Special Thanks to TooEasilyDistracted, Selena Snow, WolvesRock14, Guest, Eeveecat1248, BHMSZero, Green Giant Uranus (it's wonderful to hear from you again!), Alec Gateway, kelli n c, SecretEnigma, erebororbust, PacificaPines, Crazy Redmanelion, Bookdancer, Guest, Salem Andrea, rainbowrider1290, Kinzichi, bookmaniac849, Triscribe, marmoreal (when you said 'angry purple guy', I thought, "Thanos isn't in this fic", but then I remembered which fandom I'm writing for and was like, "Ah. That angry purple guy." It made me laugh! :D), ForTheLuvOfPidge, FanGirlOfEveryone, Darkblaze15, Wings of Dawn, Alkirian (you are the only person to have commented on that, and you nailed it. Thank you!), DevilTito, Gravtron1, SmolBirdy5, The Dusk Terror, Midnight (your review on Chapter 11), Guest (your review on Chapter 20), ShrdingersCat, WyldClaw (your reviews on Chapters 16 and 22), Riku Courtier, EmmyCat, and Pillar43, for your wonderful reviews!

Welcome to all new readers, favouriters and followers. It's a pleasure to have you here and I would love to hear from you. :)

Author's Note I: After doing some mental planning, it looks like this arc might be six or seven parts long. I'm still working on it. :)

Author's Note II: Now, I've been hearing that some hate's been running amuck in the wake of Season 7, especially on Tumblr and Twitter and such, and while I admit there were some things that I didn't agree with or was happy about, I'm not going to bash anything or flame anyone or send hate mail to our dear cast and creators who put so much heart and soul into something we as a fandom love. That being said, know that this is a safe space for you, as is my fandom Tumblr 153-centimeters-of-sass, if you want to chat. I do have one request: Please Private Message me if you want to talk about Season 7. Please don't take up my review count for any discussions. Thank you in advance! :D

And now for some story!

Chapter 28: Switched Part IV

Green woke up with the planet's animals' morning calls. Bounding out of bed, she leaned out of her window to breathe in the fresh forest air. Something chittered nearby and was answered from farther away, and just visible through the canopy, the black sky was brightening to navy. Her palms itched strangely and she had the urge to climb up and see the sunrise fully. Her Paladin was a good climber, but Green had never climbed anything before. Except the stairs yesterday. And that hadn't gone so well.

"Green should get used to this body," she said out loud and bracing her hands on the sill, she levered herself out. She grinned to herself, even as her heart raced in her chest.

Green? her Paladin asked, no doubt concerned because of her heightened heartrate. What are you doing?

Climbing. Green wants to see the sunrise.

Climbing…? Like…climbing a tree? Do you need help?

Maybe in a little while. Green can get to the roof easily.

And easy it was. There were lots of nooks and crannies for her small (to the Chrii) hands and feet, and she scaled the hall without mishap. She stood on the peaked roof, panting a little, but exhilarated.

There's a tree on your left, said her Paladin. It's got lots of thick branches. It'll hold your weight. Remember: stay close to the trunk.

Green nodded and headed over to the tree passing through the roof, grabbing the first branch. Up and up she went, taking her time but still maintaining a decent pace, her Paladin voicing encouragement and advice. The navy was lightening, purple and pink now smearing the sky.

At last, Green poked her head through the treetops, brushed a few leaves from her hair, and lost her breath at the sight. The sun was rising, as were three of Japra's moons. Two more were overhead, pink in the dawn light, and one was behind her and setting, barely a sliver against the fiery sky.

Incredible! her Paladin breathed in awe.

Daylight painted the trees in orange-red, multiple shades of pink and yellow chasing the last violet wisps, and all around her, the wind danced and animals called gently.

"Green could stay up here forever," said Green.

She stayed until the sun had cleared the horizon and then she began the slow descent back to her room.

Uh, Green?

What is it, my Paladin?

The Lions are getting worried because the guys can't find you.

Green is almost there –

"GREEN!"

The sharp shout startled her and her foot slipped off the hall's wall.

GREEN! her Paladin screamed as she fell…and landed in someone's arms.

Green blinked, surprised she wasn't injured, and met Black's Shiro's wild gaze. "Good morning, Black's Shiro," she chirped.

He set her on her feet, but stayed close. "Green," he said and his voice was strained. "What. Were. You. Doing?"

"Green went for a climb. The sunrise was beautiful. Is it breakfast time?"

"We couldn't find you anywhere! What were you thinking? You should have told someone!"

Why was he yelling at her? She hadn't done anything wrong. "No one was awake. Green didn't want to bother anyone," she replied defensively.

Now he was pacing. "That's no excuse! You fell, Green! You could have hurt yourself!" He flung the accusations at her and Green felt something hot stir in her chest.

"Green almost got hurt because you yelled, Black's Shiro," she said, trying not to sound angry. "You made Green slip."

He stopped in front of her, gesticulating wildly. "We were worried! What was I supposed to think when Shola couldn't find you?"

Green drew herself up to her full height and took the step that would bring her right into his personal space. She knew the personal space existed for just about everyone in the universe. Each person's space differed depending on a variety of factors, but she knew Black's Shiro's was a bit larger than most. She got right into it and said heatedly, "Green already knew our Paladins were worried because my Paladin had it from my Pride Sisters! Green was returning! Black's Shiro should trust Green to return!"

Her words and her nearness made him retreat a step. "It's not about trust," he said, low and intense.

"Then what is it about?" Green demanded.

He didn't answer her. His angry expression fell, revealing a scrunched brow and crinkled mouth. Green's frustration eased, concern taking its place.

"Black's Shiro," she said gently, stepping towards him again. He didn't move away, so she closed distance and laid a hand on his right arm. "Green did not mean to make you worry, Black's Shiro. Green is sorry."

Black's Shiro folded his hand on top of hers, patting it gently. "I'm sorry, too. I'm sorry I yelled at you and made you fall. It's just…"

"Black's Shiro worried. But there is no cause for worry now. All is well." Green smiled up at him. "Green is hungry. Can we go to breakfast?"

He chuckled, still a little strained, but he nodded and turned with her towards the dining hall.

Green took her hand back and said, "Thank you for catching Green."

"Oh. Uh, you're welcome." There was a pause. Then, "So…you watched the sunrise, huh?"

"It was beautiful, Black's Shiro! We should all get up early tomorrow and watch it."

"You'd have to drag Lance from his bed to get him awake at that hour," Black's Shiro said with a grin.

Green thought about it for a moment then said, "Well, my Paladin did drag Yellow's Hunk once. Blue's Lance shouldn't be as much trouble. Though dragging him up a tree might prove problematic."

Black's Shiro was still laughing when they entered the hall and rounded everyone up for breakfast, reassuring them all that Green was safe and unharmed.

After breakfast and a chance to get dressed and freshened up (some of their things had been brought over last night), Green requested of Shola a tour. Blue's Lance with Yellow's Hunk and Red's Keith accompanied them, along with Cheychi. Black's Shiro wanted to speak with Her Highness, Support Commander and Matron Sharya about important things, but Green didn't want to discuss important things. She wanted to explore.

The hall was mostly made up of the dining room and kitchen, though guest rooms were scattered throughout. So instead of showing them what they already knew, Shola turned them outside.

"We live in a very communal environment," she explained as she showed them the platforms with houses above more platforms with houses in the massive trees that homed the hall. There was still plenty of space between the platform and the peak of the roof below it, but it reminded Green of the time her Paladin saw a series of birdhouses on a single pole: separate but united. Each house was unique, too: walls sported climbing vines with flowers of various sizes and colours, and doors were painted green, yellow, orange or red. There were flower boxes on window sills, little lanterns that swung over doorways, and designs artfully carved into shutters and all around the doorframes.

"We grow everything ourselves." Shola guided them through massive gardens with vegetables as big as Yellow's Hunk's torso and stalks of grains that were only half-grown but still stretched above their guide's head.

"What do you do about wood rot?" asked Blue's Lance, noticing that the raised beds were all made of wood.

"The Chrii who take care of the gardens have special abilities to prevent such occurrences," answered Cheychi.

"What would happen if no one had the ability?" Red's Keith wondered.

"That's impossible. Every Chrii is born with seeds of various powers, sometimes up to twenty different powers. These powers are carefully selected as children grow older and decide what they would like to do. They are nurtured through years of study and dedication." Cheychi swept out a hand, indicating the platform below them. There was a playground there with rope swings from the branches, balance beams, and climbing apparatuses. "Nearly everyone you see here is a healer, a farmer, and an element-channel, among other things, with varying degrees of strength."

"When my Paladin spoke with Shurr last time," said Green, "she said that her great-aunt could read minds at one hundred breep, but Shurr must maintain physical contact."

"Yes," said Shola. "The hereditary aspect of our gifts can oftentimes designate our capacities. No matter how hard Mammi studies, she must be touching the person whose mind she wants to see."

"That kinda sucks," Blue's Lance muttered.

Shola cracked a grim smile. "You'll notice I said 'oftentimes'," she said. "Often does not equate to always."

"Some gifts are innately powerful," Cheychi put in softly. "Chara, for example, is so afraid of what he can do that he prefers solitude over potentially hurting others."

"He could potentially hurt Pidge and Green?" Red's Keith asked sharply.

Green met Cheychi's gaze squarely when he looked at her. He lifted his shoulders. "It's possible," he said.

"We are all capable of dealing harm," Shola interrupted before Red's Keith could retort. "It is the way of things. Our choices define us in this regard."

"That is very true," said Green, looking away from Cheychi to survey the children laughing and playing below. Black's Former-Paladin ripped through her heart, as did his murderous deeds. Her Paladin's presence warmed her mind and soul, easing the ache. "Even those on the path of goodness can make the wrong choice," Green continued. "So has it been for time beyond measure and so will it continue to be until the universe and all life in it cease."

"Wow, Green. Cheerful much?" Blue's Lance quipped. "As fascinating as this is, can we go take a look at the playground? It looks like fun!"

"Playgrounds are for children, Paladin Lance," said Cheychi, a hint of humour twinkling in his pink eyes.

Blue's Lance waved a hand. "We're all under the age of majority," he said, "except Shiro and, well, probably Green because you're so old."

Green wrinkled her nose at him. "Thank you, Blue's Lance. If it is all the same, my Paladin wishes for a closer look. She is curious."

You can't keep using me as an excuse, you know, her Paladin informed her.

It is not like they will find out, Green retorted.

Shola laughed and took them down the stairs that led to the platform and playground. A few adults called greetings while the children shrieked and scrambled towards them. High voices of "Blue Paladin! Blue Paladin, come play with us!" echoed through the trees.

Blue's Lance laughed and, after some gentle tugging from the children, followed. Yellow's Hunk went after him, but Red's Keith hung back and Green watched him, wondering why he didn't join in with his teammates.

Shola glanced at him. "You do not wish to join in?"

Red's Keith shrugged. "Me and children don't get along much," he mumbled, but his eyes betrayed him as they darted over and over towards the playground. He wanted to play… Maybe he just didn't know how? Her Paladin had once told her that Red's Keith hadn't had much of a childhood. Whatever that meant, it was bad because not even Black Sister was privy to the details and Red Sister wasn't telling. But Green was willing to bet that Red's Keith had not had adequate interactions or many healthy relationships as a younger cub.

Green took a breath, steeled herself, and gently touched Red's Keith's elbow. "Red's Keith, perhaps we can play over there? There are not as many children now that their attention is occupied by Blue's Lance and Yellow's Hunk." She pointed to what her Paladin called a jungle gym. It had balance beams, suspended bars, and a couple of domes stacked invertedly on top of each other and made of ladders. Everything was painted in shades of blue, green, brown and yellow.

Red's Keith looked down at her and nodded after a moment's hesitation. "Okay," he said.

Green led the way and threw a cheerful, "Please excuse us!" over her shoulder at their guides. Green headed straight for the inverted domes.

Looks like an hourglass, her Paladin observed.

An hourglass made of bright blue and yellow ladders. There was a bright red flag at the pinnacle of the topmost dome and Green knew that the flag was the prize for reaching the top. Excitement roared through her and she half-turned to Red's Keith. "First one to the flag wins!" she told him and then took off in a sprint.

Red's Keith took a tick or two to react, but then he outran her. "Ha!" he ribbed as he passed her. "Short legs!"

Green doubled her efforts, but he was almost halfway up by the time she'd reached the domes.

My Paladin never told Green that Red's Keith could climb, Green accused playfully.

Her Paladin laughed. I didn't know, either. He's good, though.

If Green weren't about to lose a race Green had instigated, Green might agree with my Paladin, she grumbled.

Her Paladin laughed harder. Losing is part of life, Green Lion of Voltron. Welcome to being a mortal!

Green was now three-quarters up, but Red's Keith had already reached the top, an arm wrapped lazily around the tall flagpole.

"I win!" he crowed, grinning.

Green almost slipped when she saw the smile because no one – not her, not her Paladin, not Black's Shiro – had ever seen him this happy in a long time. He was happy here. He was happy playing. He was also happy winning, but that was beside the point. Green had made Red's Keith smile.

She clambered up and sat next to him, panting a bit. "Green will never race you again, Red's Keith," she said between pants. He chuckled. "However," she continued, hit with inspiration, "considering that Green came into this body two days ago, Green is willing to bet that my Paladin would thrash you in a race."

"I'll take that bet!" both Red's Keith and her Paladin said. "Wagers?" added Red's Keith.

"Loser will clean the winner's Lion's cockpit and restock all supplies."

"You're on!"

They lapsed into silence, but Green didn't mind. Red's Keith's physical nearness was similar to her Pride Sisters' mental bond. Together, they watched Blue's Lance start a human game called 'tag' with the Chrii children. It was humorous to watch children that were almost taller than Blue's Lance, but no one seemed to notice the height difference. Green smiled at their fun as they moved on from tag to playing another game called 'grounders' and then one of the Chrii produced a ball of woven reeds.

They had lost track of time, but Green noticed when Her Highness and Chama arrived on the platform above theirs. Chama rang a clay bell, the sound carrying over the play and laughter, and surprising the others

"Paladins!" Her Highness called. "Come and have lunch!"

"Awww!" both Blue's Lance and Yellow's Hunk complained, while the children also voiced their protest.

Green laughed and began to climb down, Red's Keith following.

"I don't want you to go!" someone shouted. There was the sound of impact and then something whistled towards them.

"Keith, Green!" Blue's Lance shouted, and Green looked up in time to see a ball coming at them.

Wham!

The ball smacked her right in the head. There was a dull thunk as her head slammed into the dome, and she knew no more.

-:-:-:-

Green!

Keith almost fell at Red's shout. Her terror coursed through him, making him move faster than he ever had before. As Green fell, Keith snagged her wrist with one hand and held on.

He swayed, his vision greying with Red's continued panicked cries reverberating through his brain and heart. "Red," he begged out loud. "Red, please stop. Red…"

"Paladin Lance! Paladin Hunk! What's wrong?" Chrii were alarmed, rushing to Keith's teammates who had fallen to their knees, hands bracing themselves on the ground and barely able to hold their weight.

Allura raced down the stairs, Shola and Cheychi sprinting across the platform towards Keith.

"Let me take her, Paladin Keith!" Shola urged, reaching up.

Keith clung tighter to the dome's rung, shutting his eyes against the tilting world. All the while, Red continued to scream. Green Sister, Green, Green! was a terrified mantra in his head.

"Let go, Keith," said Cheychi. "We will catch you both."

Keith bent his knees, eyes still closed, and lowered himself as much as possible to let Green slide down to Shola. Then he just…let go, and he slumped into Cheychi's waiting arms.

"Easy, easy," Cheychi soothed as a whine crawled out of Keith's mouth. "Let's get them to the infirmary."

"Shadara, Shu, follow us!" Shola called, and Keith guessed that someone had picked up Lance and Hunk.

Cheychi ran, the wind stroking Keith's cheeks. At the same time, Red stopped crying, and the relief was so sudden that Keith passed out.

-:-:-:-

The first thing Green became aware of was her Paladin humming quietly. As soon as her Paladin noticed that Green had noticed her, she stopped and said, I'm glad you're awake, Green in so tender a tone that Green almost started crying.

Green is glad, too. What happened?

You got hit with a ball, but the conservation of momentum is a jerk, so your head collided with the dome. You got knocked out… She trailed off, uneasy, and Green pressed.

Did anything else happen, my Paladin?

Her Paladin hesitated then said, Pride Voltron panicked.

Her Sisters…panicked? But then the full weight of realisation hit her. Of course they had panicked. She was mortal now, fragile and delicate. Injury was a given, but she had never considered the ramifications of serious injury. She did now, though. Human mortality weighed on her like a tangible thing, bearing down on her weak body, permanent and finite.

And…Our Paladins? she asked.

They're all right. From what I could gather from the Lions, their panic incapacitated them. The Paladins dropped where they stood – except Keith. He caught you and held on until help came.

Green thought of Her Highness and Shola and Cheychi who had all been nearby. Help came quickly.

Yes, it did.

Is it safe to get up?

Probably. Take it slow, though. You definitely had a concussion, and I don't know how well Shurr is able to heal something like that. I'll let the Pride know you're awake.

While her Paladin did that, Green opened her eyes and slowly sat up. She was on a cot in an infirmary of sorts, probably in the main hall somewhere. She was also not alone. Four other cots were rumpled from use, but only two were occupied. Pushed together so they were side by side, Black's Shiro, Red's Keith, Blue's Lance and Yellow's Hunk sat on the two cots and talked quietly over what Green recognised as a deck of playing cards. Her Highness and Support Commander sat in chairs nearby, watching the game and their charges. Shola, Cheychi and two more Chrii whom Green recognised as Black's Shiro's and Red's Keith's attendants stood by the door.

It was Blue's Lance who noticed her first. "Green!" he said, brightening and abandoning the cards to slide off the cot. "Hey. How are you feeling?"

There were shadows in his eyes. Green saw them as he neared. His lopsided smile was tighter than usual, too.

"Green is fine," she assured him – them, as everyone else came over. "My Paladin informed Green of my Pride Sisters' gross error."

"Gross error?" Black's Shiro echoed. "What are you talking about?" He was trying to hide the truth, but Green was not ignorant.

"Pride Voltron reacted violently to Green's injury, and Team Voltron suffered immense emotional strain because of it."

"Oh," said Black's Shiro. "Right. That."

"Is there a reason why the Lions reacted so adversely to you being injured?" Her Highness asked.

"Green's vulnerable, Allura," Yellow's Hunk answered. "She's mortal. More than that, she's human! She's much more fragile than an Altean or a Lion. Of course the Lions freaked out. They didn't know how bad she was hurt."

"I'm just glad that the Castle is all locked up," said Support Commander. "The Lions cannot escape their hangars."

"Pride Voltron would not have physically endangered Our Paladins or innocent lives just because Green was injured," Green reprimanded him.

"That depends on who they view as innocent," Her Highness put in. "Your injury was the direct result of a Chrii child."

"Exactly. Pride Voltron is aware of what is meant maliciously and what is not. The child meant no harm."

"Well, that's good to know," Support Commander cut in before Her Highness could continue. "In any case, you missed lunch. Would you like to eat? Shurr said it was all right," he added.

Green nodded. "If Shurr says it is all right, then yes, Green would like something to eat, please."

"Let's go to the hall, then," said Her Highness, and she whirled away without another word.

Green sat for a moment, stunned by Her Highness's brusque manner. Did…did Green do something wrong? She didn't dare ask, not when everyone was still so tense and upset.

Green took her time standing and ensuring her balance. The Paladins all stood close by in case she fell, but it was unnecessary; she was well and able once more. She fell into step with Red's Keith on one side and Blue's Lance on her other, Yellow's Hunk bringing up the rear while Support Commander and Black's Shiro led the way.

"My Paladin says that Green has you to thank, Red's Keith, for catching Green," Green said quietly.

His whole face reddened from chin to ears. "Um. It was nothing," he mumbled.

"It was not nothing," Green continued. "It is likely Green's injury would have been more serious if you hadn't. Coupled with the strain of Red Sister's terror, it is a miracle you were able to stay conscious, let alone catch Green and hold on until help came." She smiled up at him, touching his elbow, while he remained silent. She knew of Red's Keith's aversion to touch, but after today, it seemed appropriate to breach his personal space to convey her deep gratitude.

Blue's Lance reached over and slung an arm over Red's Keith's shoulders. "Aw! Looks like we've got another little miracle on the team!" he cooed.

"Lay off, Lance," Red's Keith grumbled, shoving at his arm, but there was no real bite in his words.

Blue's Lance backed away anyway, grinning down at Green. "You know," he said to her, "I'm starting to think that it's not Pidge who's the trouble magnet. It's her body. Even when she's not in it, she just attracts all sorts of trouble."

Green blinked. "Green doesn't know what to say to that," she admitted at last.

"No one does," Yellow's Hunk piped up from behind, and Red's Keith snorted a laugh.

-:-:-:-

Everyone else had eaten before Green had awoken, but a couple of Chrii brought out cups and pitchers of juice, and a plate of light biscuits, along with Green's meal. Yellow's Hunk and Black's Shiro helped themselves while Her Highness sipped intently from her cup and avoided eye contact with Green.

Worry stirred Green's heart. Was Her Highness angry with her? What had she done wrong? Maybe it was because Green had gotten hurt – but that hadn't been her fault. She was a Lion of Voltron, though, a machine of war; she should have dodged or deflected it. But…she wasn't exactly familiar with everything her Paladin's body did or required, so she was still working on a few things. Did her inability warrant Her Highness's anger, though? Green wasn't sure, so she said nothing and ate what she could while worry gnawed on her stomach. When she couldn't eat another bite, she pushed her plate away.

"You okay, Green?" Yellow's Hunk asked between mouthfuls of biscuit. "You didn't eat much."

"Green is not hungry, Yellow's Hunk," Green replied quietly, eyes darting to Her Highness in case she got angry over her not eating, too. Her Highness didn't notice the exchange.

"Are you feeling all right?" Blue's Lance pressed. "You look pale."

Paleness was a typical symptom of illness. Was Green ill? She certainly didn't feel well.

"Green is fine."

Blue's Lance narrowed his eyes at her. "Any nausea? Pain?"

"Green is fine, Blue's Lance," Green repeated a little more firmly.

He blinked at her, surprised at her tone, then looked away. "Okay. If you say so."

Green sighed. Wonderful. Now she had upset Blue's Lance, too. On her other side, she spotted Red's Keith glancing between them and frowning.

Now that Blue's Lance had mentioned it, there was a building pain in her temples and across her forehead. Closing her eyes helped, so she lay her head on her arms on the tabletop.

Headache. Her Paladin's voice, gentle and quiet though it was, sent a short stab of pain through Green's head. Sorry, she said quickly, noting the pain.

Green thought Shurr healed Green?

She healed as much of the damage as she could, I'm sure, but you're stressed. Stress headaches suck.

Yes. They do. Green lifted her head and rubbed her forehead with her fingers. And Green worries about Her Highness.

Her Paladin was confused. Allura? Why?

She is angry with Green, and Green doesn't know why.

Her Paladin was quiet for a moment and then said, You need a break. You should come back to the Castle. Sleep in your own bed.

Green hasn't slept in my Paladin's bed before, Green pointed out. She had slept with her Paladin that first night and in Japra's hall on the second. So much had happened over the almost-three days. It felt like months.

Oh. Well. It won't hurt to ask, and I'm sure everyone else could use a breather. Being polite to new people is exhausting.

Agreed, said Green.

The worst that can happen is that Allura will say no, and I honestly don't see her doing that. She looks tired.

Her Paladin was looking through Green's eyes. Her Highness did look strained around the eyes and mouth. Her forehead puckered as she sipped her juice.

"Your Highness?" Green ventured after a moment of gathering her courage.

"Yes?" Her Highness regarded her with a piercing stare over her cup's rim.

Green nearly gulped, but rallied. "Green wishes to return to the Castle of Lions for the night."

What idle chitchat there was at the table died instantly. Everyone stared at her.

"Oh?" Her Highness lifted elegant brows. "And why is that?"

Green didn't want to say it was because she was stressed and had a headache, but she did know what she could say to gain permission. She wasn't known for her cunning for nothing, after all. "Because when my Paladin was in her body proper, she visited Green constantly. Her work station was in Green's hangar and she would often climb on Green for exercise and bonding. Green misses my Paladin's proximity. Not to mention that my Paladin has been stuck in her hangar for almost three days now. She can do little else besides converse with Pride Voltron and Green."

Low hitter, her Paladin grumbled in amused accusation.

"That's a great idea!" Yellow's Hunk chimed in. "Pidge has got to be bored out of her skull. And we haven't seen her since the day before yesterday. We should totally go!"

"We can also gather a few extra things we left behind," Support Commander added.

Blue's Lance and Red's Keith both nodded, but Her Highness didn't look convinced. It was Black's Shiro who delivered the final stroke. "I don't know what kind of long-range sensors the Chrii have, but it would be a good idea to do a sweep of the system for any Galran activity. With the switch, Voltron is out of the question." He cast Green an apologetic look as he said it, then returned to Her Highness. "We need to be prepared so we're not taken by surprise."

Before Her Highness could say anything, Cheychi said, "It is true our people do not have any kind of long-range scanners. Many fear retribution from the Empire for giving you aid. Knowing that you watch out for us would put many minds at ease."

Green hid her smile when Her Highness's lined forehead smoothed and her eyes softened. "Very well," she said with a sigh. Then she turned her attention to Green. "When would you like to go?"

"As soon as possible, Your Highness."

Her Highness nodded. "All right. Cheychi, inform Matron Sharya that we will depart for our castle within the varga."

Cheychi bowed. "I will send escorts with you. The forest is massive and it wouldn't do if Voltron got lost."

"I'm not looking forward to all those stairs again," Yellow's Hunk muttered.

Shola grinned wide. "About that…" she began to say.

-:-:-:-

Green stumbled back from the edge of the platform. "Green is reminded yet again of human-mortal fragility," she said shakily. Glancing back at Shola, she said, "Green doesn't mind the stairs."

Shola laughed. "You were carried last time! Besides, this is easier and faster. Going over is the hardest part."

"Green doubts that." The ground was technically the hardest part.

"Come on, Green!" Yellow's Hunk encouraged from his spot on the platform's ledge. "You're a Lion of Voltron, the curious and daring Green Lion! You aren't afraid of anything!"

Green said nothing to that, eyeing the drop-off apprehensively. Her Highness, Support Commander, Black's Shiro and Red's Keith had already gone down, unperturbed by being suspended in a rope-and-wood swing and then lowered to the ground far below. Cheychi and his brother Churei were part of their escort and had gone first to show them how it was done and how safe it was. "If it can hold a Chrii, it can hold you," Churei had said before leaping off the platform in his harness/swing with a whoop.

Letting Green dither a while longer, Shola strode over to Yellow's Hunk. "Ready?" she asked.

Yellow's Hunk swallowed. "As ready as I'll ever be." He did look a little green around the edges, despite his encouragement.

"Excellent. Easy now. Just lean back and walk."

Green crept to the edge to watch again. It looked so easy. The ropes and pulleys were all secure. All Green had to do was get into a harness and walk backwards over the platform. But the ground yawned away from her every time she looked at it. She recalled the oak tree in her Paladin's front yard on Earth. The tree stood at fifty feet. This? This was like jumping off a cliff and it was much higher than fifty feet. It was at least five hundred.

"Hey, Green?" Blue's Lance's voice was right beside her and the hand on her arm kept her from jumping. "I know I asked this before, but…are you sure you're okay?"

The words tumbled out of Green's mouth before she could stop them. "Green has a headache, Green is worried that Green upset Her Highness because Green got hurt today, Green is sorry that Green snapped at you, Blue's Lance, because Green knows you are only trying to help and be kind, and Green really, really, really does not want to do this because this is not Green's body and Green doesn't want to hurt it."

Blue's Lance stared at her. "That's a lot," he said at last. "Don't worry about snapping, though. It's okay."

"It is not." Green met his eyes. "Green knows Blue's Lance's heart through Blue Sister. Green knows you yearn for home and family and no more war, and Green can't help with that, but Green can help by not snapping at you, Blue's Lance. You have been nothing but kind, and Green repaid you with snapping. That is not becoming behaviour for either a Lion or your friend."

Blue's Lance looked away, his entire face red. "Oh," he said quietly.

"Yes. So Green apologises for being a bad friend."

"You're not a bad friend." He met her gaze and smiled. "You're dealing with a lot of stuff, and sometimes we forget that."

"That doesn't excuse Green's behaviour."

"Well, then, I accept your apology."

"Thank you, Blue's Lance."

"And by the way, it's important that you tell us what's bothering you." He said it kindly, no judgement or irritation in his tone. "As cool as it would be, we can't read minds."

Green chuckled. "Green understands. Thank you, Blue's Lance."

He grinned and ruffled the hair on her head. "Any time. So. Ready to jump off a cliff?"

"No?"

A pause. "Pidge is waiting, you know."

And that sentence changed everything, morphed her fear into courage and sent it roaring through her frightened brain and fragile limbs. "Let's go!"

-:-:-:-

Knowing her Paladin waited was what kept Green from looking down and panicking at the height. Knowing her Paladin waited kept Green's pace through the forest stalwart and eager. Knowing her Paladin waited hustled everyone else because they missed her Paladin, too.

Green walked beside Blue's Lance through the forest, Churei having disappeared into the branches to scout ahead while Shola, Cheychi, and two others (who were introduced as Cho and Shil) formed a loose circle around them, staves and javelins in ready hands. She kept an eye on Her Highness who chatted with Support Commander and Shola about possibly moving the Castle closer to Matron Sharya's village.

The walk to the Castle took only a couple of vargas, and soon Green was once more back in the semi-familiar hallways.

"You are welcome to join Green in saying hello to my Paladin, Team Voltron," she said, addressing her invitation to all.

"Can we?" asked Yellow's Hunk. "I mean, we don't want to intrude or anything…"

Green smiled at him. "Not at all. My Paladin misses her teammates. She will be happier if you come."

"We will stand guard outside," Cheychi said, inclining his head to Her Highness. "We will alert you if danger approaches."

"Our thanks," said Her Highness. "Coran and I will go to the Bridge." Turning to the Paladins, she said, "Say 'hello' to Pidge for us."

"Sure thing," Black's Shiro replied. "Come on, guys. Let's go say hi."

Green allowed Black's Shiro to lead the way, but stayed a half-step back. They were halfway to her Paladin's hangar when the Castle shook with some kind of impact and everyone, except Green, shared fearful looks.

"What was that?" Blue's Lance asked.

"My Paladin can sense Green nearing," said Green. "She is excited."

"Maybe we should stop off at the other Lion hangars," Red's Keith observed. "If Pidge is this happy to see you, the other Lions are probably more so."

Knowing what awaited them in her Paladin's hangar, Green said dryly, "Green doubts that my Pride Sisters can be happier than my Paladin at the moment."

"How come?" Yellow's Hunk wondered, but then they had come to the hangar and Black's Shiro stepped back to allow Green to open the door, and everyone could see why.

Her Paladin bounced on her paws, her tail sweeping back and forth. Green! she exclaimed when the door opened. You're here! Then she noticed Green's company and shrieked with glee. GUYS!

Green winced, but smiled and said, "My Paladin is happy to see you, Team Voltron."

"You think?" Yellow's Hunk exhaled in half-humour, half-fear. "She's like an oversized puppy."

Her Paladin rumbled and crouched, being so gentle as she nosed Green. Green stroked her massive muzzle, eliciting happy noises.

"Green missed you, my Paladin," she said, laying her cheek against the warm metal.

Under her touch, her Paladin stilled. Her tail curled around her paws and she ceased bouncing. She was content and calm at last, relishing Green's tiny hands on her metal body. The air rumbled with her deep purr and she shuffled closer, pressing her nose into Green's chest.

"Wow," Yellow's Hunk breathed from behind. "And you're just touching her."

"My Paladin missed Green and Team Voltron," Green said, tears burning in her eyes from her Paladin's pure joy.

"Aw, Pidge." Blue's Lance drifted forward, a hand extended. He paused a couple feet away, suddenly unsure. "Is this okay?" he asked, not looking at Green but up at her Paladin.

"She says 'yes', Blue's Lance."

He wasted no more time, reaching out and wrapping his arms as much as he could around her nose.

And her Paladin purred harder.

And Green cried with shared happiness.

"Are you all right, Green?" Black's Shiro asked, laying a hand on her shoulder.

"My Paladin is happy we are here," she managed to say.

"Touch-starved," Yellow's Hunk muttered, and he tossed his fear aside and joined the hug. "We missed you, too. Keith, Shiro, get over here."

They joined them, all hugging what they could reach of her Paladin.

And her Paladin purred and purred and purred because Green knew there was no other way for a Lion to convey how happy she was.

-:-

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