DISCLAIMER: All characters property of WEP. Feel free to distribute among
friends!
~~ Author's Comments ~~ This is my first fanfic ever written about the
Voltron Force; so bear with me. This fanfic takes place two months after the
Fleet of Doom episode, and does NOT follow the plot in any other fanfic of
mine. Sorry it took me so long to get this fanfic up. My computer broke down
in December and I couldn't replace it until March. It may be out of season
but who cares! I don't. Thanks for reading! December 18, 1998
Sunset, Sunrise
by Canyon 315
Chapter 1: The Last Blissful Night
Allura stood at the balcony of the castle; lost in the sunset.
Romelle, Sven, and Bandor should be arriving soon. She thought absently to
herself. For that night was Christmas Eve, and ever since last year it had
been decided to celebrate Christmas for the sake of the Space Explorers. The
ballroom was heavily decorated, under supervision of those who knew best.
Nanny and the chefs were busily cooking a Christmas feast to be eaten that
night; while trying to keep any drooling passerby away from 'sampling' the
food. Allura had helped out best she could with preparations, but had slipped
away to have time to herself. Lotor hadn't attacked in over two months; but
everyone knew from way too much experience that he hadn't given up just yet.
"Zarkon is probably still recovering from his big defeat two months ago."
Coran had said, reminding everyone to be on their guard for trouble. Still,
the break gave them a chance to relax and a taste of Peace. Lance interrupted
her thoughts when he announced a Polloxian ship was entering Arusian
airspace. Allura followed Lance down to the castle entrance. They arrived
just when the ship was landing. Coran gave the two a disapproving look for
being late. Sure enough, out came Romelle, Sven, and Bandor.
"It's good to be home for the holidays" Sven joked after seeing the welcome
party. After a joyful reunion Nanny ran out to the group.
"Sorry I'm late", she panted. " I was busy with dinner" After a few minutes
she regained her breath. "Well, go inside and eat! I've spent all day slaving
over these outrageous meals. I will not have them get cold!"
"Praise the Lord!" yelled Hunk; surprising everyone especially Nanny. "I 've
been starving all day. Let's go!" Everyone followed him at a run into the
castle. The Christmas dinner was a combination of traditional dinners from
everyone. The dinner consisted of the following: turkey, chicken, lasagna,
duck, lamb, ham, an assortment of seafood, steak, buffalo wings, potatoes,
corn, cranberries, carrots, biscuits, an assortment of salads, porkbutts, and
tatters. Dinner was full of joyous laughter and commotion. Quite a difference
compared to the near-silent ones that they were used to. Sven, who was
usually so quiet, was right in the thick of things, and was getting quite
loud. Nanny wanted to quiet him down, but after receiving 'don't you dare'
looks from the Force, she changed her mind. No one (except for Romelle) had
ever seen him like this.
Living on Pollux sure has changed him., thought Keith. Romelle must have
influenced him immensely. Everyone was getting a kick out of this. This could
be the only time that they would see him like this. Dessert was made up of an
assortment of pies, cakes, and Nanny's homemade ice cream. The leftovers
could have lasted for months, but would only last a week courtesy of Hunk's
black hole for a stomach. A Christmas party was scheduled for eight o'clock
that evening.
"Be on time." Coran commanded.
"And dressed in decent apparel." finished Nanny.
* * * * *
Keith was putting on his royal suit he was given by Galaxy Garrison when he
arrived on Arus.
I guess all the others are wearing the same thing. Except for Sven. He wasn't
here when the outfits were sent. He's probably wearing a Polloxian royal
outfit he was given when he arrived on Pollux. He thought to himself. Hmm. .
. since I'm close to the princess's room, maybe she needs an escort to the
party.
"Why not." He headed toward her room. Lance saw him and decided to something
that would cost Lance his life . . . the ultimate Christmas tradition. He ran
off to complete his mission. Allura was giving herself one final lookover by
the time Keith arrived. She was dressed in a yellow dress covered by a red
counterpoint. The dress went around her slim waist before it flowed into a
wide hoop. Her beauty radiated off of her boundlessly. Keith stood there
dumbfounded for a few seconds before regaining his senses. Allura saw him and
felt flattered at his expression.
"Yes, Keith?"
"I-uh thought you might want an escort to the party."
"Why, Keith. I'd be honored." They walked out hand-in-hand 'till Lance made
his presence known.
"Ahem. Oh Keith?" They both looked at him. "You forgot one little thing." All
of them looked up at the top of the door. Apparently Lance had put up the
ultimate Christmas tradition . . . mistletoe. "You know what to do, Princess
or not."
"I'd rather not."
"Gimme a break, Keith. You were always a stickler for tradition. You used to
diss anyone who ignored tradition. Don't you dare put yourself on that list."
"Not with her. . ."
Lance interrupted. "Like I said, Princess or not, do it."
"After the party, I will personally kill you for this."
"No you won't. You're going to enjoy it, trust me."
"What if . . ."
"Everyone INCLUDING Coran and Nanny are in the ballroom. I made sure of that
for your sake. Now, it's already after 8:00. Would you please get this over
with before we miss the party." Allura stood there watching the two with
unnoticeable fear on her face wondering what Keith was supposed to do.
"OK, I'll do it." Keith agreed reluctantly. He put Allura into an embrace,
looked into her eyes, and kissed her eagerly. Allura kissed him back
earnestly.
Maybe this will bring him to senses. hoped Lance. They broke off after a few
minutes. Keith then gave Lance a deadly look as Lance ran off in fear. He
knew Keith usually backed up anything he said, and an ass kickin' session was
always backed up.
"At least he didn't place it in the ballroom." started Allura.
"Coran and Nanny would've had my head, tradition or not." finished Keith.
They looked at each other before breaking into a laughing fit. Still
laughing, they raced to the ballroom. The time was 8:30 by the time they
arrived, As expected, both Coran and Nanny gave them disapproving looks.
Apparently, Lance arrived ten minutes before them. He had kept his mouth shut
concerning what had happened earlier.
Not in any hurry to cause a scandal. Lance's eyes seemed to say. The ballroom
was festive enough for the occasion. Holly was strung all over the walls as a
huge tree was set right in the center of the room, covered with all sorts of
decorations, including a beautiful star on top. Everyone was dressed in
holiday fashions. The atmosphere was perfect for the occasion. Allura and
Romelle caught up on what was happening in their lives and the deal with
Lotor. The boys got to know the 'new Sven' a bit better. Evidently, he had
been with Romelle more often then usual lately and had moved into the castle.
The boys were behaving themselves pretty well, although they all wanted to
cut back and hang loose.
"It's a party, right? So why can't we party!" Lance complained. "I haven't
been to a good party since our last year at the academy. You know, our
Graduation party thrown by the seniors."
"There will never be another party like that Lance, ESPECIALLY not in the
Castle of Lions with Allura, Coran, and Nanny in charge." Answered Keith.
"Not unless you want to cause a soap opera."
"A soap what?"
"Let me put it this way: unless you want us all banished from Arus, lose our
positions on the Voltron Force, never be able to see Allura again, and have
G.G. put us in permanent K.P. duty, you never want to party like that here."
"Some wild party, Keith. My God, what on Arus did you do at the party if it
would have that disastrous results?" The group turned around to see Allura
and Romelle listening in to the entire ordeal.
"Ah, nothing that deserves to be mentioned in front of ladies." The
conversation was cut short when the grand piano was playing Christmas carols.
"Care to dance, Allura?" Keith bowed, apologizing for the rude conversation
they shared a few minutes before.
"'Bout time you ask . . ." She was cut short as she was swept into his arms
and led onto the dance floor.
"Don't they make the cutest couple, Hunk?" Pidge commented on the two.
Hunk bit back a laugh before answering. "Not a bit." Hunk answered while
trying to control his laughter. "They do!"
"Who?" Hunk pointed to the couple dancing behind Sven & Romelle. "Them!"
"Who?!" Pidge still couldn't see who it was dancing that was so funny.
"Try Lance & Nanny!" Hunk couldn't take it anymore. He fell to the floor
laughing his head off.
"WHAT!!!???" Pidge now saw them but he couldn't believe it. Everyone knew
Lance couldn't stand Nanny and vice versa. He had made a pretty bad
impression on her the night they met. He never observed proper behavior
around the princess and Nanny always got angry when Lance treated her like
'one of the guys' in front of her face. No one else dared to so in front of
Nanny, but only Keith really observed proper behavior towards the princess
when Nanny was around. The guys had teased him about it at first, but they
knew it was only an act so Nanny would let her be on the team. Everyone knew
when Nanny wasn't in earshot, Keith mostly treated her as one of them. Pidge
also broke down after that and had joined Hunk on the floor, acting like
monkeys.
"What do you think is so funny?" Keith asked Allura after seeing Hunk and
Pidge bust a gut laughing. Allura held back a giggle at the sight.
"Lance is dancing with Nanny and he's acting like a perfect gentlemen."
"That's not the Lance I know."
"Take a look for yourself."
Keith glanced in their direction and sure enough, Lance was not being himself
at all. "Must be the porkbutts and tatters he pigged out on." "
Maybe, but don't forget, so did we."
"Guess so. Uh, Allura I'm totally sorry about what happened with Lance
earlier. I didn't plan on everything happening the way it did. I'm. . ."
Allura put her finger to his lips, silencing him immediately. "Keith, unlike
Coran and Nanny, I am not ashamed of you. I was actually honored by what you
did tonight. I. . ." She was interrupted by a scream from Nanny. The spell
the porkbutts and tatters had given him wore off. He started to tell her
about the graduation party. He hadn't gone too far before he recalled an
event that drove her up the wall.
"IF YOU EVER DO THAT HERE, I WILL PERSONALLY KICK YOU ALL OUT AND WASH YOUR
MINDS WITH SOAP!"
"What did he tell her Keith?" Allura demanded.
"I'm not sure. There were many an event that were deadly for any of you to
know."
"We better get out of here before she carries out her threat."
"She wouldn't."
"Oh, yes she would Keith. Trust me. I know her better then any of you." By
that time everyone except for Lance, Nanny, and Coran had fled. Coran was
going to chew Lance up and spit him out pretty badly.
"Let's go. I've been to that party and it is pretty bad stuff to mention to
Nanny." Keith ordered. They both ran at a dead run and didn't stop until they
reached Allura's door.
"Whew, at least we made it out of there alive." Allura panted.
"I can't say the same for Lance. We may have to throw him to the Lions after
Coran and Nanny get through with him." Keith responded. "Oh well. He deserved
it. What happened at the party should never be told to Nanny. Even mentioning
it could get us kicked out." He turned to Allura. "Well, despite what
happened with Lance I hoped you enjoyed today even if you don't celebrate. I
know I did."
"Of course I did. I know I've enjoyed a lot these past celebrations with you
guys."
"Well, good night Allura."
"Good night Keith." The sprig of mistletoe was still hanging on the door.
Keith noticed it just before Allura did.
"No sense arguing with tradition." Keith replied carelessly. He pulled Allura
close to him and gave her one helluva good night/Christmas kiss. He broke
off, grabbed the mistletoe, bowed, and left. Allura went to bed that night
with a light heart. Everything was going the way she wanted. No Lotor, the
party, Sven being his old self again, Lance remaining true to himself, her
dance with Keith, and the kisses with Keith. I know now he loves me just as
much I him. But things can't stay the way they were. For a while this night
would be . . . the last blissful night.
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