What would you say the biggest differences between canon and your rewrite are? I'm absolutely obsessed with this so far, I'm so excited to see where this ends up!!
*CLAPS* Okay, many many changes, but the biggest?
1.) The PACING
In our humble opinions, most of why VLD got so bad (affectionate) was it's horrible pacing. They expand on very few things while continuously opening new plot threads to half-hazardly close. The earliest example of the pacing changes is that it takes most of our equivalent of season one to find the lions and properly bond with them, rather than just the first two (or four if you count e1 as three episodes).
2.) The LIONS
We just like. Completely retconned the lions' lore, in that they're no longer created by Alfor and have been a legend for far, far longer. They also serve more of a purpose in the narrative, going hand-in-hand with the paladins' character arcs and helping to facilitate them.
And also they, uh, they turn into actual lions during downtime. Or at least lion-like beings, but yeah. Green lays in Pidge's lap while she codes, Keith and Red battle train together, Yellow's like that dog that's somehow always sleeping right where you need to step, that kind of stuff.
3.) The PLOT
We've switched around a lot of the plot, taking the eight season structure and only really following a handful of canon plot points. I think this kind of goes with the pacing changes, but it is still a significant difference. For example: Season 8's plot? Gone. Nowhere to be seen.
The altean colony plot? Changed. Oriande and the Quantum Abyss? More important. Lotor's just entirely different. There's only like one or two plot points that came out fully unscathed, if any.
4.) The focus on the WAR
Despite all our posts about the characters and arcs, a big part of Project: Cosmic Dust is the war. Not just the big space battles and off-handed mission mentions, but the small devastations of war as well. The propaganda, the loss, the complexities on every side. Representing how war affects and impacts the civilians, not just the soldiers, is very important to us. It's also a big lesson Allura has to learn throughout.
I think those are the four biggest differences to canon and generally encompass everything we're trying to do here!
The screams of a bloodthirsty crowd rang in his ears as Shiro raced through the hallways of the Castle of Lions. But in place of the Castle, the walls morphed rapidly between a colosseum of unending spectators and an experimentation chamber. Shiro's breath was coming out fast and heavy, and in spite of himself he kept colliding with walls as he followed on a base instinct the unseen direction to the Lions' bay.
A warm presence awoke with a start at the back of his mind. Stirring, focusing on him with increasing wakefulness, she rumbled in concern, Shiro? Shiro, are you alright?
Black, where are you? he asked, managing to push himself off the next wall he slammed into and launch himself toward the door leading out of the prison that was Haggar's laboratory. Sapphire pulsed around his vision, and suddenly he saw the large hangar doors to the bay instead.
You're right on top of us, a different female voice purred, and he recognized it as belonging to Blue just as he burst through the doors.
He stumbled, resting his hands on his knees as he panted while the doors shut behind him. Swallowing, reaching up to wipe some sweat off his brow, he flinched as the cold metal of his prosthetic brushed against his skin.
Shiro?
His head snapped up, and he saw the Black Lion standing in the center of the bay. She looked as regal as ever, with the dim lights cascading in minutely violet rays off her ebony armor and causing her crimson wing boosters to gleam softly. Her head was cocked to the side, surveying him with worry, and movement made his gaze turn to the right. Walking up to them was the wiry form of the Blue Lion, her cobalt armor under the lights making her appear as a being of water. She was always the liveliest of the Lions, her mood as gentle as the rivers she reminded him of back home on Earth. But even as she stopped a short distance away from Black, he could feel a shift in her disposition.
It was somewhere between worried and protective.
Phantom pain surged from the stump of his maimed right arm, an image of needles and electricity inching toward him as Haggar's eyes glowed underneath her hood while he struggled against his restraints. Shiro let out a hiss, clutching his head with his human hand as he squeezed his eyes shut against the memory.
Black's growl made him straighten and look at her. Stepping forward, she lowered her head and soothed, It's alright, Shiro. You're safe now.
Shiro swallowed again, nearing her on shaky legs before he reached out to hold her face. Touching his forehead to approximately where her nose was, Shiro let his breathing even out as he closed his eyes.
I - I'm sorry, I'm just - still rattled after getting the bayard back, he admitted, the battle flashing through his mind again. From Black's memories, he felt her pain from Zarkon's abuse of their bond. He shuddered, a similar tremor wracking Black's body, and he whispered, I think I just...need some time. Maybe - maybe we can both find some peace in our bond.
There was a mild shift in Black's mind, but soon enough they were both in a small spacial abyss. It was like the one where he'd battled Zarkon for Black's freedom, but different. Instead of there being a meteor belt marking something of the ground, there were nebulae all around him as Black crouched before him. Turning, he took a moment to marvel at the nebulae before he noticed their colors. One was a lavender hue convalescing around himself and Black, while another was a burning crimson nearby. Staring at it, Shiro found that he could make out the Red Lion and Keith within it, though their forms were vague as they appeared a bit separated.
Looking around, he saw an emerald nebulae, where the Green Lion and Pidge played together in a scrapyard surrounded by an evergreen forest. Hearing her laugh made him smile, and turning, he saw the solar gold where the Yellow Lion was currently curled up around Hunk. Hunk himself was happily tinkering away at a new invention of his, and Shiro couldn't suppress a chuckle as Yellow nudged food toward his laser-focused Paladin.
A sound like waves crashing against the shore made him turn, and he saw a sapphire nebula where Lance was playing with his family in Cuba. To Shiro's surprise, though, Blue wasn't there. Rather, she was on the edge of the nebula, her outline faint even as Lance's, like Pidge, Hunk, and their Lions, was vivid.
Blue's eyes seemed to sparkle, and Shiro realized with a start that the lavender, crimson, and sapphire nebulae were shifting directions. Looking around, his body tensing subconsciously, Shiro watched anxiously as what he now recognized as Black's quintessence began to recede from him and near Keith. Keith, his form flickering, appeared to be searching and apprehensive of something as Red's quintessence reluctantly moved toward Lance.
Memories of Keith withdrawn from the other cadets flooded his mind. He remembered the fight to get custody of him, the months of helping him out of his shell, and the last time they spent together before he went to Kerberos. The thought of the boy he'd taken in as his little brother leading Voltron against a ten thousand year old empire - against Zarkon and his evil, against Haggar and her madness and magic, against armies of unstoppable brute force - made Shiro spiral into absolute panic.
"No - no no no! Keith can't lead, he's not ready, I CAN'T let him face Zarkon!!" He blurted, memories of the gladiator ring, the escape to Earth, and Zarkon's glowering face flashing through his mind. His body was shaking, and in an effort to regain some form of control, his mind conjured the Black Paladin's bayard -
- And Black's memories instantly flashed to Zarkon telepathically wresting control of her body from her, a surge of alarm coursing through her that was so great that Shiro felt their bond buckle and break.
Shiro's controlling thought was instantaneous, and his remorse was just as fast, albeit too late.
Black recoiled from him, and Shiro - he wasn't sure how, but he somehow threw his entire body away from her. He landed hard on the floor, his elbows slipping and causing his head to slam against the cold ground. He grunted, eyes wide as he stared at the ceiling in growing horror and shame.
He hurt Black. He'd - he'd broken her trust, just like Zarkon had.
Shiro - it's alright, Black said hesitantly, a weak growl escaping her.
"No, Black, it's not," he mumbled, his right arm moving up for him to see plain as day. The Galra technology that had improved his fighting ability, that had turned him into an unintentional murderer in the ring - was that only the physical indication of how damaged he was, that he couldn't even keep himself from hurting his Lion?
The metal fingers curled into a fist as he rolled over, body shivering. "You gave me your trust, Black, and I betrayed it," he whimpered, eyes stinging with withheld tears.
Ya got that right, Paladin.
Shiro jolted, then looked up as Blue trotted over to him. Standing in between Black and Blue was Red, his tail lashing as he sauntered forward with a distinctly annoyed air.
Red, please, Black sighed deeply, though her shoulders were tense.
No, don't "Red please" me, the Lion snarled in what sounded like paternal displeasure. As Shiro forced himself to a sitting position, glancing up in surprise as Blue placed a forepaw behind him and laid herself down, Red continued, The plain fact is that the kid's too messed up from the Galra ta lead this team. And much as Ah'd rather have Keith stay with me, he's grown too much ta keep bein' mah Paladin.
"What's going on?"
Shiro turned and saw Keith running over. He skidded to a stop in the center of them, gaze darting between all of them before landing on Shiro. He blinked as he saw Shiro, who must have looked pathetic in his fetal position, then slowly came over and sat next to him.
"H-hey," Shiro muttered, mustering a tired grin. Sapphire once more flashed in his peripheral, and he looked up as Blue turned soft gold eyes on him. She lowered her head and let her chin graze gently against the top of his head, then moved it back and forth as if tussling his hair. Shiro couldn't help but laugh at the motion, leaning his head against her paw as she pulled her head back.
He could feel Keith's analytical stare, though, and he tried not to wince as Blue gently coached, You need to tell him, Shiro.
"Tell me what?" Keith asked, his tone low but holding concern. Looking at him, Shiro licked his lips and said, "Before I answer that, I just want to know how much of the conversation you heard."
Keith rested an elbow on one knee as he stretched his other leg out. "Something about me as Red's Paladin," he replied, his gaze darting to the Red Lion. A flicker of fear passed through his eyes, and he started, "Red, you're not -?"
Red gave out rhythmic growls even as his laughter echoed in their minds. The only way yer gettin' rid o' me is when Ah die, Keith, he assured, stepping over and gently butting his head against Shiro's brother. Keith smiled slightly in relief as he reached up to pat the Lion's nose.
The smile faded when Red added, But even though Ah'll always come runnin' for ya, Keith, our time as partners is at least gonna have ta take a break.
"Why?" Keith questioned, though he looked at Shiro as Red stepped back a little. His brow furrowed, and Shiro could see him putting the pieces together as he asked, "Shiro...are you - going to put me in Black's cockpit?"
Shiro fought every intrusive thought that he'd failed Keith in this moment. This was more important than just trying to be Keith's protector. Heck, he'd lived on his own outside of the Garrison for a whole year. Shiro had to stop thinking of him as the lonely eleven year old desperate for a life away from abuse.
He was a man now. He had to recognize that, for all their sakes.
"I was hoping I wouldn't have to," he admitted, shifting and looking Keith in the eye. Swallowing, watching Keith intently, he went on, "But ever since the fiasco with Zarkon, and getting the bayard back...it's brought up too many scars. Some I don't even remember getting. And I've tried, believe me, I've tried moving past it. But the more I remember, the more I start breaking. And if we - if I, want us to survive and succeed, then I have to let go of control. I have to let someone who's far better at dealing with the curve balls of life take the reins, and who I know can keep the team safe."
Keith's eyes had gotten wider as he spoke, and when he finished, he turned to face him more fully. "No, Shiro, I can't," he protested, his face a look of worry while his body screamed fear. "I'm not you, I don't know a thing about being a leader!"
"Hey hey, it's okay," Shiro comforted, instinctively reaching out and cupping Keith's face. As Keith relaxed at the touch, he remembered all the times he'd helped his brother when he was struggling with the past.
This is what I'm meant to do, he realized, feeling a bond with Blue open like a flower as her sapphire quintessence flashed in the corners of his eyes before seeping into his body with a warmth that was like his mother's hugs. I'm the senior officer. And as the senior officer, I help others on their own path.
"I'm not going anywhere, Keith," he promised. Straightening, he reached out with his other hand and gently held Keith's face in both. "I'm not giving up the fight, but I'm trusting you with us. And the thing is, you've actually led the team before. Every time I locked up or made a bad choice, you jumped in and saved us from disaster. You were the one who pulled us together, even on Earth. The truth is we wouldn't be here without you, Keith. And if you ever feel too burdened by the responsibility, I'll be here for you...and so will Black."
As he'd been speaking, Black had stepped over to them. Keith had calmed down, though he still looked scared. He swallowed, and somehow Shiro could sense Keith's quintessence reaching out for Black behind him. When she growled, he let go for Keith to face her. As Keith stood and stared at her, she assessed him and, crouching forward, said slowly, I...am also damaged by the past, Keith. I will not lie to you: I may struggle in our bond. I will not ask for pity, or patience. I only ask that you understand. I will do my best to not let the others or you down, and I hope - I hope, that we can accomplish more together than separately.
Keith hesitated, and as Shiro stood and stepped up beside him, feeling Blue track his movements with pride, his brother tentatively reached out and lightly placed a palm on Black's muzzle. Almost instantly, her eyes glowed, and Keith shut his own eyes as Red's pained growl confirmed the weakening of their bond.
Swallowing, Keith answered, "I'll understand, Black. I know it's not easy, getting over the past. Maybe we can work on that together. And...maybe when all is said and done, we can either go back to our old partners, or not have to worry about switching places. Either way...thank you, for your trust."
Black let out a low rumble, and she lowered herself to the floor and leaned into his touch. Shiro smiled, then grinned as Blue practically purred and nudged his shoulder playfully. Turning around, he stroked her face a little and said, "Thanks for taking me on, Blue. It won't be easy to step back, but I think I can learn to."
Oh don't worry, I'm patient enough for that, she teased, tail twirling above her.
Shiro chuckled, then reached out with his other hand. As he pet her with that palm, his eyes trailed over the prosthetic to where it ended in a stump.
His eyebrows furrowed. How had that - happened...
The laboratory. A fight to get the medical tools away from him, to use one of them against Haggar. His downward stroke was met with a blade wreathed in magic before slicing off the limb. He'd fallen to the floor with an agonized yell, looking at the stump in horror as the magic licked hungrily at the wound.
"A pity you've been such a bad boy," Haggar's scratchy voice hissed, her cloaked image suddenly coming into view. The look in her eyes - it wasn't something he'd seen before, not from her.
"I guess I'll have to break you in a different way," she mused, the magic on his stump moving over the rest of his body and holding him in place. She reached down with a free hand, and Shiro was so terrified he couldn't even scream as he realized just what little protection the tattered clothes offered him -
Shiro froze, the rest of the memory glitching through his mind's eye. His pulse pounded in his ears, and he stared at the line where his prosthetic connected to his stump. His gaze traveled down the rest of his body, and he could feel his breath starting to quicken. How had - the magic - was that the only time -?!
Someone said something, but as his mind began racing Blue's paw came up to form a wall around him as her head pulled back and rubbed against him. Shiro blinked, startled out of the past, and he could feel the physical warmth she was radiating moving into his body. Swallowing bile, Shiro closed his eyes and hugged her as best he could. After a few moments his heartbeat had slowed to a normal pace, though the image of Haggar looming over him was still at the back of his mind.
Why don't Shiro and Keith stay here tonight? Blue suggested, and Shiro looked up at her as she recoiled enough for the others to see him. Keeping his gaze averted from them, he listened as Blue added, I think they could both do with some company.
He could feel Keith's eyes on him, concern mixed with suspicion, while Black seemed to be registering the implication behind Blue's words. Ultimately, Red broke the silence with, Sounds good ta me. Might take a while fer me ta fall back asleep, but Ah think it's a fine plan.
I concur, Black agreed, then added, Perhaps...Shiro and Keith should stay together?
Shiro couldn't help a rueful smile. She still knew how to read him in addition to the others.
I think that's perfect. What do you think, Keith? Blue asked, tilting her head at him.
There was a beat of silence. Then Keith walked over and hugged Shiro, who tensed at the contact before quickly wrapping him in a hug. They'd talk about it later.
"Like old times," Keith stated softly, and Shiro knew what he meant.
Soon, Blue had laid herself down with Shiro and Keith on her left paw, her gaze overlooking them. Black had stretched out opposite them, her eyes surveying them and the other Lions every few moments. For his part, Red was lounging just in front of them, effectively blocking sight of Shiro and Keith as they stretched out comfortably on Blue's proffered paw.
Lying on his side, Keith's arm draped across him, he smiled slightly as he recalled how Keith had once been the one who needed this form of connection in his early tenure at Shiro's home. It was somewhere between poetic and ironic that Shiro was the one in need of this level of comfort now, but he didn't mind.
Burying his face in between his shoulders, Keith murmured, "Good night, brother."
Closing his eyes, letting go of control, Shiro answered, "Good night, brother."
Before he knew it, sleep had taken them both to a peaceful rest.
Black Lion: I aim to never become the This Is Fine™ meme
Red Lion: Be-prepared-to-make-a-tough-call-even-against-Black-if-needed-and-be-all-alone-possibly-forever Lion
Blue Lion: I love teamwork + making friends. Also I can most likely cover any weaknesses or gaps in our strategy :D
Green Lion: I'm so curious and daring to find and try shit out that I might kill us all
Yellow Lion: I'm here to maintain morale, offer the best help, and not kill us all. My Paladin's heart is incorruptible which is why I'm the Lion with the thickest armor
Once a rider is chosen and bonded to their Voltrarian, they are “gifted” with a special marking, like a tattoo on their skin that glows when their bond with their dragon is particularly strong in the moment. (almost like their hearts and mind are in perfect unison)
BLUE VERNDARI:
The second most elusive of the Voltrarian Six, it ventures to Arus in search of its bonded. The first of the Riders to come fourth and show that they indeed have the soul of a dragon and heart of a chief. The one to expose their neck and bleeding heart and choose to fly. Only then, when she is sure of her choice, will she let the others know that Arus is ready for the sky.
ABILITIES: Blue’s ability is not a far cry from Green’s, but while Green is only able to blend into her earthy environment, Blue can blend into the skies and earth, sea and air.
RED VERNDARI:
The most destructive of the Voltrarion Dragons, she causes the most destruction during attacks. Next to the blue lion, it is the only one that attacks Arus regularly with fury, despite the others wishes. She wants will burn Her One out of the village before Them. She refuses to sit and wait around while danger awaits outside of Arus’s borders. Her bonded will come fourth, be it through fire or ashes.
ABILITIES: While most of the Voltrarian can breathe some form of fire, Red’s is the hottest. Varying from burning red, to bright green, and terrible blue.
BLACK VERNDARI:
The leader and the youngest. He is destined to find the head of the bonds to lead with a strong heart. Although he is the largest, being the youngest of the Voltrarion, he still needs nurturing. Red and Blue take charge of the group, hand in hand, until the time comes where Black is ready.
ABILITIES: The yin to White’s yang, Black’s roar is commanding. It bring’s storms and earthquakes to his aid
WHITE VERNDARI:
Graceful and michevious, she plays tricks to get what she wants. Almost like a ghost, she haunts through Arus during the harsh winter, searching for her bond. She prowls around silently, eager to find the mask hiding her rider and even more eager to break it.
ABILITIES: White is gifted with Harmony. A song through her roar that brings dragon’s around her together.
GREEN VERNDARI:
The most curious of the lions, unlike Red, and more like White, she is often sighted in the forest. Despite the fear of her often preening near the village, she has never once attacked or caused any real, vital need for action. She knows she doesn’t need to go searching in the village for Hers, for the rider destined to bond with Green will go searching all on their own.
ABILITIES: Most cunning, able to camouflage with its surroundings
YELLOW VERNDARI:
Never truly seen in person, as he is one of the only dragons that doesn’t go in search of his rider. He’s levelheaded, he knows when Arus is ready, His will find him. He’s accepting, not too picky unlike the others. Although, in the age of Vikings, it might be hard to find a rider suited for him. The one with a heart of gold, brave and kind, will be the one he takes to the skies.
ABILITIES: The physically strongest of the 6.
(still deciding on some abilities for the dragons... wip!)
So, without even rewatching the show, I’m going through a Voltron phrase once more. (but I just can’t rewatch after that final season - just no, not for me)
Lance was always my fav (he deserved better) and honestly this didn't turn out exactly as I wanted but when does it ever.
Por alguna razón me he puesto a pensar en que «Voltron: Legendary Defender» no le hizo justicia a los leones. Nos dijeron que los paladines poseían una fuerte conexión casi mística con una máquina más allá de nuestro entendimiento y no lo desarrollaron sino para deus ex machina.
Hubo pistas al comienzo, como cuando Keith tuvo que probarle a Rojo que era digno o cuando Allura nos resumió los leones.
Amarillo tiene la coraza más fuerte.
Azul es amigable y juguetona.
Negro no fue aclarado.
Rojo es volátil y orgulloso.
Verde es curiosa.
Realmente nos muestra las prioridades de los guionistas, ¿verdad? En especial durante la segunda mitad de toda la serie, que se enfocaron demasiado en unos personajes y dejaron al resto tirados. Amarillo sólo tiene una propiedad física porque lo dejaron medio de lado al igual que a Hunk y se enfocaron más en la conexión entre Keith y Shiro, y Shiro y Zarkon, que en sus conexiones con el león negro.
Quizás Negro, al ser el león del líder, es el león más cauteloso y pragmático. Se apegó mucho a Zarkon, no obstante, nunca abandonó a Shiro completamente; me recuerda a esos jefes que no quieren despedir a un empleado tóxico porque siempre ha hecho su trabajo bien. Aceptó que Keith lo pilotase cuando Shiro peligraba por estar herido, al fin y al cabo.
Amarillo es más interesante. ¿Sería similar a Gyrgan, su paladín original? Después de todo, Alfor hizo los leones para los paladines originales. Gyrgan fue un guerrero con una gran fuerza física y no parecía ser agresivo. Quizás pensaba en sí mismo como un defensor como los jugadores que rolean como tanques en los RPG.
Interacciones paladín-león
¿Recuerdan cuando Allura le dijo a Lance que Azul era la más amigable de los leones y Lance se entristeció un poco por no ser tan especial como creyó? Me pregunto si eso influyó en la práctica que tuvieron un episodio o dos después, cuando pusieron a prueba la conexión con sus leones al caer en picada en un acantilado de Arus, y Lance no pudo durar mucho tiempo.
¿Ven el potencial?
Ya sabemos que Voltron sólo se puede formar cuando cada paladín y su león, y los paladines entre sí, están en armonía.
¿Qué pasaría si se hubiese explorado el complejo de inferioridad de Lance más? (Y subsanarlo, claro). Allura le dijo a Keith que Rojo debía considerarlo digno y el león lo aceptó después de un acto heroico. Lance ya le tenía algo de animadversión a Keith; pudo tenerle envidia y sentirse culpable por ello e impedir la formación de Voltron durante los primeros capítulos excepto en los momentos más desesperados. Los paladines tendrían que ser más creativos.
¿Qué hay de Amarillo? Si es un tanque, puede que la cautela de Hunk y el espíritu defensor de Amarillo estarían en conflicto constante. No es que Hunk no defienda a sus amigos, pero bien sabemos que prefiere tener un plan. Quizás Amarillo prefiera estar en medio del fuego cruzado. ¿Desobedecería Amarillo a su paladín para cumplir con su función de escudo?
Me molestó un poco que, cuando Keith y Allura se fugaron, Rojo acudió al rescate de Keith desde muy lejos. No por ser Keith capaz de ello, ya había pasado mucho tiempo desde su comienzo problemático con Rojo, sino por cómo lo trataron: como algo único y especial que no pudo haber pasado con otro paladín. Hasta ese momento, lo que el canon había establecido, es que Pidge era la que tenía la segunda mejor conexión con su león, después de Shiro.
Verde es curioso. ¿Qué pasaría si siguiese a Pidge incluso sin una conexión muy fuerte, para explorar otros mundos, conocer otros seres vivos? ¡Sería el primer león en salir despepitado a rescatar a su paladín!
Y Rojo, orgulloso. Después de aceptar a Keith, difícilmente habría otro digno; lógico que prefiera rescatarlo… por celos.
Ya que Zarkon sabe, por ser paladín original, que Azul es el más amigable, ¿no sería el leóbn más robable también? Imagínense un esfuerzo agresivo concentrado en dos leones, Negro —para Zarkon— y Azul —para que un esbirro suyo tenga una súper arma—.
Negro, como líder, pragmático. Difícilmente rescataría a su paladín fugado, a exponerse a que lo capturen, cuando puede esperar por el siguiente paladín. Pero lo extrañaría mucho, mucho, y seguro preferiría trabajar con su paladín viejo, a quien conoce mejor, que con el nuevo, hasta que el nuevo y Negro forjen una conexión.
¿No sería eso interesante? Afectaría la trama de formas inusitadas.
