Star-Crossed Rivals || [Keith x Reader]

Hunter and Prey pt1

[New phone, will add the banner soon lol]

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The next planet you visited was one that had joined your coalition only recently. Its name was Otenos, and its atmosphere was so cool that the Atlas shut down its cooling system completely to keep the engine systems warm enough to operate properly.
Still, there was no snow to be seen on the surface of the planet, only rocky terrains and a massive dome the size of a fourth of the planet that held the entire population.

“Apparently, most of them live underground, where a sort of Heartstone is keeping the people alive,” Pidge explained, sliding her glasses up her nose as she read through the information on the holographic screen on her arm. “This dome was built only 300 years ago and a few of the people have moved up since then.”

Only part of the crew exited the ship once you had safely landed, and you looked around the entire place. It seemed like either they all had eagerly awaited your arrival, or Otenos looked this festive all the time. You took in the sight in front of you in awe- how warm and colorful everything looked, unlike the outside of the dome.

The entire place was made of stone, of course, since it was what this planet was made of, but glowing crystals decorated the entire place like fairy lights. The entire stairway that you walked down was almost like glass, but it shone a soft blue.

In the distance, you made out several shops and restaurants where people were gathered, although they all looked to you.

“Paladins,” one of them, probably their leader, cheered, holding out his hands to receive you.
“It’s good to see you so well. Welcome to Otenos, home of the brave and glorious. I’m Gamjee.”

Shiro was the first to greet the leader, holding out his hand to shake it. “Thank you for having us. I’m Shiro,” he replied, before pointing to you all and introducing you to him. One by one, Gamjee walked over to each of you and shook your hand.

Only when he took your hand into his, did you realize Gamjee, like almost everything here, was made of stone. You smiled politely, trying to hide the pain his hard grip was causing. “Nice to meet you,” you forced through your teeth, voice almost an octave higher, before he let go and moved on to the others.

He had two horns growing from his head, and they spread to the sides. Part of you wondered how many people he must’ve accidentally hit with them but you didn’t dare ask him.

“Nice grip, I like it,” you then heard. You looked to the side, where Keith was shaking Gamjee’s hand. The leader, whose stone skin was almost a chalky white, smiled wide as he nodded approvingly.

“Thanks,” Keith replied.

Your brows furrowed. How the hell was he not flinching away from it? You understood Shiro, since he had the advantage of a prosthetic arm, but Keith did not seem hurt in the slightest while the others were still shaking their hands in pain.

“Mullet guy must have hands of steel,” Lance muttered next to you, opening and closing his hand into a fist. “I feel bad for you, (Y/N).”

You passively hummed in agreement, eyes still lingering on Keith.
You were supposed to stay here for a few days, according to Shiro, and you wondered if you’d be able to wander this exciting place with him.

All of you concluded the greetings and followed Gamjee down the streets. Keith, Shiro and him were talking about something you couldn’t quite make out from where you were. Pidge, Hunk and Lance were geeking about basically everything in here, pointing to shops left and right and greeting the people as they skipped past.