…From days of long ago…

…From Uncharted regions of the universe…

… Comes a Legend...

The Legend of Voltron: Defender of the Universe

A mighty robot; loved by good… feared by evil.

As the Voltron legend grew; peace settled across the galaxy.

Voltron faded into the depths of history and legend…

Until a new horrible menace threatened the Planet Earth and with it the universe…

Voltron was needed once more.

An organization was formed, and they specially train a group of young pilots…

Unknowing that they would be chosen to travel to the farthest reaches of the cosmos

This is the story of five young, unlikely heroes

Who united… would bring back…

VOLTRON: Defender of the Universe

NEON GENESIS: VOLTRON

Chapter 1.6: Homecoming pt 1

Three Arus Years Later…

Flying high above the clouds, Black Lion soared with its cybernetic eyes scanning through to the surface. "This Black Lion, all lions check in," Shinji ordered from his cockpit.

"Blue Lion, approaching navigational point from the east by river," Rei responded first as she rode in Blue Lion as it cut through one of many blood red rivers that traced Arus' once beautiful terrain. "No sign of the caravan yet, radar not picking up source of the Blue Signature yet either."

"Yellow here, moving in from south east toward NAV Point," Toji replied as he let Yellow Lion run smoothly through a low valley, "No signs here either."

"Green here, coming in from the west," Kensuki replied as Green Lion crept low and slow through a dense forest that had only just began to recover from the Instrumentality Event. "I got nothing either. Looks like they've been through here though… looks like they got off course here and headed in Asuka's direction. See anything, Demon Queen?"

"You'll see my foot in your ass if you keep referring to me like that, Baka!" Asuka barked through the radio. "Ahem… Red Lion checking in, no sign of the caravan but I've found some caves…" Asuka said as the massive robot lion peered into and scanned the various mountain side caves, some large enough even for the lions to fit into. "I did find some tracks but they covered themselves well… they're around here somewhere… but a big ugly might be too…"

"Anything to help, Princess?" Shinji spoke as Alura's face appeared in a screen.

"Mineral deposits in the area makes scanning a nightmare, Commander Ikari," Alura replied from the Commander Center, "Proceed as you see fit. You have better eyes and ears than we do but if we pick up anything you will be the first to know."

"Roger that, all Lions, change your NAV Point to Red Lion's location," Shinji instructed in a smooth easy voice, as he turned Black into that direction and began to descend, "Asuka, your instructions are to stand by. Do NOT enter any cave till we get there. I don't want another repeat from two months ago…"

"Mein Gott, Baka-Commander, I had it all under control!" Asuka replied with a pout.

"That Angel was swinging you around by the back leg by the time we got there, Asuka, that wasn't what I call under control," Shinji shook his head.

"I was playing to his sense of security and ego," Asuka laughed, "I was just about ready to pounce!"

"You throwing up in your Lion was playing to his ego too, Asuka?" Kensuke added his two cents.

"Why you scrawny…" Asuka barked, before an alert charmed in her cockpit, "Oh shi-" She barely was able to get out as a towering angel roared from the cave next to her and tackled Red Lion into the side of the next ridge.

"Asuka? ASUKA!" Shinji called, "All Lions! Full speed to the NAV Point!" he barked as he pushed a switch and the rear part of Black Lion's thighs and hips opened and afterburners rose and fired.

"Get off me you ugly mother…" Asuka growled as she struggled to get out from under the Angel's claws as it snapped at Red Lion's head. Red Lion cried out a fearful roar as if calling for help. Help came as Black Lion slammed into the Angel sending it flying back into the cave. Freed from the Angel, Red Lion tumbled down the ridge into the base of the valley. Once Asuka got her bearings she looked up just in time to see Black Lion step completely over the fallen Lion and roar angrily toward the Angel lurking in the darkness.

"Asuka, are you ok? Give me a status report!" Shinji barked from his cockpit, scanning the caves for her attacker.

"I had that one," Asuka groaned as Black Lion stepped back and Red Lion shakily climbed to his feet. "But I do appreciate the back up," Asuka added softly as the other three Lions arrived.

"Anytime, Asuka…" Shinji smiled before growing serious. "Anyone able to pick up anything? Whatever's in this rock is blocking our sensors… and this guy knows it too."

"I say we light up and take this mountain down on top of it," Toji offered.

"Negative, the caravan is likely hiding somewhere in these caves," Shinji replied, "Priority is getting the caravan home safe. Understood?" Shinji perked up when alerts chimed in all the cockpits. "Heads up, team!"

The five lions jumped apart as the monster jumped toward them again and they finally got a good look at it. The Angel stood on all fours and looked like some sort of dinosaur/werewolf hybrid with various spikes extending from its shoulders, elbows and knees.

"They keep getting uglier and uglier…" Kensuke stated.

"Indeed…" Rei nodded as they surrounded the beast.

"It's hide looks thick, don't think our weapons have enough power to penetrate," Shinji smirked.

"So, does that mean what I think it means, Baka-Commander?" Asuka smiled and cracked her knuckles.

"Ready to form Voltron!" Shinji barked, as he twisted the control reigns and the console began to transform. The Angel roared as the five robot lions took to the air flying in a V formation. "Activate Interlock! Dynotherms connected! Infracells up! Megathrusters are Go!" Shinji called as the lions flew together and energy filled the sky.

"LET'S GO VOLTRON FORCE!" They called together.

Moments later the legendary Voltron slammed into the ground, the maws of Red and Green Lion roaring angrily toward the Angel in a challenge. "Come at me now, freak," Asuka snapped, glaring angrily at the monster.

The five watched from inside Voltron's cockpits as the Angel rose to its hind legs to match Voltron's height. "You had to make a challenge, didn't ya?" Toji asked as the Angel rushed them.

The Angel yelped as the arm made from Green Lion shot out, and its razor-sharp teeth dug into its neck. "Let's see how you like surprises, buddy!" Asuka growled as Red Lion's maw opened right in the Angel's face and waves of molten energy flew across its skin.

"Let's finish this," Shinji said as the core was discovered in the Angel's head just under its now melted armor-like skin. "Form Blazing Sword!" He said as Kensuke threw the beast back and the two arms came together and created the shimmering blade.

Before the beast could respond, the blade had split it in half, causing it to explode in a tall cross-like pillar. "What now, Bitch?" Asuka snapped, as Red Lion's maw roared in victory.

Cheering echoed from a nearby cave as the convoy slowly rolled out and the workers cheered for the mighty robot. "Commander Ikari of Voltron to convoy, are you alright?" Shinji spoke into radio.

"We're fine thanks to you, Commander, ready to get back to the castle as soon as possible," was the response from the convoy.

"We'll escort you from here," Shinji replied, "We'll get you home, safe and sound." And with that the Lions and vehicles started making their way to the Castle of Lions.

-NGV-

"Chalk another one down to the good guys!" Asuka chimed as she stretched her arms over her head as she and the rest of the V-Force reentered the Command Center.

"Congratulations on another successful mission," Alura smiled as she turned to her team.

"You seem awfully chipper, Highness," Kensuke noted.

"Have you forgotten the date again, Team?" Alura smiled directly at Asuka.

"Date…" Asuka noted, then immediately turned and started toward the door.

"The anniversary of the return of our champion of course," Corran noted from his station.

"Yup. Nope. I'm out," Asuka waved toward her teammates, "have fun!" She stopped dead in her track as a dozen of Princess Alura's handmaidens stood at the exit awaiting her. "What is this?"

"There's no escape this time, Asuka," Alura stated, her arms crossed as she stood directly behind the redhead.

"I'll make an appearance, but I will not…" Asuka growled out, but Alura snapped her fingers, and the handmaidens tackled the redhead.

"GET OFF ME! SHINJI! HELP ME!" Asuka screamed as she struggled against the other girls, who were struggling with the pilot.

"Get her leg! Get her leg!" "She kicked me!" "AK! SHE'S TRYING TO CHOKE ME OUT!" "OUCH! SHE BIT ME!"

"To the Washroom, Maidens!" Alura pointed toward the door. "Corran, call in the royal fitter."

"And may God have mercy on his soul…" Corran muttered under his breath.

"What was that?" Alura turned toward her adviser, her pointed ears twitching.

"I said as you wish, Your Highness," Corran corrected and turned toward his control panel.

"Saving me a dance, Kensuke?" Rei asked, glancing to the Green Lion pilot.

"Is there anyone else to dance with?" Kensuke replied to his girlfriend.

"Good answer," the red-eyed girl kissed his cheek. "See you in a few hours, I better get ready, too." Rei glanced to the Princess, "Before she sic's her handmaidens on me as well…"

Kensuke waved as she walked off in the direction of the pilot dorms.

Shinji laughed at his friends before he caught sight of Toji looking off into space. "You ok, buddy?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm good," Toji forced a smile, "Just…"

"We'll get you back to her, man." Shinji said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah, Coran and I are getting close to a break through," Kensuke added, coming up to their side. "We've already found a way to open a portal based on the Angel that got us here, we just have to make sure we open the other end on Earth."

"May go to the lab and do some work…" Kensuke smiled, "Might make an awesome announcement if we finally make a breakthrough." He said, as he grabbed Corran and moved toward the elevator. "C'mon, old man. Let's get to work!"

"It would be great to go home," Toji said, "Even better to get Voltron there. Make a real difference, ya know?"

"Yeah, that's the plan, buddy," Shinji nodded.

"When your old man sees the Lions, dude," Toji broke out a grin, "He's gonna crap himself."

"Can't wait to see his face," Shinji nodded, "C'mon let's get ready ourselves."

As the Voltron Force and the citizens prepared their celebration, none of them were aware of the core of the planet rapidly darkening and cooling, and the cracks forming across the world.

-NGV-

Shinji smiled as he leaned against the railing overlooking the ballroom and watched the refugees in the castle dance the night away.

A smile graced his face as he watched Kensuke and Rei spin across the floor, smiling at one another. "Your sister and Pilot Aida definitely are enjoying themselves, Commander."

Shinji turned to see the princess dressed in one of her nicest gowns and her long hair curled falling down her shoulders. "Yes, I'm happy they've found each other."

"Took them long enough," Allura stated, coming up beside him. "Yet, not quite as stubborn romantically as other members of the V-Force." She said with a small smirk and a side long look at the young commander.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Your Highness," Shinji avoided eye contact.

"Keith was an amazing commander, a fearless fighter, brilliant leader," Allura said fondly, looking up at a painting of the original five members of the V-Force. "So much like yourself. And, yet, also much like yourself, Keith was completely oblivious to the fact he had stolen the heart of an independent, fierce, and foolish young woman."

Shinji slowly turned to glance to the princess as she continued. "We were both fools. Madly in love, but stubbornly refused to admit it. It finally became too much for us to withhold it, and … we had one night together before… Instrumentality." Allura glanced down sadly, "Commander Ikari… Shinji… I do not wish for you and Asuka to make our mistakes. Embrace happiness while you can. You never know when your current reality may become only a memory. Trust someone who battles her own demons… memories are better than regrets."

"I'll keep that in mind, Princess… Allura," Shinji nodded, "Thank you…" he glanced back to the floor, "I can feel it in Black Lion. I can feel him. It may not be much comfort… but… Keith is still with us, and he's proud to defend you."

"Thank you…" Allura nodded, still looking at the painting of the pilots. Shinji started to say something else when someone cleared their throat behind them. Shinji turned and his jaw dropped.

"I feel like an idiot in this…" Asuka grumbled avoiding eye contact.

Shinji's eyes went first to her shimmering blue eyes and flushed cheeks to her curled, loose hair falling about her shoulders and her crimson gown which was form fitting on top but flared out in her skirt. "You look… good."

"Good?" She blinked and glanced to her friend.

"Great… amazing…" the words spilled out before he could stop himself.

"You're a goofball, Baka," Asuka rolled her eyes.

"Uh…" Shinji stammered, before holding out a hand. "Want to dance?"

Asuka smiled shyly and took his hand and let him lead her out on the dance floor, fully aware of the curious look Ayanami was giving them from where she was dancing with Kensuke.

The music slowed and stopped as they walked among the crowd. Among the musicians Toji walked up to the microphone. "This is an old Earth song that I really … it means a lot to me, and I think my friends will appreciate it too…" he said as the organ and woodwinds began to play.

"When the night has come… and the land is dark…and the moon is the only light I see…" Toji sang with the music as the couples began to dance in time with the music.

"I didn't know the stooge could sing…" Asuka said as she moved closer to Shinji. Shinji opened his mouth to respond, "Shut it, Baka, and just dance with me…"

"No, I won't be afraid… No, I won't be afraid… Just as long as…" Toji continued, "You Stand by Me."

"Shinji…" Asuka started softly.

"So, Darling, Darling, Stand… Stand by me, Oh, Stand by me… Oh Stand… Stand by me…"

"What is it, Asuka?" Shinji looked down at the redhead, and it as it has often since his growth spurt, threw her slightly at how much taller he was than her now. And how much he looked like his father… if his father was a good man.

"If the sky we look upon… should tumble and fall…"

"Do you remember… when we kissed?" Asuka asked uncharacteristically timid.

"You mean when you tried to suffocate me?" Shinji tried to joke, but the blue-eyed death glare silenced his jokes.

"Or the mountains should crumble into the sea…"

"Did you know that was my first kiss?" Asuka said awkwardly, looking away.

"I won't cry… I won't cry… no, I won't shed a tear…"

"and remember when I came into your room?" She asked, "The impenetrable Walls of Jericho? I get you were kinda … not kinda, very much socially awkward back then… but do you realize what I was trying to do?"

"Just as long as you stand… stand by me…"

"I really didn't know…" Shinji shrugged honestly.

"You … have read the story of Jericho in the Bible, right?" She asked, and he gave her a blank stare. "You really are a Baka…"

"So darling, darling…"

"The walls of Jericho was thought to be impenetrable… but the Hebrews simply marched around them for seven days… and the walls fell…" She gave him a strange, almost playful, almost hungry look. "Then Jericho was … conquered…"

"Huh? What does… oh…" Shinji's eyes widened. "Oh!"

"stand by me… oh stand by me…"

"The Invincible Shinji," Asuka said, dancing as closely as she could to him, both of their cheeks coloring, "Just like the hero he was described as…just like a comic book hero… especially to the brave heroic girl who doesn't actually need him in her life…" she whispered, her face growing closer to his, Shinji unknowingly holding his breath. "She never needed the hero to save her… but after he saved her again and again… never leaving her side… and fighting by her side… never letting her down… never failing… faithful and true… he eventually won her heart." She whispered before capturing his lips.

"Bout damn time…" Rei whispered from Kensuke's arms as they danced and watched the show.

"Oh stand… Stand by me…"

The kiss between the Red Lion pilot and the Black Lion pilot lasted longer than either expected, and they felt the world move beneath their feet.

When they pulled away and saw the panicked people around them. "Something's wrong…"

"Pilots, to the command center!" Allura called out, and the five ran behind her to the elevator.

-NGV-

"Status report!" the princess called as she and the lion pilots entered the command center with Corran already on the computers.

"Angel?" Shinji asked as they gathered around.

"No, we would be so lucky if it was…" Corran said sadly.

"Then, what is it?" Allura asked.

"We knew it would come eventually," Kensuke said, coming up beside Corran.

"Arus is dying…" Corran stated to the shock of the group. "The harvesting of the LCL from the planet, plus the Impacts destabilized the planet. Arus is breaking apart. We had hoped we had more time…"

"but time's run out…" Kensuke said bringing up the planetary readings showing every gage in critical levels.

"Is there anything we can do to stabilize it?" Shinji asked.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry, Princess…" Corran sighed, "There's nothing we can do to save the planet…"

"But… we can save the survivors…" Kensuke spoke up.

"How?" Allura asked, struggling to keep control of her emotions.

"Well, it was a surprised… we were going to wait till we launched a probe to make sure it was secure for transport… but guess we have to fly by the seat of our pants…" Kensuke said, "We've found a way to duplicate the portal that brought us here."

"The Castle was originally designed to be the flagship of the Arusian fleet." Corran stated, "The Impact happened before the engines could be completed. We've since finished, and it's fully flight capable now. It can be an ark for as many people we can fit in her."

Kensuke pulled up another screen, "We've determined the way to open a path back to our earth. It'll take us an hour to charge up the opening and stabilize it. And we only hope Arus has that long now…"

Allura stared at the screens for a moment, "Launch the lions and get as many people inside the castle as we can. Corran and I will open the portal and prepare the Castle for launch… and pray we have enough time. Hurry, team…"

They wasted no more time and ran to the launch tubes.

-NGV-

The five Lions were working hard moving transports and guiding people and vehicles to the Castle as it was being prepared to launch. "Status report?" Shinji requested as Black Lion hovered over the crowded entry way.

"We're getting everyone inside as quickly as we can," Rei said, standing before Blue Lion, removing her helmet to let her short dark hair with just her bangs remaining her natural blue color. Looking over the fearful but organized crowd moving into the entry way of the castle. "The Quakes are getting worse."

"Rei is right, Commander," Allura spoke up on the com, "The planet stability is past the critical point. We must hurry. What is your team's status?"

"We're almost got everyone loaded up," Shinji informed, "how's the status on the Castle and the portal?"

"Should be ready in twenty minutes…" Allura replied, almost as soon as she said it another earthquake shook the area, this time the ground broke and fell away around the castle.

"Better make that five…" Shinji said with a strained voice, "V-Force, get those people inside and get back in your Lions, now!"

Red and Blue Lion watched as the last of the people entered the castle and the door sealed shut. "That's it!" Asuka called out, "They're all in. Get that thing in the air!"

The two lions took to the air as the ground at their feet cracked and collapsed. "Go!"

The five robot lions watched with their pilots holding their breaths as the massive castle began to rise from the ground, the four outer towers expanding out with wings. "V-Force, standby," Corran said through the com as the central tower turned nose of the Castle-ship opened. "We're going to open the portal directly above us."

The pilots watched as a beam launched from the tip opening a shadow-like portal in the sky. They took only a moment to look down at the crumbling planet below them. "Shinji-kun, do you think we got them all?" Rei asked in a small voice.

"We did the best we could, Rei," Shinji said, taking his eyes from the planet to the portal. "V-Force, on me. Let's go home…"

The Lions formed a flying V and flew ahead of the Castleship into the portal. The turbulence and shockwaves hit instantly. "This is perfectly normal…" Kensuke said as he gripped the Green Lion's controls.

"You sure?" Asuka asked, glancing to the com window. "Cause if we die I'm comin' after you…"

"If Kensuke says it, then it is true…" Rei commented.

"Uh…" Kensuke said avoiding both of their gazes.

"Amendment, if we die, I will aid you, Asuka." Rei said with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Focus, Team…" Shinji said from Black Lion, who had extended its wings for stability. "Castle, how are you holding up back there?"

"We're holding in the green range, Commander," Allura said in a strained voice.

"Heads up, guys," Shinji said, seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, "It looks like we made it… Gun it, guys…"

The five Lions shot through the portal, and the pilots instantly recognized the city.

"Shinji-Kun!" Rei cheered from Blue Lion, "We made it! We're home!"

"Keep your focus, Rei," Shinji said, but couldn't contain his own smile. The sensors screamed in the Lion, showing that an Angel was very close, and he assessed the situation. The Evangelions, unit 00 and 02 were battling a powerful one and was in the ropes. "Those Evangelions are in trouble. Kensuke, Toji, help Unit 00."

"Roger!" "Roger!"

"Rei, Asuka, you help 02," Shinji commanded.

"Yes sir." "Right, Commander Baka!"

"I'll distract the Angel," He said pushing Black Lion's controls and sending it into a dive toward the Angel.

"Come on, big guy!" Shinji shouted, launching a missile from Black Lion's shoulder, hitting the Angel dead in the chest. "TAKE ME ON!"

The Lion landed, than shot to his rear legs, to slash at the Angel face and chest. Shinji frowned when it didn't do any damage. "This one is stronger than it looks…"

"Then don't just stand there, Baka!" Asuka called through the com, "Give The Order, and let's slash this freak!"

"Alright then, let's do this…" Shinji said, twisting the controls, "Ready to form Voltron!" he said, as the Lions took the air and made a tight formation. "Activate Interlock! Dynotherms connected! Infracells up! Megathrusters are Go!"

Shinji knew his father and Misato as well as the others in Central Dogma were watching this. He smiled as he imagined their faces as they watched them form the Defender of the Universe.

The giant robot landed and stood before the raging Angel impassively, and after the short stare down the attacking monster rushed the combined mechanical warrior.

The monster's spiked fist flew toward the robot known as Voltron's face, but with a loud, angry roar the maw of the Red Lion grabbed its wrist, then with a smooth spin, Voltron spun in place, slamming Green Lion's 'elbow' into the side of the monster's head. As it reeled backwards, Voltron preformed a snap kick with the leg made up of Blue Lion, releasing a blast of freezing liquid from the lion's mouth.

The Angel cried out as its chest froze and cracked revealing the core in its chest. "It's time," Shinji spoke up as Voltron leapt backwards. "Form Blazing Sword!" He ordered and the Red and Green Lion's maws slammed together, before moving outward, stretching a thick strand of energy. It quickly took the shape of a large, glowing sword in Red Lion's mouth. Voltron turn to the side stretching out its arms, the blade away from the beast, and the Green Lion roaring defiantly at the Angel.

The Angel took one last defiant attack, but the mighty robot was ready for it. With a strong slash, the Angel froze in step. The Eva Pilots and NERV Command watched in awe as the Angel slid perfectly in half before exploding in a cross-like pillar of light.

Voltron turned toward the direction of the Geofront and Central Dogma and extended Red Lion and the Blazing Sword away, the Green Lion's maw toward it, releasing a defiant, challenging roar.

-NGV-

"And that's the story, Captain Katsuragi," Shinji said from the table at Central Dogma. "It took us three years… three Arus years to get home, but we made it." He said glancing at his team, as well as Misato, Ritsuko, and higher offers of NERV on the other side of the table.

"Thank you, Shin…Commander Ikari," Misato smiled, and Shinji noticed a slight tremble to her hand. "So you made it home… and brought some friends…"

"144,000 refugees as well as Princess Allura and Prime Minister Corran, they mean no harm, and wish to help us defend our world from the Angels. None of us want what happened to Arus to happen to Earth." Shinji stated.

"We will definitely want to meet with the Princess and Prime Minister to discuss how this is going to work. The Prime Minister of Japan will arrive in the morning." Misato stated, but stopped when she saw a light on her tablet. She pressed a button and sighed, "Commander Ikari wishes to speak with you, Shin-Commander Ikari…" She glanced to the four flanking him. "Alone…"

"That's too bad," Rei stated, her defiance catching Misato and Ritsuko off guard. "V-Force is a team that stands as one. He will speak with all of us."

"Fair enough…" Misato nodded, "I'll take you up…"

The elevator ride to the Commander's office was awkward. When the door open, Misato walked out behind the five pilots.

"I see you have all returned…" Gendo Ikari stated in a cold tone from his desk as he eyed the team, particularly focusing on Rei, who took a step closer to Kensuke and Shinji. "Quite surprising."

"I don't recall I've ever surprised you before, Father." Shinji stated staring at his father. "It's a unique experience."

"I imagine," Gendo stated. "As members of NERV, you are ordered to surrender those five lions for examination. As well as any military technology in that flying castle." Gendo finished, pushing his glasses on his nose.

Shinji didn't hesitate a moment. "No."

"Excuse me?" Gendo's jaw twitched.

"With all due respect, Commander," Shinji said his own commanding tone, "No. NERV will not be allowed to examine the Lions or the Castle, without the expressed permission and observation of Princess Allura, Prime Minister Corran and myself. Am I understood?"

"You are a member of NERV and an Evangelion Pilot…" Gendo stated glaring daggers at his son.

"No. I am a member and Commander of the Voltron Force," Shinji stated, "My loyalty is to my team, and defending the Earth and the Universe beyond. We have the same purpose and mission, defend the Universe and People of Earth from the Angels, isn't that right, Commander? We don't have to be enemies as long as our purposes and goals are the same… isn't that correct?"

Gendo's jaw twitched and remained silent. "I will be happy to provide a report and for the V-Force and NERV to work in tandem to accomplish our goals. We don't have to be enemies, and we can benefit from each other. We can work things out. But as of right now, my team and I are exhausted from an escape from a dying planet and a battle with an Angel. I'm certain we will meet again tomorrow when the Princess and Prime Minister Corran meets you and the Prime Minister of Japan. Good day… Father…"

Shinji about faced, and the team with Misato walked toward the elevator. "Running away from your responsibilities and promises again, Shinji?" Gendo shot.

Shinji froze mid step. "Shinji…" Asuka reached for him with Rei.

"Brother… don't…" Rei whispered.

Shinji pulled away from them both and power walked back to the desk.

Shinji and Gendo stood eye to eye with only his desk separating them. "I'm not running away, Father. I haven't ran away in years. But I am running…" He said, his cold blue eyes glaring daggers into his father's. "I'm running right toward you. And what I do when I reach you is entirely up to you. You better decide soon. Because I'm coming."

Not waiting for a response, he returned to his former guardian and team. "Let's go."

The six entered the elevator and as soon as the door closed, Shinji collapsed against the wall. "That… was harder than I expected…" He said, looking down at his trembling hands. Misato started to speak, but Asuka reached for his hand and squeezed it.

She said two simple words. "Go Lion."

Rei, took his other and squeezed it, and repeated the words. "Go lion."

Kensuke and Toji touched his arms and said it together. "Go lion."

"What the hell," Misato sniffled, reached for him herself, giving them a group hug. "Go Lion, whatever the crap that means!"

Shinji smiled, surrounded by his friends. "Go Lion!"

End Chapter 1

"I wanna dive into the skies

Soar with you among the stars…

Unleash that mighty roar!

The impending doom is nigh

Galaxies swallowed whole by evil

But the battle isn't over just yet

We're here to make our last stand

And revive every starlight!

Don't back away

Just live the day

We're strong as one

Can't be undone

Together we won't stop till the war's won!

Go! Go Lion! Dive into the skies

Soaring past every shooting star

Where no man's ever gone before

To find that place where we belong

Nothing will ever take us down

The beast inside will give us strength

To rise and defend the universe!

Hear us ROOAAAAAAAR!

VOLTRON!"

God is in His heaven, Voltron is on the Earth, All is right in the Universe.

Coming soon: How will the Voltron Force mesh with NERV, as well as their old friends. Shinji and Asuka reunite with Misato… Toji finds Hikari once more… and Rei meets Rei. Worlds meet and not everything will mesh… in NEON GENESIS VOLTRON Chapter 2.1 Homecoming pt.2

Song Credits: Toji's song: Stand By Me – Bootstraps

Chapter 1 "end credits" Mighty Roar – Jayhan

Arthur Note: I AM BACK! I am so very sorry for the long (6 year) but it's amazing what an organ transplant (I got a kidney!) and a great Netflix series will do for one's muses. Gonna try my best to not make you guys wait another 6 years! LET'S GO VOLTRON FORCE!