A/N: I've got multiple stories in the making rn, but ideas are still constantly swarming my head even after I've written them all down in my notes. This idea came to me last night (well technically this morning... delirious me is the best kind at 5:30 in the morning ;D ). So anyways, it's currently 12:53 am, and while I have a hair appointment in an hour I figured I'd get this story started while I can XD.
Blue and Silver
Third Person POV
Lyxan always felt different compared to the rest of his fellow Acloranians. While he physically shared similarities with the species, his personality, ideas, and even sometimes his actions were more foreign than the travelers that rarely landed on the water coated planet. Aclorania was a beautiful ocean planet, with a few small land masses that could account for Acloranians. Lyxan has a strong appreciation for the fact that his people could choose whether they lived in the planet's oceans or on its soft and warm land. Lyxan himself had a small hut on the surface that was on a large yet secluded island while his blacksmith was located on the outskirts of Remaly, the large underwater city that was far more advanced then it should have been.
Lyxan gave a warm smile to the children who swam by the blacksmith. "Hey, Lyx!" One of the small girls waved to him, and he couldn't help but lift a grubby hand to wave back.
"Hello Adra!" Lyxan returned his attention to the gun he was almost done making. He assembled the parts of the assault rifle rather quickly, looking down the barrel and grinning wickedly at the familiarity of the weapon. The twenty year old Acloranian found it rather enjoyable to test the weapons he created for the kingdom and its people. Even though some of the Aclorians had incredible control over the quintessence found in water, a large majority of them did not have that ability. Lyxan himself was more than capable of manipulating the ocean's waters, but he didn't like to boast about it. Instead he kept his talents to himself, opting to become a blacksmith and create things he felt strangely attached to rather than joining the royal guard.
Lyxan allowed the gun to power up, sucking in the water like a vacuum. A small blue light lit up the side, and Lyxan walked away from his shop, pulling out a remote and pushing a small button that created a real energy field to prevent Acloranians (mainly the curious children) out of the blacksmith. Satisfied with his job, the silver skinned swimmer raced to the surface of the water, taking a deep breath of the salty air that greeted his lungs instead of water. Making his way inside the small hut, Lyxan set the gun down by the door and made his way to the small washroom he had, staring at himself in the mirror. He frowned at his messy appearance. Despite being a blacksmith, Lyxan didn't like being constantly smeared in grime and oil. For some strange reason, the ocean's currents did nothing to relieve Lyxan of his problem.
The Acloranian ran a hand through his well lengthened hair, the thick royal blue curls bouncing back into place. Matching eyes stared back at him through the mirror, glaring at the black marks that covered his soft blue freckles. The Acloranian sighed, stripping himself from the thick heavy garments he wore to protect himself from the heat used on a daily basis in the shop. The lanky adult got into the shower, using a warm scented soap to clean his body and a zesty shampoo and conditioner to ensure his thick curly hair was always maintained. Lyxan had to admit, he was fatherly fond of the undercut. It was familiar; then again he'd had the same hairstyle since he was twelve. Sighing for the umpteenth time, Lyxan looked in the mirror, at the fish like ears and webbing between his fingers and toes that his people had. He'd had his own ears pierced a while back, a small dangling crescent moon on his right ear and a golden star on his left. The royal blue markings that swirled across the sides of his cheeks, neck, torso, arms, and legs were another trait the Acloranian people shared. Lyxan knew he had more marks than others, but he didn't mind. He channeled his quintessence, watching the markings along with his eyes and hair light up, glowing an electric blue.
Lyxan stepped outside, gun in hand and ready to test the weapon. He jumped into the air, his strong legs making him drill his head against the roof and the children laugh loudly at him. Adra wore a look of concern. "Lyx, are you okay?"
Lyxan long ears were flat, his calloused hands rubbing his head gingerly. "Yeah, I'm fine. What're you guys doing here? The sun will be setting in a varga or so."
Adra grinned widely, the other few kids jumping up and down in excitement. "Tell us another story! Pleeaaassseeee?" She blinked her large orange eyes at Lyxan, her pale pink skin shimmering in the two setting suns' light.
He motioned for them to sit down, and the children eagerly obliged. He rubbed his hands together, smiling at the group huddled around him. "Alrighty then. What story do you guys wanna hear?"
"How about the one where Lance finds the blue lion on Earth?"
Lyxan smiled. "Good choice, Emar." He ruffled the small green skinned boy's hair affectionately. "It all started long ago. Lance McClain was a handsome boy, tall and strong and very charming. He and his friends saved the super awesome pilot hero named Takashi Shirogane, though everyone called him Shiro. They went to the mullet kid's house named Keith, and the next morning they went to explore the dry and dead land called the desert for the weapon called Voltron. Instead, Lance found a giant mechanical lion. He named her Blue, and-"
"That's not a very original name." Emar scrunched his face up.
Adra smacked the boy's arm violently, eliciting a shriek. "Blue is a great name! What else are you supposed to name a giant blue lion?"
"I don't know! Maybe ocean or something?!"
"That's even stupider than Blue!"
The whole group started arguing, and Lyxan just sighed. "Kids calm down! It's just a story I made up, and Blue is the name of the lion, okay?!" They stared at Lyxan with wide eyes. "As I was saying, Blue was the right leg of a giant robot called Voltron. The evil Galra were coming for Shiro though, since he escaped their prison. And so Lance piloted Blue and they went into space with their friends Shiro, Keith, Hunk, and Pidge. They damaged the Galra ship, escaping through a wormhole, and that's how their adventures started." Lyxan glanced around the sky, the suns almost completely below the horizon. "Why don't you kiddos go back home, Hmm? I gotta test this weapon before it gets dark, and I don't want you guys getting in trouble for staying out late again." The children protested loudly, but Lyxan wasn't having it. "Seriously, I got in a lot of trouble last week because you guys wouldn't leave until I finished the battle of Zarkon and Voltron." Lyxan's hands were on his hips, gun slung across his back. He wore nothing but a comfy pair of sweats, his markings glowing in the night sky like the children's own marks. "Now shoo! Or Zarkon will get you! Muahahaha!" Lyxan raised his hands, chasing the children to the shore only half a mile away.
While the rest of the kids disappeared under the surf, Adra turned back around and gave the twenty year old a hug. He eagerly returned it, enjoying the seven year old's warm hugs. "Thanks Lyx. I'll see you tomorrow for more stories! Can you maybe finally teach me how to make weapons? Or even how to work the furnace?" She gave him large puppy dog eyes, and Lyxan sighed before grinning cheekily and ruffling her hair.
"Fine. I'll teach you how to work the furnace, but you'll have to come bright and early! If you're gonna work in Lyx's Blacksmith, then we need to get you some clothes to keep you safe."
Adra smiled warmly, waving one last time as her head sunk beneath the ocean's waves. Lyxan frowned, hating that he was alone again. He walked behind the hut, aiming the rifle at the targets a ways away from him. He inhaled deeply, the gun giving a small jerk against his shoulder as a small and fast bullet of water drilled into the center of the target. Lyxan continued to fire until the gun needed more ammunition. Overall, it lasted a good fifty rounds until it needed more water, and Lyxan was sure the castle would appreciate the weapons to ensure the queen's safety.
Lyxan made his way towards his small hut, climbing onto the roof and laying on the hatched top. He stared at the sky, identifying all the familiar stars with no problem. It was relaxing to see something so... unchanging.
Lyxan's face scrunched at the comet that seemed to soar through the sky. It started out small, but it appeared to be getting closer, and closer, and...
The Acloranian shot to his feet, grabbing his gun tightly in his hand only to curse. He hadn't bothered refilling the rifle, figuring he could do so in the morning. Instead, he was regretting that decision.
The 'comet' came closer, and Lyxan could identify it as a large white and blue castle. Something familiar sparked in his chest, but he pushed those feelings to the side, focusing on the strange ship instead. It landed heavily on the small island, not even a few hundred yards from Lyxan's hut. He kept his gun up as he hopped down to the floor; just because his gun wasn't loaded didn't mean these strangers knew that.
The front of the castle opened, and Lyxan stared in awe at the group of humans that emerged from the ship. But... hadn't Lyxan made them up? A man with a white tuft of hair and black armor strode forwards, and Lyxan growled. "Stop! Who are you people? Why are you on Aclorania?" The humans in different colored armor stopped, staring at the silver skinned and glowing blue being intently.
The one in black raised his arms placatingly. "We're sorry to intrude. We're just traveling into unknown parts of the universe and trying to map them out."
Lyxan kept his gaze fierce. "We don't get travelers often. You aren't going to harm any of the people here, are you?" The man shook his head, and Lyxan stared at his eyes intently before nodding his head. He lowered his gun, offering a smile as he strode forwards. "I apologize for my rudeness then. My name's Lyxan. I'm one of the blacksmiths here on Aclorania." He offered his hand, shaking the Black one's strong grip.
"The name's Shiro." Lyxan stiffened. "Is something wrong?"
Lyxan's eyes were wide. "What? It's not... it's not Takashi Shirogane, is it?" Instantly the team was on guard, and Lyxan stepped backwards.
"How do you know my full name?"
Lyxan looked at the group. "But... it was just a story I made..."
"What?" The one in red stepped forwards, gaze sharp.
"Then... Keith Kogane?" Red pulled a sword, leveling it at Lyxan. The Acloranian turned to look at the yellow and green ones. "And... Pidge Gunderson... but also called Katie Holt, and Hunk Garret!" Lyxan clutched his head, ignoring the shocked and suspicious looks. "But I made it all up! I made Voltron up! I made the Alteans up! I made Lance and his life up! None of it is real! I-"
"What do you mean Lance?" Hunk stepped forwards, his eyes steely. "What do you know about him?!" He shook Lyxan's shoulders violently.
"I... but... no! I refuse to believe this!" Lyxan stood up, stomping towards his small hut. "This planet's religious system is insane. It's not real. Only God is real, Dios is real, but reincarnation is a bunch of bull!"
The group raced after him, eyes wide and Hunk's watery. "You... reincarnation?!" He looked like he wanted to trample Lyxan. "Lance?"
Lyxan growled, rounding on the large human. "I am not Lance. My name is Lyxan. I'm twenty years old, and I don't believe in reincarnation like the rest of the Acloranians. If you're looking for the Queen, she's that way and down." He pointed towards the beach shore a distance away. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to bed and sleeping off this craziness."
Keith frowned. "I don't believe in reincarnation either. Besides, Lance... Lance died four months ago. He can't be twenty."
Pidge shook her head, slipping onto the porch with the rest of the group that followed the strangely bitter and angry Acloranian. "Well, we've learned that time moves differently in different parts of the universe. For all we know, four months here could be twenty years here."
Lyxan rounded on the group, his rifle held up to keep the distance between himself and the strangers. "Listen! I'm not some reincarnated human teen, and I'm not a Paladin of Voltron! So go back to the Castle of Lions, and leave!" Lyxan ignored the shocked faces, slamming his door closed. He set his gun down, making his way to his room. The exhaustion caught up quickly, and Lyxan fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
The next morning, Lyxan was up as the suns rose. He dressed in his blacksmith outfit, which consisted of heavy guards that protected his forearms. He pulled on his thick and heavy apron, tugging on his boots as well. Grabbing his new gun, Lyxan walked outside, only to growl in annoyance. Those humans were still here! And they were camping on his property! Lyxan cursed loudly, approaching the red one. "Alright! Everybody up right now!" He kicked Keith in his side, eliciting a yelp and an angry glare.
"What the hell?!"
Lyxan glared. "Can it, Mullet." He ignored his shocked face, staring at the grumbling and slow moving forms. "I want you guys off my property! If I need to take you to the queen, then I can. But I don't want you guys on. My. PROPERTY! You've got five minutes to get ready, then I'm leaving. Either you come with me to see the queen, or you don't come at all and just go bother another Acloranian." Lyxan sat down by the small fire, gun sitting in his lap as he dismantled it and started piecing it back together. Hunk just stared at him in shock, and Lyxan glared at him. "What." Hunk's shoulders shrunk into his neck, and the Acloranian felt guilt swell in his chest. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been so rude to you. Just... I thought all of my stories were just that. Stories. I didn't think they were real."
Hunk got out of his sleeping bag, the other Paladins having already disappeared into the castle. "Well... we're very much real. How you'd know about Voltron when this is unexplored and uncharted area doesn't make much sense." His eyes were hopeful, and Lyxan hated that it was directed towards him.
The rest of the Paladins appeared shortly after, with a woman dressed in pink armor trailing behind them. Lyxan instantly recognized her. "Allura." It was barely a whisper, but Hunk heard him. The Acloranian stood up, slinging his gun onto his back. "Okay, I'll take you all to the queen. Let's go." He waded into the surf, the group following behind him without hesitation.
It didn't take too long to teach the outskirts of town, the buildings small and less sophisticated compared to the rest of the city. A small girl with pink skin and orange hair swam forwards, squishing Lyxan beneath her grip. "Lyx! Are you gonna teach me how to use the furnace today like you promised?" She was tugging on his arm heavily, and the older of the two laughed heartily. The Paladins felt their hearts melt at the voice that sounded identical to Lance's.
"Hey Adra. I'm afraid we'll have to postpone your special training."
"Awe! But why?" She pouted, arms slammed against her side in anger. Lyxan ruffled her hair.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you when I get back. I need to take these guys to the Queen." He jerked his thumb at the group behind him with masks providing them with oxygen. "I gotta stop by the shop first though, wanna come?"
Adra grinned widely, nodding her head. "Yeah! Can I see all of your cool tools this time?"
Lyxan gave a warm smile. "Sure, Adra." He placed the girl on his broad shoulders, the seven year old fisting his curly blue hair tightly. "Sorry you guys, but we need to stop by my place really quick." He gave a small sheepish grin and swam down the streets, the group following behind. Adra squealed on his shoulders, arms held against her chest as she aimed an imaginary gun at the children who laughed and waved at Lyxan.
"Pow pow! I'm Lance McClain, the greatest Blue Paladin in the universe! I'll defeat the evil Zarkon with Voltron!" She hopped off Lance's shoulders, waving at some of her friends. "Emar, Landy, Saxa, Margy! Let's form Voltron! I call being Lance!"
Emar frowned. "No fair! Lance is my favorite!"
"Then be Hunk! He's Lance's best friend."
"I call being Pidge! Green's my favorite color." Landy gave a sheepish smile, her soft yellow skin darkening in the cheeks. Saxa and Margy were arguing over who would be the head.
"I'm taller, so I should be the head." Margy grinned at Saxa, the small boy glaring up at the older girl.
"No! You don't have to be tall to be the head!"
"Yeah huh!"
"Nu-uh!"
"Yeah huh!"
Nu-Uh!"
"Yeah-"
Lyxan chuckled, scooping the kids up in his arms. "How about this? You kids can play Voltron later, and for now I'll show you what I'm working on, yeah?" The children immediately lit up, all clinging to Lyxan tightly as he swam towards a small single story building that was no bigger than a diner.
The Voltron Paladins followed after Lyxan, Keith and Shiro gaping at the beautiful weapons for sale on the walls. Weapons ranging from daggers to swords to bows to guns to boomerangs and so forth were displayed, small price tags below each item. Hunk openly gaped at the large gun that was for sale. "Wow."
Lyxan chuckled, setting the children down. "Now, you can go to the back and look at things, but no touching. Understand?" They nodded their heads vehemently. "I'll even let you see my secret project if you behave~..."
The children's eyes were gleaming with excitement. "We promise to behave Lyx!" Adra smiled widely, and Emar, Saxa, Margy, and Landy nodded in agreement.
"Alright then..." Lyxan unlocked the door behind the counter, the children immediately racing inside and gasping. "Don't touch anything!" Lyxan smiled at the Paladins. "Feel free to come back as well. Don't touch anything though either. Same rules apply to you as well."
Keith grumbled. "I'm not a kid though."
Lyxan raised a deep blue eyebrow. "You sure about that? You look to be a year or two younger than me." Keith looked ready to murder Lyxan while Shiro held the feisty pilot back. "Welcome to Lyx's Blacksmith!" He spread his arms wide, grinning widely and showing off his pearly whites. "I make weapons for the kingdom, but I don't like the attention of these crazy Acloranians."
"Aren't you an Acloranian though?"
Lyxan gave a deadpanned look at Allura. "No, I'm an Altean." She gave a shocked and slightly hurt look. "Of course I'm an Acloranian! What else would I be?" He slumped his shoulders, placing his gun against the wall near the door. Pidge was immediately inches from the item, inspecting it with Hunk. "Don't touch that. It's a prototype and I need to fix a few kinks." He walked into the back, the humans and Altean princess hesitant to follow. Their eyes were blown wide at the large furnace that Lyxan turned on, the warmth immediately spreading in the ocean's cold waters. While the large workshop was dirty, it was very well used... very loved. Lyxan made his way over to Adra, who was staring at a tarp covering something in the corner of the room. "That's my secret project. Wanna see?" The rest of the room's occupants raced over, curious as well. Lyxan grinned manically as he yanked the tarp off, showing two golden cuffs and three foot long xiphos blades. While the Paladins didn't look too impressed, the children gasped loudly.
"Woah! What does it do Lyx?" Emar went to touch the blade, only for Adra to smack his tiny webbed hand away.
"Don't touch it! Lyx said not to!"
The blacksmith only smiled. "It's okay, you wanna see what I can do with them? I've been practicing for a while now." He placed the cuffs on his wrists, leading the large group out the back door to a small rocky clearing. Lyxan threw the swords, watching them drill into the rock wall across from him. Keith seemed unimpressed.
"What's so special about those?"
Landy stomped harshly on Keith's foot, her pastel blue eyes glaring into the Red Paladin's very soul. "All of Lyx's weapons are special. None are the same."
Keith humphed while Shiro chuckled silently by his side. Their gazes turned back to the swords, Lyxan grinning widely. "Now watch this." He flicked his wrists, and the swords returned to his grasp. While it was difficult to see, the Paladins took note of the small reflection of what looked to be chains made of water. "So long as I've got water near me, I can extend or shorten the chains. I still need to figure out a way to store water in a small container; either that or use a small amount of quintessence to form the chains instead. That second option would be more draining though, so water manipulation seems to be the better option. Besides, the castle guards are the only ones with aquatic abilities like myself. They'll be the only ones able to use them."
Pidge frowned. "Then why do you have hydrokinesis?"
Lyxan made his way back to the door, setting the blades and cuffs back where they were. "Just because I have abilities doesn't mean I want to waste my life away standing outside of a gate." He grabbed a small golden ring with a purple gem in the middle, polishing the item under a light. "Just give me a minute to finish this up for the Queen, then we'll go."
"Did you just say minute?" Hunk looked at Lyxan incredulously, and the other Paladins seemed to catch on.
"Uh... yeah?" Lyxan frowned, removing the heavy magnifying glasses from his face. "Why? Did I say something wrong?"
"Minute is an Earth time slot..."
"...Okay? Is that supposed to mean something to me? Minute, hour, dobash, varga, they mean the same thing. What's it matter?" He grabbed a small golden box, gingerly placing the ring inside. "Alright, I'm done so let's get you to the queen. That way you'll be out of my hair and I can get back to my job." He shuffled the group out of the room, having to literally drag Emar and Margy along. "Now you five had better go. I have to take these humans and Altean to the Queen for a meeting."
Adra stared intently at the outfits, her eyes widening in realization. "Wait, Lyx! Are these the Paladins of Voltron?!" His eyes widened, the other kids doing the same.
"Uh..."
"They are!" Emar scrambled up to the group, a cheeky grin spread across his green skin. "You're Shiro, Lance's favorite pilot! And you're Keith, Lance's rival!" He pointed giddily at Hunk. "Oh my quiznack-"
"Language!" Lyxan thumped him against his head, but Emar didn't seem to care that much.
"You're Hunk, Lance's bestest friend in the whole universe! And you're Pidge! You're Lance's sister but not sister!" His eyes finally landed on Allura, eyes practically sparking. "Woah. You must be Princess Allura, the woman Lance flirted with all the time!" His eyes wandered the group, finally settling on Lyxan. "But where's Lance?"
The Paladins' gazes hardened. Hunk squatted down, offering a small smile. "Lance isn't here right now."
"When can I see him?"
"Yeah! When can we meet Lance? He's the one who found the Blue Lion and brought you all into space, right?" Adra stared at them intently, the other kids nodding enthusiastically.
"Maybe another time." Lyxan could hear the sorrow in Shiro's words, and the Acloranian figured it was time to leave.
"Alright kiddos, off ya go. I'm sure the Paladins would love to hang out another time." The children instantly protested, but Lance shook his head. "No, seriously you guys. I promise to tell you guys another one of Lance's stories later on okay?"
The grumbled but nodded nonetheless. "Maybe Lance can tell us himself?" Landy's soft eyes stared into Lyxan's own, and he felt himself melt.
"Yeah. Maybe." He shoved them gently, and they nodded. "Now off ya go." Once the kids disappeared around the corner, Lyxan turned to the shocked and heavy hearted Team Voltron. "Sorry about them. I take it... I'm gonna take a guess and say Lance is no longer with you?"
Hunk's eyes watered and Shiro gave a small nod. "He... he died four months ago. We were on a mission, and he got stuck in the control room. He... Lance told us to retreat, and we did. And... and he self destructed the entire base..."
Lyxan's face gave a genuine smile. It was small and soft, so real, so much like Lance...
"I'm sorry for your loss. My parents died when I was young, and an old blacksmith took me in for a while until I could get on my feet. He taught me his trade, and that's why I am where I'm at today." He placed a hand gingerly on Shiro's shoulder, looking into his eyes. "It's not your fault he's gone ya know. He made his choice, he died protecting you. It's nobody's fault but his own for making that choice. Besides, the past is the past; there's nothing you can do about it now." He smiled at Shiro, oblivious to the intent looks directed his way. If it weren't for the strange colored skin and curly hair, he'd... Lyxan was like a carbon copy of the deceased Blue Paladin.
"Alright!" He clapped his hands together, startling the group out of their reminiscing. It was a familiar gesture that Lance did as well. "Let's get you all to the Queen!"
It was a good thirty dobashes to get to the center of the city, the bright white and gold castle sparkling above the rest of the buildings. Acloranians swam through the water, eagerly greeting Lyxan.
"Hey Lyx! Did you finish that bow I asked for?"
"Yeah, come pick it up when you get the chance!"
"Did you finish the earring I requested for my wife?"
"Almost, give me till the end of the week Armin."
"Hey Lyx!"
"Good morning!"
"When's the next time you're coming to the pavilion and telling more stories?"
"I think tomorrow night, Emi. You'd better be there!"
"Of course I'll be there! I'll let the others know!"
Team Voltron watched the people interact with Lyxan. While the young man often complained of the city people, it was obvious he enjoyed the idle chit chat. He was so much like Lance that it hurt to see Lyxan acting the way he was. He even gave some finger guns to a group of girls on the side, all of them chuckling and playfully waving to the silver skinned Acloranian.
They eventually made it to the castle, the guards lifting their spears to grant the blacksmith entrance. "Hey Jerry, Tom! How're you two doing? Stuck on guard duty again?"
One of the guards huffed. "Lyxan, you know we're the gate's guards during the day."
Lyxan chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "Yeah, I know. I'll bring you guys some new weapons soon! I've got a seriously nice prototype ready!"
The other guard turned to the group who'd already entered. "Alright then Lyx. Can't wait to see what else you bring us!"
Keith frowned. "Why're you so chummy with everyone?"
Lyxan turned his head enough for his eyes to be visible by the red Paladin. "I told you that I don't like to draw attention to myself. The city loves me a little too much; that's why I live on the outskirts and in a small hut on a remote island."
Keith grumbled under his breath, "because that makes soo much sense."
"I heard that, ya know." Lyxan swam down the gold and white halls, nodding to servants and guards along the way until they entered the throne room. Sitting on a throne was an Acloranian with pure white skin and golden eyes, hair, and markings. She matched her castle ratherly well. The Paladins kneeled respectfully, even Allura copying the action. Lyxan simply smirked and raced up to the queen, swinging his arm around her shoulders. "Hey, Cali! How's my favorite queen doing?"
The woman rolled her eyes, but an affectionate smile adjourned her face. "Hello, Lyxan. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing pretty good I guess, although some off worlders landed their big ass ship on my property." It was said in a joking manner, though the Paladins still seemed tense. "Anyways, I figured I'd introduce you to them, since I'm pretty sure they landed on Aclorania for you in the first place. They claim to be the... the Paladins of Voltron..."
Queen Cali looked at Lyxan with wide eyes. "As in the stories you tell to the children and townsfolk? Are they not just stories?"
"Well I thought they were, but apparently they're not. And don't look at me with that smug look on your face, because I'm not whatever you're thinking."
"Are you sure? I told you that sometimes a reincarnated soul will remember parts of their past. The fact you tell it as stories..."
Lyxan flint his hands in the air indignantly. "I'm not reincarnated! I told you that I don't believe in that crap! I'm just a humble blacksmith making his way in life. Speaking of which, I believe you requested this." Lyxan removed a small golden box from his pocket, and Cali gasped before snatching the object with a delighted grin.
"Lyx, you didn't!"
"I did."
Cali opened the box, slowly removing the golden ring with the purple gem imbedded in the middle. "I asked you to make this for me only a few days ago though..."
"Well, I was determined to finish it." Lyxan huffed loudly, but he was smiling widely. "Your new and improved family heirloom, made specifically to your style." Lyxan's gaze softened. "I know how important that gem is to you. I would never damage it, yet alone waste my time on personal projects when this needed to be completed for your banquet."
Cali smiled. "Lyxan, you really didn't have to do this for me." She wrapped him in a hug, and the twenty year old returned it. "Thank you."
"Anything for a friend, your highness." He turned to look back at the still kneeling but now shocked travelers. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I have a forge to return to and you have to deal with these Paladins." He didn't bother waiting for a response, instead whapping his hands on Hunk and Keith's shoulders on his way out. "Try not to go too crazy on them; they haven't been in this quadrant of the universe before."
The blacksmith left the room, the doors shutting with a silent click. The queen smiled kindly. "Rise. It seems that Lyxan has grown rather fond of you all. I think he's truly oblivious as to what's happened to him."
Hunk frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Well, Lyxan has been my friend for a long time. I'd snuck out of the castle when I was a teen, and Lyxan, no more than five, had guided me back home. We've been friends ever since. He's like a little brother to me; we told eachother everything. He often had dreams about giant lions, evil purple beings, living amidst the stars... When I told him he was probably remembering a past life, he refused, saying that reincarnation is not a real thing. However, it is a strong belief here on Aclorania. Those who have been reincarnated and have chosen to live again rather than move on to the Sanctuary are recognized as heroes. They choose to live a second life when they could live for eternity with their loved ones. Lyxan... he's always been different. He's known that too. That's why he tries to avoid people. As much as he loves communicating with other beings, he doesn't want to get attached. He says that reincarnation is not a possibility, instead declaring he only believes in his Dios, his God. I've asked him about his savior before, but he never gives me the details." She stared at the group intently before her eyes landed on Hunk. "I believe that you all recognize someone of importance in Lyxan, and as much as my friend says he loves his job, I know he longs for more."
Hunk's eyes were wet and he sat on the floor heavily, the others opting to do the same. "My... my best friend Lance died four months ago in a really bad accident. We... we think that our time moves differently and that one month out there is five years here. That's why we think that Lance... that he might be the same person as Lyxan."
Queen Cali nodded her head in understanding. "I see. That explains a lot actually. Lyxan just might very well be this Lance person reincarnated. Perhaps you have items that belong to him that you can show him? Items of importance tend to help with the remembering process."
Allura nodded. "Lance was the Paladin of the Blue Lion. Perhaps if he were to see Blue, he might remember who he is."
Cali's eyes widened comically. "Wait... you're Princess Allura of Altea, correct?" She nodded. "Ah, Lyxan has mentioned all of you with reverence. I believe he deeply respects you all, even if he doesn't wish to remember. Let me help you. Maybe then he will truly find what he's been longing for for all these years." The Queen stood, swimming over to the group and helping them to their feet. "Come, let us find Lyxan."
It didn't take long to find the blacksmith, seeing as he'd immediately gone back to his forge and returned to showing Adra how to get the furnace to function.
"-and then you have to push these together, which pushes the water into the furnace, and in turn that lights the furnace! Pretty neat, huh?"
"Yeah!" Adra held the strange device in her small hands, pushing with all her might and watching with wide eyes as sparks began to flicker inside.
"That's it. You just gotta keep trying. Patience yields focus, ya know."
Shiro inhaled sharply, and Cali patted his arm in understanding. Lyxan, Lance, whatever his name was, turned to look at the group that was huddled outside the forge's door. "Hey Adra, let's take a quick break, yeah? We have very important customers." He motioned towards the group, and Cali allowed the eager girl to show her the different weapons. Lyxan stood behind the counter, using a rag to wipe some of the grime off his hands. Smoot covered his face and body though, so it really didn't make that big of a difference. "How can I help you lot? I take it you don't wanna purchase a weapon or jewelry?"
Allura raised her finger. "Actually if you could make me a new necklace with little pearls and Balmera crystals with-"
"Now's not the time, Princess." Shiro turned to look at Lyxan. It was so horribly obvious that this was Lance, even if he didn't quite look the same now. One thing that truly didn't change though were his eyes. They were just as ocean blue as they'd always been. "We want you to come inside the castle, see some stuff for yourself."
The queen made her way over, cradling Adra in her arms. "I'd like to see the Castle of Lions as well. Lyx has spoken highly of it in his stories, and I must know if they're accurate descriptions."
Lyxan sighed, but closed the forge up. "Fine. Let's go then." The Acloranian looked around the queen uncertainly. "Where are your guards?"
Cali smirked. "I told them I'd be with you, and everyone knows that you're more than capable of wielding the weapons you create. Plus, I'm with the Paladins of Voltron. I'm sure I'm in safe hands."
Lyxan sighed, but trudged onwards anyways. Adra still clung to the queen's hip, declaring that she had to see the castle as well. Once on the surface, the group made their way to the castle, Coran waiting at its steps with four mice sitting on his shoulders. "Welcome back, Paladins! I see you've got some guests with you?"
Lyxan blinked for a moment before plowing into the castle, ignoring the knowing looks he got from everyone except Coran who genuinely seemed confused. Allura led Coran inside, her voice quiet so as not to alert Lyxan of their plans. "We believe this man to be Lance reincarnated. While it is strange, Lyxan's quintessence is identical to the Blue Paladin's own, and we think if we can get him to Blue then he might remember his past life with us. Don't say anything though." Allura walked ahead, leading Lyxan and the others towards Blue's hangar. Lyxan's eyes seemed clouded over, almost as though he was reminiscing. "Here is the Blue Lion's hangar. We figured you'd like to see one of the lions for yourself."
Lyxan blinked, nodding his head slightly. "Uh, yeah."
The door swung open, and Blue sat like a giant stone statue, her eyes dead but her shield up. The large party of people stayed behind while Lyxan strode forwards, his hand caressing the shield in a fond way. With a gentle knock, the particle barrier fell without resistance, Blue's eyes lighting up a golden yellow for the first time in four months. She looked down, her eyes staring into Lyxan's own, and in that moment he knew that she was his. He didn't hesitate to step into the open maw, didn't hesitate to sit in the cockpit's pilot seat. He felt his mind relax as images flashed across his vision, and within moments he took a sharp intake of breath.
The Paladins didn't have to wait long for a sobbing mess of an Acloranian to come stampeding out of Blue, hugging Hunk tightly as the rest of the Castle's residents engulfed him in a group hug. "Holy quiznack, I'm so sorry! I'm so frigging stupid and I just..."
"Hey, it's okay Lance. You're home." Shiro places a comforting hand on his shoulder, and that just made Lance sniffle harder.
"I... I don't know what to do."
"What do you mean?" Hunk stared at his best friend's alien features with concern. "Just because you look a little different doesn't mean you are."
"That's the thing though. I am different. And I've built a life here. I... I have a good job, one that I enjoy and that I actually excel in. Don't get me wrong, I want to come back with you all, I just... I don't know if I can. I'm one of the only blacksmiths here on the planet, and the kingdom needs my craftsmanship."
Cali smiled softly, placing her hand gingerly on Lance's shoulder. "Lyxan, you will always have a home here. I'm sure we can find someone who would like to keep an eye on your shop for you while you're gone."
Lyxan frowned. "That's the problem, Cali. A month out there is five years here... and I can't leave the planet like that."
Pidge grinned. "Actually, we plan on staying in the area for a while. So there might be little to no time gap when you come back. We already defeated Zarkon, and the Galra Empire is being rehabilitated by the Blade of Marmora. Voltron isn't needed anymore Lance. But you're part of our family. Once we explore this system a little more, then maybe we can come back for a visit or something?" Lance looked at Allura and Shiro for approval, who both nodded enthusiastically.
Lance turned to look at the two Acloranians. "Then I guess this is goodbye for now. Queen Cali, allow me to escort you home before we leave."
Coran grinned wickedly. "Now who said anything about leaving so soon, my boy?"
Lance couldn't help but return the large smile to the ginger haired Altean. The rest of the day was spent showing the Paladins Lyxan's tiny hut, his 'new' water powers, and even the glowing marks that covered his body. He'd even managed to create a few surfboards, and the group of humans, Alteans, and the Acloranian Queen and the children that adored the blacksmith had a blast surfing and making sand castles and collecting seashells.
Although it was a different planet, Lance knew that this world had become familiar, just as Earth had. And although Lance desperately wished to see his family again, he didn't think he could face them the way he was. He was still Lance, yes, but he was also Lyxan, going by both names and being addressed as such. And who knew what the time gap would be between Earth and Aclorania. Lance brought his dilemma up with Hunk, who'd simply smiled and said if he wanted to visit Earth for a day or two, then it probably wouldn't be too big of a difference between the planets.
The next day, Lyxan sat in the pavilion, giving detailed versions of the final battle where Lance died, and many tears were shed until Lyxan explained that Lance was reincarnated, despite his ideals. "He'd had a small talk with God, and God had said he could return to his family of Voltron if he wished to. Lance had readily agreed, and God turned Lance into a baby Acloranian with silver skin and blue markings. He was orphaned at a young age, taken in by a blacksmith, and taught the trade. He became a well known blacksmith, and by the age of twenty he found his family again." Lyxan had stood up then, grinning widely as the Paladins appeared by his side. "This is my story of how I was reincarnated, of how I found my family not just in the Paladins and Alteans, but in Aclorania as well. This planet has been kind to me, and while I know I am needed here, I have a bigger duty to return to. I apologize for leaving you all, but I promise to return one day." Lance smiled crookedly at Adra and Cali. "The Queen and Adra's family have said they will have young Adra here join me in space for a while, so I can teach her the craft and she can one day teach someone herself. While she is young, I learned how to forge weapons and jewelry and varying objects when I was about her age." Lance gave a sheepish smile to the gobsmacked crowd. "But, yeah... I hope you can forgive me for leaving so soon.."
The crowd erupted into cheers, many prideful townsfolk nodding respectfully to the war veteran that had given so much to the universe and never asked for anything in return.
That night was filled with celebration, and Queen Cali promised to check on Lyxan's forge and hut at least once a week to ensure they didn't get dusty and forgotten. And so Voltron left, exploring the nearby galaxies and adding planets to their star chart.
And Lance? He felt like he was complete once more, with his space family and little Adra that treated him like the big brother she never had.
Lance smiled cheekily at the adventures that awaited them.
A/N: So I started this story today, and I'm really proud to say that I've completed it. I haven't really seen any reincarnation stories for Voltron and I wanted to give it a go and see how I did. Anyways, it's currently 8:09 pm, and I hope you all enjoy this one shot! Maybe I'll even do some fluff ideas for funsies XD. But yeah please Read and Review! Love you all!
Love,
sKaEtrgrL