Voltrex - Yes, Dariana's dreams are weird, and they are about to get even weirder. I think people are going to start connecting the dots when it comes to the greater picture. Again, watch Fleet of Doom. You may never look at Haggar the same way again!
Author's Note - I may have a dead muse rotting in my heart and mind, but it hasn't stopped me from digging up the cadets' pasts. It's funny how this is all going to play out in the end. Plenty of J/A moments, but you gotta dig for 'em!
Theme Music : All That I'm Living For, by Evanescence
Disclaimer - Voltron and all associated characters are the property of WEP. Space Marshall Lenora Hawkins is the property of KathDMD.
Episode 20 : Truvall's True Colors
Roxy, Dariana, and Tails were walking down the hallway, headed to the hangar.
"So," Roxy said, "you never told us what happened in that dream. I was wondering if it had anything to do with what you did during the time you don't remember."
"Well," Dariana replied, "I kept trying to do what you told me, Roxy. This dream, I was the little girl again, but she was much older. Everyone keeps calling her 'Kovinx'…thinking maybe that's her name. Apparently this time, she was piloting Voltron."
"Voltron?" Roxy asked.
"The lions," she replied. "I was piloting what would have been Yellow Lion. The lions didn't separate though. She was a very capable and experienced pilot. I could feel her control over her role, and how well she was able to perform maneuvers. I could also feel a strange energy from Voltron itself, as if its systems were linked with my mind. When we landed, I was confronted by one of the other team members, then had a full length conversation with the Black Lion pilot….the King of Arus! Least…I think it was the king. I remember calling him 'sire', and he referred to his son as 'Prince Alfor'."
"Alfor?" Roxy asked. "As in Altaire? Dari, Alfor Altaire was the last king of Arus!"
"Then could these really be more than dreams?" she asked. "I have never been to Arus prior to meeting you, and never knew or heard of the king."
"Not to change the subject," Tails said, "but I'm hoping Chip has good news about your little buddy."
"Me too," Dariana replied softly. "He's like my best friend. Since building him, I couldn't imagine a day without him."
"Chip's good with power systems," Tails replied. "If there's anyone that could separate that thing from Tick, it'll be him." She sighed contentedly. "I love my Pooky Bear so much! He's funny, smart, and he's got such a huge…"
"Ah, good, we're here," Roxy interrupted as she keyed in the code and slid the doors open. The three walked in, Tails merely shrugging. When Tails saw Chip though, she beamed.
"POOKY BEAR!" she shouted, running up to him and planking a kiss on his face. "were you able to fix Lil' D's little buddy?"
"I was able to separate the offending piece from the mouse,' Chip replied, "But it will take time for his internal systems to recharge." He turned to Dariana. "Tails told me not to cut his power or interrupt it in any way, so this was the only way for me to complete the procedure successfully." He turned back to Roxy. "That said, you might want to know what the little bugger was."
"What was it?" Roxy asked, perplexed.
"A fly," he replied, "but not an ordinary one. This little marvel is a mechanical parasite."
"A para-what?" Roxy asked. She knew what a parasite was, but was caught off guard because it was a machine."
"It's programmed to attach to a host," Chip replied, "then not only feed off its electrical energy for sustenance, it passes a virus of sorts into the host that can do a whole array of nasty things from wiping out computer systems to causing massive electrical damage. Given enough time, it may have taken control of Tick's entire neural structure, in a sense, destroying what he was and replacing that with the parasite. In a sense, the parasite and host become one."
"But you were able to sever the connection in time?" Dariana asked worriedly.
"Yeah," Chip replied. "But something like this isn't natural. You need to understand….someone was sick enough to build this, and release it into the world. And by the look of the energy signals, it was not alone."
"How do we find these things?" Roxy asked.
"I'm working on that right now," he replied. "I'm having Zandee do some research for me in the Garrison archives. Once Tangor comes back with the necessary parts I need, I can get to work on it."
"Thank you, Tech Sergeant," Roxy replied, saluting. He quickly saluted back. "Come on, let's go. Commander Stormclaw wanted to see us for another situation briefing." They left the hangar, Tails blowing Chip a kiss and giving him a cute little wave.
The team walked into the control room, and lined up in front of Commander Stormclaw.
"Alright, team," he said, "this is what we've been waiting for. We finally have an opportunity to send you out to Epsis to escort the transport back to Earth. Technicians were able to get a few of the new charging stations going, which is allowing the teams of the Vehicle Force to perform routine patrols of the Outer Perimeter. That said, we will need you to launch within the hour and head to Arus."
"Wait," Roxy said. "Why Arus?"
"We are receiving additional assistance from the Arusians," he replied. "We are going to disguise the route and make it seem as if the transport is an exploratory vessel from Arus. This may make it seem less desirable to the Supremacy. Also, Princess Allura has actually requested a visit from the force. The reason though she seems to be keeping a secret. I'm hoping you will know more once you arrive."
"Very well," Roxy replied. "Thank you, Commander." They left the control room to pack some things before the trip.
"I like Arus," Tails said as she shoved clothes into a duffle bag. "I don't like being away from my Pooky Bear though."
"You'll live," Roxy replied coldly. "Maybe."
"Easy for you to say," Tails replied. "At least JC is coming with us. My Pooky Bear has to stay on earth."
"For the last time," Roxy said through gritted teeth, "I do not, nor will I ever, have romantic feelings for Cadet Grend. Is that clear?"
"Yeah, whatever," Tails rolled her eyes, and shoved another handful of clothes into her duffle bag. "You, my friend, are in total denial."
"Get bent," Roxy said quietly. As she spun around and said it, she came face to face with Lenora, oddly enough, in normal street clothes.
"Cadet Truvall," she said, taking half a step back to avoid getting tackled by Roxy, "mind if I have a word with you?"
"Yes, yes of course," she replied nervously. She put down her bags and walked out into the hallway. She turned to face her.
"I actually have a favor to ask you," Lenora said, handing Roxy a small package. "The mail transport between here and the Far Galaxy has been just as bad as anything thanks to the Supremacy. I figured since you and your team will be going to Arus, you could deliver this for me."
"You have family on Arus?" Roxy asked, genuinely inquisitively.
"A very good friend," she replied. "She's like family to me. It's Lady Larmina. If you would please give it to her…"
"No problem," Roxy replied.
"I appreciate it," Lenora said. "Well, I better get going. Good luck, and make sure to contact Commander Stormclaw on a secure channel when you are on your way back with the transport."
"Will do," Roxy replied, saluting.
"Skip the formalities, Truvall," she said. "It's my day off." She winked at her. "Again, good luck!" Roxy watched her walk down the steps, then turned to go back into the dorm apartment. She placed the package on the table and let out a sigh.
"So, what did the Space Marshall want?" Tails asked.
"She wanted me to deliver a package," Roxy replied.
"You seem bummed about it," Tails said.
"You don't understand," she replied. "It's to Lady Larmina. This is so not gonna be pretty."
"So you're saying there are more cadets like us, or are these guys just emissaries from the Academy?" Daniel asked.
"These cadets are a part of another Voltron Force from Earth, Daniel," Keith replied. "We brought the three of you out here to meet them as emissaries and members of the Voltron Force here. Please make sure you show them the proper respect."
"No problem, Keith," Daniel replied. "Everything is under control. No more haggarium rages, and no more irresponsible behavior!" He grinned.
"Irresponsible is your middle name," Larmina said, taking a swat at Daniel.
"Look!" Vince said, "here they come!" The five jets came from the sky and carefully landed on a pad several hundred yards from where they stood. The cockpits opened, and the five pilots left them and began walking towards Keith and the cadets.
"This is not gonna be good," Roxy said quietly, but loud enough for JC and Tails to hear. "Here, you give it to her."
"Why me?" JC asked.
"Because you're not me!" Roxy said forcefully. "I want to keep my conversations with her at a minimum, and I know she takes one look at you and she won't bother to say a damn word!" JC gave her a mean look, and they proceeded to where Keith stood.
"Welcome back to Arus," Keith said. "I would like you to meet our newest Voltron Force members, Daniel, Larmina and Vince. If I remember correctly, this is Dariana, Seth, Sheri, JC, and Aroxia."
"Roxy," Roxy corrected.
"Truvall," Larmina said with a mean look. Roxy shot a look right back at her.
"Altaire," Roxy said through her teeth. "How's that arm healing up?"
"Just fine," she replied. "How's your leg?" she asked sarcastically.
"Fine, no thanks to you," Roxy sneered. "So what's it like standing in your aunt's shadow?"
"I dunno," she said snapping back, "what's it like never having a boyfriend?" Both looked like they were ready to go at it right then and there, but Daniel put out his arm holding back Larmina, and JC did the same to Roxy.
"Larmina!" Keith shouted. "That's enough. We were sent to greet the team, not rip them apart."
"I'd like to see her try," Roxy said.
"Calm down, Truvall," JC said. He leaned into her. "Let me just give her the package, and maybe she'll go away." Roxy frowned, then waved him on.
"Whatever," she whispered back. JC walked up to Larmina.
"Lady Larmina," he said, "I have a letter and a package for you from…"
"Len!" she screamed. She took the package, gave JC an unexpected hug, and ran off.
"You Arusians and your warm welcomes!" JC said, his hands in his pockets. Roxy elbowed him hard.
"Right," Keith said with a half smirk, half frown. "Follow me to the castle. There's a lot we need to discuss." The group walked down the path headed for the castle.
Queen Allura, her Prince Consort, and the entire team sat with the Voltron Force at a huge dinner table. As they enjoyed the food, they began to speak with one another.
"So, Roxy," Lance said from across the table, "I hear they got ya piloting Red. Not bad, kid. Not bad at all."
"I didn't beat fourteen out of fifteen of your airspeed records just to sit on my rear for the rest of my life," she replied. "Though I'm still in the process of wiping your famed shooting records from the Garrison books."
"Is that so?" Lance asked. "Who knew the sweet, innocent looking girl we rescued from the caves would turn into all this spunk." He laughed. "Your records aside, how's life been?"
"Brutal," she replied. "But it's not all about me anymore. It's all about the team, ya know?"
"Wow," he replied. "Truvall, you have changed. I didn't even think 'team' was in your vocabulary. I remember when I suggested you attend the classes with these three, and you said you'd rather rot in hell! That's class, girl." Roxy didn't show it, but she felt happy to be praised for her accomplishments.
"You mean she was going to join us?" Daniel asked. "That would have been so cool! I mean, we could use a few more girls on the team..." Larmina elbowed him hard. She tried to avoid looking at Roxy, and when their eyes did meet, they would either turn quickly in disgust, or lock in a cold stare.
"So, JC," Larmina said, still avoiding Roxy's gaze, "You're from earth like Vince and Daniel. Are you any more fun than them?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Daniel replied.
"I mean," she said, "If you want a tour of the area surrounding the kingdom, I'd be glad to show you around." Roxy rolled her eyes. I know what she's up to, and it's not gonna work. This is all an act, and one that will backfire in her face. He doesn't have even the slightest interest in...
"Sure," he replied. "That would be great!" Tails took a bite of chicken, then looked at the two of them and slowly chewed.
"Then how about after dinner?" she asked. "I can show you the sights, and you can tell me more about your life on earth." Roxy ground her teeth. Two can play this game, she thought.
"Hey Daniel," Roxy said, "I know a few places even Miss Royal Pain in the Butt doesn't know about. Wanna join me?"
"Well, I do like new places," he said with a smile. Larmina looked annoyed. The four stood up as they could feel the pressure mounting.
"Then it's settled," Roxy said. 'After dinner. I can even show you the jets."
"Awesome!" Daniel said.
"Well," Larmina said, "I guess dinner is over." She reached across the table and grabbed JC by the shirt, pulled him to her and kissed him on the lips. He didn't seem to protest.
"I guess it is," Roxy replied. She reached across the table and grabbed Daniel, and kissed him as well. He didn't seem to mind either. Tails slumped down in her chair.
"Oh boy," Tails said to herself, sinking lower and lower as it became more painful to watch. Allura had been silent almost the phole time, but simply put a hand over her eyes and lowered her head, as if not believing the display. Keith tried to avoid it, and the rest of the team either stared, or continued eating. After a minute went by, the girls released them, then turned and walked away from the table towards their quarters. JC and Daniel slumped back in their chairs.
"Think I could get another glass of water?" JC asked.
"One for me too...I think," Daniel said. Dariana stood up from the table.
"Would you please excuse me," she said as she left. Vince strangely got up and followed her.
"Well, that went well," Keith said to Allura. All she could do was sigh.
"Hey, wait!" Vince shouted. Dariana stopped and turned. "Where are you going?" The young Drule looked at him and half smiled.
"I'm going to check on Roxy," she replied. "I think there may be something wrong."
"You're not kidding," he replied. "I never seen Larmina act like this. By the way, my name's Vince. What's yours?" He extended his hand to shake hers.
"I'm Dariana," she replied. "Dariana Kovinx." She grabbed his hand, and instantly their voltcoms both glowed. Her eyes went pure white, and wires came from their wrists and began to intertwine. His eyes started to glow and spark, and they both seemed to go into a trance. Suddenly she opened her mouth, and a more confident voice came out.
"Spilled blood gave rise to the defender!" she shouted. "As his body was severed, so was her soul! The key must be hidden! The key must be found! Zarkon be damned! The Lions must rise!" They broke apart, and while Vince was back to normal, Dariana took off running.
"Dariana!" Vince asked, "where are you going?"
"Ansel!" she shouted. "We have to return to the catacombs! The key to the prophecy is there! The only way to stop the evil is to unleash the defender's power! We must unlock its secrets! Hurry!" Vince followed her, unsure of what she was talking about, or what else to do.
"So, JC," Larmina asked, "What's it like being a member of the force? I mean, being a cadet turned force member myself, I know how it was for me..."
"Tough," he replied. I was Force Leader for a while. Actually, we're all technically still cadets until we finish up at the Academy. It got to the point though to where being a leader seemed too much for me, and I gave it up."
"Gave it up?" she asked. "Why? And to who?"
"I felt like the team didn't trust me enough," he replied.
"You mean Truvall didn't trust you," she said. "She's a cold hearted and manipulative..."
"You don't know her like I know her, Larmina," JC replied. "I know when she lived on Arus, she was very competitive. Still is in a way. But she is a good leader, and even though we don't see eye to eye all the time, a good friend. That's why I recommended she take my place as Force Leader."
"I can't imagine her as a leader," Larmina said. "I can't imagine her as being a team player either."
"But deep down she is," JC said, looking up at the stars. "I know you two have a history, but in the short time I've known her...I feel like I could trust her with my life. Sure, she's punched me in the face at times, knocked me down, called me every name in the book. But through it all, we kinda learned and grew, ya know?"
"One of the biggest competitions we had back then was the Strength Trials," she said. "It was a hand to hand combat ritual, and we fought our hardest. She managed to twist my arm behind me, and when I tried to reverse the move, she violated one of the rules of the competition and put her arm around my neck, choking me. It was then i feel to the ground, and in the process of forcing her to release, broke my arm. We both were out of the competition that year." She turned from him, and looked up at the night sky. "When we had the flight competition later in the year, I felt payback was in order. When she pulled one of her crazy maneuvers, I pulled out of formation and forced her to crash land. She broke her leg in that crash landing, and has been at me about it ever since. Personally, I always hated flying these machines. I like being free and hands-on in my fighting."
"I can see that," JC replied. "But don't you think it's time to bury the hatchet? You're both Voltron Force. You're part of something bigger now."
"Hmph," she said sighing. "You talk like my aunt." She turned to look at him and leaned in closer. "It's too bad you gave it up. You seem to be more than a capable leader to me." She leaned in and kissed him. He backed off quickly.
"Larmina," he said, "I..."
"You actually love her, don't you?" she said, a bit taken aback. "The strangest thing..."
"Well she doesn't love me," he replied. 'So I guess that doesn't matter."
"You ever see anything like this?" Roxy asked Daniel.
"The controls look alot like the ones in the lions," he replied. "How fast is it?" Roxy smirked.
"Real fast," she said. "Wanna see?"
"Sure!" he said excitedly. Just as Roxy climbed into the seat, she heard alarms go off.
"Something's not right," she said. "Look!" They both looked up and saw a large fleet of Drule ships heading their way.
"I better get to the lion," Daniel said. "Maybe next time?"
"We'll see," she said with a smirk. Daniel took off for the castle, and Roxy inserted her key into the voltcom. The engines roared, and she took off into the air. She opened the com. "Team, I need you to your ships now! There's some sore of attack going on!" She grabbed the yokes tightly. "OK, Truvall, time to show your family what you've become."
Vince followed Dariana into the catacombs. Not long after, they came upon King Alfor's tomb. She approached it and placed her hands on it. Wired came from her wrists and seemed to connect to it, and a strange glow surrounded her. Vince tried to approach, but then he felt the same force drawing him to it. he too became connected to it, and to each other. It was then she started to speak.
"Prince Alfor," she said. "The Great Evil has come once more! I need your guidance now as I did back then! I need to understand how she is locked inside the Defender! I need to know how to reunite the goodness of her soul! Please grant me strength, sire, and give me the key to defeating our enemies!" A surge of energy hit them both, and words rang in their ears they did not understand. Then all at once, they both fell to the ground, unconscious.
JC heard the alarm and grabbed Larmina's hand.
"We have to get back to the castle," he said. He saw Roxy's ship fly overhead, firing on the incoming armada, trying to fight them alone. "The girl is gonna get herself killed." Larmina nodded, and they took off running.
Larmina ran into the control room of the castle.
"We're under attack!" she shouted.
"Get to the lions," Keith said. "Where's Vince and Daniel?" Daniel ran in, past Keith, and into Black Lion's chute.
"No one's seen Vince since dinner," she replied.
"And he has Green's key," Keith said. "Pidge can't fly it." He looked at the door, hoping to see Vince running in. "Get to your lions and see if you can stall them." Larmina nodded, and she, Hunk, and Lance ran to the chutes. One by one the lions activated and launched from their dens, and headed strait for the chaos.
"Seth, Tails," JC said, "We need to get up in the air and help Roxy. Where's Dariana?"
"I don't know," Seth replied. "I haven't seen her since dinner."
"Keep trying to contact her," JC said. "We need to stop those ships!" They climbed into the cockpits and activated the ships, and took off. They flew around the armada, taking shots and wiping out drones.
"About time you joined us, Grend," Roxy shouted bitterly.
"No time for mindless banter, Truvall," he replied. "Just keep up the firepower. We need to buy time until we find dariana."
"Dari's missing?" she said with a worried voice. She grabbed the yokes tightly. "Truvall to the Lion Force. I need you to focus all firepower on the forward two warships. We need to keep the armada from approaching the castle!"
"You sure about this, Truvall?" Larmina asked.
"Never been more sure," she replied.
"Then let's take out some ships!" Daniel shouted, clawing at the hull of one of the warships. They managed to cause one to explode, and send the other crashing to the ground.
"Keep it up, Team," Roxy shouted. "We got this!" The command ship opened a cargo door, and something dropped to the ground. It started to grow in size.
"Guys," Hunk said, "I don't know about you, but that looks like a robeast coffin!" Sure enough, it exploded, and half-cybernetic monster reeled back screaming.
"We need Voltron," Roxy said quietly. "Where are you, Dari?"
Dariana and Vince still lay unconscious on the floor in the catacombs next to Alfor's tomb. Suddenly, the form of Alfor appeared.
"It is good to see you again, Kovinx," he said. "You must understand, she is one with Voltron. You must complete the process. YOU, are the key, Kovinx. And only your descendants can unlock the defender, and stop the Great Evil."
To Be Continued...