I told myself I wasn't gonna Voltron fic, but honestly what did I expect. Now, I've never written Voltron fic before so please be gentle! And I probably won't be posting in large chunks, because I want to have fun with this and not stress because I do that too much, and that's why I haven't updated anything else. I will though!

Anyway this is sort of an experimental, learn as you go type thing, so don't worry if your questions aren't answered right away! And not all the characters are quiiiite as they seem. Thanks to my beautiful beta, Biscuit, for her endless patience and caring. 333 There are still ideas floating between us, so there might be another version of this fic popping up eventually.

Now, The Witch Boy (by Molly Ostertag) is an amazing comic and everyone should read it. I found my copy at Barnes & Noble! And I read that there's a sequel in the works, so that's exciting. This fic is an AU of the comic, but it's a little... looser. Not a direct find and replace with all the Voltron characters, but more using the elements and I don't know how to explain this. Look, the comic is amazing and please go support the artist! You won't regret it.

Lastly, please let me know what you think! This little blurb was fun (and written in a very short amount of time) but stands as a very personal (if not serious) project of mine. Therefore, a little love goes a long way 333 I appreciate every one of you! Enjoy c:

**8**

"I'm very disappointed in you, Katie."

Lance cringes, safe to make any expression he likes behind the wall of other students. He watches as Pidge scowls up at their teacher from her sprawl on the ground. "Oh, are you," she sneers, crossing her arms. "Why? Because I'm a girl? Because I messed up your stupid traditions?"

"Tradition is important, Katie," Shiro says gently, though no less stern. He sighs and offers her a hand. Pidge refuses to take it. "Things are the way they are for a reason. You have to learn to respect that."

"Respect what?" Pidge finally slaps Shiro's hand away. "I was doing well! I'm made for shapeshifting, and you know it! Not any of that — frilly girl stuff. Potions or whatever."

"Magic is integral to the safety and well-being of our community, Katie." Another voice breaks in to the burgeoning argument; the crowd parts, and Allura steps forward. Dressed plainly, with herbs spilling out of her pockets and hair bun and a metal rod in hand, she doesn't seem very dangerous, but look her in the eye and it's plain to see that she's a force to be reckoned with. "If you had attended any of your lessons with your fellow witches, you would understand this."

Pidge's expression twists. "I'm not a witch!" she shouts. The crowd of students break out into scandalized whispers at her statement. Lance sucks in a breath, aching. He's never felt so conflicted about anything. "I'm a shapeshifter! I've even seen my—"

"That's enough." Allura's tone brooks no arguments. Her eyes are fiery. "Clean yourself up this instant, Katie. We'll discuss your deceit in private." She casts a judgmental eye over Pidge's dirty clothing and bruised shins. "I expect to meet you in the library in ten minutes."

Pidge is still scowling fiercely, but she shuts up. Shiro sighs heavily, looking away. "I'll see you inside," he says in a subdued tone before following Allura back to the house. The students disperse, still muttering amongst themselves. Soon it's just Lance standing there alone, shuffling his feet while Pidge looks up at the sky and breathes deeply.

After a minute of mutual silence, Lance finally works up the courage to speak. "Hey, Pidge," he says, and she snaps her head up to glare at him. "Can I talk to you?"

"About what, Lance?" she snaps, getting to her feet. "Just because I'm a girl now doesn't mean I suddenly want to talk feelings with you. Or that I'll ever have any for you."

"It's not that," he says hurriedly. "Though, ouch? I would've thought I'd at least have rated friend material by now."

Pidge rolls her eyes, but seems marginally less upset. "We'll see," she replies, dusting the dirt off of her palms. "What do you want, then?"

"It's about the shapeshifting," Lance blurts. Abruptly, Pidge's face darkens. "I know you want to keep going—"

"Obviously. But I can't. Because I'm a girl."

"Well I mean," and here he stops, takes a look around to make sure no one is nearby. He feels strangely nervous about the whole thing, but excited. Anxious. "You still could?"

She stills. "What?"

"I could tell you what they're teaching us," he offers. "I just want to know —"

"Know what?" Pidge presses when he falters. "Know what, Lance?"

"I want to learn witchery."