Lance was scared. He knows he should be brave but he can't. He's just a boy from a big family who wants to explore the wonders of space, not fight a war against a tyrant who's been running the show for ten thousand years!
"Lance?"
The blue paladin blinked his eyes rapidly, trying to get rid of the tears threatening to fall. "Yeah." he said after taking a few breaths. "Yeah, I'm here."
"Are you okay?" Hunk's voice questioned him through the coms.
Lance pursed his lips, unable to respond. His hands started to tremble again.
"Lance?"Clenching his teeth, Lance tightened his hold around the controls, willing himself to stop shaking. Two deep breaths later, he answered. "Yeah, fine. Just distracted."
The Blue Lion shook from the force of being hit. Groaning, Lance maneuvered her out of the firing line, positioning his partner just at the right angle to return a perfect shot.
"When are we going to form Voltron?" Lance questioned as he dodged another shot from the Galras. Panic starting to settle in his chest again.
"We need to clear those fighter jets first." Shiro replied.
"On it." Lance pushed the controls forward, causing the Blue Lion to gain speed in a few seconds. His hands are still trembling but he paid no mind to it. Using the tail laser, Lance expertly took out the fighter jets swarming around his team.
"Good job, Lance." Shiro praised, causing the blue paladin to preen in pride.
"Alright, team! Let's show them what we can do!"The coms were instantly filled with excited voices. Lance grinned at that and with fluid movements, he guided his lion to the others and together, they formed Voltron.
Closing his eyes, Lance sighed at the feeling of their bonds snapping into place with each other. Pidge's entangling wonder and curiousity was reigned in by Hunk's sturdy focus. Keith's burning passion was balanced out by his own cool analytical mind. All of that was kept in control by Shiro's calming presence.
In that moment, Lance knew he has nothing to worry about. As long as he has them by his side, Lance knows he can overcome his fears. No matter what.
With a shout that turns into a roar, Lance pushed forward into the battle with newfound bravery. As long as they are together, nothing can stop them from advancing. That is something Lance will make sure of.