A/N: Sorry it took me so long. I was taking care of my RWBY story for last week. To make up for the delay, here is the beginning of Season 3 of Fate of the Defenders, with new characters including Syn who will be voiced by Garrett Hunter and Kurziam who will be portrayed by Amber Lee Connors (the two characters will be the new generals for Lotor alongside Zethrid, Acxa, Narti, and Ezor. Compliments of the house. :)

Chapter 27: Change of Heart

Out in the quantum abyss, Keith and Jenny were in their lions, searching for any sign of Shiro and Ayame since their last battle, staring fixedly on the scanner.

At the command center's bridge, Kaecilius' skin withered as he shouted in agony before the jar containing the mix of Dark Quintessence exploded, knocking Ayame to a wall and causing her to pass out while Voltron performed one last slash as Omegus roared in defeat.

Having found no results, Keith and Jenny sighed in despair.

"There's nothing there, Jenny."

"You mean there's no one here."

Coran spoke to the two solemnly as the lions headed back.

"I'm sorry, both."

Just then, Jenny saw a blue-haired Altean out in space and grew surprised.

"Coran, I stand corrected. Someone is out there!"

With that, the White Lion took off, concerning Keith as she got close to the eclipse.

"Jenny, wait!"

As the White Lion got closer, it opened its jaw and closed them to allow the Altean inside before she spoke.

"I got her. Now let's head back."

Suddenly, a bright yellow light exploded out and engulfed other planets in it as Jenny and Keith looked into it.

Jenny and Keith witnessed a look into the future as they saw a masked girl in an outfit suitable for the Galra as she shook hands with Acxa before it showed Varek transmutating his aura blade into that of a scythe before slashing at the lions with a dark red and black wave, causing the Paladins of Voltron to scream in anguish as Ayame and Varek's voices overlapped.

"Maybe we were just tired of being pushed around!"

"YOU WILL DIE TODAY!"

After receiving the vision, Jenny and Keith shook their heads before Coran spoke.

"Are you alright? That flash made you see the future, didn't it?"

"Yeah, we're fine."

"Wait. How do you know that?"

"Well, Jenny, if you must know, Krolia gave me a good tidbit about it."

"Huh. Well, anyway, let's go back."

With that, the lions took off for the Castle, with an unknown Altean in tow.

In the Castle, once they landed, Jenny went into the mouth of the White Lion and saw a familiar face. She was the one who has helped her twice now.

"Alphus?"

Three weeks later, Coran walked into Allura's room to see her sniffing her dress, to which she noticed him and grew surprised as her eyes widened before she explained herself.

"I'm worried it smells a bit musty. It's been awhile since I've had to look presentable."

"The Cubserions just declared independence after a thousand years of oppression, so they probably won't notice."

Babak knew otherwise.

"If that was the case, Coran, she wouldn't be as puffed up as a Trufalian Meringue."

"This is going to be a serious diplomatic meeting."

As he fluffed up the dress, Coran spoke to Allura.

"Remember, Princess, 70 percent of diplomacy is appearance. Then, 29 percent is manners, decorum, formalities, and chit-chat. It's only about one percent, uh—"

Babak finished the last one for him.

"Serious business about fighting for the freedom of the universe?"

"Yes, that. Oh, and I forgot the hors d'oeuvres."

"No, Coran. They're 15 percent of diplomacy. And manners, decorum, formalities, and chit-chat come at 14 percent."

"Oh, yeah. That's it."

Allura then spoke up next.

"We just freed these planets. Do you really think they're ready to come together to fight the Galra?"

Coran knew the answer to that as he considered the feelings of other beings as well as she did.

"I don't think it's a question of wanting to fight back, but of believing that it's possible. It's up to you to give them that faith."

Allura, still overwhelmed with the burden of looking after the wellbeing of the whole universe, felt otherwise.

"It should be Voltron."

"We can't always put the fate of the universe in the hands of a giant weapon. At least, that's what your father believed."

Then, Alphus walked into the room.

"And I believe it, too. But there has to be a time when it isn't enough. The whole universe needs to know this, too."

"But how can we let them know this, Alphus?"

"I don't know. But... I think I know someone who might."

At Planet Puig, the Blue, Yellow, and White Lions were flying into battle as they were being chased by Galra fighters before the White Lion sent out heat seekers from its back and decimated the fighters before Jenny spoke.

"Got him, guys."

Lance spoke to Jenny next before speaking to Kolivan.

"Thanks, Jenny. About 30 ticks to the drop zone. You ready, Kolivan?"

"Affirmative."

However, Jenny noticed on her radar that there were cannons under the edge of the cliffs before she spoke up.

"Hold on a tick. The cannons are targeting you. I'll take them out for you."

With that, Jenny targeted the cannons under the cliffs before she sent out heat seekers toward them, destroying them and ensuring safe passage before she spoke to them again.

"Okay, you're all clear."

Then, Lance spoke to them.

"Just approaching drop zone. Opening hatch in three... two... one."

Then, as the hatch opened, the light revealed Kolivan, Vrathrea, Lapis, Krolia, Zaltron, Adea, Luzria, Caxas, Jareth, and Atchiam (who now bears two metal arms similar to Shiro and Belle's mechanical arms except the coloring was similar to the Blade of Marmora's attire and with claws) before Kolivan shouted to them.

"Go, go, go!"

Then, the group all jumped out of the hatch before engaging in a brawl against the Galra in a battle-scarred city as Adea slashed through several drones with her scythe before Luzria lightly stabbed a drone. Moments after, those behind it immediately shut down and collapsed as a white mark appeared on it and the other drones. Meanwhile, Atchiam produced a light pink energy blade on the top of the palm similar to her machete with electricity sparking around it before going after a super Galra drone, jumping above it, and slashing downward at it, disabling the machine before it came apart, the electricity sparking around it before the drone exploded. After which, she noticed the towers exploding and saw a smoke trail that led her to see the White Lion before Jenny spoke to her through the radio.

"You guys okay?"

"We're all good down here."

Just then, Atchiam looked up to see the Galra ships retreating before the three lions landed. At the same time, Vrathrea turned to Kolivan.

"What is going on?"

"It appears the Galra forces are evacuating."

Then, Hunk shouted at the retreating Galra.

"Yeah, and stay out!"

Later, Hunk, Jenny, Lance, and the Blades were getting to know the Puigians, who looked up at the lions in awe. The leader of the Puigians looked over to Adea, Atchiam, and Luzria before they smiled at him as the first of the three waved to him.

"Uh... hi."

Normally, he'd hate give the Galra a glare of suspicion, but due to their age, he just waved back to her, not quite sure what to think about this.

"Hello."

However, Lance was mainly focused on Jenny, as he saw her looking up to the sky, wondering where her best friend had gone. He then walked over to her before speaking to her.

"Hey, Jenny. Still thinking about Ayame?"

"Yeah. It's been driving me nuts since we defeated Zarkon."

Lance then placed his hand in her shoulder, having been told of her vision after finding Alphus.

"Well... wherever she is, I'm sure she'd be proud of you."

"Thanks, Lance. I appreciate it."

Then, Hunk walked over to them, having eaten the Puigian's foods.

"You know, based on our recent battles, it seems like the Galra Empire is kinda just falling apart."

Kolivan, however, knew it was destiny.

"It's more than that. Look."

They found themselves staring at the cave wall, depicting the defeat of Zarkon and Omegus as Lance widened his eyes.

"Whoah!"

"Word of Voltron's triumph is spreading."

Hunk saw the only drawback.

"Yeah, I guess the only problem is that we can't form Voltron anymore."

"That cannot stand. The universe needs Voltron."

Jenny felt differently about the situation after what what had happened to Ayame.

"Does it, though?"

Lance grew confused at this and worried for her before the Puigian leader spoke to them.

"Lions of Voltron, the people of Puig thank you for delivering us from the evil hands of the Galra Empire."

Lance reminded the Puigian leader about the Blade of Marmora's involvement.

"Don't forget the Blade of Marmora. We couldn't have done it without Kolivan and his team."

Lapis spoke to them in respect while Adea spoke up with a smile.

"It was our honor."

"Just doing our job, sir!"

Feeling uplifted by her spirit and positivity unbecoming of any Galra, the Puigian leader and several others sported a look of pride toward them.

"I'm sure you were. I want to pledge to you that every able-bodied Puigian will join Voltron in the fight against the Galra. Speaking of Voltron, where is it?"

Hearing this, the crowd started cheering and then chanting its name, causing Jenny, Hunk, Lance, Adea and the others to grow nervous as Hunk leaned over to Lance discreetly.

"I think this might be a problem."

Then, Alphus spoke to Jenny on the radio giving Jenny relief as she didn't have to deal with the debacle before she got in the White Lion and spoke to her.

"Jenny. This is Alphus. Come in."

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

"I need you back at the Castle immediately. There's something important we need to discuss."

As if being relieved of having to explain the concept wasn't enough, she began to believe that Alphus had located Shiro and Ayame as she beamed like a Cheshire Cat.

"On my way!"

With that, the White Lion took off, leaving the other Paladins alone on Planet Puig and stressing out Lance.

"Hey! Jenny! We need your help!"

Back at the Castle, Pidge was watching the video of Matt's escape received from Beta Traz, eyeing every detail. Just then, Coran came up behind her and spoke.

"Oh, number five, you're back! How was your mission?"

"I talked to some members of the desert tribe on Planet Kythra who have these same large feathered ears. They're not friendly to Zarkon, but they couldn't help me identify the person in the footage. So, that's a dead end. Now, these flappy, loosey, pant-thingies..."

"Are skort pantaloons. Very breathable."

"Right. They're traditionally worn by the Tando people."

"Yes, in the Valurian quadrant."

"Right, that's on the other side of the galaxy. And what's this mask thing that they all have on their faces?"

"Hm, no idea. But it appears to be a perfect blend of fashion and function."

"Okay, so, my brother was either taken by intergalactic fashion pirates, or... maybe the outer reaches of the galaxy are occupied by freedom fighters that are starting to work together against the Galra Empire!"

This made Coran remember a certain part of himself that dinner a blue Baron's outfit around his shoulders with his arms outside of the sleeves.

"You know, I don't mind telling you this, but I was considered a fashion pirate in my day. I used to have a bogwaggle cape that I trained to sing my theme song whenever I entered a room."

As he chuckled, Pidge wasn't quite impressed as she got back to work.

"Maybe this will help. While I was gone, I had the system analyze the sound of the explosion from the prison break."

Then, Pidge played the audio footage of the explosion before Pidge quickly identified it.

"Huh. Nanothermite titanium-boron. Hey, maybe we can track that."

"Good idea. While you do that, I'm going to check in with Jenny, Lance, and Hunk and see how things went on Planet Puig."

He then walked out of the room, leaving Pidge to her work.

Meanwhile, Jenny walked in to see Alphus in the main hangar before she smiled at her.

"Hey, Alphus."

"Hello, Jenny."

"So, you said you had something to tell me?"

"Yes, I did. As you know, the Black Lion has been offline since your battle with Omegus."

"And..."

"And soon, they're going to start asking questions. I'm sure you were there for that. But..."

"But you managed to find Shiro and Ayame, right?"

Alphus only showed a look of sadness before Jenny repeated herself more sensitively.

"Right?"

"No. Although I was able to find a fragment of Shiro's Quintessence... Sadly, I couldn't find Ayame's."

"What? Alphus... I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but why am I here then?"

"What I really wanted to tell you was... you have to convince them to stand up for themselves."

Jenny widened her eyes in shock before she figured out what it meant to her.

"I don't believe what I'm hearing. You're... you're telling me she's..."

Alphus sensed what she was about to say and cut her off before she could.

"I never said that. She could've turned into... someone else."

"Someone else..."

That made Jenny remember her travel into Ayame's mind and saw her dark side from before.

"You mean she could've turned into Xaira?"

"I'm so sorry, Jenny. I really am."

However, that made Jenny smile before she spoke to her.

"Don't be."

That stunted Alphus before Jenny explained.

"If Xaira's alive, then that means Ayame's alive, too. She has to be. They kinda come as a set, if you remember. Besides, you looked in the whole universe to find them for me. It wouldn't be right for me to at least thank you for trying."

That made Alphus smile before she expressed her gratitude.

"Thank you, Jenny."

"No, Alphus. Thank you."

At the lounge room, Lance, Jenny, and Hunk were talking with Coran, Pidge, Sandra, Belle, Keith, Allura, and Babak about their adventure in Planet Puig.

"They haven't figured out the flatbread situation yet, but what they do with those centipedes is out of this world."

"And they're totally ready to fight against the Galra."

Pidge grew happy with that.

"Nice!"

"We brought back a few of their leaders while Lapis and her team got Sneren to come over and join the coalition."

Allura was proud to know that it would take place.

"That's splendid, excellent work!"

Lance grew relaxed with the way things are proceeding.

"You know, I gotta say, this is what it's all about. Freein' the people, lovin our ladies, then bombin' down the road again looking for adventure, Voltron style."

That made Hunk remember a drawback to this.

"Which brings up a little issue. They all want to see Voltron, only we really don't have Voltron anymore."

For a while there was silence before Jenny and Keith spoke up.

"We don't have Shiro and Ayame anymore, either."

"Everyone else in this room seems to have forgotten that."

After a moment of silence that followed, Allura spoke.

"It may be difficult for us all to accept, but I think it's time to think about finding a new pilot for the Black Lion."

That stunned the Paladins as they all looked to her in surprise, even Jenny before Keith spoke.

"No! Shiro and Ayame are the two people who never gave up on me. I won't give up on them."

With that, Keith walked out of the lounge room as the group looked to him while Jenny held her head down, understanding where he was coming from.

At the command center, a masked female Galra with a luxite switchblade with a purple jewel at the center of it was meditating with dark purple mists swirling around her before Haggar came into the room in the form of Honerva before she spoke to her.

"Xaira."

"Yes, 'mother?'"

Understanding the angry tone she took in saying her name, Honerva spoke to her sincerely.

"I want you to know that I hold no grievances against you since your display against Varek and Kaecilius. And... I also apologize for my previous hostility."

Xaira, who bore a sentimental look under her mask, just shrugged it off before speaking back to her.

"Whatever. Apology accepted. Is there anything else you have to say?"

"Yes. That explosion of Dark Quintessence did more than just knock your... counterpart unconscious. The Druids have found that it was also capable of a transmutation previously unknown."

"That bad, huh?"

"I'm afraid so. I shall conduct my search with them until we can confirm the source. Until then, General Zygmar will report to you and update you on the Empire's... imperial matters."

"Understood. And you're sure it's wise to place my weakling of a brother under my care?"

"Lotto isn't as weak as you believe, Xaira. You'll see."

With that, Haggar let herself out before resuming her 'Haggar' guise and turning to a Druid.

"No one other than General Zygmar is to be allowed in Xaira's chamber."

The Druid then bowed down to her before speaking.

"Vrepit Sa."

After he left, Commander Throk walked up to Haggar before he tried to get answers.

"Excuse me?"

"What is it, Commander Throk?"

"Would it be possible to speak to Princess Xaira today? Another planet was lost to rebellion and I feel she must be informed."

"Princess Xaira is fully briefed on all imperial matters. She certainly doesn't need your input."

"Of course. It is just that I fear if we do not take decisive action soon, the Empire will crumble completely, given its vulnerability now that Zarkon has vanished."

As he spoke onward, Throk never realized that a dark figure in a black and red cloak was seeing their conversation.

"Rebel activity should be crushed with our full might before more planets are inspired to fight against us, whether it be with Voltron or the Drule Empire."

Then, Haggar reminded Throk of the one currently in charge.

"She is very well aware of that. Which is why Prince Lotor has arrived at headquarters at Xaira's request to take command of the Empire. Under her guidance, of course."

Throk grew confused at the situation and felt it odd.

"Lotor? Why is he not looking after his sister? I'm sure she's been through a lot since she was... sent away."

Haggar spoke back to him.

"Xaira needs no one to look after her, least of all you."

As she walked away, Throk growled at her before the figure smiled and vanished in a dark mist. Soon after, a chameleon-like Galra appeared out of thin air sporting a look of confusion and wonder.

"Who was that guy?"

At the Castle, Allura, Babak, Alphus, the Blade of Marmora, and the Paladins were at the table with multiple aliens and Sneren seated across from them.

"It is our honor to have you all here together."

The Puigian leader expressed his delighted surprise to the Princess.

"I had the biggest bunker back on Puig, but it wasn't nearly this nice."

"Well, I spent the last decade in a spiny thistle thicket. You look wonderful though, Princess. I'm glad I put on my best tarp."

Then, the purple alien spoke to Alphus.

"And I'm glad you have returned as well. The universe couldn't thank you enough for what you've done for us before."

As Allura and Alphus smiled at the their words, Hunk arrived in an apron and with a tray of Earth food.

"Welcome, everyone. Welcome. I've prepared a few Earth canapés for our guests to enjoy while we talk galactic diplomacy."

After which, Sneren took the opportunity to speak to them.

"The Blade of Marmora has gathered this intelligence."

With that, Sneren showed half of the universe in purple light with the other half glowing dark red before he spoke on.

"As you can see, the Galra Empire is still the most massive ruling force this universe has ever seen. And to make matters worse, since Zarkon's defeat, there's also a new Empire following the leadership of Kaecilius known as the Drule Empire. Even if they aren't at each other's throats, the sheer size of both of them together is almost incomprehensible. It seems like it could rule for another 10,000 years."

That had one of the alien diplomats shuddering in fear as Lance turned to Jenny.

"Not the way I would have started this pep talk, but okay."

"However, we are also beginning to see rebel activity spreading throughout both sides of the Empires."

To illustrate this, a good ton of planets glowed blue, forging a red, blue, and violet coring in the room as the aliens looked up in awe before Alphus spoke.

"We have a strategy to bring these forces together, free more planets, grow our numbers, and accumulate an army that can defeat the Galra and the Drules in major battles. But without your help, it'll be impossible."

The purple alien and the Puigian leader were reminded at that point about a certain warrior that vanquished Zarkon.

"The forces will all fight behind Voltron, right?"

"Yes, where is Voltron?"

Allura grew nervous before she pointed out the Paladins across from them as Hunk was eating his food while waving, Keith and Sandra were gazing at them in an emo state, Pidge moved her glasses up and down, Belle did a salute sign toward them, Lance did a grin at them that usually attracted the ladies, and Jenny simply smiled at them.

"Th-the people you see before you are the Paladins of Voltron. Together, they pilot the mighty lions that form the great warrior."

"Uh... hi?"

"Excellent! Can they form Voltron now?"

"Uh, well..."

However, Keith wasn't willing to let this go by with everyone seemingly not caring about Shiro or Ayame.

"We can't form Voltron, okay?! We can fly the lions, but Voltron is not happening."

The aliens gasped before Jenny tried to point out a certain factor with the White and Violet Lions.

"But..."

"But nothing. Shiro and Ayame are gone. He was the Black Lion and, Jenny, she was your best friend. I'm surprised that you would even let her slip away."

"Keith..."

As Jenny tried to stand up, Keith barked at her.

"Sit down! Until we find them, there is no Voltron!"

Jenny gave him a stank face before replying.

"Thanks, Keith. Way to keep it discreet."

Then, Kolivan stood up next as he spoke to the dignitaries and motioned to Adea, Atchiam, and Luzria.

"The lions, two of which are able to enter their own Voltron state, are a substantial fighting force. And this Castle is also a considerable weapon. The Blade of Marmora can lead you."

"Hi."

The purple alien, though met with Adea's innocent smile, wasn't convinced.

"My people have been enslaved for centuries by soldiers who look exactly like them."

Luzria immediately took offense to that.

"You think we're proud of that? Our homes were taken away by the Galra Empire just as easily as yours was. Except we didn't have to rely on Voltron until we needed him."

The Puigian leader felt his point was made clear.

"Exactly! Our people heard the legend of Voltron, how he defeated Zarkon, how he defeated Omegus. That is what gave them hope. What are we supposed to tell them now?"

As Keith tensed, Jenny slammed her fist down on the table, getting everyone's attention before she spoke rashly.

"With all due respect, sir, you're being completely ridiculous asking the question you already know the answer to. Tell them to stand up and fight for themselves."

Then, Jenny stood up before she spoke onward.

"Don't get us wrong; we'll help you. But we— Voltron can't always be there to protect you when you need him, any more than we could be there for our friends. Zarkon wasn't the only loss the battle caused. We lost two of our best friends to this war that we were fighting for you, and after everything that's happened, you're still expecting more from us."

As she tried to speak onward, Jenny began to shed tears, thinking about how Ayame was always there for her since she found her.

"Every day since then... I wake up thinking about how unfair it was that I'm still here..."

The Puigian leader felt sorry for Jenny as he tried to comfort her.

"I'm sorry. We didn't realize—"

Then, Jenny spoke up again more determined than saddened, though her tears remained.

"But did I give in? No. I decided to stand up and fight. If I can do that after losing the people I cared about, then you can stand up and fight for your own people just as easily. Voltron will stand by you, but he can't fight all of your battles. You need to fight back and prove you're not to be pushed around. Because if you can't... then what's the point of any of our lives?"

Then, Jenny turned to Keith and glared at him.

"And as for you, Keith, I'm surprised you'd think that after everything she did for me, you'd really think I'd let her slip away. If anything, you're the one who never bothered to go in after her. Some friend you turned out to be."

With that, Jenny walked out of the kitchen and through the door as Keith looked at her in shock over how she snapped at him calmly while Lance was displaying tears over such an emotional preach of hers.

"That... was heavy."

Then, Hunk laughed nervously before he got out another tray with two Earth foods.

"Pizza roll? Pig in a blanket?"

The Puigian leader made his selection first.

"I'll have a pizza roll."

At the gladiator arena, a masked figure was fighting a giant as Throk spoke to the General with hooks for hands known as Zygmar.

"I tried to speak with Princess Xaira today, but the witch stopped me again."

Zygmar was beginning to have doubts.

"I fear her condition is worse than she is telling us."

"Agreed. And now Prince Lotor is taking over? We fought by Zarkon's side forever, and we are passed over by this exiled brat? Why couldn't he have chosen Xaira as his heir?"

"Don't forget, she was presumed dead after birth shortly. By everyone. Xaira aside, I've heard rumors that he fights along his enlisted men like a lowly private."

"Worse than that, his top generals aren't even pure Galra. They're all half-breeds at best. I understand Xaira's case, given that she was of Zarkon's blood, but at least she didn't have Altean blood. He has no honor."

"Some say he allows the planets he conquers to rule themselves. Can you imagine? It's basically luring the Drule Empire to catch the bait when we're so unprepared."

"Clearly, he is a dangerous lunatic, not unlike that Kaecilius. I've already spoken with the other officers in my sector. They've all agreed to back me if I fight for the throne. Normally, I'd never think of such a thing, but..."

Zygmar then began to consider how Xaira truly felt about Lotor as he had a flashback of him walking to her moments before the gladiator match began.

"Princess, Lotor has just taken his position as Emperor of the Galra Empire."

"Is that a fact? How disappointing that the weakling is the one who gets the throne..."

"What choice do we have?"

"Then you'll support me?"

"Yes."

Throk smiled at his acceptance before a black and red-cloaked figure appeared in the shadows of the arena and watched the battle as Zygmar went on to speak of the figure.

"Who's this little fellow?"

"I don't know, I've never seen him before."

As they fought, the "little fellow" jumped over the colossus before he struck the countering beast, causing the sword to land far away in the ground blade first before the beast fell and the crowd cheered. After the match, the crowd cheered before the victor removes his helmet to reveal white hair and a lavender face with blue eyes within the yellow sclerae, earning Throk's shock and horror present in his face.

"Lotor!"

Then, Lotor held his sword up and pointed it to the potential insurgent.

"Throk. You wish to challenge me? Then come down and claim your crown."

That earned gasps and whispers from the crowd before he spoke onward.

"True Galra do not take the throne by stirring up insurrection in darkened chambers. They rise through honorable rite of combat. Defeat me here, and the throne is yours."

The whole crowd began to cheer before six people removed their black coats and revealed a general with dark red hair under her ears and a scar downward her right eye christened Zethrid, the same chameleon-like Galra that snooped on Throk given the name of Ezor, a faceless Galra with a snarling cat on her shoulder known as Narti, a Galra with spiky violet hair, two black spikes along his hair, and a scar on his left eye known as Syn, a Galra with short purple hair and blue irises known as Kurziam, and Acxa, who was saved by Keith and Ayame before. Throk was forced to stand up and give Lotor his answer as he stood up.

"I accept your challenge. Now all will see who is the rightful leader."

As the battle started, the cloaked figure is joined by Vantiv and Varek as they walked up to him before the former spoke first.

"Did we miss anything?"

Vantiv then saw for herself that it was just getting started as Throk spoke to him.

"I have fought thousands of battles and left many enemies more fearsome than you wasting on the battlefield."

"I'll take that as a no."

Then, Throk roared as he began to attack Lotor, who swiftly countered his blade before Throk repeated his thrusts, only to be knocked away before the Prince spoke to him.

"You have flawless technique, that I'll grant you. Still, you must realize at some point that your repetitive attacks are getting you nowhere."

Throk only retaliated as his anger built up, initiating in the clash's continuation before he got hit in the chest with Lotor's elbow before he used the momentum to slice his sword in two and point it at his throat once he'd fallen.

"Your tactics are stale. And in the end, your own aggression is your undoing."

Then, as the crowd chanted his name, Throk prepares for the end as his eyes closed. However, to his surprise, Lotor only moved the sword away from him before he spoke to the people.

"My father built our empire in the bones of his enemies. But the time has come to change the old ways and inspire not fear from those we rule but loyalty. We must not waste our energy fighting to keep our subjects down but rather multiply by allowing the worthy to rise and join our ranks."

Then, Lotor held his hand out to Throk as he spoke on.

"The universe can no longer doubt our strength. Each ally gained only makes us stronger. While those who continue to stand against us... will be crushed."

As Throk took his hand and lifted himself up, he paid his respects.

"Lotor, we pledge our loyalty to you. Vrepit Sa."

Then, the whole crowd did the same, leaving only Zygmar to sit at the chairs before he decided to stand up and place his hook on his chest before they chanted his name once more. Vantiv and Varek, however, weren't pleased as they and the cloaked figure left. Not long after, Lotor went in a room where his generals waited.

"That went well."

Syn spoke to the chameleon.

"Of course, Ezor. What did you expect?"

"The masses are easily manipulated."

Kurziam then spoke to Lotor.

"What should we do with him?"

"Have Throk transferred out to the Ulippa system immediately. Let him rot with the ice worms."

At Kaecilius' Cruiser, Vantiv and Varek shared their thoughts about Lotor.

"Well, now we know who the son of Zarkon really is."

"It's the Altean in him. No doubt a dangerous combination."

Then, the cloaked figure spoke as he removed the cloak to reveal a withered Kaecilius.

"Just look at him. So sleek, so powerful, so... beautiful. Like some great golden god made flesh. Of course, any sensible god would demand absolute obedience in return for his favor, but no. Our Emperor Pro Tem leads them and keeps them with no strings attached. And the people... Hmph. They practically worship him anyway. Enjoy your reign while you may, Prince Lotor. For I know better than anyone that as surely as night follows day, there comes a time when even gods must die."

In a Galra Cruiser, Shiro woke up on a table with longer hair as he began to see visions of his past, as illustrated by a Galra scientist fading before him as he tried to get up, only to fall before he got back up, still feeling dazed. He stopped for a moment before receiving another vision as he saw himself being injected and placed in a canister. After receiving that vision, he panted heavily before he turned to see the drones firing at him and tried to escape as he used his arm to cut through them and punch one to the wall before his headache returned. After which, he was forced to fight more stones as he escaped in a pod. However, that same pod was shot as he headed to a giant ice crystal in the Ulippa system.

"Come on! Come on!"

Just then, Kaecilius, Vantiv, and Varek turned to see Shiro escaping before he spoke again.

"It seems that Operation: Kuron has entered its third phase. What perfect timing..."

At the Castle, Jenny was staring at the Black Lion as she remembered her time with Ayame. Just then, Keith entered before he tried to speak to her.

"Hey, Jenny."

Jenny replied back emotionlessly.

"Hey."

Keith sat down beside her as he spoke to her.

"Listen. I'm sorry about what I said to you. I know you did all you could. I didn't have any right to doubt you, and I'm sorry."

Then, Jenny spoke up to Keith with a chuckle.

"Funny. She said the same thing to me. This one time when we first met, I decorated her entire room when she was going through her stages of grief. She called me an ignorant, little brat. I never understood why. I just thought she was moody. But, when she apologized to me, she told me she acted that way because she lost someone close to her. We've gotten along well since then. And now, I know better than anyone what that's like. So... I'm the one who should be sorry for saying that stuff to you, too. I just... I miss her, so much."

"Me, too. And Shiro."

Just then, the other Paladins walked in before Lance spoke.

"Hey, guys... listen. We all miss them. I remember what a thrill it was just to meet him for the first time when the two of us carried him out of that Garrison hospital."

Pidge and Hunk spoke up to them next.

"I grew up with my dad and Matt telling me stories about him. He was a legend at our house."

"The guy taught me everything I know about being a pilot. Which isn't much, but that's more on me."

Belle and Sandra spoke up next.

"Shiro was more than a partner to me. He was... he's the one I loved. There I said it. If only I told him before now..."

"Shiro helped me become better than I was back at the Garrison. If it wasn't for Hunk, that wouldn't have been possible."

Then, Hunk blushed before sheepishly laughing.

"Ah, thank you, Sandy."

Then, Lance spoke to them again.

"You're not the only one hurting, guys. We're all right there with you. But you know that he would be the first person to tell us to move on."

Jenny and Keith looked to him in a steady gaze before Allura spoke up.

"Believe me, I know exactly how you feel. But our mission is bigger than any one individual, even those who are completely irreplaceable."

Keith then spoke to Allura as they all looked to the Black Lion.

"I know you're right. It's time to figure out how to reform Voltron."

Then, Alphus arrived and spoke to them.

"And if you can't, I know where to start."

Jenny and the others looked to her before she asked her.

"How?"

"I told you before that I found a fragment of Shiro's Quintessence. It's in the Black Lion."