A Sacrifice for Understanding

Chapter 4

Keith and Lance had just sat down at the dining table when Allura approached, her posture rigid and her expression sharp. "If you two are done horsing around," she growled, "we need to focus on more important matters—like finding a new Black Paladin."

Keith's fork froze mid-air, his eyes clouding over as a wave of sadness flickered across his face. He set the utensil down with a muted clink. "Fine," he muttered. "We'll meet you down by the hangars after we eat."

Allura paused, her features softening for a moment, before bowing her head slightly and leaving the room without another word.

Keith and Lance finished their meals in silence, the weight of the conversation lingering heavily between them. Once done, they made their way to the hangars, where the others were already waiting.

One by one, the paladins tried to connect with the Black Lion. Each attempt ended in silence, the cockpit remaining unresponsive. Finally, it was Keith's turn.

As Keith settled into the seat, a faint glow enveloped the lion, the connection palpable and undeniable. For a moment, everyone held their breath. Then Keith abruptly climbed out, his movements jerky, his face a mixture of defiance and denial. "Nope. It was faulty. Must've been a mistake. I'm NOT piloting the Black Lion."

Lance stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on Keith's shoulder. His voice was calm but firm. "The Black Lion chose you, Keith. That's not a mistake. There's no one better suited to lead Voltron. I trust its decision—and I trust you. You'll lead us wisely."

Keith looked at him, searching for any hint of doubt, but found none. He nodded stiffly, swallowing his hesitation.

Before the moment could settle, Coran's voice crackled over the intercom, urgency evident in his tone. "Paladins! We've got incoming Galra ships! Our shields are still weakened—you need to get to your lions immediately!"

"I'll take the Red Lion. Lance, go to Blue," Allura commanded, her tone decisive.

Lance nodded and hurried to the Blue Lion's bay. But no matter how many times he tried, the Blue Lion's particle barrier wouldn't deactivate. Frustration building, he radioed the others, only for Allura's voice to come through. "Red isn't responding to me. Let me try Blue. You head over and see if Red will let you in."

Lance sprinted to the Red Lion's bay. As soon as he approached, the particle barrier flickered and lowered, granting him access to the cockpit. A familiar surge of energy rushed through him as he settled into the seat. Red accepted him without hesitation.

When Lance launched into the fray, he immediately noticed Allura piloting the Blue Lion with surprising skill.

"Lance, there you are!" Keith's voice came through the comms, sharp with irritation. "Stop gawking and get to work! We're not winning this battle with one lion sitting idle!"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Lance flew into action, quickly adapting to the Red Lion's controls. The battle was fierce but brief, the paladins working seamlessly despite the sudden changes. One by one, the Galra ships were destroyed or forced to retreat.

As the battlefield cleared, Lance glanced at the others over the comms, a small smile tugging at his lips. Maybe things were changing—more than any of them realized.