The last of these drabbles. Yes, there is a reference to A:tLA, because as I explained, I am trash.
Disclaimer: I don't own Voltron: Legendary Defender.
Shay forged down the corridor with as much confidence as she could muster, clenching Allura's hand tightly. She thanked the Balmera for Allura's shapeshifting abilities, because otherwise Shay worried she would've crushed her hand out of stress. Luckily, right now Allura's hands were Balmeran and could withstand the pressure Shay put on them.
Shay's fears stemmed from the fact that she was unwilling to use the power of the Balmera against her kinsmen. If they were caught, Shay knew they would be captured and separated. As such, it was imperative that they avoid attracting attention. This feat would not be easy, however, as Shay spotted Rax making a beeline towards her. She again thanked the Balmera for giving her the foresight to pack a hood for Allura, as her gorgeous blue eyes, so different from Shay's own, would've given them away.
Rax approached, causing Shay to stiffen. She immediately slouched again, hoping it had escaped his notice. Allura squeezed her hand reassuringly, and knowing that she had absolute faith in Shay hardened her resolve. "Greetings, brother."
"Shay," Rax nodded respectfully, "You made haste while feeding the prisoner. I'm pleasantly surprised. You spend too much time with it."
Shay bit her tongue to keep from protesting. How dare he call Princess Allura an 'it'. "Yes, brother," she said, hoping her tone oozed meekness.
Rax turned his attention to Allura. "Who are you?" Allura glanced at Shay, clearly at a loss, so Shay jumped in for her.
"This is a new friend I met while on guard duty. She is mute, but she has communicated with me using the Balmera. Her name is Toph." Rax nodded and placed his hand on the surface of the Balmera. Allura mimicked him, and Shay watched, internally panicking. If Allura didn't have the qualities needed to speak via the Balmera, they were finished. After a few ticks, her fears were assuaged. The surface beneath Allura's hand glowed, indicating she was communicating. As long as Rax failed to notice that the glow was tinted blue, everything would continue smoothly.
Rax stepped aside, nodding respectfully at Allura. "I see," he said, "She has explained to me her origins and your meeting. Proceed, sister."
Shay dipped her head, silently thanking the Balmera once again for their good fortune. The pair hurried to the site of the cave-in, attempting not to look too eager. Shay beseeched the Balmera to shield them from view, and a wall slid out of the ground behind them. She then made another request of the Balmera. A pair of stone plates rose in the middle of the rubble and pushed in opposite directions, clearing a path. They sprinted along it, startling Coran half to death on the other side.
He pointed what Shay assumed was a weapon at her, clearly believing she had was a threat to Allura. Shay ducked behind Allura, who threw off her hood and shrunk, commanding Coran to stop and rapidly explaining to him that Shay had helped her escape and that their deception would likely be noticed soon. He hesitantly lowered his weapon, and when Allura glared at him, thanked Shay. Shay flushed olive green and was about to reply when alarms begin to sound. The Balmerans had discovered Shay's betrayal. It was time to make haste.
The trio ran towards the base camp, Shay throwing up barriers along the way. By a sheer stroke of luck, Allura's crew had flown the ship down to it, and were loading up, prepared to leave their leader. When they saw Allura and Shay hand-in-hand their jaws dropped, but they listened to Allura's instructions and had prepared the ship for takeoff within ticks. The hatch opened to admit the crew, but Shay hesitated when it was her turn to board. Was she really willing to leave her people and culture, leave the Balmera? Shay shook her head. She had made that decision the moment she entered Allura's cell with the spare tunic. Her treachery would not be forgiven if she returned. It was necessary to move forward and join Allura. She boarded the craft and took a seat near the rear, where it would be harder for Allura's crew to stare at her unnoticed. Just as she began to retreat into her own thoughts, Allura motioned her to the cockpit.
"This," Allura announced, "is Shay, who gave up everything to help me be free."
The expedition team applauded wildly, Allura included. She gestured for Shay to take the copilot's seat, explaining that it had the best view of the sky. Though embarrassed, Shay's heart soared. The princess wanted her, a lowly rock, to be her copilot. How could she refuse such a generous offer?
The ship's thrusters fired, sending it spiraling out of the mine and into the sky, which Shay could now see was precisely the color of Allura's eyes. Grateful to have finally seen the glory of the sky and to share the experience with her princess, Shay placed her hand over Allura's. Life as a Balmeran on Altaea would surely hold challenges, but with Allura by her side, Shay knew it would be possible.