acatalepsy_logs | [closed] i wish we'd met before;

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[closed] i wish we'd met before;

Who: Princess Allura & ~~Prince~~ Emperor Lotor
Where: Struxta
When: backdated, threads taking place throughout 7/11-7/16
Rating PG for now?
What: the two nobles lived together in harmony. then, everything changed when S6 attacked.

7/11 - the jump
[Without a teludav or mode of transportation in sight, Allura had wondered just how the Circle would be transported into a new world. She knew bits and pieces from what little she was told by the others, and from her own experience of having been dragged here unannounced, but when it finally does happen, it happens and for all the space travel and reality jumping Allura has done in the past, the strange magical pull in her stomach and the disorientation of being yanked from one end of the universe to another without a vessel still has her feeling a bit queasy for the first few ticks of her arrival.

But afterwards, she gathers herself and her senses and begins to poke around the room in the hostel in which it seems everyone in the Circle will be staying at. She'll want to explore this world, figure out just what it is that Astoria says seems chaotic. Her connection to the life energy around her has been cut, kept within instead of being able to reach out and feel for others, so it's a frustration she still needs to learn to get over.

But before setting out, she will want to meet with the others of her team from home. To make heads of how they're all feeling, to discuss this world and Astoria and the vague situation at hand. And while ordinarily she'd reach out to Shiro first, him being the most knowledgeable and the leader, she feels the desire to message someone else instead.

Privately, she messages Lotor. In a way that Astoria cannot look and construe any other way but amicable should she choose to look at her device's history.]

Lotor? How are you faring following the jump? I would like to see you.

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[It takes her a bit to reach the ground level of the Hostel. Her room may not be as high up as the building itself, but even all the technology in the world couldn't help her properly navigate what little she knows of this place any faster. But, luckily, she doesn't get lost.

The ground floor itself is...just as massive as the looming Hostel itself. Upon arrival she only had a cursory look around before settling into her room to gather herself, so now she allows herself to be a bit wide-eyed and impressed with the structure, pace slowing as she looks around, passing by other members of the Circle, and taking a mental note of the Welcome Committee.

Lotor is easy to spot, his shock of white hair and imposing figure standing around in the lobby has her pausing for a moment to consider him as he waits. She blushes, happily, and steadying that small beat of joy she feels whenever she sees him, she approaches.]

Sorry to keep you waiting. This place is far larger than I anticipated.

[She's remained in her paladin armour, both from a lack of a proper change of clothes, and also because this world may present itself as harmless for now, she'd be remiss if she dressed down in her flightsuit only to encounter trouble.

Also, luckily, Platt has remained resting in her room. So it it truly just the two of them.]

[ it reminds him, vaguely, of home. -- or, well, certain parts of home. his main station is just as looming and magnificent, in part, and the abundance of technology certainly feels familiar. but it is massive, and there is plenty to look at while he waits -- demonstrated by how lotor isn't looking at allura, when she finds him first, his arms crossed loosely over his chest to peer around the high ceilings, taking note of the robotic guards . . .

but he hears allura's voice, and he turns, greeting her with a smile. he, too, is still in his armor, reluctant to let his guard down. he unfolds his arms, inclining his head slightly in greeting. ]

It is large, but it is certainly nothing as splendid or grand as your Castle, I'm afraid.

[ lotor is half convinced the prison cell on the castle had been bigger than his room here, but he keeps that opinion (perhaps wisely) to himself.

he then offers a hand, for her to take, if she so chooses. ]

Where do you want to explore first?

[Smiling back, she's eager to take his offered hand in hers. Following their time together at the festival, she's felt far more at ease with easy, simple touches, tethering herself to him.]

It could use a lot of redecorating. If only Coran were here... [She says it idly, with the ease of a passing joke, though her voice does trail off a bit at the mention of her advisor. Her hand squeezes Lotor for a tick, unthinkingly, as though to reassure herself of his presence, before turning around to look about the lobby.] I was thinking of seeing what this place offers in terms of food, seeing as this world seems to only house inorganic life. But...have you spoken with the Welcome Committee, yet?

The food is terrible.

[ he says it without hesitation, his tone not quite annoyed, but it's clear that he is not impressed. ]

Reminiscent of what the Castle creates, but with somehow less flavor. Clearly protein and vitamin based, to keep people alive, without any of the flavor . . . your Yellow Lion would have a fit. [ hunk would have a cat-niption over this trash and honestly it is 100% warranted. but at her question of the welcoming committee, lotor allows a soft noise in his throat. distrust. ]

I have, but not much luck in obtaining information about the goals of this place. The androids seem to be controlled or connected by something called the Mass Subconsciousness -- it's as mysterious as it sounds. There is a Library, and also something known as the Races.

{ lotor 100% sounds interested in both the library and the races but something about the concept of the races seems a little more exciting. ]

Other than that, they told me to enjoy my time, and went about their way.

Oh... [She frowns, looking displeased at his answer. Not that she believes the Castle-ship's typical cuisine is bad without Hunk's flourish added to them, but the idea of bland sustenance for the duration of their stay is...

Perhaps this is how the paladins felt when first dining aboard the Castle-ship.] Hunk would certainly have a fit, but then would try to figure out a solution to such an unappetizing dilemma.

[A pout. Of course Lotor has already accomplished the few ideas she had on hand, not that it's unsurprising: he's a shrewd man, calculating and leaving no stone un-turned. But her ears perk at the mention of a library, and the races.]

Astoria did say before our arrival that she felt something stirring. [Not that she trusts this Witch, but finally being able to put a proper face to a name certainly gave her some better insight as to the strange machinations of this Circle. She seems young, something she didn't quite expect from someone referred to by others as a Witch, and Allura shares an understanding of following something based on how you feel.] I am sure if we searched the library we would learn more of this world and what they mean by the Mass Subconsciousness, perhaps even find information which gives us a clue to whatever it is Astoria feels from this place. But...

Maybe we should see what these races are all about?

[ the smart thing to do would be go to to the library, and lotor won't lie -- he has an overwhelming urge to do so. the need to understand what they're doing here, and the need for knowledge, is nearly palpable. and the sooner they figure it out, the sooner they can leave, and the sooner they can go home.

. . . but: ]

You want to go to the Races?

[ almost impressed, as he tugs her hand -- slightly, a bit coy, toward the exit of the lobby. that certainly sounds like a more fun excursion, a chance to see the less idyllic parts of the city, a chance to understand struxta, and -- perhaps most importantly: ]

I fly fast, Princess.

[ a chance to show off, if given the opportunity. ]

So I can recall. [She's seen him fly, witnessed it firsthand. Her first true excursion as the Paladin of the Blue Lion is not one she'll forget, even if times have changed and new alliances occurred. The fear and frustration she had felt initially has been replaced with that of a joyous one, with finally finding her place with Blue. Coming to an understanding with her Lion to free herself from danger.

Funny, even before they became allies, Lotor has helped her once before, in a way.

Falling in step with him, his coy tugging at her has her heart skipping another beat or two. She allows herself to be coy as well, lacing her fingers between his, punctuating it with a small nudge with her elbow. Gentle. Playful.]

But I have outmaneuvered you before.

[ the comment and nudge earns a slight laugh, and lotor guides her toward the door, their minds seemingly made up. races it is. ]

I will concede a single defeat.

[ a single one!!! ]

But if you're certain, we can investigate the lower edges of town, to see if the androids there are similarly situated to these. And perhaps a race or two, if they're willing to allow us to test a bike.

[She responds with a light laugh of her own, her free hand coming up to her mouth in order to quell it.]

Of course. A single defeat...for now.

[A challenge! But a fun one. And the promise of investigating the lower portions of the city has a certain mysterious edge to it. To learn more of this world in a way beyond meeting fellow leaders and rulers, getting to see what the people...er...androids here do for recreation--

It's exciting.]

And I am positively certain. Sometimes the best way to understand the denizens of a world is to understand what it is they do for recreation.

[And as they make their way from the Hostel and through the main streets of Struxta, she looks around. Her voice pitches a bit low, for only Lotor to hear.]

Especially since I did not know androids could have fun. If that's what these races are for.

[ for now. a challenge, indeed, one that lotor is intent on winning. but as they walk through the streets, heading (vaguely) toward the races, lotor glances down toward her, interested in why she was suddenly lowering her voice --

ah. ]

I confess that I've never bothered to properly ask if they were capable of fun. They have a set purpose, and they see that purpose . . . which, truth be told, seems to be how this world works.

[ curiously enough. the world is immaculate, and everything does seem to be clockwork . . . thusfar. ]

But the imposition of racing for sport is a little odd, now that you say it. Particularly for such a utilitarian environment.

[Nodding, she takes in the sights and sounds of a city that is remarkably alien and...seemingly perfect, while still remaining ever-cognizant of Lotor's presence beside her.

There is something, admittedly, to be admired by a city that has seemed to have achieved something that appears to be true peace. But there's something about it that sours the thought, thinking to a reality that could have been, and when thinking to the non-cogs her mind drifts to what Lotor had mentioned.

The Mass Subconsciousness.]

A utilitarian environment... [she echoes that phrase, voice still low, and looking away from the sights her gaze grows a bit hooded in thought.] It's strange. I know we've only just arrived here, and perhaps we will feel differently further away from the city's center, but I simply cannot understand what Astoria means by chaos.

Racing is something that people like Lance and Keith [the best and easiest examples of chaos and unpredictability she can think of tbh] would enjoy. Unless these races are a means to try and test new technologies...

[But she's no Pidge and no Hunk, so the thought of new technologies stops there. Her area of expertise still remains in diplomacy and, now, with the research of alchemy and magic.]

[ indeed, in this perfect world, there doesn't seem to be anything . . . wrong. but it's in that perfection that has lotor suspicious; perfection simply does not exist, no matter how desperately you strive to attain it. and no world is free of flaws.

no, something is wrong, here. it just lies deeper than the surface-level beauty that is the city. ]

I've seen many worlds rise and fall, and none of them have ever been perfect.

[ it's said without much fanfare, but there's a subtle weight, in the words. ten thousand years is a long time; no civilization lasts forever, and even the most perfect and idyllic creations are stomped out, eventually. in their world, it was mostly thanks to zarkon. here? lotor hasn't figured it out yet.

but he soon abandons that subject, giving her a slightly knowing look, at her talk of the races, and when lotor speaks, he sounds amused: ]

You? Not one for adrenaline?

[ please. ]

I cannot think of a single other person better suited to navigating raceways of certain death and destruction than you, but if you think you'll lose, I'll spare you the spectacle and explore them on my own.

[ #challenge :) ]

[What he says hangs between them with that subtle weight, knowing fully well that Lotor has indeed witnessed the rise and fall of many worlds, all lost to the deathgrip of his father. And while that era may soon be ended with their alliance and the death of Zarkon, she still gently squeezes Lotor's hand reassuringly, remembering the story of the planet he had overseen and lost.

The loss of Altea was one she never witnessed. The moment she woke, all that remained were skeletons of lost planets, including her own.

Instead, for now, she'll focus on the topic of the races, Lotor's teasing amusement getting another laugh from her, and she gives him a wry look.]

I was just using those two as an example; I am far more composed when it comes to challenges than Lance. [a....lie.] You seem quick to not want to race me...too bad for you I will not leave you alone to your own devices.

[challenge indeed.

also, she dares a more obvious tinge of flirtation.]

I will enjoy the spectacle-- of you coming in second behind me.

Well, you know what they say about goals; they do begin as dreams.

[ a dry quip, thought he squeeze to his hand does not go unnoticed. it causes a stir in his chest, a quiet warmth to spread -- something he hadn't expected, in meeting her. she was supposed to be a simple stepping stone to obtaining what was truly needed for the universe, but here . . .

well. there's no need to think about the universe, here and now, correct? they're here to explore this world, figure out how to get out of it, and most immediately, obtain two racing bikes so lotor can prove allura wrong. ]

Did you fly much, as a child? Before Voltron, before the Paladins. [ he sounds a little curious; they're edging closer to the racing district, moving through streets that contain a multitude of storefronts and machine shops. ] It doesn't seem like much of a dignified activity becoming of a Princess of Altea, but you've proven me wrong in every other respect thusfar.

[She makes a small noise between her teeth, something between a 'pish' and a laugh, rolling her eyes at the dry quip. But...it's nice.

She likes this.

She likes him.

It's not even a revelation that comes as a surprise to her. It's something she's felt ever since they started to truly become allies. When they spent time together in Haggar's study. He's...good.]

I flew quite a bit, actually. [She smiles, looking proud.] My father would teach me whenever he could. Not...that I ever thought I'd become a paladin myself, nor did I exactly learn to fly with the intention to race, but I was not a sheltered child.

[There's more she wants to say. Like asking him what he thought would be becoming for an Altean Princess. What he had expected of her before he actually knew her?

But. She still knows so little of him. She knows his childhood, with a father like Zarkon, was hardly good and well-rounded like hers had been. But even still--

They're almost to the racing district now.]

What about you? Did you fly for sport when you were young?

[ there's a natural hesitance, before answering the question, because talking about his childhood with much anyone is a show of weakness, and vulnerability. but he has already shared with allura far more than he has with anyone else, about how he feels, concerning the empire. his family. no one else knows, really, how deeply troubled he is by it, or how much he wants to break away from it.

it's refreshing, almost. to be himself.

still, there's a slight hum at her question, considering it carefully before answering. ]

I have a natural talent for it. [ it's approximately 50/50, in terms of truth and modest boasting. ] But racing for sport, for me, across the galaxy, wasn't safe, when I was younger. I wasn't sheltered, necessarily, but far too many people wanted my father dead, and would have taken me instead, had they been given the proper opportunity.

[ not that zarkon would have cared, but lotor didn't want his head on a stake. so he stuck close to where he was safe, while he learned how to take care of himself. ]

I mostly stuck close to the bases, rather than the outer colonies, when I was young. Once I was old enough to leave and no one could stop me without being defeated in combat, I did, and I never turned back . . . until I had to.

[ he pauses. ]

I spent most of my childhood reading, studying. Preparing for my ascent to the throne. [ there's a slight shrug of his shoulders ] I got much better at racing after I was exiled. No one caught me unless I wanted to be caught.

[ including, as it were, the paladins. ]

[For all the sights and sounds that surround them, her attention does focus squarely on Lotor as he talks. She finds that it's easy to pay attention to him, even among a more fantastical setting, and there's a small warmth of appreciation coiling deep in her heart as he talks a bit more of his past, knowing that with an upbringing like his it may not have been easy to do things for fun.

Again, she gives his hand a light and gentle squeeze, and her expression softens with a smile of admiration, almost adoration, especially when he speaks of his more studious side.

She can picture it: a young Lotor settled in his quarters with a large tome of an ancient book. But the mention of his exile does put that calm and quiet image of him studying away.]

For what it's worth, allowing us to capture you has lead to something great. And again, I really do apologize for how we treated you in the earlier days of your alliance with us.

[she has to say it again. truly feeling this way. and now they've made their way officially to to the racing sign up, but Allura does pause her steps to turn and face Lotor, to hold both his hands in hers now, looking very much appreciative and very much sweet, seeming like she's about to go into how amazing she thinks him to be---]

But...I will beat you in this race.

You were being rightfully cautious.

[ it's said at once, seemingly unbothered by it, though he stops when allura does, the tug on his hands bringing him to pause as she faces him. and he offers her a faint smile, at the words. there's a warmth in his chest, at how she looks at him, full of admiration. it's not something he receives, a lot -- despite being emperor of half the known galaxy, he knows that is not a beloved role. and it likely never will be a beloved role -- no, he has a lot of work, to undo what zarkon has done.

but allura is something that he never expected, in that journey. it's different. and he waits, patiently, for her to continue speaking, when -- ]

[ . . . a challenge.

there's a laugh that escapes at her comment, entertained at the thought (and the switch in demeanor, from her, honestly), before he inclines his head toward the entrance of the races. the whirr of the engines can be heard, by now, and he brings one of her hands to his lips, to kiss the back of it. ]

Of course.

[ an??? acquiescence??? an acceptance of defeat??? but as he gently tugs her along, to resume walking toward the entrance: ]

Your hopes are so high that it's going to make me feel guilty when I defeat you.

[ ;) ]

[She's being playful. Purely playful. Because there really is a certain comfort she finds with Lotor that she's not felt in quite some time, with someone who feels like they are something close to home, in a universe that still feels incredibly different in the wake of a despotic Emperor.

And being stuck in this current situation with him only fosters this feeling, in a way she hasn't had with the other paladins.

She laughs in turn, but it's cut short when he raises her hand, kisses it, and the warmth of him lingers hot and bold against her skin. It feels less an act of nobility, and more an act of something else...much like how it had been during the impromptu festival at the Temple.

She's blushing, lost in that feeling to where his gentle tug brings her back down to the here and now of whatever it is they are doing (racing, Allura, you're to race him).]

R-right. [She's back to lacing her fingers through his, still focusing on something else entirely that really, must have been an innocuous gesture of chivalrous respect and old habit between royalty. She sets that at the forefront of her thoughts, swallowing whatever feelings are beginning to settle at her heart, and her voice returns to a more confident cadence and less a young woman with flutter-bys trapped in her stomach.] Luckily, you will not have to feel such guilt.

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[closed] i wish we'd met before;

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