"Beginnings"
Six
Lotor was playing in the enclosed patio when his father came to see him. The four year child instantly straightened up and bowed to his father as he was taught to do. His father looked pleased that he did this. Lotor wondered what he was doing here. His father never came to him. He was always summoned to see him, which wasn't often. Lotor felt a chill. Something was wrong..was it his mother? He waited in silence for his father to speak, for he learned at an early age that he must wait to be spoken to.
His father towered over him , his face as always impassive. He said, "Lotor, I have something to tell you about your mother." Lotor's eyes widened. He knew it! His mother hadn't been feeling too well lately and he hadn't been able to see her. He missed her smile and her hugs. B'iana, his nursemaid sometimes told him bedtime stories, but it wasn't the same. Did his mother get well? His father continued. "I am afraid your mother has left us, my son.." Lotor knew he could speak now. "Left us?" His father nodded gravely. "She ran away, Lotor. She didn't love us. She ran away because she didn't want to stay with us." Tears came to Lotor's eyes. He said, "No! Not true! Mama would never -" His father snapped, "Don't tell me, boy! She's gone and she will never come back, do you hear me?" Lotor bit his lip because he knew his father would not abide his tears. Lotor said, "Yes, father." His father smiled and said, "Good." Then he actually lifted Lotor up in his arms which he had never done before. Lotor didn't know what to think. His father said, "It will be the two of us now, Lotor. You will be a warrior and you will make me proud." Lotor didn't know what to say, so he said, "Yes, father." His father seemed satisfied with his answer and set him down. He left without another word.
When Lotor was sure he was gone, he ran to his mother's chambers. He quickly opened the door. He saw that her bed was unmade. He flung himself into it and he buried his small head into her pillow. He could still smell her upon it. He started to weep silent tears. How could she leave him? She said she would never leave him! She said she loved him! He tried to be a good boy for her. Was it his fault that she left? Lotor wanted to howl in pain. He wanted his mother and she was gone forever! He started to howl and cry, not caring if anyone heard. He soon cried himself to sleep.When Hagar found him later, she felt a stab of long forgotten guilt. She had murdered this boy's mother with poison because of her jealousy. He was not the one she wanted to destroy, but she had. She could not be a mother to him, for she was not that type, but if someday he had use for her powers, perhaps she would help him....it was the least she could do.
Zarkon was in his throne room. He was angry. His meeting with King Alfor of Arus did not go well - not well at all. He was so sure that Alfor would snap to his offer. All the other surrounding planets had. Zarkon couldn't see what the problem was. Alfor would still remain King on Arus - he would just be under the rule of his Empire. Zarkon would merely take a small yearly tribute of slaves from the general populace and some of Arus' considerable revenues, and Alfor's planet would be at peace. What more could he ask for? Zarkon had even hinted that Alfor's daughter could be bethothed to his son. But that Alfor! He and his noble ideas! His Astroknights and their chivalry! Foolish old-fashioned nonsense! Alfor, in his opinion was an idealistic fool. He didn't deserve to run a planet. Alfor knew the penalty for resistance - he knew, damn him!
Zarkon banged his fist in frustration. He did not need this. If Arus resisted his rule, then other planets would get the same idea. No, he needed to crush him. Zarkon rubbed his head - he was getting a headache from all this. He had also heard disturbing rumors of a mighty robot Alfor had - one that was sentient. If he had that robot, what he could do with it! Still it was just a rumor. He would send his fleet out to Arus and he would beat them down. Alfor would know his wrath...
They had come back defeated! Half his elite fleet gone- destroyed by that robot! That- that Voltron! Zarkon could hardly speak, so incensed was he. He had personally killed several of his officers in a rage after he saw their defeat over Arus. Damn Alfor! Zarkon seethed in rage. How dare he defy him?He was in Hagar's chambers, sitting in his favorite chair as she massaged his stiff shoulder muscles. He ranted and raved about the robot, as Hagar patiently listened to him. She had to admit, she had never seen him so angry before. She tried to calm him but once Z'aale got into a rage, it was hard to calm him, so she let him rant. Soon he would have an idea and it would be over.
After awhile, he had finally calmed down and Hagar knew from the look he gave her that he wished for her "company". She complied readily and afterwards as they lay there Z'aale said, "Hagar..I want you to do something for me, my dear." Hagar knew that tone of voice. He wanted something from her and he would try to sweet-talk her into it. She said, "What is it, Z'aale?" He lightly traced his fingertip on her mouth and said, "A simple little favor, dear..you will destroy Voltron for me.." She said, "Me? Destroy Voltron?" He said, "I know you can with your Black Magic, Hagar. Do not tell you are not ready. I know of your progress.." Hagar sighed. She should have known. She said quietly, "Z'aale, if I do you this "favor, " will you make me your Queen?" Zarkon smiled, the emotion not quite reaching his eyes."Of course, Hagar. I would want such a beautiful Queen such as you by my side." Hagar giggled, "You are such a flatterer, my lord.." He laughed and said, "I am many things, Hagar." he kissed her and the bargain was sealed....