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It was dark as they found a place to settle for the night. A group of rag tag individuals slept beneath the stars, a pot of food on the dying fire. It was a cooler night, but they all had ways to keep warm.
Hunk, heaving a log over to sleep besides, wielded a map. He lay it out beside the flickering firelight. He was a huge, imposing figure, a half giant that was too tall, too sturdy to pass for human. Strong, wielding the club as a weapon, he wasn’t someone to challenge.
Pidge rolled her eyes, casting a small light spell above the map. A glowing orb appeared over the pages. It was a soft yellow light that filled the small space with warmth and comfort, much like the flames themselves. She could pass as human, if you looked past the small horns that adorned her head, small leaf wings on her back or her stark green eyes. The pixie was the spy of the group, small enough to fit into any alcove her shadow.
Keith leant over the map and hummed, grateful they weren’t far from their destination. He was a witch, the only one of the groups who could easily pass as human. The only trait, easily concealable, were his bright purple eyes. He was the leader of their group, their main protector. The witch wasn’t complete without his familiar, who’s glowing eyes bored over the map.
Lance was the only one who could read the map to the full extent. He was their navigator, able to easily orientate himself and the group, he had an innate honing skill. He was the stealth of the group, the sharpshooter. He was Keith’s familiar, able to turn from cat shape to human shape at will. He could pass for human, if he hid his ears with a cloak, wore sunglasses to cover his slitted pupils and concealed his tail.
“We’re three days at this pace,” Lance said, drawing a clawed finger over their path. “We should aim to stop here tomorrow.” He gestured to a barren place on the map, away from a small village. It wouldn’t do to be caught. Stealth was their highest priority.
“We’re almost out of bread,” Hunk said, the one who was in control of their rations and food preparations.
Keith nodded, leaning over Lance’s shoulder. His familiar smiled, leaning back to the comforting warmth. "We can stop there," Keith pointed to a small inn on the map. "Lance and i will gather what we need.”
A collective agreement rang out. Lance moved as Keith did, Hunk tucking the map into his rucksack. It was safer with the giant, given Lance was often cat shaped and didn’t carry anything. Lance had the path memorised anyway. He was a skilled navigator, he wouldn’t lead his family astray.
Keith moved to his own sleeping mat, pulling his familiar with him. Lance went willingly, feeling the soft press of lips to the tips of his black ears. Lance flushed, the ear twitching slightly. He had two feline ears of a deep, rich black colour atop his head, replacing boring human ones.
Lance wrapped his limbs around Keith as his witch cast a protective spell around the camp. He smiled, drifting off to sleep, warm and safe.
The inn was quieter during the day, but there were people milling about still. Keith had left Lance at the front, moving into the seated area. He moved closer, edging towards the counter. Several loaves of bread were stacked at the bench, and Keith spotted several dried meals. That would make a happy Hunk.
Lance was out in the kitchens, making a distraction. He knew the moment the familiar started, shrieks and threats filling the space. Keith glided behind the counter, pocketing several breadsticks and a jar of jerky. He hid them behind his cloak and a spell, gliding out.
His familiar sat perched on a post, green eyes watching Keith. He looked positively delighted. He loved causing trouble. He was, at heart, a cat.
Keith let him jump to his shoulder, walking away before anyone could tie them to the theft. It was one thing to steal, it was another to be caught. It was another thing again to be caught as a supernatural thief. Especially in these perilous lands of Daibazaal.
Supernatural’s had been persecuted for so long, the poison spreading to other kingdoms. They had no where to go now, thanks to Daibazaal and her king. They were cast to the shadows, living a life of fear, theft and loneliness. Those who passed as humans could lie, but it wasn’t much of a life if they were caught.
Those that were truly unlucky were sent to work for the rulers. Supernatural’s were dangerous, deadly things that could be used. Keith knew that all too well. He’d found his familiar in one such situation.
The only reason they were even in Daibazaal at all was to rescue the princess of Altea. A reward was out for her safe return. Keith was hopeful, so were the others, that if she were rescued by a group of supernatural’s, she would make Altea a safe space for supernatural’s.
It was worth a try. Pidge had met the princess once, long ago. She thought it was possible, that was good enough for them.
“They were talking about the princess,” Lance said, perched calmly on Keith’s shoulder. They moved steadily through the forest, Lance’s light body adding nothing to the journey. In this shape, Keith was the only one who could understand him, unless he cast a spell to enhance his range. It made for excellent stealth moves, no one would accuse a cat of theft.
“I saw a celebration poster,” Keith said.
“We have to get her out before they have the celebration,” Lance said, hissing softly. His tail flicked at Keith’s back. “They’d kill her in front of everyone.”
Keith hummed, looking up at the cloudy sky through the canopy of trees. “We’ll get her.”
Lance shifted back to human shape not long after, taking some of the spoils when they were out of range. Keith couldn’t help but draw his familiar in close, pulling a kiss from his soft lips. Lance hummed, practically purring.
Keith wanted to live a life of peace with his beautiful, charming familiar. He wanted Lance to be safe, protected. He had to hope that Princess Allura would be a good princess. Hoped that she’d prefer to go with them then stay in Zarkon’s clutches. Some people might, if the alternative was trusting a supernatural.
On the third night, they camped with the castle in sight. Lance bounded away from the group, small limbs bouncing into the dense forest. He ran, paws leaping over branches with no noise. He could feel his bond with Keith, a glowing thread forever connecting them.
He slowed as he reached the castle. His job was to work out how to get in. his job was recon. He was the one who would come up with a plan, the one they all trusted. All his life, he’d never thought it possible to have such a powerful family, to be so loved and to have such a wonderful, bonded witch. Even more so, to love the witch as his partner, his equal, not just as a familiar.
Familiars survived only so long without a bond, and Lance had learned the horror that came with forced bonds. Witches abusing their powers. But Keith was so good, Lance loved everything about his witch. The man would happily spend the rest of his life at his side.
He moved through the shadows, counting guards, looking for entrances. He counted three possible ways in. stealing himself, the familiar ducked into the nearest entrace, melting into the shadows. Perks of being a black cat.
There weren’t as many guards as he’d expected, which was not filling Lance with confidence. He slunk through the dungeons, blending with the shadows. No one noticed a cat anyway.
He found an occupied cell, a single cell amongst a row of darkness. A young, beautiful woman sat primly within, staring at the wall. She looked ethereal. This had to be the princess. Lance looked to the bars. He could see a faint glow, feel a faint hum of magic. An enchanted prison for a human princess.
Someone was walking down the hall. A tall, large figure. Lance startled, moving to the shadows by the wall. He watched as a huge, one-armed man paused at the princess’s cell. He slid a tray of stale bread and cool water through the bars.
“Thank you,” Allura said, sounding truly grateful. Lance watched, surprised, as the guard paused, waiting for her. “Any news?”
“Rumours of a group from Altea, my lady.” The guard said.
Lance froze. What?
“You really don’t need the honorifics, Shiro,” she said.
Lance blinked. No way. He knew that name. everyone knew that name. this was the champion, a paladin, a person gifted with enhanced strength, human borne and blessed. He’d long since been working for the Galran side as their champion. Born to Altea, no one knew why he’d jumped over.
“You are my princess, I will honour that.”
She smiled, tilting her head. “I see. And the group?”
“Human,” Shiro said. Allura sighed, shaking her head.
“They’re going to get themselves killed.”
“Yes,” Shiro agreed. Lance flinched. “There is to be a public parade tomorrow. You are the guest of honour.” There was a sombre not in his voice. Lance watched them both, saw them looking away. A heaviness filled the darkness.
“I see. And no word from father?”
Shiro shook his head. “Not yet, my lady.”
“Thank you, Shiro.”
He bowed and Lance went bouncing away as the paladin brushed past him. He held his breath, refusing to release it until Shiro was gone.
“Are you lost?”
Lance’s blood ran cold. The princess was staring right at him. She was staring at him, hidden in the shadows. Allura watched him carefully. Lance could see her hands, bound by solid iron, binding any magical ability. Rumours called her a sorceress, born human but trained in magical arts to protect her kingdom.
They were supposed to be rumours, but the cold iron made it seem more plausible.
“You’d best not stay down here, little one. They do not take kindly to castle pets.” She didn’t know he was no normal cat. He relaxed slightly. She watched him move closer, evaluating the bars.
“You’re lovely,” she said. “I cannot reach through to pat you, I’m afraid. You really should leave.”
Lance spared her another glance before bolting back to his family.
“There you are,” Keith felt the relief course through him as he spotted his familiar bouncing towards them. He’d felt the magical thread loosening as he grew closer, knew Lance was safe.
Lance shifted back to human shape when he was safe, within Keith’s protective bubble. He moved to Keith’s side, warm and safe in his arms. Keith pressed a kiss to his lips, thankful for his return.
“I’ve got good news and bad news,” Lance said, the group moving to sit on the ground to plan. “Good news, I did find the princess. She’s alive. Bad news, bars are enchanted, guard rotation is strong, I watched at least four with magical abilities. And another group is coming in, scouts spotted them.”
The group all sat in silence as they processed this. Another group meant it could get complicated. Messy. The priority was getting Allura out, it shouldn’t matter who saved her.
Except it did. The other group were human, according to Lance. The princess would never welcome supernatural’s if they weren’t the ones to free her.
“And there’s something else,” Lance said, turning his eyes to Keith. “I saw Shiro. He was talking to the princess. Seemed to be on her side.”
“Paladin Shiro?” Pidge asked, eyes wide.
Keith’s stomach dropped. Shiro, the man who’d practically raised Keith, kept him hidden long enough to be able to survive on his own. Taught him to fight, how to trust. Shiro, who’d disappeared so long ago. Keith had always suspected foul play, Shiro was so loyal to the crown.
“That’s a problem,” Keith said. “We can’t beat a paladin.”
“We could if he’s working on our side,” Hunk said. No one looked confident though. The champion was known for his games. for being the best protector of Daibazaal. Keith could not win against Shiro, not even with a familiar at his side.
“And we have until tomorrow afternoon,” Lance added, explaining the parade.
Keith’s heart sank. This was going to backfire. They were so close. So very close. It all relied on their ability to stay away from Shiro now. To blend into the shadows.
“We need to act now.” Keith said, looking at his familiar. “What’s the play?”
Lance grinned, cracking his knuckles.
The group had worked together on many heists before. They’d stolen a series of magical jewels from an abandoned, cursed castle. They’d stolen from kings who had too much money. They’d never stolen a princess from a tyrant before.
Lance was back in feline form, at Keith’s side. The group were together, moving with great care towards the castle. Keith had them shrouded with a spell, their footsteps vanishing as they moved, keeping them concealed. Wandering eyes would simply glide past them.
A disturbance ahead made them pause. A group of four people. Lance could feel a magical presence from the group and stopped, his team immediately following his lead. As a familiar, he was blessed with the ability to sense magic. He couldn’t use it, even if he did possess his own, but he could feel others. It was how he’d found Keith.
“What’s wrong?” his witch asked, immediately on edge.
“They have a staff,” Lance said, zeroing in on the magic. Humans wielding magical items were dangerous. The magic could so easily over power them. It was often too much even for a magical borne being.
They moved closer, one of the humans eventually spotting them. It wasn’t like they were hiding from this group, or even the lookout with his keen eyes wouldn’t be able to spot them. As it was, their proximity led to them being spotted.
“Who goes there?” one of the humans asked, unsheathing a sword. At Lance’s side, Keith put his hand to his own blade, cursed and dangerous.
“You don’t want to do that,” Hunk said, levering his club from his shoulder. The humans, rightly, flinched back.
Keith held up a hand, effectively stilling both groups. He took a step forwards, magic rippling around him. “You must be the brave idiots trying to save the princess.”
The group all looked horrified by being called out.
“The palace are already expecting you,” Keith said. “You stand no chance.”
“We’re stronger than we look,” One of them said. It was the one wielding the weapon, a rune staff. Powerful, dangerous magic. Not even Lance was strong enough to wield such power without consequence.
“You’re going in blind, do you even have a plan?” Pidge asked, rolling her eyes.
“Blow it up, ask questions later,” a feminine voice said.
“Try and stop us, I dare you, freaks.” The one holding the staff said. “We’re getting that reward.”
The team all flinched, a very subtle movement, but a flinch all the same. They’d been called worse, but this wasn’t about the money. Lance moved closer to Keith, brushing against his leg, soaking in the warmth and offering comfort.
“You’re all going to die,” Keith warned.
“Says the freak. What are you, some cat whisperer? Freak.”
Lance hissed, ready to lunge at him, but Keith held up a hand. There weren’t many people who knew the true importance of a familiar with their witch, nor the true appearance of one in human shape. They needed to keep it that way. Lance preferred paws when he was travelling, it was faster and used less energy.
Plus, if he was lucky, Keith would carry him. Or Hunk, if he was feeling generous.
“Don’t say we didn’t warn you,” Keith said, leaning down to pick the feline from the ground. Lance relaxed immediately, letting his witch carry him away. For the best, Lance’s claws were itching to draw some blood.
“Come on, we’re out of time.”
Getting into the castle was easy when one was led by a cat. Lance ducked into the shadows, finding the best path. Keith followed, keeping a sharp eye on the others.
The other group had beat them there, successfully causing a distraction. Keith had seen one of them go down already. They didn’t have much time. Keith pushed them quicker, a spell of silence whispered over them, masking their footsteps. Invisibility would be so useful, but the closest they came were blending to their surroundings at a standstill.
Lance directed them into the cells, ducking behind a series of guards. Keith waved a hand, sending them to an impromptu nap time. Guards never think about magic, not when it was so outlawed. So feared.
The irony wasn’t lost on Keith.
The princess was standing at attention when she saw the group. She looked down to the familiar, then up to Keith, settling once more on Lance. “I take it you’re no normal feline?”
“He’s not, we have to get you out.” Keith said. He’d hoped that was obvious.
“The bars are enchanted. You’d need magic.” She must’ve thought they were the human group. She couldn’t see well in the dark, how could she expect anything else? Perhaps she thought Lance was just a really well-trained cat.
Laughable. Keith couldn’t get him to do anything he didn’t want to do.
Someone was walking down the corridor. Lance hissed at Keith to hide, taking the others with him. They became shadows in an alcove, Keith’s magic shrouding them.
An impressive figure thundered towards them. Lance watched, alarmed, then declared it was Shiro. Keith’s heart sank. No. They were so close.
“Princess, the group have all been felled,” Shiro said. Keith’s eyes widened as he realised what the paladin was wielding.
The staff.
“I can get you out,” Shiro said, lowering the weapon.
“Felled? They were just here,” Allura said, frowning.
Fear clutched at Keith’s chest. Shiro turned.
Lance, who’d been free of Keith’s spell given how unnecessary it was to hide a black cat in the darkness, caught Shiro’s attention. Keith’s heart lurched.
“You again,” Shiro moved closer, but Keith left the shadows, standing tall in front of his familiar. Pidge and Hunk followed his lead, ready for a fight.
“Who are you?” Shiro asked.
“We’re here to save the princess,” Hunk said. Daring Shiro to argue, to fight.
Shiro’s eyes widened as they scanned the group. “Are you with the others?”
“We tried to warn them,” Keith said, shaking his head. “That staff warps perception though. They were under prepared.”
“Can you use it? To free Allura?” Shiro asked, thrusting the weapon forwards.
Keith shook his head, taking a small step away from the artefact. He could feel the darkness radiating from it, didn’t even need Lance’s gifts for that. “That should be destroyed. I can free the princess.” He looked down, seeing glowing green eyes watching him. “Lance?”
The familiar moved with him, his magic handed freely to the witch. Keith would never get over how powerful his familiar was. He was so damn lucky to have this man, for so many reasons. Lance was his everything.
Keith looked at the bar, used Lance’s magic to strip the bones away, to see the curse. He closed his eyes, feeling the magic around them. Gripped it. Pulled. With Lance at his side, the witch was able to break it.
After a moment, the glow faded from the bars. Keith took a step back, gesturing for Hunk to move through.
One clean swing of his club, the princess was free.
Keith spotted the iron manacles and frowned, offering to remove them. She held out her hands, somewhat tentatively, and Keith tried not to let that get to him. He was so used to humans not trusting him, this shouldn’t hurt. He didn’t know her, she didn’t know him. But he had just freed her.
She collapsed without the cold iron trapping her. Keith raised an eyebrow. An interesting reaction for a human. Shiro caught her with ease, holding the princess gently in his arms.
“Are you going to fight us?” Keith asked, watching Shiro cautiously. He moved to protect his family, putting Lance behind him, the others with their weapons out.
“Only if you’re goal is not to take the princess back to Altea.”
Keith watched him, stared, evaluated. Heard the honesty, but he’d been lied to before. This was Shiro, the champion.
Lance hissed, glaring down the corridor.
“Time to go.”
The princess was too weak to move on her own, so Hunk carried her. Shiro took the rear, watching for threats. Lance perched on Keith’s shoulders as they ran through the forest, eager to put as much distance between them and the castle as possible.
As morning light dawned on them, they were far enough to slow a bit, take a rest. Lance changed shape, startling the princess and her paladin. He grinned, and Keith rolled his eyes.
“You are no cat,” Allura said, but Lance would give her some credit, she was in shock. Hours ago, she’d been sentenced to death, she wasn’t in her right mind.
Plus, she’d just seen a cat turn into a humanlike creature.
“I’m a familiar,” Lance said, reaching to scratch an ear. Keith, bless his beautiful, perfect soul, saw the action and reached to help. Lance leant into those warm fingers, Keith always knew exactly where to scratch. His chest rumbled with a soft purr.
“None of you are human,” Allura realised, watching them with wide eyes. “Yet you saved me?”
“Yeah,” Keith said. He pulled Lance into his lap as Hunk began to offer food. Keith’s magic covered them as they ate, protecting them in a small bubble. Whatever his magic missed, Lance’s ears would pick up.
“Why?”
“It was the right thing to do,” Lance said. He looked down, clawed fingers twitching. “And we thought, maybe it would be good for us.”
Allura watched the group. A ragtag group, really. But family, nonetheless. Lance had met Hunk on his own, then they’d found Keith and Pidge. They’d been a unit, a family, unstoppable ever since. They just wanted a home.
“What do you want from me?” she asked, and Shiro bristled behind her, ready for a fight. Lance tensed. Keith couldn’t take on a paladin, and he was the best close combat fighter they had.
“Freedom,” Pidge said.
“A home,” Hunk added.
“Hope,” Lance said, leaning against Keith’s chest. He smiled as his witch wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him closer. He loved this man more then words could express.
Allura watched the group. She must’ve seen something, for she nodded, relaxing slightly. Shiro backed off, relaxing his stance. “I see. Supernatural beings aren’t welcome anywhere, are they? I’m sorry. I use magic, and I still distrust others who were born to it.”
Lance looked to Keith, trying to hide his hurt from the princess.
“I will talk with my father, perhaps we can become a safe haven for supernatural’s. You all saved my life, you didn’t have to.” She turned to Shiro, raising her head. “And what is it you want?”
“Freedom, forgiveness.” He said, the response practiced and ready. “I don’t want to hurt innocent people anymore.”
“You were the champion,” Keith said, the darkness of his tone startling Lance. The witch put a hand through Lance’s hair, scratching an ear gently.
Shiro hung his head. “I was. I was compelled. I returned to myself when Allura snuck into the castle, she freed me. But they saw her. I had to take her to the cells, they didn’t know I wasn’t theirs anymore. Tried to plan her escape – our escape. But you four ruined that.”
“To be fair,” Lance said, grinning. “You needed our help.”
Keith hummed, the vibrations shooting through Lance’s body warmly. “Holding that staff is too dangerous. Not even my darling familiar is strong enough not to be bent to its wishes.”
Shiro and Allura both flinched. “How strong is he?”
Lance flashed a row of white, sharp teeth. His canines were decidedly longer, pointier than his neighbouring teeth. “Strong enough.”
“We thank you all for freeing us,” Allura said. “You are all welcome in my castle. I swear it.”
“We just want somewhere to call home, princess.” Hunk said, looking at his bread.
“Then I will see to it.”
Three Years Later
“Come on, Lance, we’ll be late,” Keith tapped his foot on the polished floors. He was dressed in Altean finery, looking like the knight he was. He’d been waiting for his familiar for several minutes now, it was growing tiresome.
Then, finally, Lance appeared. He walked from the bedroom looking positively drool worthy. Keith couldn’t help but pull him in for a kiss, wrapping his arms about Lance’s waist and holding him captive. His lover flushed, melting to the kiss, welcoming his warmth. Lance’s ears were on proud display, tail free of his clothes and hanging at his side. He wore simple, elegant clothes that made him look truly incredible.
“I thought you said we’d be late,” Lance hummed.
Keith sighed, straightening. He moved his hand to grip Lance’s, dragging them from the chambers.
“What took you so long?” Pidge asked, glaring at them. She and Hunk were waiting, their own rooms right next door. They all had a wing of the castle to themselves, a home for the four knights who’d protected Altea many times over. They shared the space with Shiro, who’d helped Keith become an Altean knight, an even more impressive fighter.
“Looking this good takes time,” Lance said.
Pidge scowled, walking off. Her wings fluttered at her back, the others following her with amused smiles.
They took their seats at the front, several other supernatural’s waving at them. Keith took Lance’s hand, his familiar practically glowing.
Allura was to be crowned queen. To rule the kingdom. Altea could not have a better queen. She’d made a safe haven for supernatural’s, brought many into her ranks as knights. She’d given her rescuers a home, a place they were safe and welcome. She would be a great queen.
It had taken some time for the humans to accept them, but when they had, it was like a flood of supernatural’s had been revealed. Magic was free in Altea, as it should always have been.
There would be more battles, more discrimination, but they would be ready. Keith was ready, he had his family, his familiar. He had Lance, his best friend, his lover, his everything.
Soon to be his husband, if Keith ever got the nerve to ask him. He was working up to it.
Things were looking up, finally. It was a new dawn.
“All hail Queen Allura! Long live the Queen!”
Lance squeezed Keith’s hand.
It was a good day.