Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a typical morning or at least as typical as a simulated morning on the castle of lions. All the Paladins were sitting around the table eating space goo while discussing training sessions for later that day when surprise surprise Lance comes in late. Keith didn't even bother turning his head to face the Cuban boy, watching as Allura already has her mouth open to reprimand the Blue Paladin for his tardiness. When a loud slam occurred. Everyone jumped turning to stare at the noise; it was Lance a massive smile on his face as he stood in front of Pidge. Before anyone could ask what he was doing, he grinned even harder sliding a rectangular piece of machine towards Pidge. “Read it and weep Gremlin.”

Keith was ready for the verbal assault to come from the youngest paladin, but she was silent her mouth opening and closing like a fish. “How…but I…there is no way.” She quickly picked up the machine gliding her fingers over the bulky piece of tec a smile overcoming her surprise. “This is exactly what I need, I just need to configure it to-” She screeched open jumping up out of her seat trying to get around Lance.

Only to have Lance reach out with one hand taking the tec out of Pidge's hand and shaking his head "Nope nuh uh. We had a deal Pidgey. I find the tec, and you get at least eight hours of sleep and one whole day free of work." Pidge struggled to climb the tall teen desperate to reach the piece of machinery that Lance was now holding over his head.

"After I'm done," Pidge says as Lance struggles to push the younger teen away who had launched onto his torso. “Lance give me the damn piece.”

"No, we had a deal," Lance says shoving Pidge hard enough to break free and dash to the other side of the table, Pidge growled, but followed. Suddenly both teens were running circles around the table

"Can someone make them stop I'm getting dizzy," Hunk says covering his eyes as he leans in his chair.

Shiro sigh “Guys can you please-”

"Lance give it back" "Not a chance chicken legs." "CHICKEN LEGS" Pidge screeches completely forgetting about going around the table and instead jumped on it to cut right to Lance. Lance dropped down underneath the table scurrying underneath to put more distance between the green raged demon.

"ENOUGH" Shiro shouts both teens freezing on the spot. Lance was looking between Pidge and the door behind him, while Pidge looked like a cat ready to pounce on the taller teen. "Pidge don't even think about it," Shiro says staring at the two like a disappointed dad. Keith couldn't help but agree that Shiro was slowly turning into a Space Dad.

It was Allura who broke the silence "What seems to be the problem?" Suddenly both the teens were yelling their answers each pointing and yelling at each other. Allura blinked reeling back in surprise. "One at a time, please. Pidge go first."

“Lance won’t give me the last piece I need for my project.” Pidge shouts crossing her arms as she glares at Lance.

"Lance why wouldn't you give Pidge the machine," Allura asked slowly her head tilted in confusion.

"Because we had a deal. If I found the piece, she needed then Pidge would go to bed and take a day off."

Pidge stomped her foot. “That was before I knew you would actually find it. Now give it here.” With that Pidge charged at the older teen Lance quickly raising the tec back over her head out of the girls reach.

Lance struggled to restrain the munchkin with one hand but showed no sign of giving up. His years of rough housing and being apart of a big family were finally coming in handy. "Your gonna break your pinky promise Pidge."

“Oh grow up.”

Shiro sighed standing up to separate the teens. "Oh look you angered Space Dad," Lance muttered trying to escape Shiro's grip, but sadly the Galra made hand made that impossible for him.

"What is this project your working on Pidge," Allura asks a frown on her face at the fought of her paladins fighting amongst each other.

"I was hoping to create a cloaking device for the ship. One similar to Green's but better. However, someone seems to have a problem with that."

“Lance this seems like an important project, why not give Pidge what she needs and when she’s done she can rest.”

Lance gasped at her “Are you serious” Lance screeches slipping past Shiro’s fingers as the teen abandoned his trademark jacket for freedom. "Look at her Allura she hasn't slept in forever. You have her training, and then she's in her lab the rest of the day. She hasn't slept in at least three quintants." Pidge opened her mouth as Lance rounded her with a look "Don't even deny it Pidge.” Pidge huffed grumbling to herself but didn't deny it.

As Keith gave Pidge a once over he couldn't help, but agree with Lance Pidge did seem exhausted. Her hair was messier than usual, deep black bags standing out against pale skin and even her clothes were crumpled up. "That maybe true," Allura says "But I'm sure if Pidge needs a break she will take one herself."

“Passing out over your desk isn’t a break” Lance exclaiming it to room.

“I’m sure Pidge knows her limitation better than any of us. This project could help us in battles to come.” Allura stood up with the grace that could only be found in a princess “Give her the piece Lance.”

Lance sighed before sulking “I knew you would pick her side.” He says walking over to Pidge who had a huge grin on her face her hand already stretched out, finger wiggling as she reeled in her victory. Lance grumbled to himself ready to hand over the piece when suddenly he shoved Pidge into Shiro and runs out the door yelling “Sike.”

“LANCE” Pidge shouts running after him.

Everyone stares at the door before Hunk sighs getting up, “we better go before one of them dies or something explodes.”

Just as the paladins began to wander the halls, a loud "ALLURA" could be heard throughout the ship. Suddenly the mice were running towards Allura at full speed, climbing up her dress and resting on her shoulders squeaking the entire time.

"What," Allura asked surprised racing down the hallway.

“Princess wait” Shiro says already following the Altean royalty down the hallway Hunk and Keith behind him.

Suddenly they were the Green Lion hangar. The only problem was that Green’s shields were up and Pidge was the one banging on it while Lance was resting against the Lion’s paw. “Lance I swear to god whatever you did to Green-”

“I didn’t do anything she agrees with me. You need to rest.”

"Damn it Lance tell me how you got Green to keep me out, or I swear you'll wish the Galra got a hold of you."

"What is going-" Allura was cut off by Pidge rushing over to her. "Lance ran in here and hid the tec in Green, but when I tried to get in she put her barriers up, and I can't get them down and worse I CANT GET TO LANCE." Allura took a step back from the enraged girl blinking.

“Lance whatever you did to Green-”

"The only thing I did to Green was talk to her," Lance says looking up at the Green Lion. "Thank you. My legs are killing me" Lance mutters sitting on top of the lion's leg.

“Get off of her” Pidge screeched. “Green let me in. Allura tell Green to let me in.“

“The Green lion isn’t responding to me.” Allura says a frown on her face. “Lance this is serious whatever you have done to the Green Lion-”

“I haven’t done anything, I simply told her what was going on with Pidge and she was more than willing to help.” Lance says with a shrug before directing a smug look towards Pidge “She’s very disappointed that her paladin would go back on her word.” He says dramatically standing up tilting his head up to the Green Lion.

“Can he really talk to the other lions?” Keith asked watching as Pidge was still banging on the barrier feeling oddly content that his lion wasn’t the only lion to shut their paladins out.

Hunk shrug “I don’t see why not he and Sunshine have conversations all the time.”

"Sunshine," Allura asks ignoring the shouts of the tiny girl in front of her.

“Yah Lance and I think we should call the lions something other than their colors. I mean they have their own personality why not a name.” Hunk says again with another shrug “I named her Sunshine because of how warm she always is and Lance finally decided on Mera for Blue.”

“Mera?” Coran asked “What an interesting name.”

"He was gonna name her Amphirite after the sea queen in Roman mythology, but Blue didn't like that the only references to the name were of the sea and being attached to the king. So Lance went with Mera. You know the Queen of Atlantis in the DC comics because she's so badass." Hunk explained watching, as Pidge seemed to be tiring out.

They watched as the Green Lion lowered themselves to its stomach opening its mouth as Lance quickly raced inside. Pidge was practically a banshee at this point, but the barrier started to diminish, and she ran in after the Cuban boy. Before the other paladins could follow the Green Lion shut its mouth. The others stood awkwardly as they could hear shouts inside the lion.

“Lance let go of me.”

“No just sit still.”

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Ow did you just bit me what are you six”

“Lance let me go.”

The shuffling continued until. Finally, the Green Lion opened its mouth and out came a disheveled Lance carrying a wiggling Pidge wrapped like a burrito in a green blanket over his shoulder. “Lance you put me down this instant or so help me by the time I’m done with you-”

"Yah yah I heard you the first time geez," Lance says rolling his eyes, not at all bothered by the wiggling Pidge burrito on his shoulder as he strolled out of the lion's mouth. Lance walked a few steps away before turning back to the Green Lion "Thanks for the help Green, couldn't have done this without you." Lance says with a smile as Pidge screams traitor.

Shiro is pinching the bridge of his nose “Lance put her down.”

"Nope," Lance says popping the p as he tries to walk around the group.

“Lance this is serious Pidge’s project could help tremendously with future missions.” As Shiro stood in front of the Cuban boy an unamused expression settling on his face as he tried to reach for Pidge.

The Green Lion’s eyes flashed just as Shiro was about to touch Pidge and let out a roar, slamming its paw down next to the Black Paladin. Shiro jumped in shock, but Lance was surprisingly calm smiling even.  “Like I said she’s not very happy with her paladin’s health.” A mechanic growl ripped itself through the air as if agreeing with the Blue paladin.

Lance sidestepped Shiro who seemed frozen in place “Say goodnight Pidge.”

“Fuck you” Pidge replied slumping in defeat on the boys shoulder.

"Thanks, Green." Lance says throwing a smile over his face as he walks out of the room everyone still standing shocked at the Green Lion's reaction. Once Lance and Pidge had left the room the Green Lion settled and raised its barrier again.

“Princess what just happened?” asked Shiro as the rest of team Voltron headed to the council room.

“I’m not sure,” Allura says placing a hand on her chin. “I’ve never seen a lion react like that before. Hunk you say that Lance had been speaking with your Lion as well.”

Hunk nods "Yup they talk all the time when he helps me buff out some of the bigger dents on her especially when we have to work around her neck she hates neck dents, so Lance distracts hers." Keith couldn't help but feel envious of how simple it seems for the others to connect to their Lions or in Lance case how easy it was for him to connect with multiple lions.

“He just talks to them,” Allura asks suspiciously “Are you sure Lance didn’t do anything to your lion.”

Keith could swear that Hunk's eyes narrowed a flash of anger passing through his eyes, but it was hard to picture their gentle giant angry, so Keith dismissed it as a trick of the light. "I'm sure" Hunk says "Look I'm gonna make sure Pidge hasn't escaped some way and killed Lance." That said the Yellow Paladin left the room.

"Oh, good your alive" Hunk says as he walks into the mess that is Pidge's room.

“Barely” Lance huffs adjusting the green bundle lying on his chest. "She bit me Hunk. I probably have cooties now." Lance says laughing quietly not to wake the sleeping girl in his arms.

"I'm surprised you got her asleep." Hunk says sitting on the edge of the bed next to his friends.

"Me too," Lance starts to chuckle "I actually sang her to sleep."

Hunk laughed out loud Lance shhing him as Pidge stirred “Video or it didn’t happen.”

"Pfft guess it didn't happen then." Lance says petting the girl's hair.

"Hmm, Matt" Pidge muttered, "stop it." Lance felt his heart tighten as Hunk frowned.

"Any luck with you know" Hunk says unsure if it was safe to talk about this with a sleeping Pidge in the room. "Your project."

“No maybe if I had the right ingredients I could…” Lance shakes his head no point in rambling about things he doesn’t have. “I’m doing the best I can, but its baby steps.”

Hunk shrugged “At least it’s steps.”

The duo was silent for a moment until Hunk blurted out “Are the rest of them still bugging you.”

Lance winced “They don’t approve of the word bugging.”

“I’m sorry” Hunk snorted, a playful smile on his face “Are they still assisting you?”

"They helped me find the tec; they told me Pidge spent two nights looking through storage for it before giving up." Lance says glance at the corner of the room. Hunk waits he knows that look, has ever since he met Lance when they were ten.

"It's not that weird." Lance says still looking at the corner. "So what they are all just huddled in the conference room talking…" Lance groaned tilting his head back. "We talked about this." Lance sighed in irritation

Hunk smiled “What did they say?”

"They think I should tell the team."

"They aren't wrong," Hunk says feeling the temp in the room shift warmer.

"The team thinks its weird that I can talk to multiple lions, how am I suppose to explain this." Lance says glaring at something over Hunk's shoulder.

“Well I mean it will take some time, but I mean you should tell them.” Hunk could make out something passing over Pidge’s trash replicas. “You should at least tell Pidge we agreed at the Garrison Pidge should know.”

"Everything is different now," Lance says shaking his head "it's just not the right time." Hunk shivered as the temperature suddenly dropped.

“They don’t seem very happy about that,” Hunk says trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah well they're dead, so I'm sure there's a lot they aren't happy about." Lance says as the room temperature plummets. Pidge snuggles in closer to a grumbling Lance as Hunk just shakes his head not at all bothered by the Lance trash-replica shaking its head, arms crossed staring at the trio.

Chapter Text

Keith knew that he wasn't good with people. He knew he lacked the social instruction on how to interact with ordinary people, but Keith also knew that there was an advantage to being silent and in the background. Keith studied people's expressions, their body language and although he didn't fully know how to respond to them, he liked to think he knew how to read people. Which is why he knew that there was something off about Lance. No, it wasn't just his annoying ability to turn everything into a joke, or his bad flirting and pick up lines. Lance was hiding something, and Keith had no idea what it was. The boy was an open book, his expression evident on his face and if it wasn't he let everyone know with his big mouth. So what secret could Lance Big Mouth McClain possibly have?

Keith curiosity had reached an all-time high after liberating the planet of Xochmalicas from the Galra Empire. The Xochmali, unlike other planets, has been in constant war with the Galra since the Empire attacked 1,000 years ago. According to Allura, the planet was high in minerals and specific resources, which meant the Galra couldn’t just destroy the planet. Allura had told the Paladins how much an alliance with this planet could help them later on, and stressed how imperative it was to be on their best behavior. After three days of almost non-stop fighting against the Galra, Team Voltron and the Xochmali were victorious.

The Xochmalican had humanoid features that seemed to mix with reptilian. Some of the citizens would be covered in scales, while others merely had horns or patches with textured skin. Majority of the people were one color mostly a light brown to match with the desert landscape of their planet, while others were blends of brighter colors. After defeating the Galra, the Queen of Xochmalican Chaskba and her daughter Princess Epsae greeted the team. Queen Chaskba stood at the height of at least seven feet tall she has light brown skin with dark purple splotches that seemed to stretch over her textured skin like ivy, small horns of a darker purple framed her face. Her daughter stood beside her only a few inches shorter than her mother but stood just as proud. She had light violet scales covering her almost beige skin the textured areas of her face lead the eyes to the horns growing out of her temple and forehead nearly resembling a crown, small ridges resting in the middle and trailing down to rest right above her nose. Although the two wore armor and their silted eyes reminded the humans of snakes, the Queen and Princess were nothing but kind. Insisting that both sides rest before any talk of alliances begin and to stay for the celebration of their victory. The Queen had graciously offered her castle as a place of rest for the Paladins, and Allura not wanting to be rude agreed.

That's how Keith found himself roaming the halls of the castle in his Paladin uniform in the dead of night. He just couldn't sleep in some random aliens home, after all, what if this was a trap. The team couldn’t risk being blindsided. He wondered the halls with his bayard at his side, listening for anything that could be deemed suspicious. As Keith was passing by one of the palaces large windows, he noticed two shadows sneaking around the grounds below. His shoulders instantly tense as he stepped closer to the window ready to pounce from above, only to relax if only slightly when he recognized the Paladin armor of Hunk and Lance.

‘What could those two possibly be doing?' Keith thought frowning ‘Nothing good’ a voice in his head answered back. Keith wondered if he should go to Shiro or Allura was this information, but he couldn't help but wonder what those two could be up to. Lance was a complete jokester, but Hunk seemed to be more level-headed surly if it was too dangerous the larger boy could talk lance out of it. Keith snorted if anything Lance seemed to drag Hunk and Pidge into his shenanigans. Keith watched as Hunk and Lance seemed to be doing an excellent job of sneaking out undetected. Keith shrugged figuring by the time he wakes Shiro up there would be nothing they could do about the missing paladins without alerting the entire castle that they were gone. Which Keith didn’t think Allura would enjoy at all. Keith just shook his head before continuing to walk the halls. As long as those two got back before the alliance meeting tomorrow morning, everything should be fine.

Of course, Lance and Hunk weren't back in time for the meeting. Why did Keith even for a moment believe that they would. The rest of the team was sitting in a lavished dining hall of some sort with the Queen and her daughter, food present but untouched. At first, Allura had told the Queen that they must still be sleeping tired from the fighting, but when a servant came in telling the Queen that they were not in his room, Queen Chaskba was not happy. She was afraid that she would be deemed a bad host if any of the planet's dangers befall the two Paladins who were wondering around unattended in an unknown world. Allura through gritted teeth and a forced smile assured the Queen that nothing would happen to the Paladins while trying not to admit that she had no idea where here two Paladins had went. Pidge had been all smiles at the thought of Lance being in trouble still quite not forgiving him for making her a Pidge burrito, but after a while, even she began to become worried about her friends.

Shiro and Allura had heavy frowns on their face and just as Allura was about to open her mouth, the doors to the throne room were thrown open a palace guard panting. "My Queen" The guard struggled to gather his breath, the tale behind him swishing back and forth anxiously. “The paladins.” Keith saw Shiro already start to pinch the bridge of his nose, as Allura seemed to clench her hands together rage springing in her eyes. “The paladins they…” The guard’s brown silted eyes were wide.

The Queen seemed annoyed with her guard's interruption; her painted red lips pulled into a snarl showing some very impressive incisors. However, it was the princess that spoke: "Have the Paladins returned successfully?" Her voice was so hopefully her clawed violet-scaled hand reaching out to her mother’s deep purple. The Queen took her daughters hand, clenched tight when her daughter’s hand started to shake, but she, as was everyone else was utterly confused at her daughters cry when the guard nods his head. The princess wastes no time dragging her mother from her throne.

“Mother we must go, we must go now.” The princess cries.

“Daughter I do not understand” The Queen stands but looked between the guard and her daughter.

Team Voltron is unable to hear what the princess says to her mother, but the look of hope on the Queen’s face twisted something inside of Keith. Before anyone could question what was going on the Queen and the Princess were rushing out of the room the guard leading the way to were Keith has no idea, but the rest of team Voltron followed.

After many turns and hallways, the paladins were outside of the palace and being escorted to a temple of some sort that reminded Keith of the Mayan temples. ‘Knew it' Keith thinks smugly as the group struggles to keep pace with the Queen and Princess who are practically running. A crowd has formed outside of one of the significant chambers whispers that soon become silence at the sight of their Queen and Princess. All move to make a path as they bow to their royals. All accept Lance and Hunk who are in the doorway.

The Queen glances at the two paladins before entering the room where two Xochmalican seem to be hovering over something on a golden table. The Princess stops in front of Lance the two whispering that no matter how much Keith tries to strain his ear he can't hear, but all are surprised when the tall Princess leans down and envelope Lance in a hug. Lance smiles returning the hug before saying something to the princess that brought tears to her eyes. Keith watches as Lance cups the princess face wiping the tears away before motioning to the room. Princess Epsae hesitates to move, grabbing Lance’s hand trying to tug him into the room with her. Lance is hesitant for a moment before he tilts his head looking slightly above and to the right of the princess's head and nods. The princess takes this as confirmation even though Lance seems completely surprised as the princess drags him into the room. Lance says something to Hunk who gives him a thumbs up as the guards shut the door.

Hunk waits by the door nodding his head to the Xochmalican as they praise him for his success and waits for the rest of the team to come over. Hunk could already tell that Allura was upset and Hunk inwardly sighed going over the lie in his head one more time. God did Hunk hate lying, and it wasn’t because he was terrible at it, but this was his team they were supposed to trust each other. How could they form Voltron when they weren't entirely honest with each other. Hunk knew that they were lucky that they could form Voltron now, even though he has a sneaky suspicion that Lance found a loophole. ‘It’s Lance's secret, not yours' Hunk thinks prepping himself, a smile already on his face. "Hey, guys how's it going?"

If Hunk hadn't had a few run in with things that go bump in the night, he was sure that Allura’s glare would have made him run for the hills. "Where were you two?" The princess asks, her eyes gazing at the dirtied Paladin armor. Hunk was covered in dirt and mud the yellow and white of his armor wholly covered in grime.

"During one of the raids, Lance thought he saw something out in the desert. We thought we would check it out, everyone else was tired so we figured we would go look ourselves." Hunk says with a shrug acting far too casual.

“You snuck out without me,” Pidge says crossing her arms. Not matter how much Pidge will deny needing the break that Lance forced her to take, everyone could agree that Pidge had been in a better mood. A far better mood than anyone could remember her being in.

“You hated sneaking out with us” Hunk replies with a raised eyebrow.

"That doesn't mean I don't want to be asked," Pidge says pushing up her glasses. "I'll probably say no, but at least let me have a choice," Pidge grumbled.

“Next time” Hunk assures with a real smile, hoping that it wouldn’t be a complete lie.

"You didn't feel the need to tell us of your whereabout," Allura says harshly.

“Didn’t think it mattered, but man am I tired” Hunk says wiping his forehead with the back of his hand “and dirty. Any chance I can get a bath and some food.”

“Hunk” Allura snapped, minding her voice when the Xochmalican turned their attention to the team. “This is serious.”

"I know I'm disgusting and starving," Hunk says with a sheepish smile, feeling the pricks on the back of his neck that told him it was time to go.

Shiro steps forwards only to be outspoken by a palace servant. "Paladin of Yellow if you request a bath and food, please follow me.”

Hunk wastes no time to reach the servant's side "Thanks really appreciate it."

The servant bows at her waist “No it would be my honor, anything for one of the paladins who returned our king to us.” The servant stood and began to guide Hunk back to the palace.

“King” Allura muttered, as far as she knew the Xochmalican had lost their king a while back in a raid. Allura looked back at the door, knowing that she needed to talk with all her paladins. The rest of the team stood there for a moment utterly confused, Allura had tried to enter the room, but the guards turned her away. Stating that until their Queen reopened the room, no one was allowed to enter. With nothing to do they were escorted back to the palace.

They were placed back in the large dining room from earlier. Where Hunk was already sitting surrounded by plates of strange food. Cleaned and out of his Paladin armor dressed in a tunic and pants of white and yellow. Hunk waved to the group “Look at all this food, guys you have to try this dish. I can’t pronounce it, but it’s so good its like pizza.” Hunk holds up a plate filled with purple bars that have speckles of yellow and green. Pidge snags a bar munching on it, and she takes a seat next to Hunk.

Allura turns to the servants setting the rest of the table. “Thank you for your hospitality, but I need a moment alone with my Paladins.” The servants seem to pause before turning to an older Xochmalican who was a blend of browns, shorter than the rest, but horns present on her face and arms. Who also seemed to be the supervisor as the rest of the Xochmalican waited for her command.

“Maybe your chambers would be a better place for that then” the elder Xochmalican replies. "Your paladin stated he was hungry, so we brought him down to eat. However, if it's a conference you wish to have the chambers my Queen set you up with would be better suited.”

Allura pursed her lips. "Please the guards will show you to your room, and I will personally prepare a snack for you all. However, I do suggest you get ready for the feast tonight. We have much to celebrate tonight." The supervisor Xochmalican smiled at Hunk before snapping her finger for a guard, leaving no room for argument.

Keith could tell that Allura was stewing and he knew that Lance was going to be the one she erupted on. The team was brought back to their quarters where a plate of colorful food was waiting for them, but so were other servants ready to help the team get prepared for the feast. Keith hated parties, banquets, or anything that deals with significant amount of people, but most of all he hated people trying to help him get ready. The Xochmalican people were a warrior based society so Allura assured the Paladins that it would not be seen as disrespectful to wear their armor, even though Allura stated that it would be nice if the Paladins could wear more than just their armor she wasn’t going to push unless it was a celebration of their alliance.

It didn’t take long until Keith was snapping at the help to leave him be, he wasn’t a child he could bathe himself. The Xochmalican quickly left him alone muttering an apology. Keith emerged back into the communal living area, again in his paladin armor to see Lance sitting on one of the seats, eating a fruit of some kind something pink with blue swirls that had the shape of a lemon. He was also out of his paladin armor and dressed in clothes similar to Hunk except for blue and had a gold sash hanging from his shoulder. It took a moment for Lance to notice Keith, but when he did, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"You don't have to wear your armor you know, they left some nice robes in your room, custom made to fit our" Lance used air quotes "small stature."

“Where were you?” Keith says not rising to the bait, his curiosity winning over him.

Lance shrugs "I get you feel the need to be on guard, but they aren't gonna attack us. Trust me, Keith."

"Trust you," Keith says with a snort, watching as Lance eyes narrow "I saw you sneak out with Hunk last night and neither of you have given us a straight answer on where you to were. Allura is pissed." Lance turns his gaze away from Keith to his right, eyes squinted for a moment. “What are you looking at?”

"Nothing just thinking," Lance says turning his gaze back to Keith.

"Well don't strain yourself."

Lance’s face turned red for a moment his mouth open ready to retort, but to Keith's surprise he closes his eyes and takes a deep breathe "Can we put this on hold right now, I'm way too tired to do this right now? Especially with Allura coming in."

“Allura is still getting-” Keith was interrupted with Allura slamming the door open. Her eyes focused solely on Lance. She walked straight up to her Blue Paladin whose eyes darted between the furious princess and something just over her left shoulder.

“Where have you been?” Allura asked struggling to keep her voice from rising. As Lance opened his mouth to reply Allura continued, "Do you have any idea of the impression I give when I don't know where two of my paladins are? Do you have any idea what you could have cost us? We need this alliance Lance, and you take Hunk and go out on your own without telling anyone." Allura sighs running a hand through her white hair. "Great Lion above right when I think that you're finally starting to understand the importance of your role as a paladin, right when I think you are finally taking this war seriously you pull something like this.” Lance wasn’t staring at Allura, but rather the door to his right and Allura snapped. “Will you focus for one second?”

Lance winces sadness reflected on his face before he says "The Queen and the Princess are coming so you may want to lower your voice" Lance schools his features and Keith can't help but squirm at how odd it was to see Lance expressionless. Keith didn't even think Lance knew how to hide his emotions. Allura blinks at Lance before looking back at the door ready to open her mouth, when a knock starts.

Allura frowns taking one last look at her blue paladin but walks to the door. Keith watches as Lance lets out a shaky breath a smile placed back on his face when the Queen and Princess enter. Keith wondered just how many of Lance’s expressions were actually sincere; Keith can’t seem to tell the difference between the two. The Princess rushes to Lance’s side. The Queen was talking with Allura in whispers only to be interrupted by the rest of the paladins; it seems Keith and Shiro were the only ones that felt the need to stay in their armor.

"I hope you understand princess Allura that any negotiation of an alliance will need to be placed on hold until after the burial ceremony. It is a three sun cycle celebration that I will announce it this evening and it will start at the next sunrise." The Queen explains bowing her head.

"Of course, we fully understand and would be honored to help in any way we can," Allura says taking the Queen's hand.

“Thank you, if it’s not to much trouble I would like to borrow your Blue Paladin before the announcement and feast, we have much to discuss.” The Queen says glance over at Lance who was staring at the Queen eye glazed over.

“Lance” Shiro says placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder, which made the Cuban boy jump. “You alright there?”

“Yah yah Shiro don't worry about it," Lance says giving a nervous chuckle.

"Paladin of Blue if you would," The Queen says motioning to the door, the Princess Epsae was already cradling Lance's hand, and together they exited the room. The Queen gave a small bow of her head to Allura and the other Paladins before closing the door.

“What just happened?” Pidge asks, “I feel like I’m missing something.”

Allura was still staring at the door so Hunk answers, “The Xochmalican have a firm tradition about how to deal with the death of their royalty. The Queen must have been telling Allura about the celebration they are about to have.” Hunk starts moving to the snack table

"That's great, and all, but who died," Pidge asks, flopping on the couch.

“Today in the desert Lance found the lost body of King Uylat," Hunk says, practically seeing all of the questions forming in his teammates head. Hunk wondered just how long they could keep this secret from the team.

Chapter Text

Lance could only sigh as he walked into the Queen private chambers, Princess Epsae by his side. This wasn’t the worst way to start off the old I-have-a-message-from-beyond-the-grave conversation. The Queen opened the doors to a large sitting room, decorated in jewels and colorful scarves, but in the center was a round table covered with what looked to be a tea set on it, four large chairs surrounding the covered table. The Queen sat as did the Princess before Lance took a seat.

“Do not look so distraught boy my wife will have to believe you,” A voice to the right of Lance stated, "with valid proof." Lance could see the form of the dead king as clear as he could see the Queen and Princess. Standing at an impressive size of nine feet, with a larger physique of Hunk pure muscle covered by dark brown skin, red triangles stretching over scaled skin, two large horns growing from his temples with two smaller ones on his cheeks all dress in thick leather and silver armor. "My daughter will stand beside you for sure; she has always believed in this magic nonsense," The King says with a broad laugh showing off his pointy teeth.

Lance was startled out of his conversation with King Uylat when a large pot filled with steaming water was placed in front of him. Lance was confused looking at the Queen for guidance; the Queen did not look upset or angry, but rather cautious. “My daughter tells me that you can see certain things.” The Queen says not bothering to beat around the bush.

“Mother” Princess Epsea shrieks scandalized that her mother would act so rudely to the one who saved there loved one's soul.

Lance listened to the King laugh beside him “She always was quick with that tongue of hers” Lance could hear the love in the dead king's voice, but chose to focus on the living royalty in the room. "It's a lot more complicated than that my Queen" Lance says trying not to squirm in his seat. He should have brought Hunk with him.

The Queen pursed her lips “If you truly have a gift of sight than please see how I like my herbjink.” All Paladin armor come built with translator, a mix of magic and science that Coran tried to explain to Lance once, it allowed the Paladins to speak with every species that Alteans have come in contact with. However, Coran told them that some words could not be translated and will be left in their original language. This would generally be a problem, but Lance has never had difficulty understanding languages. So he knew when the Queen asked for herbjink she was asking for a drink similar to tea.

“Mother his gifts are better spent than on trying to figure out your drink order.” The princess hissed, but the Queen did not budge her stare piercing into Lance.

Lance sighed having to stand to try and reach specific ingredients with how high the table was. "You don't drink herbjink," Lance says as he grabs some type of yellow powder. "You say it's too salty for you, so King Uylat has a special drink made for you. One that he and only your head cook knew how to create" Lance pours in some type of purple slime, "but even then you only drink it when you're lonely or stressed." Lance drops two orbs that remind him of eyes and begins to stir the drink. He let the concoctions sit for a moment before asking the Princess to passes the bowl with orange flowers in it. The Princess did so and watched as Lances plucked four petals before placing it in the pot. "Now let it sit, and you will have your drink. Which I believe is warranted you have had a stressful few days." Lance says testing to see how difficult it would be to lift the teapot. It was heavy but doable. Lance walked over to the Queen who sat shocked, her mouth slightly parted and eyes narrowed and poured her a cup before walking over to the smug Princess and filling hers.

“How did you-” The Queen started only to be interrupted by the Princess.

“I told you mother he is blessed by the Gods.” The Princess says, taking a spoon to swirl her poured drink.

Lance gave an awkward chuckle “I’m not sure if the Gods have anything to do with this, but my Abuela always said I was blessed.” Lance says placing the giant pot down, his arms sore for the weight, before struggling to sit on the high chair. “My gift does include sight, but not the way you think.”

“Go on boy quit stalling," the King says sounding bored. Lance could only narrow his eyes at the King who gave him a grin and a go on hand motion.

‘So not helpful' Lance thought. "I don't see the past or future, or glimpse of peoples lives, well I mean I do sometimes, but that not my main ability" Lance states messing with the armor on his forearm. "I see souls." Lance finally blurts out taking a deep breath "Mostly the souls of the departed." Lance opened his eyes when the room remained quiet, the Queen and the Princess didn’t look horribly scared just shocked, but they were sitting completely straight in their chairs. Not the worse response Lance has ever gotten. “Your king called out to me and I-”

“Stop” the Queen, says raising her hand out in front of her, her face shifting to something more reserved afraid to have any hope. “My husband is dead, and I thank you for bringing him back to me, but this is too much.”

Lance watched as the dead King glided to stand over his wife's shoulder "She's such a good Queen isn't she." The King slowly brings a transparent hand to rest on his Queen's cheeks, the Queen's eyes widened as she gasped in surprised turning towards her side to face her lost husband. Lance knew she couldn’t see him, they never could. “No matter how much she wants to believe you she will always restrain herself and look at all the facts.” The King had such a warm smile on his face, so happy to have the love of his life focused on him, even if it was just for a moment. The King just wished she would smile. “Tell her about the first time we met…”

"He's here," Lance says “He can hear you, he wants me to tell you about the first time he saw you. No in the courtroom, but in your garden in your old home, everyone always said that your family had the best garden on the planet, but no one mentioned that you personally took care of each flower in that garden. So he snuck into it dressed in a dark blue cloak. You saw him sneak in and before he knew it, there was a dagger at his neck. You stood there and snarled at him yelled at him for picking your favorite flowers. You nicked him on his collarbone a scar he had to his final day, a scar he says sealed his love for you're with his blood." The Queen had tears running down her face as Princess Epsea was reaching for her mother’s hand; her eyes glossing over with unshed tears. "He says he was lucky to get out of the fight with only a scar, but it was worth it to stay by your side for his life." Lance smiles even though he could feel himself getting emotional from a story that wasn't his "He says it was worth it to see your face in the courtroom the next day, sitting like a perfect princess even when he presented your stolen flowers to your rage and promises of misery in your eyes.” The Queen let out a cry; her daughter leaped her mother’s side embracing her in a tight hug, as the Queen cried.

“No one knew about that,” The Queen Chaskba cries out “Your father would always tell his men that a ferocious creature attacked him.” She says letting out a weak laugh, “but no one ever knew that he meant me.” The Queen was gasping for breath her body trying to figure out whether to cry or laugh.

"It was always our story," King Uylat says watching as the two most important people in his life cling to one another. “If she wants further proof I could have you talking about our wedding night.”

"Oh please don't," Lance says face flushing at trying to talk about something as intimate as that. The King just laughs at the Paladins face.

“Oh come now boy then she really will believe you.”

“No nope no not happening.”

The Queen chuckles at the red faces paladin clearing her throat before separating from her daughter, but still keeping her close to her side "You must forgive my husband all those lessons in manners, and he was still widely inappropriate." Lance laughs at the Kings betrayed look as he shouts, "Chaskba how could you.”

Lance laughs watching as the King shakes his head, but a smile is still on his face. He stands behind his wife and daughter towering over them before placing a hand on each of their shoulders. Lance can see the shiver run down their arms. “Tell them I love them.” The King says with a sober expression “That they were my whole world.”

"He wants me to tell you that he loves you both so much, that you two were his whole world," Lance says, feeling the sorrow of the King. Lance knew that the King was aware of the finality of his time here. “He wants to say that he’s sorry he broke his promise to you both, he swore he would come back to you and for so long he was lost. He can only imagine the pain that caused you to.”

“You’re a fool Uylat," The Queen says touching her shoulder, her hand going through the kings. "We have a chance to speak after so long, and you want to fill it with apologies." The Queen gives a dry chuckle. "You were a king, a great king and we are not stupid. Any great leader leads their people to battle."

“That’s right father” Princess Epsea adds "We know that you would never want to leave us. We know that you did everything in your power to get back to us." It was the Kings turn to cry, and Lance was doing his best to remain silent biting his lip to keep the sobs in.

"We are devastated that you are gone," The Queen says a single tear running down her face "devastated that we can't see or hold you, but this is more than most people get and we are eternally grateful." The Queen gave Lance a sad smile, and Lance nodded understanding.

“My Queen” King Uylat praises, tears still running down his face. “My Chaskba." In moments like this Lance always feels like an intruder feels like he is robbing the family of something personal.

"We will perform your burial ceremony, my love," The Queen says "but after I have a request."

“Tell her I’ll do anything for her” King Uylat shouts, the force of his emotion causes the windows to slam open a gust of wind entering the room.

Princess Epsae jumps in surprise, but the Queen is looking straight at Lance “What is the request?” Lance asks.

The Queen takes a deep breath “That you pass on, Uylat you have fought for so long it is time to rest. Enter Mericteum and be at peace." The room was silent, and Lance's breath caught in his throat, but the Queen continues. "You carried this kingdom on your shoulders, you fought and fought, and now its time for peace. You asked about my pain of your absence. My pain came from knowing that you would walk the desserts alone and lost, but you kept your promise you returned to us." The Queen's words were shaking as her daughter nodded her head agreeing with her mother's words. "Now I as Queen order you to rest in Mericteum and wait for me there.” The Queen closed her eyes more tears spilling over her skin “Will you grant my request, my love.” The King stands behind the Queen engulfing her in a hug, kissing the top of her head.

"Anything for my world." The King whispers and another gust of wind enter the room, gently circling the Princess and Queen and Lance knows that he doesn't need to reply.

Lance gets a rush of happiness and love, flickers of memories that Lance knows doesn't belong to him. Memories of a first kiss he wasn't apart of, a marriage he wasn't invited to, a birth of a daughter he wasn't present at. Images and emotions of the Princess and Queen and Lance cries, cries for the unfairness of the world, cries for the families loss, cries because he can feel the Kings' heart shatter and fill with warmth at the same time in this bittersweet reunion.

"Paladin will you tell my family something," the King asks, still not removing himself from his wife. Lance nods "Will you tell them not to join the Voltron Coalition."

Lance gasps surprising the Queen and Princess “What what is it" the Princess asks panicked, but Lance is too confused to pay attention to anyone other than the King.

"Tell them not to join Voltron in this fight, tell them to stand down please," the King asks resting his forehead on top of his wife's. Lance's mouth opened how could he do that. Allura said they need this alliance if the Queen tells the team that they won't join they'll think Lance had something to do with it, but at the same time can Lance just ignore the Kings wish. He had a responsibility to speak for the dead, but he had a duty as the Blue Paladin, to his team. Lance didn't understand didn't the king see what their combined forces could do, why would he ask such a thing?

"Please Paladin, what did my husband say," The Queen asked urgency in her voice, fear consuming the two living royals.

Lance closed his eyes, may every god, goddess, deity give him strength. Taking a deep breath, Lance spoke, "The king said…"

Chapter Text

Lance was a horrible person; he was the worst being alive, that included Zarkon and his goons. Lance groaned to himself as he laid down on his borrowed bed, he smacked his face with both his hands moaning again. Lance was just the worst.

Hunk watched his friend beat himself up but had no idea how to help. “I mean you did what you thought was right” Hunk offered sitting at the foot of the bed.

“I have a responsibility Hunk” Lance grumbles through his hands, “and I blow it. Like ughhh”

Hunk moved to sit beside his friend, patting him on the shoulder. “Nothing you can do about it now” All Hunk received was another groan “But I’m here for you no matter what.”

Lance removed his hands from his face to see the sincerity on Hunk’s face. “Thanks, Hunk.” Hunk has always been there for Lance no matter the danger or the weirdness that comes with Lance’s life.

“Anytime buddy,” Hunks says patting the Cuban boy’s head. “But we should probably get ready for the celebration.”

“Can’t I’m talking with Princess Epsae about designing the torches.” Lance’s says sighing, rummaging under his pillow until he found his little book.

“Oh that’s right,” Hunk says “Are you sure it's gonna work?”

Lance slowly lifted himself to sitting position still slouching, staring down at the leather-bound notebook in his hands. “I have no idea; it’s Celtic magic what do I know about Celtic magic.” Lance throws his head back against the bed’s headrest ignoring the sting when his head hits too hard and when the book flops on his lap. “I only ever saw this spell done once, but it’s the best chance of bringing the souls lost in the desert here. I’m hoping that the more enchanted torches we have, the bigger the light to lead the lost home. Hopefully, they will follow their king into Merictuem.”

“Right Mericteum being like their heaven?”

“More or less,” Lance says, picking up what can only be described as his spellbook. Lance runs his hands over the designed covered. The spellbook was a typical size notebook. The cover a red leather that although been carried everywhere was still as pristine as when Lance first received it; the front was covered in a large skull design, one that reminded Lance of the decorative skulls found on Dia De Los Muertos, an antique golden bronze lock sealing the book with a thick leather band. “This book doesn’t have any other spells that can help with wandering souls,” Lance says unlocking the book flipping through the same-yellowed pages over and over again. “Ugh, I should have written more spells down.”

“Do you not remember what happened when we did a spell that you just wrote down?” Hunk says a smile on his.

“Oh come on it wasn’t that bad,” Lance says a chuckle escaping.

“We summoned a Kishi who almost ate your sister,” Hunk says laughing at the ridiculous of his statement, even though the memory was kind of terrifying.

“Oh man, that would have been bad trying to explain to mom why Veronica was late for dinner,” Lance says remembering the terrifying two-faced demon, with the face of a man and hyena; to this day Veronica still hates dogs.

The two teens laugh unaware of the gremlin that snuck into the room until it was too late. “RRRAAAWWWWW” Pidge screams jumping on the bed behind Hunk.

Hunk screams, activating his bayard as he swings towards Pidge, Lance hits his head again as he jumps startles, his book thrown somewhere off the bed. Pidge laughs as she ducks Hunks large cannon weapon lying completely flat on the bed by Lance’s feet, the blanket smothering her laughter.

“Pidge don't do that,” Hunk says placing a hand over his heart, deactivating his bayard. “I could have hurt you,” Hunk says waving the deactivated bayard around “I could have made a giant hole in you, in this room, and bam we need a new paladin, then what will Allura say.”

Pidge is still snickering, adjusting her glasses as she rolls on top of Lance’s legs “I’m pretty sure you would still be in less trouble than Lance.”

Lance groaned throwing himself over Pidge, clutching her like a teddy bear groaning, if Allura was mad at Lance before she was going to straight up hate Lance by the time they left this planet.

“Hey let go of me,” Pidge snapped trying to squirm her way out of the older teens grip “Do I look like a plushy to you?”

“Well you are the size of one” Lance says resting his head on top of the Green Paladins, wincing when he felt her teeth sink into his bicep. “STOP BITING ME” Lance shouts; Pidge bites down harder. “Fine keep biting I’m a level 94 older sibling it's gonna take more than a level 10 bite to make me let go,” Lance says as if the smaller girl was not almost breaking the skin.

Hunk sighs wondering how he ever became with two stubborn meme loving troublemakers. “Pidge let go,” Hunk says, using his heel to tuck Lance’s spell book underneath the bed. Pidge growls letting go for a minute to chomp down again, and Lance retaliates with squeezing the girl even tighter. “Come on guys we are paladins,” Hunk says shaking his head, laughter in his voice. Both Blue and Green Paladin huff at him. “Pidge if you don’t let go I will tickle you,” Hunk says wiggling his fingers in front of the girl.

Pidge growled biting harder into Lance’s upper arm ignoring the pain in her ribs as Lance tightens his grip. Pidge gives Hunk her best I dare you look. Hunk moves his wiggling finger to the left and right with dramatic wisps of his wrist trying for a surprise attack. The real surprises though came when Lance loosens his arms, using the one that Pidge was currently biting to grab her head exposing her neck while the other was still wrapped around her ribs. Pidge didn’t know what hit her when Lance plants his lips on the young girl neck and produces a very loud and very wet raspberry on her neck.  

Pidge squeals releasing Lance's arm from her mouth to try and squirm away from the boy. Lance’s raspberry attack is cut short with his laughter and Pidge is immediately out of his hold wiping her neck off with the covers on the bed. “LANCE I’M GONNA KILL YOU.”

Hunk is too busy laughing wishing he had his camera to notice that the room’s door has opened. Lance tries to get off the bed but isn’t fast enough for Pidge’s speed. Pidge quickly springs on the boy, and although Lance has seen some terrifying shit in his life courtesy of the unknown, Pidge leaping at him ready to tear his throat out is one of the top three scariest moments on his life. Hunk without thinking plucks Pidge out of the air stopping her from pouncing on the Cuban boy. Hunk, however, isn’t expecting Pidge’s spastic reaction and soon both teens are falling onto the floor. Hunk groans as he takes most of the impact, Pidge landing on the bigger teens torso.

“Ugh hi Allura, Shiro, Keith,” Lance says wondering how long the rest of team Voltron has been standing there, only to see another taller figure walk through the doorway “Queen Chaskba how are you today,” Lance says struggling to stand up out of his beds stepping over Pidge and Hunk. Trying to discreetly glare at the King Uylat for not giving him a heads up about the audience, but the King was merely snickering to himself as he floated over to stand by his wife.

Pidge was to busy trying to get her bearing to notice the rest of the team. “Ow, my head” Pidge mutters picking up her discarded glasses that fell off her face and tumbled under the bed. However, as Pidge searched for her glasses, her fingers stumbled over something leather. Pidge grabs the item and her glasses. “A book” she mutters looking at Hunk who was staring at her with wide eyes. Her exclamation caught Lance's attention, and even he looked worried. Pidge could feel a grin stretch over her face. “It's not just a book is it,” the girl says standing up keeping the book close to her chest.

“Pidge gives that back,” Lance says stepping close to the Green Paladin slowly as if afraid to spook her. “I need that back.”

“You need it huh,” Pidge says staring at the cover. “It’s a dairy isn’t it,” Pidge says one hand on her hip her smile putting the Cheshire cat grin to shame. “Does weee littlllee Lancy-Lancy have a diary.” Pidge teases baby voicing the older teen.

“Pidge give it back,” Lance says losing all patients nerves high as he lunges for his spellbook.

Pidge dances away from the boy, smiling, finally all the dirt she would ever need on Lance. Pidge had a bunch of embarrassing and hilarious stories about Lance, but Lance seemed to be immune to embarrassment for too long. Every time Pidge thinks she finally has something over Lance, the Blue Paladins quickly turns it's into a story about himself sometimes even telling others about the story first just so Pidge couldn’t hold it over his head, but now she had a journal how great. Pidge knew there had to be some juicy dirt in it if Lance was trying this hard to get it back. Lance was far too flustered to watch where he was going, desperately trying to get he book back. So it was easy to push Lance into the small table in the center of the room. The older teen falling over the table landing painfully on the ground as a pile of limbs, Pidge hummed in satisfaction as she began to reach for the journals lock.

“Pidge drop it” Hunk shouted, his voice loud and intimidating. Hunks command scared Pidge so much she dropped the journal her eyes wide as she looked at the other member of the Garrison-Trio.

Everyone at this point was staring at Hunk; they had never heard their gentle giant shout before. Lance taking the distraction quickly scooped up the book from the floor. Pidge stared at Hunk and Lance for a moment, her mouth open in confusion. The atmosphere from the room quickly turned from playful to tense, and Pidge wasn’t sure what she did wrong.

Even when Pidge was mean to them at the Garrison when they first meet, even when Pidge lied or snapped at them, they never yelled at her. If anything these two included Pidge in everything even if she had no interest in it; they were her friends, friends she knew she didn’t deserve. As Pidge looked at the stern expression on Hunk’s face and then at Lance’s sober look, Pidge was at a loss at what to do. So she ran out of the room, squeezing through the two other Paladins and the Queen of the planet. She ignored the two shouts of her name, and just kept running unaware of the king that followed her. It was right that they never actively told each other everything, but Lance and Hunk had never hidden anything from Pidge or at least she didn’t think they did.

“What happened in here” Allura snapped her anger targeted on Lance once again, causing he boy to instantly put his hands up in surrender.

Hunk and Lance looked at one another not really sure how to explain that they were worried for Pidge’s safety. After Lance had his book stolen in middle school by bullies, he may have placed a security measure on the book. If anyone that wasn’t part of Lance’s family or Hunk tried to force open the lock the book would send a big enough shock to the assailant to knock them out.

“We were just roughhousing, and things got a bit out of hand,” Lance says wincing at himself at how weak the excuse is.

“We’ll go find Pidge,” Hunk says placing a hand on Lance’s shoulder.

“No I’m afraid Lance was late to a meeting with Princess Epsae,” Allura said, her tone even although her left eye was twitching.

“Right,” Lance says feeling a tightening on his temple a headache forming.

“Your team was hoping to see exactly what you and my daughter are working on,” Queen Chaskba says, trying to help the poor earthling out. Queen Chaskba knew that the earthling named Lance did not want his team to know about his gift, why she wasn’t sure, but she owned the boy so much that she would do everything in her power to keep his secret. “However I was hoping the team wouldn’t mind helping with the fire towers. Past battles with the Galra have knocked the sacred towers over, with the help of the lions it's possible to stand them and repair them before the final ceremony.”

“We were looking for Hunk and Pidge to help with the towers while you help Princess Epsae,” Shiro says trying to keep the fragile peace that was in the room.

“Please, Paladin of Blue” Queen Chaskba says motioning to the door. “I will lead you to my daughter and then meet the rest of the team for the northern tower on the outskirt of the city.”

Lance opened his mouth to protest they had to find Pidge, Pidge was upset, and it was all his fault he had to fix this. “Relax boy,” King Uylat says appearing beside Lance. “Your teammate seems to be headed towards the garden, have the Yellow Paladin find her, and we can deal with this another time.” Lance nodded turning to Hunk to relay the information before leaving the room. Trying to ignore Allura’s irrated expression, Shiro’s disappointed look, and Keith’s sharp eyes.

“Is it really that bad?” King Uylat says walking behind the paladin. “Does your world really hate people with your ability so much that you are willing to hide it from your team?”

Once the Queen follows closing the door behind them, Lance answers the King question “yes, it really is.”

 Lance was in the same temple they brought King Uylat working with some of the priestess redesigning the patterns inside the cauldrons that sit on the sacred towers. Lance had abandoned his armor for the traditional temple clothing to try and appease the head priestess. The head priestess was an older woman, she had sharp reptilian features, sand color scales and horns reminding Lance of a bearded dragon, the priestess was also one of the smaller figures he’s seen standing only a few inches taller than Lance.

Lance had expected a fight when he entered the tower, ready to defend his magic and ideas to the followers of the temple, but it was all for nothing. The head priestess upon meeting Lance had bowed to him, and the others followed. The head priestess had asked, no more like begged Lance to help improve their rituals. Lance had been shocked, but hearing the priestess beg Lance to help put to rest the lost souls of their soldiers reminded him that no matter what happens tomorrow with Voltron he is needed here now. Lance gently grabbed the scaled hand of the head priestess and raised her back to her feet; King Uylat was proud of the earth boy when he told the head priestess “There is no time for bowing, we have work to do.”

So here they were Princess Epsae, her mother, the head priestess, Lance and the dead King surrounding the one complete prototype of the new cauldrons. Each wondering if they would work. Lance scanned the design over his eyes taking in the familiar signs of Celtic symbols infused with the ancient writing of the Xochmalican. In all honesty, it was giving Lance a headache to look at it.

“Will it work?” The head priestess asked, more worried that the temple failed to integrate the earthling’s magic correctly.

“In theory yes,” Lance says running his hands through the grooves of the different symbols. “Only one way to find out though. Later tonight while the festival is in full swing I’ll go to the desert and light it. We will learn quickly if it works or not.” Lance says worry is gnawing at the back of his mind. It is always risky to mix two different forms of magic, and here he was combining two utterly different magic types that he knew the bare minimum of.

“If it doesn’t work what will we do,” Princess Epsae says, fiddling with the jewelry she was wearing around her scaled wrist.

“If it doesn’t than you place the old cauldrons on the temples and we do our best to call all the lost souls,” Lance says.

“We tried the old cauldrons the first night; you said nothing appeared.” Queen Chaskba says, frowning.

“Nothing did,” Lance says sighing “but that could be for multiple reasons. The fire could have been too low, too far from the battlefields for the souls to see it. The magic could have been weakened by the amount of negative energy in the desert.” Lance ran a hand through his hair, ruffling the strands. “We do what we can and hope for the best.”

“It will work” King Uylat states with a nod standing beside the cauldron.

“We don’t know for sure” Lance answers’ back, not caring that he was the only one that could hear him.

“It will work, my boy. I am after all one of the lost souls.” King Uylat says with a laugh.

“You aren’t lost” Lance shouted, his flustered state only making the king laugh more. “How can you laugh so much?”

“My husband always found some way to laugh at a situation,” The Queen says her voice catching in her throat before she coughed awkwardly, “Very annoying isn’t it” a smug smile on her face, some of her sharp teeth exposed.

“CHASKBA WHY DO YOU BETRAY ME SO” The king dramatically sobs standing in front of his wife, who for a moment Lance was sure could see her husband because her smile stretched and she chuckled.

“He's begin dramatic isn’t he?” Lance laughed as the king dropped to his knees crying over his wife’s meanness.  

“Going back to the plan,” Lance says wiping a tear for his eye “I can try it out tonight and if it works will the temple be able to finish the rest in time.”

The head priestess nods her head “Yes two should be completed by today, the last will be finished by tomorrow afternoon, plenty of time before the final day of the festival begins.”

“Alright I’ll need another carriage for transport and grab Hunk, and then we can head out to the desert,” Lance says trying to plan how to sneak out of the festival and Allura’s watch with Hunk.

“Paladin,” the Princess asks, her eyes glued to the floor “May I come along as well?” Lance blinked his mouth opening a bit in surprise.

“I to would like to come.” The head priestess states “If permitted.”

Lance bit his lip part of him wanting to tell the two that this wasn’t a field trip, but another part also knew how much this meant to them. Luckily it was the Queen that saved him. “I’m afraid that is impossible. The people will be wondering where their princess and head priestess is for the festival. There is no way I can allow either of you to miss the festival.”

The head priestess nods her head backing down, but the Princess looked ready to argue. “Princess I do have a present for you and your mother the final day of the ceremony, and to keep it a surprise I need to go to the desert alone.” The Princess paused, but Lance could see her curiosity peeked at the word present.

“Very well.” The Princess says stepping back to stand by her mother.

“It is time you both get ready for the festival I will walk the paladin back to his room. Have the guards load the cauldron.” Both nod their head bowing before leaving the room.

 “A present,” the Queen asks as they begin their walk back to the castle.

“It's not a lie, and it’s a surprise, so I’m not telling you.” Lance says crossing his arm playfully.

The Queen chuckles “I see,” they walk in silence for a moment before the Queen speaks again. “I have caused trouble for you, the tension is high between you and your teammates.”

“You haven’t done anything, your highness.” Lance says, “I’m the one-”

“That told us, my husbands, last request. It couldn’t have been easy for you” The Queen says stopping forcing the Blue Paladin to look at her. “You could have lied; you could have told us that he wanted us to join the coalition, that-”

“No, I couldn’t.” Lance interrupts surprising the Queen. “It wasn’t a difficult decision your majesty; there was no other option. I am a speaker for the dead; I can’t use my gift for personal gain it doesn’t work that way. Whatever happens next can’t be helped.” Lance says forcing a smile on his face. “I am a soul seer and a paladin of Voltron, I’m sure this isn’t going to be the last time one title interferes with the other.” Lance uncrosses his arms and takes a step towards the Queen; she needed to understand this most of all. “I have no regrets towards my choices, as long as your family finds peace when this is all said and done.” The smile on Lance’s face this time doesn’t feel so forced.

The Queen bows her head, a wobbly smile on her face “Thank you.” Lance nods, and the two begin their trek back to the castle, Lance filling the time with stories of earth and its magic.

“So then my mother is yelling at my older brother and I because how much extra willows ash could we have added to blow up a classroom,” Lance says ecstatically as the Queen chuckled.

The two arrive at Lance’s room, and Lance swings open the door as the Queen states, “Your mother must be a strong woman to handle you and your siblings. I would have fed you to the ricativon.”

Lance gasps “Your majesty how could you!!!” as Lance listens to King Uylat agree with his wife with no hesitation. “Besides its illegal to feed your kids to wild animals on Earth.”

“Oh how sad for the parents.” The Queen says sighing “how do they do it?”

Lance walks into his room to see the entire team of Voltron is inside, waiting. The whole team is out of their armor, dressed in the robes provided by the Queen. All are wearing their communicator headbands ‘Shit’ Lance thinks glaring at the dead King who just says oops. Coran knew that there would be a time that the paladins would need to be out of their armor, so he and Pidge created the communicator headbands. The wrap around the back of the head covering the ears like headphones but extend out to the individuals cheeks. This allows the user to hear and speak in the language intended.

“Hi team what’s up,” Lance says, hoping that no one caught on.

“Lance were you just speaking Xochmali,” Shiro asks, eyebrows scrunched together. Of course, today would be the day that Shiro notices Lance.

“Ugh,” Lance says looking at Hunk for help, but he looked just as stumped as Lance. “Princess Epsae taught me,” Lance says lamely.

“You were speaking it fluently,” Allura says with one eyebrow raised, shock on her face rather than anger.

Again the Queen saved Lance. “Yes he is a very bright young man, you should be proud to have such a paladin Princess Allura, a few lessons with my daughter and he sounds like a native.” The Queen placed her hands on both of Lance’s shoulder a broad smile on her face all teeth exposed. Lance couldn’t help agree with King Uylat when he muttered ‘My wife as beautiful as she can be scary at times.’

“Of course,” Allura says suspicion on her face.

“However Princess I’m afraid I may need your paladins for one more thing if possible.” The Queen says her smile was shrinking to something more realistic.

“Oh,” Allura says, both eyebrows raised.

“Yes you see, I need a few things for the final day of celebration and your Paladin of Blue so graciously offered to help even though he would miss the festival tonight, but it seems the job may be too large for one paladin perhaps the Paladin of Yellow could-”

“and Pidge” Lance interrupts “I need Hunk and Pidge,” Lance says not giving himself any time to back out of this decision. Hunk smiled knowing exactly what this means, happy that Lance was finally taking baby steps to reveal his secrets. Pidge just crossed her arms, a scowl on her face, and Lance could only pray that the science genius would listen to him.

The Queen glanced at the Blue Paladin wanting to make sure that this was what he wanted, Lance nodded, and the Queen smiles “Yes I need three paladins if you please Princess.”

“Yes of course,” Allura says confused, but could not see any reason to deny the request.

“I’m not going,” Pidge says her arms crossed finality in her voice.

“Pidge” Shiro says with a sigh, trying to keep whatever image they have of professionalism.

Lance sighed knowing that the girl was gonna be stubborn. “01001001 00100111 01101100 01101100 00100000 01110100 01100101 01101100 01101100 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01110111 01101000 01100001 01110100 01110011 00100000 01101001 01101110 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01101010 01101111 01110101 01110010 01101110 01100001 01101100.” The team blinked at Lance in confusion.

Pidge eyes widened before responding. “01110000 01110010 01101111 01101101 01101001 01110011 01100101”

Lance nodded his head “01110000 01110010 01101111 01101101 01101001 01110011 01100101.”

The rest of the room was confused, but they watched as Pidge’s expression softens not a smile precisely, but not as harsh as before. “Fine.” Lance smiled trying to push down his fear, with a strained smile.

“Excellent,” The Queen says already heading to the door “I will escort the paladins to the carriage, Princess I will meet you and the rest of the team in the throne room for the festival.” Allura nods her head watching as Lance takes a deep breath as he follows the Queen out the room, Pidge and Hunk following behind. The Queen thanks Princess Allura again before closing the door behind them. Keith watched as the Shiro and Allura seemed troubled and confused, but accepting of whatever it was that was going on. Keith, however, refused to let this go. Whatever Lance was hiding Keith was determined to find out what it is.

Chapter Text

Lance was freaking out, what the hell made him think that this was a good idea. This was a terrible mistake how could Hunk let him do this. However, as Lance glanced at the seat beside him, Hunk seem far too pleased with the current events to let Lance back out now.

Queen Chaskba had given the three paladins something like a hover wagon. It was big enough in the back to fit the covered cauldron, and the materials need to start a fire and with how big the Xochmali were the two-seat wagon was big enough to sit all three paladins.

The three paladins sat in silence. Pidge tapping her finger against her thigh confused on what was going on. She has watched as the Xochamli guards loaded the wagon, but had no idea what it could be. All she knew was that Lance and the royal family were talking in hush tones. Pidge was a bit concerned with how close Lance had gotten with the royal family, but she couldn’t find any real reason to voice her concerns. Pidge did think that it was odd that the head Priestess blessed them and the wrapped up package before letting the paladins leave. Hell Pidge didn’t even know where they were going and they had already left the city limits. Nothing around them but sand.

What was worse though was that no one was talking, Pidge could count on one hand the moments the trio were utterly silent outside of studying and sleeping and even then it was never truly silent, Hunk with his snores and Lance with his mumbling. Pidge stared at her friends. Hunk seemed content as he took the lead in driving the wagon, something that surprised Pidge because when doesn't Lance want to fly, drive, or lead. However as Pidge looked over to the Blue Paladin, her nerves couldn't help, but jump at how unLance the boy looked. He was hunched in on himself, eyes wide as he stared hyper-focused out ahead at nothing a hard frown on his face.

Pidge opened her mouth with every intention of ending this silence, but she had no idea how to do it. Pidge didn't do small talk; she didn't start a conversation with people unless it was about tec or codes. So Pidge sat in uncomfortable silence trying to calm her nerves as she watched more and more sand pass by.

Hunk stopped right next to the fire tower before looking at Lance for confirmation. Lance shook his head and pointed to the modest dune in the distance. Hunk nodded and continued to drive. At this point, Pidge was on the edge of her seat and couldn't take it anymore.

“Okay that it” Pidge snaps “you promised you would tell me what’s going on and all we’ve done is sit in silence as we go to who knows where.” Pidge was turning in her seat trying her best to direct her glare at Lance. 

Hunk sighed, and Lance seemed to shrink in on himself. "We are almost there," Hunk says trying to appease the little girl.

“But why can’t you tell me what’s going on?” Pidge shouted her fingers digging into the seat.

"Because," Lance says his first words since leaving the castle "It's a lot easier to show you.”

SHOW ME WHAT Pidge wanted to shout, but Lances' tone had been one she never heard before, it was practically begging her to be patient. So Pidge took a deep breath and waited, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the seat.

Finally, finally, the trio made it to the dune that Lance deemed worthy of a stop. Lance still didn't explain anything just jumped out of the wagon and went to the back to uncover the cauldron.

 "These are the cauldron's that sit on top of the first tower if this works then Voltron will be placing them onto of those towers tomorrow morning," Lance says looking behind the group to see the lone tower standing in the distance.

"If what works," Pidge asks, walking over to the back of the wagon, but still giving Lance some room.

Lance grabs a container of oil running it through the intricate symbols on the cauldron until a nice puddle sat in the middle. "The fire towers have multiple reasons for standing. An old practice is to lead fallen solider, lost souls, back into the city. Without a body to bury the city has a crossing over ceremony." Lance grabbed the odd yellow colored wood into the cauldron placing them in the center of the cauldron in a pyramid form. "The festival is currently happening in the city is meant to honor King Uylat, but has been extended to all the soldiers lost in the battle with the Galra. The final day of the ceremony the city will lay to rest King Uylat and a crossing ceremony for the others, but a lot of soldiers were lost all throughout this planet.” Lance continued to work on the cauldron bonfire.  

"With so many souls" Hunk continues leaning against the wagon straining his eyes to see the lights of the city. "We wanted to update the cauldrons see if we can strengthen the call to the lost." Hunk wasn't afraid of Pidge being scared of them. He was afraid that she wouldn't believe him. "This is just a trial run."

"A trial run," Pidge says her eyes narrowed her arms crossed "You dragged me all the way out to the desert to tell me Xochmalican's rite of death. Seriously" Pidge shouted throwing her hands in the air. "You promised you would tell what's in the journal? You both of been acting weird and I want to know right now, right this very moment why."

Hunk sighed, but Lance kept working not bothering a glance at the angry girl in front of him. "Lance" Hunk says, trying to have the boy start talking, but Lance just kept working. “Lance you have to tell her, I’m not doing it for you.”

 Lance stopped working looking at Hunk with glossy eyes practically begging the boy to help him, but Hunk shook his head. Lance had to do this on his own, Hunk was here to make sure everything ended smoothly, but he was not going to be the one to tell Pidge.

Lance sighed crawling out of the back of the wagon and grabbing the small torch on the way out. "Where to start" Lance mutters running his hand through his hair.

“The beginning usually helps” Pidge snarks glaring holes at both the paladins now.

Lance takes a deep breath and lights the cauldron. A large yellow and purple flame leaps forward. The height of the blaze causes Pidge to jump back her anger calmed for a moment with the beauty of the fire.

"Back on Earth, you didn't believe in magic, ghost, or monsters. You laughed and said they don't exist, but what about now?" Lance asked still not looking at Pidge.

“What does that have anything to do with anything?” Pidge asks, confused.

"Pidge please just answer the question," Lance asks, his voice so weak. 

“I think that with enough understanding of quintessence, we can explain everything with science, but magic is for children. It's a myth." Pidge says honestly, and Pidge knew that Hunk and Lance didn't like her view on magic. They always tried to change her mind, but she was a woman of science and magic was childish. 

Lance groaned, and Hunk shook his head "Well your wrong" Lance says finally looking at Pidge, his expression was sober his tone as if he was talking to a child and it made something in Pidge hackle rise "and I can prove it."

"Oh yeah," Pidge says taking a step towards Lance.

"Yeah," Lance says, a weak smile on his face as he stared at something in the distance "I have proof."

"Alright, Lance I'll bite, what proof?"

"Me," Lance says walking away from the fire to stare at something off in the horizon. Pidge followed trying to see what Lance was looking at as Hunk walked beside Lance.

 "So I'm guessing it works," Hunk says, watching the sand shift even though there was no wind

"Yeah, Hunk it worked," Lance says with a smile something like a relief sigh leaving him.

Pidge stewed waiting for someone to talk to her. She was angry at being ignored, but she also knew that something important was happening here. It pissed her off that she wasn't sure what.

"Pidge come over here," Lance says knowing that this was the moment of truth. Pidge grumpily walked over confused on why everyone was looking over at nothing. "What do you see?" Lance asks, looking down at the Green Paladin.

"I see sand," Pidge says "lots and lots of sand."

"Take my hand," Lance says, extending his left hand to the girl. 

“Why?” Pidge asks looking skeptical.

"You want your answers you take my hand," Lance says never taking his eyes off the girl.

"Fine" Pidge says snatching the boy's hand and gripping it tightly out of spite. "So wha-" Pidge's rant is cut off as a sudden pressure began to throb in the corner of her eyes.  Pidge places her open hand to press around the corner of her eyes. "My eyes sting," Pidge says pressing the heel of her palm to her eyes.

"Pidge look," Lance says tugging at the girl’s hand.

Pidge looked out of the dune and gasped. There is no way. Pidge thought, no fucking way. Pidge tried to pull back, but Lance gripped Pidge's hand pulling the girl to his side. Out in the dune were marching figures of Xochmalican soldiers. Pidge couldn't see full details since it was dark, but the flame behind them seemed to pulse and with each burst of light more and more figures appeared in the dune below.

"That's not," Pidge says trying to take her hand back from Lance, her eyes stinging as the figures started to become clearer. "They weren't there-" Pidge's eyes were burning, but she couldn't focus on anything but the rising panic in her body. These figures were moving closer, but something about their movement was off. Something about them made Pidge's skin crawl, her spine tightening making breathing difficult, the hair on the back of her neck raise, and she felt so cold. 

Pidge felt as though she had a panic attack and that's when Lance let go of Pidges hand moving the girl into his arms instead.  The moving figures disappeared, Pidge's eyes stopped burning, and the cold started to reside. "Breath Pidge," Lance says hugging the girl close. Pidge let out a shaky breathe "I'm sorry I shouldn't have let the connection go that long, but you needed to see." Pidge's head was reeling, what did she see? They couldn't be the lost souls Lance and Hunk were talking about, they just couldn't be. Ghosts don't exist…Right?

Lance frowned not sure how to go about Pidge's reaction, the girl was still shaking, but Lance knew that Pidge wouldn't believe him any other way. Lance smoothed the girl's hair and began to explain "My mother is a witch, my father was human. Some of my siblings are human, and some aren't, but we are still a family. My gift involves seeing the dead." Lance felt Pidge lift her head to look at him, but Lane was looking out at the number of ghosts appearing.

The Xochmalican spirits were waiting at the bottom of the dune, none stepping any further up the dune. It looked though that some of the ghosts were retreating back to the desert. Lance knew he needed to go soon, but he had to explain more before handing the reins over to Hunk.

“My abilities are a bit more complicated than seeing the dead, it’s more like seeing the soul, but we can get into that another time. This entire trip was to see if the cauldron worked. I mean the belief is that they work, but the Xochmalican were never sure, add a bit of Celtic magic and it looks like the call is stronger. They're coming faster than I thought." Lance shook his head he's getting off topic "The journal you had earlier is well…" Lance sighed "a spell book. When I was in middle school, some bullies took it, and it didn't end well. So we put a protection spell on it. If you had opened it Pidge, you would have gotten hurt."

Lance could see the souls were become restless there energy causing sand to start whirling about. Lance knew he would need to go down there soon. Pidge had stopped shaking, but Lance still refused to look at Pidge.

Look at me, Please Lance look at me, Lance knew that voice and looked down at Pidge who seemed more confused than scared or angry, Why why did you hide this from me. It wasn’t often that Lance heard the soul of the living speak, even rarer to see a soul form in a living person, but when he did, he knew that it was essential to listen.  Pidge's soul voice always sounded soft-spoken one step away from being ready to cry, it sounds too quiet to soft-spoken to belong to the genius tec that always seems to speak her mind.  It always reminds Lance how small and young Pidge really is.

"You ever wonder why Hunk and I went looking for you the night of the Garrison." Lance says "We were gonna tell you, but then Voltron happened, and you were concerned with your family, and we-" Hunk cleared his throat giving Lance a pointed look, "I thought it could wait."

Pidge still looked so confused, but the sand was now thrashing about waves started to form as if were made of water instead of earth. "I need to go to work now," Lance says letting go of Pidge who seemed to freeze when she saw the scene behind her. Lance handed the girl to Hunk who took Pidge into his arm no hesitation watching as Lance began to descend the dune, the sand now only rippling in place as Lance started to speak Xochmalican. 

“Hunk” Pidge doesn’t even know where to start her voice shaking as she sees Lance standing in the center of moving sand, talking arms raised as if trying to get someone’s attention. 

"Just breathe Pidge," Hunk says slowly bringing the two down to a sitting position, Pidge sitting in Hunks lap as she stares at Lance who's voice seems to get louder in volume, but calmer in tone, the sand finally resting.

"I met Lance when I was ten" Hunk says, staring at his friend and the many glints that seem to be surrounding his friend.  He knew that Pidge was looking between him and Lance, but continued with the story "We had just moved to California, and my mom and tina wanted to open up a restaurant always have, but the banks weren't willing to give them a loan, and there was no way they could afford a place without one. So one day they run across this little place and its perfect like its small, but it's a great start has everything they need almost brand new. My mom calls the owner who is French and can only speak a little English. When my mom asks how much she wants for the place, the French lady says how much will you give me for it. My mom and this lady talk and she accepts my moms' low offer but says that she lives in France and my parents can't do a walk through they buy as is. It's odd, but my moms are so excited they agree. The place is ours." Hunk shakes his head remembering how happy his moms were, and they were finally going to make their dreams come true. If only it were that simple in the beginning.  

"So the place is ours, and the paperwork goes through the keys come in. My moms get to work. Cleaning, advertising, getting ready for opening day, but weird things just keep happening. Stuff is getting misplaced, dishes are breaking, it’s always freezing, and no matter where you go you feel like your being watched. My moms can’t even get anyone to interview for a waitressing job, but my moms” Hunk says shaking his head “There determined and they are opening up their restaurant.”

The fire in the cauldron was still going strong, and Lance seemed to be moving through a crowd of people, his voice now lower that Hunk and Pidge couldn't hear him. "Opening day comes Garett Café is open for business, and nothing is going right. Mom is burning food because the stove is going crazy and tina is trying to seat the customers, but the chairs and tables are starting to shake people are practically running out the door. Two hours into our grand opening and no one is coming. Reviews are already coming in saying our place is more a haunted house than a restaurant.”

Hunk sighs remembering being ten and being terrified when his mom soup leaped out of the pan and hit the ceiling, recalling the chairs stacking on top of each other only to explode in the dining room.  "My moms are having nervous breakdowns, and suddenly this family comes in, like seven people walk in, and my mom is trying to pulling it together as she puts together a table big enough to fit this family.” Hunk hmms to himself  “It was the first time I ever met Lance. He was this scrawny kid all elbows and knees, smiling even though he was missing a tooth, he was helping his grandma into the restaurant.” Pidge is hanging on every single word even though she’s watching Lance smile and talk as if he was in a room of people.

“So here I am ten years old, trying to help get this table seated and grabbing water, and Lance stops smiling.  He grabs my mom’s wrist, tugging at her sleeve, and asks is she being mean to you. My mom is so confused, and Lance points to the corner of the room glaring, and shouts are you being mean to them. The painting on the walls shake and Lance jumps on top of his chair now screaming at something in the corner. That's when thing starts to get really creepy. The lights explode, and the shades are pulled down, the chairs are rattling before flying across the room, whole nine yards of a poltergeist. I remember my mom grabbing me and tina running out of the kitchen, we are terrified and Lance's family.” Hunk laughs shocking Pidge, and he's laughing so hard there are tears in the corner of his eyes "They looks completely done Pidge, they look so bored. Lance's older sister is screaming at Lance. ‘Really Lance, really, just one normal lunch, ONE, is that too much to ask'" Hunk mimics making his voice high, it actually makes Pidge laugh.  

"Seriously Pidge they are all surprisingly calm, and Lance looks so mad he grabs the salt from the table and marches over to the corner and shouts stop being mean, as he throws the salt and everything stops," Hunk says using his hands for dramatic flair. "My family is freaking out me included, and Lance's mom just sighs and asks where the broom is. Lance's family starts to pick up the restaurant, all-grumbling about how Lance is never allowed to pick the next lunch spot. Lance's mom comes over to us as we were still sitting on the floor. She’s all smile and soft words afraid to scare us. She has us sitting at a table next to Lance’s grandmother, they call Nana, as her kids are cleaning up and Lance is off grabbing saltshakers. He comes over tells his mom he will be back in a bit gives her and his Nana a kiss on the cheek and I'm practically crying in my seat. Lance gives me one of the saltshakers and says if she's mean to you again use this all serious before smiling and saying but don't worry Lance the Ghostbusters is here heads to the kitchen.”

“I remember grabbing onto that salt shaker as if my life depended on it. Lance's mom is explaining what's going on and honestly, I'm not listening. All I can think is that this place is haunted. I almost pass out, especially when he hears a commotion in the kitchen, with Lance yelling in French. Again my family is freaking out Lance's older brother just leans on his broom and goes I'm not cleaning that up.”

Pidge snorts and Hunk chuckles "Lance comes out covered in flour, and there's a smashed egg in his hair and his shorts and he goes, she wants to apologize. It turns out our ghost was a native French named Madeline Ancelet. She had moved out to the states to open a café, she had just opened up her shop, she was doing well for herself until she was killed in a robbery. She's been haunting that place ever since. Her sister was the one trying to sell it, but every time she tried to show it Madeline would scare them off.” Hunk sighed leaning back on his hands, checking over the cauldron the fire was starting to die down.

"Madeline apologized to us, but she was angry. She spent her whole life working for her café, and it was taken from her just like that," Hunk says snapping his fingers "It wasn't fair. Lance talked for her, and although we were scared, we felt bad for Madeline.” Hunk had a sad smile on his face "she died so young and back then it was hard to believe that the world was unfair. It took us a while to actually have a conversation with Madeline, and she was challenging."

“Why?” Pidge asked getting out of Hunks lap to lie down in the sand Hunk used this time to stretch his legs before using Hunk’s lap as a pillow.

"She didn't want to talk to us. She was upset and with good reason, but Lance and his Nana would always swing by, and Lance would try to talk to her always in French to try and make her feel better."

“Lance knew French?” Pidge asks.

“Lance knows every language” Hunk answers back “kind of unfair really.”

“How?”

"Lance chalks it up to his gift; he has never had a problem talking to the dead no matter where or who. He usually doesn't even realize he's speaking another language, the way Lance explains it he just knows what they are saying Lance doesn't need to think of a language he just knows. Reading and writing is a bit harder the more exposure he has to the ghost's native language the more understanding he has of it.” Hunk says completely lying on his back now, looking out at the dark sky. “Lance thinks that because in death everyone is equal barriers like language don’t exist so why shouldn’t they be able to understand one another. It helps him, but it can also get him in trouble.”

“What do you mean?” Pidge asks, feeling tired her eyes still throbbing a bit.

“Didn't you think it was weird that the Garrison head language advisor was always trying to get Lance to  join her program rather than be a pilot.”

“I thought it was because Lance spoke Spanish?”

"I haven't met a language Lance cant speak including alien."

“So that’s how he can speak Xochmali?”

“Yup” Hunk says letting the conversation die down just like the cauldron behind them.

“So Madeline?” Pidge asks, curious.

"Lance finally got her to see that we shouldn't be punished for other's mistakes, but she still couldn't pass on, she was so attached to her dream. So we decided to help." Hunk smiled "We promised to fuse her dream with ours, we had her show us her recipes using Lance as a speaker. Madeline showed my parents how to make French pastries and which teas to make and how to make a decent cup of coffee. She was very particular about the drink menu." Hunk says laughing remembering Lance yelling at his tina for buying instant coffee even though it was clear Lance has no idea what he was saying. “Who do you think taught me desserts?”

Pidge scurried up hovering over the older teen “No way you learned how to bake from a ghost?”

"Yup," Hunk says proudly. "She gave us her dream, and we cherished it we changed the sign to Madeline and Garnett café. We were all happy, and Lance's family was our number one customers. Hell, they practically advertised for us and made sure we were always busy."

“So is Madeline still with you guys?” Pidge asks sitting up now.

"No," Hunk says sadly. "It’s not healthy or safe for ghosts to be in this realm for long.”

“What does that mean?”

"If a ghost stays on this plane for too long they could lose their humanity, basically go crazy until they turn into something else."

“They are already dead what else could they turn into?”

"As I said Pidge there's a lot of monsters out there an some of them see souls as a snack.”

"Like?" Pidge just discovered a whole another world out there like hell she was wasn't going to study it.

“How much do you know about Egyptian mythology?”

“No much”

“Well Ammit was a goddess or demoness depending on who you ask, she is known to sit beside the scale of Ma’at ready to devour souls deemed unworthy during judgment. She started out as the personification of divine retribution meant to only go for the bad souls, but according to Lance’s book she changed with the times.”

“The fall of Egypt?”

“The fall of Egypt, war, who really knows. Lance’s book says that Ammit judged the souls and found all of humanity unworthy. It says she created the soul eaters and caused them to attack all of humanity.”

“You don’t believe Lance’s books?”

Hunk shrugged “a lot of people believe in different things in Lance’s world. You take things with a grain of salt and accept that you’ll never really know anything for sure. It’s a big world with a long history not everything can be accurate. The longer a soul remains on earth, the easier it is for them to be taken by soul eaters and if they stay in the world of the living for too long its possible that the soul could become a soul eater."

Pidge sighed, “This is a lot to take in” clutching the roots of her hair, frustrated.

“I know,” Hunk says sitting up looking at the younger girl with sympathy “believe me I know.”

“Like what am I suppose to do with this information,” Pidge says groaning as she quickly gets up pacing  “like does this mean we need to go ghost hunting” more pacing “do we need to know magic to help Lance, Hunk I do tec and code I CANT DO MAGIC” Pidge says feeling like she was starting to panic.

Hunk sighs standing up, they were doing so well. "You don't need to do anything-" Hunk was cut off by Pidge's intense stare.

"OF COURSE I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING," Pidge says hands on her hips as she glares the taller teen down. "Lance is in some other level supernatural shit, of course, I have to do something."

Hunk smiles at that, he knew Pidge wouldn’t abandon them. He places a hand on Pidge’s shoulder, ready to tell her that the best thing they can do for Lance is to be by his side that no matter the craziness out of world experience being Lances tether to this world is the most important job they have. However, before Hunk could explain anything to Pidge something like a howl rips through the air sending a chill down the Paladins spine.

For the second time tonight Pidge was terrified, “what was that?”

"That would be a soul eater," Hunk says grimly watching as the cauldron fire was suddenly snuffed out. This isn't going to end well Hunk thinks grabbing Pidge and getting back to the wagon.

Chapter Text

King Uylat seemed overjoyed when he saw his lost comrades, hugging, and greeting them. Tears were shed throughout the moments.

"King Uylat has returned for us," a foot soldier in the masses screamed. 

"All Hail King Uylat," the cheers roared, and Lance could feel the energy swirling the happiness and feel the relief of no longer being alone seeped into his bone. Lance understood that feeling all too well, that pressure on your chest just suddenly lifting. 

King Uylat looked as if he was ready to burst, and with a battle cry fit for a king, he unleashed his exhilaration. The sands swirled throughout the field, each call making the sand shoot higher and higher, and Lance could only laugh as he felt himself lift from the ground. 

Lance should have been paying attention, he should have been ready for soul eaters, and yet the howl from a level three shocked him to his core. "Of course," Lance mutters to himself, signaling to Hunk. 

Lance watched as Hunk gave him thumbs up, guiding Pidge back to the front of the cart as he tried to relit the torch. 

"Uylat, follow the torches back to the city," Lance says, watching a black tear began to appear over a sand dune. The small tear started to splinter, almost like a spider web forming. Slowly this dimension began to splinter small pieced already shattering as it began to give to the pressure coming from the Abyss. 

"Are those the monsters you warned us about?" Uylat asked, his talon hand reaching for his sword.

"Yes," Lance says, watching the Abyss start to take over this dimension in inky black swirls. "This isn't the time nor the opponent," Lance says, feeling his heartbeat starting to speed up. "Lead your men back to the city, we've already placed protection charms around it."

"We do not run from beasts," Uylat scoffed, drawing his sword his comrades following suit. A stocky black arm with large white claws emerged slowly, its white-armed plates on its forearms glistening. Slowly a broad triangular head emerged from the black portal. The head showed a triangular white armored head red markings and swirls decorating its skull, small white spikes protruding under its chin and across its back. Slowly it began to enter the world of the living, showing more and more of its white spines arranged in rows and clusters throughout its flattened body.

"This one, you will," Lance states, stepping in front of the king, placing his hand just above the king's armed hand. "It's not a beast you've ever fought, and I'd rather not explain to your wife and daughter how I lost you permanently." King Uylat looked down at the Cuban boy, his red marks changing to an even deeper shade before settling with a sigh. 

"I will take your experience in this field, and we shall retreat." Lance could tell that King Uylat was talking through clenched teeth.

"Thank you," Lance mutters, watching as King Uylat sheathed his sword, turning to address his comrades. Just as the Xochmalica started to shuffle towards there, king the bearded dragon soul eater screeched again. 

Lance took a deep breath reaching for the necklace tucked inside his shirt. The lizard monster started to charge, Hunk had the cauldron relit, Uylat was retreating with his comrades, and Lance lifted the gold chain a small circler locket with intricate designs dangling from the delicate chain. Lance watches the pendent swing as the small dark stones littered around the orb-like locket. As the soul eater came closer, the pendant clicked open, and an aurora of lights started to peak out, engulfing a small area radius around Lance.  The soul eater screeched, unable to avoid being immersed in the moving light. 

"It's just you and me," Lance says, eyeing the monster in front of him, the polar light forming a war scythe in Lance's hand. Lance tightened his grip on the pole weapon glancing at the curve of the single-edged blade that was stained an icy blue.  Lance was surprised that when he holds his bayard that it doesn't take this form. Lance knew his family trained him in guns, but his weapon has always been a war scythe. 

The soul eater was shaking its head disoriented from entering this new space that Lance created before it could attract any more attention Lance attacked. 

"Hunk," Pidge asks, feeling cold even though she was in her thermal regulating paladin suit.

"Hmm," Hunk says, focusing on the task at hand. They needed to get out of this area as quickly as possible. 

"What's that?" Pidge asks as a large dome of colors appeared. There were beautiful colors of cyan, amethyst, and pale raspberry color-forming in the sky swirling in a perfect circle. 

"That would be shallow." Hunk says, not looking back, feeling the presence of multiple souls. 

"Shallows?" Pidge asks mesmerized by the color as her spine tightens. 

"It's a protected space." Hunk says, seeing the light of the city. "Lance tried to explain it to me. It's a space in between our reality and the Abyss. The Abyss is where soul eaters live, sometimes if an area is to unbalance, the walls between the realities can become weak, and a strong enough soul eater can come thru."

"If Lance is fighting, shouldn't we help" Pidge yells, gripping onto the bench tightly as Hunk seems to be driving the cart at full speed.

"Trust me, Pidge, there is a time and a place right now we got to get these souls in the city limits underneath the protection circle. If we don't, we could be looking at multiple soul eaters." Hunk was worried about leaving Lance alone, but he also knew that if multiple soul eaters appeared, Lance would be in even more danger. 

"This doesn't feel right," Pidge mutters, feeling slightly better when she sees the lights of the city starting to appear.

"It never does," Hunks replies, thinking of all the times Lance has had to fight alone. 

Lance wasn't gonna lie this lizard was tough. Its armor was strong, and what made it worse it had no interest in Lance. It was trying to escape the shallows and go after all the lost souls for an easy meal. If Lance even stopped for a moment, it was trying to barrel through the barrier on to be bounced back. 

Lance had to keep his eye on the soul eater and the Abyss opening that hadn't disappeared. 'This isn't good if I don't close that portal more is gonna come through, and this one shallow won't hold very long.' Lance thought to try to go through the plates in the lizard's armor, only to be hit with its tail. 

Lance landed a few feet back, and it seems that the soul eater finally figured out it's not going anywhere without help. It let out a roar, and Lance watched in horror as the cracks in the Abyss started to pulse slowly growing more prominent. 'Not good,' Lance thought, dodging a claw attack swinging his war scythe at the lizard's underbelly, grinning when he felt the attack connect. The bearded dragon monster hiss lunging at Lance, the boy jumped back to avoid the attack but made one small error. He landed right in front of the Abyss portal. Lance could only watch as a muscled arm with sharp talons reached out for Lance. Quickly rolling away, Lance barely had time to avoid being charged at by the first soul eater. 

The Abyss portal pulsed again the fragments getting more substantial as the reality broke more to allow this new nightmare in. Lance could make out some sort of head coming through. 'Please tell me that's not a Windigo, ' Lance thought, slightly panicking. 

Lance could feel another energy buzzing around him. 'Mera,' Lance thought, reaching out to the aura. Lance could feel a purr vibrate in his head, 'that's right,' Lance thought, gripping his weapon tighter "I'm not alone," muttered Lance as he felt Mera's energy infuse with his own. His weapon hummed, welcoming the power, blue patterns appearing over the pole, making its way to the scythe were the blade became slightly more significant and now appearing on both sides to look more like an ax.  

The lizard soul eater charged as another arm appeared out of the Abyss. This time though, when Lances' weapon hit the armored plate, it splintered, causing the Lizards to screech. Slowly the shattered armor began to be covered in frost. The soul eater flailed, throwing itself into the sand to try and detach the plate, but it was too late the ice was already forming slowly taking the arm. Lance wasted no time attacking the creature more. The lizard screamed as slowly, but surely the ice was consuming every inch of its skin. It tried to attack one last time but was frozen in place. "I banish pain, I banish sorrow, Gods and goddesses bless this soul's tomorrow," Lance stated, watching as Mera removes her energy, Lance's weapons starting to revert back to normal. "Go in peace," Lance says, bringing his scythe down once more. Black swirls begin to emerge from the ice chunks, slowly coming together to show a blotchy figure before dissipating into the air. 

Lance usually like to pray for the fallen soul eaters, but was brought back to his present situation when the shallows started to shake. Lance ran to the Abyss portal watching as the antlers were beginning to poke out of the entrance, to large bent arms already present on this side. Lance took a deep breather recentering himself, preparing for the next fight. It was too dangerous to attack an emerging soul eater. There was the possibility of the seer's energy causing the portal to expand further or for the eater to change its mind and instead of coming to our dimension dragging the seer to theirs. 

Lance watched as the white skull mask with yellow eyes began to keep out of the portal. 'Had to be a fuckin Windigo,' this was going to be tricky. As Lance started to form a plan, the Windigo head disappeared a shout of a surprise coming from it.  The Windigo growled struggling to emerge from the portal, as something seemed to be dragging it back. Suddenly a loud growl ripped the air as the Windigo's arms started to disappear into the portal. The Windigo was clawing at the sand, trying to pull itself back out, but whatever had it was not allowing that. Lance watched still on guard as the portal started to shrink the splintering repairing itself. One Windigo's arm disappeared the last one sinking its talons deep into the sand, watching as its other arm was barely able to reappear in the cracks of the portal. Its headshot out of the portal for a moment shaking violently scaring Lance that he did stumble back. Finally, the beast was pulled back, its arm was dislodged from the sand swinging violently to try and grab anything to drag back with it. The portal was shrunk to a small hole but was still pulsing with activity. 

Lance stepped further, ready to close the damn thing when something slithered out. Lance moved back prepared for another fight. The black shadow slithered to the middle of the barrier before it started to ripple a form emerging. Lance couldn't believe his eyes. It just wasn't possible. The shadow took a human form, and slowly the shadow peeled itself away, falling to the ground. Lance could feel tears swelling in his eyes, his weapon disappearing. 

"It can't be," Lance mutters, feeling himself shake. The shadows fall ultimately, showing the form of a petite young woman. Her long hair fluttered around her, the dark black color hard to differentiate between the shadows falling around her. Lance would remember that oval face anywhere, Lance remembers being small and poking the beauty mark on the right side of her full lips. Lance waited until the woman opened her almond-shaped eyes, not at all concerned at the red iris and black sclera.

"Essie" Lance basically cries. 

The woman smiles a laugh bubbling from her lips. "I finally found you, you little brat." There was no malice in her tone, only joy.

Lance couldn't stop himself from launching himself at the women "PRIMA" he shouted, engulfing the shorter woman in a hug. 

Lance's cousin had no complaints and hugged back just as fierce. "I found you, primo, I finally found you."

Chapter Text

“How did you-” Lance was shaking, feeling the energy around him hum with excitement trying to rush everything out “You can’t be…”

The women laughed, hugging Lance tighter.  She couldn’t believe that she found her cousin, after all this time she found him. Lance could feel the tears starting to fall from his face. 

The petite women pulled back from Lance, one hand tight on Lance’s bicep her other one wiping the tears from Lance’s face as she guides her forehead to Lance’s. “You have no idea how long I’ve been looking for you.”

“I’ve missed you so much.” Lance cried out.  The shallows start to shake. The Abyss began to pulse again, trying to regrow itself. As Lance started to calm down, his excitement settled as he finally started to pay attention to the situation. “You're not really here, are you.”

“Not completely,” the woman whispers, remembering all the potential her cousin had.  She was in awe that her cousin could tell so quickly. 

“It's not safe for you to travel through the Abyss Essie,” Lance says, sniffling. 

“It's safer for me than anyone else,” Essie says, wiping the last tear on Lance’s face. “You disappeared, Lance, scrying couldn’t find you, but the reapers said you weren’t dead. I had to try,” Essie wasn’t going to apologize for her actions even though she knew how dangerous it was. She was meant to keep Lance safe, and by the spirits, she was going to. 

“You need to get back to your body Essie,” Lance says, tightening his grip on his cousin, not wanting her to leave. 

“In a moment, primo,” Essie ignored the tingling in her leg and the second of dizziness. “I didn’t spend all this time for a few minutes. I come prepared.” Lance watched as her cousin released him, bringing her two hands together. A dark glow began to appear swirls of gold and silver flowing through the black light. Essie separated her hands, a small black and gold sunburst mirror floating in between her hand.  

“A oneironaut mirror,” Lance gasps, gently grabbing the mirror as it wholly formed in his hand. 

Essie smiled as her spine began to tighten, and her knee started to tremble. Essie blinked back the dizziness. ‘Have to stay focused for a moment longer.’ “You remember how this works, right?”

Lance nodded, feeling the warm energy in the mirror. “In theory, hold this as I sleep and think of where or who I want to travel to.”
“If you can’t find me, I’ll find you.” The women say grunting as her knees finally gave out, her spine starting to tightening, constricting her breathing. 

“You need to go prima,” Lance says, following her cousin into the sand. 

“I know,” She gasps, placing her hand over the mirror in Lance’s grip. “We need to talk soon. We need to-” Essie started to cough. 

“I’ll hold it later tonight,” Lance says, gripping his cousin’s arms, “but you need to go. You can’t stay any longer.”

At this point, Essie didn't believe she could talk her jaw clenched, but nodded her head. Summoning the shadows around her, the shadows began to cover the lower part of her body.  “Be safe, primo.” Lance was ready to place a fake small and false façade, but the petite women who Lance loved like a sister gave a stern look her lip curling “I mean it primo, be safe. The world is shifting, and I-we can’t lose you.”

Lance can’t remember the last time someone showed this much concern for his wellbeing without having some ulterior motive. “I will be, I swear.”

Essie’s shadow started to consume the upper portion of her body; slowly, the shadows enveloped the women’s shoulders creeping up her neck.  Lance couldn’t help but feel like he was losing his family all over again. 

Black coated fingers landed on Lance’s head, ruffling his hair. “This isn’t forever, Lance.”

Lance felt himself choking up, and couldn’t help but give a bitter chuckle, “I know, I just miss everyone so much.”

The women’s eyes softened, her red eyes shining bright against the black in her eyes. “We missed you too, and do not fret Lance, the family, and your friends are under my protection.”

“Thank you,” Lance whispered as the shadows completely coated his cousin. The darkness swirled around him before slithering back into the Abyss. The splinters decreased, and soon the fragments of this reality started to reform, completely shutting out the Abyss. The shallows soon followed with a loud pop. The barrier shattering as the pieces began to fall into the sand, the lights disappearing like a firework. 

“Now, here’s the real question how the hell do I get back to the palace,” Lance says, laying in the sand looking at the dark sky that has three moons all at different phases. Lance lifted the mirror in front of him, watching his distorted image in the mirror. Lance placed the mirror on his chest, enjoying the familiar energy and warm pulse it gave off.   

“LANCE” Lance blinked out of his sleep,  “LANCE,” another shriek and Lance lazily sat up wondering why he was sitting in the sand. Lance was barely aware that he was outside when a small body collided into him, pushing him back into the sand. 

“Your okay we were so worried.” Pidge shouts, grabbing the boy before pushing the boy away, forcefully, “Do you have any idea how worried we were.” Pidge grabbed the boy's collar. “You can’t just disappear after dropping a bomb like magic, souls, and monsters. Fight said monsters and take so long to come back.” Pidge was shaking the boy at this point, shouting even louder “DO. YOU. HAVE. ANY. IDEA. HOW. WORRIED.WE. WERE?” 

“Pidge, your gonna need to let him breathe if you want him to talk” Once again, Hunk saving Lance as he stops the small girl from continuing her abuse to the older boy. 

Pidge huffed, still not moving off the older teen, but she at least stopped shaking him. “I’m sorry Pidge, a lot just happened, and I seemed to have fallen asleep,” Lance says, bringing the girl into a hug. 

Pidge must have been really worried because she didn’t fight Lance off like a coyote ready to chew off its own arm in an escape attempt. Hunk started to look around the area, something was off even for a shallow appearance. “Lance buddy,” Hunk says, still looking around, knowing that something was off about this space.  “Did everything go, okay?”

“Oh, Hunk, everything went better then it could have,” Lance says, letting go of Pidge, having to cover his eyes as the sun started to rise over the sand dunes. “I’ll explain on the way back to the palace.” 

“Sounds good, bud,” Hunk says, extending his hand to both of the paladins. Lifting the two up as if they were nothing, “We still have to tell the queen the good news.”

Lance smiled, leaning into Hunk as they walked to the hover wagon “I can’t wait to see their face.” 

“Let's just hope Princess Epsae doesn’t scream our ears off.” Hunks chuckles, helping his Lance into the wagon Pidge stuck close to the blue Paladin. 

“Hey, Lance,” Pidge says quietly, not looking at the boy. “Before you tell us what happened and we get back to the palace and deal with the festival, can I…do you think….” Pidge bit her lip, trying to figure out the best way to ask her questions. 

“Your right, Pidge, I should probably answer your questions before throwing any more surprises at you,” Lance says, clenching the mirror a little harder. 

“I guess my main question is, why didn’t you tell us?” Pidge says, watching as the Blue Paladin sighed. 

Lance looked at Hunk “Did you explain the other side of Earth?”

“Nope,” Hunk says, “Consider this practice for the others.” Lance knew Hunk was enjoying this far too much. 

“So I’m guessing. Hunk explained my family, witches, and all that.” Pidge gave a sort of motion with her hands.  “Well, we aren’t the only supernatural things out there. Werewolves, vampires, fairies, sirens, and any legend you’ve heard it most likely exists just maybe not the way you’ve been taught. My family comes from a long line of witches. My mom fell in love with a human, which caused some of my siblings to be born with magic and others to be born human.  History shows that humans and magical creatures used to live side-by-side, but a great war happened, and the discharge of magic caused a plague to occur. Magical creatures started to lose their magic, and the humans well, they took advantage of those situations. Humans blamed magic for all there troubles and started to hunt us. For that, we went into hiding, creating a world within Earth just for us. Humans have such short life spans and even shorter memories. Soon magical creatures became stories, jokes even. One of the main reasons we stay hidden is Hunters.” Lance looks at Pidge, wanting to stress this over everything “Hunter kill anything that isn’t human. They don’t care if you have a good nature. They care about what’s running in your blood. We know Hunter, who has slaughtered packs of werewolves, burned witches coven, eradicate vampire nests just because they COULD be dangerous.“

“Okay,” Pidge says, slowly looking at Lance’s serious expression understanding the gravity of this situation. “What does that have to do with the team?”

“Have you ever seen the knife that Keith carries around?” Lance asks a small amount of dread filling his stomach, as he has to explain this part. 

“Sort of why is that important?” Pidge remembers it on the Red Paladins belt wrapped up, but she’s never paid to much attention to it. 

“Keith and I were on the same bus heading to the Garrison. I was nervous, so I wanted someone to talk to. I saw Keith, and he seemed a bit uneasy too. So I went over to talk to him. He was messing with something in his bag. When I went to sit with him, I saw his knife. Now me being about witches and warriors seeing a kid with a knife, not a deal-breaker.”

Hunk snorts, “That’s not normal.”

“Normal’s overrated,” Lance answers before continuing, “The symbol on the hilt of the knife it was the same you find on one of the witch hunters weapons.”

Pidge’s eye widened. “YOU THINK KEITH IS A WITCH HUNTER.” Lance winced at his abused ear. 

“I don’t know. I…” Lance sighed “When Keith saw that I had seen his knife he flipped out, he threatened me and pushed me off the bus seat. Best believe that I ran back to an empty seat worried that I had just exposed myself to a Hunter. I later learned that Keith was an orphan. One of his parents was a witch hunter, and Keith isn’t even aware of who he is.”

Pidge frowned, “Even if Keith’s parents were witch hunter is doesn’t mean Keith would be?”

“Well, that makes sense now,” Lance says, “I was 12. I came to the Garrison to get away from magic and its dangers, and here this kid had a Hunters weapon. I didn’t want to call my parents. I knew that would take me from the Garrison the minute they found out.  So I launched my own investigation.”

“A terrible investigation,” Hunks mutters. Lance narrowed his eyes “Excuse me if memory recalls you were just as freaked out as I was.”

“Well, yeah, I was afraid my friend was gonna be stabbed in the hallway,” Hunk says, shrugging his shoulder. 

“What investigation?” Pidge asks, raising an eyebrow already knowing it was something stupid. 

“I need to know if Keith was a witch Hunter, so I antagonized him. Showed off my aura and some magic here and there to see if he would sense it.” Lance says, burying his face in one hand. 

“You think someone’s a dangerous witch hunter, and you decide the best plan is to antagonize them.” Pidge knew it was stupid; she just wasn’t expecting suicidal. 

“In my defense, I figured if he exposed any more evidence to be a witch hunter, I could expose him. I never saw his knife again, and come on the kid is a natural at fighting, he could have been trained by someone.” Lance knows that Keith isn’t a witch Hunter by choice, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t have come from a family of Hunters. “I mean, it would make sense, right? One of his parents doesn’t want him to grow up as a Hunter and abandons him for his protection. Or his parents die on a mission, and he's still in training decided to leave. I was scared Pidge, I had a run-in with a Hunter.” Lance says, swallowing the lump around his throat. “It didn’t end well, and I was terrified that I could be facing another one.”

Pidge wanted to push, but this was a lot to take in for a day, so she nodded her head, trying to show that she somewhat understand the situation. “Shiro?”

Lance shrugged “Shiro and Keith were always close it wasn’t impossible to think that maybe Shiro knew who Keith really was. Shiro has always looked out for Keith if something were to happen between Keith and me, we know who sides Shiro would be on.” Pidge couldn’t argue that, although Shiro is more than willing to tell Keith no or correct him. Shiro is also ready to give Keith more slack than the rest of the paladins. 

“Allura and Coran?” Pidge asks, moving on from her teammates.

“So not to scare you, but the ship is haunted,” Lance says so casually that Pidge wants to smack him. “Some of the Alteans believe that I shouldn’t tell Allura and Coran. Apparently, Alteans believe that anything that associates with the dead is cursed. Alteans who saw the dead or even dreamed of the dead were considered touched by the God of Death. They believed that the touched could bring about misery and chaos to those around them. People that were touched by Death were sent to an island to live their lives among other cursed being.” Lance says, putting air quotes around cursed. “Altea doesn’t exist, and I don’t think they would try to leave me somewhere, but what if they think I don’t deserve to be a Paladin because of my power. What if they let their culture's beliefs treat me differently? Or if they blame me for Voltrons failures because of my magic, Allura already blames me enough I don’t want to give her a reason.”

“I’m sorry,” Pidge says, placing a hand on Lance’s shoulder. “I’m sorry that you have to go through this. That I gave you any reason to believe that I wouldn’t accept you for being,” Pidge clicked her tongue, trying to find a non-offensive word “magical.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” Lance says, feeling Hunks smugness. “I was scared, I’m still scared about this.”

“Well, know you have Hunk and me to help you,” Pidge says, scooting closer to the Blue Paladin. 

“Yup, “ Hunk says, pulling the wagon into the palace gates. Lance could see the spirits of the lost soldiers in the courtyard, spilling out to the city. King Uylat standing in the front steps with his wife and daughter, anxious expression on their faces. “But first, why don’t we give the Royal family the good news.”

Lance couldn’t help but smile, pocketing the mirror.  “That sounds like an excellent idea. You know what sounds like an even better idea.” Hunk and Pidge looked at Lance with a puzzled expression. “A nap” The trio laughed as they jumped from the wagon. 

“You can nap while the rest of us get the cauldrons up, but first things first,” Hunk says, looking forward to finally giving some good news. 

The trio knew that they looked like less than presentable, but through it all, they had a smile on their face. When the trio climbed the stairs to reach the royal family, pensive expression, but one smile from Lance was all the answer they needed.  Lance was sure that the entire kingdom heard Princess Espea squeal of delight. 

Chapter Text

Lance knew this day was coming, but he couldn’t help feeling nervous about tonight’s event. It was the final day of the festival, after all the preparing and sneaking around today was the day.

Lance could feel his hands starting to shake, tucking the silky sash around himself one last time. “Cheer up, my boy,” King Uylat stated, “You’re going to do great.”

Lance couldn’t help but let his shoulders slump as he sighed, “How can you be so calm?”

“It’s simple” King Uylat hovered next to the boy, not for the first time noticing how small the boy was “I believe in you. My family believes in you. You will do wonderful tonight.”

Lance gave a dry laugh looking at the dead reptilian king. “So many things could go wrong. I might not be strong enough-”

King Uylat smacked the boy upside the head, not recognizing his strength and sending the boy crashing to the ground.

“OOOWWW,” Lance snaps, glaring at the king who now had his arms crossed. “What the heck was that for?”

“I’ve tried so hard to be patient with you, but clearly that is not working.” King Uylat lowered himself to ground before sitting down next to the fallen paladin. “Look, kid, I get it, you’re insecure” Lance opened his mouth “yah yah I don’t know what you’ve been through and all that zuzuka, but I know what type of heart you have. I’ve seen you do amazing things here. My family trusts you, my fallen soldiers trust you, and your friends trust you. I know overcoming insecurities take more that some speech from a dead old king, but I need you to try and see yourself for who you are. The only one stopping you from greatness is you.”

Lance could only blink at the king in silence, and it’s been a while since someone had put that much trust in him, in just Lance not as a paladin, not as a soul seer, but only as Lance.

“Lance, what are you doing on the floor,” Princess Allura asks, staring at her paladin oddly, the rest of the team standing behind her in the hallway.

“I ugh,” Lance quickly picked himself up “fell,” Lance coughs out, basically trying to talk over the lump in his throat.

Allura opened her mouth to comment when Pidge ran into the room to help Lance up. “Well, come on now. We need to get to the festival and party.” Pidge says, pumping her hands in the air.

 “Yes, this is a party, but it’s the last day of the festival and the most important day,” Allura informs all of them, Lance ignoring the fact that her eyes lingered on him the most. “The royal family will be burying their king. After this ceremony is over, we will go back to negotiating with Queen Chaskba for the Voltron Coalition. We must remember why we are here?”

‘Right’ Lance thought ‘the coalition.’ Lance could feel a numbness starting to take over, but did what he did best placed a smile on his face and made a lame joke that caused most of the team to roll their eyes.

King Uylat could only watch with sadness. He had a few things to wrap up before he left.

The party was still in full swing when Lance walked away from the main square into the temple. Lance had convinced Allura to place the Voltron lions around the city near the towers in hopes of hiding the auras of all the lost souls.  Lance could see more and more lost souls appearing the city, so many emotions from both the living and the dead stirring together.

Although they couldn’t see them, people can always feel their loved one with them. Lance could see it the pause in their steps as they glance around, looking to see why they suddenly feel sad, or happy. Their eyes widening when they feel a familiar touch on their cheek or hand, trying to ignore the cold they feel up their spine. The blue paladin could see feel the wind picking up, the torchlight flames growing, and if certain things were levitating in the background, Lance isn’t going to tell anyone. 

Frankly, all of it was giving Lance a headache. Lance had never been around this many troubled souls in his life.  Given the fact that he also hadn’t slept since passing out after his fight, everything was starting to get to him, but making sure all the souls were safe was the highest priority. Lance placed extra protection around the towers, the outer city, and even though it cost him a chance at a much need nap, adding protection charms to three of the five lions is probably why there haven’t been any signs of a soul eater.

Lance walked into the temple, the head priestess waiting in the main chamber for him. “There are coming, aren’t they,” the elderly Xochmalican asked a smile stretched out on her face.

“Some are already here,” Lance answered, feeling a reassurance presence in the temple like he could finally breathe properly.

“I can feel it, the city is buzzing and not just from the festival.” The high priestess hand was shaking as she placed a scaled claw over her heart. “Thank you, Lance, for bringing them back.” Lance wondered if the high priestess could feel the young female Xochmalican warrior behind her, a sister if Lance had to guess.

“We aren’t done yet,” Lance mutters as he begins to make it to the top level of the temple.

“Right, of course,” the high priestess, says following the blue paladin as he plans for his gift for the royal family.

Lance stood in the middle of the room, crouched down on the floor, painting the last signals he would need. Lance wiped the sweat from his forehead, trying to shake the exhaustion from himself.

‘Just one last spell,’ Lance thought, taking a deep breath, Lance could practically hear he cousin tsking at him for putting himself in such a state.

“So this is it, my boy,” King Uylat says, floating around the room a sense of seriousness following the King that Lance hasn’t seen before.

“Are you scared?” Lance asks, watching the king’s sober expression.

“I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t, but mostly I’m scared for my family.” King Uylat sighs, rubbing a clawed hand to his forehead. “I’m about to cross over to peace” Uylat spits out the word like its rubbish “how am I suppose to in peace when I leave my family in such an uncertain state? How am I suppose to rest knowing that I have left them with so much chaos in the world? It just doesn’t seem fair.”

“In my line of work, I’ve learned one lesson to be true life isn’t fair,” Lance states matter of factly. “The world, the universe it doesn’t owe anyone anything all we can try to do is make it a little bit better for the people we love, and you’ve done that.”

“Have I?” King Uylat stares at the blue paladin as if Lance was qualified to judge his life.

“Your people dead and alive are having a celebration of a lifetime outside. A new age is coming for them. You did that. In life, you rallied them to fight; in death, you brought them together.” Lance could feel King Uylat’s uncertainty, could practically feel the man question every action he ever took, and for a moment, Lance wondered if he was seeing not King Uylat, but just Uylat.

“Was it enough?” King Uylat asks softly.

Lance hums to himself, letting himself feel the energy almost exploding outside of the temple, the powerful auras cheering for a better era, the strong sense that destiny is weaving a new path for the Xochmalican as they speak. “It was more than enough.”

Certain calmness settles in the room one that unnerves Lance, especially when King Uylat lets out a small smile. “In the end, that’s all we want, isn’t it.” Lance looks at the king puzzled “we just want to know that we’re enough. Reassurance that we matter, afraid that we will fade from our loved one’s memories.”

“You will never be forgotten,” Lance shouts it isn’t calmness he senses, it’s melancholy. “You’re far too important to be forgotten.”

“Is that not what you fear, blue paladin?” King Uylat doesn’t raise his voice, doesn’t shout at him, but his stare pierces Lance with such feeling that Lance felt like he was struck. “Not being enough? Being forgotten?”

Lance’s mouth went dry; he wasn’t supposed to let his insecurities affect his jobs; he was supposed to be stronger than this. “You try to reassure me that I will not be forgotten, but I am just a fallen King. I did not even liberate my people. I sent them to die.” Lance feels his heartache and knows that tinge of sadness wasn’t his. “You are a paladin of Voltron, the savior of the universe, blessed by the gods with a tremendous gift, and yet you still fear being lost what chance do I have?” Although King Uylat’s tone was harsh, his lip curling during his speech, his emotions didn’t match.

Lance scowled at the king, “Really, we are just about to perform one of the biggest crossovers in my life, no probably in history, and you want to lecture me.” Lance was practically shouting, feels his face go red with embarrassment.  He was not a child that needs to be scolded.

King Uylat, for a moment, keeps his serious face until a tiny chuckle escapes him. Soon it turns into a laugh before becoming a deep belly laugh that echoes the room. “Can’t blame a dead king for trying.” Lance scowled, feeling the heat on his face.

“You’re terrible. I thought you were having a serious existential crisis.” Lance hides his face in his hands.

“Cheer up my boy, in the beginning, I was feeling a bit” The king makes a grunting noise “sad, but I knew we needed to have this talk before I left.”

Lance could feel King Uylat in front of him; the poor boy took a deep breath, trying to calm down his heated face before removing his hands from his face to glare at the king, who has the decency to look sheepish. “Maybe I went a bit too far, but you need to-”

“I know, okay,” Lance shouts, turning away from the dead king. Trying desperately to rein in some of his feelings. “I know that I’m special and should be grateful for what I can do, or the honors I’ve been bestowed, but its not that simple.” Lance turned on the king, fire in his eyes. “I can’t just make myself feel better, and I can’t just shut off this voice in my head that says I’m a failure, that I’m not enough.”

Lance takes a deep breath, trying to throw back his insecurities into the cage they belong in. “I can’t help it if I’m around amazing people that are so much better then me. My team is filled with the best the galaxy has to offer. Pidge is an amazing tec genius. Hunk has the biggest heart in the universe and the loyalty and bravery to match, not to mention an engineering mind that people would kill for. Shiro was a national hero on our world, and through everything he’s been through, he’s been able to push forward to be the leader of Voltron. Allura and Coran lost everything they know and still give everything they can to bring peace. Keith,” Lance sighs, “Keith is the best pilot of our generation, he’s reckless but amazing. Everyone always says that I need to be more like Keith. I can’t ever seem to get out of his shadow no matter what I do.”

“You mean the boy that practically oozes suppressed anger” King Uylat was hardly impressed. “Your team is good, but doesn’t that mean something about you. You are on par with these great people.”

“The blue lion is the easiest to bond with,” Lance mutters, wondering how he could end this conversation. “If need be, it would be easier to find another paladin.”

King Uylat stared the boy down; “There is no one else like you in this galaxy.”

“My cousin has similar powers to me. Only she’s better at controlling them.” Lance can’t help but look at his hands, for a moment he can see blood on them smell the metallic tang in his nose “She’s never had to run from her powers before.”

“She’s not a paladin, though, and she’s not here helping my people." King Uylat gives the boy a genuine smile. “When my people remember today, they will remember it was you who brought me home. When my family remembers what you’ve done for our kingdom, it will be you they speak of. I don’t expect my little talk will make all of your problems disappear, but I do hope you will heed them when need be.”

Lance gives a dry chuckle, “Your wife’s right? You really are too much sometimes.”

King Uylat dramatically clutches his chest “Why does everyone I try to help wound me.” The king cries out, sobs coming out of his mouth.

“What has my husband done now” Both Lance and King Uylat turn to see Queen Chaskba and Princess Epsea standing in the chamber entrance.

“He’s butting into other people’s business,” Lance shouts with a grin.

“Sounds about right. If the Galra hadn’t attacked when they did, I’m sure we would have gotten into other wars with neighboring planets for his need to” Queen Chaskba seemed to ponder on the right word “help.”

“Chaskba, my love, why is it you wound me so.” Lance couldn’t help but laughs, feeling a lot less pressure to explain himself.

Princess Epsea giggles, “Let me guess he said something like oh my beloved has betrayed me.”

“EVEN MY DAUGHTER HAS TURNED ON ME” King Uylat is wailing on his knees now face buried in his hands.

Lance smiles, trying hard to stop his snorting. “Now, lets” snort “try to” snort “be professional.” Lance was still chuckling, as King Uylat bows his head sniffling, arms dropped weakly at his side.

“Yes, yes, we are ready for our surprise now,” Princess Epsea cheers, reminding Lance of a kid on Christmas.  

“Epsea, it’s unbecoming of a princess to be so eager.” Lance could hear the humor in the Queen’s voice her own excitement reflected in her eyes, although her eyes danced in joy.

“Alright, one last surprise to wrap up an amazing night,” Lance shouts, trying to regain control of himself. This was going to be the last thing he would be able to do for a while. Lance could only hope that Hunk and Pidge would help Lance get to bed.

Lance extended his hand to both the Princess and the Queen. “I’m gonna need you to stand right here.” Placing Princess Epsea in one of the intricate circles on the floor. “And you over here,” escorting Queen Chaskba to another sphere. “And you,” Lance says, turning to the dead king. “You stand-“

“I know where to stand.” King Uylat was shuffling on his knees to the appropriate circle.

“Emphasis on the stand,” Lance said, stepping in-between the two living royal being careful to no smudge the runes on the floor. It would be a disaster if his gift didn’t work. “Alright, everyone ready “Lance can feel the living royals vibrating with anticipation. ‘One last job.’ Lance thought, taking the Queen’s and Princess’ hand ‘I can do this?’

Lance tightened his grip on the two most important people in King Uylat’s life. ‘They deserve this,’ Lance thought ‘just a little bit more.’ Lance took a deep breath and chanted the last incantation of the day. ‘This needs to be enough.’ Lance thought, feeling his power drain, spreading to throughout the intricate pattern on the floor, feeling the power envelope the Queen and Princess. ‘One last surprise. I can do this.’Lance's eyes glowed blue.

Chapter Text

The floor glowed so brightly, stunning the trio before fading to a light glow. “Uylat,” Queen Chaskba bellowed a shout of “father” following quickly after.  There standing in the center of the circle was King Uylat, who has the biggest grin.

Lance had to tug the two royals back as he felt them move. “You can’t leave your circles and can’t disconnect from me. This won’t last long, but it’s only fitting you three have a proper goodbye.”

King Uylat walked to the edge of his circle, toeing the line standing in front of the two most important people in his life. “Chaskba” Uylat whispered, reaching out for his wife’s cheek letting out a surprised noise when his hand felt a solid warm, scaled cheek. Queen Chaskba was breathing heavily as she clutched her dead husband’s hand, savoring every callus and roughness from his palm. “Epsea” Uylat mummer his voice so shaky not at all hesitate to place his other hand on his daughter’s cheek. Epsea doesn’t wait for the contact; instead, she reaches out with her hand, a sob escaping her. “My family” Uylat gasps out lovingly.

“Father” Epsea can’t help the tears streaming down her face “You’re here, you’re really” Epsea chokes on her words, nails sinking into her father’s hand.

“I’m really here, my little Bredjetu” Epsea’s tears increase at the mention of her pet name.

“You always have to make an entrance, don’t you.” Queen Chaskba was struggling to keep her voice from crumbling. “Always so loud.”

“Would you love me any other way?” Uylat laughs.

Chaskba stares at her husband, cherishing his laugh and his smile, remembering all the times he would dazzle her with his kind heart and deep laughter. “Never” Chaskba states seriously, pressing the hand on her cheek harder into her skin.

“My Queen” Uylat stares at his wife, remembering how every morning he was blessed to wake up to an amazing woman. “My princess” Uylat knew that his daughter would be one of the greatest rulers in their history. He was a bit concerned who could be worthy of his daughter’s hand, but knew Chaskba would do right by her. “How I love you both so much.”

Lance thought that was an understatement. The adoration and devotion practically smothered lance. Uylat removed his hand from his daughter, cupping his wife’s face with both hands. “I have been yours since the moment your eyes met mine. I loved you. I adored you. I became not only a better king but also a better person because of you. If that was not enough, you gave something else to love, a precious daughter. I wish we had more time. I wish I could stand by your side for all eternity.  I will savor every moment with you-”

Chaskba placed her fingers on her husband’s lip, still shocked to feel warm flesh on the tips of her finger. Uylat kissed his wife’s hand, taking her smaller clawed hand in his and kissing it before resting it over his heart. “Why do you make it sound like a goodbye?” Chaskba whispers, “It’s not goodbye, my love, it’s I will see you soon.”

Uylat chucked, kissing his wife’s hand again, “Not too soon, my Queen. I will wait however long I need to.”

“As you should,” Chaskba let out a long breathe trying to lower her racing heart. “I am the best you’ll ever have.”

Uylat leaned, toeing the line of his circle. “You are the best anyone can ever have.” Chaskba tried to use both her hands to bring her husband to her, but Lance gripped her hand tightly, tugging the arm back. Chaskba returned to herself and leaned to her husband’s feet planted as close to the circle as she could. Foreheads touched, and Chaskba finally allowed a tear to run down her face, her husband was here, and even if it was just for this moment, it was a moment she would cherish forever. Gentle hands cupped her face tilting her face up for one last kiss. Chaskba tried to place her entire heart in this kiss. As the two separated, Uylat eyes were as smug and cheeky as the first time she met him, she knew her husband had understood. A second kiss was bestowed on her because “how can I only have one” Uylat whispered to her mouth, thumb caressing her face.

Princess Epsea cried for her parents, and Uylat let go of his wife to approach his daughter. “My little princess” Uylat grabbed the girl’s face wiping her tears from her face. “When you were born, you were the light of my life. I would have done anything to see you laugh to have you smile up at me. Every time you got older, I grew prouder and prouder of you. You are my treasure, and I wish I could see you grow into the amazing woman I know you will be.  Our people will love and cherish you, history will remember you. You will be the best of us.”

“Father,” Epsea wished she could stop crying. She wanted to see her father to take in every detail and implant it in her heart. Uylat brought his daughter closer, mindful of the circles on the floor, and kissed her cheeks and then her forehead. “You will be a magnificent queen.”

Epsea grabbed her father’s hand. “Father there is something I must tell you.” Epsea knew her father would be upset with her, but she has to tell him.

Uylat hummed, encouraging his daughter to continue. “You wanted us to stand down. To decline from joining Voltron” Epsea voice was shaking “I do not know your reason” slowly but surely, her voice regained its strength, her resolve shining through “but I must reject your last request.”

Lance snapped his head to the princess, his magic pulsing at his surprise. Epsea was looking her father straight in the eye, poised and confident in her words. All that gave her away was her shaking hand. Lance looked at Queen Chaskba, who did not look the least bit surprised.

“Daughter-”

“No” Princess Epsea interrupted, her voice sharp. “I don’t know your reason, and frankly, I do not care what they are. It only makes sense for our people to have allies. I can not see one reason why not to join Voltron, so after this festival, I will have our kingdom join the coalition with or without your blessing.”

Lance expected anger or maybe even irritation from the king, but all he felt was pride. “You will be a magnificent queen.” King Uylat placed another kiss on his surprised daughter’s head. If Lance wasn’t so focused on not passing out at the current moment, he would be screaming at the dead kind.

“You aren’t upset” Epsea whispered.

“Being a ruler is never easy. Many advisors will have their opinions, many people whispering in your ears, but you must always listen to what your heart says is right. It can be easy to lose yourself in court, but you will be fine. If you can ignore your father’s last dying wish, you can stand up to anyone.”

“FATHER” Epsea shrieked, “DID YOU REALLY JUST TEST ME FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE.” Chaskba started to laugh, trying to silence it with her free hand. “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU. MOTHER DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS.”           

Chaskba’s laugh became a chuckle that she couldn’t entirely stop. “Perhaps” Chaskba gave a few more chuckles before trying to control herself. With a sigh, the Queen continues, “Your father, for as straightforward as he appeared, could be quite sneaky when he wished.”

Lance wanted to comment, shriek with Princess Epsea, but all he could do was glare at the king, especially when his right leg gave out and he fell to his knees. “Lance” the living royals shouted, their hands tightening around the human’s boys.

“It seems our time is up” King Uylat says, a small smile on his face as he gives one last kiss to his daughter’s forehead.

Lance shakes his head “I can keep going.” Lance’s body was shaking. He was defiantly going to pass out after this.

“You’ve done more than enough, Lance.” King Uylat says, kneeling down in front of the boy, placing one hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Paladin of Voltron, Seer of the Lost, we owe you much. Not just my family, but my kingdom. Know that if you need someone to rely on, we are here for you, now and forever.”

“Now and forever” Princess Epsea and Queen Chaskba repeated. Lance could feel love and peace.

“I haven’t known you long, but you have gained a place in our heart.” King Uylat places a hand over his heart, patting it for empathies. “I know my words don’t mean much, but just remember little one, you may not be able to go back to the beginning, but you can start to change where you are and create a whole new story.” King Uylat nodded to himself, “a whole new story for not just you, but those around you.” He says, bringing his hands out to his daughter and wife.  The family holds hands for a moment, Lance’s breathing getting more and more labored. ‘Just a bit more, just a bit more.’ Lance thought, pushing the last bit of his magic into the room. 

“It’s time,” King Uylat says calmly as he stands up, not removing his hands from his family. “I love you all.”

“Go in peace, my husband,” Chaskba says softly as her husband kissing her hand for the last time.

“Love you, Father.” Epsea smiled through her tears, clenching her father’s hand as tightly as she can.

‘Just a bit more a few more-‘Lance’s magic snapped like a rubber band, the pain tingling in his chest as something flared throughout his body. The soft glow spiked into a bright light. King Uylat image blurring as he said, “I’ll be watching over you both.” The light disappeared, the circles smeared. Lance gasped, trying to regain control of his heartbeat and his breathing.

“Lance are you alright?” Princess Epsea quickly dropped to her knees in front of the boy.

Lance tried to answer her, but he couldn’t work his jaw; he just felt cold for a second. Queen Chaskba slowly kneeled to the boy rubbing his back. “Slowly, little one,” Chaskba minded her claws as she rubbed the soft humans back. “Speak when you’re ready.”

“Sorry” Lance gasps out, although what he is apologizing for, he isn’t sure.

“Sorry” Epsea repeated, confused. “This is the best gift I could ever have.” Engulfing the boy in a hug, Queen Chaskba having to catch the pair before they hit the floor. Lance leaned his head up, looking up at the Queen, who had a gentle smile on her face, a soft hand soothing his hair back. Lance was starting to regain the feeling in his arm, trying with some difficulty to hug the princess back.

King Uylat chuckled at the sight in front of him. Lance snapped his head back to the dead king. “You’ll be great kid.”

“Are you ready to go?” Lance asks the two royals glancing at the last spot their king was standing, but unable to see their loved one.

King Uylat nodded “One last march to lead.” The king says, drawing his sword, the noise of an unsheathed blade fills Lance with memories of battles won and lost. Each battle stirring something within Lance a battle cry trying to escape the Blue paladin’s throat.

“Xochmalican to your King.” Uylat shouted, sword rose above his head.

It wasn’t long until the room filled with souls. Each soul kept a safe distance from the three living beings in the room Uylat stared at his family, grinning as hard as he can. Lance was getting overwhelmed again, feelings of happiness and sadness whiplashing him so much that he felt like he would start hyperventilating soon.

Trying to focus on King Uylat as he spoke. “It’s too much to ask, especially with the times we are in but promise me you’ll try to find your peace.”

“Promise” Lance whispers. King Uylat smiled, teeth showing for all to see as he pumped his sword up one last time. “It’s time to leave. To Mericteum, will you follow me?” A cheer erupted through the room, followed by the temple shaking.  Different lights appeared through the room. A light appeared behind King Uylat. The king smiled damped for a moment, but the feeling of peace still rang throughout the room. “Don’t come visit me too soon.” Followed by a chuckle was the last memory Lance had of King Uylat. Souls began to disappear following eagerly after their king, the room filled with bliss and joy that Lance found himself in tears.

After a moment, the room was still no soul in sight. “There gone,” Queen Chaskba stated. Lance nodded, still in the arms of the Queen and princess.

“They’re at peace, right?” Epsea whispered, slowly letting go of the human boy.

“Yes” Lance answered as his vision blurred, his body feeling heavy.

Queen Chaskba made a clicking noise that had Lance leaning more to the Queen’s side. “Rest little one” Chaskba soothing the boy’s hair again “We will take care of the rest from here.” Lance didn’t have a chance to answer as darkness finally took him, peace still resting in his bone, warmth, and love consuming him. Lance smiled in his sleep, dreaming of his family.

Chapter Text

On Earth

A petite young woman gasped for air, her body jolting in place, fighting against the cold feeling of pins and needles as she began to move her limbs.

"Alpha, you've returned." A tall-blacked-haired woman whispered, knowing that her Alpha's senses are always sensitive after traveling through the Abyss.

"I found him, Amista," The young whispers back, her voice dry and crackling, only vaguely aware that there were others in her bedroom. The woman Amista titled her Alpha up gently against her to help her drink some water. Essie gently gripped Amista's olive-toned hand, guiding the water to her mouth.

"I'm glad," Amista says, "now you won't have to take these suicidal trips to the Abyss."

The young women's black eyes slowly began to turn white, the red bleeding out to reveal dark blue eyes. "He was so happy to see me, Amista."

"Of course he was Alpha," Amista was unsure how to broach the subject, but luckily their Alpha knew them well enough.

"Other than he is alive, I was unable to receive any more information." Essie was able to sit up on her own and scanned the room. Amista and two of her other warriors were perched in the dark corner of her room, so dramatic her people were.

"The oracles all report an attack from the sky." One hissed.

Essie sighed, annoyed her people could be so uptight at times. "I'm aware of what the oracles have predicted. I gave Lance an oneironaut mirror; I will speak with him soon. For now, nothing changes. We still prepare for war."

Lance wasn't sure how much time had passed before he woke up. All he knows is that he was far too warm underneath all the blankets and his two fellow paladins next to him. Now don't get Lance wrong. He loves cuddling as much as the next person, but it was far too hot. Lance tried to wiggle himself out of the center of the pile but could not move without waking the others.

"You awake, buddy," Hunk slurs, still half asleep.

"Ye..ah," Lance crocked out, raising a hand to soothe his throat.

Hunk leaned over to the nightstand beside the bed and handed the boy a cup of water. Lance chugged the water greedily.

"What happened?"

"Festival was lit," Pidge whispers, climbing onto Lance's stomach. Lance groans from the heat but automatically wraps his arms around the girl.

"Damn, and I missed it," Lance says, chuckling.

"Queen Chaskba and Princess Epsea told us what happened, said you passed out after the crossing. They brought you back to the room; at first, you were fine, but then you got magic backfire." Hunk scolds, taking the glass back from Lance.

"Magic backfire," Pidge asks, concerned.

"It's not a big deal. It's just when you overexert your magic, it can take a toll on your body. Fever, chills, headache, think like a cold." Lance explains, petting the girl's hair, trying to soothe her worry.

"It can also be as bad a broken bones, collapsed organs, blood exploding within your body," Hunk says, counting on his fingers all the different symptoms of magic backfire he has actually seen.

"But it's not," Lance says sternly.

"But it could have been," Hunks states giving Lance a stare.

Lance sighs. "Biggest cross-over of my life."

"The royals and even the people seem happy," Pidge says, drumming her fingers on Lance's chest. "Lighter even," Pidge scrunches her eyebrows, "if that makes sense."

Lance nods his head, humming to himself, glad that everything worked out. "When too many souls stay in one place even without knowing about their presences, the living can feel smothered, so when they leave, it's almost like clean air coming into a stuffy room."

"Well, everyone has been super happy," Pidge says, smiling as if to prove her point.

Lance nods, pleased. "How long have I been asleep for?" Lance looked around the room; the curtains were closed, so it was hard to tell what time it was.

"You've been out for two days," Hunk says, starting to move out of bed.

"TWO DAYS," Lance says, jumping up startling Pidge.

"Ahh," Pidge screeches in surprise. Lance and Hunk struggle to catch Pidge, stopping the girl from tumbling off the bed.

"Sorry, sorry," Lance says, sitting up as he pulls the girl further onto the bed. "But we have to get to the negotiations Allura will be-"

"Allura, Shiro, and Keith are handling negotiations. We are on rest duty. Queen Chaskba ordered your rest herself, stating that if Allura tried to force you into negotiations, she would cancel it altogether." Hunk stated, pushing the Cuban boy back on the bed.

"She really said that" Hunk and Pidge nodded, the green Paladin returning to her spot on the taller teen's stomach.

"She also told Allura that the only reason these negotiations were happening was because the royal family was indebted to you. That you personally helped them see the advantages of being in the Voltron Coalition," Pidge says, enjoying the red that was quickly overcoming Lance's face.

"She did not," Lance squeaked out, still feeling warm.

"She did," Hunk says, putting a cold cloth on Lance's forehead. "You still have a fever and need some rest, so go back to bed. We got it covered here."

"But you two should really be-"

"Right here," interrupted Pidge, "we should really be right here making sure that you're okay." Pidge patted Lance's cheek, granted a little harder than necessary, but the gesture was still appreciated. "Go back to bed, Ghostbuster."

Lance chuckled to himself before closing his eyes and letting himself sleep.

Another two days were spent on the planet, both for negotiations and for Lance's health. Lance had not used the oneironaut mirror, still too weak to use his magic, but no longer bedridden. Queen Chaskba and Princess Epsea would always come to visit Lance after dinner and just talk. Lance would talk about his magic and his family; the Royals would take about their plans to reconstruct their kingdom. Lance would genuinely miss them when it was time to leave.

Finally, the day came for the Paladins to leave. Allura and Queen Chaskba were cordial. From what Pidge told Lance, negations with the Queen were stressful. Although Lance knew that they would join the Coalition, that didn't mean the Queen didn't take some pleasure making the Altean Princess squirm.

Queen Chaskba and Princess Epsea had personally escorted the team to their ship, saying goodbye and thank you to each Paladin. When it came to Lance, Epsea hugged the boy, lifting the human into the air without struggling, almost crushing Lance. Lance gave a breathless chuckle but was relieved when the Queen intervenes. Chaska was too regal to show such emotion, but she did bend down and nuzzle the boy's head, a sign of trust and love within families on Xochmali.

"We have a present for you as well." Queen Chaskba stated, turning to one of her handmaidens who bowed, presenting something wrapped in a blue cloth.

"We had our blacksmith make this especially for you," Princess Epsea stated, vibrating in place.

Lance took the gift and slowly unwrapped it. A gasp stuck in his throat when he fully unraveled his gift. "It can't be…." Lance looked at the Royals for confirmation. Elsea was clapping, and Chaskba had a gleam in her eye.

"Do you like it" Epsea shouted. "It exactly likes-"

"King Uylat's sword," Lance answered, running his fingers down the black and gold sheath. The sword was made to Lance's size. Lance grabbed the hilt of the sword. Sliding the blade out of the sheath to unveil a narrow straight-backed single edge blade. The blade decorated with inlaid patterns that Lance knows is attached to the Royal family's history. The sword had no guard, the grip a unique wood that is only grown on certain mountains in Xochmali, the pommel a large circle where the family crest of the Royal family rests.

"I feel my husband wouldn't mind you representing us out there." Queen Chaskba stated, watching as Lance sheathed the sword. Chaska covered the Paladin's hand over the blade. "Remember, little one, we are here for you. We accept you as a family now and forever. "

"Now and forever," Epsea echoes, placing a hand on the human's shoulder.

Lance was gonna cry but knew that the team was watching him. "Thank you," Lance says, hugging the two, decorum be damned.

It had only been a few hours since the team had left Xochmali, and Allura was already trying to get them back into training.

Lance knew that he would literally die and join the ghosts haunting the ships if he went into a training session. "Training, really," Lance whined as the team started to suit up.

"We've been held up with negotiations for the past few days," Shiro stated, adjusting a piece of armor. "It will be good to get in some exercise."

"Besides, don't you want to try out your new toy," Keith asked, putting on his boots.

"Toy?" Lance has been slowly putting his armor on, hoping he can come with some excuse on why he can't train.

"That sword the royal family gave you," Keith said, snorting as he crosses his arm. "I'm surprised you aren't swinging it around claiming you're the best swordsmen."

Lance could feel his eye twitch "it's not a toy-"

"I'm surprised you know the-" Lance interrupts Keith getting in the shorter teen's face. "That was an honor. That blade deserves respect." Keith blinked at the Cuban teen, he knew he wasn't the best at joking, but he didn't expect this much animosity either.

"Alright, alright," Shiro stated, getting in between the two. "That's enough, but it is nice to know that you know the importance of the Royal's gesture, Lance. I'm proud of you," Shiro says with a smile, patting the boy's shoulder.

Lance grimaced as he walked away from Shiro's awkward pat. If anyone understood Queen Chaskba and Princess Epsea's gesture, it was him. If anyone understood the importance of the sword, it was him. Lance hated this feeling. If Shiro or Keith really were witch hunters, they didn't need their weapons to hurt Lance. They were doing just fine with their words.

The lights start to flicker before turning off for a few seconds and flicking back to life. "What was that?" Shiro asks, staring at the ceiling as he prepares to leave. Suddenly a Coran's voice was booming over the intercom "Paladin's to the dining area training has been canceled. To the dining area for some grub and team bonding."

'Thank you!" Lance mutters, clapping his hand in a prayer motion.

"Dramatic," Keith scoffs, starting to take off his armor.

"Keith," Lance says with a sigh, "remembers when I said I was too tired to argue with you," Keith says nothing, so Lance continues, "still tired."

Keith should be relieved that Lance wasn't arguing with him, but instead, he felt annoyed. Keith shakes it off, refusing to believe that anything Lance does could affect him.

Keith, Shiro, and Lance walked in the hallway when they bumped into a walking tower of blankets.

"Pidge, what are you doing?" Shiro asks, taking some of the blankets from the younger girl.

"Coran convinced the princess that team bonding should be a movie night," Pidge says, handing the rest of the blankets to a reluctant Keith.

"Why aren't we training?" Keith grumbles, struggling to take balance the thick blankets.

"The training computer was freaking out. Coran doesn't want any accidents, so we will check the system tomorrow and ensure everything is working for training later. The last thing we need is another out-of-control gladiator."

Lance and Keith both flinched. "Better to be safe than sorry," Shiro says, nodding.

"Good news, we can pick the movie's bad news. It has to be an Altean movie to help us better understand space cultures." Pidge says, mimicking Coran at the end.

"Great," Lance says, "educational training."

"Well, since your hands are empty, you can help me get more blankets while you two start setting up in the living room," Pidge says, already pulling Lance down the hallway to grab more supplies. "Hey, stop pulling you, little gremlin."

"Well, move faster, you scrawny beanpole."

"SCRAWNY," Lance screeched, "look who's talking chicken legs."

The banter between the two teens disappeared. Keith and Shiro watching the two banter back and forth, "Well, those two seem to be getting along better." Shiro smiles begin to walk.

"Lance must have apologized," Keith says, shrugging "those three will always make up."

"You know it wouldn't be a bad idea to try and be nicer to the trio," Shiro says, nudging Keith's side.

Keith snorted, "Like Lance would let that happen."

"Well, you did shove him off a bus seat and then said you didn't remember him."

"Well, what was I suppose to say. I went there to save you, and then here comes the most well-liked guy at the Garrison, and is the alone no here comes the rest of the treasured trio."

"So the best you can do is play dumb," Shiro says, shaking his head. "He tried to be your friend once. Maybe this time you can try."

Keith bowed his head. "You didn't see his face, Shiro. I didn't mean to push him that hard, but when I tried to help him up," Keith shakes his head, " it was like he was afraid of me like he expected me to hurt him."

"Well, you did have a knife" Keith did not appreciate Shiro's humor. "You guys were young; both of you have grown. Besides, he couldn't be that afraid of you, seeing as how you complained so much about him bugging you."

"I guess" Keith was just lucky that Lance was able to put whatever hate he has for him aside so that they could form Voltron. Why would Keith want to shift that balance?

"Look, we are all in this together, and honestly, it wouldn't be a bad idea to try and be friendlier with the trio, and I mean both of us. Coran and the princess can tell that we are divided and with whatever happened on Xochmali is was defiantly made apparent that we all have our lines."

"But how can we help that. You're my…." Keith struggled to say the word family or brother. "I've known you for so long, you know me."

"I do, and that why I know that you really wanted to be friends with those three back in the Garrison. Here's your chance." Shiro says as the two finally made it to the living room.

Keith and Shiro silently worked, setting up the blankets and pillows. Everyone knew about Hunk and Lance, the childhood friends that entered the Garrison together. While students struggled to survive the school curriculum and pressure from teachers, those two were the envy of every student because they had a solid support system from the beginning. Everyone knew that Hunk would help Lance study in the back corner of the library, just like everyone knew that Lance would purposely cause trouble to stop the teachers from focusing on Hunk, who was trying his hardest to not throw up in class. Everyone knew that Lance charmed the kitchen staff to let Hunk bake and that Hunk would bake for everyone in the library which was studying for midterms. Although Keith never personally received a baked good from Lance, whenever he would leave his desk and come back, there would always be some treat on his desk. And then the duo became a trio. At first, everyone doubts the three would get along, what with Pidge's solitary attitude. Keith remembers students taking bets on how long it would take before Pidge accepted the friendship. The student body always laughing, "if anyone can do it, Lance can."

Keith would be lying if he said he wasn't envious of Pidge. From where Keith stood, it seemed that Pidge first treated Lance just as poorly as Keith did, so why did Lance try too hard to reach out to her but antagonized him. Keith wanted to be the best to prove that he, an orphan, can be someone without any handouts, but even when he took the number one spot in fighter pilot, all anyone could talk about was Lance flunking out of the top ten ranks down to twenty-seven. Even when Lance failed, the school was focused on him. Keith often wondered if anyone in the Garrison care when he left. Keith was sure that Adam was at least worried, but did anyone care? Did Lance care since he was able to make fighter pilot class? Keith stopped working for a moment 'if only the top ten pilots go into fighter class, how did Lance in the twenty-seventh spot take his place?'

Keith was scared out of his thoughts when the door opened. "We got more pillows," Pidge announces, flinging said pillows at the two unsuspecting paladins. "What is this?" Pidge asks, looking at the blankets that covered the couches.

"We got the blankets ready," Shiro answered, unsure why Pidge and Lance were looking at the two strangely.

"When we said get the living room ready, we were thinking a fort," Pidge says, already rearranging the blankets.

"Or a nest," Lance says, placing the pillows on the couches as he helps Pidge rearrange the blanket.

"Don't call it a nest," Pidge whines, the two working together to make the room cozier.

"That's what they're called. Haven't you ever seen those giant bird nest beds?" Lance explains, throwing pillows on the floor.

"We aren't birds."

"But we do have lions, so is it a den" Lance ponders for a moment scrunching his eyebrows "is that right? I feel a den is more for wolves."

Pidge opens her mouth, closing it when she is also not sure where lions live. "I'm sure they have to have something. Don't they sleep in trees?"

"I thought those were cheetahs? Well, the lion king showed them sleeping at pride rock, and that seemed like a den."

"That was more a cave or a lair." Lance looked hopeful. "No, we are not calling it a lair."

"Then den it is," Lance announces, a ping in his heart as Pidge begins to mutter to herself about dens and caves. "Anyways, while we get the den ready," "we are not calling it that" "Why don't you guys help Hunk bring in the snacks?" Lance suggests.

"I can go help Hunk," Shiro offers. "Why don't you stay here, Keith, and help with the…den."

"No, den, it's a fort," Pidge announces as Shiro heads out the door.

"It's not a fort. We don't have walls," Lance argues

"Then we will make walls," Pidge shouts, already searching the room for materials to make a proper fort.

"Help me out here, mullet" Lance turns to the red Paladin, and Keith panics.

"Don't you think we have more important things to do than argue over the set up of pillow and blankets?" Keith winced when both teens turned to start at him.

"If you don't want to help Keith, you can go with Shiro," Pidge says, walking past the boy to pull cushions off the far-sided couch.

Keith bit his lip but begins to make his way out of the room. "Hey Keith," Lance catches the boy as the doors open, "A sheet and a bo staff would really help with the fort, you know if you want." Lance gave a wobbly smile, unsure why the boy seemed so snippy today but hoped he would take the olive branch that Lance was trying to give him.

Keith nodded his head and walked out of the room. Sighing to himself as he walked down the corridor, wondering why it seemed so easy for some people.

Essie lay in her bed and sighed, another night without contact from Lance. "Amista," the young woman mutters, the wood doors to her room open.

"Yes, Alpha"

"Bring me, Calista" Essie stands from her bed, walking over to the double door that leads to a balcony.

"Right away" Amista bows her head and disappears for a moment.

Essie stares out over the balcony leaning on the cold stone, watching as the sun barely grazes the horizon. Essie was happy to have found her charge but was concerned with Lance's magic level 'His power was so low; he must have been using his gift for so long. It is understandable for him to be unable to use the mirror.' Essie tried to reason her thought, but she was always irrational regarding her loved ones. Essie's hand began to shake, and the young woman couldn't help but laugh to herself. "Not like my magic level is any better."

"Well, maybe if you didn't travel through the abyss, you wouldn't feel so drained." Essie turned to face her comrade, delighted that the women had a cup of tea with her as well.

Calista set the tea down next to Essie. The tall frame of Calista leaning against the balcony facing away from the ocean view "Amista said you wanted to see me."

"Did I interrupt your training?" Essie asked, taking the tea, hoping that the warmth would stop her finger's from spasming.

Calista rolled her broad shoulders, the short ponytail barely moving from how tight she had tied it. "Not at all, I was just getting things ready for the trainees, but I doubt that's what you want to talk about right now."

Essie hummed, watching her friend noticing the dark circles resting on her friend's sepia skin. Essie's eyes gazed over the raised scar tissue that ran down an angle from Calista's thinly plucked eyebrow to the corner of her right eye. The wound completely healed, barely a shade lighter than the rest of her russet brown skin. "Actually, that is what I need to talk to you about? I'll be heading back to the Creed later today, so I'll leave the trainees to you."

Calista's amber eyes widen, turning her head to stare at her leader as if she had grown another head. Essie focused on the sun rising, knowing that it would be a while before she could enjoy a view like this. "The Creed? Is that wise?"

"Preparations must be made. If I delay any longer, it will only cause trouble for us." Essie sipped her tea, letting the flavor of chamomile and honey dance on her tongue.

"Lance still hasn't made contact?"

"No, but I should have expected it. We were both far too drained to activate the mirrors safely."

"Lance could give you better information on what-"

"I'm sure he can, and when he and I are in contact, I will make sure to get everything possible from him, but right now, I can't wait around for information that may or may not come." Essie's tone warned Calista that this was not up for discussion.

"If that is what you wish, Alpha, then it will be done." Calista straightens up, bowing her head as his right palm rests on her heart.

"What I wish," Essie giggles, but it sounds hollow to both their ears. "Ugh, like I would know what to wish for." There is silence as Essie finishes her tea. "I will go to the Creed and prepare them for what's to come. Then I will hold an emergency council meeting with the other Alphas to warn them properly. Hopefully, in that time, I will have gained more information."

"And the Garrison" A spike of pressure and a flash of black seeping into Essie eye's told Calista that she should not have asked.

"Leave the Garrison be for now. Once the Creed is caught up to speed, it will be easier to deal with Garrison. Humans would rather trust other humans than the likes of us." Essie watches as Calista bites her lip, but the young werewolf bites her tongue. Essie sighs, "What is it?"

"You've said it before, Alpha. We will have to stand together or risk being picked apart one by one."

"My statement is true. By the gods, I wish it wasn't" Essie places the cup on the balcony turning to her comrade and friend, "but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow. You can't tell me that the world wouldn't be better with a few fewer humans."

Calista raised her hand to the back of her neck, feeling the raised skin on the edges of the healed wound, a matching scar that every original Outsider has. Calista's amber eyes flash blood red. "Do you regret not taking the world when you had the chance?" Calista's voice was a growl, her canines starting to appear past her lips.

Essie hummed, "If I had conquered the world back then, this would be so much easier now" the wind rushed through Essie, her black hair getting tangled, the wind whipping about as if trying to remind her that she must show mercy. Essie took a deep breath letting the salty air settle in her lungs, ingraining this moment of peace for a second longer before walking back into her room. "But there's no point in regretting the past decision. We have too much work to do for that."

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Lance's point of view

Chapter Text

Lance wasn’t sure what to tell Hunk and Pidge about his dream visit with his cousin. He didn’t want to worry his friends about the imposing attack on their home, but he also felt guilty about leaving it out. He was also concerned that if he told the other paladins, they would go straight to Allura and that he would need to explain how he knew about this. Lance sighed as he lifted himself out of bed and began getting ready for the day, even though it still seemed far too early to get up.

Lance sighed as he made his way into the greenhouse, the lights still dimmed to stimulate early morning. “If you’re going to come in with a lousy attitude, you can leave now,” Yanesek states, kneeling beside a bed of purple juneberry flowers.

“Please, we both know you would follow me screaming until I come back to prune these flowers,” Lance replies, removing his jacket and placing it by the workbench near the entrance. Lance watched as Yanesek stood up, readjusting her baggy tan pants and buttoned blue shirt. Her short purple hair moved slightly into her face covering her green Altean marking as she moved over to Lance.

“Flowers don’t like negative attitudes.” The Altean stated matter of factly.

“What do they like more, a negative attitude or no water.” Yanesek scowled, her thin face making her face look stricter, but she said nothing else about Lance’s attitude.

“Don’t forget about the-”

“I know, I know a drop of axial oil in the water.” Yanesek closed her mouth, raising her hand in surrender.

“Pardon me. You probably know everything about Altean botany now. Not like I’ve been doing this since my death.” Lance rolled his eyes at the dramatics. Were all Alteans so dramatic?

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Lance says, preparing the water. “And you know it.”

Yanesek rolled her eyes but said nothing as Lance started to walk along the path of flowers. He was taking a bit of pride in his green thumb. “Will they bloom in time?”

“Yes, they should be just in time for Hanuakwali.” Yaneska said, following alongside the paladin. Concerned that the flowers in row 3 weren’t getting enough sunlight. “Please redirect the light to shine more here,” Yaneska asked pointing, too some smaller buds.

“Why don’t you try it yourself,” Lance says, staring at the light and then the fallen Altean.

“You know I can’t touch anything.” Yanesek snarked, crossing her arms.

“You’ll never know unless you try. A lot of ghosts could do a lot of things on Earth. It just required a lot of energy and emotion.”

“What do you think I do when you’re not here or running late.” Yanesek snapped. “Trust me, I have enough emotion. It just doesn’t work.” The light exploded. Yanesek blinked, shocked; Lance only sighed.

“Yeah, sure, don’t trust the guy who’s been dealing with the dead since he was little; not like he knows what he’s talking about” Lance leans down to pick up the broken shards of glass, mindful of the edges. “No, course not. Only helped with so many hauntings, but what do I know-”

“Okay, okay, I get it,” Yanesek said, hovering over the paladin, watching the broken light swing at her apparent force. “I was doing it wrong.”

“You need to focus and redirect your energy,” Lance says, picking up the last of the shards.

“It’s just odd. When I was alive, I barely had any magic.

“It’s not magic,” Lance says, walking to the trash bin. “It’s your life force. When you were alive, your soul was protected by your body. All your energy was contained in one vessel. Now that the vessel is gone, your just pure energy. However, that is also why you need to be careful. Too much energy and you like a beacon for the hungry monster.” Lance wiped his hands before turning to his ghost friend, making “grrr” noises and claw motions.

“Didn’t you say you put wards up to help with those hungry monsters” Yaesek placed her hands on her hips, unimpressed with the paladin’s antics.

“I did, but wards are hard to maintain on a large ship, and it’s just me. Doesn’t help that we keep going through war zones.” Lance sighed, walking to the back of the garden, where a small shed was placed.

“Why does that matter?” Yanesek was truly curious about these monsters the blue paladins warned them about; they sounded like nothing the Altean had ever heard about.

“Soul eaters are attracted to negative energy and death. With this much death, I’m surprised there aren’t more running around.” Lance opens the shed rummaging through the old dusty boxes looking for a new light.

“You think they would be so bold to jump onto a cleansed ship.” Yaesek says hotly, “This ship was blessed by our own priestess for a safe and good journey.”

“Your priestess’ is dead. The gods you had most likely gone or weakened by the lack of offering wouldn’t put much stock into that old bless.” Lance says nonchalantly, “Ha found it,” Lance says with glee showing the Altean the new bulb. Lance paused when he saw the look of dismay on the Altean’s face. “What?” Lance blinked for a moment before he finally processed what he said. “Yanesek, I didn’t mean-“It was too late. The Altean disappeared. “Yanesek, I didn’t mean it. “No response.

Lance sighed, walking over to change the bulb and readjusting the light. “Foot meets mouth,” Lance muttered. Lance blanched when he thought of his words; even though Yaesek was a tough cookie, having your race’s annihilation brought up to your face would still be hard to process. Lance finished the work with the juneberry, noticing that Yanesek’s presence had returned when he got to the last row of flowers, but she still refused to show herself. “I’ll be back later today to adjust the lighting and the second round of fertilizer. I’m sorry, Yanesek.” Lance says, washing his hands and wrapping his sweater around his waist.

Lance left the greenhouse and decided to look at some of his wards before taking a shower. Lance first went to the hangar with all the lions, his most extensive and more critical ward being on the lion’s doors and the lions themselves.

Lance worked hard to convince the lions to paint wards inside the roof of their mouths and inside the plates of their armor, but most of the wards had been damaged with their encounter with Zarkon. Lance still had not finished fully repairing the wards and it was causing a bit of anxiety. Things have been happening so quickly since the team had been reunited, and luckily the battle with the Xochmalican’s helped the team recenter Voltron and prove too the universe that Voltron was still alive and well.

Lance walked into the rooms of lions and could tell that something was not right, not just because numerous ghosts were hanging around the door but also because Mera was growling in his head.

“What’s going on?” Lance asked the dead aliens, not taking any offense when a few disappeared out of his sight.

“Ahh, Blue Paladin,” Koma, a young engineer with two pigtails on each side, curly copper hair, and teal markings that match her eyes. “The lions are fighting; it’s very unusual.”

“Do you know what triggered it?” Lance asked, slowly creeping towards the door.

“Unsure the tension occurred recently. We have never seen the lions act like this. Oh and I watched the Black Paladin in the training room tonight; he doesn’t appear to be sleeping,” Koma said, tapping her chin with her finger, her face scrunching in concentration. “That would be the seventh time in a row he’s gone to the training room rather than bed. Is that normal for you humans?”

“No, it’s not,” Lance sighed, wondering if he should work on the lions or check on Shiro. “Humans can’t really go that long without sleep,” Lance placed a hand on his neck, shaking his head. “Lions or Shiro.”

“Well, I think the Lions are upset with the black paladin or maybe just the black lion; it’s a bit unclear,” Kona stated, still peeking into the room where are five lions were present.

“You’re right. I’m not ready to deal with therapy for five lions, Shiro it is.” Lance says, sending a comforting wave to Mera as he walks to the training room. Mera cooed back at Lance before the bond turned sour. Clearly, something was going on with the pride, but Lance could only work on one thing at a time.

Lance walked into the observatory of the training room. One lone ghost standing at the attention of the controls. “Captain Miric, it’s been a long time,” Lance says, bowing his head. Captain Miric was as tall as Allura with black hair, a short cut, and a long fringe. Lance would lie if he said he wasn’t jealous of the perfectly blended sides the captain sported. The captain seemed young for his title, but his calculating emerald eyes showed his prowess as a warrior. Lance had always wanted to ask the captain why one of his amber Altean marking, was cut in half.

“Paki” The captain said barely acknowledging the human in the room. Lance flinched at the slur. The captain firmly believed that Lance was dangerous to Voltron; he believed that Lance should be left on some plant somewhere and that every bad thing that happened to Voltron was Lance’s fault. Lance would like to believe that he’s made some progress in changing the captain’s mind as he has now started to speak to Lance more, even if it’s just training tips for every other member of the team except him.

“Paki te Mort, Altean for cursed by death,” Lance mutters. “Very original.”

The captain says nothing, still watching Shiro in the training yard. “He’s out of balance.”

“He’s been through a lot,” Lance says, moving more towards the window, ignoring the hurt when the captain moves further away.

“He’s the leader; he needs to get over it.” The captain clicks his tongue, crossing his arms, looking unimpressed.

“Must be nice to be Altean and mentally overcome everything with a snap of your fingers,” Lance says, getting annoyed with the ghost. It was silent for a moment due to the captain being at a loss of words or unwilling to share any more words with the blue paladin it was unclear. Lance began to type something into the training computer snagging the emergency shut-off button that rested on top of the dash.

Lance leaves before he says something he shouldn’t to the captain. Lance makes it to the training room and watches on the sideline as Shiro struggles with the training drone. Lance wonders how long Shiro has been at it and if the black paladin has even gotten any sleep.

Lance knew that different people break in different ways. Lance can’t begin to imagine what Shiro had been through in the year he was gone, but sometimes it was hard to ignore the black paladin’s soul screaming in the middle of the night. Essie had luckily taught Lance a few calming spells and dream eater spells, but unfortunately, relying too much on those spells could cause Shiro more harm than good if exposed for too long. 

Shiro was struggling to stand against the bo staff for the Altean bot, but the older soldier seemed so focused on the enemy in front of him that he didn’t notice Lance slip in. Lance sat in the corner of the room, unsure how to make his presence known without scaring the Black paladin toying with the emergency button.

Lance begins to hum, tapping the emergency button as he watches Shiro growl, his anger getting the best of him as he sinks further into his emotions. Lance laughs a bit when his hums become a song “Dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen.” Lance hoped Shiro would hear him, but unfortunately not. Lance sighed and switched from his happy song to a sleeping spell writing the incantation in the air. Lance watched as Shiro’s move became sluggish and immediately hit the emergency button, stopping the bot from delivering a devastating blow. Lance chanted the spell, getting up from his spot as he watched Shiro drop to his knees.

It was dangerous to place a sleeping incantation on an individual so close to a mental break it could lead to comas, nightmares, or worse. As Shiro was about to fall to the ground, Lance was there to catch the older man. “Easy there, Shiro,” Lance whispers, watching the black paladin struggle to keep his eyes open.

“Lance,” Shiro questioned, the body becoming heavy.

“You’re safe now, fearless leader.” Lance struggled to say as he adjusted the larger man’s weight in his arm. “Just rest.”

“Matt” Shiro’s eyes were getting heavy, his body exhausted.

“We’ll find him and Commander Holt,” Lance says earnestly. “We’ll find them, stop the empire, and head home.”

Shiro’s eyes closed, but he whispered one last name, “Adam.” Lance glanced down at the passed-out black paladin, confused.

“Who’s Adam?” Lance asked, was he another prisoner? Was he on Earth? In the garrison? Lance didn’t have much time to think about it as Shiro started to grunt, and his brow furrowed in discomfort.

Lance quickly wrote the dreamless incantation on Shiro’s forehead, starting from left to right. Lance placed Shiro in his lap as he used one hand to push Shiro’s head back and the other to right the dreamless incantation hoping he could stop the nightmare from forming.

Lance grunted as images started to appear in his mind, and pain started to erupt in his body. A dimly lit room, druids surrounding him, and pain in his shoulder and face. Lance continued with the incantation even as his arm exploded in pain and his fingers shook. Lance could feel Shiro’s panic. The scene shows a large Galra in a mask staring down at me or rather Shiro. “Listen to me. We don’t have much time.” Pain erupted in Lance’s face as Shiro was slapped. “Wake up! Zarkon has located the Blue Lion of Voltron on your planet, Earth..” Confusion erupted, and the image began to fade, as did the pain. “I am Ulaz…if you survive, go to the coordinates in your arm…The blade of Marmora is with you.”

Finally, everything was quiet. Shiro’s face was calm, his jaw unclenched, his body relaxed, and the images of his dreams disappeared from Lance, or were they memories? Lance struggled to catch his breath. “What the hell was that?” Lance whispers to himself as he struggles to catch his breath.

Allura’s voice drifts back to Lance when they first found Shiro after their Hail Mary reunion “Sometimes, the healing process can cause involuntary brain wave reactions.” Was it possible that sleeping spells could do the same?

When Lance thinks back to their near defeat when they first went up against Zarkon, Lance can’t help but shudder. They could have lost everything right then and there. By the grace of the old gods, the new, and everything in between, they survived and got reunited. Lance wondered what Essie would say about their brave if not stupid, rescue attempt. A shudder runs through Lance when he thinks about how that conversation will go down.

Baby steps, and the first step is to figure out how to get Shiro into his room. Lance wasn’t sure how that would go since his legs were already asleep. “Koma,” Lance whispered, as he felt more than saw the young lean beside him.

“Yes,” she answered before her body fully appeared, her pigtails swishing in front of Lance.”You got him asleep,” Koma says with a smile. “Let me guess, you want me to get Hunk.”

“Could you please?” Lance asks, unconsciously, playing with Shiro’s hair.

“Of course,” Koma lifts three fingers, “Three knocks is for the training room, right.”

“Yeah, three knocks, and Hunk will know the rest. Try not to scare him too mu-”

“Who are you talking to?” Both Lance and Koma froze, turning to the front door. Lance’s mouth was open, wondering why the heck Keith was standing in the doorway of the training room. ‘Don’t these two ever leave the training room?’ Lance thought angrily.

Koma giggled. “Well, I guess you don’t need Hunk after all. Good luck, blue paladin.”

Lance glared at the ghost as she smiled and disappeared. Lance had a retort on the tip of his tongue, but that disappeared when Keith finally took in the scene in front of him. “Shiro,” The red paladin shouted, running to the pair on the ground. “What happened?” Keith seethed sliding on the floor too be eye level with Lance. “Why is-”

Lance quickly placed his hand over the over teen’s face before bringing his finger to his lip in a silent motion. The red paladin glared at his blue counterpart but nodded his head before shoving the hand on his mouth away.

Harshly the shorter teen asked again, “What happened?”

“He just trained too much, is all. Found him fighting the gladiator when he just fainted.” Lance answers quickly, hoping that Shiro doesn’t fight the sleep incantation.

“But why are you here,” Keith asked suspiciously.

“Well, why are you here” Lance retorted back, again his hands going to play with Shiro’s hair. The blue paladin may not have noticed, but Keith sure did.

“Training,” Keith says, bringing up his bayard. “Obviously. It still doesn’t explain why you’re here so early in the morning. Don’t you need your beauty sleep or something?”

“First off, all of us need to sleep.” Lance snapped, his head filled with too much information to handle dealing with Keith at the moment. “Which is why you’re gonna help me get Shiro to bed, and then I’m going back to bed just like you are?”

Keith looked from Lance to Shiro, his jaw clenching like he was going to argue, but surprisingly Keith yielded, “Fine.”

It took a while, but both teens got the older paladin to bed. The lights in the hallway started to get brighter, showing that it was now a more reasonable time to be up, but Lance wanted nothing more than to go back to bed.

“Well, thanks for the help, but I’m going back to bed,” Lance says, turning down the hallway.

“Have you done this often?” Keith said, not moving from in front of Shiro’s door.

“What?” Lance groaned; he should have sprinted down the hallway.

“How many times have you helped Shiro,” Keith asked, finally turning to look at the taller teen.

Lance froze, trying to figure out how to answer or explain to Keith how he helped Shiro. “A few times.” Lance struggles to answer, not wanting to lie as much as he can. Maybe it was Keith’s unique amethyst eye color, but Lance always felt that Keith could spot liars a mile away.

“He hasn’t been back that long.”

Lance bit his lip as if he was betraying one of Shiro’s secrets. “I’ve been doing this since we left Earth.”

Keith was silent, so Lance continued. “Sometimes he sleepwalks. He just wanders around. It’s not too bad unless he gets stuck somewhere and starts panicking. Sometimes he trains until he passes out, and I get Hunk to help me get him to bed.”

“Hunk knows about this,” Keith says quietly, fist clenching.

“Just the training, not about the sleepwalking,” Lance says, fiddling with his shirt sleeve.

“Why didn’t you tell anyone” Keith nearly shouts, but Lance could hear it in his tone; why didn’t you tell me?

“Shiro is trying to do his best and be strong for us. I won’t expose him, and Hunk would never tell.”

“But Allura and Coran could help the pods-”

“Only help with physical problems; what Shiro is dealing with is mental, and the Alteans don’t understand anything about mental health.” Lance snaps, “I’m not going to have Allura force Shiro to ignore his trauma for the good of Voltron.”

Keith got angry. “There is nothing wrong with Shiro.”

Lance sighs. “I never said there was, but Shiro needs to process what happened to him. He needs help-”

Keith slammed the larger teen into the wall. “Shiro is fine; there is nothing wrong with Shiro.”

Lance winced as his head hit the wall, hands grabbing Keith’s to stop him from shaking him, and without much thought, he flipped the smaller boy around, pinning the boy to the wall. Not as hard as Keith had done to him, but enough to make a point. “There is nothing wrong with Shiro, but he is not fine. You aren’t doing him any favors by acting like nothing is wrong.” Keith looked stunned, frozen in place.

“I’m going to bed,” Lance says when it’s clear Keith isn’t going to say anything.

Chapter Text

Lance met up with the rest of the Garrison Trio right before breakfast. The two seemed very anxious, reminding Lance of his first dilemma about what to tell them about their conversation with Essie. Lance sighed and figured that he should tell them the truth; if an attack happened, Lance wouldn’t want the Trio to be blindsided.

 “Sooo,” Pidge asks expectantly.

“It was nice,” Lance says lamely, continuing his walk to the dining hall. Just because he decided to tell the Trio the truth doesn’t mean he has to do it now.

“Nice,” Pidge asks, running to keep up with the taller teen. “That’s it.”

“Well, it was,” Lance says, not looking at the green paladin.

“Lance,” Hunk says with a smile, but giving an encouraging nod, knowing there is more to it.

Lance groaned. “Essie is preparing for war.”

Hunk and Pidge both paused, eyes wide. “So, you told her about the empire, and she’s preparing for war just like that.” Pidge looked amazed; Hunk seemed more worried.

“Yes, but ugh” Lance shakes his head, trying to figure out how to mention the oracle. “Essie mentioned that an oracle-”

“Good morning, team,” Coran says chipperly. It scares the entire Trio, who jumped back in shock.

“Coran, what’s up,” Lance says, placing a hand over his heart; how does a man this rambunctious sneak up on people.

“The ceiling number 3. We all need to grab some grub and then head to the training room for some combat training. We need to get the team back on the same wavelength. You will be acting like a pack of metheropieans once more.”

“Mother- what” Hunk looks at the other two paladins, Pidge shrugs, and Lance mutters, “Think of otters but bigger with more teeth.”

“Come, come, come,” Coran pushes the teens down to the dining hall.

It was empty when the Trio and Coran arrived at the dining hall. “That’s strange Numbers 1 and 3 are usually on time. Well, you three start eating, and I’ll go round up the others.”

“Ugh, Coran, why don’t we wait on that,” Lance says, stepping in front of the Altean.

“Sorry, number 3, but everyone must be up and ready, princess’ order,” Coran says, trying to get around the human boy to be stopped again. An interesting game of bob and weave was going on between the two, but the older Altean made a surprise move of grabbing Lance’s arms and swinging the boy around.

“Ah, that’s cheating,” Lance shouts, stumbling to get his balance. Coran simply laughs as he runs out of the dining hall.

Pidge laughs, and Hunk smiles as he prepares the food for everyone. “Green goo again, shocking,” Pidge says sarcastically, taking the plate from Hunk.

“Maybe we can break into the food that the Xochmalican gave us to make a proper meal.” Hunk says, “They gave me a recipe book and everything labeled.”

“I will translate all you want if it means eating something other than good,” Lance says, messing with the goop. “Oh, that reminds me, Pidge. When we are in training, tell Shiro that you need to look at his arm.”

“Why,” Pidge says, eating a spoonful of goop, trying not to make a face.

“Koma,” Lance asks, feeling the girl’s presence in the room.

“Good morning,” The ghosts shout, popping up in the middle of the table. Lance suppresses a jump, but his hand jerks spilling goo on the table. “Don’t do that, my god,” Lance whines, starting to clean the mess.

“Hahah,” Koma laughs, floating herself in the air. “Ahh, come on, don’t be mad. I’m just having a bit of fun.”

“hmm, Koma,” Hunk says, looking around the room. Both Lance and Koma look at the two paladins only to see that their goo has sloshed all over themselves and the table.

Koma flushes red “Ahhh, oh no, I’m sorry, I just wanted to prank Lance. I’m sorry, Lance. Tell them I’m sorry.” The plates suddenly start to float. Koma squeals in embracement.

“Koma, calm down,” Lance says, cleaning his area. “You’re getting better at channeling your energy. Now you just need to focus it more too precise functions.” The plates slammed to the table, sloshing more goo onto Pidge and Hunk.

“Ahh, Sorry,” Koma shouts; the plates start to shift again, and both paladins reach to stop the plates from moving again.

“Alright, Koma, that’s enough,” Lance says, expanding his aura to the Altean, trying to settle her nerves. “This is what you get for trying to scare people.”

The Altean girl pouted, but instantly felt better like a weighted blanket had just wrapped itself around her. “Well, excuse me for trying to have fun in my afterlife.”

“You’re excused,” Lance says, “Now, can you please stand watch and let me know when Keith and Shiro are coming.”

“One watchdog coming up,” Koma says with a playful salute before walking through the dining door to the hallway.

“I’m gonna have to get used to this, aren’t I,” Pidge says, scooping up the fallen goop onto her plate.

“I wish I could say it gets better,” Hunk says, wiping the goo from his cheek, “but that would be a lie.”

“She’s just excited,” Lance says, helping clean up the other two paladins. “They are also happy because ‘magic,’” Lance puts air quotes on magic, “was rare on Altea, so the fact that they have a chance to use it, how can they not? Besides, this isn’t that bad. You should have seen my nephew. He almost burned the house down.”

“That strangely doesn’t make me feel better,” Pidge says with a raised eyebrow, “but why do we need a watchdog.”

“Ahh, yes, about that, someone put coordinates into Shiro’s arm,” Lance says, grabbing another napkin for Hunk.

“What!” “Who!” Pidge and Hunk shouted at the same time, standing from their seats.

“Look, it’s a long story,” Lance says, handing the napkin to Hunk before sitting down. “But it sounds like a Galra helped Shiro escape and put coordinates in his arm to meet up after he gets the blue lion.”

“And somehow, I have more questions than answers,” Pidge says, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“It’s cause your new,” Hunk says, “you haven’t learned to just go with the flow,” Hunk says, taking the dirty plates to the kitchen. Pidge glares at the taller teen.

“Excuse me for not having years to adapt,” Pidge says.

“You’re forgiven,” Lance and Hunk say simultaneously as Pidge grumbles to herself.

“But how am I supposed to access Shiro’s arm.” Pidge retorts, accepting Hunk’s new plate of goo and letting Lance help wipe the goo out of her hair.

“Lie,” Lance says. “Tell him during training that you see his arm glitching or something. Get creative.”

“How do you expect me to do that” Pidge mutters as Lance finishes cleaning the green paladin’s head and moves on to Hunk.

“Really, Pidge, the girl who tricked the Garrison into letting her in as a boy, is having trouble lying,” Lance says, wiping Hunk’s forehand.

“Sorry, not all of us are great liars like you, Lance,” Pidge says with a bit more bite than she intended. Lance stopped cleaning Hunk’s mouth open in surprise. Hunk simply shook his head at the younger girl. ‘Still too new,’ the yellow paladin thought, nudging Lance’s hand to get the taller teen to focus.

“Lance,” Koma sings, her upper half appearing in the door. “They are coming.”

“Quick, clean the table,” Lance says, “they’re coming.”

The Trio scurries to clean the mess and settle into their seats with their new serving of goop. “Pidge, just say whatever you have to to get the coordinates out of Shiro’s arm.”

“Are we sure this is a good thing?” Pidge asks, “It’s a random Galra.”

“A Galra that risked his life to free Shiro,” Hunk adds, “and he tried to make sure that the blue lion didn’t fall into the empire’s hand.”

“But what if it’s just an elaborate plan to lull us into a false sense of security.” Pidge hmms straightening her glasses.

“Pretty elaborate plan with a lot of holes,” Lance says, leaning over the table, his eyes on the door. “Either way, we need those coordinates; this could be the alliance that Voltron needs.”

“But why didn’t Shiro bring this up,” Pidge asks, and Lance winces how to explain this without exposing Shiro.

“He may or may not remember,” Lance says weakly, Pidge giving Lance a look. “Hunks right. You know, it’s hard to explain stuff at times.”

“Trust,” Hunk says, simply eating his new goop.

“Trust,” Lance says, shoving goo in his mouth so he doesn’t have to answer any more questions.

“Really guys, trust that your answer,” Pidge starts to rant as the dining room doors open.

“Number five, trust is the answer for everything,” Coran says, twirling his mustache. “It’s the center point of the team.”

“Yeah, Pidge, the center point of the team,” Lance says, pointing his spoon at the green gremlin. Who decided that enough was enough and decided to get up to tackle Lance. Lance seeing the green paladins’ eyes, was already up and running.

Shiro was so happy to see his team so lively, especially since Keith seemed to be grumpy. Shiro wasn’t sure why the red paladin was upset, wondering if maybe he had failed again to make friends with the Trio.

“You all seem up and ready for training,” Shiro says with a smile.

Lance caught Pidge in the headlock, doing his best to avoid getting kicked by the green paladin. “Hey, Shiro, how are you feeling?” Lance tries to ask causally, but even the black paladin’s complexion is better.

“Good, good,” Shiro says, feeling slightly off when he looks at the Cuban boy. “I felt like I finally got a good night’s sleep, but….” Shiro trailed off, getting his goop and sitting at the table. The entire room went into silence, but it seemed like the black paladin wouldn’t finish his sentence.

“But,” Hunk asks, gently only to receive a glare from Keith. Hunk reeled back and gave a side eye to Lance, who was now glaring at Keith’s back.

“But I had a weird dream,” Shiro says, ready to leave it at that, eating his goo.

Pidge’s ears perked up. “What type of dream?” Keith was practically growling at the Trio. Lance let go of Pidge and walked closer to Keith, still glaring at the boy.

“Well, I’m not sure if it was a dream or not,” Shiro says, now looking awkward, wondering why he was so chatty today.

“Shiro, you don’t have to tell them anything,” Keith says, sitting beside his mentor. Lance stood before Keith, leaning on the table so Shiro could only see Lance.

“But you know you can if you want to,” Lance says with a winning smile. “You know we might be able to help you out.” Lane could feel Keith glaring at him from behind, but he chose to focus on his leader in front of him, then the angry teen.

“Yeah, that’s what a team is for,” Hunk says, a little bit of a bite in his tone. “Right, Lance. Helping each other with their problems.”  Hunk’s smile was a bit bigger than most days.

“Right, it’s not like we should be keeping secrets from each other,” Pidge adds, adjusting her glasses.

Lance grimaced, ignoring the other two paladins and focusing on Shiro. “I’m just not sure if it’s worth mentioning or not,” Shiro says with an awkward smile. “It’s just after being back. I keep having these dreams about when I escaped to Earth. It’s hazy at best,” Shiro says, scratching the back of his head and feeling a bit embarrassed at all the attention he was receiving, “but I think something got placed in my arm.”

“By whom,” Pidge asks, already getting up from her seat to stand by Shiro.

“The person who saved me, I think,” Shiro says, suppressing the need to touch his mechanical arm. Shiro had heard of phantom limbs, and the Garrison had been upfront about possible injuries to pilots and showing videos of injured veterans to show what could happen to them. Still, it never stopped Shiro from wanting to fly. However, the pain in his right hand can be excoriating.

Lance moved out of the way for Pidge to step next to Shiro to look at the mechanical arm. “We can go to my lab and run some tests. See what we can find?”

“After training, maybe,” Shiro says, taking a bit from his plate.

“Great, then I will tell the princess-“Lance intercepted Coran, who was leaving the dining hall.

“No,” Lance says seriously, blinking when he realizes he said that out loud. “I mean, we should look into Shiro’s arm pronto,” Lance hurries to get the Black paladin to stand up, only for the leader to recoil sharply, the chair falling to the ground with a thunk.

Lance hears an anguished shout, “No, no! No. You took my hand. What more do you want.” Lance immediately grabs Pidge pushing the girl behind him as his hand begins to shake and pain ruptures in the teen’s right hand. Keith quickly pushed the two Trio members aside to stand by Shiro, unsure why his brother acted like this. Shiro did not move, his stance tense his breathing became haggard.

It was silent for a moment. Lance stared at Shiro, his soul silent now, but the Black paladin’s eyes seemed a hundred miles away, and Lance’s hand still hurt. “Shiro,” Pidge says, trying to take a step closer to the older man. Lance stops her, keeping the young girl back; Pidge looks at Lance’s hand, noticing his fingers tremble.

“See, Coran, we need to get Shiro’s arm checked. It’s activating on its own.” Hunk says calmly, pushing his chair back, making sure it scarps the ground so that Shiro knows precisely where he is. Sure, enough, the soft purple glow of Shiro’s hand was getting brighter. “After all, Shiro would never activate his hand on his own team.” Something in Hunk’s deep tone reached Shiro, who looked down at his hand. The throbbing in his fingers was burning again. The purple glow stopped, but still, no one moved.

 “Sorry, Lance,” Shiro finally says, his voice sounding weak. “I guess I’m just a little bit jumpy,” Shiro says sheepishly, scratching his cheek and slowly returning to himself. 

Lance smiles, the pain in his hand disappearing. “It’s alright, Shiro. It’s just that type of morning, right.” Lance bit his cheek. He should not have pushed Shiro this quickly. He should have just waited for Shiro to tell the team on his own. The wave of guilt rushed the Cuban boy. 

“Coran, tell the princess to come to Pidge’s lab. We need to look at Shiro’s arm.” Hunk says. Walking around the table, to a long way to stand next to Lance and Pidge. “It looks like we aren’t quite ready for combat training yet.”

Coran nods slowly, unsure of what has just transpired. “Yes, it appears we still need another rest day. I’ll inform the princess.”

Chapter Text

The team was hanging around Pidge's lab as the green and black paladin were at the table, Pidge in front of a screen wire attached to Shiro's arm as it got a thorough sweep through.

"I'm not finding any coordinates in here. Are you sure this wasn't just a dream," the green paladin asked, but Lance wasn't sure if she was directing the question to Shiro or him. 

"I'm positive. Someone helped me escape," Shiro stated fiercely, staring at his robotic arm. Lance felt another shred of guilt settles in his stomach.

"And he was Galra," the princess asked. Allura had not been happy when she walked into Pidge's lab. Lance was still determining if it was due to a Galra saving Shiro or if the paladins had ignored the order to train. 

"Yes," Shiro replies, tired or repeating himself. 

"You know you cannot trust them." Allura spats, crossing her arms over her chest as she leans against the wall. Lance didn't need any of his gifts to feel the hatred coming from Allura, but based on the negative energy he was feeling, quite a few spirits also agreed with Allura's sentiment. 

"Your father must have trusted them once," Shiro defends, ignoring the flash of pain that crosses Allura's face. "Zarkon was the original Black Paladin, wasn't he?"

The room froze for a moment. Allura's "That was a long time ago" fills the empty space for a solid minute. 

"Wait, what?" Lance couldn't help but ask as he blinked when he felt a flood of annoyance, but this time it was coming from the Lions. 'Was this why the lions were in a mood' Lance thought, feeling Mera grumble and floods of annoyance wrap themselves in his mind, settling on his temple like an alarm bell.

"Didn't you see how he stole the Black lion right out from Shiro? Or that he could do all that cool stuff with his bayard?" Lance looked at Keith, who seemed just as annoyed as the lions in the present moment. "Shiro's bayard," the emo continued, "you know, the black one?" Lance knew that Keith wasn't happy with him, but did he really need to lay on the sarcasm. Lance could only handle one moody thing at a time. 'Did the lions count as one or five individuals' Lance thought, shaking his head. 

"You know how I told you I was tired," Lance says, pinching the bridge of his nose as he gets flooded with something defensive from the lions, a strange feeling to protect Shiro and to shut Allura's mouth. "Well, guess what, still tired." Lance hadn't meant for it to come out as a growl, but the pure annoyance of the lions was erupting in his mind. It was a very violent emotion, and it scared Lance with its strength. Lance clenched his jaw, the need to show his teeth at the more petite boy coming full force. The blue paladin stepped back, getting a reassuring hand from Hunk. Lance was surprised because of all the lion's presence and emotions. The black lion had always tried to remain distant from Lance, but now it was hitting Lance like a freight train.

Keith crossed his arms, and if Lance weren't trying so hard not to rip someone's head off, he would say that Keith was pouting. "Why didn't you just tell us the truth about Zarkon?" Shiro sounded so small and vulnerable, and Lance couldn't help but want to bare his teeth at Allura for hiding something so important. 

"I wanted to protect you from the dark history of the paladins so that you would have a chance to bond with your lions on your own. You are the Black Paladin now, not Zarkon," Allura says, looking away from the humans. 

"Yeah, well, the Black lion may have a different take on the matter." Seeing as how Lance wanted to wrap his hand around Allura's throat, Lance agreed wholeheartedly with Shiro's words. Lance needs to speak with the Lions about this soon. Lance sighed, already exhausted, thinking about what was to come.

"Wait a second. I think I see it now." Pidge exclaims, looking at Shiro before sliding her glance at Lance. A look that Keith caught watching the Blue Paladin as Pidge continued. "Some repeating numbers in all this Galra code. Let me extract it." Some quick typing and Pidge shouts excited, bringing a system up on the big screen. "They are coordinated! They lead here: the Thaldycon system."

"Then that's where we're headed," Shiro stated firmly.

"Shiro, are you sure you can trust this?" Keith asks, concerned; this time, Lance isn't sure if the irritation causing him to clench his jaw is the black lion or Shiro. "I mean, after all the Galra has done to you. They took your arm." Keith finishes hesitantly.

"Don't you think I know what they took from me" Lance hears in the silence. "I remember every day what they did to me." Lance grabs his arm as it clenches into a fist and pins it to his side. Shiro stands tall, only determination appearing on his face, the anger he feels completely unseen by his mask. Lance wondered why he was feeling everyone's emotions so easily. It was rare to hear or feel a soul's true intention on earth, but Lance felt no resistance to the calls of these souls out in space. 

Boldy, the black paladin, states, "It's worth the risk. Someone helped me escape. If we can locate some allies in our fight against Zarkon, especially ones from his own side, we might just find a way to take him down."

 "We can check the location, but I do not like this. The Galra are not to be trusted." The room is silent, and Lance feels his hand twitch, a powerful feeling to wrap his hand around Allura's mouth again scares the human boy. Finally, something cool and refreshing soothes him, a purr rumbling over his shoulders, allowing Lance to finally breathe and unclench his hand. 'Thank you, Mera.' More purrs help ease Lance's headache. 

The team finally made it to the Thaldycon system—all the paladins in the observation deck, each in front of their own screen. "Well, this is it. No sign of any activity at all, living or otherwise." Coran says confidently.

"Can we get in there to take a closer look?" Shiro asks, looking at the strange crystal formations outside.

"I don't want to bring the castle any closer. Those xanthorium chunks contain highly unstable nitrate salts. Even bumping one of them can blow us straight to Wozblay." Coran says matter of factly.

Hunk and Pidge look at Lance. Lance gives a hmm before typing to the individual chat, "Not exactly timbuk2, but more like Wizard of Ozish."

Shiro looks concerned. "Are you sure this is right? 

"These are the coordinated number five gave me," Coran states, ignoring the glare he received from the tiny human.

"Hey! My decryption is solid." Pidge says, annoyed. 

"There must be something we're missing," Shiro says, standing in front of the screen, his left arm resting on his robotic arm.

"We should get out of here. We've checked it out, but now, it's time to move on." Allura says, already writing the coordinates to leave the system.

"No. There must be something more to this. I can feel it. I think we should wait." Shiro says firmly. 

"For what, Shiro? There is nothing out here," Keith says, worried about staying in the open for too long.

"I agree with Shiro; we should wait," Lance says, feeling that the paladins needed to be here. Lance wasn't sure what it was, but he knew something was out there. It annoyed Lance because it felt like something was evident in front of him. Essie's voice rang in his head. 'There is more than one way to see the world.' Lance hated when Essie decided to give him a riddle, always enjoying his cousin's straightforward approach, but magic was rarely straightforward.

"For how long the computers aren't picking anything up. The person who saved Shiro could be long gone by now, or worse, this is a trap-" Keith stopped talking when Lance suddenly fell out of his chair, falling to the floor in a thud. 

"Lance," Hunk shouts, running to the taller teen's side.
 
"What happened?" Allura shouted as the paladins began to circle the Cuban boy.

Lance felt it before he heard it. The dark empty feeling intruded against his wards, shoving itself against the barrier before backing out. A witch screamed, "Now, reach out with your mind." An imposing presence, old and hungry, clawing at Lance's soul. A feeling that hasn't seized Lance since he was a child. The chilling voice "Launch the beast" is the last thing Lance hears before the connection is severed. When Lance opens his eyes, Allura is holding him, and if Lance was in his right mind, he would have given the princess a pick-up line, but all the teen could focus on was the vile he tasted in his mouth.

"Lance, are you alright," Allura asked, switching her gaze between the human in her arms and the team on the screen.

"What happened" Lance gasps out, struggling to sit up out of the princess's arms. The world around him was still fuzzy but slowly coming back into focus. 

"You just passed out, but there's an intruder in the castle," Allura says, helping the boy stand up.

"How could someone just sneak aboard the ship?" Lance shouts but then thinks about the push against his wards. 'They didn't sneak. They announced themselves,' Lance thought, grinding his teeth.

"I knew coming here was a mistake," the princess seethed. "Everyone has already suited up and searched the castle to find him."

"It is best to stay here, my boy. We don't know why you fainted," Coran stated, glancing at the blue paladin before returning to the screens to try and find the intruder.

"Lance," Koma shouted, flying through the closed door. Lance ignored the living Altean for the dead one that rushed before him, arms waving around in panic. "There's a galra on the ship in level five. We have no idea how he got on the ship, but was he that scary presence? What was that, Lance? It felt terrible."

"Lance lance, my boy, can you hear me," Coran asked, standing in front of Lance. 

"Check level five," Lance says, still focused on Koma. A living intruder couldn't have made that presence. The wards were designed to keep out soul eaters and wayward magic, not living beings. So who was it that was knocking on the castle doors? 

"What level five? What about level five." Coran asks, confused. 

Allura checks the screen alerting the suited-up paladins that the intruder is defiantly on level five. "I'm suiting up," Lance says, already heading to the door, ignoring Coran's cries of concern. 

"Koma," Lance asks while running down the corridor. "What presence did you feel?"

"I've never felt it before. It was cold and dark, like it wanted to eat us," Koma said, floating alongside the living boy. "Everyone felt it. It was terrifying."

"Does the intruder feel the same," Lance asked, slamming into the locker room door.

"No, the presence is gone," Koma says, her figure shaking, "The living intruder is Galra, but it doesn't seem to be connected to that eerie aura."

Lance quickly puts his suit on, grabbing his bayard. "Lance, what was that?" The ghost asks, hugging herself. "It was so sinister, almost unnatural."

"It felt like a soul eater, but something was different," Lance answered, placing his helmet on his head. It felt like Essie when she let her power loose, Lance thought. The notion that another abyss user could be in the universe terrified Lance, but these thoughts were for another day. The wards had held, and the presence was gone; right now, the intruder was the biggest problem.

"Coran, where is the intruder now," Lance asks, activating his bayard. "Pidge is making contact. The team is all headed towards them in level five."

"Roger," Lance states, closing the communication for a moment. "Koma, whatever that presence was, it's gone for now. We need to take one problem at a time." Koma still seemed unsure, but after slapping her cheeks with her own hand, the girl got a determined look on her face. 

"Right, let's go catch a Galra."

Chapter Text

Pidge had no idea what the hell was going on. Lance is passing out one minute, and the next, Pidge is face to face with the Galra intruder Corna’s “Coming your way number five,” not nearly enough time to get ready. The Galra blows past Pidge, treating her attacks like nothing and dragging her down the hallway. The Green paladin growls as she tries to dig her heels into the ground to slow the Galra down, but it does nothing to deter the large Galra. 

“Careful, he’s faster than an angry Klamuril! But he can jump like a sprightly globinheffer!” Coran shouts over the intercom.

“Coran, you’re not helping,” Pidge says as she tries to slow the Galra down. 

“Oh well, somebody’s as mad as a wet chuper. He’s dragging Pidge away.”

“Come back here,” Pidge growled, pulling the bayard closer to her body.

Pidge is surprised when she is suddenly blasted at “HUNK!”

“Huh? Sorry!” The larger boy stops firing, taking off, and running behind the Galra and green paladin. Pidge knows Hunks is worried about Lance, but could he please not try to kill her in the process? ‘Well, it's not like I would be died died. Well, I would finally get to meet the ghost on the ship.’ That thought didn’t help calm Pidge as she heard Coran shout, “Oh, Hunk failed the team, guys,” followed by a sharp “Hey!”

“All right, it's up to Keith now,” Pidge growled; what is she, chopped liver she still technically had the Galra attached to her. Keith’s “copy that, I’m ready” ringing in their coms.

“Oh, this is exciting! He’s got a sword. One young paladin, one seemingly indestructible for.” Pidge is surprised when Keith rounds the corner, sword coming down a bit too close to Pidge’s leg when the Galra dodges, “Swing and a miss!” but Keith, being the ninja that he is, quickly jumps over Pidge’s form and increases his speed to be side to side with the Galra. Pidge watches as Keith takes another swing at the intruder, who again dodges Coran’s. “Oh, another swing and a miss! He can’t touch him! He’s too fast.” Pidge holds on as tight as she can as they round another tight corner, trying her best not to go flying. 

Pidge and Keith are side by side, and when Pidge looks at Keith’s face, she knows she has to slow him down to give the red paladin a chance. Keith seems to know what she’s about to do because he increases his speed. With a grunt, Pidge lifts her legs only to slam them into the ground as hard as she can while also doing her best to retract whatever much of her bayard she can. The tug works, and the intruder slows down, turning to look behind himself.

Pidge can see why Lance is jealous of Keith’s combat ability because the impressive jump/jet pack/swing was a very impressive combo. Metal hitting metal clashed in the hallways as, once again, the Galra blocked Keith’s attack and tossed the red paladin's blade out of Keith’s hand. “He knocked his bayard out of his hands! It's on the ground.” 

Pidge can tell Keith is angry when the human boy just blindly charges at the intruder with his bare hands. If Pidge hadn’t been flung like a toy across the room towards Keith, she would have felt sorry for Keith’s reckless actions. 

Pidge colliding with the red paladin caused her ribs to ach a grunt coming out of her mouth as she struggled to catch her breath, but Keith, in his reckless nature, stood back up and again charged the intruder. ‘Where the hell was Lance and Shiro? ’ Pidge thought, hearing more than seeing Keith getting tossed around and, based on the new grunt, most likely at Hunk this time.

The intruder looked over at the fallen three paladins, standing still before looking up at the ceiling as energy blasts started to fire down on him. Pidge watches with mild satisfaction when one grazes the intruder's shoulder. 

Pidge watches as the Galra scales the ceiling, Lance emerging from somewhere up above, blocked by the odd light fixtures in the hallway. Lance jumps from his hiding spot using the jet pack to lessen his fall. The Galra propels himself at the blue paladin, but Lance has his gun pointed straight at him but isn’t shooting. 

The two scuffle with each other, but Lance doesn’t fire any unnecessary shots because he doesn’t want to hit his teammates or he doesn’t have a shot; she’s unsure. 

Lance had been hearing Coran's commentary as he ran to the hallway. Koma and other ghosts give more detailed information about the intruder and paladins' presence. “Lance Lance, use the service tunnels,” Koma shouts, pointing to a panel in the hallway.

“The what?” Lance asks as he pats down the panel, which sure enough gives way, and a new hallway appears.

“When the ship was built, a lot of the engineers were worried about not being able to reach certain areas of the ship for repairs, so service tunnels were made throughout the ship to make repairs easier,” Koma explains, leading the way which was a good thing because Lance had no idea where he was going.

When Lance emerged from the hallway, he was close to the ceiling, a small ledge perched outside the tunnel most likely to reach the panel for this wing lighting. Lance takes a deep breath, feeling relieved to exit the narrow space. ‘Great, possibly getting claustrophobia awesome, just what I need.’

“Koma,” Lance whispers, watching the commotion from down below as Keith goes toe to toe with the intruder. “When this is over, I will need a map of these tunnels.” 

Koma nods. “They should be in the blueprints. Coran should have a copy.” Koma winces when she sees the red paladin thrown into the yellow one. 

Lance would have liked to get a little bit more time to calculate his aim, but when the Galra looks in his direction, Lance has no choice but to take the shot. “Keep your distance,” Koma shouts. “he’s excellent at close combat.”

Lance wanted to shout that he could see that with how easily the alien took down Keith, but this Galra was determined to close the distance between the two. Lance pointed his gun at the Galra but couldn’t get an accurate shot off. ‘He’s too fast.’ Lance thought, finally firing a shot that again barely gazed at the intruder's side. 

The intruder grabbed its blade, intending to strike the blue paladin. Lance blocked it with his rifle, the shiny symbol on the blade facing Lance. Lance buckled when he saw the symbol. ‘That’s impossible,’ Lance thought, his grip slipping. The mistake was costly as the intruder knocked Lance’s bayard out of his hand and pinned the human to the wall. The intruder had a firm hand on the Cuban boy’s throat, but it was more threatening than actually painful. ‘Where is Shiro?’ Lance hears in his head a slight twinge of worry flooding the human boy.

Lance, annoyed, whispers harshly, “That’s enough, Ulaz,” feeling the Galra’s claws on his neck. The intruder paused for a moment, grip going slack, head titled in slight confusion before jumping away from the boy in a flash. Lance sees only a bright purple light. “Shiro?” Lance shouts. 

Shiro has his glowing hand at Ulaz's throat, but Ulaz now has his blade pointed at Shiro’s head. The moment is tense before a calm ‘He’s alive’ rings in Lance’s mind, and Ulaz lowers his weapon. The intruder lowers his hood, and his mask begins to fade a moment later. 

Yellow eyes, white hair, and lilac skin are exposed as the Galra seems to stand up even taller. “Ulaz?” Shiro whispers as if in awe that he is actually right.

The moment is ruined when the Altean princess rushes the Galra intruder, slamming the larger form into the wall behind him and beside Lance. “Who are you?” The princess growls, her hand firm on the Galra’s chest. 

“Stop!” Shiro shouts, rushing to the princess's side. “It’s him! This is the Galra who set me free.”

Princess doesn’t look at Shiro, staring down at the Galra before her, but Ulaz speaks first. “You’ve come.”

The next few moments are a blur for Lance as he stares at the Galra in front of him, the symbol on his sword still visible even though the weapon is sheathed. Lance is vaguely aware that Allura has handcuffed the intruder, and Shiro is arguing with the princess. Still, the Galra was silent, presenting his wrists to the Altean as his yellow eyes also tracked Lance. 

Lance jumps when a hand is placed on his shoulder. The Cuban boy turns quickly only to see Keith standing beside him, his blue bayard in the teen's hand. “Thank you,” Lance says, clearing his throat when he notices its shake. 

“No problem,” Keith says, handing the bayard over, noticing the tremor in Lance’s fingers. Lance places his hand at his side, and Keith says nothing as he walks after Shiro and Allura, who are escorting the Galra down the hall. “Lance,” Keith says awkwardly, looking over his shoulder. “Nice shooting.” The red paladin doesn’t wait for a reply as he quickly follows the Voltron leaders. 

“Thanks,” Lance says weakly.

Hunk and Pidge walk over to Lance, concerned. “Are you okay?” Hunk asks, placing a hand on Lance’s shoulder. 

“Honestly, I have no idea,” Lance answers, feeling as though he had already aged ten years. 

“What happened back there?” Pidge asks, rolling her shoulder. 

“Something pushed itself against the barrier. Something very, very bad.” Lance begins slowly walking down the hallway, knowing they can’t keep Allura and Shiro waiting.

“The intruder,” Hunk asks, walking beside his best friend.

Lance shakes his head. “It was an older, and ugh, total goosebump monster.”

“Soul eater?” Pidge asks, wondering if she could see those types of beasts. 

Lance shakes his head. “It's not dead dead, more like undead.” 

“I doubt there are any vampires out here,” Hunk says, tapping his temples. Pidge looked at Hunk as if asking if he was joking but blinked when it appeared not to be a joke. 

“Are you telling me I have to worry about alien vampires?” Pidge shrieks.

“Well, they could be similar to vampires, but not vampire’s vampire so that they wouldn’t be alien vampires, just a new species,” Hunk says, still waiting for Lance to answer. 

“It wasn’t a vampire,” Lance finally says. “It felt like…” Lance sighs. “Another abyss user.” Hunk pales, and Pidge looks lost. Looking between the two teens before asking, “That’s a bad thing, isn’t it.”

“Yeah, Pidge, that’s a terrible thing,” Hunk says, giving Lance a bit of room ready to stop Pidge from questioning if it seemed too much at the moment. Luckily, Pidge appears to notice the heavy atmosphere, and any questions are put on hold. 

“Let's just figure out what’s going on with the intruder, and we can figure out the ward thing later.” Hunk offers, swinging an arm around Lance. Pidge rushed to the Cuban teen's other side, gripping his arm. 

“That’s right, and we have a wayward Galra to deal with the wards held so that we can deal with that later.” Pidge wasn’t sure if what she said made any sense, but seeing Lance smile and nod encouraged the young girl that she said something right. 

Chapter Text

"I don't think this is necessary," Shiro says, standing beside the princess as all the paladins stand in front of Ulaz.

Lance would laugh at the image of this large Galra sitting on their tiny couch if this situation wasn't serious. "I will not have some quiznaking Galra soldier on the bridge of my ship." The princess snaps. Lance shook his head at the multiple agreements from the hallway from the dead Alteans. Luckily, Lance has placed wards up so none of the nosy Alteans could enter.

"If I wanted to kill you, you'd be dead already," Ulaz stated; Lance honestly wondered who taught these Galrans their manners. Who would want to join an alliance with such interactions at their first meeting?' Essie would,' Lance thought with a smile; she would approve of the straight forwardness.

"Are your Galra threats supposed to win my trust?" The princess growls, her eyes narrowing, but the Galra does not seem bothered in the slightest.

"I'm not trying to win your trust. I'm trying to win a war." Ulaz states, and although his voice never raised, Lance can tell the Galra was losing patience. For whatever reason, Ulaz reminded Lance of the Outsider, no-nonsense. "And because of Shiro, we are closer than we've ever been. Our gamble on you paid off better than we could have ever imagined." Ulaz scans the rest of the Paladins, stopping at Lance. Lance freezes for a bit, the Galra's pupil-less unsettled Lance.

"When you released me, you also mentioned that there were others working with you," Shiro says tentatively. Ulaz doesn't answer for a moment, continuing to stare at Lance before turning his attention back to Shiro.

"Yes. We are called the Blade of Marmora." Ulaz says, feeling slightly more comfortable once breaching the topic of his brother-in-arms.

"Uh, others? Are they here?" Hunk asks, really wanting to avoid fighting more intruders.

"Hunk, can you try not to act so scared around the chained-up prisoner? It makes us seem a little lame." Lance whispers to the yellow paladins, trying to crack a joke on his friend but understanding the sentiment. One intruder was challenging; to imagine more was just exhausting to think about. It was embarrassing to know that all of the paladins struggled to just take one assailant down. 'What if Ulaz was actually here to kill us? Would Voltron have survived the night?' Lance thought brefiely.

"I am alone at this base," Ulaz says, sounding saddened by that fact, but Lance got no hint of lying.

"What is this base you're talking about? Shiro's coordinates just led us to this wasteland." Allura stated, her eyes never leaving the Galra as if waiting to catch him in a lie.

"The base is hidden. Now that I know Shiro has come, you are welcome to our outpost. It lies dead ahead." Ulaz leaned back on the couch, sitting a little taller, his eyes drifting back to Lance.

"Behind all the xanthorium clusters," Pidge asks.

"No. Right in front of it, in a hidden pocket of space-time." Ulaz answers.

"Coran, are you hearing this?" Allura asks, taking her eyes away from the Galra to look up at the ceiling for the first time.

"I am picking up some kind of anomaly on the screen. I suppose it could be a cloaked base." Coran states over the speaker, sounding skeptical.

"Just fly straight for the center of the xanthorium cluster. You will see." Ulaz says.

"You think you're going to get me to destroy our ship just because you say so?" Allura shouts, entirely at her limit. Did this Galra think she was a fool?

"We came out here to find some answers. Are we going to run back now?" Shiro pleads.

"You know I trust you, Shiro, but this doesn't feel right," Keith says, looking between the Galra and his elder brother.

"Well, if Keith thinks it's a bad idea, then I'm all for it," Lance says, joking. The team looked at Lance, who gave a sheepish laugh, unsure how to push them to trust Ulaz. Lance sensed no killing intent or maliciousness from Ulaz's soul; he was clearly not the entity that made its way into Lance's ward.

Pidge looks at Lance and then the Galra. "Galra could have implanted fake memories of the escape in your head." Lance felt a bit annoyed that Pidge had yet to trust him on topic, but if Lance only sees what Shiro sees and remembers, then it would be possible to trick the Seer. Lance was trying not to take the comment to heart, remembering the hallucination that kitsunes could create; this might have been a trap.

"Oh, come on, that would be so evil." Hunk says casually before thinking about it, "Of course they are. But they'd have to come up with some molecular lever storage unit, which his hand does have." Hunk pauses for a moment. "But, to be linked up to memory, it would need a direct pathway to his brain." Hunk scans Shiro's arm and then grimaces. "Which, yeah." Hunk was also not helping in this situation.

"Ulaz freed me. Without him, we wouldn't be here." Shiro didn't exactly shout, but Lance didn't need to use his power to know that he was desperate and getting impatient at the accusations his savior was receiving.

"The Galra have never given us a reason to trust them. Why should we now." Allura turned on her black paladin before scanning the group. Allura did not understand why two of her paladins were so insistent on trusting a Galra rather than her own judgment.

"Because if we group every Galra as evil, we are no better than Zarkon," Lance says, looking Allura straight in the eyes. Lance understands what the Galra took from her, but he knows how dangerous that type of thinking is. It led humans to the witch hunts, it caused the start of the facility, and it made his cousin consider wiping out all of humankind.

For a moment, no one said anything. Ulaz again stares at Lance with no emotions read, his soul also not speaking to him. Lance believed that the more balanced a soul was, the less likely Lance would hear it speak out to him. Lance could see Allura's jaw clench before spatting, "Fine. Slow and steady, Coran. Head for the xanthroium cluster."

Coran hesitated in responding, "Yes, Princess. Beginning approach. Impact imminent in five, four, three, two. Well, that's something."

Well, they weren't dead, so Lance could only assume they made it into the base. "What is it?" Allura asks.

"Putting it up on the screens." Coran states as a screen appears showing an impressive, colorful tunnel.

"Amazing." Pidge says in awe, "They're folding space." Lance was impressed; there were a couple of spells and magic that dealt with space and time, high-level magic that was considered dangerous, but to see it made with science was another type of remarkable.

"It looks like a space taco, or a space calzone, or a space-time soup dumpling, and we're the soup. Hey, is there a cafeteria on this thing?" Hunk asks with a dopey smile on his face. Lance really needed to organize the food pantry for Hunk.

Finally, the tunnel ended, and a large base appeared on the screen. "Welcome to the Blade of Marmora Communication Base Thaldycon. Now, if you'll free me, I must message the leadership. They need to know I've made contact with Voltron."

Allura turns to Shiro and says, "Go with him and keep an eye on him. I'm staying here."

"Oh, oh, can we go?" Hunk asks, excited to see if they do have a cafeteria.

"I want to see how they make the space pocket!" Pidge chirps, jumping in place.

"you guys go ahead. I'll hang back and protect the princess." Lance put on a goofy smile, ignoring the ugh that Allura gave.

"No," Ulaz interrupts, stunning everyone. "The blue paladin will also come aboard." That was definitely not something that Lance wanted to hear.

"Why?" Shiro asked, and again, Lance tried not to be offended.

"He was the only one other than you that was able to land a hit; if you are worried about your safety, surely having your shooter would make you more comfortable," Ulaz stated as a matter of fact. Lance should be concerned with how quickly and effectively Ulaz created that lie.

"I'm fine here on this ship," Lance says firmly. Ulaz stands up, saying nothing. Lance hears a tiny whisper of his soul speak out, "You're different. You need to see." Lance sighed before walking over to the Galra and taking off the cuffs. "Fine, you win. I'll board the ship." Lance felt this was going to get worse before it got better.

"Now, hold on a second," Allura says. "I didn't give you permission to go."

"Well, you weren't thrilled to have me on the ship," Lance says, a bit of venom in his tone as he fiddles with the cuffs in his hands. The princess finally had the decency to look embarrassed.

"I can stay back if you want a paladin on the ship," Hunk says, looking between Lance and the princess.

"Fine," Allura says, unhappy with the entire situation. "Hunk will stay on the ship the rest of you go. Take the red lion in case anything happens. You can come back quickly."

Allura left the room, unsure how to keep her composure in such a situation. "Come, Ulaz. We can show you to the lion's hanger." Shiro says, leading the Galra out of the room. Keith follows behind a safe distance, tense but not looking exactly like he would attack Ulaz.

Once the doors shut, Pidge and Hunk swarm Lance again. "What was that all about?" Pidge asks.

"I don't know, but I think he knows I'm," Lance shakes his head from side to side. "Different."

"How could he know that?" Hunk asks, bewildered. "Maybe he really was impressed with your fighting."

"I doubt that," Lance mutters, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ugh, why can't anything be easy."

"Because you have to be part of the heebie-jeebies club," Pidge says, casually adjusting her glasses.

"We are not calling ourselves the heebie jeebie club," Hunk says, putting his arms in an x.

"Why not?" Pidge asks, hands on her hip.

"Cause it's lame," Lance says, leaning on Hunk, who nods.

"It is not," Pidge screeches.

"It is," the older boys say at the same time.

Pidge rolls her eyes. "whatever, let's see this space pocket."

"Big whoop magic users learned how to bend space years ago," Lance says, allowing the green paladin to push him towards the door.

"Oh yeah, your cousin's Mary Poppin bag," Hunk says, remembering a small black leather sling bag with gold embroidery always present at her side. "She has an arsenal in that time bag, but she didn't recreate that bag."

"Nope, she won it after beating a mage in a duel," Lance says. "It's rare magic, but we did do it first."

"Okay, well, I can't make a magic pocket, but I can make a science space pocket," Pidge says, giving the Cuban boy a more brutal shove.

"Hey, that isn't very ni-" Lance grabbed his head as a massive amount of force seemed to hit his head straight on, mimicking whiplash on a rollercoaster. Lance groaned, clutching at his head with both arms.

"Hey, are you okay?" "What's wrong?" The two other paladins asked at the same time, again at Lance's side.

"It's the lions," Lance grunted but then corrected himself. "No, not the lions; it's the black lion this time."

"What do you mean this time?" Pidge asks, grabbing onto Lance's arm.

"Something is trying to reach out," Lance says, trying to breathe through the pressure change. "Earlier, something was trying to get in, but now the black lion is trying to reach out. The problem is the lions are fighting about it."

"What are they trying to reach out to?" Hunk asks, allowing the Cuban boy to lean against his frame.

"My guess is Zarkon, the black lion, was going insane when Allura talked about him," Lance says, feeling the pressure disappear, blinking away the dull throbbing.

"Do we need to draw more wards?" Hunk asks, wondering if a ward would work on a sentient lion.

Lance paused for a moment. "We got to stop in my room first."

"For what?" Pidge asks, being led the opposite way of the lion's hanger.

"I know all of this is new to you, but I don't typically feel this much or, well, anything. Mostly, I can hear and see things, but everything has expanded ever since we have been in space. Essie told me that the more out of balance the world is, the stranger our magic could get. That trick with seeing the dead, I wouldn't have been able to do it on earth,"

"Why not?" Pidge asks, walking down the hallway to Lance's room.

"Earth is pretty balanced; there are our clans and covens dedicated to keeping the balance between our plane and others," Lance says, finally entering his room.

"It also helps that it's pretty much the Ecahuilli and Outsider's job to maintain the order between our plan and the abyss," Hunk says, watching Lance rummage through his closet.

"Wait, who are the Each-who?" Pidge asks, perking her ears up at a new name.

Hunk and Lance share a look before Hunk answers, "The Ecahuilli are a clan maintained and powered by abyss users."

"What do you mean powered by?" Pidge asks, watching both boys tense up. "What are they, like batteries or something."

"The Ecahuilli are an ancient clan; to be frank, no one is really sure where they are from." Hunk answers, scratching his chin.

"How is that possible?" Pidge asks as they turn down the corridor to the Paladins corridor.

"The abyss is kind of tricky." Standing before his door, Lance explains, "Back in the old days, portals into the abyss would emerge and disappear all the time; it was normal because the world was so unbalanced." Lance walked into his room, walking towards his closet and digging into the back as Pidge and Hunk entered the room, sitting on the paladin's bed. "People aren't really sure where the four original members came from. We don't even know if they're originally from this plane. The first record of the Ecahuilli is from an ancient text from an Aztec tribe describing four people emerging from the shadows with extraordinary abilities. That's actually how they got their name, Ecahuilli, which means shadow." Lance pauses his explanation as he mutters to himself for a second before he pulls a small wooden box with intricate carving and a small green gem on the front from the closet. "Abyss users are dangerous. Not only for their insane magic but because they're extremely difficult to deal with." Lance begins working the wooden puzzle box, and Hunk takes over for a moment.

"The only thing that can hurt them is anything that came from the abyss or is powered by the abyss. Or something with the same level of magic as the abyss, which we're talking about God-level." Hunk says, using his hands to exaggerate just how big a deal this is. "Because of this, opening an abyss portal on your own is considered taboo, and trying to become an abyss user is a suicide mission at best.

"Which is why finding 4 individuals that survived is." Lance makes a Kaboom nose with his mouth and a hand motion by his head, trying to get Pidge to understand just how wild one survivor was. "Not much is known about how they started their clan. Many people believed there was a war because, suddenly, four survivors got down to one. But abyss users can share their magic through blood contact. It gives that individual the power of an abyss user but not the immortality of one."

"But that still doesn't mean they are easy to handle." Hunk adds, watching as Lance opens the puzzle box.

"However, magic always comes with a price; in this case, it's your free will. True abyss users mean you entered the abyss and came out alive, and with magic stemmed, an individual from the abyss can give others their magic through blood contact, which is most common, or by birth."

"Wait, why is birth not an automatic abyss user," Pidge asks, watching Lance walk over to his desk. "And what's that?" Pidge asks, getting up to see what Lance has in the box.

"The Ecahuilli are very secretive, but only one family stems from the original abyss user. It said that abyss user, due to the type of power they have, is infertile and know a special ritual to become pregnant, but no one know how or why." Lance finishes leaning the box towards Pidge so she can see inside. "It said the kids born from a true abyss user will be stronger than those that receive magic through blood contact, but still not to the level of an abyss user."

Pidge looks in the box, still perplexed by the Ecahuilli customs. Pidge is slightly disappointed when she sees what's in the box: "Really Lance marbles." Sitting inside the wooden box were three red marbles.

"These aren't just marbles," Lance says with a sigh, popping one from the box.

"Really, because they look like marbles. I thought it would be something cooler with how you were opening it," Pidge asks, grabbing Lance's wrist to see the contents better, a bit afraid to touch the box since the book incident.

"These aren't marbles," Lance says, feeling the warmth of his cousin's magic in the palm of his hand. "This is my cousin's concentrated power. One of these would be enough to blow up this entire ship."

"What?" Pidge backed up, raising her arms out of fear.

"When I left for the Garrison, my cousin gave them to me for protection. It was a way to protect myself while not exposing my magic out in the open." Lance explains, watching as the color of the marble begins to swirl from red to black.

"So, your cousin gave you a bomb to protect yourself. Isn't that a bit much." Pidge asked, watching Lance clench the marble in his hand.

"The point is that I can use her magic instead of mine to protect myself. Now, if it just let the magic run loose, then yeah, it's about the same as letting a bomb go off."

"There are a lot of strong enemies that not just Lance's cousin has, but his own family," Hunk says, falling onto his back into Lance's bed. "Only Lance can unlock those marbles and use the power inside."

"Well, not technically true," Lance says, taking off his coat and placing it on his chair by his desk. "It really only needs my blood and a spell paper." Walking into his bathroom and coming back with a short razor. Lance took a small stack of spell paper from his desk drawer before taking off his long-sleeved shirt.

Pidge turns around a small eep. "Lance, what the hell?" Pidge grumbled.

"Sorry, pidge, just give me a second," Lance says, taking a breath before taking the razor and cutting his upper forearm. Hunk hears Lance grunt and sighs before getting off the bed and walking into the bathroom to get bandages.

Pidge turns around when she hears Lance mutter a curse. "LANCE WHAT THE FUCK” Pidge shrieks running to the boy that had cut himself. Pidge slapped the razor out of Lance's hand, trying to cover the wound with her sleeve.

"No pidge." Lance moves back, trying to collect the blood. "Wait, I need that?"

Hunk comes back out, grabbing Pidge with one arm. "Calm down," Hunk says, putting the bandages on the desk. "Lance needs his blood for a spell paper."

Lance collects the blood on his fingers, starting to write the incantation on the spell paper. "Some spell castors are so talented that words are enough to cast spells, with some high-level magic and expertise. Others need to use spell paper and blood." Pidge watches as Lance takes the blood from his upper arm to the paper. Writing circles and loops with dashes.

Pidge watches, looking at the faint white lines painted on the upper shoulder of the Cuban boy, which is odd. Pidge had seen Lance at the Garrison and had never seen these scars before. Surely, someone would have noticed or asked a question. Lance felt Pidge's eyes on his scar. "Before witches were being hunted, the scars of a spell caster were something to be proud of, but soon they became a liability, a calling card that we were different from humans."

"Do you really need to cut yourself for that? I mean, can't we use something other than blood." Pidge asks, grimacing as she watches Lance paint another paper.

"Oh, trust me, already asked that question," Hunk says, grabbing Lance's arm when he's done and bandaging the wound. "No, they can't, and honestly, I won't bore you with the long, detailed answer about how important blood is."

"It's really not that big a deal," Lance says, trying to wrap the paper around the marble with one arm. Choosing not to bring up the amount of parent-teacher conferences and counselors, Lance had to see because everyone thought he was a cutter. Did some of the therapists make valid points and strike some nails on the head? Sure. Did Essie also become concerned when Lance focused too much on spell casting, banning Lance from castor paper until his wounds heal naturally? Also yes. Lance just wanted to compete with other spell castors, and the more you practice, the better one gets. "Anyways, the lions have been bickering recently, and I think the Black Lion is throwing a fit that may be related to the presence from earlier," Lance says, waiting for Hunk to finish the bandage.

"You think the Black Lion would put us in danger," Pidge asks, picking Lance's shirt off the chair and passing it off to the older teen, figuring that asking Lance about his scar concealment is the most minor thing they should be worrying about.

"The Black Lion has always been standoffish, but it's been worse since we lost Shiro. The ghosts can feel it, and the other lions can feel its conflict. I don't know how to explain it; it's like the Black lion is trying to regain something it lost. The other lions aren't too happy with its sudden change."

"You think Zarkon did something to the Balck Lion," Hunk asks, watching as Lance puts back on his shirt and jacket.

"Possible. Everything has been moving pretty fast since we got Shiro back." Lance said, feeling the ache in his upper shoulder already.

"Maybe we can scan the lion for any virus," Pidge says, adjusting her glasses. "Maybe you can check it for curses, spells…magic." Pidge ends lamely, her hand making a circular motion as she struggles to find the word.

"Yeah, let's get this done," Lance says, feeling a ball of nerves settles on his shoulders. "Just in case," Lance says, handing Hunk the blood-red marble wrapped in a spell paper. "You still have the lighter, right." Hunk nods, patting one of the inside pockets of his jacket. "Good, take this to the Black Lion's hanger and set the paper on fire. Should activate the spell and put up a barrier cutting off any communication from the outside in."

"Isn't that what you already did?" Pidge asks, watching as Hunk grimaces as he places the marble in his pocket, doing his best to touch the marble with the least amount of skin.

"I did what I could," Lance says, stretching his shoulder. "This place is too big for one person to ward it without help. I focused on the main entrances and mapped out spaces, but this ship is massive; it would take months with a proper team to fully ward it off." Which is why it was easy for whatever it was to sneak inside in the first place. Lance wondered how he could prevent this in the future.

'I just need more time,' Lance thought, scoffing. 'Everyone always needs more time.' "Alright, alright, time to get going," Lance says before turning to Hunk. "If they have a cafeteria, we will bring you back some food, and when I get back, I promise I will go over the food pantry and recipes with you."

"Sounds great, buddy," Hunk says, wanting something other than goop for dinner tonight. It would be good for their new guest to also have real food. "Is there anything you want me to do while you're gone?"

"Yeah, actually," Lance says, sidestepping Pidge to reach into another drawer. "These are spare ward cards that are already ready, so can you go around and place them around the ship. Here is a map of the best place to put them. I've placed the wards behind panel boards to prevent them from being seen."

"I'll see if I can get away from Allura to place some up, but she'll probably have me close by, you know, in case you guys need saving," Hunk says, trying to be playful but knowing that it was most likely true.

"Thanks, Hunk, you're the best." Lance swings his arm around the Yellow Paladin, wanting the giant teddy bear to truly understand what he means to him.

"That's fine. I guess I'm just chopped goo over here," Pidge says sarcastically, putting her nose in the air.

"You're the best to you, little gremlin," Lance says, feeling a bit lighter when he wraps the younger girl in his arms.

Chapter Text

The other three were already in the red lion when Lance and Pidge reached the lion hanger. "Nice of you two to join us." Keith grunts, already sitting in the pilot's seat.

"By all means, lead the way emo boy," Lance says, guiding Pidge to stand next to Keith so she would have a better view, which thankfully put Lance on the other side of Keith and away from Ulaz.

"This gravity generator creates the space-time fold that hides the station. It was created by a reclusive genius engineer named Slav. His technology allows the Blade of Marmora to remain hidden while we work to take down the Galra Empire. Zarkon would do anything to get his hands on this technology." Ulaz points to a machine that rests in the middle of the ship's design.

"There are Galra out there that aren't loyal to Zarkon," Keith asks, and Lance really wants to hit the red paladin. How could he ask that when Ulaz was right there?

"We thought expanding the Galra Empire would bring stability," Ulaz admits, looking ashamed. "We learned too late that a tyrant doesn't seek stability, only power."

"Absolute power corrupts absolutely," Lance mutters when the silence becomes too much.

"Really, Lance," Pidge asks, "that was so corny."

"Oh, come on, when else would I get to use that quote," Lance says, smiling.

"Do you even know where that quote is from?" Keith asks a little smugly for Lance's liking.

"Ah, actually, it's a quote from Lord Acton, who writes to Bishop Creighton about moral standards." Lance says, "Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority, still more when you superadd the tendency of the certainty of corruption by authority." This time, all the paladins looked at Lance. "What we studied this at the Garrison. We had a test on it." Pidge and Keith continued looking straight ahead, unsure which exam Lance was discussing. Lance shook his head. He could have done better in all his subjects, but he remembered his history for sure. "In short, Ulaz, it's not your fault for following a strong leader you thought would improve your life. The important part is that you bailed when you realized it was wrong." Ulaz was looking at Lance again, but Lance did his best to focus on the ship before him. The base seemed calm, tranquil almost; it had been a while since Lance felt this much peace.

It was silent for the rest of the trip except for Ulaz directing Keith where to park the red lion. "Come, I must let our leader know that we have made contact with Voltron. We may finally have a chance with our members working on the inside and planning coordinated attacks with Voltron."

"So you have agents working within Zarkon's ranks?" Pidge asks as the group descendants the red lion.

Ulaz stops, turning to face the green paladin. "How do you think you got away from Zarkon in that last fight?" The paladins all paused for a moment realizing that none of them had really thought about it; this seemed to get a reaction from Ulaz: "Do you think those shields around Zarkon's command center went down on their own? We've got people risking their lives in this war, just like you." Lance blinked back his guilt; he hadn't thought about who lowered the shields, assuming it was someone on the team. With everything that happened with Shiro getting lost and reunited with everyone and the magic aspect, Lance didn't think to ask how the team survived.

Ulaz didn't wait for a response his shoulders tense but face giving nothing away as he continued walking into the base. Shiro and Keith followed first, Pidge trailing behind the two brothers, biting her tongue, and Lance followed behind, looking around the base. 'Why did it feel so comfortable?' Lance thought, dragging his finger along the corridor wall. Lance paused when something soothing brushed against his palm. Lance flexed his fingers into the steel panel, feeling a warmth underneath his glove. Lance placed some of his magic against the panel. "Wow," Lance muttered, feeling a current of magic wrap around his hand before continuing on. Lance followed the pathway of magic, feeling the magic run through not just this corridor but the entire ship. "Amazing." Lance places both hands on the wall; the magic runs concurrently and uninterruptedly, perfectly protected.

"Lance," Pidge whispers when she notices the blue paladin distracted by an ordinary steel wall, wondering if this was ghost-related.

Ulaz's ears twitched at the whispers, stopping in his tracks and turning around to see the blue paladin. The slight smile on the blue paladin's face proved to Ulaz that he was right about that human; he was different from the others. "Is something wrong, blue paladin?" Ulaz asks, wondering what exactly the human was feeling.

Lance blinked, remembering where and who he was with. "No, nothing." Lance rushes out, taking his hands from the wall, feeling like someone pulled a warm blanket off him. Lance could only imagine the work it took to make such a coherent ward signal. 'It's almost as complex as an outsider's island.' Lance thought, still staring at the wall panels.

"You seemed interested in the wall," Ulaz asks, walking towards the blue paladin, knowing that when this ship was designed, the Blade placed a protection rite on the inside of the panels throughout the ship. It was done more for tradition than actual practice, as most quintessence users have disappeared within the Blade. The place the blue paladin was standing was a central point in the ship's design. Ulaz had a lot of time to learn everything about this base as he waited for Shiro.

"I ugh." Lance wasn't sure what to say; he had no idea what Ulaz knew about magic and couldn't ask with Shiro and Keith here. "Thought I heard something," Lance mutters weakly, unsure what could possibly be an excellent excuse to be excited with a wall. “Are there space mice on your base.” Lance asks with a fake laugh.

Pidge jumped in between the Galra and her friend. "If you have people on the inside, can they tell me where my family is? They were taken the same time Shiro was." Ulaz glanced between the two paladins, wondering if he should continue to question the blue paladin so openly since the sour smell of distress was coming from the boy.

"I knew others from Earth were captured. I never saw them, but I have some records of Galra prisoners here; I can transmit them to your ship," Ulaz states before walking down the hallway.

"Thank you," Lance says, putting an arm around the younger girl as they continue walking, unsure how he would have gotten away with any explanation. Lance could feel that he would soon have to explain himself. 'It should probably be before we meet any more Blade members, ' Lance thought. 'The last thing we need is to appear disconnected when we meet powerful allies.'

At one point, the corridor began to hold different sheathed blades, all with the same insignia in the center.

"What is with these blades," Keith asks, eyeing the weapons on the wall. "You use a similar one too."

Lance looked between the blades on the wall and the one on Ulaz's back. Now that Lance wasn't in the middle of a fight with an intruder, he could see the symbol better. When Lance first saw the symbol, dread filled him, but now that he could calmly see the symbol, he could see the slight difference between the Hunter's symbol and the Blade's. 'It's too similar to be a coincidence,' Lance thought, also picking up on another difference between Ulaz's Blade and the ones on the wall.

"It's a ceremonial blade that each member of our order carries," Ulaz answers, pausing at the entrance of the ship's main deck.

"Hmm, nice," Keith says, crossing his arms.

"These are different from yours, though," Lance mutters; these blades don't feel as strong as Ulaz. Lance looked between Ulaz and the wall.

"You are correct, Blue paladin," Ulaz says, walking towards the paladin, unsheathing his Blade. "These blades are connected with our quintessence. Only through true self-discipline and Galra heritage can activate the Blade." Ulaz's small Blade transformed into a larger sword; Lance felt a flare of the essence and could see the connection between Ulaz and his blade.

"The blade is connected to your life force," Lance says in awe, knowing that creating soul-based weapons takes such incredible skill. On Earth, clans that have such techniques are guarded with their life. Guardian ärm are the most sought-after weapons on Earth due to the individual life force each one possesses, and the method to make them was lost a long time ago.

"Yes," Ulaz answered, deactivating and sheathing his Blade. "These are the blades of my fallen brother and sister."

Lance was even more in awe of this base. There were so many blades; no doubt some soldiers died painfully and with regret, and yet even with so many soul-linked items on this base, not a single soul was around. Everything was balanced, and Lance would give Ulaz anything for his secret.

"The blade is made from luxite" Keith asked, wondering why he felt so uneasy with the attention Ulaz was giving Lance.

Ulaz stared at the red paladin for a moment. "Yes," Ulaz says, walking past the smaller human back to the control room.

Keith felt a flash of irritation at the one-word answer; Keith felt thoroughly dismissed and ground his teeth, following Shiro into the control room. Lance squinted at Keith for a moment, wondering why he would be concerned with Ulaz's Blade or why he seemed to be pouting at the lack of attention from Ulaz.

Lance gasps as he remembers the Blade that Keith had threatened him with, the same blade that made Lance believe that Keith was a Hunter. Lance's eyes are wide, unsure how to process this new information. The blade was one symbol with jagged edges, and Hunter's symbol seemed to have the same body, but Lance knew there were two additional dashes, one on each side, capturing the character. 'The symbols are too similar for it to be a coincidence,' Lance thought, 'But if a lion was able to make it to Earth, is it too much of a stretch to believe that the Blade could make it home to.' Lance stared at the symbol more, wondering if he was remembering wrong; that thought didn't survive long. If there was one thing Lance was sure of, it was a Hunter's symbol. 'I could talk it over with Hunk,' Lance thinks, biting his lip. 'he can confirm the difference, too.'

'But then that means,' Lance glances over at the red paladin, guilt settling in his stomach, 'Keith’s Blade doesn't belong to a Hunter' Lance freezes, causing Pidge to stare at the older teen in worry. 'Keith's blade belongs to a Blade member.' Lance's mouth is dry. 'Keith is part Galra.' Strangely, that comforted Lance a lot, but that also set a whole new set of problems for Lance. Lance antagonized Keith because he thought he was a Hunter and deserved the rough treatment to expose the truth. Lance was mean because Keith was supposed to be a Hunter. Lance didn't give Keith a chance because he couldn't trust Keith because he could be a Hunter. If Keith wasn't a Hunter, that made Lance a jerk. The biggest jerk in the universe. 'I think I would have rather Keith be a hunter.' Lance thought, feeling nauseous.

Pidge grabs Lance's hand, trying to get the boy to focus again. Lance gave the girl a small smile, wondering how he was supposed to apologize to Keith or explain himself. 'So Keith, sorry for being a jerk and antagonizing you constantly. I thought you came from a line of Hunters that usually try to kill witches, but surprise your part, Galra, so I have no reason to fear you.' Lance grimaced at that conversation. 'Could I help Keith learn more about the Blade as an apology,' Lance thought, wondering how to process this new information. 'Wait,' Lance pauses in the doorway, causing Pidge to trip into the taller teen. 'DOES KEITH EVEN KNOW HE'S PART GALRA. IS HE LEARNING ABOUT THIS RIGHT NOW?' Lance was reeling, staring hard at the red paladin, watching as Keith studied Ulaz.

Ulaz goes to the main computer, typing away, and the room is momentarily silent as Lance and Pidge walk into it. "Why do I feel like you're panicking?" Pidge whispers, Lance's arm still around her shoulder. "Is there a heebie jeebie here?"

Lance snorted. "We aren't calling them heebie jeebie. That's just rude."

"Well, what do we call a magical situation?" Pidge huffs.

"First, let's not call it magical. kind of on the nose, isn't it." Lance says, leaning onto the smaller girl.

"Stop leaning on me," Pidge says, pushing against the Cuban boy.

"But gravity is increasing on me," Lance says, putting more weight on the girl.

"I will drop you," Pidge says, annoyed but comforted by Lance acting like himself. "Seriously, Lance, if you don't-" Pidge struggles as Lance goes completely limp, smile and light in his eyes dimming as the dead weight hits Pidge full force. "LANCE LANCE," Pidge shouts, struggling to stand. "SHIRO."

Shiro rushes to the younger teens, taking Lance off of Pidge. Shiro looked over at Lance, noticing that the younger boy was conscious but seemed dazed. Shiro was worried that maybe Lance had a concussion from his earlier fall.

"Lance, come on, buddy, you need to wake up," Shiro says, patting Lance's cheek.

Keith leaned over the boy, concerned about an unmoving Lance. "Lance, if you don't snap out of it right now, I'm gonna shave your head," Keith states, only to get a glare from Pidge.

"That's not helping," the little gremlin hisses.

"I'm a paladin, not a doctor," Keith says defensively, crossing his arm.

"This isn't the time for pop culture references." Pidge seethes.

"What reference? It's facts," Keith says, just as hot as the green paladin.

"That's enough, you two," Shiro says, putting one hand out to separate the two teens.

"Yeah, listen to space dad." All humans looked at the Cuban boy cradled in the black paladin's arm. Unsure what to do with all the attention, Lance waved awkwardly and said, "Hi."

"Lance, are you alright?" Shiro says slowly, standing the boy back up.

Lance blinks, slowly looking around the room, the loud drumming still ringing in his ears but no longer deafening. "Yeah, I'm fine." Lance looks over to Ulaz, still standing by the computer panel, face again unreadable. "Ulaz, do you have cameras in areas beyond the Xanthroium clusters," Lance asks, knowing that he is putting his secret in danger but having no choice but to seem suspicious.

"I do, however, as the base has been abandoned, the security alarms have only been maintained closer to base," Ulaz explains, wondering where the blue paladin was going with this.

"Look at the security camera beyond the cluster," Lance says, hoping he is wrong but knowing he is not. Ulaz doesn't question the boy and listens to the blue paladin, while Lance ignores Keith and Shiro's stares.

Pidge goes to stand by Lance, making sure that she was in between the blue paladin and the two brothers. "Any chance you can get a hold of Hunk and tell him to activate the spell." Lance whispers.

Pidge whispers back, "Is it the lion?"

Lance shakes his head. "Something is coming, but I don't want to give the lion a chance." Pidge nods her head, working on her communicator.

"I don't see anything Blu-" Ulaz pauses, typing faster before enlarging the screen. It showed a Galra ship out in the distance. "You were tracked," Ulaz says, seeming disappointed. The image was blurry, but the ship on the screen was still visible, showing a robot beast being unleashed.

"What? Us," Keith says, sounding offended, his hand going to his bayard. "If Zarkon knows we're here, it's because you ratted us out."

"We have to get back to the ship," Shiro says firmly, but Lance could see the confusion in his eyes, the doubt that maybe Ulaz couldn't be trusted.

"Ulaz, how far is the robot beast?" Lance pauses, squinting his eye. "Ro-beast is to us."

"It seems to be a fair distance away, still half a varga at least, but coming in fast." Ulaz states, "The cameras are the furthest we have available, barely functioning. Almost all of their motion sensor features have been disabled."

Lance wasn't sure how to explain to Ulaz that the cameras were connected to the space station through magic, that Lance did not doubt that the cameras on the outer edge of the base also had wards that connected and flowed to the main line at the space station. This level of magical connection was amazingly complex, when the robeast entered the camera's line of sight, it was as if Lance was transported to the outer edge watching from the front row. It wasn't overpowering or oppressing, simply like someone had put a virtual reality googles over Lance. Lance wondered when Galra's magic changed to be so cold and malicious. The magic in this base didn't see Lance as a threat but felt like an ally welcoming him home. 'It's almost like it's alive,' Lance thought, still unsure how to answer the small group's intense stares.

"We need to notify Voltron and get to the red lion," Pidge says, not liking how her teammates or Ulaz stared at Cuban boy. “Ulaz get Voltron on the line.” Ulaz stared a moment more at the tall human but followed the instructions of the green paladin.

"Lance Pidge, what's going on?" Hunk's face appears worried on the screen.

"Trouble," Lance says, "Hunk, head to the lions." Hunk's face goes straight to worried, hands digging in his pockets, a sharp nod before he takes off from the room and off the screen.

"What happened?" Allura shouts, standing in the middle of the screen.

"Zarkon knows we are here," Keith finally says.

"I knew you could not be trusted." Allura snaps her face, twisting into a snarl.

"It wasn't him," Shiro defends, but Lance notices the hint of doubt in his voice.

"How can you be sure?" Allura shouts.

"It's not Ulaz," Lance shouts, his teeth gritted tight. "You need to trust me on that."

Coran appears on the screen and says, "It doesn't matter now. What should we do?"

"Ulaz says that the robeast is still a good distance away. We can hide here in the space clam and wait for it to disappear." Lance says, trying to remain calm if Lance is right and the spell works. Zarkon won't be able to track them with the black lion, but who knows how long that spell will last? It's a band-aid over a bullet wound, and Lance knew that he wasn't the one supposed to fix that situation.

"Is it possible to wormhole our way out of this?" Pidge asks, wondering what other options they had other than Voltron. After all, if the black lion was causing problems, how could they trust them to make Voltron?

"Inside the space pocket, it would prove difficult to create a portal; you would need to leave the way you came," Ulaz states, typing away at the control panel.

"Either way, we need to get back to the ship," Shiro says, thinking about how best to get the team and Ulaz out of this mess.

"Right," Allura says, "Get back to the ship, and we can make a plan on our own." The princess gives Ulaz one last look before cutting the call.

"Let's go, team; we need to get in our lions, but don't launch. We'll wait to see what it does. I don't want to risk fighting it if we don't have to." Shiro states.

"Shiro, wait." Ulaz grabs Shiro's arm, handing him a glowing flash drive. "These are instructions on how to reach the Blade of Marmora headquarters. Before you go there, find out how Zarkon is tracking you. If you lead him there, our entire underground network, everything we've spent centuries building, will be lost."

Shiro nods, taking the flash drive from Ulaz and heading back to the hangar where the red lion is. Keith follows closely behind, Pidge waiting momentarily, wondering if she should stay or go. Lance waves goodbye to the younger girl, and Pidge takes off after Keith to give Lance and Ulaz a moment.

"You should go blue paladin," Ulaz says, facing the screen, showing the robeast getting closer. "The robeast has picked up speed. It seems we don't have the initial estimated time."

"Ulaz, you need to come with us," Lance says seriously.

"No, I need to remain here; Zarkon cannot get his hands on the technology on this ship."

"And he won't," Lance says, stepping towards the Galra. "You and I know that there is a self-destruct feature on this base, and we both know that you don't have to be on this ship to detente it."

"I need to make sure the base is destroyed," Ulaz states, turning towards the boy. "Knowledge or death."

"Ulaz, you need to come with us. Set the base to be destroyed. We can feed it to the beast. We can make our escape together." Lance says, feeling desperate.

"Finding Shiro and Voltron was the closest we could get to a miracle, but it seems we have been even more blessed to have found you as well," Ulaz states with a calm that Lance knows far too well.

"No, no, no," Lance says, shaking his head and getting louder. "You said I was different; you said I need to see. So you are not dying on this ship."

Ulaz stops talking and turns slowly to the Blue paladin. "I never said those words to you."

Lance sucks on his teeth, his tongue making a loud pop noise off the roof of his mouth. "You're not wrong. You never said." Lance places his hands on his hips. "You want us to trust you, so I'm asking you to trust me to get on the ship with us."

Ulaz's eyes narrow not in suspicion but as if studying a new enigma. "What are you?"

"That is a loaded question with multiple answers," Lance says, making another pop noise with his mouth. "One that I will explain in due time." 'Right after I figure out how to tell my teams, ' Lance thought, taking a big sigh. "Right now, though, I need you to come with me because you know more than I do how special this base is, and right now, it wants nothing more than to see you alive."

Ulaz looked at the boy, intrigued by the blue paladins; although Ulaz was starting to whiff the musty scent of the human's discomfort, it was subtle to the crispy clean air of an ocean that seemed to be the boy's constant state." I cannot let this base fall into the Zarkon's hands. Too much has been lost already."

"It won't have to. I have a plan, but I need you not to die, Ulaz." Lance says, strained. Lance wasn't sure whose magic he'd intercepted, but Lance saw it. He witnessed the beast attacking, Voltron's struggle to defeat it, and Ulaz sacrificed himself for him. The ship wept at the loss; Lance felt like he had lost a brother.

"I am not afraid of death," Ulaz stated, returning to the computer screen. "I will sacrifice my life if it means you can survive. Voltron is too valuable. The universe needs you."

"The universe needs you," Lance says, giving a weak smile. "I don't know your values, but I know your worth. I don’t know the sacrifices your people have made to protect us, but losing an ally we just meet is not acceptable."

Lance stands straight, facing the Galra, a hardness setting in his blue eyes. "You are not dying today, Ulaz."

Hunk ran out of the control room as soon as he could, racing towards the black lion's hanger. Hunk was still trying to determine what happened on the ship with Ulaz, but Lance would only risk exposing his magic if it was absolutely essential. Luckily, the black lion's hanger was closest to the bridge. Still, Hunk was a bit out of breath. 'I really need to work on my cardio,' Hunk muttered, trying to catch his breath.

Hunk entered the hangar and instantly knew the Black Lion knew something was up. The energy was stiff, but present in the air. For the first time, Hunk was actually afraid of the lions. Hunk had the wrapped marble in one hand and the lighter in the other; his grip tightened when the Black Lion's eyes shined. "This isn't gonna hurt," Hunk says, hand out in front of him trying his best to reassure the mechanical lion. The room got heavier, and Hunk knew he needed to work quickly.

It all happened so quickly: a roar, a scream, a lunge, a flash of fire, and a bright red light. Hunk had squatted down when he saw the lion starting towards him, somehow working his finger to use the lighter to catch a spark on the spell paper. Instantly, the power in the marble broke free, and just in time, the magic forced the Black Lion back. The Black Lion roared in frustration as a surge of red and black encircled the lion's body before concentrating around its neck.

"My my, she's a live one, right?" Hunk froze, eyes slowly drifting to his left. The Alpha of the Outsiders stood in a red haze, staring at the Black Lion. "Hello, Hunk." The giant smile on her face did not put Hunk at ease at all.

"Alpha," Hunk stutters, bowing his head.

The leader of the outsider laughed. "You know you don't have to call me that. Esperanza, Essie, Zana any of those are fine.”

Hunk shook his head, muttering, "It's disrespectful."

"I'd pet your head if I didn't think it would scare you more," Esperanza stated, watching as her magic circled around the Black Lions neck, making a collar around the metal lion's neck.

"That's not…" Hunk trailed off; it was confirmed the Alpha scared him, and if there was one thing Hunk knew about Lance's cousins, she hated lairs more than anything. "I'm sorry."

The Alpha walked closer to Hunk, tightening the collar on the Black Lion when it seemed to make a move towards the Yellow Paladin. The Black Lion's eyes flashed, but a jerk on the collar appeared to quiet the metal beast down on to its stomach. "You will never have to apologize to me. I owe you more than most."

Hunk watches as the magic settles a large collar of runes around the lion's neck before disappearing from sight. "How long will the magic last?" Hunk asks, turning towards the Alpha.

"Hard to tell, there is a great magic in this beast. Something familiar, but can’t really put my finger on it. I can feel the connection to the other lions, but it doesn’t appear they are resisting. If the other lions don't push against the magic, maybe two weeks. If they leave it be, four." The Alpha tilted her head. "Why do you feel familiar?" The Alpha muttered, but Hunks watches as the Alpha was practically glaring at the Black Lion.

Hunk watched as the bottom half of Esperanza started to disappear. "Alpha, what-"

"Looks like my times up." Alpha laughed. "Didn't even realize this could even happen? I put an alert on the marbles. It was just supposed to let me know when Lance used it. Might be the exposure to the imbalance." Alpha watched as her hand started to fade away. "It's amazing. It doesn't hurt, and there is almost no activation of my magic on Earth. Very interesting."

"Lance said you'd protect humans." Hunk finally blurts wide eyes as he stares at the Alpha that scared him to death.

"Earthling," the girl spat out before she seemed to remember herself, before sighing, "I promised to protect all earthlings." She sounded so sorrowful. "Tell Lance that the meeting with the Creeds will be soon."

Hunk's eyes widen in surprise. "The Creed, but aren't you banished."

A laugh and a cheshire grin appeared on her face. "Yup," she says, popping the p sounds. "the things I go through to keep my promises." The Alpha was practically gone a faint outline present as she stared at Hunk. "Take care of yourself, Hunk."

"You…to," Hunk says, watching the Alpha disappear. The Black Lion roared, and Hunk ran out of the hanger as fast as he could.

Chapter Text

Esperanza returned to her senses, blinking as she began to take in the desert around her and the flower bouquet in her hands. "Alpha?" A voice spoke behind her, "Where did you go?"

"Space, apparently." The Alpha mentioned feeling her jaw stiff as she spoke, unclenching her grip on the flowers. The more petite witch turned to face her comrades. Amista stood behind her Alpha, her black hair braided a few pieces tucked behind her elf ears, her usual gold earring missing just in case a fight was to break out. The tall elf moves forward to fix the crushed bouquet in her Alpha's hand, not happy to see her handy work ruined. Standing beside the tall elf is a figure in a beige silk cloak. Hands were covered in dark brown cotton, and the bandages covered any exposed skin coming out from the cloak. The individual begins to sign, and from the casualness of the pace, the witch knows Liam is joking when he comments, "Second thoughts?"

The Alpha smiled at her covered comrade, signing back, "Never." The Alpha stepped closer to the cliff's edge, feeling the protective barrier flare before her. "Looks like nothing has changed." The Alpha placed her finger on the barrier, feeling the magic gather angrily underneath her like a swarm of hornets. 'Too bad it's too weak to actually do anything.' With a flick of her fingers, the barrier in front of her shattered. "Remember, you two remain out here, and no killing," Esperanza says, taking the fixed flowers back from Amista and beginning to step into the barrier. 

"We understand, Alpha," Amista says, closing her eyes in irritation as she leans against a bolder; she still had no idea why this move was necessary.

Liam signs "No fun" before dropping onto the ground, no doubt to take a nap. 

The young witch smiled, using a pulse step to dash through the barrier. The Creed compound was the size of a small amusement park, and at one point, Esperanza knew every nook and cranny of this place. Her first real home, the home she desperately fought to get back to. Now, there were only two places she even cared to visit.

The young witch stopped in a grassy area, three tombstones in front of her. "Hi, Mom, Leon, Valerio. It's been a while." The Alpha sits on the grass in front of the tombstones, ignoring the loud sirens and placing the bouquet of lavender and burnt orange flowers in front of her. 

The young witch could already tell that the Creed members were mobilizing outside the cemetery, but it seemed like none could enter due to the curse. "You want to bet who comes first?" The Alpha says, wiping her mother's tombstone. The grass must have been recently cut, with all the green sticking to the granite stone. 

As Esperanza was separating out the big bouquet for her family's graves, she sensed a familiar presence behind her. It was about time. "You do realize you're banished, right?" A genuine smile appeared on the young witch's face. "Arina, it's been a long time." The thirty-three-year-old woman standing behind the Alpha looked drastically different than the last time she had seen her when she was nineteen. The long bright blue hair that used to make up half her head was gone, her natural brown hair cut short in a bob, two longer pieces framing her round face. The bright honey eyes showed no sign of hate, only concern.  

"Fourteen years," Arina answers, going to sit by the young witch she still considers a younger sister. 

"I did try to call," Esperanza says cheekily, sensing the killing intent coming outside the cemetery. 

"Banished for life means no communication whatsoever." Her surrogate sister mentions sadly.

"Then why are you talking to me?" Esperanza brought her knees to her chest, hugging them as she turned to face one of the few family members she had left. 

"You broke into the Creed main fortress, which, by the way, is rude. Do you have any idea how long that crack is going to take to fix?" Esperanza could see Arina's hand twitch as if she wanted to push the Alpha over like they did when they were little, but she contained herself because they weren't little, and they chose their sides fourteen years ago. 

"You could have just taken my calls for a meeting, but nooooo had to stick to the rules." For a moment, both young women chuckled. Esperanza looked at her older brother's grave for a moment. They had the same granite stone as their mother with the same white lettering, but it seemed their father picked a different font. The name Leon was written in a more formal font with small decorative strokes at the end of each letter. Esperanza liked it; it fit her brother better than the cursive script of their mothers and younger brother. "Where's my father?"

Arina paused for a moment, looking over her shoulder. Fifteen Creed members were waiting outside the cemetery. "Glad to see the curse on this place is still active," Esperanza says, looking at the small mob of members. She knew none of them, but they all seemed to hate her. The Alpha wondered if the Creed members she knew had all died out. "Can't enter with the intent to use violence."

"Is that why you came here to this spot specifically," Arina asks, gesturing to the mob.

"Well, of course, I wanted to see them." The Alpha says, nodding towards the tombstone. "But can't say it wasn't. I wanted to show I didn't come here to start a fight, only talk." The Alpha stretched out her legs and arms. Watching as the mob seemed to hold their breath at her movement made her want to laugh. "After all, you and I know I could have marched through the front door and made it to my dad's office without a problem. My people thought this approach would be less." The Alpha tilted her head back and forth. "Messy."

"Well, thank goodness you still have some sense." Esperanza was still impressed with her aunt's speed; her pulse step still remains one of the fastest in the world. 

"Hello, Aunty Clara." The fifty-six-year-old woman still seemed miraculously fit, sporting the same hair color as her daughter, just styled a bit longer at her shoulders. Her face had a few crow's feet around her chocolate brown eyes, but the scar from her forehead over her right eye to her cheek seemed to have gotten more prominent if the Alpha was honest. "So, is everyone but my father showing up?" No one spoke. "I guess I shouldn't be that surprised. The last time he spoke, he said if we did meet again, it would most likely end with one of us dead."

Both Creed members gasped. "He said that." The older woman gritted out, hand clenched. "Banished or not, you're his daughter." Aunt Clara always puts family first, which she proved when Esperanza was first banished. She fought to keep Esperanza, even though the Alpha had killed ten Creed members who were on trial for assisting the Facility in gathering test subjects.

"It's because I am his daughter. He said it," Esperanza says, standing up, brushing off the grass from her pants. Esperanza picked up the smaller bouquets she had made for her brothers and mother. The Alpha placed the flowers in the vases and glanced at the growing mob, now thirty people. "Make no mistake, Aunt Clara, we both will do horrible things to protect our people," 

Esperanza remembers the day her father banished her from the Creed. Chains on her wrist that she could have easily broken free from, Creed members hollering for her head, while Outsiders waited outside, ready to raid and destroy the compound. The father-daughter duo had both shown where their loyalty lie, but no love was lost between them. Her father knew who he raised, and the young Alpha knew of her father's conviction. It did help that her gift from Death allowed her to hear her father's soul. His "You will always be my daughter" helped heal the sting of the banishment and helped soothe her anger that her father didn't follow her wishes blindly.

"This is for you then, as second in command, I entrust it to you." The young witch hands a flash drive to her aunt. 

"What's on this?" Her aunt says, suspicion in her voice, but she still takes the drive from her hand. 

"Everything I know at the moment of the oracle's attack." The Alpha says, feeling both her cousin and aunt tense. 

"How did you get this?" Her cousin asks, worry still present in her eyes. Her soul was speaking out, "Please be safe." 

"I have my ways," The Alpha grins big, eyes closing for a moment before becoming serious again. "Inside are contacts you should reach out to. Do your best to make alliances with them; it will help when the attacks occur."

"And who are we trying to align ourselves with," Clara asked, trying to hide her surprise. She didn't expect her niece to return to the Creed, let alone try to help them survive an attack. Clara had been sicken when her niece alleged that Creed members had any hand in the Facility. However, she also can't see her niece the same after watching her slaughter ten grown Creed members in the blink of an eye. No warning, no hesitation, one look for the young girl, a shiver down her spine, and a blood bath. Clara wasn't naïve to expect her niece to return the same, but she honestly thought the Alpha would at least trust the Creed to investigate and prosecute the alleged traitors by their laws.

"For one, the Galaxy Garrison, we will need pilots and military forces." Alpha made a face, still not enjoying the need to align themselves with humans. "Government officials in this country and a few others. You should know that a few of them have alliances with Outsiders, and a few don't. The info is on the flash drive. Do your best to get re-" BANG BANG BANG. 

The Alpha pulse stepped in front of her aunt and cousin, feeling the pain of holy bullets entering the palm of her hand. The Alpha's eye flashed red, and she could feel the curse thrumming underneath her feet in warning. The Alpha wasn't concerned with the curse; it wasn't strong enough to kill her, but she also didn't want to break it; it was such a soft story. 

Her mother explained how the first Creed leader built this cemetery for his youngest son, who died tragically, when the older sibling started to fight in front of their dead brother's grave, blaming the other for their sibling's death. The Creed leader cursed the land, saying that there shall be no violence in front of the dead. Her mother would bring her here to feel the cursed energy, explaining that all curses weren't always evil and how a curse could grow past the caster's expectation. A curse that should have only stayed in front of one tombstone stretched to the whole cemetery, and when the young witch was being picked on for not being blood-related to her family, she found solace in this place. In those times, she would come to her older brother Valerio's grave, believing the rumors that had her mother not lost Valerio in childbirth, she would not have taken the young witch in, so Esperanza always came to speak with him, feeling she stole his place in the Creed. The Alpha laughs when she thinks about how much time she wasted talking to the dead infant for comfort. The Alpha counted to ten, breathing deeply as her blood pushed the three bullets out of her hand, healing the wound as the bullets exited. Looks like there was one familiar face after all.

The three young women looked over to the mob, a bigger commotion being made as Creed members held Mason Webber down. "Of course, that man would still be alive." The Alpha says, sighing. "Seems his aim has gotten worse in his old age."

Arina ran to her younger sister and gripped her now fully healed hand, three bullets sitting in her palm. "Are you okay?" Alpha couldn't help but giggle; this type of wound was child play for her. 

"I'm okay, Arina." The Alpha drops the bullets in her older sister's hand, stepping back from the official Creed members.

"Guess he's still a bit mad I killed his son." The Alpha shrugged, wondering if she should have orchestrated that older man's death years ago.

"You slaughtered his son while he was still on trial. He was never proven guilty." Her aunt explained, glaring at the mob outside the cemetery; how could her people be so unorganized? 

 "He and the rest of the people I killed were guilty, and they got what they deserved." The Alpha said, walking towards her older brother's grave.

"That wasn't for you to decide." Her aunt sighed, knowing this subject was sensitive. "We have a court system for a reason. He was to be judged by his peers, fellow Creed members."

"They died because they were guilty. I know they sold children to the Facility; I don't believe that it is my fault if Creed members didn't believe the victims I brought forward for eyewitness testimony. The only regret I have is that I didn't find out which one caused Mom and Leon's deaths." Neither Creed member said anything, but Clara had a sour expression, and Arina looked sad. "But no point in dwelling on it. Things are the way they are." The Alpha kissed her fingertips and placed them on her brother's grave. "I should probably leave; if we are gonna start firing guns, I may not be able to keep my temper in check." The Alpha walked over and exchanged the same kiss with her mother's grave. "Do your best to stay alive. I would hate to see what my temper would be like without the two of you safe." The Alpha walked over to her younger brother, giving him one last kiss before returning to her loving family. "I'll see you two around."

"No, you won't," Aunt Clara said. The Alpha smiled.

"Or what? It's not like you can kill me." The Alpha turned to pulse step away but halted when she heard 'but I can' from Arina. The Alpha's eyes widened as she turned to the older girl. Arina looked worried but said nothing. The Alpha, shaking her head, said, "Stay safe."

The Alpha returned to the crack in the barrier exiting the Creed compound. The Alpha laughed when she noticed the extra bodies unconscious, with her two Outsiders sitting on top of a boulder, looking bored. "Did you two have fun?" The Alpha asks, looking over the bodies. Still, no one she recognized, maybe the Creed members she knew, really did die. How unfortunate it is that they could have at least been useful and died in the upcoming war. Liam did a so-so-hand motion while Amista seemed cranky.

"Did everything go okay, Alpha?" Amista asks, jumping off the bolder, crushing a Creed member's hand who could only groan at the assault.

"As well as could be expected," Alpha stated, stitching up the crack barrier, not wanting Arina to worry about another security break. "I got shot at, which put a damper on my talk with my aunt and sister."

"You mean your cousin." Amista clarifies. 

"Cousin, yes, sister by choice," Alpha says, already knowing that Amista would remind her to maintain her distance, which she is right. It's easier to keep a cousin at a distance than a sister. "Besides, I learned something exciting." 

If Arina can kill her, it means Arina can wield the angelic blade in the bolder at the bottom of the dungeons. Esperanza had tried to take the blade when she was banished, but that blade wouldn't budge from its place inside the stone. The Alpha was a bit curious about how her older sister was able to retrieve the blade. The young witch always assumed it was strength and magic, but that stupid blade hadn't moved an inch when she tried to take it. "Either way, it was a good chat; whether they use it or not isn't up to me. I did what I could."

Liam jumped from the bolder, standing beside Amista, signing, "Can we go home now."

"Yeah, let's go home." The Alpha says, gently touching the white gold ring on her left pointer finger, finger gliding over the pear-shaped pumpkin diamond. The Alpha didn't look back at the barrier or the Creed compound, looking out towards the empty Mojave Desert and wondering how the Outsiders should spend their last bit of peace. Maybe they should have a party. After all, the anniversary of their escape is a few weeks away. 

Sitting at his desk a man in his early fifties sits in his large plush chair, staring out his window as he feels his daughter's presence disappear. "I thought I told her not to look back." The man grumbles, even though the corner of his lips is slightly lifted. The man fiddles with his pinky ring, a white gold band with a baguette-styled orange diamond in the middle. He really should visit his wife's and son's graves soon, but based on the aggressive pounding his poor door is receiving, such a sentiment is going to have to wait. "Troublemaker loves making my life more difficult." The man mutters, standing for his chair. The pounding increasing. "I HEARD YOU THE FIRST GOD DAMN TIME." The man shouts, teeth clenched. This was going to be a long day.

Chapter Text

Pidge was worried. Could they even use the lions if Hunk had to use magic on the black lion, and if they couldn't, how would they get out of this mess. Pidge followed behind the two brothers into the red lion, wondering how long they could keep Lance's secret. 'It doesn't matter if they get mad. Hunk and I will help settle things.' The young girl thought as all three paladins walked into the cock pit of the red lion.

"Lance, we need to go; hurry up," Keith says into the coms, getting the red lion to leave.

"I'm not going," Lance responds, sounding like he is running.

"What do you need you're not going" Keith shouted back, turning to Shiro with a look.

"Lance, you need to come back in case we need Voltron," Shiro says into the comms.

"No, I'm helping Ulaz. I'll be back soon." Lance says before his comms go down.

"Shiro, he can't-"

"Lance will be fine," Pidge interrupts. "Let's get back to the ship and to our lions."

Both paladins looked at the small girl, but Pidge didn't back down. If Lance said that he needed to stay, then that was the plan. Pidge would argue with any plan she disagreed with, but this is now a different game. The paladins and Allura were playing checkers, while Lance was over here playing Go, so she just needed to go with the flow.

"We have to trust that Lance knows what he is doing," Shiro sighs. Pidge gave the older paladin a side eye, not liking their leader's tone in that statement. "Like I said, everyone will go to their lions, but hopefully, we won't have to fight this fight. Let's go, Keith."

Keith huffed but said nothing as he started up the lion and took off. Pidge wondered what would happen when they got to the castle. If they could even form Voltron if the Black lion is acting up.

Hunk ran to Sunshine's hanger, not pausing until he was at the foot of his lion. Hunk was shaking, and he wasn't sure what had scared him more, the Black Lion, The Alpha of the Outsider, or the fact that they could be going into battle with the possibility of not forming Voltron. All Hunk wanted to do today was make some new food with his new rations, but no, that was too much to ask for in a 10,000-year space war.

Sunshine purred in the yellow paladin's mind, trying to soothe the young pilot. Hunk slumped over the lion's giant paw, choosing to drown himself in the warmth coming off the metal beast. This would be a long night, and Hunk wasn't sure how it would end. Hunk had always pushed Lance to be honest with the team, but this felt like being forced into a corner. Emotions will be high, and Hunk can't see a safe space coming out. Hunk groaned, feeling a headache starting to form. Sunshine purred louder, shifting so it was now lying on its belly, shuffling so its nose was closer to its paw. Hunk shuffled over to the lion's nose, glopping it into a bear hug. The clanking of the metal beast and his armor made an awkward clank that caused him to give a short laugh. "You got our back, right Sunshine." Hunk mutters, suddenly feeling very small.

Sunshine chirps and trills fill Hunk's head, and for a moment, Hunk can relax.

Pidge didn't wait for the other two paladins, racing off the Red Lion as fast as possible to reach her own lion. Pidge wasn't sure what would happen, but she needed to be ready to pick up the slack. 'But can we beat something like that without Voltron?' Pidge thought, slowing down for a moment, waiting for the door of her hanger to open.

The doors opened, and Pidge shook her head; thoughts like that would not help her now. Pidge always thought the team relied on Voltron too much, that logically speaking, they should be ready to take any attack on without Voltron or all the lions, but that wasn't the consensus. Pidge had tried to talk to Allura about individual training, but the princess had shot her down, stating that practicing with Voltron was far more beneficial. The green paladin understood that Voltron was a powerful weapon, but it seemed like a big flaw to focus on one weapon rather than five. Pidge had let it go since what did she know about giant magic lions? Fighting in a war? Or even being a paladin? She was an engineer and a damn good one, so she chose to stay in her lane and do what she could to help in her field. But as the feeling of the unknown creeps up on her, she can't help but scowl at her shortcomings.

The Green lion started to chitter in the young girl's mind. Pidge stopped for a moment, letting her lion reassure her. Being with Lance and Hunk has also helped her connect with her lion more and more. The Green lion wasn't as forth coming as the Blue lion, nor was she as clingy as the Yellow Lion, but she was perfect for Pidge. She was there when the girl needed her, the lion choosing not to purr at the earth girl choosing to chirp and chitter instead. Pidge never doubted her intellect, but she felt her shortcomings when it came to being a paladin and if she was being honest with herself as a friend, too. The green lion chattered at the girl again, going down to its belly to be as close to eye level as she could be with the paladin. Pidge placed her hand on her nose. Pidge's thoughts were interrupted when Shiro spoke over their com, "I can't get into the Black lion."

Pidge's anxiety shoots up as Allura shouts into the com, "What do you mean?"

"She's not responding to me," Shiro replied.

"Could Ulaz have done something to the lions?" Keith asks, causing the Green Lion to hiss.

"He was never with the lions," Shiro fired back.

"We don't know how long he was on the ship; it's possible he messed with the lions before finding us," Keith explains.

"That doesn't make sense. Ulaz is fighting the empire. Why would he mess with the lions," Hunk says, defending the Galra with a furiousness that surprised the other paladins.

"We should be safe as long as we're hidden in the space pocket," Pidge says, fiddling with their hands, wondering if they really would be okay.

"He's drawing in the xanthorium clusters." Coran Rings out through their comms. Pidge can feel her insides twisting, wondering if Lance actually had a plan that could save them. Pidge enters her lion to get ready in case they have to launch. Connecting to the screen in the command room to see their opponent, sure enough, preparing for an attack.

"I think he knows we're here," Hunk says, sounding worried.

"Hold steady," Shiro says, trying to figure out what to do in this situation.

"Direct hit! He definitely knows we're here." Coran shouts, holding onto the computer as the castle shook.

"Get the particle barrier up!" Allura commands.

"He's readying another attack!" Coran informs.

"Paladins, I think it's time to launch," Allura says. "Shiro, come to the command room. We don't have time to fix the Black lion we need a plan to escape as quickly as possible."

"Right, I'm on my way, princess." Shiro stared at the Black Lion, wondering what could have possibly happened to the lion to completely shut Shiro out.

"Blue paladin, the castle has been attacked," Ulaz informs, stepping towards the human with more paint.

"I'm almost done," Lance says, brushing the last bit of paint onto the spell circle Lance created in the command room's center. 

"I must confess I am confused about what exactly you are doing," Ulaz states, turning his attention from the human to the screen where the ro-beast was attacking from outside the space fold.

"Your ship may be old and obsolete, but there is still a strong current of magical energy throughout the entire ship. I'm going to use that to help us self-destruct the ship." Lance says, wiping his forehead, understanding that the easiest part is done. "You need to leave now."

"Paladin, I'm not sure-"

"This isn't up for discussion, Ulaz," Lance says, unknowingly pushing some of his aura into his speech, trying to force the older Galra away.

Ulaz was unsure what had happened but could feel the shift in the air. Whatever it was grated on his skin, not a complete command, but a strong suggestion. Ulaz wasted no time lowering his head and leaving the blue paladin, understanding that if the Blade wanted to work with Voltron, they must learn to take risks. Ulaz also understood that, if need be, Ulaz would make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the secrets of the Blade.

Lance placed the paint down. "Okay, alright, we can do this," Lance muttered, turning his secret comm to Hunk.

"How are we doing, buddy," Lance says, making his way into the center of his spell circle.

"Not good, bud; if you're gonna do something, I would do it quick," Hunk says, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. "The black lion won't respond to Shiro, so Voltron is not an option."

"Alright, hang tight. I think I got a decent plan," Lance says, trying to stabilize his aura before placing it over his spell circle.

"Dangerous?"

"Hmm, trying to connect to an ancient magic I have no experience in, so it's not the most dangerous thing we have done," Lance says snickering.

Hunk groan. "Somehow, that's not very comforting."

"I'll make it up to you later." Lance says, "I've got to focus, though, so try to stall for as long as you can."

"I've got your back," Hunk says seriously. Lance smiles, feeling the reassurance.

"Thanks, Hunk," Lance says, feeling a calm settle over himself. No matter what problem Lance has, Hunk will be there, he will always be there.

"Be safe." Is all Hunk says before the comm goes dead. Lance turns his own comm off,  closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing. "Connect, connect," Lance whispers, his aura reaching out past the circle, through the metal floors, trying to mingle with the magical current running through the ship.

Lance feels it like a spider web caught on his fingertips, and then, like a harpoon, he feels himself fully immersed. Lance is breathless as the connection syncs completely. "Woah," he says when the human boy opens his eyes, staring at his body sitting in his spell circle. Lance can still feel the connection to his body but also sense something else.

"Welcome, Paladin," a voice of a thousand says. Lance looks behind him, eyes widening in awe. The soul in front of him was not one soul but hundreds, maybe even thousands, all bounded together in harmony. The soul's voice echoed, sounding like a choir of different voices, none overpowering the other, but yet each distinct. The soul's outfit stayed the same. Lance assumed it was a blade uniform, but the appearance itself flickered. The soul grew taller than Lance, a thick tail appeared behind it, and its mask had three eye holes and six whiskers on each cheek. "It is an honor to meet you." The souls bowed, the mask flickering to two eye holes and two whiskers while shrinking to Lance's height. "Can you help us, paladin?"

Lance was to amazed to speak. Lance had never heard, let alone seen, souls merge so peacefully. Lance had read stories and cases where souls would fight to obtain the same space, one always overpowering and absorbing the other, but this…this was anything but. "Paladin," the voice questioned, the head tilting, a new mask appearing.

"I'm sorry, it's just your magic is amazing," Lance says honestly.

"It has been some time since we have met another quintessence alchemist. The Blade has not had many users."

"You call this alchemy," Lance says, feeling no resentment or discord from the souls before him.

"After losing our home, Galra started to experience changes. Some were blessed with the ability to create electricity at incredible speed. Others were able to use their quintessence as power through mediums. The Blade spent time mastering quintessence alchemy, but now there seems to be less and less." The souls sounded sorrowful, but before Lance could question, the mask flickered again, two eyes and an X carved out one whisker on each cheek. "But we do not have time for such tails; what is needed, Paladin."

"You sent me that vision," Lance asks. "How?"

"We have expended our quintessence to this space to protect our base. At times, we see this base at different times and timelines. We see those who will come and those who won't. We see our abandonment and destruction; there is only one thing we have not seen."

"What is that?"

"Our victory." The soul says, stepping towards the Blue paladin, the mask rapidly shifting, growing larger and smaller, and the tail appearing and disappearing. "Will you help us?"

"Yes," Lance says, feeling a shot of adrenaline coursing through him. "But first we need to win here." Both Lance and the souls turned to the monitor, seeing the ro-beast readying for another attack.

Pidge, Hunk, and Keith deployed from the castle just as the space fold had begun to disappear. "We're exposed! The space fold has been lowered," Allura informs, trying to redirect enough energy into the barrier.

The paladins quickly scatter as the robeast attacks. "Let's light this thing up," Shiro says over the comms, "Fire lasers."

The paladins follow Shiro order, but to their surprise the beast is unphased. "Huh," Keith says. "It was a direct hit and didn't even slow down."

"He's pulling in more ammo," Pidge exclaims, already retreating her lion.

"Move," Shiro orders, "you need to put some distance between you and that thing."

"Well, there goes Ulaz," Coran says, disappointed, as he watches the small ship speed past the castle.

"I knew we should never trust a Galra," Allura snaps, her eyes landing on Shiro, wondering if her black paladin has learned his lessons. 

Shiro ground his teeth, pushing the hurt deep down because his team needed him. "We don't have time, for I told you so," Shiro growls at himself or at Allura. He is unsure. "Team, we need to stop this thing from pulling more ammo."

"Hunk Pidge gives full reverse boosters to give you some room," Keith says, wondering how he was supposed to pull a win with three lions.

"This thing wants to eat us like we're a space taco," Hunk shouts, doing his best to avoid the tractor's beam.

"I'll make him back off," Keith says, firing lasers consistently, growling when it seemed to do nothing to the ro-beast.

"It's trying to pull us in again," Hunk says, frustrated, as it was more complicated for his giant lion to maneuver in the xanthorium clusters. "I'm burning thrusters at full capacity, and it's not making any difference."

"We need to keep some distance between you and the ro-beast," Shiro advises, looking for an opening in its defense.

"It keeps trying to pull us," Hunk says as he pushes the green lion out of the way of a tractor beam only to get stuck himself. "Cheese stick," Hunk mutters, pushing down on the thrusters. "Guys, I'm burning the thrusters at full capacity, and it's not making any difference."

"Hold on, Hunk," Pidge says, firing a set of lasers at the galra foe and following with a hard tackle from behind. The beast dropped Hunk but turned quickly to try to catch the Green Lion.

Pidge grunted as she threw up her lion's shield. "The shields are holding, but I don't know for how long, guys."

"Pidge can you get out of there," Kieth asked, watching the showdown.

"That's a no." Pidge snapped, splitting the lion's energy into the shield and thrusters, which only allowed her to stay in one place.

"We need to go on the offensive," Shiro says over the comms, wondering if he should try the black lion again.  

"Lance," Allura shouted, "We need the blue lion." Silence. "Lance."

"Has anyone contacted his Lance," Coran asks, looking at the blue paladin's vitals on his screen. According to the screen, Lance's vitals were stable. If anything, the boy was sleeping with how steady his heartbeat was.

"He's fine," Hunk says, barreling full speed at Pidge to push her out of the way of the tractor beam. Pidge grunted at the impact but was happy for the assistance.

"What do you mean he's fine," Allura asked. "Ulaz has left the station; has anyone had a recent connection with him."

"What are you asking" Pidge huffed, avoiding Keith as she tried to right herself. "Are you asking if we think Ulaz hurt Lance?"

"I'm going to get Lance," Shiro says, tired of sitting around and not doing anything.

"He's fine," Hunk says, wondering how much longer Lance would be. "We need to focus on the ro-beast."

"Right," Pidge agrees, her tail knocking into a small cluster that explodes. "The xanthorium clusters! We can use them." Pidge says, trying to buy Lance more time.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Hunk says, already trying to herd the ro-beast into the edges of the cluster.

"Shiro, go get Lance," Allura says, happy that the team is progressing, but this is ridiculous. Where was her other paladin?

Static shrilled out of Lance's comm. "It's alright, Princess," Lance's voice spoke out of the static, echoing. "We are coming." The static died down, and Lance's comm went dead.

"What the hell was that?" Keith asked, breaking the silence, the chill still on his spine.

"Must be comm interference," Pidge says lamely, trying to shake off her fear.

"Did Lance say we?" Coran asks, looking between the princess and the black paladin.

No one could question further as the Blade space station suddenly jumped into action, firing missiles and lasers at the ro-beast and surrounding clusters. The lions were left untouched in the chaos. The ro-beast roared finally being injured. The ro-beast turned its eyes towards the ship, sucking into the tractor beam.

"Lance," Hunk shouts into the private comms, wondering how Lance was operating an entire ship alone, but then again, Lance was never really alone.

"It's alright," Lance says, the echo still present in his voice. "We have a plan. Return to the castle and get ready to jump."

Hunk was worried but again decided to follow his friend's lead. "We need to return to the castle."

"What" Keith gripes. "We still have an enemy to deal with."

Hunk was already returning to the castle, and Pidge was close behind. "Lance got this," Pidge said, unsure of what the heck was going on.

"Got what?" Keith seethed, begrudgingly following his team. Allura, Coran, and Shiro watch as the ship attacks even as it gets closer to the ro-beast.

"We can't let Zarkon get ahold of that ship' Shiro says, wondering what the heck is going on.

"Lance is still on that ship," Coran says, panicked. "Paladins, you have to go and retrieve Lance." The older Altean shouts, wondering how they could forgo their teammate's safety.

"It's alright," a new voice said, breaking out.

"Ulaz?" Shiro questions, watching as the small ship races back into view towards the ship and ro-beast.

"We are going to take it down from the inside," Ulaz states, getting as close to the battle as he can to provide aid to the blue paladin. 

"Wait, no, Ulaz," Shiro shouts. "Lance is still on board."

"I will retrieve the blue paladin, so get ready to open a portal," Ulaz says, getting closer to the blade ship, still slowly approaching the ro-beast.

"We can figure this out, let us handle this!" Shiro shouted.

"There is no time for this. Believe in your paladin and get ready to open a portal." Ulaz states, closing off the line and putting all his energy into his shield for the upcoming blow.

"Our time is over, paladin," The 1000 soul blade member spoke, looking into the mouth of the beast.

"Looks like it," Lance says, "The ship will self-destruct, and the space pocket will open from the inside as an extra major. Nothing here will fall into Zarkon's hand."

"Are you sure you will survive the blast?" The entity asks, turning smaller than Lance, a tail swooshing in anxiety.

"I've added a couple of extra protection spells to this armor. Not impenetrable, but I survived one blast; the second should be easier." Lance says with a smile, hiding his own anxiety. In the best case, he and Ulaz survive and follow the team to a safe spot. Worst case, everyone dies. A lot of space in between, so Lance is just shooting for everyone's survival.

"We did not have much time". The entity grew taller than Lance, masking two simple eyes with no decoration. "But it was an honor to meet you." The entity bowed its head.

"The honor was mine," Lance says, "This was an amazing show of magic. I hope to bring this knowledge back to the Blade."

The entity paused, extending out his arm. Lance went to reach for his hand but was surprised when the Blade members took his arm instead, clasping his hand on Lance's right forearm instead. "Thank you, Lance. Be safe." Lance could feel the warmth coming from this hand. At first, it was pleasant, but the longer it stayed, the more uncomfortable it became, a quick sting before it faded. "It's time to go," the entity says, letting go; oh, how Lance wished they had time to talk. Time to go over their magics, to learn from these souls, but Lance would have to hope there were other ships or souls to learn from when he had time. 'Yeah, right,' Lance thought, only wishing he could be that lucky.

"Go in peace," Lance says, tapping his heart three times with an open palm. Lance wasn't sure if they would understand the gesture, but it was a common parting for witch clans.

Lance returned to his body quickly, leaving the rest to the entity. It took Lance a while to settle back into the heaviness of his body, but once he could feel his legs, the Cuban boy took off for the escape pod.

Lance could hear some noise in his ears, but it wasn't clear, almost as if the boy was underwater. It would take a moment for all his senses to come back perfectly. Lance could feel the vibration of the warning system and see the change in the lights from white to red, and the blue paladin knew that he needed to hurry.

Hunk was gonna kill Lance. He had hit his breaking point he was going to throttle the witch for this new heart attack. Ulaz had warned the paladins to open the portal and begin to retreat before he had fully retrieved Lance. 

The princess and Ulaz were arguing, Lance was not picking up any sort of communication, and Hunk was panicking. He understood that certain decisions that come to war are life and death in seconds, but this was too much. Allura was pulling into the portal when the Blue Lion just took off out of the castle. Hunk watched as the lion ran straight to Ulaz, who at that moment still had not retrieved Lance. 

Hunk and the rest of the team were waiting on the opposite end of the portal, having just seen the blast. Waiting for anything, Pidge stood close to Hunk, her hand clenching Hunk's arm.

When Hunk saw the Blue lion blasting out of the portal with a small ship in its mouth, a wire attached to the small ship, and a dangling Lance, who was wooing, hanging on, Hunk knew for sure he was going to kill Lance.

Lance was still slightly disconnected from his body; it was the only way he could explain the calm he felt. He was grasping onto the wire from Ulaz's ship. The good news is everyone survived; the bad news is Lance's got another near-death experience. Lance hadn't been expecting the ro-beast to reach out and grab Lance's ship, causing him to evacuate for his pod into dead space. Luckily, Ulaz was smart enough to think quick, and Mera came to their rescue.

The beautiful, clever lion froze the area around herself and strengthened her barriers so the blast that caught them at the end wasn't as damaging as it could have been. The Blue Lion started to make her descent into the castle, and Lance wondered how he was going to talk his way out of this one. 'Ugh, but I'm so tired,' Lance thought. As Mera entered the castle, Lance jumped off the rope, using his jet back to fly up to the cockpit windows to see Ulaz.

Lance smiled and gave two thumbs up to the Galra, but Ulaz just stared deadpanned at the paladin with a slight shake of his head. Lance whined to himself, he really thought he had a moment with the older Galra. 'Galra's, no matter the side, don't know how to let loose.' Lance thought, staying in the air as Mera placed the ship in her hanger and set herself down, choosing to lay on her stomach.

Lance landed in front of his lion. Taking off his helmet as he jumped on the blue lion's nose in a hug. "Oh, who is the best lion in the galaxy. That would be you, no competition. So good," Lance cheered, giving the metal beast a loud kiss followed by another hug. Lance could feel Mera's laughter in his head, the purr easing his mind and helping him feel more settled into his body.

"Blue paladin," Ulaz says, standing awkwardly behind the paladin.

"Hmmm," Lance hums, not looking at the Galra but more focused on Mera and her purrs.

"What happened on the ship?" Ulaz asks. Lance sighed, jumping down from Mera but choosing to lean on her chin. The blue lion's heat was helping the tightness Lance felt in his muscles. Lance needed clarification on what Ulaz was asking. Was he asking how he managed an entire ship on his own? Was he asking about the 1000 member Blade entity? Was he asking about the spiritual barrier that helped protect them before the blue lion was there to retrieve them? Did Ulaz even feel the difference in the space when the ship was destroyed before they fled? Lance had the standard ability to answer a question that only led to more questions. He has been trying to improve with Pidge but still needs help.

"I don't think we have time to go over everything right now", Lance says, stretching his shoulder, "but when everything settles down, I'll tell you everything."

Ulaz stared at the human boy, wondering why he seemed different. The human looked the same, a little more ragged then when Ulaz left him, but something was different. "Blue paladin, can you come here for a second," Ulaz asked, extending his arm.

Lance tilted his head but complied, walking towards the Galra and giving him his arm. Lance wondered if Ulaz was worried about him. Ulaz looked over Lance's arm, pausing momentarily before moving on, "Come closer." Ulaz said, wondering why the human seemed so strange to him now.

"Is everything alright?" Lance asked, worried he didn't seem hurt. He was tired, ragged, and drained but not hurt.

"Bear with this for a moment." Ulaz gently cupped the boy's face. Lance allowed it, tilting his head but not fighting the warm hands on his face. Lance did get a bit worried when Ulaz stepped closer to him, leaning down to peer into his face.

Lance wasn't sure what he was expecting, but Ulaz placing his forehead on his was not one of them. Lance's eyes widen, especially when Ulaz's eyes close, but after a moment, Lance could feel Ulaz's aura. It wasn't his soul exactly, but more his spiritual presence. It was calming; it made Lance think of mountain ranges with wildflowers in some valley. Lance pressed his forehead a bit harder into Ulaz, swearing he could hear a stream nearby.

"Why do you feel like my brothers and sister," Ulaz asked, eyes still closed, feeling as if he had just received a hug from his own pack.

Before Lane could answer a shout of "GET AWAY FROM HIM" killed the vibe.

Chapter Text

Lance wasn't sure what happened. Ulaz was in front of him for one minute, a calming moment between the two. The next Ulaz had placed Lance behind him, sword drawn as Keith came charging in with his bayard activated. Ulaz effortlessly blocked Keith's attack with his own blade inactivated. Lance panicked. If Keith was part Galra there was a better way to bond with Ulaz. Lance wouldn't lie, though Ulaz looked so cool blocking the Red Paladin.

Keith growled, and Ulaz seemed tense at the sound. Lance was worried that Keith was giving himself away, as Ulaz seemed very perceptive. Lance wondered if this was because Ulaz had been watching Shiro for so long. Before another fight could break out, Lance moved around Ulaz, grabbing the Red Paladin before he could attack again.

"Will you calm down?" Lance whispered, basically bear-hugging the Red Paladin.

"Me, calm down," Keith shouts, deactivating his bayard and turning to face the taller boy. You went out alone and nearly got blown up," Keith hollers, pushing a finger into the Blue Paladin's chest. "Again."

"First off," Lance says playfully, slapping the emo boy's finger. "I was fine; I had a plan." Ulaz raises an eyebrow. "Somewhat of a plan," Lance shook his head. "But either way, you don't get to tell me about recklessness; that's your middle name."

"That's different," Keith shouts, stepping closer to the boy's, veins bulging in his neck at how mad the teen was.

Lance glared at Keith, who was still too tired to handle this. "How is it different?" Lance says, teeth grinding, trying to remain calm.

"Because it's me." Whatever calm Lance had was gone because all Lance could hear was that it was okay when I did it because I was the great Keith Kogan, and you were not.

"You're right. It is different because the team wouldn't have doubted it if it was you." Lance shouts, getting in the more petite boy's face, now just as angry. "If it were you, they would have left you to do what you wanted without consequences." Lance shoves the Red Paladin. "If it were you, it would work itself out, and everyone would say a good job and move on." Another shove and Lance could tell that Keith was about to lose it. That's fine. If he wants a fight, Lance would give him one. Lance had been trying to be better with Keith for Voltron's sake, even when he thought he might be a hunter, and Lance had every intention of talking it out with Keith about helping him, but Lance was more than willing to fight with the annoying emo boy. "Instead, because it's me, I get yelled at. Instead, I get questioned. Instead, I have to be babysat. You think I didn't hear you over the comms ordering Shiro to come get me like I'm a child instead of a paladin." Lance was going to go in for another shove, but this time was stopped by Hunk.

Lance could feel the snarl on his face as he turned to his best friend. "I got you," Hunk whispers, guiding the Blue Paladin back, putting some space between the two paladins. Hunk was still determining what happened between the two, but this seemed like something other than their usual fight. Hunk knew Lance could more than tear people apart with his words, and both teens had seen what magic and a loose tongue could lead to. It's why Lance tries very hard to be careful with them. However, with how worked up Lance looked, Hunk knew he didn't care now.

"You were the one not responding to us," Keith shouted, about to walk towards the two, only to be stopped by Ulaz's hand on the back of Keith's neck. Keith froze. Although the pressure was light and barely touched Keith's neck, he wasn't sure what to focus on. Part of him felt calm instantly, reminding him of when Shiro would gently smack his hand, saying no when he would try to sneak sweets before dinner; another part of him was angry that this stranger, this enemy, would not only touch him but cause him to pause. Still high on battle adrenaline, Keith only hesitated for a second.

He reactivated his bayard again, swinging at Ulaz. Again, Ulaz dodged; however, instead of backing away, he stepped closer to the teen, grabbing the human boy's arm and disarming the red paladin. "You are talented," Ulaz says, taking the red sword and watching as it deactivated itself in a stranger's hand. "But the blue paladin is right; you are reckless."

Keith growled about to charge at the Galra when an enormous roar rang out. Everyone quickly covered their ears; the frequency was high even though the sound wasn't deafening.

"What is going on in here?" Allura shouts, bursting into the room with Coran, Pidge, and Shiro. Coran and Pidge ran straight to Lance, while Shiro ran straight to Keith.

Neither Keith nor Lance answered. Lance glared at Keith, and Keith glared at Ulaz. "We just need a minute," Hunk said, still trying to get Lance to focus on something other than Keith.

"That's all fine and good, but we need to discuss what happened out there," Allura says, walking into the hangar. Allura has no idea what is happening, but this happened when that rogue Galra appeared. She needed to remove the problem if she wanted to get Voltron back to its top shape.

"Princess, maybe we should rest and then discuss this at a later time," Coran suggests, worried as he watched Lance clench his jaw so tight he could practically hear the boy's jaw grind.

"The black lion is not working. If Zarkon decided to attack-"

"THEN WE WILL DEAL WITH IT THEN," Hunk snapped. Everyone in the room went quiet. Hunk was glaring at the princess, his hold on Lance tightening. Hunk's shout drew Lance's eyes from Keith to his best friend. Lance gripped his friend's hands on his shoulders, worried when he felt the slight tremor in them. "We barely got out of there alive," Hunk continues, lowering his voice, but his tone is just as harsh. "A lot has happened today," Hunk says, voice straining, really wanting to cry out of frustration. "We all need a minute."

Lance exhaled a breath. "I'm sorry," he said, defeated, all his fight gone when he released the state he had left his friends in. "I shouldn't have made everyone worry."

The Altean princess sighed, placing her hands in front of herself before staring at the blue paladin. "Lance, but you didn't just worry us. You abandoned this team-" Allura was surprised at the glare she received from the green paladin and her advisor.

"I think Hunk is right," Shiro says, putting a hand on Keith's shoulder. "We all need to rest; we can talk tomorrow when we aren't battling fatigue and have had the chance to reflect on our actions," Keith grunted, glaring at his bayard in Ulaz's hand. Ulaz made no show of returning it to the human boy. Watching his protégé eyes, Shiro saw the bayard in Ulaz's hand and extended a handout for the weapon. Ulaz, still looking unimpressed, hesitated to return the weapon.

Ulaz was still determining what was happening with this team. He was confused about why the blue paladin submitted when the red paladins had attacked them and why no one mentioned that the red paladin attacked his own teammate and a potential ally. Ulaz could understand the blue paladin's anger over his lack of communication, but to bring it up after a battle that was barely won, Ulaz was not impressed with the Altean princess' leadership.

Shiro did not move to take the weapon but was concerned at Ulaz's pause. Finally, Ulaz passed over the bayard, turning back towards his small ship. Shiro returned his weapon to Keith, who snatched it from his mentor's hand. "Where are you going?" Allura asked, her voice sharp.

"You stated that your team needs rest; I will also rest." Ulaz does not break his stride until Allura shrieks, "Now hang on."

Ulaz squeezed his eyes shut in annoyance but turned nonetheless. Allura marched towards the Galra. "You think I'm going to let you galivant freely on my ship?"

"I will be staying in my ship resting. Seal the doors of this hanger if you like," Ulaz comments, doing his best to pick his words correctly. The Blade had cheered when they discovered Voltron had been found and formed, but the rumor that Alteans had survived had caused them to pause. It seems the princess was younger than they had anticipated, and based on these interactions, she was not war-trained.

"One of the lions isn't responding correctly, and that only happened after you entered this ship. I will not leave you alone with another." Allura says, making no attempt to hide her accusation.

Ulaz narrowed his eyes and simply said, "I see." There was another pause, and Ulaz could see the princess's anger rising. However, she wanted Ulaz to act, and it was apparent that he was not doing it. Ulaz decided to give the princess some leeway. "What do you suggest, then, princess?"

Maybe it was the way Ulaz said princess, but the glare he received was even harsher than before. Ulaz was concerned. The Blade knew Voltron was new and still trying to find its footing. It was understood why they seemed to be unaware of how to approach this 10,000-year war, but now Ulaz understood that it was because they were children. Literal children soldiers are piloting their only chance at ending this war. The Blade will not be happy with these revelations. It's a good thing he found a new prize along with Voltron. The Blue paladin could be something that changed this war in an unsuspecting way. "Coran, Shiro, take Ulaz to the cells. He will stay there until we talk tomorrow about these situations we find ourselves in."

Ulaz was not surprised, but seeing opposition from some of the paladins was nice. Ulaz was not surprised that the blue paladin defended him but was surprised when the green and yellow jumped in. Ulaz understood that the green paladin's family had been taken by the Galra, so she should also be wary of Ulaz. Ulaz wondered why Shiro himself said nothing. Ulaz knew the blue paladin needed to rest, so Ulaz agreed to go quietly to his cell.

Lance wanted to argue that Ulaz was okay to sleep in his ship, knowing that arguing for a room for the Galra would push Allura over the edge. However, both Hunk and Pidge convinced him to let it go for now, and they would fight for Ulaz in the morning when they were all less frazzled. Lance, looking over at his two friends, knew they were right. Still, watching Ulaz get walked out with Shiro and Coran didn't settle well with Lance. Allura took a look at the rest of her paladins. "Get some rest; we have a lot to discuss tomorrow." Her eyes stayed fixed on Lance before walking out herself.

No one said anything between the teens. Keith looked at the trio, feeling distressed. He went to open his mouth, unsure what he wanted to say, but watching Hunk tense and Pidge stand in front of the pair as if challenging Keith to talk straight to her, Keith knew it was best to walk away.

Lance could feel his eye twitch at Keith's "tch" before the emo boy walked to the door, wondering if Lance had to make up with such an angry teen. The trio said nothing momentarily, but then Hunk collapsed to his knee. "Hunk!" both teens shouted in alarm.

"Are you alright?" Pidge asked, bending down.

"Did you get hurt out there?" Lance asks, gripping his best friend's triceps.

Hunk begins crying, gripping Lance's hand and reaching out for Pidge. Pidge takes it, worried for her friend. "That was so scary," Hunk cries out, hiccupping. Lance and Pidge look at each other and then at their friend. Lance doesn't mean to, but he starts laughing.

"I'm sorry, buddy," Lance says, letting go of his friend's hand and throwing his arms around his large friend's shoulder, still laughing. Pidge chuckles, grabbing her head with her free hand.

"Hunk, don't scare us like that. We thought it was serious." Hunk cries a little louder.

"This is serious." Hunk hiccups, griping Pidge's hand tighter. "Don't laugh at me," Hunk says, trying to calm himself down. "I was so anxious, and Allura was so mad, and it's not fair. Ulaz didn't do anything wrong, and he's going to jail." Hunk started to ramble, some stuff Lance and Pidge could make out some was just gibberish.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Lance says sincerely, the guilt that he drove his friend this hard taking a back seat as he tried to figure out how to calm Hunk down now. "I'll do better about my plans."

"You can't promise that," Hunk says, still crying tears but no longer hiccupping.

"I can't promise perfect, but I can do better," Lance says, rocking the larger boy.

"I could try to add a private line on our helmets so we could talk privately. A simple button or maybe voice command, maybe heebie jeebie." Hunk stopped crying, staring at Pidge strangely with tears still on his cheeks

"That's a terrible name," Hunk says. Lance shakes his head. "Pidge, stop trying to make Heebie Jeebie a thing."

"It's a good name," Pidge defends, huffing.

"It's really not," Hunk says, sniffling.

Pidge huffs, "What do you two losers know?" she says, taking her hands back from Hunk and crossing her arm over her chest, nose in the air.

"I know enough to know that a lame name." Lance snorts, "Besides, we don't need a private line." Lance sighs, looking at Hunk, who seemed to be calming down. "I'm going to tell the rest of the team." Lance's tongue feels heavy with that exclamation.

"Are you sure?" Pidge asks, "I can make the comm line. It's not a big deal."

"No," Lance says, sighing, sitting back on his knees, Hunk and Pidge in front of us. "I can't keep putting you two in this situation. It's not fair. Besides, we need to actually have a united front when we reach the Blade." Lance could feel a headache throbbing in his temple. 'That and I can't really apologize to Keith if I don't explain why I was agitated with him from the beginning.' Lance thought, still agitated, that he must apologize to the golden pilot of the generation. Lance knew he needed to apologize for his past behavior but would not apologize for whatever happened today. That was not his fault.  

"So, what happened with the Black Lion?" Lance asked, moving over to sit beside Hunk while rubbing the giant teddy bear's back.

Hunk froze for a moment. "Your cousin showed up," Hunk screeched.

"What Essie?" Lance asks, blinking at Hunk, confused.

"Yeah, I activated the marble, and the black lion tried to attack, and she stopped it. She showed up and made the black lion calm down."

"What happened after? Is she still hanging around?" Pidge asks, wondering if this badass cousin is still around.

"No, she disappeared," Hunk says, looking wildly at Lance. "She said she was going to talk with the Creed."

"The Creed?" Lance asked, confused. "That doesn't sound like the best idea."

"Well, she said she made a promise to Lance." Hunk says, looking at Lance, "She really does love you if she's going back to the Creed."

Lance never doubts that Essie loves him, but knowing that Essie is doing something she hates to help Lance warmed his heart. If Essie was going to work with Creed and humans for him, then he could suck it up and talk to Keith and the rest of the team. It was time he put himself in the line of fire. "Never doubted she did," Lance says with a small smile.

"She said she wasn't sure how long the magic would last," Hunk says, taking deep breaths to calm himself.

"So we are on a time crunch for figuring out what's wrong with the Black Lion," Pidge says. "Is it a virus or a curse?" Lance cooed at how hard Pidge tried to incorporate magic into her speech.

"I think it's just her." Lance says, "I think after meeting Zarkon, she doesn't know if she wants to lose her bond with them. Sadly, I don't think it's anything deeper than she still loves Zarkon."

Pidge gave a scrunched-up face. "That's not helpful. I can't cure love."

"I think this is strictly a Shiro Lion moment." Lance says, "The black lion needs to pick its paladin."

"What if it picks Zarkon?" Pidge asked, and a high-pitched whine rang out in the trio's head.

"Ahh," they all grunted in pain, "noted that lions will not be happy about it," Lance said, side-eyeing the blue lion.

"Well, I mean, it makes sense Zarkon took their paladins, so I can see them not wanting him back," Pidge says, rubbing her head.

"Or it could be that he's just evil," Hunk says, readjusting his bandana.

"So how do we get those two in an emergency couple session?" Pidge asks, crawling over to Hunk to lean against his side.

"Well, tomorrow, I'll sit everyone down and tell them my secret, and hopefully, I can tell Shiro what's going on with the black lion," Lance says before wincing. "That is, if Allura doesn't kill me when she finds out I'm the one who brought down the black lion."

Pidge hummed, "Maybe we should tell them in the blue lion hanger so we can escape faster." They did not see the princess handling this very well; they were already pushing her to have a Galra on board.

"You don't have to tell them anything," Hunk says suddenly, sounding serious. "We could wait."

Both Pidge and Lance looked at the yellow paladin. "What?" they both shrieked.

"You've been begging me to tell them," Lance says, exasperated at the sudden change of heart.

"Yes, because I wanted you to be honest. I wanted you not to hide, but more importantly, I wanted you to be free to say what you wanted openly." Hunk says, staring at Lance straight in the eye. "I didn't want you to have to tell them because we are forced to. Allura is wound up tight, and I don't see understanding and safe space on the table."

Lance again looks at Hunk in awe and globs his oldest friend in a hug. "I don't know what I did to deserve you in my life, but I'm grateful for whatever it is." Lance reels back and places a hand on the yellow paladin. "You're right; this is by far not the best possible time to bring anything up, but Hunk, you should have seen how connected the Blade entity was."

"Entity?" Pidge and Hunk ask, raised eyebrows.

"Okay, so you see what had happened was…" Lance launches into what happened on the ship and with Ulaz. Lance tried his best to explain what the combined blade souls felt like, but based on the facial expressions of Pidge and Hunk, he wasn't doing the best. "The point is I want Voltron to reach that level, and we need to be better before meeting the Blade; it doesn't sound like they are doing the best, but they have been fighting for 10,000 years. Imagine the information they have. We might have an actual lead on Pidge's family."

Pidge slowly nods, processing, "When you debrief us, I demand something carbonated. A soda, bubble water, something to make this info easier to digest."

"Hmm, yeah, maybe we should move this to the kitchen so I can bake and let out my nervous energy," Hunk adds, and Pidge nods.

Lance looked at Pidge and deadpanned, "Where am I gonna get a soda?"

Pidge shrugged, "You're telling me that out of this whole ship, we don't have a spirit chef."

"We do," Lance says. "He just hates me. He's one of the ghosts that thinks I'm going to bring about the destruction of Voltron, so he doesn't talk to me."

Pidge crosses her arms, still nodding her head, lips pursed. "So should we exorcism them?"

"You can't perform an exorcism on a ghost that isn't possessing something," Hunk explains, tapping his temple.

"Lame," Pidge says.

"But Lance can cause a ghost to cross over," Hunk says.

"Do that, let's do that," Pidge says excitedly.

"I'm not gonna do a forced cross-over just because they don't like me," Lance says, rolling his eyes at his protective friends.

"Hmm, no, no, I think this is warranted," Pidge says. "If he's not going to be helpful, he can go."

"I'm kind of with Pidge on this," Hunk says, crossing his own arms. "We have enough haters on this ship; we don't need dead ones."

Lance laughs. "It's not that easy," he says, even though he hears Essie's voice in his head disagreeing. "Okay, it's easy, but it doesn't feel right to do. A proper cross-over allows the ghost to overcome its connections here, and they cross where they need to go, but a forced cross-over…" Lance clicked his tongue. "I'm literally sending them to purgatory where they wander a wasteland until they forget their connections and then just get reborn without enjoying a moment of peace. It's not a pleasant thing."

"If they are gonna be jerks, they don't get peace," Pidge says, waving off Lance's concerns.

"Again, with Pidge on this. We have too much to worry about than unhelpful ghosts." Hunk says.

"Guys, I'm trying to change their minds about people with death gifts," Lance whines, lying on his back, arms spread out like an eagle, head tilted towards his friends.

"Why, if they are just gonna forget about it, they will have another chance in a new life not to be a bigot," Pidge says nonchalantly, pausing before looking towards Hunk. "Bigot works here right 'cause it's not racist."

"Hmmm, could be racist as it's the race of death users, so witches, but bigot works fine. It's prejudice towards people of particular groups."

"Ghostist, deathist, hmmm, I feel it should have its own word," Pidge says, lying beside Lance, her arm dropping over Lance.

"It should, but we have bigger problems than adding correct wording to our definitions," Hunk says, following suit, his arms falling over Pidge and Lance—the trio lying in a nice little circle.

"Which is why it's nice," Pidge says, lowering her arms to grab her friend's hand. "Less pressure. No one's going to die if we can't find the right word for a bigot ghost."

Lance squeezes his two comrades' hands. "It will be bad tomorrow, but I will tell them. If Ulaz must deal with Allura's attitude alone, I can do this with you guys beside me." The Blue lion dropped to the ground, growling. All the paladins sat up, staring at the dramatic lion before busting out laughing. "And Mera, how can we forget Mera."

Lance was still determining what tomorrow was going to look like. There would be a lot of yelling and a lot of hurt feelings, but god, did Lance really want to stop hiding? To be honest, he owes it to the team, and with so many fights to come, he shouldn't have to be burdened with his secrets.

"That boy brought a Galra back onto this ship," Captain Miric shouted in the training room, which was filled with the ship's ghosts. He cannot be trusted." A murmur of agreement from other ghosts followed.

"Now hold on," Koma shouts, standing before the Captain. "Lance has never done anything to hurt this team. He cares for each member and for us."

"Even when some of us don't deserve it," Yanesek says, standing behind Koma and glaring at the crowd behind Captain Miric.

"Have you forgotten what they did to us?" Captain Miric shouts at the young engineer's face before turning to the crowd. "The Galra destroyed our homes, destroyed our loved ones. They killed us."

"This one is innocent," Yanesek shouts back, unsure if she truly believes that or just wants to shut the Captain up. "This one was not born to Zarkon's empire. This one was not even born when we died. How can we hold him responsible?"

"He is Galra," Someone in the crowd shouts. "They are all the same." "They did this to us." "We died because of them." More and more started to shout, emotions rising as the ghosts began to remember their deaths and all they lost.

"That Paki brought a Galra onto this ship. An Altean ship, we cannot let that stand." Captain Miric shouted, revving the crowd up. Ghost shouts in agreement, "The Pika can't be trusted." "The Galra is to blame." "They killed us."

"Call him Paki one more time," Koma shouts, grabbing at the Captain's shirt. "I dare you."

"Have you forgotten-"

"I have forgotten nothing," Koma says, teal marking glowing. "I remember when the empire attacked us on the way to this ship. I remember the missiles falling on us like rain. I remember looking at the sky of our home planet, skies filled with enemy ships, and the pain and panic before dying. Do not speak to me like I am a child." Koma pushed the Captain away, turning to face the crowd. "Lance has done nothing but try to help us. To speak to us, to keep our memories and traditions alive, and some of you have hated him for no reason."

"He is a death user," Someone cried out. "He will bring about our destruction."

"Death users did not bring Zarkon against us," Yanesek spat, glaring at her fellow spirits, even the quiet ones.

"He brought a Galra on board. He wants Voltron to trust Galra. He is mad," Miric states, again addressing the crowd that cheers in agreement. "First, we handle the Galra and then the death user."

Cheers rang out, drowning out Yenesek's and Koma's voices. Koma watched in horror as Miric and the other ghosts started to possess a gladiator. The gladiator light began to appear; its usual blue light was now black.

"Now hang on," Koma shouts, trying her best with Yenesek to keep the gladiator in place as it tries to take a step towards the door, bo staff in hand. "Get out of the way," Miric shouts, his spiritual energy shoving the two ghosts away from the gladiator. This is for Altea; remember your place." Miric stands over the two girls, foot raised as if ready to stomp on Koma.

A low whistle rang out, and a new aura appeared behind Miric, "So many interesting things on this ship." A new voice rang out.

Miric turned sharply, a snarl on his face. "Who are you?"

A figure in red stood more see-through than the Altean ghosts, but the figure was still human. "Me," The individual says, pointing at themselves, "someone as disrespectful as you can call me Alpha."

"You aren't Altean."

"No, I'm not. Thank god for that." The red figure snorted. "Or I'd die like you lot."

"If you aren't Altean, this has nothing to do with you." Miric expanded his spiritual energy by trying to scare the Astro-projected figure. The earth witch raised an eyebrow, 'Did this spirit think it could hurt me.' The Alpha watched as the spirit became confused, drawing on the energy from its followers to try again. "How is that working for you?" Miric grew frustrated and tried to attack the Alpha.

Esperanza rolled her eyes, dodging the feeble attacks. Not that this spirit could hurt her even if she let them land, but it was fun to see this so-called warrior growing frustrated. The Alpha lifted her hand and flicked the Captain away.

"I wanted to see if I could track my exposed magic from such a distance. It was more difficult than I expected. Imagine my surprise when I materialize and find negative energy on this ship targeting my kin."

"Kin," Miric gasps, wondering what was going on as his ribs hurt.

"Oh silly little spirit, did you think just because you are dead, you can't feel pain." Miric's followers banded together and tried to attack the witch. "Annoying," The Alpha says, sticking her hand out towards the large group. When her powers met the group, their image started to become distorted. The energy began to swirl. "You're letting your anger get the better of you." The Alpha could see it the shift of the souls' transforming into soul eaters.

"So not only are you pathetic, but you don't even know when to disappear." The Alpha huffed, keeping the hoard of the changing souls at bay. "Lance was too lenient with you all." The Alpha flexed her finger, sending out her spiritual energy. The souls started to scream as the red spiritual energy began to circle them, tightening around the souls like ropes as they tried to escape but shifted forms. The red started to bleed to silver, and the souls began to struggle, screaming their despair and anger, sounding more like wounded animals than Altean. "It's not fair." "Why did we have to die?" "It's the Galra's fault." "I hate the Galra. They should all die." On and on, the spirits screamed.

Koma grabbed Yenesek, placing herself in front of the other spirit. She watched in horror as her fellow people's souls started to shift into monsters: faces twisting into white masks, fingers elongating into claws, skins changing to pitch black. The silver ropes twisted and tightened until the spirits suddenly became little white particles. The gladiator fell to the floor in a heap.

"What did you do?" Miric roared, getting back to his feet. The young witch turned her gaze to the taller Altean spirit, the silver rope circling Miric. Miric tried to step back, but the rope followed, tightening around the spirit to bring it to its knees.

"Me," the witch said, placing a hand on her chest. "How long have you been feeding your fellow spirits with hate? How long have you been fueling their despair?"

"I reminded them who we were," Miric defends, trying to stand only to have the rope tighten.

"You reminded them about their pain," the Alpha hissed. You caused them to forget who they were as beings and allowed them to wallow in their hate."

"We cannot trust a death user. We should have killed the death users on Altea, and maybe all of this wouldn't have happened."

The Alpha rolled not only her eyes but her entire head, groaning. "It's everyone's fault, but the Alteans, right?"

"We were wronged," Miric shouted, his own soul starting to twist. His Altean markings started to twist into jagged lines reaching out towards his chin, and his emerald eyes were now becoming black. "They took everything from us."

"10,000 years ago," The Alpha says annoyed. "You should have gotten over it. You aren't the only person to die from this war." If Esperanza had to get over her anger and blood lust for humans in a short time, what excuse did this spirit have to hold a grudge for 10,000 years?

"All my loved ones are dead," Miric continues, his hair growing out, the strands whipping wildly.

The Alpha tightened the rope around the spirit, trying to push its soul into purgatory before it completely changed into a soul eater. Miric started to push on the ropes, a feral growl ripping from his throat.

Alpha slammed her hand into the spirit's face, pushing her spiritual energy into the cleansing. "Don't you get it?" the Alpha hissed. "You hating the Galra or the death users, it does nothing. They will take everything from you if you don't let go."

"Who cares as long as I take them with me." Miric shouts grabbing onto the earthling wrist, newly made black claws trying to dig into the wrist.

"You stupid fool." The Alpha clicks her tongue, forcing more of her energy into this unwilling spirit, the ropes tightening faster. With a roar, the rope tightened, the Alpha refusing to lose to this captain punk. With one last angry outburst, the silver rope glowed and disappeared into white dust. "Hmm, and here I thought we weren't gonna make it." The Alpha shook out her wrist, unhappy with the minor puncture wounds on her wrist. "I really wouldn't have minded cutting him down." She says more to herself.

Esperanza takes a deep breath, turning her eyes to the smaller group of spirits. A few disappear when her eyes glance over the room. For the most part, it doesn't seem like the group left is close to turning yet, so they aren't worth the earthling's attention.

A few fellow spirits stayed with Koma and Yenesek. The Alpha turned her eyes to the two girls. "You hang around my cousin often," she says to the two, keeping her distance based on the fear written on the two's faces.

"We do," Koma says, her voice shaking.

The Alpha turned to face the small group, inclining her head slightly. "Thank you for defending my cousin."

Koma was shocked at the thanks and looked at Yenesek for help. Yenesek grabbed Koma's arm, speaking, "It is our honor." This got the Alpha to smile before looking at her hand, and the tips of her fingers started to fade. "Damn," The Alpha says, showing off her fading hand to the spirits. "Looks like I'm out of time, and here I wanted to talk to Lance." The Alpha whined, trying to use more of her magic to stop the fading, but she had no luck. She can only use a limited amount in this form, and she was reaching her limit.

"We can grab him for you," Koma says, remembering Lance speaking about his cousin from time to time.

"No, don't bother him; he seems peaceful right now. Learning about this will only damper the mood." The Alpha says, sensing that Lance was close to drifting off to sleep in peace. 

"We will have to tell him about this eventually," Yenesek states.

Esperanza turned her gaze to Yenesek, who shrinked a bit behind Koma. "And why do we need to do that."

"We can't lie to Lance," Koma says, being careful with her tone. "He's going to notice spirits missing."

"And you can tell them they crossed over," Alpha says nonchalantly. "It's not a lie. They have crossed over to a different plane. You and I both know that boy has a heart of gold; how will he feel when he finds out that during his moment of peace, souls were turning into soul eaters right under his nose."

Koma and Yenesek looked at each other, knowing that the boy would blame himself. "Do or don't. I'm not here to deal with the aftermath. So the choice is yours," Alpha said with a shrug, her arm disappearing, the tips of her fingers on her other hand starting to fade. 

"Lance warned us about soul eaters," Koma says, looking over at the gladiator. "He said we could change to one, but he never said it could happen that quickly."

The Alpha shrugs. "All souls are different. Sometimes, the right trigger can cause the change.

"The Galra," the souls behind Koma whispered to themselves. One asked, "Could a Galra cause this?" 

"Like, could the individual make them change? No. The soul itself could be triggered by a Galra appearing, yes, but those are all personal problems. You lot really all that sensitive." The earthling raised an eyebrow, waiting for an answer, but not met with one. The Alpha shrugged, "If you let your emotions get the better of you, you can either become a soul eater or lead soul eaters right to you. You're boy-"

"Captain," Koma interrupted. "His name was Captain Miric." Koma may have disagreed with the Captain, but she would not let this stranger disrespect him.

"Miric," the Alpha says, purposely dropping the Captain and ignoring the dead girl's stare. "Seemed to have had a lot of emotions wrapped up in him. His negative emotions seemed to spread to the rest of you. Kudos for being emotionally stable; let's see how long that lasts?" Both arms are gone, and legs are starting to fade as well. "I'll leave the rest to you," The witch says, "I do want to check out this Galra everyone seems so worked up about." The young witch turned, ready to leave, but paused. "As I mentioned, as long as you're here to help Lance, you have my thanks, but if you become more trouble than you're worth, I will handle you appropriately." With that, the Alpha left.

Koma fell to her knees. "Oh my god, that was scary."

Yenesek hand was shaking but nodded her head. How could a monster like that be related to Lance? Yenesek heard the other spirits, the few that hadn't fled, murmur in agreement. "Big question, what are we gonna tell Lance?"

Esperanza found what she assumed was the Galra, which was purple and sitting in a cell. The young witch was a torso and a head by this point, but curiosity caused her to keep pushing to remain. The alien was tall and more lilac than purple; he was sitting on the floor in a meditation pose. The Alpha felt herself be a bit disappointed. This was the species that had taken over the universe. Other than their height, they don't seem that dangerous. No oversized jaw filled with razor-sharp teeth, no bloodthirsty aura spilling out, and baby claws that the Alpha had seen on adolescent werewolves. "Here I was hoping for a challenge. Maybe your magic users will be more imposing."

The Alpha turned her head when the Galra opened its eyes, pupilless. How interesting. The Galra stared straight ahead before turning his head slowly and scanning the room. "Can you see me?" The Galra made no show that it was aware she was there, but that could just mean that it was a good liar or maybe it had the potential for being a magic user. "Maybe you'll be interesting after all." That being said Esperanza, stopping fighting and allowing herself to fade back to Earth.

Chapter Text

Keith was furious. He stomped out of the lion's hanger, wanting nothing more than to go to the training room, but the slight chance that he could run into anyone, even Shiro, made Keith turn to his room.

His paladin armor clanking in the empty hallway annoyed him to no end. By the time Keith reached his room, he practically slammed his hand on the keypad, aggravated by how slowly the doors were opening.

Finally, the doors opened, and Keith stalked in, taking a ragged breath before ripping his paladin armor off. Keith was too hot; he needed to get out of his suit. It was too much on his skin. Keith ripped chunks of his armor, tossing the pieces haphazardly around the room. His breathing was still ragged, and his hair fell onto his face. Keith growled, clutching his hair, wanting nothing more to get it out of his face. Lance always made fun of it anyway. 'I might as well just cut it.' Keith clenched his hair, palms pressing into his temple, trying to get more air into his lungs, but he felt constricted. It was just too much. Keith placed a hand over his chest where Lance had shoved him, feeling like the spot was burning. "Why?" Keith spat out, grabbing whatever he could throw in his bare room. 'Why is it so hard to reach them?' Keith thought, punching the wall in his room over and over again. 

Keith's breathing was slower now, his body heavy, his hand throbbing as he lay on the floor of his room in the middle of a mess. The red paladin was sure he had blacked out at one point, as he doesn't remember lying on the floor. Keith flexed his hand, focusing on the stinging pain. Nothing felt broken, but it was definitely swollen. Keith turned his head, groaning at the effort it took to see the dent in his metal walls, but at least he was still in his black suit, so there was no blood to clean up. Keith turned his head back to the ceiling, burying the cry in his throat; his mind felt cloudy, and it was hard to make sentences in his head. 

So instead, his twisted mind reminded him of Lance, relaxed and so close to Ulaz. Lance had met the Galra for a day, and he already trusted Ulaz more than Keith. He defended Ulaz more than Keith. Lance would rather trust a Galra than give him another chance. 

Again, like many times, Keith goes back to the day he first met Lance, his first day at the Garrison. Keith had just left his foster care facility, with Shiro now being his legal guardian with condition from the Garrison. Shiro had placed Keith on the bus with all the other students, hoping that he would make friends, and Keith hadn't been as opposed as he should have been. The idea of meeting new people and starting fresh had given him new hope. He was the first to be picked up and picked a seat closer to the back, purposely ignoring the single seat in the back to force himself to interact with someone. Keith watched kid after kid come on, but most seemed to be already paired up, whether it was during testing or just waiting for the bus. Not a single kid came on the bus alone; if they came in odd numbers, they still chose to sit together. Keith was feeling sick, wondering if he should have chosen a seat closer to the front. Keith had opened his bag, reaching for his father's knife, trying to get some sort of comfort from the blade. 

Finally, towards the end of the trip, only a few seats are left open, and only one kid jumps on. Keith might have perked up when he noticed just one kid, but it was dashed when these kids started to be greeted by other kids. "Lance, I was wondering if I would see you." Some girl says, waving enthusiastically. "Hey Lance, good looking out during the testing center." A boy near the front says a handout with a high five. Keith slumps in his seat, turning to face the window, which is why he's shocked when someone taps the leather seat in front of him. 

"Hey, you mind if I sit here with you?" Keith isn't sure if he said anything or just nodded. He just remembers noticing multiple empty seats available before Lance reached him. He just remembers Lance with the bluest eyes he had ever seen and a smile so pretty it embarrassed Keith.

Keith vaguely remembers them talking; he doesn't remember what about it, but it was easy, and it had settled something in Keith that made him comfortable. It didn't last, though; the bus driver called out a warning, "Hold on, kids," and took a sharp turn. The kids had laughed in glee, laughed at those unprepared that fell forward or off the bench. Lance hadn't been expecting it and nearly fell off the bench. Keith had caught him by his arm, and Lance had laughed and said thanks, and for a moment, everything was still good. 

When Lance looked down and noticed that Keith's backpack had been open and his stuff had spilled out during the turn, everything went downhill. Keith had gotten embarrassed, so he did his best to pick everything up with the small space between him and Lance. "Hey, you dropped your…" Lance had trailed off, and Keith looked up, staring at Lance, holding up his father's knife. His eyes were wide and going pale, and his mouth was still open. 

Keith snatched the knife out of Lance's hand, shoving the boy away, but not realizing that he would land on the aisle, sprawled out awkwardly. Keith remembers saying something, no doubt snapping at the other teen, but again, he doesn't remember exactly what he said; all he remembers is Lance looking grim and scurrying to get his stuff and run back to the other teens. All who had seen what happened asked Lance, "What's that kids' problem." Keith had clutched his knife tighter to himself, sinking as low as he could into the bus bench seat as he heard all the kids talking about him. "He's weird." "He didn't have to push Lance if he wanted to sit alone." "Man, I hope I don't have him in my class." 

The only time it got quiet on the bus was when Keith heard one of the girls from earlier ask if Lance was alright. Lance replied, voice shaking, "Yeah, no, I'm half left. Are you all right?" The bus erupted at Lance's stupid joke, and the kids moved on, but Keith didn't hear Lance speak for the rest of the ride. 

Keith had played that day over and over in his head. Remembering that he hadn't thought he would see Lance again once he got into the Garrison, but the fates were cruel. Lance was everywhere. When Keith had made number 1 for the third time in flight simulation, no one talked about it; even Shiro just patted him on the shoulder and said that it was great, but it was all over school that Lance had jumped 12 ranks and entered the top ten spot. Lance had convinced the lunch ladies to let Hunk bake, and Hunk baked cupcakes for Lance's achievements. When Lance reached the top five once, Keith thought the school would erupt into a party. It didn't matter that Keith had held onto the number-one spot for nearly a year. Lance was well-liked, and even when he failed, it was still an accomplishment. Even those that didn't care for Lance couldn't say much just that Lance was a bit much all the time, but fun. 

Keith remembers when James Griffin had started a fight with Keith. Again, Keith tries to remember exactly what was said, besides James bringing up Shiro and his parents. Keith had lost it and struck Griffin first, but Griffin sure as hell fought back. Keith remembers faint cheering for "Fight fight." When Griffin was launching himself at Keith, someone had stepped in, and it was Lance. Lance grabbed Griffin's arm and spun him into his friend, who had caught him to stop the fight. Keith would go after Griffin, but Lance stood before him with a severe look, saying, "Enough." Lance hadn't even touched Keith, but his voice stopped Keith in his tracks. Griffin was yelling, and Lance turned to him, walking towards him and talking to the angry teen. Griffin calmed down, shaking his friends off of him and getting into Lance's face. Lance was calm, though; Griffin had shouted, "Why should I listen to a pilot that can't even stay in the top ten ranks." Keith could feel his blood boil and wouldn't stop Lance if he wanted a swing with Griffin, but Lance just smiled and stepped back from Griffin. "I may not be able to stay at the top ten, but at least I know how to brush my teeth cause man, your breath is kicking." Lance plugs his nose and waves a hand over his face, making a gag noise. Griffin got red, but the crowd laughed, and before anyone could do anything else, Commander Iverson showed up, and Griffin and Keith got chewed out; Shiro was called. 

'Why,' Keith thought, 'why is it so hard to connect with people.' Keith's mind jumped to Ulaz's knife, and with a groan, Keith crawled to his bed, grasping his father's blade from underneath his pillow. Keith unsheathed the knife and stared at the same symbol. 'Why did his dad have a blade with a Galra symbol on it.' Keith thought, dread filling his stomach. Keith remembers his dad taking care of the blade, but every time Keith would ask about it, his dad would give a sad smile, pat his head, and tell him, "I'll tell you when you're older." Keith's dad was such a liar. He never kept any of his promises. "I'll always be here for you, Keith." "It might just be us, but you'll never be alone." "I'll tell you about your mother when you're older; just know she loves you." Keith's dad could never keep his word. In the end, all he got was his dad's knife and broken promises. Keith's dad was a firefighter and a damn good one. Everyone says that Keith should be proud of his death, that he died saving people and his team from an out-of-control forest fire. It was easy for them to be proud when they weren't the ones who lost their father, house, and only family. Keith vaguely remembers a reading of his father's will and recalled that his father had appointed a caretaker for Keith, but he was injured in the fire as well, and well, "they just couldn't take an extra person at the moment." Keith had thought that maybe, just maybe, after his father's death, he would finally meet his mother, but not even after her father's death and Keith entering foster care, was able to get her to come.  

Keith took some comfort in the fact that it was a symbol belonging to the Blade and not the Empire, but why did it have to be a Galra? There are so many life forms in space, and it had to be a Galra's weapon that his father had. Keith groaned again, raising his hand to grip his hair. 'And I just attacked one of the few people who could get me answers,' Keith thought, sheathing the blade and throwing it on the bed before collapsing again on the ground.

For all the grief that Lance had given Keith, he had always been present when Keith needed help. Keith's mind replayed Lance's eyes; even with all the petty fights and arguments, Lance had never looked at Keith like that, as if he actually wanted to hurt Keith in some way. Keith's chest ached, and guilt settled in his gut. Keith had pushed Lance to such a point, but for the first time, all of Lance's attention was on Keith. More guilt hits when Keith remembers how angry he was at Hunk for interrupting them and again taking Lance's attention. 

Keith whined, throwing his arms over his face, "I'm so pathetic." 

Chapter Text

Lance really didn't want the day to start. The fact that he was even able to fall asleep was just because he was exhausted, and his magic level hadn't truly been able to rest since leaving the Xochmalica. Lance wished he could return to when his biggest problem was crossing a large horde of ghosts. Lance wondered if this went truly bad would it be better to try and go with the Blade or head back to Queen Chaskba and Princess Epsea. 

Lance was still determining who did it, but when he woke up, he was in his bed in his room. Lance truly wanted to stay in bed, but he knew he needed to start this first thing in the morning so that everyone would have an appropriate amount of time to process. Lance sluggishly got up, wondering how he should go about this. Should he have this talk in the common room or in the Blue Lion hangar? Everyone in the common room would be more comfortable, but the blue lion hangar would make Lance feel more relaxed. A quick getaway if need be. 

'No, no,' Lance thought, tapping his cheeks to wake him up more, 'we are gonna be fine.' Hopefully, maybe… Lance groaned, falling back into his bed. Lance thought back to Ulaz and the Blade entity. He could do this; he wanted Voltron to be stronger, and for that to happen, he needed to take this step. Lance groaned again, swinging himself up and out of bed. That doesn't mean this won't sting.

When Lance was done with his skincare, putting the last bit of lotion on his arms, there was a knock on his door. "Come in," Lance shouted, putting on his jacket. 

"You ready?" Hunk asks, entering the room and looking rested and worried. 

"No," Lance answers honestly, "but we got to do this?"

"Do we?" Hunk asks, sitting on Lance's bed. "Tensions are high. Ulaz is on the ship. Have you left your room yet?"

"No, why?" Lance asks, adjusting his jacket and putting his shoes on. 

"The ship feels weird," Hunk says, looking at Lance's door. Lance frowns and opens his room door. Taking a step outside, Lance feels the emptiness of the ship. Lance looks around the hallway, goosebumps rising on Lance's skin. 

Lance steps back into his room, taking a deep breath. "I don't know what that is, but that's no bueno."

"It's worse the longer you stay out there," Hunk says, hugging himself. 

"I got to find Koma," Lance says, crossing his arm, finger tapping on his arm. "It feels like soul eater, but not. And my wards would have told me if one got into the ship."

"So what goes first, the big meet up or this heebie jeebie feeling," Hunk says 

"We are not calling it a heebie jeebie feeling," Lance says in disbelief.

"I don't know, it's growing on me," Hunk says. "We never got a good word down, and it reminds me of Scooby doo."

Lance looked unimpressed. "I'll call them Jeepers before I use heebie jeebie."

"Hmm, that reminds me too much of Jeepers Creeper, and that was a different type of monster." Hunk points out.

"Actually, you uncultured swine, it goes Jeepers, it's the creeper," Lance says matter of fact. 

"So split the difference and call them creepers," Hunk says, adjusting his headband.

"No, 'cause that's too close to peepers," Lance says.

"I mean, is it that far off. They spy on us and creep around." Hunk responds, standing up from the bed. 

"Nope, find a new word, and we are not using heebie jeebie," Lance says. "I can only handle a certain amount of chaos. Hunk, heebie jeebie will push me over the edge."

"Fair enough," Hunk says, following Lance out of his room into the silent, eerie hallway.
"So game plans…"

"You gather everyone in the common room, I'm gonna see if I can find Koma, and we get this shit show on the way," Lance says, wondering what the heck happened to the ship. 

"Let's not call it a shit show. Maybe settle for a team meeting." Hunk offers. 

"Fine, the team meeting from hell," Lance snarky replies. 

Hunk looks less amused but has no idea what he is supposed to feel in this situation other than dread, so at least Lance is making jokes. Terrible jokes, but jokes nonetheless. "Go, I'll be there soon," Lance says, ready to turn down a different hallway. Oh, and make sure Ulaz is there, too. I really don't want to explain everything twice." 

Hunk gives a thumbs-up and continues to walk straight, stopping to pick up the green paladin before going about and gathering everyone. 

Lance looked around the ship, wondering what happened. It was quiet and empty, and Lance still had not run into any ghosts. Lance walked deeper into the ship, knowing he was near the stern. At this point, Koma would have found him. Lance didn't want to call out to the ghost as it would be difficult to explain who Koma was if he got caught. Lance placed his hand on the metal wall, focusing his aura on the walls and trying to get a layout of the ship. However, Lance could only feel strange energy coming from the training room. Lance blanched, not really wanting to deal with Captain Miric right now. Lance was still determining what he would do if Allura looked at Lance like Captain Miric did. 

"Paladins to the common room for a team meeting," Coran's voice rang out over the intercom. 

Lance sighs, heading to the common room to get this over with. Only to stop mid-stride. "Koma, where have you been?" Lance asks, his smile dropping when he notices the ghost's pinched face. "What's wrong?"

Koma flinched, raising her arms in front of her and waving them around. "Nothing, nothing, it's just well, ugh…." Koma was sweating. She wanted to tell Lance what happened, but Yenesek said to wait once the other ghosts mentioned that Lance would be breaking his secret today. 

"Koma, are you okay?" Lance asks, the ghost looking sickly. 

"Yah, yah, it's just well." Koma was drowning. She hadn't meant to get caught by Lance; in fact, this is why she came down this part of the ship, as Lance typically stays closer to the main areas. "It's been a weird night."

"Yeah, what happened here? Did something get in? The wards don't seem affected, but there's a weird energy by the training room."

Koma wanted to tell Lance the truth, but the only thing that was coming to her mind was to lie. "Yeah, well, ugh, Captain Miric wasn't too happy that a Galra was on the ship, and he and other ghosts left."

Lance scrunched his face in confusion. "He left?"

"Yup, yup, we had a whole discussion in the training room, and he said he wouldn't be here with a Galra and left, and many ghosts followed him." If Koma was alive, she would be sweating. Oh great, lions, could ghosts sweat? Lance could tell things others couldn't, so could he tell that Koma was sweating and lying. 

"So, they just left?" Lance pushes, "Ghosts that have been around for 10,000 years just up and left when one Galra comes aboard."

"I mean, you know how Captain Mirci is; he wouldn't have it," Koma says, knowing Yenesek will yell at her.

"No, I don't know how he is. I never get past the Pika phase," Lance knew something was happening, but he didn't know if he could deal with another issue this morning. Lance sighs and pitches his nose. "Is everyone here on this ship dead or alive safe?"

"Yes"

"Is whatever happened done, it won't be repeated."

"Yes"

"Do you plan on telling me what happened later when I'm not about to walk to my doom?"

"YES," Koma cries, "we just didn't want to add more problems right now." Koma clasps her hands in front of her, bowing her head. "I'm sorry."

Lance sighs. He has too many things on the back burner; he's going to burn something down. "Okay, if you are all safe and whatever happened has happened. We will hopefully talk about it after this meeting," Lance says, heading towards the common room. 

"It's really just the princess you have to get on your side," Koma says, happy to change the subject. "If the princess says you are fine to be a paladin, then the others can't say anything as it will be the princess and three paladins."

"It's the princess I'm most afraid of," Lance says, "I get the feeling Coran may take a bit of time, but hopefully, I will be better about the news."

"Hmmm, be careful about Coran," Koma says cautiously.

Lance groaned. "Why?"

"There was a rumor that Coran had a sister who was a death user when they were young. Nothing concrete, but you may bring up old wounds."

Lance deadpanned as he looked at Koma. "What?" The ghosts ask, not understanding that look. 

"You don't tell me anything anymore 'cause now I'm panicking, and I can't be panicking more than I already am. I'm gonna have a stroke." Lance says, running a hand through his hair. This morning was already going to be a mess, and now the ship was off, and this new information about Coran didn't make him feel any better. An image of Coran looking at Lance with disgust and mistrust had Lance squirming in his skin. It was too late to back down, and now it was more important than ever to tell the team, but god did not make it easier for Lance. 

"We are here for you, Lance," Koma says, standing tall next to Lance with so much strength in her voice that it settles some of Lance's nerves. 

"Thank you, Koma," Lance says honestly, still scanning the ship for any other oddities. 

"The black paladin is bringing the Galra to the common room," Yenesek says, stepping out of the wall to stand next to Koma. Koma stands straighter, slightly panicked, as Yenesek stares at her. 

"Does Allura know that?" Lance asks, walking back towards the common room, where the ghosts are in tow. 

"Yes, she is not pleased, but she understands a discussion must be made," Yenesek says calmly, although Lance can tell she is worried. You may want to hurry," Yenesek warns. "She asked the mice to find you."

Lance groaned. He loved the mice, honestly, but the number of times he had to watch out for them was annoying. He had made friends with the mice, distracting them with food and grooming sessions, but they had snuck up on him enough times talking with ghosts that it concerned him. What if they told Allura that the paladin was crazy and talked to himself? 'Well, which one is worse, crazy or a death user? 'Lance thought, trudging through the hallway.  

Is it wrong that Lance wanted the day to be over already? "Lance," Yenesek says, seriously stopping in front of the boy. Whatever happens on this ship, whether it's with the living or the dead, you aren't alone, and we will help whichever way we can." 

Lance smiles, "Thank you, Yenesek." Lance didn't walk any faster to the common room, but he walked with a straighter spine and head held high. 

Lance made it to the common room, and Koma and Yenesek stood outside while the wards kept them in the hallway. With a nod to the pair and a thumbs-up from Koma, Lance walked into the room. Allura and Coran stood in front of the room screen, Shiro and Ulaz were on one of the couches, and Pidge and Hunk were on the other side. Keith was leaning against the wall closest to Shiro, arms crossed and eyes burning a hole into Lance. 

Lance took a deep breath and marched forward, trying to remind himself that whatever happened here needed to happen now rather than later. "Very good of you to join us, Lance," Allura said, a pinched expression on her face, but Lance was sure that was more because of Ulaz than him. Lance was a bit concerned that Allura was wearing her space suit rather than a dress, wondering if she was preparing more for a fight than a talk. 

"Sorry about that," Lance says awkwardly, choosing to take only a few more steps forward, wanting to keep his path to the door clear. Lance takes the steps down to the couches but remains standing. 

"We need to discuss what happened yesterday," Coran stated calmly, trying to set the mood for this meeting. "Both about what happened during the battle," Coran says, looking at Lance, "and what happened afterward." Coran finishes looking at the red paladin, who still has his eyes on Lance. "Why don't we-"

Coran was cut off by Allura stepping forward. "You need to explain yourself, Lance." Lance only lowered his eyes, his head still high. "You abandoned your team. You ignored an order to return to the ship and retrieve your lion. You left your team to fight an enemy on their own when they were already at a disadvantage. You-"

"Are you done?" Lance asks, sighing. 

Allura's eyes twitch. "This isn't a game, Lance."

"This also isn't how you start a discussion. I didn't realize I was walking into a blaming session." Lance says, crossing his arm. Lance was so tired that he wanted to finish this, run to his room and just sleep. Lance wondered what he would do to make it up to Hunk and Pidge if he just word-vomited his secret and ran off to let them pick up the rest. 'No, we can do this,' Lance thought weakly, feeling like he would throw up. 

"No one is blaming anyone," Coran says, taking a step forward, hands out, trying to not raise the room's tension any more than it already had seconds ago. Princess, why don't we let Lance speak?" Allura huffed but settled her shoulders and remained silent, giving Lance a nod to continue even though her eyes showed how displeased she was. Coran enjoyed Lance's outspokenness but understands from personal experience that not everyone enjoys different personalities, especially those in power. 

"I'm not sure how to say it to both of you because both of you are gonna understand it differently," Lance says, tapping his forehead. Lance sighs. "Shiro and Keith, I'm gonna sound crazy, and you aren't gonna believe me, but keep an open mind. In the simplest terms, I'm a witch." Lance didn't stop, not even when he saw Shiro flinch at the word. He did his best to keep talking without looking at his teammates, focusing on his moving hand in front of him. "Everything you know about magic from the earth is most likely real, and yeah, I'm a witch 'cause my mom's a witch, and my dad is human. Everything, well, not everything. Most things that have been going on with me are related cause space is just whacked, and I'm trying to deal with it. Yeah, I couldn't tell you because, well," Lance glances at Keith's voice dying down; he was not gonna call Keith out. That was a separate conversation that would hopefully happen later. "Well it's complicated when you're stereotyped as a broom-riding wart having evil person." Lance finished lamely playing with his fingers, glancing at Hunk and Pidge. Hunk looked worried but encouraging, and Pidge looked utterly unimpressed. Lance grunted to himself. 'If she thinks she could have done it better, then she could have started this conversation,' Lance thought snarkily.

The room was silent, and Lance stood there ready to start word vomiting but stopped when Shiro just sighed. "Lance, we need you to be serious." Lance's stomach fell, but he tried to look on the bright side. He wasn't dead, and no one was angry yet. Lance knew the chances of him being outright believed were low, but man, did it still sting.

"Actually, Shiro," Hunk says slightly defensively, "Lance is serious. I've been his friend since we were little. Everything he says is the truth."

"You want us to believe in what magic," Shiro says calmly, looking between the two teens. "This is serious-"

"This is serious," Pidge interrupts, standing up from her seat. "Lance told me, he showed me. He's telling the truth."

"Why is it easy to believe in quintessence and not magic," Hunk says, standing beside Pidge, leveling their leader with a stare that would impress any commander. Lance looked at Shiro, who was still arguing with the two paladins, not mad but confused. He could take that; he expected some arguing. Lance again glanced at Keith and froze. Keith was staring at the blue paladin so intently. Lance didn't feel a killing intent on the red paladin, but the way Keith was hyper-focused scarred Lance. He had never had the red paladin's undivided attention, and at this moment, he wished he still didn't. The two Alteans were still quiet, most likely trying to figure out precisely what Lance was talking about since they had experiences with witches, mages, and quintessence users. 

"I've been going over how to explain myself over and over again, and maybe words just don't seem enough in this situation," Lance says, rolling his sleeves up on his arms slowly, silencing the argument between his friends and Shiro. "So I thought a demonstration would be better." Pidge's eyes widen, remembering her own demonstration, wondering if Lance would show them the ghost ships and if the boy would be all right with using that much magic after all the last time they found him passed out in the sand. Pidge opened her mouth to question him, but Lance just smiled at Hunk and Pidge, putting his hands out in a wait motion. "I heard that Altean'sAlteans at a young age go through a ceremony to check their quintessence; it was originally supposed to see if you had a high enough level to become a Sacred Altean or an Altean Alchemist, right?" Lance knew that Shiro and Keith were looking at him funny, but Komo was right. He had to explain himself to the Altean so they would understand. Ulaz stayed on the couch expressionless, but Lance could feel the Galra's curiosity, and honestly, the Galra's presence helped to calm Lance. 'They could both be hated by Allura together,' Lance thought, snorting to himself.

Coran blinked at the boy, wondering if he had ever told the paladin about such a ceremony. "Yes, lad, you are right." Coran wanted to question the blue paladin, but he waited instead. Based on how the human paladins were acting, this was a big deal.

"Do you still remember the color results?" Lance asks, bringing his hands out in front of him, fingers spread wide, and palms facing each other, twelve inches apart. Lance breathed in, pouring out his magic through his body and concentrating on his hands. He could feel the buildup. 'This is it,' Lance thought, taking a deep breath as he pushed the magic through his skin, settling it around his wrists, moving it towards his palms, feeling the coolness of his magic slither over his fingers, settling into the space in between his palms. The black, grey color of his magic present for everyone to see. 

"A Paki” Allura shouts, taking a step back. Coran is speechless, eyes still firm on the black energy swilling with grey tints dancing between his favorite paladins' hands. 

Lance looks at the two Alteans, who are stunned and shocked, and then glances at the two other humans in the room. Shiro gaped at Lance, focused on his hands, trying to process what he was seeing. Keith is no longer leaning on the wall and takes a hesitant step toward Lance. It took everything Lance had to not take one back. Even though some of Lance is sure that Keith is Galra and not a witch hunter, the doubt remains. He had only seen Keith's knife for a moment. What if he was wrong, and he just put not only himself but Hunk and Pidge in danger. It was a risk that Lance never wanted to take again.

"I have a Galra and a Paki on my ship," Allura screeches, taking a step back in bewilderment. 

"Don't call him that," Pidge shouts, standing in front of Lance. Hunk is slow to move, keeping an eye on everyone in the room, eyes glancing at Keith, who is only staring at Lance. Although Hunk never thought that Keith was a witch hunter, as the boy just seemed lost and not a part of a cult terrorist group, this would be the moment he could be wrong. Keith wasn't moving, and Hunk wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. 

"You two knew Lance was a Paki” Allura shouts, glaring at the two paladins that seemed unphased. 

"I don't know what a Paki is," Pidge shouts, bristling, "but I don't like how you're saying it."

"He's a death user," Coran says sadly, still processing what he had seen, something ugly settling in his gut as he stared at the lad and then turned towards the Princess. "Allura, please let's listen-"

"Listen," Allura practically hissed, "listen to what Coran," Allura shouted, staring at her advisor. "He's a Paki, no wonder we have been struggling so much. He's cursed." Lance didn't expect anything different, but again, it still hurt. He stopped the flow of his magic, watching as his magic flickered and disappeared, settling back to normal underneath his skin as he dropped his hand to his side. 

"Now, wait a minute," Shiro says, standing between the two, still confused about what was happening. Confused about what Lance just did and what it means. Did something happen to Lance? Did an alien teach him how to use quintessence? Shiro was so confused about what a Paki was, but Lance said he was a witch, and the only witch that Shiro knew about was Haggar. A shiver ran through Shiro at the thought of that witch, knowing one thing for sure that Lance could never be like her. "I'm not sure what is going on, but-"

"What's going on is that a mistake was made," Allura says, marching down toward her paladin. "There is no way a lion would have chosen a Paki as a paladin. The blue lion is the easiest to bond with, but this is unacceptable." 

Pidge stood tall in front of Lance, and as Allura marched towards the pair, Hunk stepped in front of the Princess, using the three inches he had on her to stare her down. "We don't need to yell, and you don't need to act like this," Hunk said, his voice and face calmer than the squirrely mess he was inside. 

Allura unconsciously shifted her shape to become at eye level with Hunk. "You have no idea how dangerous a death user is."

"I know more than you ever will," Hunk answers, flickers of nightmares and blood coming to the front of his mind. "And I also know there are worse things out there than a person gifted with death magic."

"Gifted," Allura yells, pushing herself further into Hunk's space. "They are bad omens. They are dangerous-"

"And whatever is dangerous just gets banished," Lance shouts, teeth clenched. "You took Alteans from their homes, from their families, made them outcasts because you didn't understand their quintessence." Lances stepped out from behind Pidge, stepping towards Hunk and the Princess. 

"My father would not have removed them if they weren't dangerous," Allura argued back, remembering the first time she witnessed a black quintessence: the hush that followed the ceremony, the guards taking the child away, and the parents crying. When she asked her father about it, he said it was necessary, that it was needed to keep Altea and its citizens alive. Her father would never have done something so cruel if it wasn't necessary. 

"Your father followed tradition, not fact," Lance shouted. Allura bristled and shoved the yellow paladin away with ease. Shiro stepped up to catch the teen, surprised by the force the Princess was showing.

"Hunk," "Princess," Coran and Lance shout simultaneously. Lance, being distracted, allowed Allura to reach out to Lance.  

"Lance," Pidge and Keith shouted. Lance's eyes widen in surprise. Allura's soul screams, 'It's your fault, it's your fault, bad luck.' Lance couldn't move too many emotions swirling around him. Coran's guilt and sadness shoving itself into Lance like a freight train. Lance feels Pidge grab his arm, tugging him back, but it's Ulaz who steps between the Princess and the blue paladin. 

Ulaz had tried to grab the Princess, but she evaded the hand choosing instead to move back then advance towards the Galra. "A paki cannot be a paladin. I will not have you put the rest of the team in danger," Allura shouts, fist clenched. Ulaz stood between the Princess and the green and blue paladin. Ulaz was utterly unimpressed by this show of leadership and, honestly, a bit confused. In all their research and digging, Ulaz had never heard of Altean's discrimination against certain quintessence users. If anything, everyone believed the Alteans were a welcoming and accepting race. Ulaz understands the hate and distrust towards him, but towards her own paladin, one that the universe had waited 10,000 years for, how she could try to dismiss the boy so quickly. 

"That's enough," Shiro shouts, hands still on Hunk, firm to keep the yellow paladin in place but not to force Hunk into submission. Hunk stayed by the black paladin but was ready to intervene, hand unconsciously grazing his bayard. "I don't know exactly what is happening, but we all need to calm down. Princess, please, let Lance explain himself and let us decide whether we trust him or not." Lance feels nothing but confusion from the black paladin, but Lance feels a bit disappointed that Shiro hasn't shut down his possible removal from the team altogether. 

"There is nothing to discuss," Allura says. Lance feels Mera's annoyance, growls erupting in his head.

"No offense, princess, but that's not your call to make," Lance says. Mera and Sunshine roar, bursting through the screen and startling everyone in the room except Lance and Hunk. "Whether you like it or not, the Lions have no problem with what I am, and unless this team wants me to leave-" Pidge cut off Lance. "You are not going anywhere. If Lance leaves, I'm leaving too, and so is Hunk." Hunk nods his head, agreeing wholeheartedly.  

Allura looked between the three paladins, watching as something clicked. "It was you," Allura said, eyes wide. You're the reason the black lion won't work." Lance wasn't sure how to explain that situation because, yes, it was his fault, but no, it had nothing to do with him being a death user. 

Lance stayed silent, which was the only confirmation Allura needed. "How could you leave Voltron defenseless like that? Do you have any idea what your actions could have caused? "Coran moved to stand behind the Princess, unsure how to proceed. 

"I stopped the Black Lion from telling Zarkon where we were," Lance shouted, ignoring that it was just a theory that Zarkon and Haggard had reached out to the lion. "First, you thought Ulaz did something to the Black lion just because he was Galra. The problem, though, isn't Ulaz being Galra or me being a death user. It's the black lion itself."

"Lance," Coran starts, gently grabbing the Princess and stepping closer to the blue paladin. Pidge takes a step forward, arms crossed, unamused. "Start from the beginning, please. What happened to the black lion?" 

"The black lion is still connected with Zarkon; it's confused about who its paladin is," Lance says, staring at Shiro, who looks like he was just sucker punched. "I think the black lion still misses Zarkon but knows the other lions won't accept him as a black paladin. When I got to this ship, I went to work putting wards around the ship", Lance says, stepping backward towards the walls but making sure he had eyes on everyone in the room. Lance placed his hand on the wall, pushing his magics into the wards so the intrinsic symbols in the wall shined momentarily. Allura looked at the room in disgust, Coran in surprise, but Keith and Shiro seemed numb. "The reason I fainted before meeting Ulaz was because something dark and twisted was pushing against the wards. It was wild," Lance says, massaging his lower neck, the feeling of having a cold blade pressed against it. "I put a spell on the black lion to stop Zarkon from finding us. It's only temporary; the empire will find us if Shiro doesn't get the black lion to fully give up Zarkon. I don't think I can put another spell on the lion." 

The room was silent. "Is that all you have to say" Allura seethes, "You used dark magic on a lion of Voltron."

"Death magic isn't dark," Lance shouts instinctively. "Even if it were dark, dark magic isn't evil." 

"I want you off this ship," Allura says, evenly cold, standing tall and sophisticated like a proper princess. "I will not have your curse affect this team any more than it already has." 

"Respectfully, Allura, that decision isn't up to you." If looks could kill, Lance would have been dead ten times over. The Princess's face pinched, but she said nothing else, straightening her back and walking out of the room. Coran looked between his Princess and the paladins. His mouth opened and closed before lowering his head, following the Princess in silence until he reached the door, pausing to look at Lance. His soul spoke out an 'I'm sorry, my boy' before walking out. 

"Well, that could have gone better," Lance says, trying to ease the tension in the room. "Could have also gone worse." Lance tilted his head back and forth. "I give it a C-," 

"Lance," Pidge says sternly. The green paladin was disappointed with not only the Altean's reaction but also that of the other two humans. They didn't do anything to defend Lance, even when he showed them proof of his magic. Ulaz did more for Lance than those two. 

Lance walked back down to the green paladin, Hunk shrugging out of Shiro's grip to meet the duo. Ulaz stepped aside to let the human pass, passively standing off to the side. "Are you good?" Hunk asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. 

"Good, not even close," Lance says, sighing, relishing the acceptance coming from Pidge and Hunk. Their souls whisper, "We've got you." Ulaz, although his soul was quiet, the comfort of his presence helped put Lance at ease. 

"Sooooo," Lance says, turning towards the other two humans in the room. "Anything you guys want to ask? "Shiro sits on the couch, both hands on his knees, looking down at the floor. Keith doesn't move; he just stands up straighter. Ulaz crosses his arms, one finger tapping on his arms. 

"It is strange, the Galra do not believe that death is dagerous but only the start of a new life. Those who were blessed with gifts by Death were celebrated, not banished." Ulaz stated calmly, "Not that we have had a death witch in a long time."

"Ew, no," Hunk says, making a small x with his hands. "Let's not say death witch that sounds so extreme. Death user already sounds weird, but it makes sense since we are using an ability given by death. Honestly, though, I like the official Earth title."

"What is the earth's title," Ulaz asks.

"Soul seer," Lance says, taking comfort in his title. 

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Shiro asks, only to face three teenagers' deadpanned expressions. 

"Because Allura handled it so well after getting to know Lance and having him be the blue paladin," Pidge says sarcastically, disappointed in Shiro. 

"You're handling it better than we thought, but Shiro, be honest. When I said witch, your mind went dark, didn't it," Lance says, remembering the flinch Shiro had when he heard the word witch. Lance hates that the first magic user Shiro ever met was Haggard. "Back in the Garrison, Hunk and I decided that we should tell Pidge; it took me a while to finally tell her when all of this," Lance says, gesturing to the ship, "happened. If it wasn't for the Blade, I don't know if I would have told you."

"Why?" Keith hissed, taking a step forward. Lance didn't like that Keith's soul was quiet; it was unnerving, but based on how tense Keith was, it looked like he was ready to jump at any minute.

"Ulaz," Lance says, glancing at the older Galra, remembering the calming aura he had shown the blue paladin. "You asked me what I saw on that ship; it was the most comprehensive intricate type of magic I had seen. Everything on that ship flowed, and the spirit I saw." Lance truly wishes he was better with his words so they could understand the unity and peace he felt in front of the Blade spirit. "They were all at peace, all together, working towards one goal. I want that for Voltron," Lance says breathlessly. "And that couldn't happen if I didn't tell you what I was. I had no idea how to explain to you that you and the black lion need a serious conversation without explaining how I know."

Shiro's expression became unsettled, and he intertwined his hands, leaning into himself on the couch. "How did I fail?"

"You didn't fail," Lance shouts, moving to stand in front of the older man. "It's complicated; the lions don't speak like we do. It's more emotions. Mera and Sunshine won't allow Zarkon to lead; they understand that Zarkon caused them to lose their paladin. The green lion feels more logical than emotional as if she just knows the Zarkon isn't the right choice. The black lion is just stuck between her paladin versus her pride."

"She's in a toxic relationship," Pidge says with a shrug. 

"Let's not make this a reality TV love drama," Hunk says again, giving another small x with his hands.

"Then don't have it sound like one," Pidge says, rolling her eyes. 

"Guys, focus," Lance says, taking comfort in the banter, glancing at Keith, who still hasn't moved or said much. "A lot has happened these last few days; you and the black lion just need to talk it out. I don't think she wants to let go of Zarkon because she wants to save him."

"Save him." Shiro frowned.

"I don't know what happened, but Zarkon couldn't have been the monster he is right now if he was a paladin. Something had to have happened, and she can't let go of that."

"Toxic," Pidge coughs into her fist, clearing her throat.  

"You just need to talk with her but can't force her. At the very least, try to get her to not give our location to Zarkon." Lance explains that he hadn't had too many opportunities to talk with the black lion, but from what he gathered from Mera and Sunshine, Lance could guess the lead lion's personality type. "Mera is very annoyed. I don't know what could happen if the Black lion keeps putting the rest of us in danger. The lions already saw what happened last time, they refuse to let history repeat themselves." The growl in Lance's head affirmed that he was right in his assumptions.

"If Zarkon is tracking the black lion. We cannot risk going to the Blade and leading the empire to our base." Ulaz says, concern present in his voice. 

"How long will this" Shiro paused, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Spell last." 

"It's weird, isn't it?" Pidge says, standing in front of Shiro. "Spell," Pidge says again, chuckling. You don't get used to it."

"Yes, you do," Hunk says, "Pidge just does it awkwardly."

"Well, excuse me for not being exposed to magic as a child," Pidge says, waving her hands around.

"Forgiven," Hunk and Lance say at the same time.

"Stop that," Pidge playfully slaps Lance. 

"Stop making it so easy, then," Lance says, shoving the younger girl. Pidge gives a fake, annoyed look, crossing her arms. 

"Magic could last anywhere between two weeks to a month. It depends on how much the lions fight against it." Hunk answers. 

"The faster we can-" Lance cut Ulaz off. 

"This isn't something we can push. Either the black lion chooses Shiro, or she doesn't. There is no force, no tricks, no fast pass to fix this." Lance says, "The good news is that it's just our locations that Zarkon can gather. It doesn'tDoesn't look like it's affecting any of our communications." 

"That being said, you're stuck with Allura's bad attitude," Pidge says, giving Ulaz a look before giving a shrug. 

"Pidge," Shiro says softly. "The Princess-"

"Is being a brat. She's not the only one who lost something to the Galra. You don't see us taking it out of Ulaz." Pidge pauses for a moment. "That being said, if you do betray us, just watch the war crimes I commit not only against you but your organization." No one was sure if Pidge was joking or not, especially when she did the 'I see you, you see me' hand gesture. 

Ulaz remained unfazed, not responding to the green paladin, but Lance could see Ulaz's shoulder settle just a little. Lance sighs a bit. "So I figured we can answer any more questions you have now, but obviously, questions are gonna pop up as days go on, but figured basics first," Lance says, looking at the green and yellow paladin, who nods. 

"Hunks gonna answer more because he's been in the game longer," Pidge says, crossing her arms.

Hunk squinted at the green paladin before shaking his head. "Pidge needs to practice her responses. Direct all questions to her." Pidge's mouth dropped open dramatically.

"You've been here for years; don't spring a pop quiz on me," Pidge says, pointing at Hunk.

"I have faith in you, young padawan," Hunk says, putting his hands together and bowing to Pidge slightly.

"Guys," Shiro says weakly, "Not right now." Shiro looks like he has aged several years, and the trio felt guilty. Shiro takes a deep breath, covering his face with his prosthetic hand. "Why don't we call this meeting? We can all take a minute to organize our thoughts and come back tomorrow with questions and a plan for the black lion."

Lance was a little miffed that they were still trying to make a plan for the black lion. Did no one understand that emotions and feelings can't be planned and dictated? However, staring at Shiro's face, Lance didn't have the heart to argue with Shiro. Lance was curious to know if the headache he was getting was his or Shiro's. 

"Sure," Lance says, "Let's take a moment for ourselves." Shiro nods and, without another moment, gets up and leaves the room. 

Ulaz stared at the black paladin and then back at Lance. "Well, I guess it's a prison break for you." Lance jokes, "If you want to stay in your ship, or we can get you a room."

"Let's not push the princess that far in one day," Ulaz says, in a tone that kind of sounded like a joke, but the face showed no signs of humor. "I will return to my ship for the day, try to contact the Blade with the equipment that I have."

"I can help with that," Pidge says cautiously. "In case anything needs fixing or updating." You could tell that Pidge was trying to extend an olive branch of sorts, and Lance felt better knowing that at least some of the team was trying.

Ulaz stayed silent for a moment, and Pidge was ready to backtrack her offer, but the older Galra nodded. "I could appreciate the help." Pidge smiled the back of her mind reminding her that this was also a clue to figure out what happened to her brother and father. 'I'm coming, Matt, Dad, just hold on a bit longer,' Lance heard Pidge's soul speak out. 

Lance watched the two leave the room, a suffocating silence taking over. "So ugh, I'm gonna go to the kitchen and see about meal time for later because something tells me we are still gonna be eating separate, "Hunk said, slowly looking at Lance to see if he was okay with the plan. 

"Yah, yah," Lance says uneasily, knowing that he still needed to talk with Keith and that it would be better now than later. Ugh, Lance's stomach was still swirling. Yenesek helped me a bit with those cookbook translations and labeling the food in the pantry. So maybe something other than slime tonight."

"Alright, cool," Hunk says, patting Lance on his shoulder, proud that he wouldn't run away. I'll grab it from your room." Hunk walks to the door, pausing to look at Keith and then back at Lance. "If you need me, you know where to find me."
 
Lance smiles, "Thanks, Hunk. I'll be there to help when I can." Hunk leaves the room, and Keith's soul remains silent. Lance takes a deep breath, turning to face Keith, only to shout in surprise when he sees the boy right beside him.

"How," Lance says, clutching his heart. You were over there brooding. How do you move so fast? Jesus," Lance mutters, glaring at Keith, who still says nothing. Are you gonna say anything?" Lance snaps, uneasy with how still and quiet Keith is. 

"So, you're a witch," Kieth says slowly, brows pinched together. 

Lance deadpanned. That was all the shorter teen had to say, truly. "Half witch, yes."

"Oh," Lance blinked, suddenly feeling angry. He was unsure what kind of reaction he wanted from Keith, but this was a letdown and annoying Lance. 

"Okay, you and I need to talk," Lance snaps, trying to breathe through his nose. "Like talk, talk. As in, bring up everything and talk with our words to clear some things up." Keith is still unmoving, just staring. Lance keeps going unsettled by Keith's attention. "So, ten minutes, meet me at the pool." Lance doesn't wait for a reply before rushing out of the room. Lance needs a minute before any more emotional talks. The lingering sensation of Keith's stare still pricks against Lance's skin.

Chapter Text

Keith watched as Lance walked out of the room, shoulders tense and slightly annoyed. Keith stayed in place for a moment, thoughts wrapping itself around every interaction Kieth has had with Lance.

'Lance is a witch,' ran through the teenager's mind. All the times he would talk to himself, his disappearing, the whole thing that happened with Xochmalica—it was all magic-related because Lance is a witch.

"That's so cool," Keith mutters to himself, a feeling of excitement coursing through him. Keith has always believed in the supernatural, enjoying researching cryptid creatures and everything in between. When he was a kid, Keith and his father would always watch different supernatural shows. Keith would beg his dad to let him dress up as different creatures for Halloween, sometime trying to get his father to let him stay dressed up for school. His father struggled so hard to find a Mothman costume for one Halloween, having to construct the black onesie with wings for Keith himself.

Keith felt jittery learning that magic and the supernatural on Earth were real. After all, believing in something and knowing it as a fact are two very different things. When Lance first dropped his news, he assumed the Cuban boy was making a joke and maybe even taking a jab at him. Keith had been panicking, wondering if the blue paladin had discovered his earth hobby of cryptid hunting and was trying to expose him in front of the team. However, when Lance showed his magic, Keith was super excited. Keith had a witch on his team, a real-life witch. It was amazing.

Keith understood why Lance didn't tell them sooner and held no ill will from the boy, especially after seeing how the Alteans reacted to it. After all, Keith understood that being an outcast in any form was difficult in their society. Keith's attitude alone kept him isolated from his peers; Keith could only imagine the discrimination associated with having magic. Numerous forms of anime, books, and TV shows told Keith everything he needed to about why Lance would hide.

What Keith didn't understand was why Lance looked so afraid of him. Had he ever given Lance the idea that he would be against witches? Keith tapped his foot, thinking, but the only thing he could come up with was a comment on Haggard here and there, but that couldn't be it. Haggard was evil. She hurt Shiro; of course, Keith could trash-talk that particular witch.

Keith wasn't sure how long he had remained alone in the common room, but finally, his mind rang out that he was supposed to meet Lance at the pool. "Shit," Keith whispered, rushing out of the room. Keith was still determining what to expect from this talk, but he was pleased about it. All he had wanted was to talk to Lance and clear the air, but how was he supposed to do that? Every time Keith talked, Lance would be annoyed; even when he agreed with Keith, he made it known that he did not enjoy those moments.

'I have to apologize for yesterday,' Keith thought, slowing his strides to a stop. Keith groaned. How was he supposed to apologize? He wasn't even sure why he acted like that in the first place. Keith had just seen Ulaz close to Lance and lost it, something in him screaming to get the Galra away from Lance. Keith knew that Ulaz wasn't hurting Lance, and even now, Keith knows that Ulaz isn't a threat, but the thought of the Blade member being that close to Lance annoyed Keith to the point of grinding his teeth. Lance was right; Keith was reckless and rarely thought before acting, but that was because Keith trusted his instincts more than his reason. Keith's instinct had never steered him wrong and saved him from some sketchy situations in foster care, but how could he explain that to Lance.

Keith paused for a moment in the hallway. 'Why couldn't he explain that to Lance.' Keith thought, looking down at his feet. Lance just put himself in hot water to help the team grow stronger. Lance stood in front of the entire team, knowing that Allura and Coran wouldn't accept him, so why couldn't he open up a bit and really talk to Lance about why he is the way that he is. Keith groaned, not liking this train of thought because it was reasonable, but everything in him was shouting no, don't show weakness, not to anyone, especially not to Lance. What if he told Lance what he really thought, and Lance thought Keith was childish and immature. What if Lance stops trusting Keith as a teammate?

Keith growled to himself; great, now he was doubting himself. The red paladin took a deep breath and began walking towards the pool. Regardless of how he felt, Keith would take this second chance.

Keith wasn't sure how long it took him to get to the pool, but he knew he wasn't on time. 'Not off to a good start,' Keith thought, stepping into the pool room. The lights in the room were low, but the pool itself was well-lit.

"Lance," Keith shouted out, looking around the room for the blue paladin. "Sorry I'm late," the teen said lamely, walking further into the room and closer to the pool. A towel and water bottle were close to the deep end pool edge.

Keith heard a splash, turning quickly to see Lance breaking the water's surface and taking a deep breath of air. "You're late," Lance said, shooting the teen a look. Keith awkwardly coughed into his fist, taking a step back.

"Sorry about that," The emo teen says lamely.

Lance looked at the teen before sighing and swimming over to the edge. Both teens stayed silent for a moment.

So, Keith decided to break the silence. "So why did you want to talk here?"

"I was feeling restless," Lance says, pausing momentarily and looking up at Keith. Dunking the bottom of his face in the water before lifting himself half out of the pull and then dropping himself back into the water. "I thought maybe this talk would be better if I could move around rather than standing awkwardly in front of each other." Keith nodded his head, finding the answer weird but acceptable. Lance would keep it to himself that if this talk went badly, he would have an advantage in the water rather than on land.

"Did you want me to change?" Keith asks awkwardly.

Lance shook his head. "You're fine. You can stay dry. I just needed this." Keith nodded his head, taking off his shoes and socks. He paused for a moment before removing his jacket and rolling up his pants. Keith didn't sit right next to Lance, keeping an arm's length between the two, which Lance was thankful for. He sat on the edge of the pool and put his feet into the water.

"It's warm," Keith comments when the silence becomes too much.

"Heated pools are the best," Lance says, resting his folded arms on the edge and turning to face Keith. Keith looked out into the pool, watching the water move and settle from Lance's last movement.

"I want to say sorry," both teens shouted at the same time, not looking at one another. Both teens paused, wiping their heads to face each other. "Why are you sorry?" they again said simultaneously.

Lance pursed his lips, wanting to go first but remembering his sister’s Victoria’s warning ‘Always let others speak first, it could drastically change how you were going to initially response.’

 "You go first, " Lance said carefully, his eyes squinting. "Why are you sorry?"

Keith sighed. "I'm sorry for attacking Ulaz and for everything I said." The first half of Keith's apology was strong, but the second part lost some of its conviction.

"You are sorrier about attacking Ulaz than what you said." Lance snorts.

Keith tensed momentarily. "I didn't say anything untrue; you were reckless." The red paladin spat.

"If you're not sorry for what you said, why apologize for it?" Lance grumbled. "And if you're sorry about attacking Ulaz, apologize to Ulaz." 

"I'm apologizing because what I said, although true, upset you," Keith said, crossing his arms.

"That whole situation upset me," Lance snapped back.

"Which is why I'm apologizing for it." Keith snapped, leaning his body towards Lance.

"You shouldn't apologize if you don't feel bad about it that just-" Lance trails off for a moment, staring at Keith. "Forget it, I accept your apology."

Keith's mouth opened for a moment before saying, "No."

"No," Lance says, confused and a bit irritated. 

"You can't accept an apology while still being upset, that's not the point of an apology."

"You also shouldn't give an apology if you don't mean it," Lance answers back, sighing. “But I know you're sorry, so it's fine." Lance ducks down into the water and disappears.

Keith waits for Lance to resurface, looking out towards the middle of the pool. "And how do you know I'm sorry, like truly sorry," Keith asks, with no venom, simply curious because Lance seemed so sure.

"I told you guys I was a witch but didn't really explain what type-"

"Soul Seer," Keith says casually, and Keith watches as Lance flounders a bit, staring at Keith wide-eyed. "You said that's your title on earth."

"Right, right," Lance says, wiping his face with his wet hand. "So, I guess we should have gone over what my magic was." Lance sighed.

"Death magic," Keith answers, remembering the words from earlier.

"Good memory," Lance mutters, swimming slowly toward the red paladin. "On Earth, there is one entity of death. Under the god of Death, different categories depend on beliefs and religions appear. Most people call them the angels of death. Death, at times, can give the living abilities associated with death. I was gifted as a Soul Seer, meaning that most of my magic involves the soul." Lance pauses, treading water in front of Keith.

"Okay," Keith says, making a hand motion to continue.

"Meaning I can see souls in the living and the dead," Lance says, looking at the water's surface. "Recently, since coming to outer space, I can hear the souls of the living, not all the time, just at times of heightened emotions."

Keith was silent for a moment, processing the information. Lance thought the red paladin was accepting the news pretty well until the water splashed, and Keith stood in a huff. "You've been reading my soul, " Keith shouted, red-faced.

That was more the reaction Lance was waiting for. 'Finally, a reaction,' Lance thought, watching as Keith was panicked. Anxiety running high, Lance's stomach turned something wild.

"It's not voluntary and not a normal thing," Lance says, trying to calm the red paladin down and see how red the paladin's face was. "I don't read anything; I can't look at you and hear everything you're thinking or feeling; I just hear random catches of it." Lance swims back, still looking at the water's surface, not Keith. "It's how I know Shiro's having a nightmare, his soul…" Lance trails off, wondering if this was a breach of privacy on Shiro. "It screams."

Lance glanced up, watching Keith for a moment. Keith looked hesitant, but his face was no longer red, more sober now that he knows that his brother was in pain deep down. The red paladin made a tch sound with his mouth and sat back down by the pool edge, crossing his arms as he bent his head. Lance couldn't see his face with his mullet in the way. "So, what have you heard from me." Keith says, putting emphasis on the word 'heard.'

 "Not much," Lance mutters, a bit frustrated about that. It would have been so much easier if Lance could read the emo teen any time he wanted. It would have helped settle his nerves. "I heard the apology that you wanted to give me but can't seem to be honest about with your mouth." Lance snapped, slapping the water.

"What did it say," Keith shouted, teeth clenched, feeling betrayed.

Lance scoffed. "It's your soul; you know what you want to say."

"What did it say," Keith shouted, growling, arms clenched tighter.

"It's your apology, an apology without embarrassment or anger, without worry about what you should say or how you say it." Lance snaps, feeling embarrassed himself as if he was caught reading Keith's diary or something.

Keith was silent for a moment. He should be happy that Lance accepted his apology and that he didn't have to pull his teeth out to give it to him. However, this annoyed him more; it felt like he was cheated out of an actual talk with Lance. "Can you turn it off?" Kieth asks honestly, afraid of anything else his soul might say.

Lane squinted and scoffed again "I wish. Like I said, on Earth, it was rare, but it's becoming more common in space."

"Why," Keith says, taking a deep breath and unfolding his arms.

"Balance," Lance says simply. "There should be a balance between life and death. When areas are unbalanced, experiencing one more than the other, magic itself will become unbalanced. This leads to different adaptations. This is just mine right now," Lance says.

"So, it can get worse," Keith asks, worried.

"It can become more unpredictable, yah. 10,000-year war doesn't lead to a balanced universe, so I'm sure it's gonna grow." Lance answers honestly, putting himself in a backfloat.

"The night I found you with Shiro," Keith says, letting his sentence fall silent.

Lance said, "I didn't hear Shiro; the ghosts told me that he was in the training room-"

"Ghosts," Keith questioned, voice a bit harsh.

"I did tell you the ship was haunted during that virus attack," Lance says, sticking a handout of the water and pointing.

"I thought that was something in the heat of the moment, not you confessing to be part of the supernatural." Keith huffs.

"To be honest, I did at first think it was a ghost possessing the gladiator," Lance says, turning his head slightly, being careful not to get water in his eyes. "Really thought the ghosts were rebelling."

"So, you are friends with ghosts," Keith says slowly.

"Some don't trust me like Allura; it's an Altean thing," Lance says sadly, wondering how the princess was doing for a moment.

"So, you had a ghost tailing Shiro," Keith asks carefully.

Lance tried not to take the question personally. "I don't have ghosts assigned to babysit anyone. They worry about us. They worry about Shiro, and as the leader of Voltron, they want him healthy." Lance explains, "Most watch the paladin that spends the most time in their area. Only a few ghosts wander around the entire ship."

"How many ghosts are there"

Lance shrugs. "Don't know. Like I said, some don't talk to me at all." Unless it was to insult the blue paladin and remind him that he was a Pika, bad luck. "But something happened last night, I can feel less on the ship today. I talked with some of them, but they were being dodgy." Lance stood upright, shaking his wet hair. "But they knew I was exposing my secret today, so they probably didn't want to add extra pressure."

"Of course, you can make friends with ghosts," Keith mutters, feeling agitated all over again.

Lance ignores Keith's comment and broaches the real reason for this conversation. "The first time I heard your soul was on Earth, though…on the bus."

There was a pause, and Lance didn't need his powers to feel the anxiety in the room grow. "What did you hear?" Keith says head bowed, teeth clenched.

Lance sighed, swimming slightly closer to the red paladin, who seemed tensed. "I heard you hoping that someone would sit beside you," Lance says honestly. "You looked so cool and collected on the bus; it surprised me when I heard your soul." Lance kept it to himself how unsure and small the soul sounded; how lonely kid Keith sounded. It had shocked Lance to hear a soul from a living person, seeing as how that had only happened a hand full of times at that point in his life. Lance couldn't help but actually listen and want to help the individual. "Hunk got sick and was planning to come to the Garrison later. It was my first time in a long time doing something new alone." Lance admitted, remembering his own anxiety as he got on the bus alone. "So, when I heard you wanted a seatmate, I got happy," Lance admitted, remembering calming down when he walked towards Keith because he knew that Keith was looking for a friend.

There was an awkward pause. "You remember the knife," Keith asked cautiously.

Lance snorted, causing Keith to look up. "All I could think about was that knife," Lance said, swimming back to the edge of the pool. The boys were about an arm's length away. Keith still had his feet dangling in the pool, and Lance had his arms folded over the edge of the pool, resting.

"On Earth, there are different creatures, some good, some bad. And some species are known enemies towards each other. Angels and Demons, Werewolves and Vampires, Witches and Witch hunters." Lance ends up flinching a bit. "I wasn't scared of your knife," Lance says firmly. "Been around knives my whole life. I was afraid of the symbol on your hilt.” Lance dunks a finger into the water and begins to draw on the stone edging of the pool. The water darkens the stone as Lance begins to draw the Blade symbol of the ground. "This is the symbol on your knife, isn't it," Lance asks, taking back his arm.

Keith looks at the symbol and nods his head. He has repeatedly seen and drawn that symbol, drawing comfort from it for ages. "Add a dash here," Lance says, cutting through the bottom at an angel. "Add a curve there," Lance says, swooshing his pinky, "And one symbol here. This is the symbol of a witch hunter; it doesn't matter which family; it is the universal symbol of all witch hunters." Keith was silent, staring at the new symbol, still able to see the Blade symbol.

Keith slowly looked at Lance, who appeared to be holding his breath. "You thought I was a witch hunter."

Lance nods, looking at the symbol on the ground, his hand shaking. "I only saw your blade for a second before you took it back and pushed me. I had so many thoughts running through my head, and I panicked. I couldn't settle at the Garrison until I knew if you were."

"You thought I would what," Keith growled, "kill you. I was thirteen, Lance. You said it yourself: I wanted someone to sit next to me, and then the next moment you think I'm a killer."

Lance bit his lip before sighing. He lifted himself out of the pool, being mindful not to get Keith wet. For a moment, both teens sat at the edge of the pool in silence, Lance having one of his feet in the pool and the other curled to his chest. "You can't tell Hunk I showed you this; it will upset him, and I haven't shown Pidge this either," Lance says, his hands fiddling with an ankle bracelet that Kieth hadn't noticed before. It was a silver chain with one circle charm, resting loosely on the blue paladin's ankle. Lance fiddled with the piece of jewelry before taking off the ankle bracelet.

Keith blinked in surprise when suddenly white scars appeared on Lance's feet and legs. The scars dancing up the teen's legs worked like spider webs, some scars thicker than others. A few splatters and blotches on the teen's hands and forearm. "What is this?" Keith says breathlessly, his hands twitching, wanting to reach out and trance one with his finger.

"Burn marks," Lance answers, running his hands down a thicker scar on his leg. "When I was twelve," Lance laughed bitterly, "I was stupid, I made a mistake. I trusted a ghost I shouldn't have." Lance stopped feeling a knob in his throat. "She tricked me, and she used me to hurt some of my classmates," Lance remembers the cold feeling taking over his body, recognizing the helplessness he felt when his hands were wrapped around one of his bullies' necks. The sickening joy and horror he experienced watching life slowly leave a person's face with his own hands. Remembering the sickening sound as he broke some kid's arm that tried to stop him, Lance had never been more thankful at that moment for Marco being more muscular than him. Marco had stopped possessed Lance from killing anyone, dragging Lance home and getting help to perform an exorcism against the ghost that wanted Lance's body. Lance hadn't thought that he, a death user, could be possessed; he had been careless. His family had cleaned up his mess, using magic to make the boys believe that they had been fighting each other rather than Lance. What Lance didn't know was that he was already on a witch hunter's radar, and the incident had put Lance on his list. It was Lance's fault for believing he could pretend nothing happened. After two weeks of recovery, he wanted to go to school and wanted everything to go back to normal; he should have known better. "Still don't know how, but a witch hunter found out about the incident. One day, Hunk and I are walking home from school, and the next thing I know, Hunk has a knife to his throat. A knife with that symbol on it.” Lance says tapping the drying drawing on the floor “He told me if I didn't want Hunk hurt to go with him. I did." Lance gives a bitter laugh. "Another stupid mistake. I woke up tied to a wood stake, and that should have been the scariest moment of my life. Until I saw Hunk tied to a stake across from me." Keith said nothing, but his heart was pounding in his ears, and his mouth opened a bit in silent horror. Lance cleared his throat, trying to suppress the panic inside. This was just a story now; the nightmare was over. He could at least find the courage to tell this story. "He called Hunk a race traitor and said I ruined him with my magic, and this would be the only way to set him free," Lance remembers the eyes of his attackers, wondering why a man with such hate in his heart could have such nice light brown eyes.

Kieth chewed on his lip momentarily and hesitantly asked, "Then what happened."

Lance gave a grunt. "He set me on fire, obviously," turning to face the boy, legs on full display. Stretching the closet leg towards Keith to show off more of his scars, trying to be at ease about it when really all he felt was sick. Keith felt stupid for asking such a question, but it got Lance to keep talking. "What I didn't know was that my cousin was tracking this witch hunter. She saved me…well, us. I found out later that the hunter that attacked us had been killing children for the past 6 months. He burned 12 children alive. The youngest was five, and the oldest was fourteen. I didn't think anyone could watch someone burn alive, let alone do it themselves. So yeah, Keith, to answer your question, I did think a thirteen-year-old witch hunter could kill me." Lance stares hard into Keith's eyes, wanting him to understand where he was coming from, wanting him to understand that his fear was valid. “At that point of my life I believed that there were real monsters out in the world that could do unimaginable unspeakable things to others.”

Keith didn't argue guilt and sadness hitting the emo teen; his eyes still traced the scars on Lance's legs. The blue paladin felt subconscious and turned his legs back towards the pool. Aware that the scars were still visible but less on display. "He burned us with special oil. Old shit that works wonders on keeping the flames nice and hot. My cousin got me to a healer as quickly as she could, but even with constant healing sessions and complicated charms, the scars remained. So, my cousin made me this." Lance says, showing the charm off before placing it back on his ankle. Keith watched in fascination as the scars disappeared and the even shade of brown spread throughout Lance's skin, not a blemish in sight.

Again, silence other than the occasion splash from Lance's feet. "Does it hurt?" Keith asks, looking out over the pool. Suddenly aware of just how much he was staring at the Cuban boy.

"Not anymore; it took a lot of healing sessions, bed rest, and bandages. Couldn't walk for a month and a half. Now my skin just gets dry, but skincare is amazing nowadays." Lance says another dry chuckle. Trying to forget those days, surrounded by healers, immersed daily in healing springs on the Outcaster's island, having to be carried from his temporary room to a well anywhere. Hunk demands to stay by his side, even though the Outsiders hate humans. Hunk tried to cry silently to himself so as not to upset Lance. The nightmares were worse, Lance's mind always showing him Hunk getting burned alive, his cousin unable to save either one of them. Sometimes, it wasn't Hunk. Sometimes, it was his siblings or his cousins. Lance would choke on the smoke, forced to listen to the screams of the people he love and couldn’t protect. After learning about his other victims, Lance saw them, too. However, Lance wasn't sure which part was worse, the healing process or the blood debt trails.

"You were almost burned alive," Keith mutters, his hands tightening into fists. After his father died, Keith learned a lot from the foster care system, but no one had ever tried to set him on fire. Sure, maybe Keith got yelled at or hit with a wooden spoon; heck, he even had one of his foster parents come at him with a belt, but to burn a child. Keith felt nauseas.

"I guess you had a good reason to be scared of me," Keith says slowly, trying to keep his tone right and lighten the mood.

Lance stared at Keith, and for a moment, Keith thought maybe he had screwed up again, but Lance gave a weak smile seeing Keith try. "Oh, is it now."

"Yeah, it is," Keith says, a tad bit more sorrow-filled than he would have liked. 

Lance sighed, leaning onto his knees, scrunching over like a cat trying to stretch his back. "But we both know that knife doesn't belong to a witch hunter, " Lance said cautiously.

Keith freezes for a moment, side-eyeing Lance but not turning his head. "Yup," Keith says, "sure doesn't." Keith could talk about this. Lance just shared something deeply personal, something he hadn't even shared with Pidge yet—he could talk about his knife.

"You really gonna make me ask," Lance says, finishing his stretch.

"You can if you want," Keith says, this time turning his head to face Lance's blue eyes.

"Why do you have a knife that belongs to the Blade," Lance says evenly, happy to have the focus off of himself.

"It belonged to my mother," Kieth answers, gripping the pool's edge with a death grip. "That's all my father ever told me before he died." Lance nods his head, feeling that Keith wasn't hiding anything from him. Lance knew Keith was an orphan it was a common attack for Keith at the Garrison, but Lance was too tired to delve deeper on the death of Keith’s dad.

"Could you…" Keith stopped, eyes squinting, lip caught between Keith's teeth.

"Could I what?" Lance asks, eyebrow raised.

"Could you talk with my dad and ask?" Boy, did Keith feel silly asking such a question. There was a small bit of hope in him, wondering if he could talk with his dad again.

"Unfortunately, no one can do that...well, no one should," Lance says, guilt hitting him when Keith's eyes dimmed a bit. "If a soul is crossed over, it's dangerous to try and force them back to this plane. If he was still around haunting a place, then sure, why not, but I've never felt another presence with you."

"Oh," Keith says, trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice. Keith knew it was a long shot, but it still hurt.

Lance panics a bit wondering if he just made Keith feel abandoned again. "Just because he's not around you doesn't mean that he isn't watching over you." Lance says quickly. Lance bites his lip, sighing to himself internally. "Can I ask how your dad died?"

"He was a firefighter," Keith says, not going into any more detail.

"Ahh," Lance says, not wanting any more information. "A lot of death probably around, he probably got swept up in the crossing."

Keith looked at Lance confused. "When there are multiple deaths, angels of death basically scope the souls into crossing over as too many souls in one area can lead to soul eaters, basically monsters that eat souls. So, souls don't get a chance to hang around; from my understanding, it's a quick process. The soul is so confused it willingly follows and doesn't realize what happened. Natural disasters, war zones, shootings, anything with large causalities. Most souls that are able to stick around and haunt people are accidental deaths, one death alone, or those that had such a troubled life or terrible death that they will fight angels of death to stay. Most death angels don't fight very hard to cross stubborn ghosts over. Their jobs are never-ending. If a soul wants to risk being eaten, that is on them. They don't have time to coddle ghosts."

"Isn't that their job?" Keith asks, giving a what the heck expression. Now afraid that his father’s soul wasn’t well taken care over.

"It's why we were made Soul Seer and Balancers. We are responsible for the stragglers." Lance says.

"How many of you guys are there?" Keith asks.

"I've met two other Soul Seer. My cousin is a Balancer, but I'm unsure how many of us actually exist," Lance says, taping his chin. One Soul Seer met Lance when he was a baby, basically telling his parents what he was; the other, his cousin, found and basically dragged to Lance to try and help him with his gift. Her name was Mi Cha, and she was furious with Essie for dragging her from her home, but Essie wasn't someone to test. Mi Cha had stayed for about a week, basically telling Lance what he already knew from his Nana and telling him that he would need to figure out the rest himself. When Essie discovered that Lance had dismissed Mi Cha, allowing her to return home to Korea, her eyes had gone red. Lance was almost afraid that Essie would hunt the Soul Seer down, but thankfully, she didn't at Lance's instant.

"That is for the entire world. How the fuck does that work" Keith shouts, leaning toward the Cuban boy. "You're practically set up for failure."

Lance shrugged. "It's not like I have a quota to fill. I just do what I can. Although out here, it's been a bit more of a mess." Lance says, sighing as he lifts his head to the ceiling. "But we aren't here to talk about my job. Stop trying to change the conversation. How are you feeling right now?"

Keith shrugged. "Not big deal."

Lance whipped his head to the red paladin, giving himself a look. "Really, you discovering that your mother's knife belongs to the Blade, leading to the possibility that you could have some affiliation to the Galra race, is no big deal."

"Well, I hadn't said it like that before." Keith grunts, not looking at the Cuban boy.

"Oh, I'm sorry. How have you been processing it?" Lance says, watching the Red Paladin clench his jaw, his fist tightening a second later. 'Clearly hasn't' Lance thought, ache in his right hand appearing. "Other than apparently using your fist."

Keith quickly looked at Lance, eyes narrowed. "You really need to stop hearing my soul."

"I couldn't if I wanted to," Lance said. "I didn't hear anything; I felt your hand pain. It's a new thing since we've been in space. I'm not sure if it's because of the lion or my gifts," Lance says with a shrug. “But seriously, what did you do with your hand? It's throbbing."

"Don't worry about it," Keith snaps, hiding his hand as if that would stop Lance from feeling his pain.

Lance rolled his eyes. "Sure, sure, emo boy. Just get it checked out with Coran."

At the mention of the Altean, Lance became silent. He took a deep breath and jumped back in the water, letting the rush of warm water surround him before coming up for air. "So, what's your plan, Keith."

"What plan"

"You're plan"

"For what" Lance deadpanned at the red paladin.

"For telling the team you may be part Galra," Lance says obviously.

"We aren't telling them anything." Keith hissed. "We don't even know if it's true."

"I find coincidences to be smaller and smaller as time goes on. You've got a knife that matches the Blade, and your handprint was able to open doors on Galra ships." At Keith's dumbfound expression, Lance snorted. "Yes, I remember, it wasn't the main focus at the time, but I do remember."

Keith felt a little happy knowing that Lance was paying attention to him, but of course, he had to pay attention to this turmerol. "Zarkon told me I fight like a Galra solider," Keith mutters.

Lance tilted his head back, treading water slower, looking at Ulaz's and Kieth's fighting styles. "I could see that," Lance said, looking over at Keith, who looked betrayed. “It's a fighting style. I'm not saying that your part of the Empire relaxes," Lance said, sending a small splash toward Keith.

Keith pouted, not at all comforted by Lance's words or even happy with getting slightly wet. "I mean, we might as well. Allura is already upset, so why wait? Your lion is picky, so it's not like she can actually send you away."

Keith thinks back to when he came in physical contact with the druidic quintessence, and his hand started to turn slightly purple. "What was that?" Lance says, swimming closer to Keith and treading in front of the red paladin.

"What was what?" Keith said, feeling a bit trapped and leaning back. 

Lance didn't want to tell Keith that sometimes he gets visions. This boy seemed to be more freaked out about his privacy being invaded, which is fair, but it's not like Lance actively tries to read them. Lance had seen Keith's hand turn purple, feeling the anxiety spike of the red paladin and then the skin turning back to a human color. Lance wasn't sure when that had happened, but it seemed Keith had a suspicion about himself for a while.

"You zoned out there," Lance settled on, not completely a lie.

Keith squinted his eyes, but let it go. "Just connecting everything."

Lance nodded his head, deciding that now would be a good time to take a break. Lance dunked himself into the water, swimming to the pool's deep end or at least trying to. Lance didn't know how deep this pool was, but he hadn't reached the bottom, and his lungs were starting to burn.

Keith's mind was racing, watching the outline of the blue paladin as he continued to swim deeper. Keith wanted to stay upset at Lance for ostracizing him and for picking what he assumed were unnecessary fights, but how could he? Keith had nightmares over and over of his father burning alive or making it out alive just to die with smoke in his lungs. Those terrified Keith to stop sleeping for days, how can he tell Lance that his suspicion and fears were invalid. It helped that Lance didn't hate Keith for Keith, but rather because he thought he was associated with bad people.

Lance was also acting relevantly well to the fact that he could be and is most likely Galra of some sort. If Lance was okay with it then Pidge and Hunk would be fine, especially since Pidge seemed to be warming up with Ulaz. Shiro was adamant about Ulaz being good, but Keith still wasn't sure if Shiro would be okay with someone like a little brother to him being Galra. That was a lot of ask. Allura and Coran were in a spiral over Lance, he didn't want to know what this news would do. Coran didn't even defend Lance, who was his favorite.

Keith was so in his thought that he didn't notice Lance had already resurfaced and clinging to the wall beside him. "So, this is how Hunk felt?" Lance mused to himself, watching Keith stare intently into the water's surface. Lance really wanted Keith to tell Allura and Coran maybe not today, but soon. It would make it impossible for Allura to get rid of two paladins, and now that one bad piece of news has been dropped, why wait for them to get over it and drop another one?

Keith seemed to blink to himself, snapping out of his daydream, panic crossing his face as he looked around. His eyes settled on Lance next to him. Lance raised an eyebrow. "Hi," Lance said, giving a little wave. "Are you back?"

"Yeah," Keith says a little breathlessly, staring at Lance.

Lance nods his head, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Well, I think this is a good note to end this conversation," Lance says, lifting himself out of the pool next to Kieth.

"We haven't even really talked," Keith says, standing up slowly.

"Sure, we did; I mentioned a traumatic moment that explained why I was mean to you; we talked about my magic and your secret identity. Can only talk so much before we both take a turn and ruin this moment."

"You didn't actually apologize," Keith said, crossing his arms.

"Yes, I did," Lance says, walking to get a towel.

"No, we both said sorry, and I explained what I was sorry about because you didn't like my apology," Keith explains.

"It wasn't a real apology," Lance says, drying off his arm.

"It was," Keith snapped, "You accepted."

"And you got mad that I did," Lance says, placing the towel around his neck.

"But you didn't apologize fully."

"I explained myself." Lance points out.

"Not an apology," Keith says, double downing.

Lance pursed his lips, humming. "Alright, fine," Lance says, walking over to Keith and staring the boy in the eye. Lance placed a hand on Keith's shoulder, grip firm. Keith startled over the contact. "Keith Kogane, I'm sorry." Lance stared straight into Keith, wanting him to understand his sincerity. "I'm sorry for making jabs and picking on you because I let my fear take over. I'm sorry for any negative feeling I gave you." Silence as Keith is lost in Lance's eyes again. Heat rising to his cheeks and ears, Keith tries to back up. However, Lance tightens his grip, forcing the teen in place. "Do you accept my apology?"

"Yes, yes," Keith shouts, "I accept," knocking the teen's hand away and stepping back, embarrassed.

Lance smiles, and it's easy and light. "Good," the tall teen says, walking towards the locker room. "But just know that doesn't change anything. I still think you are reckless and hot-headed. That you charge with no regard to your safety, but you are a hell of a pilot on Earth or in space." As the door opens, Lance pauses to stare at the red paladin, who seems frozen in place. "So Galra, witch or human, you are still my rival."

Chapter Text

Hunk was stress-cooking; it was the only way he could describe it. The meeting had gone well, not as good as he had wanted, but no one was injured. Hunk rolled his shoulder; well, almost no one was injured. It had taken Hunk by surprise to be thrown so easily. He had known the princess was strong, but she tossed him like a rag doll. Hunk stopped stirring, pausing for a moment while he got his head together.

It was nice to be alone for a moment, truly alone since Hunk had asked for wards around the kitchen. No ghosts or ghouls, just him. Hunk was proud of Lance coming out to the team, but hated how he couldn't do anything to help his friend. Even though Hunk vaguely remembered going for his bayard, however, if he was being honest with himself he wasn't sure if he could actually use it against Allura. Hunk hesitated and he felt guilty for that.

'Hesitation will get you killed,' Hunk hears from behind him. Hunk sighs refusing to turn around. "You're not real," Hunk says, going back to stirring the purple cubed meat in a bowl with a brown marinate.

"It doesn't matter if I'm real or not; you're the one that keeps bringing me back." The voice says. "What did the doctors say, auditory hallucinations from trauma. Trauma," The voice scoffed. "I tried to save you." Hunk knows that he should stop talking to this voice; it isn't real; it is all in his head. "You tried to set me on fire. You succeeded with my best friend."

"Meh, your friend is still alive, so I didn't succeed, but look at that—even away from Earth, people know how dangerous your little friend is." The voice retorts. After all, if it wasn't for your friend, you wouldn't be here right now you could be nice and cozy in your little house with your human family."

Hunk glances to his right, reading the scribble of Lance's handwriting translation, and goes to the counter to look for a label called frundemat, something close to rosemary, apparently. "I'm exactly where I need to be." Hunk believes that with his very soul, even if he would have rather been on earth.

"Really you sure about that. You're a bystander; you stood there when I had a knife to your throat and didn't even fight back. Couldn't do anything to save your friend. Hell, even now, dressed in armor and some supped-up weapon, you still couldn't save your friend. You're a bystander, not a hero."

Hunk found the spice, taking a whiff from the container. It did smell like rosemary. Hunk wondered if he should make a five-spice salt mix for a later one when he gets the hang of these ingredients.

"It's rude to be ignore people."

"It's rude to set kids on fire."

"Touche"

The voice stops, and Hunks eyes get watery. The gentle giant puts the spice on the counter pausing for a moment, taking a deep breathe before slamming his hand on the counter. Taking a deep breath when the sting of his palm is registered. "He's not real," Hunk mutters. "It's all in your head. He's not a ghost or anything magical; it's just a response to my PTSD." Hunk takes a deep breath, closing his eyes. "Alpha killed him and made sure his soul went to hell.” Hunk closed his eyes “You saw him in hell, It's not a ghost, it's just trauma."

Hunk hasn't heard that man's voice in a long time, but to be fair Hunk has not ever felt this emotionally weak since the incident. Hunk remembers the first time he heard the disembodied voice it had told Hunk that he was coming back to kill Lance. Hunk had been so scared that he had gone to Lance's cousin, screaming about his ghost. The Alpha had been concerned but assured Hunk that the witch hunter was gone, body and soul. Hunk is mortified now for how he clung to the older woman, telling her that she was wrong. Alpha cleansed the area to placate the young boy, hung more wards, and even gave Hunk a yellow ribbon with a protection spell over it for Hunk to wear. However, Hunk still heard that monster's voice. During one of Lance's healing sessions, the Alpha took Hunk to a healing session of his own.

That's where Hunk met Amista, an Elf that at first glance seemed closed off, but one that helped Hunk overcome his own nightmares. Amista was the first to ask Hunk if he wanted to forget all of this, a sentiment that confused the young boy. Amista clarified if he wanted to go back to being a normal human, they had the ability to do that. To make Hunk forget about everything, but that it would cost him Lance. Hunk declined then like he would decline now, but he would give almost anything to be sitting in Amista's Garden sipping hibiscus rosehip tea. Hunk wondered if there was any sort of tea in the pantry.

Hunk works in silence, relishing in the true silence, mind only focused on his food and nothing else. There was no ghost, no monsters, no war in his little kitchen. Just Hunk trying a new recipe. Hunk finishes the recipe placing the meat in the oven, the vegetables cleaned and cut with the dressing a blue color in the fridge just waiting for prep. Hunk finally sits down on one of the barstools a glass of water in hand. Hunk still relishes in the silence, enjoying the peace. Sunshine purrs in his mind, and for a moment Hunk can feel the sun on his skin and bathes in the warmth. 

Maybe instead of tea, he should make some lemonade. Hunk breathed deeply, sipping his water and getting a whiff of the cooked meat, excited at the good smell. There was a knock at the kitchen door. Hunk tried not to frown at the intrusion, instead calling out, "Come in."

It was Lance, his hair wet, a towel wrapped around his shoulder, already in a pair of PJs. "You look comfortable, " Lance said softly, walking into the room, mindful of his volume.

"It was a nice way to wind down." Hunk answers taking a drink.

Lance nods his head and walks to the pantry. Lance scans the spice cabinet pulling a few out, before walking to the stove. Lance digs through another set of cabinet pulling out something that looks like an elaborate glass tea kettle. Lance smells the spices, and Hunk watches as he creates his own blend of tea. The first spice looks like dried oranges but makes the water green; the second looks like sunflower petals and makes the water red; a few other ingredients get tossed, but Hunk's view is blocked. Hunk watches as Lance creeps throughout the kitchen, even his steps silent. Lance leaves the glass kettle to simmer. Hunk watches the dancing ingredients in the kettle, and the brew slowly turns a light purple.

Lance doesn't sit next to Hunk; rather, he leans on the counter opposite the yellow paladin. Hunk wonders if he should ask how his talk with Keith went, but Hunk fears his peace will be gone. However, Lance also seems happy to relish in the silence.

Lance finds some teacups, takes the tea off the stove, and carefully pours the purple tea into two cups carefully placed on saucers. Lance hands the teacup in front of Hunk, careful to give Hunk his space. Lance knows that he is stressing the paladin out, but Lance is always amazed at Hunk's ability to self-soothe.

Hunk took a sip of the tea—he always enjoys hot, burn-your-tongue tea—while Lance preferred it lukewarm. Hunk slides out the bar stool next to him, saying, "It's good." While continuing to drink, Lance happily skips over to the bar stool and takes a seat. The two friends sit in silence, enjoying their tea, taking in the smell of a home-cooked meal, and just enjoying the small accomplishment of the earlier day.

Pidge and Ulaz are working in silence, but it's anything but comfortable. Pidge was dying inside. Normally, when she was working on something, she either had Lance and Hunk talking in the background or her music blaring, but this was just awful. Who enjoys working quietly? Apparently Ulaz, as he didn't seem to have any problem with the silence. Pidge was sitting on a stool close to the entrance of the ship with her laptop on her lap.

Pidge was doing her best to learn the Blade technology on the fly, as the ship had a different program than the Empire. "Do you need help, Green Paladin?" Ulaz asked, standing on the other side of the ship, rewiring something underneath the mother panel. Although Lance and Ulaz had escaped, it seemed that the ship had received quite a bit of damage on the posterior side of the ship and the right side of the wing.

"No, no, I got it," Pidge squeaks out, jumping a bit at the introduction of noise.

There was another pause before Ulaz pulled out from underneath the panel and stared at the young girl with his pupilless eyes. "There is no need to push yourself," the older Galra said. “If you would rather work with your teammates, you may leave."

"Push myself?" Pidge asks, pushing her glasses up her nose. "Your code isn't that difficult that I consider pushing myself. You're a good teacher; it's just new, so I'm not—" Pidge cuts herself off. "You're not asking about the work." Pidge taps her laptop for a moment.

Ulaz was quiet, "I will scan our database for your family records. There is no need to force yourself to be here."

Pidge narrowed her eyes, closing her laptop shut. "If Lance and Hunk were here, they would tell me that I should thank you for being considerate of my feelings, but they're not, so I'm going to tell you I'm annoyed that you made an assumption and put me in the same category as Allura." Pidge stood up placing her laptop at her seat and walking over to the Galra who was still on the ground. "Next time you're concerned about my attitude, ask what's wrong. Don't assume you know anything about me."

Ulaz was still expressionless but spoke hesitantly, "You smelled in distress."

Pidge blinked, her annoyance gone, as she tried to process Galra's statement. "You smelled me?" Pidge asked slowly.

Ulaz nodded. "It's an unpleasant smell, so I offered you to leave for just as much my benefit as your own, " the older Galra said, sitting up. Pidge was annoyed that he was almost at eye level with the human girl even though he was on the ground. "My assumption was based on a fact of information I had, " the Galra said, a small tug on his lips. Pidge felt her eye twitch. Is this Galra making fun of her?

"You were still wrong," Pidge says childishly.

"I apologize," Ulaz says, bowing his head slightly, eyes closed. "Then may I ask why you smelled in distress."

Pidge pursed her lips still not liking that the Galra can supposably smell them. "I don't like quiet. I don't work well with quiet, but it seems you like quiet."

Ulaz nodded. "Yes, I prefer to work silently, but we can play music if you like."

Pidge was going to recommend getting her headphones but was curious. "You have music."

"We are a race of highly intelligent warriors, not barbarians. We have music," Ulaz says, standing up, sounding like a grumpy old man then actually offended. Ulaz tapped away at the keys pulling up different Galra symbols until one stayed on the screen. The speakers crackled as if it had been a while since they had been turned on. Finally, some drums start to play through. Pidge waited, but it seems it was all instrumental. The flow of strings and drums reminded Pidge of Capoeira music. Lance had been obsessed with capoeira fighting, when the Garrison had added it for their PE class for a cultural inclusion month.

"Is this acceptable?" Ulaz asks, looking down at the earth girl.

Pidge did not like this height power dynamic, crossing her arms and saying, "Yes this is fine." Pidge went back to her stool carefully balancing her laptop as she moved it closer to the panel Ulaz was working on. "But back to smelling me."

Ulaz tapped on the computer a bit more, most likely running a diagnostic, before returning to the grounds and underneath the panel. "Can humans not smell?"

"We can, but not our distress," Pidge says, returning to coding and feeling the beat of the music.

"How else would you know if someone is in distress," Ulaz asks, voice muffled.

"Facial features, body language." Pidge answers.

"All can be trained to lie," Ulaz points out.

"Fair point. Can people not change their smell?"

"One can hide their scent, but to alter their smell would require chemical modification, which is frowned upon." Ulaz answers, "However, some medication can be used to lessen the abundance of one's smell."

"Why?"

"Some alpha and omega have very powerful smells. It can be distracting, and it could expose our position."

Pidge tilted her head. "Alpha and omega?" Pidge asks.

"What about them," Ulaz asks, stopping his work to look at the Green Paladin.

"What do you mean by Alpha and omega?" Pidge asks, only remembering the Alpha title talk from Lance.

Ulaz tilted his head. "The secondary genders." There was silence between the two. " Your species doesn't have secondary genders?"

"We have genders that can get confusing depending on who you ask," Pidge says cautiously, not wanting to confuse the alien with the political/woke talk of Earth gender. "But no, nothing called secondary genders."

"Interesting," Ulaz says. "Your team has distinct smells of secondary genders."

"So many new questions," Pidge mutters, closing her laptop and sliding to the floor to sit next to Ulaz.

Ulaz stared at the girl for a moment, wondering if he should have just kept their work silent. "Such as."

"Secondary gender, lets start there."

"Galra have three main first genders, a male, a female, and a bugalis. Bugalis mean they have both characteristics. Secondary genders include Alpha, betas, and omega. Alpha's are typically stronger and bigger than the other genders, typically the protectors. Betas are typically the average Galra; some can be betas with some alpha or omega characteristics, but their hormone level base is not enough to be classified as an Alpha or Omega. Omega's are the caregivers, typically classified as more fertile than the other genders, and sadly, depending on who you talk to, they can be seen as the weaker gender."

"That's some heavy healthy class you have to give," Pidge says leaning back. "So, what do we smell like?" Pidge asks curiously.

"You smell like a Beta," Ulaz says.

Pidge crossed her arm. "Wow, way to call me basic." Ulaz turned to look at the girl. "It's a joke Ulaz." The older man still seemed confused. "Never mind continue."

"Shiro smells of an Alpha-" "No surprise," Pidge mutters, Ulaz giving the girl another look. "Sorry, sorry, continue."

"Shiro smells of an Alpha as does the yellow paladin. Your red paladin is tricky but smells like an Omega."

"OMEGA" Pidge shouts, cackling. "Keith smells fertile." Pidge started laughing trying to picture Keith as a caregiver. Picturing reckless fighter pilot fight with your fist Keith as a daycare worker had Pidge in a hit of giggles.

"I'm sorry, truly," Pidge said, trying to control herself. "But when you get to know Keith a bit more, you'll think it's funny too."

Ulaz shook his head continuing. "Your blue paladin is odd."

"That's never good," Pidge says, sobering up her laugh. Pidge wonders if Lance is ever going to be normal on any species' radar.

"It's not a bad thing; it's just at times, he doesn't smell of anything, almost as if he simply wasn't there, and at others, he smells like a mix of everything. When we fought in the hallway, I heard the blue paladin before I smelled him. At first, I thought he was a beta or maybe wearing a scent blocker, only for his smell to change when he spoke up to the princess."

"What did he smell like then?"

"Alpha"

Pidge pursed her lips. "Protector, hmm, I can see it more than Keith being an omega." He protected ghosts. "So, what about Allura and Coran?"

"Altean's don't have secondary genders. They don't have a smell other than a typical body smell." Ulaz says matter of fact.

"Maybe it's because they are shapeshifters. So does that mean you can't smell their emotions?" Pidge laid on the ground with Ulaz just staring at the ceiling.

"It is more difficult, at times, with certain species, we can't smell as well. With the Alteans, it is simply because we have not been around them that we have lost how to read them through smell. 

Pidge hummed, still listening to the ting and drums of the music. "Any more questions," Ulaz asks.

"Yeah, a few, but I figured I'd let you work for a bit in silence since we compromised on the music," Pidge says. "Lance made me promise that I would take a five-minute break where I do nothing occasionally. This seems like a good time."

"You're Blue Paladin seems to care greatly for your team."

Pidge raised an eyebrow, turning her head to Ulaz. "Yeah, what about it?"

"It will be good for all of you to care for him during this trying time, " Ulaz says, pulling himself out from under the panel and sitting up.

Pidge clenched her jaw, understanding that Ulaz meant no harm in his comment, but she was annoyed again at his assumption that she wouldn't take care of Lance. Pidge was not interested in being a Paladin of Voltron if Lance or Hunk wasn't fighting alongside her. They were the golden trio, like hell something like this was going to stop them. Pidge sat up herself, staring the older Galra in the eye. "I'm not the best at seeing what Lance needs," Pidge says honestly. "Magic aside, he's very different from me, but make no mistake, Ulaz, I will always have Lance's back."

Ulaz nods, standing up. "Good, good," the older Galra says, going back to the monitor. "I'm relinked into the Blade database. I'm searching for anything pertaining to Earth or Shiro. It may take a while, but if there is something to find, I'll find it."

"Thank you," Pidge says, something warm settling in her heart as she watches the screen flash through document after document, watching the Galra head towards the door. "Where are you going?"

"To work on the outside of the ship, as I said I prefer quiet" Ulaz says, a small smile on his lip. Pidge snorted, wondering if she could increase the volume of the music to shake the ship.

Chapter Text

Shiro stood before the Black Lion, wondering where he had gone wrong. The Black Lion was sitting on its belly instead of sitting upright. Its usually imposing aura matched that of a sick child rather than the leader of an ultimate weapon. Shiro sighed, sitting in front of the Black Lion, staring into its eyes. Shiro wondered if it was due to Lance's spell, but the lion seemed duller than usual. 

The older adult sighed, running a hand through his hair. It shouldn't be this big a deal that Lance is a witch in the grand scheme of things, but Shiro was unsure how to process that. He accepted aliens and quintessence because he had to. He was in that arena; with the Empire for a year, he had to adapt quickly. He had to accept many things quickly, but this was about Earth. 

The Earth he remembers didn't have magic, and witches were something to discuss during Halloween. They were a 'do they exist, don't they?' shown more in scary stories than as actual people. In Shiro's day-to-day life, they didn't exist. Shiro believed in a higher power, not in one specific religion, but ghosts and witches were interesting to watch in a horror movie or show, not something Shiro thought he would run into on the street. 

Now Lance, the kid he had seen at the Garrison, the kid that Keith had complained about for so long, was a witch. The first thought that Shiro had when Lance showed them his magic was that Lance was dangerous, and Shiro felt so gutted by that thought. His second thought was if Lance had used magic on him, remembering the off feeling he would get around the blue paladin. Shiro sighed, shaking his head. It wasn't good to accuse Lance of anything; just because he has magic doesn't mean he automatically used it on Shiro. Shiro himself hated when he came out to friends, especially males, and they would say things like, "Don't ever have a crush on me." Shiro would roll his eyes and give a tight smile but always scoff in his head. Just because he leaned towards a different gender didn't automatically mean he wanted to sleep with all his male friends. Still, Shiro pondered it, remembering Lance always checking on him and asking how the older male was doing. Shiro still shook his head, Lance was just attentive to the team; it was something that he commended the boy for. It didn't mean he had an ulterior motive.

Shiro pondered momentarily, finally settling that he did not have a problem with Lance being a witch. He was confused about what that meant for the team and Earth. Shiro sighed once again, feeling that the Empire had taken something else away from him.  

"Why did you pick Zarkon as your paladin?" Shiro asks, staring at the lion. "What did you see in him to trust him so much."

The Black lions' eyes flashed, and Shiro felt like a child being scolded. Shiro sighed again, feeling himself age another ten years. He wondered how he was supposed to speak to a giant symbiont emotional lion. "He must have been a great leader for you to choose him," Shiro says softly no response from the lion. "But who he was isn't who he is now." Shiro felt something like a static cross over his head. "Zarkon has lost his way. He's corrupt; maybe I'm not as good as he was. Maybe I'm just as broken." Shiro clenched his mechanical arm, eyes downcast. "I don't have to be your paladin, but please don't let Zarkon be your paladin again." Shiro meant it; he would help the team however he could if he wasn't a paladin, but Zarkon cannot have a hold over one of the lions if Voltron is to come out on top. "Don't help Zarkon hurt my team," Shiro says, walking out of the room. "Don't help him take my home after we fought so hard to protect it."

Shiro paused in the hallway after enough distance was made from the black lion. Would he really be right not to be a paladin? Shiro had done terrible things in the arena, and no matter how much he told himself he had to survive, all Shiro could hear at times were screams. Being a paladin, helping people escape the Empire's grip felt like Shiro was paying back for the death he caused. He was cleaning some of the blood off his hands, but could he really do that much better as a simple soldier?  

Shiro leaned against the wall and banged his head on it. It has been a while since the older human had been stumped. What was he supposed to do now? Shiro thought for a moment, letting the moment's stillness calm him. Finally, Shiro thought that he should go speak with Allura. Allura knew the most about the lions and magic, so she could help him connect with the lion better. 

It took a while for Shiro to find Allura, needing to use the ship's video feed and the mice to locate the Princess. The ship has a library, which is where Allura and Coran are currently. 

The mice had found Shiro halfway through his journey, the mice chattering around his feet as they led him to the ship's library. 

Shiro opened the door to see stacks of books in rows upon rows in a room almost as large as the training deck. It was a two-story library. "Wow," Shiro says, walking into the carpeted room. It was odd that the library had standard metal walls, but each bookshelf was some kind of wood with intricate carvings on the shelf and panel, the carpet was a maroon red, and tables were scattered about on the bottom level. A staircase leads up to the top floor, where the books are placed in cubbies throughout the wall. Allura stood in the middle beside a large screen as Coran ran around the library collecting different books.

Shiro watched as the mice seemed to jump on a table close to the Princess, but keeping their distance as if knowing the Princess was in a sour mood. "Princess?" Shiro asked, watching as Coran came down the staircase with a large pile of books in hand. 

"Ahh, Shiro, you're just in time to help us, " the princess says, shifting screens and frowning when more information pops up.

"What's going on?" Shiro asked, walking closer to the screen. 

"After the discussion earlier, I wanted to see how much I had missed on the ship, and it seems I was to lenient on the blue paladin. Along with graffitiing the walls on the ship, Lance spent a lot of time in our library."

"Doing what?" Shiro asked, looking at some of the books all written in Altean.

"His search history was extensive, but I could find all the books he looked for, "Allura says, closing the screen. "I still need to review the video footage of the library to see what else he did in the library."

"Lance read all these books," Shiro asks, looking at the large pile on the table. There had to be over a hundred books on the table. When did the teen have the time? Shiro knew that on his own downtime, Shiro and Keith would be in the training area or the gym, and Pidge would be in her own lab, but as for the others on the ship, he never really knew. Sometimes, the Princess joined in a sparring session or in the gym, but Shiro knew that the Princess and Coran would focus on the lions and the ship. Shiro had never really wondered where Lance or Hunk went. Shiro had assumed Hunk was either with Pidge in her lab or in the kitchen, but Shiro never even really investigated Lance's movement, believing the boy would just follow Hunk or rest somewhere. Shiro picked up several books; most were written in Altean, but others had different writing that Shiro couldn't figure out where or who it belonged to. "These aren't in English."

"Lance looked directly for these books, and the mice had seen him reading and taking notes," Allura stated comfortably, also picking up a more worn-out book that the mice had confirmed earlier that Lance had read multiple times. The prince narrowed her eyes; the book was written in old Altean, something that she had struggled to learn in her own lessons. "The mice don't know what he was looking for in these books, but he spent a lot of time here, so we need to know what he was looking at."

"We could just ask number 4-" Coran stopped talking at the look his Princess gave him.

"Well, I don't know how much help I can be," Shiro says, "I can't read any of this." 

"In some of the books, we have found handwritten notes from Lance; we were hoping you could read that," Allura says, picking up a blue bond book with pages sticking out of it.
 
Shiro took the book and scanned the pages. "I can't read this either." 

"Is this not the Earth language?" Allura asks, getting frustrated. 

"Earth could have had many languages and dialects depending on the region and people. Some of this looks like Spanish, a bit like Latin, but some of these symbols look like Arabic, with some Mandarin." Shiro wasn't sure what he was looking at right now. It looked like a jumbled mess. 

"Lance gets bored writing in the same language, so he bounces around to practice." A voice says from the entrance of the library. It was Hunk with a large tray of food. "It's not for any nefarious purposes. He's just bored."

"Hunk, how did you know we were here?" Allura says eyebrow raised.

"You have your spies," Hunk says, gesturing to the mice who ducked down, "And I have mine," Hunk says casually, even though his face seemed a bit tense. "With everything going on, I figured we needed something other than goo. Vegan option for the Altean and meat for Shiro." Hunk stood in front of the three older beings tray extended. The Princess made no movement, and Hunk seemed content to stay where he was. 

Shiro went to take the tray, seeming two bowls of salads and a plate with a small amount of salad and something cut into slices resembling beef. Shiro wasn't going to lie; the food smelled amazing; it didn't look like any dish from Earth, but the black paladin was just happy that he didn't have to eat goo. "Thank you, Hunk," and Shiro did mean it, even though the yellow paladin didn't seem to impress.

"If it was up to me, I wouldn't have come to find you in the first place," Hunk says, not precisely glaring but eyeing the Princess behind Shiro. 

"Hunk, it's not your fault that you don't know how dangerous Lance is, but I'm telling you a death user is not something to take kindly," Allura says. Now Hunk is glaring.

"Dangerous, huh?" Hunk walked to the library screen, where Allura had opened the program. "That book your holding is a book about fairytales. Ancient fairytales from before Altea were brought together as one united nation before King Tenyiaum reigns. The author traveled all over your planet, writing down different fairytales while writing about his travels. It was a fun read." Hunk pulls up the book on the screen and opens a separate file. "Lance was taking handwritten notes until the Altean, who was in charge of the library, decided to teach Lance how to use the library access notes to write a translated English version. Lance figured it would be best to have the translation in English since English seemed to be an easily translated language. Most of those books have their final English translation in the database. Lance left his notes in the book if he needed to change anything. Most of the books translated are history books, engineering books, and a few magic books."

"Lance had no right to translate anything. These books were meant to stay in their original form." Allura stated, glaring at the translation on the screen

"So Altean's were all about gatekeeping information," Hunk said, nodding in understanding "noted. Lance thought it would be best for others to learn about your people's history and thoughts rather than them dying out completely with you two." Allura flushed red; out of anger or embarrassment, Shiro wasn't sure. "I'll tell Lance not to keep your people's culture alive." 

"Hunk," Shiro's voice has a warning, but he tries to maintain his composure when the yellow paladin directs his stare at him. Shiro had never seen their gentle giant seem so deadpanned and tired. Shiro stepped back, covering his fumble as he tried to place the food tray on the table. 

Hunk shrugs, closing the window down. "If you really don't like it, delete it from the system and burn Lance's note." Hunk steps away from the panel, turning his back to his seniors before stopping. "Just so you know, that food was given to us because Lance helped Queen Chaskba and Epsea by using his gift. Cooked due to his translation from his gift." Hunks' voice was steady, a matter of fact, but his eyes showed he had a lot more to say. "Just thought you should now." With that, Hunk left the senior personnel. 

"Princess," Coran states cautiously.

Allura doesn't listen, so she walks to the computer panel and runs the system to find the noted translation. "Seventeen books, he translated seventeen full books," Allura mutters. Some books also had their synopsis translated or a chapter or two done, but seventeen books were wholly translated into English. "Instead of working on how to be a better paladin, he was in here fooling around-"

"It doesn't sound like he was exactly fooling around," Shiro commented, picking up a book and flipping the handwritten notes between the pages. "It's not easy to translate a book, let alone books this size, into comprehendible work in another language."

"He had not right," Allura snapped, starting to delete the translated note.

"Wait, princess, please wait." Coran rushes to the panel. "Think about what you're doing?"

"What I'm doing?" Allura shrieked. "We can't risk the destruction of these books."

Shiro was confused. "How does translating a book destroy books?"

"Death users are bad luck. They bring death and destruction with the magic that they use. Who knows how much magic Lance has used and what type of danger he put us all in."

"He translated some books and helped form an alliance you said we needed," Shiro stated. "Other than him acting alone with the black lion, I don't see anything dangerous."

"You wouldn't understand, Shiro; you haven't seen what they can do," Allura states, pausing her deletion but pleading with Shiro to understand where she was coming from.

"Have you?" Coran asked, eyes looking down.

"Excuse me." Allura looked bewildered at her advisor.

"What have you seen?" Coran asked. "I am a lot older than you, Allura, and even I haven't seen what a death user can do. So how could you have."

"No, I haven't seen what they can do directly," Allura says harshly, "but that's only because we were safe due to Father removing them from the city."

"Your father followed tradition, but even he questioned the separation of death users." Coran said, "He came to the council wanting reformation."

"Father would not have enforced something he didn't believe in," Allura says, teeth clenched.

"Your father was a king bound by duty and honor. Sometimes, he had to put his feelings aside for what his people wanted." Coran says, finally looking at the Princess. "There were many things that you didn't see in the palace. Remember, Princess, you didn't finish your lessons."

"AND WHOS FAULT IS THAT" Allura shouted, hair flinging in her face, fist clenched, marks glowing. Coran stepped back, head bowed, and Shiro stood there still as can be. It took a moment for Allura to gather her breathing, trying to reign in her composure. "That was unacceptable." Allura said, "I should not have shouted like that, but my statement still stands." The room was silent, everyone unsure how to speak without setting off another argument. "Excuse me," Allura says, fist still clenched, face scrunched up in confusion. Allura quickly left the room, the mice crawling down the book self and following the Princess. 

Coran and Shiro stood momentarily until Coran sighed, pulled out a chair, and slumped into it. 

"She isn't handling this very well," Shiro says, pushing books aside and following Coran's lead while sitting down. 

"No, she is not," Coran says, sighing again, the weight of his exhaustion sinking into the chair. "I can't blame her; no Altean would handle such news well." 

Shiro stared at the advisor. "So you also don't trust Lance?" Shiro asks, slowly eyebrow raised. If anyone was closer to the older Altean, it would be Lance. Shiro wasn't sure if it was because Lance saved Coran from the explosion or if it was just because of their personalities. Still, Shiro knew that the advisor preferred Lance's company to any other paladins. 

"I don't know," Coran says truthfully, looking ashamed at such a confession. "Alteans were told that death users were dangerous. We could only live in peace because their dark magic was sealed away. They were moved whenever someone presented with a black or grey aura."

Shiro felt something sink in his chest. "Moved where?"

"A crater," Coran says, staring at his hands. "Allura's great, great, great-" Coran made an ongoing motion with his hands. "Grandfather, one of the first kings of Altea, found a crater space deep within a mountain range. Far from any city and enchanted with charms around the crater and on the mountain range itself. When an individual presented as a death user, they made the tract to the crater. It was nicknamed Death's Village."

Shiro tapped his finger on the table, wondering if he had a right to ask his next question: "Did these individuals actually make it to their new home?"

Coran sighed, rubbing the temple on his head. "There were times I wondered the same thing. Once at the crater, there was no communication with the outside world. No letters, no supplies. Once marked as the death user, your fate was sealed. How easy it would have been to make things disappear. For my faith in my king, I would say yes, all death users made it safely, if not reluctantly, to Death's village."

Shiro said nothing but nodded his head. A better understanding of Altea's stand on magic, like Lance's, was starting to form, and Shiro took a moment to praise Lance's courage to tell them. If not, a little upset that the boy did not hide it a bit longer to keep the peace. Shiro did not know how to fix his relationship with the black lion, let alone how to piece together the Altean's superstition on magic. "If Lance was born Altean, you would have taken him from his home, from his family, imprisoned him in a place he didn't know, with no one he knew, and called it a job well done," Shiro states wanting clarification. 

"Lance didn't tell you or Keith about his magic; surely Earth customs aren't any better," the advisor snarks, feeling attacked. 

Shiro nodded. "Earth is a complicated planet. We have divided ourselves in so many ways. Region, culture, religion, nationalism, sexuality, you name it, and we have it labeled. I don't know how magic became hidden; that sounds like a Lance question, but I can see why. Our history shows a fear of magic, especially witches. In our history, we have a period where people were burned, drowned, and imprisoned for simply being accused of being witches. Different people have speculated on what happened during this period. Some say it was paranoia from mold, others paranoia from religion, and some say it was just good old greed." Shiro leaned back in his chair. "I can see why the kid hid it. I don't blame him for that. Lance was already odd, and I didn't know he had another reason that made him different." Shiro remembered the other teachers talking about Lance. The boy that was too loud, the boy that wore his heart on his sleeve, the boy that was annoying but overall, a good kid, the boy that no one thought could make it to the fighter pilot because he was just too nice. No one thought witch when they looked at the overactive kid.
"I'm sure it couldn't have been easy for Lance." Shiro said, "But Hunk and Pidge trust him, and I trust that he would never intentionally try to harm us."

"That's the thing with death users; they never mean to cause harm. Their gift is attached to death, where a death user is a death is sure to come whether they mean to or not."

"Your government imprisoned people because they thought individuals were a jinx," Shiro says carefully. 

"That's a blatant oversimplification," Coran shouts, standing up.

"But it does seem to sum everything up pretty well," Shiro says, looking at the advisor who said nothing. "What is a Pika?" Shiro asks, standing up himself. "Allura kept calling Lance that, but you refer to him as a death user."

Coran shifted uneasily. "Allura shouldn't have called him that." That is all Coran said, mouth straight and eyes closed. 

Shiro sighed, crossing his arms. "We should let the team settle; there are no paladin exercises for a day or two. Best to keep the Princess away from Ulaz and Lance until she can keep her emotions in check. Regardless of what happened to Altea. Altea is gone, Lance is human, and I won't have him attacked for something he can't control."

Coran bowed his head, grabbed one of the salad bowls, and walked away. "He was your favorite," Shiro says, feeling that he still needed to talk to the older Altean but unsure what to say. Shiro felt he should defend Lance, but he had no idea how.

"I know," Coran says, not looking at the black paladin as he continues for the door. 

Shiro sighed, taking a fork and stabbing the sliced meat. "What a mess?" Shiro felt another headache coming on, but the goop-free meal did help. Shiro knew that he would have to talk to the boy himself, but again what to say to him. Shiro wasn't even sure how he himself felt about the teenager.

Shiro closed his eyes, slumping in his chair before leaning back with a sigh. 'If you sigh that much, you'll get worry lines,' Shiro said. When he opened his eyes, light brown hair, tanned skin, and glasses with half frames greeted him with a smile. 'I don't want to be married to an old man.' Shiro could almost feel Adam ruffle his hair, and just like so many times before the image faded, the small amount of comfort stayed for a moment longer.

Shiro took another bite of his meal, sighing again. Shiro called out to Adam during his time with the Empire, and Shiro learned quickly to stop. Sendak laughed at Shiro during one of his episodes, holding the champion's face as he threatened to find Adam and bring him to the arena just for Shiro to reunite. Shiro learned to suffer in silence from that day, which seemed to infuriate Sendak even more, as he did his best to try and get the champion to scream. Shiro lasted long in silence until Sendak threw scared teenagers into the arena. Shiro screamed for hours after that match, not just because his arm had been crushed but because the small alien's blue blood was still warm on Shiro's skin.

Chapter Text

Lance placed a face mask on Hunk, spreading the goo around evenly. His friend sat on the floor and leaned his head back to give Lance more access. "You shouldn't have said anything," Lance said, even though he was proud that his friend stood up for him.

"They deserved it," Pidge says, lying still on Lance's bed. Her mask already placed a fruit similar to cucumbers on her eyes, although they were square and yellow.

"I was mad," Hunk says, not moving as the cool goo slides on his face. "They were treating you like a criminal. You translated fairytales because you thought it would be fun for any kids we meet in warzones, and they were acting like you were selling military information."

"I told you Allura and Coran weren't gonna take the news well," Lance says, trying not to take too much offense to anything the Alteans noted during this time. The ghosts on the ship have said far worse, and Lance may have kept it to himself that he was locked out in a particular area a few times from Hunk.

"I think I'm more disappointed in Shiro than the Princess," Pidge says, tapping her stomach with her fingers. "I don't know. I expected more from him."

"Well, we didn't put him in the best position." Lance tries to reason.

"Well, he should side with us," Pidge argues back, "if not because it's the right thing to do, then because we all went to the Garrison and come from Earth. Just a bit of loyalty to your home, people."

"The whole point of this was for there to be no sides." Lance huffs, finishing Hunk's mask. "It was supposed to be just team Voltron."

"Well, if Allura fixes her attitude, we can be team Voltron," Pidge says, lifting the square vegetable from her eye.

"This isn't just an Allura problem," Lance says, placing the yellow vegetable on Hunk's eyes.

"It sounds like it's an Allura problem," Hunk says, trying not to move when the moist fruit touches his eyelid as the texture feels odd.

"You were the one who wanted me to tell them," Lance says, starting to put on his own mask.

"Yeah, well, I expected more from our team." Hunk says, "I thought us bonding and being in a war, literally fighting for our lives, would eliminate past ideologies. Also, truthfully, the fact that a lion picked you, I was hoping, would have more sway."

"Apparently not," Pidge answers, huffing and fingers tapping a bit faster.

"Apparently not," Hunk parrots back.

Lance sighed. "Well, the cat out of the bag. I still should talk to Shiro-"

"Why?" Pidge asks, eating the square vegetable on her eye to peek at Lance. "You already did most of the work. You told the team you talked to Keith, which is kudos to you; Hunk tried to talk to them. Why do you have to do more? I say relax take some me time" Pidge paused for a moment “Whatever that looks like”

"With Pidge on this," Hunk says, deep breathing.

"I'm the one that caused this, so I should-"

"Caused nothing. You told them who you were, and they have a problem with it. Let them come talk to you." Pidge says, annoyed that everything was on Lance.

"Hunk a little help here," Lance says, finishing his face mask.

"Hmm still siding with Pidge," Hunk says. "You told Shiro he must figure out a way for the black lion to accept him. Allura and Coran have to find a way to accept you and Ulaz. Sounds like you need a break."

"Yeah, didn't you say the ghost was acting weird, and there was a weird presence this morning?" Pidge says, "Focus on that if you have to do something."

"I feel we shouldn't leave them to stew," Lance says, lying down.

"They can stew for a few days," Hunk says. "Maybe then they will see the error of their ways." Hunk really wanted his friend to have a break. He had been nonstop for a while, and Hunk knew eventually it would catch up with him.

"Isn't that a bit too optimistic?" Lance says, leaning back on his bed and grabbing two vegetables from the nightstand next to him to put in place.

"We need some optimism." Hunk finishes. "Besides, let's focus on the good. You talked with Keith and didn't die, and we got a good meal."

"That food was so good, Hunk," Lance praises. "You're a genius in the engineering world and in the kitchen," Pidge adds. The two went on and on about what part they liked best, but both agreed the meat was the best part.

Hunk hums, soaking in the praise. "How was your team-up with Ulaz?" Hunk asks, still a bit high on the praise for his cooking.

"It went good, but guys, I think Ulaz is a jokester," Pidge says, laughing when Lance sat up, and Hunk turned so quickly that the goo smeared on Lance's bedding.

"Jokester," the two boys shout. "What?" Pidge laughed, the boys demanding an answer. Pidge just continued to laugh as Lance started to whine about his dirtied comforter.

Esperanza watched above her balcony as the people below her danced and drank the night away. A party to celebrate the anniversary of the Outsider's freedom from the facility. The Alpha took a great deal of time to ensure that this party was the party of the century. A good time to look back on if or when the war descended on them.

The Alpha can feel the happiness from her people, the cheers as they celebrate their lives and loved ones. Soon, the fireworks that she planned for them will go off, and the night will be as perfect as she can make it.

The Alpha looked down at her drink a tequila poured in a simple crystal glass in her hand, with colorful ice that was frozen juice. The Alpha had been down there for a while celebrating the merry moment; however, the Alpha needed a moment for herself. For as much as she enjoyed this day, she still clung to the ones she failed to save. 'Easier to say move on. Don't get stuck to the past,' the Alpha thought, siping and swaying to the music below. 'It's always do as I say, not as I do.' The Alpha thought, chuckling to herself.

The Alpha placed her drink down, pausing when a presence appeared at her door. The individual paused, not knocking but not moving. "Do you want to come in, little brother?" The presence spiked but began to move.

A black mop of hair belonging to a 12-year-old boy opens the door and moves quickly to the balcony, stopping again at the entryway. "What do you need, Damien?" Esperanza asks, turning to face her brother and taking another sip of her drink.

"Nothing," the boy answered, walking over to his sister and climbing up the balcony so that he could also look out below.

"You left a party for nothing." With a slight smile dancing on her lips, the Alpha says, "I doubt Emmy just let you leave to sulk."

The boy rolled his eyes, his mother's dark emerald green eyes and the red eyes of an Ecahuilli turning to face his sister. The Alpha loved her brother's eyes, even when they looked at her annoyed. "Emmy has Nix."

"Oh,  because Nix loves parties too," the older witch says, chuckling, imagining the introvert-extrovert pair. Emmy trying to pull the teen witch with her to dance, Nix allowing it because she folds far too easily to the human girl.

"It's your fault; you brought Emmy here, " the boy says, scooting closer to his sister as he continues to hold himself up against the balcony.

The Alpha ruffled her brother's hair as he growled at her, "Technically speaking, I brought all of you here." She took another sip of her drink before turning to her brother, who had decided to jump on top of the balcony and sit.

"I'm the brother."

"Technically, if rumors are to be believed, you're only half." Damien grunts, knowing that his sister is simply teasing.

"When do you care so much about technicalities?" Damien says, a scowl on his young face.

"When it helps me with arguments. So, we gonna stop tip-toeing, and you gonna tell me what we should be talking about."

"You're planning something," her brother says, serious, head up and leaning up straight.

The Alpha leans on the balcony, elbow leaning against the stone as her hands play with her glass. "I'm always planning something; it comes with the territory of Alpha."

"You're trying to go to the front line," Damien says, still calm. The Alpha wondered if she should tease her brother some more by playing dumb, but she didn't want to crush the boy from coming to ask her things in the future.

"Yes, I am, " the Alpha says, looking more at the skyline than the party below.

"I want to go with you."

'Absolutely not' was on the tip of her tongue, but the Alpha refrained from speaking momentarily. Her brother was still, no fidget, no nerves, and yet the Alpha thought it was funny that he assumed he was ready for war. "Why would I take you with me?" The Alpha settled on. "You aren't fully trained as you haven't completed your lessons here. You have never taken a life, let alone been in a war. Not to mention, everything is experimental. What makes you think I would let you take such an unnecessary risk with your life."

"So, it's okay for you to risk your life, but not me." Damien was still speaking calmy, but the argument was so childish it showed his age and lack of experience in debating.

"The title Alpha means I'm supposed to risk my life for the better of my people. You being my kin doesn't mean you follow in my footsteps."

"What if I want to follow in your footsteps," Damien says, finally looking away from his sister, ears just a tad bit red.

"I'd call you dumb," The Alpha teases, watching as Damien snaps his head back to her, offended. "If you follow in my footsteps, you can only be as good as I am. You can be better than me. You will be better than me," Alpha says truthfully, placing her glass beside her. "But that takes time. It takes patience."

Damien says nothing. "You make it sound like some terrible leader or something…."

"I'm definitely not the best." The Alpha said honestly, "I'm one short fuse away from starting wars." It should bother the older witch how easily she accepts her violent nature and how unbothered she is about murdering others, but she doesn't. 

"Maybe you should start a war," the boy grumbles.

"That easy for a boy that's never been in one to say." Esperanza tries to keep her tone even, but her brother's naivety is annoying as much as it is concerning. "Remember, Damien, just because it's difficult to kill us doesn't mean that our comrades have that same luxury. Besides, war isn't just about power; it's about mentally overcoming the day-to-day bloodbath that war brings. There's a reason why the great mage Star made guardian ärm that had nothing to do with fighting power."

"Is that what stopped you before?" Damien asked, fully curious.

"You really want to know why I didn't go to war with humans." The Alpha leaned against her brother, putting more of her weight on the boy who was trying his best not to bulk underneath it. The boy grunted an affirmation. "I brought home a black-haired baby with two different color eyes, possibly starting a war with Ecahuilli. I couldn't risk a two-sided war with humans and our grandmother." Her brother stilled, slowly turning his eye to his older sister.

Esperanza just smiled, kissing the crown of the boy's head. "I wanted you to know peace. I don't regret that decision, but it seems fate wants us to be a part of war one way or another." The boy opens and closes his mouth, clearly not expecting that answer. Her little brother turns to look at her mouth open, and Esperanza places her hand over the boy's mouth. "If you apologize, I will hit you." She says sternly that Damien will always become timid and apologetic about his birth, but strangely enough, he thinks nothing of his daily words.

"I must make it to the front line before I can even consider allowing you to come with me. For now, your request is on the back burner until I speak with the high council and get approval for transportation spell."

"Wizard Muzzora theories have been either great achievements or great misses," Damien noted, trying to take his sister's drink. Esperanza slapped her brother's hand, taking back her glass and downing the rest of the content.

"He was a wizard above his time," Esperanza says, "The way he theorized honing displacement magic is amazing."

"It's only amazing if you can use displacement magic." Damien gruff, crossing his arms.

"His theory on honing displacement power is the best bet we have on powering a teleportation spell that far."

"With war on their end, it makes sense that the displacement will cover their end, but Earth doesn't have a large displacement threshold. How do you plan to power the gate on this side?"

"That's where we need the high council's help. It will take everyone, but mostly, and unfortunately, it will take our grandmother." Damien scowled. "She collected an unknown amount of essence when she slaughtered every Atlantean on Earth. That's gonna be our power source."

Damien looked sick. "I know it's not my first choice to need anything from that family, but it's the best option. The Ecahuilli have stated that war with them will only end with the annihilation of their enemies. It would be dangerous to allow them to collect that much essence, a race that had dominated for 10,000 years. They could be more unstoppable than they already are, and now that they know there is a world beyond Earth, who knows what our grandmother will do to mind her boredom."

Damien slumped shoulders, falling into himself. "We need to get stronger to kill her."

Esperanza laughed. "If only it was that easy. She got power and experience and has been to war and won."

"Is that also why you want to go out there?" Damien asked quietly as if expecting spies.

"Can't say it's not. New races, new magic, find a way to take down Queen Bee.

"You want to find what the Atlanteans used." The Alpha really wished her brother wasn't as keen as he was. "A bright star fell from the sky, and a crystal with yellow and blue lightning strikes was captured inside, or so the story goes."

"Or so the story goes," Alpha repeats. "The Atlanteans found an amazing power source that ultimately destroyed them."

"Do you think it's true that grandmother's finger really got cut by an unpolished crystal?"

"Who knows, I doubt our grandmother would be that careless, but when you think you're indestructible, why would you be careful. But if I saw a simple crystal, I fished out of the sea able to cut someone considered a god; I can't say I wouldn't have made weapons either."

"They could have stashed some crystals on this island for us before dying out," Damien complained.

Alpha rolled her eyes, playfully smacking her brother on his head. "Don't mock the dead. The Atlanteans might have tried, but the Ecahuilli hunted each of them down to the ends of the Earth through generations. I doubt they thought their entire culture and people would be wiped out, so why bother hiding anything?"

"And within a week, the Atlantean empire fell into the sea, erased from history, only known as a legend." Damien narrates the old tale, the only version of the end of Atlantean that the Ecahuilli allowed to remain. Damien looked at his sister's head and titled, "Do you really think it only took a week?"

The Alpha shrugged, "If grandmother was angry enough, it could have been a day. I don't know what trench she dropped that empire in because even we can't find it."

"You think you'll be lucky enough to find another crystal like that."

"Space is large; maybe find it or something like it."

"Got to be smarter than Atlanteans."

"What did I say about dead?" The Alpha says, pitching her brother's nose.

"Oww oww, but it's true oww let go" Her brother tries to smack his sister's hand who only pinches harder.

"Your home was built for Atlanteans-"

"But was created and owned by our aunt, an Ecahuilli." Her brother protested more when Esperanza began to shake his head, nose still pinched.

"For her husband and baby, and for his people trying to escape extinction." The Alpha let go of her brother's nose, sighing. The Alpha looks over to the left of the abandoned tower, the tallest building on the island. In the tallest tower, in the tallest room, lies the ghost of the queen mother of the Atlantean. The only ghost of Atlantis that the Alpha has ever seen; sadly, all the queen's mother does is cry and stare out. Alpha had tried to use her power from Death as a balancer to get anything out of the ghost. The only thing that happened was the Alpha passed out from the grief and depression, having new nightmares for the next week. The Alpha had witnessed the execution of the last Atlanteans on this island and uncovered a secret she wished she never knew about.

Damien wrinkled his nose, upset at his sister's antic. He wasn't a child; he was an Ecahuilli; only a few could stand in front of him as it was. "Our aunt lost her husband and baby in the annihilation of Atlantis. Are you trying to say that our aunt was stupid?" The Alpha asked, knowing that her brother had a small soft spot for their aunt. She was the only one still trying to have a connection with Damien when the Alpha took him from the Rairus kingdom. Damien paused and muttered, "She fell in love with the enemy. What did she expect."

"He wasn't an enemy when she fell in love with him." The Alpha offered, her gut turning at another tragedy brought on by love. 

"She should have made the barriers stronger," Damien argued weakly.

"They were safe here; the barriers were made with the very crystals that brought about their destruction. No matter how many Ecahuilli came knocking, they wouldn't have been able to get in." Esperanza said, again looking out towards the tower.

"That's not how the story goes," Damien says, frowning.

The older sister hummed, "I warned you to take stories with a grain of salt. Who spreads the stories?"

"The victors," Damien responds, following his sisters' eyes to the abandoned tower—the one place on the island that the Alpha enforces no one goes to without permission.

"Our aunt was given this island by our grandfather; she opened it to the Atlanteans in their time of need because her husband was the prince of Atlantis, and her baby was Atlantean." The Alpha looks at her brother, wanting him to understand exactly what she is trying to say. "Her two brothers, brothers she shared a womb with, come to her in the dead of night, stating they would fight with her to stop their mother's war and save the last bit of Atlanteans. Fight to save her family, so she lowers the barrier, only to have one brother slaughter everyone on the island, her baby, our cousin included." The Alpha paused, letting her words sit in her brother's mind. The older sister turned to look at her little brother. "So you tell me, little brother, was she stupid to trust her siblings."

Damien looks at his sister before sighing, turning his back to the party, and slumping over. "I get it."

"Get what?"

"I don't know anything." The Alpha gives a small smile, wraps her arms around her brother, and kisses his temple.

"Ignorance is bliss, Damien. One day, you will learn and understand everything, and it will hurt; no matter how I try to prepare you, it will hurt." The Alpha squeezes her brother once more. "But before that, I want you to enjoy what this world has to offer because those times will get you through it."

Damien sighs, "Fine, I get it; I'll go back to the party." The Alpha laughs, releasing her brother as he airs quotes like "make memories."

"That's the spirit." The Alpha watches as her brother jumps down from the banister.

"You'll come down to right?" The Alpha paused, really not wanting to rejoin the party, but she smiled at her brother and nodded.

"I'll be down in a moment." Her brother smiled and flashed out of the room without a second thought.

"He is getting faster," Esperanza muttered to herself. But he's still so little." Esperanza sighed, leaning against the balcony, her ice cubes melting into juice, but she really wanted more tequila.

A small aura flashed next to the Alpha, but the girl was unafraid. "Did you want to enjoy the party too?" The Alpha looked over, and there, barely the size of the palm of her hand was a tiny rock golem. The guardian ärm was presented in green granite, waddling on his two stumpy legs, his eyes this time two tiger eye stones. "Well, don't you look snazzy." The Alpha says, laying her hand out, the guardian ärm waddling into the palm, ready to be lifted to its designated spot on the Alpha's shoulder. "You know you don't have to come with me either." The little golem shook its head, rattling. "You and the rest of your siblings may have been designed for war, but that doesn't mean you have to ever see a war zone again. At least not while I'm still breathing." The golem stayed on the Alpha's shoulder, a rough voice resonating in the young Ecahuilli's mind: "Follow."

The Alpha placed a finger on the golem's head, who simply grabbed the finger in his fingerless arms. "Neither one of you knows when to stay put, do you." With one last deep breath, releasing a deep sigh that burned her lungs, the Alpha ventured down below to party and enjoy the pleasant moments for as long as possible. 'The fight with the high council is for another day.'

Chapter Text

Lance wasn't sure if he made the right call. The last few days, the ship was strained both for the living and the dead. The ghosts were telling Lance how disappointed they were with their own princess, but each one was explaining that they weren't sure they would have responded any differently, unfortunately. Which Lance wasn't sure if that made things better or worse? The ghosts were quick to tell Lance when the Alteans were approaching, but it seems the mice were just as quick to tell the princess where the magic user was. For every time Lance thought they could have a conversation, the Altean seemed to dodge Lance.

Lance gripped the back of his neck, stressed. Shiro hadn't been much better; he doesn't avoid the soul seer, but his conversations are limited to one-syllable responses, and his eye contact is limited. Lance had tried to help Shiro connect to the Black Lion, but Shiro declined the multiple offers. Lance tried not to take it personally, especially when Pidge and Hunk were also turned away with their suggestions. It may have had nothing to do with Shiro thinking Lance was a slacker; instead, the senior human just wanted to connect with his Lion on his own.

Things with Keith hadn't drastically changed; he's still quiet and brooding, but seems more mindful with his words now that he has the whole picture. If anything, it seems that Keith is trying to help Shiro wrap his head around this. Which was good, because Shiro had to worry more with the Black Lion than with himself. However, Lance could tell that Keith was trying very hard to focus on Lance and this magic problem, then diving further into the Blade knife in his possession. Lance may or may not be pushing Keith to talk with Ulaz, but the red paladin is still as stubborn as his own Lion and refusing.

On the bright side, it's so much easier moving around the ship without having to hide like some type of stalker. Lance proudly grabbed the space invisible paint from its hiding spot in the storage area. Walking to the Green lion's hanger, paint brushes under his arm.

"So, what exactly are we doing?" Pidge asks setting up some tarps around the Green Lion's paws.

"Putting protective runes around the Green Lion so that you're protected from bad vibes," Lance says, placing the paint down as Hunk grabs the paint trays.

"Bad vibes," Ulaz says, eyebrow raising, arms crossed as he leans against the wall of the hangar. The Galra had been mainly hanging around the golden trio. Lance wasn't sure if it was because of Lance's magic or if it was because Shiro was too busy fretting over Voltron. Lance wasn't naive; he knew that Ulaz was reporting back to his organization with the status update of the team, and Lance could only hope that Ulaz was a little less blunt in his report than he was in real life.

"More bad juju," Hunk says, shaking the can of paint, "than vibes."

Ulaz still looked unimpressed, but, as usual, did not ask any questions, knowing that someone would eventually explain it to the older Galra. "Earth has a lot of different magic users. These particular symbols, called Elhaz, are runes. They come from the Elder Futhark runic alphabet in Viking history. Which we can explain what Vikings are later, the point is that their runes are the most efficient for protection and defense. They have also been known to heighten spiritual awareness and intuition, allowing guidance from spiritual influences or Gods."

Ulaz looked at the symbol's arms still crossed. "They seem simple."

"Simple, but effective," Lance says, laying out the stencils in a direct order. "The runes came from a use of nature, and at the time, the connection with their Gods. Their Gods may not be as strong as they once were, but what was discovered is that the faith and connection to nature could be enough to power the rune even when magic is at its weakest." Lance takes a moment to look at the Green Lion, "I'm hoping that with the Green Lion having nature abilities, maybe it can give the runes a super boost."

"You seem to guess a lot," Ulaz says, no bite in his tone, just stating an observation.

"Guessing is all I got." Lance says, "If I knew I would get dragged into a 10,000-year war, I would have paid more attention in my principles of different magic courses and brought my textbook, Applying Practical Principles, Breakdowns of Different Cultural Magic."

"Didn't you barely pass that class?" Hunk says, prying open the lid of the paint and stirring it.

"The Sumerian section really kicked my ass, okay." Lance huffs, still feeling salty about his C- paper on his interpretations and improvement on a Sumerian defensive ritual.

"When did you go to class?" Pidge asked, getting the rollers attached to the extension.

"I always took at least one course when I went to human school before the Garrison and then did a full set of lessons, like four to five, during breaks."

"Can't you read Sumerian? So, where was the trouble?" Pidge asked.

Lance gapped "I'm sorry you learn an entire culture's magic system, symbols, and rituals, and then trying to improve them using a 'modern magic'" Lance used air quotes "while maintaining the integrity and cultural appreciation of the ancient systems."

"Okay, okay, touche, subject got it," Pidge says, going sheesh. Lance huffs, eye twitching a bit at the lack of sympathy. "You know what, no more translation for you. You suffer with your terrible Altean."

Pidge's eyes widen. "That's not fair."

"Life's not fair," Lance says, crossing his arms as he puts his nose in the air.

Pidge narrows her eyes. "Watch yourself, Lance, you might find yourself locked in a box somewhere."

Hunk watches as the two teens glare at each other playfully. "Alright, guys, if we have this much energy, we can use it to paint the runes," Hunk says, taking a roller from Pidge and handing a stencil to Lance. "Let's put the stencils up and get to work."

Pidge makes an I'm watching you motion, and Lance just stuck out his tongue. Ulaz gave a small smile at the teens. Watching as they begin to put the stencils on the Lion's leg, securing it with tape.

"Stop, you need to go higher."

"I'm already as tall as I can go."

"It's not our fault you're short."

"Oww"

"There now, you're at my level."

"Guys, come on, it needs to be more to the left."

"If it goes to the left, we have to move the bottom one to make sure it's straight."

"I wonder if I could make a suggestion." Ulaz finally says, watching the Blue paladin clutch at his wounded knee and struggling Green paladin to hold the stencil correctly. All three Earth teens stare at the Galra.

Ulaz, using his wrist device, scans the three stencils on the ground, configures the device, and then points it at the Lion; the stencils project perfectly onto the Lion's leg.

"That's awesome," Pidge says, dropping the stencil and running over to Ulaz. The Galra tries not to show surprise when the young girl grabs his wrist and shoves it to her face. "How did you do that?" It was the first of many rapid-fire questions that left the earth girl's mouth, the alien's wrist still in front of the young girl's face.

"Pidge, maybe let him have his arm back," Hunk says, walking over to the pair watching as Lance hobbles over.

"But it's so cool," Pidge says, not taking her eyes from the device.

Ulaz suppresses his chuckle. "If we scan the rest of the symbols and create a model of the Green lion to scale, I could possibly create a projection for the entire lion, so that you may find it easier to paint."

"Honestly, that would make things so much easier, Ulaz," Lance says, nearly in tears. "Do you know how many times I had to redo Mera's leg because the symbols were a quarter of an inch off. A quarter of an inch hours of work wasted." Hunk pats Lance's back, knowing that he dreaded when we went into battle and would have to repaint the panels on Sunshine and Mera.

"Oh, oh, I already have the models in my lab, so we can use that as the base and just run it into your program." Pidge says, "Could we do these for all the lions?"

"We would need to create the stencils for the red and black lion," Lance says, wondering how long that would take.

"Are the stencils not the same for each lion?" Ulaz asks, noticing the large G on each corner of the stencils.

"No, the lions are all different sizes, so the runes are made to match the size of the lions. Sunshine has more armor plates, so she has runes of different sizes in different areas." Lance says, showing the differences with his hands, "Mera has a streamlined body and is bigger than Green but less than Sunshine. So, her symbols are longer." Lance turns to the Lion in front of them, "Green is smaller and with the shield on her back, I'm having the concentration of runes be placed there and traveling down, rather than at the belly going up like the other two." All three look at Lance for a moment.

"You put a lot of thought into this," Pidge says, kind of in awe even though she's not sure what Lance was talking about.

"Well, yeah," Lance says, eyebrow raised. "Although runes are simple, they still have to be placed correctly to work, and I need to keep you guys safe, so yeah, it takes a bit of time getting everything ready." Lance perks up, "Oh, but I can grab the stencils for Mera and Sunshine, and maybe we can scan them in and get them ready for the future."

"Yes, we can do that, Blue Paladin," Ulaz says, eye softening at the boy.

Lance cheers, "Cool, alright, I'll be right back." The tall boy rushes out of the room, not giving anyone a chance to ask if he needed help.

Pidge lets go of Ulaz's wrist. "I will go get my computer for the data on the lion measurements." The Green Paladin walks out of the room, tone sober.

The Yellow Paladin just shakes his head. "Everything alright?" Ulaz asks, also needing to get his own computer to help run the program.

"Yeah, I just wonder how long it will take the others to realize everything Lance has done for them." Hunk says a bit of an edge to his smile, "The waiting is killing me."

Ulaz raised a brow at the boy, a slight twitch in his hand, wanting to reach for his blade. Although the Yellow Paladin has been nothing but kind, the older Galra can see the young warrior's thread unraveling.

Ulaz stepped to the boy, surprised when the teen did not move, simply raised his head to stare at the man. "I guess I should have asked more specifically, are you alright?"

The boy didn't seem surprised by the question; he didn't shy away or act defensively, merely stating, "Is anyone here really alright?" Ulaz can see the young boys tighten their fists before lying flat at his side. "Do you need any help with your equipment?"

Ulaz doesn't push "Yes, help would be appreciated." The Yellow Paladin gives a genuine smile. Ulaz had already decided to watch over Voltron; he would have to be more involved than he initially thought. After all, they were just kits.

"Then let's go."

The next few hours are spent over Ulaz's laptop. Pidge had begun to transfer the lions' measurements from her computer to his while Lance and Hunk scanned each rune into the program, ensuring each one was scanned smoothly. This was something that Lance and Hunk realized was not as easy as Ulaz made it appear.

"This is such a cool program," Pidge says, "It's like Planet Coaster."

"How is this like Planet Coaster?" Lance asks, "We are working on giant robots, not building roller coasters."

"Don't be made just because it takes you four scans to get one rune right," Pidge says snarkily.

"Hey, if you think you can do a better job, then we can switch jobs," Lance says, trying to hand her the scanner.

"Nope, I'm doing my job, you do yours," Pidge says, clutching her computer.

"Well once the symbols are in and the models are made, Lance will need to place the runes where he want on the lions after that we can program the schematics into these projection orbs" Ulaz holds up one of six orbs in his hand "These will then project in each area as need be following the program, and which point you would just need to paint over the symbols."

"Love it," Lance says, giggling and slightly weeping for all the late nights that he had to do this alone. "Maybe we can get to painting later today, but tomorrow for sure. Then maybe we can talk to Keith about the Red Lion, even though I haven't finished those stencils yet, maybe I could-" Hunk places his hands on Lance's shoulder.

"Breathe, remember this is supposed to be a break time," Hunk says, nodding his head to Lance. "We are already gonna save a lot of time thanks to Ulaz, so we're gonna take it easy."

"Right, right, rest and breaks, yeah." Lance says, taking a deep breath, "You right?" Lance nods his head, clasping his hands. "Or I could get ahead, you know, before we are forced to go into another battle."

"We cannot go to battle without the Black Lion," Pidge says, adjusting her glass, watching as the computer finishes the last detail of the Green Lion. "And that's a Shiro problem."

"Well, it's an us problem if we can't make Voltron, but  I think it's safe to say that two paladins battling for the same lion have never happened before," Hunk says.

"Shiro is gonna have to forge a new bond with the Black Lion, one that's stronger than Zarkons." Lances says feeling uneasy. "It won't be easy, and not to say impossible, but forging bonds takes time, and Zarkon had more time than Shiro."

"Zarkon had been corrupted; he has no right to be a paladin," Ulaz says, typing away at his computer, documenting each rune in the system to make placement easier for Lance later.

"Doesn't matter if the Black Lion wants Zarkon," Lance says, feeling a bit of dread in his stomach.

"Who would pick Zarkon over Shiro?" Hunk says, "Shiro is clearly the better choice."

"Well, we are a bit bia-" Lance stops talking, eye scrunched as he drops the stencil.

"What's up?" Hunk asks, already walking over to Lance.

"Something is going on with the Black lion." Lance says, "I'm gonna go check on it really quick."

"You want us to come with?" Pidge asks, standing up.

"No, you guys finish here, I'm just gonna go check on them. Things seem fine, it's just ugh feels weird." Lance says, eyes squinting more, looking like maybe he could see all the way to the Black Lion's hangar. "I'll be back really quick, promise." With that, Lance rushes out of the room to the Black Lion's hangar.

"They really do pick the worst time for these things." The Earth Alpha mutters, suddenly transported into an astro plane of some sort. The Alpha wasn't sure what exactly was going on as she stood next to the Black Lion that was staring out in front of two warriors fighting.

The one the Alpha recognized was Takashi "Shiro" Shirogane. She had read all of his bio the minute Lance had gone missing, and surveillance picked up the older pilot. A great man with an impeccable record, thrown to the wolves when the humans needed a cover. Sam had nearly broken his tablet when he read the amount of mud the Garrison had placed on the young man's name. The other could only match the description Lance had given her about Zarkon.

"Here I thought you were fighting your restraints; instead, you're watching two men fighting over you. How narcissistic can you be?" The Alpha smirked at the growl the Lion gave her. "Ohh, so scared." The Alpha pressed on the restraint, the Lion creaking its head down with a louder growl. "Relax, the magic will wear off, and hopefully, before then, you can make the right choice. I would hate to have to destroy something so impressive." The Lion said nothing, still watching the two warriors fight in front of her. The Alpha watched the astro plane the Lion had created and was in awe. To create a plane like this, the mechanical Lion beside her had to possess a great deal of spiritual energy. Out in the distance, memories started to play. A purple planet, followed by a comet and a crash, memories of the lion beings built, of fights and triumphs, peace between planets, and then a battle with a dark creature. The Alpha widened her eyes; that dark creature wasn't a soul eater, no — it was far worse: it was an abyssal creature. "Why did your planet have an Umbrokine?" The Alpha asked, turning to the Black Lion that never bothered to turn to the Earthling.

"You were created by a comet with yellow and blue lights." The Alpha shook her head. "You're not from this world, but you're not from the Abyss either, but you know about the Umbrokine, don't you?"  Still, the Lion did not speak, eyes on its two paladins.

The Alpha turned towards the fight, the dictator shouting, "I've got you now, paladin. You are a fool to face me here. When you die in this realm, your body dies as well. And then I will take control of Voltron." A few well-placed combos, Zarkon had that upper hand. The Alpha tsked, Shiro was an impeccable soldier, and after what Lance told her about being a Champion in a fighting arena, he still struggled against the Galra. 'Which means the human soldiers will not be a match for Empire soldiers.' The Alpha thinks, already rolling her eyes at the extra work.

"He's tainted," Esperanza said, a sad tint in her tone. "That's why you still hold on to him. You failed to protect him from the Abyss, and you feel responsible." The Ecahuilli watches as Shiro resets himself, fighting like a desperate man. Esperanza knows that when a human is desperate, they are capable of so many things.

"You could never take my place as the head of Voltron," Zarkon shouts, blocking Shiro's attacks, grabbing the human fist in one hand, sending a well-placed kick that even made the Alpha wince into Shiro. The poor pilot flew and landed hard on his side, but like most humans, Shiro stands up resilient to an opponent that clearly has the upper hand.

"You can't pilot the Black Lion after everything you've done! You can never lead Voltron again! You're no paladin!" Shiro speaks words clearly with his conviction, but Zarkon wastes no time closing the gap and sending Shiro flying with a punch.

The Alpha continues to look out among the astral plane, gathering memories of the Black Lion. "Shiro is right, he's tainted; his darkness has already spread far and wide, it's only a matter of time until everything is swallowed whole. An Umbrokine doesn't stop until everything is consumed. If you stick with Zarkon, you're signing this universe's death warrant."

"You have no idea how to command a weapon like this!" Zarkon shouts, still toying with the human pilot. The young Earthling watches as Zarkon appears to flash-step away from Shiro's attack.

"No one commands the Black Lion," Shiro says, aiming a punch at Zarkon, who again disappears. The human scrambles to recenter himself, trying to find out when Zarkon will strike next. Shiro fails to look up in time, and the Galra delivers a crushing blow from above/ Zarkon lifts the human by his neck with one hand. "Do you think the black Lion would allow a feeble creature to pilot it. Only the powerful can command it." The Alpha's eyes twitched, wondering how many thought the same about guardian ärm. The Alpha wondered if she should just end this now by killing the dictator immediately. 'No, cut the head of a hydra, and three more will just sprout.' Esperanza thought, but she wondered how she would explain to Lance that she let his idol die in front of her.

Shiro's arm glowed, and even while dangling in the air, he delivered his following statement with all his heart. "You've forgotten what's most important between a lion and its paladin. It's not about power. It's about earning each other's trust." Shiro shouts, the Alpha knowing that he meant every word.

"It seems Zarkon is not the only one that had forgotten that," The Earth witch mutters.

"Trust has nothing to do with it. The Lion is mine, forever." Zarkon squeezed the human's throat tighter, Shiro gripping the Galra's hands as he screamed in pain.

Finally, that Black Lion moves, and Esperanza breathes a sigh of relief. Thank the gods old and new, she didn't have to get involved. As the Black Lion stood in front of the pair, a beam of light coming from its mouth, Zarkon screamed his disapproval, and that's when Esperanza felt it. Another connection, something pulling Zarkon out of danger at the last second, someplace even further.

Without hesitation, the Alpha gripped that connection; this time, she was transported to a ship of some kind. The magic swirling on this ship is entirely different from the Altean one. Zarkon was on the floor, grasping his neck, panting. A small person with white hair, dressed in a hooded gown, spoke. "Sire, what-"The hooded figures look around, and Esperanza squints her eyes, wondering if this magic user can sense her. The room was impressive; the flow of magic was steady, but dark, pulsing like a heartbeat. However, the magic felt dead and cold. In the center, where they stood, was a clearly marked channeling circle. Four other magic users were present in the room, which was designed by a person with extensive knowledge of magic.

"My connection grows weaker. We must hurry if we ever wish to reclaim Voltron-"

"Sire, be still," The hooded figure says, still scanning the room. "We are not alone." The Alpha gave a hmm, impressed with the witch's perception, but was not ready for the psychic attack that pushed her back into the Black Lion's astro plane. The Alpha coughed, grunting at the impact; she would have to pay the witch back for that. The Alpha wondered if that was the witch called Haggar; if so, then dealing with the druids should be her first task. The witch also seemed tainted; Esperanza wondered just how many were contaminated by an Umbrokine, but this did give her an idea of how to convince the other Alphas of her plan. 'If balance is misplaced, ifana Umbrokine is running loose, then action must be taken or our entire plane of existences is at stake,' The Alpha thought, watching as the Black Lion placed Shiro back in his body.

 "Did you just save me?" The human asks, a warm hum filled the air. "Thank you. Let's go home now." The Black Paladin says only to watch as the screen turns back to the hangar. "We never left." The human mutters, suddenly feeling exhausted.

The Black Lion grumbled, and this time the Alpha knew it was about her. The Black Lion pushed the Alpha out from her cock pit, into her hangar, the collar still nice and snug around the Black Lion. 'Don't look at me, it's my magic, but I'm not the one who placed it.' The Alpha said smugly.

With impeccable timing, Lance walked through the door. "Prima," he whispers.

"Primo," The Alpha answers back, interrupted as the Black Paladin emerges from the Lion.

"Lance, what are you doing here?" Shiro questions, Esperanza raises an eyebrow, noticing the older pilot tensing at her cousin's presence.

"I felt a disturbance in the force," Lance says, awkwardly cracking a joke. The Alpha snorts, but the Black Paladin says nothing. "It seems you strengthen your bond with the Black Lion," Lance says, an awkward smile on his face.

"Yeah, I think we are ready to head for the Blade of Marmora's headquarters," Shiro says, staring at the Black Lion, seeing something glimmer around the neck of the Black Lion. "Do you think whatever you put on the Black Lion could be removed? I don't think Zarkon will be able to find us through our Lions."

Lance glanced at his cousin, "Yeah, it should be fine, they had a wild fight and now everything is sunshine and rainbows." Lance curled his lips, trying to fight off a smile at his cousin's less-than-helpful description. "We can save whatever magic is left for another day." The Alpha says, looking at how close to half of the orb Lance had used was already gone.

Lance stood in front of the Black Lion, elbows bent, hands extended, his cousin standing in front of him, taking his hands. With the help of his cousin, removing the collar proved to be an easy feat. The red magic swirled away from the Lion, circling the cousins before forming into a smaller marble in Lance's hand. The Alpha felt her connection diminishing; at this point, Lance and she knew the drill. It's a see you later, not a goodbye. "Next step?" Lance asks, knowing their time was almost up.

"High council meeting," Esperanza answered, "Rest up, cousin, I'll be visiting you soon with news."

"Can't wait," Lance says, hearing a gasp. Lance looked over to see Shiro's eyes wide open.

"Who are you?" Shiro asks, staring straight at the Alpha.

"You're gonna have to answer that, primo." The Alpha says with a small smile to her kin before turning to the Black Paladin, who seemed appropriately scared, her smile a bit more menacing. "Make sure to take good care of my cousin." Esperanza disappeared as the connection finished, the marble full in Lance's hand.

"Cousin," Shiro says, eyebrow raised, standing a bit straighter.

 "Yah, it was her magic I used to make the collar for the Black Lion. I don't have enough oomph for that." Lance says, hand closing tight on the marble.

"Is she always here?" Shiro asks, eyes wandering side to side.

"I feel she's finding her way more and more onto the ship, but not physically here." Lance explains, "The more unbalanced we get, the easier it seems for her to slip in since I technically have a magic source she can track." Lance says, tossing the small marble up in the air. "Although I wish she would think more about her health and safety, it isn't safe to travel the way she is," Lance says, not noticing the slight panic look on Shiro's face.

"How strong is your cousin?" Shiro asks, trying not to think of how powerful a person has to be to collar a lion of Voltron. After all, even the Empire couldn't subdue the Red lion when it was in their possession, and yet, without even being in the same galaxy, someone was able to use magic on the head of Voltron.

"Ugh, pretty strong," the blue paladin says, nodding his head, not wanting to scare the older man. Lance knew that was the biggest understatement of the century, but he didn't want to scare the Black Paladin, as he was already unused to good magic users. "She's up there on Earth," Lance says, making a hand gesture above his head.

Shiro opened his mouth, ready to ask more questions, when Keith burst into the room. "Shrio Allura is going on a tyrant," Keith shouts.

"Where is she?" Shiro asks.

"The Green lion hanger." Lance feels dread in his stomach as they all take off to the hangar.

The Ecahuilli groaned, blinking her eyes awake. "Terrible timing," muttered the Alpha in the small carriage climbing the designated mountain trail for the high council.

Amista, the Elf, sits across the Alpha, elegant and posed in her simple embroidered cream dress, her hair tied in her simple braids. "You need to stop traveling like that, Alpha." The Elf mentions hands in her lap.

"I'm trying," The Alpha says, circling her neck. The neck-collared dress felt as awkward on her as it was beautiful. "But you learn new things when you take risks."

The Elf seemed unconvinced. "What new things did you learn?"

"I learned that Umbrokine are involved in all this."

This caught the Elf's attention, one perfectly sculpted eyebrow raised, "An umbrokine."

"Hmm, and it seems the lions of Voltron could be useful." The Alpha says, wiggling her toes to have the feeling return, really wanting to wiggle her fingers, but afraid of Amista scolding her for her fidgeting.

"You didn't seem to be impressed with Voltron before, Amista said, her calm facade back in place.

"Crystal with yellow and blue lightning strikes captured inside, or so the story goes." The Alpha mutters, "The Atlanteans made numerous small weapons with it. The Alteans made five giant weapons."

"Are you saying that Voltron can destroy the Ecahuilli?"

"I would never say those words out loud," The Alpha says, knowing how surprised the Elf must be to actually vocalize such a finding. Amista readjusted herself, a moment of silence falling between the two, both unsure what exactly this information means for them.

The carriage stopped with a jerk. "What's all this about?" The Alpha says, annoyed. Amista touched the glass on the wooden carriage, and the glass became frost before the center swirls, revealing a new image. It shows the entrance of the Great Hall of Alphas, a challenger on the steps, going against the werewolf alpha.

"It seems a newcomer is challenging for the werewolf seat," Amista says, placing her hands back in her lap.

"Who is the newcomer?" The Alpha asks, squinting her eyes at the young pup no older than 25.

"Unsure, but based on the colors he wears, he belongs to the Ironwood pack," Amista says, focusing on the Golden Bell Tower Ironwood Tree embroidered on the young wolf's sleeve.

"Ironwood pack," The Alpha says, eye closed as she tilts her head back, "A southern pack, no? Didn't the pack leader attempt to claim the title of Alpha last seat change?"

"That was the Delta Howler pack," Amista corrected, turning her head back to her own Alpha. She has no interest in watching this pup be beaten.

"Hmm, I'll take your word for it, other than remembering Caleb taking that challenger's eye and crushing his voice box, I don't remember much." Based on the growls and snarls, the fight between the two werewolves has started.

"Werewolves can challenge for the Alpha during the month of a Hunter's moons, so why is the pup challenging now?" Amista asks, concerned with a challenger being allowed to wait outside the Great Hall.

"Each species has an emergency impeachment process. I believe that for the werewolf, it must have a petition of over forty percent of the recognized pack leaders backing the challenger. Could be wrong about the forty, don't quote me on it," The Alpha says, turning her attention to the widow who showed a clear winner in this fight.

"North America and the Nordic countries still hold the largest werewolf population. I can see this pup getting the agreement of local packs, but Nordic?" Amista also turns her head to the screen, watching as the experienced Alpha toys with his challenger.

The Outside Alpha shrugs her shoulders. "Who knows how he got the Nordic support? That isn't our issue. Once Caleb goes over that petition, we will see just how many werewolves are left standing."

"Did this pup truly think himself better than Calista?" The Elf scrunches her nose as Caleb holds the pup in a choke hold.

"This doesn't have anything to do with Calista and everything to do with the incoming war. They think Caleb is too old to lead; they remember him stating that by this time, he would step down as Alpha."

"Yes, but that was only because he believed that by now Calista would have surpassed him."

"If Calista continued to be trained by Caleb, I have no doubt she would have surpassed her father. Calista could challenge any werewolf today and win, but her Banshee abilities do not make her eligible to compete for what should have been her birthright. She was truly robbed of her Alpha seat." Esperanza had thought about it many times: if she were not an Ecahuilli, the only other person she could think of leading the Outsider would be Calista. Hell, she basically leads the Outsiders as it is. Esperanza was just the puppet with the muscle to get others to follow, but it was truly Calista's leadership and Amista's knowledge that kept the Outsiders together.

"She could beat them even without her banshee skills." Amista is too proper to scoff, but the little wrinkle in her nose shows how much she hates the topic.

"That she could," Esperanza says, knowing that she could take whatever risks she needs to because she has Calista there to manage the day-to-day. All the Alpha needed to do was make sure she gained enough honor and stayed alive to keep everyone else in line.

The match was over, and Caleb seemed to show mercy as he didn't kill the pup or leave any permanent injury like last time. Caleb's second was already flipping through the petition, eyes never leaving the document. Maybe Esperanza could convince Caleb to show mercy on these packs until the war starts. At least if they were going to die, they should die benefiting Earth. However, Caleb, like her, had lost interest in mercy a long time ago, so the discussion may be a dead end.

Suddenly, a flash of bright light descended from the sky, followed by a shaking of the Earth, and a strong smell of sulfur erupted. "Wow, it seems the Angels and Demons will be joining us today." The young Alpha says, waving her hand in front of her face to try to ease the smell.

"They haven't participated in a council meeting since your grandmother eliminated the Atlanteans." The Elf says, with a silk hand in her hand, the Alpha really did need to work on her manners if she was gonna be so close to the Elf.

"It's a full house indeed." The carriage began to move again.

"Are you ready, Alpha?" Amista asks, only her eyes showing as her cream-colored fan, which of course matched the Elf's outfit, obscured her features.

"Ah, you know me, Amista, I've been ready for a war for years." Red seeps into her blue iris, and black floods the white as the young Echaulli grins.