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Redemption and Destiny	By : alucardsangel1973 Category: +S to Z > Voltron Views: 2221 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Voltron and its characters are property of World Event Productions. I do not own the fandom. No profit is made from this. This is purely a fanfiction that includes original characters from my imagination. Characters from the series and comic are not mine.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
Danzar, Lotor
and Kaladan are about to be executed for treason. Haggar reveals
her deadly ultimate weapon against Voltron. But the trio of
cousins; Avian, Genar and Kezrin stage a bold rescue of their
long imprisoned king and uncle Danzar, and learn that Lotor is
also their cousin and Danzar's lost son. Readers should be warned
that this chapter contains graphic violence and strong language.

Chapter
16: Rescues and Reunions

Avian kept a
watch on the navigational device seeing a small fleet of cruisers
getting ready to dock. "There's our chance to land without
being noticed. They haven't upgraded their ships much. Those look
pretty much like the one we're flying. We can't cloak or the
radar will notice it. We'll wait for our shot to blend in with
the other ships. That shouldn't raise too much suspicion."
He said.

"What are
we going to do when we land? Once we're out of this piece of junk
they're gonna know we're not part of the military." Kezrin
grumbled.

"We kick
their asses, that's what." Avian replied with a smirk.

"We're
here to rescue King Danzar, not to have a blood bath. Let's not
risk more violence than is necessary." Genar reprimanded.

"Genar,
you gotta lighten up." Avian said rolling his eyes.

"We'll
hide here on the ship and wait for a few guards. When no one
exits the vessle they'll get suspicious and come looking for us.
When that happens, we take them down, take their clothes and get
them out of site. Then we get into the castle and make our way to
the dungeons. We'll have to play our roles until we find King
Danzar." Genar instructed.

"That
ought to be simple enough. Only one problem. I'm gonna stick out
like a sore thumb." Avian grumbled. "Not to mention our
hair is too long to wear under those damn helmets."

"I've got
you covered." Genar said tossing Avian a small round
container. "Smear that on as best you can. You'll look like
any other guard. As for your hair, just tuck it under the helmet
and make it look as inconspicious as possible." Genar
replied.

"We're
getting ready to land." Kezrin stated. "Let's do
this." He finished.

**********************************************************

In the prison
cell, Danzar, Lotor and Kaladan waited to meet their fates.
Though the hours had passed quickly, Lotor felt like they seemed
to go on forever. He could not feel shock, anger or sadness
anymore. All he felt was numb. Danzar looked at his son seeing
the almost blank expression on his face. It was a staggering
amount of information for one person to take in at once. Lotor
sat in a corner of the cell isolating himself from his father and
Kaladan. He was still trying to process all he'd learned and
wondering what else had been hidden from him.

"Lotor,"
Kaladan called. "Are you all right?"

"I don't
know." The white haired druel answered flatly.

"It's all
been a shock for him. And there's still a great deal he needs to
know." Danzar replied.

"We have
to find away out of this, or it isn't going to matter."
Kaladan stated.

"What
else is there? How much more can there be?" Lotor asked
still keeping his distance.

"After
you were stolen from me, I went after Zarkon to get you back.
Unwisely I went alone. I didn't want anyone else getting hurt or
killed because I failed to protect you. I was captured upon site
and locked away in here. At first Zarkon wanted to kill you and
force me to watch, but he decided he had a much worse fate in
store. He would raise you as his own son and use that knowledge
to break my spirit. Then...when I finally begged for death he
would have you be my executioner. But when you met Allura, his
plans began to unravel." Danzar explained.

"Allura..."
Lotor said quietly. "How do you know of her?" He asked.

"I knew
her father, King Alfor." Danzar answered.

"You knew
Allura's father?" Lotor asked stunned.

"Yes.
After I exiled Zarkon from Namoria I knew he would make good on
his promise to get revenge. While we had weapons to protect
ourselves from minor attacks, we had yet to develop any major
defense. It was then I heard of stories told throughout the
galaxy spoke of a planet threatened by Zarkon's lust for
domination. It was then I learned about King Alfor and an
ultimate defender made to defend the people of Arus."

Lotor's eyes
widened. "You mean Voltron?"

"Yes. I
and members of the royal family traveled to planet Arus. Your
mother had to stay behind as she was pregnant with you and your
sister. We met with King Alfor and his queen. At first they were
relunctant to welcome us. Druels had a bad reputation throughout
the galaxy and Alfor was not sure if we were friend or foe. But
when he saw we were unarmed and meant no ill toward him, he
allowed us to land on Arus and meet with him and his advisors. We
came to discuss an alliance between Namoria and Arus."

"It would
have alligned Arus and Namoria not only to bring together our
knoweldge and technology, but we hoped to inspire other planets
to do the same and rise up against Zarkon. But that alliance
never had a chance to form. Zarkon took you away from me, and
then later killed King Alfor. That effectively put any dreams of
an alliance between our worlds out of the picture. You see son,
we intended to unite our planets and people through marriage. The
first born children of myself and Alfor would have been betrothed
at birth. You were my first born son and Alfor had a
daughter."

Lotor's eyes,
as if they could not have gotten any wider, were like saucers.
How much more shock could he take. He looked at his father not
able to utter a word. Danzar knew from his son's expression that
he knew now what his father was getting at.

"Yes
Lotor, you and Allura were to be betrothed at birth. You both
would have grown up together, known each other's worlds and
people. But Zarkon ended that when he kidnapped you and later
killed Allura's father. There was no hope of an alliance then.
And when I was taken prisoner, all hope seemed to be lost
forever. But that was not the end of it. Your uncle feared the
prophecy of your grandfather. An heir would carry his spirit into
battle to end Zarkon's reign once and for all. So after you and I
were in his grasp, he had the royal family massecred...down to
the last child. He wanted to make sure there would be no one of
Keltor's line left to fullfill the prophecy. A chambermaid
managed to sneak a message to me that Leena was safe after she'd
found a way onto planet Doom. Sadly it was the last news I would
ever hear of my daughter's safety. Leena had been hidden deep
within the castle where Zarkon's assasins could not reach. But
all others were wiped out. And feeling Namoria was no longer a
threat, he went ahead with his agenda to raise you as his
son." Danzar explained.

"Bastard..."
Lotor growled.

**********************************************************

Allura sat in her room. It was
where she stayed after being sternly reprimanded by Nanny. Tears
fell from her eyes as she wept. Her pet mice tried to do anything
they could to cheer her up, but nothing worked. There was no
comforting her heart after what had happened. "I should
never have gone alone. Lotor and Kaladan are going to die, and
it's all my fault!" She sobbed.

Her mice chattered and wiggled
their whiskers trying to make her happy, but it was to no avail.
It got to the point where the little rodents began to cry
themselves. Allura felt more helpless than she ever had before.
Now she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt Lotor loved her. He had
risked his own life for her sake. That stabbed at her heart like
a red hot poker. It was the worst pain she could ever feel. Just
when they were getting close, now they'd been unjustly parted.
And that parting would likely last forever.

"I feel so helpless.
Nanny and Coran have me followed wherever I go. Keith and the
others don't let me out alone. If only I could get to the blue
lion...but they'll all stop me. I feel like there's no hope
left." She said with a shaky voice.

"There is still hope
daughter of Alfor." Said a voice.

"What? Who said that? How
can there be hope?" Allura asked both skeptical and afraid.

"You must have faith
in your destiny daughter of Alfor." The voice said
again.

"My destiny?" Allura
asked, but she was met with only silence.

"Wait...who are you? What
do you mean my destiny?" She asked again, but heard no
reply. It left her feeling confused. She knew only that the voice
had not been that of her father.

She looked down at her pillow
now soaked with her tears. She saw her mice gathering around her
face trying their hardest to dry her eyes. She looked down, her
expression sullen. "Please, please don't let them die. Don't
let them die like this." She said silently praying to
whatever angel of mercy would hear her.

**********************************************************

Back on Doom, the time was
soon approaching for the executions. Preperations were almost
finished in the arena. A large vertical rack was being
constructed in the center of the grounds. All around the stands
were huge view screens. Their purpose most likely to broadcast
the executions as entertainment for Zarkon's courtiers and
subjects. But they were also to act as a grizzly warning to any
who dared to defy Zarkon's authority and the authority of the
empire. The stands were already packed with the king's subjects.
His most valued guests would take their places in the king's sky
box along with himself and Queen Coralle. Slaves continued
construction of the torture device until it was finished. It
stood at a great heigth, almost twenty feet tall. The method of
execution would be simple, but still quite gruesome to those who
would witness its use. Its purpose was to slowly tear the victim
apart. But Zarkon decided to add his own gruesome touch to the
contraption. He would also have the victim restrained by the neck
as well. So in addition to the arms and legs being slowly ripped
from the torso, the head would also be torn off as well. Indeed
it would be a horrofying and bloody spectacle.

Zarkon and his entourage soon
entered the sky box with the king taking his seat first. Coralle
sat beside him on a smaller but no less ornate throne. Sylvana
took her place at a protective stance beside the queen. Haggar
took her place in a huddled stance beside Zarkon. She leaned on
her walking staff as she expressed an evil smile upon her
grotesque face. Then the king and queen's advisors and highest of
nobles took their places around the royal couple. Around them
were the hoards of courtiers pumping their fists in the air
demanding to see agony and blood. They would soon have their
appetite's satiated. A small unit of guards led a struggling
slave to the imposing rack. He was dressed in only a crude loin
cloth. Dragging him up a large flight of stairs the guards
restrained him as he was bound hand and foot to the device. Then
a crude noose was put around his neck. After securing him, the
guards quickly departed leaving the slave screaming and begging
for his life. An ogre like creature stood beside the wrack
waiting for the signal to begin the test. He wore a hood to hide
his rather disturbing facial features. Upon the left side of the
rack was a button. When he was given permission, the executioner
pushed the button and the device began to perform its deadly
task.

Still screaming, the prisoner
hung loosely in his restraints until the ropes began to move. As
they tightened he was slowly raised to the middle of the rack.
Zarkon and his queen looked on with blood lust in their eyes. He
looked to his queen noticing the pleased look upon his face.
"Are you enjoying yourself my dear?" He asked.

"Very much my king. Thank
you for allowing me to wittness this. I want our child to know
the pleasures of wittnessing the pain of others even before it is
born. It will make him a very effective ruler. Don't you agree my
king?" Coralle asked with a viperous smile.

"Yes, very much. I've
chosen my queen well." The king said with a venoumous grin
of his own.

All watched eagerly as the
ropes began to stretch and tighten pulling the condemned into the
shape of an x. For a few moments he was able to scream, but this
time not in terror, but in pain. He felt arms begining to stretch
upward and outward and his legs did the same. His head was also
pulled at a straight angle while he felt his ability to breathe
becoming hindered. Then the ropes stopped for a second. This was
to let the prisoner feel both pain and panic surging all through
his body. He could barely breathe and he felt his chest cavity
begining to stretch beyond it's limits. He fought to take in
breaths of air but his lungs could not take in the life giving
oxygen. It was hard for him to struggle as the ropes had already
become periously tight. Then they began to tighten once more. The
prisoner felt his wrists popping out of their sockets as did his
elbows. His shoulders simutainiously dislocated and stretched
into an unnatural position. His heel bones began to seperate from
the ligmanents and tissues that held them in place. Then his knee
bones popped out of their sockets and his upper legs dislocated
from his pelivic region. He tried to scream, but his neck was
also being stretched disabling his vocal cords. The only sign of
his distress was visible. His face was twisted in an expression
of pain and horror as he realized he was about to die a grizzly
death. The ropes continued to slowly tighten pulling his skeleton
further out of alignment until the skin began to tear. Blood
started spurting from his shoulders and hips as his inner body
began to give way. Blood began to bubble out of his mouth as the
skin of his neck also began to tear. Little by little his body
was slowly stretched and torn until his extremities and head were
torn from his torso.

The hoards of onlookers
cheered and howled wildly as the bloody torso and head fell to
the ground. The extremities still hanged by the ropes with blood
dripping off their now jagged pieces of skin and flesh. Zarkon
looked on with murderous glee as slaves were pushed toward the
rack to begin cleaning up the vile mess. They riggled their noses
as they had to inhale the stench of blood, and bodily fluids
excreted during the condemned's final agonizing moments. While
they were filled with revulsion at having to clean up the body of
a fellow slave, they dared not fail in their task lest they be
the next unlucky test subject.

Sylvana looked on with a
satisfied smile. "Your method of execution is quite
entertaining King Zarkon. Might I be allowed to have a smaller
version of this device put in the dungeons? I'd like to see such
exhilarating suffering up close and personal." She asked
humbly.

"You are a twisted and
wicked woman Sylvana. I'm growing quite fond of you. After the
birth of my heir I will be sure to have one constructed for your
personal use." Zarkon answered.

"You are too generous
your majesty. And may I say you've made a wise choice to have
Coralle as your queen. I'm sure she will make a fine mother to
your offspring." Sylvana complimented.

"That she shall." He
said and looked down at the guards. "Go, and bring the
traitors!" He barked.

The guards bowed and quickly
departed the arena toward the dungeons.

**********************************************************

In the dungeons Genar, Kezrin
and Avian searched the cells looking for their king. Avian
continued to fidget with the helmet he wore under his long black
hair. He also had to supress the urge to scratch his face.
"I can't wait to get this shit off. Making my skin
choke." He cursed.

"Nothing else was
available. Now keep your voice down. There are other guards down
here and if you keep talking they're going to be alerted to their
presence." Genar quietly chided.

"Fine by me. I've been
waiting to put my foot up someone's ass anyway." Avian
grumbled.

"Someone needs anger
management." Kezrin sighed.

"You know how well that
worked. He isn't allowed back in the program." Genar said
quietly.

"I hated that
group." Avian growled.

"Well, they weren't
exactly pleased with you either. And the therapist had to go into
anger management himself after dealing with you." Kezrin
replied.

"Yah, I think my middle
finger in his face had something to do with it." Avian
answered with a smirk.

To that Genar could only sigh
and shake his head. "Enough. Let's focus on the task at
hand." He said sternly.

The three druels silenced
themselves and continued their search for Danzar. Upon stopping
at a side wall cell the three noticed a small unit of guards
heading toward the last cell at the end of the hall. Genar pushed
his two cousins against a dark corner so they wouldn't be seen.
He watched as the guards opened the door and entered. While they
were preoccupied, he signaled for Avian and Kezrin to follow him.
They quickly but quietly rushed toward the cell. They hid on
behind the door while it was opened. Genar peered out from a
corner of the door and saw the guards ushering out three
prisoners with their hands bound behind their backs.

"I've found the king, but
there are two others with them. Both are druel. One..."
Genar stopped seeing a glimpse of Lotor as he passed by the door.

"What is it?" Avian
whispered.

"The white haired druel,
he looks very familiar." Genar answered.

"Damn...he does look
like..." Avian began but was suddenly cut off.

"Let's get going. The
guards are leaving us behind." Kezrin said pushing his two
cousins ahead. They silently fell in behind the unit trying to
get closer to Danzar. The prisoners remained silent upon their
walk from the dungeons to the arena. While they had no idea how
Zarkon intended to dispatch them, all were sure it would not be
pleasant.

"Why the hell aren't
we doing something? We've got the guards right here. Let's just
knock them out and be done with it." Kezrin told Genar
telepathically.

"Because if we act
now then we'd have the suspicion of the entire castle raised. And
if we do that we're going to be vastly outnumbered and most
likely fail to rescue Danzar and his comrades. We have to wait
until we have an open shot." Genar answered mentally.

The guards led the condemned
prisoners onward until they reached the entrance to the arena
floor. Danzar was the first to be shoved through the entrance.
His eyes widened when he saw the rack still splattered with
blood. Those closest to the thing could still scent the stench of
death in the air. Lotor came next followed by Kaladan. They were
harshly shoved toward the contraption. Menacing as it was, all
three refused to show fear. Knowing Zarkon would love to see them
beg and plead for their lives, non were about to give him the
satisfaction. They'd die without fear on their faces, even unto
their last breaths. Lotor looked up to see the smiling face of
his uncle.

The wicked king began to
speak. Amplifiers were turned on so that he was sure all would
hear him. "My subjects! Esteemed nobles and territories of
the druel empire! You shall all witness the executions of three
traitors who have turned their backs on our beloved empire! And
you shall also witness the ultimate weapon! The weapon that shall
ensure the preservation and prosperity of the empire for all
time!" Zarkon beamed triumphantly.

"Yes...even you condemned
souls shall have the honor of looking upon my greatest
creation." Haggar cackled.

Danzar, Lotor and Kaladan
looked to one of the huge screens seeing what appeared to be a
huge container covered by a black curtain. The curtain dropped
revealing a terrifying creature roaring and writhing in its
destruction proof tank.

"Behold! The dragon of
Azrinos!" Haggar exclaimed.

Upon the screen all gasped in
awe and fear as they saw the menacing creature. A huge dragon
writhed and roared within the huge tank. It's body, originally
black, now shined with dark grey mettalic armor. It stood upon
it's powerful legs and stretched out its steely grey wings. Fire
burned within its serpentine eyes and rows of razor sharp teeth
glittered in it's monstrous mouth. Its roar was deafening to all
who heard it. Upon its belly were rows of greyish green scales
rising up its stout neck. It's triangular head sported three sets
of horns. The longest set grew along each side of the monster's
head spiraling upward ending in deadly points. The second set
shot straight and rested upon the beasts forehead. The third set
protruded above its nostrils and were the shortest of the three
sets. A row of razor sharp plates protruded from its back going
from the top of the head all the way down to the bottom of its
tail. The bottom of the tail was covered in sharp spikes. Upon
its ankles and wrists were more sharp plates. Upon its fingers
and toes were long, razor sharp claws. It was indeed a terrifying
site.

"You fool!" Danzar
exclaimed. "You've raised a demon from hell itself! That
monster was sealed away for a reason! There's no way you can
control it!"

"The beast will be
completely under my control, and soon all who stand in the way of
King Zarkon will fall!" Haggar proclaimed.

"What is that
thing?" Lotor asked.

"The dragon of Azrinos.
It was so powerful and evil that it was sealed away upon the
planet Azrinos. It is believed to be a creation of the darkest
powers and now Haggar has resurrected it. That foolish old witch
thinks she can control that beast, but it will be as it was
before. The monster is too wild for even her to control."
Danzar said.

"That thing will be the
death of us all if it isn't stopped." Kaladan replied.

Zarkon looked on with
anticipation at the huge monstrosity upon the screen. Then he
looked down and made a slashing motion across his throat. That
was the signal for the executions to begin. The guards grabbed
Danzar and began to force him toward the rack. Lotor and Kaladan
began to struggle as they watched their comrade being dragged
toward his death. Zarkon's face lit up with glee seeing the fear
in the eyes of his prisoners. Though it was not for themselves
that they feared. Lotor was about to watch his true father be
torn to pieces before his very eyes. He knew all too well what
that rack was used for. While he'd never witnessed its use, he
heard stories of the gruesome practice of its use.

"Father!" He shouted
as he struggled against the grip of the guards.

"Do not show him fear my
son! No matter what happens to me, show him no fear!" Danzar
yelled as he was taken up the steps.

Their fear turned to rage as
they glared at Zarkon. That only served to please him even
further. He relished the thought of their last moments spent in
sheer agony. So focused was he that he didn't notice one of the
guards reaching into the sides of his utility belt. Pulling out
two dagger like weapons, he aimed at the two guards as they
unbound Danzar and prepared to tie him to the rack. With deadly
accuracy he threw the daggers at the two soldiers. As Danzar
prepared to be lashed to the rack, the two guards suddenly fell
dead on their faces. The two daggers protruding out the back of
their necks.

Zarkon's glee suddenly turned
to rage as he saw the guards fall. "What the hell is
this?" He barked.

The dagger tossing guard
pulled off his helmet revealing his deep garnet colored hair. Two
other guards also threw off their helmets, one with deep purple
hair and the other with raven black locks. They knocked out the
soldiers guarding Lotor and Kaladan.

"Kezrin, you untie these
two. I'll handle the guards." Avian yelled as he punched one
soldier in the gut. Kezrin reached on the sides of his belt and
unbound two crescent shaped hand blades. Gripping the leather
handles which were similary shaped, he got behind Lotor and
Kaladan quickly slicing the ropes binding their hands.

"Come on!" He
yelled.

Though they didn't know what
to think, Lotor and Kaladan ran behind Kezrin while Avian held
off the coming soldiers. They ran toward Danzar and the garnet
haired druel who saved him. Kezrin quickly ran up the steps and
freed Danzar from his bonds. "My name is Genar. I and my two
cousins are descendents of your father Keltor. We've come to save
you and bring you back to Namoria."

"I'm not the only one you
must bring back. My son is alive. He's Leena's twin brother,
Lotor." Danzar said as he rushed down the steps.

"That would explain the
resemblence!" Genar shouted as he ran down the steps
himself. "I'm sorry I don't have time for more proper
introductions. The black haired druel is Avian, and the one with
purple hair is Kezrin. Come on! There are more soldiers
coming!" Genar shouted.

The six druels quickly huddled
close together, weapons drawn and ready for battle. The soldiers
rushed into the arena surrounding them at all corners. In the sky
box Zarkon ranted and roared his displeasure while elite guards
surrounded Coralle to keep her safe. Sylvana ordered them to take
her away through a secret entrance back into the castle. Haggar
looked down noticing Kezrin in the center of group of rouges.

"Impossible! How could he
have survived?" She cackled angrily.

Kezrin looked up seeing
Haggar's displeased facial features surrounded by the hood of her
cloak. His eyes flashed seeing her and a light began to eminiate
from his body.

"Get behind me!" He
shouted as the light began to grow. Dazar and the others huddled
in close behind him as he ordered. They all watched in amazement
as the light from his body began to grow bigger and glow brighter
as the soldiers charged toward him. Kezrin drew his left arm back
with his hand open and spread wide, fingers tightening as he
focused the energy.

"Close your eyes!"
He shouted. He thrust his raised hand foward turning the huge
glowing orb into a gigantic flash of light blinding the soldiers.
They fell to their knees covering their heads and crying out in
pain. Lotor opened his eyes seeing every soldier on the ground
writhing and furiously rubbing at his eyes trying to recover
vision. Danzar and the others also opened their eyes to see the
attack was sucessful. Amazingly, Kezrin had remained unaffected
by the blast of light.

"Way to go Kez!"
Avian yelled as he grabbed an Earth style lazer gun from his
belt. "Damn, I can't wait to get out of this damn monkey
suit!" He barked as he started shooting at the guards who
recovered their sight.

"Several soldiers are
still disabled. Grab whatever weapons you can." Danzar
instructed.

"What the hell is this!
I'm surrounded by fools and incompetents!" Zarkon roared.

Kaladan and Lotor both grabbed
swords from fallen guards as did Danzar. "Here comes another
round!" Lotor shouted.

"Good! I've been itching
for a good fight ever since we left Taebos!" Kaladan barked
as a new batch of soldiers flooded into the arena. The other
guards previously blinded began to recover their wits and joined
their bretheren. Kaladan smirked as the guards came rushing at
him. He raised his sword and charged foward roaring like a wild
animal. Limbs and heads began to fly as he swung his blade at
anything that moved toward him. But Lotor wasn't about to be left
out of the chaos. He had a lot of pent up frustration to vent out
himself, and what better way to do than with the lazon sword he
now held in his hand.

"Come on! Give me all
you've got you bastards!" He yelled as he met the onslaught
blazing the air with his sword. Chests were slashed, throats
sliced, and limbs were quickly severed at the prince's hands. It
was a reminder to the soldiers whom he once commanded just how
dangerous a swordsman he was.

But as they fled from Lotor
and Kaladan, now they faced Danzar. While he was not as young as
his son, nephews and comrade, he was still formidable with a
blade. While it didn't please him to take the lives of others, he
would do whatever was needed to protect the remains of his
family. He took down the foes that charged toward him. Genar and
Kezrin went back to back facing charging soldiers from both
directions. Kezrin crossed his arms and slashed the throats of
two guards with his hand blades, while Genar stabbed and slashed
at his foes. Zarkon watched in absolute disbelief as the body
count quickly grew.

"Let's get the hell out
of here! We've got a ship waiting in the hanger of the
castle!" Kezrin shouted.

"Yah, now let's hope we
can get there with our asses in one piece!" Avian yelled.

The six fought their way
through the guards making their way into the stands heading
toward the skybox. Noticing Coralle made her escape through the
secret entrance, that would be how they made their exit as well.
Kaladan looked into the skybox and noticed his ragged edged
broadsword was hanging next to Zarkon's throne. There too were
Lotor's twin swords in a criss crossed fashion next to Kaladan's
sword. The six made their way through the hordes of screaming
onlookers. Many ended up shoved violently to the ground so the
six druels could reach their destination. Zarkon, seeing them
heading in his direction rose from his throne. Haggar too hobbled
to make a hasty exit from the skybox.

"HAGGAR!" Kezrin
roared seeing his old enemy.

"Kezrin no! You're not
strong enough to fight her yet!" Genar shouted.

Ignoring Genar's pleas Kezrin
focused upon the skybox determined to blast Haggar into the next
galaxy. He curled his hand into a half fist with a ball of light
glowing from it. Then he drew back and shot the orb in Haggar's
direction. The blast hit the skybox but Haggar escaped just as
the energy ball hit. Zarkon however, was not as lucky. He was
knocked to the ground disoriented. What remained of his elite
guard surrounded him to keep him safe. Kezrin stumbled after
feeling the energy drained from his body after his attack against
Haggar. Genar ran to his side and helped him regain his footing.

"You and Avian are going
to put me in an early grave." He scolded sternly.

"Come on! The king's
down. Now's our chance to grab our weapons." Kaladan
replied.

He and his companions rushed
toward the skybox jumping over whatever obstacles were in their
way. They climbed through the stands until they reached the edge
of the sky box. Genar took a small harpoon like device from his
belt. He shot it upward toward the sky box. The harpoon landed
and planted itself against the edge of the railing. He planted
the other end of the rope to the edge of one of the stair like
stands. Making sure the device was secure, he grabbed the a small
wrist band connected to a zipline. Pressing a button on the
device, it carried him to the skybox. Boosting himself over the
railing he noticed Zarkon was still oblivious to what was going
on around him for the moment. He sent the zip line back down to
bring up his comrades. One by one, each of the remaining five was
lifted to the skybox, Danzar being the first and Avian being the
last. Lotor grabbed his twin swords while Kaladan reclaimed his
broadsword.

Lotor called tossed Danzar one
of his own blades. Catching the weapon, Danzar took his place
beside his son. He began to move when he felt a clawed hand grab
his ankle. Zarkon had recovered his site and grabbed Danzar
determined to bring him down. Danzar swung his blade across
Zarkon's face slashing into his right eye. The old king howled in
pain and released Danzar's ankle. Clutching at his face, Zarkon
flailed about as blood poured from the newly made wound in his
face. But he was bound and determined not to let his enemies get
away. He clumsily lunged at Lotor aiming his gold clawed sceptor
straight at his nephew's head. Danzar again struck this time
impaling Zarkon throught the right shoulder. This time the old
king went down and did not make further attempts to attack.
Danzar looked down at Zarkon for a moment. There was a part of
him that felt pity for the old king that had once been his
brother. But there was also a part of him that knew the brother
he'd grown up with had long since died.

"I found the exit. Let's
get the hell out of here." Avian called.

The six druels began exiting
the sky box. Lotor turned for a moment and looked back at Zarkon.
All he saw was hatred, and complete malice. Unlike his true
father, Lotor felt no pity for his uncle. He was a monster that
destroyed so many lives, and the suffering he now dealt with was
well deserved.

"You little bastard! I
raised you! I called you my son!" Zarkon hissed.

"Your son is dead, and he
will stay that way. I've found my true family, and you will never
have a place in it." Lotor replied coldly and headed toward
the exit leaving Zarkon spitting curses in both druel and terran
language. Soldiers poured into the sky box to see to the king.
Instead of focusing on the escaping rebels, they put their
energies into getting the king to safety. Many of them ended up
on the floor as a result of the king's wrath. While he was
blinded in one eye, his rage was no less potent. While they
battled to get the king stablelized, Danzar and his crew raced
through the secret passage into the castle. Coralle and Sylvana
had long since made their escape. Haggar too was no where to be
found.

As soon as they made it into
the castle they were met by more guards, and as before, those
guards fell. But knowing they couldn't take on the entire castle,
the six made their way to the hanger where their cruiser was
waiting. Unfortunately, the cruiser was surrounded by Zarkon's
robotic soldiers.

"Oh this is just fucking
wonderful!" Avian cursed.

Lotor turned to Kaladan with a
wicked smirk. "Feel like putting that sword of yours to good
use?" He asked.

"Absolutely."
Kaladan said tapping the blade against his hand. With a warning
swing he marched towards the soldiers dodging their lazer fire
while his comrades scattered to give him backup. The robot guards
charged toward Kaladan only to lose their heads and have their
rifles hacked to pieces. It didn't take long for Kaladan to
effectively neutralize most of the soldiers. Those that remained
were cut down by Lotor and his kin. Afterwards the six druels
boarded the cruiser and prepared to leave.

"Let's get this thing out
of here before they blast us to the four winds." Genar said
as everyone got seated and strapped in.

"Everybody in?"
Avian asked checking the view screen.

"We're ready."
Danzar answered.

As hordes of soldiers poured
into the hanger, the ship started to lift off the floor. All they
could do was shoot their rifles at the ship as it lifted off the
floor and prepared to rocket out of the hanger. The massive doors
to the hanger began to close. The six passengers looked at each
other wondering what they were going to do now.

"Don't worry bout the
hanger doors. Leave those to me." Kezrin said.

"You sure you can handle
this?" Avian asked.

"I can handle it. Just be
ready to get us out of here when I give the word." Kezrin
answered as he closed his eyes. Focusing upon the hanger doors, a
light began to eminate from his body. It outlined him like a full
body halo. The others looked on in amazement as the doors
suddenly stopped and began to reverse.

"I can't hold the doors
open for long. Get us out of here." Kezrin said straining
against the force of his powers.

"You got it." Avian
said shoving a lever forward rocketing the cruiser out of the
hanger. As they shot from the landing bay the light from Kezrin's
body suddenly vanished and he slumped foward.

"Kezrin? You all right
back there?" Avian asked.

"I'll be fine. I'm just
feeling drained, that's all." Kezrin answered.

"You need to take it easy
once we get back to Namoria. You've got to be more careful
Kezrin. It's been a while since you've used your powers."
Genar replied.

"I've never seen a druel
who could do that." Lotor said.

"Kezrin is unique among
druels. He inherited these powers from his mother. But he doesn't
use them unless he has to. He had a run in with Haggar some time
back. He won the dual she challenged him too, but it almost cost
him his life. He had to be put into hybernation sleep for over a
year. It was the only way to save his life. He's harbored ill
against Haggar ever since." Genar explained.

"Damned witch. I almost
had her too." Kezrin growled.

"Let it go Kezrin. The
time will come when you can take her on again, but not right
now." Genar replied.

"You...you three are
related to my grandfather?" Lotor asked.

"Yes. We're all grandsons
of Keltor. Along with princess Leena, we're the last of his line.
Zarkon wiped out everyone else. Our parents, our uncles and
aunts, our other cousins, everyone we knew are gone." Genar
answered.

"And you are the lost son
of our king, Danzar." Kezrin said wearily.

"Yes. My friend Kaladan
and I were captured by a woman working for my uncle. We were
brought back to planet Doom as prisoners. That's where I learned
the truth about my real father and my family." Lotor
replied.

"Something told me you
were part of our family when I saw you being led out of the
dungeons. Your resemblence to Keltor is amazing." Genar
said.

"I saw a brief glimpse of
him in a dream I had. I saw his death at the hands of my
uncle." The young prince stated.

"It was no mere dream.
Our grandfather has spoken to those of us who remain in one way
or another. He came to us speaking of the prophecy. He spoke of
an heir, a descendent who will carry his spirit into battle
against Zarkon. Naturally, princess Leena assumed it would be her
father Danzar who would be chosen. That's when we knew the time
had come to make our way to planet Doom to rescue him."
Genar replied.

"It is not me Genar. I've
not the strength to pass the test. There is only one here who can
face the challenge to claim Keltor's spirit." Danzar
explained and then looked straight at his son. Lotor's eyes
widened when he realized what his father was eluding to.

"Me?"

"Yes my son. You are the
one who can carry Keltor's spirit into battle. You are the one
who can face the challenge and claim the spirit of your
grandfather. You are the only one who can grant him the eternal
peace he has not been able to find himself." Danzar
answered.

"How do you know I'm the
one? My grandfather was noble and strong. If anything, I've been
a blight upon his name. I followed in my uncle's footsteps just
as he wanted me to. It was only when I met Allura that I began to
change my way of thinking, and even then, I was too damn stubborn
to realize how I felt for her. I brought her and her people
nothing but pain and misery. I'm not worthy of carrying anyone's
spirit let alone my grandfather's." Lotor said lowering his
head.

"You and your grandfather
are very much alike. Remember that at one time he too thought as
you did. He brought civilizations to their knees all in the name
of the empire. And like you, it was a woman who helped him
realize how wrong his actions were. It was Loeena who made him
see the suffering of those around him. Through her, he began to
realize he was not adding to the prosperity of the empire. He was
sending young men to their deaths and driving innocent people to
their knees. And when his eyes were opened to the etrocities he
was helping to create, he turned away from that life and never
looked back. But his greatest downfall was never reconciling his
past. He was haunted by the lives destroyed at his hands. The
death of his sister in law Namora haunted him the rest of his
life. He was slain by his own son, and many more died at the
hands of that very son. He has carried guilt upon his soul and
cannot find peace.. Even after renouncing the empire, the
darkness of his past hovered over him like a dark cloud, and
instead of reconciling with it. He tried to repress it, and hide
it from all he loved. And it took the form of your uncle, Zarkon.
You must not make the same mistake Keltor made. You must make
peace with yourself." Danzar explained.

"I hate to break up the
father and son moment, but we got company." Avian said
pointing to the cruiser's screen.

"Zarkon's sending
fighters after us." Genar replied pointing to the screen

"Hang on! I'm gonna try
to shake em off!" Avian yelled as he prepared for evasive
manuvers. A fleet of small fighters raced behind Avian and his
crew. Lines of lazer fire shot out from the vessles trying to
shoot down the escaping cruiser. The ship zig zaged and made
quick up and down manuvers dodging the barrage of shots. Lotor
and the others felt the straps of their safety belts press hard
against their chests and stomachs as they were jostled about by
Avian's manuvering.

"Hang on!" Avian
yelled as he pulled the navigational bar backwards. The ship shot
straight upward and looped once ending up behind the small
fighter unit.

"Warn me when you do that
again." Genar said hanging onto the arms of his seat.

"Hang on cause things are
about to get interesting." Avian said smirking as he pushed
a button revealing a small key pad.

"Avian, what are you
about to do?" Genar asked with a worried look on his face.

"Oh, I'm just gonna try
out the upgrades I made to this cruiser." Avian answered
calmly.

"You didn't tell me you
made upgrades to the cruiser." Genar said somewhat sternly.

"More importantly, I
didn't tell them either." Avian said as he shot the vessle
right into the middle of the fleet.

"What the hell are you
doing? We're in the killing fields!" Kaladan shouted.

"Surprise!" Avian
shouted punching the big red button in the middle of the key pad.
Small cannons shot out of the walls of the cruiser and began
simutainiously firing. Taking the navigational bar, Avian began
spinning the ship counter clock wise letting missles fire from
the cannons shooting every fighter that surrounded the cruiser.
After just a few rotations the small fleet had been completely
destroyed.

"Problem solved."
Avian said as debris and ash fell around the cruiser. "Now
let's get the hell out of here before reinforcments show
up." He replied shifting the cruiser into lightspeed away
from planet Doom. Lotor and the others breathed a sigh of relief
as they sped away.

"Set cordinates for
Namoria." Genar said.

"Got it." Avian
replied.

**********************************************************

On Namoria, Leena paced back
and fourth in the control center. She didn't pace as a man would,
simply walking from one side to the other. She walked all over
the room looking around and playing with her hair. It was a
nervous habit she'd had since childhood. Several maids would try
to talk her into perhaps relaxing in the garden or in her
bedroom, but the princess would not be moved. They could see the
worry in her gold cat like eyes and the continuous twitching of
her hands as she walked. She stopped suddenly when she heard
Genar's voice over the intercom.

"Leena, we've found him.
We've found your father. We're on route to Namoria and should be
there by nightfall."

"Genar! You've found him?
He's alive? Is he all right?" She asked frantically.

"He's right here Leena.
I'll let you talk to him." Genar answered.

"Leena! Leena are you all
right?" Danzar asked trying to keep his emotions at bay.

"Yes! Father is that
really you?" Leena cried as tears of joy began to pour from
her eyes.

"It's me. I'm coming home
Leena. I'm finally coming home." Danzar answered trying to
hold back his own tears.

"Father! I knew one day
you would return! I knew it! Grandfather Keltor told me you
would!" Leena exclaimed.

"Leena, there's someone
else coming home with me." Danzar said.

"Who father? Who is
coming with you?" Leena asked trying to calm herself down.

"Your twin brother."

"Brother?"

to be continued...
- 15
- 16
- 17
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Redemption and Destiny