeder she was flying a lion. It was a silly, childish game she played with herself.

Earlier that day, she found herself watching in awe as all five lions soared in the sky above her. Danny had been adjusting some specs on her speeder when she heard them roaring overhead. She dropped her wrench and ran out of the docking station to watch them run drills. She wasn't sure what had happened, but for some reason the Black and Red lions were charging each other. They averted, but suddenly Black Lion was tumbling down toward her.

Danny's heart pounded in her chest. She couldn't move. The silence of the lion's fall was deafening. She stared into the eyes of the robot lion as it continued its descent.

Pull up! PULL UP! She had screamed aloud. The lion suddenly came alive and swooped back upwards into the sky. Danny expelled a hard breath before simply falling to her knees. That couldn't be Kogane in that lion.

Danny rested her forearms on the edge of the tub. Her eyes closed as she shifted her thoughts back to the race. She replayed every move in her mind. Her head unconsciously tilted with each turn. Remembering how easily she could've earned that title made her smile in excitement for next week. Something else added to the anticipation she felt. She fondly recalled the look of surprise on Lance's face when she removed her helmet. Danny began painting a picture of Lance in her mind. He had playful brown eyes, sandy brown hair that slipped down his neck, and a fabulous physique. His smart-assed attitude was very complimentary with her own. Lance, no doubt, had his share of beautiful women. Most of Danny's friends had a crush on the rebellious rogue. She had never really been one to swoon over a celebrity. She wasn't very girly at all. Danny thought of herself as attractive, but never made it a priority. She always felt out of place with the girls. Racing was an escape for her. She was much more comfortable working with guys. When it came to womanizers, like Lance, she usually deflected their game with a smug remark. Visualizing Lance's face again, a light flutter in her stomach told her that she may not want to with him.

Danny sighed again. She had a feeling this week was going to be a long one. And she really hoped that her stay in Altaire would allow for a few brief encounters with Red Lion pilot.