Chapter Text
Allura’s POV
I don’t know why, but when the Paladins of Voltron left to investigate a distress call from the nearby system… I keep having a feeling that I could not shake no matter how many times; a feeling that something’s terribly wrong. Seeing the lions return broke my current train of thought, although I still couldn’t shake this feeling. I rushed toward the lions’ hangars, hoping that none of them are hurt… “Don’t be absurd. They will be fine, especially Ryou. He was a Lanayran High Valor Guard before becoming a paladin. I mean, why else would Queen Kushana presented him to Father and King Zarkon for the latter to accept him as his successor to pilot the Black Lion— the same way King Zarkon presented Marmora to be Father’s successor as the Red Paladin and Father presenting Isamu as Blaytz’s.” I thought to myself before catching the glimpse of the Paladins heading for the bridge, yet my heart skipped a beat when I noticed that Ryou was not with them. I shook my head, “No. he’s probably ahead of them…” Though my curiosity is getting the better of me, I decided to follow them toward the bridge.
~~~~~v~~~~~
As I approached the bridge, I can hear Marmora spatting out angrily. “—I still can’t believe Zarkon would do something like this, especially when it violate the Paladin Code. He may be my king, but I would never follow him into this senseless battle— let alone betray Voltron.” Hearing this really struck me like one of the rocks that sometimes fall into Altea’s atmosphere, especially since Marmora would never address King Zarkon like that. “Betray Voltron?!” I thought to myself before Father’s voice rang up, breaking about a couple ticks of silence. “Where is the Black Lion now?” he asked, “In its hanger, Your Majesty.” Hiroshi, the Green Paladin, replied forlornly. “Though its eyes have remained dull ever since it landed, almost like they were lifeless…” Unable to take it any longer, I entered; ignoring the surprised looks. “Princess…” Coran spoke up, “Allura, how much did you hear?” Father asked me, somewhat disturbed that I’ve eavesdropped— especially when I know better. “Only the part where Marmora said that she wouldn’t betray Voltron.” I answered truthfully, “But what does she mean by that?” The four paladins and Coran looked away when I asked that. “She meant that the distress call… was used to lure the Paladins into a trap.” Father said reluctantly, causing me to bring my hand over my mouth in shock. “Zarkon was planning to ambush us to take the lions by force, especially the Black Lion. He even claimed a life…” Ileck, the Yellow Paladin, explains before reluctantly adding the last part. “And though we managed to escape, it was not without a price.” He then turns his attention to Father. “He’s on his way to Altea with a fleet as we speak, Your Majesty.” Father nodded, “Thank you for informing me, and I am truly sorry for having you witness that first-hand.” And that is when I notice something was off.
~~~~~v~~~~~
“Wait. Where’s Ryou?” I asked before remembering what Hiroshi had said before entering and the lion’s bond with its paladin; piecing it together with Ileck saying that they didn’t escape without a ‘price’… “No… When you said that Zarkon claimed a life… it couldn’t be… he didn’t—” My voice trembled before Isamu said with anguish, “I’m sorry, Princess. Ryou sacrificed himself so we could escape with the Black Lion.” Hearing this was like a knife being stabbed through my heart. Very similar to the friendship among the original Paladins of Voltron, I have grown close to their successors— though I recently realized that my feelings for the Black Paladin has grown more than that… I felt tears streaming down my face as the reality struck me, I will never get the chance to tell Ryou how I feel— or even ask if he feels the same. I was somewhat aware of the war, but why would Zarkon go that far…. Father asked Coran to escort me off the bridge, I let him take me away— still in shock from not only Ryou’s death, but also Zarkon’s betrayal. The latter I won’t believe until I witness it with my own eyes.
Marmora’s POV
My heart aches when King Alfor ask his advisor to escort his daughter… Princess Allura is like a younger sister to me. Ever since the incident where she stow away in one of the lions and almost got herself killed with Ryou almost leaving the team, I brought it upon myself to teach her self-defence. She always wanted to do more than your typical princess routine and has the same fighting spirit as a proud and honourable Galra soldier. “As you know, Zarkon was the Black Paladin before Ryounosuke.” King Alfor finally spoke up, bringing our attention back to him. “And because of this, the best course of action for you would be to take your lions and go into hiding while I go to Altea and see if I can reason with him.” Although I respect King Alfor’s authority due to the fact that he was the Red Paladin before me, I was shocked to hear him suggest something like this. We Galras take pride in our fighting, and anyone who runs from a battle are often consider as cowards. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, we cannot let you face him alone.” I spoke up before Isamu had a chance to stop me, “I understand your concern, Marmora. But Zarkon can easily take control of the Black Lion, and to the extent, Voltron. Especially since he has stolen the Bayard.” King Alfor said with an even voice, “And until we find someone to pilot the Black Lion as Ryounosuke’s successor, you must leave your armor and Bayard here and take your lion to a peaceful world beyond Zarkon’s reach.” Isamu and Hiroshi each grabbed one of my arms and begin to leave the bridge. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
~~~~~v~~~~~
I set my Bayard down with the others before looking back at the armors, including the backup Coran had placed in there. “Ryou…” I thought back to how Ryou stayed behind in order to buy the rest of us time to escape; only for about a varga later, the Black Lion let out a roar so mournful that the rest of us realized that our leader is dead. Zarkon may be my king, but I will never forgive him for this. “Are you all right?” I jumped a bit before turning around to see Isamu, “You’ve been really jumpy ever since…” Understanding what he’s referring to, I nodded— In fact, I’m sure that everyone is still shaken; not only from the whole mission, but also from Ryou’s death. The Altean Paladin looked at me unconvinced, “King Alfor knows what he’s doing, Marmora. And I not only trust his leadership as my king, but I also trust his instincts as a Paladin of Voltron.” I had to cut him off there. “I trust his instincts, too, Isamu. But we can’t let him face that monster alone. I know well enough that there’s no stopping Zarkon once his mind’s made up— especially when it’s to a point of obsession. And what about you? Altea’s your home. You’re not planning to abandon it, are you?” Isamu stood there silently as I angrily spat out, “It’s just as hard for me as it is for you. And besides, you can be that stubborn, as well. Knowing you, you’re probably planning to do something that you’ll regret later on.” I open my mouth a bit before closing it and looking away. I always hate it when the other Paladins see through my facades, especially Isamu and Ryou. “I’m going to check in on Red.” I said as I turn to leave, only for the Altean to stop me. “Just promise me that you won’t do anything stupid and make it to a peaceful planet.” My eyes widen a bit— true, we consider each other as rivals, but we’re also good friends. And with what I’m planning, I’d hate to turn that into an empty promise… “Goodbye, Isamu.” I said softly before continuing my way out.
~~~~~v~~~~~
“Ready to go, Red?” I said as the Red Lion lowers his head for me to board. *You seem troubled with something. What’s on your mind, Marmora?* a concerned voice purred in my mind, causing me to smile a bit. At least Red will see more eye-to-eye with me, “King Alfor wants us to go into hiding so that Zarkon wouldn’t get his hands on you.” I said, earning a growl in protest. “But I would like to settle a score before we do that.” I continues before hearing Red’s voice again. *Why bother asking? You know I’m all in.* and with that, the Red Lion roared to life before taking off.
Zarkon’s POV
How long has it been since I last held this Bayard in my hand, and the scar I’ve received from my paladin successor is all worth it… Hearing the door open freed me from my train of thought for me to see Commander Yurak approaches me, “Sir, we’re under attack. It’s one of the lions.” He said with urgency in his voice. This caught my attention enough for me to follow the commander to the bridge, only to see the Red Lion taking out the fighters. “Marmora…” I thought to myself, feeling somewhat proud of my choice for Alfor’s successor with her being a near-perfect match for the Red Lion. Perhaps she have come to her senses and decided to side with her people… “Sir, the attacking vessel is sending a transmission.” One of the soldiers said out of confusion, Marmora always did believe in action speaking louder than words— she’s as honourable as she is bold…
~~~~~v~~~~~
I nodded to Commander Yurak, “Open the transmission.” He commanded the soldier. The soldier open the trasmission to reveal the Red Paladin, although she wasn’t wearing her armor. “I’ve come to settle a score, and I invoke the code to seek justice through single combat.” She said defiantly, causing some of the soldiers to murmur among one another. My eyes narrow, so Marmora still refuse to fight for her people… “Call out your opponent for combat to the death.” Yurak stated, familiar to the code Marmora have invoked. “Thought you’d never ask. My opponent is King Zarkon of Planet Daibazaal. You’re going to regret betraying Voltron.” The look in Marmora’s eyes is pure anger and hatred toward me, “You’ve called out your opponent. Now standby for the whereabouts of our battle.” I said before ordering Commander Yurak to close the transmission. “Sir, are you sure about this?” the commander cautiously asked, “Marmora’s fighting techniques is one of the factors that cause you to choose her as a paladin successor.” I turn to leave the bridge, pausing for a brief moment. “I will obtain Voltron, even if it mean claiming one lion at a time. Send her these co-ordinates and arrange a briefing.” I told Yurak as I hand him the co-ordinates, “Vrepit Sa!”
Normal POV
Nearly 10’000 years later
A six year old Takashi was finishing his drawing of a robot before looking out at the stars and imaging the multi-coloured robot come to life in his mind. “What you got there, son?” he look back to see his father standing by his bedroom door, “It’s Voltron.” Takashi said as he showed his father the drawing. “Voltron sure is colorful.” He commented, “That’s because Voltron is made up of five lions, Dad.” he said before his father playfully ruffled his black hair. Akira Shirogane smiled fondly at his son; Takashi always did have a strong passion for all things outer space— as well as a vivid imagination. To Akira, it seems like yesterday when a very young Takashi Shirogane would color his face and say that they’re his ‘markings’. While his mother was not at all amused, his father would chuckle at the memory. “Well, why don’t you clean up and get ready for bed. ‘Cause tomorrow, we’ll be going to the Galaxy Garrison.” Hearing this, Takashi quickly tidied up his room before noticing something falling out of the sky, along with his father. “What was that?” Takashi asked as his father notice how close it was to the house, “I don’t know, but I think you should get into bed. I’ll go check it out.” Akira said before ushering his son into his bed and tucked him in. “Night, Dad.” Takashi said with a yawn, “Sleep tight, ‘cause morning’s going to come early.”
~~~~~v~~~~~
After making sure that his son is asleep, Akira ran out to investigate, only for his wife to follow. It didn’t take long to for them to see a strange, ship-like object in flames and a figure that is eerily human unconscious a few feet away; upon closer inspection, they realize that it was a young woman who was bleeding heavily and baby boy who looks about seven months old. Both husband and wife rush over to check in on them— with Sakura, being a medic, using the cloth she brought with her to apply pressure to the woman’s wound while Akira gently picked the baby up when he started to fuss. “Shh… it’s all right, little one. You’re safe now.” Akira said soothingly as he checked the baby for any injuries, only to be thankful that the child is unharmed. Hearing her child whimper a bit, the woman open her eyes. “K-Kyleth…” Hearing a faint voice, both husband and wife looked at the woman in shock as she struggle to move. “Your son is safe, Miss.” Akira said, showing her the baby. “Thank goodness…” She smile with relief before struggling to move a bit more, Akira use one of his hands to press down on the woman’s wound. “Take Keith inside and contact the Garrison for help.” He told his wife, she nodded as she took the baby with her to the house while her husband took over. Ignoring the fact that the man before her has misinterpreted her son’s name, she managed to pull out a sheathed dagger and gave it to the man. “This dagger used to belong… to Kyleth’s father… I want him to have it… to protect himself when he’s older…” her face writhed in pain before she started coughing up blood. “Hang in there, Miss. You’re going to make it.” Akira said as he fights the lump in his throat. But even if Sakura have contacted the Galaxy Garrison, and if they did come to help, it would take them at least a couple hours to get here; and the woman looks like she doesn’t have much time despite their best efforts.
~~~~~v~~~~~
“Promise me… that you’ll take care… of my son.” As much as he wanted to keep saying that she’ll make it, Akira finds himself saying “You have my word.” The woman weakly smile, “Thank you…” she barely said above a whisper before closing her eyes. “Miss? Miss! Stay with me.” Akira said, but it was too late. He lowered his head in sadness before inspecting the dagger; knowing that he couldn’t even sell it, even if he tried and if it’s sellable. It is rightfully Keith’s, after all… after sheathing the dagger, he look up in time to see the woman being engulfed in a light so bright that Akira had to shield his eyes. Once the light died down, he notice a small crystal lying in the woman’s place. Picking the crystal up, he took the bloodstained cloth back with him before stopping at the shack beside the house.
Sakura looked down at the baby sleeping in an old crib and notice how peaceful he looks compare to his earlier fussing; but it was nothing she couldn’t handle, considering her being a mother already. She was about to contact the Garrison when she heard the door open, causing her to turn around and see her husband walking in with the cloth and a look on his face that told her the mother didn’t make it. “Akira…” She said softly, “What happened?” her husband looked away a bit. “She made me promise to look after Keith…” he said before being surprised by Sakura gently placing a hand on his shoulder, “Then we’ll keep her promise together.” She said with a smile, “And besides, Takashi always wanted to be a big brother.”