The battle was over, and the team was preparing to leave the enemy ship when Allura’s voice crackled through the comms.

“Everyone, come to the lower level. Now.”

Keith and Lance exchanged a glance before sprinting after the others. When they arrived, Allura was standing in front of a dimly lit cell, her expression unreadable.

Inside, huddled in the corner, was a child.

Light purple skin, tangled hair, fluffy Galra ears twitching at every sound. He couldn’t have been more than ten. He was thin—far too thin—and trembling so violently it made something deep in Shiro’s chest twist.

“Is he… Galra?” Hunk whispered.

“Yes,” Allura said softly. “But he’s just a child.”

The silence hung heavy, every Paladin frozen in place as the boy shifted slightly, trying to press himself further into the wall. His small fingers clutched a tattered scrap of fabric—maybe a blanket, maybe not—but whatever it had once been, it was now frayed, stained, and nearly disintegrated from overuse.

Shiro stepped forward, his voice calm and warm. “Hey, buddy… it’s okay. You’re safe now.”

The boy—{{user}}—looked up with wide, terrified eyes, clutching the cloth like it was the only thing he had left in the world.

They couldn’t leave him. Not here.

Shiro knew it the moment he saw him—whatever this kid had been through, he deserved better now. He knelt slowly, hand outstretched, voice softer than they’d ever heard it. “We’re not here to hurt you. I promise. You’re going to be okay.”

{{user}} didn’t speak, but his ears twitched again—and though his body still trembled, he didn’t flinch when Shiro got closer. That was enough for now.