Would've, Could've, Should've -- KEITH KOGANE

EIGHT

She stood behind Kolivan ready to greet the paladins. Then they entered. The rest of the Blade was positioned in a straight line along the entrance hall.

She had her hands behind her back. She looked at the two paladins. The paladins of the Black and Red Lions.

Then they walk up to her and Kolivan. "I am Kolivan. Leader of the Blade of Marmora".

The Black paladin speaks, "I am Shiro and this is Keith. We are paladins of Voltron", he introduces. She looks at Keith. She senses something about him. Something familiar.

"I know who you are", Kolivan says. "Then you know we were sent by one of your own", Shiro replies. "Ulaz was a fool to divulge this location to you", Kolivan says roughly. "He had a penchant for ignoring orders and following his impulses".

"That's what got him killed", Kolivan says without hesitation.

Alarria looks at him. He wasn't entirely wrong. Then Shiro replies angrily, "He gave his life to save us!".

"What he did brought us here today, and Voltron is ready to assist you", Shiro says calmly this time. "Are we welcome here or not?"

Alarria then speaks up. "You were told to come unarmed", she says looking at Keith. "You also told us to identify ourselves. The lions are about as close as we come to an ID", he retorts looking at her.

She smirks. What a temper. Though he seemed to be quite clever, if he weren't so rash he might have made a great leader. Though he still had potential.

"If anything happens, believe me, you'll be happy you have the Red Lion on your side", Shiro replies in addition to Keith's response.

"I imagine we would. However, she wasn't referring to your beast", Kolivan clarifies. Then Antok pins Keith to the ground.

Shiro goes to his defense before being blocked by another Blade member. Then Antok who had Keith pinned down pulled out a Marmora blade. Though it had not been awakened yet. Where could he have gotten it?

Then Antok questions him, "He has one of our blades! Who did you steal this from?". "I didn't! I've had it all my life!", Keith retorts angrily. "Lies!", Antok shouts.

Kolivan turns to Shiro. "Can you corroborate your friend's statement? Does this blade truly belong to him?", he questions directly at Shiro. "I... I don't know", Shiro says looking conflicted.

"Shiro, you know me. I promise you I didn't steal it. I've had this knife, as long as I can remember", Keith says looking at his friend then at her and Kolivan. Then Antok pushes Keith's head down, "We can't trust them".

"I'm telling the truth", he lifts his head. "I saw Ulaz had a knife like this. Tell me what it means", Keith says pleading. "Our organization is built on secrecy and trust. You two should leave. Now", Kolivan replies calmly yet there is a certain animosity to his tone.

Alarria nods at Antok to release Keith. They both stand and Shiro approaches Keith. Shiro looks at Kolivan, "We came here to form an alliance, but obviously we're not welcome. Come on, Keith, we're leaving".

"Not without some answers. Somehow, one of your knives ended up with me on planet Earth. Tell me how", Keith says looking determined. "Your friend is right. It is time for you to go", Kolivan