[ shiro is being fairly gentle about it, but there's really no getting around a lecture being a lecture. a reflexive defensiveness should be kicking in right about now, but in the aftermath of the quick but vicious fight, ambient fog has rolled into keith's head making everything seem.. quieter than it really is. the disappointment comes through loud and clear though, and keith merely looks at the ground by shiro's feet instead. ]

I just thought it would be the quickest way to settle this.

[ best defense is a strong offense? or something to that effect. his tone is pensive though, not really meant as a nidus for argument. he still thinks he could've handled it -- not like the monster knew what his bayard can do, after all.

still. it's not really the thrust of the point shiro is making. he's being told to be patient and less impulsive. on some level though, keith has to wonder if he'd even be a paladin if he wasn't the way he is. the red lion is temperamental. fast and agile, but more unstable. its pilot needs to be someone who relies more on instinct than skill alone. isn't that more or less what the princess had said?

maybe it doesn't matter right now. red isn't here to come blast whatever's causing trouble for keith out of the way and certainly isn't here to have a weakened bond with. at present, there's just shiro and the need for the both of them to stay alive. keith swallows, forcing eye contact. ]

Sorry. I'll be more careful going forward. [ but with that said, keith sighs. ] Didn't mean to force your hand like that.