A/N 29/07/2018: People were getting confused with the chaptering, so I've divided it up.
"Shiro?" Allura cries. "Keith?"
She and Lance round the corner to find a small alcove, paling at the sight. The scene is a far cry from the one described in Lance's story.
Shiro is propped up against the wall of the cave, leaning against his left shoulder. Most of his armour has been stripped off, lying in a pile beside him. The part of his right arm above his metal prosthesis is visible; part of the undersuit has been melted away. The exposed skin is burnt, a ghastly mess of red and black. He's barely conscious.
Keith is curled up not far away, his armour stripped off as well. His eyes are closed. His bangs are plastered to his forehead, face flushed.
"A-Allura? …Lance?" Shiro's voice is faint.
"We're here," Lance says.
While Lance runs over to Keith, Allura goes to Shiro's side.
Shiro's breathing is laboured and shallow. "Shiro," she says, voice fraught with anxiousness. She moves to take his pulse, but he recoils.
"No! Don't—don't touch me," he gasps. "You'll get hurt."
As if to prove his point, a thin ribbon of electricity sparks from the metal arm. A pained grunt escapes him as he jerks violently, his eyes screwing shut.
"Shiro!"
A couple gasping breaths later, he forces his eyes back open.
"Has this been happening since it started?" she asks, afraid to know the answer.
"O-off and on. It's—it's fine. Don't—don't worry about me. Worry about K-Keith."
"We are concerned about both of you. Hold still." She leans in closer. He tries to object, but before he can get a syllable out, she commands, "Hold still and stay quiet."
She brings her ear just above his chest and listens. It's difficult to hear above his gasping breaths and the stuttering crackle emanating from his arm, but she can just make out his heartbeat.
Her eyes go wide. His heartbeat isn't right. Too fast; off rhythm. "Something's wrong with your heart."
"Yes. I know," he says. "So… so take Keith. Get him to—to safety. Don't worry… about me."
"What? No!" Lance shouts. "We're not leaving you!"
Keith stirs. "…Mm?"
"Keith," Lance says, lowering his voice. "Hey, buddy."
"Lance?" Keith croaks. He blinks a couple times. "Allura?"
"Hello, Keith," she says. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," he says, but his voice is feeble. "…Shiro? Shiro, are you okay? 'm sorry, sorry I fell asleep. Didn't mean to."
"I'm alright," Shiro says. Liars, both of them. "I'll be fine. Go. Go with… Lance and Allura."
"No," Keith says. "We can't leave without you. We can't."
"Yes," Shiro says, "You can. And you… will."
"No one is leaving anyone behind," Allura says, firmly.
"What're you going to do?" Shiro challenges. "You can't t-touch me. And I'm not… walking out of here. You can't—you can't split up with those… creatures around. We've just gotten… lucky so far. None since… since…" He wrinkles his brow. "I don't actually… know what…"
"The Ferexians unleashed a nanoweapon designed to harm the Galra and their technology, not knowing about your arm or Keith's genetics," Allura explains. "Unfortunately, they were unsure of how to reverse the damage to your arm, but they are currently working on manufacturing a cure for Keith."
"Oh," Shiro says, too exhausted to be upset. "So go. Bring Keith back. He needs—needs to get back."
"No," Keith says. "Not leaving without you."
"Yes. You… will. That's a—a direct order," Shiro says, his attempt at a command undercut by his difficulty speaking.
"No!" Keith says in an attempt at a yell.
"Your emotions are… clouding your… judgement."
"Of course they are!"
"Keith. Don't be—"
"Guys," Lance interrupts. "Shiro, arguing with Keith is my thing; don't take that from me. Can we please just take a moment to try to figure out a solution?"
Shiro closes his eyes. "F-fine. First, water. Keith needs… water. There's a pool. A couple doboshes… that way." He tips his head ever so slightly to the right. "One of you could go. Could call for backup if—if needed. It's… close enough."
"I'll go," Lance offers, tucking his helmet under his arm. "Will you be alright looking after these two on your own?" he asks Allura.
"I'm sure I'll manage," she says. "I'll listen for those large creatures; they are quite loud. If you are only a few doboshes away, I should be able to call you back in time. Shout if you need assistance, alright?"
"Oh, trust me, I will," he says, giving them a little wave as he heads off.
Keith wriggles over, tugging at Allura's leg. "What're we gonna do?"
"I'm not certain, but we will come up with a solution," she promises, scooting closer to Keith.
Shiro will definitely need to be carried out of here, but Allura can't touch him. Maybe if they had some sort of insulating material…? But they have no way of getting that, not without splitting up. And as Shiro pointed out, they can't split up with those creatures around; Lance or Allura couldn't defeat one on their own, especially while having to protect others.
"You can… figure something out… in the city. Come back for me later," Shiro says.
"No. Not leaving you," Keith says. "Stop suggesting that."
"Better me than… both of us," Shiro says. "It's the… best solution."
"No!"
"Keith—"
"That's enough," Allura says. "Keith is correct. We are not leaving you, Shiro."
"So what do… you propose, then?" Shiro challenges.
"Comms?" Keith says. "Could ask someone how to stop the arm."
"Unfortunately, the comms do not work in here," Allura says.
"Oh. Right."
A spark runs through Shiro's arm, causing him to spasm. A pained noise escapes him.
Keith whimpers at the sound, burrowing closer to Allura. "Have to help him," he says, pleading.
"We will. Not to worry. We will figure something out." She undoes her armour and pulls off her gloves so she can provide a more comforting touch. With bare fingers, she brushes the sweat-damp bangs from Keith's too-warm face, running her hand through his hair. It's a bit disgusting, but it's worth it when the tension in Keith's body lessens.
"There's no time," Shiro says.
"Patience yields focus," Keith snipes.
The corners of Shiro's lips turn up at that.
They settle into silence, the alcove filled with the echoes of nothing but gasping, shallow breaths. They still don't have an answer by the time Lance comes back.
Lance is helping Keith to drink out of the helmet filled with water—which, he assures them, he rinsed thoroughly—when Keith says suddenly, "Magic."
Lance frowns. "Magic? What're you talking about?" He cocks his head at Allura. "Has his fever gotten worse?"
Shiro's eyes widen. "Magic. The druids… used magic. To—to activate it. My arm. Allura. M-maybe… maybe you could…"
"Use magic to shut it down!" Lance exclaims, spilling water all over Keith. Keith tries to glare at him, but it doesn't work so well when he looks like a wet kitten. Lance grins, apologetically.
"Could you?" Shiro asks.
The thought alone is horrifying. "I don't have proper training," she says. "Something like that requires considerable skill. My magic is unrefined. If I were to fail, the results could be catastrophic."
"Gonna be catas—catastrophic if you don't try," Keith slurs, words tangled on his tongue. "You have to."
She bites her lip. She's terrified. It's true, they're out of options, but one wrong move, and she could—she could…
Lance reaches over, squeezing her knee. "You can do it. I know you can."
"I—I…"
"You'll be fine," Lance assures her. "Remember all the awesome stuff you've done with magic in the past? You didn't have training then, and you don't need it now. You're more than capable. Remember what I said before? You're amazing at everything you do. This is no exception. You can do this."
It brings a small smile to her face. How does he always manage to do that?
Reluctantly, she turns to Shiro. "Shiro?"
"Keith's not… leaving without me, so I guess I… can't die yet," he says. Keith scowls at him—there's that soggy kitten look again—causing Shiro's lips to curve up. "Sorry." He shifts his gaze back to Allura. "Do it. Please."
She bites her lip again. "Alright."
She moves to Shiro's side, bringing her hands to hover over his right arm. The burn wound is horrid. Unable to stand the sight of the gruesome injury, she closes her eyes. She gathers all the magic within her, bringing it to her trembling fingertips. She just needs to… focus…
Tentatively, she releases some of her energy—
And Shiro screams.
She scrambles backward. "Shiro! Shiro, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry," she gasps. "I shouldn't have—shouldn't have—"
Someone reaches for her hand. Lance. He's got his other arm around Keith, who has his eyes squeezed shut, trembling against him.
Lance runs his thumb over Allura's knuckles until her hiccupping sobs taper out.
They're quiet around Shiro's ragged breathing, until Shiro says, his voice weak as anything, "Allura. It's… it's okay. …Please. T-try again."
She gapes at him. "I hurt you!"
"Still—still breathing," Shiro says. "You can… do it. Please."
"I can't. I can't do this," she says, shrinking in on herself.
"Yes, you can," Lance says. "Listen. I know you're used to getting things right away, but sometimes, it takes more than one try. Trust me, I would know. You can do it. Don't give up."
Allura looks to Keith, hoping he'll be more reasonable about this. But even though he's still shaking, he says, "They're right. You have to help Shiro. You're the only one who can. Please."
"You got this," Lance says, quietly. "We believe in you." He gives her hand a pulse, before letting go.
They… they believe in her. She can do this. She blinks the tears from her eyes and brings her hands back to float above Shiro's arm.
"Ancients, help me," she whispers, staring up at the crystal ceiling; distorted reflections stare back at her. "Please. I have to help him."
Magic gathers at her fingertips once more. Her palms and fingers glow, stray particles of light falling around them. It feels different this time. Stronger. More controlled.
The Galra arm sparks again, causing Shiro to cry out. It's hurt him enough. No more.
She doesn't hesitate. She dives in, reaching out with her magic, and clarity comes to her like she's known it all along.
She begins to extract the harmful energy from his arm, drawing out thin tendrils of crackling purple. It gets progressively more difficult the deeper she reaches, but she keeps going.
The energy gets darker and darker, stronger and stronger. Removing it drains her rapidly, her energy leaking from her body like through a sieve, but she has to keep going. She can't give up.
Just a little more. With one last burst of strength, she purges his arm of the dark energy, forcing it to release its hold. The last of the pitch-black magic dissipates into the light.
Ragged as his breathing is, Shiro lets out a sigh.
Slowly, Allura reaches for Shiro's right hand. She makes contact, and… nothing happens. There's no shock. Nothing but the feeling of smooth, harmless metal beneath her fingertips.
Shiro reaches across his body with his left hand, placing it over hers. "Thank you," he whispers.
She gives him a small smile, before pushing herself to her feet.
She almost collapses, utterly drained, but Lance is there to catch her. "You did it," Lance says.
"I… did it," she says, in wonder.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," she says, standing on her own, "but I'm not sure I have enough energy to carry Shiro very far."
"Yeah, of course," he says. "We'll rest for a bit. Now that we can, we should probably rinse Shiro's burn wound and bandage it up. …But I, uh, may have spilled the water."
Keith scowls at Lance again, his hair still dripping wet. It's still adorable.
"The water source is close," Lance says. "You'll be able to hear if those big monsters are coming, right? You can yell for me if you need me to come back. Are you alright watching these two for a couple more doboshes while I run and get more water?"
Allura nods. "Alright."
Lance tucks his helmet under his arm once again and sets out in a light jog, footsteps getting quieter until she can't hear them anymore.
"Allura?" Shiro asks. "I know you just… saved my life, but can I… ask for another favour?"
"Certainly," she says.
"Would you—would you mind helping… cut me out of this suit? I need to… relieve myself."
"Oh! Yes, of course."
Shiro couldn't have gotten the suit off before now. Even if he could tolerate pulling the sleeve over the burn, the fabric is melted to his skin. With only one working arm, he couldn't have cut away the suit, and no one would have been able to assist him without being shocked.
"Keith, would you allow me to use your dagger?" she asks.
"'Kay." Clumsily, Keith sends the blade, in its dagger form, skittering across the cave floor. "Careful. 's sharp."
"I'll be careful."
She takes the blade and, pulling the undersuit as far from Shiro's skin as possible, cuts through the fabric around his waistline. As promised, the luxite blade tears through the thick material with ease. When she's finished with the front, she wraps her arms around Shiro's waist to pull him forward from where he's propped up against the wall, then swings around to reach his back.
As soon as she's finished, Shiro tries to push himself to his feet, but even that has him panting for breath.
"Shiro, stop," Allura says. "We can't have you exerting any more undue stress on your heart. Allow me to help you."
Shiro looks less than thrilled, but he knows she's right. He doesn't argue.
She slides an arm beneath Shiro's knees and keeps the other at his back, lifting him with more effort than it should take. She takes a step, but a hand grabs her ankle.
"Wait," Keith says. "Don't leave. Where're you going?"
Shiro sighs. "I need to pee, Keith."
Keith tightens his hold on Allura's ankle. "He has to come back. Make sure he comes back."
"Not to worry, Keith," she says. "We'll be right over there."
"…'Kay," he relents. "Come back soon."
"Don't worry. We will."
She carries Shiro to the corner of the little alcove, steadying him as she sets him on his feet. With his left arm braced against her, and the other not working, he sighs and faces her. "Can you…"
She nods. Without a word, she helps him out of the suit. She holds him steady, and pulls the lower half of the suit back up for him when he's done.
"…Thanks," he says, not quite making eye contact.
"Of course."
She scoops him back up into her arms, and carries him back to where Keith—
—is wrestling with a giant snake.
"Keith!" Quickly, she sets Shiro down and runs over.
She grabs her bayard and attacks the tail end of the shiny, violet-scaled creature, making sure not to accidentally hit Keith. Her strike carves a deep gash in its tail.
As she'd hoped, the snake unwraps itself from Keith's body and silently slithers toward her instead, fangs bared, spike-covered hood flaring.
With a few swift lashes of her whip, she cuts through the creature. The snakes are large and fast, but they're no match for her bayard.
Once she's certain it's very, very dead, she retracts her bayard and turns to Keith. "For quiznak's sake, Keith! Why didn't you say anything?!"
Keith shrugs slightly. "You were busy."
She shoots him an exasperated look before dropping to her knees.
Hurried footsteps approach. Lance rounds the corner, gun at the ready. "Are you guys okay? What's going… on…"
His eyes go wide at the tableau. There's an enormous snake, in pieces, in the middle of the floor, fuchsia blood steadily pooling around it. Allura, Keith, and Shiro are all sitting or lying on the floor in various states, scattered around the alcove, all apart from one another.
"Wow," Lance says. "I leave for literally a few minutes, and…"
"Shiro," Keith says, looking at Allura, gesturing in the direction of where she had left him. 'Please' is implicit in his expression.
"Right."
Allura walks back to Shiro, picks him up, deposits him on the floor next to Keith, and promptly collapses.
"Allura!" Lance runs to her.
"I'm fine," she says, exhaustion seeping through her voice. Then, lowly, she mutters, "Just don't leave me to babysit those two on my own again."
Lance gives a quiet laugh. "Uh, about that... I kind of maybe left my helmet back there."
Allura groans.
"I thought you guys were in trouble, okay?" he says. "Don't worry, I'll be back in a dobosh."
"Fine." She glues her gaze to Keith and Shiro, not daring to take her eyes off of them for even a tick.
Keith is pressed up closely against Shiro, his arms wrapped tightly around Shiro's waist, his head buried against his chest.
"Clingy when you're… sick," Shiro says, a slight smile on his face.
"Wouldn't be if you didn't keep disappearing," Keith says, voice muffled.
"Not true. Remember the… Garrison?"
"Mm," Keith says.
"That one time… when you—"
"Shh," Keith says.
"Yes, shh. Both of you," Allura says. "Keith, you need to sleep. You will need your strength. Lance will help you, but unfortunately, you will have to walk."
"Mm," Keith says, nuzzling against Shiro.
His breathing slows, steadies out, and within moments, he's asleep.
She watches over the two, envious that she's never shared a bond like theirs. She never will, not quite like that—their history runs deep, and aside from Coran, there's no one in the universe left who shares even a shred of her past. But maybe someday… maybe someday, she can forge something new with someone else, something similarly strong.
"No more snakes?"
At the sound of Lance's voice, she allows herself to tear her gaze away from the two. "No more snakes," she confirms. "Keep your voice down. Keith is sleeping."
"Oh, got it," he says, voice lowering from his usual constant yell. He holds up his helmet, water sloshing inside. "I got the water. We need to figure out some sort of makeshift bandages, too."
"Can… use my suit," Shiro says, quietly. "Already ruined."
"Okay," Lance says. "Uh, we're gonna have to move Keith if we want to bandage Shiro up."
Shiro attempts to shift, but Keith just clings tighter.
Allura sighs, reaching over to extricate him. With considerable effort, she pries him off of Shiro. Keith clings to her instead, sticking like a magnet. "I… suppose this is alright…" she says.
"Aw. You've got a nap buddy," Lance says. "You need to get some sleep too, Allura. You've gotta get your energy back up. I'll take care of Shiro and can take watch after."
"You'll wake me if you need me?"
"For sure."
"Alright then," she concedes, lying down. Keith snuggles closer. He's uncomfortably warm against her body, but she supposes it's not intolerable.
Lance smiles at the sight, his expression equal parts amusement and endearment. "There we go. Sweet dreams, Princess."