Disclaimer – I don't own Voltron: Legendary Defender. This is written for a thirty-day challenge for the month of July. The words for the challenge are 1. Bell; 2. Bon Festival; 3. Christmas in July; 4. Civil Servant; 5. Colony; 6. Fireworks; 7. Friendship; 8. Game; 9. Harry Potter's Birthday; 10. Hot Dog; 11. Independence; 12. Maple; 13. Moon; 14. Nature; 15. Nursery Rhyme; 16. Ocean; 17. Outdoor; 18. Parade; 19. Ruby; 20. Solar Eclipse; 21. Star; 22. Summer; 23. Teddy Bear Picnic; 24. Tennis; 25. Traffic; 26. Veteran; 27. Victory Road; 28. Water Lily; 29. Watermelon; 30. Wrestling

1. Bell – Suzu

Characters: Shiro, Keith, OC

Summary: Keith visits a shrine near the Garrison when Shiro tells him he's leaving on the mission.
Pairings: None
Theories: Shiro and Keith are biological siblings.
Warnings: None

Staring up at the Shinto shrine created a deep, sickening feeling in the stomach as Keith's lips pushed together, his hands shoved into his pockets in frustration. The young cadet found himself surprised there was an actual Shinto shrine near the garrison in the small city located an hour away. The place represented everything he wanted to get away from, and yet upon hearing Shiro tell him he would be gone for a few months on a mission led him to find some kind of consolation in regards to the empty feeling he felt. The older teen was the only person he'd ever found himself able to talk to, to open up in regards to how angry at the world he was in, but then Shiro knew his circumstances - they were the same. They were family.

Keith's eyes closed, wondering if he should head up the hill. The cadet took the time to get on the bus without Shiro knowing where he was on their day off at the Garrison. The older teen cared about what he did, but also believed in giving the young cadet freedom to be himself, and to walk off steam. As long as he was back in time for dinner, he wouldn't end up worrying his caretaker, yet his feet still wouldn't move up the stairs, or towards the bus stop. "It's been awhile since I felt this alone."

The young man couldn't deny the feeling sucked, and yet he feared to make a decision regarding what to do, particularly one that didn't involve lashing out. His lungs finally released a deep breath of air, and he headed up the stairs, one at a time, moving slowly, his hands shoved into his pants hoping he didn't stand out like a sore thumb. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw quite a few people giving him a look, but he brushed it aside, finding himself used to the looks. He arrived at the top of the stairs, his breath drawing tight, the feeling of not belonging growing, but the question of why he was there almost leading to a panic attack.

His eyes closed again, before heading to the purification fountain, his hands reaching down to nervously pick up the ladle, remembering Shiro taking him on his first visit when no one else would, the older child lecturing him about proper etiquette, but smiling every so often in amusement. Another breath escaped his lips, the pleasant memory making the anxiety go away. He let the calm rush over him, before taking the time to rinse both hands, transferring some water to a hand to rinse his mouth, spitting it out to the side. He then closed his eyes, letting the peacefulness of the place watch over him, remembering something Shiro told him. "If you ever feel anxiety, like you're going to lose your temper, go to a spiritual place to calm your spirit."

The words honestly still didn't make any sense, but he still felt there was something to the older teens words, his fingers tapping on his arm. His eyes snapped open when an older woman's voice drew his attention. He turned his head, a smile spreading across his face as she spoke to him in his native tongue. "Do you not know what to do?"

"Sorry. I've not visited a shrine since I left Japan. I've actually already performed the purification ritual. It's nice hearing someone else speak Japanese"

"Do you mind accompanying me? Most youth these days don't care about tradition. I also agree with you on hearing the language young one. Your parents taught you well."

Keith felt his mouth twist slightly, but then he smiled. "I wish. They passed when I was four. It was actually my older brother who taught me what to do."

"He's not with you?"

"No. Aniki is..." The boy frowned. "He's preparing for a trip. He'll be gone for awhile. He told me though to come here when I felt lost, but I was foolish and never really listened to him. I kind of prefer going out into the desert, but this time, I came here."

"Oh, have you thought about getting him an omamori?"

Keith felt his throat tighten. "No. I guess I did, though, when I found out this place existed." The woman smiled, complimenting him and telling him there was a reason for many things before telling him her name. Keith almost told her his name was Keith, but out of respect told her instead, "Kogane Akira."

He watched as the woman proceeded to purify her own self, then took his arm so he could help her over to the offering box. The walk was slow, but the feeling of being lost left him despite the fact he wasn't sure he believed. They stopped in front of the box, and they offered their coin, and prayer, before ringing the bell. The elderly woman then headed over to the place for purchasing the good luck charms, asking him if he had ever bought one. Keith paused, thinking about his own personal experience. "No, but Shiro-nii bought me a few, so I guess it's time I return the favor."

"He'll be pleased you're growing up."

Keith blinked a couple of time, realization hitting him - Shiro felt he could leave him alone for a few months because he felt Keith was growing up. "Thanks. I needed to hear that."

The woman helped him pick out the charm, before asking him to join her at a local cafe which served food. Keith worried his lip, remembering he needed to be back in time for dinner, but also Shiro's instructions on treating elders well even though the elders in their family never treated him well. He helped the old woman down the stairs, taking more time. They arrived at the small place, sitting at the table. Keith offered to pay, but the old woman raised her hand. "You are my guest, and you treated me by being kind up at the shrine. Let me order."

Keith bowed slightly, respecting the elders wishes. Tea was brought first, and the woman took her cup in her hand, drinking slowly. "Shiro is a nice name, but it's not like your name which means bright."

"That's actually just what I call my brother. His name is actually..." Keith found himself pausing. "Shirogane Takashi."

The woman looked at him for a few minutes, before saying. "Oh, that makes more sense. That name means precious and noble. You were adopted into a branch family, weren't you?"

Keith glanced at the ground, the shame he felt since his parents died rushing back. "Yes."

"That's a good brother of yours, not to abandon you." The food came, and they began to eat from the plate of food, Keith's eyes darting over to see the sun setting. The elderly man's head shot up, and he turned to see her holding up something. "I may be old, but I'm savvy enough to have a cellphone. You can call your big brother when we're done eating, and I'll wait for you."

"You don't have to."

"No, it's not right letting you be alone, everything considered. Plus, I want to tell that young man whose going on the Kerberos mission that he's done a good job with you, and not to worry. Even though he trust you, he's still going to worry."

A smile flittered across Keith's mouth, not at all sure what to think of the old woman's actions. They finished eating, and headed out to the bench at the bus stop, no buses coming to take anybody to the Garrison this late at night. The cellphone felt heavy in his hands as he dialed the number he was supposed to call if he ever got in trouble. Shiro's voice came on the other line. "Keith, please tell me that is you? What the hell have you been doing! Where are you?"

"I..." Keith found himself unable to answer, and instead telling his brother where he was located in the small city, making the older teen become exasperated, and clearly in a panic as he hung up the phone. "Well, that didn't go well."

"That's why I'm staying with you." The old woman looked up at the sky. "The stars are pretty tonight."

The young man looked up, relaxing once more until he heard the motorcycle his brother drove sputtering up to the spot. "Keith!" The younger teen let his head snap up in time to see Shiro removing his helmet, the look on the older teen's face clearly showing irritation. Keith stood up, walking over to his brother, only to find himself in an uncomfortable, and rather embarrassing hug before Shiro addressed the elderly lady.

"Please tell me my little brother hasn't been a problem."

"No. It's my fault he didn't make the bus. He kept this old lady company today."

"Oh..." Shiro's voice began to calm, something which relaxed Keith, as the older teen was known for his ability to stay calm. That only made it even more clear he'd goofed big time. A gloved hand reached out to ruffle the younger teens hair. "Why'd you come out here? Normally you go out to the desert. I almost went out looking for you. You've got classes in the morning."

"Did you know there is a Shinto shrine near here?" Keith watched his brother's facial features twist with confusion. His head tilted to one side, his hand reaching into his pocket. "I got you something."

The older teen stared at the omamori, before holding out his hand to take the charm. "Thank you." Shiro then bowed to the elderly woman. "Thank you for looking out for my brother."

"No worries. He actually looked out for me. Have a safe drive back to the Garrison."

"We will." Shiro got back on his motorcycle, picking up the extra helmet to hold back to Keith. The younger teen got on behind him, and they took off. Everything felt like it would go fine.

The omamori though didn't work, causing everything to shatter.