His Rival

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Hey guys, Jess here!

Surprise surprise, I was able to get this chapter done a week ahead of time! But as things get busier and more challenging I probably won't be able to keep this up, meaning that my next chapter won't be up until September 13th. So to tide you over until then I've written this colossal, 27.2-paged chapter with 9,290 words. As usual, please take breaks if needed.

If you have any questions or comments about this chapter, let me know, I'd like to hear from you!

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

You groaned as you woke up, still feeling drained after what happened yesterday. the emptiness in your heart was weighing you down, but before you had a chance to get lost in your emotions and thoughts you heard a soft knock at the door.

"Hi Pidge" you greeted her, sliding it open. your tone was relatively calm for your situation, but it definitely sounded a tad somber.

"Hey (Y/n), how are you doing?" she asked, her hazel eyes soft with concern as she glanced up at you.

"Well I miss Keith a lot" you admitted, your tone growing even sadder as you felt a sharp pull on your heartstrings. But despite that you managed a smile, trying to stay strong. "But I can manage." Besides it wasn't a huge deal, you had already somewhat grown accustomed with this feeling back when he began to distance himself from the team.

"I understand, I know how it feels to be apart from someone that close to you" she responded, her sympathetic voice lowering with longing. "Well not exactly with a boyfriend, but with my family. Speaking of which I actually I found a strong lead on my brother." Her voice suddenly turned cheerful as she said that, causing your eyes to light up with glee as your previous feelings were pushed even further away.

"Wait when?" you replied, giving her a grin as your heart leaped for joy. "That's great!"

"Earlier today, and I plan to go begin my search in a few doboshes" she explained.

"So you're going by yourself" you remarked, raising an eyebrow at her. It wasn't often that any one of you went on a solo mission, they were quite risky.

"Yeah, I already talked to the rest of the team about this and we agreed it'd be best if a go there on a solo mission" she answered, her smile soon becoming kind. "Unless of course if you want to tag along, you look like you could use a distraction." You then took a second to consider your options, deciding against it.

"Thanks, but I think I'll pass, that sounds like a personal mission so I wouldn't want to intrude" you replied, keeping your grin up as you tried to reassure her. "The others might need me for a mission anyways. Good luck though, I'm sure you'll find him."

When you entered the control room you immediately regretted the decision you made earlier, seeing the glowing red surface of Kazan just ahead. A pit of dread formed in your gut as you went to your seat, recalling the last time you were here. Just the thought of that dark age for your team sent pinpricks of fear down your spine. Even though you were likely going here for a different reason this time you were still on edge.

"Kazan?' you asked, trying your best to stay collected as your forehead began to crease in confusion. "What are we doing here?"

"Oh glad you could join us, it's about the particle barrier" Coran began to explain in his usual thoughtful tone, turning away from his screens for a second. "You see, us Alteans and the Kazanians have been close allies for centuries. With their technological advances in the shielding department and our alchemy combined we made numerous discoveries and inventions. Why, our castle wouldn't be where it is today without..."