KathDMD - We already had a talk about most of what you had to say, especially about Kerza. I will add to that the fact that I always tend to put nods to other writers stories in my work, as I enjoy them so much, and people love continuity. The "bond" is one thing I've always admired, and am always glad to use it as a nod to cubbie's universe, because KA. ;)
cubbieBlueMako - Read on...the new arrival may be sooner than you think...
animebookchic - Brief indeed. But as always, things are about to pick up!
Author's Note - I've been looking forward to showing this off, and I think everyone will enjoy reading it. The several story arcs I have going on in Lion Force are going to be action packed and dramatic as always.
Without my muse, I am nothing.
Theme Music : "Sick Like Me" by In This Moment
Disclaimer - Voltron and all associated characters are the property of WEP. Space Marshall Lenora Hawkins and associated characters are the property of KathDMD. Admiral Lysette Fabrere and associated characters are the property of selena devargo.
Episode 116 : "Castle Chaos"
Sunset gave way to the darkness near the Castle of Lions. In the midst of this, a lone Doomite scurried carefully through the woods close to Lake Arus. He carefully made his way to the water's edge and peered deep within its recesses.
"Haggar said that this potion will bring utter chaos to those living in the castle," he said to himself. "Within time, the mixture will spread, contaminating the entire lake. If it finds its way into the water supply for the castle, we may not need to invade at all…those inside, including the Voltron Force, will become our own personal army." He uncorked the vial, and an eerie purple smoke lifted from it. He held it away from his face, fearing whatever the substance was might infect him as well. He reached over the water's surface and carefully emptied the contents into lake Arus. Within moments, the purple glow spread across the surface, then dissipated beneath the surface.
"Could it have failed?" he asked himself. He walked to a nearby tree and pulled a leaf from it. He tossed it into the water, and it gently floated on the surface….for a moment. Soon afterwards, it started to fizzle, and it soon disintegrated, as if it were being eaten by acid. A wicked grin appeared across his face.
"Now to report back to Haggar," he said to himself. "She will want to know that the water has been successfully altered." He ran from the area, being careful once again to stay out of sight of the Arusian Guard and the proximity alarms.
Malva ran frantically through the halls of the castle. She had only been there once before, and in her state of rage, could not for a second think strait, let alone realize where she was running. Only one thing raced through her mind…that she needed to get out. She ran down a hallway and came to a stop at the end…a solid, sealed door blocking her way.
"You should be taking it easy instead of bothering with royal affairs," Nanny scolded as she placed Alexander into the playpen. "And stop concerning yourself with the Voltron Force! You're done flying around in a lion and putting yourself in danger. You should worry more about taking care of your children and your family."
"I'm doing just that, Nanny," she replied. "But I can't just throw my arms up and walk away from some things. I have obligations….you know this."
"Your obligation to Alexander and the young one you're carrying comes first," she huffed. "When Admiral Kogane returns, you should have he and Coran handle your affairs, at least until the baby is born."
"Nanny, you're overreacting," Allura replied.
"You are in no condition to be fighting," she snapped back.
"If something came through that door right now," Allura snapped back, "you better believe I'd be ready for it." Just then, the door smashed off its hinges and flew across the room. Nanny barely dodged out of the way of it. Malva stood in the doorway. She opened her eyes wide, and the purple glow from them caught Allura's attention immediately.
"My voltcom!" she shouted to Nanny. Nanny was frozen in fear, but saw the voltcom on the charging cradle on the nightstand next to the playpen. Allura made a dash to the edge of the bed, and a panel opened up. She pulled a blaster and fired at Malva, but Malva was able to dive out of the way and roll to her feet. Nanny ran to the nightstand and grabbed the Voltcom and threw it as Malva came at her. Malva grabbed Nanny and tossed her like a rag doll across the room. She landed with a thud, knocked out. Allura caught the Voltcom, and it latched onto her forearm. Malva turned to see Alexander looking up at her. The madness took over, and in a fit of rage, she grabbed the child and lifted him up, intending to either use him as a shield, or harm him, she didn't know. But Alexander reached out and touched her forearm, and the ring glowed. For a split second, Malva's eyes returned to normal. She looked down at Alexander, who was staring back at her, wide eyed. She was then struck in the back, dropping Alex back into the playpen. She fell to her knees, and frozen in place….Allura's hands still firmly on the bow and the next arrow she was about to fire. The guards rushed in and surrounded Allura.
"Are you alright, Your Majesty?" one asked.
"I'm fine," she said. "Help Nanny! She's been hurt!" Without warning, Allura doubled over in pain. She leaned against the wall, and began to slump to the floor. Two guards lifted her up carefully and helped her from the room, one more grabbed Alexander, and three hefted Nanny and carried her from the room as well. Two remaining guards watched over Malva who was out cold, frozen solid and passed out on the floor.
The lions quickly approached Arus, and the pilots and their passengers were relieved to finally be home.
"I can't wait to set foot in the castle again," Daniel said. "Don't get me wrong, I love flying the lion, but I actually need a breather."
"You?" Larmina snarked. Vince laughed.
"I just wanna get something to eat," Hunk interjected. "I didn't have anything since we left Earth."
"None of us have," Marina snarked.
"Alright, alright," Keith said with a slight laugh. "We're almost there, so when we touch down, we can…" The com opened.
"Keith," a familiar voice boomed over the com.
"Lance?" Keith asked. "What's going on? Is there trouble?"
"More than you know," he replied. "That Drule chick came to and busted into your quarters."
"Where's Allura and Alexander?" he asked, slightly panicked yet slightly annerved.
"Alexander is in the nursery," Lance replied. "Nanny was hurt bad, and Allura collapsed as well. Dr Ecron is working with them, but he hasn't told us much yet."
"I'm on my way," Keith replied. He ended the com and gave Daniel a stern look.
"Way ahead of you, Admiral," he replied as Black picked up speed, making a speeding beeline for the castle.
A Drule officer walked into Haggar's lab. She looked up from her cauldron, almost completely aware of the news he was about to deliver.
"I have a report from your contact on Arus," he said. "He states that the mission was a success, and that the lake is now contaminated."
"Excellent," she replied. "Now comes the next part of my plan. With the water poisoned, and the castle in a frenzy, we'll launch my latest robeast and cover the entire countryside in sludge!" She turned to eye up a monster in a glass tube, barely conscious. He looked humanoid in form, but was covered in a thick molasses-like goop. "Even if they manage to avoid my watery trap, my robeast will cover them in sludge, rendering them inoperable! Then I can finally destroy them and the spirits they contain, and absorbing the power that was rightfully mine!"
"Your orders, Your Excellency?" he asked.
"Prepare the Robeast coffin," she ordered. "I want to launch as soon as possible!" She cackled as he saluted and left the room.
The doors to the chutes flung open, and the team ran from them into the control room, making a beeline for the door. Keith was in the lead, but turned the corner and bumped right into Lance.
"Where is she?" Keith asked.
"The Drule, or your wife?" he asked.
"Both," he replied angrily.
"The Drule chick has been moved to the high security holding cell," Lance replied. "We couldn't bring her back to Med, for obvious reasons. As for Allura, Dr Ecron is still in there with her. From what I was told, she wasn't harmed, but the stress may have had an effect on her. Aside from that, he hasn't told us anything, and won't let us in."
"Kerza," Keith said, turning to him, "Do you think you know what might have happened?"
"Happened?" he asked. "I'm….not sure. Admiral, everything's a bit fuzzy….is that my name?"
"He's losing his memories again," Daniel said.
"He said the ring was the thing bringing back the memories," Keith said. "Hunk, take Daniel and Kerza and go find Pidge. Have him escort Kerza to the holding cell where Malva is. Maybe he can figure this out. I'll stay here with Lance and wait to hear what's going on with Allura."
"What about the rest of us?" Marina asked. "No offense, but we ARE family. And you still need to talk to me about Christiane." He let out a sigh.
"I'll contact you the minute I hear something," he replied, placing his hands on her shoulders and looking into her eyes. "I promise. I'll explain everything." Marina stood there for a moment, then relented. Larmina followed, unsure of whether to follow Daniel, or just get some sleep. Keith turned back to Lance.
"Lance, if anything happens to her or the baby…." he started to say.
"It won't," Lance assured him. "Allura's tough. And with parents like the two of you, the kid's probably indestructible."
"If anything happens to them, I'll never forgive myself," he replied. The two walked back into the waiting area.