It hits him as the world goes back to normal and the adrenaline of the fight begins to ebb. For a few blissful seconds he hadn't thought beyond the next step. Gods and corruption had been far away. The void tears at him with sharp teeth as he straightens up, wiping his blade in the grass.
Keith takes a second to breathe. The coppery tang of blood fills his mouth and he draws his glass-like knife. He'll truss up his kill and carry it back to the empty cottage.
Pidge had vanished. All that was left is him and the void that tears at his soul. It had left him alone for two years when he was with his mother. Rapsho's death had ripped it back open and everything since then just kept pulling the wounds back open. He ties the creature's legs together with a bit of rope and casts about for a tree branch he can cut down to size.
Something moves in the forest beyond the dirt path. Keith goes still. What is it? Above him Ember circles, keeping watch. He moves his hand and taps two fingers on the dirt. The bird doesn't call out. Friend?
Ember would have sang if it had been another creature. He flips the knife in his hand as if to skin the deer-like beast, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. The world is returning to that crystal clear state. Whoever it is, if they're not an enemy, he won't apologize for being a creature of the forest. Survival is all about being the bigger predator and Galra are just predators that made it to the stars.]
[ He had, really, intended to end up back in his own world. He has things to do, important things. It's been a long, long month in Wonderland, and he's ready to fix things. Shiro is waiting, and so are the others--for their Shiro. The one whose place he'd taken. And, really, the talk with him had settled him in a way he didn't think possible, but there's still that doubt in the back of his mind. He was never supposed to exist, after all.
What he hadn't expected... was to end up on an island. He knows what this place is; that dream had been informative. And yet, part of him still can't believe it. Maybe he doesn't want to believe it. Is this another game? The twins and the Master are gone, but there are always people who will do things like that.
And he's so tired. He lets out a groan and runs a hand through his hair--still short, still how Keith would remember. A month hadn't been long enough for it to grow to the length as when Keith had found him floating around half-dead in space. And he's wearing Shiro's old outfit, the one Keith had given to him so long ago. The paladin armor is in a bag, but he doesn't feel right wearing it.
Not even these clothes feel right. But they're what he has.
He walks, and twigs snap beneath his shoes. He shoves trees out of his way, bag clutched tight in his hand, and he stops dead. His eyes widen, and he forgets to breathe for a moment. Something in his heart twists, something like hope and dread all at once. He looks like he remembers, back in Wonderland, but... there's also something different about him.
Besides... he shouldn't be here. He's needed back home. ]
Keith?
[ Keith, holding a knife, looking wary but unsurprised to be here. What is this? ]
[He pivots towards the sounds before the intruder even comes close, blade shifting as he shifts his balance. It's a person, he should be drawing back but his eyes flash pale yellow as the world narrows down.
He freezes when the stranger comes into view. He points the blade down towards the ground immediately. The details come to him one by one. The clothes say Shiro, the hair doesn't. It's shorter about the length he'd seen it when he 'returned'. Keith holds his breath and lets it out.
The blade goes back into its sheathe on his waist and the hard light in his eyes vanishes,]
It's me. Did you just get here? [Tension drains out of him. If he's here, he isn't controlled by Haggar. Keith shoves his hair back from his face, exhaustion taking place of being wary.]
...sorry, this is a pretty dangerous place. Not at my best right now. [He looks different from Keith in Wonderland, his ears come to dull points, his fingers end in faint claws. His right hand is wrapped in bandages. He shouldn't be moving it. He doesn't really care about that. Keith kneels down, dragging a tree branch close to his kill.]
I'll make this quick then we can head back to safer ground. Tell me what you've heard so far, I'll fill in the rest.
[ Yeah. This is not--he stops himself from saying his Keith--the Keith who'd come to him terrified that one awful night. This is a Keith that's been hardened in a different way, and he wonders what happened to him. He's been on guard for a month straight, so he notices that flash in his eyes.
He hesitates, and nearly raises his hands to show he means no harm... but it seems like Keith understands that. Still. He wouldn't blame Keith if Keith just up and stabbed him.
He's glad he doesn't, though. He lets out a breath. ]
I had... a dream. Someone told me what this place is. The Storyteller? Honestly, everything is still pretty...
[ He runs a hand over his face. ]
... Hard to believe. Keith, I... Do you know what I am?
[ What. Not who. Best to get that out of the way. ]
Who. [He corrects as he draws his Marmora knife and starts cutting smaller branches off his prize. He works with the ease of a practiced hand as he continues, his tone not harsh but it isn’t gentle either, his leader voice.]
What you are is a person. Who you are is up to you. [He flips the branch and cuts away the last small branches. He runs his hand down the wood and nods to himself.
Good enough.] If you want me to call you Shiro, I will. If you want me to call you something else, I’ll do that.
[Keith checks the rope and threads the branch under the bound up legs. He looks up at him briefly. As exhausted as he is and weary down to the soul his gaze is sharp and clear.] You’re right, this place is pretty hard to believe. I’ve been here for half a year.
[ Of course Keith would be so understanding. He lets out a breath that shifts into a quiet chuckle, and he closes his eyes. Patient and understanding... it really hits him again just how much Keith has changed and grown. Again, that swell of pride buoys him. He opens his eyes and looks at Keith. ]
... To be honest, I thought I'd seen it all after the month I've had. And... [ He pauses, thinking. His brows furrow, and he slides a hand through his hair. ] I really haven't had the time or opportunity to think of another name.
It's been on my mind. I just had other things to worry about. [ Like... the twins. Later, an even bigger threat. Worrying about the next step to take, if anyone back in his world would accept him.
For now, he contents himself with this. With the constant that no matter what Keith he meets, he'll always accept him. At least, he's two for two. ]
[He nods while his hands sweep over the ropes. Everything is secure. Keith grabs the branch and hauls his kill up as he whistles in a sharp note. The bushes part and the massive shaggy blue wolf strides into the open with his other kill draped over his back. Keith drapes his deer carcass over his back and secures it. He grips the furry muzzle between his hands.]
Thanks. I'll reward you later okay? [He lets the wolf go and steps to the side, motioning for 'Shiro' to follow as he walks on, heading for the islets.] Come on. We're heading back.
As far starting somewhere...you don't have to rush it. Get settled first everything begins there. You came at a good time. It's quiet and the latest island to come close is a good source of supplies.
[ That's... pretty self-deprecating, but he says it so genuinely. Probably he doesn't even realize how it sounds. Not by the way he keeps walking, following close behind Keith--Keith knows this place well, apparently. He's still very much on guard, but he trusts Keith more than anything or anyone.
[He stops and stares at him. There is too many things to unpack in the first statement but the second. He thinks back.
He is rapidly approaching a year here in this hellhole.] Almost a year. I was from Naxzela at first as the last thing hit the fan I was sent back and came back older and definitely not wiser.
[His voice is deadpan, he’s joking for once. Keith resumes walking, making no noise as he follows the path almost hidden between the trees. He emerges at the edge of the forest at the edge of the bridge. He takes a moment to look about then nods to himself.]
...look. I know things were messed up before. [Shiro’s words from when he first arrived ring in his ears. The way his grey eyes went dark and he was angry...with himself.]
But that doesn’t mean it was a bad time for you to show up. I was a shitty leader. I wasn’t just not ready I was...
[He shakes his head and steps onto the planks of the bridge. He can say this.] Grieving. I was caught in that and there was no way I was pulling out of it without help. They needed someone and even if you had no idea what else was in you. You did right by them.
[ Ah. That's a pretty long time, but Keith gets right to the point.
And then he circles back to the first statement. What Keith says makes him speechless for a good long time. He isn't sure, at first, what to say. He and Keith back in Wonderland hadn't really... had time to talk about this stuff. Hearing Keith say it now... hearing him own up to so much... well. ]
... You were put into a role you weren't prepared for at the time. [ He tries to keep his voice even, but his throat is tight and it comes through in his voice. ] In more than one way. Shiro was gone--or he was to you. It was too much too fast. You'd just lost him, and...
[ He lets out a breath. ]
... I just did what I had to. I'm still surprised Black--well. I guess it was Shiro, wasn't it? I'm still surprised they let me pilot Black.
I made mistakes. I can't take those back. I-- [ He lets out another breath, and it shakes. ] I'm glad they have you as a leader, though.
[Anger bubbles up cutting through the pain of the void and Keith grits his teeth for a long second. He stops moving and turns around to face him. He looks exhausted, but a spark in his eyes hints his irritation. He reaches out and sets a clawed hand on his arm, as his voice comes out low, rougher as his annoyance climbs.]
No. You’re not doing this. It wasn’t Shiro that let you pilot. It was Black. No one commands the Black Lion even us.
You had the desire and the will. You led the team. You helped the universe. You protected people and did that really ridiculous Voltron Show. Quit trying to put yourself down or I’ll knock you into the water to put some sense in your head.
[He blinks suddenly, turns his head and coughs hard. A single red flower petal falls into the water. He glares at it.
It floats away and he thumps his chest once with a closed fist. No itching. No tightness. He breathes out with relief. Then looks back up at him.]
I know exactly what you’re going to say. That was all things Shiro would have done. And? You have those memories but how you act and what you do because of them is different. So stop kicking your own ass. It’s not getting you anywhere.
[ It's all he can say for a good few moments. He knows how ridiculous he must sound, but all the same, he can't help but feel like a shadow of a man who lived those memories, who struggled and survived through truly horrible things. The strength he has--it isn't earned, in his eyes.
But...
But he wants to believe Keith. A small part of him does, too. He lets out a quiet chuckle, edged with a touch of sheepishness. ]
When did you get so wise? [ a pause. ] ... You're right. It's just--
[ He closes his eyes. He notices the petal, because of course he does. He's so attuned to Keith, after all. But it doesn't feel like the time to bring it up. ]
Knowing where I come from, what I do to you in my future--your past... it's difficult to believe in my own worth.
[ It's open. Honest. He wouldn't say this to just anyone, and even with Keith, he speaks slowly. Almost hesitantly. ]
[The anger leaves him as quickly as it had come. He’s left feeling worn out as memories drift up like ripples in a pond. Keith doesn’t remove his hand. It feels like his point will be lost if he does.]
That wasn’t your fault. That will never be your fault.
[He speaks slowly, keeping his voice as clear as he can and he never looks away from his eyes.] It’s hard to believe being worth something when everything is stacked against you. ...You might be stuck here as long as I have been. You have time to find yourself and when we get out of here, you’re coming with me to my point in time.
If you get lost I’ll come find you. Not because of promises I made to Shiro. I’m making this promise to you. Okay?
[ He tries to say something, but it comes out as a short, strangled sound. It's more than he deserves, he thinks, but he doesn't say it. He holds Keith's gaze, and something warm settles against his heart. He swallows, and lets out a trembling breath. ]
... Yeah. [ His reply is soft. ] The only problem is that-- Shiro in my time, my universe, is still in Black.
I can't leave him there. He deserves more than that.
We’ll figure it out. I’m not ever leaving him behind. [He focuses on talking because his chest feels tight. This man didn’t ask to be made. He isn’t responsible for the pain dealt through him.
He’s a victim and he - as the Black Paladin - as a damn decent person is obligated to stand between him and the things that would use him again. He holds his gaze a moment longer then he steps back and turns his back to him, gesturing for him to follow.]
Hold to that. This place messes with your head. We can’t always trust what we see or what happens, and we don’t stay dead if we get killed.
[He scratches at a scar peeking up over the edge of his collar like the claws of some beast got at his neck.] Storyteller is some kind of higher being. They say they’re just observing our stories.
But something happened to this world. The gods all forgot what it is. Some of them isolated as they were went mad. [And he is flying right into the eye of the storm. Because he is a Paladin and finding the answers is how he is wired.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Au - Here be Lions - Kuron
It hits him as the world goes back to normal and the adrenaline of the fight begins to ebb. For a few blissful seconds he hadn't thought beyond the next step. Gods and corruption had been far away. The void tears at him with sharp teeth as he straightens up, wiping his blade in the grass.
Keith takes a second to breathe. The coppery tang of blood fills his mouth and he draws his glass-like knife. He'll truss up his kill and carry it back to the empty cottage.
Pidge had vanished. All that was left is him and the void that tears at his soul. It had left him alone for two years when he was with his mother. Rapsho's death had ripped it back open and everything since then just kept pulling the wounds back open. He ties the creature's legs together with a bit of rope and casts about for a tree branch he can cut down to size.
Something moves in the forest beyond the dirt path. Keith goes still. What is it? Above him Ember circles, keeping watch. He moves his hand and taps two fingers on the dirt. The bird doesn't call out. Friend?
Ember would have sang if it had been another creature. He flips the knife in his hand as if to skin the deer-like beast, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. The world is returning to that crystal clear state. Whoever it is, if they're not an enemy, he won't apologize for being a creature of the forest. Survival is all about being the bigger predator and Galra are just predators that made it to the stars.]
no subject
What he hadn't expected... was to end up on an island. He knows what this place is; that dream had been informative. And yet, part of him still can't believe it. Maybe he doesn't want to believe it. Is this another game? The twins and the Master are gone, but there are always people who will do things like that.
And he's so tired. He lets out a groan and runs a hand through his hair--still short, still how Keith would remember. A month hadn't been long enough for it to grow to the length as when Keith had found him floating around half-dead in space. And he's wearing Shiro's old outfit, the one Keith had given to him so long ago. The paladin armor is in a bag, but he doesn't feel right wearing it.
Not even these clothes feel right. But they're what he has.
He walks, and twigs snap beneath his shoes. He shoves trees out of his way, bag clutched tight in his hand, and he stops dead. His eyes widen, and he forgets to breathe for a moment. Something in his heart twists, something like hope and dread all at once. He looks like he remembers, back in Wonderland, but... there's also something different about him.
Besides... he shouldn't be here. He's needed back home. ]
Keith?
[ Keith, holding a knife, looking wary but unsurprised to be here. What is this? ]
no subject
He freezes when the stranger comes into view. He points the blade down towards the ground immediately. The details come to him one by one. The clothes say Shiro, the hair doesn't. It's shorter about the length he'd seen it when he 'returned'. Keith holds his breath and lets it out.
The blade goes back into its sheathe on his waist and the hard light in his eyes vanishes,]
It's me. Did you just get here? [Tension drains out of him. If he's here, he isn't controlled by Haggar. Keith shoves his hair back from his face, exhaustion taking place of being wary.]
...sorry, this is a pretty dangerous place. Not at my best right now. [He looks different from Keith in Wonderland, his ears come to dull points, his fingers end in faint claws. His right hand is wrapped in bandages. He shouldn't be moving it. He doesn't really care about that. Keith kneels down, dragging a tree branch close to his kill.]
I'll make this quick then we can head back to safer ground. Tell me what you've heard so far, I'll fill in the rest.
no subject
He hesitates, and nearly raises his hands to show he means no harm... but it seems like Keith understands that. Still. He wouldn't blame Keith if Keith just up and stabbed him.
He's glad he doesn't, though. He lets out a breath. ]
I had... a dream. Someone told me what this place is. The Storyteller? Honestly, everything is still pretty...
[ He runs a hand over his face. ]
... Hard to believe. Keith, I... Do you know what I am?
[ What. Not who. Best to get that out of the way. ]
no subject
What you are is a person. Who you are is up to you. [He flips the branch and cuts away the last small branches. He runs his hand down the wood and nods to himself.
Good enough.] If you want me to call you Shiro, I will. If you want me to call you something else, I’ll do that.
[Keith checks the rope and threads the branch under the bound up legs. He looks up at him briefly. As exhausted as he is and weary down to the soul his gaze is sharp and clear.] You’re right, this place is pretty hard to believe. I’ve been here for half a year.
Never gets easier to deal with.
no subject
... To be honest, I thought I'd seen it all after the month I've had. And... [ He pauses, thinking. His brows furrow, and he slides a hand through his hair. ] I really haven't had the time or opportunity to think of another name.
It's been on my mind. I just had other things to worry about. [ Like... the twins. Later, an even bigger threat. Worrying about the next step to take, if anyone back in his world would accept him.
For now, he contents himself with this. With the constant that no matter what Keith he meets, he'll always accept him. At least, he's two for two. ]
Actually, I'm not even sure where to start.
no subject
Thanks. I'll reward you later okay? [He lets the wolf go and steps to the side, motioning for 'Shiro' to follow as he walks on, heading for the islets.] Come on. We're heading back.
As far starting somewhere...you don't have to rush it. Get settled first everything begins there. You came at a good time. It's quiet and the latest island to come close is a good source of supplies.
no subject
[ That's... pretty self-deprecating, but he says it so genuinely. Probably he doesn't even realize how it sounds. Not by the way he keeps walking, following close behind Keith--Keith knows this place well, apparently. He's still very much on guard, but he trusts Keith more than anything or anyone.
Especially himself. ]
Keith... how long have you been here?
no subject
He is rapidly approaching a year here in this hellhole.] Almost a year. I was from Naxzela at first as the last thing hit the fan I was sent back and came back older and definitely not wiser.
[His voice is deadpan, he’s joking for once. Keith resumes walking, making no noise as he follows the path almost hidden between the trees. He emerges at the edge of the forest at the edge of the bridge. He takes a moment to look about then nods to himself.]
...look. I know things were messed up before. [Shiro’s words from when he first arrived ring in his ears. The way his grey eyes went dark and he was angry...with himself.]
But that doesn’t mean it was a bad time for you to show up. I was a shitty leader. I wasn’t just not ready I was...
[He shakes his head and steps onto the planks of the bridge. He can say this.] Grieving. I was caught in that and there was no way I was pulling out of it without help. They needed someone and even if you had no idea what else was in you. You did right by them.
By Black. Thank you for that.
no subject
And then he circles back to the first statement. What Keith says makes him speechless for a good long time. He isn't sure, at first, what to say. He and Keith back in Wonderland hadn't really... had time to talk about this stuff. Hearing Keith say it now... hearing him own up to so much... well. ]
... You were put into a role you weren't prepared for at the time. [ He tries to keep his voice even, but his throat is tight and it comes through in his voice. ] In more than one way. Shiro was gone--or he was to you. It was too much too fast. You'd just lost him, and...
[ He lets out a breath. ]
... I just did what I had to. I'm still surprised Black--well. I guess it was Shiro, wasn't it? I'm still surprised they let me pilot Black.
I made mistakes. I can't take those back. I-- [ He lets out another breath, and it shakes. ] I'm glad they have you as a leader, though.
no subject
No. You’re not doing this. It wasn’t Shiro that let you pilot. It was Black. No one commands the Black Lion even us.
You had the desire and the will. You led the team. You helped the universe. You protected people and did that really ridiculous Voltron Show. Quit trying to put yourself down or I’ll knock you into the water to put some sense in your head.
[He blinks suddenly, turns his head and coughs hard. A single red flower petal falls into the water. He glares at it.
It floats away and he thumps his chest once with a closed fist. No itching. No tightness. He breathes out with relief. Then looks back up at him.]
I know exactly what you’re going to say. That was all things Shiro would have done. And? You have those memories but how you act and what you do because of them is different. So stop kicking your own ass. It’s not getting you anywhere.
no subject
[ It's all he can say for a good few moments. He knows how ridiculous he must sound, but all the same, he can't help but feel like a shadow of a man who lived those memories, who struggled and survived through truly horrible things. The strength he has--it isn't earned, in his eyes.
But...
But he wants to believe Keith. A small part of him does, too. He lets out a quiet chuckle, edged with a touch of sheepishness. ]
When did you get so wise? [ a pause. ] ... You're right. It's just--
[ He closes his eyes. He notices the petal, because of course he does. He's so attuned to Keith, after all. But it doesn't feel like the time to bring it up. ]
Knowing where I come from, what I do to you in my future--your past... it's difficult to believe in my own worth.
[ It's open. Honest. He wouldn't say this to just anyone, and even with Keith, he speaks slowly. Almost hesitantly. ]
no subject
That wasn’t your fault. That will never be your fault.
[He speaks slowly, keeping his voice as clear as he can and he never looks away from his eyes.] It’s hard to believe being worth something when everything is stacked against you. ...You might be stuck here as long as I have been. You have time to find yourself and when we get out of here, you’re coming with me to my point in time.
If you get lost I’ll come find you. Not because of promises I made to Shiro. I’m making this promise to you. Okay?
no subject
... Yeah. [ His reply is soft. ] The only problem is that-- Shiro in my time, my universe, is still in Black.
I can't leave him there. He deserves more than that.
no subject
He’s a victim and he - as the Black Paladin - as a damn decent person is obligated to stand between him and the things that would use him again. He holds his gaze a moment longer then he steps back and turns his back to him, gesturing for him to follow.]
Hold to that. This place messes with your head. We can’t always trust what we see or what happens, and we don’t stay dead if we get killed.
[He scratches at a scar peeking up over the edge of his collar like the claws of some beast got at his neck.] Storyteller is some kind of higher being. They say they’re just observing our stories.
But something happened to this world. The gods all forgot what it is. Some of them isolated as they were went mad. [And he is flying right into the eye of the storm. Because he is a Paladin and finding the answers is how he is wired.]