Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Well, good news is your nose doesn’t appear to be broken.” Coran informed as Ulaz put a sort of bracing bandage over the top of it. “The uh… Okay, I don’t know how to put this news. But… unless some Earthlings differ, you’re… well...” The Altean twitched his mustache. It had been a long day with a tricky mission, and Pidge was the center of attention in the end. Her makeup, which no one realized she was wearing until then, was smudged and showing she was splattered with orange freckles, her hair was moved enough to show her ears were pointed and elf-like, and the blood that gushed from her nose after getting punched in the face by a Galran soldier was a fluorescent orange. It was definitely an unexpected sight.

“Oh man!” Hunk looked worried. “But she’s human, right? Did something get into her system and start changing her? Is it in us? Are we gonna change, too?”

“Hunk, breathe.” Pidge said, her voice nasally sounding with the wad of gauze pressed to her face. “Look… this… um...” She sighed. She glanced at Adam, a teacher from the Galaxy Garrison, Shiro’s fiance (whenever they find the man; he went missing after their fight with Zarkon for some reason), and partially the green paladin’s guardian since her parents and brother went missing on the Kerberos mission; Adam nodded, silently telling her that she should tell the team.

“I… actually don’t know what I am.” Pidge admitted, looking rather nervous. Eyes were on her, rather curious as the green paladin spoke; the only one not curious was Adam. “I crashed on Earth in a shuttle; Dad thinks that either the crash or some other trauma made me forget where I came from. The only things I knew was my name, the nickname Pidge, which Matt started using for me, and a few little things that made no sense. Mom and Dad found me, took me in, and kept me partially hidden from others. I mean, I wasn’t kept away, but like, we kept the fact that I wasn’t human hidden. They didn’t want me hurt for being an alien since I couldn’t help the circumstances of my birth. And I looked human enough, a few things here and there and voila, no one knows any better. But… we don’t know where I came from or what I am genetically.” She shrugged. “Adam’s been close to the family, so he found out a few years ago when he accidentally opened the door and smashed it into my face.”

“I don’t know what startled me more, the fact that her blood was orange or the fact that she bleeds a lot once she starts bleeding.” Adam admitted.

“But… other than that...” Pidge looked nervous. Sure, aliens were hardly new to the team. Allura was Altean, Keith was Galran and Earthling mixed, looking more like the former, and they had support in their team that were Earthlings, an Altean, Galrans, some being mixed, and countless others who were rebels and helped. “I even tried looking up my genetic coding in the castle’s systems since it scanned us when we first arrived and logically it would have other codes since the pods are able to treat different races. I was correct in thinking of it having other genetic codes in the database but… I couldn’t find any that matched mine, not even distantly to indicate a common genetic ancestor...” While being an alien was nothing entirely new to the team, whatever her species was did happen to be new. At least to the team and the castle’s database.

“Hmm… if the castle couldn’t match you to any other race, then it could be one we’ve not met yet.” Coran admitted. “Whatever your ancestry is, you very well could be the first for us!”

“I… guess?” Pidge didn’t know if that made her happier or not. She then grunted when Hunk practically laid across her in a hug; that was enough to make her smile as she patted his arm. “Hey, buddy.”

“It’s okay, Pidge. What matters is that you’re you, we’re still Team Punk and the Garrison trio,” he pulled Lance over into the hug with the last one, “and we’re going to do our best to help you find your mom and dad and then hound Matt later for not telling us that his sister is the literal alien ninja.”

“Hey, I thought I was the ninja.” Lance whined.

“Are you kidding? Pidge studied gymnastics; she’s way more ninja than you.” Hunk reminded.

Pidge tried not to snort, not wanting to make her nosebleed worse. “Thanks, guys.” she said. “And if it makes you feel better, Lance, you can hold an alien status, too. After all, out here and away from Earth? You’re an alien, too.”

“Holy crap, I am an alien!” Lance’s eyes went wide at the realization. Pidge chuckled, amused by that reaction. She then looked up when Thace came on screen.

“Pardon the intrusion, everyone.” Thace spoke up, manning the bridge for Coran while they were down in the infirmary.

“It’s no worries, Thace.” Allura assured. “Judging by your tone and lack of alarms, we have no incoming threats.”

“That’s an affirmative.” Thace nodded. “However, Kolivan contacted us; apparently Lotor’s squad came across a unique find and felt you needed to see it.”

“A unique find?” Allura asked. She nodded. “Okay, we’ll be up right away.”

As they went up, Regris, a tailed Blade of Marmora member, put his hand on Pidge’s shoulder. He had grown fond of her since they met and they often teamed up on missions. Pidge smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, I think things will be fine. Being out here… I guess there’s no reason to hide myself.” she admitted.

“Yeah.” Regris nodded. “There’s nothing to worry about. Besides, where we come from doesn’t matter; it’s what we do we should focus on.”

Pidge nodded in agreement as she kept walking with Regris, heading up to the bridge with the others. The moment she got there, she was tackled by a giant blue wolf that teleported, appearing out of seemingly nowhere to jump the poor girl. She let out a startled shout before sitting up. “Okay, Kosmo, I get it, you were worried about me.” She smiled when the wolf licked her face. “Yeah, I missed you, too, buddy.” Kosmo was a cosmic wolf, a creature Pidge found when they first fought Zarkon and got separated in the wormhole. He was a great partner when on missions and got along with Bae Bae, Pidge’s bull terrier that traveled with her to space. Sometimes the others teased her that she was good with animals or it was unfair that she got all the pets, especially considering that the mice loved her, she adopted these fluffy caterpillars from the trash nebula she was at before, and Kova, a cat owned by another Blade of Marmora member, always went to her when they were near. But this was Pidge and the others could see she was good with animals.

Once on the bridge, Allura conversed with Kolivan, the head of the Blade of Marmora. From there, she used a wormhole to reach the next location. Along with some Blade of Marmora ships, there was definitely something that stood out. There was an Altean ship, a Tel-Galax exploration shuttle according to the princess, sticking out of a wormhole. According to Coran, though, it didn’t look like any sort of wormhole he had seen.

Both the Voltron team and the Blades worked to scan it, but nothing truly helpful came through. They were able to deduce that it wasn’t a black hole and there were no signs of thermal or nuclear decay. Coran was able to find out who had piloted the ship, it was on record, but there was no indication of what the mission was. They even tried to pull the ship out from their end, but it was to no avail. And there was no indication on where the rift led, if it was even a wormhole. The icing on the cake? The only energy they could get properly scanned was the fact that the rift was radiating quintessence, an energy substance the empire used to fuel their ships and technology.

The ship and the rift were full of mysteries.

And Allura aimed to find them out. The others weren’t all for the idea initially, she wanted to take Voltron in to check it out further. It took a while, but they did finally agree.

“We have to be careful; any sign that things could go wrong, then we abort the mission and figure something else out.” Keith stated when he was in the black lion with Ulaz.

“Yup, I’m ready to abort at any moment!” Hunk whined.

“Don’t worry, you guys got this.” Adam assured, putting a hand on Hunk’s shoulder. He rode with him, joining with the team to help out if needed. “Besides, Voltron’s the strongest thing out there.”

“You do realize we’ve had our asses kicked several times, right?” Lance asked. “So, maybe a thousand years ago, yeah, but now?”

“Well, let’s hope a giant glowing exploding wormhole won’t be doing any ass kicking.” Adam shrugged.

“Allura, are you sure about this?” Lotor asked over the comms. “If anything goes wrong...”

“We’ll be fine, Lotor.” Allura assured her childhood friend. “We’ve got this.”

“And Coran, make sure Bae Bae behaves while we’re investigating.” Pidge called, sitting in her lion with Regris and Kosmo.

“Will do, Number Five!” Coran chimed, Bae Bae barking a bit next to him.

“Pidge, keep an eye on Voltron’s vitals for us.” Keith requested.

“Copy that.” Pidge nodded as they directed Voltron to the glowing section surrounding the shuttle. She observed the data that came to her. “Hey, Regris, you see this?”

“Yeah.”

“What is it?” Keith inquired.

“It’s the Euclidian space around the ship; it’s some sort of anomaly.” Regris explained. “But the energy source isn’t originating from any known source...”

“It’s really against my understanding of how reality works.” Pidge added.

“Same.”

“Right… well… Good work.” Keith wasn’t sure what to take from that information. They knew nothing and they learned nothing. Progress. “Hunk, how about you? Any biorhythms?”

“I’m not picking up on anything on this side.” Hunk responded.

“There may be some on the other side.” Allura pointed out.

“Past the glow-y exploding area?” Lance asked. “Is that safe?”

“Um...” Keith wasn’t sure.

“Well… if we explode, it’d be a little.” Pidge pointed out. “This energy… it should be tearing Voltron apart, but it’s actually powering us up more.”

“That’s weird, but I’ll take it.” Keith nodded. “Okay, well, continue keeping an eye on the vitals. Let’s do this.”

With that, the team went in further towards the rift, going alongside the Altean ship. As they went through, their connection with the others waiting on standby was breaking up. The team continued through until they came out on the other side. However, they didn’t get a chance to investigate the ship or where they were.

A surge of energy coursed through Voltron, hitting everyone inside, though the paladins took the force much harder.

“PIDGE!” Keith snarled through gritted teeth. “What’s going… on?”

“There’s a huge influx of power. It’s finally re-you know what? Screw science talk! We’re about to find out what it’s like to be all those balls in billiards when the white ball hits!” Pidge responded. The force continued to go through Voltron until it finally separated them into lions. The black lion was thrown against the exploration shuttle, so Keith and Ulaz didn’t go far. The others were thrown to who knew where.

Worse yet? Keith’s comms went down. The black lion completely shut down.

Chapter Text

“Hmm? What’s this?” Pidge was looking at some data that popped up on the radar. It was brief and he couldn’t pinpoint it, but it was definitely a flash and the data from the signature was recorded. It wasn’t at all like he was used to, but it was definitely strong in terms of readings. “Now what are you? Is Lotor and Maahox up to some-”

“I’m a pilot now! I’m a full time Voltron pilot!”

“Yeah, yeah, rub it in...”

“That’s not it! Why do I have to keep training?!”

“Ugh, kids.” A gingery haired man rolled his eyes as he walked past the cadets. “Hey, Pidge, care to explain why our newest pilot has to keep training?”

“Because there is always room for improvement and to learn more. It’s also good to train regularly so as to not let your skills grow dull.” Pidge explained without missing a beat. “Even the rest of us train and look for new way to better ourselves.”

“Yeah, but unlike you guys, I’ve been training most of my life.” Larmina reminded. “I practically know everything by now.”

“If you know everything, then perhaps you can explain this?” Pidge had a smug look on his face as he motioned to the monitor.

The orange haired Arusian went over and looked. “Um… I mean about combat. And music.”

“Uh… what’s up?” Lance inquired. The other cadets went over over to check out the data with them. “It’s a bunch numbers.”

“It looks like a Fraunhofer line.” Vince suggested.

“Frown… who?” Daniel looked confused.

“Fraunhofer. It’s a number describing the emission spectrum of an element.” Vince explained.

Pidge nodded. “I was thinking of that. However...” He put in the numbers and looked confused as he compared it to other elements. “If it is an element, it’s definitely not one we know of. Not just here on Arus or over on Earth; I mean in the entire known universe.”

“Well, you’re the genius, so you can think about that more.” Larmina assured, patting Pidge’s back. “Meanwhile, I’m going to find Hunk. It’s about time we have a jam session.”

“Not so fast, we still have training and you have much to learn still. We’re going to go find Keith.” Lance smirked as he started pushing Larmina and Daniel in another direction.

“Ugh, I swear you’re just a sadist.” Daniel groaned.

Vince started to follow them, but he stopped. He looked back at Pidge and returned to the green lion’s pilot. “Er… anything I can help with?” He was hoping the other would say yes.

“Ah, no, I’ve got this. I just...” Pidge sighed. He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “You know what? Maybe. I don’t know what this signature is or where it came from.” He smiled at the cadet. “Maybe we can figure it out; an extra set of eyes can really help.”

“Right.” Vince nodded and went to work, getting the data up on another monitor. “Hmm… it’s an intriguing signal… And there really hasn’t been anything like it?”

“Not that I’m finding in the database.” Pidge informed. “It’s remarkable. It’s like… like it’s not of this reality.”

“Reality?”

“Yes.” Pidge nodded. “There’s belief that there are many realities existing alongside one another; people living out their lives separately from our own. I suppose another way to put it is different dimensions.”

Vince thought it over. Another reality? That was definitely interesting. “It sounds like something from a comic.”

“Every day, we find fiction to be more and more real.” Pidge chuckled. “After all, as people progress, science fiction is becoming science fact. So what seems like a comic today could be real as ever tomorrow.”

Vince opened his mouth to say something, but he snapped it shut when he picked up on the signal. “Pidge! I found the signal!”

“Really? Where?” Pidge jumped over and checked the monitor.

“It’s… coming for Arus?!” Vince looked worried. “What if it’s some new robeast?”

“We’re not finding signatures for Haggarium, though.” Pidge wasn’t sure what was going on. The alarms soon went off, alerting them to something unregistered entering Arusian airspace. He brought up the security footage to see something large and green flying through the air. The cameras and radars caught it going past the castle and nearby town and right into a forest.

“Pidge? What’s going on?” Allura came running in through one door with Hunk; Keith and Lance emerged from another with Larmina and Daniel.

“Something crashed in the forest on the other side of the town.” Pidge reported. “We don’t know what it is yet, though; it has a strange energy reading of an unknown element.”

“We should check it out.” Keith stated. “It could be an enemy. Everyone, to the lions.”

Allura started off for her lion, but she stopped. She was so used to piloting the blue lion, she nearly forgot that her niece succeeded her so that she could focus on her people as queen. Larmina noticed this.

“C’mon, Aunt Allura, just be careful.” Larmina told her, not minding her aunt joining her. They weren’t going far and would be safer in the lion anyway. Appreciative, Allura smiled and followed after her niece, heading for the lion.

“Okay, guys, we don’t know what we’re dealing with yet. We’ll assess what the situation is first and if it’s an enemy, we need to lure it away from the town.” Keith informed. “Pidge, anything on what it is?”

“That’s a negative.” Pidge stated. “It’s signature isn’t lining up with any known element and it’s radiating a strong energy source that I can’t quite place.” He looked to the data while trying to fly his lion. “It’s really impressive. I mean, I know there’s so much out there in the universe that we don’t know, but this is definitely something we don’t know.”

“Ugh, Pidgey? Buddy?” Hunk spoke up. “I think I know what it is now.” He stopped his lion, causing Pidge to crash into him by accident. “Guys? Is it just me or is that another green lion? And… bigger than us.”

“Whoa, that is definitely big. It’s nearly as big as that one that Wade used on us.” Lance commented. “Okay, is this one of his tricks? That bastard’s gone and his tricks are biting us in the ass still?”

“We can’t be too certain.” Allura reminded from behind Larmina.

“Maybe there’s a pilot inside if it’s a ship. Or there is a way to connect to the comms of whoever is controlling it.” Keith suggested. “Pilot of the… uh… green lion. This is Keith Kogane, commander of the Voltron force and pilot of the black lion. Do you copy?” Nothing. “Pilot of the green lion, do you copy?”

“Maybe no one is home?” Hunk asked. “Should we poke it? I think we should poke it.”

“What is it with you wanting to poke something weird and potentially dangerous?” Lance asked.

“I’m curious!” Hunk defended himself. “Ma always said if you’re curious, go out there and learn.”

“Your ma also told you to run with scissors, didn’t she?”

“In the street but that’s irrelevant.”

“I don’t think trying the comms is gonna work anyway.” Vince was checking on the energy signatures.

“Yeah?” Pidge turned to look back at the cadet. “What’s up?”

“Well, while I’m still getting strange energy readings, there’s no actual active power. It’s shut down.” Vince explained. “I think it was drained by something at some point, perhaps as it crashed or shortly before.”

“So if there’s a pilot, they could be hurt and unable to call out for help.” Allura pointed out. “We need to investigate further.”

“Allura, we need to be cautious; we don’t know if this is some trick Wade left for us or that Lotor and Maahox managed to conjure up.” Keith reminded.

“And we don’t know if it’s not.” Allura said firmly. “Larmina, land the lion.”

“Um...” Larmina didn’t know what to do. “Okay. If it’s an enemy, we’ll just kick butt.” She nodded and did as her aunt said. The others followed suit before everyone stepped out of their lions.

“Whoa. That is definitely impressive. A bit bulkier than our lions.” Hunk looked at the massive mechanical beast, admiring the appearance. “So uh… if it’s an enemy, can we break it enough for me to have it and study it?”

“We’ll see.” Keith chuckled a bit.

Inside the other green lion, Pidge groaned as she held her face. “Hey, Regris?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m beginning to think I should wear my helmet with full visor and not half.” Pidge knew her hand did nothing to block the flood of orange that came down. “Is it abuse Pidge’s nose day and I just missed the memo?”

“Here.” Regris brought out some gauze from his pack and pushed it to the paladin’s face. “That’s a lot of blood. You sure you’re okay?”

“I don’t feel light headed. I do have a headache, though.” The paladin thought it over. “Though I guess that’s bound to happen when you get punched on a mission, yeeted who knows how far through the universe, and smash your already tender head into the controls all in the same day.” She reached and tested the controls. “Looks like Green’s down. She really doesn’t like to be yeeted.”

“Not your first time?” Regris inquired.

“Yeah; we were thrown during a corrupted wormhole and I lost power when I crashed in the trash nebula.” Pidge smiled and pet Kosmo with her free hand. “But that’s fine. I got to meet Kosmo and those trash floofs. So it went well.” She looked ahead to see what was outside, thankful to be able to see it. She realized she should have checked first, but she was dealing with another nosebleed and checking on her lion. “Regris? How hard did I hit my head? Because uh… I see five lions that look a little similar but aren’t ours...”

“Either we’re both hallucinating the same thing… or there are really five lions that look a little bit like your lions.” Regris stated.

“Well then.” Pidge just blinked. “This is definitely something.”

Chapter Text

“Okay.” Pidge nodded. “Green’s down but my armor’s not. And they’ve got comms on them; I should be able to get through to their systems and talk with these people.” She was doing her best to stay calm. She crashed on some planet, her nose was bleeding, she was seeing five lions that reminded her of smaller versions of the lions she knew. She didn’t know what was going on fully, but keeping herself focused helped her to remain a little calm.

“Wait, guys, I think we’re getting something on the comms.” came a voice.

“Maybe there is someone in there.”

“One way to find out.” came a third voice. “Pilot of the… er… other green lion, do you copy?”

“I think we’re grateful that I’m neither severely colour blind or even completely blind at all, otherwise calling out the colour of my lion and saying other would mean nothing to me.” Pidge responded.

“Well, he seems to have a sense of humour.” came a fourth voice.

“Shut it, Lance.” Pidge perked at that name, but the voice didn’t sound like her Lance. Far from it, really. Okay, sure, Lance wasn’t an uncommon name, at least on Earth. But she had no clue where she was. “Okay, well, this is Commander Keith Kogane, pilot of the black lion. You wanna tell me what’s going on?”

“Keith Kogane?” Pidge asked. Her ears actually twitched. “Like… Keith Yorak Kogane?”

“Keith Akira Kogane.” He sounded cautious but confused. “Why?”

“Um… just a tick. No… maybe this’ll take a dobosh...” Pidge cut the comms and looked stunned. “Holy shit!”

“Is something wrong?” Regris asked.

“I think I know what that rift was.” Pidge blinked. “I don’t think it was a wormhole. I think it was a tear in the fabric of reality.” She turned on her comms again. “I have a question. I’ll explain it later but uh… Okay. Pilots of lions. Er… you guys wouldn’t happen to be Keith with the black lion, Lance with the red lion, Hunk with the yellow lion, Allura with the blue lion, and Pidge with the green lion?”

She heard no replies yet. There was a click indicating that they turned the comms off to discuss what she just questioned. She couldn’t blame them; if she was right, then they had to be. Finally, whoever that Keith was turned the comms back on.

“There are a lot of reasons why you would know our names. But your way of phrasing things indicate you were just guessing at our names for a reason.” Keith explained. “Care to explain that to me? Because we have no indication that you’re not our enemy.”

“Okay, well, hear me out.” Pidge sighed as she shifted in her seat. “I think we’re in another reality. It started with us being led to this Altean ship being stuck in an glowy explodey area as my Lance called it. We didn’t know what it was at the time, but we went to investigate. We piloted Voltron to and even through it. Keep in mind, it reminded us a bit of a wormhole, but it wasn’t like any wormhole Coran had seen. And I believe that, the man’s like six hundred years old so he’s seen a lot. Looks good for his age, by the way. But that’s besides the point. We went through the glowy explodey area and then we got hit hard with this huge surge of energy. It was treating us like billiards pretty much. That energy was building up pressure until it finally hit us pretty badly and Voltron was separated into lions and we just got thrown to who knows where. I don’t know where my team ended up and the lion is down, so I can’t trace them really. But being thrown, I got tossed here and crashed. And now I don’t know what’s fully going on anymore, I was sure I was hallucinating seeing three lions that look like cheep knockoffs of the lions I know, but my partner is seeing this shit, too, I’ve got a headache, my nose is still bleeding because faces hitting controls is ill advised, I’m sweating way too much because of how nervous I am and I already sweat a lot and-”

Outside the lion, the others were listening. The pilot of the other green lion was rambling at this point and everyone was wondering if they even took a breath while talking.

“Okay, now we’re getting into way too personal of information.” Larmina grimaced.

“Hmm.” Pidge thought it over. “He sounds like he’s panicking.”

“What was the first clue?” Lance questioned.

Pidge shot him a look. “He seems scared and confused.” He nodded. “Hey, hey, take a deep breath, kid.” He actually wasn’t certain yet if the pilot was a kid or not, but he had a feeling they were. “Okay, so your questioning of our identities… I can only assume you’re also a Pidge, right? If this reality thing is accurate, then our realities have similarities, including Voltron pilots.” He wasn’t going to mention that Allura was no longer the pilot of the blue lion yet; he didn’t want to confuse the other pilot more than they already were. “How about you come outside and we can talk, hmm? And check on that nosebleed and make sure you didn’t break your nose.”

The pilot sighed. “Y-yeah. I have friends with me. A tailed guy named Regris and a teleporting wolf named Kosmo, so don’t be alarmed. And yeah, I’m also Pidge.” The pilot hesitated. “Er… we’ll be out in a moment.”

Pidge nodded. “At least he’s not alone.” He smiled; being alone would have possibly made things a little scarier. “But… another reality. And one with its own Voltron? This is remarkable! I wonder what their Voltron is like. What it’s made of. I mean, it’s giving off this unique elemental signature.”

“Yup, there he is.” Hunk chuckled, amused with the pilot’s enthusiasm.

“Speaking of there he is.” Lance looked to see those from the other green lion show up on top of the giant mechanical beast’s head. From there, they vanished and reappeared on the ground. “Okay. He said teleporting wolf. Wolf can teleport with others?! Why does that Voltron pilot get a cool pet!?”

“That is so co-” Pidge froze as the wolf disappeared again, though this time without the others. When he reappeared, he was face to face with the creature. Next thing the pilot knew, he was under a mass of blue fur being licked.

“Kosmo! Down boy! Down! No kisses!” The other Pidge ran over, calling for the wolf. “Jeez, Kosmo, that was sudden.” Kosmo teleported again, this time reappearing behind his friend and nuzzling her.

“Yeah, Pidge was always good with animals.” Lance chuckled. “So, another Pidge. Another Voltron, really.”

“Or rather one fifth since they got separated.” Daniel chimed.

“We’ll do our best to help you find your team.” Allura swore, going over to the other Pidge. “Hmm, it looks like your nosebleed stopped.”

“Yeah. I don’t think it’s broken, either. I was punched earlier and nothing was broken. Except maybe my pride. But just a little.” The other Pidge shrugged her shoulders. She then removed her helmet and held out her hand. No on noticed, but the Pidge of that reality looked shocked when he saw the other Pidge without her helmet finally. “I’m Pidge. Though you already know that. I mean, I could go back to my other name since Pidge is just a nickname.”

“We’ll figure things out.” Allura chuckled. She then looked to the lion. “For now, we can try to get your lion to the castle and get her recharged.”

“She’ll get power on her own if she rests long enough. But getting her someplace near where I can be close would be nice.” She nodded in agreement.

“So uh… does this mean I can’t look into this kitty and understand it?” Hunk asked.

“If you do, there may be issues. The lions can be a bit on the finicky side.” the teenage paladin pointed out.

“You mentioned Coran. That means your reality has a Coran, too?” Allura inquired, actually curious. “And Altean… what’s Altean?”

“You don’t...” Pidge took in the appearance of the princess. No, the queen. On her way to the castle when they were moving her lion, she learned that Allura in that reality was the blue lion’s pilot, but that her niece succeeded her and Allura became queen of Arus. Arus also threw her off; the last Arus she knew, it had inhabitants around three feet in height and fairly primitive compared to what other races knew. More than that, Allura looked rather human, not at all elf-like like the ones she knew.

“Hmm… I wonder if planets differ… because Arus in my reality is so different. Altea is the planet that my Allura came from.” Pidge explained. “But it was destroyed a thousand years ago; Allura’s been in stasis since then until we showed up and I accidentally activated the cryo-pods she and Coran were in. I mean, accident, yes, but as Bob Ross said, they’re happy little accidents. It must have been a shock to her. Though it was a shock to my Lance, too. He tried flirting with her and she grabbed him by the ear and pinned his arm behind his back. It took everything in me to not laugh at his misfortune; the others were way too stunned to see that, but thankfully Shiro was able to quell the situation. By the way, Shiro’s the for-” Pidge found Lance’s hand over her mouth, silencing her.

“He sure talks a lot, huh?” Lance chuckled a bit.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Regris warned.

“Huh? Do wha-ah! Ew!” Lance pulled his hand away when he found it was covered in saliva. “What are you? A gremlin?”

“If you were to ask my mom, my teachers in middle school, Adam, my brother Matt, Commander Iverson back at the Garrison, Professors Fokker and Montgomery, the three classmates I beat up in middle school-”

“We get it. You’re a gremlin.” Lance deadpanned. “And maybe a reputable pain in the ass.”

“Anyway, we’ll work on trying to find your team.” Keith spoke up.

“It should be doable. I mean, my Hunk and I worked on a Voltron Geiger counter and Regris and I’ve created algorithms to help us track potential areas for where to find enemy Galra and Matt’s helped out to further that so we could have a smaller margin of error. It could take some work, but using the green lion’s signal, I could try and track the others. Or wait until the other lions come back online and we get in touch and get coordinates.” Pidge responded, once again speaking quickly and in one breath.

“That’s a long winded way of saying you got this.” Lance smirked. “Anyway, where’s our Pidge? I figured he’d want to be in on this.”

“I don’t know; he ran off the moment we got back to the castle.” Hunk stated. He gently elbowed the green paladin. “As excited as he is, I think he’s in shock of meeting another him.”

As though summoned, the Pidge of that reality came running back. He stopped in front of the other Pidge, a photo in his hand. He looked at her and then the photo. “I can’t believe it.”

“Huh?” The paladin was confused.

Pidge looked to his photo. The moment he saw the paladin remove her helmet and her hair fluffed up, waves of memories hit him, ones he often tried to bury so he wouldn’t be hurt by them. When he saw her more, he saw it all. The ears, the freckles, even the orange blood. Everything seemed right. “It’s...” He shook his head. “Your name. You wouldn’t happen to be called Katie, would you?”

Chapter Text

It was a sore subject and every day, Katie Pidge Gunderson-Holt was thankful that she looked like Matt. She was adopted but she looked like her older brother, so no one actually questioned it and those who knew she was adopted didn’t question from where. They knew her mother came from a large family; to them, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she adopted a niece or nephew in need.

When she crashed on Earth, Sam and Colleen located her crashed ship and immediately brought her to safety to check on her. Deemed healthy, other than her amnesia, they worked with the little girl, hoping to help her grow strong, recover from her injuries, and even regain her memories. Memories, though, were tricky. At first the couple thought she couldn’t remember because she hit her head, but she would have nightmares of people screaming, fire burning, and panic all around. Perhaps there an emotional trauma instead that blocked off her memories.

With no other memories aside from a name and a nickname that brought her comfort alongside the fact that she was not of Earth, the family decided to raise her as their own and keep her safe. They did their best to make sure she lived as normal of a life as she could, keeping what she was a secret from others.

If anyone were to ever question the motives of Samuel Holt and Colleen Gunderson, then Pidge would gladly stand up for them. They did their best, they had the right intentions, and the did nothing but love her. They encouraged her to learn and pursue her desires, they scolded her when needed, especially if she was fighting classmates at school or fighting with her adopted brother, Matt, but it was nothing too drastic. They were parents and as far as Pidge cared, they were perfect.

However, there were days where she would stare at the sky and question where she came from. Of all planets, why did she land on Earth? Did her birth family know she was missing? Did they care? Were they even alive? Lacking the answers and having no way to answer them, it hurt more than anything. She didn’t like not knowing her past. Even when she found for herself that aliens were real and she started working alongside them, because of that pain with not knowing, she didn’t share anything with them until the faithful day they found out on their own.

Everything from the moment she opened her eyes to see her parents to the day her friends saw her bleeding orange blood, she never expected to find out there were others like her in a different reality. But there she was, looking at the other Pidge. She didn’t get a good look before, but when she saw him, he looked much like Matt, but short like her and with much shorter hair. However, there were two features that this Pidge had that Matt didn’t. His ears were pointed and his face was splattered with orange freckles.

Those were the same features she held.

He then handed her a photo. It was of two boys and a younger girl. It was worn in some areas where the creases were, shown to have been folded to keep close, but it was still visible. It was easy to see the wholesome look of the family.

“Years ago, my planet was destroyed.” Pidge stated. “Many Baltons were displaced… many missing. One of them was my little sister, Katie. We couldn’t find her… eventually… Chip, my twin, and I had to give up hope. But...” Pidge reached over and touched Katie’s cheek, the other surprisingly but thankfully not pulling away. “Could this be real? Could it be… could you possibly be Katie? And you somehow ended up in another reality?”

Hearing Pidge, the others were in shock. The other pilots, former in Allura’s case, remembered Pidge mentioning having a kid sister. After Balto was destroyed, though, he never mentioned her again. They feared the worst and did not want to pry or push Pidge into talking; if their friend wanted to talk about the loss, then he would. All they could do was remind him they were there for him and do their best to work with him.

But after twelve years, was it possible that his kid sister was alive and safe in another reality? Could the blast of the planet have created enough of an opening in the fabric of reality that it pushed her through?

“To be honest? I don’t know.” Katie admitted. She carefully took the photo and looked at it. That looked like her; the Katie in the photo looked like the Katie in the photos her parents had, minus some digital edits they did to the pictures they kept; her parents wanted photos on display but didn’t want to reveal that their daughter wasn’t human, so they covered up her freckles and ears perfectly on the computers. “I don’t remember anything when I crashed on Earth and my parents found and took me in.”

“Parents...” Pidge whispered.

“Yeah. Mom and Dad. They found me and after treating my injuries from the crash and evaluating my health; they didn’t want anything happening to me, especially since I couldn’t remember where I was from. So, they protected me. They adopted me and raised me as their own.” Katie smiled fondly. “They’re really nice and wonderful. With them, I often forget that I was adopted. The only real reminder was when I’d get a nosebleed and see that mine was orange while theirs was red. But it’s not much. They’re my family, same for my big brother, Matt. He’s a dork, but he’s lovable.”

Pidge wasn’t sure if he was happy or sad. If this was truly his sister, then she had found a loving family. He was happy because it meant she didn’t have the hardships of being an orphan and dealing with foster families that may or may not have been good. But he was sad because she had no memory of her birth family and he had no right to ask her to stay.

“You know, we’re one DNA test away from finding out.” Pidge shrugged. “I mean, even if we’re not related… you said you had no memories. Maybe we could at least help you figure out what you are as species.”

Katie nodded. “That… that sounds nice.” She offered a shy smile. “In my reality, my species hasn’t popped up in the castle’s database, so… I know nothing.”

“Well, let’s find out, okay? Then we can get to looking for your team.” Pidge assured.

“Um… while you guys do that?” Hunk asked. “Can we check out the lion? Because this thing is giant and cool.”

“Try not to break her. And if you need help, Regris? You’ll be able to assist?” Katie looked to her friend.

“I’ll do my best.” Regris nodded in confirmation.

“Awesome!” Hunk got excited with the new machine. When Pidge and Katie went off to check their DNA, Allura going with them, the others checked out the lion.

‘I’ll be honest, that’s one big lion.” Lance admitted. “If it weren’t down for the count, I’d say it could even beat up your lion, Keith.”

“It makes me wonder, though, is the green lion the head of Voltron in that reality? Or are the others perhaps bigger, especially the black lion.” Keith pondered over the idea.

“Larger. Except the red lion; that one is roughly the same size.” Regris brought up some data. “Is there something we can use to project this?”

“Yeah, I can help with that.” Vince confirmed as he helped set Regris up, patching him into the computer. On the monitor, images of the lions were shown to scale. When they saw the images, the others were impressed. “Whoa. Those are… definitely big.”

“Their Voltron must be huge! He could totally crush the robeasts we deal with.” Daniel chimed, looking amazed.

“So, what do you think, Vince? Think you can check this kitty out?” Hunk asked.

“If she puts up a particle barrier, then it means she doesn’t like the intrusion.” Regris stated.

“Particle barrier?”

“A sort of forcefield to keep the lion safe, especially in the absence of her paladin.”

“Oh.”

“Hmm. I wonder if I could.” Vince went over to the lion, taking in her massive appearance. Sure, Pidge’s lion was cool, but Katie’s lion was even bigger. While they were both the green lion, they still looked different and not just in size. He put his hand up to the lion’s muzzle and focused. He activated his voltcom, connecting the wires to the lion. He focused on her, feeling an energy inside; it was unlike anything he felt before, yet it felt strong and almost alive.

“So… anything?” Daniel asked, joining him.

“It’s unlike anything I’ve felt before. Like… this energy in her… it’s neither good nor evil. It’s just life.” Vince explained. “In a way… it’s like she’s alive. But she’s still a machine.” He looked back to Regris. “Do you know anything about how she was made?”

“Not really. The only ones who do are long gone, though another agent I know has been studying old Altean texts to understand it.” Regris informed. “However, we do know that she and the others were created by Alfor over a thousand deca-phoebs ago. But we don’t really know how. Coran may know since he was good friends with the late Altean king.”

“Deca-phoebs?” Larmina asked.

“Oh. Um… what did Pidge call it again… ah, years. Sorry, many where I’m from use an old universal method of time keeping. Words differ from planet to planet, as to units of time, but in general, a deca-phoeb is a year.” Regris explained. If it weren’t for the light chuckle her gave, the others would struggle to tell he was amused by something. “We often rely on Keith to translate these things between us since he understands both Earthling and universal methods of speaking, including Galran ways.”

“Galran? What’s that?” Lance inquired.

“It’s-” Regris stopped when a tablet on Vince’s being started pinging. “You’re beeping.”

“Oh! Right!” Vince brought out his tablet. “Huh, it’s a message from Daigo.”

“Daigo?” Lance thought it over.

“Our friend from Ariel; he’s the one who contacted us before to beat up Wade’s robots.” Larmina reminded.

“Oh yeah!” Lance nodded. “So what’s the little dude need?”

“Looks like he’s found one of the other lions.” Vince informed, reading the message.

Chapter Text

“I think I’m gonna be sick...” Hunk mumbled.

“Bag. Bag!” Adam managed to get a bag-lined bucket for Hunk and shoved it under his chin in time for the paladin to grab it and get sick. “Well, there went overcoming motion sickness. Though in your defense, we did just find out what it’s like to be on a billiards table and only half the people here actually like roller coasters.”

“I don’t even like the Ferris Wheel.”

“It’ll be fine.” Adam assured, patting the paladin’s back. “Hmm… how’s Yellow?”

Hunk tried the controls. No movement. He checked around, but there was no indication that the lion was coming to life quite yet. “Well, bad news is that she’s down for the count. Good news is that I’m not sinking in water on a mostly frozen planet.”

“That’s a good way to look at it.” Adam looked at their surroundings. “Looks like we’re in a pretty barren place. All earthy and such.”

Hunk was checking his uniform, seeing if he could get the comms going. “Hmm, my armor’s comms are in order, but I don’t think we’re in range to contact the others. And I don’t know how far we were thrown.” He looked out of the front shielding only for something to come down in front of the lion. Hunk let out a scream as he moved quickly and got behind his chair. “WHAT IS THAT!?”

“It looks like a ghostly shīsā.” Adam was significantly calmer than the paladin.

“It looks angry. Or hungry. Oh man, do ghost shīsā’s eat? What if we’re on the menu?”

“Hmm?” Adam watched as fairly human looking beings came riding on the backs of lions. He brought out his binoculars and zoned in on them, seeing their appearances. They weren’t Earthlings, but they definitely looked similar, much like how Alteans and Earthlings looked similar. “C’mon.”

“Out there? With the shīsā thing?!” Hunk inquired, panic in his eyes. “I know I’m a paladin and supposed to be brave, but...”

“Then let’s go.” Adam got the paladin back up to his feet and went to leave the lion. Though shut down, they were thankful they could still get out.

“So those who insult us show their faces.” a man called. This confused the two Earthlings. “To come here in a mockery of a Voltron lion!”

“Wait, you guys know Voltron?” Hunk asked. “One moment, coming down, so please don’t attack us.” He jumped down, using his jetpack to get down safely; Adam followed right after. “Like, you know of Voltron? Big dude, five lions?”

“Of course we do.” the man said. “And this? This is not Voltron.”

“Huh? But… it is?” Hunk was confused. “Hi, I’m Hunk. Paladin of the yellow lion.”

“I have met Hunk and you cannot fool me!”

“Eep!” Hunk yelped and recoiled, terror in his eyes.

“Whoa, hey, let’s settle down.” Adam tried to defuse the situation. “What do you mean? You’ve met Hunk?”

“And all the Voltron pilots. There have been times we’ve worked together to take down Sky Marshal Wade.”

Adam nodded. He looked to the lion before the idea hit him. “I get it!”

“Get what?” Hunk asked.

“Slav mentioned it. Many times. It really annoyed Takashi.” Adam seemed a little amused at that small bit. “But other realities, different realities living alongside each other.” he told Hunk. He then looked to who he assumed was the leader, either of the force that showed up or of the people in general. Curious and giving the man the benefit of the doubt, the leader dismounted his lion; he was ready to hear Adam out. “It’s like this. Say this hand is your reality where Voltron exists. Now this hand is my reality where Voltron also exists.” Adam held up both hands and then put them side by side. “We exist next to each other, like neighbours without actually meeting. Until now. That glowing area we passed through at the ship wasn’t a wormhole; it must have been a tear in the fabric of reality, giving us passage to go through.”

“Then how did we get through but probes blew up?” Hunk relaxed a bit more.

“I think it has something to do with Voltron’s composition. It is, after all, one of the strongest things around.” Adam shrugged. He then looked to the leader. “I’m sorry if there’s been any confusion. But I promise, we’re not lying about this kid being Hunk and the paladin of the yellow lion of Voltron. And we surely don’t mean any harm. Considering it sounds like you’re an ally of Voltron and assuming Voltron fights for the good of the universe, then I can hopefully assume you mean no actual harm either. Unless threatened.”

The leader nodded. “Another reality. I have never heard of such a thing. But there is much we don’t know in the universe, so I can only give you the benefit of the doubt.” He held out his hand to Adam. “I am Chief Kalon. If you truly mean no harm, then we welcome to Ariel.”

Adam smiled and accepted the chief’s hand, shaking it. “I’m Adam.”

Kalon then shook Hunk’s hand, the paladin calming down even more. “Surely you can understand our hostility. Before we have faced attacks. We lion-riders of Ariel do not stand down to threats.”

“As we say, once bitten, twice shy.” Adam nodded.

“Okay… so another reality. Got it. Pidge is gonna have a field day with this one. But now what? We crashed, I don’t know where the others are, Yellows down for the count and I don’t know when she’ll be up.” Hunk sighed. “There’s so much going on.”

“Chief Kalon, what about the Voltron force?” another lion-rider suggested. “We could contact them; they may be able to help.”

“Indeed.” Kalon nodded. “For now, come with us to our village; we can have you settle there until we contact our Voltron allies.”

“Much appreciated.” Adam nodded. As they traveled back, he watched as the spirit-like creature flew around before going into the ground. “So, what was that shīsā-like thing? The ghost.”

“The Krelshi. They are guardians, protectors from an ancient era.” Kalon informed, looking to another lion, Adam holding onto the fur. On the other side, Hunk was holding onto a lion-rider, not wanting to fall off. “They are essential to Ariel’s harmonious and spiritual aura. And unless threatened, they are truly peaceful creatures.”

“Oh, so the one that jumped us was probably just curious?” Hunk nodded. He looked ahead to see a temple, more of the Krelshi flying around. “Well, when they don’t just suddenly pop up out of nowhere, they’re kinda cool looking.” He smiled. “Yeah, Pidge would like this planet. The Krelshi and their uniqueness. The lions. Though she’d hate all this sunlight and no shade; she sunburns easy apparently.”

“She does.” Adam confirmed. “And breaks out in more freckles. It’s a hassle, but she’s worth it.”

Kalon chuckled a bit. “The Pidge of your reality. Is she your daughter?”

Adam opened his mouth to deny that. He then shut it. “I mean… I’ve been her guardian for a couple of years since her parents went missing on a mission. But… well… yes. And no. Because I’m also like a big brother to her.”

“It sounds like you care for her, though; that is good.” Kalon nodded as he showed the two around. He found himself locating Daigo, a young boy who had befriended the cadets. He talked with him a bit, getting him to get in touch with the force in hopes that they could help out. While getting in touch with the force, Daigo also explained what happened in the past, especially with the team helping his planet.

“Wow, so everyone knows about Voltron here?” Hunk asked. “And you guys were communicating for a while via a game because of this evil Garrison guy? That’s pretty neat.”

“It is truly amazing. I am grateful that they came to help us when asked.” Daigo nodded. “Your reality, yes? You have Voltron, too? Do people not know you well?”

“We’re kinda finding our footing still, but word is spreading more and more.” Hunk informed. “See, Voltron’s been dormant for a thousand years; for some, it was just a story parents told children, like the Balmerans. Shay knew about Voltron, but only as a bedtime story when she was a kid.” He smiled. “But hey, news is spreading as we go around helping.”

“Hmm?” Daigo looked when his game beeped. “Ah, they seem to have found one of your allies, too. They will be on their way over.”

“Phew! I wonder who they found.” Hunk thought it over.

“We’ll find out soon enough.” Adam nodded.

“Okay, message sent.” Vince stated.

“Then let’s get ready; the Pidges will meet up with us in the green lion.” Keith stated. “Vince, go on and ride with Hunk.”

“Huh?” Vince looked alert. “Oh… um… yeah.” He nodded and went with the larger pilot, stopping to look back at Katie’s green lion. Sighing, he followed after and went to the yellow lion.

“Hmm? Hey buddy, what’s got your mood down?” Hunk asked as he sat down and got situated.

“Huh? Oh… it’s nothing.”

Hunk wasn’t convinced, but he didn’t want to pry too much; he didn’t want Vince to withdraw in on himself. “If you say so, but if you wanna talk, I’ve got an ear to lend and experience that may help.” he reminded, to which Vince nodded a bit, accepting that. “Anyway, it’s been a wild day, huh? Alternate realities. Pidge possibly finding his sister. How cool is that?”

“I mean… we don’t know if they are siblings for certain, do we?” Vince inquired.

“Not quite.” Pidge’s voice came over the comms. “But the test is running and we should have results when we get back.”

“Don’t forget to call up Chip about this later, okay?” Hunk reminded. “That or I will.”

“I won’t forget, don’t worry.” Pidge assured.

Vince still sighed. He then jolted when Kosmo appeared next to him; he must have wanted to go with them. He realized Regris probably stayed behind with the other green lion. Smiling, he pet the wolf. “Hey, buddy. Hitching a ride with us?” Kosmo huffed with a nod. “Well, let’s go and get one of your friends then, shall we?” With that, the lions took off, heading for the planet Ariel.

Chapter Text

“HUNK!”

“PIDGE!”

Katie ran over and jumped at her Hunk, the other catching her in the air and hugging her. They both started crying as they embraced. It was quite a sight to see, a mix between heartfelt and comical.

“I was so scared, Pidge. I didn’t know where we were, we saw this scary Shisa ghost thing that turned out to be good. At first I thought the Arielians were gonna hurt us but they didn’t. Then we didn’t know where any of you guys were and with the yellow lion down we couldn’t access the long range comms. But I’m so glad you’re okay and here!”

“It’s okay, Hunk.” Katie patted his head, reassuring him that all was fine. “We’re safe. Some of us are reunited. And the lions will be back online before we know it.”

“You know? It’s good to know that in another reality, Pidge and Hunk are still best buddies.” Lance smirked a bit.

“Hmm?” Hunk looked over to the others. “Who are they?”

“Hunk, meet the Voltron force of this reality.” Katie got herself free from Hunk’s hug, though she didn’t leave him yet. Without issue, she climbed around him and up onto his shoulders. “They’re Keith, Lance, Hunk, Pidge, and Larmina; the blue pilot used to be Allura, but Arus, her planet, needed a queen, so she stepped down from being a pilot to meet those needs and Larmina, who is apparently her niece, succeeded her after training. Then we have the cadets still training, Daniel and Vince.” She then looked over and smiled at Adam as Kosmo approached him. “Hey, Adam! How are things going? Aside from Hunk being scared.”

“Ah, doing well.” Adam chuckled. He went to stand next to his Hunk, observing the others. “Well, good news is these pilots look different from the paladins. Except...” He didn’t miss the Pidge’s appearance.

“Yeah, their Pidge looks like you.” Hunk looked up at Katie, examining her features and taking note that Pidge had the same ones.

“Well, that’s because our little guy,” Lance ruffled his Pidge’s hair a bit, getting the smaller male to swat at him, “is thinking yours is actually his sister.” He watched as Katie leaned back and got herself flipped over and off of the yellow paladin’s shoulders.

“Siblings?” Hunk looked back at Katie, confused. “But… how?”

“We’re thinking when my planet was blown up, there could have been enough force to push Katie through to your reality.” Pidge responded.

“Katie?” Hunk was confused. He looked back and forth between the two Pidges. “Wait. Your name isn’t Pidge Gunderson?!”

“Well, no, Pidge is just a nickname. You should know, you go by a nickname, too. And Gunderson’s just my mom’s maiden name. My full name is Katie Sophia Gunderson-Holt. Katie’s the name I knew, Sophia Gunderson-Holt was what my parents gave me when they adopted me.”

“Most documents just have her listed under the last name Gunderson.” Adam chimed.

“Anyway,” Keith spoke up, “we should work on getting your lion ready to take back to Arus; it’s the best place to work from, and we’ll continue keeping an eye out for the rest of your team.”

Hunk nodded. “Yeah, I’ll go with in case she’s online yet.”

Part of the team went off to collect the yellow lion, but the other part remained in the town area. Daniel and Vince went to talk with the young Arielian, Daigo, while Adam and the other Pidge spoke; Katie, though, went off somewhere with Kosmo. Adam wasn’t too worried, though, she had a giant blue wolf with her.

“Hmm, she doesn’t have Regris… is he okay?” Adam asked.

“Yeah, seems like he stayed behind with the other green lion.” Pidge responded.

Adam nodded. He then watched Pidge for a moment, taking in his appearance He could definitely see how Katie looked like him. It wasn’t just the freckles or ears, but their eyes, the face shape, he thought it was like looking at his own Pidge with shorter hair. “You really think she’s your sister?”

“Yeah, I do.” Pidge nodded. “And I hope so, too. If it’s true, then I can finally rest easy knowing what happened to her. And even better knowing she lived a good life and with a loving family.”

“What do you plan on doing?”

“Huh?”

“About her if she’s your sister.” Adam sighed. “Remember, she did have a good family in our reality, and she’s searching for them still since they were captured by the Galra. We found her brother, but we’re still looking for her parents. She also has friends and a team she works with. I get it, this reality may have probably been her birthplace, but her home is where she’s been living and developing memories.”

Pidge was silent. Adam had a good point. Honestly, a part of the pilot wanted to find a way to convince his sister to stay, but that would be rude. She had a family, friends and a team, and she had a duty to her own Voltron. He opened his mouth to speak, but Keith came up on his comms.

“Pidge, the other yellow lion isn’t waking up yet.” Keith responded.

“Okay, then should we try and get a big enough transport ship?” Pidge asked.

“Actually,” his Hunk spoke up, “I think we can carry this guy. But we need to be Voltron. Then we just pick up the other yellow in our arms and carry him back home to Arus. We’re big enough for that.”

“It’s our best plan.” Keith stated.

“Right, I’ll get the cadets, Katie, and Adam and meet up with you.” Pidge nodded. “We’ll be there in a moment.”

“We best get the kids then.” Adam chuckled as he stood up. “Now then, where did Katie run off to?”

Pidge grew alarmed. Where was she? He looked to see where Daniel and Vince were with Daigo, but no little sister. “Okay, no one panic, but we’re missing a small, green clad girl!”

“Just find a giant blue wolf, she’ll be with Kosmo no doubt.” Adam was less concerned; he knew how his charge could get at times. It didn’t take much looking, another Arielian pointed them in the right direction. In another area, a bunch of lions were curled up, taking a catnap under the sun. with them, though, they could see Kosmo curled up, his blue fur clashing with the shades of brown that the lions had. Adam whistling caught his attention, getting him to poke his head up. “Hey, Kosmo, is Katie with you?”

Kosmo grunted and looked down in front of him. Adam nodded and waded through the sleeping cats and got to him. Perfectly positioned and shaded by the creatures, Katie was curled up on her side, mumbling in her sleep. “Yeah, leave it to her to find a strange spot to sleep.”

“She’s okay. She’s safe. She’s just napping.” Pidge let out a sigh of relief when he saw her there. He watched as Adam brought out his tablet and snapped a picture of the paladin. He saw what it was about and smiled. “You’ll send that to me when we’re back at the castle, right?”

“Definitely.” Adam chuckled. He then went closer and nudged the teen. “C’mon, time to head out.”

Pidge sat up and rubbed her eyes. “What’s up? Where are we?” She looked around. “Lions. Either I drank the wrong nunvill again or we’re someplace.”

“Planet Ariel. There are lions here. And before you ask, no, you’re not adopting any of them. I already let you adopt Kosmo.” Adam chuckled. He helped Katie up. “Ready?”

“Yeah.” Katie nodded. She stretched. “Too bad I can’t take any lions with me. They’d be fun to have around.”

“With the mane on Kosmo? He looks like he could be a lion himself.” Pidge teased. “Let’s grab Vince and Daniel and head out to the others. We’re gonna form Voltron and carry the yellow lion back.”

“This reality’s Voltron? Awesome!” Katie was hoping to see their Voltron and if they’d look different and by how much. Sure, she was gonna be on the inside in the green lion, but it still intrigued her.

It didn’t take long for the others to return to the green lion and for Pidge to fly them out. Once there, they got ready, activating the lions to form into Voltron.

“Activate interlocks.” Keith announced as they got started. “Dyno-therms connected. Infra-cells up. Mega-thrusters are go.” He nodded. “Let’s go, Voltron Force!” The lions started their shift as they went together. “Form feet and legs. Form arms and body. And I’ll form the head!”

Hearing all that, Katie’s eyes went wide. “What the quiznak was that?”

“What?” Daniel looked perplexed.

“That whole saying. Do you guys say that every time like some catchphrase in a children’s cartoon?” Katie was more than confused. “Or are you just putting on a show?”

“Er, well… yeah. They always say this.” Vince nodded. “Don’t… don’t you? Like, it’s to help with gearing up Voltron, so...” He eyed Katie, a little perplexed with how she responded and just how different the two Voltrons would be. “You guys can form Voltron, too, right? So how do you do that?”

“We just say form Voltron to let the team know and then fly in formation and boom. We come together and form Voltron.” she responded.

“Wait… like that? What about switches? Or buttons? Do the lions like… move differently or...” Daniel was confused, trying to figure out how their Voltron worked.

“Nope, no switches or buttons. Believe me, I looked.” Katie’s Hunk responded, riding with his counterpart.

“Yeah, and you tried forcing our first formation by ramming into Keith, too.” Pidge snickered, remembering that.

“Yeah… that didn’t work, either.” her Hunk admitted. “But… yeah. We fly in formation, feel our lions and the team, then they come together. They shift a bit so they can connect, but it’s all still pretty strange. Pidge and I are still researching and figuring this stuff out.”

“Well, maybe you guys can put a show on for us when we find your other teammates.” Lance hummed. “For now? Let’s get this cat home.” Voltron picked up the yellow lion, holding it like a toddler dangling a cat in their arms. They then took off, returning to Arus.

Chapter Text

Pidge looked at the data. He ran it again to be certain, but the results were as clear as his freckles. Nodding, he brought up communications, getting in touch with someone. After a moment, someone who looked very similar to him came on screen.

“Hey, Chip.”

“Pidge.” Chip, his twin, chuckled. “Checking in again? Yes, we’re doing fine, no, Maahox and Lotor haven’t returned, and no, there have been no lingering effects of the Haggarium. You worry way too much.”

“No, I worry the right amount.” Pidge reminded. “You can never worry too much.” He chuckled a bit and shook his head. “Anyway, while that is good to hear, that’s not what I’m calling you about.”

“Oh?” Chip crossed his arms, looking curious. “Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. So, revive me.”

Pidge snorted at that. “Anyway… twelve years ago we lost our home. And we feared we lost our sister.”

“Yeah.” Chip nodded. He thought it over. They weren’t nearing the anniversary, that wasn’t for a few more months. His brother would only bring it up for one other reason. “Did… did you find the ship she was in?” He looked worried; even though Pidge didn’t look heartbroken, he was still worried.

“No. But...” Pidge grinned. “We found her. She’s… she’s here on Arus now.”

“Katie’s alive… and there?” Chip stared in shock. He staggered back a bit. “Okay… okay… um...” He fixed his camera as he sat down; he was losing the strength in his legs from the news. “She’s alive… and well.”

“It’s a bit of a story… but yes.”

“Okay, as soon as I can get back up again, I’m heading out there.”

“That’s good to hear. But before you do, there are some things I need to tell you about her and her life.”

“Okay, I’m listening.”

“Still no power.” Katie sighed as she checked on the yellow lion. “That blast really hit us hard.” She thought it over. “Odd, though. The quintessence in the rift was powering us so much, but then we were suddenly sapped when we were zapped.”

“Heh heh, sap n’ zap.” her Hunk snickered. Hearing him, Katie found herself snorting; of course, the other Hunk found himself chuckling, amused by the words chosen. If anything, at least they worked on the same wavelength for amusement.

“Man, that’s a good one.” the other Hunk hummed. “Though power being down… I don’t even see how to charge these kitties. Solar? Do they hook up? Do they need their dens?” He looked over the yellow lion, amazed by its size and bulk.

“They run on quintessence.” his counterpart informed.

“Quintessence?” Vince inquired. “What’s that?”

“It’s this powerful substance with the highest known energy per unit of volume.” Hunk explained. “Where we’re from, the Galra harvest it from planets and refine it to suit their ships. Even Alteans used it for ships, but that’s in the form of these crystals from a Balmera. And a Balmera is this planet-like petrified creature that’s actually still alive.”

“Which doesn’t make sense. If something is petrified, it shouldn’t still be alive.” Katie scrunched up her face a bit. “So it shouldn’t be alive. However, it somehow still is. And getting the crystals isn’t easy; it’s a balance of offering quintessence back according to Coran. Taking it too much will truly kill the creature and send it into a state where its core will collapse. With that, it’ll begin destabilizing. Anything and anyone on or in the Balmera would apparently be crushed into dust.” She tipped her head to the side, thinking about the planet-like creature. “But our Allura managed to heal it. She did well without training. Wore her out, but worth it. Saved countless lives. Wasn’t easy, though, we had to fight a robeast while Allura saved the creature. Thankfully it saved us in return by growing crystals around it and stopping it. Until we returned and-”

“Hey, Pidge?” her Hunk spoke up.

“Yeah?”

“You’re kinda infodumping and I think you’re burning out the cadets’ brains.”

“Oh. Oops.”

“Okay, that’s a lot to take in...” Daniel shook his head. “And...quintessence is… what exactly?”

“Energy.” Katie stated. “Given off by… everything. Trees. Creatures, sentient and simple alike. Even entire planets.” She looked up at the green lion. “I’ve yet to figure out how exactly the lions obtained their energy; I don’t know if they have Balmera crystals in them yet or if it’s something else that they’re made of, they’re pretty unique, you know, but I’ll find out one day.”

“C’mon, Pidge, you managed to get a cloaking upgrade to Green and can even use that on Voltron as a whole if you have a co-pilot helping.”

“Wait, you can cloak the lion?” the other Hunk perked up. “What about the others?”

“Sadly we haven’t figured that one out.” Hunk admitted. “Not for lack of trying. Pidge and I keep working with the lions and trying to figure things out, but they’re really strange and mysterious. Anything we try, they’ve pretty much rejected.”

“Hey, you guys still being nerds over here?” Lance asked, returning with a tray of snack makings. “Also, we seem to be out of peanut butter and someone forget to put it on the list.”

“Oh, sorry.” That reality’s Hunk looked sheepish, showing that it was him who forgot.

“But, I got s’mor makings for us.” Lance declared.

“Ooh! I haven’t had a s’mor in a while!” Katie looked excited. “I should put my hair back for this one...” She looked to Kosmo who was laying down. “Hey, buddy, let’s go into the lion, okay? And I can get a change of clothes for now.” Kosmo huffed and got up, going over to her. He then disappeared with Katie, heading into the lion.

“You guys keep clothes in there, too?” Daniel asked. “Then again, you can probably fit a dorm room in your lions.”

“Well, we do sometimes end up staying in them longer. And we’ve learned to keep extra food, water, medical supplies, clothes, hygiene necessities, and what we need for sleeping arrangements in them. Pidge was the first, though, setting her lion up with her own room.” Hunk explained. “It makes things easier for longer missions or if something happens and we get stranded away from the castle or a base.” He looked to Kosmo when he returned with Katie just wearing shorts, a cropped shirt, and a cut open halter-style top. “Me next, Kosmo?” The wolf nodded and disappeared with Hunk.

“Awesome! Snack time!” Katie hummed as she put an orange bandanna on, keeping her hair back.

“Careful, Lance, she’s a bit of a snack hole.” Adam teased.

“Heh, must be a Balton thing.” Lance snickered, already sure Katie was the same as Pidge. He looked when Hunk returned wearing a tank shirt and coveralls; the coveralls were pulled down to his waist and tied off with the sleeves. “Pidge and Chip eat a lot, too. And they always burn it off. Ninja stuff, you know?”

“So… Pidge here could’ve come from ninjas?” Hunk grinned. “Awesome! I was right!”

“Just because I was in gymnastics before the Garrison doesn’t mean I’m a ninja.” Katie sighed. She went to where Lance set down the tray with the s’mor stuff. “Hey, Regris!” She looked to see where her friend was working on some data. “Wanna try a s’mor? They’re messy but delicious.”

“Hmm… I suppose.” Regris abandoned his work, joining with them.

“Should also get changed to relax more, too.” the other Hunk suggested. Regris looked away. “Huh? Is it something I said?”

“Regris only ever seems to wear his uniform.” the younger Hunk responded, prepping a s’mor. He handed it to Regris, letting the other hide his face with his hood more to remove his mask and eat. “The only ones who have seen him without it, especially his mask, are Keith and Pidge. Keith because they grew up together, Pidge because… well...” He looked to his friend. “You two became like best friends, huh? You even sleep together.”

Lance chose that moment to drink some coffee he had; it was a bad moment. He started sputtering and choking. “Wait… what?!”

“It’s literal.” Adam assured. “They are literal roommates. They met, they clicked, Regris started staying in her room to sleep. Neither of them mind. The only one who actually minds is Ulaz. He’s currently with Keith in the black lion and is the resident medic pretty much. He also took on an uncle-like role over Pidge and dotes on her. He’s also super protective over her.”

“He worries too much.” Katie hummed, eating a s’mor for herself. She then prepped more, getting Regris a second one. “Good, huh?”

“It’s not bad.” Regris nodded as he accepted another one. “It’s sticky, but it’s good.”

“It’s best when you burn the marshmallows, too.” Katie stated. “Burnt marshmallows are the best.”

Pidge was returning from talking with his twin to tell the others the results, especially Katie. He then stopped when he heard them talking and laughing. It was nice to hear his sister get along with others. However, his bliss at that changed to horror when he saw what she was eating. “Katie! What are you doing?!”

“Trying not to make a mess?” Katie asked, her mouth stuffed with a s’mor; her voice came out muffled, though the others could still tell what she said.

“What’s the big deal, Pidgey?” his Hunk inquired. “We’re just having s’mors.”

“Yes but...” Pidge sighed. “Baltons don’t consume marshmallows. Not typically. There is something in them that messes with us. It’s like being high.”

“Okay, you’re saying it like that’s confirmation as to who she is.” Lance stated. He stopped. “Wait, you mean she’s…”

Pidge nodded. “That’s right.” He smiled at Katie. “We have confirmation. You’re not only Balton, but… you’re my kid sister.” Katie was still trying to eat her s’mor. She was silent and just staring. “Um… Katie?”

“I think you broke her.” Vince suggested.

“Katie, I didn’t break you, did I?” Pidge was growing worried.

Katie finally swallowed her treat. “Wait, marshmallows make us high?!” she asked. “That explains so much when I was a kid… And why Mom and Dad were confused when I went loopy and weird eating marshmallows, so they put that on my allergy list. At least until I kept eating them out of spite and stopped getting all weird and loopy.”

The others could only stare at Katie. Did she really admit to getting high and then consuming more until she was no longer high? Yes, yes she did. It was not something anyone expected. Stranger than that, it was her focus rather than finding out that Pidge was definitely her brother.

“Okay, I’m gonna say this here and now.” Lance sighed. “She’s going to be way too powerful if I can’t use a marshmallow gun against her…”

“Wait… you already accepted that Katie was his sister and she was Balton. You seem to know Baltons can’t consume marshmallows safely.” Adam spoke up. “And you gave her s’mors anyway?!”

Lance gave a sheepish grin. “Er… oops?”

Chapter Text

In all honesty, Chip had given up hope on ever seeing his sister again. As months melted into years, his hope died along with his sister. Or so he thought. He thought she died that fateful day when the original planet Balto was destroyed. Then, twelve years after the incident, Pidge called him and reported that he found out what happened to Katie. More than that, she was alive, well, and currently on Arus.

Of course, not everything was that easy. She wasn’t just suddenly back in their lives. Pidge explained to his twin brother that Katie had spent the past twelve years in another reality, somehow getting there. More than that, though, he explained how there was another Voltron from the other reality and that their sister was a part of that team. That she was raised there and had a family.

Their sister was home, but her time among them was limited. That part broke his heart, but Chip was still happy that she was alive. As soon as he could, he took off, heading straight for Arus. However much time as he could get, he wanted it. He wanted to see his sister again.

And to talk to Pidge in person.

When Chip landed, he was greeted by Keith and Allura, the two showing him to where the others were with the green and yellow lions, those two already being located. When he saw them, it didn’t take long to pinpoint Katie, the mess of brown hair sticking out to him. Katie was laughing about something with the others until Pidge nudged her and pointed in Chip’s direction. When she looked over and saw him, she smiled.

Chip knew he couldn’t hold it in. Just because he was a scientist who just so happened to have also been a ninja didn’t mean he had to be super serious and keep his emotions in check. He ran right for her, nearly tackling his long lost sister into a hug. Even if he did tackle her, the paladin did well to hold her ground.

“I can’t believe it.” Chip said softly, doing his best to not cry. “You’re alive. After all this time…” He shook his head. “Twelve years is way too long...”

As heartfelt as the situation was, and how sweet Adam found it, there was something that caught his attention. “Wait… twelve years?”

Pidge looked to Katie’s guardian and nodded. “That’s right. Twelve years.” he confirmed. “She’s a bit smaller than we’d expect for an eighteen year old, but...”

“Well, Baltons tend to be small anyway.” Chip chuckled.

“But… she’s not eighteen.” Adam raised an eyebrow. “She’s fifteen.”

Confusion hit the others. The twins thought she was supposed to be eighteen while Adam was sure she was a few years younger than that.

“I mean… maybe she wasn’t adopted right away? So no one knew her age and guessed based on size?” that reality’s Hunk suggested.

“They were sure she was six when the Holts found her.” Adam stated.

“She was six when we lost her, too.” Chip pointed out.

“Hmm...” Katie thought it over. “Oh, maybe time flows differently in our two realities.” She nodded. “It makes sense, really; it’d be unrealistic to think that time flows identically in every reality. It’s like planets; each planet differs for how long a year or day is for them, thus why there are universal measurements to time, like us using dobosh, varga, quintant, movement, pheob, and deca-pheob in our reality. Or at least learning to since that’s relatively new to some of us.”

“Wait, wait, wait...” Pidge ruffled his own hair in frustration. “My sister is fighting in a giant mechanized cat at only fifteen years old?!”

“Why are you so freaked out?” Lance inquired. “You were twelve yourself; younger than her.”

“I didn’t have much choice. We were literally thrown into it and Arus needed help. But Katie, she-”

“We were thrown into it, too.” Katie shrugged. “And… yeah. Arus needed help, too. We had to keep the planet safe and prevent Zarkon from getting the lions. Or rather Sendak, but he was working for Zarkon and would’ve taken the lions to him. So, yes, keeping Zarkon from getting the lions in the end.” She sighed. “And it’s different. It’s not like we chose to become paladins. We matched up with the lions and in the end they chose us.”

“Yeah, which was unnerving at first because Allura told us we would be able to fly them, but there was no way of telling if we could unless we tried. So, that went well.” Paladin Hunk nodded in agreement.

“My sister’s a kid… and she’s fighting a war in her reality...” Pidge nearly cried, worried for her.

Chip smiled. “I’m sure she’s fine.” he said. “After all, she’s got not only her fellow pilots, but even other teammates and allies to help out.”

Pidge nodded and smiled. “Yeah. You’re right.” He wiped his face. “But… wow. Time differences. But this height at fifteen… I wonder if you’re as tall as I was at that age.”

“One way to find out.” Allura chuckled. “Your growth chart is still etched in the wall near your room.”

Don’t get Vince wrong, he was happy for Pidge and Chip. They spent over a decade with the possibility of their kid sister being dead. Finding out they had a sister who they thought perished really broke his heart. But there she was, alive and back in their reality.

Back in their lives.

Katie was important to the twins. She was important to Pidge. It wasn’t that he was jealous, but he did worry. What if she stayed? What if Pidge wanted her to take over for him in the green lion? She had experience flying solo, after all. She had wartime experience from her reality despite being fifteen. Fifteen. She was just a kid! Though he couldn’t say much on the matter himself; he wasn’t much older than her, perhaps some months since he recently turned sixteen.

“Man… what do I do?” Vince asked. “What… what if Pidge does want Katie as his successor? I mean, yeah… there are other lions but… I thought...” He stopped walking through the halls in his worry when a slight glow caught his attention. He froze up at beaming yellow eyes and glowing blue markings. Then he watched as Kosmo walk out of the shadows. “Oh, the wolf. Kosmo, right?” The wolf nodded. “Can’t sleep either?”

Kosmo huffed and turned around. He padded off before stopping and looking back. At first Vince was confused, but he caught on pretty quick. “I don’t speak wolf, but I guess you want me to walk with you, huh?” He stepped up and walked with the cosmic wolf, even putting his hand on the creature’s back, feeling his soft fur. “You were listening, weren’t you? Don’t get me wrong, I like that Katie’s here and with her family, but… I can’t help but feel like I’ll just… be put on the back burner, you know?” He looked to his walking companion, though Kosmo didn’t respond in any sort of way. “It’s probably stupid to feel that way… or to expect a guarantee to one day pilot the green lion. There’s no guarantee with anything. Except that Lotor’s a jerk and Maahox is creepy. I’m guaranteed that.”

“But,” Vince continued, “I don’t hate her. I don’t hate Katie and I don’t blame her for being here. But… I do feel horrible for thinking I didn’t want her here...”

“You’re not the first to not want me somewhere, though admittedly those bullies had no other reason other than the fact that they didn’t like how bright I was.”

Vince stopped. He realized that Kosmo walked him to where the alternate green and yellow lions were. He looked up to see that Katie was sitting on top of Green. Did he hear her? Oh snart. Before he could say anything or run off, Kosmo vanished, reappearing on top of the lion, Vince in tow.

“Whoa!” Vince looked around.

“Sorry, Kosmo does that.” Katie chuckled. She pet the wolf when he went and nosed her. “You don’t need to worry. Also, if you have an issue with heights, balance, or both, I suggest sitting down.”

“No need to tell me twice.” Vince planted himself down on the lion’s head. “Wow… this is definitely higher up than sitting with the other lions...” He looked to Katie. “You said I don’t need to worry...”

“You’re afraid I’m gonna stay here and you’ll lose your place and what you feel like is your purpose in the team.” Katie informed. “You weren’t exactly hushed, you know.”

“Oh...” Vince looked embarrassed as he scooted closer to Katie. “Er… sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude but...”

“You’re afraid. And that’s okay.” Katie told him. “We all have moments like that. We fear we lose ourselves on a team. Recently, my Lance had that issue. He was worried he’d lose his place in the team when the blue lion wasn’t accepting him anymore. Turned out Blue only kicked him out because Red was calling for him; Allura then took over for Blue.” She smiled. “Anyway, my point is, no one is kicking you aside or anything; you’re not gonna lose your place because of me.” She looked ahead, a soft, perhaps sad, gaze upon her face. “I won’t even be staying here. I have a home to return to, a team to fight with, a family to find. I love finding out about my past in this reality, a bit about my people, the fact that I have brothers… but as sad as it is, I’m gonna be leaving this reality with my team.”

Vince stared. He got worked up over something that Katie wasn’t even going to be there for. He felt so stupid over that one. He then felt sad. She would leave. The twins would lose their sister again. Who knew when their realities could collide again? He put a hand on her shoulder. “Then be sure to spend as much time with them until then.” He then looked when he felt something change around them. “Huh?” He watched as the green lion’s eyes lit up; next to her, the yellow lion lit up and the yellow barrier around her came up. “Hey, they’re functioning again!”

“They must’ve had time to charge.” Katie chuckled as she got up. “Hey, wanna see inside?”

Vince smiled and nodded. “Sure. I’m not feeling tired yet.” Kosmo came into contact with both of them, teleporting them to the green lion’s hold. That particular area looked more like a messy bedroom. “Wow. You seem to live in here.”

“Eh, at times.” Katie chuckled. “At least it’s comfy.” She showed him around the area, even the makeshift workspace she and Regris used at times when on away missions. Then came the cockpit.

“Whoa!” Vince looked around, amazed by the green lion’s controls. “So… how does it all work? Like, what do you use for keys? How do you activate it?”

“We don’t have keys.” Katie informed. “I mean, we’ve got these.” She pulled her bayard out the front of her baggy shirt; how no one noticed it was beyond Vince. “But that’s to help unlock certain weapons as Voltron and as our own weapons when out on missions.” She sat down in the chair and smiled. “How about a little ride to see how she flies, huh?”

“Shouldn’t we tell someone?” Vince inquired. “Because the last time we went on a joy ride without anyone knowing, we kinda found trouble.”

“I’ll contact Regris and shoot Pidge, Chip, Adam, and my Hunk messages to see when they wake up.” Katie curled up a bit, pulling her tablet out from inside her shirt. Seriously, how did she hide those there? She got through to Regris, waking him up. “Sorry to bother you, Reg.”

“As long as you’re not in trouble, currently dying, or already dead.” Regris mumbled. “What’s going on? Are we in trouble?”

“No, nothing’s wrong.” Katie assured. “But I’m going out on a flight in my lion with Vince and Kosmo; the lions are back online. I sent the others messages to see when they wake up, but I wanted to let you know right away.”

“Yeah, if they don’t notice, I’ll relay when it’s light out.” Regris nodded. “You’ll be fine?”

“Yeah, we’ll be fine.” Katie assured. “Okay, rest well. Good night.”

“Night.” Beep. Regris disconnected, going back to bed.

“Then let’s go.” Katie smiled and took the controls. “Hold on tight, we’re going on a trip.”

Chapter Text

“Man, Daniel would’ve loved this!” Vince looked out at their surroundings. Sure, it was still a Voltron lion, but Katie’s green lion still felt so different from any of the lions the pilots flew. It was quick. The controls were seamless. “It’s like you’re not even flying it, not like how we fly the lions. But like you two are one.”

“In a way we are.” Katie informed. “We bond with the lions and… connect. It’s kinda weird to explain since I don’t know what to compare it together.”

“It’s that… life in them, right? Because when I tried to connect to your lion to understand it, it felt almost alive.”

“In a way, I think they are. I mean, they’re machines, yeah, but… it’s tricky to comprehend. Even I’m working on understanding it myself.” Katie slowed down a bit as she went around an asteroid field. “Alfor really was a genius when he made the lions. I wish his AI was still around; I’d love to talk with him and understand the lions more through him.”

“I wonder if I could understand more for you.” Vince suggested. He put his hand to the front dash of the ship and focused on his own ability; he even activated his voltcom, getting the wires to form and attach. He expected the same feeling of something alive with the energy, but the sensation felt different, as was what his mind saw.

For a moment, Vince was flooded with emotions and images. At first he thought it was his connection to Daniel, the two having been linked since a previous mission dealing with Voltron and a certain spidery robeast, but he realized it was different. This wasn’t Daniel he was feeling, it was Katie. How did he know? He saw images of her, memories she held dear with her family and friends. But there were also emotions and not all of them were happy. Insecurity. Fear. Sadness.

“Stop it!” Katie ended up crashing the lion into an asteroid. This managed to shake Vince from his thoughts and connection, knocking him to the floor of the ship. He stared up in shock as Katie got up.

“I am so sorry! I didn’t know that would happen!” Vince accidentally shouted. “What even was that? Does that always happen? It was so weird! It wasn’t like what I’m used to with that connection Daniel and I developed. This was… was… was that your mind?!”

“Just...” Katie put her arms around herself. “Never do that again when I’m flying, okay? When I’m connected… just… just don’t.” She hook her head. “I… I need to take a breath.” She stormed off, going to the hold where she kept her room on the go.

Vince sighed as he rubbed his eyes. “I messed up, didn’t I?’ he asked, looking to Kosmo. Kosmo just whimpered, unsure of how to help. Vince got back up and looked to the doors Katie went through. Emotions. And he was sure what he felt during that connection was hers. But why would she be insecure or afraid? She was a strong, skilled pilot of a lion of Voltron! But, perhaps that’s what she was afraid of? He then decided to follow her.

“Pidge? I’m really sorry...” Vince said as he entered the room. He stopped to see her sitting on her bed, stubby looking caterpillars floating around. He didn’t see them before and wondered where they came from at first; perhaps they were just hidden somewhere? He pushed the thoughts aside. “I didn’t know it would happen like that. I thought I’d just see into the lion… not you.”

“I didn’t expect it, either...” Katie mumbled. “I don’t like my mind being probed. Of all the training we did that second day at the castle, I hated mind mixing the most...”

Vince went over and sat on the edge of the bed. He smiled when some of the caterpillars checked him out, curious. “But… You know, seeing you, I figured you were this confident girl with no fears. I mean, you have a giant wolf and are out in the universe fighting. You even took a joyride in just shorts and a tank shirt. You seem so sure of yourself. But… then I felt your emotions.” He sighed. “You said we all have those moments of being afraid… Even you have them.”

Katie sighed. “I was worried before I even flew Green for the first time. Before I even located her.” she admitted. “I didn’t know if Allura was right or not; just because she’s a princess doesn’t mean she’s always right, you know?” She shook her head. “I was worried. And though I read manuals my dad had on piloting ships, I never did fly before, not even in the simulator.” She looked to a photo she had, the picture of herself and Matt; her hair was longer when they took it. “Since coming out here, I’ve made mistakes… and I worry about them...”

“C’mon, we all make mistakes.” Vince assured. “I mean, at least you let someone know before you went on a joyride; when Larmina, Daniel, and I went on a joy ride, it didn’t go well for us. Mistakes are made for learning, you know.”

“I guess.” Katie nodded. “I’m also… I don’t like people seeing my mind. It’s a very private place.” She sighed. “Matt always told me that the brain is the greatest computer. No matter how low tech it can be, it’s the only thing that can’t be hacked. Or so I thought. Some of the Altean tech can be used to get into the minds of others. And Thace, one of our friends who is still back at the castle in my reality, was even tortured to get his mind accessed. And Slav, a reclusive genius we broke out of a maximum security prison, had his brain messed with to get information. The mind… I just wanna keep my mind safe.”

Hearing Katie, Vince could definitely understand why she was afraid. Some of what went on in her reality sounded like things of horror. “I understand.” he assured. “I promise, unless it’s absolutely necessary, I won’t tap into your lion to figure it out when you’re connected.”

Katie smiled softly. “Thanks.”

“So… Okay, I get it, you don’t like prying. But can I ask what you’re looking at? Or should I stick to asking what these things are?” Vince took a green caterpillar and squished it a bit, making it squeak.

“A picture of Matt and me; my hair was longer when we took this photo.” Katie handed the picture over to Vince, letting him see it. “I’m adopted, but by some chance, or maybe it was fate, Matt and I look alike. Especially since I cut my hair before joining the Garrison.”

Vince looked at the photo and smiled. He could definitely tell the similarities. Really, if he didn’t know any better, he would have actually assumed them to biologically be siblings. “He seems nice.”

“He is. But like any older brother, he’s a dork, sometimes he’s a jerk, but he’s always my big brother and wonderful.” Katie smiled. “And he’s fighting as a rebel in our reality; we work together on some missions now and then since finding him.” She looked to her fluffy buddies. “As for these guys? I just call them trash floofs. Or caterpillars. Sometimes tribbles. I found them in a nebula of trash; that’s also where I found Kosmo. Or he found me.” She smiled when her friend went over and nosed her. “It was quite a trip. I got thrown from a wormhole and crashed into it. So crashing on Arus after getting thrown? Not my first time.”

“You just like crashing, don’t you?” Vince teased. He then looked alert when he heard a beeping from the cockpit. “What’s going on?”

“One way to find out.” Katie went out to check on the systems, sitting down as she did so. “Oh! Green’s scanners picked up on one of the lions! Looks like she’s detected the red lion on a nearby planet!”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Let’s see...” Katie brought up the display to show what the lion scanned for. “Looks like a frozen planet.”

“Wait, that’s Crydor.” Vince informed. “It’s a pretty obscure planet and completely frozen; only creatures who have adapted to it really live there. And a former member of the Voltron Force is there apparently, too.”

“Huh.” Katie grunted. “Well, one of my teammates are there for certain, so we should check it out.” She worked with the systems, sending a message back to the others to get when they woke up.

“Yeah well… you’re hardly dressed for an arctic adventure.” Vince pointed out.

“Uniform’s in the back.” Katie finished with her transmission and got up, heading to the back. “Hopefully Lance is okay, though. Even when he was in the blue lion, he didn’t always do well with the cold. And it’s not his first time being on a frozen planet.”

“So… wait… your Lance was the blue lion’s pilot before?” Vince asked. “Then who piloted Red?”

Katie came back out in her armor. “Keith was.” she responded. “And Shiro piloted the black lion. But he went missing in our last battle against Zarkon and before then, he wanted Keith to succeed him. So, reluctantly, Keith did. Then Lance became the red paladin, and Allura was accepted by the blue lion to be her paladin. And now three fifths of my team isn’t colour coded. Animals, the lot of them.” Kosmo whined. “Animals in the derogatory, not the positive like you, buddy.” He wagged his tail.

“Well, at least you have the lions filled. Though I hope you guys can find Shiro.”

“Same.” Katie nodded. She sat back down and flew the lion, heading to Crydor. “Anyway, we may not have backup for a few hours, the others are probably still sleeping.” she informed. She reached the planet fairly quickly, going down to enter its atmosphere. She flew around, tracking the red lion’s whereabouts. “The sensor says Red’s here, but...”

“The lion could be buried under the snow and ice.” Vince suggested.

“Right.” Katie nodded as she got the green lion to start digging. She scooped out the snow and ice until she unearthed the red lion. “Lance, do you copy? It’s me, Pidge!” She listened. “Lance, are you there?” Nothing.

“Are we able to get inside?” Vince asked.

“We’ve got a three hundred pound teleporting space wolf. We can go anywhere we want.” Katie reminded as she got up and her helmet activated. “Your suit’s good to keep you warm?”

Vince checked his voltcom and nodded. “Fully charged.” He activated it to trigger his suit, putting him in the protective armor.

“Then let’s go.” Katie made sure her bayard was with her as she went to Vince and Kosmo. With that, the wolf teleported them to the red lion’s hold. From there, they went up to the cockpit. “Lance? You here? C’mon, Lance, come out!”

Nothing. No one. It was silent save for the bits of snow and ice that occasionally fell on the lion. When they went to the cockpit, they found it to be empty.

“I hope this is a case of him going out on his own and not something grabbing him...” Vince mumbled, looking extremely nervous.

“He’s a curious fellow, you know.” Katie shrugged. “I mean, he left his lion on the last frozen planet he was on to chase mermaids. So…” Though she tried to sound sure of things, she was worried. “Well, best figure out where he is.”

Chapter Text

“C’mon, c’mon, c’mo-oof!” Lance jerked when the red lion crashed into snow and ice, getting herself wedged into into a crevice. “Oh… ow… you know, if I could stop crash landing after getting thrown who knows where, that’d be nice.” He sat up more and looked to his surroundings, not getting much. White, bluish white, gray, and more white; he was sure that gray was actually shadows cast and making the white look darker. He tried to move the lion, but she didn’t respond.

“Okay, I think this is more of a power down and less of a stuck thing.” the paladin admitted to himself. “Okay… so… where am I this time?” He got up and went to get out of the lion, getting out through the top of her head. “Well, this isn’t my first time landing somewhere frozen, but at least I’m not underwater. Though sadly that probably means no mermaids, but thankfully hopefully no Baku garden wanting to eat everyone.” He sighed. “And no Hunk. No… anyone. Man… And I didn’t have a buddy… damn...”

Lance didn’t get long to take in his surroundings or think about his situation. There was a cracking noise of sorts, though it didn’t come from under the lion. He looked up to see an ice shelf collapsing. Rather than seeking refuge inside, Lance’s instinct told him to run. Utilizing his armor’s jetpack, he fled, getting off of the lion and out of the crevice. Once out of there, he turned back to see tons of snow and ice bury his lion.

“Holy cats! That is not good! Now what?!” He was devastated. He was alone on a frozen planet, his lion was buried, and he didn’t think his armor had enough for long range comms to try and get in touch with the team. Then again, even if he was in his lion, she was offline; odds were that the others were offline, too. That or the universe just gave him one of the biggest middle fingers in his time as a paladin.

“Okay… um… right. Right.” Lance started pacing. “Gotta figure this out. What do I do? What would the team do? Hunk would panic and make bad puns. Well, it’s pretty cold for the universe to decide to bury my lion.” He stopped and thought about what he just said. “Quiznak… nope. I’m so glad I’m alone and no one heard that one… Right… moving on… Allura...” He thought of what she would do. He then straightened his back. “We need to try and think our ways through this, paladins.” he said, faking an accent to try and be like the princess’. “We’ll overcome anything as a team!” He froze. “Right… I sounded like a cheesy cartoon character from the 80s...”

Lance continued to pace. “Okay, so Keith. The mullet would look for any of his teammates if he picked up on them and go off to find them.” He looked around. “Er… I’m pretty sure I’m alone, I’m not picking up on any signatures.” He sighed. “Okay, Pidge. She’s a genius. Okay… gotta think like Pidge.” His pacing resumed. “Think like Pidge, think like Pidge, think li-” He stopped his pacing and scowled. “Great. Now I’m craving peanut butter...”

Lance didn’t get a chance to try and figure things out further as he was hit with a sudden wind. Though his armor and undersuit did well to protect him, it was still sudden and cold. “Holy cats!” He held onto himself and shivered. “Right, think like Shiro then. He’d find shelter first and get the hell out of the elements. And I need to do that before I freeze my Cuban naynays off.”

He then went off, hoping to find some sort of shelter. He checked his armor at times, making sure it was continuing to keep him warm as well as still figure out where the red lion was so he didn’t get totally lost. He stopped during his trek when he heard a monstrous screech echo past the winds.

“You know, as much as I hope to find any sort of locals, I sure hope they’re friendly locals and not hellish creatures who’d like to try some Cuban cuisine that doesn’t belong on the menu...” Lance admitted. He went up a hill of snow and ice, thankful that though fairly high it wasn’t too steep; where he couldn’t climb, he had his jetpack to help. He figured that if he got high, he could hopefully see more around him; he was grateful that though windy and snowy, it wasn’t exactly a whiteout yet.

He stopped when he saw what looked almost like a snow covered village. Did people really live there? Well, he hoped so and he hoped they were peaceful. He activated his personal particle shield and used it like a sled to go down the slope. As scary as it was to be alone on a frozen wasteland of a planet, there were some perks. Once at the bottom and closer to the village, Lance began walking. He honestly wished that his lion wasn’t buried, using its speeder would have been helpful. Well, no use whining about it now, he had a village to check out.

As Lance looked around, he saw no signs of anyone there. No sounds except the howling wind around him and the crunching snow beneath him. No one was peaking out of windows or coming out to investigate him. It was, for lack of a better term, a ghost town; he just hoped that there weren’t actual ghosts there.

Lance kept looking around. There was no sign that anyone was there. If no one was there, though, perhaps that meant no one would mind if he used one of the structures as a temporary shelter? As he went to one structure he thought would help keep him protected, he noticed something. There were extra crunching in the snow. Was someone there? Perhaps, and it sounded like they attempted to be stealthy. He continued toward the shelter, waiting to see what the other would do.

Then they made their move. They went to attack him and Lance turned on them, pulling out his bayard and letting it form into the blaster he utilized. He dropped and rolled to the side, evading the attack before shooting at the person’s hand, making them drop their weapon.

“Trust me when I say this, but I don’t want to hurt anyone.” Lance announced. The figure went to grab their weapon again, but Lance shot it away. “C’mon, man, let’s not make this a hassle, please? I’m cold, my lion just crashed and doesn’t have power yet, and this place is no Varadero Beach.”

“Wait a moment.” The figure straightened up. “Varadero Beach? You are of Earth?” If Lance didn’t know any better, he’d say that the figure was a man with a Norwegian accent; he only knew the accent because of one of his flight instructors back at the Garrison.

“Huh?” Lance perked up. “Wait… you know it?”

“Know it? My old flight partners took me there once before. Was definitely nice.”

“Does… does that mean you’re of Earth, too? But… how… what is going on? I didn’t know other humans were out here.”

“Hmm… you mentioned lion?” The figure nodded. “Come. I have a home nearby; it is warmer there and we can talk face to face.” He nodded for Lance to follow, the paladin doing so. He went to a snowmobile he had and got on, patting the back seat. Once Lance was on, he drove off.

Their ride was silent; it was hard to talk around the rushing air, after all. But it didn’t take long to return to the man’s base. He got inside, guiding Lance in, before pulling down the hood of his parka and removing his protective face mask and goggles. Lo and behold, he definitely looked human, from his scruffy face to rounded ears.

“I am Sven. And you are?”

“Lance.” Lance removed his helmet and grinned. “Man! You don’t know how great it is to meet another human out here. Wherever here is.”

“Lance?” Sven thought it over. “And you said lion earlier...”

“Yeah.” Lance nodded. “Though… human, I guess you don’t know, huh? It’s a lion of Voltron. Five of them that form together to make this giant universe defending robot. I pilot the red one. Anyway, we came through this weird glowy explodey wormhole thing and got hit with something and Pidge compared us to billiards and gonna get thrown away from each other. I don’t doubt her on that one, she’s pretty bright. And I did get thrown out here and I haven’t seen signs of the other lions on my HUD.”

Sven listened to Lance and thought over what he said. He was Lance and piloted the red lion? And he mentioned Pidge, but used feminine pronouns. It then hit him. “I wonder, could you perhaps be from another reality?”

“Huh?” Lance was looking around and stopped to look back at the other Earthling.

“Hear me out, because this universe has a Voltron and Lance does pilot the red lion, but you are not the Lance I know. And you mentioned Pidge, but the Pidge I know uses masculine pronouns.” Sven explained. “On Pollux, where I was living before coming here, some had mentioned stories of other realities.”

“And realities being different universes, in a sense, that are next to each other but not mixing.” Lance stated. “Holy crow, Slav was right?! There are other realities?!” He blinked. “Then your reality has a Voltron, too? That is both trippy to find out and super cool! But you know them personally?!”

“Ja.” Sven nodded. “I was once the pilot of the blue lion. But after injury occurred, I stopped. Was for the best.” Sven went over to a bench to sit down.

“So… why are you out here?” Lance asked, his brows knitting together in concern. “You mentioned Pollux, but the way you said it tells me this isn’t Pollux.”

“No, it is not. Pollux is a beautiful place. This planet is Crydor… and I am here to keep my infection from spreading.” He pulled down the collar of his coat and shirt to show a purple mark on the side of his neck. “Until you are able to leave, you may rest here and get warm.”

Lance nodded. “Thanks.” He couldn’t help but feel sad, though. He got the feeling that Sven was all alone, living in solitude on Crydor.

Chapter Text

“Well, that bites.”

“What’s wrong?”

“As good as our armor is at keeping us warm and even helping us to pinpoint the lions, which is good for not getting lost or locating teammates, our armor doesn’t actually have trackers on them.” Katie explained as she sat down in the cockpit of her lion once again. “And I don’t have any BLIPtech drones.”

“Blip… tech?” Vince was understandably confused.

“Bio-life indicator point technology. BLIPtech.” Katie responded. “They read the biorhythms of others and are great to use with maps of planets to track the movements of others. It helps us to help identify the Galra from prisoners; we can even pick up on sentries; though they don’t give life signs, the BLIPtech still picks up on their signals.” She looked at her tablet, checking her inventory. “Jeez, you’d think my time playing Dungeons and Dragons with Matt’s friends and then some other cadets back at the Garrison would’ve prepared me for this… but I guess not. Quiznak. No worries, though, assuming he wasn’t nabbed by some creature, I can’t imagine Lance getting too far. Plus, Kosmo’s nose… wait… Kosmo?” She looked to her wolf. “You think you can smell him?”

Kosmo tipped his head to the side. Could he? “Okay, can you try?” The wolf nodded in response. “Okay, that’s all we need to know. Anyway, I saw a village as we passed overhead. If anything, Lance may apply logic and have gone to a higher point and noticed it; he’d figure to go there for help, or at least shelter.” Katie nodded. “Okay, then we can head there. So we don’t tax green too much in the cold weather, we’ll leave her here.”

“So we’re going on foot?” Vince inquired. “That sounds like a horrible idea.”

“Oh, we’re not going on foot exactly. But first...” Katie got up and went to the hold of the lion, checking her boxes there. She then pulled out some unexpected items. She had a hat with two notches in the top, a scarf, and large booties. Kosmo went to her and she got him dressed; she even pulled out a vest.

“Aww! He has winter gear!” As concerning as Katie was at times, she did have nifty things for her friend that Vince found adorable. The cadet couldn’t help but adore Kosmo as he got dressed up.

“Yeah! Lance made them for him.” Katie informed. “He’s really good with knitting and sewing.” She nodded once she had the wolf set up for his icy excursion. Once they were set, she led Vince to the chest area of the lion, showing there to be a speeder. While fairly small, her and Vince were both small enough they would fit on it; Kosmo would easily be able to run and teleport around them. “And this is the speeder.”

“Okay, that actually looks pretty neat.” Vince admitted. “But… we’re actually going out there on this?” He watched as Katie got seated and patted the space behind her. “Is this really safe?”

“We could always get one of the storage crates and pull it behind like a sled.”

“I think this is a wonderful idea.” Vince sat down and held onto Katie. He let out a startled yelp when the lion opened up and dropped the speeder. The moment she could, Katie took off, Kosmo teleporting near, dashing ahead, and teleporting again.

Thankfully the speeder was good for the snowy terrain, acting like the perfect snowmobile to get across the landscape. With it, it didn’t take too long for them to reach the village and check it out. There were no signs of Lance being around, though, not even in the structures that were partially covered.

“Even if he was here, the snow and wind would’ve covered up any prints he’d leave.” Vince pointed out.

“Yeah.” Katie looked to Kosmo who was sniffing around. “Anything, buddy?” Kosmo whined. “It’s okay, buddy, we tried.”

“Hmm?” Vince looked to see a flash and a smoke trail in the air. “Looks like someone set off a flare.” He pointed to where he saw it. “Over there.”

“Maybe it’s Lance. Either way, let’s check.” Katie then took off again, Kosmo running ahead of her.

Don’t get Lance wrong, it was cold and somewhat miserable on Crydor, he didn’t have his team, and last he knew, his lion was buried. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t have fun. He found himself sledding down small slopes on a crate lid and making snowmen in some crude likeness to the team. At times even Sven helped out or sledded with him, actually enjoying the interaction.

As they played, the two noticed that a lion came in and landed in the direction that Lance crashed.

“Hmm, it looked like a green lion, but it was bigger.” Sven commented.

“Then it’d be my Pidge.” Lance declared. “She’s probably tracking the lion.”

“Then we should head back there, ja?” Sven inquired. “Your friend will want to reunite.”

“Hmm...” Lance thought it over. “We could risk missing her… I know I have my helmet and can locate her lion’s position but...” He nodded. “I can try and signal her. Got any flares?” Sven nodded and went inside, bringing out a few of them. He got one set up and fired it.

“Hopefully your friend knows to follow it.” Sven responded.

“This is Pidge we’re talking about. She’s dumb as bricks at times, especially when the anxiety hits, but she’s also a genius. She’s like the dumbest smart person I know.” Lance stated. Sven wasn’t sure if he was complimenting or insulting his fellow paladin. “And she’s super adaptable and figures out just about anything. I mean, she even kicked our asses when we got mind controlled by these spore things and started fighting her. She’s got this!”

“Mind control spores?” Sven inquired. “Goodness, you really witnessed weird things”

“Yeah, it’s definitely been interesting since leaving Earth.” Lance admitted. Lance continued to talk with Sven, but it didn’t take too long for them to be interrupted. While he expected to see Pidge first, or even the green lion in general, what he didn’t plan on was to be tackled by a large blue wolf.

Sven was alarmed when he saw the blue wolf tackle Lance into the snow. At first he drew his weapon, thinking it was hostile. No, not at all. The wolf was even wagging its tail? He then heard the speeder as it came up over the hill and stopped near them, surprisingly not spraying them with snow.

“Oof. Uh, Lance? You okay down there?” Katie inquired, looking to see Kosmo there. She was sure her fellow paladin was under him. Lance managed to stick his arm out and give a thumbs up. “Well, that’s good.”

“So… you know this… wolf?” Sven was studying Kosmo.

“Yup, he’s with me.” Katie got off her speeder and went to Kosmo, nudging him off and then helping Lance to his feet.

“At least he just sunk me into snow and not squashed me against metal or hard ground.” Lance admitted. He then smiled and fist bumped Katie. “Hey, am I glad to see you. It’s been one hell of a trip.”

“Doesn’t look to be all bad, though.” Katie chuckled, greeting Lance with the fist bump. She noticed the snowmen. “I think you got to have fun.”

“I may be an island boy, but I’ll admit, I have had hopes and dreams to go and play in the snow as a little kid. And here I am.” Lance grinned brightly. “And I made a friend! Meet Sven!”

“Hey, Sven.” Katie greeted. “I made some friends, too. And one of them I brought with me, Vince!” She motioned to the cadet as he got off the speeder, or tried. He fell into the snow in doing so. “You good?”

Kosmo went over and teleported with Vince, bringing him to the group and on the snow’s surface. “As fun as that was, it’s not easy getting off and on.” he admitted. He then gave a sheepish smile. “Er… hey.” He then looked to Sven. He had seen his likeness before; he had a holographic projection of him in the castle. “Hey, wait a sec, I know of you! You’re Sven, former pilot of the blue lion!”

“Ja. And I assume you are current pilot of some lion?” Sven offered his hand and helped Vince to his feet.

“Not quite, I’m still a cadet.” Vince admitted. He then looked when Katie fell back in to the snow and started making a snow angel.

“You know,” Katie hummed, “I don’t think there’s much of a rush.” She sat up. “And we’re good with protective gear, right?”

Vince checked his armor and nodded. “I’ve got a few hours of power in these conditions.”

“I think it’d be fun to spend an hour or two playing. Just relax and have fun, you know?” Katie suggested.

“That’s my language you’re speaking!” Lance cheered. He then went over to check out Pidge’s speeder. “Oh man, I wish we had a sled, I’d love to go sledding behind this.”

“You guys are crazy, aren’t you?” Vince inquired.

“Maybe a little.” Katie shrugged.

“I have crate we can use. And plenty of rope.” Sven suggested.

Katie grinned. “Let’s do it!” She nodded. “Kosmo and I are gonna go return to Green for a quick moment, send a message, then we can start sledding and playing!” She stopped to think about it. “Now I know where we are, we can bring at least Green closer, too.” Nodding, she got up on the wolf’s back. “Be back in a jiffy.”

While Katie went to send a message back to the others, Sven got the extra supplies to let the kids have fun. When the green paladin returned, they got right into the fun, pulling a crate like a sled behind the speeder. Even Vince, who felt it was a bit dangerous for some senseless fun, found himself enjoying it. Though he did worry when Lance swung wide and crashed Katie right into the side of Sven’s base.

“Woo!” Katie cheered, sitting up after the collision. “Still alive!”

“It’s still early.” Vince sighed.

“Not my first time crashing, though. I crashed into a tree once doing this back on Earth.” Katie got up and shook off the snow. “Don’t worry, the tree was fine.”

“I uh...” Vince stared.

“That’s just how Pidge is.” Lance snickered. He then stopped and looked to Sven when his gracious host sounded to be in pain. “Sven!” Playing stopped when they noticed and Lance ran over. “Hey, buddy, you okay?”

“What’s wrong?” Katie inquired.

“He has a sort of infection but...”

“Do not fret, I am fine.” Sven assured, though he winced in pain.

“You’re not fine, man! You’re clearly in pain, and I should know what pain is, I’ve tazed Galrans.” Katie pointed out. “And others.” Others mainly being Lance; he was Katie’s first victim of being literally shocked.

“It… looks like Haggarium…” Vince admitted, checking on the infection.

“Um… what?” Lance looked to Katie, hoping she’d know; she shrugged.

“It’s this dark energy stuff, apparently the essence of Hagar. But… I don’t know… this one feels different… I… I don’t know if I can heal it.” Vince admitted. Eyes were on him. “Er… It’s like this anti-Voltron stuff and I can kinda make Voltron immune to it when there and helping out. But that’s a machine and Sven is a person.”

“I wonder if Ulaz would know how to help...” Katie mumbled.

“I mean, he’s a really skilled medic, he even helped you with your allergies on Olkarion.” Lance pointed out.

“I mean, this and that are two very different things, but… you are correct about him being a skilled medic. Which means to help Sven, we need to first find Keith and Ulaz in the black lion.” Katie nodded. She then stopped when she heard Kosmo snarling at something behind them. She looked back to see a massive creature stomping towards them.

“Holy crow! Okay, Crydor has elephants.” Lance pointed out.

“I think it’s actually a mastodon.” Katie pointed out. “And it doesn’t look natural with the metal on it.”

“Oh yeah, that’s not natural, that looks like a robeast.” Vince stated.

“Oh. I guess the fall did not get rid of it.” Sven commented. “That’s not good.”

Chapter Text

“Go on! Get out of here!” Sven ordered, pushing the kids toward the green lion. “You are no match for a robeast.” The man stood his ground, letting his infection take over more as armor formed around him. He brought out two battle axes from it. “Now go!”

“We’re not leaving you, Sven!” Lance called.

“GO!” Sven charged off to try and fight the robeast himself.

“Kosmo, get them to Green, I’m getting my speeder!”

“What?! Pidge!” Lance looked alarmed. Was she really going to leave someone behind? That didn’t seem like the green paladin at all. He didn’t get the chance to get away before Kosmo got them back inside the green lion’s cockpit.

Meanwhile, Katie got to her speeder. She cut the rope to the sled from it and drove it back to her lion, getting back inside and up to the cockpit. “You guys hold on!” She took off.

“Pidge! We need to help Sven, we can’t leave him!” Lance snapped.

“As dangerous as this is, I agree.” Vince nodded. “He’ll get killed.”

“I’m not abandoning him, but we can’t do this with just one lion.” Katie pointed out. “We need the help we can get, so we’re getting to Red.”

“Then couldn’t I have just ridden Kosmo back?” Lance had a point with that.

“Yes, but the robeast only saw one lion. I think I can sneak attack it with Green’s cloaking and hit it with the vine cannon if it’s focused on you. And it needs to see you coming so as to not suspect me. This is running on the assumption that it can’t differentiate our colours and subtle differences.” Katie explained.

“Right. Genius.” Lance nodded. Leave it to Katie to come up with a plan in a moment’s notice.

“I’m beginning to think genius runs in the family.” Vince admitted.

“Um… what?”

“Oh, right.” Katie smiled. “Turns out I’m actually from this reality and I have two genius ninja scientist brothers. We’ll talk more about it later.” She put a rush on her movements, getting back to the red lion with ease. Once there, Kosmo teleported with Lance, going inside.

“And she’s online, baby!” Lance announced, getting his lion moving. “I’ll see you on the battlefield, Pidgey!” He then took off, ready to help Sven out.

Katie wasn’t too far behind. As she drew in closer, she cloaked her lion. She waited for Lance to attack first before activating her vine cannon on her lion’s back. Once the robeast was knocked down, she fired her weapon at it, causing the vines to wrap around it.

“Whoa, what was that?” Vince inquired.

“Green’s vine cannon. Pretty nifty against ships, murderous Olkari cubes, and now monstrous robeast mastodons.” Katie declared, rather pleased with the results. Or at least she was until the robeast managed to rip them off.

“Er, Pidge? I uh… I don’t think that worked.” Lance pointed out.

“Oh quiznak...” Katie got out of the way of the next attack. She then looked down when she saw Sven motioning at them, waving his arm away. “Kosmo, fetch.” Still in the red lion, Kosmo teleported to Sven and nabbed him, taking him back to the red lion. “What’s up?”

“You kids need to leave; this robeast is too much for you.” Sven informed them.

“We’re not leaving you behind, man.” Katie reminded.

“You’re stuck with us and we’re gonna help in taking it down.” Lance added.

“Vince, get into the system and send a message back to the others that we need backup.” Katie ordered, Vince nodding and getting right on it. “Lance, we need to try and stop this thing. Given the air conditions, we’re gonna need to focus on fighting on the ground, we’re more likely to get wrecked by winds and ice if we go too high to get aerial strikes; we’re not the blue lion, after all.”

“Copy that.” Lance got Red to back off. “Let’s see how this thing likes fire, huh?” He opened Red’s mouth and used the fiery attack on the robeast, singing part of its fur. It shook off the other flames before setting its sights on them. “Oh… um… Pidge, please tell me you have an idea!” Lance dodged to the side, but the robeast rounded on them and rammed into them.

“Wait, that didn’t work, either?” Katie inquired. “Neither of our attacks are cutting it...”

“Cut it? Do your lions have jawblades?” Sven suggested. “You can flank it.”

“We can try.” Katie nodded. She and Lance activated their jaw blades and went at the robeast, cutting it along either side. It rounded on Katie and knocked her down. “That didn’t work.”

“And I don’t know when backup is getting here; there haven’t been a response yet.” Vince admitted.

“Wolf, take me back out; I can try and help them a bit.” Sven stated.

“Wait, before you go back out, Kosmo, come back and get one of the Olkari cubes Coran gave me; we can use that as a comm for Sven.” Katie ordered.

Kosmo snorted and teleported back to the green lion, going to its hold to get what he needed. He then returned to Sven before taking him outside. There, the man went at the robeast, his Haggarium infection giving him more strength to push it back enough to let Katie get back up. Before the creature could stomp him, the wolf teleported him to the other side.

“Okay, so we’re three against one,” Lance pointed out, “but that thing is still kicking our rears.”

“Dammit… and I don’t know if we can power up any weapons or something with a deeper bond...” Katie muttered.

“Wait… what?” Vince inquired.

“Our bonds. We’re like… mentally or spiritually bonded to our lions.” Katie dodged an attack from the robeast. “Sven, Kosmo, up top! See if you can jump and slam down on that things head.”

“Ooh, good thinking!” Sven praised as Kosmo took him to the green lion’s head. The man then jumped, slamming his axes down on the robeast’s head and disorienting it for a moment.

“Anyway, we strengthen our bonds with our lions, we do a lot more. And with the team, too. Last time I did it, I was on Olkarion and got hit by this murder cube. Ryner helped me bond with Green more and then I could use the vine cannon.”

“Yeah, and right now? We could really use something stronger than that. Kinda wish I had Blue with the sonic cannon.” Lance was rammed into and knocked down. Pidge charged her lion forward and rammed into the robeast, but it knocked her down, too.

“Okay… uh… Pidge? I had an idea. I think you’re gonna hate it, but...”

“Well, I can’t hate it more than I hate this robeast.”

“Okay, here’s the thing. I can interface with your lion. Maybe I can boost her with my ability; that robeast has Haggarium in it and I’m like… anti-Haggarium.” Vince explained. “And maybe I can help with the connection since you’re bonded and deepen it? I don’t know, but...”

“Wait, does anyone understand that?” Sven inquired.

“I’ve learned to live with not understanding things and letting Pidge explain it better.” Lance admitted.

“In other words, Vincergy is the opposite of Haggarium and can help. And Vince is pretty much a technopath from what I can tell; he tapped into the bond before...” Katie nodded. “Lance, Sven, I may need you guys to cover me. This may work. But if I shout English, Italian, Altean, or Galran profanities, then you’d know it didn’t.”

“We’ve got your back, Pidge!” Lance assured.

“Do what you must, we’ll keep this thing occupied.” Sven added. “Ready, Wolf? Time to be on the defense.”

Katie backed her lion off so as to not be in the immediate area. “Okay.” She took in a deep breath. “Let’s hope we get some sort of helpful Vincergy weapon with this.”

“Yeah.” Vince nodded.

The two teens focused on the green lion, Katie working to secure the bond and Vince tapping into the technology and the bond. Vince worked to feel for Katie’s mind and connection. He felt something shift mentally, causing him to open his eyes. When he looked around, he felt like he was in a green-toned void of space.

“What, where...” Vince was panicked.

“Welcome to the green lion’s subconscious.” Vince spun to see Katie behind him, her back to his. “It can feel a bit disorienting since I guess you’re not used to it.”

“Yeah.” Vince nodded. “Wow. This is… the green lion?”

“And me.” Katie looked herself over, a green glow around her. “We’re… kinda one, I guess. The lions are mysterious still, so even I don’t fully understand it.”

“So… how do we do this?” Vince asked. “Do we look for something?”

“I think we just feel.” Katie shrugged. “I haven’t done this much.” She then held out her hands. “Okay, technopath, let’s see what we can do.”

Vince nodded and focused on his energy, a bluish-white glow surrounding him. He then gently took Katie’s hands and concentrated, hoping to get what they were seeking.

When Vince opened his eyes again, he was back in the green lion. “Pidge?”

“It’s show time.” Katie grinned and dashed off, circling the others. “Kosmo, get Sven back in Red!” The wolf complied, teleporting the man to safety. “Okay, buddy, I think it’s time for you to be extinct!” Katie activated the lion’s vine cannon again and fired, but the vines differed this time. As they grew around the robeast, they were covered in thorns. More than that, they sparked with electricity.

“Oh look, you can now electrocute bigger foes.” Lance grumbled, thinking of how she had electrocuted him before. She had a bad habit of literally shocking people.

“That thing… I think its weakening, something is blocking the Haggarium in it.” Sven pointed out.

“Good. Lance, time to crank up the heat!” Katie cheered.

“Was that a pun? Ugh...” Lance sighed. “But here we go! Burn baby, burn!” He activated the mouth cannon with the fire and lava once again, attacking the robeast with full force. Between that and Katie’s electrified vines, the robeast took only a minute before it blew up, only the metal bits from it remaining when it cleared.

“Hell yeah!” Lance cheered. “We did it!”

“We actually did!” Sven stared in shock. He then smiled. “We did well.”

“Woo!” Katie jumped up and hugged Vince, bonking her helmet to the side of his. “Great work, team! You, too, Vince! We did it!”

“Yeah.” Vince smiled and nodded. “We did.”

The group returned to Sven’s base, the structure thankfully untouched by the robeast. Sven’s Haggarium armor had receded.

“I wish you’d come with us; we can find Ulaz and...” Katie looked worried for him.

“It is best I don’t leave; the cold of Crydor helps with slowing the infection.” Sven reminded.

“Then be strong and hold out. I’ll find them and drag Ulaz here; if anyone can help, it’d be him.” Katie nodded. “We’re not turning our backs on you.”

“Just be patient, we’ll get this.” Lance added.

Sven nodded. He then hugged all three of them. “Thank you for your help.” When he was done hugging them, he pet Kosmo. “All four of you. You did much to help, you even didn’t leave when I told you to and when things got bad. You are stubborn, but I respect that.”

“Heh, hell hath no fury like a bunch of teens who are too stubborn for their own good.” Lance snickered. “We’ll be back before too long. See you again, Sven.”

“See ya.” Katie chimed.

“And take care of yourself.” Vince added.

With their farewells in order, the group returned to the lions and took off. They headed back towards Arus, leading Lance there. As they traveled, though, the lions of that reality located and met up with them.

“Katie!” Pidge called. “Are you okay? What happened? Where’s the robeast!?”

“Oh right, we sent the transmission, didn’t we?” Katie asked, looking to Vince.

“Yeah, I guess they got it.” Vince nodded.

“Happy days,” Lance called, “we defeated it. Alongside Sven. We’re pretty awesome and skilled like that.”

“Wait a sec,” that reality’s Hunk said, “they beat a robeast? On their own? With just two lions?!”

“That was risky.” Keith pointed out. He sighed. “But you’re alive and safe. Now let’s get you guys back to Arus. And Katie? Vince? You two are in trouble.”

“Wait… what?” Katie was taken aback. “What’d we do?”

“You went off on your own; there are risks to it and consequences.” Keith reminded. “Now let’s go.”

Chapter Text

“Release me this instant or you will suffer the consequences!” Allura snapped as she pulled against the restraints.

“Silence!” the Drule king known as Lotor snapped, hand up as though threatening to smack the princess from another reality. “Maahox, explain this!”

“Hmm, to be honest, there isn’t much to explain it, only speculation. But this woman apparently being Allura, despite differing from the princess you know in many ways, and piloting the blue lion, though it does differ, too, I’d say that this has to do with another reality.” the creepy alien responded as his mechanical eye left his head to observe the Altean more. “It’s quite intriguing and makes me wonder how my experiments would affect her.”

“Do what you will with her as long as it silences her and puts her out of my misery.” Lotor grumbled.

“You wish. I swear, when I get out of this, I will beat you so hard, ancients be damned, your ancestors will be feeling it.” Allura snapped.

“You dare threaten me? King Lotor?!”

“It’s no threat.” Allura smirked. “It’s a quiznaking promise.”

“Princess, right?” Maahox kept his tone calmer, though perhaps that only added to the creep factor. “Please have mercy on me. You’ve already killed him twice and it’s so much trouble bringing him back constantly.” Hearing him, Lotor could only glare at his seemingly loyal servant and scientist. Was reviving his king that much of a chore?! Yes. Yes it was.

“Well, my Earthling friends have taught me a lovely saying.” Allura let her body shift, her size changing and causing her restraints to stretch and crack. “And that is third time’s the charm.”

“Okay, Pigeon, what’s up?” Hunk asked as he sat down in a room with Pidge, Chip, Lance, Keith, and Allura.

“Oh boy. This was actually easier in my head.” Pidge sighed. He looked to his twin who nodded. “Guys… I… I think it’s almost time for us to promote Vince.” he said. “He still has things to learn, but he picks up on information quick. But… I think he’s ready to start being the green lion’s pilot.”

“Whoa, what brought this on so quickly?” Lance asked. “Ain’t that a bit fast? I mean, Larmina’s been training with more and longer than the boys but...”

“Pidge, is this about Katie?” Allura inquired.

“Wait… what does Vince piloting the lion have to do with Ka...” Hunk froze. “Oh. Oooh.”

“Wait… are you planning on leaving us?!” Lance looked stunned. “Dude! You’re a part of the team!”

“Lance, that’s enough.” Keith spoke up. “Pidge, this is a big decision make. It’s probably a permanent one, too. There is no telling if you’ll be able to ever return to this reality.”

“I know.” Pidge nodded. “And I know… we have friends here, especially you guys. And I’m not squandering that relationship. But… Katie’s our sister and...”

“Can’t you just ask her to stay here?” Lance asked. “Surely someone else can pilot her lion? Like Regris or Adam.”

“Yeah, I’m with Lance on that one.” Hunk chimed.

“I know it’s a shock but… we didn’t make this decision lightly.” Chip spoke up. “And it’d be wrong of us to try to have her stay here. She has parents who have been raising her, an older brother who adores her, and she still needs to find her parents. She can’t just abandon them… and we can’t push her to do that.”

Keith sighed. It was definitely big news to hit them with, but there was no telling how long the team would be there. It had already been a day and they only had two more lions to locate. “And you’re absolutely sure of this?”

“Yeah.” The twins nodded.

“It… it is heart breaking. Leaving here… potentially never seeing you again, but...” Pidge smiled. “I am more than happy to hold onto the memories and to enjoy the time together until the others leave.”

“If that is your choice, then it’s best for us to support you.” Keith nodded. He looked to Hunk and Lance, the two closesy with the twins. “Guys...”

“Man… I’m gonna miss you two.” Tears welled up in Hunk’s eyes as he went over and picked up the Balton twins, hugging them close. “I don’t wanna stop hugging you now! Let me hug you until you leave!”

“C’mon, Hunk, that could be days from now.” Chip chuckled. “But… we’re gonna miss you, too.”

Pidge looked to Lance, looking a little hopeful. Lance sighed and rescued the twins from Hunk. “You know what? I’m gonna miss you, too.” he said. “And… you’re right. It is your choice to make… and I see the reason. Heh, it’s been an honour serving with you.” He did a mock salute before ruffling Pidge’s hair. “But if you’re ever back in this reality, you better visit. And no leaving without final farewells, you got me?”

“Yeah, I promise.” Pidge chuckled.

“We’ll be sure to do that.” Chip chimed. “Don’t worry, we’re not taking our friendship with you guys for granted.”

“I suppose this means we need to tell the cadets soon.” Allura declared. “We’ll have to figure how to break it to them, it could hit hard.”

“Yeah, and this especially impacts Vince because he’ll be promoted, too.” Lance pointed out.

While the others figured they would have to tell the cadets and newest pilot, the trio already knew. They were going about the hidden corridors of the castle, just spending time together while Katie and Regris sought out the blue lion through tracking, and the other Hunk and Lance were in the kitchen with Adam. They passed the meeting room and discovered that the pilots and queen were having a meeting. It was odd, though, that they didn’t involve them. Or at least Larmina since she was recently promoted.

Vince didn’t think they should actually eavesdrop, but he was outnumbered and very curious. He joined them in listening and they heard the plan.

He was to be promoted and Pidge was going to leave. At learning that, Vince ran off, heading through the corridors and to their hideout. He was panicked and worried.

“Whoa, Vince, hey! Hold up!” Daniel and Larmina caught up with him. “Dude… are...”

“What do I do? Pidge is leaving? But… he… He can’t leave.” Vince shook his head. “No… that can’t be… I can’t...” He sat down. “But...”

“Maybe if you talk with him you can persuade him?” Daniel asked. “Or… I don’t know...”

“Can he really be persuaded?” Larmina asked. “I’ve known Pidge a long time, actually and… once he has his mind set, you can’t persuade him. He’s pretty stubborn when he wants to be.”

“It’s not that really but...” Vince sighed. “I can’t hate her. It’s not his sister’s fault...”

“You mean the other Pidge? Katie?” Daniel asked.

“That’s why we went off on our own kinda. I was… I was worried she’d stay and take over the green lion but she assured me she wouldn’t. But… does she know Pidge and Chip’s pla-” Vince cut himself off to scream with the others when Katie appeared out of nowhere, sitting on Kosmo’s back as though he were some noble steed. Well, at least he looked more badass than a horse.

“Ah! I found you guys!” Katie grinned. “I was looking for the others and I think I found...” She stopped. “I interrupted a moment. I know this because Vince is crying a bit. Er… sorry. I’ll uh… I’ll find the others instead.”

“Wait, Katie!” Vince grabbed her arm before Kosmo could teleport; he nearly pulled her down from the back of the wolf. “Did… did you know?”

“I know a lot of things.” Katie admitted. “But I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not exactly psychic. Only with Hunk at times it seems because we adapt together well to work on our projects and tease Lance. And sometimes Regris bu-” Vince covered her mouth. “Shutting up.”

Vince removed his hand. “Did you know Pidge’s plan?”

“Um...” Katie thought it over. “Oh, you mean where he and Chip hope to take me to Balto for a day drip if we have time after finding Allura, Keith, and Ulaz?” she asked. “Then yes, I knew that plan. I don’t see how it’s important...”

“Er… Vince? I don’t think she knows.” Daniel pointing out; if she did know, she did a good job acting like she didn’t. The speedy cadet, though, was fairly certain that Katie in fact knew nothing about what they heard. “We overheard the others… Pidge and Chip are planning to return to your reality with you.”

Katie was silent. It then sunk in. “What? WHAT?!” She jumped off of Kosmo’s back and paced. “Why would he do that? Pidge has a team! He and Chip have friends here! This is their home! They can’t just up and leave everything and everyone behind. What are they thinking? And Pidge especially! He’s a pilot of Voltron. I mean, sure, I get it, he’s training Vince to one day take over, but isn’t this quick? It’s not that I don’t think Vince is ready or capable; okay, ready may be up for debate, but he’s definitely capable. But still! What if he’s still needed? This is a pretty damn permanent decision. It’s not like moving to another city or something and then driving back to visit friends and family, this is big. Like, ground breaking big. Like Niels Bohr’s research and development with the quantum theory or Alexander Fleming discovering antibiotics and the first one, penicillin. This is just-”

“Wow.” Daniel watched as Katie just rambled and paced. “Yeah, she definitely did not know.”

“Katie.” Larmina got her to stop. “Do you… want Pidge and Chip to go with you?”

“I...” Katie stopped. She looked away. “I don’t know… They’re my brothers. I’d love to know more about them and from them. But I can’t just say hey boys, come live with me, my parents and older brother will love you. I can’t make the choice for them and I… well… Yeah. I’d like them around. There is a lot to learn. But I don’t want to be the reason really they decide. I mean, yeah, they probably decided because of me. But what I mean is I don’t want me asking and seeming selfish being the reason they want to go with me. I want it to be on them. But I can’t be selfish and want them to come with me because that’s rude and they have so much here already. But they’re grown adults, actually, so they can-”

“And she’s at it again.” Larmina sighed. She looked to Kosmo. “Does she do this often?” The wolf nodded. “Great. Good to know.”

Vince sighed. Much like Katie, he didn’t know what to do or say about the matter, too. And hearing her worrying about being selfish, he wondered if he was selfish, too. Was he selfish for wanting Pidge to stay? He didn’t know. For the time being, though, he had to push it aside. When the others were ready to tell them, they would. Perhaps by then, Pidge and Chip would change their minds.

“Anyway, Katie,” Vince spoke up, “let’s focus on something else, okay?” He grabbed her arm to stop her from pacing. “You came down to tell us something. You kinda scared us.”

“I wasn’t scared.” Daniel denied.

“You screamed the loudest.” Larmina smirked.

“Well you screamed, too!” Daniel quipped.

Vince couldn’t help but chuckle. Though there would be big changes in the group, he was glad that so far, the antics among the trio didn’t seem to change. “Anyway, what’s up? It seemed big and interesting.” he prompted. “Big like penicillin’s discovery?”

“More like big like a blue lion.” Katie responded. She brought out her tablet. “But… I don’t know what this planet is.” She handed it over to Vince. “Do you?”

Vince looked at the data with the others, eyes widening. They knew exactly where the blue lion was. “Oh no… she’s on planet Doom.”

Chapter Text

“So uh… What’s planet Doom?” the other Hunk asked, hand up as though he were in class.

“Doom is a Drule planet, formerly ruled by Zarkon, now ruled by Lotor.” Keith explained. Katie, Hunk, and Lance exchanged looks, the same thoughts going through their heads. Keith didn’t know what that thought was and assumed something else. “They’re the enemy and a pain in the rear.”

“No, no, we get that.” the blue armored Lance assured. “So, that’s where our princess is.”

“Well, hopefully these guys haven’t played video games and decide to hide her at another castle.” Katie deadpanned, making her fellow paladins snort in laughter.

“This isn’t a laughing matter, cadets!” Keith snapped.

“Did he just...” The red paladin looked in shock. “Hey! We’re paladins, not cadets!”

“Then start acting like it.” Keith’s response got the blue coloured Lance to look down, his lip quivering.

“For the record, we use horrible humour to cope with the pain, stress, and lack of sleep.” Katie grumbled, patting her Lance’s back in an attempt to comfort him. “Now then, what are their defenses? Are we expecting fighter ships and sentries? Battleships?” She went up to the display and brought up the images. “Er… it looks wrecked. Some kingdom.”

“Lotor’s been gone a while.” Pidge explained. “And they’re slowly rebuilding. But we can expect battleships and soldiers. And if we’re unlucky, then your princess is going to be at the castle that’s being reconstructed.”

“Well, not our first time infiltrating the big bad’s base of operations.” Lance stated with a smirk. “We got this.” He grunted when his counterpart shoved him forward a bit.

“Try not to get to arrogant out there; you’re down two lions, so no Voltron.” that reality’s Lance pointed out.

“Sorry about them, they’re just trying to remain calm and keep themselves pumped for this.” Adam stated. “Anyway, we need to get going. The sooner we get Allura back, the better.”

“Right.” Keith nodded. “Our Voltron will take the lead. You guys follow behind. When on the ground, you keep us guarded while we look for your Allura.”

“About that.” Katie raised her hand. “Is that wise? She doesn’t know who you people are. For all she knows, you could be a trick used to make her comply or something.”

“Dude, that’s just evil.” that reality’s Hunk stated. “Which… Maahox and Lotor are. Oh yeah...”

“She does have a point.” Chip stated. “So we’d need at least one of the paladins or Adam or Regris to help out on the ground.”

“I can do defense.” the yellow paladin offered. “Not because I’m afraid. Okay, partially that. But the yellow lion’s the sturdiest out there. She can take a beating.” He then motioned to Katie. “And Pidge here is the best on the ground. She teams up with Kosmo, they get around quick.”

“Yeah, she’s definitely a force to reckon with naturally, but throw in the wolf, phew.” Paladin Lance hummed. “And I’m good at covering from above.” He brought out his bayard, having it take a sniper rifle form.

“We’re better off gauging things when we get there.” Pidge told Keith. “This may be a plan along the way type of mission.”

“Joy.” Keith deadpanned. “Okay then, everyone to your lions. Let’s go.”

Pidge and Vince went for the green lion but Pidge stopped. He then nodded and removed the green lion’s key, handing it to Vince. “Here.”

“Pidge...” Vince was worried.

“No time like the present to practice. I have no doubt you can do this.” Pidge assured.

“You’re still… going with me?” Vince stole a look at Katie who nodded to him, as though telling him to go ahead. She then ran off with Regris and Kosmo, Chip going with them.

“Yeah, don’t worry, I’ve got your back.” Pidge nodded. “Let’s go.”

Vince nodded and put the key in his voltcom. He went on down to the lion with Pidge. He was nervous about the decision, but he didn’t know how to tell Pidge he didn’t want the lion, not at the cost of losing his mentor.

On Keith’s command, the pilots and paladins took off, heading for Planet Doom. As they flew, Chip looked around the larger green lion, amazed with it. He had been in his brother’s lion multiple times and even in his Hunk’s lion, but the alternate lions seemed intriguing.

“Okay, Pidge, when we have time, we really need to check out these lions more. They are cool!” Chip explained. “Like, it’s a Voltron lion, yeah, but it feels so different. I mean, shame that there’s no back seat, but it’s still neat.”

“Yeah, leave it to Chip to geek out over a cool ship.” pilot Hunk chuckled. “Though I admit, I wanna check out these kitties, too.”

“We can geek out later, guys.” Keith chuckled and shook his head. Of course they were amazed by the other lions; they were new, larger, and had many secrets to them. It was a little amusing that they were so intrigued. “Right now, we have a princess to rescue.”

“What if she doesn’t need rescuing?” Katie suggested.

“Wait, are you wanting us to leave her?” Paladin Lance asked. “Pidge! That’s just-”

“No, no, not that.” Kate shook her head. “I’m just thinking. Allura knows how to fight, she’s a paladin after all. Plus, I don’t know… my gut tells me Lotor’s gonna be a joke. And Allura will probably wreck him first chance she gets.” She shrugged. “Just gut feelings and cheering on a sister, you know?”

“Oh, I hear ya.” pilot Hunk nodded. “I’m cheering for kick butt ladies, too!”

“I think it’s representation to have more ladies being able to kick some tail.” Larmina hummed. She then realized her comment. “Er, sorry, Regris.”

“No worries.” Regris nodded in acknowledgment. “I’ve long since learned that there are many expressions from varying races.”

“Yeah, it’s been a trip teaching Regris some things.” paladin Lance chuckled.

“Anyway, guys, look alive. We’re nearing planet Doom.” Keith reminded. “We’ll want to be on guard.”

Away from the castle, that was slowly but surely being reconstructed, the others landed. They made the risk of leaving only the yellow lions active to keep on guard, though still in case anyone dared to get close, thinking that the lions were up for grabs; Adam stayed with paladin Hunk, though, keeping the yellow pilots company and to help look out for any issues. Daniel insisted that he could help them by piloting the black, or even the red, lion, but neither Lance nor Keith wanted to leave him with that quite yet; they were sure he would mess around and make their situation worse.

When on the ground, they split up into groups. Paladin Lance went with Larmina, Pidge, Daniel, and Keith, while Katie was with Chip, Regris, Kosmo, Vince, and not-her-Lance. They split off to begin the search.

“So… what does your princess even look like?” Chip inquired. “Because so far, it’s been clear that none of the counterparts look alike. Well, except you and Pidge, but that’s because you’re our little sister.”

“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask about that again.” paladin Lance said over the comms.

“We’ll go over the family thing later.” Keith reminded, trying to keep the teams on track. “Anyway, we just look for someone who is not a Drule, that should be easy.”

“Give or take.” Pidge pointed out. “There are more than just Drule as Lotor’s allies. He does, after all, have Maahox on his side.”

“Yeah, but I think the princess isn’t going to be looking creepy like Maahox, so we got that going for us.” Lance pointed out. “I bet she’s a beauty like our princess. Er… queen. Oh yeah, that’s gonna take some getting used to still.”

Regris tapped Katie’s shoulder with his tail. “Pidge?”

“Eh, just waiting on them to stop talking so I can explain what Allura looks like.” Katie snickered.

“Go ahead, I’m all ears.” Lance waved for her to go ahead.

“Well, we may not be able to tell if she’s wearing her helmet, but if it’s off, it’s easy to see she’s like this really pretty elf-looking princess. Like the princess in one of my favourite games for the Mercury Entertainment Box, because the princess in Sword Legends is amazing!” Katie stated. “But unlike her, Allura’s got this fluffy white hair. She typically keeps it up in a bun when busy, but when she’s doing diplomatic stuff, she wears it down. It’s so thick and fluffy that I’ve actually hidden behind it and clung to her back when we played hide-n-seek.”

“Wait, that’s where you were hiding?!” Paladin Lance yelped over the comms.

“Keep it down, we don’t want to alert the enemy.” Keith reminded in a harsh whisper.

“Sorry...”

“And she’s got these pink marks under the outer corners of her eyes. Where we’re from, apparently all Alteans had them.” Katie continued. “And her armor is pink. Which is annoying. Not that I have anything against the colour and she has a good reason for it, too, but our team is not colour coded. Keith still wears red, Lance is still in blue, Allura wears pink… I swear I work with a bunch of animals.” Kosmo whined. “Blasphemous animals, you’re a good animal and perfect in every way, Kosmo.” That got the wolf to wag his tail.

“We’ll be able to find her, no worries.” Regris was certain of that.

“Yeah, well, it may be a while.” Lance sighed. “This place is a mess and we don’t even know where to begin loo-” Regris picked him up by his shoulders and pulled him back in time for a screaming Drule soldier to be thrown past them and right into a wall, getting stuck in it.

“Hmm. I’m gonna take a wild guess and say she’s in that direction.” Katie said, pointing to where the Drule came from.

“Er… just how strong is your princess?” Vince inquired, looking worried.

“Pretty damn strong.” Katie hummed, walking ahead of the stunned members of that reality.

“She is definitely strong and capable of holding her own.” Regris said as he set Lance back down and followed his small friend. They continued to the next area, seeing Allura there, though definitely bigger than any of them. She had a Drule soldier in each hand and smashed their heads against each other before tossing them aside.

“Holy shit! That’s your princess?!” Lance yelped. “You didn’t mention she was huge!”

“Allura!” Katie cheered, catching the princess’ attention.

“Pidge!” Allura smiled as she let her size go back to normal, the armor conforming and changing with her. She went to run for Katie, but she stopped when a Drule soldier pointed a blaster at her. “Stay down, you quiznaking jerk!” She removed her helmet and chucked it at the Drule’s head, hitting him pretty hard. The helmet bounced off and Kosmo went to fetch it. While he did that, Allura went and picked up Katie in a hug. “Oh! I’m glad you guys came! I’ve been bombarded with soldier after soldier, I haven’t been able to get back to my lion yet.” She put Katie down and smiled. “Have you been safe? No trouble or anything?”

“Eh, a robeast incident on another planet, but we kept our cool.” Katie smirked.

“Ugh, really, Pidge?” paladin Lance asked over the comms. “A frozen planet pun?”

“We also found Lance and Hunk; Lance is with the other search party and Hunk is in the yellow lion keeping guard.” Katie stated. “Also, we’re in another reality.”

“I figured that one out, too, when I met Lotor and his creepy friend mentioned it.” Allura stated. “It’s truly amazing that my father’s theories of other realities are true.”

“And, we all have counterparts in this reality!” Katie cheered. “Kinda. I do yet don’t. We’ll explain when we get to Arus. But for now? This is Lance, pilot of the red lion, Vince, cadet and pilot in training, and Chip, literal alien ninja. And one of my brothers. Again, I’ll explain later.”

“Katie’s princess is a size shifting princess… And she can seriously wreck Drule.” Lance looked to be in shock. “That’s a thing apparently.”

“Anyway, you should get to Blue.” Katie informed. “Then we can get out of here.”

Allura nodded. “Agreed.”

Allura was able to get back to her lion, Kosmo going with her since the blue lion was in another area from the others. Once reunited, the group got ready to return to Arus. However, Lotor was standing on top of a tank, ready to attack them.

“Ugh, this guy. I was hoping we could avoid him.” Larmina groaned.

“He just doesn’t learn.” Allura grumbled. Lotor proclaimed something, not that any of them could hear him. Whether or not they could hear him didn’t even matter, though, for Allura didn’t care at all. She activated the blue lion’s mouth cannon to shoot and freeze Lotor and his own cannon. She then smashed him with a paw. “Five times now that I’ve had kill him. It’s getting annoying.”

“Okay, I’m gonna just point this out here and now.” that reality’s Lance spoke up. “Your princess is both incredibly beautiful and incredibly terrifying.”

“Well, let’s get back to Arus and introduce the two Alluras.” Keith chuckled, taking off and fleeing planet Doom before Maahox could bring in another Lotor.

Chapter Text

“So wait… our Pidge came from here?!” the princess looked stunned. “That would explain why we had no idea what she was with the castle’s systems. I mean, I know we didn’t know every race out there, but still.” She smiled brightly. “Oh! This is wonderful! We can finally learn more about her people and history!” She hugged the green paladin. “Our little green paladin is now gonna be less of a mystery! And to think! She has brothers!” She then stopped. “Brothers… Pidge has a family here...”

The twins exchanged looks. They only told part of their team for the time being, but the princess trailing off was a reminder that they needed to tell the others in time, too. They wondered if they should go ahead and tell the cadets and paladins their plan, unaware that the cadets and Katie already knew.

Queen Allura, though, took over. “We still have time for them to get to know each other and figure things out.” she told the paladins, especially her counterpart. “But understand, no one will do anything to separate you from your teammate and friend. From our understanding, it sounds like she has her place in the other reality. It’s her home and she has a family who loves her.”

Paladin Allura smiled and nodded. “I appreciate that.” she said. She looked over to where Katie went over to sit with Regris, leaning her back against his chest, checking some data with him. “It’s nice to know a bit of where our littlest paladin came from. And learn more about her genetically; it’d be nice so we can properly care for her out there if she gets sick or injured.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about marshmallows, she grew immune to them apparently.” Pidge commented. “And no problems with alcohol, we Baltons aren’t affected by it.”

“Clearly you’ve not had Pop-Pop Wimbleton’s nunvill.” Katie stated, not looking up from her work.

“Pidge!” the princess yelped. “Did you get into Coran’s grandfather’s stash?”

“It was an accident.” Katie stated.

“It was a mistake...” Regris groaned.

“Yeah, it really wrecked them.” Adam chuckled. “They were running amok down in the engine rooms and nearly got themselves killed several times messing with buttons and nearly getting themselves electrocuted.” He smirked. “It wasn’t easy for Thace, Ulaz, and me to keep an eye on them. But we succeeded. Poor Regris was hung over, though.”

“Never again...” Regris hid his face against the back of Katie’s head.

“What is nunvill?” Daniel inquired.

“According to Coran, it’s the nectar of the gods.” paladin Lance explained. “But really, it just tastes like hot-dog water and feet.”

“And you know that exact combination how?” Daniel raised an eyebrow, a little concerned and baffled by the other reality’s Lance.

“Older siblings.” the paladin deadpanned. Some of the others nodded, understanding that one rather well. Tasting weird things and having siblings seemed to be a common pairing.

“Anyway,” Keith spoke up, “we need to figure out our next plan. You’re still down a li-”

“Gotcha!” Katie cheered, startling the others, even Regris and Kosmo.

“Yo, what’s up, kiddo? I hope this is… uh… helpful?” that reality’s Hunk questioned.

“It is.” Katie nodded. “So, I was tracking our positions of where we landed, taking into consideration of debris we’d have crossed through, the angles at which we landed, and how far each of us landed.” She put the data up, getting into the system with ease. “It took some figuring out considering we actually didn’t get any recorded data on our velocity, and it changed at different rates for us due to the distance traveled and other forces stopping us and-”

“Okay, kid, we get it, you’re a genius like your brothers.” that reality’s Lance sighed. “Can you just cut to the chase.”

“Hey, leave her alone.” Chip got after the pilot.

“Er… um...” Katie fidgeted a bit. “Uh… yeah. Sure. I was figuring out an algorithm… and...”

Vince was observing Katie’s data and nodded. “I get it.” he said. “And with the black lion at the center, it’d be right around the point you guys came in at, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.” Katie got up and went to one of the holographic screens. “So, trying to work with the map...”

“The black lion should be right around this area.” Vince clicked on the map and zoomed in. “It’s a bit of a deadzone, though. Old dead moons and planetoids; it was believed that the star that was there burned out over ten thousand years ago.”

“Oooh, intriguing.” Katie nodded, actually interested. “And within a margin of error? I think our Keith is right in this zone.” She circled the area, scowling when it came up blue. She changed it to a more purple colour. “Better.”

“Pidge, less colour coding, more talking.” Adam chuckled.

“Oh! Right!” Katie nodded. “Anyway, I’m sure Keith is right in this area. Now, I would track him like I tracked Allura with following Voltron’s elemental signature, but while my math points him to be there, I’m not picking up any energy signatures, not even that strong quintessence of the rift we came through, which, unless he’s moved, he should still be there. Which definitely goes well with Vince calling it a deadzone.”

“Yeah.” Vince nodded. “From my understanding and own research, it’s ill advised for ships to go through that area. If they’re attacked by anything or shut down, then it’s really hard to get out a signal, especially the closer to the middle that you go. But some will go through part of the deadzone to cut time off of their trips.”

“So… deadzone...” paladin Lance hummed. “So it’s like driving in the middle of nowhere and losing cell service?”

“Pretty much.” Katie nodded, finding that to be an accurate comparison.

“Okay, so we’ll want to be diligent.” the Hunk of that reality stated.

“Or rather us paladins should be.” Katie pointed out. “It’d be best if we just go ourselves to find Keith and even investigate the ship and what caused the rift.”

“With all due respect-” Keith spoke up.

“Nope. Just stop.” Katie put her hand up. “Lotor knows there are two sets of Voltron lions. He could be waiting until we leave Arus to attack us. For now, it would be wise to have you guys remain here.”

Keith thought it over before nodding. “Well, for a reckless kid, even you have a sense of responsibility.”

“Ugh, it wasn’t as bad as you’re making it out to be.” Katie groaned, knowing that Keith was talking about Crydor.

“Then for now? We’re splitting up. But when we get Keith and Ulaz, we’ll be sure to return.” the princess said.

“Hey, since I’m not a pilot, I’d like to tag along.” Chip grinned.

“Hey, what about me? I wanna see the rift they came from!” Pidge chimed.

“Ah, you’re a pilot, so you get to stay here.” Chip smirked at his twin. “I’ll tell you about it when I get back.”

“You just want Katie for yourself, huh?”

“You got to hang out with her plenty before I arrived, now it’s my turn.”

Katie’s friends were snickering, amused. The green paladin herself simply rolled her eyes and chuckled. Sure, she was still panicking from finding out that they planned on leaving their reality to stay with her, but they were still lovable. It was nice having multiple brothers wanting time with their kid sister.

“While you guys go, I’m gonna chill here.” Adam hummed. “Planetary relaxation and coffee.” Kosmo nodded next to him before yawning.

“Yeah, you’re gonna chill, too, Kosmo?” Katie asked, going over and squishing his face a bit. “Okay, play nice with the others while I’m out, got it?” Kosmo licked her nose in response.

With the mission set, the paladins took off, Regris and Chip both riding with Katie in the green lion. Like before, Chip was checking it out, loving the tech inside. He then looked around Katie’s seat, seeing Regris sitting next to her on the floor. “But is it always Katie who pilots the lion? I figured you would, too, since you seem to almost always be with her. I mean, it’s only been a day since I met you and Katie, but...”

“No, no, since they met, they’ve been nearly inseparable.” Lance informed Chip. “They’re like a dynamic duo. Trio, really, with Kosmo. But since they met, Pidge and Regris have been teaming up a lot. They even share a room.”

“Or rather they just pass out wherever, whether it’s in the common room, Pidge’s room, on the bridge.” Hunk added.

“Coran’s even found them asleep in the kitchen and the vents.” Allura giggled, amused with the thought. “They got along well since meeting. And they do well on missions together.”

“You would think they were best friends since elementary school despite only meeting a couple months ago.” Hunk pointed out.

Chip smiled and nodded. It was nice knowing that his sister made friends, especially with other races. He was distracted from that happiness when he realized they entered the deadzone. “Hmm, looks like we made it. Just need to find the black lion then.”

“Scanning the area and using math to figure it out… though...” Katie nodded. “Allura, you think the sonar cannon can help give us a better idea?”

“We won’t know until we try.” Allura confirmed. She got the cannon to form on her lion’s back and fired it. While sound couldn’t travel in space due to the lack of air and nothing for the soundwaves to really vibrate through, the blue lion’s cannon was unique and strange, allowing them to use it in varying areas, including what seemed to be the vacuum of space. While they were in a vacuum, there were varying things for the waves to hit. Asteroids. Dust. Dead moons and remnants of planets. It helped to give them a basis of the area. “Okay, sending the data back to you.”

Katie nodded. “Got it. Okay, and applying this to the algorithm… I think we’ve got the lion and ship! Yes!” She then took the lead, heading off to get to their destination. It didn’t take long for them to reach the ship and lion, seeing them together.

“Paging Keith. Keith, you there?” Lance asked. “Keith? Ulaz?”

“Oh man, I hope they’re not hurt...” Hunk whimpered.

“I don’t know. The black lion is online bu-” Katie cut herself off when something started to come through.

“Pidge? Lance? Is that you?” Keith asked.

“Keith! You’re okay!” Allura cheered. “Where are you?”

“We’re inside the ship.” Keith informed. “And you guys are gonna wanna see this, especially you, Allura.”

“We’ll be right in then.” Allura nodded.

Chapter Text

Keith and Ulaz waited until the black lion was back online. They wanted to scan the ship first to see if it was safe to check out the inside of so long as they stayed away from the rift. After waiting and resting for a day, they were able to go inside and check on things.

“Okay, it is a little spooky.” Keith commented, looking around.

“Hmm, it could be haunted.” Ulaz mused.

“Thace said you’re not allowed to tell Regris and me those stories anymore.”

“He’s not here to stop me.”

“I’ll tell Pidge.”

“She likes my stories.”

“UGH!”

“Fine, I’ll behave.” Ulaz chuckled, patting Keith’s back. He then continued to look around. “It’s held up well, but Altean tech has proved to be amazing with holding well through time.” He nodded and took the lead. “If this ship’s like most others in terms of layout, the bridge should be up this way.”

“Copy that.” Keith nodded as he followed the senior Blade. It didn’t take long for them to reach the bridge. He noticed a suit discarded to the side, looking like a slumped over body. “Ulaz.”

“Yeah, I see it.” Ulaz went over to the suit and carefully removed the helmet, showing that someone was still in it, but they hadn’t been alive in a long time. They had gone through natural mummification, the lack of air and the secure covering of the suit protecting them from any external bacteria. “My guess? They died when the ship entered the rift.”

Keith looked around. There were a couple of others. He then went out to another corridor. A few more. “The rift must’ve been sudden. They didn’t even have time to evacuate.”

“And they’re definitely Alteans.” Ulaz sighed. “Or at least this one is. The marks are still easy to see in this condition. And judging by the armor, I can only assume the others are Alteans, too.”

“Allura’s not going to like this...” Keith sighed. “I’m going to look and see if others are here. Or if there are signs of escape pods being used.”

“Keep your comms open.” Ulaz ordered.

“Right.” Keith nodded and went to check on things. He was thankful that during his exploration that he didn’t find other bodies; that could, hopefully, be good news for Allura. He continued his search, hoping to find the escape pods.

It didn’t take too long to locate them, or a couple. There were some airlocks that didn’t have their pods. “Looks like some escaped. Good.” Keith let out a sigh of relief. He then continued looking around before returning to Ulaz. “Some pods aren’t accounted for; I can only assume some escaped.”

“That is logical and aligns with this.” Ulaz brought up a video feed. “The ship is in a hibernation state, but everything has power, including vitals, the artificial gravity, and life support. It must be the quintessence in the rift keeping it powered.”

“Well, that’s nifty.” Keith commented. “I wonder if we can pilot this back through the rift.”

“Not likely.” Ulaz played the video file, showing an Altean with a monocle; he was the same one that was in the suit.

“We managed to locate the second comet based on the information provided by King Alfor.” the Altean reported. “Though we got it aboard the ship, it’s been steadily causing disturbances.” The Altean jerked and braced himself when the ship shook after an explosion was heard.

“Commodore Trayling, we need to evacuate now!” came a voice from someone unseen.

“Go! Get out of here!” Trayling ordered. “I need to be quick with this. We may not be able to return to Altea with how much these disturbances have progressed. I’ve ordered the crew to evacuate. I’ll try to continue, but at this rate...” Trayling looked up at another explosion. “What the quiznak is th-AAAAAAAAH!” The video feed was cut off.

“Logic points to the rift opening up then and taking the ship.” Ulaz speculated. “Piloting it back out from this end and back on the other side will be ill advised. We would suffer the same fate as those who didn’t escape in time.”

“Then how did we get through unscathed? Are the lions that strong?” Keith inquired.

“Perhaps.” Ulaz nodded. “He mentioned a comet… I wonder what that is about… and why it’s important. And it must be further in the ship according to the logs, so we can’t safely reach it. We could try with the lion, but-” He stopped when he and Keith both picked up someone on the shortwave comms.

Keith perked up, his ears twitching in his helmet. “Pidge? Lance? Is that you?” he inquired he knew he caught their voices and he was sure he heard Hunk, too.

“Keith! You’re okay!” That was Allura’s voice. So, the team found each other? Keith let out a sigh of relief. “Where are you?”

“We’re inside the ship.” Keith informed. “And you guys are gonna wanna see this, especially you, Allura.”

“We’ll be right in then.” the princess confirmed.

“I’ll go lead them back.” Keith informed.

“Okay; I’ll see if I can find anything else.” Ulaz nodded.

Keith nodded and took off, smiling at the gravity generator being back online and letting him just sprint through the halls. He got to the entrance he entered through and smiled when he saw the team, though he was surprised to not see Kosmo or Adam and a figure he didn’t recognize. “Who is this?”

“Let me explain.” Katie said. “No, too much for now. Let me sum it up. We’re in another reality, I originally come from this reality, this is one of my older brothers, Chip, and Adam and Kosmo are resting and drinking coffee back on Arus for the time being.”

Keith blinked. “Right. You’ll explain things more later?”

“Of course.” Katie nodded. “Where’s Ulaz?”

“On the bridge researching.” Keith explained.

“Then let’s head up.” Allura nodded. “And you can explain what was found.”

“Wait.” Chip grabbed Katie by her arm. “We’re just… following him?”

“Oh, right!” Katie hit her palm to her helmet. “Chip, this is Keith, the black paladin of Voltron.”

Chip eyed Keith. “Your leader… he’s… he’s Drule.”

“Drule?” Keith was confused.

“Yeah...” Katie sighed. “You guys call them Drule. We call them Galra in our reality.” She smiled at Chip. “And not all are bad. Many are our allies, Keith included. He’s a rebel, a paladin, and he’s our friend.” She patted her brother’s arm. “He’s safe and okay to be around. He’s not a danger.”

“You didn’t think to mention this before? Oh man, the others… they...” Though much of Chip’s face was hidden, his eyes still showed the panic.

“We kind of mutually decided against that without even speaking.” Lance admitted, rubbing the back of his helmet. “We’d have figured something out. But… you know...”

“Sorry for the secret. But...” Hunk looked nervous.

Chip watched the others before looking to Keith. Drule. Galra. They were, more or less, the same, right? But in their reality there were good ones? That felt too good to be true. Perhaps it was in his reality. He then looked when Regris wrapped his tail around his leg.

“Ulaz, who we’ll meet, is also Galra. As am I. Er… on my papa’s side.” Regris informed.

“Wait… you’re Drule, too?!” Chip did not see that coming.

“Yup. But he’s so awesome.” Katie hugged Regris. “He’s a good friend. So is Keith. Plus, Keith’s adorable. Like a cat. Regris is adorable, too, but you’re just gonna have to take my word for it.” Hearing her, Regris chuckled a bit.

Chip nodded. “Katie, these are your friends. You know them. And you trust them?”

Katie thought it over before nodding. “With my peanut butter? No. Regris finished my last jar off.”

“I said sorry.”

“But with my life? Definitely.” Katie smiled. “I trust them completely.”

Chip nodded again. “Okay then. I’ll trust them, too. But first...” He went to Keith and then took hold of the ear notches on his helmet. “You really have ears under that? Like cat ears? That must be so adorable.”

“It is adorable.” Hunk started to gush. “If I had a helmet like that, I’d never take it off.”

“It’s not adorable!” Keith hissed at Hunk. He then sighed, though he couldn’t help but have a small smile on his face. “Okay, now let’s head on up to Ulaz. Though Allura?” He looked to the princess. “It is important, Ulaz found some data about what happened. But before that...” Keith informed the princess of the sight to see in the area. Though saddened, Allura was understanding. From there, Keith led them to the bridge where Ulaz was still working on the data.

“Ah, you’re here. Everything is secure, so if you wish it, you can remove your helmets.” Ulaz had his own mask down. “And I’m glad to know you’re all safe.” He looked to Katie as she removed her helmet. He then went over and smooshed her face, checking the green paladin over. “You are safe, right?”

“She didn’t even get bruised when we went sledding on Crydor.” Lance chuckled. “Though she did crash several times.”

“It was fun.” Katie hummed.

“Hmm.” Ulaz didn’t look convinced, but he let it go. More than that, he let Katie go. “Anyway, I haven’t gotten any closer to figuring out what caused all of this, but it could be the comet within the ship’s hold. I don’t know anything about it. Or have the equipment on hand to study it.”

“There’s a comet?” Katie asked.

“Mm-hmm.” Ulaz nodded. “Princess, this may be difficult to see, but we do have a message that was cut off the moment it went through the rift, I assume.”

“Play it, please.” Allura requested. Ulaz nodded and did so. The others watched and listened. When it was over, the others was quiet and somber. It was a lot to take in. “I agree. The comet could be behind this. I wonder if we can investigate it with the lions?”

“I can check.” Katie volunteered. “If possible, I can see about getting a sample of it, too. Back on Arus, I may be able to study it further to figure it out.”

“Will that even be safe? I mean, if it’s the cause of this, wouldn’t it be in the middle? Or close to the rift?” Hunk asked.

“One way to find out, I guess.” Katie shrugged. “Besides, Voltron made it through, so I should be able to use just one lion to get to it.”

“Well, on the plus side,” Ulaz brought up the ship’s schematics, “it’s not completely in the rift. It’s on this side, you should be able to get close enough to get a sample. Assuming a piece can be extracted and without you exiting your lion.”

“Leave it to me.” Katie nodded, heading off to her lion to get what she needed.

Chapter Text

“What do you mean it’s all okay? This is a freaking Drule! Two of them! And you just brought them here to Arus?” pilot Lance snapped. “Do you know how dangerous this is? Just what were you thinking allying yourselves with the Drule?”

“Lance, please settle down.” Queen Allura tried to coax her friend. “Their reality differs from ours; for all we know, the Drule are good.”

“Good? Hah. That’ll be the day.”

“I’m with Lance on this one.” Commander Keith stated. “We don’t know how safe this is.”

“You guys don’t exactly have a say in who is on the team and who isn’t.” paladin Lance pointed out. “And you call ‘em Drule, we call ‘em Galra. So let’s not lump our friends in with what you guys deal with.”

“And sure, not all are good, many are actually really, really bad. Some just follow because it’s expected. But we got lots of good allies among them, too, and they’ve been helping lots!” Paladin Hunk added. “Especially Keith and Ulaz.” Unlike with Chip, they didn’t mention that Regris was Galran yet; they deemed it better that way since he had been there since crashing with Katie. “They’re really nice and helpful and good friends.”

“Excuse us for not seeing it like you do.” pilot Lance grumbled. “But you’re kids, you haven’t faced the same betrayal we have constantly in thinking someone could be an ally, only to get our asses kicked by them. Once bitten, twice shy, you know?” He scoffed. “And we do have a say on if they can be here on Arus. Our reality. Our planet. Our rules.”

“Lance, that’s enough.” The queen tried to get him to settle down.

“This isn’t going anywhere...” Chip sighed.

“Just give them a few more minutes.” Adam hummed as he drank some coffee. He looked over at Katie, the paladin working hard on figuring out what the comet was about while the others argued about the Drule, the Galra, and if the other Keith and Ulaz could be trusted. A part of him was glad she was focused on something else; he felt if she got annoyed enough, she would literally shock the pilot Lance and Commander Keith. Honestly, though, he thought that would also be amusing.

“I mean, okay, so the Drule on Draden weren’t exactly good either, but they weren’t part of Lotor’s empire.” Vince spoke up. “And things do differ between realities.”

“You’re seriously for these two being here?” Daniel inquired.

“Well… the paladins trust them, so why not?” Vince looked hopeful. “Besides, they’re kind of adorable. Especially their Keith.”

“Adorable doesn’t mean safe. Remember that incident with Gary?” Larmina reminded.

“Yeah, but this and that are different situations.” Vince rationalized.

“Look, I don’t think we should let our guards do-OW!” Pilot Lance jumped when he got electrocuted in the side, Katie having gotten up, walk over to him, and give him a good jab with her bayard. “What the hell, brat?!”

“You’re being rude about my friends and disrupting my concentration on my work.” Katie stated bluntly as she returned to her station.

“And she tased him.” Adam smirked. “I figured she would. Not the first Lance she zapped, though.” He then looked to the other Lance. “I get it. You’ve been wronged in the past. Your reality isn’t doing well with the Drule. And honestly? Our reality isn’t exactly safe with the Galran empire. We’ve been hurt by them before, they even took Katie’s family and my fiance prisoner. But not all of them are the same, Keith and Ulaz being among those who aren’t like the empire. If not for them, especially Ulaz who decided to help my fiance, Takashi, escape the empire, then the blue lion would have never been found by the kids and the universe would have had that last bit of hope taken because the empire figured out where to look for the lion.”

“Look, I’m not expecting you to accept anyone with open arms. But I am hoping for some benefit of the doubt that you’d trust them.” Adam continued. “And if not, trust us in this. They are our allies. They’re part of the team, one of them even a paladin, the other a medic who looks after these kids.” He sighed as he rubbed his eyes, pushing his glasses up. “You don’t need to be all buddy-buddy. It even took our princess a while to come to terms with things and fully accept Keith and then the others. But you’re adults. Most of you, anyway. You need to set an example for your kids and try to be civil about this.”

The red lion’s pilot opened his mouth to say something, but Queen Allura cut him off. “Adam is right.” she said with a nod. “Keith, Ulaz, I’m sorry for how we responded initially. Surely you can understand things have not been easy for us. However, we will do what we can to work with you.” She smiled. “It is nice to know that your reality has good Dru… Galra, though. Perhaps one day we will find some like that here.”

“Don’t hold your breath.” pilot Lance grumbled. He recoiled when Katie held her bayard up and it sparked a bit.

“We appreciate the attempt.” Paladin Keith nodded.

“I’m glad you all are now getting along,” Katie spoke up, “but I got the data back on that comet fragment.” She then brought up a line of sorts showing different numbers. “This is the comet’s peculiar elemental signature.

The others looked to the information, most being perplexed. Vince, though, perked up. “Hey, Pidge,” he looked to the green pilot, “isn’t that the same Fraunhofer line you picked up on when the others entered our reality?”

“You’re right.” Pidge nodded.

“That’s because the comet this fragment came from is made of the same stuff as Voltron. Or rather our lions were made from another comet that is just like the one in that ship’s hold.” Katie explained. She looked amazed. “It’s really amazing to think about. This means that King Alfor found a way to smelt an identical comet and use it with other materials to create five lion-ships. He truly is a creative genius. Allura, your father’s amazing. Now, understandably there are other materials put into the lions, but the comet seemed to be primary. It could explain why the lions come together as Voltron, perhaps to come back as one as it was as a comet. But it also explains a lot more.”

“This is gonna take a while, isn’t it?” Larmina inquired.

“Probably.” Adam chuckled.

“See, back in our reality, Slav talked about, well, different realities living alongside each other. With that in mind, perhaps it’s not unheard of for objects to go through realities. Like this could be a trans-reality comet. Going from there, the comet itself is what opened the rift between the realities, thus pulling the ship halfway through. Whether it stopped because no one was piloting it anymore or it just got stuck or some other reason is something we don’t know and can only speculate upon. However, if it is the comet that caused the rift, it could explain why our Voltron could go through that rift and why my lion was able to get so close to collect a piece; Voltron is the same as the comet. Voltron is this giant robotic trans-reality comet. It’s really wonderful once you think about it.”

“Um...” paladin Hunk put his hand up as though he were in class. “Right. So is there a way to get the comet back out? And if the rift disappears, is it possible to return to our reality? Because we’re still needed there and even if we weren’t, I really want to still be able to go home and see my family again; visiting Shay on the Balmera again would be nice, too.”

“Simp.” Katie quickly said, a mischievous smirk on her face.

“No, a good friend wanting to visit another good friend.” Hunk whined.

“Anyway, logically we should be able to return.” Katie stated. “In theory, even if the ship came all the way through with the comet and the rift shut, if we have the exact position and coordinates, we should be able to get back through. Though on our own? I don’t know. But with the actual comet itself, we should be able to tear into reality to return. I mean, these are theories, but I think the odds are good.”

“I guess that means we need to figure out what to do from here then.” Pidge stated. “Is it safe, though? Leaving the comet unattended?”

“Hmm...” Katie thought it over. “I think so. It’s in a dead zone, so the odds of the enemy picking up on it isn’t too likely. But you guys picked up on us, too, when we came through...”

“It was a sudden energy burst.” Pidge informed. “All traces were soon gone after that. If anything, the only reading there is is your lions now all being here.”

“Then we could be fine. Though we should keep an eye on things.” Katie nodded. “And given that time flows differently here, we have a few days before the others back home start thinking we’ve been gone for too long. Which means we can work on a plan as well as hopefully get Sven taken care of. Don’t think I forgot about him in this excitement of the comet and finding out it’s a pure form of Voltron. Now that we have Ulaz, we can go back to Crydor and see if he can help Sven.” She tipped her head to the side as she thought of other things to do. “I’d also like to go to the Earth of this reality. I’m all out of peanut butter and need more. I don’t have money, though, so I may have to ask for some if possible. I’ll be sure to work it off while here. Like an allowance. It’d be nice. And we should get Adam some coffee. Me, too. I like coffee. I really miss morning coffee with Adam. Back before we ended up in space when he first started working with me, we would just wake up in the morning and drink coffee, sometimes play video games together. Those were nice times and-”

“Does she ever stop talking?” pilot Hunk inquired, leaning over to his counterpart. It wasn’t exactly annoying to him, but he was curious and, since they weren’t in immediate danger, it was kind of adorable.

“She gets caught up in things.” paladin Hunk chuckled a bit.

Commander Keith nodded. “Anyway, we’ll arrange to get Ulaz to Crydor. Hopefully Sven is open to him helping.”

“You can leave that to me.” paladin Lance offered. “I think we connected.” He elbowed Ulaz. “What do you think, buddy? Space road trip to a frozen planet to meet a viking?”

“Viking?” Ulaz inquired.

“Earth reference. You’ll learn one day.” Paladin Lance chuckled a bit. “Then after that? I second the notion of going to Earth. That sounds like a fun trip.”

“I agree.” paladin Hunk nodded. “It feels like it’s forever since we’ve been to Earth. I know it’s not our Earth, but it’d be nice.”

“We’ll see what can be done.” Queen Allura chuckled.

Chapter Text

“So uh… why did you leave the green and yellow lions back on Arus and decide to ride with us out to Crydor?” Lance looked back to his friends, Katie and Hunk, as he flew the red lion. He was returning to Crydor with Ulaz in order for him to hopefully help Sven.

“Well, you guys said Sven’s been on his own for a while, so I thought it’d be nice to deliver him some home baked treats.” Hunk responded. He then smacked Katie’s hand when she tried to sneak a cookie out of a container Hunk had set to the side. “Plus, if he responds badly to Ulaz, we can all work together to convince him that he’s a good person.”

“As long as he accepts that I’m not a threat and allows me to help, then it should be fine.” Ulaz mused. “It would help to get along, but being what you call best friends is not top priority.”

“Okay… and we kidnapped one of the cadets because…?” Lance eyed Vince.

“He has Vincergy.” Katie stated as if that would help clear things up. “Okay, Lance, I think we talked about it. It’s like this anti-Haggarium stuff.”

“Right. A lot’s been going on, you now?” Lance asked. “It’s really hard to keep track of everything.”

“Anyway, I think if Ulaz has a sample of Sven’s blood, which should hold Haggarium in it due to the infection, Vince may be able to zap it with Vincergy and Ulaz can study the changes more to help heal Sven.” Katie pointed out.

“It is a good start, especially since this Haggarium is something I’m not familiar with.” Ulaz informed. He then looked down at Vince. “And you’re able to combat it?”

“Well, it’s worked so far, especially in Voltron and the lions.” Vince responded. “So… maybe we can figure out something? But I do things through tech...” He looked to his hands, wiggling his fingers. “It’s something I’m trying to fully understand myself.”

“I think it’s really neat.” Katie got excited over the ability. “Being able to work with technology as a sort of technopath, it’s like the Olkari. But you take it another direction of healing tech of a sort of energy corruption while the Olkari are engineers with their abilities.” She grinned brightly. “I bet you’re a descendant of some Olkari-equivalent! If it weren’t for the fact that we have to return to our reality, I would love to find out more! And can you imagine? All the other races of this reality that may not exist or that the ancient Alteans haven’t met in our reality? Ah! It’s so amazing to think about!”

“Would there really be that much of a difference in what races exist or don’t exist between our realities?” Lance asked.

“Why not?” Hunk spoke up. “I mean, the castle has so many registered races, but Baltoans aren’t at all in the system until Katie.”

“Baltons.” Vince corrected.

“Huh?”

“They’re called Baltons.”

“Oh, right.” Hunk nodded. “I couldn’t remember of it was Balton or Baltan. So I thought Baltoan was easier. Kinda like both together, you know?”

Vince opened his mouth but promptly shut it. Thinking it over, he was seeing Hunk’s point and he kind of liked it. He nodded. “That makes sense. And sounds nice.”

“Hey guys, we’re almost there. So make sure you’re bundled up.” Lance informed, seeing Crydor ahead. He flew the red lion in, taking her down and locating Sven’s base once more. He brought her down to land. “And welcome to Crydor.”

The others set out, being greeted by Sven as he left his base. He heard the lion coming in and decided to check on things, making sure there are no threats. He smiled when he saw Lance, Katie, and Vince again, happy that they did return. Sure, all of them didn’t have to, but them showing up was nice.

Sven was introduced to Ulaz. They made sure to inform him that he was Galran, their reality’s equivalent to Drule. Sven thought it over for a moment before nodding.

“Well, this can’t be any worse than trying to make a deal with Maahox.” Sven stated. He looked to Ulaz. “I can trust you won’t betray me?”

“There will be no betrayal.” Ulaz assured. “And if I don’t finish by the time I am to leave, I will be sure to give the research to the Voltron Force to finish.”

“I appreciate it.” Sven nodded. “Perhaps I can see my son soon then.”

“Let’s go inside and get set up; the Voltron Force was able to help me get extra equipment.” Ulaz stated.

“We’re gonna play a bit until you need Vince.” Katie said before getting smacked in the face with a snowball.

“Heck yeah, ten points!” Lance cheered. He then yelped when Kosmo tackled him into the snow before bounding away, playing around.

Sven chuckled. “It is good knowing that though children in a war, they can find time to have fun.” He smiled softly. “I can only hope that the future will be bright for my boy so he can play like this, too.” He then nodded. “Come. We can work inside.”

Ulaz followed Sven inside. He got the equipment set up and checked on the mark on his neck. He did a bio-scan of it, getting the data sent to a tablet he was working with. From there, he went to draw blood to examine and study.

While Ulaz worked, the kids were playing around. They built snow forts and split into teams, Hunk and Lance versus Katie and Vince. It was definitely fun and kept them occupied. After a while, Ulaz called Vince in, seeing if he could cleanse a few blood samples for him. With the machine to keep the blood moving and from clotting, Vince was able to help cleanse it a bit, but it definitely differed from helping Voltron combat it. He didn’t think he could cleanse Sven himself; it would take a bit more than just his power.

“Sorry I couldn’t do much to help.” Vince sighed.

“Don’t fret.” Ulaz assured. “You tried. And what you were able to try helped to provide samples to study and work with.” He then set up some containers. “I’ll be remaining here until we leave this reality, seeing what I can help with and figure this out further.”

“You sure?” Hunk asked, rubbing his arms a bit. Even with the armour, he still felt the chill.

“We may be here a couple days longer; I’d like to use that time to research it better.” Ulaz informed. “Anyway, I’ll be sending samples back with you for Pidge to look into from his end; he knows the medicines and treatments of this reality better than I do.”

“I just wanna ask before we head out.” Lance raised his hand. “Do you think, if we had a healing pod, if it would help this?”

Ulaz thought it over before shaking his head. “It’s designed for stasis, containment, and injuries. If anything, putting him in stasis would just stop the pain but not clear the infection. The initial injury long since healed, but infection set in too deep.” He looked to Sven. “If it were possible, I would try to find a way to replicate an Altean healing pod, but...”

“No, it is no worry.” Sven waved it off. “You are doing what you can now for me, and I appreciate it.”

Ulaz nodded. “Anyway, we’ll see what can be done.” He looked back to the kids. “Anyway, you best get these samples back to Pidge.”

“We got this.” Lance assured. “You guys get along then. And, uh… I guess try to stay warm?”

“It’s not the coldest outpost I’ve been at.” Ulaz hummed.

“Yeah, but this time you don’t have Thace t-” Katie found herself picked up by the Blade himself and thrown out of the open door, fastball special style.

“DUDE!” Vince yelped.

“You threw the baby.” Sven looked horrified.

“She’s fine” Ulaz said.

“Still alive!” Katie called, laughing hysterically afterwards.

“See?” Ulaz shrugged.

“Anyway, we’ll be heading off then.” Hunk assured, completely brushing off Ulaz throwing Pidge like it was nothing… or a common occurrence.

They gave their farewells and split ways. When the group returned to Arus, they handed over the samples and preliminary data that Ulaz had gathered and provided.

“Remarkable.” Pidge examined the information. “Between Ulaz and me, we should be able to cure Sven. And hopefully relatively soon.”

“That’s good to hear.” Commander Keith let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad he’s still okay out there and that he can be helped.”

“Hopefully we can do this before… the others leave.” Pidge informed, though he hesitated with the last part. He didn’t know how to tell the cadets yet that he and Chip would leave with the paladins. “You know, since Ulaz is so good at being a medic.” He then looked to Katie who was removing her armor, leaving her undersuit on. Snow fell out, somehow having not melted during the flight back to Arus. “I guess you guys went to play in the snow, huh?” He chuckled a bit. “It’s good to have fun now and then; it can really help with stress.”

“Ulaz threw me to silence me.” Katie smirked, not at all minding. Pidge’s eyes widened. She was thrown? By someone she spoke highly of and who cared for her?

“You had fun with that, huh?” Regris asked, using his tail to brush off some of the snow for Katie as he picked up her discarded armor. “You enjoyed when Antok threw you, too.”

“Well, she is small enough and would be easy to throw.” pilot Hunk chuckled, amused.

“Don’t get ideas of throwing her, Hunk. But I guess if you do, make sure it’s into snow or water and she’s aware.” Commander Keith sighed, though he was unable to help but smile. “Anyway, we got this part finished.” he continued. “Now we need to figure out a few more things before you guys can get home.”

“Sounds good.” Katie nodded.

Pidge leaned towards paladin Lance. “Does she get thrown a lot?”

“By both allies and enemies.” the red paladin in blue armour responded. “After a few times, you get used to it and worry a bit less.”

“Oh boy...” Pidge wasn’t sure if he would ever get used to it. Sure, Baltons were good with being thrown or falling from great heights, but he was still worried about his sister who lacked the Balton upbringing, understanding, and physical training.

Chapter Text

“Who better to show them around Earth than us?” Daniel asked. “C’mon, Keith! Vince and I come from Earth! And Larmina’s been there! We’re the best to show them around our Earth.”

“Daniel...” Commander Keith sighed. “You and Vince still are training. And Larmina’s a full pilot. I’m sure-”

“Actually,” pilot Hunk spoke up, “this may be good. You know, let the kids go off and play a bit, maybe bring back pizza.” He patted his stomach. “Mm, pizza dinner sounds good.”

“And,” Queen Allura added, “it’d be nice for the kids to hang out a bit. Plus, momentarily, if we need it, I can still fly the blue lion.”

The commander sighed. He then looked to the princess and his own counterpart. While Princess Allura would do fine, especially if no one else knew she was the Arusian Queen’s counterpart, the Galran paladin was another matter. He was Galran, the equivalent to Drule. Seeing one on Earth would not go well. “And of you two?”

“I was going to train with Regris.” paladin Keith said, raising his hand. He didn’t mind missing out on Earth and was actually interested in training, especially if he and Regris could check out what the training deck in that castle could offer.

“As interesting as it would be to see Earth, I think I’ll remain here.” the princess informed. “Plus, Arus reminds me so much of Altea, I would love to look around and see it.” She smiled fondly. “It’s like being home and it’d be nice to see what similarities there are between it and Altea.”

“Well, I’d be glad to show you the place. I know Arus pretty well, Princess.” pilot Lance offered.

Commander Keith nodded. “Well, it looks like things are getting squared away.” He looked to the group of teens. “Though is it wise letting a bunch of kids go off on their own?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on them.” Adam offered. “I’m used to my trio and being their teacher when they would be thrown in detention. I think I can handle three more.” He smiled. “We got this.”

“Well, I guess this is our plan for today.” Queen Allura chuckled.

“Maybe.” Paladin Hunk looked nervous. “How do we pay for anything? Because some of us? Yeah, we left Earth without identification, let alone money.”

“Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.” pilot Hunk assured. “Though a ship to use...”

“I’ve got that one.” Chip added.

“Okay, so not only does she get her own credit card to use while on Earth, but your Pidge gets to fly the ship?” Daniel motioned to Katie, a look of frustration and disbelief plastered on his face. “That’s not fair! She’s the youngest! And probably the least experienced!”

“Actually, this ship flies a lot like one of the Garrison ships of my reality that Dad helped design.” Katie informed. “And I’ve memorized the manual for it. So adapting to Chip’s ship was pretty easy.”

“Yeah, for someone who didn’t train as a pilot, she does pretty well I think.” Lance admitted.

With the help of Larmina, who understood the galactic maps of that reality, Katie was able to fly them down to Earth. She went to a city where Vince and Daniel both knew and grew up in; this gave them time to visit their families, too.

While the others went about visiting and shopping, Katie found herself distracted. She stopped in her tracks at a store. 8Track Shoppe. In the front window, she saw old, boxy looking computers. Even for that reality, it was old school and obsolete. She then spotted a boombox on a shelf up in the window. Seeing those, she knew instantly that the shop spoke her name.

“C’mon, buddy, I smell a technological gold mine.” Katie put her arms around Kosmo, the wolf teleporting her to the other side of the street, surprising some people who were walking. “Er… sorry. He’s a cosmic wolf. And a very good boy.” she told them. Not seeing a no pets allowed sign, slipped into the store with her wolf, a bell ringing at the door as it moved.

“Hmm?” A man at the counter looked over. “I hope you’re not here for trouble.” Pidge could only assume some people showed up in his shop to cause problems. “And uh… the… dog?”

“Sorry, Kosmo’s a cosmic wolf and my best buddy.” Katie informed. “There wasn’t a sign about pets, so I brought him with me. I promise he’ll be good.” She gave a hopeful smile as she went over. “And we’re here looking at the retro tech you have here. Do you take galactic credit cards?”

“It depends.” the shopkeeper responded. Katie brought out Chip’s card that was lent to her and he checked it over. “Yeah, we take this one. Just make sure your… wolf doesn’t chew anything up.”

“If he chews on it, it’ll only be because I bought it for him.” Katie hummed. She picked up a plush penguin from the counter, a tag on it indicating it was for sale. “What do you think, buddy? Should we buy you some toys? Looks like they have more than just tech.” Kosmo wagged his tail. “Can you get me a cart?” The wolf nodded and teleported, going back to the front door and pulling out a cart. He pushed it over and Katie put the plush in it. “We’ll stay out of trouble.”

“Sure.” The shopkeeper chuckled, settling down and showing his amusement at seeing a kid and a teleporting wolf in the shop. “I don’t get many customers here, especially one of your youth.” he admitted. “Looking for anything specific?”

“Not sure. I didn’t expect this sort of shop, so I didn’t have a list.” Katie hummed. “I used to go dumpster diving back home, though. You find all sorts of old tech in the trash.”

“Tell me about it. I used to do that, too.” the man informed. “Built my first computer from parts in the trash and my uncle’s old TV.”

Katie smiled. Honestly, if she had come to call that reality home and would live on Earth, she would love working in that shop and befriending the shopkeeper. He seemed like a kindred spirit

“Ah, now here’s something.” The man went over with a laptop. “Now, it looks old and bulky. Because it is. But it’s been upgraded with graphics cards and a wi-fi receiver. It runs pretty good.” He set it on a shelf and got it started up.

Katie checked it out. It was like the computer she built with her brother. “Wow. This would even link up with my own computer.” she said. “And it has an old pinball game on it!” She grinned with excitement. “This would definitely be great to have! Did you upgrade it yourself?”

“Mm-hmm. One of my skills.”

“If you’re selling this one, I’d love to buy it!”

“Sure thing.” The shopkeeper set it down in the cart. “If you need anything else, just ask.”

“Sure!” Katie nodded as she went around, amazed with the tech she found. She then stopped when she found a Mercury Entertainment Box, older than the Mercury GameFlux II she and Lance found at the space mall in their reality. It was in prime condition and there were several games she loved, including Sword Legends: Past Connections. She was definitely in heaven with her findings.

Kosmo was finding interesting items, too. He found some plush toys he liked and brought them to the basket, making sure they had price tags before grabbing them. He then stopped when he found a Voltron figure that was about a half foot tall. He grabbed it and brought it over.

“Hmm?” Katie accepted it from Kosmo and smiled. The Voltron of that reality. “Yeah, this’ll be a perfect addition to the collection.” She pet her friend. “Good find.”

The bell rang again as someone else entered the shop. Katie was on the other side of the aisles, so she couldn’t see who they were. Not that it mattered, she was in her happy place.

“Hello, sir, how may I help you?” the shopkeeper asked.

“I was hoping my charge was here. Short kid, kind of androgynous, walking around with a giant blue wolf?” It was Adam who came to the shop. “I figured she would be here because of the retro tech.”

“Aisle five, video games.” the keeper pointed out.

“Well, that’s not surprising. Thanks.” Adam went over and chuckled when he found Katie. “I hope you’re not spending all of your brother’s money.”

“Actually, I’m not. These prices are super amazing.” Katie informed. “And there’s a deal on video games for buying three and getting one free. Mix and match for systems, so I’m getting plenty for us to play later.”

“Yeah? That ought to be fu-” Adam stopped and picked up a racing game for the Mercury Game Flux II. “Er… can I request a game?” he asked.

“I got four more controllers and a controller splitter for it, too, so we can play six players.” Katie informed, taking the game from Adam and looking it over. “Nice pick! I missed this one!”

“Anyway, you should finish up here.” Adam nudged Katie. “We’re getting a bite to eat while we wait for our orders and then heading out.” He smiled. “And we got lots of peanut butter.”

“Great.” Katie nodded and pushed the cart to the counter. She got everything put up and paid for, even getting a backpack to put some of her stuff in. Kosmo ended up taking the plush penguin from earlier, carrying it in his mouth. Once finished, Katie bid the shopkeeper a farewell, telling him he had an amazing shop. She then left with Adam, Kosmo, and her findings.

“There you are.” Larmina sighed. “Jeez, we were supposed to be a group as much as possible, weren’t we?” She seemed a bit more bitter that Katie technically got to go off on her own while the others stuck together. Oh well.

“For retro tech? Splitting up is always worth it.” Katie hummed. “And you guys got peanut butter?”

“Yeah, enough for your obsession.” Lance teased.

“I’m not obsessed. I can quit whenever I want.” Katie reminded. Everyone eyed her, even Kosmo. “I said whenever I want, jeez. I doubt there’s another me in any reality who deals with that judgment...”

Chapter Text

“Maahox, what did this day do to deserve that creepy smile?” Lotor inquired, grimacing at the alien that served him. “Have you figured out something to deal with that insufferable Voltron Force? There are now two of them! And sources confirm that they have their five lions now! And if they’re not stopped, they-”

“Oh, my lord, try not to stress so much.” Maahox chuckled. “For I do have a plan. I wasn’t able to study much with that blue lion when we had the alternate reality’s princess, but I think I figured out an idea.” Maahox’s grin seemed creepier than usual; it was rather unsettling. “I think it’s time we figure out how well the other Voltron holds against Haggarium.”

Lotor smirked. So the scientist was coming up with something beneficial. “Excellent.”

“Ugh, it’s too early for this.” pilot Lance groaned as he walked through the castle. “Late night and now my jacket’s missing. I swear, if the cadets stole it again, I’m gro-” He stopped walking and complaining when he entered one of the main rooms where they would meet to go over missions and plans. Curled up on Kosmo’s back was none other than Katie. Seeing her there wasn’t exactly a surprise, she and Kosmo were a team, though he did question why she was passed out in the main room. More than that, though, he spotted his jacket draped over her like a blanket. At first he thought she decided to steal it for whatever reason, then he noticed the robotic space mice there, some of them pulling up the jacket to make sure it covered the paladin.

“You know what? I think I’ll just leave that there for now.” Lance admitted as he walked off, going to the kitchen. When he reached the kitchen, he saw Adam there, the other getting a fresh pot of coffee made up. “Hope there’s plenty to share.”

“Of course.” Adam grabbed two mugs and poured coffee into them. “I take it you saw Katie.”

“Yeah. Either she stole my jacket or the mice did.” Lance stated, taking his mug and sipping the beloved caffeinated beverage. “What’s she doing sleeping out there? She has a room here.”

“She was waiting for Chip and Pidge to go to bed before she works again.”

“They’d have helped her if she just asks.”

“And if she didn’t ask.” Adam shook his head. “I think she’s feeling a little stifled and not wanting to take up their time. They mean well, but they’re always trying to be there around her.”

“Oh boy.” Lance sighed. “Wonder how she’ll take the news.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m… I’m still iffy on their choice but…” Lance shook his head. “Don’t let anyone know, especially that I told you, but they’re planning on going with you guys to your reality.” he informed. “Pidge thinks Vince is ready to take over for him with the green lion. I kinda agree. But they want to go with… I mean… It’s frustrating. We’re their friends and… I don’t want to see them go. But I think I’m understanding them, too. They spent so long without their sister, then find out she’s been alive in another reality.”

Adam huffed a bit. “I didn’t expect that.” he admitted. “I talked to your Pidge a bit about the matter, back on Ariel. I told him that our Pidge has a family she’s looking for in our reality. A family she loves and who loves her. I figured they’d respect that and not ask her to stay here, but deciding to go with her instead?”

Lance nodded. “Yeah. And… while Pidge and Chip have us as their friends, they… don’t have any other family. Other ties.” He smiled softly. “I’m gonna miss those nerds, but… I understand their decision. And respect it. Even if it is going to probably be permanent and I won’t see them again. At least they’ll be back with their sister. And who knows, maybe her family will accept them.”

Adam smiled. “Oh yeah, Sam and Colleen will definitely accept them.” he assured. “Matt… Hmm… I hope there’s no sibling rivalry between them.” He then looked when the twins entered. “Hey, there’s still coffee.”

“Why is Katie sleeping in the other room and using Lance’s jacket as a blanket?” Chip inquired.

“I both don’t mind and do mind this.” Pidge sighed. “I mean, she should be asleep in a bed. But I appreciate her not sleeping with co-ed accommodations with Regris.”

“Regris is decent, don’t worry.” Adam chuckled. “She was busy last night.”

“Without us? She could’ve asked; we would have helped her with whatever she’s working on.” Pidge stated.

“Hmm.” Adam shrugged.

“Moving on from her excluding us,” Chip said, shoving Pidge a bit to remind him to let it go, “how did she steal Lance’s jacket? No one steals that thing.”

“I’m more worried about how she can sleep under it.” Pidge admitted. “I mean, it smells funky.”

“It doesn’t smell funky.” Lance scowled.

“I think Katie’s senses are just dulled from Coran and Takashi’s cooking back at the castle.” Adam teased Lance.

Elsewhere in the castle, walking and talking together were the two Alluras. Princess Allura was holding one of the small, robotic space mice, adoring it.

“Goodness, it’d be best to not let my Pidge find these fellows.” the princess giggled.

“Oh?” The queen was unsurprisingly curious.

“She loves tech. She even stole a Galran drone and repurposed it.” the princess informed, making the queen laugh. “And when we came across some others who had a robot, it was a wonder she didn’t steal Beezer, the robot. And the times she messed with Shiro’s robotic arm.” She smiled as she pet the mouse in her hand. “She’d probably try to steal a few of these fellows. Though I don’t know how well my mice would like this. Perhaps they’d approve? Hmm.”

“If a few decide to go with you guys, I can rest easy knowing they’d be with someone who’d adore them.” Queen Allura giggled. “But we’ll know in ti-” She stopped when she entered the main room where Katie was sleeping, freezing when she saw Kosmo on his back, kicking his feet a bit as he slept. And under him was Katie’s limbs sticking out, her voice muffled and asking her wolf to get up.

“PIDGE!?” princess Allura squealed in shock, tossing the mouse to her counterpart and running over to her fellow paladin and friend. She got Kosmo woken up and moved and helped Katie up. “Are you okay, Pidge?”

“Yeah, I think so.” Katie mumbled, rubbing her head. She heard a squeak and plucked one of the robotic mice from her hair. “Sorry, little guy.” She looked to her princess. “I think he got caught under my head when Kosmo knocked us off and rolled over.” Kosmo whimpered. “It’s not your fault, buddy, you were comfy and happy.”

“Goodness, how you handled that...” Queen Allura looked concerned for the small paladin. “Are you sure you’re fine?”

“Mm-hmm.” Katie nodded. “Besides, he didn’t land on me with force, he just rolled over.” The paladin stretched, getting her joints to pop. “I’ve been hit with worse.”

“Unfortunately, that’s true.” Princess Allura sighed.

“Anyway, the sweet smell of coffee is reaching me past the funk of Lance’s coat.” Katie picked up the jacket from the floor. “I’m going to go and indulge; hopefully Adam left me some.” Katie went with the pair of Alluras to the kitchen, tossing Lance his jacket. “I suggest getting it washed, it smells.” The comment made Pidge, Chip, and Adam snicker.

“And just when I was denying it’s scent.” Lance groaned. He then sniffed it himself, grimacing and pulling it away. “Okay, maybe it does need to be washed.”

“More like decontaminated.” Chip teased. “Thoroughly.” The others couldn’t help but laugh at the comment. Though scowling at first, Lance even started to chuckle a bit.

Katie went over to get some coffee, grabbing a mug and picking up the pot. She stopped when some alarms went off. “Huh?”

“Oh no, that one means we’ve a robeast attack!” Pidge announced.

“We’ll take the first run; you paladins stay on standby.” Lance ordered, running off with Pidge. They met up with the other pilots and went to their lions, Pidge taking Vince with him, Lance getting Daniel. Regris and the other paladins went to the control room, hearing the alarms.

“What’s up?” paladin Lance asked. “We’re needed out there?”

“Not yet.” Princess Allura responded.

The pilots got out there in time to see a robeast coffin show up. Or rather three of them. The pilots and cadets were in shock.

“Okay, either Lotor’s desperate… or he’s aware there are two Voltrons here.” pilot Hunk stated.

“Let’s not wait to find out.” Commander Keith stated. He then got them started. “Activate interlocks. Dyno-therms connected. Infra-cells up. Mega-thrusters are go. Let’s go, Voltron Force!”

Paladin Lance stared as he listened to the Voltron Force with what they said. “What the quiznak was that?” he asked.

“Yeah, that’s apparently a thing they do.” Katie said.

Keith’s ears twitched. “They’ve got three robeasts to deal with.”

“Yeah… can they? We’ve never dealt with three at once but… I don’t know if this team can or can’t...” Paladin Hunk was worried.

“Yeah. Let’s go. Paladins to the lions.” Keith ordered.

“Copy that!” The paladins nodded and ran for the transports but froze.

“Right, we’re not in our castle, our lions are outside.” Princess Allura giggled a bit. She then ran outside with the others, getting to the lions. Kosmo and Regris were with Katie, going to the green lion to help out if needed.

Adam remained in the control area, ready to help Queen Allura with the castle’s defenses if needed. While that castle and their tech differed, he figured he could adjust and adapt.

“Okay, Voltron Force, we don’t have a long winded way of announcing ourselves, but how about we show you how we come together.” Keith smirked as he flew off. “Paladins, on me. Form Voltron!” The paladins flew in formation and quickly came together, forming their own Voltron, showing to be significantly larger than the other Voltron. Better than that, they were bigger than the robeasts.

“Whoa.” Daniel stared wide eyed. “I figured their Voltron would be huge, but that’s...”

“Well, good news is that we’re on the same side.” pilot Lance chuckled.

Commander Keith. “Okay, Voltrons, let’s do this.”

Chapter Text

“Well, Maahox?” Lotor asked, observing the screen that displayed the two Voltrons, one showing to be much larger than the other. It was to be expected, he recalled the blue lion that crashed on Planet Doom being massive in comparison. “Can your robeasts really defeat them?”

“It depends on what you expect.” Maahox chuckled a bit. “In actual combat? No. The robeasts will be destroyed quickly.”

“Then what is the point!?” Lotor was ready to grab Maahox by the neck.

“Patience, my lord.” Maahox tried to coax the Drule king to be calm. “As you know, Haggarium is like an anti-Voltron, but that’s to the one we know. This other Voltron, from what I could tell by the few readings I got from the blue lion, has a strange energy. Energy, my lord, can be manipulated. If things go according to plan, then that could prove to be very entertaining and beneficial for us.”

“So, should we utilize a different head?” pilot Lance inquired. “’cause I’m in the mood for some shooting.”

“Wait… different head?” paladin Lance asked. “You can use different lions as the head of Voltron?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty badass.” pilot Lance smirked.

“Let’s not go that route yet.” Commander Keith. “We’ll keep it classic and take these guys down. Let’s form blazing sword!” The commander activated Voltron’s blazing sword.

“Take it easy there, hotshot.” Katie said. “We’re down on the planet and there are civilians in nearby towns. We’re better off keeping this fight airborne or in orbit.”

“She’s right.” Pidge nodded.

“Right, then let’s go up. And to get them to follow, Hunk, you know what to do.” Paladin Keith said to his fellow paladin.

“Ten-four!” paladin Hunk slammed his bayard into the port and the shoulder cannon formed on Voltron. He locked onto the three robeasts and shot them. The robeasts turned their attention on the larger Voltron and went to go after them. “I think that worked!”

“Then let’s move!” Keith ordered, taking off and leaving the atmosphere.

“They get a cool shoulder cannon that hits multiple targets?” pilot Hunk asked. “That’s awesome!”

“We can marvel at what their Voltron can do later, for now, we’ve got robeasts to deal with.” Commander Keith pointed out. “Let’s go, team!” He got their Voltron to follow after, going for one of the closer robeasts first.

The paladins’ Voltron, being larger, took on two robeasts at once while the Force’s Voltron took on one; the pilots were concerned about the paladins, what with their youth (even if Larmina was about the same age) and inexperience, but the paladins proved to hold their own. Though inexperienced, the paladins definitely learned how to hold their own in battle, though the robeasts seemed rather easy to fight.

The Force’s Voltron defeated their robeast with ease, getting the final slices through it. With that, they were down to two.

“Hey, Force team, any of you play baseball?” paladin Keith inquired.

“Baseball?” pilot Lance asked. “Since when do Drule know baseball?”

“Galra, Lance.” Pidge sighed. “And, yeah. I second that.”

“Did we forget to mention that my dad’s human? Also, I spent the first part of my childhood on Earth. Sometimes I’d watch baseball and soccer games with my parents; Mom was aggressive with cheering for her favourite teams.” paladin Keith said. “Anyway, we can talk about that later. But, anyone played?”

Commander Keith smirked. “Ah, we’ve played a bit when we first got to Arus years ago; local children had fun.” He then got the idea of what his counterpart was getting at. “Okay, kiddos, let’s see how your aim is.” He got his Voltron into position, holding the sword up like a bat.

“Hopefully we do better with this than we did playing soccer with a downed alien ship.” paladin Lance chuckled.

“That was your fault.” paladin Keith sighed. He shook his head. He then grabbed hold of one of the robeasts, throwing it right at the other Voltron. They used their sword to slice through it, swinging it like a bat. As though it was a hot knife through butter, they went through the robeast effortlessly and destroyed it.

Two down and one to go.

This was easy! Though perhaps it seemed too easy.

“Heck yeah! Two Voltrons?” pilot Hunk asked. “This is easy! Lotor and Maahox have nothing on us!”

“Wait a tick...” Katie blinked. “We fought a robeast on Crydor. This mastodon thing. But it was really hard.”

“I mean, we were just as two lions and a viking.” paladin Lance pointed out.

“Yeah, but we’d feel the same strength in these guys. This isn’t right.” Katie shook her head.

Paladin Lance nodded a bit. “Well… I guess that makes sense.”

“I’m with Katie on this.” Pidge said. “These guys are normally harder than this. Even with two of us here, fighting three shouldn’t be this easy, which means they were made to be weaker.”

“Why would Lotor get Maahox to make weaker robeasts?” pilot Lance asked. “Unless it’s not by choice; they could be running out of materials.”

“I don’t think that’s likely. Maahox is as crafty as he is creepy.” Pidge pointed out.

“I agree.” Commander Keith nodded. “That means we need to be on our toes and be careful. We don’t know what to expect.”

“You’re right, we-” paladin Keith stopped when their Voltron seized. The final robeast had tentacles and managed to wrap around the larger Voltron without anyone noticing. “Pidge, status!”

“We’ve been snagged and...” Katie’s eyes widened. She was looking at the energy readings the robeast was giving off. “This robeast is building up a surge inside!”

“Keith, this isn’t good. That one is showing to have an increased amount of Haggarium!” Pidge reported. “Dammit, how did we miss that earlier?” No, he realized how. It must have been hiding its potential until the last moment. That meant that Maahox and Lotor had a plan to use it specifically against them. He realized that the others were just decoys.

“We have to get that thing off of them now!” Commander Keith ordered. They went around to attack the robeast, but they couldn’t get close when it gave off a strong electrical current that was forced into the paladins’ Voltron. “Paladins!”

Inside their lions, the paladins were struggling to hold on. They felt the Haggarium fill Voltron; in turn, it felt like the energy was filling them. Katie managed to look at Kosmo who was whining. “K-Kosmo… get… R-Regris… out… of… here...” The wolf whined and tried to move closer. “GO! NOW!” she ordered.

Kosmo didn’t want to leave his girl, but he knew he had to listen, the energy was painful and even trying to affect him and Regris. He teleported with the Blade, going to the other Voltron, appearing in their green lion.

“Regris!” Pidge yelped. “What’s happening to them?”

“I don’t know, but the attack is taking a toll on our Pidge; it’s probably doing the same to the others.” Regris reported. “They’re connected with their lions, so it may be reaching them more deeply.”

“Okay, team, let’s stop that thing!” Commander Keith ordered. “Kosmo, get Vince to my lion!” Kosmo huffed and nudged Vince, teleporting him to the black lion. “Think you can charge us to brace against the Haggarium?”

“Yeah.” Vince nodded. He activated his power, powering up Voltron’s blade. With it, they went at the robeast, cutting through it and destroying it. Like the others, it proved to be easy to get rid of, though it definitely hit the paladins hard. The paladins’ Voltron went limp, suspended in space. The lights on it went out.

“Are they okay?” Larmina asked.

“Paladins, do you copy?” Pidge asked. “Katie? Are you there? Please respond!” He was growing worried for his sister. “Katie! Hey! C’mon, you gotta let me know you’re okay!”

“C’mon, Pidge, Keith...” Regris whispered behind him, worried about his friends.

There was no response on the comms, but Voltron did move. Seeing the movement brought some hope to them. Hope, though, didn’t last long. The cyan lights and yellow eyes were no long their usual colours. They turned to an ominous purplish colour.

“Uh, Regris? You know that Voltron well.” pilot Hunk said, his tone sounding a little nervous. “Is that normal?”

“I definitely don’t think so.” Regris admitted. “I’ve never seen them take those colours before.”

“Oh no.” Pidge looked at the data as he scanned the other Voltron. “It already had this unique energy reading beyond just the comet that it’s made from, like an actual energy it runs on. But that energy… it’s completely fused with Haggarium.”

“In other words...” Hunk started to ask.

“Yeah. We’re are now dealing with a Voltron that is about thirty percent bigger than ours made with a mysterious comet and is now pretty much fueled by Haggarium.” Pidge informed. He watched as the other Voltron formed their sword with the red lion. The wings on their back came and formed a shield, held by the green lion. Voltron then took a stance, ready to fight them.

“And I think that Haggarium infected the paladins.” Regris added.

“Yeah, my comment about us being on the same side is now gonna bite our asses...” pilot Lance sighed, not at all liking where things were going.

Chapter Text

The paladins’ Voltron went after the Force’s Voltron, ready to strike them down. They were quick, agile, and relentless in their strikes. The Voltron of that reality narrowly dodged the attacks, but they couldn’t dodge forever.

“Holy cats!” Lance called. “Just what is going on with them?”

“It’s the Haggarium, it found a way to corrupt their Voltron!” Pidge informed.

“More than that, I think it corrupted them.” Regris informed. “Kosmo, get me in Green real quick.”

“Regris, that’s risky.” Pidge informed.

“We’ll be quick.” Regris assured. He took hold of the wolf, letting him teleport him to the green lion. Once in green, Katie looked back at him, registering that someone was there. She quickly grabbed her bayard and jumped out of the chair, going at him. “Pidge! Come to your senses!” Regris ordered, but she didn’t react. She kept trying to attack. Regris brought out a tablet from his pack as he dodged her strikes; he was grateful for having it, having been shown how to take photos with it. Using it, he snapped some pictures of Katie before jumping for Kosmo. “Time to go!”

Kosmo wasted no time teleporting Regris back to the other green lion. Pidge looked back at him.

“How was she?” Pidge inquired.

“Not good.” Regris showed the image. Katie’s rage, being caught mid-strike, and her eyes glowing a vivid purple. “That stuff… Haggarium? It definitely spread from the lions and into Katie, and most likely the other paladins.”

“Oh no...” Pidge looked horrified.

“Isn’t there anything we can do?” Lance inquired.

“Yeah, duck!” Hunk called as the other Voltron tried to strike them again. They dodged out of the way.

“Pidge, analysis.” Keith ordered. “What are our advantages and disadvantages.”

“Advantages? Experience. Vince. Um...” Pidge wasn’t sure. He didn’t know enough about the other Voltron to know what they had on them. “Disadvantages? Size difference. Lack of knowledge of their weapons. They’re powered up by Haggarium.”

“Power!” Hunk spoke up. “Can’t we just find a way to power them down?”

“Yeah.” Chip nodded. “If they’re anything like your Voltron, then they’ll end up running out of power, even with the Haggarium in them.”

“That’s a negative.” Regris informed. “Their Voltron runs on quintessence, an extremely powerful energy source found in everything. It’s only in special events, like when we were thrown apart suddenly or they got struck with the Komar, a device created to extract the quintessence from planets, that they seem to be fully drained. But they recharge in the end, even without their castle to help replenish them.”

“In other words, we’ll run out of power long before them.” Pidge huffed.

“What about the cold?” Keith inquired. “Can’t we utilize blue center and freeze them?”

“I don’t know how long the ice will hold, but it could help slow the Haggarium infection in them like it has been for Sven.” Pidge nodded.

“Right. Okay, Larmina, time to activate blue center.” Keith said.

“About time!” Larmina nodded and got the change activated, her lion taking the position of the head. “Time to form that trident!” She smirked as the trident formed. She got them to attack Voltron, trying to freeze them. While some of the movements were slower, the other robot was still able to fight. Thankfully, though, the sword and shield were gone, but it was replaced with the shoulder cannon.

“Oh, right, that weapon.” Hunk chuckled nervously.

“Let’s get out of the way!” Keith called. They got their Voltron moved, dodging the shots.

“This is not gonna be easy.” Lance admitted. “Dammit.”

“Guys, I may be able to do something.” Vince spoke up. “When we were on Crydor, I worked with the other Pidge to help her bond with her lion, making their weapon stronger so she could better fight the robeast there. I may be able to tap into Voltron from one of the lions. My guess? The black lion because that’s the head of Voltron.”

“Their Keith is going to put up a fight.” Regris informed. “And with everyone still active, Voltron will continue fighting and may even push you out of any connection.”

“Okay, then we take them all down.” Lance informed. “Daniel, take over Red.”

“What? Really?” Daniel looked excited. “I mean, I can help with taking the paladins down.”

“Nah, kid, leave that to me. Experience and all, it’ll go faster.” Lance smirked as he got up. He got Daniel to take his place in piloting the red lion.

“We have to be careful to not actually hurt them, though.” Chip pointed out. “Especially Katie!”

“And they’re not pushovers.” Regris informed. “Hunk and Lance are both long range fighters, but even they picked up on physical combat skills since leaving their planet. Allura’s had royal training since she was a child apparently. Keith’s been training most of his life in combat. And Pidge is extremely nimble and adaptable. She was even apparently able to take down her entire team when they were fighting her while dealing with mind controlling mushrooms.”

“Mind controlling mushrooms?” Daniel asked, trying not to snort with laughter.

“Right. So, be quick and careful. Good thing we’re not her team, so she won’t know how to fight us.” Lance stated.

“Don’t underestimate her, she spends a lot of time watching people and studying.” Regris informed.

“And uh… you guys know those clips I have and use for Voltron Force promotional videos?” Vince asked. “I think she was watching those the other night… So… uh...” Vince cringed a bit. He feared this would bite them back.

“As much as I want to help Katie, I can’t bring myself to hurt her.” Chip admitted.

“You may have to.” Keith reminded.

“Actually, he may not. Hunk and Lance are poorer than the others in close combat, right?” Pidge looked back at Regris and nodded. “I think Lance and Chip are best to fight them. And then possibly Allura. Which means you can fight Katie and Keith; you seem to know those two best. And we’ll have Vince with you. Kosmo can go back and forth and help, especially teleporting you guys to different lions.” As much as Pidge wanted to help, he knew he was needed in Voltron this time.

“You guys handle the paladins on the inside, we’ll try to keep Voltron at bay from out here. And hopefully the cold will help keep the Haggarium from getting worse.” Keith sighed.

“Okay.” Regris nodded. “Ready, Kosmo?” Kosmo huffed with a nod. He teleported Regris and Vince to the other green lion first before teleporting to the red and then yellow lions of that reality’s Voltron, gathering Lance and Chip. He took them to the other Voltron’s yellow lion, Hunk being their first target.

“Okay, big guy, let’s tussle, huh?” Lance smirked, seeing paladin Hunk. Hunk got up and pulled his bayard with him; doing so thankfully deactivated Voltron’s shoulder cannon. He transformed it into his Gatling gun, ready to open fire in the lion.

“You have gotta be kidding me!” Lance yelped. Kosmo teleported him and Chip to the lion’s hold just as Hunk started to shoot at them. “Okay, yeah, he is definitely ready to fight us.”

“Close combat, Lance.” Chip reminded. “You go for the front, I sneak around him.”

“Copy that, squirt.” Lance nodded.

They reentered the cockpit, or rather they tried to. Paladin Hunk was waiting for them at the door as it opened and he charged, ramming into pilot Lance slammed him into a wall, pinning him there.

“I thought Regris said he was a long distance fighter!” Lance shouted.

“He also said he and their Lance were picking up other skills.” Chip reminded. He jumped at Hunk’s back, clinging to him and putting him into a choke hold. “C’mon, Hunk, I feel bad for fighting you, I’d even feel bad fighting a kid, but you gotta go down.” Hunk wasn’t listening and moved back, shoved his back, and Chip, into a wall. “Oof! C’mon, let’s not do this.” Hunk slammed him again. “I know this movie.” Another slam. “Just… go… down, please...”

Hunk was slowing down. His fourth slam wasn’t as hard. The paladin then went down on his knee before falling over, rolling to his back and landing on Chip.

“Oh, I got you.” Lance got Hunk rolled back over enough for the ninja scientist to slip out from under him. “You okay?”

“Now I know how the Dread Pirate Roberts feel.” Chip groaned.

“Well,” Lance checked Hunk, sighing in relief when he found a pulse, “he’s down but alive. Good job.”

“I won’t envy his headache when he wakes, but for now I hope he rests well.” Chip mumbled. He then sat up. “Okay, one down, two to go.”

With Regris and Vince not needing Kosmo yet, the wolf took them to paladin Lance. Quicker in his reaction, paladin Lance got out of his seat with his bayard, forming it into an energy blaster. He wasted no time firing at the two.

“Well, glad to know my counterpart is quick to respond. Sucks that he’s trying to shoot me.” Lance admitted.

“Let’s get close.” Chip ran around the other Lance and then slid at him, kicking at his feet. The paladin just about caught himself, but pilot Lance went at him, aiming a punch and knocking him into a wall. It was enough to take him down for the time being.

“We got Hunk and Lance down, next up is the princess.” Lance reported.

“Good, we need to get to Keith now.” Vince said. Kosmo heard the comms and teleported to them.

“How is Katie?” Chip asked.

“She’s uh… got another nosebleed.” Vince sounded nervous.

“Oh no...” Chip was worried.

“We’ll take care of them later, for now, we got a princess to fight.” Lance reminded. Kosmo appeared again. “Ready, pup?” The wolf huffed and took the two to the blue lion.

Allura got up and went at them, her bayard in the form of a glaive. She fought against Lance first, quick to knock him down. When Chip tried to go at her, her bayard shifted, turning into an energy whip. She snagged it around his waist and flung him to the side. Yeah, after getting crushed by paladin Hunk, he was definitely feeling it.

“Chip, you good?”

“Ugh...”

“Okay, Princess, I really hate to hit you, but-” Lance didn’t get to finish when Allura caught his leg with her whip and pulled it out from under him, forcing him into a split. “OH!”

Chip was knocked down, yes, but he wasn’t down for good. He brought out small throwing stars and threw them at Allura, getting them to stick to her armour. “This may come as a shock to you.” Literally, apparently. Allura was electrocuted, the paladin shouting as she went down to her knees, but she wasn’t defeated yet.

Lance used this as his opportunity. He got up and punched the princess in the face, though the visor of her helmet protected her a bit. She still went down and smacked her head against the floor, getting rendered unconscious.

“Okay, I just punched a princess. I better not get executed for this.” Lance said. “Oof.” He rubbed his legs. “I do not like the splits. Chip? How are you?”

“Ready for a nap...” Chip grumbled. “Vince, Regris?”

“We’re still working on Keith.” Vince reported. “Or rather Regris is.”

Chapter Text

The plan was simple. Fight Katie and then fight Keith. How hard could it be?

Harder than Vince anticipated. Katie was small, agile, and already knew how to fight Regris for the most part. She went at the Blade with force, getting around him to the best of her abilities. Regris kept trying to grab her; restraining the green paladin was the best way to stop her and take her down. However, catching her was the hard part and restraining didn’t always work. Sometimes she could get away and retaliate.

Katie was resilient, capable of both short and long range attacks. And word of advice? Never get caught by her bayard; she had a nasty habit of electrocuting her opponents.

She shot her bayard in its hookshot form at Regris when she evaded him. When it got wrapped around him, she gave him a good shock, causing the Blade to cry out.

Vince was quick to react. He went at Katie and tackled her from behind, making her drop her bayard and cease the electrocution. “C’mon, behave and just… you know, stop this!” he pleaded.

Katie tried to fight him off. They tussled a bit until Katie finally got the upper hand. She managed to get up with Vince still holding onto her. She pried him off and threw him off, the cadet hitting the floor and bouncing a bit before landing on Regris, the half-Galran still reeling from the electricity. When Vince got back up, he got an unexpected surprise.

Katie removed her helmet and chucked it right at his face, knocking him back and over the Blade. He ended up with a bloody nose from that strike.

“Oh snart!” Vince called out, not liking the pain or the sudden gush of blood; he wouldn’t have been surprised if his nose was broken or something along those lines. He realized he should have had his armour activated and helmet on, but it was a bit late for that at the moment.

With Katie’s helmet off, that meant her head was her weakest point. She went over to grab her bayard, but Regris managed to get a hold of himself and trip her with her tail. Before she could get up again or grab the bayard, he got up again and grabbed her, throwing her into a wall face first. Katie staggered as orange blood gushed before falling face first into the floor of the lion. When all would be said and done, perhaps Katie and Vince could joke later about being nosebleed buddies.

“Sorry, Pidge, hopefully you’ll forgive me for that.” Regris mumbled. He went over and propped her up against the wall. “Vince, go to the hold and get some rope or this thing she calls duck tape; I don’t trust leaving her unbound with that Haggarium.

“Right.” Vince nodded and went to the hold. It took him a moment to find something, but he did eventually find a roll of duct tape. He grabbed it and returned, quick to help Regris with binding Katie.

“We got Hunk and Lance down,” Lance reported over the comms, “next up is the princess.”

“Good.” Vince nodded, standing up after binding Katie. “We need to get to Keith now.” He smiled when Kosmo teleported to them; he pet the wolf.

“How’s Katie?” Chip inquired; it was obvious he was worried for his sister.

“She’s uh… got another nosebleed.” Vince responded, wiping his own nose.

“C’mon, let’s get up to Keith.” Regris said. Kosmo huffed and teleported them up to the black lion before going back to Lance and Chip to take them to the blue lion.

When in the black lion, Regris wasn’t surprised when Keith was quick to attack. The Blade was sure it was more of Keith’s hotheadedness and less of the Haggarium. Seeing them fight, Vince didn’t even need to be told to keep back. They were skilled, having trained for years; more than that, they trained against each other plenty of times. It was frightening and impressive, especially with Keith utilizing both his bayard in blade form and his luxite blade.

“Vince, Regris?” Lance and Chip were talking back and forth a bit before Chip checked in with them.

“We’re still working on Keith.” Vince responded. “Or rather Regris is.” Vince wanted to help, but how? He didn’t know anything on fighting either Keith, especially the half-Galran one. He then watched as he fought. Regris was using his tail trying to trip him up; the paladin wasn’t fully paying attention to his surroundings. He was too focused on his opponent.

That meant he wasn’t even noticing Vince.

Vince nodded. Like with Katie, he went to tackle Keith, though it wasn’t to knock him down. He activated his Voltcom and formed the wires. He clung to Keith’s back and grabbed for the bayard, trying to take control and shut it down. Keith reacted and tried to throw the cadet off his back, but the cadet wasn’t giving in that easily. Before long, he managed to grab the hand holding the bayard, connecting to it and getting it shut down.

“Good work.” Regris praised. He grabbed Keith by the leg with his tail and forced him over. Vince chose that moment to let go and jump back so the Blade could fling Keith to the side before tackling him. He used his tail to choke Keith, cutting off his oxygen. After a moment, the paladin passed out. “Keith is now down.” He nodded to Vince. “Good work back there; that helped.”

Vince beamed. It felt nice being praised like that, especially from someone who, though fairly young himself from an Earthling perspective, was far more experienced. “Now to try and see if I can connect with Voltron and help clear that Haggarium.” He went over to the controls and took hold of them, bringing forth his wires to connect further. “C’mon, c’mon, c’mon…”

As the paladins were taken down one by one, the larger Voltron was slowing down more and more, the attacks becoming less aggressive. Before too long, Voltron was still, though the purple lights indicating the Haggarium were still as bright as ever.

“All paladins are stopped.” Keith nodded. “Larmina, freeze their Voltron; that should help buy Vince time to get through to them.”

“Right.” Larmina used the trident to force the ice, moving their Voltron around to fully encase the other.

“C’mon, Vince, you got this...” Pidge whispered. He had faith in his cadet, but he was still worried. Haggarium was a tricky thing to deal with. He monitored the data he was getting from scans, hoping to see the Haggarium levels drop.

“Away team, what’s your status?” Keith inquired.

“Sore, but managing.” Chip responded. “I got Kosmo to take me to Katie so I can check on her.”

“We got this, don’t worry about us.” Lance assured.

“We’re good up here, too.” Regris reported. “Vince is doing… well, I suppose it’s his thing. I think he’s connecting to Voltron.”

“Right, well hopefully this works.” Keith sighed.

Vince worked to connect with Voltron. It was definitely different compared to tapping into the Voltron he knew, but it was still possible. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a dark place, streams of purple light going past. He reached and touched the stream, pulling his hand back. Haggarium!

“Guys? Guys! Where are you?!” Vince called. He looked as the area cleared up around him, showing small glowing spots. The paladins came into view, but they were curled in or sprawled out, looking to be in pain. “Pidge!” Vince ran for Katie first; he was liking the others, sure, but he felt he bonded with his mentor’s sister more. He knelt beside her, pulling her up into his arms. “Pidge, c’mon, speak to me.”

Katie whimpered. “This is… worse… than… the Komar...” She shuddered at the pain as purple electricity sparked from her.

“It’s okay, I’m gonna try to get rid of this. You’ll be fine.” Vince assured. He looked around to the others; they were in as bad of conditions as Katie. He laid the paladin back down. “I got this. So take it easy, okay?”

Vince went back to the middle, going down to his knees. He looked around again before putting his hands down on the… ground? Surface? He didn’t know what it was; he felt like he was in a sort of void but there was a solid surface for him to move on. He focused on his power and let his eyes glow blue as his wires formed.

His wires spread further than normal; he figured it was because he was inside Voltron’s subconscious. Working with things, he had to admit that it felt simultaneously harder and easier than helping Daniel before. He didn’t have the consciousnesses of others trying to take over, but the paladins’ Voltron was very different from the one he knew. It was both technological and alive. And the further he reached, the more he felt the energy.

Quintessence.

That’s what was corrupted. He gave a burst of his power, sending the blue glow known to him further. He gave another burst and it spread. He kept forcing his power until it covered the paladins. He looked around, smiling as they got back up, the purple glow leaving their eyes and turning bright blue.

“Okay, I’ve definitely got this.” Vince nodded. He wasn’t done yet, though; he still had Voltron to heal, and with the paladins doing better, they were lending a hand.

Chip was checking on Katie with Kosmo, the wolf licking his girl’s cheek. “You’ll be okay, Katie.” Chip brought out a handkerchief and wiped Katie’s nose with it, wiping away the orange blood. “Vince has this, he’ll get things cared for.” He then looked alarmed when a glowing energy surrounded the paladin. “Um, guys? Katie is glowing blue.”

“Allura is, too.” Lance reported, still in the blue lion.

“Same for Keith.” Regris added.

“What’s going on? Should they be glowing?” pilot Hunk asked, sounding worried.

“It may be from Vince.” Pidge speculated.

Chip watched Katie more. The glowing was there for a moment before dimming. He then looked around as the lights in the lion dimmed. When they came back on, instead of purple from the corruption, they were green. He smiled. “I think Voltron’s back online.”

“We have confirmation from out here, too.” Pidge chuckled. “The lights are blue and yellow again!”

“Vince, what’s your status?” Keith inquired.

“He’s exhausted, but he’ll be fine.” Regris assured. “And our Keith is waking up.”

“So’s the princess.” Lance added.

Chip looked to Katie when she opened her eyes. “Katie’s waking up, too.” He looked to Kosmo and patted him. “Help Lance to the other Lance ad Hunk so he can check on them, okay?” The wolf nodded and disappeared. “Hey, Katie, it’s okay. You’re gonna be fine now.”

Katie took a moment before looking down at herself. “Huh.” she grunted. “Not my first time waking up and finding myself bound by duct tape. At least I wasn’t taped to a wall this time.”

Chip chuckled. “You may need to tell that story another time.” he said.

They got the Voltrons separated and the others returned to the castle. The paladins were given check-ups, looked over and scanned to make sure there was no lingering Haggarium in any of them.

“I can’t believe you had me in a choke hold. That’s just mean.” Paladin Hunk whined.

“Well, if it’s any consolation, you did try to crush me.” Chip said. “And succeeded.” He stretched, getting his back to pop. “Oof.”

“Anyway, Pidge,” Commander Keith looked to the green pilot, “what’s their status?”

“There is no Haggarium in any of them, not even Vince.” Pidge nodded. “They’re back and safe.”

“Good.” The commander let out a sigh of relief. “Yeah, rest is definitely needed for you guys. You, too, Vince. You earned it.”

“What about me? I was forced to be more flexible than expected thanks to the princess here.” pilot Lance chuckled, pointing his thumb at Princess Allura.

“Sorry about that.” The princess chuckled nervously.

“Here.” Adam handed pilot Lance a cup of coffee.

“Pure bliss in liquid form, thank you, God.” The red pilot smiled as he accepted the mug.

“Ah, you can just call me Adam.” Adam teased, earning a snicker from the pilot.

“Hmm...” Pidge was looking at the data. “Don’t get me wrong, this was a horrible experience. But… I think it gave me some insight.”

“For what?” Chip inquired.

“For helping Sven.” Pidge nodded. “I’m going to write up some things and send them to Ulaz; I think we’ve got this figured out.”

“Glad to know everything worked out.” Katie hummed, holding an ice pack over her nose. Vince sat next to her, doing the same. “And next time we fight? Let’s have it more controlled and less mind-controlled.” She leaned back. “I feel like I stayed up all night not studying. Again.”

“At least we weren’t dealing with brain sucking mushrooms again.” paladin Keith chuckled. “Anyway, yeah, I agree in the end. Rest is needed.”

Chapter Text

“Aww, who’s a cute little viking. You are, yes you are!” paladin Lance cooed, though he kept his voice clear. A young baby was propped up against Kosmo’s side, cooing and giggling at Lance. This was Erik, Sven’s son. He was brought to Arus to be cared for and made sure that he recovered from any Haggarium that could have been in him. He was clear, healthy, and awaiting his father’s return.

“Wow, you’re really good with children.” Daniel pointed out.

“Mm-hmm.” paladin Lance nodded. “I’ve got a niece and nephew back home.” He smiled at paladin Hunk. “So does Hunk. So we have experience with kids.” His attention turned back to Erik when the baby got fussy.

“Uh… he doesn’t need his diaper changed, does he?” Larmina asked, grimacing at the thought.

“Nah, he wants attention, right buddy?” Paladin Lance gently poked Erik in the stomach, making him giggle. “Yeah, you want good ol’ uncle Lancey to adore you.”

Kosmo rolled his eyes and huffed before nosing the baby. He gently licked his cheek, making the child squeal with joy as he tried to reach over and hug him. Like paladins Lance and Hunk, even Kosmo made a good babysitter.

“My queen, are you sure this is a good idea?” an older woman asked as she watched the others. “The animal...”

“I wouldn’t worry, Nanny, I think Kosmo’s doing well.” Queen Allura stated. “And he seems so gentle. I don’t think there’s going to be a problem.” She looked over to Katie. “Right?”

“He does well with mice, my floofs, an alien cat we know, and the Lances, so I think so.” Katie assured from the computers, working on something with Adam, Regris and Vince. She was working with her Hunk, but the moment Nanny arrived with Erik, he was gone so he could fuss over the baby. Pidge and Chip would have been working with her, but she forced Chip to go with Pidge as he and Princess Allura went to Crydor to get Sven healed and to collect him and Ulaz. She wanted some space away from the stifling brothers; don’t get her wrong, she was happy to have brothers, but she liked her space, too.

“Why single us out?” pilot Lance asked. “Not cool, kid.”

“Eh, you get used to it.” paladin Lance said. “I think.”

“Anyway,” Katie stretched, “Regris and I are off.”

“Where to?” paladin Keith asked. “You can’t just run off at any given moment. And you spent enough of Chip’s money on junk.”

“Tech, Keith. Tech.” Katie reminded, grinning like the gremlin she was. “Junk would be my trashadins. What I found was tech. Anyway,” she waved it off, “Regris and I have an actual job we’re doing.”

“With the help of the Hunks, we were designing some drones to drop around the area near the ship.” Regris informed. “We’re sure we’ve got the signal set so we can monitor the area and make sure the ship and comet are safe until we’re able to get them back.”

“I’ll be here on standby monitoring the signal, making sure they go online.” Adam added.

“See? It’s not just a leisure trip, it’s actual productive stuff.” Katie informed. “So, we’re heading off. If the others get back before us? Tell them I was abducted by aliens.”

“Uh… why?” Pilot Hunk was amused by that, but he was also very confused.

“Because it’ll make Ulaz, Chip, and Pidge panic a bit before realizing I’m being mischievous.” Katie said. “Ciao.” She walked off with Regris.

“Er… um...” Vince went after them. He knew he should’ve remained on Arus, just in case they needed Voltron, but he also wanted to talk with Katie. “Hey, can I go with you guys? You know, to help out?”

Katie smiled. “Yeah, sure thing.”

“We’re not taking Kosmo with us?” Vince inquired.

“He seems to enjoy snuggling with Erik, so I figured he’d be fine here.” Katie informed. She went to her lion. The drones already inside the hold. Once in and ready, she took off, heading back to the Tel-Galax Exploration Shuttle.

Vince was silent for a moment. Sure, he wanted to talk with Katie, but he didn’t know if he should around Regris. Well, he seemed close with the paladin, perhaps things would be fine. “Hey, Pidge? Regris? Can you guys keep a secret?”

“Hmm?” Katie looked back. “Yeah. I think I can.”

“I was born and raised in a group built on knowledge and secrets.” Regris pointed out. “I can do that much.”

Vince nodded. “Do you think, say if someone else was infected with Haggarium but through a different method… do you think how Sven’s being healed will work on that person?”

Katie thought it over. “We came out clear after that ordeal… so you mean someone else you know.” she said. “But I don’t think one of the pilots, otherwise Pidge would be more frantic. And the secrecy has me led to believe this is then about Daniel.”

“Wow, you’re good.” Vince was amazed she figured it out that easily. “You see, before you guys arrived, before Allura chose to step up as queen, I was working with this mind-link interface for Voltron to better connect the pilots to it. I guess it’s a bit like what you guys have going for you.” He stopped to think about it. “I wonder if I can resume that after understanding you and your lions...”

“About Daniel and Haggarium.” Regris gently prompted, getting Vince back on track.

“Oh, right. Anyway, Daniel tried it and his consciousness was put into Voltron. He was able to fully control Voltron.” Vince sighed. “Sky Marshal Wade, one of the biggest snartbags of the universe, escaped during his trial and joined up with the Spider robeast we’ve dealt with before.” He stopped. “Er, I should explain that one. It’s this spider robeast that can cocoon itself with ships and integrate that tech to itself. And it tried that with Dan as Voltron. The robeast tried to take him over completely, it was this whole mental battle.”

“But you did your best to save him, right?” Pidge asked. “With your interface abilities and Vincergy?”

“Yeah.” Vince nodded. “But from his consciousness, Daniel got infected. And it’s spread to his body and...” He sighed. “I was wondering. Do you think that the methods being used on Sven would work on Daniel, too?”

Katie thought it over. Would it work? They were both Haggarium infections, right? However, from her understanding, they both got the infection years apart and in different ways. “How did Sven get his infection?”

“From Haggar’s cat apparently.” Vince informed. “According to Daniel, the injury healed but inside the infection remained and came back or something.”

Katie nodded. “To be honest, I don’t know. On one hand, this could be a cure all for any and every Haggarium infection.” she informed. “On the other hand, it may not work. Sven’s came from a different source years ago.”

“Twelve years, to be more precise.”

“Long time.” Katie sighed. “Which means this infection could differ, especially since Daniel got it from a different method.” She offered Vince a smile. “But even if it doesn’t work on him, there’s a lot of research in it and other understandings, plus your own power. Something can be found out further. It’s like other viruses. As they evolve, science around them does, too, and you use the old to find ways to combat the new.”

Vince smiled. Katie did have a point. “Yeah. Thanks. Hopefully we can figure this out then.” Though he hoped for that, he was worried. What if they couldn’t, especially without Pidge? Pidge planned on going to the other reality with Katie; he was a genius and could figure anything out and he’d be gone.

“Oh? Hey, we’re here.” Katie pointed out, pulling Vince from his thoughts. “Let’s get this job done.”

“Do you know how worried I was?” Pidge asked, arms crossed. “Going off like that without telling me. I would have gladly gone with you. Instead I get back here and the others tell me you were abducted by aliens!”

“Yeah. Though that isn’t entirely innaccurate.” Katie hummed. “Just twisted.”

“Hmm.” Pidge grunted a bit, his expression saying he was not amused.

“After all, I’m the alien and I abducted Vince.” Katie had this goofy, mischievous grin on her face. This got her fellow paladins and Adam to snicker a bit. She then smiled when she noticed Sven, the man himself looking at peace, especially as he held his son. “Feeling better?”

“Much.” Sven nodded. He looked to Erik and smiled. “Thank you, everyone. You didn’t give up on me. Because of that, I can be with my son again. And I can go home.”

“And we’ll make sure you get home safely.” Queen Allura assured. “I got into contact with Romelle earlier and she is anticipating yours and Erik’s arrival.”

“Thank you.” Sven nodded. “Until then,” he chuckled when he saw his son reach for Kosmo as he cooed, “it looks like he took a shine to your wolf.” He went over and put Erik down with Kosmo, the wolf curling around the cooing baby.

“Giant wolves are very lovable.” Katie hummed. She smiled softly at Sven playing with his son while Kosmo acted as a support for the baby. Seeing the interaction, it made her think of her family. She missed her parents so much. She looked forward to going back and finding them. But she also wondered about her family of that reality. “Um… hey, Pidge? Chip?” She went to the twins. “Er… when I was a baby… do you remember how things were? You know… with me? Our parents? You guys?”

The twins were shocked at the question before happiness hit them, even pulling them from their prior worry and frustration about their sister taking off like she did earlier. “Yeah,” Chip nodded, “you were actually pretty quiet. Minimal crying, very observant.”

“You kept trying to steal my glasses to wear them.” Pidge added. “You were sweet. One of us would hold you while the other would tickle you or feed you when our parents couldn’t. It was nice.”

Katie smiled. Even there, she was really loved. While it still was a lot to take in that her brothers wanted to go with her, she had to admit, it would be nice, too. She didn’t want to say it out loud yet, but she was sure that if they stuck to that plan, when her parents would meet them, they’d gladly accept them into the family, too.

Chapter Text

“Regris, you’re moping.”

“No, I’m not.”

“The spines on your tail are laying flat.”

“And your point is?”

“I’ve known you for deca-phoebs, I know what those spines going down means.” Paladin Keith looked over to Regris who was idly poking things on the monitor, not even doing actual work.

“What’s his problem?” pilot Lance asked.

“He’s upset that our Pidge is away for the quintant.” paladin Keith responded.

“Quin...”

“Quintant. Day.” The half-Galran waved it off. “He’s grown attached to her.”

“Aww, tail boy got a crush?” Pilot Lance smirked.

“Everyone in the Blade of Marmora who met her adores her.” paladin Lance spoke up from further away, playing video games with the cadets; they stole Katie’s findings for a moment, setting up the system and played together while she was out. “I think it’s the equivalent to people adoring kittens or ferrets.”

“Yeah, and she sneezes like a kitten, too.” paladin Hunk chuckled.

Much, much further away and in the green lion, Katie sneezed, the sound much like that of a kitten sneezing. She grumbled as she removed her helmet to clean the inside of it.

“Oh my stars.” Chip stared with wide eyes. “That is so adorable!”

“It’s just a sneeze.” Katie reminded. She finished with her helmet before putting it back on, getting the full visor activated again. “Anyway, what exactly are we doing? I know we’re going to Balto, but...”

“You know, siblings hanging out.” Pidge informed. “And to show you our planet. I mean, the original Balto was destroyed years ago, but with the new one built up...”

“Pidge doesn’t go back often enough. The last time after several years was because we were attacked and turned into Haggarium filled ninja scientist zombies.” Chip informed.

“That sounds like a cheesy flick.” Katie snorted. “You kicked ninja butt, right?”

“Why would I do that?!” Pidge yelped. “They’re my people! One of them my own brother!”

“Really? When my team was controlled by brain sucking mushrooms, I didn’t have too much regret kicking their butts.” Katie informed. “And I apologized after, mainly because I knew I exploited their weaknesses that I’ve kept tabs on by observing them. And then when I found Matt, we fought. I didn’t recognize him. Kicked his butt big time.” She smirked. “I felt proud.”

“I’m beginning to think that our sister’s a bit evil.” Pidge whispered.

“I’m honestly glad I didn’t fight her during that Haggarium infection...” Chip mumbled. “She’d have taken joy in fighting me, I think.”

“Fighting a ninja scientist? Hmm.” Katie smirked. She then sighed. “Anyway… sibling bonding… aren’t we getting enough of that after all this?” Her brothers looked to her. “The others overheard you guys talking. Vince, Daniel, and Larmina… and they told me. You two plan on going with me...”

“Katie...” Pidge sighed.

Katie shook her head. “You guys have lives here. Friends. This is your reality. And you’re just gonna leave it...” She didn’t bother looking to the twins. “I don’t know. On one hand, it’s reckless. You’re just leaving everything and everyone behind and the probability of coming back is very, very minimal. But on the other hand, I appreciate it. Having my brothers with me… and I know Mom and Dad and Matt would love you two…” Katie let go of her lion’s controls and curled up in the seat. “I’m conflicted. I don’t want to take you away from the others. But I also want you with me. I don’t want to be selfish...”

“Heh. That’s what our thought was, too.” Pidge put a hand on his sister’s back. “We didn’t want to be selfish. Though I guess we are being selfish with deciding on our own to go with you.” He chuckled. “And it’s not surprising that the others overheard us. Kids will be kids, huh?”

“Katie, we’re making our peace with things. And honestly? We’d regret it more if we didn’t go with you.” Chip informed. He went around the chair a bit and just plopped himself over the teen, hugging her; Pidge did the same on the other side. “We found you and we’re not gonna lose you. Even if we have to travel to another reality and try to understand things there.”

“It’d be an adventure, though, and a great learning experience.” Pidge added.

Katie smiled and sniffled a bit. She then shoved her brothers away so she could remove her helmet. “Okay, you can hug me now.” And they did. “But… is Vince really ready? He’ll be taking over the green lion, right?”

Pidge nodded as he let go. He leaned against the side of the cockpit. “For the most part, yeah, I think he is.” he said. “He’s brilliant. He’s adaptable. He’s eager to learn. And he’s not alone. He has friends and the other pilots to help him if he struggles.” He smiled; he was proud of his student. He would definitely miss him when it was time to split ways. “His only thing that needs more work? His confidence. He gets down at times, trying to find his place. But he’s already found it, over and over again. I have faith that he’s got this. And… I think it’ll be time to promote him when we get back to Arus. Actually, I think that’s long overdue.”

Katie smiled and nodded. “I know it’s stressful and worrying for him, but… I should pick out a gift for him while we’re on Balto. To congratulate him with.” She thought it over a moment. “Er… Chip? Can I borrow your money card again?”

Chip laughed as he hugged his sister more. “Of course.” he hummed. “Now, let’s get going. By the time we reach Balto, it’ll be perfect. Not too hot out, dark out and lit up by the city lights. There’s a lot to see and hear there. Plus, there’s a neat music store and I think you’d like some of the music we get around there. Especially Stereolactic.”

“Well, at least everything is colour coded.” Regris commented. He ran the information through his translator so he could read it. “Your Pidge really likes tinkering and updating things, huh?”

“Yeah, I’m trying to keep up with everything.” Vince nodded. “Thankfully he colour codes everything, so it’s easy to figure it out. At least for me.” He looked to Regris. “You seem used to colour coding.”

“Mm-hmm.” Regris nodded. “My own stuff is colour coded. And my Pidge and I were able to work well together with that, too, since she does the same thing.”

“I wonder if it’s a Balton thing.” Vince hummed. “Or maybe a family thing.”

Regris shrugged. “Matt isn’t related, but he colour codes, too.” he informed. Regris’ tail spines went straight up when an alarm went off. “Okay, that is...”

“This.” Vince pressed an area on the screens to bring up surveillance from around the castle. There, he saw a particular Drule. Lotor. “Oh no! It’s Lotor!” He set up the PA system for the castle. “We’ve got an emergency! Lotor’s nearing the castle!”

“Er… I think someone slipped me some of the wrong nunvill.” Regris spoke up.

“What do you mean?” Vince asked.

“Well… I’m seeing four Lotors.” Regris showed another screen, three more of the Drule.

Vince blinked. He then checked other footage. “Uh, guys, do you copy?”

“What’s the matter, Vince?” Commander Keith responded. “We’re on our way to the lions; you need to get to the green lion, too.”

“Yeah. There’s a problem. There’s an army of Lotors out there!” Vince reported.

“Oh boy… that can’t be good.” pilot Hunk commented.

“Oh, it’s definitely good.” Princess Allura sounded a little malicious there. “I don’t mind destroying a bunch of them.”

“Okay, the princess is kinda intimidating.” pilot Lance admitted.

“Anyway, Vince, you need to hurry up so we can form Voltron and handle this situation quickly.” Commander Keith reminded.

“R-right...” Vince looked worried.

“Vince, you should head to the green lion.” Regris said. “They need you out there.” He looked when Queen Allura, Adam, Ulaz, and Daniel ran in. “I’ll work on contacting Katie.”

“No, for now we should leave them be.” Queen Allura informed. “We can handle this here with what we have.” She didn’t want to bother the siblings during their outing and she was sure they had enough to work with. Plus, this was just a bunch of Lotors. How hard could it be? Even with the different Lotor clones taking on forms with the Haggarium that the Voltron Force had seen, they were managing pretty well. Though things would have gone much easier with Voltron.

Vince was delaying going to the green lion. As he delayed, he just helped in the castle, monitoring the area and running security. And for the most part, they didn’t need the full formation of Voltron.

At least until a robeast showed up.

“What kind of robeast is that?” Adam asked. “It’s like some sort of chimera.”

“Oh no!” Queen Allura looked worried. “It’s the predator robeast.”

“Uh, predator robeast?” paladin Hunk asked. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“Yeah. And it’s the only one we couldn’t defeat.” pilot Lance pointed out. “Dammit...”

“We didn’t have green center at that time.” Commander Keith pointed out. “Vince, we need you now!”

“But… I...” Vince was uneasy.

“Vince, it’s okay. You’ve piloted lions before. You know how to work with the green lion.” Queen Allura reminded. “What is holding you back?”

“I...” Vince shook his head. “Because if I do, then Pidge will definitely leave.” He got the words out. “We over heard you guys… Pidge… Pidge and Chip are going to be leaving with their sister… and… I’m not ready to lose him.”

Queen Allura was understanding of the situation. She pulled Vince away from the others to talk with him, even silencing his comms on his Voltcom. “I know you don’t want to lose Pidge, none of us do. But he’ll be happy going with Katie to stay with her.” she reminded. She gently caressed Vince’s cheek, reminding him of a mother trying to soothe her child. “And he wouldn’t go without being certain that you’ve got this.”

“What if I’m not ready?” Vince asked. “I’m not exactly brave, I still make mistakes, I can be a bit reckless...”

“On your own, you’re not. But none of us really are.” the former pilot reminded him. “But that’s why there’s a team. You guys will look after each other and help one another along the way.” She smiled serenely. “I know you can do this, Vince. And I know you’re going to miss Pidge, we all will. But he won’t be gone forever.” She poked him in the chest. “He’s always going to be here. You have your memories and admiration of him to hold onto.”

Vince smiled softly and nodded. “Thanks, Allura.” He was quick to hug her before putting his comms back on. “Okay, guys, I’m coming. Then it’s time to show this robeast what we’re made of.” He ran off to the port to take him down to the green lion’s den.

“Should I try to contact our Pidge?” Regris asked, looking back at Allura.

“No, I’m sure our Voltron will have this.” the queen assured. “I’m sure Vince has this.”

Chapter Text

Vince got to the green lion and joined the others. He looked back. No Pidge to guide him. But maybe he didn’t need him physically. It was like his Allura said, Pidge was always going to be in his heart. Nodding, he got himself motivated.

“Okay team, time to form Voltron, green center!” Keith announced.

Vince triggered the green centered formation, getting them together. He activated Voltron’s boomerang shield and readied the team to fight the robeast.

“What about the Lotor clones?” Vince inquired.

“Don’t worry, we got that handled.” paladin Keith assured, the black lion running past to tackle one of the clones and destroy it.

“You know what? I’m gonna miss this two Voltron team up.” pilot Lance chuckled.

“Well, they’re not gone yet, so let’s have fun while we can.” pilot Hunk hummed.

They went at the robeast, fighting it as hard as they could. With Vince piloting the green lion and as the head, he was able to apply his power to Voltron even more, making them stronger against the Haggarium. It was definitely going more smoothly than the first time they went against that thing.

The team kept at the fight until the robeast was destroyed and the Lotor army was decimated. Even when a Lotor infiltrated the castle, the others were able to defeat him with ease.

Once again, Arus was safe thanks to Voltron, defender of the universe. And thanks to Vince stepping up. He would always miss Pidge after he leaves, but he was also proud to fill in for the pilot of the green lion. He hoped Pidge was just as proud as him.

When the others returned to the castle, they congratulated Vince on coming through and helping out. Queen Allura was especially proud; she knew he was nervous, but he was able to press through it.

“I knew you could do this.” the queen praised, smiling warmly. “And I know Pidge will be happy when he hears of this.”

“And it looks like you’re ready to take over for the green lion.” Commander Keith informed. “We heard that you kids found out.” He eyed them before sighing. “You guys found out. And we probably should’ve said so sooner, but it looks like you handled things.”

“Yeah.” Vince nodded. “I still am sad that he’s gonna be leaving, but… I think I’m ready. Both to be the pilot and for him to go when it’s time.”

Commander Keith put a hand on Vince’s shoulder. “We’ll be sure to tell him when he gets back.”

“And maybe celebrate your promotion.” pilot Lance chuckled. “A party sounds good.”

“Ooh! I should get to cooking then!” paladin Hunk cheered.

“Before that, was anyone gonna tell us paladins that our Pidge is gonna be bringing her brothers?” paladin Lance asked. “Not that I mind, but...”

“It was kinda obvious that they would decide upon it.” paladin Hunk admitted.

“Yeah, I saw it coming the moment I met Chip.” paladin Keith added.

“I swear you guys didn’t know and are just saying it because you want to feel smart...” paladin Lance muttered. “It’s like us realizing our Pidge was a girl all along all over again!”

“Anyway, let’s not think about it any further.” paladin Hunk said, nudging the red paladin a bit. “We’ve got better things to do and talk about. And I’ve got a kitchen full of Earth and Arusian foods to cook with.”

Vince chuckled as he listened to the others. They were definitely an intriguing group, especially with the addition of the paladins’ team. “Hey, maybe I can help out a bit? It may not be tech, but it does sound like fun.”

“Hey now, the guy we’re celebrating shouldn’t do work.” pilot Lance reminded.

“It’s not work when it comes to the kitchen.” paladin Hunk pointed out. “It’s bonding. So, c’mon! Let’s see what we can fix up!”

Further from Arus, there was a Drule ship. On board was Maahox, sighing as Lotor, yet again (and again, and again, and again), was destroyed. He would have to bring him back. As usual. However, the creepy scientist didn’t mind. The mission wasn’t so fruitless in the end.

While one of the Lotors was fighting those in the castle, Maahox sent a small robot in after him, extracting data from the computers. He couldn’t get as much as he hoped, the others teamed up well against the Drule king, but he did find something intriguing as he got it translated.

“A powerful comet, I see. And with connections to that other Voltron?” Maahox snickered rather evilly. “Oh, this is quite a turn of events.”

Katie was sure she would love Balto to some degree, but she found herself truly falling for the city. The technology being her main focus. Shops with varying electronics. The integrated technology into their daily lives. Sure, the hustle and bustle of people going about unnerved her, she didn’t always do well with people, but it was still nice and lively.

Pidge and Chip even had her meet some specific Baltons, some of them having remembered her as a little kid. They were pleased to learn she was alive and well; they were also a little heart broken but understanding that Pidge and Chip would be leaving with her. Of course, this led to them wanting to celebrate.

At some point the paladin separated from the partying group, going outside to get some air. She was grateful that Kosmo was with her, the wolf wanting to stay close this time. She found an area and sat with him, curling up against his side.

“This planet’s remarkable.” she said. “Even with all the light pollution, you can see the night sky. And there are so many shops here.” Kosmo whined and looked at her, getting his girl’s attention. “And despite all that, I don’t know what to get for Vince.” She sighed and snuggled into her wolf’s fur. “I mean, what do you get him? He likes tech. But what specifically?” She sat up more and ran her fingers through Kosmo’s fur, some of it shedding away. Soft. Fluffy.

And sparking an idea.

“Hmm, I think my predecessor left things in the lion….” Katie hummed. “Let’s get to the lion real quick.”

Kosmo nodded and got up with Katie. He took her back to the lion. Katie went to the storage hold and found some crates that were there long before she became a paladin. Her predecessor, Trigel, must have left them there; it was the only logical thing she could think of. She had gone through them before, but nothing further. Smiling, she found a sewing kit and some fabric. Trigel must have known how to sew then.

Katie herself didn’t know much on sewing. Hunk and Lance taught her some of the basics and she was sure she knew what to do. She found what she needed and put them in a smaller box. “Let’s go back outside, hmm?” Kosmo took Katie back outside and they returned to the park-like area they were before. There, Katie started working with the fabric, cutting it in different shapes and getting it ready.

She did her best to sew, getting the pieces together. She wondered if she would finish it that night, but she was dedicated to finish it before they left.

“Katie?” came a voice. “Katie!”

Katie recognized it as Chip’s voice. “Over here!” she called back. Before long, her brothers caught up to her.

“Katie, what’s up? You kind of vanished back there.” Pidge said. “You okay?”

“I don’t do too well in large groups.” Katie admitted. “Needed some fresh air. And! I thought to make Vince a gift instead.” She held up the blue fabrics she was putting together.

“It’s… uh… um...” Chip wasn’t sure. “What is it?”

“Not finished yet.” Katie pointed out. “And sewing isn’t my specialty. So don’t judge me.”

“Anyway, Katie, we’re gonna go to Chip’s apartment to get some of his stuff.” Pidge said. He wanted to bring her along, but he figured she was busy and in the groove of sewing. “So, we’ll let you chill here and we’ll do that. We’ll get his stuff to the green lion.”

“If she lets us in, we can go ahead and put them in storage?” Chip asked.

Katie nodded. “Sounds good.” she said. She got up. “Do you guys need help? We can get more done together, right?”

“Yeah, but we didn’t want to pull you from your project.” Pidge pointed out. “So don’t worry about us.” He poked his sister’s hands as they held the fabric, thread, and needle. “So you keep that up so we all know what Vince is getting.”

Katie nodded. “Thanks.” she said. She hugged her brothers. “Don’t get hurt moving supplies. I shouldn’t be hard to find if I stray from here.” She motioned to Kosmo. “I mean, a giant blue wolf is easy to spot.”

“Yeah.” Chip chuckled a bit. “Be good. And maybe we’ll get some dessert when we’re done.”

While Katie kept sewing, chilling with Kosmo, the twins went to Chip’s apartment, getting his stuff together. They didn’t bother with furniture, save for a few beanbag chairs he had, and mainly stuck with smaller items that were special to him. Going through the items, Pidge stopped and picked up a photo Chip still had. The twins were much younger and huddled together, a newborn Katie swaddled in a green blanket and supported by her brothers.

“I remember this day.” Pidge chuckled. “We were so excited to be big brothers.”

“If I recall correctly, we asked if we were gonna be big brothers or big sisters.” Chip reminded with a laugh.

“Yeah, we weren’t always geniuses.” Pidge admitted. He sat down on Chip’s bed as he looked at the photo. “I struggled looking at old photos for so long. It always hurt. But now? Now I can look at them since I know she’s okay.”

“And we’ll be staying with her to make sure she stays that way.” Chip sat with his brother. “We’ve got her back, Pidge. And it’s gonna take more than inter-reality travel to get rid of us.”

“Hell yeah, brother.” Pidge nodded. “Anyway, I’m gonna contact the team and let them know we’ll be getting this done and then heading back.”

“I’ll start getting some things ready to take down.” Chip informed. “Maybe we can ask Katie if we can get Kosmo to help us. Teleporting wolf and all, must make moving items easier.”

Chapter Text

“Aww! You made a Kosmo plush!” Chip cheered, finding the toy adorable as he held it while Katie flew back to Arus. “And he’s even wearing a cute graduation cap. Perfect for a promotion gift!”

“And you actually had the supplies already in the ship?” Pidge inquired.

“Yeah. Turns out that Trigel apparently sewed. At least I assume she did; I’ll have to ask Coran when we get back to my reality since he knew her and the others. Though maybe Allura knows, too.”

“Um… Who is Trigel?” Pidge asked.

“She’s my predecessor.” Katie informed. “The green paladin before me.”

“So there were other pilots?” Chip questioned, looking intrigued. “For all the lions?”

“Mm-hmm, my team isn’t the first. We’re the second team. Or… partially. Allura’s third for Blue, Lance is third for Red, and Keith is third for Black.” Katie informed. “Shiro was second for Black, Keith was second for Red, and Lance was second for Blue. I mean, we still count as second team even if some took over as third paladins...” She shook her head. “Anyway, I was studying up a bit on the paladins of old thanks to Coran; he’s been helping me learn since there are so many amazing things to find out from the science to the history of Voltron and the castle.” She grinned brightly. “Gyrgan was the previous yellow paladin; he and my Hunk have so much in common from what I learned. They both love using food as a means of bringing people together; you can’t talk peace on empty stomachs.” She snickered. “Then again, even your Hunk knows the perks of food and people.”

“Yeah, that’s true.” Pidge nodded. “What about the other paladins?” Unsurprisingly, he was curious. It was interesting to learn about these things, and with the plan of going to the other reality with his sister, he thought it was best to learn all he could.

“Yeah!” Katie nodded. “Then there’s Blaytz, the blue paladin. Apparently he was a very social person and got along with just about everyone. Coran once referred to him as the ultimate first, too; he was apparently banned from some planet long ago for flirting with the wrong person.” She shrugged. “Then there’s the red paladin. Alfor.”

“Alfor?” Chip asked. “Because the Alfor of this reality is Queen Allura’s late father.”

“Mm-hmm.” Katie nodded. “Alfor in our reality was Allura’s dad, too. According to Coran, he and Alfor, even before Voltron was created, they went on trips, some diplomatic and some otherwise, and they got into a lot of trouble. Pirates. Bar fights. Apparently the team that would become the paladins had to get them out of trouble a lot.”

“Team.” Pidge hummed. “That means a friend was the black paladin? Do tell. Who in their group became Voltron’s leader?”

“Well, this is-” Katie stopped when her lion indicated she was getting a call. “Oops, one tick.” She brought up the comm to show Regris and Adam in the castle. “Hey guys, what’s up?”

“Just calling with a bit of a shopping list.” Adam waved a note around. “Vince was dragged off to the town by some of the others and some of us are setting things up so we can celebrate.” He looked to Pidge. “I was informed that you contacted the team earlier and Vince will be promoted.”

“That’s right.” Pidge nodded. “So, we’re having a party for that? Sounds like fun.”

“And you guys need to pick up supplies.” Adam informed. He looked when Regris snatched his list and scanned it.

“I’m sending the list to you.” Regris informed.

Katie brought up the data when it was sent over; she translated it so she could read it. “Should be easy to get, right, guys?” She looked back at her brothers who nodded.

“We’ll be sure to get what we need on the way home; there’s a supply base nearby we can shop at.” Chip informed. “It’ll be easy.”

“We’ll do that then head back.” Katie nodded. “See you, soon.”

“Bring back something nice.” Regris called.

“Sure thing!” Katie confirmed.

“Wait… this stuff has been here for like a thousand years?” pilot Hunk asked, helping Princess Allura go through some crates in her blue lion. “Is this stuff even still good?”

“Actually, yes.” Allura nodded. “You see, Alteans had found a safe and effective way to store and preserve food, drinks, and medicine. It makes it easier when we would take supplies to planets in need so that they don’t expire and just in case we can’t go back for some time to drop off more things. We can drop off deca-phoebs worth of supplies and worry less.”

“Wow, Alteans really are prepared, huh?” Hunk chuckled. He opened one crate and brought out a bottle. “What’s it say?”

“Oh! Nunvill!” Allura grinned. She brought out another bottle and opened it, taking a drink. “Mmm!”

“Didn’t your Lance describe it tasting like hotdog water and feet?” Hunk wasn’t so sure about that.

“It’s actually really good. And a traditional Altean beverage served at parties.” the princess informed the pilot. “Though it goes best mixed in with Altean berry juice, especially red ausqoberry juice.” She went through the crate and found a bottle as well as an empty pitcher. She mixed the two drinks in the pitcher, the liquid looking pink. She poured a bit into each empty bottle and drank from one. “Much better.”

“Bottom’s up.” Hunk downed the drink before smacking his lips. “Hmm, that is good! Perfect for a party.” He smiled when he saw more bottles. “And it looks like there’s plenty.”

“And in this crate, too.” Allura checked another. “We’re good to go with this then.” She picked up one crate while Hunk got the other. “So this just leaves Daniel as the only cadet, right? Does that mean your Lance is retiring soon?”

“Huh?” Hunk looked perplexed.

“Well, since getting here, it looks like Daniel works more closely under Lance, so I figured he’s training to be the pilot of the red lion.”

“Ah, well, we’re not entirely sure yet.” Hunk informed. “He seems set on the black lion, but we’ll see what happens when the time comes.” He and the princess left the blue lion in time to see Katie’s green lion come in to land. “Hey, looks like they’re back.” He watched as the lion landed and opened up, the Balton siblings walking out with their bags of procured supplies. Then there was Kosmo; he stood out with a box balanced on his head. “Awww, that’s adorable.”

“Oh, assuming Earth or Balton customs are similar to Altean ones,” Allura spoke up, “then I’m sure that’s a gift box. For Vince, I assume?”

“Mm-hmm. Katie insisted on getting him a gift.” Pidge informed. “If my arms weren’t full, I’d hug her for being so sweet and adorable.”

“Well, let’s get this stuff inside and set up; the kids are out in town looking around. Your Hunk went out too to join them.” Hunk said as he headed back for the castle. The others went with him, dropping things off in the main hall where pilot Lance and Commander Keith were getting things set up.

“Hey, Allura, I thought you hated this sort of thing.” Lance commented.

“When they’re for me? Yes.” Queen Allura chuckled. “But for others? I quite enjoy parties.” She then smiled at the others coming in. “Ah, were your findings successful?”

“Mm-hmm.” Princess Allura nodded. “As I figured, Blaytz had things in the blue lion for special occasions. And now seems like a very special occasions.”

“Even we succeeded.” Pidge added. “Though I don’t see why we needed to get marshmallows...”

“Because some of us like them, including your sister, and we’re not allergic.” pilot Lance pointed out. “Now let’s finish up before the other kids get back.”

The others had gotten things put together. It wasn’t anything extravagant, mainly tables set up with foods paladin Hunk happily prepared and extra snacks and drinks brought in, but was it nice. By the time the cadets returned, they were finished up and ready to celebrate Vince’s promotion.

But first he had to be promoted.

“It’s a lot to take in.” Vince sighed as he stood before Pidge. “I don’t even know if I’m fully ready. But I think I’m ready enough.”

“Don’t worry, you’ve got a whole team to work with to help you out.” Pidge reminded. “Ready to uphold the duty and honour of defending Arus, defending your team and innocent lives, and defending the universe?”

Vince nodded. “I’m ready.”

Pidge held out his hand; Vince reached out and they grasped each others’ forearms, right past the wrists. Vince’s uniform changed colour, mimicking Pidge’s. It was official. He was the pilot of the green lion. Seeing this, knowing it was official, the others applauded. They congratulated Vince on coming so far, proud of him; even the team Katie arrived with were happy for him.

“Good job, Vince.” Daniel praised, doing the standard one-armed bro-hug. “You did great and you’ll keep doing great.” He chuckled a bit. “I guess all that leaves is me, huh?”

“Don’t worry, kiddo,” pilot Lance assured, “your time is soon, I’m sure.”

Vince smiled. “Thanks, Daniel.” he said. “I know you expected to be first, but...”

“Well, as they say, we save the best for last.” Daniel mused, laughing at his own joke. Vince laughed with him, amused.

“Now let’s celebrate!” pilot Hunk cheered. “I’m starving and other me’s cooking smells too good for me to hold out for much longer.”

A battle won. They came to terms with Pidge and Chip leaving soon. Vince was promoted. There was much to celebrate and the others truly did enjoy it. So, food, drinks, even music playing. It was enjoyable.

Even if something was off.

It wasn’t that an enemy was lurking, really, but after a few hours, it was easy to see that something wasn’t as it should be. Giggling. Erratic behaviour. Even Pidge and Chip acting stranger than usual and pilot Lance struggling to keep them in place; he got hit with a broom a few times by Pidge when he grabbed it.

Princess Allura found herself sitting next to her queenly counterpart, looking her own hands over. “You know what?” the princess asked. “I think I understand why that nunvill was in the blue lion. It was Blaytz’s batch that he got from Coran’s grandfather, I think.”

“Are you alright?” Queen Allura asked.

“I think this nunvill is getting to me.” the princess responded. “Why do I have fourteen fingers?”

“Oh dear.” The queen couldn’t help but chuckle as she took the princess’ glass from beside her and moved it further away. “I think we should put up the nunvill.”

“Yeah, I’ll say.” pilot Hunk sighed, holding Larmina and Danial over each shoulder, the two giggly and rather floppy in their moods. “We just got the kids drunk! Adam had to confiscate weapons from his Lance and Hunk, our Lance has his hands full with the twins, our Keith and Ulaz had to tackle Regris...”

“Oh dear.” Queen Allura was worried, sure, but she was highly amused. “Yup, let’s remove the nunvill and try to get the others to go to bed.” She got up, helping her counterpart to her feet. “Where are Vince and Katie, though?”

“Oh no… I hope they’re not causing trouble...” Hunk whined. “But Kosmo’s not here so maybe they went with him somewhere?”

Indeed, they did. Katie went out to get fresh air, Vince and Kosmo joining her. As happy and fun as the celebration was, it was good to just sit back and relax, even on the front steps of the castle.

Especially as Vince knew he felt weird.

“You think someone spiked this?” Vince asked, taking another drink of the nunvill. “I think Pidge and Chip were drunk. I thought Baltons couldn’t get drunk...”

“Nunvill’s weird and they actually ate marshmallows as the nunvill hit.” Katie took Vince’s glass and moved it away from him. “Careful or you may have a hangover.”

“Wait… is it alcoholic?”

“I’m feeling the fuzziness… yeah.” Katie nodded. “Still sober?”

“Buzzed. Man, I’m sixteen and I’m getting buzzed...”

“Eh, Matt was fourteen when he got buzzed because of a family get-together. It was an accident.” Katie chuckled. “Are you sober enough?”

“I think so.”

“Good.” Katie laughed when she leaned back, Kosmo nearly smacking her in the face as he leaned across her with the box, the ribbon around it held in his jaws. She carefully took it and handed it over. “I wanted to get you a celebration gift. Not only your hard work and becoming a full pilot, but for being an overall good friend and teammate out here.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything.” Vince assured. He still opened the box to see what the gift was. His eyes widened before he smiled and pulled out the plush wolf. It wasn’t fancy and it was definitely lopsided and imperfect, but he knew it was meant to be Kosmo.

“In a way I didn’t.” Katie hummed. “I made something.”

“I like it.” Vince said. “It’s really adorable.” He hugged it. “Thanks. Not that I’d forget you guys, you’re hard to forget, but this will definitely make sure I remember.” He then put his arm around Katie to hug her. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Katie hummed. She smiled when Kosmo moved to lay behind them. She leaned back, having a clear view of the sky. “Now then. The others are too out of it or busy for any fun, your head is probably spinning-”

“A bit, yeah.”

“-so let’s just chill and watch the stars. It’s a beautiful view here on Arus.”

Vince leaned back, too, looking to the starry sky. It was nice, even he could appreciate it in his tipsy state. “Yeah, it is.”

Chapter Text

Coran of the other reality was both similar and nothing like the Coran that the paladins knew and grew fond of. While the Altean Coran was eccentric, fun, and very much like an uncle, the Arusian Coran was a serious mentor. Seeing the situation, Katie already knew that the Altean, had he been there, would have been shocked at first before laughing it off and remembering his own youth. The Arusian was just concerned about the situation and their well-beings.

“My goodness!” Coran looked alarmed when he saw the others looking fairly miserable, like they were just defeated in a battle. “What happened here?!”

“Alcoholic nunvill.” Katie said as she sat with her game system, playing a bit before pausing. She looked over to the man and got up. “Which doesn’t taste different from regular nunvill, especially with berry juice added to it. And given our Coran’s reaction back in our reality? Not all nunvill is alcoholic.” She looked back at the others; some of the others were regaining consciousness, but they seemed to be rather miserable. “They’re just hungover.”

Coran sighed. “Goodness… and a number of you are children...”

“Yeah. Go figure.” Katie shrugged.

“Even Pidge and Chip?” He motioned to the ninja twins, the two still fast asleep.

“Yeah. Turns out while Baltoans can drink alcohol no problems in this reality, other reality drinks have an effect. At least nunvill. Altean drinks are intriguing, you know. Altean anything.” Katie shrugged. “Hey, Regris, you still alive?”

Regris grumbled. “No… I’m dead with regrets.”

“Is there perhaps a remedy for this?” Coran inquired.

“Way ahead of you.” Ulaz walked in with a tray full of cups. “My line of work, you learn how to handle patients simply ailed by hangovers. Too many commanders celebrating one night, complaining the next morning.” He handed Regris a cup, the other slipping his mask off just enough to down the contents. “They should be fine in a couple of vargas.” He went around to the others who were clearly hungover, giving them the drinks to help them out.

“So even the empire’s Galra know how to party and drink?” Katie asked, looking rather amused.

“Empire? Then he’s...” Coran was worried.

“Under cover.” Katie informed. “He blends in and had the right skills, he was able to infiltrate the empire as a medical officer.”

“It’s a good area to work to collect information, especially from gossiping corporals, unappreciated lieutenants, and overly confident commanders.” Ulaz informed. “And yes, when they have something to celebrate, a number of them really do enjoy partying and drinking. A bit too much according to some, but, oh well.”

Coran nodded as he listened. “Being able to blend in and spy on the empire… that does sound helpful.” he admitted. With the initial shock passed, he was understanding of the perks of working with Galra who could easily slip in to gather information without being noticed. He then looked to the others in their defeated states. “Well, at least the others here will be fine now.”

“Speak for yourself.” paladin Lance whined. “I feel like crap….”

“Give it time, you’ll be fine soon enough.” Ulaz assured.

“Hmm, it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to push the ship back through the rift to return to our reality.” Katie observed, looking at the data. “But, theoretically, if we pull the ship through, which should be possible, then the rift should close. If it closes, the path closes. On the surface, at least. But we should be able to use the comet to get back to our reality.”

“Yeah, about that.” Daniel crossed his arms. “Who is to say that the comet will go back to your reality? I mean, something that powerful and unique, can’t it be used here? We can even use it to upgrade our Voltron to finally get rid of Lotor once and for all.”

“That may not be best.” Commander Keith stated. “We know nothing about working with it. What if it opens another rift? What if something worse comes through? New enemies. Or we get pushed through. We aren’t strong enough to go through, even with our Voltron.” He looked to Katie and nodded. “Someone in your reality has clearly worked with the comet before; it would be best there since it’s assumed they can work with it again and keep it secure.”

“Unfortunately,” Princess Allura spoke up, “my father was the one who built the lions with the help of other Altean alchemists and engineers. And they’re all gone now.” She looked to the data Katie had up. “But Coran may know something, he was there at the time, too. And he may have stored data on how to work with the comet to at least keep it from opening up other rifts.” She smiled and looked back at the black lion pilot. “No matter what, though, we’ll keep it out of the empire’s hands.”

“Then it’s decided, it’ll go back to your reality.” Commander Keith nodded. “But how do we get it out of the rift the rest of the way?”

“That should be easy.” Princess Allura assured. “The quintessence of the rift has kept it powered. I should be able to pilot it out of there. And if the rift closes, like our Pidge is certain of...”

“Yeah. I have the exact coordinates of where the comet is so we can reopen the rift and get back.” Katie informed. “We’ve got this.”

“So… this is it?” pilot Hunk asked. “We’re actually splitting ways?”

Paladin Keith nodded. “Yeah. We’ve got to. We have a reality to get back to, a universe that needs defending. And we’ve been out here for a while.”

“And just when I was getting used to seeing your purple face.” pilot Lance sighed, a small smile playing on his face. “If our paths cross again, though.” He held out his hand to paladin Keith, showing he did come to terms with his Galran heritage.

Paladin Keith smiled and accepted his hand. “Who knows, with how strange the universe is, we may have our paths crossing again sometime.” He smirked a bit. “Until then, I’m gonna be content in having to put up with one Lance.”

“Hey!” Paladin Lance looked offended.

“Hah! Cheeky!” Pilot Lance let out a laugh as he ruffled the Galrans’ hair. “So, that means we-” A set of alarms that he didn’t recognize sounded off. “What the snart is that?”

“Quiznak!” Katie checked the systems. “It’s my drones! They detected something entering the area.”

“It could just be an asteroid or something, right?” Daniel asked.

“Checking.” Katie brought up the footage that the drones picked up on. “Oh yeah, that’s definitely not an asteroid.”

“It’s a Drule ship!” pilot Lance pointed out.

“Worse, it’s a fleet!” pilot Hunk said, worry settling in his eyes.

“But why are they there?” Chip asked. “They shouldn’t have been able to detect the rift or comet, right?”

“I mean, we did when they first showed up but...” Pidge tried to rationalize how. “But we can’t wait; we need Voltron out there to stop them. Both of them.”

“Okay, teams! To the lions!” Commander Keith ordered, and the pilots to their respective lions, Adam going with paladin Hunk and Ulaz joining paladin Keith. Pidge, Chip, and Regris started off for Katie’s lion, but they stopped when Katie remained at the monitor.

“Katie, what’s the holdup?” Pidge asked. “We have to get going.”

“I’ll catch up to the others; I need to find out how they know about the ship and to go there.” Katie informed.

“Pidge, what’s your status.” paladin Keith asked over the comms.

“Just a tick; I’m figuring things out.” Katie informed. “I’ll catch up, don’t worry.”

“Don’t take too long then.”

“Copy that.” Katie continued going through the data. “C’mon...”

“Why are we even searching this?” Chip asked. “It won’t hold the answers.”

“Ah-ha!” Katie nodded. “It was when Lotor attacked! Somehow they must have gotten into the system and found out about the comet and the whereabouts.” She shook her head. “Dammit, we were careless…” Even though she wasn’t there during the attack, she still felt some sort of responsibility. “Anyway, we need to make sure Lotor doesn’t get that comet; in the wrong hands, it could be dangerous.”

“Right, then let’s go.” Pidge said.

Katie ran off to get to her lion, her brothers, Regris, and Kosmo right with her. She flew off, heading for her team and catching up with ease. The other Voltron had already formed and went ahead of them.

“Glad to have you back, Pidge.” paladin Hunk said. “So now what? Do we back up as five lions or…?”

“I think we need Voltron.” Katie informed. “My assumption is that they’re after the comet since there are signs that someone was in the system and located that data.”

Paladin Keith nodded. “Right. Okay, team, let’s form Voltron!”

Further ahead, the other Voltron managed to reach the Altean ship in time to confront the fleet. To no surprise, though, there was a robeast with them; they must have anticipated being confronted and clearly came prepared.

“Okay, Voltron Force, let’s go!” Keith, with the black lion as Voltron’s center, went at the robeast. There was a problem, though; the robeast was bigger than them. Typically, the robeasts were around Voltron’s size; this one was designed to be around the size of the other Voltron.

They were hit to the side, knocked away as though they weighed nothing.

“This ain’t good.” pilot Hunk admitted.

“Okay, so what do we do then?” Larmina asked. “Form another center?”

“Red is good for longer range with the pistols.” pilot Lance said. “Yellow’s good with those wrecking maces.”

“Brace!” Commander Keith ordered as the robeast started to fire some sort of energy projectile at them. They braced, knowing they couldn’t escape in time; they had hoped they could hold out.

But the attack never hit.

The pilots checked to see the larger Voltron there, their wings held as a shield to block the attack.

“Oh, nice timing with that one.” Pilot Hunk let out a sigh of relief.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.” paladin Keith assured.

“Technically we’ve got their front since we’re in front of them.” Katie smirked at that comment.

“Let’s not be technical and a pain in my tail.” Paladin Keith sighed; what was he going to do with that cheeky paladin? “And let’s get right onto stopping this fleet and robeast.”

Chapter Text

Fighting a fleet of battleships was nothing new, neither was fighting a robeast. Both teams knew this like the back of their hands. But no one could deny that Lotor came prepared.

“Is anyone else hating this robeast or is it just me?” paladin Lance asked.

“Nope. Nope. I think we all are hating this guy.” pilot Lance confirmed.

The robeast was being especially troublesome. It utilized two shields to block attacks as well as ports to fire energy shots at them. While that in of itself wouldn’t have been too bad, they had Drule battleships firing at them.

“Okay, if anyone has any ideas, I’m all for it.” pilot Hunk said. “Because I’ve got none.” The robeast managed to grab hold of the smaller Voltron. “And this guy’s got us!”

“Yeah, I noticed!” Commander Keith called. Without warning, the robeast used the smaller Voltron to smack the larger Voltron a few times before finally throwing them at the other.

“Okay… let’s not do that again...” Vince grumbled.

“Imagine being so pissed that you hit one Voltron with another Voltron.” Katie mumbled.

“Maybe that’s what we should try, too?” paladin Lance asked.

“What? Build our own robeast to smack them with?” paladin Hunk asked.

“No. But, like, surprise them by throwing something at them.” paladin Lance suggested. “Maybe one of those battleships.”

“Oh!” Katie perked up. “Fastball special.”

“Uh… what?” pilot Lance asked.

“Wait, you wanna fastball special this?” paladin Hunk inquired.

“Okay, what is this fastball special thing?” Daniel questioned.

“You guys don’t read comics, do you?” Katie asked. “Anyway, it’s a move where one person throws another into battle.”

“Yeah, but just throwing won’t work.” paladin Lance sighed.

“No, but if they attack upon impact and then go back into lions and push the shields away, then we can get an opening.” paladin Hunk stated.

“Our sword isn’t really going to help much and I don’t know if the blazing sword would do much better.” paladin Keith said.

“We have the shoulder cannon.” princess Allura pointed out. “And… the cutlass! It’s big and strong!”

Katie opened her mouth, but Pidge actually smacked the back of her helmet a bit. “Don’t you dare say it.”

“This implies that I wasn’t the only one thinking it.” Katie hummed. Chip couldn’t help but chuckle about his siblings’ antics. “Anyway, guys, we got ourselves this idea. What do you say?”

“Sounds like the best plan we’ve got so far.” Commander Keith said. “Let’s let’s do it.”

The larger Voltron grabbed hold of the smaller one, spinning around to build up more force. They then threw the other at the robeast, the enemy definitely not expecting it. Mid-throw, the smaller Voltron formed their sword and jabbed it in the chest, hopefully taking out some of the cannon-ports. Right after, they split off into their lions, two to one side, three to the other. They pushed back the shields, doing their best to keep them out of the way.

Paladins Hunk, Lance, Allura, and Katie all slammed their bayards into the ports in their lions. This activated a much larger blade for them to use; it was perfect for slicing through battleships and they hoped it would work against a robeast.

“Okay, that’s a big sword.” Daniel pointed out, observing what was going on.

With the enlarged cutlass ready, the visiting Voltron went at the robeast, slicing through it from top to bottom with ease. It came apart more from the cut and the Voltron Force pilots moved back and started attacking the two halves, taking them out. With them ensuring the robeast was destroyed, the paladins went at some of the battleships, cutting through two of them before switching to the shoulder cannon, activated by the yellow paladin.

With the robeast fully down, the Voltron Force reformed, though they went with red center so they could shoot at the battleships. After several moments, they were able to destroy enough of them that some of the remaining ships fled, even Lotor’s flagship.

“Man, I am going to miss how badass we are as a team.” pilot Lance admitted.

“We’ll manage without them again.” Commander Keith chuckled. “Anyway, the area’s clear. I guess this means it’s time to get ready to move the ship. And say our farewells.”

“Oh, it truly is a beautiful ship.” Queen Allura looked around the bridge of the Altean ship. She had gone out with the others, flying with Larmina in the blue lion, since it was anticipated that they would be saying goodbye soon. She admired the structure of the Altean ship, impressed by it.

“It’s really amazing.” Pidge said, checking the systems. “Everything about it, it’s remarkably sleek and well put together, even better than what we’re seen in the universe.” He looked to the paladins’ team. “And trust me, I’ve seen a lot out here. But this is really amazing.”

“And you’ll be seeing more soon.” pilot Lance reminded as he playfully slugged Pidge in the arm.

Commander Keith looked to the princess as she got things ready. “This is it. You guys ready to go home?”

“Yeah. The others back home are probably worried for us.” Princess Allura said. “And we’re about to worry them a bit more.” She looked back at Katie. “One last time, Pidge. You sure we should be able to get back through?”

“I have the exact coordinates we came in at, so with the comet, we should be able to get through again.” Katie informed. “I’m ninety five percent certain.”

“What’s the other five percent?” Chip inquired.

“One percent is that nothing happens. Three and a half is that we mess up and end up in the wrong reality.” Katie responded. “The other half percent is that we blow up.”

“I don’t want to blow up.” Paladin Hunk was understandably worried about that possibility.

“But the odds are in our favour.” Katie assured. “We got this. And I’m one hundred percent certain I have the coordinates right. Plus extra. Like extra credit.”

“Then let’s do this.” Princess Allura nodded and got the engines of the ship booted up. The ship came alive and she piloted it forward and out of the rift, causing it to close behind them once they were out. “We should make this quick before the others worry too much, especially Coran and Thace.”

“Thace is probably going to worry more about Pidge than me.” Ulaz admitted.

“That’s because spouses always love the kids more.” Adam teased.

“Anyway, this is it.” Commander Keith nodded. “It was nice working with you guys during this. We’ve learned a lot.” He smiled to Pidge and Chip. “And we’re going to miss you two especially.” He went in and hugged them. “I’m sad you guys are leaving, but I’m so happy that you found your family. Good luck out there.”

“More like the next reality needs to be careful, they’re getting two ninja scientists out there.” pilot Lance teased. He then went in and hugged the twins. “You guys do good out there, though. And keep an eye on your sister.”

“Man, I told myself I wasn’t going to cry, but...” Pilot Hunk started crying. “I’m really going to miss you two!” He accepted a tissue that paladin Hunk brought out and handed to him. He wiped his face with it before hugging the twins, picking them up in a tight embrace. “I’m really going to miss you guys.”

“We’ll miss you, too, Hunk.” Chip said.

“Remember, you two, you have experience and age over some of the paladins-”

“Er… most of us.” paladin Keith interrupted a bit. “I’m only eighteen and the princess… um...”

“A bit older.” the princess confirmed.

“-than all of the paladins. So try to be good role models out there.” Queen Allura finished.

“Eh, as good as we can be.” Pidge smirked a bit before hugging the queen.

Then it was time to bid their farewells with the cadets, though it seemed more like Pidge was reminding them of things. “Okay, you three be good. Daniel, try to take it easy. Speed may be key, but slow and steady works well, too. And try not to rush head first into things, especially by being reckless. Larmina, you’ve got a lot of skills, but you’re definitely fiery, which is something for the pilot of the blue lion.” He chuckled at the irony there. “Think things through. Being a part of the Voltron Force isn’t about just kicking butt out there, it’s about working with people, not just the team but those we help.”

Pidge finally smiled at Vince. His cadet. His successor. “Vince, I know this is a lot, but you’re good out there. You need to work on your confidence, but don’t mistake confidence for recklessness and arrogance.” He patted his head. “You’ve got this, Vince. And when in doubt, talk to the team; they can help you out.”

“Thanks, Pidge.” Vince hugged him. “I’m always gonna miss you, but you left a lasting impression on me. Thanks for teaching me. Thanks for being a good friend.”

Pidge smiled and returned the gesture. He was happy to stay with his sister after so long, but he knew he would miss the others. “I’ll miss you, too. I’ll miss all of you.”

“I think it’s time for us to depart.” Princess Allura informed. “You’ll take care of the ship?”

“We will, yes.” Queen Allura nodded. “We’ll take it to Arus where it will be safe and hopefully be studied, if you don’t mind.”

“If it can help better the future so you can protect others? I’d be honoured.” the princess assured with a smile.

“Let’s go.” Paladin Keith said, leaving the others to head back to the lions.

Katie started off, but she stopped. “So I have no regrets.” No one else noticed her stopping except for Daniel and Vince. She then went and pulled Vince over, kissing him on the cheek, catching the boys by surprise. “If I were staying, perhaps it’d develop into a bigger crush.” she admitted. She then took off, catching up to her brothers and Regris.

Daniel watched Katie for a moment before smirking at Vince. He elbowed him playfully. “Ooh, got yourself an admirer, huh? Nice.”

“Yeah. Except she’s going back to another reality.” Vince reminded.

“Oh. Right.” The realization hit Daniel pretty hard. “That’s rough, buddy.” He patted his friend’s back. “I mean, at least she didn’t turn into a moon.”

“True.” Vince nodded. “Very true.”

Everyone returned to the lions. From there, the other reality’s Voltron was formed. With the precise assistance of the other lions, the comet was retrieved from the ship’s hold.

“Good luck out there, Paladins.” Commander Keith told them over the comms.

“And to you.” paladin Keith responded.

Voltron took hold of the comet and went to where the rift once was, directed by Katie. They pushed through, space ripping like a piece of paper. They kept going and went through themselves. The moment they were through, the rift closed up.

Lance sighed when the rift was closed. “I’m going to definitely miss them. Even Adam; it was nice having coffee with him in the mornings.”

“Katie liked coffee, too.” Hunk pointed out.

“Eh, it’s a love-hate relationship. She’d hog the pot for herself and not share if it weren’t for Adam and Regris keeping her in line.” Lance couldn’t help but chuckle.

Chapter Text

“It’s been more than a quintant. What if something happened to them?” Coran inquired, worried as no one came back from the other side.

“We have to remain hopeful, Coran. They’re a lot more capable than anyone expects.” Lotor informed. He had boarded the castle to wait for the paladins, helping to monitor the area.

“Besides, Ulaz is with them. You know he won’t let anything happen to the kids.” Thace added. He then looked when the ship started to move, though it wasn’t out of the rift; it was going in. “Oh no...”

“No! Can’t we stop it?” Coran asked.

“It’s moving too quickly for us to grab with tethers, and it’d pull in smaller ships; I’m sorry, Coran.” Kolvan shook his head, still showing to be in communication with them.

“Oh no...” Coran was worried. What if the team couldn’t get back? All he could do was watch helplessly as the ship went through and the rift closed behind it. “Please… please be okay.”

They were left waiting several moments. Kolivan dismissed most of the Blades in the area and he went to the castle to wait. As the moments passed, Coran grew more and more worried.

At least until the rift started forming again. This caught everyone’s attention as it opened up. First a sort of comet was shown, followed by Voltron themselves. Once through, the rift closed.

“Oh! Thank the ancients!” Coran cried out. “Paladins! Princess, do you copy? Are you okay?” He smiled when the image came up and showed Allura’s face on screen.

“We’re doing fine, Coran. Sorry for the delay.” Allura said with a smile. “And we got something intriguing. We’ll need to properly contain it so it doesn’t rip another hole in reality.”

“Hole? Reality?” Lotor asked. “Just where were you all?”

“Another reality.” Allura informed. “Oh, there’s so much to tell. We met so many people and Pidge...” She stopped. “You know what? I’ll let her tell you when we come up.”

“Well, we’ll get a containment large enough for that comet set up and then figure out what to do with it.” Coran assured. “The rest of you, get your rears in here so I can hug you all.”

In the green lion, Katie smiled. “Good ol’ Coran. He cares for us.” she informed her brothers. “He’s like this really awesome, though also weird, space uncle.”

“I heard that, Number Five.” Coran chuckled. “But I appreciate the compliment and sentiment.”

Katie grinned. When they got the comet secured and Voltron separated, she went to dock her lion. She stepped out into the hanger and stretched. “Ah, castle sweet castle.”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Regris spoke up, “it was nice spending time on a solid planet. But I did miss this castle. It’s quickly become a home I enjoy.”

“Wow. This place? It’s just… it’s so amazing!” Chip looked around the hanger. He then looked over to a desk set up, computers on top of it, a blue broken crystal next to it, and a bunch of cushions behind it. “Looks like you use this as a work area.”

“We do.” Katie informed. “Hunk and I often work here, then Regris joined in.” She motioned to the cushions. “That was Regris’ addition.”

“She doesn’t sleep enough, so I set up a nest and sometimes just drag her to it and hold her hostage.” Regris pointed out.

“Glad to hear that one.” Chip nodded.

“By the way, this time I’m gonna warn you guys in advance.” Katie informed. “Lotor in your reality is a total snarflaf. But we have Lotor in our reality, too. And he’s a good friend of Allura’s; they’re childhood friends. he’s also an ally and working in the Blade of Marmora.”

“Wait… Lotor’s good in this reality?” Pidge asked. “Wow. Did not see that coming.”

“You’re gonna have to get used to good Galra here. And remember, Galra, not Drule.” Katie reminded. She started to lead the way out, sure that the others already got to the bridge ahead of her. “There are a lot of differences in this reality. And yeah, Lotor’s good. He also has a bit of a big brother feel to him, too.” She grinned. “One time he was walking too fast for me, so he just picked me up and carried me. Granted I probably looked like a ferret draped under his arm, but...”

“Lots of Galra do that, actually.” Regris informed. “She’s just so easy to pick up and carry around.”

“Yeah, the perks of being Balton.” Chip snickered. “We’re travel size for the convenience of our allies.”

Katie led the way up to the bridge, having her brothers wait outside for a moment. The moment she stepped in, Thace hugged her, looking like a parent worrying over his child.

“Are you okay? You’re not hurt? No more nosebleeds or trauma? You gonna be fine?” Thace inquired. “Ulaz kept an eye on you?”

“I was hoping for first hug, but I’ll take second.” Coran swooped in and hugged Katie, picking her up in the process. She giggled with joy as she felt the affection from her space uncles.

“I’m fine, don’t worry guys.” she assured when she was finally set down. “Anyway… Allura started to mention the other reality.” She smiled. “I… while we were there, I found out that I came from another reality.”

“Another reality?!” Coran yelped, surprise.

“Yeah. Apparently my planet was destroyed and I got sent to this reality.” Katie informed. “It’s why the castle didn’t know what I was; my race may not exist here.” She looked back at the door she came through. “But while there, I found out I had family. And they decided to come with us.” The doors opened and the twins stepped in. “Coran, Thace, Kolivan, Lotor, Antok, these are my older brothers. Pidge and Chip.” She chuckled a bit. “Turns out Pidge was my brother’s name and that’s why I remembered it in the end.”

“Well, first name is Darrell, but Pidge is a nickname.” Pidge admitted. “It’s nice meeting you guys.”

“Thanks for being there for our sister.” Chip said. “Looks like she’s got some good friends here.”

“Hmm, having brothers.” Coran nodded. “Well!” He went and hugged the twins close. “We’re glad to have you! I’ll be sure to get you rooms set up. In fact, Number Five’s is at the end of a set with her fellow paladins, there’s a vacant room across from hers and right next to it; that’d be perfect!” He backed off from the hug. “I’ll be sure to spruce those rooms up for you boys. Now!” He nudged them to their sister. “Go, go, I’m sure she’ll be happy to give you the grand tour. She’s adapted well to this castle, the only other person who can give it better is me but I’m a wee bit busy.”

“Ahem!” Allura looked a little offended. “I was born and raced in this castle. I know my way around very well.”

“Didn’t you get lost for a bit a movement ago?” Thace asked. Allura looked flustered at that.

“It’s a big castle, so that’s easy.” Katie chuckled. “Well, you guys know how to contact us.” She looked to Regris. “You joining us?”

“Well...” Regris knew they should contact Matt, let him know that they know more about Katie now and that she brought her other brothers home. “I should get in touch with Matt...”

“Leave that to me.” Adam assured. “Go help keep our own gremlin on track during the tour.”

Regris nodded and went over to join the siblings. “Because once she gets started, she can just ramble and infodump.”

“Oh yeah, Pidge here does the same thing.” Chip teased, elbowing his brother a bit. He then walked back out of the room. Bae Bae followed after them, wanting to join them and be back with her girl.

“Hey, Bae Bae!” Katie smiled as she picked up the bull terrier and walked out. “Did you miss me? I’m sorry if I was gone so long.”

“So you not only have a wolf and those caterpillar things, but you’ve got an actual dog, too?” Pidge inquired. He jumped when a robotic space mouse popped its head out of Katie’s hair. “And you took some of the mice.”

“Actually, some just decided to join me because they wanted to.” Katie hummed, amused.

“Jeez, your hair is a literal rats’ nest.” Chip sighed.

“Robotic mouse nest.” Katie corrected. “Anyway, Bae Bae,” she shifted her position a bit to hold her dog more comfortably, “these are my brothers. So get along with them, okay?”

“Hey, girl.” Pidge leaned in and pet the dog. He smiled when she licked his face. “This is definitely nice, especially since I’m certain these animal companions won’t bite us in the rear by turning out to be robeasts in disguise.”

Katie smiled as she set Bae Bae down, letting her walk alongside them with Kosmo. “Anyway, let’s begin this tour! There’s a lot to show you!”

“The training deck is fun.” Regris commented. “Drones. Sentries. Invisible maze.”

“Teammates in need of friendly fire butt whooping.” Katie added, getting the others to laugh.

Katie spent her day showing her brothers around. By the time they went to Olkarion, so as to work with the comet to at least keep it safe with the help of the Olkari, and the night cycle rolled around, Katie was exhausted. She had experienced a lot in her time in the other reality; it didn’t take much to get her to go to bed. Regris got her to sleep in her room, him curled up on one side of her as usual.

While Katie and Regris slept, Pidge and Chip checked in on them, happy to see that they were fast asleep, especially their sister. When they exited, they went to the wall across the room and sat against it.

“You ready for bed?” Chip asked.

“Not yet. There’s so much going on, I don’t think I’ll be sleeping for a couple of days.” Pidge informed.

“Yeah, same.” Chip nodded. “We should get our stuff from the green lion, too.”

“Later. I just wanna sit here a bit longer and think about things.”

“About finally having Katie back?”

“We thought we lost her. No one knew what happened her ship. We missed so much of her life… but it was worth it for her to be okay.” Pidge sighed. “It makes me happy to know that she’s alive, well, and we’re back in each others’ lives.”

“But you’re troubled; I know that sigh.” Chip looked over. “Do you regret leaving our Reality?”

“Not really. I’d regret not staying with Katie more.” Pidge admitted.

“Then what is it?”

“Katie...”

“What about her?”

“Is it really appropriate for her to sleep co-ed with a guy?” Pidge asked.

Chip snorted. He patted his brother’s back. “At least them sleeping together is literal.” he said. He then got up and helped his brother to his feet. “Now let’s get our stuff since we have energy. I’ve got the castle pretty well memorized, so we shouldn’t get lost.”

“Same. But if we do, Thace and Ulaz are still awake, maybe they can help.” Pidge smiled as he and Chip walked off.

Katie Pidge Holt wasn’t human, but neither were Darrell Pidge Stoker and Chip Stoker. They were born to one reality and for twelve years, the twins thought they lost their sister. Home, though, became another reality. But it was more than a reality that made home for the brothers.

Home was where their kid sister was.