It's been a few days since the Galra Crystal corrupted the Castle of Lions, and it infected King Alfor's Memory, that Allura had to shut off, even if it means losing her father's memories, but they were able to disconnect it before they were about to be destroy by a massive star that was going to explode.
The Paladins had some time on their hands recently, now that the castle was fixed from the Galra Crystal's virus, I and they were rested. Pidge and Coran were trying to hack Sendak's memories, but they were having some issues because it hadn't transferred properly.
So everyone decided to relax after the whole Galra Crystal virus situation, Shiro decided to rest after the whole hearing Sendak's voice in his head, Keith still trained in the training deck with the Red Lion training as well, Pidge is still trying to look at the small information from Sendak's memory with the Green Lion with her, Hunk is in the kitchen with the Yellow getting a snack, and Coran is with Allura after disconnecting her father's memories.
As for Lana, she's in the castle lounge sitting on the couch with the Blue Lion laying on the floor, taking a nap. Lana was actually writing something in a journal she had with her. The journal is a light blue sketchbook with her name scribbled with blue ink and in calligraphy. The journal was a gift from her Abuela Moana. She also has a small blue pencil case that has color pencils and pens for her to write and draw in her journal.
On her ninth birthday, Moana gave her a new sketchbook for her to write and draw in, and Lana smile at her gift. Then Moana pulled out her old journal and showed Lana the adventures and journey she had written down when she was younger.
Lana was amazed by what she read about in her Grandmother's adventures, inspirations, creativity, and the dreams she had, that she saw that they were alike, so Moana gave her a new journal so she could write about the adventures, creativity, inspirations, and dreams that she may have, and Moana had placed in it a written message in Spanish that says: "Hay más en ti" which means: "There is more in you."
As Lana continues sketching in her journal, she pulled out her grandmother's amulet and look at the blue jewel.
'I miss you Abuela, I really wish I could see you, mami, papa, my brothers, and sisters again.' Thought Lana in sadness. 'But I can't risk you guys getting in danger from the Galra.'
'Lana, are you okay?' Asked Blue after waking up from her nap.
"Oh, yeah I'm fine Blue, I'm just missing my family." Said Lana looking a bit sad.
'I know you miss your family, Lana.' Said Blue understanding Lana's sadness. 'But I promise that the sooner we defeat Zarkon and free the universe from the Galra Empire, you'll see your family again.'
"Thanks Blue." Said Lana smiling at her Lion.
'So, what is that journal you have there Lana?' Asked Blue looking curious.
"Oh this journal is a gift that I got from my grandmother, Moana." Said Lana smiling at the journal.
'Amazing, what is in the journal?' Asked Blue and Lana picks up her journal.
"My grandmother says that if I ever saw and think of anything inspiring me during my time." Said Lana showing her lion the pages in her journal.
The Blue Lion see's that Lana's journal is filled with drawings and words that are known as the events, adventures, and the dreams she put in the pages, there were also some pages that have photo's of Lana during her time growing up.
'Wow, these are amazing Lana, you're so creative.' Said Blue in amazement.
"Thanks Blue, my grandmother always told me that when she's around nine years old, she had her own journal and always love to draw what had happened in her life, and sometimes write poems and songs that are based on the drawings she drew." Said Lana smiling at Blue. "She always says that drawing is better than just writing down things like a diary."
'What's a diary?' Asked Blue looking confused.
"A diary is a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences." Said Lana explaining to Blue. "She's always an adventurous person."
'Just like you, Lana.' Said Blue smiling at Lana.
Lana smile at her Lion as she looks at her amulet, and smile at how her grandmother gave her the journal. Suddenly, Keith enters the lounge room with the Red Lion besides him.
"Hey Lana." Said Keith getting Lana's attention.
"Oh, hey Keith." Said Lana closing her journal.
"What is that journal you have there?" Asked Keith getting curious.
"Oh, this journal is a gift from my grandmother." Said Lana smiling at the journal.
"Really?" Asked Keith looking at Lana. "What is in it?"
"Well, in my journal, I write about the adventures, creativity, inspirations, and dreams that I have." Said Lana smiling at Keith.
"Wow, that's really kinda cool." Said Keith impressed by Lana.
"Thanks, so is there something you need Keith?" Asked Lana looking at Keith.
"Oh yeah, Allura wanted me to tell you that we are going to be stopping at a planet called Helena." Said Keith telling Lana.
"Why?" Asked Lana raising an eyebrow.
"She says that we needed some supplies, after the whole Galra Crystal virus spreading through the castle, we might need some tools any case a virus happened again." Said Keith explaining to Lana.
"Okay." Said Lana as she got up, along with Blue.
Then Lana opens a bit of her jacket, placing her journal and pencil case in the hidden pocket and zips it up as she puts on her jacket.
"Wow, that's an impressive jacket, Lana." Said Keith looking impressed.
"Thanks, it was my aunt's that I received after she passed away, but I made a pocket inside of it so I can put my journal in with a thread and needle, which I earn the nickname "Taylor." Said Lana smiling at Keith.
"Wait, your nickname is Taylor?" Asked Keith looking shock.
"Yeah, "Taylor" is my nickname, why?" Asked Lana till her eyebrow raised. "Wait, did you actually think my name is Taylor?"
"No!" Said Keith blushing in embarrassment.
Lana look at Keith in confusion but shrugged it off as she heads to the Main Bridge to meet the others, while Keith follows her, and the Blue and Red Lion follow behind them, and Blue looks at Red.
'He really actually thinks that Lana's name was "Taylor," didn't he?' Asked Blue with a small smirk.
'Yep, big time.' Said Red smirking at his Paladin as they both follow them.
Meanwhile in Commander Prorok's Galra Warship, Prorok was in his command room is pacing back and forth as he venting out his frustrations while Thace stand at the other side looking at him. After when the Paladins defeated the monster from the Balmera, Prorok was upset that his planned getting Voltron have failed and have made him a complete fool to Zarkon.
"Those Paladins are starting to work on my nerves!" Said Prorok in anger. "Not only has my plan to capture the Lions failed, but the Paladins made me a complete fool in front of Zarkon, well, I got another plan to capture Voltron!"
"What exactly are you planning, Commander Prorok?" Asked Thace looking at his commander.
"I hired a bounty hunter to help us capture the Voltron Lions." Said Commander Prorok with a evil smile.
Just then a tall alien enter the Main Brodge of Prorok's warship. He's a humanoid alien with a face resembling that of an octopus, has five tentacles dangling in the front of his face, like a beard. His skin is pale-green with yellowish spots on his face and tentacles. He doesn't have a nose and a visible ear. He has red eyes.
He wears a red and blue armor. He has a belt which is attached to the Raygun pocket. He wears dark blue stockings with metallic squares. He has brass wrist cuffs. He also has a metallic part replacing the green sac on his head.
"You must be Valentino!" Said Prorok smirking evilly at Valentino.
"Yes, Commander Prorok, I'm here to assist you command." Said Valentino bowing at Prorok.
"Sir, what can this bounty hunter do to capture Voltron?" Asked Thace looking confused.
"Well Thace, I believe it's best for you to see for yourself." Said Prorok smirking evilly.
So Prorok signal two sentries to bring forward a green female alien, as she was struggling to get free. Valentino starts summoning a dark red orb from his hand as the female alien began to glow in a dark red aura and once she fell unconscious, his hand reached inside the aliens body and took out a shining light, which represents the aliens purity. When he got that purity, he placed it inside himself, making himself stronger. Once, Valentino stole the aliens pure heart, she fell unconscious.
"Did he. . . Did he kill her?" Asked Thace in shock.
"No, she's not dead, I simply taken her pure heart, and she fell unconscious." Said Valentino smirking evilly as the orange aura surround him.
"Sir, what exactly makes this outlaw useful for us to capture Voltron?" Asked Thace looking confused.
"Well Thace, since you're my trusted Lieutenant, I'll tell you a little secret about this outlaw: years ago, Valentino was banished from his own planet by his people, after he wanted more power in order to rule his home planet." Said Prorok explaining about Valentino. "So one day, he snuck into Haggar's lair and find one of her experiments for inspiration and gain more power."
"So, he stole one of Haggar's experiments?" Said Thace beginning to understand.
"Well, I prefer to think of it as borrowing one of witch's experiments she's not using." Said Valentino smirking evilly.
"I don't think that's different." Said Thace raising an eyebrow.
"Valentino began experimenting himself with Haggar's remaining experiment and he became stronger and powerful than before." Said Prorok smirking evilly." However, in order to gain more power, he needs to collect pure hearts that he could get from aliens around the universe."
"So he basically captures people's hearts?" Asked Thace looking at Valentino.
"If that we're my case, I would've have a mate a long time ago." Said Valentino making Thace shudder a bit.
"No Thace, Valentino grows stronger with every pure heart he steals, the more pure hearts he collects, he becomes unstoppable for anyone to fight." Said Prorok as he look at Valentino. "The Paladins won't stand a chance. Now Valentino, head to the planet where the Paladins are and capture the lions, and I'll reward you."
"Yes, Commander Prorok." Said Valentino bowing at Prorok and leaves.
"Sir, with all due respect, how is this outlaw even going to help us capture the Voltron Lions?" Asked Thace still not understanding Prorok's plan.
"The Voltron Paladins have a weakness and they value the lives of others, even their teammates, so once Valentino collects some pure hearts and gain the Paladins attention, he'll will capture one of the Paladin's pure heart, making the other Paladins vulnerable to form Voltron." Said Prorok smirking evilly. "Once they are powerless to fight Valentino, they will do anything to get their teammates pure heart again, and we will finally capture the lions, for the glory of the Galra Empire."
"Should we inform Emperor Zarkon?" Asked Thace looking at his commander.
"Not yet, as soon as Valentino collects one of the Paladins pure heart, then will inform him." Said Prorok looking at his command center.
"But sir, Empire Zarkon doesn't like it when we do things without his order, he's already angry at you after the whole Balmera failure." Said Thace reasoning with Prorok.
"Trust me Thace, once Valentino capture the Voltron Lions, then Zarkon will forget everything from the Balmera." Said Prorok as he he smirk evilly. "Let's hope Valentino won't fail us."
Once Valentino arrived on the Planet of Helena where the Paladins are, he will head to a location where their are many people and starts stealing pure hearts from everyone he saw, increasing his strength. Valentino meant business and he was going to do what he was asked of him: he was going to capture the Voltron Lions.
Meanwhile at the Planet Helena, the Paladins have all arrived at the planet's atmosphere as the Castle of Lion's landed on the ground, the Paladins have exit the castle with their Lion's. They all see humanoid aliens with color skins walking around looking happy doing their activities.
"Wow, this place look's amazing, it kinda reminds me of Earth." Said Lana smiling at the place.
'Hmm. . . You know, it does show some similarities.' Said Blue agreeing with Lana.
"Yeah, I wonder if they have excellent food here?" Said Hunk thinking about food as usual.
'Oh yeah, I could get something to eat.' Said Yellow getting hungry.
"Is that all you ever think about?" Asked Pidge raising an eyebrow.
"What, I can't help it if I'm hungry." Said Hunk blushing in embarrassment.
'Wow Yellow, you and your Paladin are so much alike.' Said Green looking at Yellow.
'Hey, can you blame me and Hunk, food is delicious!' Said Yellow thinking about food.
"Let's not let our guard down, you might never know if the Galra will show up." Said Keith looking around.
'Yeah, they might be anywhere.' Said Red scanning for any Galra.
"Calm down Keith, Coran and Allura scan the planet, and there's no sign of Galra." Said Lana looking at Keith. "So there's nothing to worry about."
"You can never be too careful." Said Keith looking at Lance.
"Okay, if you say so." Said Lana shrugging her shoulder and looks at the other part of the town.
Unknown to Lana is that the reason why Keith is being on high alert is because after the bomb incident with Sendak and Lana almost getting killed, Keith doesn't want anything bad to happen to Lana.
"Alright guys, let's split up and look for the supplies that Coran asked for." Said Shiro looking at the others. "But remember, if you see anything suspicious or any kinda information about the Galra, contact immediately."
"Yes sir." Said the Paladin's to Shiro.
'Remember Lion's, always be on alert with anything suspicious.' Said Black to the other Lion's.
'Yes, Black.' Said the Lion's to Black.
So the Paladin's and the Lion's are start to split up as they all look for the supplies Coran ask them to get. Lana and the Blue Lion both walk to a park and noticed that there were more children playing and having fun with their friends or with their parents.
As Lana watched the children play, she thought back to her childhood. She remember the memories she had with her siblings when they were kids as they play together. Then as she grown and one of her siblings had her niece and nephew, she would always love to take them to the park and play with them. For Lana, childhood life is more enjoyable and it's easier to gain new knowledge, and life was full of possibilities. But she was happy with where her life was at, because she found friends that really cared and a good life.
While Lana was lost in her thoughts about her friends, she heard screams of panic all around her. Lana snapped herself out of it and saw Valentino terrorizing people as they all run away from Valentino.
"Guys, we have trouble." Said Lana through her helmet transmission com.
"Just stay put Lana, will be there." Said Shiro through the helmet transmission com.
However Lana can't just stay put while the children are in danger, so she ran over to Valentino as the alien starts going up to the children, with Blue by her side. Lana wasn't going to let that alien hurt those children, not while she's around.
"Nothing is purer that children" said Valentino cackling evilly.
"Hey! Get away from them!" Said Lana aiming her blaster at Valentino with Blue growling at the alien.
"Ahhh, if it isn't the Blue Paladin. You think you can defeat me on your own?" Asked Valentino smirking evilly at Lana.
"I'm pretty sure. Who are you?" Asked Lana glaring at Valentino.
"I am Valentino, the most vicious outlaw of the universe. No one can defeat me." Said Valentino smirking evilly at Lana.
"Think again!" Said Lana shooting her blaster Valentino right in the face, causing him to stumble back. "Blue, get the kids to safety, I'll try to hold this outlaw!"
So Blue did as her Paladin told her as she leads the kids to safety from the fight. Valentino began charging towards Lana, as she swiftly dodge to evade him. Then Lana hit Valentino with her blaster and shoot him a few times, but Valentino was just too strong. Then Lana went around a tree to dodge him, and kicked Valentino from the other side, but it was no use, which cause Lana to fall to one knee, but she wasn't going to give up without a fight.
Suddenly Blue arrived at the fight, after taking the children to safety, and she attacked Valentino by jumping on him and fiercely bit his arm, holding Valentino back from Lana. Then Lana got up and tried to punched Valentino, but Valentino was able to caught Lana's punch and throwing her across, while throwing Blue off him. Then Lana was about to grab her Bayard, till Valentino caught her.
"No, you don't!" Shouted Valentino summoning a dark red orb from his hand causing Lana to glow in a dark red aura and fall unconscious.
When Lana fell unconscious, Valentino went to Lana and then reached inside her, pulling out Lana's heart. As he held Lana's heart in his hand, it shined so brightly, brighter than all the others, causing Valentino to look in awe.
"This is the purest heart I've ever seen. This will give me incredible power!" Said Valentino as he placed Lana's heart inside of himself. "I will be unstoppable!"
"Hey! Get away from her!" Shouted a male voice in anger.
Valentino looked up to see the other Paladin's coming to Lana's aid, with the other lion's. Keith charged straight towards Valentino, but somehow Lana's heart made him too powerful, and no matter how hard Keith fought, it wasn't enough. As Keith fought the alien, Valentino blocked every move he threw and one kick sent him flying.
"Keith!" Yelled Shiro as the rest of the Paladins went to go help him.
"Who are you?" Said Pidge glaring at Valentino.
"I am Valentino and you don't stand a chance of beating me. The Blue Paladin's pure heart has made me unstoppable and by the time the sun sets, her heart as well as all these pathetic aliens hearts will be mine forever. So you have a choice: give me the Lions or you'll never have your precious Blue Paladin back ever again." Said Valentino cackling before escaping back to Prorok.
"What does he mean Lance's heart will be his forever?" Asked Pidge looking worried.
"Lana!" Yelled Keith running over to her and held her in his arms. "Lana! Lana wake up! Guys, Lana's not waking up. . ."
"What ever that alien did to her, it looks serious!" Said Shiro looking worried.
'Lana. . . Lana, please wake up!' Said Blue trying to wake up her Paladin by nuzzling her cheek.
"We have to get Lana back to the castle, maybe Allura and Coran can help her." Said Shiro suggesting as Keith carried Lana princess-style to the castle.
The Paladin's and Lions were all worried about Lana, but Keith was worried the most and all he wanted was to see Lana's bright smile again. Lana gave her life to save the life of a few children, that was the person she was and the hero she became.
Back at Commander Prorok's Galra Warship, Prorok was very pleased to hear that Valentino had made progress by taking out one of the Paladins.
"I'm impressed Valentino." Said Prorok smirking evilly at Desperado. "No one has managed to take a Paladins out of commission."
"Yes Commander Prorok, the Blue Paladin's pure heart has made me more powerful." Said Valentino as his dark orange aura glow brightly. "Out of all the purest hearts I collected, this was the purest heart I have ever seen. And all the paladins have to do to get their friend back, is to give me the lions."
"Do you honestly think the Paladins would give you the lions without a fight?" Asked Thace looking at Valentino.
"Of course they will, the Paladins will do anything to get their friend back, especially the Red Paladin." Said Valentino remembering how Keith fought to protect Lance and how he was holding Lance with his life. "They will not defeat me, especially since I've collected a large number of pure hearts."
"Now it's time to strike now, with one Paladin down, now's the best time to get the lions!" Said Prorok smirking evilly. "Thace, contact Emperor Zarkon."
"Vrepit Sa!" Said Thace as he listens to Prorok's command.
So Thace began doing a video transmission to Zarkon as his ruler's face filled the screen in front of Prorok, while Haggar stands beside him.
"Commander Prorok." Said Zarkon speaking through the video transmission.
"Emperor Zarkon, I have news to report that might please you." Said Prorok bowing to Zarkon.
"Proceed." Said Zarkon waiting for Prorok's report.
"After the fail attempt to capture Voltron from the Balmera, I have decided to take drastic measures and hired a bounty hunter to capture the Voltron Lions." Said Prorok with a proud smile.
"You fool! You dare make plans without informing me again?" Said Zarkon in a venomous tone.
"Forgive me lord, but I feel like it's the right time to strike again with Voltron, and we have an opportunity to get the lions." Said Prorok as he motions to Valentino. "Valentino here is the key to capture Voltron."
"And what makes you think this outlaw will help us capture Voltron?" Asked Haggar glaring at Desperado.
"Well, Valentino here can steal the pure hearts from everyone he fights, and gains more power for him to be unstoppable." Said Prorok smirking evilly.
"It's true, in fact I have collected the Blue Paladins pure heart, and in all my life, I have never seen a pure heart so bright." Said Valentino smirking evilly as well.
So Valentino began to summon his dark orange aura from his hand and reveal Lance's pure heart, and it starts to shine so bright, that it lights almost the entire room. Thace was so amazed at how pure the heart is, Zarkon just look at the pure heart and doesn't show his expression, but he feels quite impressed with Valentino's attempt.
However from the moment Haggar see's Lance's pure heart, her eyes widen on how pure it is, and felt a very strange connection to it, like she seen this time of purity before, but she couldn't figure out what it is.
"Hmm. . . Impressive, but you still do not realize Voltron's power." Said Zarkon with a evil tone.
"Do not worry Emperor Zarkon, my plan will not fail." Said Prorok bowing at Zarkon.
"We shall see." Said Zarkon ending the video transmission.
"Valentino, go down to the planet and get the Lions! With the one Paladin down, will finally be able to get those Lions for the glory of the Galra Empire!" Said Prorok smirking evilly.
"Very well, Commander Prorok." Said Valentino bowing his head and left to finish the job.
"With Valentino defeating the Paladins, we will finally capture Voltron!" Said Prorok in an evil tone and smirk evilly.
Thace didn't say anything as he bowed respectfully to his commander and leaves the room as well to do his duties.
Meanwhile back at the Castle of Lions, Lana laid unconscious in the Medical Bay, while Coran check the scanners in the console over, trying to figure out what happened to her, while Allura ran some diagnostic tests on her to see if there is something wrong with her physically. Shiro, Pidge, and Hunk paced throughout the Medical Bay, trying to figure out the team's next move while Keith and Blue sat by Lana's bedside. Valentino was one of the toughest aliens they've faced yet and without Lana, the team can't form Voltron.
"Well, have you found out what's wrong with Lana?" Asked Hunk worrying for his best friend.
"So far, her vital signs are all normal, her heart rate is steady and it says that everything looks okay." Said Allura informing the Paladins after running a check up on Lana.
"Does Lana look okay to you, she's not waking up!" Shouted Keith snapping at Allura, causing team shot a look at him as Allura looked down. "I'm sorry, Allura. It's just, Lana shouldn't be like this, if we were there in time, or I could've done something"
Keith somehow admit his feeling as he looked down at Lana's lifeless body. The way Lana is right now, Keith felt like he could've done something to protect Lana, and that was a big thing that seems to clench his heart.
"Keith, if it wasn't Lana's heart, it would've been yours." Said Hunk pointed out and he was right.
No matter what they could've done or how different the situation would be, Valentino was strong with all the pure hearts he acquired, and Lana was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but she was able to protect those people from danger.
"Hey, don't worry Keith, we're gonna get her back." Said Shiro placing his hand on Keith's shoulder and looks at Coran. "Coran, is there anything about the alien?"
"I pulled out some information in the Alien Data Base, and it turns out that this Valentino person is really an outlaw." Said Coran looking at the information.
"What's the information about him?" Asked Pidge getting curious along with the other Paladins.
"According to the Data Base, Valentino is known throughout the galaxy, to be the most dangerous outlaw anyone ever dares to fight, he becomes powerful by taking pure hearts and use them to create destruction." Said Coran explaining to the Paladins, realizing that Valentino's reputation is well-known throughout the galaxy.
"Okay so he's a bad guy, we understand that, is there anything else about him that help us figure out how to stop him?" Asked Shiro to the Altean Advisor.
"According to this, before when Valentino became an outlaw, he was once a successor to a chief in a far away planet, and was supposed to be the next chief of his people." Said Coran explains more about Valentino. "But he became so obsessed for power and treated the people so horrible, that he was banished from his planet and was stripped away from his destiny."
"Wow, he must've been very cruel." Said Hunk shuddering in fear.
'Ugh, tell me about it, sounds like Zarkon.' Said Yellow agreeing with Hunk.
"Okay, what happened after that?" Asked Keith looking desperate to help Lana.
"Valentino became obsessed with gaining more power, so centuries ago, he snuck into Zarkon's command ship and stole one of his witch's experiments, he use it on him and became powerful." Said Allura looking at the information. "However in order to become more powerful, he need to steal something that is filled with purity and light, that he now has the ability to steal people's pure hearts and uses them to make himself powerful and impossible to defeat."
"What does that mean for Lana?" Asked Hunk worrying for his best friend.
"It seems that when Valentino took Lana's heart, he took her life force as well." Said Coran explaining to the Paladins. "While it makes Valentino stronger, it's make Lana weaker without her pure heart."
"So how do we stop him?!" Asked Keith looking desperate.
"The only way to stop Valentino, is if by destroying the alien, Lana's heart will be returned and he'll wake up again." Said Coran explaining the rest.
"But how are we going to beat him, he's too powerful with all the pure hearts he stolen." Said Pidge looking concerned. "And because Lana's heart is so pure, we won't be able to defeat him."
"And he said that he wants the Lions in exchange for Lana's heart." Said Hunk looking at the team. "There's no way we're going to give up the Lions to him!"
"But he says if we don't, Lana's heart will be his forever and we won't be able to form Voltron!" Said Pidge looking worried about the situation.
"We have to do something, if we don't do anything before the sun sets, Lana will never wake up!" Said Keith reminding them and realizing time was running out.
"Is Lana going to be okay?" Asked Pidge looking concern for her friend.
"I don't know, Pidge, but we have to do something soon." Said Hunk looking worried for Lana.
Keith never tear his gaze from Lana's face, as he held Lana's hand tightly, like he doesn't want to let go. This wasn't the Lana McClain that Keith remembered and want to see. Lana looked so pale and sad, the complete opposite of Lana the team knew and loved. Lana was always so full of life and cheerfulness. Lana brought out the best in every person he meets. Keith really wants to help Lana, but doesn't want to give up the Lions. The Paladins sworn to defend the universe and defeat the Galra Empire and Zarkon, but they couldn't form Voltron without Lana.
Two hours have passed, and the Paladins still haven't come up with anything to defeat Desperado or get Lana's heart back. However as Pidge wipes Lana's forehead with a wet cloth, Lana began to stir a bit before slowly opening up her eyes.
"Guys. . ." Said Lana softly but weak.
"Lana!" Shouted Pidge as the team went by their friend's side to see how she was feeling. "Are you okay?"
"I don't know. I feel... so empty and sad. Like a part of me is missing. Why do I feel like this?" Asked Lana sounding weak.
The Paladins, the Lion's, along with the two Alteans all exchanged looks, deciding if they should tell her about what happened during her fight with Desperado.
"You don't remember anything that happened?" Asked Allura looking at Lana.
"All I remember is fighting that alien that was going to hurt some children. I tried to fight him and the next thing I knew, I passed out. Now I just feel. . . Weak, like I can't even smile anymore." Said Lana trying to breath a bit.
When Keith heard that, his heart dropped so low to the ground. Lana always smile even in worst situations and it makes people feel happy, but to hear that she can't even smile, just breaks the Paladin's heart, along with the Lions and the two Alteans. Lana sounded like the life was sucked out of her. This wasn't the Lana they wanted to see.
"That alien isn't going to get away with what he's done. Were gonna get him, just hang on until then." Said Pidge to Lana.
"I don't know if I can. . ." Said Lana before slowly starting to fall back into sleep like she has no more energy.
"Guys! She's falling back asleep!" Said Pidge getting worried.
"Lana! Lana!" Yelled Keith hoping Lana would hear, but he wasn't responding, and suddenly the castle's alarm started blaring.
"There's some destruction going on from downtown of the planet." Said Allura looking at the computer.
"It's probably Valentino. . ." Said Pidge pointing out.
Keith's expression quickly changed, as he made a beeline out of the Medical Bay, as he grabbed his Bayard and ran out with the Red Lion following him. This was a completely different side of Keith, of course they seem angry sometimes, but this type of anger Keith has is different to them.
"Keith!" Yelled Pidge as the Paladin's went after him.
"Look after her." Asked Shiro to Allura and Coran.
"We will." Said Allura as Shiro quickly went to join his team, while the Alteans stay put to help Lana, along with the Blue Lion.
Keith rides Red as fast as he could to find Valentino and he was the first one there. Keith was on a mission, he was going to beat Valentino and get Lana's heart back, even if he meant doing it alone, but he has Red with him.
Keith saw Valentino stealing more pure hearts from innocent aliens, even children, and it only made Keith angry even more. The idea of Valentino taking something pure and beautiful like Lana's heart, to cause destruction and pain made him angry, and he won't allow it to happen.
"Hey, Valentino!" Shouted Keith in anger seeing the alien.
"Well, if it isn't the Red Paladin." Said Valentino chuckling evilly. "I'm guessing you're here for another round?"
"You have something I want!" Said Keith glaring at Valentino. "Give me back Lana's heart!"
"Will you give me the Lions?" Asked Valentino with a evil smirk.
"Never!" Shouted Keith glaring at Valentino.
"Well, if you want your precious Blue Paladins heart back, then you're going to have to get it!" Said Valentino challenging Keith.
Then Keith began charging with full anger inside him, with one mission he want to fulfill. Keith was going to get Lana's heart back and he's determined to see her smile again. Keith hit Valentino with a strong roundhouse kick and some strong jabs, and tries to slash Valentino with his Bayard sword, but Valentino somehow managed to dodge them with ease, because Keith was letting his emotions getting the best of him.
"It's no use Red Paladin! All these hearts had only made me more powerful!" Said Valentino with a evil smirk. "And with the Blue Paladin's purest heart, it has only made me stronger!"
"We'll see about that!" Shouted Keith as he continued to fight Valentino. "I'm not going to let you do this to Lana!"
"Enough!" Shouted Valentino as one kick sent Keith flying.
Then Red came from behind Valentino and tried to attack him, but Valentino sent out a swing kick, cause Red to flying to the other side where Keith was. While Keith was struggling to get up, Valentino came up to him and pinned him down.
"Now it's time for you to join your beloved Blue Paladin." Said Valentino smirking evilly.
However just as Valentino was about throw release his dark orange aura to Keith, he was blasted away from him when blasts came out of nowhere. Keith turned around to see the Hunk with his cannon on, with the other Paladins and Lions coming to help him and the Red Lion.
"You okay, Keith?" Asked Shiro helping him up.
"Better that you guys are here." Said Keith looking at his team.
"Let's beat him together, for Lana!" Said Pidge smiling at her team.
"For Lana!" Said Keith preparing to fight.
"You think you can beat me?!" Said Valentino cackling evilly. "These hearts make me unstoppable!"
"Don't count on it!" Said Shiro as the Paladins were ready to fight. "Let's do this Paladins, but be careful, let's not let Valentino take our hearts!"
Meanwhile back at the Castle of Lions, Allura continue sitting by Lana's side as she slept soundly, and Blue is laying her head on Lana's hand, worrying for her Paladin's life.
"Come on, Lana. Be strong, fight for your friends, your Lion, the universe, we need you." Said Allura sitting by Lana's side with a worry expression.
Coran was still checking over Lana's vital signs, checking that they are still the same, however as Lana was still sleeping, something was going on in her head.
~Lana's Dream~
Lana woke up and found herself back at her family farmhouse in Varadero Beach. The sun covered the area in a soothing yellow light as the sun rises up to the sky. This was the place where Lana feels happy and calm. Whenever Lana was feeling stressed out or unhappy, she will always go to Varadero Beach to get away from the pressure, even when she's not at her home and she's at the Garrisons, she will always image being in Varadero Beach.
Lana found herself wearing a simple light blue beach dress with short sleeves with her blue amulet around her neck. Lana walked barefoot up to the ocean, as she feet feel the cool sensation of the water.
As Lana was enjoying the sensation of the water and splashing a bit, she saw two dolphins swimming around her, which shock Lana a bit, cause she remembered that dolphins are his aunts favorite sea animals.
"You always have a way with animals." Said a female voice from behind Lana.
Lana's eyes widen as she turn to see a middle age women who's like an older version of Lana and she's dressed in white.
"Tia Cordelia?" Asked Lance with his eyes widen.
"Hi Lana." Said Cordelia smiling at her niece.
Suddenly Lana ran up to her aunt and hugged her tightly as her aunt hug her back. Even though it was a dream to Lana, she was going to cherish this moment with her aunt.
Meanwhile the Paladins were busy fighting their hardest, to retrieve the hearts that Valentino taken. Pidge fought hard against him with some pretty strong jabs and swift kicks, as she blast her arrow-shaped blade to him, but Valentino grabbed the rope and toss Pidge aside, so Green tried to attack Valentino, but he grabbed her by the collar and throw her to where Pidge is.
Then Hunk tried to charge to Valentino with his cannon in his hand while Yellow tried to charged to Valentino at the other side, but Valentino dodge them, causing Hunk and Yellow to slam at each other. So Shiro and Keith both fought hard to take on Valentino, but he ingested so many pure hearts that he becomes impossible to beat.
"You Paladins can't beat me! With your friend's pure heart, it made me unstoppable!" Said Valentino smirking evilly.
Shiro's kick was easily blocked as Valentino sent him flying. Keith was still holding his own against Valentino, determined to beat him as he tried to strike Valentino with his sword but Valentino effortlessly deflected it, and with one kick sent Keith flying to where the others are.
So the Black and Red both tried to fight Valentino, but the alien was just too strong no matter how hard they work together, and Valentino tossed them to the others as they all groaned in pain, and Hunk noticed the sun starting to set.
"Guys, we're running out of time!" Shouted Hunk seeing the sun set.
'The sun, it's starting to set.' Said Yellow realizing their situation.
"What are we going to do. . . He's just too strong!" Said Pidge groaning in pain.
"But we can't just give up, we need to get Lana's heart back!" Said Keith trying to get up till Valentino walk up to them.
"Ha ha ha. . . Now then, it's time to gather your hearts, and capture the Lions." Said Valentino smirking evilly.
Then Valentino starts summoning his dark orange aura and was about to get their pure hearts, when suddenly the Blue Lion appeared out of nowhere and began attacking Valentino, shocking the Paladins and the Lions seeing the Blue Lion suddenly appeared, and Blue tossed Valentino aside.
'Blue, what are you doing here?! You need to get outta here, he'll capture your heart!' Shouted Red worrying for the Blue Lion.
'No way Red, this monster has my Paladin's heart, and I will do anything to get it back!' Said Blue growling at Valentino.
Then as the Blue Lion attack, Valentino tried to attack Blue, but she was able to keep her guard up, and continue to fight. Then Pidge starts to realize that it was the perfect opportunity to strike Valentino and looks at Keith.
"Keith, finish him off!" Said Pidge looking at Keith.
"Are you sure?" Asked Keith looking the others.
"We want to see Lana smile again. She's my best friend, take him out." Said Hunk with determination.
Keith looked at his team and realized that it's the perfect opportunity to finish Valentino, so he got up and activated his Bayard, as he starts charging at Valentino. Then as Blue saw Keith charging up, she quickly dodging out of the way, causing Valentino to turn around, only for Keith to send out a powerful strike at Valentino.
"NO. . . How could you beat me?" Shouted Valentino as he fell.
"Cause we are the Paladins of Voltron." Said Chase as the Paladins and Lions stood tall.
Then once Valentino was destroyed, suddenly many bright lights started raining from the sky.
"Woah, what are these?" Asked Hunk looking at the lights.
"They must be the hearts Valentino stole." Said Pidge looking at the lights.
Now that Valentino was destroyed, the pure hearts he stole were returned to the people they belonged to. Once the hearts were inside the people's bodies, they instantly woke up and are happy to be themselves again.
"I missed you so much, Tia Cordelia." Said Lana as she sat with his aunt.
"I missed you too, Lana." Said Cordelia smiling at Lana. "But what are you doing here, I know for a fact you shouldn't be here right now."
"Well, I was fighting this horrible alien that was trying to hurt some innocent aliens all by myself, but ended up getting defeated anyway, if I would've waited for them, I would be helping them now. It's all my fault that their in trouble." Said Lana looking down at her hands. "I feel so useless."
"No, you're not useless Lana, you fought to protect those innocent children." Said Cordelia to her niece. "You are brave and kind-hearted, I cannot be anymore proud of you. And I know that your friends are proud of you as well."
"Really, you're not disappointed in me?" Asked Lana looking at her aunt.
"No, why would you think that?" Asked Cordelia in disbelief.
"Because the truth is that I feel I'm not good enough to do anything, when I enter the Galaxy Garrison, I worked really hard to get into the Fighter Pilot's position, but I ended up as Cargo Pilot, while Keith becomes Fighter Pilot." Said Lana looking a bit upset. "And everyone back at the Garrison always tried to compare me to him, like I'm always in his shadow."
Back at the Garrison's, Lana was always jealous of Keith of being at the top and no matter how hard she tried, nobody will ever notice it, and always compared Lana to Keith, which really hurt her. And even though she moved up to Fighter Pilot, people will still always compared her to Keith, no matter how hard she tried.
"Lana you are very unique and special. You're finding your place in the world and we could never be ashamed of that" said Cordelia placing her hand on Lana's shoulder. "I can tell that being a Paladin of Voltron has made you an even better person. You've grown to be a beautiful young women. You mean something to people. You're making a real difference and I can't be any more proud of you."
Cordelia smiled as Lana held onto her amulet. Lana really did become a Paladin of Voltron and has grown to become an even better version of herself, from the moment they found the Blue Lion. She was strong, brave, and a true friend.
"Thank you." Said Lana as she hugged her aunt, and noticed her amulet glowing and his aunt starts glowing as well. "What's happening?"
"It's time for me to go." Said Cordelia smiling at Lana.
"What. . . Why are you leaving?! I've missed you so much, I don't want you to go now!" Said Lana pleading to her aunt
"I'm sorry, Lana. You have a big responsibility you need to do with your team." Said Cordelia smiling at Lana. "The universe still needs you, your team still needs you."
"But what if I want to see you again?" Asked Lana looking at her aunt.
"I'll always be right here, Lana." Said Cordelia pointing to Lana's heart. "And I know you'll be in good hands."
Lana smiled as she held her amulet in her hand, and looks at her aunt with tears in her eyes.
"I love you so much, Tia Cordelia." Said Lana smiling at her aunt as tears came down from her face.
"I love you too, Lana. . ." Said Cordelia as she hugged Lana tightly.
Once Cordelia pulled away from her niece, Lana watched as her aunt starts to fade away in a bright blue light, and she held onto her amulet. When her grandmother gave her the amulet, Moana always says that whenever she wears the amulet, her family will always be there for her no matter how far they are, and it's the only connection Lana had to aunt. He knew that her aunt love her very much and her amulet connects her heart to her family.
As Lana stood there, suddenly she saw that her friends and the Lions were in front of her. Lana smiled as she ran up to her friends and she was welcomed with a big hug. Lana found not only amazing friends, but also a new family. Lana built lasting relationships with people she can consider her best friends.
~End of Lana's Dream~
As Lana slept soundly, a bright light came into the Medical Bay of the Castle of Lions and went inside Lana's body. Lana's pure heart was returned to her body, indicating that Valentino was destroyed. The color returned to Lana's face as she sat up.
"Hey Allura, Coran. . ." Said Lana smiling as she gave Allura and Coran a sincere smile.
Allura and Coran were so happy to see Lana back to normal as Lana gave them a hug, happy that she was back to his old self.
Meanwhile back at Commander Prorok's Command Ship, Commander Prorok made a video transmission with Zarkon as they all wait for Valentino to return with the Lion's, but then Thace enter the room and looks at Prorok.
"Commander Prorok, I'm afraid that Valentino has been destroyed by the Paladins!" Said Thace and Zarkon's eyes narrow.
"No! How could this be?" Said Prorok in a a panic tone and look at Zarkon. "Lord Zarkon. . ."
"Silence, Prorok, you are an embarrassment to the Galra Empire." Said Zarkon narrowing his eyes at Prorok and ended the video transmission.
"ARGH, THOSE PALADINS. . ." Shouted Prorok slamming his fist at the console while Thace stay quiet.
After they defeated Valentino, the Paladin's arrived at the castle to see Lana fully awake, meaning that she got her heart back and they hugged her happily to have her back, even the Blue Lion was happy that her Paladin is back to her happy self. The Paladin's were happy to have the old Lana back as they told bee all about their battle with Valentino.
"I can't believe I missed it! I would've help you guys take that creep down!" Said Lana smiling at her team.
"Lana, you went out of your way to protect those kids before Valentino could take their hearts. That was pretty brave." Said Shiro complimenting Lana's strength.
"Really?" Asked Lana as her eyes widen.
"Really Lana, you're fearless and one of the most loyal people we've ever met, you will do anything to protect people, even if it means risking your life." Said Allura smiling at Lana.
"Thanks guys." Said Lana and she look around to see Keith is nowhere to be seen. "Where's Keith?"
"He's at the training deck, trying to train a bit more after the fight with Valentino, you should've seen him, he was on fire." Said Pidge looking at Lana.
"Well, not really on fire like his Lion's element, but he was so angry that he said to Valentino that he'll do anything to get your heart back." Said Hunk explaining to Lana.
Lana got really shock that Keith actually say that. At first she didn't know if she wants to believe since Keith doesn't show his emotions, but she wanted to know if it's true, so after she thank her team for getting her heart back, she went to the training deck where Keith is.
As Lana arrived at the training deck, she saw Keith fighting a Gladiator robot, and she was impressed by Keith's sword skill, and then Keith sliced the Gladiator, causing it to be destroy and Keith wiped the sweat off his forehead.
"Hey Keith." Said Lana getting Keith's attention.
"Oh. . . Hey Lana." Said Keith blushing a bit. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Not that long, that was kinda impressive what you did." Said Lana smiling at Keith.
"Oh. . . Thanks." Said Keith blushing at Lana's words. "So, how are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling like myself again, at least I can smile again." Said Lana smiling to be her happy self.
"I'm glad that yourself again." Said Keith smiling a bit and Lana remember why she went to find Keith.
"Hey, Keith. . . Pidge and Hunk told me that when Valentino took my heart, you went at it alone to get it back. Were you worried about me?" Asked Lana looking at Keith.
At first Keith blushed a bit as he was trying to find the right words to say to Lana. But once he looked at Lana's smiling face, it all came to him as he took a deep breath.
"To be honest, yeah, I was worried. It just made seeing you so weak without your heart, I had to do something to get it back." Said Keith with a tiny blush on his face.
"Huh, what do you know, you are something Keith Kogane." Said Lana smiling at Keith.
"I hope that's a good thing." Said Keith looking at Lana.
"It's a really good thing. It's good to know that I can depend on you guys to be there for me." Said Lana smiling at Keith, and Keith missed seeing that smile.
"And to be honest Lana, you can always count on us." Said Keith smiling at Lana.
"You know, we do make a great team." Said Lana smiling at Keith.
Keith's heart began beating very fast the moment he looks at Lana's smile, the way Lana smiles brightens the room, her eyes are full of happiness and light, and she has a bright aura shining so brightly, that she has a way to make people happy. The two of them soon realize that they're close to each other, as their face are almost close to each other.
Lana's heart beat a bit as her ocean blue eyes stared at Keith's violet purple eyes, and Keith's heart beat fast as well, suddenly Lana and Keith both start to lean towards each other, as their eyes closed and their lips almost touch, suddenly Hunk starts to barge into the training deck, causing them to separate from each other, with their faces blushing.
"Hey guys. . ." Said Hunk till he saw their blushing face. "Oh, am I interrupting something?"
"No!" Said Lana and Keith in unison as they blush in embarrassment.
"Okay. . . Anyway, Allura wanted me to get you two, Pidge found some information from Sendak's memories that can help us figure out how to take down Zarkon." Said Hunk telling the two boys.
"Okay, we're coming." Said Lana as she and Keith follow Hunk back to the Main Bridge.
As Hunk, Lana, and Keith all went back to the team, Keith looks at Lana and blush a bit, he was really hoping to actually kiss Lana if Hunk didn't enter the training deck. Keith hoped that one day, he will finally share his feelings towards Lana, but little did Keith knows is that deep down, Lana also has secret feelings for Keith and hope one day she has the courage to tell him how she feels.