Love is Weak

Chapter 12 - Reality

Lillian

When I woke up, I was still in the Red Lion. I slowly made my way out of the Lion after noting Keith's disappearance from the cockpit. My body was hurting, and I had a bit of a headache. Voltron had gone through so much more than I thought.

"Kolivan?" I coughed into my comm link as I emerged from the Lion.

"I'm coming," he said.

I shuffled across the hangar towards the hallway, and started walking to the Bridge. Kolivan met me halfway down the hall, and instead of trying to help me walk, he carried me.

"Where's Keith?" I asked.

"With the Team," Kolivan said.

"He needs to get into a healing pod too," I noted and coughed again.

"I'll make sure he does, but right now I'm going to get Pidge to help you," he said.

Kolivan took me to the central lounge area where the Paladins were sitting, depressed looking. I could tell there were several things wrong based on their behaviour, but I didn't have much energy in me to stay conscious.

"Keith, healing pod," I said.

"I'm fine," he rubbed his forehead.

"No, you're not. You had a concussion. Get in a pod," I repeated. Kolivan set me on my feet, but I leaned heavily on him. How had I become so tired?

"We're talking right now, Lillian." He looked at me sternly.

"Honestly, I don't care. You need to get healing, and then we can debrief after we've all gotten rest." I stared back at him.

"I think she's right," Pidge said. "Especially if you've got a headache. That could be problematic to your overall health and current functioning."

"I'm fine!" Keith shouted, and I knew he was hurting. I didn't know why though.

"Keith, healing pod now, or it's probation and confiscation of your blade." I was not going to put up with this attitude.

Kolivan nodded, supporting my order.

"Fine," he said and followed me, Kolivan, and Pidge out of the lounge and into the medical wing.

An hour later, I was out of my pod and putting on my civilian clothes. Keith was still in his pod, and I studied his face. It was one of pain, and I didn't know how I could help. There were many things hindering even the idea. First of all, I was his superior in the Blades. Usually I only trained people, not talked to them about their issues. And second, I didn't usually inquire about a person's wellbeing, especially someone like him.

I walked to the bridge and found that Kolivan, Allura, Coran, Pidge, Lance, and Hunk were all there. Where was Shiro? And Antok?

"We'll debrief once Keith's out," Allura said.

I nodded.

Keith wasn't out for a few more minutes, but I waited calmly at the back of the room. I noted how I wasn't physically tired anymore, and my body felt rejuvenated. Mentally, I was oddly drained. It was a strange feeling.

Finally, Keith walked into the room and took a seat at his station, crossing his arms over his chest.

There was a long silence, and I considered leaving, but I knew I needed to be present for the briefing.

"Our plan did not go the way we wanted it, Paladins, that much is obvious. We faced two devastating losses, but—" the princess began, and was cut off.