Chapter 21-Changes
I don't own Voltron Legendary Defender. I'm taking the characters out for a spin.
Adam sat on the side of the bed that he and Takashi shared. He held his dog tags in his hand as he brushed his thumb across Takashi's ring. Did he want to get up and face the others? No, his mind answered his unspoken question.
He didn't want to face the others. The looks of pity in their eyes, or well-meaning platitudes. He glanced over at the trays of uneaten food Hunk had left.
He lay down and rolled over facing the wall. He pulled Takashi's pillow over to him. It still held his smell. "Takashi," he whispered.
The door to his shared room slid open. Lance walked in, followed by Hunk. The Blue Paladin gazed at his cousin and sighed. He tried putting a smile on his face, but seeing the man lying there, it hurt. "Adam, are you going to get up today?"
Lance wasn't surprised when he didn't get a response. "Hunk was able to make a Cubano sandwich, and it tastes just like your mom's."
Hunk retrieved the other trays of uneaten food. His eyes watered as he tugged on Lance's sleeve. As they walked out of the room, someone else entered. Unseen to the two teens Chulatt snuck into the room. The little blue-furred mouse was worried about his human friend.
Using the corner of the blanket that hung down to the floor, he climbed up and ran up Adam's body to gaze down into the man's face. He squeaked at Adam but was ignored as he continued to stare at the blank wall.
Chulatt didn't like what he saw. Dark circles around Adam's eyes and three days growth of whiskers on his face. Chulatt squeaked again as he ran back down to the end of the bed and squeezed his way into the vent duct. His little mind deciding that someone more able than he needed to know what he knew.
Chulatt ran into Allura's quarters, squeaking loudly as he ran.
"Chulatt? What has you in such a frenzy?" Allura knelt and held out her hand as the mouse ran into her hand.
He released a series of panicked squeaks as he ran circles in the young woman's palm.
Allura gasped. "Adam's what?"
Chulatt squeaked again.
Allura nodded, "You're right, something must be done, and I think I know the person who can help."
Allura stepped into the Red Lion's hangar as Keith returned from another search of the debris field from the battle with Zarkon. She sighed. He wasn't giving up on his quest for Shiro. "Keith, I need your help."
Keith pulled off his helmet and tucked it under his arm. "What do you need help with."
"It's Adam. Chulatt says he's not eating and not sleeping. He's either going to make himself sick or—" she couldn't bring herself to finish that statement. "You're close to him. He might listen to you if you tried talking to him."
Keith ran a hand gloved hand through his raven black hair. "Why do you think he'd listen to me, why don't you get Lance to talk to him?"
"Lance and Hunk have both tried."
"Why me?"
"Well," Allura began and glanced away from Keith for a minute before turning her gaze back to him. "Adam explained to me that you and Shiro are like brothers. And Lance explained that when Adam and Shiro marry, that will make you Adam's brother-in-law." She shook her head. "I still don't quite understand that, but you would be part of Adam's family."
"And you think that he'll listen to me because of that." Keith ran his hand through his hair again.
Allura nodded. "It's either you try, or I tell Coran and well he did mention it to me yesterday, and his idea of dealing with this would be to sedate Adam, strap him down to a bed in the infirmary and hook him to an IV and a feeding tube. I'd rather not do that to him."
"I see your point. It would be akin to torture."
Allura nodded. "Exactly."
Keith stepped out of his room. He strode down the hall to the room that Adam and Shiro shared. He sighed and stepped in front of the door. It slid open, allowing him entry.
He stepped inside, seeing Adam on the bed. "Adam?"
Adam rolled over and gazed at the teen. His hand still clutching his dog tags.
Keith gazed at the man and didn't like what he saw. Adam's skin appeared dry. His eyes were dull, almost lifeless with circles so dark they looked like someone had punched him. Three days' growth of stubble was on his face where he hadn't shaved.
Adam sat up. A hint of hope came to his eyes. "Did you find him?"
Keith shook his head. His voice softened as he spoke again. "No. I've searched the entire debris field. Shiro's not there, but I'm here about you. Everyone is worried about you. You're not eating, not sleeping. You have to take care of yourself."
Adam shook his head. "Without Takashi, I have nothing."
Keith glared at Adam as his temper rose. "That's bullshit, and you know it. You have the rest of the team here. They all care about you. Shutting them out isn't the answer. You have to live."
Adam rose as his temper flared. "For what? Huh? Takashi is gone again." He strode over to Keith as he doubled up a hand into a fist. But instead of striking out at the teen, he smacked himself in the chest with the fist. He dropped to his knees as he dropped his arms to his sides. "My heart hurts. I've lost him."
Keith grabbed Adam's shoulders as he knelt. "You're not alone. As I said, the rest of the team needs you. And I will find him, believe that. Coran is even threatening to sedate you and strap you to a table in the infirmary and hook you up to an IV and feeding tube."
Adam cringed as he started showing some real emotion. "He wouldn't dare."
"He'd dare alright. So please, eat something. Hunk made this sandwich just for you."
For the first time, Adam finally saw Keith and how haggard and tired he looked. "You haven't been taking care of yourself either."
Keith chuckled. "Well, that's calling the kettle black, don't you think."
"Fine, but I'll compromise. If you eat half, then I'll eat it too."
Keith jerked as his eyelids opened. He rubbed at his eyes as he tried to remember where he was. He focused on the sound that he'd heard a moment ago. He scanned the room with his eyes until realization hit him. This wasn't his room. He gazed down and saw Adam. That was who he'd heard. Yes, he'd promised himself he'd stay and watch over the man as he slept.
He focused on Adam's face as it was twisted in what looked to Keith like pain. A groan escaped the man's lips, followed by a mumbled word. "Takashi."
Keith pushed himself up off the corner of the bed, where he sat down earlier. He never realized that he'd fallen asleep either. He reached out and grabbed Adam's shoulder, shaking him slightly. "Adam, you're having a bad dream."
Adam woke with a start as his eyelids opened. "Wha—"
"You're having a bad dream."
Adam nodded. He sat up as Keith took a step back from him. "Yeah, I was. Sorry." He held his head in his hand.
"You should get up. Everyone else will be glad to see you."
"I-I'm not sure if I'm ready." He reached up with his other hand and rubbed at his chest. "It feels like someone is crushing my heart."
"Try it. Besides, I think Thace should be ready soon to come out of his pod. And you should be there."
"I'll try."
Adam rose from the bed and stepped into the joining bathroom. He at least showered, but he didn't feel like shaving. He dressed into the Garrison uniform and combed out his damp hair. He placed the chain of the dog tags over his head and slipped them down under his tank top, making sure Takashi's ring was where it was supposed to be. He tried to smile as he stared at his face in the mirror, but the smile wouldn't come. "I guess this is my new normal."
Adam tugged on the hem of his uniform jacket. He walked to the door and took a deep breath. As it slid open, he hesitated. He released the breath and was grateful no one was waiting for him. What would Takashi do, but he knew the answer. He'd continue to move on. Adam nodded to himself. "Time to go to work."
He walked down the hall and rode the elevator down to the level where the infirmary was located. He walked into the room only half, expecting it to be empty, but he wasn't surprised to find Coran there.
The Altean turned to gaze at the human. "Ah, Adam, it's good to see you up and about."
Adam nodded. "I'll take over here."
"Alright. I'll leave Thace's care in your capable hands." Coran stopped as he gripped Adam's shoulder. "My boy, I know what you're going through. I lost everything. If you ever need to talk, I'm here."
Moisture collected in Adam's eyes. He'd been wallowing in his torment that he'd forgotten that both Allura and Coran had lost everything and everyone they'd loved. "Thanks, Coran."
The Altean released his grip. "Oh, before I forget, Kolivan left one of the Blades of Marmora's suits. His Galra uniform was damaged, and Kolivan felt that Allura wouldn't like that reminder around."
Adam nodded. "Yeah, I can see his point."
"I'd better get to the bridge. Hunk and Lance are on a mission with the Blades. They're responding to a planet that requested aid in freeing themselves from the Galra."
"Thanks again, Coran."
The pod hissed, and Thace blinked. "Where am I?" He gazed around until he spotted Adam. "Ah, now, I remember. You're the human who met me when Keith sent me here in his lion's speeder."
"Yes," Adam replied.
Thace stepped out of the pod under his power.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Much, thank you. Altean technology is much better at healing than the Galra has."
Adam held out a small cup of the heated Nunvill. "Here, drink this. It'll help take the chill off."
Thace accepted the cup and drank it down.
Adam turned and walked over to the bed that was still down. He picked up the suit and walked back to the Blade of Marmora member. "Kolivan left this for you, but he's away on a mission right now. He'll return when the Blades and Hunk and Lance are finished freeing a planet from the Galra."
Thace accepted the clothing and smiled. "That's good news. I hope you were successful at ending Zarkon."
Adam shrugged. "I haven't heard. I've—" he began but stopped. "Never mind. We'll find out together, I guess."
Coran stood by the door to the lounge as Allura, the Paladins, Adam, and Thace sat around on the couches in the center of the room. Thace sat near Keith while Adam sat near Lance.
Hunk grinned as he spoke. "They haven't figured out their flatbread situation, but what they do with those centipedes is just out of this world."
Lance rolled his eyes. "And they're ready to join the fight against the Galra."
Pidge grinned. "Nice!"
Thace nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. His gaze was torn between Adam and Keith. Something was happening with them that he wasn't sure he liked. He remembered Ulaz saying something about a human named Shiro that was called the Champion by Zarkon's forces, but he didn't see him.
Hunk grinned, "We brought back a few of their leaders to join the coalition."
Allura's eyes brightened as she clasped her hands together. "That's splendid. Excellent work!"
Lance held his Garrison phone. "You know, I gotta say, this is what it's all about." He held his phone out, showing his picture of his selfie being surrounded by several of the female Puigians. He leaned back while he crossed one leg over the other as he rested an arm on the back of the couch. "Freein' the people, lovin' the ladies, then bombin' down the road again looking for adventure, Voltron style."
Adam frowned as he crossed his arms over his body and shot Lance a dark stare. He reached out and smacked Lance in the back of the head.
Lance hissed as he rubbed the back of his head.
Pidge let out a little chuckle.
Hunk ignored what was going on as his gaze fell, but he refocused on Allura. "Which brings up a little issue. They all want to see Voltron. Only we don't have Voltron anymore."
Allura frowned as she gazed down toward her hands as her eyes watered.
Keith frowned as he closed his eyelids. "We don't have Shiro anymore either. Everyone seems to have forgotten that."
Allura sighed but felt it was time to suggest something that might be taken the wrong way. "It may be hard for all of us to accept, but I feel it is time to think about finding a new pilot for the Black Lion."
Keith shot up off the couch. "No, I'm gonna find him. Shiro is the one person who never gave up on me. I won't give up on him!" He turned and stalked out of the room.
The door where Coran stood slid open, and Kolivan stepped inside. All eyes turned to him. "Princess Allura, the leaders are restless. But I have a suggestion. I would like to leave Thace here once I have to leave to conduct missions elsewhere. Sort of as my liaison."
Allura stood and faced him. "After what Thace has gone through, I think it's a good idea to keep our lines of communication open that way."
"Thank you, princess. I shall go back to the leaders."
Allura sat at the head of the formal dining room table. She had Adam sit in the chair where Shiro usually sat with the Paladins next to him. Kolivan was facing her at the opposite end of the table. Thace stood behind him while the other leaders sat opposite the Paladins. Coran took his usual spot behind his princess.
Though young by species standards, Allura took control of this diplomatic meeting. "It is our honor to have you all here together."
The Puigian leader smiled. "I had the biggest bunker back on Puig, but it wasn't nearly this nice."
The leader next to him reminded Adam of a catfish in a way. When he spoke, not only was his voice deep, but it also gurgled. "Well, I spent the last decade sleeping in a spiny thistle thicket. You look wonderful, though, Princess. I'm glad I put on my best tarp."
Hunk stepped out of the door behind them from the kitchen carrying a tray of food. He smiled as he sat the tray down on the table. "Welcome, everyone. Welcome. I've prepared a few Earth canapes for our distinguished guests to enjoy while we talk galactic diplomacy."
Kolivan stood. "The Blade of Marmora has gathered this intelligence." A large star map appeared over the table, colored purple. "As you can see, the Galra Empire is still the most massive ruling force the universe has ever seen. The sheer size of it is almost incomprehensible. It seems like it could rule another ten thousand years."
Adam squirmed in his seat. He didn't like taking Takashi's place. It seemed like blasphemy. He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and saw Lance whispering to Pidge.
Kolivan continued speaking. "However, we are beginning to see signs of increased rebel activity from within the Empire." Planets began changing colors.
The leaders gasped as they began to see a change in the star map.
Allura stood. "We have a strategy to bring these forces together, free more planets, grow our numbers, and accumulate an army that can defeat the Galra in major battles."
The leader of a sentient machine species spoke. "The forces will all fight behind Voltron, right?"
The Puigian leader turned to Allura. "Yes, where is Voltron?"
Allura kept a polite smile on her face while inwardly, she frowned. "The people you see before you are the Paladins of Voltron. Together, they pilot the mighty lions that form the great warrior." She motioned to Adam. "While Adam here is their medic, and he helps them on missions."
Adam's discomfort grew as several of the alien leader's gazes fell on him. He didn't want to be here to face their scrutiny.
The Puigian leader nodded. "Excellent! Can they form Voltron now?"
Allura fumbled. "Uh, well—"
Keith growled. "We can't form Voltron, okay? We can fly the lions, but Voltron is not happening."
The leaders gasped.
Allura tried to explain. "What he means is that right now they can't do it, but—"
Keith shot Allura a glare. "But nothing. Shiro is gone. He was the Black Lion. And until we find him, there is no Voltron."
Various expressions of shock appeared on the leader's faces.
Kolivan took over, trying some damage control. The lions are still a substantial fighting force, and this Castle is also a considerable weapon. The Blade of Marmora can lead you."
The leader of the machine species turned her gaze on Kolivan. "My people have been enslaved for centuries by soldiers who look exactly like you."
The Puigian leader gazed at Kolivan. "Yes! Our people have heard how Voltron defeated Zarkon. That is what gave them hope. What are we supposed to tell them now?"
Keith stood up and slammed his hands down on the table, rattling dishes. "Tell them to stand up and fight for themselves!" he leaned toward the leaders. "Voltron is gone!" He pushed off the table and stomped off.
Everyone stared at Keith as he walked away.
Adam cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Earth has survived many conflicts. Each conflict had groups of men and women who were not experienced fighters who rose and did what they could for their families' safety and freedom." He stood. "I'm sorry, Princess. But I can't sit through this any longer." He bowed politely and strode away.
Keith stood in the Black Lion's hangar, gazing at the lion who just lay there as if it were lifeless.
Adam, Allura, Coran, and the other Paladins stood behind him. Silently they all agreed that Lance should speak to Keith.
The Blue Paladin frowned and slouched as he walked up to Keith. He stopped bringing himself even with the Red Paladin. "Hey, man. Listen, we all miss Shiro. I remember what a thrill it was to meet him for the first time when the two of us carried him out of that makeshift Garrison hospital."
Pidge and Hunk joined them. Pidge spoke next. "I grew up with my dad and Matt telling me stories about him. He was a legend at our house."
Hunk spoke next. "The guy taught me everything I know about being a pilot. Which isn't much, but that's more on me."
Adam walked up, putting himself between Lance and Keith. He clapped a hand on each of their shoulders. "I was at the Garrison about a month before this skinny teen showed up. He had all the looks and could have had anyone he wanted, but he chose me."
Lance turned to Keith. "You're not the only one hurting man. We're all here with you. But you know that he'd be the first one to tell us that we have to move on."
Keith turned and glared at Lance.
Allura stepped up. "Keith, I know exactly how you feel. But our mission is bigger than any one individual." She gazed down at the metal plating. "Even those who are completely irreplaceable."
Keith gazed down at the deck. "I know you're right. It's time to figure out how to reform Voltron."
Adam squeezed his shoulder.
