Until I See You Again: War Of The White Lion

Owe Me Nothing

I sincerely apologize! This took waaaaaaay too long to be updated! But finals are over, schools starting up again, I had a nice vacation and I hope you did too. I put some thought into the underlying themes of this chapter.
Enjoy!

Shiro's POV

Throttles in hand, I glide them down gently on the landing pads. The pads are so huge, two lions can land at a time and Keith sets down on my right. This must be one of the reasons Admiral Sanda has chosen to send us to Sendai City. The lion touches down and I shut off the thrusters. The screen goes dark and the Lion falls asleep. After five hours of piloting, I'm ready to fall asleep. Up in the Air, Lance and the others are still gliding down to the landing pads as they pass buildings and fly up above passerbys.

Lance: "Wow, this is Sendai City?"

Keith: "I guess so."

Pidge: "Look at the buildings!"

Hunk: "I've seen this place but only in pictures."

Lance: "Shiro! Are you seeing this?"

I close my eyes and I can see the outside world, not through the vision of the lion, but through pas memories of this place. I smile.

Shiro: "Yeah."

Coran: "Do you know this place?"

Shiro: "Yes."

Nachia: "Will you be an active translator for us?"

Shiro: "Yes. And so will Adam."

Adam: "Hey, is everyone okay?"

Everyone: "*Various commentary but mostly positive assurance of good health and well being*"

Shiro: "I guess-"

Admiral Sanda: "Alright Paladin crew. Welcome to the Sendai City Universal Extension base. I brought you guys here because this is one of the largest Extension Bases. From here on out, we will make a plan of action, but there is a surprise waiting outside for you all."

Lance: "What is it?"

Admiral Sanda: "Don't make me play guess and tell. Just get out here. You need some recovery time anyway."

Romelle: "What's the surprise?"

Nachia: "I don't know. She seemed to be referring to the Paladins specifically."

Adam: "Takashi? Are you coming?"

Shiro: "Yes"

I get up out of the pilot seat, a small eagerness in my step. I almost jump out of the mouth of the lion, my feet slamming into the ground for what feels like the first time ever. The first thing that hits me is a draft of bitterly cold air. I breathe it in, filling my lungs with the fresh sweet air, and I let it out in a small cloud that dissipates before my eyes. The air, the chilly bite, the atmosphere, it's all coming back to me. I take off my helmet and the icy wind hits my face sharply. I've never felt more alive. I look up and out to a building that looks slightly familiar. The Medical Atrium. I remember this place.

Behind me, I feel someone tug on my arm. I look back to see the team, remembering that they are here as well. In the cold air, a few of them are shivering and huddled together.

"It's weird. There's no snow here." Adam mutters to himself. "It must be at least in late November."

"Or early December."

I look out to see Admiral Sanda walking to us with someone who looks like an administrator here. They have the Universal Extension Base uniform with a Japanese flag on the arm. I begin walking forward and so does everyone but the crowd behind me.