Strange Creatures

Clarity and Complications

The internet seems to hate me when it comes to finding original creators, but the watermark says this was made by ifellfromtheskies on tumblr.

xXx

Keith knocked on the door to the captain's cabin. "Shiro? Are you in there?" When there was no response, he frowned slightly and reached for the handle. "Shiro?"

A voice suddenly came from behind him. "Oh, he's not there."

Keith whirled around. Ten feet away stood Kuron, one hand resting comfortably on his hip. He seemed just as relaxed as he'd always been. "Kuron? What're you doing here?"

"Shiro's not here," the pirate repeated. "He's moved on."

Keith furrowed his brows uncomprehensively. "What's that supposed to mean? He... Why wouldn't he be here?"

"You need to move on. Focus on the here and now. Lance needs you."

Keith clenched his fists and put one foot forward challengingly. "You're expecting me to just forget about Shiro?"

Kuron shook his head. "No, not forget. Never forget." He stepped forward and put his hand on Keith's shoulder. "But don't get so caught up in saving the past that you lose track of the present."

Keith looked at the hand on his shoulder and sighed. "But he's not dead. I know it."

"He'll do just fine until you find him. But what good will it do anyone if you're dead?" Keith stared at the ground, not wanting to meet Kuron's gaze. "Stay alive. He can wait long enough for you to save your own skin."

The gentle rocking of the ship was somehow comforting. He closed his eyes and listened to the quiet lapping of waves against the hull, drawing in a deep breath and trying to relax. "Shiro can wait," he whispered quietly.

"What was that?" Kuron asked.

Keith opened his eyes. He was met by the same pungent, oppressive brig that had been his affliction for the past-- How long now? Two days? Three? More? After several moments of serious thought, he decided that three seemed about right. Maybe four.

"You know, if you start talking to yourself, you're probably losing it," Kuron continued.

Keith blinked in surprise. "Did I say something?"

"I want to say you said 'Shiro can wait,' but I can't believe you'd ever say such words." He shifted slightly, looking just as asleep as he'd been nearly this whole time. "You know, it's probably not a good thing that you also can't remember it. Maybe you really are going bonkers."

Keith furrowed his brow in concentration. "I think I had a dream," he said uncertainly.

"Ooh, you think. What an incredible development. I'm so proud."

Keith sighed and rolled his eyes. "I think... you were in it?"

"Oh, goody. I hope this wasn't one of those weird ones that you really shouldn't tell the person about." There was some jest in his tone, but it was still pointed.