Voltron: Tales of the Valkyrie (Voltron Legendary Defender fanfic)

Life 3

Keith lay still on the ground, blood pooling around him. His hand covered something. Something he'd spent his last moments pulling from underneath his suit.

Lotor smirked. "Incredible. The leader of the greatest force in the galaxy killed for a single person. What men will do, my dear Starlight." He pet her cheek. "Come along. We have a universe to conquer."

A spark lighted in the blank mind. Star glanced at the knife still in her grasp. The blade, the purple stone. All so familiar. The face of her opponent. The scar along his cheek. Things from a dream.

She kneeled beside him and moved his hand. A medallion, red and silver metal intertwined. She traced her finger along the pieces, like she'd done so many times as a child.

"What are you doing?" Lotor asked. "We need to go. Voltron won't kill itself."

Her voice was quiet, having gone unused. "Starlight." Certainty came as the word left her tongue. "I am Starlight."

"You're under my command. Now rise and come to me."

The memories came back, from her time on her world to the life she created on Valkara. Her search for the Red Lion leading her to a man with all the answers. A man who now lay at her feet, stabbed by the master she served.

Star turned to Lotor. "I am Lieutenant Starlight of the Valkyrie. Lady Raven's second in command and a friend to Voltron. I will serve you no longer."

Lotor gripped the hilt of his sword. "You cannot defy me."

"Watch me." Star grabbed her blade off the ground. Lotor blocked her strike. They separated and connected, continuing back and forth along the floor.

Lotor lunged. Star side-stepped and twisted his wrist. The sword clattered on the ground. Her blade cut through his arm, the emperor reeling back. She cut his legs, Lotor collapsing to his knees.

Through clenched teeth, he laughed. "You won't kill me."

Star didn't flinch. "I have three good reasons to kill you." Without a second thought, she stabbed him in the chest, hilt against his breastplate. "For my parents." Lotor gagged while the blade twisted. "For Keith." She ripped it out, gripping Lotor's throat so he wouldn't fall. "And lastly, me." She swung the blade of light. Grey hair fell to the ground, cushioning his head's descent. The headless torso crumpled on the floor.

Star exhaled, calming her nerves. She stood, not looking at the body beside her. She checked her surroundings, confused by what had happened. Then she saw Keith. "No."

She dropped her sword and ran to him. Turning him onto his back, she gasped. Blood stained his armor. His skin grew pale and cold. She couldn't find a pulse. He wasn't breathing. "I was too late." She stroked his cheek. Nothing could bring him back.

But then, how was she here? Something had happened to save her. Star noticed the slight glow in her skin. Something like power. Quintessence. She stared at her hand, the fine details that tingled with energy. Keith remained lifeless, needing that same power.

Star grabbed his knife and cut her palm. The red blood glowed white as it trickled down her hand. She pressed it against Keith's chest. Her head rested on his heart, other hand gripping his. "Come on. Work, you stupid quintessence. You brought me back. Now save him. Save his life." Tears streamed down her cheeks. She grew tired and drained but held on. Not wanting to let him go. She lost consciousness against Keith, quintessence flowing from her into him.

Keith inhaled. His fingers tightened around a hand. He opened his eyes. Star lay against his chest, hand in his. He wrapped an arm around her.

She moaned, lifting her head. Crystal blue eyes looked into his. "Keith?"