Cracked But Not Broken

Chapter Seven: Three Days

"Thanks to you not paying attention, yet again, someone got hurt!" Allura shouts as I tear my eyes away from Keith's pod.

"But-"

"There are no excuses for this! Keith is out of commission for how long Coran?" Shiro scowls before turning his attention toward Coran.

"Three days." The orange haired male grumbles. "However, I believe if you listen to the blue pal-"

"Three days! All because you weren't paying attention to a teammate in need." Shiro interrupts Coran, making the male cross his arms in distaste.

"Shiro, if you just listen t-" I start once again, but get cut off.

"Listen! That's all you had to do. But you never listen do you? You're always too caught up in yourself. Maybe if you stopped being so selfish you'd notice the people around you struggling." Shiro continues, each word his voice getting louder. And before I know it Shiro is standing only inches in front of me. I try to stay calm, or as calm as I can with my heart beating a billion miles a minute.

"Shiro pleas-"

CRACK!

~

I'm surrounded my dark metal walls and purple lights. A burning on my cheek, the slow drip of blood down my jawline.

I let out a howl of pain as the whip cracks again my cheek once more.

"Puny human, can't even handle a whip." The galra general chuckled. "You won't last a second in the arena."

~

As I stumble back realization fills Shiro's eyes. My hand raised up to the thick scar lining my burning cheek.

"Shiro, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Coran comes to my side, resting a hand on my trembling shoulder.

"But I didn't mean to-" Shiro tries to take a step forward but Allura puts an arm in front of him, her eyes wide.

"Neither did Lance. He didn't mean for Keith to get hurt, but you still yell at him for it." Coran turns away from Shiro and guides Lance out of the room.

"It's been a long day my boy, it's time for you to get some rest." I barely register Coran's words, my mind is overwhelmed in guilt and pain.

But this is my fault.

"Good night Lance, get some rest." Coran pats me on the back with a small smile.

"I'll try Coran, g'night." I say a yawn rising in my throat.

There'll be no sleep for you tonight. You don't deserve it.

I slip into my dark room, flopping onto my bed without a second thought. My shoulders slump and my, now slightly oversized, jacket slides down my shoulders.

I set it at the end of my bed, having other plans for it later. Before I can stop myself my heavy eyelids droop shut.

"You're just a maggot. Just a waste of space." The purple skinned woman drags her fingers across my jaw. "What are we going to do with you today?"

I stay silent. I've been silent for the last...I don't actually know how long.

"So, this is the game you're going to play?" She takes a step toward me, her eagle like nails digging into my chest. Her eyes become crazed as her nails dig further into my skin. When a yelp escapes my lips, she grins.

It starts as a slow thrum, but quickly becomes louder and more painful. The she lets out a sound I've only ever heard from a wild animal, and doesn't hesitate to let her power go free.