#emperor yorak

[crackship-connoisseur]

Emperor Yorak's design

#googy art #PRO SHALADIN DNI #disintigrading butterflies au #vld #keith kogane #galra keith #ref

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

**Cultivating Love**26**

“Tailor, what an unexpected pleasure”

Lance was one hundred percent sure it was not an unexpected pleasure as Lotor stood by the table at which he and Keith sat. In the demon realm a thing called coffee had become quite popular. Lance disliked the bitter taste, but since the night he’d rushed into Keith’s arms, Keith had been too clingy and Lance felt sure if he spent too much time alone with Keith he’d cave all over again. He’d been dodging intimacy with Keith for the last week, even flat out ignoring him at the last fight in the gladiator pits. Lotor had “run into” him there, as he left the battlefield the prince had congratulated him. Now Lance was sure he was being stalked.

Picking up his cup of coffee, Lance forced a smile on his lips

“Your majesty, I did not think I’d meet you here. This is Yorak, another who fights for the glory of your father”

Lotor’s lip twitched, before he schooled his face

“Yorak, thank you for your service. I was not aware you were acquainted with Tailor”

“He is my slave, or rather, he was. Your father raised him from the pits after he was initially scheduled for disposal. He too shares the dream of a glorious realm ruled by your father. Slave, you may speak with our prince, Lotor. Will you be joining us?”

Lotor looked as if he’d been made to swallow something unpleasant. He clearly didn’t like Keith and the feeling was more than mutual

“Actually, I’m on my way to a meeting so cannot, unfortunately. I do hope that you’ll accept my invitation to dinner? I would like to speak to you again”

Great. The perverted prince was still going on about him

“I’m afraid you will need to discuss matters with your father as I am his property and have no right to accept without his express permission”

Either not liking Lance’s words, or trying to pick a fight, Lotor leaned down to kiss Lance’s cheek before drawing away. Keith’s gaze dark as he crossed his arms and looked away. Standing up and running his fingers through his hair as he raised his chin as of to show off his good looks in the light of day

“I shall speak to him. You’re far too pretty to be his forever, and youth is made to be enjoyed. If all goes well, I hope to see you again shortly in a more agreeable environment”

“We’ll see, your majesty. Enjoy your meeting”

“I shall, but not nearly as much as I would have enjoyed your company. Yorak. Tailor, until next time”

Lance kept hold of his cup until Lotor’s steps had faded. He didn’t need to ask Keith to know what Keith thought of Lotor. Setting his cup down, Lance sighed at Keith’s pouting

“Don’t start”

“I haven’t said anything”

“No, but I can feel the anger coming off of you. I can’t go against him”

“He kissed you”

“It’s not like I let him and I would rather he hadn’t”

“Have you grown feelings for him?”

Lance gaped. How did the interaction show any form of feelings other than dislike?

“No. I haven’t. He’s our boss”

“You smiled”

“I was faking it. Yorak, he is the son of the emperor. It won’t be long before something catches his eye or Zarkon arranges his marriage”

“And what if he wants you?”

“I’m not dating him. Besides, he is the son of the emperor. Don’t put feelings where there are none”

“What else am I supposed to think when you won’t sleep with me?”

People were already staring, now Keith had gone and asked that. Lance wanted to go home and hide away in his room. Lotor rubbed him the wrong way and so were Keith’s questions

“I’m under no obligation to sleep with you. I think perhaps you’ve had too much coffee”

“And I think you’re dodging my questions”

“How? I told you the truth and just like in the past it is not good enough. I hold no feelings for him, and even if I did, you have no right to be jealous. I’m going home to meditate”

“You mean we’re going home”

“It won’t be your home for much longer if you keep this attitude up”

“Fine, be that way, but you cannot blame the past solely on me. You came onto me. You sort me out. You don’t get to run away”

“And yet, I am. Lotor is dangerous. You need to keep your heart in check”

“And you need to be more honest with yours. Even if you don’t love me, I love you”

Lance was done. Pushing his chair back, he stood and straightened his jacket

“Stop saying that so easily. I will never throw away what I’ve gained for you. Not again. We have no training today, use it to reflect on your thoughts and behaviour. The next fight will be a big one, focus your energies on that rather than fruitless endeavours”

“It’s not fruitless if I’m by your side and I will make you see. I think I’ve waited long enough”

“And I’m telling you that acting rashly will bring unwanted results. Now enough is enough. Let’s go”

*

Lance may have said enough was enough, yet once they were at home he hadn’t pushed Keith away. As Lance lay sleeping, Keith examined the band on his wrist. The purple surface seemed jointless, made by skilled craftsmen and too small to slide off Lance’s wrist. The bracelet frustrated him. He couldn’t pull it off, he couldn’t unclip it, and short of cutting Lance’s arm off, he didn’t know how to be free of it.

With a loud knock on the front door disturbing him, Keith placed Lance’s arm back down before climbing out of bed to deal with whoever wanted Lance’s attention. Wearing just his pants, Keith glared as he strode to the front door, opening it to find a stranger with huge bouquet of flowers

“I have a delivery for Tailor from his majesty, Prince Lotor”

“Tailor is resting, I’ll accept the delivery”

The stranger didn’t seem to care as he passed Keith the bouquet, Keith then closing the door in the man’s face before he could say anything else.

Carrying the flowers to the kitchen sink, Keith glared at them for a moment, before deciding that Lance had no need to know about them. With his fire they were gone in a moment, burning away to ash that fell in the sink. Lotor couldn’t have Lance. He wasn’t allowed to. Not with his dumb good looks and long white hair. One white haired menace was enough. Lance couldn’t stay here. Not any more. That band had to go, then so did they. They’d leave and find a place where Zarkon could never find them, then head to the meeting spot designated by Allura. To make it all worse, Keith was sure he’d heard the name Lotor before, but he couldn’t place it.

“Who was that?”

Jumping in guilt, Keith hadn’t expected Lance to be on his feet

“No one important. It’s taken care of”

“If it’s taken care of, why do I smell smoke?”

Rinsing his hands quickly, Keith then wiped them off on his pants before moving over to straighten up the blanket around Lance’s shoulders. He couldn’t tell Lance what he’d done. Kissing Lance’s forehead, Keith explained

“It’s nothing. I lost my temper for a moment. Let’s get you back to bed”

“Yorak…”

“It’s nothing. Here”

Lifting Lance off his feet, Keith carried him back to bed, sitting Lance on the edge before burying his face in his hair

“It’s nothing. You need to sleep”

“I already had a nap. I’m more concerned with what you are hiding from me”

“Nothing important. We have a big fight tomorrow, so you need sleep. If you don’t go to sleep now I might not be able to hold back”

Lance took a deep breath then let it out slowly, not mentioning that Keith was subtly manipulating his energy to make him drowsy

“I do feel a little tired. I blame you”

“I’ll take the blame. I love you so much, Tailor. We’ll be free soon, you’ll see”

“Mhmm. Sure, and the fairies will descend from the mountains and the rivers will turn to honey”

Lance slurred his last words, Keith manoeuvring Lance to lay back down. Within moments Lance was sleeping. He wanted to take Lance now, but he had to find Blue first. Tomorrow they could slip into the crowds leaving the pit and be gone before anyone noticed. Brushing Lance’s hair back from his face, Keith smiled sadly at him. Burning Lotor’s flowers might have gone too far, but for Lance he’d go as far as he could.

*

Finding Blue hadn’t been easy. Lance had hidden Blue in a small dugout made in his wardrobe. Leaving the divine weapon where it was, Keith didn’t have a chance to retrieve it before they left for the fight. He cursed missing his chance. Now he’d have to wait until the next fight and make sure he and Lance made it through.

Walking onto the field of the pit, the crowd roared at their. Lance giving a small display of his power with lightening crackling from his palms. Copying, Lance laughed as Keith made two small balls of fire appear in his own palms before closing his hands into fists. Lotor wouldn’t get Lance and he’d make sure.

“Greetings to those of the demon realm! Today we have a new treat for you all in honour of my son, Lotor! Thanks to the tireless work of my cultivation masters we have created a beast to rival the beasts of legend! Our fighters will need to be fast and fit, and only the strongest will survive this ancient evil! Behold, the golden dragon!”

Keith’s eyes went wide at Zarkon’s announcement. He’d never met a dragon before. He knew they existed in both magical realms, but they were so reclusive that ever seeing one was… was terrifying. At the other end of the pit appeared the chained beast, 12 cultivators around it, each with warding spell to keep the beast in place. What may have been once a golden dragon was now a mass of bones with a glowing purple ball of energy where its heart would have lain. Teleporting away from the dragon, the beast lumbered to its feet, purple flames pouring from its mouth as the whole stadium shook with its roar. Moving closer to Lance, Keith didn’t know what to say, but Lance did as he whispered to him

“Stay back, hold your guard. Let everyone else charge first and watch its moves”

“Or I could do the perfectly normal thing and freak out. It’s a dragon”

“By heavens, I hadn’t noticed. This is the biggest beast ever inside the arena. If you can’t fight it, run”

“I’m not leaving you”

“You two are close”

Sendak’s voice came from behind them. Pink-purple balls of light in his palms. Lance nodded, not caring

“That’s what happens when your slave panics at the sight of a dragon”

“Somehow I don’t think that’s the whole story. Don’t get in my way”

“You’re the one who’s in mine. I’ll be the one to bring the emperor it’s head”

Sendak gave a deep laugh

“Not before I serve yours up, scum. Now out of my way, I will slay this beast”

It wasn’t enough for the dragon to be there, as with always, the in fighting was nearly as important as the match its self. Getting caught fighting a particularly annoying opponent, Keith lost sight of Lance who’d run right whereas Keith had run to the left. Over the pit the magical barrier shimmered from the dragon’s attacks. Zarkon had outdone himself. The beast oozing demonic energy that clashed with his own and it made it hard to keep his mind focused where it needed to be. Growling at the fighter who was keeping him from Lance, Keith charged back across the field, making for the middle a little further back from Lance’s position, causing them to follow and not pay attention as the dragon’s flames hit them. Good. He felt no sympathy as they caught fire, screaming in agony as Keith kept going, headed for Lance now he didn’t need to worry about anything else.

Coming up behind Lance, Lance didn’t notice him. The wind gathering around him as he struck at the dragon. If lances wanted then all of them would die before they so recognised what happened. Shooting his lightening past Sendak, Sendak turned on Lance. The chain ball weapon on his hands slinging out, Lance nimbly jumping back and shooting lightening at Sendak again. Angering Sendak, Sendak turned his back on the dragon, picking a new fight with Lance

“Yorak, aim for the heart! I’ve got him busy, get the kill!”

Keith was torn. He wanted to roast Sendak where he stood, but the dragon needed to die and stay dead. Giving a firm nod, Keith took off running again as Sendak slung his weapon again. Lance had watched Sendak over the last two years and Keith had confidence in him. Running back to the left side of the arena, Keith took aim. Raising his hand a torrent of fire flowed forth towards the dragon. The beast roaring as it tail whipped around, causing a strong gush of wind as it did. Blocking with both arms, Keith threw himself sideways to avoid the attack, rolling and raising his hand before releasing more fire. Behind him came a figure in black. Keith’s eyes widening as he caught a glimpse of white hair fluttering in the wind, for half a moment he thought it Shiro, going to call out then remembering where he was.

Zigzagging to the dragon, the newcomer focused in energy into his right arm, striking the beast fairly on its bony nose. Shrieking, the beast was thrown backwards, bones shattering from the single hit as the energy ball within it grew so bright that Keith had to shield his eyes. Silently, it exploded outwards, dark miasma spewing forth across the sealed space, catching some of the fighters that screamed themselves to death. Having not signed up for this, Keith ran. He bolted back across the arena, grabbing Lance around the waist and tackling him down with his momentum. Keeping Lance down, Keith raised his hand again, launching fire at the miasma as it drew closer. Even Sendak was running from it, cowardly hiding behind Keith’s flames.

Keeping them burning was burning through Keith’s energy. Had their “royal saviour” not cast a barrier around the miasma then they all would have been in big trouble. Lotor drawing the barrier down in size until the miasma and the barrier vanished from the space. The quiet stadium erupting in applause. Coming up from holding Lance down, Keith held his hand out, Lance taking it and letting himself be pulled to his feet in time for Lotor to peal off the mask he was wearing and bow to the crowd. It was now that Keith’s brain kicked in. Lance didn’t seem all that phased to see the risen beast, meaning Zarkon had possibly done the same before. A shudder running down his spine at the thought. One beast had been hard to handle… yet an army… an army under Zarkon’s control… They’d never survive.

“Yorak, you’re making a scene. Wave already”

Preoccupied with his growing list of things to dislike about Zarkon, Keith realised Lance had raised both their hands and was waving with his free one. Doing the same felt strange. If this had been in the cultivation realm he’d have been seeking out Lance for kisses and praise. Not the praise of screaming demons who considered his only worth his ability to stay alive. When Lance bowed to the crowd, Keith quickly copied, then Lance was letting go of his hand and Keith was finding himself following him off the field and to the waiting room below the pit.

*

Sendak had been insufferable. Lance’s head throbbed and he tasted blood in his mouth. Listening to Sendak praise Zarkon repeatedly as they cleaned up after the fight hadn’t been his idea of fun. He’d come out to find Lotor waiting, a single black rose in his hold as he smiled at Lance. The presence of the prince finally silencing Sendak who looked disgusted at Lotor spending his time and attention on Lance

“Tailor, I hope you alright. I was worried when I saw todays opponent. You weren’t harmed, were you?”

No. He’d been lucky. Their little fighter regiment now exceptionally lighter. The dragon had been the biggest beast Lance had seen Zarkon animate and the bones of the beast would have required a massive amount of energy to move. It’d been grotesque. Rotting flesh would have made it much more palatable as it would have prevented the unnatural movements of what would have a magnificent beast. Opening the door to the hatch where his stuff was kept, Lance couldn’t find it in him to be civil

“Is that why you interfered with our fight? Did you not believe us strong enough?”

By saying us, Lance was implying that the insult of being called weak applied to all of those who’d survived. Lotor gave a happy laugh, as if he had didn’t notice the dip in mood

“Not at all. I couldn’t contain my desire to join in. Dragons are quite rare, almost as rare as this bloom. It comes from the shadow mountain range, and never dies once it’s bloomed”

“It never dies because it feeds on the energy around it. It’s currently feeding on yours”

Lotor looked down at the black rose with a frown

“Yes, well, every beautiful thing has an another side to it. Much like yourself. Can…”

Whatever Lotor was about to say was lost as Lance started to cough, swallowing wrong as he choked on his own saliva, before it turned bloody and blood splattered on his hand. With wide eyes, he looked at the bright redness

“Tailor!”

Lotor didn’t need to yell, he still knew his fake name

“I am fine. I breathed in a little of the miasma but it will pass”

“Nonsense. You must come with me immediately. We must get you medical aid”

Lance didn’t want medical aid. He feared medical aid would result in him being disposed of

“You worry too much for a lowly fighter, your majesty. I will heal”

Lotor grabbed him by the wrist hard enough Lance was sure bone moved

“Tailor, do not try my patience! My father was reckless”

“Your father is my emperor and my saviour! It is an honour to fight for him! It is an honour to die for him!”

Behind Lotor was Keith, Keith’s eyes silently begging Lance for direction. Lance giving the smallest shake of his head which he passed off with a wipe of his mouth. He needed to be obedient, even if it meant angering Lotor in order to keep Zarkon on side

“You’re being foolish!”

“And you’re being disrespectful of your father. He is the greatest man of the realm and the one who sees and hears all. Now I tell you that I am healing, so please release me. We may have won todays fight thanks to you, but you also insult us with your insinuations of our weakness. We are not weak. Zarkon makes us strong”

“Zarkon has no use for any of you. Don’t think you enjoy some special privilege when you all end up dead in the end”

Lance was taken back as Lotor’s eyes darkened to near black. The man leaning in to whisper

“That dragon is the tip of the spear. Or are you so blinded by my father that you do not know what happens to your friends here? That you do not know what his witch does in the shadows? Unless you wish to join them, you will not get on my bad side. I can be very unpredictable when I am made mad. Do not make me hurt you”

Lance’s mouth went dry. He knew Lotor meant every word. He needed to fix this

“I’m sorry, my majesty. I’m angry at myself for my failures today and spoke out of turn, not believing I deserve something as merciful as healing. I have spoken wrongly to you and I am sorry. If it would make your heart happy then I will see a healer”

Lotor instantly smiled, Lance wondering if he was somehow mentally defective and that was why Zarkon had left him in the other realm as long as he had. Surely the guy knew he was being lied to. Why was he smiling at lies?

“It would indeed. Do not worry about your slave, he will be taken home”

“Thank you, my lord. You are truly too kind. Allow me to finish dressing then we can leave”

“Don’t take too long”

“I will not keep you waiting”

Unfortunately there was no secondary way out and Lance was forced to leave with Lotor once he was dressed, unable to say goodbye to Keith as Lotor walked him out with his hand on Lance’s shoulder.

[annoyinglyjovialbird]

Voltron: Next Generation

A Portentous Warning: III

Word Count: 2979

A/N: Season 1 finale! 

The darkness of the room was lightened by the hallway lights outside the door. A dark head of hair brushed back behind their head, reflected the lights overhead. Whether the shininess was from oil or gel, it was hard to tell. Here's where the differences came. 

One wore a black and white vest, with their long hair in a ponytail. The other dark head wore dark plated armor, with their hair not reaching longer than the nape of their neck. The person wearing the vest walked past gray and white walls, heading towards an elevator that led to the main floor. As the doors opened, the person who wore the dark plated armor strode forward. As he walked past underlings, they stiffened, some biting their lips and closing their eyes to hide their fear. 

The doors to the bridge opened, and the man wearing the vest walked into the bridge, descending the staircase to the right to look out the large windows. The teens in the chairs didn't flinch. They ignored Keith as he walked past. Keith stared out into the darkness past the glass. The space was infinite and cold. 

If only they had known that father and son were looking at the same star.

"Keith, are you okay?" The voice was distant, far away from anything in Keith's mind. 

Kova stared at the man with a confused expression. Maybe she was also indignant that she had been ignored. The other teens looked up as Keith didn't answer. 

"Allura forbid," Kova muttered. 

"Keith. Keith!" Caleb said, hoping to get the man's attention. 

"No one get up," Kova said, moving from her console. "I got it." 

Keith didn't notice the footsteps, made purposefully loud. He didn't feel the presence of another person. Until a hand touched his shoulder. His body reacted before his mind caught up. Grabbing the other person's hand and twisting it behind their back, Keith tried pushing the person to the ground. Instead, Keith felt himself being lifted until his back met the floor and he was staring at the ceiling. Has that weird discolored plate always been there?

"I did nothing!" Kova yelled, holding her hands up in surrender. Heavier steps walked over to Keith, seeing Shiro's towering form. 

"Keith," Shiro said, letting his robotic arm push Kova back towards her console. "Are you alright?" 

"What happened?" 

"Kova flipped you." Caleb was helpful at least. It seemed that Shiro didn't appreciate it as he turned his head to glare at the teen. 

"He started it!" Cake yelled, standing from his console. 

"Who started what?" Hunk asked, coming into the bridge. The room descended into chaos. Pidge argued with Liz and Cake, Hunk was asking Allie what had happened, Caleb was just shouting over everyone, and Kova and Shiro had matching expressions. Reaching a human hand out to Keith, Shiro stood the man up and turned to his daughter. Her face was the definition of 'May I?' and Shiro nodded his approval after a survey of the room. 

"QUIET!" Kova yelled, louder than necessary, but effective nonetheless. The arguing ceased and Shiro's robotic arm had flown over to Caleb, covering his face completely. After a sigh, Kova looked at the struggling Caleb. "If you stop struggling, you'll get the hand off your face." After some more indignant struggling, Caleb finally relaxed in his chair. 

"You're loud." Hunk stated. 

"I took singing lessons." Kova looked at the chaotic bridge. "Right. So... we're going to go train in our Lions, and we'll figure out the rest from there." The adults tried to voice their opinions, but the teens were already filing out. 

Hunk took a seat in Cake's chair, using his bent arm as chinrest. Pidge reluctantly sat down in Liz's chair, watching as Keith walked to Caleb's chair. Shiro sighed, making his way to Kova's console. The Lions filed out in backward order: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Or Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, and Black. When the Lions were in the air and flew in front of the Coeus's large windows, Kenny finally woke up from his quick nap. 

"Oh," Kenny said, yawning his way through. "We're doing that today." 

"Send the file to my console," Kova said over the intercom. Through yawns and stretches, Kenny complied. Shiro received a file aptly named, 'TRAINING FILE'. Sharing it to the main screen, Shiro pressed something to open the file code. Strings of random letters, numbers, and symbols were written across the screen, undesirable for the Colonel. 

"Press the green button to launch the file and we'll be—" Kova said, getting interrupted 

"Who, when, where, and why?" Pidge exclaimed. "This is super complicated!" 

"Which teen?" Hunk asked, looking over the code as it scrolled by. "I don't know much about programming and it's been a while since I've stared it in the face, but," He let out a low whistle. "Whoever made this deserves a cookie. Maybe a cake." 

"I think Kova likes cookies and cream cake," Kenny said, voice muffled by something. How were the teens supposed to know he was stuffing his face with leftovers. "Before you ask how I know it's Kova, it's called she is perfection personified." 

Out in her Lion, Kova groaned, leaning her head back. 'Perfection personified'? Oh, boy. 

"Are we private from the Coeus?" Allie asked, and with Kova likely out of commission, Liz checked. 

"We're clear to rant." Liz leaned back without letting go of the controls. The other teens sighed in relief, chatting among themselves. Liz ranted about Pidge being super intrusive and petty. When they moved from Pidge to Keith, Allie said nothing bad about the man. She didn't say anything good either. In fact, she said nothing at all. 

"Kova," Allie said, silencing everyone. "Are you okay?" 

"I'm sure she's fine, Al," Caleb said. "She is 'perfection personified'."

"I'm not sure it's being interpreted the same way," Allie said. Kova sat up at the words. 

"What do you mean by that?" Liz asked. 

"Well, it sounds like a compliment, but it doesn't feel like a compliment." 

"And she's right," Cake spoke up. "Remember when she got really torn up about the chem test?" 

"Oh, yeah," Caleb said, looking off to the distance. "And the surprise pilot test." 

"DIdn't you guys redo that one?" Liz. 

"Yeah." Caleb stretched in his seat. "We still passed, but we felt better about it." 

"Coeus to Lions," Shiro's booming voice came over their earpieces. "Training file is launching in 3, 2, 1, launch." 

Each of the Lions received a different screen, explaining the long code. It took a second to recognize what happened, but it was made clear when the inner cameras appeared onscreen. The Blue Lion was on a frozen tundra, the Yellow Lion was in a howling desert, the Green Lion was in a rainforest, and the Red Lion was on an island. The Black Lion's screen didn't seem to change, still staring out into dark space, and Shiro thought that the file had malfunctioned or maybe Kenny sent the wrong version. 

"Alright, Paladins," Kenny said, watching from the massive screen down in the engine room. "Each of you has received a custom training simulation based on your individual strengths and weaknesses. Locate the green exclamation point to begin your simulation. Oh, and, uh, good luck Paladins." 

The simulations were created to spread the Lions apart from each other to prevent them from hurting the other. Everything else Kenny said was true. 

For Allie and Blue, the tundra was a thick layer of ice on top of a large body of water. The green exclamation point gave her the mission of stopping an oil rig in the middle of the tundra, risking an oil spill in the clear, undisturbed water. 

For Cake and Yellow, the howling desert's exclamation point gave him the mission of getting up close and personal with a town slowly being sucked under the sand. 

For Liz and Green, the rainforest exclamation point revealed that farmers were cutting down trees to make way for their crops, driving the natives that lived there already. 

For Caleb and Red, the island's exclamation point explained that a volcano on the island was set to erupt and Red had to follow the directions of a long-time resident because he was the only one who spoke both the native language of the island and English. 

For Kova and Black, it hit a little too close to home. All Kova had to do was fly out for a few miles and down. The orange and white wreck was in flames, on the verge of explosion. Her mission was to assist the pilots onboard to escape pods. Kova had seen the ship in perfect condition too many times. It was the Achlys, and the pilots onboard would represent Keith, Pidge, Hunk, and Uncle Lance.

——————————

Vhix scoffed as he looked at the screen. Yorak had managed to hack into the Coeus's most recently opened file. The Lions were all out and exposed, and according to the training simulations in front of them, they were very distracted. 

"She'll be playin as you," Vhix said with a smile, looking at his brother. Yorak didn't smile, didn't acknowledge Vhix, didn't even seem interested in a discussion with him. Yorak had been made a makeshift throne, made of cut black stone from the deepest parts of the Nether Region in sector IV. 

"We can take the Black Paladin now." Vhix held himself up on one of the armrests, leaning over the Emperor. "Why wait to grab her?" A second, then a minute of silence passed before Yorak slowly turned his head to Vhix. 

"Are you telling me what I want to hear or are you finally expressing your free thoughts?" Yorak asked, voice low. Vhix stood, hoping to shake off the chills that ran down his spine. He returned his eyes to the screen, showing the Paladins struggling with their missions. Yorak did the same after staring at the side of Vhix's head for a few seconds. 

"Hack further into the code," Yorak ordered to a shaking underling. "Ensure the blanks are real people." The underling bowed their head and returned to work, furiously typing away. As the underling highlighted and deleted the strings of code that indicated the blanks' appearance, an alarm rang. 

Every screen on Yorak's bridge had begun to turn red, flashing a warning sign over the middle of the screen. Every screen turned red, including the main one that had been used to look at the Paladins' progress through their Lions. 

"What. Is. Happening." Yorak demanded, watching the screens now turning from red to black. As the main screen deactivated itself, Yorak and Vhix didn't have time to react. 

The Yellow Lion had headbutted them straight-on.

——————————

"Great job, Yellow!" Kova yelled, flying under the ship. "Fall back and assist." 

"Roger that!" Cake said, moving Yellow away from the cracked glass. With a motion forward, Yellow joined Green in making long, deep scratches on the side of the ship, hoping to block off the escape pods. 

Red and Blue hoped to do the same but were unlucky enough to receive the first few blows from smaller ships. With Blue's laser tail and Red's jaw blade, the three smaller ships imploded on themselves. 

"Teleduv at 39% power, Paladins," Kenny said over the comms. The Black Lion had turned itself horizontally to make the best use of its dual-bladed jaw blade. It did almost run its wings into an engine, but likelihood said the engine was likely to become destroyed. Rationality said 'Don't quiznacking die'. As Black emerged from the underside of the massive ship, Kova flew straight up. With Red and Green to her right and left respectively, and Blue and Yellow to Red's right and to Green's left, Kova said the magic words. 

"Form Voltron!" 

"Yeah!" 

The giant robot towered over Yorak's ship. Onboard, the alarms had begun to sound. Two servants had come to whisk Yorak and Vhix away, hoping to catch an escape pod. How were they to know the ones normally used were destroyed or blocked? Yorak had raised a hand to one of the servants when he was violently thrown off his feet. Voltron did the football player move again. Tackle and push. Grabbing Vhix by the collar, Yorak ran to the other side of the ship, where the smaller combat ships were located. It would be cramped but better than dying today. 

With one last push, Voltron let go of the massive ship, watching it float away. At the same time, Cake inserted the Yellow bayard into the port, with an array of matching sparks. With the insertion, a yellow-plated shoulder cannon appeared on Voltron's shoulder. Taking aim, Cake fired. The recoil sent Voltron back a few feet, but what're a few feet in space? 

"Teleduv at 89% power, Paladins," Kenny called again, warning the teens. Voltron wouldn't be able to watch the destruction then, as they turned away from the incoming explosion to fly back to the Coeus. Shiro, to his credit, managed to snap a picture of Voltron flying away from the explosion as it happened. The teens sure do know how to angle. 

"Teleduv at 97% power," Kenny warned one more time. "Prepare for teleduv travel." Shiro hung onto the banister while the others put on the provided seatbelts. 

The wormhole opened and the Coeus pushed itself through. Voltron wasn't far behind, hanging onto the tail end of the Coeus. 

Within the hour, the teens were cheering, polishing their armor, and reviewing what they would say. Allie was running her hands on the gravel underneath her feet to calm her down. Liz was on the verge of squealing in excitement, shaking her fists with her helmet in her lap. Cake was speaking slowly to make sure all the words came out of his mouth correctly. Kova was working with Kenny to set up the bridge drone to record and broadcast their message while simultaneously brushing her hair and braiding it. Caleb was snapping pictures of the team, sitting around excitedly. 

"I give up," Kova said. "Allura!" Kova made her way over to Allie, who was sitting on a log. How Kova could plop herself down on the gravel, was a true mystery. "Braid my hair." Demanding brat. Allie relented, taking Kova's dark hair and braiding her long bangs back in a side french braid ponytail. At least, that's what Allie thought it was called. Why couldn't all the countries on Earth be one united clump like their landmasses show them to be? 

"Alright, get in positions, everyone!" Kenny yelled. "We're ready to telecast."

"One more minute!" Kova yelled back. Allie muttered something under her breath. "Two more minutes!" 

"You get five because you haven't cleaned your armor yet." 

"Are you calling me dirty?" 

"I ain't calling you clean!" Kenny walked away just as Caleb walked up to Allie and Kova. 

"Is my hair good?" Caleb asked, crouching down to be eye-level with Kova. 

"I don't know," Kova said. Her eyes were closed, but a quick peek at Caleb was all she needed. "But your hair would be called 'Rat's Nest Chic'." 

"What are you going to do about it?" 

"Me? Nothing. Dad, on the other hand," Kova trailed off as Shiro appeared like a menacing villain behind Caleb, holding a brush in his human hand. While Caleb tried and failed to run away from Shiro and the threatening brush, Allie finished the braid and started helping Kova clean her armor. Kova did the same for Allie when the five minutes were up. 

The Paladins stood in a line in descending order. Far behind them, the Lions were sitting proudly. With two stomps on the gravel ground, the teens stood straight and at attention. Behind the drone, Kenny held up his hand. Telecast started in five, four, three, two...

"My name is Kovalia Shirogane, and I am the Paladin of the Black Lion and leader of Voltron." Kova was confident, with her arms crossed behind her. The other teens had followed suit. "My team and I have been training relentlessly on the looming threat. With war on the horizon, we decided to announce Voltron's return to the universe as a united front. Yorak and his minions will have you believe we have hidden in fear rather than confront him directly. Earlier today, we proved him wrong." Behind the scenes, Kenny uploaded the footage of the earlier attack. "With a virus disguised as a training simulation designed by our engineer, we managed to attack and destroy the largest ship in Yorak's fleet. After defeating him today, we returned here, to Moilea. Voltron has never backed down from a fight, from a war, or the right side of peace. Myself, and my team," The teens spread further apart from each other to make themselves better seen by the camera when Kenny gave the signal. "Are prepared to take on any and every challenge thrown our way. I, Kova, am a second-generation half-Galra. My brother, Caleb Shirogane, and Paladin of the Red Lion is human. Paladin of the Green Lion, Eliza Griffin, is human as well. Issako Garrett, Paladin of the Yellow Lion, is a first-generation half-Balmeran. Allura Smythe, Paladin of the Blue Lion, is Altean. Together, we can not only unite the galaxy," As Kova spoke the teens reached down to grab their helmets, to either hold them in their hands or hold them between their hips and arms. "We can rid the world of doubts in the coming war." She turned her head to Caleb, who handed her the helmet for the Black Paladin suit. "Your move, Yorak," Kova said with a smile, with the teens looking at the camera as it zoomed out to show the teens and the Lions in the same frame. 

With that and the setting sun over the Black Lion's head, the telecast ended.

#voltron: next generation #voltron: legendary defender #voltron #voltron lions #kovalia shirogane #caleb shirogane #liz griffin #allie smythe #allura #cake garrett #emperor yorak #commander vhix #keith kogane #pidge holt #keith x pidge #kenny kogane #hunk garrett #hunk x shay #lance #lance mcclain #season one #season one finale

[sourbons]

lmao the only emperor keith that's valid is emperor yorak.

say yorak 20 times fast and u sound like a quacking duck

#emperor yorak is WORSE #answers

[loveafterthefact]

Love After the Fact Chapter 1: Binary Stars

Neither Keith nor Lance want anything to do with what’s about to happen, but neither of them have a choice.

First   Next

“I want my knife back.”

“Perhaps you can talk to the prince about it.”

Keith shifts awkwardly. He’s uncomfortable. These Altean clothes are so stiff. He can hardly bend his spine. That's reportedly the point, which is horrifying in its own right. How is he to fight if he can hardly move?!

He inspects the heavy, gold-stitched clothes. The Altean who dressed him had made massive fuss over his refusal to wear the gloves. The argument had ended when Keith had let them put the stupid things on, then immediately extended his claws, effectively ruining them. The Altean had been very upset. Keith doesn’t care. They took his knife, so he needs his claws. If something as silly as gloves ruins the ceremony, it's on them. Not him.

He has much bigger problems you worry about.

“You know,” Shiro began, leaning up against the far wall opposite. “You didn’t have to be mean. They were only trying to help. Gloves are part of the ceremony.”

“They insulted my gender. They deserved it.”

“They didn’t understand.”

“I’m a man. It’s not hard to understand.”

“You do have an... unusual arrangement. By their standards.”

“And look where that’s got me. Being traded like a choice cut of meat.” Keith sighs, leans against a pillar. Time was, his ‘arrangement’ would have given him the undeniable right to choose his mate. Now, it makes him a commodity.

Times have changed.

“It won’t be so bad,” Shiro murmurs. The large Galra pushes himself off the opposite wall, lays a hand on his shoulder. “The Prince is... eccentric. But he’s held in fond regard by his people.”

“Yes, because the money he spends in brothels keeps this planet in gold.” Keith’s ears wilt. “I suppose it hardly matters.”

Keith’s tail curls on the floor. He’s not ready for this. He’s still about a decaphoeb from maturity. He’s just a kit. He has no desire to mate, or even find one. He still sleeps in a den with his mother! Or he would, if she were here.

“Shiro, I-” Keith breaks off. He knows there’s nothing Shiro can do for him. The poor captain can’t stop this, can’t protect him, can’t change anything. He tries to keep his fear to himself.

It doesn’t work, of course. Shiro knows him too well. The large Galra pulls him into an embrace, warm and kind. Keith nuzzles into it, purring as he wraps his tail around one of Shiro’s ankles.

“It’ll be okay, Keith. I promise. I’ve asked around. The prince is a good man. I think he will be good to you. Or, you know, we’ll kill him and blow up the planet.” Keith laughs weakly. He knows his adoptive littermate means it. Shiro really will kill this silly, perverted prince if Keith comes to any harm.

“Keith.” Keith turns, finds the emperor standing there, arm-in-arm with his mate, Honerva. “Wife,” as the Alteans call it. “We will be entering in a few minutes. Please prepare yourself. Do you remember what you must say?”

“Y-yes.” Keith lets out a nervous chirp, a vestige of his childhood not yet quashed by his first season. His ears twitch with embarrassment and he clenches his jaw as he threatens to chirp again, announcing his discomfort, seeking help from his pack.

Emperor Zarkon frowns, though not necessarily disapproving. Probably more sad. He only has one child, and he’s already given him up for this supposed alliance. Keith is resolved, despite his fear, to bear the rest as his emperor wishes. As his people need.

Shiro’s hand finds his shoulder. The large Galra leans down. “It will be alright. I’m right here. If they try anything, we’ll rip them apart and I’ll take you right back to our den.” Keith nods. Shiro’s offer is likely what he wishes would happen. Shiro doesn’t want this for him. No one would. Not Galra, at the very least.

All of the full-grown Galra in his presence (all two and a half of them) would much rather protect him from this than offer him up. But here they are.

Keith glances to Princess Allura, who’s chatting happily with her husband. Romelle wasn't well enough for traveling at the moment. They're happy. He doubts he’ll get that lucky and find friendship with his own prince.

“We’d best line up,” Zarkon murmurs. “We’ll be called any minute.”

Keith takes a deep breath and unwraps his tail from around his brother’s ankle. He has to let go.

He prepares himself for a fight unlike any other.

Lance heaves a sigh, fiddling with the sleeves of his garb, with the long, gossamer fabric attached to his stiff clothes at the shoulders and wrists. The gold chains crossing from his waist on the right to his left hip chime as he moves. He resists the urge to roll his painted lips, settling instead for twisting the bracelets on his wrist.

He resolutely ignores the courtiers hovering on either side of the long carpet dividing the throne room. They whisper, spreading rumor, gossip, utter lies, and general nonsense among themselves. Nothing new there.

“Prince Lancel, please do not sigh when you meet Lord Yorak. In fact, please do not sigh at all for the rest of today.” Lance glances to his father, standing next to him on the royal dais. “I understand your position, truly, and I am grateful to you for agreeing to this arrangement, but please behave.”

“It’s not like I had much choice, Father.”

“You and your sister both had a choice.”

“It wasn’t a choice!” Lance hisses, turning back to face the throne room, all of his bitterness falling away as quickly as it rose. The courtiers murmur and gossip in the background. “Either marry a stranger or risk our peoples falling back into war. What kind of a choice is that?”

“It is a choice, dear son, that not all would find as easy as you did.” Lance agrees with that. The Altean high court is full of fools and fops who will do anything for their planet... unless it inconveniences them. “We’ll have to be careful of him. We can only hope that he is of good intent-”

“We must ensure that he is safe, as well,” Lance interrupts. “He will be in danger while he is within our planet’s boundaries. At least until we can find a way to endear him to the people.” A heavy hand finds Lance’s shoulder, giving it a squeeze. He lifts his gaze to find his father looking down at him, eyes gleaming with rare pride.

“Well done, son.” Alfor finally smiles. “Your mother would be proud, and your fathers are.” Lance bows his head, the gold chains dangling from the cuffs in his ears tinkling as he moves. His body feels heavy. Alfor’s praise is hard to come by, and Lance is far from perfect. Granted that’s partially intentional, but still.

A side door opens and Coran hurries up the dais. “My love, they are ready. They will be in shortly. Lance, your hair.” Coran gently removes Lance’s circlet, carefully rearranges Lance’s wavy white hair. “Are you ready for this?”

Lance shakes his head, fear taking his voice momentarily. Coran carefully replaces the circlet, fussing with his hair a bit more, straightening his clothes, rearranging the gold chains, inspecting his face, the lining around his eyes, the paint on his lips. Lance lets his step-father reach out to his quintessence. He allows Coran to feel all of his fear and sadness and anxieties. His resolve.

He feels Coran pour a little of his own quintessence into him, making his hair a bit more lustrous, skin glistening with life, the scales on his cheeks (and everywhere else) glowing a soft blue. It’s one of Coran’s silent ways of showing his care, ensuring his son is the most beautiful thing there. Lance loves the man for it.

“Everything will be alright, son. Don’t you worry. And if it’s not, we’ll crack a few heads and call it a day-”

“Coran, please,” Alfor practically begs, even as fondness edges its way in. Lance smiles. He barely remembers his mother, Melinor. He only knows her through what his family has told him. For as long as he can remember, Coran has been his second parent. His fathers have a great dynamic, always loving. But Alfor often ends up being the disciplinarian since Coran doesn’t have a hard bone in his body.

“Right. Yes. We will do the diplomatic version of cracking heads.” Coran reaches back to pinch his husband’s rear. Lance laughs, giving his step-father a brief hug. He knows the man can still sense his maelstrom of feelings. “Even though it’s much less fun... He’ll be presented any minute now, so-” Coran kindly leads him to his throne, to Alfor’s right, gently guiding his unsteady footsteps. All the silly gold on his clothes, wrists, and ears jangle and chime as he moves. “All you have to do is be your usual, stunning self. Everything else will come with time.”

Lance looks up at his step-father. He knows what Coran means, but he still has his doubts. The dark-eyed man smiles, then hurries to take his place to Alfor’s left.

He stares at the double doors, waiting to meet the man he's expected to spend his life with. The throng of fools whispers with rising excitement, and Lance's heart swells with fondness.

He loves these silly little people. He'd do anything for them. Even this.

#LoveAftertheFact #LAtF #klance #galtean au #altean lance #galra keith #adashi #altean adam #galra shiro #voltron legendary defender #vld

[fireember345]

One of Royal Blood Prompt

A Voltron Prompt

Do not own Voltron

Anyone can use it

 Keith is Royalty

Runaway Princess Krolia

King Keith

Emperor Keith

Keith and Krolia descendants to Lotor and Zarkon

Since the ‘death’ of his wife, Zarkon took many mates and started the Majestic Seven Clans

Each Clan fulfills their royal to the empire and leading them is a King

The Royal Lion Clan is the oldest and most traditional clan as they never expanded and kept with the old colonies before Zarkon went mad, they are the closest to the throne as they are direct descendants to Lotor before he was banished, they are natural leaders and warriors

The Prestigious Weblum Clan the most intelligent of the clans and most modern is the working brain of the empire, They are responsible for the inventions needed for the empire to grow and function, they believe the old ways are dead

The Noble Yalex Clan is the wealthiest clan and in charge of slavery, trade and financing for the empire, they always make sure that the debt is paid either with money or with the very lives of others, they hate to owe others

The Mighty Abomination Clan is the military and muscle of the empire as their strength is unmatched by any other Galra, they would rather fight than think and they only eat meat that they killed

The Elegant Baku Clan are the pretty face of the Empire and holds the standards of all Galra to follow, parties and social events were planned by them, they believed fighting should be done with grace and poise

The Durable Yalmors Clan, defenders to the capital and forgotten planet of Daibazaal, they hope to restore the planet to what it once was as they were protecting the most important colonies and even in charge of colonizing dead planets

The Regal Space Caterpillar Clan were the weakest of the clans but brought resources to the empire as famers and miners, they have the most colonies

Anyone outside the clans were deemed common, dreaming of marrying into the clans to gain status

There is a crest for every Clan and Clan member in the form of a birthmark

Krolia left the clan to become a blade

Only thing the Royal Lion Clan knew was that Krolia left for another world and never returned, rumored that she fell in love the inhabitant and died from a miscarriage

The Garrison wanted to see if children could survive in space and learned of Keith being an orphan with Shiro as his only friend, highly skilled and intelligent but despised by the school, a perfect candidate that wouldn’t be missed

Keith was excited to go with Shiro on his mission as Shiro expressed his worry about the dangers of Keith going into space, despite him, Matt and Commander Holt being there

Matt decided to get Keith a camera and a scrapbook so Keith can look through the book after their return (Maybe even rub it in all the other cadets faces that he would be the first boy in space)

Keith always wanted to go to space as Shiro packed him some games and hobbies Keith could do if he gets bored as well as a medical kit just in case

Everyone in the Garrison either refused to believe Keith was going on the mission or were jealous

While in space, Keith took photos with Shiro as they stargazed on the mission, Shiro even making sure Keith could see the planets too

Keith created charms for the group that were tiny dolls, Keith having the doll that looked like Shiro, Shiro having the Keith Doll, Matt having his father doll look-a-like and the Commander having the matt doll

When the Galra captured them, Shiro shielded Keith through the entire ordeal

When the discovered the crest birthmark on Keith’s back, Keith was separated from the others and given to the Clan

The King of the Royal Lion Clan then made Keith his heir by force, never explaining why and forcing Keith into his room, renaming him Yorak

As Prince Yorak, Keith was forbidden from leaving the castle and was forced to learn how to be a royal

He then became depressed as he snuggled up to the Shiro Doll over the years

The member of the clan recognized the doll as the champion and reported it to the King

The King wanted to bring back the fire in his heir and arranged the champion to be the bodyguard to the prince

He bought the champion despite the protest from Sendak, who still hide the doll of Keith in his back pocket

Before meeting Prince Yorak, the king warns Shiro that he is the bodyguard to the prince and if he fails his duty, he’ll go back to the arena

Shiro never felt happier to learn that Yorak is Keith as they were reunited

The spent an entire year together in the castle as Keith behaved himself so Shiro would never be sent away again

When Shiro heard he would be sent back to the arena again by Zarkon’s orders, both he and Keith were afraid, But Ulaz helped them both escape to earth

Both were in quarantine but Keith managed to escape to rescue Shiro, where he meets Lance, Hunk and Pidge

When Voltron is formed, the Clan of Royal Lion claimed that they kidnapped and brainwashed their prince

Keith told them that the King adopted him by force but never knew why as Allura was surprised to learn of this

After learning of his Galra heritage, the blade explained his birthmark and his family legacy

Lance then called him his highness jokingly while Pidge wanted to learn more about Keith’s birthmark and Hunk tries to imagine Keith as royalty

Shiro assures Keith that he is still Keith, Prince or not

Allura took some time to come around then realized something important, if Zarkon is defeated, Keith can take the throne and end the war

The mere thought gave Keith a Panic attack that Shiro had to sooth, reassuring him he could do this and Shiro would be there for him every step in the way, as his brother and as his bodyguard

The Blade of Marmora hear of this plan and believe it could be the right course, but it would be difficult since Keith will have to take the throne from his Granfather in a Invocation of Honor, a combat where a prince can fight a King for the throne

Keith returns to the clan to learn that Sandeck took the throne through the orders of Zarkon as his Grandfather was sent to his own dungeon

Voltron was arrested but before they could be executed, Keith invokes combat and he and Sandeck would be forced to fight where only one can win

Keith barely one with honor as Sandeck orders the clan to kill them, but they refused and chased Sandeck out of the Clan

Keith tells the clan that he has a choice and they don’t have to follow him, but the Clan chooses to stay as they can no longer they can they stomach Zarkon’s betrayal

His Grandfather recognized him as king of the Clan as Allura and the Blades began his lessons on royalty

Keith was forced to leave Voltron due to the needs of the Clan needed to me met

Keith then has to challenge the other Clans before he could gain the title High Prince and challenge Zarkon for the throne

#voltron #keith kogane #takashi shirogane #Lance #hunk #Pidge #fanfic prompt #prompt #Allura

[sheithfictioncatalogue]

do you guys have any arranged marriage au's? like, maybe in order to create an alliance or something like that (maybe with one of them being galra?) thanks!

Sure! We have a tag for this which hasn’t been updated in a while, so here’s some new ones.

Another Word For Forever - stardropdream @stardropdream

61k. (Explicit) Contains: nsfw content, PTSD

Shiro knows better than to expect love in an arranged marriage. This is all for the sake of universal peace, after all, and solidifying a Terran-Galran alliance. At the very least, Shiro can hope to make a friend out of this.

Becoming friends would be much easier, though, if he and his husband could actually communicate. With a language barrier and a mountain of cultural differences between them, getting to know Keith proves to be a challenge.

Luckily, Shiro’s always worked well with challenges.

the peace-weaver - magisterpavus @saltyshiro​

240k. (Explicit) Contains: nsfw content, trans Keith, graphic depictions of violence, sexual violence

You will be the peace-weaver, his mother told him, smiling though her dark eyes welled with unshed grief. The one who brings two bitter enemies together and ends the bloodshed and death between us, once and for all.

But men will always crave war. The Galra, most of all.

your sharp and glorious thorn - arahir @arahir

38k. (Teen) Contains: graphic depictions of violence

To end the war they inherited, Keith marries the King he lead an army against.

you’re the only one - cwtchbuddy @mademoiselle-amour

22k. (General)

Roped into an arranged marriage by their parents, Keith and Shiro’s friends prepare dates to help them ease into the new stage of their relationship.

A Pair of Kings - swallowed_stars

3k. (Mature) Contains: nsfw content, intersex Keith, mpreg mention

After some initial reluctance, Shiro finds that his husband wants to share his bed for the first time. Shiro wants to make sure it’s done properly.

It Is Before That, And Colder - zjofierose @zjofierose

13k. (Teen)

King Shirogane of Atlas and Crown Prince Keith Kogane of Marmora stand a chance of reunifying their countries via an arranged marriage. But what does that mean for them personally?

Chess pieces - Akemichan @akemichan007

15k. (General)

After the death of his uncle, the Emperor, Keith is placed on the throne as the only living heir of House Marmora. Backed by a Grand Duke that schemes for regency and a Parliament that has their own plans, Keith - young and inexperienced - keeps his cards close to his chest as he becomes sovereign to the Galran Empire and several Commonwealth nations tailing the end of a war with a neighboring country.

Prince Takashi Shirogane is sent to meet the young Emperor, as a probable suitor and symbol of peace, though with strings attached: prodded by his father-in-law, the King, who has his own designs for this alliance with the Empire.

Amidst turbulent politics, demanding Parliament lords and scheming relatives, Keith and Shiro forge a bond and decide to cut their own path forward.

of convenience - sinspiration

2k. (General)

The wedding is to be universally televised. Shiro will be meeting his future partner at the altar. After the ceremony, the tradition is that the newly-married couple gets to sequester themselves in a private room while festivities go on outside. From what Shiro can understand, this is because usually the couple isn’t allowed to touch from the start of wedding preparation to the day of.

Shiro tries not to think of it as the perfect window for an assassination attempt

May It Always Be - stellarparallax @stellar-parallax

10k. (Teen)

Where Shiro and Keith are arranged to be married (to each other) and they don’t find out about it until the day of the wedding.

Arrangements and Rearrangements - an_aphorism @An_Aphorism

9k. (Explicit) Contains: nsfw content, a/b/o dynamics

To say it’s an arranged marriage would be to say that Keith didn’t agree to it. But he had. He had because he knew he was the best option, the most eligible, and that the Blades really needed this alliance. Galra everywhere really needed this alliance.

He just didn’t account for one alpha, Takashi Shirogane.

Arranged - AbbyDream13

20k. (Teen)

An arranged marriage AU of Shiro/Keith.

bigger and brighter - feiro

10k. (Explicit) Contains: nsfw content, a/b/o dynamics

Keith is the crown prince of Marmora. Keith is an omega. And ever since he was a kid, Keith has known that sometimes in order to do what’s best for your country, you have to make compromises. That’s just how life is when you’re set to become the king one day.

But when the compromise you have to make is something as big as marrying an alpha you’ve never met, it’s probably reasonable to try and put your foot down.

and the wild things roared their terrible roars - soulofme

14k. (Not Rated) Contains: temporary character death

The Wolf King of the North, their greatest rival, is taking a consort. And now, with the last war over, a physical unity between the North and the South appears to be only way to prevent more bloodshed.

I’ll never run from you - shipnuggets @shipnuggets

2k. (Not Rated)

Keith is forced to marry a stranger to be able to run the painting company “Fifty Shades of Marmora”. Does this mean he’ll never be able to meet his soulmate and gain full-colour vision?

Do Me A Favor - Aurrus @tonystarkfucksaround

21k. (Teen)

Shiro thought that after Hunk, Lance and Pidge busted him out from the Garrison’s hands, which ended with them leaving the Earth in a Blue Lion, he was prepared for anything that this life could throw his way. Wrong. He was so not prepared for their potential ally to demand the Black Paladin marry one of their members in order to prove that Voltron could be trusted. But hey, at least he was not alone in his trouble; there was also Keith, a pretty guy from a bar, who had a similar problem - turned out arranged marriages were not so uncommon in space, huh? Who would have thought.

take me home to my heart - renrenners @renrenners

23k. (Teen)

After nearly a decade and a half of war between their neighboring kingdoms, Shirai, Gal and Altea seek to finally establish peace amongst themselves. Fourteen years is a long time, however, and the fastest way to dispel any lingering hostilities is with a union between the royal families themselves. It should be easy enough; after all, Prince Takashi of Shirai and Lord Yorak of Gal were close friends before the war.

If only Takashi remembered that.

A Song of Fire and Shadows - Pyriphlegethons @tigatrons

4k. (Explicit) Contains: nsfw content, a/b/o dynamics, mpreg

Omega Keith is arranged to marry Alpha Shiro.

-Alex

#Anonymous #sheith #sheith fanfic #sheith fanfiction #voltron #vld #voltron legendary defender #voltron fanfic #fic rec #recs #arrangedmarriage #galrakeith

[whatarubberchicken]

The Bodyguard’s Tale

Happy Holidays, @staymagical! I’m your Secret Santa for the @voltronsecretsanta2k19 exchange! I hope you like this! (I saw you were a Merlin fan, and I couldn’t resist! But don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten the rest of your request, it’s just a bit of a slow burn! (; )

Read on Ao3 or ff.net! Next chapter>>

......

The Bodyguard’s Tale

Chapter 1

Keith stared up at the tall, white towers of the Altean palace and tried not to wince. It was so different from what he was used to on Daibazaal! The colors, the shapes, the sounds! Back home, there had been noise and chaos, yes, but it seemed so much… more organized than this! There, it was orders being shouted and the ring of blade on blade. Here, people were calling out to each other eagerly, children laughing everywhere—he swore he even heard music coming from somewhere! (You never heard music on Daibazaal unless it was a feast day!)

“Well, this’ll be an adventure, huh?” Shiro said cheerfully, coming up beside him.

Keith rolled his eyes at the Champion. Shiro had been a prisoner in the arena before his fighting prowess had been recognized and he’d been granted his freedom as a prize. Above all, the Galra valued strength, and Takashi Shirogane had it in spades. Since then, he’d become an “ambassador” for his home planet, Earth, which Sendak had conquered on a whim a few years back. Shiro didn’t really have much to do as an ambassador, Earth was still conquered, but the title allowed him to sit in on meetings and not be forced back into the fighting pits.

He was probably elated to get away from Daibazaal for the foreseeable future.

Sure enough, he laughed at Keith’s droll expression and slapped the young prince on the back. “It could be worse,” he pointed out.

“Yes, my great choice,” Keith drawled, looking around this new world with poorly-disguised contempt. “Either become the servant to some jumped-up peacock with royal Altean blood, or become Sendak’s new chewtoy until he decides I need to have an ‘accident.’ Yay, me.”

“Hey, I’ve heard this Altean prince is pretty nice,” Shiro said, showing a bit more sympathy as they entered the palace. “At least he’s your age.” Keith shrugged. “And you won’t be his servant, you’ll be part of his personal guard.”

“Same difference,” Keith muttered.

“We both know he can’t possibly treat you worse than Sendak would’ve,” Shiro added.

That was for damn sure. Keith wasn’t sure why Emperor Zarkon hadn’t just signed his execution warrant. Instead, he’d offered his younger son a choice: become Commander Sendak’s new lieutenant or go to Altea with his half-brother Lotor, where he would become a young Altean prince’s new bodyguard while Lotor attempted to solidfy their alliance by marrying the Crown Princess Allura. And since Commander Sendak had gone through eight lieutenants in the past two years, it had been an easy decision to make. At least on Altea, Keith would live. Shiro’s appointment to the same planet had been a great relief, though. Keith had no idea how to relate to these people. Lotor was half-Altean, and he and Keith couldn’t stand each other.

Hopefully his half-brother would be busy paying court to the Altean princess. With any luck, their meetings would be few and far between.

“Game-faces time,” Shiro whispered as they entered the court. It was a huge room with lofty high ceilings and an overall feeling of light and magic. Big difference from anything he was used to on Daibazaal. Still, one thing was the same; people everywhere were looking at him expectantly. Keith carefully schooled his expression into the blank mask he’d been taught from childhood.

“Announcing Prince Keithyr of the Galra Empire and Champion Takashi Shirogane, Ambassador of Earth!”

Keith resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his formal title. Prince? Sure. Unwanted prince. At least they weren’t trying to call him Yorak anymore.

He was a bit surprised at the murmurs and side-long glances people gave to Shiro when his prosthesis came into view. Apparently, the Alteans didn’t value strength and fighting nearly as much as the Galra did. Shiro might not fit in here as much as he thought he would.

“Beloved baby brother!” Lotor greeted, coming down from the dais to embrace Keith. They both remained stiff, but avoided snarling or growling at each other in public. Keith gave him a fake smile and a nod as they pulled apart.

“Allow me to introduce my intended, Princess Allura.” Lotor said gaily, indicating the Altean royal family. A young woman with long, flowing, curly white hair descended, smiling at them. Keith and Shiro quickly bowed.

“It’s so good to finally meet you, Keithyr,” she said, holding out her hand for Keith to kiss. “Lotor’s told me so much about you!”

Yeah, I can very well imagine what Lotor has told you…. Keith performed a perfunctory salute on her hand and gave her a smile.

“I’ve heard many good things about you too, princess,” he said politely.

She beamed at him. “And this, of course, is my brother Lanceon,” she said, waving him forward.

Keith studied his new charge carefully. He’d seen pictures, of course, but it was always best to get the measure of a man in person. He did a quick inventory. Short brown hair, glowing blue cheek markings (those might make it hard to hide in the dark if they had to make a quick getaway sometime) tall, lanky, a casual air about him that said he didn’t really care to be here—

“He’s shorter than I thought he’d be!” the prince’s aloof air suddenly melted away as soon as he saw Keith, and he bounded forward to get a better look. Keith shied back instinctively as piercing blue eyes roamed all over him. “Aww, I thought he’d be blue! Or at least, ya know, purple,” Lanceon whined. “He’s not even fluffy!”

Keith felt his eye twitch. “Sorry I’m not fluffy enough for his highness,” he growled under his breath. Beside him, Shiro covered up a laugh with a cough.

“My apologies, Prince Lance,” Lotor also appeared to be hiding his mirth at Keith’s discomfort. “Keithyr is only half Galra and doesn’t share all of the traits—”

“Like you?” Lanceon interrupted, looking over at Lotor with a sweet smile. “You’re only half Galra too.”

“Indeed,” Lotor said, his eye barely twitching. Keith noted it down. Aha! It seemed there was some tension between his brother and the resident prince. “But Keithyr is half human,” Lotor said, recovering quickly, “the species of Ambassador Shirogane there.” He indicated where Shiro stood. Lance latched onto him immediately.

“Hi! I’m Lance!” he said cheerfully, shaking Shiro’s hand.

“Shiro,” the man said, amused.

“Man, he wasn’t kidding,” Lance said looking between Shiro and Keith. “Are you sure you two aren’t the real brothers instead of Lotor there?”

Don’t I wish, Keith thought silently, as Shiro and Lance chatted amicably. I would gladly take Shiro for a brother over Lotor any day! He tried to stomp down his growing resentment of the prince. I didn’t get a handshake, or an introduction….

“Lance, why don’t we let Ambassador Shirogane introduce himself to the court,” Princess Allura finally interjected. “You can go acquaint yourself with your new guard.”

“Fine, fine,” Lance said carelessly, leaving the court and obviously expecting to be followed.

Keith gave one last bow to the royal family (guess he wasn’t important enough to be introduced to the king or queen, but that was just fine with him, he already knew his duties), exchanged an eye-roll with Shiro, and hurried after him.

He wasn’t surprised to see Lance whirl on him as soon as they reached a bedroom that obviously belonged to him, and Keith carefully closed the door behind him before the other prince could explode.

“Let’s get one thing straight,” Lance snapped, “I don’t need a babysitter!”

“No, you need a cleaning lady,” Keith said, looking around. There were clothes and bottles of various liquids thrown haphazardly around the room. He even caught sight of a boot on a lamp. What a mess! He’d have been whipped if Dayak ever caught his quarters in this state!

“It’s fine, you can walk through it!” Lance said, dismissing it as easily as everything else.

“It’s a health hazard,” Keith argued, noting all the places where ingenious spies or assassins could be hiding in plain sight. “And it’s my job to keep you safe.” Lance opened his mouth, but Keith beat him to it. “But it’s NOT my job to clean up after you.”

Lance scowled. “Fine, I’ll clean it later. The point is,” he said, launching into another rant, “I don’t like Lotor or his heavy-handed ways, giving me a bodyguard who I’ve never even met!”

“What, you think I want to be here?!” Keith asked incredulously. “You think I like the idea of following you around for the foreseeable future?! It was either this or be stuck as Sendak’s punching bag until enough people forgot about me for me to ‘disappear.’” He stepped closer, daring to get in Lance’s face. “Whether you like it or not, we’re stuck with each other. So, let’s just hope my stupid brother charms your sister enough so we can make this alliance official already, and maybe they’ll let us go back to our regular lives!”

Lance blinked and took a step back, studying Keith in a new light.

“You don’t like Lotor, do you?”

Keith stared at the young prince. “Are you actually this stupid, or are you just pretending?”

“I—I am not stupid!” Lance sputtered. “At least I don’t have a stupid mullet!”

“Really?” Keith said dryly. “You’re comparing intelligence to hairstyles?”

“It looks stupid! You’re stupid!”

Keith felt the beginning of a headache come on. “Oh, this is gonna be a long mission….”

#voltronsecretsanta2k19 #voltron #VLD #klance #keith (voltron) #lance (voltron) #Altean!Lance AU #bodyguard AU

[edda-grenade]

galran parenthood, how tf does it work

a note before we dive in: galra are synchronous hermaphrodites who can go into heat, which means everyone has the same reproductive equipment (with the variance you’d expect from any species, and especially from such a diverse one). you need two people to have kits, one providing dna (called sire), while the other provides dna and creates a new body via pregnancy (called dam).

now with the biology out of the way, let’s get into the interesting stuff!

civilian model: it takes a village to raise a kit

it’s probably easiest to explain using an example and go through it step by step, and also i never tire talking about rites verse, so:

1. kolivan gets pregnant and has two kits, lilak and yorak. he’s their dam, which means they are considered his children before anyone else’s. he’s their tava, which is a kit’s primary parent(s).

2. yorak and lilak have different sires; krolia and thace, respectively. kolivan chooses krolia as his mate, which makes her tava to both his kits. thace, meanwhile is not kolivan’s mate yet, lmao which means he’s tamra to lilak, not tava. a tamra is parent-adjacent, kind of like an aunt/uncle, or a godparent.

3. now, if you want to be traditional about it, everyone who has sex with a prospective dam during their heat (or even during their pregnancy) and is thus a potential sire, counts as tamra. in the case of kolivan and his kits, this means the entire surviving blades are tamra to yorak and lilak.

4. we’re not done! on a level of parent-adjacency similar to tamra is nenok: someone who regularly nurses the kit in addition to their tava(s). and yeah, bottle-feeding counts (hey, shiro!)

5. in conclusion, there are different levels of parenthood at play here, but they all still fall under the umbrella of parents. being tamra to a kit means that kit isn’t considered yours the way it would be if you were tava to it, but no one would say you’re not parent/family to them.

thus, if you just say “parents” to lilak and yorak without specififying… you mean 10+ people.

imperial military model: soldiers’ marriage

say you’re a soldier in the empire’s army and you want to have kits. you find a fellow soldier for whom you maybe have feelings, whether they’re platonic or romantic, or at least with whom you get along, and who also wants to have kits. the two of you put in an application to go off heat suppressants, for pregnancy leave, and, if you’re feeling optimistic, for parental leave.

say you get all these permissions, or at least the first two. now you and your partner go off together and get yourselves into heat (which means plenty of food and a warm safe nest and maybe a medical boost), spend a week fucking each other sore, and if all goes well, both of you get pregnant. you get assigned desk duty, because just like the empire doesn’t want lowly soldiers in a full heat running around in the field and twisting up everyone’s loyalty, pregnant soldiers have a similar tendency to mess with the chain of command just by existing.

say both your pregnancies go well, and once everything’s said and done, you have two to four kittens. you and your partner are now considered tavask, i. e. primary parents, to these kits, regardless of whether or not you carried them. the consideration of ‘mate’ doesn’t really come up in military circles—your main loyalty is always to the empire, not a singular person.

now, depending on where you’re stationed, how lucky you are, etc. you get parental leave to bond with your kittens. inevitably, however, you get assigned back to active duty, and the raising of your kits is given over to a dayak. this can be a civilian who is close to you, a family member for example, or someone who is specifically trained and hired by the military to do this job, akin to a nanny.

and after that, there’s three options how you can get to see your kittens on the regular: 1. honorary discharge. 2. permanent desk job in close proximity to your kits. 3. survive until your kits grow up and also enter military service and get stationed at the same post as you.

(in the old days, that is. under zarkon’s current rule, option 3 is basically the only one left.)

altean addendum: honerva and zarkon had to get creative

altean parenthood functions very differently to galra, both in terms of biology as well as socially.

for one, they have three sexes instead of one: spark/male (provides dna), flame/female (provides dna, ovum), fuse/carrier (creates new body). and in contrast to the galra civilian model, they consider the people who are genetically related to the child (i. e. spark and flame) its primary parents, not the one who created its body.

now, honerva is flame, i. e. she provides dna to any prospective kit—but not in a way that’s easily compatible with zarkon’s reproductive equipment. theoretically they could get an altean carrier to help them—but by galran standards that child would not be zarkon’s. not a good look for the emperor.

so, what about lotor?

well, the most straightforward solution would of course be for zarkon and honerva to do artifical fertilization, using their respective compatible gametes, and then zarkon carries the pregnancy to term, thus satisfying both their cultures’ default definition of parenthood.

what i personally think is way funnier, and also carries magnificent drama potential, is that this does not work, for whatever reason. zarkon obviously still gets pregnant, it’s supposed to be his damn kit, after all—but they need a second sire.

…y’know how lotor is purple-skinned, but zarkon really isn’t? y’know who is close to the emperor and very much purple?

EYYYYYY

#galra #voltron #galra ocs #rv kits #rites verse #also a bit about #lotor #fanart #art tag #fic related #the ramble edda #LOOKIT ME ACTUALLY DELIVERING ON MY PROMISES #will wonders never cease

[some-cookie-crumbz]

Hoist the Colours

Hoist the Colours - Kidge Month Day 18 Prompt Fill Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender Pairing: Kidge Summary: AU featuring Galra!Keith and AlteanSpacePirate!Pidge. Standard Disclaimer: If you read and enjoy this, please give it a like/ reblog so I know if I should write more. TW: Minor Racist Implications, Electrocution, Terrorist Acts/ Attacks

When he awoke, his head was pounding.

It took him a moment to remember what, exactly, had led him to where he was, or why the world felt like it was rocking slightly, before it hit him full force. When he shot up, he glanced around to see he was trapped in some kind of holding cell, his body deposited on an old cot hoisted upright by two electrical currents. When he glanced across from himself, there were bars made of a similar matter all around him. The bars, however, shifted and buzzed, quiet and ominous, meaning there was most likely some kind of current running through them to further deter escape plans.

It was clearly a holding cell on a ship.

He slumped back against the wall, pulling himself into a sitting position on the cot, staring out through the bars. Even though the whole place was dimly lit with a pale, green glow, he could see much of the surrounding outside his cell. Through the faint glow he could make out the shape of a door across the room from his cell. He pinched the bridge of his nose as his mind replayed the events of the last few hours in his mind again.

It was the fifteen year anniversary gala of the day Emperor Zarkon brought about the end of King Alfor and the Alteans after decades of war and strife. He himself had been assigned the task of posing as Prince Lotor that night, in case of an attempted kidnapping or assassination; a great honor, to be sure. Commander Sendak had been clear in his orders that he stay quiet and composed, no matter what. There had been whispers of rebellion echoing through the city for weeks. The people were scared and confused as rumors spread of Galran ships laid siege by an unknown enemy. Emperor Zarkon labelled them to be nothing more than a bunch of filthy pirates looking to stir the pot.

Commander Sendak said their opponents weren’t even fit to be called pirates; they were just a bunch of hapless children throwing tantrums that they couldn’t get their way.

The Voltron Elites, as they liked to call themselves, made their intentions known to any they encountered. They were a group comprised of the scattered remnants of races that had betrayed their respective alliances with the Galra during the war, leaking information to the Alteans about Galran plans and such. Once Altea was disposed of, Zarkon had set his sights on ridding himself of those that had brought about countless Galran casualties, treating them the same as he had the Alteans.

“What with the example we made of Altea,” Commander Sendak had drawled out, tone clearly amused, “the rest of Alfor’s little rats knew what to expect. They launched evacuation efforts to save some of their pitiful, cowardly masses; apparently this is what the survivors have chosen to do with their stolen mercy.”

Even with their limited resources, though, Voltron Elites were still causing trouble and making mischief. Due to their name gaining traction and the public up in arms about their behaviors, it was decided that they would up the amount of security for the gala. They couldn’t very well cancel the gathering due to the pirates actions because that would be implying what they did was a threat, as well as saying the Galra would yield at the first shows of resistance.

That was so far removed from the truth it was laughable.

And so, with great pride, he’d been dressed in the customary blacks and purples of a royal heir, and placed by Lotor’s side to do a final comparison. The prince was only a few years older than he himself and seemed rather put-off by the whole situation.  “I should think I could handle myself just fine,” he had said, staring at a point on the wall opposite them. It was not the first time Lotor had been hidden away from the anniversary, from what he recalled, but this was the first time they had gone to this extreme.

“It may seem like overkill, Your Highness,” he commented evenly, “but you are far too important to put at risk.”

Lotor had let out a mirthless chuckle at that. “What is your name, solider?”

“My family name is Yorak,”

“Your personal name, then,”

“Keith,”

“Keith,” he repeated, staring him down for a moment. He then chuckled and shook his head. “That certainly isn’t a very Galran name. You should know much better than I how our people treat those of us without the purest lineages. This is all a rather charming front that is being put up; nothing more.”

Keith had wanted to argue the point with him, but instead was whisked away once it was determined he would pass.

Most of the night after that was uneventful and dull, filled with people drinking and laughing and enjoying themselves. He was allowed to take the floor with a few interested parties and he could eel eyes on them at every turn. Around the room, he spotted the faces of Lotor’s generals, all stationed about to help in keeping the illusion alive. Anyone who was tracking typical Galran movements – such as their enemies must be – would be looking out for the quartet. He found it strange that on this, such a remarkable night for the Galra Empire, their new enemy would stand off to the side. Then again, perhaps it was a sense of fear. He supposed nothing could be more frightening to a small rebellion just finding its footing than running right into the belly of the beast.

The night was nearly over when a petite young woman approached for a dance, her eyes a startling shade of orange-brown. They matched the hue of her hair but stood out rather prominently against the pale lavender tint of her skin. He wasn’t able to place what her heritage was, but she clearly wasn’t purely Galra. “Hello, Your Highness,” she said politely, bowing at him.

He tipped his head at her. “And you are?”

“Lady Varek of the Turuzi Plains,” she said, offering her hand to him as was customary when requesting a dance. He recognized that name from the ranking of soldiers within the castle, almost certain that her brother was from the graduating class before him.

“The Turuzi Plains are quite a way off. That must have been quite the trip,” he commented, taking her hand and allowing her to lead him to the floor.

“It certainly was, but well worth it. The city is always an interesting, exciting experience; even more so before the gala,” Lady Varek said softly, a shy smile on her lips. They settled out with the other couples and began dancing. She let him take the lead as they settled in, as was customary, and he was rather grateful at how easily she followed along with him. A few of his other dance partners that night had been too nervous by the thought of dancing with royalty to focus on their movements and stomped right on his feet. It was nice that she seemed to be more aware.

“So your trip finds you well, I take it?” he asked. While Keith himself wasn’t typically a fan of conversation, he knew Lotor was typically a good sort at it.

“Indeed. Though I wish I had more time to explore the city proper,” she said with a small sigh.

“Your parents are against you having some time to take in the sights?”

“My parents are not here, I’m afraid. I was chaperoned here by an associate of my father’s instead,” she said as they twirled, pausing as he extended her out. She looked a bit bashful as he pulled her back in to him, a flash of warmth creeping up his neck at how close she was. “My mother has been sick and father was uncomfortable with the idea of leaving her alone. My brother would have accompanied me, but he is preoccupied with his station as a member of the royal guard.”

He blinked in surprise before humming softly, a thought coming to him. “I will speak with Commander Sendak, if you would like. While I cannot get him away from his duties tonight, perhaps I can have him given some free time tomorrow, so that he can escort you through the city streets,” he offered. So long as his assignment that night went well, he was sure Sendak would be willing to fill a simple request like that. Keith figured that, if push came to shove, he himself could cover for the young soldier so he could have time with dear sister.

Her eyes lit up and the smile she rewarded his offer with made the warmth on the back of his neck spread up to his ears. “That would be incredibly kind of you, Prince Lotor. Thank you so much!” she said excitedly.

There was a bit more casual chatter between them following that, with their conversations being cut off when there was the distinct rumble of explosion somewhere nearby, fierce enough to send the building rumbling. Lady Varek bumped against him from the force, looking up with wide, frightened eyes. He took a firm hold of her, instinctively pulling her closer. “W-What is happening?” she asked softly, clutching at his arms.

“I’m not sure, but I intend to find out,” he mumbled, moving to head over to the balcony. Even from where he was, he could see a flicker outside and it filled him with panic. He grabbed Ezor’s arm as she rushed past him. “What’s going on?”

“It’s those damned pirates! They launched an attack!”

He muttered a small swear before perking up, noticing that Lady Varek had followed him. “You need to go with the others, to the bunker. It will be safe there,” he insisted.

“Please, I cannot go alone,” she whispered, voice warbling in fear.

“Your brother?”

“He was stationed on patrol by the port where the ships come in, I believe. I… I suppose I could try to go to him,” she said, clearly anxious, eye roving around to and fro.

Keith’s stomach lurched at the thought. A young lady like she would easily be overcome by the crowds, or swept up by any filthy renegades, should they have made it into the city. “I’ll take you to the bunker, then,” he said, offering his arm to her again.

She looked up at him with wide eyes before eagerly taking his arm. “Thank you, Your Highness,” she said, pressing in closer. Poor girl probably wasn’t used to this kind of strife. From what he understood, the Turuzi Plains were an asset when it came to supplying food and medicinal herbs but that they hadn’t seen a particularly large amount of backlash from the war.

He pulled her closer to him as they made their way through the crowd, trying to keep her from getting jostled too much. The bunker was actually just a reinforced building for situations such as this. The Galra had learned long ago to be prepared for betrayals and the awful fallout that always came with it. It felt like an eternity to get them out of the grand ballroom and down the stairs to enter the streets proper. Lady Varek clung to him so tightly that it almost hurt.

“Prince Lotor!” One of the other guards called as they walked out, grabbing Keith’s available arm. He stopped short and looked up at them. He couldn’t recognize their face but he wasn’t too terribly worried about it; every member of the Galran Empire’s forces were shuffled around due to the heightened security. “Follow me, Sir; special arrangements have been made to assure you make it to the bunker.”

“Very well. I have promised this young woman that I will see to it she arrives to the shelter. I assume that I will be allowed to bring her with?” he prompted, trying to put a bit of Lotor’s usual calm confidence in his voice at the question. The prince, from what little he’d seen, tended to ask questions for the sake of being polite, even though he knew the answer awaiting him.

The guard looked a touch surprised before nodding. “Of course, Your Highness,” they agreed before nodding their head, indicating they follow. He was led through a small door under a few shrubs alongside the castle. He had seen it before but never taken it, as he’d never had a need. The tunnel was dimly lit by a few oil lamps here and there, the space incredibly tight. He guided Lady Varek to walk in front of him, the guard leading them through. As far as he was concerned, she would be safer with the two of them on either side of her.

When they reached the other end, the guard turned to help Lady Varek out. She whispered something to him as he did, which Keith chalked up to being a quiet thanks. She walked out further, just out of his sight, as he headed out himself, taking the offered hand of the guard.

Only to realize that they were at the darbor, an unfamiliar green tinted ship poised in the nearest spot, with a crowd surrounding him.

He prepared to start barking orders at the guard and Lady Varek, but was stopped when the muzzle of a gun was pressed against his temple. “I suggest you don’t move,” the guard drawled out, voice tight with frustration. He then glanced over his shoulder at Lady Varek. “You’re sure this guy isn’t the prince?”

“I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t know for certain,” she quipped back, taking a few more steps forward. She pulled at the strands of beads used to pull her hair back, letting out a pleased sigh as her hair fell loose. Her hands shifted hue from purple to a light peach hue as she reached up to shake her hair out. “This means that Commander Sendak knew what to expect from us. I suspect that we may be able to turn this to work in our favor, regardless.”

Keith shifted his hand, moving to grab the knife he always kept tucked away on his person, but was stopped when something connected with his temple hard. The world went black and, in the brief second of thought he had, he was certain they had shot him dead.

He looked around his cell again. Evidently, that assumption had been incorrect.

“Ah, good,” Lady Varek’s voice chimed suddenly, “you’ve finally woken up.”

He whipped around just as a light flashed across from him, lighting up his attacker for him. She was poised at a desk, her feet propped up on the edge and a small tablet in her hands. She had exchanged the elaborate gown from the gala for a pair of tan trousers, button up blouse with a dark green vest over it. He could see a blaster resting in its holster on her hip as she dropped her heavy boots of the desk and hoisted herself upright. “Altean scum!” he snarled lowly.

She perked up at that and giggled a bit. “Aw, you were so chivalrous before! Though, I suppose that is simply how you Galra are; smiling to ones face while determining where to stick the knife later,” she tsked calmly.

“Alteans are the ones known for their lack of morality, not us!” he snapped back.

Her gaze whipped up from the screen before her to glare at him. “I suppose we’ll simply have to agree to disagree on that front,” she said with a wave of one hand. She then reached up and began shifting through something on her tablet.

“If you think I will leak any secrets to you,” he said warningly, “you are mistaken. You will be better off killing me now than wasting your time.”

She laughed and shook her head. “Oh, my, we aren’t going to do that. We know how stubborn you Galra are when it comes to your precious little secrets,” she said, clicking one final thing on her screen before turning her attention back to him. Her grin had become gleefully cruel as typed something into the keypad of the door, causing a small rectangular shape to appear. She placed the tablet into it carefully, grin widening when it let out a small click to signify it was clicked into place properly. The bars suddenly seemed to snap into an erect, full position, the space between them flickering. “No, I’m just leaving you with this while we finish up. You’ll have a front row seat to watching the capital city burn to cinders, knowing you are unable to do anything to stop it.”

He sucked in a sharp breath as the walls of his cell suddenly became alive with holoprojection screens, showing various points across Daibazaal’s capital. Buildings were burning, there were brawls taking place between the Galran soldiers and more of these monstrous pirates, and innocent civilians scrambled to and fro. He could hear the screams of his people and his chest ached. “No,” he breathed, hand twitching towards where his belt had been before on instinct. He let out a furious shout before charging at the door, trying to tear his way to her through the electrical current. Instead, it surged through him, a searing pain the likes of which he’d never felt before. It was so powerful it sent him shooting across the cell, crashing into the ground hard and tumbling a bit.

The Altean pirate let out a long, amused whistle at the display. He laid still for a moment, body still twitching with the aftershocks. All around him, he could hear and see the pirates, destroying and attacking and looting. He tried to push himself upright again, to try and figure out some kind of plan of attack to get her. His arms, however, shuddered and gave under his weight. So many innocent people were getting hurt, being forced to suffer. And what was he doing about it? Laying there like a lump because he’d been captured!

He should be out there! He should be helping people!

“Enjoy the show! You’ll have to offer me your review once we’re done,” she hummed, offering him a playful wave before heading towards the door.

#Voltron legendary defender #Keidge #Kidge #Peith #Kidgemas #MonthofKidge #MonthofKidge2019 #KidgeaPalooza #KidgeaPalooza2019 #Pidge Gunderson #Keith Kogane #my fics #I enjoyed writing this a lot #So much I started thinking of more events to go forward #*shrieks uselessly*

[keijiwrites]

high hopes

pairing: klance, side Shallura

characters: Keith, Lance, Allura, Shiro, King Alfor, OC - Lance’s mom, Hunk, Pidge

word count: 8071

additional tags: galtean klance

Lance loved the feeling of wind hitting his face. He loved the sound of it rushing by his ears as he rode Blue, his horse. He also loved to ride her and when she randomly shook her main, splashing water everywhere. Not many were fond of her, but he and his older sister Allura used their baby faces and puppy eyes on their parents, King Alfor and Queen Laura. They gave in and got him Blue years ago.

Honestly, Lance wanted Blue for all the wrong reasons. He rode her during the night to meet up with his more-than-friend Keith. Lance liked Keith. A lot. Keith didn't know Lance was a royal prince and treated him like a commoner. Lance hated that word. If he was king of Altea, he would spend a lot of his time through the towns, being a normal Altean himself.

He always remembered when he would go out with Coran to the town market. He loved looking at all of the pretty flowers and trinkets people sold. Coran would buy him candy from the shops and made sure Lance hid them well when back at the castle.

Lance pulled on Blue’s reins, stopping her. Keith was already in the clearing they always met up in, leaning against the pod he came in.

“Keith!” Lance waved at him and nearly jumped off Blue. He tied her to a tree where she grazed at the grass. “You're early.”

“Someone has to be.” Keith teased, purple eyes glinting under the moonlight.

“I'm always on time!” Lance protested, mirroring Keith's position.

Keith chuckled and shot out a hand, pulling Lance close. He raked his eyes all over Lance’s face. “You're beautiful, Lance.”

Lance chuckled, cheeks turning pink. “You're a dumbass.” He grabbed the neck of Keith's Galra armor and pulled him in for a kiss.

Keith sighed, arms tightening around Lance. They hadn't seen each other since the night before. The only time they saw one another was during the night in that clearing. Lance had royal duties and Keith spent his day working.

The Altean and Galra race weren't on the best of terms so they had to sneak around. They knew their races were trying to fix the severed bond, but Lance knew he would be dead if they were found out.

Lance pulled back from the kiss, pressing his forehead against Keith's. He ran his fingertips over Keith's fluffy, purple ears; the only indication he was Galra besides the armor.

Keith flinched, his ears being oversensitive. “Lance. Stop it.”

Lance chuckled and kissed him again. “Tell me. How was your day?” He loved listening to Keith speak of his day. He loved the way Keith would talk about work and his friend on Daibazaal. He spoke of Shiro, another human who appeared on the planet one morning and without a second thought, the emperor and empress took him under their wings and made him part of the royal guard.

“He sounds dreamy.” Lance grinned, knowing it would annoy Keith to no end.

Keith was a rather jealous and hot headed Galra. Lance found it amusing whenever Keith’s eyes would narrow to slits like a cat’s when he was jealous or irritated.

Keith scoffed. “He's a big nerd and like seven years older than us.”

Lance raised an eyebrow. “How do you know so much about him?”

“Because I found him by the woods before taking him to the emperor.”

Lance hummed, eyes on the stars. Before talking, they sat down, backs against the pod. Lance loved being this close to Keith. Although, he knew it wouldn't last long. Someday, his parents would decide to marry him off to some unknown princess to rule Altea. Don't get him wrong, Lance liked girls, but right now he preferred Keith over any princess.

“I have to get going.” Keith sighed. “A bit of a trip home.”

Lance frowned. “Alright.” He jumped when Keith pressed a cold hand against his cheek.

“I'll be back tomorrow. I promise.”

Lance smiled softly. “Okay. I'll see you tomorrow.” He kissed Keith, longer than usual, savor in the moment and watched as the Galra got into the pod and flew off. He sighed and rode Blue back to the castle.

Lance had a very odd feeling that he would never see Keith again.

Four years later

Lance was awoken by Hunk and Pidge, the engineers who kept the castle running. He groaned loudly. “Leave me alone.”

“Hey, man. We’re not here to bother you.” Hunk said. “But your dad is looking for you.”

“Apparently there’s a big announcement and you need to be present there. Like now.” Pidge added, fixing her glasses.

Lance groaned again but eventually got up from bed and got ready. It was important, so he got dressed in his best clothing and jewelry. He joined his parents at the dining hall, kissing his mother on the cheek and squeezing Allura’s shoulder before sitting down.

“Pidge and Hunk said there’s an announcement?” He asked and thanked the server that placed a plate of goo in front of him.

“Yes.” King Alfor spoke. “Allura is marrying Yorak, Prince of Daibazaal.”

Lance had to hold back a snort. “Yorak?”

“Lanzo.” His mother warned.

Lance hated his birth name. Lanzo sounded weird and he wished he could change it to the nickname Allura gave him when they were younger: Lance. Sadly, his father said no. Only his mother called him Lanzo and was used for royal purposes only. He didn't mind it from his mother. He was a total mama’s boy. (He didn't care what Pidge thought.)

“It will be announced today after lunch time. They will visit tomorrow.”

Lance looked at Allura who had on a brave face, but Lance could see she wasn't ready or didn't wish to be married.

“Lura?”

Allura’s eyes fell on Lance. “I'm fine, Lance.” She turned to their father and nodded.

They finished their breakfast in silence. Lance wanted to comfort Allura, but she was hard headed and would prove to their parents she would do anything for the kingdom. Even if it meant marrying a prince she had never met before.

The announcement was made, and the town went ballistic.

Lance escaped that night to the clearing. Except this time, he took Allura with him. They were sitting down, Allura with her head on Lance’s shoulder.

“I can't believe I'm to be married off to someone I don't know.” Allura sighed. “I try to be okay with this, but I'm not. I wish father didn't have to do this.”

Lance scoffed. “Whenever you tell him something, he does the opposite, Lura. He shouldn't have you fixing this. It was his fault!”

“Lance, please. Yelling will not fix anything. And I know we shouldn't have to fix his mistakes, but sometimes there is no other way.”

The prince huffed and stood up to shake off the anger. He kicked a lone pebble and watched it skitter along the ground.

“I heard you come here when you're upset.”

Lance turned to his sister. She had a knowing look in her eyes. “Yeah. I used to come here to meet with a friend.”

“Keith, right? Pidge told me about him.”

Lance sat again. “Yeah. We were more than friends actually. Lovers, I guess. But one night, he left and he never came back. I gave up a year later. He was a farmer from Daibazaal.”

Allura gasped. “A Galra? Lance!”

“I know! He was nice. He made me happy , Lura. He didn't know I’m a royal so I know he wasn't after anything. He just… liked me. I knew it wasn't going to last long, but I didn't know it would be so short either.”

“I understand, Lance. It's getting late. We should get back.”  

Lance couldn't sleep that night. He was thinking about Keith. It had been a long time since he had spoken about him and it didn't hurt as much. He wouldn't lie and say it didn't, just not as much as before.

Keith leaving and never returning hit Lance like a freight train. He didn't know what happened to him, if he was dead or alive. Lance liked to think Keith was very much alive, just busy with working as a farmer or that he wasn't allowed to leave again during the night. Anything but dead.

He tossed and turned all night long. In the end, he stood and made his way to Allura’s room. He opened the door quietly and saw her asleep. He walked in and tapped her shoulder.

“Lance?” She rubbed her eye sleepily.

“Can I sleep here, Lulu?”

She smiled. “You really can’t sleep, huh?”

Whenever Lance wanted something from Allura, he would call her Lulu. When he was little he called her that because - to him - her name was very complicated. As they got older, Lance switched to Lura for everyday purposes and only used Lulu when he really wanted something. Slap on the puppy eyes and Allura was a sucker for her little brother.

Allura made space for Lance on the bed, holding his hand in comfort.

“Remember when you used to come in almost every night? You were so scared of sleeping alone.”

Lance pouted. “It was a big room, okay? I was lonely.”

Allura chuckled, stroking Lance’s hair. “We should sleep, it'll be a long day tomorrow.”

Lance frowned at the sadness in his sister's eyes. He opened his arms and she fell into them. “I don't want to do this, Lance. I love someone else.”

Lance’s interest piqued. “Who is it?”

“The prince's guard. I've met him many times before but we both knew it wouldn't work so we left it at nothing. It's been a very long time since I last saw him.”

The prince frowned, knowing what his sister felt. They were silent after that, not wanting to delve deeper into their feelings. Allura fell asleep first, Lance looking out the window. He fell asleep near dawn, his mind not settling after watching the sky turn into a navy color.

He woke up, rather grumpily, and went to his room. The shadow under his eyes were horrible and his face looked dull. Nothing a little magic couldn’t do. Not even five seconds later, Lance’s face was back to normal. Not a single trace of five o’clock shadow nor dullness.

He bathed, got dressed and walked to the dining hall where his family was waiting for him. “I apologize for being late. I didn’t sleep much last night.”

His mother frowned. “Are you alright, Lanzo?”

“I’m alright, mother. No need to worry.”

Breakfast came and went; Lance’s mind was elsewhere. He would see Keith’s race once again. Of course, Keith wasn't full Galra yet, but he would be during time. Lance wondered if Keith had already turned.

The royals were in the throne room, waiting for the Galra to arrive. Lance was slumped in his seat, not entirely enthusiastic about the situation. His mother glanced at him and he straightened up with a sigh.

The doors opened and Lance watched as the Galra’s entered. His eyes fell on the prince’s guard. He knew why Allura liked him. He was attractive, just not Lance’s type. He glanced at Allura who had her eyes set on the prince. The visitors bowed as King Alfor stood.

Lance tuned out what his father was saying, opting to watch the prince. He had something familiar, but Lance couldn't say what it was exactly. His ears? Face? He didn’t know.

“Thank you for having us.” Prince Yorak spoke.

A shiver went down Lance’s spine. It was deep and velvety, and it made their hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. The prince’s eyes fell on him and they flashed an emotion so fast Lance couldn't tell what it was. Twice it happened, and it irked him.

After proper introductions were made, Allura walked to the garden with the prince and their guards. Lance was left in the throne room bored out of his mind. He decided to find Hunk and Pidge and bother them. He found them in a boiler room, updating something.

“Hey, guys!”

“Lance. What are you doing here?” Hunk asked, more curious than anything. “We thought you would be nagging the prince.”

Lance rolled his eyes. “I can't. This is more business than pleasure. Which is stupid.”

Pidge was promptly ignoring both of them

“Well, Alteans and the Galra have a rather, you know, bad relationship.” Hunk shrugged, turning back to his work, but still listening to Lance.

Lance scoffed. “We're fixing father’s mistakes and Prince Yorak is fixing Zarkon’s mistakes. It's ridiculous.”

“What happened to Zarkon again?”

“Basically, the prince’s mom killed him and became queen.” Lance shrugged and leaned over Pidge’s head to see what she was up to. “I thought that's pretty brutal and cool but dangerous. Anyone could become emperor or empress and basically take Daibazaal to ruins. Almost like Zarkon did.”

“But thanks to your dad it didn't happen.” Hunk pointed out.

“Yeah, but then Lotor came after us and almost killed us all.”

“But he didn't.”

“Thanks to Lura. She kicked his butt.”

“Lanzo!”

Lance frowned. “I'll see you guys later.”

“Later, Lance!”

Lance almost bumped into his mother as he walked out of the boiler room. She was with the prince and a few guards. Lance bowed his head at the prince and turned to his mother.

“Please show Yorak to his room. Your father needs me.”

“Of course.” Lance kissed his mother’s cheek and turned to Prince Yorak who was staring at him with a calculating look. “Please, follow me.” He started to walk towards the rooms. “Shiro, you can stay here.”

The prince’s guard looked confused. “How do you know my name?”

Lance’s ears turned pink. “I had a good friend who spoke of you.”

Shiro still look confused but nodded. Lance continued walking until he reached the next door. “This is your room.” He opened the door and motioned for Prince Yorak to walk in. “If you need anything, you can press this,” he gestured to a button on the wall, “and someone will come and assist you.”

“Thank you, Lance.”

Lance froze but turned towards the prince with a scowl. “Only my family and friends call me that. I ask of you to not be so familiar.” He walked out of the room and went to the garden where he sat with a sigh. “Stupid, prince. Acting so familiar with me.”

“Lance? Are you okay?” Allura sat next to him.

“Tell that little prince not to be so familiar with me. I mean, I already did but a friendly remind would be nice.” He crossed his arms annoyed.

Allura chuckled. “You never change, do you?” She grinned.

The two siblings spent some time in the garden. Allura talked about Prince Yorak and how nice he was being. How he was also scared of being married off to someone he had no connection with. She also told him how she was to visit Daibazaal in a few quintent. Lance wasn't too happy about that. Allura was to live in Daibazaal for the rest of her days, missing home while Lance would live them in Altea with his future queen. Altea was their home, but Lance wanted to explore other planets. He wanted an adventure like the one’s Coran told him of before he became the King's advisor.

A guard came to tell them they were to get ready for dinner. They went their own ways when reaching the rooms. Lance wasn't too enthused about dinner. He felt like something was going to happen, and when he felt that, it usually did. Usually that same day or a few days after.

When arriving at the dining hall, the Galran prince was talking with his father. Lance payed them little to no attention as he sat down. Allura and their mother came in soon after. Lance picked at his food as Yorak spoke of Daibazaal. He felt like the prince as forcing himself to speak so formally and be civil.

After dinner, they stayed at the table talking. Lance, usually a chatterbox, was quiet. Allura was the first to notice. She nudged her foot against his, clearly asking what was wrong. He nudged it back and smiled. They both knew it was forced.

Lance excused himself from their chit chat. He was tired and wanted to change into his sleeping clothes and sleep until the next morning. He bid everyone good night and went to his room. Just as he settled in bed, there was a knock on his door. He scowled because “can't I have a moment of peace.”

“Come in.” The door opened, and Lance was confused as to why Yorak was in his room. “What are you doing here?”

“Can we talk for a moment?”

Lance raised an eyebrow. “I guess.”

The door hissed closed behind Yorak. Lance watched as the Galran walked closer, eyes scanning the room. The other prince cleared his throat before speaking. “So, uh, Princess Allura told me about you.”

Lance was very skeptical but invited him to sit on the edge of the bed.

“I know who you are, and you know who I am.”

The Altean Prince was confused. “Yes. You're Yorak. Prince of Daibazaal.”

Yorak shook his head. “No. That's not what I meant. It's me. Keith. I - I am the Galra who you used to meet up with.”

Lance blinked at Yorak before his face turned into a scowl. “Get out.” He sneered. “Don't you ever mention his name ever again!” He stood from the bed and opened the door. “Get out. Now.”

Lance didn't look at the prince. He was pissed. How dare he mention Keith’s name. And pretending to be him. Ha! His Keith would never disappear and come back as a prince.

He was left alone in the room, blood rushing in his ears. He curled up in his bed, knees pressed close to his chest. He reached for his communication device - dubbed a phone by Pidge - and stared at the one picture he had with Keith.

Lance was grinning widely, hands in a peace sign while Keith had the tiniest of smiles on his face, arm around Lance’s waist.

Lance chucked it to the side, tears down his cheeks.

The night, Lance’s dreams were memories of him and Keith. When they first met by accident in the clearing. Lance was ready to fight Keith, taking out his bayard without a thought. It wasn't until Keith raised his arms, eyes filled with terror that Lance out it away.

He dreamt of the day when Keith confessed to liking him and Lance threw himself at him, laughing brightly. It was one of the happiest memories he had of Keith. Their first kiss was nothing like Lance would have imagined. He was telling Keith that what would happen if they were caught. They both would be killed or kicked out of their homes. Keith had pulled him in, hand on Lance’s shirt, and kissed him without a thought. Lance had gone completely still, eyes wide as saucepans, before relaxing because Keith was kissing him. Lance had tangled his hands in Keith's hair, pressing their bodies together.

The dazed look in Keith's eyes was one he'd never forget.

He also dreamt of the time Keith had met Blue. The horse had taken a liking to Keith, nearly soaking him with a shake of her mane. Lance had grinned wide as Keith looked at Blue in pure shock.

The dream changed. It was the last day Lance had seen Keith.

Lance woke up with a gasp. His other recoiled at her son’s reaction.

“Lanzo? Are you alright, son?” She asked worriedly, pressing a hand on his sweaty forehead.

“I'm okay, mother.” He sighed, rubbing his eyes.

Laura was still watching him closely. He felt her eyes on him as he looked through his closet for training gear. “Yes, mother?”

“Who is Keith?”

Lance felt himself tense. “No one.”

Laura sighed and walked towards him. “Lanzo. You know you can tell me anything, right?”

Lance didn't meet her eyes. “He's no one. Don't worry about it.” He shrugged her hand off and went to change. “I'm not hungry. I'll be in the training deck.”

Lance didn't stay to listen to what his mother had to say. He went to the training deck, bayard in hand. It turned into an Altean sword.

“Begin training sequence.”

Lance didn't know how long he aimed for. He felt like he couldn't burn off enough energy to exhaust himself.

“Level eight complete.”

Lance wiped his sweaty forehead, standing in position for the next round. Nine droids appeared. He smiled wickedly to himself as he droids ran towards him.

He was graceful as he blocked, slashed, parried and side stepped. Lance had done it a million times before. With a yell, he slashed the last droid. He was breathing heavily as the speakers boomed. “Level nine complete.”

Lance turned to the door when he heard clapping. Prince Yorak looked impressed a he walked in.

“What are you doing here?” Lance scowled, chest heaving.

“Allura is busy. The King and Queen gave me permission to explore the castle.” Yorak shrugged, leaning against the wall with arms crossed.

Lance’s breath hitched. Everything this prince did was so familiar it hurt and made his heart feel heavy in his chest. He gave the prince his back.

“Begin level ten.” He wasn't going to let the prince interrupt him.

Lance reached level 15 without a hitch. This was the furthest he'd gotten by himself. He grunted as he fell on his back. He blocked the droid’s attack, arms shaking with exhaustion. His eyes widened as another droid jumped over the other and was coming right to his face. He managed to kick the droid above him off and roll away.

“End training sequence!”

The droid's shut down as Lance coughed, inhaling as much air as his lungs permitted. A pair of hands helped him get on his knees and straighten his back.

“Hands behind your head.”

Lance did as told and felt air reach his lungs easily. Once his breath was back to normal, he felt his stomach rumbled. He glared at Yorak who was snickering.

“You should eat something.”

Yorak helped Lance stand and hand Lance his bayard.

“Hey, Ke-” Shiro had walked into the training deck. He bowed his head at Lance before turning to Yorak. “Your mother expects you to call tonight.”

Lance raised an eyebrow at Shiro, noticing the slip-up. He decided to ignore it and instead went to the kitchen where he had a proper amount of goo.

“Hey, man!” Hunk had just entered the kitchen, Pidge in tow. “You look horrible.”

Lance frowned. “Do I look that bad?”

Pidge sighed. “How long did you train for?”

“Fifteen rounds.” The prince mumbled.

Hunk and Pidge exchanged a worried look. “You haven't trained for that long since Keith.” Pidge pointed out.

Lance sighed, long and heavy. “I just… dreamed of him last night. They were… memories, actually.” He tugged in the sleeves of his sweaty shirt. “I hadn't had those in years.”

Hunk squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. “You'll see him again, dude.”

“Hunk, don't fill his head with false hope.” Pidge scolded. “It's been four years.”

“Pidge is right.” Lance rubbed his arm, eyes on his empty plate. “He would have come back already.”

The three friends were silent. Lance was brooding while he tried to comfort him by rubbing his back.

“I need a shower.” Lance stood and went to shower. After, he filled the tub and stayed in it until the water was lukewarm, bubbled nearly gone.

“Lance?”

Allura.

“Bath.”

Allura walked in looking worried. “Hunk and Pidge told me what happened.”

Lance pulled his knees closer to his chest, suddenly, feeling vulnerable.

She sat on the edge of the tub. Lance placed his head on the side of her thigh, eyes closed. He liked the sibling bond he had with Allura. They trusted each other with things they wouldn't with another person.

“I met with Shiro last night.”

Lance wanted to be shocked, he did, but it was obvious they we going to at some point. He would have done the same thing.

“We spoke of what happened. Of why we couldn't anymore. I already knew, but it didn't hurt any less.” Allura sighed, hand in Lance’s hair. “I still love him, Lance. I just don't know how to tell mother and father.”

“I know how you feel, Lulu.”

Allura left the bathroom to let Lance get dressed. He didn't go to dinner, opting to hang out with Hunk and Pidge. He rode Blue to the clearing around midnight. He wanted to get away from the castle for a bit.

He pulled on Blue’s reins, stopping abruptly. Prince Yorak was sitting on the ground, head tilted toward the sky. Lance saw his ear flicker, he knew Lance was there.

The Altean urged Blue closer. “What a you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same.”

Lance frowned, mounting Blue. The horse purposely shook her mane, purposely getting Yorak wet.

“Blue!”

Lance was confused. “How do you know her name? Who are you?!” He had his bayard in hand, transforming into his long-range sniper.

The Galran Prince shot his hands up. “If you put that away, I'll explain.”

Lance’s bayard went back to normal but he was still wary. He sat in front of Blue, a good five feet away from Yorak. That’s such a stupid name.

“This feels like a very bad déjà vu.”

“Excuse you? From what I know, this never happened.” Lance crossed his arms.

“It did actually. Five years ago, right on this clearing. You threatened me with your bayard, except it wasn't a sniper.”

Lance blushed, looking away. He was one of the few Altean’s whose bayard could turn into three different weapons.

“It was an Altean sword that time. I was scared so I told you I was only a farmer in Daibazaal and told you my nickname dad gave me: Keith. I couldn't tell a complete stranger I was the prince of Daibazaal. And you did the same. Although the I saw straight through your lie. Only royals have white hair, Lance. Blue did the same thing when she first saw me. I'm not sure if she liked me or not.” Yorak chuckled, shaking his head.

“I remember I kissed you first because you were scared and insecure and wouldn't shut up. We were nothing official because we both knew it wouldn't work out.”

“Why didn't you come back?” Lance whispered, hands clenched.

“My mother caught me. She made sure I never left during the night. She lost trust in Shiro because he hadn't noticed I was gone. He was the one who helped me sneak around. That's when he would meet up with Allura.

Lance blinked. “It's really you.” Tears blurred his vision I as he scrambled to close the distance between them. He clutched the back of Keith's under armor, sobs racking his boat.

Keith cringed to him, head buried in Lance’s neck. “I missed you, Lance.”

“I missed you, too.” Lance hiccupped. He let out a watery chuckled as he wiped his eyes. “I can't believe I actually fell for the prince of an enemy planet.”

Keith snickered. “So, did I.” He brushed a strand of Lance’s hair away from the Altean’s face. “You're still as beautiful.”

Lance smiled and brought kiss closer for a kiss that was long overdue. He had his arms wrapped around Keith tightly, afraid he would disappear. Lance pulled away when a rather unpleasant thought crossed his mind. “You're marrying Allura.”

“I wish I wasn't.” Keith frowned as fresh tears pooled in Lance’s blue eyes. “I'm so sorry, Lance. Is there anything we can discuss? Convince our parents?”

Lance shook his head. “It's the first born. Those are the rules.”

Keith sighed, pressing their foreheads together. “Can we meet again tomorrow?”

Lance nodded. “We have a lot to catch up on.”

Keith grinned and kissed Lance again. On their way back to the castle, Keith went ahead as Lance had to put Blue in her stabled. Once she was felt inside, she snuck through the castle and to his room.

His heart wasn't so heavy anymore.

Lance was in the training deck again. He needed a distraction from Keith. He was looking extra fine that day. His mullet was tied up in a tiny bun and his armor was extra tight. It was driving him crazy.

The door to the training deck opened and in walked Keith, Allura and Shiro.

“Lance!” His sister beamed. “I didn’t know you were here. We thought we could all train.”

“End training sequence!” Lance turned to his sister, eyes trailing to Keith for a second then back to her. “Alright. I have no problems with that. What level? I got to fifteen by myself, so I think a level higher would be alright.”

“I’m fine with that.” Keith shrugged.

“Yeah, me too.” Shiro agreed.

It was weird to have someone who was not Altean or Galra around.

Lance went to the control panel and set the level to 15. All four of them got into position, swords out. Except Shiro. His weapon was his right arm which was made out of Galra tech. Lance thought it was badass.

Fifteen droids appeared, and the timer went off. It felt like the four of them had been training together for years. They knew when to do the right thing at the right time. Lance was switching between his weapons as the levels increased. He wanted to train with all three and this was the right time. He was with his sniper, aiming and shooting when Keith jumped over his crouched position to get a Druid sneaking up on Lance.

Lance switched to his sword, wanted to be in close range action.

They reached level 37.

They were breathing heavily as they lied on the floor.

“That’s the furthest we’ve gotten.” Allura told Lance as she tucked a stray hair away.

“I know. We had these two to help.” He motioned to Keith and Shiro who were talking to themselves. “I’m proud of us, Lura.”

“I am too, Lance.” She smiled at her brother before her attention landed on Shiro who handed them water.

Keith plopped next to Lance with a huff. “I hadn’t trained like that in a while.”

“Well, you can come by anytime.” Allura smiled.

“Jeez, Lura. There’s no need to be so formal. Mom and dad aren’t here.” Lance rolled his eyes, mouth around the straw of the water pouch.

“If they hear you calling them that, they’ll throw a fit.” She chuckled.

“Are they really this strict, princess?” Shiro asked, genuinely curious.

“Sometimes. Mostly when there are others from other planets. We’re usually very relaxed and friendly towards each other.”

Keith and Lance exchanged a glance. Shiro and Allura were being too obvious. They were expressing their feelings with their eyes and they were going to get caught. It wouldn’t be pretty. For any of them.

“Father said the wedding would be in 10 quintents.”

Lance’s eyes widened. “But that's so soon!” Panic was starting to crawl up his throat. Ten days wasn't enough. Seven of those days would be spent in Daibazaal where Keith was unreachable to Lance. With Keith over there, Lance was a sitting duck. A sitting duck that would be heartbroken and marrying someone he doesn't love.

Allura sighed. “I know. But we have to.”

“I wish my parents we so strict. I could be emperor by myself.” Keith frowned, ears flat against his head.

The silent that fell upon them was awkward and tense. Lance was avoiding eye contact with everyone, fingers playing the hem of his shirt.

“So, Lance.” Shiro spoke, making them jump a little. “Allura told me you’re quite the warrior.”

Lance preened. “They don't call me sharpshooter for nothing.”

Allura laughed. “No one but you call yourself that, Lance.”

Lance pouted. “You're supposed to agree with me, Lura.”

“Sorry, Lance.” She grinned, patting his knee.

“I think you're a pretty cool shooter.” Keith shrugged so nonchalantly it hurt how much Lance missed it.

“Thank you, Keith.”

“Keith?”

Lance’s eyes widened before Keith stepped in. “I asked him to call me that. It helps with trust. You can call me that, too, Allura. If you’d like.”

Keith saved Lance’s ass. Literally.

“But, that's so different from your actual name.” Allura point out.

“My dad wanted to call me Keith but since it was ‘too human’ for a Galra, my mom picked Yorak.” Keith explained.

Lance snickered. “Yorak. That's one funny name.”

“Okay, Lanzo.”

Lance glared at Keith. If looks could kill, he would be dead. Or floating in space wishing he was dead.

“You two are oddly close.” Shiro raised an amused eyebrow.

“We spoke for a while yesterday.” Lance shrugged. “He's not that great.”

“What? ” Keith looked flabbergasted.

Lance shrugged again before standing. He stretched his arms as he spoke, “I'm in need of a shower and a food facial. See you guys later.” He patted Allura’s head and flicked Keith's ear, snickering as the latter yelped.

Lance looked horrible. He hadn't noticed the shadow under his eyes and the hollowness of his cheeks. After a hot shower and even hotter bath, he stood in the mirror and worked his magic until his skin was radiant once again. He loved his magic. Before he was 18, he had to do countless facials and wear face masks for it to be normal. But now? All he needed was some Altean juice and done. He was as good looking as always.

There was a knock on his door. He turned in his chair hands on the back as he told whoever it was that it was open. He perked up when Keith walked in, looking freshly showered and…

“Did you shave?”

Keith's eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?” He walked towards Lance.

“You had stubble earlier.” Lance ran his fingertips over Keith's chin, feeling how soft it was.

“I can't go around looking like a furry, Lance.”

Lance let out a guffaw. “You already are one.”

“Oh, shut up.” Keith pressed his lips against Lance’s. The kiss was brief and chaste. Anyone could walk in at any moment. Especially Allura.

The Altean had a dopey smile when Keith pulled away. He watched as the Galra Prince looked around the room. “What are these about?”

Lance stood from his chair and went towards Keith. “Those are books on Altean alchemy. Dad is an amazing alchemist and I plan to take in his footsteps someday.”

Keith hummed as he flipped through the pages. “This is great, Lance. I think it's nice you're taking after your father.”

Lance smiled softly, resting his head on Keith’s shoulder. “I wish we didn't have to sneak around.”

“I wish the same.”

They looked at each other for a brief moment before their lips were pressed together. Lance kissed Keith desperately, clutching onto his armor while Keith had his hands in Lance’s hair. Hands were roaming everywhere, breath coming out in short puffs.

“Wait. Wait, wait wait.” Lance breathed out. “We can't, Keith. I wish we could.  But we’ll both be in trouble if we get caught.”

Keith sighed, head in Lance’s neck. “I know. It's unfair.”

“I agree.”

“I… I want to tell Lura.”

Keith's head shot up. “Are you crazy?! She'll tell your parents and we'll be screwed.”

“I know that. But I just can't stand by and watch my sister marry you!”

Keith rubbed his forehead, purple eyes on blue. “Alright. Fine. Only because Shiro’s, like, in love with her or whatever. Just, take your time and make sure no one else can hear you.”

Lance grinned. “I'll promise you that.”

During the evening, Lance was pacing his room. He was ready to tell Allura, but he wasn't sure when was the right time. He knew in his gut that she would understand, but it was scary. Allura was a little unpredictable sometimes, yet Lance thought she would be okay. She loved Shiro either way, right?

With a very deep breath, Lance walked towards her room, determined to tell her. He knocked on the door and heard her telling him to walk in. When he did, his resolve died. He didn't know what to tell her. He had forgotten everything he practiced in the mirror. Instead, he was ready to start crying. Allura was in front of her mirror, the wedding gown on. She was trying it on for the first time, Laura beaming at her.

“You look beautiful, Allura.”

“Thank you, mother. It's beautiful.”

Lance swallowed the lump in his throat because it was real. The wedding was going to happen in ten quintent and he was going to be left heartbroken.

“Are you alright, Lance?”

He snapped his gaze to Allura’s face. She was looking worried.

“Yeah.” He cleared his throat. “I'll come by later.” He turned on his spot and nearly made a dash to his room. When the door was closed, he flopped on his bed, face buried in his pillow. He wanted to scream, kick something, yell at someone. But all he could do was cry. Cry because Allura was marrying the man of his dreams. Cry because his sister would never be happy. Cry because all four of them would never be truly happy with whoever the end up with. Cry because Shiro would have to live with that for the rest of his days as a royal guard. Lance cried because what would be his little nieces and nephews could be his children.

He fell asleep, cheeks tear stained.

“Lance. Lance. Lance!”

“Wha.” Lance sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes. He opened one and saw Allura looking worriedly. “Lura? What are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to you.” She sat on the bed, hands intertwined. “It’s about what happened when you walked in. Are you alright? Your… reaction wasn’t one I was expecting.”

Lance blinked back his tears, looking down at his lap. “I was just shocked. You looked beautiful, Lulu.” He felt her gaze on him, unwavering.

“Is there something you aren’t telling me? You know you can trust me.”

“I’m in love him with, Lura.” Lance’s cheeks were wet his tears, sobs racking his shoulders.

“Lance. What are you-“

“He’s the Keith I met up with.” He stuttered between sobs. “He’s the Galra, Lura.”

Allura gasped. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t know until a few days later. He came up to me and tried to explain, but I didn’t listen. It wasn’t until I went to the clearing with Blue that I found him there. He told me things no one else would know. He even knew Blue’s name. Keith’s the only one that knew.” He had pulled his knees to his chest, shielding himself.

Allura threw her arms around Lance, squeezing the life out of him. “I’m so sorry, Lance. I should have known.”

Lance rested his head on Allura’s shoulder. “It’s okay. I never knew his real name. He didn’t know mine either.”

“We have to tell mother and father.”

“No.” It came out a lot harsher than intended. “No. We can’t, Lura. It’ll all crumble to pieces. I know you love Shiro but marrying Keith will give you the opportunity of being able to see him.”

“I will not have you unhappy. Not like this.”

“There’s nothing we can do, Allura.” The use of her full name tastes weird in his mouth. He needed to get his point across and that was the only way she would know he was serious. “There isn’t.”

“Fine. If that’s what you wish.” Allura stood from the bed and walked out, leaving Lance to curl up in his bed and stay awake until dawn.

“Lance!”

The prince jumped, hand on his chest as he turned. Keith was walking hurriedly towards him.

“Did you tell her?”

Lance turned away, shrinking in on himself. “I-“

“Shh! Listen!” Keith whispered, placing a hand over Lance’s mouth.

Lance was confused. He didn’t hear anything, but something was going on by the way Keith’s ears flickered. The Galra’s eyes widened. “It’s your parents. And Allura.”

“Come on.” Lance took Keith’s hand and pulled him into the library. He pressed his hands to Keith’s temples and closed his eyes, concentrating.

Keith gasped as they were transported to where Alfor, Allura and Laura were. They could clearly see them, but they couldn’t see Keith and Lance.

“Altean magic is something else.” Keith mumbled.

Lance grinned and turned his attention to his family.

“Allura, is everything alright?” Alfor asked, hand on her shoulder. His worried look made Lance’s stomach churn. He’d never gotten sympathy from his father, only his mother and only in moments when it was needed. Lance always guessed they wanted him to be warrior-like. He sometimes thought his father wanted him on the front lines. He did wish to be, but his mother had always opposed to it. Alfor always listened to Laura so Lance was never on the front lines in battle. Instead he stayed at the castle coming up with strategies alongside Allura.

Lance saw Allura take a deep breath before looking at their parents. “I cannot marry the Prince of Daibazaal. Lance is in love with him.”

Lance and Keith were back in the library. The Altean Prince had let go of Keith and ran towards the conference room. He ignored Keith’s calls and burst in the room. Three pairs of eyes fell on him. He was almost breathless.

“You promised.” He croaked at Allura.

“I could not stand back and do nothing.” Allura protested. “You were suffering and wanted to do so quietly.”

“I did it for peace!” He nearly yelled. “Peace comes before anything. This has been going on for years and I’m tired of this.” He turned towards his parents and bowed. “I am sorry for going against your wishes.” His fists were clenched at his sides. It was the only thing keeping him from crying. “I will confess and explain everything.”

Lance told them everything. From the day they met to the nights he would escape to meet with Keith to even now, that he was eavesdropping into the conversation. Allura might have told on him, but he would never tell on his sister.

“I understand that I will be punished and will accept anything as long as there is peace between Altea and Daibazaal.” He stood straight, an invisible rod in his back. His gaze was unwavering as he looked between his parents.  

Alfor and Laura looked at one another before turning their gazes to Lance. He closed his eyes, waiting for them to punish him in the most appropriate way possible.

He watched as his mother stood and walked closer to him. Looking at her was like looking in a mirror. Lance was a spitting image of his mother.  Ocean blue eyes, sharp features, skinny and lanky. They were very watchful of things going on around them and were there for when other people needed them, even if those people were not there for them when they needed someone. That was why Lance was so close to his mother.

Laura placed a hand on Lance’s cheek. “We would never punish you for that, mijo.”

“I’m sorry.” He sobbed, arms around her shoulders. “I’m sorry, mom.”

Laura patted his back. She didn’t pull back until Lance was calm. “Is it true you love him?”

Lance nodded, wiping his eyes. He felt like he was five again when his mom would comfort him whenever he scraped a knee or elbow. Laura would stay until Lance was calm enough to speak and ask what happened. He always loved her for that. It showed her compassionate side that he appreciated in moments like these.

“I’m sorry. And I understand if the alliance doesn’t happen or if Lura is to marry him because I know it’s first in line.”

“Lance.” HIs father placed a heavy, comforting hand on his shoulder. “Son, we couldn’t deprive you of this. Why did you not tell us sooner?” Lance saw the compassion in his father’s eyes. The first time it was directed at him.

“Because I knew it would be best for everyone.”

“But you.” Allura interjected, frown on her face.

Lance didn’t like that look.

“Go get some rest.” Laura reached up and kissed his forehead. “We’ll figure something out.”

Allura took Lance by the hand and walked out. Keith wasn’t there any longer which made his heart drop a little. They leisurely walked to his room, his head hanging low. He didn’t change when he arrived at his room, instead he fell onto his bed, Allura sitting next to him.

“It’ll be fine, Lance.”

“They’re expecting Keith to marry Princess Allura not Prince Lance. You’re the next in line for the throne so they want you.” He mumbled. He was facing to his window, watching as the trees swayed with the breeze. “I’m going to Blue.” He stood and made his way to the stables.

Blue snorted when she saw him. Lance smiled a little, petting her neck. He stayed grooming her for a long while, talking about his feelings on the situation he was in. He spoke of Keith and Allura and Shiro. He spoke of how when he needed Pidge and Hunk the most, they weren’t there because they were busy doing something.

After a varga, a guard came to tell Lance his parents were searching for him. With a deep breath he followed the guard. His parents were in the conference room, looking worried. They stood when they saw Lance walk in.

“Is everything okay?” The prince asked worriedly.

“We just spoke to the Emperor.” Laura informed him. “Takashi had spoken with him earlier on behalf of the Prince. The Emperor is okay if you two were to marry.”

Lance had to blink one too many times for the information to process. His eyes shone with tears as he hugged his parents tightly, thanking them profusely.

“Anything, Lanzo.” Laura smiled.

Lance laughed in disbelief. “I - I need to find Keith!” He nearly ran out of the room, only to come face to face with Shiro and Keith. “Keith!” He screeched and threw himself at the Galra.

Keith stumbled back, regaining his balance with the wall. “L-Lance!”

The Altean Prince had clung onto Keith like a lifeline, arms and legs wrapped around him so tightly Keith thought he would stop breathing. Lance was laughing, pure joy spilling out of his mouth that it warmed Keith right down to the core.

“They’re okay with it!” He smacked a loud kiss on Keith before hugging him again.

Everything happened so fast, Keith wasn’t able to react properly.

“I’m guessing you are getting the guy of your dreams.” Shiro teased. He laughed as Keith’s face turned pink.

“Lanzo.”

Lance let go of Keith in the blink of an eyes, smiling sheepishly at his mother. “Sorry, mother.”

“Wait. What is going on?” Keith asked, looking at all of them.

“We’re getting married! Jeez, Keith. Keep up.” Lance huffed, without any bite to it.

They all watched as Keith stared between all of them before turning to Lance with wide eyes. The Altean had a giddy look on his face. Keith finally understood and hugged Lance tightly before bowing at Alfor and Laura and thanking them.

“Allura will stay at Altea to prepare for when she becomes queen.” Alfor spoke. “She and Takashi will rule.”

Shiro looked at the king confused. “With all due respect, Your Highness, but what do you mean?”

“I told them and the Emperor about us.”

They all turned to Allura who was smiling at Shiro hopefully. Shiro’s face turned pink. Allura laughed. “Don’t worry, Shiro. You’ll be a great king.”

Shiro sputtered unintelligent words.

Keith and Lance snickered behind their hands. They smiled at one another before linking hands and escaping the mess that was Takashi Shirogane.

They spent their afternoon in the clearing, talking about how their lives would be after they were married. How everything would be different in Daibazaal and how excited Keith was for Lance to meet his parents as someone he loved and not someone he was forced to marry.

prompts are open!

#klance #vld #keith kogane #vld keith #vld klance #vld lance #lance mclain #klance fic #lance voltron #keith voltron #keith x lance #altean lance #klance au #galra keith

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

**Cultivating Love**21**

Having left Keith to be educated by television, his ex-mate’s demeanour was sullen. Lance supposed it was a little cruel to leave him by himself in a strange realm, but he had his own life now and his own internal panicking to be having in the privacy of his bedroom.

Making tea for them both, Keith had been appalled that what passed for tea involved grinding seeds that tried to bite you. Lance hadn’t loved it either, but true tea was too hard to come by. Every morning he had free started with two nice hot cups of tea, grilled fish, and beans. His mornings were his little moment where he could bask in familiar flavours and remind himself what he was doing. All night he’d worried that Keith would decide they needed to talk again and come to his bedroom without permission to force his hand. They most definitely did need to talk, yet if he could actively avoid it for as long as possible that’d for the best. He wasn’t sure he was going to be able to control his temper, especially with the amount of demonic energy he’d cultivated without trying. If they didn’t talk about the past then he wouldn’t have to deal with it.

Sending Keith to wash, Lance cleaned their dishes from their silent breakfast. Should Keith decide this sullenness was his new attitude, Lance wasn’t sure he wouldn’t ship off for disposal. Naturally, he wouldn’t really, yet he knew Tailor would be expected to. No place in the city was truly safe to talk, and if he decided to leave the city then he’d get himself into trouble again, as he had when he’d gone to collect Blue. He’d never lied the way he’d had to to stay in Zarkon’s good graces, claiming he’d been itching for a fight and that he’d also wanted to uphold Zarkon’s good name so had been unable to in the city. Zarkon had told him that should he push his luck again he’d be disposed of. That’d been the first and only time he had.

*

When Keith had failed to come back out after being sent to the bathroom, Lance went to investigate. The first time he’d showered had been an experience, yet when he told himself it was much like standing in the rain, the novelty had worn off. He’d most definitely not saturated the bathroom like Keith had. Seething, and in a mind to hit Keith, Lance forced himself to walk away. In this situation he felt like Shiro, which stirred up feelings he didn’t want to confront. He still loved him in a slightly romantic way. The idea appalling him. He’d spent years working this out, and now he wanted Shiro to be there with them as it’d once been.

Finding clothes for Keith, Lance left them folded in front of the bathroom door. They were only temporary, and if anyone questioned why his slave was so lavishly dressed, he’d simply have to point out the obvious that he couldn’t take Keith out in public without making sure he wasn’t going to embarrass him. Gathering his things for the morning together, another half an hour passed before Keith showed his face, Lance informing him they were going out, only to again be met with nothing.

Leaving his home, Keith seemed surprised as Lance walked past the cars parked in the street. The day was about as good as it got, with the foot traffic light. In the city, gambling and alcohol dens never closed. Those who were awake were most probably still holed up, setting petty differences with loaded dice and blades, spurred on by goblins who enjoyed both the money and the torment. Lance had been shaken down once by a particularly persistent goblin who’d taken an interest in him being a fox, only to be disappointed to discover he wasn’t a nine-tail.

“Tailor, can we talk?”

Closing his eyes, Lance counted to five before opening them again. Keith finally had something to say and that was it? They’d made more distance than he’d realised and supposed he should be guiding Keith more than he was

“Yorak, I think you’re sadly mistaken here. Our emperor hears all. This is his realm”

Keith sighed a sigh that told Lance he was tired of hearing the same excuse

“Don’t sigh at me. We’re going to get you clothes. I’m expecting you not to mess this up for me”

“How am I ever going to figure out what’s…”

“You’re not. I can’t leave the city. You can’t leave me. You need to accept your place”

“That’s…”

“The way it is”

“Well I don’t accept it”

“You need to”

Keith grabbed Lance by his sleeve, hissing at him

“I didn’t come here for this! There are people who can help…”

Lance already knew about the resistance. Zarkon knew there was a resistance too. For their own safety he kept himself away from the them and the places rumoured to be related them

“Then you shouldn’t have come at all, fool. You’re all the free help I need, slave”

“You…”

“Me, what? You have suddenly found a conscience? It’s two years and two realms too late. I don’t know why you came when I don’t know you all. I should have left you at my home to start your duties”

Lance tried to pull his sleeve from Keith’s hand, Keith holding on

“Because I care…”

“Then stop it. I’m not like you… oh, great”

Looking down the sidewalk, Zethrid and Ezor stood ahead of them. Lance knew it was no coincidence, and that he was probably about to curse the heavens for the situation getting much worse. Starting towards them, Keith couldn’t protest, yet he also didn’t take the hint and let go of Lance’s sleeve. Zethrid raising an eyebrow once they’d grown close enough

“I didn’t take you for the clingy type”

Rolling his eyes, Lance nodded

“Probably because you know I’m not. This one is far clingier than I expected. It’s like a little timid rabbit”

Ezor chuckled at him. She was a demon beast, her origins not known to him and didn’t seem to be the same species as Zethrid

“It seems very attached already”

“I’ve noticed. I was taking it to get clothed, only it wouldn’t let me go”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine, Zarkon has ordered both of you to appear before him. So what did you do this time?”

Lance bit down pointing out the obvious. Keith was a divine beast and he’d taken him before he could pass through being disposed of. If only Keith had at least tried to be a little more useful, or at least useful enough not to wind up as he had after one match. Did Keith even care that he could have died? Or that Lance would have to deal with on his conscience?

“I’m not sure, though I don’t think it was me this time. Not unless Sendak has thrown another tantrum and he’s run off to our Emperor in a huff”

Shrugging her shoulders, Ezor nodded towards the waiting car. It’d be just his bad luck for Keith to get car sick

“Still, I think it’s best we don’t leave him waiting”

“No, I expect not. Slave, you are to show our emperor respect. No talking unless he, or I, direct you”

Zethrid snickered at Keith’s expense

“Come now, he’s your first pet. Let him talk to us”

“And have you ruin things before I get to train him? Do you not think I know you well enough?”

“Someone’s snippy, don’t tell me you didn’t sleep with him yet?”

“Despite his looks he’s very timid, though he has had his moments. Plus, he’s ungroomed. Even I have my standards”

“And where would I find them?”

Zethrid was not someone he wanted around Keith. He was certain if she kept pushing then Keith would start off again on things he shouldn’t

“Somewhere higher than him right now. I was going to have my fun once he looked adequate. I can’t wait to see him fall into corruption. I wonder if he’ll beg. Anyway, let’s not keep our emperor waiting. I don’t feel like losing my head just yet”

Arriving at Zarkon’s palace, that connected to the gladiator pits, Zethrid and Ezor stuck close to Lance and Keith as Lance led the way. He really should have a lead or something to keep Keith close to him, as was proper of a slave being taken out by its master. Pushing open the double doors to Zarkon’s rooms, Zarkon was behind his desk. A bottle of wine sitting to the left of him, which Lance knew would go untouched as he’d never actually seen Zarkon drink anything alcoholic. Rising to his feet, his boss walked around the table, waving dismissively to Zethrid and Ezor.

“Tailor. I see you’ve taken a slave. Feeling sentimental?”

Zarkon seemed angry. The man did a good job hiding his chi from all those around him, and Lance wondered how easy it was for him to slip between realms with such murderous intent

“No, my emperor. It’s hard to feel sentimental for a place I don’t remember, and if I did, I think we’d both be surprised”

“Your slave isn’t on a lead”

“I’m sorry, I had intended to take it to be clothed, yet we came as soon as Zethrid told us you wished to see us immediately. I apologise for this shameful state”

Zarkon gave a laugh

“Tailor, you always take things to the extreme, don’t you? I was speaking with Haxus and he said he felt that this slave might be holding a significant amount back. I would like your assessment on him”

Lance had to choose his words carefully. He knew Zarkon had already made his mind up and what would be coming next

“It is possible. It has been docile. All I’ve gathered from him is the name Yorak and that he has no idea how you run your realm, my lord. It shames me to think that I was once as simple minded”

“Yet you have shown your loyalty and in the last two years have become a firm favourite of the fans. I think I’d like to have another spirit beast in my ranks, do you believe you can train him?”

“If that is your wish, my lord. I had only planned to have him act as a house keeper and occasional bed warmer, yet for you, I will make it so”

“Excellent. Should the endeavour prove fruitless, I will be holding you accountable”

“I understand. I shall dress him appropriately today, and tomorrow will begin his training”

“That’s what I like to hear. Don’t go easy on him, nor do I want you to kill him outright should he be lacking”

Keith wasn’t lacking and that was the problem. He’d rise through the ranks in no time with his own power, unable to not draw attention to his strength. Then there was the fact that Zarkon would probably have them fight each other… with the very real possibility of the loser being executed

“I understand. Shall I bring him before Haxus for fitting?”

“No need just yet. I have high hopes and you know I dislike being disappointed”

“I understand, my lord. This is your realm and he will see that it is for the best that you see all and hear all, my lord. I will take him shopping for new clothes immediately”

“He’ll make his debut next week”

“Yes, my lord”

Bowing to Zarkon, Lance reached over and pushed Keith against the back so he also bowed. This was bad. This was very very bad. At least in the cultivator realm they had the upper hand and fought in the name of justice… But now he had to… he had to train Keith, teach Keith how to keep his head, pretend his ex-mate hadn’t thrown his world into chaos, and act like being left alone in this realm for two years didn’t hurt him deeply. He was only one fox! A good looking one if anyone asked him, but still…

[annoyinglyjovialbird]

Voltron: Next Generation

A Portentous Warning: I

Word Count: 2994

A/N: May Allura have blessed you all with a happy and safe new year!

"Schedule has been finalized," Shiro announced, using his robotic arm as a console to the large screen in the Coeus's bridge. To his right and in Liz and Cake's chairs were the former Paladins. To his left, the current Paladins were either sitting in their chair or on the step next to them. Kova was leaning on the banister around her console, looking bored. 

"Yay," Caleb said unenthusiastically, earning him a punch to the knee from Liz. 

"Starting today, the adults will take over breakfast and dinner shifts every other day. The teens will have a lunch shift today, then switch off tomorrow." The incredibly detailed schedule was, well, incredibly detailed. The adults, marked as solidly blue, were boxed in until lunchtime, where the teens, marked as red, were boxed in. Small spaces of purple showed the shift change between the two groups. Kova scoffed as she looked it over, a small smile on her face. 

"Colonel, I mean no disrespect," Liz began. "But—"

"Why shifts?" Pidge asked, earning her a glare from the Green Paladin. "Why not full days?" 

"Shiro, I'm gonna be honest," Hunk said. "This is stupid." Shiro stared at the teens, who were either smiling or laughing softly. "They're doing a great job already." 

"Hunk!" Keith and Pidge stared at him. 

"What?" 

"Chef Garrett, the concern is," Kova said, meeting Keith's eyes. "We're just kids." Her smile rivaled Keith's glare. 

"Permission to continue?" Liz asked, looking at the Shirogane teens. Both nodded before she looked back to their dad.

"Granted. What's on your mind?" 

"Colonel, what if they have the whole day today, and we can have the whole day tomorrow?" Shiro pouted for only a second but changed the schedule accordingly. The schedule had one day solidly blue, the other solidly red, with purple outlining sleep schedules. Kenny, marked by an ugly brown, had a separate schedule with varying shades of green and khaki in various time slots. 

"Uh, Colonel, I'm gonna need a color code chart for that." Speak of the devil. Kenny had arrived. He was cleaning his glasses with the hem of his shirt, so he was squinting to look at the screen. Even half-blind, he could see the random colors on the screen. 

"You're late." Shiro was annoyed. 

"You're brown." Kova was bored again. 

"Sorry, I had to give Vatos a bath," Kenny said, putting his glasses back on. "And why?" 

"Yellow looks white and orange looks red, probably." Kova shrugged, lolling her head to stare at Shiro. He was muttering something about the teen being a know-it-all, but took down the screen and sent it to the consoles. 

"Jax, I need you to take Blue and Yellow on another recon," Shiro said, approaching the podium. Kova stood straight at the nickname, looking straight ahead. "Ken will take over from there." 

"Yes, sir." Kova nodded her head and turned to Allie and Cake. "Let's go." The two stood from their seats, gone before the former Paladins could ask why. 

"Griffin, Sec, you're on babysitting duty." 

"Yes, Colonel." 

"Hooray." 

"Sec." 

"Going!" As Caleb lazily left the bridge, Shiro turned to the other adults. 

"Keith, you can take Caleb's chair," Shiro said, smiling. "Let me show you how to run the ship." 

————————

"Y'know, I never expected to be out here again," Cake said, looking at the stars from the stray meteorite he found himself on. The stars were either too bright or too dim, but there was no denying they were there. 

"What?" Kova replied. "Cutting and harvesting scrap metal?" She was about two levels above Cake's head, using her bayard to bat a small piece out of her way. Many of the pieces were unusable, too small to have a purpose. 

"No." Cake jumped from the meteorite to a large sheet of twisted metal. "I was raised on my Balmera until I was, like, ten." 

"The stars certainly look different." Allie's voice was almost wistful. She was leaning on a tall post, splintered in half so it could rest under Allie's elbow. 

"Aw, homesick babies." 

"C'mon, Cap." Cake found a steep decline in the twisted metal. "You can't say you don't miss Earth."  

"I'm also a trained soldier, Cake." Kova watched Cake slide down the piece from above, smiling. "I put others over myself." 

"You weren't always," Kenny said, breaking through the silence. "You were a little kid with hopes and dreams."

"Yeah, forever ago."

"If you weren't a soldier, what would you be?" Allie had managed to find Cake nearly falling into space, only to jump onto a nearby rock. "I never asked my question." Silence followed. Cake managed to climb onto the small rock, giving Allie a thumbs up. She shook her head in response. 

"I don't know," Kova said, her voice almost a whisper. "An astrologist, maybe? Maybe a farmer."

"C'mon, Kova." 

"I'm serious!" Kova continued to absentmindedly bat away space junk. "I don't know how I did, but I lived in spite, and I don't plan on stopping." 

"Ouch." Kenny teased, smiling. "That hurt my feelings." 

"Why do you live in spite?" Pidge asked. Kova jumped at the voice, but she opened up her arm piece to show where her voice had echoed. Only the bridge on the Coeus showed any connection between the trio and the crew onboard. 

"Nice to see you figured out the connections," Kova said, deactivating her bayard and jumping to a level below. "Now if you can figure out suit tracking." 

"What?" Kova smiled proudly at Pidge's confusion, landing on a twisted piece of scrap metal harmlessly. "The suits don't have tracking." 

"They do now." 

"How's the recon going?" Hunk asked, interrupting the fight that was sure to break out between Kova and Pidge. 

"Wonderfully." Kova looked around the trash nebula the trio was in. "We have found absolutely nothing." 

"Nothing?" 

"Nothing. Everything is either too small or too big." Kova had jumped off another ledge, landing next to Allie with Cake just within eyesight. "Clear to return?" 

"Y—" Hunk began to say when Shiro cut him off with a headshake. 

"You're cleared. Return to your Lions." Kenny gave the order, returning to adjusting something in the engine room. It hadn't been fifteen minutes when Kova came back online. 

"Uh, sending a transmission to the Coeus." The four adults watched as the massive screen came on, showing a video feed from the Black Lion. Three figures were approaching the Lions, and fast. Silver in color, they were about twelve feet tall with handguns, literal handguns, brandished. "Oh, no." 

"Activating particle barrier!" Kenny said, slamming a button. "Five minutes to activation and counting." 

"Do you need the other Lions' assistance?" 

"Negative. We got this." Kova closed the transmission channel and stared at the three bots. "On me, split. Ready?" The other two Paladins nodded, readying themselves as a united front. The bots were feet away when Kova's signal came. "Split!" The Black Lion ducked down, letting the centermost bot fly overhead. The Blue Lion darted up and to the left, nicking the bot's flat head. Yellow took a unique approach, ramming its head into the bot at full-force. 

"Not what she meant!" 

"Not what I meant!" The girls shouted at the same time, preparing themselves to take another attack from their attackers. 

"Well, now we have two to deal with." Allie's bot had made a quick turn, following Blue. Allie, in a panic, had ordered her Lion to attack. Blue did that. Blue raised its tail until it was over its head and fired a shot, causing the bot to explode. 

"I have a laser tail?!" Allie exclaimed, looking over her systems. 

Amateurs, Keith thought but said nothing. 

"On me!" The other two Lions converged, with Black activating its dual-sided jaw blade. As the last bot sped towards the three Lions, the Lions once again split, with the blade cutting through the bot in a clean cut. It exploded as the Black Lion deactivated its jaw blade. 

"What were those?" Pidge asked. 

"Warning shots," Kova answered, turning on transmissions from the Lion to the Coeus. "Coeus, review for trackers." 

"I got it," Shiro said when Pidge turned to him for help. From her screen, she took note of what Shiro opened to scan the Lions with. The Black Lion had a tracker on its right hind leg. The Yellow Lion had one on its forehead. The Blue Lion had one on its tail, but unlike the others that glowed green, the tracker on Blue showed red. The laser must have rendered it inactive. "Two green on Yellow and Black. One red on Blue." 

"Quiznack." Kova motioned the Lion to rest away from the Coeus. "We'll wait for the barrier to deactivate. Until then, we'll remove the trackers." 

Eventually, the particle barrier deactivated itself, the teens got rid of the trackers, and they were able to continue sailing through space.  

———————

"I'm very upset." It was all Curtis said. The teens looked on with matching looks of 'What are you doing to do about it?' while the adults looked at Curtis like he was a savior of some sort. It was the first weekly meeting all of the Paladins, former and current, were able to attend. 

"Kids, I don't think I need to remind you what happened the last time you were responsible for a toddler." 

"We gave him a bath! He was fine!" 

"You didn't do the laundry." Curtis rolled his eyes, meeting Shiro's. "Takashi."

"It was the best idea at the time," Shiro said, stepping between Kova and Curtis. "And besides, we're working on a plan." 

"It better be a good one." He muttered, shaking his head. "Keith, Pidge, and Hunk. It's good to see you all alive." 

"Alive." 

"I read your reports over the past few weeks. May I say, Kova, you're getting better at notes." A silent fist pump came from Kova as Curtis continued. "Wish you would've told me about the prisoners sooner, but at least we know now." 

"What's going on at the Garrison?" Kova asked. Curtis's face fell, glancing over the faces looking at him. The five teens were the first front of the defense. They had to know. 

"Well, besides every student at the Garrison making speculations as to who has which Lion, the LDP preparing for war, the council demanding to know why we're repairing an abandoned sub-floor, and Cyrus on school break," Curtis shrugged. "There isn't much to tell."

"The LDP is what?" Kova demanded. Caleb stood from his chair. The other teens either straightened their backs or widened their eyes. Kenny had walked in after laying Vatos down for a nap. 

"But only Captain Holt has that authority!" Kenny said, descending the staircase to be in full view of the small drone that served as a camera. 

"And both Commander and Captain Holt had given the order, based on the declaration." 

"What declaration?" Kova said again, eyes hard. Curtis sighed, pulling out his phone. He pulled up a video and showed it to the teens. 

Yorak, in all his evil glory, stood in the middle of the frame. His dark hair was slicked back, showing off the long scars on his cheeks. His eyes flickered dangerously as a smirk grew across his face. His dark armor was on full display, showing off the violet Y in the middle of his chest plate. Soldiers stood behind him, guns in hand. Then he spoke. 

"My name is Yorak, and I am Emperor of the Fire of Purification. You may remember my sabotaged transmission from before with my pesky younger sister deciding to rebel. No matter. This is an official declaration of war. My sister chose her side. So will I. I will take and claim every planet in the galaxy until every planet is purged from the hate and distrust my fellow hybrids have had to suffer and endure over the past thirty years. If the only way to purify it is to burn every village, city, and planet to the ground, I will not hesitate to do so. You've seen what I've done to the Unilu space mall. I can and will do worse. Your move, Voltron." He said the last word with a mocking tone. Every word sent Kova's blood boiling and chills down her spine. 

"Woah, that's your bad guy?" 

"Sister?" Pidge asked. “Who’s his sister?” She had turned around to stare at Kova, who had stood straight like a pin. 

“He’s delusional,” Keith said, noticing Kova’s change in demeanor. He placed his hands on Pidge’s shoulders. “It’s okay.” 

"Alright, before someone kills someone," Curtis said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "The Holts gave the order. The LDP is preparing for war, but they've been given orders to shut their mouths or immediate expulsion." 

"You sure know how to threaten teenagers, Commander," Liz said, slouching on the step. 

"I had a lot of practice." Curtis stretched his arms, yawning. He shook his head and returned to the crew of the Coeus. "I can't order the LDP to stop without telling the Holts about you guys. As far as they know, Kenny is in space with you guys lightyears away and trying to return to Earth." 

"Commander, what about access to files?" 

"Only those who know what files were opened when are allowed to look in those files," Curtis said sternly. "The original crew of the Coeus was given authorization and only the current Paladins and Kenny are authorized to look in the files. Am I clear?" 

"Yes, Commander." The teens sat straight if they weren’t before as they spoke. 

"Wait, so we're going to be told who the enemy is and that's it?" Hunk  looked up at Curtis, hoping for more. 

"Yes," Curtis nodded his head. "I'm sorry, Hunk, but until you return to Earth, I can't reinstate your clearance. Besides, the Paladins can give you everything you need without disclosing classified information." 

"Is that all?" Shiro asked. Curtis nodded his head, said his goodbyes and the transmission ended. "Kova, go blow off some steam. Caleb, supervise." 

"Can I kidnap Liz and Cake for the engine room?" Kenny asked Shiro. He nodded, and Kenny led the way with Liz and Cake on his heels. 

"Allie, grab your first-aid kit. Kova might need it." Allie nodded her head, head bowed as she left the bridge. 

“What happened before we got here?” Pidge asked. Shiro took a heavy breath. With his robotic arm, Shiro opened the last transmission. 

Yorak stood behind a railing, wearing an armoured suit similar to the one in his latest transmission, with a billowing cape magically attached to his shoulders. His voice bordered on jovial, proud of what he had done. Over his shoulder, Kova looked shocked and angry. Her light brown eyes flicked across the room she was in before zeroing in on Yorak talking. Behind her, likely holding her hands together, was a light purple alien. He’d could’ve been mistaken for Galra if it wasn’t for the fluffy dark turquoise hair coming from his head. His ears were pointed, lined with matching fur and pink inner ears. Aquamarine irises followed something off-screen, and when his turn came, he stepped forward to reveal his outfit. It matched Yorak’s, with the exception of the cape. Kova took the opportunity to shove the two aside, make her own statement, and cut the feed. 

Before anyone could speak their thoughts into words, Shiro switched the video to a live camera feed from the training room below. 

Kova had removed her lavender sweater, throwing it in a far alcove. Only her dark head of hair was visible, but from the way her arms were moving and the way her braid moved, she was angry. Yelling something. She pointedly glared at the balcony where Caleb was setting up a bot. A bot, maybe as tall as her, fell to the floor, activating itself. Before it fully turned on, it took an angry spinning kick to the head. It fell on its back, slowly standing up. In an onslaught of beatings, the training bot took hit after hit from Kova, until there was nowhere else it could go. Another bot appeared on the floor, brandishing a sword. It approached Kova from behind, sword raised. With one last punch to the first bot's face, Kova spun around with a blade in her hand. A long curved sword came from Kova's bayard. With both hands on the hilt, Kova pushed the bot back until it was far enough to let her swing. With one swing, Kova freed the bot from its movement mechanism. It didn't have legs, but rather a large wheel that righted itself when the bot fell over. 

"Fast, ruthless, smart," Hunk counted on his fingers. "No wonder he thinks she’s his sister.”

“He called her out,” Pidge said. Shiro turned to face his friends. “I’d be mad, too.”

“It doesn’t help that she’s half-Galra,” Keith said, watching Shiro nod his head as he deactivated the screen. “Yorak’s threat made the division real.”

“Follow the other hybrids,” Keith said. “Or follow your destiny.” 

"Poor kid." Hunk shook his head. As the weight of the mission ahead of the teens finally sank in, Shiro hoped, prayed to Allura, that Keith and Pidge would get it. Their little girl wasn't so little anymore. No. She was currently showing her temper against poor bots who hadn't done a thing to her. 

It took almost an hour, but Kova ran out of steam. Her knuckles were bruised and bloody, hands still curled into fists. Her hands shook as Allie tried to apply disinfectant. She had never seen Kova so angry. The other Paladins were having dinner while Allie tended to Kova's wounds. Kova took deep breaths as she tried not to flinch, wince, and open her fists. [:D]

"Do you," Allie said softly. "Do you want to talk about it?" Her bright blue eyes briefly met Kova's amber ones. As Kova's eyes darted back to her lap, she nodded her head. 

“He called me out,” Kova said. “You know what it’s like for hybrids right now. Follow the hybrid leader of Voltron or follow the hybrid of the Fire. It’s a choice no one wants to make.” Allie waited, letting the words come to Kova. No words came. 

"That doesn't explain why you were angry." Her voice was soft. Kova's hands had unfurled themselves, letting Allie better treat them. Kova looked up at Allie again, sorting through her thoughts. 

Why was she angry? There was no time to answer as the Coeus shook. 

#voltron: next generation #vng #vld #keith kogane #pidge holt #commander holt #emperor yorak #tj #kenny kogane #kovalia shirogane #caleb shirogane #liz griffin #cake garrett #hunk garrett #allie smythe #angry bean #war threat #last episode #portentous is ominious #my randomizer insisted #word of the day is portentous #good luck #see you sunday

[kurara-black-blog]

[Third Player] Chapter Three: Clones

Date: 06/10/18

Words: 2774

Warnings: Langst, torture, sexy times! (nothing explicit, though).

Tag: @moonsworllld ; @xarphay ; @skydisneylover ; @fangirlinguntildawn

A/N: I’ll tag you on future chapters if you ask! If you ask!

Previous: Connections

Next: Not Lance

THIS FIC HAS A ROLEPLAY BLOG!! Go talk with 3P!Lance!

“You’re very ungrateful, you know? I gave you a purpose and a name, and yet you bite my hand.”

Kuro glared at him, piercing hate in his eyes, and stayed silent. Lance sighed. He didn’t want to resolve to that—especially when he still lacked the skill level it would take—, but he guessed there was no other way. That clone was too much like Shiro, too stubborn and wired on what he believed was right. Approaching the larger man, he took notice how good the man looked on his knees, bound and helpless. Crouching down to the clone’s level, Lance touched his chest. Kuro flinched, mouth opened to let out some form of complaint.

What came out was a long, painful scream as Lance messed around with his quintessence.

Differently from his clone, who could only jumble quintessence, Lance had complete control over his power and what it did to others. He sent waves of pain into the clone’s body, knowing exactly what energy points to hit. Not bothered by the painful wails, Lance moved his hand to the man’s head, trying to avoid getting his fingers tangled in the long hair. Entering minds was something he was still learning to do, but desperate times needed desperate actions. He couldn’t let the clone be a threat to his plans, he didn’t need yet another enemy. Not at that moment. Especially another Shiro.

The clone’s mind was a mess, pain pulsating from end to end. Lance concentrated; he needed to find the memories. Ah, there. Right behind that door. Lance was met with memories upon memories. Shiro’s memories. From his time on the Coliseum, a prisoner being tested on by Haggar. Kuro’s memories, from when Lance had given him a name and an order—“Don’t leave me”—a few weeks prior until the moment that trying—again—to contact Voltron looked like a good idea. He could deal with them later; he had more pressing things to do. Walking further down the memory lane, the human found what he was looking for.

“Ah, so the message actually was made, just not sent... Good, good, it would be a hassle to have Voltron knocking on our doors right now.”

He grabbed the memory and destroyed it in between his hands. Immediately Kuro let another wave of loud cries. Taking his hand away from the man’s sweaty forehead, Lance severed the connection. He got up and walked to the door.

“Time to go see what mother wanted from me.”

Without sparing a single glance to the panting mess on the cold floor of the dark room, Lance walked out of the door and instructed the sentinel to only let him go near the room, long jacket flapping behind him.

“The problem was dealt with, mother.”

“It was the thing, wasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“If wasn’t for you, I would destroy it.”

“I know, mother, and I’m very grateful to you for not doing so.” Haggar still looked displeased, so he added. “He’s a very good practice dummy; I just erased one of his memories with success.”

“Oh?”

“It still brings some pain, though...” Then he smirked. “But it could also be my fault for playing with his quintessence as a punishment.”

Haggar laughed that full laugh of a proud mother. She looked younger when she laughed and Lance adored seeing his mother let go of her serious side and show her joy. He felt pride of himself every time the remembered she only did that with him. No one else, just him. He was the only one able to make her do that.

“Come, my boy, I have something for you.”

“Lead the way, mother.” He grinned, linking their arms.

The walk to the laboratory was slow and filled with low conversation. Lance told his mother what exactly happened with the clone, about the message it was trying to send and to who. Then he told her what succeeded in that unused dark room, how he had send an excruciating pain running inside the clone’s body and how he entered his mind. Told her about the memories and how he was able to easily extinguish the problematic memory. Haggar had pride in her smile. He felt his chest swell with warmth by seeing his mother be so proud of him.

“Your training is going tremendously well, my son. But what more to expect from you?”

“You flatter me, mother.”

The first thing he noticed entering the lab were the druids. The tall beings walking around, passing in between the experimentation tables and lab rats. The ones who caught his gaze bowed slightly in respect. Lance avoided looking at the instruments they were using, the mental injuries still too fresh. Haggar guided him to a door at the very back of the room. That was the room she kept all the experiments with cloning. What was his mother planning?

“I have something for you.”

“You’re spoiling me, mother.” She laughed softly, caressing his cheeks with one hand before opening the door.

There was a druid near the computer in the corner. In the middle of the room was a big tube filled with that same blueish glowing liquid. And floating inside the liquid was the last thing Lance expected.

“Keith?”

“If you want it to be.”

They entered the room together, the door closing behind them, and approached the tube. Keith—a clone, clearly, but still Keith—was peacefully sleeping, the heart monitor beeping with each heartbeat. Haggar explained how one of the sentinels back at the last base attacked was able to get DNA samples of the Red Paladin, a bit of blood from a cut no one noticed. It was enough to create one clone, but not enough to create a perfect replica. She had to “program” its personality and some other necessary information. Maybe not a perfect replica, but a perfect lookalike doll. Because of that, it would be less problematic that the Shiro one.

“The only things it is capable of feeling is a strong loyalty, a blind trust and a fierce obedience. All towards you, of course.” Haggar smirked. “But maybe you and your powers can actually make him feel something?”

Lance was speechless for a few seconds, absorbing all the information his mother just threw at him. His very own Keith. A Keith that would follow him to the end of the universe and back. And beyond. He smiled excitedly to the woman by his side.

“And when will he be ready?”

“It is already ready, that’s why we are here.”

With her hand, she gave the druid the signal to drain the liquid and open the tube. Soon a naked body was falling into Lance’s arms, the boy hugging it tenderly. Its head resting gingerly on his chest, its breath warm against his blue turtleneck.

“What should I call him? Kuro was easy, but I have no idea what to call this one.”

“How about a galra name? Yorak?”

“Yorak...” He tested the name in his tongue. The clone seemed to respond to it, turning his head up to stare directly at Lance. His eyes were incredibly purple as the original’s, but had that yellowish tint near the pupils. “Hello, Yorak.”

“My emperor...”

An amused glint showed itself on Lance’s eyes as he stared at his mother, the same glint in her eyes. God, he loved that woman. Pressing a quick kiss on her cheek, he lifted Yorak in his arms and carried him to his room, letting his mother know he was going to play a bit with his new pet. He had a half mind to cover the body in his arms with his jacket, he could not let anyone see his new treasure, now could he?

“Quiznack, I didn’t expect you to look so good sprawled on my bed.”

Lance marveled at the vision of Keith—Yorak—laying on his bed without a care in the world. Black hair messy and violet eyes focused solely on him. He was still naked—the Cuban’s jacket thrown somewhere on the floor—, and Lance had no intentions of changing that so soon. No, instead he took off the long-sleeved turtleneck—skintight and dark blue—, keeping only the black pants. He did so slowly; the boy on his bed wasn’t going to run unless the order was given. After taking off his shoes, Lance crawled over the clone’s body, relishing the warmth it provided. Legs each side of Yorak’s hips, hands firmly planted on each side of Yorak’s head, supporting the ex-paladin’s weight.

“Yorak…” Lance whispered and the clone blinked. “I’ll use my powers on you.”

“Yes, my emperor.”

“I’ll play with your emotions.”

“Yes, my emperor.”

“I’ll mess with your head.”

“Yes, my emperor.”

Lance could feel the shivers running down his spine thanks to the other’s compliance. He touched one of the clone’s cheeks, caressing it tenderly, almost lovingly. The pale skin was soft and flushed, looking ready to be bitten. Yorak’s breath fanned his face. Staring long and hard at the violet eyes, Lance searched for any hesitation, any worry, any signal of rejection. He found nothing, only the calm obedience, and the serene trust.

Would Lance be taking advantage of Yorak if he couldn’t do anything but obey? Was it truly consensual if one of them wasn’t able to deny the other? Was it wrong of him to take that boy for himself that way?

The bigger part of his brain told him that yes, it was wrong.

“I’ll give you the freewill to choose, Yorak, I’ll give you the chance to deny me in the future.”

“Yes, my emperor.”

Lance closed his eyes, connecting his quintessence with Yorak’s. He could feel the boy whimper and fidget; he wasn’t able to make the process painless yet. He tried to control the level of pain by sending a wave of calmness. In a few ticks, he found himself inside the other’s mind. It was lighter than Kuro’s and emptier too. He took a few steps, trying to control the flow of the energy so it wouldn’t be so painful for his pet. It was easier to maintain his power levels, probably because Keith’s clone—ironically—did not offer any resistance, differently from Shiro’s clone. If anything, his mind seemed to engulf Lance’s and cling to it, like a child greedily hugging a plushy.

Alas, Haggar wasn’t as good as she thought; the clone was very much able to feel many things. Just in a weaker intensity.

It was ok, Lance understood. Everyone made mistakes.

And, besides, that made everything easier.

Lance watched the string of emotions float around him. Different minds took different forms, textures and tastes, Kuro’s looked a lot like the Castle of Lions, Lance’s clone’s was too cold and dark—he suspected it was that planet—and Yorak’s looked like what Lance thought an Astral Plane or a mindscape would look like. A vastness filled of white. Thoughts, memories, feelings and personality traits floated around, some linked by thin strings. It wasn’t warm, but it wasn’t cold.

Gingerly touching one of the memories—seeing himself from Yorak’s eyes was quite the experience—, he almost missed the sudden jerk of the clone’s body. Lance finally gave the feelings some attention when one shined brighter than the rest.

“Pleasure?”

Pleasure.

Pleasure was what Yorak was feeling, what Lance mistook for pain. Unconsciously the Cuban avoided the pain by sending pleasure in its place.

“It seems I either provoke extreme pain or extreme pleasure… Definitely need to learn how to control this…” Lance mumbled, watching the feeling pulsate, feeling the body under him squirm. “Ugh, I can’t not look at this.”

Leaving the clone’s mind, Lance opened his eyes in time to see Yorak close his mouth, as if trying to swallow the sounds that certainly wanted to leave him. Concentrating, Lance send another wave of energy—the same energy he was using while on Yorak’s mind—through his hands—that had moved to hold the black-haired boy’s waist—and the reaction was instantaneous. The boy jolted, eyes tightly closed, lips parting to let a long, strangled moan, back arching, hard member poking Lance’s belly.

“Now that’s a view.”

“M… My emperor…”

“You want more, pet?” The other nodded shamelessly, eager to feel that once more. “Tell me, pet. Tell me who’s pleasuring you?”

Another wave, another moan.

“You! My emperor!”

“And who do you belong to?”

Another wave, a choked scream.

“You, m-my emperor!”

“And who’s the only one allowed to do this to you?”

Another wave, a broken sob.

“Only you, my emperor…!”

“Scream for me, pet.”

And he did. With a stronger wave of pure, unaltered pleasure, Yorak was turned into a screaming mess. Arms clutching Lance’s shoulders, head thrown back and opened mouth. He looked delicious with tears gathering on his eyes. His hips were desperately trying to get some friction, jerking irregularly in hopes of relief.

“No, pet, you’ll come without me touching you.”

Yorak came with a scream that probably would prevent him from talking for some time, with painting him and Lance. His eyes rolled back, mouth hanging out of his mouth, droll and tears mixing in the bedsheets. A few seconds of blissed out rigidness and he fell limp in the bed.

“Passed out… It seems I overdid it a bit.”

Yorak was still peacefully sleeping on Lance’s bed when said boy came back with an also sleeping Kuro in his arms. Lance did a quick work of putting the bigger man on the bed in the corner of his spacious room and taking off the cuffs. He gently massaged the red skin of Kuro’s wrists, like a silent request for forgiveness. With a sigh, Lance shackled his leg to the bed leg.

Once he was sure Kuro was comfortable, Lance turned to his much larger bed, where a now awake, but sleepy Yorak watched him silently.

“Hello, doll.”

A blush coated the clone’s cheeks. He looked extremely cute in one of Lance’s blue turtlenecks, sitting in the middle of blood red sheets and white pillows. Lance didn’t particularly like the sheets, but he needed to change them after his experiments with the other. Sleeping in a sticky bed is never a good idea.

Sleeping sticky in any way is never a good idea.

According to Lance.

“Sorry I had to leave you, doll… How about a bath? We both need one after what was done.”

Yorak nodded, the coding of his mind translating the words as orders. The human sighed; it would have to be enough for the time. Soon, he promised himself, soon Yorak will be agreeing with him at his own accord. While that didn’t happen, he would satisfy himself with provoking the feelings and personal traits inside his pretty dolls mind and making him squirm in pleasure.

“I’ll prepare the bath.”

He turned to go to his bathroom, not noticing the glare Yorak send Kuro.

Kuro let a few grunts escape his throat before opening his eyes. He had a vague memory of a burning pain running through his veins and a soothing humming luring him to sleep. Groaning, he sat up. His hazy mind took a second to understand his hands weren’t cuffed together anymore, but one of his legs was shackled to the bed’s leg. His mind took another second to notice he was back at Haggar’s son’s room. Speaking of him...

“I was starting to get worried.”

Kuro looked at the biggest bed in the room where Lance was sitting with a longhaired Keith on his lap, dressed in Lance’s clothes.

“Keith?”

“Not quite. His name is Yorak, mother just gave him to me.”

Kuro snorted. He was about to make a snide remark about Haggar when Keith turned around and glared at him. Violet eyes filled with contempt. Keith snuggled more on Lance’s body, arms tightly wrapped around his neck. Lance chuckled.

“He doesn’t appreciate people trying to be mean to me.” The boy smirked, letting his long fingers caress the bare skin of the clone in his lap. “How are you feeling?”

“What happened?”

“You don’t remember?” Lance stared at him for some long seconds, searching for something. “You tried to attack me and I used my powers on you without meaning to.” Lance sighed. “Sorry about that, by the way, but it was a reflex and you attacked first.”

Conversation died. Lance started humming while playing with Yorak’s hair. Kuro eventually laid down and let the soft lullabies bring sleep back to him. His head throbbed. He had that nagging feeling of having forgotten something.

Something important.

#voltron #langst #Third Player #clara writes #vld lance #voltron lance #vld haggar #vld kuro #td kuro #td yorak #lance's harem #mama haggar

[loveafterthefact]

Love After the Fact Chapter 75: Two Different Kinds of Tension

One of our lead couples has lunch with their in-laws and the other couples goes on a date.

Much, much later than I said it would be, here’s chapter 75!!!

First  Previous  Next

Adam is preparing to return home, watched by a very forlorn Galra. As eager as he is to go home, to get every detail of Altea back into working order, he finds a certain reluctance tugging at the back of his shirt. A part of him wants to stay.

“Do you really have to go?” Shiro asks, not for the first or last time, even though he already knows the answer. He wants Adam to stay too, or maybe he wants to follow. Neither is possible.

“Yes, I really have to go.” Adam pulls the last of his clothes from the captain’s closet, realizing just how many of his things -all of them- made it into Shiro’s quarters. “I’m leaving tomorrow with their Majesties and Pidge, as planned and expected.”

“I know. I know. I’m just really gonna miss you. You can’t blame me for that.”

“I suppose not.” Adam murmurs, laying out a set of nightclothes and a change of clothes for tomorrow on the stool up against the wall. “Though I still don’t really know what you see in me.”

“No, you don’t, do you?” Shiro hangs his shears on the wall, sweeping the trimmings off the floor below his trellises. The pieces he wants to keep are laid out on a worktable, ready to be tied and hung. All normal, innocent, except for the sly smirk on the man’s face.

Adam bristles. No one gets under his skin, sees everything underneath, the way Shiro does.

“I am a soldier, Adam. As far as I’m concerned, loyalty is the best characteristic a person can possess. The Captain takes his hand, gently tugs to pull him closer. “You fit that ideal more than anyone I’ve ever met. You’re clever, conniving, brilliant, beautiful-”

“That’s not-”

“It is true,” Shiro insists. “You are many things, and I wonder if you’re actually living up to your true potential.”

Adam licks his lips. Gulps. Melts against Shiro’s encompassing frame. “I am happy with what I’m doing. Though I’m not happy it’s time to leave.”

“It’s probably for the best, though. At least for now. My season is coming up in another movement. It might be a good thing you’re a planet away.”

“Right.” Adam’s edges fit with Shiro’s as best it can despite the size difference between them. “Call me after so I know you’re well, and let me know if I can send you anything.”

“Definitely. I’ll probably be missing your voice anyway. Maybe you could leave something of yours behind for me?”

“Just pick something. Whatever you want.” Adam closes his eyes, wraps his arms around Shiro’s waist. “I’m sorry I can’t give you more. I don’t want to leave you behind bonded to me.”

“I know. I’ll hold out for a day in the future, when one of us finally decides to retire. When we’re old and impotent.”

Adam scoffs. “Like we’ll like that long.” He steps back. “But I’ll look forward to it, just in case… What should we do with our last day?”

“Steal a ship and go for a joyride?” Shiro suggests. “I have something I’d like to show you.”

Adam regards his companion. “Yes, alright.”

“Excellent!”

As he pulls Adam down the hall, he never lets go of his hand. Adam doesn’t let go either.

Lance sighs, finishing the final clasp on his vest. “Can’t believe we’re going from baby joy to lunch with Zarkon. Are we being punished?”

“I’m just surprised he actually wants to see me,” Keith admits, tossing his now ill-fitting vest aside in favor of traditional clothes. He plans to decline a new wardrobe upon his return, at least until he has the kit. There’s no point in wasting materials. “I bet it’s just out of obligation. We’ve been here a phoeb and a half and he hasn’t called upon us yet. Word’s probably reached the people by now. Do I look okay?”

“What do you mean?” Lance asks.

“Do I… I want him to regret it. Throwing me away,” Keith whispers. “I want him to know he made a mistake.”

Lance stares at him for a long moment before kissing his forehead. “If he doesn’t already know, he will. That’s a promise, beloved. As for how you look, you look like a prince of Altea. We can do better, and we will soon, but this will do for now.”

“What does better look like?”

“Like a Galran prince of Altea. Like I said, when we go home, we’ll pick some better colors for you, and get some new jewelry made, and maybe replace this-” Lance points at Keith’s circlet. “-with that comb I gave you.”

Keith smiles, takes a deep breath. “Let’s grab Bruna and Calik. I don’t feel like walking- hi, baby!” BleepBloop scurries in, leaping into Keith’s open arms, wrapping his own arms around the prince’s neck. “Aw, I missed you too. You wanna come make a mess at lunch? Yeah, let’s go.”

“My only real competition,” Lance quips.

Keith cradles his pet, turning to his mate with a grin. “For now.”

Lance gasps, pretending offense. “That goes both ways, beloved!”

The princes mount their elk, returned this quintant by Krolia, hastening them on toward the compound at the top of the mountain. Krolia is waiting for them, smile quiet and subtle, another Galra with cheek and lip piercings standing beside her. “Bashti, take these elk to the stables; make sure they are fed and watered. Your majesties, I have been asked to escort you. His excellency has decided to eat outside today.”

Krolia leads them through halls into a courtyard bearing nothing but a table furnished with food and drink. The edge of the open ceiling is framed by columns, shaded halls beyond. The royal family is already there, Lotor speaking urgently to his father. Krolia leans in to explain.

“One of Captain Shirogane’s men, Haxus, failed to report a few quintants ago. No one has seen him since. This makes forty-seven members of the compound militia. Others have vanished from various fleets and battalions. Zarkon believes they are simply deserters. Lotor disagrees.”

Allura catches sight of them from her seat next to Lotor, face splitting into a grin when she sees her brother. She gets up, hurrying over, throwing her arms around her brother.

“Hi! It’s so good to see you both!”

“Hey! How’s my nibling doing?” Lance pats Allura’s rounding belly.

“Nibling is fine. I’m fine too, in case you were wondering. Lotor is… resisting the urge to commit patricide-”

“Sounds normal.”

“Yes. Romelle is… less fine, but she’s relatively healthy, so that’s something.” Allura tucks a loose curl behind her ear.

“I’m so sorry, ‘Lura.”

“It is what it is.” Allura smiles. “Father’s still looking, but at this point I’m not optimistic.”

“We’ll make sure she’s well taken care of, regardless.” Lance kisses his sister’s cheek, maneuvering carefully around her protruding belly. “Shall we go rescue your dear husband before he runs out of self-restraint?”

“Please and thank you,” Allura agrees. She pulls Keith into a hug. “I’m so glad to see you’re well-”

The prince pounds his fist on the table, making Allura jump. “IT IS NOT NORMAL!!!”

“Son, please. There is political upheaval. The people will adjust.”

Lotor seethes, jabbing a finger at his father. “You are completely-”

“Ah, Crown Prince Lancel, Prince Yorak! Welcome! I apologize for anything you might have overheard. My son and I were just having a disagreement.”

“It’s fine.” Lance waves away the emperor’s apology with a cheerful smile before helping Keith into his chair. “I’m just glad to know I’m not the only one who has the occasional screaming match with their father.”

“Oh, surely you and Alfor get along,” Honerva protests. “You are both so much alike.”

“I know.” Lance’s grin is sheepish as he takes his seat. If he notices the sly curl to the empress consort’s smile, he doesn’t show it. “I fear that’s where the problem lies. Our personalities are quite similar, but our views are quite different.”

“It is always this way with sons,” Honerva sighs. “It is for this reason I hope my sweet daughter is carrying a daughter of her own.”

Keith can feel the way Lance bristles at Honerva’s claim to his sister and nibling. He nudges his mate with his foot under the table.

Allura rescues them from a response. “Son, daughter, neither, either, I care not. If they are healthy and firm in their convictions, I will be satisfied.”

Zarkon grunts. “Better a son. At least let them present as male, so they’ll have better success in conquest.”

“Father, that is wildly archaic.” Lotor glares. “Conquest isn’t everything.”

“Conquest is the foundation for our entire society! If we have no conquest, we have nothing!” the emperor snaps.

Lance sighs. “Just when I think I understand you people…”

“Mnh. Understanding. A powerful thing,” Lotor agrees. “One that our peoples unfortunately struggle to find.” His gaze darts to his father with vicious accuracy.

Keith takes a deep breath, willing no one to start a fight as he starts in on his lunch. He has no real fondness for his uncle or aunt, less so as time goes on, as he processes everything these people have done to him. He meets his cousin’s eyes across the table, a flicker of understanding in his hybrid eyes.

“I’m working on it,” Lance continues, clearly trying to steer conversation. “I have a few ideas, but nothing actionable as of now… What concerns me is the fear. The locals here were terrified of me when I first arrived. It’s taken me my entire stay and a kronil attack to gain their trust, and I’m still not entirely sure that I have it.”

“They trust you,” Keith assures, dropping a kiss to his shoulder.

“Mnh. They did until we got back from your den in the woods and all my scales were glowing red.”

“They what now?” Allura looks up from her lunch, eyeing her brother with bafflement. “Why would they do that?”

When Lance only shrugs, Honerva cuts in. “Your alchemical abilities are unstable, aren’t they?”

Lance nods. Keith rises to his defense. “But improving every day.”

There’s a stretch of awkward silence in the wake of Honerva’s unimpressed look.

“At any rate,” Zarkon says, breaking the silence. “You all have much to learn, including how to be respectful of tradition. The Galra will not be altering their ways to please the Alteans. It’s your duty to make amends.”

“Make amends?” Lance frowns.

“Your people attacked us. Sooner or later, reparations must be paid.”

Lance inhales, ready to snap, but Keith kicks him under the table. The Altean bites his tongue, not willing to put Keith in the line of fire, even indirectly.

“I'm sure we’ll pay in one way or another,” Lance murmurs, thinking of his people’s declining numbers and quality of life. “We both will, I think. Having so much mistrust in your closest neighbor, it’s not good for any of us.”

Zarkon hums, watching Lance eat. He says nothing. No one does.

Keith watches his uncle, observing the way he inspects his mate. He can sense Honerva observing them, too. A glance at his cousin and sister-in-law shows that they’ve both noticed the imperial couple’s fixation on them. He wonders suddenly if his uncle can tell he’s pregnant, is already deciding how to use their kit the moment they’re born. Possibly before, if he can come up with something.

Have they made a mistake?

Keith finds Lance’s hand under the table, guides it to where his blade is concealed at his hip, a silent warning that they might be in danger. Lance laces their fingers together, acknowledging his concerns, promising support.

It only occurs to Keith much later that Lance was extremely careful not to reveal how much authority he has on Altea. He suspects that was for the best.

“So, you’ve seen rivers by now, and rain, and thunderstorms, but have you ever seen a sea?”” Shiro asks.

“I have not. I assume by your tone they are impressive?”

“I find them impressive, so I figure an Altean would as well. And this particular place has sentimental value to me.”

“Very well, then,” Adam sighs, pretending to find the excursion tedious. “Show me.”

Shiro kisses his cheek. “Always so contrary. I’ll settle us a ways back from the shore… This is where I was born, though it was a village at the time. It was destroyed in a skirmish before I lost my first set of teeth.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Mnh. Thank you, but I don’t really remember enough to be sorry myself.”

They both know that’s why Adam is sorry, but neither mentions it.

Shiro settles their ‘borrowed’ craft down on a flat bit of orange rock speckled with green corals, lowers the ramp. Adam takes the Galra’s hand preemptively, finding the action oddly satisfying. “Show me your sea, then. And what’s left of your first home.”

Shiro leads him from the craft, onto a swath of rock formations. The air smells of salt. “Watch your step. It’s just this way. I would have landed closer, but there’s not much more than sand where we’re going. It’s not good for the craft.”

Shiro leads him down the smoothed mounds of stone and around a bend, revealing a view of blue sky and brilliant green lagoon, waves curling over bright yellow sands. There are large, winged reptiles flapping overhead, diving into the water. In the distance, a great beast breaches the water, scales glinting in the sunlight, fins like wings as it sails long over the water.

“Well, here it is. The, um. The headman’s house was over there-” Shiro points their joined hands across the sand to the other side of the lagoon. “And there was a dock in the middle that stretched to the edge of the lagoon and across in both directions. The homes were made of wood and reeds, and they floated on the water.”

“What happened when it stormed?”

“We came ashore and hid in the cave cellars. Or so I’ve been told.” Shiro smiles. “We were a fishing village, and our livelihood came from the sea. Can you imagine it? Me? A fisherman?! But who knows, maybe I would have been good at it. Happy, even.”

“I can’t quite see you sitting on a mat of floating reeds, catching fish,” Adam muses. “I don’t think you could sit still long enough, if fishing actually works as I’ve heard it does.”

“With a stick and a string? Yes, that’s how it works.”

“Definitely not for you.” Adam gazes out at the green water, wind in his hair, salt in his nose, sun on his skin. “Then again, I imagine you would have loved the view. You could fish, and stare at it all day, imagining what’s beneath and on the other side.”

Shiro laughs. “I do think about it! Whenever I find the time to come here, I think about it… I’d like to take you back here, one day. To stay a few quintants, if it’s agreeable to you. I know it’s beneath you, but-”

Adam stops short, turning Shiro to face him. “It’s not. Nothing about you is beneath me, Takashi. Nothing at all. Please, if you believe nothing else, believe that.”

“If you say so.” The soldier gives him a crooked smile before leaning in to kiss him.

For once in his life, Adam decides not to resist change, or even hesitate, choosing instead to drown, to reciprocate. He pours as much into the kiss as he can, trying his best to feel sincere.

He lets their tongues twist, one smooth, one raspy. His fingers curl into the Galra’s short hair as their bodies press close together.

When they finally break apart, because that’s how it always is, Shiro’s gaze is part surprise, part questioning.

“I will miss you, Shiro. Every day.” It’s imperative that Shiro believes him.

“I’ll miss you too. Every day.” The Galra smiles, gray eyes shockingly warm.

Adam turns back to the sea, the waves sighing in his ears. “We should come back here someday. It’s quiet.”

“If ever we both find a day off, we will. But for this quintant, I think we have time for a walk?”

“Yes, we do.”

Grinning, Shiro reclaims his hand, leading him off across the sand, pointing out the remains of some architecture, a net stuck fast in a rockface.

When they return late in the evening, and Adam has time to pack all but the very last of his things, he finds hidden within them a small glass bottle full of bright yellow sand and a few tiny shells.

“Did you put this in here?”

“Yes. It’s a gift. I’ve had it as long as I can remember.”

Adam stares at the bottle, index finger running over a chip in the cork, a scratch in the glass. It’s an incredibly sweet gift, one he hadn’t expected.

“Takashi, will you do something for me?”

“Of course, if I can.”

“Will you- Will you write to me? Writing’s easier than talking.”

“Sure.” Shiro’s hands find his waist. “I look forward to reading what you have to write.”

“And I look forward to more gifts.”

Shiro chuckles. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Adam believes him. He promises himself he’ll reciprocate.

#LoveAftertheFact #LAtF #klance #galtean au #altean lance #galra keith #adashi #altean adam #galra shiro #voltron legendary defender #vld

[a-corndog-named-schibbs]

Thoughts on Voltron season 6

I haven’t been this emotionally compromised since I was a teenager, nobody touch me.

-First of all, Daiak for emperor 2k18

-My baby Hunk is being so smart! Using his engineering skills, learning about Galra culture, I’m so proud of him!

-As always, being Takashi Shirogone is suffering

-“You drop a bomb like this and tell me you’ll explain lather?!” same, Keith

-BABY KEITH!!!!

-Keith Yorak Kogane, jesus christ

-Lance: Can anybodyyyyy find meeeeee somebody toooooo loooooove?

-Texas Kogane: *is wearing Shiro’s clothes* Me: um

-Boy howdy I sure do like being right

-Keith becomes a Pokemon trainer

-TWO YEARS?!

-Actually on further consideration, that means Keith got two whole years to bond with his mom and build the mother-son relationship he never had growing up and I can’t be mad about that

-Dreamworks I see that Aragorn reference you ain’t slick

-Shiro’s backstory is a concentrated mass of anime bullshit and I love it

-Are we gonna talk about how Lance and Pike are just synonyms?  “Hey I’m Taylor and this is my character Seamstress”

-Hey AJ quick question, wHERE THE FUCK WAS PRINCESS KEITH??

-Leave Shiro alone, if he wants to play a paladin again, let him

-Guess who’s back Back again Keith is back Tell a friend

-Romelle looks like a Ghibli character

-Well that brainwashing scene was just as painful and hard to watch as I thought it would be

-I know the scene with the clones was meant to invoke horror, but an army of Shiros sounds like the best thing ever

-Hey Dreamworks? Fuck you for making me cry

-That Allurance hugging scene cleared my skin

-Coran: *has bare arms the entire episode* Me, a sucker for good arms: Please don’t do this you’re like my dad’s age

-Listen after that shitstorm of a previous episode I just really needed Coran acting goofy and scrambling to fix the castle

-Dark Voltron looks sick as fuck

-Lance crying over Shiro’s (mostly) dead body is Shance culture

-Allura carrying Shiro’s soul from the Black Lion to his body is Shallura culture

-I saw a post where someone theorized that the uncorrupted part of Kuron’s soul is still in Shiro’s body (makes sense, what else was keeping him alive?) which means they either take turns controlling the body (“Please lemme drive, Coran said he was gonna set up a new session of Monsters and Mana!”) or they’re co-piloting the body like it’s a freaking Jaeger (“Ok, left foot! Right foot! Left!”)

-That was a hard season to watch, but my beautiful wife Krolia is still alive, which is more than I expected

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go take a two year vacation to emotionally recharge.

#jesus christ what a roller coaster #honestly this post could have ended up being twice as long i had so many thoughts #hunk #shiro #keith #krolia #lance #romelle #allura #coran #shance #allurance #shallura #voltron #voltron spoilers #taylor watches voltron #my posts