Klance
Altean Prince! Lance
Galran Guard! Keith
Kuro! Shiro(bit of ooc)
Altean! Pidge
Balmeran! Hunk
Zarkon is still black paladin
Suggestive themes
Nudity, but I may skip sexy time
Another request from my wife

Keith huffed, scratching at the inside of his wrist. Zarkon and Shiro both chuckled as they watched him. "This isn't funny. I can't believe you're making me do this, Zarkon."

Zarkon placed his large hand on the small Galran's shoulder. "You're the red paladin. You should get to know the blue paladin. This is the perfect way."

"I can't believe a wimpy, weak, pampered Altean prince was chosen by a lion of Voltron." Keith growled, fur bristling on the back of his neck.

"You haven't even met the prince." Shiro mused, voice broken up mechanically.

"Yes I have." Keith grumbled, glancing around the hall as they walked through the castle of lions. "When we were children. He cried whenever he didn't get something he wanted or over any other minor inconvenience."

"He did not." Zarkon mused, ruffling Keith's hair between his ears. Keith growled and swatted at his emperor. "You must be thinking of Allura. She did look like a little boy when you were first here. The young prince was sickly at that time."

"Even if it was the Prince, I'm sure he's changed." Shiro's mechanics whirred as he stretched his arms above his head. Shiro was strange. Most of his body was flesh, but druids and mechanics and engineers have gotten a hold on his body and made him into a weapon. He's commonly called 'The Champion,' or occationally, 'Kuro.'

A low growl rumbled from deep in Keith's chest. "It's bad enough being the smallest Galra. Now I have to babysit a measly Altean Prince who's more like the Queen than the King."

"Don't disrespect the Queen or Prince like that." Zarkon hummed, then straightened up as the control room doors opened. "Alfor!"

The Altean King pivoted, then grinned and descended from his perch, Allura and the Queen behind him. "Zarkon, my dearest friend! And you've brought the Red Paladin and Kuro!" Alfor held out his hand. Shiro was the first to give him a firm, greeting shake. Keith didn't shake so firmly.

Alfor then hummed and squared his shoulders. "You do know why I've asked for a guard for my son, don't you?"

Keith blinked, straightening up. "No, I... I hadn't even thought there was a reason other than you wanted someone to watch over the Prince."

The Altean licked his lips and glanced to his daughter and wife. The Queen took a single, graceful step closer.

"Someone is targeting our son." Keith's eyes widened slightly and he stiffened up. It made a little more sense, now. "Whomever this person is seems to know our son's schedule as he has been attacked in places he commonly visits. They've hired many people to attack him, and some have. He has a scar on his arm and on his chest from two different attacks." She breathed deeply. "I don't think my son is incapable, it's just that... He thinks more of the people around him than himself. That's why he's getting hurt."

Keith bit his lip. "Excuse me for asking, but why don't you lock him in the castle?"

Allura huffed and Alfor chuckled. "I've tried. Many times, in fact. He finds his ways out. His friend Pidge, and occationally Hunk, help him."

Zarkon lay his hand on Alfor's shoulder. "Keith is my best soldier. I assure you that Lance will be safe with him."

The Queen sighed in relief. "I'm glad you're the red paladin as well. It just assures me all the more."

"Where is the Prince?" Zarkon mused, glancing around the room.

Alfor hummed. "He should be in his room."

~

Keith cursed under his breath as he stormed through Altean streets. The Prince wasn't in his room or anywhere in the castle-ship. No one knew where he was.

"He keeps this up and he'll be dead before I have the chance to guard him." He ground out, turning a corner.

The Galran paused.

A beautiful Altean fountain rose from the ground, sparkling water springing from the top and arching down, catching the sunlight. Children and parents gathered around a man that stood on the ledge, holding a baby in one arm, another child holding his other hand.

He was very animated and cheery as he expressed a tale - definitely made for children's ears.

He didn't seem to even care that he had a juniberry flower tucked behind his ear, making him seem more feminine.

His icy-white, short hair curled at the ends, his bright blue eyes shimmering. His dark skin was rich and soft-looking. His shoulders were broad, body slim and lean, but fit. His grin split his face and spread onto the children's faces.

The man was beautiful. Keith had no other way to describe the Altean.

The blue marks matched his brilliant eyes, his pointed ears wiggling excitedly as he told his tale of woe. His outfit was extravagant, yet simple. Blue with gold highlights and white undertones. His cloak fluttered in the breeze and flew with a wild wave of an arm.

Keith blinked, realizing who this man was. He sucked in a deep breath to calm his suddenly racing heart.

"Your majesty!" Keith called marching firmly closer.

Everyone turned their heads, the Prince pausing.

"Uh-oh! They're coming to take me away!" The Prince gasped playfully, scooping up the child holding his hand and squeezing both children as they squealed and giggled. "It's time for me to leave, now!"

The children pouted and whined as they parents began to flow amongst them and steal them away from the Prince. He smiled and thanked the mothers as two came to him to take the two children he held.

Mothers bowed while fathers saluted. The Prince grinned and waved in goodbye, occationally squatting down to kiss cheeks and foreheads and the backs of hands.

"Your people clearly love you." Keith stated once everyone was leaving the courtyard.

The Prince hummed, hands on his hips. "I'm glad. What kind of Prince would I be if I let my people hate me?"

"Lotor."

The Altean laughed, stepping closer to Keith. The Galran's heart lurched and his breath caught as the Altean placed his hand on his shoulder. "Hm."

"What?"

"You're short for a Galran."

Keith hissed and jumped back. "So what!? Doesn't mean I'm a bad fighter! In fact, Zarkon himself says I'm his best soldier!"

The prince's blue eyes lit up. "So you're the red paladin!? Awesome! I'm guessing you're also the person Zarkon said will be my personal guard." He nodded. "Do you even know my name?"

"Prince Lance of Altea." Keith confirmed, raising his chin. He wasn't quite expecting the Prince to be taller than him. Then again, he was the shortest Galran for his age. Growth spurt, where the quiznak are you?

Lance snickered, ruffling Keith's hair. "Neat! Ooh, I wonder when Hunk's coming back?" The Prince pivoted and began making his way across the courtyard. "Man, I hope Pidge is done with her project. I wanna do that race thingy she promised- Oh! Maybe Coran will finally take me to the Balmera to visit Hunk instead of making him come here! I heard the Balmera Hunk lives on is on the way to Sakü. I wonder how he and Shay are doing?"

Keith raised a brow as he followed and listened to the Prince. "You're very talkative, your majesty."

Lance waved a hand at Keith. "I know. I'm told everyday. Hey, was Coran at the castle?"

"The advisor?"

"Yeah."

"No. I hadn't seen him."

The Prince huffed, crossing his arms. "Man. He promised he'd take me to Sakü today."

Keith shook his head. I hope this isn't what everyday is going to be like.

~

"I've only been watching the incessant brat for two quintents and I'm already ready to rampage!" Keith shrieked as he leapt to his feet. Shiro's mechanics purred amusedly as he watched. "He thinks he's the center of the universe and everyone should bend to his will! When I first saw him, I thought that maybe he wouldn't be so bad because the Alteans seemed to love him and respect him and look up to him. But, no!" Keith curled his clawed fingers into his long, fluffy hair. "That quiznaking Altean Prince is a stuck up, foolish boy who should not be piloting such an esteemed battleship to protect the universe! No wonder someone wants him dead."

Shiro watched with a small smile. However, his gaze switched to the opening door and his amused expression fell.

"All he does is shout and whine and fuss!"

"Uh-"

"I swear he thinks he's a God and people should kiss the ground he walks on!"

"Keith-"

"He's a stuck up, prissy, foolish child that clings to and hides behind his mother."

"Really, Keith-"

"I can't believe someone like him is going to be King of Altea some day. Such an advanced, esteemed, expanded culture needs a mature, wise, strong King. Maybe Allura should just take the title after Alfor instead."

"Keith, I-"

"If you think that, why don't you finish me off instead of the assassins."

Keith pivoted sharply, eyes wide.

Lance stood in the doorway, arms by his side, chin raised and Lotor and Allura standing behind him. "Save them the trouble of offing a child like me." He suggested, voice low.

The Galran gulped as Shiro scrambled to his feet. "Your majesty, I can-"

Allura stepped around her brother. "No need for you to speak for him, Shiro. Lance, go find Pidge. Lotor, go get your father. I believe we need to have a word."

Lotor nodded and stalked off, Lance staring at Keith a moment longer before turning and gracefully making his way away from Keith.

Keith closed his eyes and lowered his head.

~

"You're supposed to guard him!"

"I am!"

"No you're not! You're complaining about him to Shiro!"

"I don't have to like him just because I'm guarding him!"

"No, you don't!" Zarkon growled, squaring his shoulders. "But you are to keep your mouth shut about your dislikes. Guard the Prince with your life. That is your duty when not piloting the red lion. Bond with him, even if you can't stand him. Even if he wasn't the Prince, he is still a fellow paladin chosen by the Blue lion to pilot her. Treat him as an equal during battle, and as a Prince while you are watching over him. Be with him at all times. I do not care if you like the Prince or not. He is your duty, I expect you to treat him as such."

Keith clenched his jaw. "Yes, emperor."

~

Keith glowered in the corner of the Prince's room as Lance hummed, rushing back and forth. He dug in the chest at the end of his bed and in the drawers of his dresser. He searched through his closet, then groaned loudly, flopping onto his bed. "Nothing good enough. Not a single thing. You Galrans have no fashion sense, so it'd be absolutely no use asking you."

The Galran shot the Prince a glare, though the Altean was busy pouting at the ceiling. "From what I see, you have plenty of clothing-"

"That's it!" Lance shot to his feet. "I'll combine some clothing! First, I'll need to bathe."

"Bathe?"

"Yes, bathe. You know, take a bath? Clean myself?"

"Yeah, I know what bathing is. I'm wondering why you need to bathe again. You just bathed last night before you went to sleep."

Lance huffed, swinging his hips and crossing his arms. "Is it so bad to want to look and feel my best when courting pretty, royal women that have the potential to be my future wife and Queen?"

Keith scoffed, forcing back the painful twitch in his chest. "Whatever. Grab your clothes. Let's get this over with."

The Prince rolled his eyes, scrunching his nose as Keith pushed himself off the wall. "Lighten up. Stop being so uptight."

"I'm your guard. I can't."

"Fine. Whatever."

~

Keith stared from his lonely corner of the grand room. People were lively and animated, but that's not what had Keith's attention.

The Prince moved so gracefully, hair messily slicked back and a Prince's crown was placed on his head. His cloak flowed with him as he smiled and conversed and danced.

The women he danced with were all beautiful, stunning, and... Altean.

Keith wasn't against it. He shouldn't be. Had no reason to be against that. Lance was the Prince of Altea and had a duty to marry a high ranking Altean woman to bear him an heir.

The Galran gulped, gripping the metallic Altean cup he had in hand.

"The Prince is quite brilliant tonight."

Keith jumped in surprise, whipping his head to look up at Shiro. Keith relaxed slightly, returning his gaze to the Altean Prince. "If you say so."

Shiro chuckled. "I think you think so as well."

The Galran gagged on his drink, hunching forward. Shiro laughed as this, clutching his sides as he leaned back on the wall. "You can't say things like that!" Keith hissed, ears twitching as they lay back against his head.

"But I just did!" Shiro mused, gray eyes sparkling in mirth. "Can't take it back now! Why don't you ask him to dance?"

"What? Why would I-?"

"To do a better job as his guard."

Keith's ears flicked, back straightening. "You're right... The closer I am to him, the better I can protect him."

Shiro's mechanics whirred. "Sure. Go ahead. I'm going to find myself a pretty Altean. Probably try and hook up with the princess." Shiro winked as Keith set his cup down and made his way through the crowd.

Lance said his goodbyes to the Altean he was dancing with as the song ended. He turned with a grin, only to slump and frown deeply. "What?"

Keith held his hand out. "A dance. The closer in proximity I am to you, the better I can protect you." Lance raised a brow, folding his arms over his chest. "Don't make this difficult."

"I'm not the one who made this difficult." Lance muttered, but took Keith's hand.

The Galran stiffened slightly, breath momentarily catching in his throat. "Your majesty, why do you insist on staying in plain sight? You're being targeted, don't forget."

The Prince rolled his eyes, placing his other hand on Keith's waist. "I won't forget, Keith. It's a little hard to forget. However, I'm not afraid of whoever this person is."

Keith furrowed his brows as they began to step along to the music.

"Holy quiznak! You don't know how to dance!" Lance grinned.

"I do too!" Keith hissed, glaring up at the Prince.

Lance snickered, pulling him in closer. "Here! I'll teach you!"

"I don't need you to teach me. I know how to."

"Clearly you don't. Accept it, Keith. Here, just follow my lead, alright?"

"Fine."

"Good kitty."

"Don't you dare ever call me that again."

~

Keith growled deeply, stalking through familiar and unfamiliar streets. "Soon,it won't be the assassins, it'll be me that brat will have to worry about!" He hissed, turning sharply.

"Prince, Prince! Here comes Keet!"

Lance looked up from the little children gathered around him. He huffed as Keith stomped closer. "Fantastic. I guess it's time for me to go."

The children pouted and whined as he pet their heads before leaving.

"You're going to get killed at this rate, your majesty!" Keith snapped.

"But there haven't been any assassins lately." Lance grumbled, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm fine."

"Just because there haven't been any doesn't mean that you can-!"

"Prince Lance!"

Lance pivoted as one the children he was just with screamed. Both his and Keith's eyes widened, Keith reaching for his bayard.

The child thrashed, sobbing as he was held up, a blaster held right against his head.

The assassin holding him had a pale gray complexion, black eyes and a tight, dark suit.

Keith bared his fangs, growling threateningly at the male alien.

"Back away, Galran." The assassin gurgled, the fins on the sides of his neck fluttering. "This is between the Prince and I. His head is worth quite a lot."

"You want my head, come and get it." Lance taunted, slowly reaching under his cloak. "Put the kid down."

"Hand yourself over, and I'll do as you say." The alien mused.

Lance squared his shoulders. "Fine."

Keith jolted, jerking his head to look at Lance with wide eyes. "Your majesty-!"

The Prince stepped forward and the alien set the child down. "Thank you." Lance raised his chin, taking another step closer.

The Altean boy ran straight to Lance, then the Prince whipped out his bayard.

"Liar!" The alien trilled, unsheathing his blade and aiming his blaster.

The bayard lit up and shifted as Lance ushered the child behind him. Lance pivoted and ducked as the assassin shot, then he pulled the trigger on his bayard. The alien shrieked, throwing his blade.

Lance raised his arm and ducked his head, the plate of armor on his forearm deflecting the blade.

Furiously, the alien shot a barrage of blasts. Lance yanked the child into his arms and dashed, returning fire.

Keith snapped out of a trance-like state and charge forward with a roar.

The assassin dropped to avoid a swing from Keith, tearing a blade from it's sheath on his ankle. He parried Keith's attack, pivoting to avoid Lance's.

Lance ducked behind a building and set the boy down. "Find your mother." Lance urged breathlessly and the boy nodded, running hurriedly away. Lance sucked in a deep breath, then bolted back into the fight.

"Keith!" Lance shouted, catching the Galran's attention. His bayard shifted back as he tossed it and dropped to the ground.

The assassin shrieked as Lance kicked his legs out from under him, Keith catching Lance's bayard. The alien caught Lance's ankle and yanked him to the ground.

Lance shouted, snarling as his hair was yanked. Keith swung his bayard, but was parried easily.

"You're dead!" The assassin screamed, putting pressure on Lance's chest with his knee.

The Prince glared, baring his teeth. "I hope you rot in the afterlife!" Lance snapped, then hefted himself up.

The alien gasped in surprise, grunting as He was slammed into a wall.

"Who sent you!?" Keith snarled, holding the alien up by his collar. "Who was it!?"

He chuckled, narrowing his eyes. "A God."

Keith growled, fur bristling.

Lance placed a hand on Keith's shoulder, panting softly. "We'll take him to my father... He'll know what to do."

The Galran huffed, but nodded.

~

"I have to confess..."

Lance looked up as the Galran spoke. He tilted his head, noticing his guard's sudden embarrassment.

Keith licked his fang nervously, glancing away. "I thought you'd be weak... That you wouldn't know how to fight properly. However, that way you fought while protecting that child was... Very admirable."

The Prince blinked, then grinned. "Thank you."

The Galran gulped, heart fluttering in his chest. He looked up, and it was a mistake. His breath caught and his stomach twisted as Lance gave him a soft, genuine smile. Keith bit his lip. "You're... Welcome."

~

"Ahh, Keith!" Shiro sang with a large grin as he pranced into the commons room.

Keith groaned as Shiro sat beside him. "What now?"

Shiro hummed, poking Keith's cheek. "You alright?"

"I'm fine. What do you want to tell me?"

"No, no." Shiro straightened up, expression suddenly serious. "Have you been getting enough sleep? Keith, you know how you get when you don't get enough sleep."

Keith growled softly, waving his hand at Shiro. "I'm fine. I'm sleeping fine. I'm just still thinking about the attack from the other day."

Shiro nodded scratching his chin. "I don't understand what he means. A God sent him? There are so many people in this universe that refer to themselves as Gods. I doubt an actual God sent those assassins and hitmen. None of them believe in the same kind of God."

The Galran shrugged, leaning back. "I'm trying not to think too much about it. Anyway, what is it you wanted to say as you came in?"

The cybernetic being suddenly went lax, a goofy grin spreading across his face. "I just met the prettiest, smartest person in the entire universe." Keith raised a brow. "No, not the princess. This Altean has long, soft colored hair, bright, amber eyes, fair skin with these adorable little specks. Her markings are a light green and it's so cute how her ears wiggle so happily. Her smile just lights up the whole universe, Keith. She's also really short for being Altean. Like you being short for a Galran."

Keith rolled his eyes. "Thanks for comparing me to the most amazing creature you have ever met."

Shiro's mechanics purred and chittered as he closed his eyes, goofy grin still on his face. "Her voice was like little bells as she talked to that Balmeran."

"Have you talked to her?"

"Nope."

"Gee, Shiro."

"It's love, I tell you. It's love."

Keith chuckled and stood. "That's what you said after you danced with Princess Allura. Anyway, I have to find the Prince again."

Shiro waved his completely metallic arm. "Have fun. I'm going to go find the light of my life."

Keith shook his head. "You do that."

~

Keith gulped, biting into his lip as he watched Lance get dressed. He shifted his weight from leg to leg, biting harder on his lip as Lance turned to fave him without anything covering his torso.

A nasty scar tore across his surprisingly toned chest, blue Altean markings of royalty swirling and dancing down his dark skin.

Keith noticed Lance hurriedly grab his robe and cover himself. "Sorry. I forget about the scar..." Keith blinked owlishly.

"Your majesty... Are you insecure about the scar?" Keith asked, taking a hesitant step forward.

Lance huffed, puffing out his chest. "No! I am not!" He squawked defensively.

Keith raised a brow and Lance wilted slightly. "Uhm... Yeah... A little bit..."

"That's what I thought. Take off the robe, your majesty."

"No."

"Yes."

"It's disgusting. I'm not showing you."

"Yes you are. Now take that off."

Lance glowered at Keith, but slowly took the thin robe back off. Keith nodded approvingly, making his way towards the Prince. "Look." Keith stopped in front of Lance and reached up. "I don't think it's disgusting." He brushing the tips of his fingers over the scar.

Keith looked up to see Lance biting his lip and looking away. "It was last year... We were celebrating Allura's birthday... It was the first attack. We weren't expecting it, but I still knew I had to protect my family. So I fought back. I killed the assassin, but, I didn't exactly get away unscathed. It took the healing pods several days, and I'm still left with this scar. I got this one on my arm not even thirty quintents later."

The Galran hummed, tracing over the large scar. "Don't be so insecure, your majesty. I think-" Keith paused, then took a step back.

"Think what?" Lance asked, looking up at Keith.

"It's not important." Keith shook his head. "It's nothing. Your father is expecting us, so finished getting dressed."

Lance blinked, then nodded. "Okay."

~

Keith's hand hovered over his bayard, gaze flicking cautiously over the courtyard as Lance played with the Altean and a few Galran children. The Galran children growled and pounced on the Prince, Lance gasping dramatically and flailing to the ground.

"Oh no! I've been struck dead!" Lance cried, flopping onto the ground. Altean children shrieked while the Galran children stood proudly.

However, one of the Galran children's ears twitched and he looked down as the Prince fell limp. "Hey. Hey!" She jumped down off Lance and shook his shoulder. "Hey, Prince! Your majesty!" She cried.

Keith perked up and looked to them. Altean children started screaming and crying to their mothers while the Galran children began to panic.

Mothers look amused, trying to calm their children.

Keith tilted his head to get a better look as one of the fluffy, Galran children ran to him.

"Help! Help! I've killed the Prince!" He cried.

"No you didn't." Keith muttered, gesturing to the quivering smile on Lance's face. "See?"

The child blinked, rushing back to the Prince. "Hey! I thought I killed you!"

The Prince roared, throwing his arms around the small child. The Galran shrieked, giggling and screaming as he was tickled. "I've been brought back to life!"

Keith couldn't help the smile that grew on his face as the children flooded him again, tackling him in relief.

~

"I think it is unnecessary how you play with the children." Keith spoke up as he followed the Prince. "I mean, it's great, but... How often you play with them is... I think it may be a little much. Especially when you're being targeted."

Lance shrugged. "I want the children to know I'm always there for them, Keith. I want them to know that I'm not scared just like I want this 'God' to know I'm not scared. It's important, Keith."

Keith hummed, smiling fondly. "I wasn't saying that I'm against it. I was just curious."

The Prince grinned, adding a little sway to his step. "Good. Anyways, I need to find my father."

~

"Whoo! Yeah! This feels great!"

"Lance, keep your voice down. The link is right next to our ears."

"No can do, Keith! I'm too excited!" Lance jerked in the seat as he pivoted his lion and dove downwards in an angle. "Yeah-ha!"

Zarkon hummed in amusement as he smoothly piloted his lion farther above them. "Here come the Green and Yellow lions."

"Yes!" Lance screamed and Keith flinched. "Hunk! Pidge!"

"Hey, Lance!" A green screen popped up on Keith's dash, followed by a yellow screen. An Altean woman appeared within the green, a cocky smirk curling her lips. "So, just a test flight?"

"Just a test flight. Bond with your lions." Zarkon confirmed, his purple screen appearing on their dash. "Easy flying, today. Tomorrow is when we'll start the reall training."

"Oh, yeah!" Lance whistled. "I'm ready, Zarkon!"

"Lance, quiet down."

"Quiznak you, Keith."

~

"I'm so exhausted." Keith groaned, sinking into the naturally hot water, steam rising to form some sort of translucent, floating wall. Keith relaxed against the smooth stone.

"Ah, I've finally found my guard!"

Keith groaned again, sinking further into the water as the Altean mused. "Your majesty. Can I not have a break?"

Lance hummed, taking a step into the water. "I wanted to treat you for being such a wonderful guard."

The Galran peeked up at the Prince, then jolted, eyes shooting wide open. "Your majesty!" He squeaked, fur raising as the robe slid slowly off the Prince's shoulders. "Wha-!?"

"Quiet, Keith." Lance practically purred as he slid into the water, robe completely off. Keith was frozen still, even as Lance straddled his lap. "I've noticed, you know. I'm not entirely dense or stupid."

"I-I never said you were!" Keith sputtered, flustered.

Lance cupped Keith's face and drew him up. Keith stiffened, but easily melted, closing his eyes as the Prince kissed him.

Keith reached up, placing his hands on Lance's waist. "Your majesty..." He breathed, brows furrowed.

"Say my name, Keith... I want you to say my name."

Keith purred as he looked up at Lance. "Lance."

Lance smiled. "Not so bad, huh?" He leaned down for another heated kiss.

Keith drew him closer. "You can only be mine, Lance." Keith murmured as they pulled apart.

"I know." Lance mused, trailing kisses over Keith's jaw. "I know, Keith. So have me."

~

Keith grunted as he collided with a wall and collapsed to the ground. "Quiznak!" He hissed, jumping to his feet. "Lance!"

"Got it!" Lance pivoted, arching his leg and knocking down several Saküens. "Traitors!" Lance sneered to them, bayard shifting.

The Galran spun and ducked, thrusting his bayard forward to parry and return attacks. "Lance, we have to find a way back!"

Lance leapt up, avoiding a leg, and shooting. "I know! Pidge! Where are you!?"

"Up in the commanding bridge! I'll meet you in the eigth bay!"

"We're on our way! Where is Zarkon!?"

"He's not- oh! There's the Black Lion! Zarkon, can you hear me!?"

"Sorry to disappoint, gorgeous." Shiro mused.

Keith and Lance exchanged a confused glance as they skidded around a corner. "Shiro? What- how are you piloting Black!?" Keith shouted.

Shiro huffed. "I dunno. She spoke to me. It was pretty urgent, so I just went. She won't tell me why she didn't speak to Zarkon other than he's planning something."

Lance shook his head. "Let's worry about that later! Hunk, how's the escape route looking!?"

"Actually really good compared to the last one! I'm not as worried!"

"Good!" Lance smirked, picking up pace. "Let's get out before this baby blows!"

~

Lance paced, head low and chin between his fingers. "Zarkon planning something? Wouldn't he have told my father?"

Shiro shrugged. "I don't know. The Black Lion hasn't said anything other than that. She felt... Scared."

Lance stopped and Keith perked up. "Scared?" Hunk quoted as he stood. "Why would she be scared? Is she scared of Zarkon?"

"What else has she to be scared of?" Pidge stood, carding her fingers through her hair. "The lions are complex. The most complex of creations. They feel. They have souls, but they are unafraid because they are basically immortal beasts built to protect and defend. Fear is the last thing you'd expect the leader of these lions to feel. I think if they do have anything to fear, it's their paladin."

"But what would it be that he's planning that'd scare her?" Lance turned to face the other paladins.

Shiro shook his head and Hunk shrugged.

Keith stood. "God..."

The others turned their attention to Keith.

"What?" Hunk asked, voice shaking.

"I've noticed... Little things since the empress died..." Keith muttered, and Shiro's eyes widened.

"Now that you say that, I have, too. I just... I brushed it aside because I thought it was grief." Shiro murmured.

Keith snapped his head up, meeting Lance's gaze. "What if... What if it's Zarkon?"

Lance jolted. "What!? No- why would Zarkon want me dead?"

"I-I don't know, but it makes sense! How else do assassins know when you leave the castle? Why else do they attack only when Zarkon is here? Who else do you know that loves being worshipped?"

The Prince gulped, slowly sitting down. "Then... Why would he give me his best soldier to guard me? Why does he teach me how to fight better?"

Shiro gulped. "He doesn't want any suspicion faced his direction. By making you a better fighter, by placing his best soldier as your guard, no one even thinks about the possibility of it being him."

"And he can't just kill you himself." Hunk gulped. "If he kills you himself, then he's not somewhere with someone else to prove it wasn't him."

"No way..." Lance hunched over, curling his fingers in his hair. "Just this morning we were sparring."

"What do we do?" Pidge looked up at Shiro. He breathed deeply. "Zarkon is the Galran emperor. King Alfor's best friend."

"There's not much we can do." Shiro bit his lip, rubbing his chin.

"I'm going to kill him." Keith stepped forward, raising his chin.

"Don't!" Lance shouted, lurching to his feet. "Don't you dare even try! He'll kill you as soon as he figures out what you're doing!"

"He's trying to kill you!" Keith snapped back. "You think I'm going to stand idly by as he sends more assassins after you!? No! I'm your guard, so I'm going to do whatever I can to get rid of him!" Keith straightened up, squaring his shoulders. "Even if it costs my life."

Lance clenched his jaw. "I won't allow it. While you're my guard, you're under my rule and my father's rule. Not his. I forbid you from even trying to attempt to kill him!"

Keith bared his fangs. "You can't-"

"I can, and I did!" Lance shouted, then pivoted and stormed out. "I don't want to hear another word about this until it's confirmed that it is him! All we have is a hunch!" His cloak fluttered furiously behind him just before the doors slid shut.

Hunk lowered his head, fiddling with his thumbs. Pidge bit her lip, letting Shiro thread his fingers through hers. "I wish there was something we could do." She whispered.

Keith roared, kicking the wall. "Such an idiot! He's going to get himself killed!"

"And so are you." Shiro squeezed Pidge's hand. "Keith, sit down. Breathe and gather your thoughts. Once you're calmed down, go talk to him."

The Galran growled, but unceremoniously fell onto the sofa. His narrowed, yellow eyes bored into the ceiling as the other three slowly left.

~

Keith breathed deeply, hesitantly raising his hand. He rapped his knuckles against the locked door. "Lance-... Your majesty, I-... I came to apologize... You don't have to- look. I understand why you're against attacking him. You grew up with him- he was like another father. You look up to Zarkon- Okay, this is really weird. You're not trying to interrupt me or anything."

Keith leaned closer, flicking his ears. "Your majesty?" He knocked again. "Lance? Open the door!"

He cursed after waiting several tiks. He pulled out his bayard and it shifted. He jammed the blade into the door and forced it open. "Lance!" Keith rushed in, then froze in the middle of the room.

His eyes widened and he pivoted. The door to the balcony was wide open, swaying in the breeze, the room completely disheveled with burns from blasts on the walls.

"No..."

~

"Just die, you pest!" Zarkon snarled, wrapping his fist tightly around Lance's neck.

Lance gagged and choked, thrashing with his legs and clawing at Zarkon's hand as he was lifted off the ground. Zarkon sneered at him. "It's your fault my empress was killed!"

"I-I didn't-" Lance forced from his throat, but was cut off as Zarkon squeezed tighter.

Lance's bayard was across the street, so that was a lost cause. Zarkon was much stronger, more experienced, and knew almost every move Lance had. After all, Zarkon was one of his mentors.

So, Lance improvised as much as he could in this weakening state.

The young Prince swung and twisted until he had his leg hooked around Zarkon's head and forced him down wards. Zarkon yelped, the attack unexpected.

Lance gasped, head spinning at the sudden large quantity of air he took in after being able to take in no air. Lance pushed himself to his shaking feet, head light and sight blurry. "We trusted you... We loved you... You were our leader... How-how could you?" Lance breathed out as Zarkon advanced on him again.

"My mate!" He hissed. "She's dead because of your people!"

"No-"

"Yes! So I'm making an example of you! Someone your entire empire loves!"

Lance scoffed. "You think they love me?"

Zarkon froze up.

"Not one bit, Zarkon... The children love anyone that will play with them. The adults put up with me because I'm the Prince. My parents and sister deal with me just because I'm the heir. Keith is only with me constantly because you assigned him as my guard. Now I know that you don't truly care for me either, Zarkon. Thank you for proving to me that absolutely no one cares about an idiotic Prince like me. They'll just simply replace me with Allura. She'll make a better Queen than I'll ever be as a King. Kill me. No one will care."

Zarkon shook his entire body. "No. You're just trying to stop me from killing you."

"I'm not." Lance held his arms up. "I'm defenseless. I can't stop you."

The emperor raised his bayard. "Good. Stop fighting and I'll make it quick and painless."

Lance raised his chin. "Fine."

Zarkon roared as he charged, Lance not even flinching. Once Zarkon was close enough, Lance dropped and swung out his leg. Zarkon shouted as he flew forward, colliding with the stone road. Lance scrambled back to his feet and bolted straight for his bayard. "Quiznak, quiznak!" Lance shouted as he heard Zarkon's bayard power up.

The Prince dropped and slid the rest of the way just as Zarkon fired. Lance hissed at the heat on his back from the blast, but snatched his bayard and rolled onto his back as it shifted.

Without hesitating, Lance pulled the trigger.

Zarkon howled as he flung back, hands flying to his face.

Lance panted, dropping his bayard and letting his body splay out on the stone. "Quiznak..."

"Lance!"

"Lance!"

"Your majesty!"

Lance groaned, but didn't put up a fight as he was gathered in someone's arms. "Double quiznak."

Everyone sighed in relief as the Altean guards rushed over to Zarkon the cuff him.

"My head hurts, my throat hurt, my chest hurts, I'm thirsty, I'm hungry, I want my bed-" Lance whined, cutting himself off with a grunt as he was tightly squeezed.

"Shut up, you idiot." Keith muttered, hunching over as he held Lance closer. "I thought I lost you."

Lance smiled, reaching up to drop his hand on Keith's head. "Nah... I wouldn't do that to you."

Keith nuzzled Lance, his ears flat. "I love you, Lance."

The Prince hummed, closing his eyes. "I love you, too."

~

"Zarkon has escaped!"

"What!? How!?"

"I don't know! The guards were killed, but I don't know by whom! It seems to be the work of a druid!"

Alfor cursed, slamming his fist down on the table. He and the informant looked up at the door opened. Alfor's shoulders slumped and he rushed over. "My son, you should be resting. You haven't fully recovered from yesterday's battle."

Lance looked up at his father. "Zarkon is gone... He still has a bond with Black. He can still fly her."

"Yes, I know. We're figuring that out-"

"Lock her away. In the Castle of Lions."

Alfor paused, raising his shoulders. "On Arus?" Lance nodded. "Why?"

"Isolated. Quiet."

"What about the other lions?"

"On planets with their respective elements." Lance murmured. "Far from Black. Make the lock to where Zarkon can only open it if all the other four lions are present."

Alfor shook his head. "Lance, only the paladins can fly the lions. I don't-"

"Black will let Shiro pilot her. He'll lock her safely away. Make sure it's done. Everyone else will fly their lions to the planet they deem fit."

The King clenched his jaw. "I can't allow you to do that. How will you come back?"

Lance blinked. "I most likely won't, dad."

"Lance-"

"Father, this is the best way. We may be able to form Voltron, but... It'll be a futile battle. I'm weak, Shiro and Black aren't fully bonded- Father the best way to keep Voltron from Zarkon is doing this."

Alfor breathed deeply, then pulled his son closer to himself. "Lance... I love you." He tilted his head down to kiss Lance's head. "Be safe."

Lance smiled. "I will. Promise."

~

"Then I'll come with-"

"No." Lance tossed his cloak. "Keith, we have to go separate directions. If we go in the same direction, it'll be easier for him to find."

"Lance, your wounds haven't healed! If you lay down wrong, you'll have trouble breathing!" Keith argued, tears building in his eyes. "Why- why are you suddenly so serious!? This isn't you!"

The Prince lowered his head, then breathed deeply. "I can't let Zarkon win. He's grown power hungry in his grief. Keith, I'm trying to protect me people. I have children and mothers in my lion to drop off on a safe planet on my way to find one for my lion. So do Hunk and Pidge. Allura is with mother and father. You'll be far away in your lion. The people I care most for will be safe... I hope."

Keith shook his head, clenching his fists. "Lance, please..."

"I'm sorry, Keith." Lance slowly turned to face the Galran. "This is something I have to do for my people."

"No..." Keith looked away, then back to Lance as he was enveloped in an embrace. "Lance, you can't-"

"I can and I will." Lance pressed their foreheads together. "I love you, Keith."

Keith nodded, closing his eyes. "Kiss me?"

Lance smiled and chuckled softly. "Of course." He tilted his head slightly, pressing his lips to Keith's.

Once he pulled back, Lance lowered his head. "Goodbye, Keith." He let his arms fall back to his sides as he stepped backwards towards his lion. "I'll see you around."

Keith clenched his jaw, but nodded. "Be safe."

Lance smirked. "Of course! When am I not!? It's you who needs to be safe."

Keith rolled his eyes and smiled, turning to rush towards his lion. He slowed and turned slightly to look over his shoulder. Lance dashed up into Blue's mouth. The lion closed her mouth as she stood andr raised her head. Keith looked down, then hurried into Red.

~

"Ughn... So boring!" Lance groaned as he stretched out over his desk. "First day of Flight school and I already wanna claw my ears off."

The larger student hummed in amusement, then looked up at the door opened and another student rushed in.

The teacher looked down to his list and sighed. "You're late, Kogane."

"I was having issues with-"

"I don't wat excuses. Sit."

Kogane clenched his jaw and reluctantly took the seat the teacher had gestured to.

"You're lucky you're a first year on the first day of school. Any other day or year and you'd be on your way back home, Keith."

Lance snorted softly, leaning over to Hunk. "Harsh. This kid definitely won't be stealing my thunder."

"You don't have thunder, Lance. It's everyone's first day."

The shorter huffed and shrugged. "Still. This kid and I... I feel it, Hunk. There's gonna be some heat between us."

"The sexual kind?"

"What!? No!" Lance hissed, swatting at Hunk. "The competition kind, stupid! Ew- Hunk, look! He has a mullet!"

"It doesn't look like a mullet. It loos more like long hair."

"Mullet, Hunk. It's a mullet."

"I don't know-"

"Just- Shh! Accept my new rivalry!"

"Wha-!? Rivalry-!?"

"McClain! Garret! No talking in class!"

"Yes, sir!"

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Too lazy to edit.