Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Easy Matt, this ice is delicate, you know.”

“Quit nagging him, dear. He won’t learn if you keep on doing that.”

“Ha ha! Goodness, if I had known I’d be listening to this nonstop, I’d have suggested a different pilot.”

“C’mon, Shiro, you know you love us.”

“True. Where else will I get a realistic family sitcom all the way out here on Kerberos?”

“Not just get it, you’re living it, too. You’re part of this family.”

“Ah, I always wanted more kids.”

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“Take them back to the main fleet for interrogation; the Druids will find out what they know.”

“Please! We come from a peaceful planet! We mean you no harm. We’re unarmed!”

-+-+-+-

“This one seems to know nothing of Voltron. Not even legends.”

“V-Volt...tron?”

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“Mom! Dad! Stop! Unhand me! MOM! DAD!”

“Take them to the arena; they’re bound to give a good show.”

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“I’m not going to make it. I’m never going to see my family again.”

“Find your parents, Matt. Find them… and get home.”

-+-+-+-

“No! No! Stop it! Let me go! You took my hand! What more do you want!?

“Stop! I want him awake to feel this.”

“Wha-”

“Listen to me, we don’t have much time. Wake up! Zarkon has located the blue lion of Voltron on your planet, Earth. You must get there before he does.”

“What are you doing? Why are-”

“I’m helping you to escape. Vex. You’re in no condition to go on your own. Don’t worry, I know someone who will be able to help you get back to Earth.”

“Who are you?”

“I am-”

“Shiro? You okay?” Shiro was pulled from his fitful sleep, memories invading his dreams, making him relive the hellish reality he had to endure for the past year. He looked to see an unusual alien. Galran. Galra were the enemy of the people, or so he thought. Then he met some who were good, who only wanted to help and needed to get him home. One such was Keith, a youthful Galran who apparently came from Earth himself. “Is your arm hurting?”

Shiro looked to his arm, flexing his robotic fingers some. The limb almost disgusted him. Not because it was robotic, but because it was forced upon him by those who tortured him. Those who took him and his team captive. Those who threw him into the arena to fight foes in merciless battles for the entertainment of others. But the limb was also important. It gave him a chance to fight back.

“No. Just some bad memories invading my dreams.” Shiro assured. “What I wouldn’t give for the dinosaur dream again. That’s better than this stuff I’m dealing with.”

“Dinosaur dream?” Keith looked back, confused.

Keith. An odd name for a Galran. It was too human. Too Earthling. Granted, Shiro was new to the whole alien life outside of his planet, but it still threw him for a loop. Maybe he really was of Earth. Perhaps a parent was Earthling, too. Or maybe his parents just liked Earth culture. He had so many questioned. As much as he wanted to ask, though, he felt it was best to answer the question.

“It was a dream years ago. Woke up in a fright from it, but the more I tell the story of it, the more hilarious it actually gets.” Shiro stated. “I was hiding behind a jeep as this T-Rex, a type of dinosaur mind you, was dancing around it, trying to find me. It was more like one of those floppy inflatable dinosaur costumes, actually. But giant. And it was singing about how it’d find me and eat me. All while I tried to remain hidden.”

Keith couldn’t help but snort with laughter, his ears twitching. He understood that his charge would be stressed and suffering PTSD from everything he endured, but at least he still had it in him to crack jokes and hold fond memories close.

“So… if you don’t mind my asking, how do the Galra end up with Earth names?” Shiro inquired. “Keith, right? Or is that also Galran?”

“My mom wanted to name me Yorak, actually. But Dad thought Keith would be better and Mom loved it.” Keith informed. “And I got it because I’m of Earth. On my dad’s side.” He smiled, thinking back to his home planet. He was born there and spent the first half of his life on that rocky and water covered planet. The boondocks of space, past the empire, it was nice. His memories were a little vague, but he held fond ones close to him as well. “That’s why I was chosen to bring you back since I know the planet a bit and know someone who can help us out.”

“The Galra have been to Earth?” Shiro asked, concern in his gray eyes.

“Kinda. Not for an invasion, though. At least not successfully.” Keith explained. “Some have scouted it in the past. But they’ve always been dealt with. Mom had to protect the blue lion when she found its signal there.”

“And what is the blue lion? And Voltron?” Shiro remembered it being mentioned several times, both by his captors and his saviours.

“I don’t fully know myself.” Keith admitted. “But stories tell of Voltron being this sort of weapon that was meant to defend the universe. But it’s been lost to the stories for the past thousand years. Apparently a part of it in the form of a blue lion is on Earth. But other than that…”

“I wonder where it is.” Shiro mused. Or how the Galra discovered it was there. Did they get close enough to Earth to scan for it? Or did someone on the team actually know? He surely didn’t until recently and he doubted that Matt would have known. What about Sam and Colleen? They were leading the mission and were brilliant scientists. He recalled them not being too shocked at seeing the aliens, especially the Galra. Actually, though worried, even Matt wasn’t too shocked.

“I wonder if the Holts knew about it… or any of this.” Shiro mumbled.

“Holts?” Keith glanced back at where Shiro was. “Like, Matt Holt? Freckles, giant glasses, messy brown hair?”

Shiro perked up. “I mean, he doesn’t wear glasses anymore, he had corrective surgery.” he responded. He moved to sit in the seat next to Keith. “Wait, you know him? All of them?”

“Uncle Sam and Auntie Collie.” Keith nodded. “They… they helped keep Mom off the radar of the Garrison when she crashed. And they helped in protecting Earth in the few times enemy Galra would show up.”

Shiro stared, stunned. They really were aware of some of the happenings going on? Then the odds of them knowing about the blue lion was possible, too. But why rescue him instead of any of them? Or perhaps he was the easiest to rescue?

“Why me though? Why help me escape?”

“Because, as a fighter and leader, you give hope. The universe needs that now more than ever.”

Those words. Someone could easily say that just to make someone happy or feel special and not mean it at all. But he felt that whoever spoke those words truly did mean it.

“There’s Saturn.” Keith’s words pulled Shiro out of his thoughts. “I always liked Saturn. It always looked cool seeing it in pictures and then when Mom and I got to pass it when we left Earth.”

Shiro smiled. It was cute. Keith may have been Galra and may have had training to fight and go on missions, but even he could hold simple conversations and like the simplest of things. It was nice. It definitely made him more relatable.

If only all could be like that.

But perhaps more were like that than he knew.

“It shouldn’t be too much longer until we reach Earth. Then I have to figure out just where Arizona is.” Keith responded. “That’s where Dad lives. Or lived. I don’t know if he moved or not.” He smiled. “It’s funny, actually. We were pretty damn close to a Garrison base out there, too. And Mom and I stayed under the radar pretty well.”

“You were that close?” Shiro was astonished. “Amazing. But what made you guys leave if you were hiding easily?”

“Other Galra.” Keith informed. “Some were getting too nosy in the area. Mom knew she had to leave Earth and get back to work, hoping to stop the Empire. It was decided I’d be safer off of Earth, too, being raised in the Blade of Marmora and trained so I could defend myself and one day go on missions. Like this one.” He motioned to the controls he was holding. “It’s actually my first solo mission. I’ve been on some with a few others, but alone? It’s a lot of trust they’re putting in me.”

“Well, I think they chose a fine person.” Shiro assured, patting Keith’s shoulder. “You’re doing good so far. Even in making sure I’m okay.” He then looked ahead, amazed at how fast the ship they were using was going. He could already see Earth, and more precisely, the United States of America. It was night time there. They were almost home. “Wow.” he gasped out, staring in awe. “I spent days on end dreaming I’d see home again, only to wake in a cell. But here I am.” He wished he could share that moment with the rest of his crew.

Perhaps, he wondered, he could go back out there and find them.

Shiro was pulled from his thoughts and wishes as the ship shook. “What was that?”

“Oh vex.” Keith checked the system. “We must have crossed through a mine field at some point and they stuck to us; entering Earth’s atmosphere probably triggered them.” He worked to keep the ship stable. “Brace yourself, we’re going to have a rough landing.”

Shiro did as instructed, holding on and wishing the Galra had some sense and put seat belts in the ship. Oh well. “I’m all for theme parks, but at the moment, I wouldn’t mind getting off Mr. Boneswild ride.”

“You and me both!” Keith grunted as they came in and crashed into the desert, bouncing a bit before finally skidding to a stop, the side of the ship pressed into the side of a cliff wall. “Any survivors?”

“Ow…”

“That’s a good sign.” Keith shook his head. “Well, we landed.” He looked back, seeing the damage done to the ship. “And hopefully Dad has another option or this lion is something to use. Because I’m definitely not making it back in this thing.”

“It’s gonna need more than TLC.” Shiro observed. He then looked, seeing lights shining in their direction. “Oh no.” He managed to get out, feeling in all of his limbs, save for the robotic one; sure, that feeling was soreness from the rough landing, but it was something. He got out of the ship and looked, seeing lights in the distance growing nearer. “Keith, you gotta get going.”

“Huh?” Keith pulled himself out. “What’s up?” He looked to see the vehicles rapidly nearing their location. “Galaxy Garrison?”

“They must have picked up on us coming in.” Shiro stated. “You have to get going; if they catch you-”

“What about you?” Keith jumped down from the ship.

“You need to get to the blue lion. If they don’t see either of us, they’re going to investigate the area more and risk finding you; but if they find me… well…” He smiled. “I can do this much to help. Now go.”

“Right.” Keith nodded. “Be safe.” He then took off, quickly disappearing into the darkness of the desert and canyons in the area.

“I should be the one telling him that.” Shiro chuckled. He then looked when the vehicles started surrounding the area. They really wasted no time in reaching the crash. He jumped down from the downed ship, nearly stumbling a bit. Spotlights were shone on him. He put his hands up in a surrendering motion.

“I’m Lieutenant Takashi Shirogane, pilot of the Kerberos mission.” he announced, especially when he saw guns trained on him. “It’s okay. All i-” He froze when he felt a sharp pain in his arm. He then looked it over, seeing a dart sticking out of his upper arm. “Oh, son of a-” He didn’t get to finish that statement as he collapsed to the ground, quickly losing consciousness.

Talk about a welcome home greeting.

Chapter Text

“Galaxy Garrison flight log 5-11-14.” Lance said as he piloted the space craft. “Begin descent to Kerberos for the rescue mission.” As he piloted it, the ship shook.

“Ugh, Lance!” Hunk groaned, looking a little worse for wear. “Can you please keep this thing straight?” He looked like he was going to get sick.

“He’s bi, Hunk.” Chip commented from the communications station. “Nothing is straight with him.”

Hunk smirked. “Is that why he can’t get a date?” he asked. “He’s always on stand-bi?” Chip nearly smacked his face into the control panel in front of him as he snorted with laughter.

“Dios mio. I don’t know what’s worse, Chip’s sass or your puns.” Lance grumbled, working with the ship more, though it yawed to the side a bit much, making Hunk grumble.

“Oh… ugh…” Hunk groaned, feeling his stomach betray him. “Okay, unless you want to wipe beef stroganoff out of all the little nooks and crannies in this thing, you better knock it off, man!”

“Fight later, we just picked up on a distress beacon.” Chip informed his team.

“All right! That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” Lance cheered. “Look alive, team! Chip, track coordinates and send them to the HUD.”

“Copy that.” Chip nodded and got to work. He only stopped momentarily as the ship rumbled more and the alarms blared. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“Lance! Please!” Hunk cried. “Just knock it off!”

“Hey, that one is your area, buddy.” Lance bit back. “Systems are reading a mechanical error.”

“Uh, yeah, one sec.” Hunk pulled over the monitor to check. “Looks like we’ve got a hydraulic stabilizer o-oh no…” He gulped, the shaking doing his motion sickness no favours.

“Oh no, fix now, puke later.” Lance prompted, trying to keep the ship as stable as he could.

“That’d be good; this shaking is interfering with our sensors and I’ve lost contact.” Chip reported.

“I can’t fix it remotely.” Hunk grumbled, doing his best to ease his upset stomach. He undid his seat belt and went to the gear box, working with the stabilizer from there.

“Hmm?” Lance got the data back. “Ah, thar she blows, gentlemen.” He winced when he heard Hunk finally get sick, his head tucked into the gear box.

“Yeah, no kidding…” Hunk whimpered as he wiped his mouth.

“A-anyway, we’re shiny, boys. Preparing for approach on visual.”

“That’s not a good idea.” Chip pointed out. “We’re still having some mechanical issues.” He heard Hunk grumble again, choking back the spit-up he was getting. “As well as gastrointestinal ones.”

“Can confirm to both.” Hunk mumbled.

“Stop worrying, guys.” Lance sighed. “This baby can take it. Can’t ya, champ?” He patted the dash, but the ship rumbled and shook violently at that. “Uh… yeah. She was just nodding in agreement. Chip, hail down to them and let them know their ride is here.”

“Yeah, sure, that’s a brilliant idea.” Chip muttered sarcastically, something Lance was not appreciating. He undid his seat belt and stood up on his seat; curse his short arms. “Attention lunar vesse-whoa!” He fell over when the ship shook.

“Dude! What are you doing? Buckle your belt! What is this? A car from the 1950s?” Lance rolled his eyes. “And Hunk, the shaking, please!”

“I’m trying.” Hunk mumbled.

Chip got back to his seat, the safety belt back in place. “Attention lunar vessel, this is Galaxy Garrison rescue craft One Victor Six Three Tango. Coming in for landing and extraction.” The ship shook again. “Against crew recommendations.”

“Chip, can the sass, will ya? They’re going under so we’re going in.” Lance put the ship into a dive, heading for the surface of Kerberos.

“Lance! There’s an overhang!” Chip cried out.

“Dude, chill!” Lance smirked as he looked back. “My first year in flight school, you know what they called me? The Tailor, because of how I thread the needle.” He turned back to the front, seeing things were close. “Oh crap! C’mon, c’mon, c’mon, come arou-” The ship shook as they hit the overhang.

“We just lost a wing!” Hunk reported.

“Mierda.” Lance grumbled before crashing again, the screen going blank and the lights dimming.

“Simulation Failed.” the computer reported.

“Yeah, Tailor? Stick to sewing, not trying to get through narrow gaps.” Chip sighed.

“Alright, donkeys, roll out!” Commander Iverson shouted at the trio as the door to the simulator opened up.

Hunk, Lance, and Chip were lectured in front of the other cadets who had watched their simulated mission fail. Miserably. It didn’t go well, especially their teamwork, or there lack of. It wasn’t good and did not instill the trio with confidence. The commander was right, though.

Their teamwork sucked.

When classes were finished and the three scrubbed the simulator clean, especially since Hunk got sick in it, Chip went up to the roof of the complex, taking his computers with him. He checked on messages and signals.

New radio signals. Trying to translate.

Human?

Negative. Translation iffy.

Give your best.

Voltron. Mean anything?

Can’t say for sure.

New stuff.

What’s up?

Something about a prisoner escape? But it’s garbled with other words I don’t know.

Chip sat back. A prisoner escape? An alien prisoner? It had to be with it being collected way out into the solar system. Prisoner. Could that have been what happened last year when the Kerberos mission failed?

“These kinds of mental mistakes are what cost the lives of the team on the Kerberos mission.”

“That’s not true!”

It never was true. Chip and his twin were absolutely certain it wasn’t true. They had managed to steal information from the Garrison and were well into monitoring radio signals, keeping track of things. Especially Pidge. Pidge lived out in the desert with their guardian, working on computers and monitoring data while he, Chip, attended and trained at the Garrison, occasionally getting into the systems to collect data and send it back.

It was over a year ago that their parents and older brother went on the Kerberos mission with the pilot, Takashi Shirogane. When the mission failed a few months in, the Garrison wrote it off as a crash due to pilot error. They didn’t want to admit what the twins knew.

There were aliens and the crew was abducted.

“There you are!” Lance sighed, catching Chip’s attention, making him turn back to look, seeing him and Hunk approach. “Dude, we were looking everywhere for you.”

“Lights are out; we sneaking into the kitchens to bake cookies again?” Chip asked, putting his headphones down.

“Ooh, that sounds like a better idea.” Hunk hummed, patting his stomach.

“Nah, bro!” Lance went over and crouched beside the smallest member of their team. “You, me, an’ Hunk.” He swiped his hand in front of them, as though to present the evening view. “We’re going to head out to Plaht City, maybe hit the arcade, get some pizza, maybe meet up with some girls? Or guys. None of us are actually that picky.”

Chip sighed before looking to Hunk. “Is he serious?”

“I was asking the same thing earlier!” Hunk whined, going over and sitting down. “See, Lance? It’s a ba-” He stopped, checking out Chip’s setup. “Whoa, what’s all this for?”

“Yeah, I was curious about that, too.” Lance was quickly distracted from his desire to hit the arcade as he eyed the computers. “This definitely isn’t Garrison issued.”

“Pidge and I built these.” Chip informed, looking rather proud of that fact.

“Your elusive twin we’ve never met?” Hunk blinked. He went to check a small satellite dish that was set up, but Chip smacked his hand. “Ow.”

“Don’t touch, please. And yes. Before the semester started, we’d hit old-tech shops and go dumpster diving for stuff like this and build our own computers. They actually have a faster RAM than the Garrison issued stuff and work well for gaming and long range space scanning.”

“Is that so?” Lance asked. “Like all the way to Kerberos?” Chip went stiff. “C’mon man, you nearly bit Iverson’s head off when he brought it up. What’s up?”

Chip sighed. “I just… my family was on that mission. And I’m absolutely certain the Garrison hasn’t been honest about what happened. Everything Pidge and I’ve been finding, we’re sure the team was captured by aliens. And more radio chatter’s been picked up, some of it not even able to be translated. They don’t seem to be Earth languages.”

Lance stared, letting the information sink in. “Wait a sec, you’re telling me that aliens actually exist? Okay, did you hit your when you fell earlier?”

“I’m serious, Lance. Aliens are out there. And I’m sure that some alien group captured the te-” Chip stopped when Iverson’s voice came over the intercoms.

“Attention students, this is not a drill!” the commander called. “We are on lock down! Security situation Zulu Niner. Repeat, all students are to remain in barracks until further notice.”

“What the hell is that about?” Lance asked.

“Maybe that?!” Hunk cried, pointing at something coming into the atmosphere. “What is that?! A meteor?!”

Chip grabbed his binoculars to check. “Oh snap! It’s a ship!” He yelped when Lance grabbed them next, pulling him over with them.

“Holy crow! And totally not one of ours!” the lanky teen yelped. He watched as it crashed in the distance.

“It’s gotta be one of theirs!” Chip looked excited. He then watched as all-terrain vehicles from the Garrison took off, heading out to the crash site.

“So… there really are aliens out there?” Hunk looked nervous. “Like, aliens exist? AND ARE NOW COMING TO EARTH!?” He damn near gave himself whiplash when he turned to see Lance running off. “Where are you going, Lance?!” He then looked when Chip took off after him after shoving everything into his backpack. “Chip!”

“C’mon, Hunk! We’ve gotta see that ship!” Chip called.

“Let’s go!” Lance cheered.

Hunk sighed. “Great. This is not what I had in mind when we talked about team building exercises…”

Going on foot, it was no surprise that the Garrison already had the area blocked off and guarded. That didn’t stop from the trio of teens from finding an area up on a cliff to watch. While Chip worked on something on his computer, Lance was using the binoculars, checking on the craft.

“Whoa, just what the hell is that thing?” Lance asked. He then spotted someone who worked at the Garrison, judging by her uniform. “And who is she?”

“Lance!” Chip smacked Lance upside the head, eyes not even straying from his computer.

“Ow… okay, right. Alien ship. Gotta focus.” Lance shook his head and went back to checking the area. “Okay, they’re heavily guarded. Getting in to take a look isn’t gonna be easy.”

“Or possible.” Hunk shrugged. “Well, best just get back to the barracks, right?”

“Not so fast, Hunk.” Chip motioned for him to get closer. “They have cameras set up in the area and I got the feed of one. And I think it’s that big quarantine tent.” Lance and Hunk wasted no time in crowding closer, wanting to see the potential alien. When Chip brought up the feed, they saw the unexpected.

Takashi Shiro Shirogane strapped to a cot, heavily sedated. Seeing that, the trio was in shock.

“Okay. Uh… that’s no alien.” Hunk said. “You all saw who I saw, right?”

“Holy crow. HOLY CROW!” Lance was freaking out a bit. “That’s Shiro! Pilot of the Kerberos mission! That man’s my hero!”

“And not dead in space apparently.” Hunk stated.

“But what about the rest of the crew?” Chip inquired. “I wonder if we can get in and talk with him? Or get him out? Because they are not acting like they care much, focused mainly on his arm…”

“Yeah, uh, you saw the monitor, right? And the surroundings?” Hunk motioned ahead of them. “There is absolutely no way we’re getting in there.”

“Not with that attitude.” Lance waved it off. “Okay, so, what if we tunnel in?”

“It’ll take too long and we can risk a cave in.” Chip stated. “What about dressing up as med techs and sneaking in?”

“Um… guys?” Hunk tried to get their attention.

“With your stature? You’d obviously look like a kid playing adult.” Lance sighed.

“Hey, some adults are short, too! And I’m still growing!” Chip actually glared. “I hope.”

“Guys, uh…” Hunk patted Chip’s back, trying to get him to turn back.

“Okay, no tunneling, no disguises…” Lance thought it over. “What about a distraction?”

“Guys…”

“Hunk, unless it’s one of the officers with a gun trained on us, I’m sure it’s… it’s…” Lance turned around, eyes widening as he saw a purple alien with a blade pointed right at them.

“It’s not a gun, but…” Hunk whimpered, cowering behind Chip.

“Madre de Dios, estamos jodidamente jodidos.” Lance gasped out.

While Lance and Hunk were terrified of the apparent alien before them, Chip on the other hand just grinned. “Hey, Keith.” he greeted. “Been a while.”

Chapter Text

“Hey, Keith.” Chip greeted the apparent alien far too casually for Hunk and Lance’s comfort. “Been a while.”

“Chip?” Keith, the Galran who brought Shiro back, blinked in surprise. “I didn’t recognize you at first.” He put his blade away. “But. This makes things a bit easier.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Lance put himself between the two a bit. “Chip!? You know this alien?! You know of aliens?!”

“Keep it down!” Keith hissed, quick to cover Lance’s mouth and pull him down to the ground as he dropped. He then looked. Good. The Garrison didn’t hear. “Do you want us to get caught? Because honestly? You three sneaking around, I get the feeling you getting caught is almost as bad as me getting caught.”

“Chip knows an alien. The alien speaks our language.” Hunk just stared. “And that alien has the most standard Earth name.” He looked to his small friend. “Chip, what is going on?”

“I’ll explain later.” Chip assured. “I swear. But until then… Keith, what are you doing here?”

“Escorting Shiro.” Keith let go of Lance and moved closer to the glasses wearing teen. “We had a bad landing thanks to mines that clung to the back of the ship. With it, he didn’t want me getting caught. But he clearly didn’t get a warm welcome…” He checked on the video. “He’s in that quarantine tent, huh?”

“Yeah.” Chip nodded. “But… Keith? What about the rest of the crew?”

“I don’t know.” Keith shook his head. “Only Shiro was found and brought to me.” He sighed. He could continue his mission without him, but there was a reason he was rescued. He had a greater purpose. He was strong willed and instilled hope in others. He had to get him out of there.

And he may have figured out how. He smirked a bit. “You know? I think you three may be able to help me out in getting Shiro out of there.”

“Uh… what?” Hunk blinked.

Lance didn’t think it over much. “Yeah, sure, why not?” he shrugged. “You got an idea, Mullet?”

“It’s not a mullet.” Keith sighed. “Anyway, yes, I do.” He looked to where the tent was, seeing the Garrison personnel going about the area. “We need to get him out, but it’s crawling with guards. However, I can provide a distraction to lure the bulk of them away. You three can then sneak in and get Shiro out of there.”

“Keith, what are you planning with that?” Chip asked, worried. “What if you get caught?”

“They won’t even see me.” Keith smirked. “Just wait for the signal.” He got up and ran off. “You can’t miss it.” He disappeared in the darkness, his purple fur and dark blue uniform helping him to hide within the shadows.

“Guys? GUYS!” Hunk panicked. “We just made a deal with an alien that Chip apparently knows. What the hell is going on?! Chip, how do you know an alien?”

“Because, we’re childhood friends.” Chip stated, looking a little nervous. “For reasons, our family’s kept knowing aliens a secret. And he’s not much of an alien. He was actually born here. To a human father.” He started packing up his computer so he would be ready to take off for the tent. “He and his mom had to leave eight years ago. I was pretty young, but I remember him. And Chief would tell Pidge and me stories about how close we were with Keith.”

“Okay… this… this is a lot to take in.” Hunk rubbed his head. “Just… what the hell?”

“This was definitely not how I expected this night to go.” Lance admitted. “But hey, I’ll take it for now, especially if it means raiding Area 51 to kidna-er… rescue Shiro.”

“That’s the spirit.” Chip grinned.

“Okay, okay, so assuming this doesn’t bite us in the butts, Keith is a friend, and we can raid the camp and get Shiro, which is technically kidnapping… what is this signal we’re looking for?” As if on cue, there was a series of explosions that went off further in the desert. “Chip? Chip, please tell me your friend likes explosives and it’s not another alien attack from someone more hostile?”

“Damn, furries are scary.” Lance stated. “But he wasn’t wrong, we definitely didn’t miss that.”

“And neither did the Garrison.” Chip observed as he watched the all-terrain vehicles take off to locate the source of the explosions.

“Which means time to put our stealth training to work.” Lance smirked as he got up and went down the cliff.

“What training? Those were video games!” Hunk whined.

“You can learn from games too!” Chip called as he followed after Lance.

“Man… this is definitely not how I planned on our bonding time to be.” Hunk mumbled. He sighed as he got up and went after his friends. “Okay, guys? We didn’t observe the techs inside leaving the tent, so they’re there, too.”

“You do realize I grew up with two older brothers and two older sisters, right?” Lance inquired. “I can take a hit or two if needed. We got this!”

“I’d say the same, but… roughhousing Pidge is difficult, even our older brother could never win.” Chip said. “But don’t worry, we’ll be fine.” They got to the tent and he noticed Hunk looking more and more nervous. Smiling, he put a hand on his friend’s arm. “You don’t need to come in, too. Can you keep watch out here, though? Call in if anyone approaches? Or the other vehicles come back?”

“What if Keith comes back?” Hunk asked.

“He’s safe, don’t worry. Just let him know we’re getting Shiro.” Chip instructed.

“Okay, I think I can do this part then.” Hunk nodded.

“Then let’s go!” Lance led Chip inside, heading through the corridor constructed. Inside, there were three technicians working, seeming to evaluate Shiro’s health and the robotic prosthetic he had. Shiro was as unconscious as could be, not even flinching at the checks. Or the intrusion of the two teens.

“Ah! Hey! You two aren’t supposed to be here!” one of the technicians exclaimed. They then went at the duo, Lance taking up fighting them off.

Now, Lance didn’t have training in martial arts. However, from watching movies, playing video games, and roughhousing with his siblings, he knew how to dodge attacks and grab an assailant and throw them off balance. He was able to get one of them down, head accidentally smacking into a cart and knocking them out.

“Ooh, yeah, that’s a concussion.” Lance winced. “Yup, my sister will kill me for tha-whoa!” Lance was grabbed hold by another while Chip handled the third person, getting them tripped and knocked out.

“Great.” Chip rolled his eyes when he realized Lance had been caught hold of. Well, that wasn’t good. He then noticed something to the side on another cart. A gun. Well, that was nifty. He went for it, grateful it was already loaded and ready; they were probably ready in case Shiro came to and if he got violent. He then shot at the other guy holding Lance, hitting him in the rear.

“What the-” The technician looked down. “Shit… Gunderson… right…” His grip on Lance loosened and he fell over.

“Dude!” Lance exclaimed. “You just shot someone! In the ass!” He was in shock. “And judging by that voice, that was Commander Iverson! You shot Commander Iverson in the ass!”

“Well, good thing it was just a tranquilizer.” Chip stated. “And it worked.”

“Did you even know it was a tranquilizer?”

“Uh…” Chip just grinned. “Anyway, it worked, Mom would be proud of me, now let’s get Shiro.” He went over and freed Shiro from the cot, grabbing a medical blade to the side to cut the straps.

“What’s with the arm? And that white hair?” Lance asked, helping Shiro to sit up.

“Let’s ask that after we get out of here and to safety.” Chip informed.

“And where would that be? Hunk and I can’t hide him in our room; we couldn’t even hide a hamster in our room without Adam finding out.” Lance pointed out.

“Keith and I know a mutual spot.” Chip stated. “I’m sure he’ll find a way to get us there. Or I can hot-wire one of those all-terrain vehicles. I know how to do that. And drive one, too.”

“Driving. Hot-wiring. Shooting a gun. Just what kind of family did you grow up in?!”

“One with Mom raising us.” Chip snickered. He and Lance got Shiro out of the tent in time for Keith to arrive and look around, hoping to find something for them to use to escape.

“Oh, you guys got Shiro!” Hunk smiled, though he was still nervous. “Now what? Because… uh…” He motioned to the headlights in the distance starting to return. “Because we’re about to have company…”

“Aw snart…” Chip sighed.

“My sentiments exactly.” Keith took Chip’s place in supporting Shiro. “C’mon, let’s move quick.” They didn’t get far as another vehicle pulled in front of their path, worrying them. Then the window went down and a man looked over; he didn’t look to be in a Garrison uniform. “Dad?!”

“Y’all get yer asses in, now!” the man, Chief, called. “Chip, you and Lanky up front; Keith, you an’ yer friend get Shiro in the back! Hurry!”

“Copy that!” Hunk yelped, moving to take Lance’s spot and put the unconscious pilot in the back, him and Keith sitting on either side of him. Once everyone was in, Chief took off at top speed.

“Chief, you have no idea how happy I am to see you.” Chip hummed, sitting between him and Lance. He looked back, seeing Shiro was unconscious still. He then looked to the adult driving. “How’d you know to come get us?”

“Like I knew y’all were out here causing trouble.” Chief rolled his eyes. “Saw the ship comin’ in; wanted to make sure we ain’t under attack. Was my surprise to see Keith out there, though.”

“Hey, if I had cell service, or a phone even, I’d have called ahead of time.” Keith scoffed a bit. “And. Well, I kinda crashed. So, the Garrison showed up and took over… and I had to get Shiro out of there after he let himself get captured.”

“Boy, does yer ma even know yer out here?” Chief asked.

“Doubt it; she’s on another mission elsewhere.” Keith informed. “This was a mission I was given, too. Had to bring him home. Trouble is brewing.”

“Let me guess. Blue lion?” Chief guessed.

“Um… the what now?” Lance was understandably confused.

“Maybe later, kiddo.” Chief then looked into the rear view mirror. “An’ another thing, Keith! What’re ya thinkin’ son? You went and got some kids involved? Chippers included?”

“It’s not like I made that plan in advanced.” Keith pointed out. “It was a spur of the moment to ensure I didn’t get caught.”

“Yeah, well, you’da been caught had I not shown up.” Chief reminded. “Boy, when I see yer ma ‘gain, I’m havin’ a talkin’ with’er and yer gonna be grounded ‘til they classify Pluto as a planet again. An’ you too, Chippers. When yer ma an’ pa are found and come home, I’ll make sure they know of this.”

“Aw man!” Chip crossed his arms. “Jeez… this sucks.”

“Oh, it sucks for you?” Keith asked. “I just got back home and I’m instantly grounded more than the ship in that crater it made.”

“That’s rough, buddy.” Lance commented, though he couldn’t help but chuckle, slightly amused by the situation.

“An’ don’t think yer off the hook either, kiddo.” Chief stated. “What were ya’ll thinkin’, goin’ out at night?”

“Um…. Studying the crash site?” Lance suggested. Chief didn’t look too impressed by that.

“Uh, Mister Alien’s dad, I get we’re in trouble and on the edge of being grounded for life,” Hunk spoke up, “but the Garrison guys are pursuing us. Quickly.”

“Ah screw.” Chief grunted, checking the mirror to see the vehicles gaining on them. “An’ just call me Chief. Now, buckle up, we’re goin’ fer a ride.”

Hunk looked around worriedly. “But there aren’t any seat belts!”

“That was just an expression, kiddo!” Chief actually laughed, amused. He then managed to speed up, swerving and trying to lose those pursuing them, getting a few to crash into each other or parts of the landscape. “Now hold on, y’all, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!”

“Oh man…” Hunk covered his mouth. “This… this is not gonna be a pleasant trip…”

“I was gonna say that this whole stuff with the aliens was scary? But no, it’s the alien’s dad who drives a car with 1950s safety standards who is scarier!” Lance cried.

“I agree!” Keith called. “Dad! This is really unsafe! And I’ve trained with Mom and her group!”

“You guys are such babies.” Chip rolled his eyes. “Except Hunk. His situation is valid with the motion sickness and anxiety.” He then grinned. “But this is fun!”

“Chip?” Lance gave his friend the side eye. “You and I have very different definitions of fun.”

Chapter Text

New stuff.

What’s up?

Something about a prisoner escape? But it’s garbled with other words I don’t know.

Pidge listened to the beeps, her brother messaging her and listening to the radio signals she had been tracking way out there in the desert. Prisoner escape? She wondered what that was about and why she was getting that at the edge of their solar system.

“Hmm.” Pidge grunted. “Okay, okay, don’t be nosy, Pidge. We gotta focus on other things.” she mumbled. She then listened. “Hey… that signal again…” She heard other beeping, her scanners reading the desert surrounding her home. “Now just what are you?”

Next to Pidge, Bae Bae was sleeping, the small snorts and snoozes coming from the bull terrier telling the teen she was having a good sleep. After a moment, though, she lifted her head, giving a small aroo as she looked to the hatch that was wide open.

“Hey, Chief.” Pidge greeted, not even looking to see the man coming up a set of steps and going out onto the roof.

“Evenin’, Pigeon.” Chief smiled. “Brought ya a snack.”

“Peanut butter and banana on crackers.” Pidge grinned. “A perfect snack to give me energy to work.” She moved her laptop from her lap.

“Right as usual.” Chief chuckled as he went over, sitting down beside Pidge and handing her the plate, helping her to find it. “Can’t deceive ya, can I? Not that I wanna.”

“I appreciate that.” Pidge chuckled, eating one of her crackers. She then handed one to Bae Bae when the dog whined a bit.

“So, what’s new, kiddo?”

“Some garbled messages.” Pidge reported. “Nothing much more. And that signal out in the desert.” She sighed. “Something’s out there… and I think it’s what the radio chatter is on about. But it’s a struggle… This Voltron… what is it?” Chief made a small grumble. “I heard that. You know something.”

“Y’know, sometimes I really think ya got super hearin’.” Chief muttered. “Kiddo, I-” There was a boom in the sky and Chief looked to see what it was.

“Huh? What is it?” Pidge asked, listening for anything else.

Chief pulled out the binoculars he kept in Pidge’s bag, just in case. He looked to see what it was, spotting a ship. “Oh no. It’s a ship.”

“Do… you think it’s…”

“Dunno, kiddo.” Chief got up as he watched it crash. “C’mon, let’s get’cha in. I’m gonna go check it out. Can’t risk it bein’ an invasion.”

“Can’t I go with you?” Pidge asked as she closed up her laptop and shoved it in her bag.

“Sorry, kiddo, can’t risk it; yer ma an’ Aunt Kro’ll kill me if I put you in harm’s way like that.” Chief informed, making Pidge groan in frustration. “I wan’cha in where it’s safe an’ wait fer me. Bae Bae’s in charge.” He took the plate back so Pidge didn’t drop it as he went back to the hatch. “Need help down?” Bae Bae went past him, going down the steps.

“I got it. Thanks, though.” Pidge went over carefully and went down the steps, feeling for each step to make sure she didn’t slip. Once in, Chief followed, closing and locking the hatch behind him. “And it’s not like I’m helpless. I can sit in the truck and wait or-”

“Pigeon, if it’s an alien attack, I need ya here.” Chief reminded as he walked past her. “Not just to be safe, but to listen to them radios. Yer the one who can keep an ear out, see if more are comin’.”

“I hate being handled, but you do make a good point.” Pidge nodded. “Okay.” She went downstairs and to her little setup to the side of the living room, setting up her laptop again and hooking it in. “But… I don’t know. I don’t think it’s an invasion. Maybe… maybe a prisoner?” She sat down. “The radio said something about an escaped prisoner… I don’t know if that spells good or bad news for us but…” She sighed. “Chief? What if it’s Mom or Dad? Or Matt?”

“I dunno, Pigeon. I’ll find out.” Chief assured. He put the snack next to the laptop, purposefully making the plate clank so Pidge could hear it. “I’ll find out what’s up.”

“Okay. Be safe.” Pidge said. “And drive safely.”

“Will do.” Chief ruffled Pidge’s hair before leaving, grabbing his satchel just in case.

Once Chief was gone, Pidge hearing his vehicle start up and take off, the young teen went back to work, feeling her keyboard, the raised marks on it indicating where he hands were. She went back to her research, listening to the beeps and messages. When needed, she would put the cursor over certain messages, getting them read aloud to her.

“Hmm… these numbers… what’s with them? And why is the reading from the desert?” Pidge mumbled to herself. “Does it have to do with Voltron? What even is Voltron?” She went searching her computer, listening to different data logs. It would have been easier if her brother was there to help; she didn’t hate her situation, but sometimes work was quicker with a set of eyes that worked.

That was where Pidge stood out to strangers but was perfectly fine to her family, her godfather, Chief, included. Pidge was completely blind, not even able to pick up on light without audio cues, such as the humming some created. Her computer was designed with her in mind, even partially by her. Her keys were in Braille for her to feel and keep oriented. She had her computers programmed to read out what she had the cursor over, sometimes in patterned beeps only she and her brothers knew how to translate.

She may have been blind, but she was far from helpless. She could work perfectly well.

She just sometimes wished she wasn’t blind, though, due to her dream of being a pilot.

“Chin up, kiddo. Maybe one day will find a way for you to pilot blind. Have a co-pilot be your eyes, too. Anything is possible, especially with your tenacity. You’ve got this.”

She smiled as she thought about her dad’s encouraging words. He always knew how to fill her with hope and ambition. “Hmm?” She was pulled from her thoughts as she picked up on another radio transmission. “Now what’s this?”

“Emper-zzzzt- -ship has pa-zzt-. -crashed on the pl-zzt- in sy-zzt- X-9-Y. Do we pursue prisoner -zzt-?”

“No. -zzzt-ok for -zzt-ion.”

“Yes, Emp-zzzt-”

“Damn interference…. But…” Pidge sat back. “So… was that crash the prisoner? Clearly they aren’t priority to these guys… but…” She bit her lip. Did this mean they were going to have company? Her gut told her it wasn’t going to be of the friendly variety.

Pidge went back to work. Not much else to do; she wasn’t tired yet, even if it was late. All she could do was work on the signals, eat snacks, and wait for Chief to get back home. She tried messaging Chip, seeing if he knew of anything, but the channel was clear.

“Hmm.” Pidge grunted. “What are the odds that he’s gotten himself into trouble?” She sighed. She was sure he didn’t just go to bed; when they had their messaging sessions, she always bid him a good night before he would turn in, even going to the Garrison to train didn’t stop that. “What if he’s investigating the alien stuff, too? Man! Lucky bastard… I wanna see alien stuff.” Bae Bae lifted her head and whined. “You know what I mean.” She grabbed a couple of her crackers, handing one to the dog and taking one for herself. “But to get my hands on that stuff, especially the tech? That’d be so amazing!”

“Alien tech. I wonder what kind of stuff they have.” Bae Bae nosed and huffed at Pidge. “Pssh. If there’s stuff to help me see? I dunno what I’d do? I’m fifteen and a half. I’ve been this way my entire life. Maybe I’d panic. I kinda like this nothingness. It’s nothing… yet everything. You know?” Pidge could hear Bae Bae’s tail hitting the desk as she rested her head on her girl’s leg. “Thanks, girl. Glad to have you.”

Pidge stopped what she was doing. She could hear the crunching of sand and rocks under an all-terrain vehicle. She then heard a small pop. Yup. It was Chief’s vehicle. “Chief’s back.” she hummed, getting up and going to the door, opening it. “Welcome back, Chief.”

“Pigeon,” Chief stood up on the steps of his vehicle, “didn’t I tell ya to stay inside an’ safe?”

“You did, but since when did I do everything you told me to?” Pidge asked, that cheeky grin on her face. “Plus, I heard your truck; I knew it was you.”

“Kid, ain’t got the energy fer yer sass; yer bro’s grounded.” Chief stated.

“Chip? What’d he do?” Pidge asked.

“Apparently raiding Area 51 gets us grounded.” Chip said, jumping out of the vehicle after Lance. He then ran over. “Pidge!” He hugged his twin happy to see her again. “How you doing? Think you can work your magic to get me ungrounded?”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Pidge pushed her twin back a bit, careful of how hard she did it. “You raided Area 51? Like… aliens and quarantine Area 51?”

“Hey, I’m only half alien.” Keith called out. “And I see you’re still short.”

“Wh-”

“Keith’s back home.” Chip said softly.

“Keith?!” Pidge smiled and held out her arms. Grinning, Keith ran over and hugged her, pulling Chip in for the hug, too. “Been a while, huh?”

“You’re telling me!” Keith chuckled. “Look at you!” He looked to Chip. “And you. Now that I can sit back and look, you two look less alike than I remembered.”

“It’s called being fraternal twins.” Chip hummed.

“True, true.” Keith nodded.

“So…” Hunk slipped out of the vehicle. “They really know each other?” He looked to Chief, confusion evident on his face.

“Keith’s my boy, in case ya hadn’t noticed.” Chief stated. “An’ Chip an’ Pidge are my godchildren. When Collie an’ Sammy went on that mission, I was carin’ fer ‘em. An’ well…” He shook his head. “Anyway, Pigeon!”

“Yes, Chief?” Pidge called, poking her head up past Keith’s arm.

“Can ya get some blankets an’ pillows? The boys’ll need rest an’ we got another sedated.” Chief informed.

“On it.” Pidge got away and went into the house, getting what they needed for the guests.

While Pidge did that, Chief helped Hunk with getting Shiro out of the vehicle, the man barely coming to. He was dazed and struggling to stand on his own, but thankfully had some help.

“Chip, you get the couch cleared off; we’ll put Shiro there.” Chief instructed.

“Will do.” Chip got the couch cleaned up in time for them to bring the pilot inside, getting him to lay down.

“Okay, kiddo, take it easy, we got’cha.” Chief said, helping Shiro over to the couch and then to lay down. Pidge had come down with the blankets, handing one to Chief to put over Shiro.

“Ugh, I feel like crap…” Shiro mumbled. He then looked when he heard Bae Bae sniffing at him. “Hey there. Aren’t you a welcome sight.” He moved to pet her, his limbs feeling heavy. “What… happened?”

“We’ll talk more ‘bout it in the mornin’.” Chief said. “For now? Rest. You need it.” He tucked the blanket around the pilot more. “Rest. You’ll be better come mornin’.” Shiro nodded slowly, closing his eyes.

To let Shiro rest better, the others stepped outside, most too full of adrenaline to go to sleep themselves; they left Bae Bae with the pilot to keep him company as he rested. Once outside, Lance was the one to speak up.

“Wait… so you actually have a twin?” Lance asked, looking stunned.

“You didn’t think I did?” Chip yelped.

“Well, I mean… we never met him!” Lance pointed out. “You never introduced us! And I would think he’d want to join at the Garrison or something.”

“I would, but due to circumstances, I didn’t join.” Pidge waved it off. “So… what’s going on? Other than Keith coming back.”

“Dude, what are you, blind?” Lance asked. “That was Shiro! Okay, I know, the white poof of hair and scar on his nose might make him look different, but…”

“I got Shiro brought back, pilot of the Kerberos mission.” Keith informed. “But… your parents and older brother… I don’t know where they are.”

“Shiro?” Pidge blinked. “But… he’s alive. And back. That means there’s hope…”

“Yeah, there is.” Chip nodded. “There’s a chance they’re okay out there.

“Yes! We were so right!” Pidge cheered. “But now what? What’s Keith doing back and bringing back Shiro? Not that I don’t appreciate this. And why did you guys have to Raid Area 51?”

“Let’s… let’s talk ‘bout it in the mornin’ kiddo.” Chief instructed. “It’s been a long day. An’ I guess I got explainin’ to do. For all y’all.”

Chapter Text

“Wait, wait, wait… So the Holts, Pidge and Chip’s parents, knew you got with an alien and kept it all a secret from the Garrison, which they worked for, and Keith spent his first ten years here?” Lance asked, sitting on the floor and keeping his plate away from Bae Bae, the bull terrier trying to get his pancakes.

“Bae Bae, down girl.” Pidge said, her dog whining before laying down.

“And you were all aware of this ancient alien ship hiding on Earth and kept it safe not only from hostile Galra who had shown up but also from the Garrison finding it?” Lance was in shock. Most there were in shock with the situation, but the Cuban teen was more expressive.

“Psst.” Shiro beckoned for Bae Bae to go to him, smiling when she did. He snuck her a bite of pancake, but he wasn’t very hidden about it. Oh well, at least she appreciated it. “So… others were here before then? Not just Keith’s mother and then Keith?”

“Yeah.” Chief nodded. “Did our best to keep things hidden, had to to keep the lion safe. Did a lot to keep it safe. Kro often said that if the empire got it, then no one would be safe. So, we did our best to help out.”

“Just how close have they even gotten?” Hunk asked, worried.

“Close.” Keith responded. “I don’t remember much, it was years ago and I was a kid-”

“Ya still are.” Chief interjected.

“I’m eighteen, Dad. I’m a legal adult by Earth standards.”

“Yer barely an adult, even by Earth standards, and only in certain countries.”

“Anyway, it was years ago. But I remember Mom, Dad, and Auntie Colleen having us stay home, Matt looking after Pidge, Chip, and me. Uncle Sam was at work.” Keith continued.

“Yeah. A few times they got close enough fer Collie to shoot ‘em and remind us why her family name is Gunderson.” Chief nodded.

“Hostile aliens is scary enough.” Lance commented. “Protective Gunderson mama who doesn’t hesitate about shooting such aliens is even more frightening.”

“Collie would see that as a compliment.” Chief stated.

“The professor would appreciate that comment.” Shiro nodded.

“Yeah, that sounds on point with Mom.” Chip hummed.

“So, what about the lion then?” Pidge inquired. “I wonder if it’s those signals I’ve been finding in the desert. They’ve been getting more and more wild recently… something is going on…”

“Yeah, I was looking at your data.” Hunk looked to Pidge. “And it’s signal looks like some sort of Fraunhofer line.”

“Frown… who?” Keith asked.

“I think it’s a math thing.” Lance admitted.

“Science, actually.” Hunk informed. “And it’s an emission spectrum of an element. Though this one’s not one that aligns with any known on Earth.” He pulled out a notebook he borrowed from Pidge to write it down. “So, it’s probably the lion, right? Though acting up…”

“So, now what? Find it? Protect it?” Lance asked. “And then what? Protect it from hostile purple alien furries?”

“Not all of us are hostile, purple, or fur covered.” Keith grumbled. “And we…” He stopped. They what? He wasn’t informed of that much. Just to get Shiro to Earth and find the blue lion. But then what? What could they do to protect it? “Um… is the military here able to protect it?”

“Doubt it.” Chip stated. “Their security and safety measures aren’t exactly the best. They can’t even keep up with Pidge hacking them them the desert, I don’t think they could handle a hostile alien attack.”

“Pidge has been hacking the Garrison!?” Lance exclaimed.

“Dude!” Hunk looked to Pidge. “That’s like, criminal territory!”

“Have to get information somehow.” Pidge hummed. “And it’s a good test of my skills.”

“Anyway,” Shiro spoke up, “Chief, can you show us to the lion? You know where it is, right?”

Chief sighed. “Ain’t gonna be easy.” he admitted. “We uh… we kinda had to blow up part o’ the area ‘round it to cave it in an’ protect it further.”

Lance blinked. He then looked to Keith. “Like father like son with explosives, huh?”

-+-+-+-

Chief ultimately showed the group where the caves were. He wanted Pidge to stay behind, partially for her safety and partially to keep an ear out for alien radio chatter, but she was stubborn and wanted to go, too. No one could tell her what to do once her mind was set. So, he gave in and let her join them on the mission. Of course, with her joining them, Bae Bae obviously had to follow, too.

“Pidge? You good?” Chip asked, helping his sister step down a ledge, the ground uneven and tricky to traverse, even for those who could see.

“I think I’m hating the sun and dry air more than the uneven terrain.” Pidge admitted.

“Just try to watch your ste-” Shiro started to say.

“WHOA!” Lance cried out, tumbling over a small ledge.

“Exactly.” Shiro sighed. “Lance, you good?”

“I found a cave!” Lance called back. The others got to his position, locating a cave. “This the one, Chief?”

“This one differs than the one we used back then.” Chief admitted, checking on the area.

“Different, maybe,” Hunk was checking the homemade Geiger counter for the strange element, “but this thing is going off more. I think we’re definitely close.”

“Maybe there’s a path we can access from here then.” Chief nodded. “That scanner ya made sure is comin’ in handy; good work.”

“I gotta thank Pidge; he had the stuff on hand to help me make it.” Hunk smiled brightly.

“Anyway, let’s get outa the sun a bit, rest, then check them caves more.” Chief went in, checking back on Pidge but seeing she was doing fine. Once in, he pulled out an electric lantern from his bag, turning it on and illuminating the walls.

“Whoa, what are these?” Shiro asked, looking at the old carvings and paintings.

“Carvin’s, depictin’ the lion.” Chief informed. “Ya can find ‘em in many caves in this area.”

Keith looked the carvings over, stopping briefly to smile when Pidge went to his side and felt the wall, checking one out herself. “It’s amazing. To people from this area, the lion became part of their history.”

“Okay, this is pretty neat.” Lance hummed, checking on carvings on the opposite wall. He then touched one. What he or no one else who could see expected though was for them to start glowing.

“Huh?” Pidge perked up, feeling a wave of energy. “Wha-” She was them pulled back by Keith.

“Lance, what did you do?!” Keith snapped.

“I did nothing!” Lance whined. “I just touched a carving like Pidge did!”

“Dad?” Keith looked to his father.

“I dunno, kiddo, ain’t ever seen something like this happen.” Chief admitted.

Crack. Crack. Crumble. Crack.

Pidge blinked. “Anyone hear that?” she asked. “It sounds like it’s below us.” Pidge speaking up prompted the others to look down to see that the ground was glowing beneath them and cracking.

“Aw snart.” Chip said. The ground then broke away, dropping the lot down a tunnel, acting like a slide and eventually getting water in it. It was like a water slide, but more impromptu and slightly frightening. Thankfully, though, when they were spat out, they landed in a large pool of water.

Or it was mostly lucky. Pidge couldn’t swim and freaked out. Keith, though, had a hold on her.

“Careful, careful, I got you, Pidgey.” Keith assured, holding her up. “Just try not to drown me in the process.”

“Dude, you can’t swim?” Lance asked. He then swam to the edge of the underground pool.

“Bad incident when we were younger and Pidge nearly drowned in a lake.” Chip informed.

“That still haunts him?” Keith asked.

“Don’t judge me!” Pidge hissed. She was then brought to the edge and helped out. “Ugh. I don’t like deep water. I mean, I can handle splashing in a stream or a kiddie pool, but… that was too deep, too unknown, and way too sudden.”

“At least it was deep enough for relative safety.” Hunk got out of the water before helping to pull Chip out. “Too shallow, that’d hurt a whole lot more.”

“Still wasn’t pleasant.” Chief groaned. Shiro helped to pull him out of the water. “I’m gettin’ too old for this…”

“So, no cavernous water slides when you guys first found the lion?” Shiro inquired.

“Nope, just walkin’ in.” Chief stretched. “Hunk, ya good at poppin’ backs?”

“Yeah, I got you.” Hunk went over to eldest there. While not exactly the best by medical standards, he was able to bend with Chief to his back and help him pop his own back. “Better?” he asked when he put him down.

“Ah, much. If ya ever meet my team at the station, don’t tell ‘em I had ya do that.” Chief stretched again, happy for that comforting pop. “Hotshot and Wheels’ll blow some gaskets an’ lecture me over this. Pops would just laugh an’ say he always did that with his bro’s.”

“Uh… who?” Hunk was confused.

“Chief’s team at the fire station.” Chip informed. “Most go by some sort of nickname at some point.” He then patted his leg, looking to the water where Bae Bae was gladly doggy paddling, fine, unharmed, and happy to go for a swim. “Bae Bae, c’mon girl.” The bull terrier got out and shook her fur off with a happy bark.

“Uh, guys?” Lance had wandered off a bit from the group. “This is nice chatter and I’m glad we’re all fine, but… uh…” He looked back. “Are you guys blind? Because there’s something far more impressed than a pirate ship in this cave.”

Chief and Chip shared an unseen look, the two trying not to laugh. Yes, one of those in the group was indeed blind. The others didn’t seem to know yet.

“Whoa.” Hunk looked at what Lance was motioning to, amazed to see a massive, mechanical, blue lion. “THAT THING IS HUGE!?”

“That’s what he said.” Pidge commented, getting a snort of laughter from Keith.

“Okay, that is… that is definitely impressive.” Keith said.

“So, this is Voltron. Or at least a part of it.” Shiro went over with the others.

“Now what?” Keith went to the protective, blue barrier around it. “Hmm… how do we get in?”

“Maybe we just knock?” Lance asked.

“Right, sure, like that’s go-” Keith froze when Lance knocked on the barrier and in his mind images flashed. It wasn’t just him that was met with that, though; Hunk, Lance, Shiro, and Pidge were all in the same position. They saw images of five lions of different colours coming together to form a massive robot. Voltron.

“Uh…” Lance was stunned. “Did anyone else just see that?”

“Voltron’s a huge robot! A huge awesome robot!” Hunk declared.

“Holy shit.” Pidge gasped out. “That… that was… whoa.”

“Pidge?” Chip asked, looking worried. Did she actually see something? That couldn’t have been easy with her having never seen before. He then yelped and pulled Pidge with him to hide behind Hunk when the lion moved, lowering its head and opening its mouth. “Okay, that’s a thing.”

“And that thing is definitely new.” Chief declared, shocked by the lion’s movement. He had seen it a number of times years ago, but never once had it moved, not even when the Galra got so close to it.

“Okay, uh, let’s take a step back, figure out wha-” Shiro started to say. “Huh? LANCE!”

“Let’s check this kitty out!” Lance cheered, running up the ramp and into the lion’s mouth. Well, so much for stepping back and evaluating the situation.

Chapter Text

“You are the worst pilot EVER!” Keith shouted.

Lance had gotten the blue lion out of the cave in perhaps the most exhilarating and possibly very terrifying way. Rather than hoping to find an opening, he just burst through the cave’s walls and took off for the skies. Flying around and even running across the desert, he was trying to get a feel for things, listening to whatever feeling he got from the massive mechanical cat.

Hunk cried, absolutely terrified. “Make it stop! Please! Or just drop me off! I can’t handle this anymore!”

“Kid, just what do ya think yer doin’?” Chief asked. “Take ‘er easy!”

“Would you believe it if I said I’m not making it do anything?” Lance offered up. “It’s like this thing is on autopilot.” From there, the lion took off further into the sky, quickly breaking the atmosphere.

“Do you even know where you’re going?” Keith question.

“Uh… not really? Outside of Earth?” Lance shrugged. “Hey, remember, I said this thing is on some sort of autopilot.” He looked ahead, picking up on something through the lion. “It says there’s an alien ship approaching Earth; maybe we’re supposed to stop it?”

“What did it say, exactly!?” Chip cried out, holding on for dear life.

“It’s not really words it’s speaking, but more like… feelings and ideas?” Lance thought it over. “Kind of? Look, I don’t know what’s going on! I feel things, I think things, Blue does something.”

“Okay, take a breath.” Chief instructed, keeping Pidge braced so she didn’t fall over, disoriented by the quick movements.

“So… uh… if this thing is a weapon they’re coming for,” Hunk started to speak up, “why not just hand it over? Maybe they’ll leave us alone?” The lion shuddered and Hunk didn’t know if it was responding to him or if it was Lance’s piloting. “Sorry, Lion, nothing personal.”

“That’s not a good idea.” Shiro stated. “If it’s the Galra, you know, not like Keith, then they are bad news. They spread through galaxies like a plague, destroying and conquering all they can. There won’t be any bargaining with them and giving them this lion will only mean providing them with a new weapon to use against not only us, but other innocent lives.”

Hunk pursed his lips. “Right. Uh… so let’s not do that then.”

“Good call, kiddo.” Chief nodded. “If anythin’, we can try an’ get in touch with Kro, or others she works with. They’d know what ta do.”

“Um… that might have to wait.” Hunk pointed ahead of them. “Because, um, guys? I think that’s an alien ship!”

“Definitely an alien ship!” Keith exclaimed. “It’s a Galra warship! Lance, you gotta get us out of here; we don’t stand a chance in a lone ship!”

“Right! Hang on!” Lance exclaimed, yanking the controls in time to dodge as the ship fired lasers at them. He screeched a bit when Bae Bae put her paws up on the dash. “No! Bad Bae Bae! Down girl!”

“C’mon, Bae Bae, down girl, down!” Chip pulled the excited bull terrier down. “Sorry, she probably thinks of it as an exciting car ride.”

“She can be excited once we get out of here.” Shiro stated. “Lance, any ideas?”

“Uh…” Lance wasn’t sure, at least until new thoughts hit him. “Yeah! I think I know what to do!”

“Just be careful, this isn’t the simulator!” Chip reminded.

“Well that’s good, I always wreck that.” Lance laughed out. He got turned around and got the blue lion to open its mouth, creating a blast and shooting along the length of the ship. “Okay, now let’s see what else this baby can do.” He went at the ship fully, using the lions claws to tear open the side further. “Hell yeah!”

“Good job, Lance.” Shiro praised. “Now let’s get these guys away from our planet.”

“Ten-four!” Lance did as told and flew off. It took a short moment, but the battleship soon pursued them. On the positive note, they got it away from Earth; on the downside, it was gaining on them. “Okay, is it just me or are they just chasing us?” Lance inquired. “They’re not even trying to shoot us.”

“It’s possible that they dun wanna damage the lion too much.” Chief suggested, which made sense. If they wanted it as a weapon, they needed it to be in tact.

“Huh? Where are we now?” Hunk asked.

“Edge of the solar system.” Shiro looked to see the rocky surface of an object. “There! That’s Kerberos!”

“Wait… seriously?” Pidge perked up. “But that should be impossible? It takes months for our ships to get out here. This thing took like… a minute!” She grinned. “Okay, alien ships are awesome.”

“As marvelous as that is, uh… we have another thing.” Hunk pointed as a sort of portal opened up in front of them. “Keith! You’re the team alien, what is that?!”

“Um… something I’ve never seen in person before?” Keith wasn’t sure. “Best I can give you from Earth culture, it’s a stargate. And we don’t have James Spader to help us.”

“Okay, if we had any lingering doubts, Keith is definitely of Earth with that comment.” Lance stated. “Anyway, uh… I think the lion wants us to go through there. Which may or may not be worse than the ship trailing us.”

“Right, and does the lion happen to know where it leads?” Pidge inquired.

“I don’t know, it’s not talking to me.” Lance admitted. “Shiro, Chief, what do you guys think?”

“Might be a chance to take, but y’all were the ones who saw images when the lion let us in, so…” Chief really didn’t know.

“Well, the lion knows more, so I think we should trust it.” Shiro stated. “But we’re a team, all of us. We should decide together.”

With hushed confirmations from everyone there, Lance nodded. “Okay, guess we’re ditching class tomorrow.” He then pushed the lion through, the pathway vanishing behind them before the battleship could pursue them further. Once they came through, Lance stared in shock. “Whoa, that was-” He froze as Hunk grumbled, ready to get sick. “Bro! Not in the lion!”

“I got it!” Chip pulled out some grocery bags and doubled them up, handing them to Hunk to get sick in in the nick of time. “It’s okay, buddy, there we go.”

“Sorry…” Hunk humbled before throwing up again.

“You did well lasting this long.” Chip assured, patting his friend’s back.

“Speakin’ of lastin’, maybe ya should rest the lion a sec, kiddo?” Chief suggested. “Or find ‘er a landin’ spot? ‘cause I dun think Pigeon here can take much more of this.” He rubbed Pidge’s back as she braced herself against the side, grumbling. “You good, kiddo?”

“I want off Lance’s Boneswild Ride…” Pidge whined.

“Right, uh… maybe I did find a spot to land.” Lance looked ahead. “This planet… I don’t know what it is, but I think the lion wants to go there. It’s like it wants to go home.”

“Well, it got us away from the warship, maybe we should trust it.” Shiro suggested. “Just be on guard.”

“And gentle on the landing, please.” Hunk whimpered. “No needle threading…” He got sick again, thankful for the bag.

“Right.” Lance nodded as he took the lion in, though it felt a bit rough, the lion shaking and shuddering. Rather than Lance’s piloting, though, it seemed to be turbulence; at least that was the hope.

“Hey, take it easy.” Keith reminded. “Not so rough.”

“Hey, you wanna pilot this thing?” Lance asked. “Because last I checked, the lion opened up for me, not you.”

“And why it did, I may never know, especially since it sounds like you crash a lot in a simulator.”

“Hey! That’s a simulator! And you crashed getting Shiro to Earth!”

“Only because we had mines stuck to us that blew up!”

“Will you two stow it!?” Shiro snapped at the two. “Keith, Lance is piloting and yelling at him isn’t going to help. And Lance, pull back a little, try to ease her in.”

“Right.” Lance chose to listen to Shiro since he had experience as a pilot. He did his best, lowering the lion closer to the ground and flying around, finding a place to land.

“Okay, so, I get this is new to all of us, even Keith,” Pidge spoke up, “but where are we headed exactly?”

“I’m not exactly sure. Sorry.” Lance sighed. “The lion’s not talking to me anymo-” He stopped, a thought hitting his mind. “Wait! Wait, wait, wait. Listen. I think I hear something.”

Pidge listened. It was a high pitched squeal. Oh, she knew exactly what that was and already took to covering her nose and mouth.

“Yeah, I think I hear it, too.” Keith stated, surprised to hear something. He hoped it wasn’t a mechanical error.

“It kinda sounds like a squeal of sorts?” Hunk offered up. The sound grew loud and it became an audible fart, causing the others to cover their noses; Hunk gagged a bit. Even Bae Bae wasn’t immune as she whined and buried her nose into Chip’s clothes.

“Ugh! Lance!” Shiro groaned.

“Should’ve guessed it by the sound alone, guys.” Pidge smirked. “Nice one, Lance.” She held up her fist for him to bump, knowing the gesture through touch thanks to her brothers.

“I’m glad someone approves.” Lance grinned brightly, giving Pidge the fistbump. He then looked ahead, spotting a structure. What was that? Castle. Home. The words flashed through his mind. “Anyway, guys, uh, there looks to be a castle ahead. I think this is the lion’s home or something.”

“Okay, how does THAT look like a castle?” Chip asked.

“I don’t know, but that’s what the lion called it, I think.” Lance brought the lion in to land, letting the others out. Immediately, Hunk and Pidge were down on the ground, the two thankful for solid land. “Jeez, you guys are so dramatic.”

“Look, I like stability. Shut up.” Pidge grumbled.

“Land my beloved.” Hunk whined. “I will never take you for granted agai-AAAAAH!” He screamed and scrambled to hide behind Pidge when the lion raised its head and roared. “It’s gonna eat us!” he cried out. But it didn’t. The roar triggered something in the castle and the doors opened up. “Oh. Uh… apparently not. Sorry, Lion, I was wrong about you.”

“What d’ya think, son?” Chief looked to Keith. “Ever seen anythin’ like it?”

“No.” Keith shook his head. “And it doesn’t look Galran in design.”

“It doesn’t mean we should let our guards down.” Shiro stated, helping Hunk and Pidge to their feet. “But there may be answers inside, too.” He led the way inside, entering a sort of grand foyer that was darkened, the only light being from outside.

“Hmm, it might not be the lion’s legit home and someone else lives here. Or lived.” Chip suggested, looking over the stairway. “If anything, they could be a race roughly our size, judging by the steps.” He yelped in surprise and clung to Chief when a light appeared above them.

“Hold for identity scan.” came a computerized voice.

“Who are you? Why are we here?” Shiro called out. Nothing. “What do you want with us?” The closest thing he got to a response were crystal torches lighting up a certain path to lead them further inside.

“I guess that means we should go that way.” Chip mused.

Pidge listened. She could hear the torches hum with power, growing louder as she went nearer. “Well, if we want answers, I guess we should follow them.” she said. “C’mon, Bae Bae.” With an eager bark, Bae Bae ran ahead a bit, following the lights. The others followed not too far behind, heading for whatever laid waiting deeper in the strange castle.

Chapter Text

“Father, please! If we are to have a chance, then we must fight!” Princess Allura of Altea pleaded. Those around her didn’t dare speak up, feeling mutual with her desperation but also knowing how dire the situation was. “We can form Voltron! You can pilot the black lion, I can step up and take the red li-”

“It doesn’t always work that way.” Alfor stated, looking to his daughter. He cupped her face. “There’s no guarantee either of the lions will accept a new paladin. And… I feel we must hide them away for the safety of the universe.” He looked to his fellow remaining paladins, seeing them nod in agreement. “This is the only way we can thwart Zarkon and hope to stop him.”

“But Father, we can’t give up hope.” Allura said. She then felt weak. Why of all times did she feel tired? She stumbled a bit and fell into her father’s arms. Had he done something using alchemy to try and knock her out? “Father…”

“I’m sorry, my dear.” Alfor sighed. “But if all goes well, we will meet again. I love yo-”

“Father!” Someone stumbled out of the cryo-pod, falling right into the arms of none other than Lance. When the group of Earthlings (and one half-Earthling) ventured further into the castle, they found themselves in a sort of control room. When Chip investigated a control panel, pods came up from the floor. One opened up to reveal the Altean princess, Allura. She looked up to see Lance’s face. He looked almost Altean. Almost. His pupils were black, he lacked the marks on his cheeks that all Alteans had, and his ears. They were… wrong.

“Hello.” Lance smiled, a pink tinge to his cheeks. He did his best to look and sound suave.

“Who are you?” Allura was taken aback. “Where am I?”

“I’m Lance.” He smiled. “And you’re right here in my arms.”

“Your ears…”

“Yeah?”

“They’re hideous.” The others snorted when they heard her say that. “What’s wrong with them?”

“Nothing’s wrong with them!” Lance was understandably offended as he helped get Allura stabilized and backed off a bit. “They heard exactly what you sai-AAAAAAAAAH!” He let out a scream as the Altean grabbed hold of him, one arm pinned behind his back and his ear in a tight grip. “Ow! Let go! Let go! Let go!”

“About time someone did it.” Chip told Hunk. “I’m just sorry it wasn’t me.” His friend snickered beside him.

“Who are you all? Where is King Alfor? And what are you doing in my castle!?” Allura snapped.

“A giant blue lion brought us here! That’s all we know!” Lance whined. He yelped when he was finally let go and shoved away, barely catching himself.

“How do you have the blue lion? What happened to its paladin?” Allura asked. “What are you all even doing here. Unless…” A look of worry crossed her face. “Oh quiznak. How long has it been?” She rushed past and went to the control station Chip was at, the young teen stepping away. She checked on the console, trying to get what data she could from it.

“We don’t know what you’re talking about.” Shiro stated. “How about introductions, hmm? Then maybe we can figure out how to help?” He looked around. “I’m Shiro. These are Hunk and Chip, the guy with hideous ears is Lance-”

“Hey! They aren’t hideous!”

“Then we have Pidge, Chip’s twin, and then Keith and his dad, Chief.” Bae Bae barked at Shiro, startling him. “Oh, right, I shouldn’t forget about you, sorry. And the dog here is Bae Bae.”

Allura didn’t look up yet, focused on her research. “I’m Princess Allura of Planet Altea.” she responded. “And just a tick… I’m trying to find out where we are exactly and how long Coran and I’ve been asleep.”

“Coran?” Chip asked, confused. Allura pointed just in time for the other pod to open up, revealing another Altean, this one with bright orange hair and a rather magnificent mustache. “Oh.” He watched as Coran was alarmed by the intruders and aimed a flying kick at Lance, missing and nearly crashing. “Well, that’s one way to wake up.”

“Sounds like the time Matt had a ninja dream and kicked his nightstand over in a fight as he jolted awake.” Pidge hummed. She listened to Lance and Coran banter back and forth. “At least they’re getting along.”

“Is that what they call it?” Keith asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“From a sibling’s point of view? Yup.” Pidge nodded.

“Oh yeah, we did do roughhousing as kits ourselves.” Keith mused.

“Oh no, this can’t be!” Allura’s anguish caught everyone’s attention, including that of the previously occupied Coran.

“Princess, what’s the matter?” Coran rushed over.

“It’s… we’ve been asleep for a thousand deca-phoebs!” Allura looked horrified.

“In Earth terms,” Keith spoke up, “a deca-phoeb is about a year. So, it’s been a thousand years for them.”

Allura looked bitter. “Zarkon. It’s all his fault!”

“Zarkon…” Shiro tested the name, thinking of a face he barely recalled. “I… I think I…”

“You know of him?” Allura asked, looking to the former pilot. “He’s a cruel man. King of the Galra… vile creatures and enemies of the fre-” She stopped when she finally noticed Keith there. “A Galran?! In my castle?! Security!”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Chief pulled Keith back and shoved him behind him. Sure, he knew Keith could defend himself, but he was a father before anything else; he would do all he could to protect his family. “Okay, yeah, I get that m’boy’s Galran, but he ain’t an enemy, I swear it.” he stated.

“Your boy?” Allura blinked. “As in… you would take in a Galran? Do you even know what they are?”

“I didn’t take ‘im in.” Chief stated. He motioned to Chip and Pidge. “Them, sorta, yeah. But Keith?” He motioned to his son with his thumb. “He’s mine through an’ through. Was even there fer ‘is birth, y’know?”

“Then being with the Galra…”

“Princess, I get it, many done bad stuff. I ain’t unaware of that; Krolia made sure ta ‘splain it to Collie, Sammy, an’ me. She also made sure we knew that not all follow that Zarkon fellow.” Chief offered a sympathetic look as he stepped forward. “I understand, y’ve been wronged in the past. It ain’t easy. But… it ain’t too inconceivable fer there to be good Galra, right? So, can’cha trust me that my son ain’t a threat? And if he does somethin’ bad he should know better than to do? I’ll put ‘im over my knee myself.”

Allura stared for a moment. This man really found love in a Galran? But he also seemed aware of the troubles in the universe, at least slightly. She then took note of how he defended his son and looked out for him. She didn’t know what he mean put put him over his knee, but she had a feeling it was a way of these strange creatures to reprimand their youths.

She then thought of her own father. Had situations been bad and Alteans were seen as a threat, she was sure her father would defend her too, speak on her behalf to help others see she wasn’t the enemy.

“Princess,” Coran spoke softly to her, “perhaps we should accept this? Or at least give him a chance? Remember, the Galra were once our allies. And though betrayed… if there is a sparkle of hope left in some still being our allies…”

Hope. She never wanted to give up hope before being put into that stasis pod. And there she was hit with that word again.

“You swear it yourself that you will not betray us?” Allura stated, looking to Keith. Chief stepped aside to let her see him better.

“I promise.” Keith nodded. “The only betrayal I’d do is steal Pidge’s snacks.” To emphasize that, he snagged a snack bar from her bag.

“Hey!” Pidge cried out. “That just hurts, man.”

“Yes, well, so does an empty stomach and stress.” Keith stated, pulling out another and handing it to her.

“Fair.” Pidge shrugged and opened her snack to munch on while Keith did the same.

Allura snorted a bit. Their interactions was a bit adorable, reminding her of siblings. “Then so be it. I’m sorry for my hostility.”

“No need to apologize.” Keith stated. “It… it must be hard. But please know this, my mom and I aren’t the only ones that are out there fighting against the Empire. Admittedly, it’s slow going, but there are many of us in the Blade of Marmora, some working on external missions and some as spies on the Empire. We’re fighting to end Zarkon’s reign.”

Allura let out a sigh of relief. “It brings me peace of mind to know that there are st-” She stopped. “Wait… Zarkon’s reign. As in he’s still alive? How is that possible?”

“I… uh…” Keith thought it over. “I actually don’t know. But we do know he’s looking for Voltron…”

“Of course.” Allura was not pleased with that. “He’s searching for it because he knows it’s the only thing that can defeat him. And we need to do just that.”

“Wait… what?” Hunk looked over. “Us? Defeat him? A tyrant that’s like a thousand years old and conquers planets and galaxies?”

“It won’t be easy,” the princess admitted, “but it’s not impossible. “In fact, I sen-” She didn’t finish what she was saying as the alarms went off. “Coran?”

“On it!” Coran checked the console in the middle of the room, seeing what was going on. He brought up the sensors and footage, showing a Galran battleship. “Oh quiznak. It’s a battleship! And they’ve set their tracker to us!”

“What? How did they find us?” Allura asked. She looked back at Keith. Hope. Hope. Hope. She prayed that it wasn’t his fault.

“They could have been tracking the blue lion even out here.” Keith stated. “Because I don’t think it was Shiro’s arm, it was checked before we left for Earth… or maybe a ship spotted us when we came through that gateway and got out here?” His concern seemed genuine and Allura nodded, finding those options logical.

“So. Uh…” Lance looked to the footage and then back to the team. “Can we see if another one of those wormhole things show up and stick them through it to get rid of them?”

“We don’t even know how to get such a thing up, though.” Chip pointed out.

“Okay, so they’ve set their trackers on us.” Shiro stated. “Any idea on how long until they arrive?”

“At their speed?” Coran thought it over as he counted on his fingers. “Um, uh, carry the two… I’d say probably a couple of quintants?”

“A couple of days for those who don’t know the terms.” Keith informed. “But I think your math is wrong or you’re basing it on older ships. These ships are fast. At best? We’ve got a couple of vargas, or hours.”

“Oh man, I hope Coran’s math is right…” Hunk whimpered. “Because that’s really too soon!”

“Well then, we’ll let them come.” Allura stated. “That’s all the time we need to form Voltron. Then it’ll be on to defeating Zarkon and destroying his empire.”

“Princess, with all due respect, there are five lions and only one of them we know the location of. And the pilot to.” Shiro stated. “How do you suggest we go about finding the others and getting them piloted?”

“Easy. I know how to find their signatures. And I already know just who their paladins are.” Allura informed, looking so sure of what she felt.

Chapter Text

Allura led her guests up to another part of the castle, the upper levels and the bridge. As it turned out, thanks to a few safety measures left by her father, the late King Alfor, she was able to activate the systems, booting up the impressive, ancient castle. She then got to work, locating the lions and bringing up a digital map, displaying various galaxies in the universe.

“Okay, that’s impressive.” Hunk hummed, looking amazed. As much as being thrown from Earth, dealing with hostile forces and meeting aliens, and enduring Lance’s flying abilities scared him, even he couldn’t help but marvel at the technology of the castle.

“So… then these are coordinates to where the other lions were hidden.” Chip observed. “So if I’m reading it right, then the black lion is in the same location as the blue one… but they seem right on top of each other about.”

“So it’s possible that the black lion was hidden most likely in this castle.” Pidge speculated.

“Well now, aren’t your primitive synapses firing away in those little brain cages.” Coran chuckled, popping in between the twins.

“You’re both very observant.” Allura said. “And Pidge is right, the black lion is in this castle, but that doesn’t make it easy to collect.”

“Indeed.” Coran nodded. “You see, King Alfor had to keep the black lion especially out of Zarkon’s grasp. With that, he knew the only safe place would be in the castle, locked away. Only once the other four lions are present can it be freed.”

“So, with that, all the keys have been hidden from him, and on different planets.” Pidge mused, nodding. “But it’s not completely fool proof since they were tracking Blue…”

“But, they seemed to barely find that one, what are the odds they have any of the others?” Chip inquired, looking to his sister.

“Those odds are good, which are bad for us.” Keith stated. “I know kind of the location of one lion. The red one.” He looked to Allura. “I don’t know the exact location, but it’s been found already, that’s how they worked out the signal to try and track the others, but I’ve heard nothing more other than them nearing the blue lion on Earth.” he explained. “But it’s with Commander Sendak. Wherever he’s stationed… I don’t know. If I can get in touch with my commander, I can try to find his location and make that part of the search easier.”

Though troubled, Allura nodded. “If it’s on the move, I can try to also search better for it.” she said. “As for contacting your commander, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but… well, the castle’s been resting for a long time. We’ll need to see if long range communications are in working order.”

“That’s fair.” Keith twitched his ears a bit, understanding that logic.

“Anyway, about the lions, the locations of the other two, and their pilots.” Shiro prompted.

“Right.” Allura nodded again. She then brought up holographic displays of each lion, including the planets where the yellow and green ones were. “You may have noticed that the lions choose their pilots. It’s this mystical bond that cannot be forced. Within all people, even you guys, there is quintessence; in short, it’s pure life energy. And this is mirrored between the pilot, or paladin as we call them, and his lion. Even with all of the scientific advancements on Altea, it’s beyond our explanation.”

Allura sent the projection of the black lion to Shiro. “Let’s start with the black lion, the head of Voltron.” she said. “The paladin for this lion is a born leader and in control at all times, someone whose men will follow without hesitation. Shiro, I feel that you are the one meant to pilot the black lion.”

Shiro looked to the projection. Because as a fighter and leader, you give hope. The words someone spoke to him echoed in the back of his mind. The universe needs you now more than ever. Did they know he would be in this much of a situation? Did they feel the same vibe Allura did? He then nodded, accepting this role. This destiny.

“Next we have the green lion. Small and quick, the paladin for this vessel needs to have an inquisitive personality, intellect, and even a daring side.” Allura stated. “For this lion, I-”

“Pidge?” Everyone pointed at the small, blind teen, startling Allura.

“Yeah, it’s kinda obvious that Pidge is that person.” Hunk stated.

“We barely met him and we already know that.” Lance chimed in. “No offense to Chip who’s pretty damn bright, but stories we hear of Pidge? Yeah, that matches him.”

“I can’t even imagine anyone less darin’ than Pigeon here.” Chief crossed his arms and nodded. “’cept maybe the twins’ ma.”

“My memories are vague? But I remember how clever, quick, and adventurous Pidge was.” Keith pointed out. “If those still hold true? This is definitely Pidge’s calling.”

“It does match him; we may be twins, but…” Chip shrugged. “Plus, there’s a reason he got a vision of Voltron and I didn’t, so logic dictates that.”

Allura snorted a bit, amused by the interjections of the others. “Looks like your team knows you very well, Pidge.” she responded. “Anyway, moving on to the blue lion. I know you already have a paladin, but i-”

“Let me guess, ol’ Blue takes the most handsome and best pilot of the bunch?” Lance inquired, smirking. He then yelped when Chip went over and smacked him in the arm. “Hey!”

“Okay. How about the caring and kind yellow lion.” Allura shook her head and brought up the hologram for Yellow, sending it towards hunk. “Its paladin is one with a mighty heart and who cares for those around them. The put others before themselves. As the leg of Voltron, Hunk, you will lift the tema up and hold them together.”

“Er…” Hunk was nervous. “I don’t know…”

“Hunk, think of it like the time you quelled the tension between some fighting cadets with food, getting them to calm down.” Chip said with a smile. “You got this.”

“Yeah.” Hunk was still unsure, but he felt a bit better with Chip having his back. “Thanks, buddy.”

“And finally, the red lion, which I hope we’ll find soon.” Allura said. “Though temperamental and difficult to master, this lion is one of instinct. It’s agile and the fastest in the pride, but it can also seem more unstable; the bond cannot be forced. However, for someone who relies on their instincts, it will follow through.” She looked to Keith. Galran. But a friend. Just as the Galra had been in the past. He worked so well with the others from what little she had witnessed. “Keith, you are meant to fly the red lion.”

“Didn’t see that coming.” Keith admitted, amazed as he looked at the hologram of it. “But… I’ll do my best.” He sighed. “After we find Red, that is.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll manage.” Allura assured.

“Whether we get the comms up or the tracker works, it should be found soon.” Coran declared. “I can fix things up and get right to work with ease. After all, they didn’t call me The Coranic for nothing back then.” He messed with his mustache. “You know, because it sounds like mechanic? Coranic. Mechanic. Okay, they’re not exactly alike, but it’s similar enough.”

“Anyway, once all the lions are reunited, you will form Voltron, the most power warrior ever known and the Defender of the Universe.” Allura reminded the others. Using the holographic displays, she showed the lions coming together to form the massive robot.

“Uh… right.” Hunk nodded. “Okay. So, we’re gonna be in there and flying lions, that’s easy to comprehend. But, uh, how to lions turn into legs?”

“Probably a bit like vehicles turning into Autobots. Just gears turning and shifting and going into the right places.” Chip mused.

“Okay, that works. And, uh… is this gonna be a long trip? Because I really have to pee. Do you people pee?” Hunk was scared and rambling.

“We should get ready to head out, including taking needed restroom breaks, and then get to the other lions.” Shiro stated. “But I can head out with Pidge to get the green lion. Lance, you can take Hunk in the blue lion to fetch the yellow one. Keith, you stay here with Chief and Chip; if you locate the red lion-”

“I’d hate to undermine you, Shiro,” Pidge spoke up, “but what if Keith needs the backup to get Red? You’d probably provide more backup than Chief, no offense, Chief. Really. But you’re more fire fighter than battle fighter last I knew.”

“Ya ain’t wrong.” Chief nodded. “But what ‘bout’cha?”

“I’ve got Chip to help me out.” Pidge stated. “Plus, a lot’s happened since last night and I need him for a soundboard to talk with and come to terms with it. And we don’t hang out much.”

“That’s fair.” Chief nodded.

“They’re twins but not together much?” Coran inquired softly to the literal space dad.

“Pidge’s has been stayin’ with me while Chip’s been studyin’ at the Garrison.” Chief informed. “So they’ve been apart fer a while.”

“Ah, I see.” Coran nodded. “Well, I can get you two a pod ready with coordinates for the lion. Though… you can fly, right?”

“We’ve both studied flight manuals back home.” Chip stated. “I think we can manage.”

The twins and Bae Bae were led to the ship bay, Chief going with them to see them off. Bae Bae sat in between the twins as Chip took to the pilot’s spot.

“Y’all have each others’ backs out there, y’hear me?” Chief said. “Be good. An’ be safe.”

“Now, no need to worry.” Coran hummed, twisting his mustache between two fingers. “According to the readings, the planets are relatively peaceful. At worst, they’d be dealing with pollen.”

“We’ll be fine.” Pidge assured.

“Pigeon, yer the last person I feel confident hearing we’ll be fine from. Yer a bundle o’ mayhem an’ y’know it.” Chief stated. “So no venturin’ off to explore an’ makin’ yer brother worry, y’hear me?”

“Sir, yes sir.” Pidge did a mock salute.

“If needed, I’ve got duct tape to use.” Chip chuckled. “Anyway, ready to get your lion, Pidge?”

“Ooh! I’m so excited!” Pidge grinned, eager to find and pilot one of the lions of Voltron.

Chapter Text

“I am so NOT excited!” Pidge exclaimed. She was in a small, gondola-like boat, a giant sloth-like Alien steering them down the river to wherever, presumably to the grin lion. She sat at the front of the boat, Bae Bae sitting between her feet and watching the water over the edge. “I mean, in theory this is an amazing idea. Being able to pilot something? But that’s the thing. It’s only a theory that this could work. And what if it doesn’t? Dude! I am blind! I can’t even see an inch in front of me. I mean, not in the way most people see. I can feel my surroundings. I touch things. I hear things. But I can’t see; I can’t even detect light visually. And we’re talking about me piloting this thousand year old mystically created lion-ship. Dude, I can’t even ride a bike without issues.”

“I mean, yeah, Lance was feeling things through Blue. Maybe I can feel my way with the green lion? But that’s just ONE issue. There are others.” the teen continued to ramble. “Like, how does one even pilot it? What if I can’t reach the pedals? I couldn’t even reach them to start Chief’s truck for him. What if there aren’t even any pedals?! Oh man! The princess definitely made a mistake. That’s a thing, right? Princesses make mistakes?”

Chip chuckled when the sloth gave him a look. “Yeah, she’s a bundle of anxiety.” he said. “Pidge, c’mon, breathe.” He looked past the sloth to see his twin. “Breathe in, breath out.” He got his sister to do that to help her calm down, taking a moment to go through the breathing exercise. “Good. And look, we don’t know what’s possible or isn’t possible with these lions. And there’s a reason you got that vision. THAT YOU SAW. Remember?”

“Yeah…”

“Good. I think you’ve got this. And remember what Dad always said?” Chip smiled. “If you get too worried about what could go wrong-”

“I might miss the chance to do something great.” Pidge smiled. “Thanks, Chip.”

“Hey, that’s what I’m here for.” Chip stated. “Besides, you’re not alone. You got me. And who better to be your co-pilot than your own twin who can put up with your sass and puns.” He grinned when his twin snorted with laughter; he chuckled a bit when the sloth made a sort of trilling noise, amused by the duo; whether or not they could understand the twins was unknown, though. “We could always tell the rest of the team that you’re blind.” Pidge grumbled. “Or keep it hidden, see if Keith remembers, if our family ever told Shiro, and let the others see just what you’re made of.”

“You really think I’m made of… uh… something? You know, something that can do this?” Pidge inquired. She grunted when the boat stopped on the shore. “Oh… we’re close.”

“I think you’re definitely made of what the team needs.” Chip got out first and helped his sister out so she didn’t stumble into the river. “Thanks for the ride, friend.” he told the sloth, dipping his head respectfully. “We probably won’t need the ride back.”

Seeming to understand him, the sloth nodded. They then waved the group off, trilling their farewells before pushing off and sailing back down the river.

“Now let’s find that lion.” Chip hummed. “According to the tracker Coran gave us, it-”

“That way.” Pidge pointed off down a cobblestone-like path nearly overgrown in vines and leaves. “It’s like this sort of energy. It feels like its beckoning me.”

“If that’s not a sign that you’re meant to pilot the green lion, then I don’t know what is.” Chip chuckled. “Then let’s go. Lead on.” They walked together, talking a bit and even finding a stick to throw for Bae Bae while out. After a moment, Chip grinned. “So. Bet’cha the next two laundry duties and three dishes duty that Keith didn’t realize you’re a girl.”

“Hah! I’m sure he knows I’m a girl. He’s just vibing with Lance and Hunk and maybe Shiro in thinking I’m a boy, like you and Chief vibing.” Pidge grinned. “Nah, I bet you those and one Bae Bae bath time that he actually forgot I’m blind.”

“Ooh, confident, huh?” Chip snickered. “You’re on.” He held out his hand and snapped his fingers. “Shake on it.”

Hearing the snap, Pidge knew just where to grab and shook her brother’s hand. “May the best twin win.”

“Oh, I plan on it.” Chip smirked. He then yelped when Pidge playfully shoved him, nearly knocking him over. “Hey! Watch it!” he laughed out. “You’re stronger than you look.”

“You’re just a wimp with good aim, not my fault I can push you over like a daisy.” Pidge teased. She then stopped, feeling energy around her, feeling a sensation in the back of her mind. “Are we there?” she asked. “It feels like the presence is stronger.”

Presence. Hearing that, Chip was surer than ever that his sister was meant to be the paladin of the green lion. “Yeah, but I don’t see a way in.” he commented. “It’s this overgrowth of vines and roots. Like…” He thought it over. “Like this. Feel for my hands.” He clasped them together, interlocking his fingers. “But more?”

Pidge felt for her twin’s hands, feeling how tightly they were pressed. “Hmm, the lion may be in the middle of the growth.” She nodded. “I got this! It’s like climbing a tree!”

“Dad never liked you climbing trees…”

“Well, what Dad doesn’t know won’t hurt.” Pidge grinned as she removed her shoes and socks. “Stay with Bae Bae; I’m gonna go get that lion.”

“Pidge?”

“Hmm?”

“Remember. You got this.” Chip smiled. “You were meant to do great things. Not because of some destiny or mystical bond or whatever an elf-looking space princess says. You were meant to do great things because you’re this genius bundle of spite.”

Pidge grinned. If anyone could make someone feel good and burst with needed reassurances and confidence, it was none other than Chip Gunderson-Holt himself. “Thanks, bro.” She then took off, heading for the vines and roots.

“By the way, why’d you give me your shoes?”

“Because I see better with my feet when doing stuff like this!” Pidge called, already climbing and moving fast.

Chip wanted to make a comment about cartoons and a runaway bundle of green-coded sass, but he held his tongue. “You know what? That checks out. Just try not to fall, okay? That’s a long way up and gravity is a thing here.”

“I’ll be fine!”

“Yeah, that’s never reassuring coming from you…” Chip sighed. He then watched as Pidge climbed up what looked to the steps of a Mayan pyramid covered in massive roots and vines. She definitely had a way of booking it, getting around with ease. He was sure she had this, that she would be fine and get to that lion, but he was still a smidgen worried. Of course, she was his family. He cared for her. Worrying was to be expected.

Pidge kept going, even when there were no more steps and just massive roots and vines that have grown to encase something. It didn’t slow her down as she made her way to the top. Once she reached the summit of the pyramid and vines, she just sat on her knees, feeling the wind whistle through the jungle that surrounded the area.

“You’re probably here, huh?” she asked softly. She then felt a sensation of energy beneath her, a purr in the back of her mind echoing. She grinned. “Settle down, kitty, I’ll get to you.” She then pulled herself over, feeling for an opening before slipping in between the roots. She slid down, bracing herself where she can so as to not fall too quickly and risk getting hurt. She slid along them with confidence until she felt a change of surface.

Wood quickly became metal as her feet hit what she assumed was the head of the lion. “Okay, now, how do I…” She felt ideas hit her mind as she heard a hatch slide open. “So, right there, huh?” She grinned as she slid her feet across the cool metal, finding the opening. Once located, she dropped in, hearing the clank of more metal beneath her. She felt her surroundings, quickly locating the seat, much like what Lance had been in in the blue lion.

“Okay, here I am.” Pidge moved over and slid into the seat, reaching out and locating the handles. She moved her feet, finding pedals that she was able to reach. This was it. She had the lion. But could she really fly it? It let her in, that was easy enough. But would it truly accept her?

“I don’t know how this’ll work, though.” she admitted to the lion. “I’m blind. I can’t see my surroundings. At all. Not even light. I feel them. But…”

Pidge felt a warm sensation in the back of her mind, like a mother’s embrace comforting her scared child. It almost felt as if the lion herself was telling Pidge that they could do this. That she can learn and she’ll succeed.

“Okay.” Pidge nodded. “I got this.” She focused on the lion. Piloting blind. She was literally doing this in the dark. But she could feel around her, as if there was a sort of energy field and she could feel what was there. “Let’s go, girl.” She pushed forward on the control, making the lion lurch and burst out of its encasement of roots.

Below on the ground, Chip was playing a little fetch with Bae Bae, keeping himself occupied and from worrying too much. He was startled when he heard the roar and a crashing noise, making him look over in alarm. Before he could even ask himself if his sister was okay, he saw it there. The green lion. Next to him, Bae Bae was barking, her tail wagging.

“Yeah.” Chip nodded. “She’s definitely got this.” He watched as Pidge seemed to get a feel for things, trying to fly a bit. And promptly crash into a tree and fall to the ground, crushing part of the pyramid. “Maybe. Uh…” He looked down at the bull terrier who whined and put a paw over her nose, as if embarrassed. “Maybe we should help?” With a huff, Bae Bae ran ahead of him, seeming to agree. “Don’t worry, Pidgey! I’m comin’ to help!”

Chapter Text

“Ugh… that sucked.” Lance grumbled. “I felt like Hunk out there!”

“Think how I feel.” Hunk whined. “I am Hunk!”

“But you guys survived, so that’s gotta count for something.” Pidge mused. “You guys did good! Now we’re three fifths of the way to Voltron.”

“Speaking of,” Chip looked to the others, “any luck on the red lion and Sendak?”

“Well, long rage communications are a no-go at the moment.” Keith sighed. “I couldn’t get in touch with the Blade of Marmora.”

“However!” Coran chimed in. “We do have good news! We managed to locate the lion through scans!”

“That’s great!” Lance grinned. “So, off to kick Sendak’s ass and get it?”

“Well, more good news, Sendak’s already nearing Arus.” Coran informed. “And we happen to be right on Arus!”

“If that’s good news, I’d hate to know what bad news is.” Hunk whimpered.

“It’ll be fine, Hunk.” Shiro assured. “This just means they’ve brought the lion to us and we have less time to plan. But we can do it.” He looked to Allura. “Right, Princess?”

“We have to tr-” Allura was cut off as a video transmission came up, hijacked by someone else not in the castle. There, most of the others saw the mauve furred face of a Galran commander.

“This one’s purple and covered in fur, Keith.” Lance pointed out.

“Shut up.” Keith snarled.

“Princess Allura,” the commander spoke up, “this is Commander Sendak of the Galra Empire. I come on behalf of Emperor Zarkon, lord of the known universe.”

“He actually seems polite.” Chip commented.

“I am here to confiscate the lions. Turn them over to me or I will destroy your planet.” Sendak continued. “You have ten doboshes to make your choice. Choose wisely.” He then cut the transmission, the screen going to static.

“I spoke too soon.” Chip sighed. “Politeness was just defenestrated.”

“At least he had the courtesy to give us a heads up instead of shoot at us first.” Pidge mused. “Plus a bit of a time limit instead of immediate.”

“True.” Chip nodded.

“Okay, courtesy aside,” Shiro spoke up, “our plan is definitely moved up. By a lot. Let’s not panic an-”

“Not panic?” Hunk asked. “That commander is driving his battleship toward us and we only have four lions.”

“Technically, we only have three lions.” Pidge reminded.

“Right, thanks, Pidge.” Hunk nodded “We only have three working lions and a castle that’s like a thousand years old.”

“Actually, it’s one thousand, six hundred deca-pheobs old.” Coran declared, looking quite proud. “You see, it was built by my grandfath-” He was cut off by Hunk covering his mouth.

“Thanks, Coran, thank you for that.” Hunk stated. “But see? This is the perfect time to panic!”

“Okay, Hunk, c’mon buddy, gotta breathe.” Chip coaxed, trying to calm his friend down. “Breathe with me.”

While Hunk worked to calm down, Allura spoke up. “And we’re not totally defenseless.” she informed. “We Alteans may be peaceful, but we also have means of defense and even weapons to defend ourselves and others. This includes activating the castle’s particle barrier.”

“Girl, you’ve already activated my par-”

“Lance!” Shiro chastised him, smacking him upside the head.

“Oof…” Lance grunted.

“I don’t know how long a particle barrier will hold, though.” Keith informed. “You’ve faced them a thousand years ago, and the weapons have advanced and gotten stronger since then. Especially the ion cannon.”

“Oh, well. That’s not good.” Coran mumbled. “But, no need to panic yet.”

“Coran’s right.” Shiro nodded. “We just need to figure out a plan. And, uh, quickly.”

“Yeah, in like seven minutes.” Pidge stated.

“What about running away?” Lance suggested. “You know, he who runs away lives to fight another day.”

“Ain’t always possible, kiddo.” Chief spoke up. “Sendak can still attack the planet. An’ we put the black lion at risk.” The others couldn’t argue with that one.

“No, we need to fight back.” Allura declared. “We need to get that red lion away from Sendak and unlock the black lion.” She nodded. “Remember, you five were brought here for a reason. The Voltron lions are meant to be piloted by you and you alone. This is our destiny, to fight and keep fighting until Zarkon is defeated. We, with Voltron, are the universe’s only hope.”

“We’re with you, Princess.” Shiro confirmed. “But… we’re kind of under-equipped. Lacking a plan, and only have six minutes.”

“Actually, about four and a half.” Pidge chimed in.

“Four minutes.” Shiro recanted.

“Then I guess that means we need to act quick. And get you all suited up and armed.” Allura smiled. She led the others to the armoury, getting them suited up with colour-coded uniforms to their lions. Chip, who insisted on helping out, was given a flight suit, much like one the princess had donned while the others were off getting their lions.

“Wow, redefining one size fits all .” Hunk mused, amazed that the uniform actually fit.

“Hopefully this works.” Coran mused. “They aren’t exactly the best and brightest the universe has to offer.” He twitched his mustache a bit. “Er, no offense to you Earthlings.”

“No, no, ya ain’t wrong.” Chief admitted. “But they are Earthlings, even if in part with Keith. What we lack in strength an’ skill, we make up for in stubbornness an’ tenacity. ‘specially the twins.”

“And that’s perfect to work from.” Allura nodded. She then presented the paladins their weapons. “These are the bayards, the traditional weapons of the paladins, used by your predecessors, too. They’ll take on a distinct shape for each of you, suiting your needs and styles.” Each paladin activated theirs, each depicting something different.

Pidge herself had a staff. She used it a bit, poking the area to feel what was there and even tapping the ground.

“Nice stick.” Lance snickered. He himself had a blaster of sorts, proud of it. Compared to his, he didn’t know how much damage Pidge could cause. He was then swept off his feet, shooting at the ceiling as he yelped and fell down. “AAH!”

“Yeah, I like my stick.” Pidge smirked. She then caused the end of it to spark, shocking Lance with it, making him cry out again.

“And Shiro, I’m sorry, but your bayard was lost with its paladin.

“Don’t worry, I can improvise.” Shiro assured. “Now then, time’s almost up and we need to get going. But we need a plan.” He smiled. “And I think I know what we need to do.”

-+-+-+-

The Galra didn’t know that they had the green lion; all they knew of were the blue and yellow lions. With that, Pidge could pilot Green under the radar, utilizing blind spots while Sendak focused on Lance and Hunk, the two utilizing their lions as bait to distract the commander. With the green team going in, the twins were to guard their exit while Shiro and Keith went to find the red lion.

There was one slight issue.

Shiro recognized the ship.

He had once been held prisoner on Sendak’s ship.

“So if you were here, that means the others could have been, too.” Chip stated. “They might still be held captive. We need to rescue them.”

“Chip, we don’t have time.” Shiro pointed out. “The red lion and defending Arus is our priority.”

“But we can’t just leave prisoners here.” Chip protested.

“Chip, I get where you’re coming from. I know you and Pidge miss your family, but-”

“That’s not just it.” Pidge spoke up. “What happens when we form Voltron and fight against Sendak?” She sighed. “It’s not just our family. But it’s the others. We can’t just throw their lives away like that.”

“Pidge, in times of war-”

“Fuck that.” Pidge exclaimed. “Yeah, it’s war. Yeah, people die. But we don’t need to dismiss them; if there’s a chance, we should try to save them!”

Shiro looked nervous. He didn’t know what to do. While he knew the hardships of war, but he also held the same hopes that the others had. “I don’t…”

“Then we split up.” Keith stated. He grabbed Shiro’s arm. “Your arm is Galra-tech; you can use it to activate doors.”

“But finding the lion-” Shiro stopped himself. “No, you’re right. You can do it. The others felt their lions, you can feel for Red.” He nodded. “Just remember, patience yields focus.”

“Copy tha-” Keith stopped when he heard a door open. “Time to split!”

Without any confirmation of how, Pidge and Shiro went one way and Keith and Chip went another; as much as Chip wanted to stay with his sister and potentially find his family, he panicked a bit and followed Keith.

“Okay, so, time to feel Red, right?” Chip asked.

“Uh, easier said than done.” Keith admitted.

“You got this.” Chip showed to have faith in his old friend.

While Keith and Chip went to find the red lion, Pidge and Shiro went off to find where the prisoners would be held. Shiro’s memory may have been fuzzy from everything he dealt with, but he did vaguely recall where they needed to go.

“Okay, I think this wa-oh crap!” Shiro scrambled back, shielding Pidge as he saw a drone come down the corridor, beeping when it noticed the two paladins. “It’s a dro-” His eyes widened as the drone was knocked down, Pidge smacking it with her electrified staff. “Nice hit, but we should get out of here. It saw us and could have reported us.”

“Wait a sec.” Pidge started messing with the drone, opening a side panel as Shiro checked around the corner. “I think this might come in handy. Not just now, but in the future.” Like perhaps be her eyes when Chip wasn’t available. “Just need to reset the controls, and…” She messed with the wires and grinned when the drone beeped and raised up. “He’s now working for us! I’m gonna call you… Rover! Let’s go!” She heard Shiro’s steps take off and followed him; Rover beeped eagerly and went with them.

“Yeah, somehow it doesn’t seem surprising that you can do that.” Shiro chuckled, amused by Pidge’s skill in reprogramming the drone. He then finished leading the way to the cells. “There’s so many of them…”

Pidge listened. Nothing. “We may not need to check them all; they sound empty.” She kept moving and listening until she reached one cell. She could hear hushed murmuring, some seeming to be comforting others inside. “This one.”

“Nice job!” Shiro went over and used his hand to open up the door, revealing no Earthlings, but there were definitely prisoners there. And they were afraid.

“Mom? Dad?” Pidge asked. “Matt?”

“They’re not here.” Shiro said, sighing. He then looked to the prisoners. “But that’s okay. You guys are safe now. Let’s get you out of here. There should be escape pods we can use to transport you back down to the castle.” Once again, Shiro took the lead, Pidge taking up the rear to make sure the prisoners were safe as they led them to the escape pods.

When the prisoners were in the pod, though, sentries decided to make their appearance, ready to detain or even kill the lot. Pidge was ready to fight, but a whirring noise caught her attention. Shiro’s arm activated, glowing and becoming a sort of lethal weapon.

The black paladin seemed shocked by that, though, as he did not expect it. But it worked out well as the prisoners were able to take off safely and the sentries were destroyed.

“Dude! Where did you learn to fight with that?” Pidge inquired.

“I don’t know.” Shiro stated. He then smiled. A limb. A replacement for what he lost. And now a weapon to use in order to help others. It definitely wasn’t that bad of a thing in the end.

Chapter Text

“Okay. I’m lost.” Keith stated.

“Dude,” Chip looked over, “you spent years training, right? Didn’t they teach you about the layout of these ships?”

“Yeah, but some differ a bit and I have absolutely no idea where the red lion would be held.” Keith responded.

“Right, then less looking, more feeling.”

“It’s not as easy as that. I don’t-”

“Remember what Shiro said. Patience…”

“Yields focus…” Keith sighed. “Yeah. You’re right. But…”

“Don’t force it. Just settle down, breathe, take it easy.” Chip informed. “No sounds of sentries walking around, you got a moment.”

“Right. Okay.” Keith nodded as he closed his eyes. “Patience yields focus. Patience yields focus…” He concentrated. He tried to feel for the lion. He didn’t know exactly what he was supposed to feel, though. Perhaps Allura was wrong in the end. Perhaps he wasn’t meant to pilot a lion.

But then it happened. He felt a sensation and heard a roar in the back of his mind. “Got it.” He then took off, making Chip yelp and give chase, trying to keep up.

“Hey! Short legs here!” Chip called after, trying to keep up. They went through corridor and corridor, Keith seeming to know where he was going. Then they finally entered a room and Chip ran into the Galran’s back. “Oof…”

“Found it.” Keith stepped up to the barrier, putting his hand on it. “Okay, time for us to get out of here.” Nothing happened. “Huh? Hey! C’mon! Open up!” He jolted when he heard sentries enter, ordering for them to halt. When they didn’t comply, the robots opened fire, causing the two to activate personal particle barriers as shields. “Oh great! These guys!” He banged on the barrier with his free hand. “C’mon! It’s me! Keith! Your buddy! I! Am! Your! Paladin!”

“I don’t think he’s listening.” Chip stated. “Remember, Allura said this bond can’t be forced.”

“Great. And these guys aren’t helping.” Keith grumbled. “And only one of us are armed.”

“For now.”

“What?” Keith’s eyes widened. “Chip!” He watched as the twin accompanying him went at one of the sentries, tackling it to the ground and stealing its blaster. He then shot at another. “Man! You are crazy!” Keith formed his bayard into a sword and went at another sentry, quickly taking it down. “And I love you for it.” He grabbed the twin by the back of his suit and threw him over the control console. “But if you get hurt, Pidge is going to kill me and Dad’s going to ground me further.” He took down another sentry before retreating back to Chip, the smaller male having his back and shooting at one more to keep it from shooting him. “Wait… did you seriously steal its blaster?”

“I needed a weapon and I’ve got good aim.” Chip shrugged his shoulders. “Seemed like a good idea.” He yelped when more sentries came in. “You know what else is a good idea? Getting Red and getting the hell out of here.”

“Easier said than done.” Keith scoffed. “Red’s not listening! And it’s not like we can just carry it out of here.” He then stopped and looked down, taking note of the bay doors near them.

“If you’ve got an idea, I’m all ears.” Chip shot at another sentry.

“Activate your helmet.”

“What?”

“Now!” Chip did as told in time for Keith to smack the button on the console. “We’re not letting these guys keep the lion!” The bay doors opened up and the pressure change tried to suck them out into space. Keith held onto the edge with one arm and grabbed Chip with the other as the sentries were sucked out. “Here we go!” He then let go, sending them both into space.

“Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit!” Chip held onto Keith as he cried out. “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?”

“Uh… yeet?” Keith shrugged. He then looked when he saw a glow. The battleship’s weapon he didn’t know was on the underside? No. The wide open mouth of the red lion as it went at them, grabbing the duo up. “Hah! It worked!” Keith got up once inside and the artificial gravity generator of the lion took over. He then took off, heading up to the cockpit, sitting down. He smiled as he felt a sensation welcoming him. He was officially the red paladin. “Good kitty.” he praised as Chip joined him. “Let’s roll!” He then took off, speeding out from underneath the battleship.

“You guys made it!” Hunk cheered.

“Good job, Keith! I knew you could do it!” Shiro praised.

“Is Chip with you? Is he okay?” Pidge asked.

“Keith launched us out of the bay doors! WITHOUT THE LION!” Chip tattled. “Sure, the lion caught us in the end, but still!”

“Oh like that’s the riskiest thing that’s happened here in the past five doboshes.” Keith rolled his eyes. “Chip charged at a sentry and stole its blaster.”

“Tattle tale.” Chip hissed.

“Knock it off or you’re both grounded!” Pidge snapped. She sighed, though the chuckle could be heard in her voice. “Glad you’re both okay, though.”

“Anyway, let’s get back to the castle and get the last lion.” Shiro instructed.

“Copy that!” Keith confirmed.

“Ten-four!” Lance called.

“Right!” Hunk nodded. “Man, I hope I stopped that cannon, though; I barely got that forefield down and could hardly make a dent in it!”

“Well, I’m sure you bought us plenty of time!” Shiro assured.

Pidge piloted the green lion down to the castle, entering near the black lion’s hangar, instructed by Allura of where to go. She did her best to keep the lion steady, trying to feel her surroundings to know where she was going.

“Keep her steady, Pidge, you got this.” Shiro coaxed, trying to help.

Pidge wanted to be snarky and tell him to try flying blind, but that would just give her away and perhaps jeopardize any hopes and plans they had. “Yeah, I’m trying. This is just… you know, harder than I expected.”

“Well, you’re doing good for a first timer and you’ll get the hang of it, I’m sure.” Shiro patted Pidge’s back. Once she and the others landed, Shiro left the green lion, heading over to stand in front of the doors that the black lion was sealed behind.

Chip nudged Keith. “I’m going back to Pidge.” he said softly. “You know. To help out, just in case.”

“Yeah.” Keith nodded. “Keep an eye on her.” Chip smirked and Keith winked. Well, it seemed he at least knew she was a girl and was in on that little secret. Perhaps it was more of a game at that point.

“Damn, looks like I’m doing chores then.” Chip chuckled. He left the red lion and ran over to the green one as the doors to the black one opened up. Good. The castle recognized the lions being there. As Shiro went to his lion, hoping for it to accept him, he returned to his twin. “Okay, Keith knew you were a girl.”

“Hah!” Pidge snorted. “Now to find out if he remembers I’m blind. But, that’s for another day.” She smiled nervously. “You good to help me out?”

“Yeah.” Chip nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll be your eyes if you need me.” He chuckled when Rover beeped and bumped into him. “Well hey now, what’s this?”

“Rover. I kinda stole him from Sendak’s ship.” Pidge hummed, proud of herself.

“Looks like we’re both thieves, just pirating Sendak’s stuff.” Chip snickered, amused by that information. He then looked, seeing the black lion light up and roar. “Oh yeah, it’s go time!”

“Paladins!” Allura called, activating their comms. “Sendak is entering the Arusian atmosphere! We need Voltron. NOW!”

“Okay, team, let’s go!” Shiro took off, bounding past the lions and getting them to follow him out into the open area between the castle and its particle barrier. They got there in time to see the battleship utilize its freshly repaired ion cannon, shooting at the barrier but not quite penetrating it.

“Man, those Galra guys repair things fast!” Hunk exclaimed.

“Yeah, they’re efficient, I’ll give them that much.” Keith grumbled. “How’s the barrier?”

“Not good.” Coran explained. “With each hit, the barrier will get weaker; we can probably take two more hits, three if we’re lucky. After that…” No one needed the rest to be said; they all knew that once the barrier was down, the castle was doomed.

“Paladins, we can give you cover with the castle’s defenses for a short while,” Allura spoke up, “but you need to form Voltron soon or we’ll all be destroyed!”

“Jeez, no pressure.” Hunk mumbled.

“You know what they say, Hunk, diamonds form under pressure.” Lance chimed. “We’re diamonds in the rough, we got this!”

“Yeah, but they also say that bread rises with rest.” Hunk reminded.

“Oh yeah…”

There was another shot, the ion cannon hitting the barrier once more. They could only handle one more hit, two if they were lucky. But they had to act soon.

“Listen up, Team Voltron,” Shiro spoke up, “the only way to succeed is to give it all you’ve got. I know this looks bad, but we can do this. Are you with me?” The others nodded silently.

“I’m nodding.” Hunk stated. “Is everyone else nodding?”

“Yes!” the remaining paladins and co-pilot responded.

“Then let’s do this!” Shiro took the lead, exiting the barrier and leading the others into battle, fighter ships flying in and firing upon them.

“Okay, yeah, easier said than done.” Lance said. “How do we do this?”

“Um…” Shiro wasn’t sure. “Yeah. Good question. Does anyone have any ideas on how to form Voltron?”

“Uh… any levers? Switches? Keys?” Chip asked. “Is there some sort of cheesy saying about connecting or something?”

“Oh god, I hope not.” Keith groaned.

“Yeah, uh, I’m not seeing any combine into giant robot button anyone on the dash, so…” Hunk looked around, hoping to find something.

“This is insane!” Pidge yelled. “Can’t they just give us a minute to figure this out? Is that too much to ask for?” She was trying to dodge the onslaught of firepower descending upon them, but she ended up ramming into Lance.

“Hey! Watch it!” Lance called. “Get a hold of yourself, Pidge!”

“Shut up!” Pidge snapped. “I’m new to this!”

“Breathe, Pidgey, breathe.” Chip coaxed. “Fighter, three o’clock.” Pidge got her lion turned enough to jump at a fighter ship, grabbing it and crushing it. “Nicely done.”

“Okay, so, bumping into each other didn’t work for Pidge and Lance, so I won’t try that.” Hunk admitted, having been ready to try ramming into another lion and shouting combine to see if it would work. Good thing he saw that interaction play out instead.

“Quickly, Paladins!” Allura called out to the team. “Our energy levels are getting low!”

“Okay, team, one more idea.” Shiro said. “Let’s try flying in formation; maybe we’ll just, you know, combine. On my cue. One. Two. Three. Voltron!”

The paladins took off and went into formation, Chip directing Pidge to put her in her spot between Hunk and Shiro. They flew together in their formation, hoping it would just click for them.

“C’mon, c’mon, c’mon!” Lance pleaded, hoping it would work. “Wait, you guys feel that?”

“Yeah!” Hunk responded. “It’s like we’re all being pulled in the same direction!”

“Um… guys?” Shiro looked up, seeing Sendak’s ship over them, its tractor beam activated and pulling them in. “I think I know why.”

“Ah, snart…” Lance grumbled.

“Oh… that’s bad.” Chip whimpered. He heard Pidge mumble something. “Sendak’s ship is sucking us in like a black hole.”

“Oh great…” Pidge sighed.

They were caught. The castle was almost defenseless. And they couldn’t form Voltron.

It was not the best start to things.

Chapter Text

Sendak’s ship was sucking them in like a black hole. He had a hold of them with the tractor beam and no one could get their lions to budge no matter how hard they pulled on the controls. With the lions locked in place and kept from escaping, Sendak used that time to fire another shot at the castle, hitting its barrier and finally destroying it.

“Oh no.” Shiro saw what happened, his eyes wide with worry.

“I don’t care what anyone says,” Hunk cried out, “I’m panicking now!”

“No!” Pidge called. “It can’t end here!” She kept yanking on the lion’s controls, hoping for something.

“I don’t know, Pidge, this isn’t looking good…” Chip admitted.

“This is it.” Lance stated, still fighting but losing his will and ready to surrender.

“It’s been an honour flying with you boys.” Keith told the team, being a little dramatic while ready to resign to his fate.

No.

NO!

They couldn’t give up. Not there. Not now. Forget the universe. Forget their families. One step at a time, the planet and Allura, Coran, and Chief needed them. They needed each other. They needed to get out of there. They needed to stop Sendak.

They needed someone to give them the motivational boost to get into gear.

“No, we can do this!” Shiro shouted over the others, startling them into focusing on his words over the comms. “I know this looks bad, but we can’t give up; we need to believe in ourselves and in each other. We can’t give up.” He glared ahead, eyes set on the warship that they were nearing. “People are relying on us; hell, we’re relying on us. We can’t, WE WON’T fail! If we work together, we’ll win together!” The others called in confirmation, morale lifted at Shiro’s little speech.

But they weren’t the only ones with their spirits lifted. The lions seemed to respond to them as they lifted their heads and let out a roar, eyes glowing brighter than before. With the newfound energy and hope, the lions were able to break free from the tractor beam and come together, their gears turning and connecting.

As the warship was ready to shoot the castle again, ready to destroy it once and for all, the team shoved the cannon, making Sendak’s shot miss. They were strong enough as Voltron, able to divert the shot and protect the castle and those in it.

“Whoa!” Keith exclaimed. “Did we just…”

“We formed Voltron!” Pidge cheered. She couldn’t see it, but she could definitely feel it through her lion; she could feel them connected as one.

“Yes!” Chip hugged his sister in joy. “You guys did it!”

“I’m a leg!” Hunk cried out, amazement in his voice.

“How are we doing this?” As excited as Lance was, he found it to be incredible and unbelievable; but there they were, a giant robot standing at probably a hundred meters.

“I don’t know,” Shiro admitted, “but c’mon! We’re not done yet; let’s get that cannon!”

They worked as a team, moving Voltron and acting as one. They were able to grab hold of the cannon, ripping it from Sendak’s ship and chucking it to the side. The next step was to further damage the hull, thrusting the red lion face first into it and shooting a laser, destroying a sizable portion. A few more strikes into the hull, they backed off.

But only for a bit.

They came back around and dove head first into the ship, bursting through the hull and leaving an exit hole as they got out. The damages they caused left the ship to explode in the air, the pieces crashing down further from the castle.

“Good job, team.” Shiro praised, seeing their work pay off and the day saved. “Now, let’s land these lions an-”

“Uh, Shiro?” Keith spoke up. “How do we separate back into lions?”

“Um…” Shiro blinked. Right. Next task.

After figuring that out for a few minutes, they were back into lions, landing them in front of the castle. Coran, Allura, and Chief went out to greet them and congratulate the group on a job well done.

“Good work, Paladins! And to you, too, Chip!” Allura told the group, running up towards them. Sure, Chip wasn’t a paladin, but he did help out with the team.

“Hah,” Lance sighed as he removed his helmet, “thanks, pretty lady.”

“We did it; we really did it.” Shiro smiled.

“Hell yeah, we did.” Keith popped his helmet off and shook out his hair.

“How did we do it?” Shiro was full of excitement and adrenaline from the job, but even he was still able to question just how.

“Dunno, I was kinda just, like, screaming the whole time.” Hunk stated, struggling to pop off his helmet. “Maybe that did it?”

Chip put a hand on Pidge’s shoulder. “And the others?”

“Our family wasn’t there.” Pidge admitted, giving a dejected sigh.

“Don’t worry,” Shiro spoke up, “we won’t stop searching until we find them.” he said. “Wherever they are, they’re proud of you. Both of you.” He relaxed when he saw the twins smile.

“We may have won the battle,” Allura spoke up, catching everyone’s attention, “but the war has only just begun. Zarkon won’t stop until he gets these lions.”

“Good thing you paladins know what you’re doing, because you’re going to have to form Voltron again and again.” Coran mused, twitching his mustache a bit.

“Wait… what?” Hunk blinked.

“We barely survived forming Voltron this one time!” Lance pointed out.

“Er, Coran,” Chief chuckled a bit, “maybe ya should hold back on that statement of knowin’ what they’re doin’. The kids here need a bit more time to learn and get a grasp of it.”

“Ah, right.” Coran nodded. “I suppose that is in order since they’ll be having to fight whole fleets; this was, after all, just one ship.” He nodded again. “It won’t be easy being the Defenders of the Universe, but I’m sure they’ve got it.”

-+-+-+-

Defenders of the Universe.

That was what they’ve become. Perhaps not the best group, and certainly not exactly the brightest, but at least they were ready to try and put in an effort. Even if that effort may be tricky with one member being blind.

Pidge sat outside on the bridge leading up to the castle, feeling the cool breeze hit her. She was sure Hunk and Lance were out cold, the two emotionally exhausted to where even the adrenaline rush they felt couldn’t keep them going for the rest of the day; she could only assume Keith was next to pass out in his room. She had Bae Bae outside with her, the bull terrier content in lying on the bridge to relax.

“Hey, Pigeon.” Chief hummed, walking out to join her. “Chippers went on to bed; today wore im’ out.”

“Yeah, sounds about right.” Pidge chuckled.

“Ya should hit the hay, too.”

“Not tired really. Excited. Nervous. Hungry.”

“Good thin’ I know ya so well.” Chief gently took one of Pidge’s hands and brought it to a plate he had. Peanut butter on crackers. “Had some snack stuff in yer bag, so I thought I’d fix ya somethin’.”

“Thanks, Chief.” Pidge hummed as she accepted her snack. “So, what of the prisoners we helped in Sendak’s ship?” She was glad they rescued the lot; had they not, they would’ve perished when they took down Sendak’s ship.

“Coran and the princess got them located and brought to the castle to rest; they got them in those cryo-pods they used before.” Chief informed. “They’re all gonna be fine.”

“That’s good.” Pidge nodded, pleased to hear that. Maybe one of them would know what became of her family? Even if not, at least they were fine; that’s what mattered. She then tipped her head to the side, hearing steps on the bridge. “Keith’s coming.”

Chief looked over. “How you can identify his walkin’ after all this time and just meetin’ him again…” He couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Hey, Dad!” Keith called, walking over. “Oh, hey, Pidge. Chip got you and him a room together just in case.”

“Cool. Thanks.” Pidge smiled.

“What’s up, kiddo?” Chief inquired.

“Coran was wondering if you wanted your room in the same hall as us or not.” Keith told his father.

“Oh, please say a separate hall; you snore.” Pidge smirked.

“Ya cheeky monkey.” Chief playfully smacked Pidge in the back of her head. He then got up, taking Pidge’s plate so she could get up without dropping it. “I’ll talk with ‘im on the matter to help figure things out.” He then looked to Pidge. “And ya may not be tired, Pigeon, but we should head on in; dunno what bugs hang out on this planet and ya don’t do well with mosquitoes back home.”

“Ugh, I do not want alien mosquitoes.” Pidge grumbled. She reclaimed her crackers to eat. “Bae Bae, come girl, we’re going on.” Hearing her girl, the dog got up quickly and padded alongside the others.

“By the way, Pidge,” Keith spoke up, snagging a cracker for himself and one for Bae Bae, “you plan on telling the others that you’re a girl?”

“Eh.” Pidge shrugged. “I think it’s an interesting game to see who knows, who realizes it, and how long it takes.”

“Bet that Lance’ll be the last to figure it out.” Keith snorted.

“Can’t bet against that, I agree.” Pidge laughed out. She wondered if Keith knew she was blind, too. If not? Well, that was a good part to her game, too. “So, remembered I was a girl, huh?”

“I’ll be honest, mainly because Mom said it was her saving grace of remembering which twin was which and that she was grateful that the opposite sexes had their differences.” Keith admitted with a laugh. “So, once I deduced which twin I saw first, which was Chip, I knew you had to be the sister.”

“Eh, that’s fair.” Pidge hummed. “And hey, whatever works, right?”

“Right.” Keith nodded.

Chief couldn’t help but chuckle, happy to see the kids getting along well still and enjoying this little game with Pidge’s gender and pronouns, not that she was actually picky about those things. Yup. While they, and the others, had a lot to work on and figure out, they were definitely going to be a good group. They had a lot of training ahead of them and tough times around each corner along with any downsides to each member, but he was sure that as a team, they could handle it.

Coran was right.

They were now the Defenders of the Universe.