---
4 MONTHS LATER
---
The paladins had been busy helping planets rebuild after Galra invasions and Shiro was adjusting to life as a member of the team without a lion.
Though there were no traces of Lotor anywhere, things had been running smoothly. Except for one thing.
Keith had been worrying the group.
Shortly after the loss of the comet, Keith began joining the Blade of Marmora on their missions.
Initially, it posed no problem to team Voltron.
However, Keith had started neglecting his duties as a paladin, leaving all the other members of team Voltron uneasy.
He always showed up late to missions, and he had left the team without being able to form Voltron several times.
Kanna was heartbroken over his recent absence. She felt like Keith was slipping through her fingers and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
---
The red paladin returned to the castle of lions after another mission with the blades.
When he entered the bridge, he saw Shiro standing by a projection while organizing a team plan to move war refugees.
"Keith." said Shiro. "Good, you're back. The team is on a mission. You need to get to your lion and join them immediately."
"I will." said Keith. "But I think we've just discovered a new form of quintessence. The readings are off the charts! Kolivan thinks it could be linked to Lotor."
Shiro continued focused on his plan as Keith spoke.
"Okay, we'll discuss it when you return." said Shiro. "The team is escorting refugees out of the Fimm System."
"This is Lotor I'm talking about!" insisted Keith. "He hasn't been seen in months! This might be our chance to track him down."
Shiro frowned.
"I said, we'll discuss it later." said the black paladin. "Right now, I need you to focus on the mission at hand."
"But - "
"This isn't a request, Keith. Get to the Fimm System. That's an order."
---
The lions were moving refugee pods in the Fimm System, when Keith finally showed up piloting the black lion.
"Well, look who decided to show up." growled Pidge.
"Yeah, are you even taking this seriously?" asked Lance.
"Sorry I'm late." said Keith.
Once the lions landed the pods in a safe base, Keith approached Shiro to once again discuss the Blade of Marmora leads.
"Were you able to speak with Kolivan about the Intel?" asked Keith.
"I did, and we need to find out all we can about that quintessence" said Shiro. "But more importantly, Voltron needs a strong leader."
"I know they do, and it should be you!"
"Keith, we've discussed this before." said Shiro. "Besides, we both know that the Black Lion has chosen you."
"You only tried once." insisted Keith. "You had a connection with the Black Lion and I know it's still there! If you just give it another shot..."
"Keith, we all have a part to play. This is mine now. I've come to terms with that. Now, you need to."
Shiro took a deep breath and continued:
"I support your decision to continue with your Marmora training, but not at the expense of the team. They need you, Keith. They need you to be their leader."
---
Back on the castle bridge, Coran gathered the team for an announcement.
"Okay, everybody, today, we'll be heading to Reiphod, a planet recently liberated from Galra forces." said Coran.
"This is embarrassing." said Keith. "We're basically the grand marshal of a parade."
"Not a parade." said Coran, while flexing his biceps. "A show of arms!"
"Whatever it is, this is the second one of these we've done just this week." said Kanna.
"I know it's not exactly battling the Galra, but believe it or not, this helps us boost morale and strengthen alliances." said Allura.
"Right, right, strongholds, blah-dy, blah-dy, blah." said Lance. "Now, I say we go over our lion choreography one more time. I don't want a repeat of what happened last time, Hunk. "
"I thought my lion had more room." said Hunk, embarrassed.
In that instant, Kolivan's image was projected onto the castle's display.
"Shiro, my apologies for interrupting, but this is an urgent matter." said the leader of the Blades. "A Galra supply ship has been spotted passing through Quadrant Omega-Raylar-Six."
"What's it doing so far from the normal supply routes?" asked Shiro.
"We can't be certain, but taken together with the fact that Lotor hasn't been seen in quite some time and the emergence of this new form of quintessence, we feel compelled to investigate." said Kolivan. "Normally, we would wait for better Intel, but I believe we should act on this now."
"I'll send Voltron to intercept." said Shiro.
"An infiltration mission makes more sense. We can plant a tracker and see just how far the supply route extends. With all the Galra activity as of late, my agents are spread thin."
"Not anymore." said Keith. "Count me in."
Kanna looked down at the floor, disappointed.
"Hey, what about our performance? We can't razzle-dazzle the crowd with just five lions." complained Lance.
"This mission is more important than a show of arms. Shiro?" said Keith.
The black paladin turned to Kolivan.
"How long will it take?" he asked.
"Not long, but we must act fast, or we risk the ship jumping to hyperspace." replied Kolivan.
"Go." said Shiro, looking at Keith. "But when you're done, meet us on Reiphod."
---
The castle of lions travelled to Reiphod, where a crowd prepared to watch the Voltron show.
Coran and Shiro stood on a stage surrounded by thousands of excited spectators.
"Citizens of Reiphod, on this day, we honor you for your perseverance." said Coran. "Your refusal to bow down in the face of such adversity is a testament to the fighting spirit of your people. You've put aside your differences and united to dispel the oppressive Galra regime, bringing freedom to all!"
The crowd cheered enthusiastically with Coran's words.
"We thank you for joining the coalition and continuing the fight against the Galra, that began with the reemergence of the six Lions of Voltron."
Coran signalled with his arms, and five lions flew into the skies.
"Right, uh five lions." Coran chuckled, nervously.
In the skies, the lions attempted to make due without their leader.
"I thought Keith said he was gonna be here." said Lance. "He's going to ruin our show!"
"Lance, this isn't just about putting on a good show.It's about uniting people and bringing them to the coalition to help in the fight against Zarkon." said Allura.
Lance sighed and said:
"Fine. I don't even know why I try."
Meanwhile, Coran continued his inspiring speech:
"By joining the Voltron Alliance, you are joining up with the Defenders of the Universe, who will do whatever it takes to spread peace and freedom to every galaxy."
The crowd cheered as the lions moved choreographically in the skies.
"They're loving us!" commemorated Lance. "Razzle-dazzle!"
"And just as Voltron has shown what can be done when six individuals combine their powers together, so, too, can we combine our powers with those on Planet Reiphod and grow ever stronger." said Coran. "For it is the individual willing to take up arms that strengthens the whole. And with that strength, we will be unstoppable!"
Coran then moved his microphone away.
"And cue Voltron with the sword." he said to himself.
But since only five of the six lions were present, the paladins couldn't form Voltron.
The crowd stopped cheering, and Coran coughed awkwardly.
"Oh, quiznak, only five lions! I keep forgetting that. Uh, well, when he's together, he's like a big man." said Coran, gesturing above his head. "Like this. But you have to imagine it with a sword and a big laser cannon."
The crowd didn't seem very impressed.
---
Later that day, back in the castle of lions, Keith was making his way back to his room.
His mission had been a failure and he lost one of his Blade of Marmora comrades in an explosion.
In the corridors, he ran into Kanna, who looked at him with a hurt expression on her face.
"Kanna, I know you're mad at me, but I'm not in the mood for a lecture." said Keith.
"I just wanted to say I'm sorry." said Kanna. "I heard what happened on your mission."
"Thanks." said Keith, looking down.
"I know how important the work you've been doing with the Blades is. They are incredible allies and have been essential in our victories over the Galra." said Kanna. "And while the news of a new quintessence supply line is troubling, I can't help but feel -"
"I said I didn't want a lecture."
"Keith, since our battle with Zarkon, we've been able to increase our strength by uniting those previously ruled by the Galra under a common symbol, Voltron." said Kanna, closing her eyes in sadness. "It's so much more than a weapon. It's become a symbol of freedom and hope for the oppressed to rally around."
She then took a deep breath and continued:
"I suppose what I'm trying to say is, the Marmora can go on without you. They have for thousands of years. Voltron cannot. We cannot."
Kanna then turned and walked away, leaving behind Keith, who felt more lost than ever before.
---
The castle alarms started sounding, so team Voltron made their way to the bridge to find out what was happening.
"What's going on?" asked Kanna.
"We received a distress signal." said Coran. "One of our convoys has been ambushed by a squadron of Galra cruisers."
"Our medical supply ships." said Shiro. "We can't allow the Galra to get them."
"We must leave immediately." said Allura. "Voltron can keep those cruisers occupied long enough for the supply ships to make their escape."
"Actually, Voltron can't." said Kanna. "Keith is gone."
"They're probably on a mission." said Shiro. "I knew this would happen sooner or later. You'll have to go without Keith. The convoy needs you immediately. I'll send him to help as soon as I find him."
---
As the lions made their way to the location of the Galra attack, they tried their best to keep the supply ships safe despite not being able to form Voltron.
The refugee supply ships were being drawn in by a Galra cruiser using a tractor beam.
"We gotta get that ship out of the tractor beam." said Lance.
"I'll try to ram it out." said Hunk. "Cover me!"
But as the yellow lion flew towards the cruiser, Hunk was overwhelmed by the massive amounts of fighters protecting the ship.
"Uh, never mind!" grunted Hunk. "There's too many! I can't ram that many!"
"They're everywhere!" said Lance, as he attempted to dodge the enormous amount of shots from the Galra.
---
Back on the castle's bridge, Shiro and Coran could hear the distressed calls of the paladins through the radio.
"There are more fighters than we've ever seen!" said Pidge.
"Kanna, I need your help! I've got two on my tail!" said Lance.
"I'm sorry, I can't get to you! They're all over me!" said Kanna.
Shiro couldn't take it anymore.
He turned around and started making his way out of the bridge.
"What are you doing?" asked Coran.
"Whatever I can." replied Shiro.
Shiro walked into the hangar and stood before the black lion.
He took a deep breath and made his way to the pilot's seat.
Over the radio, he continued to hear the desperation of his comrades:
"I take out one, but two more replace it!" said Hunk.
"The supply ship is almost captured! Can anyone get to it?" said Allura.
"I'm trying!" said Kanna.
"Where are they all coming from?" said Hunk.
"Watch out behind you!" said Pidge.
"We can't do this without Voltron!" said Kanna.
"Where is Keith?" asked Lance.
Shiro gripped the black lion's controls.
"Please, people's lives are at stake." implored the black paladin. "You trusted me once. Trust me again."
Suddenly, the black lion's control panels activated.
---
The lions were struggling to fight off the Galra fleet and keep the refugee supplies safe.
"There's no way we can beat all these fighters with only five lions!" said Hunk, attempting to escape a crowd of fighters.
But in that moment, the black lion flew into battle.
"You don't have to!" said Shiro.
"Shiro!" celebrated Kanna.
"No way!" said Lance.
"Yoo-hoo!" screamed Pidge.
"Converge on me." commanded the black paladin. "It's time to form Voltron!"
The six lions united into one and, as a single force, took down the entire fleet.
Voltron then made contact with the supply pods:
"Rebel craft, you're safe. We'll escort you the rest of the way to Olkarion."
---
Later that day, when the team had returned to the castle of lions, Keith finally arrived from his mission and entered the bridge.
He was greeted by a very angry looking group of paladins.
"Guys, I... I heard what happened." said Keith, embarrassed. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to help."
"You keep saying you're sorry, but your actions don't show it." said Kanna.
"Do you realize that your absence put the team in jeopardy?" said Allura.
"And not just the team, the refugees as well." said Lance.
"Matter of fact, the entire quadrant was in danger." added Pidge.
"This is not the way I wanted this to happen, but, if there's a bright side to any of this, it's that my absence allowed Shiro to reestablish his bond with the Black Lion." said Keith. "He can finally be the leader I was unable to be. I'm not meant to pilot the Black Lion."
"Is that why you've been pulling away from us?" asked Kanna, heartbroken.
"Yeah." replied Keith, unable to look her in the eyes. "I suppose that's part of it."
"Part of it? What's the other part?" asked Hunk.
"The Blades have been making headway tracking the source of this new quintessence." explained Keith. "They've been able to piece together a large network of hidden supply lines that have been secretly transporting it for who knows how long. And there's good reason to believe it could lead us directly to Lotor."
He looked down to the floor and continued:
"A mission is being planned to infiltrate the supply line. It could take weeks, maybe months to pull off, but if there is a chance, we have... I have to take it. I need to be on that mission."
Kanna started to realize what Keith was getting at, and her heart stopped.
"Shiro, you are the rightful leader of this team. And you proved it today by reconnecting with the Black Lion." said Keith. "It was always meant to be yours."
Shiro walked towards Keith and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Keith, if this is what you feel is right, then we won't try to stop you." said the black paladin. "But just know that we're here for you whenever you need us."
"I know you are." said Keith. "And I can't tell you how much that means to me."
The two then embraced.
Kanna felt like she couldn't breathe.
"I can't be left out of this!" said Hunk, as he initiated a group hug.
"We're really gonna miss you." said Pidge, sobbing.
"Yeah, who am I gonna make fun of?" said Lance.
"I know you'll make us proud." said Allura.
Everyone joined in on the group hug. Everyone but Kanna.
The white paladin stood motionless, unable to process the situation.
She couldn't believe Keith wanted to leave them. She couldn't believe he wanted to leave her.
Once everyone caught on to the tense mood, Shiro decided to chime in:
"Um, guys, why don't we go for a group walk, huh?"
"Yes, great idea." said Coran.
All other team members nodded and expressed their agreement, and they left the room.
Only Keith and Kanna were left.
"You're... leaving?" asked Kanna.
"Kanna, listen-"
"No, its okay." said Kanna, smiling softly. "You don't need to explain yourself to me."
"I just - this is for the best." he said, as a lump formed on his throat.
What Kanna wished she could say next was that she loved him, without knowing how or when or from where. She wanted to say that she loved him simply, without problems or pride, and that she expected nothing in return for that love.
She wanted to say she that would be waiting for him.
But all she actually said was:
"I'll always be rooting for you, Keith. Good luck."
Those words hit Keith harder than he would ever admit.
Before he could say something he would regret, he nodded silently and left the room.
Kanna stood and watched as the boy she loved walked out of her life, taking a part of her with him.
---
When Kanna returned to her room that night, she saw a small package on her pillow.
She approached her bed, sat down and opened the package.
Inside, she found a necklace.
The same necklace she had shown Keith when they traveled to the space mall.
Kanna was shocked. Keith must have bought her the necklace after she left the store.
Tears started forming in her eyes, and her chest became tight.
Then Kanna heard a knock on the door. She quickly wiped her face and recomposed herself.
"Come in." she said.
Shiro then walked in.
"Hey. Just wanted to see if you're okay." said the black paladin, while sitting beside her.
Kanna only smiled in response, unsure what to say.
"I'm sorry about Keith, Kanna. You have the right to be upset." said Shiro.
"Why? Keith doesn't owe me anything."
"Perhaps not. But he cares about you, Kanna."
"Not as much as I care about him. He made it very clear."
"I think you are mistaken. I've known Keith since he was a child. Feelings were never his strong suit-"
"Shiro, please you don't need to do this. I'm not upset about how Keith feels or doesn't feel." said Kanna. "Love is not reciprocal. When you love someone, you give without expecting anything in return."
Shiro's eyes widened. He wasn't expecting to hear Kanna say she loved Keith. But he was glad she had.
Kanna blushed upon seeing Shiro's surprised expression.
"I never said that out loud. Kinda feels like a weight off my chest."
Shiro put a hand on Kanna's shoulder.
"Keith's leaving has nothing to do with you, I hope you know that. Its just what he feels he needs to do. I hope you don't think of him differently for it."
Kanna closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"When I was little and my dad left for his missions with the garrison, he would always be gone for a long time. I hated him for leaving." she said. "But my mom used to say that the people we love aren't qualified by their capacity to stay but by their decision to return."
Kanna wrapped the necklace around her hand and held it close to her chest.
"Keith will always be difficult. But I still love him, so there's nothing I can do." she said."I guess I'm just lucky to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
Shiro was very glad Keith had found someone like Kanna. She was exactly what he needed.
He just wished he could tell Kanna how Keith really felt, but he figured he should let things run their course without his interference.
"That's a pretty necklace." said the black paladin.
Kanna smiled and the two paladins sat together, enjoying a peaceful silence.