Heather's compass confirmed what Keith already knew. The arrow lead him directly to Mount Sage—the coldest place on Arus and one of the few locations the castle's scanners couldn't get readings. It was also the only place on Arus Zarcon's forces hadn't attacked out of fear; in truth, few Arusians had ever dared to explore it with rumors of monsters and curses. The legends of Mount Sage ranged from an ancient seal holding the ultimate villain (or villainess) to the tomb of the man who had inspired the giant heroic robot. None of the Force had travelled to it before, but the archives spoke of ice caves and hot springs.
Black landed near a massive cave. Keith activated his armor and headed inside to find part of Lotor's army waiting. He kept out of sight and entered one of the corridors. It was empty and the icy walls had an eerie feel as if it was an ancient temple encased in a thick glass. The rumors seemed to make sense, but Keith wasn't there to enjoy the scenery. He followed the hallway (was this really an ancient temple?)—cavern until the path split into five.
Keith looked at the compass, but the arrow had turned into a large dot. He wished Heather had explained the aura compass more thoroughly. He looked at all five arched doorways, but none gave any hint to being traveled recently or often. As Keith started to turn back, he heard footsteps coming from behind him. He hide within one of the tunnels as two voices grew. It was Lotor and Maahox.
"These footprints are recent." said Lotor.
"Still, shouldn't we have sent a squad a head, sire." Replied Maahox, nervously. "After all, those prints are big for the boy."
"No one in the Universe has dared to search or go near this stupid mountain in centuries except that. Even my own father and the old witch refused to attack it out of fear." Said Lotor. It was clear in his voice that his patience was wearing thin. "The boy is far braver than them or his mentors. If only he were on our side, . . . but then I wouldn't get the pleasure of watching Keith struggle between destroying his student and his student rip him to pieces."
"True, that will be a sight to see. What I am wondering, sire, is if the Voltron Force has begun searching for him here?" said Maahox.
"I can handle them, especially with your new weapon to neutralize the anti-haggarium one's powers." Lotor laughed. "Even with the cold here, my powers are stronger than ever!"
Keith summoned his swords as Lotor came into view, but remained hidden. As Lotor stood at the entrance, Maahox pointed out the tracks and Keith began his attack. Lotor summoned a haggarium sword and blocked Keith's hit.
"So, you brave the cold and an ancient curse to find a sick boy? My how the mighty have fallen." Laughed Lotor. He pushed Keith back into one of the ice walls.
"Daniel's not your puppet, Lotor! He's too strong for you to control. You know what happened to Wade!" said Keith. He pushed back with his sword.
"How dare you insult me by comparing ME to that pathetic fool! He knew not the full power of haggarium! Nor was he infused with it in even nano cell of his being!" Yelled Lotor. His anger began to melt the ice in the cave around them. In one blast he sent Keith thru one of the ice walls and with a second the floor underneath them began to crack. Keith tried to get to his feet, but the floor fell in under him and all went black.