Oh, it feels good to draw.
My shoulder went out on me back on Thursday and I couldn't even draw. But Realities Collide with Witch, Please! was on the brain the entire time. And I had the idea that VF Lance should have that cowboy look I had doodled him before with the hat. And courtesy of someone in a discord server, I had to give him a bit of stubble. But with the cowboy aesthetic, I was reminded of a tumblr post I saw shared on I think facebook about cowboys and witches being alike, so my brain went "What if Lance got Katie a witch's hat?" and I went from there.
So catch these two vibing with the sunrise, drinking coffee, and enjoying some peace. Neither are really morning people and coffee doesn't actually wake them up, but it does give them some comfort and makes the morning a wee bit more tolerable.
Also.
A bonus!
Weird things happen when in the presence of a space witch. Even little mood flowers being pokable.
Anyway, I hope y'all enjoy this one!
Commissions are open and available on my Ko-fi.
Until next time!
Note: This chapter contains minor character death. It happens offscreen so to speak and isn’t described in much detail, but I figured I’d give you a heads-up just in case.
Enjoy!
“What did you say his name was again?”
“James Griffin,” Keith said, “I knew him from high school.”
Pidge sighed and wiped some sweat from her forehead, leaving a streak of flour, “I’m sorry, man. Were the two of you close?”
“Not really. I mean, I knew him, but we didn’t hang out or anything. To be honest, he was a bit of a prick back then. Still, he didn’t deserve to die the way he did.”
Pidge grabbed a carton of eggs and began cracking them into the batter she was making, “That bad, huh?”
“God, it was awful, Pidge. He was all torn up like a bear used him as a scratching post. And the smell. It was like…I can’t even describe it. Lance thinks it was some sort of venom. It was in his bloodstream and it turned Lance’s nose.”
“How’s Lance handling it, by the way?”
“Not bad. It’s not like he hasn’t seen a dead body before.”
“I guess that’s true,” Pidge wiped her hands off on her apron and knocked on the wall behind her. “Hey, Hunk?” she called, “I need a pair of strong baker’s arms to knead this bread.”
Moments later, Pidge’s boyfriend stepped through the wall, “You called?”
Keith jumped a bit.
“Sorry, sorry,” said Hunk, “I should have knocked back. You said something about kneading bread?”
Pidge nodded, “They’re part of our special on baked goods with luck spells. I’ve already mixed the ingredients and put the spell on. All you have to do is knead it for a bit and I’ll put it in the proving drawer.”
“You got it,” said Hunk. He turned toward the lump of dough, “How about it, buddy? Do you need me to knead you?”
Pidge snorted.
“What? It’s very beneficial to talk to your food.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Quiet now, I need to concentrate,” Hunk, being a ghost, could interact with physical objects, but only if his attention wasn’t taken by other things, like talking.
Pidge stepped back to let Hunk do his work, “Do the police have any leads yet?”
Keith shook his head, “I don’t think any of the guys at the station have had to investigate something like this before. The most exciting call they get is noise complaints for house parties. They might bring in a private investigator or something.”
“It’s too bad they don’t have a good scryer on the force. They’d clear this mystery up in a heartbeat.”
“Yeah…” said Keith. After a few moments of silence, he looked up, “Hey, Pidge…do you know how to scry?”
“Yeah, of course. Dad taught Matt and me how to scry when we were, like, little kids. Wait…” Pidge turned toward Keith, “Do you want me to…”
“I’m just saying, it might help the police find the lead they need. We could leave an anonymous tip, point them in the right direction. And…I don’t know, Griffin and I weren’t great to each other in life. I feel like I owe him at least this much.”
“Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try.”
“Now wait a minute,” Hunk dropped the bread dough on the counter, “Pidge, didn’t you tell me once that it was a bad idea to mess with the dead? That they could be hard to handle?”
“I handle you just fine, don’t I?”
“Yeah, but that’s because of my naturally friendly disposition.”
“Listen, if you’re nervous, then come with me. I could use your help anyway. Lance should probably come too, since he was there when you found the body.”
Keith nodded, “I’ll let him know. When are we doing this?”
“Tomorrow. At sunset, if possible. We’re gonna crack this case wide open.”
***
“Let’s get right to it, agents,” said Iverson, taking a seat at the steel table across from Shiro and Allura, “Have either of you heard of a town called New Altea?”
“No,” said Shiro, at the same time Allura said, “Yes”.
“Care to share what you know, Agent Prince?”
“My father had some friends in the area. We used to go there when I was little. It’s at a cross between two ley lines, isn’t it? So supernatural activity there is unusually high.”
“I’ll give you half credit, Agent Prince. Supernatural activity in New Altea is unusually high. But it’s not just a crossroad between two ley lines. It’s a crossroad between four ley lines.”
“Four?” said Shiro, “Is that even possible?”
“It’s rare, certainly, but not unheard of. Now that you’re familiar with the town of New Altea, I’d like you to meet one of its residents.”
Iverson picked up the small remote sitting in front of him and turned on the television screen behind him. A slideshow began playing, the first slide featuring a photo of a young Caucasian man with brown hair.
“Meet James Griffin. Twenty-three years old. Lived his whole life in New Altea. Twenty-four hours ago, he was found dead in the woods surrounding the town.”
Iverson clicked to the next slide, which featured a photo of what was obviously Griffin’s dead body. Shiro felt the sandwich he’d had for lunch churn in his stomach.
“Now,” said Iverson, “Any idea what did that to him?”
“A mountain lion?” suggested Allura.
“Not big enough.”
“A grizzly bear?” said Shiro.
“Not in this part of the country.”
“A black bear, then.”
“Black bears usually aren’t that aggressive to humans this time of year.”
“Well, what killed him then?” said Allura, “A wolf? What could possibly be big enough to do something like that?”
“Funny you should mention wolves, Agent Prince. I think it’s time you met suspect number one.”
Iverson clicked to the next slide again. Another young man’s face appeared on the screen, with dark eyes and black hair that went down to his shoulders.
“Agents, this is Keith Kogane. Mr. Kogane here is of interest to us for three reasons. First, he was present when the body was found. Second, disciplinary records show that he had a habit of getting into fights with Mr. Griffin back in high school. Third, and perhaps most interesting of all, he’s a werewolf.”
Shiro shook his head, “So you think this guy…this kid…did that to that other guy?”
“That is exactly what I think, yes.”
“Sir, with all due respect, that’s not a lot of evidence to go on.”
“I understand, but it’s the only evidence we have right now.”
“But I just don’t think it rules out the possibility of an animal attack. In order for the PBI to warrant an investigation, there has to be sufficient evidence of paranormal involvement—“
“I’m well aware of what the policy states, agent,” snapped Iverson, “Would you rather I give you a different assignment? You know the PBI’s been itching to learn more about your brother…”
Shiro’s hands clenched into fists, “No, sir.”
“Very good,” said Iverson. He reached into his briefcase and dropped two manila folders on the table, “Here’s everything we have so far on the suspect. Study up. I expect you to be on the road by tomorrow morning.”
After Iverson had left the room, Allura put a hand on Shiro’s shoulder, “He shouldn't have said that.”
“No, he’s right, I was pushing too hard.”
“Still, he shouldn’t have brought up your brother like that. He knows as well as I do that your family wants to be left alone,” she rubbed his shoulder soothingly, “Why did you push him?”
“I don’t really know. Something about this case just doesn’t sit right. I mean, look at Suspect Number One up there,” Shiro gestured toward the television, which was still displaying Keith Kogane’s face, “Does that kid look like the type of guy who would slash someone to ribbons?”
“You have a point,” said Allura, “Still, maybe things will be more clear once we get there. For now, I’d better head home.” She scooped up her folder, “Got lots of homework tonight.”
“See you tomorrow, then,” said Shiro as she walked out the door. He grabbed his own folder and pulled it toward him, flipping it open, “Well, Keith Kogane, I hope my hunch about you is right. Let’s get to know you a little better.”
(Not the best but please enjoy! Word Count: 778, Team: Green, Challenges 2 & 4. Discord: The Void#8841 >Minor Klance, also please note that everyone is over age in this fic!)
@thevoltrongames
“I can’t believe you’re wanting to drag us out to some stupid college party tonight.” Pidge huffs, straightening their oversized hat on their head, before pulling their cloak closer to themselves to help ward off the cold of the brisk October air.
“Aww Pidgey, don’t be like that. I haven’t been to a modern college party that I’ve seen in those cliche movies yet. Indulge me just this once, please.” Lance stuck out his lips in a pout. “I may be 120 years old but I’ve still got a lot of living to do!”
“With you acting like a 12 year old, I forgot how old you actually are, old man. Thanks for the reminder.” Pidge’s teasing further increased the pout on the young vampire’s face.
“At least I don’t look 12, you gremlin.”
“Why you!” Before Pidge even had the opportunity to attack Lance, they were swept up off the ground by their collar.
“There’s no need to fight you two. At least we’ll be safe tonight. The only reason why I’m saying yes to this is because it’s a halloween costume party.” Shiro gently set the young witch down, his horns almost seeming to glow under the street lamps light glow.
A loud pop and Coran’s loud laughter caused Lance to let out a soft squeak of surprise. “Oh how I love Halloween! It’s the one time of the year that we can go out as ourselves without having to be concerned about the mortals!” He tweaked his moustache, not even blinking as another short loud pop sounded.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to stretch my wings in the mortal realm. This was a brilliant idea Lance, thank you for the invitation!” Allura bounded over and wrapped him in a small, excited hug.
“See Pidge! We’re going to have a lot of fun tonight with you as our chaperone.” Lance winked, throwing his arm around their shoulders.
“Well, let's head out then. Romelle, Hunk, Matt, and Shay said that they’ll all meet us there.” The house party was only about a few blocks out, not too bad of a walk. Still, Pidge wished they could just summon their broom, Rover. “Wait, where’s your vamp boyfriend?” Pidge paused in their walking to look up at Lance.
“Keith had to grab a quick bite to eat before he could come with.” He winked down at them, laughing when they wrinkled their nose.
“Don’t worry Pidgey, it’s just that good ole’ synthetic mix you and Matt put together for us. This new batch works wonders for a quick snack. So thanks, kid.” A small smile crept onto Pidge’s lips, despite the annoyance of being called kid. Maybe this night wouldn’t be so bad after all.
The house was blaring with loud music as they stepped up to the driveway. Cars surrounded the block and costumed people seemed to be all over the property. Pidge changed their mind. Tonight was going to be horrendous. Lance could briefly smell Hunk over the smell of booze and smoke before he was swept into a hug by the happy werewolf man.
“There you guys are! People have been commenting on how cool my ears and tail are. Luckily they’re all too drunk to realize they’re real.” His deep laughter shook Pidge, as they were swooped up for the next hug.
“It’s good to see you Hunk.” Shiro seeming to visibly relax at the easiness of Hunk. If Hunk wasn’t nervous about this party, then it was a very good sign. Shay was quick to join them, waving at everyone with her own tail swishing behind her.
“Oh hey, Keith’s already inside.” Shay motions towards the house, Lance was quick to grin in return and rush to get inside of the house. “He’s going to be a handful tonight isn’t he?” She laughs.
“Let’s just say we’re lucky he’s not able to get drunk.” Shiro chuckles. “Our night would get a lot more interesting if that was the case.”
“Well, he may not be able to get drunk but I am. Which is what I’m going to do right now.” Pidge bluntly states, weaving their way into the crowd. Grabbing a drink from someone nearby was an easy task, now avoiding Matt so that he couldn’t take away their drinks was going to be a whole another affair.
“Drink Responsibly!” Coran’s voice calls after them. Pidge sticks a high thumbs up into the air in return. “Got it!” A few drinks should make this night a little more interesting. Good thing Pidge has a group of immortal friends to help them out if they were to get a little too drunk tonight.
