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In the Midst of It All (pt. 3) Part 3:
Planet Arus, Castle of Lions: Coran looked up at the two young men being escorted into the room. One was young, dark-haired, and the other one tall, with close-cropped hair. “Fireball and Colt of the Star Sheriffs, I believe?” he asked them, “Friends of Capt. Saber Rider and April?” Fireball walked towards him, looking around, “Uh, yeah. I’m Fireball, and he’s Colt.” He said, gesturing to Colt, who tilted his hat a little in a “hello” gesture. “Where are Saber Rider and April? And the members of the Voltron Force?…” Fireball started asking cautiously. “And the Princess?” Colt butted in, winking a little at Fireball. Fireball rolled his eyes and pushed Colt away. Coran shook his head, “I fear, you have come too late. The Voltron Force and the two Star Sheriffs are on Prince Lotor’s Crown Ship, in an attempt to rescue the Princess Allura.” Colt breathed out and shook his head, “Whew! We’ve been gone for a few weeks and already they got into trouble. Well, Coran, I don’t see why we shouldn’t mosey on up there and give a hand to them.” Fireball turned to Colt, “I think you’re forgetting our transportation, cowboy. I don’t think Red Fury Turbo can handle space flight. And we won’t fit inside your Bronco Buster.” “Yes, there is the question of How you are going to get to them. Unless…” The old man looked at them thoughtfully. Then he sat up, pressed a button on the console, and talked into a speaker, “Karl, are the Lions repaired and able to go into space?” he asked. A voice answered back, “Only the Yellow and Red Lions, sir. The others might take a little more time because of more damage to the flight coordinator.” “That will be fine, Karl.” He switched off the intercom and turned to Fireball and Colt, who were waiting impatiently. “Well, boys, it seems you have transportation. I hope you can handle them.” He smiled. ___________________________________________________________ “Hey! Watch it!” April cried, as Jesse roughly pushed her into Allura’s elegantly furnished (prison) room. She stumbled a little and almost fell down on the richly carpeted floor. Allura glared at them angrily, and helped April stand up, “Lotor, you can’t keep us in here. April and I escaped from both your clutches before. We can do it again. And again.” She said, calmly. Lotor shook his head grimly, “I would like to see you try, Princess. Your wedding gown is on the bed. Jesse will guard the door to your room personally, and escort you to the hall, where our wedding will be held.” Jesse half-closed his eyes and smiled at them, “And no one gets past Jesse Blue. If I were you, I’d put on the gown, Princess. Oh, and April, there’s a little something else for you, too.” He crossed his arms and grinned slyly. “I’d like to stay and chat, Allura, but our wedding awaits. You only have to wait a little while more before we are happily married.” He nodded to Jesse and went out. Jesse closed the door after him. “What is it with these men??” April asked, irritated. She started pacing the room, looking for a way out. Allura sat down on the couch, exhausted, “Don’t bother, April. There’s no escape route. I know, they put me here before.” April stopped and looked at her, “That’s it then? You’re going to give up and get married to that jerk? For all you know, Saber Rider and Keith are inside, looking for us at this very moment.” Allura looked at her with wide eyes, “What are you thinking, April? I was just thinking of how I got out here the last time.” She stood up and walked over to the bed, and took a look at the gown. “Hmm…How did you escape?” April asked, looking at the doorway. Allura frowned at the gown. It was a little bit too revealing. Low neckline, the torn strip in the side of the skirt was a little too high… ‘Nanny would have a heart attack if I wore this…’, she smiled at the thought. “A girl went in, and I knocked her out with a karate chop Keith taught me. Then I dressed in her clothes and the stupid guards outside didn’t even suspect a thing.” She said. Allura stopped. She looked at April, “I think I just got the same idea.” ___________________________________________________________ Through the shadows, Keith and Saber Rider slinked through the corridors. Once in a while, a Doom soldier would cross their path, and the next moment, he would be knocked out. After knocking out two soldiers, Keith stood up and dusted off his hands, “You know, Saber Rider, this won’t work out. We knock ‘em out, we go on looking for Allura and April, the soldiers revive, they alert the other guards, then we’re faced with a whole lot of them.” He said. Saber Rider frowned, “Yes, I do believe that may happen. I may have a solution, Comm.” He gestured to the two unconscious soldiers sprawled out on the floor. The door shut on the two almost-naked Doom soldiers as Saber Rider put on his “borrowed” helmet. “Well, Comm., I trust this disguise will prevent us from encountering any more problems?” he said. He and Keith had donned the armor of the two guardsmen and locked the owners of the armor inside an empty room. Keith, inside the other suit, gave him a thumbs up. ___________________________________________________________ Inside Allura’s quarters (or prison cell), April and Allura had decided on how they were going to escape. “Okay, we use the same technique I used to get out of here. My time is almost up, Jesse and Lotor should be going inside for us any minute now…” Allura said, looking around at the doorway. April nodded. She glanced at the bed. Allura’s scanty “wedding” gown was still on it, as well as hers. She shivered at the thought of herself with Jesse Blue. Or Allura with Lotor. She looked over at the older woman, ‘Allura isn’t so bad. Once you get to know her. Maybe she is the one for my brother, after all…’ she smiled, unconsciously. Allura glanced at her, seeing the smile, and grinned at her, “What’s so funny, April?” she asked, slyly. April looked up at her sharply, “Huh? What do you mean?” Allura gave a small laugh, “Nothing. Are you thinking about something? Or someone?” April shook her head, “What makes you say that?” she raised an eyebrow at her. Allura was about to say something when she stopped and shook her head, dismissing the thought, “Nothing. It was nothing, April.” ___________________________________________________________ Outside, a distance away from the Fleet of Doom, Ramrod: Pidge put his feet up on the table. It had been a while since Keith, April and Saber Rider had gone off. The members of the team were growing tense with waiting for a signal, a cue or anything for them to go into action. Lance paced back and forth in front of the console, ‘C’mon, c’mon…hurry up.’ He kept thinking. Hunk crossed his arms in front of him, his face set in deep concentration. Suddenly, a beep sounded from the monitor. Almost at once, all of them were in front of it, pushing and shoving. “HEY! Watch it!” “Move your shoulder offa me!” “Ouch!” Two objects were moving towards them. Lance took a closer look, “That looks sorta familiar…Zoom it in, Hunk.” Hunk did. In a while, they could see Yellow and Red Lion flying towards them. “Hey, that’s MY lion!” Lance and Hunk cried at the same time. “Who’s flying?” Pidge asked. A signal sounded and Hunk turned it on. Coran’s face appeared on the screen, together with two others, their faces concealed behind helmets. “Coran, what’s happening? Who’s driving our Lions?” Lance demanded. The old man gestured to the two people on the screen, “Lance, Hunk, Pidge, these are the other members of the Star Sheriffs. They came a while after all of you departed. Since they did not have any means to get to you, and two of the Lions were repaired, I sent them up with your Lions. The one in the Red Lion is Fireball –“ Fireball made a saluting motion with his index and middle fingers. “- and the other in the Yellow Lion is Colt.” Colt tipped his hat back, “Howdy, hombres.” Lance, Hunk and Pidge greeted them back. “You boys better hurry up here. Saber Rider, Keith and April might send out a distress signal anytime.” Pidge said. Fireball nodded, “Will do.” ___________________________________________________________ Outside the Princess' chambers, Jesse Blue leaned on the side of the door, his head bent down, almost sleeping. He crossed his arms in front of him, one eye closed and the other eye on the look-out for any trouble. The thought of April on the other side of the door brought “thoughts” to his mind and kept him alert. Presently, he looked up to the noise of footsteps around the corner. He didn’t get alerted at once, but he put a hand on his gun. Around the corner, Jesse saw two Doom soldiers approaching him. He relaxed and crossed his arms, looking at them lazily. “Is Lotor done with the wedding preparations?” he asked them, “My back’s getting tired with me standing around here guarding the door.” He complained. One of the soldiers looked at his companion, who nodded, before turning back to Jesse and nodding. “He is ready, sir. And his majesty has sent us to relieve you of your position while you are being called to him.” The one speaking gave a salute. Jesse shook his head, irritably, “It’s about time. Here, stand by the door and don’t let anyone in our out.” He ordered. The two bowed, and proceeded to stand watch at either side of the door. As Jesse turned to leave, his eye caught something hanging at the side of one of the sentry. A sword. Or more precisely, a saber. Jesse stiffened, and looked at it out of the corner of his eyes. In one swift motion, he grabbed the hilt of the saber. “Wha--!!?” the soldier gasped in surprise. Before he could react anymore, Jesse had the blade pressed dangerously close to his throat. “Take off your helmets. Both of you,” He said calmly, “This is just routine check-up. Let’s see if you follow orders.” Both hesitated. They put hands on their helmets, and slowly pulled them up. Jesse narrowed his eyes. Nothing. The light-blue faces of two Doom soldiers looked uneasily at him. He lowered the blade and breathed out slowly, “Carry on. I thought you were…” Jesse jumped back as two shots from a laser pistol appeared and hit the two soldiers on the back. Both of them fell down unconscious. A Doom soldier holding a laser pistol walked around the corner towards Jesse. Jesse swallowed, “What do you think you’re doing??” he demanded. “Nothing, chum. We’re just going to relieve you and those two of guarding what’s behind this door.” A voice came from behind. Jesse turned sharply, ‘I know that voice…’ A soldier was coming towards him, holding another gun. He walked to the Doom soldier, who had a saber at his side. “Thanks, chum. I knew Jesse here would see MY saber if I had it, so I left it lying around and let you find it.” He took the saber and strapped it firmly at his side. Jesse’s stood firm, “Hello, Saber Rider. Been a long time, hasn’t it?” he smiled. The other Doom soldier reached them, and gestured to the door, “Open it Jesse. Now!” he ordered. Jesse crossed his arms, and looked at them through half-closed eyes, “I don’t take orders from anybody.” Keith, inside his disguise, was clearly not in the mood for sarcasm. With a swift blow to Jesse’s nape, Jesse crumpled to the floor, unconscious. Saber Rider shrugged, and proceeded to take the identification disk to open the door. ___________________________________________________________ Inside, Keith looked around the room for Allura. Saber Rider walked inside and closed the door behind them. They were still wearing the Doom uniforms, they helmets covering their faces. Saber Rider scanned the room, looking for April or Allura. Nothing. He turned to Keith, looking puzzled. “Capt., I think we’re in the wrong room, they don’t seem to be here. Maybe we should take off…” he was interrupted when… “KEE-YAAAH!!” a voice came from behind them. Saber turned around, “April?” A sharp pain went through his ribs as the heel of a foot hit it squarely. Keith heard the shout, and whirled around. He didn’t see a figure leap toward him and deliver a hard ax-kick to his shoulder blade. Saber Rider rubbed the side of his abs. He looked up and saw April, set in a fighting stance, face in a mask of concentration. Saber Rider stood up, and took off his helmet just as April was about to deliver the final blow to his head. April stopped in mid-kick, and stared at Saber, relief flooding her face. She leapt into his arms, sending a jolt through Saber Rider’s side. He winced. “Saber Rider! Oh, no…I’m so sorry!” she looked at him with concern, “Maybe you should get out of that uniform. I didn’t know it was you!” Behind them, Keith, the helmet still covering his face, grasped his shoulder. Allura was in front of him, her eyes focused on the Doom soldier in front of her. But her eyes went past, and she saw Saber Rider with April. Allura stopped, “Keith?” she asked, cautiously, “Take off your helmet, Keith.” She said, walking to the Doom soldier she was fighting with. Keith, took off his helmet and ran a hand through his hair, smiling at her. Allura’s face brightened up and she jumped into his arms, pressing her lips to his. Keith wrapped his arms around her tightly and stumbled back, almost falling down. They broke off after a while, Keith smiled down her. “Are you alright? I hope so, or Lotor’s dead meat.” He said added, angrily. Allura nodded, “I’m fine, Keith. Let’s just get out of here before they come back.” Keith let go off Allura and turned to April, standing beside Saber Rider. Both had been watching them. “How about you, April?” April answered, “Fine, Keith. We have to go before Lotor and Jesse get back.” Saber Rider suddenly ran to the door, “That reminds me. Saber and I had to knock out someone guarding the door. We left him outside.” He opened the door. Jesse wasn’t lying on the floor outside, unconscious. “Oh, no…” Keith muttered. Jesse WAS outside. Along with Prince Lotor, and a troop of soldiers, their weapons aimed at them. Lotor fixed his eyes angrily on Keith, his eyes burning with fury. Jesse glared at Saber Rider, cursing him under his breath. Keith and Saber Rider stared right back them. “Well, well, well…” Lotor said, moving slowly towards Keith, “I would never have thought Keith, the all-righteous Comm. of the Voltron Force, would go against his princess’ orders.” Keith eyed the weapons of the Doom soldiers, “What I do is none of your business, Lotor. Now, I propose you let us pass and go to our ships.” Lotor narrowed his eyes and grinned at him coldly, “Move away, Keith. That is my princess standing behind you. If you forgot the recent event, let me refresh your memory. Princess Allura agreed to be my bride.” While he was talking, Keith turned his head slightly and nodded to Saber Rider, who acknowledged the gesture. He then turned to April, touched her hand lightly, and got her attention. “April, get ready…” he said under his breath. “Ready for what?” she asked, out of the corner of her eye. She tensed for what would follow Saber’s warning. April’s readied position was useful in what happened next. As Lotor, finished his speech, Keith took advantage of his pause, and Lotor letting his guard down. In one swift motion, he kicked the gun out of his hand and followed it with a solidly hitting side-kick to his head. Lotor, caught off guard, reeled back in pain. Slight blood trickled down the side of his head. Keith grabbed hold of him, and secured his position with an arm lock. The guns of the soldiers were aimed and ready to shoot at him. Saber Rider whipped out his sword, and sprinted to the Doom soldiers, cutting off the barrels of their lasers, causing them to explode. “That takes care of you, chums. One move and Keith breaks your prince’s arm.” Jesse was quicker. He had anticipated that move from Saber Rider, and in a split-second, he saw Saber Rider starting to pull out his sword. Jesse tensed, waiting for the right moment to move. As Saber sliced the soldiers’ sword, he had leapt into the air and lunged for April. April, however, saw him and barely had time to move. She jumped out of the way and struck a fighting position. Jesse snickered, “Ready to fight me, April? You couldn’t beat me back at Cavalry Command, what makes you sure you can do it now?” “Try me, Blue.” She held her arms up to protect her chest. “With pleasure, April.” He smiled, coldly. He started circling her, his hands also held up close to his chest and face. In one fluid motion, Jesse moved forward and grabbed her leading hand, drawing her close to him. “Got you.” April smiled, which surprised Jesse. “No, got YOU!” on the word “you”, April reversed her arm, twisting Jesse’s hold on her, so she was gripping his arm. Before Jesse could react, April delivered a swift tiger’s fist to his jaw, sending him backwards. April then twisted the hand she was still holding tightly. Jesse slammed into the wall. He dropped down on the floor, out-cold. April dusted off her hands and turned towards Saber Rider and Keith. Around them were the limp bodies of the Doom regiment. “We’ll just take Lotor with us for a while. He’s our ticket out of here.” Keith said, Lotor’s arm still locked painfully behind him. Once Keith was sure he wasn’t going to wake up any time soon, he let go of him, Lotor falling down on the floor with a thud. “April! Look out!” April heard Saber’s cry. She turned sharply. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jesse right behind her. His hand raised in a knife-chop position, aiming for her. She gasped. April barely had time to react when Jesse’s hand fell on the side of her neck. Hard. A small cry escaped her throat and she fell on her knees to the floor, waiting for the next blow. Nothing came. Allura had jumped from the side, executing a hard-hitting full moon kick to Jesse’s chest. Again, Jesse fell down. This time for good. Allura went over to April, “Are you alright?” she asked, helping her up. April nodded painfully, “Yeah, thanks.” She groaned, rubbing her neck. A hand gently gripped her shoulder, she looked up. Saber Rider looked down at her, his face with concern. “Let’s go, April. Keith and Allura went on ahead. Here, I’ll support you.” He said, offering her his hand. April took it, and stood up. “I’m fine, Rider. I wanna get outta here.” “Fine with me.” ___________________________________________________________ Ahead of them, Keith and Allura watched them over their shoulders. Allura turned to Keith, laughing, “Keith, you are April’s brother. Are you alright with her and the young Capt. of the Star Sheriffs…um…what’s the Terran word for it?…‘going out’, is it?” she asked, jokingly. Keith shrugged, “I’m not going to interfere with her. It’s her life. And, anyway, Saber Rider seems like a fine man.” ___________________________________________________________ Fortunately, they did not encounter any more Doom soldiers. They reached the docking area, where the Blue Lion was docked. Keith and Saber Rider quickly took out the soldiers on watch. Keith watched as Allura got inside. The rest of them got inside the small air-lock. With all of them secured inside the air-tight suits, Keith put a hand on the exit door. “Ready? Saber Rider, April, get ready to call your horses.” Keith opened the hatch. Instantly, air was sucked out. They flew out. Saber Rider called, “Steed!” and his white mecha horse flew instantly to his side. Saber Rider jumped on. April pressed a signal button on her wristcom, and an a few seconds, Nova was beside her. April leapt up and clutched her reins. “Did you miss me, girl?” she said, reaching forward to stroke Nova’s mane. “Alright. Let’s go.” Keith ordered, “Saber Rider, signal Ramrod and tell them we’re coming home with the princess.” Saber Rider nodded and proceeded to link to Ramrod’s communication frequency. ___________________________________________________________ On Ramrod, Colt and Fireball had arrived with the Lions, and were waiting along with the members of the Voltron Team. “I can’t stand waiting around!” Colt cried, pacing around the room, “I say, we just go on over to the party and blast ‘em to pieces!” Lance shook his head, “You and me are on the same wavelength, guy. But we can’t go there until Keith calls us if and when he needs the back-up.” Pidge, sitting by the control panel, cried out, “Hey, guys! Saber Rider’s on the comline.” Fireball jumped up and went to him, “Heya Saber, how ya doin? Need help?” he said. On the screen, Saber shook his head, “Good to see you, chum. And no, tell the Voltron Force we have the Princess Allura and the Blue Lion and we’re heading your way. But stay on your toes, lads, Doom might send out reinforcements.” Fireball nodded. Saber Rider logged off. He turned to the other guys. “Well, what did he say? Did he need back-up? What happened?” Hunk asked eagerly. Pidge shook his head, “One at a time, ok?. Saber Rider said to stay alert, big guy, Doom might send out some troops after the princess. And, no, they didn’t need back-up. They have Allura back and are coming our way.” ___________________________________________________________ Saber Rider switched off his com-link and turned to Keith. “Keith, the guys are ready if we encounter any more trouble. Oh, and April, Fireball and Colt are on Ramrod. Don’t know how they got there.” Just then, Saber Rider flew beside them, “Comm., Doom cruisers heading our way! Around 50-60 light one-man ships catching up.” He said. Keith snapped into alertness, “Have you informed Ramrod?” he asked. Saber Rider nodded, “I can hold them off for a while, while you get away fast.” He said, gripping his sword with one hand. “Well, you’re not going without me.” April said. Keith glided near her, grasping her arm, “Are you nuts? With what are you going to hold them back with?” he demanded. April remained silent. She hadn’t anything except her blasters. “With this.” She said, drawing her laser pistols out. Allura called from Blue Lion, “Both of you need not go anywhere. Blue Lion can handle them in a short span of time. Let me hold them off.” Keith raised an eyebrow, “Allura, you’re the reason they’re after us. Once they capture you, there’ll be no need to go after us. So, what’s the point?” Allura rolled her eyes, “So, you’re saying I can’t hold them off. I know I’m not as good as you, Keith. But I can take care of myself, and I want to protect you, April and Saber.” Saber Rider interrupted Keith, as he was about to open his mouth, “Princess, I assure you that April and I can hold the Doom soldiers on our own. Our mecha horses are an advantage because of their size, and we can attack them with stealth.” April had been listening, “Allura, please return with Keith to Ramrod. We’ll be careful. Both of us.” She said, looking at Saber. Allura was about to protest when signals from Steed indicated that the Doom ships were nearing fast. She shook her head in exasperation. “Fine, Keith and I will go to Ramrod and send reinforcements to help you.” Keith nodded to April and Saber Rider. “Alright then. Me and Allura will head for Ramrod while both of you cover us.” He watched as April flew off, then he turned to Saber Rider. "Take care of her. Or else." he said, running a finger through his neck. He saluted and turned away. He gestured to Allura and flew off. As April and Saber Rider flew off on their horses, they heard a late call from Keith. “Be careful! Both of you!” April saluted two fingers as a sign of acknowledgment. ___________________________________________________________ Inside Lotor’s Crown Ship: Lotor angrily banged his fist on the arm of his chair. He glared at Jesse Blue, also fixed on him with his half-closed eyes. “This is all your fault, Blue!” he shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Jesse, “I told you to guard the entrance of the Princess’ chambers, and what do you do? You failed miserably!” Jesse Blue remained silent, his gaze still on the prince. Prince Lotor turned to the screen, where a small fleet had been dispatched to apprehend the escapees. His thoughts went to Keith, ‘Damn you, Keith! The princess should be mine, and mine alone!’, he thought angrily, ‘No matter, once you are captured and returned to me, you and the captain of the Star Sheriffs will suffer badly!’ ___________________________________________________________ “Your Highness, our sensors show we are nearing the four fugitives. Wait…our radar show two individuals heading our way.” The Doom squadron leader said over the communicator to Lotor. Prince Lotor, on the screen, glared at him, “Apprehend them, then.” He said, logging off. The squadron leader shrugged and switched on the communicator to his troops, “Men, orders from the Prince. We are to capture the two unidentified crafts and their pilots, which are heading towards us.” The rest of the crew acknowledged the command. After a few moments, they saw them. Saber Rider and April heading towards them fast, atop their mecha horses. “Be careful, April.” Saber said as he drew his sword. April nodded, “You too, Saber.” She said, grasping her blaster tightly. A burst of energy came from the squadron leader. Saber grasped Steed’s reins and maneuvered him to avoid the blast. Nova leapt to the side. Instantly, Steed galloped towards the Doom cruisers and Saber ducked to elude their weapons. He deftly sliced off the wings of the small ships, getting them out of control and sending them crashing towards other Doom ships. April handled her blaster well and in a short while had control panels of the ships, exploding in the Doom soldiers faces. Too many ships were attacking them. More than once, they had barely swerved to avoid being hit by sudden bursts of energy. “They’re too many, Saber!” April cried, as she aimed and hit the pilot of a Doom cruiser dead-on. Saber Rider flew swiftly beside a ship and cut the right wing off, sending the ship towards the one below him, both crashing and exploding. “Keith and Allura must have reached Ramrod by now. They will send reinforcements—“ he was interrupted when a Doom cruiser fired. Steed barely had time to jump out of the line of fire. The Doom cruiser had a clear shot of Saber when a beam came from behind them, hitting the cruiser just in time. Saber and April turned and saw the Black, Red, Green and Yellow Lion together with Colt’s Bronco Buster. Fireball was inside Black Lion. “Hi April, Saber. Looks like you started the party without us.” He called over the comlink. Colt was already in the heat of battle, blasting the remaining Doom cruisers. Lance, Pidge and Hunk joined him, ripping the Doom ships with the Lions’ various weapons and claws. Lance patched a connection to Saber Rider. “Hey Rider, the Princess and Keith are on Ramrod. They’re fine, just resting now, and some other things.... Let us handle these jerks.” Pidge piped up, “Yeah, you guys have been hogging all the fun for a while now.” April laughed, “Alright, Pidge. Saber, let’s just watch.” Saber Rider nodded and they flew off to the side, watching. There weren’t many ships left, and after a couple more minutes, all the Doom ships were exterminated. The Lions and Bronco Buster went over to Saber and April. “That’s it then. Let’s get back, I’m hungry.” Hunk said, licking his lips. Together, they all flew back to Ramrod. ___________________________________________________________ Lotor’s Crown Ship: Lotor held a cup of red wine in his hand, glaring at the screen. At the figures disappearing into the distance. All of a sudden, he stood up and angrily threw the cup together with half it’s contents to Jesse. Jesse ducked and brushed away the small, red droplets on his uniform, remaining silent. “Someday!! Someday, I’ll have you Allura!! And Keith, you’ll DIE!!” he yelled, glaring murderously to the direction of Arus, “Someday!” Jesse rolled his eyes, ‘Sheesh, this guy is such a ham! As if he was the only one who lost a love… Someday, April, you will be mine…' ___________________________________________________________ Planet Arus, few days later: Keith waited nervously, occasionally looking up and down the aisle. His heart beating fast. He looked to the right, and smiled at tensely at April. April smiled back, waving a little at Keith. She had never seen him look so formal, so nervous, dressed in a handsome white tux, his hair in a less chaotic state. Saber Rider edged closer to her, once Keith’s attention was diverted. April looked up at him, ‘He looks so dashing in this formal outfit…' Saber smiled down at her. ‘She is gorgeous in the gown!’, he though, looking at April, dressed in a pale blue gown. Suddenly, trumpets sounded, everyone’s focus was turned to the huge panels at the end of the aisle. April saw Keith swallow hard. Through the doors came young ladies, clad in silken white gowns with pale blue tint, throwing white and pink petals on the ground. April heard Colt, all decked out in a formal west-hand attire, whistle and wink at one of the girls. He was silenced by a nudge to the ribs from Fireball, also in a handsome white ensemble. Behind the train of girls, young boys in also in white and pale blue costumes, carried a cushion each. On each pillow, a golden ring was present. Colt, Hunk and Lance were holding back fits of laughter. April wondered what they were laughing at. Saber Rider touched her shoulder, then motioned towards one of the ring-bearers. It was Pidge, looking grumpy, and muttering under his breath, staring daggers at Colt, Hunk and Lance. Behind the two boys, Coran appeared next, carrying the Royal Suit of Arms, a tapestry mounted on a pole showing a large, regal looking white Lion. He too, was suited in a white and pale blue outfit. After he had passed, the trumpets heralding the procession stopped. An organ, situated at the side of the hall suddenly played “The Wedding March”. April looked at the Voltron Force, a question in her eyes. Lance looked at Keith, who shrugged, and shook his head. “That tune was your brother’s idea. You might have noticed that this wedding is a mix of both Earth and Arussian traditions. Keith’s and Allura’s idea.” He shrugged. April nodded, then turned back to the wood doors. Saber Rider softly touched her hand, she took it without looking away from the doors. There, clad in an elegantly designed gown, Princess Allura stood. A veil covered her face, a misty, sheer material, held on her head with a tiara. Her long skirt was silky white, shimmering with pale blue highlights. Slowly, she walked down the aisle, accompanied by the tune. The train of her gown was long, held by two young girls. April could see her hair was done exquisitely, tied back with curls hanging down. April looked at Keith and swallowed hard, her eyes beginning to blur. Allura reached Keith, his and her eyes shining. He took off her veil, and gazed at her face. Then, together, they went up to the altar. ___________________________________________________________ After the vows and the ritual, it had ended with Allura placing a crown on her new husband’s head. Then they kissed passionately. All present cheered. April had, by now, small tears in her eyes, and she clung on to Saber Rider, who had by now, his arm around her shoulders. Then, the new husband and wife, the new King and Queen, walked down the aisle again. Together forever. ___________________________________________________________ At the Wedding Reception (another Earth tradition which was introduced), Saber Rider, April, Fireball, Hunk and Pidge were seated at the table talking while Hunk was devouring one dish after the other. Keith and Allura were walking from table to table, talking with the guests, who wished them good-luck and so and so… “You shoulda seen yourself, squirt.” Lance laughed, “You looked so cute in that “ring-bearer” get-up.” He said, teasing Pidge. Hunk almost choked on the fruit pie he was eating when he laughed along with Lance. Saber Rider turned to Fireball, they were still dressed formally, “Well, chum, sorry you came too late. It was your fault anyway. And Colt’s” he added, raising an eyebrow at the cowboy, flirting with the flower-girls. “Our fault? Whaddya mean, our fault?” he demanded. “Well, Fireball, if both of you hadn’t run off to a racing contest and to girlfriends…” April said, resting her chin on her hand. Fireball grinned sheepishly, “Oh, yeah…that…” He brightened, “Oh, I just remembered, Comm. Eagle told us to tell you something when we were sent here. He said…” Fireball was interrupted by sudden noises. Near the front, where Keith and Allura were seated, a group of girls gathered. April stood up to get a better view. “Oh, no…I know this.” She said, “This has to be Keith’s idea…” Saber stood up, “What is?” “This is the part where the bride throws the bouquet, the girls all scramble and beat each other off, just to get those flowers.” She rolled her eyes when Keith called, looking straight at her. “Attention, all girls! Please come to the front, for one of Earth’s traditions! The bride turns around, tosses the bouquet and the girl who catches it will, supposedly, be the next to get married!” Saber Rider nudged April forward, “C’mon, April. Who knows, maybe you’ll catch it and…” he grinned slyly and winked at her. April laughed, “Alright, Mr. High and Mighty, but don’t flatter yourself.” She walked to the front. Allura had turned around by the time she got there, and was preparing to throw the flowers. She called to the group. “Ready, girls? Here goes!” she tossed the flowers behind her. Instantly, shrieking and yelling and shoving went through the small crowd. April stood apart, looked back at Saber and shrugged. While she was turned towards him, she felt something land in her arms. April looked down. There, on her arms, was the bouquet. ___________________________________________________________ Later, at the near the close of the Reception. Saber Rider and April walked out into the balcony, admiring the stars. Saber stood beside April. “So, I caught the bouquet. What’s that supposed to mean?” April asked Saber suspiciously. She smiled up at him, then turned back to the view of the balcony. “Oh, that reminds me. While you were off catching flowers, Fireball told me what your father said.” “What?” “He said Cavalry Command has found a group of young people, teenagers I think, to be trained as new Star Sheriffs because of their exceptional skill. Once we are back on Earth, we shall be in charge of training them. Maybe even take them along on missions and assignments.” After that, no more was said for a while. Saber’s hand reached and found April’s hand. She looked down and smiled up at him. Their eyes met, gazing at each other. April turned towards him and reached up, her hands on his chest for support, as his arms encircled her waist. As their hands and eyes met, their lips followed. Both closed their eyes and lips kissed softly. Together forever. ___________________________________________________________ The End! Disclaimer: No, I don’t own Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs and Voltron. Both are property of World Events Production and I’m not making money from this site. Notes: Kinda sappy, don’t you think? I had trouble with that “bouquet-catching” thingy. You knew who was going to catch it, didn’t you? Like, DUH!!! I thought the ending was kinda…uh…mushy? Don’t mind that, I was in one of my weird moods when I typed that part. Comments? Suggestions? E-mail me. |
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