Chapter 27

The look they gave each other could kill. It was obvious that the chances of their relationship improving was absolutely zero. Pidge was confused as his eyes met the princess', who was blushing furiously and quickly looked away. This was the first time he'd ever seen the Princess blush so furiously. Usually, compliments were brushed off as a nuisance by a challenging noble that yearned to tame her. 'I need Hunk to explain this to me before we go out.' Thought the teen as he pondered the new changes in their monarch. In front of them, nanny and the commander were about to rip each other's eyes out. Or nanny was. She was determined to maim the man. Due to all of the chaos of the arrivals and the battle, she had been nearly overwhelmed with organizing the staff , supplies and food distributions in the bunker.

Nearly.

Finally catching a breather, she hurried to her princess, ready to assist her with her hair, though beautiful, a challenge to prepare and detangle for the next day. Especially with that awful helmet, nanny thought as she tried not to hurry around a corner in an unladylike manner. Grace in step, she always reminded the ladies. They were not animals, like all of these soldiers. Grimacing at the thought of a particular one, nanny quickened her step slightly. With the commander injured, the princess had been forced to be his handmaid by the king. Why? Why would her baby be forced to touch such an uncivilised man? There were many opportunities to bring her highness to her senses about this marriage, she nodded to herself. The marriage wasn't even consummated. With her highness still pure, a worthy husband would be found, a gentleman, with manners and a sweet fondness for the princess, strong enough to command her to stop flying and be a dutiful wife. Like all the queens of Arus. Nodding with resolve, nanny smiled and keyed in the code of her charge's room. She found her ward entangled in the arms of her hooligan spouse, (never would she refer to him as her husband), half naked in the throes of pleasure. Nanny's scream was heard by the entire level, and Lance, who was about to tap the shoulder of one cute maid he'd been chasing, ran for his life.

Nanny broke the death stare with a snort as they met the king and Coran in the meeting room. With a final scathing look, she stiffly bowed to the king and left, her ramrod straight posture threatening anyone who met her along the way.

"Hurricane." Whispered Hunk to Coran, pointing at the commander. Keith in turn gave him a look that would melt metal before he sat down. Finally, he looked at his wife, but she refused to look at him. That pissed him off even more. The blush that ran down her jacket collar was still vivid. He didn't know whether to be happy or furious with that blush. But Lance did. His mood had been uncharacteristically quiet all day that even others had noticed. But this development was enough to lift his sullen mood. 'Oh, someone really wanted to get some.' He smirked, meeting an embarrassed princess' eye before she turned toward the map printout. Obviously, their monarch had the same thoughts.

" You know, I'm the expert at dealing with the ladies in this bunker. A few anti-nanny tactics will get you further than locking the door. She knows the code to all of Allura's rooms. Other wise, hard days are ahead of you, Chief." Lance whispered, pretending to concentrate on the introduction of the meeting. But oh, could he feel the commander's fury directed at him now. Suddenly, Lance had discovered his calling in life: to annoy his commander.

Alfor looked at the young people on the room. He couldn't believe that once they went out there, drule could be a past threat within a few months; no, weeks. The brass, the council and Kogane's ghost had gone through options that would end all of this. However the decision was up to these five young people. He noticed his daughter's odd fidgety behaviour and the commander dark mood. He really hoped he would here about what caused that. Maybe after the meeting, I'll call nanny for some tea, he thought.

"I have been briefed that you have recovered from the last attack better than previously thought, commander. Dr Gorma does deserve some credit for you being alive, by the way."

" I thanked him earlier. And apologised for the inconveniences I will cause him at future date." Alfor smiled comfortably at the response.

'Not tea. A strong drink and Coran has to be there as well.', he thought, scratching his temple.

"I don't doubt that at all. We've come to let you know the decision of the brass and update you on the situation outside. Firstly, the umbra is still loose. It is currently in the process of destroying Mt Mirai. At first, we thought that its actions were strange. But given the size of the mountain and the readings we've gotten, there's only one conclusion." Alfor stated, a live image of the umbra pummelling the side of the Mountain.

"Another one is inside, right sir?" Pidge asked tentatively. The king felt sorry for the young man. His meekness was still proof of his youthful age, not hesitancy. Alfor prayed that the boy would maintain his innocence as much as possible .

"And the update on Aidan? Have you found a way to kill him yet?" Hunk asked. The older man gave him the creeps. He'd had to guard him the other night, and he didn't think he could do it again.

"Aidan gained strength and power when he was joined to the umbra, but now it gone since to connection was not complete. We can assume that if we kill them, then Aidan will die. Hopefully."

"However, a few things need to be addressed. Commander, Allura, some people believe it is time for a change of reign. There are voices, and those voices are getting louder." Alfor noticed his daughter's complexion pale slightly before she tried to speak again. Lance visibly paled as he watched his friend try to keep her composure.

"How aware are you of the Royal laws of Arus, commander?" Coran asked, though he already knew the answer. This discussion could break bonds that had formed, bonds that were forming and the will of a certain person.

"I'm not well versed in it, unfortunately. All I was aware of is that they are a secret. Is it something that's imperative to know now, Coran?" Keith asked. Admittedly, royal protocols were not his strongest area of knowledge. "Good. Then it will be faster to explain to you now before you go out you battle. This is regarding the five kingdoms as well, so listen well."

"The five kingdoms were set up to give humanity a chance against the genesis of the drule attack. Despite constant fighting, the monarchies were set up but with heavy costs." Coran took a deep breath, eying the young group, anticipating their response.

"The nobles were chosen from the bravest of our race and with their sacrifices, they joined their life force with the lions. The lions' spirits are not perfect; contrary to legend, they are fragile. If their human counterpart dies, the lion's soul takes time for it to be reborn. And it is at its weakest."

"Is that the reason why it took so long to gather the force? Does it mean, if we die in battle, the other four lions will be vulnerable until the fifth one chooses a host?" Allura asked quietly. She glanced at Keith for a second and thought back to her lion. Blue was quiet, composed and the epitome of grace. But there were these moments when she felt a deep sense of longing and sadness. 'If what Coran was saying was true, then how long has the Alpha lion been missing?' Blue met black and she wondered if he was thinking the same thing too.

" Unfortunately, yes. Even if it means we are overrun, a perfect match in character and spirit is a must. The lions will never accept less. So, whatever you do, Do Not Die. The risk you took on the umbra was necessary. However, you are in a vulnerable state, commander. Only the blue lion can heal the black that well. If Allura fails to reach you, it's over. For all of us." King Alfor emphasised, staring pointedly at the commander. On his part, he accepted the instruction with a slight nod of his head.

"I don't want to die either. Not anymore. So relax, sir..Again, I apologise."

"Good. That being said, there's an unexpected turn. The voltron force are not five members. But six. One lion chose two souls."

"WHAT?!" a once composed group completely lost it. The group all wanted to know who the sixth person was, but Lance paled significantly as a strong realisation knocked him in the gut before he was told. It literally knocked him back into his chair with a whisper, "It's him. Isn't it?"

"What? You know who it is, Lance?" Hunk asked, disbelief and possessiveness making his voice rough with emotion. The one thought of another person with the yellow lion offended him. It felt like an attack. He knew he wasn't the only one. Even their resolute commander's artery was dancing furiously and his arms were crossed stiffly. Pidge, the poor guy looked like he was about to cry. Lance had barely any life in him.

"It's Holgerson. Isn't it, sire?" The look on Kogane's face was priceless. Pure shock, them confusion. Disbelief actually cut his tongue.

"You're correct, Lieutenant. It is Sven. Right now, he cannot be here because he is visiting a patient, but yes. He is one of you." The room became so silent, each person trying to come to terms with the information. It felt like a betrayal, almost.

"The reason this matters is because it's tied to the tradition of succession. Each kingdom put in a few rules of succession. The kingdom had a king or Lord, then a chosen lion pilot. The black lion, for example, chose the successor from the sons of their Lord. That is why they more than likely, gave their lives for their young prince. Even if you weren't the one chosen, one of your sons would have been the one. It is known for a lord of Altaire to be chosen by the black. Honour is its major trait. It is the pickiest of the lions. But it is not common. The Red lion is temperamental. It usually matches with the character of its noble than by birthright. The green lion always chooses from the youngest in a clan. Never the oldest. Past a certain age, one is not deemed a worthy choice. Once chosen, you grow into your role. The yellow lion chooses by loyalty. Only those who are loyal fit that match. And on this world, there are not many. Especially in this time we live the Blue..."Alfor stopped there, words failing him for a moment.

"Father." Urged the princess. Her heart was racing, but she didn't know why. Something was amiss and she knew it.

"My child. The blue is a noble creature. Her heart, is sacrifice. And usually, she only chooses a female since its a gift more common of women. They are selfless, and we men, well, it's not something we can do. We would rather fight."

"Usually? It's not a given? I thought it was always females?" Pidge asked. His information acquisition skills were being tested here.

"Ariella's blood, yes. But males from other bloodlines were also chosen. That is why the records seemed complete. It has not happened in generations. Until now." finished the king. Suddenly, His daughter shot up as if burnt, walking back slowly. Her head was shaking, she was quivering like a leaf and tears gathered in her eyes.

"WHY! WHY WOULD BLUE CHOOSE ANOTHER SOUL!" Desperately, she called for her lion, she tried to leave the room, Coran tried to get up from his chair but the King stopped him, shaking his head quietly. He eyed Kogane who glared at him furiously before the young man wisely obeyed the king's cautioning. A dishevelled princess bundled herself in a corner, too scared to speak after a while. She didn't care that they saw her unravel. She was in too much pain.

"You are a soldier, my child. Even if it hurts, you need to know why." He waited for her for a while. But it needed to be done. This was the burden of the crown. After a while, he was proud as he watched his daughter try to gather herself and come back to the table. 'She always comes back.' He was proud.

"Does it have to do with the fact that I am a woman?" she queried. All her life, she was always trying. But it never seemed as if she would ever break her glass ceiling.

"Yes. That does play an important part. You see, our family was chosen as the Queen's family. To avoid the abuse of power, the condition that you cannot fly the blue lion and sit in place as the ruling monarch was established. If you choose to fly against the laws, you will never become a mother."

"That's inhumane." Keith shouted furiously. Allura just gasped as her quaking increased. She bit her lip to stop herself from sobbing. The guys were flabbergasted.

" Secondly, if you or one of our descendants is chosen before marriage, they can never be the head of voltron. If you abuse power or are placed in a position where you are coerced or manipulated into disobeying the laws established, the current Lord Kogane must take your life."

"What the hell...he's her husband for pete's sake." Lance yelled. This was getting more and more ridiculous.

"Thirdly...If you are chosen before marriage and are married as a queen soon after, you must fulfil you duty and execute the drule queen, Zahra Sama."

"And who the Heck is she?!" Keith asked.

Allura's pain felt like torture to his nerves. He had to go to her but she would break if he did. Also, the King's eye told him that he has to let her endure this. His lion was not present in his consciousness, which was wierd. He felt empty. And unbelievably furious.

"Why her?"

"Indeed. Why her. Commander, before she was your wife, she was and still is my daughter. I have asked this question as well, but I have received no answer. Call it her fate or destiny. But it is only hers. You are a smart man. Even you must have realized that the curse of the lions may not merely be a fairy tale."

Keith had always suspected a large price since he'd combed through the archives in his family library. They were mainly chronicles; but one dark tale of betrayal by a beautiful drule woman called Zahra Sama and the grandfather of Queen Ariella had had a dark impact on his mood. She was the one who had used ancient Arusian noble blood and the deception of love to nearly destroy the Arusians. Never did he imagine that she could be alive generations later. She had to be thousands of years old.

"Who is that woman?" Keith was deadly calm.

"Haggar."

The young men were flabbergasted. This had never been shared with anyone one of them, and given Allura's shocked expression, it was news to her.

"Then please, sire, why the hell did you release her when she was in our custody? Aren't we just going back to where we started? The umbra, Aidan, Zarkon, Lotor, they're all still on the board. It's these secrets that I hate the most!" Keith shouted, all his patience spent at this point. He didn't know who's fury he felt, his or Allura's. His mate was in pain and all he wanted was to comfort her. Furious, he stepped away from the table to the furthest wall. It took all the self control he had not to throw a chair. Instead, he glared at the older men. He knew in his gut the reason why. He wasn't ashamed to admit that he felt the same.

"We couldn't trust you, given that you'd just shown up. " Alfor responded quietly. "We maybe one species struggling to survive, but our intentions are not linear. This is the best opportunity to get rid of drule, and, to overthrow the kingdoms. I will not lose this title and my daughter's rights without a fight. Even if it means fighting any one of you." All of the young men tensed. That was not a King's warning. It was a father's.

"The other reason was to release the protection magic around the drule monarchies. It was strategic to limit your enemies to only a few, and with that spell broken, we knew Haggar's magic would return to her. You see, the witch you've met was actually at her weakest."

"What?" Lance whispered, recounting his fight with her. Even then she'd been no pushover. "How do you know?"

"Him." Coran nodded to Keith, who'd decided to lean against the wall. His wife's gaze looked at him angrily.

"It's true." He responded stiffly. "I read all through my family's chronicles and most of the information was very clear, except Haggar's. My family guarded that gate for generations and they felt fluctuations from time to time, recording them. This led them to strengthen the void when necessary using the life force of the black lion and his chosen soul. In fact, you could say it was the same method."

"Wait, wait, wait, wait. Are you saying Haggar has knowledge of the lions?"

"Yes, Lieutenant."

Everyone expected an outburst. But it didn't come. Coran raised an eyebrow at this, but didn't say any more.

"And that damn witch used that method to strengthen the drule Kings, making them virtually immortal. They could not be overthrown and were abnormally stronger than all the other drules. Except one. Zarkon. He's her son. Drawing her closer to the first umbra was necessary to capture her. However, I didn't know there was a special condition on ending her life." Keith finished quietly, almost apologetically, sitting down.

"So what now?" Pidge asked quietly, truly trying to digest all this information. He was overwhelmed. He was scared.

"I kill Haggar. That's all." Allura whispered quietly. Her head was hung in defeat at this point. She didn't want to meet anyone's eye. Otherwise she would break again.

"This is the plan: the voltron force will engage the umbra in 48 hours. You will remove it from this planet's surface and destroy it off world. It is energy, meaning that the lions may well be affected by the magic, and vise versa. Separating in from the others will automatically put the others in a dormant state. The next stage of your operation is to return planet side and engage with the remaining drule. Incapacitate them completely. During that time, Allura will fight Haggar in battle."

"How will she fight a spell throwing witch?"

"Commander, you've never seen my daughter fight. All we can do is leave it to her discretion ."