They all stood in the bridge of the ship waiting for the signal from Thace. Once he shut down the power on Zarkon's ship they would be able to attack. But as doboshes went by and no signal, everyone became on edge.

"I knew this was a trap!" Allura shouted at Kolivan.

The Blade member looked at her. "What do you mean?" The anger in Allura's eyes made all of them glad that they weren't at the receiving end of that. "I mean that the Blade has been working with Zarkon this whole time!" Allura shouted. It was Coran that sighed loudly, "Princess, you know better. They have been nothing but helpful. Kaede has been more than helpful."

At the mention of Kaede's name the Princess soften. Her advisor was right.

"I am sorry. It is just..." A soft hand was on her shoulder. Lance gave her a small smile and she gave one in return.

Kolivan looked over at Kaede who was standing next to Keith. All that was going through his head was their encounter last night. He had never seen his daughter so broken up over a mission before. Yes, it was a very dangerous one and they could die, but she knew the risks. They all knew the risks. But, it didn't stop him from feeling nervous too.

"Thace was supposed to contact us vargas ago," Aroshik stated. If it had been that long it only meant one thing.

"He is most likely dead. We need to abort this mission immediately," Kolivan said turning toward the map. Allura's anger came back, "WE CANNOT ABORT THIS MISSION!" Kolivan looked at Kaede. If they aborted this mission she would be safe. She would be out of harms way and live. She would be alive and safe.

"We don't take any chances. That is how we have survived this long, therefore we are aborting the mission," Kolivan stated his eyes never leaving Kaede.

The anger was rolling off of Allura now. "Not taking chance?! That is what has made you all weak! It is what has made Zarkon able to take nearly all the galaxy!" she shouted. Kolivan shook his head, "You do not understand Princess. If it was not for us-" "If it was not for us what? Zarkon would have the whole galaxy?" She walked up to the older Blade member, "I call bullshit!"

The tension in the room was rising at Kolivan and Allura's fighting match went on.

Kaede glanced back at Zarkon's ship. All they needed was someone who was galra to activate the chip. Someone who was stealthy and who had been in the ship before.

"I'll do it," Keith and Kaede said at the same time.

Everyone turned and looked at the two. "Keith you can't!" Hunk said. "Neither can you Kaede," Lance said back.

The twins rolled their eyes and looked at everyone. "I planned on doing it by myself, but having an extra pair of eyes couldn't hurt," Kaede said. "Yeah, both of us are galra which means that we can activate the technology on that ship," Keith continued. "Plus, I've already spent some time on that ship before so I do know where we need to go." Kaede and Keith looked at each other and nodded.

Before anyone could speak Keith turned back to Pidge, "Do you think you could make it to where the pods are cloak like Green?" The Green Paladin shook her head yes, "It shouldn't be hard at all. I can go do it right now!" Pidge ran out of the room.

"Good. Once Keith and I are in we will be able to relay to you what is happening inside. It shouldn't take us long to get to the control center. In the control ce-"

"Going into that ship is suicide," Kolivan said. Kaede turned and looked at her father. Unless you knew the man very well you wouldn't be able to see the fear in his eyes. "Someone as inexperienced as you and someone with no experience should not be going inside there," Aroshik said.

Kaede rolled her eyes, "I have been inside the ship. I know how to get to it. I am our best bet of shutting down the system. I know how to fight and I am one of the best damn fighters we have," Kaede said making a fist. "And who are you to say I have no experience. I am a Paladin of Voltron and have been fighting for months now," Keith said.

Without thinking he took Kaede's hand in his, "We two at the only ones who are capable of doing this."

Aroshik rolled his eyes. "Fine, if you two want to go on the suicide mission then so be it."

Kaede glared at her father and dared him to say something. Kolivan sighed. He knew what they were saying was correct. They would be able to get in there and get it done before any of them could. But, somewhere deep inside of him he didn't want to let his daughter go.

Looking at the galra teen he realized that she was an adult. Suddenly regret filled him to the point he thought that he would scream. Kolivan spent many of her first years trying not to care for her. Trying to keep her at a distance. But somehow that chubby little child stole his heart. Now he was regretting not giving in sooner. Showing her the love and respect she deserved.

"Fine," he said trying to convey pride in his voice. Because he was filled with it when he looked at her.

"The pod is ready to go," Pidge shouted over the intercom. Kaede and Keith looked at each other and nodded. "Ready brother?" she whispered. Keith gave her hand a squeeze, "As ready as I'll ever be."


Keith and Kaede were finished putting on their armor when Lance and Allura ran in.

"Did something happen?" Kaede asked. Allura shook her head no and glanced at Lance. Kaede wanted to laugh at Allura. She clearly wanted to come here on her own, but it seemed like Lance hitched a ride.

"Then what's wrong?" Keith asked.

Allura sighed, "It's just...I wanted to...say..." She looked between to the twins. "Thank you. For doing this." Kaede gave her a smile and took her hand. "You are welcome."

Lance glanced at the two women then looked at Keith. "Just...stay safe," Lance's voice dropped, "Please." He was only looking at Keith when he said this.

Allura and Kaede gave a small smile to the two Paladins.

"I mean it's just," Lance rubbed the back of his neck, "I surprisingly enjoyed yesterday and maybe...maybe after this we...could hang...out...more." Keith looked at him with wide indigo eyes. Kaede covered her mouth as she tried not to laugh. Her brother clearly was having a crisis.

"I-uh...I...I uhm-"

"He would love to!" Kaede shouted. Keith let out a small sigh and mentally thanked Kaede. Lance gave him his award-winning smile, "Alright Mullet." Keith threw on his helmet and got into the pod before any of them could see the blush on his face.

Kaede turned around and Allura grabbed her hand. She quickly opened it and wrote the promise symbol on her hand. "There, we've promised each other, so stay safe you silly girl," she said. Before Kaede could anything Allura ran off with a wave.

She watched as the Princess disappeared behind the doors.

"That was interesting," Lance said with a smile. Repeating her brother, Kaede pressed the button to activate her Blade mask. "Bye Lance," she said getting in the pod.


Keith and Kaede were slowly making their way through the castle. It was eerie how quiet the castle was. They only had to take out a few guards, but there were really no druids or officials around.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Kaede whispered. Keith nod in agreement.

They were getting close to the power hub when a noise went off in their helmets. "Keith, Kaede, this is Shiro. We are getting close to Zarkon's ship. Have you all made it to the power hub yet?"

"We are almost there. Just a few more halls," Kaede said.

They ran quickly through the halls without meeting a single guard. Kaede's hair was standing up with how quiet it was. Yeah, there was something up.

Kaede stopped in front of a big door. "This is it," she whispered to Keith. He gave her a nod and put his hand on the pad opening it up. "We're in," Kaede said.

"Okay, now you need to-"

The com suddenly stopped working as the doors behind them closed quickly. Kaede ran and put her hand on the panel. The door refused to move. "SHIT!" she screamed running back to the control console.

"We are trapped which means that they were expecting us," she relayed to Keith. She grabbed the chip out of her pocket and put it in. The whole room turned a bright red. A screen popped up with numbers running through it.

"QUIZNAK!" Kaede yelled slamming her fists on the console. "What?" Keith was standing behind her looking at the screen. "They changed the codes! We can't download the virus!" Kaede said kicking the stupid console.

How could she be so stupid? It was so obvious that this was a trap and she led them to it. She led them to their deaths.

The door opened behind them and Thace fell forward. Two druids floated over him. "We were right. You were trying to shut down our systems." Kaede pulled out her sword and activated it. "It is a good thing we changed the codes."

Keith pulled out his bayard. The druids began to shoot at them. "MOVE!" Kaede shouted jumping toward the closest druid. She slid under the beam and swung up at the druid. It moved at the last second. Getting up on her feet she began to let her anger rise. It helped her with her fighting by enhancing her movements.

Screaming she jumped sideways avoiding another beam. The druid drove at her. Kaede stepped sideways. She nicked the druid but it did not stop it. "Just give up. Your death will be swift," it said. "NEVER!" Kaede shouted.

The druid moved quickly and hit her arm, knocking the blade out of her hand. It quickly grabbed her arm and shot electric through it.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Just give up. You are no match for me. You are just a mere worthless child," it spat out. Kaede fell to her knees. The smell of burnt flesh filled her nostrils. She looked over and saw Keith barely able to fend off the druid.

How could she be so stupid? How could she have led Keith here? If he died everyone would hate her.

All she could hear were Aroshik's words as she sat there.

"You are weak."

"You will never be a warrior half-breed."

"You are pathetic and worthless."

"Kolivan should have let them kill you."

Aroshik was right. She wasn't experienced enough to do this. Maybe she should give up. Maybe she should let the druid-

"KAEDE!?"

She turned her head. Keith was looking at her. "DON'T GET INSIDE YOUR HEAD!" He dodged a beam.

The druid leaned over her. All Kaede saw though was Aroshik, laughing at her and saying those horrible things. Oh, how she wanted to destroy that man. Make him pay for making her feel worthless.

"See, now prepare for-"

Kaede's claws came out as she jumped forward. "I AM NOT WORTHLESS!" She felt her claws slice through the druid's throat as they fell on the ground. She was on top of it scratching and screaming. She grabbed the druids throat and ripped off the skin. The druid turned to dust under her, but she kept clawing as angry tears fell down her face.

A hand on her shoulder brought Kaede out of her rampage. She turned to see Keith looking at her. He pressed the button on the back of her neck, removing the mask. "Keith!" she shouted. "It's okay Kaede. They are gone. We are safe."

"I am so sorry Keith. I am so sorry," she said as he knelt beside her. "Do not apologize to me. You did amazing. We didn't know they knew." Kaede just shook her head. Grabbing onto his uniform, she continued to let the tears fall. "How could you be okay with that? I should have known better-"

"Shut up. Stop putting yourself down," Keith demanded. Kaede looked down. "Okay..." she whispered. Keith pulled her into a hug. This shocked Kaede. Her brother hadn't done this with any of the other Paladins. "Please stop putting yourself down," he whispered in her ear. She wrapped her arms around him.

A grunt drew the twins out of their own world. They turned to see Thace walking toward them. The older galra looked like he had seen better days. "It is good to s...see you ag...again Kaede," he said with a smile. "Good to see you."

Keith and Kaede got up and looked at him. "I see you fo...found your brother. Th-"

The ship shook. "Well, it seems li...like it is time," Thace said walking over to the console. "What are you doing?" Keith asked. He pulled up the screen and began to type, "I am going to overload the system and turn it into a-" "Bomb," Kaede finished.

The galra gave her a nod. "There is an exit through the main power conduit. If I were you two I would start heading that way."

"But we aren't going to-"

Thace held up his hand silencing Kaede. "I have to shut down the system. It won't give me enough time to escape. This mission is bigger than me. You should know this Kaede."

"But that doesn't make it right! Your life matters too!" Keith shouted.

Thace smiled at the twins. Kaede was slightly leaning on Keith, no doubt due the shock her body received. "You two act just alike. Now go."

Before Kaede could protest, Keith grabbed her side. Running he grabbed Kaede's blade and began flying toward the exit. Kaede put on her mask and looked at her brother. The pain on his face broke her heart. If he was wanting to ever become a Blade this would be his life. Letting those you love die for the 'greater good'.

Well, the greater good can suck it.

Kaede closed her eyes as she heard an explosion behind her.


Kaede watched from the bridge as they formed Voltron. Keith wanted her to go to the pod. Her body did have electricity flow through it, but she didn't feel weak. Well at least physically.

Kaede glanced at Aroshik. She had never experienced anything like that in normal battles. Maybe it was the stress of this mission and him putting her down every step of the way. Taking a deep breath Kaede looked back at Voltron. He was just a galra. He could not hurt her. She should not let this get her down.

Kolivan put his hand on her shoulder. "You did good," he whispered. Kaede shrugged him off.

Yeah, right. She nearly got them killed and Thace had to blow himself up. Some good work she did.

Voltron hit the ship causing an explosion. "The engine system has been hit!" Shiro voice boomed in the bridge. A huge smile came on Allura's face. Victory was close at hand. "We've done it! Zarkon's reign is ending!"

Their happiness was short lived though as a looming weapon began to come from the ship.

"WHAT IS THAT?" Lance shouted.

Something shot at the Paladins causing them to break apart. "PALADINS! ARE YOU OKAY?" Coran yelled. All they head was static. Kaede's heart began to race. Her friends were in danger and she was just sitting here. That shouldn't be the case. Her and Keith were successful. That weapon should not have been operational.

"We shut down the power," Kaede whispered turning toward everyone. Allura was glaring daggers at the ship, "That was not made through power. That was the witch's magic!"

Kolivan glanced at Aroshik and said, "It must have been the komar." "Is that the weapon they developed to remove the quintessence from planets?" Kaede asked. Allura's heart sank as Coran tried calling to the Paladins.

After what seemed like vargas, Shiro finally spoke.

"We are alive," he grunted.

Everyone in the bridge let out a collective sigh.

"Bad news is though, my lion isn't working," Hunk said. "Neither is mine," Keith grunted. "That is to be expected. It seems that the witch drew the quintessence out of your lions," Coran informed.

"If we take another blast like that we won't make it," Pidge said worriedly.

"Uh guys. What is that?" Lance asked drawing everyone's attention to the ship. A figure was coming out from it. Shivers ran down Kaede's spin. Whatever that was it was dangerous and they needed to get out of it.

"It's Zarkon..." Shiro said.

Allura closed her eyes. They are so close to victory. If she could just by the Paladins some time to recharge.

Opening her eyes she knew what to do.

"Coran get us closer and divert all power to our weapons." The older Altea looked like he had been hit in the gut. "You can't be serious Princess. We will be defenseless!"

Allura knew that. But her team needed her and this is how she could help them. "I know. But it is the only way, do you understand." Coran locked eyes with her. She tried to show that she wasn't scared but she didn't know if Coran believed her. "Okay Princess," he mumbled and began pressing buttons on the console.

Kaede turned toward the Princess as they began moving forward. Allura seemed to be in a new light as she began speaking, "You are true paladins now. Connect with your lions, reach out!"

"We are getting closer Princess."

"FIRE!"

The beam hit at Zarkon, but his shield reflected it back at them. Hitting them in the side. "PRINCESS!" Kaede shouted as she ran toward her. She caught her as they fell into the wall.

With a thud they landed on the ground. Kaede moaned. Maybe she should have taken Keith up on that offer because her whole body was aching. "Are you okay?" she moaned sitting up. Allura rose, "I am fine. But it seems the castle isn't."

A loud blaring was making Kaede's head throb.

"As expected our power levels are decimated. Our communications are down. We can't fight with the paladins anymore," Coran relayed. Allura helped Kaede get up. "We cannot give in. We can help by attacking the source of Zarkon's power."

"Princess you don't mean."

"Yes. Kolivan, can you get me to the komar?" Allura asked turned toward the older galra.

"I should be able to Princess, but it will be dangerous."

Allura gave him a nod. "Kaede, Kolivan, and Aroshik come with me." Aroshik got up and rubbed his head, "With all due respect Princess but-"

"If you say I should not take Kaede with me, you will stay behind. Do you understand? She is a good warrior and I would want her fighting beside me," Allura said locking eyes with him. Aroshik grunted and looked down.

With a smile, Allura looked at Kaede. "We will have to fight the witch directly. Keith told me about your fight with the druids. Are you okay to fight?" Kaede gave her a winning smirk. "You bet Princess. I have to make sure you don't outshine me." Allura rolled her eyes but gave her a soft smile.

"I will work on getting the castle functioning again. Be careful Allura," he said. "I will Coran."

The four of them made their way down to the hanger. "Kaede," Kolivan said grabbing her wrist. They fell behind the Princess and Aroshik. "Yes, father?" He tightened his grip as he spoke, "If anything goes wrong I want you to save yourself. Do not put yourself above the mission. Do you understand?"

This took Kaede back. Wasn't that against the Blade's code.

"Kaede?"

"Yes. I do."

"That means not risking your life to save me, understand."

Kaede didn't like that idea. Her father was the leader of the Blade. If anything happened to him the Blade would crumble. She would crumble. He was her father and losing him would destroy her too.

"Do you understand?" he asked in a serious tone.

Even though she didn't want to agree, she knew this was the only way to make sure her father didn't worry. "I understand."

He gave her a soft smile, "Good, now put your mask on." He pressed her button. Her face was hidden behind the mask, but he knew she was glaring at him. He didn't care though. Kaede was going to be safe.


The druids were fighting the Blade members while Allura tried to make her way to the witch.

Aroshik was surrounded by two of the druids. Kaede slashed the one she was fighting and made her way over there. A part of her wanted to just let them kill him, but that would make her no better than him.

"I don't need your help-" "Shut the quiznak up and accept it," she said fighting one of the druids.

Her back was to Aroshik as the two surrounded them. "Okay, go for the left," he said. Kaede nodded and did that. Aroshik went the opposite way and stabbed the druid. He then moved to the other one, while Kaede snuck behind hit. Both of them swung, slicing it in half.

A stabbing pain went through Kaede's abdomen. Aroshik had an evil grin on his face.

God, this battle was getting to her. Allura's screaming tore her attention away from the pain.

Kaede's heart dropped as she watched Allura take the witch head on. The last of the druids had fallen and now the Blades were watching the Princess.

The witch shot a big beam at Allura.

"PRINCESS!" Kaede shouted jumping on the different platforms. She needed to get to her and protect her. Her friend was in danger and needed help. But when the smoke cleared, Kaede stopped.

There stood Allura glowing. She had absorbed the beam.

"IMPOSSIBLE!" the witch screamed.

Allura walked closer to her, glowing brighter with each step. "YOU WILL NEVER DESTROY ANOTHER INNOCENT WORLD!" she shouted as she channeled the energy into the weapon.

It began to crack and the whole area began to shake. Kaede jumped from the floating platform to Allura. "Allura!" she said grabbing her arm. The Princess gave her a smile. "I did it," she whispered. Kaede returned the smile, "You sure did."

"WE MUST LEAVE NOW!" Aroshik yelled from across the area.


Once Kaede's feet hit the ground of the hanger, all her energy was gone. She leaned against the ship and let out a shaky breath. "Kaede?" both Allura and Kolivan asked. She waved them off, "I'm fine, just a little tired from battling. Go on. I'll meet you all here in a dobosh."

The two exchanged a look of worry, but both knew not to push the teen. If something was really wrong Kaede would let them know.

When they were out of view Kaede removed the top of her armor, exposing the slash across her stomach. It was deep and blood was coming out of it now that there was nothing keeping it in. She thought back to the battle and how when she was helping Aroshik, he sliced her stomach.

He did it was on purpose. She should have known that the man would have done something like this. He was getting back at her for having everyone stand up to him. For her trying to fight back. He didn't like that, so he wanted her to suffer like he did with her eye.

Kaede coughed and blood came up. Great, she probably had internal bleeding too.

She slowly made her way to the door. If she could just get to the healing pods she would be safe. The bleeding would stop and she would be okay. But, she was losing too much blood too fast.

Kaede fell to the ground just a few feet away from the door. Her whole body felt weak. Coughing again, blood covered her face. Maybe this is what she deserved.

Rolling on her back she looked at the ceiling. Tears began to fill her eyes. No one would notice she was gone. She had barely been a part of this team. Keith wouldn't care that much. They barely knew each other. Allura would probably be glad that Kaede was gone because now she didn't have to hang around galra scum. Kolivan would never have to worry about her again. Galra would stop talking about him behind his back.

The whole universe would be better off without her.

As the tears fell a blurry figure appeared before her. "What a pathetic sight. You seem to be turning into your human form. I would have cut deeper, but I wanted you to learn your lesson," Aroshik said putting his foot on her wound. Putting a little pressure on it, Kaede screamed out in pain.

He laughed evilly and walked away.

"Your funeral will be the happiest day of my life," he said as the hanger doors closed behind him.


Everyone stood in front of the Black Lion. They should be happy. Zarkon was defeated, but Shiro was missing.

"Where could he have gone!" Keith shouted slamming his fist against Black. The hurt in his voice made everyone's heartbreak. Shiro was like a brother to Keith. He had searched for Shiro all these years, to find him and for him to just disappear on him. That was cruel. So very cruel. Lance placed his hand on his shoulder, "We will find him." Keith looked like he was about to cry.

The door opening behind them made everyone jump. Kolivan came walking in fast. The team had never seen this man so worried.

"Have you seen my daughter?" he asked.

Allura shook her head no. "She never reported to the bridge. She might have gone to her room. I know she looked very pale when we landed," she said. A worry began to build in Keith. Kaede was alive. His sister was still alive and that mattered. He still had someone.

"Maybe we should go-"

"I checked her living quarters and she isn't there," Kolivan said. The Blade member looked like he was about to have a panic attack. "She is just probably walking around the castle. Let's see. I had her DNA put in the castle so it could be able to track her." Coran pulled up a map of the castle. After typing a few things in his communicator a faint dot appeared.

Coran's whole face turned pale.

"What is it?" Hunk asked.

"Kaede is in the hanger. Her signature says she is barely alive. Something is wrong," Coran said running out of the room.

Allura's heart dropped as she followed Coran. How could she not see Kaede wasn't okay. They poor galra looked on death's door when they landed. She didn't think any of it though because Kaede still acted like Kaede. Allura thought about the teen as she ran down the halls. Even though Allura was awful to her, Kaede treated her with respect. She would laugh at Allura's stupid jokes. Listen to her complain about the Paladins. Let her confined in her.

Her mind went to when Kaede drew the symbol on her hand. The way it felt against her skin made her heart flutter. So did the way she smiled at her. She couldn't lose that. She couldn't lose Kaede.

Suddenly she was passing Coran as the rounded the corner. She stopped in front of the hanger door. Slamming her hand down the door opened too slow. When it was fully opened, her heart nearly stopped at the sight before her.

A pale skinned Kaede was laying on the ground in a pool of blood. She didn't look like she was breathing.

"KAEDEEEEEEEE!" she screamed as she ran toward the teen. She fell on her knees beside her landing in Kaede's blood. The wound on her stomach was bad. It was deep, very deep. And the blood. There was so much blood. Slowly Allura put a hand under Kaede's neck, lifting up her hand. "Please, please. You promised. You promised me," she whispered. Hot tears were falling down her face.

Kaede's head lulled to the side. Allura noticed the scar over her eye. So that was why one was lighter than the other. Those indigo eyes fluttered opened. "H...h...hey P...pr...prince...princess." "Sh. Save your energy. We will be getting you to the pods now." Allura stuck her hand under Kaede's knees. Lifting her up slowly, Allura turned around. She ignored the other Paladin's asking what was wrong with her skin.

Keith took a look at Kaede laying limp in Allura's arms. Allura's white uniform was covered in his sister's blood. He looked at the pool of it on the floor. There was too much of it on the ground. There was too much of it!

How did she get hurt?

Why did they not discover this sooner?

How long had she been down here, bleeding to death?

All of this was making him sick. He leaned behind Lance and began to vomit. Someone was running their hand on his back whispering 'it's okay'. But it wasn't, he had just lost Shiro and now he was losing his sister. He had just found her and now she is gone. Why was the universe so cruel to him?

"Allura let me carry her," Kolivan said. Allura looked up at him. Tears were falling down his face. If it was under different circumstances she would have laughed. "Allura," Coran said putting his hand on her shoulder. She carefully moved Kaede into his arms. The sight before her made her want to break down. Kaede looked so broken and small in her father's big arms. This was nothing like the girl she had come to like. The spark from her was completely gone. It was dead and soon she would be.

He lifted her head toward his and gave her forehead a kiss. "My Kaede. I have failed you," he whispered.

"The pods are this way," Coran said walking out of the door. Kolivan followed the old Altean.

Once the door closed behind him. Allura fell back on her knees. Wrapping her arms around herself she curled into a ball. A scream left her throat as the tears fell down her face. They all sat in the hanger, crying when they should have been celebrating.

They were victorious in the war, but was it worth this cost?


Author's Note:

I know a lot happened this chapter, but I decided I am going to continue this story all the way to season eight. So, I said fuck it. Plus I just kept typing away, because I got so invested in this chapter. I hope you all at least enjoyed it. Poor Kaede...will she tell them though that is was Aroshik or will she let him get away with it?

My tumblr: oboe-wan-kenobie