Voltron: Dark Universe

Chapter 1:

"Final Duel. Part One"

He opened his eyes. He was tired and hurt, physically and mentally worn out. But he couldn't stop. Not now.

Keith gathered strength again and stood up. He held up from the dark rock wall of the strange fortress. In his right hand he held his sword firmly. He wiped the dirt and blood from his face and looked at his opponent.

He was injured too, and that young man was breathing heavily, he seemed to have no more strength, and still he was standing, staring at him wishing to kill him. He had no Bayard, however, had been able to create a sword with that dangerous dark essence. Then they looked at each other.

It was still hard to Keith, after all, there could be only one victor in that battle… but it wasn't a Galra, or a robot; right in front of Keith, a few meters away, it was Lance. How could he kill him? «No, I have to do it» Keith said to himself, otherwise Lance would kill him, and everything would've been in vain. The entire Universe would be consumed by darkness.

Lance smiled —you gave up already?

Keith stared at his eyes, even at that far he could see that intense purple glow. He could not hesitate now. He had to win.

—And you? —Keith said. And though Lance lowered his voice, he could hear him.

—Just beginning.

Then Lance stretched out his other arm, and so a second sword emerged. «Great» Keith thought. There was no time to think. Keith was ready, and apparently that Lance too. Keith was prepared. Lance leaned forward and smiled mischievously. And Lance ran toward him. Just before the swords could seriously injure him, Keith interposed his own sword.

The duel had just begun. Keith fought hard to defend himself against Lance's attacks. Being so close, Lance was very agile. Lance nearly cut off Keith's face, but he dropped back, turned, and stood up again and threw himself at him.

Keith pushed and struck with such force one of Lance's swords, which fell to the ground and disappeared. But the brown-haired young man was quick, and attacked with his other weapon. Keith received a cut in the back, which was not serious thanks to his armor. But the suit was breaking. Swords struck again, and again, and again. Until Lance jumped, he spun around and kicked Keith toward the wall.

When Keith regained his balance, Lance was no longer in front of him. He looked to his left, just to see it coming and receive an elbow that threw it to the ground again. Keith lost his Bayard. He tried to get up but failed. Lance approached, bent down and took Keith by the neck. He held him tightly and lifted him up.

Keith was drowning, and he tried to free himself, but Lance was very strong. Keith discovered that his legs were free, and he did the only thing he could think of. «I hope it works» he told himself. As he could, he took a thrust in his legs, and kicked Lance in the crotch.

It worked. Lance responded with a cry of pain, and released Keith to cover his crotch. Keith managed to fall to his feet, and took advantage of that moment to give Lance a knee in the ribs. When he bent down, he punched him in the face. Until he released the blow, Lance held his fist, and positioned himself just behind, bending over. Keith let out a cry of pain, and then Lance kicked him in the back, which again hurled him toward the wall.

Keith fell to the floor. Lance took a step toward him, but his legs faltered and he dropped to his knees; he could see Keith trying to get up again. Then Lance spoke, but now there were two voices at once: that of Lance, a human adolescent, and a sinister, very grave, raspy and bestial.

—Why do you keep fighting? Understand that you have already lost!

Keith rose to his feet again. He splat blood before he spoke.

—I have not lost yet —his voice was weak, but he managed to shout —I know Lance is still there, and I'll not give up while he's alive! I will not give up, as long as your existence continues to endanger the Universe!

Though Lance looked at him furiously, tears welled in his eyes. then the strange cave of rock trembled.

—As long as I live —Keith said —I will not stop.

That Lance, crying, smiled mischievously.

—That can be fixed.

Lance took his dark sword from the ground and threw himself at Keith. Just before impact, Lance regained control of his body, only to be able to scream.

"No, Keith!"

But it was late.

...