Author's Note: I was sitting on this update for a few days. I was one of the people affected by the mysterious not being able to upload thingeroo. So sorry for the delay!
Nayni was making her way to Allura's room. A bag with some of Coran's clothes was tucked under her arm. He'd finally moved off of her quiznacking couch but she kept managing to find stray shirts or pairs of socks around her living room. The fabric of her sofa still reeked of that wretched spiced tea. She'd tried to convince herself that she was actually relieved now that she had her apartment back to herself but that wasn't truly the case. Nayni missed having Coran around terribly.
Nayni was just coming home to a dark, empty apartment again. She'd sit alone on her couch staring at the same old teledramas shoveling iced confections in her face. When Coran had been there, they'd talk and laugh and he'd sip on that disgusting tea in his silken pajamas and fluffy slippers. She was actually having a harder time sleeping without him around. It just all felt wrong. It was difficult to admit but it was the sad truth of her reality.
When he'd finally started to move back permanently to his quarters, he'd acted so strangely. Coran acted as if he was severing a relationship with her. There were no ties to break. They were still friends. They were still colleagues. They were well aware that this situation wasn't going to permanent. Things had just felt surprisingly at ease with him. There was still that horribly awkward barrier that Nayni had put up but she'd thoroughly enjoyed sharing his company. It had never felt like an over saturation.
The Royal Palace was still coming to life slowly after the break of dawn. Nayni had awoken early, yet again. So she had just gotten ready for the day and began the march to her post. She was just going to drop off these clothes at Coran's office. It was going to be horribly awkward but she rather it just be over with as soon as possible. This had to be the last of it. Unless he'd snuck some socks in between her couch cushions this would be her final delivery. Then she could finally smother the memory of their time as roommates.
She came upon the door to his office. Coran was already hard at work. He'd had no rest since the funeral. The affairs of the state had only slowed down by the slightest. He still pushed himself too far. It worried her. All Nayni had to deal with was long talks with the Princess about her feelings. The loss of the Black Paladin and his homeworld hadn't really impacted the Royal Guard much. She'd taken on a few extra duties though, they were mostly unofficial. She felt the need to protect someone other than the Princess now.
Nayni typed into the control panel on the wall. The sleek, polished door slid open. His office had been in shambles since the funeral. Stray pieces of paper and datapads were strewn across his desk. Dirty cups with dried up tea bags were stacked on his shelf. It was a weird combination of pure chaos and his unique aesthetic. Coran was hovering over his desk. His eyes were red from lack of sleep. He looked so haggard and worn out. Even the light blue markings on his cheeks were dull. He'd probably been here all night.
His face lit up when she entered the room. That smile tugged on her heart. She'd meditated quite a bit about their relationship since he'd moved out. Nayni had come so close to telling him how she felt several times since then. She always talked herself out of it though. They both had so much on their plate right now. They couldn't allow anything to interfere with their duties. Absolutely nothing.
Nayni rested the satchel of his belongings on the plush velvet chair before his desk. His expression fell when his violet eyes fell upon it.
"You didn't have to bring that to me," Coran said. "I could've come by and picked it up."
She didn't think he was telling the truth but Nayni wasn't going to push it. She'd been trying to be more gentle with him. Her sass and quips did make him smile but he didn't need her firm hand now. He didn't need her aggression. She needed to be there for him, even if it was just as a friend.
"You don't exactly have the time, Mister Smythe," Nayni teased.
That made him chuckle weakly. His ears were drooping and there were dark circles under his eyes. She detested seeing him in this state.
"Mister Smythe, when was the last time you ate anything?" Nayni asked.
He stroked his mustache and had to concentrate a great deal on the query. That alone already told Nayni the answer to her question. That man would sacrifice everything if he had a task to get done. Coran cocked an eyebrow and gritted his teeth.
"I think-lunch- yesterday?" Coran said.
He didn't seem entirely sure about his answer. Nayni shook her head. She came around his desk and tried to step around the stray papers that were scattered across his carpet.
"Well, c'mon then," Nayni said. "We're getting you something hot for breakfast, you idiot."
She tugged Coran from his chair. He didn't exactly put up a fight either.
"That's not necessary, Madame," Coran said.
She was a nag but she got paid to do it so she was very good at it. She wasn't letting this go.
"Everyone needs to eat, including you," Nayni said, wagging a finger in his face.
Coran just sighed and nodded. He snatched up a navy blue jacket that was hanging rather precariously off of a lamp. She had some time to ensure that he was taking care of himself. Allura wouldn't be expecting her for another half of a varga. She followed him out into the hallway. Coran's shoulders were slumped and he was dragging his feet as they started to head for the Palace's kitchen. She'd had a tendency to have trouble keeping pace with him but he was so sluggish today that this was a non-issue.
"When was the last time you slept a full night?" Nayni pressed. "And in an actual bed, not my couch, and not at your desk."
Coran let out a heavy sigh. She imagined it had been quite some time. Nayni craned her neck to look him in the eye. He had a rather guilty look on his face when their gaze met.
"I haven't slept a full night since I moved back to my quarters," Coran admitted.
He couldn't keep carrying on like this. They rounded a corner. There were more Alteans scuttling around the Palace now. They'd all probably gone to sleep and woken again while Coran had kept his nose to the grindstone the whole night through. Nayni's cheeks puffed up with her rising frustration.
"Mister Smythe, you must take better care of yourself," Nayni seethed. "How can you possibly serve the King when you're perpetually on the verge of collapsing?"
He couldn't protest this. She knew this was one of the few ways to get through to him. They both shared the same values. It helped her mask the deeply rooted need she had to take care of him. She could always toss out duty as her excuse to pester him. The curl on Coran's head bounced as he nodded unenthusiastically.
"I know, I know, Madame Nordontu," Coran sighed.
They came upon the door to the kitchen. Nayni hovered in front of the passage. Trying to intimidate him into taking care of himself wasn't exactly the best way to go about things. She'd let her temper slip a bit. It was difficult for her to watch him do this to himself. Nayni wanted him back on her couch. She wanted to have him near again so she had a reason to smile in the morning. She wanted him near so she could take care of him. She smiled at him warmly and placed a hand gently on his shoulder.
"Do take better care of yourself, Mister Smythe," Nayni said. "Someone around the Palace needs to keep driving me insane and all of my Guardsmen are far too loyal and disciplined to take up your mantle if some ill fate should befall you."
The smile that brought to his face made her melt. He made her stomach churn and tingle. She hated it but she welcomed that warm sensation on some deep level.
"I shall do my best not to disappoint you, Madame Nordontu," Coran said.
Nayni felt a heat rush to her cheeks and ears. She had to turn away from him to hide her furious blushing. She pushed her way into the kitchen. She could feel his presence right behind her back. The kitchen was hot and full of activity. Alteans of every shape, color, and size were scrambling around. This area of the Palace never seemed to rest. There were always steaming pots stacked across the stove and the sounds of whisks scraping against the sides of bowls. The smells were always so deliciously torturous. Nayni was a terrible cook but she'd give her left leg to work in this kitchen and eat all of this delectable food.
One of the servants skidded to a stop. The poor girl was covered with a light dusting of flour and her apron was stained with some kind of sticky yellow batter. Her face was flushed and her pink hair was sticking out from beneath her white cap. She seemed to panic a bit when she looked over the two of them.
"C-Captain," The servant girl stammered. "Do you and the R-Royal Advisor need something?"
Nayni had rarely made trips here. She still didn't understand why this girl was so terrified. Though, Nayni did have a bit of a reputation for being a grouch. Most of the stories her Guardsmen spread around the Palace were exaggerated but they certainly helped a woman of her minute stature come off as a bit more intimidating. Nayni tried to smile at her warmly but she did an awful job of it. Her grin just seemed to terrify the girl even more.
Coran stepped in before the Guard Captain could traumatize the girl any further. Despite his exhaustion, he managed to present himself in a rather warm and welcoming manner. His smile put the girl at ease and she even seemed to be giggling a little bit. They'd gotten a bit older but Coran still had a habit of turning Alteans into puddles of food goo with his charms. He leaned forward and spoke to her in a gentle, soft tone.
"Would it be possible for me to get a cup of spiced tea? And maybe a bunga fruit bun?" Coran asked.
His eyes darted over to Nayni and a wicked grin spread across his face.
"Make that two bunga fruit buns, with extra icing on one," Coran said.
Nayni tried to hide her furious blushing with a scowl. Even in this state of pure enfeeblement he still felt the need to consider her desires. The servant nodded rather enthusiastically and scampered off. Coran seemed rather smug over this interaction. Nayni wasn't sure if it was because that servant girl clearly wished to bed him or if it was due to the fact that he knew exactly what Nayni had dreamed about for breakfast. It didn't matter in the end. He already seemed to be rejuvenated even if it was only by the slightest of degrees.
He leaned against the sleek tiled wall of the kitchen. He drove her wild when he did that. The way his neck curved and how his hands rested on his hips made her swoon. The heavenly visage was only tainted by the dilapidated state of his spirits. Seeing him happy, even for this brief moment, meant everything to her. She wanted to make him feel this way every day. She wanted to be there for him whenever he needed her. Nayni wanted Coran to be there for every desperate moment that she'd needed him too.
The servant girl returned with his steaming cup of tea and their two bunga buns. Coran had the widest of smiles on his face as Nayni clutched the green, puffed pastry in her hand. Some of the warm, sticky icing rolled onto her thumb and she licked it off sheepishly. Coran chuckled and took a cautious sip of his tea. She kept telling herself that she hated the smell of that quiznacking stuff but it wasn't true. It always made her think of him and it drove her mad.
The chaos was still surrounding them. She didn't know the half of it but it was still there. He was helping put the universe back in order. He was carrying so much more of that burden than she was. There was always duty. It always came first to them but the ache of his departure had left her in agony. She thought she'd be okay. She thought she'd be strong enough to keep going but after getting that small taste of what their life could be like, Nayni didn't know if she could. It had been easier to do their duty when he was around.
Coran had just been snoring on her couch for a few weeks but even that had made it easier. She had someone to talk to when she'd gotten home. She had something to look forward to aside from sweets and teledramas. She watched Coran take a bite out of his bun. Some of the green crumbs still clung to the red hairs of his mustache. Nayni's hands were shaking. Nayni shoved a chunk of her bun in her mouth. The thick, grainy frosting tasted tangy and sweet. She barely chewed the bun before she gulped it down. Coran wiped the crumbs away from his mustache and sipped at his tea like a true gentleman. He did everything with such poise and grace even when he was in shambles.
She felt terrified but Nayni couldn't fight it anymore. They needed each other. She needed to have him around. And she desperately wanted him to be so much more than a friend. She'd ached for it for so long. Tomyko was long gone and Nayni knew her wife wouldn't want her to keep going on like this. Nayni had to tell him at least. She had to let him know that there was someone out in the universe that held him above all others. Even if he rejected her, it didn't matter. He needed to know that he wasn't just valuable to the King and the Princess. He was huge part of her world too.
Nayni gulped and wiped away some of the frosting from the edge of her mouth. She stared at the smear of it on her glove.
"M-Mister Smythe?" Nayni stammered.
Ruggle, she sounded like a child. His tired eyes flickered up to meet hers. She needed some excuse to get him alone later. This wasn't the time or the place. Nayni jiggled her leg nervously.
"I want you to have a proper meal tonight," Nayni said.
She tried to put on her best nagging nanny voice. She was leaning on that grumpy facade again to give her the strength.
"You'll come over for some real food tonight, won't you?" Nayni said.
She felt like she was going to soil herself. This was going to be a lot more than a meal. She was also a terrible cook so there was a good chance that she might accidentally poison him. Coran just shook his head and chuckled. He set his cup of tea down on the metal counter. She could barely look at that perfectly sculpted face of his.
"If I don't, will you shove me in a corner for five dobashes and scold me?" Coran teased.
Nayni chuckled despite the overwhelming terror she was feeling.
"Mayhaps," Nayni said.
It would probably be a disaster but at least she'd know she'd be sending him off to rest with a full stomach. That would bring her some sense of peace. Coran still looked exhausted but he seemed genuinely happy that she'd made the offer.
"You don't need to threaten me to get me to spend an evening with you, Madame Nordontu," Coran said.
That about killed her. She felt a jolt of joy run right through her heart. Nayni thought she was going to cry if she stuck around any longer. Nayni tugged on the ends of her sleeves and tried to straighten herself out a bit. She tried to slip back into that cold and stiff persona.
"Then I shall see you this evening," Nayni confirmed. "But now I must depart,-duty calls."
It always did. It always would. There would always be duty. And if Nayni kept waiting for it to ease up or fade away she would never get the chance. There would never be the right time. Tonight she was finally going to try and change that. She was finally trying to free herself from that crippling stagnation that had been holding her back for years. She was going to tell Coran Hieronymous Wimbleton Smythe just how much he meant to her.
The Castle's lounge was about to become the site of one of the most difficult debriefings that Nayni had ever experienced. Coran had provided her with some much-needed stress relief on the bridge but she was starting to feel tense again. At any moment, Lotor would be bringing Tomyko in to have what Nayni imagined would be a very awkward introduction. She was certainly more prepared for this emotional reunion than she had been a few days ago but it still felt so very wrong. This was something that shouldn't be taking place.
Allura was still clad in her Pink Paladin armor. The expression on her brown face was solemn. The Princess seemed to be working out the best way to approach this meeting. Nayni wasn't sure what would be the best way. Allura and Coran were a force of evil in this other reality. Tomyko was now going to be allied with mirror images of her greatest enemies. All of the Paladins were there, save for Pidge and Shiro. They were trying to prepare Tomyko for what she was about to see.
No amount of preparation was going to make this easier. Pidge might be able to explain the science behind it all and Shiro could connect with Tomyko, soldier to soldier. The craziest twist to Nayni was that Lotor was the one Tomyko had placed the most trust in. They still didn't even fully trust him. Though at this point in the game, it was pretty hard to cling to those old fears. He'd done nothing but help them.
Hunk and Lance were standing awkwardly behind the U-shaped black couch in the center of the room. Their armor was slightly scuffed from the recent battle. Lance had a particularly awful case of helmet hair. Allura took Nayni by the hand. Her large indigo eyes were full of warmth and empathy. The Princess smiled softly at her.
"If you feel it's too much, no one will mind if you make a hasty exit," Allura assured.
Nayni did feel like running but it was pointless. She'd have to face Tomyko eventually. It was better to get it over with now when she had a room full of family with her.
"Don't you fret, Lurie, I'll be fine," Nayni said.
Allura didn't seem to completely believe Nayni's response but she just accepted it and let things go. Nayni didn't know how many questions would get answered during this meeting. It was probably going to be rough enough going just for them to all meet. Nayni hadn't exactly reacted very well when she first saw Tomyko's transmission. Tomyko was about to get slapped in the face with entire universe's worth of contradictions. That fact made Nayni rethink the weight of the shock she'd felt.
The doors to the lounge slid open. Nayni felt her heart skip a beat. Her chest felt tight and it seemed as if her throat was starting to close up. Shiro and Pidge came in first. Their respective expressions seemed to contradict each other. Shiro's brow was furrowed in concern while Pidge seemed perfectly at ease. She actually seemed to be intrigued. The Black and Green Paladin stepped aside. Nayni felt her heart stop when she saw her.
Tomyko appeared with Lotor close behind her. The Altean that stood before them seemed nothing at all like the woman that Nayni had been married to. She was hardened and seemed cold. A fiery rage seemed to be burning behind her eyes. Nayni half expected Lotor to find the tension to be amusing but there was actually compassion in those golden eyes of his. It caught Nayni off guard.
"Tomyko, these are my allies," Lotor said.
He gestured to The Princess and Coran. Hearing him address them as allies felt strange. It must've felt even stranger for the Paladins. Tomyko's gaze was locked on the polished floors of the lounge. Her slender fists were clenched tightly. She was even shaking slightly. The edges of her slender red lips were twitching. Shiro and Hunk seemed ready to grab the red-head and pull her back. She looked like she was ready to leap at them. Tomyko took in a deep breath. Her face was red with anger.
"I'm sorry," Tomyko seethed. "I know you're not the same people but-"
Her eyes were glistening with angry tears.
"But seeing you with him, Nayni, makes me sick," Tomyko said.
This was off to splendid start, wasn't it? Nayni didn't even know how to respond to that. It felt like she was being stabbed in the throat. She had to keep reminding herself that it wasn't her Tomyko that disapproved. It wasn't her wife that was disgusted by all of this. This was just a completely different person with her wife's face. Shiro hovered near Tomyko. He held out his hands to try and reassure her but he seemed very hesitant to actually touch her.
"I know this is all really overwhelming," Shiro said. "It's been pretty crazy for us too. You're not the only one feeling this way. But you've got nothing to fear with us, I promise."
His speech even calmed Nayni down a bit. It didn't seem to effect Tomyko very much. She refused to take a seat. She just stood rigidly by the door. Lotor stepped forward. His feet didn't even make the slightest sound as he walked across the floor. He moved like a specter in the night.
"My friends have morals that align rather closely with yours, Tomyko," Lotor said. "Possibly more so than mine do."
This concept seemed to trouble Tomyko greatly. It shocked her. She seemed to be holding back a torrent of words that she desperately wanted to spew at them all. Lotor gestured for her to sit with him and Tomyko reluctantly followed him. Pidge scampered over to Hunk while Shiro hung close to Tomyko and Lotor. When the Altean clad in red sat across from Nayni she nearly lost it. The way that woman looked at her, it made it all so much more clear that this wasn't her wife. She felt Coran's hand brush against hers.
Nayni wanted to take his hand so desperately but she didn't want to add insult to injury. The situation was already delicate enough. Allura leaned forward. Her hands were pressed together and her silver curls framed the curves of her face.
"I doubt there's anything I can say to reassure you," Allura said. "But I hope our actions speak for themselves. We've been fighting a war for many years as well, so we understand the struggles that you've been through."
The Princess spoke with such conviction and sincerity. She was so much like her father. Tomyko seemed caught off guard by the way Allura addressed her.
"Lotor said that you have been fighting Zarkon?" Tomyko asked.
She seemed to struggle to say those words. Allura nodded.
"Yes, in our world, he conquered most of the known universe," Allura explained. "He's been ruling for over ten thousand years."
Tomyko was clearly deeply disturbed by this. She covered her mouth, it looked like she was going to be sick. Allura went on to explain a brief history of what had happened. She told Tomyko about the construction of Voltron and how they'd been hibernating for thousands of years. It was a much less detailed retelling of events than the one Nayni had received. With every word that Allura uttered Tomyko just seemed to crumble more and more. Allura left out the fact that at one point Lotor had been their enemy. This didn't exactly surprise Nayni. Tomyko already seemed shaken enough.
Tomyko's reactions were already telling them so much. If their interactions with the Queen and the Advisor hadn't been enough now they truly knew just how drastically different Tomyko's reality was. Tomyko just kept shaking her head.
"Of all the quiznacking realities they decided to invade, they had to pick this one," Tomyko said. "Everything here is so backwards."
Pidge was completely fascinated by everything that was happening. Normally the Green Paladin was trying to log information on her computer but she just stood there staring at the new arrival and hanging on her every word.
"So it's safe to say that we're going to find everything about where you come from pretty crazy too," Pidge said.
It was an innocent and inquisitive comment but it seemed to strike a chord with Tomyko. It appeared that Pidge had managed to establish some desperately needed common ground. Tomyko ran her fingers through her luxurious red hair.
"I don't even know where to begin," Tomyko sighed.
Her gaze flickered over them all. Tomyko's eyes locked on Coran. There was a deeply rooted hatred there. It seemed to keep bubbling back up within her.
"You gave this to me," Tomyko said coldly as she gestured to her scar.
She sat back in her seat. She seemed even more confused now.
"Well—not you," Tomyko clarified.
Coran shifted in his seat. He seemed rather uncomfortable hearing that little tidbit.
"I'm sorry," Coran said. "I know this is hard. If you need to rest before we discu-"
Tomyko waved her hand in the air and shook her head. She looked as if she were about to retch.
"We don't have time for that," Tomyko said. "You all need to know what you're dealing with."
Hunk and Lance exchanged fearful glances. Tomyko looked over the humans, a desperate sadness and immense guilt seemed to be hanging over her.
"The five of you humans were in my world too," Tomyko explained. "I tried to help save your home but-"
Tomyko closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh.
"We failed you," Tomyko said.
The idea of Earth being gone shook Lance to the core. Nayni could see it in his eyes. He stiffened and clenched his fists. Tomyko was trembling. It was barely noticeable but Nayni picked up on it.
"I should start from the beginning," Tomyko sighed.
She didn't seem able to look at Allura or Coran as she spoke.
"It all started going to ruggle when the comet hit Altea," Tomyko explained. "It opened a rift. We didn't realize what exactly it was at first but Alfor became obsessed with it. He started building the Castle with-"
Tomyko wrinkled her nose. She shot Coran a cold and venomous look.
"The Advisor helped engineer that monstrosity that would end up destroying thousands of planets and slaughtering billions," Tomyko explained. "Zarkon kept trying to stop it. He kept trying to warn Alfor that this was dangerous. He just wouldn't listen. He was so hungry for power."
Everything was truly backwards. It seemed that their worlds were polar opposites of each other. It was like looking into a reflection from a broken mirror.
"It ended up killing him," Tomyko said.
Allura covered her mouth to muffle her gasp. Hearing about her father's death was hard, no matter what the context was. Tomyko licked her lips before she continued.
"I was assigned as the young Prince Lotor's bodyguard," Tomyko explained.
The Galra Prince smirked. A new piece seemed to fit into the puzzle for him. Tomyko's gaze was fixed on Nayni. It made her feel so uncomfortable. She looked so angry that it made Nayni's skin crawl.
"You—my Nayni was working with Allura," Tomyko explained. "I tried to get her to join me on Daibazaal. Altea was being torn apart by that rift but she insisted that it was her duty to be with the Princess. Allura was dying. Something about that rift was killing her just like it killed her father."
Tomyko was clenching her fist so tightly that she was shaking.
"I tried to come for her. I tried to get her away but The Advisor had some grand plan. Some grand idiotic plan but she believed it would work," Tomyko said. "He wanted to use the quintessence from the rift to cure Allura. It was madness."
Tomyko looked up at the ceiling. Her expression seemed to deaden.
"It changed them both. When they crawled out of that rift, they weren't the same. They'd become monsters," Tomyko said. "And when I tried to rescue Nayni-he took her from me-he killed her."
Coran gripped Nayni's hand. Something felt wrong. Something in the way that Tomyko had spun this part of her tale just didn't feel right. She felt guilty for doubting Tomyko's words but she couldn't let it go.
"But-when we encountered the Advisor," Nayni began. "He said something that made it sound like your Nayni lived-at least for a while."
She didn't think it was appropriate to mention the bits about him tying her up. Her inquisition sent Tomyko into a fit of rage. Shiro, Hunk, and Lance crept up to her. They were poised to restrain her if needed.
"No! No!" Tomyko roared. "He's a liar! He's just toying with you! He killed her! Every word that comes out of his mouth is poison!"
Her bottom lip was trembling and her face was red. This outburst was not something that Nayni expected. It scared her. Lotor tried to calm her.
"It's all right," Lotor said. "We all have a bit to learn, just relax. It's better to channel that rage at our enemy rather than at each other."
The way he approached everything was so much colder and calculated than Allura. It was effective but felt too slick for Nayni's tastes. Tomyko took a few deep breaths. She refused to let anyone near her. She took a moment to collect herself before she continued.
"That rift destroyed Altea. The Queen and The Advisor slowly took over, system after system," Tomyko explained. "When all hope was lost, Zarkon sealed me and Lotor away in hibernation chambers. He hoped that someday we could restore peace."
She spoke with such bitterness.
"We awoke thousands of years later to a universe enslaved," Tomyko said. "We fought until the very end but we failed. I failed him. They had no idea that they'd finally killed him. They just put out a bounty on his head and hoped someone would find him."
She looked to Lotor. He seemed completely unaffected by what she'd just said.
"Except they had nothing to find until they came here," Tomyko said. "And they found your Lotor."
Tomyko finally fell silent. She was still bristling with anger and hatred. Her story just felt so off. It felt so unnatural. But what else was Nayni to feel? It was all so foreign to her that she didn't expect to feel any other way. No one in the room seemed to know what to say. The room was tense from the immense emotions that her story had stirred in them all. They knew the history of this other reality. It wasn't complete but it was enough to gain an understanding of how things had come to be. There was still so much they needed to know but this first meeting had been so emotionally charged that no one seemed to know what to do. It was Shiro who finally broke the silence. It was always him.
"I think we all need a chance to process all of this," Shiro said. "It's been a rough day, especially for you Tomyko."
She nodded weakly. No one in the room was going to protest. This conversation alone had been more draining than the battle they'd just fought.
"Let's get some rest and regroup later," Shiro said. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us. We're going to need our heads clear and focused for whats to come."
Something awful had happened. Nayni could feel it in her gut. When the call had come over her radio that she was to report to King Alfor immediately, she knew it could only be bad news. This had never happened during her entire career as Captain of the Royal Guard. The Guardsman that had taken over her post seemed pretty oblivious. Allura knew too. She could see it in the Princess's indigo eyes. She didn't know what had happened but she knew her father. Allura knew he wouldn't call upon Nayni like this for a fleeting reason.
The day had started off so strangely all ready. She'd met with Coran this morning and arranged a dinner date. Nayni still couldn't believe she'd done that. Nayni had been so wrapped up in that plan ever since those words had slipped from her lips. She'd been trying to figure out just how she was going to tell him. This had all happened a few vargas ago and now she was worried that the world was falling apart.
She was winding her way through the Palace as quickly as her legs could carry her. There must've been some breach in security. That was the only explanation she could come up with. Things had been chaotic since the death of Zarkon so maybe something had slipped by her. But why would she be reporting directly to the King for such an offense? Nothing she could come up with could explain it. Something was just horribly, horribly wrong.
It had not been often that Nayni had come to the King's private quarters. It had been years since she'd even looked upon the ornately decorated doors. Two of her Guardsmen flanked the entryway. They went rigid and saluted her. She stiffly returned the gesture. She was scared to step through these doors. She knew only bad news lay on the other side.
The King's private chambers were dimly lit. The soft, royal blue carpet silenced the sound of Nayni's footsteps. The cream-colored walls were lined with shelves filled to the brim with exotic plant specimens from every corner of the universe. Allura had been starting to model her room after this. She idolized her father. Nayni did too. Well, every Altean did. Coran was already here. His presence made her stomach feel as if it were sinking. This was big.
Alfor was hovering over one of his miniature gardens. The blue artificial sunlight illuminated the delicate, transparent leafy foliage as if they were made of stars. The King rested his hands along the sleek rim of the planter. His silver hair was unkempt and had fallen in his face. He barely even glanced up from the garden to acknowledge Nayni.
The King's greetings were always so full of warmth. He always smiled at her and gave her a friendly hug. This was not like him at all. Never in all her years of service had she seen the King in such a state. The way Coran was looking at her made Nayni feel even worse. He looked sickly in the blue light of the indoor garden. He was already so exhausted and it seemed that his condition had worsened. Alfor let out a heavy sigh and dusted the soil from his hands.
"Are you aware of why I summoned you today, Nayni?" Alfor asked.
Her eyes darted between the King and his Royal Advisor. Coran's ears were drooped and he couldn't look her in the eye. He did that when he felt guilty about something. Her heart started to beat faster.
"No, sir," Nayni said.
Alfor chuckled. It was half-hearted and seemed to completely contradict the somber mood that was in the air.
"I had fully expected that Coran would've discussed this with you already, given your close friendship," Alfor said.
Nayni looked the red-head up and down. Coran bit down on his bottom lip and his eyes averted her gaze. They discussed quite a few things but even she knew that there were certain topics that were meant only for the ears of the Royal Advisor. Nayni had never pushed him nor had she particularly wanted to know. It was just the way things were. Alfor leaned forward. He grasped a delicate leaf between his fingers and examined the intricate pattern of the crystalline veins.
"We've been receiving some troubling reports about Galra ships attacking a few outlying systems," Alfor explained. "I had assumed it was just some frustrated refugees—at first."
Alfor ran his fingers along the edge of the leaf.
"They took two systems in the past few days," Alfor went on. "We had it confirmed today that Zarkon was the one who led these attacks."
Nayni felt ill. This wasn't possible. She had seen Zarkon's corpse. She'd seen Honerva's lifeless body at the funeral. They were dead. Nayni took a step back. Coran seized her by the arm to steady her.
"H-how?" Nayni stammered.
Coran's grip on her loosened but Nayni didn't slip from his grasp.
"We're not exactly sure how," Coran said."But it is really Zarkon."
In a universe where something as mystical and unknown as Voltron existed, was it truly that crazy? It still felt so insane. It felt so unnatural and unreal. Voltron had done some amazing things but it had never raised the dead. Nothing had ever had that power. Alfor looked up from his garden. His expression was grim.
"We are going to war, Captain," Alfor said.
He seemed pained by all of this. The King and Zarkon's relationship had not always been the best but they had still been friends. They'd still been allies for many years. It had been a blow to the King to think that his friend was dead. It must've been even more devastating to realize that he was now warring against the very same person. Nayni nodded her head slowly. She could feel the pressure of Coran's hand on her back.
A grim realization came to her. War declarations were not shared clandestinely with a lowly Guard Captain. Nayni had no sway over the military. She was not someone who could be consulted. Her job was the security of the Palace and the citizens of the Altean capital. Coran knew. She could see it in his face. He knew exactly why she was here. He might not have known this morning. He hadn't been carrying that weight with him while he was sipping tea in the kitchen. Whatever had transpired to lead to this moment occurred after they parted ways. This day had certainly taken a turn.
"What do you ask of me, my King?" Nayni said.
She sounded so cold but she was being torn asunder by uncertainty.
"You and Allura need to leave Altea," Alfor explained.
He folded his arms across his broad chest.
"Zarkon knows she is the most precious thing in the world to me. He'll be coming for her," Alfor said. "I need you to take her from here. You need to keep moving and you won't stop moving until Coran or I tell you to. No one must know about this."
Nayni felt lightheaded. They had to leave? They had to leave their home? She tried to keep her composure.
"I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe," Nayni said. "You know very well I would lay down my life for her."
Nayni's voice cracked as she spoke. Alfor's smile seemed to restore a bit of strength for her.
"I know you will," Alfor said. "Coran will help you make the arrangements but I'll give you a day to get your personal affairs in order."
Nayni only had one personal affair that she needed to address but there was no way that would be happening now. She'd started this day with so many plans. The day had held so much potential and now that all had to be set aside. Duty called for her as it had never done so before. She'd had the time before and she'd wasted it. There truly was no time for her personal feelings now. Allura was in real danger. They were facing a formidable enemy. A familiar one that knew every strength and weakness that the Alteans had.
Coran started to escort Nayni out of Alfor's chambers. The sensation of his hand on her back felt like someone was prodding her with a hot iron. The air between them felt as if it were on fire. She had to smother this. She had to smother these cursed feelings for the last time. She couldn't let anything interfere with her duty. It was her fault. If she hadn't stalled and been so fearful with him this wouldn't be a problem now.
She didn't even know if he actually reciprocated those feelings but she would never know now. Maybe when this war got sorted out but that could be years. Years and distance could change things quite a bit for them. They might not be able to even call each other friends after that. She could not allow herself to cry. Not in front of her Guardsmen and not in front of Coran. She couldn't let him see just how torn she was.
She'd do anything for Allura. She loved that girl fiercely but Nayni kept dwelling on the horrible truth. She'd wasted all her opportunities. Everything that had held her back before seemed so trivial now. All of her excused were so petty and naive. This was real. There was so much at stake now. If she even slipped up in the slightest, the Altean line of succession would come to an end. Everything that held their civilization together would come crumbling down.
Coran tugged Nayni around a corner. He pulled her into an alcove. A large green leafy plant helped to camouflage them. She couldn't look at him. His hands were shaking. Coran leaned in close, his eyes were so full of guilt.
"I didn't know this morning. I mean, I knew about the attacks but I never thought it would actually turn out to be Zarkon," Coran said. "After we found out, things just started moving so quickly. We just came up with this plan maybe a varga ago. I couldn't think of what else to do—I tried—I really tried—"
Nayni just held her finger up to his lips to silence him. The hallway was silent save for the soft sound of their breathing. She could feel the prickly edges of the plant leaf scratching at the back of her neck.
"When I took on this position, I knew what I was getting into," Nayni said. "I knew that my needs, my life, it all came second to hers."
It hadn't really been true until now. She knew Alfor wouldn't have condemned her if she'd shacked up with Coran. She knew all of her reasons for hesitating were just a childish fear. The excuse she'd thrown around in the past had finally come to be. And she wasn't going to run from it simply because she was in love with this man. Coran didn't seem satisfied with her response. He clung to her biceps so tightly she thought he was going to shake her.
"I should've told you what had been going on," Coran said. "You deserved to know. Maybe we could've-"
Nayni shook her head.
"You were doing your job, Mister Smythe, I don't feel slighted," Nayni assured.
Her mind was already working over everything that had to be done. She needed to decide who would take up her position. She needed to figure out where they were going to go. They needed disguises. They needed encrypted transmission channels. They needed everything. There wasn't time to worry about dinners that wouldn't be eaten anymore. Or stupid laughs that were shared on her uncomfortable couch. She truly was out of time now.
"I hope you take no offense," Nayni said. "But I'm afraid I won't have time to dine with you tonight, now."
It took all of her strength not to choke up during that last statement. Coran's hands fell away. A chill came over her after the loss of his touch. Nayni had started to feel so numb. She'd need to feel that in order to get through the rest of this day. She'd have to tell Allura that they were running away from everything that girl knew. All of her friends no longer existed as far as Nayni was concerned. They would just be two Altean rogues traversing across the universe. Coran went rigid. He seemed to be trying to slip back into those old formalities that they'd clung to for years.
"It's fine, Madame," Coran said. "Now that you'll be leaving, I'll have to learn how to take care of myself. I'll find some way to manage tonight."
She knew he could do it. Nayni knew she could take care of Allura but she did not believe in her ability to take care of herself. Not anymore.