Chapter 22- Revealed Connections: The Choosing of the Lions

As soon as they emerged from the wormhole, the initial relief was quickly replaced by a strange and unsettling sensation. It was as if every molecule in their bodies was vibrating, resonating with the energy that had passed through them. The Blue Lion's cockpit pulsed with an almost tangible frequency, as if the very space around them was struggling to stabilize. Lance and Luan felt their skin tingling, as though every fiber of their being was readjusting back to reality. The Blue Lion, which had previously battled the forces of the portal, now moved slowly, as if recovering from a great effort.

Lance's senses were overwhelmed; the cockpit seemed distorted, with the lights flickering slightly as he tried to focus. Luan, beside him, was attentive to his comrades' reactions. Noticing Hunk's growing discomfort, he quickly stood up and grabbed a paper bag from the emergency compartment next to the chair. "Here, Hunk," Luan said, offering the bag in a calm and reassuring tone. Hunk took the bag, but before he could use it, he was suddenly overcome by nausea and vomited.

Pidge, watching the scene with a bored expression, commented sarcastically, "Oh, I'm really surprised it took this long." Pidge's disinterested attitude seemed out of place given the gravity of the situation, but it was typical of her to maintain this ironic stance. Shiro, on the other hand, ignored the scene entirely, his eyes fixed on the windows with a piercing gaze. Without looking away, he said seriously, "I don't recognize these constellations. We must be very, very far from Earth."

Lance tried to process what Shiro had said, but before he could react, something strange caught his attention on the Blue Lion's controls. The ship's behavior seemed different. "The Lion seems to want to land on this planet," Lance commented, the concern evident in his voice. Luan silently agreed, feeling the same connection with the Lion as his brother. "I think she wants to go home."

As the Lion approached the planet's atmosphere, the cockpit began to vibrate violently, as if every molecule in their bodies was being pressed down. Luan, already seated in the co-pilot's chair, struggled to maintain control of the ship as the pressure increased. His expression was a mix of concentration and discomfort, sweat streaming down his forehead as he adjusted the controls for a smoother descent. The Blue Lion shook under the force of reentry, and everyone's senses were overwhelmed.

"Guys, make some room!" Lance shouted, trying to position himself better to assist in whatever was needed. "Hunk," he continued irritably, "Your breath is killing me."

Hunk, still clearly shaken by the journey, was slumped on the floor, letting out a trembling sigh. "Dude, there are literal aliens after this thing...!" He whimpered, his voice filled with fear. "I don't think a bunch of kids should be dealing with this stuff!" His eyes met Shiro's, but he quickly looked away. "No offense, sir," he added, before groaning even louder, "But can't we just hand it over? Better a machine than us!"

He paused, trying to catch his breath, and continued, now with a tone of disbelief, "Seriously, who here wants to go back to that mysterious wormhole? And, besides, why are we trusting a robot lion?"

"We escaped an alien ship thanks to it, didn't we?" Lance retorted, trying to stay calm despite the chaos around him.

Keith, observing the situation with a serious expression, intervened, "I don't know if you noticed, but we're in an alien ship."

Lance turned to Keith with a defiant expression, "Oh, are you scared?"

Keith, not missing a beat, shot back with a sarcastic look, "With you in charge? Only if I have a death wish."

Hunk, slumped on the floor, whined, "I'm... still shaken from the trip. Dude, there are literal aliens after this thing...! I don't think a bunch of kids should be dealing with this stuff!" His eyes met Shiro's, and he quickly looked away. "No offense, sir," he added, before groaning louder, "But can't we just hand it over? Better a machine than us!"

The idea of getting rid of the Blue Lion provoked an instant and visceral reaction in Luan. Feeling the machine's discomfort as his own pain, he struggled to stabilize the Lion as they descended from orbit. The cockpit pulsed with the energy of the approaching planet, and the sensation of vibration almost became physical for everyone on board.

The pressure of reentry made the atmosphere increasingly tense, and the ship continued to fight against gravity, with sensors flashing and lights flickering. Lance and Luan fought to keep the ship under control as the chaos and concerns of the other team members mixed with the growing tension of the descent.

"It's Shiro," the leader corrected, his voice deep. "No offense, Hunk, but I think you don't get it." Shiro's tone changed, gaining an intensity that forced Lance and Luan to shift their attention from the rapidly approaching planet. They looked at Shiro, noticing that everyone else was doing the same. "This isn't just about five-year-olds fighting over a toy. This is a matter of the universe. The Galra are ruthless. They want Voltron because it can destroy planets en masse. We can't just hand them the tools for that."

"Aniki," Keith's hand suddenly touched Shiro's shoulder, his voice soft but loaded with meaning. Luan and Lance, who had watched enough anime to understand the word, suddenly grasped the depth of the relationship between Shiro and Keith. The tension between them was palpable, but there was also a silent understanding that bonded the two in a way the others couldn't fully grasp.

Shiro trembled, taking a deep breath before addressing Hunk again. "I'm sorry," he said, breaking the tension. "You didn't know. I shouldn't have yelled at you." The understanding in Shiro's eyes was evident, and Hunk, despite his discomfort, seemed relieved to be forgiven.

Before Hunk could respond, Pidge shouted, "What is that!?" In front of them, perched on the green and brown landscape, was a building clad in immaculate white with fluorescent blue highlights. Lance and Luan adjusted the controls, guiding the Lion toward the structure. As they approached, the building's blue highlights glowed brightly, almost as if reacting to the Lion's presence. The sense of familiarity Luan felt was comforting, as if the Lion was reconnecting with something from its past.

"The Blue Lion wants to land here," Luan murmured, almost to himself, as he skillfully guided the ship. The landing was smooth, the Lion's claws digging into the firm ground with a precision that reflected Luan's careful control. The Lion's jaws opened, revealing a ramp that extended to the ground, as if inviting them inside.

Lance turned to Keith with a defiant expression, "Oh, are you scared?"

Keith, not missing a beat, shot back with a sarcastic look, "With you in charge? Only if I have a death wish."

Hunk, slumped on the floor, whined, "I'm... still shaken from the trip. Dude, there are literal aliens after this thing...! I don't think a bunch of kids should be dealing with this stuff!" His eyes met Shiro's, and he quickly looked away. "No offense, sir," he added, before groaning louder, "But can't we just hand it over? Better a machine than us!"

The idea of getting rid of the Blue Lion provoked an instant and visceral reaction in Luan. Feeling the machine's discomfort as his own pain, he struggled to stabilize the Lion as they descended from orbit. The cockpit pulsed with the energy of the approaching planet, and the sensation of vibration almost became physical for everyone on board.

The pressure of reentry made the atmosphere increasingly tense, and the ship continued to fight against gravity, with sensors flashing and lights flickering. Lance and Luan fought to keep the ship under control as the chaos and concerns of the other team members mixed with the growing tension of the descent.

"It's Shiro," the leader corrected, his voice deep. "No offense, Hunk, but I think you don't get it." Shiro's tone changed, gaining an intensity that forced Lance and Luan to shift their attention from the rapidly approaching planet. They looked at Shiro, noticing that everyone else was doing the same. "This isn't just about five-year-olds fighting over a toy. This is a matter of the universe. The Galra are ruthless. They want Voltron because it can destroy planets en masse. We can't just hand them the tools for that."

"Aniki," Keith's hand suddenly touched Shiro's shoulder, his voice soft but loaded with meaning. Luan and Lance, who had watched enough anime to understand the word, suddenly grasped the depth of the relationship between Shiro and Keith. The tension between them was palpable, but there was also a silent understanding that bonded the two in a way the others couldn't fully grasp.

Shiro trembled, taking a deep breath before addressing Hunk again. "I'm sorry," he said, breaking the tension. "You didn't know. I shouldn't have yelled at you." The understanding in Shiro's eyes was evident, and Hunk, despite his discomfort, seemed relieved to be forgiven.

Before Hunk could respond, Pidge shouted, "What is that!?" In front of them, perched on the green and brown landscape, was a building clad in immaculate white with fluorescent blue highlights. Lance and Luan adjusted the controls, guiding the Lion toward the structure. As they approached, the building's blue highlights glowed brightly, almost as if reacting to the Lion's presence. The sense of familiarity Luan felt was comforting, as if the Lion was reconnecting with something from its past.

"The Blue Lion wants to land here," Luan murmured, almost to himself, as he skillfully guided the ship. The landing was smooth, the Lion's claws digging into the firm ground with a precision that reflected Luan's careful control. The Lion's jaws opened, revealing a ramp that extended to the ground, as if inviting them inside.

As they walked towards the exit of the Blue Lion, Shiro led the way, closely followed by Keith, who seemed a bit dazed and nervous. Lance, however, was the last to step out, giving the panel a small pat before descending. Unlike all the fighter jets he had ever piloted, Lápiz exuded something more akin to affection rather than doom, as if there was an almost emotional connection between them.

When they finally positioned themselves outside, in front of the immense structure ahead, Pidge looked up at the gigantic door and asked, her voice filled with curiosity and a touch of skepticism, "Okay, can someone explain exactly how we're supposed to get in there?"

Keith, always quick with his sarcastic replies, shrugged and responded with an ironic smile, "Maybe Lance could try knocking on it. It worked with the Lion; maybe it'll work here too?"

Lance, not missing the opportunity, retorted with an exaggeratedly offended expression, "Very funny, Keith. Want me to try your technique of banging your head until it opens?"

Luan, who was standing near Shiro, muttered quietly, his tone dry and clinical, "Is he talking about the head or the door?"

Shiro, standing beside Luan, raised an eyebrow and calmly responded, "I believe he's actually talking about the door."

Before the exchange of barbs could continue, the Blue Lion rose up, interrupting them with a loud and powerful roar, its majestic presence dominating the surroundings. The sound echoed around, reverberating off the walls and provoking an immediate reaction from everyone. The enormous door of the building began to open slowly, as if responding to Lápiz's command.

Hunk, already visibly nervous, let out a yell, "No! I knew it was going to eat us! No!" His momentary panic broke the tension, but only for a moment, as the opening door revealed an interior that seemed even more mysterious and threatening. Lance stared in shock as the door glowed with the same neon blue that characterized Lápiz, ignoring Hunk's groans and Keith's unimpressed whistles. The atmosphere around them felt almost mystical, and Luan felt a shiver run down his spine, as if something very ancient and powerful was awakening around them.

Wasting no time, Shiro resumed the lead, moving toward the interior of the building, with the rest of the group following closely behind. As they advanced, the environment seemed to change around them, as if the palace itself was reacting to their presence. The Blue Lion remained still, vigilant, almost like a guardian, watching as its paladins moved away. Luan, feeling the weight of responsibility growing within him, glanced back one last time before entering the dark corridor that lay ahead.

Everything felt strangely surreal, and Lance wasn't sure how to approach the situation. The corridor was dark and oppressive, but that didn't stop Hunk from cautiously yelling, "Hello?" Pidge, always observant, pointed out the steps, which were clearly too small for the Blue Lion—or any lion, to be fair.

Suddenly, a flash of blue light illuminated the area, and they were enveloped by a beam of light, with white rings circling their bodies. Everyone jumped in surprise and then jumped again when a neutral, feminine voice echoed, "Please wait for identity scanning." The sensation of being scanned by an unknown entity made everyone tense.

"Why are we here?" Shiro asked firmly, looking directly up at a camera peering through a spherical decoration on the ceiling. "What do you want with us?" He received no answer except for the activation of one of the three corridors ahead, indicating the path they should follow.

"I suppose it's that way," Pidge commented with a mix of sarcasm and mild resignation. Lance, realizing that any attempt at questioning would be futile, decided to stay silent and followed the group. The situation was both frightening and curiously calming; the lights turned on as they advanced, as if the palace itself was guiding them.

As they walked, the number of stairs and rooms they passed seemed endless. "Where are we going, anyway?" Lance asked at one point, but the only response he got was a shrug from Hunk and a low mumble of "no idea" from Pidge. Keith, on the other hand, was acting strangely, looking around as if expecting something. At times, he seemed about to take a different path before pulling himself together and continuing with the group. Lance watched this with an intrigued and annoyed expression. What was Keith planning?

Eventually, they stopped wandering aimlessly. As they moved forward, Lance reflected on the rigorous physical training he and his family had received at the Garrison, something that, of course, did not compare to the gloriously arduous "training" with Luan, the notorious slave driver. Sure, he had imparted crucial knowledge on handling challenging and demanding situations, preparing them for any obstacle they might face, but it didn't stop Lance from grumbling in the back of his mind.

They found a large door that opened automatically as they approached. Upon entering, everyone sighed at the vast interior, reminiscent of futuristic rooms seen in movies.

"Can I ask where we are again?" Lance couldn't hold back and let the question slip. This time, however, he got an answer.

"I'm not sure," Pidge murmured, tapping on a pedestal in the middle of the room, surrounded by large gray circles that seemed to be made of some sort of metal. "But there's some kind of control panel here." Pidge pressed the right button, and two of the gray circles opened, revealing an oval object that emerged, emitting cold vapor and hissing.

Hunk exclaimed, "What is that!?"

Keith grumbled angrily, "Could you stop yelling every five minutes?"

"Hey!" Lance glared at Keith. "Leave Hunk alone! You've been on his case since the start. He's not the reason you've given up."

Keith frowned and stamped his foot. Although it seemed childish, it was somewhat intimidating. "I was expelled! There's a difference. And I wasn't blaming him for anything, cargo pilot!"

"Class of fighters! Remember, you were the one who failed—!"

"Yeah, so you only moved up because I left? That says more about me than it does about you!"

"You little—!"

"Enough!" Shiro interrupted, separating them. Lance hadn't realized how close they had gotten. "No fighting! We're all confused, okay? Arguing with each other does more than hurt yourselves. It hurts the whole team." An uncomfortable feeling stirred in Lance's gut, and he realized it was shame. He looked down at the floor as he felt his cheeks flush. "Apologize. Now."

"… Sorry." They said in unison. Lance felt a relief in realizing that Keith Kim had actually apologized. Keith never apologized—he was a jerk. And yet...

Shiro met Keith's eyes and said, "Kore ni tsuite wa atode setsumei shimasu."

Keith's shoulders tensed. "Ii wa," he murmured, still frowning.

Luan felt a twinge of nostalgia, a reminder of his previous life that brought an unexpected wave of familiarity tied to the spoken language, Shiro's and Keith's words. "I'll explain later about this," and "It's okay," Luan mentally translated, feeling a pang of longing for conversations with Ojīchan when he was Diana.

Meanwhile, Hunk cleared his throat and nervously pointed to one of the capsules. "S-So, what exactly are we doing with these guys?"

Luan watched the capsules with a keen eye. Deep down, he felt a growing unease. The pain and uncertainty of the frozen patients were palpable, even if silent. He knew that thawing them could bring unexpected and dangerous complications.

"Even knowing how it was in the canon, this is no longer a cartoon from a stream that followed laws and regulations for minors. This is real life," Luan thought. "If something goes wrong here, the consequences could be severe and irreversible. The safety of these patients is the top priority. The dynamics within the group might be fascinating, but there are more pressing concerns right now."

With his characteristically cold and distant tone, he intervened. "Look, I'm not sure about the long-term effects of cryogenic freezing. Medical research on the subject is incomplete and often inconclusive. What we do know is that the thawing process can be quite unpredictable. So let's focus on waking them up and seeing what we can find out from there without causing more complications."

[System Notification: Skill "Star Healer" Level 1 activated – Initiating basic analysis of cryogenic effects.]

Luan's words were enough to calm the tension in the room and make everyone focus on what was in front of them. Surprised, he raised an eyebrow but maintained his impassive tone. The notification vanished, and he refocused on the group. With a hint of frustration and impatience, he continued, "While you were arguing, I was here thinking about what to do with these two. If any of you stop arguing and pay attention, maybe we can figure out what to do next without causing more confusion."

"I understand." Pidge said confidently, pressing something on the control panel. Immediately, the two capsules opened. With a subtle motion, Luan nudged Lance closer to where Allura would emerge from the pods. His decision was based on two reasons: first, Luan had made mistakes in the past and now needed to manage the fallout; second, he had trained Lance and his family so rigorously that he was sure Lance was well-prepared for any situation.

A whooshing sound filled the room, and the paladins stepped back as the two cryopods rose from the floor. Luan could make out the silhouettes of Coran and Allura inside the capsules.

"Are these guys... dead?" Hunk asked hesitantly. Luan observed the capsules with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, trying to detect any signs of life or movement. The idea of encountering beings from another time and place was both exciting and frightening, and he couldn't help the whirlwind of emotions as he awaited the outcome of this discovery.

As they approached the capsules, the lights at their base lit up, starting the 'thawing' process. The room filled with a hissing sound, causing everyone but Luan to instinctively pull back. "This doesn't look good..." Pidge murmured. But Luan remained steadfast, eyes locked on the figures beginning to emerge.

The two pods opened, revealing their occupants. The one closest to Lance held a girl who, as she emerged, reached out as if trying to grab someone. With a desperate cry of "Dad!", she fell directly into Lance's arms. The impact made Lance stumble, but he quickly held her firmly, trying to calm her.

"Who are you? Where am I?" she asked, still adjusting to her surroundings. Her voice carried a tone of authority and fear, something Luan immediately recognized as the voice of someone who had lost everything.

"I'm Lance, and you're in my arms," Lance replied, trying to be charming, unaware of Luan's comedic reaction beside him. Luan, realizing the mistake Lance was making, lowered his head, covering his eyes with his bangs and placing a hand over his mouth as if in shock. If anyone looked closer, they would see his shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Shiro smiled slightly, noticing that Luan was relaxing, though confused by the ensuing events. Still, he was glad and knew that answers to their questions would come soon. "At least things haven't spiraled out of control," he thought, but quickly regretted that thought.

"Your ears... are awful," Allura commented, with a clear tone of disgust, her eyes fixed on Lance's human ears.

"There's nothing wrong with my...!" Before Lance could finish his response, he was swiftly brought to the ground, on his knees, tears in his eyes as his arm was almost painfully yanked behind his head. Lost in the clouds, he had forgotten the lessons his brother had taught him and didn't notice the attack until it was too late.

Lance felt his brother's icy gaze on him and inwardly lamented his carelessness, bidding farewell to his youthful pride, as the days of being relaxed and carefree had come to an end. The rigorous training and lessons in humility were not just for show; they were to prepare him for moments like this.

Allura, demonstrating a skill that clearly revealed military training, kept Lance restrained while demanding, "Who are you? Where is King Alfor? Why are you in my castle?"

Shiro quickly intervened, trying to calm the situation. "I don't have all the answers. What I do know is that a blue lion brought us here from our home planet, Earth, and he only gave us limited information. We know as much as you do about what's happening. Tell us who you are; maybe we can help."

"That's impossible!" Allura shot back with disdain. "Refrain from spewing such obvious lies, if you please."

"Listen, miss—"

"Missy!?" A red-haired man jumped to his feet, shouting in disbelief and casting a severe look at Keith. "This is Princess Allura of Altea, and you will address her as such, young man!"

Keith swatted the man's hand away from his chest and turned to Allura with an unimpressed scowl. "Fine. Listen, princess—"

"I don't care about your tone." Allura corrected him, twisting his ear slightly. Lance wanted to push the princess away, still feeling the pain.

"Yeah, neither do I," Keith growled. "So listen, princess. He's telling the truth. The Blue Lion brought us here. We don't know why you think it's impossible, but it happened."

Allura's grip on Lance's arm eased, relieving him, but she still kept his arm pinned behind his back, causing him great discomfort. "No, it simply isn't possible. After all, Blue has his own... pal... adin..." Allura's hand fell away, and Lance dropped to the floor unceremoniously, focusing more on soothing his throbbing shoulder.

"... Princess?" Keith asked, his tone softer. Curious about the change in tone, Lance looked back and saw how Allura was trembling, her dark skin paling. She was hugging herself, tears beginning to well up.

Allura hesitated, her words faltering as she struggled to process the reality before her. "How do you have the Blue Lion? Where are the paladins?" The desperation and disbelief in her voice were palpable, as if the idea that something could be wrong with what she knew was unbearable. She seemed to be trying to hold onto a reality that was crumbling around her.

With a gentle tone and an expression reflecting an intimate understanding of her pain, Luan, despite his usual cold and distant demeanor, spoke: "Ten thousand years, according to Lazuli, Your Highness." His voice was calm and soothing, a contrast to the visible shock in Allura's eyes. Surprised by the response, the princess searched for the source of the voice and was astonished to find that it wasn't who she had expected. The figure speaking was slightly different: smaller, with a somewhat androgynous athletic build, slightly wider hips, fine and delicate features, small heart-shaped lips, high cheekbones, and large ocean-blue eyes that looked like gemstones. Their lashes were long, and their skin appeared flawless. Brown hair fell to their shoulders, and they wore what humans would call black combat boots, high-waisted beige pants, a large leather jacket with a hood (similar to her brother's), and a blue shirt with gray stripes.

Allura, still processing everything, began to grasp the gravity of the situation. The impact of the response made her stagger, and she had to lean on Lance to keep from falling, still dazed by the revelation. Luan's kindness in delivering the news, despite his usually cold demeanor, resonated with the empathy he held deep inside, fully understanding the pain and shock Allura was experiencing.

With a cry of despair, Allura collapsed to her knees on the floor, her hands raised to clutch the sides of her head as tears streamed rapidly down her face, droplets splattering on the floor. The sound of her lament made Lance flinch.

"By the Sacred White Guardian..." The other man, who had been watching with tearful eyes, steadied himself by leaning against the pod's shell but still trembled, eventually falling to his knees as well.

Allura sobbed, curling into a ball on the floor. Lance, initially taken aback, began to gently rub her back before realizing what he was doing. Pidge stood beside him, hands hovering hesitantly over the princess, unsure how to help. Hunk approached cautiously, his expression full of nerves and concern. He crouched down and extended his hands towards Allura, deliberately making a gentle and careful gesture.

"Hey, hey." Hunk tried to smile, but the tension in his face was visible, his eyebrows furrowed in worry. His voice was soft and soothing, trying to convey comfort while he struggled to stay calm. "It's okay. You're going to be alright."

Lance wasn't surprised when Allura threw herself at Hunk and wrapped her arms around him. Hunk, despite his hesitation and nervousness, accepted the embrace and began to gently rub her back, trying to offer some relief. Lance knew that Hunk had this calming effect on people—he had witnessed it himself. He turned and saw Keith and Shiro tending to the older man. Shiro had an arm around him, rubbing his shoulder gently, while Keith held his hands, looking a bit out of place but at least the man was beginning to calm down. Lance was surprised to see Keith actually helping someone; it was a side of Keith he hadn't expected to see.

Diana watched the scene with a look of restrained concern, her eyes showing a mix of compassion and experience. She knew what it was like to wake up in a world that wasn't hers, as well as the pain of losing loved ones. Diana had to stop herself from rubbing her hand over her chest, aware that allowing these thoughts to surface would only muddle her own pain. Despite her rigorous training and firm demeanor, there was a softness in her gaze that did not go unnoticed. With empathy from someone who deeply understood the pain and confusion, she approached cautiously.

Luan placed a gentle hand on Allura's shoulder, offering a calming presence. His connection with Blue, a bond that gave him a special understanding of the Alteans, allowed him to act with unique sensitivity, knowing that emotional trauma could have physical effects. His intention was to offer help in a non-invasive way.

A wave of embarrassment washed over Lance. He didn't know Keith well and had assumed he would refuse to help someone clearly distressed. Seeing the two people crying and the way they were being comforted made Lance feel strangely useless. The feeling of inadequacy enveloped him, and he found himself lamenting his inability to help more effectively.

If Diana could hear Lance's thoughts, she would probably tell him not to underestimate the impact of his presence and support. Luan/Diana, with their experience and empathy, would understand that simply being there and offering support is a meaningful gesture. Sometimes, the effort and intention to help are just as valuable as practical assistance.

--00--00

After a brief pause for everyone to regain their composure, Luan was by Allura's side, his hand resting on her shoulder to help stabilize her. Seeing the princess still shaken, kneeling beside her, with an expression of empathy and concern, he spoke.

"I apologize for this distressing situation, Your Highness," Luan said gently and respectfully. "I am Luan Macclan, a Lieutenant of the Earth Garrison Medical Corps, known as the Stellar Healer on our planet. If you permit, I would like to perform a quick health check to ensure that you are all well."

Allura, still with tear-filled eyes, looked at Luan with an expression of distrust but acknowledged the need to check everyone's condition. "I appreciate your offer, Luan. However, given the gravity of the circumstances and the time that has passed, I would like to verify the truth of what was said before accepting any diagnosis or assistance."

Luan nodded in understanding. "Certainly, Your Highness. I respect your caution and will be available for any additional verification you deem necessary."

As Luan spoke with the princess, Coran, being the princess's guardian, was first in line to be checked. Luan began a quick examination of Coran. He positioned him on a flat surface and started by examining his eyes with a flashlight, observing the vertical pupils of the Altean. As he conducted the examination, Luan mentally received instructions and information from Lapiz, the Blue Lion, providing specific details about Altean physiology.

Luan snapped his fingers from a safe distance to test the reflexes of Coran's pointed ears. He then counted the heartbeats while measuring the pulse, noting the significant difference in beats per minute, slower than those of humans. Luan also recorded the cold Coran felt, something common among the Alteans.

With the check completed, Luan turned to Allura. "The examination is complete; he is in good health. If there is anything else I can assist with, I am at your service."

Allura, watching Luan perform the examination quickly and efficiently, offered a faint smile, acknowledging his dedication. "Thank you for your promptness and care, Luan Macclan. It is reassuring to know that Coran is well." She turned her gaze to the older Altean, with a touch of kindness in her voice. "Coran, you have always looked after me. Please, do not worry too much, especially now that we need to stay focused on what lies ahead."

After a brief moment, Allura took a deep breath, letting the air out slowly, as if trying to calm her nerves. More composed, she prepared to speak. Her voice, clear and resonant, traveled down the castle corridor, catching the attention of those present. "Coran, how long has it been?" The question carried the authority and seriousness of someone trying to understand better the time that had passed since her last memory.

Coran, who had moved to another room, was typing on a monitor displaying unknown characters. His fingers flew across the screen with impressive dexterity. Upon hearing Allura's question echoing down the corridor, he inhaled sharply through his nose, and his hands froze momentarily. "Quiznack," he murmured, with a worried expression. "It has been ten thousand decapheobs, Princess."

With the information received, Allura felt an additional weight on her thoughts. She gestured to the paladins and Luan, signaling that they should head to the room where Coran was. The group proceeded in that direction, following the princess.

"Ten thousand!?" Everyone exclaimed in unison, which might have been comedic if it weren't so shocking. The amount of time was clear enough for them, even if the term "decapheob" was unknown.

Allura stumbled, quickly regaining her balance, but everyone noticed. Her hands trembled as she clenched them into fists. Her reddened eyes glowed with determination. "Zarkon has had all this time to build his empire. We need to stop him before he takes over the entire universe."

"Zarkon?" The murmur came from Shiro, who looked visibly shaken. His eyes were wide, and his hands trembled. "I—I know who you're talking about." His voice wavered. "When I was... He was the... Zarkon—"

"Kashi," Keith interrupted with a gentle tone. "I'm going to touch you." Everyone watched as Keith lightly brushed his fingertips on Shiro's shoulder. Shiro flinched slightly, but Keith pressed the palm of his hand on Shiro's shoulder, and everyone could see the tension easing from his body.

"... Zarkon was who they reported to." Shiro murmured. "He sometimes watched the battles." Pidge swallowed hard at the mention of "battles." Her thoughts raced to her parents and Matt. What exactly was happening? Were they involved? Hurt?

No, it was inconceivable. Pidge didn't even want to consider that possibility.

"He's still alive!?" Allura shouted in shock, her eyes narrowing with anger. "Those damned druids must be supplying quintessence to him." She huffed. "Coran."

"Right!" Coran shouted, quickly moving to clear the way as Allura advanced with imposing dignity. She positioned herself on a pentagram-shaped stand beneath a circular plate.

As the team processed the information, Allura finally allowed Luan to perform the health check. With a graceful nod of her head, she subtly signaled to the older Altean that she was willing to undergo the assessment. Luan approached her, kneeling beside her to maintain stability while she was still somewhat shaken.

Luan gently moved the flashlight over Allura's eyes, checking her pupils' reaction. He then snapped his fingers from a safe distance to test the reflexes of her pointed ears, noting a slight delay on the left side. He also counted Allura's heartbeats, observing her slower rhythm and the characteristic coldness of the Alteans.

After completing the check, Luan stood and, with a respectful posture, addressed Allura. "Princess, everything is within the expected parameters."

Allura, still with an expression of confusion and curiosity, asked a question that had been weighing on her mind. She bit her lower lip slightly, a small tic indicating her unease. "And who exactly is Lapiz? How is she helping us understand all of this?"

Luan, maintaining respect and calm, answered reassuringly. "Actually, Lapiz is the Blue Lion itself. The name 'Lapiz' was chosen based on the spiritual significance of a well-recognized gem in our world. Since my childhood, I have had close contact with the Blue Lion and its wisdom."

Luan continued, explaining further. "I remember that, when we spoke earlier, we mentioned that Lapiz had indicated the time that had passed. I have known the Blue Lion since I was young and interacted with it in the spiritual realm. That's why I was aware of the elapsed time. The name 'Lapiz' was chosen out of respect. I have always seen the Blue Lion as a sentient being with its own consciousness and personality, and I felt it would be inappropriate to name it solely based on its color. I asked it how it would like to be called, and it decided that I should name it 'Lapiz,' inspired by a very important crystal on our Earth."

Allura, trying to process the new and complex information she was receiving, closed her eyes for a moment, her mind clearly deep in thought. She took a deep breath and, with a slight nervous tic indicating her attempt to stay calm, finally spoke. "I understand now. Thank you for the explanation and for the respect you showed in naming the Blue Lion this way."

Luan gave a slight bow as a sign of respect. "I am here to help with whatever is necessary. If there are any more questions or anything else I can do, I am at your service."

Allura watched with a determined look, focusing on something, when a ray of light enveloped her. Pidge didn't need to ask what was happening, as Coran explained. "King Alfor connected the Blue Lion's quintessence to Allura. Only she is the key to the whereabouts of the remaining three."

Orbs began to appear and spread across the room. Pidge quickly identified them. "These are coordinates!" she exclaimed. An orb floated near them, making them frown. "I presume we're here, where the Blue Lion is."

Coran, observing the screen and confirming Pidge's interpretation, nodded. "Correct, young one."

"Look at your primitive synapses firing in your tiny brain cages." Pidge nearly shoved Coran away with a palm in his face. If they recall correctly, synapses connect neurons in the brain to neurons in the rest of the body. Or something like that. Biology isn't their main science! It's physics!

"Very observant." Allura smiled. Though the praise might have seemed condescending, all they felt was a somewhat silly satisfaction from the recognition. "We currently reside on the planet Arus. I believe this is due to..." Allura's eyes took on that nebulous look once more, and Coran had to press his fingers against the curve of her back to bring her back to her senses. "As you saw with..." She blushed. "Sorry, but we haven't introduced ourselves yet. I am Princess Allura of... of Altea."

Coran introduced himself. "Coran Hieronymus Wimbleton Smythe! Advisor to Princess Allura. At your service!"

"Right..." Shiro murmured, crossing his arms with a serious expression. "I'm Shirogane Takashi. Call me Shiro."

"Oh!" Hunk smiled. "I'm Tsuyoshi Garret, but I prefer Hunk. I-I hope that's okay with you."

Allura watched with a determined look, focusing on something, when a ray of light enveloped her. Pidge didn't need to ask what was happening, as Coran explained. "King Alfor connected the Blue Lion's quintessence to Allura. Only she is the key to the whereabouts of the remaining three."

Orbs began to appear and spread across the room. Pidge quickly identified them. "These are coordinates!" she exclaimed. An orb floated near them, making them frown. "I presume we're here, where the Blue Lion is."

Coran, observing the screen and confirming Pidge's interpretation, nodded. "Correct, young one."

"Look at your primitive synapses firing in your tiny brain cages." Pidge nearly shoved Coran away with a palm in his face. If they recall correctly, synapses connect neurons in the brain to neurons in the rest of the body. Or something like that. Biology isn't their main science! It's physics!

"Very observant." Allura smiled. Though the praise might have seemed condescending, all they felt was a somewhat silly satisfaction from the recognition. "We currently reside on the planet Arus. I believe this is due to..." Allura's eyes took on that nebulous look once more, and Coran had to press his fingers against the curve of her back to bring her back to her senses. "As you saw with..." She blushed. "Sorry, but we haven't introduced ourselves yet. I am Princess Allura of... of Altea."

Coran introduced himself. "Coran Hieronymus Wimbleton Smythe! Advisor to Princess Allura. At your service!"

"Right..." Shiro murmured, crossing his arms with a serious expression. "I'm Shirogane Takashi, Pilot Corps, Captain. Galactic Guard ID: Φ-832. Planet: Earth."

"He's trying to hide his discomfort," Luan observes, recalling one of the methods used by the Guard to survive torture: repeatedly stating their name, rank, and ID to avoid revealing secrets. He knew this because he had to care for those who broke down after such abuse. The memory of those dark moments causes him to harden his expression even more.

"Oh!" Hunk smiles. "I'm Tsuyoshi Garret, but I prefer Hunk. I'm a Cadet I in the Guard, Engineering Corps. My ID is Δ-450, Planet: Earth."

Lance grins and raises his eyebrows. "Name's Lance McClain—but you can call me 'babe.' I'm also a Cadet I, ID: Δ-451, in the Pilot Corps, Planet: Earth."

"I think I'll pass on that offer." Allura calmly declines with the same smile on her face, which, of course, makes Pidge and Keith snort. And, being Lance, he just gives Keith a dirty look.

"I'm Pidge Gunderson." It's Katie Holt. "Cadet I, ID: Δ-452, Communications Corps, the same planet as that loser," she says dryly, pointing at Lance and ignoring his "hey." "Nice to meet you."

"Keith Kim." It's all Keith says, but the fact that he says anything is surprising enough. "Cadet I, ID: Δ-453. Pilot Corps, Planet: Earth."

Luan, a Lieutenant in the Galactic Guard, watches the group with an impassive expression. He approaches Lance and gives a light but firm tap on the back of his neck. "I believe I've introduced myself before, but for formality's sake, I'm Luan McClain, twin of this idiot, Medical Corps, Lieutenant in the Galactic Guard. My ID is Β-102, Planet: Earth."

Allura clears her throat, trying to stifle a smile as she watches the twins' antics. "As demonstrated by Lance, the Lions choose their own paladins. Usually, a paladin's quintessence should match or be similar to that of the Lion itself, but that's not always the case. The former Yellow Paladin, for example, had nothing in common with the Yellow Lion, but they worked perfectly together. The bond between the Lion and its Paladin is mystical and cannot be forced or explained; science simply cannot comprehend it."

As she spoke, Lance decided to add a final touch. "And remember, if you need a bit of charm and confidence, just call for the 'babe.'"

Pidge rolls her eyes, while Keith raises an eyebrow, clearly irritated. "That was a touch of class, Lance."

Lance smiles, satisfied with his performance. "I always do my best to impress."

Allura smiles at the group and continues, adjusting her tone. "Well, as I was saying, the choice of the Lions is not a simple matter. The bond between the Lion and its paladin transcends scientific logic and is guided by a deep and mysterious connection."

Her eyes took on a serene glow as she tilted her head northeast. "I can feel... You five are the chosen ones..." Her eyes opened and met each of theirs, "The five who will bring back the legend of Voltron and defeat Zarkon and the Galra Empire once and for all!"

"..."

"Sorry, miss, but what?"

Pidge doesn't realize they're the only ones who voiced their confusion until Allura frowns at them. "I know this must be surprising, but you five are the chosen ones. Fate has decided so. Not only does your quintessence match the Lions, but so do your personalities. The Black Lion is the leader of Voltron. She is confident and quite protective of the others in Voltron, both paladins and Lions." An image of the Black Lion floats and moves closer to Shiro. "Shiro. You will be the pilot of Black." Allura smiles. "Black chooses someone sensible, with an excellent understanding of what it takes to be a leader. Someone reliable and mature."

Green appears in their view, and Pidge realizes this is their lion. "The Green Lion has a curious personality and needs a pilot with intellect and boldness." Check, check, and check. "Green is all yours, Pidge." She smiles playfully.

"The Blue Lion—"

Allura projects the image of the Blue Lion in front of the twins, who are standing side by side. Luan keeps a cold, impassive face, while Lance watches with a Casanova-like gaze.

"Wait a minute. Let me guess," Lance says, smiling confidently. "He's the most handsome and talented of them all?"

"… The Yellow Lion." Pidge huffs as Allura doesn't even bother to respond. They watch as the Yellow Lion moves toward Hunk. "He is kind and considerate. He seeks a pilot who puts others before himself." Allura smiles serenely, and although they are firmly in their roles, Pidge blushes at how ethereal she seemed at that moment. "I think that suits you, Hunk." Hunk also blushes, probably more due to the compliment than how beautiful Allura is.

Allura shakes her head and turns to Keith, sending the Red Lion toward him. "The Red Lion is temperamental, to say the least, and by far the most difficult to handle. Though it's faster and more agile than the others, it is incredibly unstable and stubborn. Its pilot needs to rely more on instinct than pure skill." She meets Keith's eyes. "Keith. You will pilot it."

"Keith!?"

They ignore Lance's shout. "Although I have never witnessed your piloting skills, your quintessence matches almost perfectly." Allura agrees. "It's all yours." Keith simply nods.

"Unfortunately, I cannot locate the coordinates of the Lions because they are factory-blocked." The orbs disappear, and the windows unlock, allowing natural light to flood the room. It was almost blinding. "This means that the locations of Green, Yellow, and Red are unclear at best."

"Wait!" Pidge almost groans with Lance's interruption. "If Lance is just going to complain about Keith piloting Red or rub it in Keith's face, he doesn't know what to do... So you can't find their locations because, what, they're in shutdown mode?" Lance questions, with his hand on his chin and his face focused. "If that's the case, then how did I manage to find Blue? Actually—" He jabs an accusing finger at Keith. "Keith felt him long before I did!"

Luan, observing the discussion with an impassive face, knows that Lance is ignoring the fact that he also had contact with the Blue Lion long before Keith. However, Lance focuses exclusively on Keith as his rival, disregarding Luan's presence in the discussion.

Allura shudders. "Well, I can explain why you, Lance, were able to find Blue. After all, your quintessence matched, and it's likely that Blue chose you when you entered its vicinity or proximity. But…" She looks at Keith with a puzzled frown. "I must admit: Keith's circumstances confuse me."

Allura shudders again, clearly disturbed. "Well, I can explain why you, Lance, were able to find Blue. After all, your quintessence matched, and it's likely that Blue chose you when you entered its vicinity or proximity. But…" She looks at Keith with a puzzled frown. "I must admit: Keith's circumstances confuse me."

Allura sighs and continues, "In fact, I've noticed that Luan has a much stronger connection with the Lion than any of you. However, for some reason, Blue showed a preference for Lance as its pilot, even though both Lance and Luan are chosen paladins. This is something we still don't fully understand. It seems that, despite a stronger connection, the Blue Lion opted for Lance for reasons beyond our current understanding."

"Didn't you mention something about energy or something like that?" Hunk tries. Upon hearing Allura's sigh, Hunk nods. "Yeah, you said you felt the energy, and it was stronger in the cave where we found the Blue Lion. You even knew Lance was heading in the right direction. I mean, at first, I thought it was just instinct, but it was better verified than what Pidge and I put together."

"Keith, is this true?" Allura demands, and Keith looks caught off guard, as indicated by his slight flinch. "Is Blue the only Lion you can sense?"

Before Keith can respond, Luan, who has been observing the conversation with a nervous and attentive look, interrupts. "Sorry, Allura. If I may interject..." He addresses the Princess, trying to maintain composure despite his nervousness. "Based on what you said, my bond with the Blue Lion might seem unusual. Although I am not a pilot, my medical training might explain this."

Internally, Luan is anxious, fearing that Keith's Galra heritage might be discovered much sooner than expected. He struggles to stay calm, worrying about the impact this could have on team dynamics and future revelations.

Allura looks at Luan with curiosity. "What do you mean by that?"

Luan continues, keeping a serious and focused tone. "In the Guard, I am a lieutenant responsible for the health and safety of the pilots. I have training to handle emergencies and injuries, and my knowledge might have created a unique connection with the Blue Lion. It's possible that my presence and medical experience have somehow influenced the Blue Lion's perception."

Allura considers this for a moment. "So you're saying that, due to your medical training and role, the Blue Lion might have shown a special affinity for you?"

"Yes," Luan confirms. "Moreover, my role includes care and support in extreme situations. The connection might be a way to ensure that the Blue Lion has a pilot who can effectively respond to any needs."

Allura nods in understanding. "I see. Although the Blue Lion has shown an affinity for you, Lance ended up being chosen as the primary pilot. This is due to the unique combination of your quintessence and skills, which, combined with your personal qualities, made you the best choice to pilot the Blue Lion. Your connection with the Blue Lion is clear, but Lance brings a balance and complementarity that were decisive in the selection."

She turns to Luan. "Lance's selection doesn't diminish the importance of your role, Luan. In fact, your role as a reserve and your medical knowledge are extremely valuable to the team. You and Lance make a complementary team, and your presence will continue to be a crucial resource in critical moments."

Luan nods, understanding the decision and the value of his role. The team, now clarified, refocuses on the mission ahead, each aware of their role and the importance of their contribution to the team.

Allura nods slowly, understanding Luan's perspective. "I see. That makes sense. So, Keith, it seems there is an explanation for your case, and Luan's presence might also be playing a role."

Keith, frowning and with a thoughtful look, finally speaks up. Pidge observes closely, noticing that Keith has been acting strangely since they arrived, seeming distracted and often disoriented. There were moments when he seemed inclined to head in a different direction than indicated, which piqued Pidge's curiosity.

"No," Keith begins, looking away and crossing his arms. "I sensed a different presence when we arrived here. Its energy is distinct, seems more resilient, if that makes sense."

Lance and Pidge exchange confused glances. "Resilient?" Lance asks, trying to understand.

"Yes," Keith confirms. "The energy I'm sensing is different from Blue's. It's like it has its own strength, something I can't fully explain."

"Ah, I see," Allura responds, trying to connect the dots. "The energy you're perceiving might be from the Black Lion. It's in the castle and might be influencing your perception."

Coran adds, "To keep the Black Lion out of Zarkon's reach, King Alfor locked it in the castle. The only way to free it is with the presence of the other four Lions."

Allura clears her throat and turns to Keith, "Keith, your ability to sense quintessence is truly peculiar. As far as we know, Earthlings shouldn't have this capability unless they are extremely trained to perceive the presence of other humans. However, the quintessence of the Blue Lion is something that, possibly, only species from the Lions' home planets can sense. If possible, I would like your help in finding the other Lions. Of course, training will be provided."

"Of course, Princess," Keith agrees, with an attitude that might be the most civilized Pidge has ever seen from him, aside from Shiro's usual behavior.

"Now then!" Allura claps her hands, making everyone stir and turn their attention to her. "It will take, perhaps, a good amount of time, about 9.8 Quintents, in your Earth terms, to get this castle into shape, a task that Coran and our rat friends will be in charge of. In the meantime, all of you will need to be prepared to form and fight as Voltron."

Luan observes the look of confusion on the paladins' faces and decides to explain. "To give you an idea, 9.8 Quintents would be approximately 1.4 weeks on Earth."

"Maybe..." Pidge takes a deep breath, and the team follows suit, inhaling and exhaling deeply. "Before we start all this, maybe we could say goodbye to our families on Earth? We left a bit abruptly, and none of them know where we are."

Allura's expression softens, and Pidge can detect a hint of sadness on her face before it is quickly replaced by sympathy. "Of course. I apologize for rushing without considering your situation. As soon as the castle is in order, we will take you back to Earth for your farewells. Temporarily, I promise."

Luan, who had noticed Pidge's discomfort, interjects. "Actually, before we left the Guard, I received an alert from Lapiz. That made me act quickly to grab what I could from the rooms and the house in the desert. Additionally, I have already informed my sister, Veronica, and she is passing the message to our relatives. So, don't worry, they already know we are fine."

Keith looks at Luan with an incredulous expression. "Wait a minute... How did you manage to find the house in the desert and track us, while all the technology of the Guard couldn't?"

Luan shrugs and gives a barely noticeable smile, "Meph, I actually tracked you. Hunting and learning to survive in the environment are things Abuelo taught very well to his children. The ability to read the environment and find what's needed is something he always taught us." He comments casually while turning off the skill level notification labeled BULLSHIT that was flashing in the corner of his eye, as if it could reveal that he used the map feature provided by the system.

A look of relief passes over Pidge's face. "Oh, great. That makes things easier."

"While we wait," Allura continues, "I hope we can start the training. As important as your families and well-being are, if you want everything to resolve as quickly as possible, we have no time to waste." She turns. "First and foremost, a tour is in order, I suppose."