Shidge
Mulan AU
Let's get down to business.

"Ugh, no- no! That's not- okay, there we go..."

Katie sat crosslegged on her bed, her long hair tumbling over her shoulders and down her back as she wrote in pen on her arm.

"Katie! You need to go!"

She gasped. "Shit!" She yelped, flinging herself off and darting out of her room. "Barkley! Barkley, Bark- oh, there you are!"

The dog raised his head and panted, wagging his tail. Katie pet his head. "Do my chores, will you?"

Barkley tilted his head, then froze as a bone was suddenly dangling in front of him.

"Thanks, Barkley!" Katie shouted as she bolted towards the stables. Once she got there, she leapt over the stall door instead of opening it. "Time to go to town, Rover!"

~

The chestnut stallion whinnied as he skidded to a halt, his rider leaping off of him. "I'm here!" Katie yelped, stumbling up to the porch.

Her mother glared at her. "You're late."

"Mama!" Katie groaned as her mother grabbed her wrist and dragged her inside. "I'm sorry! I tried-"

"Ugh, you're disgusting! What'd you do- roll in Rover's stall?"

"Ew, no! ... I fell in Rover's stall."

Colleen groaned, rolling her eyes. She dragged Katie into a back room where Katie's grandmother waited.

Grandmother waved her arms. "Clothes! Take your clothes off!"

"What!?"

"Bath- Get in the bath, Katherine Holt!" The older woman shouted, fumbling with different soaps.

"Ah- but I-"

Colleen grabbed her daughter's arm again and pulled on her sleeve. "Katie! You really couldn't bother yourself to memorize like I've told you to for the passed month?"

Katie grinned sheepishly, then yelped as her mother yanked her shirt off over her head. "Mom!"

"Get in the bath! Shave and clean yourself!"

"But, mama, it's cold!"

"It was warm when you should have been here!"

~

Katie whined as her hair was tugged and her mother pinched her face to hold her still while applying makeup. "Mama, I don't-"

"Sh, shut up. You'll ruin my work and mess up your grandmother's." Colleen scowled, turning Katie's head. "We're almost done."

There was a knock on the door, then Katie's aunt peeked into the room. "It's time to go."

Katie's grandmother cursed. "Mother!" Colleen yelped.

Katie shouted as a comb was forced into her hair and scraped against her scalp. Her grandmother then scrambled around the room, then carried over a few things awkwardly. "Here!" She lay a necklace of beads over Katie's shoulders and around her neck. "Bite." She demanded, sticking an apple in Katie's mouth. Instead of waiting for the young girl to bite down, she bumped her jaw, forcing her to bite. "And lastly, for luck."

"No, no, ma-maw!" Katie whined as her grandmother held up a tiny wooden cage. "Ma-maw, that's a cricket."

"It's a good luck charm is what it is, child. Don't mess up your mother's work." She whacked the child's forehead.

"Ma-maw!" Katie yelped, then gasped as her grandmother lifted the sash to clip the cricket cage to her dress. "Ma-maw, I can't-"

"Can and will, Katherine." The old woman huffed and forced an umbrella into Katie's hands. "No go, and don't make a fool out of the Holt family name."

Katie smirked. "I would never."

~

"Get out!"

Katie bolted out of the building, the skirt of her dress gathered in her hands as the matchmaker ran after her.

"You have dishonored your family name! The woman shrieked, tearing the papers she had in hand.

"But I was just-" Katie gasped as her mother held on to her.

"But nothing!" The woman threw the shredded papers. "You may look the part of a bride, but you will never fit the part!" Katie flinched back. "I never want to see you again!"

~

The next day, Katie sluggishly moved around the house and on the farm. She slowly did her chores and didn't love on Barkley or Rover. She released the cricket and almost burned the dress she wore.

As the sun was setting, Katie sat in the orchard on the stone bench. She only glanced up as her father sat beside her.

"You know," Samuel mused as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "I'm not a mind reader."

Katie huffed, leaning on her father. "I know... I'm just... I'm angry."

"About not fitting that old hag's version of a perfect bride?" Samuel sang, making Katie giggle.

"No." Katie shuffled and rested more comfortably against her father. "I'm angry at myself for disappointing you and mom and ma-maw and Matt, and for dishonoring our family name."

Samuel hummed, kissing the top of his daughter's head. "Katie, you haven't dissapointed me. You haven't dishonored our name. You're my little girl, Katie. You'll always be that to me. You're precious and unique. You want to know something?"

"What?"

"I don't think any man is good enough for you, anyway." Katie snorted and gently nudged her father. "It's true, Katie! I don't know a single man as smart as you, as talented as you-"

"Oh, yeah, because falling up the stairs is a talent, dad."

Samuel smiled, then kissing her forehead. "I can't wait for the day you find a man that can keep pace with your busy mind."

Katie smiled. "I can't wait, either."

Her father chuckled, then they both looked up as the gong sounded.

They glanced to each other, expressions steadily becoming solemn.

~

"I can't let you go!"

"Katie, I have to go."

"No you don't-"

"It's not a choice!"

Katie flinched back, never having heard her father yell at her before.

Samuel then slumped and reached out to her. "Katie, I-"

"Fine! Go! I don't care!" Katie snapped, pivoting on her heel before storming out of the room and locking herself away in her room.

~

Once she was sure everyone was asleep, Katie snuck into her parents bedroom. She breathed deeply, then took the scroll, replacing it with a comb. "Goodbye." She murmured, then rushed out.

~

"Bad- very bad, terrible idea. How did I think this could work!?" Katie cried, tightly curling her fingers in her hair. "This is stupid! So stupid!"

Rover snorted, stomping his hoof.

Katie groaned, hands on her hips. "I know, I know... Too late, now. I just wish I had a little help figuring out how to do this-"

"Did someone say; help!?"

Katie and Rover both jumped, Katie gasped and spinning around to look for the sudden voice. "What- who was-"

"Who, you ask!? I am the great, the all powerful, the amazing-"

"It's a tiny green cat."

The creature squawked in offense and scrambled to the top of a boulder. "Excuse you! I am a lion! I am no measly household pet!"

Rover snorted, almost seeming annoyed. Katie's brows furrowed as she studied the tiny creature. "But... You're... So tiny..."

The green 'lion' bristled. "So what!? Don't mean I ain't useful and smart! Do you want my help or not!?"

"What would you help me with?"

"Anything you need help with, stupid!"

"I'm not stupid!"

"Yes you are! Now, let me help you!"

~

"No no no, not like that!"

"But you said-"

"No I did not! You look like a duck! Put your knees together, feet out, chest out, shoulders back, head high!"

"That's what I'm doing, and I feel drunk!"

"Shh! You're getting strange looks!"

"Because I'm walking like an idiot! How about I walk like a normal person?"

"No!"

"But I- oof!"

Katie blinked, then gasped and jumped back. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you-"

The man she had just bumped into tightened his grip on his blade handle. His harsh, violet gaze suddenly burned into Katie. "How?"

She gulped. "U-uhm... I-I wasn't, uh, I just-"

"Spit it out, midget!"

Katie froze up, then narrowed her eyes at him. "Look here, pretty princess-!"

"Excuse you!" He shouted, leaping at her.

The girl shrieked and scrambled back, then went wideeyed as he was lifted and wrapped in rather large arms.

"Remember what we talked about, Keith." The taller, larger man mused, tightly gripping the smaller, thrashing man. "Deep breaths. Deeper breaths, Keith."

Keith tried following the other's demands, red fading from his face. Once he was calm, the other set him down. "Whatever." He grumbled as Katie turned to rush away. "Your girly face isn't even worth it."

"Say that to my face, you limp noodle!" The green 'lion' shrieked as she pulled herself out of Katie's armor.

Katie screamed and darted away as Keith yelled and bolted after her, waving his blade wildly. "Fuck, oh fuck!" She hissed, skidding around a tent and right into someone else.

"What the- whoa! Calm down, man! I know I'm hot, but-"

"Lance! Hold that bitch!"

Katie dropped before Lance could grab her and scrambled off.

"Hey, hold up!" Lance shouted, running with Keith.

The short girl ran right into a tent, and regretted every life choice she's every made. Chickens squawked and squealed as she ran thrpugh, flapping around as they were startled. Katie pivoted and slid as she rushed through the strangely long tent, then gasped as she tumbled into someone else as she finally escaped.

Men shouted and yelped as the all toppled like dominos. Katie stood frozen as she watched, the men chasing her stopping as well just behind her.

"Oh no..." Katie breathed as some very angry men looked back in her general direction, their giant pot of food now spilled across the grass.

Regret...

~

Katie crawled under brawling men, trying to find an escape when someone suddenly bellowed a command to stop. Everyone froze.

"What is going on here!?"

"Oh, fuck! Fuck fuck fuck!" Katie hissed under her breath, the men swiftly breaking apart to make a clear path to her and point. "Shit!"

"You! What is your name!"

Katie quickly scrambled to her feet to look up at her commanding officer. She gulped, becoming entirely flushed in embarrassment and panic. "M-my name?"

"Yes, your name, soldier!"

"U-uhm-"

"Ooh, say it's Sneezy?"

"Wha- no!"

"Your name, soldier!"

"Ah, yes, my name is-"

"Lance! Say it's Lance!"

"Lance is his name."

"I didn't ask his name!"

"Oh, I had a friend named Pidge!"

"Pidge!"

"Then again, Pidge totally cheated m-"

Katie pressed her hand against the little lion's head, squishing it against her back at she looked the much taller man in the eyes. She clearly her throat and lowered her pitch. "My name is Pidge."

He stood straight, folding his arms over his broad chest. "Pidge?"

"Pidge, sir."

He held out his hand. "Scoll."

Katie blinked, then fumbled for the scroll in her pack. She hurriedly handed it to him.

The older man raised a brow as he examined the words. "Holt? I thought they only had one son."

Shit! I forgot most of the officers know my father!

"Uhm, my parents don't talk about me much... Neither does my brother... Or sister. I mostly stay at home and help with... Chores..."

He hummed, handing the scroll back. "Welcome to the battle field, Pidge." He then stepped back and held his head higher. "Thanks to our new friend, Pidge, here, no one is going anywhere or doing anything until every grain of rice is out of the grass. Training starts early tomorrow, so no slacking."

Everyone groaned and Katie shrunk as she felt the glare of a thousand furious men burning into her back.

Actually, maybe just over a hundred, but still...

~

"Rise and shine, sleeping beauty!"

Katie yelped and sat straight up, wide eyed and blinking owlishly.

The little green lion stood on her hind paws on Katie's lap, holding up a bowl of porridge. "I made you a healthy breakfast to start off your first day of training!"

The young woman slowly slouched with a scowl. "What time is it?"

"Time to get up and get ready for training. Hurry up and eat!" The lion yelped and forced a spoonful into Katie's mouth.

Katie groaned, but swallowed. "It's hot!" She whined, yelping as another spoonful was shoved into her mouth.

"Stop complaining!"

A cricket hopped into the tent, chirping.

"What do you mean, 'the soldiers are gathering?'"

"What!?" Katie shouted, jumping to her feet and scrambling her things. As she weaved through tents, Katie fixed her outfit, pulled on her shoes and pulled her short, fluffy hair up out of her face. "Fuck, damn!"

Katie skidded to a stop at the end of the semi-line formed by the other soldiers, then whined softly as she realized it was the same guy from yesterday she was standing next to.

"Oh, good morning, Pidge." Keith sneered as he leaned down only slightly to look at her. Katie groaned. "You hungry? 'Cause I prepared a knuckle sandwich for ya-" Keith pulled up his sleeve and raised his fist as Katie flinched back, then they froze as a superior shouted.

"Captain Takashi Shirogane coming through! Soldiers to attention!"

Keith huffed in annoyance, elbowing Lance as the lanky man sniggered.

Katie sighed in relief.

The Captain shrugged off his robe and Katie's breath caught. Scars littered the man's toned body. "Today, we are starting with simple exercises. Coran." Takashi held out his hand and the mustached man set a bow and an arrow in his hand. "This arrow," he pulled back on the quiver and twisted his body to face the large, protruding pole in front of them, "climb to it, retrieve it. Simple." Then he released.

Katie squinted to see passed the glare of the sun. The arrow was at the top. Shouldn't be... Too hard. Right? He said simple.

Keith huffed and puffed out his chest. "I'll go first."

Takashi hummed with a smug smile, folding his arms after setting the bow down. "Go on ahead, Kogane."

The short man approached the pole, rubbing his hands together. "Alright."

However, before he could grab the pole, Takashi held up his hand. "Wait! Before I forget," he turned to Coran, "you must carry these with you." Once he turned back around, he held up two metallic balls by their leather handles.

Keith raised a brow, but didn't question his superior as he reached out to the metal balls. However, he then yelped and nearly fell with the weight.

Everyone gasped, a few groaned. Katie physically deflated.

Keith grunted as he dragged the accessories back to the pole. He tossed them up and they linked together on the other side. Keith started ascending with grunts and huffs of effort. He gasped as he suddenly began slipping, yelping again as he collided with the ground.

Katie hid her face behind her hand. "Damn..."

~

Katie cried and flailed, grunting as she fell to the ground. Keith whistled, dropping her staff beside her. She glared, but got up without another word.

"I'm going to make men out of every... Single... One of you." Takashi's eyes stopped on Katie and she shrunk.

~

"Aim, kick, release." Takashi stated simply, stomping on the board in front of him. Three tomatoes launched into the air and he released the three arrows. Each shot through a tomato and each hit their targets on the tree.

Katie nearly let her bow and arrow slip through her fingers. Why did I ever think this was going to be easy?

~

Katie blinked as she held up a foot rather than a fish. She followed the leg down to see Keith glaring at her, although he was under water. She grinned sheepishly, slowly lowering his leg. "My bad. I'm just, I'm gonna... Go."

~

"Simple. Easy. Everyone should pass with ease. Pidge, after I demonstrate, you'll go."

Katie bit back a groan, gripping the stone she was given. Takashi held up his staff, a bucket of water balanced on his head. "Throw your stones.

Everyone hesitated, then launched all at once. Smoothly, Takashi pivoted and spun his staff, arching it out to block and deflect each and every stone.

Takashi hummed, straightening his stance. "Pidge."

Katie reluctantly dragged herself over, taking his place. She took the staff and yelped as he placed the bucket on her head. She hobbled, then nearly whimpered at the smirks on everyone else's faces. I really need to work on first impressions...

~

Katie panted, trying to keep up with everyone. She knew she should have drank that whole bowl of water. She felt so over heated. Katie could have sworn her legs were no longer there, especially when she collapsed.

"Hey, hey! Get up!" Green squeaked, nudged her while the cricket chirped.

The girl groaned, then gasped as Green and the cricket suddenly escaped into her clothes. Katie looked up as the rod with the sand-filled sacks was taken from her.

Disapointment was all Katie could see on Takashi's face as he turned and jogged away after everyone else. Katie sighed, dropping her head on her arms. "Great..."

~

"Pidge Holt."

Katie gasped and pivoted sharply. "Captain!" She scrambled to straighten herself, then froze as she noticed he was leading Rover over to her. "S-sir."

"I've packed your things." Takashi muttered and Katie clenched her jaw. She took her reigns as they were offered. "I want you to head home. You're unsuited for this war."

"Yes, sir..." She whispered, bowing her head. As he walked away, she sighed, leaning on Rover. "Man, I messed up... Huh, Rover?"

Rover nickered softly, nudging her.

Katie chuckled, then glanced up to the tall pole. She then grinned. "Sorry, Captain... I'm not giving up quite yet." Katie tugged Rover after her, Green questioning her from on top of Rover's head while the cricket chirped. Katie loosely tied the reigns around a post and rushed to the pole. Beside the pole sat the two metallic balls.

The small woman stretched out her arms and back, then popped her fingers. "This exercise will be my bitch." Katie mused, grabbing the leather straps. Taking a deep breath, she lifted the weight, grunting with effort. Katie tossed it around the pole, grinning as they linked together on the other side. "Just one foot after the other. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Keith can suck my ass."

With a firm grip on the leather, Katie pressed her foot into the pole. "As the sun rises..."

~

Katie huffed and groaned, sweat dripped down her forehead and making her grip on the leather slip. She's slid down the post dozens of times, but has been proud,of herself for not once hitting the ground like her first try. "Almost..." Katie panted.

The arrow was so close...

Murmurs and gasps came from below as she hefted herself up closer and closer until she reached the top. Katie cheered weakly, sitting at the top of the surprisingly flat top of the pole. She wiggled out the arrow and raised it above her head with a grin.

Cheers burst out from beneath her, filling Katie with a sense of pride and accomplishment and acceptance. As her chest heaved, she saw Takashi rush out of his tent in surprise. She tossed the arrow and watched the Captain jolt. He stared at the arrow a moment, then looked up.

Katie raised her chin, folding her arms over her chest. Takashi blinked owlishly, then relaxed and smiled. He gave a little salute and gestured for Katie to get down.

"Yes sir." She mused.

~

Katie raised a brow as Keith caught her staff. They stared, then he smiled slightly and held it out to her.

Katie grinned, taking the staff. "Thanks."

"No problem."

~

Fishing with bear hands became easier, shooting tomatoes and then a tree became child's play.

Running through fire arrows? Katie can do that in her sleep.

Breaking blocks with your face? Please, give her a boulder and she'll hardly have a scratch.

Running with bags of sand weighing her down? At the head of the group.

Everything was finally working out.

At least... Just a little bit.

Takaing a bath in the fucking lake was pretty fucking nasty.

"I don't see what the big issue is." Green muttered, laying on Rover's back with cricket in her paws. "None of the men are taking a bath."

"You're a fucking cat. You wouldn't understand."

"I'm not a cat!" Green hissed and Rover nickered amusedly.

Katie hummed, then dipped underwater for a moment. "Well, you're a feline that hates water. A cat."

Green growled, then lifted her head and flickered her ears. "Incoming!"

Katie squeaked and scrambled as quickly as she could to get behind the rock protruding from the water.

"I don't want to go in if it's cold."

"Come on, Hunk. It'll be fine!"

"Shut up, you two. You'll wake the entire world up if you keep this up."

Lance huffed. Katie looked around for an escape. She gasped and sunk into the water a little more as she heard Keith and Lance run into the water. Katie pressed harder against the rock, hand over her chest.

Hunk seemed to test out the water before hurling himself into the water with a cheer. Lance cackled giddily while Keith dipped himself under.

Katie peeked around the other side of the rock to where Rover stood with Green and Cricket. She glanced to the other three soldiers, then slowly begant to inch over.

"Pidge!" Lance yelped and barreled through the water towards her.

Katie whined as Lance tossed an arm around her shoulders. "Hey, Lance..." She muttered, making sure to keep her voice deep.

Lance sniggered, nudging her. "I didn't know you were in here! If I did, I woulda come sooner to hang!"

"Yeah? Well, I should go now-"

"Nah, come on, Pidge!" Lance squeezing Katie. "Stay for a while and hang with us!"

"Yeah, stay!" Hunk grinned, spashing at Keith. Keith smacked some water back.

Katie weakly smiled. "Sure... What fun..." Katie held her arm tighter over her breasts.

Keith grunted as he climbed up on the rock. "I'm still king of the fucking rock, Lance."

"Oh, yeah?" Lance smirked, holding,up his hands. "Bet you Pidge and I could finally tear you from your stony throne!"

"Guys, do we have to do this again?"

Looking up was a grave mistake. Katie nearly screamed and drowned herself, but quickly covered her eyes and bit her lip. "Okay, I'm just gonna-"

Lance grabbed Pidge. "No, come on- ah!" Lance suddenly shrieked, dropping Pidge. "Something bit me."

"I saw a snake earlier." Katie muttered, sending Lance and Hunk screaming, bolting straight for the rock Keith was on.

Katie whistled, scooping Green out of the water. Rover loped over with Katie's towel, giving her cover from the three soldiers. Katie sighed in relief, wrapping the towel around herself.

"Thanks, Green." Katie murmured, petting the soaked feline. Green huffed and nuzzled her. Katie set Green down, then ran her fingers through her damp hair. "I never want to see another naked man again." She sighed.

Cheers and screams suddenly passed her, her eyes wide.

Once they were passed and in the lake, Green chuckled. "Could have been worse. I'm just not biting anyone else."

"I'm scarred for life..."

Rover whinnied and nudged Katie.

~

Katie paused as she heard nearby arguing. She slowly made her way over to the Captains tent. Not a moment later, Takashi came storming out.

"Captain?" Katie gulped, cautiously approaching him.

Takashi looked up, then sighed. "Pidge. Hey."

She trotted over as he stopped. "Something wrong?"

"Just..." Takashi carded his fingers through his hair. "Coran is being as stressful as ever."

"Want me to hold him still while you punch him?" Katie mused, trying not to sound so girly.

Takashi chuckled. "Sounds great, but no. Coran's a great man, just a little overbearing sometimes. So, remind me why your brother never tells me about you?"

Katie blinked, then laughed nervously. "Well, I'm not... Actually their brother... I'm their cousin."

"Then you should be here for your family." Takashi crossed his arms.

"They died." Katie spat out, then looked down. "Uhm... There was a fire... I was the only one that lived... Sam and Colleen adopted me."

Takashi hummed and nodded. "That clears it up. Alright. Have you heard from any of them?"

"Ah- no. Especially not Matt... I haven't heard from him in a year."

"He's been pretty busy. I myself haven't heard from him in three months." Takashi leaned back against a tree. "I'm sorry about your family."

"It's okay... It's been a while and I've learned to cope. Still hurts a little, though." Katie offered a small smile, looking back up at the Captain.

He smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. Katie stiffened and felt a blush crawl up her neck and to her cheeks. "Call me Shiro. Your father and brother do. I'm sure your sister would as well if we'd met."

Katie's smile widened. "Okay. Thanks, Shiro. You should get some rest."

"You, too, Pidge. I'll see you bright and early for training."

As Takashi walked away, Katie touched her shoulder, biting her lip as she watched him.

"Some ones has a crush!" Green sang as she lay out on a low branch.

Katie rolled her eyes, still smiling. "Do not. Come on. Let's go to our tent. I can't wait to take off my binder."

~

Katie yawned rather loudly as she rubbed at her face. She gripped Rover's reigns as the horse huffed, trudging through the mountain snow. She jolted, heart skipping a beat as she was suddenly bumped.

"You know what I want, Pidgeroo?" Lance sighed, slinging an arm over her shoulders.

"What do you want, Lance?" Katie sighed, relaxing.

Lance grinned brightly. "A girl worth fighting for." Katie blinked owlishly at the other soldier. Lance sighed happily, leaning his weight on her. "A pretty girl worth fighting all of this for. Fair skin, eyes that shine like stars... The most beautiful girl around."

Katie rolled her eyes and pushed him off of her with a smile. "I'd like to see you try and get a girl."

"What about you, Keith!?" Lance then shouted.

The red-armored soldier slowed to walk beside them. "What are you talking about?"

"Girls." Lance sang and Katie scoffed.

Keith hummed with a small nod. "Well, I'd certainly want a girl that... That would be amazed by my strength... Love my battle scars-"

"Whoa, whoa- hold up!" Hunk trotted over. "You guys are thinking impossibly."

"Oh, yeah, Hunky-buns?" Lance placed his hands on his hips and swayed. "What's your ideal girl like?"

Hunk grinned dreamily, looking up to the sky. "I don't care what she wears, what she looks like, I only care about what she cooks. Like beef, or pork! Or even chicken!"

Lance and Hunk both sighed happily while Keith and Katie both rolled their eyes.

Keith then nudged Pidge. "What about you? What do you want in a girl?"

Katie blinked in surprise, raising her shoulders and lowering her head. "A... Girl who's got... A brain? I'd like her to tell me... What's on her mind?"

Hunk looked surprised where as Keith's and Lance's expressions twisted.

"I've got a girl back home. She's unlike any other." Coran mused, adjusting the hood on his head.

Keith snorted and leaned over to Katie. "The only girl that loves him is his mom."

Katie giggled, then slapped her hand over her mouth before Keith could catch her slip up.

Lance and Hunk laughed.

Lance then leaned on Hunk with a dreamy sigh. "I wish I had a girl worth fighting for."

Katie smiled, rolling her eyes.

"She's send me off to war, and-"

Lance paused in his sentence, smoke suddenly filling the air. The small army all halted, looking forward.

Smoke rose to the clouds.

Takashi waved his arm and nudged his stallions forward. "Look for survivors!" He ordered.

Katie gulped, then tugged Rover's reigns. "Come on..."

~

Katie ended up having to pull her cloth over her nose to at least lessen the stench of smoke and burnt bodies and wood. Tears welled in her eyes, and she nearly broke down at the sight of a field of dead soldiers.

Civilians were all thrown into a single pile while the soldiers were just lain where they were slaughtered.

Takashi's jaw clenched, gaze hard as Hunk carried over a helmet. Carefully, Takashi took the helmet.

"The General..." Hunk murmured.

"Ulaz..." Takashi whispered, closing his eyes and lowering his head. "He was like a father..." He got down on his knee.

Katie slowly approached, then gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry..."

Takashi was still for a moment, then set the helmet down. He stood. The Captain looked out to the crowd of soldiers gathering closer. "We must hurry. We are now Altea's only hope."

~

Everyone trudged quietly through the snow, heads low. Some looked as if they could barely stand. Katie felt her legs going numb as she forced her way through the snow, leading Rover along with her.

Katie yelped and jumped at an abrupt explosion behind her and watched as the head of a canon shot to the sky and burst like a firework.

All soldiers were still, then shouted and jumped back as Takashi's stallion came galloping through. "What are you thinking!?"

"I didn't-"

"You could have just given away our position-"

Both Katie and Takashi gasped, Takashi jerking before he fell right out of his saddle. Katie's eyes widened at the arrow lodged in the Captain's shoulder.

"Captain-!"

"Get out of range!" Takashi shouted, scrambling to his feet and tearing the arrow out of his shoulder as more arrows hailed from above.

Soldiers screamed and shouted, horses whinnying. Rover shied back, then lurched and loped forward with Katie bolting beside him.

"Fire arrows!" Lance screamed and pointed up.

Takashi raised his head. "The canons! Save the canons!"

Katie pulled Rover to a stop as the carriage began to burn, the soldiers rushing to save as many canons as they could. Katie hurriedly unsheathed her sword and cut the binding on Rover. The stallion whinnied and reared, bolting away just before the wagon burst into flames.

Katie grunted as she rolled in the snow, groaning as her leg throbbed from the weight of her horse falling on her.

She blinked as a blur of green landed in the snow in front of her. Green swayed as she lifted herself from the powdery snow. "Oh, sure. Save the horse."

Katie grinned and shrugged, scooping up the feline and the cricket. "You're immortal. He's not."

Green huffed. "Fair, I guess..."

The girl chuckled, dashing after the other soldiers.

"It was an ambush." Takashi huffed. "They were just waiting for the perfect opportunity."

Katie lowered her head. "What do we do, Captain?"

Takashi looked up into the mountains. "They're still up there. Aim the canons!"

Soldiers rushed to get canons and lined up behind sharp rocks nearly buried beneath the snow. Katie stood back with Rover.

Takashi arched out his arm. "Fire!"

Sparks shot out over the canons and flames burst as the canons launched. Explotions littered the mountain sides. Takashi then held his hand out to Keith. "Hold the last canon."

Everyone watched in anticipation.

Katie's eyes widened as a figure appeared at the top of the ridge. "Shiro..." She whispered, placing her hand on his arm.

Takashi moved his arm, her hand sliding off. He then placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed.

Figures filled the ridge, chanting and shouting. Takashi narrowed his eyes. "Keith... Aim at Zarkon..."

"Yes, Captain." Keith shifted the canon, eyeing the figure at the front of the army.

Katie looked down at her blade she held up, then blinked. She glanced up. Or... Better yet... Katie grinned, even as Zarkon lead his army into a charge.

"Excuse me!" She sang, snatching the canon.

"Pidge!"

"Pidge, what are you doing!"

"Hey- give that back!"

Katie bolted with the canon, Green popping up from her armor. "What are you doing!?"

"Why take down just the leader when you can destroy the whole army?" Katie laughed, skidding to a halt and dropping to her knees. She hurriedly aimed the canon, then pulled out her stones. "Alright, alright, come on, come on!" Katie cracked the strones together glancing back and forth between the stones and Zarkon as he charged nearer and nearer. Sparks flew, then she cheered as the canon burst.

Zarkon gasped, yanking his steed to a stop just mere feet from Katie. He watched the trail of smoke as Katie smirked.

Zarkon growled as the snow from the mountain began to crumble and fall onto his army in an avalanche. "What have you done!?"

"I've saved Altea!" Katie retorted, leaping to her feet. She then gasped and cried as his sword swipped at her, sending her right back into the freezing snow. Rover whinnied and she looked up.

Katie scrambled to her feet and bolted for her horse. She caught his reigns and the broken strap from the wagon, then lifted herself onto his back as he reared to sharply turn right back around. "Shiro!" She shouted, reaching out to the captain as he ran straight for her.

Their hands clasped and she strained to pull him up. Instead, he was swept away by the snow.

"Takashi!" She yelped, suddenly drowning in the rushing snow.

Katie flailed, desperately clawing for the surface as Rover whinnied. She caught his reigns and pulled herself back up. Katie gasped, urging Rover to fight against the currents of the snow.

She looked over her shoulder, then yanked on the reigns. "Takashi!"

Rover forced through the snow towards Takashi. Katie managed to grab his wrist before he was swallowed up. She grunted with effort, pulling him up to lay over Rover's back. In front of her. Green clung to Katie, screeching as well as the cricket.

Katie turned Rover, glaring at the edge of the cliff they were headed straight for. She heard the other soldiers shouting and her breath quickened as they inched closer.

Suddenly, an arrow and rope flew in front of her.

"Pray, and the ancestors will deliver!" Green screamed as Katie grabbed the arrow and rope. Katie hurriedly tied the rope to Rover while simultaneously readying the bow to shoot the arrow.

Without bothering to aim, Katie shot in the general direction the arrow came from.

Katie closed her eyes, clinging to Rover and holding onto Takashi while Rover began to lose his footing.

Then they were pulled to a stop before the fell right off. They jerked as snow washed over them, but then the avalanche finally settled.

The young soldier sighed and relaxed as Rover was helped back up to steady footing. She smiled as Green nuzzled her. "You're the man, Katie... Kind of."

Katie chuckled, patting Rover's neck as Takashi began to wake.

Rover stumbled and Katie and Takashi were helped off to the ground.

"Back up, back up!"

"Give them room to breathe!"

Takashi coughed softly as he pushed himself up.

Katie crawled back slightly, panting.

"Pidge... You're insane." Katie lowered her head. "But... I owe you my life."

"Aw, gee." Katie mused as she looked back up at him. "You don't have to- ah!" Katie jerked and clutched her side.

"Pidge!"

"He's hurt!"

Katie groaned, curling in on herself.

"Pidge, hold on!"

Katie looked up, sight going in and out. "T-Taka... shi..." She breathed before everything went black.

~

Katie slowly woke as the person beside her finished wrapping her bandages. "H-how... Bad is it?" She asked weakly.

The medic hummed, patting her shoulder. "I wouldn't be sending you into battle any time soon. The wound was pretty deep and you stressed it more by saving the Captain. You're very brave."

She nodded, breathing deeply.

He stood up and exited the tent. There was a short exchange, then Takashi rushed into the tent.

Katie smiled as best she could in her weak state and pushed herself up. "Takashi..."

His eyes widened, his shoulders tensing up.

She blinked, then looked down. "Oh my G- I can explain!" Katie gasped, yanking the blanket up to cover her chest. "Takashi, I can explain!"

Takashi stood still for a moment, then pivoted and stomped out. Coran then took his place. He sneered and grabbed her wrist. Katie yelped as she was yanked up. She held the blanket tightly to herself as she was forced out of the tent.

"I knew there was something wrong with this soldier!" Coran shouted as he tossed her to the snow.

The other soldiers gasped. "What's wrong with Pidge!? He looks normal to me!"

"He isn't a man!" Katie glared at Coran. The council member raised his chin. "Tell them who you are!"

"Katherine Holt."

Katie whipped her head to looked up at Takashi. He had his back to her. "Takashi, please... Let me explain... I couldn't let my father back out into battle! If you knew him, you'd know why!"

"I do know, Katie!" Takashi snapped, pulling her sword from it's sheath on Rover. The chestnut whinnied rearing. Three soldiers restrained the stallion. "What I don't understand is why you thought this was okay!"

Katie raised her chin. "I'm not ashamed... Nor do I regret it..."

Takashi gripped the handle of her blade as he approached her. "You know the law."

"I do." Katie gripped the blanket.

They held their gaze, Katie shivering from the cold piercing through the blanket. Once Takashi stood just in front of her, Katie closed her eyes and lowered her head.

Lance and Hunk shouted as Takashi raised the sword, then everyone gasped as the blade fell into the snow.

Katie blinked, then raised her head to look at her sword. "Wha...?"

Takashi raised his chin. "I've repaid my debt." He simply murmured, then turned and stalked stiffly away. "Move out!"

Coran blinked as the soldiers stayed still. "Ah- but, Captain! You can't just leave her-"

Takashi cut him off as he leaned closer. "You heard what I said. Move out!"

The soldiers scrambled about, rushing to follow orders.

Katie curled in closer to herself with a soft sob. She glanced up as another layer of warmth was lain over her.

Lance smiled down at her. "Thanks, Pidgeroo... I'm still indebted to you."

"No you're not." She placed her hand over his on her shoulder. "Go on... Before you get in trouble, too, stupid."

The tall soldier chuckled, then placed a friendly kiss onto her cheek. Katie hummed, closing her eyes. "Go meet the princess. I'm sure she'd love you."

"Get somewhere safe and warm." Lance murmured, then hurried after the other soldiers.

Katie sighed, leaning against Rover as he lay beside her. "Good boy..."

Green crawled out of the saddlebag and onto Katie's shoulder. She nuzzled her. "I'm sorry... I should have protected you better."

"It's not your fault, Green." Katie hummed, reaching up to pet the feline. "I shouldn't have even come in the first place..."

~

Katie was woken by a soft whinny from Rover. She yawned as she sat up, tugging the blankets tighter around herself. "What is it?"

Rover nickered, nudging his rider.

Katie looked up to the mountains over snow, then gasped as she saw a short trail of Galrans stalking furiously through the snow.

"Oh, shit!" Katie hissed, scrambling to her feet and leaping onto Rover's back as her horse hefted himself to his hooves.

"What are you doing!?" Green yelped, claws burying into the blankets as Katie ties them over her bandaged chest.

"Warning everyone! What else? Come on, Rover!"

Rover whinnied, bursting into a gallop through the snow.

Green shrieked as she clung to Katie for dear life. "You stupid, you could get killed!"

Katie smirked. "I could have gotten killed every second of this past month. Really think that worries me now?"

"It worries me!"

~

Katie slowed Rover as they neared the parade. She swiveled her head, searching.

"Make way, for the heros of Altea!"

Katie twisted and melted in relief as she Saw Takashi, followed by Lance, Hunk, and Keith. All of them held their heads low.

Rover chuffed, forcing his way through the crowd to get into the pathway made for the parade.

"Pidge!" Hunk yelped as Katie slowed Rover to walk beside Takashi's stallion.

"Takashi, some Galran's survived the avalanche!" She shouted as she tried to keep Rover in pace with Kuro.

Takashi stared ahead. "They're all dead."

Katie clenched her jaw. "No. They're not. A few lived."

The Captain yanked back on his reigns, halting Kuro to shoot a glare at Katie. Katie raised her chin. "I don't want to hear anymore of your lies."

Katie flinched back, gripping her reigns. "You trust Pidge... Why can't you trust Katie?"

"Because your a foolish girl. Pidge was made out to be a great soldier." Takashi urged Kuro forward. "As far as I know, Pidge died of his battle wounds."

Katie breathed deeply, shaking. She looked down as Lance, Keith, and Hunk passed her. "Please keep your eyes out for them... I know they're here."

Lance was the only one to smile and playfully salute. "Yessir-y, ma'am!"

Katie smiled, nodding back to Keith and waving to Hunk before leading Rover back into the crowd.

~

The crowd was silenced, and Katie stopped trying to grab attention. She watched as Takashi bowed down on one knee, holding up Zarkon's blade to offer the princess.

Katie bit her lip, holding her hands over his chest. She curled her fingers into the fabric of the clothing she had grabbed on her way into the city from her pack.

A bird's cry echoed from above and Katie gasped as it swooped down and snatched the blade Takashi held. He leapt to his feet and Katie began to force her way through the crowd.

Zarkon stood on the roof, holding up his blade. The creature behind Takashi and the others burst, revealing the other Galrans that survived.

"Takashi!" Katie yelled, rushing up the stairs.

The princess yelped as she was grabbed, then thrashed as she was dragged inside.

"Princess!" Takashi shouted, rushing after them. However, he ran straight into the door as they shut and locked it. "No! Everyone, grab the statue! We have to break the door down!"

Katie hurried up the stairs as the soldiers maneuvered the statue. "Guys! That's really not going to work!" She gestured to the columns lining the palace. "I have a better idea!"

Lance grinned and released the statue, shortly followed by Hunk and Keith.

~

Katie winked, hands on her hips. "You guys look hot."

Lance swayed his hips, hands on his waist. "I claim Shakira as my name."

"The fuck kind of a name is that?" Keith sneered as he adjusted the fruits in the dress he wore.

"A sexy one. Deal with it."

"Guys, I really think we should hurry and not worry about names."

"Oh, shush, Hunky-buns. Address me as Shakira from now on."

"I like shit-face. It's kind of like Shakira."

"Is not!"

"Is too!"

"Guys! Sashes!" Katie shouted over them, holding up her own sash.

The other three blinked then smirked and whipped out their sashes. Katie grinned back, then gasped and jumped as a hand was placed on her shoulder. She looked up, then relaxed with a small smile. "Takashi."

He smiled, unclipping his cloak. "Just call me Shiro. How can I help?"

~

Katie and Takashi pressed back against the wall as the other three 'giggled' and flirted with the Galran guards.

"Galrans have no standards..." Katie muttered as Takashi chuckled. She then smacked her face as an apple fell out of Lance's dress. "Idiot didn't fix his stupid-"

She blinked as Lance dropped to the floor and knocked the Galran's feet out from under him.

Keith shouted as he pivoted and arched his leg in the air, foot meeting a Galran's face.

Katie pumped her fist. "Now, Shiro! I'm right behind you!"

Takashi nodded firmly, unsheathing his blade as he bolted for the unguarded door. Katie rushed after him, then slammed the doors shut as the other three ran in.

"The princess- we have to save the princess!" Katie ushered the three up after Takashi.

Lance cheered, holding his skirt up as he ran up the stairs, Keith stumbling as he tried to figure the dress out.

Katie yelped, ducking a sudden swing from a blade. "Shit!"

"You shall not pass the son of Zarkon!" Lotor snapped as he stepped closer.

"Shut the fuck up, bitch!" Katie sneered, swinging her leg under Lotor.

Lotor yelped and shouted as he tumbled down the stairs.

Lance sniggered as he held his hand up for a high-five. Katie grinned as she slapped his hand. "Badass!"

Katie ran the last few steps, then gestured to the princess. "Hunk!"

"On it!" Hunk skidded to a halt in front,of Princess Allura, then bowed. "Sorry for what I'm about to do, princess."

Allura gasped as she was scooped up in Hunk's arm, Lance and Keith escaping down the rope before Hunk and Allura.

"No!" Zarkon snapped, rushing to the rope.

Katie hurriedly unsheathed her sword and sliced the rope.

Zarkon yelled in his foreign language and,he leaned over for the rope. "No, no!" He growled and pushed himself up. He yanked Katie's blade out of the post and stalked towards Takashi.

Takashi tried to push himself up to his feet, glaring at Zarkon.

"You've taken away my army, and my glory!" Zarkon snapped, raising the blade.

Katie yanked off her shoe and threw it at Zarkon. Zarkon swivled around with a sneer. "It wasn't him." Katie pulled her hair back and Zarkon's eyes widened. "It was me."

"You..."

Katie grinned, then cheered as she bolted down the stairs.

Zarkon chased after her.

"What are you doing!?"

Katie grinned to Green as she locked the doors behind her. "I'm just winging it."

"Winging it is a very bad ide- oh."

Katie grinned, setting Green on the window sill. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Green smirked, tail curling. "I got you, sweetie. Come on, cricket!"

Katie yelped as the door burst into splinters behind her. She scurried, then burst into a run as Zarkon charged after her.

She gasped as he furiously swung her blade, slicing right through the columns. Katie fell as a column collapsed beside her and burst through the wall. Katie scrambled to her feet and on the column to outside.

She looked around, then pivoted as the column shook behind her.

"No where to go, mountain soldier." Zarkon growled.

Katie smirked. "Except up or down. Choices, choices." She mused, then leapt up and caught the edge of the roof. Katie hefted herself up and crawled to the very top. She pushed herself to her feet.

She pivoted, then held up her hands to inspect the firework stand across the way. Katie took a single step back, then yelped and jumped forward as the roof burst behind her.

"You need to pay for what you've done to my armies." Zarkon growled as he stalked closer, holding up both his blade and hers.

Katie reached back, then yanked the fan in her sash. She blinked, then flicked it out and held it in front of her.

Zarkon chuckled. "You seem to be out of ideas, soldier."

Katie smirked as she saw Green land on,the other end of the roof. "I wouldn't say that quite yet." She mused, holding her ground as he charged at her.

She leaned to the side, catching her blade in the fan and lashing out with her other arm. Easily and smoothly, she snatched both blade's from Zarkon's grasp. Zarkon froze up, startled.

"Ready, Green!?"

"I'm ready, baby!"

Zarkon shouted and lashed out. Katie ducked and swung her legs under him. Zarkon gasped as he collided with the roof, whipping around as he heard a thumping behind him. His own blade lodged in his cloak, pining him to the roof.

"Let a rip, Green!" Katie shouted, sliding down the side of the roof and dashed to the other side as Green and Cricket lit the firework. As the rocket-like firework burst and shot at Zarkon, Katie gripped the handle of her sword and snatched Green. "Off the roof, off the roof, get off the roof!" Katie yelped, gasping as she jumped and the entire firework stand exploded.

Green clung to Katie as she grabbed a lantern dangling from a rope. Katie grinned as her dress and hair were whipped about by the wind, then yelped as her fingers slipped.

"Watch out-" She shouted, then collided with a running body, her sword slipping from her grasp and clattering on the ground. She laughed as she rolled, the person beside her now laughing as well. Katie rolled her head to see her Captain pushing himself up, a wide grin across his face. "Takashi... We won..."

He smiled at her, offering his hand. "Yeah... We did."

They both stood, gazing into each other's eyes until they heard Coran shouting indignantly.

"Where is she!? Where is that disgraceful woman!?"

Takashi pivoted, a scowl on his face as Keith, Lance and Hunk all surrounded Katie.

"Katie is not disgraceful!"

"She broke the law!"

"She's a hero!"

"That is enough."

Everyone became silent. Katie gulped, toying with her hair as she stayed hidden behind the others.

"Your majesty, I can explain-"

Katie lowered her head as Takashi was silenced by the princess. The other three moved aside.

"Katie Holt."

Said soldier flinched, bit her lip, then stepped forward. The princess was quite beautiful. Long, snowy white hair, dark, smooth skin, bright blue eyes.

Katie bowed.

"I've heard much about you... How you stole your father's armor and blade. How you impersonated a soldier and deceived your commanding officer. You've broken the law, destroyed my palace and-" The princess paused. Katie screwed her eyes shut tightly, head low. "You have saved us all..."

Katie's eyes shot wide open and she looked up. "Princess?"

Princess Allura then smiled and bowed. Coran blinked, sputtered, then dropped to the floor in a messy, hurried bow.

Katie spun around to see her fellow soldiers and Captain bowing, hands over her chest as the crowd bowed in a wave. "I-I..."

"Coran." Katie pivoted ad the Princess spoke again. Coran scrambled to his feet and held up his writing board. "See to it that this woman receives a spot in my council.

"Ah- wait, but- Princess, the council is full! There are no spot to be filled." Coran smirked, twisting his mustache.

Allura hummed, looking back to Katie. "Alright. How about you take his job?"

Coran gasped, eyes rolling back as he fainted.

Katie smiled, then bowed slightly. "With all due respect, your majesty... I think I've been away from home long enough."

Allura smiled back. "Alright." She curled her fingers around the string of her necklace and raised it up over her head. Katie's eyes widened as the string then lay over her own shoulders, a glowing blue Balmeran crystal resting on her chest. "Take this, to show your family what you have done for me." She then turned as a palace guard handed her Zarkon's blade. "Oh... You will take this as well, to show the whole world what you have done for Altea."

Katie grinned as she took the blade carefully. "Oh, your majesty..."

Allura hummed, clasping her hands together. "I thank you for your bravery, soldier. If not by Gods or ancestors, then by me you have brought your family honor."

"Thank you, so much!" Katie tossed her arms around Allura and the Princess gasped in surprise. She then relaxed and smiled, returning the embrace.

"Is she allowed to do that?" Keith muttered and Katie smiled as she pulled away.

"I should go, now." Katie whispered, and Allura gestured to the people behind Katie.

As she turned around, Katie was engulfed by Keith and Lance, then all three were lifted by Hunk. Katie laughed, returning their embraces as much as she could while also trying not to slice her friends open with Zarkon's blade.

Once she was set down, Takashi approached her, holding up her blade. He had an awkward smile across his lips while he attempted to maintain eye contact. "You really..." Katie hummed as she took back her sword. Her heart fluttered while her stomach twisted nervously, yet giddily. "You fight good."

"Oh..." Katie's shoulders sunk as well as her smile. "Thank you..." She looked down as stepped around him to get to Rover.

Green and Cricket peeked out of the saddlebag.

Katie looked back to them as she got on Rover to see Allura approaching the Captain. Katie then leaned down and patted Rover's neck. "Let's go home, Rover."

~

Katie gulped as she stepped into the gardens.

Her father looked up and so did her brother.

She almost dropped the blade to run and embrace her brother and father, but she stopped herself. They both gasped and stood, wide eyed. Katie stopped in front of them. Before they embraced her, she dropped to her knees and bowed. "I brought the sword of Zarkon... And the Princess's crystal!"

Katie set the wrapped blade down at her father's feet and took off the necklace to place on top of the blade. "They're gifts... To honor the Holt family..."

"Katie..." Matthew murmured, and Katie nearly flinched as her father dropped to his knees in front of her.

"Katie." Samuel cupped his daughter's face and gently lead her head up to look at him. "The greatest honor is having you as my daughter."

Katie sobbed as her father drew her into an embrace. "I missed you, Katie..."

"I missed you, too, daddy..." She whimpered, burying her face in his shoulder as her brother joined in.

"You stupid... You could have gotten killed."

Katie laughed.

She heard her grandmother scoff at the gate of the gardens. "If you ask me, she shouldn't have brought home a sword. She should have brought a ma-"

"Excuse me."

Katie gasped and scampered to her feet, wiping at her face.

"Can you tell me where Katie is, Mrs. Holt?"

"Oh, uhm... In here..."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Katie ran her fingers through her hair, fixing it up when Matthew snickered. She slapped his arm, then looked up as Takashi approached them. She trotted forward to meet him, and smiled. Takashi cleared his throat. "You, uh... You left your helmet... Well, your father's helmet, but still-"

Katie giggled, taking the helmet from Takashi's hands. "Since you came all this way, would you like to at least stay for dinner?"

"Would you like to stay forever!?"

Takashi chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know... Dinner sounds great."

-----

9080 words

Too long and too late for me to go back and fix mistakes. Fuck you.