In the Midst of It All

Prologue: (Somewhere in space)

Bits and pieces of debris floated in the blackness of space. These were the remnants of the Star Sheriffs last battle with the Outriders. Or so they thought. A lone form glided swiftly, dodging the metal parts, inside a small cruiser. Inside, Jesse Blue’s face twisted in a mask of fury and rage.
___________________________________________________________

Cavalry Command, Gymnasium:

“YAAAAH!!” April shouts as she made a fast spinning-back kick aimed for Saber’s head. She swung her foot and leg back, landing nimbly on her toes, ready to strike again. Saber Rider ducked the kick, leaning backward and counter-attacking with a roundhouse kick.

“Let’s see you dodge this!” he lunged for her arm, grabbing it and attempting to do a shoulder throw.

“No, let’s see YOU dodge this.” With a side step to the right, April grabbed his arm and threw him over her shoulder, pinning him down on the mat.

“See what I mean?” April grinned, “Don’t be too obvious about your next move, your opponent will see it coming and may counter-attack you.” She said, helping him up.

Saber Rider stood up, and dusted himself off. “It’s been so dull now that ever since we blasted Nemesis off. Makes you want to wish sometimes for a little action.”

April sighed, “Yeah…” she relaxed and started doing some stretching exercises, “But I get this feeling something’s about to happen or is happening.”

Saber Rider nodded, “Makes you wish Colt and Fireball hadn’t left.” Earlier that week, Fireball had snuck off to an Invitational Racecar Competition or something. He had only left a note saying he would be back in 2 weeks. He had left no contact number, so they had no idea where he was.

Colt had obviously gotten jealous and a day after had also escaped from the boredom by going to see Robin, his schoolteacher girlfriend.

That left Saber Rider and April on Cavalry Command. Commander Eagle had suggested that since they were not battling Outriders at the moment, then maybe they could teach classes on their respective expertise. Saber Rider taught fencing and April handled martial arts, specifically taekwondo.

“I’m going to hit the showers, Saber. You coming?” April stood up and wiped the sweat off her brow. Her Doboku (taekwondo uniform) was dusty.

“I’ll be right with you.” Saber said. He watched her beautiful, petite figure gather the scattered kick pads and shin guards. ‘Saber, what is wrong with you??’ he asked himself, in his mind, ‘She loves FireBall, not you. Get over it.’ He thought sadly. ‘Oh, well…make the most of it...'

April was just going out of the gym when Saber called after her, “Hey April, would you do me the honor of going with me to dinner tonight?”

She turned, “Sure, pick me up at my room. I’ll just get ready.” She smiled at him and turned to walk out of the room.

Saber smiled nervously and nodded, “Eight?”
______________________________________________________

Fleet of Doom, Prince Lotor’s Crown Ship:

“Sire, we have spotted an unknown individual heading this way. He appears to be alone.” A guard at the control said.

The figure leaning in the shadows, sitting at the throne, did not move, “Send out soldiers to apprehend this trespasser.”

“As you wish.” The soldier bowed and passed the word to the forces.

Moments later, a small group of jets flew out of the hatch and made their way to the intruder. Expecting him to attack, the armed guards were surprised when the guy turned off his pack and came quietly with them.
__________________________________________________________

Inside the Ship:

“Bow down when you approach the Throne and Prince Lotor!” a sentry growled. He was led down the aisle until he reached the front of the throne. Four soldiers held Jesse Blue’s shoulders and arms. In the dark, he could make out a man sitting on the throne, inspecting him.

“Who are you, and what right do you have to trespass on the Planet Doom?” Prince Lotor asked him, his voice hostile.

Jesse Blue smiled, sarcasm in his face, “I am Jesse Blue, and I go wherever I want to go!” With that, he threw one of the guards holding his arms into the other one. In a split-second, he grabbed the gun on the holster of the sentry and aimed it at the Prince.

“Very well executed, Blue. But, it seems you fire at me, you get shot by my whole army.” Lotor stood up and sneered at him, also aiming a blaster at him. Jesse looked around, and saw every one of the soldiers aiming their weapons at him.

He threw down his weapon and held his arms up. “I see this is a powerful regiment you have. One capable of destroying enemies.”

Prince Lotor narrowed his eyes at him, then replaced his blaster at his side. “It seems we are one of a kind, Blue. Let us talk in private.”
______________________________________________________

Cavalry Command, Café Elysium:

“Nice of you to take me out, Saber.” April said, looking at the menu. She always felt…nervous when they were alone. But not much, more times she had been at complete ease with him.

“Don’t mention it.” He was dressed casually in his riding clothes. April had long ago stopped wearing her red-leotards. At age 20, she thought they were too immature for her now.

Saber agreed, the sleeveless white turtleneck with jeans suited her better. She had even lost the red hairband and her hair was tied back loosely.

“Hey Saber! Earth to Saber Rider! Come in.” April raised an eyebrow at him.

“What? Oh…April, sorry, was just thinking…” Saber said, his voice trailed off.

“About what?” April grinned and rested her chin on her hand. He stared into his eyes, deep blue, soulful eyes. They always made her heart melt, and this was no exception. ‘Fireball may be cute, but…there’s something about Saber Rider…something…' she thought.

“Nothing much. I was just…” he never got to finish. The loudspeaker stopped him when it started announcing something.

“Calling on Saber Rider and Ms. April Eagle. You are wanted at the Office of the Commander. I repeat…”

Saber sighed, “Well, looks like we got what we wished for.” He took the napkin of his lap and stood up, followed by April.

“Daddy owes us dinner…” she said as both of them went out and made their way to Commander Eagle’s office.
______________________________________________________

Inside Prince Lotor’s study:

Prince Lotor relaxed on his chair and offered his guest a drink. “This is the best wine in all of Doom. Take it in good health, my friend.”

At first, Jesse was suspicious of the smooth, red drink in front of him. He watched the Price drink the liquor from the same bottle and only then did he sample it. It was strong, so strong, he coughed and almost choked on his first mouthful.

“Um, kinda powerful for my tastes.” Jesse said as he pushed the glass away. The prince laughed.

“You’ll get used to it. Where did you say you where from, Blue?” he asked as he took another mouthful of the red beverage.

“From Planet Earth.”

Lotor gasped in surprise and almost inhaled his drink. He spat out and glared at Jesse. “Earth!?! Terran?! You come from that blasted Planet?? His eyes blazed in fury.

Jesse remained calm and leaned back, crossing his arms in front of him, “Yeah, Earth. What’s it to you?”

The prince calmed a bit and continued, “I see you are not one of them. Anyway, I’ve been trying to capture this planet, Arus. As I am a prince of high stature, I deserve nothing less than a princess of the same level. I have set my sights on this particular beauty. But a group of Terrans, or humans if that’s what you call yourselves, have interfered with my plans. Both from conquering Arus, and obtaining the Princess Allura. One Terran in particular. I assume you know of the Captain of the Voltron Force, Keith Eagle?”

Jesse thought back, “No, I can’t say I do. I was trained on the New Frontier Garrison. There are other Universities, like Galaxy Garrison. But your story seems to reflect my own.” He took a cautious sip of the wine, he was getting used to it and continued, “I am quite fond of this beautiful girl. She is a pilot on one of the defenses of Earth. But I did have a rivalry with her Captain for her affections. They destroyed my ship and took me for dead and that is one of the reasons I have wandered here. Fortunately, the designs for my war machine, the Nth Degree, is still with me.”

“Ah. Favorable that my father, King Zarkon is off on Planet Doom, busy with something.” Lotor said. He turned and looked back at Jesse, “Since you and I are somewhat…identical. I propose you stay with us. You help me capture the Princess Allura and you build that Nth Degree of yours and I’ll help you get rid of that rival of yours and…” he grinned evilly.

Jesse nodded and smiled, “Then it’s a done deal. Show me first what we’re up against and I’ll show you some files I have hacked out of Cavalry Command.”
__________________________________________________________

Cavalry Command, Commander Eagle’s office:

“April, I’d like you to go to Planet Arus. Your brother is there and he says they need assistance with invaders. The would like Ramrod to come and help out for a while since their last battle has left their defenses weak and vulnerable. And since Colt and Fireball aren’t around, you and Saber Rider go on ahead and I’ll send Colt and Fireball over when they return. Oh, and Keith has important news to tell you.” Commander Eagle said, sitting at his desk. He was trying hard not to smile, but the look in his eyes gave him away.

“Alright, Daddy. Saber and me will go over there right away. But..what is it? What does Keith have to tell me?” April said, leaning over his desk. She hadn’t seen her brother since he left for Planet Arus five or six years ago.

“I can’t tell you April, he said specifically not to tell you and that you get there right away, now that things around here have quieted down a bit.” Commander Eagle sat up, and dismissed them.

“Thank you, Sir.” Saber held the door open for April and as he was going out himself, when Commander Eagle called him.

“Oh, and Saber?” Saber turned around to face him.

“Yes, Sir?”

“Take care of April, ok?” the Commander smiled. Saber nodded and went out. When the door closed, Commander Eagle leaned back on his chair and thought.
__________________________________________________________

Arus, Castle of Lions:

“Keith, a message has been sent to you from Cavalry Command.” Koran called over to the group of young men seated in the lounge.

“Coming, Koran.” Keith said as he walked out of the room.

“Hey Keith, mind if we tag along?” Lance, Pidge and Hunk said as they ran to catch up with him. “So what did you dad say about the you-know-what?”

“He took it pretty well. I told him we needed some assistance from them, now that the Castle is undergoing major repairs from Lotor’s last attack. I think he sent some reinforcements.”

“Who is it from?” he asked as he entered the control room. “Is it from my dad?”

Koran turned and faced the handsome young captain, “As a matter of fact, yes. And he has some interesting news for you.” He pushed a button and Commander Eagle appeared on the screen.

“Hello Keith, how are you, Lance, Hunk and Pidge?” he asked. “And how about your Princess?” he said, looking at Keith.

“Fine, dad. And you?” Keith said, rolling his eyes.

“Fine, fine. Listen, Keith, Koran I have granted your request of sending over reinforcements against Planet Doom. I have sent April and Saber Rider on Ramrod to assist you. Since two of the Star Sheriffs, Fireball and Colt are off somewhere, busy with their personal activities, they will follow April and Saber when they return or when we can contact them. Good luck, son. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have some papers to organize.” He logged off the screen.

Keith thanked Koran and he and the boys left the room.

Outside, Keith asked them if they know his sister.

“What, April?” Lance asked, “Can’t say we have. And you say she’s coming here, as “reinforcements?” he said, skeptical.

Keith nodded, “I have to see Allura. Later, boys.” He walked off.”

Hunk and Pidge looked at each other and shrugged.
__________________________________________________________

Inside Ramrod, set course: Planet Arus:

April ran the brush over Nova’s, silky, pink mane. Saber Rider rubbed Steed’s metal neck and head with a piece of cloth. Both remained in silence.

They had brought their horses along since they knew Arus was mostly green meadows, rolling hills and the like, perfect for riding Nova and Steed. They hadn’t been on a good run ever since things quieted down at Cavalry Command.

“Whoa! Easy, girl!” April coaxed Nova, as the mechanical horse grew impatient. Jerking off April’s hold on her mane, Nova cantered over to Steed and nuzzled his nose. Steed responded by walking a few paces away from Saber Rider towards her.

Saber laughed, “I think that wraps up this grooming session.” He said, watching as the two horses made their way back into the stalls.

“Hmmpph! They could have been more spruced up for our visit to Arus. Remember, it’s royalty we’re meeting.” April said, tossing the brush back into Nova’s stall. She frowned at the word, “royalty”.

They went up to the Lounge and sat down around the table, Saber Rider grabbed a magazine and scanned a few pages. But, out of the corner of his eye, he watched April, just sitting there, staring into space.

After a while, Saber put down the magazine, “A penny for your thoughts.” He said to April. She blinked, as though she had come out of a trance.

“Huh? What?” She gazed at him and sighed, “Nothing, it was nothing. Just thinking…” April leaned back and folded her arms over her chest.

“Let me guess. Something to do with your brother, right?” Saber asked, “About what your father said earlier, something to do with a surprise?”

“You read my mind, Saber.” Her mind drifted off into space again, “But I think, this has also something to do with the Princess of Arus. They say she’s beautiful. I don’t think you have seen her, have you?” April looked at him.

Saber shook his head, “No, but we’ll soon see. Hey, I just remember something. We were supposed to be having dinner, remember?” Saber grinned.

April giggled a little, “Dinner? What’ll we have? I don’t think there’s anything to eat on board.” She got up and looked at the small food storage at the side of the counter.

“Hmm…nothing in here except some junk food Colt left behind. Let’s see…chocolate chip cookies, vanilla ice cream, tacos…how can Colt eat this stuff?” April frowned.

“Alright, we’ll just postpone dinner until we get to Arus. How does that sound?” Saber asked her, “Unless you want to eat those.”

April shrugged, “Oh, well…” she grabbed the package of chocolate chip cookies and walked over to Saber, “Want?” she placed the cookies in front of her, then changed her mind, ‘Maybe I’ll just take the chance to…’ She moved over beside Saber and put the cookies between them. “Here,” then she added nervously, “so you can reach them.”

Saber Rider tensed as he felt her body close to him. April was always so gentle, so graceful…he… He shook his head to clear it, and reached for a cookie, “Thanks.”

Around 10 minutes passed in tense, nervous silence. Saber Rider could sense April’s mind was somewhere else again. “April…?

She blinked and shook her head, again, “Oh, sorry. Again.” She sighed, remembering Saber Rider was right next to her. ‘C’mon April! Get a hold of yourself! He doesn’t care about you, Saber Rider is handsome, charming, debonair…everything, even that crisp British accent, everything about him is desirable. He can choose among any woman who comes flocking to him. Get a grip, girl!’ her mind told her.

“About that princess we were talking about. What about her?” he asked.

April closed her eyes tiredly, “She’s… You’ll see when we get there.” Her voice grew soft. She tried to cover a yawn, and laid her head down on the table, using her arms as pillows. Saber could see she wasn’t very comfortable.

He realized he was tired himself, he didn’t know why, but he was. “You know, I hate it when people say that.” Saber cracked. April laughed a little, and propped herself up on her hands.

Saber suddenly put his arm around April. At first, she was a little startled, he had never done this. ‘What is he doing?’ she tensed and looked at him.

“Here, April.” Gently, he pulled her towards him. April leaned towards him and rested her head on his chest, one arm on his waist. Saber circled his arms around her and rested his head lightly on the top of her head.

She remained awake, her eyes open in disbelief. April took this in slowly, ‘Saber Rider… Alone… I'm resting on his chest… And I have never felt warmer, safer and more comfortable in my life!’

Saber Rider looked at the girl in his arms, 'God, she's beautiful...' he caught the scent of her golden hair, smelling of lilacs.

Both fell asleep at the same time, clasped tightly in each other’s arms.
__________________________________________________________

Arus, Castle of Lions Garden:

“Keith, I can’t wait to meet your sister.” Princess Allura said, as she and Keith walked around the Garden, “What does she look like?”

Keith thought for a while, “I can’t be sure. I haven’t seen her for the last 7 years. Ever since I came here. But, I remember her long, blonde hair, blue eyes…” he shrugged, “You’ll have to wait until morning.”

“Have you told her the news, yet?” Allura asked him, as she took his hand and entwined it with his.

“No. I told her to come here, it’s a surprise.” Keith grinned, “Wonder what her reaction will be when we tell her?”

Allura flung her arms around him and kissed him briefly, “Well, you’ll just have to wait until morning.” She laughed.

Keith laughed with her and they both sat down beneath a tree. He held her in his arms while they watched the sun set gloriously on the horizon.

“Oh, and by the way, Ally, someone else is coming along with April. She’s one of the Star Sheriffs, something like a Voltron Force on Earth, and their leader is this guy named Saber Rider. He’s coming along with her to help. Dad says he’s younger, around 21, 23 at the most. April’s 20.” He frowned, “And from what I’ve heard, he’s blonde, dashing, handsome…”

Allura laughed, “Oh, Keith. Do you expect me to fall in love with him or something? Anyway, I’m sure he isn’t as dashing as you, my knight in shining armor.”

They laughed and stayed still again as they watched the remaining rays of the sun vanish over the horizon.
__________________________________________________________

Planet Doom, Lotor’s quarters:

Prince Lotor and Jesse Blue were viewing maps, blueprints and scans of both Arus and Voltron and Lions. Lotor pointed to a location in the blue lion’s head, “Here. This is the Lion Princess Allura pilots.”

He then pointed to the right leg of Voltron, “This is where she is when they form Voltron. Now, I do not want her harmed, injured or wounded. When we attack, be sure to hit the Lion’s torso, legs or anything, but do not aim for the head. When that fails, and they manage to form Voltron, aim for the part connecting the right leg to the rest of Voltron. Is that understood?”

Jesse Blue bowed his head impatiently, “Fine, fine. When we have captured the Princess, we move on to MY beloved, right?”

Lotor smiled slyly, “Of course, my friend. That is the deal, wasn’t it? Now show me what is so special about the Star Sheriffs defense mechanism, Blue.”

Jesse pulled a small metal recording chip from his helmet and inserted it into Lotor’s computer. A scan of Ramrod, in Vehicle Mode, appeared on the screen.

“This is the Ramrod Equalizer Unit, Ramrod for short. This is where April and the other Star Sheriffs stay.” He pinpointed the location, then changed the screen.

Ramrod in Challenge Phase appeared. Lotor did not seem impressed, “That’s it? That’s what’s keeping you from Earth conquest and your love?”

Jesse smiled coldly and continued, “Ramrod challenge phase. It is much harder to single out April from the other Star Sheriffs compared to the Voltron Force because unlike them, the Star Sheriffs all stay in one place. That makes it more difficult when they enter challenge phase mode. The best strategy here is to aim for the ship’s rear while it is still in vehicle mode. Then, when it crashes, troops go inside, and secure April.”

Lotor nodded, “Sounds probable. But let us try to single both women when they are not inside their individual vehicles.”

Removing the recording chip, Jesse nodded and smiled evilly. They shook hands as a sign that the deal was made and together went out of the room.

Lotor and Jesse proceeded to the Throne Room where Jesse stood to the right of Lotor’s throne.

Presently, a soldier came up to Prince Lotor and bowed, “Your Highness, our sensors have spotted a large spacecraft approaching and is going to land on Arus. We will enlarge it on the viewers.”

Lotor nodded, “Go on.” He waved his hand to dismiss the guard.

The soldier pressed a button on the panel and Ramrod appeared on the screen, much to the surprise of Jesse.

“What? The Star Sheriffs are here? Well, Prince, I see I won’t have to go back to Earth.” Jesse narrowed his eyes.

“Yes. But why are they here?” Lotor glared at the massive space vehicle disappearing into Arus’ atmosphere.

Jesse shrugged, “Beats me. My guess is, Arus called for back up and Earth sent the Star Sheriffs. April is one of them. That saves us a ticket to Earth, Prince.”
__________________________________________________________

Arus, Docking Bay:

Saber Rider maneuvered Ramrod onto a few hundred meters on top of the Landing Bay. Groups of construction workers were busy at various damaged places on the palace. ‘Must be the aftermath of the last attack.’ He thought.

He looked over to April, busy on her control panel. Saber thought back to a few hours ago, when he woke up. April was still asleep, embracing his body tightly. His arms had been around her. April had woken up, disoriented, and how beautiful she looked when her face flushed red, remembering where she was. He remember himself thinking about how nice it was to wake up like this, maybe every morning…He shook the thoughts from his head, when a voice came over the control panel.

“All clear, Saber Rider. You may land Ramrod Equalizer Unit on the Dock.” The flight chief on Arus announced over the speaker.

“Roger, we are now directly above the Bay, and landing.” Saber Rider slowly softened the ground thrusters and April opened the wheel hatch. Ramrod landed on the Pad.

The Voltron Force hurried out into the Landing Bay to meet April and Saber. “Where are they?” Lance said impatiently, shielding his eyes from the sun, at the large vehicle in front of him.

Inside Ramrod, April stared at her brother, “That’s him, Saber. The man wearing red.” April was going to say ‘boy’ but somehow it didn’t seem appropriate now. After all those years…

“April? Are you ready?” Saber said to her. He was at the exit hatch, opening it. She nodded, and went over to him. They walked out.

“APRIL!! How are you, sis?”Keith walked a few steps forward, waving to her.

April stopped, then excitement, delight overcame her and she ran forward, straight into Keith’s arms. She hugged him tightly, laughing.

“Hey, Keith. Fine here. How’s it going?” April said, finally letting go. Keith noticed she wasn’t wearing her usual red leotard. Saber had walked up to them slowly.

Keith noticed him and held out his hand, “Capt. Rider, I presume?”

Saber nodded and shook hands with him, “Commander Eagle, I am sorry to say that two of the Star Sheriffs have been engaged back on Earth. Your father has dispatched word to let them know of this and will send them over when they return.”

“That’s okay. Lotor tends to lie low after a major deafeat.” He gestured over to the damaged areas of the castle. Keith turned to the other Voltron members.

“Guys, this is my sister, April, and Star Sheriff Capt. Saber Rider. April, Saber Rider, meet Lance, Hunk, Pidge, and me, Comm. Keith.” Saber Rider and April acknowledged all of them, “Nice to meet you.”

Keith bowed and said, “Wait, this isn’t all the Voltron Force team. The Princess would have like to come out here. But since Royal Protocol states she must wait inside for guests…”

Keith led them inside. Saber noticed her reluctance to follow. Lance, Hunk and Pidge lagged behind.

“Man, did you see Keith’s sister? She’s a fox!” Lance said to Hunk. Pidge nodded vigorously. All of them had seen Keith’s picture of her when she was younger, wearing the skin-tight leotard. She was wearing the white-sleeveless turtleneck and blue jeans.

“She’s hot-stuff. But the guy with her wasn’t bad, either.”
__________________________________________________________

Saber Rider and April were escorted toward the large, gorgeous throne room, wherein the Princess Allura waited for them.

When she saw them, Allura stood up and welcomed them, “My friends, many thanks for coming to Arus on such short notice. You may have seen the workmen on the palace. Those damages were thanks to Prince Lotor’s recent attacks.” She went over to them. Saber Rider bowed, one hand behind his back. April bowed a little. Saber noticed a glare in her eyes.

“I hope your stay on Arus be a pleasant one.” She said, holding out her hand to Saber, which he took and kissed lightly.

April frowned and crossed her arms in front of her.

“I assure you, Princess. The view we got from Ramrod, when we were landing was a beautiful one. Our visit will indeed be a pleasure.” He said.

Allura’s eyes shifted to the pretty girl standing beside him. Allura smiled at her warmly, “And you must be April. Keith has told me a lot about you.” She looked at Keith and beamed at him, “Maybe you and Saber Rider would like to rest for a while? Your journey must have tired -.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty…” April interrupted. Allura held up her hand, “Please, both of you, call me Allura.”

“…Allura, if we may, we would like to see profiles on what we are dealing with,” April said, a tone of irritation in her voice, “I believe Prince Lotor and King Zarkon of Planet Doom?”

Saber looked at her, puzzled at her behavior. ‘What’s wrong with you, April?’

Allura looked at her, ‘Yes, he IS Keith’s sister. Business, all work and no play, an air of authority about her…But, what’s the matter with her? She seems…annoyed.’

“Alright, April. We will proceed to the Control Room. Keith and Koran will show you the scans and other information.”

April and Saber Rider made a small bow and followed the Voltron Force out of the room. Allura watched them go out.
______________________________________________________

After going through data about Lotor and Zarkon, Pidge
suggested the Voltron team go out and familiarize the Star Sheriffs with Arus.

“We’ll show you the Lions, the Gardens, the Lake…the scenery is beautiful. You can both go inside the Lion, if you’d like.” Pidge said, pointing down to the hatches leading to his Green Lion.

Keith nodded, “We’re due for a flight practice, anyway.” Allura entered the room, hearing what Keith said.

“Oh, that’s right. You may ride with me April, and take Saber Rider, Keith.” Allura said.

Saber and April looked at each other, “Maybe some other time, Princess. All of you ride your Lions and we’ll take our horses out. We haven’t ridden them for a while.” April said.

Hunk shrugged, “Okay, April. We’ll meet you outside. Get your horses. Race ya!” Then they jumped down the chutes. April and Saber Rider ran briskly outside to Ramrod and entered.

“So, Saber…What do you think of the Princess, Keith, Lance, Hunk and Pidge?” April asked him, as they got Nova and Steed ready. They put on their mecha suits, April’s pink mecha suit, and Saber’s black mecha suit.

“Hmm…beautiful, I guess. But then, what Princess isn’t? he asked. Then he remembered, “Oh, did you remember to ask your brother what his surprise was? I don’t think you did.”

April finished putting on her uniform, “Darn! That’s right! I forgot. Remind me later to ask him.”

They prepared to mount when Saber asked her, “April, about the Princess? Do you have some sort of problem with her?

April turned sharply, “What do you mean?” she asked him.

He frowned, “Well…while we were in the Throne Room, you didn’t seem…thrilled to meet the Princess. You were in a hurry to get out and go.”

April shook her head, “It’s nothing, Saber. Really.”

“Sure?

“Yeah.”

They got on Nova and Steed and led them out of Ramrod. “Ready?” Saber asked.

“Go!” April cried, as their mecha horses shot up into the sky. They saw the massive Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red Lion doing various flight techniques in the sky.

April heard Keith’s voice over her wristcom, “Hey, April. Maybe you and Saber Rider could explore Arus for a while. Our flying practice includes weapons and armaments. Wouldn’t want both of you to get hit.”

April sighed, “Alright. Saber and me’ll fly around and familiarize with Arus’ landmarks and such. April out.” She was going to call Saber over when Keith added,

“And don’t stray too far, ok? Keith out.”

April laughed, ‘He sounds like a brother alright.”

She called Saber Rider over her wristcom, “Saber, the Lions’ practice may be a bit hazardous to our health if we stay here close to them. Keith suggested we fly a distance off and familiarize with Arus.”

Saber acknowledged, “Fine with me. This seems like a lovely planet for exploring.”

“Go, Steed!” Saber called to his mecha. Steed reared and shot off a stretch away. Nova and April followed.
__________________________________________________________

Unknown to both Lions and Star Sheriffs, a pair of glittering eyes glowed from behind bushes. The images is saw were being transferred to Prince Lotor’s ship. Haggar’s blue cat prowled stealthily after them.

Jesse Blue watched as Saber and April rode away. His eyes narrowed at Saber Rider. “That’s her, April. And the one with the black uniform is Saber Rider, leader of the Star Sheriffs, and is the one keeping April from me.” He said.

Hagar, Planet Doom’s resident witch, laughed hoarsely, “Calm down, boy. My precious kitty will keep an eye on them, and at the same time allow us to view their every move.”

Lotor smirked, “Why are there only two of them? You said there were four Star Sheriffs.”

Jesse shrugged, “I don’t know. It should be easier, now that there is only Saber Rider to deal with.”

“Then we will attack the two of them now. We’ll see how tough they are in handling Planet Doom.”
__________________________________________________________

Saber saw a large lake right below them, “April, I’m going down to the Lake. Seems like a nice spot.” He urged Steed to head downward.

“Wow…this is lovely. Lakes are never like this at home.” April said, as Nova landed. She remembered pollution had destroyed the lakes on Earth. This one was perfect, sparkling blue water, reflecting the sun…

Saber Rider dismounted and led Steed to the edge of the water. April did the same, moving beside Saber, staring out at the crystal clear water.

After a while, Saber sat down, leaning against a tree. April remained standing up, stroking Nova’s mane.

“How can anyone think of destroying a place like this? Is it because he’s mad, insane, or just plain blind?” April asked quietly, to no one in particular.

Saber stood up, “No one knows, April. Maybe that’s how life is.”

April let go of Nova’s reins and watched as her mecha horse cantered over to Steed. April walked over to the water’s edge, knelt down and felt the cool, silky water on her hand. She stared at her reflection in the water.
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Inside Lotor private Cruiser and Jesse’s one-man ship:

Jesse Blue banged his fist violently on the console. His arm shook with fury, “I don’t believe this!! Jesse’s eyes glared at the image on the small screen. Hagar’s power allowed her cat’s eye-image be transmitted to their ships’s screens.

As soon as he saw Saber Rider and April alone beside the Lake, his anger and jealousy boiling, “Damn you, Saber Rider. She’s mine!” he began cursing loudly.

Lotor just remained silent, smirking at Jesse’s extreme reaction. But even he had an uneasy feeling about the Commander of the Voltron Force with his Princess.

Jesse’s anger intensified at the scenes he saw next.
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Castle of Lions, Lakeside:

Saber’s handsome features appeared next to her face. For a moment, they just gazed at each other through their reflection in the water. Saber held out his hand.

April looked up at him and took his hand. He pulled her up, helping her to stand up. Even though his pull was careful, she stumbled a little, falling into him, her head on his chest.

She stayed frozen for a while, her heart beating wildly. One hand fell on his chest, and she could feel his heart beat through his mecha armor, faintly.

Out of reflex, Saber circled his hands around her, as she fell into him, causing him to lean backwards against the tree.

April stiffened, then forced herself to look up at him. Her eyes met his, and she gripped his shoulder slightly.

‘God, he’s…’ April couldn’t find the exact words to describe him, “I love you, Saber.” She finally said, ‘So much…’

“April…” Saber started, ‘She’s so beautiful…Beautiful outside and inside….’ "I love you, too..." They gazed at each other for a while, seeming like an eternity. He leaned forward, and both slowly closed their eyes…

“Saber Rider, April, come in…Keith here. Answer, pls. Over.” Keith’s voice came over April’s and Saber Rider’s comlinks.

“Keith, of all the…” April muttered under her breath. She blushed, her face catching on fire. Saber laughed nervously,

“We’ll continue this later.”

April reluctantly tore herself away from Saber Rider’s arms.

“Yes, Keith?” she answered, a tone of irritation and disappointment in her voice, “What is it?”

“You both better get back to the castle, pronto! Koran just sent the word that Lotor’s ship and something else has entered Arus’ space. Might be trouble. Hurry back. Keith out.”

April turned back to Saber Rider, “You heard him. Let’s get a move on.” she spun around, and called Nova. The horse readily got up and briskly trotted over to April. Steed trotted over with Nova, then over to Saber.

As April prepared to mount, Saber put a hand to her shoulder. She turned around to see what was the matter, Saber suddenly leaned forward and kissed her. April was so startled, she didn’t even react.

Saber grinned at her and gave her a wink. He mounted Steed, “C’mon, luv. Let’s get going. Your brother is waiting.”

April smiled at him and mounted Nova, “Saber, I never knew you were so impulsive…” she grinned and winked at him. Then they took off for the skies.

Once up in the sky, April looked over to Saber, ‘What just happened?’ she wondered. ‘Does he have feelings for –‘

Suddenly, a laser beam shot out of the sky, and barely missed hitting Steed. Steed, startled, panicked, and reared abruptly.

Saber Rider was jerked out of his saddle, and fell backwards toward the ground.

“SABER!!” April pulled on Nova’s reins and led her downwards towards Saber. He fell in behind her in the saddle smoothly.

“Whew! For a minute, there you had me worried.” She said. April looked up into the sky, “Where did that come from.”

Saber shrugged, “Don’t know. Barely missed Steed.” He called for his mecha horse, “Steed!” in an instant, Steed was beside Nova, and Saber Rider leapt on him. He looked up, scanning the skies.

“April, look out!” he shouted. April maneuvered Nova in a split-second. A cruiser sped between them, narrowly bypassing them.

“What the….!!” April cried. She and Saber Rider urged Nova and Steed to fly after them.

After chasing the cruiser for a while, they accelerated and caught up with him. April reached the side first. She peered in and tried to get a look at the person in the pilot’s seat. She gasped when she saw who it was.

Jesse Blue winked at her, pressing two fingers to his lips and blowed the kiss to her. April fell back, and Jesse disappeared in the sky.

April stared after him in shock, ‘But…but, he’s dead! He was inside Nemesis’ ship when it exploded!’ she didn’t notice Saber reining in Steed beside her.

“What is it? Who was inside?” he asked, “Let’s head back to the castle.”

She nodded, “Saber, you saw Nemesis’ ship blow up didn’t you? And Colt said Jesse Blue was still inside when it did, right?” she waited for him to answer.

“Yes. Why?” he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Jesse was inside that ship.”
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to be continued...

On to Part 2!
Comments? Suggestions? E-mail me. [ tkd_unicorn13@hotmail.com ]