Chapter 3: Return of the Gladiator

At Zarkon's command center, Haggar and the Druids were sending their Quintessence towards a black and purple ball. Beneath it was Zarkon, who was given the Quintessence and powered up by it, given his dark armor a bright color red. As he opened his eyes, Haggar gave a report after surveying Myzax's travels.

"Sire, the beast is almost to Arus."

"This Quintessence gives me so much power, I could fight the Paladins myself."

"There is no need. My creature will destroy them and capture the Voltron lions for you. Then, the most powerful weapon in the universe will be ours."

Then, Kaecilius spoke up.

"There's a line between confidence and arrogance, Haggar. Guess which end you're standing on?"

"I'd tell you the same, Kaecilius."

"If Voltron is as mighty as you suspect, it's only natural that Myzax be slain dead. This is the way with the Galra, is it not? I wonder if the prisoner will understand that?"

Haggar thought she knew who he was talking about.

"You mean the Champion? You told me before he is a lost cause."

"He is. And always will be. I was merely speaking of one who bears our blood: Lapis."

At Arus, the team felt like they were getting close to perfection as Shiro congratulated them.

"Great job training today, guys. We're really getting the hang of Voltron."

As they walked, Lance, Keith, Lapis, and Jenny were catching up on their events.

"Seriously, how far do you think my lion kicked that broken alien ship?"

"At least a quarter around the world!"

Keith, however, did not share Jenny's enthusiasm.

"Yeah. That'll come in handy when the Galra challenges Voltron to a soccer match."

"They can do that?"

Lapis chuckled at Jenny's imagination.

"No, Jenny. Keith's trying to say it's not all that useful."

"You sure? Maybe they won't challenge us to a soccer match, but we should still be able to kick whatever they toss back at 'em!"

Hearing Jenny make her point, Lance felt vindicated, only for Keith to rain on his parade before Jenny pulled out the umbrella again.

"See? Jenny thinks it's cool."

"Your kick ruined our balance. We fell."

"That's what practice is for, isn't it? To get better?"

Belle saw the whole scene and broke it up.

"Okay, you guys. Save your energy for fighting Zarkon. Trust me, you will need it."

Just then, Babak and Coran came in with the latter holding a dish in a metal lid.

"Hello, all. How was your practice?"

Shiro felt they were making good progress to answer.

"We're getting there. Are you guys done fixing the Castle so we can leave this planet? I feel like we're sitting ducks here on Arus."

Babak could agree with him.

"You and me both. But, not to worry. We're nearly done in our repairs."

"In the meantime, to get your minds off those duck seats you're worried about, I made you guys an authentic Paladin lunch!"

Jenny thought it was about time as her stomach grumbled.

"Oh, good! Because I'm starving!"

When Coran lifted the lid, he revealed a sort of alien sponge with green, blubbery tentacles, causing everyone to groan in disgust (except Shiro, Lapis, Belle, and Jenny). Hunk wasn't exactly thrilled.

"Coran, you just got me hooked up on that goo and now you're switching it up?"

Coran gave his reason for this.

"This is packed with nutrients."

Belle was worried about the meaning of nutrients, still being new to Altean customs.

"And what exactly does it mean where you come from?"

Then, Jenny scooped a bit of it and smelled it, retching as she did not like the way it smelled.

"Yuck! It smells like diesel and skunk stank on a dead pigeon."

"I know! That's how you know it's healthy!"

Then, Jenny covered her nose as she took a bite and swallowed it, expecting the worst. But instead, she found herself enjoying the flavor.

"Huh. It's... actually not that bad. It tastes way better than how it smells."

As Jenny chowed down, the others looked on in disgust while Hunk made a demand for change.

"Coran, we're on a planet now with fresh herbs, spices, and whatever this thing is. A tuber?"

Babak analyzed the item Hunk held and knew what it was.

"Actually, it's an Arusian vegetable."

"Perfect. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to head back to the kitchen to spice things up."

Hearing this, Belle laughed a bit to herself.

"Good one."

"And I didn't even have to make a joke."

As Hunk walked to the kitchen, Shiro wondered where Pidge was.

"Where's Pidge?"

Belle wondered the same thing about a certain someone's sister.

"And for that matter, where's Sandy?"

Coran didn't see any reason to worry.

"They're probably checking on those prisoners we rescued from Zarkon. They'll all be waking soon in the infirmary."

Jenny turned to Shiro and tried to convince him to eat.

"You should really try this, man. It's really good for you."

Shiro, still not convinced, decided to give an honest answer.

"No. Just... no."

As Shiro walked away, Jenny just shrugged.

"Eh, your loss."

Then, Belle spoke up next, not willing to eat the goop in front of her.

"I'll go check on them, too. It... was kinda my fault they were in that position."

Coran saw that as an excuse to cut out of lunch, but knew that part was true as well.

"Alright, but you better come back when you're done, you hear?"

Belle shuddered at the thought of having to try Coran's dish as she walked with Shiro.

"You don't know what you're missing!"

At the sleep chamber, Pidge was tapping his foot in anticipation as Sandra leaned against the wall when Belle and Shiro came in with the latter speaking to Pidge.

"You're as anxious as us."

"These aliens we saved know something about my family. They have to!"

Belle could easily tel lhow stresed she was as she spoke to Pidge while sitting beside him before Sandra spoke pragmatically.

"I hope so."

"Me too, but how are we gonna know this isn't some wild goose chase?"

Pidge had an idea to convince Sandra that they would know it's not.

"They recognized Shiro, didn't they? They called him 'Champion.' What does that mean?"

As much as she'd like to remember, Belle found difficulty due to her brainwashed experience. The same could be said for Shiro as he spoke up before her.

"I don't know. I don't remember much from that time."

"I wish I knew. That time with Kaecilius brainwashing me did a number on my memory."

"But the way those guys looked at me when we freed them... I don't know if I want to find out."

"Well, at least you didn't end up mind controlled."

Just then, a pod opened up, signaling its completion as the prisoner drew his breath. To his horror, he saw Belle beside him. He initially staggered back as she tried to explain.

"No, wait. It's okay. I won't hurt you. Not this time."

"Then what do you want?"

"This isn't just about what I want. It's what they want."

Belle motioned to the two Paladins before speaking to him again.

"First off, why do you call Shiro 'Champion?'"

At the kitchen, Hunk made some finishing touches on the lunch and smiled at his handiwork while Lance chuckled with glee. Immediately, Lance, Keith, and Lapis chowed down on the modified lunch, much to the chagrin of Jenny, Babak, and Coran just as Allura walked in.

"They like the Paladin lunch."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Well, I do. I liked it before it was cool."

As Jenny chewed on her lunch, Allura gave the report.

"I just got the final nebulous booster working. We should be able to leave Planet Arus tomorrow and take the fight to Zarkon."

Just then, an alarm beeped, causing everyone to be frightened at first until Allura swiped her arm to reveal the Castle's security systems have picked up an odd, small creature with ram horns. Seeing this, Keith and Jenny got confused.

"What is that?"

"That's the weirdest goat I've ever seen."

Babak had a different theory from Jenny's belief.

"That's no goat, whatever it is. It's a local Arusian. The Castle must've frightened him."

Hunk didn't believe so.

"Then why is he pedaling toward the Castle?"

As the Arusian in question ran to a rock and stopped before looking around, Lance felt caution was premature while Keith felt it best to prepare.

"Doesn't look too dangerous."

"You never know."

As Keith got his bayard ready, Allura felt it unwise.

"No. Alteans believe in peace first. Let's go welcome them."

Babak didn't want to waste time, however.

"But, princess, you are aware we have a tight schedule, don't you?"

"I know, but we owe them this much for housing us there."

As they went outside, the Paladins grew anxious to meet the Arusian with Hunk, Jenny, and Lance stating their desire to meet him.

"So adorable!"

"I know! I could just eat him up!"

"Hey, maybe we can knit him a little sweater!"

As Keith and Lapis remained in the room, Lapis held his hand.

"You know, things are different on Arus than on Earth."

"Exactly. I'm not taking any chances."

Then, Keith and Lapis picked up the pace and caught up with them.

Outside, the Arusian scrambled when the Castle doors opened and took cover in a bush. However, the cover didn't work.

"Greetings. We know you're there. No harm will come to you."

The Arusian jumped out of the bush and grunted as it got its weapon ready. Despite this, Hunk found it adorable.

"Aw!"

However, Keith wasn't quite convinced.

"Wait! He could be dangerous."

"How could this little guy be dangerous?"

As Jenny rubbed under his chin, the Arusian quickly got irritated and poked her in the chest with its weapon.

"Ouch! Not much for tickling, are ya?"

"See? Drop your weapon!"

"No one takes Klaizap's weapon!"

Lapis hears the name and grew curious.

"Klaizap?"

"Keith, put that away! Please, kind sir, accept my most humble apologies."

Then, Klaizap noticed Jenny and thought twice about her this time.

"I'm sorry for striking you. Our kind just doesn't like to be tickled down there."

"Okay. Apology accepted. So, who are you again?"

"I am Klaizap, bravest of our warriors. Our village is over Gazrel Hill. I come seeking answers as to why the Lion Goddess is angered with her followers."

Coran and Jenny grew curious while Babak had a notion about what Klaizap was talking about.

"Followers?"

"Lion Goddess?"

"Who exactly is this 'Lion Goddess' you speak of?"

Then, Klaizap pointed to a stone carving showing a humanoid lion giving wisdom and guidance to the Arusians.

"The one the ancients spoke of."

Allura smiled as she asked.

"What makes you think she's angered?"

"Destruction is everywhere. In the past few suns, fire and darkness has rained from the heavens and two giants have danced in the sky."

Hearing this, Jenny knew what he was talking about.

"Oh, that. Well, you didn't actually make her mad."

"How can you be so certain?"

"Because I am Jennifer Shaybon. My friends call me Jenny. This is Allura and this is our Castle."

Then, Klaizap gasped as he looked at Allura and Jenny and knew that it could only mean one thing, as far as his species could predict.

"Lion Goddess! And her princess!"

Then, he bowed to Jenny, much to Lance's astonishment.

"Wow. He's going cuckoo for you guys, Jen."

"Yeah. I got that. Anyway, Klaizap, can you please take us to your village? I'd like to get to know all of you."

Babak, however, felt pressed for time and didn't want to waste another moment, not even to socialize.

"What about getting the Castle ready to face Zarkon? This seems like a waste of time."

"Don't forget, Babak. Part of the Paladins' Mission is to spread peace and diplomacy. Arus has been our host for 10,000 years. These people deserve our thanks."

Then, Babak exaggerated his moan before reluctantly agreeing.

"Fine. But if Zarkon gets here, it's on your head."

Jenny pouted at Babak in response for saying it to Allura.

"Oh, lighten up, grumpy."

At the sleep chamber, the prisoners woke up and were offered refreshments to recuperate. Pidge wanted to know something from the prisoner.

"So, how long were you held captive by Zarkon?"

"Some for years. Decades, maybe. It's hard to tell. Time becomes a blur."

"Then you must have been there when my dad and brother arrived. Sam and Matt Holt?"

"I never knew their names, but I certainly remember the other three Earthlings that arrived with Champion. One of them was enslaved by Kaecilius, as you know."

Belle didn't need to be reminded of that.

"All too well. But why do you call Shiro 'Champion?' What does that mean?"

"You really don't remember?"

When Belle shook her head, the prisoner found it appalling.

"Unbelievable! Champion was a legendary gladiator, undefeated in the ring. He defeated an infamous Galra gladiator known as Myzax. That was the day he earned the name 'Champion.' I was there, as was the young Earthling and and your Galran friend."

As the prisoner explained, Zarkon, Kaecilius, Haggar, and Kren watched as Myzax swung his mace around, the dark purple orb following his swings. Then, Lapis, Shiro, and Matt were mortified as the Galra drone stepped up. Then, Shiro took the weapon from the drone and attacked Matt viciously as Kaecilius watched.

"We were all prisoners, forced to fight for the entertainment of Zarkon, despite Kaecilius' insistence for another candidate to take their place. That day, we were set to fight Myzax, a vile beast many thought could never be defeated. Slaughter awaited us all. This 'Matt' was the first of us sent to fight. But fate had other plans. He was so thirsty for blood, he injured his fellow Earthling."

Hearing this, Belle covered her mouth in shock while Sandra raised her head in surprise as Pidge immediately showed disbelief.

"You attacked my brother? Why?"

Shiro was getting scared as well, considering it was totally out of character.

"No, it can't be true."

"You've gotta be kidding about that right? Shiro would never do that."

"I was there. We all were."

Disbelieving in such a cruel act that would be done by her closest friend, Belle tried to back him up.

"There's got to be more to this. Like a reason he did what he did?"

"The only thing of notice that comes to mind was how he demanded blood outright."

Unfortunately, Belle couldn't bear to hear any more if this and refused to accept it as she throttled him.

"No! That's not true! Don't you dare lie to me!"

Shiro saw her panic and tried to calm her down alongside Sandra.

"Belle, stop."

"Take it easy."

Belle saw what she was doing and set him down as Pidge asked the prisoner.

"After my brother was injured, where was he taken?"

"I know not."

Given such a negative answer, Belle was beginning to lose faith as she slumped on the seating.

"Then, how are we supposed to know what really happened? I'm obviously no help."

Then, Shiro remembered the Galra Ship they were captive in, giving Pidge an idea as Belle's hopes were lifted up again.

"Wait. That ship we were held captive on crash-landed on this planet. They'll have logs of prisoners, some information."

"Of course. With any luck, we could find out what happened to them."

"I'm coming with you guys."

As they took off, Belle turned back to the prisoner she throttled before and felt sorry for him.

"Listen, whoever you are, I'm sorry for throttling you. I'm just... scared that it might be true."

"I know. And for brevity's sake, you can call me 'Xi.'"

Then, Belle smiled at him, knowing that he doesn't fear her anymore.

"Okay. See you later, Xi."

At that moment, Belle looked to Sandra before she spoke.

"Well? Aren't you coming?"

"Nah. I'm staying here t look after these guys. Tell Pidge to be careful for me, okay?"

"Sure. You got it."

Back at the village, the villagers were quite taken with the Paladins as Hunk held rocks for them while Coran held one of them as if she was his daughter. Then, the King of the Arusians spoke to Allura and Jenny.

"Oh, Lion Goddess, Lion Princess. I, King of the Arusians, formally beg your forgiveness. Please have mercy on us and accept our traditional Dance of Apology as atonement for our wrongdoings."

"Wait. The traditional Dance of what?"

Then, to answer, Jenny's query, the king clapped his hands before a villager ran before Allura and Jenny, and prepared to dance in their honor.

"Commence Dance of Apology! Hoorah!"

Then, as the King bowed, the Arusians cheered and played the drums as the villager wobbled her body. Jenny felt embarrassed and didn't want to see any more.

"Uh, this is actually a bit much. Can you dial it back a bit?"

"Moontow, halt!"

Then, Moontow stopped where she stood, literally, as the King spoke.

"The Princess has refused the apology. Start the sacrificial fire. We must throw ourselves in."

That instantly caused Jenny to panic as she saw the Arusians on a stick over a fireplace, making it all the easier for her to take it back. "No, no, no, no, no, no! Don't do that! That's not necessary."

"So, we may proceed with the dance?"

Jenny blushed before she answered.

"Yeah."

Then, the king clapped before the dance could continue. At the end of the dance, Moontow bowed, as did all the others. Jenny felt immediate pressure and just wanted it to stop. And she knew Allura wasn't the only one.

"Guys, come on. You can stand up. I appreciate what you're doing, but I don't really deserve this. It's our fault for getting you in this mess. We're the ones who should be sorry."

"But if you're not the Lion Princess, then who are you?"

"I'm Jenny Shaybon. And I'm part of the Voltron Paladins. Allura here is a Princess herself. She's no more Lion Goddess than anyone here. That said, can you take over from here?"

Allura smiled as she agreed on her behalf.

"Of course. Although we originally came from different worlds, and have very, very, very different traditions, we wish to live alongside you as friends."

"But the robotic angels, have they not come to destroy us because of our immoral ways?"

"Voltron? No. In fact, those mighty robots are here to protect you. Let it be known that Voltron will protect every innocent being throughout the universe!"

Then, the Arusians cheered as they swarmed around the Paladins. As for Keith, an Arusian jumped up and hugged him, much to Lapis' surprise.

"Huh?"

"I don't usually hug strangers, but, uh..."

Then, as he petted the Arusian, Lapis smiled at this.

"Man, you are cuddly."

"Thank you."

Then, Lapis laughed at Keith for cuddling a male Arusian, causing him to blush.

At the Galra Ship, Shiro, Belle, and Pidge were sneaking inside the ship until they got to the panel as Pidge spoke up.

"This looks like the master control board, but there's no power."

Then, Shiro and Belle had an idea as the former spoke to him first.

"All you need is power?"

"Yeah, but one that's compatible with Galra tech."

"Well, we've got you covered."

Then, Belle and Shiro activated their robot arms and used them to power up the main control board, making Pidge impressed.

"Whoa. I can't believe you got this to work."

Then, Pidge opened a menu as he spoke.

"My dad's and Matt's whereabouts must be logged in here somewhere."

Then, Pidge proceeded to download them.

"Once I download this information, I'll find some way to decipher it back at the castle."

At that moment, Belle decided to go the extra mile just to be safe.

"I can speed the download up for you."

With that, Belle altered the board in favor of the download speed for the information just as they heard clattering.

"What?"

Much to their surprise, there was one Galra left on the ship that was still alive despite the crash-landing, but he was unconscious as Shiro spoke up before Pidge.

"A Galra is still here?"

"What do you think we should do?"

After looking at her arm, remembering the Galra's role in its creation, Belle had an idea on what to do while Pidge disagreed.

"It'd be handy to see what he knows."

"There's no point. Everything we need to know is right here."

Then, they heard rumbling outside and saw a giant ship headed toward them. Shiro and Belle widened their eyes before they responded.

"Oh, no."

"This is bad."

Pidge wanted to know what was going on.

"What is it?"

Shiro answered Pidge while Belle felt the need to evacuate.

"Something just entered the atmosphere."

"I'm not exactly sure what it is, but it's big, it's Galra, and it's headed right at us. We've gotta go before it flattens us into pancakes."

As Belle tried to remove their arms, Pidge stopped her.

"Belle, don't move! We're so close to getting the answers. I'm not going anywhere."

Given their situation, Belle grunted as she saw the ship then back at the download, which thankfully was 90% done. Then, in a second, it was finished.

"Okay, it's good."

With that, Pidge, Belle, and Shiro made a break for it, but remembered the unconscious Galra. Instinctively, Belle ran to grab him and immediately bolted out of there with Shiro and Pidge. As they flew, with the Paladins using their jet packs while Belle held onto him while Pidge held on the Galra, much to her surprise, Shiro called out to them.

"Huh? Belle!"

"Sorry, Pidge. Not taking any chances."

"Team, come in! We need backup!"

At the village, Allura and the others were listening to Shiro's voice.

"Hello?"

Jenny was the first to respond.

"Shiro?"

"Where is everyone?"

"I'm here. What's going on?"

As if to answer, the ground shook, scaring the Arusians. Then, they saw a giant ship about to crash-land on Arus, making Allura worried as Keith spoke up on what to do.

"Oh, no."

"We gotta get to our lions!"

As the Arusians ran, Allura, Jenny, and Babak were crowd control as the first two spoke up.

"Everyone get inside and stay down!"

"Yeah, and stand single file, please!"

Hunk joined in the crowd in an attempt to stay away.

"I'm on it!"

Babak, however, grabbed Hunk's collar and tossed him out.

"Not you. You're the Paladin of Voltron, remember?"

Hunk whimpered as Babak stated this fact.

Meanwhile, Shiro, Belle, and Pidge, along with their hitchhiker, took off away from the ship as Pidge took a look through the contents.

"Looks like we've got everything!"

Belle felt this was too close to call, considering what could've happened.

"Good, because I refuse to be smashed into a pancake."

As they flew off, the giant ship crashed and caused an inferno. As Shiro, Belle, Pidge, and the unconscious Galra flew off, the Black and Green Lions ere able to salvage them and provided themselves as shields. When the explosion was over, the lions stood up as the Paladins looked upwards. Belle was confused by what had occurred.

"Okay, can someone tell me what just happened?"

"Our lions just saved us."

"Did they? I didn't know they could do that."

Suddenly, the giant ship that landed disassembled itself and turned the red beacon on as Myzax awoke and stood up before he scanned Shiro and the others with his robotic eye before he spoke to Pidge.

"Get in your lion!"

Then, Myzax summoned his energy ball and tossed it with a thrust as Shiro, the Galra, Belle, and Pidge got into their lions and were able to avoid it successfully. However, Myzax thrusted his arm back, causing the ball to swerve and hit a mountain. As he swerved it toward Pidge, the Green Lion fired a blue light at it, only for it to dissipate in a puff of smoke and hit Pidge with a groan as the Green Lion fell. As Pidge looked up, he saw Myzax beginning to attack again when Shiro countered him. However, he was able to get Shiro off of him and toss him to the ground. Before he could attempt to strike again, Myzax was suddenly interrupted by multiple blasts from Keith and Lapis in their Red and Violet Lions as the former spoke to her, Lance, and Hunk.

"Lay down some covering fire so they can get out of there!"

"Got it!"

"I'm on it!"

"Right!"

With that, the Blue Lion joined in on the attacks, infuriating Myzax as Hunk darted at him.

"Check this out! Battle-lion head-butt!"

With that, Myzax was hit in the back by the Yellow Lion and fell to the ground before Keith checked on Shiro.

"You guys okay down there?"

"Still alive for now."

Then, Myzax stood up with a sinister chuckle, causing Lapis to recognize him from her time as prisoner.

"Myzax. What happened to you?"

As Lapis didn't receive an answer from the robeast, Hunk had an idea about who summoned him there before Lapis confirmed it.

"So, the Galra are behind this?"

"I think so, but I've never seen anything like it."

Lance tried to come up with a plan against Myzax.

"So, what's the plan? Shoot at it with everything we've got? Take out its weapon? Call it names?"

Jenny, however, knew there's more to this monster than the Galra cruisers as she spoke through the communicator, to which Shiro agreed on.

"This isn't gonna cut it this time, Lance. From where I'm standing, it might as well be a super tank compared to those cruisers."

"Jenny's right. If we want to take this monster down, there's only one way to do it. Form Voltron!"

Then, the lions roared as they formed together into Voltron while the Violet Lion became the Violet Voltron. As Myzax growled, Shiro gave them an instruction.

"Remember, we are one unit, fighting with one goal."

In preparation for their advance, Myzax summoned a dark energy ball in his right hand. Then, Myzax swung the ball at Voltron, who evaded it before it proceeded to attack with a punch, which Myzax blocked. In retaliation, Pidge mobilized to punch Myzax with an uppercut before he staggered back and blocked their overhead assault. Then, Myzax swerved the ball into Voltron's back, colliding him into the ground. Then, he swung it up and down toward Voltron, who scrambled away from it as Lance and Hunk grew surprised.

"I thought Voltron was the most powerful weapon in the universe!"

"Yeah, so how is this monster kicking our butts?"

As the ball began to go towards Voltron again, Lapis used her Violet Voltron to block it and shoved it upwards. Myzax took the opportunity to attack both Voltrons as he smashed his fist into them and knocked them all the way to Gazrel Hill, where the villagers were hiding as Keith grew worried before Lance piped up.

"Oh, no. The villagers."

"We've got to protect these guys!"

As the Arusians, along with Allura, Babak, and Coran, were hiding in the caves, Voltron was knocked back to the village, only to use its jets to hover away from it.

"That was close!"

With that, the Voltrons flew away from Myzax, who snarled at them as he turned. Pidge pointed to the group about one other problem to take care of.

"We got him away from the Arusians, but we can't take him down!"

Then, Lance came up with an idea, remembering how Jenny supported it.

"I got it! I'm going to power-kick that orb!"

"No! The last time we did a kick, we fell!"

"What else can we do? Besides, with Violet here, it'll be a piece of cake."

Considering this, Shiro felt it might have potential in their situation.

"Actually, that's not a bad idea. Lapis, I need you kick back when I say so."

Lapis wasn't sure about that any more than Keith was.

"A-Are you sure? I never tried that maneuver."

"Just kick the ball when I say. That's all you need to do."

As Lapis nodded, Myzax thrusted the orb at them as Jenny got the Blue Lion ready. Then, when it came in range, Voltron kicked the ball toward the Violet Voltron as Shiro shouted.

"Now!"

In response, the Violet Voltron acted on instinct and kicked it back at Myzax, who took the full brunt of the attack and toppled backwards. Having been hit, but not out for the count, Myzax stood up as the ball returned to him as Lapis spoke.

"Well, that didn't work. Every time we focus on that orb, Myzax blindsides us, and every time we focus on him, the orb hits us. How did you ever defeat that thing the first time?"

Shiro gazed at Myzax as if remembering him and knew he was familiar.

"I know how to beat him!"

Belle was getting impatient at the moment.

"Then do you mind telling us?!"

Myzax darted at Voltron and swung his fist as he yelled, only for Voltron to get out of the way.

"Listen, there's a loud sound when the orb returns to the base of the weapon, and every third time, the orb needs to charge up. That's Myzax's weakest point. That's when we strike."

Hunk thought it was under-explained.

"Okay, so what do we do in the meantime?"

Lapis shouted to the Paladins as Myzax attacked again.

"Look out!"

In response, the Violet Voltron summoned a shield and blocked Myzax's volley as she spoke to Shiro.

"I'll hold it back while you guys take him on when he's charging!"

"This won't be easy, Lapis."

"Good. I wasn't expecting easy."

Then, Myzax proceeded to swing again, hitting her shield, causing her to shake a bit.

"Okay, that's two. One more!"

As it barely stood ground, the Violet Voltron took the hit and maintained its shield for a moment before it got disabled while the Violet Voltron went down on its knees with Lapis taking her breath from the exhaustion of holding it back as Myzax called it back and charged it as Shiro saw the opportunity.

"Now!"

Then, Voltron fired a laser at Myzax, sending him back a bit before an explosion occurred. However, Myzax remained where he was before Pidge and Lance spoke.

"It didn't work!"

"So now what?"

Then, Voltron got sent back by the orb swung at them, making Lapis worried as Shiro remembered a crucial detail while he grunted.

"Guys!"

"When I attacked him before, I had a sword!"

Then, Hunk acted like an alarm to signal the others.

"Orb! Orb!"

Suddenly, Myzax's orb collided with Voltron before Pidge gave out their likelihood of surviving.

"We can't take another shot like that!"

Suddenly, Keith felt the Red Lion talking to him as a panel opened up revealing a bayard-shaped keyhole as he spoke up to them while Lance felt the need to instill urgency.

"Wait a second, guys! I think my lion's telling me what to do."

"Well, whatever it is, hurry up and do it! He's about to fire his third shot!"

However, Myzax swung it at Voltron knocking him away, much to Lapis' worry.

"No!"

Then, Myzax mobilized toward him as Keith tried to stand up in the cockpit as it spoke in a somewhat mechanical voice blended with his original.

"And now, the Champion... DIES!"

Then, Myzax leaped to finish Voltron, only for Keith to yell as he thrusted the bay are into the keyhole and allowed Voltron to summon a sword and defeat Myzax with a single slice, causing him to fall to his knees before exploding. After which, Voltron swiftly made a pose with the sword in victory as Lance and Hunk spoke up.

"Yeah! We did it!"

"How did you do that?"

As Keith removed the bayard, he stated his surprise and gratefulness.

"Whoa. Thanks, Red."

Back at Zarkon's command center, Hagar grew frustrated, having feared that Kaecilius' words have rung true.

"NO! I'll make another, more powerful."

However, Zarkon seemed to have anticipated this as well as he spoke to her.

"That won't be necessary. Kaecilius has mobilized himself and his own Robeast toward Arus. I've given him instructions to Sendak for how to proceed."

"Can he be trusted?"

"Of course not. But he has shown examples of true strength, time and time again. Somehow, I find myself... entertained to have him as my rival."

Back on Arus, under the cover of darkness, Sendak and Haxxus were overseeing the shipment.

"Zarkon has challenged us to rise from the mud and prove our worth. We will not let him down."

"Sir, how are we going to take the Castle with just the four of us and five damaged sentries?"

"By exploiting our enemy's weaknesses."

"What weaknesses?"

"The worst weakness of all; They value the lives of others."

Then, Kaecilius and Zaltron stepped forward.

"Interesting suggestion. But, for one of our Paladins, it will ultimately be her undoing."

At the Castle, the Paladins were seeing the prisoners off with Lance, Jenny, and Sandra speaking to Xi.

"Good luck out there."

"Yeah. I hope you all get to your homes safe and sound."

"And preferably not captured by Zarkon again, I hope."

"Thank you all for everything. We never dreamed we'd see our families again. But you gave us hope. You gave the universe hope."

Later, outside, Lapis, Belle, Sandra, and Shiro were walking towards Pidge on the balcony.

"Pidge, there you are."

"Hmm?"

Lapis decided to level with him before Sandra spoke up next.

"Sandy told us about what happened to your brother."

"You okay?"

"Just fine, Sandy."

Then, he turned to Shiro, still in disbelief over what happened, as far as Xi knew back then.

"Why would you hurt my brother? You were friends."

"I did it to save him."

"What?"

"It's true. I should know, because I was there, too. If you remember, that is."

"My memory of the event came back when we were fighting Myzax."

Back at the gladiatorial stage, Kaecilius glared daggers at Shiro as they awaited their omen that is Myzax as Shiro explained.

"Your dad was being sent off with the weaker prisoners to a work camp. Meanwhile, Matt and I were forced to fight in the gladiator arena. Matt was going to fight first, but he was scared. We all were."

"I'm not going to make it. I'll never see my family again!"

As Matt trembled, Shiro and Lapis comforted him as they spoke.

"You can do this."

"We'll figure a way out somehow."

Then, Matt gasped as the drone emerged and pointed his sword at Matt, only for Shiro to act enraged and snatched the sword from the drone, catching Kaecilius' attention and angering him.

"This is my fight!"

Acting on false bloodlust, Shiro slashed it at Matt, injuring him just as Kaecilius teleported. Then, Shiro jumped into Matt, locking his arms in place with his hands as he shouted.

"I want blood!"

"Enough, filthy animal!"

Unable to bear any tolerance on his antics, Kaecillius shocked Shiro with his dark lightning, forcing him off of Matt.

"If you desire blood that badly, perhaps you'll be Myzax's victim instead. May you die a thousand deaths, mortal."

Then, Kaecilius teleported back to the throne and Lapis ran over to Shiro as Matt backed away with the former speaking to him.

"Shiro! Are you okay?"

As an answer, Shiro only turned to Matt and spoke.

"Take care of your father."

Then, the drone carried Shiro away into the arena.

"You saved him? You attacked him so they would choose you instead."

Then, Pidge teared up before hugging Shiro while the mice climbed on his shoulder to do the same.

"I'm so sorry I doubted you! Thank you! Thank you so much!"

Then, Shiro hugged Pidge back as he spoke up.

"I can tell you really miss them. I know they miss you, too. Your brother and father would be proud of you, Katie."

Hearing this, Pidge widened her eyes in surprise as she looked up.

"Sandy? You told him?"

"Actually, he figured that out on his own."

"Don't worry. Your secret's safe with us."

As they watched the sunset, Pidge brought up a question concerning their findings.

"So, what did you guys find on that data?"

Then, Lapis remembered her findings based on what Pidge and Belle were able to download.

"Oh, right. Strange enough, there weren't any findings on Matt or your father. That'd be strange enough on its own, but then there's this."

Lapis pulled up a video file from Kaecilius.

"This is Kaecilius. Log date: 5-15-13. Today, everything I've expected mortals to be has been proven true. For I saw it with my own eyes. A mortal seeking blood and attacking his own comrade. That, in turn, has led to a much deeper truth. The Galra are alike in that aspect, but we simply let it purify is, strip us of weakness. Alas, these humans can be easily corrupted by it. All mortals are. From this action, I've gained a deeper understanding, wisdom. The realization that all mortals not of Galra origin should be destroyed. But I mustn't act on it just yet. Once Voltron is removed, my plans for achieving true justice shall be made manifest: a truly just and peaceful utopian existence. And it'll begin the way this wretched era will end: the absolute sword of The Lost Knight."

Seeing that footage, Shiro tried to decipher the meaning while Sandra poked fun at him.

"Wow. I guess he has it out for everyone. Everyone in the whole universe..."

"Well, talk about a boring one. I'm not so sure I'd like that one bit."

Confused on that prospect, Lapis felt it to ring as ominous as she spoke about his project.

"But... who is this Lost Knight, though? That's the real mystery."

Shiro only stood up as he gazed at the sunset while he spoke.

"I don't know. But whoever or whatever it is, we'll have to be ready."