As Cold as Fire [VOLTRON Keith X OC]

The Rise of Voltron (part 2)

Coran took Allura to the castle's memory chamber. He silently motioned for Riley to come as well, who was grateful.

"Coran, what is this?" Allura asked in wonder.

"King Alfor knew there was a chance he might never see you again. So, his memories, his very being, were stored in this computer for you."

Allura approached the computer. Riley stepped forward hesitantly, but when Allura sent a deathly glare in her direction, she decided to step away.

A burst of light changed the chamber to a vision of Altea only Allura could see. A huge green field, filled with beautiful, delicate pink flowers that took Allura's breath away. It was all just as she remembered, only making it more painful. Suddenly she turned to see Riley standing there too, looking quite determined.

"What are you doing here?" Allura spat.

"He's my father too," Riley replied calmly, "I deserve to see him just as much as you do."

"He," Allura seethed, "is not your father, and you know it." Riley blinked away pointless tears.

"Allura, stop this. It wasn't my fault and you know it."

Allura clenched her fists, and turned away. "You killed her."

Riley had heard these words too many times, but each time, it sent chills down her spine, an aching pain in her heart.

"No, I didn't," she whispered.

A holographic image of King Alfor began flickering on the computer, gaining both their attention.

"Father! Father, it is so good to see you," Allura ran toward him in joy. Riley stayed back. It's okay. She thought. She just wanted to see him one last time. That was enough for her.

"Allura, my child, how I've missed your face."

Allura knelt by the hologram, spreading her legs on the soft grass of Altea, "I'm so frightened. A Galra ship is set to attack, and I don't know what to do. Please, Father, I need your help." She looked unbearably helpless to Riley.

Alfor sighed, "I would do anything to take this burden from you."

"I don't know if we should run to preserve what we have or stay and risk everything. I want to fight, but the Paladins of old are gone," she looked up at him, "I know what you would do."

Alfor nodded, "I scattered the Lions of Voltron to keep them out of Zarkon's hands. You urged me to keep them and fight, but, for the greater good of protecting the universe, I chose to hide them."

Allura looked away sadly, "I think I understand."

"No, daughter, you were right," Alfor corrected her, surprising them both, "I made a terrible mistake, one that cost the universe countless lives. Forming Voltron is the only way to stop Zarkon. You must be willing to sacrifice everything to assemble the Lions and correct my error." Allura seemed a little shaken, but nodded anyway. She left the fake Altea, trying not to look back. Riley turned to follow her.

"Riley, my daughter," he called.

Riley turned to look in surprise. Then anger boiled in her guts. He'd never called her that before, and he wanted to start now?

"Yes, your majesty?" she muttered.

His eyes looked gentle, welcoming. Hers were steel cold. Riley willed herself to look away.

"She'll come around eventually," he said.

Riley clenched her fists, "Why do I have to be the patient one?!" she yelled. It was so much easier knowing he was a hologram. "She's older, she should be the mature one! But no, I have to be patient for my whole life, just hoping she'll accept me one day! She knows the truth, but she can't f*cking accept it! You know what, Alfor, I'm done waiting for her!"