All characters related to Voltron are owned by WEP.
Premonition
The sense the place beside her was empty roused Azura from sleep. Rolling over onto her side, she cast her gaze toward the far edge of the room. The blue glow from bioluminescent lamps picked out Sven, who sat in the chair facing the glass wall. Fishes large and small swam by, unconcerned by thoughts that kept others awake at night. At sensing his troubled heart, Azura slid out of bed. She crossed over to him, her long hair swaying with each step. As a water elemental, she did not feel the ocean's natural chill as he did. Heat generated from thermal vents within the floor caused an unpleasant tingling in her feet. It was a discomfort she welcomed. For the man destiny had arranged for her to meet and fall in love with, she'd risk more than tender feet.
She stood alongside him. "Sven," she murmured, her small, pale hand at his shoulder.
Sven lifted his gaze to her. He clutched a rolled letter in his hand. The distress in his heart seemed directly related to the message within, translating onto his face in the form of worry lines at his eyes and mouth. Wanting to offer him comfort, Azura settled onto his lap. And, as it often happened between them, gratitude surfaced in his dark eyes at her understanding of his need. Sven pulled her to him for a kiss. The feel of his lips brought forth stimulating memories of their earlier lovemaking, but she sensed no desire from him. Only the want of her presence.
Azura drew back. She smoothed his hair from his brow, then touched the letter in his hand. Her empathy came alive with emotions not her own. "This is from Princess Allura," she said, her mind conjuring up images of the brave young woman who fought to protect her people. The desperation and determination etching these visions filled her heart with sorrow. "Something happened since we last heard from her."
Sven's gaze drifted to the ocean. Upon his acceptance as extra-planetary ambassador, the Guardian of Space, Alisha, granted the Council leave to maintain a doorway between their two worlds. Sven's first mission had involved distribution of food supplies. Kaia had gone with him, for she wanted to help plant seeds in the fields around the castle. His return included fond letters from the Force. Since then, messages both of a political and personal nature were frequently exchanged.
"It has," he said softly. The months in Aethia had reduced his accent, though it seemed stronger than ever when he worried. "She's asked if we could attend a summit meeting she'll be hosting next week. She wants to create an alliance between Arus and the other planets Zarkon once enslaved. It's a dangerous plan, but admirable."
Azura didn't need reminding about the dangers involved with anything related to Zarkon. Flashbacks of what befell her and the others sometimes haunted her dreams at night. "We have to help them."
Sven said nothing. He gathered her closer. She stroked the back of his head with gentle fingers. Strands of his hair felt smooth beneath her palm. She studied his face, waiting for him to speak. Despite her connection to him, Sven maintained remarkable control over the deepest recesses of his heart. Never more so than when harsh truths needed to be said.
"I worry the Council won't let me go."
Azura's hand stilled on his neck. "Why not?"
He met her gaze. "They may not be willing to risk open war with Zarkon. Not after what happened in the glen."
"But Tirisekaal and the other avatars are guarding the elemental pathways that lead to the glen. It should be safe enough," Azura said, though she could not suppress the pang that struck her heart. The arrangement, though temporary, didn't prevent her from missing Tirisekaal. He had been such a staple in her life. Being without him was almost like losing a limb.
"That might be true," Sven sighed. "But I wouldn't want to risk it, either. The alliance is too important between our worlds. And," he said, cupping her cheek. "I almost lost you. I won't let it happen again."
She laid her hand over his. A similar exchange happened between them during the battle against the elemental robeast. Sven's need to help his friends overruled all caution. Azura had protested his exposing himself to danger then, for she feared losing him. Studying him now, she saw what she must have looked like in that moment. The prospect of seeing him walk into danger frightened her, true. But she knew this was something she couldn't prevent.
Azura's expression softened. "You don't want to lose them, either, Sven. You have to go. They need you."
Sven's eyes gleamed. In that instant, the veil over his heart lifted. Powerful feelings of love surged through him to settle over her. He held her face between his hands. "Azura." He spoke her name in a hushed voice. "Thank you."
She smiled at him. When he kissed her this time, desire rose up between them. Emotions flooded her senses even as her body responded to his touch. She slipped out of his arms and off his lap, her hand clasped over his as she guided him back to bed. He shed his thick robe before lying atop her. They exchanged another fond, loving smile, and she closed her eyes in anticipation of his kiss. The rest of the night was lost to ecstasy.
At dawn, Azura woke with a start, her heart in her throat and panic quickening her breathing. Beside her, Sven slept on, his head nestled close to hers on her pillow. She gazed at him, wanting to calm herself with the sight of his sleeping face, not the memory of his anguish. Yet his anguish proved far more powerful. A vision of the dream seemed to play out across his features: Sven, pale-faced and stricken, reaching out to her as someone pulled him away. And behind him, gleaming in the harsh sunlight, rose the princess' castle.
Fear gripped her. She covered her mouth to stifle her sob. Since Azura had dreamed of her future with him, her connection to water granted her the gift of foresight. Where the dream of Sven carried with it the promise of happiness, this new one offered her the opposite. Would his return to Arus result in their parting? Or did it indicate something much worse?
The next morning, Azura accompanied Sven to her mother's receiving chamber. Located within the heart of the palace, with stairs constructed of shimmering abalone leading to a curved throne of moonstone, it had been her favorite place to study since she was a child. Here, what sunlight and moonlight passed beneath the waves cast the room in a soft pink or silver glow. It also served as the place Sven made his first appearance before the Council. Unlike that day, there was no pink hue to warm the room. Today, overcast skies turned it gloomy, as if a storm approached.
The threat hidden within her dream colored Azura's mood. Worry gnawed at her as she waited by the western side of the room while Sven took his place at the base of the stairs. Her mother listened in silence as he spoke of Allura's letter. As a full-fledged water elemental, her mother's appearance was unlike any other in the city. The parts of her body not covered by the simple, white wrap flowed and churned. Glimpses of a pale, arresting face, crowned by green and blue hair appeared beneath the shifting waves. Other times, she seemed as sea foam. Ever changing, but constant as the sea. Though her mother had chosen to abandon her human form in order to function as a water elemental better, Azura did not foresee undergoing a sea change for when she took the throne. The sacrifice of self was simply too much for her to undertake. Especially now.
Her mother studied Sven for some moments. "There are dangers involved in this undertaking," she said. Her voice, though soft, echoed across the chamber. "Winter has come to the surface. I have suspended all journeys that are not related to necessities. Alisha has not granted access to Arus through ocean portals."
"I feel we still must attempt it," Sven replied. As always, he spoke with utmost courtesy and respect. For this, members of the Council listened to him. "Arus lives and dies by Voltron's success, but even he cannot stand up against Zarkon's forces alone. Aiding Arus now will no doubt open communication with the rest of the sector. That is why you chose me to be ambassador. I intend to see it carried through."
A hint of a smile appeared on her mother's face. He had pleaded his case with tact and poise. Azura sensed her mother's approval before she spoke of it aloud.
"Well-spoken," her mother said. "But we must wait for a break in the weather. None of our craft is capable of withstanding the storm."
At this, Sven's expression brightened. "I've looked over the submersibles. I have some ideas about how to improve the design."
Her mother appeared thoughtful. "Yes," she said after a moment. "Azura has spoken of your familiarity with crafts of this sort. Very well, Ambassador. If you succeed in fashioning something new, then I grant you permission to go to the surface."
Sven bowed to her. "I will begin work on it right away."
Her mother nodded. "The elements go with you."
"Mother," Azura said, approaching the throne. "Tirisekaal is on a mission. The sea is too rough for me to train during winter. Let me go with him."
At this, Sven sent her a quick look of surprise. She had not returned to Arus since their first meeting, nor had she asked to accompany him.
"I don't think—" he began.
Her mother signaled for silence. Knowledge shone in her eyes. She then crooked a finger. Azura ascended the stairs, her heartbeat increasing with every step. For the shifting water that comprised her mother's body now solidified, showing her a face echoing of deep concern.
"You have foreseen something?" she asked, speaking softly.
"Yes." Azura spoke just as softly. "A warning, I think."
"And does it endanger you?"
She thought back to the vision of Sven, the anguish and fear in his eyes. "I don't know. It's why I must go. I know you'd prefer if Tirisekaal was with me, but I've felt the waters of Arus. I won't let anything happen to Sven."
Understanding entered her mother's gaze. "I wonder if he knows you seek to protect him as much as he does you. Request granted. But," she said, just as Azura started to smile. "If that horrible witch should reappear, I want you to return immediately. Do you understand me, daughter? No matter what."
Azura knew the reason for such a stipulation. She was heir to the sea. The stability of the Council and Aethia itself depended on the cycle continuing. The power of her mother's gaze gave her no choice but to agree.
Her mother bowed her head, satisfied. "May the elements watch over you both, and Arus."
Over the next few days, Sven dedicated his time to rebuilding one of the surface crafts. Azura wrote letters to Harmony and the others, detailing the reason for the summons and requests if any had special messages they wanted delivered. Anila, Vesta, and Kaia responded within successive days. Anila and Kaia bestowed warm greetings to the Force, while Vesta included a miniature of Green Lion made of greensand in her letter for Pidge. Unlike cooking, Vesta had limited skill as a sculptor. The figure's legs were thin, the body too small. Azura knew Pidge would cherish it regardless. She made certain to pack it with care.
Another day passed without Azura receiving word from Harmony. She lifted her gaze toward the surface, barely visible through the glass window of her room. No doubt weather delayed the courier. She feared they would already be gone by the time Harmony's message arrived. This turned to certainty when Sven announced the craft's readiness.
That night, she lay in his arms, her cheek pressed to his chest. He stroked her bare shoulder with an idle finger. The peace usually achieved after lovemaking had given way to anxiousness within him.
He turned his head so his lips brushed the top of her hair. "I worry about you coming with me. The situation is dangerous enough for the Force."
Azura rose to her elbows so she could look into his eyes. "I know. Mother already made me promise to come home if Haggar returns."
Mention of the old witch put shadows into his eyes. Some nights, he'd woken in a cold sweat. Other times, he cried out. Each time she held his shaking body in her arms, her fingers threading his hair as she murmured soothing words, she despaired at his struggle to keep the dark memories at bay.
"Even had she not specified that, it's something I'd insist on. You know what your safety means to me," he said. Emotion thickened his words.
She touched his cheek. A brief image of her dream made her heart twist with pain. "Your safety is just as important to me, Sven. I worry when you leave. At least I can be with you this time."
His small smile conceded her point. "This time," he agreed, and lowered her face to his for a kiss.
They woke just before sunrise the next morning. While Azura went to refresh herself, Sven donned his ambassador garb. The cut of the outfit was reminiscent of the one he wore when they first met. Rather than navy blue and white, his clothing was like the sea at night. Silver thread shot through his sleeves and along the coat lapels. The effect was mirrored on the cloak at his shoulders. Azura selected one of the dresses reserved for when she visited her friends' courts. Cast in shades of ice blue and winter white, the dress was a perfect complement to his outfit. Approval shone in Sven's eyes when he assisted her with fastening her hooded cloak. Deep down, she sensed his pleasure at having her accompany him. They kissed, then departed their chamber.
Guards and palace staff wished them well when they passed. Fishermen saluted Sven upon their arrival at the docks. The submersible bobbed in the water. The improvements Sven made to it were unidentifiable to Azura's eyes, yet the engineers cheered his ingenuity. Admiration for Sven echoed through her empathy, bringing a smile to Azura's lips. He was more to them than her chosen consort and ambassador. The people embraced him as one of their own. She wondered, not for the first time, what life would have been like had she and the others not been transported to Arus.
Sven responded to their praise with a kind, appreciative smile, then turned to help Azura into the craft. She accepted the bags he handed. As the modifications reduced the craft's storage and seating space, Azura had to be creative with stowing the bags. Once she secured them, she settled onto the second seat. Sven pulled the hatch closed when he stepped inside. They exchanged another smile before he took his place in the front of the craft. As she watched him initiate the start-up sequence, Azura's smile faded. She did not know what danger threatened him. All she cared about was keeping him safe from it.
Travel times to the ocean's surface varied depending on currents, the weight of the craft, or interference from curious sea life. Had the craft been loaded with supplies and a pod of whales investigated their passage, Sven's improvements carried one advantage the others did not: speed. They cut through the water as efficiently as any fish. Azura's gaze strayed to the porthole. Light penetrated the depths, transforming the water from inky black to dark blue to nearly white just before they surfaced. A wintry sky stretched overhead, turning the ocean as dull as unpolished stone. Sven guided the craft toward one of the quays built along the inlet. As Azura retrieved their bags, she sensed a familiar presence. Excitement flooded her as she looked toward the quay. Harmony, dressed in a white cloak and hood, sent them an eager smile. A small trunk sat by her feet, a sheathed sword atop it. Azura knew Harmony wouldn't let anything prevent her from going to Arus and seeing Hunk. Once, Azura had asked her how she withstood the separation. Harmony's answer had been as simple as it was honest.
"There's too many people who depend on him and the Force. I wouldn't want him to abandon them for me."
Sven, who glanced toward the quay, smiled at the sight of Harmony's robed figure. "Hunk has been asking when she'd return with me. I think he would have followed me back last time if Keith hadn't stopped him."
She smiled at the picture his words created in her mind. "I hope he can visit one day," Azura said, her voice soft.
Sven's features hardened. "The sooner we help the team put a stop to King Zarkon, the better off we'll all be."
Harmony waved as Sven docked the craft. Though clouds commanded the sky, her face shone as brightly as the sun. It seemed nothing dampened her spirits. Her smile broadened when Azura exited the craft first. They embraced.
Upon parting, Azura touched the necklace of precious stones at Harmony's throat. Echoes of Hunk's feelings seemed etched into each stone. She smiled. "I was afraid you wouldn't make it. How did you get here so fast?"
"I almost didn't. Anila helped me get here. I wasn't airsick once," Harmony added with a note of pride.
Azura smiled again. Since Harmony overcame her fear of heights while on Arus, she often insisted on flying instead of riding. Her gaze drifted to the sword. Diamonds gleamed from settings within the sheath. Curious, she touched the hilt. Astonishment shone in her eyes. "Anila made this for Keith? I thought it'd be Kaia," she said, drawing her hand back. "Tirisekaal said they talked of nothing but sword techniques at the banquet."
At this, Harmony's expression turned amused and embarrassed. "Anila challenged Lance to a shooting contest. They had it in the weapons room. She'd been drinking a little too much wine and, well…" She trailed off helplessly.
Azura chuckled. No further explanation was necessary.
Sven joined them. He bowed to Harmony, who disregarded his formal greeting by giving him a hug. He embraced her in turn, his smile helpless. He understood no power on Aethia compelled Harmony to observe proprieties when in informal company.
The three started toward the shore. Sven carried the trunk, leaving the bags for Azura. Harmony held the sword. A scattering of trees, their boughs bare of leaves, lined the road ahead. Azura identified the spelled hilltop that served as the doorway between the worlds. The enchantment Alisha placed upon it responded only to the crystal key Sven carried. To others, it remained an unremarkable hilltop.
"Azura has made you aware of the summit meeting?" he asked Harmony.
She nodded. "My mother didn't want me to go. I told her that I know more about Arus than anyone she could send in my place. It's important we support them however we can."
Sven's face shone with admiration. "Azura and I agree with you. Arus is lucky to have such considerate allies."
The warm glow in Harmony's face faded behind a mask of sorrow and regret. She laid her hand over her necklace. "I want to do more than just stand with them. I don't like thinking of everyone in constant danger while we're here."
Sven's expression matched hers. He withdrew the crystal key from his pocket. It gleamed in the hollow of his hand. He shared a meaningful look with the other two.
"Then let's not keep our friends waiting."