"The Lions of Voltron. 10,000 years ago, these Lions were piloted by my father and four others; they were known as the Paladins of Voltron, together these five were able to combine their lions to form a mighty warrior loved by good and feared by evil and chaos. This warrior was known as Voltron: Defender of the Universe."
Allura.
"So... Altea is gone," Coran said in a tone of disbelief; trying his hardest to remain stoic towards the devastating news about his home planet. "And Think that we were asleep for so long. I thought the Tau or the Eldar would find us some day after the great decline of the forces of Chaos".
"Everything Father and those before him have built... are now gone; our kingdom, our architecture, our people." Allura sobbed softly, with her cousin trying to console her to the best of his ability; equally distraught as well. "You, Lance and I are the last remnants of Altea."
While the Gems didn't say anything; Steven could tell from the expressions on Garnet's and Pearl's faces that they exactly knew what it was like to lose something to a similar extent.
"And if the Eldar had found us sooner they would probably torture us to uncover the Voltron's secrets." Lance pointed out, glancing nervously between the two remaining Alteans. "You know well that the Eldar are not happy that uncle Alfor absolutely denied tem the knowledge of his creation".
Allura and Coran kept an awkward silence at the truth of the facts. In their short experience they knew that Eldar were very spiteful. This added to their deceptive and bellicose attitudes as well as their ingrained pride. Depite this, Allura hoped that the Eldar could find the solution of to save their dying race.
Lion walked over to the Princess and stroked his head on her side, trying to get her attention.
"What do you want?" Allura asked faintly, looking at the pink feline who nudges at her dress; trying to steer her over to her cryo-pod.
The faint sound of squeaking could be heard as Allura's head propped up and peers directly into the one-person chamber; discovering the tiny sounds coming from a quartet of mice. One of them was plump with greenish-gold fur. Two of the narrower ones appeared similar in size and body, with the difference being the colors of their coats. And the tiniest of the foursome was a mouse with a thin, blue fur, and eyes of the same color.
Allura's dismayed expressing changes to a slightly brighter one as she gazed at the tiny creature. "So, we aren't the last remnants of Altea," Allura said to herself as she kneeled to scoop up the cute rodents.
Steven and Connie found Lion bonding with both the Princess and the space mice to be adorable; where neither one of them couldn't help but say "Aww."
"Hey, these guys are kind of cute," Lance said as he looked at them; although the mice paid no attention to him in favor of his cousin.
Allura giggled to herself at the mice's attitude towards her cousin; before setting the four little creatures down, and they scurry over the Lion. The four rodents climbed up the gentle giant of a feline's forelegs all the way to his mane; where all of them find a proper spot and position to lie down and relax.
"Come, Princess, we need to get some food into you and Lance," Coran said to the two Altean's; placing his hands on their shoulders. "Those cryo-pods can leave you lacking in nutrition. You both need to have a proper meal."
"I'll eat later, Coran," Allura told her fellow Altean. "Right now, we need to make a plan to find the remaining lions."
"Allura, and I want to find the lions as quick as possible too." Prince Lance began. "But Coran is right; we'll work better with full stomachs, we are not like the Necrons."
"We already have two Paladins for the Red and Blue Lion's," Allura stated as she looked at Steven and Connie; but gave Keith a sharp, unfriendly glare. "This will make finding the others easier and quicker; then I'll eat whatever you cook up, Coran." The Princess then turned to the rest of the group with a look of determination in her eyes. "If you'll all follow me, we can begin on our operation to take Zarkon and the Galra Empire down."
The group follows Princess Allura, Prince Lance and their advisor, Coran, down the rest of the hallway; entering through a sliding door that takes them to what everyone assumes to be command center. Surrounding the entire chamber was a full window that gave a magnificent view of the rest of the planet.
Steven, Connie, and Matthew ran over to the windows to watch the Earth-like surface in wonder. "Look at all of that; it's so beautiful," Steven said as he continued staring at all the greens and blues.
"No kidding, it's better than the inside of red" Matthew agreed but then notices Keith's gaze on him. "No offense".
"I've never seen anything so beautiful as this," Connie added in with amazement.
"Woah." Both Peridot and Pidge said with stars in their eyes, as they zoomed across from one corner of the room to another; examining every single bit of technology that they could find.
"The designs are so smooth and well put together," Pidge said as she explored the surface of the control panel.
"My assumption was right that the technology was as advanced as the tech back on Homeworld. I must know who is responsible for making such a technological beauty." Peridot said as she gawked at the anciently cutting-edge machinery.
"You are not the only one who wants to know that," Pidge added in.
"That would be my Grandpa Hieronymus Wimbelton," Coran explained. "The man was an architectural and technological genius; with the only one knowing the secrets of his craftsmanship being yours truly."
"Your grandfather sounds like he was an exquisite man," Pearl said the mustached Altean.
"Indeed, he was; I bet all of you would've gotten along with him," Coran added in.
"All right, if you're all done examining the bridge; let's get down to business," Allura announced; grabbing everyone's attention as she stepped onto a sloped, ovular shaped pad within the center of the room. Upon standing on the pad, several holographic screens emerged and surrounded the Princess. Peridot smiled with some joy as she was mentally comparing them to the touchscreen on her former Limb Enhancers.
Allura scanned all the screens until she caught sight of something odd on one of them; a red holo-button was beeping in the top left-hand corner. "What is this?" Allura asked herself as she pressed the icon on the screen; causing a projecting light to emerge from it and building a humanoid appearance from the ground up before her.
As soon as it was complete; what stood before the entire group was a tall, older looking Altean man with dark skin and shoulder length hair with a connecting beard of the same color as Allura and Lance's hair. He bore marks like Lance's on his cheeks, and eyes like Allura's own. He was cladded in a futuristic white and gold knight-like armor with a flowing blue cape. All three Altean looked at the figure in silenced surprise; only to be broken upon Allura saying
"Father." The Princess ran towards the hologram to hug him, to phase through the older man.
"I'm sorry Allura, but I am not here." The knight-like man explained in a strong, compassionate tone. "When Zarkon attacked Altea, I copied my consciousness into the castle's main computer so that I may serve as a guide to you if you need me."
"I… suppose it doesn't matter what form you take. I'm just happy to see you again." Allura stated with tears of joy.
"And I you, Daughter," Alfor replied with a content smile; before turning to Coran and Lance, who had tears in their eyes as well. "Coran. Nephew. I am pleased to see you both alive as well."
"Well… yeah, Uncle Alfor…" Lance began, trying to keep a strong demeanor; which was betrayed by the heartrending look in his eyes. "Like I was going to leave my cousin alone."
"It's an honor to see you one last time your majesty." Coran respectfully bowed.
"There is no need for that, old friend." Alfor chuckled, before turning to Allura with a sterner expression.
"Allura, when you urged me to use the lions to fight back against Zarkon, I chose to scatter them in hopes of protecting the universe. If their locations remained hidden, they would never fall into Zarkon's hands." Alfor explained to his daughter.
"But you only did, because you thought it was the right thing; none of us can hold that against you," Allura stated getting agreeing nods from Coran and Lance.
"Yes, but I knew my decision was a selfish one from the beginning, and I still chose to go through with it," Alfor explained with shame in his tone. "The Lions of Voltron are the universe's only hope of stopping Zarkon and the others threats around the universe. You are the only ones who can find them."
"But how?" Allura curiously asked.
"Before I placed you in the cryo-replenishers, I had bestowed upon you a special connection to the Lion's." Alfor further explained. "In case if Zarkon ever captured me, only you would know the locations of the lions. Promise me you will correct my mistake."
"I will Father; I… I love you," Allura said lastly as she ultimately gave in to her tears.
"I love you too, Daughter," Alfor said lastly as the hologram disappeared.
Steven walked over to the Altean Princess and placed his hand on her arm. "Are you going to be okay." The teenaged boy asked with sympathy.
"Yes, I will," Allura said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"All right, Princess." Shiro began in a stoic, yet gentle tone. "What do these "Lions of Voltron" do?"
"The Lions of Voltron." Allura began as she stepped back onto the pad; bringing up five miniature holograms of mechanical Lions. Steven's, Connie's and Keith's heads propped up upon recognizing the Red and Blue Lion's accompanied with a Yellow, Green and Black Lion; the latter of which was the largest. "10,000 years ago, these Lions were piloted by my father and four others; they were known as the Paladins of Voltron, together these five were able to combine their lions to form a mighty warrior loved by good and feared by evil. This warrior was known as Voltron: Defender of the Universe." Allura told as the five holographic lions soared throughout the room and combined into the titular robot; amazing everyone who gazed upon it. He had the appearance of knight with multi-colored, lion-themed armor, and mechanical wings; looking like a legendary hero from an epic fantasy story. "Father said I could find the lions; it's time to see if that is true," Allura concluded as she closed her eyes and placed her hands on two holo-pads.
The room began growing dark and fill with minuscule bright lights similar looking to stars, with glowing yellow, green and purple spots all in separate locations apart from each other; with a glowing red and blue dot next to the latter.
"Wait a minute." Matthew started as he and Pidge examine the map.
"If we're reading this right, the Black Lion is in the same location as Red and Blue." Pidge summed up.
"Ha-ha. Alfor you genius!" Coran stated out loud. "He hid the Black Lion within the castle; the last place anyone would've looked."
"And if the knowledge Father gave to me is correct. Then access to the Black Lion is restricted; until the rest of the lions converge on the planet." Allura summarized.
"So, where do we begin looking for the others?" Pearl asked.
"According to the map, the Yellow Lion is located on a Balmera. X-95-Vox to be exact." Allura stated.
"What's a Balmera?" Amethyst and the humans all asked at once.
"From what I remember from Homeworld, Balmera's are living planets," Peridot answered. "They are living, breathing creatures with breathable atmospheres that nearly any organic species can live on; I've never seen or been on one, though."
"And for the Green Lion?" Pidge asked.
"The Green Lion is located on the planet Olkarion," Allura answered.
"It's been on Olkarion the entire time?" Keith asked with disbelief.
"According to her, yes," Lance answered in a slightly arrogant tone.
"Why, what's wrong?" Matthew asked his friend.
"The Blade of Marmora sent me and some others to Olkarion to gain information on the Galra and help the rebels there a few years ago while the Galra were repelling a Orkoid 'Waagh' to the other side of the planet," Keith answered.
"What's the Blade of Mar… Mar… however the quiznack you pronounce it?" Lance asked.
"The Blade of Marmora is a splinter faction of Galra that stand against Zarkon. In hopes of taking down his empire." Keith answered in a sour tone.
"Well, clearly you aren't doing a good job at it if they are still here," Lance stated as he walked up to Keith; leaning in on the Galra's face. "And what kind of jobs does your organization do, exactly?"
Keith scowled at the smug sovereign, visibly insulted by the Altean Prince's lack of respect for the organization, and the lives lost in believing in it; before giving him his answer. "Our jobs revolve around infiltrating the Galra Empire; sabotaging them from the inside; as well as assisting in liberating the planets they've held under their control for the last 10,000 years. Douchebag."
"Keith! Language!" A slightly irritated Pearl shouted as she, Garnet and Matthew cover Steven's, Connie's and Pidge's ears.
"Enough Lance," Allura ordered her cousin, before returning her attention to the others. "As I assume you all already know, the Lions are sentient machines; capable of establishing a mystical bond between it and its pilot to form something far greater than science can explain," Allura stated before bringing back up the images of the three remaining lions. "The Black Lion is the head of Voltron; requiring a pilot who is a natural leader and in control at all times."
"That sounds like your department, G," Amethyst stated as she looked at the leader of the Crystal Gems.
"It could be, but on the contrary, Shiro would be the ideal choice," Garnet admitted. "While I am a suitable leader and could very well be worthy of the lion when push, comes to shove; I'm not always in control at all times. Besides, we have our own sworn duty to protect the Earth; which we need to return to soon."
"When the time comes, we'll see who is worthy," Allura stated; before enlarging the image of the Green Lion. "The Green Lion possesses an inquisitive personality and needs a pilot of intellect and daring."
"Well, that narrows it down to Katie, Matthew, and Peridot," Pearl stated, listing them off with her fingers.
"You forgot to include yourself, Pearl." Steven pointed out.
"While I do have an inquisitive personality, am quite intellectual and daring," Pearl admitted. "I believe someone like the three I mentioned would be better suited for the Lion."
"And lastly, the Yellow Lion." Allura began. "This lion is one who'll put the needs of others above their own, in the end. As the leg of Voltron, its pilot will lift the team up and hold them together."
"Well, Steven and Connie fit the criteria; but they're already piloting Blue," Amethyst stated.
"I think you would make a good pilot for the Yellow Lion, Amethyst," Connie told the purple Gem.
"What, why would I be worthy?" Amethyst questioned.
"You may be stubborn and a bit prideful at times." Garnet began. "But you always come through as a great person in the end."
"Okay, if you want me to pilot the lion, I will." Amethyst sarcastically groused as her cheeks flushed a deep violet.
"Then it is settled. Steven. Connie. Since you two have a stronger connection with Amethyst, you'll take her to the Balmera in the Blue Lion." Allura suggested. "Meanwhile, Matthew, Peridot, and Pidge will go with… the Galra… in the Red Lion since he's been to Olkarion before. Shiro and Garnet will remain here in the castle until the others return, then we'll see who is worthy for the Black Lion."
A loud, siren-like sound rang throughout the castle as the entire control room began flashing red. "What's going on?" Steven loudly asked as he covered his ears; he'd never heard a sound this loud since the Gems showed the Wailing Stone, and even that wasn't as loud as this.
"Our scanners just picked up an unknown ship head towards the planet's location," Coran informed the group as he checked the consoles.
"Put it on the holo-screen," Allura ordered as Coran carried them out. The holo-screen appeared before the entire group revealing a Galra Dreadnaught; it was different compared to one the Crystal Gems fled from, as this one was bigger and meaner looking. "How did the Galra find us?"
"I bet it's Keith's fault." Lance accuses as he eyes the purple teenager; who ignores him.
"They probably tracked us through Red and Blue," Shiro suggested. "And that is not any Galra Dreadnaught. That is the Fire of Purification, the flagship of a Galran Commander named Sendak."
"Coran, how long until that ship enters the atmosphere?" Allura asked her advisor.
"According to its current location and traveling speed, I'd say about two varga," Coran answered.
"Two Earth hours." Matthew reiterated for those not yet familiar with alien languages.
"Coran. Lance. Get the castle's defenses ready. I'll open a teladuv for Olkarion and the Balmera." Allura ordered, before turning to the others. "The rest of you get to the lions. We need Voltron before that Dreadnaught gets here."
"We'll be back before you know it." Steven assures as he, Connie and Amethyst left to carry out their tasks; while Keith, Matthew, Pidge and Peridot did the same as well.
The Red and Blue Lion's took to the stars with their respective pilots behind the controls; zooming right through the wormhole-like teladuv portals that materialized seemingly out of thin air. Allura warned both pilots that the entrances would only remain open for two hours and they must hurry with finding the remaining components of Voltron.
The Red Lion successfully emerged from the interdimensional gateway near the terrestrial planet of Olkarion. With Keith and the others spotting a Galra blockade fleet surrounding the entire world. "How are we going to get past something like that?" Peridot asked as she turned her attention to the purple teenager. "It's about the size of a Homeworld colonization fleet."
"On my previous mission here with the Blades, there was a spot within one of the planet's jungles that hid us from the Galra's scanners," Keith stated. "If the Galra haven't already discovered it, it would be the best place to hide an enormous, mechanical red lion. Besides, if they do happen to find her; Red sure as hell isn't going down without a fight."
"Keith, please stop with the language," Matthew begged the alien.
"Come on, Matthew. I'm old enough to hear those kinds of words." Pidge told her brother.
"I know, but it's my brotherly duty to keep your ears innocent from such profanity." Matthew jokingly said as he teasingly tugged on his sister's ears.
"Matthew, stop that." Katie playfully begged her brother with a chuckle in her tone.
"All right everyone, we are now entering the planet's atmosphere; hold on to something," Keith instructed as the Red Lion soared past the clouds below; revealing a massive, magnificent jungle on the other side. Pidge's and Peridot's jaws dropped, and eyes widened upon seeing the tropical rain forest; Matthew's and Keith's expressions remained indifferent as they've witnessed planets like these before.
The Red Lion drew nearer to the hiding spot Keith referred to and landed on the ground with ease. The massive vehicle lowers its head to the land and opens its jaw as the four of them all exited.
"Okay, I recommend we meet up with the Olkari Rebels to find out what the current state of the Galra's control here is; as well as if they have any information to offer on the Green Lion," Keith suggested as they all stepped onto the wet, marshy ground. "My father is a good friend with one of the generals, Ryner; she should be willing to help his son."
"Then let's find this Ryner, immediately," Peridot bravely stated. However, before she could take one step forward, a sudden rustling is heard from the nearby bushes; causing the green Gem to jump into Keith's arms out of fear, but quickly drops out of them upon realizing that.
Keith prepared to draw his knife as the rustling grew closer and louder, Matthew had his hands ready to grasp something from his back pouch as well. The crunching and crackling came to an abrupt stop as the least threatening thing popped out from behind the bushes; barking playfully.
The creature was round and orange, like that of a pumpkin. It had four stubby legs and a short vine-like tail. It stared at the confused quartet for a moment before running up to greet Peridot with a pant. "Um, what is that?" Peridot asked, turning to Matthew and Keith.
"It… looks like a pumpkin." Pidge answered, stating the obvious.
"I know it looks like a pumpkin, but what is it?" Peridot restated.
"It appears to be a veggitoid." Keith guessed. "A part of the planets local wildlife."
The veggitoid barked some more.
"Well, why did it come to me?" Peridot asked the Galra teen.
"They are naturally friendly creatures," Keith said. "I guess it just wanted to greet you. However, I suggest it stays here; we don't need any interferences."
"Okay then… um… Pumpkin. Stay by the Red Lion." Peridot nervously ordered the veggitoid while pointing at the large vehicle. The orange creature let out a playful bark and did as it was told. "Well, that was easy."
"All right, enough lingering we need to find Ryner and fast." Keith ordered as the group made their way into the thick of the jungle.
The group, led by Keith; trudges through the thick, green jungle in hopes of finding the Olkari Rebels. Peridot and Pidge were unhappy about having to trek the entire forest on foot; while it was lovely to look at, neither of them were labeled as, "outside people."
"Ugh… it's slogging through the mud like this that makes me wish I still had my Limb Enhancers." Peridot complained.
"Jungles are cool, and all, but I wish the Green Lion was located on a technological planet." Pidge equally complained. "You know; with computers, air conditioning, and no mud in your shoes."
"Quit whining," Keith responded to the Gem and human. "If memory serves, we should be close to one rebel camps."
"Hold up," Keith ordered, extending his hand; hearing crisking sound. "Did you hear that?" And then hears it again.
"There it is again." Matthew noticed as well. Pidge and Peridot gathered near Matthew and Keith, believing a fight is about to begin. Several figures than hopped down from the topmost branches of the trees down to the lowered ones and emerged from nearby bushes; surrounding the quartet as they leveled their bows and arrows, and spears at them.
The people were humanoid with an insect-like appearance, and grayish-yellow skin and brownish red eyes; along with curved, helmet-like crows protruding from the front and back of their heads. Keith recognized them right away and knew they were ones the foursome was searching for. The teenaged Galra raises both of his hands up to show he means them no harm. "State your business intruders." One of the Olkari asked as he and three others drew their bows back; ready to shoot down Keith, Matthew, Pidge, and Peridot.
"My name is Keith. I am an agent of the Blade of Marmora." Keith introduced calmly. "Your leader knows my father, Thace. I wish to speak with her."
"How do we know you're really with the Marmora and not an Empirical Galra in disguise?" The Olkari cautiously asked.
"Calm down, La-sai." A wise-sounding voice spoke up as female Olkari garbed in white, leather-like armor with a blue cloak that symbolized her rank stepped forward. "This one speaks the truth."
General of the Olkari Resitance
Ryner
"It has been a while, Ryner," Keith states as he respectfully bows towards the leader of the Olkari Rebellion.
"It indeed has been many deca-phoebs, son of Thace." Ryner respectfully says in return with a bow of her own. "Are the Marmora here to aid us once more?"
"I'm afraid not. My companions and I are searching for the Green Lion, and we believe it is here on Olkarion." Keith summarized.
"Yes, the Green Lion is here," Ryner confirms. "However, there will be complications in retrieving it."
"What kind of complications?" Matthew respectfully asked.
"Empirical Galra led by a Lieutenant Haxus arrived on Olkarion some phoebs ago, and has taken our benevolent leader, King Lubos, hostage." The elder Olkari summed up. "Threatening to end his life if our planets most brilliant minds refuse to aid in finding the Green Lion."
"We've dealt with Haxus in the past," Matthew stated. "And know what kind of man he is."
"Wait." Ryner began as her eyes widened with realization. "Your name wouldn't be Matthew Holt, right?"
"Um… yeah, why?" Matthew confusedly asked the elder alien.
"You're Samuel Holt's son," Ryner said, much to Matthew's and Katie's surprise.
"You know our father?" Pidge eagerly asked. "How?"
"He came to our planet a roughly several phoebs ago as a member of a Galactic Rebellion against the Galra." Ryner summed up. "He told me about a son named Matthew. And a daughter named Katie." Ryner added in as she looked at the Holt siblings, respectfully addressing them.
"Where is he now?" Katie demanded.
"I know not where he is now, but I do know of his last coordinates," Ryner told the teenaged girl. "I will gladly give them to you after you complete your mission. You were sent here to ensure the Green Lion does not fall into the Galra's hands; that mission must be completed first."
"We'll get the lion, just make you sure you the information," Pidge stated.
"And we'll make sure to find your King and scientist," Matthew added in.
"My people will aid with getting you into the stronghold that once was our capital; but the rest will be up to you." Ryner tells the quartet as she gives one last bow. "And we must move quickly, for the longer we wait, the sooner the Galra will claim their prize."
With help from the Rebellion; Keith, Matthew, Pidge, and Peridot where successfully able to infiltrate the captured city; discovering that both King Lubos' prison and the lab where the Olkari scientists are studying the Green Lion are at the same location. Keith and Matthew gave Pidge and Peridot the rundown of who Haxus is and what to expect from him.
"Haxus is a loyal Galra who'll go to any lengths to appease his superior. Gaining him the trust of Commanders like Sendak; whom Zarkon holds in high regards as one of the Empire's greatest militants. Haxus usually does all the dirty work Sendak believes to be below someone of his status. However, he is still a vicious warrior; so, remember to keep your guard up."
After both Matthew and Keith took out the patrolling Galran sentry bots; the quartet made it inside the structure and said their farewells to Ryner, who had to leave not wanting to risk discovery. The foursome has successfully been able to avoid Galra patrols as they finally made it to the top floor; where Lubos' cell was officially located. As the group stands by the door, they all hear sobbing and moaning on the inside.
"There torturing him," Peridot assumed from the sounds. Knowing there was no time to waste, Keith took out his code breaker and used it to open the door. Keith pulls out his knife and Matthew pulls out a shock baton from his back pouch as they enter the room to expect a fight. Only to get… not what they expected.
King of the Olkarion kindom
Lubos
"How could she do that to him?" King Lubos sobs in his large chair as he watches a tear-jerking film on the holo-screen. The Olkari ruler looked like any other member of his people, but was overweight and garbed in royal, red clothing.
"King Lubos?" Pidge asked, garnering the alien man's attention.
"Who are you? How did you get into my r… cell… yes, I meant cell?" Lubos stuttered, trying to play the helpless prisoner role.
Keith clenched his fists tightly to the point where they could've bled as he scowls at the craven King with seething anger. "You cowardly slug! Your people are suffering out there by the Galra's hands and your being pampered by them."
"Who are you to question me, Galra? Your people are responsible for this; I'm just trying to remain on their good side so my people will be safe." Lubos retorted.
"Correction. So that you can be safe." Pidge responded back.
"Well, uh… same difference." Lubos attempted justifying. "I am royalty after all."
"You're a disgrace to the people fighting for you," Peridot spoke up. "Who are sacrificing everything for you."
The door behind the shamed ruler opens before anyone could do or say anything else, as Haxus steps into the room with several Galran sentry bots. "Well, well, well. Look at what we have here." Haxus said as the mechanical soldiers raised their rifles at the "rescuers."
"Haxus, thank goodness you are here." Lubos thanked turning to the Galra soldier. "I didn't tell them anything, I…"
Keith grabs Lubos from behind and holds him in a headlock as the teenager's knife transformed into its sword; directing it at the traitorous Olkari's neck. "Lower your weapons! Or your bargaining chip here loses his head!" Keith threatened the Galra commander. Peridot and Pidge were surprised by Keith's ruthlessness, but it didn't unsettle Matthew as he had grown used to Keith's methods over the two years they've worked together.
"Oh, now that we are so close to having Green Lion serve the Empire, my bargaining chip has outlived his usefulness." Haxus smugly stated. "Kill them."
Keith released his hostage as he, Matthew, Pidge and Peridot duck for cover behind the throne-like chair; while Lubos was shot dead from the laser fire. Knowing they are severely outgunned, the group scrambles towards the door they came through as they avoided the laser fire. Once on the other side, Keith uses his code breaker to permanently lock all the entrances and exits to the room; trapping the enemies inside.
"Great, now the whole complex knows we are here," Peridot complains.
"We need to shut down the sentries," Matthew advised to everyone. "Let's a find a console or something that we could use the codebreaker on."
"No can do." Keith began. "I've used it one too many times today and needs to recharge."
"How long will that take?" Pidge asked.
"Too long," Keith answered.
"What if Peridot and I can hack it together?" Pidge suggested.
"Have you either of you ever hacked Galra tech before?" Keith sarcastically asked them.
"I've hacked into Gem technology before; so, I could hack into the Galra devices." Peridot states.
"And life and death situations do make for good teachers." Pidge joked, trying to lighten to mood.
"Well, I don't hear any better ideas," Matthew stated. "Let's find that console."
After a short while of searching for a console, the quartet finally stumbles upon one. "All right, let's get to work," Pidge said to her Gem companion as she cracked her knuckles and they both began hacking away at the Galran computer.
Both girls managed to pick up a reoccurring pattern in Galra coding like hidden message frequencies used back on Earth. According to Peridot, Gem soldiers also use cryptic messages to communicate with each other and their superiors. After figuring out each processing point of the pattern, they were eventually able to translate the alien code into something they could understand with relative ease. "Almost…" "There…" Peridot and Pidge said respectively. "And… done!" They both shouted at the same time, completing the code to shutting down all the sentries.
"This cuts the guards down by half and will give the scientists a fighting chance," Pidge stated.
"As well as us, too," Peridot added.
"Also." Pidge began as she pressed one last button on the console, causing a compact, disc-shaped object to eject from it. "We copied all the information we could relating to the Empire onto this disc."
"That way we'll know what they know," Peridot concluded.
"Good work, sis." Matthew complimented. "Now, let's get to the lion."
With all the sentries deactivated, the path to the Green Lion's location was easy to reach. Pidge and Peridot's deactivation program worked far better it was intended to; not only did it disable all the sentries in the compound, but also the ones in the city. Resulting in all the Galra soldiers having to deal with rebels, who took the opportunity to try and reclaim their city.
The foursome entered the now abandoned laboratory; where the only things that were standing right before them on the bridge-like structure of the research room was the Green Lion, with its protective barrier surrounding it. As well as collapsed bodies of the deactivated Galra sentries.
Katie.
Peridot.
Both girls jumped upon hearing the unsettling whispering. "Okay, did anyone just hear that?" Pidge asked, with the only Peridot nodding.
"That's the lion speaking to the both of you," Keith informed them. "One of you, or the both of you, are going to be her pilot."
"Let's find out who," Peridot said as she and Pidge started walking toward the green, mechanical beast.
Keith and Matt follow behind the two soon to be pilots of the Green Lion, only to stop when the former detects something approaching them from behind.
"Ragh!" Haxus cried out as he delivers a roundhouse kick to Keith's head; disorienting the young Galra as he is tossed over the edge of the bridge.
"Keith!" Matthew screamed as he saw his friend fall; only to be relieved over the thought of his friend's death upon spotting Keith's hand holding on to the platform for dear life.
"I'm okay, Matthew!" Keith assured. "Just get Pidge and Peridot to the Lion!"
"Get going you two; I'll hold him off," Matthew ordered as he pulled out his shock baton, which transformed into a shock staff upon flicking a switch on its handle.
"Matt…" Katie was about to protest.
"Don't argue with me, Katie," Matthew responded. "If we don't get the Green Lion out of here, this whole mission would've been for nothing."
"He's right," Peridot told the human girl. "Besides, it looks like he's got this handled." The green Gem lastly assured as she and Pidge start running over to the Green Lion.
"Say, I remember you." Haxus began as he pointed his drawn sword at Matt. "You were one of the prisoners who escaped Castle Doom. Zarkon will reward me for bringing him your head."
"I'm not the same person from two years ago, Haxus," Matthew told the Galran as he charged at him, twirling his staff before swinging to the head. Haxus blocks the attack and goes on the offensive with a slash which Matthew manages to avoid; before thrusting the end of the staff into the alien soldier's stomach; shocking him while temporarily knocking him out of breath.
Haxus goes for a downward slash, which Matthew blocks with his staff before backing up; all Matthew could do right now was block as Haxus launched into his relentless assault on the young man. Haxus thrusts his blade forward to stab Matt, but he moves to the side just in time; despite suffering a cut to the arm and delivers a smack to Haxus' head with his staff.
Haxus looks over Matthew's shoulders as he sees Pidge and Peridot get closer to the lion. The Galra smiles as he pulls a revolver from his holster to shoot the two girls.
"No!" Matthew screamed with fear and rage as he tackles Haxus to the ground just before he could pull the trigger.
"Don't! Hurt! My sister!" Matthew shouted as he delivered punch after punch into the alien's face. Matthew continued to beat Haxus with his bare hands until the Galra smashed the butt of his firearm into the human's head; disorienting him long enough for Haxus to pin him down and hold him at gunpoint.
Haxus spat out some of his light-purple blood before turning to Pidge and Peridot, who was almost to the lion. "Stop right there!" Haxus shouted, garnering the attention of the two girls.
"Matt!" Pidge screamed as she stopped in her tracks, with Peridot turning to her human ally.
"No, Katie! Keep going!" Matthew ordered his sister.
"If either of you takes one more step closer to the Lion, he dies." Haxus threatened with a smug and bruised smile as he angled the weapon's barrel at Matt's head.
"Katie, you have to get…" Matthew began.
"No!" Pidge tearfully shouted back as she stood her ground. "I thought I lost you once; I can't lose you again! I won't lose you again!"
"Aw, such dedication." Haxus cynically jested. "I can't split you two apart, so I'll just kill you both." Haxus raised his weapon at Katie and prepared to shoot the human girl, then… Haxus found himself unable to pull the trigger, along with severe difficulty in breathing. The Galra soldier coughed up more of his blood before looking down, discovering the blade of a Marmora sword impaled right through his chest. Haxus turned his head back to see Keith standing behind him with a disgusted scowl at how low the Empirical Galra was willing to go.
"I should've done this two years ago," Keith said as he pulled the blade out of the bleeding alien's body. Haxus dropped his weapon on to the ground as his body fell over; his breath was slowing to a halt as the last strands of his life left him.
Keith extends his hand out to help Matthew up, which the young man excepts. "Matthew!" Katie cried as she ran over to her brother to hug him.
"It's okay, Katie. I'm okay." Matthew comforted his terrified sister.
"I hate to interrupt, but there is still a Lion you need to get to." Keith re-informed them.
"Oh, right," Pidge said with a bit of a blush.
"Now hurry up!" Peridot shouted over at Pidge while waiting near the Green Lion. Katie gave her brother one last assuring look as the group all ran over to join the little Gem.
Katie.
Peridot.
The two girls stood before the massive, mechanical feline and placed their hands on its dome shield. The shield dispersed as the lion's golden eyes flashed before lowering its head to the ground and revealing the entrance inside its maw.
Katie. Worthy.
Peridot. Worthy.
Katie and Peridot both step into the Lion; with Keith and Matthew following from behind and discover its control panels. A hatch opened behind the chief pilot's chair as a second one rises; with its own smaller, personal control pad. Pidge and Peridot look at each other as they moved to the seats: Pidge found herself being called to the front, pilot seat; while Peridot found herself being drawn to the back, co-pilot seat.
"Huh, it's like the perfect fit for either of us," Pidge stated as she examined the primary controls.
"I agree," Peridot said as she scanned the secondary controls.
Pidge instinctively places her hands on the what she assumed to be the thrusters; which caused the Green Lion to stand on its feet and let out a proud roar. "Looks like we found the appropriate pilots." Matthew complimented his sister with a smile.
"Now, just listen to what the Lion says, and she'll show you how to fly properly," Keith advised Pidge.
The teenaged human nodded and listened to the Green Lion's instructions, using them to take off and fly out of the Galran laboratory. "This is amazing!" Both Pidge and Peridot said at the same time as the Green Lion soared through the planets sky to meet up with Ryner.
"So, Lubos betrayed his people." Is all Ryner could say with a dissapointed tone after hearing everything the quartet had to say. "Nonetheless, you aided our fight against the Galra; we now have what we need to plan a take back of our capital."
"We're glad to be of help," Matthew said with a slight, respectful bow.
"And I have not forgotten my end of the bargain." The Rebellion leader said as she handed the young man a compact gadget. "On that device is the last recorded location of Samuel Holt. I wish you and your sister good luck in finding him."
"Thank you… thank you so much." Pidge said, appearing to be on the verge of crying tears of joy.
"Now, it's time to head back to Arus." Keith told the group, as they departed for their lions.
"Who's a good pumpkin dog? Who's a good pumpkin dog? You are. Yes, you are." Peridot's voice was heard of the Red Lion's communications as she played with the veggitoid, whom she named Pumpkin.
"I take it Peridot likes her new pet?" Keith asked, pointing out the obvious.
"Yes, she is," Pidge answered as she piloted the Green Lion behind the Red Lion.
"Okay, but tell her to strap in, we are approaching the teladuv portal soon," Matthew informed.
"Copy that, Katie out," Pidge concluded as she ended the communication.
"You're a lucky man to have a sister like her; you know that, right?" Keith asked Matthew.
"Heck yeah," Matthew answered. "She's the best little sister any brother could ask for."
"I also take it you are going to use the information Pidge, and Peridot retrieved to find her, am I right?" Keith asked, knowing that Matthew knew to whom he was referring to.
"I promised myself I would go back for Lapis," Matt stated. "And I intend on keeping that promise."
"And what if she's gone already?" Keith responded.
"I at least have to know," Matthew answered as he looked at the disc of all the gatherable information on the Galra. "If there is a chance that she is alive, I must take it; that much, I owe her."