As Cold as Fire [VOLTRON Keith X OC]

Blade of Marmora - part 2

"These trials result in one of two things. Knowledge, or death."

Sometimes I wonder who deals the cards for us in this universe. An entity, or a mysterious angel? A being, perhaps? A God? I've heard some of the paladins mutter prayers to different names, in different languages.

Or maybe it isn't an angel, but a villain, a devil of sorts. Maybe someone is sitting up there, laughing at the misfortunes given to each and every one of us, and taking pleasure in the curses muttered.

I watched Keith hold his precious blade, alone in a room in a dark uniform. My lips still tingled from touching his mere minutes ago. A single panel opened from the floor, revealing an Agent.

"Surrender the blade," he announced, drawing his own sword. "You cannot win."

Keith growled in determination, and lunged forward. However he wasn't allowed to deliver even one blow, as the agent attacked him with swift precision. Distracted by the bruises blooming across his body, he received a cut to the shoulder. A scream ripped through the air, one that tore me back down to the real world and caused me to find Shiro's arm for comfort.

"Shiro, this is crazy," I whispered.

He swallowed. "I know, but he made his choice. We can't do anything but watch."

Keith was holding his shoulder, his breaths coming in shallow gasps.

"Come on, Keith."

He ran towards the agent again, but was skilfully grappled and disarmed. He got pinned down, the Blade's sword resting on his neck. I couldn't stifle my gasp.

"Surrender the blade and the pain will cease."

Despite being held behind a sword, bleeding and panting, he still spat out the words, "I won't quit."

"Then the pain continues."

He removed the sword and let Keith go, who fell gasping to the floor. He got up in confusion.

The agent stepped aside and pointed to a door. "You are not meant to go through that door."

Of course, after barely a moment of hesitation, he began to run towards the same door. When he entered, not one but two Blades were revealed. Keith seemed to take a deep breath, before he ran headlong into another fight.

I used to like to think it was a kind angel looking over us, helping us pick out reasons life is beautiful. My mind wandered to reflect on what I truly enjoyed. I liked cake, and watching sunsets, and the colour blue. I liked exploring Altea, especially with Tara or Alfor. I liked wondering about mystery, and the unknown. I liked laughing with the paladins, and I liked the warm feeling I get nowadays every time I smile at Allura.

And I liked the emotions at the pit of my stomach, that erupted when I could feel Keith's lips.

The feeling of embarrassment I got later? Not so much.

It's hard to wonder about any sort of devil when everything seemed so perfect all the time.

Keith was losing horribly against the two agents.

"This is not a fair fight!" shouted Shiro.

Kolivan replied, "Nor is taking on the Galra, yet that is the fight we face."

The anger and impulsiveness I hated so much about myself rose again. "Bullshit," I spat.

Kolivan looked at me sharply. "If you insist on ridiculing my Base and I, we will have to strongly urge you to get out."