Knight�s Pride

By T.F. Kit

Chapter 4: A Teams Test

KaLee strangled her sob but could not stop the tears.

To reveal anything but veils over and mirrors of the truth would mean vulnerability and possibly death to all whom she was trying to protect. The Princess must stay lost for now. Hopefully they destroyed all of the leads to her so the recruits will not find her.

*How can you keep referring to her like that? * His voice once again filled her.

Her heart pounded in her chest. She had thought it was just a memory what she had heard in the training room. It had been so long since they had talked since she had felt him. Part of her was not sure if this was real or if she was just remembering.

*No I am real. *

She gave a slight sight. I can�t reveal where the Princess is, what she has been doing or what she has become.

"I can�t stop referring to her in third person." It came out quietly barley audible above the wind. "If I do, I will slip up somewhere and they will find her."

*Oh Kat�* He started.

No, there is too much at stake, too many lives. There are reasons and they out weighed any other things, any other feelings. She stood up shaking off his protective hands. She wiped her hand across her face and looked down at the woods. She stopped cold.

Figures were coming out of the trees and across the moat. KaLee moved to the edge and looked over. There, as tiny figures, she saw more climb out of the moat and go into the castle.

Damn it, why isn�t the alarm going off?

She scuttled back to the vent and climbed through.

I have no weapons.

Her mind raced, she had to get to a panel to set off the alarm.

*No, go directly to the guards� rooms. * His voice. *They have turned off the alarms. *

She nodded and moved through the hallways. As she rounded a corner she quickly pulled herself back and plastered herself to the wall.

Shit.

Cautiously she peeked around the corner. There at the other end were two creatures she had hopped she would never see again. Their fur was a molded mixture of colors, black brown, blond, red and gray, all there to help them blend in to their surroundings. Everything about them was misshapen, arms too long, legs too short, and heads too small. But it was the mouth that always fascinates. Long razor sharp teeth protruded from the nonexistent lips. So big that their mouths couldn�t contain them. The grotesqueness was amplified with the mechanical implements over their bodies, varying from one to the next. All of them, however, had a helmet covering the upper part of the head.

KaLee took a deep breath and listened to their movement.

Jager�zen, designed hunters and killers. I have to get to the team before they do. Her mind raced.

They were moving off and she moved to get to the library. The direct route was out but she knew other routes.

A few minuets later KaLee came out of a small passageway in the back of the library, a few strands of cobwebs hanging from her hair. The Jager�zens would be programmed to kill anyone but the specific target. The Royal Family would be the target. She knew that.

We will need to work together; I hope we are up to it.

Moving through the shelves of books she came upon the recruits. They were all asleep. She had not smelled the after affects of sleeping gas so this was just normal tiredness.

They were spread across two tables and three comfy chairs, Spike taking up two of the latter. She cautiously moved over to Ryan. Gingerly she placed her hand over his mouth. He stirred. His years of training with his father paid off and his eyes flew open.

"I didn�t hear any alarm." He whispered back as she started towards Spike.

"Must have cut the lines." She said keeping her focus on Spike. An ex-pirate could be dangerous to wake up, she only hoped she was up to the challenge.

Cautiously she moved up next to him.

Just remember to grab the hands at once.

She put her hand over his mouth.

It was fast, his first hand was up at her hand clamping his mouth and the other went for her chest. KaLee managed to hold on despite his grip and pull as she grabbed his other hand. At the same time she pulled him to his feet.

"Shhhhhhh." She hissed. "Raiders." Her voice was deafening to her own ears but logically knew it was not that loud.

Spike�s eyes pulled into focus on her. She had ended up nose to nose with him. He gave a slight nod as she let go of him.

"No alarm?" He asked.

"No alarm." She responded, moving on to the next recruit.

It did not take long to wake all of them up and then they stood a moment as KaLee gave them the run down of what she saw.

"I did not see that many raiders in the castle just the Jager�zens but they could be enough." She said at the end. "But we need to get the Royal Family out. They are�"

"No." Spike interrupted. "We need to fight, get them out. If they get Voltron it could be disastrous." His voice raised some. Ryan flinched at that.

"We need to try and stay quite." KaLee said through clenched teeth. "There are precautions on Voltron. Trust me you can�t just fly away in the Lions." She managed to unclench her hands as she continued. "The Royal Family is the key to taking the precautions down. So, we have to get them out and to safety." Ryan nodded but held back.

Not much guerilla commanding Ryan. I suppose I do know a bit more on that.

"We know there are at least two Jager�zens and saw at least ten raiders coming in through the moat." She sighed. "Lillian can you get to the Royal Family?" She posed the question to the other woman.

Lillian gave a curt nod.

"Then do it." KaLee�s voice was crisp and sharp. "Meet us at the armory with or with out them."

Lillian left out the back way, the way KaLee had come in. There was a chance she would not be able to get to them in time. There was also a chance that they had already gotten out.

No time for other thoughts focus here.

She looked back at the others in the group.

"Okay." It was Ryan who was speaking. "Looks like we need to get to the armory." KaLee nodded.

Two shots rang out whizzing by her head. There were two Jager�zens moving into the library.

"Scatter," Droe roared.

"Get to the weapons." KaLee yelled, running towards the two Jager�zens drawing their attention. "I will meet you."

The others spilt up and ran between the bookshelves. KaLee made a hard turn, books sizzling by the laser fire. She got out into the hall and heard them charging after her. She had to loose them fast. She rounded a corner and saw the broom closet, ducking into that she knew she could get away. There was a small compartment in this one, not on the blueprints. KaLee climbed the shelves and kicked open the vent in the ceiling but did not crawl in. Instead she dropped back to the floor and shimmied under the bottom shelf popping open a small crawl space jamming herself into it. She pulled the front almost closed and listened. She heard the Jager�zens come in and clamber up into the vent. They were thinking about her speed, that she would not hide her own progress. Thankfully the ultimate killers were not always that bright.

She waited a moment longer then crawled down and headed towards the lower levels and the armory. To get there she had to head through the kitchen. She hoped it was one of the least guarded areas in this raid. When KaLee reached the kitchen she found the others there.

"They have guards all around the armory doors." Cole burst out as she walked up. His eyes were wide and his breathing hard.

This is his first combat, she thought. We have to keep him calm. He needs to be able to keep his head.

Ryan put his hand on Cole's shoulder as KaLee walked up. "Cole. I need to know if you can do your job or if you have to stay here." She made it a statement as she looked directly at him.

He gave a swallow before taking a deep breath and nodding. "I can do this." His voice was shaking but she saw the determination in his eyes.

"Good, because we are going to need you." She nodded curtly at him and took a deep breath turning to the others. KaLee's mind started to calculate a plan. Once the Royal Family is here we should be able to�

Just then Lillian walked into the kitchen, alone.

KaLee looked at her and asked. "The royal family?"

"I couldn't get to them," she responded. "Too many raiders."

Tension ran through KaLee�s body. Ryan was watching her. Everyone was watching her.

"Okay," she said taking a breath. "The Jager�zens won�t hurt the Royal Family. They are what the raiders are after. So we have to get them out. We can retake the castle later." Her eyes scanned the kitchen. There were a lot of things here they could use.

"Well let�s improvise." She walked up to a drawer. "We might not have guns but we do have weapons. They will still be looking for us so we have to move fast." Opening it she looked in trying to decipher what she could use.

"I suppose you have got a plan." Spike sneered.

A slow grin spread across her face as she shot a look toward him saying. "Someone has to."

* * * * * * * * * *

This is crazy.

KaLee�s mind raced. Her whole body protested to being held in the shadows above the control room. How could she have even thought of this plan, it was insane. From what she had seen in the sneaking up here there were at least twenty-five raiders not including the two Hunter Seekers they had encountered. They were out numbered with no firearms what so ever.

It is insane.

But they had no choice. They were brought in to be the Voltron Force and part of that was defending the Royal Family. They were the only ones capable of releasing the Lions to others hands. Actually only the blood of Arus could, Alura and Andrew. Not Keith, the King and former Voltron pilot. And do not forget the Princess. The Princess, Katleina, she could also make the choice, princess or not.

Another reason to keep her gone.

Footsteps brought KaLee�s attention focusing back. Two raiders led Alura and Andrew into the control room up to the steps of the panels. They both stood tall and proud, true royalty. They were not bound in anyway, no ropes, no cuffs, and no chains.

Where is the King? Her mind raced and a slight hope glimmered for a split second. Where is Keith?

Then more footsteps, Keith was brought in, hands tied in front of him, arms bound to his sides. Two guards walked on his left and right as another followed with a Jager�zen in tow. That brought the Jager�zen total up to three known.

KaLee noticed Keith was walking with a slight stager. Must have resisted, but no blood so no shots fired. The guards brought Keith to stand off to the side from Alura and Andrew.

It was taking a lot for KaLee to stay put and not fly down to defend them, but it would do no good to try now, she also wanted to know who led this bold attempt. She took another deep breath and looked across the room to the dark cubby there. She could not see Lillian but knew she was there. Ryan, Spike and Cole were placed around the first level in vents. They were going to get the royal family out as Lillian and KaLee took care of the Jager�zens. Once the twins cut power. Droe was going after the weapons. Simple plan but not necessarily easily achieved.

�We are up to this.� Her mind went back to what she had said to them. �We can get the Royal Family out. We are not looking to take out all the raiders, just grab the Family and run. That is all we have to do.�

The plan was to open one of the shoots to a Lion and go out that way. Nice and easy.

KaLee pulled tighter to the wall as she head more footsteps and watched a tall imposing figure enter the room. He was human with a tattoo of a coiled snake around this neck. His hair was long and dark with bright red chunks in it. KaLee's heart sped up at the sight of him.

'I offer you every thing and anything you desire.'

His voice was just as silken and deadly when he spoke next. "Well, your majesty." He walked to Alura. "It is a pleasure to see you again." He took her hand and kissed it. She remained impassive. Keith, however, strained against his bonds. "Keith," the man said turning his attention to his prisoner. "You seem a little," a wicked glint came to his eyes, "involved." Evil fully came to his face.

KaLee again resisted the urge to move. Slicing his throat now would only get her caught. Come on Derk, Deida. Where are those lights? She waited tensely.

The man moved back to Alura "I want the Lions, Queen." Was all he said.

"And why would I give them to you?" She asked coolly, blue eyes level with his steel ones.

"Because the life of your family is at stake." His eyes moved across the three of them.

Shit what is he planning?

"I might not be able to kill you, but your husband is of no asset to me." His eyes settled on Keith. There was malice there. Hatred toward a man who had on a few occasions beat him at his own game. "But where would be the use in killing a man past his prime years, no. That is of no real value either."

The gaze left Keith and moved on across stopping at Andrew. "There is of course the Prince. Yes Andrew isn�t it." KaLee could see the tension and fear run through Alura.

Oh no he wouldn�t. Her mind race. I will not let him lay one hand on that boy, even if it means I die. Come on Derk, Deida. Where are those lights?

"I only need one of you Queen and he would be a lot easier to harm." There was calmness to his voice as he spoke. "Why don�t we see how strong your will is when you hear him screaming for mercy at the hands of one of my raiders."

Just as he started towards Andrew, the room went dark and KaLee moved like lightning. She had to before the emergency light came on. She was to get the King, to take out the Jager�zen next to him. She was going to have to be fast.

The knife she had sliced through some of its control panels and caused it to loose one half of its movement. She then shoved the object up to the hilt in to the throat but that did not stop it. It grabbed her pulling her to it. KaLee managed to roll it over her and land on her feet but somehow it had ended up behind her. This was going to be bad. She knew she did not have time to turn and stop whatever plan it had.

This is going to hurt; hopefully it won�t kill me.

She was prepared for the worst. But then a whooshing sound, then screams like something out of a horror movie and finally silence. KaLee felt a hand on her shoulder and strength flowed into her.

As the generator kicked in and the lights came on KaLee saw there was nothing close to her, no body. The only evidence that she was fighting was the blood on the floor. Her eyes scanned the room and was amazed.

Cole had managed to get Alura and Andrew to the center of the control panels. He was holding off a raider with a meat cleaver. Spike and Lillian had managed to close two of the doors leading in and were now fending of two raiders apiece at two of the other doors. One door left. Ryan was fighting the two raiders that had been on Keith, one already dead on the floor and the other putting up a better fight. Other raiders were now coming into the control room from the unguarded doorway.

This has to end now.

Keith who was still tightly bound was staggered after slamming into the leader who was now getting up to face his adversary.

Have to do this, now.

She charged the leader, managing to move past Keith and tackle the other. They rolled together as she grabbed his gun. KaLee ended on top of him, straddling him, the gun pointed at his chest.

"Everyone freeze." KaLee yelled, holding firm as she heard the fighting stop around her. "Tell your men to back off Titan." Her voice growled.

"I have two other Jager�zens programmed to kill should I be threatened Commander." He sneered at her. "They should be here any second."

"Actually it was only one other." Droe�s voice filled the room as he leaped down from his cubby, tossing a bloody visor to the floor. "And it has been taken care of."

He moved over to Ryan, she noticed he was injured. Blood covered his hands but his leg was her main concern that was actually his own blood, from a gapping wound that ran on his hip.

"Derk and Deida are getting the guards as we speak." Droe handed Ryan two handguns and moved on to Spike and Lillian.

Titan snarled at KaLee but she also noticed his admiration. "Retreat, back to the ship." Titan said into his comlink. She let him stand still holding a gun to his chest.

Ryan had moved and was removing the bonds from Keith.

"You have chosen dangerous ground Commander." Titan said. "To stand against me, is a definitive death."

"It is not as though I haven�t had death before Titan." She responded.

Keith moved to Alura and Andrew and held them protectively as Titan walked away.

With his back turned he spoke. "It looks like you have won this round Commander Akira."

"Until next time Titan." KaLee responded.

Just as she finished her statement a raider came around the corner in front of Titan and fired a round at the royal family. She stepped into the line of fire. It hit her left hip. She winced in pain and staggered slightly with the impact but managed to stay standing while firing a shot back. Titan had also drawn another blaster he must have had and shot his own man. The raider was vaporized.

"Until next time KaLee." Titan finished the volley between them and calmly walked out.

Ryan moved up next to KaLee, who turned her good side to the royal family. Keith had his arm around Alura, a hand on Andrew and eyes focused intently on KaLee. "Are your majesties all right?" She asked.

Keith gave a nod and was about to say something when Hunk and the guards came rushing in.

"Where are they?" Hunk yelled.

KaLee looked at him but spoke to the recruits.

"Spike, Cole, can you two escort the Royal family back to their rooms as Droe heads to medical to have his injury checked."

"I am fine but�" Droe had started to point out her injury but she rushed on.

"Lillian follow Hunks lead and check the grounds for any stragglers. I would prefer no more surprise guests." Then called out into the air. "Derk. Deida. Do you have the com up?"

"Yep." It was Deida�s voice coming out of the speakers. "Working on figuring out about the alarm. There might be something in the system."

"Then again." Derk�s voice came over the speakers. "They just might have gotten lucky and cut the right wire."

"Find out." KaLee said. "I want to know how they pulled this off."

She began to move toward the door with a slight limp. "I am going to medical right now to have my injury taken care of." She turned again, stopping a moment and nodded to Keith saying. "Have a better rest." She almost thought she saw him move to help her but Ryan was there.

Thankfully.

KaLee then headed out of the control room. Ryan was close behind her inconspicuously supporting her.

As soon as they were out of the room and out of sight, KaLee collapsed against the wall.

"I think I am going to need a little more help." She gasped in pain.

Ryan grabbed her right arm and pulled it over his shoulder. Wrapping his arm around her waist he pulled her to her feet and moved on to medical.

"The tough Lieutenant Commander semi-caring friend to the outcast." KaLee said, panting. "I know I have seen that before. A movie we watched once."

"Can�t be right every time." Ryan said, eyes straight a head.

"What no witty riposte, you must be concerned," she continued. "Normally you banter, at least a little bit."

"KaLee," Ryan spoke, still walking. "I will dazzle you with my rapier wit when we are in medical. Now focus on walking."

She noticed his tension and concern. Okay Ryan, I won�t die on you today.

"Good. I need banter. It is what keeps me�" The pain hit hard and her leg gave out. She gave a gasp in pain.

Ryan paused and asked. "Can you keep walking?" It was a question.

KaLee gave a weak nod and held up one finger for one moment. Taking a deep breath she started moving again.

"Like I said Commander." Ryan spoke. "Can�t be right every time."

* * * * * * * * * *

KaLee lay on a medical bed resting, the nanoids working in her body under the bandage repairing her hip. Ryan had left only a few moments ago.

"You know the bionics saved your life." The doctor said walking in the room. "A blast like that to a person without them would have vaporized their hip and possibly damaged their lung. Your bionics absorbed most of the discharge."

KaLee gave a smile and tried to respond but only managed a yawn. The doctor chuckled. "Looks like the medication I gave you is taking affect. What I gave you is a strong sedative and pain manager. It is suppose to knock a grown man out for at least ten hours, but I have read your file Miss Akira. You probably will be awake in about five. For now, however hard you think this might be, just rest."

Her eyes kept closing; no matter how hard she tried she could not keep them open. Finally she let the lids slip down and close. The best medicine was rest she knew that.

She heard the door open and someone come in. "She is finally falling asleep and she needs her rest. You can stay if you let her sleep." The doctor said to the person. KaLee wanted to protest. She did not want anyone there, but she could not make her voice work.

Damn it, I hate being drugged. She thought. All doctors think people can't handle pain but I can�. Boy I am even babbling in my thoughts. I must be drugged.

The person sat down and stayed quite as KaLee slipped into sleep.

On to Chapter 5

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