Life – for lack of a better word – in the Astral Plane was surprisingly pleasant. Shiro had found that he could conger up anything be wanted just by concentrating hard enough so he would rarely become bored. Sharing Black's mindscape meant that he also had a second hand filtered awareness of the bond between it and the other lions. And so he sometimes caught glimpses of the other Paladins.

He suspected that Black was shielding him from the worst of the other Paladins grieving process. He couldn't really blame Black though. Knowing the intimate details would have sent him spiraling back in to the depression he had fallen into those first few days.

Which was why he was surprised when Black started screaming at him.

"Make them stop! Make them stop! I will have no part of it!" Black raged, spirit shaking with emotion and looking fit to leap into a rampage.

"Make who stop?" Shiro demanded, hands raised in a placating gesture "What going on?"

"The others. The other Paladins. I want no other!"

Shrio blinked in confusion then his eyes widened as understanding dawned "Their going to choose a new Black Paladin?" He breathed

Black shook itself, denial rising from its soul in waves "I do not need another. Already have a Paladin."

Shiro couldn't help but smile fondly at that, touched. But he shook his head "But you do need a pilot." he countered practically "They can't form Voltron without one."

Black stilled at that, reluctance and resignation leaking over their bond "You will help me choose."

The words were as much a request as an order.

Shiro smiled up at the feline spirit "It would be my honur."

Of course, it proved to be easier said then done. Shiro's determination to find a new Black Paladin was quickly hampered by the fact that the Black Lion was inclined to reject any and all candidates out of hand.

To put it simply Black was being a right stubborn git.

Granted, he could understand. As skilled as they were, Pidge, Hunk and Lance really weren't leaders.

But Allura . . .

"I don't understand." Shiro confessed as he watched though the lion's eyes as she left the cockpit, clearly crushed by the rejection "The princess has been leading us since the beginning. I thought she'd be perfect."

Black responded by shooting him a sidelong look "Alfor's cub is blinded by prejudice. She would be a poor Head."

Shiro pursed his lips at that. As much as he admired the Princess he couldn't deny the truth of that statement. He was pulled from his thoughts as a familiar presence filled the cockpit.

Keith.

A pool of warm fondness filling him, Shiro watched as the younger man sank in to the chair. He felt a spike of concern shoot though him as he studied his little brother's face. His pale features where strained and the mask he hid behind was cracked so that the grief swimming in his eyes was painfully visible. Shiro could clearly hear the kid's soul screaming: I don't want this! I don't want this!

"I know you wanted this for me, Shiro." Keith said, voice reaching where the others could not "But I'm not you. I can't lead them like you.

The Black Lion looked at him sharply "Is this true?"

"Yes." Shiro murmured, unable to take his eyes off Keith. He glanced up as he sensed Black reach out and converse silently with its sister ships. The Lion at last gave a decisive nod "So be it."

Shiro felt detached as Keith's protests echoed though the cabin, a discomforting feeling of finality settling in his gut.

Everything was going to change.