I own nothing.
It was terrible. Teleporting from one place to another was an experience that Shiro never wants to repeat again. He felt as if every cell in his body was detaching and joining together at the same speed. When they reached their destination thanks to the Gray Knight Rodrigo, Shiro got down on his knees with an intense sensation of pain.
"No os preocupéis, vuestro dolor solo será temporal." (Don't worry, your pain will only be temporary) De Sable said indifferent to the slight suffering of the Black Paladin.
"A warning might well be welcome." Shiro muttered audibly as he stood up again. Allura was unfazed by the action of the Astarte and went towards the great double door which would be her team.
The doors opened and the first things Allura and Shiro saw were their friends as well as their hosts from Saim-Hamm. The Holt brothers were standing at one end of the table and Shiro immediately noticed the new robotic prosthesis almost the same as hers, Peridot and Amethyst and the other gems were next to him with Connie who was looking at a newcomer Steven with concern. On the other side were the three Galra, Ulaz was also there, apparently well enough to stand and Keith did his best to avoid any eye contact with the Alteans who were at the front end of the table.
Other people were gathered at the site such as Commander Cadian Roderick along with Captain Ergon, Lord Angelos along with brother-captain Isaias and Librarian Armandus as well as Inquisitor Vail and Elizabeth along with some rare soldiers named Tempestus Scions. Masquerade and some Cegorach roses were also there with their arms crossed.
Finally there was the seer Guren who had the Exarch Yotundu and a Banshee as her protector.
"Ugh, it was about time for them to come." Masquerade snorted.
"De Sable told us what was happening." Allura put the introductions aside and walked to the center of the table where everyone could see a large hologram of Castle of Doom along with some Dreadnaughts, ignoring Keith's gaze in the distance. "How far is Zarkon from our position?"
"He is hundreds of thousands of kilometers away from our blockade, he has sent a dozen Dreadnaughts to attack but they are being held at bay thanks to the Imperial Fleet." Coran replied and gave Allura a sympathetic look. "Are you okay, princess?
"Not now, Coran. Is there a reason Zarkon is here?" Allura asked the seer.
Before the Eldar woman answered. "I think the obvious is in the matter, Princess." Masquerade chimed in as she uncrossed her arms and leaned her elbows on the table.
"He know that we are here!?" Pidge asked worriedly.
"But it's only been a couple of days." Matthew said.
"Could he track us down thanks to the link he still has with the Black Lion?" Amethyst asked with her gaze directed at Shiro.
Takashi narrowed his eyes in understanding. "It's a posibility."
"We have been one step ahead of that probability." Yotundu said bringing almost everyone's attention.
"Can you rephrase that, Exarch Yotundu?" Amberly asked.
"After you had boarded Saim-Hamm, the Seer Guren created a psychic field which spreads the aura of the black lion throughout the sector." Yotundu explained with little disdain to the lady inquisitor. "It will make tracking him difficult for him."
"So it means Zarkon might as well be mapping the sector for the Leon." Peridot said slamming her fist into his palm.
"And it will give us some time to plan things before Zarkon finds his actual location." Guren replied, then interlocked his fingers with a glance towards the assembled paladins. "Things have accelerated with the sudden arrival of the Galra Emperor. The castle of lions is not ready yet to be launched into space."
"Ok, that's a problem." Lance said.
"There are still dozens of things that need to be fixed in the castle before we even conduct status tests." Coran explained scratching his mustache. "We will need to change ships that are large enough to house all the lions at once."
"We may have a ship in reserve for this." Yotundu spoke with his fingers tracing on the table. "Only it would take a crew for this, we have already chosen a few volunteers for this task."
"There is also Zarkon's problem and his link to the Black Lion." Shiro said looking at the seer.
"It will take a psychic presence strong enough to dilute that bond." Guren replied.
"Oh better, someone whose psychic presence is so poor that it drives away those who do." Masquerade spoke cryptically.
"Are you talking about a Null? How can that help us? Lions can continue to function even with a thousand nulls around them. " Coran told the Harlequin.
"In that you are right, but to create a link with a conscious machine requires a certain level of knowledge in the realm of souls." Masquerade reformulate. "Zarkon is not a psychic but the Druids and the occult practitioner are from what I can guess, he is supplying her with warp energy to amplify his search range."
Like a satellite. Makes sense: if the seer created multiple psychic fields with the Black Lion's aura, by using a null we could be invisible to Zarkon long enough to be out of his reach." Pidge explained resolutely.
"He, the Mon'keigh girl has nailed it for the first time." Masquerade said bored and then turned his gaze from her to Allura. "Kaeya is a Solitaire who has been in our service for millennia, she is so skilled in the art of stealth that you will not notice her presence even if they are next to her."
Allura exchanged glances with Coran and Guren, both of whom nodded at the recommendation and faced Masquerade once more. "Okay, let's take that."
"Ultimately he is in control of Zarkon towards the black lion." Lance pointed. "It doesn't matter if we use a null or thousands of them, we must permanently unlink Zarkon of the Leon. Uncle Alfor was able to break Zarkon's bond to the Black Lion, but I don't think it was "easy as pie"
"…" Thace he growled softly interlacing his fingers with a thoughtful look on his features.. Them Spoke "There… might be a way. But it's foolishly dangerous."
"Hmm?" Masquerade raised an eyebrow inside her mask.
"What do you mean, Xeno?" Amberly asked questioningly.
"There is only one thing that can allow such a link between Zarkon and the lion to be uncoupled, but it carries with it an enormous risk that even the most skilled Psychics like the Seer or the chapter lord would be smart to avoid." Thace argued grimly.
"To be fair, we put ourselves in foolishly dangerous situations all of the time," Peridot told the older Galra. "What should make this one any different?"
"Father, please tell me you're not suggesting what I think you are?" Keith asked Thace with a grim expression.
"Oh... so that's your idea." Masquerade said condescendingly as she settled into her chair. "I'm not sure you're serious or you're just playing a joke on me."
"I cannot deny that it would be useful, silly and very dangerous at the same time." Guren clarified with a clear and firm voice.
"Hmm. What you propose is not something that I would certainly approve of." Angelos said analytical but logical.
"But it would be the most effective way to sever Zarkon's bond," Thace explained.
"Or it could end up killing Shiro!" Keith defensively responded horrifying Steven.
"What are you guys talking about?" Shiro asked the Marmora agents; concerned about the "killing" him part.
"There is a technique the Olkari have used since ancient times; one that has been passed down to different races since then." Thace began; while Keith gave him a worrisome look. "It has many names, but the Blade of Marmora know it as; Planewalking."
"Planewalking?" Everyone, except the Galra, the Eldar and the Master Angelos, asked in unison.
"It is a practice that allows the soul of a living being to transcend to the Astral Plane; an afterlife of sorts where is the gap between the physical realm and the warp" The Eldar Seer continued to explain. "In immemorial times, it has been used as a means of communicating with the dead, spiritual cleansing, and attempt to unlock the secrets of this very universe. It also served to reclaim lost souls by the entities that inhabit it"
"Sounds trippy." Amethyst honestly replied. "But what does that have to do with our Black Lion problem?"
"Despite being machines, the Lions of Voltron are sentient," Ulaz added in. "So, it stands to reason that they have souls."
"If I'm following this correctly." Allura began. "Your plan is to use this "Planewalking" skill to cleanse the Black Lion's soul of Zarkon's influence?"
"Yes, Princess." Thace plainly stated
"That... could work," Allura stated. "For all we know, Father could've done the same thing to the Black Lion the first time around."
"But there is a consequence to it." Keith gravely began. "The soul leaves the physical body, and it is possible for it to end up becoming lost in the Plane; which would result in the body… dying."
"Or worse. You are in a place where your soul is at its most vulnerable state to hostile warp entities; if any of them were to catch you it could generate a worse outcome than death: a deamonic possession. "Guren argued with a frown. "It's a great risk, so take your decision well."
Everyone was silent for a short period of time until Pearl spoke.
"So, either Shiro does the Planewalking and may die or possessed in the process, or we keep running from Zarkon until there's nowhere left to go," Pearl spoke up.
"No, this is too risky." Steven protested. "We can't lose Shiro or anybody."
"Ugh! Who let the brat in again?" Masquerade asked angrily out loud. "It's giving me a migraine hearing his lamentable voice."
"He drives the Blue Lion..." Yotundu replied with no humor.
"But it is very annoying." The Harlequin complained almost childishly.
"Hey! We are still here to hear you well and clearly space clown!" Amethyst slammed the table with anger clear in his voice and face. The rest of the gems and Connie glared at Masquerade with hatred to which he replied with a shrug of the shoulders.
"The child is weak-minded." Angelos said closing his eyes. "There is no harm in wishing your comrades safety, but no matter how hard we try or how strong we are, we can avoid death around us."
"Indeed." The Eldar Seer nodded.
"Steven is strong, it is you who put the lives of your friends at risk, which just happened in The Castle of Doom." Amethyst said with her gaze directed at Allura. "That is not fair."
"You might be right, but this is Shiro's life at risk; he should be the one to decide," Thace told the young Half-Gem before turning his attention to the Black Paladin.
"Shiro… please…" Steven said.
Shiro remained silent as the others keenly watched. "Unless anyone has a better idea… then I'll do it." Shiro stated.
"No, don't do this!" Steven begged of the Black Paladin; looking as if he was on the verge of tears.
"I'm sorry Steven; but if we want to face Zarkon one more time, we have to take big risks for it."" Shiro explained to the young Half-Gem.
"I hate this decision." Keith began towards his human friend. "But if you're sure about going through with this; I'll stand by it."
"Shiro…" Steven began.
"Don't worry; nothing will happen to me. I promise." Shiro assured the boy; giving him a determinate look.
"If this is your final decision," Thace said to Shiro; before turning to Allura. "Then we must prepare to travel to Olkarion, immediately."
"Well, since everything is resolved, allow me to take you to the ship in which you will be transported." Guren declared after getting up from his chair just like the other Eldar gathered at the table.
The Voltron team with the Altean royalty and Imperial guests were transported by a large circular platform to the main docking bay of Saim-Hamm. This time everyone could witness how night fell in the vast and colossal city of the space world Aldeari. Each building glowed in a marsh of different colors, the air traffic was minimal and you could see the millions of Eldar who roamed everywhere. The trip lasted for ten minutes where they arrived at a military base, the platform they were traveling on descended and a hatch opened from the ground from which they could go underground.
What the paladins saw next left them speechless.
In front of them was a titanic bay whose distance seemed to have no end, on the walls there were an absurd number of ships from hundreds of thousands of combat ships to a few thousand cruisers and deceptively fragile looking ships.
"Awesome..." Pidge, Matt and Peridot staring around the site in happy disbelief.
"There are so many combat ships and each one looks different despite being the same model." Matt scratched his chin with a bionic hand.
"Please don't be so shocked." The Lady Inquisitor growled bitterly. "These Eldar always wish to make up for something."
Guren shot him a brief look and cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.
"The ship in which he will take them to Olkarion will be an Eclipse-class cruiser. The ship will be under the command of Nuller Hrsaitwarwit with a long career of half millennium. He is very adept at navigating under full pressure, having won us several victories against the Orks and Muttradi. Not only him, his crew endowed with good fighters both on land and in space and good engineers." Guren explained to everyone present, his gaze then fell on the cruiser itself: the front part had a triangular shape that it was shaped like an arrow and the back part had fins similar to a butterfly's. "The Eclipse has been self-proclaimed as "Vontonig's Spear" in honor of a hero of our Craftworld. She has been modified so that they can introduce their lions without any problem."
"Cute." "It's awesome!" "What a lovely architecture." "It will serve us." many of those gathered gave their opinion.
The platform finally stops, parking on a bridge where they are greeted by an old Eldar whose age seemed to surpass Coran's, his cracked brown skin giving him an air of experience in itself, his mane a long ashen silver hanging down to the ground, right side of his head while the left side was shaved and from his two ears there were two pairs of earrings on each side.
Nuller Hrsaitwarwit.
Captain of the Vontoning Spear.
"I guess they are the people I have to take care of." The Eldar said with a frown and crossed arms. "A few Hyg'syr, an occasional Mon'keigh, three Alteans, and three Galra. I have never seen a group as colorful as you in my centuries of occupation."
"Captain Nuller." The Altean princess extended her hand to the captain. "Princess Allura of Altea. It will be an honor to travel with you and your crew."
"Save your regards, princess without a throne. We are wasting essential time." Nuller sneered after turning his back on the others and walking off to his ship, leaving behind a surprised Allura and discouraging the others.
"...Wow, that's a peach we have there." Matt said with his hands on his hips. "Makes me lose the desire to meet the crew."
"Nuller has developed a completely adverse character." Guren replied simply. "You'd better get in now, or he's going to leave without you."
"All our things were moved there?" Bismuth asked.
The seer nodded.
"Wait, what about Commissar Elizabeth and the Loud Troop? Aren't they going to come?" Connie asked Inquisitor Amberly.
"Hm, Commissar Ciaphas Cain III as well as her troop will be under a short quarantine." Amberly said in a steely voice. "It is not known what kinds of things they contracted during their stay."
"Is that so? It's a shame, we wanted to thank you for all the things you have done for us." Shiro said.
"I can tell you once you get back to Saim-Hamm." The Chapter Master spoke. "After solving the dilemma with the Black Lion."
"Rest assured that Shiro is going to make it." Lance said with a nod.
"You don't know how grateful I am for helping us in this way." Allura bowed slightly. "I'll make sure they get paid a thousand times over."
"All we wish for is a defeated Zarkon. No more no less." Guren replied with a serious face. "I'll keep an eye on your progress here, so don't go missing."
"Thank you, Seer." Shiro said with a smile. "We will retrieve the Black Lion."
Vontonig's Spear – Two days later.
It took the team and the others some time to acclimatize to the great Eldar ship because the interior was as labyrinthine as the castle of the lions was, not only that, there were places that they could not access without the help of a crew member. As for the crew themselves: they seemed to have no desire to socialize with their guests which isn't a bad thing knowing how serious the Eldar are. But there was more to the group than meets the eye.
Even though they tried keeping their emotions in check; tensions were still high with the Alteans. While they understood that Coran and Lance kept this hidden out of respect for Allura; it didn't make things easier for any of them.
Pearl entered the room where Bismuth was supposed to be and saw her moving around with some materials and preparing molds. Her eyes moved to the forge that was lit and then to Bismuth who wore a long, unmotivated face.
"Bismuth…" Pearl began, as the large Gem looks up.
"P…Pearl." Bismuth said.
"What are you…doing?" Pearl began.
"Me? I-I'm just...gathering materials to make Connie a new sword." Bismuth said a little nervously. "The materials I used on earth weren't too weak to stop Zarkon, so our long-eared friends have provided me with better metals to work on a replacement."
""I see…" Pearl muttered looking at all the tools lying on the ground.
"Then!" The gem clapped her hands calling Pearl's attention while her back was turned. "How do you want me to do it? You trained her, right? Can you tell me if she wants something light or-"
"Are you okay?"
Silence. That was the answer she had, then Bismuth turned around so that Pearl could see the deep sadness in her features.
"Am I okay? That's a stupid question to ask." Bismuth harshly, but Pearl didn't say anything; she knew Bismuth was upset and she must let the emotions out, no matter how callous they may sound.
"We're all worried about you, Bismuth," Pearl said as she walked over and kneeled to her friend.
"Well don't." Bismuth replied, looking away from the Pearl. "Steven should've just left me in that bubble. It would've been better for everyone if I stayed there."
"Don't say stuff like that, Bismuth; that's not true…" Pearl began.
"But it is P!" Bismuth shouted back with tears in her eyes; causing the skinny gem to move back. "Everything went wrong when I came back! I couldn't let what Rose did me… and others go, and I had to turn it into a stupid fight about who was and who was wrong!"
"But what Rose did was wrong," Pearl said. "Garnet and I couldn't believe what she did; I'm still angry she made that decision, and you had every right to be angry…"
"BUT IT'S WHAT I DID!" Bismuth screamed as her eyes swelled with sadness. "I CHOSE TO TAKE THAT ANGER OUT ON YOU AND GARNET! I YELLED AT MY BEST FRIEND! THE BEST FRIEND WHO'S ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME! THE BEST FRIEND WHO'S NEVER COMING BACK!" Bismuth broke down into tears before Pearl's eyes. "The best friend I'll never get to apologize to."
Pearl leaned forward and hugged the sobbing Gem; giving her a shoulder to cry on. Tears began to flow from Pearl's eyes and down her cheeks as she just sat there with the wailing Bismuth.
"Steven..." Amethyst called out to the young man who was laying down staring at the ceiling of the ship. She looks to Connie for help from her and Connie takes her hand.
"Steven."
"Hmm?" Steven focused a dull look on his friend.
"You are okay? You haven't spoken to us in a while." Connie said sharing glances with Amethyst.
Hearing this, Steven lowered his eyes a little in sorrow. "I'm sorry, but lately I'm not too motivated to talk to anyone. I understand that you are worrying about me, but I am going to be fine, I just need to be alone a little more."
They both fell silent and then gave each other a sympathetic nod, then she gets up from the bed and they head for the exit.
"You know we'll be here if you feel like talking." Connie told him with a friendly and sympathetic smile before closing the door.
It was at that moment that Amethyst and Connie noticed Shiro and Allura; with the purple Gem scowling at the Altean. "What the hell do you want?" Amethyst aggressively asked.
"We were just passing through, Amethyst," Allura explained. "Is Steven doing okay?"
"Hmph. Like you'd care." Amethyst bitterly responded, getting a hurt reaction from Allura.
"We don't know how he's doing," Connie admitted. "We've talking with him several times, but he's ignoring us. He's not telling us to go away, or to leave him alone but it's the first time; he's just there in silence seeing the roof. We've never seen him like this before. Steven always talked with others to deal with emotions like this; but… he's blocking out everyone around him, instead." Connie remembered back to a couple of years ago when Steven tried to end their friendship; believing it would protect her from all the dangerous Gem stuff that was happening. However, she was able to get him to talk about his problems, and it made their bond stronger in the end. Connie knows everyone has their way of grieving, but this… this is troubling…
"Well, he never had to lose someone he cared about before." Amethyst venomously said as she eyed an already guilt filled Allura.
"That's enough Amethyst," Shiro told the Yellow Paladin.
"That's enough? Are you serious? Why aren't you angry with her, Shiro?" Amethyst loudly asked the taller man with frustration. "You're the Black Paladin, and she kept something from you, that you should've known! I mean, you nearly died for Quiznack sake! Yet you're walking around with her like it's nothing! Like nothing bad ever happened!"
"I know it doesn't look like it, Amethyst; but I'm still angry with Allura." Shiro honestly stated; giving the Princess a quick look. "But I can't hold any grudges against her right now. We need to get to Olkari as soon as possible. Zarkon and the Galra are still out there looking for us, and we can't form Voltron against him without repeating what happened last time."
"Well, I think it's pretty clear we're all not like you; Mr. Perfect." Amethyst lastly said as she walks away from the group.
"You know she didn't mean that, right?" Connie asked Shiro.
"I know," Shiro stated. "I sometimes forget that she's still… young; like you and…."
"But Amethyst is right, all of this is because of me," Allura said in a dejected tone.
"Allura." Connie began. "We know you're a good person and that you wanted to do what was right. But everything that's happened; it reminds us all that this is a war. Any of us could die without the people we love ever knowing, and it scares us."
"And keeping what you all should've known hidden, makes it seem like I don't care," Allura said. "I can apologize and justify my actions all I want, but in the end… my decision was selfish and manipulative."
"Remember what we talked about Allura; we must stick together if we want to achieve this." Shiro said putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Attention all the ship, attention to the whole ship, we will arrive at our destination in a varga. Captain Nuller requests Princess Allura to report to the cockpit and the rest of the staff to their posts immediately." A female voice came from runic speakers throughout the site.
"I guess they need me." Allura said after giving a pitiful sigh. "See you later."
Without further ado, Allura left the site dragging a gray emotional cloud with her as the Blue and Black Paladins watched her go with sorrow on her faces.
"I want everything to go back to normal." Connie murmured looking at the ground. "But... was there normal from the start?
One interstellar communication and teladuv portal jump later, The Vontonig's spear arrived in Olkari space; The paladins left the cruiser with the captain Nuller and his entourage in a shuttle ship with the rest of the team to the interior of the planet landing together near the planets central city, where Ryner, La-sai and the "off-colors" waited to greet their allies.
"A most wondrous vision has been bestowed to me!" Padparadscha enthusiastically shouted. "Our dear friends, the Voltron Force has come to Olkarion; with allies!"
"We… know, dear." Fluorite said; gently patting the small Gem on the head while the Voltron Force, The Eldar people, Crystal Gems and Marmora agents exited their massive ship.
"We were taken by surprise to see your people come into our world." Ryner said shaking hands with Captain Nuller. "It has been millennia since the Eldar set foot on Olkari."
"Those were tough times, but Saim-Hamm is still going strong." Nuller spoke clearly possessing a steady gaze. "It would have been better to meet in less crucial circumstances."
The captain stepped aside to let Thace pass, who greeted him a little more animatedly.
"Thace, it has been too, long." Ryner humbly said, greeting the Galran with a respectful bow.
"It has, old friend," Thace replied, giving her a bow as well.
"Matt! Pidge! Peridot!" The Rutile Twins shouted at once as they ran over to the trio and hugged them. "Oh, it's so good to see you again." The right body continued. "We wanted to greet you as soon as you arrived." The left body concluded.
"Thanks," Matt said as they broke from the hug. "So, how have you all been settling in?"
"We'd be lying if we said it wasn't a bit odd at first." The right body of Rutile admitted.
"What do you mean?" Peridot asked them.
"We've always been treated differently for how we look and act." The left body of Rutile stated. "So, we may have acted awkward around the people who were nice to us." The right body of Rutile concluded with both faces blushing.
"But after that, we were able to settle in without hassle." Both bodies stated at the same time.
"Well, that's good to hear." Katie honestly said to the three Gems.
While that was going on, Rhodonite, with Padparadscha by her side, walked over to the rest of the group to greet them; especially Bismuth and Pearl. "Um… hello there." Rhodonite nervously said to the two Crystal Gems. Bismuth and Pearl looked at the Gem Fusion and her Sapphire companion; with no idea what to say. "Di… did I do something wrong?"
"N… no you didn't." Bismuth apologized. "I'm sorry, you… just remind us of… a friend."
"I predict that this conversation is about to become awkward," Padparadscha stated.
"Takashi Shirogane?" Ryner asked as she walked up to the Black Paladin.
"Yes, that's me," Shiro confirmed.
"Thace has informed me of what you plan to do." The Olkari stated.
"And I'm aware of the risks to myself, and the planet," Shiro added.
"If are you really sure, come with me them." Ryner began. "And I'll teach you how to walk on the Astral Plane."
Shiro nodded and the two moved away from the group to a more private place away from disturbance. As Thace and the others watched them go, Nuller boarded the Marmoran with folded arms.
"Are you sure it would work?" Nuller seriously asked the Galra. "The stakes are high and the human mind is not strong enough to tackle the warp specter."
"Shiro will make it because we believe in him." Thace said.
"Here, this will help you relax," Ryner said as she handed Shiro a cup of warm, purple liquid. He drank it all down, mentally noting that it tasted like earl gray tea, before placing it on the grass.
Ryner had brought Shiro into the oldest forest on all Olkarion, where the most spiritual energy on the planet resides; sitting on the green grass with their legs crossed in a meditative position and manner.
"Now, close your eyes, and just breathe," Ryner told him, and he did. "Focus on the universe around you; the wind the air. The dew on the grass. The gentle vibrations in the earth. Just breath and focus. The life above. The death below. It's all part of a cycle. Through death, new life will come to be. All are a part of it. Plants, animals, humans, Olkari, Galra. Just breath and focus on the connection. Allow your mind and body to drift…"
Shiro's eyes shot open; he was no longer on Olkarion. The Black Paladin stood and looked around; he was in a massive, purple void with no end in sight or direction to follow, above his head was a colossal multicolored storm cloud from which he shone with lightning whose roar could not be heard. "This must be the Astral Plane. That was quickly if I went to said" Takashi said as he looked at his hands, discovering that his cybernetic arm was gone, and was instead, flesh again. "It feels so… peaceful and… it's not at the same time. All right, I can't waste any time; I need to cleanse the Black Lion's soul." Shiro closed his eyes and allowed his soul to listen for the call of his Lion.
Shiro.
He hears the faint call of his Lion coming from what he assumes is… east.
Shiro.
Before they began, Ryner had told him that time in the Astral Plane works far differently than in the physical world, what would feel like a day within here would be five minutes in real life, this drastic change in time perception could lead to Shiro easily becoming lost and drive him mad. Plus, Guren said that warp creatures often roam this plane looking for prey, so you have to be very careful if you don't want to be on the receiving end of whatever wanders out there. With that in mind; Shiro can't afford to stay within this place for too long.
Shiro.
Shiro's spirit had been sprinting for what he felt like hours, but his mind knew better and kept him from giving in to exhaustion. On his journey from him, Shiro's passed by many visions; The ascent of humanity to the stars, the creation of powerful beings, the fall of the Eldar, some relating to the Galra, whether it was before or after Daibazaal's destruction, he did not know. However, they weren't the only visions; there were those of Alteans, Olkari, Orks and Gems; one of which was that of two comets, like the one Allura told them about, an image of a tall, bright, white Goddess crushing them in her hands de ella; resulting in a yellow and blue diamond. And lastly; a vision of what looked like reptilian people praying to and worshiping the same goddess before she destroyed them, all the while having that cold, unfeeling smile on her face.
On top of she was something that he had hardly noticed, it was a formless and black thing, not as part of her but if she visualized her actions, it was so full of life to the point that it was indifferent to the others. It was at this moment that her formless face locked eyes with Shiro.
And this smiled at him.
Shiro felt a surprising pain in his head that made him close his eyes tightly and clutch his head, but as fast as it happened, he disappeared leaving with him a confused Takashi who in his ailment swore to hear two words.
Go back…
Shiro.
The Black Lion's voice was growing louder now, Shiro was getting closer. All these questions Shiro had would have to wait until after he's completed his task.
Shiro.
"Black!? Black! I'm here!" Shiro shouted as the voice grew louder and closer, and her silhouette became visible; it was about a day… no, five minutes away. "It's only five minutes. It's only five minutes." Shiro repeated to himself; keeping his mental strength up so that his physical doesn't waver.
Shiro.
"It's okay, Black. I'm… AH!" Shiro painfully shouted as he was hit from behind by an unseen force.
"Did you think that I'd allow you to take the Black Lion from me that easily?" Shiro's eyes widened in horror as he looked up and saw the owner of the voice materialize before him, Zarkon. "Even if those useless Eldar are using you against me it doesn't mean anything."
"No… not the real Zarkon," Shiro said as he stood up. "You're the influence he has over the Black Lion."
"Indeed, I am." The influence replied. "And so long as I exist, there is nowhere in this universe where the real me won't find you."
"I'm going to free the Black Lion from your grasp," Shiro said as he entered a fighting stance; trying to activate his cybernetics but remembered it's not there in this world.
"You make it sound like as if I'm harming her," Zarkon replied. "The Black Lion is rightfully mine, and you shall learn that lesson through pain."
Zarkon charged at Shiro and threw a right hook the human was barely able to dodge in time, before attempting to counter with an elbow to the face; which was blocked with little ease. The illusionary Galra Emperor grabbed Shiro's arm and held him in place as he punches the man in the gut multiple times before tossing him aside. Zarkon leaped towards Shiro and was about to slam both his fists down on his face, but Shiro quickly rolled out of the way and kicked his adversary in the jaw with enough force to make him stumble back.
While Ryner has told the Black Paladin that his soul can't "die" in this realm, it can be rendered unconscious and stranded; which could result in his body, truly, dying. Shiro can't take any unnecessary risks in this fight; he must beat Zarkon quickly and smartly.
"You've only piloted the Black Lion for phoebs." Zarkon began. "While I've had deca-phoebs to bond with her. You and the rest of your kind are insignificant."
"I may not experience like you," Shiro replied as he got up. "But I have the will to keep on fighting!" Shiro charged at Zarkon and threw a quick jab at his chest, which was easily blocked; but allowed him to throw an uppercut the disorients Zarkon, then a right hook, and prepared to throw the left hook. However, Zarkon quickly grabs Shiro's head and headbutts him multiple times; Shiro was able to break free by backhanding the Galra Emperor, but he felt wobbly from all the hits to the head.
"You are a disappointment like every creature in this garbage who dares to overcome me." Zarkon taunted as he punches repeatedly punches Shiro in the face. "To think that you were worthy of being her Paladin. You do not deserve such an honor. Yet you allow misguided fools to believe you are. Misguided fools, like the Fusion." With one, hard, left hook; Zarkon punches Shiro away and leaves him injured on the ground. "And now…" The Galran Emperor grabs Shiro by the throat with his right hand and lifts him off the ground. "You die." Zarkon prepared to deliver the finishing blow; but just before his fist could strike Shiro's face, the Black Paladin was surrounded by a red and blue aura, before disappearing. "WHAT?"
"Shiro…" "Shiro…" Two unknown, yet familiar sounding voices repeated as Takashi slowly started to become conscious again. "Shiro… "Shiro…" "Shiro… Shiro…"
When Shiro finally awoke, he found standing before him were two little Gems.
One had scarlet skin and square-shaped hair with a thick build. Her attire consisted of a maroon tank top, burgundy shorts and boots and a maroon headband tied around her hair. She had a red gemstone located on her left hand.
The other had azure skin with pale blue hair, prominent lips, and a singular, large, dodger blue eye on the center on her forehead. Her attire consisted of a blue, floor-length gown with rounded, white, puffy sleeves and shoulder length gloves of the same color. She had a blue gemstone located on her right hand.
"Who… who are you?" Shiro asked the duo. "Where am I? How long have I been out?"
"Easy, you've only been out for a few seconds in real time." The red Gem stated as she tried to help Shiro onto his feet.
"As for who we are." The blue Gem began. "You've both met us, and not met us. I am Sapphire, and this is Ruby; we were the Gems who made Garnet." Shiro's eyes widened upon this realization. He knew Garnet was a Fusion, but she never diffused while onboard the Castle of Lions. "You're curious as to why we are here unfused; this Astral Plane, we Gems know it as the Fusion Realm."
"It's where the consciousnesses of the original Gems go to after they fused and allowed a new consciousness to exist," Ruby stated.
"When Garnet died; Ruby and I continued to exist here, together," Sapphire concluded. "Our life force was sucked from our Gems, but our consciousnesses continued to be."
"But then, shouldn't Garnet be here too?" Shiro asked.
"That's what we thought at first," Ruby stated. "We think it has something to do with the witch's magic."
"But that isn't of importance, right now," Sapphire stated. "We need to talk; about you defeating Zarkon."
"I don't know if I can." Shiro doubtingly said. "Even if this is just a small part of him; it's too strong."
"But you can't give up." Ruby protested. "You're the Black Paladin of Voltron."
"That's just a title," Shiro responded. "One I haven't truly earned. The Lion chose me over Garnet, a true warrior, and leader. She was more of a Paladin than I ever would be."
"Everything you just said is wrong." Sapphire admittedly said. "Garnet… Ruby and I… were great warriors and leaders that would've made great Paladins, but that wouldn't have made us a great Black Paladin. Rose once told us there was a quality she liked about humans; despite all their flaws. They can inspire hope in a way Gems cannot; you inspire hope for the universe. That's why the Black Lion chose you."
Shiro looked at his right hand and remembered back to all the horrible things he's witnessed the Galra do long before he became a Paladin. "If I allow Zarkon to break my spirit, then hope dies," Shiro said to himself; clutching his fist. "You're both right; the Galra Empire has taken too much from the universe; I won't allow them to take this."
"Now that's what I like to hear," Ruby said as hers and Sapphire's gemstones begin to glow; as the same teleporting aura surrounds a determined Shiro's body. "Go kick his ass."
Shiro is teleported above Zarkon's influence as he descends at high speeds and throws a right hook with enough force to push the illusionary Emperor back. "Whatever your attempt was by hiding from me; it'll do you no good."
"I wasn't hiding, Zarkon," Shiro replied. "Some friends needed to remind me of why I was chosen."
"Then they are bigger fools than I thought," Zarkon responded as he charged at Shiro; just as he threw another punch. Both fists collide with enough force to make them stumble back before Shiro goes on the offensive again.
"I did have doubts about why I was chosen," Shiro said as he and his opponent continued attacking each other. "But then I realized why. It was for the same reason you were chosen all those centuries ago. The old you could bring hope to others like your people and Alfor."
"And the old me is dead now; because he was weak!" Zarkon responded as he threw another punch but was blocked by Shiro and received an uppercut.
"The old you is dead because you allowed your lust for power to kill him and his wife, and now you use that power to cling to the Black Lion!" Shiro responded as he and Zarkon deliver punches to each other's faces; forcing themselves back. "You don't deserve that power anymore!"
"The Black Lion is mine, and mine alone!" Zarkon responded as he charged at Shiro with total bloodlust.
Shiro.
Takashi heard the Black Lion's voice as his right hand began to glow purple. "Your control over her ends here!" Shiro shouted as he charged at Zarkon's influence. The illusion threw might-filled punches at each other; Zarkon's attack grazes Shiro's face while his attack pierces right through the illusionary Emperor's chest. The manifestation of Zarkon's influence cried out in pain as purple energy erupts from his body and explodes out into cosmic dust. "Is it… over?"
Shiro. True Black Paladin.
The Black Lion's soul materializes right in front of Shiro; lying down in front of him and sticking her nose forward, as Shiro placed his hand on it. Zarkon's hold on her is gone; Shiro is now the true Black Paladin.
"No!" Zarkon shouted as his eyes snapped open and he stood from his throne in shock.
"My Emperor, what is wrong?" Haggar questioned with concern.
"My connection to the Black Lion; it's been severed." Zarkon said before letting out an anger filled roar that echoed throughout all of Castle Doom.
"You did it." Sapphire's voice said as she and Ruby materialized in front of Takashi.
"Well, I had you to remind me that I could," Shiro told the small Gems.
"Well somebody had to tell you what you needed to hear," Ruby replied.
"And I appreciated it," Shiro said to his friends.
"Then… I guess this is where we part ways." Ruby solemnly said.
"Yeah, I guess so," Shiro responded in a similar tone.
One last piece of advice from Ryner in the physical world was that if Shiro wanted to return; he would need to focus on his real body. Focus on returning to it.
"But before you go; can you pass a message to Steven and the others for us." Sapphire requested.
"Sure." Shiro responded.
"Thanks."
Shiro's eyes shot open as he awoke back in the forest; his cybernetic arm right where it should be, and Ryner still meditating in front of him.
"You're back." The Olkari said as she stood up and helped Shiro to his feet.
"How long was I in there?" Shiro asked.
"About thirty dobashes, a new universal record" Ryner answered. "Did you accomplish what you sought out to?"
"Yes," Shiro responded.
"That's good to hear, come now, let's go see your friends." Ryner said as they exit the forest.
When Shiro and Ryner returned to the others; the Black Paladin found the Voltron Force, the Eldar, Crystal Gems, the "off-colors," Marmora agents, and some Olkari gathered around a short, wooden pillar, holding flowers in their hands for what appeared to be a ceremony of sorts.
"What's going on?" Shiro asked the Olkari leader.
"Princess Allura told us of what had happened and requested if a funeral can be held for your lost comrade," Ryner explained. "They wanted to wait for you to return."
"Thank you," Shiro said as he looked at the Olkari and gave her a grateful smile; before walking over to join the rest of his allies.
Keith, Allura, Pearl, Matt, and Steven were the first ones to notice Shiro joining them.
"If you're still with us, that means you did it," Keith said to Shiro; giving him an apologetic look for any doubts he may have had.
"Who would like to speak first?" Allura asked.
"I will." Bismuth said. "I didn't know Garnet my entire life, but I did know her during the best parts. She was confident, passionate, and wise; more so than any other Gem in the
Rebellion. She showed us how not to be afraid of who we are; to love the life we are living. She was the true heart of the Crystal Gems, and… I… I'll miss her."
"Garnet was completely different from any Gem I had ever met," Pearl spoke up next. "She didn't care if she was accepted by others or not; all she wanted was to exist and be happy to exist. And she had a way of inspiring that feeling into others as well. Even into Gems like me."
"Garnet was there when Rose and Pearl found me," Amethyst said. "I had no one for a long time; then I had someone. Whenever Rose wasn't there, Garnet would be; she was… my best friend, a mentor… and my mother. Rose may have been our inspiring leader, but Garnet was the kind of Gem I hoped to be."
"When I was still… a bad Gem." Peridot began. "I feared that no one else would believe in me the same way Steven did. Amethyst was willing to open up and give me a chance, but Garnet was the first Gem to offer me friendship; despite the things I've done to her and others. She even offered to teach me how to fuse, and even when it looked like I didn't deserve a second chance; she believed I did. If it wasn't for her; I wouldn't be living the way I am… happy."
"I didn't know Garnet as long as the other Crystal Gems did," Connie stated. "But meeting Steven and the others; I then knew what kind of person she was. She too was a mother to Steven; always encouraging him to best he can be and love himself as much as he loves others. Garnet helped us both as Stevonnie; my friendship… my bond with Steven wouldn't be this strong if it weren't for her."
"I've only known Garnet for a couple of months," Katie spoke up. "She let me come with the others to help me find Matt; if it weren't for her, I would've never been able to find him. I never got to thank her for that properly, but I am and will forever be grateful for it."
"I know that none of you wish to hear what I have to say." Allura began. "But it's something I need to. Garnet… was an inspirer; even when things looked bleak, and the future was uncertain, and she always remained strong and optimistic that things would get better in the end, persons like her are very scarce in this cold universe. She saw strength in people that they were sometimes unable to see in themselves and help bring it out. She fought as valiantly as any soldier I've ever seen and led with wisdom over might. She had the heart, the mind, and the soul of true Paladin."
The rest of the Voltron Force looked at Allura and gratefully nodded at what she said.
"Everything everyone has said about Garnet is true." Steven finally spoke up. "She was a great friend, leader, warrior, and… mother. I never got to know my mom; so, Garnet chose to take that responsibility. Whenever I had doubts about myself, she'd always ensure that I'd be okay; that I'd be able to keep on going, no matter how hard things got. I love her, and I always will. As an Eldar friend of mine told me: Let's not cling to those we lost, but to those who are with us, and I will honor their sacrifice by living to fight another day."
Both Allura and Keith and Coran looked at the young man in surprise wondering what kind of person would leave such a wise message like that. As for Nuller and the rest of his people they remained stoic without saying anything.
The others didn't know what to say and respectfully left it at that as the present Olkari chanted their saying.
"A life has left this universe. While we may weep now; it is a part of the grand cycle that connects all. Through death, new life will flourish. Through new life, the old will never be forgotten."
Everyone that was present walked up to the pillar and placed a flower in front of it before leaving. Shiro was the last to do so and read what was engraved on it.
"Garnet – Soldier. Friend. Mentor. Mother."
The door to Steven's room slid open as Shiro entered; spotting the teenaged boy sitting on his bed in the dark. It had been a few hours since the Vontonig's Spear departed from Olkarion; while things have eased up between the Alteans; the wounds weren't fully healed.
"Steven," Takashi spoke up, getting the boys attention.
"Oh, hey Shiro." Steven lowly replied. "What do you need?"
"I wanted to check on you," Shiro said as he pulled up a chair and sat across from the Blue Paladin. "Are you doing okay?"
"I'm doing better," Steven replied, looking the man in the eye. "Life goes on no matter what, but even if Garnet is no longer with us, I'm not going to break from weakness. I'm not a warrior nor a soldier, I'm just Steven.
"That's wise coming out of you. But that's not why I came here. I came here because there was something I need to tell you." Shiro began. "But I think it would be better if I showed you."
"Show me what?" Steven asked.
"First, I need you to close your eyes, and just breathe," Shiro told the boy, who confusingly did so; while Shiro did the same. "Focus on the universe around you, and everything it connects to. Just breath and focus on the connection. Allow your mind and body to drift…"
Both Steven and Shiro awoke in the Astral Plane.
"Where… where am I?" Steven asked the Black Paladin as he looked around.
"Steven?" A voice calls from behind the boy as he turns around. His eyes widened as he saw standing before him were Ruby and Sapphire.
"Ruby… Sapphire…" Steven said as tears ran down his cheeks; running over to the two Gems and giving them hugs. "How… how are you guys here?"
"We're in the Astral Plane, Steven." Shiro clarified. "I found them here, and they helped me defeat Zarkon's influence."
"Oh, I see." A disappointed-sounding Steven said as he wiped his tears away. "But why bring me here?"
"Ruby and Sapphire had something they wanted me to tell you, for them," Shiro explained. "But I figured it would be better if they said it themselves."
"Steven, we wanted to tell you how proud we both are, of you." Ruby began with tears forming in her own eyes.
"We knew what our sacrifice would do to you and the others," Sapphire added in. "But it's one that we had to make."
"But why did you have to make it?" Steven asked the blue Gem.
"I think you know why," Sapphire said. "Steven, we know you're upset now; but you can't let this stop you from being a Paladin of Voltron."
"As Garnet, we saw how strong you were with Connie and the others by your side," Ruby added in. "We always knew you'd grow up to be someone great.
"While we may not be there to support you physically, you have others for that; we'll always be with you in here." Sapphire lastly said as she placed her hand on his heart.
"I'm… going to miss you guys." Steven said as he gave the two Gems one last hug. "But I'll keep going… I'll never give up… I promise."
"Goodbye, Steven; we love you." Ruby and Sapphire said at the same time; mere moments before Shiro returned himself and the young Half-Gem to the real world.
-The Castle of Doom-
In a long corridor, Haggar moved towards a black door with a sullen expression on his face, after recent events the Emperor was currently... unwell. And that gave her the opportunity to review a project that he had left to his subordinates before.
The door was a black onyx from which several pro-Tzeench pentagrams were written with Warp power mixed with Quintessence. Although Haggar did not approve enough, the Druids were very loyal to Zarkon but their faith would always fall to the one with a thousand whispering voices since with his grace he turned the technology of the Empire into what it is now.
The lab doors opened and two Druids emerged from them and bowed to Haggar.
"Greetings our mistress." The Druid on the left saluted politely. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"I'm here to see the progress of our Hollows." Haggar answered.
"Indeed, come in, you will like our advances." The Druid on the right. "The two gems you gave us were certainly a great addition to our resources."
Happy New Year Friends. I hope you have received this year with health and prosperity.
See you next time.