Voltron/Gargoyles

Part Three

 

          Pain closed around Lance’s mind as Goliath landed, jarring his shoulder by accident and was unable to stop a hiss from escaping between his teeth.  Images swam before his eyes and dimly he recognized the fact that he had gotten a fever.  Desperately he tried to hang onto consciousness but found his strength wasn’t enough.

……………………

          Gently Goliath laid Lance’s limp body on the couch, having sent Lexington to get Owen.

          Brooklyn had immediately stood over him, like a guardian angel of some kind.  “How?”  His voice cracked.

          Goliath’s own reply was rough.  “Demona.  She’d meant to hit me but he jumped in the way to… to protect me.”

          On the sofa Lance coughed, an action that shook his entire body.  Brooklyn gently rested a hand on his good arm.

          At that moment Owen entered, Lexington at his heels.  He glanced at the wound before diving into the first aid kit, withdrawing numerous items and setting to work after requesting more room to work.

……………………

          Brooklyn sat with Goliath, neither having left Lance’s side since Owen had left, Lance's fever having yet to break.

          A non-stop stream of babbling spewed from Lance’s lips.  “My family… have to help… let me go… Elder please!… My sister… get your hands off them… No, NO!… I’ll kill you!… Lotor, you’re dead.  All of the Drule… all dead…”

          Brooklyn had tried to settle his friend down but it hadn’t worked.  And it was far too simple to piece together his nightmare… it made Brooklyn feel like he was intruding into things that he wasn't supposed to.

          “He’s had a difficult life.  Just like you three… too young to know such pain.”

          Brooklyn’s head jerked up in surprise at Goliath’s bitter words.  “Goliath… he saved you because it isn’t his nature to let others get hurt, and having dealt with pain as he has, it’s enabled him to go beyond the fear of pain… not many can do that…”

          Goliaths jaw tightened.  “I misjudged him.”

          “Most do.  Not the… (cough)… first time.”

          Brooklyn’s eyes swung to the boy staring evenly at Goliath.  He’d somehow managed to force the fever at bay long enough to speak.  “I made the choice, not you.  If people (cough)… think you’re slow, or an idiot they expect less of you and pay even less attention to what you do.”  He smirked, though only a pale comparison to his norm.  “’Sides, what’re friends for?  Now be quiet and let a guy get some sleep will ya.”

…………………….

          Goliath’s mouth twitched into a semblance of a smile as Lance slipped back into a restless sleep.  And unconsciously he found himself tucking the blanket around the boy’s form.  “He’ll be alright.  He won’t give up… he’s a survivor.”  With that he left Brooklyn and went to the den in search of Hudson.

          He found the elder seated in his chair, petting Bronx as he watched the television.  “Has the Lad woken?”

          “For a few minutes, but I’m more certain now that he will recover.”

          He nodded, “He has the eyes of a man beyond his limited years.  He’s a tough Lad…”

          “And brave.”

          Hudson nodded, turned off the T.V. and stood.  “It donnae take a genius to piece together what his dreams ‘ave been about.  The Lad lost his family in a terrible way but unlike us he witnessed it, unable to do anything.”

          “And Lotor… and no doubt, Hagar, as well had something to do with it.”  Goliath growled, fists clenched.

          “Aye but best to let the Lad deal with that in his own way.”

          “Perhaps you’re right, old friend.”

          Hudson smiled, “Give him time Golaith.”

………………………….

          Lance’s shoulder ached as he sat up.  Tossing the blanket off of himself he swung his legs over the side and pushed himself upwards.  They wobbled under him but still managed to support him.  Slowly he made himself move out to where the Gargoyles slept, the sun warming his cool skin.

          Dizziness rolled over him and he fell back against the wall.  Only then did he realize his strength had left him.

…………………………

          Brooklyn broke free of his stone sleep only to see Lance’s crumpled form in the corner.  “Geez.”  He hopped over and gently shook him.

          Slowly his eyes fluttered open and a crooked smile spread across his face.  “Hey Brooklyn, guess it’s night now, huh?”  He sat up without help, feeling a little bit stronger than earlier.

          Golaith shook his dark head.  “Care to explain why you’re out here?”