Disclaimer: I own nothing of Voltron: Legendary Defender. All belongs to Dreamworks. I only claim the storyline and OC's.

.:Prologue:.

Cold air rang loudly with the echo of the alarm. Vaulted ceilings and harsh metal amplified the noise as it rang loudly through the long halls. Track lights illuminated moving figures as they made their way through the base, their quick steps sounding muffled compared the blare of the alarm's siren.

"Lord Ira, status, now."

In the control room, a lone male stood at the panel, eyes scanning the screens ardently. "They're far out, but we don't have much time." In no more time than it took him to readjust the settings, he heard the doorway behind him open.

"How much time is 'not much time'?"

Ira turned to regard the others, his expression grim. "Not long." His deceptively young face held a somber expression. "We need to get into the pods and shut down. With the interference in the belt and scatter protocol, they should overlook us."

"Let's do it."

Ira's teal eyes met the golden brown of the person he trusted most. "Get the others loaded up."

Io nodded before turning to her task. "You heard him. Come on, everyone."

Ira listened just barely as he input the code sequences. He heard the first four pods roll up, the fluttering ping and metallic clicks as they activated and the fine hiss as the cryofields flared to life. He was ready long before the fourth pod slid back into the floor, the protective hatch closing over it. He felt her presence before she announced it.

Io, standing a full head taller than her lord kept her gaze focused on the screens. "Ready for shut down, right?"

Ira kept his eyes on the panel. "Yes. Just one last button push."

"Good." Io took a step back, gesturing to his pod. "In you go. I'll be right behind you."

Ira kept his place. His pause had already stretched too long. "I really think I should be the one to initiate. I know this system better than any of you."

Io's soft breath of a scoff was the best show of emotion ever garnered through her stoic visage, usually only reserved for moments they were alone. "You said yourself. One button push. I think I can manage."

Ira couldn't help a smile. He turned, slower than necessary. "Very true. You certainly can." He regarded her angular features, emerald marks, and darkest of black hair tied back in a tight tail high on her head. "But I think I would feel better knowing you are safe and sound." He wasn't lying.

Io raised a thin fine brow as she looked down at him. "Perhaps. But you know protocol. You first."

Ira felt his expression dip. It was true. His pod was the most secure. And it was her duty, as his most trusted, as his closest aid, his most loyal servant… his Chevalier, to protect him above all else.

The alarm that hadn't stopped ringing through this ordeal seemed to break through his thoughts. Along with her hand on his shoulder. "Come along. Time for the freeze." She spoke gently, almost like a mother to a child. Amusing, being he was her elder, despite his youthful appearance.

"Io…" his voice was softer than he'd intended. He felt her movements halt through the contact of her hand. He looked up, her concerned eyes meeting his gaze. "Come here," he commanded, strength returning to his voice, if only barely.

Io didn't hesitate to move closer, her concern having cracked her usually stoic mask. "Lord Ira-"

Ira clenched his eyes shut as his arms held fast. It had been a long time since he'd held her so closely.

Io was stiff against the hug he'd surprised her with, but for only a moment. She returned his embrace, crouching lightly as she leaned into his hold, his shorter stature making it slightly awkward, but it was clear she'd returned this affection before. "It'll be alright," she said, a comforting note in her voice. "Your plans always work. We'll make it out of this."

Ira opened his eyes slowly. The alarm seemed so loud. The track lights seemed so bright. "I know," he whispered. The needle slipped out of his sleeve with practiced ease. He moved his arm, flicked his wrist, and just like that, pricked the large muscle of her back. Her shoulders tensed, and when they moved to part, her expression radiated pure confusion. "We'll make it. We always do," he said, his own voice reassuring against the ache that suddenly sprung up in his chest.

Io's eyes grew wide as she stepped forward, only to grow heavy as her legs tremored. "Ira…"

He caught her as her knees gave out. He kept eye contact as her expression started to waver, the drug starting to do it's job quickly, as intended. "It'll be okay," he whispered. "I promise."

.:\\v/:.

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