"Are you sure about this, Reyner? One wrong move on any of our parts could send you and your people right back into Zarkon's hands." Shiro stated for the second time during the meeting and now a third at the end. He wouldn't admit it to his team but he was nervous as all get out right now. If anyone even turned a single hair in the wrong direction they could lose everything, Olkari and Keith all in one go. Even now as he stood alone in the room with only Reyner he felt like the whole universe was about to cease to exist at any moment.

Gentle eyes focus on the nervous paladin. "Shiro, all will go well. We, no, I put my full trust in your team's abilities. You must have more faith in them and yourself. Keith will be returned and Olkari will remain as it is, free." Peaceful as she may look with this whole idea Shiro had to wonder if she really had that much faith in the events that were soon to be played out. Sighing softly, the paladin rubbed the back of his neck.

"I know. I just have worries and I am sure you can see them justified with everything currently being set into motion."

Again, the Olkarian woman merely smiled at the human that stood before her much like a knowing mother. "Justified as it appears to be it holds you back. Let what may happen, happen. Know that we are well prepared to fight should the need arise. I will be boarding your ship within two quintants. Until then, have Kolivan start his part and we shall do ours. I bid you farewell until then, Shiro."

Just like that Reyner cut communications. A slight knock and the door opened behind Shiro. Jak entered the room. He looked as calm as the ocean on a peaceful day. Moving with purpose and head straight into business unlike the him who was more lost than anything else. His head needed to be in the game.

"I take it Kolivan has sent the message?" Shiro turned towards the young male with arms crossed.

"It has been received without difficulty. There has been a reply as well. One of our operatives has agreed to take the chance. Having just arrived at Central one quintant ago to report on a sector she had been established on for sometime, it might take her a few vargas to locate him. From there, it's up to her to reach the rendezvous point on time. If all goes according to plan we will have Keith before Reyner even starts her part."

Jak paused for a moment as if he wanted to add more to the conversation but stopped himself. Shiro had taken note of this and tilted his head to the side in concern. "Is there more?" He inquired.

Jake blinked a few times and smiled softly at the paladin. "No, nothing of consequence. I just find this arrangement to be a bit interesting."

"Why is that?" He pressed.

"I think you will understand in two quintants. Until then prepare yourself, Shiro. It is...how you do you humans say it? Going to be a bumpy ride."

If anyone asked him to point towards the ceiling he would find it impossible to identify that particular area. Not because he couldn't physically do it or mentally decide on the proper location but mostly to the fact he was too drained. For the past three quintant's he had been constantly 'the source of entertainment' for Zarkon. Haggar had been allowed to test the hybrid as much as she wanted and during that time Haggar's attitude towards him changed slightly. She became less annoyed and more fascinated with him in that time.

Honestly, Keith had no idea why she took this sudden turn but he supposed it had something to do with spots that came and went across his skin like a bad rash. He had seen it before, long ago, but since he knew he was part Galra, he didn't put much thought into it. Haggar on the other hand, must of figured out his genetics weren't quite human. But even then, she never showed love towards that race either and often turned them into robeast. What gave him the special treatment?

It didn't matter.

What did matter was his arm. It was healing far faster then it should and he knew why. The knowledge frightened him more then Haggar. Off and on for the the past three quintants here he had been subjected into what he would like to call a Quintessence Bath. During his time in them his arm was no longer swollen, his fingers bent with ease as did the wrist. However, the elbow and shoulder was a different story. They still screamed in protest if he tired moving them about too much.

Looking down at his hands he took in their current appearance, angry purple patches covered ninety percent of his flesh with no signs of fading thus far. It seemed as if they were determined to stay no matter what he tired to do. Even now as he floated in the golden glow of quintessence he felt like he could fall asleep in its gentle warmth forever. While it might of not been the best idea it did come across his mind as did a gentle pull. Something was tugging at the back of his mind. Trying to swat at it did nothing but cause it to further call to his attention.

It was like a loud buzzing noise that turned into what one could compare to a badly tuned radio. The static got worse and worse. Cupping his ears did nothing to tame the noise. Then suddenly, it stopped on its own with a gentle purr. Confused, the hybrid opened his eyes fully expecting to see the lab. His eyes were greeted by darkness. Twisting around he was stunned to see the floor made from nothing but water. Again, he scanned the empty horizon and saw nothing. All around him was never ending darkness but the tug kept coming with a gentle purr. It was familiar, so familiar that it hurt to even consider the possibility.

"Shiro?" Keith called out gently. He had no reason to suspect it was the elder paladin. But the warmth that draped over him was so familiar, so comforting, so peaceful. A roaring purr echoed through space. A pair of glowing yellow eyes shined brightly in the distance. A spot light with no source came on above the eyes to show a proud black lion sitting there looking distinguished. In a way it reminded Keith of a stage play for below the beast as a man in white and black armor speaking colorfully with another he couldn't place. He knew the dark armor well but the face was hidden behind a mask.

"Shiro?" Keith questioned again. Focusing on the single entity that kept him going. Taking a step forward and then another he felt the urge to run but resisted. Only because the lion moved to stand above the Shiro's figure protectively. "Black?"

Black looked down at the lost paladin. His face unreadable but the feeling radiated none the same. Black was cautious. Debating on if Keith was worth his time and efforts. Was he important enough to consider saving?

"Black, it's me. Keith. I...I don't know why I'm here." His words had no effect on the metallic lion he remained standing over the now frozen form of his pilot. Lowering the massive head it seemed to have sudden zoomed in on Keith. What had been a great distance between them was now nothing more than five inches. The lions red nose brushed against the paladin's hair, sniffing? Could they even smell? It was something Keith never considered.

The figure in the distance reanimated itself, turning fully to save Black and Keith though never approached. "Keith?"

The voice of Shiro echoed in the distance. The former paladin, however, did not answer. He was afraid too. Afraid that answering would give Shiro the undesired effect to come to him. To come looking and boost his morale. He was a goner. He knew it the moment he fell into Zarkons hands. He had no intention in dragging the other into it and so he remained silent as Shiro questioned him. Calling for him. Begging for an answer.

Black tilted his large head to the side. Carefully, the beast nudged him once. The purr had returned at a greater volume. Feel brave, Keith looked up but found only darkness once more. Black no longer stood before him and Shiro was gone. However, a tug pulled at his mind. Letting him know he wasn't alone. It should of been a peaceful feeling of hope but instead it turned into anxiety and pain.

Keith awoke to a purple glow, screaming at the top of his lungs. As much as he tired to hold himself the cramped pod wouldn't allow it. His vision was unable to focus on anything in the lab. However, he could see the old witch standing at the pod, her son looking confused and another woman with a stone cold face staring up at him, as if seeing him for the first time.

"What's happening to him?" The woman asked, her voice gruff and strong. She stood before the pod like a hardened trained soldier who had seen everything but this in her many years of life. If Keith had been able to focus on more than his increasing pain. He might of taken notice of the strange look in her eyes. Her voice had sounded bored and even but her eyes told a different story. Anger was one of them and the other...concern?

"Merely waking up what had been subjected to sleep." Haggar turned away from Keith. She waved at the woman idly. "I've heard your report. Lotor will escort you to our Emperor." When the woman did not move the old witch turned to regard her with questioning eyes.

"Krolia?" The witch called out. Only then did the galra turn on her heels. With a nimble apology she took her leave with Lotor. Leaving Haggar and Keith alone. She muttered something before turning to her druids that where attending to her new subject. Two of the druids stopped their use of magic while allowing the other two to continue on. Haggar merely raised a hand for them to stop for the time being and took note of her handiwork.

Who knew there was a half-galra among the paladins. It seemed her Emperor was correct in his assumptions of the boy being worth something. Well, something other then the traditional Robeast and gladiator. "Take him out and tend to him. I doubt he will give you much trouble."

Notes:

My apologizes on taking so long to update and this being a tad short.
My job has become a little crazy on hours due to being short staffed and my second job has become rather busy which is keeping my hands fulls. Alas, the adult life just can't seem to let me go long enough to write. Still, I will do my best to update as often as I can. I really had a lot I wanted to include in this chapter but I decided to separate it into parts that way it doesn't feel rushed or disjointed between my times to write. This chapter is sort of like the set up that will lead into the next chapters. I hope you enjoy it and that it isn't too odd.
Please enjoy and I will update again as soon as possible!
Thank you all for your love and continuing support! You are truly the greatest!