Chapter 4: Lost and Found

Shiro wasn't sure if Keith noticed, but he had been watching him.

Every once in awhile, as they crossed through the desert border into the lush Altean forests, he caught Keith staring at just about any greenery they came across. From the bright blue, bell-shaped flowers that clustered around the base of tree trunks, to the tree covered in blushing pink blossoms. Everywhere he looked, Keith seemed to be fascinated, thinly veiled by the intense gaze he wore as he observed everything.

It was only a matter of time before Shiro himself began to glance back at Keith every once in awhile, just to catch the other young man's expressions. At the moment, he was thoroughly distracted by the way the sunlight filtered through the trees, pinpricks of light falling through the leaves like a light dusting of stars.

Around the campfire the night before, their last night out in the wilderness, Shiro had assured Keith that he could assume whatever form he wished. He insisted, given that Keith was injured, he should do what was the most naturally comfortable for him. Keith remained Galran, and his response was taciturn, but also grateful in the way he looked at Shiro.

Now that they no longer had to go on foot, Shiro found his free time wandering in his own muddled thoughts. Fear of the witch, the ongoing threat of the Galra, and even longing to see the princess and his family once again roiled constantly in his brain. Even so, a constant, clear phrase demanded attention.

What is Keith to you?

Sure, he felt camaraderie, given the circumstances they had braved together, but it wasn't so simple. There was no proof that Keith wasn't doing any of this for his gain. It could still be an elaborate trick, with or without the curse hanging over Shiro's head.

But then there was the way Keith bristled at the mention of Galra. It was because of that, and the fact that he had been saved by him, that Shiro wanted to trust Keith. Maybe it didn't even matter in the end, their journey was soon coming to an end, and at that point, they would part ways forever.

The thick underbrush of the woods suddenly broke, a small path revealing itself. On either side was the magenta flowers so dear to the princess, the sweet ache of the sight made Shiro finally realize he was actually home.

"If you could manage," Shiro began, addressing Keith to quell the feelings surfacing from his thoughts, "It'd be best for you to change into... "

His voice trailed off, noticing that Keith had been also inspecting the same brightly colored flowers. In particular, his purple Galran ears could not contain his interest, the pair of them wiggling with evident intrigue. At the sight, Shiro couldn't help but let out muffled laughter. The ears then perked into alarmed points, Keith swiftly turned with a questioning look on his face.

Shiro shook his head. "I'm sorry it's just… your ears remind me of an animal that lives in human territories…"

Keith's ears drooped, his face trying to hide apparent embarrassment. "What sort of… animal?"

"I would have to say feline…," Shiro tilted his head sideways, picturing a common house cat, then a panther. "They come in a large variety of sizes, big and small."

"I see…," Keith said thoughtfully. "What sort are you picturing in particular?"

Shiro choked, biting back the words An adorable one , the phrase shocking him as much as it probably would have shocked Keith.

"Oh that's right." Keith continued on, evidently unaware of Shiro's internal monologue. "We're nearing official Altean territory. I should switch back to human, shouldn't I?"

Shiro watched as the cat-like ears receded back into his hair, the fine purple pelt melting back into milky white skin. It was a strange to watch his transformation, but somehow one that he had begun to get used to. Keith continued onwards along the path with his horse, his now purple eyes scanning the foliage. "I just can't get used to this… how colorful everything is."

"Really?" Shiro returned. "From what I remember, there was some forests just outside of Galran territory too…"

He shivered involuntarily, still unable to recall how he got there or how long he had been wandering in those forests. Beside him, Keith was silent for a moment, his mouth open as if to find the right words. "That's… only because it was so close to the Wastelands. Everything in the center, near the capital has been stripped bare… a wasteland of a different kind."

Shiro nodded, the sound of horse hooves beating against the forest floor cutting through the quiet. He had heard that the Galra had run out of their own resources, which gave them the power, but also reason, to reach out and conquer new territories. It was only natural that a kingdom on the brink of starvation would search for other lands.

"I never did agree with it… the way everyone used up things until it had completely run dry and withered away. I guess that was the human in me talking all along." Keith gave him a shrug, as if to show just how much he didn't care.

"That's not necessarily a human trait." Shiro replied sincerely. "That's just what any good person would understand. I suppose the Galra were just a bit more vehement with the way they acquired and used things."

Keith didn't answer, but Shiro didn't mind, watching the way the other young man's face smoothed over like glass, pensive. They rode in silence until the makeshift dirt pathway became smooth with flagstones, the forest waning. Before them was an imposing wall, one erected at the beginnings of the war by the late King Alfor.

With the thickness and height of it, the stones polished and without any possible footholds, it was impossible to climb, never mind the magic that it must have been imbued with. A small but sturdy outpost was placed in front of the wall's gate, a soldier's' station. Without thinking, the two of them pulled their hoods up over their heads, remembering the smuggled goods that they had destroyed in the desert.

Shiro stretched out his arm, halting Keith. He turned pointedly, but remained speechless. Even so, Keith knew that he was to follow closely behind Shiro, in case of conflict. They fell into a straight line and their horses trotted forward, nearing the single soldier standing just outside the station.

Shiro made to wave at the guard, a friendly gesture. The fully armored soldier did not respond, motionless until they finally were within talking distance.

"Stop." The man said, his face obscured by his helmet. "It is highly unusual to see humans traveling outside of the border walls. By the decree of our ruler, Princess Allura, I trust that you have your papers to state your reasons."

Keith could feel sweat bead on his brow, the combination of springtime heat and his own anxieties manifesting as the drops rolled down his temple. Still, he made no sign of moving, waiting for Shiro's response.

"We don't have anything on us." He said, surprisingly honest. "But Alec… is that you…?"

Shiro pulled his hood back, a hopeful smile on his face. "You can never really tell with those helmets… but I think I would recognize the sound of your voice."

At the sight of him, the soldier sputtered, reaching to open his visor with shaking hands. Piercing blue eyes peered at Shiro, disbelieving. "Takashi Shirogane…!" He breathed, "But you were… you're… you-"

"I get it." Shiro held out a hand, both to quiet and to reassure. Alec abruptly straightened his back and held his right arm in salute. "This is a lot for you to take in, as well as for me."

"I just can't believe you're here. You're alive ." Alec's voice was thick with emotion, on the verge of breaking. "You were gone right out of training, we all looked up to you, but then you were gone. The call of the Princess, your duty as the Obsidian Paladin…"

"Obsidian… Paladin?" Involuntarily, Keith spoke, alarm evident in his voice. As the words escaped his lips, he cursed himself, knowing he should have not said anything.

Alec snapped out of his reverie, now sharply aware of Keith's presence. "Who is this, Shiro?"

"This is my companion, Keith." Shiro spoke the words so fluidly, for a moment even he himself could believe that there was nothing suspicious about having someone with him that was neither of the Holts. "But more importantly, I feel that we need to contact the Princess and talk to her."

"O-oh! That's right!" He blubbered in response, "I'm just, I can't believe you're right in front of me. Please believe me, I've only had this post for only a couple months but-"

Shiro gave him a charming, crooked grin, "It's fine, I trust in your abilities Alec. Please just get someone to send word to Princess Allura."

Alec jumped into another hasty salute, "R-right away! I'm sure when everyone gets word you'll be considered a hero, a champion!"

With those words he scuttled off to the station, leaving Keith and Shiro by themselves. With a wry smile, Keith had to admit he admired Shiro's ability to smooth everything over with his words. He inched his horse beside Shiro's, about to say something to that effect before he noticed Shiro's black eyes were wide and unblinking.

"Shiro?" A dread blanketed his body as he watched him, unmoving. The scent of the Witch was stronger now, as if taunting Keith.

Suddenly, like icy water poured onto his face, words clicked in Keith's mind. The Obsidian Paladin. Alec's cheerful calling of "champion."

Shit.

Keith hopped off his horse, just in time to catch Shiro's slumping body. He hadn't realized it until just then, but his malnourished body could barely withstand the weight, both of them falling onto the ground in the process. He made a gasp of pain, feeling the newly stitched skin around his wounds pull in protest. It didn't matter, what he needed to do now was to take Shiro from the Witch's Grip. Keith cradled Shiro's head in his lap, eyes quickly looking back at the outpost to ensure that Alec hadn't witnessed the scene. There was no motion from the station, and his attention turned back to Shiro.

"Hey." Keith whispered urgently, turning Shiro's head from side to side with both hands. "You can't lose it now. Come back."

Shiro's pupils were pin-pricks, unmoving as if entranced. Keith could feel the slight tremors coursing through his body. Gritting his teeth, Keith struck him across the face, hard enough to sting the palm of his hand.

"W-wha?!" Shiro exclaimed, a familiar scene of him sitting up, cradling his cheek. This time though, his skin had gone ghostly white, cold sweat on his face. His other hand was gripping at his chest, heaving deep breaths. "What happened Keith? Why… why are we on the ground?"

Exhaling, Keith stood, extending a hand to Shiro, "First, can you stand? We can't alert the guard to what just happened."

"R-right," Shiro took the hand, his legs still shaking, "Was that the witch again? Why did that… thing happen again? I felt so cold, and I couldn't see anything…"

Keith said nothing, dark eyebrows furrowed into a pronounced grimace. "Shiro… I need you to trust me."

"Of- of course I do I-"

"I mean it." His purple eyes were hard, staring at Shiro with an intensity that insisted on honesty. "I don't need the diplomatic, charismatic Shiro right now. I need you to mean it."

His mind tried to pierce through the confusion, and a peculiar thought of Keith thinks I'm charismatic drifting by.

But did Shiro trust Keith?

Keith's horse whined anxiously, breaking apart his tense thoughts. Shiro's hand reached to grip Keith's shoulder, squeezing it softly. Keith flinched, surprised.

"I mean it too, Keith."

They looked at each other for a longer moment before the shorter young man's body seemed to relax under his hand, uncoiling with relief. "Alright then."

Keith turned away to look back at the station. No movement yet again. "I need you to let me into Altea. So that when your curse is lifted, I can tell you vital information about what you've been doing this past year."

Shiro let considered the words carefully, refusing to let Keith know that he was startled by the news that Keith could fill in the missing gaps of his memories, let alone that it had been a year.

"I know it sounds like too much to ask. Me being who I am, an exile-"

"When was that up for discussion?" Shiro said softly, "I thought we were going to go to Altea together."

"What? How can you-?" Keith's eyes flashed brightly, stunned by Shiro's words.

Shiro took a deep breath of the forest air, allowing himself to breathe, to calm himself, regain his senses. "What were you going to do if I didn't say anything? Did you think I was going to be okay to leave you out here?"

"I dunno…," Keith turned his head stubbornly "I was going to… Camp out here on the fringes, I guess…?"

Shiro had to resist the urge to bury his face in his hands. "I couldn't ever ask you to do that, let alone the soldiers patrolling that would find you right away and take you to prison."

"It wasn't like I thought it through that hard…"

It always mystified him how Keith could plan out his moves so precisely while also missing key details to his strategies, leaving necessary things to chance. Still, a small grin broke out across Shiro's face. "Besides, you saved my life. The least I could do is help you get through the border."

He had expected Keith's face to brighten, but the expression seemed to darken instead. Once again Shiro felt a bit dumbfounded by his responses. He opened his mouth to ask Keith another question, to gain some semblance of understanding, but he heard the familiar clink of armor against stone. They both turned, watching as Alec ran towards them once again.

"I sent someone and they're fetching the fastest carriage possible back to take you to the castle! The Princess has requested immediate audience." The soldier explained, breathless with excitement.

"That's… incredibly quick. How did all the information get relayed so quickly?" Shiro asked, surprised at the speed in which everything had occurred.

Alec tilted his head, confused before he realized, "Oh I'm sorry! I forgot that this was a development since you had left. Princess Allura and her Lady-in-Waiting have been exerting efforts in creating quick means of communication throughout the kingdom. This way she can directly address citizens, receive word from us, or give us warnings and the like… But because it's using the Princess' abilities, we only can hear from her directly."

"That's amazing…" Shiro said more to himself than anyone else. Princess Allura had made the best of what she could in his absence, but he couldn't help but feel guilty for not aiding her during all that time.

The guard nodded in agreement, admiration in the presence of Shiro shining in his eyes before giving out another embarrassed sputter. "Oh, but how forgetful of me! Please come inside while you wait for your carriage, we can help transport your horses to the capital as well."

"Resting sounds good." Shiro answered gratefully before turning to Keith. "Let's go inside?"

Behind him, Keith remained hesitant. His eyes hidden by the heavy bangs hanging in front of his face. After a moment, he looked back up, staring back at Shiro and Alec's expectant faces.

"Sure."

The castle was in uproar, every inch of the royal palace hurrying to prepare for the Obsidian Paladin. Even among the servants and the pageboys, a hushed thrum of energy could be both heard and felt.

The Return. Her Majesty's faith in Voltron rewarded.

At the eye of the storm was Princess Allura, her hands gripping tightly to her chest the communication crystal in which she had just heard the news from. Takashi Shirogane had returned, appearing at the Wastelands outpost with the request for an audience. Around her were maids combing through her hair with delicate strokes of the brush. Another took the time to select her gown in regal blues and whites.

"Work with haste, but precision," Lady Romelle commanded the servant girls, "The Princess' appearance must be pristine and perfect for her audience with the Obsidian Paladin."

In all honesty, Allura could not even comprehend the preparations, her thoughts whirling. Only a few nights ago had she felt the spark of Citrine and Peridot. Now the lost Paladin has returned, the puzzle pieces that she had been fighting to put together now easily slipping into place.

Shiro was finally back.

But not Katie's family.

Slowly she turned her head, her blue eyes glancing back at Katie. The Lady-in-Waiting's face was emotionless, eyes hidden behind the reflection of her glasses. She had been with Allura hours before when the news arrived at her crystal, words exchanged about a mysterious companion, but nothing about Sir Holt or his son.

She realized that there was nothing she could do for Katie. Allura tried to convince herself of that by repeating the sentence over and over like a mantra. As the ruler of Altea, there was no time that could be spared to ease the inner turmoil Katie no doubt currently felt, but even as a friend, she felt at lost for words.

A maid gently nudged Allura to turn her head back to face the mirror once again. A fine braiding of fresh blue flowers were being interlaced into her silvery hair. She felt herself almost despising the useless work they were putting into her appearance, but she forced the thoughts down, allowing her emotions to crystalize into a shard of glimmering ice. Her duty to her country came first over everyone, even herself.

As quickly as they came, the maids and Lady Romelle left. Allura stood in front of the mirror, looking at her hair piled high on her head. The intricate gold lace that paneled over the subtle blue of her bodice glinted in the late afternoon light, her full skirt heavy around her waist. More than peering at her own reflection, she was watching Katie behind her, the girl's hands gripping her familiar golden circlet.

Katie strode towards her purposefully, mouth a thin line and expressionless. She reached out and placed the circlet around Allura's forehead, snapping it shut with the clasp at the back. Someone had opened the windows to Allura's chambers while they were there, and the warm winds ruffled the light chiffon drapery. Still, the silence between the two was as weighty as a stone.

Allura was first to turn, the train of her dress twisting around her. "Katie… I know that there isn't much I could say, but-"

"Oh, he's here!" A familiar voice exclaimed as the doors wrenched open. There stood Coran, his hands nervously flapping, "Princess Allura, the Obsidian Paladin has arrived! Let's go, let's go! We need to…"

There was almost a visible droop in the man's moustache when he realized he had very likely interrupted something. The girls stared back at him, equal parts surprised at his arrival and embarrassed to be caught at such a tense moment.

"Should I… Come back later?" Coran ran a gloved hand over his slicked back hair sheepishly, "Though I would not advise waiting, you know, as your advisor and all…"

Katie's gaze slid from the Princess' face to the floor, a clear sign that the chance to talk had already passed.

"It's alright Coran." The Allura exhaled, attempting to hide the disappointment in her voice. "Let's go immediately."

A cheer had erupted when the gates of the castle opened to welcome Shiro home, voices of soldiers and civilians alike at the sight of their Obsidian Paladin. With a wide grin, Shiro responded in a gracious bow and a wave, but still continued onwards on the path to the royal hall. Keith followed closely behind, his hood over his face in an attempt to draw attention away from himself. He realized quickly it was essentially unneeded, people's reactions to Shiro just about erased his existence entirely as they walked.

Even so, he couldn't help but stare in awe at the high flung Altean architecture, open archways that let the sunlight stream in. Everything was immaculately detailed, with lush greens of nature coexisting against the hard white stone in perfect harmony. It was unlike anything he had seen back in Galra, and he could scarcely believe they were not in some parallel world.

Finally they reached an inner courtyard filled with the chirping of unfamiliar birdsong. Across the way was the entrance to the royal hall, gold filigree spiraling artfully on the tall doors. Wordlessly the helmeted royal guards pulled the doors open, and Keith's heart leapt into his throat.

There at the end of the room sat the ruler of an enemy country at her throne, her beauty stunning in the setting sun. Her bright blue eyes were like two gems, sharp as a prized dagger, white locks of hair in stark contrast against her dark skin. It wasn't anything Keith expected of the abhorred Princess Allura, but he didn't know what he was anticipating in the first place.

"Allura…" Shiro spoke, and a curious twinge of pain clenched in Keith's chest. Beside him, Shiro's entire being had relaxed, as if he was finally able to breathe after fighting not to drown. He then dropped to his knees, one fist against the ground in a reverent bow.

"Obsidian Paladin… " The princess began then shook her head, a smile spreading on her face, eyes softening, "Shiro…"

She walked to where he bowed and a hand wrapped around Shiro's arm, asking him to stand. "Shiro, it's been so long. We all thought we had lost you."

"So I've heard," He said with a lopsided smile, "There's almost too much I have to say, to explain."

"As do I," Allura nodded thoughtfully, "but first I'd like to know who this treasured companion of yours is."

Keith couldn't help but flinch, his time had finally come to be addressed by the ruler of Altea. He pulled the cape of his hood back, earnest purple eyes staring back at her.

Instantly, the dread look of recognition flickered across her features, but only for a second before it disappeared, replaced with an expression that could freeze over fire. "You-"

"We don't have much time, your Highness." Keith dared to interrupt, gambling the last of his cards with the feeble hope that Shiro meant enough to her, "I have journeyed with the Obsidian Paladin, hoping to bring him to you so that you may break the Witch's Curse on him."

"The Witch? A curse?"

"His memory has been taken. Something so vital, that he will die if the curse is not lifted from him soon."

Allura's eyes lowered, her voice lethal. "And how can I believe what you're saying? You, of all people-"

"It's true," Shiro answered, jumping to Keith's defense, "I can't remember anything about the past year… not without feeling like I'll die trying."

The princess and her paladin stood side by side, sharing a wordless gaze. Keith felt the nails of his hands digging in his palms, the silence unbearable. He noticed that the hall was nearly empty, save the two figures that stood at either side of her throne. The time now was his best bet, with little to no people as witnesses, he could beg for asylum in Altea, no matter how much he felt he didn't deserved it.

"Coran. Katie." Allura stated, her tone smooth, with none of the venom previously heard apparent. "I'd like you to take Shiro to the high cleric immediately. Let him know about Shiro's condition and tell him I'll be there shortly to assist him."

The man with the bright orange hair at the right of her throne pulled at his moustache in an anxious manner. "But your majesty, what of his companion?"

"Leave him to me." She answered, in a way that even Keith knew he couldn't protest.

The man and the bespectacled girl in green on the left stepped towards Shiro, ushering him out of the hall. Keith stole one last glance at Shiro, his heart pounding when he realized that his gaze was returned. Shiro had been walking towards the door, but he had turned back to look at Keith, something unspoken written in his black eyes. Slowly he looked away, and the gilded doors shut.

Keith was now alone with the woman that had once been his greatest enemy.

Fiery red light of sunset caught the blue jewel of her circlet, and it momentarily shone in an ominous crimson. Princess Allura's last vestiges of joy at Shiro's return had completely dissolved, replaced with the hardness of steel. For a moment the two said nothing, and she turned her back to him, gliding back to her throne.

Keith watched as she sat, a graceful arm placed on the armrest and the hand tucked under her chin. Her expression was unreadable as she opened her mouth to speak.

"At first, I thought you brought Shiro back to me as a ruse for the Galra."

"Your Highness-"

"Don't try to deny it." Allura's fist slammed onto the white marble armrest, the solid force of her strength reverberating throughout the high-ceilinged room. "Don't think you can hide something like that from me."

He said nothing, his brows knitted together in the effort to hide the fear climbing into his throat.

"But…" She sighed, her careful facade collapsing into and expression of confusion. "There is also something else, something that as the ruler of Altea I cannot deny."

Keith's eyes widened, watching the Princess. This was his chance, despite the overwhelmingly obvious answer to throw him out, or better yet, kill him.

"I will give you an opportunity to tell me what you are and why you are here. Only one opportunity." Allura's face was severe, but voice reluctant as she continued.

"Prove to me that you deserve to be the Carnelian Paladin."