Nyle POV

"Good news. There's been an upsurge in planets that have been liberated from Galra control by the Blade of Marmora and rebel forces. Convincing these planets to join our coalition is priority one."

"Does that mean more Voltron events?" Coran asked.

"Yes," Shiro responded. "Believe it or not, the Voltron show-of-arms goes a long way in inspiring others to join the fight."

Shiro pulled up a holographic screen of a bunch of green and purple circles before continuing. "The green clusters you see here, here, and here represent planets and, in some cases, entire star systems that have joined the coalition. Not coincidentally, those are also the areas we've personally visited."

"All right! Razzle-dazzle time!" Lance exclaimed, throwing his arms up. "For the war effort, of course."

"Coran, can you set everything up?" Shiro asked.

"I know just where to start," Coran replies.

We made our way to a hospital, putting columns in place. My lion was just there to help stabilize it in case it fell, but I tried helping as much as I could.

"All right, the last column's in place," Shiro says. "Now this hospital can service the entire sector."

"But that's only the first step in helping these injured war veterans," Coran says. "Come on in, it's time."

We all landed our lions and came inside the hospital to where Coran was. We were in a back room where outside there were patients who I guess are waiting on us.

"Everyone check your wrist devices. I uploaded a script onto them," Coran says as we all checked our devices.

"What is all this Coran?" I asked, reading what he uploaded.

"Yeah, there's barely anybody out there," Lance added.

"I scaled down the show so we can do it indoors for the patients," Coran starts. "You know, to lift their spirits."

"This isn't even factually accurate," Pidge says.

"Well, this is the Legend of Voltron, not the documentary of Voltron," Coran responded. "Speaking of which, Allura, you'll be playing Keith."

Allura groaned out almost disgusted at the thought.

"The word of Keith leaving the team hasn't really spread yet, so I didn't want to confuse anyone," Coran adds. "Besides, playing Keith is easy. Just act really moody."

Allura growled and crossed her arms, looking at Coran annoyed.

"There! You've done it! Come on, everyone in positions. Just follow the script." Coran shouts.

Coran goes out as we stayed backstage beside Shiro, listening to what he was saying. "Ladies and gentle-aliens, bear witness as the Paladins of Voltron attack Zarkon's base to save the helpless Princess Allura!" 

The light then turned to Shiro who was standing straight in the middle of the stage before he started reading from the script. "Uh, I will save the princess, even if it means taking on the Galra Empire with my bare hand."

Hunk then walked out on stage as I struggled to keep my laughter back at how awkward this was. "And you won't have to do it alone because you'll have me, Hunk."

"And me, Pidge," She says while walking on stage.

Lance quickly hopped up on stage. "And me, Lance." He looked at his script. "-Holds bayard dashingly- oh," He said before taking out his bayard with a sly smile.

Allura walked up, looking at her script. "And me, Keith." She said, disdain in her voice. 

Then I walked up before humming. "And me, Nyleaya." This is so ridiculously stupid.

"Thank you, team, for always being by my side, through thick or thin," Shiro said, pressing a few buttons before speaking again. "Now, come along. Together, we'll..."

Then we all stood together before talking in unison. "Defeat Zarkon."

Then Coran came scooting out in a wig that was styled as Allura's hair. "My heroes!"

By the time the lights turned on, everyone was completely gone. "Well, that bombed," Hunk said.

"Yeah, speaking of bombs, we need to get back to doing air shows with explosions and lasers...and bombs!" Lance exclaimed as we all walked off stage.

I noticed Coran wasn't behind us and I went back to go get him. "Hey, Coran? You coming or not?"

He gave me a slightly forced smile and walked over to me as I looked over to see some person in a wheelchair leaving.

                                                                                ~~~~^^~~~~

We made out way towards a planet that was showing horrible weather conditions. "Voltron air show, here we come!" Coran exclaimed.

The castle landed as Lance spoke up. "I hope you booked a larger venue this time."

Then our screens opened back up and we saw how horrible the weather actually was.

"I'm not sure if these are the best conditions for a show," Pidge says.

Then we get a transmission from someone on the planet I think, and he looked pissed. "Well, if it isn't team Voltron, a day late and a fertronium short," He said.

"I'm sorry, is there a problem?" Coran asked.

"Is there a problem? Yes! Yes, there is a problem! You were supposed to be here yesterday! It was the one day out of the year we have clear skies. The other 720 days are like this!" He exclaimed angrily.

"Oh, I see my mistake," Coran replied. "I forgot to calculate for time dilation."

"Oh, you made a mistake?" The alien asked sarcastically. "The entire planet was out of their burrows for Clear-Day, just waiting. 'Where's Voltron?' They kept asking."

"Okay, th-that's on me," Coran said, putting his hands up.

"I said, 'Don't worry, they'll show up,' but did you? No! Then, everyone starts turning on me. 'You said they'd be here'!" He shouted.

Then there was a bunch of rumbling and made the castle start shaking. "What was that?" Allura asked.

The Coran pulled up a screen of some monster attacking the castle. 

"It's a Swathian meerakeet," The alien started. "They show up every day of the year except one. Guess which day?"

"Okay, we get it," Lance said, over this already.

"Clear-Day!" He continued as Lance groaned.

"Don't worry. They'll chase any beam of light. I'll lead him away while we get out of here," Coran said, pointing a beam of light away from us as the meerakeet walked to go get it. Allowing us to fly off the planet.

Once we were away from the planet Coran turned to us. "I'm really sorry about that."

"Coran, if we're going to expand this coalition in the short amount of time we have, we can't afford these kinds of mistakes," Shiro said firmly.

"That last show was pretty lame. I don't know if you're cut out to be managing this thing," Lance adds as I elbowed him, giving him a look.

"Just give me one more chance. I promise to turn it around," Coran pleads.

We all kind of silently let him take this chance before going to our own rooms to sleep for the night. I came in to already see Mereida asleep, cuddling with the Black Lion plush that Allura gave her for Christmas. It made me smile but a little sad that he wasn't here right now. Her birthday is in a couple of days and I wanted him to be here for it.

I pushed the thought away for the time being and decided to go to bed for the night. 

The next day, Coran had taken us up to the mall that I guess everyone went to before in our armor.

"It's official. We've reached rock bottom," Pidge says.

"Yeah, I don't know if this is the best place to get our message out to the widest audience," Shiro adds.

"Shiro, baby, you're right," Coran started. "And I want what you want, man. But I've had some epiphanies, some ideas, some realizations. What we have to do is broadcast a show across an entire galaxy. We could reach the largest viewership in the history of intergalactic showbiz."

Okay, something's wrong with Coran. Why is he acting like this?

"Aw, yeah!" Lance exclaimed.

"But we need to workshop some things before we can take it to the next level," Coran continues. "You with me, kid?" He says, winking at Pidge.

"You seem different," Pidge says.

"Very, very different," I added.

Coran chuckled before speaking. "You mean better. Look, it's my mission to make sure our message really sings. Beautiful aliens from here to Vlexlar will know your name. And your coalition will put the Galra's army to shame."

"Well, it rhymes, so it's gotta be true," Hunk says.

"I guess we'll give it a try," Shiro says with a sigh.

We headed towards a staged area and stood backstage as I peeked out to see people gathering before Coran started speaking.

"Okay, we have got the air show down, which is great! But we need to add a theatrical element to expand. The hospital performance was a disaster, but I think it can work if you follow my guidelines, guys. Rule number one, never walk onto stage, all right? You gotta leap onto stage, roll onto stage. I'm talkin' explode onto stage! Number two, don't just say your line. You gotta shout your line. Remember, louder is better! And, finally, strike a pose after every movement. Everyone loves a pose."

"Yeah!" Lance exclaimed.

Coran got onto the side of the stage out of sight before rolling out some type of homemade prop of the lizard thing we fought on the Balmera.

"Oh, no! A laser-eyed monster!" Coran exclaimed. "We need the Paladins of Voltron!" 

Then a bunch of rock music played as we all jumped out onto the stage, doing various poses. 

"Your time's up monster!" Lance exclaimed as the crowd cheered.

As we turned to the 'monster', Lance yelled to Allura. "Keith, I need your help!"

"I'm on it!" Allura yelled.

"Look out! He's firing his lasers!" Hunk yelled.

The prop's chest laser started flashing red as we all 'attacked' it, striking a pose at the end.

"Spread the word!" Coran exclaimed. "The Voltron Coalition needs you!"

"I would like to join the Voltron Coalition!" One alien shouts out as the rest cheered and clapped for us.

We walked backstage and took time to relax. "At least the crowd stayed until the end," Pidge says with Hunk agreeing.

"That...actually went really well," Shiro says to Coran.

"Yeah, you're trending galaxy-wide!" Coran yells. "I mean, you're a four-quadrant hit! Your plus-sevens are plus ten! But that's just the beginning!"

                                                                               ~~~~''~~~~

We made our way to our next coalition show, all of us in some room once we got there. 

"This is our first stadium, let's get out there and really win some hearts and minds today!" Coran shouted.

"Bi-boh-bi-bi. Bi-boh-bi-boh," Some worm-like alien says as he comes in, talking to Coran.

"All right, you heard Bii-Boh-Bi. Five doboshes. Let's go! Places!" Coran says.

We all got up, heading to where we needed to be. I stretched some and sighed softly. 

"You alright?" Lance said as he walked next to me.

I smiled and shrugged. "I guess so. I haven't been ice skating in years. I might be a little rusty."

He let out a small laugh and smiled softly. "I'm sure you'll be fine. Besides, one of us might catch you. If you get lucky that is."

I laughed more and shoved his arm. "You are such an ass. But thanks, I needed that."

"It's kinda my job. As the goofball I mean," Lance replied.

I smiled and hum softly. "Yeah maybe, but you're also our sharpshooter aren't you?"

He gave me a warm smile. "There isn't anyone else who could be it right?"

I shake my head before hearing Coran greet the people. "That's our cue to get ready. We can talk more later if you want."

He smiled and nodded at me. "That would probably help me keep my sanity yeah."

I laughed softly and listened to what Coran was saying. "Oh, no, it's Zarkon! And the evil witch Haggar!"

Bii-Boh-Bi translated what Coran was saying as two of the people dressed as Zarkon and Haggar came onto the ice.

"It is I, the greatest force of evil this universe has ever seen!" 'Zarkon' exclaimed.

"Sire, soon you will defeat the paladins, and Voltron will be yours," 'Haggar' added.

"Not if I have something to say about it!" Hunk exclaimed as he went onto the ice. "Take that Zarkon!"

Before he could shoot, he started slipping and fell, sliding right past them as the audience laughed.

"Look, it's Pidge!" Coran yelled as Pidge came onto the ice.

"Don't worry, Hunk, I got your back!" She exclaimed.

"She'll use her math and calculations to defeat Zarkon!" Coran adds as Bii-Boh-Bi translates.

'Haggar' threw something on the ice, causing smoke to rise up and Pidge emerged from it tied up in pink ribbon.

"Oh, no! The witch's magic has counteracted Pidge's math! What are they going to do?" Coran said dramatically as the rest of us snuck onto the ice and rock music started to play, spotlights shining over us.

"We need teamwork!" Shiro shouted. "The only way to defeat Zarkon is with Voltron!"

Hunk and Pidge came to us as we all struck poses. Lasers came over the stadium as we all grabbed our lions' heads. They got into the Voltron formation with me next to them.

"Does anybody feel kind of stupid right now?" Hunk said under his breath so only we could hear.

"Shut up, Hunk! They're lovin' us," Lance whispered back.

Lance and Pidge shot their lions' mouth cannons of confetti as 'Zarkon' and 'Haggar' flew off with lines.

"I'll get you next time!" 'Zarkon' yelled while the audience cheered.

We made our way backstage once the lights dimmed down, throwing the lion heads in the corner. 

"How many of these appearances do we have to put on?" Pidge asked.

"I know they seem humiliating, but Coran's ideas are working," Shiro responded. "Every performance draws more people to the cause."

"Exactly. All that stuff," Lance said as he signed some autographs for some of the women.

Coran went over and closed the door. "Okay, all right, let's go, come on! We've got business to discuss. First of all, great job. Tonight was a big success. Now, we're back on track, better than ever! There's no doubt about it, you're stars. But, to go supernova, you gotta push it even further."

"Coran, a supernova is an exploding star man," I added.

"And what's brighter than that?" Coran exclaimed, getting up in my face. "Here's the deal. I've worked up very specific personas for each of you. This is gonna help the audience connect on a much deeper level with each team member. There's Loverboy Lance."

"Loverboy Lance?" Lance questioned. "It's perfect because it's true."

"You're Science-Wiz Pidge," Coran continued. "Whoa! Look out, big brain! We've got Lone Wolf Keith. That's you 'cause you're Keith. And I'm thinking your catchphrase could be like a howl."

Allura growled out annoyed at Coran's words. 

"Well, that's more of a growl, but you'll keep working on it. Hunk, from now on you'll be Humorous Hunk. Nyle, you're now the Heartthrob," Coran says.

"I'm sorry what? Say that again?" I questioned.

"Heartthrob. You're like, the serious and pretty team member. The eye-candy. People seem to have something for your looks. Especially all the big hair," Coran responded.

"Are you serious?" I asked, completely dumbfounded as he continued.

"And last but not least. Shiro, the Hero!" Coran says as he puts one of Shiro's arms in a flexing position.

                                                                                   ~~~~''~~~~

Over the next couple of weeks and shows we've put on, we've gone through different strategies and ways to make people want to join the coalition.

While we were in the lounge, Coran pulled up a map of all the different planets that have joined the coalition. 

"Guys, the recruitment rallies are amazing. Look at all the green on this map!" Coran shouted.

"We certainly had our doubts at first, but I have to admit, Coran, your plan is actually working," Allura spoke.

"Why thank you, Keith! I like to keep you in character. And it's only gonna get better with a few improvements," Coran responds. 

"More improvements?" Pidge asked.

"Please, no more farts," Hunk pleaded.

"Hear me out. First, it's time Voltron starts to talk," Coran says. "Everyone's dying to hear what the big guy sounds like. Next, we'll introduce new weapons and new outfits for each of you."

"Coran, what are you talking about? We only have one more show," Shiro says. "After the big intergalactic broadcast, we're done."

"What are you talking about?" Coran shouts. "We're just getting started here! We can't stop now!"

"Uh, Coran, you feelin' okay?" Hunk asked.

"Yeah you, you seem really twitchy and you look tired," I added.

"You must realize that we need to get back to fighting Zarkon," Allura says.

"We are fighting Zarkon!" Coran yells. "Six nights a week and twice on the astral conflux!"

"Bi-bi-boh bi-bi-bi-bi-oh bi-bi-bi-boh-bi-bi," Bii-Boh-Bi says as he comes in.

"I don't care if the new laser show is here!" Coran shouts. "What have I told you about walkin' in when I'm talking to the talent?"

Bii-Boh-Bi says something as he walks out.

"Coran, we have to do our next event, but, after that, no more shows," Shiro says.

"You're a bunch of quitters! Quitters! I'm a visionary! I have thoughts, ideas! I don't need you anyway! I'll rewrite the show! Get rid of the whole lot of ya! Replace you with new paladins! And the show will be better than ever before!" Coran yells as he walked away before stopping and turning to Shiro. "Except for you, Shiro. I'll never get rid of you. You're our most popular character. But the rest of you will never work in show business again!" 

Coran walked out, leaving us all there before Lance spoke up. "Wait...You're the most popular character?"

We were preparing ourselves for the last show and Shiro turned to us. "All right, remember, guys, this is being broadcasted galaxy-wide. It's the final piece in our plan. So, let's make our last appearance our best appearance."

"I'm concerned about Coran," Allura says.

Hunk scoffed before speaking. "He was getting crazy. He'll realize that soon enough."

"Bi-boh bi-boh-bi," Bii-Boh-Bi says before leaving.

"I have no idea what Bii-Boh-Bi is saying," Lance says.

We went on, fighting the aliens dressed as Galra soldiers, before standing next to each other as rumbling started to fill the arena.

"Did you hear that rumbling?" Shiro asked.

"According to my thermal calculations, there's only one thing that can cause a sound like that. A Galra robeast," Pidge says as she strikes a pose.

"Zarkon has sent a robeast to try and destroy us and the planet," Lance says. "We'll show him who's going to destroy whom!"

"Everyone, we need to form Voltron!" Shiro exclaimed. The lights dimmed down, allowing us to get to our lions. 

Voltron came crashing down on the ground and I hovered above. 

"I am here to defend the universe," 'Voltron' says. "What was that?"

We turned to see that same monster from when we went to that 'Clear-Day' planet.

"Wow, Bii-Boh-Bi has really upped his effects game," Pidge says.

The monster ran around as Voltron grabbed it to prevent it from going into the audience. They threw it and it shot some type of ring-like ray at them, causing the ground to explode.

"Uh, guys? I don't remember rehearsing this. Are we sure that isn't real?" I asked.

"Who cares? They're lovin' it!" Lance exclaimed.

"Paladins, that monster you're fighting onstage is real!" Coran exclaimed. "I know because I brought it!"

"What?" Allura questioned.

"A brain worm talked me into it!" Coran replied. "I'll explain later about that bit."

"Wait, that's not just really great special effects?" Hunk asked.

"Pidge put up the shield!" Shiro yelled out as the shield came in front of them just in time as the monster shot at them.

I shot at the monster at the same time as the Red Lion, but it didn't work.

"The lasers aren't working!" Pidge exclaimed.

"That thing took a direct hit, and we barely did any damage!" Lance says

"I've got an idea. We can use the lights from the hover screen to lure to monster away from the crowd," Shiro says.

"I've got this," Allura says as she kicks the screen out from the audience, the monster following it.

"Nice job, Keith!" Hunk yelled.

The show ended and we all went back to the castle as we stood around Coran. 

"I'm so sorry, guys. I shouldn't have trusted that strange Unilu. Looking back, it seems like such an obviously bad decision," Coran says.

"Yeah. Worm pills? Gross!" Lance adds.

"I didn't mean to take us this far off the mission," Coran says.

"Well, believe it or not, the plan worked," Shiro starts as he pulls up the map from before. "Our coalition is bigger than ever."

"What? Really?" Hunk questioned.

"Boh! Bi!" Bii-Boh-Bi says as he somehow came out of nowhere.

"Bii-Boh-Bi! What have I told you about interrupting when I'm talking to the talent?" Coran shouts.