Next to the Black Lion Arcade, the Red Lion's Action Zone was popular among park guests. A room full of rock climbing walls, a trampoline section, kid friendly obstacle courses and the main feature called, The Gauntlet. An intense obstacle course that included a "lily pad" jump, an incline, rope swing, columns, a crawl space under ropes and finally, a rock wall leading to a bell at the top. They keep time records for guests who try it but there's also staff time records. Keith made it an initiation ritual for any new employee to the Red Lion were to undergo the time trial and Allura was no exception. Before the doors were open, Keith had gathered his staff together with his assistant manager, Acxa a young woman with short black hair.

"Alright everyone, gather round! Gauntlet initiation time! Please welcome Allura, who will be taking on the challenge. You ready?"

Allura was wearing black workout pants with a red shirt and bare feet.

"I'm ready," she responded.

"Acxa will be keeping time. The record is currently 2:04 for staff records. On your mark, get set. Go," yelled Keith.

Allura took off like a shot over the lily pads and up the incline with ease. The other staff members watched in awe at her speed and agility. Keith looked at the timer and was impressed. The moment Allura hit the bell at the top of the rock wall, Acxa hit the button to stop the timer. The other staff members went to see what the time was.

"Holy crap," said Antok.

"She even beat my time," said Zethrid.

"Everyone beats your time," said Regris.

"Shut up," Zethrid snapped back.

"How did I do," asked Allura.

"Not only did you beat the record, but also Shiro's personal best," answered Acxa.

"Congrats Allura," smiled Keith. "You're going on the Staff Hall of Fame. Go get changed and Acxa and I will go over your duties for today."

Allura smiled and rushed to the locker room to change into a red polo shirt while everyone else congratulated her along the way. Just as she was changing, Acxa walked in to wash her hands.

"You did amazing on the course. I've never seen someone so fast and agile," Acxa commented.

"Years of gymnastics and track," Allura answered.

"So why aren't you doing something with that? You clearly have the talent for it."

Allura tensed up and kept quiet; Acxa noticed right away.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get too personal."

"It's alright; it's a long story but not quite ready to tell yet."

"Understand, I'm sorry for bringing up any bad memories."

"Not bad, more bittersweet."

"Hey ladies! Keith is asking for you," yelled Zethrid.

The first few days, Allura worked the check-in desk. Making sure the guest had their waivers filled out and fitted with climbing harnesses and letting them know which areas are for adults and which are for children. Shiro still managed to steal her away for lunch and that didn't go unnoticed by Keith and Acxa.

"I hear they eat down at the Pit all the time," said Acxa.

"Yeah, Hunk says that Shay keeps spying on them every time," said Keith.

"She just can't stop playing matchmaker can she," snickered Acxa.

"Well, she got us together didn't she," smirked Keith.

"That she did," smiled Acxa as she kissed Keith's cheek.

Later that week, Allura was working the floor when she noticed a man with his son trying to climb the more advanced rock walls.

"Sir, this wall is for more experienced climbers. I'm afraid your son is too young for it. He needs to be over by the smaller walls," she gestured to the far right area where younger kids where climbing shorter walls.

The dad was not having it.

"My son is capable of climbing the bigger ones."

"I'm sure he is but for his safety he needs to be over there."

The two argued a bit more till Keith walked over and told the man to either leave or take his son to the correct area. The man huffed and dragged his kid away. Later, Allura was helping clean up the harness racks when Shiro stepped in.

"Hey, you about ready?"

"Almost. Just need to finish this up and I can take my lunch."

Just as she was saying that, a young girl ran up to them.

"Miss! My younger brother! He needs help!"

Both Allura and Shiro rushed to see what the issue was. The girl led them to the advanced rock climbing wall. Up high was the same little boy who tried to climb the wall before.

"Where is your father," asked a frantic Allura.

"He's getting a snack or something," cried the girl.

"Can you give me a description," asked Shiro calmly.

While the girl did that, Allura began to climb up to get the boy with no harness on. She managed to get to him quickly.

"Sweetie, I need you to grab onto me okay."

"I'm scared," the boy cried.

"I know, it's okay. I'm right here. Just grab onto me and I'll get you down."

Allura managed to get the boy to latch onto her like a monkey and she began to climb down. Unfortunately, her foot slipped and she lost her grip. The two began to fall while Allura tried her best to take the brunt of it. What she didn't expect was the extra soft landing. She opened her eyes to see both Shiro and Keith who had managed to drag a large mat. Shiro and Keith were not happy.

"Are you crazy?! Why didn't you put on gear," cried Keith.

"Please try not to be so reckless," pleaded Shiro.

"Guys, please! You're scaring the boy," stated Allura.

"What the heck did you do to my kid?!"

Everyone turned to see the dad had finally made an appearance. Keith glared at the man.

"Where were you?! Your kid managed to get himself stuck on a climbing wall he had no business being on and nearly got himself and one of my staff hurt! We had warned you time and time again to watch your children! Get your son and get out!"

By now, Keith and the dad were getting in each other's face till Shiro and Acxa stepped in. Acxa took Keith one way while Shiro addressed the dad in a more calm tone.

"Sir, this was a serious situation and we cannot allow behavior like this to continue. We would like for you to take your family and please leave the premises."

"No! I don't need to leave! I came here with my family and we are staying to get our money's worth!"

"Sir, we'd be happy to refund you but you need to leave now. I will escort you myself."

Shiro's serious face and voice told the man that he should do as he was told. He grabbed his kids and stormed off with Shiro not far behind. Keith, who was a lot calmer, and Acxa came back.

"Why don't you take the rest of the afternoon off Allura," said Keith.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, thanks for rescuing the kid. Just make sure you have the proper gear on first."

"Duly noted. See you tomorrow."

Allura made her way to grab her stuff and then proceeded to the fountain at the center of the park. She sat there to give herself a bit to shake off the craziness of the day when she saw Shiro make his way toward her.

"Keith gave you the afternoon off?"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"Keith usually does that when he notices his employees are having a tough a time. Gives them a chance to clear their head for the next day." There was an awkward silence that followed till Shiro cleared his throat. "You know, this is the second time I've had to catch you from falling."

"Technically, it was a mat but I appreciate you being there. You always seem to show up at the right moment," Allura smiled.

Shiro blushed a bit and bit his tongue, preventing him from saying what he really wanted to say. That he can't seem to stay away from her. No way would he ever tell her that though.

"Well, I suppose I should go," said Allura standing up.

"May I walk you to your car?"

"Sure," Allura smiled.

Allura finished the week out with Keith and his crew without any incidents. The next area was to be at the Blue Lion Water Park and Aquarium.

Hi everyone, did you miss me? I've missed ya'll. Hope you enjoyed this installment. I hope to get better at keeping up with this. This year hasn't been the best really; dealing with issues about my home life but hopefully the next year will be better.

I'll probably do a few uploads here and there so as to not do this massive upload dump on you guys. Give ya a chance to savor it all.

And on that note, I'm blasting off again. Later!