A/N:Thank you all fellow Paladins for the support!

Summary: Allura has been hiding a secret from the Paladins, something painful from her past forced her to remain quiet. However that all changes when she finds a beloved object of someone she held dear. A simple pendant that hangs around the Blue Paladin's neck. Altean!Lance

Chapter Seven

The following weeks blurred for Lance, he was aware of each passing day and was able to stay focused despite the revelations he knew. The Castle of Lions was as repaired as they could get it presently, but the help Voltron received from people called Olkari was a game changer. Voltron had received a distress signal through asteroid spores from a planet called Olkarion.

It was a planet that melded nature and technology together into one. Pidge had a field day with all the tech, Hunk was enjoying himself as well. However they couldn't enjoy it too much since it was a Galra occupied planet in need of help. Defeating the giant robot cube they had been difficult, but it was well worth it to see that planet had been freed. It also gave them a new ally.

That trip had been a few days, then as soon as they had left the planet Zarkon made an appearance. Allura had been furious and panicked at the very idea that Zarkon could track them so easily. His very own ship and fleet had locked onto their coordinates and wormholed to them.

It was assumed that they had been discovered because the troops they defeated on Olkari must have sent a signal of their whereabouts, but Lance didn't believe that to be true. He didn't voice these thoughts yet. Not until he was either certain or could prove another cause. The Castle of Lions was hidden and relatively safe for now, but Allura was exhausted.

Lance watched as she collapsed after they left the wormhole, he hardly realized he had made it to her side just as she hit the ground. What he knew was the faded bond they possessed from his years as Casimir allowed him to sense her. He could feel the energy around her flickering, he wondered just how much strength it took to open a wormhole. Surely she couldn't go on like this.

Coran started working excessively on the Teladuv, without it they were stuck waiting for Zarkon to arrive again. He claimed he did not need any help, so everyone decided to leave him be as it wasn't urgent they get on the move just yet. The Paladins were mostly anxious waiting, but there was nothing to be done. Hunk and Pidge were messing around with some science stuff, Allura was sitting with Shiro in the command room which left Lance and Keith in the pool area though that didn't last long.

When Zarkon arrived with his fleet again, everyone was nearly on panic mode. All the Paladins made it to the main room ready to join the fight. Pidge went down to help Coran while the rest remained up top.

Allura was growing more frustrated and afraid, it should have been impossible for Zarkon to track them down this quickly. How he was managing to do so was escaping her, but she knew if they did not find out how he tracked them and stop it, they would never get away. Keith and Lance were focused on using their drones to attack any of the fighter ships headed their way, luckily the sudden team exercise they had endured at the pool was paying off. Pidge and Coran were doing the best they could, but the Teladuv was far from ready. Time was running out, they had to go.

Coran gave them the go ahead, a small jump was possible. It only gave them a minute of relief.

Zarkon still found them soon after, they had maybe half an hour of time to get the generator up to speed. Forming Voltron, the Paladins fought the fleet and managed to lead Zarkon's ship into the metallic storm. He would be subdued, but not forever. And with the Teladuv crystals still broken, things were not looking good.

Pidge suggested using Hunk's cookies which had traces of scualtrite, the element needed to redirect the beams for the wormhole. Coran arranged Hunk, Keith, Pidge and Shiro inside the generator. Lance would have gone with them, but Coran insisted the four, plus the former royal advisor, were fine. Lance didn't believe this to be true, but he decided it was best not to argue. Time was of the essence, it couldn't be wasted on arguing or stubbornness.

The blue paladin went up to Allura. When he arrived, she looked worse off than the last time he had seen her. Her skin had paled tremendously, a thin layer of sweat coated her face as she leaned heavily on the pillars. While he was still uncomfortable talking to her, he just had to focus on her as his friend rather than long lost sister.

"Are you sure you can handle this," Lance asked as he came beside her, "You look terrible."

Allura offered him a weak smile, "Thank you for your candor, but I assure you I can do this."

Lance did not appear convinced, but there was nothing he could say.

"They're in position," shouted Coran over the speakers.

Lance stepped back as Allura started the wormhole, but something went wrong. Lance looked at the monitor ahead, he could see his fellow paladins in position and saw Coran frantically working on his station.

"It's not working," Coran cried out, sounding terrified. Had the situation not been as dire, Lance would have laughed.

"Do you need another body down there," Lance asked, he angled back just in case.

Allura questioned, "What is it, what happened? Zarkon is right on top of us!"

"I've got to shine the stones," realized Coran, "In ten ticks try again!"

Coran realized the stones weren't reflecting properly, so as he quick as he could began to shine them up with the sweat he had from the Slipperies. If focused on that idea, it sounded gross, but it would definitely save their lives. Once all the stones were shined, which took all of ten seconds, Allura tried again to call on the wormhole.

IT appeared before them, flickering to life as the Castle moved to it, only for it to disappear right before their eyes. Lance felt his throat tighten, along with the terror he could practically see coming from all the remaining Paladins and Coran on the monitor. This might very well be the end. A pulse of panic went through Lance, but he did his best to shove it aside.

A strangled cry barely escaped Allura's lips as she tried to call on the wormhole again, but it would not come. Lance watched as more sweat coated her paling skin, how tense her body had become along with the labored breaths she took.

"What's happened up there," Coran called out frantically, "We're ready, in the position it should work this time!"

Lance answered, his tone slightly frantic as well, "Allura's too weak. She can't do it on her own."

"NO, I can do this. I will ensure the paladins and Voltron continue this fight," Allura choked out angrily, softer she said specifically to Lance, "I will not allow Zarkon to cost me my brother again."

Lance felt his shoulders sag at her words, she tried again gripping the pillars at her sides tightly. The pale blue light flickered to life, but it wasn't strong enough. He knew it wasn't going work. Time was running out, Zarkon was probably charging his canons right now getting ready to blow the castle and Voltron away.

"Father, will you show us how to open a wormhole," Allura asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Casimir jumped up and down, "Yes, please, please please father."

King Alfor looked at his children with a warm smile, "Alright. You're both still a bit too young to do it on your own so I'll do it with each of you so that you see and feel what it's life."

Casimir and Allura said in unison, "Thank you father!"

A pit in his stomach formed as the memory faded in and out, he recalled how to open the wormhole. Lance looked at the Altean princess and realized what he had to do. He jumped onto her station, she jerked in surprise. Her eyes held the question.

"What are you-"

"I've got this," Lance interrupted, "And I'm sorry, for all of it."

"Lance, what are you," Allura didn't get the chance to finish when Lance pushed her off.

Quickly, he stood in her place while she collapsed on the floor behind him. His hands rested on the pillars on either side, he focused on the pit in his stomach and with every fiber of his being called to it. Lance ignored the protests from Allura, he ignored the questions of the others from the monitors. He was going to get them out of there.

Lance closed his eyes.

"The important thing to remember Casimir is you have to feel it," King Alfor said softly, "That tug in your stomach, and for some in their chest, is the feeling to call on the wormhole. Do not fight it, follow it."

Listening to the memory, he followed the tug he felt in his stomach until he was at it's mercy. The blue light came to life around him, the teladuv beams were brighter than before and went to each stone in rapid succession. The wormhole came into view. Lance felt his chest tighten as he steered the ship forward into the wormhole, a full jump would be made.

Allura could only stare at Lance in surprise as he guided the ship through the wormhole, the blue light around him had yet to fade away. She could make out small surges of energy around his frame, like flickers of static, until she brought her gaze up to his head. Several locks of his hair had turned to a pale white that matched her own.

Coran had told her that there was a chance Lance would revert to the age he was when he left that day or that only his appearance and DNA would change from what it was now. At first she thought it was unlikely that either would occur, however looking at him now she had to wonder which scenario would come true.

Lance lowered his hands to his sides, he stared ahead at the wormhole he had opened. He had expected to feel exhausted beyond belief, so tired that he could hardly stand. Yet he felt more alive than ever, as if he had just stepped off the blue lion after a great flying moment. Despite himself, he wore a bright smile.

"You did it," Allura said coming to stand beside him.

Lance looked at her with a forced expression, "Yeah. I guess so."

Allura put her hand on his, this time he didn't flinch away. He just looked at her with pained blue eyes. As she studied him now, she noticed he appeared to look more so like Casimir had. The white locks around his head and the faded sickle marks on his cheeks were any indicator.

"I'm proud of you," Allura told him honestly, the words evident by her face, "I am so proud of you as Lance or as Casimir. Both are my baby brother. Whatever happens Lance, you must know that I love you."

Lance visibly swallowed, he nodded, but said nothing in reply. That was fine with Allura, she could feel the gratitude coming from him and the care he felt for her.

"Your hair is, it has white locks in it," Allura told him gently, "And it appears that your sickle marks are there on your face, although a bit transparent."

Lance moved his hand to touch his cheek where he assumed the sickle marks would be. Once the tips of his index and middle finger came in contact with the barely visible mark, he jerked his hand away. He felt it against his fingers and if he focused enough, noticed the difference on his cheek through movement.

The blue paladin shrugged, he smiled casually, "Hopefully the new hair and marks will help me win over some hearts."

Lance winked at her and Allura could only roll her eyes.

Keith had been spaced out for the majority of their time after fixing the Teladuv, it was hardly noticed by the other Paladins and Alteans except for Shiro and even Lance. The Red Paladin had spent a lot of his time thinking about the blade he possessed, the one that his mother had left behind and about what Shiro said when they stranded not long ago.

Your mother had to go Keith, it was her time.

HIs dad never said whether or not his mother died or if she had abandoned them. Only that his mother was gone. The only hint Keith had was his dad telling him that she left the blade for him. Despite Keith's desperation to know more about her, he never had the heart to ask. Once his dad died when he was still a kid, any hope of answers was long gone.

I want you to lead Voltron.

Shiro had said when he was on death's door that he wanted Keith to be the leader should anything happen to him. But Keith did not want to be a leader, he did not want the paladins to follow him. That was Shiro's job, to guide them, all of them. It was not his role to play.

"Keith should go with you."

Keith jerked out his trance then, he looked to the owner of the voice to see Lance talking to Shiro. The base of the Blade of Marmora had sent them the route to get inside, but only to allow two people to go. It was obvious Shiro would go, but who he would bring with him was called into question. Or perhaps not.

He had been paying close attention beforehand, when they spoke about the base's location. Between two black holes with a star at its center. Perfect defense or the perfect trap. Hunk and Allura did not want to go through with this, but Keith recalled his outburst. They had to do this, they had no other option.

"Even though he's a hot head and could likely shoot first then ask questions later," Lance continued with a sly smile, "The Red Lion is the best when it comes to needing a timely escape. With Zarkon still connected to the Black Lion, Shiro shouldn't fly it near their base."

Keith raised an eyebrow at Lance. Usually the Blue Paladin was quick to write him off or go on about their rivalry. Though Keith knew Lance wasn't his favorite person, the now Altean held something against him from the Garrison. Recently that seemed to have faded away with the revelation.

Lance was still the same, he joked around, talked a lot like he used, but everyone noticed it was forced. LIke he was trying too hard to act the same. And all the white locks that made a crown line around Lance's head wasn't helping. Though Lance had to admit, he thought it looked cool.

When it came to Voltron however, he was a lot more serious. He still joked around, made his remarks, but was quicker in terms of getting down to business. Not to mention his decision making was good, better than it had been in the past.

"And the Red Lion can withstand the heat of that star better than others," Pidge pointed out.

"It's settled, let's go," Shiro said.

Forty Vargas later

The Paladins and Alteans had waited for awhile. Coran, Hunk and Pidge had been trying to get in contact with the Red LIon, but there had been a lot of gravitational interference, along with the solar flares. However when Red started moving, they were able to get an eye on the location of the two paladins. The problem came in when they discovered the Red Lion was attacking the base.

Lance felt a knot form in his stomach, Pidge and Hunk looked at Lance and Allura alarmed. They knew coming here was a gamble, but the each had to admit they hoped for the best and this was not it. The castle was gearing up to move into position and help the Red LIon, however Shiro had radioed in.

"Princess," he called, "We're coming in. We're bringing someone you should meet."

Pidge and Hunk cheered at that when the Red Lion came into view. Coran sighed with relief and Lance smiled happily, Shiro and Keith were just fine.

Though Allura was relieved to know two of her paladins were safe, she had to wonder just exactly who Shiro was bringing onboard. And she was incredibly curious about why the Red Lion had been attacking the base.

When the Red Lion landed, Keith and Shiro exited with a Galra, who called himself Kolivan. He stood before Allura and the Paladin for a moment, his eyes quickly scanning over each of them.

"Princess Allura," he said, his gaze flickered to Lance as he genuflected, "It is good to see that the rumors are true. You are still alive after all these years. Prince Casimir, it is a surprise to see you here as well. No one has spoken of your return with the Paladins."

Lance winced at Kolivan's words, but said nothing. Allura noticed Lance's discomfort and narrowed her eyes at Kolivan. She was surprised that Lance was recognizable as Casimir when he only had locks of white hair and barely seen sickle marks. Not to mention, the last time anyone had seen Casimir, the prince of Altea had barely entered his pubescent years.

Though the princess wanted to question the Galra, she decided against it. The attention would only make Lance more uncomfortable, not to mention there were other more pressing matters to discuss.

"Zarkon is still alive as well it would seem," commented Allura, her tone took a darker turn, " Can we consider you our ally in the fight against him?"

"Yes, but we have little time to discuss this," said Kolivan as he stood to his full height.

To everyone's surprise, Lance spoke, "Zarkon's onto your spies isn't he?"

Kolivan nodded to the prince, "I had received word from our spy inside the Galran hierarchy. They have become aware of our presence, how did you know prince?"

Lance shifted in his spot, he looked at Allura, "When I found the knife Zarkon had given me, I also found notes that he had me write. Ways that they would sniff out traitors and spies, battle tactics and more. Based on his recent movements and some… energy differences, it makes sense that Zarkon had found a spy."

Allura nodded to Lance, then turned to look at Kolivan, "How does this affect us?"

"Our timetable has been moved up," Kolivan answered, "We need to get started, now."

The plan was far from simple, but it was brilliant and would bring a decisive end to Zarkon if all moving parts were executed correctly. Shiro, Allura, Kolivan and a few other blades stood around the hologram of Zarkon's ship, which was identical to the shape of Galra's crest. Shiro, Kolivan and Allura had done most of the talking during this meeting, Hunk and Pidge had been further off to the side.

Keith was standing opposite to the 'leaders' as he studied the blueprint of Zarkon's ship. The plan would be a good one, that much he knew, but if too many things went wrong, there was hardly any wiggle room. Any error could mean the end of the entire mission and cause a devastating blow to the Paladins and the Blades.

Though the Red Paladin had been a little more than distracted, he was still aware of what was happening around him. His violet eyes flickered to Lance, who was standing a few feet away from Allura, several locks of his hair mirrored that of his siblings all white hair.

The change in hairstyle hadn't been mentioned by the Paladins until Lance had said it himself, saying he was digging the new look. However he said if all his hair turned white, he wouldn't be thrilled, but at least it would different.

All things considered, Lance was handling the adjustment much better his running away episode and him taking over the wormhole to get them away from Zarkon. Lance was doing his best, Keith and the others knew that, but they also knew something else was going on.

Lance looked at Keith then with a small smile. As it turned out, Lance wasn't the only part alien onboard the castle of lions. Originally Keith had wanted to keep it a secret, especially from Allurra. No one here hated the Galra, but none of them liked the Galra either, including Keith. He had spent his time going over his viewpoint of all Galra, how most of them were cruel and on the wrong side of the war. The Blades made him see a bit different when they were first introduced and after the revelation of his heritage, he wasn't sure what to think.

"I think we've got something here," Shiro commented, "It's dangerous and there are a lot of moving parts, but if we can coordinate everything just right, then-"

"Zarkon's reign will be at an end and the savagery that's poisoned our universe can finally be cleansed," said Kolivan, a tone of finality, "You've done it Shiro."

Shiro offered him a smile, he extended his hand, "We did it together."

Allura spoke then, "As long as we all stick to the plan, it should work."

"Allura," whispered Lance in slight warning.

The princess saw him from the corner of her eye, but did not look at him. She knew that her prejudice was getting in the way, yet she did not care. Her mind had been made up.

"It will work," Kolivan replied, "Perhaps then you'll learn that not all Galra are as bad as Zarkon."

Allura glanced at Keith then as she recalled the words he had told them, about the revelation he had learned.

My dad gave me this blade, he said it belonged to the my mother. Only someone with Galran heritage can awaken these blades and that's what I did when I was searching for answers there.

You're half Galran.

Yes, I guess I am.

"I hope not," said Allura quietly.

A voice on the screen, the Galra named Antok, spoke, "Ulaz was right to trust you all."

Shiro replied, "He sacrificed everything to bring us together. Let's honor him by taking down Zarkon."

Hunk, who had been sleeping during most of the meeting, asked the group, "So what's the plan?"

Lance grinned, a spark filled his eyes, "Hunk buddy, I'm glad you asked. Allow me to explain."

Lance gestured to the ship, "First we're going to infect Zarkon's ship with a virus. Then we make an extra large wormhole, which will accomplished by myself and Allura, and we will lure Zarkon inside of it. This will zap him a bajillion light years away."

"Then," Lance shouted, before lowering his voice, "when he pops out on the other side all like 'oh, why doesn't my ship work?' Voltron swoops in and kicks his butt! We won for all the time! It's amazing."

"Wow," Hunk said with a sigh, "So this is it."

"The only question is, when do we strike," asked Pidge from her spot beside Hunk.

Coran pulled up some schematics as he explained, "As soon as we build a teladuv big enough to wormhole Zarkon's ship."

"Aw man, the teladuv again? Wait does that mean we need more scaultrite," asked Hunk with a frown.

Allura answered him, "That's only one of the many things we'll need."

"AM I sensing a trip to the space mall here," Hunk said hopefully.

"I'm afraid not," Coran told him somberly, "This is gonna take a lot more scualtrite than we can find in any Unilu shop. For this plan to succeed, we're going to need to split up. We all have a task to do. Keith and Hunk, you two are in charge of getting the scualtrite."

Hunk and Keith nodded, the gravity of the situation weighing on their shoulders.

Coran continued, his gaze fell to Lance first, "Lance, Pidge and Shiro, you will be going to Beta Traz. This is one of the most secure prisons in the universe and inside is someone important we're going to need. The prisoners name is Slav, a brilliant scientist and technician who will be instrumental in getting this teladuv up and running. Don't forget Lance, as soon as you have acquired Slave-"

"I'll meet Allura at Balmera to get a powerful crystal," Lance said, he looked at Allura, "We've got this."

"Good. In the meantime I will be at Olkarion helping to oversee the construction of the teladuv," Coran said with a nod.

"That's everything then, it's time to move," said Shiro.

"If anyone of us fails," Coran said bitterly, "the entire plan fails."

Lance spoke, a new confidence and optimism in him, "Good thing none of us will fail."

The Paladins and Alteans went down to the launch bay where the yellow lion was waiting. Hunk and Keith said their farewells to everyone, though Allura did not say goodbye to Keith. The revelation was still too much for her to bare and she could not see past it. Lance assured Keith she would come around, but the red paladin wasn't so sure.

Once the yellow was gone, it was time for the blue lion to take off. Originally, only Pidge and Shiro were supposed to get Slav while Lance was to stay with Allura to get the crystal. However given the size of Beta Traz along with needing someone to be overhead guide, Lance was needed there as another body to search the place.

Hopefully they would find Slav easily enough allowing Lance enough time to get to Balmera to help find the crystal big enough for the teladuv. The size of this wormhole could be opened by one person, but the problem was the strain it would place could be devastating if not distributed.

Without Lance, Allura would just have to do it on her own and hope for the best that it does not take too much from her. With Lance, the wormhole would have a better chance of stabilizing and neither Altean would face any horrible side effects.

The only issue that this would cause would be Lance having to make it to the Blue lion as quickly as possible once through so Voltron could be formed. It had been decided that Voltron would be formed once Zarkon's ship was through the wormhole, not a moment sooner.

"Lance," Allura said softly.

The Altean siblings were standing on the side while Pidge and Shiro were still talking to Coran about the upcoming mission.

"Yes," Lance answered.

Allura took a breath, "Be safe out there. If it were up to me, I would stop you from going, but I know you're needed. Just, just come back."

Lance offered her a small smile, "No worries, I'll be back before you know it and we'll be getting that crystal together"

"We will," Allura said, she wrapped her arms around his neck, "I love you. Please return to me."

Lance returned her hug, he gave her a squeeze, "I promise…. I love you too."

Allura choked back tears at his words. Their relationship was still shaky at best, not as strong as either would have liked. Yet to hear this meant the universe to Allura. Everything would work out, Zarkon would be defeated and all would be right with the universe again. She just knew it.