CHAPTER 25
Weeks later…

Princess Romelle felt stronger. Her physical and spiritual wounds had almost healed thanks to her savior, but they would only heal completely with just one thing…with her returning to Pollux. Maybe they could escape. ~When he comes back, I’ll ask him~.

HIM…She had looked in vain for a clue about his identity. She felt a strangely pleasant sensation just thinking about him. They were companions in this strange circle of life. Could she be in love with this handsome stranger? She sighed deeply…yes…why deny it? He had won her heart with his tenderness and comforting words. Sometimes she would catch him looking at her. Maybe he had feelings for her but something was holding him back, but what?

She heard him coming and her face lit up. She smoothed her tattered blue dress and brushed back her hair. He entered the cave and couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Even in these precarious conditions, she was radiant. She turned to him. “You’re back”. He nodded. “Yes. I brought you some bread and water. Sorry I couldn’t get you anything else”. She smiled at him and said, “That’s all right. Let’s share”. They sat down on a rock and began to eat. She took a sip of water and then looked at him. “I need to ask you a favor”. He turned to her. “What is it princess?”.

“I must go back to Pollux. I’m the only one who knows the codes of our defense system. Could you take me to the surface?”. He immediately stood up. He knew this day would come. Romelle had an obligation to her planet and her people. She deserved someone who was her equal, not a failure like him. She was worth everything to him. He was going to help her, even if it meant losing her forever.

“Are you Ok?” she asked. He sighed deeply, ”Yes, I’m all right”.

She saw the grave expression on his face and said, “You could come to Pollux and start a new life”. He shook his head. “I don’t think so”. She stood up and took his arm. “You can’t stay here forever”. He gasped with hurt and frustration. “Don’t you understand? I’m just a mad man who lives in these caves”. She snatched her hand from his arm, backing away from him. She felt tears burning in her eyes. “That’s not true!” she said. He caught her hand and pulled her against him. “You must go, your planet needs you. You’ll forget about me”. Surprised by their sudden closeness, she quickly looked up into his hard face, his gaze unreadable and half hidden from her searching look. She then bowed her head and tears ran freely down her face. ~I don’t want to leave him. There has to be a way I can convince him to come with me~.

She then noticed that he was wearing a ring on a chain around his neck, and her heart fluttered like a startled dove. ~I used to have a ring like that~.

“W-who gave you this ring?” she said softly. He clenched his jaw. “It’s a family heirloom” he answered. She wiped her tears. “Let me see it”. He shook his head. “No”. She grabbed the chain and yanked it off his neck and ran away from him.

“Princess – NO!” he shouted. But she ignored him and read the inscription inside, “Romelle 04-03-91”. She frowned. It was HER ring. She gave it to Allura on her last visit to Pollux. Why does he have it? She turned to him.

“I gave my cousin Allura this ring a few years ago. Do you know her? Did she give you this ring?”. He just gazed at her…he couldn’t tell her the truth, she would never understand.

She stared at him for a few moments and then closed her eyes. The pieces of the puzzle began to fit. She found herself back in Terra, in that New Year’s party with Allura. They were checking out all the men that were in the party. She nudged her and whispered “Look Ally – isn’t he dreamy?”. She gestured to a young officer talking to a redhead. Allura gasped softly and whispered back ”He’s very handsome, but he has a funny accent”. Romelle smiled. “I think he’s Scandinavian…but who cares about the accent! He’s beautiful”. They both erupted in giggling laughter, making HIM look at them…

She opened her eyes and nearly gasped. “Now I remember! You’re the space explorer from the New Year’s party! Allura and I were looking at you and you caught us red handed!”. He widened his eyes. “That’s not true!”. She smiled at him. “You look different, your hair is longer and you’re not wearing your white uniform, but it is YOU, now I’m sure. Please you have to tell me your name”. He swallowed convulsively and turned his gaze away from her. “I – I’m Sven”.

“Sven? I’ve heard that name before”. A few months ago, she had read an intelligence report from Arus. It mentioned that Hagar had injured the pilot of Blue lion, and Allura had taken his place. His name was…his name was…SVEN!

“You’re the pilot of Blue lion!” she proclaimed while pointing a finger at him.

“You’re wrong!”.

“You don’t have to pretend anymore. Why haven’t you called your friends? They must be worried about you”.

“Princess – the Sven you’re talking about doesn’t exist anymore”.

She winced slightly. “Why do you say that?”. His eyes filled with bitter tears. “Because every time I’ve tried to help, I’ve failed miserably”.

He told her about his ordeal…his confrontation with Hagar and her blue robeast. Being forced to leave the Voltron Force because of his injuries…his slow recovery in planet Ebb. He then dropped to his knees, and let out a deep shuddering breath. “Then we were attacked by Doom forces. I tried to help, but I was captured. I felt so powerless…I c-couldn’t breath…I c-couldn’t move”. She turned away from him and tears came running down her cheeks. It hurt so much to see him like this.

“When we were on our way to Doom, the slaves and I escaped from the cell. I was about to enter the transmission room, when Cossack caught me and he took me to see Lotor”. She felt shivers down her spine at the mention of that hateful name. “Lotor!” she gasped. “He wanted me to submit, but I wouldn’t do it. He then took drastic measures. He ordered Cossack to bring a female slave, to force me to conform to his wishes. It was my nurse…Cynthia. She was so frightened. I tried to stop him, but he killed her with his lazon sword. I…I will never forget her eyes” he gasped.

He hung his head. “I went after him but he swiped me with his sword. When we arrived at Doom, his guards threw me into the pit of skulls”. She wiped her tears. “Sven you have to stop blaming yourself, it wasn’t your fault”. Sven’s eyes snapped angrily at her, knowing she was right, but still he couldn’t forgive himself. He clenched his hands into fists. “That doesn’t matter anymore, I have accepted my fate. I’ll never be the man I used to be”. She knelt down in front of him and placed a hand on his cheek. “Your penance has been greater than your so called faults. You have to forgive yourself. Don’t think of all that’s been before…leave it all behind you”.

He shuddered against her hand, sensitive to her tentative fleeting caress. ~She’s the one who has suffered the most at the hands of evil, and here she is trying to give me strength. My God! I don’t deserve her!~.

“I…I don’t think I can’t do it” he said. She smiled softly at him. “I’ll help you. I know you’re still that brave space explorer, otherwise you wouldn’t have rescued me”. Sven reached up to cup her face in his hands, staring deeply into her dark blue eyes. A certain yearning swept through her body at his tender touch. ~Romelle – you’re my only reason of living. I wish I could tell you how much I love you~. “Thank you Princess” he sighed, reluctant to let go of her lingering warmth, then he set her away from him, letting out a deep breath.

The Princess, still affected by Sven’s closeness, unconsciously caressed the chain and then realized that he hadn’t answered her question, why did he have the ring? Romelle looked up into Sven’s face, questioning, but his expression revealed nothing. She then turned her gaze back to the ring. Maybe Allura was trying to tell her something…could it be that Sven had feelings for her?

“Princess?”.

She glanced back at him. “W-what?”. Sven offered his hand to her. “Let’s go to the surface”. She placed her hand on his and stood back up. “Yes, we must call our friends, but before we go, I want to give you back the ring”. He reached for it and placed the chain over his head. They looked at each other, and then he said, “I’ll take care good care of it”. The sound of his voice and the intensity in his eyes made her heart swell with warmth. “I know” she whispered.

INTERLUDE 4

Sven and Romelle left the caves and reached the surface. “I still have my communicator, I hope it still works” he said. She nodded. “It will, don’t worry”. He inhaled sharply. “Here goes nothing”. He held the communicator and pressed the transmit button…

Back in Arus…

Coran, Bandor and the Voltron Force were in the control room checking the latest reports from the nearby villages. “The villagers have rebuilt their homes once again” Coran said. Hunk frowned. “Lotor and his cronies did a great number on them. But one day his luck will run out, I’m sure of it” he sneered. Bandor winced. “I only want to know if my sister is Ok”. Allura placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sure she’s all right, she’s a fighter” she said trying to convince her cousin and herself.

“There’s an incoming message from Doom” Coran said. “Must be one of our spies” Keith said and then punched a button to open the channel.

“Central Control – are you there? This is N14M08K0…please receive this message…I request clearance for Princess Romelle…we need your help”.

The moment they heard that voice…they knew who it was and their hearts jumped with joy.

“It’s HIM!” Coran exclaimed.

“That’s Sven!” Keith said unable to hide his excitement.

Bandor smiled widely. “Somehow he has found my sister!”.

“Our prayers had been answered” Allura gasped.

Lance smirked. “Coran – tell them that wherever they are, we’ll find them!” he said.

CHAPTER 26
Days later…

Zarkon, Lotor and Hagar were in the arena discussing about Romelle’s whereabouts…

“Lotor, do you really think that Romelle is hiding among the slaves?”.

“Yes father. The guards have been looking for her for weeks, but those stupid slaves are protecting her”.

“I’ve created this little toy to find Romelle. It’s called The Iron Maiden” the old sorceress said. The female robeast stood in the middle of the arena. It was as tall as Voltron and was wearing a crown. “I hope it works. We must find Romelle. I want to invade her planet and she’s the only one who knows the secret codes to their defense system” Zarkon sneered.

A group of slaves were hiding behind a wall, gazing at their fallen comrades on the arena. A figure shrouded in a sky blue cloak came out from the shadows. It was princess Romelle. Sven walked towards her. “Be careful, they’re looking for you” he whispered. Lotor stepped forward and looked down at the slaves.

“HEAR ME NOW! WE KNOW THAT PRINCESS ROMELLE IS HIDING AMONG YOU. RELEASE HER AND I’LL SPARE YOUR LIVES”.

“ROMELLE – COME OUT, IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THESE SLAVES BEING CRUSHED BY MY ROBEAST. THE DECISION IS YOURS, IT’S YOUR LAST CHANCE”.

Sven turned to her. “What are you going to do?”. She winced slightly. “I must listen to his demands”. A couple next to them shook their heads in denial. “Don’t do it Princess, he isn’t going to forgive us” the man said.

“Even if you give yourself up” the woman said. Romelle didn’t know what to do. She wanted to escape, but she couldn’t bear the thought of Lotor hurting the slaves because of her. When Lotor realized that the slaves weren’t going to cooperate, he ordered the robot guards to strike the slaves with laser whips. Romelle cringed and tears formed in her eyes.

Zarkon released a horrible laughter. “My son, I had taught you well. You should never show mercy”. A devious smile appeared on Lotor’ face. “Of course father. Now I’ll show you the power of this robeast”. Hagar raised her wooden staff and said a few magic words, and the robeast came to life. Its eyes lit up and it began to move its arms. The Iron Maiden bent down and grabbed some slaves. Sven and Romelle stood in shock as the robeast crushed those helpless people to death. Romelle turned away and sobbed. “I can’t permit this!” she cried. Sven grimaced. “That’s why I hid in the caves. I couldn’t face this savagery, I couldn’t do anything to stop it”.

Romelle clenched her fists and gazed upwards. “I must give myself up”. Sven turned to her and reached for her hand. “No! Your planet needs you!” he gasped. She turned her face away from him and closed her eyes. He then took her by the shoulders. “You must go back to Pollux, you’re the only one who knows the codes of the defense system”. She opened her eyes and tears came running down her cheeks. He relaxed his grip on her shoulders. “I’ll help you, but please…don’t cry” he whispered.

Lotor frowned. “ROMELLE, TOMORROW I’LL GIVE YOU ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF MY WRATH” he snapped.

Sven gazed into the heavens and winced. “We can’t wait until tomorrow. We’re leaving…tonight”.

Later that evening…

Sven and Romelle were talking to a group of slaves in a cave. “We must steal a ship, Princess Romelle is coming with us” he said. She nodded slowly. “It’s not going to be easy. Are you with me?” she said. “Yes Princess!” they replied in unison.

A slave walked up to Sven and presented him with a package wrapped with a dark cloth. “Commander, this is for you”. Sven removed the cloth, and revealed a laser gun. “Two weeks ago I stole this gun from one of the guards while he was drunk”. Sven looked at the young man and winced. ~I can’t fail them~. He placed the weapon under his belt and said, “Thank you”. He then turned to the others and said, “Very well, let’s go”.

They reached the main hangar under the blanket of darkness. The entrance was heavily guard by robot drones. They hid behind a boulder. “Those drones are especially programmed to hear the slightest sound” Sven whispered. A male slave lifted a wooden stick and said, “I’m ready”. “Me too” another male slave said. “We must act quickly, like cats” Sven said.

Romelle stepped forward. Before leaving the caves she had ripped the lower part of her dress, so she could run without difficulty. “I’ll go first. Wish me luck”. Sven held his breath for a few seconds, ”Wait until they turn…now” he whispered. Romelle ran into the hangar. Sven then signaled the slaves to follow him.

They were walking on a corridor, looking for a ship. Sven was leading the group. “FIRE LASERS!” a drone shouted. Sven and the rest whipped around and were covered by laser fire. Sven pointed his laser gun at one of the guards and struck him in the chest.

“STOP THEM!”.

Sven clenched his teeth. “Romelle! This way! We must hurry”. The drones were coming closer, would they be able to get to the ship in time? A slave grabbed Sven’s arm. “Go! We’ll use sticks, rocks, our bare hands if necessary to block their way!”. Sven nodded silently. Romelle whimpered softly. “I can’t leave them like this” she gasped. Sven winced. “Romelle - they had done their part, now it’s your turn” he said and reached for her hand. They ran to the ramp leading to the Doom ship. Romelle turned her head and grimaced. “Someday we will return and we’ll rescue all the slaves, I promise”.

Minutes later their ship left Doom, there was no turning back…

“Central Control – This is Sven.  We’re on our way to Pollux!”.

“And we’re on our way too!” Keith replied while he and the rest of the VF left Arus.

Lotor clenched his jaw as he watched the stolen Doom ship on the view screen. “Romelle preferred a slave instead of me” he sneered. Hagar entered the room. “Sire – he isn’t just a slave, he’s a member of the VF. That’s why Voltron is coming to protect them”.

He glared at the old witch. “What?” he growled. “His name is Sven, he was the pilot of Blue lion. My blue robeast injured him severely and he was forced to leave the VF. That’s why Allura took his place”. He turned his gaze back at the screen. “Sven! I thought he was dead. We must stop them!” he hissed. “Don’t worry sire. The Iron Maiden we’ll take care of them”. He twitched his lip. “Very well Hagar, we’ll use the robeast”.

The Voltron Force and Bandor met Sven and Romelle in the vastness of space.

“Prince Bandor – we’ve established radio contact, go ahead” Keith said.

“Romelle – is that you?”.

“Yes little brother – I’m coming home”.

“Keith – is so nice hear your voice again”.

“Same here Sven. We’ve missed you”.

Allura gasped softly. “Keith – I’m picking up a fleet, must be Lotor’s” she said while looking at the radar. Keith frowned. “Prince Bandor - we’re counting on you to help us”. Bandor nodded. “Of course!” he replied.

Lotor laughed loudly. “Voltron – this will be your last mission”. He then sat on the command chair and stared at the view screen. “Release the Iron Maiden!” he ordered.

“A large object from Lotor’s armada is coming toward us” Pidge announced. Keith said, “I don’t like this”, his brow furrowing with annoyance. They soon realized that it was casket carrying a robeast. “All right team, let’s go”. The Iron Maiden came out of the casket and extended its arms in defiance.

“Fire thermal rays!” Keith yelled. The robeast was engulfed in flames for a few moments and its outer layer cracked. “It looks like…we hurt her” Pidge said. Hunk grimaced. “Well - what do you think about that?” he said. Lance shook his head. “It was only a paper lion” he sneered. “Wait you guys, there’s something behind that shield” Allura said. The robeast revealed a golden armor. “Ok team, round two” Keith said. The Iron Maiden relinquished her crown and thrust it upon Voltron’s head. The crown began to drain the power from the mighty robot. Bandor tried to help them but Lotor’s fleet attacked fiercely him and took his ship out of combat.

Romelle and Sven were keeping a close watch of the battle. The robeast wrapped its arms around Voltron and began to crush him. Sven winced. “That robeast is destroying Voltron”. Romelle narrowed her eyes and reached for the controls, and the ship began to veer off in Voltron’s direction. Sven turned to her and frowned. “Romelle, what are you doing?” he said wearily.

“I’m going to save them, and you’re going to help me. You’ll be my navigator”. He widened his eyes. “No!” he gasped. “You have to direct me to the target, please give me the coordinates”. He groaned softly. “Very well…it’s been so long. But I’ll do it”.

Their ship drew closer and closer.  “Approaching at X37…X14V and constant…1…91 and descending till 4. Turn to cruiser level on Onix7 and increasing speed…code E17” he began, “103…103…103…right on target…FIRE!” he exclaimed. The laser shots found its mark and the crown exploded into a million pieces. Romelle smiled widely at him. “Sven! I knew you could do it”. He smiled at her. It felt good to be part of the action once again.

Voltron managed to break free from the Iron Maiden. The robeast then fired missiles at him, but missed. The mighty robot drew his blazing sword and swiped the robeast on the chest and it burst into flames. There was a big explosion that caused a chain reaction that engulfed Lotor’s fleet.

“That’s the end of the Iron Maiden and Lotor’s fleet” Lance said.

“You will pay for this insult!” Lotor spat.

“Great job team! Sven, Romelle, everyone!” Keith exclaimed.

“Look! Lotor is getting away” Hunk said.

“Now what?” Pidge asked.

“Forget about him. We must help Prince Bandor” Keith said.

“Keith – let’s go to Pollux” Romelle said.

“All right your highness, we’re right behind you”.

To Part Nine

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