Blood Tied (Galtean Klance)

- SIXTEEN -

The next few sessions with Melvark continued in a similar manner: Keith was restrained by the lieutenants; Lance defended himself from Melvark; Lance got hurt; Keith would have to bite the inside of his cheek to prevent himself from shouting, killing Melvark, shifting into his Galran form, or all and any of the above.

And every time after, Keith would rest his forehead against Lance's shoulder and mutter -- words of comfort, words of anger and frustration. And Lance would lean on Keith. And the two would fall asleep, clutching hope for a brighter dawn. 

After a few unsuccessful sessions, Melvark stood before the two Paladins, frown etched on his face. "I expected something would happen by now, but I suppose it's time for more... intense measures."

He flicked two fingers out, and the lieutenants hefted Lance to his feet. "Lance, since you haven't naturally changed to your Altean form, I'll have to attempt to extract it manually. You'll be moved to my lab."

Wait... what? Lab?? As in I'm going to be an experimental subject?! 

Lance shivered, shock written clearly all over his face. Next to him, the corners of Keith's mouth curled in visual disgust and barely concealed rage.

"But I might make an exception..." A smile twisted its way across Melvark's face. "...if you turned into your Galran form, Keith. If you fully transformed into your Galran form right now, and agreed to serve me, I won't experiment on Lance. I'll postpone it until I get bored with you."

Lance tried to make eye-contact with Keith, while shaking his head slightly. 

Don't do it, Keith. I think I can handle being experimented on, and then being Altean. But you said that you wanted to keep your Galra form secret, so don't agree! Keith!

Keith looked at Lance, a somber look in his eyes. He turned back to look at Melvark. 

"Will you promise to not experiment on Lance as long as I work for you?"

No, Keith! You don't need to do this!

Melvark smiled warmly. "Of course!"

Keith inhaled deeply. He shook his head, slowly beginning to glow.

Melvark's smile grew in awe, as the light around Keith increased. Then the light died down, and a purple Keith looked up, at Melvark, his yellow eyes glowing. 

"You've got yourself a deal, Melvark."