A/N: Hello. Just an update: Jenny will be facing the same trials Ayame went through to keep Kumiko and her family alive when she took them in before she and Kumiko went to the Garrison, whether Ayame likes it or not. The family of two, Cilia and Sapphire, will be voiced by Hynden Walch and Stephanie Sheh. Other than that, enjoy. :)

Chapter 37: The Voltron Show

At Olkarion, Jenny sat in the training room with Honerva as her teacher spoke.

"Now, the key to a using proper Quintessential blasts is control. No doubt Allura tried to teach you this in the past, and yet you seemed to disregard it."

"Yeah, sorry. I usually respond better when I just go with the flow."

"That may have helped you previously, but it won't always be the case. There will always be situations where control has to be applied."

This made Jenny scratch her head before she spoke.

"Control?"

"Yes. How often have you actually used your powers?"

This gave Jenny an epiphany as she widened her eyes.

"Oh, right. I haven't used them in the last, uh... half a decaphoebe. I guess I didn't need to use them after the whole quantum abyss incident."

"Well, if you're going to stand any chance against Kaecilius or his Drules, you must learn to use them again. Case in point, this drone. Imagine if it were a Drule drone."

"Okay."

Then, Jenny stood up as she pointed her open hand at it.

"Like this, right?"

"Yes. Now, focus your thoughts into during a controlled blast."

As her student nodded, Honerva watched as Jenny took a deep breath and summoned a white light from her hand before it swiftly fired through the drone's center, piercing a hole through it before it fell backward. Once it was over, Jenny opened her eyes and saw the results herself.

"Whoa. It didn't catch on fire this time."

"Such is one of the many results of control."

"I guess you're right. There may be something to this whole control thing."

With that, Alphus' voice spoke out to the team within the Castle.

"Attention, everyone. Report to the bridge for briefing."

Jenny then turned to Honerva and smiled.

"Well, wish me luck."

With that, Jenny ran over to the bridge as Honerva smiled as if seeing herself at a young age taking off for her own assignment.

At the bridge, Shiro gave out the kind of news they'd been looking forward to hearing.

"Good news. There's been an upsurge in planets that have been liberated from Drule control by the Blade of Marmora and the rebel forces. Even the Galra Empire is helping out with that freedom. Convincing these planets to join our coalition is priority one."

Jenny had an idea what it meant.

"So, does that mean there's gonna be more Voltron events?"

"Yes."

This confused Belle considering how little fighting they actually do.

"And why are we doing them again?"

"Believe it or not, the Voltron show-of-arms goes a long way in inspiring others to join the fight."

With that, Shiro summoned a map with the red and purple clusters mixed in with three green ones as he spoke.

"The green clusters you see here, here, and here represent planets and, in some cases, entire star systems that have joined the coalition. Not coincidentally, those are also the areas we've personally visited."

Then, Adea raised her hand as she spoke.

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Does that mean we can join in the razzle-dazzle Lance always keeps talking about? Uh, for the war effort, I mean."

"Nope. Not like the one Lance did."

This made Adea groan in disappointment.

"Why...?"

"Because we actually have something else in mind. Coran, can you set everything up?"

"I know just where to start."

Outside a distant planet, Voltron installed a column of energy in the last conduit of the hospital.

"Alright, the last column's in place. Now, this hospital can service the entire sector."

Then, Coran spoke up.

"But that's only the first step in helping these injured war veterans."

This gave Jenny cause for curiosity.

"And what's the next step, then?"

"Come on in. It's time."

Inside the hospital, Coran saw countless alien beings in hoverchairs as well as Zegdal and Matt before he spoke to the Paladins.

"Everyone check your wrist devices."

Jenny felt the need to correct him.

"I thought we agreed on 'gauntlets.'"

"I uploaded a script onto them."

As they looked at them, Hunk, Jenny, and Ayame grew confused.

"What is this?"

"Yeah. There's hardly anyone in the script."

"And I don't think it's even remotely connected to what's actually happened."

"I scaled down the show so we can do it indoors for the patients, you know, to lift their spirits."

Then, Pidge reiterated Ayame's previous statement.

"Ayame's right. This isn't even factually accurate. Wasn't Jenny the one that got captured?"

"Well, this is the Legend of Voltron, not the documentary of Voltron. Speaking of which, Allura, you'll be playing Keith."

Upon hearing his name, Jenny grew surprised as Ayame widened her eyes in confusion while Allura groaned.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"The word of Keith leaving the team hasn't really spread yet, so I didn't want to confuse anyone. Besides, playing Keith is easy. Just act really moody."

Then, Allura glared at Coran with the similar look Keith always used to give before he replied with a smile.

"There! You've done it! Come on, everyone in positions. Just follow the script."

Then, Jenny spoke up about her experience at this.

"Well, it's a good thing I got an A+ on theater."

At the stage, a little girl with elf ears and purple markings under her eyes sneaked into the room in a small blue-green hospital gown before a light shone on Coran as he spoke out to the war veterans.

"Ladies and gentle-aliens, bear witness as the Paladins of Voltron attack Zarkon's base to save the helpless Princess Allura!"

Then, Coran handed the spotlight to Shiro, who was a bit blinded for a moment before the crowd mumbled while a small girl similar to an elf wiggled her ears in confusion as Coran spoke.

"Shiro, you're on!"

As Shiro got out his script, he spoke in a monotonous voice.

"Uh... 'I will save the princess, even if it means taking on the Galra Empire with my bare hand."

Then, Hunk and Pidge stepped up beside him just as monotonous.

"And you won't have to do it alone because you'll have me, Hunk."

"'And me, Pidge.'"

Then, Lance stepped up, eager to project his voice.

"'And me, Lance!'"

However, he took a look at the script again.

"'Holds bayard dashingly...' Oh."

Then, he did just that as Jenny spoke up projecting her voice and doing the necessary actions ahead of time.

"'And me, Jenny!'"

With that, she summoned her bayard and got it combat ready with her stance before Allura stepped up beside her.

"'And me... Keith.'"

Next, Ayame stepped up and got out her script before speaking monotonously.

"'And me, Ayame. I will help you, my brother Shiro, to defeat my father and rescue the princess."

"'Thank you, team, for always being by my side through thick or thin.'"

With that, Shiro went to the next page on the script before speaking.

"Now, come along. Together, we'll...'"

Then, everyone spoke up the next role while Lance and Jenny got in their poses.

"'Defeat Zarkon and Kaecilius!'"

With that, Coran arrived in a wig similar to Allura's long hairstyle, although granted it's a little roughed up.

"My heroes!"

Then, the lights came back on before the Paladins noticed that everyone left as Hunk and Lance complained.

"Well, that bombed."

"Yeah, speaking of bombs, we need to get back to doing air shows with explosions and lasers... and bombs!"

As the Paladins walked out, Jenny stayed behind to keep Coran company as she sat down by him.

"Hey. You doing okay?"

"Yeah. I was hoping to expand our horizons. But it didn't work out so well, now did it?"

Jenny then smiled as she put her arm around Coran.

"Well, I'm sure you can turn this around. I mean, not everything starts off great. There's gonna be a few bumps in the road and that's gonna happen a lot, but that shouldn't stop you from doing what you feel is right. Got that?"

This made Coran smile at her before he spoke.

"Got the message."

Just then, they heard a little girl who spoke to them as she clapped her hands.

"Yay! Go Voltron!"

Jenny then took a closer look at the girl and noticed her ears were similar to hers as well as violet markings under her eyes, catching her off guard before she nearly fell and stopped herself.

"Whoa! That was close."

When Zegdal looked at her, he grew curious.

"That's odd. I don't remember seeing you in the room before."

The girl giggled before she spoke.

"That's because I'm playing hide-and-seek."

This confused Matt as she picked her up.

"Wait a tick. Those ears and your markings... are you Altean?"

As the girl nodded, Jenny and Coran widened their eyes before the former walked up to her and held her up next.

"Well, do you know where your mom is?"

"Yeah. She's looking for me."

Just then, they see a blue-skinned alien with raven hair walk in before she spoke.

"Sapphire! Where are yo—?"

When the hospital lady saw Sapphire, she was in the arms of Jenny who blinked at her before the hospital lady smiled.

"Hello."

Then, Jenny spoke to her.

"Uh... Is she your kid?"

"Oh, yes. My name is Cilia."

Surprised as he was, Coran rubbed his eyes before he spoke.

"So, uh, what are you doing in here of all places?"

"You see, we grew up in this hospital ward for much of our lives."

"Your whole lives? That sounds... so sad."

"I guess. But as long as my Sapphire is safe, I am content with that."

Then, the hospital lady tickled Sapphire, earning her giggle before she walked out with the girl in her arms.

"Come on. Let's get back to our rooms."

"Aw, mom!"

As the lady looked back, she changed her skin to normal before it showed blue markings, catching her by surprise before changing the skin back to the blue-green color and walking out, leaving Jenny and Coran flabbergasted with the later speaking.

"Jenny, are we..."

"Not the last Alteans?"

As she answered, Jenny smiled.

"Yeah. I guess we're not."

As Jenny started to shed tears for the family, she wiped them away shortly before walking out.

"Come on. We gotta get back to the others."

As Jenny, Zegdal, and Matt walked out, Coran was about to leave before he heard a familiar voice speaking to him.

"Hey, there, friend. You look like you could use a little help."

With that, he noticed a familiar being whom he was about to get Scaultrite out of in a hoverchair.

"I know you. You ran the Unilu swap shop at the mall."

"I saw that space wreck of a show you put on."

"Hey! That little girl liked it!"

"But did everyone else?"

This made Coran rethink his decision as he spoke.

"You're right. I don't know what I was thinking."

Then, the Unilu got out a side pocket of his hoverchair before showing him a small ball.

"Then stop thinking and be conscious-neezy! Conscious-neezy mind enhancers! Pop one of these babies under your pillow at night, and when you wake up in the morning, your brain will be filled with brilliant thoughts and ideas. They seep while you sleep!"

As Coran felt compelled to collect the ball, the Unilu made it a bit difficult for him.

"The price is 12,000 GAC."

"Would you take a used left shoe?"

"I'll accept the yellow Voltron bayard."

"How about 14 nose hairs?"

"I'll take your left arm, plated in luxite."

"A firm handshake and a pat on the back then?"

"I get to ride in your shoulders for one decaphoeb."

"Well, how about I give you 600 GAC and don't tell the staff you're running an unlicensed swap shop in an intergalactic hospital?"

"Deal!"

With that, the trade was done before Pidge walked in.

"Coran, you comin'? Apparently, Jenny found a couple of Alteans in this hospital."

Coran moaned in a high voice as he walked toward her.

At the lobby, Jenny sat with the lady and Sapphire as Zegdal spoke with Matt, unaware of Ayame overhearing their conversation.

"You gotta admire her ambition. One look at those folks, and she immediately wants to take them in. Sound like anyone in particular?"

"Well, yeah, actually. I heard that Ayame saw Kumiko and her family in trouble when she was young. So, she decided to help them out. But, then, something really bad happened to her. Kumiko, I mean. Her mother blamed her ever since. She still does, no matter how much therapy she went through with Mr. Smythe. But... I honestly believe she's trying to forgive her. I think she just needs someone to remind her of that."

"You kidding? If anyone like that ever dissed my kids, I'd drop her off a building in no time flat."

"That sounds a bit extreme, doesn't it?"

"Well, excuse me for not having the ability to put up with unforgiving jerks."

As they argued, Ayame looked to Jenny before sighing and walking towards her.

"Jenny, can you and I talk for a minute?"

"Huh? Uh, sure."

As Jenny got up and walked, Ayame spoke quietly.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Uh, do what?"

"To take them in? You've gotta know the responsibility that comes with doing this."

"Sure. I know I can handle it. There's scheduled bedtimes, daily hangouts, a brief talk session..."

"That's not what I meant."

"Huh?"

"When I say responsibility, I mean what do you think would happen if you fail to take care of them?"

Jenny knew all too well what she meant as Mr. Smythe made little to no progress with the grieving Nakamura and how sad he always looked.

"I know what you went through after Kumiko died, Ayame. And I'm telling you now, it's not going to happen to me."

"What if it does?"

Jenny didn't want to think about it, not did she want to start an argument as she took her deep breath.

"Then, I'll just have to deal with it."

"Don't you get it? You shouldn't have to deal with it. The last thing I want is for you to be broken down by hate where there should've been care! I'm just... I just don't want that to happen to you."

Jenny looked down at the ground in sullenness as she spoke.

"I get it. And I appreciate that, Ayame, but I'm not a little kid anymore. I'm sure Kumiko would tell you the same."

With that, Jenny walked away, leaving Ayame stunted with her words before she knelt down to them.

"Hey, guys? Do you want to come with me? I can help you."

Ayame only sighed before she spoke to herself as she walked out of the lobby.

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Jenny. That was my mistake."

Later, at a distant planet, the Castle landed in a really windy area as Coran spoke.

"Voltron air show, here we come!"

"I hope you booked a larger venue this time."

As the monitors came on, the group was surprised to see a dusty and windy landscape as Sapphire grew curious.

"What's that, mommy?"

"It's... dust. Why is it dust?"

Jenny was just as confused as they were as she spoke to Coran.

"Yeah. Coral, I'm not sure it's the best condition for a show, let alone for my two new buddies to hang out."

Suddenly, an anteater-like alien with a long purple snout and eyes like a snail's spoke to them frustratedly.

"Well, if it isn't Team Voltron, a day late and a fertronium short."

This confused Coran as he spoke.

"I'm sorry, is there a problem?"

"Is there a problem? Yes! Yes, there is a problem! You were supposed to be here yesterday! It was the one day out of the year we have clear skies. The other 720 days are like this!"

"Oh, I see my mistake. I forgot to calculate for time dilation."

"Oh, you made a mistake? The entire planet was out of their burrows for Clear-Day, just waiting. 'Where's Voltron?' they kept asking."

"Okay, th-that's on me."

"I said, 'don't worry, they'll show up,' but did you? No! Then everyone starts turning on me. 'You said they'd be here!'"

Then, Sapphire shouted at the chief.

"Well, maybe they had better things to do, you meanie!"

This made Jenny panic as she covered her mouth before she whispered to her.

"Quiet! It's not like that, Sapphire."

Then, the ground shook before Allura spoke.

"What was that?"

As Coran took a look, he noticed a giant creature pushing at the Castle as the chief spoke.

"It's a Swathian Meerakeet. They show up every day of the year except one. Guess which day?"

Jenny felt as though she got the message as she spoke.

"Okay, we get the message."

"Clear-day!"

As Jenny groaned frustratedly, Coran had an idea.

"Don't worry. They'll chase any beam of light. I'll lead him away while we get out of here."

With that, Coran shone a light from the spire of the Castle before the Meerakeet walked towards it, away from the Castle before it stomped in the other direction as it flew away.

Later, Coran spoke to the group.

"I'm really sorry about that."

Shiro and Lance felt sorry wasn't good enough this time.

"Coran, if we're going to expand this coalition in the short amount of time that we have, we can't afford these kinds of mistakes."

"That last show was pretty lame, though Sapphire would say different."

As he suspected, Sapphire disagreed as she had fun on Jenny's shoulders while she ran around before he spoke again.

"Either way, I don't know if you're cut out to be managing this thing."

"Just give me one more chance. I promise to turn it around."

Even later that night, Jenny tucked Sapphire into bed before giving her a good night kiss and sat by the mother.

"I can't thank you enough for doing this for me."

"Well, you had probably like zero breaks in that hospital. It's the least I could do."

Then, Cilia tried to think about Jenny's reasons as she asked her.

"Tell me. Did you take us in because you're a Paladin, or is that because of what we are?"

This gave her a moment of pause before Jenny answered.

"Well, it's mostly the second thing. I honestly have no clue how many of you are left. I guess taking you in was the only way to be sure you don't go too soon. And besides... I've always wanted a little sister to play with."

The mother then hugged Jenny before she spoke.

"You'll promise to take care of her, right?"

Feeling pressured into this, Jenny slowly hugged her back before answering as honest and earnest as she can.

"I promise."

While Ayame watched far away, she could only sigh in sorrow for the agony that is to be in store for Jenny.

At the same moment, Coran placed the item he'd swapped for in the hospital under the pillow before he slept. As he did, the balk turned out to be an egg before the creature that came from it went in his ear. Once inside, it noticed his brain, to which it gleefully squeaked before it clamped it's mouth on him, causing its belly to larger before the brain glowed blue with lightning inside. Outside, this made Coran's eyes widen with the pupils enlarged.

The next day, the paladins, Cilia, and Sapphire were in the space mall as Pidge and Shiro spoke.

"It's official. We've reached rock-bottom."

"Yeah, I don't know if this is the best place to get our message out to the widest audience."

Then, Coran spoke up in a sort of southern and hip accent.

"Shiro, baby, you're right. And I want what you want, man. But I've had some epiphanies, some ideas, some realizations. What we have to do is broadcast a show across an entire galaxy. We could reach the largest viewership in the history of intergalactic showbiz."

That pleased Lance as he spoke in favor of it.

"Aw, yeah!"

"But we need to workshop some things before we can take it to the next level."

Then, he zipped over to Sapphire as he spoke.

"You with me kid?"

"Uh... I, uh..."

"The I's have it. I like it."

This made Jenny worried about Coran.

"Hmm, something's different about you, Coran."

"You mean 'better.' Look, it's my mission to make sure our message really sings. Beautiful aliens from here to Vlexlar will know your name."

Lance could care less about them as he had Jenny by his side as he spoke.

"Honestly, I'm kinda over that."

Then, he went over to Shiro as he spoke.

"And your coalition will put the Drule's army to shame."

This got everyone confused as Jenny spoke.

"Okay, group huddle."

As they huddled, Jenny spoke to Hunk.

"So, uh, what do you think?"

"Well, it rhymes, so it's gotta be true."

As they whispered further, Sapphire went in the circle and popped up.

"What are you saying?"

This caused everyone to break up the circle before Jenny picked her up.

"Okay, Sapphire. When we get back, we're gonna need to set ground rules."

Lance then spoke to Jenny about her decision.

"Are you sure bringing Sapphire in is a good idea?"

"Sure. I mean, she loves our shows, right Sapphire?"

"Yeah!"

Shiro then sighed as they were left with no option.

"I guess we'll give it a try."

Later, as the crowd anticipated their stage, Coran reviewed his plan to everyone.

"Okay, we have got the air show down, which is great! But we need to add a theatrical element to expand. The hospital performance was a disaster, in spite of present company's praises, but I think it can work if you follow my guidelines, guys. Rule number one, never walk onto stage, alright? You gotta leap onto stage, roll onto stage. I'm talkin' explode onto stage!"

Lance liked the idea as he pointed at him.

"Yeah!"

This made Jenny suspicious.

"Those weren't the guidelines I took in theater class."

At the stage, a sort of dummy-lookalike of the robeast that attacked the Balmera rolled onward as Coran shouted.

"Oh, no! A laser-eyed monster! We need the Paladins of Voltron!"

As rock music began playing, Shiro and Allura leaped onto the stage as Pidge followed the cue with her landing via jetpack while Lapis followed Shiro and Allura's cue before Hunk, Lance, Jenny, and Ayame stepped in as the Red Paladin spoke.

"Your time's up, monster!"

With that, the crowd cheered while giving them applause.

Behind the curtain, Coran gave out the next step.

"Number two, don't just say your line. You gotta shout that line. Remember, louder is better!"

This sounded familiar to Jenny as she widened her eyes.

"Oh, you mean project your voices, right?"

"Indeed I do, Ms. Shaybon."

At the stage, Lance shouted to Allura.

"Keith, I need your help!"

"I'm on it!"

Jenny spoke to Ayame next with a shout.

"I need you to hold them back for me! The ceremony is key to healing the Balmera!"

"I've got your back!"

Then, Hunk shouted at the group.

"Look out! He's firing his lasers!"

With that, the siren wailed as the green light flickered between red and green, concerning a child in the crowd as he gasped.

Then, Coran gave out a final step that even Jenny could understand.

"And, finally, strike a pose after every movement. Everyone loves a pose."

"I get it now. You actually make the movement associated with your actions so it's believable."

"Correct!"

At the stage, Pidge caught the lookalike while Hunk and Pidge slimed it with Allura and Jenny using their bayards to slice the robes at while Ayame and Shiro leaped at the creature before the latter slammed her naginata at it before her brother sliced it in half again before they got in their poses as Coran spoke.

"Spread the word! The Voltron Coalition needs you!"

A member of the crowd who was pleased with the performance spoke up.

"I would like to join the Voltron Coalition!"

As the crowd gave their applause, the paladins gave their bows to the curtain call before they exited stage left as Pidge and Hunk spoke.

"At least the crowd stayed until the end."

"Uh-huh."

Jenny felt a rush of adrenaline from it.

"I can't believe how awesome we were that time! And all while following the guidelines!"

Shiro and Ayame were impressed with the development with it so far.

"That... actually went really well."

"Yeah. I gotta admit, it was... it was fun doing this."

"Yeah, you're trending galaxy-wide! I mean you're a four-quadrant hit! Your plus-sevens are plus ten! But that's just the beginning!"

With that, Coran moaned in a high voice, catching Jenny's notice as she got her fingers on her chin while growing suspicious before remembering something.

"Wait. Where are Cilia and Sapphire?"

With that, they spoke up from behind her as the latter giggled.

"Right behind you. You really put on a show back there."

"Thanks, you guys."

"But I just have to ask: when are you going to fight Kaecilius?"

This made Jenny grow weary before she turned to Coran.

"I don't know. But I really hope we get back to it soon."

At a far corner of the universe, they stopped at a giant planet shaped like a pill while Coran spoke.

"This is our first stadium, so let's get out there and really win some hearts and minds today!"

Then, a very thin alien arrived before it spoke in a strange tongue.

"Bi-boh-bi-bi. Bi-boh-bi-boh."

"Alright, you heard Bii-Boh-Bi."

This made Jenny raise an eyebrow .

"Uh... what did he say?"

"Five doboshes. Let's go! Places!"

With that, Cilia and Sapphire got themselves front row seats to watch a show as Coran spoke.

"Hello, bii-bohs and boh-biis! Tonight, the Paladins of Voltron take on Zarkon on ice!"

Then, Bii-Boh-Bi stepped up and spoke in his usual tongue to translate Coran's words.

"Bi-boh, bi-bohs! Boh-bi-bi Paladins of Voltron bi-bi-bi Zarkon. Bi-boh!"

Suddenly, Coran spoke again.

"Oh, no! It's Zarkon and the evil witch Haggar!"

"Bi-boh-bi-bi Zarkon! Boh-boh-bi Haggar!"

Then, the two stick-like aliens portraying Zarkon and Honerva spoke as they went on the stage.

"It is I, the greatest force of evil this universe has ever seen!"

"Sire, soon you will defeat the Paladins, and Voltron will be yours."

Then, Hunk spoke out to them.

"Not if I have something to say about it!"

As he gout out his bayard and aimed it at him, Hunk spoke.

"Take that, Zarkon!"

Suddenly, however, Hunk began slipping on the ice before he fell backward while zipping past them and skated while spinning as the crowd laughed while Coran bore a wicked grin while twisting his mustache before he spoke again as Pidge entered the stage next.

"Look, it's Pidge!"

"Don't worry, Hunk, I got your back!"

"She'll use her math and calculations to defeat Zarkon!"

"Bi-bi Pidge! Bi-bi-boh Zarkon!"

Suddenly, the actor playing Haggar tossed a small device near Pidge before she went over it, triggering a smokescreen before Pidge ended up wrapped in ribbons before falling on the ice.

"Oh, no! The witch's magic has counteracted Pidge's math! What are they going to do?"

Coran then winked at Bii-Boh-Bi before he pushed a button, causing the stage lights to turn on as they shone on Ayame, Allura, Shiro, Lance, and Jenny before the leader of Voltron spoke.

"We need teamwork! The only way to defeat Zarkon is with Voltron!"

They then engaged in a pose with Pidge and Hunk joining them before they put on the heads of their individual lions before "Voltron" is formed with Allura and Hunk as the feet, Lance and Pidge as the hands, and with Shiro standing on the shoulders of Ayame and Jenny with the two girls each holding one half of a White Lion together as Hunk spoke.

"Does anybody feel kinda stupid right now?"

Lance then whispered to him.

"Shut up, Hunk! They're lovin' us."

With that, "Voltron" went up towards the Zarkon and Haggar actors before the Red and Green lion heads shot out confetti at them before they end up being pulled away by rope as the Zarkon actor spoke.

"I'll get you next time!"

With Zarkon and Haggar off the stage, the crowd cheered before Jenny looked to see Cilia and Sapphire watching her before she grew embarrassed.

At the break room, Pidge asked the team an important question as they removed the lion boxes.

"How many of these appearances do we have to put on?"

"I know they seem humiliating, but Coran's ideas are working."

Ayame spoke in favor of this as she removed her helmet.

"He's right. Every performance draws more people to the cause. And that's coming from someone who put up with her shoulder being a footstool."

Lance spoke up next, not paying attention as he signed autographs.

"Exactly. All that stuff."

As Coran noticed this, he pushed the crowd aside as he spoke.

"Okay, alright, let's go, come on! We've got business to discuss!"

With the crowd out of the way, he spoke with the group.

"First of all, great job. Tonight was a big success. Now, we're back on track! Better than ever! There's no doubt about it, you're stars. But, to go supernova, you gotta push it even further."

Pidge then gave out a detail about what a supernova was.

"A supernova is an exploding star."

However, that was the point Coran was trying to make as he went all up in her face.

"And what's brighter than that? Here's the deal. I've worked up very specific personas for each of you. This is gonna help the audience connect on a much deeper level with each team member. There's Loverboy Lance."

This caught both Lance and Jenny by surprise as the latter blushed while the former spoke.

"Loverboy Lance? It's perfect because it's true."

"Yeah, it sorta is, isn't it?"

Then, Coran spoke up to Pidge.

"You're Science-Wiz Pidge. Whoa! Look out, big brain! We've got Lone Wolf Keith. That's you, 'cause you're Keith. And I'm thinking your catchphrase could be like a howl."

This made Allura growl before Coran spoke.

"Well, that's more of a growl, but you'll keep working on it. Jenny, you're gonna be Joyful Jenny."

This made Jenny speak up her opinion.

"That does sound like me. I'm in!"

"That's the spirit! Ayame, you'll be Audacious Ayame. After all, you take a lot of bold risks for your team."

"That's... surprisingly accurate."

"Good. It's supposed to be. Hunk, from now on, you'll be Humorous Hunk. And last but not least... Shiro the Hero!"

As he raised his arm, Shiro gave him a weird look before Jenny spoke.

"Wait, what about Lapis and her team? Aren't they part of the show?"

"Well, yes, but they don't come on until later. Hence the guest appearances. Got anything else for me?"

"Uh, actually, I was thinking that maybe we're..."

"Good? You're good! Everyone's good! Let's move on!"

This made Jenny grumble before she spoke to herself.

"But I've got a family to look after."

Coran, having heard this, went over to her and spoke.

"Whatcha say now?"

"Uh... I said I've got a family to look after?"

"Oh, that. Don't worry. You'll get plenty of spare time with your adoptive family. It'll be like you never left. And, on top of that, we'll get back to the fight with Kaecilius when the Coalition has enough members."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure. In fact, you can bet your little cheeks on that."

This made Jenny offended a bit before she slapped Coran with a backhand before she gasped as he explained while his voice had a hint of pain.

"I meant your face cheeks."

"Sorry."

As time went on, their performances grew longer and more elaborate as Coran turned to Hunk.

"Remember, you're Humorous Hunk, so be funny."

"Yeah, okay."

Then, Hunk realized he had no idea how to do that as he never made a joke.

"How do I do that?"

"Don't worry, alright? I got you covered."

As Hunk ran outward, Coran spoke in the microphone to Bii-Boh-Bi.

"Bii-Boh-Bi, engage Humorous Hunk."

Suddenly, the sticklike aliens tripped Hunk, making him roll onto the stage and drop his weapon before a sound of flatulence came as Coran pushed a button on the mixer, earning the crowd's laughter as Hunk spoke.

"That— That wasn't me. That— I don't know who that was."

As the crowd laughed, Jenny looked out the curtain and saw that Cilia and Sapphire felt bad for Hunk, giving her enough indication that they weren't digging the performance. Frankly, she's beginning to dislike the performance herself, but the only reason she kept shut about it is that she could spend time with them and not have to worry about breaking her promise. Ayame was the only one who can see her worry as she felt bad for her.

After another round of performances in which Voltron himself is official alongside its counterpart, the White Voltron, the Paladins looked at the star maps with small green clusters and an increasing number of bigger ones as Sapphire marveled at the colors while Coran spoke.

"Wow..."

"Look how popular we've become!"

At another performance, Shiro spoke with Coran.

"Coran. I think it would go a long way if I can deliver a speech about how we're trying to unite a front and build a coalition."

"What? Stop talkin'! You're Shiro the Hero. Heroes don't speak. You're silent ninja."

"Wh— But—"

"Shh! Zip it. Muscles speak louder than words. Right? It's always been my motto. Now, put on this super tight shirt and get out there!"

As the performances and crowd numbers rose up, so did Coran's evident madness as Pidge spoke to him about a certain problem of hers.

"Hey, Coran, I'm having real issues with the science you put in the script. It doesn't make sense."

"Oh, it doesn't need to."

"But I hate saying all these made-up scientific words. Isn't the audience gonna be confused?"

"Oh, they'd be confused if you used the real words, too!"

At another performance, Pidge's problem arrived as Jenny spoke up.

"What just happened?"

"'I just reconfigured the flytzal mac protocol to reverse-quadrant the spectrum harfinger.'"

"Mm-hmm. I guess Pidge just defeated the Drule with science!"

As another flatulence sound came, Pidge and Jenny smiled at him while Coran and Bii-Boh-Bi gave each other a thumbs-up.

At the star maps, two more big green clusters came on as Jenny looked back to see Cilia and Sapphire walking away, making Jenny feel bad for them as she hung her head down, catching Lance and Ayame's notice before he walked up to her and put his hand on her shoulder.

At another performance, Jenny was going down the Red Lion with Lance as he twirled around the rope, surprising Jenny as she giggled.

"You're amazing, Loverboy Lance. And I think Red can agree."

Then, Coran spoke up as the Red Lion's voice.

"And I do."

Then, as Coran growled, Lance chuckled as he spoke.

"Thanks, guys."

At the lounge, Coran showed the Paladins increased progress of the coalition as he spoke elatedly.

"Guys, the recruitment rallies are amazing. Look at all the green on this map!"

Allura then spoke her opinion, giving what has happened more often than not.

"We certainly had our doubts at first, but I have to admit, Coran, your plan is actually working."

"Why, thank you, Keith! I like to keep you in character."

This made Jenny concerned as she noticed Coran's baggy eyeshadow.

"Whoa. Coran, have you been sleeping at all?"

"Oh, come on. I'm fine. And it's only gonna get better with a few improvements."

This concerned Pidge and Hunk.

"More improvements?"

"Please, no more farts."

Jenny was concerned about something else.

"Is that going to cut in on my time with Cilia and Sapphire by chance?"

"Hear me out. First, it's time Voltron starts to talk. Everyone's dying to hear what the big guy sounds like."

Hearing this, Jenny remembered the time when she was so eager for them to form Voltron and hear him but moved on shortly after.

"Oh, yeah. I remember that now."

"I knew you would. Next, we'll introduce new weapons and new outfits for each of you."

Shiro was still stuck on the focus of the mission.

"Coran, what are you talking about? We only have one more show. After the big intergalactic broadcast, we're done."

"What are you talking about? We're just getting started here! We can't stop now!"

In his brain, the parasite was still affecting his mind as it began to glow brighter before Hunk, Lance, and Allura spoke.

"Uh, Coran, you feelin' okay?"

"Yeah, you seem extra twitchy."

"You just realize that we need to get back to fighting Kaecilius."

"We are fighting Kaecilius! Six nights a week and twice in the astral conflux!"

Suddenly, Bii-Boh-Bi arrived and spoke to Coran.

"Bi-bi-boh bi-bi-bi-bi-oh bi-bi-bi-boh-bi-bi."

"I don't care if the new laser show a here! What have I told you about walkin' in when I'm talking to the talent?!"

This made Bii-Boh-no sad as he walked out dejectedly making Jenny feel bad for him.

"Boh..."

"Poor Bii-Boh-bi."

"Coran, we have to do our next event. But after that, no more shows."

Then, Coran turned to Jenny and put his hands on her shoulders in desperation.

"C'mon, Jenny!"

"Whoa!"

"You'll support me, right? From one Altean to another?"

Jenny then looked out the door to see Cilia and Sapphire with concerned looks on their faces before she answered.

"I... I can't."

"What? You can't or you won't?"

"Let me rephrase. I won't. I only did those gigs so that we can help the coalition expand, not for whatever celebrity scheme you've cooked up."

"I don't believe this. You— you're quitting on me?"

"Yeah. I guess I am."

As expected, this infuriated him.

"You're a bunch of quitters! QUITTERS! I'm a visionary! I have thoughts, ideas! I don't need you anyway! I'll rewrite the show, get rid of the whole lot of ya! Replace you with new Paladins! And the show will be better than ever before!"

As he walked out, the door closed before it opened again as he spoke.

"Except for you, Shiro. I'll never get rid of you. You're our most popular character. But the rest of you will never work in show business again!"

With that, Coran stomped away as Jenny sighed before looking at them.

"It's okay. After this, we're done messing around. We'll be back to fighting him for real."

As they looked at her with hope, Lance spoke to Shiro.

"Wait... you're the most popular character?"

As they all sighed, Jenny began wondering how Coran acted that way.

"What I'm more concerned about is what's keeping Coran in hyper mode? It's almost like he's... not himself."

At the stadium entrance, Shiro spoke to the team.

"Alright, remember, guys, this is being broadcast galaxy-wide. It's the final piece in our plan. So, let's make our last appearance our best appearance."

Then, Allura and Jenny spoke about a certain friend of theirs.

"I'm concerned about Coran."

"You kidding? I'm concerned of him."

Hunk scoffed at this before he spoke.

"He was getting crazy. He'll realize that soon enough."

Then, Bii-Boh-Bi came by as he spoke.

"Bi-boh bi-boh-bi."

Lance then stated his confusion to the others.

"I have no idea what Bii-Boh-Bi is saying."

At the same dusty planet where the chief complained, Coran mumbled to himself.

"They think they can stop my dream machine? Not on my watch. This show's going on forever and ever. It's done when I say it's done, and it's not done. I'm saying it's not done, and we're doing it now!"

Then, Coran got out a glare and waved it in circles before a Swathian Meerakeet popped up and roared.

"This next performance is gonna be longer, better, bigger! You're about to steal the show!"

Meanwhile, the performance went on as usual while attracting the attention of Varkon, Queen Luxia, Plaxum, and countless others before a sound came far away as Shiro spoke.

"Did you hear that rumbling?"

"According to my thermal calculations, there's only one thing that can cause a sound like that. A Drule robeast."

Lance and Jenny then spoke up next as they shouted.

"Kaecilius has sent a robeast to try and destroy us and the planet!"

"Well, we'll show him who destroys whom!"

"Everyone, we need to form Voltron!"

As the lights went out, Voltron arrived with the White Voltron beside it as they spoke.

"We are Voltron."

"We are here to defend the universe."

As the crowd cheered, a robeast was about to emerge when a claw crushed the lift for it down on the ground, causing both Voltrons to turn as the original spoke first.

"What was that?"

"That's not like any robeast we've ever faced."

To their surprise, they saw a Swathian meerakeet standing ready to fight as Pidge spoke.

"Wow, Bii-Boh-Bi has really upped his effects game."

Then, Jenny noticed Coran on top of it as she spoke.

"Oh, no... Coran!"

"A new star is born! Time to steal the show! Yee-haw!"

As the creature roared, Jenny shouted at him.

"You madman! What have you done?!"

Bii-Boh-Bi paid no mind to it as he turned on the lights, distracting it before he jumped around, knocking Coran off before he whacked him in the studio bay with his tail. In his mind, though, the creature only lost a bit of footing as it dangled from where it bit into him.

All the same, the creature chased after the light that went after the crowd, including Cilia and Sapphire, much to Jenny's fear before she gripped the meerakeet and flung him away from the crowd before it shot a sort of sound wave at the White Voltron. As it dodged the blast, the sound wave created an explosion before Ayame and Jenny spoke.

"I don't remember rehearsing this part."

"That's because we didn't! Coran brought that thing here! If we don't stop that thing, Cilia and Sapphire would get hurt, or worse!"

Ayame looked at her in concern before she spoke.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm more sure of it than anything!"

Meanwhile, Coran got up and saw both Voltrons fighting the meerakeet before he groaned while placing his hand to his head.

"Must help Voltron."

However, the parasite gained control of him again as he spoke insanely again.

"Must put on the biggest spectacle in the history of the universe!"

As Coran tried to fight the parasite, Bii-Boh-Bi went over to him while panting as Coran rebuffed him.

"Get away, Bii-Boh-Bi! You'll ruin the show!"

Then, he got control back again to plead for his help.

"Help me, Bii-Boh-Bi! You're my only hope!"

Fortunately, he knew what to do as he reached his hand into his brain and pulled the parasite out as Coran got the relief he needed before he thwacked the parasite away as he spoke.

"You saved me."

"Bi!"

Then, he saw how hard Jenny is trying to keep the meet alert away from Cilia and Sapphire.

"Jenny's the only one who knows what's going on. The rest think it's all part of the show I have to warn them!"

Then, Coran ran over to the communicator before he spoke.

"Paladins, that monster you're fighting onstage is real! I know because I brought it!"

Allura grew surprised that Coran would do such a thing.

"What?"

"A brain worm talked me into it! I'll explain later about that bit."

As Voltron dodged it, Hunk grew worried.

"Wait, that's not just really great special effects?"

With that, the Meerakeet fired a sonic blast as Shiro spoke.

"Pidge, put up the shield!"

As Voltron did this, he blocked the blast before firing its own at the creature, catching Pidge and Lance's attention.

"The lasers aren't working!"

"That thing took a direct hit, and we barely did any damage!"

As the Meerakeet leaped at Voltron, it got out of the way before it looked up to the holo screen.

"I've got an idea. We can use the lights from the hover screen to lure the monster away from the crowd."

Allura took this moment for action as she spoke.

"I've got this."

With that, Allura used Voltron to kick the hover screen away from the stadium before it gave chase as the crowd cheered with the Meerakeet gone from their presence as Hunk congratulated her.

"Nice job, Keith!"

As this earned Allura's glare, Jenny looked to see to it that Cilia and Sapphire were alright as she spoke.

"Cilia! Sapphire! You guys okay?"

"Yes. We're fine now. Thanks to you."

"Yeah! That was so fun!"

Jenny smiled at them before putting on a sad look on her face, making Ayame notice this as she could tell what's going on with her. She then put her hand on her shoulder as she spoke.

"When we get back, we need to have a talk."

At the Castle, Coran spoke to the team.

"I'm so sorry, guys. I shouldn't have trusted that strange Unilu. Looking back, it seems like such an obviously bad decision."

Lance couldn't agree more.

"Yeah. Worm pills? Gross!"

"I didn't mean to take us this far off mission."

Shiro saw the bright side of it.

"Well, believe it or not, the plan worked. Our coalition is bigger than ever."

This made Hunk surprised.

"What? Really?"

Then, Bi-Boh-Bii spoke to the group.

"Boh! Bi!"

However, that wasn't what Coran was in the mood for."

"Bii-Boh-Bi! What have I told you about interrupting when I'm talking to the talent?!"

"Boh-Bi."

Then, Shiro noticed that two girls weren't around.

"Wait. Where's Jenny and Ayame?"

Lance had an answer for that.

"Well, Jenny said she and Ayame needed to have a talk. I think you can guess what it's about."

At the hall, Ayame talked with Jenny.

"I don't believe it. What could've crossed your mind to bring them into this?"

"I didn't bring them into this. They just... they happened to be at the same place. For... me."

It was then that she realized what she meant. By taking them away from their sanctuary, however lonely and sad it may be, she's only made them bigger targets for whatever threat came to attack them. As long as she's around, they'll still be in mortal danger. Of course, she's capable of helping them stay alive, but for how long? She didn't want to consider that possibility, but now she's forced to think about it.

"Oh, quiznak. What am I doing?"

As Jenny looked to the floor in shame, Ayame snapped her out of it.

"Jenny. I know how much you want to care for them. But the truth is, you're not always going to be around to protect them, no matter how much you want to be. And I know that better than anyone. I don't know what crossed your mind to do that, but you shouldn't have."

"I know. After today, I started rethinking what I did for them. I got them safe today, by what's the point if I have to face something worse tomorrow? Maybe I should just send them back to the hospital. At least that way they'll be safer."

Unbeknownst to them, Sapphire overheard this and grew sad before Ayame spoke.

"I'm not saying you should do that."

"What? Then what are you trying to say then?"

"I'm saying don't make promises you can't keep unless you've got a plan to fully commit to keeping it. That was my mistake back at the Garrison. You need to have a plan for how you're going to keep an eye on them. Especially when you're not always around."

As she thought about this, Jenny put on a big smile, having an idea of who will look after them.

"You know, you're right. If I can't be around to protect them... I know who will be."

As Jenny started going to her room, she saw Sapphire peeking out of the corner before she picked her up.

"Hey, Sapphire. How much did you hear?"

"I heard that you're gonna send us back. Are you going to send us back?"

"No. I considered that, but... Listen, after today, I realized something. I'm not always gonna be around to keep you guys safe. So, in the meantime, while I'm away, someone else will hand with you."

"Really? Who?"

With that, Jenny knocked on Belle's door before she opens the door, wearing Shiro's black long-sleeved shirt that Coran offered to him for the show before Jenny spoke.

"Hey, sis! How'd you like to have another little sister?"

Sapphire then waved to Belle.

"Hi."

Belle then widened her eyes before she glared at Jenny as she spoke.

"You owe me an outstanding explanation for this."

"Don't worry. She's not my kid. I just took her and Cilia in."

With that, Belle took Cilia from her shoulders, Sapphire giggled while the older sister drew a heavy breath of relief.

"Oh. You really scared me there. I really thought you had a baby."

"What? No."

This puzzled Sapphire as she spoke.

"Where do babies come from?"

This made both girls nervous before Belle spoke.

"Yeah, just ask your mother."

This made Ayame giggle before noticing Jenny as she walked up to her.

"Well, it's settled. My big sis agreed to look after her when I'm gone on missions."

"Good. But, you do know she's not the only one to keep a eye on them, right?"

"Yeah, I know. All that matters is that they're safe. Anyway, listen. I'm... sorry for what I said to you about Kumiko. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"No, it's okay. Really. You were right about one thing: she wasn't a kid. Any more than you are."

Jenny smiled before she spoke.

"I just can't wait until all this is over. Then we could all go home."

Ayame could agree with her on that.

"Yeah. And then peace will come to the Galra Empire."

"Yeah. But just dreaming about won't help. We have to work for this. However long it takes, something tells me this next one is for keeps."