Chapter Ten – Return to Arus

Shortly after Sven's transmission, the five lions of Voltron arrived in a perfect formation. Sven could barely contain his excitement, staring at the lions with the wonder of a small child. I was unaware Voltron even had five parts; the last time I had seen the robot, it had been fully formed and had just killed my brother.

My contempt for this "defender" only grew. I watched as the formation tightened around us, securing us entirely as Sven ignited the thrusters and flew in the center of the formation. He was chatting excitedly with the other pilots, unable to stop the tears that came down his face, streaking through the dirt that had collected for so long. I raised a hand to my hair and wiped it across my face, hoping it would hide any tracks my own tears had caused. My mind wouldn't stop wondering how Arus would look, barely registering the conversation going on next to me. I heard a woman speak.

"We're so happy you're safe, Sven," she spoke tenderly, as if she knew what he had gone through.

"I'm happy all of you are still alive," he responded. "Does Blue still handle well, Princess?"

Princess? Suddenly I was snooping on the conversation. When did the Princess of Arus risk her life flying a robot? Perhaps she was from another planet? That didn't make sense, though.

"Like a dream. I'm sure it flies the same way when you handled it."

Shock hit me hard. When he…? "You were a Voltron pilot!" I exclaimed, staring at him in surprise.

"Sven? Do you have someone else with you?" There was the authoritative voice again. Sven reached over and hit the transmission button. "Give me a minute, guys."

He turned resolute eyes to me. "You always speak about Voltron with disgust. Would you have gone with me if I had told you this earlier?"

"Of course I wouldn't have! When you said you had escaped with the Voltron Force, I didn't think that meant you were a pilot!"

Sven raised his hands slightly. "Surprise," he said sarcastically.

"That's how you got Delsa and the others to follow you, isn't it?"

"Of course not," he looked at me like I was an absolute idiot.

"Really? Why else would they have followed an injured wild man from the caves?"

"I think you've recognized first hand how desperate people are on Doom."

I thought of the man who had tried to eat me and shuddered. A spark flared inside of me. "I'm surprised you didn't use your popularity to give them hope."

"Of course I didn't!" Sven slammed his fists on the consol. "I couldn't! How would you feel if a pilot from the famed Defender of the Universe wound up a prisoner on Doom? That doesn't give you hope. It takes away what you have left. Why would I do that to them? They didn't need a Voltron pilot. They needed a soldier."

"They wound up with you anyway," I said, glaring straight into his eyes. "How dare you keep your status quiet from me?"

"Look at me! Do I look like I could fly one of those now?"

"You said it yourself. You're a soldier, not a pilot." Anger flared in his eyes. Good.

"What do you have against the Voltron Force?"

I turned away, keeping my voice cold. "I told you, they're my planet's rival. I was born to hate them."

"Don't talk about the planet. What do you have against Voltron?"

An image of Avok being slain by the robot flashed in my mind. "I have my reasons."

"So when you're rescued by them, are you still going to be bitter? It sounds like you have a childish argument."

"I said I had my reasons. I don't have to explain them to you."

"So you'd rather pout instead of be grateful you still have your life?"

I barked a laugh. "Pout! I'm sorry, I didn't realize I should be grateful that an invalid Voltron soldier saved my life. You obviously take wonderful care of yourself. It's a shame they won't let you back right away when they see your injuries."

"Injuries heal."

"Don't give me that rubbish. If you're going to validate your time as a Voltron pilot by saving one person's life from Doom, I think you need to seriously rethink your goals."

He spoke through gritted teeth. "As a soldier, it is my job to serve and protect—"

"This beloved Princess of yours, I know." I glanced at the lions. "The stupid woman shouldn't be flying in a toy. She should be ruling her planet."

"She is ruling her planet. She protects them better than most monarchs I've read about."

"So what happens when she dies? Does the Voltron Force come in to make everything better?" I let sarcasm drip from my words.

"We would do anything to protect her. She's one of us."

"She's not one of you – she's your replacement. You are not one of them."

"You don't know anything about me."

"Just like you don't know anything about me." I finished lightly, ending the argument.

Sven wouldn't have it. "I know enough to realize you are a bitter women, full of self contempt and unfounded rage. Your words are venomous and your actions are thoughtless. You'd do anything to destroy someone if it means you can be better. You're the very picture of ugliness this universe could behold."

I couldn't stop myself. I reached out and slapped him. "Don't you dare speak that way to me again."

When he turned to look at me, the rage in his eyes flared memories in my mind. If you try to hurt me again, I will hurt you tenfold. I kept my hands to my sides to try and stop the shaking, but I couldn't stop my arms from covering my torso when he reached out to grab me.

"Sven? Is everything okay in there?"

He stopped at the sound of another voice. The anger in his eyes died when he looked at me.

"Don't you dare touch me," I whispered, but the shuddering breaths couldn't hide my fear.

"I'm not going to hurt you," he said, but I couldn't tell if he was talking to himself or me. He hit the transmission. "Are we close to Arus?"

"We should be landing in about fifteen minutes."

"Copy." Sven leaned back into his chair, staring at the vastness of space and the blue planet that was quickly approaching. "When we get to Arus, you're free to leave."

My fear died with his indifference. "You said you'd take me home."

"It seems to me you can make it home just fine."

"You made a deal with me," I reminded him. Then, to pour salt on the wound, I said piteously, "You gave me your word as a soldier."

He kept his eyes forward. "Fine," he said after a moment, his irritation evident.

I couldn't help it. I looked in the direction of Pollux and sighed deeply. "Keeping your word is all you're good for anyway."

Sven said nothing.

Arus was as beautiful as it looked from the reaches of space. When the Voltron Force broke formation, we were headed towards a large castle that looked far more technologically advanced than anything I'd seen on Pollux. While this "sister planet" looked as well as my own, it seemed they could strike with a far greater advantage at any time they wished. I would have to tell the council of this.

We landed at a large docking bay built in front of the castle. The sun was shining with very little cloud cover. After being on Doom for so long, it was giving me a headache trying to adjust to the brilliant light. The reflection off the castle walls was nearly unbearable. A strong breeze slightly rocked the ship when it landed. I could hear the trees and birds flying overhead.

It made me long for home. Did this planet intend to torture me with its beauty?

Sven eagerly unclipped his harness and opened the loading door. The sunlight reflected strongly from the landing strip, making me squint even more. Jubilant voices echoed in the small space.

"Good God, you look awful!"

"It's good to see you too, Lance."

"I alerted Dr. Gorma before we left. He should be coming shortly for medical attention."

"Thank you, Princess. I appreciate it."

"Where's the other person?"

The silence seemed deafening. I had been frozen in my seat since we landed, unsure of what I should do from here on out. I hadn't been officially captured, but would I be once the Princess knew where I was from?

Sven's limping footfalls echoed in the ship. He appeared next to me. Whether he was still angry with me for earlier, I couldn't tell. "Come on. Let's get you out of here." Numbly, I unbuckled the harness and stood slowly, afraid to turn around and discover more of what this world had to offer. With the sun as bright as it was, I put the hood back over my head like Sven had done himself. He reached for my arm, but I pulled it away from him. I was a Polluxian on an enemy world; no one would pamper me. I would stand proud.

The sunlight was blinding when we got outside. I lowered my head more. Through squinted eyes, I could see boots of several colors, but even that was hard to look at.

"Sorry guys," Sven said, obviously in as much pain as I was. "It's been a while since we were in sunlight."

"It's okay, Sven." A pair of pink boots stepped closer to be. There was the brush of fabric. A bare hand came into view. "I am Princess Allura. You are more than welcome on my home world."

A chill that I hadn't in a long while ran through my veins. Though the sunlight was unbearable, I felt my eyes widen in pure shock. My body began to shake. Bile rose in my throat.

You remind me of someone I know… someone I once swore my life to.

You are not worthy, because you are not her. Do you understand? Only she is worthy to be where you are now. Only I am worthy of her. Since you are her stand-in for the time being, you will proclaim me… worthy. Say it.

Hands tighten around my wrists.

Say it.

Painful movement.

Say it!

Complete restriction.

SAY IT!

I stumbled. That hand reached out for me. I recoiled. Mustering what courage I could find, I opened my eyes fully, resisting the ache of the sunlight, and lifted my head. I raised my hands and removed the hood, staring at the face of Princess Allura. The gentle caring in her eyes evaporated in an instant.

Her hair was as brilliant as the sunlight itself, strands sticking out of the bun she had it in. Her eyes were a stunning compliment, the sun and the sky. She was the perfect image of innocence and purity. A helmet was tucked under one arm. The hand she had offered to me was covering her mouth.

"Holy crap."

"Oh my God."

I barely registered the other pilots standing there. I would not be belittled to this princess. I stared back at her shocked face, daring her to say something.

Another voice from the castle spoke loudly. "Out of the way, everyone! Please, out of the way! We need to get Sven taken care of immediately. If you could just—oh."

I continued to stare at that princess, feeling tears leave my eyes at the unbearable brightness of the sun. Her expression hadn't changed much. She looked at the newcomer for a moment, dropping her hand, but she looked back at me almost immediately.

"Well… I suppose this means we have two patients to take care of. Sven, it's wonderful to see you again. You've looked… better."

"I'm sure I'll feel better in a few hours."

"Lets not waste any time. We should get you both inside. Nanny, would you tend to…?"

A shape moved into my peripheral vision. An older, plump woman reached out to take my arm, trying to consol me. I recoiled and slapped her hand away. "Don't touch me,"

"It's all right," she said consolingly. "I'm only going to help you through the castle."

"Let it go, Nanny. I'll take her in."

"I'm not a child," I said bitterly, glaring at the woman.

The woman stared back at me, but her face was unreadable. I didn't like her already. She glanced at Sven and nodded her head. A hand tugged the sleeve of my cloak. I kept my eyes on the woman until I had to fully turn to follow Sven. I never looked back at that princess.

The one Lotor longed for. The one I had been a substitute for. My hatred for her had burned deeply for as long as I remembered. It flared to violent life now that I had seen her.

His substitute… because I looked exactly like her.

Sven led me inside the giant castle and straight to the medical bay like he knew the location intimately. It wasn't long before a doctor showed up and greeted the two of us in what I could only guess was his office.

"Well, it's obvious the two of you can walk under your own power, but I would still like to do an extensive check-up just to make sure everything is okay." I recognized his voice as the man who had been outside moments before that women had tried to lead me in. "Sven, do you have any basic medical reports to give me about… your friend here?"

Friend? I scoffed. Sven looked at me momentarily, almost analyzing me, before he turned back to the doctor. "She's had a broken forearm and some puncture wounds. A few other injuries here and there."

I wondered if he was intentionally vague, or if he had strong suspicions about… The doctor nodded and looked the both of us over. "Well, I'd like to do a full look-over on you," he pointed at Sven, "since I'm not sure you made it to Ebb on time to have yourself properly taken care of. I'm assuming you set her arm?"

"Yes."

"Very good. Well, I suppose the young lady would like to have some time alone. I'll have a nurse escort you to the showers where you can get yourself cleaned up, but I'd like to run a full medical check on you, just in case."

"I don't need your help," I said quietly, looking away from him.

"Of course you don't," he said gently. "But I'm also sure you have no interest of being malnourished when we have everything needed to nurse you back to health."

I said nothing. I would never admit it, but having food and fresh water to drink and bathe in sounded short of Heaven. For all I knew, they were going to ambush me in it.

"There's a nurse waiting outside to take you to your own personal shower. It's in your room, so you'll have access to it whenever you'd like. We'll provide you with soap and shampoo, but if you need anything sharp to shave with, you'll have to let the nurse do that. If you'd like anything to eat or drink, just let her know. She and I will be taking care of you."

I glanced at him when he mentioned something sharp. His face was kind, but there was a calculating look him his eyes that made me uneasy. I unconsciously tightened my hold on the cloak still covering me.

"Go clean up and rest, Romelle," Sven said irritably. The nurse stood outside the door with a warm smile. I didn't want to go; the last place I wanted to be in this cursed planet was away from Sven, yet I couldn't wait to get away from him. He had lied to me this entire time. I couldn't trust him anymore.

Slowly, I turned to the nurse and walked towards the open door. She closed it just as the doctor began to talk to Sven again. She led to me to a door further down the hall, opening it for me. It was a decent sized room with a clean and sterile feel. The sheets were white, and there was an IV waiting by the bed.

"I've already taken the liberty of drawing you a bath," the woman said quietly. She walked to the bathroom and opened the door. There was a light frame of steam on the top of a large mirror. "You've got towels and a gown there. Be careful with that arm. Once you're done, we'll take another look at it. Take as long as you need." Before she closed the door, she took one last look at me. "We'll take good care of you, miss. Doctor Gorma is a good man."

She spoke the last words reassuringly. I frowned at the door. My Father had told me Lotor was a good man, too.

There was a strange scent in the air, but it was very soothing. Reaching out to lock the door, I took a look around the bathroom. It seemed simple enough, with a toilet and sink and a large tub that I'd easily fit in. The corners were free of any kind of camera, and the air vent didn't reveal any intrusion. The fan was already running. Hesitantly, I reached out and touched the water in the tub. It was still warm. Dirt flowed off my fingertips.

Glancing at the door again to make sure it was locked, I pulled the cloak off my head and ripped off my shirt with an enthusiasm I had thought long buried. I carefully pulled my arm out of the sleeve then all but kicked my pants away. I had lived and suffered in clothes that someone else had died in. I'd waste no more time in them if I could.

Fully nude, I turned and saw my reflection in the mirror, seeing myself for the first time since my capture. The woman in the mirror was not the Romelle I recognized. My hair was almost entirely brown and oily, large knots making it stick out seemingly everywhere. My eyes were red, as Sven's were, and large bags made me look years older than I was. Slowly, my eyes trailed over the still-healing bruises on my neck, the cuts across my shoulders and breasts, the bite marks on my arms, and the long, perfect scar trailing low on my abdomen. With a dirtied nail, I traced this particular scar, remembering the first time I saw it, and the sheer dread that flooded my being at the thought of how cruel and heartless Lotor could be. The fresh cuts blended in with ones that were still pink. There were yellow bruises across my thighs.

I looked in the mirror and saw a woman who had been defeated. Here stood the last great hope of Pollux, battered, rendered helpless and slain of spirit. My eyes slowly moved to every mark on my body, from the still-healing bruises to the bite mark on my shoulder. It seemed to be slightly infected. After really seeing myself for the first time, I honestly didn't care.

I turned to the bath and gingerly lifted a foot into the water. The warmth was comforting, not unbearable, and I happily stepped into the tub and sat down.

That's when the pain started. Muscles that had not yet had a chance to relax tightened and ached. I hissed, having to try and slowly lower myself when I could barely hold my weight. I leaned to one side of the tub, ready to clumsily fall in. After a moment, holding my weight with my legs, I was able to gradually lie in the tub while my muscles relaxed. By the time I was fully in, I was too overcome with anxiety to care.

I was either going to be a prisoner on this planet, or I was going to die of my own physical ailments.

Letting out a shudder, I closed my eyes and felt tears fall, unable to enjoy this simple luxury. My muscles ached and clenched painfully at times. Trying to wash my hair became a taxing ordeal. When I had finally moved the soap over the last bit of skin, the water was brown and filthy. I felt like I needed another bath. Carefully standing, I unplugged the drain and grabbed one of the towels left for me. My hair was once again blonde – like that princess – and my skin had a shine to it I hadn't seen in so long.

There was a gentle knock on the door. "Miss? I've brought you something to eat and drink. If you're ready, we'd like to take a look at that arm of yours."

Would these people ever leave me alone? The gown was thankfully modest, but it didn't cover my neck. Forgoing any attempt to dry my hair, I wrapped the towel around my neck and hoped the nurse hadn't seen anything earlier. Praying she would leave soon I slowly opened the door. She was standing there with a gentle smile. With a gesture she led me to the bed, where a small tray held some sandwiches and a large glass of water. I wanted to devour it the moment I saw it, but I instead sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my long toenails and gingerly holding my arm.

"Miss," she spoke gently, "I don't mean to alarm you, but that food isn't going to be good enough to help you get better. We've got to get an IV started in you so we can help your body recover."

Recover. The woman didn't know the meaning of the word. I watched her every movement as she applied the sterile wipe to my hand, then pressed the needle to a vein. After a moment, she returned with another needle, which I assumed held these nutrients she was speaking of. She guided me to lie on the bed. I wondered if my arm would be able to handle ripping the IV out should I need to escape.

As she stood over it and gently moved her fingers across my skin, my eyes suddenly felt very heavy. I gasped. "What did you do?"

"It's okay, Miss," she said in that quiet tone I was beginning to hate. "It's just a mild sedative to help you sleep."

No. I had heard that before. Goddess, please…! "No!' I reached for her. "I don't want it!"

"It's okay, ma'am," she said gently, and fear pooled in my stomach. "Just relax."

"No!" I exclaimed, trying to turn my hand downward so I could rub the tape off. My body felt like it had been weighted down. I knew this feeling, was frighteningly familiar with it. "Get it… please…" My vision blurred. Try as hard as I may, my eyes slowly closed.

"That's it, Miss. It's okay."

Don't worry about a thing, my dear. This is to just help you… relax.