Quintessence Effect
ESKK: This was originally one chapter, but the length got too long so I had to cut it in two between this one and the previous chapter. Enjoy.
(Start over with the Lions)
The Voltron lions were flying through the sky as they made their way towards Saren's base. The AA Guns were already targeting them as they looked for the Robeast. "Got ready fellas this is going to get bumpy." Kalvin announced and then went towards the others. "Shadow Team you in?" Kalvin asked as he needed answers.
"We're approaching the base from the rear." John responded before Ashley cut in as well.
"We've already started the assault on our end." Ashley said as the Paladins could already hear the sound of gunfire in the background.
"Alright then here goes nothing!" Kalvin called out and thus pushing forward on his controls they began their attack. The AA Guns opened fire on the Lions as the five scattered around to avoid the shots. "Leon, Hector, Penny target the AA Guns." Kalvin began to the three.
"Right!" Leon, Penny, and Hector all said as they broke formation to hit the AA Guns.
"Allura with me we're going to try to see if you can find the Robeast!" Kalvin called out as they hadn't seen the robeast as of yet. "If we can hit it before it hits us, we might have the advantage." Kalvin said and thus Allura saw what was to be done.
"On it." Allura announced and in turn they proceeded to try and locate the Robeast while hitting any AA Guns they happened upon.
(With Leon, Penny, and Hector)
The red, green, and yellow lions flew after the AA guns that were firing at them. The guns were targeting any ships or rockets targeted at the base but thanks to the Lions agility and speed they had the advantage over them. Now if only they could make a clean shot to exploit said advantage. Laser shots were going off around them as the Paladins were attempting to hit the AA Guns.
"We're getting shot at!" Hector cried out as his Lion was getting most of the hits.
"Well thank goodness you have armor!" Penny called out as she went for the AA Guns.
"Guys I got a clear shot going in now!" Leon called out and thus flew in firing his Lions heat beam at the AA tower. The tower fell from the damage and exploded as Leon cheered to this. "Yeah bullseye!" Leon cheered as they flew around the area. But there was still more as Leon noticed how the towers were positioned. "Hector, I have an idea." Leon called as he dodged another shot with his lion.
"Does it involve me getting shot?" Hector asked and thus Lion nodded.
"Yeap if you use that armor thing from your lion, we can plow through those towers in one fell swoop." Leon said and thus Hector then saw what Lion saw.
"Alright but I won't like it." Hector said and thus his Lion activated its armor. Flying towards the ground the Yellow Lion activated its boosters and proceeded to plow its way through the enemy AA Towers. One by one the towers fell but there was still other issues to deal with. Despite taking out several of the cannon they still had a few more to deal with.
Penny cried out and yelped as she was trying to avoid getting hit. "Really wish I had a special weapon right now." Penny said as she then got hit and fell towards the jungle with a yell.
"Penny!" Leon called out in shock when he saw this.
On the ground Penny moaned in pain as her head got raddled a bit. Her Lion was covered in vines as Penny cursed at this. "Great." Penny said but then to her shock her lion wasn't bothered by them. In fact, it was actively moving despite the vines almost felt like the Lion enjoyed it. "Huh green Lion green thumb." Penny smirked and then she felt something else.
Back to the battle Leon and Hector were avoiding the last few AA Guns as they tried to hold the towers off for as long as they can. "Where's Penny?" Hector asked as he looked around for her.
"HERE I AM!" Penny was heard as she flew out of the jungle with her green lion. On her lions back a new weapon was forming and from it a large gun was seen not as large as reds but perfectly sized for the lion.
"Wow way to go you got a shooter!" Leon called out but Penny smirked to this.
"Oh, it's not just a shooter." Penny said and in turn her Lion opened fire with Penny roaring out. When the beam hit the area between some of the AA guns Penny let off a few more shots at the other areas as this confused Leon and Hector.
"Ok Penny did you miss, or did you get a bad part?" Leon asked when he saw what the Green Lion did which was seemingly nothing.
"Wait for it." Penny responded and in turn it came. The areas Penny shot at glowed and from it large masses of vines shot out and grew from the ground. They crawled up and around the AA Guns covering them making it impossible to operate without first removing the massive vines.
"WOW?!" Hector called out caught by surprised over what Penny did.
"I know." Penny smiled as she was enjoying her Lion more and more. "Now that the AA Guns are dealt with the Normandy should be able to land without issue once Shepard gets into position." Penny said and in turn they had to regroup.
"Alright let's regroup with the others and keep the heat going." Leon said and in turn the three Lions flew over to where Kalvin and Allura were.
(Back with Kalvin and Allura)
The Black Lion flew with the Blue Lion as it had its sonic cannon active. Allura was using the weapon as a sonar to try to find the Robeast wherever it was hiding. They distant sounds of cannon fire was dying down meaning that the other Paladins were taking care of those things.
"Anything?" Kalvin asked as he looked towards Allura.
"No." Allura said as she knew something that big did not just vanish like that.
"Well keep looking we need to." Kalvin began but was then caught off guard when Allura found it.
"Wait I have something." Allura said only for their Lions to forcibly be stopped by a Biotic field. What followed was the water ahead of them blasting upward and from it a massive Asari like Robeast shot out glaring at the two Lions with its arms up. It was covered in the aura commonly seen from Biotics showing the Salarians were in fact seeing clearly when they saw the Robeast Use Biotics.
"Found it." Allura said in shock only for the Robeast to toss them aside and causing the pair to cry out in shock. Acting fast Kalvin and Allura fixed their Lions trajectory and once done were able to fly straight again. The Robeast changed form and became more like a comet and flew directly at the Lions at blinding speed. This forced them to avoid the Robeast as it used Biotics to launch itself like that.
"That thing is fast!" Kalvin called out as the Robeast turned for another attack.
"Here it comes!" Allura called and in turn they got ready.
But then Hector with the Yellow Lion flew in and bashed the Robeast off course causing it to spin out a bit. "Hey guys AA Guns are out of town!" Hector boasted with a smile on his face.
"Alright then we need to make this fast." Kalvin began as the five Lions regrouped. "Form Voltron!" Kalvin called out and thus they began to form into Voltron.
(Forming Voltron)
Black Lion roared out as it flew forward with its arms folding into the needed sections. First it folded backward before folding into the container units and once secured Black Lion began to take on a more humanoid look. Then Green and Red Lion flew in as they flew upward leaving behind a trail of energy in there colors as when they did their legs began to fold up and secure themselves to form the arms of Voltron as once, they did they flew off to continue the formation.
Next up was Yellow and Blue Lion as they flew in and began to fold up their legs to be secured and become more leg like themselves as once, they were secured they now looked more like legs. They were now ready for the finishing touches as they got ready to form up with their prides leader the Black Lion. Red Lion attached first as once it was in the socket a connecter shot out and not only secured the arm but also made sure it was usable as this caused the Red Lion to extend a bit to be the right arm of Voltron.
Green Lion was the next to connect as its back shield was now the shoulder pad for Voltron as once Green Lion was in the socket the connection was made and secured in turn allowed the arm to extend a bit to better form the arm like with Red Lion. As this was done Green Lion roared out. Once this was done Blue and Yellow Lions began to form the legs as when they did it was shown that once the Black Lions rear legs were inside Blue and Yellow Lions it began to seal up to both connect and secure the connection as once it did and both legs were secured the transformation was almost done.
Now that the body was formed Black Lion's head was now ready as the yellow eyes then flashed as the maw opened up as first the crown formed and in turn the maw opened up to reveal the face of Voltron as soon Voltron formation was done. When the formation was done Voltron then crashed the mass of Red and Yellow Lions before splitting them apart while a current of energy went through them. Voltron then struck a pose with legs and wings spread and the right arm pointed upward before releasing a burst of Quintessence that formed the Galaxy behind it in turn as Voltron was ready for battle.
(End formation)
"Alright let finish this quickly. Form sword!" Kalvin said as Voltron charge in as he slams his hands together as they came at the Robeast summon forth the sword as the robeast didn't move, just turned its head, and looked at them as when the sword was swung, it struck… but not at the robeast, but its biotic shield as a barrier is seen surrounding its body before Voltron bounce back from that.
"What the hell!" Leon said as he was confused on what just happen as Penny said, "It has a Biotic shield, the sword can pierce through it!"
The robeast fire a Biotic kinetic energy blast at Voltron as he leans left to avoid it as it hit the side of a mountain as Kalvin quickly call out, "Allura, Hector, full thrusters!"
At that moment, the thrusters on Voltron legs shot out making it fly into the air quickly as the robeast fire another blast at them, getting away just in time as Voltron hover in the hair as Hector said, "What do we do, what do we do, WHAT DO WE DO!"
"Calm down and Focus, if we can't hit it with a sword, then let hit it with a gun. Form shoulder cannon!" Kalvin calls out as with that Voltron summon forth it shoulder cannon as the Robeast prepares a powerful Biotic attack as Kalvin said, "Take aim and fire!"
Voltron targeted the robeast as it focus its aim at the Biotic attack before it fired shotting out a powerful beam of energy with the robeast fire her attack at the same time with the two soon collided as it seem both attack were equal in power as they dead lock against each other and push at one another before they both exploded.
Voltron stop its attack as it was blown by the force of the explosion as Hector said, "It stop our attacked!"
"How can we beat this thing if we can't hit it with a sword and can't shoot it with a cannon!" Leon said as Allura calls out, "It's about to attack again!"
The robeast was charging up another powerful attack as it sent it at Voltron with kelvin said, "Move!" with Voltron avoid it at the last moment as the attack split the skies as the clouds broke apart from that attack as Kalvin said, "WE need to get close to it, otherwise it will keep shooting those Biotic blast at us."
"I hope this works!" Penny said as Voltron flew in closer as the robeast was prepared for Voltron as Kalvin said, "Form Kusarigama."
With that Voltron put its fists together again summon forth out the blue lion weapon as the chain appears with the sickle at one end as Voltron swing the chain around with the scythe end as the robeast move out of the way before it could hit her, with the blade slice through many trees around without stopping.
"We need to trap it, otherwise it will keep dodging our attacks," Penny said as Kalvin said, "Then let's use the other end!"
Voltron quickly swing the other side of the before throwing the mace part out as it weapon around the Robeast as it use its biotic shield to block it the mace bit, but it didn't realize it was used to wrap around her, tied up its feet before, kelvin yells out, "form shield!"
With that Penny brought forth the shield as they charge at the robeast as it saw Voltron coming at her, she quickly fire a quick Biotic blast which hit the shield but didn't slow Voltron down as they came down upon it and bash into the robeast, with the Voltron try to strike it with its bladed weapon but the Biotic shield was still strong as the robeast keep on pushing back against it, as Penny yells out, "The biotic shield is still too strong."
"How about a little heat then!" Leon yelled out as The red lion open its maw let go of the weapon as Voltron punch towards it as it unleash a flamethrower which shot out and hit the Robeast in the face as he said, "How do you like them apples!"
The Robeast yell out angry as she got in close and close the red lion mouth close stopping the flames as when the flame vanish showing that the robeast wasn't affected by it as Leon said, "Oh crap!"
The robeast blast into Voltron with its other hand with biotic infused fist as Penny quickly put the shield up to stop the attack, but it keep pressing on as it keep punching at them.
"This this has a strong grip on Voltron, I can't break free!" Leon said as he try his best to move but the robeast held on tightly as they took another hit as Kalvin said, "Keep the shield up Penny!"
"I am, but it can only take so much!" Penny said as they took another hit as they grunted to that, as then Shepard soon reported in as he said, "Approaching target area, but meet with resistant, Ashley what is your status?"
"Taking heavy fire, they are picking us off one by one!" Ashley said as in the background of Ashley's call was the sound of heavy fire on her end.
"Damn it what can we do?! At this rate everyone is going to get killed by the Geth, and no telling what will happen when the bomb is set!" Leon said as they all saw how much trouble they are in as rover was calculating every scenario as he said, "He is correct, at our rate of fighting this robeast, it most likely that Voltron may likely fail to destroy it after shadow team complete theirs and most likely Commander Shepard will have to choose between two crew mate of who will live and who will die."
"We're not gonna let that happen!" Penny yells, as much as the other paladins, she did not want anyone to die and people have been already dying for their shake, she didn't want to let anyone down as she said, "We came here to save everyone, to stop Saren from bringing forth the reapers! IF we can't stop him, then what are we even doing!"
Everyone listen to Penny along with Rover as she went on saying, "I may be shy being around people, but that doesn't mean I want to let them down, they are counting on us to help them, to help the universe, by beating this thing, as even if the odds are against us, I won't give up, even if it kills me!"
"She right," Kalvin said as he felt the same way as Penny as all he want to do is beat this robeast as he went on saying, "I want to win this fight as much as you do Penny… so I… No, we going to give it all we got, as if we do go down, it will be going down fighting!"
Suddenly Voltron lean his head back and headbutted the robeast stopping its attack and disrupted its focus, preventing the robeast from using its powers as Kalvin said, "If we give it our all, we can win!"
"Yeah!" Everyone yell out as Voltron soon push forward and pin the Robeast up against a mountain stopping from using its Biotic abilities but that didn't stop it from yelling and try to force Voltron back itself as Voltron held on as Leon said, "What now?"
"We need to hit it with a shot and take out his shield and the robeast itself at the same time!" Kalvin said as Hector said, "That require to summon forth the should cannon and we can use it this close!"
"We just can't just give up, there got to be a way to stop this thing, there's always a way!" Penny said as that moment the green lion responded as her Bayard port open up for the first time as she was in awe to this as she soon hear her lion speaking to her as it roars as she said, "I… I got a weapon you guys!"
"Well, what are you waiting for? Form something!" Leon yells out as Allura said, "And hurry, we cannot hold off this robeast forever!"
The legs of were holding but they were slowly siding back from the robeast pushing against him as Penny brought out her Bayard and said, "Form weapon!"
Voltron reached out towards the side with its left as energy formed around the arm before he pointed it at the Robeast midsection. From there a powerful beam shot out forcing the Robeast back tearing apart its shields and causing it to crash into the mountain side across the water. From there the new weapon was formed an arm cannon.
"Hah who has a big gun now!" Penny boasted at the new weapon Voltron had formed.
The Robeast was getting back up but now it had suffered severe damage from the Legendary Defender. "Look we hurt it!" Hector called out when he saw the damage.
"I have an idea... let it come to us." Kalvin said as he knew what to do.
"What!?" Leon asked shocked by this.
"No, he's on to something if we let it build up momentum and we open fire it won't be able to dodge." Allura said and thus they planned to turn the Robeasts speed against it.
The Robeast once more shifted into its speed form and began to zoom around the area. "Wait for my mark!" Kalvin ordered and thus the Robeast buzzed by and went directly towards Voltron. "Hold... hold." Kalvin said as Penny was ready. The Robeast was gunning straight for them as it zoomed on in. Its momentum was building as the Paladins got ready to enact Kalvin's plan. "NOW!" Kalvin called out and thus punching forward with the arm cannon and grabbing it with the right arm Voltron unleashed a powerful upon the Robeast. The result was the Robeast being unable to stop or dodge as the beam tore through its body in a powerful shot leaving a hole behind. Voltron stepped to the side and let the Robeast's remains crash into the water where it eventually exploded in a blaze of fury.
"We got it!" Leon cheered happy for the victory over the Robeast.
"Don't celebrate yet we still have to help the teams." Allura said and thus Kalvin nodded.
"Alright Penny Allura you two are with me, Leon Hector the two of you head to assist Ashley's unit." Kalvin called out and thus the group nodded.
"Right!" They called and thus Voltron disengaged back into the five lions and split up. Black, Blue, and Green went one direction while Red and Yellow went the other.
(Meanwhile with Ashley's team)
"Hold the line! Hold the line!" Ashley called as they attempted to hold out for as long as they can.
"We're being over runed!" Shiala called out as she let loose a fury of her Biotics to help the Salarians survive this conflict. "But we must hold the line!" Shiala added as she agreed that for the mission they must hold out.
Just then a roar was heard and from there Red Lion and Yellow Lion flew in firing their beams on the Geth taking several of them out.
"Anyone call for air support?!" Leon asked with a grin as the two lions arrived.
"Thanks for the assist." Ashley said over the comms happy to see that the tides were changing in their favor.
"I assume the Robeast has been dealt with." Shiala said as she stood near Kirrahe.
"Yeap one Biotic Robeast out of the picture." Hector said and thus Kirrahe nodded.
"Very well, my men will regroup provide cover fire." Kirrahe said and thus the two lions stood protectively over the soldiers as they moved to cover.
"Here comes the next wave!" Leon called out and thus he was ready to fight.
(Meanwhile with Kalvin's group)
The Black, Blue, and Green Lions flew towards the other area as Kalving began to bring black in for a landing. "Penny clear the path for us while Allura and I make contact with Shepard's team." Kalvin said as he brought his lion to land. "Once that's done, we'll join back up to help clear up the skies." Kalvin said as his lion landed.
"Alright!" Penny said and thus she flew off in her lion to help clear the path. Once Kalvin and Allura's lions landed, the pair jumped out and moved to where the map suggested Kalvin's father was currently. Entering a lift, the duo moved downward to try and find Commander Shepard.
(Later)
Kalvin stepped out of the lift and made his way through the halls keeping his pistol out as he looked for his father. Allura had her own gun out as something seemed to have her on edge. The map showed this was the only path, so Kalvin's father had to be here. But something was... wrong and Kalvin felt it even inside the Black Lion. Opening the door with a push of a button the pair looked around and found themselves in a somewhat large room. There was a console nearby, but it was inactive, yet that chill did not leave them.
"Something is not right about this place." Allura said she felt a chill go up her spine.
"I agree." Kalvin said as the pair carefully moved through the room.
However, before he could make any moves, he was caught off guard with movement from behind. Kalvin had his gun out but saw his father and his unit here. "Kalvin Allura what are you two doing here?" John asked as he saw his son and the Princess were here.
"Making sure you make it out alive." Kalvin said as he looked around the room.
"Well, you cannot blame him for caring." Liara said as she saw the Shepard's were still making bites here and there.
"Commander look over here!" Kaiden called out as this got the groups attention. "Like the one on Eden Prime." He added and thus they began to make their way towards the Prothean Beacon.
"So that's a Prothean Beacon." Kalvin said as he saw the Beacon in question.
"I've never seen one myself either." Tali admitted as Garrus joined her.
"Why does this make my plates shift." Wrex said as he had a bad feeling about this place.
John began to approach the Beacon as he gave it a look. "Allura you were around during the Prothean Era anything you can tell us about these?" John asked looking over to Allura.
"None... whatever these Beacons are, they came after I was placed into suspended sleep." Allura said as she could not be of much help here.
When John heard this, he began to approach the beacon careful with how he did it. Seeing this it did not take Kaiden long to realize what John was about to do. "Careful Commander you remember what happened the last two times." Kaiden said recalling the Beacon on Eden Prime and the Black Lion.
"It might have something on the Conduit." John said as he looked towards the Beacon in question. "I'll be careful this time but be sure to pull me out." John said but Kalvin had a bad feeling about this as did Allura.
John approach the beacon as he soon activated it, as it glowed, and cause the commander to float in the air like he was possessed or something, but he was seeing them, the vision he saw before has all become clear, feeling someone else's feelings, as destruction was everywhere and surprisingly he caught a glimpse of Voltron but only for a moment, as the vision are still jumbled around he still cannot make heads or tails of yet before the beacon powered down with Shepard falling to his knees as Kalvin and Allura came to his side as they help him up as Allura said, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I am, thanks for the help," John said as he got back on his feet as kelvin ask, "So did you find where the conduit is at?"
"Maybe, I would need Liara's help to make sense of it, but we got the information at least, we need to leave now and get the bomb set up," john said but before they could leave, a red glowing light appeared as they all look above and saw a hologram of sort, no one knew of what, but a dark present fills the room as Kalvin said, "What… is that?"
"I do not know but we're about to find out," John said as he and the other walk to the upper area of the lab and came face to face with the hologram as John knew it was an image of Saren's ship, as Wrex said, "I got a bad feeling something gonna happen."
The Sovereign as suddenly the hologram started speaking to them, "You are not Saren."
"What is that some sort of V.I interface?" Garrus question as Kalvin looks around and knew what it was as he said, "There's no console, and only a hologram projector, this ain't a V.I, it's a communication relay, but to whom or in this case… what?"
"Rudimentary creatures of blood and flesh. You touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding," the image spoken as Allura said, "Who are you?"
"There is a realm of existence so far beyond your own, you cannot even imagine it. I am beyond your comprehension. I am Sovereign!" the thing spoken again as John soon spoken up saying, "Sovereign isn't some reaper ship Saren found."
"It is a reaper," Kalvin finish saying as Allura was shocked by this as she never see anything like it as Sovereign said to them, "Reaper? A label created by the Protheans to give voice to their destruction. In the end, what they choose to call us is irrelevant. We simply are."
"So, you're the cause for the vanishment of the Galra empire 50,000 year how?" Allura said as she didn't know what to make of this reaper as Sovereign said, "Organic life is nothing but a genetic mutation, an accident. You live are measured in years and decade. You wither and die... but The Galra, such resilient creatures they fought with not only flesh and blood, but those like us, they were creature of flesh and metals."
"Robeast," Kalvin said as that the only thing he could think of to describe what Sovereign had said to them, "They fought against us, strong resistant, but in the end, they are just the same as any genetic mutation. We are eternal. The pinnacle of evolution and existence, Before us, you are nothing, Your extinction is inevitable. We are the end of everything."
"You won't succeed, there are entire worlds of beings united and ready to stop you," Allura said as the reaper said to her, "Confidence born of ignorance. The cycle cannot be broken, just as the Galra had fallen, so has yours daughter of Altea."
"You... you destroy my world?" Allura said shock by this and sounding very angry as Sovereign said, "We could not assimilate them, we taken what was left and left for the next cycle."
"What is this cycle you're talking about?" Kalvin said as the reaper soon explain, "The pattern has repeated itself more than you can fathom. Organic civilization rise, evolve, advance, and at the apex of their glory, they are extinguished. The Protheans, the Galra, and the Alteans were not the first. They did not create the citadel. They did not forge the mass relays. They merely found them, the legacy of my kind."
"Why would you construct the mass relays, then leave them for someone else to find?" John question as the Sovereign said to him, "Your civilization is based on the technology of the mass relays, our technology. By using it, your society develops along the paths we desire. we impose order on the chaos of organic evolution, you exist because we allow it. And you will end because we demand it."
"But my people never touched mass effect technology, we created our own technology," Allura said as the reaper said, "There are those who advance from our mass relays, but your people were gifted, a rare life that we truly wished to assimilated, to become a part of us."
"So, you harvesting world, and for what slavery, technology to add to your own?" Kalvin said as Sovereign said, "My kind transcends your very understanding. WE are each a nation. Independent. Free of all weakness. you cannot grasp the nature of our existence."
"Maybe so, but it seem without organic life... you guys are nothing, and I bet it as was organic life form that created you," Kalvin call out as the reaper said, "WE have no beginning. WE have no end. We are infinite. Millions of years after your civilization has been eradicated and forgotten, we will endure."
"Where are the rest of the reapers? Are you the last of your kind?" John question as it seem the should be more, but they were only facing one as Sovereign said, "We are legion. The time of our return is coming. Our numbers will darken the sky of every world. You cannot escape your doom."
"Voltron will stop you, as you said you were like the robeast, that mean you can be destroy just the same," Kalvin said as the reaper said, "Your words are as empty as your future. I am the vanguard of your destruction. We do not fear this Voltron."
"Tell that to the robeast that Saren send our way, if you are the reaper then you must have told him to get rid of Voltron because you do fear him, emit it!" Kalvin said as he points his fingers at the reaper as he said, "I do not fear, but I am not the one who told Saren to send those beast, another has done so, one that is her kind."
Meaning to Allura as she was shocked to hear as she wonder why her own kind would do this, but before they could get anymore answer Sovereign said, "This exchange is over."
And just like that Sovereign vanished but not before the windows behind the group exploded shattering and catching the group off guard. Just then a communication came in from Joker over on the Normandy once everyone regained their senses after the blast.
"Commander, we got trouble." Joker was heard followed by Coran for the Paladins.
"I concur Saren's ship Sovereign just made a sharp turn and is coming towards you lot." Coran said and thus Joker cut back in.
"I don't know what you all did down there but it's coming your way and its coming hard you guys need to finish up there stat." Joker said and thus Kalvin cut in.
"Penny should have the path cleared for us now we need to move and set the nuke." Kalvin said and then looked to his father. "Sorry I." Kalvin began but John smirked a bit.
"No, you're right, lets head to the breeding facility." John said and thus they got moving out of the room.
(Later outside)
Thanks to Kalvin and Allura the path leading outside was clear as they arrived where the two lions were parked. Getting into the Lions they instantly got a call from Kirrahe. "Paladins enemy called in air support we need you in the sky." Kirrahe said and thus they got moving.
"Right!" Kalvin called and thus the Lions took off. Joining with Penny and her green lion they began taking out the air units while covering Shepard's team with some support fire. This gave Shepard less things to worry about as the path was more or less clear. With all five lions in the air this helped cut down the Geth Air support.
(Later at the Krogan Breeding Facility)
Eventually they made it to the breeding facility and with it the Lions landed around the area to give the Normandy cover to land. Once that happened the Normandy came in for its landing to drop off the nuke. "So, am I the only one freaking out that we're standing five feet away from an active nuke?" Hector asked rightfully afraid of something going wrong and setting off the nuke before anyone can leave.
"Yes." Leon quipped as Hector glared at Leon for that one.
"Bomb is in position we're all set here." Kaiden reported as this day was about to come to an end.
"Commander, can you read me." Ashley was heard over the comm channels which got the groups attention.
"The nuke is almost ready. Get to the rendezvous point Williams." John ordered but Ashely had bad news about that.
"Negative commander the Get have us pinned down on the AA Gun. They surged the position after the Lions left and now, we're taking heavy casualties we'll never make the rendezvous point in time." Ashley reported much to the groups surprise.
"Get them out of there Joker!" John ordered refusing to leave anyone behind.
"Negative it's too hot we can't risk it we'll try to hold them off as long as we can!" Ashley reported before an explosion cut her off.
"Go I still need a couple more minutes to finish arming the bomb." Kaiden said knowing what needed to be done.
"Better idea." Kalvin said as he then pointed his thumb over to the Lions.
"Into the lions move!" John called out and thus they got moving.
"Allura with me, Lance Hector you guys have the sky, Penny stay here and cover Kaiden." Kalvin called and thus they got moving.
"Let's move!" John said and thus the Normandy team began to board the Lions. John, Garrus, and Wrex entered the Black Lion while Liara and Tali entered the Blue Lion. The Four Lions took off as Penny stayed with Kaiden in the Green Lion.
(Over at the AA Tower)
Ashley, Shiala, and the Salarians were holding their ground. Once they thought the chaos died down the Lions left to assist with air support. That was a mistake as the minute the Lions left the Geth unleashed a surge on their position. So, in turn they once more had to hold the line and hope for the best. Thankfully help would arrive as the Blue Lion flew in and fired off an ice beam upon the Geth freezing them all the way through. The Blue and Black Lions flew in and from there John and his team came out.
In the sky the yellow and red lions were flying about taking out any of the enemy air support as Geth forces were being brought down. Once that was done Kalvin and Allura exited their lions to help get the people there to safety. "Where's Alenko?" Ashley asked as she saw Kaiden missing.
"Penny is with him." Kalvin confirmed as he covered the lions maw to cover their escape. "Just get into the Lion and." Kalvin began when a blast of energy nearly hit them from above. The group was caught off guard by this as up above them was Saren himself firing off these energy shots and soon was joined by the hooded woman.
"It's her!" Shiala called out as Haggar joined the fray as well.
Everyone moved to cover as the Lions acted as perfect cover for them thanks to their armor. "I'm guessing that's Saren?" Kalvin asked as he saw Saren there hovering over the field.
"Yeah, that's him." John said as the two new arrivals descended upon the ground. John then acted and opened fire on Saren only for his bullets to bounce off. The same could be said for Ashley firing upon Haggar but the witch used her own power to block the oncoming attacks.
"I have to admit this has been an impressive display evenly distributing the lions between venues." Saren said as he stood on the ground for a bit. "My Geth could not figure out where the main venue of your operation was." Saren said as he looked upon John and his son who hid behind cover. "It was all for nothing though I can't let you destroy all that I have accomplished here." Saren said as he looked towards the group. "You can't possibly imagine what's at stake." Saren said as Kalvin glared at the Turian and the witch accompanying him.
"I got a good idea!" Kalvin called out and went for the attack on Saren.
"Kalvin don't!" John called out but was promptly ignored. Kalvin swung his Bayard at Saren only for Saren to sidestep and avoid the attack. Following it up Kalvin took out his side arm and fired upon Saren, but his shield stood up to the shots despite Kalvin's attempt. Saren then blasted Kalvin before grabbing him by his neck and yanking him up.
"It seems the Paladins have grown weak." Haggar said as she glared Kalvin as he struggled to get free of Saren's grip.
"Kal!" John called out as he aimed his gun at Saren.
"I would not be so hasty Commander." Saren said only to be blindsided by a whip curtesy of Allura and her Bayard.
"Touch him like that again and you will regret it." Allura said glaring at Saren with her Bayard at the ready.
Kalvin rolled out of the way and joined Allura as the two ran for cover. Haggar fired off a stream of energy at them before they got behind a wall. John then fired his gun at Saren to draw his attention. "Why are you doing this?!" John asked as he moved back to cover.
"You've seen the visions from the Beacon Shepard you of all people should understand what the reapers are capable of." Saren said as he looked to John. "They cannot be stopped." Saren said as he looked to Shepard. "Do not mire yourself in pointless revolt. Do not sacrifice everything in the name of pointless freedom." Saren said as he knew how it will end. "The Protheans and the Galra they all tried to fight but they were utterly destroyed." Saren said as if he were accepting the fate the Reapers would bring.
"Your mad, I'd rather go extinct fighting for freedom then submit into servitude!" Allura yelled as she glared at Saren.
"How little you know Princess." Haggar said as she looked over to Allura. "I must admit I never would have expected you to be a Paladin... like father like daughter." Haggar said as she knew the truth. "Did you ever tell your new Paladins... what happened to the old ones?" Haggar asked and thus Allura froze up when Haggar said those words almost like she... like she knew.
We organics are driven by emotions instead of logic. We will fight even when we know we cannot win." Saren said but then Kalvin cut in.
"We WILL win!" Kalvin snapped as he glared at Saren. "We have something the Galra and the Protheans didn't have 50,000 years ago." Kalvin said as Saren knew what Kalvin spoke of.
"Voltron." Saren said as he had seen Voltron's power even Haggar had warned him of Voltron's might. "No if we work with the Reapers if we make ourselves useful to them think of the lives that can be spared." Saren said as Kalvin noted how Saren spoke. "Once I understood this, I joined Sovereign though I was aware of the... dangers." Saren said as even Allura saw the shift in his tone. "I had hoped this facility could protect me." Saren said and thus Allura saw what was happening.
"You're like every other poor bastard in this place. A tool sovereign can use then cast aside," Shepard said as he figure it out as well as Saren said, "I've studied the effects of indoctrination. The more control sovereign exert, the less capable the subject becomes. That is my saving grace. Sovereign needs me to find the conduit. My mind is still my own... Fow now. But the transformation from Ally to servant can be subtle. I will not let it happen to me."
"Even if it not full control, he still controlling you. Don't you even see the madness you're causing, the destruction that you're doing?" Allura said as Saren reply angrily as he said, "No! Sovereign needs me. If I find he conduit. I've been promised a reprieve from the inevitable. This is my only hope."
"Well then he already fucked you over, just because he promise doesn't mean the others will follow through with it," Kalvin said as Allura spoken up saying, "He's right, the way things are he won't keep his promise. WE can stop Sovereign and the other reapers with the help of Voltron."
"I no longer believe that Princess Allura, even with Voltron. The vision cannot be denied. The Reapers are too powerful that even Voltron will never be enough to stop an army. The only hope of survival is to join with them. Sovereign is a machine. It think like a machine. If I can prove my value, I become a resource worth maintaining. There is no other logical conclusion," Saren said as John said to him, "You were a SPECTRE. You were sworn to defend he galaxy. Then you broke that vow to save yourself!"
"I'm not doing this for myself. Don't you see? Sovereign will succeed it is inevitable. My way is the only way for any of us will survive!"
"For a guy who says the reaper is just a machine, your sounding one now, as let me guess if you can bring him Voltron, he'll grand you absolute freedom?" Kalvin question as Saren said, "You don't seem to understand, I'm forging an alliance between us and the reapers. Between organics and machines. And in doing so, I will save more lives than have ever existed."
"Even if you are saving lives, your also dooming them as well, as do you think everyone in the universe will agree to this" Allura said as she does bring up a good point, as even Saren does save some lives, the reaper will also take others as well, and also she knew if the reaper would make an alliance with the Galra, then nothing would be safe."
"Maybe, but I cannot allow any of you undo my work. You would doom our entire civilization to complete annihilation. And for that you must die," Saren said as Kalvin said to him, "You first!"
With that Kalvin and John both came at Saren as Kalvin came at him with his Bayard while Shepard fired his gun at Saren before some Geth showed up and fight against them too, while Allura went in to help, Haggar stopped her as she suddenly appears before her and fire a dark energy call at her as she dodge it and use her Bayard whip to attack only for the witch to vanish, while Allura stay on guard looking for her as she suddenly appear behind her as she said, "Foolish child."
Allura quickly turns around as Haggar attacked her as Allura quickly summon her shield to block her attack as her nails were glowing violet purple as Allura question her, "Please stop, I am Princess Allura of Altea."
"Altea is gone, destroy by the Galra, as fitting as it should be," Haggar said as she fire an energy blast at Allura as she dodge it and said, "Why would you say that you're an Altean yourself, are you not?"
"I am, but Altea stopped being my home, when King Alfor destroy all of my life works," Haggar said as she attack against as Allura put up her shield as Haggar went on saying, "I was the one who had told Saren about Voltron as Sovereign doesn't care about it at all, I told him how to find the lions, and how to make the robeasts."
"Your... you not being control by Sovereign at all aren't you?" Allura said as she is shocked by this as Haggar laughs at this as she said, "That is correct my dear. Sovereign can enslave minds of many no matter how strong they think they are, unless the mind has been altered in a way that the reaper never knew about, my mind is only mine and no one else's."
"Why are you doing this, why join with Saren and the reapers? And what do you know about my father, who even are you?" Allura said as then Haggar, "I used to be Honerva, a great Altean Alchemist that worked alongside your father, as I was about to unlock the secrets of Quintessence itself, as when a rift open the energy spew out Quintessence, an unlimited energy source that I dedicated my life to understanding it, how to use it, build powerful warship and extent life itself, the limitless energy in the universe at our fingertips, and then King Alfor seal the rift, and destroy everything I have done, as he feared my work, feared that I will surpass him."
"That's a lie my father would never do such a thing in fear, Zarkon may have just taken advantage of it when he first betray us, how he used it to attack our people and destroy Altea as well," Allura said as she knew that the Galra had such advance ships when they first attacked, but knew that even the Galra didn't have the capability, but the Alteans did as Haggar said, "Zarkon never have taken advantage of my work, as I gave it to him willingly, as it was king Alfor that betrayed Zarkon first."
Allura roared in fury before she used her Bayard and attacked once more. This time moving with increased savagery and during this Wrex saw this. "Hey!" Wrex called out and thus Haggar saw the Krogan firing at her. "Why not take on Krogan!" Wrex called out while firing upon Haggar. Haggar deflected his shots before she blocked a Biotic Blast from Liara and Shiala combined.
"Just as I suspected your power follows the same principles as Biotics." Shiala said as she saw how Haggar carried out her attack.
Haggar glared at the two Asari's and the Krogan around her as Allura had her friends backing her up in this fight. "You ok kid?" Wrex asked as he looked over to Allura.
"I'll be fine." Allura said as she looked towards Wrex before directing her attention over to Haggar. "Her on the other hand." Allura said as she was ready to end this witch. Haggar simply glared and thus charged her power once more.
Back with Saren and the Shepard's Kalvin was going full frontal on Saren as John provided his more melee-oriented son with cover fire. Kalvin jumped off a crate and used his Bayard to attack only for Saren to grab Kalvin by his neck again. But this time Kalvin grabbed his mother's dagger and proceeded to stab into Saren's arm repeatedly to get himself free.
Saren cried out in pain and dropped Kalvin to the ground. Kalvin moved out of the way as he held the dagger in one hand and the Bayard in the other. Just then a drone attacked Saren and from there Kalvin looked and saw Tali was providing backup to them before gun fire was being riddled upon Saren, curtesy of Ashley.
"You touch that kid again and I swear to God a nuke and a pack of robot lions will be the least of your concerns." Ashley said as John was reminded of his wife, rest her soul. Of course, Jane would have used a lot more vulgar word, and at that point of the threat she would have already been in the process of carrying it out before giving it. The tone Ashley had used was very protective but despite this they still had a job to do.
Saren roared and thus the battle continued only for Garrus to fire at him from a sniping position nearby. Garrus smirked as he was going to make sure Kalvin got out of this in one piece. Kalvin went for melee while Tali supported with Ashley and John helping to keep Saren on his toes. The fight went like this as Saren sent more energy shots at them. Kalvin blocked with his shield as it seemed he was now the primary target at the moment. Still Kalvin refused to give in as he held his ground and focused on taking out Saren.
At the same time Haggar was facing the power of Two Biotics, the brute force of a Krogan, and a Paladin of Voltron. This went on for a bit as Wrex was actively moving as the muscle and shield of the group. Haggar was outnumbered but she was far from outgunned as she gritted her teeth and focused her power. So, with a release of her own power Haggar sent out her own blast that knocked the group back even Wrex.
"Allura!" Kalvin called out and Saren opted to exploit the distraction. Jumping at Kalvin the Paladin barely had time to move as he blocked the attack with his shield. Holding his ground Kalvin gritted his teeth trying to keep Saren back.
"Kal!" Tali, John, and Ashley cried out before moving into intercept.
"If I can't eliminate elder Shepard at least through you Voltron will be eliminated." Saren said as Kalvin gritted his teeth. Unaware to them Kalvin's dagger was starting to glow as Kalvin held his own as much as he could.
"One issue." Kalvin growled as he leveled his feet under him. "I am Kalving fucking Shepard Paladin of the Black Lion!" Kalvin roared out and thus he swung his dagger at Saren as it was now glowing bright. Much to everyone's shock the dagger and transformed and as the light died down the dagger had become a sword... not just any sword the sword of the Butcher of Torfan herself.
"The Butchers Jane Kogane's sword." Saren said recognizing the weapon. He had seen Jane in action and the brutality she displayed in battle would have made a Krogan desire her and a Turian jealous of her. If Jane had not retired when she did Saren may have actually considered putting her name forward for the SPECTRE's.
Kalvin smirked as he held the sword in both hands and charged at Saren. Saren fired his shots at Kalvin, but Kalvin dodged them before bringing the sword down on Saren's shoulder causing pain to the Turian. Moving back Kalvin kept his attack going and during this Saren swore he was seeing Jane in action. Saren was being pushed back once more as Haggar saw this as well.
Before Haggar could assist Saren the witch soon found Allura's Bayard wrapped around her neck and held her in place. "Where do you think you're going?!" Allura demanded all while glaring at Haggar. Haggar then heard alarms and knew they had to leave now.
"Perhaps another time young one." Haggar said before she vanished and appeared next to Saren. Grabbing him the pair vanished and reappeared on their hover platforms that began to fly off.
"Wait!" Kalvin called out but it was too late they were gone.
"WE gotta go." Garrus said when he saw the Normandy coming in.
"He's right that Nuke will go off any second." John said and thus they had to leave.
(With Penny, Rover, and Kaiden)
The three were pinned down as they fired off their guns at their targets. "No, no; no!" Kaiden yelled as he saw what was happening.
"What's wrong?" Penny asked and thus Kaiden showed the issue.
"It seems the trigger and detonator will not synch up." Rover said as he saw what was happening.
"Commander the nuke won't arm we need to." Kaiden began but then Rover cut him off.
"I will detonate it." Rover said much to their shock.
"Wait Rover?" Penny asked but then Rover continued.
"Lieutenant Alenko, Paladin Hogan, I recommend you both board the green lion and make your escape." Rover said as he already began synching up the detonator to his systems.
"Wait Rover you don't have too!" Penny called out but Rover begged to differ.
"I don't have to, but I choose to." Rover said calmly to Penny. "I am grateful to you Penny... you gave me my freedom it is the least I can do." Rover said but Penny tried to stop him.
"Rover don't we can find another way!" Penny cried but then Rover turned to Alenko.
"Lieutenant Alenko please take Penny to her Lion." Rover said before going back to work.
"You heard the AI let's move!" Kaiden said and thus he began to drag Penny towards her Lion.
"Rover! Rover!" Penny cried out not wanting Rover to die. The Green Lion let the two board as she knew that Rover was making the sacrifice for others. Rover fired off a few beams at the enemy Geth as he got ready to detonate. Hovering there he looked over to the Green Lion as it began to rise up and with its boosters flew off. In the sky the other four Lions were seen flying around the Normandy as they flew off towards space to escape the blast.
"Goodbye... my friends." Rover said and thus he looked to the Nuke and began to trigger it.
(Out in space)
The Normandy and the Voltron Lions flew out too space and joined up with the Castle of Lions. When they did a large explosion erupted from Virmir's surface that could be seen from even space. The ships escaped the blast range but for Penny she just lost a good friend down there. Kaiden put a comforting hand on her shoulder assuring her that it was Rover's choice.
(Scene Break Castle of Lions Penny)
Penny was in her lab at the Green Lions lair as she was tinkering again. But the way she was tinkering was not her normal way. If anything she was just going through the motions grabbing metals and gears only to make something useless out of them before tossing it. Her growing pile of random creations was growing as Penny didn't seem to excited about anything.
"Hey kid." Kaiden said as he entered the room. Even when he was still wearing his combat armor since his uniform was still on the Normandy.
"Hey Kaiden." Penny said as she kept working on her tech. The tone Penny used showed that she was in fact upset and it did not take Kaiden long to figure out why she was upset.
"What are you working on?" Kaiden asked as he was worried for Penny due to losing Rover despite the fact of Rover being an AI.
"I don't know… stuff." Penny said as she was clearly upset. After all she had just lost a dear friend.
No doubt Rover meant a lot to Penny and Kaiden could see that. "Look I know your upset about Rover but." Kaiden began but then Penny slammed her latest junk on her bench and shot up glaring at Kaiden.
"But what? He was an AI? He was just a machine? He was going to betray us eventually?" Penny listed off as she glared at Kaiden.
Kaiden was silent for a moment as it was clear he hit a nerve there. "I was going to say he made his choice to save us." Kaiden said as he knew that in the end Rover sacrificed himself in order to save the team. "Look I've lost my fair share of friends while on missions." Kaiden said as he leaned against Penny's workbench. "It hurts but take comfort that he went down carrying out his duty." Kaiden said as he knew that in the end Rover had saved them.
Penny calmed down and began to sit back down knowing that Kaiden made a good point with his words there. "It's not fair… everyone judged him before they even got to know him." Penny said as she knew what that was like while growing up. She was the weird know-it-all girl from grade school all the way to Grissom Academy. No one wanted to be around her and for good reason some might try arguing. Penny had long since grown used to the isolation it gave her time to tinker with the machines, she got her hands on to improve them or figure them out.
"I know kid, I'm just as guilty of that as everyone else is." Kaiden said as he knew his fellow Biotic was experiencing a loss. "But I doubt Rover would want you moping around." Kaiden said as Penny had to admit he had a point.
"Yeah he's probably said it was illogical to make such a fuss after he sacrificed himself for others instead of sacrificing others for himself." Penny said and thus Kaiden smiled as he saw that Penny's mood had improved. Just then an alert came from her computer opting Penny to roll over to her private terminal.
"What is it?" Kaiden asked as he looked over to Penny.
"No way its done!" Penny called out as she got back up. "I need to go tell the others!" Penny called out and ran out to go find the others. On her terminal Kaiden looked and saw a flashing 100% was on the screen with the words Decryption Completed flashing with the load bar.
(Meanwhile over with Allura)
After returning to the Castle of Lions Kaiden was given a guest room until they arrive at the Citadel. Allura meanwhile sat by herself in the dining hall her mind reeling from the previous battle. Haggar... she knew she knew everything the truth she had hidden from the Paladins her greatest worry was that if the Paladins learned the truth, it would negatively affect their unit cohesion.
However, as Allura sat in the room Penny came charging in with a look of shock on her face. From that look Allura felt a pit form deep in her stomach. "Allura, the decryption program... it's done." Penny said and thus they can now hear what Zarkon has to say about the Reapers. It seems that the truth has a nasty way of rearing its ugly head.
(Scene Break inside of Sovereign)
As Sovereign made the journey to Ilos Haggar stood before Saren. "Haggar, we have much to discuss." Saren said as he looked to Haggar.
"Yes, we do." Haggar said as she looked to Saren. In turn Saren pulled sidearm out on Haggar who oddly enough did not seem remotely afraid.
"This is not personal, but it seems Sovereign had noted acts of treachery from you." Saren said as he prepared to fire upon Haggar.
"Well, it's certainly a good thing I have no more reason to remain here." Haggar said as she looked upon Saren. Saren opened fire but before the bullets could pierce Haggar she vanished in a flash much to Saren's shock and annoyance. He began to look around trying to find Haggar who hid in the shadows.
"See Saren I have no further need for either you or Sovereign I had acquired what I needed from you both." Haggar said as her voice echoed from the shadows. "Now that our joint efforts have come to an end the time has come for me to move on." She added and thus Saren snarled.
"Show yourself you witch!" Saren yelled as Haggar simply chuckled from deep within the darkness.
"If you insist." Haggar said as she appeared behind Saren and blasted him away into the far wall. Haggar glared down at Saren who began to empty his clop on Haggar. Haggar meanwhile just teleported around forcing Saren to waist all of his bullets in trying to gun her down.
Once Saren's clip was empty Haggar used her power to hoist him to the air and glare directly at him. "I would reconsider attacking again, because next time leniency will not be offered." Haggar said before she used her power to toss Saren aside and watched as he rolled across the ground. With her work done Haggar began to take her leave as she left Saren to his own devices. A few Geth guards showed up only for Haggar to easily dispatch them before they could pull out their guns and open fire upon Haggar to stop her.
(Later with Haggar in space)
Haggar's ship flew away avoiding any shots from Sovereign. Haggar had already dealt with the Geth guards and was not leaving Saren's fleet to make her way to another part of the galaxy. Entering the Mu Relay, she used it to port herself towards her desired destination. Haggar had a much grander goal in mind and now that the first phase is completed the next phase begins with the awakening of HIM.
"The time has come… to awaken Lotor." Haggar said as she made her way to where she had hidden Lotor.
(TBC)
ESKK: A new chapter published I hope you all enjoyed. Now you know the task leave a review before leaving and as always folks, ja-ne.