It's beautiful, it's tragic
It's something more than magic
It's the laughter
It's the tears
It's the road that lead us here
It's the majesty the mystery
It's a billion heartbeat symphony
Like a river, to the ocean
One hand sets it all in motion
-Something Greater, by Matthew West
A New Beginning
Silence swept over the planet after the gateway had closed. The Lions were gone, but for the paladins their presence and the influence they had on their lives and so many others would remain forever in their hearts and minds. Before they left they made the ultimate sacrifice by closing the gateway so that they all could be saved. The Lions were home again and from their home they would watch over their paladins and the rest of the universe and all realities.
The rebels, the Galra, Blades and longmas started to murmur amongst themselves, contemplating on what they had just witnessed. The Galra weapons laid on the floor, untouched. The ships descended and sentries, generals and pilots from both sides came flooding out to join their comrades.
The Galra stared at one another, as if hoping one of them would have an answer to their collective question; What do we do now?
After witnessing a miracle like this it dawned on them just how pointless all those years of conquest truly were. Many of those who were on the front lines, conquering and taking rival stations for themselves, thought back on their entire lives. All that conquest never really made them feel fulfilled. They only did so because they were told this was what they wanted. But, what did they really want? After all, in the end none of it amounted to anything. Everything they did was merely a ploy for those monsters, monsters that wanted them dead, using their own emperor to gather as much quintessence as possible and slowly killing the universe they all lived in all to free those creatures that would finish the job. They were fighting for their own demise this entire time.
Then, another realization came to them. They were tired. Tired of the hate, of the anger, the futile attempts to please an Emperor whose sanity was lost long ago. Friends and family lost and they needed to bury those feelings of grief and regret for the sake of an Empire that never had their best interests at heart. Without Zarkon, with the truth finally out, they felt the chains of their past breaking. All of their suppressed emotions and desires had finally been set free.
Still, without the Empire, who were they now? What would they do? How could they start over after years of death and war? And what of the other Galra who weren't present to witness this event? Would they be willing to see reason as well?
The Rebels and Blades, seemingly sensing the loss within their new Galra allies, offered them their hands in friendship and assisted those who were hurt. One Galra soldier approached the paladins, addressing Lotor. "Um, if I may ask Emperor Lotor, what should we do now?" He asked, looking as lost as a young child searching for his parents.
Lotor blinked, looking back at his mother and then at the paladins before staring once again at the soldier, who bowed his head in respect.
"You're asking me?"
"Yes. You are still Emperor of the Galra Empire."
Lotor's eyes widened at the large crowd of Galra gathering before him, standing side by side with the ones who were once their enemies. For years Lotor saw nothing but bloodlust in their eyes, but now all he saw was confusion and uncertainty. They were lost. Without the mentality of war as their only form of self identification and worth, they weren't sure who they should be anymore. Even though they would not admit it themselves, Lotor saw exhaustion in their eyes as well. They never had a choice in who they should be or what to do with their lives. Their only options were either victory or death, nothing more. The soldier was right, they needed a leader.
Lotor stood before the crowd, taking in a slow deep breath before speaking.
"For too long our people have been taught that mercy was a form of weakness, and that our victory mattered more than the lives of those lesser than us. But we were not always like this. We were once a thriving civilization of fierce and noble warriors who, yes, did conquer for ourselves at one point, but in time we forged new alliances and friendships with those of other planets. From those bonds we became stronger. We fought for more than just ourselves, we fought for each other and I have come to understand that there is more strength in unity than in division. Look at what we have accomplished today. It was the shadow monsters that led us astray. We didn't think we had a choice in who we could be but now we do. We can choose peace over violence. We can choose friendship over hate. We can choose love over death. And you're right, the Galra Empire needs someone who will lead them into a brighter future... but that leader is not me."
The Galra murmured and gasped in confusion.
"Lotor, what are you talking about?" Acxa asked.
"I too have committed acts that I am not proud of. These are the mistakes I too need to atone for before I can trust myself to lead anyone ever again. Also, I only became Emperor because I struck down my own father. Which, I also regret."
Lotor's voice cracked at that last bit. He swallowed hard, keeping his composure in order to finish what he needed to say.
"The Galra deserve leaders who aren't blinded by ignorance or arrogance. Who seek knowledge not for their own sake but for the sake of others. Who are compassionate and merciful without being credulous."
Lotor turned around to look at Keith and Allura. "And who see the best in others even if they do not see it in themselves." He smiled seeing the couple's wide-eyed reaction. Lotor turned back to the crowd.
"Therefore I, Prince Lotor, hereby abdicate the throne in favor of Keith Kogane and Princess Allura. Paladins of Voltron, leaders of the Coalition...and my friends. If there is anyone who can set us on the right path it's them."
"For once, we are in agreement." Romelle said. Lotor smiled and bowed his head in gratitude. There was still some animosity between them, mainly on Romelle's side and Lotor knew this, still it was a start. It was still more than he had ever expected to receive especially when he knew he didn't deserve it.
Allura's hands reached up and covered her mouth before she could stop herself. Keith just stood there with his mouth open in surprise. Lance was laughing and already giving the two congratulatory pats on the back. Keith saw his mother and Shiro beaming with pride, alongside Coran who was wiping away a tear. Ember and the rest of the longmas were stomping their hooves in celebration. The mice cheered while Xian cawed happily and Romelle bowed her head in respect.
The couple was startled when the Galra and everyone else started to cheer and applaud. Nobody was even questioning the legitimacy of having an Altean princess become their new Empress. After all, through her union with Keith, who was still technically a Galra citizen regardless of his half-blood status, made Allura part of the Empire as well. It was what happened with Honerva through her marriage with Zarkon. Not to mention, these two did just save the entire universe and freed the Empire from years of subtle servitude and eternal damnation. They would be fools not to accept them as their new leaders. Lotor had made the right choice, probably the first one in his long life.
Keith pressed his hand against his chest, soaking it all in. He and Allura did talk of the possibility of him becoming the Emperor, but that was during the time they still saw Lotor as a traitor. Now that they had made amends and he saved their lives, twice, he assumed Lotor would continue his reign but as a more benevolent ruler. But, by the pained look in his eyes as he spoke of his father, Keith could understand. Lotor didn't want to rule, he didn't feel he deserved this leadership position. Yet, anyway.
"Lotor, are you sure about this?" Keith asked. He wanted to be sure of his friend's decision, knowing how it would change Lotor's life if he went through with it.
Lotor nodded with a smile. A smile that perfectly reflected how he felt once he abdicated the throne; He was free.
"I am, Keith. You and Allura have always done what was right for everyone. You showed me the error of my ways, you fought for the truth and it's because of you that we are now free. I would be honored to call you my Emperor and Empress."
Keith and Allura felt touched by Lotor's genuine words. It was absolutely baffling just how much their dynamic had changed. Keith and Allura once saw Lotor as an enemy. A thorn on their side and someone who was no different than Zarkon. While they were partly right about that last part, it was for a different reason. Both Lotor and his father made misguided choices with good intentions, but the results were never what they had originally intended. As Nebula once told Ember, having good intentions did not guarantee things would go as one desired.
Now, the couple couldn't be more thrilled to call the now former Galra prince their friend again. Now they knew they were right to come back for him. Lotor was part of their family, and with the right kind of guidance, he and his mother could start over again. They could fulfill his late father's wish of having the life they had been deprived of and help others who were just as lost as he was.
"Well, I'm not." Allura said, surprising Lotor. "Because there is no need to address us with such formalities, brother."-:)
The couple enveloped Lotor in a tight hug. Lotor laughed, feeling both relief and joy as he held the two close. Afterwards, Keith held Allura's hand, as she nodded encouragingly. Lance, Hunk and Pidge also each gave the two of them a thumbs up. Keith inhaled then exhaled slowly before addressing the crowd, which looked a lot bigger now that he thought about it.
"Thank you. I didn't grow up with the Empire so I wasn't aware of the war until much later in life. Nor was I aware of my own Galra blood. But, regardless of what our people have done in the past, I do genuinely care about the Empire. I know for a fact that we are capable of being so much more than intergalactic conquerors who only seek to benefit ourselves. Nothing would bring me greater joy than to see the citizens of this once glorious civilization rise up from the ashes and become the people we once were. Lotor is right, we have been given a choice. Which is why... I wish to allow the people to decide first, whether they wish for me to lead them or not."
The Galra, once again, looked rather confused. This was all very new to them and already their candidate for a new Emperor was doing things so differently from tradition.
"Dude, I swear if you start with your, "I-don't-think-I'm-ready-to-be-a-leader" skit again I am gonna grab some random piece of metal and I'm gonna bash you in the head until you—"
Pidge pulled her frantic boyfriend's arm before he could so something he would regret. "Lance, honey, calm down!"
"I'm serious! Keith is a born leader, he can do this!"
"I know." said Keith.
"Exactly!—Wait, what?"
"You're right, Lance. I can become their leader, and I would be extremely happy about that. But the Galra never had the freedom to choose their own fate. The Lions paved the pathway for us but we choose to follow it. We should give them the same opportunity."
Allura smiled, holding her husband's hand close to her heart. "I agree."
Lance blinked in surprise. "O-oh. Well then... that shut me up."
"It's a miracle!" Hunk teased, and Lance growled in annoyance.
The Galra spoke amongst themselves again. This boy, this paladin, was giving them the freedom to choose who they wanted to be their new leader? Which meant, they also had the choice to either go back to their old ways or start fresh? Many weren't sure they wanted to go back to the old ways. It was actually refreshing to not be fighting all the time and who's to say what else they could become if they weren't told from birth that they were supposed to be soldiers for the rest of their lives? Who else could they be?
"I want them to lead us." One Galra rose his hand. Silver Star smiled from ear to ear. It was Dryn, one of Lotor's workers who wanted to become a musician. "I mean, they saved all of us from that monster and... I admit, I never wanted to be part of this stupid war! I always wanted to play music."
"Me too!" Another one of his friends said, raising his hands. "Honestly, I never wanted to be a soldier."
"I want to bake!" Another shouted.
"I want to start a family." Another said.
"I wish to fight for a cause that does not take advantage of our loss of cultural identity, thus manifesting in a sense of desire to please a higher monarch out of a crippling fear of not being enough, in order to feed off of his unquenchable hunger for an unlimited power that should never be trifled with in the hands of mere mortals."
Many were staring at the Commander from the Omega Shield, with jaws dropped and eyes wide open in shock. The commander stood still and cool as ice with his hands behind his back.
"Uncle, I had no idea you were so philosophical."
"I have had many years of contemplation."
Dayak lifted her stick, which made Hunk flinch. "We Galra pride ourselves for being the strongest and fiercest race in the known universe." She said firmly. She raised a brow when she saw Silver Star smiling sweetly at her. "Perhaps it's high time we channeled that aggression and experience into a much more... noteworthy cause. After all, there is a lot more to us than being brutes."
Silver Star gasped and started galloping in place, trying to restrain her squealing. She couldn't contain herself for long so she leaped onto Dayak and hugged her with her wings.
"I knew there was a heart underneath that pouty, wrinkly face!"
"However, your Excellencies, I do strongly suggest a time limit towards these... 'hugs' you appear to be so fond of." Dayak said to Keith and Allura, who were unable to keep themselves from laughing.
"You know you love it!"
"... Maybe a tad."
"Thank you, Dayak." Lotor said. Though he now knew she might not have been the one who sang to him all those years ago, he was still grateful to her nonetheless. In her own way, she did show how much she cared for Lotor as a child, only further hammering in home that the Galra weren't all heartless, war-brained brutes. They could still have their legacy, and remember their past mistakes, and use them to shape a much better future for everyone.
"I should be thanking you, Lotor." Dayak said, smiling in a way that made her look a lot younger than she actually was. "I never said this because, well... but, I always saw you as the son I never thought I would have liked to have one day. I am very proud of you."
Lotor never had been formal enough to initiate hugs, but now that he knew how good they felt, he wanted to share that feeling with her. She was as close to a mother as Lotor could have given their circumstances. Dayak froze for a tic but warmly embraced him as well.
"I will allow it." She said softly, tightening her hold on the boy.
The Omega Shield Commander thrusted his fist into the air, "I stand by the new Emperor and Empress!"
"As do I!" His nephew said, throwing his fist into the air. Both he and his uncle placed their fists over their chests. "Vrepit Sa!"
The crowd repeated and bowed down, "To the Emperor and Empress! Vrepit Sa!"
The Blades of Marmora followed suit, bowing their heads and repeating the mantra they had left behind so long ago. "Vrepit Sa!"
Even the rebels bowed, fists over their chests. The longmas, due to their lack of hands, used their wings and bowed their heads. "Vrepit Sa!" They all chanted.
Finally, Lance, Pidge, Hunk, Shiro, Coran, Krolia, Ember, Comet, Silver Star, Aura, Blaze, Romelle, Lotor, Honerva, Acxa, Ezor and Zethrid were all more than happy to do the salute. While everyone else was on their knees, this group remained on their feet but bowed their heads nonetheless.
"Vrepit Sa!"
As a child Allura always knew the day when she would take the throne of Altea would come. When Altea was destroyed she believed that future was long gone, and just as well because she still wasn't sure at the time if she was ready to become queen. Now, standing beside the man she loved, who was freely chosen to become the new Emperor of the Galra, who were more than happy to accept her as Empress, she had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. This was not the coronation she had envisioned for a number of reasons, but looking at everyone now, seeing the now liberated and content looks on so many Galra faces, her heart went out to them. She saw the Galra no longer as enemies, but as allies again. Not just allies... but her own people every bit as the Alteans were.
Keith held her hand close and cupped her cheek, wiping her tears. Neither looked unsure or frightened, they looked ready. They felt ready. They were ready.
"There is still one last thing." Honerva said, gesturing to the purple flame which was still lit. Not one Galra tried to take it.
With a deep breath, Keith approached the flame and pulled out the lit torch. He held it to Allura and she clasped the stick right above her husband's hand. "We do this together." He said.
"As always." Allura said with a playful glint in her eye.
Dryn and his friends stood in a straight line and started harmonizing together, helping set the atmosphere as the couple climbed up the steps of the spire, holding the torch together.
Shiro's chest swelled with pride as he watched his little brother ascending up the stairs alongside his wife. Memories from when Keith was still a young boy played out in his mind. He watched him grow from a frightened, lonely child into a man of honor and courage. Shiro was ready to accept the fact that Keith didn't need his guidance anymore, at least not in the way he used to. Keith was his own man with his own family to care for. Shiro didn't feel sadness, he felt content. Nebula nuzzled his face, in her own way, saying she was proud of him as well.
Krolia wished Steve could be here to see their baby boy. She had missed so much of his life, but at least she could be here to see the rest of his journey. Now that he and Allura would have a child of their own, Krolia vowed to be there for her grandchild the way she couldn't be there for Keith and make up for lost time. She felt Ember snuggle close to her and Krolia kneeled down to hug her first grandchild, kissing her on the head. She was with her family again, and she wasn't going to let go.
Coran was a complete wreck. The princess he had seen grow from a child into a woman had finally transcended into the pinnacle part of her long journey. Traditionally, they had plans for what her future would hold, but those plans had changed. For the better, in his honest opinion. Allura was going to become the queen her parents always knew she would be. A kind, wise and noble leader adored by her people, and there was no one better to accompany her on this journey than Keith.
"She did it, Alfor." He whispered. "Our little princess did it."
Once they reached the top, Keith and Allura lit up the spire. The flames burst in a flash of purple light and Dryn and his choir's harmonizing grew louder. Lotor spread his arms open to address the crowd.
"The flame is lit. All hail Emperor Keith and Empress Allura! Long may they reign!"
The crowd went wild. Cheers, applauds, the tossing of caps and scarfs into the air which landed on random people's heads, even rebels jumping on each other's shoulders. Lance lifted Pidge up, spinning her around and Coran hugged Shiro, crying uglily onto his shoulder, and leaving a few unpleasant snot stains on his shirt. Romelle heard the crying and Shiro's begrudging moans of disgust, making her giggle a bit. Her laughter sounded like Christmas sleigh bells. Sweet, gentle and magical. Shiro had no idea she was capable of a laugh like that. He hoped he could hear it again one day. It was just nice to see her so happy.
Ezor went crazy, whooping and pounding her fists into the air, even punching Zethrid in the arm, which barely felt like a flicker. Acxa only laughed at her little sister's antics, but in her celebration Ezor accidentally punched Acxa, which made her bump onto Lotor, nearly tumbling them over.
"Oh, sorry!"
"It's fine." Lotor said quickly, grabbing her hands to help her stand up straight. "Are you okay?" Acxa and Lotor said at the same time.
"I'm fine." Lotor said, a tad quicker than he wanted that to sound.
"I'm fine." Acxa said, her eyes darting back and forth between Lotor and the floor.
"Okay."
"Okay,"
"Right."
"Yeah."
"Good."
The two felt the heat of embarrassment creep up on their faces as they tried, in vain, to avoid eye contact. Lotor scratched the back of his neck while Acxa absentmindedly tucked a nonexistent strand of hair behind her ear. Being casual around each other was going to take some getting used to. But, admittedly, they would much prefer this over their previous dynamic, which was best left in the past. Ezor and Zethrid, on the other hand, watched the awkward exchange between the two with surprise, followed by intrigue.
Above the spire Keith and Allura shared a soft kiss. "I know it's not the coronation you might have envisioned." said Keith.
"On the contrary, I had always hoped I would get to share it with my future king. Or, Emperor in this case."
"You sure you're okay with being called Empress? You know, because of the whole alternate reality thing?"
"I believe it's time we associated the name with a positive memory. Besides, Empress Allura does have a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
Keith laughed, as Allura's cheekiness always managed to do. "I love you."
"And I love you."
Once they descended from the stairs Keith was welcomed by a hug from his mother. "I am so proud of you, Keith."
"I love you, Mom."
"I love you, too."
Allura received a bone crushing hug from Coran. "You have done your people proud, Princess." Coran glanced sadly to the floor in realization, "Oh. I... I guess now I should get used to calling you Empress from now on." Coran was proud, but he would admit that he was going to miss calling Allura princess because, aside from it being her title, it was also his affectionate nickname for her. Still, he wanted to call her by her new title. After all, she wasn't his little princess anymore.
Allura felt bad about seeing Coran so upset about the change, and she understood why. She was going to miss being called princess. He still could, but knowing him he would insist on staying true to tradition.
"I may not be a princess anymore, but I know of another who will be in need of your guidance."
"Right, of course. Though, we still don't know if it will be a princess or a prince yet."
"Yes, but I wasn't referring to the baby."
Coran looked a bit confused until she gestured to Ember to come closer. Allura squatted down and cupped her adopted daughter's chin with her palm. Then, to Coran's surprise, Allura removed her circlet tiara from her forehead.
"My mother gave this to me when I was very young. She told me when I became queen I would trade it for a different crown. I told her I refused to ever let that happen but she said it was part of growing up. Of passing on her wisdom to me. And now... I want to pass that wisdom onto you."
Ember gasped, her green eyes shimmering as she stared at the tiara. "But—but—but shouldn't you save that for the baby?"
"You're my baby, too. And the one I carry inside of me is going to need their big sister. You helped me to see that being a mother was not something I needed to be afraid of. I have been ready for it for a long time. I love you, Ember."
Ember wrapped her wings around Allura's shoulder, crying into her shoulder. "I love you too, Mom."
Allura held the crown up and secured it around Ember's head, adjusting her bangs so that the tiara was more visible.
Keith walked up and squatted beside his wife to see his baby girl with her new tiara. "Looking good, kiddo."
"Princess Ember," Coran said with the widest smile on his face. "Has a lovely ring to it."
Ember spread out her wings, inviting Coran for a hug which he was more than happy to give. Allura may not be the same young princess anymore, but Ember was going to be needing just as much guidance as well. Yes, she had her parents, but the little longma looked up to Coran as well. He was so happy he chose to change his views on longmas. If he hadn't, he would have been missing out on an extraordinary young lady.
"Well, it's official now." Blaze said. At first, Ember thought he would start claiming she would start getting a big head or something, but instead he did an exaggerated bow, folding his left wing under his neck. "All bow to her royal majesty!" He said in an exaggerated booming voice, no doubt trying to mimic Coran.
"Yes, her royal princess-ness!" Silver Star said with a laugh, also bowing. Aura and Comet did the same, unable to restrain their laughter.
Ember waved her wing and stuck her nose up in the air pretending to act all snooty. "Silence, you annoying peasants!"
"As you wish, my liege." Aura teased.
"Your royal Crankiness." Comet said, earning a playful slap on the side from Ember. But in all seriousness, she did look beautiful with her new crown.
Keith screamed in surprise when Shiro, of all people, grabbed him and started messing with his hair. Normally, Shiro was far more composed than this, but like everyone else he was swept up in the joyful mood of the situation. Still, Keith wasn't a big fan of his own brother messing up his hair on the day of his unplanned coronation as the new Emperor of the Galra Empire... words Keith never in a million years would have imagined he would, shockingly, be perfectly okay with now. Why wouldn't he be? He'd had more than enough experience with leadership and, like he told his shadow form back inside the rift, he wasn't a little boy anymore.
Shiro laughed once he released Keith, who was growling irritably. Allura was sweet enough to adjust his bangs a bit, rearranging them back into how they were before, but still ruffling a bit of the back to make the ends stand out.
"Well done, Keith. You're going to make a great Emperor."
"Thank you, Shiro. Gah!" Keith was once again pulled into an unsuspected hug by Hunk, who was crying his eyes out. Keith grimaced at the snot coming out of his nose as well.
"I always knew this day would come! Actually, no not really because we weren't really sure how all of this was gonna go down and I honestly thought we were gonna die but we're all okay and this is happening now and I'm just so happy-e-e-e!" Hunk sobbed released his friend to blow into a piece of tissue Silver Star handed him.
Lance gave Keith a slap on the back, laughing with pride. "I always said this guy was leadership material."
"Sure you did, babe." Pidge said, rolling her eyes while chuckling. "Sure you did."
"What?"
"So, what's your first royal proclamation, Emperor?" Krolia asked. Keith turned to Romelle then to his wife. She nodded in agreement. Without saying a word she knew exactly what he was about to say.
"Coran, set course for the Quantum Abyss. We've got some friends waiting for us."
Romelle gasped with joy, then hugged the new Emperor and Empress. At long last her people were finally going to be free.
(~)
Knowing the dangers of the Quantum Abyss, the paladins came much more prepared this time. Lotor, with his knowledge on how to traverse the dangerous location, gave the paladins all of the details and secure routes from which to take to guarantee a safe voyage. Dayak and several other Galra were tasked with returning to their stations across the universe in order to spread the good news that the war was finally over.
To make certain that the rest of the Galra Empire who weren't fortunate to witness the miracle they had experienced and would most likely be hostile, they chose to arrive accompanied by a number of members of the Blades, the rebels and other members of the Coalition, and a video recording from the new Emperor and Empress themselves explaining everything.
Romelle awaited patiently for everything to be set up. What was a couple more minutes compared to a new life of freedom for her people? The worst was over and now with a vast majority of the Galra Empire on their side, she felt free to just... breathe. She sat on one of the paladin chairs on the bridge while everyone else spoke with the rest of the Galra and rebels and Blades to see to the final details. Romelle had been listening in on their conversation for a while but she just wanted a few quiet moments to reflect and soak it all in.
A tidal wave of emotions crashed and thrusted within her. Her nerves were shaken after learning the truth about a magical being known as The White Lion, responsible for breathing life into every living thing in the universe, and the true origins of Voltron. She doubted she would ever think of things the same way ever again.
There was still much left to be done but she had complete confidence in her new friends. She could only hope her people would be open to hearing their side of the story, especially considering Lotor.
She heard the doors swoosh open. Given the weight and steady movements of the person's footprints she had a hunch on who it was.
"You okay?" Shiro asked. The last time she snuck out of a room it was to vent out her frustrations. This time he saw Romelle with a content smile on her face, but there was also some uncertainty in the way her fingers curled and uncurled in her lap. She was happy, but in her experience happiness was a luxury she had been deprived of for a very long time. Now that she was free, in more ways than one, she felt unsure if she should let all of her walls down and enjoy the feeling so long as she had it.
"To be perfectly honest, I am feeling a bit..." Romelle shook her head, "Never mind. It wouldn't make any sense."
"Given everything that's happened to me this past year and the once in a lifetime event we just experienced not two dobashes ago, I doubt anything is ever going to baffle me ever again."
Romelle couldn't help but laugh, the feeling of happiness growing within her. "It's been such a long time since I've felt this happy. Well, partly happy and partly frightened because I'm not entirely sure where me and my people will go from here. It's exciting, and also... uncertain. Like I said, it doesn't make sense."
"No. No, on the contrary, it makes perfect sense. Change can be both wonderful and frightening."
"You sound like someone who's well experienced in the matter."
"Am I that predictable?"
"Maybe a little."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
The two shared a laughed but Romelle's smile quickly fell into a frown. He bit her bottom lip and Shiro could see how she was contemplating on what to say next.
"Can I be honest with you?" Romelle asked, nervously tugging on her sleeve.
"Of course."
"I've hated Lotor for so long that it became like a second skin. A part of me is still furious with him, but after learning the truth it makes me sad and angry and...confused."
"I understand." Shiro said, kneeling beside her chair, "Knowing what he and Honerva went through and that it all could have been avoided, it's painful. How could you feel any different?"
"And yet, you and the others were able to forgive them both. It doesn't sound very easy."
"You're right, it wasn't easy. I didn't think it was possible myself. But when Honerva's virus took hold of me and I saw her, the real Honerva, I saw... a little bit of myself."
Romelle's head jerked up and she slightly turned her face to Shiro. Though she could not see his face she heard the regretful sorrow in his voice. Shiro inhaled and exhaled slowly and held out his new robotic arm. Even with her gone he could still hear the Black Lion's affectionate purrs ringing in his ears like a soothing song that got stuck in his head. The arm was no longer the one Honerva had forced upon him but instead it was a new one, freely given to him by the lion as a gift.
"After I lost my parents I took my anger out on other people. One of my actions nearly cost the life of an innocent. Even though nobody died I lived with that regret for years. I didn't think I deserved to be forgiven after that, but my grandmother, while she didn't justify my mistakes she did see beyond them and knew that I could move on from them. Since then I dedicated my whole life to becoming a better person, to the point in which I neglected even myself. My friends showed me that even if I didn't deserve forgiveness, or didn't think I did, they knew what was in my heart and I wanted to give that same chance to Honerva after seeing what she had gone through. Rationally speaking neither of them deserve forgiveness, I didn't think I did either, but maybe it's not about deserve, it's about what you believe."
"What do you believe, Shiro?"
"I believe in love. In the kind of love that can do the impossible and can give second chances to those who really want it. Hey, if the White Lion says it's possible then who am I to go against a celestial deity? Even if He is a feline."
Romelle laughed at Shiro's comical quip at the end, which helped because midway through his speech Romelle was already crying. She wiped her tears with her sleeve. Her body stiffened a bit when she felt Shiro's robotic hand on her cheek, cleaning her face. Despite the metallic surface his touch was gentle and cautious, as though he were careful not to be too forward.
"Romelle, I'm not saying you need to feel comfortable around them, it's okay if you don't, all I am saying is that even if forgiveness isn't easy it's not impossible. But it's still your choice, and I will respect it."
Romelle took Shiro's hand in hers, rubbing her thumb over his palm to get a clear sense of the material. It was different from the one before. This one was new, warm instead of cold yet it was still clearly metal. There was no skin yet she felt his fingers move at their own will. This arm was a reminder of his pain, a reminder of how his life changed drastically, yet here he was, though scared he was happy and whole. He found a family amidst the chaos, he found joy through the pain and loss, he found peace in the middle of pain, witnessed miracles that logic could never explain. It was both beautiful and tragic, through the laughter and the tears, this road had brought him and the others to where they were supposed to be.
The more Romelle thought about it the more she wanted to believe in the possibility of moving onward from her pain. She wasn't sure if she was ready to call Lotor her friend, or even her ally just yet, but she wanted to believe he could change. She wanted to believe that he would make amends to her family, though she didn't know how she wanted to believe it. After the experience of meeting the White Lion it seemed as though nothing was impossible anymore. She had witnessed the impossible happen before her, even without sight she could see the impact Voltron had on others.
Romelle prided herself as someone who could "see" far more than others, but it was now she realized that in some way she was blind in another sense. She was blind to see that beyond her grief and pain was another side, a side that promised a brighter future and happier tomorrow. After the sunset comes the dark, after the rain comes the sun, after the hurt comes healing.
"If I said I wanted to try to let go... would you help me? Because, I don't think I know how."
Shiro smiled and held both her hands with his own. "Of course. You don't have to face this alone, Romelle."
Silence took hold for a few tics. Romelle sucked in her lips, trying to ignore the rising heat that was creeping up on her cheeks. Talking it out with Shiro made her feel so much better and less bad about herself. Shiro didn't judge her for her conflicted thoughts but instead took this time to listen and understand where she was coming from, even share his own past experiences. Just by listening to his voice she knew that he genuinely believed in everything he said without a shadow of a doubt. She both envied and admired him for that.
Shiro didn't pull away, he allowed Romelle to hold onto his robot hand as thought it was the threat that kept her tethered to the present. His chest ached at everything this woman had been through but he was also amazed by just how strong she really was. She wasn't afraid to admit she was still upset and unsure of her decision, yet she was willing to try and forgive not for anyone else but so she could be free of her past. Shiro knew first hand the weight of hatred could have on one's heart, and after witnessing Honerva's past he knew just how deadly it was.
The White Lion not only revealed that forgiveness was possible, but also that, in one way or another, we all have darkness within us. We are all capable of doing terrible and wonderful things depending on the choices we make. But most of all, the Lions taught everyone that these choices, the really hard ones, didn't need to be taken alone. Shiro wasn't alone, and neither was Romelle.
"Thank you, Shiro." Romelle then released Shiro's hand, realizing she was holding it for a lot longer than she needed. Her face felt hotter than before, unbeknownst to her, Shiro's face was also feeling a rise in temperature.
"I...I also wanted to thank you for saving me from that brute." Romelle said, tucking a random strand of hair behind her ear.
Shiro knew she was referring to Sendak. His blood boiled at the memory of him threatening Romelle just to get a rise out of him. Even though he was short one arm Shiro had jumped in front of her to protect her. She found that to be extremely admirable. Romelle might have always treasured her independence, especially when she had grown up being pitied for something she couldn't help, but she wasn't ungrateful for the risk Shiro had taken despite not being in the best condition at the time.
"Don't worry about it."
"I mean it. You only had one arm yet you still stood in to protect me. That was very brave."
It wasn't the first time Shiro had been commended for being brave. Heck, it was so common he didn't think much of it half the time. But, for some reason, hearing it from Romelle, who sounded so sweet and sincere, made the corners of his mouth turn up and heat rise from his neck to his cheeks. Shiro hadn't experienced a sensation like this since he was a young fourteen-year-old with his first crush. Shiro shook the thought out of his head and cleared his throat.
"Y-You're welcome." Shiro hoped she didn't hear that tiny stutter. "You were pretty brave yourself with the way you swung that staff. You would have made a fantastic paladin."
Romelle felt her blush deepen. She really hoped it wasn't noticeable. "I wouldn't go that far."
"All I know is that if we had you on the team I probably would have been out of a job a long time ago." Shiro said with a chuckle. Romelle scoffed and slapped his bicep, the one that wasn't robotic. "Ouch! I rest my case."
Romelle tried to act all of but couldn't sustain her laughter. Shiro laughed alongside her, while rubbing his arm. He knew she had Altean strength but, good gravy the woman had an arm. He realized this was the first full blown laugh he had seem from Romelle. Before, she was limited to smells giggles, maybe the occasional chuckle, but this time she looked like she was genuinely enjoying herself, as though she was remembering what it felt like to be a child again. Shiro felt a sense of satisfaction and delight knowing he helped in bringing out that laugh, even if he did receive a possible bruise from it. Still, it was worth it just to see her happy. Shiro realized he wanted to make her smile all the time, to listen to her troubles and offer his support. Maybe he was overthinking it, he had only just met the woman, but he couldn't ignore the fluttering of butterflies in his stomach or the rising head on his cheeks.
All Shiro could think about now was just how amazing Romelle was. Smart, kind, brave, a little bit of an attitude but she also had a sense of humor that radiated with an air of confidence and sass. She had her fair share of scars, just like everyone else, but Shiro didn't see those scars as anything to be ashamed of. They were proof of the woman she had become and the promise of the woman she could be now that things have changed. Shiro was honored to be one of the first to bare witness to that side of Romelle, the side that was full of hope and promise.
The doors opened again, this time with the rest of the paladins and Coran entering the scene. Romelle felt a jolt course through her, alerting her body and stiffening her position. Shiro, for no rational reason, suddenly felt the need to take a step back from where he stood, which was right next to Romelle's chair to the point his elbow was resting on the side.
"Alright everyone, we're setting a course for the Quantum Abyss! Hopefully nobody will get lost this time—Keith." Coran shot a look at the newly appointed Emperor, who gave him a shrug and look of insult. It wasn't Keith's fault he got lost last time. Lotor, remembering all too well the incident, shielded his face in humiliation.
"Oh, Romelle. May I speak with you for a moment?" Allura asked, offering Romelle her hand.
"Of course, Allura."
The two Altean women spoke with one another. Allura asked Romelle various questions about the Altean Colony in order to mentally prepare herself. And also to calm her nerves about meeting Alteans again for the first time in ten thousand years. While the ladies spoke, and Lotor with Coran looked over the safe routes to traverse the Quantum Abyss in order to reach the Alteans, Keith stood by Shiro, noticing the older man looking slightly frazzled. His eyes shifted from side to side and he wasn't exactly sure on what to do with his hands. His human one was scratching his neck while his new robotic one was tucked in his pants pocket. Keith looked back at Allura and Romelle, then back at Shiro, taking notice of the split second his brother glanced in the ladies's direction. A smile formed on Keith's lips.
"I see you and Romelle are getting along."
"Don't give me that tone. I taught you that tone."
"Well, am I wrong?"
"Shut up."
"Hey, watch it. I'm Emperor now, remember."
Shiro groaned, "You think you know a guy until he inherits a throne."
Keith laughed and gave his adopted brother a friendly punch in the arm. The two laughed.
"Um, everyone. I think you should come and see this." Lotor said. Everyone gathered around the computer as Coran showed them something unusual on the monitor. Something was coming up ahead, but it was difficult to decipher exactly what it was.
"It looks like a planet." Hunk said as the object in question drew closer.
"That's not possible." Honerva said in shock. "There aren't supposed to be any other planets around this area."
"Coran, zoom in." Keith ordered. Coran did just that and the image expanded on the screen. Hunk was right, it really was a planet. But, it was unlike anything they had ever seen. The atmosphere was coated in white fluffy clouds with gray lining, large patches of land with various parts being green and others looking more like a desert, and a beautiful sea that stretched on for miles. The oceans shimmered with a purple tint and the grass had various shades of red and pink and yellow. It was absolutely beautiful, but where it came from remained a mystery.
Coran's fingers typed at rapid speed as more details on the planet began popping up. "That's... unusual."
"What is it?" Allura asked.
"The planet seems to be completely uninhabited.
"How is that possible?" Lance asked.
"I—I'm not sure. I mean, there is life in the ecosystem but there doesn't appear to be any biorhythms of intelligent life anywhere. And the readings on the planet indicate that it's..."
"It's what?" Keith asked when Coran just randomly froze.
"It's... like a newborn. It's as if this planet had just recently been made. But that's not possible. How can a planet be so full of wildlife after just being created? And how did it just appear like that?"
Honerva and Allura studied the planet's surface, taking in the details of the plants and oceans. Something about this planet felt... eerily familiar for some reason. Coran zoomed in even closer, revealing the plant life and sky up close. Both Altean women gasped at what they saw.
"It... it can't be!" Honerva inhaled sharply.
(~)
Following Allura's orders, well not so much orders more of a plea than anything, Coran landed the castle ship in a clearing in the middle of a vast countryside. Mountains stretched out as far as the eye could see. Allura and Honerva dashed out of the ship. Romelle was close behind. Once outside the blind Altean woman breathed in deeply, getting a whiff of this planet's atmosphere. Something about it smelled familiar, yet at the same time entirely new. There was one scent which piqued her interest. She ran after it, ignoring the calls of her friends who went after her. Xian flew ahead, landing first on a hillside. Romelle stopped, as did Allura and Honerva. The hill was home to a beautiful meadow of the most gorgeous flowers anyone had ever seen.
Flowers with pink and purple petals with a familiar pattern and a yellow stigma sticking outward. The stem was a dark purple with slim leaves sprouting out, almost like string. Honerva lost all feeling in her legs and fell down in front of the flower. Romelle did so more slowly, brows lowering in intrigue. She stroked the petals with her finger, breathing in the aroma.
"This flower... it smells almost like... but, that doesn't make any sense. It doesn't feel quite the same."
Allura got down near Honerva, whose eyes began to water. She plucked a single flower, spinning it slowly in her hands, caressing the petals with the touch of a lover.
"Allura... do you see this?"
"I do." Allura said breathlessly.
"On Daibazaal we didn't have that many flowers, but there was one. The Midnight Bush, which was found on the highest mountain range and only grew once every few red lunar cycles. Zarkon brought them for me on the eve of our wedding."
Lotor joined his mother, mesmerized by the design of the flower. "I've read about those." He held his mother's hand, his fingers tracing the surface of the flower. Keith joined Allura, equally captivated by the plant. He recognized the form of the petals, the scent, the color, though it was not identical the similarities were nonetheless there.
"It's... it's like the juniberry flower—"
"And the Midnight Bush," Lotor added. "As one."
In her hand, Honerva held the national flower of her home planet as well as the very plant her husband climbed a mountain to get for their special day. No wonder the scent seemed almost foreign to Romelle. It was the flower she had grown up with and another plant merged into a single flower. Suddenly, amongst the field of flowers a creature popped up. It was curled up into a furry ball until it's pointed ears wiggled. It's body stretched and when the creature locked eyes with Honerva and Lotor the two froze in place. The line between reality and memory blurred.
"Kova?" Honerva muttered. Was it really him? Her old feline companion? The creature meowed and leaped into his mistress's arms just as he used to before the quintessence consumed their lives. Kova was no longer as thin and evil looking as before, now he was plump and healthy again, with thick fur and eyes that sparkled like stars.
"I...I can't believe it!" Honerva nuzzled her cheek against Kova's face. The feline purred. She didn't care if this was completely unethical, outlandish even. Her old friend had returned. When Kova saw Lotor he leaped from Honerva's arms and pawed Lotor's legs. The former Galra prince kneeled down and allowed the feline to climb up his shoulder. Kova purred against Lotor's face and he cried while scratching Kova's ears. The last time he saw him he had remained with Narti's dead body. Lotor knee Kova couldn't have been dead, his exposure to quintessence gave him an extended life. But now, just like Honerva and himself, the feline was back to his original self.
"I thought you were lost! I've missed you so much, old friend." Lotor held Kova up with his hands, "I am so sorry for ever pushing you away. That will never happen again." Kova replied by licking Lotor's nose and he hugged his furry companion after years of separation.
"How is this possible?" Coran said.
"It's not." Shiro said, his eyes staring at the mother and son smothering their long lost cat with love. "It's a miracle."
"A gift." Allura said. The wind picked up and the group heard a roar echoing in the wind. Right then and there, the mystery as to where the planet, and for that matter Kova, came from was resolved.
The lions had given the heroes one final gift. A new planet, with aspects of both Altea and Daibazaal, Lotor's family made whole again, this was a second chance at a new life.
(~)
The trip to the Quantum Abyss was a lot smoother than they expected. Even Lotor was surprised. It was as if the chaotic nature of the area had been subdued, and the hidden planet where the Altean were located was out in the open allowing them easier and quicker access. Was this another miracle done by the White Lion? If it was, they wouldn't be too surprised.
Once they reached the planet, Allura felt her hands tremble. This was it. This was the first time in ten thousand years in which she would come face to face with an entire civilization of Alteans. It felt so unreal that she was half conceived that this was all a dream and that she would wake up soon. She felt excited and eager to see them, which was quickly followed by what she could only describe as paralyzing fear.
Keith held her hand the entire time, every now and again kissing her knuckles. He didn't mind doing it a hundred times if it meant reminding her that he was right there beside her.
"It's going to be alright." He said, his low baritone voice reminding her to breathe in and out slowly. Ember was curled beside her, her head on her lap while Allura was absentmindedly stroking her mane, accidentally soothing her to the point she was starting to doze off. Feeling Ember's breathing against her legs, along with her husband's touch, were her tethers to reality.
"I don't even know what I'm going to say to them." Allura said. She didn't think she could sound even more nervous than she was already feeling.
"Just speak from your heart. You'll know what to say. You always do."
Allura gave a small laugh of relief and felt Keith's lips on her forehead. Ember stirred awake and looked up at her mother. The little longma smiled. They both believed in her and Allura had more than enough proof that she had what it took to be a leader and to make the right decision when needed. Her thoughts might be saying one thing, but reality said something else entirely. She sliced away her doubtful thoughts the same way she did to her shadow self inside the rift.
She wasn't an inexperienced princess anymore. She was an Empress. A paladin. A leader. And this wasn't just given to her, Allura had earned it. Nothing and no one could ever take that away from her. Not her own thoughts, not her own shadow, nothing. She wasn't lost anymore.
The castle ship landed right in the middle of a field surrounded by juniberry flowers. A crowd of Alteans gathered around the ship, marveling at the technological marvel that their ancestors had constructed centuries ago.
"He's back!" One Altean said.
"Keith has returned, just as he said!"
The Alteans cheered. The paladin had spoken the truth. For a while, there had been a few who started to doubt Keith's words, even with the proof he had shown them, but now with the reveal of an authentic castle ship, the ones who feared and doubted were happy to be proven wrong. The reign of Lotor had ended. They were finally free.
When Lotor saw the Alteans cheering he felt himself shrink. He was not looking forward to meeting them again, but he had to. This was the only way he could correct his mistake, but even he knew that it wouldn't be enough. Honerva held her son's hand. This was a new experience for Lotor. This was the first time in his life in which he was free to experience the love of a mother.
Honerva was well aware of what Lotor had done to the Alteans, yet she held no resentment towards him. If anything, the news only made her feel angrier with herself. Had she and Zarkon been better people and made smarter choices their son wouldn't be feeling so regretful and petrified.
Lotor held his mother close, soaking in the comfort that came with having her in his life again. "I'm scared, mother."
"I know. But I am here. I will always be here, I promise." How she wished she could take this burden from his shoulders and place it on her own instead. Regrettably, that was not possible, so all she could do now was give her son whatever support she could. She may never be able to take away the effects of what she had done but what she could do was help her son atone for both of their mistakes together. If the rest of her life was to be spent that way then so be it. At least neither of them would need to be alone anymore.
Lotor saw Romelle approach them. Her expression was stoic and unreadable. "Are you ready?"
Lotor took in a deep breath and nodded. He was ready. Scared, but ready.
(~)
Allura squinted her eyes when she stepped outside of the castle ship, the rays of the sun beating down on her face. Once her vision cleared she was overwhelmed at the sight of so many Alteans. It felt like stepping into the past all over again. Granted, the buildings were much simpler by comparison to the large cities of her home planet but from the looks of it these Alteans made great use of their surroundings and prospered into a modest way of life. When they saw Allura their expressions ranged from surprise to elation. Children stared at her with wonder in their eyes; it made her blush. They gasped as though they had never seen anyone more beautiful.
The crowd then cheered when they saw Keith standing side by side with the long lost daughter of King Alfor.
"It's her!" An Altean woman said with tearful eyes.
"Princess Allura!"
"King Alfor's daughter! It's truly her!"
Allure knew that Keith had explained to the Colony Alteans about her and how she and Coran survived the destruction of their home planet but hearing them say her name and the name of her father out loud, and with such happiness, it warmed her heart. She would have pinched herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming up all of this or that she was still trapped inside the rift and its illusions, but her husband's strong grip was all she needed to confirm that she was very much awake.
Tears pricked her eyes and she was crying before she could get a hold of herself. Coran was no exception. When he saw other Alteans, pointy ears, facial marks and all, he couldn't picture a better day. He and Allura were no longer the last ones in existence, they weren't alone anymore. The only sorrowful part was that King Alfor and Queen Melenor were not here to witness this miracle but as the wind picked up and the hairs of his mustache tickled his lip he could feel his old friend's presence. Lotor may have done a lot of wrongs, but at least he did one thing right. If he hadn't intervened then Coran and Allura would have truly been the last of their kind. It was a grey area to be certain, but for now Coran wanted to enjoy this moment.
Lance and Pidge, hand in hand, stepped out and were in awe at what they saw. Hunk's jaw dropped at the sight of so many Alteans in one place.
"I don't believe it." Lance said, "More Alteans."
"Who aren't ax-crazy dictators this time." Pidge said, eyes wide in astonishment.
Romelle stepped out from behind Allura and one Altean with long red hair came running from the crowd.
"Romelle!"
"Luca!"
Luca leaped into Romelle's embrace, crying into her shoulder. "Thank the ancients you're alright! What happened? Did Voltron defeat Lotor?"
Romelle cringed at the mention of the name, but not for the same reasons as Luca would have expected. Luca saw a shadow behind Romelle. She inhaled sharply when she saw the figure of their once beloved king, his head hung low while standing between a tall, muscular man with dark and white hair and a robotic arm, and Keith's mother Krolia who in turn was accompanied by Kosmo the wolf.
"You!" Luca exclaimed once Lotor stepped further into the light. He saw the young Altean girl's eyes burn with rage. The same look he received from Romelle. He knew she was only one of the many that he would receive for a long, long time.
All of the other Alteans gasped and stepped back when they saw Lotor. Their reactions ranged from horrified to pure unadulterated hatred. Which, in all honesty, might as well have been the same thing. Parents shielded their children from the one they once proudly hailed as their king, spewing words such as "Monster!", "Traitor!", "Killer!" All of which were very accurate descriptions in Lotor's ears.
"Everyone, calm down!" Keith said, his voice rising in volume but maintaining a clam and empathetic tone to ease the crowd, many of which were already reaching for any mundane weapon they could find from rakes, to shovels or kitchen utensils to try and attack their former leader.
"Please, we will explain everything, I promise."
"Why did you bring him?" Luca's father asked, pulling his daughter close who was already crying at the loss of her friend Bandor. "Was this a trick?"
"No! No, Lotor is not going to harm any of you." Keith assured them. Seeing the Alteans so filled with hatred towards Lotor horrified Allura so much that she lost her voice. Those eyes, that anger which worked as a shield to mask the heartache and trauma, was all too similar to the look of hatred Hira from the alternate reality gave her. Allura understood where they were coming from. She knew what it was like to feel that hatred, that anger. Their feelings were justified, but now that she knew the truth about Lotor and the amount of regret that weighed on him like a burden so heavy it caused him just as much physical pain as it did emotionally, she couldn't hold onto that anger anymore.
That anger made her no better than Lotor, and no better than the Alteans. She witnessed how hatred spread like a plague, infecting everyone within close proximity until it became as uncontrollable and nearly unstoppable as a wildfire.
Voltron was about bringing people together, not tearing them apart. That was the monster's business.
"Enough!" Allura's voice was so firm and commanding it made even the aggressive minded Alteans silence themselves. Everyone else stared at her with wide eyes, Acxa, Zethrid and Ezor were especially impressed. She was definitely the kind of Empress their Empire needed.
"I am well aware of the crimes committed by Lotor. I understand that you all feel betrayed, and you should. But, we did not bring Lotor here to harm you but to confess."
Allura looked to Lotor who looked grateful at her words rather than hurt.
"We already know the truth, you monster!" Another Altean shouted.
"Yes. But you deserve to hear the truth from his own mouth."
"Let him speak." Romelle said, which surprised even Lotor. She did not smile at him, her expression was still difficult to decipher, but Lotor accepted her permission to speak.
His mother stood close by, smiling in reassurance as did the paladins, his former generals, the longmas, Coran, Shiro and even Krolia. She had already decided to forgive him for the Quantum Abyss thing. Though, that was more so because she felt he had suffered enough and she really didn't feel it in her heart to hold it against him now that he would rather die than ever do something like that ever again. She was pretty good at telling when somebody was hiding something, and Lotor was one hundred percent genuine in his words.
Lotor bowed to Allura, "Thank you, Empress." He turned to the crowd. "I am not here to justify any of my actions and your hatred towards me is justified. Yes, what Romelle has been telling you is true. I lied about the second colony and took many of your loved ones to harvest their quintessence to power a machine which, at the time, I had hoped would assist me in reuniting with my lost love. But, I now see that this was not what she would have wanted."
The crowd was silent. The angry curses had died down, though there were many glares there were a few that had softened. Not completely, but at least it meant that they were listening.
"I wish that I could take back everything," Lotor felt his composure slip. The tears were getting harder and harder to hold back. "But... but I can't!" He released an ugly sob at the last word and he fell to his knees. Honerva and Acxa rushed to his side, rubbing his back to try and ease him crying. Lotor swallowed hard, finding the strength and the will to keep speaking even if it hurt.
"I won't ask for your forgiveness. I can only hope that you will at least believe me when I say that I took no pleasure in any of this. I did what I believed at the time was necessary but I was wrong. I was so... so wrong."
Lotor stared down at his hands. The hands that were stained with the blood of so many innocents. No apology, no matter how sincere, could ever wipe those stains away. Those would forever remain in his mind and in his heart.
"You no longer have to fear me. I will never harm another innocent life for as long as I will live."
"Why should we believe you?" Luca said with tears running down her face. "Everything you ever told us was a lie. How do we know this isn't one of your tricks?"
"It's not." Romelle said, startling everyone.
"But Romelle, you were the one who tried to warn us. How are you siding with him?"
"I am not siding with him, I am siding with the truth. And the truth is that he is no king. He is a broken, pitiful man who was blinded by his own ambition to see what he had become. He is a product of his parent's mistakes. It does not excuse his actions, but I now understand that hating him will not return the ones we lost, nor will it heal our wounds. You might not believe that he is capable of change but I do. Not because of blind devotion, but because I have witnessed the truth. Voltron showed me the truth."
The rest of the paladins gathered together, including Shiro, and the Alteans noticed the designs of their armor, as well as the colors and the V symbol on their chests.
"Is it true?" An elderly Altean asked as she approached Allura. "Are you the paladins of Voltron?"
Allura held the woman's hands in her own, smiling compassionately which made the elderly woman's eyes twinkle.
"We are. And we are here to bring all of you home."
"We're going back to Altea?" A little girl asked.
Allura wished she could say yes, but she didn't have the heart to fib, even if it would have been for a good reason. "No, little one. I'm afraid we can never return to our old Altea. But, there is another planet where you can all start over. Where you can be free, and together we can build an even greater Altea than before."
"How?" Luca's father asked then bowed, "Forgive my forwardness, Your Majesty, but how?"
"Please, you may address me as Allura. You don't need to feel pressured about addressing me as your Majesty or Empress."
"Empress?"
Allura blushed, having forgotten that one crucial detail. "Right, um, one more thing. My husband and I have recently ascended to the throne of the Galra Empire."
"Which means that the war is finally over." Keith said, wrapping his arm around his wife.
"And what of the Galra?" Luca asked.
"They are no longer our enemies." Allura said, "As it turns out, they were no less prisoners than you were."
"It's a little bit confusing at first." Romelle said, "But it's true. We don't have to fear the Galra or Lotor anymore."
"Please, come with us." Allura said. Her voice, no longer as commanding and authoritative, but patient and wise. Anyone who listened felt it in their hearts that they could trust her.
"I know that change can be frightening. It was difficult for me to accept it too, but I didn't need to face it alone, and neither do you. We can change things for the better."
(This could change everything, by Francesca Battistelli)
Allura: There's a fire inside you can feel it burning
It's a neon light glowing like a furnace
And the night is long but the world keeps turning
You gotta know it
It's not the end
As Allura sang from her heart, astonishing the Alteans even more, she kneeled in front of several children, one of which was a little girl clutching onto her doll which reminded her so much of little one-eyed Lea, the refugee girl from the compound back on Olkarion. With the war over she could finally be free to experience real childhood, and now so could these children.
Every new sunrise is one step closer
It's a sign in the sky that the fight's not over
So face the world, it's now or never
This is the moment, let it begin
Allura cupped the little's girl's face, making her giggle. It made her think of her own child's laughter, a laughter she couldn't wait to hear. Allura walked through the crowd, singing to the Alteans, the young and old, she wanted them to see her as their friend and fellow Altean, not just a ruler. She wanted them to see that she and Voltron had their best interests at heart. From the looks of it, her words resonated with them.
This could change everything
Can you feel it now, something's in the air
This could change everything
I know we're gonna know it when we get there
No more waiting, I'm taking the chance
This could change everything
Let it begin
With Allura's encouraging words, Keith and Romelle's reassurance, as well as the paladins proposing their absolute protection, the Alteans chose to go with them. They gathered their belongings, bid farewell to their old homes, and the heroes helped them in entering the castle ship. It was large enough to hold the Alteans. Had they not been on a time crunch at the time, the castle also would have been large enough to house the Balmerans. There was no imminent danger this time, so the paladins, and a few of the rebel and Marmora ships arrived a day later to assist with the move.
Once all the Alteans were accounted for the heroes returned to the newborn planet. Once the Alteans arrived they were too stunned for words. The planet was absolutely beautiful, with flowers that reminded them so much of home yet was new and exciting, especially for the children. Allura was so happy and relieved to see that the Alteans accepted their new home with little issue. There was more space to explore, to build new homes, a town square, some clinics and shops, everything.
In the weeks that followed, the paladins relied on the assistance of all of their friends to help rebuild a new kingdom for both Alteans and Galra. When the two races met one another for the first time the air was thick with awkwardness and uncertainty. It wasn't until one little girl, the one who Allura first sang to, approached one of the Galra workers and offered him her hand. The tall, purple humanoid's heart melted at the sight and took her hand, placing a gentle kiss like a knight greeting a fair lady. This one small exchange was enough to encourage a bit more interactions between the two.
Keith: See the world outside in technicolor
Be the one who paints outside the numbers
Like a child who is lost in wonder
We're don't wanna lose it, we're breathing it in
To kickstart his journey towards redemption, Lotor willingly volunteered to remain imprisoned for the time being, knowing the Alteans wouldn't want to even so much as look at him. He helped the paladins in recollecting the bodies of the ones he had killed and gave them all a proper burial. Keith sensed their spirits were finally at peace and for a moment he could have sworn he saw the spirit of Bandor watching over Romelle, then turned to Lotor with a serene smile on his face. Though he spoke no words Keith understood what the ghost was trying to emulate.
He too forgave Lotor and he believed he could change. This touched Keith's heart and her and Allura came to an agreement. Instead of imprisoning Lotor, like he himself suggested, the couple instead choose to give him put him on parol. From now on he would be under the supervision of the Emperor and Empress's trusted advisors, Coran and Shiro, along with Acxa, Zethrid and Ezor who willingly choose to join in Lotor's punishment. From now on, they would work just like every other citizen and answer to the Emperor and Empress only. It was enough to convince the Alteans that their new leaders were indeed taking Lotor's past crimes into question, but also giving him the opportunity to work to earn his keep.
Lotor did not complain. He was more than eager to do the manual labor, and he was thankful that his former generals were alongside him.
As for the rulers themsleves, Allura took the opportunity to become more acquainted with the Alteans. She wanted to earn their trust and respect through her actions and not simply because of her birthright. She proved this by taking the time to personally teach them about their shared culture and history, and sparking friendly conversations so they could get to know one another. Keith, meanwhile, did the same with the Galra. Treating them like friends and showing them how to fight with honor rather than with anger. Neither wore anything too formal unless for important events and both took an active approach when it came to tending to their subjects' needs and wants. Both races agreed that Keith and Allura were the rulers they deserved and needed. As kind and noble as they were fair and wise.
Some did question their trust in Lotor, but seeing as he followed the couple's orders with no complaints and worked for long hours each and every day was slowly easing them into the notion that Lotor truly did want to earn their forgiveness. He didn't mind, he already had the paladin's forgiveness and that was all the motivation he needed. He visited the graves of the Alteans he had killed, prayed for forgiveness and cleaned their tomb stones at night and place new flowers when the old ones had begun to wither and die. Lotor never told anyone about this, the only ones who knew were Ember and her friends because they caught him doing it one night. They promised to keep it a secret for now.
Paladins: This could change everything
Can you feel it now, something's in the air
This could change everything
I know we're gonna know it when we get there
No more waiting, I'm taking the chance
This could change everything
Let it begin
The process was long, and there was no telling how long it would take. Months, possibly years. But, Lance, Pidge, Hunk and Shiro were more than happy to help. Pidge was reunited with Matt who brought along more of his friends to help with things. Word spread of Zarkon and Lotor's defeat, as well as the news of the war being over. Some Galra weren't too keen about the change, but to Keith's relief a vast majority were on his side. They supported their new Emperor and Empress and that was enough to reassure them that things would work out in the end. Plus, it helped that Keith and Allura were the ones who were in charge of the Empire military now, so nobody could get extra weapons or ships without their say so.
Matt and Pidge were able to contact their father on Earth and told him everything. Earth was spared from an alien invasion, and Lance and Hunk were finally able to see their families again. Lance's grandmother screamed so loud he was sure she would break the camera lens. She was so happy to see her mijito again and Lance could not believe how big his niece and nephew had gotten. He introduced his niece to Blaze, and the two hit it off really well, she even showed him her drawings. Lance was right, she was incredibly gifted.
Pidge and Matt caught up with their mother, who was so relieved to see that both of her babies were alive. But, she also made it very clear that once they came back home Pidge would be in for the grounding of a lifetime.
On a lighter note, both Lance and Pidge introduced each other to their respective families. Lance's mother commented on how beautiful his new girlfriend was while Pidge's mother had so many questions—most of them embarrassing—so thankfully her father was kind enough to cut his wife off when she went too far. He was extremely happy for the two of them. Lance was a good man and Sam couldn't think of anyone more suited for his baby girl.
Hunk shared with his parents all of the adventures he had while in space, especially the really scary ones like the time the castle was possessed and the food goo tried to kill him. His parents praised their son for being so brave and that they couldn't wait to see him again. It would have been great to see their families again, but they felt that they were still needed where they were. They promised their families that they would stay in touch this time, and that they would inform them the minute they felt it was time for then to return home.
"You guys don't have to do that." Keith said, standing in the door frame when he saw Hunk bidding farewell to his parents one more time. "We appreciate your help, really, but you don't have to feel obligated to stay if you really want to go back."
"Keith, we all agreed to stay. We do miss home but now we don't have to worry about whether or not we'll survive long enough for it to happen." Hunk got up from his chair and walked to his friend. "Besides, we wouldn't miss your kid's birth for anything."
Keith was too stunned for words. They had every right and every opportunity to head back home and nobody and nothing would be able to stop them. Yet, the three of them choose to stay because they wanted to. Because they wanted to help Keith and Allura rebuild a new home for their people and to witness the birth of his child now that Allura was getting closer and closer to her due date.
Keith hugged his big friend and Hunk was more than happy to return the favor. Keith was so lucky to have these guys as his friends. He didn't know where he would be without them.
(Oh-ohh-ohh)
You can feel it coming like a flood
(Oh-ohh-ohh)
Wash over us, wash over us
The Blades of Marmora members came out of hiding, some choosing to work alongside the members of the coalition, spreading the word of the end of the war and helping citizens affected by Zarkon's reign. While others, primarily those of the older generation, choose to take a breather and enjoy this moment of peace. Kolivan, while still working as the head of the Blades, still managed to find some time to unwind and made a small home for himself in the woods near a trickling stream. There he spent many days simply enjoying the tranquility and going on a few rides with his longma friend, Celeste. Silver Star also visited, sharing with him many of Hunk's cooking recipes and even some of her own concoctions. In time, mother and daughter decided to make their new home in the woods near Kolivan's home, and the former Blade Member enjoyed his peaceful days before getting back to working with the Blades when needed. Celeste, this time, felt confident enough to allow Silver Star to join her.
(Oh-ohh-ohh)
Let the future we've been dreaming of
(Oh-ohh-ohh)
Wash over us, wash over us
Shiro too kept busy. When he wasn't helping Keith deal with diplomatic affairs while Allura was being tended to by Romelle, who now had a job as the Empress's official nursemaid, Shiro joined the Blades, rebels and paladins on missions visiting and freeing various planets, including the ones they had visited before. And, when Shiro wasn't out in space he had offered to help a certain blond Altean woman at her new clinic. He didn't have to but Romelle knew it would be rude to turn down his generous offer. Besides, she quite enjoyed his company.
(Oh-ohh-ohh)
You can feel it coming like a flood
(Oh-ohh-ohh)
Wash over us, wash over us
Though it was difficult. Okay, extremely difficult, Lotor did his best to play his part and help. Sadly, many Alteans still did not accept his desire to contribute. The only ones who did were the paladins and longmas. They welcomed his offers to help with open arms. It took some time, but eventually Romelle decided to accept Lotor's assistance as well. She had him help her at her clinic, accompanied by Shiro and the longmas. She still didn't feel completely comfortable a round him, but when she learned for herself what Lotor did almost every night for her dead family's tombs it slowly melted her heart. The gesture might sound small and not so significant to some, but it was for Romelle. Lotor didn't even flaunt this act as he would have done in the past. Aside from that, he worked long hours, sometimes well into the night, running errands for the royal family and he did it all without complaints and with a remarkable sense of child-like enthusiasm to finally be doing something for people instead of for himself.
(Oh-ohh-ohh)
Let the future we've been dreaming of
(Oh-ohh-ohh)
Wash over us, wash over us
Keith and Allura made an effort to include Lotor, and to send him on missions alongside the rebels and Blades, often accompanied by Acxa, Zethrid and Ezor. These missions allowed the four of them to reconnect on a personal level. When Lotor treated them as complete equals instead of generals he found that they made a tight-knit team. These moments of helping innocent people and bringing them items they needed such as food, clothes and such, made him feel like he was finally making his father and Venta proud.
On one of the visiting planets after he handed a little girl some medicine for her ailing mother, she wrapped her arms around him in gratitude. The moment would forever be engraved in Lotor's memory. Acxa's heart melted at the scene. This time together allowed her to see the man Lotor could have been. She was proud of him. As she looked at the stone around her neck, which Allura had kindly crafted to carry her father's stone, she knew that she was finally fulfilling her promise to her father.
This could change everything
Oh, this could change everything, ohh
This could change everything
Can you feel it now, something's in the air
Honerva was tending to her garden one day, with Kova playing with a random butterfly, until she saw Lotor returning home. His last mission left him with more than a few bruises but he never looked happier. He couldn't wait to tell his mother all about it. When they sat down to dinner Lotor enticed his mother with the stories of his missions and the things he and his friends did to help others. Honerva, more than once, shed a tear. Seeing her son's face brighten up the way it did after years of loneliness was more than she could ever hope for.
This could change everything
I know we're gonna know it when we get there
No more waiting, I'm taking the chance
This could change everything
Let it begin
Sometimes, at night, Honerva would visit the statue of her husband, which the Emperor and Empress had gifted to her along with her new home, and admire his smiling face in the moonlight. She and Lotor would sit down together and he would hear his mother tell stories about the man Zarkon once was. As they looked up into the stars they knew in their hearts that Zarkon was watching over them. Always.
(Oh-oh-ohhhh)
Let it begin
(Oh-oh-ohhhh)
Let it begin
(Oh-oh-ohhhh)
Oooh, ooh—oooh
Let it begin
(Oh-oh-ohhhh)
Let it begin
(~)
"Coran, calm down."
"Do you think she's okay? No, of course she's okay, she's got Keith by her side and Romelle and Zecora know what they're doing. She's fine, it's fine, it's all gonna be fine. Maybe I should sneak a peek, just to make sure everything is—" Coran reached for the door knob for about the nineteenth time in, only to be stopped by Shiro who gave him a death glare.
"Coran, take a deep breath."
Coran did just that, but it didn't really help much. "I'm sorry, I'm just really nervous."
"Don't be. Everything is going to be fine." Lance said, lounging on one of the chairs in the waiting room. Coran, Shiro, Krolia, Lotor, Honerva, Ember, Nebula, Silver Star, Blaze, Comet, Aura, Axca, Zethrid, Ezor, and Kosmo were all present, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new bundle of joy.
Everyone saw Zecora enter and Coran's anxiety skyrocketed again. "What happened? Are they okay? Did something go wrong? Did the baby make it?"
Zecora giggled, "You may put your fears to rest, for the Emperor and Empress have been blessed."
Coran let out a breath of relief. The baby and his princess were okay.
"So, is it a boy or a girl?" Ember asked, jumping up and down excitedly, "Do I have a baby brother or a baby sister?"
"If you wish to know the answer, come and follow me, little prancer."
Zecora led the team into the delivery room. Each and every one of them was shaking with anticipation.
Coran felt the hairs of his mustache frizzle. He remembered how excited, and nervous he was when Allura was born. Now, she was giving birth to a child of her own. She was finally a mother. The anticipation was too much that he had picked up the pace, nearly tumbling over Zecora in the process. Ember wasn't too far behind, she had been waiting for months to see her baby brother or sister and she didn't want to waste another second. Zecora laughed, allowing the two eager beavers to move on ahead.
Shiro kept his composure under control for the sake of the others, but in reality he was just as excited as the rest of them. It was so unreal. Keith was a father. His little Keith was a father. Well, he wasn't so little anymore, but in Shiro's eyes he would forever be his little brother. And Allura, he could only imagine the look on her face. The Empress had been anticipating the arrival of her child ever since she first learned of her pregnancy. He had never seen her this excited before.
When Zecora had told them that the baby had finally arrived Krolia almost couldn't find the feeling in her legs. Honerva kindly helped her up, empathizing with her excitement. Though Honerva's pregnancy was... not very memorable, primarily because for the longest time she had even forgotten she had given birth to Lotor, she understood the feeling of welcoming a baby into their respective families. The excitement that couldn't be described in words. Krolia hated that she had to leave and miss the first eighteen years of her son's life, but she was here now. The two mothers had developed a kinship over these past several months, understanding the pain and remorse that came with having missed out on watching your son grow from a boy into a man. But now, they both had a chance to start over. Krolia had nowhere else to be now that she was no longer a Blade member. She decided to remain with her son and daughter-in-law full time to take care of her grandchild. And to make up for lost time.
When the door to the delivery room opened Coran, Lance and Ember went in at the same time, getting stuck in the doorframe. Lance had been preparing for this day for months, right down to helping in building the nursery, the baby toys, giving Keith advice on how to deal with a pregnant woman, so he as sure as cheese was gonna be one of the first to get a look at the baby. The three pushed through, falling on the floor. Shiro and Lotor face-palmed in embarrassment.
Lance was the first to get up, looking around the room, "Where is it? Where's that little miracle?"
"Uh, I think you mean miracles." Ember said, eyes wide in surprise at what she saw. Everyone else gasped.
"Ohh, Mama Mia." Hunk's jaw dropped.
Allura sat upright in her bed, her hair being pulled back by Romelle who also wiped the sweat from her brow. The Empress was all aglow, cradling a bundle of joy wrapped up in a little purple blanket. Beside her was her husband... also carrying a little bundle of joy, wrapped up in a pink blanket.
Any composure Shiro had before was now completely gone. He let out a high pitched gasp that didn't sound at all like it came from the mouth of a full grown man. His hands clasped over his mouth at his reaction.
Ember and her friends all gathered around the bed. Aura was sporting a new set of goggles, a lot simpler than her last pair. Over time she came to realize that she should rely more on her natural instincts than just high definition lenses. Pidge agreed, but did add at least a few modifications like a tiny radio so she could communicate with others at least.
The happy couple welcomed everyone inside. Krolia was in tears, words were lost to her. Keith and Allura gently pulled back the blankets to reveal, not one, but two beautiful babies. A boy and a girl. They both shared their mother's skin tone, give or take one or two shades lighter, and individual markings on their cheeks.
The girl had purple markings that were sharper and ran down both her cheeks just like Keith's, while her brother had two small ones just like Allura, but instead were of the same purple color. Their hair color was a mixture of both their parents' hair color, creating somewhat of a gray-silver color. They were near identical in everything but the facial markings and their eyes. The girl had Keith's violet eyes while the boy had Allura's blue eyes.
"Everyone, meet our son and daughter." Allura held her son in her arms, while Keith held their daughter.
"Oh...my... Quiznack!" Pidge said. "Good call going old school." Pidge had previously suggested to the couple learning the gender of the child, but the couple decided against it because they wanted to be surprised. In truth, Romelle kind of already knew they were going to have twins but she kept it to herself, not wanting to deprive the couple of their beautiful surprise. It was worth it, hearing the joy in their voices and the reactions from everyone else.
Lotor had never seen anything more beautiful. This was the second time he had witnessed a child be born, and now he understood why it never stopped being a miracle no matter how many times people go through it. Moments like these made him so happy he had chosen the right path instead of doing down further into darkness. If he had stayed in his previous path he would never have been able to witness this. The birth of the future of the Galra and Alteans. Two people, now united by love.
Zethrid over time grew to accept these things called... warm and fuzzy feelings. She cried when she saw the little ones. Ezor offered her a box of tissues to blow on. The elder Galra sounded like a trumpet every time. No matter how many times Ezor heard it, it was always unpleasant. Still, better she let it out than keep it in. But what made this moment all the more memorable was that this was the first time that they bore witness to half-breeds being welcomed into the world with love rather than looked upon with scorn. Times really were changing for the better.
Acxa smiled and when she saw Lotor crying she held his hand. This caught Lotor off guard. They had become more casual and comfortable with one another over time, but this physical interaction between them was still rather new. Acxa was always the bolder one when it came to these things, after all she was the first to hug him when he apologized for all the years of trying to shape her into someone like himself. Lotor learned his mistake and since then had always encouraged Acxa to be the person she wanted to be, which was a brave, kind, strong and loyal woman who wore her father's memory on her sleeve with pride. He liked this side of Acxa, and he was grateful to have her friendship. He accepted her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, her eyes sparkled like diamonds. Was that... was that a blush on her cheeks? Or was he just seeing things? Hold on, was his face heating up as well?
Keith reached out his hand to his mother. "You want to hold her?"
Krolia wanted to say yes, but the words just wouldn't cooperate. Keith heard her answer even if she didn't say it aloud. He gently offered her his daughter and Krolia held her granddaughter for the first time. When she opened her eyes it was like the past and present molded into one. She had her father's eyes, the eyes of her grandfather. Maybe it was her imagination but she could almost feel her husband's hands on her shoulders, his breath on her cheek as they admired their granddaughter. Krolia knew it was all in her head but she didn't care. Steve was here, whether in spirit or in her mind it didn't matter. He saw the baby, and he loved her with every fiber as his being just as much as Krolia did. She kissed the baby on her forehead, causing her to giggle and reach out her little hands to touch her grandmother's face .
Allura gave Coran the honor of holding her son. He had the eyes of the Altean royal family. Blue like sapphires, full of life and full of promise. He wiggled in his great-uncle's arms, giggling and wanting to pull on his mustache just like baby Allura had done years ago. Coran allowed it, and though it was painful he welcomed it. It brought back memories of an age gone by.
"Yep. Like mother, like son. Ouch!"
Everyone laughed and Allura took her son before he could rip off Coran's mustache. Comet gave Ember a gentle nudge and nodded his head for her to go forward. She was so stunned by the reveal that she now had two little siblings that she forgot to move. Also, she wanted Coran and Krolia to have their moments first, not wanting to intervene.
"Ember, come here, darling." Allura gestured to her eldest daughter to approach her. Ember's heart pounded in her chest the closer she got. She couldn't believe this was happening. She was a big sister. This was her family. She craned her neck over the baby girl. When the two locked up the baby froze for a tic. Ember started to panic. Did the baby dislike her? Was she scared? Was it her horns? It was probably her horns, or her scales maybe? What if when she grew up she became embarrassed to have a longma for a sister?
To Ember's relief the baby started laughing again. She reached out her hands to try and reach Ember. She leaned down and allowed the baby to pat her nose. The moment her little baby hands touched her muzzle it was as if chimes went off in her head and her heart started to beat to a whole new rhythm. At that moment, Ember knew that she would do just about anything for this kid. She would shield her, support her, love and cherish her for as long as she was still breathing. Ember relaxed into her baby sister's touch, getting closer for the baby to hug her.
"I love you too, little one. I will always be there for you. I promise."
It was at that moment that Keith and Allura knew that Ember was no longer a child. While she too had grown physically in the following months, growing bigger and her voice now becoming much deeper, it was this vow to her baby sister that cemented that they had done their job well in raising her. And if they could raise Ember right they could do the same for their new son and daughter.
Allura's son struggled in her arms, his face wrinkling as he reached out his hands for Ember. "Seems somebody else wants their big sister too."
Ember gave her little sister a kiss on the head before proceeding to her baby brother. Once she was close he calmed right down. "You too, little fella. I will never forget you."
"So, have you decided on names yet?" Lance asked.
Keith and Allura exchanged knowing smiles, which Lance wasn't sure he should be happy or concerned about. Probably both.
"We have, actually." Keith said, cradling his newborn daughter who giggled as she bounced. "Princess Shira Melenor Kogane."
"And Prince Regris Alfor Kogane." Allura said, holding her son close.
Both Shiro and Acxa gasped. "Wait, what?" Shiro said, "I—I didn't expect, I mean I was just... really?"
"We thought about it, and we agreed." Allura said, "We wanted to name our children after people who helped make this possible."
"Shiro, if you hadn't taken a chance on me I have no idea where I would be right now." Keith said.
Shiro started to cry. He knew he would be crying for a long while but he didn't care. These two loved him so much and were so grateful for everything he had done for them that they named their own daughter after him. At first when he mentioned it during their Monsters and Mana game he was partly joking. He wouldn't have minded if they named the baby after anyone else or nobody in particular, but still... he was honored.
Acxa looked at the young prince and repeated his name over and over in her mind. "If it wasn't for your father Keith wouldn't even be here, and neither would our children. All of this was possible because of his sacrifice. I want to honor his memory." Allura said, "I hope that is alright with you."
Acxa sobbed but even as she sucked in her lips Allura knew she was smiling. "It's what he would have wanted. Thank you, Empress."
"I've told you many times, you don't need to call me that." Allura reached for Acxa's hand and intertwined their fingers. "We're family, Acxa. We always will be." Allura allowed Acxa to hold her son. The child smiled at the Galra woman, his eyes were as bright and intelligent as his mother's.
"Hey, little one. It's very nice to meet you." Acxa smiled and laughed along with the baby. Lotor, Ezor and Zethrid gathered around her, admiring the little halfling. It made it them so happy that he and his sister would never need to grow up with the discrimination they had to experience throughout their lifetime.
"Honerva," Keith spoke, grabbing her attention. "Would you do the honor?"
At first she was confused, but then realized what he meant. She approached the couple, gazing lovingly at the two infants. She opened her mouth to sing,
Honerva: I know you, you're a special one
Some see crazy where I see love
You fall so low but soar so high
Big dreamers shoot for open skies
Honerva and Lotor: So much life in those open eyes
So much depth you look for the light
Honerva, Lotor, Acxa: When your wounds open you will cry
You cry out now and you question why
Before long, everyone joined in the singing. The entire delivery room was filled with joy, music and hope. Lance and Pidge held one another close, Krolia and Coran sat beside Keith and Allura respectively. The mice, who were perched on Allura's shoulder, squeaked in unison while holding their paws together. Kosmo, who was sitting peacefully near the bed, getting an ear scratch from Keith every now and again, howled along. Xian was perched on Romelle's shoulder but then flew up and landed on Shiro's shoulder. He saw Romelle step closer and wrap her arm around his robotic one. It was so casual that it felt like second nature. She smiled and Shiro smiled back.
Everyone:
I see a rainbow
In your tears as they fall on down
I can see your soul grow
Through the pain as they hit the ground
I can see a rainbow
In your tears as the sun comes out
As the sun comes out...
As the sun comes out
(~)
Summary:
After many adventures together, the time has finally come for the paladins to go their separate ways.
But, no matter how far they are from one another, the spirit of Voltron will forever hold them together.
*(~)*
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
~2 Corinthians 4:16-17
(~)
Surprise! They were having twins the entire time! I honestly could not decide on a boy or a girl so I decided; Why not have both?
Yes Shiro, Keith did take your advice to heart and named his kid after you, and Regris's sacrifice did not go in vain. Now Acxa has a new family and a new purpose in life.
Oh man, now I have to get started on the next chapter and... oooooh, boy. I'm gonna be crying up a flood. Until next time, God bless *kiss, kiss*
