Klance :: Not So Different

Thace

Keith groaned, laying back on the bed, staring at the dark ceiling. He twirled his knife between his fingers.

The young man jumped to his feet as his door slid open. It wasn't someone he recognized. "Who are you?" Keith asked, straightening his back and raising his chin.

The Galra stepped closer and shut the door behind him. "I am Commander Thace. You are the former red paladin." Keith gulped and nodded. Thace's shoulders relaxed and his expression softened. "You look just like your mother."

"What?" Keith's ears flattened. "How do you know my mother?" He growled, clenching his fists.

Thace chuckled. "You wouldn't remember... You were barely speaking when I left. I could still fit you in my hands." The Galran sighed, looking down. "How is your mother?"

Keith growled, baring his teeth. "Why would I tell you? What are you talking about!?"

"Keith." Thace pulled out what looked like a photo from his armor. "I... She was a wonderful, feisty woman." He gazed fondly at the picture before holding it out for Keith to see. "That's your mother, you and I."

The former paladin's breath hitched at the photo. He hasn't seen his mother in so long. In the photo, she was smiling brightly as she always had and was cradling a sleeping baby in her arms. Me... And, with his arms around Keith's mother, Thace stood, smiling down at the woman and the baby in his arms. Keith wavered. "Wait, you... You're..."

Thace sighed, turning the photo so he could look on it once more. "I loved this strange woman. She was different than what I was used to, and I grew to love it. How is she? Does she know you're alright?"

Keith's jaw clenched and he turned his head away. "She died... Several years ago."

"Oh... I had... Hoped to see her again." Thace sifted his fingers through the fur on his head.

"Then why did you leave her if you loved her so much?" Keith clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly. "Everything was so hard for her."

Thace sighed. "I had to... I wanted to stay, to at least visit, but... The Galra found me. They would have destroyed Earth, taken people captive, harvest quintessence... I couldn't let that happen. You were a year and a half old when I left."

Keith growled. "Don't say that like you're my father. You would have left me something or mom something-"

"That knife."

Keith paused, then glanced down at the dagger he held. He raised it up. "You... Left this? I thought..."

"I gave that as well as many other things to your mother. I had little belongings when I scouted and crashed, but I gave you and your mother all I could." Thace stepped closer and sat on the bed. He raised his hand. "May I?" Keith blinked, then slowly set the blade in Thace's outstretched hand. "This was hand-made by my great-grandfather. He passed it on to his son, he to his, then he to me, then I to you. This means more than you'll ever know. I know you may hate me or refuse to believe I am your father, but I love you and your mother. There was not a day that has gone by that I have not thought of seeing you and your mother again."

Keith's ears flattened. "Is this why I'm here? To meet my 'dad.'"

"No." Thace slumped. "I did not know that you were forced to choose between your team's life or death until just recently when Kigor went to attack your ship two days ago. If I had a choice, you'd still be with Voltron."

"I..." Keith swallowed. "I have one question... Did you know about the Blue Lion?"

Thace hummed and stood. "Of course. About a month after you were born, there was a familiar serge of energy. I went to search and I found marking of the Blue Lion. I knew it's paladin had been recently born, and I had thought it was you."

"Why?" Keith's ears flicked. "Hundreds of children are born everyday on Earth."

The Galran chuckled. "Because you were a happy child. You were so curious and always smiling. So boisterous. One night, your mother and I were up all night trying to tire you, but you wouldn't give. I knew you'd be a fighter... I hadn't expected the Red Lion, but I should have... Growing up without a father really changes children."

Keith gulped. "How did you stay on Earth so long and not get caught? Was mom the only one who knew?"

Thace chuckled. "Quintessence. I had a ring full of it that changed my appearance. I could walk among humans and no one would second guess me. I had met many people, but only two knew who I truly was." Thace stood. "Your mother and someone I consider my best friend."

"Who?"

Thace smiled sadly and looked at Keith. "The little Green Paladin is Katherine Holt, correct?" Keith's ears flattened. "I had become very close to her father, Samuel Holt."

Keith opened his mouth to speak. He's never heard Pidge's whole name, but he's heard Katie when Shiro thought he was alone with Pidge and trying to get her attention while she was neck-deep in her work. He also knew that Commander Holt and Matthew Holt were her father and brother. Thace must know where they are!

But Keith couldn't speak.

"Now, I must go. I hope I can see you soon, Keith." Thace lay the knife over the sheets before turning and leaving, glancing over his shoulder at Keith before the door completely shut.

Slowly, Keith sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the door. He raised his hand and pressed the first button. Static buzzed for a second before Pidge gleefully greeted him. "Pidge..."

She paused. "Is everything okay?"

"No..." Keith dropped his head. "I just met my father and I think I know how to get to yours..."