Comment on Metamorphosis

  1. slategirl on Chapter 4 Tue 10 May 2022 10:37PM UTC

    Just so lovely. I’m so happy I finally set aside to read this and enjoy the zine. I love this lore around the space caterpillars - I never considered that they would have a similar life cycle to Earth caterpillars. I supposed the “caterpillar” nickname was just referencing their rotund yet somewhat elongated build, especially since we weren’t shown any specimens of their species at a different point of their life cycle. Now that I think about it, they remind me a lot of wooly bear caterpillars, what with their relatively short length and extreme fuzziness. The ~symbolism~ skills jumped out here too, and I’d say this was a great opportunity for that since the colors of the critters correspond with the Paladins :D I’m always happy to be treated with a fic from you <3

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    1. Quinn73 on Chapter 4 Wed 11 May 2022 03:36PM UTC

      Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! I am glad you noticed the symbolism, which was intentional on my part.

      Hunk, who is represented by the yellow caterpillar, matures in a very natural way. Both he and Keith serve as voices of wisdom in this story.

      Hunk tells Lance the hard truth that he needs to hear: “An attraction based only on appearances is just an infatuation. Those feelings will fade away over time, but true love is a choice that endures.” Ultimately, when Lance is ready to be in a real long-term relationship, it won’t be with one of the multitude of strangers he has flirted with just because they are attractive females.

      Lance’s character arc, represented by the blue caterpillar struggling to emerge from its chrysalis, is one of a delayed maturity caused by trauma and grief. The struggle is part of his growth and he will emerge from it a stronger and wiser person, one who finally understands what love really is.

      Pidge, being the youngest Paladin and one of nature’s “late bloomers,” has to learn the wisdom of letting go of what she perceives as one-sided crush.

      “I know this isn’t the best time, but you need to hear this, Pidge. If you really love him you have to set him free. If he doesn’t come back to you, he was never really meant to be yours,” Keith explained to her.

      This truth plays out in the story when Pidge gives up her beloved green space caterpillar so that Lance can have a much-needed emotional support pet. Lance is really touched by Pidge’s selflessness, and because of it he finally begins to realize how much he has always loved her. Remember how in season 8, Pidge gave up her prized video game so that Allura could barter for a dress to wear on her date with Lance? Not only was that a sacrifice for Allura’s benefit, it illustrated that Pidge loved Lance enough to give up something she really wanted so that he could be happy, even if that meant losing him to Allura. She learned to let go.

      This story is very different from what I usually write. The tale I originally wanted to tell had to be whittled down to fit the required word limit for inclusion in the fanzine. The theme of the role of pets in the lives of the Voltron characters was a great one though. I wanted to explore growth and change, love and death, and the unbreakble bond of friendship that these characters have with one another. The metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly provided the perfect framework for the story, which never would have been written if the zine mods hadn’t given me the opportunity to participate in this lovely little project.

      I am glad to hear you have downloaded the zine, which is full of warm and fuzzy fanfiction and fanart. It is simply a delight! Thank you again for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it.

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