Castle Doom.

Zarkon stared at his magnificent Ro-Beast with a look of pride as Haggar and her Druids successfully place the blue diamond into its core; infusing their dark magic into it as well. It'll take a while for the mech to siphon enough of the gemstone's Quintessence to begin operating; but Zarkon has waited this long, half of a varga won't matter to him.

'Zarkon!' A familiar voice shouted as the Emperor looked around.

"Who's there?" The Galran loudly questioned.

'I think you know who I am.' The voice said again, and Zarkon began to realize who it is.

"The fake Black Paladin." Zarkon bitterly said. "I take it you're contacting me from the Astral Plane. So, to what do I owe the pleasure."

'You still want the Black Lion, don't you? I can sense that desire.' The human questioned. 'How about a showdown to determine who's her rightful Paladin. Bring Castle Doom. We'll be waiting for you?'

"Do you take me for a fool?" Zarkon questioned. "I may not know what it is, but you are planning something.

'Maybe we are?' The voice replied. 'But I know of your obsession with the Black Lion. You could have the entire universe, but it wouldn't be as satisfying without your "prize" being claimed.'

"And how do you know that I won't have my ships accompany me like our last encounter?" Zarkon questioned. "Or how do you know that I won't stay behind while my minions claimed the Black Lion and Voltron for me?"

'Because when you sent all your Commanders after us, they all failed. When you came after us with your fleet; it showed that you would rather take matters into your own hands.' The voice logically stated. 'Unless you lost that motivation?'

The Galran Emperor was aware that the fake Black Paladin was playing him but also knew that what he says is the truth; that he won't trust anyone but himself with the retrieval of the Lion. "Very well; where are you?" The Emperor asked.

'The Paladins and I are on Olkarion.' The voice stated. 'We are ready and waiting. And there will be no running away. This all ends with one of us dead. Let's go.' With those final words said, the voice vanished, and Zarkon returned his attention to his Ro-Beast.

"Haggar!" Zarkon shouted, resulting in the dark sorceress to appear beside him in a cloud of black smoke.

"My Lord." The witch greeted.

"Prepare the castle and a fleet for battle." The Emperor ordered. "I know where the Paladins are."

"My Lord, your armor is far from ready." Haggar pointed out.

"Then make it ready." The Emperor responded.

"My Emperor." Haggar began. "I fear your singular focus has…"

"Has what?" Zarkon questioned.

"I fear your singular focus… your obsession with the Black Lion is clouding your judgment." Haggar admitted.

"Do not overstep your bounds." Zarkon bit back. "I want the weapon ready! It is time that I finally get everything I deserve."


Olkari Space.

The Lions of Voltron joined the other ships as soon as they could; now that Zarkon has taken the bait, the only thing left to do now is to wait.

"We're not going to run or hide any longer." Stevonnie began over their comms. "The Galra Empires needs to know that none of us are their slaves, and we will fight no matter the cost. We're taking the battle to them, now! And we're going to win!"

"Attention all Coalition ships." Allura began over the Castle of Lions' comms. "A dozen Galra Dreadnaughts are about to drop out of hyperspace! Along with Castle Doom! Zarkon is here! I repeat, Zarkon is here!" A massive boom is heard as the Galran vessel approach Olkarion and deploy their Djalg and Erto fighters.

"Enemy fighters are heading our way!" Coran shouted over the comms.

"All ships engage!" Allura fiercely ordered. "Take them out!"

"All right, Pidge." Shiro began over the comms. "You're up!"

"Understood," Pidge responded over the comms. "I'm activating the stealth generator now." The Green Paladin enters a code into the Green Lion's console, with the team then hearing a synthetic sounding noise coming from outside. "The Green Lion is officially cloaked." The mechanical beast continues flying towards Castle Doom. "I'll rejoin you as soon as I get the Marmora agents inside!"

"Let's buy them some time, Paladins!" Shiro ordered as the four Lions flew into the skirmish.

Keith activates the Red Lions Jaw Blade and charges through the incoming ships; slicing them all apart.

Amethyst rams Yellow into a group of Djalgs before firing her Maw Cannon while a small squad of Taujeeran and Olkari fighters gave her support.

"Form Sonic Cannon!" Stevonnie shouted as they thrust their Bayard into their cockpits slot. The Blue Lion emits a cerulean radiance as the weapon form and releases a powerful sonic blast that pushes both the lion and the enemy ships back. Allowing Blumfump, Plaxum, and Swirn in their ships to shoot down their enemies. "Nice work you three." The human-Fusion praised.

The Yellow Lion barrel rolled away from the incoming enemy fire as a dozen newly dispatched fighters pursued the mechanical beast and her allies; shooting some of them down.

The Black Lion fires her purple colored energy beams at the Djalgs and Ertos pursuing the Yellow Paladin; destroying them.

"Thanks, Chief," Amethyst said over her comms.

"No problem," Shiro replied over the comms. "Just keep this up until the Marmora agents have done their job."


Thace, Krolia, Antok, and Ulaz skulk through the halls of Castle Doom; remaining undetected as they made their way to stations central system with the virus in hand. Two guards stood by the location's entrance, but Krolia and Thace sneak behind them; silently, and lethally incapacitating them and dragging the bodies aside.

"Come on," Krolia whispered to the others; waving her hand to them.

Antok and Ulaz meet up with their fellow agents as the former pulls out a small orb-like device. Krolia placed her code-breaker onto the door's panel; opening it at the same time the Marmoran agent tossed the grenade inside. Although one Galran soldier caught notice of it; it was too little too late, "what the quiz…" Then boom.

With the soldiers disoriented, the Marmora agents ran in with their blades drawn. Krolia went for a group Galra soldiers to the right of the room; closing the distance between her and her targets and ending them with quick slices.

Ulaz went for another group soldiers on the left side of the room; who regained their senses and opened fire on him. However, the agent was able to dodge all the laser fire.

Once he was close enough, Ulza slashed at the stomach of the soldiers; instantly killing them.

Antok and Thace worked together to take out the remaining soldiers; disposing of them before they even realized what was happening.

"All hostiles are down," Thace announced.

"I don't like this," Krolia spoke. "Something doesn't feel right. This was too easy."

"Watch for any patrols," Antok ordered. "I'll upload the virus."

Thace, Ulaz, and Krolia stood on guard with their luxite blades ready; when they suddenly felt the air grow colder than ice. A feeling these three were familiar with; as all, they all turn to Antok. "Antok, wait!" Krolia shouted, but it was too late. The three Marmora agents stand in complete horror as a Druid materialized right behind and drove its hand through the reptilian Galran's heart; killing him instantly. However, before he died, he used the last of his strength to toss Ulaz the virus.

"Tell me." The creature began in a voice of thousands of raspy males and female voices speaking at the same time; as he throws the deceased body aside. "Are you afraid?"


"It… doesn't… sound… good… out… there." Fluorite stated as the "off-colors" hold onto the Castle of Lion's walls; the castle shook again with some interior explosions that caused a few of the crew members to be blown back.

"Oh, why did we think we would be of any help?" Rhodonite started hyperventilating. "We're not warriors! We can't do this!"

"Yes, we can." The left body of Rutile stated. "We aren't just fighting for ourselves, or the Coalition." The right body of Rutile added. "We're doing this for all the "off-colors" who continue to live in fear, and don't have to." Both bodies said at once.

"But that doesn't explain how we are going to be able to fight," Rhodonite stated.

"Well, we have an idea." Both bodies of Rutile stated. "It's crazy, and it's going to require all four of us."

"We… trust… you, old… friend." Fluorite assured.

"I predict the Twins of Rutile will come up with a risky, yet effective plan," Padparadscha stated.

"All right, what's your plan?" Rhodonite asked.

"Follow us." The left body of Rutile said as the conjoined Gem leads the others down the hall to an airlock. Once there, the right body of Rutile activated her comms. "Are you there, Matt?"

"Rutile?" Matthew's voice asked over the comms. "What is it?"

"We need you to open the airlock by our coordinates and lower the particle barrier for just a few minutes." The left body of Rutile requested over the comms.

"What! Why?" Matt loudly asked.

"We have an idea of how to help." Both bodies said. "Just trust us."

"All right," Matt replied. "You have one minute before those doors open."

"Understood." The right body concluded; before the twins turn to the other "off-colors." "All right grab each other's hands, everyone. And do not let go. No matter what happens, do not let go."

"What are you planning?" Rhodonite asked as she took Padparadscha's and Fluorite's hands, while those two grasped the Rutile Twin's.

"We're going to show the Galra how tough we "off-colors" are when we stick together." Both bodies said just as the airlock opened and all four Gems were thrown out of the ship; spinning in the process.

They continued to grasp onto each other as they spun, and their gemstones began to glow brighter, and brighter until their physical forms converged together as bluish-purple energy. From that ball of energy; where a massive body began to form with twelve large arms that sprouted a vast wingspan from each, four tails, twelve legs, and five serpent-like heads. Finally taking its full shape as a massive dragon. "I am the "off-color" Fusion… I am! I am Dragon's, Vein Agate… the "off-color" Fusion!"

Several squadrons of Djalg and Erto fighters began shooting at the massive Fusion; to little effect. All five mouths of the dragon Fusion open, with beams of energy charging and firing at the ships with enough force to rival five miniature Devastation Cannons.


"Holy smokes!" Peridot shouted over the Green Lion's comms. "She's huge!"

"She's bigger than Obsidian!" Amethyst added in over the comms.

"Pidge." Shiro began over his comms. "Have the Marmora Agents called for you yet?"

"Negative," Katie replied over her comms. "I hope everything is going okay on their end."

"They're all right," Keith assured over his comms. "We just need to give them more time!"

"And we'll give it to them," Stevonnie said over their comms.

"Break formation and grab the attention of those fighters; we'll keep this up for as long as we can, Paladins!" Shiro ordered as the Lions of Voltron did as their leader said and entered combat with their oncoming opponents.

"Stevonnie!" Swrin's panic-filled voice shouted. "I've been hit."

"Where are you?" Stevonnie asked. "I can get to you in…"

"It's too la…" The Mer's communication was cut off with a loud explosion, much to the human-Fusion's horror.

"Petal, you got some on your tail!" Amethyst pointed out as several fighters pursued the Blue Lion; firing a barrage of lasers.

"I got them covered, Amethyst!" Shiro shouted as the Black Lion summoned its Jaw Blade and charged towards the Blue Lion's aggressors; slicing through the Djalgs and Ertos like they were soft butter.

"Are you all right, Stevonnie?" Shiro asked the human-Fusion.

"I'm fine, Chief." The Blue Paladin assured. "Just… just caught off guard."

"Paladins!" Allura's voice shouted over the comms. "The scanners are detecting that several cruisers have been deployed."

"Understood," Shiro replied. "Stay focused team."

The Black and Blue Lions both manage to evade the laser blasts from the cruisers.

"I got this Paladins… I got this!" Dragon's Vein Agate shouted as all five mouths fire at the Galran cruisers; annihilating them.

"Thanks for the assist!" Pidge gratefully shouted.

"Anytime my friend… anytime." The massive Fusion said.


"Commander Morvok, that beast destroyed most of our cruisers. What are your orders, sir?" A Galra soldier asked of his superior.

"That thing is a nuisance." Commander Morvok stated as the stout Galran flew on his hover-pad, around the bridge of his Dreadnaught. "But I doubt it can be everywhere at once. Attention all crewmembers! Charge up the Devastation Cannons and fire on the enemy cruisers. And make it quick! Convert all power to the weapons if you have to!"

"But sir, that could leave us defenseless." A Galran spoke up.

"Just do it!" Morvok ordered as the Dreadnaught started to quake as deep red energy formed in front of the bridge.


The Red Lion flies' circles around the laser fire of two, still active cruisers in its pursuit against several of the newly deployed Galra fighters. Keith fires his Lion's Maw Cannon at the enemy ships; incinerating them on the spot, before going after new targets.

"Castle of Lions, this is Keith!" The Red Paladin shouted over his comms.

"We read you, Keith," Allura informed over her comms.

"The Dreadnaughts are about to fire their Devastation Cannons," Keith informed. "Their charging faster than usual. Alert all ships. Now!"

Allura quickly opens a connection with the Olkari, Taujeerian, Mer and Hoarfrost vessels. "Attention all ships, raise whatever shielding you have by tenfold, now!"

Seeing an opening to attack, Dragon's Vein Agate fired her beams of energy at one of the Dreadnaughts.

Though the vessel wasn't destroyed, the direction of the ship was altered and faced one of their own.


"Commander Morvok!" A Galran soldier screamed. "The direction of one of the Dreadnaughts has been altered. It's facing right at us!"

Morvok immediately turned pale at that news; realizing what's going to happen next. "Cease fi…"

And within ticks, Morvok and everyone onboard his Dreadnaught was incinerated right then and there.

However, the other Dreadnaughts were able to carry out their orders and fire at the Voltron Coalitions fleet. Despite the Princesses orders; all the Galran warships fired with greater force than previously seen.

The dark red beams of death and destruction tore through half of the Voltron Coalitions fleet; with the Castle of Lions, Ark of Taujeer, Queen Luxia's and a few Olkari and Hoarfrost ships remaining.


"Is everyone all right?" Allura loudly asked over the castle's comms, as she gets off the ground. "Damage report!"

"I think we're all right!" Lance informed, much to her relief. "But the castle is highly damaged, and some of the other ships have been destroyed."

"The power of the barrier has been drastically reduced, even with the defensive output increased like it was. We won't be able to take any more hits like that and survive." Coran further informed.

"Matt, Bismuth." Allura began to the human and Gem. "Do you think you two can make some repairs."

"We'll do our best." Bismuth assured.

"Hunk and I will accompany them," Shay spoke up, with her mate nodding in agreement.

"Be careful," Rax told the four of them as they departed.

"This is Baujal of the Ark of Taujeer." The Taujeeran leader spoke up over the comms. "We are under attack by some enemy fighters; we don't know how long we can last."

"Don't worry; we've got you covered." Keith's voice said over the comms as Allura and the others see the Lions fly by; with the Red Lion incinerating some Ertos.

"Let's give them some support," Lance ordered as the Castle of Lions fire on the enemy ships.

Keith and Stevonnie successfully destroy more enemy fighters and began to move on to the next wave; when the ship suddenly changed their course down toward the planet and began firing.

"Guys, we still have plenty of enemy fighters!" Stevonnie shouted over the comms.

"Quiznack!" Shiro cursed, as he and Black Lion, along with the Yellow and Green Lions tried to keep the Ark unharmed. "We need to take out these Ertos before they do some real damage!"

"On it!" Amethyst responded over her comms; with the Yellow and Green Lions slamming into and blasting the ships with their Maw Cannons.

"Stay sharp everyone." Shiro ordered.

"What's the status of the particle barrier, and all our other defenses?" Allura asked Bismuth and her crew over the comms the castle's defenses fired at the assaulting ships.

"It's not pretty, but we're making it work." Bismuth assured over her comms as she hammered and welded in the final repairs.

"The particle barrier is remaining stable, Princess." Coran frantically informed as he checked every single one of the castle's monitors. "But with all these blasted fighters that seem to have no end, we are taking a beating here. With how things are going... I don't know if we'll be able to…"

"This plan will work; we need to hold out for the Marmora agents," Allura stated. "How long until those Devastation Cannons are fully recharged?"

"With the amount of power that was placed into those blasts; I have to guess around two to three varga." Coran quickly answered. "But it's anyone's guess at this point."

"Hang on." Pearl began. "I can divert any non-essential energy into the defenses. This should keep us kicking."

"Excellent work, Pearl." Allura complimented.

"We... we need more assistance," Allura said. "Or else we'll…"

"Princess, the scanners are detecting a fleet of ships heading our way," Pearl stated.

"Are they Galra?" Allura asked with some worry.

"No." Pearl answered.


The Yellow and Green Lions engage in an aerial battle against the oncoming Galra fighters; as well as avoiding the defensive cannons from the Dreadnaughts.

"We've got more fighters coming out of those Dreadnaughts," Peridot shouted over her comms as the Green Lion fires both the Maw Cannon and Tail Laser.

"Then let's take them out!" Amethyst shouted over her comms as she rammed into several more enemies; before turning in the direction of the Dreadnaughts. "Let's do this, Girl. Form Power Claws!" The purple Gem thrust her Yellow Bayard into the slot. The Yellow Lion emits an amber radiance as the body of the machinal beast begins to change, and extended, sword-like claws formed on each paw. The Yellow Lion tanked an oncoming barrage of laser fire from a group of Erto's, but Amethyst refused to change her course.

"We've got this, girl!" Amethyst energetically shouted; maxing out her thrusters and charged the enemy ships head-on and slicing them apart.

Amethyst kept her eyes on the Dreadnaught and dug right into the ship; ripping it apart from the inside out and leaving a trail of explosions where ever she went.

Flying away before the big boom, just in time.

"Form Vine Cannon!" Katie shouts, gripping her Bayard and thrusting it into her Lion's activation slot; jade energy radiates from the Green Lion as the massive weapon materializes on her back. "Let's go for a Dreadnaught!" Pidge pilots the Green Lion, all while Peridot fires her Tail Laser at all the oncoming fighters as they draw near their target.

The intimidating Dreadnaught unleashes its weapons at Katie's and Peridot's Lion; however, they successfully evade each of the laser blasts and precisely aims the Vine Cannon directly at the Dreadnaught.

"Firing the Vine Cannon!" Peridot shouted as she launched its mighty blast on the Galra vessel. A multitude of large vines shoot out of the forcefield, wrapping around and constricting it. The vines grow tighter and tighter around the Dreadnaught; crushing the ship into nothingness and concluding with an explosion.

However, this left the two pilots of the Green Lion distracted. By the time they noticed another Dreadnaught facing them and charging its Devastation Cannon; it would be too late for them to dodge. Both girls closed their eyes; prepared for what they assumed to be the end.

Katie's and Peridot's eyes open in surprise as the explosion pushes them back. "What the quiznack was that?" Peridot asked.

"Look!" Pidge shouted, pointing out a series of cruisers, fighters and a Dreadnaught all being sliced into pieces.

"Did anyone else just see that?" Katie asked over her comms.

"Yes, we did," Stevonnie answered over their comms.

"Paladins." Allura began over her comms. "Ryner's ship is sending us a visual feed of the unknown vessel."

"Patch it through," Shiro said over his comms.

The image materialized on their dashboards; it was a golden mecha wielding twin blades in each hand. Knowing her anime, Peridot instantly drew a comparison of the machine to that of the Nobell Gundam and Eva Unit 01. However, while it contained those similar features, its appearance also reminded her of…

"Princess, our scanners are picking up a transmission from the mech," Coran said over his comms. "I'm patching it through, now."

"Admiral Hessonite, this is Lion Slayer II. Engage the Galra!" The mighty voice of Yellow Diamond ordered.


"With pleasure, my Diamond," Hessonite ordered from her monarch's command chair; with the blue and yellow pearls by her side. An armada of Homeworld ship drop out of lightspeed with all their weapons and defenses primed; lead by Yellow Diamond's arm ship. "All ships prepare for battle! Unleash the true power of the Diamond Authority!" The large green hand-ships began to change their shape into finger-guns; pointing directly at Galran vessels and firing.

The attacks landed; but while the more advanced than before Galran Dreadnaughts and cruisers suffered some damage, it was nothing too severe.

The Gem ships deployed their fighters. Destiny Destroyers and Sun Incinerators emerged from the arm and hand ships to engage the Ertos and Djalgs in battle with the Coalition ships as the already massive dogfight grew larger.


"Is… is Homeworld helping us, now?" Amethyst asked over her comms.

"Unclear," Shiro stated over his comms. "But let's find out. Castle of Lions, can you patch me into that mech's communications."

"Can do," Pearl affirmed over her comms. "And… here you go."

A video feed of Yellow Diamond appeared on the Black Lion's dashboard; as well as a video feed of Takashi on the Lion Slayer's dashboard. "Who are you?" Yellow Diamond asked. "How did you get on this frequency?"

"My name is Takashi Shirogane. I am the Paladin of the Black Lion." Shiro introduced. "While your assistance is appreciated, I wish to know your reasons for being here. On behalf of the Voltron Coalition."

"I am not doing this for your Coalition, human." Yellow Diamond replied. "The Galra have threatened my people long enough; I'm here to end this. If you get in my way; you will be destroyed."

"We're engaging the Galra Empire to end their reign as well," Shiro stated.

"But I have my reasons for now engaging them." Yellow Diamond stated. "My sister, Blue Diamond, is in their clutches. I am here for her, and her alone."

"Then allow us to help you." Shiro requested.

"Why would I need the help of organics?" Yellow Diamond asked. "And why would you help another enemy, like us?"

"We know what the Galra Empire are going to do your sister," Shiro stated. "Even if you are an enemy, no one deserves that. If you need a reason for our help, do it for her."

Yellow Diamond remained silent for a moment then snickered. "Now I understand why Pink was fascinated with your kind." Yellow whisper to herself, before turning to Shiro. "Very well. We have ourselves a temporary truce. Hessonite, this is Yellow Diamond; all non-Galra vehicles are allies for now. I repeat; all non-Galra vehicles are allies for now. You'll be owing me one Takashi Shirogane."

"Understood, my Diamond," Hessonite replied over her comms.

"Black Paladin to Coalition ships." Shiro began over his comms. "The Diamond Authority is here to give us support. Do not fire on them."

"We read you, Shiro," Allura answered over her comms.

"As do I," Ryner answered over her comms.

"Understood." Luxia and Baujal answered.

"All right Paladins. Let's give them some assistance." Shiro ordered the others.

"Right!" The Paladins of Voltron affirmed over their comms.

The Lions of Voltron and other Coalition ships group up with a squadron of Destiny Destroyers and Sun Incinerators; lead by Emerald as they engaged the Galra vessels and fighters. "Form Jaw Blades," Shiro orders the Paladins as the Lions charge into battle; while cruisers and small fighters from both sides fired.

The Galra were now forced to divert most of their offensive capabilities to their defenses against the overwhelming alliance.


Thace slashed at the Druid, only for the creature to disappear into smoke; leaving a sinister laugh in the air. The Marmora Agents have been able to hold their own against the dark being but haven't even come close to defeating it. Its laughter continues to echo throughout the room as it reappeared in front of Thace and struck him with black and purple lightning.

Krolia and Ulaz fire at the Druid; tauntingly dodging each of the blasts as it laughs.

The Druid disappears then reappears right in front of Krolia, knocking her blade and blaster aside and harshly pushing her to the ground with one hand. Ulaz attacks the dark creature with his sword; but instead of disappearing, the Druid dodges each of the attacks before releasing a burst of dark lightning at the Marmora agent. Burning and knocking him down.

Krolia and Thace lunge at the Druid with their blades, but the dark sorcerer disappears and rematerializes behind the husband and wife; striking them with the dark lightning. The Druid prepared to finish off the two agents when Ulaz leaped behind the sorcerer with a blade in hand. However, the Druid turns around and impales the Marmora agent with its hands. Ulaz spat up some blood on the Druid's mask as he dropped his sword. "Such foolish bravery." The Druid taunted.

"Maybe… but effective." Ulaz said as he fired his blaster point-blank the Druid; riddling it with laser fire.

The Druid screamed in pain as it died; turning into a cloud of dark lightning and dust as the bleeding Ulaz fell to the floor.

"Ulaz!" Thace shouted as he and Krolia ran to their downed ally.

"The console…" Ulaz weakly said. "We must… complete the mission."

"We'll stay to make sure it's complete," Krolia promised.

"No." Ulza protested, coughing up some blood. "Soldiers will come. Leave now. I'll stay." Thace was about to protest, but Ulaz stops him before he could say a word. "The needs of the many, always outweigh the needs of the few. The Marmora… Keith… they will need you both more, than I. It's been an honor… to serve with you."

"Yes." Thace lowly said as he and an equally saddened Krolia help the Marmora agent up. "Yes, it was."

The husband and wife carry their friend over to the console; where he places the virus into a port and begins to quickly upload, before setting him down on the ground. "Goodbye, old friend." Thace lastly said as he hands Ulaz his blaster and a grenade before leaving the chambers.

"Move it, soldiers!" The voice of a Galran shouted from the distance. The entire room began to flicker and spark; the virus was doing its work, and soon, all of Castle Doom will be deactivated. The Galra soldiers with a few armed sentries' barge into the room with all their weapons pointed at Ulaz; closing in on him. The Marmora agent closes his eyes and activates the grenade in his hand; awaiting the end. Then came the boom.


"Allura, the scanners picking up some strange readings from Castle Doom," Lance informed his cousin. "Wait, I'm getting a transmission from… it's Krolia. Help me patch it through, Coran!"

"I'm on it!" The advisor shouted as he worked on his console.

"Thi… s… this… Kr… Kro…. This is Krolia of the Blade of Marmora. Does anyone read me?" Krolia's voice asked over the comms.

"We read you," Allura answered over her comms. "Did you complete the mission?"

"Affirmative," Krolia answered.

"Excellent work." The Princess praised. "But we're only picking up you and Thace. Where are Ulaz and Antok?"

A moment of silence passed. "They didn't make it," Krolia answered.

Kolivan let out a sad sigh, as Allura looked at the Marmora leader sympathetically. "I'm sorry." The Princess began. "We'll send one of the Lions to get you…"

"Negative," Krolia replied. "Don't waste any further time. Activate the Teladuv and bring an end to all of this. We'll find another way off before the castle's destroyed."

"Understood. And good luck." Allura answered before the comms cutoff. "Coran. Contact Slav on the surface. Tell him to activate the teladuv."


The combined forces of the Voltron Coalition and Homeworld Gems continue their seemingly endless battle against the Galra Empire; with Lions continuing to lead the charge.

"Shiro, I'm picking up strange readings from Castle Doom," Pidge informed over her comms. "I think the agents did it!"

"Was there any doubt?" Keith pridefully said over his comms.

"Paladins, do you read me?" Allura asked over her comms.

"We read you, Princess," Shiro informed over his comms.

"Slav is activating the teladuv on Olkarion," Allura informed. "Get ready to push Castle Doom through."

A beam of light suddenly shot from the planet, and across from the deactivated Castle Doom; before swiftly opening into a portal.

"All right, Paladins. This is the moment we've been waiting for." Shiro stated.

"We're with you, Shiro!" The Paladins shouted over their comms at the same time with fierce determination.

"Form Voltron!" Shiro ordered.


The five lions let out a mighty roar as they soared up into the heavens. The Black Lion's body altered itself; retracting its fore-legs and back-legs and rising vertically upwards; extending out its connector stubs.

"Form feet and legs!" The Blue and Yellow Lions followed behind their leader; retracting their fore-legs and back-legs, before bending their heads forward in the ninety-degree angle; instantly connecting themselves with the back-leg stubs of the Black Lion.

"Form arms and body!" The Red and Green Lions soared along aside its leader; retracting their fore-legs and back-legs, and extending their heads and bodies forward, before attaching themselves to the fore-leg stubs of the Black Lion.

"And I'll form… the head!" As soon as the four, multicolored lions attached themselves to the Black Lion, the lead beast opened its maw to reveal the face of Voltron: Defender of the Universe.


"Let's go for it!" Shiro ordered as and the rest of the Paladins max out Voltron's thrusters; charging straight at the castle as all the pilots let out an energetic cry. The might robot ignored and zoomed past all the fighters in front of him; keeping his eye on the target.

"Let's give it everything we have!" Amethyst shouted as both she and Stevonnie push the thrusters for the legs of Voltron even further; successfully moving Castle Doom into the portal leading to into an abandoned corner of the universe.


"Coran!" Allura began. "Set a course for the portal. We're going with them."

"Allura, are you sure?" Pearl asked the Princess just as Bismuth, Matt, Hunk, and Shay returned to the control room.

"We've been in the thick and thin of this, together from the start." The Princess stated. "We'll be there for the end. We owe it to those we've lost."

"On it, Princess," Coran affirmed as he entered the coordinates and propels the Castle of Lions the same direction as the portal; going through it.


Yellow Diamond's Lion Slayer II continued decimating its enemies; halting as soon as the scanners picked up the slowly closing portal. "Hessonite." Yellow Diamond began over her comms. "Maintain your position here. I'm going through that portal."

"Understood, my Diamond," Hessonite replied over her comms. "We assure you that the battle will be over before your return."

Not saying another word, Yellow Diamond maxed out her mechs thrusters; heading straight for the portal. A Galra Dreadnaught moves into position in-between the Lion Slayer II and the gateway. Yellow combines Lion Slayer II's twin swords into one massive blade and charges straight at the warship.

Yellow Diamond thrusts her sword forward at the enemy and pierces right through the ship and flies out the opposite side.

Explosions surrounded the destroyed Dreadnaught before being consumed by a more massive explosion.

Using the added momentum; the Lion Slayer II dashes through the portal just as it closes.


"What happened!" Zarkon demanded.

"Weapons systems are down." A Galran soldier stated. "Defenses have been disabled. We are left vulnerable, my Emperor!"

"I want those defensive systems reactivated immediately!" Zarkon ordered. "Restart the entire castle manually if you must! Haggar!" The dark sorceress materializes beside him in a cloud of black smoke.

"My Lord." The witch greeted.

"Castle Doom may be without power, but we are not," Zarkon stated. "Prepare my Beastman. It is time I face Voltron myself, and forever ensure my reign goes unchallenged. I will take back what is mine!"

"Yes, my Lord," Haggar said as she teleports herself and Zarkon straight to his mech.


"We've got to act fast, Paladins," Shiro ordered. "The power will only be down for about twenty minutes."

"That should be enough time to put an end to Zarkon's reign once and for all," Allura stated over the Castle's comms.

"Keith, form sword!" Shiro ordered the Red Paladin.

"On it!" Keith responded; thrusting the Red Bayard into the lion's activation slot. The right arm of Voltron flashes a bright red before a large blade appears in his hand. However, before the mechanical warrior could begin his assault, a massive object is jettisoned from the castle… it looked like a coffin.

"It's a Ro-Beast Coffin," Katie stated. Steam shot out from all directions of the ship-like casket, as its front slowly creaked open; revealing a giant, mechanical warrior modeled in the likeness of Zarkon. A pair of sharp mechanical wings sprouted from its back as it gripped a bladed shield in one hand and a battle axe-cutlass hybrid in the other.

"That's… Zarkon's weapon." Peridot said with a look of shock.

"But that's impossible," Stevonnie stated.

"I thought only the Black Lion could power it," Keith questioned.

"He must've found a new power source." Shiro deduced. "But where?"

"GIVE HER BACK!" Yellow Diamond's voice shouted over the comms as the Lion Slayer II zoomed past Voltron and the Castle of Lions; blade in hand. "RAGH!" The Diamond swung the mech's blade at her opponent; only for Zarkon's mech to block the attack with its bladed shield.

Lion Slayer II, with all its strength, tried to overpower the opponent's defense; but was inevitably pushed back by the Galran mech. Voltron caught the Gem-piloted machine; before it steadied itself out. "Stay out of this!" Yellow Diamond demanded. "He is mine."

"It's Blue Diamond, isn't it?" Shiro asked the monarch. "Zarkon couldn't get the Black Lion as his power source. So, he went after the next best thing."

"He destroyed a Homeworld station she was fond of to get to her." Yellow angrily stated. "He abducted and shattered all the Gems there to get to her." It didn't take long for Keith, Pidge and Amethyst to realize that the Zoo and the Famethyst were gone; with the latter feeling the most devastated.

"Then we'll end this together," Shiro stated. "And I promise that Blue won't be hurt. Stevonnie. Amethyst. Max out thrusters."

"Right!" The Blue and Yellow Paladins shouted at the same time as the forced Voltron forward on the offensive. The Lion Slayer II followed behind the Legendary Defender with its blade in hand. Zarkon's mech stood its ground; ready for the attacks.

Yellow Diamond's mech goes in for an overhead slash; only for the Galran Emperor's mech to block it and hold the Lion Slayer in a stalemate. However, Yellow Diamond breaks free from it and tries to stab the Ro-Beast, but he manages to dodge the attack and strikes Lion Slayer II across the head.

Voltron raised his blade against Zarkon and continued to go on the offensive.

The Lion Slayer recovered from its disorientation and resumed the previous assault.

"RAGH!" Zarkon roared; using the wings of his mech to push Voltron and Lion Slayer II back. He turns his attention to the former and engages him in single combat.

Lion Slayer II charged at Zarkon from behind, but the Ro-Beast kicks Voltron away and uses its wings to block the strikes.

The Galran mech turns around and grabs ahold of Yellow Diamond's mech; headbutting it multiple times before holding her in a chokehold.


"Witch Haggar." One of the Galra soldiers spoke up. "We're still unable to restore the defenses. However, we have been able to prime the Komar Cannon for your use."

"Excellent," Haggar responded before vanishing into a puff of dark smog into the Druid-filled chambers below. "Initiate the ritual."

"Yes, Witch Haggar." The Druids said as they carried out their mistress's orders. The entire room began to shift itself as Haggar stood on the ground as it began to change into the carved, circular pattern. A wall of black smoke appears before her as mystical footage of Voltron's, Yellow Diamond's and Zarkon's battle continued; with the latter holding the Gem mech in place.

"Mistress, we are ready to begin." One of the other Druids proudly stated as several others surrounded her, all of them holding large canisters of Quintessence.

"Proceed," Haggar ordered her minions. The Druids poured the life-giving substance into the circular carvings, all flowing down the lines and meeting in the center; where the sorceress began absorbing it into her body. Haggar dropped onto her knees as the power surged through her; enjoying the pleasure-filled high until there wasn't a single drop left. The dark lighting began to gather in her hands as she lets out a demonic cry as she slammed her palms onto the ground. The entire structure shakes as she fires a massive surge of dark lightning.


"LOOK OUT!" Shiro screamed as he charged right at Yellow Diamond and Zarkon; freeing the former as they all barely dodged the dark magic.

"Are you all right, Yellow?" Stevonnie asked Yellow Diamond over their comms.

"You bunch of fools! You could've used that opportunity to inflict damage to our opponent!" Yellow Diamond berated over her comms. "Instead you saved me!"

"You're welcome." Peridot groaned.


"No!" Haggar weakly shouted as one of the Druids rushed over to their mistress and helped her to her feet. "We must try again."

"Mistress." The Druid began. "You are too weak now. You must rest, or the strain may kill you."

"Very well." Haggar huffed. "We'll begin again, soon."


"What the hell was that?" Bismuth questioned. "I thought that the virus had shut down all of Zarkon's power!"

"I don't think that blast was from the ship's weapons," Lance stated.

"It was Altean magic," Allura said. "A twisted, perverted version of it; the same kind that stranded us before."

"If it isn't standard Galra tech." Pearl began. "Then Castle Doom isn't left entirely defenseless as we thought."

"Paladins, can you hear me?" Allura asked over her comms.

"We read you, Princess," Shiro answered over his comms. "We ran into a close one with that attack."

"You must be careful," Allura stated. "Remember your training. Remember all the battles you've been through."

"We will, Princess." All the Paladins said over their comms at the same time before disconnecting.

"We may not be able to fight Zarkon head on." Allura began. "But we can still help."

"How?" Matt asked. "The Castle of Lions is tough, but I don't think it has enough firepower to go against that Ro-Beast or Castle Doom."

"If we can't do damage from the outside, we'll do it from within." The Princess stated. "Kolivan, can you aid in getting me to the Komar Cannon; undetected?"

"It will be dangerous, but yes." The Marmora leader answered.

"Coran, the castle is yours," Allura ordered as she was about to leave.

"Hold up, Princess." Bismuth said as she, Matt, Lance, and Pearl stood between her, and the door; along with Lion and Cosmo.

"We need to attack the witch directly if we hope to stop her weapon," Allura stated. "I wish to not think of what could happen if that weapon strikes Voltron."

"We know," Lance stated.

"Which is why, whether you end up liking it or not, we're going with you." Bismuth concluded.

"I can't ask you to do this," Allura stated.

"Then don't," Pearl said. "Because we're willing."

"Be careful," Coran said. "I don't need to remind you of just how dangerous Haggar is."

"I know." Allura answered. "But we don't have much choice. It's either now, or never."


"We've never faced anything this powerful before," Pidge stated as they continued their battle.

"One way or another... this battle here and now... may very well be our last," Shiro said. "We've got to give everything we have. Dig deep and fight!"

Voltron and Zarkon's Ro-Beast push each other back, both sides struggling for control.

"All right, hit him with the big guns," Shiro ordered. "Amethyst, form the shoulder cannon!"

"On it!" Amethyst shouted as the purple Crystal Gem thrusts her Bayard into the Yellow Lion's activation slot. The left leg of Voltron flashes a bright yellow before the power crawls up the robot's body to the shoulder; where the massive shoulder cannon materializes.

"Fire!" Shiro orders as Amethyst pulls the trigger. The shoulder cannon charges its energy before firing a powerful beam of power at the Ro-Beast.

Zarkon raised his mechs shield and took the blast at full force; protecting itself but the sheer power was just enough to push it back. However, unbeknownst to the Galran Emperor; Lion Slayer II flew behind him and charged its attack. Yellow electricity flickered within its hands as it fired bolts of lightning from behind; successfully striking the mech.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Zarkon screamed from the pain but was able to escape as soon as Voltron's shoulder cannon ran out of energy; returning to the offensive.

"Form sabers!" Shiro ordered, with Keith and Stevonnie thrust their Bayard's into their respected lion's activation slots.

The right arm of Voltron flashes a bright red before a large blade appears in his hand. The right leg of Voltron flashes a bright blue before the energy crawls up the robot's body to left arm, where a second saber materializes in that hand.

Yellow Diamond separates Lion Slayer II's sword into two blades and reengages the Ro-Beast.

However, even when taking on two enemies who were dual wielding; Zarkon's mech still managed to hold its own.


"We must commence the ritual again," Haggar ordered as she returned to the center of the room.

"Mistress, you have yet to recover fully." One of the Druids stated; placing its hand on her shoulder, only for it to be swatted away.

"Commence the ritual," Haggar repeated in a more demanding tone.

The Druids carried out their orders and poured the Quintessence into the circular carvings, all flowing down the lines and meeting in the center; where the sorceress began absorbing it into her body as the mystical footage of the three-way mech battle materialized. Haggar dropped onto her knees as the power surged through her body, and dark lighting began to gather in her hands. However, before she could release the growing energy, three Altean shuttles crashed straight into the room.

The Druids that didn't teleport to safety went flying out into space, and the witches gathered power dispersed before the room sealed off.

Princess Allura, Kolivan, Prince Lance, Matthew, Bismuth, and Pearl hopped out of the ships; with the former two embracing each other as their gemstones began to glow brighter, and brighter until their physical forms converged together as silvery-blue energy. From that energy; a powerful, four-armed figure emerged with four-eyes, shoulder-length rainbow-colored dreads and an amalgamation of Bismuth's and Pearl's attire that gave the appearance of a warrior-blacksmith with a skirt. "AMMOLITE IS HERE! AND IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK!" The Crystal Gem Fusion shouted as she shapeshifted her right hand into a crossbow and loaded more than a dozen spears on to it; firing like a machinegun.

Haggar and the remaining Druids vanish before they are struck and materialize later; gathering up their powers. Lance took out his bow and fired some of his arrows at dark sorcerers.

However, they managed to dodge the attacks and go on the offensive. Ammolite shapeshifts her arms into blades and charges them head-on with Kolivan and Allura by her side. The right wrist of Allura's jumpsuit glows a radiant blue as a long energy blade emerges forward, and Kolivan draws his Marmoran blade.

One of the Druids was going to attack the trio from behind, but Lion and Cosmo leaped out of the shuttles and pinned the warlock down; proceeding to rip it apart before the creature turned into dark lightning and dust.

Lance fires more arrows from his bow, only for the Druid in front of him and Matt to disappear and tauntingly laugh. Before the Altean Prince could draw his next arrow, the Druid appeared right in front of him; knocking his bow away and pushing him to the ground at the same time as Matt was able to stab the Druid; killing it.

Kolivan goes for a downward strike, but the Druid jumps out of the way. However, unbeknownst to the dark sorcerer, this allowed Allura to catch it off-guard from behind; stabbing and killing it with her energy blade.

"HAGGAR!" Ammolite shouted as she charged at the witch.

Black and purple lighting erupt from Haggar's hands and directs she the dark energy bursts at the Fusion; ensnaring the Crystal Gem before she rips the Fusion apart and tosses Bismuth and Pearl aside. Pearl summons her spear and charges at the witch, who casually dodges the attacks before disappearing into smoke, and quickly re-appearing right behind her; striking her with a bolt of dark lightning that forces her on the ground. "Foolish," Haggar said as she hits Pearl with a storm of dark lighting; slowly draining the Gem of all her strength. The slim Gems white skin slowly transitioning to a dull gray and her physical from beginning to crumble.

The witch was suddenly hit by something with enough force to send her across the room and interrupt the spell; knocking her hood off and revealing her Altean features. She looks up and sees Bismuth standing defensively between her and Pearl; her hands shapeshifted into two mallets. "You're not taking her too, you bitch!" Bismuth cried as she charged towards her opponent. Haggar begins to charge another spell but is interrupted by a shot to the back; forcing her to teleport away before Bismuth could strike her. The Crystal Gem looks up and realizes it was Thace and Krolia who shot her. "I was wondering if we'd find you two."

"Sorry for the delay, but we're here now," Thace stated.

"Better late, then never." A weakened Pearl stated as she struggled on to her feet; with Bismuth heading over to help her.

"He-Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha!" Haggar's voice tauntingly laughs as more than a dozen clones appear out of nowhere; surrounding the Coalition members. All of them saying in unison, "None of you will leave this place alive."


Voltron and Lion Slayer II pin Zarkon's mech weapon and shield down; slowly loosening his defenses. Suddenly, the giant robot's wings expand and push the mechanical warriors back; acting as another set of bladed arms.

Yellow Diamond charges in with a double slash, only for the wings to block them and allow Zarkon to strike the mech aside with his axe-cutlass. Voltron goes in to disarm the mech, just to be slashed by the wings and bashed by the shield. Zarkon's wing then grabs Voltron's arms and forcibly turns them until he has no other choice but to drop his blades; causing them to disappear and allowing the Galran mech to thrash into The Legendary Defender.

"We need to get out of his grip!" Keith shouted.

Pidge. Peridot.

The Green Paladins hear their lion speak to them as a Bayard-shaped slot opens by the control panel. "We got this, guys!" Pidge announced. Green energy began to surround Pidge's and Peridot's whole bodies as the former thrust her Bayard into the aperture, with both giving a passion-filled cry.

"Let's see how he likes what comes next!" Peridot shouted. The left arm of Voltron begins emitting a jade radiance as something starts taking shape; baring a resemblance to the Vine Cannon, but also different. And pointing right at the head of Zarkon's mech. "Say hello to my little friend!"

The blast was powerful enough to cause Zarkon's wings to loosen their grip and give Yellow Diamond's Lion Slayer II enough time to tackle Zarkon and electrocute him. "I've always wanted to say that quote." Peridot happily admitted at the same time as Lion Slayer II is thrown aside.

"Reform the sabers, and let's get back into the fight," Shiro ordered.

"Right!" Keith and Stevonnie shouted as they thrust their Red and Blue Bayard into their respected lion's activation slots.


"He-Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha!" All the Haggar clones wickedly laughed as the Coalition members, Marmora agents and pets strike one clone after the other. But with each clone destroyed; more just keep manifesting until all that is heard in the room is the laughter. "He-Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha!"

"Why do you all subject yourselves to this torture?" The real Haggar says as she strikes everyone with terrifyingly fast speeds; leaving claw marks on their skin as they try to anticipate her next attack. However, before they can even do so, the vile sorceress blends back in with her maniacally hysterical doppelgangers. "He-Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha!"

"Even if Zarkon perishes, that will not stop the Galra Empire." Haggar continued.

"As long as there are loyal Galra, the Empire will live on. He-Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha!" The witches continued to laugh as they circled around the beaten, exhausted Coalition fighters.

Allura huffed and puffed, but eventually stood on her feet. "You're right." The Princess said. "Zarkon's death will not end the Empire, but it'll be a start. It'll show the rest of the universe that you can be beaten! That they no longer have to live in fear of you! You will never destroy another innocent world!"

"She's right!" Lance said; standing up as well. "We gave everyone in the universe a chance at freedom! A chance to reclaim the lives you stole! And as long we can fight…"

"You'll never win." The royals said at the same time.

"He-Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha! You two are as foolish as Alfor." The witches stated. "So, you will all suffer the same fate as him!" Dark lightning begins to gather in the hands of all the clones, and they channel it in the directions of the two Alteans. But then, the marks on Allura's and Lance's cheeks begin to glow brightly as pink, and blue energy engulfs and shields them from the evil magic. The energy continues to build up, then bursts out; destroying the clones and burning the witch as she screams in pain. "No, impossible."

"It's over, Haggar!" Pearl shouted as she stood up and leaped at the sorceress with her spear in hand. "This is for Garnet!" However, before she could impale the evil Altean; she disappeared into a cloud of smoke. The room begins to shake violently and begins to fall apart all around them.

"What's happening?" Matt asked, trying to keep his balance.

"This entire section of the castle is collapsing!" Kolivan stated. "We need to get out of here, now!"

"But we damaged the ships on our way in here!" Bismuth stated, with her attention being turned to Lion; who roars at her.

"Everyone onto Lion!" Pearl ordered as she hopped onto the pink beast; followed by the Alteans, Matt, Bismuth, the Marmora agents and finally Cosmo. Lion lets out another roar as he builds up speed; creating a portal at the end of the room and leaping into it just as the part of the structure fell apart into the void of space.


"NO!" Coran screamed in horror as she saw what happened to the section of Castle Doom; when Lion's portal opens beside him and the Coalition members all emerge. "Princess Allura! Prince Lance!" The mustached Altean runs over to and hugs the two royals. "I thought you and the others perished."

"We are fine, Coran," Allura stated, breaking from the hug to observe the giant mech battle from the window. "Now we leave everything else in Voltron's hands."


"Haggar, what happened?" An infuriated Zarkon questioned over his comms.

"Forgive me, my Lord." An exhausted Haggar began over the castle's comms. "The Komar Cannon… has been destroyed. Though… Castle Doom is operational… once more. We are ready… to engage on your… command."

"No," Zarkon replied. "I said that I would deal with Voltron myself, and so I shall."

"But… my Emperor…" Haggar began to protest.

"Take Castle Doom and retreat," Zarkon ordered. "I shall return to you with the Black Lion in my grasp."

"Yes… my Lord." Haggar hesitantly agreed before the comms cut-off.

Zarkon takes the Black Bayard in his hand and opens an activation slot within his mech. "This bout ends now!" Zarkon roared as he thrust the Altean device into the mech.


"Chief!" Pidge began. "I'm picking up some energy from Castle Doom."

"Is it a weapon?" Shiro asked.

"No," Peridot answered instead. "It's retreating."

"We should stop them!" Keith shouted.

"We can't right now," Shiro stated. "Zarkon is our main priority."

Voltron returns his focus the Zarkon's mech at the same time as Castle Doom flees the area. The Legendary Defender and Lion Slayer II charge at Zarkon's mech together, the former in the front and latter from the back. However, the gigantic robot suddenly begins to glow violet as its wings detach themselves and levitate in front of the mech; attaching into a cylindrical shape and rotating.

"Pidgidot, what is it doing?" Stevonnie nervously questioned.

"The scanners are going off the charts!" Pidge shouted. "It's like a... a main weapon being charged."

"Will we be able to dodge it in time?" Shiro asked.

"Negative." The Green Paladin answered.

"We'll need to tank it," Peridot added in.

"Form shoulder and arm cannons, and don't hold back!" Shiro ordered.

"On it!" The Yellow and Green Paladins shouted as they thrust their respected Bayard into their Lions activation slot. The left leg of Voltron flashes a bright yellow before the power crawls up the robot's body to the shoulder; where the massive shoulder cannon materializes. While the left arm of Voltron emits a jade radiance as the arm cannon takes shape.

"Fire!" Shiro orders as the two Paladins pull their triggers. The shoulder and arm cannons charge their power before firing powerful beams of energy at Zarkon's Ro-Beast.

However, at the same time, Zarkon's mech fired its primary weapon.

Both beams clash with each other in the center; battling for dominance as both mechs try to overpower the others.

"Divert more power!" Shiro ordered as he and the other Paladins give all the energy they can to their cannon fire, but it makes little difference.

"We're being overwhelmed!" Keith shouted as Zarkon's energy beam began to dominate Voltron's and strike the mighty robot. The Paladins all screamed in pain as the sheer force of the weapon pushes and burns them further and further away until they disappear from Yellow Diamond's and the Castle of Lion's sight.


"NO!" Allura screamed as she and everyone else onboard the Castle looked on in horror. Voltron… was defeated.


"Finally, I shall claim my prize," Zarkon stated to himself. He knows that Voltron would be able to survive an attack like that, but the Paladins… may not.

Zarkon raised his mechs shield and took the blast at full force; protecting itself but the sheer power was just enough to push it back. However, unbeknownst to the Galran Emperor; Lion Slayer II flew behind him and charged its attack. Yellow electricity flickered within its hands as it fired bolts of lightning from behind; successfully striking the mech.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Zarkon screamed in pain as Lion Slayer II's electrical blasts struck him; turning his attention to the Diamond mech.

The Castle of Lion's fires everything they have at Zarkon at the same time as Yellow Diamond's mech charges and slashes at him with dual blades.

However, before Yellow Diamond could land another strike, the Ro-Beast grabs Lion Slayer II's arms with its arms and bladed wings and proceeds to rip its limbs off in the most painful form possible. Then starts to bash mech's head in with his axe-cutlass with enough force to make it involuntarily power down; putting it out of the fight for good.

The Castle of Lion's continues to fire at Zarkon's mech, only to annoy the massive Ro-Beast, who throws his axe-cutlass at ship; tearing right through the particle barrier and slicing off a large section of its starboard side.


"Princess!" A panicking Coran shouted. "We just lost a majority of our engines and our weapon systems!"

"We have hull breaches in multiple areas!" Thace shouted.

"The particle barrier is gone!" Pearl shouted. "We're defenseless."

"No, it can't end here!" Allura shouted as the Ro-Beast closes in on the castle. "Not after everything we sacrificed! It can't end here! IT CAN'T END HERE!"


"IT CAN'T END HERE!" Allura's voice shouted over the Voltron's comms; awakening Shiro. The Black Paladin looks around and sees no sight of Zarkon, Yellow Diamond, or the Castle of Lions.

"Is everyone still alive?" Shiro asked the other Paladins.

"I… I'm here… Shiro." Keith weakly says.

"We… read you." Pidge and Peridot drowsily assure at the same time.

"I… I can hear you." An exhausted Stevonnie stated.

"I'm still… still good." A tired Amethyst assured. "But… where are we?"

"According to the scanners." Pidge began. "We're… this can't be right…"

"What is it?" Stevonnie asked.

"According to this, we're lightyears away from the battlefield," Peridot informed. "Zarkon's blast sent us straight to another galaxy."

"Well, better than the afterlife." Amethyst quietly added in.

"Voltron is picking up the Caste of Lion's transmission," Shiro informed. "They don't stand a chance against Zarkon on their own."

"And from the looks of what just happened, and where we are; I don't think we can beat him either," Peridot stated.

"But that doesn't mean we're giving up. We're not going to give up!" Pidge added in.

"Damn straight!" Amethyst shouted in agreement.

"Let's max out the thrusters!" Stevonnie shouted as the human-Fusion and Amethyst max out the Blue and Yellow Lions thrusters; charging forward as fast as they could.

"At the rate, we're going, even if we do defeat Zarkon; we won't be able to make it to Allura and the others time!" Pidge grimly calculated.

"But we have to try!" Keith shouted. "We have to fight!"

"Keith's right!" Shiro stated. "We have to channel all our energy, five acting as one. We must focus everything we have into making Voltron move faster. We are the last thing standing between Zarkon and total universal domination. I'm not giving up that fight! Are you, Amethyst?"

"As if!" The Yellow Paladin shouted as her Lion roared.

"Pidge? Peridot?" Shiro questioned.

"Never!" The Green Paladins shouted as their Lion roared.

"Stevonnie?" Shiro asked.

"We're willing to go down swinging!" The Blue Paladin stated as their Lion roared.

"Keith?" Shiro asked lastly.

"I'm all in!" The Red Paladin stated as his Lion roared.

"That's what I thought! Let's get Voltron back in this battle!" The Black Paladin concluded as his Lion roared.

Keith.

Pidge. Peridot.

Amethyst.

Stevonnie.

"Did anyone else hear their Lion?" Amethyst asked.

"I did," Both Pidge and Peridot stated.

"As did I," Keith said.

"Same here," Stevonnie replied.

"Go for it, Paladins!" Shiro ordered.

Keith.

Red energy surrounded Keith's entire body as he thrusts the Bayard into the slot with a passion-filled cry.

Pidge. Peridot.

Green energy began to surround Pidge's and Peridot's whole bodies as they both thrust their Bayard into the aperture with a passion-filled cry.

Stevonnie.

Blue energy began to surround Stevonnie's entire body as they thrust their Bayard into the slot with a passion-filled cry.

Amethyst.

Yellow energy began to surround Amethyst's entire body as she thrust her Bayard into the slot with a passion-filled cry.

The respective colors of the arms and legs of Voltron fluctuate as the energy transfers over to the robot's body, straight to his wings; where they grow and expand to the point where it made the Legendary Defender appear as a giant, mechanical angel. Voltron's speed dramatically increased, the raw flow of kinetic energy pushing them into their seats as the might robot broke past his previous top speeds. The Paladins felt like they were no longer in the void of space, but in another dimension altogether of flowing lights; breaking every single known law of time and space, maybe even the laws of reality, as they zoomed to their designation.

They saw them. Zarkon's Ro-Beast overpowering the Castle of Lions, on the verge of destroying it and killing everyone onboard. However, with one final show of maximum effort Voltron charges directly at the Ro-Beast before he could deliver the final blow; fazing through the machine like an apparition and emerging next to the Castle of Lions.


"Impossible!" A dumbfounded Zarkon shouted; unknowing of what just happened. Warnings then began to flash within the Ro-Beasts cockpit; all of them stating "energy source depleted." "What is…" Before the Galran Emperor could finish, he looked to his hand; realizing to his horror, that the Black Bayard was gone. "NO!"


"Paladins!" Allura shouted over the comms with glee and relief. "You're alive."

"Not that we had any doubts." Lance quickly added in. "We're just glad your back."

"Sorry, we're late." Shiro apologized over his comms.

"But what did you do to Zarkon's Ro-Beast? It's losing power." Coran added in.

Voltron raises his right arm to the castle, revealing Blue Diamond's fluctuating gemstone in his hand. "We got Blue Diamond's gemstone," Keith stated as he carefully places it within the what was left of Castle of Lions' hangar.

"And I've got Zarkon's Bayard!" Shiro informed.

"You mean, you've got your Bayard." Keith corrected.

Shirogane.

Shiro looked over to his Lion's control panel, with a compartment shaped like the Black Bayard opening near it. "Let's finish this, Paladins!" Shiro shouted. Violet energy began to surround the Black Paladins entire body as he thrusts the Bayard into the slot with a mighty roar.

Voltron clasps his hands together, creating a shockwave; before swiftly spreading them apart, and creating a great flash of light.

Once the light faded, in Voltron's hand was a great blade made from raging, bright white fire… a Blazing Sword.

Zarkon's Ro-Beast charged straight at Voltron with significantly less power than before, but just as determined to still the seize the Black Lion; even if it kills the Emperor of the Galra. Voltron stoically stood before his enemy and charged toward him; ready to strike the finishing blow. The Paladins give everything they have for this final bout good against evil as Voltron raises his sword of fire and slashes down. Zarkon's mech raises his shield in response, only for the Blazing Sword to slice right through it and the entire Ro-Beast; creating an explosion that shook the whole universe and incinerate the mech and its pilot.


"No," Haggar said as she collapsed to the floor, clutching her chest in pain.

"Witch Haggar!" One soldier out of a group shouted as they came to the pained sorceress' aid. "What is it?"

"Our Emperor…" Haggar slowly began. "Zarkon… is dead."


From her ship, Ryner saw Dragon's Vein Agate annihilated more Galran cruisers as the Coalition, Homeworld and Galran ships continued their battle. When suddenly, the enemy vessels begin to retreat seemingly out of nowhere.

"Ryner." La-sai began. "We are receiving a transmission from the Homeworld ship."

"Put it through." The Olkari leader ordered.

"I just received word from my Diamond." Hessonite's voice began over the comms. "According to her, Voltron has defeated the Galran Emperor. All Homeworld ship are required to return to our Diamond." Hessonite continued. "For organics, you all fought well." The comms disconnected as the Diamond Authority vehicles turned away from the planet and quickly entered lightspeed.

The entirety of the Olkari, Taujeerian, Mer and Hoarfrost alliance couldn't believe what they just heard. Voltron won… they won. All the Coalition fighters quickly returned to their ships, with the dragon-based Fusion doing the same as well; roaring in celebration over their victory. Ryner began to cry tears of joy; unable to believe she'd live long enough to see this day and know that all the sacrifices were not in vain.


"Ugh." Steven groaned as he regained his conscious. Upon realizing he wasn't Stevonnie anymore, he looked next to him and found an out-cold Connie. "Connie! Wake up!" Steven pushed at his Jam Buds shoulders, making her come to.

"Steven…" An exhausted Connie began. "What… what happened?"

"I don't know." The Half-Gem admitted. He looked outside to see that Voltron was separated into the five Lions; all adrift in space. "Help me get the comms open."

"Right," Connie replied as they established communications. "Guys are you there? Please answer!"

"C… Connie?" A weak Amethyst asked over her comms. "I'm here. I'm fine."

"So are we." "We're good." Both Peridot and Pidge assured over their comms.

"I read you guys," Keith responded over his comms.

"Hello, Paladins!" Coran's voice shouted over his comms.

"Is everyone onboard all right, Coran?" Keith asked.

"Yes, we're all fine," Allura assured over the comms.

"You guys did it," Pearl added in over the comms. "You won."

"We… won?" Steven asked over the comms in disbelief. "We won!"

"You finally did it," Matt added in over the comms.

"We finally did it." Pidge corrected.

"Castle of Lions, Coalition, Diamond Authority, Blade of Marmora, and Paladins." Lance listed over the comms. "We all did it. We all won."

"I'm going to head down to what's left of the engine room and try to get us moving again." Bismuth stated over the comms. "Maybe even divert enough power for a teladuv portal."

"Sounds good," Steven stated. The Half-Gem looked around and saw the Lion Slayer II was nowhere to be seen. "Hey, where's Yellow Diamond?"

"We don't know," Krolia stated over the comms. "We guess that she took her sisters Gem and used whatever power was left in her mech to escape."

"Well, we know this won't be the last time we see her." Keith began. "You still owe her a debt, right Shiro?" There was no response to Shiro. "Shiro, are you there." The Black Lion continued to remain silent. "Takashi? Something's wrong; we need to get the Black Lion on board." The Red, Blue, Green and Yellow Lions all fly to the larger Black Lion and tow the mechanical beast to the hangar of the heavily damaged castle. Once inside, they place the mechanical beast down; with Keith quickly leaving the Red Lion and rushing over to the head of Voltron. "Shiro!" The Black Lion opens her jaws to allow Keith to enter just as Steven, Connie, Peridot, Pidge and Amethyst exit their Lions to join him. The young Galra opened the cockpit at the same time as the other Paladins caught up with him; only to look in shock as they only find the Black Paladin's armor empty, and no trace of their leader. "He's... gone."


Olkarion – A Few Weeks Later.

It did not take long for news of Zarkon's demise to spread across the universe. Galaxies previously under Galra rule are now fighting back for their freedom; though the Empire is far from gone, their grip is slowly loosening. The sacrifices of those who won't live to see this day, were not in vain. As for the Paladins, they are finding their way to relax after such a long conflict finally.

"Are you looking forward to going home, Katie?" Lance asked his girlfriend as they take their cafeteria trays of Palmagoren fillet, courtesy of Vrepit Sal; who recently joined the Coalition, and sit by a table.

"Of course," Katie replied. "Thanks to the assistance of the Mer, Peridot was able to establish a stronger connection to Earth's warp pad. Instead of locking for about one month after use, it'll only be a week or two. Depending on how many people are being transported, that is."

"You, Matt, Steven, Connie, and the Gems; minus Bismuth." Lance listed off. "After everything, you deserve to see your families again; even if it's for a short while. I mean, Keith's back with the Marmora, and the rest of the universe is repelling the Galra; the Paladins of Voltron deserve a break."

"Yeah," Katie said as her expression and tone saddened.

The Altean Prince looked at the human girl and sighed. "You still miss him, don't you?" Lance asked.

"Things... things are not going to be the same without Shiro," Katie replied.

"I know," Lance answered. "But that doesn't mean we're not going to stop looking for him. Matt and Keith aren't. And we'll find out what happened to him; wherever he may be."

"Thank you, Lance," Katie said with a smile as she took her boyfriend's hand. "I… better finish up eating. The others are waiting for me."

"By all means," Lance said. "I guess I'll see you soon."

The human girl gulped down the last of her fillet. "See you soon," Katie concluded as she put her tray away before leaving the lunchroom, the boyfriend and girlfriend giving each other one last look.


Castle Doom

"A Kral Zera must be held!" The towering General Ranveig demanded of the other high-ranking Galra in the void throne room with Haggar and her Druids. "A new Emperor is needed!"

"And you believe yourself to be the Emperor, don't you?" Commander Trugg asked as she eyed her frenemy warlord. "One would've been hosted quintants ago, but we lack the time and power to do so."

While the warlords bickered with each other over their next move; Haggar, meanwhile, stared at the empty throne where her Emperor used to sit and rule from. Once word of Zarkon's demise reached the rest of the Empire, everything began to spiral into chaos. A millennia-long dynasty was on the verge of collapse, and she will be damned if she let that happen.

"Witch Haggar." Trugg asked as the Galra warlords turn their attention to the wicked Altean. "Since you were our Emperor's most trusted advisor, we turn to your judgment for what is to be done next."

The sorceress turned to her subjects. There was only one thing the witch could do to ensure the stability of the 10,000-year-long reign; her demonic eyes staring directly at them as she gave them her orders. "Summon Prince Lotor."


Authors note:

Hey everybody, I just want to thank you all for being patient and waiting for this chapter. I would've gotten it out sooner; but things have been, to put it mildly, hectic. Good news, I'm settled into my new home, and taking college online has been going well (despite all the inevitable bumps in the road that come with moving). Again, thank you all for being patient, and I'll try to update faster; as soon as I get some semblance of order back into my life. As a side note (and self-advertising) I've been writing a novel that I intend to upload to Wattpad when I get the first couple of chapters finished: the Andromeda Chronicles. Be on the lookout for that if you're interested.

Also: Stevonnie's speech in the beginning of the chapter, as well as the dragon-based Fusion were inspired by suggestions from CoyotePrime1100.

Thank you all for sticking with me, and this story; it really means a lot.