SPECIAL NOTE: The song that is in this chapter "Shine Your Light" belongs to Robbie Robertson. Also during the flashbacks, the italics is where Princess Rikku is narrating.
CHAPTER FOUR
Shannon "Kite" Benson sighed as she was at the recreational room, and looked slight anxious because there was a possibility that the Drules might attack again, and the situation was all too quiet and scary for her likings and it was all because of the war that was still going on, even after ten years.
Larmina walked in and she saw Kite, "Hey Kite. What's new?"
"Not much really," Kite sighed, "There's a lot of crazy things going on that doesn't seem to make sense. Wait a minute, isn't Voltron restored now?"
Larmina nodded. Then Princess Rikku hovered in the area asking, "Hey. Any news? When's the big fight? My family is ready to fight."
"Nothing yet. It's like that Lotor is kind of being a coward." Kite replied, "Or it could be he's waiting for that opportunity to strike and destroy Arus."
"Lotor IS a coward." Kyra exploded, "He killed my brother with Haggarium, married Queen Allura and made Princess Amy evil! And he won't even show himself!"
"Kyra please." Kite tried assuring the young woman while trying to block Keith's death as well as Hunk's death from her head, "I know you're upset about losing your brother, but you know it's been ten years, right?"
No response. Then Manset O' Terrance looked at Kyra and he said, "Kyra, I'm sorry. I lost a friend too. Keith was someone I actually knew more than the others. His death was a tragic one."
"Would you cut to the point where your statement makes me feel better?" Kyra snapped. Everyone looked at her in slight surprise that she still was grudge ridden after ten long years.
"If only Pidge or Hunk were still alive, they'd calm her down with their own personalities." Kite said, looking at Princess Rikku.
There was a brief moment of silence before Princess Rikku finally said, "There might be a way to break Princess Amy out of her Evil form, or bring her back to us... it will take something like let's say... the powers of something Holy, like me... and also something with force like the Rhapsody brothers. We're gonna need everyone to strike her and break her down, weaken her enough to eradicate the Evil out of her."
"You really think so?" Kite asked.
"Well... the only way we can make that change is if we try, but a mother's love is stronger... it challenges a Father's will, but there is no father involved, so it leaves it all for a mother, and the family," Princess Rikku answered, "we can do this. We just need to work hard and push with everything we have, find the weak spot in her and use it against her. Do that, and she'll be nailed."
"That's very interesting."
"I know what it is... Her Feet. It's not the strong point in her, if nothing else. If you hit her feet, you'll knock her off balance. I don't like exposing the weakness of my daughter, but in times like these, you must fire with fire."
"Good point," Larmina replied, "You know Voltron will do the best he can to stop her."
Princess Rikku nodded.
"But if Voltron can't stop her, then you guys will have to drive the evil out of her." Kite replied.
"That's what we intend to do." Princess Rikku assured.
"Oh," Kite said, getting the point. A quick minute later, Jeff arrived saying, "It's time for the grave visitations. Let's head to the back of the castle."
Kite, Princess Rikku, Larmina, Kyra and Manset all nodded. They followed Jeff to the back of the castle where they met up with Vince, Daniel, Chip, Lisa, Erik, Howard, Tammy and the Rhapsody Clan where the graves were. Everyone routinely visited each of the graves that were there.
Jeff and Lisa stood in front of the grave that read GINGER BARBA. Next to that grave were three graves that read: CRIC DEYOUNG, and CLIFF SUTHERLAND.
"You guys would be so proud of today." said Jeff, "Voltron is finally gonna be restored, and you guys would be far overjoyed. Also, Lisa and I are expecting twins."
Lisa smiled as she looked at Ginger's grave, "You saved Jeff's life ten years ago. I never thanked you for it, until now. So thank you. You gave us a great blessing."
"Yes you have." Jeff nodded as he and Lisa placed flowers on the three graves.
"I hope you heard and you know this." Lisa said, "and thanks again."
Jeff and Lisa smiled as they hugged each other.
"You guys gave it your all, and that's all that matters." Jeff added.
Chip and Tammy stood in front of the grave which read PIDGE STROKER.
"Hey brother," Chip announced, "Looks like I'll be filling in your shoes. I'll be piloting the green lion in your place. Also, Vince and I are still working on that cure in case Sven ever shows up again. It's a long road, but I think we're getting to a solution and getting the cure set."
"You'd be happy about this day," Tammy said nearly in tears, "It's just hurtful that you weren't here to witness it. Oh...I miss you so much Pidge. I love you, I always had and I always will."
Tammy and Chip both placed a flower on Pidge's grave.
Kite stood in front of the grave which read TSUYOSHI HUNK GARRETT.
"Well," Kite said, "Like the others are saying on other graves, you'd love this day. You'd be stoked that Voltron is being reborn, something that you would've wanted to witness yourself. Well, I also got a haircut which you'd probably would've liked as well. Gosh, it pains me that you're no longer around. It has pained me for the past ten years, but I get by somehow. I don't know how, but I do. Well, I miss you and...I always...kind of...loved you. More than a friend. There, satisfied? I said it after so long, but it's a shame I never told you in person."
She sighed as she placed a flower on Hunk's grave. Manset and Queen Trixie looked at Kite.
"You did good Kite," Queen Trixie said, "you did good. Hunk would've wanted you to be true to your heart."
Manset nodded in agreement.
Daniel and Larmina stood in front of the graves which read LANCE MCCLAIN and VINCENT DACOSTA.
"Today you guys would've been real proud of me," said Daniel, "And so would've Keith. Wanna know why? Here's why: I'm now the new leader of the Voltron Force and I finally get to pilot the Black lion. My dreams, they are all coming true."
Larmina looked at Daniel before she said, "Go."
Knowing what she meant, Daniel went to visit Keith's grave as Larmina stood by the graves of Lance and Vince.
Daniel stood next to Kyra and Erik as they were in front of the grave which read KEITH KOGANE.
"You're probably unaware of this," Daniel said, "I'm now the leader of the Voltron Force and new pilot of the Black lion, filling in your shoes. I wish you were here to witness my dreams coming true. You would've been so proud. You were...you were like a dad to me."
Kyra consoled Daniel as he was nearly in tears and Kyra was trying to maintain her own grief in the process. Erik looked down.
"I don't really remember Keith that much," Erik said, "I wish I knew him growing up as well as my father."
"Keith would've loved to meet you too." Trixie replied from behind the group, "So you take back what you said earlier huh?"
"Pretty much." Erik wondered as he asked the group, "I don't even remember his funeral or the fateful assault on Arus. You know, where I was a baby and all. Tell me what was that like?"
"Well, it's quite a story." Princess Rikku replied, "But we'll be glad to tell you."
Ten years ago, at the Chapel of Arus was when it all began. We were all gathered in the chapel, attending the funeral of Keith Kogane.
People were walking into the chapel, grief stricken by the death of Keith. Allura, Lance, Hunk, Pidge, Tammy, Daniel, Larmina, Vince, Coran, Kite, Ayeka and Kyra were the first to arrive at the chapel. Within the hour, everyone in Arus was at the service, even half of the Galaxy Garrison, including the Vehicle Voltron Force was there. Kite looked around the chapel as she looked for signs of Manset or Chief Kalon of Planet Ariel. Princess Rikku, King John, Queen Trixie, and Princess Charlene all walked into the chapel, all saddened by this tragedy.
"Poor Keith," Princess Rikku said sadly, "I feel so bad for his mother, losing a child. My heart is heavy with sorrow for her loss."
"Same here," King John added as he was saddened, "this was a death that should never have happened."
"It's just so hard for me to believe!" Daniel cried, "How...could he had died from this Haggarium induced illness?"
Vince noticed the Vehicle Voltron Force, "Guys! It's the Vehicle Voltron Force!"
Jeff noticed the remaining Voltron Force and the Rhapsody Clan.
"Hey there," Jeff said, "It's a surprise to see us isn't it?"
"Yeah," Lance answered, "An unexpected surprise."
"Ayeka," Commander Hawkins said, "I'm truly sorry for the loss of your son. I'm sure the loss of a son, a brother or a friend is the hardest thing someone has to deal with."
"Thank you sir." Ayeka replied.
"He was a great leader," Larmina wiped tears from her eyes, "He was like an uncle to me. My favorite…."
"Keith did not deserve to die." Queen Trixie snapped as she noticed her dragon's tail was showing, reacting to the sadness, "I will nail the one who killed him. Evil menace... whoever it may be... will soon burn. I swear it."
"Mrs. Stroker, cool it!" Princess Charlene ordered, "it is sad enough to be going through this. We don't need any dramatics."
She felt her eyes frost up a bit due to the sadness and the tears in her eyes.
Princess Romelle Holgerson, who was holding baby Rose Marie Holgersson, and Prince Bandor Sirtis of Planet Pollux arrived at the chapel. Nanny looked around as the chapel was starting to fill up and she was holding baby Erik in her arms.
"I don't understand why this has to happen to good people." Vince said as he gave Kyra a comforting touch on the shoulder.
"The only reason that Galaxy Garrison allowed us to come is that there is an emergency here on Arus." Hawkins announced.
"Emergency?" Coran gasped, startled, "What? Doom is going to attack?"
Hawkins nodded.
"I'm afraid so," Sky Marshall Graham answered as he walked in the area, "We have reports that there is a large Armada of ships and doom Vessels on their way here. and i am afraid that there is grave news. The Fleet is being led by a Little girl. A Young one."
"For the love of heaven! We're burying my son today! Can this wait?" Ayeka snapped. Then she shook in grief and frustration. Nanny blinked as Hawkins comforted the devastated mother.
Kite sighed, and then seconds later she was startled as a hand touched her shoulder. She looked and saw Manset, Kalon and Daigo standing behind the group.
"Hey Kite," Daigo asked, "How's everyone holding?"
"Not too well," Kite answered, "Announcement of a Doom fleet on its way just after Keith dies...we might be in for something hectic."
"A loss like this is real tragic and this could be the sign of a major war." Kalon declared.
"I don't like where this is going." Daniel gulped.
"I agree," Hunk replied, "I don't think this is going to end well."
"Oh," Romelle sighed as she was in tears, "I wish Sven wasn't infected by this Haggarium. I wish Keith wasn't inflicted by the Haggarium in the first place either."
"This just isn't fair!" Bandor exclaimed, "Why does this always have to happen to good people?"
"There's nothing we could've done," Romelle replied as she comforted her brother, "There was no way we'd know that Keith and Sven would both be infected with Haggarium. I just didn't think it would come down to this."
"I think we have trouble coming this way... it's getting closer." Princess Rikku gasped and then she looked at Princess Charlene, "Arctic Mind, fend off the Doom fleet and freeze time around them."
"You got it... I'm on it." Princess Charlene replied and then she headed out to ward off the fleet.
Princess Charlene came outside and soon hovered in the air and facing the Fleet, meditating and focusing her energy; absorbing Psychic energy and forming a clock in midair; Chanting a spell that freezes time, "Psychic mind, time slip... meet the freezing end. Let the time that we seek freeze and pierce the threat with Psychic unrest" Then she launched the attack, "Psychic Time Freeze!"
Now that time was frozen, Princess Charlene held her hands up and Emitting both Arctic ice and Psychic Energy, creating wind, combining them as one and launching it at the Doom Fleet, "ARCTIC TRI-BEAM GALE FORCE!"
Meanwhile in the chapel, the funeral of Keith Kogane began. The entire crowd was either crying, devastated or looking on in sadness. Allura was sobbing on Lance's shoulder as he held her tightly as he was trying to control his grief, Romelle held her cousin's hand as Bandor stood next to her, holding baby Rose. Vince, Kyra, Pidge and Hunk looked on in sadness. The Rhapsody clan, the Vehicle Voltron Force, Manset, Kite, Kalon and Daigo crowded the Voltron Force. Hawkins was consoling Ayeka, who was crying her eyes out.
"Keith was my best friend. I should've known when he was sick. I should've known he was infected by the same Haggarium Sven is infected with." Lance said as tears continued streaming down his face.
"Don't worry... We'll nail the one who infected Keith with the Haggarium." Queen Trixie vowed, "We're gonna nail them all. That's a promise."
"Yes," Daniel said, "Lotor is gonna pay for this! I swear..."
He couldn't say more as he broke down again, nearly unable to control himself. Princess Rikku was glowing in sadness. Then she gulped suddenly as she felt people looking at her waiting for the speech, "I am expected to do the speech, aren't I?"
"Yes... you are, my pink-haired fuzzball." King John replied, "you are, but this time... we'll both do it."
Princess Rikku nodded and walked with her cousin to the front of the room, "Here we go."
King John threw thunder and lighting up in the air, "There. Now it's more effective."
"We feel the pain, but we also feel that a memory never dies. It lives." said Princess Rikku.
King John made the thunder boom with force before saying, "A Loss to one... is a loss to all. Once gone, the soul will never return. The thunder is angry with the loss of one our own..."
Princess Rikku produced a heaven's charm upon the crowd before she said, "To lose someone close to us is never easy. It brings us nothing but pain... nothing but anguish. All we can do is mourn. Mourn for the one that has gone and left us. Keith has left us... but is he really gone or does his spirit still linger... still live?"
"Losing someone is not a feeling of joy, but of sorrow. The loss breaks us down and crushes us, but to remember them for all the good they have done... helps keep their memory strong. To never forget what they've done for us all. When someone dies... it means a life has ended... a storm of death has come and taken our dear friend, but for us to move on is better. It's what the dearly departed would wish for. To move on and carry on. but to never forget them." King John continued.
Princess Rikku was now glowing with light as she continued the speech, "Always keep them close to one's heart. They may have gone away... but in death. However... the spirit never dies. It remains with its loved ones. The aching heart... will mend knowing that the dearly departed is with rest and is in no pain."
She blessed the coffin before continuing, "Never forget them, for in our hearts... our loved one will always live on... Cast light upon the darkened earth. Save those lost in despair. Oh mighty ocean, guide us as we journey through the darkest pit of night. May time, ever fleeting, forgive us - we who have forsaken our song and buried our future."
After their speech, Lance had to make a speech as well and he walked in front of the crowd and began his speech, "Commander Keith Kogane was like a brother to me, my best friend, and he was a great leader of the Voltron Force and had led our team to victory every time. He could pilot in any way that could make any pilot jealous. I know that he is up there watching over us, and he will never be forgotten."
Finally Sky Marshall Graham appeared in front of the crowd.
"Commander Keith Kogane will be missed as he leaves behind his mother Ayeka Kogane, his sister Kyra Kogane, his cousin Shannon "Kite" Benson and many friends that he has made in the galaxy and throughout this universe," Graham paused before he said, "At this time, say your final goodbyes."
Romelle and Bandor were the first to say their goodbyes as they approached the casket.
"Farewell Keith. May you rest in peace." Bandor tearfully said.
"Goodbye." Romelle said before whispering to Keith's still form, "Thank you for loving my cousin the way that you did."
Then she placed Polluxian Flowers in the casket, "From all of us of Pollux and Sven."
Ayeka then arrived at the casket as she sobbed, "Goodbye my son."
Then she placed a flower in the casket.
Manset, Kalon and Kite approach Keith's casket.
"Goodbye my friend." Manset said as he placed a flower in the casket.
"Farewell Commander Keith. Thank you for helping us and being a true ally." Kalon said as he placed a small patch of flowers in the casket.
Kite sighed sadly and placed a flower in the casket as well.
King John played a song with his cousins Princess Charlene and Princess Rikku and Queen Trixie to express their farewells to Keith.
The cry of the city like a siren's song
Wailing over the rooftops the whole night long
Saw a shooting star like a diamond in the sky
Must be someone's soul passing by
These are the streets
Where we used to run where your Papa's from
These are the days
Where you become what you become
These are the streets
Where the story's told
The truth unfolds
Darkness settles in
Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength
To carry on, carry on
Don't wanna be a hero
Just an everyday man
Trying to do the job the very best he can
But now it's like living on borrowed time
Out on the rim, over the line
Always tempting fate like a game of chance
Never wanna stick around to the very last dance
Sometimes I stumble and take a hard fall
Loose hold your grip off the wall
Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
Carry on
I thought i saw him walking by the side of the road
Maybe trying to find his way home
He's here but not here
He's gone but not gone
Just hope he knows if I get lost
Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
To carry on
Commander Hawkins and the Vehicle Voltron Force said their goodbyes to Keith before Coran and Nanny did the same thing.
Lance, Allura, Pidge, Hunk, Daniel, Larmina, Vince, Kyra and Tammy all approached the casket to say their goodbyes.
"Goodbye Keith." said Pidge.
"Farewell buddy. May you rest in peace." Hunk added.
Allura started to break down crying, "Oh Keith! You can't leave me! There's so much I hadn't got to tell you!"
She started sobbing. Lance consoled the Arusian Queen as he held her in his arms.
"No. No! Keith can't be dead! It has to be a trick!" Daniel cried out in denial, "Like the trick Lotor pulled on us when you guys thought Allura was dead! Keith can't be dead! It...it just can't be."
"I'm so sorry Daniel. I wish I could say it's a trick." Lance said before he looked down at Keith, "Goodbye buddy. I'll lead Voltron proudly for you. I swear that to you!"
Minutes later, Coran sealed the casket shut and the pallbearers: Lance, Hunk, Pidge and Allura take Keith to his final resting place behind the Castle of Lions. Everyone arrived at the area, and the casket was laid at its final resting place.
"Goodbye Keith...we will forever miss you." Princess Rikku said. Then she lowered the casket into the ground, "you have been the best ally we ever had and we are never gonna forget you. Farewell beloved Ally. Rest in eternal peace."
"Keith! My baby! Keith! KEITH!" Ayeka cried as the casket was lowering to the grounds. Then she collapsed to the ground and Manset caught her.
"Oh no! Ayeka!" Kite gasped.
"This was all too much for her," Hawkins said, "One of us should take her back to the castle to rest."
"I'll do it." Manset replied, "Kite stay put in case something comes up."
"Will do." Kite nodded. Then Manset and Hawkins left with Ayeka.
King John looked to everyone and concluded the service, "We now draw this to a close. We thank you all for coming, paying tribute as we all say goodbye to Keith Kogane. We will never forget him."
Just because the funeral was over, does not mean that the worse was all over. There was still more to come.