I had a snow day yesterday. Hooray! However, I did not realise this until I had arrived at the Sixth Form after walking in the snow for 20 minutes! Boo! Then I had a killer headache for the rest of the day! Double boo!
On a brighter note, I have now caught up on Season 5 of VLD, and I am impressed! I will give no spoilers, but what we're asking for is finally being given!
And, in a similar fashion, I shall give you Chapter Four, since you have all begged and cried for it so much!
Enjoy!
Allura quickly sprinted up Blue's ramp and immediately settled herself into the pilot's seat. As soon as she grasped the flight levers, she felt a welcoming purr echo through her mind.
"Greetings Princess." Blue greeted.
"Hello Blue." Allura smiled sweetly. "I'm afraid we don't have long. Lance-"
"I know." Blue hummed. "I can feel my Cub's life-force dwindling with every passing tick. We must not delay!"
"Then we must launch immediately!" Allura commanded as she pushed the levers to get Blue to begin running.
Blue roared and pounced forwards towards her hangar door. It was already open and Blue leapt into the air and made a beeline straight for the atmosphere.
"We are heading to Hijartatavat." Allura informed the Lion. "We need to retrieve the golden scale of an imperial Hijanva. If we continue at out current speed, we will arrive there in thirty dobashes."
"We will make it there in twenty dobashes." Blue growled confidently as her speed increased drastically Allura was a bit startled since she thought that Blue would not be able to match Red's speed like this! "I can feel my Cub's pain and weakness. It frightens me! I do not wish to lose another one of my Paladins so quickly!"
"We won't." Allura comforted her determinedly. "We will not fail your Cub; I can guarantee that."
The first time Allura had heard Blue refer to Lance as her Cub, she had been quite surprised! As far as she knew, she had not known Blaytz as her Cub, but rather as her brother. At the beginning, Allura would not have understood why such a strong bond would have formed between Blue and Lance. After all, all she had seen from him were flirts and excuses for being lazy. That was until they began to spend time together, him braiding her hair and her teaching him Altean. She began to a very different side of Lance. Every time he was complimented, he would light up as if he had just been gifted the greatest treasure ever! It was nothing to do with pride or arrogance. Rather, it was having security in knowing that he was doing a good job and that others appreciated his actions. Allura felt horrible with herself because it had taken many Movements to notice this! She had no idea that Lance felt so unconfident and unappreciated, so she made sure to point out his achievements and skills a lot more. This didn't mean that she stopped pointing out his flaws as well! Alternatively, she was gentler and calmer with her criticism, much more like a teacher than an army trainer.
And her change in her attitude towards Lance had such a huge impact on his performance! Whenever she pointed out a mistake, he would remain strong and improve almost instantly! In the past, criticism during training would make him even sloppier and clumsy! Allura observed that while Keith thrived from harsh criticism and rough, rapid training, Lance was the complete opposite. His improvement required patience and guidance, and when provided, his progress would easily match Keith's and bolster his optimism.
It was like when they had all begun training for Voltron. She had tried so hard to push them all into forming Voltron successfully by using tough and continuous training. In hindsight, she probably should have not put so much pressure on them.
"Don't worry about that!" Hunk had assured her when she apologised for her actions. "Because you made that mistake, you have now learnt how to handle our team dynamic!"
"Yellow's Paladin is incredibly sweet and wise." Blue said in reaction to Allura's thoughts. "He is the perfect second half to my Cub's first. It is no wonder that they both make – made such a great pair of legs."
Allura could now feel sadness fading into Blue's fond memories. She could picture Lance and Hunk laughing together whenever they supported Voltron together. She felt upset herself for breaking up such a strong and friendly team.
"It was not your fault." Blue soothed her sad Princess. "Out of all the Paladins, my Cub was the best choice for Red's Paladin's right-hand man. I am so proud of him!"
"So am I." Allura smiled proudly along with Blue. "He has indeed come such a long way from that unconfident boy."
"Indeed." Blue chuckled in reply.
Allura and Blue revelled in their memories and thoughts together until they reached the blue planet of Hijartatavat nineteen dobashes later. Allura and Blue paused to marvel at the stunning planet! It resembled a cobalt-blue marble ball with whirls of misty white mixed in. There were also darker patches where navy stood out as if they were pink instead! It was simply beautiful. The planet was also really close to its Sun, considering its large size, but thankfully, it wasn't too hot, or else Blue would not have been able to function properly.
"No time to admire the scenery!" Allura shook her head to focus away from the distracting view. "Lance needs us!"
Allura heaved herself upon the levers, prompting Blue to nose-dive towards the planet's surface. Allura could feel the force of her descent shoving her body into the plush seat. Her brain rattled inside her skull and it felt like her eyes were trying to break through the back of her head. She endeavoured the uncomfortable speed, for this planet's waters were incredibly deep and Blue would need a very high velocity to reach the depths quicker.
They cut through the water's surface with a mighty splash that crashed around Blue's head. Allura's eyes widened once again upon her first sight of the planet's marine environment.
A school of fish-like creatures scattered in a frenzy upon Blue's invasion. They were pink with large frilly fins and orange eyes. Kinda creepy…
Allura didn't catch much of a glimpse of them though; Blue was already at the sea-bed. Her scanners indicated a pressure that would kill her if she went out unguarded, so she desperately prayed that nothing would occur for her armour to end up damaged.
Blue gently decelerated and thrusted herself upright into a horizontal position. Her eyes took in the surrounding coral to survey for any dangerous lifeforms. She also scanned for any substances that were toxic for Alteans; none came up. Allura found that the view was darker than it had been nearer the surface due to the lack of sunlight.
"I have to go out Blue." Allura said, sensing Blue's reluctance to let the Princess out. "If I am to speak with the Hijanva, then they must be able to see me completely."
Blue whined as Allura stood up and headed towards the exit.
"Stay here Blue and keep your shield up." She advised as she activated her air supply and water-tight mask.
There was a tickling sensation as the water enveloped the Princess' form. She instantly felt weightless, but she also had trouble moving at the same time. She floated around for a few ticks, taking in the surroundings. The torch in her helmet turned on automatically, as did the teal symbols on her armour. The coral appeared to have a rough, spongy texture and was a bright dazzling orange. It was also covered with a meadow of long, slimy, pink seaweed. There was no doubt that this was the habitat for the fish she had seen earlier; hopefully she wouldn't meet their predators.
Allura activated her jetpack to propel forwards towards where there was a tall cliff. It was riddled with many caverns. Her subconscious hoped that this would be where the local civilians lived or frequently visited. She soon found herself at the mouth of a gaping chasm, in which the shadows never seemed to end. A brief observation with the headlight showed that no lifeforms appeared to be present, so she moved on.
Allura decided to try swimming upwards towards the top of the cliff; it was more likely that she would fins a settlement there. Before she could reach the ledge however, she heard – or rather, felt – the vibrations from a terrifying snarl. She whipped around and laid eyes on a giant eel! Its body was stretched, lean and slimy! Electricity crackled around its body, which was a dark-grey. It was positively disgusting with an even more hideous head! The head and snout were pointed, and long daggers peeked out of its closed mouth. They looked yellow and cracked after years of use! But worst of all were the eyes – foggy and white, they wad no pupil or iris. Its head was swaying from side to side in the water, looking directly ahead.
Allura couldn't help but gasp at the ghastly creature before her. As soon as she did, the creature's head snapped upwards towards where Allura was floating.
'Of course!" Allura realised. 'Its eyesight is poor, so it relies of smells and sounds – and I just gave away my position!'
The creature darted forwards with such a speed that Allura barely had time to move out of its way! Electricity fired from its body and only just singed her Paladin armour. Its movement past her sent a rush of force that pushed her backwards and sent her spiralling out of control! As soon as she gained the slightest bit of focus, she turned around and dashed away as swiftly as possible…away from Blue. The creature was alerted by her speedy exit and slithered after her. Allura was panting with so much fear and exhaustion that she didn't dare to look back. She could only concentrate on her path as she tried to find somewhere to hide.
But there was nowhere. The cliff was behind her, and below her was only coral. If the fish lived in it, as she suspected, then she could not endanger them. Instead, she attempted to swim upwards and loop herself in the opposite direction above her hunter.
'Well, it's worth a shot.' Allura reasoned.
Allura drew in a deep breath and, once the creature was just about to bite at her, propelled herself upwards and swam in the opposite direction. The eel snapped its jaws closed and kept on swimming forwards until it realised that its mouth was empty. It slowed down and nodded its head until it heard Allura's frantic swimming and turned around. Allura was panting so hard that the glass of her helmet was beginning to mist over. But despite her attempts to calm her breathing and terror, she found herself only worrying more. She came to the cliff again and tried to swim upwards but reeled back when the monster's head appeared above her instead and its tail curled up from beneath.
She was trapped.
Allura gasped loudly as she found herself about to be surrounded by the creature's gaping mouth. She began to think of her Father – of how she had failed him in not being able to avenge him and their planet. She thought of her Paladins, Shiro in particular. She thought of how she was about to leave them without another leader again. She vaguely thought about how painful her death was going to be; those sharp teeth would easily tear through her armour and skewer her like a…kebab? Where those the skewered meats that Hunk spoke of so fondly?
Either way, it didn't matter now. Death approached.
It approached with a wailing…a very high-pitched wailing.
Wait, that wailing…it was familiar.
The creature suddenly recoiled from its attack and began writhing around as if in pain. Allura gaped and turned to see Blue floating close by with her sonic canon primed. The high frequencies of its emitted waves ware so painful for a creature that relied solely on sound! The monster retreated into its cave with a pained screech while Allura sagged in relief.
"Blue!" Allura sighed with a grateful smile and turned to her Lion. "Thank you!"
"My Cub would be most upset if his Sister was gobbled and digested." Blue purred in reply with amusement. She was a joker, just like her Paladin.
Allura then noticed movement out of the corner of her eye and spun to face her adversary with her Bayard raised.
She came face-to-face with a pointed weapon, very similar to a spear. The figure holding it appeared humanoid. Well, the top half, at least. The lower half took the form of a fish tail. It was long and tough with powerful muscles, and the scales of which they were covered were bold in colour. They had large fins and were covered with large frills. The upper half was covered in some sort of leathery material, designed to act as armour. The face was visible, and the one holding the weapon appeared to be female. Her company appeared to be a mix of males and females, and all of them wore armour and aimed weapons at her.
"State your business and intentions!" The closest female demanded. This must be their captain.
"I am Princess Allura of Altea." Allura replied, holding herself regally and properly. She was now in the presence of the planet's inhabitants and must be completely diplomatic. "One of my Paladins has fallen ill to the Nigrum Sanguis and the antidote requires a golden scale from a Hijanva."
The younger-looking guards all gasped when Allura mentioned the Hijanva, but the captain's eyes only hardened.
"Those who have come seeking the Hijanva before have only wanted to take them so that they may take our home." The captain hissed coldly. Her purple eyes were steel beneath a few strands of green and turquoise hair. "Why should we believe your words?"
"These creatures who have come for the Hijanva before…" Allura inquired. "Who were they?"
"What should we know of our enemies?" The captain growled. "They came so suddenly that we were hardly prepared! Thankfully, they were unfit to survive in our waters. You should have seen how fear struck the malice from their putrid yellow eyes!"
"Yellow eyes," Allura began. "And purple hair…all over their bodies?"
All the guards flinched, and the captain raised her spear so that it was nearly touching her neck.
"You know of them?" The captain asked angrily.
"They are the Galra." Allura replied with a similar anger. "They destroyed my home planet of Altea. They are my and my Paladins' enemies."
"And why should we believe you?"
Allura smiled almost cunningly. "Tell me, uh…"
"Captain Florea Merqua." The cap – Captain Florea supplied.
"Tell me Captain Florea Merqua; have you ever heard of Voltron?"
The other guards all gasped and began to whisper amongst themselves.
"Voltron?"
"As in the fairy-tale?"
"There's no way!"
"Voltron?" Florea scoffed. "A myth and nothing more."
"No, you are wrong." Allura said. "I lead Voltron alongside the Black Paladin, and I am the current pilot of the Blue Lion."
As Allura spoke, Blue glided closer so that she was directly behind her Princess like a loyal bodyguard. The guards finally noticed Blue and looked up to her and quivered in disbelief. Florea, too, looked a little surprised. She still seemed reluctant, but she also submitted to the evidence before her.
"Very well then." She conceded, lowering her weapon to her side. "You will follow us."
The group turned and began to swim away. Florea stalled for a bit so that Allura could catch up. Blue swam behind them obediently…hopefully to the Hijanva.
After maybe a varga, they finally came across a colony built into the rockface of a trench. The floor of the trench served as their farming grounds and merfolk swam to and fro in urgent scurrying. Some younger ones swam around in circles as they played with each other. Allura was so amazed! She looked around with a gaping mouth and admired just how colourful the local species was! Their hair and scales were made up of every shade of every colour Allura knew of.
There was also a large, peculiar rock just outside of a large cave at the end of the trench. Allura couldn't see why it was considered important but decided not to ask. After all, everything about a different species and culture will be weird. Take her human Paladins, for example! They would sometimes close their eyes and then jerk forwards, making the most disgusting and painful sound! She was told that it was a natural instinct meant to keep pathogens out of their bodies, but that didn't make it any less revolting!
It wasn't long before Florea pointed to a clear patch of ground near the other end of the trench.
"You may leave your Lion there." She said.
"Go wait for me there Blue." Allura ordered. "And keep your shield up while I'm absent."
Blue did as she was instructed and settled herself down with her shield up. Many of the locals crowded around her, pointing and whispering excitedly.
"This way." Florea gestured for Allura to follow her down the largest opening at the end of the trench.
Allura expected that the tunnels would be bare and resemble the caves that the monster lived in, but instead, she was astonished to see that the architecture inside was both ingenious and stunning!
In contrast to the grey rock outside, the inside had been carved to reveal an inner core looked like smooth marble! The walkway – or swimway? – was lined with purple seaweed that danced from side to side. The chamber was illuminated by crystals in the ceiling and pink seaweed was used in place of curtains to separate the tunnel from the main chamber beyond.
"Wait here." Florea ordered before passing through the barrier.
Allura floated patiently for a while as murmurs flowed from the other side. The lingering worry that had disappeared with all the adrenaline hit her again at full force. Would the Hijanva really let her have a golden scale? Would the cure even work?
"Green's and Yellow's Paladins are very adept." Blue assured her. "They would not make any mistakes regarding my Cub's health."
'I know." Allura replied. 'But we don't know if the Druids even provided the correct antidote!'
"We can worry about that if we ever come to it." Blue said.
Before Allura could be vexed again, the seaweed drew back as Florea returned. She held the drapes aside so that a gorgeous female could join them. Her dark blue hair shone like silver and floated behind her like a cloak. She was gifted with piercing pink eyes that accompanied her pale skin; skin that was adorned by dark purple swirls and markings. Her shoulders were broader, draped in armour like the guards, except that she also had a short cloak (Allura didn't know what it was made of) trailing behind her. Her tail was a mix of Juniberry-pink and lavender-purple and was longer than the others' tails. The fins were also wider. There were no golden scales.
"Welcome, Princess Allura of Altea." She welcomed the Princess regally. Her voice was deep and warm – almost comforting. "I am Geofornya Ariska, leader of the Poinika Tribe. I hear that you have come seeking a golden scale from a Hijanva."
"Yes Miss." Allura replied respectfully. This earned her an amused – but still kind – smile.
"Just Geofornya will suffice Princess."
"Thank you Geofornya." Allura smiled politely. "I am afraid that I do not have much time to explain! One of my Paladins was poisoned by the Nigrum Sanguis during our last mission against the Galra, and the antidote requires a golden scale. Forgive me for being impatient, but I am already low on time."
"I suppose that you have already figured out that I am a Hijanva." Geofornya stated. Allura didn't know what to make of the statement, so she acted honestly.
"Yes." She confirmed. "I was just a little bit confused because…"
Allura decided to trail off because she didn't want to sound rude or doubtful. Geofornya laughed slightly when she saw Allura's discomfort and took some pity on the poor Princess.
"My golden scales can only be acquired for those who are worthy." She explained. "Something so valuable must be intended for someone equally as valuable. We have had many come before to take my kin's golden scales for profit and decoration. Even these 'Galra', as you have named them, have come for them to show off to the rest of the Universe."
"Emperor Zarkon is the best example for the lowest form of scum in the Universe." Allura spat angrily. How dare the Galra threaten such a wonderful creature merely for its worth? "He will never rest until the entire Universe lays in the palm of his hand. So, I too shall never rest until his palm is completely empty."
"Yes, Florea told me that your 'Voltron' is rebelling against the Galra." Geofornya nodded in understanding. "Do you really believe that you can fight against such a strong and malicious force?"
"Only if we can save Lance." Allura replied gravely. "Without him, we wouldn't be able to form Voltron."
"He does indeed sound like a valuable soul," Geofornya commented. "But I shall need proof of such value. Follow me please, Princess."
Geofornya swam towards the outside of her chamber with Allura and Florea in tow. When she was back out in the open, she could see that the Poinikans were still goggling at Blue. Geofornya also paused slightly when she saw the Lion on her doorstep, but swiftly moved on. She led them to the peculiar stone that Allura had spotted earlier. She and Florea pushed at the top of it. The top slid off like a lid and tipped down into the sand. Allura's eyes widened when she saw the contents.
Inside the rock basin was a pearly-white substance that didn't dissolve of float away with the sea. Shimmers ran through it like waves and it released a gentle glow that felt soothing and loving.
"What is this?" Allura asked in an awed whisper.
"This is the Atminas Ekrans." Florea replied. "It allows memories to be shown in plain sight."
"I wish for you to show us this Paladin of yours." Geofornya explained. "The ways by which he lives will determine whether or not he is worthy of a golden scale."
By now, the Poinikans had lost interest in the Blue Lion and were now crowding around to witness the memories.
"What do I do?" Allura asked.
"Simply place your hand in the Atminas Ekrans while you bring up the desired memories." Geofornya replied, gesturing towards the white substance with her hand. "It is completely harmless!"
Allura floated closer determinedly and placed her hand into the basin with no further questions. She could feel the thickness and weight of the liquid and found it rather comfortable. She could also feel cold seeping in through her glove.
"Focus." Geofornya instructed. "Show us your Lance."
So Allura brought up every memory of Lance that she could think of. She brought up the time when Coran told her that Lance had saved him from the bomb. She thought of the time where he braided her hair and called her his sister. She remembered his playful smiles and actions. She showed them his seriousness during missions and training. She showed them all just how much he cared for them, and how much they cared for him. She finished by showing them what the Nigrum Sanguis had reduced him to. She showed them his agonised writhing and wheezes, his ashen and drenched skin. It had felt like she'd been reminiscing for hours, even though it had only been many ticks. Surely this must be enough!
"I can see that he is important to you all." Geofornya said. "But I need something more! What about him makes him a part of your team that no one else can replace? What makes him a unique Paladin?"
Allura blanched and hesitated.
Unique?
Well, he was brave and tactical…just like Keith and Shiro were.
Well, he was funny and caring…but so were Hunk and Coran.
He was witty!
But so was Pidge.
Allura could feel the cold tendrils of terror squeeze around her heart as she realised that she could think of nothing! She had failed!
However, Blue cut in before she could answer Geofornya's request. She felt the Blue Lion nuzzle her mind desperately to receive her attention. Allura turned to the Lion to show her that she had it.
"I want to show them my Cub." Blue declared. "Let me show them!"
Allura turned back to Geofornya.
"The Blue Lion wishes to show you her memories of the Blue Paladin." She announced.
"Then allow them to travel through you." Geofornya conceded.
Blue dropped her shield and approached them. She knelt so that Allura could place her free hand onto her metal casing. Allura inhaled sharply as she felt the memories rush through her, and knew that what she saw, the Poinikans could see too.
I have been alone for such a long time.
For ten thousand years, I have sat beneath the ground, waiting for my Paladin to find me.
I have felt a fiery presence nearby for months now. It comes and goes often, but never finds me. They are not mine; I know that. The fiery and reckless soul would better fit my Red Sister.
So, I keep on waiting…
And waiting.
Until, one day, I feel not only fire, but also nature, order, rock and water.
My Paladin! My Paladin has finally arrived!
Then five humans fall to me from above.
I recognise Red's immediately. His eyes are just as fiery as his soul. He is undoubtedly the right hand. Yellow's is just as strong and comforting as he is. He is the perfect left leg. Green's is small and agile and is undoubtedly just as unique and intelligent as a left hand. Black's is strong and caring, but he is also tactical and wise. He is the head.
And mine is…
He's so beautiful…
And so perfect.
He looks up at me with amazement and excitement. I can feel his soul; just like an ocean, it is both gentle and raging. It is both endless and deep with beauty and hidden secrets. I welcome him warmly when he enters, and he instantly accepts my bond as if we were fated to meet.
'He is now mine.' I think. 'And I am now his.'
We fight through many battles and share many victories. Despite all lows, my Paladin remains high. He laughs and smiles for his teammates and sings for me often.
He comes most days with a bucket, brush and sponge. He will scrub my back, belly and head, all while moaning about how dirty I have gotten and claiming that I deserve to be the cleanest and most well-cared for out of all the Lions. He will also tap along to some songs he hums. He likes to sing in his native language, which I find to be so pretty and fitting for my Paladin.
But most of all, I love his smiles, and his child-like innocence. I always feel the urge to hold him forever and keep him close to me. Letting him go always makes me sad, but I know that he is eager to meet with his friends.
So I let him go. I let him be happy, because he is so precious to me. His is so much like my own child, my Cub.
No. He IS my Cub!
And I will never let any harm befall him!
My Cub is sad.
And that makes me sad.
He has been sad for many days, so sad that it is painful. I just want to whine loudly, but I must remain strong so that I can support my Cub, just like how he supports my Siblings' Paladins.
My Cub is sat in his seat, curled up in a blanket. He came in with it draped around his shoulders as he held a pillow to his chest. He sniffles and drops of water fall down his face. I do not know much about humans, but I can figure out that this is a sign that my cub is truly distraught.
"What is wrong, my Cub?" I ask. "You have been in such an agonised state for many days!"
My Cub rubs his face.
"I…" He stutters. It breaks my heart. "It's just been a few hard days Blue."
"Does my Cub wish to talk about it?"
My Cub is silent for a while.
Then he speaks.
"I suppose I've just been feeling a bit lonely recently." He admits. "Did you ever feel lonely? Back on Earth, you waited ten thousand years for me."
"And I would have waited another ten thousand for you, my Cub." I firmly assure him. My Paladin is so precious, and yet he continues to believe that his worth is not as great as those he works with!
"I don't know what I would do without you Blue." My Cub whispers with a trembling voice. "Back on Earth, I was surrounded by so many people. There would always be noise and action. Even when we slept, the crashing of the waves and the rustling of the leaves would fill the room. Here though, it's just so…quiet. It unnerves me, but I don't feel lonely because I can always sense that you're with me!"
"My Cub also provides great company and comfort." I purr. "My Cub is the best."
My Cub is silent for a while. He takes in a shuddering breath.
"What about your old Paladin?" He asks. "You must really miss him."
I whine as I recall my Blaytz. He, as my first Paladin, had been so close to me. He was more like my Brother than my Cub. He was so outgoing and confident, and he would always flatter those who did not flatter themselves. He managed to spread joy, just like my Cub. However, they are both so different. My Cub, having grown up on a planet ignorant to the Universe, was so curious to see everything that he could, and everything he saw made his eyes light up brighter than all the stars! He found everything beautiful and was eager to drag his fellow Paladins to admire them as well. He was particularly determined to get Red's Paladin to join him, but he takes a lot of convincing. My Paladin is so kind. He wants everyone to be in his family. He truly does hate being alone.
"Blaytz was unfathomably precious to me." I admit. "He was my first Paladin. He was the first to fly me, to fight with me, to sit in my seat. He was the first to compliment me and sing to me."
My Cub's face falls slightly at my words.
"But," I continue. "He was not the first sleep with me. He was not the first give me hope after such a long time of loneliness. He did not make me feel such maternal love. He did not insist on bringing together a group of lonely misfits to form the greatest and strongest family in the Universe. He was not you, and you are not him. You are my Cub, and, as much as I loved Blaytz, I would never trade you for him. He wanted me to be happy, and he would be pleased to know that you make me so."
My Cub's eyes glimmer with more tears, but this time, I can feel less sadness and more joy.
"You make me happy." I conclude. "And I want to make you happy too. So tell me, Lance, what troubles you?"
This is the first time I have ever used his name.
Lance.
My Cub is mildly surprised and pleased to hear me call him by his name. His resolve softens, and he sighs.
"Do you remember that ship we went to a few days ago?" He asks me quietly.
I purr.
"Well, I…there was a Galra soldier. Not one of those robotic sentries. I mean a real-life, flesh-and-blood Galra. He went for Pidge, and I froze, and then she got hurt! And I had to…I had to…"
My Cub is unable to finish his words, but I can tell what troubles him.
"Taking life is never easy." I say. "Black has told me of his Paladin. He often suffers from nightmares about the times when he had to take lives."
"But I still hate it!" My Cub yells in distress. "I hate it! I hate myself!"
"No!" I protest. "You should not hate yourself! You protected your teammate above all else. Your family is safe because of you."
"But what about his family?" My cub argues. "That Galra…I wonder what his family must be thinking? I wonder how they reacted at the news that they had lost him. Did they scream? Did they cry? Did they call for my death? Do you think they're still grieving, even now?"
I sigh. My Cub's value for all life is both his greatest asset and his greatest curse. He truly does not belong in the middle of a war, but he is a reminder that all life is precious. He makes sure that the Paladins all lead their own lives outside of the battlefield and the training deck.
"You should not feel about yourself so badly." I tell my Cub. "It is good that you saved your teammate, but it is better that you feel guilt. This means that, despite finding Green's Paladin's life more valuable, you still value the Galra's life."
"Isn't that bad though? That I value the lives of our enemies?"
"Mercy is not an evil, nor is it a weakness." I assure him. "In fact, your mercy is what I love most about you. I love how much you value lives. My only disappointment is that you find little value in your own life."
My Cub does not deny it.
"Is it not true though?" My Cub says. "My life is not as valuable as the others'. Out of everyone, my life has indeed been the happiest, and I would gladly lay down my life to ensure that they all can live to find their own happiness again. I want Pidge to find her family. I want Allura, Coran and Shiro to find closure after all that they have lost. I want Hunk to be able to return home and fulfil his dreams."
"What about your dreams, my Cub?"
"My only dream is for everyone to be happy." My Cub smiles sadly.
"Oh, my Cub." I sigh. "What did we do to deserve you?"
My Cub remains silent, but he smiles. I am happy.
"You're amazing Blue." My Cub grins. "I honestly don't know what I would do without you. I can't imagine how I would feel without you with me. Wow…I even pity Zarkon! He must really miss Black. No wonder he's so cuckoo."
"I do not understand half of the things you say, my Cub, but they still amuse me greatly!" I laugh.
"I'm glad." My Cub giggles before yawning loudly. "Would you mind if I stayed here for the night?"
"Of course not, my Cub." I purr contentedly. I dim my lights so that my Cub can lay his seat back and settle down to sleep.
"Hey Blue, could you-"
"Of course, my Cub."
I fill the cockpit with the sound of waves and squawking birds. My Cub loves the sounds from his home planet. I watch as my Cub smiles and his eyes droop shut. Before long, he is sleeping soundly, and I watch over him throughout the night.
My Cub has no nightmares.
"Well, Old Blue, we sure had some fun adventures, didn't we? I wanted to stay with you, but, sometimes, what we want isn't necessarily what we get. I'm gonna miss you, buddy."
I whine. I do not want my Cub to leave me, but I have no choice. Ever since Black's Paladin disappeared, Voltron has been dormant. Now that Black has chosen Red's Paladin, my Cub has had to move to Red. The Princess is to be my new Paladin. While I do love the Princess, she is not my Cub. I shall concede so that Voltron can form. The sooner Black's Paladin returns, the sooner my Cub can return to me.
When the bond faded away, Allura returned to feel tears streaming down her cheeks. Blue loved Lance so much! And he loved her too, just like how he loved them all. They were a family held together by Lance's love and desire to value everyone.
Speaking of which…
Geofornya, along with many of the Poinikans including Florea, had similar gleams in their eyes.
"Your Paladin…" Geofornya whispers. She then clears her throat and straightens. "Empathy and loyalty are two characteristics which I value greatly, and his sacrifices are indeed noble! Our Universe would truly be a darker place without him. I doubt that the power of my sacrifice can amount to his."
Geofornya rubbed her hand over the scales near her waist. One of them began to glow brighter and brighter until the pink had completely given way to gold. Allura smiled and breathed in relief. Once the scale was fully revealed, Geofornya gripped the end of it tightly and firmly yanked it from her body with a grunt. A trail of brown blood flowed from the wound, but she paid no mind to it. She instead turned to Allura and handed her the scale.
"Go and save your Paladin Princess." She said. "Your Voltron seems to be an incredible entity piloted by incredible people. I would greatly like for you to return to Hijartatavat someday so that we may be allies."
Allura smiled back.
"I shall." She promised. "I would be honoured if your people joined the Voltron Coalition so that we may stand firmly together against the Galra."
Geofornya smiled back determinedly and gestured for her to board her Lion. Allura entered Blue and they began to head towards the surface while the Poinikans all cheered and waved as they left. The transition from the water to the air made Allura squint due to the sudden brightness. Blue was able to continue flying straight and true while Allura adjusted herself to the light once again. The two were soon out of the atmosphere and well on their way back to the Castle.
"I did not know that Lance felt such a way." Allura said sadly after a while. "I also did not realise just how precious you are to each other."
"The relationship between a Mother and her Cub is one that is hard to grasp." Blue said. "I forgive you for not being able to understand. But Princess, do not believe that what you have learned make you think that I love you less. I still love you, my Princess, and I am happy to have you as my Paladin. We would not have been able to form Voltron if this was not true."
"I know you do love me Blue." Allura reassured her. "And I will help you too. I want to show my Brother that he is indeed valuable, starting with his recovery."
"Yes." Blue agreed. "My Cub shall be happy and well. And then, we can all be happy."
As they returned to the Castle, Allura hoped that the other Paladins were faring well.
Keith: How could Lance think that!?
Warryn: Well, maybe he'll feel better once he knows that you love him.
Keith: (Glares) And for that to happen, you have to make him better first!
Warryn: Of course! Of course I'll make him better! Or will I?
Keith: (Grabs me by the collar and drags me forwards) You had better.
Warryn: Yeesh! I guess some things stay the same in every season.
Keith: What is that supposed to mean!?
Friend: (Rushes in) It's amazing! Now get Chapter Five out!
Warryn: I'll need to write it first! And with mock exams this week, I'll need to conserve my time more effectively!
Friend: (Pouts with the puppy eyes)
Warryn: (Sighs) I'll get it out next weekend.
Friend: HOORAY!
Warryn: Next week will be either Hunk or Pidge. It was really fun going into the Blue Lion's perspective for what she thinks about Lance. I will definitely do this for Red as well, and possibly the other lions. As you can now tell, Mercy is a part of this timeline. So, since Mercy had a lot of Lance bonding with Shiro, I don't think I'll give Shiro a 'Lance Appreciation Flashback' unless you all really want to see more Space-Dad Shiro.
Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, I have also binge-watched Season 5, and IT. IS. AWESOME! Seriously, if you have not seen it yet, I would highly recommend it! We finally get some answers and some…satisfying background facts on some specific characters. However, since I started this fic before this information was revealed, my head canons will remain the same.
Happy watching, happy reading, and I look forward to writing for you again!
Until next time my wonderful readers,
WarrynSparklegem