"You guy's!" Lance's voice was heard through all the Paladins helmets loud and clear. "We have a problem! I need backup!" Lance quickly jerked his hands back in order to move his lion away from the oncoming fire.
"Lance, what happened?" Keith's strained voice questioned.
"There are too many Galra fleets around me!" he groaned as his lion was pushed to move faster than it was capable. "Me and Blue can't take them all out alone,"
"I got you, buddy!" Hunk moved the yellow lion in the direction of Lance only for more fleets to block his way. "Or… maybe not,"
"Lance, how're you holding up?" Pidge yelled before grunting as she moved her lion away from enemy fire.
"Fine for now," Lance gasped as he shot a laser from Blue's tail taking out a few of the ships. "I don't know how much longer we can keep this up though,"
"Paladins there are too many of them!" Allura's voice rang out to all of them. "You must form Voltron!"
"We can't even get to Lance, Princess," Shiro yelled in reply, "We need to retreat now!"
"I don't think that's possible for me," Lance gasped as his lion shot out a mouth cannon. "I'm completely surrounded! I really need back up now! No, wait, Blue-!" Something hit his lion on the side, he couldn't see if it was another ship or a random attack but it was bad enough that Lance had no time to react. His body jerked with the impact and his head hit the side of Blues controls. His helmet did barely anything to prevent his head from getting injured as he blacked out just as the blue lion's controls and screens all began flashing red.
"Lance?!" Shiro yelled out. "Guy's we need to retreat immediately! Keith, your lion's the fastest, we'll cover you while you go get Lance and his lion!"
"Roger that," Keith quickly moved forward and rushed into the fleets. The others all quickly cleared his way and if a few moved in front of him he quickly avoided or simply got rid of them easily. "Lance, I'm here can you hear me?" When he got no answer Keith sighed. "I got them but Lance isn't responding. Heading back now,"
"Good work Keith," Shiro moved back too. "Allura we're heading home,"
"Hurry," She stated "I'll open up a wormhole so we can escape," Once all the lions were inside Coran quickly maneuvered the castle away from the oncoming fleets and into the wormhole.
"Good work Princess," Coran congratulated.
"Thank you, Coran," She smiled at him. "We should probably check on the paladins; by the sound of it it seems Lance was injured,"
"Of course, I'll prepare a cryopod," Coran started moving towards them. "Go welcome the Paladins back,"
She gave a small nod and walked over to where the lions were. She saw all of them circled around each other, yellow, red, black, then green. "Um, pardon? Is Lance still in his lion?" They turned around quickly, all a bit startled at Allura's sudden appearance.
"We need a healing pod," Hunk strained as all of them turned around. "Lance is hurt,"
Allura saw Pidge holding onto the blue paladin's helmet and Shiro was holding the paladin in his arms. The side of his face was gashed open and fresh blood dripped down his forehead down to his cheek, dripping onto the white floor.
"Stop gawking," Keith slightly hissed. He snatched Lance away from Shiro and although he was heavier than he imagined he jogged away towards the pods. "He'll be okay, I'm sure of it,"
The others jogged behind him and Coran, just like Keith, was urgent to put him in the Cryopod. "What happened exactly?" Coran asked as he closed the pod and set it up correctly.
"We don't exactly know," Pidge rubbed the back of her neck. "His helmet was smeared with blood from the inside though. We know he hit his head but we don't exactly know how,"
"Yeah all we heard was a 'BOOM BOOM BOOM'," Hunk stretched his arms to mimic that of an explosion. "Then we just heard 'Blue!' and then nothing," Hunk finished with a shrug and a worried expression. "Hope he's okay,"
"Thanks for the dramatic recreation," Keith mumbled looking back at the cyropod. "But I hope he is too,"
"I'm sure he will be," Shiro moved beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Of course he will be," Coran shrugged. "He's a tough boy, I remember when we first met and we argued with each other over who would beat who in a fight," He wiped a fake tear away. "Great memories, but no matter, he's tough,"
"Yeah knowing Lance he'll probably get out of there screaming all over again," Pidge laughed.
"Or flirting with Allura like last time," Hunk laughed along.
"When should we take him out?" Shiro looked at the glass.
"Well do you have any idea what hit him?" Coran piped up.
Everyone looked at each other hoping for an answer but they all shrugged their shoulders. "Not to worry," Allura moved back and towards the controls of the castle. "We'll just look back on the events and see what it was,"
A few moments later the screen appeared in front of them and they all stared at the blue lion to see what had caused the crash. It was extremely sudden and they knew why Lance didn't have time to move but they all stared at the video in confusion. "That was druid magic," Allura stated.
"Druid?" Hunk grabbed Pidge in a hug. "You mean those creepy wizard things?"
Pidge pushed Hunk away and adjusted her glasses. "But why would they be there? I thought they were like 'Zarkon personal ship' kind of important,"
"Well not necessarily," Allura looked back at the video. "But they're usually not sent on such reckless missions. Perhaps it was a banished one trying to get back on Zarkons good side,"
"Wait, but if a druid attacked him would it really be only physical damage done?" Keith spoke out but Coran interrupted them.
"I'm afraid Keith is right," They looked at him in confusion before he sighed. "The cryopod isn't reacting to him at all, it's never done this before. It's just holding him in, not healing or anything. I'm afraid the druid did something," They all silently looked at him.
"W-well that's okay," Hunk smiled sadly. "It wasn't that bad of an injury. We could just patch him up and he'll heal up the old fashion way,"
"That's not the point," Keith commented sharply. "We have no idea what that thing did to him,"
"Keith's right," Pidge spoke up. "If we're lucky then it only attacked him and blue physically but if the magic interfered with the cyropod then it might be worse," She was rubbing her hands together anxiously and turned towards Shiro when Hunk deflated. "Shiro... what should we do?"
He sighed "Let's patch him up first, then we'll worry about what might and might not have happened," Although he said that confidently, he was worried. If this thing did interfere with Lance then it would be all their faults.
Coran passed them a small first aid kit that was originally supposed to be used in case the castle or the healing pods weren't working correctly and someone gets injured. "Good thing we never threw it out," Coran said as Lance was placed on the couch of the lounge room. He let out a small groan as they began to wash off the mostly dry blood on his head. He luckily wasn't gashed that badly so they just quickly disinfected it, put some cream to help with the pain and swelling, and finally wrapped it rather sloppily with bandages.
"You think he'll be fine," Hunk whispered to Pidge but she only looked over at Lance without saying anything.
They all sat on the floor at the bottom of the couch waiting for Lance to wake up. Pidge was on her laptop, Hunk was talking to Coran while Keith fidgeted with a small knife. Shiro and Allura were in the pacing back and forth. "Hey how about we just cook, that way when Lance wakes up we'll have something to feed him," Hunk said as he moved everyone to the kitchen. "Besides this is a great way to release a bit of tension,"
They all nodded a bit in agreement and moved over to the kitchen. They all helped except Pidge who was typing away on her laptop and only passing them things if they needed it. Keith sat next to her after a while. "So do you really think he'll be fine?"
"Keith," Pidge looked over at him and tilted her laptop down a bit.
"I know you're worried and I would love to tell you 'Oh yeah he'll be fine' but you know I can't,"
Keith groaned. "Yeah I know, but, ugh, what was that idiot thinking?!" He grabbed a fistful of his hair and slammed his head down. "I can't do this,"
Pidge chuckled a bit. "Do what exactly?"
"Worry!" Keith quickly picked his head up and shook Pidge by her shoulders. "This is exhausting!"
"Hello?!" They all froze and looked over at the opened door. "Um... anyone- ow," Hunk was the first one to run out there, followed quickly by everyone else. "Hunk!"
"Lance, oh my God, you had me worried," Hunk scooped him into a hug which caused Lance to laugh a bit. "You're okay, right? You're head isn't hurting too bad?"
"Alright, buddy, calm down," Lance softly patted his head and felt the bandages wrapped around it. "It kinda hurts but what exactly happened?"
"It's alright," Allura stepped forward. "Perhaps we should get something to eat and then we'll explain,"
Lance's cheeks grew a small tint of red and smirked as he slid next to Allura. "Are you asking me out on a date?" they all groaned and Allura was about to say something but Lance continued. "The name's Lance, what about you?"
They stared at him for a few seconds before Allura moved back quickly. "What?!"
"Wait, Lance, you don't-" Keith stopped himself when Lance caught his glance.
"Ugh, mullet what are you doing here? I thought you dropped out," Lance shoved his hands in his pockets. "Well if you want your spot back you're gonna have to try harder then just suddenly coming back,"
"Spot back?" Keith took a stepped closer.
"Yes, it's my spot, I'm a fighter class pilot now and you can't just show up and expect me to go back a class," Lance crossed his arms and his eyes focused on Shiro. His eyes seemed to sparkle a bit. "Shiro! No way, you're my hero!" He outstretched his arm to shake his but Shiro stared at it for a bit before pushing it down and noticing a rather disappointed expression cross Lance's face.
"Lance we've met already," Shiro spoke softly.
"You- you don't remember us?" Pidge looked up at him and Lance felt extremely guilty for not remembering these people in front of him.
"I'm sorry?" Lance stepped back. "Hunk am I not getting something here?" Hunk gave him a sympathetic look.
"So I think we found the problem," Coran piped up. "Come my boy, we have a lot to explain," He placed a hand on his back and began leading him into the kitchen. They set him on the table and everyone sat around him. Coran placed a plate of the meal they were preparing prior in front of him.
Lance gave it a suspicious look before picking a bit up and eating it. "Okay, Hunk this was so you," He said as he ate more. "Only you could make something this good from this goo stuff,"
"It was actually all of us," Hunk whispered. "Lance, what exactly do you remember?"
"Everything?" Lance looked at them. "Am I missing something?"
"Well, what was the last thing you remembered doing before waking up here?" Allura offered.
"I don't know I just remember me and Hunk sneaking out to the kitchen to get some food then just going to sleep," Lance answered.
"We used to do that all the time in the garrison," Hunk sighed.
"Well then why doesn't he remember me?" Pidge asked a bit forcefully.
"Maybe this was before we were actually introduced to each other?" Hunk answered.
"Wait so you're telling me, that I lost my memory?" Lance asked with a bit of worry on his face.
"Well, some of it," Coran answered. "But not to worry! We will get it back as soon as we can,"
"Does my mom know?" Lance quickly got up. "God she must be so worried!" A guilty look passed through all their faces "You guy's did tell her, didn't you?"
"Well not exactly," Hunk rubbed his hands together and Lance only stood up.
"It's alright buddy, let's just call them up right now and I'll tell them myself. I'll bet they'll react a bit better hearing it from me anyways,"
"Lance that's not what we meant," Pidge spoke, "We can't tell her,"
Lance stared at her for a second before scoffing. "Sure we can. She won't be mad at you guys if that's what you're worried about,"
"Lance, sit down," Keith said a bit more harshly then he meant.
Lance just stared at all of them as they looked back a bit before stepping back. "No, we have to call them. What if I lose more memories?"
"You're not gonna lose more memories," Shiro intervened only to be cut off by Lance again.
"But what if I do?" Lance stomped his foot. "I don't even recognize any of you! What if next time I don't know anyone?! We have to tell them!"
"Lance, it's dangerous," Allura commented.
"Indeed, contacting anyone would not only put us in harm's way, it would also put the contacted at much greater risk of being taken over by the Galra," Coran tried to explain.
"Galra?" they all stared at each other except Lance who just sighed angrily and crossed his arms. "You know what, why am I even arguing with you guys? I don't know you," Lance turned on his heel and began to walk off.
They all followed after him and Keith reached out his hand to touch his shoulder. "Okay sure you don't remember them but you remember me don't you? Can you just listen, you don't even know where you're going,"
"Nice try mullet, like I'd ever listen to you," Lance snatched his shoulder back as Keith made a slightly hurt expression. "I'm sure I can figure this out," He said as he turned down a hallway. The others didn't quit though, instead, they just continued to follow.
"Okay fair, you and Keith weren't on the best of terms back then but can you at least listen to me?" Hunk intervened as Lance slowed his walking as if considering this. "You know I wouldn't lie to you,"
Lance looked over at him and finally stopped. Still crossing his arms. He sighed, "Yeah I know. Alright then explain,"
Hunk sighed with a smile and grabbed his arm. "Come on follow me," Lance let himself be dragged along with the others following after. "Um, okay close your eyes for a bit," Lance gave him a suspicious look but nonetheless closed his eyes and grabbed onto the back of Hunks shirt to let him guide him through the castle. He felt two hands on his shoulders and he was suddenly moved in front of everyone. "Okay, Lance you can open your eyes now,"
He did and was now standing in front of a glass window that looked out into space as the castle slowly moved. Lance stared out at it for a moment before just smiling. "Are we in a simulation?" Lance laughed awkwardly as he stared back at everybody.
"No," Keith stepped forward and Lance stepped back. "We're in space, like real space. No tricks, no simulations,"
"I know it may be a lot to take in..." Hunk just stared at Lance, trying to get some sort of reading but instead, he just looked back out into space. "Buddy?"
"So you're telling me I achieved my dream and I can't even remember it!" He groaned and rubbed his face in irritation. "This still doesn't explain why I can't talk to my family,"
"Well, you see..." Hunk looked over at the other for a bit of support.
"If you do, they'll probably end up either enslaved or killed," Keith sighed. "Lance it's dangerous and risky, extremely risky,"
"Keith, you can't just say stuff like that out of nowhere," Shiro scolded.
"Well, he asked! How else was he supposed to understand,"
"Wait, they're in danger!" Lance's eyes teared up and he looked even more frantic. "If they are we need to help them!"
"That's what we're doing," Pidge stepped forward a bit. "We're doing all we can for now. We're keeping them safe but if you go there-"
"Keeping them safe from what!?" Lance shivered. "Why do I have to stay here? Let me go home!"
"The Galra," Allura answered. "Lance, you are the pilot of the blue lion and as such a greater target,"
"If you leave now there is a much greater risk of putting your family in danger," Coran finished.
"Blue lion?" He dragged a hand through his hair. "What's that?"
"It's a really powerful machine," Hunk vaguely said. "It's what helps us against the Galra,"
"And what exactly are the Galra?
"They're an alien race that's out to take over the entire universe," Keith answered.
"And it's all of our jobs that we fight and don't let them," Hunk added. "Lance, are you even listening?"
"Buddy, give a guy time to process that he's on a ship not home and his parents don't even know," he placed a hand on his head and sat down on the floor. "Okay, I don't want to believe my best friend is lying so I won't. Then who exactly are all of you?" They all stole sad glances at each other. "I know Hunk, Keith, and Shiro. I mean technically I don't know Shiro but I know who he is,"
"Well then I believe we should start introducing ourselves," Allura stepped forward. "My name is Allura, princess of Altea,"
"Altea?" Lance questioned as he looked over at her.
"It's our original planet," Coran informed. "Both me and the Princess are the last Alteans of our planet,"
"Oh, like Superman," Lance lit up.
"I do not know him," Allura looked over at the others. "Please tell me what makes him so super?"
Lance chuckled. "I'm Pidge," He turned his gaze to Pidge who was standing in front of him.
"Hi, Pidge… I'm Lance," He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Yeah sorry you probably already know that,"
Pidge stared at him for a bit. "You seriously don't remember us?"
Lance had a sudden urge to hug her but he stopped himself. "I'm sorry," His breathing turned heavy and his eyes began to water.
"Lance are you okay?" Keith stepped forward and Lance felt a sudden wave of panic fill him.
"Keith, why exactly are you here?" Lance felt a hand on his shoulder which made him yank it back. "Why am I even here? I can't compare to Shiro and Keith. What do I even do here?" Lance began pacing back and forth. "Mom's probably worried sick. She's always worried. I can't do this! Why am I doing this?! I don't belong here! I need to go home!"
"Lance, calm down," Shiro stepped forward and caused Lance to stop pacing and flinch back. He saw all of them staring at him in worry. He looked over at them with teary eyes.
"I know what's happening," Keith whispered. "Oh God Lance," He grabbed his wrist and dragged him away. The others following after him.
"Keith, what are you doing?" Hunk wondered.
Keith just kept dragging Lance along until they made it to his room. He quickly let himself in and moved to the bathroom where he began rummaging through the cabinets. He seemed to have found what he was looking for and went back to the actual room. Lance was sitting on the floor with his knees pulled into him. The others either around him or staring at Keith in curiosity. He was breathing slightly heavy. Keith was just staring at Shiro for a while before shaking his head and moving over towards Lance. Hunk and Pidge were on either one of his sides trying to get Lance to talk to them.
"Here Lance," Lance looked up to see Keith holding out a small orange bottle with a flat white top. He stared at him in awe for a second Keith noticed this and twisted open the bottle. "You need two, right? I'm pretty sure two was right," He heard as Keith rattled the bottle and two small pills fell into the palm of his hand. He twisted the bottle closed. "Shiro could you get him some- "
Lance grabbed onto Keith's wrist. "How do you know about those?" Keith opened his mouth to answer but looked around the room at all the staring faces.
"I'll tell you later Lance but right now just-"
"No!" Lance snatched the bottle and pills in his hand. "There is no way I would tell you about these! I haven't even told Hunk why would I tell you!"
"Lance, calm down," Hunk stepped forward. "He's just trying to help,"
"I don't need his help," Lance screamed. "Why would I need his spoiled-up help anyway!" He got up and moved to the bathroom slamming the door behind him.
They all stared at the now shut door in shock. They heard the faucet turn on and someone pushed against the door. "What was that?" Pidge asked breaking the silence.
"Keith, he seemed really confused," Shiro stepped forward. Keith averted his eyes.
"I didn't mean to make him more cautious," Keith explained.
"We understand," Allura nodded. "But that still doesn't explain why he reacted in such a way,"
"Yeah, and what were those?" Hunk asked sounding hurt. "I didn't know he..."
"No one was supposed to know," Keith answered. "Not even me. I wasn't told on purpose. It was all an accident but right now I'm kinda glad I found out,"
"But what were those peculiar looking things?" Coran asked. "Altea didn't have such peculiar capsules,"
That caused Keith to chuckle a bit. "I really shouldn't be the one to tell you guys this. Besides he made me swear not to tell anybody," Keith shook his head. "I'm sorry guys. I shouldn't have..." his voice trailed off. He walked over to Lance's bed and sat down. "I'm an idiot,"
"You're not an idiot," Shiro assured sitting next to him. "You wanted to help and it didn't work out,"
"But I should have known he would react that way," Keith strained. "When I found out about them be practically begged me not to tell you guys and here I am just whipping them out as if they were mine," he buried his face in his hands and slammed his body down.
"You haven't told us yet," Coran commented. "And I'm sure Lance is very grateful for that. Once he regains his memories I can assure you he'll be grateful for it,"
"I think so too," Hunk smiled at him. "And I know him the best,"
"Um... I hate to interrupt this but can I talk to Hunk alone for a bit?" They all turned towards the door where Lance was now standing. His face and hair were wet as if he had splashed it with water. He had taken off his jacket so you could see the way the water dripped onto his shirt.
"Oh yes," they all stood up. "Of course," Allura lingered behind as she moved everyone out of the room. Keith lingered next to her and Coran placed a hand behind both of them and lead them out. Hunk followed until all of them were out and closed the door behind them.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Pidge asked as she inched closer to the door, as did Keith. Both of them about to lean their ears against the door when they suddenly got pulled back by the back of their collars by Shiro.
"Nope, let them talk this out without worrying about eavesdroppers," Shiro smiled at them but they stared back in disappointment.
"Awe, come on," Keith motioned towards the door. "You have to be a little curious,"
"I am, I never said I wasn't but I also know this is one of those delicate times where one screw up could leave us in the worst position," Shiro warned. "What happens if he catches you two? Then he'll distrust us even more,"
Pidge and Keith both pouted in understanding. "Now how about we just head back to our rooms and wait for Hunk to inform us on any new breakthroughs on Lance's condition," Allura piped up in agreement.
They all nodded in agreement. Shiro made sure all of them had left the door before he proceeded to leave as well.
"I don't even know what's going on," Lance was currently latching on to Hunk as his own arms were wrapped around him. "Why the hell am I here? I understand you with your big mechanical head and Keith was top of the class and that Pidge kid looks really smart but what exactly do I do here? Why is this our job exactly?"
"Lance if we didn't do this then so many other people would suffer and get killed. What we- what you do is so important. Without you we would not be able to do anything," Hunk strained. "I love you. We all love you. Even if you don't remember us. We are all here for you,"
"I know you are," Lance pulled himself away and looked down at his hands. "But the others are a mystery to me,"
"Even Keith?" Hunk asked a bit awe. "He's the only other person you actually know,"
"Especially Keith," Lance strained as he wiped his eyes. "He's acting really weird. Like... Like a kid who just got in trouble and is trying to get back on their parent's good side. He just kept staring at me,"
"He's probably just worried," Hunk rolled his eyes, "He was really worried about you when you got hurt,"
"Me?" Lance scoffed. "Yeah right. He hates me,"
"When has he ever said he hated you," Hunk gave him a look which made Lance pout a bit and shut his mouth; not that he wanted to say anything anyways. "You guys are friends, Lance."
"Friends?" Lance wondered.
"Yes, believe it or not, despite that little rivalry you made up, you two are close, " Hunk laughed. "Like I said before we all care about you. Even him. You should have seen how worried he was when you got hurt. Not to mention when you didn't trust him he looked really hurt and he kept calling himself an idiot after you went off on him,"
"Okay, I get it Hunk. I messed up," Lance shuddered. "It's just weird only remembering two people,"
"Just talk to him Lance," Hunk got up. "Like I said before he's the only other person you remember. It might put you a little at ease,"
Lance seriously doubted that still. "Hunk can I ask you something?"
"Of course," He smiled at him.
"Why did you stay here?"
Hunk gave him a questioning look but hummed in thought. "Well at first I was extremely reluctant to stay. It was so dangerous and for awhile I just stayed because I felt like it was my responsibility. I kinda regret following you out for awhile," Hunk admitted with a laugh. "But I don't know after everything we've been through and the people we've saved and the people we have befriended I'm actually glad I'm here. I feel like I'm a part of something that I never would have been if I stayed home,"
Lance smiled at him. "You've always been a sweetheart, haven't you?"
"Talk to everyone Lance," Hunk got up. "I think it'll help you understand them better," He didn't want him to leave honestly but he felt bad making him stay. He laid down on the bed that they said was his. He didn't like it here. Actually, he felt like he would have if only they would just let him put his mom's thoughts at ease. He felt trapped. Trapped in this giant castle that he couldn't navigate. He wanted out. Even for just a moment. If all Hunk had said was true he believed he deserved at least that. He felt his eyes water and he sighed heavily into his hands.
"Oh crap. I'm sorry I didn't mean to just barge in," his thoughts were interpreted and he quickly sat up as he saw Keith staring awkwardly at him. "I really didn't mean to come in. I just kinda- sorry I'll go," Keith turned on his heel to leave.
"No wait" Keith stopped and looked over his shoulder in curiosity. Something in Lance snapped. This felt warm, it felt familiar. Not to mention Keith looked sad and Lance had no idea why it made his heart clutch. "Stay?" Lance wondered out loud. "You're the only other person that I remember."
"Alright," Keith gave a small nod and walked back inside. Lance scooted over so that Keith could sit down next to him. "I really didn't mean to just barge in," Keith explained as he sat down next to Lance. "I'm just so used to not knocking anymore,"
"Did you come into my room often?" Lance was a bit surprised when he saw Keith's cheeks turn a light shade of pink as he chuckled at the ground.
"Yeah, I used to come here almost every night so I kinda just barge in here. Now that I'm saying it out loud it seems kind of rude," he chuckled again. Lance knew he never heard that sound before yet it sounded so familiar.
"Why'd you spend so much time with me?" Lance couldn't wrap his head around it. He distrusted Keith, why would he invite him so much to the point where he was comfortable enough to just barge in?
"It was actually because you kept teasing me," Keith smiled as he finally looked at Lance in the eyes. Lance smiled when Keith seemed to straighten up a bit and look back at the ground. Seems Keith wasn't as comfortable around him as Hunk said he was. He wondered why as Keith continued. "You said I had bad skin,"
"That's a lie," Lance stated. Keith stared at him in shock for a minute before Lance rolled his eyes with a small smirk. "Your skin's not bad. I know good and bad skin and yours is not bad," he grabbed into Keith's cheeks and begin squeezing them together to feel. "Nope, it's definitely soft and healthy,"
Keith chuckled and pushed his hands away playfully. "That's because of you," he laughed. "You would always say 'Keith come by to my room and I can fix you up so you won't look so angry all the time.' or you would go, "Come on Keith, look how unhealthy your skin is you should join me for my night routine to fix you up," Keith mimicked with a smile. Lance nodded, that did sound like him.
"So what? You just decided to join me one day?" Lance laughed.
"Yup," Keith nodded confidently. "You just gave me tips and stuff at first but then we just began talking and you began making me face masks and this shampoo that you said was gonna work wonders on my hair. Then that just became a routine kind of thing,"
Lance stared at him for a bit. Keith definitely trusted him. He didn't trust Keith at all but he was actually glad he had someone other than Hunk here that he could remember. "Could you maybe show me around this place?" Lance asked suddenly.
Keith looked at him a bit perplexed by the request. Lance seemed just as shocked and he opened his mouth about to brush it off when Keith sort of smiled at him and got off the bed. "Sure it's not like much is going on anyways. With everything, I wouldn't mind a little mindless tour to keep myself occupied. Besides it might help you remember something," Keith stood in front of the open door for a bit before motioning for the still sitting Lance to stand up.
He did, albeit after eyeing Keith oddly for a bit. He moved to the bathroom and slid on his jacket as he quickly moved next to Keith. "Lead the way mullet,"
Keith rolled his eyes and began walking off; Lance following after him. "Don't tease me tall ass,"
"Was that a reference?" Lance leaned in a bit with a laugh. "It's not my fault you're so short,"
"Your definition of 'so short' must be completely different from mines because I feel I'm average height," Keith smirked. "You, on the other hand, are a giant,"
"Am not," Lance argued. "I'm... I'm... What's the opposite of fun size?"
Keith snapped his fingers. "Boring size," he chuckled when Lance elbowed him.
This time Lance snapped his fingers. "King size! Yeah, I'm king size and your just regular because you're boring,"
"Ah yes and regular sized are also the most popular," Keith countered. Lance gave an exaggerated gasp about to argue until Keith went into a room and motioned to it. "This is the kitchen. Usually, Hunk is the one that comes in here to cook but Coran does too at times," Lance looked around a bit before slightly jogging towards the already leaving Keith. He moved into the room right next to the kitchen. "This is the dining room. We don't always eat here though,"
Lance moved around the table examining everything. He felt nothing, as far as he could tell this place was entirely new. He moved next to Keith who began walking off. They made it to a room and Lance sorta froze. Yeah, this place felt oddly familiar. He felt like he had spent a lot of time here. "What's this room?" Lance questioned.
Keith looked at him a bit curiously. "I told you," Had he told him? Lance wasn't paying attention. "This is the training room. We don't always come in here it's usually every other day or after a bad loss,"
That didn't make sense. "Did I come in here a lot?"
"I don't think so," Keith stared at him. "Only time I see you here is when we're all together,"
Lance nodded. Maybe his mind was playing tricks on him. He had lost his memories after all. The training room seemed oddly familiar though. More so then that room they called his. Perhaps he was mistaken. "Can I ask you something?"
"Depends what it is,"
"Why did you decide to stay here?"
Keith looked at him funny. "I didn't have anything back on Earth,"
"Okay," Lance looked at him. "And?"
"What do you mean 'and'? That's it,"
"No it's not," Lance asked like it was the most obvious thing. "You gave me a reason why you didn't go back to Earth but why did you decide to stay here?"
Keith was quiet for a bit. "It's not important,"
"It was important enough to keep you here," Lance smiled at him a looked at his face. Keith's arms were crossed clearly going to keep quiet. Lance sighed. "Alright you don't have to say anything if you don't want to,"
The tour went on with Keith showing him varies rooms including Hunk and the other people's rooms. Occasionally he would stay a bit longer lingering in a room and telling Lance stories related to it. He liked when Keith talked, it made him feel relaxed.
"And this is the lounge room," Keith entered to see everyone circled around on the couch. They all stopped talking and looked up to see who had just talked.
"What are you doing?" Pidge looked up and moved her eyes to Lance and Keith a bit in awe.
"I was just giving Lance a tour," he, in turn, waved at all of them. "He should at least know how to get around,"
"A tour?" Hunk looked at Pidge.
"Yeah that seems a bit limited considering that you get lost every once in a while," She piped. This caused Lance to laugh a bit under his breath.
"Do not!" Keith argued before mumbling. "I just forget where stuff is,"
"I think that's a great idea," Shiro smiled at him. "Are you... feeling better?" he took a step closer.
Lance didn't care but the question was a bit misplaced. "...Better," he confirmed. Which wasn't a lie but it wasn't what he was feeling. He felt scared and never before had he craved to go home more than at this moment. He missed his sibling. His uncle's and aunts were probably over there. His cousins were probably fighting; they could never really control them. His parents... He wondered what they were doing. If all of them were over with them he wondered if they were cooking. They usually did that or they would have already prepared food if they warned them that they were coming. God, he missed them.
"Lance?" he blinked and looked up at the voice. It was Allura, was that her name? When had she started talking? He blinked again. His cheeks were wet... when had that happened? He brought his hand up to his head only to flinch back at the searing pain that made his head throb.
"I'm fine," His voice quivered and he had to bite his lip to stop himself from sobbing again. "I'm fine..."
"No, you're not," Shiro sighed. "Lance it's okay to admit that,"
"What do you know," He whispered. "I don't even know you," He turned on his heel and began walking off. For some reason, no one could find it in them to follow after him.
Lance had no idea where he was. He really should have paid attention to Keith's tour but he was mostly lost in thought. It was strange how he found himself here. A place full of ships. He was currently hiding between the wall and a ship that was hovering close to it. The shadows easily hiding him in this completely white room. His face pushed against his pulled up knees. He wasn't crying, no he was just angrily looking at nothing. He would grab some skin from the back of his hand, pinch and twist. He always did have a habit of doing this in a situation and he tried not to but it wandered from his mind. He did it without noticing so when he finally did stop and look down at his hands he was even angrier at himself. He just stuffed his hands in his pockets.
He was back to thinking. This time in the not so pleasant topic of his pinching issue. He couldn't remember when it started. He did remember that he used to pull his hair in situations like this before his sister had told him he would go bald. He hadn't done this since he's gotten into the garrison, at least, he hoped not. This place seemed fine, the people he didn't know were extremely nice but he didn't know why he seemed so distant.
"Why hello," Lance jumped at the sudden voice. He looked over a Coran who had managed to sneak up on him. "Mind if I sit with you?" Lance didn't want to talk so he just scooted over and allowed Coran some space to sit down with him. "So I hate to be the repetitive one but I must ask, how are you feeling?"
Lance eyed him warily. He didn't know this man but he seemed to speak to him so softly for a stranger. He also noticed that instead of asking him if he was okay like the others had, he had asked him how he was feeling. Lance appreciated that small change. He reminded him of his uncle. "I'm feeling... overwhelmed," He whispered back.
"Overwhelmed is an understatement," Coran laughed a bit which caused Lance to smile. "You miss Earth, correct?" Lance nodded. "I understand. I miss Altea,"
"Your planet?" Lance wiped his nose and finally sat up to see Coran better.
"Correct," He cheerfully began. "We all have a role to play here and even though I do mine to the best of my ability I always miss Altea," Lance stared at him sympathetically. He was about to talk to him again until Coran shot up and gave a proud smile. "But when I feel especially far from home I'll change my routine. I'll remember the sweet smell of juniberry flowers, I'll cook traditional Altean food, I'll drink nunvill-"
"Nunvill? What's that?"
"Why, only the nectar of the Gods!" He said with so much enthusiasm that Lance chuckled. Coran looked down at the finally smiling Lance with a soft smile before he kneeled down to his level. "What I'm trying to say is that you don't have to be home to experience the feeling of home. It hurts to be far from a place you've grown accustomed too especially when there are loved ones waiting for you but we all must do it someday. That longing that you're feeling is not a bad thing. It's you missing something important to you. We can't take you back home, I'm sorry for that, but you can always experience home anywhere you go. When things like this happen next time don't run, we are all here for you just like you have been there for us and even though you may not remember it, we do, and we will not forget,"
Coran was still smiling at him and Lance willed himself not to cry but he couldn't help the sniffle that moved through his lips. "Thank you, Coran," He seemed happier that Lance had remembered his name.
"It was no problem, young paladin," Coran stood up and saluted him. "Us rebels have to stick together,"
Rebels? He hadn't heard that before but Coran was smiling at him expecting some sort of answer and he didn't want to ask questions. "Is everyone still in...the lounge room? I think that's what it was called," he finally answered
"No, we all scattered the castle looking for you," Coran answered. "I was just the first one to find you luckily,"
"I'll meet you over there. I'm pretty sure I know the way back but I just need a bit of time to myself,"
"Of course but first wait here for a moment," He turned on his heel and walked off. He was only gone for about a minute before he came back with a something in his hands. He held out for Lance, "This is your helmet, you can contact the princess or another one of the paladins if you wish with it," Lance took it and before Coran walked away he said a bit chirpily, "s sor you know if you get lost and we're not answering yell through the vents! One of us is bound to hear you,"
He laughed. Lance didn't seem to understand why he was laughing but he reminded him so much of his uncle. When he was finally gone Lance sat there for a moment just staring at the newly found helmet he was given. He looked on the inside to find something dark dried at the side. Most of it was gone so he simply set it on. It hit his head a bit and made him flinched and his still bandaged wounds but once he let it go it seemed to fasten around his neck. The glass that had once only covered his eyes grew over his face. He jumped when it happened but when he noticed no harm was gonna happen to him he relaxed. He didn't hear anything on the other side so he simply just sighed. He looked over at the ship with a bit of interest before opening the entrance and climbing inside. It was different from the ships back in the Garrison. This one had many more controls and some were different from the ones he had trained with but after a small bit of tinkering he figured it out. He moved the pod to the back of the room where it had opened and flew out into open space.
It was dark and with only his jacket he shivered at the surrounding cold that seemed to completely change the once warm space around him. He always hated the cold but looking up was strange. Back on Earth, he knew every star, every constellation, and every planet. He knew where they were and a handful of random facts but here surrounded by nothing but darkness and forced to look at the shining lights that were the stars he didn't recognize any of them. Nothing stuck out. Everything was new; out of place. He didn't know where he was. He was so lost.
He missed home, he needed to experience home again. That's what was being recommended to him. Stars hadn't worked, he just felt further away so he began singing, he used to always do that, he wondered if he's ever done it here. Probably not, who would he even sing with? A song his mother used to love popped into his head. He began humming, playing out the tune before he truly began displaying the words.
"So who found him?" Shiro questioned.
"Coran did," Pidge answered. "He came back being really sad though. I think Lance needed some space, pun not intended,"
"I don't know maybe he was just tired of being surrounded by people he didn't know," Hunk commented.
"Must be nice being remembered," Pidge grumbled which made Hunk smile at her apologetically.
"Perhaps we could connect him with the blue lion," Allura said as she smiled at all of them. "That could bring about some memories perhaps,"
"It's worth a shot," Shiro agreed, "Where is he right now?" Before anyone could answer this question Keith walked in. Despite not being in his paladin armor he had his helmet on. He looked lost in thought almost as if concentrated on something. "Hey, Keith what are you doing?" No reply. He just moved over to the couch and sat down still seemingly lost in his own world. "Keith?"
Pidge shoved him roughly which caused him to catch himself with his hand and glare at Pidge. "What was that for?"
"Shiro's talking, you're not listening," She shrugged.
"Oh uh yeah Shiro?" Keith looked over.
"Why do you have your helmet on Keith?"
He was silent for a bit before taking it off. "Lance is singing into the intercom," They all looked over at him in a rush and suddenly all of them were out in a rush looking for their helmets and sliding them on except Allura who was fidgeting with her earrings. Keith was already sliding his helmet back on. Lance's voice sounded so warm yet so heartbreaking and Keith found himself curling in on himself as he listened. The others had come back all wearing their helmets and sure enough, Lance was indeed singing. It was a calm tune as far as they could tell but you could hear the words soaked in pain. It was a dismal song that Lance heartbreakingly knew how to sing well too.
"And ultimately I believe we'll be okay
It's so cliché to say these things, but repetition is a key
I think I'm better when I'm with you
But I worry when you're gone
I think I need to learn to love myself
I must learn to be strong"
No one liked hearing him say this. It was heartbreaking. He sounded so lost.
"So, for now, we'll say goodbye
Although it pains me in my heart
Your words they come to me in memories
They sing to me like songs
It won't be long until I'm here
Soon I'll make my arrival
Under shady trees
A quiet street
The roads that I have traveled"
Suddenly Coran rushed in and they all looked as he tapped on the keys. "Princess one of the pods is missing I do believe Lance is in it," He said a bit in a rush. They all stared at him in shook gathering around the screen. They could still hear Lance singing but that was suddenly stopped when the princess yelled. "Lance you mustn't be out there. Come home immediately,"
There was silence on his end for a while so Pidge spoke up. "Lance please, It's dangerous out there you have to come back,"
This time he did speak. "I was just trying to..." he didn't finish instead they heard a small sigh from his side. "I wanted to revisit home,"
"Oh my boy I didn't mean to go all the way out there," Coran sighed. "You must come back,"
"I was just singing," And in a voice just above a whisper he said. "And no one sang back..."
"I'll go get him," Keith offered. "Even if he knows the way back it'll be faster with my lion after all,"
"No!" Lance shouted. "Can't I just stay out here for a bit longer?" they all began arguing over what to do. Lance curled up even more at the worrying he had caused.
"Lance," Pidge spoke up. "You can hear me right?"
"Yes?" Lance was confused at first until he noticed that none of the other voices that had been muffled into the intercom were there. "Uh, where is everyone?"
"Blocked out," Pidge lifted her chin proudly. "They're arguing over what to do and if I heard correctly I'm pretty sure that Shiro's gonna be the one to go and get you,"
"Shiro?" Lance felt a bit uncomfortable. "Why not you or like Hunk? I wouldn't even mind if it's Keith?"
"Would you prefer that? I could tell them if you want," Lance shook his head until he realized Pidge couldn't see him.
"I just don't get why it's Shiro,"
"I think he's gonna try to lecture you," Pidge shrugged but heard the way Lance groaned. "Listen, Lance, I know a lecture isn't what you want right now but just listen to him. He's been through a lot, he knows what he's talking about,"
"Does he?" Lance said in wonder. "I know how to fly this thing," Lance assured. "I can just go back by myself,"
"Then why didn't you the moment they started arguing?" Pidge asked. Lance held onto his legs. "I miss my family too,"
"Where are they?" He meant where on Earth he was surprised to hear Pidge say,
"I don't know," She whispered. "My mom is back on Earth but my brother and dad I still don't know where they are. That's why I'm still here,"
"What was my reason for staying?" Lance thought out loud. "Do you know it?"
"I don't," Pidge sighed a long exhausted one. "I wish I did. You were always just here to help. We were all kind forced out here. All of us stayed for a different reason. Even if that reason was just that they had nothing to go back to on Earth,"
"Nothing back on Earth?" Lance questioned. "Sounds lonely,"
"I bet it was," Pidge whispered. "You know Lance when I first got here I wanted to leave too," That caught Lance's attention. "I wanted to go find my brother and dad and I felt like Voltron was just holding me back,"
"So what did you do?" Lance looked out into the stars.
"Shiro was surprisingly supportive," Pidge laughed. "Keith screamed at me but I still wanted to leave. Then we got attacked for one of the first times. You got hurt so even if you get your memories back you'll still probably not remember what happened,"
"I got hurt?"
"Yeah you jumped in front of an explosion to save Coran," She laughed a bit. "Keith is a bit mad you don't remember honestly. Anyways, after seeing everyone so scared and panicked I helped and decided to stay. I make it sound a bit easy now that I'm saying it out loud but trust me it was a horribly hard decision. The point is I know you miss home and I know you want to go but that can sometimes be the wrong decision no matter how much you want it to happen," Pidge sighed and quickly regained herself. "Anyway yeah, I'm not really good at this talking thing so-"
"I thought you were pretty good," Lance smiled despite knowing that Pidge couldn't see. "It helped me at the very least understand you,"
Pidge smiled too. "I liked your song," She stood up and moved over to the lounge room. "I think Shiro already left to go get you because Keith is sulking on the couch and Hunk is pacing in front of him. I'll put you back in touch with them alright?"
Lance looked at the controls. "Alright, and Pidge, Thanks,"
"Don't go getting soft on me McClain," PIdge laughed. "Once you get your memories back I will forever use this talk against you,"
Lance sat there with a smile on his face for a while before sitting up in his chair. He could see the black lion moving out of the castle and as soon as he managed to he flew the pod back. "L-Lance what are you doing?" Shiro's lion stopped but it followed with its eyes.
Lance didn't answer him. He instead moved forward as quickly as possible which caused the black lion to move forward as well. "Lance, what's wrong?" Was that Allura? He couldn't remember what her voice sounded like.
"Buddy where are you going?" Hunk sounded sad he didn't like that. It made him groan in apology.
"Lance you're getting too far!" Allura's voice sounded scratchy but Lance could still see the black lion on his tail. Too close. He pushed a bottom that he believed was an accelerator and smiled when the pod went faster.
"Lance you need to come back right now!" Keith's load voice mixed with the static made him flinch back. "Please," Then it cut off. All the voices too far for them to get to him.
"Lance where are you going?" Shiro sounded panicked. Lance felt bad but if he was going to get lectured he didn't want the others to be there. Shiro was fine. The black lion had gotten a bit smaller but it followed after. Lance made it to what seemed like a small uninhabited forest or maybe it was a meteor. Lance couldn't tell because although it was a rocky terrain there were what looked like grass and trees present here further indicating how clueless he truly was here.
The landing had always been the hardest part of everything in his opinion and with how fast he had been going he wasn't surprised when he found himself practically slamming down on the ground. It didn't hurt luckily just felt a bit uncomfortable. "Lance, are you alright!?"
Lance chuckled a bit at how worried he sounded. As soon as he could manage he left the pod and looked up at the sky to see the black lion coming closer. He just stood there in awe at the sight of it but reluctantly ran off into what looked like trees. He could see when the lion's head moved down and Shiro came out running after him. Lance quickly got into a tree and climbed for a bit before hearing Shiro come closer.
Shiro stopped. He seemed lost or maybe he thought he lost Lance. He was about to run off when Lance held a hand in front of his face. "I'm up here Shiro," He gave a small smile as Shiro took his hand and began to climb up it as well.
"Any reason you decided to high tail here?" Shiro sighed and he sat on the branch next to Lance.
"So the others wouldn't eavesdrop," Lance concluded with a smile on his face. It was cold out here but Lance stopped himself from shivering. "Don't get me wrong they all seem cool but if I'm gonna get a lecture I don't really want them to listen to this or anything,"
"I'm not going to lecture you," Shiro looked at him. "I just wanted to talk to you,"
"Sounds like a grown-up way of saying lecture," Lance joked.
"What were you doing out there anyway?"
"I was looking at the stars," Lance turned towards him. "Back home I knew almost every star I could see but now..." Shiro opened his mouth to say something before Lance interrupted again. "How old are you?"
Shiro gave him a questioning look but answered. "25,"
Lance seemed shocked. "How old am I?"
"17" he sounded hurt, almost as if answering that very question made him sad.
"Wow," Lance shivered and held his body, "Time passes," he let out a shaking breath and began blinking his eyes quickly. "You're really young," Lance admitted, "Keith mentioned you being like the dad friend," Shiro laughed at that.
"I guess you could call it that,"
"So you are my friend?"
"What? Of course I am," Shiro looked over at him with concern and saw the way he was gripping the branch.
"So you just decided to stay for what?"
Lance finally looked over at him and Shiro placed a hand on each of Lance's shoulder. "For you guys," He smiled. "If you guys like to consider me the dad friend go for it," He rolled his eyes at that title. "I realize how young you are and although we have been through things I think are too much for you guys at times you all stayed here so I am being the leader I have to be and making sure none of you are getting hurt,"
"You're 25," Lance smiled sadly. "You're young too. You're sacrificing your time to take care of us?"
"I'm not sacrificing anything," Shiro pulled him into a hug. "We're friends. We're all family. I am doing this because I chose to do it. All of you need more than one person looking out for you. Even if one day I'm gone I want you all to be able to stand tall and survive,"
Lance didn't know how to react so he just wrapped his hands around him and began crying. "Keith was right," he sniffled. "You remind me of my dad," Shiro laughed at that but hugged him a bit more tightly. Lance couldn't wipe his eyes because of the helmet so instead, he just kept his head hidden from Shiro.
"You know if you truly do want to go back I can do that for you," Shiro smiled and Lance's breath hitched. "You can't go back with the blue lion though and not right now. There have been a lot of cases of the Galra being on our tail recently. Just wait a bit and if you truly want to leave I won't force you to stay," Lance didn't say anything. Sure, Shiro allowed him to go back but hearing him talk about them in such a fond way made him happy. "You ready to go back to the castle?"
"Yeah," Lance pulled away and sighed deeply. "Let's go," Shiro hopped off the tree first and Lance followed after him. They made it to the same place they had landed. Lance stopped in his tracks and for a moment just stared at the black lion. It was huge and when he had first heard of these lions he didn't expect them to actually be real but this was amazing. He found himself smiling at it.
"Lance, you coming?" Shiro was already making his way up back into the black lion.
"You mean I get to ride with you?" Lance smiled happily.
"Of course," Shiro laughed. "I can easily take the pod with us and don't want to risk you getting lost coming back," Lance didn't argue instead quickly catching up to Shiro and making his way inside the black lion as well. Lance just stared in awe at the controls in front of him and saw how smoothly Shiro moved his lion. He stumbled a bit at the quick moving lion, how it soared through the sky.
He laughed at it until a scratching sound erupted both Shiro's and Lance's ears," Their helmets were picking up something. "-Hear. Can you-" More static that caused Lance to take off his helmet and set it on the floor.
"Yes I can hear you," He heard Shiro say. "Yes, we're fine. We just needed to talk in private for a bit. Yeah, he took it off. Alright, I will. I'll be over there in no time," Lance stared at him as he continued to talk into his intercom. They landed and both of them made their way out. Shiro was still talking into the intercom; something about how they were here already.
Lance got distracted. There was this longing urge to go to the left of him. Yeah, he could hear something calling him, calling him to come towards them. He looked over at Shiro but he was still talking into the intercom. He began carefully stepping to the side before beginning to walk until he was sprinting towards it. It was a lounging not entirely from his side of things. He felt it calling to him until he made it in front of an enormous blue lion. Lance couldn't help but stare at it. Something in his mind purred telling him to lift his hand. He did and reached up as much as he could. For a moment, he thought it wouldn't react until its head made a swift movement forward and placed itself so that Lance's hand was hovering just above it. He took a deep breath before planting his hand on the snout of the machine.
'No, it wasn't a machine.' A voice in his head whispered. 'This is the blue lion. You call her blue for short. She is not your machine, she is your friend,' Yes that's right, he recalled. She was his friend. She looked out for him even now with no memories present, except there were some here. He could feel the way the blue lion willed them to scratch forward. She directed them to him. He remembered moments out of contexts. He remembered. He remembered all of it. They weren't gone. They had been right here the whole time.