In The Midst of It All

Part 2 :

Cavalry Command, Earth:

Fireball had just got back from his racing competition, which he had proudly won. Carrying the gold loving cup, he had staggered into his room and placed it down carefully next to the other trophies arranged on the shelf.

“Whew!” he smiled, and went out of the room to carry his suitcase inside. He opened it up on his bed and took out all the clothes inside. As he was arranging his personals, he saw a piece of paper on the lamp table next to his bed.

“Hmmm…what’s this?” he picked it up and scanned down. Fireball frowned and hurried out of the room, going towards Commander Eagle’s office.

When he got there, he saw Colt talking to Comm. Eagle.

“What’s happening, Comm.?” He asked, “Where are April and Saber Rider?”

Colt tilted his hat back, “’Bout time you got back, pardner. Seems that April and Saber Rider skeddadled off to Planet Arus. They’ve got trouble goin’ on over there.”

Comm. Eagle nodded to Colt and turned to Fireball, “Yes, and I am sending both of you over to them. Ramrod cannot go into Challenge Phase without the two of you.” He dismissed them.

Fireball and Colt went out of the room, “Let’s get a move on, Fireball. I hear the ladies on that planet is the purtiest you’d ever see. And there’s talk about the Princess.”

Fireball rolled his eyes, “Colt, just get ready and I’ll meet you in the hangar in 30 minutes.”
____________________________________________________________

At the Castle of Lions, April and Saber ran into the Control Room, where they met up with the Voltron Team back from practice. They had just receive word that Fireball and Colt were on their way to Arus.

“What’s happening, Keith?” April asked as they entered the room. She noticed they were glued to the large screen. She wanted to tell him about Jesse.

Lance answered, “It’s Lotor and someone else. Kids, I believe this will be your first encounter of Planet Doom.” He put his hands inside his pockets and stared up at the screen at two small one-man ships.

Presently, Koran called out to them, “There is a transmission coming. Tune it in, Jean.” He commanded the guy sitting at the Communication Panel.

A face appeared on the screen. Bluish tint, white-blond hair, pointy ears…April heard Princess Allura gasp. ‘Who’s he?’

Saber Rider looked intently at the man on the screen. He could see the male Voltron team members glare at him. He immediately realized that this must be Prince Lotor.

He leaned over to the closest Voltron team member, which happened to be Hunk, “Uh, Hunk? Prince Lotor, I presume? He doesn’t look so evil, if looks don’t count.”

Hunk snorted, “Evil? Rider, when you’re talking about evil, Lotor takes the cake.” He turned back to the screen when Lotor started speaking.

“Greetings to you, Voltron Force, and especially to you, my love,” he smiled lustfully at Allura, “I am still waiting for you to realize, my dear, that we belong together.” His eyes lit up, “Oh, yes. I would like to introduce to you my new ally.”

The screen divided into two and another face was seen on the other side. ‘Light complexion, blue hair…Jesse. That’s him alright.’ April thought, grimly.

Saber stepped up, “Hello Jesse. Nice to see you, alive.” He said, coldly. The members of the Voltron team turned and stared at him.

“You know this guy?” Keith asked. Saber and April nodded, then glared back at the screen.

Jesse half-closed his eyes and smiled, “Howdy April, looking prettier than ever, gorgeous.” He looked at her. April remained silent.

Keith stared at April, then at Jesse. He glared at Jesse, “Listen, jerk. You had better get some respect for my sister. Lotor, get out of here and take your “friend” with you!”

Jesse looked shocked, “Sister?”

Keith nodded, “Yeah, what’s it to you?”

Jesse grimaced, ‘Well, it seems Lotor and I are sorta connected after all. April is Keith’s sister, huh? I can’t believe this!!’

Lance intervened, “Yeah, or do we have to get rough on ya?!” he yelled to him. Pidge and Hunk clenched their fists.

Lotor laughed heartily, “I am not asking for a fight, commoner. I merely wanted to introduce Jesse Blue, my right-hand man to you. And to remind the lovely Princess Allura of her destiny with me.”

Allura flashed her eyes at him angrily, “Lotor, you can wait for an eternity for all I care. I have chosen my destiny, and I have chosen my path with Keith.” She held out her hand and Keith took it, grasping it in his hand.

Lotor looked shocked, his mouth hung open, staring at their hands, “What do you mean?!” he shouted.

Pidge smirked, “Oh, yeah. You don’t know about it, do you?” he asked. Lance stepped forward,

“For your information, Lotor. There will be wedding. But not between you and Allura.”

April had begun to realize what Keith’s surprise was going to be. Since she saw, Keith hold Allura’s hand, since Lance had mentioned the word “wedding”…

‘My brother is getting married?…’ she thought, ‘to the princess!?!?” Saber Rider sensed this too, and moved beside April, not taking his eyes off the screen and at Jesse.

Lotor, meanwhile, was visibly becoming upset. “To whom!?” he demanded.

“To me. I have already proposed to her and she accepted.” Keith said, stepping forward.

April stumbled backwards, ‘I knew it! Keith’s getting married to that passive, submissive, spoiled, weak woman!!’ she thought. She was at the back, behind all the others, except Saber Rider, who was beside her.

A thousand thoughts filled her mind, all rushing in at the same time. ‘I have to get out of here and think. I’ll stay here until Lotor and Jesse go away.’

Meanwhile, Lotor had gone from upset to angry to furious rage. “WHAT!?!? Allura, how could you do this…this…indecent act? You, princess, should wed a prince of high standard.”

Allura was about to say something, when Keith held up his hand, motioning her to stop. “That’s it. I won’t have you harrassing my fiancee. Everyone to the Lions!” he commanded. Koran turned off the screen in Prince Lotor’s face, abruptly cutting comunication.

The Voltron Team immediately summoned up the Lion’s Entrance Tunnels and proceeded to slide down to their respective Lions. Keith stayed behind for a while, and instructed April and Saber.

“Since you know Lotor’s new ally, both of you get out and apprehend him if you can. We’ll go after Lotor.” He nodded a good-bye and jumped down to Black Lion.

April and Saber Rider ran out of the room towards Ramrod.
____________________________________________________________

“Prince, it seems we both have problems.” Jesse smirked coldly.

“But, mine is more serious. How can Allura get married to that…that…commoner?!? And it seems Keith is April’s brother and my beloved’s --.” Lotor didn’t finish.

“That tends to complicate matters a bit. Listen, I have been anticipating this move from Keith, that he will send out the Lions on us. We will split up and since there isn’t any Robeast, the Lions will not form Voltron. I will try to isolate Allura, and attempt to seize her on her Lion. Mind you, she is not as experienced as the rest of them.”

Jesse listened intently, “Yes. And this will give us a chance to test my cloaking device.”

Jesse had installed a invisibilty mechanism on both his and the prince’s ship, a bit of technology from Nemesis.

He continued, “Chances are, the Star Sheriffs will also join in the fight. Ramrod will not be able to go into Challenge Phase since Colt and Fireball are currently not around. Either they will use their mecha steeds, or they will use Ramrod as Vehicle Mode. We’ll split up, Highness. We’ll meet back on your Crown Ship.” He gave a small salute to Lotor and logged off, his cruiser accelerating in speed and disappearing.
____________________________________________________________

Outside the Castle, the five Lions assembled.

“Okay, where’s that royal rat?” Pidge cried, looking around.

Hunk glided his Yellow Lion higher, scanning his surroundings.

“Where is he?” Keith asked, “Everyone check your radars.”

Suddenly, Hunk yelled, “There he goes! Keith, look out!”

Keith’s reflexes kicked in when he heard Hunk. In a split-second, he had maneuvered Black Lion to the side. Lotor’s ship was right on top of him, firing.

“How did he get up there without us seeing him?!?” Lance demanded. “Or at least showing up on our scanners??”

Keith calmed himself down, “Lotor, I am giving you five minutes to get out of here. Don’t bother us again, you hear?”

Lotor laughed evilly, “How dare you order me around! I am a prince and I can go wherever I want.”

With that, he switched on to cloaked mode, disappearing from eveyone’s sight.

“What the?!?” Pidge cried in biwilderment, “Where’d he go??”

Lance checked his scanners, “He’s not showing on my monitor. Keith, what happened??”

Keith’s eyes darted around, looking for any sign of Lotor. Nothing. Suddenly, Lotor’s ship materialized on top of the group of Lions.

“Everyone, look out!!” Keith cried over the control, “He’s on top of --!”

He never finished. Before they had time to react, Lotor fired a small black disk, which attached itself to the Lions.

“What the??” Lance started, “What is that?” They soon knew.

The black disk started emitting energy, literally electrocuting them, sending the Black, Red, and Yellow Lion down.

“AAAHH!!” She heard Pidge cry, as a energy beams shot stunned his Lion and jolted him.

“YOW!!” Hunk shouted, through gritted teeth, “This reminds me of the time when I was a kid and I bit through a string of Christmas lights!!”

“Keith! Pidge! Hunk! Lance!!” The Princess cried out as she watched them fall to the ground. Lotor had shot well and he had hit the four Lions with enough power to nearly short-circuit them. All Allura could see on her screen was static.

“Princess! Get out of there! Don’t let Lotor --!” over the static, Allura heard Keith cry out. She snapped into alertness. Allura grasped the controls of her Blue Lion and readied for Lotor.

Allura steered her Lion around, not wanting to stay in one place for long. She stopped and looked down at the other four Lions sprawled on the ground. They were still shaking slightly from the static shock Lotor hit them with.

Keith’s face appeared on the screen. His face sweated profusely from the current. Allura could see he was trying to hold the pain back.

“Keith! What happened to you? Are you alright??” Allura asked him, frantic.

“I’m fine, Princess. Get down over to us, now. Lotor might target you…”Keith’s eyes suddenly widened in horror, looking past Allura.

“Keith, what is --? She gasped as hands grabbed her arms.

She struggled against the intruder, trying to shake his hands off her. She caught a glimpse of him.

“Lotor! How did you--?? Let go of me!” she demanded.

Keith was looking at him murderously, “Let go of my fiancee, Lotor! Then get out of here! I’m warning you, harm her and you’ll die…”

Lotor laughed, his eyes also glaring at Keith, “Keith, Keith, Keith…She’s mine now. I’m taking my future bride along with the Blue Lion as the wedding vehicle. Oh, and don’t try to follow us.” He said, almost casually, “That black disk has enough power in it to fry your Lions. Your controls are jammed, so you won’t get out of there. The effect might be for days, even weeks.”

He held up a control in his hand, “Just one switch and you’ll all die. Well, good-bye ,Keith.”

His hand lifted up to press the command to increase voltage, when Allura intervened.

“NO! Lotor, don’t!! I’ll…I’ll marry you. Willingly!” she said desperately.

Lotor, stopped his hand and looked down at Allura slyly, “Well, well. It seems I’m feeling merciful. Allura, we’ll be wed immediately. But, prove yourself to me. As Princess of Arus, command the Voltron Team to leave us alone to our wedding, and they shall not come to rescue you.”

Allura looked at him in horror, ‘No! I can’t do that!’

She looked at Keith, her eyes full of sadness, “Commander Keith, I order you, along with the Voltron Force to stay on Arus and do not follow us. That is an order from the Princess of Arus.”

Keith’s face remained composed. He made a small bow, “As you wish, Highness.” Then logged off the screen.

Allura’s eyes had filled with tears. She lowered her eyes, ‘I must remain strong. I am a princess, and a princess must be brave. For you, Keith.’

Lotor laughed triumphantly, “Ah, my love. We shall go back to my fleet and get married at once. You may drive your Lion towards my Crown Ship.”

The princess nodded weakly and steered her Lion upward, going out of Arus’ atmosphere.

Down below, Keith watched as the Blue Lion disappeared into the sky. His anger intensified and he silently cursed Lotor.

“Keith!” Lance snapped him back into the present, “Keith! We can’t take much more of this! Even the Lions might get damaged beyond repair!” he said into the screen.

Keith sat up and looked around. The black disk was still attached to the outside. Everyone’s controls were jammed, they couldn’t open the doors and get out.

Realization dawned on him. They were deadmeat. Unless… He checked his wristcom to see if it was working. Fortunately, it was. The electro-shock hadn’t reached it, yet.

“Keith, calling April!! April, do you hear me?” Keith called frantically into the receiver. ’C’mon, April! Answer me! Where are you?’
____________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, April and Saber Rider had scouted around on Steed and Nova, looking for Jesse without finding a trace of him.

“Okay, where did he go?” April said, as she glided in and out of trees, and up into the sky.

They had covered most of the territory without finding a sign of him.

Unknown to them, Jesse was just hovering above them, in cloaked mode, smirking at their futile search, “You’ll never find me, Star Sheriffs.” He grimaced, “Now I’ll just wait for the right time…”

“How could he have just disappeared?” Saber wondered aloud.

April shrugged, “Beats me. Let’s check on the others…” she was interrupted when a signal came from her wristcom, “Yes? Keith, that you?”

Saber Rider glided in next to her, “What is it?”

April frowned, “I don’t know. There’s nothing but static interference in here. Wait…” she listened more closely, “There’s something else…”

She put her ear closer and she heard, “April, come in. This is Keith…” barely audible over the static.

She answered, “Keith? That you? Yes, what is it?”
__________________________________________________________

Outside Arus, Allura still hadn’t said a word to Lotor. But Lotor had continually been talking to her, soothing love words. But the voice was harsh, like something from her worst nightmare.

“My dear, you will be very happy in your new domain. Just imagine, the worlds we will conquer together…” Lotor said.

Allura’s mind was far-away. She remembered the times, she and Keith had gone off alone, on picnics, horse-back riding…But now…

Unconciously, she murmured softly, “Keith…”

Lotor’s face twisted into a mask of fury, “Allura, you are mine now. Not Keith’s, not anybody’s! I will not have you pining for someone else!”

He held up the remote control, “Say good-bye to your Keith, Princess.” With that, he turned the dial of the control to Maximum Power, enough to detonate the Lions.

“No!” the Princess cried, as she leapt up and tried to knock the controller from his hand. Lotor simply grabbed both her hands in a lightning fast grip.

“Too late, Allura. By now, they are dead!” he grinned like a madman, as Allura crumpled to the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Images of Keith in pain, as the intense shock ran through his body. Then…
__________________________________________________________

The four black disks exploded.

“Whew! That was a close one.” Hunk said, as he wiped the sweat off his brow.

“Yeah, good think April and Saber Rider heard Keith.” Lance said, as he fell to the ground, exhausted by electrocution Lotor gave them. His knees and elbows were still trembling a little.

April and Saber Rider had answered Keith’s call and had arrived. Seeing the black objects stuck to the bodies of the Lions, emitting energy into them, April had immediately donned protective gloves and instructed Saber Rider what to do.

In a matter of minutes, April and Saber Rider had removed the mechanical adhesive from the backs of the black electronic and had thrown them a small distance away. Keith, Lance, Hunk and Pidge were able to climb out of the Lions and recover from the electrocution. Luckily for them, the Lions had absorbed most of the energy that would have otherwise killed them.

Saber Rider looked around, “Where’s the Princess?” he asked them. Their faces fell, one by one, and they looked over to Keith.

Keith was standing rigidly on the top of his Black Lion, looking upward at the stars.

“Allura was captured by Lotor when we fell. He was going to kill us, but the Princess agreed to marry him.” Pidge said, angrily.

“Yeah, what’s worse is, Lotor made her order the Voltron Force to stay on Arus and not follow them. And since, she IS the princess…” Lance said, shaking his head.

April looked up at Kieth, ‘She does love him…’ she thought, ‘she must be a strong woman to risk herself for her teammates…I wonder…’

She looked at Hunk, “The Princess said “The Voltron Team” right?” she asked.

Hunk nodded.

“I don’t think Saber Rider and me are Voltron Team members.” She said, looking at Saber Rider.

“You aren’t saying…both of you are going to rescue the Princess? Are you?” Lance asked.

Saber Rider nodded, “May I remind you, the reason we were sent here in the first place was to aid in the Voltron Force’s war with Doom. And that included the safety of the Princess. April and me will go to them immediately.” He said.

“You aren’t going anywhere, Rider.” Keith said. He had jumped down from the top of his Lion, “You aren’t going without me.”

Lance frowned at him, “You’re going to break your promise to the princess?” he asked in surprise. “This was a first time.”

Keith shook his head, “I’m not going to break my promise to the Princess of Arus. I’m going after my fiancee.” He simply said.
___________________________________________________________

Jesse Blue had not missed any of this. He smirked and proceeded to go back to the Doom Fleet. He blew a kiss to April and left.

“Lotor has got to hear this.” He said, vanishing into the sky.
__________________________________________________________

The Voltron Force went back to the castle. The Lions had been too exhausted and were left lying in the field to regenerate. They would send back men to see to the Lions.

“Keith, if you’re going, I’m going, too.” Lance said, crossing his arms stubbornly in front of him.

Keith shook his head, “No, Lance. This is between Lotor and me. It’s getting way too personal.”

Hunk and Pidge also wanted to come, “Alright, let us come along, just for protection. You can’t go with only April and Saber Rider. Once we get to Lotor, we’ll leave you to your fight. Deal?”

Keith considered this for a moment, “Alright. You come along, but only for back-up. April and Saber Rider are a loophole in the Princess’ orders. They are the main rescue team. And remember, once we get to Lotor, you leave the fight to us.”

All of them nodded. Lance marveled at the way Keith handled the situation. The Princess was captured and he still remained calm and collected, ‘maybe that’s why they made him Comm. He doesn’t even show signs of panic or worry…’

“Uh, Keith? How are we supposed to get there without the Lions?” Pidge asked.

Keith stopped, then looked at April and Saber, “Would you mind if we rode Ramrod for the time-being? ”

Saber Rider nodded, “We would be honored, Commander.”

April went over to Keith, “Keith, let’s get going right now. I know you. Outside you look as if nothing could make your heart rate go up in a panic. But inside…”

Keith just gazed at her, ‘I can’t believe how much she has grown up. Seems like only yesterday she was a toddler, going places with me, and getting me into trouble…’

“Alright, team. Let’s go to Ramrod.” He ordered.
__________________________________________________________

Fleet of Doom, Lotor’s Crown Ship:

Lotor stood before a crowd of Doom soldiers on a hight platform. Allura was beside him, standing stiffly. She heard Lotor’s voice echo throughout the chamber when he spoke.

“It is a proud day for Doom. Soon, we will celebrate the union of the Prince of Planet Doom to the lovely Princess of Arus, Allura. Preparations for the wedding is ongoing as we speak. Victory for Doom!” he cried, as the crowd rose up and cheered.

Allura remained silent, her lips a straight line on her face, ‘Lotor, you are a despicable man. Keith is the only man I have and will love. Nothing you do will ever make me yours…’ she thought bravely.

“You do not seem happy, my dear,” Lotor said, as his hand flew to hers, squeezing it tightly, “But soon you will forget him. Soon, pleasure will replace pain.”

Allura bit her lip, disgusted at the cold, hand that touched her, “You can do whatever you want, Lotor, but I will never get pleasure from you. Only revolt and disgust.”

Lotor glared at her, “We will see about that, Princess. When we are alone in my room after the wedding ritual is performed, you will learn true pleasure.” He smiled lustfully at her.

Allura just glared at him, her heart beating wildly.

Suddenly, Jesse Blue walked over from the side of the stage. Allura watched him as he went over to Lotor and quietly told him something. After he was done, Lotor looked visibly surprised.

Allura heard bits and pieces of, “What?” and “He is, is he?” and a “Then go out and get ready for them!”

Jesse Blue bowed and walked out.
__________________________________________________________

Ramrod, set course Fleet of Doom:

April looked out of her pilot’s seat at Saber Rider, “Saber, Keith, we are approaching the Planet Doom. What’s the plan?”

Keith was staring out at space, lost in thought, ‘Hold on, Princess, I’m coming…Please don’t let it be too late…’

He snapped back to the present, when he heard April, “Saber Rider, you and April go out on your mecha horses and scout the Prince’s Doom ship. This is will be an inside job. Try to get it and disable the artillery. Lance, Pidge and Hunk will be here in Ramrod, (April had taught them the basic commands and artillery of Ramrod, Hunk was glad they were a lot like the Lions) keeping the coast clear and fighting off Doom soldiers, until you disable the Control Room arsenal.”

April looked at Keith, “But, what are you going to do?” she asked.

Saber Rider handed Keith Fireball’s extra jetpack, “I’m going with you.”

He strapped on his uniform and jetpack, “Everyone, get ready and stay on your toes.”

Saber Rider, April and Keith left the room. A moment later, Pidge, Hunk and Lance saw April and Saber Rider on Steed and Nova, along with Keith gliding beside them on his jetpack.

Then they disappeared.
__________________________________________________________

Saber Rider gripped Steed’s reins, “April, Keith, Steed has sensed someone following us. But, there’s no one there.” He said.

April looked behind her, “Yes, I can see it on Nova, too. It indicates that whatever it is, it is near by.”

Keith glided around, “I suddenly remembered something. Earlier, we experienced something like this. Lotor’s ship disappeared and I think he was invisible.”

Saber Rider glanced at his screen, “Hmmm…that might mean he was cloaked. It could be either Jesse or Lotor out here with us.” His eyes scanned the area, then settled on April. He steered Steed over to her side.

“April, better keep alert.” He said. Keith nodded and glided to her other side.

April rolled her eyes, “Look, boys. I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself and I don’t need any special protection from you.”

Saber shrugged, “Just in case.”

They were nearing Lotor’s Crown Ship. All at once, a blast fired from the ship, almost hitting them. Saberr Rider, Steed and Keith were flung to one side, while April and Nova tumbled toward the large ship.

“Where did that come from? April, where are you?” Keith asked, as he struggled to regain his posture. Saber Rider had stayed on Steed and had begun looking for April,

“April? April?? Are you alright?” he called over his wristcom.

“Just fine, Saber, Keith. Nova and me just got shook up a little.” April was steadying herself on Nova when a black form took shape behind her.

“April! Look out!!” Saber Rider and Keith both glided to her at the same time. April looked sharply behind her.

Jesse Blue’s vehicle, the Nth Degree appeared behind April. Smiling in anticipation, a mechanical claw appeared in front and swiftly grabbed April around the waist. Nova reared and flew around the Nth degree, kicking and stamping at it.

April struggled against the cold steel around her, “Saber Rider! Keith!” she cried out. Jesse calmly pressed a switch on his console, and the Nth Degree together with April, disappeared from sight.

“April!!” Saber Rider cried out. He steered his mecha horse over to the spot where they were. Nothing.

Keith flew towards him, also looking frantically for April, “I don’t believe this! My fiancee and my sister captured in the same day! Geez…Lotor and that Blue guy is gonna pay for this!”

Saber Rider remained quiet, bared his sword, gripping the handle tightly. Keith stared at him, then said quietly, “You care for her. Don’t you?” he asked.

Saber turned sharply, “Huh? What?” Keith could see him agitated, Saber Rider changed the topic abruptly, “Comm., we should not waste any more time out here. My sensors indicate Jesse Blue and April is not here anymore. They must have gone inside Lotor’s ship.” He added hastily.

Keith nodded, and both of them glided towards the ship.
__________________________________________________________

The Nth Degree:

“Well, well, well. It’s been a long time, April. How you been doing?” Jesse gloated over her.

April gritted her teeth, “Fine, Jesse. And I trust you are doing fine as well?” she said, struggling against the metal claw which still held her to the wall.

Jesse laughed and stroked her cheek. April turned her face away.

“I still remember when you rejected me, April. It hurt. I can tell you, it did. A lot,” He said, “But now, I guess you don’t have a choice, do you? You’re mine now.” He leaned over and cupped her face in his hands and tried to press his lips against hers. April struggled to turn away, but his hands were firm.

Jesse kissed her hard. Then broke off. April glared murderously at him.

“You’re one sick guy, Jesse.” She said, disgusted, “Just like that Lotor-person. Obsessed with the princess.”

Jesse smiled lopsided and half-closed his eyes, “You’re right. I am sick. LOVE-sick, April. You just wait until we get back to Lotor’s ship.”
__________________________________________________________

Lotor’s Quarters, Fleet of Doom:

Lotor escorted Allura inside a lavishly decorated room. Satin-like covers were draped over couches, sofas and a large bed.

“Here, Allura, is my room. Soon to be OUR room,” He said, “Now, I will attend to the preparations for our wedding. A servant-girl will come into the room in a few minutes with your wedding gown. Don’t try to escape, Allura. There are gaurds posted outside this door.” He bowed to her and left.

Allura looked around the room. ‘Hmm…any way to escape? Seems to be only the door.’. She opened the door a little and saw two Doom soldiers outside. She closed it.

‘There has to be some way out of here!’she thought, ‘Lotor said there would be a girl coming in with a gown…’ she hit on a plan.

Then she heard a soft knock on her door. Allura hid behind the door, as the first part of her plan.

“Highness? I have come with your wedding gown.” The door opened and a young slave-girl entered. The girl closed the door and as she was looking for the princess, Allura hit the side of her neck with a karate chop.

The girl fell to the floor, unconcious. Allura said a silent apology and carried the girl over to the bed.
__________________________________________________________

Lotor’s Crown Ship:

Jesse Blue held April’s arms in a tight martial arts grip, as he walked down the hallway to his quarters. If she moved, she would break her arms.

At the door of the room, Jesse let go of April, “Stop struggling, April. You’ll only hurt yourself. And I wouldn’t want to show you to the Royal Highnesses hurt, would you?”

“Royalty? You call Prince Lotor royalty?” she laughed, as she took a fighting stance, “It was a mistake to let go of me, Jesse. Now I can escape.”

Jesse remained there, gazing at her with half-closed eyes, “Escape? To where? You’re inside a spaceship, April, if you don’t remember. And you can escape from me now, but I can send out gaurds to go after you.”

April tensed, and held out her hands in a ready stance. She shifted her feet, to a fighting formation, “Try me.”

Jesse shrugged, “If you insist.” He got ready himself and circled her. April moved around, keeping him in front of her.

April moved forward, attempting a roundhouse kick. Jesse saw it, and moved sideways.

Jesse grabbed her foot and sent her sprawling on the ground. April fell on her shoulder, the pain going through her chest, and swung her remaing leg outwards, tripping Jesse.

She scrambled to her feet, as Jesse stood up. Jesse frowned and lunged for her again. April turned and executed a side-kick to his stomach as he lunged for her. She hit him solidly in the stomach.

“Had enough?” she said, looking down her nose at him.

Jesse kneeled down on the floor in pain, gasping for breath. April breathed in and out rapidly. Seeing he wasn’t going to get up anymore, she made a run for it.

“See you around, Jesse.” She called.

She turned a corner, just as Jesse looked up and shouted after her, “You can run away from me, April, but you can’t hide. I’ll find you.”

April shook the voice from her mind, and continued running.

‘Have to buy some time until Saber Rider and Keith get here. Meanwhile, I’ll look for Allura.’
__________________________________________________________

Outside Lotor’s Crown Ship:

“Over here, Saber,” Keith called over to Saber Rider, “There seems to be a portal over here.”

Saber Rider glided Steed over to the hole, “Stand back, Comm. Eagle. I’ll open it.” Saber Rider drew out his rapier and cut a hole neatly in the door.

Keith kicked the cut door open, then they went in. Saber instructed Steed and Nova to fly back to Ramrod and wait there for them. The two mecha horse nodded and flew off.

Inside, Saber Rider and Keith forced the door close again. “There. That should do it,” Saber Rider said as he got the opening shut. Keith gave him a small tap on the shoulder, and Saber Rider turned around.

Facing them, a group of Doom soldiers greeted them with their blasters aimed and ready to fire.

Keith had his hands up. Saber Rider cautiously raised his arms. He heard Keith whisper fiercely,

“Get ready, Saber…” he said, looking sideways.

The leader of the Doom soldiers ordered his other men to surround them, “Come with us, human. Prince Lotor will be thrilled to see you.” He sneered at them and led them down the hall.

Keith and Saber Rider obediently walked between them, their hands up. The leader confiscated Saber’s sword and Keith’s blaste, and made them walk along the hallway. The troops behind them would constantly prod them with the blasters if they fell behind.

Saber Rider watched Keith and waited for his signal. Presently, Keith slowed down.

“Hey! You there, get a move on!” the leader barked. “Move or we shoot!”

In one fluid motion, Keith grabbed the blaster of the guard nearest to him and began shooting. Saber Rider jumped out of the line of fire and grabbed his saber from the leader.

“Now let’s see how you fight!” he said, as he swung his rapier at them with deadly accuracy. The blade met the barrel of the Doom soldiers blasters and sometimes even the soldiers themselves.

In a matter of minutes, only Keith and Saber Rider remained standing on the corridor. Saber dusted his hands off and drew his sword back in the scabbard.

“Let’s go, Saber.” Keith ordered. Now, Saber could see the worry in his face and voice that was absent earlier.

This time, even he was concerned about April, and it showed in both men’s expressions and voices.
__________________________________________________________

Allura ran swiftly along the hallway, keeping in the shadows. When she had knocked the slave-girl out, she had exchanged clothes with her, she wearing the other girl’s sheer, satin-like pants, jacket and veil, which had, fortunately, covered her face. She was able to slip out of the room without any trouble.

‘Now I’ve got to find a way out of here.’ At times, she was almost captured, solitary gaurds recognizing her. But luckily, she was able to handle them all, using the combat training Keith had given her.

She approached an intersection. Allura pressed herself against the wall and watched for any signs of movement.

She caught the shadow of someone running down the hallway. Allura braced herself to deliver a kick to the person coming towards her.

She waited, tensed, for the right moment to strike. She sensed the person slowing down.

All at once, when Allura felt the time was right, she jumped out into the hallway and executed a side-kick.

To her surprise, the individual easily ducked and elbowed her sharply in the ribs.

Allura groaned in pain, but before she fell down, she swung her leading leg forward and hit her opponent squarely on the shoulder. She was surprised when the figure yelled in pain, and held his shoulder, then took off his helmet. Or rather “her” helmet.

“April!!” Allura cried. She stood up, the pain on the side of her stomach forgotten for the moment.

“How did you get here? Where are the others? Where’s Keith?” she asked her.

April shrugged, “I don’t know about the others but Keith and Saber Rider are outside the ship, looking for a way in. Maybe they’ve even gotten in.”

She looked up at Allura, “How about you? I thought they got you?” she was surprised to find her on the hallway and more surprised to find that Allura had kicked her with such force. ‘Maybe she isn’t as bad as I though…’

Allura stood up, “We have to get a move on, April. I sort of knocked a few gaurds back there. They should have revived by now and they could have raised the alarm.”

April was startled, ‘Knocked a few gaurds out?! Wow!Definitely not the weak woman I thought she was.’

They had both run to the end of the corridor, when thet stopped. Taking a few steps backwards, April and Alllura slowly raise their arms, as Lotor and Jesse Blue appear around the corner, lasers aimed at them.

They did not look very happy.

To be continued…