CHAPTER 13
Two days later…

Pidge was in the control room checking for messages from his brother Chip, when he heard a beep coming from the console. “Incoming message from…Ebb!” he exclaimed. He pressed a button to get the visual. The image was a bit fuzzy. He winced. “Damn! That meteor shower is still causing trouble” he snapped. Keith and Lance entered the room. “Hey Pidge – what’s up?” Lance asked. Pidge frowned. “It’s a message from Ebb, but I can’t seem to adjust the image”. Keith frowned. “What about the sound?” he said. Pidge punched another button. “Ok – here it goes”. There was a lot of static at the beginning…but then they heard a male voice…”Planet Arus – we need your help. We were…attacked…by Doom forces…they took about…half of the population…as slaves…”.

They gasped. “Sven! What happened to Sven?” Lance exclaimed.

“Our hospitals were ransacked. We need medical supplies…please help…”.

Suddenly the image became clear. It was morning on Ebb, but the sky was covered with a gray blanket of smoke. They saw the remains of the buildings. “Where’s Sven’s hospital?” Pidge asked. Lance grimaced. “It’s gone. It was located near that park” he said while pointing at left side of the screen. Keith leaned forward and pressed the alarm button. “We have to tell the others”. Minutes later Allura, Coran and Hunk came running into the room. “Are we under attack?” Coran asked. “No – planet Ebb was attacked by Doom’s forces” Keith replied. Allura clapped her hand over her mouth. “Oh my God! Sven! Is he all right?” she gasped.

“We don’t know princess. The hospital was destroyed” Lance said. Hunk clenched his fists. “What are we waiting for? We must go to Ebb!” he yelled. Coran intervened. “Peter – try to set up a communication with Captain Wu from Ebb headquarters”. Pidge nodded and then proceeded to establish a link with Ebb. They looked at the screen with hesitation. “Captain Wu – what’s the situation on Ebb?” Coran asked. “Prime Minister Coran – we were overtaken by Doom’s forces. Our pilots were greatly outnumbered. We have many casualties.  Right now we’re helping the survivors”.

“Captain – could you tell us about Commander Asbjörnsen?” Keith asked. “I talked to Dr. Diaz. He told me that Asbjörnsen left the hospital when the attack began…but he didn’t know where he was going”.

Lance lowered his head. “Knowing Sven he must have gone to the spaceport” he said. Allura bit her lower lip. “At least we know that he wasn’t in the hospital when they destroyed it” she said. Pidge rubbed his forehead. “But where is he?” he asked in broken voice. “Maybe he was taken to a slave ship” Hunk said. “We have to find him” Lance said. “Captain Wu please keep us posted” Coran said. “I’ll do that Prime Minister” he replied and then signed off. “Coran – we’re leaving for planet Ebb in half an hour” Keith said. Coran nodded. “Very well. I’ll ask Dr. Gorma to prepare a package of medical supplies”.

CHAPTER 14
Meanwhile back in planet Doom…

Yurak swallowed hard, he was quite nervous. He was waiting for an audience with the evil lords of the Alliance. One of the guards announced “Honorable governors – Commander Yukak requests an audience with you”. “Of course, bid him enter” one of them said.

Yurak entered the room. He bowed to the governors and then knelt down in front of them. “Honorable governors – your humble servant commander Yurak has come to explain his last defeat on Planet Arus and to ask for your forgiveness”. Suddenly he heard a familiar cackle. ~Oh no! It’s Hagar~ he thought. He turned around and saw king Zarkon and that dreaded witch. The king sat high above in his throne and Hagar was at his side. Zarkon looked down at him. “Yurak!” he yelled. “Sire?”.

“This isn’t your first defeat. I’m tired of your excuses”. He bowed to his king. “Yes sire”.

“Yurak – you’re a born loser and sire doesn’t like losers. You must receive your punishment!” Hagar said. He lifted his head. “What kind of punishment?” he quipped. “You will leave planet Doom in disgrace!” she spat. Yurak clasped his hands. “Please – you can’t do this to me!”. She glared at him and said, “We can do that and more. Go now - before it’s too late”.

“Master! I’ve always served you. Please give me another chance”.

“You’ve failed so many times I’ve lost count. There’s no place in Doom for fools like you!”.

“Sire! Please have mercy!”.

Zarkon growled and threw his staff at him, but only managed to rip his red cape. “I don’t know the meaning of the word!” he snarled. He then reached for another staff to use against Yurak when he heard a roar. “What’s that?” he asked while looking up. One of the governors stood up. “It’s a fleet”. Hagar rose up from her seat and looked through a window. “Your highness – your son has returned from his conquests”. Zarkon smiled. “Excellent”.

Everyone in the room turned their gaze at the door as it opened. Prince Lotor entered the room. He took off his helmet and walked up to his father. He knelt down in front of him and then stood back up. “Father” he said reverently. “Welcome - my beloved son” he said and wrapped his arms around him. Lotor smiled softly at him and said, “Father – I have brought you ships filled with slaves for your mines and riches from my many conquests through out the galaxy”.

Zarkon smiled at him. “I’m proud of you, all the empire is proud of you”. The evil warriors stood up. “Hail prince Lotor!” everyone chanted. Lotor smiled with satisfaction for a few moments but then turned serious. “Father - I’ve heard terrible rumors about our pplanet”. Zarkon twitched his lip with distaste. “Rumors?” he asked. “Yes – about your many defeats in the hands of the mighty Voltron Force”. Zarkon widened his eyes. “Voltron!” he spat. Lotor frowned. “Been defeated by a group of space explorers and a robot it’s a disgrace for you. And your enemies see it as a sign of weakness”.

“We have been defeated because of our commander’s incompetence” Zarkon snarled. Lotor turned to Yurak and quirked an eyebrow. “You mean Yurak?”.

“Yes! That’s why he’s going to be sent into exile” he growled and then went after Yurak with his staff, but Lotor stopped him. “No Father – I think we can use him to destroy Voltron”. Zarkon quirked an evil eyebrow. “Really?”. Lotor smirked and glanced at Yurak. “Are you interested?”. Yurak nodded vehemently. “Yes!”.

“This is your last chance” the dark prince said. Yurak knelt down in front of him. “I’ll do anything – anything to destroy Voltron and regain your thrust my lord”. Zarkon smiled wickedly. “Warriors – my son prince Lotor is our new commander. He’ll lead us to victory against Voltron and planet Arus” he announced.

CHAPTER 15
A few days later…

Hunk and Lance were in the hallway on their way to the rec room. “Have you heard the last report from our spies on planet Doom? Lance asked. “Yes. They have not seen Sven, but they’re still looking” he replied. “Sometimes I wish we could attack planet Doom instead of waiting for them to make the first move” Lance growled. “You know that’s impossible. Coran and the princess say that Voltron was built for defense, not for attack”. Lance shoved his hands into his pockets and winced. “Yeah I know, but that doesn’t mean that I have to like it” he retorted. Hunk gazed at him and grimaced. ~He’s still blaming himself for what happened to Sven~. “Calm down Lance. Come on – let’s play some cards”. He sighed deeply and said, “Ok, let’s ask Pidge if he wants to play”.

Meanwhile on a nearby village…the people were enjoying a peaceful day after months of despair at the hands of Zarkon. The market scene was filled with music and laughter…when suddenly they heard the sound of ships. A man’s gaze turned upward to the heavens and his expression of joy changed to one of fear. “Enemy ships!” he yelled and the first shower of death came down from the sky.

Keith and Coran were in the control room looking at the screen. The village of New Hope was being attacked. The rest of the VF ran into the control room. “Keith! What’s happening?” Hunk yelled. Keith turned to him. “It’s an attack!” he replied. Coran frowned. “That’s strange…it’s only a cruiser and three doom fighters” he said. Lotor was flying that cruiser. The expression on his face was one of arrogance. He circled above the castle, and then came down and hovered in front of the Castle of Lions. Hunk was the first to enter the observatory room, followed by Lance, Keith, and Pidge. Lotor opened his comm unit. “I’m prince Lotor – son of king Zarkon of Doom. I came to tell you that Arus has only one chance to escape eradication”. They boys just glared at him. ~Like father like son~ they thought. Allura entered the observatory room and stood at Keith’s side. Lotor was caught off guard by her beauty, but recovered quickly. “And who are you – my pretty?” he purred. Allura quirked an eyebrow. “I’m princess Allura – and I command you to leave my planet!”. Lotor gasped. “How dare you?! I don’t care if you’re beautiful, you can’t tell me what to do!” he snarled. Lance frowned. “I don’t trust him” he said. Lotor inhaled sharply to calm down and then turned his gaze back to Allura. “I have an offer to end this war and establish peace and cooperation between our planets. I’m willing to face a member of the Voltron Force. If your champion wins, I promise you that my father will leave your planet alone. You can trust me princess, after all…I’m a prince”. Lance narrowed his eyes at him. “I’m sure it’s a trick!” he whispered loudly. He then turned to Lotor. “BUZZ OFF!” he spat.

“Is the VF formed by cowards? No one has the courage to face me?” he taunted. Keith scowled at him, and then stepped forward. “I’ll fight with you”. Lance widened his eyes. “No!” he yelled. “We’ll see who’s the coward” Keith said. The dark prince smirked. “What is your name?”. Keith lifted his head. “I’m Keith”. He nodded. “Very well – Keith…I’ll meet you in Devil’s Canyon. But you have to come alone” he said and flew away. Allura grabbed Keith’s arm. “Keith – please don’t go! It’s a trap”. “It has to be” Hunk said. “Sure! He’s Zarkon’s son” Lance said. Keith sighed. “I know, but I have to take the risk. It may be our only chance for peace between our planets”. “Are you going to take Black lion?” Pidge asked. “No – I’ll ride White Blaze”. {RW}

CHAPTER 16

Keith met Lotor in the canyon. The evil prince glared at him. “Space explorer – are you ready for combat?”. Keith nodded curtly. “Let’s begin and may the best man win” Lotor said and reached for his lazon sword. Keith grabbed his sword, and the duel began. Lotor soon discovered that Keith was a great fencer and decided to use trickery to get him down. He managed to put him on the edge of the cliff. Keith felt the ground crumbling under his feet and gasped. A devilish smile appeared on Lotor’s face. “I’ve got you” he hissed and launched at him, but Keith reacted quickly and was able to toss Lotor’s weapon away from him. Lotor turned his back to him and then dropped to his knees. “It looks like our forces are equal” he said. Keith quirked an eyebrow. “Really?” he taunted. Lotor grabbed a stone and stood back up. “Yes – but you’re missing something…brains!” he said and hit him on the head with the stone. “Argh!” Keith yelled and fell down the edge of the cliff, face down. Lotor started to laugh. “Ha! You fool! This duel was only an excuse to separate the VF. You will not be able to form Voltron. This planet will be obliterated”.

Back in the castle, the VF was getting worried about their commander. “I think Keith is in trouble” Hunk said. “We’ve got to help him” Allura pleaded. “Let’s go to the lions!” Lance exclaimed. Lotor returned to his cruiser. “They’re without defenses. Yurak! It’s time to prove yourself worthy of my forgiveness. That’s why you were turned into a robeast. Destroy that stupid robot!”. Yurak appeared out of nowhere and encountered the lions. Hunk widened his eyes. “I think my eyes are playing tricks on me! Is that Yurak?” he said. “It’s Yurak all right” Lance said. “We need Keith. I’m going to look for him” Allura said. “Go princess!” Lance said.

Keith forced himself to move and gazed toward the heavens and saw Lotor’s ship. Lotor smirked. “I’ll get rid of him for good” he said and fired at Keith, but someone attacked him from behind. “Who dares to…” he trailed off and realized that it was Allura. “Looks like I’ve arrived just in time” she said. Lotor growled and escaped. “Keith – are you Ok?”. He nodded. “Yes – I’m fine” he replied wearily. “I’m glad my love. We need you, please hurry” she said and flew away.

“VOLTRON FORCE PREPARE TO DIE!” Yurak bellowed. “You will have to defeat us first, before you can claim victory” Allura taunted. “OH REALLY?” he retorted and extended his right hand and missiles came out of his fingers, hitting Green and Blue lion. Then chains erupted from his chest and embedded on the four lions.  “THIS IS FOR ALL THE TIMES YOU DEFEATED ME – MISERABLE FOOLS!” he yelled and then gathered the chains and started to spin them above him. He released them and they came crashing to the ground.

Keith entered the control room, he felt terrible. Nanny and three maids intercepted him. “Captain – you have to rest…you’re too weak” she said. He pushed her away. “I must…help them. We need…Voltron” he said and walked toward the portal. “Good luck” Nanny said.

Minutes later…

“Where are they?” he asked. He quickly found the answer. They were in the desert with Yurak. He jumped from a cliff and sneaked behind him…Yurak fell to the ground face down.

“YELLOW LION…GREEN LION…RED LION…BLUE LION…THIS IS BLACK LION”.

“Keith!” Pidge said. “You’ve come” Allura exclaimed. “We missed you buddy” Lance said. “Glad you can join us” Hunk said.

Yurak stood back up…he was angry…really angry.

“Ok team – time to form Voltron!” Keith said. “Prepare to assemble…interlock…dynatherms up…let’s go Voltron Force!”.

Yurak looked on as the five lions were shape-shifting into the mighty robot…

“Form feet and legs…form arms and torso…and I’ll form the head!”.

Yurak extended his arms and fired missiles at him. “Fire proton missiles!” Keith yelled. “Now let’s cut off his ears”. They threw a rotating blade at him, cutting his long ears. Yurak grimaced and covered his head. “Form blazing sword!”. Voltron drew his sword and swiped Yurak on half. He jerked his head up and then plummeted to the ground. He lifted his right arm in a last attempt to regain his honor, but he exploded into oblivion. “VOLTRON!” they exclaimed. Red lion lifted the blazing sword as a sign of victory and it caught the sunrays. Lotor was in the background cursing at them. It was his first defeat. “Voltron Force - you have won this battle. But I Lotor - son of Zarkon will return to kill you and conquer this planet!” he bellowed.

And he returned…many times. But even with all his robeasts, special weapons and Hagar’s evil magic he couldn’t free himself from that robot and kill those space explorers. He specially wanted to get rid of their commander. He had learned from his spies in Arus that Keith was engaged to the princess. He couldn’t forget her. This was becoming an obsession. What could she see in that commoner? She couldn’t love him. She deserve someone better, someone like him. The dark prince would indulge in drink, drugs and women to forget the princess. But after the stupor the old feelings would return. Was he in love with her? No! He couldn’t be! It was only lust…or was it?

Zarkon was getting tired of his son’s failures to destroy Voltron. He feared that Lotor’s fascination with the Arussian princess would be his downfall. Maybe it was time to seek outside help…

To Part Five

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