#gridge

Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin illuminated for Pride.

So, y’know how ages ago we had fanart of the Lions as MiniLions or RoboCats?

Well...what if instead of the Lions having SpaceShenanigans or Allura and/or TeamPunk build them MiniMe’s to inhabit, they instead transferred their Souls into the Bayards?

(Aaaand...they were waiting to do so until Black and Shiro got their Bayard back, which then got postboned until Black got Shiro and the Bayard back, then delayed yet again for Shiro and Keith to finally be reunited with their Team and Black&Red respectively.)

But once everyone’s home safe&sound and flying with their Lions again?

MiniBlack is pretty skittish around Shiro and Jiro initially—all three have quite a bit of bagage to work through regarding eachother. But once they do? Black practically hovers to the point of being underfoot and clingy, unwilling to let Shiro or Jiro out of the Lion’s sight (but sleeps curled into a tight ball next to Shiro, although Black relinquishes the Bayard if either of the Twins need to use it as a prosthetic.) Black’s also the first Lion to figure out how to give MiniBlack a Warm&Fluffy! upgrade since...yeah. Paladin and Pilot both have lots of nasty nightmares, and warm, soft (synthetic) fur helps ground them back in reality again. Black’s pretty calm and content to either observe Shiro and occationally Jiro as they work or be entertained with soloplay, but will occationally get underfoot or obtrusive if either tries overworking themselves.

MiniRed is completely miffed and aloof with Keith for at least a phoeb since his return, but will come barreling out hissing or yowling if anyone DARES “threaten” him or otherwise sets him off. On more than one occation Red attacked the GladiatorBot and blatantly stole Keith’s mamora blade in a passive-aggressive attempt to keep him “safe”. Eventually Keith catches on and does stupid stunts to get Red to come near him. They finally have it out via Keith and Red flying together in private. After the air’s cleared Red tends to wander the Castle or lazily keep an eye on Keith from the other end of the room. Every once in awhile Red will roughly headbutt Keith and demand playtime and cuddles.

MiniGreen can often be found perched on Pidge’s head or shoulders, or attacking her tools and scattering spare parts. Turns out it’s less “play” and more “mimickry” as Green attempts to help buuuut...kinda just becomes a complete nuisance. Out of all the Lions, Green is the most playful and can easily be distracted away from “helping” by chasing tossed toys...or stalking the SpaceFloofs, mice, other MiniLions, or even people instead. If Green isn’t seen with Pidge the Lion’s probably causing mischief elsewhere.

MiniBlue is also initially shy around Lance, but instead of creeping around at the edges Blue tends to hover but keep or duck away just out of reach or hesitantly sniffing at Lance. Blue also tends to drop random “gifts” next to the Blue Paladin, tail curled tightly around squared up paws as the Lion slowblinks and flicks an ear while gaging Lance’s reaction. (Blue usually brings socks, sometimes the Mice or Floofs. Shiro or Keith tend to be the usual SockVictims. Keith complains LOUDLY, prompting Red to pounce on Blue. Shiro takes it in stride and just wears another pair.) Lance wins back Blue, and Blue then tends to demand bellyrubs and try and lead Lance places while jabbering in various meows and trills, to which Lance participates with equal enthusiasm.

MiniYellow’s a giant, lazy snugglebug. The Lion tends to prefer napping next to or near Hunk, often taking over his lap or portion of his workspace. Every once in a while Yellow will blatantly take over Hunk’s keyboard or toolbox, especially if Hunk hasn’t pet the Lion “enough”. But, Yellow also tends to use Takeovers to prompt Hunk out of a hyperfocus or aggressively purr away an anxiety attack. While cooking Yellow tends to perch on the counter and watch as Hunk works, occationally yowling at him in response to Hunk’s habit of thinking aloud...which then earns Yellow the position of Hunk’s favorite sounding board. (Yellow’s the first to simulate a stomach and demand scraps and treats, using the PaladinBond with Hunk to access Taste&Smell for the food. While the sensations are comandeered from Hunk, Yellow develops which ones are “favorites”, anyway. Phantom tasting&smelling weirds Hunk out at first, but he gradually rolls with it since Yellow enjoys the experience.)