A/N: Title comes from a song by the Glass animals, hence the chapter title and it's amazing and my theme for this story so check it out! Most chapters will have a song title just because there are a lot of songs that helped me with this. Chapters are gonna bounce between POV's so ~ that will indicate a change. Anyway thanks for reading!

Keith didn't really mind the new mission. Actually, he was quite eager and honored that he had been chosen for such a risky mission as this. He was assigned to infiltrate the gang that called themselves the Galra. It was obviously because he was the youngest one here and could easily pass off as a new recruit. The blade of Marmora, like many other organizations, were focused on bringing down the gang.

Keith sat there in his dark room which was only illuminated by a small lamp that sat on his bedside. Shiro knew a lot about the gang and its members from his job as an officer and although Keith found his work an honorable effort just as others he couldn't help but feel he should be doing something against the Galra as well. Everything about his decision to join the Blade of Marmora was extremely risky but Shiro had been supportive enough which Keith truly appreciated. From what Keith could gather from both his personal knowledge and the file given to him by Thace who was already a spy there, the Galra had grown obnoxiously fast in the past few years. They had always been around ever since Keith was a child but now was their time where they shined incredibly bright. All because of one of Zarkon's right hands that seemed to appear out of nowhere. He seemed to break police, citizens, and gang members alike with his sheer knowledge and manipulation. People only had theories over how he, who they called Blue, gained information so fast.

Keith was going to infiltrate a base that was located on the far side of town. It was a hotbed for illegal activity and one of the worst there but they needed somebody that looked fairly young and since Keith was someone who matched that criteria they assigned him that job. He was relieved slightly that Thace was there too but he still felt a bit flustered. He had to miss a day of school just to be there so he was at least happy that he didn't have to deal with that as well. He sighed a bit anxiously and turned off the lamp trying to get comfortable in his bed.

Lance woke up to the practically screeching of his alarm clock and he pressed snooze before turning around and getting a bit more comfortable. "Dude, wake up it's already seven-thirty and your alarm went off like three times," Hunk said as he made his way in Lance's room.

Lance was still for a bit before shooting up and grabbing the clock as if he could change the numbers with his eyes. "Oh god, I'm late!" He shot up and began rummaging through his clothes and throwing them behind himself.

"Late? Buddy, your first class doesn't start for another couple of hours,"

"Not late for class," Lance pulled on some random clothes from his closet not fully registering what he just let slip.

"Then late for what?" Hunk immediately asked and Lance just smiled.

"I promised Allura I would meet her at the coffee shop to help her set up," It wasn't a complete lie but Lance needed to change the subject before he truly did let everything slip. "Anyway, why are you still in my house? Like don't get me wrong I love having you here and yesterday was a blast just playing video games but I thought your classes started soon?"

"They do," Hunk sighed. "Pidge and I need to work on a project and she's already been texting me hundreds of threats," He laughed. "I just needed to make sure you were up before I left. I made you breakfast by the way just so you won't be running on coffee alone,"

"Aw buddy," Lance said with his toothbrush still in his mouth as his hands were fixing his currently messy hair. "You spoil me. Did you make sure to get your lion?"

"Lance," Hunk laughed as he picked up the pendant of a yellow lion. "I got it. You gave it to me, after all, why wouldn't I wear it?"

"Good, make sure Pidge is wearing her's too," Lance yelled. "It'll give you good luck and keep you safe!"

"I still think Pidge is a bit shocked that you gave her the green one," Hunk laughed, "Don't worry though buddy. You have yours?"

"Of course," Lance smirked as he showcased his blue lion pendant. "I never take it off," They were interrupted by more text alerts and Hunk hissed a bit.

"Yeah, I should be heading out now before Pidge completely loses her patience and burns down the library,"

"Wouldn't that be a sight," Lance laughed. "Alright, buddy. Oh, and one last thing, I'm gonna have to cancel movie night tonight,"

"What?!" Hunk looked over at him a bit sadly. "Why? I thought you wanted to watch that weird movie about aliens,"

"I do, it's not about the movie, I just have to wake up early tomorrow and I can't stay up too late. You and Pidge are still one hundred percent allowed to come over though," Lance slid on his jacket and moved to the kitchen. "You can borrow my living room and everything just don't expect me to stay awake," He began to quickly chow down on the food that was still warm and moaned a bit at how good it was.

"Well, alright I'll tell Pidge," Hunk sighed sadly. "I'm heading out! Bye, and make sure you actually eat something later today and not just run on energy drinks,"

"Energy drinks are the drugs of the gods!" Lance laughed. "But alright I will. See you, Hunk! Make sure not to die!"

"I'll try my best," Hunk laughed as he shut the door and proceeded to leave. Lance sighed as he finished up the food and put the plate in the sink.

"Shouldn't you be in a bit more of a hurry?"

Lance sighed a bit angrily again. "And you should be dead but here you are talking to me," Lance turned around and saw Lotor standing right in front of him.

"Not my fault you're the only person who can actually entertain me," Lotor smirked and floated a bit above the ground.

"I'm not here for your entertainment," Lance crossed his arms. "The only reason I have this gift-"

"Yes, yes, because your job is to help those who have died after your dear grandma taught you. I've heard you mention it before,"

"If you know that then why are you not telling me what's keeping you here?" Lance huffed. He grabbed his backpack and swung it over his shoulder. "Until that job is done, you can't cross over,"

"Why would I want to do that?" Lotor laid in the air. "Over there is unpredictable. I don't know what's over there or where I'll end up, but here," He laughed. "It's so much more fun,"

"I wouldn't see the fun in it honestly," Lance began to walk out and locked the door behind him as he closed it.

Lotor followed after him. "Ah yes, because I'm an evil apathetic gang leader's son,"

"No, because you can't interfere," Lance kept walking and stuck his hands in his jacket. He was at least grateful that he wasn't as cold as he usually is. "I know you Lotor. And although I would never do anything as bad as you have, I understand how you react to things,"

"Oh, because I'm just an open box, aren't I?" He snared. Lance was getting funny looks as he walked so he only whispered back a response.

"Please," he scoffed, "Even now I can't quite read your mind," Lance slid on the green headphones that Pidge had accidentally left at his house and just watched as Lotor circled around him in an attempt to get his attention before just crossing his arms and walking next to him.

He made it to the coffee shop and saw as Allura was already beginning to set up and she smirked at him a bit, "So you did decide to come after all,"

"I promised I would," Lance smiled as he slid off the headphones around his neck. "Looking beautiful as always," Lance smirked and Allura just rolled her eyes

"Oh so you'll talk to her but not me," Lotor moved over towards him and sat down at a table which just made Lance roll his own eyes and set his backpack on the floor.

"Sorry to put this on you on such short notice," Allura sighed. "Coran had business to attend to with Voltron,"

"Aw yes your own personal coalition," Lance laughed. "Has he managed to persuade any other rebellions to fight against the Galra?"

Lotor let out a laugh. "Yeah, good luck with that,"

"Actually that's what he's doing right now," Allura picked up Lance's pendant, "How's old Blue doing?"

"Great she's always there for me, unlike someone," He said a bit more forcefully as he glared at Lotor. He only smirked back at him.

"Insomnia or is it Lotor that's getting the best of you?" Allura looked up at him a bit empathetically.

"Both. Lotor still won't tell me what's keeping him here and I still can't sleep without headphones," Lance sighed. "It's really cutting into my beauty sleep. Not that I need it of course,"

"Well I'm sure you'll figure it out," She chuckled as she moved the pendant and dropped it behind Lance's shirt. "Make sure to keep that hidden. I know you've already found great paladins for the yellow and green one but we have to make sure to find the black and red ones soon,"

He began to move over to the table and set up chairs in front of the ones that weren't already set up. "Allura, I know you only asked me because I can see them but they're different from ghosts,"

"Yeah, I remember you telling me they're guardians," Allura sighed and moved behind the counter as Lance continued to set up and clean the tables.

"Okay so then you also remember me telling you that neither of us can decide who they choose to protect right," Lance looked over at her. "I know your dad wanted you to give them paladins and that they would help you but I can't just call them out, not only would they not be guardians, they wouldn't even show up to me. If they have already chosen paladins then it's our job to find them not just their lions,"

"Yes, I know Lance," Allura moved over in front of him and handed him a coffee which he eagerly took. "It just doesn't feel right to hand over the responsibility that he gave me to you. No offense but I just feel like he would want me to find them suitable Paladins,"

"He would," Lance confirmed and blew at the top of his coffee. "I'm the one who translated the message from ghost to human, but he passed over knowing that I could see the guardians and knowing that you were passing up the job. He didn't pass on just because he had too, his job was finished here, so don't beat yourself up about it,"

"I know I shouldn't," Allura sighed as she took a sip from her cup. "But I feel guilty not being able to help guide a lion," She confessed.

"Yeah but you're our ringleader," Lance chuckled. "Once the lions speak to me I'll pass them over I promise,"

"Thank you, Lance," She moved her hair out of her face and Lance noticed her makeup smudged a bit.

"Allura your marks are showing," Lotor looked over at them. "You better cover those before they realize you're an Altean,"

"Was an Altean," Allura corrected looking sadly at the ground.

"Just because you and Coran are the only ones left doesn't make you less Altean," Lance smiled. "They helped a lot against the Galra. Just because they got disbanded and most left after... the incident, doesn't mean you have to give up the title,"

"The pink is a hideous color wouldn't you say?" Lotor bent in and was now looking at the one small marking directly under Allura's eye that was visible. Lance shooed him away. "When they figured out they were gonna get tattoos did all the little girls in that place get pink ones?" He mocked.

"Shut up Lotor," Lance warned and crossed his arms. "It was tradition,"

"Some tradition,"

"They could choose not to get them," Allura piped in picking up small pieces of the conversation. "If they didn't want to get them they didn't have to,"

"Oh, so she just decided to get such a hideous color and plain markings?" Lotor smirked. "Got it,"

"What's he saying?" Allura looked over at where Lance was currently glaring at but saw nothing.

"Nothing important,"

"I take offense to that," Lotor smirked at him and floated a bit away. "Lance~ you might want to stop the chitchat,"

"And why's that," Lance said as he took a long sip of his coffee.

"Because it's eight and it takes ten minutes to walk to the base," Lance spat out his drink and looked up at the clock.

"God what is with me and time today!?" He shouted and practically chugged his coffee that thankfully wasn't that hot. "Allura, sorry I couldn't help more I'll come back to help you put things away though I promise,"

"It's fine," She laughed. "Just head out if you need too, and Lance," Her voice took a softer tune. "Be safe okay?"

"I always am," He reassured as he placed the headphones over his ears again and grabbed his bag still on the floor. "I'll see you later. Be safe!"

"I always am," She mimicked him and Lance only chuckled softly under his breath as he ran out.

He turned on his music to not only drown out Lotor but a few other ghosts that were currently in the streets as well. He was running at this point, only stopping to apologize to people if he managed to bump into them. He made it to an old abandoned warehouse that used to be one of Zarkons most prominent hideout. He slid off the headphones and placed them in his bag. He quickly changed his clothes into Galran armor that was in his backpack as well. It bore a great resemblance to the uniforms of Zarkons personal generals, being black with purple symbols. He had it in two pieces however; a shirt and pants. Unlike most who bore it as a one suit Lance had cut his for a shirt and pants simply because it was more easily flexible to him. He put on some yellow contacts and slicked back his brown hair so that no one would recognize him. He then placed a dark blue mask on that only covered his cheeks and nose up. It was shaped like a cat and Lance took a moment to run his fingers down its side before tightly tying the ribbon on the back of his head. He hated how much he had to cover up but he didn't want his actual stable life to deteriorate like how Zarkons had, so for extra precautions, he tied a black silk cloth around his neck. He slid it over his mouth and tucked it under his mask so that no part of his face showed.

"Looking rather covered up, don't you Lance?" Lotor sighed. "Aren't you hot in there?"

"Well better than being on the most wanted list," He sighed as he stuffed his old clothes into his pack. "Can you tell that it's me?" He held out his hands to present himself and Lotor walked around him.

"You're fine," He confirmed. "Now hurry before my father throws a fit," Lance left his bag there, hiding it behind some old boxes stacked up on each other.

He ran towards the back and slid out the door careful not to make any noise. Lotor warned him if any other people were coming towards him so that he could dodge them easily. He finally made it to Zarkons main hideout and peaked through the window. No one in sight, which only lead him to believe Zarkon was already making his way to the training deck where he was supposed to be. "Up this way," Lotor directed as he pointed to the stairs and Lance quickly climbed up towards the roof. "This'll probably get you there faster,"

"Probably?" Lance hopped between the roofs which were rather close together.

"Yes, as in, not certain but it will cut your time to get there," Lotor explained. "Maybe you'll even beat Zarkon there,"

"Doubt it," Lance finally made it close to the building and slid down the roof to make it in front of another Galra member.

"Oh what? You a new recruit?"

"Well, technically I'm-"

"Yeah I don't care about all that, you were supposed to be here ten minutes ago," He stated as he grabbed the side of his arm and dragged him inside. "Now, Zarkon will be here shortly so just stand in line and look pretty," He mocked as he squished him in between two other recruits.

"Joke's on you I look pretty even without trying," Lance looked between the two that he was pushed against. They didn't seem to be very phased by him but so many people here surrounded by their own tragedy, of course, brought along ghosts and they were swarming the place. Lance groaned a bit and brought his hand up to clutch his temple in irritation.

"What's wrong?" Lance looked over at the person standing next to him, dressed almost exactly the same except for a deep red mask. He could see slightly long hair pulled back and tied rather crazily into a ponytail. His deep voice and uniform clearly informing Lance that this was a guy.

"Too many voices speaking at once," He whispered back. These people, almost all of them had at least one ghost attached to them. Mothers either encouraging them to continue the legacy of the Galra or screaming at them to get out of there. A couple of friends talking nonsense and there was even a child trying to tug on the clothes of someone. There words mashing together and swarming around him. Voices that were distorted, desperate, angry, and alone. It made him groan a bit more, and he clutched his hand up over his ears. The stranger beside him was grabbing his wrists trying to pry them away.

"You're gonna get in trouble," Another one said. "Just let Zarkon deal with him once he comes," Lance looked over at the person on his other side who was clearly a girl by her voice.

"We can't just leave him like this," The other said again and helped Lance stand a bit straighter.

"It's fine," Lance whispered. "Do you maybe have headphones or earplugs?"

"Why would I bring that?" He answered in return.

"You know what. It's fine," Lance pulled away a bit and slouched in irritation when the ghosts didn't quite down. "Lotor..."

"What are you asking me to do?" Lotor rolled his eyes. "Should I possess your body to get you out of here or something?"

"After last time?" Lance scoffed under his breath "Yeah right,"

"Wait he can hear us!" A ghost floated close to Lance's face and made him jump back in surprise. "Please, you have to tell my son-"

"Will you all shut up!" Lotor screamed and made Lance flinch a bit harder. A ghost voice was much sharper in Lance's opinion. Other supposed psychics he had met didn't seem to be phased by the distorted sharpness of frantic ghosts. He just covered his ears a bit harder.

"Leave him," the girl said when he noticed the one with the red mask reaching out his hand to help. "If he's not capable of being here without turning into a blubbering mess then he shouldn't be dragging us down with him,"

Lance heard Lotor growl under his breath. He looked over at him to see him fighting with another ghost that was attached to a man. A white mask over his face and now clearly staring at him. "All I want him to do is tell my son, to get out of here,"

"He doesn't interfere with other people's stupid decisions," Lotor answered for him.

"Please, you have to tell him to get out of here!" She screamed at Lance.

"Get out!" Lance screamed at the person which made everyone else look at him and for the white masked person to step back a bit.

"That's not what I wanted!"

"Look he delivered your message now scram," Lotor said a bit harshly.

"Can you please give him a happy birthday?" Another ghost stumbled forward. "No one's said it to him all day,"

Lance looked over at the ghost girl's voice and chuckled a bit. "And who are you?"

"I don't have to tell you anything psycho," This guy who had dyed purple hair that hung over his face and just had a plain medical mask over him answered.

"My names Mia and he's Ryan. I'm his sister!" The small ghost smiled.

"Alright then. Ryan," The boy, Ryan, looked over in shock. "Your sister, Mia, wished you a happy birthday," There was a small silence before Ryan pounced on him and pushed him down to the ground holding a knife to his neck.

"How do you know about her?!" He pushed it a bit harder and Lance was about to push him off when the man in the red mask finally pushed him off.

Keith had no idea what to do. One minute this kid was freaking out on the floor, next he was getting attacked for telling someone happy birthday. He didn't mean to react but seeing the knife pushing up against the blue masked boy made him react. Grabbing onto his wrist and pushing him back grabbing his own knife and holding it in front of him. "Stop!" He growled as the man regained his posture. "What do we get out of fighting each other?!"

"You should teach your little buddy to watch his mouth,"

"I literally just said happy birthday," The blue masked man rubbed his neck. "The appropriate reaction would be to say 'thank you', you know?"

"You- How did you know about Mia?!" He inched closer and Keith stepped in front of him.

"Enough," They heard a clap and all eyes were turned to the front where Zarkon stood. Everyone knew his face already, his slicked back hair, beady eyes, and a scar that ran down his eye over his lip. "First day here and already causing fights?"

"Zarkon," They all bowed on one knee and put a fist over their heart, "Vrepit Sa," He seemed distracted, however. Looking around as if trying to find someone.

"And where is Blue?" Zarkon questioned with a slight growl in his voice.

"I'm right here sir," The blue masked boy stepped forward. Keith was taken aback. How did Zarkon know this guy? Blue, that name. He couldn't possibly be him. No, he was too young. There was no way.

"Ah there you are," Zarkon smiled and wrapped an arm around him which made him tense up a bit. "And here I thought you were late again,"

"Of course not," He replied softly and looked at the ground. "I am in charge of them after all. Can't set a bad example," Keith stiffened.

"In charge of us?" Ryan stood up quickly.

"Do you have a problem with my orders?" Zarkon stepped forward which caused him to fall to his knees again.

"All due respect, I feel he is incapable of leading us," He sighed. "He's the one who caused the fights after all, wouldn't it be more appropriate for someone else to-"

A gun was pulled out and placed on his forehead. Keith flinched at his inability to do anything. "I'll ask again, 'do you have a problem with my orders?'," Zarkon's finger laid on top of the trigger as he watched the man shrink into himself.

"N-no of course not," Zarkon looked over at Blue who was staring at them and Keith wished he could see his expression. Instead, Blue only nodded once and as soon as he did a gunshot rang out making everyone flinch. Ryan now on the floor with blood pooling from his head.

Why had Lance nodded? It was because of that temper Ryan had. The little girl was gone as well if she wasn't Lance wouldn't have been able to do anything. Zarkon didn't seem to care but Lance sighed at the now quieted voices from both the ghosts and the people. More Galra members made their way inside and dragged the body away. Zarkon moved next to Lance and held out his palm. Lance looked down to find earplugs and he smiled. "Thank you," He hated saying that to him but he had no choice unless he wanted to end up a bloody pulp on the ground. He placed only one in his ear careful not to disturb his mask.

"And where is my son?" Zarkon looked around warily.

"Currently," Lance looked around as if Lotor wasn't following him needlessly anyways. "Standing next to the red-masked boy,"

Zarkon was a psychic as well in a sense. Not the same power as Lance, instead, more of a teller in the future. That's what helped him stay out of the cop's eyes. He took in Lance for the very purpose of his ability to see ghosts. If it wasn't for that, Lance wouldn't be in this situation. "Well I'll let you take full control over them," He said loudly to address the others as well. "If I see any complaining or if Blue reports to me about anything-"

"Don't worry sir," Lance stepped up and immediately fell to one knee. "I will track out the spies before you leave,"

"Of course," Zarkon stepped back with a smirk and waved his hand at the others.

Lance stood up and looked at everyone here. As soon as he was up the others straightened up. "Line up in a single line," Lance instructed and the others followed without a moment of thought. He walked over with a sigh. Should he let Lotor do this part? He didn't mind letting Lotor use his body if it meant he didn't have to do this. Plus, Lotor was much better at reading people. "Lotor, you have my permission," He whispered and Lotor smirked at him.

His body began walking directly in front of the first person. Lance examining his body to make sure Lotor didn't do anything drastic. He took one quick look at the person in front of him, "You go stand over there," He pointed to the right.

"What but I'm not a spy!" The man grumbled. Lotor sighed and pulled out a gun from Lance's side. He placed it on the other's temple

"I don't recall asking for your input," Lotor sneered. The man quickly moved away to where he was pointing.

"Dude, don't make me look bad," Lance crossed his arms and watched as Lotor controlled his body. "I don't want them to hate me so soon,"

Lotor chuckled a bit and moved in front of the next person. He motioned for them to step to the back and they obliged. Next one the opposite side of the first and continuing down the line. Some to the right, some to the left and few in the back. Lotor flew out of his body and Lance quickly got back in control. He looked at the three groups. Lotor moved to the one on the right. "These are the ones who are loyal to the Galra," then he moved to the back. This was the smallest group, only three people. Lance looked over at Red who was standing a bit unnerved by the looks of it. "The spies," Yup, now Lance knew why he was nice to him and why he seemed tense. Then Lotor looked over at the last ones. Only a few were here as well. "And these are a cram of people who were a bit harder to read or just didn't really seem to care if they were here," Lance looked between the three. He couldn't really just evenly do this so he moved to the people in the right and picked out the one that looked the youngest.

"Move to the back," They did as they were told and moved. Lance moved along with them. There were three spies and now that he had added someone else there were four. Then he looked over at Red who seemed to be staring at him. He pulled him out of the group and moved him to the center of the room. "Stay there," He didn't get a response so he moved on to the people in the left, the ones that couldn't be read. He picked out one that looked the youngest and told them to move to the back. He stepped back and looked at the three groups. He stood next to Red and nodded confidently. Pointing at the ones on the far right. "Kill them," Then to the far left, "Send them to the bottom," And outstretching his hands to the middle group. "And you all get to stay with me,"

Obviously, protests broke out. He was being screamed at, threatened, and being called names. "Do as he said," Zarkon instructed the others. Small fights broke out that didn't seem to be taken lightly and a few were killed on sight which made not only Lance flinch but a few of the others as well. "Five? That's a new record for the number of people you'll train. Here I thought I had chosen worthy Galra," Lance smirked behind his mask because he had. A large majority were loyal to him which was painful considering he had to get rid of them. "What about this one?" They both looked over at Red who was staring at them and he straightened up placing a fist over his chest.

"He's my favorite," Lance laughed a bit and looked back at the others. "He was the only one who was nice to me," The five before him could practically hear the pout. "So he's my right hand for this next experiment!"

"Well I must be off," Zarkon placed a hand on Lance's shoulder. "Business to attend to. I trust you are able to keep the five you chose at bay?"

"Of course," Lance placed a fist over his chest and tilted his head down. "Vrepit Sa," Zarkon began walking off giving the Galra around him a quick order about something Lance didn't hear. He looked back at the five and directed Keith to move closer to the others. "Welp now that we're all alone I have one final test," He moved back and began searching for something before waving a hand so another Galra ran forward and he quickly whispered something in his ear. Lance passed him something that he was holding and he quickly ran off. He took a step forward and motioned for them to stand in a line. He pulled up his shirt to reveal the left side of his stomach where a large and harsh looking scar resonated. "This is the Galra symbol," He said running his fingers up against it. "In order for you to be treated like one of mine you will have to gain one," The Galra that he had sent away before ran back and handed back a glowing piece of red iron. Lance took it in one hand carefully. "And just like they used on me we'll be using a branding iron," He pointed it at them and could feel them tense up.

"No way in hell am I doing that!" Lance looked over at the one who spoke up. It was the one that was supposed to be loyal to the Galra, or perhaps only to Zarkon.

"Excuse me?" Lance tilted his head a bit to the side.

"Oh would you look at that," Lotor stood next to him.

"With all due respect I'll get a tattoo or something but a branding iron?!" He argued "We're not cattle,"

"Some would argue that it's even too cruel for cattle," Lotor laughed.

"Alright," Lance lowered the branding iron. "Do any of you guys feel the same?"

"I would prefer not to get it that way but if it's what you wish then I will stand by it," That was a spy. A young man with white hair and a beanie over it. His mask was a light purple. Lance chuckled a bit at how a spy was so confident in following his directions but the one that was supposed to be loyal to him wasn't.

"As will I," The other spy said. A girl with bright blond hair pulled into two ponytails and a dull yellow mask over her face.

"This is something you require?" This one was strange, Lance noticed. He was one that Lotor couldn't read. He was wearing a silver mask, that looked almost like a helmet, with a single orange circle over between where his eyes were supposed to be. A vertical line over his mouth and two darker marks on each side of the circle where his eyes where most likely at.

"Well if you refuse to get it you can stand next to that one," Lance motioned towards the Galra. This person seemed a bit hesitant but moved towards the other two as a signal that he would get it.

"Well Red?" Lance looked at the only person still just standing there in the middle. He crossed his arms.

There was no way Keith wanted to get this. He didn't want to be branded with the Galra symbol especially in such a painful way but he had come this far. He didn't want to refuse anything that would probably cause him trouble. He took in a shaking breath and nodded mostly to reassure himself. If this is what he needed to keep the trust that Blue was already giving him then he needed to maintain it. "Yes, I'll do it,"

"Well looks like only one, of my trusty five, has refused," Blue moved over to the four that stood close to each other. "Red since you were so nice I want to show you first what this is,"

Keith deflated. God, he really didn't want to do this but he grabbed his shirt and pulled it up. He closed his eyes not that anyone else could tell. He crumbled his fist and flinched when he felt something cold touch his hip. Wait… cold? He opened his eyes and looked up at where Blue was still holding the branding iron to his skin. He pulled it off and Keith examined his skin where nothing was left. "It was a fake?" Keith whispered which caused Blue to laugh.

"Of course it was!" He grabbed the glowing part of the iron and laughed a bit harder as everyone was now staring at him. "It's just a stupid light! I had it specifically made for this exercise!" He laughed even harder and finally he calmed himself down and placed a hand on his hip. "If you truly are going to get one you have to earn it by proving your own worth to the Galra. This has many advantages and makes it easier to decipher who's in charge here. I am one of Zarkons right hands and as such I have earned my way to achieve this mark. Any Galra who sees it will know I'm in power. You will not simply get one by being under my watch. You four are on the right path, however, you-," He pointed at the one who refused it. "Are no longer welcomed here,"

"Wait," The other argued, "If I had known-"

"You should have known it was an honor within the Galra to receive this mark. Only a lucky few get the privileges it has. You are a coward afraid of pain. Someone I do not wish to train or be under my watch. Take him away to the bottom please!" His singsong voice commanded which caused a few other Galra to run forward and began dragging him away. Keith watched as Blue playfully waved goodbye as protests from the other man echoed in the warehouse. "You are the last of my recruits. Today has been eventful with eliminating candidates but don't think you're safe. I can easily escort you out just as I did with him. I hope you learn a lot form me!" He chuckled a bit as he dropped the fake branding iron. "Red, sorry for scaring you,"

"No, no you didn't," Keith stuttered at suddenly being addressed. He cleared his throat. "It's fine," Through all that had he really survived to be one of the last four standing here? It was almost unbelievable.

"Well you can all go now," Blue was already turning on his feet and confidently walking off. "I have places to be and I assume you do to. We'll meet tomorrow, late in the day," He made it to the door and turned around as he waved. "This is going to be fun!" And Keith watched as he left the four of them there all alone. He was dangerous, that was clear to see. Dangerous beyond what could be told in a simple file.

A/N: You would think that I was done making long ass stories but here I am again! End game obviously Klance but hey what can I say, I love them. Anyways yeah I'll try to explain more as I continue to write this. Thank you!