#paladin sir let me read in peace!

[chris-that-one-explorer]

Danse: Was that an interesting read?

Chris: Sort of, you are being rather distracting right now you know?

Danse: How so? I haven't moved from here.

Chris: That's the point.

[whatacaitastrophe]

Everything Has Changed - Chapter 4

Previous Chapter

Chapter Song Inspiration: "After Midnight" - Dorothy

Chapter Warnings: Canon typical violence, blood drinking.

Spotify Playlist: Here

Author Notes: Thank you all so much for reading, reblogging, liking, and commenting on this fic (and the first one)! If you are interested in supporting me in other ways, I have a Ko-Fi link. ya girl has bills to pay and a dog to feed, and every little bit helps <3

Chapter 4: Kerosene Eyes

“Szarlnaxi coven? I thought you’d all died out after the final confrontation with Isteval.” Astarion questioned in disbelief. He was well aware of the Szarlnaxi coven and their history, as Cazador had instructed Astarionan and his siblings to kill anyone associated with Voltan Szarlnaxi, an ousted count from Tethyr turned local crime lord, on sight. The Sharran worshippers began consuming the blood of Baldur’s Gate’s lowest citizens while still human, posing a threat to Cazador and his own coven, threatening to expose them. Astarion couldn’t confirm (Cazador never would have deigned to tell him), but he was fairly certain the reason the agents from Tethyr hunting Voltan Szarnaxi found him to begin with were aided by Cazador himself. 

When Szarnaxi perished, his followers prayed to Shar as they consumed his blood. As a reward for their devotion, the Lady of Darkness turned them into vampires. Astarion and his siblings had been the ones to force the new coven of vampires out of Baldur’s Gate and retreat to what became their new homebase at Dragonspear Castle. Astarion hadn't heard anything about the Szarnaxi coven again until eight years ago, 1485 DR, when Cazador uncharacteristically declared they were having a celebration, because the coven finally met their end thanks to Sir Isteval, a paladin from Cormyr, who took them on twice in the same year and won both times. Of course, Cazador’s idea of a “celebration” was a night free of torture and cats for supper instead of the usual, but that had been good enough for Astarion and his siblings.

It was the only reason Astarion agreed to camp outside the gates of Dragonspear Castle to begin with: believing the greatest threat from the castle on the High Moor had gone extinct. 

Once Astarion’s vision adjusted to the change in lighting, he got a good look at their visitor.  Astarion recognized the vampire in front of him as one of the ones Cazador had ordered Astarion and his siblings to be removed from Baldur’s Gate after their numbers started growing. He couldn’t remember the man’s name, but it didn’t matter. 

“You thought that bastard from Cormyr managed to murder us all?” The other vampire sneered, releasing his hand from Fallon’s mouth to wrap an arm around her middle as his spell wore off. “Only the weak fell. The rest of us just knew where to hide until the dust settled.”

“So you’re a bunch of cowards, then. Duly noted.” Fallon quipped, and Astarion could have killed Fallon himself for goading a vampire with a blade to her neck, though he supposed it did remind him of their first meeting.

The vampire didn’t take kindly to her jab, either, and he expressed as much by pressing the blade against her throat just enough that Fallon whimpered in pain. Rage began to simmer in Astarion’s blood, and one look at Gale told him the other man felt the same way he did: this vampire was as good as dead the second Fallon was free from harm. Oh, how Astarion wished that he and Gale still shared a connection via their tadpoles– it made silently planning a coordinated attack so much easier. 

“You’ve yet to answer my question, spawn of Cazador. What are you doing here?” their visitor demanded. 

Astarion raised his free hand in a show of peace, but wasn’t foolish enough to let go of his dagger. “We’re just passing through,” Astarion replied, his voice much calmer than he felt. “Just three friends who stopped to make camp for the night on the road to Waterdeep from Baldur’s Gate.” 

“Quite a trip to make on foot, especially this time of year. Why not use a portal?”

“I’m afraid that’s my fault,” Gale spoke up with an awkward wave. “Ordinary human here, portals upset the stomach. Now why don’t you release our friend and proper introductions can be made.” 

When talking about journeying to Waterdeep, Fallon and Astarion had considered a portal spell. The trouble was that mages that not only knew how, but were strong enough to conjure one reliably few and far between. Gale had been the only person with that kind of magical prowess they knew, and they certainly couldn’t ask him before  Mystra dropped him on their doorstep, completely stripped of his magical powers, and that was the end of that discussion. As far as excuses went, the one Gale gave the Szarlnaxi vampire was probably also true, albeit untested. 

Their intruder’s body language relaxed only slightly, indicating he believed Gale’s story, but Astarion wouldn’t be lowering his defenses until there was no longer a blade pressed to his lover’s neck. “What’s in Waterdeep?” the vampire asked. 

“I believe that answer also lies with me,” Gale continued. “I originally hail from Waterdeep and my– my mother passed away. My dear friends agreed to act as emotional support and accompany me as I travel there to sort through her affairs.” 

Astarion had to hand it to Gale, the pain in the other man’s voice sounded genuine. If Gale learned to play an instrument, he would probably be a hell of a bard. The vampire looked to Astarion in confirmation, and he nodded silently. “You’re pretty far from home, spawn, does daddy know you’re out and about?” The other vampire asked. 

“Gods, you ask a lot of questions,” Fallon sighed in annoyance. “Cazador is dead. We killed him ages ago. Are you satisfied?” 

Astarion had to work overtime to keep his features as neutral as possible. If they survived this night, he really would consider killing Fallon himself. He knew from traveling with her in the past that in the face of danger that Fallon tended to abide by the code of “strike before you can be struck, and ask questions later,” and often ran headfirst into a battle without really thinking anything through; but this was a new level of recklessness, even for her. Especially without Shadowheart on standby to patch them up. He’d once told Fallon that the greatest threat to a vampire was not the sun, or a wooden stake, but another vampire; and she’d just handed this particular one all the ammunition he needed. 

“Well, well, well, isn’t that interesting?” The rival vampire crooned, as he stared at Astarion. “You should have made sure to warn your consort about our history before wandering into our territory. Cazador was the only thing keeping you all alive.” With his free hand, the vampire reached up and yanked on Fallon’s hair, causing her to gasp in pain. Astarion’s rage came to a boil the moment the stranger pressed his face to Fallon’s neck, right above the old puncture wounds on Fallon’s neck from where Astarion usually bit her. “She smells so sweet, I can see why you picked this one. I think I’ll have a taste before I kill you all.”

Before he could open his mouth to take a bite, the sound of an arrow soaring through the air broke through the clearing, and found its mark in the vampire’s shoulder blade. He cried out in pain, lowering his blade from Fallon’s neck and staggering backward. The holding spell wore off, and Fallon quickly whirled around with her blade, decapitating her captor in one clean swing. 

Immediately it became clear why the Szarlnaxi vampire was asking so many questions, and biding his time: he’d been the distraction. The second his head separated from his body, four other vampires appeared, previously hidden by an invisibility spell cast upon them by their now dead leader. Gale swore loudly, readying his sword as one of them launched at him, and Astarion could only pray his training with Fallon stuck. Astarion briefly looked around to see if their savior had shown themself, but before he could truly investigate he found himself dodging a fire bolt shot at him by the vampire closest to him. The flame singed his sleeve as it flew by, and Astarion ran at his attacker, dagger ready to strike. 

The blade found its target, stabbing the rival vampire right in the side, and Astarion drove the blade in deep before dragging it across his gut, splitting him open as he cried out in pain. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the other two vampires head for Fallon, one head on and the other coming at her from behind. “Fallon, behind you!” Astarion yelled, but their mystery savior seemed to already be on the case, for another arrow shot through the trees, this time piercing Fallon’s attacker in the back of the neck and going almost cleanly through, causing the vampire to collapse to his knees as he gargled and choked on his own blood. 

There was no time to breathe a sigh of relief, though, because Astarion’s opponent may have been injured, but he wasn’t out. He had just enough energy it seemed to cast a Thunderwave spell that sent Astarion hurtling backwards, gasping for air as he landed flat on his back, eyes closed as he winced in pain. A shadow appeared over his figure, blocking him from the firelight of the campfire, and as Astarion rolled over to try and stand, he saw their boots first. They were smaller than any man’s, or even Fallon’s, and for when he looked up in confusion he was met with the golden eyes of a gray skinned tiefling, beaming at him. 

“I suppose after this we’ll be even after all the times you saved my life, right?” She declared, extending him a hand, and Astarion’s expression changed from confusion, to elated surprise.

“Arabella?” 

“Nice to see you again, Astarion. Let’s finish these bastards off, so we can have a proper reunion, yeah?” 

The young tiefling tore off after the vampire who’d been assaulting Astarion, so Astarion picked up his dagger and ran to help Gale. He was doing fine keeping his own attacker at bay, and seemed to have avoided taking any major blows, but Gale also hadn’t managed to injure the vampire, either. “IGNIS!” Astarion shouted, aiming for the offending vampire, a pleased noise leaving his mouth when the bolt of fire hit its target. The vampire staggered, giving Gale a moment to swing his sword around and lacerate his arm. 

“Is that Arabella?” Gale asked Astarion in surprise. 

“Sure is.” Astarion answered proudly as he grabbed the back of the burning vampire’s neck with a wince, and drove his dagger into his shoulder before kicking him backwards onto the ground. The sounds of blades and spells slowly died as the last of the vampires fell to the ground, and Astarion looked around wildly for Fallon, praying she was still standing. 

The elf was intact, and on her knees on the ground with Arabella, tears streaming from both of their eyes as they embraced tightly. Astarion started to walk towards the two of them, but Gale grabbed his arm gently and shook his head. “Give them a moment.” he said softly. Astarion glared at Gale, but did as he was told, annoyed with himself that Gale still knew Fallon so well as to know to give her this moment with their friend. 

During her brief residency in their camp, Arabella and Fallon bonded in the way sisters do, and when the young tiefling left to strike out on her own and find her own way in the world, it broke Fallon’s heart. Astarion remembered the day Arabella left: just after they’d entered Rivington, the tiefling girl left in the night, leaving only a note behind, citing that a goodbye would have been too hard. They ran into her one other time, a few months later, but to Astarion’s knowledge, no one had heard from her since. 

“Gods, look at you! You’re all grown up!” Fallon exclaimed, pulling back from Arabella, placing her bloody hands on the girl’s shoulders. It had only been two and a half years since they last saw Arabella, but she was definitely no longer the child they’d seen before. Astarion had assumed she was eleven or twelve when they met her, and a full fledged teenager stood before them now. Her hair was darker, more ginger than it used to be, and she had a turquoise, wavy tattoo covering her left eye and spiraling down her neck (it reminded Astarion slightly of Halsin’s), and she had a couple of piercings now as well. “What the hells are you doing out here?” Fallon asked her. She turned around to look at Gale and Astarion. “Look! Arabella is here!” Fallon wiped tears from her eyes, but when she raised her arm to wave them over, she visibly winced. It was at that moment Astarion realized the blood on Fallon’s hands were not just from the vampires who attacked her, but also her own. He could smell it now that he drew closer to her, and his eyes immediately fell to the source: her shirt had been torn open and a long, bleeding gash leaked blood across her abdomen. 

“Shit.” He rushed over to Fallon and dropped to his knees beside her. “Where are the healing potions, darling, I’ll go grab one.” “Astarion, I’m fine.” Fallon argued. “You are not fine,” His nostrils flared. “We could have avoided this whole gods damned battle if you had just kept your mouth shut, and now you’re fucking bleeding out, don’t tell me you’re fine.” Fear filled his body as his temper rose, and he knew it was the only reason he lashed out at her. Though as far as Astarion was concerned, yelling at Fallon for starting a fight she couldn’t finish, and getting hurt in the process, felt like a pretty good reason to yell at her. 

“Astarion, calm down. Yelling at her isn’t going to fix it,” Arabella scolded him and he stared at the young tiefling in shock for talking back to him. In fact, the way Arabella had spoken to him reminded him of Fallon. “Just give me a moment. I know a fair bit of healing magic now. Fallon, lay back for me, yeah?”

Astarion instinctively reached for Fallon, helping her ease herself onto her back. He may have been angry with her, but the sooner she was healed, the less guilty Astarion would feel for yelling at her in the first place. Gale must have noticed Fallon was injured at the same moment Astarion did, and as he appeared on Fallon’s other side with a healing potion in hand. “This should help.”  

Fallon nodded in thanks, drinking the potion quickly and wincing as she tossed the bottle aside. “Gods, I’d forgotten how foul those things taste,” she looked over at Astarion and took his hand. “I’m sorry for starting a fight, my love.” 

“You scared me, Fallon,” Astarion sighed, squeezing her hand as the healing glow from Arabella’s magic hovered over Fallon’s skin. “You can’t just go mouthing off to everyone who annoys you like you used to. It’s just the three of us now, and if it weren’t for Arabella, we’d probably all be dead.” 

“Thank you, by the way, since I don’t think any of us have said it yet.” Gale chimed in, smiling softly at Arabella. “It truly is lovely to see you, and not just because you saved our hides. I’m inclined to echo Fallon’s question: what are you doing out here?” 

“Oh, I’ve been tracking the Szarlnaxis for a while now,” The tiefling explained as casually as though she’d told them what she had for breakfast. “I’d heard a rumor they were keen to come back to Baldur’s Gate, and I think we’ve all seen enough without vampires running amuck unchecked, so I decided to go after them.”

“On your own?” Astarion asked in surprise. 

“Well, yes. I’ve learned that I’m actually quite powerful– taking on enemies on my own isn’t exactly difficult these days.” She shrugged. 

Astarion remembered the day they ran into her in the City Sewers, alone and surrounded by multiple dead bodies of men three times her size. At the time, she’d only been on her own for a few months at best, so Astarion had no doubt that the tiefling was not embellishing the extent of her powers two years later. Gale let out a low whistle. “That’s quite a bit of power, then. Do be careful with it, Arabella.”

The tiefling nodded in understanding. “I am, I promise. Sometimes I prefer shooting things with a bow and arrow more than magic anyhow.” “And I am certainly grateful for that.” Fallon laughed, wincing at the pain the action caused her. The wound across her abdomen was smaller now, and it was no longer bleeding. Arabella’s magic faded and dusted off her hands. 

“That should set you right. Though you should probably just rest tomorrow. I’ll stay with you all until you move out of this territory, just in case. I’ve got my own tent and everything, so no need to double up somewhere on my account.” 

The next hour or so was uneventful– Arabella quietly set up her tent while Astarion and Gale helped Fallon back to her tent and put her to bed, and soon after, Arabella bid them both goodnight as well. Astarion and Gale sat in silence around the fire for a long time, staring into the flames and completely lost in their own thoughts. So much so that when Gale finally spoke, Astarion jumped. 

“I’ve been thinking– sorry–” He apologized when Astarion jumped. “But I’ve been thinking about this situation we find ourselves in…and though you and I don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things, I think we can both agree that Fallon’s safety is both our priority.” 

Astarion simply nodded in agreement, allowing Gale to continue. “I know you feed on her, but not every day, and on the days she doesn’t sate you, you hunt animals in the forest. Like you used to,” Astarion looked at Gale with interest. Was this going where he thought it was going? “I know in the past I’ve been…closed off to the idea of you biting me, but that was also as much for your sake as it was mine. When The Netherese Weave was lodged in my chest, I can’t imagine my blood would have tasted very good anyway…but now that it’s out and I’m well– normal again, I’d like to be of some other use than just cooking and washing the dishes. You may have guessed I volunteer for those duties not only because I don’t mind it, but also because I find myself feeling like a bit of a burden on this journey.” 

“Gods, you can never say anything outright, can you? Spit it out, Gale.” Astarion sighed impatiently. 

Gale huffed. “I was getting to it. We got lucky that Arabella showed up when she did. It won’t happen twice. Therefore, I would like to offer the use of my veins to you. I know you’re stronger when you feed on humans instead of animals, and the stronger you are, the easier it will be for us both to protect Fallon.” 

Apparently this evening was just going to be full of surprises. Astarion stared at Gale. “Are– are you sure?” 

“I wouldn’t be offering if I wasn’t. You can’t feed on her all the time, and I want to help. Honestly it kind of feels like it’s the least I can do.” Gale confirmed. “When was the last time you ate? You can even feed on me now, if you like.”

Astarion’s stomach gurgled at the thought. “It has been a day or two,” He mused, considering Gale’s offer. “Well, alright. If you’re sure.” Astarion stood up and moved to sit next to Gale, but stopped when the other man shifted so he was laying on his back. “Gale…what are you doing?” Astarion asked, amusement creeping onto his face. 

“I–you have to bite my neck, don’t you? That’s where you always bit Fallon, even before the two of you were, erm, intimate. I figured it’d be easier on you if I lay down.” Gale explained nervously. 

“Oh, you’re too adorable, sit up.” Astarion chuckled. “I can bite your arm, darling. That way you can hide it with your sleeve, if this is to remain our little secret.” 

“Do– do you want it to be a secret?” Gale asked. 

“I mean, I don’t care, but Fallon will probably be offended that we think she can’t look after herself and that she needs protecting, so…you tell me.” Astarion gave him a pointed look, almost daring Gale to disagree with him. They both knew Fallon well enough to know Astarion was right. 

“Fair enough.” Gale conceded, rolling up his sleeve. “What do I do, just…tap your arm or something when I’m ready for you to stop?” 

“That’s what Fallon does.” 

“Well, alright. Get on with it then.” Gale sighed, offering Astarion his forearm. 

“I promise to be gentle.” Astarion teased, delicately taking Gale’s forearm in his hands. He gave Gale one last look, one final chance to change his mind, and when Gale remained silent, Astarion leaned forward and bit down near the crook of Gale’s elbow, the only sound in camp was Gale’s sharp gasp of pain when Astarion’s teeth broke his skin. 

A long time ago, Fallon and Astarion joked about what they thought the others in their camp would taste like. Fallon had declared that Lae’zel probably tasted like an exotic, imported liquor with a high alcohol content that packed a punch, and Shadowheart and Wyll probably tasted similar to the red wines they’d favored while traveling. Gale, though, Astarion had predicted that Gale would taste like a good brandy, perfectly aged with just the right amount of spice. It pleased him to confirm that his assumption was correct, and the tiniest noise of approval escaped the vampire’s mouth as he drank from Gale. Except, there was something else in Gale’s blood, too. Something Astarion hadn’t been expecting, and something he was certain Gale had no idea was there. 

A minute or so later, Gale tapped Astarion’s knee and the vampire immediately released Gale’s arm from his mouth. Astarion licked the wound as he pulled away (he couldn’t help himself), and wiped his mouth as he looked at Gale curiously. “Well, how was I?” Gale asked. “Admittedly, I have been wondering what I taste like since I overheard that conversation with you and Fallon ages ago–” “Gale– didn’t Mystra take all of your magic?” 

Gale stopped speaking for a moment and frowned. “She– she did. Though I don’t know why you would bring that up now, it seems rather cruel after what I’ve just done for you–”

“No, Gale, shut up. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. I– I don’t think she did. There’s magic in your blood. I tasted it.”

Chapter List

[yourplayersaidwhat]

God of traveling derails my whole campaign

Me (DM): What's everyone's passive perception? (One passes) Great. You are awaken to something seeming off. 

Barbarian: Uh, I wake Rogue and warlock and go outside to investigate. 

Me: Great. You all awaken and find a strange man sitting by the fire, which is now lit, eating some of your supplies. The man looks up and smiles. This man is very strange looking, yah know about satyrs? That, but the opposite. Goat like face, horns, weird hoof things that have fingers at the end. Super weird looking dude. 

Rogue: Uh, can we help you sir?

Warlock: You're kind of eating our food.

Me: The guy introduces himself. *Ahem* "HELLO! I'M THE GOD OF TRAVELING USUALLY KNOWN AS GOMAN! I HAVE COME TO BRING YOU GIFTS! YOU THREE HAVE CAUGHT THE GODS ATTENTION AND THEY WISH TO REWARD YOU FOR YOUR GOOD DEEDS! I HAVE ALSO COME TO TELL YOU THAT I WILL DELIVER ALL YOUR MAIL! TO ANYONE IN ANY PLANE AT ANY TIME!" 

Barbarian: That's a lot of energy late at night. Anyway. Can I tell Goman to send a letter to the emperor?

Me: Yah he can do that, what do you have to say to them? (Me knowing that they have never met the emperor so they haven't met HER yet who used to be a hero known for defeating the god of war/chaos named Baha)

Barbarian: Yah, can we tell him to pick better lords because the last lord we met was a paladin to that war god? (Religion in this world is mostly secret so they don't know the name and the Barbarian just used context clues to guess this). 

Me: *Silently stunned* *Silent cursing* *Silent laughter* Are those your exact words? 

Barbarian: Yah. 

Me: Well. Yeah Goman says can do and literally disappears. 

Rogue: And? 

Me: And what? *Me trying to figure out how to fix this* 

Rogue: Anything else happen?

Me: Nope. Quiet night, seems peaceful. 

Warlock: I'm going back to bed. This was just a fever dream where I get a cool magic item.

Me: You all doing that? Great. Next morning you find a human woman sitting in your camp reading a book. She looks up at you. "I received you letter. I thank you for letting me know about Lord Contor. I had no idea he was a follower of Baha." 

Warlock: Who the fuck are you?!?

Barbarian: OH SHIT YOUR THE EMPEROR?!!? *Barbarian has the highest int in our group, irl and in game*

Me: "Yes. I'm Emperor Aila. *Me deciding to say fuck it and just spill the whole plot*  I've been tasked with keeping Baha contained until she can be completely defeated. You letting me know about Lord Contor means that I'm able to continue my task. Next time you are in the captial you will be welcomed as heroes. Come to the castle and I will reward you generously." 

Rogue: WAIT! What happened to the lord? 

Me: "I killed him. I now have to hunt down the other worshipers. My job is never done." She then disappears. 

[colossal-fallout]

Ad Victoriam

Finally got off my ass and started the fic I've been wanting to do for weeks. Maybe months? I'll be doing it chapter by chapter and eventually putting it up on Ao3.

I've made it GN as I want sole to be as relatable to you or your OC as possible.

Chapter I - warnings: None.

Chapter I

Arrival of the mechanical birds

The tangerine sunset always looked gorgeous from the Castle; the sparkling glimmers skipping over the restless sea, making it appear crisp and clean – disguising the usual sickly green hue of the salted waves. But the Minutemen weren’t able to take a moment to take in the beautiful daily view they were blessed with. The usual peaceful bliss they felt in their fortress this time of day was today filled with unease, anxiety and even a little fear among the less informed.

“General. Here they come.” Preston’s familiar voice muttered from close behind his leader.

The familiar tone that seemed a lot more welcome than usual. Preston had always been a great guide to Y/N, and more-so a great friend. And as their heart fluttered at the sight of the vertibirds in the distance, heading towards the ancient garrison, his voice helped hold the glue of their stoic expression as their men and women gathered outside of the main gate to greet the guests for the evening. Preston Garvey was their pillar of strength. Always there when they needed an extra pair of shoulders to unload some weight upon. And of course, the favour was always returned.

A chilled breeze whipped around the small gathering, all eyes up towards the old Boston airport across the shimmering sea – the giant, metal, killing machines looking a lot smaller than they were in reality as they made their journey.

Five. They think to themselves, arms behind their back. They would never allow themselves to show fear in front of their soldiers. Five of them. Why would he need five?

Their trust in Elder Maxson had recently begun to dwindle, due to a few reasons. Reasons they'd went over in the confines of their room over and over again. Planning every move for as many scenarios they could possibly think of. If this were a trap – they would be ready.

A whiff of cigarette smoke filled their nostrils, the disgust of the scent still not faltering their spine of steel stance as the ebony sheen of the metal birds grew bigger by the second.

“So, what’s the deal with this guy?” Hancock asks as he inhales his hit of nicotine, gold plated flip-lighter being tucked back into his crimson pocket with an equally coral colored hand. “How much time have you spent with him? What’s his vibe?”

“I’ve spent a decent amount with him.” They reply, eyes blinking but not moving from the airport. “I’ve worked under him for a while now. He trusts me.”

“But, do you trust him?” He gestures with his hand, pointing the smouldering end of his white stick towards the incoming cavalry. “Because I don’t think many here do.” His voice was lowered so only they and Preston could hear him. Hancock is smart. He read the situation pretty well.

“We’ll see.” Their tone is soft, quiet. Their mind ticking.

Preston glances between his General and the Ghoul. “Whatever the case, it’s too late to be speculating that now. I’m sure the General has thought of every possible outcome. After all, they didn’t bring us this far by throwing caution to the wind.”

Their perfect lips part slightly in a small laugh. “That’s exactly how I got us here.”

“Okay... bad example.” He shrugs, head dipping to the right as if shaking off unwanted information. “But... whatever you did, it’s working. So, I trust your judgment.”

“I don’t.” A third voice chimes in quietly, a lilt of light-heartedness in the tone. “They once dragged me to a museum saying it would be fun. ...Tha---t place had a Deathclaw nesting inside.”

MacCready held out his hand to Hancock without even setting eyes upon him. “But, they did get us out alive, I'll give them that.”

Hancock’s beady black eyes roll as he sinks his hand into the inside of his coat, pulling out his box of cigarettes'. “You know, a ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ one of these days would be appreciated.”

“Well, I didn’t ask to be dragged to some old witchcraft creep-fest. So why would I say please and thanks?”

Hancock let’s out a gruff sigh of exasperation as he tucks his cardboard back inside. “Know what? No. No cigarette for you.”

MacCready’s broken nose crinkles. “What? Aw, c’mon! Was it something I said?”

The vertibirds were audible now; the droning hums that once filled the General with pride as they fought alongside their brothers and sisters, now transmuting into a strange dread.

“What the hell does he want?” Mac isn’t as good at hiding his unease as the rest of them, getting visibly agitated. “You know, I could take him out from the wall.”

“And have twelve to fifteen angry men in power Armour charge at us? Use your damn brain.” Preston scolds.

“I’m still a Paladin.” Y/N reminds them. “He’s still my Elder.”

“But, you’re a minuteman first, right?” Preston asks, large brown eyes pouring with his usual adorable innocence.

He’s answered with a single nod as the ground begins to vibrate; the five choppers now close enough to push Hancock to slap his hand over his hat to prevent it flying away; the strong gust of wind blowing the end of his cig off from the rest of the stick.

The landing gear deploys, a mechanical groan emitting from the machines as the engines switch off, all five of them landing in a small semi-circle around the group of gawping minutemen and their leaders.

The ground shakes as large and loud booms emit from the BoS soldiers leaping onto the soil in their robot-like suits; their faceless helmets instantly snapping to look at the group they’ve been ordered to greet.

“Paladin.” One nods to Y/N through his speaker.

They weren't sure who it was but it didn’t matter. From his armour, they knew his rank.

“Knight.” Was their reply with a curt nod as the Elder himself dismounts his personal ride; all eyes instantly gluing themselves to his stiff and proud form.

A Paladin followed – unknown identity thanks to his power armour.

“Ah Paladin.” Maxson’s authoritive voice greets as he makes his way up to the awestruck group – his eyes not once leaving Y/N's form. “I’m glad you agreed to this meeting. From what I hear, you’ve been making positive waves across the Commonwealth. I wanted to see what my underling was doing for myself. And even offer our assistance at ridding the filth that infests us.”

Underling. A power move already? They think as they remain stone-faced, falling into the salute of the Brotherhood.  “Elder. It’s an honour to have you at the Castle.”

Preston frowns at their words – gloved hands gripping his laser rifle a little tighter than intended.

“Like wise.” He returns the salute, his eyes looking... well, they couldn’t quite place their finger on it. It was a look they'd never seen from him before, yet still seemed like a familiar expression. At least from his tone, he seemed pleased. “My men here will remain outside. Only Paladin Danse will be accompanying me. I don’t want to... impose.”

“Danse?” Y/N blinks at the Paladin behind Maxson.

“L/N.” He replies with a nod.

“Ah yes. I thought it would be fitting to bring your sponsor along with us. You seem to work great together on the field.” Maxson smirks – y/n knew that was his usual smile. You’d never catch the Elder in a full-blown beam of happiness.

Y/N felt a lot better for a moment that Danse was with them. Then it came crashing down when they realised that man would run into hell for his Elder. Support from him if things went wrong probably wasn't on the cards.

“Okay, well then... shall we?” Y/N gestures towards the Castle that was now quickly falling into the shadow of twilight.

Maxon nods before turning to his small army. “Remember, we are guests here. On your best behaviour soldiers.”

A unison, robotic chant of “Yes sir!” chimed through the air before Maxson turned back to follow the General.

“It seems we have a lot to talk about.” He comments as they begin their stride.

Something in the way he said that fuelled the sense of dread that brewed deep within Y/N's stomach. Their instincts were usually right – and they were screaming that something wasn’t entirely how it seemed to be.

[everlastingdreams]

Weeping Monk X Reader : The City Of Fey Chapter 14

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Notes: ^ My gif. Let me know what you think :) (of the story.. not the gif lmao just saying).  Sorry this took so terribly long. You don't have to read this chapter, see it as a little extra thing that I had to get out of my mind.

Summary:  As a fey queen you are by now used to it that fey come into your woods seeking refugee or a place to hide. Things get complicated however when your knights have not just brought a fey boy but also the Red Paladins’ fiercest warrior into your city.  

Chapter Summary:   While the city prepares to celebrate the victory, you and Lancelot decided to settle once and for all who truly won during sparring. Lancelot realises there are downsides to keeping the relationship a secret from the public when others still seek your affection.

Chapters:   14/ 14 

Word Count: 11078 words...sorry lol (in this chapter)

Extra notes: Two jealous idiots. One brave little wingman and lots of tension. Grab some water y'all. Warning: Not smut. But pretty suggestive *cough*

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When morning came Lancelot awoke to find you were no longer next to him. Last night repeating itself over and over again in his thoughts. He would have believed it had been a dream if your scent did not still linger on the sheets. Any other time he had no reluctance to leave his bed at dawn, but today he found himself unwilling. He could have easily fallen back asleep, soothed by the scent. But quick loud knocking on his door made it impossible. He groaned, knowing but all too well who would knock on his door like that. He quickly made himself look decent before answering the door. Percival looked up at him, clearly agitated "It's dawn!" Lancelot closed his eyes and sighed. The one time he didn't want to leave his own bed, seemed to be the only time the boy had no problem with being up this early. "Perhaps we should rest today." He tried to reason with the boy. Percival quirked a brow at him, clearly not expecting his fellow knight to 'rest'. "Y/n is on the field already." The boy said matter-of-factly. Lancelot eyed the boy supiciously, did the boy just try to persuade him ? It proved effective however. "Give me a moment ?" He asked and Percival gave a nod. A smirk was plastered on the boy's face as Lancelot shut the door on him

You were up early, when you awoke you had expected Lancelot to be awake already as he always was at dawn. But no, when you had turned around he was sleeping peacefully next to you. He looked so calm, you couldn't bring yourself to wake him up. So you had snuck out of the room leaving him to rest. You tried your best to focus on the people on the field who had gathered to practice their fighting skills. Those who were not wounded much by the battle were present again. And you spotted many new faces, all willing to learn how to protect themselves after what had happened. You were left with a problem however, Crillan was gone and they had no one to teach them but Raphael. But Raphael had other duties to take care off as well. Raphael walked up to you and stood next to you as you watched the people try and teach each other what they knew. "We need someone to teach the people." He looked at the people with a worried expression "Do you think he would consider it ?" You furrowed your brow at Raphael "Who ?" He almost rolled his eyes "The one who's bedroom you snuck out of this morning." Your eyes snapped away from Raphael immediately. Damnit, you had tried so hard to be discreet about it. Raphael hid a smirk from you "I am your second in command, y/n. Whatever happens in this city.." "You will hear about it." You guessed the rest before sighing "The soldier ?" He gave a nod "Is there anything I should know about, your highness ?" Oh you knew the question wasn't necesarry, he knew the answer but he wanted a 'confession'. Your reply was short but still your voice cracked "No." Now he truly rolled his eyes and shook his head "Very well then. I must inform you that the people wish to celebrate this victory.." You let out a deep sigh "Do you find it appropriate after Crillan's death ?" He clicked his tongue before carefully reminding you "Crillan would find it appropriate." He quirked a brow and you chuckled at the memory. "He always found the dumbest reasons for a celebration. " You pinched the bridge of your nose.

"The baby goat.” Raphael reminiscent.

You shrugged your shoulders a little “It was a cute baby goat so that was worth celebrating.”

Both of you looked at each other before laughing at the fact.

After pondering the thought you sighed “Fine. The people deserve some relaxation after all this.”

Raphael gave an inclination of the head “I'll make the arrangements. Tonight ?”

You nodded in agreement “Tonight.”

Raphael left your side to go and talk to the people on the field. You should have known he would be the first to find out, of course he would ask the soldiers where the queen was if she was not in her chambers. You groaned at your own stupidity before thinking about what he had said. It would make sense to ask Lancelot to train the people, he was the best fighter and he had often helped them even when Crillan was still here. But you were reluctant to it, you didn't want to push him into this. You did tell him you didn't expect him to fight.

After some minutes went by you saw Percival run up to the field excitedly, followed by Lancelot who approached you.

He stopped to stand right next to you, glancing at you for a moment before he looked at the training people.

You cleared your throat a bit nervous “Good morning, Sir Lancelot. I hope you were able to rest well ?”

He glanced at you again from the corner of his eyes as he replied quietly “I have. I only wish I had awoken differently..”

The meaning behind it did not pass you by, you replied in a hushed voice “You looked so peaceful. I couldn't bring myself to wake you.”

“I'd still have preferred it over being awoken by someone almost knocking my door down.” He chuckled as he tilted his head in Percival's direction.

You let out a soft laugh and shook your head “How does that boy have so much energy ?”

“I believe tormenting me fuels him.” Lancelot said in an almost serious tone.

You snorted at the comment and shook your head “Did you go and see Dahlia ?”

He nodded but you could see there was something he wasn't saying.

“What did she say ?” You quirked a brow at him.

He cleared his throat “She told me if I ever neglected to show up for my health check-up again, she would stitch a pig's tail to my head.”

Your eyes widdened for a moment “But was she happy with your progress ?”

His eyes now searched for yours, thinking back to how you had healed him last night “Very.”

He leaned closer to you, his voice almost a whisper “Thank you.”

Something told you that he wasn't just thanking you for healing him and you felt the heat rise to your face as you muttered a “You're very welcome.”

A moment passed, which felt filled with tension with him standing beside you quietly before you remembered something.

You held out your hand to him and he looked at you questioningly.

“Your sword, please.” You nodded to him.

He was confused by your request but did as asked, you took the sword from him before calling out to a soldier who was waiting nearby. She approached and handed you something that was covered in a piece of fabric.

You thanked the soldier and turned your attention back on Lancelot. You held the covered unidentified object out to him “For you.”

He carefully took it from your hands “What's this ?..”

You gestured for him to see for himself and he peeled the fabric away, unveiling a sword. It's cross-guard and pommel made from silver, decorated with gold in the shape of leaves etched into the silver.

He was silent while he studied the sword and you watched him nervously, awaiting his reaction.

“I.. I hope it's to your liking.” You stuttered.

He took some steps back and twirled the sword expertly, testing it.

After another moment, which felt like eternity, he smiled broadly.

“It's not bad.” He said in a casual voice.

You looked at him in slight panic before you realised he's toying with you.

You stepped closer to him and held out your hand “Well, if you don't want it-”

“I do.” He held the sword out of your reach with a smirk.

He brushed his hand over the edge of the blade before his eyes fell on yours “Thank you.”

“You're very welcome.” You took another step closer to him and smiled at him widely.

He noticed there was something unsaid by the way you moved towards him “Is there something the matter ?”

Lancelot's perception suprised you and you cleared your throat awkwardly.

Seeing you this nervous definitely made him curious what was going through your mind.

You fidgeted with your hands “It's...I...”

He waited patiently for your reply but you just sighed deeply.

“It's nothing. Nevermind.” You lied.

He saw through the lie “Y/n.”

You looked at him now, wishing you didn't have to ask him this. Not after everything he had already done. Not after you had told him he wouldn't have to fight like he had to when he was with the Red Paladins. You feared he might think you saw him as Father Carden had seen him. A weapon to wield.

“Now that Crillan is.. gone. We have no one to teach the people how to fight. Raphael tries to help but he has other pressing matters to attend to. I...-” You blurted it out.

He caught up with what you were trying to say “You want me to teach them.”

You spoke quietly, visibly struggling with it "I didn't want to ask this of you. I understand if you refuse." He looked to the field and saw how the people desperately tried to us their swords but he spotted many dangerous situations right away. Percival had been overhearing you mentioning about the people needing someone to teach them "I'll do it !" "NO." Both you and Lancelot exclaimed at the volunteering boy. "Absolutely not." Lancelot ended the boy's enthusiastic attempt. “I'll teach them.”

He gave you a reasurring look, letting you know he was alright with it. "I want to help !" Percival once again piped up. Lancelot turned to you, his voice discreet "The bow ?" You understood what he was suggesting "We need someone to teach people archery." "I can tell.." Percival scoffed lightly and gestured to you. You bit your tongue knowing the boy meant your poor archery skill. Lancelot coughed to hide a laugh and your eyes snapped to him. He cleared his throat "Teach those who are old enough to learn. We have to be prepared if something were to happen again, Percival." Percival gave a nod and went to fetch some bows and arrows. "That boy... " You shook your head before you looked at Lancelot with narrowed eyes “So you believe my skill with the sword and the bow are bad ? Don't think I didn't notice that you found that funny.”

And with that, Lancelot got nervous. He recalled how he had confessed that he had let you win during sparring. He'd hoped you would have forgotten about it.

Before he could reply and save his skin you casual told him “We'll talk about this later. Your people are waiting, Sir Lancelot.”

You brushed passed him nonchalantly but he knew better. You weren't going to let this go so easily.

It was getting dark as you approached the field, which was now empty apart from Percival who was helping Lancelot collect the swords and bows that had been left behind by the people.

You watched as Percival spoke animatedly while Lancelot tried to devide his attention between the boy and the task at hand. You approached them but stopped a little away from them. Percival noticed you first and did a dramatic bow.

Lancelot turned to the boy and watched him strangely before realising you were there.

“Sir Percival.” You greeted the boy formally while trying not to laugh “Were you able to teach others some archery ?”

His eyes darted between you and Lancelot who was staring at you “I was able to teach them some. But they will need a lot more practice, most of them are absolute-”

Lancelot nudged the boy, realising that nothing good came at the end of that sentence “They need more practice.”

You hummed approvingly when you noticed how Lancelot had stopped the boy from cussing.

“Percival, I believe Ayla has requested that you sit next to her for dinner today ?” You quirked a brow at the boy.

The suprise on Lancelot's face at the news alerted you that he had no idea of the request.

He send an inquiring look at Percival who now turned a light shade of pink.

The boy shifted awkwardly on his feet, avoiding your inquisitive gazes.

“She's waiting in the dining hall. You should go, I need to speak with Lancelot.” The way you said the last part alerted Lancelot that there was something bothering you.

He realised you were sending the boy away to talk to him in private.

Lancelot looked at you before he cleared his throat “Go on, Percival. I'll finish the rest here.”

Percival gave a silent nod before he ran off, gratefull that he could escape the awkward topic.

Your attention turned to Lancelot, and you started to walk as you pulled out your sword. He eyed you curiously as you circled around him like a wolf circling it's prey.

“I believe we have an unresolved issue.” You said matter-of-factly as you brushed your fingers over the blade of your sword.

The wheels in his head were turning at the speed of lightning until he finally guessed what the issue was.

He tilted his head down as he let out a chuckle.

When he looked up and met your eyes, he smirked “Is this what I think this is about  ?”

You raised a brow “This is about you claiming that I didn't best you during sparring.”

His smirk grew wider at the confirmation, you had mentioned you wished to settle this 'debate' but he didn't think you would actually come to settle it like this.

“I let you win.” He was taunting you.

You bit your tongue as you watched him “Why ?”

He quickly averted his eyes, now turning a light shade of pink.

You placed your finger on the tip of your sword “Care to settle this ?”

He looked at you expectantly “Are you sure you want to do this ?”

You scoffed at that and nodded your head “Uhm, yeah.. why ? Scared I will prove I'm better ?”

You knew he was competetive and that would definitely get under his skin.

He scoffed loudly before he took his sword, the way he looked at you send a shiver down your spine.

And for a fleeting moment you wondered if this was such a good plan after all.

“Well then. Don't hold back...” He said with an inclination of the head before arrogantly adding “Your highness.” He beckoned for you.

Gods, the way he spoke your title in a taunting way made you more eager to knock his ego down just a bit.

You spun your sword in your hand before charging at him and trying to land the first strike. He realised quickly that you weren't going to hold back unlike last time. He blocked your sword with his and used it to push you sideways away from him. You turned and landed on one knee as you struck again. He stuck his sword into the ground to block yours. This time it was him who turned as you got up from the ground. You blocked his sword and turned to strike, he pushed your sword away hard and you almost lost your grip on it. You pulled out your dagger with your other hand but he had expected you would attempt to use it. He gripped your wrist and managed to grab the dagger from you. Then you did something neither of you expected.

A strong burst of wind knocked him back away from you a few steps

It suprised him and he looked at you with an expression that said 'did you really just do that ?' Up until now you had only truly used your ability during the battle, you never realised the potential it had. You smirked at him, eyes glistering with mischief. His expression changed and you knew you were in trouble.

His voice low as he spoke "You're not playing fair." “I never said we were playing fair.” You replied cheekily before pointing your sword at him “I want my dagger back.”

He twirled the dagger in his hand “Come and take it then.”

You narrowed your eyes at him and went to strike his left, he used both the dagger and his sword to 'catch' your sword in between them. Then he grabbed the blade of your sword and pulled it from your hands, before tossing it a few feet further away.

Then in one swift move he took hold of your arm, turning it in such a way that it was now trapped behind your back before pulling your back against his chest and holding the dagger's hilt beneath your chin. He was standing closely against you as he kept you in place by holding your arm behind your back. You didn't have to see his face to know he was smiling when he spoke next. "I believe I bested you, didn't I ?" You didn't reply, refusing to admit he did.

He pulled you flush against his chest. He threw the dagger from his hand and it landed in a nearby tree, freeing his hand so he could brush his fingers down your shoulder. Your breath hitched at the touch. He leaned in to brush his lips against your shoulder, close to your neck. You knew what he was trying to do and you were not going to admit he won this time. You tried to take a step forward to avoid being 'convinced' to admit it. He felt you move, and quickly pulled you back against him as a chuckle escaped him "Admit I bested you." "No." You said stubbornly, but your voice pitched. He trailed his hand up your arm, while he kept you in place by holding your other arm behind your back. It trailed up to your jaw until he gently moved your head to the side. His mouth hovering just next to your ear. "We could continue to debate this, I am a patient man. Or.." He didn't finish his sentence, instead he placed a kiss on the side of your neck. His warm breath on your neck made your knees feel weak. Damn this man. You cursed under your breath at how compelling it was to just admit it. "Fine." He smirked against your neck and his fingers gently wrapped around your neck as his mouth explored your neck. Your reached up with your free hand to cup the side of his face. It was driving you insane how much affect he had on you. "Lancelot.." Your heart was hammering in your ribcage. He hummed against your skin, his hand moving down to your collar bone. With the way he was holding you in place, it was torture. You just wanted to kiss him back so badly. "Kiss me." It came out as a desperate plea. "I am." He almost purred it in your ear. You cursed under your breath again, knowing he knew this was not what you meant. You turned your free arm so you held unto his neck as he trailed a path of kisses from your shoulder up to your neck. When his lips landed right below your ear, you let out a silent moan. But he had heard it.

What started as something playful to make you admit he bested you, turned into something that made him want to carry you back to his chambers just to hear that noise again

He froze for a moment and then suddenly, he let go of you. It puzzled you and just then Raphael turned around the corner.

One look at Lancelot and you knew he must have known someone was coming and that had been the reason for his sudden reaction.

Raphael past a quick look between you and Lancelot before speaking “Your highness, the cooks have asked for your presence. They need your input for tonight's feast.”

“Feast ?” Lancelot inquired, unaware of the matter.

“The people have requested a feast. And it is what Crillan would have wanted.” You explained, shooting him a smile.

Lancelot was not a crowd person and it became evident when you saw how hard he tried to look excited about the idea.

You nudged him with your shoulder before walking towards Raphael “Don't worry, Sir Lancelot. The people have not forgotten how your plan saved us.”

It would indeed be different from last time, last time the people still looked upon him in fear. He had not noticed the people look at him in this way lately.

He gave a nod and you went with Raphael to speak with the cooks about tonight's preparations.

~The feast

The boy followed close in his footsteps all while grabbing food from plates all over the room. It seemed the boy's suspicion towards the food had vanished completely.

Manouvering between the dancing people felt eerily similar to moving on a battlefield. But he knew how to act on a battlefield, not here. He spotted Raphael leaning against a pillar and approached him.

The knight greeted him with a nod "So you have decided to train the people ? The queen was quite reluctant to ask you."

Lancelot remembered but all to well "They need to learn how to protect and defend themselves and their queen.."

“She still isn't happy with how we tricked the trinity guards into thinking we were going to sacrifice you." Raphael winced slightly at the memory. "It was an option." Lancelot deadpanned. Raphael scoffed loudly "I'd rather die at the hands of the trinity guards then at the hands of the queen."

Lancelot's expression told Raphael that he agreed with that statement.

Someone passed them carrying some tankards with alcoholic beverages in them.

Percival stopped the person, suprising his fellow knights as he suddenly spoke in a formal way “Excuse me, the queen has told me that I must taste the beverages to inspect their quality.” It sounded practiced.

The person thought none of it and handed the boy a tankard that Percival eagerly took before thanking the person.

Raphael and Lancelot gawked at the boy.

The boy raised the tankard to his lips but you had seen it happen and quickly walked over and moved to take it from his hands “Did I ? I don't remember asking you that.”

Percival's eyes were wide knowing he just got caught lying.

You shared a quick look with Lancelot who closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh.

"Sir Lancelot, don't let Sir Percival drink that alcohol." You handed Lancelot the tankard before walking with Raphael towards Dahlia. Percival reaches for the tankard and it swiftly moved out of his reach by Lancelot.

"Oi ! " The boy piped up in frustration. "By the queen's order." Lancelot raised a brow as he kept the tankard out of reach

"Wuss." Lancelot rolled his eyes when the word reached his ears "Your use of language will continue to get you into trouble." Percival just shrugged and pouted. He now looked at the boy as he tried to make him see reason "I won't always be there to help." The boys attention snapped up to him and Lancelot almost instantly regretted what he had said when he saw the look in the boy's eyes. "What do you mean ? You're not leaving are you ?" The boys attitude had switched so fast it was hard to keep track. He saw the panic in the boy's eyes and his expression softened because of it. "No, I am not leaving. I just want you to understand that there are consequences to one's actions, Percival. What if you insult someone when I'm not there and they attempt to kill you ?" "I'll fight them." The boy shrugged his shoulders. He should have seen that reply coming "What if they are better at fighting?" "I guess that means you're not doing a good job teaching me then." The boy blurted out. Lancelot gawked at the boy speechless. After a moment of silence he spoke quietly "What I am trying to say is that there might come a day where I can't protect you." Percival's reply was almost a whisper "But if you can.. you will ?" His voice sincere when he answered "With my life." "Even though I called you a wuss ?" The boy quirked a brow in slight suprise. Lancelot chuckled and his eyes focused on the dancing people "Yes. And I've been called worse. Even by you.” The boy would never admit it but he was glad to hear it, especially because it was Lancelot himself confirming that he indeed cared a lot about him. Just like he would never admit that he cared about the tall idiot as well. That is why he immediately became suspicious when a woman approached them. "Excuse me, Sir Lancelot ?" She asked innocently. Still not used to the title Lancelot just nodded to the woman. "I was wondering if you had seen my sister ? She is wearing a blue dress and has short brown hair." She took a step closer, causing Percival to look at the woman with an odd expression. He tried to remember if he had seen anyone that matched the description but could not remember seeing anyone "I have not. Do you believe your sister to be in trouble ?" She quickly shook her head and giggled "Oh no, she is probably just avoiding the public." The woman then placed a hand on his arm "She's very insecure you see, always telling me I'm the prettier one." The moment the woman's hand touched his arm a cold wind travelled through the room, cold as winter. He had felt similar winds before and he knew exactly where they came from. When he looked in your direction he saw how you were nervous and how Raphael had noticed it too. It seemed like it had suprised the people as well for a moment but they must have thought it was truly just the wind as they soon resumed their activities. Lancelot was left to wonder what caused the outburst of magic from you as it looked like it was unintentional. Percival now narrowed his eyes at the display, disliking this woman immediately "I doubt it." Lancelot still startled by the woman touching him was now looking at the boy in alarm.

The woman's smile fell as she gave the boy a nasty look "I beg your pardon ?" "Percival ! Apologise to -" Lancelot started to scold the boy. "She doesn't have a sister ! So I doubt they would tell her that." The boy quickly explained himself. The woman swallowed hard when the truth saw the light and she quickly muttered an apology before walking away hastily. Percival rolled his eyes and sighed at Lancelot's confussion.

When you had looked to where Lancelot was standing with Percival, you had observed how a woman approached him. It looked like she was just asking him something but your instincts told you there was more to it and your worries were confirmed when she suddenly laid her hand on his arm. It lingered there and it was what caused your magic to involuntarily create a cold gush of wind in the room. You truly prayed the people would not notice it. You sank back in your chair wanting to hide your face in embarrassment at your own actions. But people noticed it, for a moment it had felt like like the temperature had significantly dropped in the room. And that's how you knew Lancelot must have known it was you causing it. Raphael's brows had shot upwards in suprise. He had seen how a woman had approached Lancelot and tried to flirt with him. But it was apparent that his fellow knight was oblivious to the woman's intentions. You however clearly were not. "Really, y/n ?" No hint of how amusing it had been to him audible in his voice. "Shut it." You glared at him. He took a swig of his drink to hide the laugh that followed. A few moments later Lancelot and Percival joined you and Raphael at the table. As he went to take a seat next to you on the right he discreetly whispered "Is something wrong ?" You shook your head as he sat down next to you. Of course you didn't blame him, you couldn't blame the woman either. You haven't actually announced that you two were together. For all anybody knew, you were both available. "I'm still not used to controlling this kind of magic. I'm sorry." You said sheepishly, still ashamed that something that small caused you to react like this. He looked at you with a reasurring expression "It will get better, y/n. I'm here when you need me." It was enough to wash away your worries and you leaned backwards in your chair, letting your hand graze over his back but masking it by tapping Percival's shoulder who was sitting right next to him.

Lancelot was looking at you, well aware that that move was not accidental. When your hand brushed along his back it made him realise how much he craved your touch. How much he wanted to just kiss you now, right in front of everyone. But you were being discreet and he respected that. Perhaps it was a good thing, he did value his privacy as well as yours.

Percival leaned back in his chair to look past Lancelot at you after you had drawn his attention.

“I think Ayla is looking for you, Sir Percival.” You shot him a playfull smile.

At your words the boy sunk lower in his chair, now barely sitting higher then the table.

Lancelot saw an opportunity in the boy's reaction, especially when he noticed the girl approaching the table.

One look at Lancelot's face was enough for you to see what he was planning and you mouthed a 'don't'.

Ayla stopped at the table and made a gracefull bow towards you “Your majesty.”

You tilted your head with a smile “Ayla.”

Then she turned her attention on Percival right away and you felt a little sorry for the boy who looked like he just wanted to disappear into the wood of the chair. Sure he liked the girl, but you felt that he might be a bit intimidated by her.

“Sir Percival, would you like to dance with me ?” She sounded so formal that it cost you all your willpower not to let out a small laugh.

Percival's eyes shot to you, searching for help.

You spoke up, willing to help the boy “Ayla, Sir Percival must be tired. Perhaps-”

Lancelot cut you off “He would love to.”

Both you and Percival looked at him, Percival with a death glare and you with a deep sigh.

He muttered something under his breath, clearly aimed at Lancelot.

Lancelot didn't say another word and the boy got up reluctantly.

Ayla hooked her arm in his while he send another deathglare in Lancelot's direction.

You shook your head before turning to Lancelot “He will make you pay for that. I hope it's worth it.”

Lancelot could barely hide how entertaining it was to him “It is.”

“I would sleep with one eye open, Sir Lancelot.” Raphael warned him.

You chuckled at that and heard Lancelot mutter something that sounded like 'As always'.

The three of you were talking at the table, mostly discussing new ways to train the people, when

a soldier approached you. His insecurity evident in his every step as he got closer to you. You guessed he was a bit younger then you, ash blonde hair and innocent brown eyes stared at you openly. You knew his name was Cirro, but you never had any conversation apart from when you would give an order to your soldiers. He stammered the words "Your highness.." then he did a quick clumsy bow. Lancelot's brows shot up at the sight of the nervous soldier. You tried your best not to show how funny you found his shy demeanor, it would be rude considering he had mustered up the courage to approach you in the first place. "Cirro." You greeted him in a sweet voice to calm the poor man's nerves. "Is there a problem ?" The man quickly shook his head "No, your highness.. I..." his eyes darted between you and Raphael. You tilted your head, encouraging him to continue speaking. Cirro cleared his throat and blurted out "May I have this dance?" The soldier stood there waiting for your answer in nervous anticipation, unaware of the menacing look that the question had created in Lancelot's eyes. Your eyes darted between Cirro, Raphael and then to Lancelot who looked anything but pleased with the soldier's request. You swallowed hard and weighed your options. Refusing to dance with the already shy soldier could be a deathblow to his self-esteem and courage he had shown to even ask you, the queen, in the first place. Accepting the request could send the wrong message to both the soldier and Lancelot. Raphael noticed the uncomfortable tension the request had caused and decided to interfere carefully. He looked at you as he spoke to watch your reaction "The queen accepts your request, you and your fellow soldiers have fought bravely." Lancelot took a deep breath as he listened to his fellow knight accepting the request for you. You nodded to the soldier, having picked up at how Raphael was trying to solve this without hurting anyone's feelings "I am gratefull for my brave soldiers, consider this a sign of my appreciation." The soldier looked baffled for a moment before he gave an inclination of the head and held his hand out to you. Raphael noticed how tense Lancelot was and he leaned a little to the side to speak to him quietly "It's just a dance. It would have been considered rude to refuse after everything they have done for the city. It's a small thing to show our gratitude." Lancelot knew Raphael was right, but he hated to see how the soldier's fingers gently wrapped around your hand "I know." Raphael let out a sigh, hearing the bitter tone in his voice "All the people have now are rumors, Lancelot. No one would dare to ask her if they knew she was not.. available.” he hinted that he knew something was going on between the two of you “To them she is still the queen without a significant other, of course people will try to gain her affection." He thought about Raphael's words as he watched the soldier guide you to the dancefloor.

It made him think back to the night when he had stepped between you and Isich. He learned then that people occasionally approached you with the intention to grow closer to you.

To gain your love and affection.

He was starting to see the downside in being discreet with this now.

The soldier placed a hand on your waist, you knew the poor man was afraid to overstep when he did. He tried to keep a distance but if you were to dance, this would prove difficult. You placed your hand gently on his shoulder as you whispered with a smile "Don't be afraid, Cirro. It's just a dance." The soldier let out a breath before he smiled sheepishly.

Lancelot watched in envy as the soldier took a step closer to you.

It's just a dance.

It's just a dance.

It's just a dance.

He repeated the words in his mind but they did little to nothing to stop the irritation he felt. The only thing that made him remain calm was the fact that you had told him you loved him.

And he trusted you.

He believed you.

But he did not trust those who sought your affection. Not after the incident with Isich.

Percival saw it all happen, his eyes darting between Lancelot at the table and you on the dancefloor with the soldier. He had 'escaped' from Ayla only moments ago. He groaned in silence and cussed under his breath as a plan formed in his head.

He swallowed before walking to Ayla, asking her to dance again. The girl was more then eager at the request and Percival dragged guided her to a well calculated spot on the dancefloor.

His every step in the dance with Ayla was aimed to get closer to you and the soldier.

Cirro held your hand as you spun outward before spinning inward again, you almost crashed into his chest. He had closed the distance between you even more and his other hand landed on your lower back. Too low.

The act was enough to make people whisper to each other, you looked at the soldier with wide eyes.

You didn't dare look in the direction of Lancelot.

The moment Lancelot saw the soldier act so boldy he had moved to stand up but was stopped quickly by Raphael.

“Don't be a fool. Believe me she can handle it, Lancelot.” He reminded him.

Lancelot was seething at this point, his focus was on the soldier's hand on your lower back.

He was standing far too close at this point and Lancelot could see it was making you uncomfortable.

“She shouldn't have to handle it alone !” He snapped at Raphael who seemed to contemplate it.

You looked up at Cirro who now seemed to be far less shy then he was just moments ago. You reached for his hand on your lower back, removing it.

Before you could speak up, Cirro howled in pain and stepped away from you while almost losing his balance.

“Oops.” Percival exclaimed cheekily as he watched the soldier try to regain his balance after having his foot stomped stepped on by him.

You hadn't even noticed Percival was on the dancefloor with Ayla again, and you quirked a brow at the boy. There was no way that was not done intentional.

The soldier cussed discreetly before apologizing to you and leaving the dancefloor with some difficulty.

By now Lancelot had approached you and the boy, unable to just stand by and watch anymore.

“Percival.”

“Percival.”

Both you and Lancelot spoke up to the boy who realised his excellent plan had been discovered.

You looked at Lancelot who was now standing close in front of you, his attention on the boy.

Percival looked at the both of you like a deer in headlights “It was an accident !”

Lancelot hummed and looked at you for a moment as you covered your mouth to stiffle a laugh.

He turned his attention back to Percival. He knew he should scold the boy for what he did, but gods did he appreciate the boy's solution to the situation.  

Percival anxiously awaited Lancelot's reaction.

“We should practice your footwork more tomorrow.” He finally said before nodding to the boy to go.

The boy grinned, then Ayla pulled him away through the crowd before either of you could change your mind and scold him.

You turned to Lancelot and crossed your arms, seeing right through what had just transpired “Really ? Strange how you just let him get away with that.”

“How could I scold him for something I wished to do myself ?” He admitted.

Your brows shot up “Wait.. are you jealous ? It was just a dance, Lancelot. He just got a bit too confident for a moment.”

Lancelot scoffed but deep down he knew it was true.

He stepped closer to you his eyes unreadable “People were whispering..”

You noticed the change in the tone of his voice “Were they now ?”

He nodded and stepped closer again until he was mere inches away from you.

You felt terribly nervous now, you had never seen him jealous before and didn't know what to expect,

You searched his eyes for a sign of what he was thinking or feeling but he was damn good at hiding it right now “What were they saying ?”

His hand sneaked to your waist and he leaned in to whisper in your ear, causing everyone's attention to be on the both of you right away. If it hadn't been obvious to them that there was something between you and him, it was now.

“That you have a fondness for the soldier.” There was no hint of the jealousy he had felt as he spoke huskily.

You almost rolled your eyes “You know better. Let them have their rumors.”

He chuckled softly, his eyes landing on yours. You could see he was contemplating something but what he did next still suprised you.

His hand quickly moved to the back of your neck and his lips crashed to yours.

He would not let them have the rumors, not about you.

Not anymore.

The kiss was searing and it made you forget all about the room filled with people. Then as quickly as he had started kissing you, he stopped.

It left you completely flustered and speechless.

There were no whispers in the room now. There was no need for it anymore, everyone had seen what happened.

Lancelot looked around the room pleased with the result before his eyes landed on you again.

The look in your eyes betraying the unspoken desire the kiss had ignited. He took two steps back, even acting so bold as to giving a slight bow of the head before turning around and walking away from you with a smirk on his face.

You stood there, center of attention now. Still processing what the hell just happened and you felt the eyes of the people on you.

Dahlia was the one to clear her throat and it seemed that it made the people snap out of whatever trance it was that had made them freeze in place.

Your eyes landed on Raphael who seemed to have a similar smirk to the one Lancelot had on his face. It took you another moment to remember how to walk again and when you did, your eyes instantly searched for him in the room. After a while it was clear he wasn't even in the room.

With a deep sigh you looked towards the exit of the room and headed towards it.

You walked into the hallway and spotted him leaning against the wall, facing away from you. He knew you were there the second you stepped into the hallway, your fey scent reached him long before the sound of your voice. As you walked up to him you spoke "I was thinking about how I should address this to the people. I guess no words are needed anymore after that." He looked over his shoulder a bit sheepishly. It was a risky thing to do, kissing you in front of everyone like that but the shot of adrenaline that went with it felt glorious. "Have I overstepped, your highness ?" He tested the waters. You let out a scoff at the question and the way he spoke so formal "Sir Lancelot. You didn't just overstep, you took all forms of protocol and tossed them aside." He had to hide the smile on his face at your words and clicked his tongue "Can you forgive me ?" His tone was playful as he turned to face you, you tried to keep a stern face. "Perhaps. Considering that you are one of my knights now, that means you do have to follow my command." You said in a fake authorative voice. He looked to the ground as he licked his lips before he stalked closer to you "And what is your command, your highness ?" His eyes rose up to meet yours, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked at you expectantly. You could barely hide the smile tugging at your lips, doubting he would actually follow your command "Would you truly do as I command ?”

He stepped closer to you, so close that if you didn't step back you would be standing against each other. Lancelot expected your movement and continued to approach you, making you step back until your back hit the cold brick wall.

When you looked him in the eyes you noticed how dark they appeared now, the dimly lit hallway casting shadows on his features.

He kept you in place against the wall with a hand on your waist.

He closed the last bit of space between you, trapping you between him and the wall. Your heart was hammering in your chest.

“What is your command ?” He asked again in a low husky voice, his breath brushing against the top of your hair.

You kept your eyes on his chest as you tried to control your breathing. The effect he had on you was ridiculous. You were so at a loss for words that you couldn't think. His hand squeezed your waist and you jumped a bit in suprise but he still kept you in place.

“I'm waiting..” He breathed, and you could hear he was enjoying this. Enjoying to see you like this, a nervous wreck.

An idea popped up in your head, two can play this game. "I want you to take three steps back." You said in a casual voice still not looking up at him. Lancelot was silent for a moment as he tried to figure out if you were serious or not. He failed to figure it out and his eyes searched for yours now. After another second he narrowed his eyes, realising you were toying with him as well "Three steps ?" You nodded with a blank expression. His gaze went from your eyes to your lips, back up to your eyes in an suggestive way. He quirked a brow and smirked "Are you certain ?" It took all your strength not to lose this little game the second you saw his eyes trail to your lips. "Yes." It was supposed to sound confident but your voice cracked on that one single word. After another second he tilted his head down and took one step back. Before he could take the other two steps you grabbed him and pulled him back to you. Your mouth crashed to his in a desperate matter, and you could feel him smile against your lips.

It was clear who had won this little game. He pushed you back against the wall, breaking the kiss "You said three." "I know. I just didn't think you would actually do it." You panted. He let out a soft scoff and he took a step back while keeping a hand on your waist, gesturing for you to stay put. Then he took two more slow long steps backwards before he made a overly dramatic bow. As he looked back up to you he wondered if he had truly won this little game.

The sight of you standing against the wall with your chest heaving at your every breath was near irresistible to him. There were no winners. You knew it. He knew it. Where he had taken three slow steps away from you he now took two long strides to reach you again. His hand grabbing the back of your head as his lips crashed to yours. He pinned you between him and the wall as his mouth explored yours feverishly. You held unto his chest as his attention moved to your neck. His hand finding it's way under the fabric of your clothes and down your back as he pressed himself even closer against you. A moan escaped you when his hand trailed down to your bottom. Your hands trailed down to his waist, holding onto him as his hands tried to touch any bare skin they could find. Then suddenly you heard a door open and you let out a startled noise. You had been so caught up in the moment that you had almost forgotten that you were in a public area. You wanted to make him step back before you would get caught like this but he hushed you and pushed the both of you closer to the wall. His form covering yours in it's shadow. Some civillians, clearly drunk turned to go into the opposite direction. You waited until they were almost at the other end of the hallway before you whispered against his chest as he kept an eye on the people walking away. You wanted to hide your face from slight embarrasment "We shouldn't be acting like this in public." He found your reaction to the situation quite funny "Why ?" You swallowed the nervous lump in your throat "It's... just... I...people will stare.." "And ?" His voice deadpan. That is when you realised he just did not give a damn if anyone saw. It was as if he wanted everyone to know and perhaps this was because of the dance with the soldier. You looked at him with narrowed eyes "You ARE jealous." By the look on his face you figured out you had guessed it right. He scoffed silently and shook his head "Why should I be ?" You tried to hide the smirk and replied innocently "So you don't mind that others try to woo me then ? Or dance with me ? Or touch me ?" His eyes darkened in response, he lifted your chin with his fingers before gently moving your head backwards to make you look at him "I do mind." To your suprise his tough exterior faltered and you were made aware that he was insecure. It made you feel bad for teasing him. Especially since you had been jealous yourself over someone simply touching his arm. You reached up and cupped his cheek "Forgive me, Lancelot. I am only teasing you." He knew you were but he still found some relief wash over him. He truly feared that one day you might choose someone else instead of him. "I know." His eyes searching yours to once again wash away his self-doubt. You noticed it and cupped his face, reaching up to place a lingering kiss on his cheek. Then he felt your breath brush against his ear as you whispered the words "My heart belongs with you. Never doubt how much I love and care for you." You placed a hand on his chest, where his heart was. Lancelot let out a shuddering breath and placed his hand on top of yours. You felt him kiss the top of your head and a smile tugged at your lips because of it. His other hand moved to caress your cheek "I never knew love until it was all I felt for you, y/n.”

His thumb brushed against your cheek and you felt yourself getting lost in the oceans of his eyes.

“My fey queen..” It was a whisper when it left his lips.

Gods, he looked at you so adoringly that you could only silently look at him.

You wrapped your arms around him, hugging him as thightly against you as you had the strength for it.

His arms wrapped around you like a protective blanket as he placed a kiss on the side of your head.

“I must confess you are almost my favorite knight.” You smirked against his chest, hiding your face.

He opened his eyes, thinking about that statement “Almost ?”

You pulled back a little to look at him “Almost.”

He stared at you silently “Y/n.”

“Sir Percival is just too delightful.” You deadpanned.

He rolled his eyes but failed to hide the smile “I bet I can change your opinion.”

His hands went to your waist, gripping thightly and he pulled you against him swiftly.

You put your hands on his chest, pushing him away “Oh no, Sir Lancelot. I am returning to the feast and you're coming with me. It is not appropriate to just abandon a feast like this.”

He searched your eyes to see if you were serious, he found no hint of joking and let out a disappointed sigh making you laugh.

You freed yourself from his grip “I am not returning there alone after that display.”

You tilted your head towards the room where the feast was and he reluctantly followed you back inside.

The first half hour was...awkward.

Both of you ignored most of the staring people, but Dahlia would not be ignored and you had a private conversation with her for a bit before returning to the table where Lancelot and Raphael were seated.

You looked around the place, trying to see if you could find Percival in the crowd and to your suprise the boy seemed to actually enjoy dancing with Ayla now.

“He secretly does like her..” You murmered when you took a seat and nodded in Percival's direction.

“I believe he finds her less frightening when she is not handling a sword.” Lancelot chuckled.

“Don't we all ?” You replied as Lancelot's comment made you think back to Crillan who had once been struck by the girl.

He noticed your sudden silence, he touched your arm to pull your attention to him “What's wrong ?”

You quickly shook your head as you smiled, but it didn't reach your eyes “Just thinking about Crillan.”

He gave a nod, understanding the cause of your sudden silence now.

“He was the one that convinced me to tell you how I felt about you. That was one of the last things he did..” You let out a breath.

The news came unexpected to him, now he wished he would have had the chance to thank the knight.

“He was a remarkable man. I will try my best to honor him, to honor the title we share.” Lancelot's voice was heavy.

You nodded before taking your tankard in your hands, tonight was a celebration.

Lancelot watched as you stood up and signalled to the musicians.

The musicians stopped and the room went silent apart from some people speaking quietly.

You spoke loud and clear so everyone would hear you.

“People of the city !

Tonight we not only celebrate our victory, we celebrate the life of our lost beloved knight.

Sir Crillan has taught us many things. How to fight, how to be brave in the face of evil..

Tonight we honor him, we honor what he has taught us.

Tonight we celebrate how he would have wanted us to celebrate. With pride, with joy and.."

You now looked at Lancelot "With love.”

His eyes locked on yours for a moment before you turned your attention back on the people, you raised you tankard in the air.

“To Crillan !”

“To Crillan !” The people chanted before the musicians started to play their instruments again.

Dahlia looked at you proudly and send you an approving smile.

“Couldn't have said it better.” Raphael stated to you.

You hummed, promising yourself that tonight you would celebrate life as he would have wanted.

Lancelot didn't speak, your words had made him fall silent. He didn't even notice you were looking at him, it wasn't until he felt you kissing his cheek that he snapped out of his thoughts.

He quirked a brow, pleasantly suprised by the public display of affection.

“I know feasts bore you, but please try to stay awake.” You were being sarcastic.

He let out a chuckle and shook his head. It was meant as a joke but if he was honest, he knew that it wouldn't be long before he would want to leave this feast. He still was not used to being in a crowd long. A few minutes, that was how long it took for him to feel bored to the point that he wished he hadn't send Percival with Ayla to the dancefloor earlier that evening. Sure the boy made life difficult for him from time to time but it at least never bored him. The only thing making it bearable was the fact that you were sitting next to him. But your attention was pulled away from him often as people came to talk to you. He was patient but the boredom left his mind to wander. Perhaps it was the way your eyes seemed full of joy tonight. Perhaps it was the sound of your laughter at someone's joke. Or perhaps it was the fact that people had interupted each and every time he finally had you to himself throughout the day that compelled him to do what he did next.

The unexpected feeling of a hand on your knee made you jump in your chair. Your eyes snapped to Lancelot who seemed far too amused by your reaction. You knew he was brave but never thought he would be this bold. Come to think of it, you should have seen that coming. You were gratefull that no one seemed to have noticed a thing. You grabbed his hand with yours before whispering so only he could hear "Must you torment me so ?" He remained silent for a second before the corner of his mouth twitched "Torment ?" You rolled your eyes before looking at him with a look that said 'you know what I mean'. His eyes sparkled with mischief and he squeezed your hand with his "When is it appropriate for a Queen to leave a feast like this ?" You swallowed hard, knowing damn well why he asked that question.

It was irresistible to mess with him a little now.

"When she wishes to do so." You replied casually. It had been his goal to get you away from this feast and all to himself again. He decided to treat your answer as a challenge. "I see." Lancelot replied in a similar almost formal tone.

His fingers untwined from yours and for a moment you believed he would 'behave'. Gods, were you wrong about that. His hand brushed against your knee along your upper leg before his hand squeezed near your inner thigh. You jolted up in suprise, knocking your knee against the underside of the table in the process. "Lancelot !" Your voice pitched but you were able to keep your voice down to not draw more attention towards yourself. "Y/n ?" Not a hint of guilt in his voice. He looked so pleased with himself. You glared at him, knowing damn well that he was trying to convince you to leave this feast early. For a moment he looked apologetic but a smile tugged at his lips.

His eyes remained on yours as he tilted his head in the direction of the exit of the room. Smirk on his face, but eyes pleading with you. His eyes always betraying how he truly felt. And right now he had difficulty expressing just how touch starved he was. He was about to stop his attempts of persuading you, but then you gave a short nod. It was enough to make his heart start hammering in his chest. You took one last sip of your drink before leaning closer to him to whisper in his ear "I'll leave first. Wait for a bit before following." He nodded in eager agreement "Where shall I meet you ?" You pulled away to look at him before smirking and replying in a hushed voice "Come find me." He let out a chuckle that sounded more like a scoff. Another challenge. And by the gods, would he love to win this one. You talked with Raphael for a moment longer before you excused yourself from the feast. You placed your hand on the walls of the hallways, dragging your fingers along the walls as you walked towards the chambers you used only when you didn't want people to bother you. You rarely slept there but sometimes it was nice to have a room only a few people knew about. A safe room of sorts, hidden in plain sight behind an old shelf that moved like a door. You wondered if he would be able to find you.

He waited for a few minutes after you had left, taking the time to ask Raphael if he could keep an eye on Percival. The knight just nodded, needing nor wanting any further explanation. When he stepped into the hallway he knew he'd have to use his sense of smell to find you. He walked through the hallway for a bit before his fingers traced the wall. The corner of his mouth curved up. Your scent was not hard to find or recognise. It was etched upon his fondest memories. He found himself strolling through hallways he had not been in before until he had to move some paces back because he had lost the scent. He looked around him, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the place. It had stopped in the middle of the hallway as if you had disappeared in thin air. What kind of trick were you playing on him ? After what felt like almost a minute his eyes lingered on a shelf that just didn't seem to truly fit the place and he headed towards it. Now the scent returned to him, stronger then it had been before. Smart. He thought. His fingers traced along the edge of the shelf until they found what he was looking for, a small metal lever. Instead of using the small lever and opening the hidden passageway he knocked on the shelf.

Your heart jumped at the sound, silently impressed that he had actually found the room. Only Raphael, Crillan and Dahlia knew of this room after you had told them about it. But he found it himself. You walked to the door and moved the lever on the inside, opening the door. Your eyes met his, he had a somewhat proud expression. "A hidden room ? Impressive." He stepped towards you. "Not so well hidden if you found it that easily." You quirked a brow at him. He moved the door open further and snuck an arm around your waist. Moving you as he stepped inside the room before closing the door and moving you back up against it. "I only found it because your scent led me here." Both his hands were on your waist now as he burried his nose into the top of your hair. Your mouth twitched into a smile "What do I smell like ? My.. fey scent ?" Your curiousity got the best of you. He was silent for a moment as he tried to find the words to describe it. "Like dust after rain.." He pauzed "But it carries something within it. I can sense it whenever you use your magic to control the wind." You looked at him now, searching his eyes "..What does it carry ?" His eyes softened and he leaned in close to your neck. Lingering there before answering. "Something ethereal.."

He looked you in the eyes now, leaning in so his lips were hovering over yours. His voice hoarse “Something that calls to me.”

Gods, the way his voice sounded made you start to tremble with silent anticipation. He tilted his head to place a kiss to your forehead. Not where you wanted but very welcome either way. You placed your hands on his chest and tugged him closer. He knew what you were trying to communicate with that, his lips brushed the skin near your temple next. He heard how your breathing was becoming faster.

Then they brushed against your jaw, followed quickly by your cheek.

Lingering just a little on those spots everytime he touched your skin.

It was driving you insane how he was purposly ignoring the place you wanted his lips most “If you intend to keep tormenting me like this then I will leave.”

It caught him off-guard but he noted the light tone in your voice and then you slipped out of his grasp and tried to step away to show him you were 'serious'.

He nearly rolled his eyes as he smirked and pulled you back to him, making you stumble and crash into his chest. You didn't get the chance to cuss as his lips were on yours right away, for a moment he pulled away. Looking at you for confirmation, which must have been clearly visible on your expression. And he pulled you in again, claiming your mouth again. Intense and filled with the desire that had build up within him today. It wasn't until he heard the soft moan fall from your lips that he began to fumble with your clothing.

Which proved.. difficult apparently. And after a moment of fumbling without much progress he looked at you a little lost.

“Not your area of expertise yet ?” You asked playfully and quirked a brow at him.

The look in his eyes made you regret saying it, and before you realised what was happening he had picked you up from the floor in one swift move. You let out a suprised gasp as he carried you and dropped you on the bed. Within seconds he was hovering above you.

“I wish your voice would be the first thing I hear tomorrow.” It sounded almost like a prayer.

And secretly to him it was, he prayed you wouldn't be gone in the morning this time.

That you would stay with him a little longer.

You fingers brushed over his cheek, tracing the fey marks below his eyes.

“What should I say then ? Tomorrow, I mean.” You asked and you saw him smile so brightly that it made his eyes glister.

He traced a finger over your lips as he thought “Anything, as long as you're still with me when I awake.”

You nodded, falling silent the moment he leaned in to kiss your neck.

When morning came Lancelot was delighted to see that you were still next to him. It was not long before you awoke and when you opened your eyes they sought out his.

Instead of wishing him a good morning or asking him if he slept well you said the one thing he so desired to hear.

“I love you.”

Taglist:

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[mirkwoodshewolf]

Steve’s final attack; Queen x reader

*Author’s note*

Okay so INTENSE CHAPTER HERE. PROBABLY THE DARKEST CHAPTER I’LL EVER WRITE FOR THIS SERIES! GUN VIOLENCE AND SHOOTING IS IN THIS CHAPTER SO YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Potential death/paralysis, guns shown and spoken of, stalker themes shown (like I said this is a DARK chapter).

Again I’ve got trigger warnings below so if you want to block it out, i’ve got stalker, gun violence and shooting as my #tw:. Now to those who do wish to proceed with reading this chapter, you have been warned and proceed with caution, it’s a LOT to take in and just one more section to go with this chapter then I PROMISE from here on out it’ll be nothing as evil as this chapter. ALSO IMAGE SHOWN IN STORY IS NOT MINE. CREDIT GOES TO THE OWNER!!

Taglist:

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@onebigfangirlworld​

___________________________________________________________

*June 7th, 1993. Madison Square Garden, New York*

This was insanity.  I should’ve seen the signs earlier, maybe if I hadn’t switched to coming here to Hollywood records maybe none of this would’ve happened.  Steve Harrison has gone too far now and now I’m deathly afraid of what he’ll do next.

I had told the cops and the judge myself to expect the next call to be my dead corpse lying in wait with a bloody message saying I TOLD YOU SO.  He’s been biding his time but I’m resorted to looking over my shoulder every time I go out in public.

I was in my dressing room trying to calm my nerves down before I had to go up on stage when a knock came at my door.  I jolted and asked.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me and Jensen baby.” I sighed with relief.

“Come in.” the door opened and there stood my darling husband and cousin in law.  Jensen was all geared up in a security uniform and had his Ruger SR1911 steel gun strapped to his pouch.

“Hey kid, how you doing?” Jensen asked me.

“I’ll be better once the show’s over.”

“Hey, don’t worry. As your new head of security I’ve got every cop in NYC on your side, plus some of my boys who have been firing guns for years. We’re not gonna let that creep anywhere near you again.” he said as he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.  I looked up at him and took his hand.

“Thank you. Are the kids safe?”

“Yeah, Danneel has them in the front row.” He said to me.

“Good.”

“Jensen can you give us a minute alone?” Jack said to him.

“Okay, sure. I’ll get into position and get the boys ready.” Jensen gave me a sideways hug and kiss to the top of my head before leaving my dressing room.  Jack came up and sat down in front of me and said.

“There’s no way I can talk you out of this, is there?”

“No, you can’t.”

“Not even if I can convince you that you could just do your show from here. I’m sure the audience would think it would be adorable if you did. Cause I could be close beside you.”

“Jack, we don’t have the tech to make all that happen and you know it.”

“I know I’m sorry. But you can’t blame me for trying right?”

“I suppose not.” I cupped his cheek and he leaned up against my touch. “This is the last show of the tour. I promise once this is all over, we can go back to England and stay there.”

“How about we go to Capri. No better place right? Isolated, peaceful, our island of paradise. And this time we can make new memories with the kids.” I smiled and said.

“That sounds fabulous.”

“All for you my love.” He kissed me softly and that’s when I heard a knock and the voice of one of the volunteers.

“Mrs. Kline. You’re up in 30 seconds.” Jack and I quickly separated and I sighed.

“I’m coming.” Jack and I stared into each other’s eyes before he silently took my hand and we left my dressing room.

I now stood backstage getting myself pumped up and trying to get rid of the fear and anxiety of Steve out of my head.

“I’ll be right here watching you baby. And promise me, if you see anything that makes you the slightest uncomfortable, you get off the stage and come to me.” Jack said as he placed his hands on my upper arms.

“I promise Jack. I love you.”

“I love you too.” He cupped my face and we kissed as the announcer’s voice proclaimed.

“AND NOW DIRECTED FROM LONDON, ENGLAND AND WHO MADE HER MARK HERE. PLEASE GIVE IT UP FOR THE ANGEL OF ROCK! (Y/N) KLINE!!!” the crowd cheered louder and I took that as my cue to race onto the stage and I posed for the crowd.

“HELLO MSG! My home away from home! Are you ready to rock and roll!?” the crowd cheered and I opened up with ‘Who I am’.

*3rd Person POV*

As soon as (Y/n) went onto the stage, Jack stared at his wife with worry but admiration as he muttered.

“So much.” Unclipping a walkie-talkie given to him by Jensen he turned the radio on and said.  “Jensen, you copy?”

‘Loud and clear kid. All security is in position.’

“Good. This. Ends. Tonight. I don’t care how long it takes us, Steve is going down tonight. Dead or alive.”

As the concert continued, Jensen who was now walking standing alongside Jack checked in with the rest of the guards.

“Sector one report in.”

‘Copy you Jensen, negative signs of him.’

“Okay Gary, but keep your eye on that door. Don’t you dare take your eyes off of it for a second. Sector 2 how you guys doing?”

‘That’s a negative of him coming in through this way either.’

“He got through the screen room last time Jason, I want two men on that door all night.” Jack said into the walkie-talkie.

“George how you doing?” there was radio silence. “Yo George come in.” Jensen said again.  But again there was radio silence. “Damnit George! Answer your radio!”

“Any nearby units we’re not getting a response from sector 3. Go and check on him!” Jack said urgently.  Jack and Jensen looked at each other worriedly before a voice said.

‘Officer down! Repeat officer down!!’

“What do you mean he’s down!?” Jensen snapped.  At this point Jack was getting real anxious.  He turned to his wife who was singing her cover of ‘Somebody to love’ at the piano.

“How the fuck did he get in?!” Jack said as he combed his hand through his hair anxiously.

“All units we have a man down in sector 3. Close all perimeters!” Jensen’s voice said.

‘This is Sam of sector six. I have eyes on him. He’s in uniform!’

“What? He’s in officer uniform!?” Jensen’s voice cried out.

‘Affirmative! SHOTS FIRED! SHOTS FIRED!’ Jack turned on his radio and said.

“Gordon! I don’t care if you make a scene get my wife off that stage immediately!” Jack snapped.  When Jack turned around back towards the stage, he would soon be forever haunted by a scene that would haunt him forever.

Almost as if in slow motion an officer making sure that his face was hidden through the jacket and hat came up onto the stage and walked towards (y/n).  

Just as she was holding out the final vibrato note like she did when he proposed to her ten years ago, the officer soon took out a 9mm pistol and fired one shot into her side.

A loud bang echoed through the stadium and as (y/n) dropped from the piano bench, people screamed in a panic.

*My POV*

I felt a sudden rush of pain as I collapsed onto the ground. There was this wetness at my side followed by pain.  I could hear people screaming but the only thing I saw were the eyes of Steve Harrison. They were soulless and empty.  It was like looking into the eyes of a true monster.

“Should’ve killed me when you had the chance bitch.” He raised the gun and I heard another loud bang before feeling pain in my stomach and then my vision went bright before I closed my eyes.

*3rd Person POV*

After shooting her, Steve looked right at Jack who was just standing there in shock at what had just happened.  Steve grinned before leaning down and actually took off (y/n)’s wedding ring before taking off running.

Jack raced over to his wife.  As much as he wanted to chase after Steve for shooting the love of his life, his first and main concern was (y/n).

“(Y/n)! (Y/n) baby! Baby please can you hear me?” Jensen came down along with the head of medical who took her pulse.

“I’m barely getting a pulse. Call 911!” Jack knew he couldn’t wait that long.

Going off pure adrenaline and desperate to save his wife, Jack picked up his bleeding wife and raced out of the concert venue.

“Jack where you going!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” As soon as Jack came out of the massive screaming crowd that was still trying to run away from the stadium, he took off down 43rd street as fast as he could.

Having been to New York loads of times with (y/n) it was like he could navigate the city with his eyes closed.

“Move! Move! Move!” he would say to crowd of people who were just going about their normal walks around the city or tourists trying to get pictures.  When some of them recognized (Y/n), they tried to ask Jack what was wrong but he told them to fuck off.

Jack raced through traffic and down a steep hill till finally after running the full 20 blocks, he reached the hospital.  He quickly raced inside through the doors and screamed out.

“HELP! HELP MY WIFE NEEDS HELP! HELP!” immediately doctors and nurses came in with a gurney and a doctor asked him.

“What happened?”

“She—she was performing on stage. She—her stalker. He shot her.”

“Gunshot wounds to the side and stomach.” A male nurse said as they got her on the bed.  The doctor shined a light into her eyes while a female nurse checked her pulse.

“I’m not getting a pulse.”

“Let’s move her!” the doctor said.  Soon she was wheeled into the ICU, all of them barking out orders hoping they could save her life.  All the while, Jack desperately tried to follow his wife but a receptionist came and stopped him.

“(Y/n). (Y/n) my baby.”

“Sir you need to stay out here. Don’t worry they’re gonna do their best to save her. It’ll be okay.”

Hours ticked by and soon the hospital waiting room was surrounded by the entire Rock Angel team.  Jack who was still covered in his wife’s blood stared down at his stained hands trembling.  Jensen turned to his little cousin and couldn’t find the words to say.  But he reached out and placed a hand to his shoulder in comfort.

Feeling the tears in his eyes, Jack rushed out of the hospital and outside into the cool New York air.  Repeatedly he kept hearing the two gunshots in his head, and the evil look on Steve’s face as he just carelessly shot another human being, a woman, his wife without a care in the world.

It was like shooting a game animal to him.  Jack collapsed to his knees and wept his heart out.

Back inside, all the news stations were covering the story of the shooting at MSG.  At this point Jensen was getting sick and tired of it.

“Hey! Can you turn that crap off!?” he snapped at the receptionist.  She looked at him and obeyed his wishes. “And while you’re at it can you go back there and tell them just what the hell is taking them so long!?”

“Sir, the doctors are doing everything they can. They’ll come out when they can stabilize Mrs. Kline.” Jensen growled and nearly punched the wall until one of his old friends Gary stopped him.

“Easy man. Easy. Don’t take it out on her. It’s best they try to see if (y/n) will make it then give us the updates.”

“DON’T YOU DARE SAY THAT WORD!” Jensen screamed at him. Jensen then collapsed back into his chair whimpering. “Not if. There can’t be an if.” Jensen clasped his hands together as his leg bounced up and down and he too felt tears prick at the corner of his eyes.

As morning came across the Big Apple, the news was literally eating the story alive.  NYPD was on a statewide manhunt for Steve Harrison, and to make matters worse, the press had found out just which hospital the Rock Angel was at.  

They were swarming outside wanting a story from the husband or any of her team members.

With the story of the Rock Angel ‘assassination’ now going worldwide, it wouldn’t be long till the story reached back to England.

It had been over 10 hours since Jack had gotten his wife to the hospital and with the situation of the press being contained outside, Jack who now had the kids with him continued to wait in the waiting room.  

Little Kelly who was the most traumatized by the whole thing, clung onto her daddy’s arm and finally spoke for the first time since the incident.

“Is mummy gonna be with uncle Freddie?” Jack looked down at his baby girl.  He could see the redness in her eyes from her crying and he said as he held his baby girl closer.

“I don’t know baby girl. I hope not. I mean—as much as I’m sure he’d love to see her, I don’t think he’d want it to happen this quickly.”

“What’s the update with our Rock Angel?” a voice soon spoke up. Jack and Kelly turned around as did some of the team members and they were surprised to see Elton John and Bernie Taupin.  Kelly raced up towards them and she hugged her uncle Elton who immediately picked her up and held her.

“Uncle Elton, an evil monster he shot……”

“I know darling, I know. Uncle Bernie and I saw it on the telly.” He said as he rubbed her back comfortingly.

“You guys came all the way from St. Louis just to be here?” asked Jack.

“Darling we came for the whole family. Besides count yourself lucky that it’s me and not the in-laws.”

“Oh God!” Jack began to realize that Brian, Deacy and Roger might’ve heard about this story by now.  He lowered his hands in his head.  Elton looked down at Jack and said.

“Bernie, why don’t you take the mini-angel and her brothers, and go out and get them some ice cream.”

“But what if mum wakes up?” Elton rubbed her back again and said.

“Then I’ll be sure to call you straight away if any news on your mother comes around. Trust me dear after the night you’ve had, you deserve an ice cream.” Kelly looked down and nodded. “That’s my little bunny.” He kissed her cheek before setting her down, “Off you pop then.” Bernie softly smiled at her and took her hand and Bernie called out to the boys.

“Georgie, Jackson, come on.” The two 3 year old’s got off their chairs and went over to the pair.  Jackson took his sister’s hand while Bernie picked up Georgie in his free arm and the four of them left the hospital.  Elton then walked up to Jack and said.

“Come with me.” Jack wiped his tearstains and stood up from his chair.  Feeling his legs falling asleep already, Elton steadied him and the two of them walked along the hallway till they came to the first boys bathroom they could find.

They entered inside and Elton locked the door giving them some privacy.

“How could I let this happen?” Jack said as he leaned against the sink. “I knew something bad was going to happen, deep down I knew. Why didn’t I try harder to convince her?”

“Because you married the most stubborn woman I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Her stubbornness rivals that to my dearest friend who was once both of yours. That’s probably why I liked her so much.” Jack shook his head feeling a slight smile come at the corner of his mouth.

“I just—I can’t lose her. What if—”

“Now don’t you go talking like that! The world already lost Freddie Mercury. I’ll be damned if we have to lose the Rock Angel too. She’s a fighter! She always has been. So don’t you dare go talking bollocks on me boy!” Elton snapped.  He walked up to Jack and tightly gripped his shoulders encouragingly.

“I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose her.” Jack whispered out in a choke.

“You won’t. But you listen and you listen good Jack Kline.” He lifted Jack’s chin up with his index finger. “You’re allowed to cry and weep, that’s not gonna make you weak. But you also need to remember this, you are not the only one affected by this. You have three innocent little eyes that had to see that gruesome sight that no child should ever, ever have to see.”

“Kelly? Jackson and Georgie. Dear god they’re never gonna recover from this.”

“In time they will. But right now they are feeling just as much fear and sadness as you are. Bernie’s buying you some time with a little bribery to make them forget for a moment. But when they get back, I want you to clean yourself up. And be the dad they need right now.” Jack looked up into Elton’s blue eyes that shone with strength.

Jack sniffled and nodded.

“Okay.”

“Good boy. That’s a boy.” Elton said as he gave Jack a comforting pat before bringing him into a tight hug.  Jack buried his face into Elton’s suit while Elton rested his head against Jack’s.  He gave him a comforting kiss on the top of his head before helping Jack clean up.

After helping him clean up, the two of them left the bathroom and walked back to the waiting room.

Another two hours have passed, making it now 12 hours since the Rock Angel had been admitted into the hospital.  Elton and Bernie remained with Jack and the kids until finally the doctor came out.

“Family of (Y/n) Kline?” at that point the entire waiting room stood up.  It was then the entire Rock Angel team stood up from the security, to the costumers, and roadies. The doctor was surprised until finally Jack came up and said.

“I’m her husband.”

“Your wife has been given a blood transfusion to replace the amount of blood she lost. She went into shock a few times during the procedure but we managed to keep her stable.”

“Is she—is she awake?” at that point the doctor sighed solemnly.

“Mr. Kline. The second bullet your wife took just barely penetrated some major organs. Any centimeter deeper would’ve killed her. We’ve put her into a coma and—I’m sorry to say that only time will tell if she’ll wake up.” This was something Jack did not want to hear.  He was desperate to hear that his wife was gonna be okay and that she was awake and alive.

“Can we at least go see her?” Jensen asked.

“We’re setting her up in a room right now. Give us 10 minutes and you can. But three at a time.” The Doctor advised looking back at everyone.

“Okay, thank you doctor. Thank you.” The doctor nodded and walked away but he stopped and said.

“Mr. Kline.” Jack looked up at him and he continued, “Had you stayed at the stadium and waited for us, there was a great chance of her not being saved. You were really lucky this time.” The doctor then walked away leaving Jack stunned at what he had to learn.

“Who would’ve thought something like this would finally get you running.” Jensen said.  Jack glared at his older cousin and he said, “Right wrong time to be bringing up all those races we had as kids.”

After several minutes waiting, a nurse came in and said that Jack and the kids could come and see (y/n) first.  She led them to her room on the second floor and when they came to room 211, she opened the door and there she was.

Hooked up to wires, breathing tubes in her nose, and IV’s for fluids and blood transfusion was the Rock Angel, wife and mother.

“Mummy.” Georgie whimpered.

“Mummy owie.” Jackson said.

“Yeah boys she’s—mommy got hurt.” Kelly didn’t speak a word but slowly walked right up to her mom’s bed.  This young 7 year old girl was now looking at something that only her mom once experienced before long ago.  She stood at her bedside, gripped the sheets as she sniffled and whimpered.

“Mum!” she allowed her upper body to collapse on the bed as she wept into the bedsheets.  Before she soon got up onto the bed and cuddled close to her mother’s left side and continued to cry.

Jack was heartbroken at seeing his little girl so upset.  He took the boys and placed them up on the bed as well as he came down to his baby girl and rubbed her back, hoping that it would provide her some comfort.  Meanwhile the boys cuddled close to their mom and found themselves crying for their mother.

At this point Jack didn’t know just what to do, all three of his kids had to go through something so traumatic and terrifying he was afraid it’d damage them forever.

But all he could do now was be there for them like Elton had told him earlier in the bathroom.  With (y/n) in a coma, he was the only parent left to be there for them.

Hopefully, he wouldn’t be the only parent in their lives.

As each day passed, every member of the Rock Angel team got to have their time with their dearest friend and amazingly kind person to work for.  Each member of the team would bring in gifts, balloons, flowers for the room, and give the family their thoughts and prayers.

Even fans themselves were reaching out to the hospital that the Rock Angel was in and sent in letters and gifts to Jack and the family.  New York practically had the Rock Angel memorialized as a figure to the city and hoped that she would survive this horrible ordeal.

By the 4th day, with a stern telling from Elton, Jack had arrived back from his hotel showered and cleaned up and had the kids go home with Jensen for a little while to be with their grandparents and away from this whole mess.

He entered his wife’s room to see Elton and Bernie just setting down their gifts.  Bernie had bought her favorite bouquet of flowers as well as some more balloons.  

While Elton brought in a large painting of a mother lioness and her cubs don’t by a famous French artist that he had called up for a favor he owed the singer.

“There we go, now you look like your handsome self again.” Elton praised.

“It was nice to get a shower in. It’s just that—with this whole thing I—”

“We get it Jack. This…..this is even more crazier than when it happened to Lennon. But this is a wait game, but I’ve got a strong feeling she’ll pull through. She always does.” Bernie said as he clasped Jack shoulder comfortingly.

“Thank you Bernie. Thank you both. I—don’t know what I would do without you both here.” The two older men smiled at him before Jack took his seat right by his wife’s side.  The three men sat there in silence as they looked down at the beautiful young woman sleeping before them.

She almost resembled Sleeping beauty or Snow White. The machine beeping off her heartbeat and brain activity which was all normal.  She just wasn’t awake.

“Why didn’t you both call us about this!?” a voice suddenly snapped out.  Jack froze in both fear and guilt at the voice that had just spoke up.  He lowered his head in shame and he shut his eyes.

“Brian, Roger.” Elton greeted them.

“Elton, Bernie.” Brian’s voice greeted.

“Jack Kline you have got some fucking nerve about hiding this from us! We get home and we see you and (y/n). Her face plastered on the front of every fucking magazine! I tried calling her a hundred times throughout these past few months, she never answered. And now I see all of this on the news! The Rock Angel shot at by her former personal assistant!” Roger snapped at him.  Each time his voice growing angrier and angrier.

“Roger lay off him. You don’t know just what he’s been through the past few days!” Elton snapped at him.

“Elton with all due respect please stay out of this. This is a family discussion.” Brian said to him sternly.

“Well believe it or not, she’s my family too! Freddie asked me personally to keep an eye on her. So this is just as much of my problem as it is yours.” Elton challenged the curly haired rockstar.  Before another retort could be said from either rockstar, Jack choked out.

“You think I didn’t want to reach out?” the two members of Queen turned to Jack.  His head still lowered down.  Jack let out a sniffle and he said. “But she didn’t want me to. I should never have listened to her. Why didn’t I do more?” he growled at himself.  He turned to look up at his father and uncle in laws before choking out. “It was my fault.” Before he wept, but he hardly any tears came out due to his dehydration, but the emotion was all there as he leaned up against his wife’s unconscious body.

The anger and resentment the two Queen members once felt, melted away as they heard the pain in Jack’s voice.

“Jack.” Roger started off softly.  Jack gripped his wife’s hand in his as he kissed her temple. Brian and Roger turned to Elton who told them.

“They’re saying there might be a chance she may not wake up. Not only he but the kids saw the bastard shoot her right there on stage performing her favorite song of Freddie’s.” at hearing that, Brian and Roger looked down at Jack in shock.  Brian ran his hand through his curls as he exhaled heavily.

“Please……” Jack pleaded in a soft whisper as he turned to look up at them. “Please forgive me. I—I couldn’t protect her.” Brian looked down at Jack with empathy while Roger still looked at him with a harsh glare.

When Jack turned back around to weep into his wife’s shoulder. He didn’t notice Roger walking right up to him.  Roger just stood over Jack and he could’ve struck Jack in anger, sorrow whatever was racing through him.

In the end, he just placed his hand on top of Jack’s head and said four words that would resonate within Jack for the rest of his life.

“It wasn’t your fault.” Jack turned to look up at him. Behind his circular shades, Roger’s eyes were now showing only sadness.  He then immediately embraced Jack and Jack buried his face into Roger’s chest.

Just like he had done with (y/n) many times whenever she cried, Roger cupped the back of his head and allowed Jack to bury his face deeper into his chest if he needed as Jack’s arms wrapped around him and he shook with each sob her let out.  The drummer held firm but allowed a few tears to slip down his face.

Soon enough Brian joined in as he embraced Jack from behind. The two of them sandwiching their beloved girl’s husband.  Elton and Bernie took this as their cue to leave, so without a word the two of them left the hospital and decided that for now they needed to get back to the real world and let the members of Queen take over in comforting the Kline family through these dark times.

But they both promised they’d call and check up on how their beloved angel was doing.

Three weeks passed and throughout that time Jack had confessed to Brian and Roger everything that had been going on with Steve, the stalking, the threatening letters, everything.

“Where are the kids?” asked Brian.

“Jensen took them the day before you guys came here. They—they needed time away. Mom’s been calling me with updates. All of them having nightmares, especially Kelly.”

“Oh god that poor dear.” Brian exhaled.

“You think you could call and have them come back? Now that we’re here.” Asked Roger.

“I could try. Don’t know if my mom will allow it.”

“I’ll convince her if I have to.” Roger said strongly.  Jack nodded.

“I’ll try.” He then stood up and went to find a payphone while Roger went with him leaving Brian alone with (Y/n).  Brian took a seat close to her bedside and took her hand in his, his thumb gently stroking over her knuckles.

“You stubborn, stubborn girl.” He scoffed softly. “You could’ve told us. We would’ve understood. Please, please my darling star. Don’t leave us yet. Not so young.”  He squeezed her hand tightly between both of his before lifting it up and kissed the back of her hand.

“Good news, she’s gonna bring the kids over.” Roger said as he and Jack returned to the room.  “Any sign of her moving at all?” he asked Brian.

“Afraid not.” Roger then took a seat on the other side and stroked his daughter’s cheek.

“Hey lovie. Yeah it’s me. Papa lion’s here. Listen; you gotta come back to us. For the kids, for Jack, your family. We all miss you. I miss you. And…..you can’t be with your real dad. Not yet. Remember our talk on your 21st birthday? Don’t do this to your papa lion. Don’t leave him just yet my lion cub.”  He leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

He stayed there for as long as he could before finally separating and allowing a couple of tears to fall down onto her cheek.  

He wiped them away as he lay his head down close to her, wrapping his arm around her body hoping that his father love would bring her back.

The next day as promised, Jack’s mom came in with the kids. When little Kelly saw her godfather and uncle, she immediately ran up to her godfather and embraced him tightly.  He felt the young child softly cry into his shoulder.

“Oh Kelly cub.” Roger cooed as he embraced his goddaughter and rocked her back and forth trying to comfort her.

“Mom, has she—” Jack asked his mom as he held Georgie in his arms while Jackson went over to his uncle Brian.

“She hasn’t spoken a word since she came to live with me and your dad. Just nightmares every night. Not even the therapist we got for her and the boys can get her to say anything.”

“And what of the boys?” asked Brian.

“We talk. It’s not fun though.” Jackson said as he fondled with his uncle’s unbuttoned shirt.

“We don’t like talking about that night every day.” Georgie said as he clung onto his dad.

“I’m sure it doesn’t buddy. Talking about stuff like that never is. Trust me I had to tell it over and over again to some police officers and detectives these past few weeks.”

“Does it hurt to talk about it? Cause I hurt when I talk about it.” Georgie said to his dad.  Jack leaned his head against his son’s and said.

“Every time.” As Roger rubbed little Kelly’s back, she then finally whispered so brokenly that it broke Roger’s heart but also surprised him because this was the first thing she had to say in over three weeks.

“She’s gonna die, isn’t she?” Roger looked down at her and tucked away her (h/c), the same color she inherited from her mother.

“Could you give Kelly-cub and I some privacy?” they all nodded and left the room, knowing what Roger had in mind.

Jack however was hesitant to leave.  He stood halfway out the door before turning back to his baby girl. He looked to Roger but the drummer just gave him a look that said to him ‘let me handle this.’  While Jack wanted to stay and talk to his daughter, maybe even try to comfort her, another part of him was saying let Roger handle this.

He was always able to comfort his wife whenever she needed it in the past long before he knew her, maybe what his daughter needed was the famed Roger Taylor “comforting charm” just like her mom always got.  With that Jack left taking Georgie with him.

Roger removed his shades and hung them over the front of his shirt while he adjusted Kelly in his lap.

“Is that what’s been on your mind lately lion cub?” she gave him a sad nod.

“All I hear is mum still not being awake. And it’s all that’s ever on tv. And now seeing her still the same I—I know I’m gonna lose her. Just like she lost her mum when she was a year older than me. I don’t wanna grow up without her!” Kelly wept.

“Hey, hey, hey Kelly-bear. Kelly lovie. Shhh, shhh. Deep breaths darling.” Roger soothed her as he cupped the side of her face.  Kelly look at her godfather and saw the gentle blue eyes staring back at her.  Those eyes that always gave her a sense of warmth and comfort when her parents were either too busy or not around.

She did exactly what her god papa told her to do as Roger stroked her cheek with his thumb.

“That’s my little cub.” He praised as he kissed her other cheek. “I know this is a very scary time love, believe me I’m terrified.”

“You are?”

“Yes. We all are.”

“But I thought grownups never got scared.” Kelly said with a tilt of her head.

“Oh trust me love. Grownups get scared a lot. I’ve been there, your uncles have been there, even your mum and dad. Fear is natural to everyone old or young. And something like this—it’s really scary.”

“Will I really grow up without a mum like she did?” hearing that question broke Roger’s heart.  He stroked the strands of hair out of her face but before he could say anything a voice spoke up from the door.

“I doubt that Kelly. She has the strength of a lioness, and that’s what you got from her.” The two of them turned towards the door and Kelly gasped out and proclaimed as she ran towards the door.

“Uncle Deacy!” Roger was surprised to see his dear friend again after two years apart.  Kelly hugged her uncle and Deacy embraced the young girl back.  He rubbed her back comfortingly before kneeling down to her height.

“Your mum’s been through many obstacles and tribulations. This is just another one to the list. She knew what it was like to grow up without a mum, and she’s always told me that she refused to let you kids grow up without one. Especially you poppet.”

“But what if she doesn’t pull through uncle Deacy? Some people are saying mum may never wake up.” Deacy sighed heavily and said.

“For now it’s still too soon to tell. Nothing is written in stone yet.”

“Your uncle Deacy’s right love. As long as these monitors keep beeping, we know that your mum is still alive. She’s just resting and trying to heal herself. And with a mighty lion soul that she has, she’ll need a lot of rest.” Roger said as he stood up and knelt down beside her, kneeling right beside John.

Kelly turned back to her mom and walked over to her.  She laid her hand on the small railing and just looked at her mum.

“She looks like Sleeping beauty.”

“She does, doesn’t she?” Roger said as both he and Deacy stood up.

“Can—can she hear us?” Kelly asked.

“I’m sure she can. I’ll bet she’d love to hear your voice.” Kelly walked closer towards her mom’s head and she said.

“Mum. It’s me, Kelly. I—I wish you’d wake up. Please, I need to know you’re gonna be okay. Seeing you get hurt like that was really scary, but papa Roger says that it’s okay to be scared. Said that you get scared sometimes too. But he also said that you need to heal your lion soul, so hopefully it’s getting better. But I wish you could wake up because I love you so much and miss you. Same with everyone else.”

The two youngest members of Queen watched with heavy hearts as this young girl was talking to her coma-induced mother.  Doing something that only a grown up should do when their parents are elderly, not when the child is still a literal child just barely the age of 10.  

“Can I have a moment alone with her?” John whispered to Roger. The drummer looked at the bass player before agreeing to Deacy’s request.

“Kelly love, why don’t we go and find your dad and head on over to the cafeteria? Maybe get a pudding cup.” Kelly looked up at him before turning back to her mum.  She kissed her mom’s cheek before racing over to Roger who picked her up in his arms. Roger held her close to him and rubbed her back comfortingly as Deacy did the same before giving her a kiss on the head.

He watched as his friend took his niece away leaving him alone with his sister.

For Deacy this was the third hardest thing he ever had to cope with.  First he had to go through the trauma of losing his dad so suddenly, then he lost his best friend Freddie to a terrible disease that literally ate him from the inside out, and now this.

John Deacon had heard about this terrible event through his daughter Laura who came in storming from school with a newspaper on hand. She showed her father the article that had read ROCK ANGEL SHOT AT MSG IN NYC.

Deacy almost lost it at this point.  It had almost been 2 years since Freddie’s death and now to hear that his sister had been shot at by some deranged psychopath, it practically destroyed him.  

Like with Freddie’s final moments, Deacy almost didn’t even want to go and see his sister in some hospital bed barely clinging to life only to be let down for the third time in his life.  He was even thinking that this would be the thing that would finally push him over the edge.

But he was stopped by the love of his wife Veronica who had managed to get through to John.  She told him that he had missed his chance with Freddie, and with the love and support he had given (y/n) throughout the 13 years he had known her, he had to go see her.  Because if he didn’t and should she be pronounced dead, he was going to regret it for the rest of his life.

So cleaning himself up, John Deacon bought his first class flight to New York City and had arrived just for her.

“Sister dear.” He started off.  “I—I don’t know if you can hear me but, I’m here. I read what happened….About the shooting, of course the media loves to exploit some details so I don’t know what exactly is true or not. But…..why you didn’t tell us what was going on? Sister you—you should’ve come to us. We could’ve protected you. I—I could’ve protected you. Please don’t go. Don’t you leave us too. Please come back to us.”

*My POV*

I don’t know where I was.  All I saw was nothing but blackness until suddenly a flash of light came at me and I was now in a—jungle? Wait why was everything a bigger? And why do I feel—different? I mean I still feel like me but not, this is confusing. I then see just ahead of my what appeared to be some sort of lake or well I guess watering hole (since this is a jungle I guess I better call it a watering hole).

I walked towards it and stood at the edge of it but when I got up to it, I was—well to put it lightly stunned. No I’m just gonna say I was freaking out.  What I saw staring right at me was a lioness.  I backed up screaming.  Hell you would scream too if a lioness was staring right back at you. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Back it up.  I approached the water again and lifted my hand but the lioness raised its paw up.

Oh. My. God. The lioness was—I was the lioness.

“Okay. This is even weirder than when Deacy and I got so drunk in Rio that we both woke up with each other’s clothes on and he had the word ANUS written on his forehead in sharpie while I had a dick drawn on mine.”

Okay so I’m a lioness. I am a freakin lioness.  The Queen of the beasts. Why? I mean I know Roger and the band always called me lioness but that’s just figuratively. But now, literally I’m a lioness.

“Maybe if I walk around I might find someone who could explain this crazy shit show.” I then began walking through the wide jungle, but as I walked I kept feeling this brush of pain on both my side and stomach but I didn’t know why.  And I know this sounds crazy, but I think something or someone is following me.

Every time I turned around, I would see this brush of a shadow before it disappeared.  I was weary and thanks to these lion instincts it made me even more aware that whatever it was, was still following me as I kept walking.  Suddenly out of nowhere I felt something land on my head and a flap of wings attacked my face.

I fell to the ground and shook whatever it was off of me before growling at it.

“Show yourself!” I soon heard a laugh and it said.

“Bout time you finally noticed me.” I turned around and there stood a peacock.

“Are—are you the thing that’s been following me?”

“I don’t know. Was I? Or am I?” he spoke in a riddle-like manner as he fanned his tail feathers.  I rolled my eyes and said.

“Well this is where you stop. Now go away.”

“Whatever for?”

“Cause you’re annoying me, and I don’t have time for games. I’m looking for someone.”

“Oh really? And just who might that be?” he came up to me and cocked his head in that bird-like manner.

“I—I don’t know. Just someone. Anyone.”

“Well I know where you can find someone.”

“You do?”

“Yes. But shh come here, it’s a secret.” I leaned down towards him and he wrapped his wing around me.  But instead of giving me a name he started speaking in bloody tongues, flaunting before prancing about away from me.

“Stop! Stop! Enough! ENOUGH! What the hell does that mean?”

“It means you’re a peacock. And I’m not.” He then began laughing at his own statement.

“No, you’re as mad as the March Hare.” I muttered angrily as I walked away.

“Wrong!” I had a feathery finger suddenly poke my nose stopping me in my tracks. “I’m not the one whose mad. Cause you don’t even know why you’re here.”

“You don’t know the first thing about me bird! Now stay out of my way before I go full predator on you!” I growled before giving him a warning roar which made him fly back scared.

“Okay! Okay, okay.” I walked past him angrily.  “No wonder why you’re a lioness my Rock Angel.” I gasped as I stopped in my tracks.  I turned towards him and he only gave a wave before saying, “Bye-bye.” And took off flying, almost turning into a shadow with how quick he suddenly took off.

“Oi wait!” I chased after the peacock.  Practically losing sight of it till I saw it now standing on top of a rock.  I trotted towards it and I asked him. “Did you just say my Rock Angel?”

“No. I said thy Rock Angel.”

“No you didn’t. I specifically heard you say My. And—” I trailed off before looking downward solemnly. “Only one person ever called me that. But he died. What felt like a long time ago.”

“Nope. Wrong again darling!” he laughed again before flying off the rock and now stood before a small entrance into a thicket-like forest. “You said you wanted someone to talk to, I can show you. But you gotta catch up with me first and I’m fast!” he then disappeared through the hole.

I trotted up to it and looked inside it.  I can’t believe I’m actually doing this, but—what other option is there? So I entered inside the thicket.

It was definitely a tight squeeze just to even go through it but somehow I managed to get inside.  I peeked through some thick brush and there sitting on a perch of a tree was the peacock.

“Don’t dottle dear, hurry up!”

“Hey wait, wait, wait!” he kept soaring and jumping from branch to branch all the while chanting and singing out words that didn’t even sound right.

“C’mon lioness!”

“Would you slow down!?” suddenly I felt myself falling down a hill but I quickly stood back up and continued to push forward.  

Getting caught in branches and vines all I kept thinking to myself was follow the peacock’s bizarre singing.  Hitting bush after bush I ran faster and faster as the thicket closed closer and closer around me.

“STOP!” the peacock suddenly said as it spread out it’s tail.  I skid to a stop and the peacock made it’s cooing sound as it’s tail tucked back in like a fan.  He then slowly strutted towards the edge of the thicket and he said. “Come here child.”

I got out of the thicket and we now stood before some kind of creek.

“Why’d you bring me here?”

���Look into the water, and you will speak to the one you most long to speak to.” I looked at him, and I was surprised to see that instead of this goofy, child-like attitude he had earlier.  He was now more serious and dead-center on me doing this.

I followed his orders and slowly approached the creek. I slowly walked towards it before looking into the water that lay beneath me.  

But all I saw was myself.  I waited and waited but still nothing happened.

“Nothing’s happening. And just who is it that I’m supposed to see?”

“Shhh! Look harder.” I then saw his feather-finger touch the water and ripples soon started to form.  I looked closer into the water and soon an image began to form. Suddenly everything around me grew darker but then something echoed through the air.

“AYE-OH!” my eyes widened and I whispered.

“Freddie?” suddenly there was a bright glow right beside me and then a bright flash.

I felt myself floating now and when I looked down at myself, I saw that I was now human again.  There was nothing but darkness before suddenly a giant bright light encompassed the darkness.  Instead of alone and frightened, there was—warmth.  And love.

The light then began to form a giant silhouette of a man (by giant I mean seriously giant. I was like an ant compared to this shadow).

However this specific silhouette was very familiar to me. It was Freddie, standing in the exact shadow position that he once did for the Bohemian Rhapsody video.

Though I couldn’t physically see his face, it was him.

“(Y/n) dear. Why are you here?” he said to me.

“I—I was…..” it then came back to me.  The concert, the pain, the gunshots, Steve. “I was shot. Steve he—killed me. At the concert.”

“Not quite my darling. You’re still clinging onto life. So I’m going to make the decision for you. Go back. Go back to our family. You still have so much more to give to the world. The world may have lost Freddie Fucking Mercury, but do not let them lost the Rock ‘Badass bitch’ Angel.”

“BUT WHY FREDDIE!? Steve he—he’s made my life hell this past year. How can I face him?” Freddie’s spirit shined brighter than the sun and encompassed around me as he said.

“You will do that by reminding him who you are. You are (Y/n) (m/n) Kline. My Rock Angel.” Feeling his light around me, it was like Freddie was actually holding me, embracing me with his confidence and giving me the strength I needed to fight.  

I looked up right where his face was at and tears poured down my face as I looked up at him in awe.

“Show him. The lioness you are.” It was then his silhouette began to disappear.

“NO! PLEASE! Don’t leave me again!” I chased after his light that was now getting further and further away from me.  No matter how fast I ran, I couldn’t reach him. “FREDDIE!”

“Show him the lioness you are.”

“Don’t go.” I gave up the run and collapsed to my knees as Fred’s final words to me were.

“The lioness you are.” I collapsed to my knees before feeling this gently wind blow across my face as Freddie’s spirit was now gone and I was once again in nothing but darkness.

Sitting there in silence, I began to realize that I couldn’t stay here.  Freddie was right, even though I would have to face Steve again if they caught him and put him on trial.  I couldn’t abandon my family.  Brian, Deacy, Roger, Elton, David, Jensen, Jared, their wives and children. Mum and dad. Jack, and my kids.

I grew up without a mother, I couldn’t let my own children go through the same thing, especially my baby girl Kelly.  Cause she’s almost the exact age I was when I lost my mum, no I refuse to leave my baby motherless! That cycle will not go on!

“I gotta get out of here. But how? How? Come on (y/n) wake up. WAKE UP!!!” I screamed.  I kept screaming at myself to wake up, I shook my head rapidly, pinched myself, even slapped my cheeks a few times telling myself to wake up but nothing was working. “No it. It’s can’t end like this. I can’t die. I don’t wanna die. Please. Please wake up. Freddie I—I don’t know what else to do.” There was dead silence. I lowered my head and felt tears come into my eyes.  I sniffled before I suddenly heard a voice.

‘Sister dear.’ Deacy? No it—it couldn’t be. ‘I—I don’t know if you can hear me but, I’m here.’ It was him.  I knew that distinct accent anywhere.  But—why was he here? I hadn’t seen him since the tribute concert two years ago.  He never called, or sent a letter, he wanted his space and I obliged by giving it to him. Now he was here.

I soon felt something take my hand, I felt a squeeze before Deacy’s voice spoke again.

‘I read what happened….About the shooting, of course the media loves to exploit some details so I don’t know what exactly is true or not. But…..why you didn’t tell us what was going on? Sister you—you should’ve come to us. We could’ve protected you. I—I could’ve protected you. Please don’t go. Don’t you leave us too. Please come back to us.’ I could hear the tremor in his voice by the end.

“Oh Deacy.” I cooed. “Please, please (y/n) wake up. They still need me. I can’t leave them now. Not like this. Please somebody, anybody, wake me up.”

It was then I felt this warmth inside my chest.  It got warmer and warmer until yet another light shined right where I got shot the second time and I was now surrounded by bright light.

*3rd Person POV*

Deacy remained there clutching his sister’s hand tightly, his eyes brimming with tears.  Suddenly he felt fingers slightly twitching in his grip.  His face quickly changed from sorrow to surprise.  Slowly for the first time in 3 weeks, (y/n) Kline was finally opening her eyes.

*My POV*

The first thing I saw was white.  White light everywhere.  Oh god please tell me I didn’t go to heaven. I wanted to go home.  But it wasn’t until my hearing came back and I could hear the sounds of machines beeping and counting off something.  I felt a hand grasping mine and when my vision became clear, there sat Deacy.

Boy did he change in the last two years.  His hair was now more grey and longer now.  It came right just the back of his neck, a few inches from growing past his shoulders.  His eyes were red and brimmed as he stared down at my in shock, almost not believing something.

“Did you seriously grow a mullet?” was the first thing I asked him.  He smiled and scoffed out as he shook his head.

“At least I still have hair unlike Roger whose slowly losing his. Of all the things to say that’s the first thing that comes out of you?” I playfully looked up at him.  He didn’t say another word but his actions spoke louder than what he could ever say.

He leaned down towards me and began kissing all over my face. Cupping my cheeks in his hands as he would press his forehead to mine and poking his sharp nose to mine, drawing in our sibling strength.

“Hey Deacy, Roger said you might want some breakfast since you—” we both looked up at the door and there stood my Jack.  Deacy stepped aside from the bed as Jack and I locked eyes with each other.  He dropped what looked like a pudding cup and stood there frozen.

“Hey Jack.” I said.  Jack didn’t say a word but crossed over to me, his bottom lip trembling as he sat down beside me and cupped my face in his hands, just like Deacy had earlier. A sad smile soon broke out across his face as tears poured down his face and he gently embraced me.

“You came back.” I leaned against his shoulder and inhaled his scent.  And yeah even though he smelled like he hadn’t showered in days, I didn’t care at this point.  It was Jack. I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed him as hard as I could.  We separated from each other and he leaned down and kissed me.  The kiss got more and more passionate and I said between our kisses.

“I’m here Jack I’m…..I promised. Till death….”

“Don’t even finish that.” We both chuckled as we now stared at each other.

“The kids! Jack where are my babies? He didn’t……”

“No, no baby. Brian and Roger have them. They’re alright. Well physically they are. They were shaken up the first several days.”

“I’ll go get them.” Deacy offered as he left the room.

“What—what happened Jack?”

“You really don’t remember?”

“All I remember was pain, a loud popping sound and Steve. Other than that nothing.”

“(Y/n). Steve he—he shot you during Somebody to love. He shot you twice in the side and stomach. I ran you all the way to the hospital.”

“You did?” he nodded. “How—how long have I been out?”

“You were in the ICU for over 12 hours before being moved here. But you’ve been in a coma for the past 3 weeks.”

“Three—three weeks?!” I shouted which made me flinch which caused some pain in my side.

“Baby are you alright?!” he asked urgently.

“Just a pain in my side. Must’ve stressed out a stitch or something.”

“I’ll call the doctor and let him know you’re awake.” As he reached over and pressed the call button on the wall, I heard the racing of footsteps coming towards the room.  Paranoid I thought it was Steve coming to finish the job, but soon three small voices eased my nerves tremendously.

“Mummy!” soon racing in were Kelly, Georgie and Jackson. All three of my kids raced over and tried to climb up on my bed.

“Wait, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on kids. Easy. Mommy is hurting very badly. Be gentle around her.” Jack warned the kids as my boys got up by my feet while Kelly stood on the other side of me.

“Are you okay mummy?” asked Georgie as he lay on my right side.

“I will be baby.”

“Bad man hurt mummy.” Jackson said.

“Yes he did Jackson. But mummy’s gonna be okay now.”

“Are you sure you’re not gonna die mum?” I looked to my left to see my baby girl’s look of uncertainty.  I lifted my hand and wiped away her hidden tear.

“I’m sure baby. A…..very special angel told me I was gonna be okay when I woke up. I promise you, I’m gonna be just fine. A few days of rest and I’ll be right as rain again. Just you wait and see.” I poked her nose which made her smile before she got closer to me and leaned her head against my shoulder.  I smiled as I leaned my head against her and kissed the top of her head.

“You damn better well be. Cause hearing about all this on the news is not what I ever want to see from you again.” I looked up at the door and there along with Deacy were Brian and Roger.

Oh fuck.

“Dad, Brian. I—”

“We’ll discuss this later. For now we’ll let you be with your kids and husband.” Brian lectured me, that stern look in his eyes when he meant something.

“I’m afraid that won’t happen till later.  I’m gonna have to ask all of you to leave while I check Mrs. Kline’s vitals.” A male doctor around his mid-30’s possibly early 40’s with short brown hair and tan skin said as he came in.

“Why can’t we stay with her?!” Kelly demanded.

“The doctor’s gotta make sure mommy’s okay sweetie. But she needs to be alone so that she can do his tests.” Jack tried to calm her down.

“No I wanna stay with mummy! I want to stay with mummy! I want to stay with mummy!” she began to throw a tantrum.

“Kelly. Kelly. Kelly Michelle Kline!” I spoke her name in a low toned voice.  She stopped her fitting and I said as I cupped her chin.  “None of that now. You are to do as your father and the doctor tell you.”

“But what if you die?!” she whimpered.  Oh my poor baby girl.  God if I ever come face to face with Steve again, I’ll be sure to give him hell for traumatizing my little girl like he did.

“Baby these tests aren’t dangerous to me. It’s just to see if I’m gonna be okay to leave. Now I want you to go with your father and stay with him until the doctor gives the all clear to come back in. And no more tantrums, is that understood?”

“Yes mama.” She huffed solemnly.

“Good girl.” As Brian and Deacy each took the boys, Jack took our daughter’s hand and as they passed the door, Roger took her other hand and soon everyone but the doctor was out.  “I’m so sorry about that she’s never—”

“No worries Mrs. Kline. I get children who act like that all the time when their parents go into surgery or they need to get a shot. First introductions I’m Dr. Hamilton, I met your husband at the door when he brought you in.”

“Did he seriously run the full 20 blocks to get here?” I asked him.

“Oh yeah. And it was lucky for you he did. I told him based on the amount of blood loss you had, had he waited for an ambulance at the stage, you might’ve been lost to us.” Oh my god.  Jack you—you crazy, indescribable man.  “Okay now first I want to check your eyes, look right at me.”

I looked at him as he shined a light in my eyes.  He held his finger up and told me to follow it. I followed his instructions and he said,

“Okay now straight at me again.” He nodded. “Okay pupils are normal, and your ocular motility is perfect. So there’s no brain damage. Tell me do you have any discomfort? Feeling any pain around the stomach?”

“Just a sharp pain in my side when I moved around after finding out how long I had been in a coma for.”

“Alright let me take a look.” He uncovered me and lifted my shirt up so that he could see just what had been done.  My right side and the center of my stomach had been stitched up and was still stained with some dried up blood.  “Well good news is there’s no unhooked stitches. We’ll get you some morphine to dull the pain. And then I can prescribe to you the pain killers you’ll need while you recover here.”

“Thank you Dr. Hamilton.”

“You’re welcome Mrs. Kline. Are there any other concerns you wish to speak to me about?”

“Yes. As a matter of fact. How long will I need to be here for?”

“Well that depends. Cause here’s what I’d like to show you that we had found out from the first gunshot wound you had gotten.” He turned on a screen light and held up my scans of my skeleton.  “When the first bullet entered your side, it actually ended up almost right in the L3 vertebrate.”

“And what is that?”

“It’s the vertebrate that helps with the leg muscles. There—might be a chance you may not be able to walk again.” What? No it—it can’t be. “But it’s not 100%. My best guess is that there’s a 50-50 shot. It didn’t penetrate it enough to cause the L3 to break, but there was some damage to it when the bullet tried to exit out that way through your Lumbar vertebrate. If you can show us you can at least attempt to walk, we can have you transferred to our physical therapy facility in Upstate New York.”

“And if you’re wrong?” he sighed heavily and said.

“Then we can do one of two options. We can operate to try and repair any nerve damage done, but that in itself could have serious risk. Or…..you can tell us to let you go and you’ll never be able to walk again.”

Steve you selfish, cowardice, son of a bitch! You’re ruined me!

“I’m sorry miss. But don’t lose all hope just yet. We’ll give you a week of bedrest and do some minor leg tests to see how you’re doing.”

“Thank you Dr. Hamilton.” He nodded and said he call my family back in before he left my room.

I couldn’t believe this.  There is literally a 50% chance that I may never walk again.  How the hell was I gonna perform? No one would want to see a wheelchair rockstar.  Steve’s basically ruined my life now? How the hell am I ever gonna recover from this.

At that point the kids came back inside with Jack, Brian, Deacy and Roger.  The kids all cuddled up to me and we shared a brief moment until a police officer came in.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Kline. I’m Lieutenant Banks NYPD. I wanted to ask if you’d give us a statement in regard to Steve Harrison’s attack on you.”

“She’ll give you her statement when she’s well enough.” Roger snapped out.

“Dad.” I warned him.  “I’ll tell you everything.” He took out his notepad and I confessed everything, all while the guys and the kids were there.

“Okay now did anything happen after the shooting?” asked Lt. Banks.

“He uhh….he looked right at me and actually stole her wedding ring right off her finger.” Jack explained.

“He did what!?” I finally looked down at my left ring finger and was horrified to see that my ring was truly gone. “No. That—that son of a……”

“Actually Mrs. Kline. We’ve recovered the ring. In fact, I’ve got it right here.” He soon dug through his pocket and pulled out an evidence bag.  He opened it up and soon he pulled out my wedding ring.  

“How did you get it back?” asked Brian as Jack took the ring and placed it back on my finger.

“When was the last time any of you checked the news?” the Lt. asked us.  

We all stayed silent before he walked up and turned on the TV.  A female news anchor sat there at the desk and she said.

“It has been three weeks since the horrific attack at Madison Square Garden. Rockstar sensation (Y/n) Kline aka the Rock Angel was shot in cold blood in the middle of her concert. Her assailant, her former PA Steve Harrison after going on the run. Was finally apprehended. Not by police, but some loyal fans of the rockstar herself. Let’s get in touch with Bobby whose live at the scene where the assault took place. Bobby.”

The screen split to an elderly man and the name Robert “Bobby” Johnson came on the screen.

“Thank you Natalie. It was right here at the corner of 34th and 33rd street when a group of men recognized Steve Harrison from the news. Reports say that the group of 7 boys jumped Steve and proceeded to beat him till almost consciousness. It took about 5 minutes for police to finally arrive. When asked about why these men attacked him, this is what they had to say.”

The screen altered to a young black man with dreads, he had the makings of a beard starting to come around his chin, up to his face.  He looked to be about Jack’s age and he spoke in a low tone as his name read William Henderson.

“The Rock Angel is life man. She practically saved me through some tough sh*t in my life. And to hear this coward did what he did, he didn’t deserve to be walking the streets the way he did.” Another boy appeared on screen.  This time he was white with blue eyes and blonde hair and the name Harvey Davidson came up on the screen.  His accent was a heavy Bronx tonality as he said.

“Even though she’s from England, (Y/n) Kline was born and made here in New York. I remember when I saw her very first concert when she came up with Queen.”

“No a**hole messes with the Rock Angel! You mess with the Angel you mess with New York!” another black boy named Erik Woodson proclaimed.

“You mess with her, you mess with all of us!” Harvey came back on screen.

“Steve Harrison has been taken to a separate hospital from where the Rock Angel is said to recover but will be facing criminal charges. As for the gang that assaulted him, they too were arrested for assault and battery in a public place. But are they guilty? Or are they heroes? More of this to come at News4 tonight at 6pm. Back to you Natalie.”

“Thank you Bobby, coming up next—” at that point Lt. Banks turned the tv off.

“Surprisingly, one of those young gentlemen found it hanging around Steve’s neck. He recognized the ring from her last concert she did in Queens. Told us to make sure she got it back.”

“Seems we know who the real fans are.”

“Roger not now.” Brian scolded softly.

“What’s gonna happen to him now?”

“Well—those boys did a pretty bad number on him. When and if he wakes up, he’ll go to jail and be put on bail. Then of course the trial. We’ll keep in touch with you once all of this goes down.” He handed me his card and bid us a good day.  All was quiet once more before Brian looked at me and he softly said my name.  I shook my head before suddenly finding myself laughing.

“What is wrong with the world? Why did this have to happen to me? Why me? I told him I told that rich, pompous, arrogant, sexist asshole what Steve was doing but did he listen to me? No! He didn’t! Hollywood records doesn’t give a shit! They never did! They hired a fucking sociopath to be my personal assistant and to make matters worse IT WAS HIS FUCKING NEPHEW!!!!”

Tears of anger pooled in my eyes as I angrily tapped my finger against the railing.

“James did this. He didn’t care. He knew he must’ve known his nephew was like that. Why else would he easily give him the job as my personal assistant. I should never have signed up with Hollywood records. I never should’ve left EMI. I should never have come to America. I should never have become the Rock Angel!”

“Don’t say that (y/n).” Jack tried to calm me down.

“No, no, no! NOOO!! Had I never been famous this-this-this-this shhhhh SHIT! Would’ve never happened!” I stammered angrily.  He stroked down my arm comfortingly.

“Baby calm down.”

“No you don’t tell me to calm down! I may never walk again Jack! Did you know that?! Yeah Dr. Hamilton said there’s a 50-50 chance of me being paralyzed. Who in the hell would want to see a handicapped Rockstar!? HMM! Tell me that Jack Kline! In fact who would want to be married to a handicapped Rockstar!? You’ll leave me, you’ll all leave me just like everybody else in my FUCKING LIFE!!”

At this point I was going crazy.  I may not have known it then, but my kids were starting to get so scared of how I was acting, Deacy had to take my kids out of the room while Brian ran to find a nurse or doctor.  Both Jack and Roger tried to calm me down but I was literally going—well exorcism crazy.

It wasn’t until a nurse came in with a needle and poked it into my veins before I suddenly stopped my rage fit and passed out.

*3rd Person POV*

After she collapsed onto her bed, Jack took his wife’s hand and clutched it between both of his.

“The sedative should keep her asleep for the rest of the day.” She said to them as she took the needle out of her arm.

“Thank you.” Brian thanked her.  She nodded before leaving the room.

“I’m just thankful the bastard’s finally been caught.” Roger said. “I’ll agree with one of those boys.  He did not deserve to walk down the streets of New York after shooting my daughter and wearing her wedding ring around his neck like some prize he won at a fucking carnival!”

“That’s only half of good news to this whole shit show. Already the British media are just as fueled up by this just as they were when Freddie died. The same arsehole who trashed Freddie’s name as well as many others who died of AIDS calling it their form of suicide. He’s called (y/n) out as a woman looking for trouble. Like she asked for this to happen.” Brian snapped.

Jack shook his head angrily as he stared out the window before suddenly trudging out of the room.

“Jack?”

“Jack where are you going? Jack!” Roger called out.  But the young man didn’t answer.  All that was going through Jack was anger and rage.

Roger and Brian looked at each other confused but they chose to stay with (Y/n) thinking that Jack needed some air, after hearing what the British tabloids were saying about his wife.

*My POV*

I woke up the next day (at least I hoped it was the next day) and saw Roger and Brian sleeping in the hospital chairs.  I softly smiled at them and said softly.

“Morning guys.”

“Hey love, you’re awake. You okay now?” Brian asked me as he and Rog both woke up.

“Little funny. Now was I dreaming? Or did that bitch stab me in the fucking arm?” I croaked out.  The two of them laughed softly.

“No (y/n). She gave you a sedative. You—went a little bonkers last night.” Brian said as he stroked the side of my cheek.  I turned to my dad and said.

“How bad was I?”

“On a scale, I’d say you were all of Motley Crüe mixed in with 20 beers and maybe a little bit of heroine.”

“That bad huh? Were—were the kids…..” they didn’t answer me. Then again they didn’t have to, the sympathetic looks on their faces told me all. “Oh god. I—I’m sorry guys. I—I need my babies here, I need to apologize to them on my behavior. I didn’t mean to scare them.”

“We know lovie, we know.” Dad cooed as he brushed his fingers through my hair.

“Where’s Jack?” I asked.

“We don’t know. He just…..walked out and we haven’t heard from him.”

“He’s not at the hotel? With the kids?” I asked frantically.

“Calm down love I’m sure he just—needed to go on a long walk. Think this whole thing through. I’m sure he’ll be back soon.” Brian soothed me as he rubbed my shoulder.

“Mrs. Kline, we’re here with your breakfast and some medicine. Mr. May, Mr. Taylor I’m afraid I’m gonna have to ask you both to please leave the room since we had allowed you both to stay overnight.”

“We understand. Thank you for letting us stay though Nurse Williams. We greatly appreciate it.” Brian said.  She smiled and nodded.  Brian looked down at me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “He’ll come back love, just give him some time.” After he left, dad came up and cupped the side of my face.

“I’ll be back tonight to check in on you.” I thanked him and he kissed my forehead before giving me an Eskimo kiss before he followed behind Brian.

The entire day went by and the weather soon changed from cloudy to pouring down rain.  It was around 7pm and Nurse Williams had just brought in my dinner for the night and there was still no word from Jack.  I was starting to get frantic with worry, that was until the door opened and coming in dripping wet was Jack.

His face completely soulless and hard as he stood there dripping wet from his head to his soaked shoes.

“Jack? What the f—where the hell have you been?!” he looked up at me.  His trance-like state broken as he said.

“I—went for a walk. A long, long, long walk.”

“And what you just stayed out in the rain for the past seven hours?! You could get sick!”

“I’ll change and take a warm shower when I get back to the hotel. This whole thing it’s just been……” he sighed heavily as he lowered his head.  My anger at him soon faded away as I relaxed and let out a soft sigh.

“Come here my love.” He looked up at me, his broken eyes staring right into mine as I reached out to him.  He walked up to me and took my hand.  I clenched his and brought it close to my face and kissed the back of his hand, as well as his knuckles.

I then looked up at him and he slowly leaned down and captured my lips with a kiss.  The kiss slowly got deeper and more passionate as Jack cupped both sides of my face.  His tongue peeking out and asking for entrance, which I granted to him.

My heart monitor was starting to escalate as I moved my hands down from his neck, down his chest and even lower to his stomach.  Once I reached his hips I felt something.

“Jack…..are you—really this turned on now?” I asked between our kisses.  It was at that moment he stopped and turned his head away from me.  His face back to being grim and his eyes cold and harsh.

“No. That’s not it.” His voice was low, almost threatening. At this point, I was getting nervous.

“Then what is that?” I asked him.  He moved his shirt aside and I saw the familiar lining of a curved, steel handle.

“It’s a gun.”

What? He got a gun? And he brought it in here?!

“Jack are you out of your fucking mind? What are you doing bringing something like that in here!?” I snapped at him.  He separated from me and his only response was.

“For protection.” I lay my head back against the pillow as I rolled my eyes.

“Jack. What do you think it’s gonna be that easy to just go and shoot somebody?!”

“Ask Steve that question.” He told me.  He turned and slowly walked away but not before completely punching my dinner tray and knocking the stand down to the floor. The food scattered everywhere, the plates fell and the tray flew across the room as Jack pinched the edge of his nose as he now stood a few feet away from the foot of my bed.  I stared blankly at what had just happened.

“You know they only give you 2 course meals here right?”

“God everything is a damn joke to you isn’t it!?” Jack snapped at me as he breathed heavily. “Steve almost killed you! He makes you flip out and then the next minute you’re treating it like a fucking joke!?!?” he roared at me.  I adjusted myself in the bed and told Jack in a low, firm tone.

“You don’t think I’m pissed Jack, hmm? Having that 50-50 chance that I may become paralyzed. Or having to live with the fact that if you hadn’t thought fast the way you did I would be with Freddie? My parents? Letting our kids grow up with the same trauma I had to go through growing up. You don’t think that I wanna walk out of this bed and get Steve for—”

“WELL HE’S NEVER GONNA TOUCH YOU AGAIN! CAUSE IT WON’T EVER HAPPEN AGAIN! NOT TO MY FAMILY!” Jack yelled.

“Love. My darling I know you’re scared. But these are scary times. The world’s changing and becoming a lot scarier than it was when we were kids. But it’s our job as parents to ensure that our kids don’t follow down that road.”

“Well they already got involved. Steve didn’t even care that our kids were at that concert. And with this, I’m gonna ensure that people like him never go that far again with you.” he said as he showed me the gun again.

“Okay. Then you are no better than Steve or anyone else out there in the world that solves problems with only bullets.” I lectured him. Jack looked away from my gaze, he was silent for a moment before he said.

“Look I didn’t come for a lecture. I came to check on my wife and see how she was doing.” He and I had a stare off before he grumbled. “I’m outta here.”

“Jack.” I called out to him as he stood before the door. He stopped before he could even open it up but his hand was right on the handle. “If you walk out of here with that thing, consider yourself erased from this family. The kids almost lost one parent because of that thing Jack Kline. Our babies almost lost their mother I WON’T LET THEM LOSE THEIR FATHER TOO!!!” I yelled at him.

The room was dead silent between us.  Jack slowly turned towards me.

“Now give me the gun Jack.” I said as I extended my hand out. “THEY NEARLY LOST THEIR MOTHER I WON’T LET THEM LOSE THEIR FATHER TOO!!” I repeated back to him.  Slowly Jack released his hand from the door and walked up to me silently.  He stood there, his eyes harsh and cold but I looked back at him with just as much ferocity.

He lifted his shirt and took out the gun which ended up being a double action revolver.  He wordlessly placed the gun in my hand before he looked at me with a look of defeat and walking out of the room and shutting the door behind him.

As I sat there holding the revolver in my hand I brought it close shaking my head as I opened it up.  My heart broke into a million pieces as I turned it over and all six rounds of bullets came falling onto the bedsheet.  

I closed it back up and dropped the gun by my side and held my hands to my face as I softly cried.

[voltrontranscript]

VLD S6E1: Omega Shield

Season 6 Episode 1: Omega Shield

Transcript by @dragonofyang

Summary: As Lotor continues to affirm his claim on the Galra throne, his governess comes to deliver congratulations and lessons to the protagonists. Then, Lotor receives a distress signal from a labor planet when Sendak attacks and leaves them defenseless. The Paladins go to aid them while Lotor continues to rule from Galra Command.

[Google Doc]

Lotor: To return so triumphantly is a dream I thought I would never achieve. We are one step closer to bringing peace and prosperity to the entire universe. This is all because of you, Princess.

Allura: We did it together, Lotor. I would have never even known of Oriande without you, and therefore could have never unlocked its secrets.

[Cut to Galra Command HQ.]

Shiro: We’ll see what intel is in your briefing and decide what to do from there. Maybe we can--

Dayak: Lotor.

Lotor: Oh, no.

Lance: Uh… who the heck are you?

Dayak: How dare you speak to me without authorization from Blood Emperor Lotor.

Lance: Ow!

Lotor: She was my governess. No one has used the term “Blood Emperor” since before we were a star-faring race. And these are my colleagues. They have more than my permission to speak. Everyone, this is Dayak.

Pidge: Hi!

Coran: A pleasure.

Hunk: Hiya.

Shiro: Hello.

Allura: Nice to meet you.

Lotor: So, to what do we owe the honor?

Dayak: Word of your victory at the Kral Zera has spread throughout the empire. I always knew you had it in you to crush your enemies. Dayak’s raised you from a child to a man, and now I’ll witness your ascension to the throne.

Lance: Wait, she raised you from a child? Aww, is this your nanny?

Lotor: Governess.

Lance: You have a nanny! Oh man, is she going to read you bedtime stories? Is she gonna rock you to sleep? Is she gon--Ow!

Dayak: I instructed Lotor in the ways of the Galra. The history of our conquests, our customs, battle philosophy, the art of war.

Hunk: Hm, Galra customs, huh? Is that like when you guys say “Vrepit Sa” and stuff? There’s so much we don’t know about you.

Lotor: If you’re interested in our society’s history, you couldn’t find a better teacher than Dayak.

Dayak: What Lotor says is true.

Hunk: Oh, wow. Would you really teach me about the Galra?

Lance: What you wanna know about the Galra for?

Hunk: Well, we’re gonna be working with Lotor to bring peace throughout the empire, right? Just makes sense the more we know about their society, the better.

Dayak: If you are to learn the ways of the Galra, you must be prepared for the most challenging trial you could ever undertake. There will be no turning back. Victory or death.

Hunk: Uh, oh, that’s okay.

Allura: Hunk, you’re a Paladin of Voltron. There is no challenge too great for you.

Hunk: Will I learn what “Vrepit Sa” means?

Dayak: Yes.

Hunk: Let’s do it!

Shiro: Let’s get to that briefing.

[Scene change to Galra briefing room.]

Unnamed male Galra: The civil war continues unimpeded. More and more Galra forces are leaving to join other factions. Sendak has claimed the most deserters. They call themselves “the Fire of Purification.”

Lotor: It is time I address all Galra and make my claim as emperor absolute.

Lance: Is that going to start with you freeing planets?

Lotor: It’s not that easy. My grip on the empire is tenuous as is. I need to proffer an alternative to our current state. That’s why it is so important that Allura and I gain access to the quintessence field.

Allura: Are we to focus all of our energy on that?

Lotor: It is paramount. However, we cannot let the empire fall apart. I will address my people at the astral conflux.

[Scene change to training deck in Galra command.]

Hunk: How exactly is holding these weights gonna help me learn Galra history?

Dayak: Palen-bol!

Hunk: Ow!

Dayak: For the mind to learn, the body must be broken.

Hunk: Broken? That seems a little drastic.

Dayak: Palen-bol!

Hunk: Ow! What does that mean?

Dayak: It means “the enlightening pain.” But apparently there is not enough pain to make you enlightened yet.

Hunk: So you’re gonna hurt me until I’m smart?

Dayak: Yes!

Hunk: Aww.

Dayak: The Galra race started as a nation tribe on planet Daibazaal, home to many warring races at the time. In the war to annihilate the opposing tribes, the Galra formed a phalanx of their bravest and made a spear-like attack to the heart of their foes. It was known as the Killing Thrust, or Vrepit Sa.

Hunk: Oh, so that’s what Vrepit Sa means? “Killing Thrust”? That’s so violent.

Dayak: Palen-bol!

Hunk: Ow!

Dayak: Yes, it is violent. The Galra believe combat is the searing light that burns away imperfections on every level, from personal to societal.

Hunk: Cool. Can’t I maybe take a little break?

Dayak: Break? There are no breaks! Your training is finished when you have learned all pain has to teach you.

Hunk: Oh, man. That’s so intense.

Dayak: If you decide to leave your training early, it is an insult to my teaching. An insult that can only be settled by a fight to the death.

Hunk: So you’re saying a fight to the death is the only way out of this? Ow! Okay, yeah, you just said that. I guess I am getting smarter.

[Scene change to the shipyard, where the Sincline ships are being assembled.]

Lotor: You must replicate your father’s work if we are to use this ship to enter the quintessence field.

Allura: But how?

Lotor: Something you learned in Oriande. Something your father learned to become the superior alchemist he was. How he built Voltron is the key.

Guard: My lord. It is time to prepare for your speech.

Lotor: It seems my empire needs me. Please continue.

[Cut to the Galra throne hall.]

Lotor: Galra brothers and sisters, I am your emperor, Lotor, son and successor of Zarkon, slayer of a tyrant, child raised in the void and taught on the battlefield. There are rumors of doubt regarding my leadership. Do not let them poison your ears. Pledge loyalty to me, and I will deliver the Galra Empire unto times of untold prosperity. An age of unlimited quintessence, the likes of which this universe has never known.

Lahn: Commander, radiation belt approaching.

Bogh: Initiate shield.

Lotor’s voice: Soon I will raise our grand empire above the indigence and violence of its past up to new heights of peace and limitless possibility. Those factions that splintered from the empire will pay for their treachery. I urge you now, send me your messages of fealty. Those who choose to turn their backs on their emperor will find themselves lost to the sands of history, unremembered and unmourned.

Lahn: You can’t possibly be thinking about pledging to him. And what’s all that about becoming a peaceful empire? He’s too weak to be our emperor.

Bogh: Enough. Lotor lit the flame. We are honor-bound to do as he says, even if it is… strange. We will be pledging to Lotor.

Lahn: You’re weak, too.

Bogh: Maybe I didn’t make myself clear, Lieutenant Lahn. I’m in charge of this shielding facility, my word is law.

Lahn: Aye, sir. Shield at eighty-five percent. Next radiation event in three vargas.

Bogh: Recharge and prepare for the next radiation sequence. Open a hailing frequency to Galra command.

Galra soldier: Sir, hostile ships incoming.

Sendak: Sending a message to Lotor, are we? And to think, I came here to offer you a chance to serve in the Fire of Purification. Fire the ion cannon.

[Scene change to the training deck of Galra command.]

Hunk: Ow! Ow! I did everything you told me!

Dayak: Yes, but that doughy face of yours is very un-Galra.

Hunk: It’s just my face! Ha!

Dayak: Very good.

Hunk: Owwie!

Dayak: Showing complacency? Palen-bol!

Hunk: Ow, ow, ow!

[Cut to bridge of Galra command.]

Bogh: The planet has already been fired upon and we do not have the means to protect ourselves. You must send assistance immediately.

Lotor: Understood.

Shiro: What’s going on?

Lotor: One of our labor planets is under attack from Sendak and his fleet.

Lance: Sendak? Not that guy again.

Pidge: We’ve gotta help that planet immediately.

Lotor: Sendak would have me respond to his attack and neglect my empire.

Allura: Voltron can handle this while you continue to rule.

Lotor: But, Princess, I need you here. Without you--

Allura: Your plan has waited this long. It can wait a tick longer. We must protect your innocent subjects.

Lotor: Of course. You’re right.

Allura: We will return as soon as we can.

Hunk: Well, looks like I’m gonna have to cut my training short.

Dayak: You dishonor me. A fight to the death!

Hunk: Okay, well, I’ve got to go with them right now, but maybe we can put a pin in that? Reschedule for tomorrow? Or never? Hey, Dayak isn’t really gonna fight me to the death, is she? Is she?

Pidge: She seemed pretty serious. But, I bet if you ask Lotor nicely, he can have her exiled.

Hunk: Oh, that’d be nice. Yeah, I’m not really in the mood to die, you know? Uh, speaking of, is anyone else scared that we’re about to face Sendak? Sendak “who almost took all the Lions” Sendak? And who basically came back from the dead Sendak, that guy?

Pidge: Come on, Hunk. We’re Paladins. We got this. Right, Shiro? Shiro?

Shiro: Pidge is right. Let’s focus on our mission.

[Cut to the labor planet.]

Sendak: Take heed. Galra citizens who side with Lotor will be destroyed. Here at your new master’s bidding?

[Transition to the Patrulian Zone.]

Acxa: We’ve arrived at the coordinates. We can’t go any further without losing power.

Haggar: Stay on course.

[Cut to Voltron.]

Lance: Shiro, are you alright?

Shiro: I’m fine. Come on, team, let’s form Voltron!

Galra Soldier: Sir, cannons aimed at Voltron.

Sendak: No. Aim them at the shield station. I know your true weakness. That you value the lives of others. And I will hammer that weakness until you are crushed beneath my heel.

Pidge: Oh, no! Without those shields in place, the planet will be fully exposed!

Lance: Which means?

Pidge: They’ll have no protection from the radiation bands!

Sendak: The entire planet is doomed. Take us out of here. We’ve won the day.

Lance: We can’t let him get away!

Shiro: Lance, there’s no time. We’ve gotta fix that shield as soon as--

Allura: Shiro, are you alright?

Shiro: I’m fine. We can’t leave that planet unprotected. We are the Paladins of Voltron, working with Emperor Lotor. We’re here to help you. What is the status of your shield system?

Bogh: Paladins, I am Commander Bogh. Our damage report indicates that a plate has been fractured. Our generator is offline and needs rebooting. Other plates have shifted out of their gravitational harnessing and must be repositioned. Only five doboshes until the next solar sequence.

Shiro: You’re the engineer, Hunk. How should we handle this?

Hunk: We need to split up. Pidge, you handle the generator system.

Pidge: Then I’m gonna need Shiro to come with me. I can use his arm to repower the mainframe.

Hunk: Okay, good. Allura, Lance, I need you to re-fuse that fractured plate.

Allura: Affirmative.

Lance: You got it!

Hunk: I’m gonna try to get the plates aligned.

Shiro: Okay, we’ve got our orders. Let’s move!

Hunk: Where does this plate need to be lined up?

Bogh: You’re moving plate 7-2. It needs to be aligned with 8-1.

Hunk: Got it, but those other plates are out of position. There’s just no way I’ll be able to move them all myself.

Bogh: I can activate the manual thrusters on some of the plates. It will be slow going, but I--

Lahn: First you side with Lotor and get our system attacked by Sendak. Then, you willfully work with Voltron, our sworn enemies!

Bogh: Get to your station and begin the thrust sequence. That’s an order!

Hunk: Are you freaking kidding me?! Palen-bol!

Bogh: Huh?

Lahn: Huh?

Hunk: You’re both a dishonor. Do you fight for yourselves or do you fight for the Galra?

Bogh: Galra!

Lahn: Galra!

Hunk: Then victory or death! Enough of the bickering!

Lahn: We’re going to die because of Commander Bogh.

Hunk: You know, long ago, there was a desperate group of Galra that thought they were going to die. They executed a spear-like attack known as the Killing Thrust. Those soldiers knew what it meant to put their life on the line. They won the day. Are you ready to put aside your differences and fight with me?

Bogh: Vrepit Sa!

Lahn: Vrepit Sa!

Hunk: Well, I guess all that pain did make me smarter. Pidge, I’m gonna need you to restore main shield power to get this gravitational harnessing going.

Pidge: We’re on it. Okay, Shiro, let’s jack your hand into that terminal and we’ll get this thing running in no time.

[Cut to Red and Blue by the broken shield plate.]

Lance: Okay, broken massive shield plate. Don’t suppose there’s a quick tutorial video on how to fix this, is there?

Hunk: Make sure the connection is straight. If it’s even one degree off, the shield will fail.

Lance: That’s not a tutorial!

Allura: If you hold them in place, then I could freeze them together, but I don’t think the ice will stand the radiation for very long.

Lance: Hey, maybe after you freeze them, I could use my heat ray to weld them together.

Allura: Great idea, Lance!

Lance: Aww, thanks, princess. I couldn’t have thought of it without you, though. I mean, really, I think we make a great team. Here we are, working together, just the two of us.

Allura: Let’s go, Lance.

Hunk: This isn’t going fast enough.

Lance: They’re all in place!

Allura: That should hold them.

Lance: Hope this works.

Allura: We did it!

Hunk: Nice job, guys. Pidge, you ready? We’re almost at the radiation belt.

Pidge: Hold on. I just need a few more minutes.

Lance: Uh, guys, that radiation belt is getting closer!

Hunk: Last piece in place. Fire up that power, Pidge!

Pidge: Shield’s up!

Lance: Huh? What’s going on with the plates? Allura! [screams]

Allura: Lance! Lance, please respond!

Hunk: The broken plate shorted out. Lance isn’t responding, Allura jumped out of her lion. What else could possibly go wrong right now? Pidge, what happened to the power? We’re almost at the radiation belt.

Pidge: I know. I’m on it. Come on, Shiro. 

Allura: No… No, no.

Hunk: Let’s try this again.

Bogh: Radiation exposure in four…

Hunk: Pidge, hit it now!

Bogh: Three...

Pidge: Come on.

Bogh: Two… One.

Hunk: Great job!

Pidge: It worked!

Hunk: We did it!

Bogh: Shielding complete. Recharge and prepare for the next radiation sequence.

Lance: Huh? You saved me.

Allura: I owed you one.

[Scene change to the station’s bridge.]

Bogh: Thank you for reminding us what it means to be Galra. Vrepit Sa!

Lahn: Vrepit Sa!

Hunk: Vrepit Sa! Man, that’s weird to say.

[Scene change to the Lions.]

Pidge: Nice work out there, Hunk. That Galra training really toughened you up.

End.

[returnn-of-the-mac]

How about one where Sole Survivor swipes Elder Maxson`s (AWESOME) battle coat and shows it off to the companions. Please add Maxson`s reation. Please!

This prompt made me laugh when I first read it, and it was really entertaining to write. Since the intro is kinda long, I’m going to hide it behind a “read more.” Please enjoy!

FO4 Companions (+ Maxson) React: Sole Stealing Maxon’s Battle Coat

After a long night of drinking, Sole decided that they were going to do something bold; something they had always fantasized about doing but never had the guts to do: steal Maxson’s coat. A slightly tipsy Sole snuck into the Elder’s quarters while he was sound asleep and swiped his precious jacket. Unfortunately, in their intoxicated state, Sole failed to realize how loud they were actually being. Maxson awoke quickly.

“Who’s there?” He asked sternly. As he reached for his bedside light, Sole booked it out of the room. “HEY!” 

Maxson hopped out of bed and sprinted after Sole at full speed. Sole ducked into the neighboring room— Danse’s quarters— and slammed the door behind them.

Nick: “Would you look who it is? I was wondering where you’d disappeared to.” Nick eyed the jacket under Sole’s arm and he shook his head. “It was hard enough convincing them to let a synth onboard and now you’ve gone and done this. Are you actively trying to get us kicked off the Prydwen?” 

Curie: “There you are! I hope you had fun! But it is dawn, you need some rest.” Sole agreed and handed Curie the jacket before they crawled into bed. When Curie realized what she was holding, she gasped in alarm and flung the coat across the room. “[Madam/Monsieur]! You’ve stolen the Elder’s coat? Do you know how much trouble we’re going to be in,” Curie fired, her voice stern and slightly raised, “I am very cross. Go return the coat this instant...and apologize for stealing!” 

Longfellow: “Get your fill?” Longfellow asked. He was currently working on a bottle of Gwinett. “Wasn’t feelin to social tonight. Just wanted to drink alone,” he then noticed the bundle under Sole’s arm, “Say, whatcha got there?” Sole held up the jacket and Longfellow nearly fell out if his seat. “Rest in peace, you damn rascal,” he stated, taking a long swing of his drink.

Codsworth: [Sir/Mum]! Do you have any idea what time it is,” the robot scolded, “I suggest you go straight to bed.” Codsworth then noticed the jacket Sole was carrying. He gasped, “What’s wrong with you, [sir/mum]!? Go return that jacket immediately!” 

MacCready: “There you are. Have a good time?” Sole held up Maxon’s jacket and MacCready’s jaw dropped. “You did not,” he began laughing, “Oh my god, you’re toast.” Sole handed him the jacket and he studied it carefully, “Woah. This is quality material. We could probably pawn this off for some good caps...assuming we survive Maxon’s wrath.”

Piper: “Blue! Oh, thank god. I was worried sick about you!  Where’ve you been? It’s almost 6am!” Sole showed Piper the coveted treasure. Piper gasped, “Ohh no. No, no, no, no. Go put that back right now Blue!” Piper panicked, “Maxon is going to personally skin us alive and use us as a replacement!”

Gage: “Yo!” Sole flaunted the jacket and Gage’s eyes doubled in size. “Holy fuckin shit boss,” he began, taking the coat and scrutinizing it, “this is some damn good armor. Warm. Sturdy.  Suave as fuck. We gotta make a run for it.” 

X6-88: “Hello, [sir/ma’am].” X6 noticed the jacket under his partner’s arm and looked them in the eye. He was not amused. “It was not wise to take the Elder’s battle coat. I wish you luck in trying to talk yourself out of this one.” 

Preston: “You had me worried General; I’m glad to see you’re alright,” Preston stated. He then noticed Maxon’s coat under Sole’s arm and froze. “Is...is that Maxon’s coat,” he asked, “You have to return that right now! He’s going to murder us!” 

Deacon: “Hey! What kinda trouble did you get yourself into this time?” Deacon joked. As Sole held up the jacket, a look of pure shock crept over Deacon’s face. He then began laughing, “Ye-ah! That’s what I’m talkin about!” Sole handed Deacon the jacket and he slipped it on. “Look, I’m Maxon,” he began, “Humans rule, synths drool! Ferals are Bad Victorium! Mutants make me Mad Victorium!” 

Strong: “Where human go? Stong worry.” Sole showed Strong the jacket. “Human...human kill and eat Brotherhood leader?!” Good job, human!” Strong suddenly frowned, “But why no save some for Strong?”

Cait: “Look who it is! Thought ye might’ve gotten into a bar fight or somethin.” Sole showed their companion the jacket and Cait’s eyes bulged, “Do ye have a death wish? Holy shite! You’re mad!” She thought for a moment and then lit up, “But imagine the caps we could get sellin that ugly thing. We’d be filthy rich!”

Ada: “Good morning, [sir/ma’am]. Glad to see you are safe.” Sole showed her robotic companion the coat they had stolen, and Ada scanned the jacket. “This piece of apparel belongs to...Elder Arthur Maxon. It is worth...400 caps. Your chance of survival if caught with the stolen battle coat is...44.876%. Those odds are...moderate.” 

Hancock: “Good time last night?” Hancock laughed, “You outlasted me. That’s impressive.” Hancock noticed the coat under Sole’s arm, “What’s that under your arm, my friend?” Sole proudly flaunted the jacket that they had stolen and the ghoul cocked his head to the side “Not sure if I admire your brashness or abhor your recklessness,” he began, “But either way we’re fucking dead.” He pulled some jet out of his coat pocket and took a hit. “We’re here for a good time, not a long time.”

Danse: “What’s going on?” Sole flaunted the jacket, a shit-eating grin plastered on their face. For the first time ever, Sole saw pure fear in the Paladin’s eyes. A stressed Danse recoiled, grabbing fistfuls of his own hair. “What’s the matter with you, soldier!?” He bellowed, louder than Sole’s ever heard him shout, “Maxson is going to-!” before he could finish his thought, there was a loud pounding on the door. Danse paled, “We’re doomed.”

Maxson: Maxson violently rapped on the door. “Let me in right now.” Sole and their companion exchanged worried glances. “That is an order!” Maxson bellowed, “This your last chance to open the door, otherwise, I’m going to force it down.” Sole hesitantly approached the door and swing it open. In the doorway, Maxson stood tall, arms crossed. “You stole my battle coat,” Maxson began, “I strongly suggest you give it back.” Sole froze, and Maxson’s eyebrows scrunched in frustration. “If you don’t return it, I will have you forcibly removed and barred from the Prydwen. Permanently.” Sole’s companion beckoned to them, and Sole handed Maxson the jacket. Maxson turned around to head back to his quarters. “I am disappointed in you. I should have your title revoked,” he began, “But because I feel like being nice today, I will not do that. Instead, you will be scrubbing every single toilet on the Prydwen for the rest of the month. If you fail to do so, there will be consequences.” 

[goldstonegolem64]

Side story This takes place during  the three years that Voltron went missing. This is also a way for me to put some ideas I had out into the world

“It has been about twenty months since the castle of loins disappeared along with Voltron, some of it’s paladin and princess Allure of Altea. In their Absence they left behind the Coalition and the new Galra empire on the verge of another massive galaxy war. But thank to the efforts of Empire Lotor, Commander Matt Holt and the remaining Paladins of Voltron peace was maintained” Jay stopped reading the news articles and tossed the table onto his desk . He then removed his Glasses, rubbed the bridge of his noise and placed his glasses down on his desk. “ God I need  to get going home ” Jay said as he grabbed his glasses and was ready to  leave his office. 

In the passed year and a half. Jay was put in charge of a coalition and imperial sponsored Mercenary company despite his protest   called the Volt troop.The troop was made up of two fleets of Coalition fighter pilot, Two warship that housed a crew of three hundred each with a near infinite supple of old mode Galra sentries , Fifteen Valkyrie type and five gladiator type robeasts.The troops main job were to protect shipping vessels, clearing planets of Pirates or Maverick Galra fleet commanders that had left the empire after Lotor’s rise to power and  the rare red queen hive world  that was found. It was a pain in the ass. But after two year of fighting a nearly endless battle and countless deaths an near crippling fear that he would not return from a mission . It was nice to finally to not have that fear nagging at the back of his mind 

As he made it to the door it opened suddenly to Reveal a tall purple skinned man with white hair. Jay was caught off guard by this sudden appearance of his friend and the emperor of the Galra empire. Lotor 

“ OH Joseph have I caught you at a bad time” Lotor asked as  

“ No No I was just on my way out. But what brings you here Sir “  Jay asked as he straighten his clothes and looked more dignified. 

“ Please don’t call me sir. Joseph were friends and I’m here to personally hand you this “  Lotor said as he handed Jay a table 

Jay grabbed the table “ First I’m at work so were not friend were  employee and in employer “  Jay watched Lotor rolled his eyes as he heard that “ And second what am I looking at here “Jay said as he looked at the data pad that showed him cargo Ship routes along with picture of what looked like an Altean ships that looked like the Castle of lions. Jay felt his heart skip a beat but something in the back of his told him that it wasn’t them “ I’m guessing that we’re either looking at we’ve professional photo shopped image or we’ve found are selves another Arc”. Jay said as he handed the table back to Lotor

“ Yes it seems like it” Lotor said 

“ Does The Coalition know About this?” Jay asked 

“ Yes Mr. Holt was the one that informed me about it they already sent a team to recover it and they would like some added protection ”  Lotor said 

“ Alright then I will send the twins to handle it ?’  Jay said

 “ Now that we have that out of the way How are the boy’s doing ?’ Lotor said as the two start walking down the hallway 

“Well their still kind of mad at me for being away from home for long periods of time. But they are enjoying school and having friends their own ages. Fitz is finally getting a hang on math and science. Bastion is getting into some trouble do to his habit of hiding and setting up trip wires during recess which as caused a domino effect where other kids are following suit and several teacher have called me to find him Which is getting annoying because Bastion is getting better at hiding when he doesn’t like the class. Usamu is getting better with his powers we’ve lost a few plates but hey he’s getting better he’s also getting better at painting which is nice the girls are loving school and learning about everything “ Jay’s cheek marks started to glow a little “ As well as Ezra’s as moved” 

“ That’s good to hear “ Lotor said smiling 

“ Now how are you holding up mister emperor of half of the know universe  and how are my favorite generals doing I haven’t had time to call them seeing as I’ve been jumping planet to planet ever other week “ Jay said 

“ Well Acxa has spent most of her free time looking for missing paladins on her off time. Ezor and Zethrid are stomping out any warlord or pirates that dare come in to are territory they have also started dating “ 

“ Weren’t they already dating ?” Jay asked confused

“ I don’t know to be honest. Maybe they were and I’m just noticing it now . But never mind that . As for Narti she’s still recovering from being released from my mother control the druids and doctors say she will be cleared to return to active duty in the next few months”  Lotor said smiling 

“ That’s good to hear I” 

“ As for me. I’m board out of my mind. I don’t know how my Father did it. All I do is still there on the throne reading and listening to people reports. I beardly every get to go out and pilot my pieces of the Ragnarok without being followed by three warships. I missed the old day where I could go where I wanted with out everyone freaking out that I might go missing”  Lotor said 

“ well your the last of the royal blood line so if you go missing there will be a power vacuum that will case a massive civil war that will have either never end or Sendek will show up and wage a one side war against the coalition and one wants that” Jay said 

“ Your not wrong but still I hate it” Lotor said 

“ I know but still you have to do it for the better meant for the universe. “  

“ I know “

“ Now have you gotten back into the dating gaming?” Jay asked 

Lotor froze up and looked towards Jay “ No I haven’t but I have had a fair share of suiters. But none of them have meet my standers” lotor said

“ What are your standers again “ Jay asked knowing something was up 

“ Well they need to be head strong, fun to be round , have to have the same interests as me. Acutely like me for who I am and not what I am” 

“ Allura your still after Allura aren’t you “ Jay said as he opened the building front door letting the Emperor out first “Ever after what she said and did to you” 

“ Ok she called me a  tyrant like my father  and slammed me into the ground. Not the worst thing I’ve been through”

“ That’s true also do you want to come by for dinner seeing as your here and the kids would love to see you again”  Jay said as the hanger door opened to revel the Valkyrie sitting there waiting 

“ Sadly I have to return home I have a meeting in the next two hour “ Lotor said annoyed 

“ That suck” Jay said 

“ It dose but like you said. If I’m not the one doing it some one might get it wrong. Did I say that right ?”  Lotor asked 

“ Yes you did bud “  Jay said laughing a little  

“  Is it time to go my Pilot “  VAl said as she walked toward jay.” Oh hello Emperor Lotor It is nice to see you “  

“ it is good to see you too Val. “ Lotor said 

“ It’s Good to see you as well Is Ragna with you I wish to speak to him about something important?” Val asked 

“Sadly no he is currently Help Acxe in looking for the missing paladins But when I see him again I will tell him that you wish to spoke with him.”  Lotor said as he started walking back towards the ship he came in 

“Thank you and have fun at your meeting “  Val said as jay disappear into her mouth 

“ I’ll try” Lotor said as the Valkyrie started to talk off

The flight home was always a beauty to watch as the twin suns of Hades-4 started to set behind the massive mountain range that surrounded the city of Persephone. It was nice to look at the city below him as they passed by the mountain range  . As they flow out of the city the sight of a massive forest came into view an as they flow over it the sky turned from a dark green to a dark blue starry sky. it was a beautiful sight to and was one  reason he choose this planet as his new home. But the main reason he choose this world was the fact that it was close to the milky way so just in case someone tried to invade it and the school system here was good  for the kid so it was a win/win.

A smile creeped across jays face as the sight of a familiar mountain with a small town in the make at the foot of it. The town didn’t look like much but it was a nice place to start fresh and raise a family. It really helped Jay coup when the others when missing. As the Valkyrie got closer to the town he saw people walking down the street. Some stopped to look up and wave to him. he continued to fly over the town until he go a two story house that was next to a small pond as well as a hanger as they landed near the hanger jay got off Val as she opened the door to her hanger. As Jay was walking back to his house hands in his pockets. He notices that some one was sitting on the front step of the porch. As he got closer to the house he saw Fitz Sitting there talking to someone on his phone 

“ Yeah next week it will be fun just you and me at the festival” Fitz had a smile on his face unaware that his Dad was standing there watching him just out side of the porch light’s reach  .” Yeah I just need to ask my dad “ 

“ Ask me what Fitzy “ Jay said as his cheek marks started to glow  along with his eyes as he stepped into the light 

Fitz screamed at the sudden appearance of his dad “   Hi Dad “

“ Hi Fitz how was your day at school and who are you talking too”  JAy asked as he sat down next to his son

“ It was alright I mean it’s school what is going to happen and i’m taking to Axton “ Fitz put his phone on speaker “ Say hi Axton “

{ Hello Mr. Sorin } a female voice said over the phone 

“ Hello Ms.Mercer exactly what are you and my son plan on doing at this on coming school festival ?” Jay asked looking at His son as their face started to turn a bright shade of green 

{ UUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH nothing we were just going to hang out and play some games right Fitz “  Axton said trying but failing to hide her  embarrassment 

“ Yeah we just going to play some games and ride some rides” Fitz said still blush

“ Alright if that’s all then yes Fitz you can go just be home before midnight “ Jay said as he got up from the stair he was sitting on  and walked to the front door and before opening it jay turned back to look at his son “ And no funny business “ Jay then opened the front door and walked into the house followed by jay yelling “ I’m home” Jay walked into the living room 

“ Hello father” Bastion 

“ Hi dad” Usamu said  

Jay turned to see his other two son both sitting on the couch  Bastion was watching something on the tv while Usamu was drawing in his sketch book

“ Hey kiddos how was school.?” Jay said 

“ Same old same old  “ Usamu  said not looking away from sketch book

“ I punched a guy in the throat because he was picking on some kid in a whee chair “ 

“ First off that not good don’t punch people second of did you get caught punching this guy “ Jay asked 

“ No I punched then ran into the car and then Ezra drove off before anyone could see me “

“ Good to know and good on you for punching him and standing up for that kid. Now don’t do that again . Because I don’t want to hear Mrs. Henbit yelling at the next pta meeting about how her precious baby watched two kids beating the shit out of each other or some other stupid shit she’ll bitch about.”  Jay said annoyed as in the back of his mind he could hear the screech of henbit “ Now what do you guys want for dinner tonight?” Jay asked 

“ Ezra order pizza and took Molly and Clay with them to get it” Bastion said 

“Alright then” Jay walked over to the couch “ what we watching today”  Jay said then he sat down between his two sons and final started to relax from along days work.

[softlysheith]

maybe i’ll love you for a while

Summary: Shiro wants to wait for the right moment to tell Keith how he feels. Keith beats him to it.

( @sheithsecretsanta gift for @sideofsaltblog !! mutual pining, post s7 & s8, confessions, fluff. word count: 2564. ao3 link)

Seeing Keith finally open his eyes feels like finally being able to breathe again.

“Shiro.” His voice is weak from not being used, but it is still his, saying Shiro’s name so sweetly it makes his knees tremble. “You’re here.”

Shiro doesn’t remember moving, but one second he’s by the hospital room doorway and the next he’s gathering Keith into a hug. He feels a tired laugh from Keith’s chest before he feels arms wrapping around him. It’s not as strong as their usual hugs, but it’s just as grounding, the touch fully assuring Shiro that now he has nothing to fear.

He’s not losing the most important person in his world any time soon.

“Of course I am,” Shiro whispers. He hugs Keith tighter, mindful of his injuries. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you woke up.”

“Don’t worry about it. You have your duties. I’m just happy you’re here now.”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

If only he had the choice, he would stay right where he is now until Keith is back on his feet, at Shiro’s side where he belongs. By the way Keith’s smiling at him now though, eyes soft, Shiro knows that he understands.

“Is everyone else awake?” Keith asks when they pull away, keeping their hands intertwined.

“Yep. Pidge and Lance are up and about.” He slides off the bed and sits on the chair beside it, but he doesn’t let go of Keith’s hand. “Allura and Hunk are still in the hospital, but they’ll be discharged within the week. You got most of the damage.”

Keith lets out a sigh of relief. “Well, I’m just glad they’re all okay.”

Is it selfish, he wonders, to think about how he wasn’t okay while he waited day after day for Keith to wake up? He may not have been hurt physically, but watching Keith sleep for weeks on end, not knowing whether he would wake again, was worse than any death he has ever experienced.

He can’t lose Keith. Not after everything.

Maybe that’s a little too much to reveal so soon, though. So instead he says, “Well, I’m not letting any of you leave me so soon. I just got back, y’know.”

“Shiro,” Keith says, his eyes all soft and earnest again, squeezing Shiro’s hand tighter. “I’m not leaving you. Never.”

Shiro smiles. “I know. And I’m not going anywhere either.”

One day. One day he’ll tell him. One day he’ll say those three words back to him, the words that affected his clone so deeply that now the words are engraved in his memory, his heart.

I love you.

He can’t tell him now, with Keith still so weak and everything else so fresh. But he will.

He just needs to time it right.

He may have to wait for the right moment for a very long time, he realizes.

Keith has woken up, but he’s far from being better. There’s still the bruises and broken bones he’s now suffering from because of the fall. Shiro’s just relieved it wasn’t any worse, but he reckons confessing your newly-found love for your best friend while he’s just escaped death isn’t very romantic.

More than that, there’s a war going on. For now there’s some semblance of peace while they and the Galra regroup, but it won’t last. Adding a relationship (or the burden of breaking his best friend’s heart) to everything else Keith is carrying on his back won’t be any help to anyone. Shiro needs to be there to help out with some of the load, just as Keith has been there for his own burdens.

Still. He’s got something to fight for. Whether Keith accepts his feelings or not, one thing is for sure – no way in hell are they leaving each other.

Shiro’s left him too many times. He swears he won’t do it again.

But, well. He may be waiting for the right time, but there’s no harm admiring from afar.

He was planning on spending the last night on Earth by himself, going over battle strategies and preparing for the long journey ahead.

But a second after he tells everyone to spend time with the people they love, Keith’s eyes drift over to meet his own, and that’s all Shiro needs to cancel everything he has planned.

Spend time with the ones you love. Well, he doesn’t think he can be a good leader if he doesn’t follow his own words.

Keith approaches him when the meeting adjourns, showing off that little grin he reserves just for Shiro. “Any free time in your busy schedule, Captain?”

“For you, Sir? Always. Any plan?”

“We can meet up outside the Garrison around five, get Black to take us to the usual place? I can ask Hunk to whip us something to eat.”

And – this feels different from their hang outs before Kerberos, their visits to each other’s rooms in the Castle of Lions, Shiro’s sleepovers in Keith’s hospital room while he recovers. The way Keith describes everything sounds too much like a date that it sends Shiro’s heart beating a mile a minute.

“Sounds perfect.” Maybe his voice sounds too soft right now, too sweet for someone just talking to his best friend. “Can’t wait.”

Maybe his tone doesn’t go unnoticed, because Keith’s face turns to such a pretty shade of pink that Shiro can’t take his eyes off him. “Yeah,” he says, eyes softening. “Me neither. Can you talk to Hunk while I take care of Black?”

“What, you think I can’t cook for us?”

Keith’s loud, disbelieving laugh is all the answer he needs. “I’ll see you later, Shiro.” Then, devastatingly, he puts his hand on Shiro’s bicep and gives it a friendly squeeze as he walks past.

Or, he thinks it was friendly. Maybe. He probably shouldn’t get his hopes up, should he?

God. Shiro leans on the meeting room table, feeling a little weak.

There’s a chance he could be reading everything wrong, but… he can entertain a couple of his hopes and dreams.

A couple hours later he’s sitting on Black’s muzzle, sitting on a picnic blanket (at Hunk’s insistence) and sharing halves of a sandwich with his favorite person as they watch the sun dip down the horizon, and there’s no place Shiro would rather be.

A tiny laugh interrupts his train of thought. He slides his gaze over to Keith, lets his heart melt at how he’s trying to hide his smile behind his hand. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, just – Black told me she’s glad you brought the blanket with you. Said she didn’t want crumbs all over her.”

Shiro snorts, makes a point of pinching off a bit of his sandwich’s crust and sprinkling it over a space on Black’s muzzle that isn’t protected by the cloth. His connection with Black isn’t as strong as before, but the wave of annoyance that she sends him is enough to make him laugh.

“And people call you the golden boy,” Keith chuckles, shaking his head. “If only they knew how much of a rebel you really are, huh?”

“I wouldn’t trust that side of me to anyone but you,” Shiro jokes, bumping his shoulder against Keith’s.

“What an honor.” Keith rolls his eyes, but they soften when he turns to look at Shiro. “I missed this.”

“Missed what?”

“Y’know. Joking around with you. Hanging out with you at all, really.” Keith averts his gaze, focuses on how he’s playing with his sandwich by turning it over and over. “I know we’ve been busy, but – I dunno. We haven’t really talked much since-”

“Since you got out of the hospital,” Shiro finishes, voice weak. Keith’s been out of the hospital for months now. “I’m so sorry, Keith. If I pushed you away, I swear I didn’t mean to. It’s just been so hectic with Atlas and getting everything ready.”

“You don’t need to explain yourself, Shiro. I was busy too. It’s neither of our faults. I just don’t want to drift away from you because of everything going on.”

Keith has lost him so many times, he realizes then. How many times has he scared Keith, made him think that Shiro would be gone from his life forever? How many times did he cross the universe to bring him back?

Well, he’s here now, and he’ll be damned before he gets ripped away from Keith’s side again — and he sure won’t let himself be the one to drift away.

“Never,” he promises. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Keith.”

Shiro watches in awe as redness begins to bloom on Keith’s cheeks. He still refuses to look at Shiro in the eye. “Oh.”

“And I’ll always be here for you, whenever you need me,” Shiro continues, bumps his shoulder again. “Name a better team than the Black Paladin of Voltron and the Captain of the Atlas. I’ll wait.”

“Dork,” Keith snorts, and when he leans in to rest his head on Shiro’s left shoulder, Shiro swears his heart stops.

They fall into silence after that, content to just eat and appreciate the last sunset they’ll be seeing in a while. The weight on Shiro’s shoulder never leaves, only shifts occasionally whenever Keith grabs another sandwich in the basket or reaches for their shared thermos, and the longer the weight stays there the calmer Shiro begins to feel. It feels right, just like everything else with Keith.

It’s a foolish wish, but Shiro wants this moment to last forever.

Keith breaks the silence when they’re out of food and the sun has fully set, replaced with a cloudless night sky and stars to guide them home. “Shiro?”

“Hm?”

“I’m not… misreading anything, am I?”

And just like that, his heart rate picks up again. “Depends on what you’re reading.”

“You. I mean, whatever this is,” Keith says, pointing towards the two of them. “If I’m wrong, we can pretend I never said anything, but…”

Maybe this is the right moment, even if he didn’t think so at first. “Well, how are you reading this?”

His left hand takes Keith’s hand in between them, and he laces their fingers together carefully. He almost misses the little gasp Keith takes in, the way his fingers tighten around Shiro’s hand for a split second before relaxing.

“You’d make a good writer,” Keith says around a nervous little laugh, his thumb stroking the back of Shiro’s hand repeatedly.

“Good thing I have you as my muse,” Shiro says, preens when he turns and sees the blush on Keith’s cheeks when he laughs.

“Ridiculous.” Keith nuzzles into Shiro’s shoulder, making him laugh when Keith’s long hair tickles his neck. Keith sighs. “… I really love you, Shiro.”

He’s expecting his heart to burst with joy, to feel lightheaded with it, but hearing Keith’s silent confession feels more like a piece of a puzzle sliding into place. It feels grounding. And like everything with the man he loves so much, it feels like it’s meant to be.

“I love you too,” he says, feels that final piece of the puzzle lock in. Everything feels right. “But, Keith—”

“It’s not exactly the best time to start anything yet, I know,” Keith says, finally lifting his head from Shiro’s shoulder to look at him in the eyes. “I’m just glad I know now.”

“After,” Shiro promises, and this is a promise he can never break, and he knows he’ll do anything in his power to keep it. “Something worth fighting for, right?”

“You’ve always been worth fighting for, Shiro.”

And he knows, deep down, that Keith has been fighting for Shiro for years, just like how he fought for Keith back when he was still so young and vulnerable. To know and hear it now though, with the entirely new context, has his heart racing.

After. When the stakes are gone, and he can devote all of himself to Keith, who deserves so much more than that.

But there is one thing he’s wanted for so long that he can’t wait for any longer.

“Can I kiss you?”

Well, he meant to say it more tactfully than that, but he doesn’t miss the way Keith’s eyes widen, then lighten up. “I thought we agreed to wait,” Keith chides him, playful.

“I know, but one doesn’t hurt, right?”

Keith just shakes his head in mock exasperation, but he leans in anyway and lets Shiro capture his lips with his own.

He can admit to himself that he’s thought about how it would feel to kiss Keith more than a few times, but he could never be ready for the real experience. Keith is sweet with the way he moves, hands moving to the back of Shiro’s neck and playing with the short hairs on the nape of his neck, making him shiver.

Shiro breaks the kiss, only so he can tug Keith to position himself in front of Shiro instead of beside him. Keith kneels before him, gentle hands guiding Shiro’s head to tilt up and meet his lips.

They manage to keep it chaste and close-mouthed, but by the time they part for good, Keith is seated fully on Shiro’s lap and Shiro has no idea how much time has passed.

Watching Keith slowly open his eyes feels like watching the sunrise. Maybe because Keith lights up his world just as much. He can’t resist telling that to Keith, who flushes, playfully pushes him away. “You’ve been hanging out with Lance too much.”

“You liked it.”

“Sure.” Keith stands, and Shiro resists the urge to pull him back down. “Anyway, that was definitely not just one kiss. We should be heading back.”

“Right.” He lets Keith pull him up, then gathers him in his arms once they’re both standing. “For the record, I know we agreed to wait but don’t expect me to keep my hands to myself.”

Keith laughs, rests his head on the crook of Shiro’s neck. “As long as you don’t make it obvious. I always knew those shoulder touches meant something.”

They make it back to the Garrison without incident, and soon they’re standing outside Keith’s quarters. Shiro’s room is only a couple doors down, but he doesn’t want to leave Keith’s side yet.

Once he does, they’ll have to set aside their budding relationship for who knows how long, when all he wants to do is watch it grow.

Keith, of course, senses his distress. “Hey.” He tugs at Shiro’s hand, and when Shiro looks at him, he smiles. “We’ll be okay. Something to fight for, right?”

A peaceful future with Keith, where they can let their love grow however they want, with nothing to endanger it. He’s fighting for the universe, but knowing he can have that after it all ends empowers him more than anything. “Yeah.”

“Okay.” Keith squeezes his hand before he lets go. “Get some rest. We’re gonna need it.”

“Yes, sir.” Keith has already unlocked his door and is a step inside when he remembers. “Hey, Keith?”

Keith turns to look at him. “Yeah?”

“Love you.” A reminder doesn’t hurt, and he just realized how amazing it feels to be able to say it so freely.

Plus, he’s never going to get tired of the way Keith blushes. The smile he gives Shiro is shy, sweet. “Love you too, Shiro. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

[sage-nebula]

Okay, so after the commentary I made last season despite being in Japan at the time (how I miss that), I feel like I have to say something about this season, so:

In a nutshell:

This show has been racist for a long, long time, but they really amped it up this season. Between Acxa telling Zethrid that mixed race people like them just have to “let go of their anger” over everyone in the fucking universe discriminating against them and just deal with it, to the fact that the one version of Voltron where Princess Allura is a woman of color also happens to be the only version of Voltron where:

She doesn’t end up with the male lead, but is instead given to the comic relief Nice Guy because he’s “good at winning prizes” and

is killed off for real The racism in this show surpassed even my expectations, and my expectations were pretty low considering crew and cast likes to casually toss around the word “half-breed” like it’s nothing. Allura was made to sacrifice and suffer time, and time, and time again. Each time it was supposedly in the name of showing how selfless she is, and yet not only was she never justly rewarded for all that she went through, but the fact that a dark-skinned girl is made to be the sacrificial lamb for everyone else and is supposed to do so with a smile ties into some pretty racist tropes about how black girls are expected to take on the burdens of others. I’m not black myself so I’m not an expert on any of this, and apologies if I’m speaking out of turn here, but to me this entire thing smacks of racism and I have a strong feeling that Allura wouldn’t have had to go through all this nonsense had she been white as she was in previous iterations. And also? It says a whole helluva lot that Dreamworks refused to allow them to kill off Shiro, a light skinned man (because yes, he’s Japanese, but his skin is still pale), but they were perfectly okay with Allura, a dark-skinned black girl getting the ax. Hmm. Hmmmmmm. Colorism, thy name is Dreamworks.

One of the few parts I actually did watch were the Lotor flashbacks in ep 2. I enjoyed them immensely despite how heartbreaking they were. What I’ve enjoyed significantly less is the sheer amount of people who are somehow just now realizing that Lotor was an abuse survivor at the hands of Zarkon, Honerva, and Dayak. Where was this common sense when you were all vilifying him and calling him a sociopathic monster? We’ve known that Lotor’s true goals were peace and that he was a sympathetic person all along. I’m not impressed by people who only just now realize that Lotor was deserving of sympathy. If you didn’t appreciate him at his “the universe can no longer doubt our strength; each ally gained only makes us stronger” then you don’t deserve him at his, “please, father, I’ll do as you say, please don’t punish the people for my actions.” 

That said, JDS and LM continued their proud tradition of spitting in the face of abuse survivors, because even though they actually showed on-screen that Lotor was abused in his childhood by both his parents and his governess, they later “redeemed” said parents (because of course Haggar wouldn’t have abused Lotor had she known he was her son! no mother would ever!! those of us with abusive mothers are making it up, so says virtually every piece of media out there!!) and had Lotor go to “happily” live with them in the afterlife or whatever the hell that was. I’ll admit, I didn’t actually watch that part, I’ve just read spoilers and seen caps, and I’m furious about it. It doesn’t surprise me, given the “abuse survivors will turn out exactly like their abusers (evil) unless they have a good parental figure to steer them right” garbage they’ve spewed previously, but it still goddamn hurts and I’m so angry they did Lotor like this, again. (And also that they left the girls still on the “he used us omg” bent, when no, he didn’t. Complete garbage and nonsense.

I’m glad Ezor and Zethrid were un-buried. It’s also great that Shiro got to be married on-screen with a kiss between him and his love (whose name is apparently Curtis?). This is the first time we’ve had a mlm couple in a children’s cartoon like this, so it’s monumental and I’ll acknowledge that. However:

Zethrid, as can be expected, was written absolutely terribly. It was proven in season six that the girls would just go wherever the plot demanded they go and had no real characters or arcs of their own, so it’s not surprising, but the fact that they turned her into a complete yandere who wanted to pull a murder-suicide (death by cop style) because her girlfriend broke up with her is a travesty and disservice to her character, especially since earlier seasons showed how thoughtful she could be (such as how and when she decided to turn on Lotor: “Sorry, sir. It’s nothing personal”). 

I think they were supposed to be dead originally, but this was a last minute reversal done after the backlash last season. I also think the only reason why those two are together is because a.) Narti died, b.) Acxa joined the Paladins sooner and had a bond with Keith, and therefore, c.) They were the only two of Lotor’s original squad left on their own for a while. a.k.a., Pair the Spares.

Shiro never got any time to develop with his love interest. It’s still representation and representation is important, particularly when it’s unambiguous representation like this (and I wonder if they added this as a response to last season’s backlash as well), but it still sucks they couldn’t develop this relationship on-screen, and proves that they should have never killed Adam to begin with. If they had truly planned Shiro to be the LGBTQA rep from the start, then how his love story should have gone is:

When Shiro and Keith talk outside of the shack in s1e1, one of the first questions out of Shiro’s mouth is, “How’s Adam?” Whether they broke up prior to Kerberos or not, they were once so close they were going to be married. Shiro was away for a year and some change. There’s no way he shouldn’t have been wondering how Adam was doing.

When Shiro had his whole “you’re not worthy of being a paladin” breakdown with Sendak, since that whole thing is coming from his head, one of the things thrown at him should have been “how could Adam have ever loved you?” to cement the fact, way back in season one, that Adam and Shiro loved each other and that this relationship was still an emotional point for Shiro.

Keep mentioning Adam throughout the remaining before-Earth seasons. Little things like Shiro mentioning that he and Adam saw potential in Keith; Keith getting frustrated at one point and saying that Adam didn’t deserve Shiro, and Shiro quietly saying that Keith doesn’t understand, there was more going on than that. Someone flirting with Shiro and Shiro turning him down and, when asked why, he said there’s someone else he needs to move on from first, et cetera. Or even, since we have to do the clone plot that I just remembered, have Keith mention Adam at some point and Shireplica doesn’t react and that twigs Keith’s attention that something’s wrong.

When squad returns to Earth, Shiro and Adam reunite. Adam runs in for a hug, but then stops himself and goes for a handshake instead. He’s near tears. Says it’s so good to see Shiro again. Shiro is awkward, hesitant, but says that yeah, it is. Adam asks if they can talk privately later. Shiro says yes.

Adam apologizes for the things he said before Shiro left for Kerberos. He apologizes for not acknowledging how important Shiro’s dreams were, explains that he was hurt and that his pain and worry made him angry, but he’s regretted all that he said for the past several years. Shiro accepts the apology, and also apologizes for not acknowledging Adam’s own feelings more, for the life they could have had, for not being open to seeing where Adam was coming from. Both apologies accepted, they sit in silence for a moment until Shiro makes a half-hearted joke, saying, “Well, you said you wouldn’t wait for me, so who’s the lucky guy?” Adam just smiles a little, though he looks hesitant as well, and says, “He’s sitting right beside me.”

From that point forward it may or may not be ambiguous if Shiro and Adam are back together or not (probably wouldn’t be right away, but at least old wounds are cleared away). Adam plays a bigger role in the story, and doesn’t get killed off. He ends up joining the crew of the Atlas.

In the epilogue, Adam and Shiro get married. They kiss. Fin. It would have been that easy, but instead of actually allowing a mlm romance to happen on screen, they went with this instead. Which, again, it’s representation regardless and it’s a nice thing that it exists, but it would have been so easy to make it better, and they did this instead. Smh.

On a related note, it’s not queerbait if one character is explicitly stated to have raised the other in canon, they’re referred to as brothers (both from their perspective and others’) multiple times in canon, and you’re even shown that one met the other when one was a young child and the other was an adult. Ship it all you want, ignore canon in your fanworks all you want, but you can’t cry bait when you get “thank you for raising him to be the man he is today” in canon dialogue and it’s not denied by any of the characters in question (but rather is accepted), particularly not in a show aimed at kids that has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. That’s not bait. That would be like if someone said “this is a red velvet cupcake” and you took it from them, ate it, and then got mad that it wasn’t funfetti. You weren’t baited. That ship sank in s6 along with every single Lotor ship to ever exist. That’s just the way it be.

I’m glad Kolivan made it through that entire hellscape alive. Gods bless my man Kolivan.

Literally none of them even really tried to stop Allura from sacrificing herself, though. In the very end, Team Voltron proves once and for all that they’re all terrible friends who have no chemistry as a team and no real bond. Eight seasons and they couldn’t even give anyone that, smh.

I still can’t believe that after all that they made Altean Lance canon.

Final thoughts:

VLD is trash, it has always been trash, I’m shocked it took everyone so long to catch up but I’m glad you’ve all made it here, and now we’re all free from this godawful nightmare and can put it behind us forever. Also, one more thing:

Do not reblog this post or so help me I’ll delete the post and block you. I do NOT want discourse over this. I just wanted to put my thoughts down since I felt that, after I commented on the fiasco last time, I should do it now as well. If you try to start Discourse™ about any of this or act like little demons, I’ll just block you straight off, thanks.

[four-loose-screws]

Fire Emblem 5 Umemura Novelization Translation - Chapter 8 Part 2

If you would like to start from the beginning, read a missed part, etc., click here!

Pre-3DS FE Translations - FE Awakening Translations - FE Fates Translations - Original FE Support Conversations - Ko-fi

Leif’s army had both advanced and fallen back countless times now. The ballistae were keeping them from making any progress.

Suddenly, the arrows stopped coming.

They heard the soldiers on the other side of the wall break into an uproar. Had their enemies finally run out of arrows?

Leif looked up at the castle and burst into laughter. “Now! Attack the castle!” He raised his sword overhead and started running.

They broke down the back gate and rushed into the castle wall all at once.

“Grr, I thought for sure that they wouldn’t make it in! Hey! Someone get Amalda! She and her platoon should be on standby, so hurry up!” The general protecting the castle’s rear entrance screamed, obviously panicking.

“Get ready!” Leif turned towards the knights within the castle wall.

The sound of blades clashing filled the air.

It came as no surprise to him, but these soldiers left to defend the castle entrance were strong. There weren’t that many of them, yet his entire army was occupied fighting them. Not even one person was left to take out the general.

He heard horses galloping towards them.

The bars of the gate to the right of Leif rose, and a group of imperial cavaliers came flying out.

“Sorry to make you wait, General Palman. We’re here to help you!” Their leader yelled out and rode up to the general’s side.

“Forget me, just take out the rebel leader. I’m counting on you, Amalda.”

“Yes sir!”

Leif’s army fell back, being cautious of the cavaliers. While doing so, he couldn’t look away from Amalda. He couldn’t believe his eyes. “No… It’s you…” He whispered, voice wavering.

Her eyes fell on him. “It’s you! So… you’re the rebel leader.” Her eyes opened wide for a moment, then she started laughing at the irony.

“Why are you with the empire?!” He bit his lip and glared at her.

She was silver haired paladin who had fought the bandits attacking the mountain village.

“Why!?” He ran at her.

Their swords clashed.

“Why are you a leader in the imperial army!?”

“Why are you so surprised?”

Their swords clashed again.

Amalda took a few steps back.

“You oppose the child hunts, don’t you? So why do you serve the empire!?”

“Just because I don’t like the child hunts, doesn’t mean I oppose the empire!” She kicked her horse and charged at him.

“But they’re carried out by the empire!” He rolled across the ground and dodged her attack.

“Of course I can’t approve of the child hunts. But it’s the Loptyrian Cult that carries them out!” Amalda pulled her horses’ reigns. Her horse changed direction to face Leif again. “Our world needs the empire right now!” Her horse charged at him once more.

“That’s foolish! We don’t need it for anything!” Leif took a step forward and thrust his sword before Amalda could attack.

Her horse stopped just before the tip of his sword could stab it, flailing its front legs and whinnying.

“Yes we do! We need an absolute power like the empire!”

“Why!?”

Amalda’s horse tried to run away, but Leif chased after it and raised his sword.

She swung her sword down.

Their blades clashed.

“So that we can end wars like these, and build peace!” She pushed against his sword.

His knees sank. “Aren’t we fighting because the empire exists!?” He pushed back against her sword.

“No, we’re fighting because of rebels like you! If the empire could unify all the lands, then the fighting would stop!” She drew her sword back.

Leif stumbled forward at the sudden loss of force against his sword.

Amalda raised her sword as high as she could. “It would bring peace to the world!” She swung down.

“It would be a peace that makes the people suffer!” He didn’t try to dodge, instead twisting his body and swinging his sword.

The two blades missed each other.

Her sword cut deep into his check.

He heard a wet sound.

His sword had stabbed through her side.

Blood flowed from the wound and stained her clothes a dark red.

She looked down and started laughing. “What a fitting end for one like me, who spilt so much blood…” Her sword slipped out of her hand. “If you… really do… bring peace… to the world… then…” Her body fell backwards and fell off her horse. She landed on her back on the ground, already dead. Blood pooled around her.

“Why…” Leif looked down at her, wondering what she was going to say. He ground his teeth together.

-

“I’m not gonna kick the bucket yet!” Miranda yelled and chanted a spell.

Her fire magic and Asbel’s wind magic assaulted the general at the same time.

His screamed in agony as his body twisted and writhed about. He fell where he stood.

There were no longer any imperial soldiers defending the perimeter of the castle.

“We’re finally ready to enter the castle, Lord Leif!” Asbel cheered.

“Uh-huh.” Leif sheathed his sword and nodded.

“What happened? Is something bothering you?” Asbel looked at him with worry on his face.

Leif shook his head and pushed the image of Amalda’s dying body out of his head. “It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?”Asbel looked even more worried now.

Leif smiled at him.

Asbel smiled back and nodded.

“Let’s go inside, then! All cavaliers aside from Finn, Fergus, and Carrion, stay out here and be on the look-out for any reinforcements. Dean, Eda, and Karin, you guys support them. Linoan and Safy, you two stay out here and heal the wounded. Everyone else, come with me.”

Everyone nodded in unison at Leif’s orders.

“Glade, you’re in charge.”

“Yes, sir!” Glade bowed his head from atop his horse.

Leif took one final look around at everyone and nodded. “Dorias, August, do you know anything about the enemies inside?” He asked while looking up at the castle.

“Yes, I do. The current lord of this castle and Leonster is Duke Gustaf.” August began. “He is the right-hand man of King Bloom of Friege and the one who has been torturing the people of Leonster. He gained his position through his brutal and cunning ways. While he himself is not a skilled enough fighter that we have to be afraid of him, he will probably be using top-notch equipment. For that reason alone, we might have trouble dealing with him.

“I see.” Leif nodded and put his hand on the door to the castle.

“But more so than him, the person we should fear is…” August continued.

Leif stopped and turned back toward him.

“Gustav’s right-hand man, General Xavier.”

“Xavier? The traitor!?” Dorias yelled at August’s words.

“What do you mean by that, Dorias? There’s a traitor?” Leif asked.

“Xavier was once a knight of Leonster. But when the castle fell, he betrayed us and sided with the empire! He should be ashamed of himself!!!” Dorias was filled with more rage than Leif had ever seen him exhibit before. It was clear that he absolutely could not stand traitors.

“You’re wrong!” They heard someone say.

Everyone turned towards the sound of the voice.

They saw the villager from before standing there.

“He’s wrong? What do you mean?” Leif asked.

The man swallowed and opened his mouth. “General Xavier is the one who has kept us alive all this time.”

“Wh-What!? How could that be!?” Dorias yelled at the man. Now that he was all worked up, he couldn’t seem to calm down.

“He has been our shield, lessening the empire’s oppression and our suffering. If it wasn’t for him, we’d be long gone by now.”

“So that’s why he…” Dorias exhaled slowly and hung his head.

“General Xavier has been acting as the leader of Leonster, even though it’s the responsibility that I must bear as a member of the royal family. All because I ran away.” Leif balled his hands into fists.

“Don’t beat yourself up over it. You were still just a boy when Leonster fell.”

“Yeah, I know. I know…” His fists shook.

“So what are you saying?” August asked while stroking his beard. “That if he or anyone else like him is in the castle, then they will side with us?” August raised an eyebrow and looked at the man.

“The general is a man who cares deeply for his subordinates. Because of that…” The man spoke slowly. His voice was full of regret. “…their families were taken as hostages. They’re probably still imprisoned in the castle.” The man glared at the castle.

Leif closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I understand. Thank you. If you hadn’t told me all this, I might have done something terrible. Thank you so much.” Leif bowed his head.

The man looked extremely grateful. “W-Wow… the prince bowed to someone like me… Uh, um, I’ll be praying that the fortunes of war will be with you. E-Excuse me.” The man bowed his head over and over again before running back to his house.

Leif watched him off, then once again turned towards the castle.

[herocentral]

Voltron Frozen Defender

Written by Alexander Montgomery

Well folks heres the first chapter of my crossover fiction between Frozen and Voltron Legendary Defender. I first came up with this story back when seasons 1&2 were released and was inspired reading the fan fictions of others. And so let us begin.

Frozen © Disney

Voltron Legendary Defender © Dreamworks /netflix.

I do not own any of the characters in this story all belong to their respective owners, any fan characters/monsters in this story are created by me so no one is allowed to copy, trace, steal etc without my permission THIS IS JUST FOR FUN!

Chapter 1: Rift between worlds.

Far away in the cold darkness of space, thousands of lightyears away from Planet Earth an asteroid belt of ice covered asteroids, float quietly in the void. From a distance, a large ship appears with large curved spires on each side glowing blue with energy. This was the great Altean flagship The Castle of Lions, and on the bridge of the vessel are the Paladins of Voltron; Shiro, Kieth, Pidge, Lance and Hunk manning their stations along with Princess Allura and her advisor Coran, the lone survivors of the destroyed Planet Altea and the Altean race. The castle bridge holo screen displays shows a small hexagon shape on the Ice cluster indicating the presence of a signal. 

“According to the castles sensors, the distress call came from this area.” Coran relayed to the team. 

“I don’t like this guys” Kieth said with suspicion in his voice “ doesn’t it seem weird that we just happened to get a distress call just as we’re planning to take down Zarkon?”

“Paranoid much Kieth?” Lance cracked.

 The Paladins, who had been brought together by the discovery of an alien mechanical lion on earth, to find the lone survivors of a race wiped out ten thousand years ago and reassemble the mighty Voltron, Legendary Defender of the Universe. Together they battled an evil war like race known as the Galra who have one intention to capture Voltron and conquer the galaxy. The Defenders of the Universe recently found allies in a secret group of Galra known as the Blade of Marmora and have been working on a plan to defeat the Empire and restore peace. So to receive a distress call at this time would be a dangerous coincidence.  

“He does have a point you know” Pidge agreed “ this iceberg grave yard looks like the perfect place for a trap.”  

“ I realise we have concerns about this” Allura began “ but lets not forget as Paladins of Voltron, we are honour bound to help those in need, no matter the circumstances.” she reminded. 

Shiro, the leader of the Paladins looked at the ice clusters and considered everything that was said before coming to a decision. 

“ Alluras right, so lets get to our lions and take a look, but stay alert just in case.” He decided. 

On the bow of the castle ship, the four spires and the centre spire opened and from them emerge five giant mechanical lions in the colours of red, green, blue, yellow and the largest in black bearing large red and white wings. These were the Lions of Voltron, the five that would unite to form Voltron itself. They fly towards the clusters of ice in formation, red and blue on the right, green and yellow on the left with black in the centre. 

“It looks quiet.” Hunk observed from the durable Yellow Lion, “Yeah too quiet for my liking.” Kieth agreed from the temperamental Red Lion. Shiro in Paladin armour looked around the area from the violet lit cockpit of the Alpha Black Lion and even he could tell something wasn’t right. 

“I’ll scan for Bio rhythms.” Said Pidge from the intellectual and daring Green Lion. The screens and instruments on her dashboard begin scanning the area, but then a red screen with a hexagon shaped cross appears indicating theres nothing in the area.

“That’s odd, theres no sign of life here?” Said Pidge in surprise. Lance looked to his instruments showing the presence of the signal in the compassionate and fun Blue Lion “But we’re getting close to the distress signal maybe we’re not close enough yet.”He assumed. 

“Everyone keep a tight formation but be ready, I have a bad feeling about this.” Shiro said with caution.

As the lions flew deeper into the ice clusters the signal gets stronger, but as a chunk of ice flies by it reveals another chunk with what appeared to be a beacon like device piercing the surface. The lions loom over the device and see no sign of a crashed ship bringing concern among the Paladins. 

“What the cheese?” Exclaimed Lance. “ Its a beacon of some kind.” Said Pidge “and that means….”

Suddenly without warning purple energy blasts bombarded the clusters and the lions. The lions grunted as they looked up and saw above them a fleet of small alien fighters  lead by a giant alien warship with a cannon mounted in the centre, the design of the ships lead to the origin of only one alien race.

 “It’s the Galra! Its an ambush!” Shiro Exclaimed. “Scatter!” 

The lions broke formation as the fighters flew in after them. Onboard the Galra warship the bridge is manned by two lieutenants wearing grey armour with glowing purple alien symbols and helmets to cover their eyes. With them are a battalion of robotic Galra sentries. On the command station stands the fleets commander the most obnoxious and shortest of them all Commander Morvak who stands with a sinister grin on his face. 

“The fools fell into our trap” Morvak laughed “ Now capture those lions for the glory of the Galra Empire! Vrepit sa!” 

The Galra fighters fly through the clusters chasing the lions whilst firing on them but hitting the clusters. The lions try to avoid the blast but whilst the Red Lion flies to avoid them the other lions are struggling to navigate the clusters. “Guys we can’t manoeuvre in these clusters!” Lance shouted. “ We have no choice, we’ll have to get out and face them.” Shiro said” Kieth deal with the fighters in the clusters, Hunk, Lance take the left flank, Pidge take down the fighters on the right I’ll attack the warship head on!” He commanded. 

“Yes sir” Kieth replied, “Rodger that” Responded Pidge “ Lets do this.” Hunk exclaimed “Right behind you!” Exclaimed Lance as the lions separated with Blue, Black, Green and Yellow heading out of the ice clusters whilst Red stays to fight the pursuing fighters. 

The Red lion flies through the clusters avoiding the laser fire using its enhanced speed and agility. The fighters turn a corner round a large chunk of ice only to find their target is no longer present. Suddenly from behind one of the clusters the Red lion flew in fast and an invisible force slices through all the fighters which is the Red Lions jaw blade and the fighters explode behind it leaving Kieth with a grin on his face. 

Outside the cluster the Blue lion is avoiding the blasts from the chasing Galra fighters but suddenly takes a hit, shaking up Lance in the cockpit. “Whoa! things are heating up!” Lance said but then puts on a look of determination. “Time to cool’em down!” He moved the flight sticks and turned the lion around facing the fighters. The lion opens its jaws, and fires a large white beam which upon contact encases the fighters in ice and the immense cold renders them powerless. 

“ Heh heh looks like the Galra have a case of brain freeze!” Lance cracked. 

Meanwhile the Green Lion is outflying the Galra fighters but nearly gets hit with an energy blast, the lion then flies over the fighters then forms a green, grey and black cannon on its back. The cannon then fires a green energy beam at the four fighters. Upon contact without warning vines begin to grow on the fighters which then crush them in a tight grip and explode soon after.  Green emerges from the blast with a victorious roar. 

“Gee who knew the Galra had a green thumb!” Said Pidge with a smirk. 

A fighter was about to fire on the Green Lion until from the left the Yellow Lion charged into its side crushing it. The lion charges and deliberately crashes into three other fighters and tosses them off its face, and into an incoming group of fighters. The Yellow Lion could handle the beating of their laser blasts with its durable armour. 

“Wa-hoo!” Hunk yelled “ Looks like its demolition derby season for Galra fighters!” 

The Galra warship fires all its weapons on its intended target, the Black Lion, which flies to avoid the blasts from the starboard cannons, and begins to charge its Ion Cannon. The lion forms its double jawblade in its mouth and charges forward with the jets in its wings. The Ion cannon fires an enormous blast at the Black lion but it moves to avoid it and targets the cannons main supports using the jaw blade to slice into the support separating the cannon from the ship. The cannon explodes and Black flies away. The lieutenant checks the screen on the bridge and sees that the Ion cannon is destroyed. 

“Sir, the Black lions destroyed the Ion cannon and our fighters are destroyed. Shall we retreat?” He said.  

Morvak was about to answer until. “We shall not retreat.” Another voice answered for him, a voice that sent a shiver down his very spine. He turned to see a hooded individual who’s cloak covered half her face with glowing yellow eyes and blue skin with red marks on her face. It was Haggar high priestess of the Galra Empire. 

“If you are too incompetent to capture the lions Morvak. I shall handle this, personally.” She said with a hint of venom in her voice. Outside the Lions had defeated the remaining fighters as the Black lion flies towards them. “Team report.” Shiro called “Fighters are down Shiro.” Kieth replied “ Then lets take down that warship.” Shiro ordered knowing what to do next. “Everyone get ready to form…” Suddenly Shiro cries in pain as he begins to feel a surge of power striking him and his lion. “GAAAAAAAA!” 

“Shiro!” Exclaimed Kieth. “Look” Pidge pointed the other Paladins to the source of the dark energy striking the Black Lion. It was coming from the warship emanating from the hands of Haggar. “It’s the witch!” Lance exclaimed “ We can’t let her get the Black Lion, TAKE HER DOWN!!” Kieth ordered as the four lions fired energy blasts from their mouths and at the warship to blast the witch. She moves quickly to avoid the energy blasts almost like a black blur. Haggar fires a dark blast at the lions which they are quick to avoid before returning fire. 

The Red Lion looks back to see the Black Lion floating lifeless in space. “Shiro, you okay?! Shiro!”Kieth called but got no response until Kieth hears a groan over the comms. In the lions cockpit Shiro is recovering from the blast he took. “I… I’m okay” He breathed as he tried to reboot his lion by moving the flight sticks but theres no response.”But my lions not responding.”He said. The Lions continued to stand their ground against Haggar, who is about to fire another blast until an incoming blast from the starboard side of the warship knocks her off balance taking her by surprise. She turns and glares at the source of the blast. The Castle of Lions. 

“Coran focus fire on the warship!” Allura exclaimed from the bridge “Rodger that Princess!” Coran replied firing on the Galra ship. Using the opportunity the lions group up towards their alpha. Though Haggar tries to defend herself from the castle she sees the lions grouped together in one place and decides to strike, giving a yell as she generates a massive orb of dark energy and fires it at her prey. In the Blue Lion, Lance caught sight of a dark glow from behind them and sees the energy blast coming towards them. 

“LOOK OUT!” Lance shouted as he quickly turns his lion to face the energy blast and fires a blast from its mouth, colliding with the witches dark magic. The energy builds up and an orb begins to form. Pidge looks at the energy readings coming from it and realises the collision is causing something to happen. “Lance stop it!….” Suddenly the orb explodes and engulfs everything in a bright light blinding The Paladins, Haggar, Allura, and Coran. The light soon fades, the Galra Warship has been reduced powerless and Haggar is unconscious. In the Castle of Lions, Allura and Coran are also rendered unconscious. However, there is one party not present and that was the Voltron Lions almost as if they’d simply vanished. 

Elsewhere

High in the cool night sky, the Northern Lights shine, whip and flicker in the silence of the night. Far below this vibrant majestic sight was the kingdom of Arendelle, its populace were all sound asleep in their homes. High in the hills close to the snowy mountain five individuals sat on the grass covered ground near the forest.  These were the royals of the kingdom, Queen Elsa and her sister Princess Anna with the Kingdoms Ice master and deliverer Kristof, his reindeer companion Sven and Olaf the little snowman who was created by Elsa. They all sat in front of a large rock and the evergreens around them had small traces of snow on the ground. They looked up at the night sky waiting for something. 

“Ohhh how much longer do we need to wait?!” Anna said excitedly “Relax Anna, you won’t have to wait much longer.” Chuckled her boyfriend in assurance. “I can tell why your excited” Said Elsa putting her hand on her sisters shoulder.” Its only once every three years that millions of shooting stars appear in the sky above Arendelle.” “Yeah I’ll bet its the most amazing thing ever.” Said Olaf with a smile.

A month had passed since Arendelle had been thawed from an eternal winter accidentally caused by Elsa during her coronation. However, thanks to her sister the kingdom was saved and the two sisters were reunited after years of being apart. Sven then notices something in the sky and nudges Kristofs shoulder with his large nose getting his attention. Kristof sees what his friend is seeing and points it out to Anna and Elsa. As they look up to the sky they saw an amazing sight, millions of shooting stars soar across the sky through the Northern lights harmonsing with the very colours of the sky itself. This vibrant display reflected in their eyes and Anna all but marvelled at this display.

Although a beautiful sight, Anna looked to her elder sister and noticed a mild look of sadness on her face. “Elsa?” getting her sisters attention. 

“Its nights like this that make me think of when Mom and Dad took us to see this when we were kids.”Said Elsa sadly. Annas expression turned to sympathy as she too remembered how their parents brought them to this very spot years ago. She placed her hand on her sisters shoulder, 

“ I know”she said” I wish they were here too.” making her elder sister smile a little. “ Hey look there.” Called Kristof bringing their attention to the sky. They looked to see five stars shooting across the sky in colours of violet, red, green, blue, and yellow. 

“Ooo pretty.” Awed Olaf, whilst Anna and Elsa looked up in amazement. A notion then popped into their heads and so they closed their eyes, as its said that making a wish on a shooting star before it disappears the wish would come true. Elsa took a moment to think about what to wish for, and out of everything she could think of only one thing came to mind.

” I…I wish… for someone to bring me happiness” she whispered quietly so that even Anna couldn’t hear her, but its said we must be careful what we wish for.

High above, the stars are actually the Voltron Lions crashing down from the sky. Inside the powerless Black Lion, Shiro who is finding it hard to stay conscious is trying to guide his lion down to the ground. Black begins to fall away from the rest of the group, and inside the other four lions Kieth, Lance, Hunk and Pidge are doing the best they can guide their lions into a controlled crash. 

“Come on come on!” Kieth growls trying to pull his lion out of the crash. “ Yellow come on work for me!” Hunk tried.”Come on Blue anytime now!!” Lance panicked. Pidge looked outside and saw they were drawing ever closer to the ground. “Theres no time!” She cried “ EVERYONE BRACE YOURSELVES!” Shiro shouted. 

As they braced themselves for the crash and the ground drawing ever closer Lance could only say one thing. “ Oh Quiznak!” The Lions crashed to the ground knocking down trees and leaving a trail of drag marks behind them sliding on the ground, building up a mound of dirt and rocks in front of them eventually bringing them to a halt. Steam poured from the lions as they cooled down. 

Inside his lion Shiro begins to stir groaning as he did. He could see his lion was depowered, and the cockpit was completely dark. He emerges from the Black lion via the escape hatch located in the top of its head. He looks around his surroundings and sees he’s crashed in the middle of a forest at night. Shiro climbs down from his lion, but upon touching the ground he feels weak and dizzy realising he hasn’t fully recovered from his attack, but never the less, fights to stay awake. 

“Princess. Come in.” Said Shiro activating the com channel in his helmet, but can’t get any response.”Coran respond please.” still no answer. “ Anyone.” There was only one sound static. He walks through the forest to find where his teammates crashed. He begins to climb a steep hill looking to see the Black Lion a distance behind him. 

He feels tired and exhausted but forces himself to stay awake.

“…Shiro…re…..ou…re?….” Suddenly he heard a weak transmission coming through and he recognised the voice. “Kieth, is that you? Can you hear me?” Shiro answered back but there was no answer. He guessed it was due to the dense forest so he heads higher up the hill. 

“Shiro, Come in are you there?” The signal got stronger. “Kieth, I’m here you guys okay?” 

Not too far away the other Lions had crashed and their Paladins had just climbed out of their lions, and Lance anime style fell face first to the ground.

 “Shiro, you made it are you okay?” Kieth said in relief that his friend was okay. “Yeah I’m okay how about you?” Shiro asked “ We’re a little battered but alive.” Kieth answered “Speak for yourself.” Groaned Lance as he got up.” The last time I got a headache like this there’d better be a simulator involved” “Oh no Lance” Said Pidge looking around the crash site “ this turned out a lot worse than the last time you crashed a simulator.” Suddenly they heard the sound of someone hurling and they all knew who it was Hunk as he was being sick after falling from space. 

“ Sorry so sorry” he breathed before vomiting again much to the teams disgust “Hey you have to admit, thats a new record he’s never gone that long before” Pidge observed tilting her glasses. “So where are you?” Kieth asked.

In the hills deep in the forest

Shiro looks around to get his bearings.”I’m not too far from you, but I’m not sure where…” Shiro then groaned slightly and leaned against a tree. “Shiro, Shiro you still there?!” Kieth called “ Ngh, I’m fine” Shiro groaned “I just…” “You don’t sound fine, your probably still beat up from the blast you took.” Pidge interrupted. Suddenly they were startled by a howling sound echoing through the forest which spooks Lance and Hunk.

 “W… Was that a wolf!” Lance said in surprise. Shiro could hear this too, and he activated the torch light on his gauntlet and shined it towards the trees. He looked closely and in the darkness he could see something disturbing, it was white eyes with growling. He wasn’t alone. 

“Shiro, whats going on?!” Kieth said over the com Shiro moved his right hand and it began to glow purple and tried to stand his ground as the wolves emerged from the shadows growling and staring at their prey. Shiro soon realised he was too weak to fight and so there was only one choice. Run. He scurried down the hill with the wolves close behind, Shiro uses his cyber prosthetic hand to slice down a tree to try and slow them down but the wolves jumped over it. 

“Shiro whats going on SHIRO!” Kieth shouted over the com Shiro couldn’t answer as he was trying to evade the wolves. One was getting very close to him and tried to leap onto him but he was able to swat it away with his prosthetic hand. Suddenly he saw the edge of a cliff he could see the jump was too far but he had no choice, he activated his armours jet pack which gives him a powered jump across the gap. 

Suddenly the jet pack over heats mid way across, Shiro can see he won’t make it so he thrusts his prosthetic hand into the rock and screamed in pain as he dangles from the cliff edge. The wolves stop at the cliff edge and bark at their escaped prey as he climbed back up onto the ledge and rolls on his back in exhaustion. Later , he continues walking down hill but he’s tired and exhausted and begins to see double vision. In doing so he doesn’t see where he’s going and trips on a rock sending him rolling down hill hitting some rocks, loses his helmet and finally hits the ground and loses consciousness. “Shiro, are you there, Shiro, Shiro!” Echoed Kieth on the helmets com. 

Nearby the Arendelle royals, Icemaster and snowman were riding back to the kingdom on Kristofs sled pulled by Sven going down the hill slopes. As they rode along Sven smelled something in the air and then out of the corner of his eye he saw something near the forest. He stops rather suddenly to the surprise of the passengers. 

“H-hey whats up Sven? Why’d you stop?” Asked Kristof, Sven began snorting trying to point them to something but they couldn’t understand what. “Buddy I can’t understand you when you talk like that.” Said Kristof, Sven frowned and moved his head to the right. 

“ I think he’s seen something.” Anna guessed so they looked to the right to see what it was the reindeer had seen. Olaf then saw something. 

“Hey guys, not sure this is going to help but theres someone lying down over there.” He said directing their attention. They looked and Elsa could see what looked like a man lying down on the ground.

 “ Oh no!” Said Elsa who immediately dismounted from the sled in concern she Anna, Kristof, and Olaf ran over to where the man was. 

They came up and saw the man was wearing black and white armour with some glowing blue lines and an arrow like shape on the chest plate. He had black hair with a white forelock and on his face he had a large scar across the bridge of his nose. The sisters knelt down and turned him on his back and saw he was rather beaten up.

 “Is he…” Anna asked “No he’s alive, just unconscious” Kristof said checking for a pulse. “What happened to him?” Anna asked her sister” I don’t know” Elsa answered “ but right now he needs help lets get him back to the castle.” With that Kristof picked up the man and carried him to his sled and loaded him onto the cargo area. However Elsa couldn’t help but wonder who was he?

Elsewhere:

Far in the darkest corners of space, stood a large alien fortress surrounded by fleets of warships in the centre of the star system surrounded by gas planets. The sight of the fortress sends fear down the spines of even the bravest of warriors for this was the stronghold of the Paladins of Voltron’s most hated enemy. On the bridge of this warship, Haggar silently enters the room aproaching the throne in the centre of the room and knelling before her master, the most vile of all the Galra race Emperor Zarkon.

“Sire” Said Haggar eerily “I regret to inform you our ambush has failed, and the Voltron Lions have… disappeared.” Zarkon sat on his throne tightly clenching its arms in anger.” How” he spoke.” I attempted to render the lions powerless,” Haggar began “ but the Blue Lion intercepted my dark magic with its own blast of energy, the collision of which caused an explosion. What happened to the Paladins after that I regrettably don’t know.” She finished awaiting her emperors response.

“Do not despair Haggar.”Zarkon began with darkness in his voice “ There is nowhere in this universe that they can hide from my visions reach. We will find them, we shall wipe the Paladins of the face of the universe forever and claim Voltron once and for all.” Zarkons eyes glowed with purple energy as the hunt for his quarry had begun. 

Chapter 1 done folks chapter 2 will come soon.

[atombombbagel]

I LOVE your blog!! Could I please get companions reacting to Sole having some major wasteland surgery and going through recovery? Maybe where there’s a sudden problem after the surgery and the companions are worried that Sole may not make it out? ❤️

ANGST, ANGST, ANGST… YAY!! ❤️ Also, quick note, this will be under ‘keepreading’ because it is super freakin’ long and I don’t want to clog up anyone’sdash with this… and when I mean long I mean like 4500+ words.

Previously on Companions react (Part One): Sole and the [companion] were out travellingin the commonwealth when they were attacked by a Deathclaw, which attacked them,leaving Sole without an arm (or hand in some cases). This is a little follow upto that (so I’ve made it so they have surgery after they lost their arm) Andddd…I’m doing a part three that will be up either later today or tomorrow :) 

Cait: Cait burstthrough the door to Doctor Sun’s surgery in Diamond City, clutching a terrifiedSole in her arms. The doctor looked up from his desk, his eyes widening inshock as his eyes flicked to Sole’s missing arm, blood still spraying from thebadly wrapped wound. Cait helped Sole onto the bed before turning to DoctorSun.

“I sure as hell hope ye can fix this doc,” Cait said withher arms crossed, “well, you better fix it, is what I’m tellin’ ya,” Caitdemanded, shooting a cold look at Doctor Sun who put his hands up in defence.

“I will try my best,” he said, moving over to the filingcabinet and rummaging through it, “For now I need you to vacate the room, so Ican work,” He ushered Cait out of the room, making her wait outside and shethought she might as well settle her empty stomach with some power noodles.

To Cait it had felt like years that she had been sitting atthe table, poking at the remaining noodles in the bowl, when realistically ithad only been a couple of hours. Doctor Sun hadn’t come out of the surgery yet,so things must have been going well, right? Cait huffed, leaning her head onher hand as she ordered another bowl of power noodles from Takahashi. Shelifted her head at the sound of the surgery door squeaking open and Doctor Sunwalking out.

“There have been some complications,” Cait felt as though Sunwas speaking in slow motion, each word spitefully hitting her like a tonne ofbricks. But he tried his best, right? Cait nodded slowly, swallowing the lump inher throat.

“Can I see them?” Doctor Sun nodded, holding the door openfor Cait. She pushed past him through the doorway and down the stairs, her legsshaking as she prepared herself for the worst. She didn’t usually mind blood andgore, hell she loved the violent look of a battered-up body, but not when itwas Sole, that was a completely different story. Her hand flew up over hermouth as she stopped next to Sole’s body, covered in blood, the sheets, soakedin their blood, she couldn’t stand to look at them, so she turned around, “Isthere anything you can do?” Cait asked, slowly turning to Sun, he shrugged.

“I will do my best to medicate them, treat any infections,but,” he paused, “I wouldn’t get your hopes up, they’ve lost a lot of blood,” Caitnodded again, replying with a weak ‘okay’. Doctor Sun hooked Sole up withanother blood pack, checking their heartrate before leaving Cait alone withthem for a couple of minutes.

“Come on ya asshole,” she sniffled, “Yer stronger than this.And like hell yer leaving me here alone now.”

Curie: Curie heldonto Sole as they stumbled through the doorway to Curie’s clinic (oh I’m so goingto rename it my game to this). She helped a weak Sole climb onto the bed,before lying her down so she could get a better look at her arm. She couldn’t performsurgery on Sole alone and lucky for Curie, Doctor Weathers happened to be withthe Caravan staying in the settlement. She rushed outside to grab him, askingfor his help and he was happy to oblige, for a price. Curie agreed, she’d pay anythingto help her fallen friend recover.

Weather wrapped a belt, tight around Sole’s arm, to fullystop the bleeding, before he injected Sole with a Stimpak and some Med-x toprepare them for surgery. Half way through the surgery Curie had to excuseherself because she was getting too emotional, it was one thing performingsurgery on someone you didn’t know, but she knew Sole, in more ways than oneand this was just a little too much for her.

She held onto her knees as she doubled over, taking a fewdeep breaths as she tried to calm her shaky nerves.

“For Sole, do it for them,” She whispered to herself, takingdeep breath in through her nose before picking herself up and exhaling. Shepushed the door open, her eyes fixed on Sole’s unconscious form and all the emotionsshe’d tried to leave outside came flooding back in.

“It’s not looking good,” Weathers said, wiping the bloodcovering his hands onto a cloth, “I’ve done all I can do, now all we have to dois wait,” He walked over to the sink, so he could properly wash his hands, “I’lltell the caravan that I’ll be sticking around for a couple of days,” he noddedtowards Curie and she quietly said an ‘ok’ to him before he walked out the doorto inform his colleagues. Curie turned towards Sole, who looked so pale andfragile. She pulled up a chair and sat by Sole’s side, gently stroking theirhair from their forehead, tucking it behind their ear. She didn’t mind thewaiting game, Curie had nothing but patience and time on her hands she justwished deep down that Sole would pull themselves through this.

Danse: Dansecarried a weak Sole in his arms as he rushed through the Prydwen, nearlyknocking Knights out of his way as he pushed through them. Sole’s arm squirtedout blood as they fell in and out of consciousness, leaving a trail of blood onthe floor behind them, that an unlucky scribe had to mop up. Cade’s eyes flewwide open as he saw the Paladin put Sole down on the bed, their blood leakinginto the sheets.

“What happened here?” he asked, stalking over to the Paladin’sside, he picked up Sole’s arm, examining their missing limb. In Sole’s otherhand was the hand they’d lost when they were attacked.

“Deathclaw,” Danse said, stepping back from Sole’s body,looking at all the blood didn’t usually make him feel queasy, but this was Soleand the thought of losing to them to something like this angered him. Cadenodded jotting down a few notes.

“Shouldn’t be too hard to heal,” Cade said picking up Sole’sdetached hand, “But I won’t be able to reattach this,” he put their hand to theside before putting on his surgery coat and a plastic apron, “If you’ll excuseme,” Cade asserted to Danse and he nodded slowly, taking one last glance atSole before he walked out of the room, heading for the bar. He needed a drink. Heordered himself a Nuka Cola, sitting down at the bar as he slowly drank it. A lotof things were flashing through his mind as he thought about Sole lying on thesurgery table. Would they be alright? How would they be in combat with amissing hand? Deep down he hoped that Elder Maxson wouldn’t take Sole off histeam, he loved travelling with them and they were the first partner in a whilehe felt like he could talk to, like properly talk to.

It wasn’t long before Cade came out, his eyes strained fromthe endless effort to help Sole. He coughed to grab Danse’s attention, turningaround and walking back into his office, Danse following quick behind him.

“They’re stable but their blood cell count is very low, Iwill continue to monitor them, but I wouldn’t celebrate just yet,” Danse’sworried eyes flicked from Cade to Sole, who was sleeping, a bandage wrapped firmlyaround their wounded arm. “Although it isn’t looking great now, they’re strong,”Cade added trying to comfort Danse in some form, but it didn’t make him feelany better.

“May I sit beside Sole for a while, Sir?” Danse asked andCade nodded.

“I’ll give you half an hour, but you should get some restyourself Paladin, you’re looking pale,” He patted Danse’s back before Cadeheaded off to get himself a quick snack, the surgery making him hungry. Dansesat beside Sole, his hands in his lap as he looked at them. At least theylooked peaceful, he shook his head, his insides churning the more he looked atSole.

“Come on Soldier, you can pull through this,”

Deacon: “Oh my goodness,what happened to you?” Carrington said as he rushed over to Sole, who was clutchingto Deacon’s arm, their nails digging into his skin, making him wince. But he wouldn’tsay anything because he wasn’t the one missing an arm.

“They picked a fight with a bunny,” Deacon joked, makingCarrington scoff at him, Sole laughed a little before wincing when their laughvibrated into their arm, causing excruciating pain.

“I can’t treat Sole if I don’t know what happened,” Carringtonhelped Sole sit down on the table, grabbing a towel and holding it to their armas he waited for them to start explaining.

“A deathclaw ripped my arm off,” Sole said, looking down atthe ground, knowing the disapproving look he was giving them at that moment. Hesighed loudly, injecting some Med-x into Sole’s arm, not even trying to begentle with them, “Ouch,” Sole said jutting their arm away from him.

“It’s a surprise that you are still standing, but this needsextensive surgery,” Carrington said, putting the empty syringe into the bin, “lieback for me,” Sole obliged, lying down on the table, staring up at the ceiling.Deacon went to move out the way, but Sole grabbed his hand, squeezing it,letting him know that they needed him there, so he stayed. Sole took one lookat Carrington injecting something into their shoulder before they passed out.

During the surgery Sole Carrington had tried to wake up Solebut his efforts failed, they were too weak at the moment. Deacon’s knuckles werewhite from the iron grip he had on Sole’s hand, like if he let them go they’dsink away into oblivion. A frustrated sigh left Carrington’s mouth.

“There isn’t much more we can do,” Carrington announced, butDeacon refused to accept that.

“No, you can’t leave them like this,” He argued butCarrington turned around, ignoring him completely. He didn’t want to make thesituation any worse than it already was. Deacon refused to leave Sole’s side,he wouldn’t, he couldn’t leave them. He was going to stay right next to themuntil they woke up, because they were going to wake up, weren’t they?

Gage: Gage ignoredthe stares of his fellow raiders as he ran through the Nuka Market, puttingSole up on the counter where Mackenzie Bridgeman worked. She was the onlydoctor in Nuka-world and Gage only hoped that she would help them, being enslavedan all she didn’t have much of a choice, but he wanted her to actually try andsave Sole’s life. Mackenzie turned from what she was doing behind the counter,her eyes widening as she laid her eyes on Sole, what was left of their arm, soakedin their own blood.

“You can help, right?” Gage said with a cough, trying tocover up the fact that he was freaking out. He didn’t want anyone in this townto realise how much he cared for the Overboss, so he’d cover it up, pretendingtheir death wouldn’t matter, even though to him, it really would.

“Yes,” she quickly replied, turning around and getting somesupplies. She reached out and pressed to fingers to Sole’s throat, checking fora pulse, it was weak at best, “We have to be quick,” she said, and Gage nodded,holding onto the table, to steady himself, taking a deep breath. He could dothis. Mackenzie carefully unwrapped Gage’s handiwork, showing, the true extentof the wound, she would have to be dealing with, “this isn’t going to be easy,”she admitted, her eyes meeting Gage’s. He nodded again, afraid of speaking, incase his tone of voice gave away how worried he was.

All Gage could look at was the blood pouring from Sole’sarm, dripping down the counter as Mackenzie did everything in her power to stopthe bleeding. She managed to do it, in the end, tying off the wound with afresh-ish, bandage. Gage looked at Sole’s pale face, practically the lightestshade of pale you could imagine. Mackenzie checked their pulse again and she wasn’thopeful.

“They might not make it,” she told Gage and he felt a sharppain shoot through his chest. They were going to make it. ‘You are going tomake it’ Gage ordered Sole in his thoughts, “Send someone for a bed, they can’tstay on the counter,” Gage nodded turning around and ordering one of theslavers to fetch a bed, from wherever he could find one. He scampered off andGage walked back over to Sole. He wanted to touch them, gently brush their hairfrom their face but he resisted, he couldn’t show anyone that he cared. But inhis mind, he was holding them, getting them through this, and in his mind, theydid.  

Hancock: “I amnot equipped for this,” Amari said, looking over Sole’s body. They had beencarried down by a couple of drifters and Hancock, into the memory den, whereshe would attempt to help them. Hancock was pacing in front of the door andwhen Amari spoke he stopped.

“You have to try,” he croaked, rubbing his cheek with hishand in frustration, Sole’s blood on his hand from where he’d held them, beingsmothered into the grooves on his face, “please,” he pleaded, and Amari nodded withan unsure look on her face.

“I will try, but I can only do my best,” She said, turningfrom Hancock, back to Sole, who had been lying unconscious on the bed for thepast half an hour. Amari lifted the rag from Sole’s arm, a bit of blood sprayingacross the room and up the wall as their arm convulsed. Hancock excusedhimself, leaving the room as he tried to steady his stomach. He’d never thrownup at the sight of anything close to this, he didn’t even flinch when he lookedover the drifter’s body, whose head had been smashed open, but this, this feltdifferent somehow. Maybe because he genuinely cared for Sole, in deeper, moreaffectionate way.

Hancock wheezed, leaning against the wall, with his hands onhis knees as he doubled over. He took a few deep breaths and coughed a little asa tried his best not to throw up on the ground.

He was out there for hours, although to him it seemed likemere minutes and it took everything in him not to get drugged up. He wanted tobe sober for when Sole woke up. Amari put a hand on his back, startling himfrom his thoughts.

“Are they?” he started, and Amari shook her head.

“They’re unstable, I don’t know if they’ll wake up,” shesaid quietly, and Hancock looked down at the ground, a loud sob shaking throughhis body, “I’m sorry Hancock, I did try,”

“I know,” he rasped, looking up. He couldn’t physically cry,but he really wished he could, he wanted to feel something. He shot Amari adistressed smile and she knew he didn’t mean the smile planted on his face.

“I’ll give you some time with them,” She said, tapping hisback again before she ascended the stairs, going to tell Irma the news, who wasdying to know. Hancock pushed himself off the wall, and slowly walked through thedoorway, his hand flying up to his mouth as he took a good look at the room.Blood soaked sheets, pools of blood on the floor, a very fragile looking Solelying on the table. They looked dead already. He ran his calloused fingers overtheir cheek, savouring the feeling of their soft skin under his hands. Heleaned over Sole’s body, placing a gentle kiss to their lips, before he steppedback, almost stumbling into the medical equipment table behind him. He’d triedto stay strong, but he needed something, something to help him feel anythingbut the pain he was feeling now.  

MacCready: MacCreadytried his best to steady an already weak Sole, his arm wrapped around their shoulderas they made they way towards Bunker Hill. Kessler had spotted them from outsidethe gate and assisted them in bringing Sole to Kay, who was sleeping at thetime. Kessler woke up Kay, informing her on the situation and she immediately gotup out of bed, walking over to where Sole was slouched on a chair, their headleaning on their shoulder that was missing the arm, their hair falling intotheir wound.

“That looks nasty,” Kay said as she carefully lifted up Sole’shead and moving their hair from the wound, “a hand?” Kay said to MacCready andhe snapped out of his thoughts, moving to Sole’s other side as he carefully letthem rest their head on his shoulder.

“You better not get any blood on me,” he jokedhalf-heartedly, wishing he hadn’t of said it, but Sole let out a weak laugh andthen a sniffle.

“I don’t think I’m going to make it,” Sole said, their voicecracking as they spoke.

“Don’t say that,” MacCready instantly replied with a harshertone of voice, he didn’t mean to snap but he also didn’t want his friendtalking the way they were. He couldn’t let them talk that way, because he couldn’tlose them, “We’re with a doctor, she can fix this, you’re going to be alright,”he whispered unsurely, into Sole’s hair.

“Keep them steady okay?” Kay said and MacCready nodded,stroking Sole’s hair as they slowly slipped into unconsciousness on hisshoulder. MacCready took some shaky breaths as he held onto Sole. Kay worked diligentlyto stop Sole’s bleeding, the surgery going worse than she’d planned, leavingSole covered in her own blood and Kay covered in Sole’s blood. MacCready couldbarely look at Sole, seeing their limb being torn clean from their body onlyreminded him of what Lucy had endured when she’d been ripped apart by feralghouls, and that is what was tearing him up inside. He couldn’t help but think…‘not again,’ and it was killing him on the inside.

“I’ve stopped the bleeding but there isn’t much else I cando,” she announced quietly, meeting MacCready’s sad blue eyes, “Are you able tocarry them over to the bed’s upstairs?” she asked and MacCready nodded, gettingup and picking Sole up into his arms. He carefully carried them over to bed, inthe room above the bar. Handing Joe Salvoldi ten caps but he refused to takethem.

“I’ll use these to buy a drink then,” he said, “One for meand one for Sole,” he paid for them both, trying to ignore the sorry look thatJoe was giving him. He didn’t want them feeling sorry for him, not like this,not until he knew for sure that Sole was gone. All he could do now was wait andmaybe have a couple of drinks to numb his mind from thinking of them.

Nick: DoctorAnderson had been sitting by the Caravan all night, waiting for any settler tocome by and see if they needed her medical services and as she was about toleave, Nick came on by, holding a near dead Sole in his arms.

“Doc I need some assistance,” he said as carefully restedSole down on the ground, sitting them up as he steadied them. Anderson got up fromher seat, coming over to Sole and kneeling beside them as she took a quick peepat their arm.

“I’m going to need to you carry them to a bed or a flatsurface with some good lighting,” she ordered Nick and he nodded, picking Soleup in his arms and carried them to their house, lying them on their bed. Heflicked on the light, waiting for it to turn on with a buzz. The light took awhile to turn on but when it did it was bright, “would you mind waitingoutside?” she said, looking around the room, “it isn’t exactly spacious inhere,”

“Say no more Doc, do your thing,” Nick replied, backing outof the room and heading off to sit on the couch. He lit another cigarette,putting it to his lips as he took a long drag of it. Smoking would help himkeep himself calm as his mind flicked back to the image of Sole, lying barelyalive on their bed, fighting for their life. For once in his life he foundhimself worrying, actually worrying about Sole, he knew they were strong andgood in a fight and that settled his mind when they went out alone but now, he didn’tknow how strong they could be in this sort of situation.

Nick was on his second cigarette, blowing the grey smokeinto the air as Anderson came into the room, fanning her hand out in front ofher to get rid of some of the smoke. Nick apologized putting the cigarette out inthe ash tray on the coffee table.

“How’s it looking?” Nick asked optimistically but Anderson’sfacial expression remained flat and unreadable.

“Not good,” Nick felt his systems slow down as his heartsank into his gut, his fears becoming a reality in that moment, “All we can dois wait, and hope for the best,” she added, her eyes meeting Nick’s glowingones. He adjusted the hat on his head.

“You did all you could, thank you,” he said, standing up andmaking his way down to Sole’s room, peering in the doorway as he laid his eyeson them. There was something about they way they were lying that brought himsome comfort, maybe it was the fact that they just looked like they were sleeping.A small breath escaped Sole’s parted lips as they stirred, they were alive andthat was the main thing. Nick promised Sole he’d stay by their side through anythingand this wasn’t an exception to that promise. He dragged an armchair from theliving room to Sole’s bedroom, putting it in the corner as he sat down on it,resting his head on his knuckles as his elbow dug into the arm of the chair. Itwasn’t long before he’d fallen asleep at Sole’s side, dreaming of a futurewhere Sole was alright.

Piper: Sole andPiper had stumbled across a Doctor whilst on their way to Diamond City to seeDoctor Sun. It was easier and more logical for them to get help from the doctorthey’d come across.

“What can I do you for?” Bethany smiled as she saw Piperpulling a helpless Sole up to her makeshift surgery, transformed from a shack. Piperwas out of breath trying to pull a heavy Sole, who’s legs had given out fromunder them a while back.

“My friend here lost their arm,” Piper shouted from down theroad, nearly stumbling over. She dropped Sole onto the ground by accident andshe fumbled to pick them back up again, tears stinging at her eyes. Bethanymoved from her place in the doorway of her shack, helping Piper lift Sole fromthe ground as they both carried Sole inside the shack. Bethany in not so manywords, told a distressed Piper to wait outside because it was harder for her towork under stressed conditions. Piper nodded, walking outside and sitting infront of the shack, leaning her head on the wall as she listened to the soundsof surgery coming from inside.

She took a few deep breaths as she listened to Sole’s painedscreams from inside, but she couldn’t hold back the tears that fell onto herface. And instead of wiping them away she left them there, she was so afraid ofwhat would happen to Sole, her friend, her only friend and she kicked herself.Maybe this wouldn’t have happened if she’d gone with them, she should have beenthere, by their side.

“Stay with me,” Bethany said a little loudly and Piperheard, only adding to her fears. She didn’t know if she could stay strong for Sole,no matter how hard she tried. She didn’t know if they’d make it through thisand that scared her more. Why was this happening and why was she crying! She couldn’tlose them, she couldn’t lose them, the words echoed through her head on repeat.She was going to do anything and everything in her power to get them throughthis, she had to.

Preston: Unbeknownstto Sole, Preston had sent for someone to fetch a doctor from Bunker Hill,Doctor Weathers being the one who turned up, briefcase in hand as he preparedSole for surgery. Sole had been slipping through phases of hot and cold, aserious fever picking up as they went through surgery to fix their arm. Weatherskept Sole highly medicated, using a couple of Stimpaks here and there to stopthe bleeding.

Preston waited outside, pacing across the doorway as hewaited for Weathers to come out and tell him anything. Any news would be greatlyappreciated at this point, but he was still in there with them and Preston hadn’theard anything in hours. Sturges came by and handed Preston a warm coffee, fromthe newly fixed coffee machine he’d been working on. Although the coffee tookhis mind off of Sole for a moment, it was a damn good coffee, his mind wentback to them and it only made him more stressed than he already was.

“Any news?” Preston said as Weathers finally came out of theroom, closing the door behind him. He nodded slowly as he sat down on one ofthat arm chairs.

“You might want to sit for this,” Weathers said as he pointedtowards the seat in front of him. Preston swallowed the lump in his throat ashe sat down, resting his hands in his lap as his eyes the doctors, “Their feverhasn’t broken and its hard to tell if the surgery was a success or not,” he camestraight out with it, not even giving Preston a hint of a warning. Preston letout a sigh, looking down at his hands as he bowed his head. The worst had cometo the worst, “I’m sorry, I will remain vigilant in helping Sole, but I can’tmake any promises,”

“Thank you,” Preston said, looking up, his eyes meeting thedoctor’s again, “I appreciate all you have done and continue to do,”

“I will let you have some time to see Sole, but they reallyneed to rest and fight this infection,” Preston nodded, thanking Weathers as hegot up and walked into the room where Sole was resting. He’d never seen anyonelook so ill but peaceful at the same time, comatose. All he could hope for wasthat their pre-war body could fight this, and he had a tiny ounce of hope leftin him. He brushed his fingers over Sole’s hand, pulling it away when he felthow cold their hand was.    

“We need you,” he said quietly, hoping they would hear himand wake up, but they didn’t, “I need you.”

[this-iswhywefight]

Come To Me Now

This is what happens when Em goes to class and I get to chill in the Tulane library for a few hours and I don’t want to work on lesson plans. 

Parallel to So Come to Me, Chapter 1.

Read it HERE on AO3

“Are we sure about this?” Keith turns in his seat, his scowl cast in the red light of The Red Lion’s cockpit. “One of them attacked you, Shiro. Why should we trust them?”

“It wasn’t an attack,” Shiro tries to soothe, clasping a hand over Keith’s shoulder. He can see the tension in his frame even through the armor. “Tensions were high after the fight. Mistakes were made, that’s it.”

Keith scoffs, but he doesn’t argue as he gets to his feet. Shiro smiles, just a bit, because what else can he do? It wasn’t the weirdest moment he’s had after finishing a fight, and the rebel, however hostile they’d been, hadn’t actually hurt him. Something tells Shiro that they could have, and he knows they wanted to. He saw it in the way they held themself, how they only pulled back at the call from a teammate, he heard it in the growl of instructions that came distorted through the helmet’s speakers.

Who are you? The viciousness in those three words made them stick fast in his mind. Who are you?!

That kind of fierceness lives only in those it’s been beaten into, those the Galra have tried to keep down, crush and break. Do you know me? Shiro wanted to ask of this figure with prosthetic legs that match his arm. How? Do you know me?

“They invited us here, Keith,” Shiro reminds him gently. “And I for one want to know who these guys are.”

“As do I,” Allura says, fixing her bun as she makes the choice to leave her helmet with the Red Lion before disembarking with Keith and Shiro close at her back. “We have heard murmurs of this Coalition before. They are clearly an organization with some reach. The fact that we have not heard more than murmurs is interesting.”

“I don’t have to like it,” Keith says, shaking his head.

“Me either!” Pidge’s voice comes in over the comms sharply. She and Hunk and Lance are just disembarking from the Yellow Lion now, and she makes a beeline right for them. “In fact, I hate this! There’s something really off about all this whole mess. For one thing, who the hell are these guys? Where did they come from and how do they have the numbers for a split strike attack like that on a Galra base? For another, they shouldn’t have been able to see my hack, let alone kick me out of it and I—!”

“Take a breath there, Pidge,” Lance tries to tease with forced lightness in his voice. “Going into this all wound up isn’t going to help anything.”

“You weren’t there!” she insists, turning to face him. “This guy snapped and went right for Shiro and pinned him and—”

The doors to the hangar open sharply and a figure storms in, dressed all in black, a sleek fitting combat flight suit. This is the same rebel from the base. Shiro knows that even without the dead giveaway of those metal legs, unmistakably Galra tech, unmistakably Haggar’s work.

They still wear the helmet that hides their face, but it does nothing to hide how angry they are. It’s seeping off of them in thick waves, broadcast as loud and clear as their footsteps through the hangar. Shiro keeps himself at Allura’s side, sticking close just in case this turns sour. He doesn’t need to look to know the others fall into formation around him without a verbal cue and he has to suppress a smile.

Allura stands straight and tall and it’s with a tense smile that she greets the rebel. “Hello. I am Princess Allura and these are the Paladins of Voltron. We were told your commanders would be here to greet us—”

“You’ll be dealing with me,” the rebel says, tense and terse. Their voice is distorted by the speaker again, but that sharpness is just as clear as it was when Shiro was pinned against the wall on base. Immediately Allura stiffens, visibly enough for the rebel to notice. The helmet tilts just to the side, reading condescending. “Is that a problem?”

“I would prefer to deal with the leaders of this operation,” Allura says with an even tighter smile. Shiro doesn’t reach for her shoulder like he wants to, all too aware that the gesture would weaken them in this standoff. “If you wouldn’t mind calling for them, or taking us to—”

The door opens once more and a smaller, slighter figure runs in. This one doesn’t have a helmet on, but they’re dressed in the same type of flight suit as the first rebel. When they speak it’s with a breathless concern. “Commander! Sir, the other Pillars—”

“Be easy, Martek,” the rebel—the Commander—orders, not looking away from Allura for a second as the smaller being falls into position at his shoulder. There’s a smirk in that voice now, smug and sharp mixing together, and a shiver trips down Shiro’s back. Who the hell are they dealing with? “You were saying, Princess?”

“Sir, the other Commanders,” Martek starts, silenced immediately a raised hand and a tilt of a head.

There’s a quiet exchange between the two of them, one that ends with Martek nodding and holding his place, and then the Commander’s attention is back on them again. “Like I said, you’ll be dealing with me. You wanted a Commander, and you’ve got one.”

Pidge huffs softly, one hand curling tight at her side, just above where her bayard forms. Shiro catches her eyes quickly and silently urges her to be calm before pulling off his helmet.

“Commander,” he starts, voice raised just enough to be heard clearly across the space. “We—”

He doesn’t get any farther than that as the blank face of the helmet whips the inch to the left it needs to look at him. “The only thing I want to hear out of you is answers,” the Commander snaps, vicious poison dripping from the words. “Who gave you the right to wear his face? Who are you?”

What?

“These are the Paladins of Voltron,” Allura says again, taking a step ahead of them all. She sets herself slightly in front of Shiro. He’s touched by the protective move, but at the same time he wishes she’d get behind him instead. “And you’re speaking to the Black Paladin, head of—”

“Believe it or not, I worked out the basics for myself. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you’re kind of color coded.”  Arms cross tight over the rebel’s chest, tensing ripcord muscles with the movement. They have pale skin, or at least it looks like they do under the dense collection of scars covering their exposed forearms. “And I most definitely wasn’t talking to you, Princess, I was talking to him.” That venom is back again, spat at Shiro, and he doesn’t understand why it’s there or how something can sound so angry and hurt at the same time. “I want you to give me a fucking name, dammit.”

Shiro holds up a hand, an attempt to show peace, and Keith growls low in his chest at the movement. Shiro doesn’t need to look behind him to know that Hunk is the one who hisses for Keith to chill. “I don’t know who you think I am. And I’m sorry if I—”

“HOLT!”

Everything stops.

Shiro freezes as the bottom of his stomach drops out. Pidge’s breath catches audibly in his ear and her hands fall out of their fists, trembling at her sides instead, and the world goes out focus.

It’s like he’s watching a movie, witnessing a scene play out on a screen. The newcomer is smaller than the other two, feline looking in nature, and she quickly gets into it with the helmeted commander she called Holt. She’s joined soon after by two more aliens, tall and statuesque, who bring niceties and words of welcome. It’s all happening right in front of him but Shiro can’t quite make himself believe it, can’t take his eyes off the line of the Commander’s spine, can’t help but strain to hear a recognizable note in that distorted voice, to try and see past the helmet and catch a glimpse of eyes he sees in shadows, late at night, in his dreams. Eyes he hasn’t seen since he turned his back on them and walked into the arena oh so long ago.

“Wait,” Shiro croaks, only vaguely aware that he’s cut someone off in the midst of a conversation. His grip goes tight on his helmet, enough that he’d be wary of cracking the damn thing if he could care about that right now. But he can’t. He can’t care about anything but the fact that the Commander, the one who responded to Holt, is looking at him now, and he needs to know, needs to ask, “What is your name?”

“Oh, so now you’re gonna ask the questions?” the Commander drawls, and Shiro swallows back the hope that threatens to choke him. He used to sound like that, when he was done with the world, tired and frustrated and fronting arrogance to cover it up. He used to do that, he did…

Shiro shakes it off. He can’t get lost in his thoughts, can’t let them drag him away from this moment. “You asked for mine… right now I’m asking yours.” Shiro swallows hard and hopes his voice doesn’t break. “Please. Who are you?”

There’s a pause, a horrible, tortuous pause before the Commander answers. “I’m Commander Matthew Holt of the Intergalactic Coalition.”

All the air leaves Shiro’s lungs.

It’s him.

It’s Matt.

He’s alive.

[voltrontranscript]

VLD S7E13: Lions’ Pride, Part 2

Season 7 Episode 13: Lions’ Pride, Part 2

Transcript by @dragonofyang

Summary: With Earth safe from Sendak’s attempts at destruction, Voltron and Earth’s defenses find themselves facing a wholly new and mysterious enemy unlike any they’ve ever seen.

[Google Doc]

Allura: No!

Keith: Paladins, brace for impact. Hunk, help me with Shiro. Hunk, get Shiro to the Atlas. We’ll cover you.

Hunk: Got it.

Allura: That energy spectrum completely deflected our attack!

Man: We got it from here.

Hunk: Shiro is aboard the Atlas.

Lance: Keith, we got you covered. Get out of there!

Hunk: Anyone have any idea where this thing came from?

Pidge: No clue!

Allura: We just defeated an entire Galra armada, and now this?

Keith: Paladins, I know we’re all in bad shape, but we have strength together. This is Earth. This is our home.We’re going to defend it.

Coran: And we’ll be by your side!

Allura: Good to have you back, Atlas.

[Cut to the IGF-Atlas.]

Veronica: We’ve taken a direct hit. It’s aligning for a second attack.

Shiro: I need to get back.

Medic: But Commander…

[Cut back to Voltron.]

Keith: Atlas, we need you to hold the beast back temporarily so we have time to form Voltron. It’s the only way we’re gonna beat this thing.

Coran: Affirmative.

Keith: Paladins, let’s finish this fight.

[Cut to the bridge of the IGF-Atlas.]

Iverson: Coran, what’s our next move?

Coran: Oh! This ship is so different from the Castle of Lions. I… uh--

Shiro: Coran, hold course.

Coran: Oh, thank the ancients you’re here.

Iverson: Captain, are you okay?

Shiro: I’ll be fine. Shields report.

Veronica: They’re at seventy percent!

Shiro: Iverson, the port side cannons.

Iverson: They’re fully charged.

Shiro: Shields down. Fire!

Sam: We lost an energy inverter on two cannons. Diverting power!

Keith: Thanks for covering for us, Atlas.

Shiro: Coran, take us up to covering fire position. Iverson, once those cannons come back online, we’ll need to give Voltron some support.

[Cut to Voltron as they face the white mech.]

Lance: Guys, my bayard port just opened.

Pidge: Mine, too.

Keith: Pidge, shield!

Shiro: Launch fighters!

Griffin: We’re coming in. Covering fire.

Shiro: Paladins, what happened? Are you okay?

Hunk: Those blades, they sapped our energy.

Pidge: It felt like the Komar.

Keith: Pilots, fall back. Those blasts can vaporize you.

Shiro: Keith’s right. You’ve successfully drawn its fire. Rendezvous with the Atlas ASAP.

Griffin: Roger that.

[Cut to the bridge of the IGF-Atlas.]

Veronica: The enemy has turned its attention back to Voltron, sir.

Shiro: Sam, how are those cannons?

Sam: Coming back online now.

Shiro: Fire! Shields up!

Veronica: We’ve lost shields.

Sam: It’s destabilizing the molecular reflection arrays!

Shiro: Pull out of range!

[Cut back to Voltron.]

Pidge: The power this creature is generating is unheard of. My surge indicators are spiking every time it’s about to fire. That sickle absorbed our quintessence. It’s using our own energy to power its attack.

Allura: Like the Komar.

Keith: Then we’ll have to avoid direct contact. Everyone, up!

Hunk: Guys, we need to be careful! There are innocent lives down there.

Keith: Then let’s take the fight to the sky!

[Cut to the bridge of the IGF-Atlas.]

Iverson: We can’t get a clear shot!

Veronica: Rebooting shields! Five minutes out!

Sam: Rerouting power.

[Cut to Voltron.]

Keith: Pidge, the cannon!

Pidge: The Atlas! No!

[Cut to the bridge of the IGF-Atlas.]

Shiro: What’s our status?

Coran: Stabilizing thrusters are gone. I’m attempting to override.

Iverson: The cannons are offline again, all of them.

Sam: Initiating backup generators!

Shiro: No.

Coran: Shiro, the shields are gone and we don’t have any countermeasures! What do we do?

Iverson: Captain, cannons are still offline.

Coran: It’s charging up for another attack! What do we do, Shiro?

Veronica: Shields are offline. Sir, what are your orders?

Iverson: It’s got us in its sights. We have no countermeasures.

Sam: I’m rerouting power, but we’re at least five minutes out!

Shiro: Bring us up. Set coordinates for upper atmosphere.

Coran: But Voltron!

Shiro: Commander Holt, I need all the power we’ve got.

Sam: Copy that.

Shiro: Atlas crew, hold tight!

[Scene change to Voltron and the white mech on Earth.]

Keith: Everyone, report in.

Hunk: I--I can barely move.

Pidge: Voltron’s power levels are depleted.

Allura: I’ve never seen anything this powerful before.

Lance: Guys… Is that… the Atlas?

Shiro: Paladins, are you there? What’s your status?

Keith: We’re here. How did you…?

[Cut to the bridge of the IGF-Atlas.]

Shiro: I’m not exactly sure, but we’ve got you covered.

Veronica: Hostile returning for another pass.

Shiro: Get me eyes on the target.

[Cut to Voltron.]

Lance: We have to do something. It’s gonna destroy the Atlas.

Keith: That’s it. It’s the only place on that thing that isn’t armored. We have to strike there right before it fires.

Allura: That’s a split-second window. How do we do that?

Lance: My bayard.

Keith: Team, we’ve got one chance. Give it everything you’ve got! Lance!

Hunk: Anyone? Hello?

Pidge: I’m here.

Keith: I’m here, too.

Allura: Blue Lion, checking in.

Lance: Did we do it? Did we beat that thing?

Keith: I think so. Atlas, what’s your status? Atlas, are you receiving me? They’re offline.

Lance: What is that?

Pidge: Surge indicators coming from that thing.

Lance: I thought it was down.

Hunk: It is. Oh, no.

Lance: What?

Hunk: It’s powering up. It must have some kind of self-destruct mechanism.

Pidge: According to my readings, the blast radius alone will envelope half of the earth.

Keith: Then we need to get it out of here. Come on! Come on! It’s been an honor to fly with you all. Now, everyone, give it everything you’ve got!

[Scene change to outside the Galaxy Garrison some time later.]

Shiro: Today is a solemn day. Today, we look back at the lives that have been lost, and the sacrifices that have been made here on Earth and across the universe. There isn’t one of us here today who hasn’t experienced the tragedy of losing someone close. It truly feels like a light has gone out in our lives and the sun itself couldn’t reignite it. But that light, that fire, has not gone out completely. It is fueled within each of us by the memories and the love of those we’ve lost. And now we must move forward in their names. And shine that light onto a new path for future generations. Today is a solemn day, but it is also a day of hope. Earth is now stronger than ever, and it stands as a beacon of light to help guide those fighting against tyranny and oppression. From here, we will spread peace, and together we will hold strong as the defenders of the universe.

[Scene changes through various shots of Earth rebuilding, and then transition to the recovery of the white mech.]

Sam: As you know, we’ve spent months recovering the pieces of this creature, but we never found its power source until now.

Allura: An Altean?

End.