Like the other character sheets for this rewrite, I drew over the original character pictures for a base; then just drew the new clothing on top.
Drawn for my Voltron Season 7/8 re-write, Queen Allura, her adopted sister Princess Romelle, and the Royal Counsel for New Altea.
I opted to give each Altean a bit of pink in their clothing. Since Pink was the color of remembrance for Alteans, I figured many, especially the leadership, would wear it not only in remembrance of all the Alteans that were lost, but for everyone who had been lost not just at the hands of the Galra, but at the hands of the Alteans as well. It’s a reminder that they will never allow it to happen again.
Casual outfits for Season 8 Paladins
Casual outfits for Kolivan, Krolia, and Romelle
Casual outfits for the MFE Pilots
Casual outfits for Paladins - Final Chapter
The New Paladins
New Galra Leadership
Like the other character sheets for this rewrite, I drew over the original character pictures for a base; then just drew the new clothing on top.
Drawn for my Voltron Season 7/8 re-write, Keith joins his mother and Kolivan, along with several others to form the leadership for New Daibazaal.
I tried to blend Armor the Galra of old wore with the BoM uniforms. Showing that the Galra are not completely leaving everything from their past behind. They will take what was good in the past and merge it with the present.
Keith’s outfit I blended not only with the BoM, and ancient Galra armor, but also added some of the Paladin armor style as well. His armor is black instead of blue as a symbol of his time as Black Paladin. I’m not completely satisfied with his design, bit this is where I settled for now.
Casual outfits for Season 8 Paladins
Casual outfits for Kolivan, Krolia, and Romelle
Casual outfits for the MFE Pilots
Casual outfits for Paladins- Final chapter
The New Paladins
The New Altean Leadership
Like the other character sheets for this rewrite, I drew over the original character pictures for a base; then just drew the new clothing on top.
Drawn for my Voltron Season 7/8 re-write, like all the other Paladins, Lance begins a new chapter in his life, becoming the leader of a new Voltron team.
Since the Original Paladins had slightly different armor from the second gen Paladins, I opted to give the third gen completely new Armor. With Voltron currently set up on Earth, their armor is a blend of Altean armor and the MFE flight suits.
Casual outfits for Season 8 Paladins
Casual outfits for Kolivan, Krolia, and Romelle
Casual outfits for the MFE Pilots
Casual outfits for Paladins - Final Chapter
New Galra Leadership
New Altean Leadership
Like the other character sheets for this rewrite, I drew over the original character pictures for a base; then just drew the new clothing on top.
Drawn for my Voltron Season 7/8 re-write, these are of course based on the outfits we glimpse the characters wearing in the final group photo (sans Allura who is wearing the dress from the alternate universe)
I didn’t have much to go on, for the characters outfits, as it showed very little, so I winged it.
As you ca see I completely changed Lance’s hair. I don’t know why the creators wanted to give him such an unkempt look in the last design, but I saw someone make an edit where they gave him Matt’s final hairdo. I thought it really suited him, so I opted to give it to him.
Casual outfits for Season 8 Paladins
Casual outfits for Kolivan, Krolia, and Romelle
Casual outfits for the MFE Pilots
The New Paladins
New Galra Leadership
New Altean Leadership
Like the other character sheets for this rewrite, I drew over the original character pictures for a base; then just drew the new clothing on top.
I meant to post this back with my version of S8E5.
In my version, this was what the Pilots wore to the Paladin’s game night. As you can see I changed the colors of Rizavi and Leifsdottir’s outfits.
I gave Griffin the clothing Lance wore on his date in S8E1. Since he didn’t use the outfit in this version I thought it would work here, I thought it worked well with the backstory I gave him.
For Kincade, I had my friend who really liked him help me design his clothing. We thought this fit him.
Casual outfits for Season 8 Paladins
Casual outfits for Kolivan, Krolia, and Romelle
Casual outfits for Paladins - Final Chapter
The New Paladins
New Galra Leadership
New Altean Leadership
I made these screencap redraws for the finale of my Voltron Season 7/8 re-wright, which you can checkout HERE if you are interested.
The evening one was the one done for the actual chapter, but I wanted to do a day version as well.
Allura is of course wearing her dress from the alternate universe. Her crown is different because she is now Queen.
I completely changed Lance’s hair. I don’t know why the creators wanted to give him such an unkempt look, but I saw someone do an edit where they gave him Matt’s hairdo from the ‘Chip’ scene at the end. I thought that looked good on him, so I opted to give him it. Plus, now Matt can keep his long hair!
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
Here it is, the final story. Thank you to everyone who has read this. I truly hope that you enjoy this ending. I'm sorry it took so long to post. I meant to have this up earlier, but then the Holidays got in the way. It all works out though, as I started writing this last January.
Without further ado~
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The End is The Beginning
In a vast, white, void each of the Paladins slowly opens their eyes and look around. Standing side by side, there is nothing to be seen but an endless plane.
Pidge questions where they are, and a bitter voice from behind says they are at the end of all existence.
The Paladins all turn to find Honerva sitting in the distance, cradling Lotor's dying body in her arms. They slowly approach her and Allura asks her why she did what she did, why did she destroy everything.
Honerva ignores the question, focusing on Lotor's battered face. She gently says that all she ever wanted was to have her family living peacefully, allowed all the joys and love that life offers. Her voice turning bitter she says that wasn't to be as over and over others robbed them of every chance of happiness they could have.
Allura quickly cuts though her tirade and says that what she says is not true, Honerva was offered all that and more, but rather than accepting that sometimes life comes with hardship and disappointment. She and Zarkon meddled with powers and abilities that were unnatural and corruptive. They chose to force their will upon the universe, no matter the cost; unfortunately that cost turned out to be theirs and their son's lives. No one robbed them; they made the choices and willfully squandered what they had.
As she speaks, more people start appearing in the void behind the Paladins; Shiro, Krolia, Kolivan, Matt and his parents, Axca, Ezor, Zethrid, Romelle and Sven, the MFE's, and the rest of the Voltron Coalition.
Honerva sees them appear, and knowing them to be the Paladin's loved ones she rages once more. She spits that they couldn't possibly understand, they are all allowed happiness. They get to stand there with all who they love, strong and healthy, while her son, who was never even given a chance at a life free from darkness, is dying broken and abused in her arms. She finally answers Allura's question saying that if she and her son weren't allowed to be happy, she ensured no one was.
Lance speaks up and gently says she's wrong, they do understand. Hunk says they have faced sorrows in their life, and Pidge says that they've been through hardships, Shiro says they've suffered through trauma and terror, Keith says that they have lost loved ones, and Allura says that they have all faced trials and pain that seemed insurmountable, but still, they faced and overcame it without taking it out on others.
Allura watches Honerva, who sneers dismissively, unmoved by their words, and sees that the woman can't comprehend anyone else having pain. She says that Honerva's heart is so rotted, that all she sees is her own suffering. It's then that Allura comes to a realization; she closes her eyes reaches out with her senses and feels the last traces of the corrupted Guardian still festering inside both Honerva and Lotor.
Opening her eyes, Allura steps towards them. The Paladins become alarmed, but Allura turns and gives them a comforting smile, motioning them to stay; she knows what she's doing.
Approaching Honerva, the woman warns the Princess not to come near her or her son, but Allura gently says she is not going to harm them; she's going to free them. She slowly bends down in front of them and lays a hand on each of their heads. Glowing, her Alchemy flows through her and into them.
Gently and painlessly, she removes and purifies the last bit of the White Lion that had corrupted mother and son so many years ago.
Honerva, free of its poison for the first time in over 10,000 years, slowly opens her eyes and clearly sees all those who are standing before her. For the first time in those thousands of years she is whole.
Then, realization sets in as she is bombarded with the knowledge of all the evil she and her family committed. Finally able to know and understand her vile actions and crimes, she lets out a mournful scream of terror and anguish that strikes all those there to their cores.
Weeping bitterly, Honerva realizes that she was wrong; she says she does deserve this, that everything that has brought her to this moment was her own doing. She lets out another cry, unable to do anything else.
It's then that a hand touches her cheek, gently brushing away her tears. She opens her eyes to find Lotor looking up at her, for the first time in their lives, his gaze is filled with love for her. Honerva gasps as he calls her 'mother' and slowly sits up from her arms.
In shock, Honerva can't believe what she's seeing. Lotor gently embraces her, saying he's free of the entity and like her he can see everything so clearly now.
A new voice says they all do.
Everyone looks up and is stunned to find Zarkon appearing behind his wife and son, but this isn't the Zarkon that ruled as a Tyrant for 10,000 years. This is Zarkon, the Paladin of the Black Lion, whole and free of the corruption of the Guardian.
He bends down to be on level with his wife and son, and Honerva asks how he can be here. He explains that when Lotor ended his body, his soul was finally freed from the corrupted White Lion; his restored soul was able to come here to join with all those who had passed. As he speaks Alfor, Trigel, Gyrgan, and Blaytz appear behind him.
The Paladins and the Voltron coalition stand in disbelief. Keith asks how this is possible, and a new voice with a familiar twang responds that just like how their mortal bodies are made out of the same cosmic dust, their souls are made of the same Quintessence. Here, within the Connected Consciousness of all Existence, they live. With that, Keith's father appears, smiling to his stunned son and wife.
After that, others begin appearing as well; Melenor, Adam, Bandor and his parents, Marco and his father, Hunk's Aunt and Uncle, Rhyner and the Olkari, Antok, Regris, Thace, Ulaz, Rolo, Admiral Sanda, Te-osh, Ozar, Ven'tar, Narti, and countless others. All have smiles and joyous tears, being reunited with their loved ones.
After the shock wears off, Honerva turns to her husband and says that it's too late, there is nothing they can do now that she destroyed everything, but he says that's not true. Now that she is no longer corrupted, she can power the Sincline with true Alchemy, a life-giving force, and restore everything back to what it was.
Allura hears this and realizes Honerva does not have the power to do that alone. Solemnly she steps forward and says that if she helped, they could do it together.
The Paladins are shocked to hear her say this, and tell her that she can't; but Allura says it is the only way and she knows that they would all do the same thing in her place. Honerva doesn't have the power to do it alone, and this is the only way to restore everything.
The Paladins know her words are true, they all would offer to this if they were in her place. Still, they won't let her go this alone, each steps up and says that they will go with her then.
Allura argues that they can't, they are still needed, Voltron is needed. They ask her what good Voltron is if it's missing its heart? They know there are others that can take up the mantle of Paladin; they will not leave Allura to this fate alone.
Quietly watching this, Lotor says that they are all correct; Honerva doesn't have the power to do this alone, but Allura is still needed in the universe. That is why he will assist his mother with restoring the Universe.
He looks at Romelle and the other Alteans, then Axca, Ezor, Zethrid, and Narti and says that he can never right all his wrongs he's committed, he then looks to Allura and says that at least he can do is ensure that the universe still has her as a guiding light. He owes it not only to both of his people -Alteans and Galra- but to the universe as a whole. He asks Allura to allow him to do this for her, and everyone else he has wronged.
Allura and Lotor look at each other and there is an understanding between them. She agrees and steps back towards the Paladins.
Lotor smiles and thanks her, then turns and takes his mother's hand; they turn and walk together towards a light as Zarkon smiles on.
Those still living, and those who have passed share one more moment together, all at peace knowing one day they will all be reunited once and forever more in the Connected Consciousness of all Existence.
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A light bursts forth and with it, all of reality comes back into being. The Coalition ships and Voltron drift silently above Oriande. All traces of the Rift, Sincline, and Komar Mechs are gone.
The Paladins slowly open their eyes and look around. Keith asks if everyone is alright and they call back that they are. Lance asks if they think everything is back to normal. Pidge starts scanning the system and says she can't find anything out of place. Allura closes her eyes and reaches out with her senses. She gently smiles and says everything is as it should be.
The Paladins look at the spot where the Rift had been with mixed emotions.
They are then hailed by The Atlas, and Shiro's voice comes through, asking them if they are alright. Keith confirms that they are, and asks him the same. Shiro says everyone has reported in and that all is well.
Allura suddenly speaks up in awed disbelief, saying that it's over, it's really over. The Paladins listen to her as she continues to repeat that it's over, the war is over, and they won. Each time she says it, it settles in more and more. Realization sinks in and the Paladins break out into tears and cheers as voices across the Coalition join them in a chorus of victorious cries.
Shiro smiles tearfully and tells the Paladins to come home.
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Following this, we see a montage as the Universe regains its balance now that it's completely freed.
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The Paladins arrive back in The Atlas' hanger where everyone is there to greet them, including Romelle and Sven. Overwhelmed at seeing them alive, the Paladins rush and embrace them.
Reunions happen all around as Keith shares hugs with his mother and Shiro as Kolivan stands by smiling with Axca, Ezor, and Zethrid.
Pidge, Matt, and their parents embrace as a family never to be torn apart again, and Veronica hugs both Lance and Hunk.
the MFE's and the Paladins all shake each other's hands and gives hugs, and Pidge reunites with the freed Olkari.
Tavo and Luca introduce the rescued Alteans to Allura, their Princess. The Alteans embrace her as their own, bowing down to her in respect for all she's done.
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From there the Voltron Coalition returns to Earth, The Atlas leading the way.
On earth, Hunk, Lance, and Veronica are reunited with their families as the world celebrates the return of the Defenders of the Universe.
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Over time Voltron, BOM, and Rebels work to take down the remaining warlords –most of which surrender without a fight thanks to former Warlords like Lahn aiding the Coalition, and Keith being there as the Black Paladin helps to bridge their trust, the Black Lion once more being a symbol of hope for the Galra.
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The remaining Warlords and Altean Acolytes, as well as the surviving Alteans from the alternate universe are judged for their crimes; with Allura and Keith helping to see that they are justly dealt with.
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Voltron takes time to revisit old worlds, from Arus, Puig, and Reiphod, to the Frozen Planet of the Mer, and everyone in between. Reconnecting with all their old friends and ensuring all planets and people have a voice in the new, freed universe.
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During this time, Matt and the Rebels help to move Galra off the formerly occupied planets while Keith, Kolivan, and Krolia guide them to a new life.
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Allura and the Alteans, along with Keith and the Galra, and the Olkari all work with the Coalition to find new home worlds for their people.
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The Olkari are the first to settle peacefully on a world brimming with beautiful forests. The now Hoktrill-free Moxilous joins them, happily living a new life with the Olkari.
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Sven joins the garrison, and works alongside Shiro, Veronica, and Slav, fitting into The Atlas crew perfectly.
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Hunk and Pidge are approached by Shiro and the Garrison. Hunk is asked to become an Ambassador and voice for Earth. And Pidge is approached with the idea of creating a new defense program for Earth: Vehicle Voltron. Both eagerly accept.
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As Keith and Allura's focus turns more to their people, and Pidge and Hunk's focus becomes that of working with the Garrison in different ways, Lance happily continues to work with the MFE's, taking command in the Red Lion and going on missions with them, helping the Rebels, and aiding anyone in need.
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Allura and Keith finally find home worlds for their people, two uninhabited planets that circle the same sun and rely on one another. Believing the planets to be perfect, as they rely on each other to keep balance in the system, they feel that's how the Alteans and Galra must learn to see the Universe; all are needed in the balance of life.
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With this their new home found, the Alteans approach Allura with a gift: a new crown. They bow and offer the crown to Allura, asking her to officially lead them. Honored by their request, Allura accepts this duty.
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The montage ends with a ceremony attended by species from all over the universe, Allura is crowned Queen of the Alteans.
All the races cry out in joy for the Queen who helped save their universe.
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In the engine room onboard the Atlas; Sam and Matt are looking over the systems while Shiro assists them. The father and son finish their final check up, and Shiro puts one of the panels back into place. Sam says that everything looks to be in perfect condition and ready for the upcoming launch.
Matt playfully teases his father about how he's being overprotective of the ship, and that he's got to let his baby fly on its own now. Sam grumbles while Shiro chuckles.
Shiro says that they are going to really miss having Sam with them, and says that if he and Colleen ever want to come back, there will always be a place for them. Sam thanks him and says that even though they loved being a part of The Atlas, they both agreed that it's time for them to settle back down on Earth and reclaim the life they lost. They are both looking forward to going back to teaching, especially now that they have students from all over the universe coming to Earth to learn. He then playfully points to his son and adds that the universe has enough on its plate dealing with one Holt in space now that he's living with the former Rebels as they continue to keep peace.
It's Matt's turn to grumble as Sam and Shiro laugh at his expense. Shiro says he's sure when Pidge eventually heads back out to space she'll be able to clean up any mess that Matt makes. Matt raises his hands in surrender and says they can lay off now, and the three men share a laugh.
The playful jibes over, Matt asks Shiro if he's totally ready to leave Earth. Shiro says he is, and though living on New Altea will take some getting used to, he'll have friends and family with him there. Besides, with Altean tech everyone is just a wormhole away.
He says that being out in space, learning about the universe, and everything that's out there has always been his dream. Now he'll be able to learn more than he ever thought possible without the worry of any illness to hold him back, or a universal war to wear him down. Matt smiles and says he understands exactly what he means.
Sam places a hand on both of the young men's shoulders and says that he's proud and excited for them both, but they both better make it back for Holidays, or else Colleen will personally hunt them down and drag them back to Earth.
The two men laugh and say they will.
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Inside the Garrison's kitchen, Hunk and Shay hand Romelle a small box. Hunk says it's a going away present for her, all of his mother's recipes. Pidge helped him translate them into Altean so she can practice her cooking. Shay adds that her grandmother's soup recipe is also in there, since she liked it so much.
Romelle is touched by the presents and asks them to visit often. Hunk says his and Shay's training to become Ambassadors for their peoples will keep them tied up for a while, but as soon as they become fully fledged diplomats, they will all be able to see each other more often. Romelle says that if they need any off planet training, they are more than welcomed to come to New Altea. Hunk and Shay agree and thank her.
Lance and Pidge appear in the kitchen and greet the two ladies as they approach Hunk. Lance complements Romelle's crown; officially adopted into Allura's family, she is now the crowned princess to the Altean people.
Romelle readjusts the crown -Allura's old tiara, now bearing a new stone- and says it's still taking some getting used to. Lance and Pidge say that it suits her. She warmly thanks them, saying that their support gives her courage.
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Later, Hunk, Pidge, and Lance walk down the Garrison halls, catching up with each other as they have all been so busy with their work. Pidge talks about how the creation of Vehicle Voltron is going well, and the wonderful multi-planetary team they have assembled to work on it.
Lance shares all the work he and the MFE's have been doing together, and how even though it's been hard work, it's been so good to see worlds and races really recover from the war. The two are happy for him, and he points out that it's not the same though. He misses flying with Hunk and Pidge and says if they want to come back to Voltron he's sure they could; the Lions still haven't found replacements for them yet.
The former Yellow and Green Paladins thank him, but say that it's just as the Lions once said, their time as Paladins came to an end. They, like Shiro felt they had other things that they needed to do, and Yellow and Green encouraged them to move on.
Lance sighs wistfully, but says he understands, he just misses Hunk, Pidge, and Allura on the team. Hunk and Pidge encourage him, saying that they are certain that the lions will find new Paladins soon.
Lance grumbles that it will only happen if Keith settles down for one moment so they can actually focus on it; he's been so busy helping the Galra that he's hardly around to do anything Voltron related.
It's then that they see Keith coming out of a meeting with the Blade and a number of other Galra diplomats.
Lance says speak of the Mullet, and the three approach him. They see a solemn look on his face and greet him, asking what's wrong. Keith, deep in thought says that he was asked to be one of the leaders of New Daibazaal's government.
The Garrison trio are surprised to hear this, and Lance guesses that he turned the offer down, but Keith reveals he actually said yes. He's not sure how long he will hold the position, but he's accepted the role for now. The others are shocked at first, but quickly congratulate him, pulling him into a group hug. All three know he'll do great as one of the leaders of his people.
They then realize what this means, Keith is leaving Earth.
Hunk cries that everyone is leaving and Lance and Pidge agree, saying that it's not fair. Keith smiles at them, warmed that they will miss him. He says that at one point in his youth, he had nothing on this planet that would have kept him here, he would have left without a second thought; but now he has so many friends and loved ones that he had to stop and think hard about this choice.
However, he never felt that Earth was where he belonged, he feels called to the stars and even if New Daibazaal isn't where he permanently settles, he knows he needs to be with his mother and their people right now.
He looks to the three of them and says that they have helped change his life for the better and that he will miss them so much. The three get teary-eyed and hug him once more, telling him that their doors will always be open to him.
Once they break out of the hug, Keith asks Lance if they can talk privately for a minute, and they break off from the other two.
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Keith and Lance walk for a bit and Keith explains that with him leaving Earth, he's stepping down from being the Black Paladin. Lance is shocked and deeply upset, first Allura stepped down to rule as Queen, then Hunk and Pidge due to their duties at the Garrison, and now Keith? He says the original Paladins were able to fulfill their roles despite being on different planets, why can't they?
Keith acknowledges that, but says times were different back then. The universe is still very unstable at the moment, and planets can't afford to have leaders and vital people constantly run off to fight elsewhere. Besides, he says he's now come to the same realization that Shiro, Allura, Hunk, and Pidge had before him; there's a new purpose out there for him.
The two walk into the Lion's hanger where they look up to Black. Lance wonders who will lead Voltron now, and Keith says Black has already chosen its next Paladin. Lance asks who, and Keith looks at him and says "you". Lance looks from Keith to the Black Lion in disbelief.
Lance is stunned into silence, when he finds his words he says he is honored, but he's not sure if he's ready for that. Keith smiles and says that he knows Lance is. He's seen how Lance has grown from a playful showman, to a focused leader. He says he believes in Lance's ability and knows that he will make a great Black Paladin. Lance says that means the world to him, coming from a leader he truly respects.
Lance looks up to the Black Lion and asks it if it's ready for this new partnership. The Black Lion's eyes flash and it stands and roars in answer.
The two look up to the Lion, with humbled pride. Lance says it will be difficult finding and learning to work with a new team. Keith smiles knowingly just as the hangar doors open and says he doubts that. Lance turns to see the MFE Pilots walk in, not noticing the two Paladins.
Lance looks from Keith to the MFE Pilots and back and asks if he really thinks they could be the new Paladins. Keith asks him what he and Black feel.
Lance closes his eyes, testing the new bond he has with the Black Lion, and realizes it's true, the other Lions have already chosen the MFE Pilots as their Paladins.
He opens his eyes and looks to Keith with a smile. Keith pats him on the shoulder and tells him to go talk to his new team. Lance laughs and runs over to the group.
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Night before the Atlas is prepared to launch the five former Paladins, Lance, and Coran sit and have a private dinner together on the roof of the Garrison. They talk and laugh, reminiscing over their adventures while sharing their plans and hopes for the future, just enjoying each other's company.
As the sun starts to go down, they realize how late it's gotten. Lance calls for one final photo, and everyone gathers together and takes the picture. They look the photo over and all approve of it. They sit there, knowing they should head off to get some sleep before the launch, but none want to leave yet.
Coran sees this and smiles. He coughs to get their attention and points out that they never finished their last Monsters and Mana campaign. Allura says that it will be a little while before they see each other again; they may forget the nuances of the story if they don't finish.
The others smile, and agree that that has to be finished. Coran pulls out the game and they play together under the stars.
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The next day people from all over the place come to the Garrison to witness The Atlas' launch.
Pidge, her family, Hunk and his family, along with many of the other Coalition members and former-rebels watch and wave from the ground as the mighty ship begins to take off.
A loud roar is heard and Pidge and Hunk cheer as the Lions of Voltron fly overhead. The Lions move to follow behind The Atlas, escorting it to its new home.
Lance, flying the Black Lion, now wearing new Black Paladin armor asks if the others are alright. Griffin in Red, Rizavi in Blue, Leasdottir in Green, and Kincade in Yellow all call in positives.
Lance smiles and makes a call to form Voltron.
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In the Atlas, Shiro and Sven arrive on the bridge where some of the new Galra leadership, including Krolia and Kolivan, as well as Queen Allura's Altean council of Coran, Romelle, Luca, and Tavo stand.
Shiro sees Keith in his new Galran armor is standing with Allura near the view screen. He approaches and tells them they will be arriving to New Diabazaal soon to drop the Galra off, before taking The Atlas to their home on New Altea.
Allura and Keith smile to him, and the three watch the screen as they approach the two Planets.
Shiro asks if they are nervous. Keith says no, he feels confident and hopeful. Allura agrees, smiling brightly she says "after all, this is the beginning of a new story."
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The End
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Notes:
I am so sorry this took so long to post. I did not mean for it to take this ling, but I just had a rather off holiday season (not bad by any means, just off), so it's been harder for me to get back into the swing of things.
It does kind of work out though, as I created my first draft of this rewrite pretty much one year ago.
But anyhow, let's get into talking about this ending.
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So, my biggest problem (and I think most people's problem) with the ending of the series was what happened to the main characters, especially with the end cards. I heard they were supposedly tacked on at the last minute, and it sure seems like it. While Shiro, Pidge, and Hunk had somewhat 'happy' endings they were only happy in a very sterile way.
What do I mean by "sterile", well, there was nothing deep or meaningful to their look at their end cards:
"Shiro found his happiness and finally left the battlefield behind" Ok, that sounds good and all, but there was no development to this 'happiness'. What even makes him happy? I though his passion was space exploration, did he get to return to that? We don't know. He's just happy.
"The Holt Family established the next generation of Legendary Defenders." It's nice that the family stuck together, but that doesn't give us anything about Pidge specifically. Plus not everyone would get the Vehicle Voltron cameos that give weight to what they are doing.
"Hunk created a culinary empire, bringing the universe together, one meal at a time." Hunk's is the best and as we at least know he's doing things he enjoys, cooking and bringing people together. We can assume it's like what was shown earlier in the episode, where he cooks for leaders during a delegation, but the image presented looks more like he's the owner of a galactic restaurant chain more so then anything else.
The summaries to their lives just feel so hollow, and those were only the 'happy' ones, it only gets worse from there.
Coran didn't even get a title card, but let's talk about him for a minute. He was left completely alone without any close friends or loved ones nearby. Even though Merla was shown speaking to him, showing he talks to people, they had no relationship. What were we supposed to get from that scene? I was left with the feeling that he would forever be alone, his life dedicated to nothing but ensuring that Altea flourished in Allura's name, never stopping to rest, least the ghosts of the ones he lost haunt him.
Even though I hate Allura dying (and I'll get to that in a moment), if they had Romelle there with him at the end instead, his story would have ended on a more positive note. Since they had an established friendship in the show we could have seen it as him having lost one daughter only to gain another. We would know he would be able to have a new family with her.
Speaking of Romelle, all she got was a cameo relegated to the background of Hunk's ending where she wore a chef's outfit. Such a great ending for this important Voltron legacy character! [/sarcasm]
Back to the main Paladins;
"Lance continued to spread Allura's message while surrounding himself with the things he loved." It sounds like he become an Altean missionary who shared the gospel of Allura, even though the picture just shows him working on his family's farm. I know many others, and myself felt that he would forever pine after Allura, living his life out in a way that forever left him longing for something more. How is that a good place to leave a character?
What about his dreams, his goals in life? He was the most ambitious of the Paladins, and while his ambitions at the beginning of the series might not have had the best reasoning (going to prove how good he is by being better then Keith and stuff like that), his reason should have grown and changed though the series, not his whole existence. He should have still been determined to become a Pilot and do great things, not to prove his worth, but because he had the passion, drive, and determination to go out and do them.
"Keith helped transition The Blade of Marmora to a humanitarian relief organization." Keith working for a humanitarian relief organization, that's a good idea. Fits with his caring and how he shows his love through acts of service. However, him transitioning The Blade of Marmora into a humanitarian relief organization is such a stupid concept. That would be like something tossing out the idea of turning the Navy Seals into a humanitarian relief organization. These people are specifically trained to fight. While they can offer aid, and work with humanitarian relief organizations, they are completely different things!
On top of all that, due to how the last two seasons went with his supposed friendships with the Paladins, I was depressingly left feeling Keith's story ended exactly where we met him at the beginning of the series: A loner with few friends and connections. Yes, I know he now had his mother, but she was to be shown busy as a leader of the Galra without Keith. While Axca, Ezor, and Zethrid were in the background of his title card, when were we shown them becoming close? We weren't. The golden rule of visual storytelling is "Show, don't tell". Because we weren't shown, we can't say it happened.
Heck, I don't even remember if Keith spoke to Axca at all after "The Way Forward", and she was the one he had the most positive interactions with.
With all the Paladins spread out back on Earth, Keith seems to have once more gone down a path of solitude. The character who needed friends and family the most ended up alone.
And Allura's ending was the worst ending of them all. I've talked many times throughout these rewrites of the many horrible things I felt was done to her character throughout the last two seasons. Killing her was the moldy cherry on top of that spoiled and rancid cake. Allura, who lost and sacrificed so much; whose character should have been raised up and allowed to flourish into a leader better than those who came before her, instead her ending was the same fate as the final villain, and there was no rightful justification for it.
As Allura and Honerva walk to their deaths, Honerva smiles, happy over the outcome as she gets to be reunited with her husband and son, while Allura looks sorrowful, her promising life ending too soon.
What an insulting and reprehensible ending for this character.
I wanted to rectify all these things with this final rewrite, and give them the happy and satisfying endings they deserved. I hope even if you aren't one hundred percent satisfied with my endings for the characters, they are at least more palatable then canon.
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Now that I've spoken about the heroes, not onto the Villains.
So, I know Honerva's ending here has shades of her original ending, but I really hope the differences stand out in what I wrote. I'm sure many would want to see her just outright killed/defeated, but since I really play up the 'The Zarkon family is possessed and unable to control themselves' I went with her having a redemptive ending.
The difference between my version and canon, is that canon showed Honerva's issues to be her thinking she was never happy. After Allura made her remember the good times, and that was it. No acknowledgement or apologies for all the evil she committed. Just "Huh, your right. Ok, let's bring the universe back." Nothing was even done with the Rift Creature that was still in her, Allura, and the other Alteans. That was all forgotten along with every other interesting plot thread.
With the chance of repeating myself from other chapters; my version of the 'Rift Creature' -actually the corrupted White Lion- literally warped how she, Zarkon, and Lotor saw everything. They could not truly see right from wrong, only their own desires and how things affected them. So, once freed from that corruption they regained their true selves and instantly knew all the evil they committed. Honerva wanted to make things right. I emphasize 'wanting" cause that's the key to redeeming a character, the desire to make things right.
Her and Lotor sacrificing themselves to fix the universe they helped tear apart was their way of making right all their wrongs and redeeming themselves.
And while I'm sure many would have liked Lotor to live, I see this as the better way; only because if he lived he would have been held accountable for his crimes just like the other Galran Warlords and Altean Acolytes. At least now he can unite with his uncorrupted parents and friends in the Connected Consciousness of all Existence, and one day reunite with the Paladins and experience a true friendship with them.
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Speaking of the Connected Consciousness of all Existence.
So, my version of this realm is clearly some sort of Well of Allsparks/Heaven-esk place. I know that idea might be a bit corny, but like I have Keith's dad point out, in S2E4 "Greening the Cube", Pidge says that she was told everyone was made up from the same star dust. Keith was so heartened by that idea, that I thought in this place called "Connected Consciousness of all Existence" it could be the same for people's Souls/Quintessence.
Plus, I thought it lead to one of my favorite parts of this chapter, the return of all the dead characters. I truly wanted this final story to be a celebration of everything that we loved about the series, and this allowed me the opportunity to bring back all the characters we grew to love. Even the minor ones that meant more to the fandom then they did the writers.
It also leaves us with the satisfaction and peace knowing that even though the Paladins are all going their own ways in life, no matter what, one day they will all be reunited not only with each other, but with all their loved ones here.
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One more thing I wanted to point out is that Keith does not rule all of New Daibazaal. He is one leader amongst many. I have seen "Emperor Keith" AUs and not only do I feel that role doesn't fit Keith; I don't think that role should exist on New Daibazaal at all.
The Galra just got through living under the thumb of one ruler for the past 10,000 years. There are going to be changes with their new world and that starts with how their leadership is set up. Rather than one person who has all the power, they have multiple leaders who come together and govern for the people. They are not permanent positions and can be voted out.
Keith is certainly an important voice, and one who was actually asked to take a role of leadership by the people (there's a lot of half-breeds who look up to him), but he is not the final say. One day his time as leader will be up, and he will move on.
I actually do envision his future much like the ending of the show where he ends up working with a humanitarian organization. But this time around he, Axca, Ezor, and Zethrid would team up with Allura, Shiro, and the Garrison to create a multi-species group that would then go and work with Voltron and Vehicle Voltron to help those in need.
See? Despite living some time away from each other, all the characters can end up continuing their lives together after all!
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Here’s a bonus gallery of a bunch of the designs I tried to recreate/come up with for how the characters look at the end.
First, I forgot to post this back with my version of S8E5. This was what they wore to the Paladin’s game night. As you can see I changed the colors of Rizavi and Leifsdottir’s outfits. I gave Griffin the clothing Lance wore on his date in S8E1. Since he didn’t use the outfit in this version I thought it would work here, especially since I gave Griffin a ‘well thought of’ family, I though his casual wear would be a bit more fancy. For Kincade, I had my friend who really liked him help me design his clothing. We thought this fit him.
This is the clothing the characters wear after the final montage. Of course the Paladin’s outfits are based off the canon outfits shown in the final group picture in the show. I didn’t have much to go on, so I made a lot of it up.
Allura’s dress is the one shown in the alternate universe Honerva went to (Coran at this time would be wearing the outfit he there too).
I completely changed Lance’s hair. I don’t know why the creators wanted to give him such an unkempt look in the last design, but I saw someone do an edit where they gave him Matt’s hairdo from the ‘Chip’ scene at the end. I thought that looked so good on him I opted to give that to him. Plus, now Matt can keep his long hair!
So these are the outfits the characters are wearing in the final scene when they leave for New Altea/New Daibazaal. I gave each Altean a bit of pink in their clothing. Since Pink was the color of remembrance, I figured many, especially the leadership would wear it not only in remembrance of all the Alteans that were lost, but for everyone who had been lost not only at the hands of the Galra, but at the hands of the Alteans as well. It’s a reminder to never let it happen again.
I forgot to put a new stone in Romelle’s crown. Woopsie!
I tried to blend Armor the Galra of old wore with the BoM uniforms. Showing that they are not completely leaving everything that once was behind. Instead they are taking what had been good and bringing it back.
\Keith’s outfit I blended not only with the BoM and ancient Galra armor, but also added some of the Paladin style as well. His armor is black instead of blue as a symbol of his time as Black paladin. I’m not complety satisfied with his design, bit this is where I settled for now.
I opted to give the new line of Plaldins completely new Armor. Since Voltron is currently set up on Earth, their armor is a blend of Altean armor and the MFE flight suits.
I also wanted to do some other pictures like Sven in the Garrison, and some others, but I never got to it. Maybe in the future.
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So that’s all for now.
I do have an idea for a short story that would be a continuation of the actual canon story; a way to fix the blunders of the ending and wrap things up on a better note, and be connected to this post of mine. But no promises to when that will be made.
So, for the time being this is where it all ends. Thank you so much for reading all this. I truly hope you enjoyed it.
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
From the ground where they crashed, Allura weakly opens her eyes. Confused as to where she is and what happened, she glances around before looking out of her viewing screen at the sky above. She watches in horror as the rift creature appears from the hole above Oriande, and everything comes rushing back to her. Realizing what's happening, she weakly calls to the Paladins, telling them they need to get up to stop the creature before it comes to full power.
There is no response from the others, and she attempts to reach her controls, but the slightest movement causes her pain. Crying out she tries to breath through it.
Lance's voice weakly comes over the comm asking if she's alright. She says she is hurt, and can't move, she will have to rely on Lance and the others to get Voltron up.
Hunk's voice then comes through and tells them that he can't move either. Pidge finally comes to and says she's pulling up Voltron's systems to get everyone's readings.
She goes silent, and Lance asks her what her readings say, when she doesn't answer, he desperately asks her again. Keith, voice barely audible and laced with pain, says they already know the answer, they can all feel it;
They are dying.
Allura lets out a devastated gasp, realizing what Keith said is true. She can feel the Quintessence of each Paladin growing weaker and weaker by the second. She squeezes her eyes shut as tears begin running down her face. Biting her lip she opens her eyes to the skies above, watching as the Dark Entity slowly makes its way out of the rift, swatting at Coalition ships and Komar Mechs alike. The Atlas and The Narti shoot at it, but none of their attacks even gives it pause.
Allura says that this can't be the end, Voltron was the only thing able to stop that creature once before; they can't leave the universe to this dark fate.
Lance tries to comfort her, saying that they have to trust in their family and friends, they are strong, and the Paladins have to believe that they will pull through.
Unable to do anything, the Paladins watch the fight above.
After a moment, Lance wistfully says that he's sure Veronica is formulating a perfect plan that will help them overcome the creature and win the day. Pidge lets out a small, pained chuckle, saying that it will be perfect with her parent's help of course, and Lance agrees wholeheartedly.
Keith goes along with their fantasy and says that Shiro and Kolivan will take that plan and use it to lead the Coalition to victory. Hunk says that afterwards everyone will come together and trow the biggest party the universe has ever seen. Allura finishes the fantasy by saying that after that there will be peace. Romelle will lead the Alteans, Kolivan and Krolia the Galra, and the universe will once more be free.
As they speak, the Paladins begin to lose their composure, realizing this is their end. However they are able to look up at where their loved ones are, hope for them in their hearts. They finally smile as they dream of their families going on to have long and happy lives after this war is over.
The Paladins become quite until Lance says that he's happy he gets to be with them in the end. He asks if that's selfish, and others say it isn't, they feel the same way. Once more they grow quiet, focusing on their bond, clinging to each other in a mental embrace.
As they solemnly watch the battle above, Keith notices that the rift is still open, and sees the glowing, golden quintessence within it. He raises his right hand and looks at it, then back to the Quintessence as a thought occurs to him.
Calling to Allura he asks her to look in the Rift. He explains that back when he fought Macadius at the Galra facility, his hand was seriously injured. A vat of the uncorrupted, golden quintessence splashed on him, and healed it. He asks Allura if the Quintessence in the Rift could heal and rejuvenate them in the same way.
Lance, Hunk, and Pidge think that he's mad for asking that. Lance saying that he thought it was the rift's Quintessence that made Zarkon and Honerva crazy.
Allura says that her father thought that the prolonged exposure is what changed them, but she saw Haggar's mind, it was her contact with the Rift Creature that corrupted them, not the Quintessence.
Considering Keith's question, Allura says she believes it could, but just because it healed him doesn't mean it's not dangerous. If they absorbed too much it could kill them.
Pidge points out that they are already dying, so long as this doesn't end with them becoming Quintessence seeking zombies like Zarkon and Haggar, they don't have anything to lose.
Hunk questions how they can even get it to them, it's up in the rift, and they can't fly up to it.
Allura says that being on Oriande, her abilities are heightened. She may be able to draw the Quintessence to them.
Keith, growing weaker by the minute, says this isn't a decision he alone will make. They all need to be onboard for this. Lance, Hunk, and Pidge each consider the severity of this, and agree. Keith tells Allura to do it.
Allura begins to glow and closes her eyes, she slowly draws the Quintessence from the rift and down into Voltron. However, the strain is too much for her wounded and weakened state, and she begins to lose her grip on it.
Keith feels her powers waning and tells the others to send Allura all the energy they have left. The four paladins close their eyes and each begin to glow. Their lions join in, and together they all send Allura the last of their Quintessence.
Allura shines bright, and opens her glowing golden eyes. Connecting with Blue, the Quintessence shoots out of the rift, and goes directly into Voltron. With a mighty shout, Allura attempts to control the amount absorbed.
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As Quintessence pours out of the rift, the Dark Creature pauses it's attack on the Coalition and turns to see the blinding light that engulfs Voltron.
Those on the bridges of both The Atlas and Narti watch with hope and suddenly, a flaming blue sword cuts through the light, dissipating it. Standing whole and healed is Voltron in a new Hyperphase form.
Not allowing the Creature a chance to gain the upper hand, Hyperphase Voltron flies at it, brandishing its sword. The Creature retreats, and the crews of The Atlas and The Narti cheer Voltron on as it flies past both ships.
Voltron and the Creature trade attacks, with Voltron getting in hit after hit, while easily avoiding everything the Creature throws at them.
As the Creature tries to get close to attack, Voltron twists and grabs it, attempting to blast it with their chest beam, however as soon as they touch the creature, time seems to freeze for Allura as she feels the Creature's Quintessence and realizes what it truly is.
She comes back to herself before they unleash their blast, and shouts for them to stop the attack. Her sudden order startles and confuses the Paladins, giving the creature the chance to break away.
The others ask her what's wrong, and Allura reveals that the Rift Creature isn't what they thought it was. It's not some creature from another reality, it's the corrupted form of Oriande's Guardian; it's the White Lion.
When they came in contact with it she was able to feel it's quintessence and saw that when Honerva tried to destroy the White Lion by using the dark entity within her, it instead corrupted the Guardian. The resulting explosion from Honerva's attack momentarily opened a small rift that the corrupted Guardian fell though. Due to the unstable temporal qualities of the rift, the corrupted Guardian ended up in the past where it appeared on Diabazaal and ended up corrupting Honerva, Zarkon, and eventually Lotor. Ever since that day, it's remained in the rift, waiting for the chance to be released again.
The others are stunned by this reveal, and Keith asks her what they can do. Allura says she believes that she can purify the Guardian using her Alchemy. Keith says they will follow her lead, and Allura tells them to catch it.
Voltron chases the entity, but it dances around them, still trying to attack and destroy. Keith calls for The Atlas for back up, and Shiro, along with the MFEs and The Narti try to distract it.
Griffin calls to Axca, and working together, the MFE's, Axca, Ezor, and Zethrid are able to position themselves where they constantly block the Creature's paths. Distracted by the multiple ships closing in on it, the Creature doesn't see as Voltron flies in and grabs it.
The creature desperately tries to get away, but Lance and Pidge clings to it tightly. Keith feels their struggle to hold it, and tells Allura to do what she needs to do fast.
Allura begins to glow, and sends her quintessence through Voltron and into the creature. The Darkness within it resists her and pushes back. The Paladins feel the pain that causes Allura, and the momentary slip almost allows it to get out of their grip. Lance and Pidge call out to each other and double down, reclaiming the creature before it breaks free.
Allura continues to send her Quintessence to it, crying out from the strain. Keith feels her desperation to get through to it, and tells the others to use their bond to help her. They once again share their Quintessence with her, and through their combined energy Allura is able to bush through the corruption, and eradicate the dark energy.
In a flash of blinding light, the White Lion is returned to its pure state.
As everyone looks upon the restored, glowing Lion, in awe, no one notices the damaged and burning Sincline Mech beginning to power back online.
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Seeing the White Lion reform Voltron and the coalition cheers. From The Atlas Shiro calls to the Paladins, asking them how they are, and the Paladins all report that they are great.
Shiro smiles and turns his attention to the opened rift. With most of the Komar Mechs non-functional, and the other threats dealt with, closing the Rift is the biggest concern.
Shiro asks the Paladins if they know what to do, Allura looks out to where the White Lion is and finds it staring at her, it bows its head before vanishing. She realizes what must happen and and begins to explain that destroying Diabazaal was enough to close the first one. Destroying Oriande will close this one.
The others are horrified, and Shiro asks her if there is nothing else they can do; the Alteans have lost so much, to lose this place that is so deeply rooted in their past can't be the only option.
Allura smiles sadly and says that it will be a grave loss, but there is no other way. Besides, the Alteans know that it's not the planet that makes a home. They will be fine.
Shiro nods in understanding and goes to give the order to evacuate, but Veronica interrupts as warning alarms suddenly blare. She says that the Sincline is up, and flying straight for the rift.
Seeing this, Allura shouts for everyone to stop Honerva, as she could destroy all of reality if her ship gets to the rift.
The Atlas, Narti, and Voltron immediately begin firing at the Mech, but it's too late. Honerva enters the rift and unleashes all her weapons, shattering all of reality.
Everyone stares in horror as they are engulfed by a white light.
Notes:
Yes, reality was destroyed here because Shiro didn't let Slav look over the fruit they got in "Launch Party".
(Don't get the joke, then go back and re-read the pat where Shiro and Hunk are shopping)
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So, I'm not sure how well everything works, there is a lot here that gets thrown at you all at once, but I'm really trying to tie up loose ends. Unfortunately, since the creators didn't give explanations for/ wrap up story elements earlier, it all gets resolved now.
I didn't think giving the Rift the timey-whimey mechanics of being able to send the corrupted guardian to the past was too far fetched. The Rift already had canon time dilation effects in the story when the Paladins fought inside it with Lotor. I figured the rift itself could have all sorts of abnormal time related properties to it. So as long as it didn't break the universe and tells a good story, having it send something to the past wouldn't be too far fetched.
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For the paradox that the Guardian causes causes, I just really liked the idea. Honerva corrupts the guardian and sends it to the past where it corrupts her and waits in the rift until it is freed by Honerva and is finally purified by Allura.
I also think it gives some deeper story elements to those who were effected seeking Quintessence. What part of that could be is the creature inside of them seeking a way to return the rest of itself to the proper universe. It drives its hosts to continually need and seek Quintessence. What is the ultimate source of Quintessence? The rift where the creature is. Once they open the rift to get their Quintessence, it can get free.
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Now, I know Allura being able to draw the quintessence to Voltron is a complete ass pull, but I needed something to work, and while this is no excuse, the creators did all kinds of thinks like that as well. It's stupid to suddenly give her this ability, I know, but it serves the story. And I want to emphasize that this isn't something she would normally be able to do, It's only because she's on Oriande and has a magical connection to the place that allowed her this one time ability.
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I also wanted to 'canonize' Hyperphase Voltron in my version. I know it was just a toy repaint, but it was really cool looking. And the description for the toy completely fit my story here:
"Voltron team taps into Princess Allura's unique connection to the Quintessence and imbues the Lions with this energy, upgrading their weapons systems and supercharging this robotic defender!"
The picture up there was a screen edit done by me. P
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So, one final episode left! It may take me a couple weeks to post it, cause I want to make a drawing to go alongside it, but it will come.
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
At the two different sites, Allura and Krolia, and Pidge and Leifsdottir each find the remains of a destroyed Komar Mech. Both machines are in far worse shape than the one the Paladins took down with the Blazing sword, causing Pidge to question the construction of the mech.
As the women search the debris of each one, both teams find an intact cockpit-capsule with a living, Non-Cog Alteans inside.
Allura inspects the one she and Krolia found and realizes the capsule has been set up to act like a stasis pod, keeping the Altean in suspended animation.
Pidge and Leifsdottir scan the Altean they found, and as Pidge looks over the readings, she notices there’s something in the readings of the new Hoktril that is familiar, but she can’t put her finger on what it is. She informs Allura and says she will have to study it up close when they rendezvous with The Atlas.
Enserio la manera que lotor esta flanderizado acá y como le dan todo el foco acá y pretenden ser mejores que la serie original? puff perdonen esto huele a fanboy de keith por todas parte o autoinserccion
stephaniechanel, Unfortunately I only speak English, so I had to run your comments through a translator, and I’m going off of that. If it misrepresented what you were saying, I apologize.
What the translation said, was that you felt I flanderized Lotor, that I thought my version was better, and that I was a Keith fangirl and used him as a self-insert.
So, to respond, Lotor is written in this extreme way for a reason int he story, and not because I think that’s his character. I do explain it later in another episode rewrite, but his actions here are due to the rift creature/dark entity affecting him. He’s still in the crazed state that we last saw him in towards the end of “Defender of all universes” and is not able to think clearly at this point.
Now, I said early on that I never wanted to come across as pushing my version as the better version. I don’t think that I wrote it better, I just think the show’s writers could have ended the series better.
I was severely disappointed with the final seasons of VLD, and while I do like my version as much as any person likes their own fix-it fic, I know that this all comes down to a matter of personal taste. I know many people liked the canon story, and that my version won’t please everyone, and that’s fine.
This was just a fun project for me to work on to get over my personal disappointment over the series ending.
It’s true that Keith is one of my favorite characters, and while I’m sure my favorites show, I do try to keep things fair. When I originally started this I asked a friend to help me keep a balance with the characters, but unfortunately they had to leave, and I no longer have a beta to help me.
Anyhow, hope that kind of clears some things. Have a nice day!
Si ese es el caso pido disculpas si soné agresiva, suelo ser demasiado critica, solo pensé que estaban sacando demasiado a lotor de personaje pero acabo de ver que fue error del google traductor por que no habían traducido bien lo de la entidad oscura, eso explica su comportamiento errático
stephaniechanel, It’s no problem! I really don’t mind people being critical of my work, as I believe constructive criticism helps people grow.
When I posted this chapter, I was afraid that people would read it and believe that this erratic behavior was how I saw Lotor, but I didn’t want to give spoilers to what was really going with him because I hadn’t revealed it in the story yet. So that’s why I wanted to explain it to you.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read some of my work and commenting, I do appreciate it.
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
At the two different sites, Allura and Krolia, and Pidge and Leifsdottir each find the remains of a destroyed Komar Mech. Both machines are in far worse shape than the one the Paladins took down with the Blazing sword, causing Pidge to question the construction of the mech.
As the women search the debris of each one, both teams find an intact cockpit-capsule with a living, Non-Cog Alteans inside.
Allura inspects the one she and Krolia found and realizes the capsule has been set up to act like a stasis pod, keeping the Altean in suspended animation.
Pidge and Leifsdottir scan the Altean they found, and as Pidge looks over the readings, she notices there’s something in the readings of the new Hoktril that is familiar, but she can’t put her finger on what it is. She informs Allura and says she will have to study it up close when they rendezvous with The Atlas.
Enserio la manera que lotor esta flanderizado acá y como le dan todo el foco acá y pretenden ser mejores que la serie original? puff perdonen esto huele a fanboy de keith por todas parte o autoinserccion
stephaniechanel, Unfortunately I only speak English, so I had to run your comments through a translator, and I’m going off of that. If it misrepresented what you were saying, I apologize.
What the translation said, was that you felt I flanderized Lotor, that I thought my version was better, and that I was a Keith fangirl and used him as a self-insert.
So, to respond, Lotor is written in this extreme way for a reason int he story, and not because I think that’s his character. I do explain it later in another episode rewrite, but his actions here are due to the rift creature/dark entity affecting him. He’s still in the crazed state that we last saw him in towards the end of “Defender of all universes” and is not able to think clearly at this point.
Now, I said early on that I never wanted to come across as pushing my version as the better version. I don’t think that I wrote it better, I just think the show’s writers could have ended the series better.
I was severely disappointed with the final seasons of VLD, and while I do like my version as much as any person likes their own fix-it fic, I know that this all comes down to a matter of personal taste. I know many people liked the canon story, and that my version won’t please everyone, and that’s fine.
This was just a fun project for me to work on to get over my personal disappointment over the series ending.
It’s true that Keith is one of my favorite characters, and while I’m sure my favorites show, I do try to keep things fair. When I originally started this I asked a friend to help me keep a balance with the characters, but unfortunately they had to leave, and I no longer have a beta to help me.
Anyhow, hope that kind of clears some things. Have a nice day!
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
Defenders of the Universe, Part 1
Voltron stands, now fully formed, but due to Lotor's savage attack on the Black Lion, the Mech is kn bad shape as burst of electricity and sparks occasionally fly out of damaged hull of the Black Lion, and all the Paladins feel that the bond is not completely stable.
Inside Black, Keith is hunched over, gasping for breath and clutching his abdomen. He is in worse shape than he was after his and Shiro's fight at the clone facility.
The Paladins feel the amount of pain Keith is in through their bond and ask him if he's alright, Keith grits out that he'll be fine as he tries to push past his injuries.
Lance calls out a warning as Lotor rushes towards them. Keith orders him to form Voltron's sword, and Voltron rushes to meet the other Mech.
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Having grabbed a gun, Maahox shoots at Sven, who dodges out of the way. Maahox calls out to him, saying that he has proven himself to be strong and that if he surrenders himself, he will be given the honor of receiving a Hoktril, rather then being out right killed.
Sven says he'd choose death before he'd accept that living nightmare. He rushes out from his spot and tries to tackle the twisted scientist, but Maahox moves, just barely avoiding the attack and gets Sven in his weapon's sight.
He tells Sven that his choice is a pity, but Hira will be pleased to hear of his death. Sven smirks and says he doesn't think Maahox will be able to tell her. It's then that Maahox notices a blinking light at the end of his gun, and realizes Sven attached an explosive charge on it as he rushed by. He goes to throw the gun, but it's too late.
Sven ducks out of the way as the charge goes off.
The blast from the charge throws Moxilous off balance, and Romelle uses the distraction to get the upper hand. With her Altean strength, she is able to knock him out.
She goes over to Sven, and helps him up, asking if he's alright. Sven, winded from the blast, says he's good, and they run over and work together to free the Alteans and Olkari, the latter begin immediately crafting weapons from the lab's technology.
As they prepare to leave, Sven sees the incapacitated Moxilous and asks the Olkari if his Hoktril can be removed. The Olkari say it's different then the ones they designed, but they will do their best to help him. Sven understands, and Romelle has the Alteans help cary the unconscious alien out.
Now leading a small army, Sven and Romelle start to make their way through the Temple.
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As Hira's and Krolia's fight rages on, Kolivan, the Blades, and the Altean colonists make progress on taking down the other Alteans.
Hira and Krolia lock blades, putting all their strength into standing their ground. Hira is finally able to overpower the larger woman, using her Altean strength to push Krolia back. She lashes out with her sword and wounds Krolia on her side.
Krolia cries out in pain and collapses to one knee while holding her wounded side. Hira approaches, looking down at Krolia in disgust, she tells her that this is how their races were always supposed to be, the Alteans standing victorious, and the Galra on their knees. However, coming to this universe she's now understands that all the universes have been thrown out of balance thanks to the Galra.
She says she will fix that by first riding this universe of the Galran race, and putting all the other species in their proper place. Once this universe is 'perfect' she will return to her own and do the same. She will go one by one, the universe by universe, until all realities are as they should be; free from the Galra and under Altean rule.
She says it all starts today with the destruction of Voltron, and the deaths of it's Paladins.
Unfortunately for Hira, while Krolia was injured by her attack, she was playing up the severity of her wound. With the Altean's threat on Keith's life, Krolia leaps up and thrusts her blade forward. Hira, not expecting the sudden attack, is cut down without another word, ending her evil once and for all.
Krolia looks down at the fallen woman without pity.
With Hira's death, the rest of her surviving Altean loyalists surrendered and the Blade begin rounding them up.
The throne room battle over, Kolivan comes to Krolia's side and asks if she's alright. Krolia says she is and looks around as noise from a large group of approaching people comes from one of the hallways.
The Blade prepare for another fight, only for Sven, Romelle, and those they saved to enter.
Seeing Romelle and Sven, Krolia calls to them. The two rush over to her and reunite with hugs, overjoyed to see each other alive and well.
However, the colonists Romelle and Sven saved are instantly wary of the Blade, demanding to know if this is a trap.
Luca and Tavo, along with the other Alteans who were saved by the Coalition come out of the midst of the Blade, and explain that these Galra are on their side and are fighting for them.
The colonists are still unsure, and look to Romelle, who they trust, as she has so far saved and guided them to their freedom. She smiles and says that Luca and Tavo are right. The Alteans are hesitant, but believe Romelle and step forward to meet the Blade.
Seeing this, Krolia calls for Matt and the Rebels to come help evacuate them from Oriande's surface.
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Voltron, trying to fend off both Lotor in his Mech, as well as another Komar Mech that had joined the fight, struggles under the heavy bombardment of attacks. The MFE's, Axca, Ezor, and Zethrid fly in, trying to help Voltron by attacking and distracting the two Mechs.
Pidge calls out to the other Paladins, saying Voltron is taking too much damage, with the shape it's already in, they won't last long against both of these Mechs.
Hunk says that the Rebels, Blade, and The Atlas are all dealing with their own battles, and can't help.
Keith tries to ignore his injuries and focus on the battle, but he is clearly struggling. He closes his eyes and asks Black for help and the Lion roars to him. At once everything snaps into focus. Keith says they have to let the Komar Mechs attack them.
The other Paladins are shocked by his words, and Lance says that the Komar Mech must have hit him one too many times. Keith says he's thinking straight, and asks them if they remember the move they pulled when Axca, Ezor, Zethrid, and Narti were trying to steal the Teludav.
The others realize what he means, and Keith admits to them that he's way more injured then he let on, and needs their help to pull this off. The Paladins agree, and following his directions they get into position and wait for his call.
The Komar Mech, seeing Voltron stall, takes its chance. Summoning it's blade, it flies at the Voltron. At the same time, Lotor's Mech does the same from the other side. Keith watches and tells the Paladins to get ready. They close their eyes, trusting in his guidance and their lions.
The Mechs fly in from both sides, raising their blades. Keith holds on till the last possible moment, then shouts for them to move.
At once the Paladins slam their controls, moving Voltron in perfect unison and getting out of the way. Both Mechs, unable to stop, slam into each other and drive their Quintessence siphoning weapons into each other.
Voltron moves off to the side and watches as the Mech's weapons try to absorb the Quintessence from each other. This causes a feedback within the machines, and both explode in a blinding light.
The energy from the explosion is enormous and the blast wave hits Voltron and the other ships, sending them flying back.
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Honerva feels the blast wave from where she has been fighting and attempting to absorb enough Quintessence to use the Trans-reality Mech.
She turns as soon as the explosion happens, having sensed that her son was in one of the Mechs. She sees Lotor's Mech go down in flames and screams in rage and anguish.
Clenching the controls of the her Mech, she grabs a nearby Komar Mech by its' head and takes it's siphoning sword before throwing the Mech into another.
As Voltron tries to recover from the blast wave, Honerva rushes at it. The Paladins only see her approach when it's already too late. Honerva stabs her sword though Voltron's chest and out its' back, twisting the blade as it goes in.
The Atlas and The Narti sees this and screams for the Paladins. They order their crews to rush and help, but they are too far away as Honerva begins rapidly absorbing Voltron's quintessence.
The Paladins scream, this Komar drain unlike any of the ones they felt before. It's as if Honerva herself has reached into their very souls in order to rip their life force from them.
Absorbing all the power she needs, Honerva twists around and throws Voltron through several of Oriande's floating land masses.
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From onboard The Atlas bridge, where Shiro, Coran, and Veronica are, to the ground where Krolia, Kolivan, Matt, Romelle, and Sven are evacuating the Alteans and Olkari, to the surrounding sky where the MFE Pilots, Axca, Ezor, and Zethrid are fighting;
The entire Coalition watches in horror as Voltron goes down, only stopping it's fall when it slams into Oriande's surface.
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Honerva rises her Mech to the sky above Oriande's temple and begins to use her Alchemy to power the Sinclare's system to warp reality to her will.
However, as Allura had warned, Trans-reality comets were not meant to be used this way, and like the attempt in Hira's universe, it backfires, and rather than changing reality, it rips a hole in it.
Quintessence begins pouring out of the tear, and floods into Honerva's Mech. The systems in the Sincline can't handle the uncontrolled energy input, and it explodes and is sent crashing to the ground.
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Shiro sees everything from The Atlas and orders a report on the tear the Sincline made. Veronica says she can't get any readings on it, as the energy from it is overwhelming.
Coran cries out in shock, and they look up to see a dark cloud emerge from the hole. Shiro asks what that is, and Coran says it's what started this all.
Billions of the Rift creatures pour out of the tear and reforms the dark entity that once attacked Daibazaal 10,000 years ago.
Notes:
I know that the third part of the S6E7 is called "Defender of All Universes", but I'm ignoring that. For one thing, that title is too big and important to the final episode in the middle of the series. So, I'm changing that story to being called "Knights of Light", and this two parter to Defender of All Universes, 1 & 2.
I mean, isn't it more fitting here? They are working to save the future of all realities.
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Soooo, I brought the Rift creature from "The Legend Begins" back! I was really frustrated with was how the that whole thing played out. It was a threat that was 'defeated' by the original Paladins, however it was still existing in the rift to twist Zarkon and Honerva into monsters, but then Honerva was later able to control bits of it and put them into the Alteans. Like, how does this thing work? Who was the one really in control?
Well, I'm going to attempt to answer those questions.
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And if it seems like Hira was killed too quickly, well, she was never the main villain to begin with. She was trying to usurp that role both in and out of the narrative, but that was not her part to play. She really was in way over her head.
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Two more episodes left! Hope you all are enjoying, thanks for reading!
NEXT
I wrote this for part of my Voltron season 7/8 rewrite, but you don’t have to know anything about that to understand this. I just wanted to make sure that you understand I’m not saying any of this is canon.
I love world building and hearing other’s world building ideas, so I thought I would share this separately from my rewrite for anyone who might find it interesting.
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Before i get into the actual history, I want to bring up a concept about the Galra and their emotions.
This idea on how their emotions work came from a Voltron Con panel I could have sworn I once saw; though I haven't been able to find it again, so I fully admit that it could just be something my brain made up.
But what I remember during Q&A time, was someone asking if Keith's anger issues stemmed from his Galran genes; Lauren Montgomery responded saying that she's sure that was the case, and that the Galra have extreme emotions, and felt deeply.
That idea, that the Galra race was actually an extremely emotional race, was something that intrigued me, and I started building ideas off of it on how that would have affected them through what we knew about them in the series.
Some of this might contradict things Dayak said about the Galra’s history in "Omega Shield", but I don't hold her words as absolute truth, as the history of the Galra's origins could have been warped to fit Zarkon's twisted empire.
(Really though, that's just the excuse I'm going with if any of this history I made up doesn't really fit with show canon.)
That said, here's my version of Galran history:
The Galra, much like the ancient Vulcans in the main Star Trek canon, were an extremely emotional species. This was as much as a blessing as a curse; their emotions could lead to great empathy and peace as easily as it could lead to great anger and conflict. One small action from one tribe or person towards another could be taken wrong and set everyone off in long wars.
Through the years there were times of great upheavals and conflicts. Finally, in the last "War of the Tribes" the "Vrepit Sa" -as Dayak told- was made.
In the aftermath, the tribes realized their race would not survive if they continued this way and they decided to make a drastic change. Rather than continuing on as separate tribes, the survivors pulled together and united as one tribe, implementing a structured system, and a single Emperor to lead the species. They were still an emotional race, but now with a firm system in place, they could work through their issues using a universal law system.
With that, the race grew, prospered, and eventually became space faring. However, reaching the stars created problems, as coming into contact with races that did not follow the Galra's law started causing conflict once more.
Some species saw how the Galra's emotions were easily stirred, and took advantage of them. When the Galra realized this, war broke out for the first time in centuries, though this time it was the united Galra race against species that used and harmed them.
During one of these wars, the final battle happened on a planet called Feyiv.
In this battle, the Galra's current Emperor was killed, but instead of fleeing, another Galra stepped up and took charge. They ended up leading the Galra to victory as the other races retreated.
The Galra who had stepped up during the time of crisis was made the new Emperor, and the mountainside where they refused to retreat became a sacred site. A temple was built, and all future Emperors would go there to partake in the Kral Zera and ascend the Steps of Destiny in order to have the right to rule.
It was also during these wars that the term "Palen-bol" came into existence, as the Galra learned that through hardships and pain, they could be made strong.
Centuries went by, and over time Diabazaal became unstable from all the galactic wars.
A new and young Emperor, Zarkon, saw Daibazaal was going down a path of destruction, and decided he wanted to stabilize it. He sought out means to doing this, which eventually led him to meeting another young ruler of a peaceful race, Alfor of Altea.
Though the Galra were untrusting of other races due to the past, Zarkon came to see the genuine nature of Alfor and his people, and he and the Galra eventually embraced them as allies and friends.
This led Daibazaal to opening up to the idea of working with other races, rather than just opposing those who didn't live the same way they did. When Alfor introduced Zarkon to Blaytz, Gyrgan, and Trigel, the Galra flourished even further with all the new allies.
Eventually, when Zarkon and Honerva married, everything turned around for the Galran race, and they saw that they could peacefully exist with other races.
That's when the rift opened and everything came crashing down.
After Zarkon and Honerva were killed, Alfor was the one who took the responsibility to tell the Galra of their leader's passing. He led them in evacuating Diabazaal, and he and the other Paladins opened their own worlds to the Galra, embracing them as their own people.
Then Zarkon returned.
After having first lost their beloved rulers, then their home world, the Galra were in a state of devastation and their emotions pushed to the breaking point.
Now, here was Zarkon -who Alfor said had died- telling them that not only was that a lie, but that the one who spoke those lies was responsible for the destruction of their world.
At this point there already tattered emotions snapped, and seeing proof of Alfor's 'lies' in the form of Zarkon ‘alive and well’, the Galra turned on their allies, and attacked without mercy.
Hurt by the universe for the last time, the Galra rose up and united once more, this time deciding that the only way they could have peace would be to do what they did on Daibazaal, take control of everything and have it set under one ruling Emperor. Thus their conquest for the universe began.
It's at this point that Zarkon, now corrupted, began to twist the Galra's way of thinking.
Using their feelings of hurt and betrayal, he drove empathy out of his people, as it was their empathy that allowed them to open themselves up to other races and lose everything. In order to survive, they had to become strong, had to become powerful, had to conquer.
It was victory or death.
However, as the Galran mindset began to change, some resisted. A Galra named Marmora saw what Zarkon had become, and what he was pushing their people to be, and decided to do something about it. They united others who felt the same and began working against the Empire in order to save their people.
However, the one thing Marmora did agreed with Zarkon on, was that their race's emotions were the cause of many of their problems.
Though, Marmora thought the answer was to take a different route then Zarkon, and convinced their followers to temper and control their emotions. Their focus became seeking the truth to free the universe, and their own race from Zarkon.
For them it was knowledge or death.
When Marmora died, those who followed them took up their name and worked as the blade that would strike at the heart of Zarkon's Empire.
As the war went on, and the Galran Empire conquered more and more worlds, the Galra who remained on the worlds to set up colonies began intermixing with the different species.
When the mass inter species mixing was discovered by the empire, it was immediately discouraged and looked down upon, and great emphasis was put on the concept of being “pure blooded”. The majority of the Galra immediately stopped inter mixing, but it was too late.
Though the years the bloodlines became so intermingled that it caused the Galran race to go from looking like this:
To becoming as diverse as this:
Those who were of a mixed race did what they could to hide any evidence. Because of that, over the 10,000 years they forgot what their species originally looked like, and most modern day Galra have no idea of their mixed heritage.
Nowadays Galra only know another is 'half breed’ when the non-Galra parent is widely known of from the get go.
Which is why these four are specifically targeted as 'half breeds’ despite looking no less Galra then some of the others shown above:
Anyhow, that’s my idea for the Galran history in my version of season 7/8. Which, if you are interested in reading, can be found HERE
Hope you all enjoyed.
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
Back when Ozar, Romelle, and Sven were trying to infiltrate Oriande-
Desperately trying to escape the Kolmar Mech that spotted the small Rebel craft, Ozar tries to call to The Atlas, but realizes that the Mech's shot took out their communication system.
Ozar shouts to Sven and Romelle, telling them he's going to fly as close as he can to one of the floating land masses that surrounds Oriande in order for them to get out.
Romelle asks how he's going to escape, and Ozar tells her not to worry, he'll head for the White hole as soon as they are out and that he has no intent to die today. Despite his statement, they all know that it's unlikely that he will make it out of this.
Romelle quickly runs up to where he's flying and thanks him with a kiss on the cheek.
She then joins Sven at the side door, and Ozar throws Sven a belt with a gun, some small charges, and other supplies on it. Sven thanks him as well, and Ozar tells them to just make sure they win this war. They nod, and Ozar opens the door, telling them to jump.
The two use their jet packs and make it onto the rock without being spotted. They run for cover and watch as Ozar's ship continues on, turning and heading back towards the White Hole. Just as it approaches the exit, a second mech appears and opens fire, hitting the ship and destroying it.
Romelle and Sven bow their heads as the Mechs return to their base.
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In the present, Romelle waits in a small cave as Sven scouts ahead. She worries about how her friends and family are doing, knowing they must think that she and Sven died with Ozar. However, that thought just strengthens her resolve to do everything she can to end this war so that it can no longer cause her loved ones any more pain.
Sven returns and tells her of an unused passageway he found that appears to go into the temple.
The two head off and make the trek to it.
Standing before the passage, they take each other's hands and giving a comforting squeeze before taking a deep breath and entering the dark passage.
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In Maahox's surgical room, Honerva lays, seemingly unconscious, as he and his assistants prepare a Hoktril for her.
As one of the assistants works with their back to Honerva, she opens her eyes and watches them. She closes her eyes once more as they turn and come over to her side. Without warning she strikes out, grabbing their face, she unleashes her dark energy on them.
The Altean's screams die out as Maahox and Altean guards run in. Honerva is already up, and unleashes an attack on the guards.
Sending out a wave of her dark powers, she destroys the lab and sends Maahox flying out of the room.
Walking away from the smoking ruins, Honerva passes the cells where the Altean colonists and those who had still been loyal to her are imprisoned. They all beg her to help them as she goes by.
Unmoved by their cries, she leaves them behind and makes her way to the Sincline, intending to end this once and for all.
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Inside the temple of Oriande, Hira works on orchestrating plans for a potential attack on Oriande, now that they know the Coalition knows where they are.
One of her followers alerts her that a large group of ships heading their way, and Hira knows it must be Voltron and the Coalition. She says the final fight has begun and shouts at her Alteans to get into position and follow the battle plans.
Sending out all the Komar Mechs they have, she vows to end Voltron this day.
The Non-cog Lotor stands by her side, staring lifelessly ahead, awaiting any order she might give him.
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Warping into Oriande's atmosphere, the Lions of Voltron lead the Coalition as the Komar Mechs fly out to meet them.
Seeing the approaching enemy, Keith speaks to the Paladins and Voltron Coalition, and says despite time and space, despite all the trials and hardships of life they've faced, despite every enemy that has come against them, they have still all made it here. He says he can't calculate the odds of all of them coming together this way like Pidge could, but he feels that they are pretty astronomical. That to him says that they were all meant to be here on this day to fight for the fate of the Universe. He tells them that makes them all Defenders of the Universe; so, give this fight everything they have.
Everyone shouts and cheers as the Lions break off from each other and head into the fray.
The smaller Blade ships follow the Black Lion, while the MFE's follow the Red Lion, and different branches of the Rebels follow the Blue, Green, and Yellow lions. The larger ships -The Atlas, The Narti, and the former Warlord's cruisers- fly in to offer cover fire for the time being.
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Blasts from the battle starting outside shakes the passageway where Romelle and Sven are, bringing down sections of the cave.
Romelle pushes Sven down, as she stops a large rock from crushing him. Sven thanks her as she throws the large boulder to the side. He says they need to get out of here before the tunnels collapse on them. Romelle points to where a small beam of light now illuminates the passage way, as a part of the wall cracked open.
Sven takes one of the charges from the belt Ozar gave them, and places it near the crack. The two run to hide behind some of the collapsed tunnle and wait as the charge goes off, making the hole large enough for them to get through.
As luck has it, the wall that came down opened to the inside of the temple. They quickly get out of the passageway as another explosion causes it to collapse behind them. Sven says with that now blocked, they will have to find another way out after they find the prisoners.
More blasts rocks the temple, and Romelle says it must be the Coalition. She tells him they have to move fast to find the Colonists and Olkari.
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Back in Oriande's throne room, Maahox rushes, injured, but alive, and tells Hira that Honerva escaped. Panicked at the news, Hira brings up a screen to the hanger where Lotor's mech is, and sees Honerva getting into it. Before cockpit seals her in, Honerva turns and stares directly into the screen with a look of smug satisfaction, knowing Hira is watching.
Hira realizes Honerva is going to use the mech to reshape the universe. Fearing she will be erased in the process, Hira turns and orders Lotor to take a Komar Mech and destroy Honerva.
Without a word he obeys.
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Keith sees the Sincline launch from Oriande's temple and warns the others that Lotor is here. Allura looks at the mech, but senses that it's Honerva inside of it. She tells the others that, and says they have to stop her at all costs before she tries to use the Mech to rewrite the universe.
Keith says it's time to form Voltron and the Lions rush to each other as Axca, Griffin, and Olia take command of the fleets.
As the Lions begin to come together, Keith is suddenly blasted into one of Oriande's rock formations by one of the Komar Mechs. The other lions lose formation and nearly hit each other due to the disorientation at the sudden disruption in their bond. The Paladins shout in concern for Keith as they see where he was blasted.
Keith grunts that he's alright and gets the Black lion back up. He looks around, seeing a Komar Mech rushing for him, he tries to get away.
The Paladins rush to his aid, trying to get the Mech off his trail, but it blasts them away, determined in its' pursuit of Keith.
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With most of the Temple focusing on the fight, Sven and Romelle are able to quickly search the mostly empty palace.
They find the Olkari and Alteans in the lower level, but Romelle sees that Moxilous standing in the room. Sven says it's alright, that he won't react unless given orders by Maahox or Hira, so they rush to help get the prisoners out.
As they work, Maahox enters and sees the two of them. Noticing Sven, says he should have known that the Guns would have found a way to follow them into this universe. He sneers that this is the last time Sven will ever cause them trouble and orders Moxilous to attack.
Romelle steps up to fight the Non-cog, telling Sven she'll handle the alien. Sven tells her to be careful and goes after Maahox.
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In the midst of the battle, The Narti is able to do a close fly-by near Oriande's temple, allowing Kolivan, Krolia, Axca, Ezor, Zethrid and other Blades to jump out and attack Hira's ground forces. Once the ground is clear, Tavo, Luca, and the other the Alteans are dropped off by the Rebels, coming to help them free the imprisoned Alteans.
The battalion gets inside the Temple and makes it into the main throne room. Where Hira and her Alteans are waiting.
Tavo and Luca step up, asking the Alteans to put their weapons down and surrender, but they ignore the pleas and rush to attack when Hira gives the command.
As a chaotic battle erupts, Krolia recognizes Hira from Keith's memories in the Quantum Abyss, and approaches her to fight. Hira looks Krolia over and realizes her resemblance to Keith. She makes a derogatory comment about him being a half-breed.
With that, Krolia narrows her eyes and summons her blade. Hira pulls out her own sword and two run at each other, weapons raised.
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Outside, the Mech chasing Keith lands a hit on the Black Lion, once more sending it slamming into the ground. This time, the Mech doesn't allow Keith a chance to recover as it lands on the downed lion and starts using it's own hands, rather then it's weapons, to repeatedly hit and tear at the Lion in a mad frenzy.
Finally, the Mech grabs the Lion's head and begins exerting pressure on it, trying to crush it with its' hands.
As the Lion takes more and more damage, Keith frantically shouts for help and tries to get the Mech off of him. Warnings blare and the view screen cracks around him, as the Lion's metal frame groans.
Green, Red, and Yellow fly straight into the Mech, slamming it off Black. The Mech throws them away and rushes back to the downed Lion, but Blue jumps in front of Keith and the Komar Mech immediately stops.
Lance, Pidge, and Hunk pause and question why it froze, but Allura says they can't let this opportunity pass and tells the others to help Keith.
Allura stares down the Komar Mech, watching it closely, but it doesn't' move.
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Inside the Komar mech is Lotor, who having gone to obey Hira's orders, saw the Black Lion in the battle. Due to the strong emotions of Lotor's Galran physiology, the Hoktril was overloaded. Now, instead of controlling his actions, it's turned off all inhibitions, allowing his hatred for Keith to drive him into an uncontrolled rage.
However, upon seeing the Blue Lion, Lotor froze, his feelings towards Allura causing conflict with his hatred for Keith.
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With Allura standing guard, blocking the Black Lion from Lotor's sight, Keith is able to recover and gets up. This causes Lotor to lose his focus on Allura and rush to attack again.
However, The Atlas swoops in and attacks, repeatedly blasting Lotor's Mechs and forcing him away.
Keith quickly shouts for them to form Voltron and the Paladins rush to do so.
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Notes:
So, I originally had a bit more between Krolia and Hira's confrontation in this 'episode' but I cut it down, as that would have involved getting into my thoughts on a bit of a tweaking/re-write for the dialogue of S3E4 "Hole in the Sky".
I figure I've got enough going as it is, I don't want to distract away from what's happening now to get into all that. But I wanted to mention that their confrontation would have been set up a bit more if I did that rewrite.
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So, to further explain Lotor's Hoktril going haywire if what I said in the story didn't completely make sense; I figured sense the Alteans of the alternate universe defeated the Galra, they probably mostly wiped them out, just like what the Galra of the main universe did to the Alteans.
So, my thought is the Hoktrills came after the Galra was wiped out. Due to that they were never tested on the Glara, and adjusted to deal with the Galra's extreme emotions. So, like the Olkari, they don't work properly on them.
While they will put a Galra into a submissive role for the most part; if confronted with something that would cause extreme emotion in a Glara (in this case, Lotor's hatred of Keith), the Hoktril short-circuit, and drives them into reacting to everything with extreme emotions.
Anyhow, Thanks for reading, hope you are all enjoying. Have a nice day!
NEXT
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
After the Paladin’s return from their confrontation with Honerva, the Coalition reconvenes their meeting. They listen as Allura explains what she and the others went through when trying to connect to Oriande, and what she learned from Honerva’s mind.
The Coalition is concerned about Honerva now knowing everything Allura does, but Keith believes they can plan around it, and use the information Allura got from Honerva to their advantage.
Shiro however, points out the unfortunate fact that because Honerva wasn’t keeping tabs on what Hira was doing on Oriande, they still don’t know what the current state of her forces are. Allura agrees, and adds that they also don’t know the location of where the prisoners are being held. Attacking without that knowledge could lead to innocent deaths.
Commander Ozar brings up the fact that sense they know the Guardian was destroyed, anyone can go through the White Hole. He tells them about small ships the Rebels have that are easy for scanners to miss. He offers to take one through to drop some spies off on Oriande to uncover the information they need.
Allura is not sure if anyone would have a good chance of getting far, as Hira and her followers are all Altean. If spotted, any spy would be instantly recognized as non-Altean.
Romelle speaks up, saying not if the spy was Altean, she then volunteers herself for the job. She says that the colonists are her people and she can’t just sit by and let any more harm come to them. She left them once before, she won’t abandon them now.
Keith sympathizes with her and says he knows how if feels to be on the sidelines when people you love are in danger, but she doesn’t have any experience with espionage, it would be too dangerous for her.
Sven steps up and says not if he goes with her. She might not have any experience, but he does, and while he may not be Altean, he’s been working against Hira for years. He knows how they operate and how to get around them. He and Romelle will be able to find the imprisoned Alteans and Olkari.
Shiro isn’t convinced, but Romelle says they can do this. Allura asks her if she’s sure, and Romelle says she is. Allura looks to Keith and Shiro and nods. Neither are happy, but both see Romelle’s conviction and trusting her, they agree. Shiro tells Ozar, Sven, and Romelle to get ready.
As the three head out, Matt and Kolivan report that the rest of the Rebels and Blade’s fleets are on their way to join with The Atlas to prepare for the attack on Oriande. Kolivan however, fears this won’t be enough to fight against the Komar Mechs, now that they’ve been re-strengthened.
Shiro asks for suggestions, and Kolivan brings up the Galran Warlords that The Atlas, Blade, and Rebels, have captured; he believes that if they and their forces are convinced to join the fight, then the Coalition would have enough firepower that they could overcome the Mechs.
Shiro asks how he would go about that; if they aren’t truly on their side, they could abandon the Coalition during the fight, or worse, turn on them and take the opportunity to attack. Kolivan realizes this, but he feels he has something that could guarantee their loyalty, but he would need Keith’s help with it.
Keith is surprised, not sure what he could do, but says he will help however he can.
Shiro agrees to Kolivan trying, telling them to see what they can do and dismisses the meeting.
WORLD BUILDING MY DEAR FRIEND WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!? I haven’t seen any decent world building in VLD since Season 1! And that was a long ass time ago!
Again: I can’t repeat myself anymore than I have in the previous reviews! You really should turn these into stories! They’ll be infinitely more interesting that whatever monstrosity is on Netflix!
I’m so sorry that I haven’t been able to read your other rewrites *bows* Highschool is a beast! Especially during Senior Year! Anyway I love you to Altea and back!!! <3
@beautifulmonsterseverywhere Oh man, thank you so much! There’s actually been a complete of different ways I’ve been thinking of potentially doing something more with these summaries. I’m not sure if I would have the skill for it, but just know I have stuff in mind.
It’s ok, I totally understand! I’m so happy that you are still liking these! Thank you so much for the comments, they really mean the world to me!
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
After the Paladin's return from their confrontation with Honerva, the Coalition reconvenes their meeting. They listen as Allura explains what she and the others went through when trying to connect to Oriande, and what she learned from Honerva's mind.
The Coalition is concerned about Honerva now knowing everything Allura does, but Keith believes they can plan around it, and use the information Allura got from Honerva to their advantage.
Shiro however, points out the unfortunate fact that because Honerva wasn't keeping tabs on what Hira was doing on Oriande, they still don't know what the current state of her forces are. Allura agrees, and adds that they also don't know the location of where the prisoners are being held. Attacking without that knowledge could lead to innocent deaths.
Commander Ozar brings up the fact that sense they know the Guardian was destroyed, anyone can go through the White Hole. He tells them about small ships the Rebels have that are easy for scanners to miss. He offers to take one through to drop some spies off on Oriande to uncover the information they need.
Allura is not sure if anyone would have a good chance of getting far, as Hira and her followers are all Altean. If spotted, any spy would be instantly recognized as non-Altean.
Romelle speaks up, saying not if the spy was Altean, she then volunteers herself for the job. She says that the colonists are her people and she can't just sit by and let any more harm come to them. She left them once before, she won't abandon them now.
Keith sympathizes with her and says he knows how if feels to be on the sidelines when people you love are in danger, but she doesn't have any experience with espionage, it would be too dangerous for her.
Sven steps up and says not if he goes with her. She might not have any experience, but he does, and while he may not be Altean, he's been working against Hira for years. He knows how they operate and how to get around them. He and Romelle will be able to find the imprisoned Alteans and Olkari.
Shiro isn't convinced, but Romelle says they can do this. Allura asks her if she's sure, and Romelle says she is. Allura looks to Keith and Shiro and nods. Neither are happy, but both see Romelle's conviction and trusting her, they agree. Shiro tells Ozar, Sven, and Romelle to get ready.
As the three head out, Matt and Kolivan report that the rest of the Rebels and Blade's fleets are on their way to join with The Atlas to prepare for the attack on Oriande. Kolivan however, fears this won't be enough to fight against the Komar Mechs, now that they've been re-strengthened.
Shiro asks for suggestions, and Kolivan brings up the Galran Warlords that The Atlas, Blade, and Rebels, have captured; he believes that if they and their forces are convinced to join the fight, then the Coalition would have enough firepower that they could overcome the Mechs.
Shiro asks how he would go about that; if they aren't truly on their side, they could abandon the Coalition during the fight, or worse, turn on them and take the opportunity to attack. Kolivan realizes this, but he feels he has something that could guarantee their loyalty, but he would need Keith's help with it.
Keith is surprised, not sure what he could do, but says he will help however he can.
Shiro agrees to Kolivan trying, telling them to see what they can do and dismisses the meeting.
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Walking with Kolivan and his mother, Keith asks what the plan with the Warlords is. Kolivan says it's for Keith to talk to them and secure their loyalty.
Keith sputters at that, and says he's the worst person to do that, he's had enough trouble making human friends, there's no way a half-breed like him could convince Galran Warlords to work with them.
At that, Kolivan hands Keith a data-pad. Confused, he looks it over and is shocked by its contents. He asks that if the information on the pad is accurate, then why doesn't Kolivan or Krolia talk to them about it.
Krolia says they have tried, but the Galra refuse to talk to them due to their status as Blades, and thus traitors in their eyes. Keith points out that he's a Blade too, so their response would be the same for him. Kolivan says while it's ture he is a Blade, the important factor is that he is the Black Paladin. He says they will give Keith time to look over the information and come up with an approach before scheduling a meeting.
Keith still doesn't understand why they think this is a good idea, but says he'll try. Krolia puts her hand on his shoulder and tells him that she knows he can do this.
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Later on the bridge of The Atlas, the crew monitors the Rebel ship carrying Ozar, Romelle, and Sven as it approaches the White Hole. The paladins stand on the bridge to watch, concerned for their friends and family.
Ozar keeps in contact with The Atlas as his ship goes through the White Hole, letting them know that they safely made it through. A sigh of relief comes out of the Paladins, Shiro, and Coran. Shiro tells them to keep communications open and to be careful.
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As they head towards Oriande, Ozar carefully flies his ship around the floating land masses, doing his best not to be detected.
Unfortunately the Komar Mech's sensors are far more advanced than anything the Rebels had ran into before, and one of the Mechs spots the ship and goes after them.
Ozar picks up on the Mech trailing them, and quickly gets out of its' path as it fires on them. He tells Sven and Romelle to hold on as he dodges and weaves around the Komar Mech's attacks. He calls a warning to The Atlas that they were spotted.
It's then that one of the Mech's lasers clips the ship, cutting off communication.
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On The Atlas, Allura desperately says there's no way they can sneak in now, and begs Shiro to order them out of there. He agrees and tells Ozar to abort, but there is no response. Shiro calls for the readings of the ship.
Just as Veronica checks, it blinks out of existence on the sensors. She turns and sorrowfully informs the bridge that the ship was destroyed.
Allura is the first to break, crying for her sister as the Paladins surround her in an embrace. Coran and Shiro joins them as the bridge crew sits in mournful silence.
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Sometime later, sitting in her room, Allura looks at the picture she has framed from the going away party Lance and Hunk's families threw. She looks at herself, Romelle and Coran in it, and closes her eyes.
There is a knock at her door and she puts the photo down, telling the person to come in.
Coran enters, Allura stands and they both walk to each other and embrace.
She asks him when they will stop losing people, when they will stop losing family. He says he doesn't have an answer for that, all he knows is that they will not forget Romelle, and they will continue on, fighting in her name. Allura pulls away and wiping her eyes, agrees.
Coran tells her that he informed the Colonists of Romelle's passing, and they have asked to speak to her whenever she feels ready. Allura says she just lost a sister, she'll never truly be ready; but even so, she can't let her grief consume her, and that she will speak with them now.
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In The Atlas' gym Keith trains, trying to work through his own grief over his friend's deaths. As he fights, he senses something behind him and turns, striking out. His blade clashes against Zethrid's, and they stare at each other in a challenge.
Keith's eyes turn their Galra yellow in anticipation of a fight, but Zethrid lowers her blade, saying she didn't come to spar. Frustrated by her dismissal, he says the gym rules are that you don't draw a weapon unless you plan to fight. Zethrid shrugs and says she's never been one to follow rules.
Keith turns and heads over to his stuff, finding Ezor and Axca standing there. Approaching them, Axca hands him a water and explains that they heard of Romelle's death and came to see how he was doing. Keith tries to briskly blow them off, saying he's fine, but Ezor calls his name chastisingly.
Keith stops and takes a deep breath. He apologizes, saying he doesn't handle losing people well. Zethrid asks who does, and Ezor elbows her, but Keith says she's right, everyone is struggling now and he shouldn't make it more difficult by shutting others out. He thanks them for coming to check on him.
Ezor smiles sadly and says that though she didn't know her well, she really liked Romelle. She shares that when they first met, after fighting the druids, Romelle had complimented her on her vibrant colors. It had meant a lot to Ezor, as she always thought her colors were dull compared to other Kameeles due to her half-Galran heritage.
Zethrid chimes in on how when she'd occasionally bump into Romelle in the gym, and how she had no fear in challenging Zethrid to sparring matches. She says Romelle was a strong fighter, never intimidated by Zethrid, and always putting up a good fight.
Keith shares how she immediately accepted him and his mother when they met her, despite her people's history with the Galra. She even went as far as bringing them into her home and offering them food and rest.
Axca says she accepted and was a friend to all of them, and that she will be dearly missed. She wishes they could have known Sven and Ozar better, and Keith agrees.
He looks better after this small memorial, and sincerely thanks the girls for having this time of remembrance with him.
They sit down and Axca asks if he's thought about how to talk to the Warlords. Keith says he hasn't and doesn't know why Kolivan and his Mother think he's the best choice for this. Axca says it's because he's the Black Paladin.
Keith says he doesn't understand how that could help; Voltron's been opposing the Galra since they reformed. If anything he thinks they would be even less likely to listen to him as the Black Paladin.
The three girls are surprised by his comment, and Ezor asks if he doesn't know. Keith is confused by what she means, and Zethrid asks if he knows how important the Black Lion is to the Galra. Keith says that Kolivan once said that the Galra were proud that Zarkon flew the Black Lion back 10,000 years ago, but he doesn't see how that fits into this. He's not Zarkon.
Axca agrees that he's not, however he is Galra, and that's what's important. She explains that ever since the Black lion was hidden from Zarkon, he had been on a mad search to find it. He was adamant that once it was back in his hands, everything would be made right.
After having lost so much with the destruction of Daibazaal, the Galra took his words to heart. For these 10,000 years they've searched for the Black Lion. Looking at is as their source of hope. They had the belief that once it was back the hands of the Galra their people would find peace and stability.
Ezor says even when she was little, she believed that. Life as a half-breed was hard, but the idea that one day the Black Lion would return and make everything better was a dream to her.
Zethrid continues, saying that suddenly that dream became real and the Black Lion came back; only it rejected Zarkon and opposed the Galra, shattering all the hope for peace that they had.
Axca says that they now know that was a good thing, the peace they dreamed of was corrupt and selfish in nature, as it was only peace for the Galra, and having Voltron return to end the empire's tyranny was good; but still, when word spread that the Black Lion was no longer piloted by Zarkon, their race felt disillusioned and betrayed.
Keith says he never knew that the Galra saw the Black Lion that way.
Axca says that's why it means so much that a Galra is once again it's Paladin. It shows that the Lion didn't reject the Galra race, just the monster that Zarkon became. She says if he lets the Warlords know that the Lion didn't abandon the Galra, but instead abandoned the person who twisted the Galra into what they are now, then maybe he can change their minds.
Keith thinks about this, and looks to the girls with determination. He says that they, Kolivan, and his mother are right, he has to do this.
_______________________
Allura and Coran meet with the Colonists, Allura offers her condolences to them, and they to her.
Luca says they have talked about it, and with Romelle's death they decided they want to help in the final battle. Honerva, Lotor, and the others have taken so much from them that they have to do something. She asks Allura to allow them to help destroy Honerva.
Allura looks at the colonists before her, sees the anger and hatred in their eyes, and knows what they are feeling. She shakes her head and says she rejects their request.
The Colonists are taken back, but she continues and says she can see what they want, it's exactly what Honerva wants against the universe, what Lotor wanted against those who wronged him, and what she once wanted against the Galra. It's not the desire for justice, but a thirst for revenge.
The Colonists shift uncomfortably, confronted with the true desire they longed for.
Allura says they can't continue to seek destruction in the name of peace. The war that the Coalition is fighting is not about vengeance, it's about justice and setting things right.
She says she knows the betrayal and cruelty they've suffered, the pain and outrage they feel, she's faced the same thing. However, she's come to understand that to truly heal, you have to find a way to let go of your hatred -or else it will consume and destroy you, as it did Zarkon, Lotor, and Honerva. Their people must try to embrace forgiveness, mercy, and understanding, even in the face of evil.
Luca indignantly asks if that means that she wants them to forgive Honerva, Lotor, and Zarkon for what they did.
Allura says no, that's not it. There is true evil out there, not everyone can be forgiven, or shown mercy, and not everyone's actions be understood. However, they can't let this endless cycle of hate continue to guide their actions. That hatred is what helped bring the universe to where it is now. They need to stop accepting that retaliation is the answer to their suffering, because it's not. They will hurt someone, who will turn around and hurt another, who will then hurt another, and the cycle will continue. They need to become better and be willing to forgive and fight for the right reasons.
If they want to fight against evil in order to end it, that's one thing. But if their goal is to hurt those who hurt them, then they are no better than the ones they are currently fighting.
The Alteans stand in silence, each realizing the hatred they have all been holding within themselves. They see the truth in her words and accept that this is something they will have to work on.
Tavo says that her words are wise, and that she was right, what he wanted was revenge. He looks to her and says it's not the path he wants to go. He then bows to her, and calling her 'Princess Allura' for the first time, he asks her to lead him in seeking a better way. The other Alteans follow his example and bow, asking her to lead them as their Princess.
Overwhelmed, Allura accepts their request and says they will do this together.
_______________________
Entering the room where the Galra Warlords, including Lahn are seated, Keith stands in his Black Paladin armor. The Warlords sneer at him, commenting to Kolivan and Krolia that they must really be desperate.
Keith ignores their comments as he begins explaining the full situation with Honerva and Hira and their plans for the universe, including the desire to destroy the Galra. When finished, he asks them to help in the Coalition's fight against them. The Warlords stare at him. thinking he's joking. When they realize he's serious they break out into laughter, asking if he's insane or just stupid.
Keith ignores the insults and presses on as if they said nothing, he explains what he's learned about the Galran race; how they were once a passionate and emotional people, but Zakon warped those good qualities into something evil, and used them as weapons against the universe.
He says after the destruction of Daibazaal, Zarkon worked on twisting their society and culture; feeding their grief and pain over the loss of their home world -which he helped bring about- by laying all the blame on Alfor and the Alteans; though they had only helped the Galra.
Driving their emotions to extremes, Zarkon turned their empathy into victim-hood and passion into blood lust. Then, with his societal upheaval of only rewarding the strong, cruelty became the norm. It was because of that, that the Black Lion rejected Zarkon.
The Warlords are incensed at his comments, demanding to know what right he has to lecture them about their race and history.
Keith looks them in the eyes and tells them it's his race and history too; he is Galra.
The Warlords are stunned at his proclamation, as they realize that a Galra is once more the Paladin of the Black Lion. 10,000 years of hope is sitting in front of them. It's too good to be true. The Warlords, unable to believe, try to dismiss him due to being a half-breed.
Keith then pulls out the data-pad Kolivan had given him earlier, and tells them that when the Blade take prisoners, they take blood samples as a way to find if there are any family connections within the Blade. Back when the Blade and the Paladin's first united forces, the Blade were given access to the Castle of Lion's ancient Galran database. Using this, they compared ancient and current Galran DNA. Because of that, Blade discovered that in the 10,000 years of colonization, the majority of the Galra race are no longer pure.
The Warlords are mortified at the information on the pad, as it shows none of them are pure Galra. Keith says that the Galra and other races aren't that different at all. They can come together and work, everyone in this room is proof of that.
Lahn says that this could have all been doctored to trick them into joining Voltron's side. He asks how they can know that the Coalition won't betray and leave them in the dust the moment the war is over.
Keith brings up information on the pads and hands it to them, saying that the Blade and Coalition have been working on this for a while. The Warlords look at it and stare at the information in disbelief; on them are the details, plans, and discussions for a suitable, uninhabited planet that will be established as a new home world for the Galra.
As the Warlords stare, Keith says the coalition seeks peace for everyone, the Galra included. No one will be left behind. He then asks them if they really want to continue this war, if they want to continue the bloodshed and pain, or do they want to end the 10,000 years of cruelty, violence, and loss, and finally find true peace for their race.
The Warlords, overwhelmed by all this information, finally let their guard down, showing the weary state they have felt for years.
Looking to Keith they say they want peace.
_______________________
Down on Oriande, banged up and bruised, but alive, Sven and Romelle come to a ledge overlooking the ancient temple, determined to complete their mission.
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Notes:
So, there is a LOT to this chapter, and a lot to cover about this chapter.
First, I'm sorry if the story felt jam packed and rushed, but all this needed to happen before the end.
Of course one of the main elements of this story is Allura and Keith stepping into their roles as leaders for their people.
In this story we have the culmination of the past several stories of the Alteans being able to watch and talk with Allura. They have seen her character, how she is honest with them, unwilling to manipulate them, and fights for them. They know she is not like Lotor and Honerva. Like Keith said, who she is won them over.
.
And for Keith, this is one of the reasons why it was vital for him to remain Black Paladin in my version. When the Lions returned at the beginning of the series, the universe needed a non-Galra to pilot Black, but now that the universe is starting to get back on track, the Galra needed to see that the hope they had wasn't completely wrong, just misplaced.
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Ok, so this next part is just a bunch of fanon and species world building I made up for this version of Voltron. I wanted to put it here to explain some of the stuff mentioned in this story.
There is a lot here, so I'm going to break it down into small portions.
- Ezor's People
First, since the show never gave us a freaking name for most of the alien species, I'm dubbed Ezor's species "Kameeles" (kuh-mee-lees, like chameleons, get it). Their home world can be Kameelea. Yeah, I'm pretty on the nose with my 'creative' names, but I need something to use.
Anyhow, I came up with the concept that Kameeles are very proud about their beautiful skin colors. The more vibrant, the more attractive sort of deal.
So, with Ezor being part Galra, she might not be/think of herself as colorful as a full blooded Kameele. When they first met, Romelle immediately complimenting her on how beautiful her colors are would have really touched her.
That's what Ezor's comment during their little memorial was about.
- On Galran emotions, and History
Oh boy, this is a whopper. So, this idea on the Galran race and how their emotions work came from a Voltron Con panel I could have sworn I once saw; though I haven't been able to find it again, so I fully admit that it could just be something my brain made up.
What I remember was during Q&A time, someone asked if Keith's anger issues stemmed from his Galran genes, and Lauren Montgomery responded saying that she's sure that was the case, and that the Galra have extreme emotions, and felt deeply.
That idea, that the Galra race was actually an extremely emotional race, was something that intrigued me, and I started building off ideas on how that would have affected them through what we saw in the series.
Some of this may contradict things Dayak said in "Omega Shield", but I don't hold her words as absolute truth, as the history of the Galra's origins were probably warped to fit Zarkon's twisted empire. Really though, that's just the excuse I'm going with if any of this history I made up doesn't really fit with show canon.
That said, here's my version of Galran history:
The Galra, much like the ancient Vulcans in the main Star Trek canon, were an extremely emotional species. This was as much as a blessing as a curse; their emotions could lead to great empathy and peace as easily as it could lead to great anger and conflict. One small action from one tribe or person towards another could be taken wrong and set them all off in long wars.
Through the years there were times of great upheavals and conflicts. Finally, in the last "War of the Tribes" the "Vrepit Sa" -as Dayak told- was made. In the aftermath, the tribes realized their race would not survive if they continued this way and they decided to make a drastic change. Rather than continuing on as separate tribes, the survivors of the wars pulled together and united as one tribe, implementing a structured system, and a single Emperor to lead the species. They were still an emotional race, but now with a firm system in place, they could work through their issues using a universal law system.
With that, the race grew, prospered, and eventually became space faring. However, reaching the stars created problems, as coming into contact with races that did not follow the Galra's law started causing conflict.
New to the galactic universe, some species saw how the Galra's emotions were easily stirred, and took advantage of them. When the Galra realized this, war broke out for the first time in centuries, though this time it was the united Galra race against the species that used and harmed them.
The final battle happened on the planet Feyiv.
During this battle, the Galra's Emperor was killed. Rather than fleeing, another Galra stepped up to lead, and in the end the other races retreated and the Galra came out victorious.
The Galra who had stepped up during the time of crisis was made new Emperor, and the mountainside where the new Emperor refused to retreat became a sacred site. A temple was built, and all future Emperors would go there to partake in the Kral Zera and ascend the Steps of Destiny in order to have the right to rule.
It was also during these wars that the term "Palen-bol" came into existence, as the Galra learned that through hardships and pain, they could be made strong.
Centuries went by, and over time Diabazaal became unstable from all the galactic wars.
The new and young Emperor, Zarkon, saw Daibazaal was going down a path of ,and decided he wanted to stabilize it. He sought out means to doing this, which eventually led him to meeting another young ruler of a peaceful race, Alfor of Altea.
Though the Galra were untrusting of other races since the last war, Zarkon came to see the genuine nature of Alfor and his people, and he and the Galra race eventually embraced them as allies.
This led Daibazaal to opening up to the idea of working with other races, rather than just opposing those who didn't live the same way they did. When Alfor introduced Zarkon to Blaytz, Gyrgan, and Trigel, the Galra flourished even further with all the new allies.
Eventually, when Zarkon and Honerva married, everything turned around for the Galran race, and they saw that they could peacefully exist with other races.
That's when the rift opened and everything came crashing down.
After Zarkon and Honerva were killed, Alfor was the one who took the responsibility to tell the Galra of their leader's passing. He led them in evacuating Daibazal, and he and the other Paladins opened their own worlds to the Galran race, embracing them as their own.
Then Zarkon returned.
After having first lost their beloved rulers, then their home world, the Galra in a state of devastation and their emotions pushed to the breaking point. Now, here was Zarkon -who Alfor said had died- telling them that not only was that a lie, but that the one who spoke those lies was responsible for the destruction of their world.
At this point there already tattered emotions snapped, and seeing proof of Alfor's 'lies' in the form of Zarkon alive, the Galra turned on their allies, and attacked without mercy.
Hurt by the universe for the last time, the Galra rose up and united once more, this time deciding that the only way they could have peace would be to do what they did on Daibazaal, take control of everything and have it set under one ruling Emperor. Thus their conquest for the universe began.
It's at this point that Zarkon, now corrupted, began to twist the Galra's way of thinking. Using this state of hurt and betrayal, he drove empathy out of his people, as it was their empathy that allowed them to open themselves up to other races, and lose everything. In order to survive, they had to become strong, had to become powerful, had to conquer.
It was victory or death.
However, as the Galran mindset began to change, some resisted. A Galra named Marmora saw what Zarkon had become, and what he was pushing their people to be, and decided to do something about it. They united others who felt the same and began working against the Empire in order to save their people.
The one thing Marmora did agreed with Zarkon on, was that their race's emotions were the cause of many of their problems. Though, Marmora saw to take a different route then Zarkon, and convinced their followers to temper and control their emotions. Their focus became seeking the truth and freeing the universe, and their own race from Zarkon.
For them it was knowledge or death.
When Marmora died, those who followed them took up their name and worked as the blade that would strike at the heart of Zarkon's Empire.
- The black Lion being a symbol of hope to the Galra
So, this was a concept that I have seen others dabble with before, but not exactly in the way I did. Not to say, of course, that others might not have thought of this same thing, I just haven't personally seen it done the same way.
Anyhow, tying into some of the stuff in the above section, I had thought that due to Zarkon looking for where Alfor hid the Black Lion, he would have put great emphasis on it, trying to encourage the Galra to find it and the other lions.
Over 10,000 years of his rule, the Black Lion especially, would have risen to mythic status. Much like the optimistic, "Once and Future King" of Arthurian mythos, the Black Lion became a hope and symbol to the Galra people. Their mindset became based on the idea that back when Zarkon was Paladin of the Black Lion everything was peaceful for their race, so surely if he once again had it everything would be set right.
- Galran mix-breeds the thought
Ok, so finally, the whole thing with most of the Galra being mix breeds.
This is a theory I had ever since the first season, but come on, how can characters like Axca, Zethrid, Lotor, and Narti be half breeds, but characters like Sendak, Throk, Krolia, and Morvok are pure blooded? Just compare them to the what all the Galra looked like in "The Legend Begins".
So, these are “Half breeds”
And these are “Pure blooded”
When this is what the Galra were shown to look like 10,000 years ago?
Like, I totally get Keith and Ezor obviously being part Galra (well, Ezor. Keith looks totally human), but just give Narti eyes and she looks no stranger then any of the other Galra. And Lotor and Axca look as Galran as Krolia does.
So, I really like the idea that the Galra bloodlines are so intermingled with other races, that they no longer even realize they are mixed blood. The only time they actually know a Galra is a 'half breed' is when the non-Galra parent is known of from the get go.
If you made it all the way through that, good job!
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
Onboard The Atlas, the heads of the coalition come together to decide their move against Honerva. Thanks to the Altean colonists, they now know about the captive Alteans and Olkari, and have a better idea of Honerva's base on Oriande.
When Iverson asks why they can't just go straight to Oriande and attack, Allura explains about the Guardian Lion and how only those with the Mark of the Chosen can enter. Though she admits confusion to how Honerva could have brought all the Alteans into Oriande, as she feels that statistically, it's unlikely that they all bore the mark. Unfortunately Tavo, Luca, and the other Alteans knew nothing about the Guardian when she asked.
Shiro says that they need to focus on coming up with a plan to either infiltrate Oriande, or draw Honerva out. No one really knows how to proceed from here.
After a moment of deliberation, Allura stands and says she may have an idea. She explains that having undergone Oriande's trials, she has a connection to the ancient land. She has been considering that bond, and believes that if she and the Paladins connect to each other using the shared consciousness of Voltron, she could potentially reach out to the land for answers to the questions they have.
Shiro asks if she's sure that would be a good idea, as Honerva now seems to have a connection to the land, and could have done something to corrupt it. Allura says that she thought of that possibility, but even with that risk, something is telling her that she needs to try this.
Keith points out that it's the only idea they have right now, and adds that she won't be alone in this. If Honerva did do something to Oriande the Paladins will be there to help her. Lance, Hunk, and Pidge all agree.
Shiro smiles at them proudly and says that it's settled then.
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From the bridges of both The Atlas and The Narti, the crews watch as the Lions come fly out, centering themselves in between the ships.
Forming Voltron, Keith tells Allura to lead them on this. Allura tells them to take their Bayards and plug them in. Once that's done, she says to close their eyes and concentrate on their bond to each other.
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One by one the Paladins appear in an astral plane. Allura closes her eyes to feel the space around them. A light shines in the distance and Allura opens her eyes, saying that's where they need to go. Holding her hands out, Lance and Keith each take one, then they each take one of Pidge and Hunk's hands, following Allura as she leads the way.
Entering the light, they appear in an infinite star field that seems to connect them to the universe itself. Pidge theorizes that it's what the Olkari told her, that everything in the universe is made of the same cosmic dust and thus connected together. Paladins take a moment to joyfully relish the feeling of this connected presence and peace.
Allura sees the path to Oriande, but before they can head that way, the Paladins are suddenly hit by a wave of dark energy. Hunk asks what that was, and Allura says it's Honerva. Somehow she created some sort of barrier around Oriande, blocking Allura from connecting to it. Keith suggests focusing together to try to break through it, and Allura agrees.
The Paladins close their eyes and focus. They feel the presence of their Lions reaching out to them, and opening their bond, they connect to them. Spiritually forming Voltron, they break through the barrier and continue to travel towards the light.
Just as they approach the gateway to Oriande, tendrils of dark energy come at them from the abyss below. Each tendril grabs a section of Voltron and pulls.
The Paladins scream in pain as they mentally cling to each other, trying to hold Voltron together, but it's too much; the dark energy rips the Lions apart and shatters them, causing the Paladins to fall into a dark vortex.
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On The Atlas, Veronica's console begins blaring alarms. Shiro asks for a report and she says there's a powerful, unstable, energy source that sensors are picking up. Shiro asks where it's coming from. Shocked, she says it's Voltron.
Horrified, the crews of The Atlas, and The Narti watch as a dark aura emanates from Voltron, and surrounds it. Slowly, the Lion's lose their color, and turn a lifeless grey.
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Falling through the vortex, the Paladins land in a vast stormy plain. Unlike the endless star field that connected them to everything, this place feels cold and hollow, like a lifeless void.
Hunk shivers at the feeling and asks what happened. Allura admits doesn't know, saying it might be another trap Honerva placed to keep them out. The Paladins see dark creatures roaming about underneath the surface they are standing on, and Allura believes them to be spirits Honerva corrupted.
Before they can figure anything out, the dark spirits spring up from beneath the surface and latch onto Keith, Lance, Hunk, and Pidge. The four are pulled down as Allura desperately tries to hold onto them, but one by one they each slip through her fingers and vanish.
Allura summons her Bayard's whip and strikes the surface repeatedly, trying to get through, but nothing she does even leaves a scratch.
Devastated and in shock, Allura drops to her knees.
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Opening her eyes, Pidge looks around and finds herself alone in another lifeless plain similar to the previous one. However, unlike the first that felt hollow, something about this plane feels threatening. On guard, she summons her Bayard and looks around, calling out for the others, but receives no response.
Behind her a dark figure forms; summoning a pole-arm weapon, it leaps to attack. Pidge notices it just in time and dodges, raising her Bayard for defense.
Each in different plains, the Hunk, Lance, and Keith are going through similar situations.
Hunk faces a single dark figure wielding a large staff, while Lance and Keith each fight two figures.
Lance's enemies both wield swords, while Keith fights one wielding a sword, and another fighting hand to hand.
The Paladins all call for one other, but their voices can't reach beyond their prisons.
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Having regained her composure, Allura once more tries to get to the Paladins, this time by touching the ground and using her magic.
As she does this, Honerva appears behind her. Allura senses her presence turns to attack, but the witch is gone.
Honerva reappears behind Allura, this time with two figures behind her. She says she knows what Allura is doing and what she is after. Allura turns slowly, seeing Honervia is still there, she says she knows nothing.
Honerva points out that they both passed the Trials of Oriande, they are both connected to the land, and here they are connected to each other. She knows everything Allura knows; who they are working with, how they are desperate for answers and strategy, and how hopeless and tired Allura has become.
Allura grits her teeth, knowing she speaks the truth, but says Honerva is one to talk about desperation and hopelessness; she's correct in saying that they are connected, and because of that she now knows that Hira has usurped Honerva's rule. Hira now sits on Oriande's throne, while Honerva rots in a cell, likely to receive a Hoktril and become an enslaved pawn.
Honerva sneers and says that she is only biding her time, Hira thinks she has won, but she has vastly underestimated her power. As soon as the time is right, she will show Hira, and all her followers exactly what she is capable of. She will correct all that is wrong in this universe.
Instantly Allura sees Honerva's plans through their connection. Horrified, she says that Honerva can't use the Trans-Reality comet to alter reality, that's not something they are capable of. They link realities together, they don't alter them. Honerva will only end up destroying herself, and potentially all reality if she tries.
Honerva considers her words and says maybe that would happen if she did this by herself, but if Allura joins her, then together they can take down Hira and use the comet to build the Altea they want.
Allura says the Altea Honerva wants is one built on the blood of the innocent, and that she will have no part of her madness. Honerva sneers and says no one is innocent, and if she will not join her, then she will have to destroy her.
With that the two figures raise their weapons and rush past Honerva to attack Allura.
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The Paladins struggle against the might of the beings they are fighting. While they put up a valiant effort, they can never seem to overcome them, and take multiple hits.
With each Paladin on their knees, the beings raise their weapons. The Paladins can't accept that this is the end, that they came so far, grew so much, just to be defeated here.
Keith says he won't abandon his team.
Lance says he won't let them down.
Hunk says that he will be strong for them.
Pidge that she'll fight for them.
With that the four are able to overpower the force blocking them from each other and they feel their bonds. Drawing on each other's strengths, they once more summon their weapons and block the being's attacks.
Continuing to draw on their bond, a light emanates from the Paladins, causing the darkness clinging to the beings to dissipate, revealing their true appearances. This whole time they had been fighting the former Paladins of their lions. Pidge fought Trigle, Hunk fought Gyrgan, Lance fought both Alfor and Keith in his red armor, and Keith fought Zarkon and Shiro in his black armor.
They are all stunned to see the Paladins and try to talk to them, but the spirit's eyes -glazed over with the same purple tint Zarkon's eyes once glowed- narrow and they attack again. The Paladins raise their weapons to defend, but will no longer fight them.
While holding them off Keith gets a sense of who it is that he's really fighting. It's not really Shiro and Zarkon, but the spirit of Black Lion appearing as them. Lance, Pidge, and Hunk soon feel their Lions as well, and together the Paladins call out to them. A bright light emanates from the spirits, and the Paladins are engulfed by it
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Opening their eyes, the four Paladins find themselves together once more and run to each other, making sure they are all okay. The spirits of the Lions appear, still in the appearance of their former paladins, though their eyes now glow the soft, warm, yellow color of their true forms.
Pidge asks how this is happening, and the Green Lion explains that Honerva used the connection she and Allura share with Oriande in order to get to her bond with the Paladins, and through that, the Lions.
When she shattered the spiritual Voltron, the Lions were vulnerable and she attempted to corrupt them as she did Oriande's Guardian. However, their bonds with their Paladins are stronger than her powers, as soon as the Paladins called out to them, her control broke.
Hunk asks why they look like the former Paladins, especially those who are still alive, like Keith and Shiro. The Yellow Lion explains that when they choose a Paladin that person becomes a part of their being, so even when their time as Paladin ends, the Lions will always have a part of that person with them.
Lance showing a bit of his old insecurity points out that some of them were forced to choose new Paladins, and asks if that really counts as a true bond. Red scoffs and says they weren't forced to do anything. Lance becoming their pilot was always meant to be, just as Keith becoming Black's, and Allura becoming Blue's. Just because Alfor was their first Paladin, didn't mean that they accepted Keith any less, and just because Keith's time as the Red Paladin ended, didn't mean they were forced to take Lance.
Black explains they knew from the moment they bonded with the Paladins that changes would come in the future, and even now the future will bring more changes, that's how the universe works. They were all chosen, no matter what the circumstances were, and are all worthy of their titles. The Paladins look at the spirits of the Lions, humbled and honored.
The Black Lion says that now they must come together to break free of this prison, as Allura and the Blue Lion need them.
The Paladins nod and Keith tells the others to focus on their connection to Allura and Blue, and reach out to them together. The Paladins close their eyes as spirits of the Lions turn white and reform and grow into their true lion appearances, unleashing an Earth-shattering roar.
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Allura struggles, severely weakened from fighting the two figures, while also fending off Honerva's attacks and mind games.
Honerva once more makes an offer to join together, saying that Allura is now aware of Lotor's situation, and that she knows Allura still cares for him. She says together they can remove the Hoktril and bring him back.
Allura says she cares for the person Lotor could have been, had Honerva and Zarkon destroyed his life.
Enraged, Honerva herself finally attacks, striking Allura to the ground. Standing over the Princess, she says Allura is nothing more than a girl who frantically clings to the precious sands of her life even though they continuously slip through her fingers. She says working together is Allura's last chance to regain all that she lost, to no longer be alone.
Allura slowly stands and gains strength as she says that she's not alone, she's never been alone, and never will be alone. She says it's true that she's lost much, but she has also gained much, and her bonds with the Paladins and everyone else in her life are too strong to be torn apart by such a weak and small woman.
With that, her Bayard takes a new form, an Altean glaive, and she strikes the two figures as they rush at her, returning them to their proper appearance of Blaytz and Lance in his blue armor.
Allura recognizes that they are the Blue Lion's spirit, and calls to it, causing it to return it to its proper state. She smiles as she feels the Paladins reaching out to her, and says she hears them as she begins to glow with her Alchemy. She looks to Honerva and says she will not allow her to hurt them any longer.
With that, she drives her glaive into the ground, shattering the surface of the plain, and setting the Paladins and their Lions free. The visions of Blaytz and Lance smile at her with pride before forming back into the Blue Lion.
The Paladins and their Lions appear and stand behind Allura, all ready to face her. Honerva backs up, terrified of Allura's power, unable to understand where it's coming from. Allura says this is what the true, uncorrupted Alchemy looks like.
With that she unleashes her power, blasting Honerva out of the Paladin's bond for good. ________________________________________________
Outside, The Atlas and The Narti desperately try to reach the Paladins, unable to go near Voltron due to the dark aura. Veronica's sensors blare again, and Shiro demands a report. Veronica says the dark energy is fluctuating.
The crews of the two ships watch as the dark energy shifts around Voltron. Then in a blinding burst of light, the energy is eradicated as Voltron stands strong, it's colors glowing brightly and its wings fully extended.
Hopeful, Shiro hails Voltron and asks the Paladins to respond. There is silence for a moment before Keith finally says they are here, and they got what they needed. The crew lets out shouts of joy and Shiro says they are clear to return.
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Notes:
So, the real version of this episode "Knights of Light, Part 1" had a lot of interesting elements that I thought were once again squandered, or just made no sense at all with what we had already seen in the story. In the end there were more negatives than positives.
Again, the whole idea of Allura embracing the darkness was wrong. Just watching her in the episode, the way she acts, talks, the moment where she uses the darkness on the former Paladins and shrieks like a monster, it's stomach churning. I mean look at this:
Why? Why did they do this to Allura? What was the point of corrupting and hurting her so much?
The show put her through so many hardship and heartaches, and it was inspiring to see her remain so strong in the face of all that.
Then in this season the writers just seemed to want to tear her down and hurt her in every way they could for no explainable reason. There was something so malicious about the way they wrote her story and eventually end in S8. I just can't comprehend it.
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One of the things I really wanted to do with this story -other then give Allura some awesome moments, and a face off with Honerva- was give an explanation for the Paladin-Lion bond after the switch up.
The writers once again did a real disservice in the story by making such a huge deal about the Paladin/Lion bond, only to have the story later play 'Musical Lions' without ever again bringing up the importance of the bond.
So, I decided to make an explanation!
Since the Lions are magical beings made from a comet of unknown origins and properties, I wanted to play with the idea that they see the universe and time differently. Not that they can see the future, but that they have an understanding about the way things are and are to be.
Upon meeting their Paladins, whether it be the first or second set, they already knew that it was a temporary thing; the Lions are ageless magical machines, and the Paladins mortal beings, after all. The Lions knew one day the original Paladins would parish, and that things were already set in motion for their future Paladins to come into existence.
So, when they eventually met the new set, Black, Red, and Blue already knew that one day they would be changing Paladins. It does not mean that any bond they currently have is meaningless. Zarkon was important to Black, Shiro was important to Black, Keith is important to black, and whoever will be a Black Paladin in the future will be just as important to Black. Same goes for Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and their Paladins.
They all needed that particular Paladin at that time, just as that Paladin needed that Lion.
However, life goes on, the Universe moves, and things change. Sometimes positions and relationships change as well. That's what this it.
When Shiro was killed, Black knew he would return in a new way, but that he would have a new purpose to fulfill. It knew it was Keith's time to take steps to grow and mature into a leader he would need to become for the future.
With Keith moving on, Red now needed a new Paladin to temper and refine, and it knew Lance, who needed to move out of his comfort zone, grow up, and take on the responsibility of second -in-command, was that person.
And Blue knew it was time for Allura to step beyond the castle to show her strengths as a leader on the battlefield. In the previous story we saw how important that was when her actions touched the Altean's hearts and changed their minds towards the Coalition.
Shiro, Keith, Lance, and Allura are all where they need to be, not just for the the story, but for who they are growing into becoming.
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So, what does that mean for the whole S1-2 story line where Zarkon kept trying and almost succeeding with re-taking Black?
How I see it, is that Black would have never actually allowed Zarkon to truly reclaim it. His time as Black Paladin had ended with betrayal, and he would never pilot it again. Even though there was still a connection because of their old bond, had Zarkon actually gotten hold of the Lion, it would have shut itself down like it did for the Shiro!Clone.
Allowing Zarkon the bit of control that it did in the story, was more about helping Shiro through his struggles and self doubts and getting him to take the steps needed to claim his rightful position.
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Now, I know not everyone might like these explanations. I'm not saying it's the best, but at least it IS an explanation and not me just ignoring and disregarding everything that came before like the writers did.
My favorite kind of stories are ones where characters grow and change. It might feel sad that things don't stay one way forever, but that's a part of life.
Isn't it better to see character grow up and move on, then see them stuck in the same place at the end of the story that they were at the beginning?
If you like Black Paladin Shiro, Red Paladin Keith, Blue Paladin Lance, and Castle of Lions Allura more, then that's absolutely fine. But I personally have no issues with the change up, so long as it means the characters get to evolve, mature, and flourish. So that's what I've been trying to do.
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Also, I like that Allura got a glaive in the final season, but was disappointed that she didn't have a cool unlocking moment like the other Paladins. So I gave her one here!
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Super good news, with my vacation I've been able to finish writing/editing the remaining chapters! So I should have them all out and posted over the next two months. I'm really hoping you all will like where I take this!
This is part of my Voltron Season 7 & 8 re-write. If you are interested start HERE
PREVIOUS
As The Atlas passes through a star system, their sensors pick up an abnormal signal emanating from Drazan, a planet the Paladins had left a bad impression on earlier in their journey.
Contacting the planet, they find out that it's their holiday, Clear Day. Shiro explains there are reports of hostile activity in the area, but the people's leader, Burr, refuses to call the celebrations off, telling Shiro to stay and make sure nothing happens if they are so worried.
Due to the reports of Galran Warlord's attacks in the area, Shiro really is concerned. He tells Keith he feels they should stay to keep an eye on things, and says maybe this will help them make peace with the Draazanians.
Keith agrees and says he'll let the Paladins know and heads off.
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In her room, Allura goes over different articles of clothing when the door chimes. She distractedly calls for the person to enter and Keith steps in.
He looks around, confused to see all her clothing lying about. Allura is surprised to see him, as she expecting Romelle or Coran. Seeing his confusion, she explains that the three of them were planning to meet with the recovering Altean colonists.
Understanding, Keith tells her what's going on with Draazan, and says that he and the other Paladins are going to patrol the area with the MFE Pilots. Before she can worry about the conflicting plans, he tells her she can sit this out. This whole thing is just a precaution Shiro wants to take, and it's important for her to go with Romelle and Coran. He just wanted her to be prepared encase something does come up and she's needed.
Relieved, Allura thanks him and goes back to her clothing. She mentions that she is having a hard time deciding on how she should present herself, in casual clothing to be more approachable, or her garrison uniform to be more professional.
Keith awkwardly says he's probably not the best person to ask for advice on clothing. He then notices her royal gown laying on her bed and asks why she's not considering that. Allura looks to the outfit longingly, but says it wouldn't be right, she's not the Colonist's princess.
Concerned over the implications of her statement, he starts to say something -calling her 'Princess' as he usually does- but she interrupts, saying that he really shouldn't call her that; she hasn't been a princess of anything for 10,000 years. Her role as a princess ended when Altea was destroyed.
Upset at her statement, Keith says that's not true. Allura scoffs, but he continues, saying that him calling her 'Princess" isn't just about a role she had. He says that when he thinks of a "Princess" he doesn't think of some figure in a castle, ruling over a people or a world. He thinks of Allura, handing out supplies and food to those in need, or her flying down to a dying Balmera in order to fight for its people, or when she was willing to go off all alone when she thought she was the reason Zarkon kept finding them, or any of the other countless times she has selflessly done something to protect and defend others.
He tells her he's watched her ever since they first met; he's seen how she connects to each race they meet, how her words can reach people's hearts and change them, and it's by that example, her example that he's learned what the true meaning of being a "Princess" is.
He says even if she didn't have a drop of royal blood in her veins, she'd still be a Princess. Afterall, "It's not what's in your blood, it's who you are that counts."
He says he calls her "Princess" because she is deserving of that honor through her own actions, not a lineage she had no control over.
Touched, Allura embraces Keith, thanking him for his words. He returns her hug and says all she has to do is show the Colonists who she truly is, after all it's not a crown that will win them over, it's Allura herself.
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In the meeting room, The Paladins and the garrison crew go over plans for scouting the area around Drazan.
Romelle, and Coran arrive, both wearing their Altean clothing. Allura enters after them, wearing her royal gown. Those who have never seen Allura in her dress are taken aback by the majestic grace that radiates off of her, as the Paladins smile in pride at their princess.
Shiro says Keith let them know what Allura, Coran, and Romelle are doing. Allura says she hopes that it won't cause problems for them, and Shiro says not at all. He tells them that if they need anything while speaking with the Alteans, he'll be here for them. Allura thanks him and smiles.
Lance steps up and says that this is all over, maybe they could go down to the planet to relax. Maybe they can even get some souvenirs for the Altean colonists; explaining how it helped him feel more comfortable in the Castle Ship when he had things to call his own.
Hunk joins in and says maybe they can also try to make some Altean treats to give them a piece of their own home. Pidge adds that if there's anything she can do to help out, she'd be more than happy to help.
Allura, touched by their thoughtfulness, accepts their offers.
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Outside of Oriande's temple, an object in the sky approaches. Hira and Maahox rush out with some of her Altean followers. As the object approaches, she realizes it's Lotor's mech, Sincline. The Alteans ask if they should prepare a Komar Mech for battle, but Hira sees the erratic nature of the mech's flight and tells them to hold for now.
The mech lands and Lotor stumbles out. He's in bad shape, completely unaware of his surroundings as he talks to people only he can see. Hira looks to the temple, then back to Lotor with a smile. She says she believes the key to their victory just arrived. She tells the guards to capture Lotor and for Maahox to prepare a Hoktrill.
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Allura, Coran, and Romelle enter the room that's been set up for the Alteans. The tension is thick as they enter, though seeing Romelle sets some of the Colonists at ease.
Romelle introduces Coran and then Allura, explaining who they are, and how they survived Altea's destruction. Tavo asks if they are with Honerva, and Allura says that they are not, that Honerva is a traitor to the Alteans and war criminal to the universe.
Luca cuts in saying they have no right to talk of traitors, not after they betrayed Lotor and destroyed their sister colony. Allura says that's not what happened and starts trying to explain the person Lotor really is and what happened with the Alteans he 'took to the other colony'. Luca doesn't listen and interrupts her, saying that Lotor was their saviour and fought for them.
Romelle steps up and snaps back, saying that Lotor was the betrayer and that there never was another colony, only a facility where Lotor took their loved ones to harvest their life force to use as fuel.
Luca is dumbfounded, asking how she could honestly expect them to believe something so insane. Lotor saved their people, provided and cared for them; he was there for them, unlike Allura. She says she knew Romelle lost her faith in him because her family was chosen and she wasn't, but to take things this far shows how lost she is.
Romelle starts to argue, but Allura gently stops her and turns to the other Alteans. She says she personally knows how confusing this must be to hear, she's been exactly where they are, but she asks them to just hear her out. She wants to tell them her story and why she wasn't there when her people needed her.
The Alteans look at each other, unsure, but Tavo finally nods and says they will listen.
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Out on patrol, Lance and Griffin are teamed up and the two chat back and forth amicably. As they fly, some meteors move through their path, and Lance quickly maneuvers Red through them while Griffin flies around.
As Lance comes out, Griffin compliments him, saying he is impressed with how much his flying improved, as he remembers his old scores.
No longer sour over his past ineptitude, he chuckles and thank him, but admits it took him some time to get here; especially after becoming the Red Paladin. He explains that Blue is much more understanding and supportive, happily willing to wait for its Paladin to come up to speed with its own skills. Which was exactly what he needed when he started out.
Red, however, expects its Paladin to work hard to meet its level. Red challenges its Paladins to be better because it knows they can be. It took a learning curve, but he and Red have worked hard to meet each other's expectations and have become a great team.
Griffin wistfully says it must be amazing to be a Paladin and work with a lion and Lance agrees.
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After hearing Allura, Coran, and Romelle's story, the Alteans still can't get past their upbringing and worldview of Lotor to believe the accusations made against him.
Romelle is furious, telling them how she held Bandor in her arms as he died. Luca sympathetically says his death is tragic, but she can't believe Lotor had anything to do with it. She suggests that he must have died from his own wounds when he crashed, or maybe there was a mistake and he didn't have the unique quality Lotor sought in the chosen, and he couldn't handle life on the other colony.
Unable to listen any more, Romelle rushes out of the room. Allura and Coran excuse themselves, and go after her.
In the hall Romelle says these excuses are exactly what she heard her entire life. Everything Lotor did, no matter how wrong it seemed to be, was dismissed or blamed on something else. She says no matter what they say, the colonists won't believe them.
Allura thinks about it and says that perhaps it's no longer time for words. Coran asks what she means, and Allura says that the Colonists need to see what Lotor did. Coran asks if she's sure, as that could potentially destroy any of the groundwork they've made today, but Allura says for them to truly be able to understand, it is.
Entering the Colonist's room once more, Allura asks them to come with her.
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As they continue their rounds, an object suddenly pops up on Lance and Griffin's radar. They attempt to get a visual, but it's too far out.
Lance notices there is a signal coming through the comms and turns it on to listen to it. An automated message plays, warning that a Komar Mech is approaching. Lance and Griffin are immediately on alert, and turn to head back to The Atlas.
Lance orders Griffin to contact The Atlas as he contacts the Paladins and MFE's on patrol, but before they can do anything, the mech appears in front of them.
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Allura, Romelle, and Coran stand by a door with the colonists behind them. Allura says that it pains her to show them this, but they need to understand the truth of their words.
Opening the door the Alteans enter a hanger filled with coffins. Horrified, Tavo asks what this is. Romelle doesn't answer his question, instead solemnly explaining that she tried to identify as many of the Alteas as she could.
Suddenly terrified, the Alteans rush into the room, looking at the names on each coffin. Tavo stops when he finds his spouse, and Luca cries out as she finds her father and sisters. All around the room the Alteans discover the fate of their loved ones.
Allura, Coran, and Romelle watch, weeping and heartbroken for them.
Raising his head from the coffin, Tavo says even though Honerva had told them that the colony was gone, he had still been holding out hope that it was a mistake, that somehow their loved ones made it off the sister colony alive.
Romelle once more gently affirms that there was never a sister colony to begin with, Lotor lied and used their faith in him for his own goals.
Tavo turns and glares at them, bitterly asking how they can be sure that's the truth; how can they know that Voltron didn't attack the colony and do this.
Romelle walks up to two coffins and places her hands on them, saying because these are her parents. She says that Tavo knows her, and asks if he could really believe she would side with people who took part in killing her family.
Tavo, knowing she wouldn't, bows his head and cries as the Alteans finally accept the truth and grieve.
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Returning to the Altean's room, Allura, Romelle, and Coran see to the colonists needs. Offering them blankets, drinks, and doing their best to comfort them.
Shiro suddenly enters the room and Allura looks up, immediately sensing that something is wrong. He informs her that Lance and Griffin are under attack by a Komar mech, and that it's not going down easily like they had been. He tells her the other Paladins are on their way, and that they might need Voltron.
Allura start to follow him out, but the Alteans call for her. She turns and they beg her to save whoever it is in the mech; they can't lose anyone else today. Allura looks at them an vows that she will bring the Altean back to them.
She then goes to her lion as Coran and Shiro run to the bridge. Moments later the Alteans watch in awe as the Blue Lion flies across their viewport.
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Doing what they can to avoid directly fighting the mech, Lance takes several hits as he tries to protect Griffin.
Griffin tells him that he has to stop doing that, as Red can't take that much damage, but Lance says the MFE wouldn't survive one hit from the Mech, and he's not letting him get killed.
Thankfully, it's then that the Paladins arrive and attack, allowing Griffin to retreat back to The Atlas.
They try attacking the Mech's weak point together, but not even their combined blasts do any damage. They realize this mech is back at full power. However, unlike the first mech they faced, they are fighting it in space, and don't have to worry about civilians.
The Paladins go all out on the mech, giving it all they got as the The Atlas arrives to assist the Lions in battle.
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From inside The Atlas, the Alteans watch Voltron fight. They closely watch as the Blue Lion attacks the head, trying to get to the pod holding the Altean. The Mech swats Blue away, then blasts it with its energy beam.
The other Lions swoop in to cover Blue. It recovers quickly and jumps back into battle, trying to get the pod once more.
As the Alteans watch they realize that unlike Honerva, Allura will not use them to fight for her, instead she will fight for them.
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Unable to remove the Altean pod, the Paladins form Voltron. As they fight, Keith receives a hail from Kolivan who asks if they could use some assistance. With that, The Narti warps into the fight.
Working together, Voltron, The Atlas, and The Narti are able to disable the Mech, and Voltron removes the Altean pod from the head, shutting it down. The Lions disengages and Allura gently retrieves the pod and carries it back to The Atlas.
Watching as the Lions return to The Altas, Tavo turns to Romelle and says he knows who is truly on their side. Luca then says they will help Voltron any way they can.
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On Oriande, Honerva enters the main hall of the temple and finds Hira on the throne that had been set up for Lotor's future rule, sitting in it as if she were Empress.
Enraged at the sight, Honerva says she's clearly allowed Hira to much leeway in her position. Summoning her dark powers, she prepares to attack when Hira gives a signal to something.
Honerva senses someone coming from behind and turns to attack, but stops when she sees it's Lotor. She gently attempts to speak to him, but he draws his sword and attacks.
She teleports behind him, but he anticipates this and turns in time to hit her when she appears. Honerva collapses, fighting to remain conscious. Hira approaches and says not to worry, soon everything will be perfect when Honerva crafts Hira's vision of the perfect Altean universe.
She then orders Lotor to take Honerva to Maahox. As Lotor turns, Honerva sees a Hoktril on his head before finally losing consciousness.
Notes:
So, I wanted this posted two weeks ago, but work has been kicking my butt lately. Luckily, I'm on vacation now. So, I'm hoping to get a number of these chapters cleaned and prepped to post, so there can be faster updates.
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Originally this story was much more light hearted...but then rewrites happened and I needed things to get serious. Plus with already having two light hearted stories this 'season' I didn't need a third.
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So, another story element of S8 that I hated -and have removed- was Allura absorbing the dark entity she took from Tavo.
I really don't want to make a long rant about it, as so many others have already written about all the ways that was wrong and against her character far more eloquently than I could.
So, I'll just once again point out that Allura saw the horror show that the alternate universe was; she knew her counterpart created that after abandoning her morals and giving into her own darkness. So, why would she ever consider doing the same!?
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One of the things that I absolutely love about Keith and Allura's friendship was how they so often confided in each other. They shared their thoughts and concerns with each other that they didn't really share with anyone else. What was so great was that even when they disagreed, they still respected each other. I'm sad that element of their friendship disappeared when Keith left, so I wanted to add some of that back.
