Voltron: Galaxies Apart

*Okay Paladins! Lets go save Lance!* Shiro called over the headset.

*Right!* Everyone replied.

Keith was back in his lion, raring to go. They had just arrived at the planet. It's surface was covered in tall, black trees. Right away, Matt and Coran located the Galra ship above the atmosphere surrounding the planet. So the paladins hid on the surface of the planet, preparing an attack from below. 

It was Allura's job to guard the castle and Hunk's Lion, while the rest of them snuck aboard the ship. It was a surprisingly small ship, out in a remote area. To be honest, it was smart to set a small ship in a secluded place as to not draw attention, but in case of an attack, team Voltron had the advantage.

Hunk rode with Pidge as the four of them approached the ship. Pidge went first, cloaking her lion and creating an opening in the wall of the ship. Suddenly the Galra ship's defenses appeared, firing at the Black and Red Lions. 

*Keith, follow Pidge and Hunk, I'll cover you from out here* Shiro directed.

*Okay* Keith responded, steering the Lion through the mess of Galra ships as they battled it out with Shiro. 

He quickly found Pidge and Hunk within the ship, fighting off two guards. "It will take too long to download the schematics, we'll have to split up and look for him." Pidge explained."It's a small ship, but be careful. If anyone finds him or is in trouble, call us on the headset."

"Got it" Hunk said. Keith nodded. 

Each of them took a different hallway, searching every door they came across. Keith ran out another room. "Empty again." He hissed. Keith ran down the halls, searching every door when he spotted it. 

Down the hall, there were a bunch of Galra soldiers together. "Where there are soldiers, there is something to be protected. " Keith muttered, sheathing his bayard.

He charged into the swarm of soldiers, slicing anyone that came his way. He made it to the door behind them and slipped inside before the rest could follow. He turned, facing an open area. Keith winced, one of the guards had left a gash on his arm without him noticing. 

"Just when I was about to leave, you all show up." 

Keith looked over to see Lotor, standing by a big clear glass door. On the other side of the door was Lance, lying unconscious against the wall. "Lance,"Keith breathed. Anger flowed through him as he charged at Lotor, sword swinging.

Lotor laughed as he dodged all of Keith's attacks. Keith almost clipped him with his bayard when Lotor kicked him in the stomach, sending him backwards. His arm was throbbing." Don't you want to save your friend?" Lotor asked, pressing a button on a controller in his hand. 

Keith stopped as a countdown started. "You have a choice, red." Lotor continued." Fight me, or save your friend from being ejected into space."

Keith froze. Lance was in the air lock.  The countdown was already at five. Pushing down his anger, Keith sheathed his bayard and ran for Lance. 

"Good boy." Lotor smirked. He then disappeared out the door.

*I found Lance* Keith radioed. 

Keith didnt wait for a response. He reached the door with three seconds to go. It opened and he hurried inside, grabbing Lance. He hoisted him up over his shoulder quickly, time almost running out. Keith noticed how light Lance was as he carried him out. They barely made it before the countdown ended. Air started to get sucked out quickly, making Keith stumble. Breathing hard, he hit the lock button, closing the door. 

"Lance," Keith whispered, setting him down on the ground. He cradled his upper body in his arms as he sat down on the ground with him. "Lance, you gotta wake up."Keith whispered, tears springing to his eyes. There were bruises on his cheekbone and a cut on his head. His eyes were closed.

Lance seemed to hear him and his eyes fluttered open slowly in response. "K-kei..th.." Lance rasped. He was barely conscious. Keith would have loved to hear Lance say something like, what took you so long, or any other one of his jokes. Keith just couldn't stand to see him like this. 

"Yeah, its me Lance." Keith replied, tears fell from his eyes. "You're gonna be okay, I got you."

"Is it... r-really you?" Lance asked. His voice was quiet. Keith felt a pang in his chest. Lance raised his hand up a little towards Keith, wanting to make sure it wasn't just another hallucination.  His hand was shaking from the effort. "You're.. really here?" 

"Yes, Lance." Keith smiled, grasping his hand. It was cold. Keith brought Lance's hand up to Keith's face."I'm here Lance." Lance's eyes teared up as his hand touched Keith's face. 

"I didnt... tell them anythign..."Lance coughed.

"I know, I know.." Keith repeated, biting back the tears."You did great."

Lance's hand dropped, and his eyes closed for a moment. "No no no, Lance, stay with me. Stay awake." 

Lance's eyes opened a little, focusing on Keith. "I'm gonna get you out of here." Keith reassured. He moved to pick up Lance, stopping when he flinched in pain. "Sorry, it might hurt a little."

"They may have.. broken... a few ribs..." Lance murmured before passing out. 

"Lance!" Keith called softly. He moved to pick him up, carefully. "Come on, stay alive Lance. " He whispered. 

Just then Hunk appeared from down the hallway."Keith!" He shouted, sprinting over to them. He stopped midway when he caught sight of Lance. " Is he-"

"He's alive." Keith said. "Where's Pidge?" 

"She's coming, here, let me take Lance, we need you to get out of here. " Hunk said. His eyes were all watery. Keith handed him over gently, taking his bayard out again. Pidge then appeared from where Hunk ran in.

"Is he-" She called, racing towards them.

"He's just unconscious." Hunk said, now carrying Lance.

"Thank god." Pidge muttered, wiping her eyes. "Lets get out of here."