Allura knocked on Krolia's door and Keith answered, "Come in." She entered to find Krolia and Kolivan cuddled up on the couch in their pajamas. Krolia pointed through an open doorway. "He's in there."

She paused as she passed behind the couch. After a slight hesitation, Allura placed a hand on Krolia's shoulder. Krolia covered her hand and smiled warm and kind. Allura returned a smile and went in search of Keith. In his bedroom, she pressed her back to the closed door and caught her breath. It wasn't only Keith who had to reacquaint himself to having family.

"Good morning, Allura."

Allura replied, "Good morning, Ke- what are you doing?"

Keith was staring intently at his reflection. "I wanted to do that thing where you change colors. I used to have purple in my hair as a baby."

Allura covered her mouth and giggled. "It takes years to master."

"I know. I mean, Krolia said it was years before Alphonse was confident I would blend into the human population. But now, I've blended for so long, I've forgotten how I really look." Keith put his head in his hands and sighed.

Allura leaned forward and hugged him from behind. "It doesn't matter, Keith. Your appearance whether like this or how you were born, we all love you for who you are. But," Allura watched her reflection's hair turn dark purple, "you would look cute with purple in your hair and your mother's markings."

Keith huffed in defeat. "You really need to teach me how to do that."

Allura laughed and let her hair return to white. Pulling on his hands, she said, "Come along, Keith. We don't want to be late."

Shiro rubbed Matt's shoulders and asked, "Are you ready for this, Holt?"

Matt confidently nodded. "Our opponents are strong, but we've faced worse. On your mark, Takashi."

Shiro went to the door and counted down silently on one hand. They pushed out into the light and were taken aback by what awaited them. Close to twenty children sat on the ground around Keith as he played his guitar. Allura and a few servants sat scattered among the little ones. Keith nodded to them and continued playing. Allura smiled back at them from where she was held down by galra kits.

Keith finished his song and announced, "Alright kids, time for a short break. Allura and I have to go," a loud chorus of complaints and a couple kids bursting into tears made Keith raise his voice, "but I'm leaving my friends Shiro and Matt while we're gone." He stood and stretched out his lower back as the kids slowly broke up and began to play.

The servants all smiled to Keith like he was a godsend. A kit ran up to Keith and he scooped her into his arms. He tossed her gently and she squealed in laughter. When he caught and cuddled her, she put her forehead to his chest. He squeezed her and picked his way through the kids running through the garden.

A servant took the child from Keith and she waved. He waved back as Shiro leaned on Keith's shoulders. "You know, it's not fair how good your instincts are around kids. Most of us had to read a book or two before becoming good role models."

Keith braced himself beneath Shiro's weight and shot back, "So what did you do? Burn them?"

Matt started cackling as Shiro barked a laugh and put his full weight on Keith. "What was that? It's kind of hard to hear you all the way down there."

Chills shot down Shiro's back as Allura's fingers trailed up his spine. "Thanks for coming, guys, but we're running late. We were due in the meadow twenty minutes ago."

"Right," Keith said immediately back in mom mode. "Let them run off some energy before their midmorning snacks arrive in about fourty five minutes." He pointed to a group of the youngest kits crawling through the grass by two staff members. "They should go down for their naps right after that. Margery and Blinnette will help you, but I've never had a problem with them in the past. Feel free to play my guitar. They love Bohemian Rhapsody and Do Re Mi, pretty much anything repetitive and interactive. Matt, no weird anime intros!"

Matt held his hands over his heart. "I'm wounded you'd even accuse me of something like that!"

Keith pointed and threatened, "I'm serious. If I hear even a single 'dattebayo' after this, I will personally take out my revenge."

Matt failed to keep a straight face. "Scout's honor."

Keith didn't look convinced, but he grabbed Allura's hand and they ran toward a waiting pegasus. Keith shouted as he unhitched the animal, "We'll return after the tournament!" Then he mounted and offered Allura a hand. She swung up behind him and they were off. Their animal pumped its wings as they flew toward a festival whose tents were barely visible in the distance.

Keith landed the halliaballus and lifted his leg over its neck to dismount. He caught Allura around the waist then handed his reins to a waiting stable hand. Taking Allura's hand again, he said as they jogged, "Lance should be through the first couple rounds as long as they didn't disqualify him."

"Why would they? His flitch bow came from your armory."

Keith led them to the competition bracket board and pushed through the crowd until they could see. They scanned for familiar names. "There," Allura pointed. "He's almost to the semifinals. Only one more round."

"Kolivan and Lotor are advancing as well."

"What? Lotor's competing?"

Keith grinned and pulled her away before the entire crowd overheard. He whispered conspiratorially, "You have no idea how competitive he is. To make sure no one goes easy on him, he's entered under an alias."

"Clever bastard," Allura muttered. They both giggled as they started toward the grandstand.

"Kogane!"

Keith turned toward the voice and shouted, "Verolle! Gnov! You made it!"

They met halfway shoving through the traffic. Gnov offered a soft salute and tousled Keith's hair. To Allura, she nodded. "You must be Princess Allura, the young prince's cousin." Keith opened his mouth, but Gnov raised a teasing brow. "I'm your chief adviser, kid. There is little I do not quickly learn."

Verolle wrapped an arm around Gnov's waist and drew her hip to his. "We just came from your mother's box, Keith."

Allura was at a loss. Keith cleared his throat and explained, "Allura, meet Gnov my personal adviser and her... friend," Gnov shot him a withering look, "Verolle, arbiter of the Pratic Conquest and a brilliant teacher at the academy. I joined his class to learn more about my heritage."

Verolle's mouth opened into an 'o'. "The archivist is with your family, Keith." The crowd roared in the grandstand and he added when the noise died down, "You should get going. The semifinals for swordsmanship start soon."

Keith pulled Allura onwards and shouted back, "It was good to see you! Enjoy the festival!"

The soldiers acting as security let them pass and they climbed the stairs to Talias and Krolia's box. Krolia grabbed his hand as he sat beside her. Talias was on her other side in a beautiful dress with her legs crossed. A fan in her hand created a gentle breeze as the next opponents took the sandy field. The archivist, Marikus, sat on Talia's other side with staff in one wrinkled hand and Talias's slender hand in his other. He smiled at Keith with crinkled eyes and nodded by way of greeting. Keith returned it and looked over as Allura sat beside Coran who was giving a play by play recount of some of the more exciting bouts.

His voice was drowned out as Hunk and Pidge cheered with the crowd. Keith lifted his chin and smirked. Putting a hand to the side of his head, he settled in to watch. The two opponents walked toward their box and saluted with bowed heads. Keith signaled the bell ringer who tolled their namesake to start the round. The two opponents squared off and began circling.

One was a general, her insignia on her shoulder the only indication of her skill. The other was a pilot. An odd match, but clearly one the crowd was excited to watch. The general was the first to attack throwing sand up behind her with her speed. The pilot feigned right and dodged her followup. He back stepped and dodged her next few attacks before rolling behind her.

The crowd cheered her on as it seemed she had the pilot on edge. She was confident in her abilities and Keith could see there was a very clear reason she held the rank of general. She pushed her advantage with a downward strike at the pilot below her. The crowd cheered, then let out a single loud outcry as the pilot caught her sword on his own and pushed her backward.

Without waiting for her to regain her footing, the pilot pushed forward yet again and the general was forced to recalculate and dodge. Her footing slipped in the sand and she fell to one knee. The pilot paused in the middle of their stab, the edge of their sword inches from her neck. The bell tolled and the pilot stepped back and bowed yet again toward Keith's box. The crowd began throwing flowers into the arena. The pilot bent to pick one up and raised it toward the royal box in a small gesture. Then the pilot and the general were escorted from the arena.

The sand was quickly raked out and the flowers gathered during the short break between rounds. Keith stood and excused himself. He was almost at the bottom of the stairs when someone whistled a tune he picked out of the background noise. Keith honed in on it and ducked behind the canvas tents where the pilot leaned against a support beam.

Keith jogged to him and wrapped his hands behind the pilot's neck as he lowered the visor. Lotor claimed Keith's lips and lifted a hand to cradle his jaw. A group of patrons walked by the entrance of their makeshift alley and Keith pushed Lotor further into the tents. Lotor chuckled and raised Keith's hand to his mouth, lips and tongue teasing his consort's fingers. Keith kissed Lotor's jaw line near his ear, the only part exposed around his suit, and whispered, "You are too flamboyant, lover. Another performance like that and your cover will be gone."

"I can't help myself. When I saw you watching, suddenly you were the only one I cared to impress," Lotor breathed out around Keith's thumb in his mouth.

Keith twined their fingers together and kissed Lotor again. "I need to return or they'll never start the next round."

Lotor's eyes were half lidded as he gazed lovingly down at Keith. "Wish me luck?"

Keith kissed the palm of Lotor's gloved hand. "I do that and the competition won't even stand a chance."

"Very well, beloved," Lotor replied, lip twitching in amusement. He reached up and slid the flower he'd taken from the arena behind Keith's ear. "Watch for my victory."

Keith laughed and backed out of the alley before returning to the box. Krolia noted the flower with a raised eyebrow and asked, "I wonder where Lotor is. He spoke of this event with enthusiasm a few days ago."

Allura shared a knowing look with Keith. Then the next round began. Keith watched his friends more this round. Hunk and Pidge were getting into the event, but no one was more enthusiastic a spectator than Coran. Talias frequently spoke in Marikus's ear with small looks directed at the altean. Then the final match took place.

The pilot and his opponent, the son of a lord and general, returned to the field. A new board was put up beside the bell ringer's tower. Allura pointed it out and asked, "What is that for?"

Keith explained, "This final bout will be best out of three rounds. Winner takes all the glory."

Keith again watched as Lotor and the young lord payed their respects to the Ladies of Lethua and signaled the bell ringer. He had barely rung the bell when the young lord attacked Lotor. Lotor only just raised his sword in time to block the incoming blade. It glanced off his weapon, but the young lord switched his double handed grip and used a powerful back swing.

It connected with Lotor's back and would have crippled him had the pilot's armor not protected him. The crowd roared in approval, but Keith flinched. Allura glanced sideways at him before returning her gaze to the match. The bell ringer tolled the bell twice and hung up a single point to the young lord.

The young lord raised his weapon above his head and goaded the crowd into a rousing chant. Lotor slowly stood to his full height and rolled his shoulder. Lifting his sword, he charged with small quick steps. The young lord was only warned as the crowd cheered the pilot on. They clashed swords, each matched for speed and agility. Then Lotor's experience became apparent as he was suddenly five times a better swordsman than the young lord.

The young lord went down on his stomach and the bell ringer again tolled the bell twice, hanging up a single point to Lotor. The young lord snarled loud enough to be heard throughout the arena and threw a handful of sand up at Lotor. It hit his mask, but the distraction was enough.

"That's dirty!" Pidge shouted as Hunk cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Boo!"

The crowd seemed torn between the opponents. In truth, anything short of killing your opponent was allowed. The young lord hadn't cheated. Lotor was defending, losing ground as he was pushed back toward the wall. The crowd was on their feet and Keith joined them with his hands on the railing and his heart in his throat.

Lotor was being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of attacks being directed at him. He braced himself just feet from the edge of the arena and fought to withstand the onslaught. Then he saw it, the pattern in the random attacks, and he shouted as he slashed across the young lord's chest plate.

The young lord flew and landed on his back with the wind knocked out of him. Lotor fell to one knee, panting. The crowd held its collective breath. He had to stand to win the round. Keith muttered, "Get up, you fool. Stand."

Lotor used his sword as a brace and pushed to his feet. He staggered once, then walked toward Keith's box with strong even steps. Keith knew what came next, but he simply jumped the railing rather than take the long way to grant the victor their reward. He tumbled in the sand and sprinted into the pilot's arms as Lotor removed his helmet and dropped it with a dull thud.

Keith heard the bell ring three times over the screams of the crowd, but he didn't care. He was held in his emperor's arms, Lotor's victory sweet on his lips. Flowers rained down around them. Keith shouted in alarm as Lotor sheathed his sword and picked him up bridal style. Keith caught a bouquet of flowers as Lotor carried him from the arena without even claiming the actual reward awaiting the victor.

When they returned to the arena some time later, the bouquet of flowers had been braided into Keith's hair. Targets were set up in the center of the arena. The sand was once again smooth as a calm ocean. The bell rang four times and Lance walked into the arena with two others. He grinned and waved to the audience, blowing kisses with his signature finger guns.

Pidge and Hunk groaned as the crowd loved him. Lotor whispered in Keith's ear, "The blue paladin is a fan favorite. I hear he caused quite a stir in the preliminary rounds."

Keith rolled his eyes and returned, "That doesn't surprise me. He is Lance, after all."

The three archers bowed to their box, Lance lifting his head to wink. Allura scoffed as Talias and Krolia giggled. Pidge leaned forward to ask, "So how does this round work?"

Keith leaned into Lotor's side and explained, "Each archer has the opportunity to earn points. Each shot will be scored based on accuracy, skill, and performance. In essence, Lance's strong points."

The first archer lined up. Three targets. Three shots. Keith blinked twice and the round was over. Each was a kill shot in a different location. The crowd began to cheer and clap as a score was raised to the board. The second challenger went and a modest score was raised.

Then Lance walked to the center. The crowd erupted and women began screaming his name. Keith looked in amusement at Lotor's expression. Then he shouted, "Loverboy," with the rest of the paladins in his box. Lance blushed, but the chant was picked up by the rest of the arena's spectators and his confidence was boosted to the max. His challengers shared a worried look.

With sudden calm, he went into a yoga pose balanced on one hand with his legs bent in a traditional bow over his head. Raising his flitch bow, he aimed and released. The crowd roared as his arrow sunk into the head of the dummy and Lance flipped onto his feet with arms wide like the showman he was.

For his second shot, he strutted back to the box and cockily saluted Keith and the others. Then, he turned at the drop of a hat and his second arrow landed dead center in the chest of the second dummy. The crowd was about to lose its mind. Lance took a calming breath and began sprinting.

When he was about halfway to the foul line, he went into a series of flips completely unassisted by his hands. When he came out of the last one, he fired. The arrow sailed toward the final target, but the satisfactory thud never came. The crowd collectively groaned, and Lance shrugged carelessly with his winning smile. His score was raised to the board.

Second place, but he may as well have won first by the crowd's reaction. Lotor and Keith went down to present the competitors the awards for their display. Lance returned to their box where the paladins instantly began praising his abilities. Lance glowed with pride rubbing the silver flitch bow dangling from the necklace Keith had rewarded.

Krolia disappeared shortly before the final event, hand to hand combat. The semifinal rounds had been eliminated due to a lack of participants. As a result, this final round had been raised to best of five. Kolivan and his opponent entered the arena bare chested. The other galra saluted, but Kolivan bowed his head where he knelt on one knee. A small murmur of alarm passed through the crowd. Krolia gasped and met Talias's eyes. Lotor explained wide eyed, "That is how the Blade of Marmora addressed the royal family ten thousand years ago."

Keith looked at Kolivan's opponent and whined in the back of his throat. His stepfather would always be impressively built in size and intimidation, but his challenger made him look like a prepubescent teenager next to a professional MMA fighter. Krolia squeezed Keith's hand in reassurance and he tried to swallow his fear.

The opponent was proud and cocksure as he approached Kolivan. Kolivan was completely still, expressionless as he let the other galra make the first move. The larger galra came in fast with a rising right hook. Kolivan dodged effortlessly and Keith saw it, a small smile at the corner of his lips. He retaliated with one blow. A single hit landed square on the larger galra's chest.

He choked and fell back two steps. The arena froze, not quite understanding what they'd seen. Then the larger galra fell over backward unconscious. Kolivan stood tall then knelt before the royal family once more as the crowd finally cheered his victory. The bell ringer tolled his bell, the sound reflecting the fact that he was still unsure if the event was done.

Lotor stretched as the crowd slowly began to bleed from the stands now that the main events were completed. Kolivan climbed the front railing and dropped into the box beside Krolia. She whispered in his ear and he smirked before kissing her chastising lips.

Pidge asked, "So what now?"

"Now," Talias explained, "There will be a break for lunch before the hunt. Based on the time now, we have about three hours."

Keith leaned into Lotor as his legs buzzed from falling asleep. "I promised we'd go back to the daycare and check on Shiro and Matt."

Allura giggled. "I hope they aren't too overwhelmed."

When they all climbed out of the carriage near the garden, Pidge was the first to say, "Wait... that music."

Hunk started giggling and covered his mouth. "Oh my god."

They all ran into the garden to see Shiro and Matt having a mock duel. Matt, covered in red and black face paint, had rigged his staff with red lights and Shiro was using a similarly crafted blue short 'sword' made from what looked like a curtain rod. They flipped through the garden and Matt jumped up onto a wide railing. "You'll never stop me Qui-Gon Shiro! I have the high ground!"

Pidge snorted and covered her face. "Keith, our brothers are dorks. The very least they could do is keep their quotes straight."

Shiro spun his makeshift light-saber and shouted back, "You were the chosen one, Darth Matt! I loved you like a brother!"

The children were enraptured in their 'duel of fates', gasping and crying out when the drama fit. Then Nyma came over with folded arms. "Hey guys, you're just in time for my big entrance."

Keith grinned. "Glad you could make it."

Nyma winked with both eyes and ran forward to join the two wannabe jedi warriors as four staff members raised bed sheets to separate the three of them into different spaces. Matt paced back and forth and Shiro sat cross legged. Lance and Hunk lost it laughing. Shiro grinned over, momentarily breaking character. One of the kids ran to him and Shiro picked them up and settled them on his hip as the servants dropped the bed sheet and he again went into a fight with Matt.

Keith watched curiously, wondering how they were going to do the next scene. His surprise was real when Matt stabbed. His staff passed under Shiro's far arm and the kids cried out as Shiro fell face down. More than one kid burst into tears and Keith quickly settled into the crowd of kits.

Holding one little boy, he whispered to those around him, "It's okay, he's gonna be fine." He hissed, "Shiro!" and his brother opened one eye to wink before playing dead again. The kit settled in Keith's lap as his very real tears turned to hiccups of relief. Then Nyma screamed and launched herself at Matt.

Matt's expression went from confidence, to surprise, to fear as Nyma was on him with very real attacks. He was forced to block her again and again until she finally struck him across the chest. Matt fell to his knees and giggled out of shock. "Nyma, you're too serious."

Nyma knelt before Matt and put a hand on the side of his head. Leaning forward, she stage whispered, "Long live the queen," and shoved Matt to the ground.

Nyma stood up and bowed as the children all rushed forward to hug her. Pidge shut off Matt's music player attached to Keith's amplifier and simply shook her head. "That... that was too much for me. I can't believe they crossed that many references."

Keith clapped his hands loudly and said, "Alright, kids! That's it for today. If you'll follow Miss Margery inside, your parents should be by shortly to pick you up. Please help me thank Princess Allura, Shiro, Matt, and Nyma for their wonderful help today."

Keith started clapping and the kids joined in. More than half of them gave hugs before running after the staff members. Lotor smiled adoringly at Keith and he asked, "What?"

Lotor shook his head innocently. "Oh, nothing. Just thinking about when we'll adopt one of those how incredible you're going to be as a father."

Keith blushed and Lotor pulled him to his chest. They put their foreheads together then kissed quickly. Lunch was a loud production as everyone spoke about what they'd done during the festival. Near the end, Krolia pulled Keith aside and asked, "Are you ready for the hunt?" Keith nodded, equal parts nerves and excitement. She pulled him close and kissed his forehead. "Then let us prepare."

Keith watched as the flying barges carrying the guests who would watch the hunt took off from the dock. His small hunting party circled a section of the forest where the roen stag had last been spotted. He triple checked the flitch bow and steadied his airborne mount as the barges created a strong thermal that their animals rose with. Keith leaned over Qrotip's wing and beamed down at Lotor and the others. He desperately wanted to break formation and show off, but then they might lose their advantage.

No other hunting parties had picked up on the stag's trail. Krolia lifted her bow and signaled them to move. Keith kicked Qrotip to dive behind the others and they disappeared under the treetops. Their animals alternated running on land and jumping with wings outspread to cross the distance. Keith paid close attention to his animal's instincts and reacted with lightning speed to keep his seat.

Then he saw it, the roen stag. It was like a moose and an elk had a lovechild that was 'roided out. It's hooves thundered as it crashed through the underbrush. It lowered its massive antlers and knocked a tree down as if it were a twig. Their prey was easily ten times larger than their mounts. A moment of fear struck Keith as he realized the full extent of what they were trying to do. Then Krolia whooped and raised her bow and his fear left. They were a team and they could take down the animal.

Krolia took aim in the saddle and fired an arrow. It sank into the stag's shoulder and it fell forward with a high pitched cry. When it stood back up, it limped on its front leg. Keith fired his bow and his arrow stuck in the animal's neck near the jugular. blood dripped in a continuous flow, but the animal was far from beaten.

The other two members of the team circled around with their spears. The stag lowered its horns and backed up trying to keep them all in sight. The woman stabbed and drew its attention. Keith saw his moment and leapt forward off his mount. He drew his knife and slammed it into the stag's neck.

The stag bucked and threw him off. Krolia shouted after him, but he simply rolled and whistled to Qrotip before mounting at a run. The stag kept bucking and slammed into the male with the spear. The antler stabbed through his halliaballus and into his chest. The galra screamed. Then the stag tossed its head and the rider and mount were thrown to the side. The female with the spear shouted to their fallen team mate.

Krolia screamed and fired into the stag's neck repeatedly until the animal collapsed. Keith dropped to the ground and ran to their fallen comrade. He was still alive! Keith looked at the gaping wound unsure what to do. His first aid training didn't cover anything this bad. He needed help.

Then he heard it, faintly in the back of his mind. The lions. They spoke to him and he listened as time seemed to slow down. He looked over at the roen stag as its dying breaths moved the grass. He focused on the galra beneath him and closed his eyes.

Allura lowered her spyglass and gasped as light filled the clearing where Keith's hunting party had taken down the roen stag. "Keith... he's channeling quintessence!"

The trees stopped moving completely despite the wind of their barge, then they all bent toward Keith before being thrown the opposite direction. When the light faded, Keith was unconscious beside the galra they'd seen the roen stag impale. The galra slowly sat up and felt his chest over and Krolia slid on her knees to her son's side. She quickly checked his pulse then picked him up and carried him to her animal. The previously wounded galra calmed Keith's mount and followed his party members as they flew to the barge.

Krolia slid off and cradled Keith gently in her arms as she went to the infirmary. She explained, "He's alive."

Allura followed along with her and sat near his head as Lotor called the hunt to an end. Shiro ducked in then as well and asked, "He can really do that? Channel quintessence like you do?"

Krolia and Allura held eye contact, but didn't need to answer. Everyone had seen it. The only question remained would Keith remember doing it.

The ship was dark, but that was the way he liked it. He felt that it kept his crew on edge and predatory, like the galra they were. His first officer announced, "Sir, there's an incoming message."

He growled between his teeth as the image of Zarkon's witch filled the screen. He saw no reason to salute her and made no notion to do as much. Her face was obscured by her hood. He'd always hated that about her. He preferred to meet the eyes of those he dealt with. At the very least to feel satisfaction when he killed them for double-crossing him.

The witch simply said, "There's been a change of plans. When you reach Lethua, bring me the boy instead of killing him. It seems he may be of use to us."

Seriously, do not sue me for these references, Disney!