AN: Ok, long chapter. Lots of info. Here we go.
SH
SH
SH
The cool desert air both stung and soothed Keith's still swollen nose.
He took a selfish moment to look around. He knew these canyons and rock formations carved by the elements. This environment used to be his hiding place. Then he learned it was Shiro's favorite area to fly his hover cycle. Together, they made it somewhere they could just let everything fade away. Hide in plain sight. Be the haven that the Garrison could not give them.
He stared at the purple lights of the drones' searchlights in the distance.
The Galra were still trying to track down the refugees. Add the mysterious beam from his bayard...With a sigh he slipped his head back into the darkness. The rock nook was not meant for three people but they had to hide wherever they could. It wasn't as jagged as their last place at least. There were more scouts and drones than Keith thought there would be. We can't stay here too long. Constant movement was their only option.
Shiro grunted as Allura's foot stepped on his.
"My apologi-"
"It's fine," he cut off.
If Keith could turn his head he would have. That was the second time Shiro was curt with her. There was increased activity outside, drawing his attention forward. Allura furrowed her brows. She shifted again. Shiro withheld another grunt as her knee hit his shin.
"Stop moving."
"I'm trying to give you space," she bit out in a low whisper. "Is that not what one does around an angry person?"
"I'm not angry."
"And rice paper isn't delicate," she snipped.
"Guys-" Keith began to warn.
It was not needed.
Through the thin rock opening they could see the purple Galra lights. Keith took a half step back while staying in front of them. He readied his hand should he need his bayard. When the chips were down he knew what he'd choose. Losing the element of surprise would greatly hurt their chances of defeating Sendak quickly but they'd figure something out if it occurred.
I'll be damned if I let them get hurt.
Behind him Shiro lifted his arm up to shield Allura from view. She stayed still. Despite Shiro's arm she could feel Keith's breath through his armor. There was no personal space between the three of them. It made the nook uncomfortably warm. Sweat went into her head wound. She winced at the discomfort.
The lights were getting brighter.
They could feel each other's tension. Shiro shifted his hand along Keith's shoulder. Allura leaned her forehead along Shiro's chest plate. My head...She needed fresh air soon. The unmistakable sounds of metal armor of sentries came near them. None of them breathed. Allura put her right hand along her thigh in preparation for her bayard.
The sounds moved. The lights dimmed. They did not relax yet.
'They always double back,' all three thought. It was basic Galra sentry protocol. Moving on gave the illusion of security. To relax was to leave an opening. Sendak was the type of monster to know this and take advantage of it.
Allura blinked hard. She felt herself sway - Shiro gripped her forearm. He set himself directly against her and the wall in an effort to keep her standing. There was no room to sit. If she crumbled now she'd agitate her arm.
"Breathe," he murmured above her ear.
Her eyes fluttered half open. She felt his chest plate slowly expand and then retreat. She found the rhythm of his breath easy to follow. It was still too stuffy but focusing on following his breath did help somewhat. She could hear the sentries doubling back. Slowly breathing wasn't enough. Not right now.
'Find a safe place.'
A memory floated into her mind. She was flying alongside another Garrison jet. She looked at Adam's cockpit, seeing his serious expression. Se suddenly weaved in front of him with a grin. Adam took the bait and weaved above him. The playfulness fell into a calm, peaceful weaving pattern amongst the clouds. It wasn't part of their training at all. Iverson was going to let them have it when they landed but she didn't care.
She could stay up here all day...
Her teeth clenched behind her closed lips. She gripped his forearm with her good arm. He looked down at her. He mistook her expression. He moved his head so his chin rested on top of her head. The gesture of comfort made her angry, sad, and grateful all at the same time. For someone who has been through so much she could not believe how open he was to give reassurances.
Even though another part of himself has been lost to the Galra...
"I'm going to scout," Keith murmured.
Allura moved her hand to grip Keith's wrist. Shiro squeezed his shoulder. Then Keith slipped out. They stayed still for a moment. There was no guarantee that it was safe to venture out yet. Not until Keith could confirm. Her eyes closed momentarily. Without Keith's body heat it was a little easier to breathe.
"I am angry," came Shiro's low murmur.
She opened her eyes to stare at his chest plate. Alteans and Galra had better low light vision than humans. Numerous other races did too. She moved her head so she could look at him. They knew that the clone's body was mostly Takashi Shirogane.
...But a part of its DNA was unknown.
She could see that 'unknown' reflected in his face. His dark pupils were a little sharper. His clenched teeth showed his more pronounced canines. His expression was fierce and protective and mixed with another emotion that made his eyes seem fragile.
"You promised, Allura."
Their first and last mission together. He had been shocked. His damned Galra arm couldn't pierce the pod's door. He could only watch as the sentries gathered around her, lunging, as she just stood there with a smile on her face.
The last time he felt that helpless was when the Galra separated Sam from him and Matt. He loathed that feeling. Which is why he made her swear on her honor as the Princess of Altea to never do that again. No matter the circumstances. It took a long time to get her to swear to it but it had reassured him that it would not happen again.
Until an hour ago when she tried to grab him.
She looked away. "The others need you more."
"...Don't," he fisted his hand along the wall, "ever think that."
"There are some people the universe cannot afford to lose." She gave him a mirthless smile. "I am not one of them."
He felt his anger simmer. He just felt disbelief as he saw how much she believed that to be true. This isn't just guilt over Lotor. This was something deeper. Something that had been festering for a much longer time than the past couple of months.
"Allura?"
There was a shadow in the opening. They relaxed when they recognized Keith's silhouette.
"We should go."
Being stuck in a room was bothering Colleen but she could cope.
Being cooped up in a civilian dormitory while her MFEs and brother were fighting was agitating Veronica so much that her left foot couldn't stop tapping. It got to the point where Colleen pointedly looked over at her in the middle of reading and arched her brow.
Veronica stopped by standing up.
She walked over to where Romelle was. The teen had been standing by the window ever since she hung up with Hunk. Where they were wasn't directly facing the west side of the grounds so there wasn't anything to see. Romelle turned head brought her hair into Veronica's immediate view. She used to wear two pigtails but now her long blonde hair was in a single ponytail with two intricate braids along the sides of her head.
"My mom must be so happy."
Romelle started at that. "What was that?"
"Rachel told me that Lance brings you along when he visits the family." Veronica pointed at the braids. "I'd recognize my mom's technique anywhere." She leaned against the wall. "She used to do our hair when we were little."
"...I did not mean to intrude on any familial traditio-"
"Please. The McClain motto is 'the more the merrier.' " Veronica pushed her glasses up. "Does she still hum while she braids?"
"...Yes. She does." She pulled her ponytail over her shoulder to stroke. "It's a different tune than I'm familiar with but still comforting."
Veronica's idle curiosity around the mystery of Romelle reawakened. What with other things going on she hadn't the chance to ask. She snagged onto her opportunity, needing the distraction.
"Commander Holt told us that Allura and Coran were the last Alteans. So..."
"Where did I come from?" the girl dully finished. This would be the third time Romelle would have to explain. It was bad enough that she still saw her little brother's sunken face and shriveled skin behind her eyelids when the night dragged on too long. Her violet eyes darted over to Colleen. The older woman was still reading but Romelle had a feeling she was listening. "I'd rather wait to explain once Sam Holt and the others return," she softly murmured, "I only wish to explain one more time. And then..." her eyes closed, her voice dropped down to a whisper. "No more."
The shift in mood had been unexpected. Suddenly Veronica could see why Lance would bring Romelle to their family, especially their doting mother. Romelle let out a squeak as the MFE handler pulled her in for a hug.
"You don't have to say at all. Sorry. I'm insensitive when I'm curious."
Romelle lightly returned the hug before pulling out of it. "You, Pidge's family, and Earth's pilots need to know," her brows lowered in anger. "Lotor's crimes will be known to those who have the power to fix it."
Veronica's curiosity grew. But. "Only if that's what you want."
Romelle nodded without hesitation. Wanting to change the topic, Veronica recalled something.
"Did my niece show you this yet?"
Romelle leaned over to see Veronica's phone. Her brows came together in confusion but she could clearly see her name written on the piece of paper. Lance's niece and nephew took it upon themselves to teach her some of Earth's written language. Lance's mother helped them figure out how her name would look in their tongue.
"Why did she depict wings coming out of my head?"
"That's your pigtails. Nadia can't wait to grow her hair out and wear it like you used to."
Romelle's nose wrinkled. "They're called 'wind sweepers' in Altean."
Veronica laughed. "Then the wings are accurate in this picture."
Romelle pouted. Veronica swiped to the next photo.
"Here's Sylvio's version."
"I did not have horns!"
Hunk frowned up at Lance from his seated position on the floor.
"You can take your helmet off. We'll be able to hear them if they talk."
"I'm good. Thanks."
Griffin looked over at the duo. "Even Kinkade took his off and he's a stickler for protocol."
Lance crossed his arms tighter.
Hunk stood up so he could see him better. "It's making you sweat a waterfall."
"I said I'm fine."
"Tell that to your passed out body in five minutes," Griffin flatly said.
"How about you butt out of our conversation and shut your quiznak?" Lance snapped. "You'll make me miss something."
Griffin and Kinkade looked at each other. At least now they knew where Sam Holt got that alien word from. On Hunk's end his expression grew serious as he realized what was going on with his friend. He laid his hands on his shoulders.
"You need to stop blaming yourself for Kuron," he quietly murmured.
Lance's shoulders shrank.
"...All of that could have been avoided if I-"
"None of us caught on. Not even Keith."
"He wasn't there the whole time," Lance defended.
"But he was the one that visited Kuron the most," Hunk easily disputed," and then Coran and Allura when they'd check his vitals. I'm sure they each saw something questionable but it was just an unthinkable scenario. I mean really. Who would have thought?" He squeezed his shoulders. "That's why hindsight's 20/20."
Lance closed his eyes. "...Yeah. I guess you might have a point."
Hunk smiled when Lance removed his helmet. "Better?"
"Oh yeah."
Lance sank down to the floor. Hunk joined him. Griffin looked at his watch. The half an hour was almost up...Or he could pretend he didn't notice for another ten minutes.
"Who's Kuron?"
The paladins looked at him with a tired expression.
"That's a long story," Lance sighed, "and way too complex to just explain in a couple of seconds."
Griffin slid down with the rest. "Try it."
Lance looked around. The guards were still inside the operating room with the doctor, Sam, and Coran. But just to be safe...He gestured for them to scoot in. Griffin complied but Kinkade quirked a brow first. The MFE leader stared until the teen sighed and came closer.
"Kuron," Lance whispered, "was Shiro's clone."
Shiro reminded Keith of the hidden cave.
They had found it one outing when the sun was scorching hot but they weren't ready to go back to the Garrison. But to get there required passing a patch of open space with no rock cover. It was a risk to take.
Shiro was listening to his helmet. He shook his head when he caught Keith's eyes. Still no word on the comms. Pidge's injury was more serious than they had been hoping. It was clear they would need something longer lasting to wait in.
"We'll have to go," Keith sighed. "Allura do you think you can make it?"
"The cool air helps my head."
Keith lightly cracked his neck and then ran. Shiro and Allura were quick to follow. They ran as fast as they could. Halfway through Allura stumbled over something. Shiro caught her just in time.
"Quiznak," she muttered.
If only she could shapeshift into a Galra again. But the shifting would only make her injuries worse. Keith instantly squatted down. Shiro caught on and easily maneuvered her to fall along Keith's shoulder.
"Put me down right -"
Keith stood up, making her breath suddenly leave her. His training with the Blades had built his upper body to be able to run with another person along his shoulder.
They took off again.
By the time they reached rock cover Keith's face was completely wet. Allura grumbled something in her mother tongue as Shiro helped her onto her feet. Keith took a moment to catch his breath. Shiro shook his head as he caught what Allura said.
"Coran wouldn't approve."
She bit out something else but in Japanese. Keith would have laughed at Shiro's gaping if he had enough breath to spare. She put a hand along her hip as she listened to Shiro's scold.
"I wonder where I learned it from," she breezily replied.
That shut Shiro up.
Keith let out a small smile. "Alright guys, let's save the jokes for later."
Shiro half glowered at Allura before taking the lead. "The entrance should be down this way."
They walked over to the sloping edge of the ravine. Shiro halted when he looked down. The natural steps that used to exist were now gone. He let out a sound of frustration. Galra lasers. He'd recognize those scorch marks anywhere.
"It's not here," Keith frowned.
"Can we afford to look somewhere else?" Allura murmured as she sat on a flat rock.
Shiro looked at the graying sky. "The sun will be out soon."
"We'll be exposed," Keith sighed. "We'll just have to climb."
He squatted down for Allura. She did not move.
"No."
"Come on Allura. Your arm's -"
"Shiro only has one arm."
"Thanks for the reminder," came Shiro's wry response. "Even with your strength you'll need two hands to work with. Your balance is off."
"Then let's make it two hands," she easily latched onto. "You know how to reset dislocations."
Keith sighed. "If your arm's only dislocated."
"A quick physical check will confirm it."
"Not for certain," Shiro protested.
"It's a risk I'll take."
"Allura," Keith frowned, "you don't need to -"
"Yes I do. I refuse to further burden you two like this."
Shiro and Keith shared a look. They knew that stubborn set of her brow. No matter what they told her she wouldn't change her mind. They still weren't certain if it was a royalty thing, Altean thing, or just an Allura thing.
"Let's make it quick," Keith muttered.
Shiro stood aside as Keith undid the plates of armor. Then he kneeled down so he could feel her arm. She winced several times. He tested her arm motion which caused her to let out a sharp yelp.
"Sorry," Shiro offered when she glared at him. "I don't feel anything sticking out."
"Ok." Keith switched with Shiro. "I've done my fair share," he assured her. "Just try not to be loud when I pop it back in."
"I'll try," she flatly said.
"I'll keep her steady." Shiro sat behind her on the flat rock. "Allura, you can yell into my shoulder. Ready when you are Keith."
"Shouldn't it be when I am r-"
Keith's quick motion cut her off. Her face buried between the space of Shiro's collarbone and neck to muffle her yell. Her breathing was ragged as her unnaturally stretched arm ligaments throbbed back into their normal place. She moved her head to Shiro's shoulder as her breath calmed.
"Ow," she half groaned.
Rizavi and Leifsdottir were done getting the refugees settled in the cafeteria when guards came in.
The two quickly stood at attention as they recognized the graying hair and glasses of Councilman Sablan. The Garrison council members had been meeting with the Admiral when the Galra suddenly attacked. With the barrier up and everywhere else practically gone the council had no choice but to remain here on the front instead of their emergency bunkers.
The sounds of the cafeteria quieted behind them.
They did not turn to look at the refugees' faces. The MFEs were already in deep water. To break simple greeting protocol would be completely unfounded and only seen as unwarranted defiance or worse, insubordination. Any of those could be grounds for suspension or expulsion. 'It would be wise for us to obey,' Leifs had quietly explained to Rizavi when she came, 'until we know the results of our transgressions.'
Looks like we're about to find out, Rizavi wryly thought.
Her dark eyes slid over to Leifs. She's not going to initiate any of the talking. While Leifs wouldn't be rude, Rizavi knew that her tone and dazed stare unnerved people. Then Leifs would notice their unease, which then would make her self conscious (in Leifs' own way) and try another tactic like a methodical verbal chess player, but only end up making the prototype AI seem more human than her and further feed the unease...
It could get into a vicious cycle. The only problem with Rizavi doing the talking was her lack of control of what came out. That's all. Where the heck was Griffin when she needed him?
"At ease MFEs," Sablan slightly smiled before walking past them.
The two MFEs shared a look but stayed behind him as per Garrison protocol. The guards stayed behind them. It made Rizavi a little on edge especially after their scuffle with the guards by the barrier.
"Citizens of Earth, the Galaxy Garrison welcomes you."
Uh. Ok. Rizavi looked at Leifs. She didn't look surprised - not that Rizavi had ever seen the teen with that expression before. I guess the Garrison had a change of heart. Or they're just trying to make a bad situation look good on their part.
"Please eat and rest. Spare clothing will be provided. Be assured, we will do everything..."
Rizavi zoned out as Sablan continued talking for another three minutes. Then she started when she caught "by the MFEs," phrase but too late. Was that last sentence good or bad? She really needed to stop tuning out speeches. Leifs was looking at her. Sablan was turned towards her too.
"We'll look after you," Rizavi loudly proclaimed. "Anything you need, just ask."
Was that the right thing to say? She didn't dare look at Leifsdottir.
Sablan smiled congenially. "And there you have it."
I guess it was. She almost audibly sighed. Then Sablan turned back to them. The smile was still on his face but it didn't quite reach his eyes. He walked towards the doors. Two guards opened them while the other three stayed inside the cafeteria. Then Sablan paused to look over his shoulder.
"He wants us to follow," Leifsdottir quietly informed Rizavi.
The chatter in the cafeteria started up again as the doors closed.
" 'Anything,' Officer Rizavi?" Sablan folded his hands behind his back. "I wasn't aware you are in a position to offer that."
"It just came out sir."
"Clearly," the councilman calmly replied. "Well, what's said is said. How comfortable they are here will be dependent on you, their saviors."
"And the Paladins sir," Rizavi added without control, "they are the ones that got them here safely."
"Speaking of the Paladins," His smile was tight. "I believe you were given explicit orders to detain. Yet we have only seen three enter the building."
"The others are beyond the barrier," Leifsdottir responded, "sir."
"Yes. For now."
Rizavi frowned. "Sir?"
"You should be at the barrier, officers." Sablan fixed his glasses. "The admiral wants answers from all of them."
"Ah, yes sir."
Sablan nodded. "You're dismissed."
The MFEs turned towards their destination. But Rizavi had felt a question burning the back of her tongue the longer the conversation went on. It was going to come out. She knew it. Leifs, stop me...She looked at her for support. Leifsdottir gave her a slow blink and then stopped walking. She...wants me to ask?
Oh no...
"Councilman!"
Sablan glanced back. "What is it officer?"
Don't ask, Rizavi scolded herself. Just say 'sorry, never mind,' and walk away...But if Ina wants to know - Don't ask. Don'taskdon'task...
"If the admiral wants answers then why did the guards try attacking the Altean Princess? Surely that'll just turn them against the Garrison. Or the admiral. So -"
She halted her quick words as Sablan smiled widely.
"Why indeed."
The councilman turned around and left with his guards in tow.
Kinkade looked to Griffin. That was not who they thought it would be.
"But wait. That would mean Shiro would have -"
"He went missing for a long time," Hunk murmured. "We ended up finding his clone instead."
"What happened to him?"
"Zarkon..." Lance swallowed the lump starting to form, "caused his disappearance."
Kinkade's eyes narrowed as he took in the paladin's expression. And then coupled with what they knew about the threat level of the Galra, combined with the knowledge that Zarkon was the Emperor of this hostile alien race...
"...Officer Shirogane died, didn't he?"
Griffin stared at Kinkade in disbelief. And he says I'm the King of the Long Shots.
"Ryan, really? We saw him not even two hours ago -"
"He's right."
Griffin turned to look at Lance. If he's pulling my leg...But Hunk's eyes carried a similar weight.
"...You guys are serious, aren't you?"
The operating door opened. Kosmo got up onto his feet. Sam and Coran stepped out first. Sam quickly grabbed Kosmo before he could slip inside. The wolf let out a high whine. Sam rubbed his head. The guards came out next.
Lance was the first to stand. "How's Pidge?"
"The back ribs are bruised but she's alive. The doctor's running another scan just to be safe."
Hunk folded his hands in front of him. "Is she awake?"
"I'm afraid not," Sam looked around. "Where are the others?"
"They're stuck on the other side of the barrier," Lance murmured.
Coran looked at the wolf. "Kosmo -"
"He won't leave Pidge's side until she tells him he can." Lance half smiled. "He's pretty attached to her."
"We all are," Hunk murmured.
Sam stepped up to clasp both of their shoulders. "I'm glad Katie has you guys. Now," the older man's face grew serious, "care to tell me what the quiznak happened out there?"
Griffin stepped up.
"Your daughter took a shot meant for Princess Allura."
"Griffin." Sam's eyes narrowed. "That shot pattern wasn't consistent with a sentry's."
There were pivotal moments in James' life that held heavy, lasting impact. His choice to stand up for Ina Leifsdottir, the class freak, led to her loyalty. When he made the top of his class he was allowed to choose two pilots: he chose Ryan Kinkade, the obvious choice and gambled on Nadia Rizavi who was brilliant but one mark away from expulsion.
His choices made them the perfect team to handle alien simulations.
Then his decision to accept the role of leader took them to the MFE Ares program. Completely experimental and with unforeseeable risks. His signing encouraged the others to take the same risks. Courage came in numbers sometimes. And now he had another choice. How to word what happened.
"...It wasn't friendly fire."
Sam's face went blank. None of them had ever seen that happen.
"Coran, could you look after Katie for me?"
One of the guards stepped forward. "The agreement was to come to the med bay. Anywhere else and we will be forced to take you to the Admiral for judgment."
"That's exactly where I want to go."
"So do we," Kinkade murmured behind Griffin.
James inwardly sighed. Kinkade was too good at his job.
"Lance, Hunk. It's time."
"No way. Pidge is still -"
"Leave Number Five to me, Number Three and Number Two."
Hunk frowned. "It's not that we don't trust you Coran, but -"
The older Altean patted his head.
"I know."
Lance closed his eyes as Coran patted his head next. They might have deemed him as their Weird Space Uncle and goofball but there was plenty of affection in that name.
"We'll come back as soon as we can."
Griffin and Kinkade had their helmets back on. Lance and Hunk did the same. Sam was behind them with his guard. The other guard stayed behind to keep an eye on Coran.
"We'll need to talk again," James said.
"The opportunity will come," Lance replied back.
"...Why did you readily agree to that?"
Lance half shrugged.
"It's frustrating being the only ones who know all of this."
Hunk's eyes lowered. "And lonely."
That made James glance at both of them. It kind of sounded like a joke but the far off look in both of their eyes made them look lost. On their own planet. He felt his brows furrow.
He was lucky to not understand that level of trauma.
Allura's whip came in handy.
Though, if the cave had been another five feet lower they would have had issues. She didn't want to think about that. We're here now. They were fine for another short while. She kept her eyes closed as Keith checked her temple.
"It's scabbing now so there's no more bleeding."
"That is good."
"Yeah," he sat back on his haunches. "The main injury's internal."
Her brows lowered in discomfort. "I can feel that."
"Can't you heal yourself like you did with the Balmera?"
"I gave the Balmera some of my quintessence," she corrected. "I can use my quintessence to bolster another's." Her tired eyes half opened. "But an injured healer trying to bolster an injured essence will only cause complications."
"I hadn't thought of it like that."
She shrugged it off. "How is your nose?"
"I can still breathe through it."
She half smiled.
There was movement from deep within the cave. Keith and Allura spotted the blue glowing strips of Shiro's paladin armor before seeing him entirely. He carefully sat down with them with water in his helmet.
"The pool's not as big anymore."
Keith pulled out a capsule from the paladin pouch along his belt. He dropped the blue pill into the helmet. They all watched it quickly dissolve. Then Keith picked up the helmet to swirl the water around. His body wanted to just drown in it.
"It might taste a little off still," Shiro gave a sheepish grin, "what with being in a helmet."
"Better than nothing," Keith offered it to Allura.
She pushed it back to him. "You need it more after all that running."
He didn't offer it again. He tried to control his intake. He'd only make himself sick if he drank too much in one go. He gasped in relief. My tongue was starting to stick to the roof of my mouth. He took another drink before handing it to Allura. She didn't need as much as Keith.
Shiro took more measured sips. Keith shook his head. In control even at a time like this. That's one of many qualities he admired in Shiro. Keith laid down on his back. The rocky floor wasn't really smooth. He got a pointy rock out from under him. Slightly better.
"What's that light?"
Keith immediately sat up. Shiro stood up to go closer to the mouth of the cave. He came back with a smile.
"The sun's rising."
Allura slowly got onto her feet. Keith offered her a hand up. She took it, along with his assistance to the mouth of the cave. He passed her to Shiro. She was led to the left side. Shiro pointed over her shoulder to a space shaped like a "v" between two mountains.
"Keep your eyes there."
Keith leaned against the wall behind them. He faintly smiled when he heard her soft gasp. He'd seen the sunrise from here before. He knew that at this angle the peach glow of dawn spilled down a river between the two mountains, making it look like a curving chain of silver. Then, as the sun rose higher the canyon's tawny and almost auburn colors were illuminated. The tops of the still surviving trees near the base of the mountains should glow as the morning dew made the light reflect off of it.
'This is sublime,' Shiro had laid a hand on the young teen's shoulder. 'Something so incredible that there are no proper words to measure its greatness.'
Allura's vision blurred as water built up.
"For a while, I felt something was wrong with me," she quietly murmured, "but I did not know what it was...until now." Her hand clenched over her chest. "There was once a light that burned inside of me so fierce, I didn't think it could ever go out." Tears dripped down her face as she looked back at Keith and Shiro. "I don't feel that anymore," she choked out. "And I don't know if I ever will..."
Shiro placed a hand on her shoulder. He didn't offer empty promises that it would be alright. That her inner fire and determination would return like it had never left.
I know, his face told her.
She could see the truth of it as she stared at his dull eyes.
Keith stepped up to them with a sympathetic expression. He'd felt like that before, once. Then he ran into a goodie two shoes that wouldn't take no for an answer. Helped him see a life after his father's passing. I didn't realize that both of them were still feeling like this. What kind of leader missed something like that? He immediately pushed away that thought. This is about them.
He wrapped an arm around each of them.
"You'll find it again," he murmured. "It might not be the same fire," he put his head between theirs, "but that's ok."
Keith felt Allura's hand first as her arm came to his back and then Shiro's. Keith's eyes closed as he pulled them closer. They hugged him tightly with absolutely no restraint. This didn't mean they were fixed. Healing on this level took time. Years even, in some cases.
But Keith knew they'd be just fine.
There was an annoying beeping that woke Pidge up.
She half growled as she slapped her hand out for her alarm. Her hand hit nothing. But her back decided to flare up from moving her arm so suddenly. She groaned out loud.
"Sweet loving quiznak..."
"Number Five!"
She turned her head as Kosmo licked her dangling hand. She was in a hospital room with only Coran and Kosmo. And her back was burning like it had been scalded by hot iron. She owlishly blinked as Coran's face scrunched up in concern. She put her hand on Kosmo's head.
"Go to Keith."
The wolf licked her face and then disappeared.
SH
SH
SH
AN: I know I dropped a lot on you. XD
So Sablan -or something like that XD - (got his name from Netflix subtitle) is the gray haired dude that was with Admiral Sanda in the hangar with the paladins when they were discussing the lions. You'll remember him as the guy that approached Allura when she was looking at the prosthetic arms. I have no clue what his ranking is or those other people's.
I just thought it was strange that this Sablan showed up a couple of times but his name isn't mentioned. Or those other people just sitting in the meetings. Figured they were part of the Garrison bureaucracy? They seemed higher than a commander. I am going somewhere with this so bear with me (story wise).
I had a reviewer mention that they felt Allura was almost docile this season (except for a couple of scenes) and I do agree to a certain extent. She seemed pensive/introspective like there's a lot going on inside (not necessarily romantic) which I'm attempting to explore in this story.
The clone's dna: Ok, I am totally convinced that Haggar would have played around with the clone's genetic makeup. She obviously liked Shiro overall (why else make a million clones of the same guy XD) but this is someone that makes robeasts and messes around with quintessence. I can see her splicing some alien dna in there to make him a better weapon. In the fight with Keith, Kuron's pupils were almost catlike and he clearly had fangs.
Since Shiro's essence was put in this body...I didn't think it was a stretch.
Being part alien would also explain why Shiro was able to breathe with no helmet on as he fought Sendak on top of the cruiser while flying into Earth's atmosphere. XD I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one that wondered how that was possible. Other than saying that it's because Shiro's a badass (though I do not have any complaints with that explanation XD).
I have the perfect opportunity for some paladin/mfe bonding. Just stick with me. We'll get there. :)
