"UGH! Are you serious!?" Amethyst shouted at herself snapping her whip in the empty training room. Everyone else had gone to bed except for the purple Gem; who was working herself far harder than she ever had in her existence. The main driving force for this intense workout being the one Gem that she is going beat; Jasper.

"Why am I getting… Wa-poosh! Wa-poosh! Wa-poosh! When I had… Wshh! Wshh! Wshh! A varga ago?" Amethyst complained to herself as she continued her training.

The cracks echoed throughout the room as the little Crystal Gem continued flicking her whip; trying to make it go as fast as before, or even quicker. However, all her attempts to do so just made the weapon slow down.

"Ah! What is wrong with me?" The purple Gem frustratingly asked herself; dispersing her whip and kicking the ground. "I'll just pick this up tomorrow." Feeling unsatisfied that her training wasn't getting anywhere; Amethyst decided to exit the training room and grumbled to herself while she walked down the hall to her room. Purposefully taking the longest way so that she can march up and down the interior of the castle to let out some steam; before turning in for the night.

It's been four days since the paladins rescued Coran and those humans from those hideous Ratmen. Everyone was happy and grateful that the red-haired Altean was safe. The same could not be said for these imperial humans.

Keith were totally against letting them enter the castle, the young Galra explained that letting humans from the empire enter would be tempting calamity, Amethyst did not pay much attention back then with all the massacre that happened to those Ratmen, as he understood These humans were not like the humans who lived on earth, they were a lot of fanatics who worshiped a powerful being like a god and hated aliens.

But it was Coran, Shiro and Allura who denied Keith's request and kindly offered to enter the castle as his guests until they could find a world controlled by the imperial guard, only if they hand over their weapons and promise not to do anything funny.

The leader whose costume resembled that of an SS officer to her deep annoyance ended up accepting and everyone surrendered their weapons and entered the castle where they would temporarily stay.

Amethyst was irritated by that, not only do we have to watch Bismuth, now she and Keith would spend it watching a group of crazy and noisy humans who sometimes gave them looks of contempt and hatred. Steven and Connie were the first to establish some kind of communication but they only received screams from that bitter-faced blonde girl and a piercing gaze from the emo girl that would pierce their souls

While strolling through the corridors (and making a review for the rooms where there guests are) for about a half-hour; the short Crystal Gem eventually found herself in the Castle of Lions empty control room; where she decided to look out the wide windows and view the billions of stars.

While they all looked the same from where she was standing; Rose had always told Amethyst that no stars were alike. Some would glow brighter because they are closer or larger; while others would be fainter since they were smaller or farther away. Either way, all stars are beautiful to look at, and their differences are what makes them so unique.

Amethyst had always kept that story close to her, metaphorical, heart for the longest time; it was something that helped her stand whenever she was down. However, now… she was just wondering if Rose really meant what she said, or if she was merely trying to make the purple Gem feel better, because of how she is. Rose lied about Bismuth, after all; it wouldn't surprise her if she lied about…

Amethyst heard bleeping and turned to where the sound was coming from and discovered it was the castle's scanners. The purple Gem decided to investigate and saw that it was picking up the Sun Incinerator again. Amethyst observed the scanner's computer and was able to find the Homeworld ship's current coordinates, and where they were heading to now; if she acted fast enough, Amethyst would be able to catch up with them before they leave and get her second round with Jasper. Amethyst made a quick mental note of the directions and ran out of the control room, remaining as quiet as possible as she silently sprinted to the hangar; being careful not to wake the others.

"What you going to go?"

Or so she thought.

Amethyst jumped in terror after hearing that monotonous and dark voice whispering in her neck and hit the wall and there she could see an emo girl who in ways that the purple gem did not know managed to sneak behind her without her knowing it.

"Oh man you almost gave me a heart attack!" Amethyst grunted, gasping for breath.

Lucy was silent like the shadow itself.

"So, that energetic girl wasn't supposed to be in your room? Their name was Lynn, right?" Amethyst gave him a look that radiated suspicion towards the Emo soldier.

Lucy didn't answer immediately, she just stared at the purple gem who was already getting on her nerves, and the aura that this woman radiated was heavy and cloying like oil.

She, like the others, had heard about Psychics: people with impossible supernatural powers coming from that warp-thing, (Matt once pointed out that Steven could be considered more or less a Psychic thanks to his mother's inheritance) each Psyker projected a type of aura depending on your personality.

Amethyst did not feel very comfortable with this girl (Lucy, right?) She was so close to her, every second that passed was an eternity.

Her prayers were answered when Lucy opened her mouth: "I couldn't sleep, I went out for a walk to calm my mind from the ever opressive dark forces of the Inmaterium who wishes to take my freedom."

"... Right." Amethyst nodded slowly, a couple of seconds later she started to turn around. "Well, you'd better go back to your room, the sun will come up shortly."

"We are in space."

"You know what I mean, bye." Amethyst said goodbye and took hurried steps trying to get as far away from this girl as possible.

"Don't think you can do it alone, we are not all alone in this horrible reality that we call life." Lucy's voice sounded inside Amethyst's mind, who immediately turned around and was only greeted by nothing. The purple gem proceeded to ignore him and continued on his way to his lion.

On her way there, Amethyst knew that the Yellow Lion wasn't going to condone this kind of decision and lock her out; so, the Crystal Gem decided to leave through other means. The Lions weren't the only vehicles in the hangar to choose from; there were other crafts, such as Altean exploratory. Despite them being well over 10,000 years old, and slower than a Lion, Amethyst thought they were better than nothing as she reached the docking bay and hopped in the nearest one; entering the Sun Incinerators coordinates onto the archaic computer.

Amethyst.

The Crystal Gem heard her Lion calling to her in a sad, disappointed tone; which made Amethyst feel somewhat wrong inside as she looked at the large vehicle that she had grown fond of. "I'm sorry, but this is something I have to do." Amethyst apologized as the small craft begins to silently rise and swiftly flies out of the castle; remaining undetected.

Amethyst intended to make this quick, she would be Jasper and return to the castle as soon as possible. She also knew she was going to get in big trouble for this, and greatly disappoint Steven; but she figured that it's easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. After taking a moment to clear her thoughts, Amethyst flew away from the Castle of Lions; ready for her rematch.


The Next Morning.

"A very good morning, young Imperials, Commissar Elizabeth." Coran greeted the small Imperial contingent seated far away from the others with a tray of food in his hands.

"Your arrival is welcomed from the high pillars of destiny and by the Emperor of the Mankind." Lucy was the one who greeted first.

"Coran, the filthy Xeno we just wanted to see!" Lynn greeted the Altean with a friendly gesture.

"Disgusting? Do your kind not bathe?" Leni asked innocently with a nauseating grin.

"Soldier, literally by this point you must be used to the body odor Lana gives off here." Lori said dryly with her gaze glued to the large glass that gave an entertaining view of space.

"Well, I'm glad to see you guys still doing well too." Coran said amiably and then turned to the female steward. "Especially you, Mrs. Elizabeth."

The imperial was slightly surprised by the words directed at her, cleared her throat a little and gave the alien a nod: "Same for you, Xeno."

"Always to help, after all I am in your debt." Coran said earning the complete surprise of the others.

"B-but you fulfilled your debt by letting us take sanctuary on the ship." Lola and Lana said simultaneously undecided.

"That's too kind coming from a lower Eldar type away from the irritating mass of arrogance that characterizes them." Lisa adjusted her glasses projecting a cryptic look.

"I guess I'll take that as an analytical compliment." Coran replied in a sarcastic little voice, and both he and the pony-tailed female guardsman laughed at the pun.

"Amazing, now the Xeno learned to use puns." Lori muttered to herself in annoyance adding something else to her long list of hatred for the Xenos.

"By the way ... have you acclimatized with the crew yet?" Coran asked exchanging glances with the others.

"We still need ... some time." Lincoln scratched his head a little.

"You know for sure that we don't get used to dealing with this 'kind' of people." Elizabeth explained trying not to be disrespectful to the Altean.

"What 'type' of people?" Coran questions.

"Traitors, Heretics and Mutants." Lori answered for her superior in a despicable tone. "Since before the founding of the Imperium, we have always been taught to hate the Xeno, the heretic and the mutant. It has been for thousands of years."

"I understand, my people were also not exempt from the calamities that have plagued you and the Eldar alike." Coran nodded to Sergeant's hypothesis. "But you must understand that while you are in the castle no physical and mental harm will be done to you, our King Alfor did not instill that in us."

The little Imperial Guardian was silent for a moment analyzing the words that the Altean engineer dedicated to them, the expression on his face and the tone of his words made it clear that they should trust his word, but doing so was difficult after evaluating all the members on board: four heretics, (Shiro, Matt, Pidge and Connie) seven Xenos (Keith, Allura, Lance, Bismuth, Peridot, Amethyst and Coran) And the worst of all: The mutant named Steven Universe.

The moment they learned that the boy was half alien, the anger, disgust and immense hatred towards him became colossal to the point that the Sergeant and the others fervently pray to the Emperor every night for all curses to fall on his filthy soul.

The mere fact that such a union has created such an abominable thing, if any of them were an Inquisitor they would go to the planet where the mutant was born and unleash an Exterminatus and make him watch.

It was only the hand of Commissioner Elizabeth that prevented any repercussion against the mutant, it was obvious that he is one of Voltron's paladins and it would be an idiot to attack him in front of his other fellows so his presence will be tolerated but in no way will they engage any conversation with Steven Universe.

The rest of the breakfast continued in silence with Leni making a brief comment and Luan making a little joke about random matters. Both Coran and the Commissioner hoped that the will of these young people would not cause strong repercussions.


Bismuth was working in her forge; striking her hammer-hand on hot metal while Lance leaned on a nearby wall, watching the Gem, intensely; not letting her out of his sight for a second. Even though Steven was able to forgive Bismuth a few days ago; not everyone on the Castle of Lion was able to turn a blind I to what the Crystal Gem almost did. The Voltron Force trusts the judgment of their Blue Paladin, and that Bismuth will not be bubbled and is free to roam around the castle; on the condition that someone keeps an eye on her.

It was Lance's turn to watch her now; with Bismuth expecting him to flirt with her at any moment, but no… he was utterly distrusting of the large Gem, eying her like a Trythorian hawk-bat ready to strike back at the first sign of danger. At first, she thought that receiving the stink-eye from Keith was discomforting; especially when he had his luxite blade on him.

"Can you stop staring at me?" Bismuth asked the Altean Prince; unnerved and annoyed by his glares. "You know I'm not going to try anything."

"You tried to kill Steven over a disagreement," Lance said with a shocking amount of venom in his tone. "And you hurt Connie too. So, no offense but I, and everyone else on board will be keeping our eyes you for a while, and that our schedule is tight with the small imperial group in the dining room."

"I admit it, I janked up in the worst way possible." Bismuth admitted as she stopped hammering. "Rose hurt me a long time ago, and I wanted to hurt her back, but Steven showed me that I was wrong and forgave me. Why can't you guys trust me?"

"Steven is a kid who has been through a lot; even before he joined the war against the Galra," Lance stated; standing straight. "Yet he still has the patience to see the good in and trust people who may not deserve it. However, the rest of us aren't like Steven; if you want us to trust you, you're going to have to earn it."

Bismuth let out a sigh as she takes the slab of metal and cools it off in a container of water. "I understand." The Crystal Gem said; pulling out the metal and examining it. "

"Everyone in the control room. Now!" Allura's voice shouted over the castle's communicator. "We've picked up a distress signal."

"What's going on?" Bismuth asked Lance.

"Trouble." The Altean Prince answered.

"I'll stay here until…" Bismuth began.

"Nope." Lance interrupted. "I'm not going to let you out of my sight, not even for a single tick; so, you're coming with me."

"Fine, let's go." Bismuth said as she and Lance make their way to the control room.


Allura saluted the Voltron Force and noticed that Bismuth and Commissioner Elizabeth were entering the control room. Lance and Coran explained that they were not going to be left alone, and also said that if the castle was in danger; they also deserve to be aware. Allura nodded understandingly to her cousin and her Counselor and looked at the others; but noticed that Steven, Peridot, and Amethyst weren't with them. Before he could point that out to the others, the young Half-Gem and Green Gem rush into the room with worried expressions.

"Steven, Peridot." Allura began. "What's wrong?"

Neither of the Crystal Gems answered and did a head count of everyone in the room; noticing they are one Paladin short, before turning to Allura. "Have any of you guys seen Amethyst? We haven't seen her all day." Steven informed the others; whom all shook their heads and said they haven't.

"We assumed she was in her quarters, and we went to get her after hearing you needed us," Peridot explained. "But she wasn't in there."

"Private Lucy informed me this morning that the purple Xeno was prowling the rooms late at night." Elizabeth explained skipping the part where Lucy explained why.

"And could we know why one of his soldiers, especially the Psychic, left his room without authorization?" Keith asked annoyed to hear that one of the guardsmen violated one of the rules that had been imposed on them.

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed and she was close to giving this alien brat a piece of her mind.

"Hang on; I'll bring up the castle's security footage," Allura informed as she typed in the commands on her holo-pads.

"Hopefully she just fell asleep somewhere and didn't hear us." Peridot prayed as Allura started her digital search.

"I don't see her anywhere on the cameras." Allura pointed out as she searched every single part of the castle. "I'm going to rewind the footage all the way to yesterday to see if I can find her." After a few quintants of rewinding; the Princess eventually found footage of Amethyst in the control room, before enlarging it for the rest of the team to see.

The footage shows Amethyst examining the castle's scanners computer and her stealing an Altean jet. "Did she seriously just leave us?" Lance asked in disbelief.

"I don't think she's leaving us; I think she's looking for something." Shiro deduced, before turning to Peridot. "Peridot, can you find out what Amethyst was looking at on the scanners?"

"Yes, I can," Peridot stated as she ran over to the computer and filtered the information to around the time Amethyst was looking at it; with her face contorting in fear as she realized what's going on. "This isn't good."

"What is it?" Steven asked with concern.

"The scanners picked up the Sun Incinerator's location last night," Peridot explained. "Amethyst must be going after it."

"She's not going after it per se; she's going after Jasper." Pidge quickly figured out. "They are located on a desert planet where a confrontation between the Galra and Tau recently occurred a couple of Phoebs ago."

"Is she crazy?" Lance asked. "You guys said that Jasper nearly killed her when they first fought; why would she go after…"

"Wounded pride." Bismuth pointed out. "Quartzes hate losing and would do anything to get a shot at those who beat them."

"Pride is something that the imperial guard is not allowed in times of battle, it was the reason why most of the Commissars of the empire managed to be killed." Elizabeth revealed with a reproachful look at herself.

"So, now we're stuck without a Yellow Paladin; while someone somewhere could be in danger," Matt stated.

"I almost forgot about the S.O.S," Allura said as she turned to her advisor. "Coran, play the message."

"Right, Princess," Coran responded as he carried out the order.

"Hello? If anyone can hear this; my people are in danger." A robotic, monotone sounding voice begged. "My name is Baujal, the leader of the Taujeerians; the Galra have taken all our supplies and resources, before destroying all but one engine on our ark; just as my people were prepared to leave our beloved home before it dissolves completely. Please, if anyone can hear this, help us! We're begging you!"

"Are you sure they are not Genestealers this time?" Pidge asked the princess and Coran.

"We sent a recognition beacon and it is authentic: it is coming from the Taujeer," Coran answered. "A world between Galra/Tau space and its well-known for its toxic atmosphere and oceans of acid, isn't too far from where we are now."

"The Galra and the Tau have been fighting for this sector and the planets that comprise it for centuries, many of their encounters ended in losses for both sides." Lance explained the facts to the paladins and the rest.

"Then we will be in a conflict zone, understood," Shiro stated, before turning to the Paladins of Voltron. "Armor up and get to your Lions!"

"What about Amethyst?" Steven asked. "We can't just leave her."

"But we can't leave the Taujeerians to their fate either," Shiro answered back. "I'm sorry, but Amethyst is on her own for now."

"On the contrary, I think Steven can go get Amethyst." Connie pointed out.

"What do you mean?" Both Shiro and Steven asked.

"When Steven and I first found the Blue Lion; she was calling both of our names," Connie stated, looking at Steven; who quickly remembered. "I think the Blue Lion saws us both as worthy before we formed Stevonnie. In other words, Steven and I could pilot her individually."

"It's a big "if," but it could work." Shiro pointed out. "New plan, Connie will take Blue Lion, while Steven gets to Amethyst."

"But what if something goes wrong; what if you need Stevonnie?" Steven asked his Jam Bud.

"I'll be fine," Connie assured. "Just make sure Amethyst gets back here safe."

"I will, and good luck," Steven said as both friends hugged each other.

As Pidge and Peridot were about to leave with the others, the human girl stops and looks at the Green Gem, both overhearing the conversation between Steven, Connie, and Shiro. "Peridot, I think you should go with Steven." Katie honestly said. "Help him find Amethyst; she's your friend too."

"Are you sure you don't need my aid?" Peridot asked her fellow Paladin. "Splitting up the group would make us all vulnerable.

"I'll do what I can on my own," Katie said, shaking the green Gems hand. "Good luck, Peridot."

"Good luck to you to." Peridot said back.


The Lions and castle head towards Taujeer in one direction, while Steven and Peridot go after Amethyst in the opposite direction. The Black Lion led the charge, followed by the Red Lion, then the Green Lion, and finally the Blue Lion; who was moving a lot slower than usual.

"Connie, are you all right?" Shiro asked over his communicator. "Blue is looking a little sluggish."

"Blue seems to work better when it's both me and Steven in control," Connie answered over her communicator. "But I can still pilot her."

"Don't worry Connie." Steven began over his communicator. "Peridot and I will be back as soon as possible, with Amethyst to help out."

"The further we go from each other, the more likely we'll lose communication," Takashi explained over his communicator. "Be careful you two, Black Paladin out." The Paladins fly on ahead until Steven and Peridot disappeared out of their visual range.

Two hours go by just as the Paladins catch sight of the Taujeerian home planet; a massive green sphere that radiates energy from its surface. "Be advised Paladins; we all should be entering Taujeer's orbit soon," Coran informed everyone while monitoring the computers.

"Raise the particle barrier and scan for Galra," Allura ordered; with the cyan colored forcefield enveloping the entire castle.

"Be advised Paladins; we're picking up radiation from the planet," Matt informed; picking up energy spikes on the screens. "The kind that would scramble our communications."

"Roger," Shiro replied. "Keep the castle as far away from the planet as you can to maintain our connection."

"Understood," Allura responded; just as Shiro opens a communication with the rest of the Paladins.

"All right, everyone. If we must leave our Lion's, our armor will protect us from the radiation, but not for long; only exit if necessary. Now form up; we're heading to the surface." Shiro ordered.

"Roger!" The other Paladins sounded off as they headed towards the planet.


"I hope Amethyst is okay," Steven told Peridot as she piloted their Altean exploratory jet.

"She'll be fine, Steven," Peridot assured. "I mean, you lived with her for… how old are you again?"

"I'm fourteen," Steven answered.

"Fourteen years, you've lived with her for fourteen years." Peridot began. "You should know what Amethyst is capable of."

"I know what she's capable of, Dot," Steven answered. "It's just how she's choosing to use it that's worrying me."

"Would you mind elaborating." Peridot requested.

"When I first discovered my powers, I felt useless to the others; with times were Garnet and Pearl looked at me more as a hindrance than help," Steven explained. "And when I was a low moment, Amethyst came to me and said that I shouldn't let anyone make me feel like garbage."

"I think I'm following," Peridot said.

"Amethyst was always my confidence booster because she was always confident in herself; it's what made her so cool and strong," Steven stated. "But ever since her first encounter with Jasper, she's been losing that confidence; feeling like garbage."

"And you're afraid that's going to affect her performance against Jasper, now." Peridot deduced.

"Yes," Steven admitted.

"Don't worry, Steven. We're going to get to her." Peridot reassured. "After all, we're near the planet already."

The ship continued to follow Amethyst's coordinates; bringing them closer to a desert planet that looked like a massive, sandstone marble. "This doesn't look like a Homeworld colony. I would know." Peridot points out as they draw closer to the world.

"What's that?" Steven asked, noticing the sound.

"I updated the ship's computer to pick up if any hostiles are nearby." Peridot explained. "And according to it; there is a small Galra scouting party of two, on the planet." Suddenly, a jolt of realization popped into the green Gems head. "Of course, the Sun Incinerator stopped here for a personal vendetta against the Galra; only two scouts, which Jasper could handle with ease. Now let's land and get our Amy back."


"I don't see any Galra," Connie stated, observing her scanners.

"But it does look they've been here," Keith said, taking in the surrounding area.

"Guys, the BLIP-tech is picking up some life forms nearby," Pidge informed. "They're not Galra."

"Must be the Taujeerians." Shiro deduced. "Let's greet them and see how we can help."

The four Lions of Voltron followed the BLIP-tech scanner; finding a large group of grub-like humanoids with four arms and green bodies with a sumo wrestler like shape, and paddle-like tails, with a single, round eye; whom the Paladins assumed to be the Taujeerians. The Lions slow down and land a few meters away from them, allowing their pilots to exit.

"Thank goodness you're here! Our prayers have been answered!" One of the larger Taujeerians gratefully said as he approached the group.

"I take it you're Baujal?" Shiro assumed. "We picked up your S.O.S."

"Yes, I am Baujal, the leader of the Taujeerians." The large alien confirmed. "The Galra have taken everything from us; destroying our ship's engines before leaving. We must evacuate the planet before it completely dissolves! "

"What do you mean by, "dissolve?" Keith asked; only to get a, understandably, nasty sneer from the Taujeerian.

"It's okay; he's with us," Shiro assured. "And against the empire; but like he asked, what you mean?"

"My people have known for years that our planet would eventually lose its outer layer." Baujal began to explain. "When that time came; our ancestors planned to evacuate the population to our moon. We already have a colony built there to wait out the planets "shedding process." So, we've relocated to higher ground and constructed the Ark of Taujeer."

"Then the Galra came," Pidge concluded.

"You are correct, young one," Baujal answered. "Empirical Galra, led by a vile commander named Morvok, attacked and robbed us of vital resources; leaving us with only one operational engine, stranding us here. We sent the S.O.S for the Tau to pick us up, but I don't know when they will appear."

"Don't worry; we'll save your people," Keith assured.

"I believe you," Baujal said. "For you have lion-shaped ships, and I have heard many legends of the valor of Voltron. Five brave Paladins dedicated to... wait a tick." The Taujeerian paused and did a head count of the group. "I see only four of you. Are you not Voltron?"

"We are." Keith honestly answered.

"Then where is the fifth Paladin?" Baujal understandably asked out of curiosity.

"She's not here, but we can still help you," Shiro assured.

"I believe we would all feel more comfortable with all five Paladins being present." The Taujeerian admitted.

"Duly noted," Shiro said before turning to the others. "Let's get back into the Lions and examine the ship; see what we're dealing with."

However, before any of the Paladins could carry out the order, the ground begins to rumble; throwing everyone off balance. "What was that?" Connie asked as she and Pidge leaned on each other for support.

"That was the surface deteriorating." Baujal gravely explained.

"How long do we have?" Shiro asked the alien.

Baujal remained silent for a moment before looking at the Black Paladin and answering, "Not long."


The place where the half-gem and Peridot were was a desert cemetery, as Pidge mentioned: This place was the site of a battle between two galactic empires, there were a lot of machine parts, ships and weapons of Galra and Tau alike. Scattered, there were even skeleton corpses abandoned around the site. It took them both time but they found the ship in which Amethyst left and noticed that it was parked near a canyon where they entered to keep up with their friend.

"It is bright out here," Steven complained as he and Peridot explored a nearby canyon on the desert planet.

"The direction of the sun and the unique red sandstone in the area could be affecting your vision." Peridot deduced. "Are you doing okay?"

"I'll be fine," Steven assured. "Let's keep searching."

A half-hour goes by as the two Crystal Gem searched for their purple friend; eventually spotting her looking at something over a rock. "Ame…" Steven began to call out; but the quartz quickly spotted him and placed her index finger near her lips, telling him to be quiet.

Steven and Peridot ran over to the purple Crystal Gem; discovering that she is spying on Jasper, who was surrounded by beaten and bleeding Galra on the ground and lifting one off the ground by the throat. None of them could tell if they were alive or dead; but considering the ruthlessness of the orange quartz, it is likely the latter. Emerald and her rubies were nowhere to be seen, but it was safe to assume they were nearby.

"What are you two doing here?" Amethyst quietly asked her friends.

"We could ask you the same thing?" Peridot softly replied. "What the quiznack were you thinking, going alone."

"This is something I have to do; you wouldn't understand," Amethyst answered.

The Galra in Jasper's hand coughed in pain and looked down at the Homeworld Gem. "If you expect me to talk; you can forget it." The Galra soldier said. "I'll die before I tell you anything…"

"Pipe down!" Jasper interrupted; slamming the soldier on the ground, before painfully stomping her foot on his chest. "Pathetic. I can't believe you're responsible for what has happened to multiple colonies; your as useless as Rose Quartz's organic allies, and that off-colored runt."

"What is your point in killing my men?" The soldier asked, spitting out some blood. "Did you do it to avenge your own or something?"

"No. I did it because I could." Jasper answered, with a satisfied sound in her tone; before crushing the Galra's chest, killing him.

Peridot and Steven gulped in fear the display. "We need to get back to the jet before…" Peridot began but stopped upon seeing Amethyst has disappeared from her cover and is attempting to sneak up on the Gem by inching across a ledge; with her whip in hand.

"Amethyst…" Steven silently cried out to the purple Gem; who just ignored him.

"Emerald this is Jasper; the Galra have been taken care of," Jasper informed over her communicator.

"I hope you had your fun because I'm coming to your location," Emerald answered over her comms. "And when I get there, we're heading straight to Yellow Diamonds nearest colony. We've already risked our necks with this little detour; you may not be a Diamond Fearing Gem, but I am."

"Don't worry, they all got what they deserved," Jasper said as she ends her communication. "We all get what we deserve; right Amethyst?" Jasper quickly turned around with an arrogant smirk; surprising the Crystal Gem, who fell from her ledge onto the ground. "What do you want, runt? You here for a rematch?"

"I'm here to win!" Amethyst shouted, standing and pulling out a second whip.

"Oh please, you know exactly how this will go; but I'm in a good mood right now." Jasper over confidently said. "So, I'll give you a chance to turn around and run away. After all, you were fated to lose the moment you came out wrong."

"That's not true!" Steven shouted as she and Peridot rush to Amethysts aid; with the Demi-Gem quickly summoning his shield.

"Rose?" Jasper confusingly asked. "You changed your form again; aw, are you making yourself look weak for your little friend? Because in all honesty, I liked your previous form; it gave me a good fight."

"We're not here to fight," Steven explained. "We just want…"

"Stay out of this Steven, she's mine!" Amethyst shouted as she flings her whips at the enemy quartz.


"Even if everything goes smoothly, the repairs to the Ark will still take time." Pidge logically stated her comms; overheard by Allura, Lance, Coran, Matt, and Bismuth.

"And time isn't a luxury we have," Keith added in over his comms.

"We need to slow down that shedding," Shiro stated over his comms.

"How are we supposed to stop a planet that's coming apart?" Pidge questioned.

"Even if we figure that part out; how are we going to repair the Ark from the inside and out without getting poisoned?" Shiro stated. "Unless…" Then a thought suddenly popped into the Black Paladins head on what they can do. "Allura, is Bismuth with you? Can she hear us?"

"Yeah, I can hear you." Bismuth's voice answered over the comms, as the rest of the crew and Paladins listened to the discussion. "What do you need?"

"As a Gem, is it safe to assume you can survive radioactive environments?" Shiro asked.

"Gems can't survive in them, but they can live in them far longer than most organics." Bismuth answered.

"Well, would they be able to survive in one long enough to repair an Ark?" Shiro questioned.

The comms remained silent for a moment until Bismuth responded with, "I see what you're getting at, and the answer is yes."

"Allura, take Bismuth to the hangar; I'm bringing her to the Ark," Shiro stated.

"What?" Allura questioned the Black Paladin.

"Is that even a good idea?" Lance asked over the comms.

"No, but it's better than nothing." Shiro pointed out; flying towards the Castle of Lions. "Steven trusted Bismuth to let her out, despite what happened, and we all trust Steven. Even though it's a thin line, Bismuth deserves a chance to prove that trust. Besides, she won't be able to try anything bad here."

"Hm." Bismuth began, sounding thankful. "Now I understand why the Black Lion chose you."

"I have an idea that can help, just let me talk to them." Bismuth explained. "I know that we have a thin line of trust; but I'm not going to try anything, please."

Allura remained silent for a moment to weigh her options and decide if it's worth putting their faith into Bismuth; but if she can save the Taujeerians, it's worth the risk. "Fine but keep your eyes and ears on her," Allura said. "We'll meet you in the hangar. Castle of Lions out."

"While that's good and all, how will this solve the shedding problem?" Keith asked as the Red, Blue and Green Lions of Voltron flew around the Ark of Taujeer.

"I can help with that too." Bismuth began. "When I made structures for Homeworld. Whenever it began to fall apart, me and other Bismuths would sew it back together while working on stabilizing it."

"Sew it back to…" Keith began to question, but then developed an idea of what the Crystal Gem meant. "Pidge, the Green Lion can create tough vines; if we produce those vines in the surface cracks, they could act like stitches."

"But wouldn't the vines dissolve from the acid?" Pidge asked.

"Not if we freeze them," Connie added in. "It won't hold forever, but it will buy us some time."

"Pidge, Connie, the two of you take care of those cracks. Keith, you keep the Ark stable, and make sure that ship does not fall into the acid." Shiro ordered as he arrived in the castle's hangar; picking up Bismuth.

"On it." The Paladins responded as they carried out their tasks.

Pidge aimed the Green Lion at the cracks; gripping her Bayard and thrusting it into her lion's activation slot. Jade energy begins radiating from the Green Lion as Vine Cannon materializes on its back. "Firing the Vine Cannon!" Pidge shouted as she launched its booming blast on to the fracturing surface. Several large vines shoot out in every direction; pulling the cracks together and stabilizing them. "Now, Connie!"

"Right!" Connie shouted as she pulled the trigger and firing a crystalline energy beam at the vines; although this blast wasn't as powerful as it was in the past, it still did its job. "It worked!"

"We're not done yet." Shiro began; flying back to the group with the blacksmith. "Focus on sealing up the rest of those cracks; we'll be there shortly."


"Oh, this quintant has just been wonderful today." Commander Morvok happily said as the stout Galran flew on his hover-pad, around the bridge of his Dreadnaught. "We've got so many new resources for the Galra Empire, and the best part: there's not Tau in the sight; ha! Surely our Emperor will be happy, and all like, "excellent work Morvok, you've always been my favorite Commander; far better than Prorok or Sendak," Morvok said in best impression of Zarkon. "Oh, I can hear his elegant words already."

"Commander Morvok." Emperor Zarkon said on the holo-screen as it appeared before the Galra Commander; who let out a small scream in surprise.

"E… E… Emperor Zarkon." Morvok stuttered as he quickly parked his hover-pad; nervously standing before his master. "This… this is an unexpected sire, what can I do for you? Your Lordship."

"Haggar and Druids have detected the Lions of Voltron near Taujeer." Zarkon explained. "I would usually send someone more competent to deal with this task, but you are the only Dreadnaught near his location. Your orders are to capture Voltron and bring him to Castle Doom."

"If I may, my Emperor." Morvok anxiously began. "If I may, my Emperor, I was able to acquire many resources from Taujeer, all to glorify your mighty reign…"

"Your bootlicking does not impress me, Morvok," Zarkon replied.

"I did not mean to show disrespect." Morvok apologized, sweating bullets. "I merely meant that I could be more useful if I were to bring you these resources instead of..."

"Are you refusing my order?" Zarkon questioned; running thin on patience.

"Of course not!" Morvok quickly response; saluting to his master. "I will not fail you, Lord Zarkon."

"See that you don't. Vrepit Sa!" Zarkon lastly said as the video feed cuts out.

Morvok fearfully gulps before turning his attention to his crew. "Well, you heard our Emperor! Unless you want him to execute us all, get this ship moving!"


"Well, it's not pretty, but it should get you airborne." Bismuth assured as she hammered and welded in the final repairs.

"Thank you, master blacksmith." Baujal thanked the Gem, shaking her hand.

"It's been a pleasure doing bismuth with you." The bulky Gem punned; winking at him with a confident smile.

"Great work Bismuth, I'll fly around and pick you…" Shiro began over his comms, only to be cut-off by the lion's beeping scanner. "Oh no."

"What's going on?" Bismuth asked over the comms.

"A Galra Dreadnaught is on its way here!" Shiro informed the others hear a massive boom; spotting the enemy ship approaching the planet and deploying its Erto fighters.

"That's Morvok's ship," Baujal informed Bismuth and the Paladins; while the rest of the Taujeerians begin to panic.

"Paladins, this is Allura!" The Princess informed over the castle's comms. "I have everyone arming the castle's defenses; protect the Ark for as long as you can."

"Right," Shiro answered. "Keith, take Red and help the castle. Connie and Pidge, sew up the ground. Bismuth, get in the Ark with the other Taujeerians; it'll protect you from the radiation. I'll help stabilize it."

"Roger." Crystal Gem and all the Paladins responded; carrying out their tasks.


"Wow, this might go far better than expected; we could capture Voltron!" Morvok praised to himself. "I could get transferred back to Castle Doom; or even better, maybe Zarkon will invite me to sit next to him during a gladiator match! The ultimate honor! Go Morvok! Go Morvok!" But was interrupted by a series of booms.

"Sir!" One of the Galra soldiers shouted. "The Red Lion just destroyed half of the Ertos!"

"What!?" Morvok shouted in disbelief. "Deploy more fighters and fire on them with our full arsenal, NOW!"


The Red Lion flew circles around the Dreadnaught's laser fire in its pursuit against several of the newly deployed Galra fighters. Keith fires his Lion's Maw Cannon at the enemy ships, incinerating them on the spot, before going after new targets; while Allura, Coran, Matt, and Lance provide supporting fire from the Castle of Lions.


"Keep firing! Keep firing!" Morvok repeatedly ordered.

"We are sir, but that Lion is too fast for us to hit." A Galra soldier informed a panicking Morvok. "Sir, if I may suggest something; the Taujeerians still have their Ark on the planet's surface."

Upon hearing that information, Morvok developed a wicked idea to turn the tide of the battle. "Why didn't I think of that? Attention all crewmember and Erto pilots; your new target is the Taujeerian vessel. Sink that piece of space junk into the acid!"


Keith successfully destroyed more enemy fighters and began to move on to the next wave; when the ship suddenly changed their course to down to the planet and began firing. "Guys, you have incoming enemy fighters!" Keith shouted over the comms.

"Quiznack!" Shiro cursed, as he and Black Lion tried to keep the Ark of Taujeer stable. "Connie, Pidge, have you finished sewing the planet?

"We just finished, Shiro!" The Green Paladin answered over her comms.

"Then take out those Ertos before they do some real damage!" Shiro ordered over his communicator.

"On it!" Connie responded over her comms; with the Blue and Green Lions taking flight.

"Bismuth, how are you doing in the Ark?" Shiro asked the Crystal Gem.

"Everyone is on board." Bismuth answered over her comms, sounding more exhausted the usual. "The radiation is starting to affect my physical form; I don't know how long I have until I poof."

"I'm heading to you now; get ready to hop in," Shiro informed, flying the Black Lion over to the large vessels entrance.

The Green and Blue Lions of Voltron fired their maw cannons at the incoming ships; half of them became frozen, while the other half were destroyed. However, the debris unintentional crashes into the ice-covered surface cracks; damaging them and slowly causing the surface to come apart again.

"No, no, no!" Connie shouted as she flew back to the ground and quickly started to freeze it again, but it does not stop the earth from rumbling and tipping the Ark closer to the acid. Bismuth quickly hops into the Black Lion before Shiro pilots her back to the Ark to stabilize the vessel once again; leaving Pidge and Keith to deal with more incoming fighters and laser fire from the Dreadnaught. Even with the mighty Castle of Lions on their side, things were not going well.

Despite Connie's attempts to keep the surface intact, the ice breaks apart to quickly and causes the Ark to slide closer to the sulfuric ocean. Realizing she can't freeze the surface anymore, the Blue Paladin decides to aid Shiro with keeping the Ark intact. "Steven, please hurry." Connie prayed to herself. "We're being overwhelmed; we need Voltron."


"Who's the runt now?" Amethyst loudly asked as she struck Jasper with her whips; who takes the attacks head-on without flinching or appearing to be in pain. "You ready for more? Because there's more where that came from!"

After realizing that her attacks aren't doing anything, Amethyst growls as she tightens her grip on her whip, igniting them on fire and spin dashing towards her opponent; creating a small explosion upon collision that knocks both quartzes onto the ground. Amethyst weakly gets on to her feet, while Jasper hops up with ease and shrugs off any damage that she took.

"Is it sinking in yet?" Jasper self-confidently asked the purple Gem; walking towards her. "That cold realization that you never stood a chance. You know what that's called? It's called despair." With one swift and powerful kick, Amethyst was sent flying into the air; but was luckily caught by Steven and Peridot. "Rose Quartz, are you seriously going to let that weakling fight your own battles. If so, then I'm severely disappointed; because the Rose Quartz I remember would face the danger by herself!" Jasper begins approaching the two Crystal Gems. "Now it is time to take you. It is time to make you pay for everything!"

"Steven." Amethyst weakly began as she broke down into tears. "She's too strong. No matter what I do, no matter how hard I work… in the end, she came out right, and I came out... wrong..."

"That's not true," Steven replied to his Gem-sister in a powerful tone; grabbing Amethyst's attention. "That's just what Jasper thinks. She's the only one who thinks you should be like her! Stop trying to be like Jasper. You're nothing like Jasper! You're like me! Because the both of us are not like anybody else; yeah, it sucks… But at least I've got you, and you've got me!" Tears began to roll down the boy's eyes, as he helps his fellow Crystal Gem up. "So, stop leaving me out of this."

"Us worse Gems stick together," Amethyst said as she smiled back at her Gem-brother; with hers and Steven's gemstones glowing. "That's why we're the best." The purple Gem hugged Steven, as they're body both glow brightly and merge into one; surprising Jasper and Peridot.

As soon as the light disappeared, what stood in its place was a mysterious figure with a large body, a height around Jasper's, and three arms, one right arm, and one left arm; with a forearm stemming from the elbow. The individual had a dark complexion with bushy eyebrows and peach colored freckles on their cheeks and elbows, and dark brown curly hair that reaches down to their shoulders; with the left eye covered by it, along with plump lips, a small nose, and a round face. Whose outfit was a combination of Steven and Amethyst attire; as well as having the two Gems gemstone located on the chest and navel areas.

"What a beautiful day!" The individual happily shouted.

"A Fusion!" Jasper and Peridot exclaimed at the same time; the former in shock, and the latter in excitement.

"Oh yeah, they did fuse." The amalgamation of Steven and Amethyst said. "I think I should come up with a name."

"Who cares what your name is!" Peridot shouted. "Just fight her already!"

"I got one." The Fusion said, acting more serious; but still had some playfulness "I am neither Steven "Rose Quartz" Universe, nor Amethyst…" The Fusion summons Steven's and Amethysts whip at the same time; combining them into a new weapon… a yo-yo. "Smokey Quartz is my name, and I'm here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I'm all out of bubblegum."


With the Paladins desperately needing Voltron, and the rest of the crew disposed to man the castle's weaponry; the task of piloting the Yellow Lion has fallen to one man… nay, one hero.

"Finally, Alfor. I will walk in your footsteps!" Coran exclaimed as he stood before the Yellow Lion; cladded in ancient Altean military armor. "Oh, Yellow Lion, I am unworthy to be your Paladin, but I, Coran Hieronymus Wimbleton Smythe, humbly accept this task to..."

The Yellow Lion lets out a mighty roar and flies out of the hangar on its own; disappearing from a stunned, and disappointed Coran's sight.

"Uh… okay… guys." Coran began. "So, yeah the… the Yellow Lion ran away."


"If you think I'm intimidated, think again!" Jasper shouted as she summoned her helmet. "You're not the first Fusion I've fought; it's just a cheap trick to make weak Gems stronger. It'll amount you to nothing; it's useless! Useless! Useless! Useless! Useless! Useless! Useless! Useless! A Gem like you will never defeat me; I am the Ultimate Quartz!"

"You talk too much." Smokey overconfidently said as they hit Jasper in the face with their yo-yo; getting a hysterical laugh from Peridot. "I think I'll call this one the "Sink and Dink" attack," Smokey announced as they smacked Jasper in the face, then the stomach; injuring the Homeworld Gem, much to her surprise.

"Lucky shot," Jasper grunted as she got on all fours. "Savor it while it lasts, because you won't get another one!" The orange quartz spin dashes towards Smokey Quartz at a ridiculously fast speed; however, the Fusion dodges it in time by using their yo-yo to rope a nearby ledge and cause Jasper to crash into the canyon wall.

"That's got to hurt," Smokey said as Jasper got back onto her feet; far angrier than they've ever seen her.

"I will turn shards into a necklace!" Jasper threatened as she charged at the Fusion; seething with unyielding rage.

"Hold on; I've got a fan favorite coming up." Smokey said as they summoned two more yo-yos'. "It's so cool, that it will blow you away." The Fusion began twirling the yo-yos' as fast as they could; creating a miniature tornado that engulfs Jasper. The orange quartz spins around in the cyclone for a moment before being tossed out and crashing into the ground; with bruises all over her body. "And that's all folks."

"Great job, Smokey!" Peridot happily shouted; hugging the Fusion.

"Why thank you, P-Dot," Smokey replied, hugging the green Gem back.

"R… Rose… Quartz." Jasper weakly muttered, grabbing the attention of the Crystal Gems as she stood up; her physical form glitching as a crack is seen on Homeworld Gem's gemstone.

Smokey gasps at what they, unintentionally done, and diffuse into Steven and Amethyst. "Jasper…" Steven began as he slowly walked towards the now dying Gem.

"Steven, be careful," Amethyst told her Gem-brother.

"I can't just let her die," Steven said as he stepped closer to Jasper.

"R… Rose… Quartz." Jasper continued mutter.

"I'm not Rose, I'm Steven, I just want to try and heal you." The Half-Gem tried to explain; only for Jasper to swipe at the teenaged boy, barely missing him.

"Hahaha." Jasper begins chuckling as the cracks spread further and further along her gemstone; glitching more often now. "I see how you do it now R… R… Rose you want Gems after they're worthless, you wa… wait until after they've lo... lo... lost, because when yo... you're at the bo… bo… bo… bottom, you'll follow anyone. That makes yo... you feel like less of a… a… failure. Is that how you were able to build your army? Did you take everyone th… that she deemed unworthy? You said you wanted to heal me… well, don't. I've been fighting from the second I broke fr… fr… free of the Earth's crust, because of you, and will n… n… not accept anything from you…"

"Jasper, no one deserves to die…" Steven began.

"You don't get to say that!" Jasper shouted with tears in her eyes, startling the teenager. "Where was that mercy when did what did to my colony, to my planet, to… to MY DIAMOND!"

"What did my mom do to Yellow Diamond?" Steven asked, only to get a confused and more enraged look that caused the cracks to spread even faster.

"M… My Diamond! Yo… Your Diamond! PINK DIAMOND!" Jasper cried out in a fit of pure rage, which then quickly turned into pain as the cracks along her gemstone grew worse by the second; Steven needed to act soon.

"Hang on," Steven said as he licked his hand and placed it on her gemstone. Nothing happens at first, but then the orange quartzes gem glows a bright pink and completely heals. However, the strain from her injuries caused the physical form to disperse.

Steven reaches to pick up the gemstone, but the roar of an engine grows louder as the three Crystal Gems spot the Sun Incinerator approaching them; with Eyeball, Army and Navy of the Ruby Squad hopping out of the ship and landing in front of Steven, who backs up from the red Gems.

"What did you do to Jasper you little…" Eyeball began, as she advanced towards Steven with rage in her eye.

"Stand down, soldier," Doc ordered. "Let's grab Jasper and get out of here."

"But…" Eyeball began to protest.

"That's an order," Doc replied, picking up Jasper's gemstone and bubbling it.

The Sun Incinerator lowered itself closer to the ground to allow the rubies to hop on board. Doc went first, then Army, then Eyeball; who gave Steven a menacing glare before the Sun Incinerator takes off.

"Steven!" Both Amethyst and Peridot shouted as they ran to their friend.

"Are you okay?" The green Gem asks.

"I'm fine," Steven assured his friends, as they helped him onto his feet; but was far from fine. "That was just a lot to take in."

"Come on; we need to get back to the shuttle and help the others, ASAP." Peridot reminded.

"What's going on?" Amethyst asked.

"We'll explain when we get to the jet," Peridot said when the trio hears a mighty roar and spot the Yellow Lion flying towards and landing in front of them.

"I think she'll be faster." Amethyst said as the Yellow Lion allowed all three of them inside and permitted the purple Gem to pilot her once more.


"We can't hold this any longer!" Connie grunted over her comms as the Ark draws closer to the acid.

"We have to!" Shiro shouted over his comms. "If we let go, the Taujeerians will die!"

"Let me give you a hand with that!" Amethysts voice announced over the comms as the Yellow Lion flies in an aids Shiro and Connie; successfully using the lion's added strength to stabilize the Ark. "Sorry I'm late."

"We'll discuss that later," Shiro said to the returning Paladin. "It's good to have you back, Amethyst."

"It's good to be back, Chief." The Yellow Paladin answered with renewed confidence. "Connie, Pidge, I'm sending Steven and Dot over to you guys." The Yellow Lion opens her maw as Steven and Peridot float out into space; protected by pink bubble shields. The Blue Lion grabs Steven; who quickly fuses into Stevonnie with his Jam Bud, while the Green Lion flies in and catches Peridot; happily welcoming Pidge's co-pilot back.

"All right, everyone. Let's show the Galra who they're dealing with." Shiro ordered. "Form Voltron!"


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

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

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

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


"Sir the Paladins have formed Voltron." A Galra soldier informed Morvok. "If he is as powerful as Zarkon says, shouldn't we retreat?"

"Never!" Morvok stoically shouted. "Order all fighters to continue attacking the Ark and aim all of our weapon on it too. If we happen to perish today; to die for the Galra Empire is the highest honor imaginable! Vrepit Sa!

"Vrepit Sa!" All the soldiers onboard the Dreadnaught proudly shouted as they carried out their task; while Commander Morvok, unbeknownst to them, sneaks his way out of the bridge to the nearest escape pod.


"The Galra aren't giving up their attack on the Ark!" Pidge pointed out as more fighter fly to the planet's surface, with the Dreadnaught firing down on the ship as well.

"Then we take them out quickly. Form sabers!" Shiro ordered.

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

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

"Let's do this!" Shiro shouted as Stevonnie and Amethyst maxed Voltron's thrusters and charged at his enemies with his hyper-fast speed that made everything appear to move in slow motion; making quick work of all the Galra fighters, and the Dreadnaught.

"Nice work everyone." Shiro praised the Paladins. "Now let's get the Taujeerians to safety."

Voltron deactivated his weapons and flew onto Taujeer's surface and proceeds to lift the Ark above his head with little effort; flying away just in time as the acid completely dissolves the ground below.

"Hang on: I'm detecting three new incoming objects!" Lance warned suddenly and causing the others to go on alert.

"More Galra?" Shiro asked the young Altean who denied in response.

"Not Galra. Tau!"

Half a tick later: three large ships entered the space where they were. These were different from the Galra and that was due to their bizarre design.

In what could be considered three long minutes in which none of the three ships proceeded to attack Voltron or the castle, however did not prevent them from being on the defensive with the huge robot in position and the castle reinforcing its particle shield.

"What do you think they are doing?" Amethyst asked after a long silence.

"It seems that they are evaluating us, surely they never saw a space robot of more than a hundred meters." Keith replied slightly nervous.

"The ships try to communicate with us, they don't seem hostile." Allura said swallowing slightly. "I'm going to put it on the screen."

A moment later, an image of a female Tau appeared on the screens. The alien woman had a great height with what appeared to be a thick white armor, her face was exposed revealing her appearance which consisted of a semi-pale blue skin with large vermilion eyes and on her forehead she had a mark shaped like a "Y" on her and lastly she had short straight brown hair.

Vish'Kar'tir

Commander of the Tau Empire

"Here the commander Vish'kar'tir of the water caste speaks, asking the unknown ships to lower their defenses, identify themselves and indicate their purpose, if you comply with these requests they will be approached to establish a peaceful dialogue, if you refuse to they will be marked as hostile and will be shot at. They have two doboshes to answer. "

The paladins tensed upon hearing this, fearing that if they did not comply with their demands the Taujeerians would find themselves in grave danger from the people who were supposed to rescue them earlier. Luckily they were not hostile and were in favor of a dialogue.

"What you say, princess?" Pidge asked.

Allura took a while to respond but with a determined look, she started a link to the commander's communications.

"This is Allura, sovereign of the kingdom of Altea and pilot of the castle of lions. We came here to answer the call for help that the leader Baujal of the Taujeerians sent them, currently all of them are safely in their ship." Allura launched his dialogue towards Commander Tau and to avoid confusion he quickly clarified: "We are part of the new Voltron coalition, a Coalition in which the commander of the fire caste was once: Jor'sar'term'vi."

The Commander's eyes widened briefly in surprise at the mention of the most powerful weapon in the history of the universe alongside an important individual in the history of her people, she quickly cleared her throat to continue.

"You said: Voltron? In that case we may be able to discuss it in a comfortable place inside your ship if you allow it." The commander politely asked the princess.

"It will be my pleasure, Commander." Allura responded with the friendliest of smiles. "You know what to do, Shiro.

"Affirmative, princess." Shiro nodde. "Paladins: spread out, the danger has passed.

The others nodded and spread out happy that this sudden situation did not end in some damage.


After returning to the castle, the paladins joined the princess with the others including Commissioner Elizabeth with Sergeant Lori and also the Taujeerians to converse with Commander Vish'kar, who appeared alongside a team of Pathfinder soldiers.

Steven, Connie, Pidge, and Peridot were excited to meet new species and chat about them and their technology while the others stayed on the sidelines. On the other side: Allura and Shiro stayed to talk together with Baujal.

"I want to say Leader Baujal that on behalf of the fwated caste I regret not being able to arrive in time to help them escape from the Galra." Commander Vish'kar bowed in apology.

"There is no reason to apologize, Commander." Baujal said and directed his gaze towards Shiro and Allura. "If not for Voltron, we could never have left our planet alive."

"Then it's true, the defender of the universe returned after such a long time." Vish'kar said to himself and looked at Allura. "Commander Jor'sar'term'vi was one of the individuals who marked a before and after in our empire. After the ancient paladins fell together with Altea. Jor'sar, inspired by the words of his beloved Trigel, I defied the authority of the Ethereal caste and caused a civil war that ended with the defeat of the Ethereals and guided us to a better path under the Greater Good."

"You rebelled against the Ethereals?" Allura's eyes widened at this revelation. "I've known Jor'sar since a while ago and he was a compassionate person, well that's how Aunt Trigel described him to me."

"I only know that he would be proud of you for having regained hope in the universe." Vish'kar gave the princess a nod and went back to business by being here in the first place. "We would like to stay longer, but we fear that the Galra have located us, we must go with the Taujeerians as soon as possible."

"I understand, we would not like that either, thank you very much for your help." Allura extended her hand to the Tau woman who gladly took it.

"Thank you; mighty Paladins of Voltron." Baujal gratefully said; shaking Shiro's hand. "My people are in your debt. If you ever need our aid in the fight against the Galra, we will happily lend it."

"That is much appreciated, Baujal." Shiro responded, before the Voltron Force parted ways with their new allies.


"I know what you're all going to say, and I deserve it." A guilt-filled Amethyst said as the others gathered around her in the castle's control room. "I snuck off and abandoned you all to settle a petty grudge; I don't blame you guys if you hate me now."

"We don't hate you Amethyst," Allura told the purple Gem. "We're just disappointed with how you chose to handle things on your own. You know that we would've helped you; but not at the cost of protecting the universe."

"I know," Amethyst said again. "I'm a Paladin of Voltron who has a responsibility, and I chose to act selfish, and put all of you in danger, but it took one stubborn, and wonderful dude to show me that no is perfect." Amethyst looked at Steven, who nodded back with a smile. "And through that said dude, I also learned to accept that once you make a mistake; all you can ever really do is try your best to make up for your wrongs," Amethyst concluded as she looked over at Bismuth.

"That is also true," Allura said, turning her attention to the metallic Gem. "If it wasn't for your aid, I don't think any of us would've succeeded. You proved yourself, and if you choose to accept, I wish to welcome you as a member of the Voltron Force officially. What do you say?"

Bismuth remained silent for a moment, then finally said to the Altean Princess. "I look forward to continuing our bismuth arrangement."

"I'll take that as a yes," Allura said, softly chuckling at the pun.

"Hooray!" Peridot, Amethyst, and Steven cheered while the others clapped.

"So, who's up for some of my cooking?" Amethyst asked everyone.

"Oh, me!" Lance exclaimed, jumping up and down while raising his right hand.

"Then come with me. You're going to be my taste tester." Amethyst said as she dragged Lance out of the control room, down the halls, and into the kitchen; with that, the others decided to leave too.


Bismuth struck her hammer-hand on hot metal, feeling more comfortable now that there was no one watching her every move twenty-four-seven. She continued to hammer away at her project; when the door to her quarters slid open and spotted Steven entering. "Oh, hey Steven." The Crystal Gem greeted the Demi-Gem. "Did you need something?"

"I… uh… came here to talk to you… if you're not busy." Steven said with a concerned look, which Bismuth noticed and halted her forging.

"Is something the matter?" The large Gem asked.

"I don't know?" Steven answered as he walked closer to the Gem. "When Peridot and I went after Amethyst, we encountered a Homeworld Gem named Jasper. We fought and beat her but ended up hurting her badly; I wanted to help her, but she refused, saying she didn't want my help because of something Rose did."

"Did she tell you what happened?" Bismuth questioned.

"No," Steven answered. "But the way she said it; it sounded like my mom did something to someone Jasper cared deeply about..." Steven paused for a moment, clenching the stomach area of his shirt before looking at his fellow Crystal Gem. "Bismuth… do you know a Gem named Pink Diamond?"