"For the last time, Coran, I know what I felt."

Coran's brows lowered in concern. "Princess, it was your first time piloting the red lion. Lance and..." He stopped himself with pain in his eyes. "They both said she is inclined to follow her own intuitions."

Allura felt her eyes well with anger. Eyes ablaze and nostrils flared, she snapped, "His name is Keith. It's not a dirty word, so never hesitate to say it again." She turned on her heel and stalked away. "I know what I felt. What we all felt. Keith hasn't abandoned us. I won't abandon him, either."

She paused outside the bridge and waited for the wave of emotions to pass. Then she sought out the others. Matt and Hunk sat beside a somber Pidge to one side of the training deck while Alphonse and Lance were sparring. Allura was still shaking when she sat beside Hunk. He looked at her in concern just like Coran had. Wrapping her arms around her knees, she whispered, "Don't you dare say it."

Hunk put an arm around her shoulders. "I don't have to. We all know how you feel."

Allura wiped furiously at her eyes. "Then why aren't we doing anything? We need to find him."

Matt shook his head. "And what? You know how powerful her magic is. What if he's not himself anymore, like Shiro?"

Hunk chewed his cheek. "But at the funeral... he was hurting so much. I mean, the timing had to mean he was listening in, right? He was grieving for them as well. Talias was like a mother to him."

Pidge buried her face in her forearms and whimpered as she struggled to hold back her memory of the waves of crippling emotional pain that had consumed them during the mass funeral. Allura glanced at her and whispered, "You've been quiet since the rescue, Katie. Are you recovering? You've closed yourself off from us."

Pidge whined louder. Matt scooted closer and pulled her into his side. "Come on, sis. Talk about it. You need to or you'll never get over it."

Pidge was shaking. Gathering her voice, she whispered, "It was because of me. I wasn't- I couldn't-" She broke off with a pitiful sound.

The clash of swords stopped as Alphonse and Lance looked over. Then they made their way to the small circle. Alphonse sat beside her and reached for her hand. "Go on, child. We are here to help."

She looked up with watery eyes and threw herself into his arms. "It was because of my weakness! I couldn't handle the witch's torture, so he gave into her demands to save me!"

"You're not weak, Kat-"

"Yes, I was, Hunk! Keith barely saved me from becoming a vegetable after her first attempt to break him!"

Alphonse stroked her hair and lifted her into his lap. She curled up against his chest. Minutes passed. She still trembled as she muttered into his shirt, "Keith said the empire wasn't going to come to our rescue, so we planned an alternate way of escape. Haggar first told us that if he became a druid, she'd send me back. She was furious with Sendak for taking me in the first place. I only sent my SOS because we weren't sure she'd keep her word. Then everything went to hell."

Lance had been frowning, lost in thought. "That's... my fault." He closed his eyes and locked his jaw. "I was so scared and angry. I pushed Lotor toward war."

Allura reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. "We were all in pain, Lance. This isn't on any one of us."

"But, I..."

Pidge looked at Lance. "It was when you finally admitted your feelings that we realized we had a chance of being rescued."

Hunk and Lance looked at her with matching terrified expressions. Alphonse met Lance's eyes over Pidge's head and raised an eyebrow. He looked so much like his son then. Alphonse frowned. "Oh. That explains so much."

Lance paled, terror in his eyes. "Keith knew?"

"We heard you clear as day, Lance. And Keith... he reciprocated. That's why we were able to learn how to connect."

"And he still went through with your plan?" Matt asked fearfully.

Alphonse said lowly, voice like gravel, "He's a blade."

"Hmm?" Allura asked.

"Keith is galra, a blade of marmora," Alphonse repeated then explained, "The druids are a faction of alteans capable of using high levels of alchemy, niece. That's why Haggar wanted him. Keith is the son of a high alchemist with the ability to transfer quintessence. She learned this through her mockery of Takashi. Lotor was researching quintessence and Keith could wield it. If she could manipulate both of them, that would leave Sendak to take the throne." Alphonse groaned in his throat. "Keith figured that out, didn't he, Katie."

Katie nodded and hiccuped. Hunk gasped. "That means-"

"Keith is a double agent!" Lance finished. "We have to tell the others! Lotor and Krolia- Wait, does Kolivan know?"

Alphonse shrugged. "I would not be surprised, but if he suspects anything, he hasn't told us."

"Why not? Lotor is going to kill Keith the next time he sees him! We have to-"

"No!" Matt interrupted.

Hunk flinched. "What? But-"

Matt shook his head. "Don't you see? If Haggar even questions Keith's loyalty, she will not hesitate to kill him. The empire wasn't supposed to be there, but Keith's sacrifice would mean nothing if he was rescued. He fought Kolivan, his own dad! You saw how much Keith loves him. Even stabbing Lotor must have served some purpose. If this is worth turning on Kolivan and becoming something else, if we can stop Haggar for good, the empire cannot know Keith is our man on the inside."

Alphonse nodded in agreement. "For Keith's own protection, we cannot tell anyone any of this. Not Lotor, not even his mother. Which reminds me, we should begin preparing to leave for Faive. The Kral Zera must be relit."

Faive was dark apart from the purple flames cast thirty feet into the sky atop the temple. Azurine flew in formation with easy grace and they landed in a space left for them. Alphonse gently stroked her controls and whispered, "You are as clever as always, my friend. It is good to be with you once again."

Azurine purred loudly in his mind bringing a warm smile to his face. He hoped Keith could still feel their comfort. He no doubt needed it. Alphonse exited the lion and stood beside the other paladins. He nodded and lifted his chin. They stood taller and fell in beside him to approach the gathered crowd.

The galra separated to let them through to where Krolia and Lotor waited at the base of the stairs. She was beautiful as always. Her face was painted to a ferocity she rarely portrayed. Her skirt flared around her armor and a necklace circled her throat. He approached and gently embraced her. "Are you sure you wish to go through with this, Krolia?"

Krolia nodded into his shoulder. "There is no alternative. The empire needs a leader who can lead undivided. I never imagined I'd see you in paladin armor again, my love."

Alphonse stepped back and held her hands. "There is no alternative," he repeated back to her. She smiled weakly with little mirth in her eyes. Looking up to the flame, he nodded. "Shall we begin?"

Krolia bit her lower lip. "We are waiting on Kol-" She cut herself off as the blades of marmora appeared from the crowd.

Kolivan nodded to Alphonse and bowed to Krolia. "Princess, we await your command."

Alphonse released Krolia's hands and took his place between Hunk and Pidge. The blades fell in across from them and the galra waited across from Krolia and Lotor. Lotor was tired. It was in his eyes, his posture, even the shade of his skin. Stepping forward, he lifted his voice and called, "Citizens of the Empire, it was not so long ago that we stood in this very place. That day, many tragic events took place. Many honorable galra lost their lives over what was inevitably a wasted death. I was one of two who lit the Kral Zera with the hope of leading our empire into a glorious future.

"We grew together. Our empire was strong. We were always strong. We will always be strong. But we have suffered yet another tragic loss of life. My own-" Lotor paused to gather himself. He began again, "We were betrayed. I was betrayed. The one I lit the flame with has joined with our enemies, and is working to bring about our destruction. We will not succumb to them. We are strong.

"My brothers, sisters, friends, we are here today to relight the flame and reaffirm our strength. However," he paused yet again, but with an intensity that rivaled the low sunlight, "however, it is not I who will lead our empire. I have sworn to seek justice for our dead. They will not rest until the fugitives responsible for their deaths are held accountable. I cannot do this and also lead the empire. Today, I secede from the role of emperor. Today, my aunt Princess Krolia of the House of Lethua, sister of Blood Emperor Zarkon of Diabazaal, will light the Kral Zera and become Empress."

Lotor paced toward the flame and lit a torch. Then the Kral Zera went dark. The only light came from the torch in his hand. Lifting his head, he returned to Krolia and knelt before her. Holding out the torch, he bowed his head in deference. She lightly cupped his cheek, then took the torch.

Alphonse felt his heart swell with pride and grief. She had never wanted this role that was thrust upon her. Yet there she was, in all her splendor, climbing the temple stairs without a moment of hesitation. He blinked back tears and felt Pidge's hand slide into his own. She squeezed and he lightly squeezed back. Then the flame was lit. The trough burst into brilliant light. It was done, but there was no cheering.

The archivist cried out from atop the temple, "All hail Blood Empress Krolia. May her reign last a thousand years."

Lotor was the first to kneel followed by the blades. Then the rest of the galra knelt in waves. Krolia returned to the bottom of the stairs and helped Lotor rise. She said, "My people, today marks the end of a dark time. From here forward, we will not suffer at the hands of our enemies. We are strong. My brothers, sisters, join with me. The universe will not feel our weakness. Our enemies will know our wrath. Our allies will know our good faith and honor." She took a shaky breath that only those closest could see. "We are the Galra, the strongest force in existence."

The crowd stood and saluted, "Vrepit sa," before erupting in cheers. Alphonse closed his eyes. It was done.

Back in the blue lion, Alphonse had left Faive and was en route to the castle when an incoming message lit up his hud. Raising an eyebrow, he opened the transmission. Kolivan sat surrounded by darkness. The only light came from the transponder. He was scowling, but Alphonse suspected it wasn't actually directed at him. Clearing his throat, he said, "Kolivan, I was wondering when you'd call."

Kolivan's eyes narrowed. "So you know as well?"

Alphonse blinked. "Yes. What are we going to do about this?"

Kolivan sat back and folded his arms. "I do not know. In the days since the rescue attempt, I have uncovered next to nothing about the location of the witch or Sendak. I do not know what Keith is trying to do, but I wish he hadn't gone through with this. It is suicide."

"Only if he is discovered." Alphonse let Azurine fly herself and leaned forward over his folded hands. "Our son is scared, Kolivan. That day, I felt his blind terror. He knows the risks, but he has committed to the mission. We sheltered him as long as we could. Now it is up to him. Kolivan, you understand this."

Kolivan looked up and his stony expression cracked. He covered his face with both hands and took a shaky breath. "Yes."

Alphonse felt his own tears fall. "And you trust him?"

"I have every faith that our son will return to us... when he is able."

Alphonse wished he could give the blade leader a hug, but settled for saying, "Then so will I, my friend."

Keith entered the cabin and Acxa announced, "Captain on deck."

The crew saluted and went to their posts. Keith ordered, "Open a channel. Prepare to disembark." The screen lit up. Sendak scowled, but Keith kept his expression neutral. "We are fueled and ready to go. We'll meet you at the rendezvous in twenty vargas."

Sendak looked ready to say something, but Keith raised an eyebrow. He growled instead, "Affirmative. Don't be late."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Keith replied with a honey drenched tone. Sendak's scowl turned into a full grimace before he ended the call. Keith smirked. He'd take his victories where he could. Then the airlock broke with a loud hiss and he commanded, "Acxa, take us out of here."

"Yes, sir."

He braced with one hand on the communications officer's chair. In under a minute, they were back in open space and he could breathe for the first time in months. He walked to Acxa and gestured weakly. She smiled and relinquished control before sitting in the captain's chair. Keith hit the com and said over the speakers, "All crew members prepare for high speed turbulence."

He waited exactly twenty ticks, his thumbs rubbing the throttles in anticipation. He grinned crookedly at Acxa's relaxed posture. She beamed back at him. Then he gunned the engines and the Retribution reached her top speed in seconds.

Keith pulled on the thin altean armor the druids wore as Acxa entered his cabin. "Keith, we've arrived. If we get any closer, they'll know we're here."

He pulled up his pants and buckled his boots. "Good. You know the plan?"

"Maintain this distance until you return in four vargas. Keith, what if you're caught?"

Keith shook his head and pulled up his hood. "I won't get caught."

"I know," Acxa murmured and put a hand on his arm, "but what if you are? Keith, Lotor will kill you. The empress has a price on your head. I'm afraid you won't-"

Keith held her shoulders and stopped her with a soft smile. "Acxa, I won't get caught." He kissed her cheek and his smile reflected his confidence. "I'll see you in four vargas."

Keith went to the airlock and checked his gear one final time. Entering the opening sequence into the console, a countdown began. He slipped the druid mask over the breathing apparatus and prepared to jump. There was a moment when he was nervous, but then the door opened and he was sucked into space.

The galactic hub was directly below him. He was a missile streamlined for impact. Crossing miles in a time he never would have imagined possible, he used his pack to slow and used quintessence to protect himself from impact injury. He spotted his entrance and altered course. The panel snapped beneath him. Air rushed out of the hole the computers would read as debris damage. The sentries would respond to assess the panel in under a minute. Leaving no evidence, Keith quickly made himself scarce.

He snuck through central command as he had when Lotor first made him imperial consort. It was more difficult this time. He'd fixed so many security risks those first few months, but he was a master of infiltration. Kolivan had taught him to be so. It wasn't long before he was hacking into their system.

There was a moment he briefly considered deviating through the royal wing. To leave some small message that he had been here and was alright. He wanted to see his mother. His real mother. The woman who never took off the necklace he'd picked out for Talias on a spontaneous trip to the mall. But she loathed him now.

The flash of his screen dragged him back to the present. He checked his time. Two and a half vargas remaining. Keith changed the settings he needed and moved on.

Silently he entered the witch's lab. Haggar had a short list of things she'd wanted him to collect with the vague instructions to grab anything else that seemed important or piqued his interest. Of course, he knew what she meant. His father's old notes held all sorts of alchemy secrets back on earth. He had kept their existence from her, but there was bound to be similar artifacts here.

He searched methodically through everything without leaving a trace. Glancing at his timer, he saw three quarters of a varga remained. He looked around one last time. The small bag held everything Haggar had requested plus a few others. He was just about to leave when a small, oddly shaped box tucked toward the back of a high shelf caught his eye.

It was about the size of a music box, but it was oddly familiar. He was about to open it when a sound caught his attention. He shoved the box in his pack and vanished. He reappeared behind a shelf instantly on high alert.

The door opened and a tall man with long ivory hair entered. Keith watched with a growing sense of dread as Lotor went to the keypad and rested his hand on it. The lights flickered red then back to purple. Lotor looked around the lab and glanced through the contents of a shelf. Keith skirted around to remain hidden. He glanced at the timer and silently cursed.

Lotor said, "I can smell you, beloved. I'll never forget that scent as long as I live." He paused and frowned, lifting a small trinket. "I thought you might be behind the glitch in the system, but I never expected you to come here. You always hated the witch's lab so." Keith knew he was discovered and on a time limit, but he was hesitant to reveal himself. Then Lotor asked, "May I see you, my love, or has the witch leashed you so tight you no longer make your own choices?"

Keith felt an involuntary tug at the corner of his lips. Exhaling, he appeared behind Lotor leaning on a shelf. "You really think I'd allow myself to be controlled?" He lifted the mask to see Lotor with his own eyes.

Lotor turned slowly. His eyes widened, no doubt surprised to see Keith had changed his appearance to look more like he had before the druids changed him. He had kept the purple in his hair though. Lotor tipped his chin and stated, "You tell me. There was a time I would have known."

Keith pouted with a small smile. "Don't be like that, lover. I'm still myself."

Lotor frowned. "That is all the more disturbing."

Keith felt a sting of shame. Misdirecting, he observed, "You look tired, Lotor. You should rest, my darling."

"Whose fault is that, druid?" Lotor snapped.

Keith's smile dropped and his expression hardened. He vanished only to reappear on Lotor's other side. "You think I wanted this?"

"You're just like her," Lotor snarled, emotion rippling in his voice. "She offered you power and in exchange you became her slave. We came for you, Keith! You could have left her at any time, but now Talias, Verolle, Marikus and I don't remember all the rest, are dead because of you!"

Keith appeared directly in front of him, eyes alight in anger, and backhanded Lotor across the face. "Don't blame me for your mistake, your majesty! You broke your promise, my one request, and they died as the result. You disgust me, Lotor. How could you? How could you do this to me? I loved Talias, too, but I remember everyone that died that day. Do not for one second think you are so guiltless."

Lotor's eyes widened and he covered his crimson cheek with a hand. Keith appeared by the door and said over his shoulder, "I am grieved to hear of Marikus's passing, though. He must have been devastated to lose her. Know that I mourn for him as I have for every lost life since I was taken from you."

"Keith, I..."

Keith felt Lotor approach, standing close to his back. Lotor put a hand on the wall and Keith turned. Lotor pressed him into the wall and kissed his lips. Keith immediately gave in. He moaned and sagged where he stood. Lotor caught his weight, holding him up with the pressure he held Keith to his chest. Keith reached up and trailed a hand through Lotor's hair. He was panting as their tongues danced as they used to. How he wished they could go back to when it was just him and his dark prince.

Keith gently played with Lotor's earlobe in his mouth and whispered, "I truly am sorry, Lotor, for everything I've done to hurt you, but there is no way I can let you hold me captive ever again. Close your heart to me, sweet prince, as I have done to you. The day may come when your sword ends my life, but know that I would die here and now with a smile if I could."

Lotor held Keith to himself, a gentle hand cupping the back of his head. Keith nearly gave in. Then Lotor moved as Keith had anticipated. Keith vanished from Lotor's arms and appeared slightly to the side as the luxite blade narrowly missed him. He ducked sideways and disarmed the knife from Lotor. Then he appeared on Lotor's other side and pushed against Lotor's elbow, flexing his arm and slamming it against the door lock.

The lights flashed blue then purple and the door opened. Keith appeared on the other side a moment before it closed. He saw Lotor's surprise and hatred. Then he awakened the blade and stabbed the door lock. Keith could hear Lotor shouting on the other side of the door, but he'd deactivated security. No one would patrol this area until morning.

The keypad sparked as Keith realized Acxa had been right. Keith put his forehead against the door. There were so many things he wanted to say, but he knew he had to remain silent. So biting his tongue, he silently turned and left Lotor locked in the witch's lab with his precious blade still in the control pad.

He was long gone before the timer went off. Exiting the bottom of the galactic hub, he free fell through space knowing Acxa would pick him up once he was far enough away. Mission success.