Don't Ask About My Demons

Team Adversity

The shouts of the Red Paladin faded as they walked away. Lance looked to the others who were solemnly staring at the floor as they left their teammate in the dark of the castle's dungeon. He inhaled sharply.

"I can't believe you, Shiro!" Lance hissed. "We're supposed to be a team. Do you know what that means?"

They stopped. The others turned to watch Lance then switched their gaze to Shiro. Shiro nodded and motioned for them to continue without him before he turned to Lance.

"Lance, I'm trying to keep the team together," he explained. "Believe me, locking Keith up was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do." He inhaled a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair.

"Whether he's gone savage or not, he's still Keith." Lance pointed out. "The Galra side is just another part of him. I mean, it's a terrifying part of him but it's still him."

"...And how long will it be before this Galra side takes over?" Shiro asked. His brows furrowed in concern. "Not even Coran can explain it. There's no way of knowing if Keith will ever be the same again." He shook his head. "We had no other option." He turned on his heel to continue walking.

Lance grabbed his arm to stop him. "But--"

"--I don't want anyone going near him until we have this thing sorted out. Have I made myself clear?"

"We can't just leave him--"

"--Have I made myself clear!"

"Crystal," Lance mumbled.

"Good. Now please... just go." Shiro waved him away while his other hand rubbed at his eyes. He took another deep breath, hiding his face from view as he continued walking.

Lance watched him leave but he did not plan to drop the subject, not by a long shot. After all, he was far too stubborn for that. In fact, Lance had a plan forming in his head which he hoped to carry out in the near future. The only problem was getting to Keith without anyone knowing... and finding a key.