Chapter Thirteen

Sven sat calmly on the terrace of the rec room, sipping his tea. He stared out across the Arusian terrain. The planet had come so far since he first crash-landed with his friends years ago. His eyes closed as memories streamed through his mind's eye. A wince came across his face as he remembered the pain of losing against Haggar and her horrible monster. It had been a true miracle that he survived. Even though he battled himself constantly about the attack on planet Ebb, he was grateful he wound up in the caves on Doom. Yes, everything happens for a reason.

Sven took another drink from his mug, swallowing the purifying tea. He thought back to the first time he saw Romelle. Even though she had been beaten and broken at Lotor's hands, she was still the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Physically, she looked nearly identical to her cousin, Allura. Yet there was a presence that surrounded Romelle that drew him in. After ever torture she'd been through, she still had a bold, brave spirit. Borderline rebellious. Sven smirked slightly, thanking his lucky stars that Lance hadn't gotten to her heart first. Then again they'd probably butt heads too much.

Funny thing, love was. Romelle was only a few floors away, having lunch with Allura and Queen Orla in the gardens. Yet part of Sven's heart ached that she wasn't here with him. Even being trained as a hardened soldier, the Galaxy Garrison couldn't eradicate Sven's sensitive nature. He had never felt rage until he finally faced Lotor. Everything that he had done to Romelle…Lotor had to pay. And he did. The implied freedom from Lotor and Zarkon near the end of the war allowed Sven to openly have a relationship with her, so he proposed.

A smile grew across Sven's face. Everything that Keith was going through was all still fresh in Sven's mind. Although the regulations on Arus were stricter than Pollux, Sven had to dedicate a lot of time to learn ceremonies. Pollux law dictated that while a member of the Royal Family could choose whoever was deemed worthy as a spouse, if they were not of noble blood, they could not inherit a crown through marriage. Arusians had no issues giving a crown to a deserving individual, provided they pass a decathlon of tests. Sven had a feeling, however, that due to the pure dedication Keith had repeatedly shown the people of Arus, the tests would be much more lax.

"Hey Sven," Keith's voice called as he entered the rec room. "Good morning, bud." Keith slapped a hand on Sven's back as he stood beside him, leaning against the rail.

"Hello, my friend," Sven answered. "Sleep well?" Sven smiled knowingly. Keith blushed for the umpteenth time that morning.

"Yeah, yeah…" Keith dismissed the remark. "I'm sure as well as you and Romelle did."

"Touché," was Sven's reply. "How far we've all come, Keith." Sven took another sip of his tea.

"Yeah, I know what you mean." The two friends stood in silence for a moment, taking in the serenity of the calm planet. "Do you miss it?"

Sven turned to look at Keith. "Miss what?"

"Combat."

Sven looked down into his nearly empty mug. "I know I shouldn't."

"Yeah, I get that too," Keith answered. "I wouldn't trade peace for anything in the world. But that adrenaline rush was rather addicting."

"Yes it was," Sven sighed. "I only wish I could've been more help to the team. I hope you don't judge me harshly for staying on Pollux with Romelle."

"Are you kiddin'?" Keith turned to look him in the eye. "I can't blame you for that. That took real guts. And you helped make Pollux an ally in the alliance. You found strength in Romelle and carried onward with that strength." He paused. "We all have something to sacrifice, Sven. But you'll always be a member of the Voltron Force." His words carried a double meaning to himself as he spoke them aloud.

"I appreciate that, Keith. Thank you," Sven finished his tea. "I'm truly happy for you and the princess. I hope you have as much joy as Romelle and me."

"Me too, Sven. Thanks." Keith looked out to the countryside again. The Arusian sun was shining brightly in the blue sky. "Well, my friend, it seems a shame to waste such a pretty day here on the ground." A grin drew across his face.

Sven looked at him questioningly. Keith pulled something out of his pocket and tossed it to him, the sunlight sparking off of it as it landed in Sven's palm. Sven held up the key to Blue Lion in awe.

"Keith, this isn't mine to have anymore," he answered cautiously.

"It's ok, buddy. Allura's fine with you taking Blue out for a spin, provided you return her in one piece," Keith smiled. "The other guys are just about ready too. It'll be just like old times."

Sven looked down at the key in his hand once more. His fingers slowly closed around it. "I'd love to, Keith. Thank you."

Keith patted him on the back and started to move toward the door. "Just a heads up, Sven. I've decided that Lance should train on Black Lion. With a crown in my future I need to have a second in command. I would ask you, but…" His voice trailed, and he shrugged his shoulders and tilted his head. "You sorta have other things going for you. I didn't feel right bogging you down."

Sven gave a sigh. Giving up the lions was something he'd always regret. But Romelle was worth it. "It's alright, Keith. I understand."

Keith nodded to him, disappearing out into the hallway. Sven glanced again over the rolling hills of Arus. It was eerily similar to Pollux, the planet that had become his home. He looked again down in his hand at the key. Yes, his days as a pilot had ended. No reason to not go have a little fun.

Sven pivoted on his heel and went to join the rest of the team.