What if the reason why Sabre had a blindfold was not to hide his eyes, but to protect himself from others?

In this AU, Sabre is part of a species known as "Iridescents", a race known for their eyes. That is because their eyes were a source of magical power for them, and that power can be transferred if someone has their eyes. However, do you know about that saying that goes "The eyes are windows to the soul"? Unfortunately for the Iridescents, that saying is quite literal. Their eyes are connected to their souls, so if you take their eyes, they die.

The Iridescents and Steves have a history. Soon after first contact very long ago, the thing about their eyes being a power source was found out, and all heck broke loose. Iridescents were hunted nonstop, Steves taking their eyes and becoming more powerful with them. Many powerful being rose from that ordeal, having the Iridescents' power combined with theirs. However, everything must come to and end. The Iridescents were hunted to near extinction, and the Steves realized that a little too late. Now, the populations of Iridescents were reduced to double digits.

In an effort to at least try to undo their wrongs, the Leaders (SL's ones) joined together and declared that Iridescents were now protected, and no more of their blood shall be spilled for the sake of power. Under no circumstance shall harm come to an Iridescent, should another ever be found. Almost everyone, even villains, followed this rule. Only the crazy would not. As time went on, the hope that Iridescents were still alive diminished, everyone feeling the guilt from their ancestors' mistakes.

In the time of RQ, Sabre appears in the world, having been dragged there by Void (who didn't know he was an Iridescent, and Sabre didn't know about the Iridescent Protection rule). Being taken in by Orange after Red died, and after being introduced to the Village, the Orange Village discovers that Sabre is an Iridescent. At first fearing for his life, Sabre is soon explained the ancient rule that past Leaders made after realizing their mistakes.

Sabre is protected by the Orange Steves dearly, as they both want to help their new friend and protect what they might know as the last of the Iridescents. It was the village secret, almost. Many villains came along, never finding out... except Rainbow Red. Being the stalker he is, he found out both their secrets; Rainbow is Orange Steve, and Sabre is an Iridescent. And we all know Rainbow Red... he's one crazy guy. He had made many attempts to both kill Rainbow and take Sabre's eyes after being turned into Reverse, but never succeeded.

Then, we have the situation with Professor Red later in the series. After being captured by him, Sabre could do nothing to stop Professor Red from seeing what he truly was. However, after he took away the blindfold, the Professor stops. He had seen the horrors of what happened to the Iridescents all those years ago, and was there when the rule was made. Seeing an Iridescent again made the Professor willingly get M to the lab, and he shows him the new Iridescent. He's very surprised to know that M and Sabre already know each other. Even the Red Leader, who followed M to the lab, is kind to the Iridescent (y'know, before he's turned into Hypno). Soon, the Red Kingdom knows about the potential last Iridescent as well.

I hope you guys like this AU idea! Here's what Sabre's eyes look like in this AU, by the way: