Whumptober 2021

No. 11 - JUST KEEP SWIMMING

Keith was never one two admit he couldn't do something so when allura sent him to a water covered planet he didn't refuse. He should have, he definitely should have refused his breaths where quick and panicked.

Of course he had a good reason to fear water but he would never tell anyone. He was 12 and this was his 8th foster home. The man that fostered him was tall, blond and very muscular. The first time it happened was after Keith forgot to do the dishes. The man was furious and dragged Keith to the nearest bathroom locking the door. Once the door was locked the man filled the bath with cold water. After it was completely full the large man would take Keith's head and hold it under the water as long as he possibly could.

Keith knew he should have just told allura he couldn't swim or that water gives him panic attacks but Shiro always said to face his fears head on. With that in mind he flew around the water planet for a while. That's when it happened, the worst thing that could have possibly happened was happening!

The red lion was shot out of the sky by a galra ship. Keith was thrown from the lions mouth straight into the Icy cold ocean. Not only could Keith not swim he was having flashbacks to when he was 12. He should have known better he can't even take baths anymore he only ever takes showers, why did he think this was a good idea ?

Before he knew it he was sinking to the bottom of the ocean. The water was freezing, his whole body was shaking. The water slowly slipped throw the parting of his lips filling his lungs with salty sea water. His vision was going dark, his heart felt like it was about to burst and he was inhaling water now.

As his vision dimmed he saw the faint glow of a lions eyes and a tall figure dive into the water. He couldn't quite make out who the figure was but it seemed a lot like lance.

Once lance pulled Keith who was shaking violently now from the water he was completely blacked out. Lance pushed up and down on Keith's chest until a spray of water came up.

Lance- What the hell was that mullet ?

Keith- I ... I can't swim ...

Lance- Yeah I can tell, how come ?

Keith- I ... I'm ... a.. afraid of water lance now leave it !

Lance- Ok, let's get you warmed up.

Lance was curious why someone as fearless as Keith was afraid of something so peaceful but figured he wouldn't press him right now. Lance placed a large towel around the shaking boy, grabbed the red lion with blues mouth and headed back to the castle. The mission could wait ...

[ Word count - 473]