Chapter Text
The rest of the day is spent gathering extra supplies with a bit more caution than their last attempt. Lance, much to the lament of the others goes to gather more of his ‘special helper.’ The morning is surprisingly uneventful as the sun rises above the jungle and upon arrival back to the blue lion lunch is prepared. It’s when Shiro’s com rings that things explode into a small bit of chaos.
“Paladins, prepare to board the castle. Don’t worry about the blue lion or the pods. The other lions will gather them.” The paladins spring into action at the sound of Allura’s voice, breaking down camp and rushing to where the castle can be seen coming in through the atmosphere.
“Allura what happened to two weeks?"
The voice that answers Pidge is not the princesses, but Coran’s. “Finger counting I tell ya. Just not as reliable as it used to be.”
They gather near the landing sight, but far enough away to avoid injury and as the castle is landing the other lions fly out. The black, yellow and red lions each grab a part of the blue and begin flying it back; green takes the pod in its teeth and follows behind its companions. The group rushes in as the castle doors fall open. They shut behind the paladins, but not before a yellow shadow comes in behind them. A sharp laugh echoes through the corridors. “Ha…ha…hahahaha! We’re alive! I’m alive!” Lance skips around the entryway bouncing and chuckling before Shiro puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
“Lance, you can celebrate later, but for now you need to get into a healing pod.” Shiro turns his head towards where the control room would be and activates his com. “Allura, we’re on board. Lance needs a healing pod, even if it’s not life threatening. We’ll meet you there.” Shiro ushers the teens towards the pod bay, letting a smile of relief slip onto his face as the telltale jolt of a wormhole shakes the castle.
When they reach the pod bay Allura and Coran are already there. Lance barely makes it two steps in before his vision is filled with white hair and the princess is trying to break his back with a hug. He pats her back and grunts as she sets him down. (Wow she was strong.) “It’s good to have you back Lance. You were thoroughly missed.”
Lance grins sheepishly. “Aw thanks. Oh yeah I have something I brought back for you!” The team groans collectively as he pulls out a familiar white flower. “I called it an Allura’s Whisper.”
The princess gathers the flower in her hands gently before tucking it into her hair. “I will treasure it forever Lance. Thankyou.”
Lance waves his hand as a sort of ‘you’re welcome’ before turning to Coran. “Coran my man. Meet the Coran Beetle.” Out of his pouch Lance produces an orange beetle half the size of his palm. Surprisingly enough, the mandibles form an almost carbon copy of Coran’s moustache.
Coran takes the creature gently, smiling when it chitters. “Thank you Lance. I’m going to call him Alfor the Second.”
Lance makes his way to the pod stepping in, signaling for Allura to start the process. “Oh yeah don’t worry about feeding him Coran. He eats like the algae and germs in the air or something.” Closing his eyes the door shuts, and Lance allows the dark to take him. There will be no nightmares this night.
One by one the group leaves the pod room, though Hunk and Pidge are the last ones. “Hey Hunk, do you think Lance is gonna have withdrawal problems? He doesn’t have any way to get more of that flower now. I’m actually a bit worried.” Pidge turns to the yellow paladin, eyebrows pinching at the smile on his face.
“Nah. He snuck some seeds into his bag. I think he’s going to try and grow his own on the ship.” With that the two make their way from the room, neither glancing back to see the pink vines and white flowers working their way out of Lance’s pack.
“Allura? When did that get on board?”
“When did wha-"
“Mrow.”