There has to be an After for Us ~ (shadam / klance)

Chapter 23 - Queen Melenor

"Mother," gasped Allura, taking in the vision before her. Melenor was in her finest splendor, dressed in her most formal robes (in pink, her mother's signature colour) and wearing the crown of Altea, reserved only for the most auspicious of occasions.

"Allura, darling," said Melenor.

"Oh mother!" cried Allura running towards her and being swept into her embrace. "I had no idea I would see you. I've missed you so much and so much has happened since you passed."

"I know, Allura," said Melenor, holding her daughter close. "I've been able to see all of it. As much as I wish to hear the story in your own words, I cannot for we do not have much time and there are things you need to hear."

"What is it, mother?" asked Allura.

"I want to say that I am proud of you," said Melenor. Allura felt tears well up in her eyes. "I want to... But I cannot."

"What?" asked Allura, leaning back from the hug.

"Young lady, I need you to explain exactly what you think you are doing," Melenor said sternly. Then she threw her arms up in the air, exasperated and said, "Never mind. I know the answer, you're acting just like your father."

"I am acting like father? How?" asked Allura, still in shock.

********

10,000 years ago...

"Stay in formation," ordered Melenor over the commlink. "We are approaching the Galran fleet."

Melenor could see it growing closer on the screen of her Altean fighter ship. The Galran fleet outnumbered hers two to one, but that wouldn't matter as it would all come down to strategy.

"Need a little help, your majesty," came Gyrgan's voice over the commlink.

"It is Captain in this context, but yes, I will always accept the aid of the Lions," responded Melenor, her chances of winning this battle had improved. She saw Yellow, Green, and Blue fly into her peripheral view. "Where is my husband?"

"Flying the castleship," answered Trigel. "Standing by as back up."

Melenor would've rather had him on the frontlines with her, however, that was not her call. "I'll lead Exus squad. Yellow, you take Plexis squad. Green, Ceedus. Blue, Flee."

The Lions followed Melenor's orders, peeling off to take over the lead of their assigned squadrons. Melenor pushed forward, engaging with the first wave of Galran figthers, leading the charge against them.

"...heavy losses..."

"...major hit..."

"...jaydus squad has been wiped out..."

Melenor barked orders at her troops, redirecting ships to where their weak spots were.

Blaytz's voice came over the commlink. "Flee squad is surrounded... Please, if I die, get a message to my husband. Tell him I love him."

"You say that every time and you haven't died yet," said Trigel.

"Hang on a tick, Blaytz," said Melenor. "I'm bringing Exus bailto you out."

Melenor did a turn and led her squad to fire upon the Galra fighters corning Blaytz's squad. More cries of distress came over the commlink. The losses in this battle were already great and climbing. Melenor barked orders to her troops, moving them to the best positions she could. They would make a dent in the Galran infantry, even if it were the last thing they did.