Realisation and Freedom (A Voltron and Galra!Keith fanfic)

The Battle

As I run to the Bridge, I am flung from side to side as the alarms blare. When I finally get there, I can see the massive Galra fleet and a growl escapes me. The lions are trying their hardest to fight and stick together, protecting each other, but without Voltron, we all know it's hopeless, but we won't give up. Another explosion is heard and the ship shudders; Coran flies into the window, I grab the door to steady myself whilst Allura manages to ground herself at her station.

"Coran!" Allura cries out.

"I'm okay Princess," Coran replies and runs back to his station.

"Coran! Princess! Is there anything I can do?" I ask, wanting to be of some help.

"Not really Keith but if you can coordinate the paladins, that would allow us to have a chance," Allura manages, her reply strained from the situation and my race, something I have learnt to ignore.

I don't comment back and merely nod, despite her most likely not noticing it, before rushing to the communications. I call out instructions to the paladins from my perspective, seeing things the paladins wouldn't notice before it was too late. I give them advice on manoeuvres that I would do and, despite not mastering them, they do well enough that they can hold their own. We were doing it and had hope until...

"Zarkon!" Allura cries out.

I hear cries of distress from the paladins and let out a growl of my own. They head to confront Zarkon and tell us to run but Allura refuses to abandon them, sentiments me and Coran agree with.

The paladins reluctantly agree and start to engage and evade the fleet and Zarkon's mech. I can hear their pain and cries as they keep getting hit.

"The paladins are in trouble Princess!" Coran reports, worry lacing his tone.

"I know Coran, but what are we going to do? Without Voltron, it's hopeless," Allura says dejectedly.

"Dammit," I mutter.

I can't lose them. Sure I've been here for a very short time but they care about me, more than anyone ever has before. They're more than acquaintances to me, more than a team, more than friends... they're my family.

They're my family and I can't do anything to help.

What if you could? What would you give? Would you give anything?

Yes, I would give anything.

Well, what do you say we help them then?

"Allura, Coran, I have an idea. I just need some time," I quickly inform Allura and Coran.

"Alright Keith. Go! We'll do what we can here to buy you as much time as possible," Allura replies, determination radiating off her.

"Thanks Allura! You can count on me," I yell, running out of the room.

"I hope so," I hear Allura mutter as I leave.

I race down the corridors, somehow knowing the right way, like I've lived here my entire life. Every now and then, I grab a pillar to prevent myself from slamming into the wall when the ship is hit. I know the paladins are fighting to buy me time and I can feel the lions are in pain but determined to protect us. I know what I must do. I keep going, panting hard, chest aching. Until I reach my destination...

"The hangars," I manage to get out in between deep breaths.

I pause and feel around for the familiar guiding presence that led me through the ship to the Bridge and back here. As soon as I lock onto it, I take off in the direction, despite my panting and aching chest. We don't have time for me to take a break and besides, I have been through worse than this.

Soon, I reach the dark hangar where the Red Lion is kept. I feel the pull growing stronger and can feel the excitement the Red Lion is feeling at this moment. When I turn on the light, the sudden excitement and sight of the Red Lion takes my breath away. I can't stop the smile that appears on my face and the giddy giggle that escapes me.

I approach Red's forcefield and look up at her. I take a deep breath and place my hand on it. It immediately disappears and I smile fondly. Red lowers her head and opens her mouth so I can access her cockpit. Once I'm inside, I hear what sounds like a purr but seems to be Red saying "Hello" affectionately.

"It's nice to meet you to Red. I would love to chat but it'll have to wait. We've got some friends to save!" I reply, whilst messing with her controls, before I move her forward.

Red roars and starts to run out the exit of the Castle, flying once we are in space. I practice for a few moments against the ships right outside but I don't need it. Red feels like she's made for me - it's almost natural.

"Hold on paladins! I'm coming!" I yell into Red's comm before rushing to dismantle the fleet and protect the paladins.