“Hard times you had before you    I knew when I first saw you…    So leave it all behind you    It took so long to find you    I know that we can last forever    Ever and more, more, oh    Don’t cry now that I’ve found you…”    Asia – Don’t Cry

   King Zarkon was sitting on his throne ranting and cursing while Commander Yurak and Hagar the witch were kneeling at the base of the stairs that led to the throne. He couldn’t understand why his robeasts and his army weren’t able to decimate planet Arus and bring Princess Allura to her knees once and for all.

   “Yurak! You let those space explorers formed that blasted robot once again!”.

   “Sire – my fleet will take care of Voltron without HER magic” he said while glaring at Hagar.

   “That’s what you said last time, and you failed miserably!”.

   “But sire – how was I suppose to know that they had a hidden castle with the latest technology and all those weapons. Even that little bitch princess Allura attacked my destroyer!”.

   “Excuses! Excuses! I’m getting tire of your incompetence!”.

   Hagar couldn’t help but laugh at old poor Yurak. Zarkon noticed her reaction and frowned.

   “Hagar - I want Voltron destroyed. You managed to separated him in five units, but he has returned more powerful than ever!!!” he spat. “Your highness – I have a plan so vile that you’re going to love it!” she cackled. “Oh really?” he sneered. “Yes sire – I’ve seen in my crystal ball that princess Allura has revealed the secret of Voltron to those meddling space explorers. We haven’t been able to recapture them, but if I manage to take away just ONE of them, they will NOT be able to form Voltron”. Zarkon glared down at her.  “And how are you going to do that?” he spat.

   “I’ll use my special assistant, he’s so reliable and so vicious” she said. He rose up from his throne. “Very well, but I want results…is that CLEAR?”. She nodded. “Don’t worry your highness…Voltron will not bother you again”. Zarkon then turned his attention to the bumbling commander. “Yurak! You will go to Arus and wait for Hagar’s robeast. You’re going to use it to destroy the castle”. Yurak bowed to him. “Yes sire”.

   Hagar and her cat Coba left the castle and headed for a field covered with the remains of her robeasts. “Where’s my evil assistant?” she asked. Suddenly she heard a growl…she turned around and cackled. “There you are my blue beast, come…we’re going to Arus. We’re going to hunt a space explorer for sire. It’s going to be short trip, Arus is just ten million light years away…hehehe”.

CHAPTER 2
Meanwhile back in Arus…

    Keith, Lance, Pidge and Hunk had gone to the villages to ask the people to cooperate with them in the reconstruction of Arus. Sven had decided to stay in the castle and watch out for Zarkon and his cronies. But he had another reason for staying…he wanted to speak to Allura about her cousin Romelle.

   Princess Allura was in one of the castle’s warehouses making an inventory of the food. She and the boys were going to take it to the village of Leona for its distribution tomorrow morning.

   Sven walked in. “Princess – do you need help?”. She turned around and smiled. “Yes. Could you please move those bags of rice over there, near the door”. He nodded. “Of course”. “Meanwhile I’ll write some ID tags for these boxes of powder milk”. He grabbed the bags of rice with ease and put them near the door. “I suppose you would preferred Keith’s help instead of mine”.

   She placed the tags on the boxes. “He wanted to stay, but I convinced him that as future ruler of Arus, he has to introduce himself to the villagers to gain their thrust. I’m sure he’s going to be a wonderful king, because he’s intelligent, generous and fair”.

   He smiled softly at her and said, “You really love him, don’t you?”. She smiled tentatively and a dash of pink stained her cheeks. “Yes, very much”. She then placed her notepad on the table and said, “Sven – did you leave a girlfriend back home?”. He widened his eyes slightly. “No. I have had a few girlfriends in the past, but they couldn’t or wouldn’t understand that my career is very important to me”.

   “What about that redhead I saw you with in the New Year’s party?”. He smiled sheepishly. “All I can say is that she was a great dancer” he said while picking up an apple from a basket.

   “Sven – someday you’re going to find the right woman”. ~Maybe I’ve already have~ he whispered to himself.

   He then leaned on the wall. “Princess - please tell me more about your cousin princess Romelle” he said while juggling the apple. “I think I‘ve already told you everything about her. Let’s see…she knows how to handle a dagger, she even taught me how to use it”.

   “Self defense – that’s good” he said.

   “She’s so brave and she never gives up”. “You’re brave too. You proved it in our last battle with Yurak. You hit his

   destroyer with the laser guns”.

   “I did it for father. And you know what? It felt good to be part of the team”.

   “Have you ever thought of becoming a member of the Voltron Force?”.

   “Romelle and I used to talk about that. My cousin Avok gave us a few flying lessons, but that was so long ago”.  She sighed deeply. “I missed her so much, the last time I saw her was about three years ago, when Avok had that fight with father. My uncle Cova and Avok won’t let me talk to her or even send her messages”.

   “Don’t worry princess. Someday they’ll understand that they’re just pawns in Zarkon’s evil plans of conquest”. She gazed at him and smiled. “I hope so Sven, because I want to see her again so I can introduce you to her”. He lowered his eyes and blushed. “I don’t think I’m going to have the same luck as Keith”. She quirked an eyebrow. “Hmmm I don’t know…when she saw you in Terra in the New Year’s Party wearing your white uniform, she was quite impressed”. “Was she?” he gasped. “Yes. I think you’re going to like her”. He chuckled softly. “If she’s anything like you, there isn’t any doubt”.

   “Sven – I want to give you something before Keith and the guys return” she said in a conspiratorial tone. “What is it?” he asked while returning the apple to the basket. She extended her hand to him. She was wearing a golden ring. “About five years ago, I went to visit Romelle in Pollux. I was rummaging through her jewelry case and found this ring. I liked it so much that she gave it to me. But now I want you to have it”.

   “No princess – I can’t” he shook his head in denial. She took off the ring and walked up to him. “Shhh…please take it”. He hesitated for a few moments but then he reached for the ring and noticed that it had an inscription “Romelle 04-03-91”. He smiled softly and said, “It’s beautiful”. He was immensely pleased with her gift. Allura beamed with delight. Her conversations about Romelle had worked its magic, you could see in his dark eyes that he had strong feelings for the Polluxian princess. She reached into her pocket and took out a golden chain. “And I want you to have this golden chain. You can put the ring on it”.

   “But princess - I don’t have anything for you”. She smiled warmly at him. “I have your friendship and that’s good enough for me”. He smiled back at her. “Thank you”.

   “I’m glad you liked my gift. Please put it on”. He placed the chain around his neck and hid it under his collar. He didn’t want to explain to his friends about the significance of this ring. Sven’s communicator blipped, he reached for it and pressed the transmit button.

   “Sven here”.

   “Sven - where are you?” Keith asked.

   “I’m with the princess. I’m helping her with the inventory” he replied while gazing at Allura.

   “We need you in the control room. Coran asked us to check the castle’s security. It won’t take long”.

   “All right. I’m coming”.

   He turned off the communication device and smiled at the princess. He reached for her hand and kissed it. “Thank you for everything”. She winked at him. “It will be our little secret”. He chuckled. “If they ever found out about this, they would never leave me alone…especially Lance”. She nodded.

   “I know”. He released her hand and said, “I’ll see you later”. She nodded.

   “Ok Sven”.  She saw him leave the warehouse, and a playful smile appeared on her lovely face. ~Romelle was right, he’s very handsome. She didn’t care about the accent, but I think it makes him more attractive. Oh cousin! When you finally meet him you’re going to fall in love with him. He’s already in love with you. I can’t see it in his eyes and the way he talks about you~.

CHAPTER 3
The next day…

    Allura and the Voltron Force went to the village of Leona. The princess had brought a carriage filled with fruit, bread, rice, wheat, beans, milk and meat for her people, but they were afraid to come out. She stood behind the carriage, while the VF leaned on a wall keeping a close watch. Hunk shook his head. “We have all this great food and nobody wants it” he said. Sven leaned his head on the wall and closed his eyes. “They feel safe in their caves” he said. Keith glanced at him. “They will come out Sven. We must advertise” he said. Pidge smiled. “We’ll invite them to come” he said.

   Hunk, Pidge and Lance went to the forest to talk to the villagers, but they wouldn’t come to the village for fear of another attack. “The princess is going to be very disappointed” Lance said. “Let’s go back to the village and try again” Hunk said. They stood on the middle of the empty street when they saw a boy. They smiled at him. “Hi! My name is Pidge. What‘s your name?”. The little kid smiled nervously. “My name is Sebastian”.

   “Sebastian - the princess has brought food for you and your family, please join us in the celebration”. Pidge said. The boy then turned to his left and waved at someone, moments later a woman and another child came out. Little by little, the people started to come out from the ruins. Allura clapped her hands and laughed. “There’s food for everyone!” she said, delighted.

   A boy was sitting on the floor, eating a red apple. Sven walked up to him and then lowered down onto his haunches. “Are you enjoying that apple little one?” he asked with a smile on his face. The boy nodded. “Yes”. Sven then turned to Keith. “Not so long ago, they only had bread and water”. Keith smiled. “That’s right”.

   The people were on line waiting for their turn, when an older woman walked up to the princess. “Your highness – you’re as kind as your father. Thank you for sharing this food with us”. She then knelt down in front of her and kissed her hand. Allura smiled softly. “Thank you” she whispered. Keith and Sven smiled at their exchange. The princess loved her people as much as they loved her. But someone else was enjoying that touching moment…Hagar.

   “Look my evil pet” she said to her cat Coba, “There’s the Voltron Force. Go now, and bring me one of them” she cackled.

   Chidder, our favorite blue mouse, was perched on Pidge’s shoulder, when it saw the cat and started squeaking. “What’s wrong Chidder?” Pidge asked. Lance turned around and saw Coba. “LOOK!” he yelled. Pidge glanced at the cat and winced. “A blue cat! That one belongs to Hagar!” he said. Lance quirked an eyebrow and said, “Pidge be careful, she must be nearby!”.

   Sven turned around and winced. The cat hissed at him and then ran away. “I’M GOING TO LOOK FOR HER!” Lance said, dashing off. “DON’T GO ALONE!” Sven called back and went after him. Keith saw them leave and then turned to Pidge and Hunk and said, “We’ll stay here with the princess while they investigate”. Pidge and Hunk nodded. “Ok Captain!” they replied in unison.

CHAPTER 4

   Lance followed the cat to an empty street. He looked in both directions…”Where’s that stupid cat?”. “AHA!” Hagar yelled and lifted her staff and released a magic net that trapped him. Lance tried to free himself. “YOUR MAGIC ISN’T GOING TO WORK ON ME…YOU MISERABLE HAG!” he yelled. “We’ll see…foolish little boy!” she replied. The net was draining Lance’s strength. He managed to pull out his laser gun from his jacket, but he was too weak to use it and dropped it. “I can’t believe this” he gasped. Suddenly, Sven came out of nowhere with a sword and cut the net. Lance came crashing to the ground. “THANKS!” he yelled. Sven glared at the witch. “LANCE – GO FOR HELP! I’LL KEEP HER BUSY!” he shouted. “RIGHT!” he replied and ran back to the village. Hagar cackled, “It doesn’t matter you will do just fine”.

   Sven narrowed his eyes at her. “You’re not in your domains witch. Now I’m going to show some of my magic” he said and rushed forward at her with his sword. But Hagar raised her staff once again and attacked him with a white fire. Sven growled and covered his eyes. “YOU CAN’T STOP ME!” she yelled and then began replicating herself. Sven gasped. Her replicates surrounded him in a matter of seconds. He clenched his left fist and shook his head. “Which one is the real one?” he asked to himself. She laughed at him, “Accept it my dear boy…my magic is better that yours” she taunted.

   He started trembling and closed his eyes. “I must concentrate” he whispered. He made the sign of the cross…and something amazing happened. His body was engulfed by some kind of energy and his face turned white. Without opening his eyes, he raised his sword and ran towards her. “I CAN SENSE WHERE YOU’RE - EVIL WITCH!” he bellowed. Her spell waas broken and she stood there in front of him. Hagar was startled by Sven’s response but managed to stop his sword with her staff in the nick of time. The blue cat then jumped him and scratched his neck. Sven yelled and tried to free himself from its grasp. But then Hagar’s monster came from behind and hit him with such force, he released his sword and it buried itself in the ground. Sven dropped to his knees, and then fell face down. Hagar released a hideous laughter. “KILL HIM!” she ordered. The robeast growled in response and raised his claw at our fallen hero. Sven forced himself to move to face his attacker. He widened his eyes and he released a desperate scream. The evil sorceress stood there petting her cat, while the robeast beat the life out of Sven. ”That’s enough! Let’s go, Yurak is waiting for us in the desert” she said.

   Keith frowned. “What? Sven is fighting with Hagar?” he said. Lance nodded. “Yes!”. Keith then turned to Pidge and Hunk. “Hunk! Pidge! Take the princess back to the castle and protect her with your lives!”. “Right skipper!” Hunk shouted and grabbed Allura’s hand. “Time to go princess!” he said. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Hagar is here and Sven is alone with her. We’re going to look for them” Keith said. She widened her eyes. “Please be careful”. He nodded. “We will princess” and they hurried off. They found Sven sprawled out on the ground, and a sinking feeling overwhelmed them. They ran to him and knelt down around him. He was laying face down. Keith turned him around and gasped. His face was covered with blood.

   “SVEN! PLEASE OPEN YOUR EYES!” Keith exclaimed. “Are you badly hurt?” Lance asked hesitantly. Sven’s eyelids fluttered. “Yes…Hagar has a new monster. You have to stop it” he began and swallowed convulsively. “I’m sorry…I can’t help you form Voltron”. Tears were running down their cheeks. “We’ll take you to Ebb, they have good doctors” Keith said with a broken voice. Sven groaned. “Please take me there…quickly” he whispered loudly.

   “SVEN – THIS IS ALL MY FAULT!” Lance cried. “No Lance”, he gasped and arched his back, “God! My back!” he said raggedly and then lost consciousness. Keith removed his hand from Sven’s back. It was covered with blood. Lance turned pale and gasped, “IS HE DEAD?”. Keith checked his pulse and shook his head, “No, he just fainted. Tell Pidge to page Dr. Gorma”. Lance just gazed at his fallen comrade. Keith grabbed his arm and shook him violently. “LANCE! SNAP OUT OF IT!”. Lance nodded. “Uh huh” he mumbled and took out his communicator from his pocket.

CHAPTER 5

    Keith and Lance took Sven back to the castle. Lance was inconsolable. He blamed himself for this. He shouldn’t have listen to Sven. He should’ve stayed with him and fight that evil witch. Keith, Allura and the rest managed to calm him down. They assured him that Sven was going to be all right. They were in the hallway of the Medical wing. Dr. Gorma came out of Sven’s room. Keith and Lance stood up and walked up to him. “How’s Sven?” Lance asked shakily, afraid to hear the answer. The doctor grimaced. “There’s some internal damage, mainly in his lungs. The robeast stabbed him in the back several times. Fortunately there’s no damage in his spinal cord. We had managed to stabilize him. He’ll be transfer to planet Ebb in half an hour”. Allura gasped and covered her mouth, and tears came running down her cheeks. Lance slumped wearily on his chair and closed his eyes. “Oh my God! This is all my fault!” he said. Hunk placed a hand on Lance’s shoulder. “Don’t say that Lance…Sven’s gonna be fine, you’ll see” he said. Keith’s communicator blipped. “Keith here” he said tightly.

   “Keith! Yurak and his fleet are preparing for an attack” Coran said.

   Hunk frowned. “They know we don’t have Sven to help us…bastards!” he spat. “We’re on our way Coran. Keith out” he replied and shoved the communicator into his pocket. He then turned to his teammates. “Let’s go to the lions!” he ordered. Lance remained seated. He didn’t feel like fighting. Keith turned to him. “Lance – are you coming?” he asked. Lance shook his head. “No I can’t…I don’t deserve to be part of the team” he said. Allura reached for his hand and said, “Lance – do it for Sven”. He looked at her pleading eyes and felt ashamed. “Ok princess” he sighed. “We’ll show them not to mess with us!” Pidge said. Lance stood up and clenched his fist. “They’re gonna pay dearly for this!” he hissed. Dr. Gorma and Allura saw them leave and then he said, “Your highness – Commander Asbjörnsen wants to talk to you”. She nodded slowly. “All right”. She rose up from her seat and wiped her tears away.

   She entered the room and saw her friend and confidant on that white bed fighting for dear life, and her heart broke in two. She walked up next to his bed. She placed a hand over his. “Sven – it’s me…Allura” she whispered. He opened his eyes and a faint smile appeared on his face. “Princess – I wanted to say goodbye”. She smiled softly. “Sven – you’re going to be fine. Planet Ebb has the best medical attention. Everything is going to be Ok”. He closed his eyes briefly and released a groan. “Princess – I have failed you…I’m sorry”. She shook her head. “That’s not true Sven. You faced Hagar and her monster to protect us. You were very brave”.

   “Princess – I want to ask you…a favor”.

   “What is it?”.

   “You have to…take my place…in Blue lion”. She widened her eyes. “No – I can’t do that”. He swallowed hard. “If you don’t it…Arus will be…at Zarkon’s mercy again”.

   “But Sven…”.

   He clenched his jaw. “You have a duty…to protect your people. Promise me…that you’re going do it”. She hesitated for a few moments. Would she be able to handle it? Would they accept her? She then glanced at Sven.  ~I have to do it for him~ she thought while stroking back a strand of hair that covered his brow. “I promise. I’ll fly Blue lion while you’re recuperating on Ebb”. He swallowed convulsively. “Thank you princess”. She caressed his cheek and said, “But you have to promise me that you are going to get better. We need you here”. He nodded slowly. “I promise”. “Where’s the key?” she asked. “It’s in my tunic…it’s right over there on the table” he replied and closed his eyes. She turned around and saw his navy blue tunic with white trimmings and the golden chain, covered with blood. She winced slightly and with a trembling hand reached for the piece of clothing. She searched in its pockets and found the key to Blue lion. “Here it is” she said, her voice just a whisper as tears threatened. He opened his eyes briefly. “Take it…and don’t be afraid…Keith and the rest will help you”. She sighed deeply. “I don’t know how are they going to take this…especially Keith”.

   He placed his hand on his neck. “Where’s my chain?” he asked. “Right here” she said. “Please help me put it on”. She cleaned the golden chain with a white towel and then gently placed the chain around his neck. It was at that moment that Dr. Gorma and his staff entered the room to prepare Sven for his transfer to planet Ebb. “Commander – it’s time” he said. Sven nodded slowly. “I’m ready”. Allura kissed Sven on the cheek. “Goodbye Sven, and come back soon” she said with tears in her eyes. He managed to smile again. “I will your highness…goodbye”.

To Part Two

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