Chapter Text
“Lance? What kind of name is that!” Merla laughed from her place in Matts lap.
The human shrugged, continuing to run his fingers through her short mane. Apprentice focused on his own task, letting the other two bicker. If Matt wanted something a bit more human to call him then that would be fine. It didn’t matter, he would just learn to respond to the new title when the human called for his attention. He finished wrapping the last bandage around Merlas delicate ankle, patting her scaled foot. She peered at his work, flexing her massive talons before deeming it done.
“I just don't see why you want to call him something different. Apprentice works just fine, and it’s not like there’s many Druids that could get confused.”
“No you don’t understand! Apprentice is just a ranking not a name. It would be like someone just calling you Galra for your whole life, or me Human.” Matt gestured while he talked, accidently swatting at Merlas ear.
She growled and twisted out of his lap, sitting up to lean against the wall. They were in the Prison Barracks once more, Apprentice casting an illusion to keep himself and their conversation unnoticed. He was on a very short break from touring Milex’ battleship. Haggar was determined that there was at least one spy on the ship, and while she wasn’t wrong he couldn’t give them up. But for the day he was back on Gnocs, taking a break and eating his rare meal. He would be leaving again the next day, and wanted to spend all the time with his bondmates as he could.
“If he doesn’t like the name he can always choose another?” Matt managed to turn the sentence into a question, turning to him with wide eyes.
Apprentice reached out, sliding into their minds with ease that came from familiarity. “Lance is alright, it is your choice.”
His mask was already back on, only removed long enough for him to eat something under Haggar's watchful eye. But conversing in the others minds was something the trio was very used too, and considered their norm. As such he could taste Matts frustration with his apathy, but didn’t press the issue.
“Good, you can be Lance then.” Matt nodded firmly and they moved on to discuss other topics.
~~~~
Once more Lance woke up much earlier than the other Paladins. The echoes of a memory clinging to his mind. The first time Matt had given him his name was one of his favorites, and one he pulled out when he was upset. It helped to remind him how far he had come from just being Apprentice, how much he had changed. The others, Shiro especially, did not see him as a real being with his own wants. But it was ok, he couldn’t expect people to look past his past when it stained his every action.
He rose, stretching silently and taking stock of how far his healing had come. The worst of the aches and pains had faded to manageable levels, besides his tender throat. He considered staying in the lounge with the sleeping Paladins, waiting for them to wake up. The restless energy coiling through his body changed his mind for him, the need to be in motion. Blue purred in the back of his mind, a summoning that he wouldn’t have been able to ignore even if he wanted to.
Lance left the Paladins to their rest, making his way through the silent halls. The solitude and peace helped settle the jagged edges in his chest. He would have to adjust to the new situation he found himself in, the new way of life. He could handle being cast to the side, only wanted for his ability to pilot his Lion, hated and feared by those around him. It wasn’t so different from being a Druid after all, he was just missing the support of Merla and Matt. But they would be rescued soon, and so long as he had them he didn’t need much else.
He found his way to the Lion den in little time, Blue guiding him gently. The doors slid open as soon as he reached the range of their sensors, opening to reveal the five massive Lions. Lance’s eyes were automatically drawn to Blue, her paint shimmering faintly under the dim lights. He might have been biased in finding her the most beautiful, but the fact didn’t bother him. And Blue just purred louder at his admiration. Lance took a step into the den, catching a brightly glowing light out of the corner of his eye. Turning his head revealed Coran taking a blowtorch to the back of Red’s ankle joint.
Lance cocked his head, easing a few feet closer. He didn’t figure that Red minded, or the Lion would have put up a protest. He wasn’t even active, eyes dark and presence barely noticeable. Not like Blue whose eyes were lit up stunning gold, and was purring enough to actually be heard. Coran shut off his torch, coming around Reds leg and sliding his helmet up his head. Lance froze, unsure if he was allowed to really be moving about without a guard. He didn’t want to bolt and be seen as guilty, but he also didn’t just want to stand there like a loon.
“I figured once the old girl woke up that you would be swinging by!” Coran said brightly.
Lance nodded, rolling his shoulders back and straightening out his spine. Coran didn’t seem angry, but if he was then Lance wouldn’t cower. The Altean laid the torch on the ground, walking forwards. Blue nudged at his mind, settling him and wiping away most of his fear.
“I hope she didn't wake you, the Lions aren't organic beings and tend to forget that their Paladins have basic needs every now and then.”
“No,” he answered, “I don’t sleep, and need very little rest to begin with.”
Coran nodded a few times before turning to fish around in a box of tools. Lance let his shoulders relax, content in the belief that he wouldn’t be punished just for wandering the castle.
“I wasn’t aware that you still did not need to sleep, is that purely the cause of being a Druid or is it specific to your species?”
Lance thought over the question for a few ticks. As far as he knew no Druid slept no matter their species, instead just taking a few hours a day to meditate. He had noticed that he needed more rest since the removal of his mask and breaking of Haggar's hold. But that may have had something to do with his own strength being cut. He also did not really know what changed Haggar had wrought to him in his time as her subject.
“I actually am not sure. Druids, and I, do not sleep, merely meditate for a few hours a day if given the chance. Though Druids are comprised of many species, from all the reaches of the Empire so while we can not be counted as one general species maybe it would be best to classify us as a subspecies. So it may be my species simply does not need much rest, or be due to Haggar’s tampering that has permanently altered me.”
Coran considered it, brows creased. Lance fiddled with the edge of his armor awkwardly, waiting for the verdict. The ticks of being a Druid were many, and some odder than others. Though there wasn’t much he could do about it, he was what he was and there wasn’t much room to change. When he was fresh out of the Void his soul had been soft clay, ready to mold and shape. Haggar had twisted him to her desire, and fired him in the flame of hatred. If he tried to change to much now he might just shatter.
“Without knowledge on what species you are we can’t assume something is off or different I suppose. And without a control subject we can’t even begin to deduce what changes have been wrought upon you by the Witch's cruelty.”
Lance nodded and stood there as Coran went back to his work on Red. He had come to answer Blues summons, but he didn’t want to just leave the Altean. Though Coran seem wholly focused on his work, not looking his way again. Lance paused for another few ticks, but after no response made his way to Blue’s side. Her particle barrier was down and she was sitting primly. It made him smile a bit, how this massive beast more than capable of destroying whole battle cruisers also wanted her paint to shine and be called pet names. She chuffed at his thoughts, but was quickly appeased.
Lance did not make his way to her cockpit like Blue wanted though. Choosing instead to take his chance to study her properly for the first time. She truly was astonishing, just as deadly as she was beautiful. It looked like she was only a little smaller than Yellow, only because the other had heavy armor plating. It was Black who was the biggest, and the only other Lion who seemed to be on the verge of waking. Lance wanted to avoid Blacks attention the most, just didn’t want to deal with the hatred quite yet. He wasn’t completely sure how much of it came from Shiro, or how much came from the Lion but it didn’t matter.
Everything around him was as delicate as spun glass, and just as prone to shatter. The delicate trust between himself and the Princess could be broken if he showed just how cruel he could be. The Paladins only tolerated his presence by the grace of Blue. His freedom from Haggar could easily be snatched away if she were to catch on to his continuing life. Matt and Merla still needed to be freed before he could allow himself to relax, and Lance wasn’t sure what would happen after that. He wasn’t sure how to live a life where he wasn’t being constantly watched with the threat of punishment of death hanging over him.
Lance turned to face Black almost without his permission. The great head of Voltron. In some of the more forgotten pockets of the universe age old portraits of him could still be found. Chipped and weathered with age but still the memories echoed. Of times when freedom was the basic concept of life, when the planets worked together and their people stood strong and noble. Of a time when the Galra were protectors not conquerors. When the man who flew Black was a kind leader, who just wanted what was best for his people. The concept was laughable, the times so far removed that it felt more like a fairytale than history.
If Blue inspired awe in Lance then Black just made him feel small. The Lion had an aura that was similar to the heart of a star, and supernova wrapped in steel. A distinctly disapproving supernova. Lance turned his back on Black, feeling like eyes were locked on his spine. The sensation made him twitchy, but he shoved it to the side. Lance hopped to sit on one of Blue’s massive paws and swiped his hair away, crossing his legs and tilting his head back. From his perch he could see the whole of the Den, keeping an eye on Coran while he let himself unwind just a little.
When Coran finally set his tools to the side and stretched his hands high above his head Lance was in a much calmer head space. Blue was purring in the back of his mind, content with their time together merging their souls ever closer. A tiny part of him wondered at how quickly he was becoming dependent on Blue, but she needed him just as much. For the first time he felt like someone clung to him just as tightly as he did to them. Lance made his way to Corans side, admiring the work done on Red. If he hadn’t of watched it being done he might have assumed that the Lion had never been patched up. For someone who self proclaimed as Advisor Coran was very adept in many areas it seemed.
The clicking of his boots across the castle floors was the only sound. Coran looked him over, moustache twitching slightly. Lance had to wonder what the Altean saw, if he saw a threatening Druid stalking forwards or an ally.
“I think it is time we get you something more appropriate to wear around the castle. Paladin armor ties into your quintessence and extended wear will tire you more than required.”
Lance poked at his own quintessence, feeling the tingle that ran through the armor. He honestly hadn’t even noticed, the drain so slight it escaped his mind. Cocking his head he tested a theory, summoning his bayard and feeling how his quintessence leaped. During training the Gun had felt unwieldy and foreign, but now he studied it. If the armor, and by extension Bayard, were tied into his own energies then he should be able to make it follow his will. So the large gun was not suited for fast paced combat, but something smaller would be better. Lance directed his intent into his Bayard, quintessence happily twisting into a new shape. The gun glowed brightly, forming into two small pistols in his palms.
“Well. It took the previous Paladins much longer to realize they could change their Bayards to fit their needs, but it seems you would be a quick study.”
Lance froze, looking up from his experiment and at Coran. He didn’t look upset, and was actually smiling a touch. Lance risked a small smile, lowering the pistols to his sides and banishing them.
“I was trained to recognize how quintessence works, and how to twist it into new shapes. Haggar was very thorough with all the Druids, we were her tools.”
Corans smile froze, eyes going hard for a tick. Lance kicked himself for reminding the Altean of what he was, what he was stained with. But just as quickly Coran warmed again, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder.
“Yes well, you are not in Haggar's hold any longer. And by the grace of the Stars you never will be again.”
Lance blinked away the stinging in his eyes, straightening his shoulders under Corans hand. He had done nothing to earn the Advisors kindness, yet received it anyways. He would be very sure to not take it for granted.
“Come with me, we have a hall with clothing that you can choose from.”
Lance followed after Coran, only pausing once to glance back at the Lions. Blue had powered herself off, but he could still feel Blacks attention. He left the Den, making his way down the halls at Corans heels. They didn’t speak again, but the silence wasn’t stiff. Half of Lance mapped his way through the castle, old habits still strong. Once they reached the hall Coran wanted he opened the doors, sighing when they got stuck halfway.
“The Castle still needs a fair amount of maintenance, the automated systems were never meant to run so long without someone checking on them. If you do notice any glitches just be sure to tell the Princess or myself. In any case, this is the place we wanted, so let's see what there is to offer.”
Coran swept through the half open doors, beckoning Lance after him. The hall was nearly the same size as the Den, and lined with racks of clothing. Just from what Lance could see there was everything ranging from the very formal to rougher travel clothes. The colors and textures surrounding him were a little overwhelming, so many choices with so little knowledge. He had worn the same outfit for most of his life, and only changed when he outgrew something. He didn’t have any idea where to start. He turned to Coran, trying to ask his question with his eyes. Coran sighed slightly and stepped into the hall, gesturing with one hand.
“Lets see. Male presenting clothes are on this side. You don’t need anything terribly fancy, unless you want them I suppose?” Coran paused long enough to judge his head shake before moving through the racks, “something easy to move in, not restricting. Your coloration works with most colors, but more neutral tones might be best.”
Coran reached into a rack, pulling out a pair of plain black leggings, and holding them up. After considering the clothing he shook his head and put them back grabbing a different pair in a grey-blue color. He nodded once and strode away, looking through the tops until he found a tunic in light grey, lined at the collar and sleeves in dark blue. Coran held the clothes up for inspection, checking the hems for holes and sniffing them before holding them out for Lance to take.
“These will do for now. You’re welcome to change here, and look about for anything else that catches your eye. I know that the Paladins have all been sleeping in the Lounge for the past few nights, but I am going to get you a personal room set up today. You can place all of your belongings there as soon as I do. Until then, feel free to explore the castle or join me and Allura on the control deck if you would like company.”
Lance nodded, taking the clothes into his hands and feeling the fabric. It was rougher than he was used to, but not scratchy. The pants were a heavier material, better for taking wear and tear than the soft top. He gave Coran a half smile, enjoying how the Advisors whole face lit up to see it. As he walked away Lance pondered the strange Alteans. They just did not seem to be capable of holding a grudge, no matter how much as they should have been. They might not have accepted him with open arms, but even as an enemy he had not been tortured or killed. And now they were giving him so much more than he could ever ask for.
While the training sequences had ended poorly Lance had still been given a chance. Allura might have disapproved of his attempt to mind meld with the Paladins, but her reaction had been nowhere near as severe as the others. Lance raked his hair out of his face, already irritated with it. He shrugged out of his armor, watching it clatter to the floor and then dissolve into quintessence. He traced the signature all the way back to the armory where he assumed it reformed while not being worn. Slipping the new clothes on felt strange. At least in the armor he had been protected, the clothes offered near nothing. And he missed his cloak.
The leggings did have pockets at least, Lance shoved his hands in them and stood for a tick. He could try to find a few other outfits, but the variety still seemed too much. He had no idea where to even start, or what would fit him. He considered Corans offer of a room, something he had never had to himself. Druids did not have private quarters beyond Haggar. The closest he would get would be casting an illusion and disappearing in some forgotten corner. But as much as he appreciated solitude and the lack of animosity he was lonely. At least with the Alteans he wouldn’t forget that he wasn’t alone.
Lance started to make his way from the racks of clothes, looking for anything particularly interesting. His attention caught on something shining gold, color bright and welcoming. He pulled it out, finding a piece of fabric that was little more than a breath of air. The make of it was undeniably incredible, but if he attempted to wear it it would cover little more than the center of his chest. And I’m slender, if someone Shiro's size wore this they would be putting on a show. Lances ears twitched at the thought. Attraction was a rare and fleeting moment in his life, better pushed to the side and ignored.
He shoved the glinting fabric back where it belonged, hiding it behind a much more drab piece. Lance walked away purposefully, trying to ignore the rest of the clothes. He had almost made it out of the hall when something else caught his eye. It was an olive green top, with orange bands on the arms and a soft white hood. He didn’t know what called him to it, but pulling the fabric away from the rest it unfolded into a short cloak. Lance blinked twice, rubbing the hem between his fingers. He did miss his old cloak, and Coran did say he could take anything he wanted. He slung it over his shoulders and slid his arms into the sleeves. So maybe it is more along the lines of a robe, still does the job. The addition of one item made him much more comfortable in his new clothes.
Lance left the hall, still toying with the edges of his clothes. It would take him a little while to get used to them, and used to the option of having different clothes. Though from what he had seen the humans were just wearing their earth clothes, so maybe it wouldn’t be expected for him to have a full wardrobe. He ran a finger at the edge of his ear fin, the sight of pierced ears flashing through his mind. But as much as he liked the thought, his ears were much too sensitive. He had to assume the Alteans were different in that regard, for Allura to have hers done. That at least was probably a trait of his species, or Lance just didn’t remember Haggar ever messing with his ears.
He continued trying to puzzle out what parts of him were just quirks of his own kind or tampered with as he made his way to the control deck. Much of his memory was damaged, spending to much time with Haggar did that to anyone. Still, there were some things that just felt right. He knew his ears were, and could remember being confused at one point that his hands were not webbed, and remembered struggling when Haggar cut all the hair from his head back in his early days. Little things that all added up to make up his current being.
Lance stopped in front of the doors to the control deck, still not really sure how they worked. They didn’t slide open for him like they would for the Alteans, staying closed tightly. He sent his quintessence tapping along them, feeling how the whole of the castle ship thrummed. He knew that the energy provided to the Castle came from the Balmeran Crystal, and was recharged with ambient quintessence from the burning stars. For the first time he noticed how the Princess and Corans quinessence was tied in though. It was no wonder the castle responded to them, they were practically a part of it. He brushed against their quintessence, letting them know he was coming in.
The doors finally slid open, granting him entrance. Allura was looking up at him, smiling slightly. Coran had his head under the control panel tinkering with something. Lance had a feeling the sight was going to become more and more common. He swiped his hair out of his face again, tucking it behind an ear. Allura raised an eyebrow at the grumpy face he pulled and motioned to the chair her side.
“Coran mentioned that he ran into you, and that he got you clothed in something more comfortable.” she said quietly.
Lance nodded, sinking down into the chair beside her. He was already relaxing, simple company instilling easy peace. Allura's quintessence brushed against his, a sleepy greeting. The Princess was still in her sleep clothes, hair tied back in a braid that was just as messy as his own. She obviously hadn’t been awake long, maybe just after he woke up himself. She shoved her hair out of the way, fingers sinking into the tangled strands. Lance’s fingers twitched, an offer to help smothered on his tongue. The Princess very likely would not want him close enough to touch, especially not behind her. Instead he fiddled with his own braid, unwinding it and combing with his fingers.
After a moment he felt eyes on him, a quick glance from the corner of his eye confirming Allura. She had given up on her own hair, letting it just fall lose to her waist. While her attention did make him antsy Lance said nothing, willing to wait her out. It took a while, in which he studied the damaged white ends of his hair. He didn’t want to fully chop them off and lose his length, but maybe Coran had some tips to help them.
“Wo- would you like me to rebraid your hair?”
Lance froze, tension snapping up his spine. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust the Princess, he just… didn’t trust anyone. He must have hesitated to long, or let something show on his face. Allura smiled gently, and brushed against his mind. Lance felt his ears pin back, cuffs beeping as his quintessence rose to meet her own. But she wasn’t attacking, rather inviting him to link their minds together. He would be able to read her every intention, and she his. It was actually a brilliant plan, if a little foolish. Lance could very easily split her mind open even without the invitation, but he wouldn’t.
He slowly lowered his mental barriers, allowing their minds to twine. Blue perked up at the foreign sensation, lightly batting at Alluras mind. The Princess just smiled at the Lioness’ actions, running a mental hand down her side. Blue retreated once more, purring her consent to the Princess. Their interacting was what really cemented Lance in allowing Allura in. At her direction he left his chair and sat at the foot of her own. The first touch of her fingers had him flinching away, but she just soothed him like one would a skittish Sanket.
After that it was easy to just melt into the affection. He had so few examples of friendly touch, it was almost like a drug to him. Merla was very affectionate, always touching in some small way. Matt was less so, but even he was prone to leaning up against Lance when they could catch a few ticks. Though even with the two of them Lance simply did not spend enough time in relative safety to get used to the kind contact. With how close their minds were Allura knew his struggle, but did not interject her opinion. Lance truly appreciated the time to gather his own thoughts no matter how easily derailed he could be.
The tick Allura began the process of shapeshifting behind him Lance’s eyes snapped open, ready for anything. But she had just lengthened her own nails, to separate his hair easier and better scratch at his scalp. When his chest started to rattle with a low pleased noise Lance was honestly just as surprised as Allura. He had heard the same sound from Blue enough times to recognize the purr, but hadn’t known that he was capable of making it. Allura laughed silently, amusement clear in her mind as she essentially pet him. Lance couldn’t pretend to be anything besides extremely pleased as time passed and he soaked up the touch.
Allura continued to play with his hair, braiding and undoing it. She showed him every style as she did it, letting him learn at the same time. The companionable silence was easy, letting them relax while together. Lance wasn’t sure how much time had passed when the door slid open once more. He wanted to leap to his feet, teeth bared and ready for attack. Allura grabbed onto his mind, keeping him still and letting him know it was just the four Paladins. He still very much wanted to stand, put back on his uncaring mask and protect the softer side of him. But he didn’t, trusting Allura as she urged him to stay calm.
“Good morning, we have been up for a little while waiting on you. Would you all like some breakfast?”
Lance cracked his eyes open, peering up at the Paladins who were staring at him with poorly hidden surprise. Allura gently scratched at the base of his ears, pulling another purr from his chest. The noise was unhindered as he yawned, a sleepy show of fangs. This time Allura laughed out loud, finishing off his hair and tying the end so that he could get up at his own pace. He did, and offered her a hand so that she could stand at his side. She carefully untangled their minds, leaving Lance feeling alone in his own head.
They made their way to the dining hall in silence, Lance ignoring the glances sent his way. The feeling of peace was quickly fading in the face of the Paladins distrust, but there was not much he could do about it. Blue tried to offer comfort, purring in the back of his mind. Sitting down to force food goo down his throat was the last thing Lance wanted to be doing. Still he needed to feed his body, there was no way to heal his body fully without eating. Silence reigned, not the comfortable easy kind from earlier but the kind that made Lance want to hide in the corner. He kept half an eye on Allura, waiting until she was done eating to put his spoon to the side.
“After seeing how training went yesterday I have devised some new methods to help bring you together as a team.” She said primly.
Lance raised an eyebrow, forgetting for a tick that his expressions weren’t covered until he made eye contact with Keith. He schooled his face back into submission, subconsciously rubbing at his still bruised throat.
“The sooner the team is able to operate as one force the quicker we can win this war. Being disjointed, lashing out at each other, will only lead to our ruin and loss of the last Universes last hope.”
Lance took note of Shiro flinch, and the guilt on his face. If the Princess was going to have his back then he would need to know just how far her support could go. He would not, could not, promise that he would never break into a Paladins mind again. For as much as the humans seemed to be resistant to his abilities they were not infallible. And if it took them linking their minds to act as Voltron he would not pretend to be opposed.
“I want you all to meet me in the training hall later, if these new exercises are effective then I will create more along the same lines.”
Lance nodded, echoed by the others. Everyone except for one that is. Pidge had gone very still, hands flat on the table. Slowly she rose, like moving any faster would break her.
“What do you mean ‘more training’ Princess?” that tone from Pidge could only mean trouble.
Lance curled into himself, feeling the tension rocket higher. He had known Pidges patience was wearing thin, but starting a fight with Allura couldn’t be smart. The Princess slowly turned her hard gaze to the smallest Paladin. Pidge was standing at the table, fists clenched nearly as tightly as her jaw. He could see the exact moment that Allura realized the problem, regret flashing across her face.
“Pidge-”
The Princess barely got her name out before Pidge slammed her hands on the table. Lance was not ashamed to admit how high he jumped, mostly because he was not the only one. But his attention was focused on Pidge, barely hearing Shiro try to calm the girl down to no avail.
“You promised me Allura. Promised that we would go get my brother immediately, not after whatever bullshit stalling you keep creating. That was the only condition on me staying with Voltron, leaving behind everything I have ever known and loved to fight in a galactic war that I never knew even existed.”
Pidge finally looked away from the table, naked emotion written all over her face. Lance couldn’t even say he blamed her, while he knew Matt was too valuable to risk losing Haggar's embrace was not a kind one. If he had the ability to retrieve both Matt and Merla on his own Lance would. But he didn’t. He would need Voltron, or at the very least her Paladins.
“I did promise you, but Pidge none of you are ready. You can’t even pass the basic levels in teamwork training, even if your individualistic abilities are well developed. Would you honestly be willing to risk your brothers safety because you are impatient?”
“ YES!” Pidge half screamed, throwing her arms wide. “If there was even the smallest chance of you saving one of your family members would you not leap at the chance no matter how scary? There is no telling what could be happening to Matt right now while we argue. He has been missing for a year. We see what happened to Shiro in that time, and even Lance has confirmed that at least some bad shit has gone down.”
Lance shifted in his spot when Alluras eyes locked with his. Pidge really is not holding anything back here. He nodded, confirming Pidge’s statement. Alluras face twisted, quintessence crackling silently. He reached out with his mind, running a hand across her shields and trying to get her to think. Allura was justified in how cautious she was being, she didn’t want to lose another set of Paladins. But saving Matt was much more of a priority to at least half the team.
“Allura, I’m with Pidge here, I know first hand what it is to be held by the Galra. Matt and Sam need to be saved as quickly as possible, but we only know where Matt is. We need to take action now, before he is moved or something worse happens. I wouldn’t even put it past the Galra to use him as a bargaining chip, trade the Lions for his life.”
Anger lined Alluras face, but still she nodded, “Okay. If it had been my own family no force would be able to hold me back. Finish your meal and meet me on the Bridge, we need to devise a plan before anything else.”
Allura swept out of the room, Coran following at her heels. Lance was almost impressed that Pidge managed to wait five ticks before sprinting after them, leaving her food behind. He forced another couple of bites down, finally giving up when Keith and Shiro rose together. Hunk looked sadly at all the food sitting at the table, but joined them nonetheless. This time when the yellow Paladin smiled down at Lance he actually tried to return in, enjoying the surprise on the others face. They made their way to the Bridge in silence, followed by the quiet beeping of Lances cuffs. If they were going into battle he would be ready.