"What's going on? Why are you all so calm when the most feared man in the universe is standing right beside you?"

Keith flinched and ducked his head, suddenly looking extremely vulnerable. "I'm not actually here, Lotor. This is just an astral projection of myself I cast when Allura came to me with an urgent message." Lotor tipped his head in confusion, mouth slightly parted. Keith shook his head. "Right, that explains nothing. Lance, you want to start?"

Lance raised an eyebrow at Keith. Keith rolled his eyes and went on, "Fine, I'll start. Lotor, I'm sorry for stabbing you." Glaring at Lance, Keith folded his arms. "There. I said it. Even though I really didn't have an option at the time and you were a life guard. I knew you'd save him."

Lance sighed and also shook his head. "Lotor, you accused me and the paladins of inaction when we fought aboard the castle in the training deck, but you could not have been further from the truth. We screwed up, all of us... the empire, the blades, and paladins, when we went to rescue Keith and Pidge from Haggar."

Allura explained, "We were overconfident, and too late. Haggar knew that the only way Keith would betray the empire was to threaten those he cared about. Pidge, Alphonse... you, Lotor."

Keith looked at the ground. "Katie and I planned to escape. I offered myself as bait while she and my father were granted safety. Once they'd reached the castle, Voltron would return for me with my father piloting the blue lion." He lifted his eyes to meet Lotor's. He furrowed his brow as tears threatened. "Then the empire appeared." Keith settled his breathing and looked away again. "The ritual complete, I was as I am now. A druid. To test my loyalty, Haggar gave me a task."

"You were told to kill me." Lotor stumbled back a step into the wall. "That day on the ice. Keith... you told me you'd find your way back to me."

Keith physically turned away. "I... I wanted to, but now I see that was never truly a possibility. Honerva is sick. Quintessence poisoned her and even if I were to assassinate her, I don't know if she'd stay dead. I've been trying to siphon her powers, the excess quintessence, from her to no avail. Frenik has been treating her with anti-psychotics in the meantime to reduce her..."

Keith jerked as if something brushed his neck. He rolled his shoulders and went on, "to reduce her episodes and keep her complacent, but-" He jumped and swatted at his neck with a hand before giggling.

Lotor dropped his chin and raised an incredulous eyebrow. "I fail to see how this is a laughing matter."

"It's... It's not, but..." He took a couple steps and ran his hands through his hair. "Fuck, guys, I'm sorry, but Rhea is trying to wake me up. I've gotta go."

Pidge twitched a smile at him. "Don't be late."

Keith grinned and reached out to rest a hand on her head. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Pidge's smile widened and she closed her eyes as Keith dissolved before them. Lotor looked around the room, but he was the only one surprised by any of what had just happened. "Will someone please start explaining this in a way that makes sense?"

Pidge's smile dropped and she glared at him. Her lip twitched in derision and disgust. "You still remain ignorant." She stomped past Lotor, shoving him aside with her shoulder.

Hunk moved to follow when Matt said, "Let her go. She needs time."

"But-"

Lance put a hand on Hunk's shoulder and nodded in reassurance. Turning to Allura, he said, "We should show Lotor what happened."

Allura bit her lip. "Lotor, please follow me. I will bring everything to light."

She went to the door and waited. Lotor looked around one final time and turned to follow. When they were outside, a voice stopped him. He turned to see Matt standing outside the house. The rebel lifted his chin and said, "I want you to know, what we did, saving you from execution, was for Keith. Not you. I couldn't care less if you had died back there, and if you betray us, I will not hesitate to kill you myself. Am. I. Understood."

Lotor clenched a fist. "I understand, rebel."

Matt narrowed his eyes and walked away from the house toward the gazebo where his sister knelt before a large plaque. Lotor asked as he followed Allura, "What is that?"

Allura followed his gaze. "That is the memorial Keith erected about six months after he was taken. The witch kept him close for so long. He only returned home for hours at a time, leaving us messages about how to contact him. It took another nine months before I saw him face to face."

Lotor met her eyes as she wiped her cheeks. She sniffed and went on, "He was so tired and broken. The witch does... horrible things to him. He cried all night in my arms. That night, we were all so terrified it wasn't real that we slept together in the guest house.

Lotor frowned in thought. One and a half deca-pheobs after the kidnapping... what had he been doing at that time? He'd abandoned his research within eight pheobs, tried and failed to find Haggar six pheobs after that. "Allura, when did you learn Keith was..."

Allura reached for his hand. They came to a stop in the rampant flower bed. "Lotor... Keith never joined Haggar, not in his heart. Because... he is a blade. We figured it out a few days later once Katie was overcoming her trauma, but Kolivan... I believe he knew the instant Keith stabbed you. It's why he was so desperate to hold onto Keith. Kolivan was trying to keep him from putting the mission above everything else."

"Why was I never informed?"

Allura bit her lip at the angry tremor in his voice. "We were trying to protect him. If the empire finds out Keith is a double agent, it's only a matter of time before Haggar or Sendak learns. Lotor, they'll kill him, or worse, force you and Krolia into a hostage situation. We couldn't risk that before, but things are different. You were an unpredictable variable during the armistice. You'll have a role in this now."

Lotor felt his sense of purpose return. "How can I help?"

Keith fought not to smile as Rhea tickled his neck. Feigning sleep, he waited until she was climbing across his chest before squeezing her and shouting. Rhea squealed and squirmed, but he squished his face into her's with a loud kiss. She reached out and cried, "Mama, help!"

Acxa laughed and turned over. "Mama's still tired, baby."

Keith leaned on his arm to brush Acxa's hair back and kissed her temple. "Sleep, my heart." She smiled and curled up in the blankets. Keith stood and ran a hand through his wild hair. Taking Rhea's hand, he yawned and walked to the bridge of the Retribution in his sleepwear.

The officers barely spared him a second glance as he casually sat in the captain's chair. Rhea ran about the deck playing with equipment and asking questions. At one point, the navigation's officer left and returned with the kit's favorite foods. She helped Rhea eat then took the girl to her work station. Keith smiled fondly as she let Rhea play with the star charts.

Then the alarms went off. Keith sat up straighter and asked, "What's happening?"

The screens lit up showing a dozen rogue ships. "Pirates, sir!"

Keith braced as an errant blast rocked their ship in passing. "Nent, buckle Rhea in! Zopt, draw fire from the fleet!"

"Sir!" They both replied.

"I'm taking control," Keith informed as the engines responded to his touch. The ship dived and spun to come about then opened fire on the pirates.

The com opened and Sendak demanded, "What are you doing, druid?"

Keith grit his teeth as their shield took a hit. "We're outnumbered, Sendak. The Retribution will draw them off. You escort our fleet to the colony!"

Keith's weapons officer fired again as Sendak shouted, "Return to your position! We'll blast them out of-"

"There's no time! Go! Get my mother to safety!" Keith waited for a reply that never came and risked a glance to the screen. "Sendak?"

The commander seemed to startle and scowled. "Vrepit sa."

The screen went out and Keith stood. "Everyone, prepare to wormhole!"

"Captain, it has a name."

Keith grinned roguishly. "Fine. Wake up Fred!" His officers collectively groaned and Keith giggled. He made the ship flip and called, "You having fun, Rhea?"

"Yes, daddy," she answered through her giggles.

The wormhole appeared and he gunned the Retribution. The pirates followed and Keith closed the teledav. The pirate ships decreased by two thirds and the green lion appeared. It's purr made the Retribution rumble and Rhea shouted, "Kitty!"

Keith returned control to the pilot and unbuckled Rhea so she could run to the window. A com opened and Pidge saluted with two fingers. "Good to see you, Blade Abettor."

"Right back at you, Rebel Two. We are clear for exit. No sign of pursuit."

Pidge grinned. "Roger. I've already called ahead." Her eye landed on Rhea and her hands balled near her chin in excitement. "You must be Rhea! Lancey-Lance told me all about you! Keith, she's adorable!"

Keith smiled proudly and ruffled Rhea's hair where she clung to his pant leg. "Rhea, this is my sister, Pidge. She's one of my best friends in the whole universe."

Pidge scoffed and waved a hand. "Aw, Keith, ya big softie."

Zopt announced, "Exiting 'Fred' now." Keith snorted and Pidge raised an eyebrow. Zopt sighed, "Keith named the teledav."

"It was a joke!" Keith raised his hands defensively.

"Preparing to land," Nent called over the loud speakers.

Keith lifted Rhea onto his hip. "We'll see you on the ground, Katie."

Pidge grinned again. "See you soon."

When they landed, Acxa was waiting in the hangar wearing the sundress and sandals she'd picked out on their undercover venture to the space mall. Keith traced a finger over the pendant on the chain around her neck. "You're wearing it?"

Acxa brushed her hair back. "And the matching earrings."

The door opened and Keith pulled her to his hip. "Thank you for coming. I know how nervous you are to meet everyone."

"They're your family, Keith. I know how important they are to you."

Keith was about to say something when Rhea screamed, "Lancey-Lance!" and pulled out of his grip.

Keith watched Lance go one one knee to catch her before standing and twirling her around. Allura and Hunk jogged to meet them and Keith broke contact for a hug. He said, "It's great to see you guys. Where's my dad?"

"Keith," Alphonse said from the door of the guest house.

"Dad!" Keith ran over and hugged him. "I missed you so much."

"I know, son. I'm sorry we failed to bring you home."

Keith buried his face in his father's neck and murmured, "Don't worry, dad. I'm here now."

Alphonse held Keith tight for a long moment more before stepping back. "Now, who are these beautiful young women with you?"

Keith went back to Acxa and put an arm around her shoulders. "Guys, this is Acxa. She's been an integral part of our intel from the very beginning." He took her hand and lifted it to kiss her knuckles. Never breaking eye contact with her, he said for the benefit of everyone present, "Acxa is my wife."

Acxa nodded in deference and said, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you all. Keith speaks highly of his family."

Alphonse was the first to react. He walked over and bowed at the waist. "The pleasure is ours' princess."

Axca blushed. "Oh, that's, uh..." She looked to Keith for help.

Keith winked and said, "Dad, guys, this is Rhea, our daughter."

Allura smiled at the kit in Lance's arms. "My name is Allura. I am your father's cousin. Lancey-Lance is my partner, like your mother and father. The large one is called Hunk. He's the best at hugs." She nudged Rhea and earned a smile from her. "But Pidge and Matt are-"

"Keith!"

Keith barely had a moment to react before the rebel pair tackled him. Keith groaned, "Guys, come on!"

Matt laughed and pulled Keith to sit up. "You nearly shot my ship, you jerk!"

Keith replied with Pidge hanging off his neck, "I had to make it convincing!"

"Do you frequently start battles in your pajamas?"

Keith clamored out from under the Holts and stumble ran into Kolivan. "I didn't know you were coming."

Kolivan put his forehead to Keith's hair. "If you're here, I will always come, my kit." He said over Keith's head, "You must be Acxa. My agents have told me much about you and your relationship with our son."

Keith stepped back. "Really?" He looked to the blades gathered near the manor who helped crew the Retribution, then looked to Alphonse who smirked.

Alphonse lifted Acxa's hand to the crook of his arm. "Please, allow me to escort you to the dining hall for refreshments, princess."

Allura, Hunk, and Lance lifting Rhea onto his shoulders, followed Acxa and Alphonse into the guest house. Keith was about to follow when he shivered. Looking around, he rolled his shoulders and motioned the others to stay a moment.

"So it really is true. You are a blade after all," Lotor drawled as he sauntered down the path. He cast a glance toward the house. "Keeping secrets runs in your blood. Still, she seems happy." Matt and Pidge edged closer to the door. Lotor raised an eyebrow and looked down his narrow nose at the two. "That woman hardly needs your protection, Rebel Leader."

"It's a courtesy we give our friends," Pidge sneered.

Lotor put a hand on his hip. "Friends? Then you don't know who she is?"

Keith blinked and appeared directly in front of Lotor. He was still a good head shorter than his former lover, but he refused to be intimidated. "It doesn't matter, Imperial Prince. She is mine and no one will threaten her safety."

Lotor's gaze softened and he reached up, but Keith blocked his hand with his forearm. Lotor closed the distance between them. "It's strange, Witch-Prince, to see and hear you declare such things about another."

Keith pushed Lotor's hand away with his arm and lifted his chin. "Don't call me that. You know it's false."

Lotor was the first to step back. "Indeed, I witnessed the... sacrifices you've made. However, it doesn't change Acxa's heritage."

Keith repeated through his teeth, "I already told you it does not matter."

Keith held his ground as Lotor leaned closer and whispered, "Such denial. If that is true, reveal the secret, if you know. Unless... you are a coward?"

Keith backhanded Lotor across the face and hissed, "You disgust me, your majesty, not for accusing myself of such dishonor, but for slandering the woman I love and protect. You bring shame to your lineage, Imperial Prince." He clenched a shaking fist and walked away.

Lotor chuckled lowly and said loud enough for all to hear, "Very well, Witch-Prince, but Acxa will betray you as she betrayed me... her own brother."

Keith stopped and closed his eyes. When he opened them, he met Pidge's narrowed gaze before vanishing. Keith's fist connected with Lotor's jaw and sent him to the ground. Two people held Keith back from Lotor where he pushed up onto his hands. Pidge stepped between Keith and Lotor and said, "Easy, Keith. He isn't worth it."

Keith took a few deep breaths and stepped back shrugging off Matt and Kolivan. "You're right."

Pidge glared down at Lotor. "You're lucky he's the one who hit you, your highness, but try to watch your tongue in the future, or it won't be one paladin you face."

There was a distant rumble and Keith saw Pidge's eyes shine gold for a moment when she turned. She reached for his hand and physically dragged him toward the guest house. Once inside, he leaned against the wall and let his head fall back. "Thanks, Pidge. I... I never expected to be so angry toward him. I'm sorry to put you in that position."

"Don't be," Matt denied. "Lotor was out of line and vindictive," he paused and asked, "but, was he being truthful about Acxa? Keith, she isn't really..."

Keith met their eyes individually. "I wish I could say it isn't, but it's true. Acxa is Haggar's biological daughter and Lotor's half sister, and I will never let anyone hurt her because of that."