Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hordak shifted through the ruins of his lab, not cleaning- he’d get a subordinate to do that later maybe. Not looking for anything, not even thinking.

He just felt numb.

Entrapta was gone. Probably back to bright moon, since her own land was under his control.

Something didn't feel right.

Of course something didn’t feel right. She was gone. In the presence of pure, devastating heartbreak could he now admit to himself what he’d been avoiding all this time.

I love her.

It wasn’t even past tense. He still loved her- he hated himself for saying it, but he did. But she had betrayed him-

Something inside him stirred. Something was wrong.

He pushed some debris out of the way, and a pile of metal whirred and beeped at him. He stepped back, tense, then relaxed as Emily rose from the rubble.

“Oh. It’s you. She left you here too?”

Emily whirred. He didn’t speak Emily, but it didn’t sound like she was sad.

It hit him.

No. Entrapta wouldn’t have betrayed him. He knew this deep inside. That was the wrong thing. It made nov sense though. How else had the princesses gotten in. Why else was she gone!? All the evidence was there that proved Catra right.. but even in the face of evidence, he didn’t believe it.

Why would she leave Emily?

The door to his lab wooshed open, and one of his officers- Scorpia, entered.

“Sir, Catra told me to come and start clearing the mess out for you.”

His mind felt sluggish. Was this the heartbreak? Had he been injured when the portal was destroyed? Was it shock?

“Sir?”

“No.” He said softly in a voice that didn’t sound like him. He straightened up and took a breath, “No.” he forced some ice into his voice. “ I’ll go through this myself to see if there’s anything of value left.”

“I understand sir… you’d like to do that alone?”

“I would.”

There was a long moment of silence when Scorpia said nothing. Was she waiting to be dismissed?

“Uh.. sir? I think I have information you should know.”

“You think??”

“Well, it’s complicated. You see-“

She didn’t finish. Someone ran in and gave a quick Salute.

“Kyle, what’s wrong?” Scorpia asked.

“Hordak sir! You’d best come quick! Another portal opened nearby, and there’s ships coming out of it”

Hordak turned slowly and looked at him, still confused as his mind took this in.

The portal had been open for just a moment. Entrapta was successful.

And now Prime was here.

————————

He had succeeded. Horde Prime had sent him to the front lines. He wound up on this nowhere of a planet, built an empire, and sent a message out so he could be found. He had persevered past all obstacles. He had succeeded. He was worth something. He didn’t care.

Entrapta had always thought he was worth something, even when he was at his weakest.

He felt sick.

But he had to work past that for the moment. He was used to working through pain. He hurried with Scorpia and Kyle to one of the communications rooms, where Catra was already watching the scene - a massive portal in the sky, with -oddly- only a handful of ships coming out of it. There were four sentry ships, each one piloted by another clone- Hordares, they would have been. They all had different names based on their position.

Except Hordak. That had been a jibe when he was sent to the front lines. Higher generals were allowed special names. He had once been Hoard Alpha. After his imperfections had been discovered, he had been stripped of that title, and was called Hord-ak. Flaw of the Hoard.

In the center of the four ships was a larger ship. Horde Prime was there.

“We should attack, sir.” Catra said, “before they can organize.”

“We want them to organize.” Hordak said flatly, “those are allies.”

He turned on his heel and started walking away, “Catra, turn on the signal lights on landing pad A. Go, and greet the man you exits that larger ship- Hoard Prime. “

“Hoard Prime?”

Hordak left the room, allowing Catra to follow.

“The respect you treat me with, you must show to Horde Prime ten-fold. He will not tolerate impudence or lies.”

He realized that if she was still here, he’d not have tolerated Entrapta’s ways either.

Catra. Entrapta.lies. His mind was struggling.

“Sir…” Catra ran to get alongside him, “Who is Hoard Prime”

“He is ...the Emperor of the known Galaxy.” Hordak figured it would be best to leave off the rest of the information.

“Is he your- I mean, our emperor?”

“Yes- he is, effectively, the emperor of the Fright Zone. Once the rest of his army comes over, we will take over the planet, and he will rule the planet.”

“He’s going to stay?”

“Unlikely - he will assign someone to rule in his place.”

“Someone like yourself, sir.”

He let her believe that. In truth, his place would be at his side. His top general once more.

And thinking of this- he still did not care.

“Where should I bring him, sir?” Catra asked.

“Provided he doesn’t wish to see anything specific, the throne-room. He will sit on my throne- do not stop him.”

“Understood.”

“Dismissed.”

He thought he saw a glint in her eyes, but she was normally very keen- very sly. Maybe it was nothing.

He went back to his seldom used private chambers. He put on the badge he had not worn since he had been stranded here, and worked his disheveled hair back into place. He cleaned himself up as best as he could, but he was much degraded since Prime had last seen him. There wasn’t much he could do about that.

It wasn’t until he was opening the doors to what was formally his throne room to greet Hoard Prime that his mind pulled itself out of shock or injury and warned him.

Catra lies

——————-

He walked In, straight backed and as confident as he could be. Later, he planned to “question” Catra until she told him what really happened. He’d question the whole crew. He’d find out what really happened, and get Entrapta back.

Maybe the princesses had taken her, and she was in the prisons of Bright Moon. He didn’t know what their prisons were like, but he imagined a cramped, damp, awful place. Horde Prime would take over, he’d get Entrapta out, and he’d convince Horde Prime to let him bring Entrapta with him- her scientific mind was invaluable.

He had a plan again. He had hope. The world made sense.

It was with the confidence of a man on a mission that he approached the throne and knelt on one knee. He glanced to the side and saw a small collection of officers- probably the only ones available at the time, stood to the left of him. On the right stood Prime’s personal guard, masked helmets covering their features. Catra stood closest to the stairs at attention.

“Ahh. Little brother.” Horde Prime purred, “It’s been so long.”

Hordak stood up, and faced him properly. His face was entirely covered in the same bluish skin Hordak had, but a tad greener. He was taller, his hair longer, his eyes black and glittering. He of course still had his nose.

This had not started well. If he was pleased, he’d have called him “Horde Alpha.”

“This world has not been kind to you,” he said after quickly looking him over.

Hordak ignored the comment. “Horde Prime, sir-“ he hated the sound of “sir” on his tongue, but it was practically reflex, “I am glad you received my signal. I welcome you to the Fright Zone, and offer you all of its resources.”

“Indeed. Though I am surprised that you’re not offering me the entire planet. I’d have thought a backwater place like this would be a simple task, even for you.”

Hordak tensed his jaw. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go. He had done well! He had proven himself.

“Nevertheless- come up. Let me see you more closely.”

Hordak took the stairs without hesitation. Showing fear would make this worse. For the most part, Prime was brief, not one to take his time to get to the point.

But he loved to, as the term went, play with his food.

He stopped a few steps down from Prime, and watched carefully as his eyes flicked to Hordak’s face, hair, then from his feet up, lingering on the gem on this armor.

I just compliment the… craftsmanship of this armor, Hordak.” He said softly- though not softly enough that his voice didn’t ring through the hall. “But it’s not your work - not your… style.”

“No sir.”

“Whoever built this then? One of your… captains, perhaps?”

“No sir. The scientist who crafted the item isn’t with us anymore.”

“No? I’d have thought you would strive to keep such talent around you.”

Behind him, he heard Catra speak up, “Sir, the one who made the armor was a Princess named Entrapta.”

Hordaks blood froze. If Prime was displeased with him, he’d keep Entrapta away from him out of spite. He might even kill her for fun.

“A Princess,” he mused. He stood up and walked closer to him, eyeing the armor, “Why did she leave, Hordak? Were you not the prince she hoped you’d be?”

He clenched his fists, but said nothing.

“She’s the one responsible for the invasion I told you about, sir.” Catra responded in his place.

There was a long moment of silence. Hordak looked carefully at Prime's face, looking for a hint of what he would do now. He had employed someone who - as far as Prime knew, had betrayed him. He had kept someone close to him who according to all logic, had betrayed him.

Prime laughed. A long, loud, hollow laugh that made Hordak shiver.

“Hordak, you stupid, stupid fool,” he finally said when his laughter stopped, “I don’t expect much of you, but I expected more than this.”

“Sir?”

“You’ve done well, all things considered, but you’re still a broken clone. Your body is more degraded than it was before if you need that much armor. I was going to put you out of your misery quickly and quietly this time...but this hilarious display of your ineptitude deserves suffering.” He started laughing again.

“And just what’s so funny!” Hordak snapped. He figured maybe the certainty of his demise made him brave.

“What’s funny is that I’ve seen this language before, and I can read it.” He leaned forward and tapped on the gem on Hordak’s armor, “your little traitor pet wrote ‘loved’ on your armor.”

Hordak’s heart skipped a beat just before Prime grabbed the gem, and in a solid, fluid movement ripped it from Hordak’s armor.

He wanted to reach out and grab it, moreso now that he knew what the writing meant, but the power glitched in his armor. His body grew weak as he fell under the weight of the sturdy machinery Entrapta had made. He looked up at Prime, hoping to see something other than disgust on his face.

All he saw was Prime crushing the gem in his hand.

He fell to the floor with a gasp of pain as the breath was knocked out of him.

“Pathetic.” Prime hissed as he sat back into his throne. He let Hordak lie on the ground, pinned down by his own armor, gasping for the breath that was knocked out of him.

“Now then.” He said in that soft, echoing voice, “What to do with you”

“Sir! If I can make a suggestion.”

It was Scorpia this time. He didn’t take her for one to enjoy giving out punishments, but here she was.

“The punishment Hordak often used himself was to send a person to Beast Island. There’s no way off, and it’s filled with horrific monsters. If he was sent to die In the same way…”

“Oh.. I do like the Irony. Very well.” He looked down at Hordak, “you shall be sent, then, to Beast Island to die. With luck, you’ll be eaten by something better than you are… but more likely you’ll decay into the dirt.”

“I’ll take care of this!” Catra said quickly, stepping forward.

“No.” Prime ordered. He beckoned to Catra, “I want a word with you...Catra?”

“I’ll deal with this.” Scorpia said, walking over to Hordak. She hoisted him up, grabbing him by the neck of his broken armor, dragged him out of the throne room, allowing him to see the now indifference face of Horde Prime, the shocked face of his captains, and Catra’s very pleased expression before she turned to walk up to Prime.

Chapter Text

The doors slid shut behind them, blocking their view of the throne room. Scorpia dragged Hordak a little further just around a corner before she released a held breath.

“That was close.” She whispered, then turned to Hordak, lifting him up as she did. “Sir, can you walk?”

“Why, am I expected to walk to Beast is-“

“Sir, Entrapta is on Beast Island.”

“What? Why is she there!?”

Scorpia started walking, holding Hordak yo just enough that he could walk. It was a small mercy as the alternative was for her to drag it carry him.“Catra Sir. I was trying to tell you earlier. Entrapta found out there was something wrong with the portal, and she was -going- to try to convince you not to open it, but..” she frowned. “Catra didn’t like that. She had her -new- crew mates send her to Beast Island.” There was a definite hint of bitterness to her voice near the end.

Everything made sense. Hordak felt the knot in his stomach loosen. She hadn’t betrayed him, and she wasn’t locked away in some awful Bright Moon prison.

No. She’d just been attacked and sent off to the most dangerous place on the planet.

“It’s been two -days- “ Hordak hissed, “Why didn’t you-“

Someone ran up behind them. Scorpia turned to to see the small one, Kyle, running up to them.

“What are you doing here.” Scorpia asked in a lie hiss.

Catra ordered me to follow you and make sure you have ‘No trouble’.”

“Well then…” Scorpia shifted Hordak on her shoulder, “ good thing Catra doesn’t pay attention to you.”

“I’d -love- to know what’s going on.” Hordak hissed. The weight of his armor was starting to hurt.

“Ok. Yeah, so, Catra sent Entrapta to Beast Island and I- well, I knew that was wrong, Entrapta is absolutely precious, but Catra just seems to hate her lately and she’s really not being herself. But her new friends from the wastes will do anything she tells them to, and she more or less threatened me if I said anything to you.”

“Very much more” Kyle added.

“Right. So I decided to just go and get her myself. We’ve been getting a ship ready to go with rations, medical supplies, weapons…”

“But Catras been keeping a closer eye on Scorpia as of late.” Kyle said, “If she disappeared, Catra would track the ship and take her down before she got to Beast Island.”

“So, we were just prepping the ship, trying to figure out what to do next. I was going to tell you…”

“Why didn’t you tell me Catra had threatened you?”

“Well….” Scorpia trailed off, then gave Hordak a quick glance, probably deciding that at this point, there was little Hordak could do to her.

“I didn’t want you to hurt Catra.” She finally said. “She’s not normally like this, it’s just with Shadow Weaver leaving her, Adora leaving her...and Shadow Weaver going to Adora in Bright Moon-“

“What??”

Scorpia stopped for a moment and look at him, “Shadow Weaver brought the princesses in,” she said after a moment. “That’s why Catra wanted to use the portal.

That stupid, stupid fool.

If her deception was found out, Prime would kill her. All it would take was Scorpia to decide that she was done with her.

“Catra’s not normally like this.” Scorpia said softly. “When she sees I’m there for her….she’ll be ok.”

Hordak doubted that.

“I was hoping to dig through your sanctum, and find some tools that Entrapta might want when we find her. Can you think of anything you should take with you?”

Hordak went through the list of things in his lab that might be useful. “She has a toolbox” he said, it’s pink and purple. It has most of her tools.”

“Anything else?”

“...imp, If you can find him, and there’s a droid named -“

“Emily?!” Scorpia exclaimed, “she survived?”

“Yes.”

“Kyle, can you get that and meet me at the shuttle?”

“I can.” Kyle said, he hesitated and then asked carefully, “Sir… do you have different armor?”

“I do not.” Hordak replied. He had not needed any other armor, and the old stuff had been scrapped. The equipment he’d use to repair his current armor- if he could try- was destroyed. “Entrapta put a kill switch on this though. With her tools, I can tell you how to trigger that to remove this”

He’d be weak and vulnerable, but he’d be mobile. It would be better than his current situation.

Kyle nodded and took off running. Scorpia continued down to the shuttle.

————————

Hordak and Scorpia got to the shuttle first.

“Ok, there should be rations for a couple of weeks.” Scorpia said as she set Hordak down along a wall, “there’s some weapons, first aid kits, radio equipment-“

“This isn’t a shuttle.” Hordak said. It was a drone transport. Bigger, stronger, and made for carrying supplies through war zones.

“Yeah- I figured this would be easier to reprogram afterwards to get the two of you off Beast Island. I mean, I wouldn’t know how to do it myself, but I’m -positive- entrapta will.”

“And when Catra or Prime get the report that it’s gone missing instead of a shuttle.”

Scorpia gave an overly concerned sigh, “Yeah, that might be a problem. Hopefully the guy in charge of managing the ships this month messed up all the requisitions… “ she looked at a nearby board, showing a list of people working In the ship bay, “oh, look. It’s Kyle. That’s lucky!” She gave Hordak a joyous smile.

“Captain Scorpia, you may just be more devious than I gave you credit for.”

“Only when I need to be.”

A moment of quiet passed, but Scorpia didn’t seem to deal with the quiet well.

“So...uh.” She looked around the loading bay, then back to Hordak. “Sir.. I mean.. I guess you’re not my commander anymore…”

“I am not. Horde Prime is until he decides to assign someone to rule here in his stead...which I think is an honor Catra is striving to.”

Scorpia mumbled something under her breath, then said, “uh.. in that case, can I ask you something that would have otherwise been inappropriate?”

“You’ve saved me from a painful execution, and you’re providing me the means to find Entrapta, and get to safety. I’m sure I can allow you a question.”

“Are you and Entrapta actually ...a thing?”

At the moment the question took Hordak by surprise, but he wasn’t sure what other questions she might have had. His ears fell slightly, and burned blue. He hoped she didn’t notice- most didn’t.

“I am…..Entrapta is…” he fumbled uncharacteristically for a moment, then looked to the side at some numbers printed on the ship. He took a breath and collected his words.

“Entrapta is very important to me.” He finally said. “I...refuse to let her think I’ve abandoned her.”

Hordak didn’t realize that such a long, high pitched squeal could come from such a large woman.

“Oooh, I knew it, I knew it I knew it !” She had her large claws up to her face. Squeezing her red cheeks.

Confusion covered Hordak’s face. “You knew?”

“Ok. Well, Kyle and I suspected. “

“How?!”

“Ok. So. I’ve been here a -long- time. And we don’t talk at all - or didn’t, I mean, we’re talking now of course, but I’ve -never- seen you smile. Never. Not until you started working with Entrapta. And Entrapta, well I do talk to her and she never talks about you guys together, you know? But…” she trailed off and looked aside, “She always really lit up when she talked about you.”

“I see.”

“She would have gotten an invitation to Princess Prom for next year. We wondered if she was going to invite you.”

Kyle returned before Hordak could destroy that idea. Behind him was Emily, with Imp riding on top of her. Kyle had Entrapta’s toolbox in one hand, and a heavy pack in the other.

“Some stuff Imp was collecting. I don’t know if it’s important.” He said, lifting the pack. “It looks like junk to me.”

“I’ll take it with me.” Hordak said. He had built an empire from junk. Entrapta had built him an eco-skeleton from scraps. More junk was good.

“Alright.” Kyle set the pack and the toolkit in the ship. “So what do I do about your armor?”

Hordak struggled to try to pull himself forward. Scorpia helped him as soon as she saw what he was trying to do. She leaned him forward so he was sitting on the floor, his back off the wall.

“there’s a little panel just under my neck,” he said, “pry that open, put the screwdriver in the slot, and turn. That’s an emergency kill switch- it should make the armor release.”

Scorpia jumped to the toolbox and flicked it open, “I totally got this.” She said as she took a screwdriver out of the toolbox, and broke it in half with her powerful claws.

Hordak stared at her for a moment half in awe, half in fear.

”Scorpia… maybe I should-“

“Ah, yes! Yes, that might be wise.”

Kyle got another screwdriver, and pried around on Hordaks armor until he found the panel. Hordak heard the ‘click’ of the panel opening.

“Ok. Ready?”

“Just do it.”

He put the screwdriver in the slot, and turned. There was no pain as he felt the armor loosen detach, and fall off of his body and onto the floor.

Hordak took a gasp of breath as the weight lifted and he could take a full breath. He fell back against the wall, gasping and slowly flexing his arms.

He was weak, but now he could move.

He didn’t notice in silence surrounding him, not until he heard Scorpia say, “We can -not- send him out like this.”

He looked up to see Kyle and Scorpia staring at him in horror. He frowned, and carefully rose himself to his feet. “I’ll be fine. There not much other option anyway.”

“Maybe some lightweight battle armor?” Kyle suggested.

Imp, who had been watching the scene from atop Emily jumped onto the box of junk, pulled out Hordak’s old cape, and brought it to him.

“Yes, get the armor.” He said.

Kyle scurried off for a moment, and came back with a light grey chestplate and a set of gauntlets. He put them on quickly, then threw the cape over his shoulders. Scorpia produced a pin to clasp it under his neck. As he was doing this, Scorpia found a shipping crate and put the remains of the armor Entrapta made for him inside, then put the whole thing in the ship.

Wordlessly, Hordak climbed into the ship.

“Where will you go once you’ve got her?” Scorpia asked. “I mean, we were planning to bring her back here but…”

“I am unsure.” Hordak admitted as he seated himself in a corner. Emily settled next to him, and Imp climbed atop her. “I imagine she may have an idea”

Kyle started pressing buttons on the side panel of the ship. “You’re almost ready for takeoff, sir,” Kyle said, “anything else you need?” Hordak shook his head.

“No. All this is more than enough” I hope. “I don’t know if I can express my gratitude for your risks in this, given my position now, but know if I can do something for you, I will.”

Scorpia gave a sad smile, “just get Entrapta and sweep her off her feet!” She brightened up slightly, “ Invite us to the wedding!”

Hordak rose a brow ridge.

“Calm down, Scorpia.” Kyle said, nudging her in the arm.

“What about the two of you.” Hordak asked. “Catra did not sound pleased at your suggestion, I am sure she’ll want to dig her claws into you. And if Prime discovers either of you helped me, your lives will be forfeit. Are you going to be safe here?”

“Nobody pays attention to me,” Kyle said bluntly, “so I’m probably fine. Besides, the Fright Zone is all I know.” He shrugged, “I don’t know where I’d go. Honestly… This is my home.”

Hordak looked up at Scorpia, a question on his face.

“I..I think I can help Catra!” She said, “She’s a good person, she’s just going through some stuff and I know I can bring her back!”

Kyle rolled his eyes. Hordak suppressed the urge to do the same. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

“Then take my advice, Scorpia. If not for now, then for later. Some people don’t want to be helped.”

She frowned, then slowly nodded. Kyle finished the launch sequence.

As the door closed, Kyle and Scorpia saluted.

“Good Luck, Lord Hordak!”

Chapter Text

It was dark in the ship at first, then the emergency lights turned on bathing Hordak in a dull red glow. Emily seemed to be pretty sturdy as the ship shook during takeoff. Imp, on the other hand had been thrown from atop the droid. Hordak caught him, and held onto him as he listened carefully, his sensitive ears twitching, trying to make out any noise from outside over the motor of the ship.

There was still a chance that Prime would change his mind. There was still a chance he would decide to kill him in flight. Still chance he might do the smart thing, and shoot him down to tie up loose ends.

Five minutes passed. Then ten. Then fifteen. Hordak finally relaxed, not realizing how tense he had been. His jaw hurt from clenching his teeth. His arms ached from clutching the shipping crates around him so tightly.

Imp wiggled out of his grip, then plopped next to him. He leaned over to sniff at the light armor hordak wore, scratched it gently, then gave a short, pitched shriek of discontent.

“No. This is not ideal” Hordak murmured. Imp sighed and leaned against him.

“We just have to find her.” He said, “We land, we find her, we get off Beast Island.”

True, nobody had gotten off Beast Island before, but most people were sent there without a means of getting off the Island. Hordak was going with tools, weapons, equipment, and a ship designed for hostile environments. He was going to find Entrapta, and after that, with their combined resources, tenacity, and intelligence, they -would- escape.

But he didn’t know what to expect. He knew it was part desert, part jungle. His drones that he had sent in his earlier years in Etheria had shown images of terrible monsters before they were destroyed, but he never got enough data to paint a decent picture of what the island was like.

Not ideal.

Imp looked up at Hordak, and gave a little sad, questioning growl.

“I’m sure she’s fine.” He said shortly. Imp tugged on his arm.

“She is not dead.” He snapped. He refused to believe it. So much had happened so quickly since he learned where she was that he hadn’t had time to consider all the worst case scenarios.

“She. Is. Not. Dead.”

He said it to himself this time. But even as the words left his mouth, he could see her in his mind's eye, her beautiful hair matted with blood, her body torn by the fangs of some beast.

“If she is,” he said in a quiet whisper, “it’s my fault.”

He leaned forward, and rested her face in his hands, I should have known from the start that Catra was lying. I should have gone looking for her days ago.

He took a deep breath, and lifted his head. No. He’d not think about that, not get distracted until the moment that he came across her corpse. Until that moment came, she was alive and well in his mind. If that moment actually came…

He couldn’t see past that moment. Life ended at her battered corpse

———————

The ship slowed, and started to land. As it grew closer to the ground, Hordak heard the landing thrusters activate, bringing the ship to a hover before it dropped the final few inches to the ground.

Hordak took a deep breath, and stood up. From the weapons he had been sent with, he chose a lightweight laser gun. It had power, he could run with it if need be - unlike the much larger portable cannon he wanted to take - and he didn’t have to worry about ammunition.

Imp took a tiny knife. Emily, dispite being loud, glitchy, and seemingly programmed to be very friendly, was a combat drone. He looked at her.

“Please tell me Entrapta left you with your military capabilities.”

Emily whirred, and a moment later two panels opened on her sides, allowing two lasers to pop out. A third panel open in the front and a red force field shield popped up around her.

“Good.” Hordak said with a nod. He went to the door, shut off the lock, and grabbed the latch.

“Get ready.” He whispered. Imp sat on Emily’s head, knife in hand.

Hordak took a breath, and threw open the door, coming face to face with a very loud, screaming lizard bird thing.

Hordak took a quick step back, then fired his gun, getting the bird-lizard in the face. It recoiled, screamed, and flew off.

He was broken. His armor was gone. He was in an unknown land surrounded by danger. It wasn’t the first time, and he was very well trained.

Looking around, they seemed to be surrounded by a cluster of large eggs, each slightly silver in colour. Most of them had been broken open, their contents eaten. Their drone must have detected the eggs, and thought this was a landing strip. The lizard-bird must have thought the ship was an egg, and wanted to break it open for a large meal.

“Emily- go into sentry mode.” He commanded. Emily beeped, and started circling around the ship.

Hordak turned and went back into the ship. “Entrapta is highly intelligent and exceedingly capable.” He said to Imp who followed him in curiosity, “I’d be very surprised if she didn’t already set up some kind of radio from the scraps of her shuttle.” It had been what he had done when he was stranded. “If I set this up, I can scan channels and see if I can find her.”

Imp dug around in the supplies that had been provided, and pulled out a flare gun.

“That will alert everything around that something is here- I don’t want to risk drawing more attention to myself.”

Imp squeaked, dropped the flare gun, and started digging through the scraps.

The radio had been slightly damaged in the landing, but it was nothing Hordak couldn’t fix. It was a little tedious though. He had been working on it for only about fifteen minutes when he heard imp screaming, and saw light flare from Emily’s lasers. He cursed, grabbed his gun, and went to the door.

He should have abandoned the ship as soon as he landed, ideally. The landing itself would have drawn notice, and could have attracted predators. But the ship had all his supplies, weapons, food, and most importantly, the ship itself was his way off the Island. So he stayed with it.

And now he was staring at a very large, very angry mother snake, with silver scales, three heads, abd a vicious looking stinger on the end of its tail.

He assumed the mostly destroyed eggs he had landed in were hers.

Hordak turned to the side, aimed, and starting shooting. He was aiming for the eyes, trying to get a disabling shot. Emily was providing a distraction, being a large, shiny, noisy, laser-shooting ball of death.

The snakes scales must have provided some armor, as Emily’s lasers weren’t doing much. Still, Hordak managed to hit half the eyes - without a miss- before Emily glitched. She stopped. Twisted funny, and then her leg stuck. In that moment, the snake lunged at her. Emily managed to get out of the way, but she was knocked aside.

The snake turned its remaining eyes on Hordak, and started to slither towards him. Hordak cursed, and took two more shots, taking out two more eyes before he backed into the ship.

One of the snakes heads -the center one that still had an eye, got in, but the other two slammed against the edge of door. In that moment of confusion, Hordak grabbed the cannon, turned, and fired.

The recoil took him by surprise, and without his normal armor he was thrown back against the inside of the ship.

It did the trick though. The blast hit the snake and drove it out of the ship.

Braced himself against the wall, and aimed again. The snakes body was blocking off the exit. It was still moving.

Hordak took a breath. Patience. Either this Beast would leave, or it would come back for another try.

The ship shook, and tilted.

Or, it’ll attack the ship itself.

The ship shook and lifted from the ground. Hordak dropped the cannon, grabbed imp, and managed to grab the smaller gun when the ship tipped forward.

Hordak felt his feet starting to slip. He crouched, held Imp to his chest, and tucked into a ball as he fell out of the ship.

The landing wasn’t pleasant. His breath was knocked out of him, but he was in one piece.

The snake came around towards him. He tried to get to his feet, but pain shot up through his leg. He buckled forward and fell to his knee.

Something was wrong.

The snake lunged.

Imp flew at the snakes face, and lashed out with the small knife he had taken. The snake hardly reacted, but snapped at Imp. It’s long, sharp teeth sunk into his leg, and Imp gave a loud, feral scream.

Hordak aimed his gun, and fired, managing to catch the exposed gum where the snake was biting down on Imp. It’s mouth opened in a hiss of pain, dropping Imp to the ground.

Hordak tried again to rise, but his leg wouldn’t listen to him.

Hordak stayed down on one knee. Deep, calm breaths. He held his gun before him.

It would lunge again. He’d fire then. He didn’t know if it would work. He could take out the last eye but he wasn’t sure if that would drive it off. Regardless, he’d take the shot. He could deal with anything else after that.

Just one problem at a time.

The snake lunged, then stopped suddenly. At first he was confused but then he felt it- the ground shaking beneath him.

The snake looked at him, looked into the distance, then took off.

Hordak shaded his eyes and looked into the distance. Approaching quickly was a very strange looking creature. He stumbled back, looking around for shelter, but his injured leg wouldn’t let him get up.

He turned towards the oncoming beast and aimed. Emily managed to get over to him, Imp, nursing his injured leg sat atop her head. She put her shield up, shielding Hordak.

The beast was now close enough to see that it was an elephant sized cat-rhino hybrid with an odd furry lump on its head, slowed to a trot and stopped in front of them.

Hordak rose his gun.

The lump on its face shifted. In a second, it had lowered itself down off the top of the creature using long pink tendrils of hair.

Pulling the fur off her shoulders, Entrapta ran past Emily, who had lowered her shields, and knelt down beside Hordak. She looked him over quickly, then looked him in his eyes with that bright, honest smile of hers.

“I knew you’d come for me!”

Chapter Text

Entrapta and Hordak looked at one another for a moment, lost for words before Entrapta noticed Imps wounds. She gave a horrified gasp.

“Poor little imp, was that mean triake mean to you.” She cooed as she examined the leg. She looked up at Hordak, “Did you being a first aid kit?”

“It was very neatly packed in my ship.” He said, the added, “Triake?”

“Yeah. Tri-Snake. That ones not very nice, and I’d normally -avoid- this area, but I saw your ship landing...well,” she laughed and gave that little snort she often gives when she laughs, “I didn’t know it was your ship.” She looked him over, then frowned, “Emily, can you find the first aid kit?”

Emily beeped and wandered off as Entrapta moved Hordak’s head around with her hands.

“What happened to you.” she asked softly.

Hordak almost laughed. Almost. A lot had happened to him since he had last seen Entrapta. But he figured the most important part would have to suffice for now.

“The portal worked,” he said bluntly, “And Horde Prime opened his own portal. Here’s here.”

“So… you came to get me before you leave?” She looked him over, “No, that’s not it… Where is your armor??”

“It was damaged.” He couldn’t bring himself to describe what Prime had done just now, not in detail, “Horde Prime was.. Displeased with my lack of progress and…Really just with me” He gave a wry smile. “I’m still just a broken clone to him.”

“Not to me.” Entrapta whispered, wrapping a strand of hair over his shoulders, “You’re special.. To me at least.”

He remembered the gem, which apparently had “Loved” Written on it. He felt his ears tilt down and burn. “ I know.. I think there was never any pleasing him. I know that now.” He looked up at her, taking in the concern in her eyes, the soft, gentle smile, and was about to try to say something nice, You’re special to me too, might have worked, or I missed you.

Instead, as he took a breath to start speaking, Emily came back with the first aid kit.

“Excellent work Emily! Now go and gather up the rest of the supplies, and put them back in the ship. We’ll help after we fix up little Imp here.” She passed Imp back to Hordak so she could dig through the first aid kit.

“There might be a problem with that” Hordak said, suppressing the irritation that simmered inside him, “Something happened to my leg while I was dealing with that …. Triake? Something’s wrong with my leg.”

Entrapta took a bottle of disinfectant, and carefully started to clean off Imps wounds, despite his pained cries, “Shh, shh, I know it hurts.” she gently scratched Imp’s head, “Can you keep him calm while I clean him up.”

Hordak gently held the back of Imp’s neck while Entrapta worked.

“So what’s wrong with your leg.” She said as she immersed herself in her work.”

“Unsure. It feels like something is wrong with a nerve in the right leg. There’s no pain, but I can’t seem to move it, or put pressure on it.”

“Hopefully you just fell on it funny. We’ll get you to my camp after we gather everything up, and get that elevated. Some ice would be nice to put on it, but we’re not finding that here.” She put the disinfectant back, and started to work on stitching up Imp’s leg with neat, careful stitches.

“And to get to your… Camp. Can I assume we’re riding that thing?” He looked up at the giant, furry rhino with the cat ears.

Entrapta looked up to Hordak, and followed his gaze to the creature she had ridden in on.

“Oh! I didn’t introduce you! Hordak, this is Boots. I’ve called his species “Felineo”. They’re normally aggressive, -THIS - one in particular tried to eat me when I landed, but I managed to ride him until he tired out. He didn’t expect to have to deal with all this hair.” She grinned at Hordak, “He’s nice once you get to know him.”

“I see.”

“And most importantly, I’ve been using him to help me drag the remains of old ships to my camp so I can work.”

“You were working on a way off the island, I presume?”

“I was working on a way to get a message to you, but the radio signal wasn’t getting through.”

Entrapta finished the stitching on Imp, and then placed a bandage over his wound. “There you go.” she said before she gave him a scratch on the head. He gave a little hum, and then jumped down off Hordak’s leg, and sat down to examine the bandage.

Entrapta looked at Hordak, “OK, now you.”

“Now me?”

“You’ve got cuts on your face, your side is badly bruised, and I need to look at your leg.”

Hordak held his hand up to his face. He hadn’t noticed, but yes, it felt a little tender. “Right” Hordak mused aloud, “Prime knocked me down some stairs.”

Entrapta, for a moment, had an expression of pure anger - a rare occasion to be sure, but she looked at his face again, and the expression faded.

“Let’s get you cleaned up before any of this gets infected - that’s the last thing you want here” She said. She took the antibacterial out of the kit again, and gently dabbed the stinging liquid to the cuts on his face, wiping away the blood as she did. The pain didn’t bother him, and he wasn’t used to being tended to like this.

Correction - he hadn’t been used to it. He had grown somewhat accustomed to it from Entrapta.

“Thankfully you don’t need stitches,” She murmured as she got close to his face to examine a cut that was somewhat close to his eye, “I’ll just slap a small bandage on these when they’re cleaned up and -”

“I..” He cut her off, and she stopped what she was doing, but didn’t move away. He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking about the two days he thought she had betrayed him. He had been alone before, yes, but never lonely. “I missed you.”

It was a sad replacement for what he wanted to say, but it was the best he could do.

She smiled, a light blush colouring her cheeks. “I missed you too,” She said. She stayed where she was for a moment before she moved and took out a couple of bandages and gently placed them over the cleaned wounds on his face. Then she pushed him down onto the ground with her hair, taking his leg by the calf so she could examine his knee.

As she moved it, he winced.

“Does that hurt?”

“No. It feels like my legs been asleep.”

“How long has it felt like that?”

“Since I hurt it with the ..Triake?”

Entrapta frowned as she let her fingers carefully prod at his leg and his knee. “Does anything hurt?”

“No. It just feels numb, and tingly. I think I might have struck a nerve.”

“Well that’s not so bad then!” Entrapta said with a smile as she helped him sit up again, ‘We’ll just let you rest that a little, and hopefully you’ll be better soon!”

She stood up, and stretched, first with her legs, then stretching with her hair lifting her up into the air, “OK, I’m going to help Emily pick up the supplied, and then we’re heading to my camp.” She smiled as she looked down at Hordak, “My new lab doesn’t compare to your sanctum, but I think you’ll like it!”

“I’m sure I will.”

————-

Once all the supplies were gathered up, and set back on the ship, Entrapta tied the ship to one of the felinos’ horns with a long length of metal rope. Emily went in the ship, and held the now ruined door closed. She ran up to Hordak, who had set Imp on his shoulders.

She held her hands out to him. “Up ya go!” she said, taking his hands, “I need to see if you can stand.”

Hordak allowed her to help him up, balancing himself with her hands, while her hair hovered around him, waiting to catch him if he fell. He put all his weight on one leg, stood, and gently set his foot to the ground, slowly shifting his weight onto it.

It felt like lightning through his leg, and he lost the strength from his knee down. He lost his balance, and Entrapta grabbed him around the waist with her hair, keeping him upright.

“Alrighty! You really messed up your leg.” She gave him a big smile, “I can probably rig you up something for your leg when we get back to camp so you can walk around while it heals. “

“I brought my suit with me” He said, “It’s in a shipping crate in the ship. I hope. “

“Excellent! Maybe I can fix it, and that’ll help with that leg!”

She helped him move, supporting his bad leg with her hair as she propped him up. They got to the beast, Boots, and Entrapta climbed up first, then pulled Hordak up after her, sitting him behind her as she grabbed the reins.

“This may get a little rough, “ she said as she lowered a pair of goggles over her eyes, “So hold on”

The fur of the monster was silky and slick, and it was hard to grasp, “To what?”

She took his wrists with her hair, and wrapped his arms around her. “To me!”

She let him hold on around her waist, then wrapped her hair around him, holding him tight to her back.

“Ok!” she said cheerfully as they started moving, “Tell me everything!”

It reminded him of the moment when she held him against the vitrine, looking up at him with determined eyes, demanding he tell her everything that was wrong. Things he’d never told anyone on Etheria. And she had helped him.

So he started with realizing that she had finished the portal. The vivid dream before the portal stabilized just a moment before She-ra destroyed it. The destruction of his lab, and Catra’s lies,

“You didn’t believe her though.” Entrapta said with a snort. Hordak clutched her a little tighter. She turned to look at him.

“You… you did?”

“It made sense at first.” he said softly, “You were gone. The princesses had gotten in, and..” He hesistated. No, just the facts. “But it didn’t seem right.”

She frowned, and looked ahead, not saying anything. Imp, still sitting on his shoulders, gave a screech in his ear, and pulled his hair. Hordak hissed in pain - his hair was sensitive- and sighed.

“It’s because..” He started slowly, collecting his words. He was comfortable with Entrapta now, able to relax around her a little. But talking was hard. “It’s because I… I couldn’t.. It made more sense that you’d want to be with the princess than you would with.. With the Hoard.” There was another screech in his ear, and Imp’s hand on the back of his head. “With me.”

Entrapta was silent for a moment. “You thought I didn’t want to be around you?”

“I don’t know why you would.”

She turned, and gave him a look as though he was having trouble grasping a very simple fact. “Uh, because you’re smart, you’re nice to me, you understand me, you listen to me when I start rambling and you actually understand what I'm talking about? Because we work together really well, we always seem to get on the right train of thought? Because you’ll actually work with me? Because I get ideas when I work with you that I don’t get when I work alone. I get more excited about my experiments when I'm working with you than I ever have anyone else? Because you’re actually adorable when you-”

“OK, ok.” He hissed, his ears tilting down slightly.

“Because you never thought I was strange for just wanting to learn. To do experiments. You encouraged me! You helped. Nobody’s been all of that for me. I mean, sure, Adora and Bow and Glimmer were nice enough, the other princesses were - nice- but… That’s all.”

Hordak wasn’t sure how to respond to all that. He wanted to say something, but he wanted to say it right. He just didn’t know how.

“I am very glad to be proven wrong.” He said finally. Entrapta tightened her hair around him briefly, then said as she urged Boots on, “OK. what happened after that.”

“Then Hoard Prime arrived.”

Chapter Text

“Here we go! Home sweet home!”

Hordak wouldn’t have called it home.

Entrapta had managed to find a large cave stuck mid-way up a jagged cliff near the coast of Beast Island. Hordak imagined that when she first found it she managed to access it with her hair, climbing over the rocks that protected it, but now she had created a lift out of salvaged metals, bones, and wire. Inside, she had rigged a table from a half rusted sheet of metal, and a hammock from some old netting that she had repaired. The table was covered with some makeshift tools and parts from old ships that were in various stages of repair. She had filled the Hammock with pillows made from scraps of fabric. In the very center of the cave she had set an old metal barrel, cut in half. It was filled with ashes,

“It gets very cold at night.” She explained as she saw Hordak looking at the makeshift fireplace, “And I need to save any fuel for the ship when it’s fixed.”

She helped him over to an old metal box she had sat against the wall of the cave, and set him down as she ran back to the lift to grab the other things she had brought down- the box of scraps, the crate with Hordak’s armor, her tools, Imp and Emily.

Hordak leaned against the wall. The day had caught up with him. Adrenaline had kept him moving while he was fighting, and seeing Entrapta was a balm for sure, but the truth was that he was in a very bad state.

Without his armor, the dull ache in his body became a pulse of pain that throbbed with every beat of his heart. His leg, still numb, was starting to ache at the thigh, and the bruises he had sustained from his fight, and his reunion with Prime were aching as well.

It was good to sit, just for a moment. He shut his eyes, and felt imp crawl slowly onto his lap. He heard a concerned shriek from him, and reached up to try to pat him.

I’m fine. He tried to say, but he was just too tired, Just let me rest for a minute.

He dozed off, but was awakened before long by a gasp from Entrapta. He slowly opened his eyes to look at her.

She had taken his suit out of the box, and had pieces of it sprawled over the table and floor. She had just taken out the neckpiece, and was looking at the hole when the gem had been.

“It didn't look so bad at first… but this…” She looked up at him, “Hordak, he took the power source right from the suit. “

“He did.” Hordak said softly.

“How did he know it was the source?”

“He didn’t” Hordak said, his ears twitching slightly. “He … He can read first ones, apparently.”

Entrapta was confused for a moment, then a quick blush rushed over her cheeks before her lips pressed together. “Hordak.. I’m so sorry.”

“...Why are you sorry.” His voice was soft and sleepy. He was so tired.

“I.. If I hadn’t written anything on that gem- “

“He’d have killed me anyway.” He said. “He found it amusing.”

Entrapta dropped her head, and started picking at the hold in his armor. Imp looked up at Hordak, but this time, Hordak was already ready. He knew this conversation might come up, so he had prepared.”

“He found it amusing. He thought I had been tricked into thinking that some princess… that some princess cared enough about me to write, “Loved” on my gem. But he was wrong. I wasn’t tricked.”

Entrapta didn’t look up. He frowned. “He ripped it out, and crushed it.” he said, “But that’s fine. I didn’t even know it said anything in particular. Knowing..” He hesitated as he searched for his words, he didn’t think he’d have to say more than he already had. “Knowing-”

“I'm sorry.” she whispered, “I’m sorry I embarrassed you.”

“You didn’t!” he insisted, sitting half up before the pain forced him back down. Entrapta jumped over to help him, putting her hair on his shoulder as she looked him over. He took a lock of her hair in his hand.

“I’d not ever be embarrassed by you.” He finally said, “It made me happy. Knowing.”

It had. That brief moment before the gem was torn from his suit. A flash of joy.

Entrapta smiled softly, and gently stroked his hair, quickly lulling him to sleep.

-----------

He woke up to Entrapta’s voice chattering away. “-Pulled away all the extra mechanisms, strength enhancements.” He watched her pacing around the table she had made, “ It’s pretty well stripped down to the bas- Oh, hello!”

She turned off her recorder, and walked over to Hordak, “You slept for just over two hours.” She stated, “Which I know is not normal for you.”

He sat up, realizing that the armor he had been wearing was off. He saw it in a pile on the ground nearby “It’s wasn’t sleep, exactly.” He said slowly as he pulled himself up, his body aching, “When I’m injured, I dive deeper into a restful recovery-”

“You sleep longer.” She stated. She turned on her recorder again, “Beast log 5, As a side note, Hordak sleeps longer when injured to facilitate recovery.” She paced around him, continuing to record, “Unsure if the snoring is a result of recovery, injury, or if I’ve just not noticed it before. Further research req- “

“I do not snore.” Hordak snapped, indignant, his ears flicking downwards momentarily.

“Well, no, you don’t “snore” per say. You make this -adorable- little chirpy noise. Kinda like when I play with your hair, but louder.”

He growled, and looked aside. “I do not chirp”

Ebtrapta rewound her recorder and played back a strange sound, a staccato series of, well, slightly pitched chirps. “You do.”

He frowned, his ears flicking down and flushing blue.

Entrapta picked up a long piece of shiny metal in her hair and swooped over to him, “no need to pout” she said happily as she lifted him to his feet, “I’ve got a temporary fix to the armor issue.” she displayed to him a basic armature of metal and basic hydraulics, a crisscross of wire and metal on the back and in front with small connectors.

I had to strip down the armor. It’s basically just a frame now.” She explained, her hair started gently working the frame into place, the plugs snapping into the ports on his body with a painful jolt.

“You won’t get benefits like you did with the other one- no strength enhancements, no protection, but it’ll stop the pain and facilitate movement. You should be able to wear the armor you had on earlier over it.”

The last connector went it. The familiar feel of electricity rushing through his body woke up his muscles, and calmed the pain. He slowly flexed his fingers as Entrapta tightened straps around his limbs and waist.

“I had to use some janky parts, and it’s powered by a small solar energy battery I managed to rig a few days ago.” She tightened the last strap and set him back down on the box. “It’s far from perfect- a far cry from the old armor, but it’ll do for now.” She glanced at the remaining pieces of his old armor, “That’s fixable, but I need a better power source than I have access to right now.”

Hordak took a deep breath as the pain ebbed away. Metal rods clung to his arms and legs, and across his back. It wasn’t comfortable, but it was better.

“Now then.. can you stand?”

She gently held Hordak by his arms with her hair, not lifting him, but just getting ready in case he fell. He slowly lifted himself to his feet, keeping his weight on his good leg. When he was up, he shifted his weight to the other. HIs injured leg still felt numb, but he could stand.
“Good. Now let’s see you walk.”

Awkwardly, he managed to swing his bad leg forward, but it was clearly not a controlled movement. He felt Entrapta’s hair tighten around him.

“Ok” Entrapta said softly as she supported him a little with her hair, “Maybe let’s get your leg up for a little.”

She helped him over to the hammock, and helped him in, positioning him so that his leg was up.

Back where he was sitting, Imp made a strange, strangled cry. Entrapta picked him up with her hair, and deposited him on Hordak’s stomach.

“I think he wants more attention when he’s injured.” She said as she give him a quick pat on the head, “At least, he’s very vocal about it.”

“He can be.” Hordak said as he tried to shift himself upwards a little. Entrapta pushed him back down with her hair.

“Nope. You stay down. Let’s give that leg a little time, and hopefully you’ll feel better soon. Then you can help me repair the ship you came on.”

He nodded, and idly set his hand on the back of Imp's neck, “Then what.” He asked. She looked over at him.

“We’ll figure that out.” She said with a smile as she turned and went back to the table, her hair fanning out and grabbing at tools and materials.

He sighed. That was easy enough for her to say for now, but the truth was that they were both wanted. Horde Prime would want her killed, and him if he showed his face again. He wasn’t certain that BrightMoon and the Princess would take Entrapta back, and even if they did, they would execute him.

He wondered for a moment if they could stay on Beast Island, but it didn’t have the technological advances necessary to make Entrapta happy - the same could be said for the Crimson wastes. He had no doubt they could survive there, but if possible he wanted somewhere where Entrapta could work on whatever experiments she wanted to.

But at the very least, she had gotten some materials gathered together in her cave.

“Where did all this come from.” He asked, looking around.

“ Hmm?” she said idly as she was pulling apart an old motor over the table. She looked at him, then looked around the cave, ‘Oh! Yes. Well, A lot of it is from the ship I came in, but that crashed pretty bad when I landed, but then I figured maybe there were other ships around, so since I had Boots to help me, I started looking for other ruined ships thinking I could just cannibalize some old ships, and maybe get the parts together, so I started gathering up any wrecks I could find, and I found this place when I was climbing down to get some stuff I saw on the cliff face, so -THAT- was lucky.I started looking during the day for supplies, found some old rations in old ships, and some tools in old repair kits.”

The engine was now in several parts. She held each one ahead of her, looking at each piece, tossed one away, and then started rummaging through a pile of materials. She found a similar part that she started tinkering with.

“Anyway, then I was out looking for more wrecks, and I saw your ship landing, and well, You were there for the rest.” She laughed. “But I’ve been collecting wrecks since I landed pretty much, so that’s where all this came from.”

She turned suddenly, one of her tendrils of her hair pulled out a pile of papers, and handed them to Hordak. He took them, looking at them in confusion.

“Those are schematics for some of these ships. I’m sure I could find what I'm looking for in them, but it’ll be more effective if you locate the information I need, since you’re more familiar with this technology.”

He gave a quick smile, and started leafing through the papers. It wasn’t much, in fact he was half sure it was an afterthought, or something to keep him busy, but he was happy that he was helping her.

-----------------

Hours passed. Hordak had sorted out the papers, and was trying to figure out the information that had been ruined by damage or time. He wasn’t sure how late it was, but Entrapta had turned on the small powered lamp for her work a while ago, and started a fire to keep them warm. Cold set in fast on Beast island when the sun went down, and keeping warm was essential.

Entrapta got up, exhausted, and let her hair lift her to the hammock. Hordak glanced away from the papers as she set herself next to him, the curve of the hammock rolling her into him.

“Sorry.” she muttered, “But can you watch the fire. I’m so sleepy.”

She was asleep before Hordak could respond, curling up against him. Imp, who had been sitting at his side move up and lay on top of her. Her hair twisted around Hordak’s shoulders before slowly falling limp around him.

Hordak went back to his papers with a small smile on his lips, flipping through the pages carefully, trying not to wake Entrapta.

After a moment, Imp started to chirp.

Chapter Text

“Now jump up and down on one foot!”

Entrapta had insisted on examining Hordak herself to make sure he was fine. Most of his injury was visible, so she could easily see the quickly receding bruises, and the cuts that were nearly healed over.

Of course he had taken good care of himself yesterday. A total of three hours of sleep, a full ration, and a night of rest had accelerated his healing nicely. Entrapta could see, however, the inside of his leg without surgical tools. Which she didn’t have. So he had walked, run, jogged, lifted moderately weighted things, and now-

“A couple of good hops and I’ll be satisfied that you’re fine!”

Begrudgingly, he stood on his recently injured leg, lifted the other, and with his ears tilted slightly down, hopped three or four good times in place.

Entrapta gave him a big grin, “I think your body’s healing is magnificent!” She said, “I’d love to study it further….” she lifted her head and glanced around the cave. “Maybe when we’re in a slightly better location for studies. “

“That would seem wise.” Hordak growled, “You’re satisfied with my progress?”

“Hm? Oh yes! I think you’re all healed up. You did better than I thought you would!”

“Good.” Hordak reached for the light armor he had arrived in .

“I still don’t think you should leave the cave.”

Another growl, his ears flattened to his head slightly, “you can’t go out there alone-“

“I have Boots, Emily, and I have my hair. “ she stated, “I’ve not been injured since my arrival. If you came with me. I’d be more worried about you if I ran into anything dangerous.”

Several responses came to his mind, that he wasn’t weak, that he could help, that he was competent. They had gone over this all before.

As he was, he was more effective staying and working on repairs while Entrapta salvaged for the last few pieces they needed to find. He knew that. It was logical. But he was terrified she’d get lost, or hurt, or die out on Beast Island all alone. He was scared that he’d never see her again and he much rather die alongside her, rather than have her die and not know what happened.

He frowned, and looked over at her as she started packing up some bottled water and a few ration bars in a pack. “And if you don’t come back?”

She paused, her hair hovering in mid-air as she looked over to him.

“I will though!” She finally said, cheerful as ever, “I promise!”

“You can’t promise-“

“I’m heading to some crashes I’ve been to a bunch already” She said as a strand of hair went to her toolbox. She whipped out a bag and passed it to Hordak. “Here. My communicator. My call number’s in a little book on that bag with it. Plug that into the radio I rigged here and we can talk while I’m gone.”

Hordak sighed, his ears twitching, “That’s not necessary, “ he said, but he took the communicator and book out of the bag regardless, “Maybe you could just… check in occasionally.” He handed her the communicator. As she finished packing he flipped through the book. There were several com-numbers he didn’t recognize, ones for other Princess, someone named “Bow”, and a few horde numbers, including his own. It took him a second to see her own com-number on the back of the book.

“I have all those on my data pad, but I need that to examine the stuff I find.”

“Why not use your data pad instead of the communicator?”

“The data pad is digital. Communicator is analog. I could probably get a basic distress signal out, but voice would get garbled.”

“Analog. How quaint.”

“Well, I was going to work in upgrading it, but it’s not necessary now. With my tools back, my data pad, and you working on repairs while I’m out, we can probably get off Beast Island in a matter of days!” Her hair hovered over her for a moment as she thought, scratching her head, “maybe a week if we want to secure some of this scrap.”

“That’s wise. Might be good for repairs.”

Entrapta finished packing up her things, a few extra tools, and threw the pack over her shoulders. “I’ll be gone most of the day.” She said, “But I’ll be back before sundown.”

Hordak nodded, and took a deep breath.

“Entrapta, I-“

She didn’t even notice he was about to say anything. She pushed herself up on her hair to his height, and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back later.”She said with a grin, and took off up the lift.

He waited, listening carefully until she was out of earshot. Imp was next to him, watching him carefully. When he couldn’t hear her anymore, he cursed loudly in his native tongue. His hands balled into fists.

Imp shrieked at him.

“I KNOW!” He shouted. “I’m an idiot.” He growled and turned to plug her com-number into the radio. He had been about to tell her before she left just how he felt. There were several times where it seemed like the right moment but he hesitated too long. And then at the end she had thrown him with her casual affection which he just wasn’t used to.

And it was so stupid. They’ve been intimate before. They’ve kissed before, mated before, and she had been showing more and more of this casual affection before the portal turned on. She knew how he felt.

So there were two questions Hordak had for himself. The first; why did he want to express himself in words? Action was much more effective, no? Second; why couldn’t he.

With Entrapta’s number punched in, he hit the contact button and listened to static for a moment.

“Hello!” Her voice finally came through, crackly and slightly distorted.

“Just checking to make sure it works.” He spoke into the microphone.

“I can hear you perfectly but once I get moving, I’ll have trouble. I’ll contact you when I get to the location, “

“I’ll await your call.”

The line went silent. Imp stared up at him with a frown.

“I’m not telling her over the radio.” He snapped. He got up and went to the table to work on a few broken pieces that needed repairs.

His latter question he had an answer for at least. All the clones were heavily conditioned after they were ‘hatched’. Physical intimacy wasn’t conditioned out of them because ideally that desire was bred out of them. Emotional intimacy was displayed to them as something disgraceful, embarrassing, and dangerous. People were stupid when they were emotional, and made bad decisions.

This wasn’t wrong. In fact, he’d found himself to be more stupid around Entrapta then he ever had been before in his life, but together they were far more effective. Overall, her presence in his life was a boon, so he allowed it. He allowed her in and felt himself falling hard and fast and just trying so hard to ignore it.

Then she was gone, and he realized he couldn’t. Loving her hadn’t been a state, it had been an event. It happened, and he could no more change than he could travel back in time and change the past. No matter how much it hurt him.

But now she was here, and he felt it was important to say aloud how he felt. His conditioning made him hesitate, second guess, and criticize himself.

And it frustrated Imp to no end- he had never suffered such conditioning. It frustrated him too! Entrapta was strong, smart, competent, and relatively free with her feelings. She wasn’t an embarrassment. She wasn’t disgraceful.

The Horde conditioning was wrong. At least for him. He knew that. But still....

The machinery he was working on sparked in a way it shouldn’t have. Distracted. Stupid. He sighed, cleared his mind, and tried to get back to work.

———————

Many many years ago, before Hordak was a general, back when he was in training and just starting to excel, he had a brief stint in the lab. His uncommon curiosity had led him to an interest in the sciences, and thus away from combat exercises for a short time.

Today, they were checking the incubators. Hundreds of late stage clones, mostly adults, were curled in the green-tinted fluids of the incubators in a semi-awake state with helmets strapped over their heads which covered their eyes and ears.

Even after being hatched from the incubators for two years, Hordak, Who was then just 05h41, could still see and hear the things those helmets played. Obedience and loyalty were main themes, videos showing people being either raised or eviscerated depending on how well they integrated these ideals.

Those who performed their duties and served their purpose mattered. Otherwise, you were useless. Unnecessary. A waste. That was made very clear in the videos.

But those weren’t the ones that clung to HordAk the most, not the ones that chilled him. No, the ones that got to him were the ones that portrayed more minor themes. Families that sacrificed their lives to save small useless children. People who made stupid, devastating decisions because of the love of one single person, losing everything and dying in the end anyway.

It caused a deep sickness in his stomach- revulsion he assumed.

He and the head natal scientist were checking vitals and development. At this stage, it was mostly a formality- these clones had been growing for nearly two years. Given their accelerated growth rate, they were pretty much adults. Electricity pulsed through their bodies to stimulate their muscles, abd essential information and skills were virtually trained when the helmets weren’t streaming video. Soon, they’d hatch, and be released to perform their physical training and assessments.

There was a blip on the clone that Hordak was examining though. Breathing was irregular. He called to the scientist with him and showed him.

“hrn….”he looked over the stats, “Ok. You’re going to run a full scan.” He turned on a screen next to the incubator and moved aside so Hordak could run the scan himself. He had never done it before, but he performed the task well and a minute later they had a scan displaying various organs and muscles.

“What do you see.” The scientist asked.

Hordak looked over the scan, his eyes darting to the lungs first. There were three lungs, and In this clone there seemed to be some degeneration in the left lung, affecting its inflation.

“Damage to the left lung.” He tapped the screen with a long talon, “some kind of natural degeneration?”

The scientist nodded, and then made a soft hissing noise- frustration.

“Flush it.” He ordered.

“It can’t be repaired?”

“It can. The resources it would take to repair it would exceed those of simply starting over.”

Hordak pressed some buttons on the screen, opened a security screen, and put in his code.

In big green letters, the screen read “purge vitrine y/n”

He hesitated. Purge vitrine. Kill the clone.

After a moment, the scientist reached over and pressed the button. The fluid drained from the vitrine, and a jolt of electricity shot through the clone, killing it before the bottom opened and it ran down through the pipes.

“I hate this part too.” The scientist said.

Hordak gave a little sigh of relief, “I thought it was only me.”

“Of course not. Purging a clone so close to its hatch date, it’s frustrating. All the time and energy and resources spent to grow it, gone.

Hordak frowned, his eyes furrowed. That wasn’t quite what he meant.

“That could easily have been you or I.”

The scientist looked at him, confusion over his face. “Perhaps. The universe is a dice roll. No point concerning yourself over chance.” The scientists ears pressed back against his head - disapproval.

“Of course.” Hordak said, his own ears flicking slightly, “I am simply grateful I was given the chance to serve, and did not create such a waste of resources myself.”

They moved onto the next clone.

————————-

The sky was turning red when Entrapta returned. Hordak had already lit the fire and warmed up the cave when the lift finally came down, carrying Entrapta and a pile of rescued scraps. She gave Hordak a big smile as she saw him in the illuminated cave.

“I did really well!” She exclaimed, leaping towards him before the lift finished it’s descent, her hair carrying her to him as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Taking him aback. “I got nearly all the materials we need, and a lot of them seem to be in good shape!”

Her hair worked to bring the supplies in and near the table where they could work on fixing what needed to be fixed. Hordak was always so impressed at how her hair could seem to work on it’s own while she focused on something else - in this case, hugging Hordak.

She glanced at his arm, and saw the slight singe on his arm that he had earned from the sparking machinery he had been working on earlier.

“What happened here.” She asked, slowly stroking her fingertips along the edge of the burn.

“It’s nothing. Sparks from the thruster I was working on. A stupid mistake.”

“Well, if a singe is all you got, I’d say you were lucky! I’ve lost count of the explosions and burns and cuts I’ve gotten from all my experiments!” She finished bringing the pieces in, and looked over at them for a moment, smiling in excitement. “I mean, the -only- way I could entirely prevent injury would be to stop my experiments altogether, and what kind of life would that be?”

He was starting to think she was smarter than he was.

Chapter Text

They had almost everything they needed. There was another part they needed which Entrapta was hoping to find among a slightly larger ruin she hadn’t yet explored, then there was just a few more repairs, and scrounging up as much fuel as they could.

Hordak glanced up from his work, tinkering with some of the radar and navigation systems, to check to make sure that Imp wasn’t causing any trouble. He had been put to work- something he wasn’t used to outside of spying- boiling and bottling water for them to drink when they took off.

“Don’t let that boil off.” He said in a louder than necessary voice to wake Imp from his bored snooze. Imp snapped to attention, hissed, and looked away. He had been mad at Hordak as of late primarily because he still hadn’t told Entrapta how he felt.

Hordak just he felt like saying something like that, the time had to be right, he had to have his words right. Damnit, he knew he had to just say it, and it really didn’t matter in the end but he was scared.

Scared. He could admit that to himself at least. A deep rooted fear that gripped him.

He stood up and stretched his arms and legs. He’d been sat for several hours at the table, working. He rubbed his eyes, which had been straining as he worked at tiny little parts. As he lowered his hands from his face, he noticed that it was already getting dark. He had been working in such a focused trance that he hadn’t noticed the time.

“I should start that fire.” He muttered. His eyes darted to the radio. He hadn’t heard from Entrapta in a few hours, but last she had checked in, she was approaching the wreck she was going to check. She normally checked in every now and then, telling him about various things she found, or interesting things she thought of.

Frowning, he grabbed the wood that had been piled in the back of the cave, threw them in the makeshift fire pit, and started the fire with little effort. Once it was burning properly, he went to the radio and kneeled down so he could punch in the number.

He called to her radio. There was static. Static for perhaps longer than he’d like. Finally, her voice came in.

“Hello.” she said. Her voice sounded low, and far away.

“Are… Was your exploration successful?”

More silence. “I’m heading back.” She said, “There were some complications.”

“Complications? What-”

A grunt, followed by heavy breathing, “I’m heading back.” She said, “I’m just getting boots up to a run.”

The line cut. Something was wrong.

Hordak to his feet, and was nearly at the lift when he stopped himself. There was no point going to her now. He didn’t know where she went, and he hadn’t left the cave since he arrived. If he went out on his own to find her, he’d be without Boots, without Emily, and without Entrapta. It was getting dark, and apparently the monsters out at night were far worse than the ones out in the day.

With his normal armor, he’d be hesitant. Without it, it was suicide.

Imp was now carefully ladling boiling water out of the pot it had been boiling it. He looked up and gave an angry shriek at Hordak.

“I know.” He muttered. Now he was worried that something would happen to Entrapta, and she’d not come back. Imp pointed to the radio, but Hordak shook his head. If she had been injured she’d have said something.

“She’s likely lost some tools, or something broke.” he muttered. He went back to the table, and tried to work, but he stopped every few minutes to look at the mouth of the cave, or to tense his ears and listen. His trance had been broken, and was now replaced with a slowly growing panic in his stomach.

The sun set. Twilight faded. Hordak stood up again and strode to the radio. Imp Followed, screeching at him.

“I’m checking up on her.” He muttered. He hated to do it, he hated bothering her, and seeming needy, but it was past dark. The last three days she had gone out, and she’d always return by dark, even if there were complications.

Just as he was about to put her number in, he heard the lift whirring. He released a held breath slowly, turning to Imp, “See. I was being foolish.” He stood up and went back to the table. He wanted to seem like he was still working.

He sat down, and busied himself with packing up the tools when the lift stopped. He looked over, a little surprised because Entrapta normally jumped from the lift babbling about what she found.
He looked up, and saw her standing on the lift, swaying, something sticking out of her side. She looked at him, her hair twisting aimlessly around her.

“There was a complication.” She whispered as she walked a few steps into the cave, then stopped.

Entrapta fell to the floor, clutching her side. Her hair tried to life her up again, but couldn’t. Hordak jumped from where he was sitting, and covered the cave in a few long strides of his long legs. He took her by the shoulders, and gently lifted her up to a half sit. She was weak, but there was still some strength in her body.

He ripped her shirt open, exposing the wound on her side. It was bad. He wasn’t sure what had hurt her, but there was a large stinger, like the quill of a giant porcupine digging into her side. Blood was flowing from the wound and onto the floor of the cave.

“Hordak.” She whispered faintly, “If I die, you can- “

“No.” He hissed. He turned to Imp, “get the first aid kit!!”

Imp had already dropped the bottle of water he was filling, and ran to get the kit.

“Hordak.” She whispered, “The plans for the ship. You can finish it yourself with what I brought back, and- “

“No.” he hissed. Imp came over with the first aid kit. He dumped the contents out, unsure of what he should do. He knew the quill had to stay in her, or she’d bleed too much. He dug through the kit, and found something, A syringe filled with a paralytic. This was what it was for. Prolonging life, or faking death. She’d be still, she’d not be awake, and he still wouldn’t have long to figure out a way to save her.

But he’d have more time than he had now.

He lifted the syringe and held it to her neck.

“No.” She whispered, “No, I can-”

“LIsten to me.” He hissed, leaning down until he was just an inch from her face, “You listen to me. I. Love. You.”

He should have listened to Imp. He should have stopped being such a damned coward and just told her. He could make all the excuses he wanted to, but if he had told her before now, then the last few days might have been.. He didn’t know what it might have been. He’d at least have been able to spend it with her knowing exactly how he felt, without him agonizing about telling her.

Her eyes were fluttering, and though she looked at him, he wasn’t sure if he could hear him or if she was dazed out.

“Entrapta, do you hear me?” He asked softly. She nodded. “Then you listen to me. I love you. I love you like I’ve never loved anyone or anything in my long, horrible life, and I am NOT losing you again.”

He leaned down, and kissed her softly as she plunged the syringe into her neck. After a moment, she fell limp. He quickly felt her pulse - Faint, but still there. Her breathing was shallow.

She needed immediate help. Beyond what he could give her with the supplies in the cave.

“Ok.” He whispered to himself. He got up, and went to the radio He tinkered with the signal, and sent it out into the world. He probably could have sent it to the people in her book, but he wasn’t sure if they were people that would help her after she’d been working for the horde. He sent out an anonymous signal. The horde wouldn’t respond to that. Maybe someone else would.

And if it was Brightmoon… He’d figure that out later. Brightmoon wasn’t ideal, but it was better than the Horde. Brightmoon would be a fighting chance. Shadow Weaver had gone there, and she hadn’t been executed because she was useful. Entrapta was twice as useful as Shadow Weaver. They may not forgive her, but he had to hope that they wouldn’t kill her.

He had no such hopes for himself. He sent the signal.

He went back to Entrapta’s now seemingly lifeless body, checked her heart, and her breathing again, then got a pillow and the scrap of his old cloak and covered her up.

Imp looked up at him, a sad whimper coming from his throat.

“That flare gun you found in our ship when we were coming here.” He said softly. “Get that. If you see any ships passing above the cave, fire a flare.” There was another soft whimper, a question. “Doesn’t matter who it is. She needs help, or she’ll die.”

He picked up the supplies from the first aid kit, and started to clean the wound. He wasn’t sure if it would help, but he had to do something. He wrapped the wound around the quill, and gently pressed adhesive tape over her side. He took a dry cloth, dipped it in their drinking water, and cleaned the dirt and sweat from her face. He wondered if the quill had poison in it. He wasn’t sure.

An hour passed. Her heart was still beating, her breath still shallow. The bandages were slowly turning pink. There was nothing in the sky, not yet. In the darkness if there was any ship he’d at least see their lights cutting through the sky.

Another hour passed.

Then another.

The paralytic started to wear off. He noticed it at first because she started whimpering in pain. He set his hand on her forehead, unsure of what to do to calm her. He felt something wet against his leg. He looked, and saw that the blood from her wound was starting to pour.

He cursed loudly, and grabbed more bandages, applying pressure to the wound to keep her from bleeding out. Her face was pale, her lips turning white. He leaned down, whispering to her. “Come on.” He whispered, “Just stay asleep. Just try to calm down. If your heart rate increases, you’ll bleed out.” He hoped he could hear her. Hoped that she could hear his voice so she’d at least know she wasn’t alone.

He was glad for one thing. Even if he failed, even if she died, he had come for her. He hadn’t abandoned her. He told her how he felt - though he knew he should have told her sooner, and now, if she died, she died in his arms. She wasn’t dying alone.

He heard something outside.

He glanced up, and saw Imp looking out into the sky. He couldn’t see what he saw, but Imp suddenly held up the flare gun, and fired, illuminating the sky with bright green sparks.

Someone had come.

The noise startled Entrapta. She moaned in pain, and Hordak felt blood seep over his fingers. He pressed down as much as he dared.

“Someone’s come.” He said frantically, “Just keep calm. Someone’s here to help you. PLease just don’t die.” He felt his throat constrict as he worked, trying to stop the endless bleeding.

Imp ran from the entrance of the cave with a screech, and dashed behind Hordak. He looked up, and saw a shining light.

It was his previous Force-Captain, The girl Adora that he been there the night Catra activated the portal, but she was She-ra now. large and illuminated as she was when she destroyed his portal. She was on some form of flying horse, and dark skinned boy riding behind her, bow drawn, ready to fire.

“Hordak!” she cried in surprise he she saw him. She jumped down, sword drawn, “Get away from her or I’ll-”

“I SURRENDER.” Hordak cried out. His hands were covered in Entrapta’s blood now, it was seeping out from the bandages he hand, and onto the floor. His tunic was stained, and sticky with it. “I SURRENDER.” He shouted again, “JUST SAVE HER!”

He felt something hit his chest, and something wrapped around him, binding his arms to his side as he fell to the ground. She-ra approached, sword drawn.

“She’s bleeding out.” He shouted. “I was holding the bandages, She’s going to die!”

She-ra looked down at Entrapta, her eyes lingering on the quill. For a horrible moment, he thought they’d leave her to bleed out.

She grasped the quill, and pulled. Blood spurted out from the wound as She-ra knelt down, sword out before her. There was a bright light, and Hordak had to look away to keep it from burning his eyes.

Then slowly, the light faded, and from the silence in the cave, he heard, soft and unsure, Entrapta’s voice, whispering out, “Hordak?”

She was alive. He looked, and saw She-ra slowly helping her up. The boy still had his weapon drawn, and pointed towards Hordak, but he didn’t care about that. All he cared about was that Entrapta sat up, looking around as life returned to her eyes.

He stopped straining against the ropes that held him, and lay still on the ground, content.

Chapter Text

Slowly, Hordak realized what trouble he was in.

He was without his armor, without a weapon, bound by this ridiculous arrow trap with a giant magical princess warrior wielding a giant magical sword hanging over him, with her archer friend next to her.

As with much in his life in the last while, this situation was not ideal

Entrapta looked around from him, to Adora and the boy. “Adora! Bow! What are you two doing here?”

Ah, the archer’s name was Bow. He hoped that was a nickname.

Imp came out from the shadows of the cave, and stood before Hordak and the others, hissing . Hordak managed to get himself to his feet - thankfully only his arms were bound around him.

Adora- no, She-ra - was there a difference? She approached him, sword drawn.

“Hordak.” he was looking at him with the same eyes that she had when she told him so earnestly that she would ensure that he failed. “You’ve surrendered. Stay on your knees.”

He hesitated for a moment, then figured that for the moment, cooperation might be ideal. Bow turned to Entrapta, “We got your distress signal. We didn’t know it was you, but we got here as fast as we could.

Entrapta looked confused, “Distress signal? I didn’t send a distress signal.

“You didn’t? Bow was confused, “Then who.”

“It was me, obviously.”

Hordak’s voice, though not lifted to a yell, echoed in the cave.

Bow looked over at him, a mixture of fear and confusion on his face. At least there were still some people in whom he could invoke fear.

“What are you even doing here.” Adora demanded. Hordak remained silent, then glanced over to Entrapta.

“Entrapta was mistakenly sent to Beast Island by one of my force Captains. My retrieval of her was not.. As it could have been.”

“You mean you sent her to Beast Island.” Adora accused, her sword coming closer to her face, “After Catra told you that she let the princesses in.”

A low hiss filled his throat, “I did no such thing.”

“It was Catra.” Entrapra said, “She sent me here when I was going to tell Hordak not to open the portal. Remember? I told you, Hordak’s my Lab partner.. My friend? Do you remember when everything was disappearing?”

Hordak looked at her, a brow ridge rising slightly. He had a vague memory of when the portal was opened, but it was brief, like a dream. Like a bad dream with a pain he couldn’t place.

“I sent the distress signal out because she was injured.” Hordak said, keeping his voice even, “ If I hadn’t gotten help immediately, she would have died.”

Adora and Bow exchanged glances.

“He didn't hurt me.” Entrapta insisted, “There was this giant creature like a hippo, but it had giant spikes like a porcupine hidden under it’s skin. I thought it was a hill at first and… “ she glanced at the quill which glistened red with her blood, “I guess I was a little careless.”

Bow frowned, “What do we do with him.” he asked Adora.

“Honestly, if you could we could -really use a lift off the island. It’s not ideal for experimentation, and i”m unsure how sustainable long term habitation here would be.”

“‘We’?” Adora was incredulous, “ You think we’re going to drop him off somewhere safe?”

“Well, if you’re going to take me, why wouldn’t you take him?”

“Because He’s Hordak! He’s the leader of the Horde!”

A thought came to Hordak - he didn’t know why he didn’t say something sooner. “Not anymore.” He said. They looked back at him.

“What… Catra usurped you?” Adora said,
Mirth coating her words.

Hordak grit his teeth. That potentially could be correct in the near future, but in the meantime, “No. It’s been handed over to a different commander. My commander.”

“That’s right!” Entrapta said, jumping up on the ends of her hair. She slowly set herself between Hordak, and the others, “Horde Prime.”

“I’ve never heard of Horde Prime.” Adora said firmly.

“Of course you hadn’t. He’s a warlord, the emperor of the known universe. He’s conquered countless planets and galaxies. You … People,” He nearly said fools, but felt that would at this moment not be ‘diplomatic’ “ Wouldn’t have believed that because you don’t even know other planets are out there. Why try to explain?”

“And he’s just come here now?”

He felt a tendril of Entrapta’s hair snake around his wrists. She was trying to covertly undo his bindings. Good. He still wouldn’t be much in a fight right now, but that would be better anyway.

But he had to buy some time while she did that. “

“The portal sent a signal out into the cosmos. He picked it up and followed it, opening his own portal from his side. He’s arrived with a small Reconnaissance force, likely to see the state of my.. Of the Hords troops here before launching a full scale invasion.

“We’ve already been holding the Horde at bay. We can manage a few extra-”

“You don’t understand, you fool.” Oops. he took a deep breath, “the full Horde army has more soldiers than you can comprehend. Each of them, the lowliest grunt is comparable to my own strength.” This was true- he wasn’t weak with his armor, nor had he been when he was young and healthy, but it had been his mind, his intelligence that had distinguished him from the other clones. It was something he often thought about back in the day when he worked under Prime, why he was different when they were all clones. But later on, he decided that his defect might have affected his mind as well, making him think differently from the other clones.

“If Horde Prime is allowed to bring his full force to Etheria, it won’t be a war. It will be destruction. Those who do not bow to Horde Prime, and pledge their loyalty to him will be killed.”

“We will stand against him, we - “

“He’s destroyed planets. If this one caused enough problems, it would be nothing for him to destroy it. Or if he decided he wanted to use the resources, he could easily terraform the land, make the air unbreathable to you people, then take the resources he wanted. He could do this in a matter of minutes, without a concern.”

“Then why hasn’t he already done this.”

Hordak felt the rope come undone, and Entrapta’s hair slid away from his hands, He held his hands behind him for another moment, then, as though he broke the rope himself, brought his hands before him, resting them on his thighs. “Because he’d rather take it, and rule it. People are a resource too. Information, technology, even arts and culture to spread across his empire. A new planet, a new culture can be marketed to more prosperous planets and peoples. But first, he will conquer the world. He will kill any rebels. He will subjugate this planet.”

“And why do you have a problem with this.”

He hesitated for a moment, glancing at Entrapta. He still hadn’t gotten up to his feet, so they were at face level to one another, her hair slowly coiling between them, and Bow and Adora.

“I could likely survive, one way or another. Entrapta would not.”

“The bottom line is, Hordak is your prisoner, yes?” Entrapta was speaking now, more quickly than he was, “And you’ll need help to fight Horde Prime. Horde Prime will have technology beyond our comprehension.” Her hair started to frizz, she was getting a little excited thinking about it, “From all corners of the universe. If you want to have any chance of stopping him, you’ll need us. Together, we’re the best scientists on the planet, and Hordak is the only one who knows anything about Horde Prime.”

They hesitated, still not happy with the idea of taking Hordak with them.

“And besides that.” Entrapta said, an odd tone of anger in her voice, “I’m not leaving without Hordak. So you might as well turn around and leave if you’re not taking him with us, or get ready to fight me.”

Hordak wasn’t used to hearing anger in her voice, and if he were to be honest, he liked it.

“Why?” Adora asked, her sword lowering slowly. Entrapta gave a big smile, then looked sideways, catching Hordak’s eye.

“Because he’s my Lab Partner, and I love him, too.”

---------------

They decided to take them back to Bright Moon as defectors. He had no doubt that once he got there, he would be imprisoned for the time. But that was fine. He could make himself useful, they would see that.

At least, they would if they wanted to survive.

Thankfully, they hadn’t flown to Beast Island on the flying horse. They had brought a larger transport - just in case there was a larger group of people to get off the Island. This was fortuitous because Entrapta insisted on taking several boxes of scrap, her tools, and the box with Hordak’s armor, insisting it would all be useful if they were going to figure out a way to stop Prime. She wasn’t leaving without Emily, of course, and Imp was going with them too because in Entrapta’s words, “He’s just so cute.”

There was hardly room to move by the time the horse walked in. Hordak muttered under his breath, “Must the horse ride in this.”

“Hey, it’s a two hour flight. You wanna fly outside, be my guest.”

And that was how Hordak learned the Horse could talk. He didn’t use horses himself, but he was certain they normally couldn’t speak.

And thus started the very uncomfortable, awkward flight to Bright Moon.

Adora had been hesitant to transform back to normal Adora with Hordak in the transport, but space wouldn’t allow her to stay as She-ra, so she turned back. Bow flew the transport, Adora sat on a crate, facing Entrapta and Hordak, who were sitting on the floor between crates.

He was grateful for Entrapta for rambling on, her data pad in her hair, going over data she collected from her time in the Horde, sorting it so she could dive into it when she got situated in a lab at Bright Moon.

Bow looked back towards Hordak, hesitated for a moment, then asked, “So.. This Prime guy is controlling the Horde. But you serve him, yes? Why didn’t you go to Beast Island with more supplies, or a better ship… and-” He looked at Entrapta, “Why aren’t you asking to go to your lab in Dryl?”

Hordak suppressed a growl, “Horde Prime was… unsatisfied in my failure to conquer Etheria for him before his arrival.”

“So he sent you to Beast Island?”

“Was the idea of one of the Force Captains who knew Entrapta was there. If left to his own devices, he’d probably have preferred a far more deadly, painful, and likely public form of execution.”

“Ah.” Bow turned back to his flying. Clearly there were other questions on his mind.

“It seems a little silly to me.” Entrapta said as she went through some data, “I mean, viewing success or failure as an if-else situation.”

“Isn’t that what you do.” Adora hissed, looking at Hordak.

“Prime would have considered me far too lenient, far too forgiving.”

“Forgiving?? Shadow Weaver served you for years, and you were going to send her to Beast Island for - “

For disobeying countless orders and continued failures.” He stated. “Prime would have killed her on the spot for the first one.”

Adora frowned, “Why would anyone work under him then. Why did you?”

He really didn’t want to explain the whole thing at this very moment. Though he knew he’d probably have to.

“I’ll probably have to tell everything to your queen, yes? Suffice to say it wasn’t a choice.”

“Yeah, Glimmer will want to know.” Bow said. Entrapta stopped her work, and looked up.

“Glimmer? No, Angella is the -”

“Angella sacrificed herself to close the portal you two built.” Adora said.

“In our defense, we didn’t know the effect it would have, and I for one checked the data after your warning, and was going to stop the whole experiment. Catra just… Had other plans I guess.”

“But you built the portal to bring Prime here in the first place, didn’t you?” Adora demanded, “And you’re just here because he didn’t have use for you anymore.”

Hordak frowned. She wasn’t wrong.

“He’s here because he came to save me.” Entrapta said, “And if that means we’re working with you to stop Prime, isn’t that good enough for now?”

“And you?”

“I’m interested in the cosmos…” Entrapta said slowly, “But I'm somewhat fond of this planet as well. Besides, this Prime doesn’t seem like the kind of person I’d work well with.”

Another long silence between them. Bow finally spoke up

“Honesty Adora, this is as good of a reason as Shadow Weaver gave, and we work with her now so.”

“It’s not the same!” Adora insisted. “She...She- “

“Worked under me, and worked well under me for a long time.” Hordak said, “And I know she had once been loyal to Bright Moon. She was a traitor, and you took her in. You were raised in the Horde, and you’re now a princess.” He looked away, “A bigger threat comes, proves a threat to me as well, it makes tactical sense to join forces.”

Adora frowned, then turned around, watching the sky ahead of her. Hordak suppressed a sigh.

It was going to be a long ride to BrightMoon.

Chapter Text

“I...may have overestimated the ‘prisons’  of Bright Moon.”

Hordak let his eyes wander over the very lavish looking living quarters. Emily beeped as imp jumped off her head and jumped onto the biggest beg Hordak had ever seen. He tried to stand on it but ended up  losing his balance on the soft mattress. He struggled for a moment before giving up his fight against gravity and deciding to just lay there. 

The rest of the flight to Bright Moon had been tense and awkward.  Their captors hadn’t made any mention of Entrapta’s profession of love to him - Despite the circumstances, hearing her say it had made him feel like his chest was going to burst. They hadn’t said anything for which he was grateful as he didn’t want to go over something he had only just admitted to Entrapta with these people. 

But they should have. They looked surprised when Entrapta said it, but they didn’t act on it. They didn’t ask about it. Maybe they weren’t concerned about it? No, he couldn’t see that. 

It was late when they got to Bright Moon. He was pretty sure he had heard Adora mutter to Bow that she “Really… just can’t deal with this strangeness this late.”  So it had been decided that they would be placed in the same “Prison” that Shadow Weaver had stayed in when she their captive, and they would tell Glimmer about them in the morning. 

Hordak  had been to many planets, had seen many fortresses,  and many prisons, jails, and holding cells. Given how quaint Etheria was, he had expected old stone dungeons with shackles. Maybe if he was lucky a little pile of scraps to sit on, damp and  moldy. He was especially worried because Entrapta insisted on taking Emily, and he wasn’t sure how big these prison cells might be. But Entrapta had insisted that she couldn’t abandon Emily, and  Adora seemed to balk at this, and relented. 

“I don’t think this is a prison.” Entrapta said softly, looking around at the large, overly comfortable room they had been put into, “It’s more of a suite…. With magic at the exits.”

A suite was the best way to put it. There were several large windows that opened out to patios, but which were inaccessible  due to a force field of magic. The excessively large bed was covered with soft looking blankets. There was a soft looking chair in a corner, a table with chairs in the center of the room,  and a fountain trickling down over one of the windows. 

If he tried really hard, the only criticism he might have had of the place was that there seemed to be too few cushions, but that was only compared to the relative comfort of the rest of the room. 

“Are we prisoners, or guests.” Hordak muttered.  He really shouldn’t have been upset by his accommodations but…. These were the people who had been beating him. His ears drooped slightly. 

Entrapta  glided along  on her hair, picking at everything in the room. “You know, I could  get us out of here.” She muttered as she poked at things. “Emily has some basic repair tools stashed on her, and she’s in part first ones tech, so I’m sure I could  create a hole in the barrier.” She looked at the window, and rested her gloved hand on the barrier. It seemed solid, but didn’t seem to react. 

Hordak frowned as he looked around the room, taking in the pastel decor, the drapes, the plants that were hanging from holders in the wall. Emily beeped as imp jumped off her head and jumped onto the giant bed, trying to stand on it but losing his balance on the soft mattress. He struggled for a moment before  giving up his fight against gravity and deciding to just lay there. 

“As much as I’d like to leave this....Situation,  without my armor fully functional, I can’t fight my way through any guards we might encounter.” he growled, and  walked towards her, “At this point, it might be best to stay here, see how this plays out.” 

“Hmm. I might be able to get my hands on a power source for your armor.” She said slowly, still looking out the window. She half turned to Hordak,  an unusually somber expression on her face. “I’m sorry, Hordak.” 

He was confused, “For…?”

“It’s my fault we’re here.” She said, lowering herself down to the floor, “If I had listened, if you  had come with me, or if- “

“No.” Hordak said, “I sent out the distress signal.” 

“Only because I -” 

“Were doing what you had to do to get us off Beast island. If I -” He hesitated for a moment, then turned aside, “If I hadn’t believed Catra  in the first place, I’d have gotten you off the island when I had the resources for a proper rescue mission, or you’d not have ended up there at all.” 

 He felt a tendril  of hair on his shoulder. “If we’re going to place blame,”  Entrapta said softly, “For all of this, I’d say Catra is really the one to blame.” 

“But I could have -” 

“Could have questioned Catra more, sure. I could have listened to Adora as soon as she mentioned a larger risk  in the portal. Or, If I had paid more attention to the irregularities in my data, I would have seen the issue before she said anything.” She turned him to her, holding him in place by his  shoulders with his hair. “ There’s a thousand little things we could have done differently, that we could blame ourselves for -“ She trailed off, then looked up at him and started laughing, “Heh. Look at that. I started out feeling bad  because of all this. I think I argued against myself.” 

He felt a smile pull at his lips. He still felt like he should have done better by  her, but he was more than happy to blame Catra for all this. He wondered if Entrapta would like a cat-fur blanket when this was all sorted out. 

 Entrapta looked around, and saw  some of the Tapestries behind Hordak, “Oooh, I wonder if these are hiding anything. She  got back up on her hair, and went over to look. She pulled aside curtains and tapestries that  covered the walls, and found a door. “Oooh, an unsecured door.” she pulled the door open, and peeked inside, “Oh, it’s just a washroom.”  she looked around for a moment, and then gasped, “Oh, a bathtub! It’s huge!” 

Hordak sighed, strode over to the chair, and tried to sit, but fell into the overstuffed   upholstery, sinking unexpectedly several inches down. He looked again around the room, taking in everything, considering the space available to him. His eyes  landed on Imp, who had fallen asleep on the large bed. 

He needed a plan now, and unfortunately he didn’t like his best one. Provided the Rebellion didn’t decide to execute him, this might be the best place for the time. Entrapta was safe, they were comfortable, and they might get to fix his armor. If they got his armor fixed he could  think of another plan, but with the Fright Zone out of his grasp, he didn’t know where else he could go. 

He was pondering this, lost in thought, going over various best and worst case scenarios about being captured and ‘imprisoned’ in Bright Moon  when he felt Entrapta’s hair curl around his wrist. 

“Come on.” She said, elevated  up on her feet, “They have a HUGE tub, and I poured a  hot bath. I’ve not had a proper bath in a while. Neither have you.”

“I don’t take baths.” He said stiffly, “I shower.” 

“Well, there’s no showers in here, so you’ll have to manage with a bath.”

He allowed himself to be led to the washroom- far bigger than he had expected, the “bath” was more of a pool,  and other facilities were hidden behind a second door in the back. Entrapta slowly helped him with the frame that was  plugged into his ports and strapped to his body. He suffered the jolts of pain as each port was freed up, and when the last strap was undone, the metal clanking against the floor as it fell, he took a deep breath. 

It was very uncomfortable. He was used to the armor he had before, the armor Entrapta had made for him which fit him so perfectly, and curved against his skin.  This makeshift armor left red welts where it had been strapped on. Entrapta saw this, and clicked her tongue.  

“Maybe I can rig some padding for this until we can get your armor fixed properly.” she looked him up and down, then started to undress, “Meantime, a bath will help. They have all kinds of oils and salts, I put a bunch in. I think some of them are supposed to be good for your muscles, So I thought that would help.  

He sighed, and turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” 

“... To let you bathe?”

“Don’t be so  silly, I drew it for you. It’s just big enough for both of us.” She started tugging off his tunic  with her hair. He muttered under his breath as she took over from her hair, pulling off his tunic and  tossing the torn and bloodstained fabric to the floor as he quickly settled into the giant tub, letting the bubbles that had formed across the surface  cover him mostly to his neck

At this point he knew better than to argue with her, and at any rate, he wasn’t necessarily opposed to a bath- he was filthy, but it just felt odd to him sharing a bath with someone. 

Entrapta took greater time, carefully folding her torn clothes and setting them aside  before jumping in, splashing Hordak with water as she settled in with her hair hanging outside the tub. She gave a sigh of contentment. 

“I thought I’d never have a bath again.” She said, her voice sounding like she was melting. “I don’t understand why the fright zone doesn’t have nice baths or beds.”

“Primarily because they’re unnecessary.” Hordak responded, “better question; why does bright moons “prison” have one.” He smirked.

Entrapta sighed happily as she sunk deeper into the water. She closed her eyes and hummed happily for a few moments. 

The water was actually quite nice on his muscles and sores caused by the frame.

He was starting to relax, his muscles unknotting, his eyes slowly closing when he heard Entrapta cleared her throat. He opened his eyes and glanced at her. Her hair wasn't hiding her face necessarily, but it was close.

Back on Beast Island…” she said slowly, “you… did you mean it?” 

He stared at her, blinking, “mean it?” 

“Yeah, you didn’t just say it  because you thought I was going to die, because I mean If you -did- that’s still really nice but I’d really like to know if you actually meant-“

She had been looking everywhere but at him, her hair twisting around her. She didn’t notice him cross the pool sized tub until he was in front of her. 

His ears dropped, turning slightly blue as he cupped her face with his hand. He wasn’t used to being, as she’d put it, romantic or ‘sweet’ and he still felt that he must seem ridiculous, a giant alien warlord doing something sappy. 

But it made Entrapta very happy the odd time he did. So feeling his ears burning, he leaned in, brought his lips close to her ears, and said, “Entrapta...I love you more than I thought I was able to love anything.” He leaned in, hesitated for a moment to give her a chance to move away if she wanted (she didn’t), and then gently kissed her cheek. She turned, gently kissing him on the lips, her hair twisting around him. 

“I know…” she said when the kiss broke, “But it’s nice to be told.” She smiled, and looked up at him, “I love you, too.” She slowly reached up to put her hand on the back of his neck, frowned, the pulled her hand away, looking at her fingers with a laugh.

“You still have cave dirt on the back of your neck.” She chided, giggling. 

Hordak frowned, and huffed, “well you have sand in your hair.”

“Fair enough,” she grabbed Hordak with her hair and turned him so her was back on to her, “I’ll get your back, and then you can help me with my hair.”

In truth, his anatomy allowed him to wash his own back, but he let her. She took a sponge and some vaguely mint scented soap and carefully washed his back, occasionally tracing her fingers over where the blue skin merged with the white. 

She found him fascinating. In truth nobody on Etheria who has seen him without his full armor on had looked at him with anything other than disgust or fear before Entrapta. She looked at him with admiration, curiosity… affection.

It was one of the reasons he loved her.  And as he thought of that, he felt how light that thought was now, since he had just accepted it, and wasn’t agonizing over how to tell her.

She rinsed his back, and started gently scratching around his ports. He relaxed his shoulders, slouching forward slightly. He figured he might as well try to enjoy this while he could-  he was certain that getting all the dirt and dust out of her hair would be a nightmare.

——

Finally free of the grit and dirt of Beast Island, Entrapta managed to find some robes hung up in a closet, “I’m really starting to think this is a guest room.” She said as she brought the robes over to him. It fit his lanky frame, but it was far too short, white, and slightly fluffy for him to be comfortable in. 

They managed to clean out their clothes as best as they could. Emily was tasked with drying them, pointing her heat vent at  their clothing to dry them quickly. 

“At least we get  a bath, clean clothes, and a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed.” She said,  “And if this is any indication of how we’re going to be treated, maybe we’ll get a good breakfast. Ohh! I hope they decide to make  little pancakes.” She gently moved Imp to the foot of the bed, slipped out of her robe, and crawled naked under the blankets.

“A good morning of sleep, you mean.”  he said as he watched the sun start to rise in the sky, it’s light filtering through  the magically sealed windows that separated them from the outside world. 

“A few hours in a comfortable bed.” She muttered as she snuggled into the bed. She wrapped her hair around his waist, pulling him towards her. 

“You need sleep too.” She muttered.  He sighed, and sat down on the bed, sinking down into it. “Why  is everything so soft.” He grumbled as Entrapta took his robe off, laying it  on the floor. 

“I like soft.” She said with a yawn. As she pulled him down and wrapped  her hair around him, she muttered, “I thought you were starting to like - some- soft things.” 

Hordak grumbled,  but didn’t contradict her. Going to sleep at the same time was strange for them. He only needed an hour, she needed a full eight.  But the odd time that they did, generally in his own quarters just off his sanctum, she’d wrap her hair around him, and once she fell asleep she’d snuggle into his back, her arms wrapped around his waist.  

He didn’t mind it. 

She pulled him close, drew the blanket over them both, and wrapped her arm over him. He considered that maybe he should stay awake  until their clothes were dry at least, so they could be dressed if anyone came in. 

“‘Night” she muttered into his back. He grunted in response. 

“I love you.” She said softly. 

“....love you too.” 

Plans to stay up escaped him as  he dozed off, wrapped in Entrapta’s arms and hair, the warmth of her body pressing against his back. 

Chapter Text

It was a painful, shrill scream that woke him.

He sat up quickly, his eyes adjusting to the light as he looked for threats, and located Entrapta who was… slowly waking, rubbing her eyes with a frown. It took him a second to remember where he was, and the events of the previous night. He turned quickly to the door.

Adora and Bow stood on either side of the princess he recognized as Glimmer, whose mouth was still open from her scream. Bow and Adora were staring in horror. He’d have taken this as a normal reaction to his very presence among those of the rebellion were it not for the bemused smirks of the guards behind them. 

Entrapta sat up, holding the blanket to her chest, muttering incoherently. 

Ah. Right. Hordak felt his ears flick down as they started to burn. They were still naked. So much for waking up and being prepared. He tugged the blanket a little closer around his waist, wishing he hadn’t sat up so quickly.

Before he could say anything, Entrapta has apparently woken up enough to realize the situation. She gave a small squeak of terror before her hair fluffed out and wrapped around her and Hordak.

“Why didn’t you knock!!” Entrapta cried, her face flushed red

“You’re our prisoners!” Glimmer finally stammered, Her face red and sputtering, “You don’t get a knock! Did you really just-“ she stopped and turned around, “Oh god. In the guest bed.”

Hordak didn’t feel like correcting her assumption. But He and Entrapta had been right - It was a guest room, not a prison. 

“Well, there is only one bed.” He said, his voice cool and level despite his sudden desire to melt away into nothing. 

“And that means you have to strip down to sleep??”

“Given that you took all our things, and that the clothes we had were filthy and torn...yes.” He really wished his ears would stop burning. 

There were a few moments of tense silence before he said, “if you leave, I’m more than happy to dress.”

They disappeared in a flash. 

Entrapta sent a tendril of hair to the door to close it as Hordak groaned and rested his face in his hands.

“Yes. This is just how I wanted this to start.” He grumbled. He got up and walked over to where Emily was holding the now dry garments. He threw his clean but tattered tunic over himself, then brought Entrapta’s things over to her. 

“It’s their fault for just barging in like that. They Should have knocked.” She frowned and looked up at Hordak, her face still red, “This isn’t an issue when you only live around robots.” 

Imp, who had been sleeping on the foot of the bed, was cackling madly. Hordak glared at him as he set her things on the bed. 

“At least I know I can still be scary.” He muttered

Entrapta rose up and gave him a quick kiss, “Well, I don’t think your scary. Naked or otherwise.”

Hordak couldn’t help the quick smile that flickered across his face. 

—————-

A few minutes later there was, surprisingly, a knock on the door. Entrapta, now fully dressed and sitting cross legged on the bed, shot her hair out to open it.

Bow, Adora, Glimmer, and the two guards (who, irritatingly, still smirking) walked in. Glimmer had an air of importance about her, and almost seemed like she was trying to make herself look taller. The effect was ruined by the slight blush that crept over her ears as she pointed to Hordak. 

“You will come with us, and submit to questioning.” She ordered, though Hordak could tell it was a very practiced order. There was a stiffness to her speech and body that gave it away. 

They had a pair of glowing cuffs in their hands. Clearly they intended to restrain him. “I assure you, those are unnecessary.”

“Yeah, well you’re still gonna wear them.” Glimmer said condescendingly. He fumed as he took a step towards her. He had to be diplomatic, he had to suffer these people for now. 

“I’ll go too! “ Entrapta said, getting up off the bet. Glimmer and Hordak both looked at her and said, “No!”

Hordak hesitated for a moment, then said to Entrapta, “This is fine.” as he held his hands out to be handcuffed. This was, in fact, not fine. He didn’t trust that they wouldn’t separate them, and he wasn’t entirely sure that ‘questioning’ didn’t involve torture. BUt that didn’t matter, pain he could take. But if Entrapta was there, they could use her to get to him. He wasn’t sure if they would hurt her or not - she was a Princess, but she had also been working for him, was clearly close to him, and moreover, had helped build the portal that had supposedly killed Glimmer’s mother. 

They might not be entirely friendly with her. 

“Will you bring him back?” Entrapta asked from behind him. They exchanged glances. “Promise me!” She demanded. He could see in the corner of his eye her hair starting to spread around her. 

“We’ll bring him back.” Bow said quickly as Glimmer put the restraints on him. 

--------

They teleported across the palace. It made him dizzy, and when they popped into what appeared to be a bright and airy throne room, he nearly fell to his knees. 

He didn’t like magical teleportation, he decided quickly. He managed to stay on his feet, and looked around to take in the room. There were two more guards in the throne room, who stiffened, and stood at attention as they appeared. Standing next to the throne was Shadow Weaver. He suddenly felt a jolt of fear run through him. Yes, he could interrogate prisoners if he needed to, but for the most part he left that to Shadow Weaver. He never bother asked what she did, it wasn’t important to him, but she -always- got what she wanted. 

He calmed himself down by reminding himself that at this point, he had nothing really to lie about. Not now. 

“Lord Hordak.” She said with a tone of mocking reverence, “It’s surprising to see you here.” She looked him up and down, taking in his tattered clothing, and the makeshift armature that clung to his scrawny frame. “You’ve looked better.” 

Glimer sat on the throne, dwarfed by its size. “You sure this will work?” Glimmer asked Shadow Weaver as she glared at Hordak, nervousness clear on his face, and in her shaking tone. 

“Oh yes.” She said as she walked towards Hordak, “It’s never failed before.” 

Hordak refused to show fear. He stood as straight as he could, shoulders back, knowing that he didn’t cut quite as intimidating and imposing figure without his armor. Shadow Weaver approached slowly, and lifted her hands above him. 

He felt something settle over him, like static on his skin. He nearly took a step back, but stopped himself. Confusion was more prominent in him at this point than fear. 

Adora looked to Glimmer, “I saw this in the portal.” She said, “And MIchae said it always worked. I figured maybe Shadow Weaver had taught it to him. 

“It’s a truth spell.” Shadow Weaver said to Hordak as she backed away. It made him happier knowing that she at least didn’t feel comfortable turning her back on him, “I don’t recommend resisting it. Not unless you want to start babbling.” 

Hordak raised a brow, “A truth spell.” he said incredulously. He didn’t intend to say anything, but it came out, “Here I thought you were this interrogation savant, and you were just using a truth spell this entire time?”

It felt like there was a barrier missing. Like his thoughts were bypassing a part of his mind, and going right to his mouth. He cursed in his native tongue. 

“What did you just say?” Glimmer demanded. 

“An obscenity that doesn’t translate well into Etherian.” He said, “You lack certain parts of anatomy and culture to translate it so that it works.”

This was not good. 

“I think it’s working.” Shadow Weaver said, smug. She stood alongside Glimmer, “Go ahead, ask what you need to.” 

“What did you do to Entrapta.” 

The question took him by surprise. “Nothing.” He said quickly. 

“You had to do something.” Glimmer Hissed. “Adora and Bow said that she said that she loved you.” Her eyes narrowed, “Did you keep her imprisoned until she broke? Did you Force her to work with you?” She teleported over to him, her hands balled into fists at her hip, “Did you brainwash her? Did you get inside her head and turn her into a cyborg?”

He felt indignation flood his head as he took a step back from the shrill, yelling Etherian, “I did nothing of the sort!” He snapped. 

“Then what did you do to her!?”

“I gave her full access to my lab, resources, technology, and data.” He said, “She was given more or less free access to my lab, and to the Fright Zone. If she wanted to leave, she had every ability to.” 

“Why would she want to stay?” Adora asked. 

“Did you not hear me? I gave her access to all the data and technology that the Horde had in its possession.” He hesitated, then said, “Wait, No. That was after she decided to stay, I think. She enjoyed a limited range of the Hordes resources, proved herself a very capable and brilliant mind, and then I gave her full access.” 

“But why would she work for the Horde at all?” 

“Because she cares, first and foremost, about science.” He said. “Don’t you know anything about her?” He was saying anything that popped into his head. He didn’t like this. Truth was one thing, ongoing announcements from the inside of his mind was another. 

“Ok,” Glimmer snapped, “Then why were the two of you on beast Island? That’s a long way away from your ‘resources’”

His eyes narrowed, “Because Catra sent her there when she realized there was something wrong with the portal.” He snapped, “For some reason, she wanted to open the portal despite the dangers that proved to be there. I was there to find her.” 

“And why would she claim to love you.” Glimmer hissed, “Is that some trick or-” 

“I think she actually does.” Hordak responded, wishing he had some ability to filter his thoughts. 

“Why?”

“I have no idea.” He said, the words starting to babble out of him, “She’s perfect, she’s brilliant, She understands concepts and ideas that the rest of you on this rock can’t even begin to comprehend, and for some reason,” He tried to stop the words from leaving his mouth but as he thought them, they were being spoken., His ears flicked down, warming, “She deigns to spend her time with me, fixing my armor, talking about her theories, and she’s never -once- seemed terrified or disgusted by me. My insight on why she might love me is well beyond my comprehension.”

There was a moment of silence as the four of them exchanged confused glances. It was Bow who finally spoke, breaking the awkward silence, 

“Oh my god.” He whispered, “I think he loves her too.” 

“Of course I do.” He snapped, “Are you really so dense that I have to say that aloud?”

“Impossible.” Glimmer snapped, “He can’t! He’s Hordak! No, he’s using her.” 

“I’d have thought the same thing months ago, Princess-” 

“Queen.” Adora corrected. He frowned, 

“Queen Glimmer. I assure you this … turn of events was as surprising to me as it was to you. But now, here I am, under a truth spell, telling you all this after I’ve surrendered to you.”

There was another long silence. Before any of them could ask another question, he spoke up. “Before you ask me anything about myself and Entrapta, ask yourself, ‘Is this information I really want to know.’”

Another moment of silence, as Glimmer’s face fell with horror, and turned bright red. “Right.” She said quickly. 

“As interesting and entertaining as this is.” Shadow Weaver said, “I think there’s better questions we could be asking.” She turned to Adora, “You said he was talking about a greater invasion.” 

The spell didn’t make him speak this time, he would have told them about Horde Prime himself regardless. “Yes.” He said, “And if the invasion is allowed to start, Etheria will fall, and while Horde Prime isn’t much interested in genocide...” He let his eyes flick between the princesses, “Rebels will be executed en masse.” 

--------

Shadow Weaver recast the spell while he was speaking, to make sure it lingered. He told them everything. He didn’t have much choice, and there were aspects of the story he wanted to leave out, - in particular him being a defective clone, but the magic didn’t allow that.

Horde Prime was here. 

Horde Prime had intended to kill him for his failure in taking over the planet, but Scorpia and Kyle had managed to get him sentenced to being sent to Beast Island, so he could find Entrapta, since they apparently figured out there was something between them. 

Horde Prime had only brought a small contingency to start. Once he had things sorted in the Fright Zone, he’d bring the rest of the troops he thought he might need. He could bring however many he needed for a quick and total takeover of the planet. 

No. There would be no resistance. They had an army, but Horde Prime had an army that spanned the universe. He could outnumber them 100 to 1 if he felt it necessary, and it wouldn’t concern him. 

“So why surrender to us.” Adora asked as he finished telling them all about Prime. 

“That had nothing to do with Horde Prime.” He said, “Entrapta was injured, and was likely going to die. I had no means of helping her. You were her best chance at survival.” 

“Even though you knew you’d be brought to Bright Moon. Imprisoned- “

“I’d hardly call my living situation, ‘imprisoned.’ He muttered. 

“-And questioned.” Adora snapped. “Why.” 

“Are you stupid.” He muttered, his ears flicking down, “I told you. I love her. I wouldn’t care if I was imprisoned in a proper prison, tortured… I’d rather not be killed at this point, but if Entrapta had died, I don’t know that I’d have cared either way.” 

There was a soft, audible, suppressed squeal. Hordak looked away from Glimmer and looked to the source of the sound - the boy, Bow. Adora and Glimmer were looking at him too. 

“Bow what..?”

“It’s nothing!” He said quickly. Hordak looked at him, frowning. Adora and Glimmer gave him a look of disbelief. 

“It’s just… This is always my favourite kind of story.” He said, excited, “The bad guy falling for ‘The Enemy’? It’s perfect! Do you know how many plays and novels work with this? They’re always my favourite!” 

“Yeah, but this is Hordak.” Glimmer said in disbelief. 

“But still!” 

“If this is how this conversation is going- “Hordak interrupted, his ears flat, “I’m hoping you can either let me go, or kill me?”

Glimer looked away from Bow and towards Hordak as though she had forgotten he was there. “You, “ She said, thinking quickly, “You will help us.” 

“I believe I already have.” He responded. “I’ve given you information that would have blindsided you, and given you a small chance at survival.” 

“You’ll help us stop this Prime guy.” He snapped. “You know all about him. You’re his clone. He has to have some kind of weakness.” 

“He does.” He said, “None that I can think of at the moment that he hasn’t accounted for, and which would have allowed for the takedown of an entire army of his clones.” He was rambling - it happened occasionally under this spell, it seemed, “And it would have to be the entire army. He has forces at a home base, a backup-body with a neural upload, and an army of devoted soldiers who will throw themselves at you with no regard for their own lives to help defend and avenge him if need be.” 

He started to think, his mind working suddenly to devise a way to stop the entire horde army. Unfortunately, under the effects of the spell, brainstorming came out of his mouth, “You’d have to kill or disable every clone, cut off his neural uplink. Potentially it could be hacked, but the encryption would be advanced, and it’s not like he doesn’t have his own tech people watching for interference. Closing off Etheria would be your best chance, isolating him here so you’d have a slim chance to defeating him with the small troops he’s brought, but now that he knows it’s here I have no doubt he’d be able to open his own portal-”

“That’s enough.” Glimmer said, rubbing her head. She looked at him. “Will you help us?” 

“Depends.” he said, “What happens to me after it’s all done?” 

 Glimmer hesitated, and looked from Bow, to Shadow Weaver, to Adora, and then back to him, “What do you want.” 

“To go back to the Fright Zone. With Entrapta.” 

“You think we’d let you return? The Fright Zone will be returned to -.” 

“The Fright Zone has been under Horde Control for generations now.” He said, “it’s has its own culture.”

“And we’re supposed to let that culture continue?”

“What would your alternative be?” He asked, “Kill everyone who identifies the Fright Zone as their home? Split it up into smaller colonies?” He frowned, “You do know that many kingdoms surrendered peacefully and joined the Horde for access to technology? Especially kingdoms that didn’t have the same magical proficiency as places like Bright Moon.”

“Then we’ll manage the Fright Zone ourselves,” Glimmer said smugly. 

“Do you have any idea how complex the fright zone is.” He snapped, “The resources, the logistics. Do you have any idea what the Fright Zone can do.” He looked at Adora, “You only know the military expertise of the Fright Zone, but we’ve developed materials, resources, and techniques far beyond that Etheria has seen before I arrived. But you’d not know how to manage it, and you’d deal with a rebellion of your own if you tried to take it over. A rebellion with far more resources and better training, and proper prisons.” 

“... So you’d want to go back to the Fright Zone, to rule the Fright Zone… with Entrapta?”

“If she’ll go back with me.” He said.

“And if she doesn’t?”

“Then I’ll relocate, and rule the Fright Zone where she wants to go.”

“I mean, If she decided when this is over that she doesn’t want to be with you.” 

The idea sent a chill through his body. He wasn’t sure what he’d do. Could she change her mind?

“I am unsure.” He said, frowning. “I’ll not have a reason to continue my conquest of Etheria. I suppose I’d…” he hesitated. Without conquest, without Entrapta, what was there for him? The idea that he couldn’t think of anything scared him. “I’ll have to figure that out.”

“You’d stop your conquest?” Glimmer asked, surprised. He rose a brow ridge at her. 

“I’m assuming that’s how this works. I’ve surrendered to you. If I’m allowed to go back to my kingdom, then I'd be answering to you.” He frowned, “You really don’t know how this works, do you?” 

Glimmer tried to look scary, he was sure, with a frown and a glare, but she really just looked like she was pouting. She teleported back to the throne, and gestured to the guards “Bring him back to the prison.” She said, “We need to discuss this.” 

As the guard turned him and started to lead him away, Hordak couldn’t help but call out, “Your ‘Prison’ Makes a lovely guest suite!” 

He really hoped this spell wore off sooner than later. 

Chapter Text

The room was empty when Hordak was returned to it.

There was a brief moment of panic when ice filled his veins, but then he saw Imp, sitting on the bed and bouncing himself up and down. If something bad had happened, Imp wouldn’t be quite so at ease. He walked up to the bed, and looked down at Imp. “Where is she.” He demanded.

Imp opened his mouth, and played a recording, “Imp-” It was Entrapta’s voice, and at least she sounded normal, “Let Hordak know that Glimmer and Adora came up to get me before he got back. They promise to bring me back after!”

He suddenly remembered Glimmer’s question. If she decided when this is over that she doesn’t want to be with you? The question, for some reason, hadn’t occurred to him. That he might have been tricked he believed easily enough, but if someone loves you, could they change their mind? This was new territory for him. The idea that he himself might change his mind was unthinkable. Could Entrapta...

He sighed, and shook his head. No. That wasn’t a concern for now. He slowly sat on the bed, being careful to not sink into it too quickly. Imp flopped down on his stomach, and rolled into his back, grinning at Hordak.

“At least you’re comfortable.” He muttered, putting his hand on Imps head.

Horde Prime. Could he even be stopped? Moreover, could he be stopped by a defective clone like himself? Now that the truth spell didn’t have his mind running through things as quick as he could spit them out of his mouth he could think.

This was a big problem. A problem he wasn’t sure he could solve, but the first thing to do was look at least at the biggest, more prominent problem that fix that, and that problem was that at this very moment, if he felt so inclined, Horde Prime could descend on the planet with enough ships and drones and robots to blot out the sun for days. Of course he was unlikely to actually do that, but he could. And the fact that he could is what scared him the most. Nobody else seemed to understand just how massive the true horde army was. He was trying to describe an ocean to people who have only ever seen puddles in dirt roads.

No. When Horde Prime opened his own portal, they’d lose. So he had to keep that portal from opening. His mind was racing through the potential sabotage he could manage on Prime’s tech when the door opened. It only opened a crack, then closed again before someone knocked.

“Enter.” Hordak said, trying to keep his voice flat and neutral. The archer, Bow came in, carrying a tray. Hordak raised a brow as he pushed into the room.

“Uh.. Food?” He said, lifting the tray. “Entrapta is eating with Glimmer and Adora, and I realized that you didn’t have anything to eat, so I brought you some of what they’re having.”

“I see.” Hordak said, his voice low and quiet, “And… you don’t have servants to bring prisoners their meals?”

“We don’t normally have prisoners.”

“That much is apparent.” Hordak glanced at the tray as Bow set it down on an end table close to Hordak. Most of it, he was sure he wouldn’t be able to eat, the pancakes that Entrapta had hoped for covered in one of the syrups that she adored. But there was a small bowl of fruit on the tray as well, and what looked like two strips of fried meat. All in all it wasn’t much, but it was plenty for him.

As Bow turned to leave, Hordak took the bowl of fruit, and ignoring the tiny fork that was alongside it, started tipping fruit into his mouth.

“Do you think we can do it?” Bow asked, turning back as he approached the door.

Hordak swallowed the fruit he had been chewing, and looked up at him, “Unsure.” He said simply. “There are many factors to be considered.” He picked up a grape from the bowl, and before he ate it said, “To be frank, the best chance that Etheria has is surrender.”

“Surrender? But you said he’d kill the rebels.”

“The rebel leaders.” Hordak corrected. “The princesses. Adora. If there’s anyone who in particular goes out of their way to cause trouble, then they will likely be executed as well. However, this would grant you the least amount of civilian casualties and damage.”

“..But he’d kill Glimmer.”

“And myself. And Entrapta.” He frowned before he popped the grape into his mouth. When it was gone, he said, “Look at this from… An outside point of view.” He knew Etherians weren’t able to logically separate themselves from a situation- emotion often took over, “By surrendering, you’re trading a handful of lives for the safety of your planet and people.”

“But you just said he’d kill Entrapta too. You don’t-”

“I didn’t say it was the result I wanted or liked.” He said stiffly, “I said it’s the best result for the most people.”

Bow seemed to pause, his lips pressed tightly together. After a long moment, he asked, “If he takes over, what happens to Etheria?”

“Most likely, you’d be a colony planet, and he’d have the ability to take what resources and people he wants from you.” He ate the last of the fruit, and then picked up one of the crispy pieces of meat. “You’d all end up under Horde rule. The royalty would be killed.”

He watched Bow’s face carefully. He knew the look he had. He’d seen it on the faces of many people when they considered surrender. “That’s not to be worried about for now.” He said quickly, “If he gets his troops here, then you can surrender.” He started thinking quickly, ideas and plans coming to mind, “He’ll probably send people to discuss your terms of surrender. Be polite, don’t dismiss them outright, bide your time. Don’t surrender until we’ve failed to stop the full invasion.”

“You’ve done this before.”

“I’ve been doing this long before you were born.” Hordak muttered after he swallowed some of the meat. It was good, though very salty.

“You said he’d blow up the planet.”

“I said he -could- and would if he got irritated enough. If you managed to resist him enough, or anger and insult him… Well, Etheria isn’t special enough that he’d not simply use it to send a message to other planets.” Hordak frowned, “There’s no point in worrying about that now. If he wins, you’ll have to accept what happens next. Until then, we can fight.”

Bow was silent for a moment, then sighed and nodded. He looked like he was about to leave again, then noticed the plate, “You… don’t like pancakes?” He asked.

“No idea” Hordak said idly, “I can’t eat them.”

Bow raised a brow, “You can’t?”

Hordak hesitated for a moment, but figured if he’d be here for a while, he’d have to tell them what he can’t eat.

“Grains and dairy will make me very sick. Refined sugar will… Mess with my head before making me very sick. Eggs could kill me in the right amount.”

“Kill you? How? They’re eggs!”

“They’ll make my stomach eat itself.” He said simply. It would be an unpleasant death. “If you decide to poison me, please don’t do it with eggs.”

“Oh.” bow Hesitated for a moment, then said, “Do… you mind if I eat them? I haven’t eaten since last night.”

Hordak waved a hand at them, “Go ahead. I’m not going to eat them.”

Bow pulled a chair up to the end table, and dug into the pancakes. Hordak frowned. He didn’t realize he had invited Bow to stay. He must have caught Hordak’s look, and paled for a moment before he swallowed his bit of pancake,

“Sorry. I was really hungry.”

“I see.” Hordak said. “Why aren’t you with your friends anyway. Adora and Glimmer.”

“Entrapta is my friend too.” Bow said.

“I was under the impression that you had abandoned her in the fright zone.” He hissed. He couldn’t help the rage from seeping into his voice there.

Bow shook his head, “No! We’d never do that!” He snapped, “We… We thought she was dead.” He frowned at the pancakes, as though they had offended him, “Adora said that Entrapta said that Catra told her she had been left behind…”

Hordak’s eyes narrowed. Catra. He was happy enough that Entrapta had ended up in the Fright Zone mind, but still…

Her hurt when he told him how her old friends had abandoned her had struck him.

“But… I guess you know what Catra’s like.” He said, “Since she told you Entrapta betrayed you.”

Hordak felt his ears flick down. He really hated that truth spell they had put on him. He didn’t need everyone knowing everything about him. He decided to get back on track, “Regardless, why aren’t you with them?”

“They said something about girl talk and told me it should be just them.”

Hordak froze for a moment, but realized they likely wouldn’t ask her anything…. Too personal under a truth spell. The look on Glimmers face when he suggested she be careful what she asked was proof of that.

Bow consumed his food faster than Hordak thought he was able to. He had forgotten how quickly Etherians tend to eat- he had gotten used to Entrapta and her tiny food.

“Can… Can I ask you something.”

“You’ve been asking me questions, no?”

“A personal question.”

“You could have asked that when I was being interrogated.”

“Yeah… but it didn’t seem right.”

Hordak could appreciate that at least. He felt a little grateful that Bow had held his questions back.

“Go ahead. I may not answer, depending on the question.”

“You and Entrapta are… really different.” He said slowly, “How did the two of you even become a thing?”

“A thing?”

“A couple.”

Hordak almost said that it wasn’t his concern. He didn’t owe this Etherian any answers. But as he turned it around in his head, he considered this relatively harmless information given how much they knew.

Besides that, He might need to be on, if not on good terms, then neutral terms with someone else in the castle.

“She broke into my lab and fixed one of my experiments. Then demanded I tell her about all the other experiments I was working on.” He remembered that day. Nobody had ever come close to understand what he was working on, and even if they came close to grasping it, nobody had any curiosity about what he was working on. Before he had feelings for Entrapta, he was in part grateful to have a mind he could converse with, even if he wasn’t used to her energy at first.

Bow grinned as he put the flateware on the plate, “Yeah… I can see her doing that.”

There was a sudden knock on the door. Bow got up to open it. Glimmer, Adora, and Entrapta were on the other side.

“What are you still doing here.” Glimmer hissed.

“Uh… talking about Prime?”

Glimmer rolled her eyes and walked into the room. Entrapta rushed over towards Hordak and plopped down next to him, her hair resting on his shoulder.

“We’ve decided to trust you.” Glimmer said. “Well. ‘Trust’ is strong. You’ll be allowed -mostly- free reign of castle, and be provided what you need to help us stop Horde Prime.” She eyed Hordak, “You and Entrapta will both be fitted with bracelets that’ll keep you within the castle”

That was better than Hordak had expected.

“You’ll also be accompanied at all times when leaving this room, either by guards, or by one of us.”

That was fair as well. Expected. However, “And if we actually stop Horde Prime?” He asked, watching her face carefully. Glimmer frowned, and he felt Entrapta tense next to him. He wondered if they had fought over this.

“If we win…” Glimmer said softly, “You will be allowed to return to the Fright Zone. You’ll run the Fright Zone, but you’ll swear.. Uh..” She fumbled. She had practiced this speech on the way here, it seemed, but not well enough.

“Sovereignty?” Hordak offered.

Glimmer huffed and turned red, her fists at her side. “I had it!” She snapped. She took a breath. “You’ll swear sovereignty to Bright Moon.”

“What will the terms of that be?”

Glimmer blinked, confused, “What?”

“Terms. Do you want tariffs? Natural resources? People?” He raised a brow “I swear Sovereignty; I rule the Fright Zone - for- you. What do you want from it?”

Glimmer seemed to be lost. She hadn’t thought about this. “Well… you won’t attack any other kingdoms.”

“That’s to be expected.” Hordak said, trying to keep his tone neutral. “Unless you go to war with another kingdom.”

“Oh!” Entrapta sat forward, her hands clenched, “There’s so much we could offer! There’s so much potential for processing, robotics, medical advances.” She hummed and looked upwards, “I can even see changing some of the Fright Zone’s combat and training programs for more civilian entertainment purposes!”

“..Right.” Hordak said slowly, He didn’t know what she meant by the latter. “Regardless, the Fright zone does have a lot to offer. “ He considered this, “You’d want us to open up trade to the rest of Etheria, and Bright Moon would be given experimental and new technology ahead of the rest of Etheria as a tithe.”

“What?”

Hordak sighed. “We’ll give you tech.” He’d have to write up the formal documents, he realized. Unless she had someone around to take her hand and lead her through this. Maybe Shadow Weaver could deal with this.

“Fine.” Glimmer huffed, “You get to go back to the Fright Zone, and build new tech for us.”

“And I go with you!” Entrapta said, beaming. Hidden by her hair, she slipped her hand into Hordak’s, and gave him a light squeeze.

Glimmer smirked, “Yes. Entrapta gets to go with you. Dryl’s position as Horde territory will be formalized.”

“It likely won’t be called Horde territory when this is all done.” Hordak said, “It’ll be… something different then.”

“Whatever it is, It’ll remain, ruled by you, with Dryl formally ruled by you. Since you’ll be marrying Entrapta.”

Hordak’s ears pinned back. She didn’t seem to like the idea of them together, why was she smirking when she knew - to his dismay- that he was entirely in love with her? Unless…. Of course. It was a test. They were effectively trying to play chicken with them, trying to test them to see how far they would go.

Hordak looked at Entrapta. She seemed happy enough by this.She wasn’t surprised so this was clearly something they had discussed. Maybe it was a test for Entrapta first, and now they were testing to see if he would agree to it.

“I find your parameters acceptable.” He said finally, squeezing Entrapta’s hand back. “Write up the paperwork- I’ll sign whatever you want.”

Chapter Text

 Glimmer teleported into their room with the last box of supplies taken from the carrier they were brought to BrightMoon in. “There.” She snapped, “This one was a little lighter. I’m assuming this is the one that has your clothes and such.” 

“Nope.” Entrapta said as she opened it up, revealing a collection of seat padding and empty bottles. “Just lighter stuff. I was sent to beast Island without any planning, so I didn’t bring a change of clothes.” 

Hordak opened a box with tools in it and set them on one of the tables that bow found for their room. Before he started working, he liked his workspace to be just so, with everything in just the right place. He’d need his own data pad, a computer, some soldering supplies… He went over a list in his head of things that he would likely need. He’d get the common stuff first, then request anything else he’d need as he needed it. But would BrightMoon have everything he needed? They seemed to work more with magic, so just how technologically advanced were they, and how would he get the supplies he needed if they didn’t have it. 

“Hordak?” It was Entrapta. He turned around to face her, seeing Glimmer standing by the door with her hands on her hips, he foot tapping angrily.

“You didn’t bring any clothes, did you?” Entrapta asked. 

Hordak frowned and shook his head, “I am unconcerned about the state of my wardrobe, so long as it’s functional.” He said. A slight lie - he liked to be well presented when possible, but it wasn’t a concern right now. 

Glimmer seemed annoyed for a moment, then, to his surprise, gave a sinister smile. “Oh, we can’t have that.” She said, “Don’t you worry. I’m going to have the royal seamstress make you new things. If you’re wandering around Brightmoon as our… Supervised guests, then we can’t have you wandering around in rags.” 

“As you wish.” He said, and went back to his tools. Glimmer was very transparent, and he realized that she’d probably ask the seamstress to put him in something stupid looking. However, if he was scary, and used a firm tone, he was sure he could get them to just make a copy of what he was wearing. They’d probably not want to get close enough to him to measure him anyway. 

“Oh, if we’re getting new stuff, I could use a computer that’s got a bit more processing power than my data pad.” Entrapta said as her hair wove around setting up her own workstation. “OH, there’s some supplies I could use-” 

“Bow will help you with that.” She said. “Take your time. Shadowweaver is almost done the bracelets. So take your time, set up your lab. I’ll have the seamstress sent up right away.”

She smirked, and teleported away. Hordak turned to Entrapta who was sorting out some scraps. 

“Did that … almost sound like a threat.” He asked her. 

“Hmmm?” She turned away from something she was examining, and looked to Hordak, lost in her thoughts for a moment, “Oh, Yeah. I don’t think Glimmer likes you.” she paused as she started digging through a box for something, “In fact, when she and Adora came to talk to me this morning, they were basically grilling me on why I was with you.” 

Hordak’s heart skipped, and his ears pinned back. He had been worried on and off about their little conversation that morning. “Is that so?” he said, keeping his tone neutral, “What did they say?”

“You ever hear of Prisoners love?”

Hordak raised a brow, “No…?”

“Ah, it’s this thing where, if someone is held prisoner, they start to fall for their captor. It’s more complicated than that, but that’s the gist of it.” She found what she was looking for in the box, giving a cry of joy as she pulled out what looked like an old hydraulic, “They basically implied that’s why I love you, but I wasn’t a prisoner in the fright zone.. Well, I mean, I was technically at first, but that was with Catra and Scorpia, I didn’t even see you back then, and we never really spent time together until we became lab partners!” She beamed, “So I told them that was impossible.” 

“But Glimmer suggested marriage..?”

“I think she was trying to prove a point, and it backfired on her.” She grinned, “But now we can have a party when this is all over! With tiny cakes.” 

Hordak wasn’t familiar with marriage ceremonies on this planet, but if Entrapta wanted tiny cakes, she’d have tiny cakes.

-------

About an hour later, the door opened. There was no knock, it just slammed opened as a person stormed in. She was a larger, spider like woman with two spider legs and spider arms on a thorax, an abdomen that stuck out behind her, and a narrow spider- head with eight almost human shaped, black eyes. She wore a shimmering black dress that seemed draped over her body like liquid. 

She stormed in, and looked at them both. “Well.” she said, “This will be fun.” 

“Excuse you?” Hordak hissed.  He recognized her race immediately “You’re Arachian. Your people are under Horde control. Why are you here?”

She gave a noise, a rattling like noise that sounded clearly like derision. “BrightMoon is my homeland.” She said, “My Grandmother came here to be a seamstress. Then my mother served here after she died, and now I’m serving here. I have no allegiance but my art, and BrightMoon is the best place for me to work.” She looked at the tatters that Hordak was wearing, and snorted, “Good thing I’m not sewing for the Horde. Imagine how awful it would be to sew the same uniform over and over, no creative license. Your seamstresses must bored to tears. “

Hordak knew he was being insulted. He wasn’t exactly sure what the insult was, but he knew the tone. “We don’t have seamstresses in the Horde.” He snapped, “Our tech fabricates what we need.” 

“Well, that explains a lot.” She snorted. She turned to Entrapta. “You.” She pointed one arm at her, and whipped out from a pocket in her dress a measuring tape, and a notebook, “Out of your clothes. I’m taking your measurements.”

Entrapta sighed, lowered herself to the floor, and started changing out of her clothes. “I hate having measurements taken.” She muttered.

Hordak went back to his work. He was busy compiling the information he had on hand from Entrapta’s data-pad about portals. He needed to stop Prime from opening a portal again, and he was hoping he could come up with a signal to block it, at least for a short time. He was only half paying attention due to the conversation behind him. 

once she was down to her underwear, standing in front of the seamstress, arms out, she said, “I’m Entrapta, by the-“

“I Know. Glimmer told me that Princess Entrapta and Hordak needed a new wardrobe suitable for residing in Brightmoon.” She quickly started wrapping a measuring tape around Entrapta, taking notes as she did.

“Well. What’s your name”

“Morgana.” He said, not looking up from her work, and clearly not interested in making conversation. 

“... I’ve not had my measurements taken for something since I was a little girl.” Entrapta said, trying to make conversation, “I normally just wear my coveralls because they’re better for moving around and experiments.” 

“I see.” 

“And I don’t really wear dresses a lot, because I swing around a lot on my hair, and dresses can be-”

“A little awkward for that.” She muttered as she wrote something down. “Yes, I suppose you haven’t have something properly made for you in ages.” SHe glanced at the clothes on the floor, “That was made by the tailor in Dryl.” She sniffed, “Decent enough work for durability, neat stitching, and the colors at least don’t clash. But uninteresting.” 

“I liked it.” Entrapta said, a hint of sadness inching into her voice. 

“Oh, I don’t mean to disparage his work.” She said quickly, “But dear,” she let a little grin flickered over her face, “I’m the best. It’s my job to see every flaw in a piece. Even my own.” 

“It has to be perfect?” Entrapta asked

“Oh my dear, nothing is ever perfect. But every piece I make is a little better than the last.” 

Morgana finished taking Entrapta's measurements, and stood upright. “Alright, you’re all done.” She said, and gestured to the pile of clothes Entrapta had left on the floor, “You can get dressed now.” She turned her look to Hordak, "Ok, Now you. Get over here." 

"I'm certain you can create a pattern from my current garments." He responded stiffly. 

Her look was icy, eight eyes narrowed at him, and her feelers twitched. "I'll do no such thing. I refuse to use someone else's work as a base for my own. ESPECIALLY work that seems rather amateur and mass produced. " She looked Hordak up and down, and sniffed. "Over here. Strip down to your underwear so I can take a measurement." 

Hordak felt his ears flick back, "No." He hissed. 

She looked at him, "What you're gonna be a baby about it? Your little princess girlfriend didn't have a problem." 

"Hordak Doesn't wear underwear ." Entrapta cut in. She gave him a slight, apologetic look. “They not really a .. thing for his race.” 

The seamstress was unphased "Well then get over here and strip down to your skin, I'm sure you don't have anything I've not seen before." She stopped, and looked Hordak up and down. "Actually, you might. But I assure you, I don't care. I just care about getting your measurements, and doing my job." She walked towards him, wielding her measuring tape, “I’ve worked on almost every race on this planet, I doubt you’ll shock me.” 

Hordak frowned, but found himself taking a step back as she approached him. 

“We’ll be doing this regardless.” She said,  irritation flickering across her face, “I’m sorry if the great Lord Hordak is too shy to have his measurements taken for proper clothing, but I’ll not have you throw another sack over yourself and call it clothing while keeping you properly dressed is now part of my job.”

Hordak growled, turned around, hesitated for a moment, then with his ears flicked back, he hissed “Entrapta, will you help me with my armature.” 

Entrapta swung over to him, and started unplugging the ports that connected his armature to his body. Giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder as she did. 

“Am I to assume you’ll be wearing this… thing all the time?”

“I’m hoping to have his armor properly fixed sooner than later.” Entrapta said as she worked. She pulled a box out from under a table, and set it in the middle of a room, “It needs a new power source, but it looks a lot better than this. THIS was made on Beast Island with very limited resources.”

Morgana glanced into the box, sniffed, and looked away. “I see.” 

The armature came off. Hordak frowned, feeling his ears burn blue as he pulled his robe off and set it on the table. Trying not to seem too hesitant, he turned, and stood in front of Morgana, who looked him up and down. 

“I see.” She muttered, “No wonder you wear a dress.” 

“Excuse you?”

She held her measuring tape up and started taking notes, “Your hips are comparatively longer on you than on the average humanoid.” She muttered as she worked, “and your chest is shorter, but wider. I imagine you’d look like an ice-cream cone if you wore fitted pants. Raise your arms?” 

Frowning, Hordak raised his arms, “Yes, and you’ve got wider hips compared to your waist. Not feminine, but not masculine - just different. No, I can see pants on you being properly funny looking and uncomfortable. Shame. I was thinking of a nice suit.” She whipped the measuring tape around his leg, snapping it against his skin before pulling it tight against his thigh to take a measurement. Hordak barely suppressed a yelp of surprise, then pulled away from her and growled. 

To his surprise, she growled back at him. A look of slight surprise overtook his face, “What, you’re trying to scare me?” She gave a dull chuckle, “Son, from what I’ve been told, you’re in negotiations with Queen Glimmer. I doubt that killing me will help whatever bartering position you might have. As such- “ She not too gently tightened her measuring tape against this thigh, “I’ll not let your tantrum get in the way of my work.” 

Hordak stood upright, trying to look regal, “I do not throw tantrums.” 

“He doesn’t get into a tizzy either.” Entrapta said. 

Not helping , Hordak thought. 

She finally finished taking her measurements, taking measurements of his chest, shoulders, and neck before she snapped up her measuring tape and flicked her book closed. “I have what I need.” she sniffed. “I’ll have some basics for you by the end of the day.” She turned to leave. 

“Don’t you .. want to get ideas for what we’d like-” 

 She turned, and look from Entrapta, to Hordak as he threw his robe on over him head. “Trust me.” She snapped, “You’ll like what I make.” 

 And then she was gone. 

“Well.” Entrapta said, “I guess that was the threat in Glimmer’s voice.” Entrapta said with a slight grin. “Could have been worse.” 

“Don’t say that,” Hordak said with a groan, “We don’t know what she’s making us yet.” 

---------

They finally had their lab properly set up as the sun set. Entrapta was getting ready to sleep, exhausted from limited sleep the night before.  Hordak intended to work through the night. Bow had brought them the computers they needed, and Hordak was running some quick tests regarding some signals he thought might block a portal from opening. 

A knock on the door. At least it wasn’t Morgana. Hordak strode over to open the door this time as Entrapta was on the bed, brushing out her hair. It was bow, with a large box in his arms.

“Hello.” He said, struggling with the box He stepped into the room without invitation. “I passed on your suggestion about finding a way to block the portal to Adora and Glimmer-”

“And I’m sure,” Hordal said dryly, “That they combined their formidable intelligence and came up with a previously untested idea that would do the job?”

“Uh… no.” Bow set the box down on the floor. “They suggested we go see Light Hope tomorrow.” 

Hordak frowned. He wanted to ask what kind of name Light Hope was, but instead he asked, “Who, exactly, is Light Hope.” 

“Uhh.. I think ‘What’ Is better? She’s an A.I who knows a lot. She knows about Mara, who sealed us off before, so she might have an idea as to how we can do it again.”

Hordak suppressed a grin. This, he was somewhat excited for. A.I’s were something he had worked on over the years, and enjoyed tinkering with them, enjoyed studying them. He’d enjoy putting this one through its paces if he could. 

“And .. the box?”

“Well, it’s some stuff Entrapta asked for, and Morgana stopped me on my way up, and told me to deliver this.” He caught the look that must have flickered over Hordak’s’ face. “Yeah, she can be a little intimidating sometimes.” 

“I didn’t find her to be intimidating.” Hordak snapped. 

“Well.. I do. She can be scary when she’s mad… but she does good work. “ he glanced around the room, “Anything else you need? I guess you’ll be sleeping soon-”

“Entrapta will. I don’t require sleep as an Etherian does.” 

“... But you were sleeping this morning.” 

“An hour suffices for me. I will be working through the night.” 

“I wish I could do that.” Entrapta cut in, “I’d get SO much done. I tried once, but then I had a bad coffee and sugar crash.” She laughed at this. Hordak frowned. He hadn’t laughed when it happened. He honesty though she was very sick and needed medical help! How Etherians could ingest things that caused them pain was beyond him. 

“Well. We’ll be up early to see Light Hope as soon as possible.” 

“We’ll be leaving BrightMoon then?” Hordak asked 

“The bracelet will be done by the morning, and Glimmer is going to have a matching one. You won’t be able to go outside a certain range of her.” 

Bow bid Entrapta goodnight, nodded to Hordak, and left.

Entrapta went to the box, opened the lid and squealed. 

“What?” Hordak said, feeling his ears twitch. Her squeal didn’t hurt, but they weren’t always easy on his ears. 

Entrapta lifted a first ones crystal from the box. It was bigger than the one that had been in his armor, and of course had no writing on it, but it was a crystal. “I asked Bow if he had one, and said it was vital to my research.” She pulled the box holding the pieces of Hordak’s armor over to her, and pulled out the pieces, “It won’t be perfect, it might glitch a bit more, but it’s better than what we have. I’ll fix this up before I sleep - It shouldn’t take too long.” She glanced back  into the box, and smiled as she pulled out some wrapped bags with her hair. She deposited one that had his name written on it into his hands.

With some trepidation, Hordak opened the package. The clothing inside was a deep, cool purple color, with silver stitches on the edges, and silver dots in a light swoop under the high neck. It looked like his old clothes, but perhaps a little sleeker, and it felt a lot lighter. On the chest, where his old Horde insignia would have been was instead a black circle, ringed with silver thread. In the center was a red bat, flying upwards into the sky. 

A note fell from the fabric. 

More clothes to come. Glimmer wanted the both of you to have a full wardrobe, and I intend to deliver. She also wanted me to make you some hideous rose-colored thing, but I don’t compromise my work for tantrum-throwing lords, OR spitey young queens. Be grateful for that. The Insignia is a red bat flying across a new moon. You won’t be wearing Horde symbols here, but I figured this would suit you. -Morgana. 

Behind him, Entrapta squealed. He turned, and she was holding new set of coveralls, the same warm purple that she had worn before, but with more pockets, and less extra length in the leg, so she didn’t have to roll them up so much,

“They feel so light, but they feel super durable!” She gave them a pull. Yup! Oh, and the thighs are reinforced, so they won’t wear so easily!” She beamed, “She’s good.” 

Hordak looked at the note, and the new robe with it’s painstakingly stitched insignia on the front. 

“Yes.” He admitted grudgingly, “I think she is.” 

Chapter Text

Hordak did not like the Whispering Woods. In fact, entering the Whispering Woods filled with him dread. If asked, he’d never say he was afraid of the too large insects, the wild beasts, the noises that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere to confuse his sensitive ears and disorient him, and it’s general chaotic nature. Those things were bad enough, but he could face them. Individually. At full health, and perhaps with a weapon. 

But facing all these things when one had newly crashed on a strange, alien planet, reeling from abandonment, injured, confused, and scared, was a little more than he could take. This  was where he had landed when he ended up on Etheria and to this day, entering the Whispering woods made him feel anxious and nauseated. 

He’d never say that having Entrapta at his side, a teleporting queen, an overpowered magical princess, and a competent archer made him feel a lot better. At least, he’d never say it aloud. He also felt better having his armor on again, mostly repaired with the gem Entrapta had gotten from Bow, and though it didn’t really make a difference, the new tunic that Morgana had made for him, clinging to his chest comfortably and draping around his legs with a certain billowing flow. This  with the the slight colour change that Entrapta had made to his armor made it so that he cut a very imposing figure. 

 But there were some things he could do without. 

“Aww yeah, bringing friends to Light Hope!” It was that damned horse, Swift Wind. Hordak really he would have called him “running mouth” because that horse did. Not. Shut. Up. 

He landed as they entered deeper into the woods, and trotted along next to Hordak, who tried to ignore him. 

Swift Wind was not having it. 

“So I have questions.” He demanded, staring at Hordak. 

“I’m sure you do.” He replied, deadpan. He wondered if he could kill the horse. Probably not, Adora seemed to be fond of him for some reason. 

“Why do you have holes in your arms.” He demanded. Wordlessly, Hordak raised his arm, and rotated his hand 360 degrees from the elbow, causing Swift Wind to recoil in disgust. “Uuugh! That’s awful!” 

“That’s evolution.” He said as he dropped his hands. 

“Ok.” Swift wind gave him a suspicious look, “Why is your mouth red.” 

“So is yours.”

“Why does your mouth glow? And your eyes?”

“My sparkling personality.” He snapped. The others stopped and stared at him. He sighed, “Bioluminescence.” The horse looked at him blankly as they started walking again. “My blood glows.” He frowned at Swift Wind, “How can you talk.” 

“Adora pointed her sword at me and I grew wings and started talking.” 

“.... Of course you did.” He wasn’t entirely sure that the horse wasn’t making it up. He decided he didn’t really want to know. 

He suddenly heard something. Something low, buzzing behind them. He turned quickly,, his claws flexed, his body tensed as his ears flicked, trying to listen. 

“Ooh, his ears are doin-”

“Silence.” Hordak snapped. He listened. His ears twitched. After a few minutes he stopped and turned back to the others, releasing a breath he hadn’t noticed he was holding. 

“What is it.” Adora asked, her hand on the hilt of her sword.

“Nothing.” Hordak said, frowning, “I thought I heard something.” 

“Probably.” It was Glimmer, with a careless, easy tone to her voice, “There’s lots of things in the whispering woods, and most of them make noises. Hordak frowned and ignored her. Whatever it was, it had seemed familiar to him for a brief moment, but without hearing it again he didn’t think he could place it. 

There were wasps in the Whispering Woods. Big ones. They’d swarm and chase you for miles. He hoped it wasn’t them. 

They continued walking. Swift Wind continued trotting next to Hordak, “So, what were you doing with your ears?” 

“We’re here.” 

Hordak was grateful for the disruption. He looked ahead, and saw a clearing, centered around a large, towering structure made of crystal. 

Entrapta rose up on her hair. She had that look in her eyes that said she really wanted to poke at this, “I’ve SEEN THIS.” She exclaimed. “Catra said there’s enough First One’s tech in there to create an army of robots FOREVER!” 

“That will be useful.” Hordak said. Adora turned to them both, “You -can’t- steal anything from inside!” she said quickly, “The castle will attack you if you do.” 

“I’m sure I could work around that! Oh please Adora! Just a few pieces?”

“No! We need Light Hope.” 

For now, Hordak thought to himself. One day he’d see Entrapta with all the tech she wanted and if that meant she needed this place, he’d get it for her. 

Eventually. 

“Just... Don’t touch anything.” She said, clearly nervous. 

“Very well.” Hordak said, keeping his tone almost bored. To be truthful, he’d be very happy to just be inside a civilized building and out of the forest. He thought he heard something behind him, and the musky smell of  the damp detritus was getting to him. “Let’s get this over with and see this ‘Light Hope.’ I’m interested in examining a First Ones A.I.”

---------------

They entered a large antechamber which seemed empty to Hordak until a hologram flickered to life. He managed to suppress his surprise, not just that  the hologram appeared at all, but that it was taller than he was. The hologram was of was a tall, angular woman in strange looking clothing. 

 Light Hope, he assumed. 

“Welcome back Adora.” She said, her voice monotone. She looked to each of them, causing Hordak to look around for some kind of sensors. Clearly, the hologram wasn’t seeing them. “You have brought friends?”

“Don’t attack them.” Adora said quickly, “We have some questions, and…” she looked back at Hordak and Entrapta, “And honestly, they know what to ask.”

The Hologram’s eyes lingered on Entrapta and Hordak. Entrapta Lifted herself up to Lighthope’s face, “Hello! I’m Entrapta!” She looked closely at Light Hope, who wasn’t reacting to her, “Ohhh, Hordak, she looked really solid!~” She carefully poked her, her finger going through the hologram’s face. “Oh, where are you projected from!”

“Light Hope, can you Acknowledge everyone in the room right now?”

Light Hope turned to Entrapta. “Hello, Entrapta.” She said. 

“Ah. Where are you projecting from?” She asked again. 

“The crystals that form this tower allow me to project where needed.” 

“Ohh, and what kind of neural interface do you have?” 

“I do not have information on that.” 

“Aww.” Entrapta lowered herself down towards the floor, sitting cross-legged on her hair, “I hate it when an A.I doesn’t have it’s specs available.” 

“I know you’re excited, Entrapta.” Adora said, “But we have limited time, and we have to figure out how to stop portals opening again.”

“Mara stopped portals opening a thousand years ago.” The Hologram stated, “Her protection should still be working.”

“It’s not.” Hordak said, “A portal was opened, and destroyed, but that was enough to get a signal out into the universe. “ He took a step forward, “That singal drew someone very powerful here, and he has all the technology he could ever need to open more portals, and bring an unimaginable army to your skies.” 

The hologram looked at Hordak for a long moment, then did something very strange. Her ears grew until they looked similar to Hordak’s. Then she spoke. 

<< You are a long way from home, Chilacian.>> Her ears twitched - amusement, confusion. 

Hordak was properly taken aback. This thing, this hologram, was speaking his native tongue- a language he had almost given up hope of hearing properly again. Not only that, she was supplementing her words, the strange, lilting tone, the mechanical clicking from the back of her throat, with the movement of her ears, creating what Etherians would have considered to be a tone. The others stared at Light Hope, confused

<<I am a clone.>> Hordak said, ears emoting - confusion- <<I’m impressed that you know this language,>> - flattered, impressed- << but I think you may have messed up a word.>> - understanding, question- <<Chilacian isn’t a word. Did you mean Clone?>>

<<Interesting.>> -Curiousity- <<Shi-dak has omitted his history.>> -condescension- 

“Can you two stop?” Entrapta cried out, “I want to know what’s going on!” 

“She- It’s speaking my native tongue.” Hordak explained. “But not well.”

“Why did she grow ears?” Bow asked. Hordak glanced over at him, hesitated for just a moment, then said, “There’s subtle movements to my species ear movements that denote tone. Without that, the language is deadpan, and sometimes a lot can be lost in comprehension.” 

Entrapta gasped, “Is -that- why you wouldn’t teach me ?”

“Well… that can you physically can’t make half the noises you need to in order to speak it properly.”

Adora turned to Light Hope, confusion painting her face, “Wait.. How do you know Hordak’s language?”

“The planet hasn’t always been cut off from the rest of the universe. There was a time when the First Ones were connected to the cosmos, and collected knowledge, culture, and technology. Though this information is  normally unnecessary, I possess a great library of information on the various species that inhabit the universe. The one you refer to as “Hordak.” is a member of the Chilacian race. Or rather, a clone of the race. 

Entrapta looked to Hordak, “You never told me you were Chilacian.” She said. “What’s Chilacian.” 

Before Hordak could answer anything, Light Hope answered, “A race of bipedal winged humanoids originating from a galaxy in the eastern part of the universe. “

Bow looked at Hordak, “You don’t have wings.” 

“Clearly.” He snapped, “None of the clones do.” 

“Unique among their species is their multifaceted language, triple vocal-cord setup, and chemical monogamy.”

“Wait, what?” 

Entrapta and Bow asked that at the same time. Hordak was very glad that he managed to restrain himself from echoing them. 

Light Hope, with the same tone and intonation, repeated herself, “Unique among their species is their multifaceted lang-”

“No no, the Last one!” Entrapta said, “Chemical monogamy??”

“This is really not a discussion for here.” Hordak said, his ears tilting down, burning. He wanted to know what that meant as well, but he didn’t need it discussed here. Maybe he could come back on his own?

Light Hope turned to Entrapta, “The Chilacian race has an intricate form of mating. Hormonal effects are activated by a deep emotional bond, then triggered by the mate’s hormonal cycle though scent and touch. During a first mating, a chemical bond is created, and afterwards, this process cannot be repeated.” She finished her speech, then looked to Hordak, “Oh. my apologies.” 

Great, this A.I had an answer queue. This, however, answered a lot of questions. None of which he wanted answered in such a public setting. He’d have to have a conversation with Entrapta later. 

“Wait. Can’t be repeated?” Entrapta asked. “You mean it only happens once? In total? Forever?”

“Correct. This happens once in a Chilacians life cycle.” 

Hordak was sure he could hear Bow mutter, “That’s so romantic.” 

“Very good!” Hordak interrupted. Most people didn’t pay attention to what his ears were doing, but he was positive that they were an obvious brilliant blue, and obviously flat, parallel to the ground. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as he thought, but he wasn’t sure, “If you’re so well informed, you’ll know more about Prime then, right?”

“Who is Prime?”

“The person from whom I am cloned.” Hordak snapped. Of course she could tell all about his personal details, but she didn’t know this vital information, “The Emperor of the known Universe The true leader of the Horde Army.” 

“I have been cut off from the universe for a thousand years.” Light Hope responded, “But I do know of the creation of the Horde Army. Would this be useful information?” 

“Yes.” Adora said, finally getting over the shock of the previous conversation, “Yes. What can you tell us about the Horde Army. The real one.” 

“I can tell you much. Would you like to access the files on the Fall of the Chilacian race, and the Rise of the Horde Army?”

“Yes.”

Chapter Text

Page 1:

The Bat-like Chilacians and the aquatic Decanoids  had been at war for as long as either race could remember.

Their constant fighting had pushed both races in terms of scientific discovery and technological advancements. 

This should have sparked  a golden age for the entire universe. 

Page 2:

With their advanced technology, they not only. developed weapons, but used genetic splicing and Bio-modifications to improve their innate abilities. 

Their desire to possess one another’s planet kept them from resorting to  large scale destruction, which prolonged this bloody cosmic battle.

And thus the atrocities piled, and they surpassed their own imaginations for cruelty and death. 

Page 3:

Ultimately, it was the decanoids  who came up with a solution to their “problem”

A deadly virus. 

Attuned to Chilacian DNA

Designed to spread Asymptomatically  like wildfire before activating, triggering sudden multi-organ failure. 

Page 4:

Over a series of months, the Decanoids targeted the ten largest Chilacian cities with low-impact  missiles, carrying the tiny bug-like drones that would bite their targets, infecting them with the  virus that would remain dormant for two years. 

Page 5: 

It was a normal day when the virus finally triggered and too effect. 

All at once, the Chilacians fell sick, their bodies falling apart, blood  pouring out of every orifice. In the confusion and terror that followed, Most were left to die. Those who could. Help treat the ailing were themselves suffering as their insides melted, and fever destroyed their minds. 

Page 6: 

The  virus was a near total success. People either died of the immediate effects of the sickness, or starved, writhing with madness as their brains were destroyed by fever. Only one Chilacian survived. One who, due to a strange genetic mutation.   At birth, was left with no wings and atypical DNA that the virus did not recognize.

Page 7: 

With the Chilacians essentially extinct, the Decanoids descended upon their planet, setting up their own colony and stripping the land of its resources. 

The last chilacian managed to escape to an underground labratory. 

Sorrow. 

Loss. 

Hopelessness. 

These things should have killed the poor, sad creature. 

But one thing rose above these feelings. 

Rage. 

Page 8:

using his  brilland mind, and the extraordinary lab  left by his fallen race, he grew an army of clones. 

Creating an army of cones took many years. Those years he spent alone, with nothing but the dark feelings in his heart. Chilacians aren’t meant to be alone. His people gone, his life-mate dead, his mind spiraled into darkness, leaving  him an angry, cold, vengeful shell. 

Page 9:

And this, with his DNA as the prime model, he finished his horde of clone soldiers. 

Adorned with the bloodstained wings, a symbol of their lost people and culture they prepared to go to war. 

They prepared to take their Prime’s vengeance on the Decanoids, and take back a world they never knew, and to fight for a loss they couldn’t comprehend. 

Page 10:

The Decanoids had grown complacent in the years following the fall of the Chilacians. Their soldiers were outnumbered. Their defenses were poor. Their weaponry was subpar. 

They fell quickly, and surrendered in days. 

Page 11:

The leaders of the Decanoids were  executed, followed by any resistance fighters. The remaining decanoids were forced into a new life as slaves for  five generations for their crimes; a sentence they continue to live out to this day. 

Page 12: 

His race reborn, and the Decanoids subdued, the Prime Chilacian hoped that the emptiness inside would be likewise defeated. 

But he just felt numb

He may not be able to fix his own sorrows, but he could stop them for the rest of the universe. 

He would conquer the universe. 

Though any means necessary. 

And enforce his own peace, no matter the cost. 

Chapter Text

Hordak felt like he was going to be sick.

Light Hope was still finishing up her story - his story- but Hordak felt dizzy, sick and needed to get away from the swirling lights that accompanied the story of the Chilacians.

It wasn’t just the story though. The story was bad enough, it was too much he didn’t know, too much new information, too many questions. But chemical monogamy? He’d go through this once in his life, and with one person? He was bonded to Entrapta. He had committed his entire life - according to Light Hope- to her without even realizing what he was doing.

“What if she doesn’t want to go with you.”

Entrapta could change her mind. If she did, would he still be in love with her for the rest of his life? He remembered the few days when she had been gone, when he thought that she had betrayed him. The days of crushing loneliness, his head spinning and unfocused, Would that be his entire life if she changed her mind?

There was a tug on his arm. He looked, thinking at first it was Entrapta, holding his arm, but it was his bracelet - the one that Shadow Weaver had designed for Glimmer to keep tabs on him. He couldn’t move beyond a certain distance of Glimmer, so he was stuck in an empty hallway, his mind racing, spinning, his stomach feeling like it was ripping itself apart.

He sat down on the floor, leaning against the wall. He was breathing too hard- he felt dizzy. Decanoids. Chilacian. He had a race, a people, a home he never knew. Or was it his home? Was it his people? He had never known them. Could he claim an attachment to a culture, and a race he knew nothing about. All he knew was Prime, was being a clone.

He couldn’t focus. His mind was jumping from one thing to the next, not letting him think on anything for too long
.
This was all too much. He pulled his knees up to his chest, and rested his head, trying to will the dizziness away. He tried to slow his breathing, making each breath just a little longer than the last.

He heard footsteps. He looked up, hoping for Entrapta, but it was Bow. Hordak looked back to the wall ahead of him, focusing on his breathing. He did not need this. He did not need this now.

Bow didn’t say a word. He knelt down, took out a bottle of water, and held it out for him. Hordak shook his head, and Bow set the bottle down next to him before standing up.

“Entrapta started asking questions.” Bow said as a means of explanation. “She was going to come check on you, but Glimmer asked me to instead, so Entrapta could get the information she needed.”

Hordak nodded, his movements were quick and jerky. and he didn’t like it.

Bow was quiet for a moment, then said, “So… what do you think of Light Hope as an A.I?”

Hordak could only laugh. He gave a long, strained, slightly manic laugh which left him disconcerted.

“She has no tact.” He finally said as he composed himself.

“Yeah. Adora said the same thing. I don’t think she’s had a lot of interaction with real intelligence.” Bow was rambling, clearly unsure what to say, “Adora said that Light Hope assumed she’d know information from when she was a baby, and apparently has a real creepy smile.”

“It’s a glorified search engine.” He snapped.

“Are you…” Bow looked over Hordak, his brows knit together in concern. “Are you going to be ok.”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

He wasn’t. Hordak wasn’t sure of anything in this moment. He didn’t know why he was reacting like this. He needed to examine the information, get it all organized in his head, and sort out what to do with that knowledge, but he felt like he’d been tossed into a bucket and shaken up. He wanted quiet. He wanted to be alone. He wished he could just be in a quiet, dark room and be allowed to stare at nothing for a few hours - a strange desire for him, he normally hated the idea for being idle for any amount of time.

At least the urge to vomit was gone.

Bow set something down next to the water bottle. It was a small disc.

“I asked Light Hope if there was a way to make a copy of her records of the Chilacians.” He said, “She gave me this… I figured you’d prefer to look it over when we’re back at Bright Moon.”

Hordak looked at the disc, the water, then up at Bow. After a moment, he finally asked, “Why.”

“Why what?”

“Why did you do that. Why are you doing this?”

Bow looked confused, “Because Glimmer asked me to check up on you?”

“No.. the disc. She didn’t ask you to do that.”

“Well, no. But I figured if I were in your shoes… I’d want to be able to look over this information privately.”

“Why would you care what I want?”

“Because… because that’s who I am? I also.. I mean, that was a lot to deal with back there. Even for me.”

Hordak didn’t respond.He didn’t want or need Bow’s pity. Was it pity? It felt like pity.

Bow turned to leave, “I’ll… let you be then.” He said.

“Tell Entrapta I just needed to get away from the display Light Hope was projecting.” Hordak knew she wouldn’t believe that, but he’d talk to her later if need be.He wondered if she had considered the implications of his ‘chemical monogamy’

“Sure…” Bow said slowly. His footsteps started to recede away from him.

Hordak glanced down at the disc. His entire history, the history of his race, where they came from, what they were, what he was supposed to be without the influence of Prime, and his cloning. Was it worth looking at when that race was gone now?

He reached out, took a water bottle, and had a long drink of water. His stomach felt better, he felt less dizzy, and his breathing was almost normal. Now he was just confused as to what just happened to him.

No matter. It seemed like it was over. He could worry if it happened again. Perhaps it was just too much information at once.

He took the disc, and slipped it into one of the very cleverly hidden pockets that were stitched into his robes. He didn’t know if this information would make a different to anything, but to pass up on the chance to learn seemed wasteful to him.

Another moment passed. He stood up, and made his way back to Light Hope.

--------

Hordak expected Glimmer at least to question him when he returned, but she didn’t. She hardly seemed to notice he had returned. She was watching Adora, who had turned into She-Ra. Her sword was out, and being charged some some strange beams that came from the walls.

Entrapta noticed that Hordak was there. She slid over to him, and wrapped a tendril of hair around his wrist. “Light Hope does have some information on how to block the portals!” she said, excited, “It’s so simple, I’m sure we would have thought of it with just a little more time! If She-ra unleashes the right energy at one of the poles of the planet, it’ll affect the planet's magnetic field just enough to warp any portals that anyone attempts to open. It’s an easy work-around, honestly, but given that you opened the portal, and Prime opened a portal here, he’s going to be confused as to why the portals aren’t working now. He’ll probably spend most of his time poking at his own equipment before he thinks to check the planet's magnetism.” She gave a gleeful cackle, “Honestly, that’d be the -last- thing I would check. A planet doesn’t just change it’s magnetic flow on a whim!“

“And once that’s done.” Hordak said, his mind slowly seeming to pick up speed again, “We can go back to the Fright Zone.”

Entrapta looked at him, confused, “Why would we do that?”

“You’re not going back anywhere.” Glimmer said, glaring at him.

“Not actually go back.” Hordak said, suppressing a growl, “Go back to perform some sabotage. Steal some supplies, break some power sources. Give him more to deal with before he can actually start tinkering with the portal.”

Glimmer looked like she was going to object again, but she considered this, “I suppose you do know the Fright Zone better than anyone.” She said softly, “We’d be able to get a lot done in there.”

“Entrapta probably knows it better than I do at this point.” Hordak admitted, “But I have a master code for everything. Between the two of us, we can get in, break the power sources-”

“And do you have any idea what to do about Prime yet? And the army of clones?”

Hordak frowned, and looked aside. He did not. How does one take down a whole race of warrior clones?

It hit him suddenly. An idea he didn’t like, one that actually made him feel a little sick again, but it was so far the only idea he had.

“Just… Just one.” He finally said. “I actually just came up with one.”

Entrapta beamed at him, her hair puffing out, “Oooh, Sudden inspiration?”

“Something like that.”

“So what’s the plan.” Glimmer demanded, her arms crossed as she glared at him.

Hordak glanced up at Light Hope. “A virus.” he said, deadpan. “I haven’t figured out the logistics yet.. And we don’t have two years…” He was thinking as he spoke, the idea forming in his mind as he went along, “But if I can get some of my supplies from the Fright Zone while we’re there, some of my equipment… We may be able to synthesize something.”

“A Virus?” Bow asked, a hint of horror creeping into his voice. “Like what the Decanoids did? But that’ll kill them all.”

“Wasn’t that always the plan?” Hordak asked. Bow was silent. So were the others. Hordak didn’t like this. He had been considering stopping the other clones, not killing them. Genocide hadn’t been something that Horde Prime had practiced. In fact, it had been an argument for his takeover of the universe- Other races, if ruled by one power, wouldn’t destroy one another. Hordak knew why he was like that now.”

Hordak also knew that they had few options. If the entire Horde Army wasn’t stopped, even if they killed Horde Prime here on Etheria, he’d return once his neural uplink had completed his transfer, and when he returned, he’d return with enough clones to ravage Etheria. There would be no warning, no fight. If they didn’t do this, if they didn’t manage to stop all the clones, all they were doing was buying some time- and probably not all that much time either.

It was time for Hordak, The Defect, to kill his family.

----------

They left Crystal Castle with a plan, a powered up sword that buzzed and hummed with a power even Hordak could feel, and a disc filled with information about a lost culture, and a soon to be extinct race.

“We’ll plan a way into the Fright Zone when we get back to Bright Moon.” Hordak said as they left. “I’m led to believe that Shadow Weaver got you in last time?”

Glimmer nodded, “Yes, but she said that would only work once. She said you’d manage to figure out a way to stop this in the future.”

“I would have.” Hordak agreed, “But I didn’t know it was Shadow Weaver, and neither does prime.” He looked at Entrapta, a flicker of a grin on his face, “Catra told me, and told Prime that Entrapta let you in. If they look to secure anything after this, it’s going to be the primary security systems, the tech. Things that Entrapta would have had access to, not teleportation magic.”

“So…” Glimmer was letting this sink into her head, “So we still have a way to get inside.”

Entrapta looked up at Hordak, “But wouldn’t Catra tell Horde Prime now? If she knows the truth-”

“To tell him now would be to admit to lying to him. That’s a bad idea with me. It’s suicide with him.”

“So even if she thinks it’s an issue, she can’t tell him.”

“Right. And I doubt Catra has the intelligence to set up precautions against your magic on her own. If you can get right into my sanctum-”

“We tried that last time.” Bow said, “And it didn’t exactly work.”

“I can work around that.” Hordak said. He already had a few plans rolling in his head for sneaking into the Fright Zone.

“Ohh, I didn’t get to go last time!” it was that damned horse again. At least it had been quiet in the Crystal Castle. “Can I come this time? I can disguise myself as a robo-horse! I can-”

Hordak shushed him, and stood still tensed, his ears twitching.

“What?” Glimmer asked as he put his hand out to hold her back.

“I hear something.”

It was the same noise he heard earlier. A dull buzzing hum, but this time it was much louder and after listening for a moment, he could place it. He cursed in his native tongue, and backed up.

“Get back into the Castle.” He demanded.

Entrapta backed up slowly, her hair surrounding her, “Hordak, what is it?”

“Drones.” he said. His eyes scanning the horizon, the shadows, the trees. Finally, he saw them. He didn’t thank his keen eyes for spotting them, they were coming out of the woods and towards them. Five sleek Horde drones, used for assessing a planet for its people, it’s resources, and to deal with any minor threats that might have come on it’s radar. They scanned the area, saw Hordak and the others, and scanned them too. He didn’t know if they recognized him as a clone, and ordinarily, they’d not have bothered with the civilian population of the planet so long as they weren’t attacked.

But they had power sensors, and they definitely picked up on the power thrumming from the sword that Adora carried.

All at once, a loud, pitched buzzing noise filled the air, causing them all to wince, and cover their ears.

“What’s that!” Entrapta cried, her hands over her ears, her hair covering her hands.

“A beacon.” Hordak yelled over the noise. “They’re calling for help - we’re identified as a threat.”

From out of the woods, dozens of these sleek, shiny drones started to emerge, surrounding them.

Chapter Text

They got back into Crystal Castle just as the first laser was fired at them. Adora called out, “Light Hope, barricade the front door.” And a shimmering barrier covered the entrance

“Drones?” Glimmer snapped as she looked at Hordak. “Did you tell them that we’re here!” 

Hordak narrowed his eyes as he looked at her, “You put a truth spell on me.” He snapped, “Don’t you think if I was planning to do something like this, you’d have known by now?”

“Then how did they find us!” Her voice was getting shrill, and it hurt his ears, which he felt flick down protectively. 

“They’re not mine.” He said, “They’re Horde, but they’re not mine. They’re something Prime uses to examine a planet.” 

“What do you mean ‘examine a planet’?”

He watched as the drones surrounded the door. Some of them were guarding, waiting. The others were settling close to the ground, taking soil samples. “When he lands on a new planet, he sends out drones to take samples of the soil, water, fauna.. .anything that might be useful. They also detect potential risks, and report back.” He glanced at Adora. “That sword is pulsing with energy and power. I’m not even particularly sensitive to that, and I can feel it.” He gestured to the drones waiting outside, “They can feel it, and they think you’re a threat.” 

“So we just teleport out then.” Glimmer said. 

“We could.” Hordak said slowly, “but-”

“But they’re recording, aren’t they?” Entrapta asked. “They’re recording, and sending everything back to Prime.” She looked up at Hordak, her hair twisting with anxiety. “If he knows you’re here…” 

“If he finds out for certain that I’m here, we won’t have enough time to act before he tries to open the portal.”

“But… you don’t seem worried.” Entrapta’s hair twisted around her, “Does that mean they’re not recording?”

“They’re recording. But they’re not transmitting.” Hordak responded, grinning slightly - leave it to Entrapta to pick up on that. “If they get back to Prime, then he’ll know I’m here. We can’t let that happen.” 

Bow nocked an arrow, “So we have to destroy them all.” he said simply. 

“Right.” Hordak said. “They’ll have some defensive capabilities. Lasers. Our biggest issue is numbers”. He let his eyes scan the area. He could see two dozen right away. “The three of you have been dealing with my robots, and they’re made for combat…”

“We were working with the other princesses.” Glimmer said, frowning, “It was a team effort.” 

“These aren’t made for combat. Not like mine were.” He said, “But if we stay here much longer, they’ll leave, and bring their findings to Prime.” 

“What’s the plan sir.” 

In truth, Hordak was taken aback to being referred to as “Sir.” He glanced at Adora, knowing it was a slip, an old habit to refer to commanding officers. It hadn’t been called “sir” in decades,  it had just recently been “Lord Hordak” as of late. 

But now, he was on the front lines, as it was, giving information, making plans. He was a commanding officer again. Being called “Sir” threw him back to a time when he was still involved in skirmishes like this. 

“I see at least two dozen drones in the immediate area. When they acknowledged that sword- and you- as a threat, they swarmed. Anything we’re going to have to deal with should be in the immediate area. They won’t be particularly strong, but a laser strike will hurt. They have tasers built in. We can brute-force them, destroying their machinery. We can shock them” he looked them over. His eyes lingered on Bow, “An arrow won’t do much though.” 

“Will taser arrows?”

Hordak grinned, “That might.” He said. He then looked at Glimmer, “You should stay back.” 

She pouted, “I will not!” She said. He was surprised that she didn’t stamp her foot, “I’m-”

“A queen.” he said. “What happens if you die.” 

She stopped, and stared at him. “If I die?”

“I don’t necessarily expect that we’ll lose anyone in this, but I didn’t survive as long as I did by taking unnecessary chances. If you die. You have no heir, no plan for succession I assume?” She shook her head, “Then what happens. Who takes your place? Do the other princesses fight for your throne?”

“I don’t think they would.”

“But you don’t know what happens.” He growled, “That’s unwise.”

“Well I wouldn’t have to think about these things if my mother was still around!” 

“Glimmer…” Bow put a hand on her shoulder, “This isn’t the time. And I think he’s right.” 

Bow had a stupid name. He invited himself into Hordak’s personal space, and was far too excited about him and Entrapta. But he wasn’t stupid. He was well prepared, and knew how to handle Glimmer. 

Hordak  didn’t hate him.  

Glimmer frowned, and stood back. “Fine.” She snapped, turning away. Hordak nodded. Adora drew her sword. Entrapta lowered her welding mask, and rose herself up on her hair. Hordak checked the gem on his armor, and then flexed his fingers, letting his sharp black claws protrude fully. 

“Alright.” He said, poised, and ready to spring. “On my count.” He said, “Forc- Adora, you go left with Bow. Entrapta and I will go right. If you see any drones trying to escape, they become priority.” 

Adora lifted her sword, said her words, and became the eight foot tall She-Ra. He nodded. They were ready. 

“Three.. Two…”

-------

One

They sprang out together, each of them lunging left and right. Hordak leapt up, landed atop one drone as she smashed his hand into it and pulled out it’s electronics. As it started to fall to the ground, he grabbed it and threw it into the one nearest to him, knocking it out of the sky in a mad explosion. 

Below him, Entrapta had taken two down herself, and was ripping apart another with her powerful hair. 

Hordak took a moment to take a quick count. Counting the ones they had just destroyed, there were 28, no, two more rose from the ground, further around the side of the castle. 30. He glanced back at Bow and Adora. Bow’s arrows seemed to have an area of effect, a shock radius. He aimed for clusters of drones.. He had already taken down six of them. Adora was slower, but she had taken down three. 

As Entrapta tore the last on apart, he counted. 14 down. 16 to go. He called out his numbers as he landed on the ground, and grabbed another drone. He felt a jolt hit him from behind- a laser strike. He ripped the drone in half, then ran at the one that was shooting at him. He heard a cry from Entrapta. He turned, and saw the sleeve of her clothes burned, her arm red, but she wasn’t down - she was ripping apart another drone with her hair. 

Good. If this kept up, they’d be done this in no time. He’d scan the area, and make sure he didn’t miss any. 

A drone was zooming off into the trees. Hordak spotted the glint of it’s metal as it rushed past. He yelled out, “On it.” As he took off to get it. 

He was nearly at the drone when Glimmer poofed on top of it, then poofed away. 

Hordak gave a mixed growl of rage and frustration as he turned back and saw glimmer appear with the drone in front of the castle. Bow shot it - not an effective shot, it only took out one drone, then started saying something to Glimmer. 

Hordak was starting to run back to the castle, to throw her inside if he had to when he felt it. Entrapta had warned him that the armor wasn’t great. The gem she had wasn’t perfect for it, perhaps gave off a bit too much energy, and could cause greater malfunctions than before. A jolt went through him- making his limbs go weak. It was akin to being hit in the elbow and feeling your whole arm go numb, except it happened over his whole body. 

He fell to the ground with a shout. Three blasts caught him in the back. One struck his exposed lower back, and he felt the sudden pain hit him. He took a breath, and waited for his body to start responding properly again. He only needed another moment…

Glimmer popped next to him, then looked up at the Drone that was shooting at him. She poofed up, and grabbed it. It shifted under her, and she knelt to get better purchase. The moment the bare skin of her calve touched the drone, there was a crack of electricity as it’s taser actrivated.  Glimmer fell down, unconscious and twitching. He heard Bow cry out, and saw him start running towards them. Adora was still trying to deal with drones, but now she was outnumbered, and flanked. Entrapta ran up, outpacing Bow, and getting to Hordak first. 

“Are you ok.” She asked. He nodded. 

“Minor malfunction.” He said. He looked up, cursing. More drones had risen out of the woods. Adora was getting shot at behind him. He cursed under his breath, and in  his native language. Bow should have stayed with Adora. If they lost that sword their plan was ruined. Of course, Glimmer should have stayed in the castle. 

“We need to retreat.” he said. He reached down to pick up the unconscious Glimmer. 

He couldn’t lift her. 

He was confused for a moment, then he saw the problem. The damned bracelets that Shadow Weaver had designed. She had made it so that it amplified the relative weight of the person with the master bracelet, and she had designed it, apparently, so that if Hordak got it in his mind to just take Glimmer and go where he wanted to go, he couldn’t because he was trying to lift that relative weight. It was clever, but in the moment, it was very bad. He turned to Bow. 

“Can you lift her?” He asked.

Bow leaned down, but he couldn’t life her arm off the ground. “I can’t” He said confused. Hordak frowned. Bow was trying to lift glimmer, and Hordak’s own weight, along with his armor.  He didn’t understand why he couldn’t lift her - but he was sure he’d managed to figure it out later. There was no time now. 

This was not good. They were now surrounded as during their attack they had been targeted as threats. The drones would try to eliminate them if they could, and if they didn’t act soon, one would go off again to deliver it’s information to Prime. They needed to end this, and they needed to end this now. He had an idea, but it wasn’t pleasant. 

He turned back, and yelled at Adora, “Get inside the Castle.” He ordered, “And cover your ears.” 

He was some distance away, but she heard him, and did what she was told. At least someone could follow orders. 

“You have an idea?” Entrapta asked. 

“Just one.” He said, 

“Will it work?”

“It will.” Hordak said slowly, “But I’m going to need help afterwards.” 

Entrapta looked at him. “There’s no time to explain.” He said, “I will later, I promise.” He looked at Bow. “Once all the drones are down, get Adora to heal Glimmer, and then get me to the transport.” He wanted to demand that she heal him too,  so he’d recover from the damage he was about to do to himself, but he didn’t necessarily trust her magic, and he also knew that they were hesitant to heal him. 

Bow nodded. Hordak knelt down next to Glimmer, and covered her ears with his hands, “Cover your ears.” he said. 

They both hesitantly covered their ears. 

The drones were getting ready to attack. He could hear the noise of their machinery deepen as they charged their lasers. There was no more time. 

Hordak cleared his throat, and took a deep breath. 

It looked like he was screaming, but there was no sound.  Any birds that were nearby suddenly took off into the sky,  a cacophony of flapping and screeching before the noise faded off.  Bow and Entrapta looked at him, confused. Bow moved his hands from his ears. 

“What are you… OH GOD!” He slapped his hands back to his ears and pressed tightly as the high pitched scream that was coming from Hordak’s throat started to hit a pitch that his human ears could hear.  It started first as something that could have been considered just an odd ringing in the ears, which grew in volume, intensity, and pitch. 

Around them, the nearby trees made strange cracking noise, shaking with the vibrations of the scream. Some branches split, and fell to the ground before splintering. 

Three sets of vocal chords formed a terrible screech, a chorus of hellish, high pitched voices  revibrating in the air. 

The data pad that Bow carried cracked.

The trunks of the nearby trees shivered, cracked, then split. 

 Finally, the drones started to crack, their machinery shuddering at the noise until finally they fell to the ground, sparking with cracks in their shells. 

His scream continued to deepen, slowly getting to his normal pitch when it finally happened. His ears, for lack of a better word, tripped. If he had normal human eardrums, they’d have burst.

It  felt like being thrown into water, the world around him faded away, all sounds around him faded off, muffled and distant. Even though he was still on the ground, he felt like he was thrown into a spirling fall, the world spinning around him. He lost his balance and fell to the ground, the world spinning  and swirling before his eyes. He coughed, his throat aching from strain. He managed to lift himself slightly, coughed up some deep blue blood, and fell back onto his side, and then onto his back, staring up at the spinning sky.

Entrapta’s face was in front of him. He felt like they were caught in a whirlpool, spinning around and around as she looked like she was speaking to him, yelling at him. 

But of course he couldn’t hear her, not really. A dull, muffled sound managed to make its way into his skull, but aside from that all he could hear was the beating of his own heart. He coughed again, his throat feeling like he had just swallowed knives. He tried to say, “I'll be fine,” But if he was whispering or shouting, he could only guess. He didn’t even know if he could make any proper verbal noises at this point. 

He felt sick again, but at least this time it was because the world was spinning around him. He lay on the ground, and shut his eyes. He still felt like he was in a free fall, but at least this time he couldn’t see it. 

He let himself lay on the ground. He’d be useless for a while now, and he had to trust that others would follow his orders. 

He didn’t have high hopes. 

Chapter Text

The piercing screech that assulted their ears ended abruptly, with Hordak doubling over, couging  violently before collapsing to the ground next to the unconsious Glimmer. Entrapta ran up to him  as he managed to turn to his side, coughing up a glob of blue blood before he fell to his back. 

“Hordak!” Entrapta  cried. Her hair twisting around him.  He seemed like he tried to say something, his mouth moved, but all that came out was a ragged, coraking  sound before he lay on the ground, his eyes closed. 

Bow staggered to Glimmer, his ears still ringing from whatever that was.  He leaned down, and checked her vital signs. She was alive, but her own breathing was ragged, and she was twitching. He backed up from her only as Adora, still as She-Ra, ran up to her with her sword in hand. 

“What happened?!” She demanded, looking from Glimmer, then  to Hordak who was being carefully held up to a sitting position by Entrapta and her hair. He had blood dripping down his chin, blue and shiny. 

“I don’t know.” Bow said, rubbing his ears. “He said you need to heal Glimmer, and then we need to get out of here.. But..” He looked around at the  wreckage of broken drones and shattered trees around them, “I don’t think we need to be as quick as he made it sound.” 

Adora nodded, knelt, and  brought her sword up before Glimmer.  The sword glowed with a bright, warm power, and  Glimmer’s eyes fluttered open. She sat up slowly at first, then looked around frantically, taking in the destruction,  the drones, and then Hordak. 

“What happened to him.” She  snapped.

Entrapta had never looked truly mad before, at least not around Glimmer. The look she gave her in that moment made Glimmer  get quickly to her feet, and back up. 

“He did this to himself.” She hissed, holding his head to her chest. “He did this because of you.” 

“What do you mean.” Glimmer asked. Bow shook her head besides her. 

“You got tased by one of the drones.” Bow explained. “He couldn’t lift you to get  you away because of the bracelet. Neither could I.So he… I don’t even know what he did.” Bow rubbed his ears again. 

“A sonic attack of some kind.” Entrapta said,  anger still edging her voice, “He covered -your- ears, Glimmer. Becuase  you were unconsious. Because you got tased. Because you didn’t stay in the  castle. He had that drone. We had this. We were taking care of this!” 

“I couldn’t let you guys  do this by yourselves!” Glimmer snapped, but her voice had a little less conviction, a little less anger than it did before, “I… I couldn’t let you fight them yourselves.” 

“Why not?”

Bow put his hand on Glimmer’s shoulder. “Glimmer..” He said softly, “You.. You should have stayed in the castle.” 

Glimmer shrugged his  hand off her shoulder, “What, now you’re siding with them?” She snapped, pointing at Hordak and Entrapta, “You’re believing them, after everything they did!?”

“Glimmer I…” Bow sighed, “I’m believing.. I’m beliving logic.”

“This wouldn’t be happening at all if  it wasn’t for them!” 

“I know.” Bow said softly. He frowned, then looked at her, “Hordak… Entrapta… and Shadow Weaver.” 

Glimer narrowed her eyes, “That’s different.”

“Becuase she used to be one of us?   Or becuase she knew your father.” 

“That’s not-”

“Because you’re willing to trust her. You let her use your own magic, Glimmer.  You’re letting her advise you.” 

“She wasn’t as Bad as Hordak.” 

“Or Entrapta?” Bow Countered.  “Glimmer… We left Entrapta there. If we hadn’t, none of this would have happened either. And besides… Why did  Shadow Weaver come back to Bright Moon?”

Glimmer didn’t answer. After a moment, Bow answered for her, “Becuase she had nowhere else to go. Hordak is here becuase of Entrapta. Hordak  sent out the S.O.S for Entrapta.” He frowned, “We put a truth spell on him. He’s told us everything. He’s agreed to your terms, wore your bracelet,  faught with us, and now he’s ..” He looked at Entrapta. “What’s wrong with him anyway?”

“Inner ear damage, I’d have to guess.” She said. “I think he’s consious, but the way he  moved before he fell, I don’t think he has any sense of balance right now.” 

“He did that to  destroy the drones.” Bow said to Glimmer. 

Glimmer was silent. 

Adora stepped forward, “I can heal him, Entrapta…” 

Entrapta held onto him, her hair seperating Adora from him, “If you heal him, what happens to the tech in his body?”

Adora frowned, “I don’t understand…”

“He’s got implants all through his body.” Entrapta explained, “If you heal him, will his body push that tech out? Will it heal around him?”

Adora frowned, her brows knitting together. 

“I think he’ll heal.” Entrapta said. “He said just to get him to the carrier. He just needs time, I think. He heals really fast, and I really don’t think he’d do something that would permanently damage him. He’s smarter than that.” She looked up, and glared at Glimmer. 

Glimmer looked away, her face flushed an angry red. 

“Look.” Bow finally said, “Blaming each other isn’t going to help. Let's just  get Hordak back to the carrier, and back to Bright Moon. If he doesn’t show signs of healing soon,  then we’ll consider what we can do to heal him around his tech.” 

Entrapta put a hand to Horda’s face,  and whispered something. His eyes opened briefly, unfocused, then  closed again as though he was in pain. She looked at Glimmer. 

“I Can’t lift him.” She said, “The bracelets keep me from being able to do that. And I doubt you can manage to lift him on your own.” 

Glimmer  turned away,and looked at the black bracelet on her wrist.  Shadow Weaver had spent a lot of time and energy making these bracelets, and conceiving  of every possible way that Hordak and Entrapta could circumvent them. Them being caught in a situation quite like this hadn’t passed either of their minds. 

Well, not quiet. 

Glimmer lifted her bracelet, and looked at a small rune that had been etched in the stone. An emergency release, just in case Hordak  or Entrapta were caught or killed, and Glimmer herself needed to get away. 

She sighed, and stroked the rune. The bracelet  dissolved off her wrist, and into a pile of black sand on the ground. As she did this, the bracelets on Entrapta and Hordak’s wrists dissolved away as well. 

Entrapta didn’t say thank you. Didn’t say anything. She lifted Hordak up with her hair, cradling him  as gently as she could before her as she walked off towards the carrier. 

---------

Hordak fell in and out of consiousness several times. His body needed to heal, and it was trying to get as much sleep as it could  in order to help with that, but the pain in his throat and his ears kept waking him up. Even in his sleep he felt like he was spinning. 

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but finally the spinning slowed. His ears were starting to heal. 

He opened his eyes. He was back in Bright Moon now, in the room he and Entrapta  had been given. Imp was laying next to him, trying to shake him awake. Entrapta was curled  up near him on her Data Pad, her fingers running over the screen as she worked. 

He tried to say her name, but all that came out was a rough and ragged croak that he could scarcly hear over the ringing of his ears. At the very least, it was better than it had been. The deep, muffled soudn of the world  around him had made him feel trapped in his own body -especially where he hadn’t been able to move. 

Entrapta snapped up, and looked over at him. Her face was filled with relief. “You’re awake!”  

He nodded, and tried  to speak again, but all he could manage was that terrible, rough croak. 

Entrapta scrambled off the bed, and ran to the door. She said something to someone on the other side - Hordak assumed it was the guards - then grabbed something off the bedside table, and pressed it into Hordak’s hand before helping him slowly up into a sitting position. 

“Are you dizzy?” She asked. Her voice was careful and slow, and even so it took him a moment to figure out what she had asked. He nodded. She carefully propped him up with extra pillows, getting him up into a sitting position. 

In his hands was a data pad. It was dark blue, and looked very new.  Entrapta pressed a button on the screen, and what looked like a basic text editor  came up. 

“Tell me everything.” She said. 

------

By the time he was finished typing out his message,  Bow and Adora come to their room. Hordak was still laying  back on the pillows - he had tried to sit up more, but the room was still spinning. 

“Where’s Glimmer.” Entrapta demanded. There was an edge to her voice that even Hordak could hear. Adora and Bow looked at each other awkwardly. 

“Doesn’t matter.” Entrapta said,  brushing off their silence. Hordak was confused. He thought she’d be more than happy to be there while he was stuck in bed, unable to speak to move too much. 

He wanted to ask what happened, but Entrapta had taken the  data pad from him as he finished typing. He’d have to ask her late. 

She sat  on the edge of the bed, holding the data pad with her hair as she read. 

“What I did was called a sonic attack,” She read, “It’s considered a last defensive strike for clones. With this incident, I’ve done this twice in my life - once in training, and now with the drones. 

As demonstrated, the damage caused by this technique, both to myself, and to my target is impressive. 

It’s not recommended for regular use. As you can see, there’s some intense physical side effects of using this technique. I’ve torn up my vocal chords. My  ears shut down to protect my long term hearing, and my inner ear - managing balance in a similar way to Etherian ears- has shattered. 

This will all heal with some rest. In about 12 hours from the time I used this technique,  I’ll be able to move and walk normally, more or less. 

The damage to my vocal chords is a little more extensive, and they simply don’t  heal as fast anyway. They’ll take a couple of days. I should be able to speak for short periods soon though. 

Please don’t  put me in a situation where I have to do this again.”

Entrapta  deposited the data pad back into Hordak’s hands, “He’ll heal.” She said. Bow nodded. “And he’ll be up tomorrow?”

Hordak nodded. He was still right there,  he could still answer questions to a point. 

“The other  princesses will be here tomorrow.” Adora said,  “So that’s good.” 

Hordak  frowned, confused, and looked to Entrapta.

“The Princess Alliance.” She said, looking at Hordak, “I think Mermista is here already. The rest will be here by morning.”  SHe looked back at Bow and Adora, “Do they know that Hordak and I are here.” 

“It’s… Probably best to explain that to them once they’re here.” He said. “Once we’ve explained the situation, we’re hoping that they’ll agree  to work with Hordak.” He looked to Hordak, “If you can think of anything you can say to them, short or going under a truth spell again…”

Hordak felt his ears flick down. He didn’t want to be under a truth spell again, especially not in front of a bunch of  Princesses. He shook his head. 

“Then I hope you can convince them that   we need to work with you.” He said. Hordak nodded. He was certain that he could  manage something. He was also certain that what he said under the truth spell wouldn’t be kept from the princesses, but that was better than explaining everything himself, and potentially being asked questions he wasn’t comfortable  answering. He also didn’t like how he rambled under a truth spell. 

Bow walked up towards Hordak, and set something down on the bedside table next to him. A thermos, it looked like. 

“It’s hot water with honey mixed in.” Bow explained at Hordak’s questioning look, “You coughed up a lot of blood. I thought this might help.”

Hordak nodded. He didn’t know  if it would, but he’d try anything right now. HIs throat felt raw, and he’d have to be able to speak  tomorrow. 

Bow  gave a  quick nod back to him, then  went up to Adora, and whispered something that Hordak couldn’t hear at the moment before they left him and Entrapta alone. 

Once they left, Entrapta  pushed herself back up next to Hordak, and shifted him so that his head was resting against her.  He half wanted to say he didn’t need to be coddled, but as she held him, embraced him, he found that need or no, he wanted  her close. 

Especially as he started to remember what Light Hope had said. 

He let his hand  hover over his data pad,  he wanted to say something, but he didn’t know what. What could he say to all that. 

Finally, he typed three simple words on the data pad as Entrapta watched him. 

=I’m so sorry=

Entrapta looked at him, confused, her arms, tightening around him, “what.. What are you sorry for?”

 =The Chemical monogamy thing that that hologram talked about. I did not know  that that was something my species did= He felt his ears flush as he typed, as Entrapta read silently. 

=I don’t think it affects Etherian biology in the same away. You’re not bound by it.= Hordak felt his breathing increase as he continued to type. 

=You didn’t ask for that.= His breathing raced as he continued to type, his stomach rolled, =  I won’t blame you if you change your mind= 

“Change my mind?” She asked. 

=About staying with me.= 

She suddenly knocked the data pad out of his hands,  turned his face towards her, and kissed him deeply. He reached up, and held onto  her, his arms wrapped around her shoulders. 

“I won’t change my mind.” She said as she pulled away from him. Her voice was husky, like she was about to start crying. He cursed himself- that wasn’t his intention and now he didn’t have his data pad handy to explain.  “I’m not some young girl, Hordak. I’m a grown woman. And I’ve never met anyone I’ve connected with, that I could stand being around as much as you. I don’t even like being in contact with most people like I am with you. “She looked at him, a sad smile on her face, “I’m sorry… but if you get sick of me, You’re stuck with me. I’ve kinda trapped you.”

He tried to say something - some kind of protest, but all that came out was a croak. 

“You didn’t know. I didn’t know. And now… Now ..” She started crying, softly at first, then louder, violent sobs shaking her body. 

“Now you’re stuck with the freak princess.” She whispered.  He made another pathetic noise in an attempt to interrupt her, to contradict her,  but she continued.

“That first time… “  She said softly, “That first time we were together.  You told me to leave. You said I should leave and I…” She gave another choking sob, “I didn’t... “ She curled her face into her chest, “I didn’t.You weren’t in your right mind, and  I didn’t leave and now-” 

He felt his ears  flick down. Even now, the thought of his first rut was an embarrassing one. He had no idea what was happening,  and ended up in a very compromised position in front of Entrapta. He told her to leave because he wanted her so badly. In that moment he had wanted her  more than he had ever wanted anything else in his long life. But she had wanted him as well.

Neither of them knew that it would  bind them together, or at least that it would bind him to her. He had been worried that she’d change her mind about him, that  she’s stop loving him, and he’d life the rest of his life in that same state that he had sunk into when she was gone for those few days  after the portal incident. 

As she wept into him, he cursed himself for never considering that she might feel bad about it all. 

His breath was still a bit fast. He didn’t know what he wanted to say  to her, but it didn’t matter because he couldn’t say anything anyway. Instead, he pulled her in close, and held her to him, holding her in his arms. She wrapped her hair around him, holding him tight. He tried to speak, but he couldn’t,  so he contented himself with simply nuzzling his face into her neck, holding her as tightly as he dared. 

“I’m sorry, Hordak, I-” 

He couldn’t talk. He couldn’t interrupt her, not like that, so he kissed her instead, then held her until her crying subsided, and she fell into an uneasy doze. 

He wasn’t long  slipping into sleep himself after that. He had a lot of healing to do. 

Chapter Text

Hordak awoke in the middle of the night. He didn’t know how long he had been sleeping, but the sky had still been  bright, the sunlight flowing through the very wide windows in his room in Bright Moon last time he remembered opening his eyes. Now it was dark, save for the comforting green glow of the screens; silent save for the soft hum of the computers. 

He was grateful for the relative silence, and the dimmer lighting situation. His head was still aching from spinning half the day. Thankfully, his ears seemed to have repaired themselves, and the room was no longer swirling. 

Entrapta had perhaps originally curled up nearly into his side, but now she was sprawled over him, snoring gently, her hair twisting around him as it always did. At this point, he was pretty sure he’d be worried if he woke up and her hair wasn’t around him. Imp was laying on his back, chirping away on Hordak’s chest which was uncharacteristic of him - he might curl up in Entrapta’s hair, or near him, but not on him. 

Maybe Imp had been worried about him. 

Hordak carefully shifted himself up, wanting to just sit up for a moment, rolled his shoulders, maybe drink more or that now very room-temperature tea that Bow had left to soothe his still aching throat. As he moved, the blanket fell off him, and revealed…. He didn’t know what it revealed, in fact. It was a lighter, cooler garment than what he had been wearing eariler. It clung to his neck and chest, it’s open back cutting off just at his waist as the bottom swam around his legs. It was made of silky fabric in a deep purple, with pink bats scattered across it. 

He knit his brows together. What in Etheria…

“Morgana made them.” Entrapta said. Apparently despite his careful movements, he had woken her. “She made us a matching set.” She said as she sat up, revealing a loose tank top made in the same print. “I have a tank top and shorts. She made you a nightgown.” 

“Nightclothes.” Hordak croaked, his voice still rough and damaged. He reached for the thermos, “Etherians are strange.” 

“The whole Horde doesn’t sleep naked, Hordak.” Entrapta pointed out. “Most of them sleep in bunks, so they all have those awful, itchy pajamas.” 

Hordak scoffed, then took a drink of his tea. When he was finished, he said, “The Horde on -Etheria- has night clothes. The proper Horde doesn’t.” Entrapta looked at him, her head tilted. Hordak shrugged, “It’s considered a waste of resources, and we’re all clones anyway.” 

Entrapta gave a little giggle, “So someone as shy as you-”

Hordak felt his ears flick down, “I’m not shy.” 

“-I didn’t imagine you’d be ok sleeping naked with a bunch of people.” 

Hordak shrugged, propping himself up on his pillows, “Well.. Back then, I looked like every other clone. Now I don’t. Now, I have..” He gestured at his body, “Issues. Ports. If I was back in the Horde, I’d be stared at. Here I’d be stared at. Gawked at.” 

Entrapta nodded, and snuggled up to him, “well, I like to gawk at you anyway. But, I understand that.” She said. She grinned at she looked up at him, “But you look cute in your nightgown, and cuddling you in this is kinda nice.”

Hordak’s ears burned, but he at least didn’t look away. 

Imp kicked in his sleep. 

“You… Are very becoming in yours as well.” He said. 

She grinned at the still sleeping Imp, “He’s got one too, but he wouldn’t let me dress him.” 

“No?”

“He absolutely refused to be taken from you.” She said.

Hordak nodded slowly, “well, he’s never seen me like that.” Hordak shifted slightly, Moving Imp to a more comfortable position. “He.. Gets worried when I’m in pain.” 

Entrapta nodded, and gently stroked Imp’s head. “Hordak?” she looked at Imp, Frowning. “Why… does Imp have wings?”

Hordak shrugged, “He’s based off my own DNA.” He said as he let his fingertips brush against his wings, “But I honestly figured it was just a mutation.” 

“But Light Hope said that most of you.. Most of the Chilacians had wings.” 

Hordak nodded, frowning. Yes, they had wings, but Prime had a genetic defect that kept him from growing his. That idea, that Prime had a defect, was so strange to Hordak. It was somewhat satisfying too. They were both defective. The whole Horde was, technically, defective. 

Hordak was just a little more defective than the others. 

“It’s possible…” He said, not having had a chance to consider this before, “Perhaps there was a mutation that caused something to stunt the wings, or prevent their growth, and what coded the wings was there all along. Maybe when I cloned Imp, I broke the gene that suppressed the wing growth.” He shrugged. “There were a lot of .. Issues with Imp though.”

Entrapta leaned over, and gave Imp a little peck on the head, “I love him just as he is.” 

Ears blue, Hordak leaned forward, and nuzzled into her hair, wrapping his arms around her for a moment as she let her hair twist around him. 

After a moment, she looked up, frowning at him, “Just what were you doing awake anyway. You still sound like you’re in pain.” 

“I am, a little.” He admitted, “I just woke up, probably because of throat pain. My vocal cords took a couple of days to heal the first time I did this. I imagine it’ll take longer now, if anything.”

“And… you don’t feel so dizzy?”

“Ears appear to have recovered.” He said. 

Entrapta smiled, leaned in, and kissed them gently which drew a little gasp from Hordak. 

“Good.” She said, “I like your ears.” She looked at them for a moment, then suddenly said, “Oh! Right! You speak with your ears!” 

Hordak had nearly forgotten about Light Hope revealing that. It was the least important piece of information that had been given.

“In a sense.” 

“Can you teach me to read them?” She asked, glowing with excitement. 

“I don’t think I can.” Hordak said slowly, “It’s complicated, and there’s some things that just don’t translate well to explain in Etherian. It’s feeling, not communication.” 

Entrapta frowned, leaning into him. Hordak did want to teach her, He had wanted to teach her his language for a while, but without the proper vocal cords, without the ability to give off the clicks that were so important in his language, he simply couldn’t. He might as well teach a bird to speak Etherian- the anatomy was all wrong. 

But... Maybe there was something on that disc that could help her understand it better?

He suddenly realized that he had forgotten all about that disc until just this moment. He turned to Entrapta suddenly, , “You put me in this thing-” He tugged at his nightgown, “I hope.”

“Yup!” 

“Where's the robes I was wearing earlier. There was something in my pocket.” 

Entrapta whipped her hair out and picked up something from the table nearby. It was the disk Bow had given him. 

“I know what this is.” She said softly, looking up at it from her position on Hordak’s chest, “Every possible answer to your species.” 

He reached out and took it. A part of him didn’t want to look at it. He looked down at Entrapta, “Did you look through it?”

“It didn’t feel right to do it without you.” She said, “I wasn’t even sure you’d want me to see it at all?”

“I do..” Hordak said, slowly. They had a lot of questions they could have  answered, but He wasn’t sure he wanted to see what he’d find there. 

“I mean…” Entrapta turned her face half into his chest, “I have a lot of questions…especially about that chemical monogamy thing.” 

Hordak nodded, “That would be.. Useful to know more about.” he admitted. 

Entrapta brought a data pad over with her hair, and without sitting up from Hordak’s chest, dropped it next to him gently. 

Hordak picked up the disc, and was about to put in in the pad when Entrapta stopped him. 

“Hordak…” She asked softly, “How long do … Does your species live?”

Hordak hesitated, his hand about to put the disc in the Data Pad. of course. He should have expected this question, should have thought of that implication as soon as he heard about it all, but he was more concerned with her leaving, not one of them dying. 

“Prime has been around for thousands of years.” Hordak said plainly, “Though, I expect that’s less indicative of a normal Chilacian -” the word felt strange on his tongue “-lifespan and more his own abilities with bioengineering and enhancements. 

“And clones?”

“A thirty year old clone is considered quite old, but that is also not indicative of a natural lifespan, it’s more a result of the lifestyle of the average clone. Generals tend to live longer, I’ve heard of ages up to 60 years old… but again, that’s not indicative of natural lifespans, that’s indicative of how long they lasted before failing Prime too many times.” 

“And.. you?”

“I…” He hesitated. Age differences mattered to Etherians. Often he heard people say that one person was too old, or too young for another person. He hoped that Entrapta wasn’t the same. His age had never come up, and had never been an issue before. 

“Two-hundred and fifty two years old… Not counting my time in the incubators.”

“How old were you when you came out of the incubator.” 

“For a clone to reach full maturity and adulthood, it takes about 3 years. However, that’s highly accelerated growth. “

“.. How long do you think you’ll live?” She asked quietly. Hordak had a sudden moment where he worried that she was wondering to see how long she’d be stuck with him, but a look at her face, the pure concern in her eyes told him he was being an idiot. 

“I..” He sighed, “I have no idea. I should by all rights be dead myself. I don’t know if I’ve passed my natural lifespan because of my own meddling, or if I’m falling terribly short of it, or if it’s been altered for clones.” He tapped the disc, “Even this could have no information on that.” 

“I just don’t want you to be lonely..” Entrapta said softly. Hordak didn’t know how to respond to that. “I … I said I’d stay with you, but if I die…”

He blinked. She was worrying about herself dying? 

“Entrapta..” He said softly, “I don’t know which of us will die first. And honestly, I think for either of us, if we don’t die during this whole ordeal, we’ll have access to enough tech, and enough scientific curiosity to make natural lifespans entirely unnecessary. 

She cuddled into him, still clearly sad. Hordak frowned, “Besides… I’m not worried about… about that.” He said. 

“Why not?” Entrapta asked softly. 

“Well…” He hesitated, knowing full well that what he was about to say was going to sound horrifically sweet and mushy. He felt his ears flick back, and was very grateful that Imp still seemed to be asleep. “If you happened to die, at least I’d… I’d know you-” He looked aside, “You didn’t stop loving me.”

“But you’d still be sad.”

“Yes, but I could look back on when you were alive, and ... I’d have that.” He finished lamley.

Entrapta snuggled into him, wrapping her hair around him as she pushed the disk into the Data Pad. “Well…” She said slowly, “When this is over, we’ll have to make a lot of memories. For both of us.” She muttered something under her breath about keeping a video, which Hordak decided to ignore. 

“Let’s… Let’s just look for specific answers for now.” Hordak said, “There’s a lot of information on this and… “ And what? H didn’t think he could take it. Was he afraid of what he’d learn. Was he worried that he just couldn’t take his world shifting and changing so many times in one day?

“And we’ll get bogged down trying to just learn everything at once.” Entrapta finished. The Disc Loaded, and the screen turned green, and showed two files. The entirety of what Hordak was was separated into “Science” and “Culture.” 

Idly, he wondered if the same could be said for Etherians. He supposed they’d have to have a seperate file for “Magic” Unless they deigned to put that alongside science. 

Hordak hovered his hand over the screen for a moment, then opened the science folder.

Science < Biology< Chilac Biology. The files were organized neatly into dichotomies, making navigation easy. He continued to flick through topics until at last he found one titled “Reproduction “

“Are you sure you want me here?” Entrapta asked quietly.

Hordak felt his ears heat up as he responded, “This...will be easier than explaining things to you afterwards.” He said. In his mind the only thing that could be more humiliating than sitting down to learn how his species was able to reproduce at his age would be trying to awkwardly explain it afterwards. At least this would be academic. Hopefully. 

He opened the file. 

==From birth to maturation, reproduction is an impossibility. Reproductive organs are present, but inactive until an individual has lived 16 cycles, with variations from individual to individual. ==

“Sixteen cycles?” Entrapta asked as Hordak quickly did the math in his head. 

“About 30 years, I think.” 

==At 16 cycles - with some variation - the individual is able to seek out a mate- a normally lengthy process. For proper reproductive functionality to occur, the individual must first form an emotional bond with another individual. Over time, should the deep bond of friendship shift to a more romantic state, the brain releases hormones which at first are asymptomatic. 

There is debate as to if romantic feelings between individuals are a result of hormones, or if the hormones are a result of romantic feelings. Regardless of the truth, the hormones program the brain, setting these feelings into permanence. 

Should the relationship continue and grow, levels will hit a critical point, creating the potential for reproductive ability. Hormonal information is shared between individuals through scent and touch, noticeable now by an increase in perception in these scents. 

At some point, during the fluctuations in hormones among individuals, one individual will supply more hormones than the other, asserting their position as the source. When a Source produces enough hormones in a spike, The other individual, the receptive individual, will then mirror hormones in opposition to their mates hormones. When the Sender’s primary hormones spike, the Receptive’s primary hormones will spike. When the Sender’s primary hormones fall to a low, so do the Receptive’s primary hormones. 

The Sendee will continue to produce the hormones necessary to fully develop a uterus, and start producing eggs. The Receptive’s will produce an internal phallus, and genetic materials. The reproductive organs associated with the dominant hormone in each individual will finish development in a fast, and normally exhaustive process before the first rutting cycle. 

This process normally does not shift or reverse after a bonding has taken place, but it is not unheard of. ==

“Does that mean you could ...get pregnant?” Entrapta turned up to look at Hordak, who was paying very close attention to the screen of the data pad, his ears parallel to the ground. 

“I suppose..if you started giving off a different hormone. “

Entrapta frowned, making a dull humming noise in the back of her throat 

Hordak decided not to think on that. 

==During a successful first rut, hormones and genetic materials are exchanged. The individuals are now linked to one another by a chemical bond that recognized only hormone scents from one another, linking up reproductive cycles for the greatest chance of procreation. 

Should a receptive individuals partner be absent, rut and other hormonal fluctuations will not occur.

While a sending and receptive role can in rare cases be switched between bonded individuals, an individual who has bonded cannot bond to another individual if their own mate becomes absent. In the absence of their mate after bonding, an individual's reproductive abilities will go into stasis until the partner returns. If the partner does not return, the stasis will be permanent. ==

The file went on to talk about the actual process of reproduction and pregnancy which wasn’t a particular concern at this point. Hordak was pretty certain that he and Entrapta weren’t compatible. 

Curled up next to him, Entrapta finished reading, “That makes a lot of sense.” She said softly, dozing off. 

“What does.” Hordak asked, trying to take what he’s just learned, and fit it into the confusing, and frankly embarrassing months that he had spent figuring things out with Entrapta. 

“Well.. Your uh, Rutting..” She said, a light blush going over her face, “I guess I’m the ‘Sender’ In all this.” 

He felt his ears burn.

“And also why you feel so tired and blah when I’m on my period.” 

He sighed, and turned off the Data Pad. 

“So that first time we- “

“Yes. We must have bonded then.. Which, yes does explain my… frequency, as well as my occasional lack of drive and energy when you’re unwell.” 

Entrapta leaned against Hordak, silent for several long moments. Hordak was in fact almost asleep before she spoke again, “So, If my hormones were to drastically change…” 

“I assume my body would try to keep up.” He growled. 

“And… if they changed enough, you’d... “ 

“I’d probably.. shift, for lack of a better word.” He said. He wished he could remove his ears. Entrapta must have sensed his discomfort, because she reached up, hesitated for a moment as her hand brushed against his hair, and then she gently played with his hair. 

He felt himself sink into the pillows, and relax. This always helped him relax.

“That’s going to make for interesting old age.” She said. 

He didn’t think to respond. Entrapta knew how he just melted when she started to play with his hair, and he was still tired, still recovering. He wasn’t sure he could have gotten back to sleep at this point, but he drifted off quickly thanks to Entrapta. 

Chapter Text

Hordak didn’t dream. Not like Entrapta did at times, not like nightmares she had which woke her up and left her sobbing. Sometimes, when he was injured and sleeping to recover he might awake with a vague feeling that something had happened which he had forgotten. Today was one such day when he woke up, his breath fast from whatever had been going through his head. 

Whatever it was, it wasn’t good. It didn’t matter though. His throat still hurt, he was sure he still sounded awful, but Entrapta had her hair wrapped around him, her arms over his chest. 

Everything was alright. 

Hordak detangled himself from the sleeping Entrapta, dressed, then checking to make sure she was still sleeping, he leaned in and kissed her gently on the head before he left their room. 

Their door was still being watched by two guards, who give him a fixed look as he carefully closed the door behind him. He sighed as he looked at them, swallowing his pride.  

He did not want to do what he was about to do. 

“I need to speak to Queen Glimmer.” He said to one of them. His voice didn’t hurt so badly, it no longer felt like knives slashing at his throat with every syllable, but he still sounded very rough, like his voice was being scraped against a stone wall before it left his mouth, weak and damaged. They exchanged looks, then one nodded to the other and gestured for Hordak walk ahead of her. 

He had hoped that Glimmer would have come to their room during his waking moments, but no such luck. Not that he didn’t enjoy her lack of shrill accusations and glares, but they’d be meeting the other princesses soon, and it was vitally important that he speak to her before they arrived. 

They walked in silence to a large pink door. Of course it was pink. Everything here seemed to be some shade of pastel.  The guard knocked, and he heard from inside a muffled “yes?”

The guard opened the door, and escorted him inside. 

Hordak was self-aware enough to admit that sometimes he let his lab, and his work area get a little… chaotic. This normally happened when he was in the middle of a larger project that took all his time and effort and energy. He still knew where everything was, but to the outside eye it was a cluttered, chaotic mess. The office that he was led into wasn’t the organized chaos of his lab, it was just chaos. Boxes filled with disorganized papers were stacked all over the place. Piles of papers lay on a large desk that sat before a large, empty wooden chair. 

Hordak frowned and looked around, not seeing Glimmer at first. Something caught his ear, and he glanced up to follow the sound. Glimmer had apparently teleported herself to the top of a large bookcase, and was digging through a box, tossing papers to the side as she dug through it with frustrated determination. 

“... A bad time, I take it.” He said. Glimmer glanced down at him, then rolled her eyes as she teleported with the box to the seat behind the desk. In one quick motion she pushed the other papers off the desk, then dumped the new box out. 

“Everytime is a bad time.” She muttered. He wasn’t sure if she meant that specifically for him, or if she was just implying that she was busy. Perhaps both. 

“Regardless.” He tried to keep his tone calm as he walked into the room, “This cannot wait.” 

Glimmer pushed a few papers around, then slumped down. “Fine. Not like I’m making progress here.”

Hordak glanced about the room, looking for Shadow Weaver. She wasn’t there. He had assumed she was acting as her advisor, but apparently that wasn’t accurate. 

“The other princesses are coming today, I am told.” He said. 

“Yeah. A bunch of us. All with magic. So you better not-”

Suppressing a sigh, he raised his hands palm first. 

“Why do you do that.” 

Hordak frowned at her, “Do what” 

“That thing with your hands. You do it all the time.” 

Hordak had hardly noticed he was doing it. It was an old gesture, one he hadn’t had used since crashing in Etheria, “I’m showing you my hands.” he said, confused, “Showing you they’re not in fists, not holding weapons. I’m not intending to do anything.” 

Glimmer sat back in her chair, not exactly frowning, but with skeptical eyes glaring at him. 

He folded his arms behind himself at the small of his back, “The other princesses are coming, but I’m led to believe they don’t know Entrapta and I are here.” 

“Right.” 

“I assume they don’t know about Prime either.”

“Not yet.” 

“So how do you intend to...bring up my presence here to them.”

Glimmer sighed and slumped into her chair. “I’m honestly not sure.” She said, “Maybe I’ll tell them we have defectors from the Fright Zone working with us and then just bring you in?”

Hordak went over that situation in his mind, “That would potentially prove amusing, but not effective.”

“Well, I don’t have any other ideas on else to tell them.” She snapped, “I could tell them about how you’ve fallen head over heels for Entrapta, but given she’s been working for you for so long now, I don’t necessarily think that would inspire trust.”

Hordak gave a quick bark of laughter, which drew a confused look from Glimmer. “Who said anything about trust?” he asked.

“We have to trust you if we’re going to work with you.”

“Adorable.” Hordak said. “No, you have to work with me. The only ‘trust’ you need to have is that I want to take down Horde Prime more than you. Besides that, I surrendered.” 

“You could have been faking it.”

“You put me under a truth spell.”

“But the other princesses weren’t there.”

“I did surrender.” Hordak said carefully, “so tell them that. Just tell them the truth- present it in the most comprehensible way. Tell them I’m in love with Entrapta, if you must. But also give them something that they’ll believe.”

“What’s that then.”

“You tell them that I was deposed from my position as head of the Horde. My commander came, ordered me executed, but I escaped, and now I’m helping you so I can see him defeated.” He tilted his head at her, “Me working with you for the sake of revenge is a lot more believable to you, isn’t it? Even though you know why I’m really here.” Glimmer frowned, sitting back in her seat, but didn’t say anything. “Tell them that, then have Entrapta and I brought in.” 

Glimmer looked at the papers on the table before her, silent.

“Well then.” He gave an awkward little half bow - She was a queen, and the queen he surrendered to so he felt it prudent to follow decorum - and turned to leave.

“That’s it?”

Hordak froze, and turned to look at her. She was still staring at the table. 

“Yes?” He said. What else did she want from him?

“You’re not going to yell at me.” 

Hordak was confused. “You’re a queen. Technically, you’re my queen, I’ve surrendered to you.” He turned fully, frowning, “I don’t understand why that’s so hard to understand.” He shook his head, “No, I’d not yell at you. I wouldn’t take that from my own subordinates in the Fright Zone.”

“Nobody else seems to feel that way.” She snapped. She leaned forward, her head in her hands on the table. 

“Why am I supposed to be yelling at you.” Hordak said carefully. He really hoped she wasn’t going to start crying - she was shrill enough as it was. 

“Oh, for running out and getting zapped by the drones!” She snapped, looking up at him, “For getting you injured! Entrapta yelled at me. Adora yelled at me.” She sunk back down in her seat, her hands back at her head, “Bow didn’t, but he wanted to. I know he did.” 

“Disrespect to a superior officer - that includes royalty that I might be serving under - is not something I have been trained to do.” He stated.

“But you would yell at me otherwise.” 

“Probably not.” He said, “My throat hurts too much to do that.” 

That was probably the wrong thing to say. Her hands clutched at her head. He growled deep in his throat, but then coughed roughly. 

“You did something stupid.” He finally said, his voice rasping. “You’re young. You’re new to this. You’re going to make mistakes.” 

She was crying, quietly though. Hordak might not have noticed if his ears didn’t catch her ragged breathing. 

“I was awful to her.” She said. 

“To..?”

“My mother.” She sniffled, “I was so angry that she didn’t go out and fight. I thought she was a coward…” She idly tried to brush away tears without him noticing. “I don’t know what I’m doing.” 

“Isn’t Shadow Weaver helping you?” He asked. Glimmer shook her head, “Not really. She’s doing her own studies.” 

“Then make her help you.” he snapped. Glimmer looked up at him, confused. He frowned at her, “You’re her queen too. That means you can delegate certain tasks to other people. Shadow Weaver hates bureaucracy, but she’s good at it. She knows how the royalty works, and how the Fright Zone works. There’s no reason why she shouldn’t be advising you in this.” He frowned at all the papers, “At the very least, she can sort this for you. Get a system in place for all this.” A thought crossed his mind, “How did you convince the other princesses to trust -her- ?”

“I didn’t.” Glimmer admitted, “You had Adora, and she was our only hope of getting her back. I was going, the others went with me.” 

Hordak nodded, “Then it’s easy to figure out what else to tell the other princesses.” He said Idly, “Horde Prime -Will- Have Etheria. Working with me is the only way to prevent that.” 

He gave another little bow, and left. He didn’t know how to comfort her, and really didn’t want to. 

-----

On the way back to his room, he crossed paths with Bow, who was looking at something on a new Data Pad, grumbling to himself. He glanced up as Hordak passed him, and froze. 

“You’re up??”

“I heal fast.” Hordak said. The guard that was escorting him stopped and waited. “I’ve noticed that blasted bracelet is gone. Are the guards still necessary?”

“I’ll talk to Glimmer about it.” Bow said, “But I think they’ll want to… keep an eye on you for a bit longer?”

Hordak nodded, then very carefully said, “Don’t speak to Queen Glimmer about it today.” 

“Why not?”

“She appears… concerned about the consequences of her actions.” Hordak knew that she and Bow were close, yes, but there were guards here, and he knew how people liked to gossip. Even if they looked just as mechanical and depersonalized as the armored guards in the Fright Zone, they were still people, and they would talk. “I think some reassurance before we meet with the other princesses would be prudent.” 

Bow looked at him, frowning, then nodded, “Right. I’ll go see her now.” He started walking down the hallway towards Glimmer’s office, then turned back, “I have to ask though...Can I ask a question?”

“Go ahead.” Hordak replied. He didn’t have to answer if it was a question he didn’t like. He was expecting a question about the disc, or about the things that Light Hope had said. 

“What kind of frequency did you have to hit to make the -trees- shatter like that!” He was half in awe, half horrified, but entirely curious. Hordak managed to suppress a smirk, 

“A very very high one.” 

----------

Hordak and Entrapta waited outside the door to a larger meeting room. The other princesses were inside, waiting. Glimmer had just entered to speak to them first, then Hordak and Entrapta would be let in by the guards. 

They could hear the goings on inside. 

“We’ve been alerted to something… really bad.” He heard Glimmer say. 

“We’ve had reports from the Fright Zone.” one of the other princesses said, her voice monotone and dull. That would be easier on his ears at least, “There’s more ships, and more internal activity. Hordak must be planning something.”

“Uhhh.. Not Hordak.” Glimmer said nervously, “We’ve had reports that there’s someone worse than that; Hordaks.. Superior. And he’s come to take Etheria.

“So we stop him!” This was a younger voice. Too young. Hordak hoped that was a trick of his ears. 

“I have it on very good information that we can’t. Not alone. We’re far too outnumbered.” 

“Where did this information come from?” 

“Uhhh….. From Hordak?”

There was a commotion inside. Several voices speaking at once. Hordak felt his ears flick in irritation - that was not the best way to do that. 

“This superior of his-” Glimmer was yelling now, “Tried to Execute Hordak. He came to us with Entrapta, and Surrendered!” 

“Why with Entrapta?” It was the younger one again. 

“Because they’re totally a couple!” It was Bow. Hordak felt his ears flick down and burn blue as he wondered if Bow knew he was just outside. 

That comment silenced the princesses though. 

“... Really?” It was the bored voice. “Like.. Reciprocal? Entrapta’s into that?”

Hordak felt a strand of hair wrap around his waist, Reassuring. He shuffled closer to her, and gently put his hand on her shoulder. 

He heard a sigh from Adora. “Yes. Yes, it’s reciprocal. Entrapta Is entirely in love with him.” There was a groan, “She won’t hear a bad word about him.They agreed to get married if we survive this.” 

There was a long, long silence. Hordak felt himself getting nervous, though he didn’t know why. 

“.... Really.” the deadpan voice again, “There’s going to be a wedding. With Hordak.”

“If Entrapta still wants to when it’s all over.” It was Adora again. 

“And if he’s not just using her.” the bored voice said. 

“He’s not!” It was Bow again, “Light Hope told us that-”

“That can wait!” It was Glimmer. Hordak suddenly felt very grateful for her. She was the only one who knew that he and Entrapta was out here, and though now he knew that the Princesses would find out about what Light Hope said sooner or later, at least he didn’t have to go into a room of people, JUST after they found out about any of that. 

“And we’re sure he’s not just going to double cross us?” It was that very young voice again, 

“We put him under a truth spell.” Glimmer said, “He said he loves her then. And when we went to the Whispering Woods, we were attacked by drones. Which he fought off. And he hurt himself in the process.” 

Another long silence. “I’m going to bring Hordak and Entrapta in now.” Glimmer said, “He has more information, and a basic plan. He’ll be able to answer any questions” 

Hordak squeezed a lock of Entrapta’s hair as she wrapped it around his wrist. A guard came in to lead them into the meeting room. He took a breath, straightened his tunic, and stood straight and tall. 

Time to meet his new allies. 

Chapter Text

There were ten people in the room in total, nine of which were sitting around a large round table in a pastel colored room. Bow, Adora, and Queen Glimmer ( who looked rather more composed now) sat down with six others. They looked at Hordak - not Entrapta- their eyes untrusting and scared save for one who seemed much younger than the others who had only anger in her eyes.

Behind Glimmer stood Shadow Weaver, crawled out from whatever hole she had been studying in. Hordak idly wondered if Glimmer had already taken his advice regarding her.

There was a chair there, empty, that reminded him of Entrapta, lacking the otherwise flowey and colourful designs of the others. Hordak assumed that was Entrapta’s. In fact, they all seemed to have such seats. Bow had a plain seat brought in for him, and he sat next to Glimmer. He was glad that Entrapta stayed next to him, instead of walking to what was clearly her chair.

He took a breath. He wished his voice was better, but he didn’t have time to wait and recover. They had already wasted enough time. He cleared his voice, and spoke.

“If you were called to bring every available soldier to war right this instant, how many would you be able to summon.”

They all glanced to Glimmer, then one by one, gave him a number. He added them up in his head quickly. The youngest one gave a number then said, “But I’ll fight too, and I’m worth ten soldiers!”

Hordak suppressed a frown. Did they allow a child- an actual child - to fight? He’d ask about that later.

“You have more soldier than I thought.” He said when they were done. “And If I add more - Anywhere from 20-30% more, because I’m positive that none of you gave me the proper numbers, then Horde Prime and his troops will still outnumber you.

“Numbers aren’t everything.” The deadpan one said - she was slightly shorter, and dressed all in blue. “Tactics are important too.”

“Horde Prime could outnumber your soldiers 100 to 1, with no logistical issues.” Hordak had to describe this as well as he could. “He could outnumber the entire population of Etheria - every soldier, civilian, and child, and still not feel any strain on his forces. You could then obliterate each of those soldiers, and He’d just send 200 more.”

He looked from face to face. They looked scared, yes, but skeptical.

“Furthermore, each of these soldiers is a clone of Horde Prime.. Just like me. Except I am defective.” He had argued with himself if he’d admit that, but they had to know what they were facing. “As well, they have technology from across the universe at their disposal, while you have the frankly rudimentary technology of your own planet. You speak of tactics? You can gather the best tactical minds of you planet- he has at his disposal the best in the universe. You may have the greatest scientific mind on your planet working for you,” He shot a glance at Entrapta, “But he has the best scientific minds of countless planets, and they’re have technology and advantages and opportunities that you can’t even begin to fathom.”

They looked properly scared now. Good.

“So… Is there a point?” It was the deadpan one. He glanced to Glimmer, raising a brow. She seemed confused for a moment, but then sat upright suddenly.

“Hordak, This is Princess Mermista, of Salineas.” She said. He nodded.

“The point for now, is that he hasn’t started a full invasion yet. Right now, he has only a handful of his own Vanguard, and just the resources of the Fright Zone.”

“Just?” It was the younger girl.

“Frosta of the Kingdom of Snows.” Glimmer said.

“What do you mean Just!” He stood up on her chair, yelling,” We’ve had enough trouble trying beat you!”

“Indeed.” Hordak said, “And unlike me, Horde Prime has the technology to open a portal, and bring as many forces here as he needs.” He looked at them, letting the silence linger, “But now you have someone with not only the most intimate knowledge of Horde tech and tactics, but of the greater Horde army. If we’re to fight him, we have to beat him before he opens that portal. If he does open that portal, there is no fight. He will invade. He will win. Trying to fight him after that will be like trying to spit on a wildfire.”

They were properly scared now. Good, he was done anyway. Entrapta walked forward, and quietly took her seat. There wasn’t one for Hordak. No matter. He stood behind Entrapta, a hand on the back of her chair. The other princesses looked at him, silent until Mermista finally spoke up.

“Glim- Queen Glimmer said you had a plan.”

Oddly, it was a relief to hear someone else following the way things were done. Hordak nodded.

“The beginning of a plan.” He admitted, “But a plan.” He took a deep breath. He was relieved, this had been a little easier than he had thought, to get them to listen to him, and they seemed to understand - no, not understand, they couldn’t understand, they couldn’t imagine the true vastness of the army they were about to face, but they had an idea.

“We’ve already put the plan into motion.” He said. “We’ve discovered a way to close off the planet from further portals. Horde Prime will be able to work around this, but it'll buy us some time.

After that, we need to go to the Fright Zone. I need supplies from my lab. We need to sabotage the remaining tech, and the Fright Zone itself.” He nodded to Entrapta, “Entrapta will be leading that initiative .”

Entrapta gave a big smile, “I’ve made maps of all the most important power sources of the Fright zone, and I spent a long time hiding around, I can get around without anyone finding me!”

Mermista cleared her voice, “I got to know the sewage pretty well. Will damaging that help.”

“Yes. Very much so.” Hordak almost smiled - there was someone else with a brain here besides him and Entrapta, and maybe Bow. “Do you know what chaos you’d cause if you managed to back up the entirely of the Fright Zone’s internal plumbing? Trust me, It will be something that will be considered a main concern.”

“They key is, “ Hordak continued, “Is that we do this quietly. Whatever we do, we need to make it seem like bad luck. Like a series of natural disasters.” He glanced around, “I’m led to believe you all have naturally centered magical powers due to your runestones. If they can be used to create damage and chaos that will seem to be simple natural disasters, then we can slow him down further.”

“Why do we have to be quiet?” Frosta asked, “Why can’t we go in and just beat him now?”

Hordak sighed, “Because you won’t beat him.” He said, “If we survive, but fail to kill him, He’ll put all his focus on opening the portal, and he’ll do it a lot faster than I did. He has tech that I didn’t. If somehow we do kill him, he has a mental uplink to his mothership, with a backup body. If we kill him, he’ll open a portal from outside Etheria, and back in days at the most in full force.”

“So if that’s the case, how do we beat him?” He glanced at the very tall, slender princess who had flowers in her hair.

“Princess Perfuma,” Glimmer said.

“That’s the other part of my plan.” He said, “The…. Admittedly ambiguous part.” Hordak waited a moment, expecting some kind of comment from one of them. It didn’t come. He cleared his voice. “In order to actually stop Prime, we have to end him, and his clones. All of them. Across the universe. To this end…” He hesitated, “All I’ve been able to come up with is synthesizing a virus of some kind. I’m hoping with access to my equipment, and perhaps taking some of their equipment while in the Fright Zone, I’ll come across something that will help me figure out the … logistical problems.”
There were a lot of logistical problems. How to infect the clones, but not himself with the virus. How to ensure that it spreads across the universe in a short amount of time. How to ensure that the virus was able to kill the clones quickly, while at the same time being allowed to spread without triggering a quarantine.

To be honest, it was a stupid idea. He had a lot of those. The best final plans he tended to have were often started with stupid ideas. Either he’d come up with a better one, or he’d make this one work. Between him and Entrapta, he was sure they could.

“This is not a perfect plan.” Hordak admitted, “And I'm open to other suggestions. The main, and most important part of all this though, is delaying Prime’s opening of the portal. The first two parts of this plan are what we’re going to focus on.”

“Why are you doing this?” Mermista asked. “I get that you and Entrapta are apparently a thing-” He felt his ears flick down, “But is this just for revenge?”

“I was humiliated in front of my army.” He stated, “I was removed from my position, and I am now considered dead. If Prime wins, I don’t know that I’ll be able to hide. If Prime wins, my life is forfeit, as is Entrapta’s.” He gave a brief nod, “So yes: revenge, and survival.” He looked over the rest of the faces of the princesses. “Any other questions?”

He expected silence. Not the sudden explosion of questions coming from all the princesses at once. That honestly took him aback a little.

“One at a time.” He snapped, before falling into a fit of coughing.”

Mermista started, “What happened to your voice?”

“My species has a type of vocal defensive attack which leave me with some… irritating physical afflictions

One of the others cleared her voice, a larger princess with long purple hair tied up in a ponytail.

“Spinerella.” Glimmer said as an answer to his questioning look.

“Uh yes,” Spinerella, “What - is- your species anyway? We honestly thought you were a half skeleton, half robot. “

Hordak could only blink at that, trying to ignore Shadow Weavers low chuckles. He looked at Entrapta, “Do I look like a skeleton?”

Entrapta bit her lower lip as she looked at him, “Sorta? I Can see it, with your nose and eyes.”

“I am clearly not a skeleton-robot. I’m a clone of Horde Prime.”

“Yeah, but what’s Horde Prime?”

Entrapta took this one, “The last of an alien race: A Chilacian. Light Hope told us that! She recognized Hordak’s species, even knew his language.”

The child Frostica leaned forward in her chair. “You’re an alien? Where’s your planet?”

“I wasn’t made on my planet, I-”

“OK, Why are your eyes red?”

Hordak blinked, slightly confused. “ I- uh.. Bioluminescent blood?”

“That means his blood glows.” Entrapta said.

“ Oh,... Is there blood in your teeth? Because they glow too!.”

“I don’t think so? I think they just transfer light well?”

“Do you drink people’s blood??”

“I.. what?? No!” Hordak was truly taken aback. “I don’t even like undercooked meat!”

The child had gotten out of her seat, and had crawled on the table towards him and Entrapta.
“But you eat meat? Only meat? Are you a carnivore?”

“I eat more fruit than I do meat.” he said, backing away slightly.

“Why do your ears keep twitching? Are you doing that on purpose?”

He glanced over at Glimmer, hoping she might call this child to order, but in fact she had a rather satisfied grin on her face. Behind her, Shadow Weavers shoulders were shaking. “I’m not. It just happens. It’s part of my language.”

“But you’re not speaking your language? Oh, what does your language sound like, is it like, yelling or growling, or-”

<You talk too much, exuberant child> -irritation. <get back in your seat and stop asking so many questions. He started coughing as the last few clicks in the last word hurt his throat. Most of the princesses stared at him, their eyes widening from the strange, alien sounds that came from his throat.

“That was.. SO COOL.” Frosta exclaimed over his coughing, “Can you teach me to do that!? How did you make all those weird clicking noises?

Perfuma, who was sat near Entrapta took this moment of distraction to whisper to Entrapta

“So… you guys are.. Together?” she asked her, whispering very quietly in Entrapta’s ear. Hordak wouldn’t have heard it himself if his hearing wasn’t so keen.

Entrapta nodded.

“Ok. so.. Is he.. Proportionate?”

Someone - he wasn’t sure who- passed him a glass of water to drink, to calm his throat. Hordak took it and started taking several long gulps.

“He is.” Entrapta whispered back, looking nervously at Hordak. Her face was flushed bright red, but Hordak wasn’t sure why.

Perfuma glanced at Hordak quickly, but not at his face. “So… He’s a lot bigger than you.. How does all that- “

Hordak choked on his water as he quickly understood what she was asking and started coughing, his ears flicking down, burning blue. He was certain some water had gone up through his nose, but also certain that nobody noticed that. As he recovered, he glared at Perfuma, “You know I can hear you, yes?”

Perfuma turned red, and then fell silent. Hordak could hear Shadow Weaver chuckling,

“You could hear, “She said, mockingly, “But the rest of us couldn’t. You should really share your questions, Perfuma - anything could be important.”

“Trust me.” Hordak hissed, his ears burning, “It’s not important.”

“It’s… not not important… but not relevant?” Entrapta said hesitantly, “Maybe not…” She glanced at Frosta, “Suitable?”

“I don’t get it.” Frosta said, staring at them.

Next to Perfuma, Mermista leaned back in her chair, “From what I’ve just heard,” She said with a smirk, “it’s a big deal.” Great - she had overheard them.

Entrapta was clearly flustered, looking from Mermista to Perfuma, then up to Hordak. “Come on..” She said quickly, glancing at the table, “It’s really not necessary information, and Hordak is shy so-”

“I. Am. Not.” Hordak hissed.

“HI! Princess Netossa here,” another princess said as she gave Glimmer a quick smile. Hordak was glad for her sudden interruption until she asked her question. "why are you wearing a dress?”

Hordak blinked, taken aback, “Why not?”

“Uh.. well, dresses are generally traditional for women.”

“And yet most of you wear pants,'' He snapped.“It’s traditional for Etherians. I’m not an Etherian.” He frowned, He had been asked about his choice of clothing in his early days in Etheria, and honestly thought those days were over. “I don’t care about etherian traditions. Besides, this is comfortable.”

“And he looks good in it.” Entrapta said, nodding. Hordak felt his ears twitch again.

Frosta was still on the table, getting closer to Hordak, “Oh! Are you and Entrapta actually dating?”

Hordak Frowned, and didn’t speak.

“Uh...I wouldn’t say dating, since we don’t really do dates… but yes?” Entrapta said.

“Oooh, have you guys kissed?”

“They’ve done more than kiss, I think.” Mermista whispered to Perfuma, who put her face in her hands.

Hordak rubbed his temples, feeling his ears burn. This had simultaneously gone better and worse than he expected. He tried to console himself that the important stuff went well. “I… I really meant more, questions about the plan, about Horde Prime, and the plan.”

Mermista turned to Glimmer, “You’re going along with this plan?”

Glimmer sighed, “I am..”

“Do you really trust him?”

Glimmer looked at him, then to Mermista, “Trust isn’t necessary in this.” She said, “But I trust that he wants to take down Horde Prime more than he does us. And if we don’t work with him, I believe him when he says we won’t stand a chance.”

Hordak almost smiled, despite still feeling properly embarrassed at the various questions that had been thrown at him and Entrapta. Glimmer actually listened.

“Alright.” Mermista said, sitting back in her chair. “I’m in if you’re going with this.”

One by one, the other princesses gave their agreement. Frosta got back to her seat, but not before saying, “ooh, can I lead the charge?”

Hordak rubbed his temples. This would be slightly harder than he thought. But at the very least, everyone was going along with this. They had the assistance they needed.

“OK.” He said, leaning forward on the back on Entrapta’s chair, “Here’s what we do first.”

Chapter Text

With what Hordak would have called impertinence and arguing, and what Glimmer called friendly debate, the first part of their plan was finalized and set into motion. 

They had to alter the polarity of the planet to keep Horde Prime from opening a portal immediately. This meant a trip north, past the Frozen Wastes. At first, Hordak had wanted to split into two teams, one to go to the Frozen Wastes, one to go back to the Fright Zone; It was better to get as much done at once as possible. 

This wouldn’t work. First, Entrapta and Hordak were both needed in the Fright Zone when they went, and they needed at least one scientist with them in the Frozen Wastes to make sure that things were being done right. As well, Mermista would be needed in both places - The map they had showed little else but water where they were going, so she’d be essential. 

They also couldn’t leave right away, which irritated Hordak. His work was limited at the moment by lack of equipment. All he could really do was brainstorm a way to get over all the issues his only very bad plan created, so he wanted to get his equipment, get his notes and data from the Fright Zone. He was sure in his attempts to clone a new body for himself, there was something he could use. 

Transportation was also a problem. The Carrier they’d been flying around in wouldn’t be able to take the cold so well, so they needed alternative transportation. Mermista said she could provide that, but the fixed looks some of the princesses gave her made Hordak worried. 

Hordak and Entrapta also didn’t yet have anything suitable to wear past the Frozen Wastes. Normally, Hordak would have brushed this off, a little discomfort wasn’t a problem. However, this was actually a problem more for Hordak himself than Entrapta. If he wanted to go to the Frozen wastes - and ‘wanted’ was a stretch, he’d not wait here while Entrapta went to the Wastes, and she’d not wait if he went so they’d both go - then he desperately needed something warm to wear. Hordak, and all the clones were designed for a lot. They could fight, move very quickly, swim very well, and survive comfortably in extremely hot temperatures and climates. Extremely cold climates on the other hand...

Yes. He’d need warm clothes. He’d have to talk to Morgana. 

As they left the meeting room, Entrapta didn’t even have a chance to talk to Hordak before Mermista and Perfuma were at her, pulling her away. 

“Hey, wait, where are we going?” He asked, slightly panicked as they pulled her away. 

“Girl talk!” Perfuma said. 

“We’ll bring her back in one piece.” Mermista said almost tauntingly to Hordak. 

Hordak felt his ears twitch. Girl talk was starting to become a very scary phrase to him. “Don’t you think there’s more important things to do!” He demanded. “We don’t have all that much time to prepare, we could - “

“Trust us, this is VERY important!” Perfuma said as they pulled Entrapta around a corner. 

“Ack! It’s ok Hordak!” Entrapra called back as they pulled her down the hallway. She waved at him with  one of her pigtails, “I can be discreet, it’s fine!” 

“No you can’t!” Hordak  said, a little more desperation in his voice than he’d have liked, but it was too late - they were already taking her away and short of chasing them down and fighting  them to get Entrapta back(Which he was certain wouldn’t end well in the wider picture), there was little he could do. Hordak sighed, putting a hand to his face. 

There was chuckling from behind him. Great. Shadow Weaver. 

“Well.” She said, her voice almost teasingly informal, “I wish our meetings in the Fright Zone were more like that. I admit, It’s the most amused by you I’ve ever been.”

“Yes yes.” Hordak said, hating  more than ever in this moment that he couldn’t keep his ears from reacting as they did. “I’m sure you enjoyed every moment of it.”

“I did. Queen Glimmer did too. As did the rest of the princesses.” 

Hordak growled, and started to stalk away. 

“I don’t think you see the benefit of what just happened.” Shadow Weaver called after him. 

“What possible benefit could all of that have had.” He growled through gritted teeth. 

“Simple.” She said, “You’re not Lord Hordak anymore.”

“Clearly.” He hissed. 

“What I mean.” She said patiently, as though she were explaining a simple concept to a child, “Before you stepped into that room, you were just Lord Hordak. Even to me, to be frank. Not a person, but a symbol of the Horde. Scaring them with tales of Horde Prime made a bigger monster, but in their eyes, you were still a monster, and the princesses don’t work with monsters.”

He frowned, angry because he was starting to see what she was saying. 

“Now you’re not.” She said, “Or not as much. You’re just Hordak now. A little humiliation, for lack of a better word, humanized you.”

“And you think that’s a good thing?”

“In the Horde? No. It’s the worst thing in the Horde. But if you want these princesses to fight with you…” She trailed off. 

“Then they need to see me humiliated?”

“They need to see not a monster. Or at least something behind the monster. Bright Moon and the princesses are different than you’re used to, Hordak. What happened in there, even if you hated it, is going to make them more willing to listen to you, and work with you. To fight with you.” 

Hordak said nothing as he stalked off down the hall. There was a reason Shadow Weaver had been his second in command for so long, and even if he hated everything about this, she was right. 

“Let’s hope,” She called after him as he walked away, “That Entrapta has a bunch of cute stories to tell about you.”

Hordak felt his ears flick, but he didn’t turn around. She did, that was the problem. 

----------

One of the guards led him to see Morgana. Her atelier, as they called it, was in one of the towers of Bright Moon. They got to the a large pink door, and knocked. A voice from within called out “Come in.” And the guard opened the door, and let Hordak enter. 

Her atelier was very well organized. Shelves of various fabrics were organized by colour along one wall. Drawers all neatly labeled were along another, and one entire wall was covered in spools of thread that were likewise organized by color. In the center of the room was a big table, next to which were two mannequins, one about the shape and size of Entrapta, another roughly his size. 

Morgana was sitting at the table, back to him, working at something. “Morgana.” He said simply, walking towards her. She turned around suddenly.

It wasn’t Morgana. It looked a lot like her from behind, but her face was different, her human-like eyes were a different colour- almost purple, and they were wider, less serious. He glanced at the table where she was working. Amid scraps of fabric was Imp, wearing what looked to be some kind of frilly purple dress, eating  strawberries, and looking very pleased with himself. 

Hordak had a lot of questions. 

“I’m not Morgana.” the girl said, smiling, “That’s my mother. I’m Jade.” Hordak nodded slowly, looking to Imp who simply stuck his tongue out at him. 

“And…. how did he get here?” Hordak asked, gesturing to Imp. 

“Oh, he came to visit when you went to the Whispering Woods. Mother made sleepwear for you and Entrapta, and he was snooping around, so I caught him and made him some too from the scraps.” She smiled at him as she finished pinning something along the end of the gown, “He’s letting me use him to practice, so long as I feed him, and he’s just SO CUTE!” She giggled as she scratched behind Imp’s ears, who  chirped as he tilted his head.

“I see…” Hordak wasn’t sure why he was surprised. Imp was being fed and, from the looks of it, fawned over. Imp loved attention, and he seemed to be enjoying being Jade’s little model. 

“You’ve met my daughter then.” Morgana said as she walked in from a door off to the side. Hordak knew it was Morgana before turning, because her voice had that commanding tone to it. She strode in, looked at the work her daughter was doing, then moved a couple of pins around. “Yes, your little….” She looked at Imp, then to Hordak, “What is Imp, anyway? Your pet?”

Imp hissed. 

“No. Not a pet. An experiment.”

“A pet project then.” She said, “Yes, he’s been very helpful, and very cooperative.” She turned an accusatory look towards Hordak, who cleared his voice. 

“Yes, well.” he glanced aside, “Had I understood the actual quality of the work, I’d perhaps have been less hesitant to cooperate.” 

Morgana nodded, then went over to the fabrics. She crawled up the edge of the wall, looking through her supplies, “Well then. What brings you here. I’m told I must make something for the Wastes for you and Entrapta. I’m supposing you’re here to say that it’s not necessary, that you can take a little cold.”

Hordak hesitated, looking at the stacks of fabric in  the wall. “Not… No, not quite.” 

“Oh, you’re actually going to cooperate and wear some basic winter gear?  I figured you’d be like that Bow ; Icy cold temperatures and he still wants his midriff out.” 

“Bow?” Hordak asked, incredulous, his ears flicking slightly, “He goes out into the cold like that?!”

There was a slight hint of horror that crept into his voice. Morgana turned away from what she was looking at and gave him a hard, solid stare.

“Yes. Why?” 

Hordak sighed, glanced  aside, and muttered quietly. 

Morgana sighed, “If you have something special you need or want, you have to tell me.” She snapped, “I’m not a mind reader.” 

“I… Will need significantly more warm clothing that what Bow wears.” he said slowly. “Significantly more.” 

She looked down at him, confused. Hordak gave a deep sigh as he walked towards the wall. “I am not made for cold weather. Literally, or figuratively.”

Morgana crawled down the wall, and stopped when she was level with Hordak, “So, you’re saying you need more… intense cold-weather clothes than I might have been intending to make for you.”

“I need a thermal tent to hide in.” He said bluntly. “I  need as little skin exposed to the air as possible-”

“But showing skin is so your style!” Morgana protested. 

“Maybe.” He said, his ears flicking, “But not freezing is more my style.  I need as much of my face covered as possible, while still being able to see and breathe.  I need my nose-”

“What nose?”

“-I need my nose covered. I need my ears covered. I just..” He sighed, “I need to be as warm as possible. I don’t care what you make. I don’t care if it’s pink with flowers on it. If it’s warm,  I’ll wear it.”

Morgana looked him up and down, then nodded. “Clearly, I’ll still try to make this  look good as well, but for what you’re asking, I’ll be limited in that. But,I have a few ideas.” she said. She turned to walk back up the wall, picking through fabric, “I have all the measurements I need from the other day, so I’ll take care of it from here.” She looked down at him, “Don’t you worry. I’ll design something you can move in, that’ll keep you all nice and toasty warm.” 

Wordlessly, Hordak turned and left, very grateful that she seemed to know what she was doing.

-------

Hordak headed back to Glimmer’s office after leaving Morgana. He had half expected her to be alone because he assumed everyone else was still talking to Entrapta, but he was wrong. 

Shadow Weaver, Bow, and Frosta were with her. The office still looked chaotic, disorganized, but it seemed that she did indeed take his advice to use Shadow Weaver - there was some evidence of organization, some papers had been slipped into folders which were being more neatly stacked on the table. Shadow Weaver stood at the desk, flipping through some papers while Bow and Glimmer were on the floor, picking through the papers that had been tossed there. Frosta was looking out the window pouting. 

“Hordak!” It was Glimmer who noticed him first. The other glanced up looking at him. “I didn’t expect you.” 

“Well, my research is mostly stalled for now, until I get more supplies and data.” he frowned and glanced from Shadow Weaver to Frosta, “And Entrapta was accosted by two of your fellow princesses-”

“I know! It’s not fair!” Frosta complained, looking very put out, “They said I was too young to go with them.”

Hordak felt his ears flick, “Regardless, there’s better things we could be doing at this moment than gossiping.” He snapped, “We have worse than limited time. We have unknown time. “

“But we have to wait before we can go.” Glimmer said, “ You and Entrapta need stuff to not Freeze, Mermista has to wait for her ride to get into place, so -”

“Self-defense.” Hordak said simply. The lot of them stared at him.

“You mean you’re going to teach us how to fight!?” Frosta said, looking offended, “I already know how to fight.” 

Hordak looked at her, then to Glimmer, “Do you really let a child fight?”

“Hey!” Frosta snapped, “I’m a Princess too!” 

“Yes. But you’re a child. The alliance let’s children fight?”

“You have children in the fright zone.” Glimmer countered, “Adora grew up there-”

“Yes, but she didn’t -fight- outside of training until she was… what.” he turned to Shadow Weaver, “I believe the age was 18?”

“Yes, and I had to convince you that was late enough.” She said idly. 

“You said you were bred to be a soldier, right?” Glimmer said, confused, “So you must have fought when you were a kid.”

“I wasn’t a ‘kid’ per se.” Hordak retorted. They all looked at him, very confused. Hordak sighed, “All the clones are kept in virtines for development until they’re mature. Essential information is implanted in this time, so we’re adults when we’re released.” 

“So.. you were never a kid? You didn’t have a childhood?” Bow asked. “That’s… That’s super sad.” 

Hordak sighed, glancing around at the others. Glimmer herself seemed a little shocked, but to his surprise, Frosta just looked away, staring out the window. 

Odd. 

“That’s not the point right now.” He said. He’d drop it for now. Frosta could learn how to defend herself, just in case. “The point is, yes, you might know some combat, but you don’t know how to fight me, or clones of me. I doubt you’d be able to manage, but there’s a few... Things I can teach you all that might encourage survival. I’d be doing that now If half of you weren’t off gossiping. 

Glimmer nodded, and turned to Bow, “He’s right.” she said, “Can you find them? Tell them we need to have another meeting.” She turned to Hordak, “What will you need.” 

“Just a room with a lot of space.” He said. He was about to teach a bunch of young princesses how to beat him up and toss him around if he did this right. Last thing he needed was to be tossed into a wall. 

-----

“So do I get to fight you!?” 

Hordak sighed, and gently pinched between his eyes. Frosta was very enthusiastic, and if she was a little older he’d be pleased at her willingness to learn. Unfortunately, she was a child, and apparently one that was going to be fighting with him. 

“No. No you’re not.” Hordak said, irritated. He looked to Adora, “Forc- Adora.” He said gesturing, “You have basic combat. Come here.” 

She walked towards him slowly, slightly hesitant. “Do you want -me- to fight you?”

“Not quite. I wish to make a point.” He grinned, If she really wanted to fight him, she wouldn’t have much chance - even though the armor around his arms was off at the moment, just to help show some tricks. “incapacitate me.” 

“What?”

“Grab me. If you were going to try to restrain me, how would you?” She frowned as she got closer, “I’m not going to fight, just do it.” he said. 

Adora frowned as she  walked up behind him.”Can you kneel down then? You’re kinda… tall.” 

Hordak suppressed a grin as he went down to one knee, allowing Adora to grab his arms in a basic arm bar behind him. 

“Good.” He said, “That feels right. And this should hold most Etherians. However..” He twisted his arms, his forearms twisting around entirely at his elbows, his hands collapsing inwards forming narrow points. He didn’t even have to try after that, Adora let go of him with a disgusted yelp.

“Ugh. Oh god.. What even was that. “ She turned away, making a disgusted face as she shook her hands. Hordak held his twisted arms and narrow hands up towards the princesses. 

“Clearly.” he said, standing up to his feet, “normal grabs won’t work, however,” He turned to Perfuma, who he imagined to be likely the physically weakest of the princesses, he held his arms out to her, “Slip your fingers into the gaps of my arms, and hold the inner bones together. You should be able to do it with one hand.” 

Hesitantly, she followed his orders. 

“Like this, I’m not even going to try to escape.” He said, looking at his arms, “I can’t rotate my arms, and if I struggle too much, I’m likely to break something. Having said that… I don’t recommend this as as front grab.”  She let go of him quickly as he said that. “I can still defend myself if you grab me from the front. Best thing to do is get me on my stomach.” He gestured to his still covered legs, “There’s similar gaps on the calves that can be held in the same way. If you get a clone down, and you for whatever reason can’t kill it, hold it by the arms and legs like that. Tie it up if you can.”

“But won’t they all be wearing armor?” Frosta asked, frowning. 

“Most likely.” Hordak said, “But the armor will slow them down, and limit their movements. They’ll still be stronger and faster, but you can worry about disabling the armor in that case. No, your biggest challenge will be facing one without armor. We’re faster, we move differently, and things you’d do to attack normal Etherians won’t work.” 

“So how do we get your kind down to grab them?” Mermista asked. “I doubt they’ll just let us grab them.”

“They won’t.” Hordak agreed. “Frosta, I hate to say, has a slight advantage.” He glanced at the young ice princess. “We don’t do well in the cold. That will slow us down significantly. If it’s cold enough, a clone might have a few minutes before their body just starts to shut down.”

“It’ll kill them?” Frosta asked. 

“Eventually.” He said, “But first they’ll just shut down to preserve energy. They’ll slow.” He looked at the others, “Outside of that, drowning likely won’t work. Vines can be easily broken, and arrows -” He glanced at Bow, “Can be grabbed mid-air more or less.” He paced around, “Likely, in armor, they’re just going to use basic weapons. Out of armor, unarmed however,” He flexed his fingers, Extruding his long, black, bladed claws, “This is most likely what’s going to be used.” 

“Just claws?” Netossa asked, skeptical. 

“His claws are a strange material that I’ve not seen before, and unfortunately have resisted any attempts of mine to take a sample.” Entrapta said, walking up to him. He had managed to speak to her briefly before this, and ask her to bring an iron bar from their collection of scraps. She threw it at him as fast and hard as she could. With almost a lazy swipe, he sliced it as it came towards him, breaking it into two larger pieces, and three very small pieces that had slipped through his fingers as they were sliced by the claws.

“So, yes, just claws. Stay away from the claws if possible. Fight dirty. Grab the hair and ears, that - will- hurt.” 

“So, avoid the claws, but get right in the face. Yes, that’ll work -just- fine.” Mermisa said. 

“Your sarcasm is noted.” Hordak said, “And yes, most of the weaker spots are around the head. Under the chin is particularly bad too. However, despite the claws, The hands are generally weaker.” He held up his hand again, collapsing it to the disgust of the princesses. “There’s a series of joints in the middle of the hand that allows this.” He explained, “And if you jab the very center of the hand, a clone will go down.” He suppressed a sigh. “And one of you is going to do it now.”

“But.. it’s going to hurt.”

“Yes. Yes it will. And we’re going to do it over and over again until you can incapacitate me at full speed.” He looked at each of them, then to Entrapta; he had already shown her how to do this, just in case. “Entrapta going to demonstrate the easiest way to take me down.” He hated showing them this, but at the very least it wasn’t a personal weakness of his, just a weakness of his entire race. 

It felt like betrayal, despite the fact that he had been abandoned. He didn’t know why. 

He flexed his fingers, and ran at Entrapta, claws out as if he was really going to attack her. Entrapta kept her hair back, and when he got close enough,  she smacked the very center of his palm with her fist just as he was bringing his hand down to take a swipe. 

The result was instantaneous. Despite himself he felt a strangled noise, somewhere between a squeak and a yelp escaped his mouth as the pain revibrated up his arm and down his spine, making him go numb all over while his vision went white. In that moment, Entrapta grabbed him by the hand she had punched, took him as he was doubling over, and tossed him over her shoulder and to the ground. He felt the air rush out of him as he struck the floor. 

He wasn’t surprised. He had made sure Entrapta knew how to do this. 

As he gasped for air, he felt himself flipped over, and his arms pinned behind him, grabbed like he had shown her.

“The clones are also a bit top heavy.” She explained as she let Hordak go, helping him up to a sitting position. “If they double over, you can toss them. If they land directly on their back, you’ll knock the air out of them.” 

Hordak sat up, gasping for air as she explained. He had gone slowly, so they could see, but he’d increase his speed until they caught up. 

He was finally able to take a full breath of air. Shaking slightly, and his hand still feeling numb, he stood to his feet. He rubbed his palm as he let the dancing stars in his eyes fade away. 

“OK.” He finally said when his arm felt mostly normal. He looked at the princesses. He’d have to get each of up to a point where that action was almost reflexive. It was going to be a long, very unpleasant day. 

“Who’s next.” 

Chapter Text

The last princess to manage the takedown properly was Perfuma, and she on her own had taken an entire hour to figure it out. Her biggest problem seemed like she just wasn’t trying, or just couldn’t hit his hand hard enough. 

Frustrated, Hordak turned away from her, “No wonder we got so much ground in the forest until you had She-ra to fight for you.” He snarled, “You’re too weak to fight for yourself. If this is the best you can do, you’d best go back to your forest- We don’t need you.” 

“I won’t leave my friends!” She snapped back. 

“Why not. It’s the best thing you could do. That way they don’t have to chase around and babysit you.” He pointed at Frosta, “She’s a child-“

“I’m here you know.”

“And she managed this within ten minutes! No. You’ll cause more trouble than you’re worth. Go back to your forest and hide while Prime takes over your trees. Maybe he’ll find you too pathetic to kill-“

“Hordak,” Entrapta cut in, “That’s not necessary, she-“

“Of course it’s necessary. If she can’t do this, then she’s useless. Worse than useless- she’ll hold us back.”

“I’ll not have you talk about her like that.” Glimmer said, taking a step forward, “She’s helped us so many times, she-“

“But if she’s on her own, she can’t do anything it seems. If she gets caught, she dies, or she’s held by Prime to get you to surrender.” He snarled at her, “No, I have no need for you. You’re weak, you’re useless, you’re-“

“I am not weak!” She shouted at him, she was crying now. 

“Clearly you are!” He yelled as he took a step forward, his hand open, coming down to slap her, his claws out. 

He never hit her. She managed to hit his hand hard enough - more than hard enough, in fact. The pain shook through his body as he doubled over. She grabbed his arm, and threw him with all her might, tossing him to the ground. 

His breath was knocked from his chest. His vision swam. When it back back. She was standing over him, still crying, looking very angry. He coughed, gasped, then pointed at her. 

“Like that.” He managed to squeak - he was still breathless. “Keep that rage, and hit just like that.” He winced his eyes shut, and let his trembling hand fall across his chest, “But you should have bound me.”

It didn’t matter. The takedown was the most important thing. 

“You… what?” Perfuma said, confused and sniffling above him. 

“I think he was pushing your buttons.” Entrapta said to the stunned princess, “Figuratively speaking, of course. You have no buttons.” 

Eyes still closed, Hordak nodded. His breath came back to him, and he staggered to his feet. His back ached from being tossed around half the afternoon, his right arm still felt numb, and he had a headache.

“I think that’s enough beating up on Hordak for now.” Entrapta said, going to his side to help him up. 

“That’s fine for now.” He said. He didn’t have years to train them as he’d otherwise like, “If this is all done right, you won’t need to fight directly, but it’s better to be prepared.” He hissed in pain. His back really hurt. 

Spinerella went up to Perfuma, who was still crying and angry, and led her out of the room. The others left after her. Glimmer, Bow, Frosta, and Adora stayed behind. 

“We can really beat up the Horde now!” Frosta said, grinning broadly, “I took down Hordak with my bare hands!” 

Hordak and Entrapta exchanged a glance. He was tempted to point out that he had still, to a point, allowed them to do that. He had gone slow enough that they could react, and hadn't been trying to actually hurt them. 

In the end, he said nothing. After the day he had, there was little enough of his ego left to salvage, and the increase in morale might prove useful. 

Glimmer looked at Hordak with her arms crossed, and raised a brow at him. “Are you even going to be ok to go past the frozen wastes tomorrow?” She asked. He nodded. 

“Yes. I just… this is nothing. A few hours of sleep and I’ll be fine.” 

“You slept half the day yesterday to recover, won’t you need-“

“I did real damage to myself then. I wrecked my vocal chords, my ears, my eardrums.. everything associated with my ears. That’s delicate, and takes time to recover. This is just some bruising.” He flexed his hand, hoping to get the numbness to go away. It had started when Glimmer had taken her turn to try to take him down, and to be blunt, she threw a lot more into her strike than he had expected. 

Hordak stood up and rubbed his shoulder. A strand of Entrapta’s hair was at his hand, “We’ll head back to our room.” She said, “Get some rest, and -“

“Oh!” Bow. Looked like he had suddenly forgotten something, “Right! Dinner!”

Hordak quirked his brow at him. 

“We’re having dinner tonight. All of us. All the Princesses.” The way Glimmer was looking at Bow, he wondered if he wasn’t supposed to let them know. He felt a sudden rush of rage in him - not because of the potential snub to himself, but for Entrapta. They had left her in the Fright Zone, and if they believed her dead or not, that still hurt her and this wasn’t going to make anything better.

Entrapta answered before he did. “Well, I’d like to make some adjustments to Hordak’s suit before the day is up, and that might take hours, so we should really get at that.” 

Hordak frowned and turned to tell her that she should have mentioned that earlier, but before he could she had her hair around his waist, and was pulling him towards the door. “But if i get that done, we’ll see.” 

They left the remaining princesses in silence, but if it was from Entrapta’s reaction, or from seeing her drag him around, Hordak wasn’t sure. 

———-

When they were down the hall a little, being followed by two guards, Hordak spoke up, “You should have said that you wanted to adjust my armor.” He said, “I’d have found you before all the -“

“Well, I do want to look at your armor, see if I can figure out a way to reduce the glitching, but that won’t take long.” She said. 

He looked down at her, confused. “Then you don’t want to go to this thing? I thought you enjoyed parties.”

“Parties I like, Dinner parties, I don’t. Everyone has to sit around and make normal conversation, and nobody listens to anything I have to say most of the time. I feel like I’m a little kid stuck eating with the adults, even though I’m older than -all- of them. It’s not so bad if I can wander around. But stuck in one place the whole time.” She shook her head, “Besides, I don’t think they want me there.” 

Hordak had hoped she wouldn’t pick that up as well. “I think it was more me.” He said, “I imagine a dinner party with the former Lord of the Horde would be an… awkward thing at best.” He glanced down at her, she still seemed sad. 

“Besides,” He added idly, “I don’t own any suits to wear to it.”

Entrapta gave a sudden laugh which ended in a snort that was music to Hordak’s ears. They made their way back to their room. Entrapta helped Hordak out of his armor, setting it down on her workbench. “You should rest” She said as she grabbed her tools with her hair, “The more you rest, the better you’ll be tomorrow.”

Hordak shook his head, and pulled a chair up next to her, “I want to work on this too.” He said, “If I don’t have something to work on, I’ll go insane in here.”

“You could look through the disc Bow brought you.” 

She caught his expression as he looked aside quickly. “You don’t want to?” She asked. 

He didn’t want to look over it alone, that was the problem. If Entrapta was there with him, next to him, he felt a little better, but on his own going over all that data was still overwhelming. His stomach twisted itself in knots when he looked at the disc. He felt like he was afraid of it, but he didn’t know why. 

“I’d rather not, right now.” Was all he said. He felt her hair around his face as she turned him to look at her. 

“Hordak.” She said, “Tell me what’s wrong.” 

He frowned, wanting to pull away from her hair, but he couldn’t. 

“I don’t know.” He said after a moment, “That’s the problem.” 

Entrapta let her hair loosen around his face. Hordak didn’t look away, but looked down at her gloved hands instead, “I don’t know. I just don’t feel right when I think about going through that disc.”

“You feel its’ wrong to-“

“No.. not morally right.” He said, “I feel sick when I think of it. I have trouble breathing, and I just feel…” He thought about it for a moment, then shook his head, “I don’t know. Just not right.” 

Entrapta nodded, “But you felt ok when we looked at it together?” She asked. He nodded. “Ok. We’ll look through it together then.” She gave him a smile. 

Hordak felt relieved, but his ears also bent back in shame, “It’s stupid.” He muttered, “I need to learn what’s on it. I need to go through it, but-“

Entrapta frowned, then said, “What if you just looked through the cultural stuff?”

Hordak tilted his head at her, “That won’t have what I need, It-“

“It may not have the scientific information we need, but you’ll get something from the stories, and maybe if you’re confused about something we can look up the information together? That way you’re not just doing research, you’re getting… well, I imagine a bunch of stories, honestly. Maybe that’ll distract you from the fact that we’re looking over scientific documents about what you are?”

Hordak stared at her for a moment, then leaned in and kissed her suddenly, taking her by surprise. 

“You’re brilliant.” He said, “And I love you.” 

Entrapta smiled, letting her hair hide half her face, “Well, I try. And I love you too.” 

————-

The cultural part of the disc was filled with music. Even things that Hordak thought wouldn’t be music, like histories and political records were put to music. There were plays that were all musicals. All the stories that were included in the files were put to song. 

“I’ve learned something.” He said to Entrapta.’

“What’s that?” She was deep into her work with his armor, tinkering at the new power source while Hordak was sat at his own workbench, going through the disc

Hordak made a noise in his own language. “That’s .. I guess Chilacian. The word doesn’t have an exact translation in most other languages, but it’s something between “song” or “story.” Etymology wasn’t anything that we were really taught in depth in the Horde, but I always figured we only had one word for both because they weren’t that important. But I was wrong.” He clicked on a file, and a song started playing, a simple tune at first, growing into a dramatic melody as a single Chilacian voice rang out, three voices from one throat in harmony, one higher, one lower, and one mid-tone to balance it out as they sang about the rise of a Chilacian city. 

“All the stories in Chilacian culture are songs.” He said. 

He let the music play. He could understand the narrative despite missing some context at times, and even if Entrapta couldn’t understand the lyrics, he hoped she’d enjoy listening. 

Hordak was captivated. The music was beautiful, soaring, diving. It was a living thing, and though his language didn’t have any intonation on it’s own, the melody added that somehow. He found himself lost in the music as Entrapta worked away. 

“That sounds really sad.” She said eventually. Hordak had quite lost track of time, and he suddenly noticed that the notepad he had to scribble down any important information was empty. He had been taken in entirely by the music. 

Entrapta looked at him, “Are you ok?” 

“Yes, Why?”

“You’re breathing harder than normal.” 

Hordak shook his head, “Emotional response.” He admitted, “It is sad.” 

Entrapta went back to her work, “Can you tell me what’s happening in the song? I wish I could learn to understand your language.” 

Hordak paused the music, and looked at her, “You know.” He said Idly, “You’ll never be able to speak it, and you’ll never be able to understand it face to face, not with proper context… but if we were able to enhance your hearing, you might be able to listen to this.” 

Entrapta turned away from her work, and looked at him, her eyes wide, “You’ll teach me then?” 

“I can teach you to listen” He admitted, “To speak it, you’d need to be able to click like I do, and be able to inhale and exhale at the same time. And with music, you wouldn’t have to learn the … intricaitices of reading ears.” 

“Reading ears.” She grinned at him, “Is it really that-“

Before she could finish her question there was a knock on the door. Entrapta shot her hair out to answer it. Glimmer and Shadow Weaver entered. 

“You two should come to dinner.” Glimmer said. 

“I don’t think we’ll be missed.” Entrapta said, putting her goggles back down and going to her work. 

Glimmer looked properly shocked as she looked from Entrapta, to Hordak. 

“I’m certain at the very least my presence would make people uncomfortable.” Hordak said.

“But that’s why you need to be there.” Glimmer insisted, looked at Shadow Weaver, who nodded, “We need to get used to you.The others need to get used to you.”

“I’m sorry.” Hordak said flippantly, “I thought my humiliation this morning with the excessive questioning about myself, and my personal life, followed by Entrapta’s further questioning afterwards was enough to get them over their fear of me. Not to mention the consecutive beatings I took to teach you all how to defend yourselves against me.” He almost admitted he had been holding back then, but didn’t.

“So..” Entrapta said quietly, “You’re only asking us to come for tactical reasons.” 

Hordak was taken aback by the hurt in her voice. She was still working, her hands never stopping, but she sounded empty. Hordak felt the rage well up in him. 

“No! I mean..” Glimmer signed, and looked at Hordak, “Maybe with him.” Glimmer admitted, “But.. Bow and Adora, everyone wants you to be there too.” 

“And you?”

There was a beat of silence that lasted just a little too long. 

“Of course I -“

“I’m not stupid.” Entrapta said, “Don’t lie to me.” 

Hordak saw Glimmer’s expression change to one of fury, 

“Well how could I!” She suddenly snapped, “My mother is gone! She’s gone! Because of that thing you and Hordak built! I’ve been trying to play nice, I’ve been trying to do things right, but do you have ANY idea how hard that is when I-“

“I didn’t want to turn it on.” Entrapta said, still not looking up from her work, “Catra tased me before I could warn Hordak what was going to happen. If we had known-“

“Adora tried to tell him!” 

“Of course she’d try to tell me not to do it.” Hordak said confused. “Would you listen to me if I told you never to use your runestone again?” 

She gave him an impressive glare. 

“Catra knew exactly what opening the portal would have done.” Ebtrapta said, “She knew it would bring about destruction. She’s the one who threw the switch. We built the portal, but not for that.” 

Glimmer took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, “I know.” She said, “And I’m trying, but I see you, I see him-“ She pointed to Hordak, “And I'm reminded that my mother is dead, and I’m working with the people who helped kill her.” She turned around, and started to leave, “The others really do want you there, Entrapta..” she trailed off, as thought she was about to say something else, then left. Shadow Weaver lingered behind her for a moment. Entrapta focused on her work. 

“She’s young.” Shadow Weaver said to Hordak, “And she’s grieving. But you should come. You need to get the other princesses as used to you as possible.”

“You just want to see me suffer.”

“Maybe. I’m in a suffering mood because someone insisted that Queen Glimmer put me to work.” She turned, and left after giving them both a little nod.

After the door shut, Hordak watched Entrapta carefully. She was still working with her goggles down. He got up, and stood behind her, his hand on her shoulder. 

“Entrapta?”

She lifted her goggled, and looked up at him- looking madder than Glimmer did. 

“She’s just looking for someone to blame!” She snapped, “She can blame Catra then.” She looked back at the computer, “We were just doing science! We were creating advances! She’s just… Just..” She waved her hands before her, “Short sighted! We can’t be blamed for how this all turned out! We didn’t even know that portal was going to destroy reality, and-” She turned around to Hordak, pointing at him, “I tried to stop it when I found out, and if you knew, you’d not have opened it.” 

“I didn’t open it at all.” He said. “I admit, I hesitated to activate it at all, but then everything…. Happened.” 

Entrapta nodded and kept working. Hordak stayed with his hand on her shoulder. 

After a moment, Entrapta said softly, “I didn’t want that to happen.” Her hands stilled, and Hordak saw a tear on her cheek. 

Hordak hesitated, and knelt down behind her, wrapping his arms around her. This is what she’d do if he was upset, “Catra.” He said firmly, “Is the one who ignored your advice, all your information, and went ahead and turned on the portal. You were going to stop it. You tried to warn everyone.” 

Entrapta nodded, and wrapped her hair around him, holding him tightly. 

Chapter Text

Surprisingly, Hordak was used to dinner parties. At least, he had been. Back when he was not just a general, but The General, he had attended several alongside Horde Prime. He normally found them needless affairs, having a meal laid out like that, making conversation, several courses, it was a waste of time, in his mind. 

But essential, Horde Prime had told him when he brought up these concerns. Some of these lesser races took great stock in such frivolities, and being able to perform properly at one would be a skill he’d have to master. Which of course Hordak did. He could take a few hours being polite, making conversation, and making sure he ate with the right spoon if he had to. 

Entrapta on the other hand, didn’t believe that such things were necessary. 

“They never seemed to bother with me if I was around before.” She said, picking at her Data Pad. “Do you know who I ended up spending most of my time with at the last All Princess Ball?”

“I… Do not?” Hordak said slowly, wondering if this would be something he’d have to attend in the future. 

“Catra, of all people! Catra!” She leaned back sighing, “I went alone, thinking I’d hang out with the other princess, but The other princess hardly spoke to me. Of course, I was used to this, I normally just hung back and observed, but still! I…” She went back to her computer, and put her mask down, “I thought it’d be different, since I knew people now.” 

“This isn’t the All-Princess ball.” Hordak said, “It’s a dinner party.” 

“I didn’t think you’d be for it.”

“‘For it’ is an exaggeration.” Hordak said dryly, “I … acknowledge its importance in terms of diplomacy, and securing what is clearly a tenuous and fragile alliance.” 

Entrapta didn’t move from her position, but her hair did twitch slightly. 

“Besides.. you won’t be going alone.” Hordak twitched his ears as he remembered something that the child Frosta had said. He wasn’t much interested in the social etiquette of Etherian romance, but he wondered if he might be able to cheer up Entrapta if he put a different spin on this.

Hordak felt his ears flick down, and looked around the room. Imp was back, having eaten quite a lot of fruit. He had been so bloated when he crawled back that he allowed Entrapta to put him in the onesie that Morgana had made for him. She commented that he looked like a little doll in it. 

Imp was glaring at him, drawing a sigh from Hordak. Feeling just a little foolish- surly he was past this at this point, feeling embarrassed by doing something that Entrapta would later dub “Cute’ or “Adorable”, but here he was. 

Hordak knelt down next to her “Entrapta.” He said softly, his mouth close to her ear, “Would you…” He hesitated for a moment before he felt a pillow hit his back. He glared back at Imp who stuck his tongue out at him. 

He had never asked anyone out before. He never thought it would be something that he’d have to do. He wondered if Entrapta had ever been asked out before. Was that important? He wasn’t sure. 

“If… I were to ask you out on a date, would that be foolish?” He finally asked sheepishly. 

Entrapta finally raised her mask, and looked at him, a brow raised, “You’re going to use the dinner party as an excuse for a date?”

The dinner party wouldn’t be enough. No, if this was going to be their first date, their first official date - there were several instances in the past he could think of that might qualify from what he’d heard and read, then he wanted to make it special. 

“Well, first we go to dinner, and try to ignore the other princesses.” He knew that he couldn’t actually do that, but hoped they’d leave them relatively alone, “Then maybe a stroll around the castle. There’s lots of libraries here, I’m sure there’d be some nice first ones information in some of them. Lots of Data to be had.”

Entrapta let a little smile cross over her face. 

“Then maybe we can go over some diagrams for a new laser attachment for my armor.” He suggested. It was something Entrapta had been thinking about before everything fell apart in the Fright Zone.

Entrapta gave a small, sad smile, “So the date starts after dinner?”

Hordak frowned, “No.. I figured it’d start once we left the room.”

“And… we’d just not act like it’s a date during dinner?”

“I … Fully admit that I don’t know how I’d act differently during a date than I would around you normally. Why?”

“If people are on a date they’re normally…” Entrapta flicked her mask down, “Uhh… more outwardly romantic, I think. Well… you’d be embarrassed, yes?”

In truth, yes. He found this whole courting thing to be a little embarrassing when under scrutiny from the other princesses, but he had a feeling which really came from the meeting earlier, and the “Girl Talk” that Entrapta had been dragged off to afterwards that made him realize that this was going to be part of his life now.

Besides that, if a little embarrassment, and the princesses gawking at him was what he had to pay to see Entrapta happy, that was a small price. 

“No more than I have been the rest of this time.” He said. His ears caught the sound a frustrated hiss behind him.

“You… don’t have to.” She said, “Let them know it’s a date, I mean.”

Hordak was entirely confused now. She seemed sad again, and he didn't know why. 

“Why wouldn’t I want to?” He asked, “If I end up doing this “dating” thing - a silly Etherian thing to be blunt-then there’s nobody else I'd rather endure this with than you.” 

Another pillow to the back of his head, and the sound of a palm hitting a face. Thankfully though, Entrapta smiled, and laughed. 

“You’re right.” She said, “It is silly… Let’s have fun with it!” 

————

The guards led them to the dining room a little later. During the walk Entrapta had her hair wrapped around his hand, almost up to the edge of his armor. When they approached the door, she slowly, reculantly, let her hair slip away from him. 

Hordak, with his ears tilted back and slightly blue, bent over slightly, and took her hand in his. He didn’t often do this, even he knew that he could do more when it came to initiating affection, but… Was it shyness? Entrapta’s comment from earlier was rattling in his head a little. He wasn’t sure, he didn’t think he was shy - it was never something that had been used to describe him before. 

Besides that, he knew Entrapta wasn’t looking forward to this, knew the other princesses would be judging them, judging her. If they thought there was something wrong with Entrapta, or thought that she wasn’t worth their time that was entirely their problem, but he would not let Entrapta feel rejected or alone so long as he was around. 

He opened the door, and Hand in hand they walked into the half-full dining room. They weren’t the last ones there, Bow, Adora, Glimmer, Shadow Weaver, and Mermista were already there and seated. Behind him, Hordak could hear other people making their way, so he led Entrapta in, pulled out a chair for her to sit down, and gently pushed it into the table once she had. 

To his delight, this made her smile, and brought the colour to her cheeks.

He grinned as he took his seat next to her, at the far end of the table. Pointedly ignoring the mock gagging of Princess Mermista. 

“I’m surprised you decided to come.” Glimmer said as Perfuma and Frosta came after them. Frosta irritatingly took a seat next to Hordak, leaving Perfuma to hesitate before sitting next to her. There were two more seats left, Hordak assumed for Princess NEtossa, and princess SPinerella. 

“Well, your invitation was so heartfelt and sincere, how would we refuse.” Hordak said dryly. Entrapta looked down at the place setting in front of her. Hordak let his leg brush against hers under the table, getting a stifled grin from her as the other princesses came in, arm in arm. 

“I suppose they’re treating this as a date too.” Hordak said, keeping his tone as careless and level as he could, trying to ignore the twitch of his ears. 

“You guys are on a date?” Frosta asked, looking over at Entrapta. Entrapta nodded quickly, but didn’t look up. 

Maybe she didn’t want this to be a date, Hordak thought. Maybe he had entirely miscalculated. Maybe she wanted to pretend like it wasn’t when they came to dinner. 

Once they were all seated, Glimmer rang a little bell that was near her seat. Instantly, several servants came in, each of them with bowls of identical soup. Hordak’s soup was different though, served in a different coloured bowl. 

Bow noticed Hordak’s glance at the bowls, “I let the kitchen know about what you can eat. They made special dishes for you, and they’re being served in different colored plates, so they don’t get mixed up. 

Hordak nodded, and took a taste. Slightly nutty. Not awful, but all he needed was a taste anyway. Entrapta was more playing with her food than anything else. His stomach dropped. Was he doing something wrong? Had he said something he shouldn’t have? Should he not have taken her hand. 

His stomach felt queasy. 

The other princesses were starting to chat amongst themselves. He was grateful that aside from the odd stare they were leaving him alone, but he also knew that Entrapta wasn’t happy with it. Or was it with him. 

 He leaned forward. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he could distract her, “I was thinking about the add on for my armor.” He said, his voice low, “What if, instead of laser blasts, we could do something with Anti-matter. I’ve always wanted to experiment more with anti-matter.”

That did it. Entrapta turned towards him, ignoring her soup, her hair perking up, “Ohhh, that’s a great idea, but it’s dangerous. I mean, of course, the lasers would be dangerous too, SCIENCE is dangerous, but without risk, there’s no reward right? I think.-”

She could have been talking about the symbolism of flowers, or a poem he’d never heard or read before, he realized. He understood what she was saying, and as always found himself impressed with her ideas, but when she lit up list this, when she got so excited when she started giggling over the more adventurous ideas, the possibilities, when her hair did that little poof thing, it didn’t matter what she was saying, he could listen to her for hours. 

At least he could if he was alone. 

The soup was taken away, another course served, interrupting them, and they realized that the rest of the Princesses were watching them. 

“That’s almost sickening.” Mermista said, but there was a lightness to her voice. 

“What is.” Hordak said, his eyes narrowing as he glared at her.

Mermista smirked, “Your expression.” She said, smirking, “When you were watching Entrapta just now. It was…” She turned and looked to Glimmer. “How would you have described that?” 

Hordak let his eyes glance over Glimmer and Adora, who looked very confused, and Bow, who had his damned hands up to his face, his eyes basically sparkling. “It was so cute!” 

Hordak felt his ears flick down. Cute was not a way he was described. Ever. 

“Like he was looking at the loveliest thing in the world.” Perfuma said, almost dreamily. Frosta mocked a gag. 

Entrapta had her hair in front of her face, her cheeks red. Hordak frowned. 

“If the lot of you can’t see how amazing Princess Entrapta is, then that’s really a failing on your behalf. I thankfully, am not so blinded by what I assume to be your social expectations and societal norms that I can’t see actual perfection when it’s before me. Had you perhaps treated Entrapta how she deserved to be treated for how perfect she is, perhaps she’d not have stayed with the Horde. Though, we did have better technology, and unlike the rest of you small minded fools, Entrapta can see the value in scientific advancement.”

There was a long moment of silence. The wait staff had stopped, and was staring at him. 

“That was the most romantic evil dialogue I’ve ever heard.” Bow gasped

Hordak nearly slumped in his chair - he didn’t- and sighed. He felt Entrapta wrap a strand of hair around his wrist, which at least got a suppressed smile from him. 

“So. You said this was a date.” Frosta said, looking at him seriously, “Why choose your first dinner party for your first date? They’re boring.” 

Hordak nearly smirked, “I do agree. But this is -not- my first such gathering.” 

“It’s not?” Mermista asked, quirking up a brow, “I can’t imagine your going to dinner parties. I’m here, seeing you at a dinner party, and I still can’t imagine it. When did you go to dinner parties? I’ve never heard of you dining with any other kingdoms.” 

“Well. It was a long time ago.” Hordak said, huffing, “Before I was here.” 

--------

Planet Designation Sol-Dogma-5, known by the locals as “Shi’ri” had surrendered to the Horde after a relatively long war, and a particularly hard loss during a space battle near their closest nebula.The planet’s emperor had been executed, along with his family. His advisor had taken on the position as the new Regent, of course under the guidance of another clone. The advisor had decided to treat this as a celebration, and had a large feast to celebrate Shi’ri’s joining with the Intergalactic empire. 

That’s normally how to was phrased afterwards. 

Every now and again, Hordak- At this point known as Alpha- would attend one of these parties to be a further representative, and of course to keep an ear out, and listen. This one party in particular was with another general, Gamma. Her preferred to be referred to in private though as DH, based off his call number, 70h67. Ideally, they’d be seperated, but they had been sat next to one another by their hosts. 

DH frowned at his food. “-Irritation- Disappointment- <<I think this might have those awful eggs in it.>> “ he said to Hordak, “<<-Disgust- How can one eat these things.>>”

“-Disgust-Resignation- << No Idea. Don’t try to eat it. It’ll make you sick. I ate a similar dish on Sol-Hart-7. I thought I’d die.>>

DH sighed, his ears twitching in irritation as he took up the glass before him, and sniffed it before drinking. 

“Do you not the noodles?” The Shi’rian asked. Hordak cleared his throat. 

“We simply do not eat much.” Hordak admitted. In truth, it’d be nothing to perhaps ask for something more aligned with their particular needs, but it’d be bad to let them know that they could be made sick so easily. 

<<I may be sick>> DH muttered. Hordak attempted to relax his brows, lifting them slightly which was how to Shi-rians expressed contentment, though he knew it was a stiff expression coming from him, and that they found they way his people spoke to be disconcerting. 

<<Don’t>>. - resolve - irritation - << Don’t let yourself be seen so weak.>>

<<It’s not a weakness. Eggs, of all things, -horror- I’m amazed that they don’t have babies trussed up on the table, roasted and sweetened.>>

-sarcasm- << I think their young would be too boney to provide a meal.>>

“Sorry?” The person across from them was furrowing their brows. Hordak couldn’t exactly remember what that meant, but he knew it was a bad thing. 

<<-embarrassment- frustration- anger- <<Speak common, DH.>> He snapped, << WE need to be polite.>> He cleared his throat again, “Yes, beg pardon. We were just complementing the visual quality of the meal, and lamenting that we couldn’t possibly manage to eat something so filling.” 

-Amusement- <<You’re lying to them?>>

“My comrade here laments that you can’t understand our language fully, he struggles with common from time to time.”

-amusement- <<they can’t read ears. They don’t even try. I could tell them the moon is the size of an egg, and they’d not know i was joking. They’d probably try to cook it.>>

There was a particular flicker of DH’s ears as he gave a low chuckle, which Hordak stifled with a quick stomp to his foot. 

“I apologize for his rudeness. I’ll ensure he speaks common now.” Hordak insisted. If DH was seen to be rude, or seen to be disgraceful as a representative of Horde Prime, he’d be punished, and Hordak would probably receive a reprimand as his superior. 

Hordak Leaned forward slightly towards, “Do tell me,” He said, “about the theaters on your planet.” When Hordak learned that he was coming to this thing, he picked up on some things he might be able to use to get him through the absolute worst part of these affairs, the worst torment and torture he could think of. 

Small Talk.

If he could get the Shi-rian to start talking, start raving at least, about something he could tune out and think about some of his experiments on his home base, so long as he lifted his brows occasionally, and gave the odd Common platitute every now and again. 

“You… Want to know about our theaters?”

“I hear, “ He continued, “That you use holograms for parts, instead of actual actors..?”

----------

“Figured all you did in the horde was fight.” Frosta said, frowning, “That’s all you do here.” 

“That’s all I’ve done in your lifetime, and to your knowledge.” Hordak corrected. They had skimmed through their main course, and were working on desert. Entrapta was very happy now, eating tiny little cookies she called “Macarons”, while Hordak himself had been served a bowl of what appeared to be fine, crushed, frozen fruit dish. It was so cold he had to take tiny bites or it made his entire head hurt. 

“So you did do this here before?” 

Hordak nodded, “When I first arrived, most of my conquests were through diplomacy. I didn’t exactly have an army.” 

“So it was only after you got an army that you gave up on diplomacy.” Glimmer snapped. 

“Actually-” Entrapta cut in, pulling her Data Pad out from nowhere. She held it up and showed a pie-chart, “64% of the conquests were achieved through diplomacy, or surrender before coming to combat. An additional 27% surrendered after minimal casualties, through diplomacy. The remaining 9% were conquered through actual, long term combat.’

There was a moment of silence around the table as Entrapta beamed, holding up her data pad. Hordak gestured at her, turning to Glimmer, “See? She does her research, knows what she’s talking about, And provides numerical evidence for her statements. And Charts. She’s perfect.”

Chapter Text

The libraries of Bright Moon were much like the rest of the castle; covered in pastel colours and gold gilt. Gold gilt ladders- at least, Hordak hoped they were gold gilt as actual gold wouldn’t hold much weight but he wouldn’t have put it past them to have a useless gold ladder as decoration at the very least- were scattered across the room to help people climb up to the highest shelves to get the books that were sorted nearly to the top. 

The shelves actually reached up high enough that despite his height, Hordak himself would have to use the ladder to reach the books that were more than halfway up.

Absolutely useless. Or at the very least, inefficient. He didn’t know if the Fright Zone Libraries had as many books all told as many of them were digitized, but at the very worst, all the average Horde soldiers would have needed to reach the top shelf was a step stool. At the very least he hoped that the Bright Moon libraries were well organized. 

“I’ve never been in the libraries before” Entrapta said in quiet awe as she brushed past him, rising herself up on her slightly puffed out hair as she lifted up to get a better look at the books, “I wonder how much first ones data it might have!”

“It might have nothing” Hordak said still looking around. He wasn’t particularly worried about this, he didn’t know if they had any information on the first ones, or if they did, if they had something that Entrapta didn’t know. 

But that didn’t matter. As the door closed behind them, Hordak was just happy to be out of that room, and alone with Entrapta He had been worried that the guards would insist on staying in the library with them, but thankfully they had been content to wait outside. He was very grateful, because he was concerned that he’d make a fool of himself. If it was just Entrapta around, it didn’t matter so much, but he still didn’t entirely understand what the point was of a date. He understood that he was expected to act more…. Romantic, he supposed, around Entrapta during a date, but did the activities change? Was he supposed to otherwise act different around her? He hadn’t planned this, he hadn’t studied dates, he didn’t know what he was supposed to do!

Entrapta didn’t seem to mind though as she poured through the books. “Most of these are historical in nature, which honestly I -can- get good data from these, but that involves a lot of combing through narrative and perspectives.”

There was a chair nearby, a large, comfy looking one with a big table in front of it. Hordak made his way over to it and sat down leaning back as he watched Entrapta flit about and pick out books. She eventually came down with a large stack of books which was plopped down on the desk in front of Hordak. 

“I think these might be interesting..” she said, running her fingers over the spines, “They seem to be from some archeological digs, and this one says more about the crystals..” She let her eyes linger on the crystal in Hordak’s armor. Hordak idly lifted his hand to rest on it. 

“I wish I could make that work better.” She said, “But it’s just not the right crystal for the job.” She frowned as she looked at the books, “If I had my own data, or if I even had access to the Fright Zone database, I might be able to get the information I need about altering crystals. “ she tapped on his, “And I’d get this sorted out properly.” 

“I should have taken better care.” Hordak said, “I should have known he’d try something. I should have -“ 

A strand of hair popped him in the mouth, silencing him, “You couldn’t have done anything. I shouldn’t have written ‘loved’ on it anyway.” 

Hordak thought he heard something. His ears flicked as he looked around but he saw nothing. He frowned as he turned back to Entrapta, “we’ve been over this.” He said firmly, “and I’m glad you wrote that on it.” He idly picked up one of the books that she had set down, and flipped it open to check the index, “What…. If you can alter this gem, did you consider what you might write on this one?”

“I didn’t think you’d want me to write anything on it.” 

“Why not?” 

Entrapta shrugged and looked away, “Well… You know Adora can read First ones writing, right? If I wrote something on it, she’d be able to read it.”

Hordak felt his ears twitch slightly, but he shrugged, “that’s a problem?”

“I didn’t think you’d want some declaration of affection around your neck.” She glanced aside. 

“I don’t understand why I wouldn’t? Clearly, it’s from you. Why shouldn’t I be pleased?”

“You’d find it embarrassing.” She glanced at him, “your ears are blue. You would.” 

Hordak frowned as he looked from the book to her, “I am simply unused to it.” He said, “Displays of affection weren’t necessarily considered good in the Horde.” 

“There was no problem with it in the Fright Zone. I mean, Scorpia-“

“The actual Horde.” He corrected. “It was just..” 

“It wasn’t allowed?”

Hordak frowned. Not allowed wasn’t the right phrase, no. “We were… trained? No, conditioned to see displays of affection as shameful, and as something to be embarrassed about. I am… not embarrassed by your displays of affection.” 

There was that sound again. Hordak turned his head, frowning as his ears twitched trying to figure out what it was he was hearing, but as he did Entrapta started to play with his hair, causing him to lean back into the chair, a contented chirp emitting from his mouth. 

“Well.. that makes me happy anyway.” Entrapta said, smiling now. “I don’t know what I might put on the new one. Maybe ‘Precious’ or ‘Entrapta’s.’ She gave him a slightly evil grin, “Maybe ‘cupcake’”

Hordak felt his ears flick slightly as she started stroking his hair with both hands.

“You know..” She said softly, “We could always come back to the library tomorrow. We could maybe go back to our room?” 

“Oh? Why, what’s in our room?” Hordak asked, almost teasing. 

“Privacy.” She said firmly, “And the chance that nobody will walk in on us if we decide to cuddle.”

He heard that noise again, but this time, he could make out what it was. His ears flicked back and burned blue as he sat up in the chair suddenly, his ears turning this way and that to get a lock on what he had heard; the sound of someone pretending to gag. 

“Hordak?” Entrapta asked, “What’s-“

“Or MAYBE” Hordak said, loudly enough for anyone in the Library to hear, “We’ll just clear off this table right here, have a -“ He faltered for a moment, trying to remember the slang he had heard not long ago, “‘quickie’ right on the table, since CLEARLY nobody decided to follow us here, and spy on us.” 

There was a deafening silence in the room. Entrapta’s hair twisted as she looked at him in confusion, “I… don’t necessarily have an issue with that, but that’s not really your thing. I mean, all our stuff is-“ 

Hordak stood up, picked her up, and put her on the table, putting his hand over her mouth at the same time. 

“Ugh, ok, we’ll leave!” 

Entrapta spun around on the table just in time to see Mermista come out from behind a shelf. “You were following?” Entrapta’s face turned slightly red, “you were listening?!”

“Well, we didn’t think we’d be actually listening in on you two being all romantic.” 

Hordak felt his ears flick, “We?”

 A scandalized looking Perfuma walked out from behind the same shelf, followed by a confused looking Frosta, who looked at Mermista and asked, “What’s a quickie?” 

Hordak turned on Mermista, “I can understand, to a point, spying on us. We were until recently the enemy, so I understand that.” He pointed to Frosta, “Why bring a child to spy on us as well!”

“Hey! I work just as hard, and I fight just as well!!” 

“We were very clear that this is a date.” Entrapta said, still somewhat red in the face, “I don’t know why you’d want to watch us. Unless you’re into Voyeurism.” 

Hordak paused, his brows furrowing, “I’m afraid I don’t know that one, Entrapta.” He said. 

“Dummy.” Frosta said, “That’s when people like to watch other people kiss.” 

By Perfuma’s horrified expression, and Mermista’s stifled laughter, Hordak could guess that it meant a little more than that.

“And that’s all it means.” Perfuma said, giving a firm look to Mermista. 

Hordak felt his ears twitch and burn as he rubbed his temples. This was not how he saw this date happening. 

“Anyway, we didn’t think you were actually going to be all sickeningly cute and stuff on this date, or at the very least we kinda thought this whole being in love thing was a show or something.”

“I was put under a truth spell!” Hordak insisted. 

Mermista pointed to Entrapta, “She wasn’t” She said, “And besides, I don’t trust what I don’t see.” 

“That.” Hordak said after a moment of thought, “Is exceedingly fair. But still-“

“Yeah, yeah, we’re leaving.” Mermista started for the door, followed by Perfuma and Frosta. She turned back to look at Hordak, “You really didn’t know what voyuerism meant?”

Hordak frowned, his ears twitching, “Etherian is my seventh language.” He said, “I think I can be forgiven for missing some of it’s baser terminology.” 

“Seventh?” Frosta said, turning around from the door, “What other languages do you speak?”

Hordak gave a little grin, “Standard Horde, Standard Horde Sign, Common universal, Universal sign, French, Gallifreyan, and of course, Etherian. All fluent in spoken and written form.” 

Frosta frowned, “I think half of those are made up.” She said as she turned to leave, following after Mermista and Perfuma.

When they were alone, Entrapta looked at him, confused, “Standard Horde sign?” 

Hordak nodded, “A gesture based, non-verbal -“

“I know what sign language is… but I didn’t think it was needed in the Horde, since you’re all supposed to be perfect.” 

“It’s useful for being in combat situations where silence is necessary.” He explained, “And besides, damage and injury can affect hearing. It’s just better to know a non-verbal language.” 

He sat back in the chair, his ears still burning as he looked over the book that Entrapta had brought to him. He wasn’t embarrassed by her displays of affection, no but still… He went through the conversation to try to recall if there was anything in particular that he shouldn’t have said, then gave up. There was no point trying to get all anxious about it; it wasn’t like he could threaten them into silence. 

Maybe he shouldn’t have made the joke about the quickie. He put his head in his hands as he leaned against the desk, his ears blue. 

“You know.” Entrapta said as she came up behind him, playing with his hair again, “I should start to chart the angle of your ear flicks. I know you said that the ear movements mean something different, maybe I could start to read them that way. Also, you’re actually adorable when your ears are down like that.” 

Hordak frowned as he looked up at her, “I am -not- adorable.” He insisted. 

“You are to me.” Entrapta said with a grin. She leaned in and gently kissed his hot ear. As she pulled away, she snapped, “Ohh! That’s what I’ll put on your new gem!” 

“What is?”

“Adorable.” 

Hordak gave a low chuckle, “Perfect. When Prime sees that, he’ll laugh himself to death.” 

“I thought you said you’d not be embarrassed by expressions of affection.” 

“That doesn’t mean Prime won’t laugh.” He said. “Besides that, I think that if anyone else heard you call me adorable, they’d laugh too. You’re the only one who thinks that.” 

“Well…” She said thoughtfully before she wrapped her hair around him, holding him in a hug from behind, “They’re allowed to be wrong.” 

Hordak leaned back, and gently stroked her hair. He decided that maybe he liked dates. 

Chapter Text

Their arctic gear was packed into the transport that they would take  as far North as they could until they had to land, and continued travelling north with Mermista’s ride. It’d be a relatively long flight, but  not cramped as Swift Wind was not coming - Hordak was very glad not to be stuck in a transport with any horse, let alone one as irritating as Swift Wind.

Hordak and Entrapta were going, one to stay above ground, and help triangulate a signal to where they had to go, the other to guide everyone else to the location underwater. 

Mermista  was of course going because she would be most effective underwater. 

Adora was going because she had the sword. 

Bow was going as extra defense. 

With some arguing, Frosta was also going. Hordak didn’t want her to go, based on her being a child, but that argument didn’t get far with the other princesses, or Frosta. Besides  that, she would be the most effective in the cold. 

Glimmer had relented, and agreed to stay back in bright moon. But she and the other princesses had insisted   that they see them off. Hordak and Entrapta made sure that all their supplies were well in place, nestled between the large duffle bags of cold weather clothing which Hordak hadn’t even gotten to look at. 

He didn’t care what it looked like though, he had been truthful there.  So long as it kept him warm, he’d wear anything. 

“Send word as soon as it’s done.” Glimmer said to Bow,” The moment it’s done, let me know… I hate not going out with you.”

“Glimmer…” Bow said his lips pursing. 

“I know, I know…” She said. There had actually been an argument earlier between Glimmer, Bow, and Adora. Hordak only knew this because he had been able to hear them shouting through the walls  as they were preparing their supplies. He didn’t know exactly what was said, but Glimmer had wanted to go with them, and Bow - to Hordak’s surprise- echoed his own opinions. 

Glimmer didn’t like it. 

The last pack in the transport, Frosta climbed in first with a filled  backpack, followed by the others. Hordak was taking a last look around with Entrapta to make sure that they hadn’t forgotten anything when from above, Imp swooped down and landed on Hordak’s shoulder. 

“What’s THAT!” Mermista exclaimed. 

“That’s … uh..” Adora looked to Hordak, “Honestly, we just called him  your pet.”

“Imp.” Hordak  said. He pulled him off his shoulder and   with a quick scratch under the chin, set him on the ground. 

Perfuma let out a little “aww.” At this. Hordak nearly growled at her, but  before he could, Imp had jumped back up into his shoulder with a hiss. 

“No.” Hordak said, “You’re not coming with us.” 

“I think he’s feeling left out.” Entrapta said, “He’s been away so long-”

“Because he’s sulking around this castle in the kitchens and with Morgana getting fed all kinds of stuff. Don’t feel sorry for him.” He picked him up off his shoulder, and gave him a good stare down, “If you keep this up, you wouldn’t be able to fly.”

Imp hissed again, and stuck his tongue out. 

“Aww, he just wants to go with you.” Perfuma said as she watched the interaction. 

Hordak gave a frown, “Imp will not do well in the cold.” He said. He wouldn’t do well himself, but Imp was smaller. He’d freeze so much faster. He looked at Imp. “You’re staying here.” He said firmly. 

Imp blew a raspberry at him in response, causing Perfuma to giggle, “He’s adorable!”

“Here then.” Hordak said, a wicked smirk crossing his face as he thrust Imp into Perfuma’s arms, “You can  watch him.” 

To his surprise, Perfuma gave a little squeal before  hugging Imp close. 

“Good luck with that.” Hordak  said as he entered the transport. As he watched the door close,  blocking his view of Perfuma holding onto a struggling Imp, he realized that what he had just done was probably in the top ten for terrible things he’s done since landing on Etheria. Maybe  top five. 

“So…” Entrapta said as the transport  started to raise up, “Who do you think is going to hate that more by the end of it.”  She asked him. 

Hordak frowned, considered it for a moment, then turned to her, “I honestly  have no idea.” he said, “But I'm sure I’ll enjoy the outcome regardless.” He sat down  on the floor of the transport as they started to pick up speed, with Entrapta sitting down  next to him as she went over some scripting information on her Data Pad. She was working on the laser for his suit, but wanted to give it different modes.

He wanted to dive into that right away, but Hordak realized there was something else that he needed to know that he didn’t. He turned to Mermista, “you said we’d have a ride.”  he said, “But you didn’t specify how we’re getting to the pole after we land.” 

Frosta, who had taken out some books and snacks from her over packed backpack gave a little snort, “It’s her boyfriend, Sea Hawk.”  she said. 

“Oooh, is that the guy you brought to  the All Princess Ball?” Entrapta said excited. 

Mermista pursed her lips together, “Ex.” She said firmly. “Ex boyfriend.” 

Oddly, Hordak felt a pang of pity for her, and for him. She didn’t seem particularly sad about this, in fact she seemed rather put out at him being called her boyfriend  at all. Hordak wondered though, now that he had some more information, now that he had time to think about it, if this horror at the idea that Entrapta might change her mind about him, the pangs of pity at hearing  about split up couples wasn’t a result of his biology. 

If it was, that oddly made him feel better about being so shaken by it all. It was something he couldn’t  control. 

“Is Sea-Hawk a title?” He asked after  a relatively awkward silence. 

Mermista rolled her eyes, “No, it’s his name. He’s a  sea-captain, if you want his title. 

Hordak almost felt himself relax. “A captain then.” He said with a grin, “Why didn’t you say so.  A trained captain should make this trip a relatively efficient and …. What?”

As he spoke everyone save for Entrapta turned to give him avery odd look- it was almost amusement. 

Mermista finally gave a chuckle, “Don’t worry about it.” She said, “He’ll get us where we  need to go.. You’ll.. Uh..” She frowned, looked to Bow and Adora, then back to Hordak. 

“Sea Hawk is not to be explained. He’s to be experienced. You’ll get it when you meet him.” 

-----

Hordak as the last one to put on his winter gear, rightfully guessing he’d  need more space than everyone else. 

 As he stepped out into the cold he could almost feel the physical pressure of everyone staring at him. His normally sleek and minimalistic outfit was entirely covered. A deep purple  parka hung all the way down to his ankles, just covering the thick wool shift that he had thrown over his armor. The parka was very thick- it reminded him the fluffy, thick blankets that Entrapta was fond of, and almost had a quilted kind of texture. Thick  black boots had been procured which fit over his metal boots. Thinner gloves were hidden under thick black woolen mittens. To his relief, there was not an inch of his face exposed to the air. A type of mask with holes for the nose, mouth, and eyes covered his face. A black scarf then covered the nose and mouth,  reflective goggles covered his eyes, and a hat was shoved over the mask, hidden under the purple hood of the parka. 

“You.. uh.. Dressed enough there?” Mermista asked.

“No.” Hordak grumbled. He could feel the chill through the coat, on his arms. Inhaling hurt  his nose. 

“Hordak doesn’t like the cold.” Entrapta said simply as she  checked something on her data pad. She, like most everyone else, was fine with just a coat, hats, mitts,  and a scarf. Except for Bow, of course, who still had his midriff exposed. 

“WAs it a good idea to come then?” BOw asked, frowning. HOrdak frowned at him, but then realized that Bow couldn’t see his expressions. 

“Two scientists to triangulate the location.” He said. This wasn’t exactly true - Entrapta could have managed just fine on her own, but he wasn’t  staying behind if he could help it. 

“You look like a purple marshmallow.” Frosta commented.

Hordak just shrugged, hoping that she could see that through the layers he was wearing. He turned to Mermista, “Where is this Sea Hawk.” He asked, desperate to change the topic. 

“MERMISTA!” 

It was a cry behind him, far away. Male. He turned, and saw someone coming towards them in a ship. A very large, but…. Not very sturdy ship.  He wondered idly how cold the water might be, and decided that he wasn’t going to enjoy this leg of the journey. 

He  stopped the boat next to a dock close to where they had landed, jumped down, and ran up to Mermista to engulf her in a hug, which she quickly sidestepped, causing Sea Hawk to slip and fall face first into the snow. 

No. Hordak didn’t like this. 

Sea Hawk stood  back up, his face flushed for a moment, then seemed to shake it off and turned to the  others. “HA haha!” He laughed, “She called me to come to the rescue, and now she’s shy! Can’t be helped! It’s a common problem with women around me.” He smirked as he stroked his mustache. 

Sea Hawk, or Swift Wind… it has a hard tell right now, time would probably tell him which was worse, but it was very hard to choose the worst one right now. 

“Good to see you Sea HAwk!” Bow said, giving him a big smile. They gave each other  a strange combination of a high five and a fist bump. “IS this a new ship?” Bow asked. 

“It is!” Sea Hawk beamed. 

This was a new ship? Hordak glanced at Entrapta, who didn’t seem concerned - or rather, she wasn’t paying attention. 

“What happened to your last ship?” Bow asked. 

“The usual.” 

“Ah. Fire?”

“She was a noble and steadfast vessel if there ever was one!” She Hawk said, wiping away an imaginary tear, “Alas, she just couldn’t  handle the fire. And the impact.” 

Hordak felt an ice that was entirely unrelated to the weather creep through his veins. The  usual? Fire? Impact? 

Hordak had been  in spaceships. He had fought in 0 gravity at speeds surpassing Mach 2 and survived. He’d orbited around black holes in ships that just had enough power to keep them from behind sucked in and crushed into a singularity, but there was science behind those vessels. They had been tested, and maintained properly. 

This ship looked like it was held together with  nothing but hopes and wishes, and Hordak didn’t trust that. He did not want to get on that boat. 

Sea Hawk turned to Adora, “And you! Still doing the thing with the sword?”

Adora gave a fixed, awkward grin, and patted her gauntlet, “Yup.” She said in a strained voice, “Still doing the thing.” 

He knelt down, and bowed to Frosta, which would have been polite if it hadn’t had such a mocking gesture to it. “And greetings to you, Princess Frosta.” He produced a flower from somewhere and pressed it into her hands, “Lovely, as always.” 

Hordak almost smirked as   Frosta tossed it into the nearby icy water as soon as he turned away.

“Princess Entrapta!  I thought…”

Mermista was next to him, and gave him a quick jab in the ribs with her elbow. It looked like it hurt. 

“I Thought I’d not see you again until the next all princess ball!” He said,  rubbing his side. He turned to Hordak. “And you are…” He hesitated, looking over the very well covered  figure of Hordak. He turned to Mermista, “A new Princess I haven’t met?”

Mermista and Frosta stifled snickers. 

“Sea Hawk..” Bow said carefully, “This is Hordak.” 

“Hordak?” Sea Hawk echoed. He still had a stupid smile on his face, but there was a definate paling of his face, a  hint of fear in his eyes. 

“Hordak. Former lord of the Fright Zone.” Entrapta said, not looking up from her data pad. 

The smile faltered. His face paled. Hordak thought that maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. If he was scared, he’d be less likely to-

“OH, I SEE!” Sea Hawk suddenly exclaimed, “You heard of my adventures, and just had to tag along to meet me! See the competition!” 

“Competition…?”

“We’re only a few gentlemen around all these lovely princesses! Of course you’d  want to see how you square up! Well-” He turned aside, running a hand through his hair, ''Don't Worry, no need to feel nervous. I’m just a normal guy. A normal awesome sea captain guy.”

Hordak looked back at Entrapta. “Is… is he quite alright?” Hordak wasn't entirely sure  what he was saying. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to be in competition  with him in.  Perhaps this Sea Hawk had broken from fear and realizing that he was speaking to Lord Hordak?

“Now then!”  Sea Hawk turned around, and pointed to his ship, taking a dramatic pose as he shouted, “ONWARD! TO ADVENTURE!!”

Bow and Sea Hawk  ran up to the ship. Hordak hung back, taking in the frankly disconcerting conversation, the  unstable looking ship,  what the clearly unstable sea captain that he was now entrusting his safety to. 

"Come on, Princess Hordak." Mermista called after him as they approached the ship. Hordak hardly felt Entrapta wrap a tendril of hair around his arm  through the  parka as she pulled him forward, getting him walking towards the ship through the icy snow. 

He still wasn’t sure if this Sea Hawk was worse than Swift Wind or not. 

Chapter Text

Despite popular opinion. Hordak did actually enjoy music. Once Hordak had become the second in command, he would often attend various shows in Horde Prime’s place since Prime had no interest in music.

Soaring wordless instrumental orchrestrated performances? He could sit back and listen for hours.

Dramatic plays were always better when put to music.

Tech Operas, while a little more niche, a little rarer to find a new one, were enjoyable in a pulp fiction kind of way.

There was in fact very little that Hordak couldn’t enjoy. He’d even enjoy the odd sea shanty if it was well performed.

That “If” was the problem this day.

Hordak at first thought the stories were the worst. As soon as they set sail, he started going on and on about all these adventures that he’d had far north, and none of them sounded plausible. He tried to ignore him, tried to focus on the work he was doing with Entrapta, but when a building burns before you, you feel drawn to watch.

And he was a burning building.

When he stopped his stories and maintained a wonderful silence for approximately 2.5 minutes before declaring that it was time for a sea shanty.

It wasn’t music. It was torture. Hordak figured that it was the sensitivity of his ears, and his appreciation of good music that made the sea shanties that Sea Hawk sang feel like a war crime as everyone else had fixed smiles, and were clearly tolerating him but didn’t seem to be horrified by his music.

Bow was the only exception. He kept an honest smile on his face. It was in that moment that Hordak figured out Bow, or at the very least, figured out why Bow was treating him as he was.

Bow was incapable of hate. Perhaps even incapable of dislike. Was it a problem in his brain? A genetic trait? Was it taught?

“Oh! I think we’re here!” Sea Hawk said. The boat shuddered as it slowed, and Hordak grabbed onto the railing and clutched at it through the gloves and mitts as the boat slowed.

He was glad his face was covered. He had been certain that the boat was simply going to fall apart right there, and he’d die, frozen to death in arctic waters while looking like a purple marshmallow, according to Frosta.

“Alright.” Mermista said, “ So like, before all this happened, I had diving suits made for everyone.” She pulled a chest from under a tarp that she had been sitting on. “The good news, They’re all thermal, so they’ll keep us warm, and we have a good hour of oxygen in the tanks.”

“But the bad news?” Entrapta asked, not looking up from her data pad.

“I had these made for everyone before all this happened. I don’t have one for Hordak.”

Hordak snapped his head to Mermista, then to Entrapta, and he was about to protest, but realized there was no point. There was no suit, so there was little he could do about that.

“While I can hold my breath for an hour or so,” Hordak said, his voice muffled by his layers, “I don’t believe I’d manage more than..” He looked down into the waters. “Ten minutes?”

“You’re not sure?” Entrapta asked, finally looking up from her data pad.

“It’s not something I’ve especially had the opportunity or the desire to test.”

“Well that works out.” Entrapta said, “It’s better if you triangulate the signals so we get in and out faster.” She gave him a little smile, “I’m also happier if you’re above water, all things considered…”

Hordak didn’t like it, but he didn’t see much other choice.

One by one, the princesses went down below deck to a little storage area where they took off their winter clothing, and put the suits on over their normal clothes. Bow was the last one to go down. When he came up with his suit on, Mermista said, “Ok. Let’s go.”

Then Hordak realized that Sea Hawk hadn’t changed into a suit.

“He’s not going with you?” Hordak asked, gesturing to Sea-Hawk. Mermista glanced at Sea-Hawk, then back to Hordak with a vicious grin, “Nope. You get to keep him company. He’s manning the ship-“

“I'm sure I can manage that.” Hordak said stiffly.

“Oh no!” Sea-Hawk, “Nobody mans my ship but me!”

Mermista shrugged, “See, and we can’t leave the ship adrift, so…” She trailed off, and went to the edge of the ship. “You and Sea Hawk get to enjoy some quality
time. Have fun.” She said as she waved and dove into the water.

Entrapta looked up to him, gave him a big smile, and wrapped her hair - Mermista had created a helmet that allowed her hair to stick out of it around his forearm.

“I’ll be back soon!” She said before she jumped into the water, followed by Adora and Bow.

Frosta was last, looking at Hordak, muttering, “ugh, you two are so weird.” Before she dove into the water.

Hordak immediately didn’t like this situation. He realized suddenly that since she had gotten injured on Beast Island, he had not left her side - at least not in what could be considered a dangerous situation. He had been taken away for questioning, she had been taken away for the dreaded girl talk, but this was different.

He went to the edge of the boat, and looked down into the waters. Would she be ok? What would he do if she got in trouble down there. What if these suits didn’t work as they were supposed to, or they got attacked, or there was a malfunction with their air-tanks, or-

“OHhh, do you think she’ll be ok down there!!”

Hordak hadn’t noticed Sea-Hawk come up to the edge, to gaze down at the water just like Hordak was, just maybe with a more panicked expression on his face.

“I mean, what if Mermista gets in trouble down there? I know she can take care of herself, but everyone needs help right? What if the suits don’t work!? THEY COULD FREEZE DOWN THERE! Oh, worse… what if they get attacked by some horrible monster, or. What if their air-tanks don’t work, or-“

Hordak gave a low, dangerous growl, and felt his ears burn under all his layers.

“I do not know the rest of the princesses, but Entrapta is more than competent, and will be fine.” He said. He turned away from the edge of the ship, and sat down on the now empty container. He took out his data pad, and set it to track the signals needed, which would give Entrapta a better idea of where exactly they had to go. After that there was little to do besides wait, and react if there was a problem.

“But aren’t you worried??” He cried, wringing his hands next to Hordak.

“I don’t see the point of worrying.” He said, but in truth, he was very worried. He felt like he was going to be sick with worry and he didn’t need Sea Hawk making it worse.

“It’s just.. Well, Mermista is so .. I mean, she comes off as tough all the time, but she’s really quite sweet and sensitive, and I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to her.” He frowned as he looked back over the water, “I know she doesn’t want to be with me anymore, but I can’t help but worry about her!”

That almost physically hurt Hordak. He felt his breath quicken for a moment as he shut his eyes tightly. He really didn’t like Sea Hawk, but that….

“Then why bother.” He finally asked as deadpan as he could manage. “Why bother with any of this if she doesn’t want to be around you?”

Sea-Hawk turned to face him, his eyes lighting up in a way that made Hordak regret asking, “Because I love to see her happy!” He said, “If she needs me, I’ll still come to help, I’ll do anything I can to help her! I’ll do anything I can to make her happy!” He developed an almost blissful look on his face, “No matter what happens, seeing her happy makes my heart swell with joy! Oh, the day she marries, I might cry of joy.”

“Interesting.” Hordak muttered

Sea-Hawk gave a long, low sign, “Though, I will miss our duets…”

Hordak turned perhaps a little faster than he intended to from the screen he was watching and towards Sea-Hawk. He had known Mermista for all of two days, and he couldn’t start to imagine her participating in a duet with Sea-Hawk. He couldn’t see her singing at all.

“I see…” Hordak said, glancing back at the data pad. A quick, evil grin spread over his hidden face, “Mermista didn’t strike me as a singing kind of person.”

“Oh, well, in public not unless she’s had a couple of drinks, but she used to sing with me a lot when we were dating! I mean-”

Hordak wasn’t especially excited to listen to Sea Hawk gush about Mermista to be truthful, but he did acknowledge a good opportunity for ammunition, just in case Mermista decided to call him “Princess Hordak” again.

—————-

The next half hour later was filled with Sea-Hawk raving about Mermista while Hordak spent a lot of effort in stopping himself from raving about Entrapta. After a while Sea-Hawk trailed off and pulled out a pack of cards.

“I have an idea!” He said, “I’ll teach you how to play poker! You’ll never beat me, But I’ll go easy on you the first few rounds.”

“No.” Hordak said, deadpan.

“Oh.. very well.” He said. Hordak drew his attention to his data pad, checking the signals.

Then Sea Hawk started singing again. Hordak felt his ears twitch and flick down protectively under the layers he was wearing.

“If I let you teach me that game.” He growled, “Will you stop singing?”

“Well, I can’t play poker and sing at the same time.”

Hordak signed, and turned towards him,. “Fine. Teach me then.”

The rules were simple, and the first two hands, with Sea Hawk going “easy” on him, and Hordak just learning, Hordak beat Sea Hawk soundly.

After that, with Sea Hawk saying he was going to “go all out” and being very dramatic with his card drops and his reveals, and Hordak getting quite comfortable with the game, Sea Hawk suffered three humiliating defeats.

Sea Hawk shuffled the cards, and grumbled, “Well, it’s because you have your face covered.” He gave Hordak what he assumed was supposed to be a sly grin, “If you didn’t, I’d be able to read your face like a book!”

Hordak doubted that.

Sea hawk slowed his suffling, and for a moment, his expression changed from the boisterous outrageous expression that Hordak had grown used to over the last few hours, and took on an almost sober, decidedly sad look.

“You know… Mermista used to always beat me too.” He looked down at the cards then gave a brief smile, “I beat her once though! I’m pretty sure her let me win.. but she insisted that she didn’t”

“I see..” Hordak said slowly. He’d never admit it, but when Sea Hawk raved about Mermista, talking about how amazing she was, how brave she was, how clever she was, he almost saw himself in those moments. His internal dialogue anyway.

This sudden sadness disturbed him.

Sea Hawk continued shuffling, though perhaps a little slower now.

“What happened then?” Hordak said, surprising himself, and apparently Sea Hawk as well, since he dropped the cards.

“What?”

“What happened?” He repeated slowly, keeping his voice deadpan. “To you and Mermista…” A part of Hordak said that this could be useful information. How do Etherian relationships dissolve. How could he avoid that.

Sea Hawk picked up the cards slowly, his brows creased. His silence was worse than his singing.

Almost.

“I don’t know. Not really.” He said. “I thought ….” he shook his head. “ Ah, it’s nothing. You know how it can be.”

“I do not.” Hordak said, trying to take on the same kind of tone that he might have used if he had been asking a force captain to tell him what happened during a failed mission.

“Oh…” He picked up the cards, and put them on the crate they were using as a table. “Well...hmm..” He looked at Hordak, at the ocean, then to the cards.

“Mermista said she thought I was cute.” He said. “She liked my enthusiasm, she said. And we both liked the ocean…” He frowned, and got quiet for a long time. “I guess…. I guess she found me tiring.” He gave Hordak a quick smile, but it was forced, “I’ve been told that… people tend to find me tiring.”

Hordak felt a little twinge of guilt. He did indeed find him tiring.

“But you were the same before you.. Got involved with her, yes?”

“Well.. Yes! But..” he gave a frown as he concentrated, then snapped. “Do you… Well.. Do you eat?”

Hordak blinked under the goggles, confused. “I .. yes, I do?”

“What’s one of your favourite foods?”

He nearly said that he mostly just ate ration bars in the Fright Zone, and sometimes some fruit, but then he remembered this very fancy drink that Entrapta had made for him once from a variety of blended fruits shortly after she discovered what his diet had consisted of.

“Entrapta made something called a smoothie once.” He said.

“And you liked it, right?” Sea Hawk asked. Hordak nodded. “And you’d have another right now?” He nodded again.

“What if you only had smoothies every day. How long would you want to keep having them?”

Hordak didn’t answer at that point. Sea Hawk shrugged, “Sometimes, nothing changes, and people just get bored of one another.”

“And nothing can stop that?” Hordak hated that in that moment, he couldn’t keep the panic out of his voice. His breathing had quickened and he could feel his ears twitching rapidly under his mask.

Though he couldn’t see his face or his ears, Sea Hawk had apparently caught the anxiety in his voice.

“Some people stay together.” He said quickly, “Spinerella and Netossa have been together for ages! And Angela and Micha were together until… well, until he was gone.” He realized he had stopped shuffling his cards. He started again, shuffling carefully.

“And… It’s different for different people.” He said carefully, “I mean, if I can be so bold as to take you and Entrapta as an example-“

Hordak felt his ears flick. He asked himself if he was that transparent, but answered himself with a yes. Yes he was. At least when it came to Entrapta.

“-You’re both older than the others. I mean, I assume you’re older. Of course you’re older. But I mean..” He nearly dropped his cards again, “I mean, I’ve heard that when people are older, then it’s like… it’s like people know better what they want? And things last longer.” He gave a nervous laugh, “But I’m not older, so I don’t actually know!”

Hordak didn’t respond with anything more than a growl. The idea that a relationship could just end was terrifying enough. That it could end for no apparent reason?

That was a nightmare.

He was dealing the next hand when there was a sudden, frantic splashing at the edge of the water. Hordak jumped up and ran to the edge, nearly stumbling as he did. He looked down, and saw a figure gasping for air. The wet, lavender hair told him it was Entrapta.

He reached down, nearly falling out of the boat, and caught her hand. And pulled her on deck.

She sat, gasping and dripping onto the deck. He looked her over, and while she didn’t appear to be injured, the tube that led from her air tank to the face mask had been severed. Hordak pulled the mask off of her.

“What happened?”

She coughed again, spitting up water before she responded, “We ran into complications.” She muttered.

Hordak’s first thought was that it was the Horde. Somehow, Prime had figured out their plan, and had come ahead of time to stop them.

“We activated the thing.” She said, holding up her thankfully waterproof datapad, “But when we did, some of the ice on the bottom cracked open. We were fine, and we started to come back up, but something came out of the ice and attacked us.” She coughed again.

“What was it? Why was your tube cut—“

Hordak wasn’t done when Sea Hawk cut him off, “What about Mermista!” He demanded in a voice that matched the frantic tone of Hordak’s, “Where is she!”

“She’s still down there, fighting it off.” She said, “But whatever it is has tentacles, and razors on the edge. It sliced through the air tube. Mermista used her magic to get me to the surface as soon as that happened.”

“Are they going to be ok!? Are they on their way back up?” Sea Hawk cried

“They’re…” She stopped, and looked down. “I have to go back down! They need my help! Do we have another tank? A replacement tube??”

Sea Hawk shook his head, “We’re lucky we got what we had.”

“Adora dropped her sword when it attacked. Frosta got knocked down to the bottom, and Bow’s bow isn’t any good down there-“

Hordak looked to Entrapta, caught the panic, the worry in her eyes, the panic in Sea Hawk’s eyes, and then looked into the water.

He didn’t know that there was a curse in Etherian or in Chilacian that would represent his feelings at this moment.

He slowly pulled his hood down. Then took off the hat. “Give me the mask.” He grumbled as he took the goggles off. The wind made his eyes sting. When he took the mask off, his ears felt like they were being stabbed with tiny little knives.”

“Hordak, you can’t-“

“We don’t have another tank-“ Sea Hawk stated, “You can’t go down there.”

Seeing his face for the first time, Sea Hawk seemed a little more disconcerted than he had before.

Good.

“I don’t need a tank.” He said. He took Entrapta’s mask, and sealed the valve, “I just need this to protect my face from the cold.” He slipped it over his head, and thankfully it covered his eyes, nose, and mouth.

“You’ll need more than that!” Entrapta cried, “You can’t last in the cold, you-“

“I just need to get them out. Distract whatever it is, attack it, and give everyone a chance to get out. If it grabs me, I have claws, I can get away from it, I’m sure.”

“You’ll freeze.”

Hordak looked back into the water. He took off his mitts, and then his gloves. His hands instantly hurt from the cold. “I have a good ten minutes.” He said. “After that I’d probably ... shut down for lack of a better word.”

“So you can’t go!” Entrapta’s hair wrapped around his waist.

“There’s no other option.” He said, “We need them for this, don’t we? We need them for the next part of the plan at least.”

Entrapta looked up at him, a frown on her face, but she knew he was right.

“Oh! I have an idea!” Sea Hawk said. He went below deck, and came up with some metal wire with a loop on the end. “If we loop this around you, we can pull you up before the ten minutes are up, no?”

Hordak nodded, and kicked off the boots. Thankfully the metal Armor he had over them kept him warm. He took off the coat, clenching his neck as the air hit him. The armor was still going to keep him relatively warm, at least.

Finally, he removed the extra woolen skirt that draped over his waist. He could have died then. The air went around his thighs and in that moment he didn’t know that he knew a pain worse than the cold.

And he knew it was only going to get worse.

Entrapta looped the metal wire around his waist- it was a good inch thick, and would probably be able to withstand whatever razors the monster down there had.

Entrapta lifted herself up on her dripping wet hair, kissed him quickly. Hordak ignored the “Aww” From Sea Hawk, and kissed her back.

“Please be careful.” She said.

“I will” he lied.

And he dove beneath the icy waves.

Chapter Text

Exquisite pain. The embrace of icy cold held him, and it was truly an amazing force of will that he managed to suppress his gasp of shock and pain. He felt himself floating in the cold, rising up towards the surface while he grit his teeth, waiting for the pain to pass. 

Then he realized that it wouldn’t. He didn’t know if he’d get used to it. 

It occurred to him that perhaps he had made a mistake. He had never experienced a cold like this. He didn’t know if it would have helped, but for the first time ever in his life, he wished that he wore pants. 

There was thankfully a trick he could use. An embrace of the pain for when you feel a pain so deep, so awful that you don’t think you can function but you have to do something. Your body, your mind tries to reject the pain, to escape it, but when there’s no way to escape the pain, you embrace it, you accept it. 

It only took a moment, and he was able to move again. He still felt like millions of tiny daggers were stabbing him all over, but he could move. 

It took him a moment to remember why he was in the water, and then he swam down. He was amazed by how very clear the water was. He was used to swimming and was a very strong swimmer. Most of the waters he’d swam in in the past were warmer, darker, murkier, and far more comfortable. This water was clear, the light shining through and fading off slowly below. 

Down below, the frozen floor of the arctic sea was a writing mess of tentacles. They were at least easily seen, since the creature he saw had bioluminescent spots on it. He assumed it was probably some form of squid, as he could count at least ten tentacles. Mermista, who didn’t have an air tank as she didn’t need one, was slashing at the tentacles with her trident. 

 She was fine. For the moment. 

He flicked his eyes around, and saw someone struggling nearby. He couldn’t see who it was immediately - they were hidden by the diving gear they wore. He pumped his legs, and glided through the waters, flexing his claws as he dove. He drew close, and sliced easily through the tentacles. 

Adora, he realized as the severed tentacle writhed and fell away from her. She looked around frantically, and he remembered what Entrapta said. She had lost her sword. His looked around, and with his eyes more accustomed to dimmer light than hers were he saw the glint of light off the blade. He grabbed her arm, and pointed her in the right direction. She looked down, saw the sword, and dove. 

Adora was fine. For the moment. 

He felt something wrap around his waist, and pull him deeper into the water. He was jolted by the sudden movement, then noticed he was being dragged down to a gaping mouth, a circular monstrosity with several rows of teeth that spiraled down into its throat - a disconcerting cyclone of gnashing teeth. 

Hordak got closer to them than he wanted to before he pulled himself together - he had never seen spiral teeth, and that they existed was a horrifying new revelation to him, something that filled him with a sense of horror that fell just below Corpus-Worms ( they did feed on bodies, yes, but not the bodies of the dead) but just above Etherian Millipedes. (Far too many legs, but they were small and easy to kill.) 

He ran his claws through the tentacle that held him, then dove forward, seeing a tiny, black eye that glittered just above the mouth. With a shudder from the proximity to the spiral teeth ( did they go all the way down it’s mouth? Was it’s stomach all teeth?!) he dug his claws into the eye. 

Screaming is different underwater. Underwater, a loud, pained scream from a large, injured creature was something you felt. You didn’t hear it with your ears, you heard it in your head, in your chest. It rang to your bones, and Hordak was far too close to that gaping, toothy, twisted mouth so he felt it ring through him. ( seriously? How was this an evolutionary advantage!? He didn’t believe in gods, but this was a great proof of an angry, sick and twisted one) He Planted his feet on it’s injured face, and pushed off, getting better distance and speed away from the awful creature than if he had just swam away. 

 He saw someone else, who was detangling themselves from tentacles that were wrapped loosely around them - a result of the creature being distracted by the pain. Hordak swam up to them , sliced through the tentacles. He turned them around and saw it was Bow. He pointed upwards, directing Bow to go to the surface- if his bow was no good here, he’d be more of a hindrance than anything else. 

Bow didn’t need extra pushing, he started swimming to the surface. 

Bow was fine. 

He looked around. Mermista wasn’t anywhere he could see her. Adora was gone as well. That only left Frosta. The child. 

He looked around frantically. Where was that child. His eyes scanned the endless sea around him, looking past the writing tentacles of the creature. 

He knew he didn’t have much more time. 

Everything from the waist down had gone numb from the cold. His entire head felt numb with cold, except for his hair which was a whole new sensation of pain. A thought arose in him that he might flinch every time he hit water from here on, just from the memory of the cold. 

Then he saw Frosta. 

He didn’t know what happened, but she had sunk down to the sea floor. She had made fists of ice that seemed to be caught in something. She wasn’t moving. 

He dove down, dodging tentacles, slicing through them when they got too close - the monster was recovering, or at the very least managing the pain enough to try for some revenge.

He was just wondering how much more time he had when he felt the cord tried around him jerk, pull, and start dragging him upwards. 

He looked down at Frosta ( a child, really, what were they thinking in sending a literal child down here), up at the glittering surface above, the blot of shadow that was Sea Hawk’s ship. 

Then he flexed his claws, and sliced through the metal cord. 

He dove down, grabbed Frosta, and turned to spring back up into the water when he noticed two things. 

The first thing; remaining tentacles were floating above him in the water. At their tips were the razors that Entrapta had mentioned. In it’s panic, it seemed the creature was lashing out madly with its remaining tentacles. 

The second thing. The exposed parts of his legs, and his sides, were sliced up. He hadn’t felt it because of the cold, but now his blood was drifting out of his body in ribbons. 

He regretted slicing the cord. 

Before he could consider how he’d get through the whirling tentacles and to the surface there was a change in the water. It didn’t get warmer, unfortunately, but it was like the currents stopped, then changed. The tentacles froze in the water, and were then pulled apart. He looked up, his vision started to blur ( that’s not good) and saw the form of Mermista, her hands out, and while he didn’t know what she was doing exactly, he figured what was happening was her doing. 

He tensed, crouched, and sprang up, holding Frosta in his arms as he shot through the water, and past the tentacles. He was starting to lose momentum as the resistance of the water slowed him, as the strength started to leave his body. 

He just felt so tired all of a sudden. The cold wasn’t so bad though. Not anymore. 

There was a push, like a rush of water around him, driving him to the surface. He did his best to ride it as he suddenly broke through the surface, the cold air hitting his soaking wet skin. Something wrapped around him, at first he didn’t realize it, he couldn’t feel properly, but it was Entrapta’s hair, and he was pulled onto the boat. 

Frosta was taken from his arms. His mask was pulled off, and though he couldn’t seem to focus on the words, Entrapta was speaking to him. His coat was thrown over his shoulders, forming a relatively warm tent over him to protect him from the freezing cold air as he dripped blood and ice water onto the deck. 

“Hordak!” 

He looked up at Entrapta, who was kneeling right in front of him. Her eyes were wide with fear and panic. She was looking over him at all the blood smeared over his skin. 

“I-It’s w-worse than-“ he couldn’t finish. His teeth were chattering too much. 

She grabbed his still tender ears roughly, and forced his face to up to look into Entrapta’s eyes. 

He realized in that moment he had never seen Entrapta truly mad. He thought for a moment that she might hit him. She looked like she wanted to. She pulled him forward by the ears, causing him to gasp in pain as she brought him close. 

“Don’t you ever, EVER do ANYTHING LIKE THAT AGAIN!” She shouted in his face. 

Hordak froze. “I-I had to-“

“You sliced the cord!” She said. There were tears in her eyes now. “Do you know what I thought when I felt that cord just fall limp? When I pulled it up and you weren’t on the other end!? Do you know what that did to me!” 

She held him like that for a second more, Then started sobbing. She wrapped her hair around herself, and he was pretty sure nobody else could hear her whimper between the sobs of “I thought I lost you.”

Mermista took a hesitant step forward. He didn’t know when she had come back to the boat, but he wasn’t surprised that he hadn’t noticed. She reached out like she wanted to touch Entrapta on the shoulder, then stopped. “Entrapta” She said softly, “You need to take him below deck. Get him warm. Look at him. He’s freezing.” 

Hair still around her face, she got up, helped Hordak up with another long, strong tendril of hair, and pulled him with her below the deck. 

——————

There were several blankets below dock, stashed away just in case. Entrapta deposited Hordak in a corner without saying anything as she pulled the blankets out with her hands. Her hair worked to remove his armor, which he didn’t protest. When she started peeling off the soaked clothing, he thought to protest, but something told him that he’d best let her carry on.

Besides, it was good to be out of the soaking clothes. 

She draped a blanket over his shoulders once he was undressed. Then dropped another over him. His dress was shaken off and draped over a box. Entrapta peeled off her diving gear- her normal clothes were still perfectly dry it seemed, and she came over to him, slipped in between the blankets, and wrapped her arms around his chest, then cocooned them both in her hair.

She wasn’t talking though. 

He slowly lifted his still freezing arms, and wrapped them over her shoulders. She stiffened, but didn’t shrug him off. 

“I thought I lost you.” She said again, very quietly. 

“...I’m sorry.” He said. “But.. Frosta was on the bottom of the-“

“Mermista was there. Frosta still had a tank of air. You could have come back up and Mermista would have grabbed her!” Entrapta snapped. Her hair puffed up, her grip on him tightened. “You promised you’d be careful.” 

Hordak thought back to Beast island. When Entrapta was so close to bleeding to death in his arms. He thought back to when he learned that she was on Beast Island in the first place, and how lost, how bleak the thought that she was already dead had been in his head. How much it hurt. 

He closed his eyes, and rested his forehead atop her own head. “I… I’m sorry.” He said. He didn’t want to do that to her. He didn’t want to hurt her, to make her worry. He didn’t want to. make her feel like that, not then, not ever. 

But he did because he hadn’t been thinking. She was right. 

His eyes started to burn, and he felt the warm tears start to well in his eyes, taking him by surprise enough that he allowed one to fall. His chest felt tighten, his breathing was fast, rapid, almost to the point of hyperventilation. He didn’t know what to do. He didn’t know what he should do. He had tried his best, he had tried to… 

 He had tried to do what was right? He had tried to do what was needed, he had made a stupid mistake, had been careless, had assumed that he had to do it all himself, and he might have truly hurt himself. He might well have died. All this time, he had been so worried about losing Entrapta, he didn’t stop to wonder what she would do if she lost him. He assumed honestly that she’d recovered from his loss- as Etherians seemed to do, but now, he felt awful for thinking such a thing. 

He pressed his eyes shut, and leaned into her, holding onto her tightly. He faintly realized that he was muttering, “I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry.” Over and over as he gave up on any sense of control, and let the tears fall in a constant stream over his cheeks. 

Chapter Text

Entrapta fell asleep after a while. Hordak snaked a hand  under her hair, and rested it on her shoulder once she had calmed down, and let her sleep. There was still a decided chill in his bones- he was actually worried about frostbite - he’d have to check himself when they got back to BrightMoon, but there was nothing to worry about for the moment, he hoped. 

His thighs were just numb and cold. 

Entrapta muttered something in her sleep, and shifted fitfully.  He listened to her carefully, listening for the increased breathing, the crying,  the whimpering that signaled her nightmares, but thankfully that didn’t come. He gently scratched her shoulder, hoping she’d calm down. When that seemed to work, he pulled her close, and held her tight.

He wanted to promise that he’d never make her worry again. He desperately wanted to tell her that he’d just stay safe, that he’d stay away from doing anything dangerous. Unfortunately, this was war. This was war with Prime, and that on it’s own was dangerous and foolhardy. Making such a promise now would be an outright lie. 

She muttered again in her sleep, and he gave her a gentle squeeze. For now at least, he’d listen to her. He’d let her baby him if she wanted until she felt he was better. If she tried to spoon feed him awful soup, he’d even eat it without complaint. 

Though he’d not be able to promise even to himself that he could do it without gagging. 

———-

Once they got back to the Carrier, Entrapta helped Hordak get dressed again- his clothes were thankfully dry by then, otherwise she’d had made him simply wear the plain wool skirt and his armor under his winter clothes- and they made their way to the carrier. 

Hordak worried that Entrapta would insist on keeping him wrapped up in his hair,  which would be embarrassing, yes, but he’d said he’d let her do as she pleased. She didn’t. She actually said precious little as they made their way to the carrier, Entrapta simply keeping her hair around his waist under the coat, in case he were to fall. 

Each time  he noticed her look away from him, or every time he expected conversation, and was met with silence, he felt his stomach drop. He didn’t know if she was angry or sad, and he didn’t know what to do about it. He wasn’t sure if anyone else noticed, because Mermista was carrying Frosta into the carrier, worrying over her.  She was conscious again, but because they didn’t know why she had fallen unconscious ,they were worried. 

When they were bundled in the back of the carrier - Entrapta told Hordak to keep his coat on as it was very cold inside- Bow tried to start the vehicle, only to be met with  what Hordak’s ears could detect as engine strain. 

“Engine problems.”  Bow said as he got up again, “I’ll go out and -“

“I’ll go help.” Entrapta said. She hadn’t even finished helping Hordak to a sitting position when she said that, “It’ll be faster. Get the carrier warmer sooner.” 

“ I’ll need  help getting the snow off the top of the carrier too..” He said. “It snowed while we were gone-“ 

Adora and Mermista, who had just been taking off their winter coats, nodded, and put their coats on again. Entrapta gave Hordak a quick look, then seeing  that he seemed like he’d stay put for the moment, nodded and get out.” 

HOrdak and Frosta sat in uncomfortable silence for several minutes. 

“..So.” Frosta said slowly, “You.. Really can’t deal with the cold, can you?”

Hordak shook his head. “I am not designed for the cold.” He admitted. 

“Why did you go in then.” She asked. 

“Perceived necessity” He growled. 

“Right.” Frosta said curtly, then, softly, “Thanks.”

Hordak glanced over at her, quirking up a brow. The child was red in the face, looking at her hands.

“For helping me.” She said when he didn’t respond. “You didn’t have to.”

“I have been told.” Hordak  said with a brief sigh. “It was… reckless.” 

“I’m sorry.” She said. 

Hordak frowned as he looked back at her, “Why? I very much doubt that you intended to fall into unconsciousness.” He looked away, “No sign of head injury,  hopefully at BrightMoon, they’ll find out what caused you to-“

“It was me.” She said. She turned away, and wiped  at her face. “It was me. Because…” She wrapped her arms around  her legs, but didn’t continue. Hordak wondered if he should leave it at that, but if she was going to give more information as to why  she was unconscious, then he could pass that on, and hopefully keep it from happening again.

“Because…?”

“Because… Because I fainted!” She said, crying out the last word as she put her face in her hands, “I fainted. I fainted because I saw that.. that thing.” 

Hordak blinked, confused. “The squid?”

“I fainted like some weak little girl!” 

“You...are a little girl though?”

That was apparently the wrong thing to say. She looked at him with fury behind the tears in her eyes, “Only Technically!” She snapped, “I've been ruling since I was eight! I’ve been fighting for the last year!  I am not weak!” 

‘Oh’ Hordak thought. There was a sentiment he understood. That fear that tinged her eyes now, that desperation.

“I never said you were.” He stated, being very careful with his wording. “I said you are a little girl. That is fact, no?”

“It is, but-“

“And as such, as a little girl, you’ve had limited time on this planet to experience all the wonders, and indeed, the horrors that it can offer.” He glanced at her sideways, “That creature down there ranks up  with some of the top terrifying monstrous creatures I'd rather not have to deal with again. And I’ve travelled the cosmos. I’ve seen horrors you couldn’t believe.”

“It scared you too?” She asked, almost awed.  Hordak felt his ears flick down. Scared wasn’t the word he’d like to use…

“It was disturbing.” He admitted finally.  “It’s teeth were unnatural. What possible advantage is there to have spirialing teeth?”

“But you didn’t faint. None of the others did, and I Don’t think they’ve seen stuff like that before.”  She looked away again, staring at the floor. 

“Again. I’ve seen worse.” He frowned, knitting his brows together, “And, I am unsure if my species  can faint from fear.” He perked his head up, considering it, “I supposed if my aspiration increased rapidly and for enough time, I’d pass out from oxygen loss…”

Frosta looked at him in incomprehension. He sighed. 

“If I… were to experience fear, or anything particularly intense, Id start to breath faster.” He admitted. “If I got to the point of hyperventilation, and it lasted long enough, I’d probably pass out then.” 

“What could be worse than that thing.” Frosta asked him after being silent for a while. 

Hordak felt his  ears flick down as he brought the hideous creatures to mind. “Corpus-Worms.” He said with a barely suppressed shudder. 

“What’s that.”

“It’s a type of worm… perhaps smaller than the worms you have her on Etheria, generally.” He had  hated Etherian worms as well for a while, simply because they had reminded him of the Corpus-worms. “Their saliva has a numbing agent, and a dissolving agent. They land on you, get into your eyes, or your mouth, or even just on your skin  as eggs, like tiny flecks of dust. Then they hatch, and when they start to feed, they feed on the flesh of the living. 

“That’s gross..” Frosta said, “And a little scary, but-“

“No.  No you don’t understand.” He said as he turned to her, “I’ve seen people get infected, and one day they wake up, look in  a mirror, and -“ he put his hand instinctively up to his face, his eyes wide with horror, “ dozens of tiny holes all over their face, or on their arm, anywhere really. They burrow holes all over your body until you get treated, or  you die because they’ve started eating through your heart. “ He lowered his hand, and turned aside, “And that’s terrifying for everyone around the victim, because these things, they spread through the air. They get to the lungs, lay their eggs there, and then the infected person coughs, and these tiny dust like eggs go everywhere.” He shuddered. 

“You… you really hate them, don’t you.” 

“I had a bunk mate  who got infected once. They quarantined the entire section, and treated all of us.”

“What’s the treatment?”

“Three days of.. well, basically a low grade poison that kills the bug. Makes you very sick in the meantime. Three others got visibly infected. Before the poison worked.” Another shudder ran through his body.” Those holes don’t heal up either. Not really. You just have this collection of holes in your skin for the rest of your life.

Hordak suddenly realized that his ears were pinned back and down, almost tilted inwards, protectively. He was clenching his jaw, and  he could feel just how wide his eyes were. 

“Wow…” Frosta said slowly, “Never thought I’d see you scared before.”   Hordak was about to snap back something, but she continued, “I...guess all things considered… That squid was pretty awful wasn’t it?”

Hordak frowned, and nodded. “Very unpleasant.” 

“And holes in your skin sounds like...Ugh… You’d have to live with them. For the rest of your life.” She scratched her arm, “Thinking about it makes me feel… ugh.” She looked at him quickly. “There’s none of them on Etheria, right?”

“There is not.” 

“And they wouldn’t be able to survive here, would they?I mean, if one of Prime’s soldiers were infected….”

A flash of fear ran through Hordak before he calmed himself, “I am fairly certain that the relative base value  of the Etherian water would keep them from surviving. They need something a little more acidic. “

She relaxed a little, leaning against the  wall. 

“You should tell them what happened.” Hordak said, “Otherwise you’ll be subjected to a battery of tests to determine why you passed out for seemingly no reason.” 

Frosta flushed, but nodded. “It’s embarrassing though.”

“It’s necessary.” He stated, “And the necessity of an action will overrule your personal feelings towards it.” 

Frosta looked him over, giving a weak grin, “That’s why you’re dressed like a purple marshmallow?”

“That-“ Hordak said as haughtily as he could muster with his ears tilted down and turning a slight shade of blue, “Is why I dressed to protect myself from the cold. Not that it mattered much in the end.” 

“Is… is all that why  you don't’ want me involved in the fighting though?” She asked as she looked up at him,  “Because I might pass out, or-“

“You are, as I said earlier, a child.” He said. “Children should not fight. It has nothing to do with what I perceive your skills to be at, or your courage in battle. It is simply ... not right for children to fight.” 

She nodded, and looked down. 

“But… You seem to be necessary in combat. As much as I hate it, that overrides my feelings towards it.” 

The door opened, letting a sudden  blast of cold air whoosh into the carrier. Hordak pulled the hood of his coat closed around his face as the doors were closed, and Bow jumped  into his seat and turned on the carrier. 

Hordak felt a burst of warm air  blow out from a vent somewhere, and relaxed. Entrapta sat next to him,  and while she didn’t speak much, she let her hair wrap around him as she worked on her datapad. 

“Hey.. guys?” Frosta said quietly as  the others took off their winter coats, “I  have to tell you something…” 

————

When they landed at Brightmoon, Entrapta hurried Hordak off to their room before Glimmer could ever welcome them back properly, stating that she had to check him over before they went onto the next phase of their plan.  

She rushed him to the room, closed the door, then started taking off his armor and his clothes again,  pushing him to the bed when she was done. 

“Any lingering numbness anywhere.” She asked as she looked along his legs for discolouration, “I’m mostly worried about your legs, I - “

“I think I’m fine.” He said softly. 

“I’ll be  the judge of that.” Entrapta snapped. She didn’t seem to realize that she had snapped until it was out of her mouth. She looked like she might apologize ,but then pursed her lips and started looking him over. 

“Entrapta.” Hordak said softly. 

“Yes.”

“I was stupid.”

“You were.” 

“I… “ he  hesitated. He had thought long and hard about what he’d say to her in private,   Trying to figure out why he had just sliced the cord, and dove down for Frosta. 

The answer he had settled on, the one that  seemed right, had left him feeling sick to his stomach, and honestly ashamed. 

“I am not used to… not being expendable.” He said finally. Entrapta stopped what she was doing, but didn’t look up. “I’m not used to anyone caring if im alright. If I’m alive or not. Aside from myself, of course.”

“But you know I would care!”  She said, looking up at him finally, “You know I-“

“I know.” He said, “I know you’d care if something happened. But in the moment, in the  middle of it all..” he trailed off, considering his words. “I have not been… conditioned to  rank my own safety very high up without direct orders. And even then, I have always been expendable.” He propped himself up on his  elbows. “It is difficult for me to count my own safety for much when I am making quick decisions.” 

He sat up properly, shifting himself slightly on the bed. “I didn’t consider that… Personal feelings are secondary…” He frowned. This was hard to explain. 

“You don’t think you matter.” 

“ I know I do to you.” He finally said, very slowly, “But it’s a conscious  thought. It’s… an effort to remind myself that anyone would be concerned if I  was hurt. I have lived most of my life being entirely and utterly… Expendable.” 

“But you’re not!” She cried. She had tears in her eyes again. Hordak slowly reached out to put a hand on her shoulder, and was relieved when she allowed him to. She leaned into his naked body,  and while she wasn’t sobbing, she was clearly distressed. 

“You’re not expendable to me.” She whispered. “I don’t know what I'd do if something happened to you.” 

Hordak gently nuzzled into her hair. “And I will… I will hold onto that.” He said. “I may not be able to convince myself that I matter. That I’m important. But I can convince myself that if I got hurt, that you would hurt.” He  kissed the top of her head, “And I promise at least that I can take that into consideration… for future situations.” 

Entrapta nodded, rubbed at her face, and then pulled away from him, drawing a slight, disappointed sound from his mouth. 

“That… will be acceptable. For now.” She said. She looked him over, “How do you feel?”

He was tempted to say he was fine, but he wasn’t. “Honestly…. still cold. To the bones.” 

Entrapta nodded, and got up. “You’re taking a bath before we go to the Fright Zone.” She said. “You’re sure we can’t do that tomorrow?”

Hordak weighed  everything in his head.  He didn’t want to wait until tomorrow, honestly. He wanted to go today. He wanted to go and  get supplies so he could start working right away. 

“What would you rather I do.” He asked Entrapta. 

“I’d rather you rest. Recover.”

“I’m not injured.” He admitted, “Just cold.” 

“I’d rather we rest. The  poles are switched, we have some time now. We can  take a day anyway. Besides, I don’t know if Frosta will be good to go either.” 

Hordak nodded. “Very well.” He said, “Let the others know our foray into the Fright Zone will. Be postponed.” He bit his lower lip as he thought about it, “That might be best regardless. We can go in fully rested, and more prepared.” 

Entrapta gave him a quick smile, leaned in, kissed him gently just on the side of the lips, and then got up. 

“Ok. Bath first. Then food. Then-“

There was  a knock on the door. 

Entrapta  quickly pulled Hordak’s dress over his head,  and gave him a moment to adjust the fabric around him, and sit up properly  on the bed before she opened the door. 

Perfuma was on the other side of the door. She  had deep rings under her eyes, some kind of gunk on her cheek, and bits  and pieces of plant matter in her hair. Her clothes were disheveled, and she had dirt smeared all over her arms. 

She held Imp before her. He was wearing the onesie that matched his and Entrapta’s sleepwear, and was eating a very large strawberry. 

He looked very pleased with himself. 

Perfuma deposited Imp into Entrapta’s hair, said, “I am never having children.” Before she turned and left. 

Entrapta walked back over to the bed, and set Imp down next to Hordak, who  started scratching under his chin. 

“Top five worst things.” He said with a grin, “Maybe top three.” 

Chapter Text

A nice hot bath was just the thing to set Hordak to rights, so Entrapta said.  Hordak himself had to admit that sounded rather nice.  

Unfortunately, for it to work to warm him up properly, it had to be hot not only to Etherian standards, but to his own. This meant that there was no way that Entrapta would be able to handle  sharing a bath with him this time. 

“You go on.” He said. Bow had  asked if she’d help him look over some first ones tech he had been trying to figure out. Hordak could tell she was excited to look at what he had, and to explain it. 

“You sure?” She asked, her hair wrapping around him. Hordak nodded. 

“Well, alternatively, you could sit and watch me take a bath. Riveting, I know.” 

Entrapta gave him a grin, “You’d be surprised.” She said coyly. “But I think I’ll go and help Bow if you’re sure. I want to see what tech he has.” 

Hordak gave a weak grin, knelt down, and leaned in to give her a quick kiss. He had only intended it to be quick anyway, Entrapta had  other ideas, taking his face in her hands and holding him to her as she kissed him deeply, nibbling gently on his lower lip before pulling away. 

That was new.  He didn't mind it. He grinned and stood up, then she did something else that was new and unexpected. Her hair snaked under his skirt, and quickly and suddenly  flicked at his behind, drawing a sudden yelp from him as his ears flicked down, turning a bright shade of blue as he jumped slightly. Entrapta gave a slight giggle as she withdrew her hair and ran off without explanation. 

The door shut behind her. The room seemed suddenly duller to him, too quiet, too big. Hordak frowned, and turned to head to the bathroom to draw that bath for himself. 

————————-

In order to get the water to half the temperature he needed to properly warm up, he had to turn the tap full to hot, and only then was it close to what he needed. This actually made him feel better  about everything; He felt that in the last handful of days, he had far more of his weaknesses exposed to the princesses than he wanted, but he could at least still manage the icy waters for short periods of time. Their taps didn’t even go  hot enough to make him uncomfortable.  

He reached to the bottle of bubbles, and added it before he remembered that Entrapta was not joining him. Did  most people use bubbles regardless when they took a bath? Was that the norm outside the Fright Zone?

He wasn’t sure. 

He let the tub fill as he  went back into the room proper to grab the datapad.  He could listen to more of the histories as he got the feeling back into his leg properly, as the cold seeped from his bones. Maybe he’d even get Entrapta to rub his back again -

Right. No Entrapta. He frowned again, looking around at the quiet room before he stalked off to the bathroom once more. 

He was too attached, he realized as he watched the tub fill, the  bubbles, foaming up over the water. He pulled his thoughts back, trying to think of the last time they had properly spent time apart when they weren’t busy. 

There was the odd girl talk that Entrapta had with the other princesses, but he normally had something urgent to do in that time. Aside from that, it was  when she was gone odd doing something without him, either underwater, or on Beast Island, scavaging supplies. 

In those times, he had spent the brunt of his time worrying about her, but that was to be expected, wasn’t it? He had done other things, but she had always been like a song  playing in the background of his thoughts. 

There were the few days that  he thought she had left him in the Fright Zone. Dark days. He wouldn’t think of those. 

He cast his mind back as far as he could, and he realized that from  around the time she made his new armor, from his first rut onwards, they had basically been inseparable. They had slowly started spending all their time together, and when they were apart…

The tub was getting full. He turned off the taps, and quickly stripped off his clothes  before he slipped into the water. He looked through the musical histories on the C.D in the datapad as his mind settled on a clear, undeniable truth. 

He was getting clingy. Or at the very least, needy. He half considered switching over to the biology section of the C.D again, to look through the information while he was alone, so he could figure out-

The thought of doing that, of going through the information  without Entrapta there with him made his breathing quicken. Why did that bother him? Was he afraid?

Yes

His answer startled him. One word in his head. Yes, he was afraid. He was frankly terrified. Knowing Entrapta had changed him, and apparently that was normal. Being with her, mating with her, had linked him to her. What else would change him?  

How badly could this hurt him?

He hadn’t realized he was staring listlessly at the screen when Imp flapped down from above, sitting on the edge of the tub. Hordak glanced up at him, and put the Datapad down. 

“I think I'm in trouble.” He told him with a sigh. 

Imp looked at him, his head tilted. The little brat could be awful at times, kicking him, screeching at him when he thought he wasn’t acting right around Entrapta, repeating things to him - or to Entrapta- at inopportune times.  He was his brat though, and he could tell when Hordak was bothered.

He opened his mouth, and played a recording. 

“Hordak is going to kill me!” Perfuma said on the recording. 

“Well, we have to find him, that’s all.” Glimmer said, “I’m sure he can take care of himself. “

“What if he gets into something dangerous though? I mean… If he gets hurt, what IS he anyway?  Is he Hordak’s pet? His child? He acts like a baby half the time, like an irate cat the other-“

“YOU!” It was Shadow Weavers voice coming out of Imp’s mouth now. “Get OUT of my Nightshade!” 

The flapping of wings,  an irritated groan from Shadow Weaver, and Perfuma calling out, “There he is!”  Then the obvious sound of someone falling forward with a splat.

That would have explained how dirty she was. Hordak gave Imp a little grin, “Good Imp.” He said. He reached out to scratch behind his ears, then realize that Imp was covered in dirt as well, though it seemed that someone had tried their best to clean him off. 

Hordak sighed, sat up, and started helping Imp out of the onesie he had taken to wearing. Imp needed a bath, and he might as well distract himself  while he warmed up by bathing his irate-cat-child thing.

Ultimately, it took three tub refills to get him feeling properly warm again - the water kept cooling too fast for him. Imp didn’t  mind though, he thought the build up of bubbles was the best thing he had ever seen. Imp couldn’t swim, so Hordak kept him propped up on a leg while he played with the bubbles, attempting to throw them at Hordak,  and failing that, trying to make stupid looking figures of what Hordak figured was supposed to be himself, and Entrapta. 

“You know she’s still in BrightMoon.” He  told Imp, “She’s just busy. She doesn’t have to be around all the time.”

Imp looked at him, rolling his eyes. Hordak sighed, and leaned back.  “I know.” He said, “I’m being stupid.” He sighed and rested his head in his hands, “I used to be fine on my own.” He muttered. “What, I’m spoiled now by company?” 

Imp splashed him, and when Hordak looked up, Imp was looking at him angrily. 

“I just don’t want her to get sick of me.” He said slowly.  

————

Hordak was warm, clean, and dry. He was wearing the white fluffy housecoat that had been left in the bathroom since  what he had been wearing earlier stank of the salt water. He nearly strode right out into the bedroom when his ears picked up the sound of talking. He paused, looked at himself in the admittedly too short robe, and decided it best to wait. 

“-Still don’t know why you won’t take me up on my offer.” It was Glimmer speaking, “there’s plenty of rooms in BrightMoon. I could have you set up  in one of your own.” 

Hordak felt his heart drop into his stomach, he tightened his fist against his leg. 

“I really don’t want to.” It was Entrapta. There was a coldness to both their voices,  but they were trying to be civil at least. “I like sharing a room with Hordak. Even before Beast Island, we shared a room in the Fright Zone-“

“I don’t need to know-“ 

“Well, that’s the facts.” Entrapta said casually, “He’s my boyfriend. I think  more than that, actually. The C.D that Bow gave us from Light Hope keeps just referring to coupled Chilacians as “mates”  so I think it’s better to say that Hordak is my mate.” 

Something about what she  said, sent a pleasant chill through  Hordak’s spine, even as he felt his ears twitch down and burn. He of course knew that she loved him, and that they were as Etherians could say, a couple. But those words from her seemed more important to him. It encompassed more. Boyfriend and Girlfriend seemed too flippant.  ‘A couple’ was too vague. Mate was perfect, and he found himself wanting to hear her say it again. 

“I don’t know why though.” Glimmer said, “I mean…” She gave a frustrated groan, “You don’t think it’s weird? Yes, I know he loves you  and all. The bonding, and all that, but.. I mean.. It’s Hordak. Lord Hordak. Of the Horde. Ruler of the Fright Zone-“

“Not anymore-“

“But he was when  you two…. Bonded?”

“Had sex.” Entrapta said matter-of-factly. “Adults have sex, Glimmer.”

Hordak felt himself press his hands to his face, very grateful that he was hidden away in the washroom.  Entrapta could be very blunt, which was useful most times, but as he pointed out, it meant that she could not be discrete. 

Imp, who was back in his still clean onesie, chuckled at him. Hordak, gave him a panicked look, and held a finger to his lips. For a horrible moment, Hordak thought that Imp would make a noise, and give him away, but Imp decided to stay quiet for the moment. 

Another frustrated sigh from outside, “You know.  Something he said keeps popping into my head when I talk to you about him. ‘Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to.’”

“Yeah. He’s really smart.” Entrapta said almost dreamily. “And it doesn’t matter if it’s weird.” She said, “I mean. I’m weird. So it works.” 

“...You don’t have to be.”

Hordak was about ready to storm out there, embarrassed or no, half naked or not, and give Glimmer a piece of his mind on that one. Thankfully however, his mate (It made him smile to put that word to her.) could take care of herself. 

“But I am.” She said, She almost sounded happy, “I mean, that’s who I am. It’s what I am. If I wasn’t weird, I wouldn’t be me. I don’t want to change who I am, and Hordak likes me as I am anyway. Thats….. well, that’s ONE of the reasons I love him.” 

Another thrill through his spine, his heart feeling like it wanted to burst from his chest. 

“I mean, if you want more reasons why, I could show you  a graph-“

“No. No, thanks. That's fine.” Glimmer said, “Just ... if you change your mind-“

“I won’t. But I promise that  if I do, I’ll tell you.”

A moment of silence. A grunt that could have been. “Alright” or “goodnight”, and then he heard the door click. 

“Ugh!” Entrapta cried, “Emily, why do other people have to be so.. so-“

“Noisy?” Said Hordak as he  opened the door, his ears still blue as he left the washroom. Imp flew out of the bathroom and  belly flopped happily onto the bed. Entrapta gave him a surprised look, her hair frizzing out a little as she looked him up and down, “I didn’t intend to eavesdrop.” He said, “But.. I didn’t want to come out-“ He gestured to the robe, “And my hearing is pretty good.” 

“It’s ok.” She said. She stopped, looked at him  as she chewed her lip, “I didn’t say anything ... wrong, did I?”

Hordak walked over to her, trying to keep his smile subtle as he leaned down, and pressed his forehead to hers before wrapping his arms around her. 

“Not a thing.” He said. “If… I am to be honest, most everything you said made me very… Happy.” 

Entrapta smiled, and wrapped him with hair and arms. She moved her face and kissed him quickly before she strode over to the bed to relax, “I  was hoping we could look through more of the information on the Data Pad.” She said, “the biological information, if you’re up to it.” 

“I was half considering that as well.” He said. 

“Anything you think you want to look up?”

Before Hordak could answer, the traitor on the bed opened  his mouth. 

 “I’m being stupid. I used to be fine on my own. What, I’m spoiled now by company? I just don’t want her to get sick of me.”

Hordak felt his ears burn as he glared over at Imp. 

“Hordak!” Entrapta said, almost sounding hurt, “I wouldn’t get sick of you.” 

Hordak stood up, shifting slightly. He turned, looking for the nightgown he had. “I just don’t -want- to be to.. Needy.” He finally said. It was embarrassing to say that aloud - he should be better than that. “And… honestly I’m unsure if it’s  me, or if it’s my species.” 

A light  humming from Entrapta as she considered that. Hordak found the nightgown, and changed quickly as he threw the   Bath robe on top of Imp, who hissed at him in response. 

“Well…” Entrapta said slowly, “If it helps, I don’t personally think you’re needy. Or clingy, honestly.” She shrugged with her hands and her hair, “I mean, I don’t know what things are really like among other clones, but.. I mean, you didn’t have a problem with me going to see Bow.” 

Hordak raised a brow, “Why would I?”

“Some people would be jealous if their…” Entrapta trailed off. 

“You … uh, said ‘mate’ earlier.” Hordak said, feeling his ears burn again, “I think that works.”

Entrapta gave him a sly look, “What, you like ‘mate’?” She watched as Hordak nodded silently.  “Well then.” She said with a grin, “Some people would be jealous if their mate went off to spend time with someone who could conceivably be a romantic rival.”

A frown. “I.. did not consider Bow to be a rival?”

“He’s not.”

“And I… I don’t understand why I would be jealous?”

Entrapta gave him a big grin, “Id’ be worried if you were trying to keep me from working on my own projects. If you didn’t want me seeing other friends. But… you don’t. You like being around me. You like cuddling -“ 

“I tolerate it.” Hordak said, ears down. Entrapta gave him a look, 

“Please. Let’s be honest; while I tend to initiate most cuddles-“ She pushed him onto the bed, and cuddled into his side, “You tend to-“

Hordak didn’t listen to her finish as  he curled around her, his hands running through her hair. Entrapta giggled, and wrapped her arms around him. 

“You tend to embrace it 100% of the time. You’re the one who will stop anything you’re doing if I start cuddling you, if I play with your hair-“ She reached up and started to play with Hordak’s hair as though to prove a point, causing him to melt into her.

“See. You’re very cuddly.”

He gave a faint grumble, but was too content to care overmuch. “Fine.” He muttered, “Just don’t let anyone else know.” 

He vaguely  felt her stiffen  under his arms. He paused,  opened his eyes, and looked down at her guilty face. 

“.... what?” He asked. 

“... So. Girltalk.” She said, her face flushing, “That.. uh, might have come up..” she caught  a sudden look of horror on Hordak’s face. “NOT IN DETAIL!” She protested. “I mean.. I don’t think so? I mean.. ok, maybe the-“

“It… It’s ok.” Hordak said,  relaxing back into her. The thought of the  other princesses learning that the great, mighty, intimidating Lord Hordak was ‘cuddly’ made him feel vaguely foolish,  and more than a little embarrassed. 

“You.. I’m sorry.” Entrapta said, nuzzling into his chest, “I didn’t think it was supposed to be a secret now that you’re not leading the Fright Zone.” 

“It’s not…” He relented, “Just… Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter if they laugh-“

“They didn’t!” Entrapta protested, “Why would they?”

“.... you don’t think the idea of me. Of -me- being ‘cuddly’ is a little silly?”

Entrapta looked up, and regarded him for a long time, “nope.” She finally said, “Because I know you. I know YOU, Hordak, not some “Lord HOrdak of the Fright zone.” She smiled, looking up at him, “I know HOrdak, my Lab Partner and Mate.” 

Hordak couldn’t help the smile that came over his lips. He relaxed into her again, warm, clean, and happy. 

“And they  didn’t laugh. They thought it was cute.” 

Hordak suppressed a sigh as what was fast becoming his new mantra rang through his head once more. 

Etherians are weird.

He found it hard to care about what anyone else thought of him though, when he had Entrapta nuzzling into him, her hair cocooning around him, his chest feeling like it might burst he felt so happy. 

Eventually, Entrapta  pulled the Data Pad over to them, and they flicked through the information,the choices, skimming the  contents looking for answers that they couldn’t put into words. 

Chapter Text

“So. You can breastfeed?”

Hordak felt his ears burn as Entrapta asked him that. He cleared his throat as his eyes scanned the information on the Datapad.

“According to this…” He said carefully, “If my mate - you- were to get pregnant, then when your hormones ..” He read the wording over a few times, “suddenly and dramatically changed” after giving birth, that would apparently produce some hormones in me that would allow that process, yes.” He narrowed his eyes, trying to ignore the burning in his ears, “It makes sense anyway. I mean, Etherian males can’t, with Chilacians, you have double the ability to nourish offspring.”

“Technically, Etherian men can” Entrapta said thoughtfully, “But they don’t? Some do? I haven’t researched that in depth. I think normally they don’t because they don’t have the hormones to trigger milk production.”

“It’s stupid. Idoitic. Having both parents be able to feed their offspring is much more efficient, easier, and if anything happens to one parent, the offspring isn’t doomed.” He nodded wisely, “Etherian biology is practically a study in inefficiency.”

“Oh.” Entrapta said, her voice slightly teasing, “How is my “biology” inefficient?”

Hordak frowned, giving her a steady look, “Once every few weeks, you menstruate, and feel too awful for a day or two to do much with any efficiency. And because my hormones mirror yours….”

“You get sick too.” She leaned into him, and soothingly stroked his hair. “Sorry, but it sounds like your species is a little inefficient as well.”

“Only because I bonded to an Etherian.” He said.

“Yeah.. sorry about that.” Entrapta said. He turned and looked at her quickly.

“I didn’t mean it like a bad thing!” He said quickly, panic rising up in him suddenly, “I just- I mean-“

Imp, who had been watching and listening to them as they went through the Datapad while they cuddled on the bed gave Hordak an angry look, and crossed his chubby little arms. Hordak frowned, and with the same care and consideration he might have put into a speech to his soldiers, he composed an answer in his head.

“I mean, I am very lucky to have bonded with what is clearly the best of the Etherians, and while this does mean there’s some inconveniences that must be endured, the occasional sickness from hormonal drops, and the …. Increased rate of rutting-“ He felt his ears twitch, “It’s all very much worth it.”

Entrapta giggled, and started playing with his hair with both hands, scratching gently at his scalp as he relaxed into her. He felt a sudden, contented chirping emit from the back of his throat, and he stiffened instantly, embarrassed.

“Oh you do that all the time.” She said, “though normally you’re half asleep when you do.” She grinned as she gently stroked his ears, causing them to flick under her fingertips. “Though, I do like it when you do it when you’re awake. Turns your ears a lovely shade of blue.”

Hordak looked away, trying to keep his facial expression neutral.

“What.” Entrapta asked as she looked at him, “You.. You’re not mad that I pointed out your ears, are you?”

“Why would I be?”

“Because you’re shy, and -“

“I’m not shy!” He insisted.

Entrapta leaned forward and gave his ears a quick kiss, “Oh. You are. “ She stated, “Back in the Fright Zone, I actually compiled a list of your behaviour, and cross referenced them with specific tells for various traits. You’re not shy enough to cause problems, but yes, you’re definitely shy.”

“I have no problem speaking to any of my soldiers, or the princesses, or-“

“That’s why I said you’re not shy enough to cause problems. You’re fine when it comes to business or warfare or science. You get shy when it comes to personal information, or when dealing with non-aggressive emotions. Which you do a lot with me. So yes, you’re shy. Situationally at least.” When Hordak didn’t respond, she said, “I mean, I can show you the data if you want.”

She had been describing this all in a very scientific way, and hadn’t noticed Hordak’s expression becoming a little more fixed, his ears turning a darker shade of blue. She leaned in and kissed them again, “But that’s good. I think I like you shy.”

“You do?!” He turned to her, surprised, “I … I acknowledge that you enjoy my….. hesitations and emotional… quirks when we’re more intimate, but -“

Entrapta gave him a big smile and hugged him close, “I just like YOU, Hordak.” She said, “and...I don’t know. I guess..” She turned slightly red herself. Her hair went to push down her mask as reflexive action, but of course she wasn’t wearing it - she had changed into her sleepwear a while ago, “I … I think I like that..” Her hair puffed before her face, “I think I like that you’re this big, strong, intimidating kinda person, but you get all shy, and your ears blush because of me. Because of your feelings for me.” She let her hair part just slightly so she could look up at him, “I think I like that a lot.”

Clearly, Hordak noted, if that was true of him, then she was.. if not shy, then at least easily flustered when discussing such things- she was far too blunt to be shy. On her in was endearing though! She was a beautiful, adorable Etherian Princess, not a large, scary looking alien warlord.

Hordak sighed, but felt himself relax a little. “I’m having a rough day.” He said, “You called out that I’m cuddly, you’re calling out that I’m shy.” He leaned into her again, letting her wrap her arms around her, “And I nearly froze to death.”

“I know.”

“Do you know how cold that water was?” He protestested, “Why does Etheria have such cold places? Why does Frosta live there? Why does ANYONE live there.”

“You were very brave.” Entrapta said with an overly compassionate tone as she continued to play with his hair. “You did a very good thing. Maybe the others will stop pestering you so much….” She hummed as she considered it, “Though, Maybe not. They’re very curious.”

A sudden shock ran through his spine as his ears flicked down, “They have no right to be curious about me!” He insisted.

“They can’t really help it.” She said, “I mean…You’re different. You’re an alien overlord turned ally, and you’re my… My mate. They have questions.”

“Well, they can stay curious.” He huffed.

“No need to get all huffy.” Entrapta hummed. Hordak nearly said some protest, but she started playing with his hair again, and his protests were lost in a happy hum, and the chirping that came out from the back of his throat.

“I don’t think that you’ll have to worry about the breastfeeding thing though.” She added as an afterthought. “Looking at these diagrams, I don’t think we’re really… physically compatible in as much as we thought.”

He glanced up at her, even though all he wanted to do was keep his eyes closed and relax against her. She was frowning slightly as she looked at the Datapad.

“Is that a problem?” He asked, confused. They had never talked about children - the very idea of them having any kind of family outside of each other, Imp, and Emily was almost comical to him. He assumed that it was the same for Entrapta, and for a brief moment, he worried that he had misjudged.

“Well… No, no really.” She said. “I mean, hypothetically, if we ever decided we wanted a biological child, it’d be better to create an artificial environment for it to grow in so we can check its development, tweak it’s growth when needed-“

“Like the clones in the vitrines.” Hordak said. Entrapta had stopped playing with his hair for the moment, distracted by the possibilities going through her head. He wished she would continue though, it was harder to focus so much on his failures when she was playing with his hair.

“Well. Yes, but not clones. I mean, I don’t even know if we could combine our DNA without tinkering with it. All we know right now-“ She pointed to the screen before her, “For the sake of actual reproduction, we’re incompatible. Externally things fit, but internally ...”

“It just wouldn’t work.” Hordak finished.

“... Is it bad if I say I’m not overly concerned about that?” She asked as she looked down at him, setting her hand back into his hair, “I mean, I never really considered myself a mothering type. I’m interested in the science behind it all, but not in the outcome.”

“I do not think I am in the least suited for being a parent.” Hordak said firmly.

To his surprise, Entrapta let our a long relieved breath. “Thank goodness.” Entrapta said finally, “I was worried. Talk of marriage and stuff. After people get married, everyone starts asking about kids and babies.”

“Right.” Hordak said, remembering that part of Glimmer’s treaty, “We’re going to get married if we survive this.”

Entrapta smiled and shifted him so he was resting his head on her chest, “we are.” She said. “Never thought I’d get married either!”

“I think I’ve said before that Etherian males are idiots?” Hordak ventured, “The fact that nobody had half the sense to see you for the brilliant person you are is a testament to that.”

There was a silence between them as Entrapta twirled his hair gently in her hands. Hordak was so comfortable, so content that he nearly dozed off until Imp jumped on him from above, landing on his stomach and driving the air from him. Hordak gasped for breath as Imp sat down on his chest, looking at him expectedly, demanding attention. Hordak sighed and started scratching under his chin.

“And if anyone asks about children after we’re married, tell them we have Imp, and Emily, and that’s more than enough for us.”

“You ever think you’d get married?” Entrapta asked, then added, “I mean, if there’s marriage in the same way in space-“

“It was not an impossibility.” Hordak said, “Though not like you’re used to it. If I lived long enough, got too old to fight anymore, but had managed to make a name for myself, Horde Prime probably would have married me off.”

“To who?”

“Who knows.” Hordak said, sounding particularly not concerned, “It was the only kind of retirement plan that existed for a clone, and it was primarily for political maneuvering. It was also exceedingly rare. I think it might have happened… Three or four times?” Hordak frowned, trying to remember, “A seasoned veterin who won a lot of battles on the field was one, Prime’s former general, and…. Oh, right, there was this one guard, and the son of emperor of a planet that Horde Prime was negotiating with was fascinated by them. They became part of a peace treaty.”

“Would you have wanted to be married off?”

“It wouldn’t have mattered what I wanted.” Hordak said firmly. “I honestly think I would have seen being married off by Prime as being sent away to die again, just less violently, and with more honor.” He considered it for a long moment in silence and in the growing darkness of their room before he spoke again, “I think I’d have preferred a noble, glorious death on the field of battle.”

Entrapta wrapped her arms around him, cuddling him into her, burying her face in his hair. He could feel her breath through the strands, rolling over his scalp. It sent shivers down his spine.

Hordak thought for a moment how Entrapta said he never really initiated any cuddling, how she always did it and that didn’t necessarily seem right to him.

When she shifted again, he sat up, detangling himself from her hair and hands, and one leg that had been wrapped around his waist.

“Hordak, what’s wrong?” She asked.

“Nothing!” Hordak insisted, his ears flicked down as he looked over her, He frowned for a moment, wondering how he could do this smoothly. He shifted to her side, wrapped his arms around her, and lay back down. She was so small compared to him; he often forgot that because she always used her hair to compensate for her small stature. Not counting the long, thick lavender locks, she was very tiny and he was able to wrap around her entirely, his arms around her body, his legs bent up and fitting behind her thighs. Spooning, his research had shown. A silly term - he didn’t know where it came from.

Entrapta giggled as he rested his head on her shoulder, nuzzling into her neck as he lifted a hand to her head, and with great care and forced gentleness, scratched her head.

“Ohh… this is nice.” Entrapta said as she wiggled into him to snuggle closer. Hordak felt a grin cross over his face.

“99%.” He said softly.

“What?”

“You initiate cuddling only 99% of the time now.”

Entrapta gave one of her giggles, ending in the adorable snorts that he had come to love hearing.

“I think I can handle that.” She said as she rested her head on his arm. Her hair still snaked out around him, wrapping around his chest and his limbs as she dozed off in his arms. Imp managed to squirm past the hair, and Hordak’s arms so he could lay curled up next to Entrapta.

Soon, he heard her gentle snoring, her steady breaths as she drifted off to sleep.

Hordak gave her a quick squeeze. He figured that once he had his supplies from the Fright Zone, they wouldn’t have time for this - not for a while anyway. They’d be too busy - they’d have far too much to do to prepare.

He found that he was very glad that she had suggested they put off going back to the Fright Zone. He was glad to have this quiet down time with his mate.

If we survive, He thought, maybe every evening will be like this. We could work on whatever we wanted during the day, and just be together in the night.

A peaceful life- what awaited very few clones of Prime who managed to survive to old age, and who had distinguished themselves. One of the possible futures that Hordak had seen for himself, and not one that he ever wanted, not until now. Now that it wasn’t “A peaceful life with some political ally” but “A peaceful life with Entrapta” It seemed like a perfect reward for getting through everything.

Even his banishment, him being stranded in Etheria had seemed like a good thing while they were working on the portal, sharing ideas, growing closer together.

He gently kissed Entrapta’s jawline, and relaxed with her in his arms. He’d rest here quietly until she woke up, enjoying every second he had with her.

Chapter Text

Hordak leaned forward, his elbows on the table, his fingertips rubbing slow and deliberate circles on his temples. Honestly, this would have been funny if it weren't such a hit to his ego. The fact that these were the people who had been resisting him this whole time put his own view of his capabilities in question. 

He had been quiet for several minutes now after giving a long, frustrated sigh which ended in a low growl. The other princesses were staring at him, all very quiet and unsure if this was terrifying or amusing. 

“Ok.” Hordak said with deliberate calm. He looked up, his face fixed in an expression of indifference, but his eyes were wide, and slightly manic. “Because you don’t seem to understand what we’re trying to do here, Let me go over this one more time.” He looked to Glimmer to see if she would try to interrupt him again, but her face seemed to be caught somewhere between amusement and horror, and she said nothing. 

Very slowly and with great care, Hordak pushed the map of the Horde territory to the center of the table. “This.” He said slowly, tapping on the map, “Is a blind spot in surveillance. There’s magnetized stones all over the place here that prevents radio or digital communication from being effective. “ He looked up, looked to Entrapta who was nodding, then to the other uncomprehending faces around the table which looked at him blankly. “That means, there are no cameras, and no communication in this place.” He flexed his hand, and with his claw he scratched an X on the map. 

“Now then.” He said as he withdrew his hand, “This means that it’s an ideal place to hide, say, a large transport to carry supplies. Because distance makes Queen Glimmer’s teleportation abilities less accurate, we will be getting as close as we can to the Fright Zone before we teleport. I don’t care if that’ll be a long, uncomfortable ride, we are not taking chances on this. Last thing we want to do is end teleporting into Horde Prime’s lap” 

Mermista gave a smirk, but stifled any hint of a chuckle.

He lifted up another map and set it over the first, “This is a map of the Fright Zone as it was when I was last there.” He said. “Now, MOST places in the Fright Zone are heavily monitored. However, I know for a fact that the third basement storage rooms have not had functioning surveillance in a while.”

Hordak glanced around the table again, silent, waiting for someone to ask a question about why there was no surveillance there. Nobody did. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Entrapta turning slightly red. His own ears drooped, but he didn’t acknowledge it, and nobody dared to comment.

“When we teleport into this storage room.” He said as he tapped at the map, “If we do this right, we’ll have plenty of time to work. I’ll set up short range radio communication while Entrapta sneaks through the vents and gets armor for everyone. “ 

Another look around the room. His eyes landed on Mermista, “I. Do. Not. CARE if you don’t think you’ll be seen by anyone because you’ll be in vents, on the roof, in the sewers, or hiding under Prime’s BED!” He shouted the last part, then took a deep breath, calming himself again. “Wear the armor.” He said slowly. “Just in case you get spotted.” 

“After we’re changed, Entrapta and Bow will take to the vents, make their way to the electrical grid, and cause some mischief. Imp will go to the throne room, and record anything that happens there. Princess Spinerella and Princess Netossa will guard Queen Glimmer and Shadow Weaver in the storage room. “ He glanced up, his eyes flicking from the very quiet Shadow Weaver to Glimmer, “While you may THINK you can be more useful in other ways, the two of you are our only exit strategy, so stay put no matter what.” 

“Princess Mermista and Princess Perfuma will take to the sewage system with Sea Hawk, and mess that up. Destroying the general plumping and otherwise creating some structural damage that can be explained away as bad luck will also be useful.” 

He glanced up at Adora - at least his old Force Captain had understood strategy, and had listened without interruption this entire time as he laid out the plan. “Adora and … Princess Frosta-“ It still galled him that a child was going to be in on this, “Will go with me to my sanctum. We’ll pick up what we can from there. With luck, most everything will be left where it was. Nobody else in the Fright Zone has any interest in my work, Prime certainly doesn’t. “ He caught a bitterness in his voice, frowned, and pushed it in the back of his mind to deal with later. 

“Now then.” He sat upright. “As I’ve said countless times before. THIS. IS. A. STEALTH. MISSION.” He glared around the table. 

“That means that we will NOT be attacking guards out of nowhere with ice fists. We will not be covering the Fright Zone in roses and apple trees. We will not be attacking anyone with geysers of water.”

“We most certainly will NOT be singing any shanties. Sea, or otherwise.” He glared at Sea Hawk. “Also, we will not be SETTING ANYTHING ON FIRE and CRASHING IT INTO THE FRIGHT ZONE!” He turned to Entrapta with a look of utter confusion on his face, his ears bent out somehow giving him a slightly panicked look. “Why would someone willingly DESTROY a vessel?!”

He was yelling again. He growled in frustration, put his head in his hands for a moment, then looked up at Entrapta, “How have these people been resisting me?” He asked, his voice taking on a tired, ragged tone to it.

Entrapta took out her data pad, and showed him a set of line graphs, “According to my observation, most of the successes of the Princess Alliance have come about from not following a plan, or by having a plan fall apart halfway through and needing to rely on improvisation thereafter.” She tilted her head as she looked at her data, “My hypothesis is that because the Horde is generally better at planning and execution of plans, the best plan of attack in the past has been no plan, which is difficult to, uh… plan for.” 

Hordak leaned forward, pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes tightly shut. These people were idiots. They had been beating him with stupidity, They had been so stupid that he hadn’t been able to plan for their stupidity. 

They had weaponized their stupidity. 

That was the only logic he could come up with that allowed him to have a scrap of ego left. 

“Questions?” He finally asked. 

Adora stood up. “Do we have a contingency plan in case something does happen to Shadow Weaver and Glimmer?”

Finally, an actual question. Hordak let a flicker of a grin pass over his lips “Yes.” He said, “but none of them are great. That’s why keeping Queen Glimmer protected is a priority.” He sat upright and looked to Glimmer, “The moment. You’re at risk, you and Shadow Weaver MUST retreat.” He said. “Teleport back to the dead zone-“

“Why do you always name things so… scary?” Perfuma asked. “I mean.. Fright Zone.. Dead Zone...” Hordak gave her a glare, and she fell silent. 

“I didn’t name it. It IS a dead zone. No Radio Signal. Same with “Fright Zone”. I didn’t name it. A Fright Zone is what we called in the Horde as a chaotic and not necessarily safe encampment. When I started building, that’s what it was. ‘A’ Fright Zone.” Hordak shrugged, “It stuck, and became, “The Fright Zone” and I didn’t particularly care what it was called as I honestly didn’t believe I’d be around long enough to be concerned.

“Uh… Sir? The plan?”

“Right.” Hordak said, “Queen Glimmer. If you’re attacked, go back to the dead zone, wait for a half hour, then teleport back in, in the exact same place. Be prepared to teleport back out again immediately if necessary. 

“As for the rest of us, if Queen Glimmer is attacked, stop what you’re doing, and go back to the storage area through the vents. Wait for one hour. If she does not return, or if you cannot get to her within that time then -“ He pointed to the map again, at a series of pipes, “This is an old exhaust pipe. It used to go from my sanctum, and spewed forth some dangerous toxins. My lab is no longer in use, so it should be useable as an escape route. From there… go on foot to the dead zone.”

Hordak stood up, he was pretty much done, but be looked around to each of them. “I… I feel like I have to emphasize again that the plan is to NOT get caught. To not let them know we’re there. It’s a stealth mission-“

“We know.” Frosta said, rolling her eyes. 

“I don’t think you do!” Hordak snapped. “Stealth means you are not noticed. You do not engage the enemy. You do not leave any hint that you’ve been there. If we get out without being noticed, then we have more time to work on our plan to stop Prime. If he knows we’re there, he’ll act.” 

Nobody said anything this time. Hordak nodded, “Get ready then.” He said. “We leave in an hour.” 

Slowly, everyone got up, and started leaving the room. As she left, Hordak was sure he could hear Frosta whisper to Perfuma, “I still hope I get to punch that Prime guy.”

Hordak put his hand to his face and gave a long sigh. This was going to be how he died, trying to lead a bunch of princesses into combat. 

“Sir? Uh.. Hordak?”

Hordak turned, and saw Adora looking at him. She hadn’t said much directly to him since he had come here, save for questions regarding their stragety. She said his name with a slightly uncertain, cautious lilt, like she was stepping on ice to see if it would hold under her weight. 

“Yes?”

“Just.. Uh.” She turned away, her arms at her sides, nearly as though she was standing at attention. “I tried to get them to plan too.”

“Did you.” 

“Yes. They don’t like planning.”

Hordak brought him hand back up to the bridge of his nose, pinching as he gave an exasperated sigh. “Maybe next time I should use visuals.” he muttered, “Maps, maybe some tokens to represent…” He trailed off as he saw Adora shaking her head, her eyes wide. 

“No?”

“I tried that si-Hordak.” She said. “You… just trust me, you don’t want to get into that with them.” 

She looked like she wanted to salute for a moment, but then just turned and ran off. Hordak gave another sigh, wondering how badly they had managed to mess up a basic strategy meeting with one of his former force captains. 

“You doing alright there, Princess Hordak?”

Hordak glanced up, and saw that the only people left in the room now was himself, Entrapta, Mermista, and Sea-Hawk. At least he could put one plan into motion. Operation, “Never get called ‘Princess Hordak’ again.” 

“I’m perfectly fine, O’ Queen of Rock.” 

There was a beat of silence. He glanced up, and he saw a brief flush rise up over Mermista’s face as she looked from Hordak to Sea-Hawk. 

“Queen of Rock?” Entrapta echoed, her hair twisted with curiosity.

“What do you know.” Mermista hissed, glaring at him. For a moment, Hordak felt bad for Sea Hawk, who looked suitably horrified. His stomach twisted with… what, guilt? He promised himself he’d make it up to Sea Hawk somehow for what he was about to do. 

“You suggested I take an opportunity to get to know Sea Hawk.” Hordak said, deadpan, “I am never one to squander an opportunity, Queen of Rock.” 

“What do you know.”

“Enough.”

“Ohh, is it a good story? Why are you calling her ‘Queen of Rock.’

“If I ever get called ‘princess’ again,” Hordak said delicately, “Then I’ll tell you.” 

He and Mermista exchanged a long, tense stare down, then she turned, her cheeks flushed as she said, “that’s fair, I suppose.” 

Hordak nodded, and turned on his heel to leave the room with Entrapta at his side. When he was outside and the door was closed, he heard Mermista turn on Sea-Hawk, 

“I can’t believe you told him-“

“I didn’t think it was a secret!!” 

Hordak let a grin flick over his face. He had dealt with eavesdropping, girl talk, being called Princess Hordak, questioning, and a dinner. It was hard to feel too bad for Sea-Hawk when he felt like he had just a little revenge for his suffering. 

Though looking at Entrapta’s eyes which were wide with curiosity, he wondered briefly if it would be worth having that nickname just to tell her the story. 

————

The dead zone was the location of an old mining facility. There had been some useful ores here which Hordak had planned to have dug up many years ago but the difficulties with communication here, and the relative abundance of the necessary ores in other places in the Fright Zone made abandoning this location an easy decision. They landed easily, and gratefully rushed out of the transport. It had been a relatively long and crowded trip with them all cramped inside. 

Hordak stretched his arms over his head, and flexed his legs. He felt stiff all over from being unable to move too much during the trip. The one good part about it was that Entrapta had opted to sit on his lap as she went over her own diagrams of the Fright Zone ventilation system. Hordak’s normal joy over the closeness of her was offset by the glances of the others.

But they didn’t laugh. Entrapta sat on his lap, her hair twisted around him, and sure, Bow, Sea-Hawk, and Perfuma now looked like they were going to start squealing, and the others just glanced with confused grins before looking away…. But there had been no comments, no derisive laughter. 

In Prime’s Horde, clones were designed to not require touch, to get nothing from it. That he did was just an extra proof of his defect. It was not particularly unique, he remembered as his mind drifted to his younger days in Prime’s Horde.

———-

<<05h41.>> -attention, concern. Hordak, who wasn’t yet called Hordak, turned at the sound of their call number and read the concern on their supervisors ears. 

<<sir>> -question. Anxiety-

<<I’m assigning you an assistant>> -amusement- their supervisor waved a hand to another clone. 

<<greetings…>> -attention… then concern. The clones ears were flicked down in shame, bright blue with embarrassment. 

<<Show them how to program the robots and get them working.>> - amusement-irritation. The supervisor left. 

<<Are you quite… alright?>> -concern-curiosity. 05h41 tilted their head. 

<<fine>> -deception- it was easy to tell when another clone was lying, but normally in this kind of situation you overlooked it. It was considered polite. 

<<your call number?>> -curiosity. There was lingering concern as well.

<<70h67>> -nervousness- <<please, I like to go by DH.>> 4-1’s ears flicked suddenly in curiosity. The other clones ears dropped. Embarrassment. <<apologies, I->>

<<I have no concern calling you DH if you wish…>> -curiosity- <<But does it mean something?>>

<<no. 70H67. 70h. It sounds like seven-D-H. >> -hopeful- << It's more efficient >>

He nodded at this. It was indeed easier to remember and more efficient.

<<that is clever>> -impressed. 

DH’s ears perked up. Happy. 4-1 felt their own ears follow suit, then flick down. It was not common for a clone to be so easily influenced by the feelings of another. The other clones were starting to notice that, and they were starting to look at 4-1 funny. No matter, so long as they worked hard and did their job better than anyone else did theirs, they’d be fine despite their apparently sensitivity. 

<<Your number is 05h41. Shall I call you by that?>>

<<4-1 is fine when we’re alone.” -indifference- slight embarrassment. <<I will show you the programming systems. >> - serious- 

It only took an hour to go over the technical aspects of the programming materials they used. Everything else was logic. 4-1 set DH to work and went back to their own project after telling DH to ask if he got stuck.

It was several hours later when DW did get stuck. 4-1 was deep in their own project and didn’t notice DH get up and cross the room. They put a hand on 4-1s shoulder as they spoke. “4-1, I-“

They were simply not used to being touched outside of combat, so the otherwise casual gesture startled them, causing them to spin around quickly in their chair, their ears pinned back - startled, confused-

DH took a step back. <<apologies>> -deep shame-fear-horror. 

4-1 regarded the mess of emotions being sent out by their new assistants ears, then lifted a hand to silence them.

<<I am unbothered. But you will tell me what is going on>> anger annoyance << I was not slated for an assistant. You come here, my supervisor is amused, you look like you’ve just been heavily punished. What did you do.>>

<<I- well. That.>> -shame- they gestured to 4-1s shoulder, <<I touch too much. I don’t intend it. I do not know why I do. It irritated my previous brothers. They said I was weird and..>> shame. Humiliation <<perverse >>

4-1 gave a snort of derision- a rare gesture among clones. << that seems an overreaction >> -derision-irritation- <<you otherwise did your job?>>

Hesitation <<yes>> -confusion 

<<then I am not much concerned by a touch on the shoulder>> -indifference-<<I was not irritated: you startled me. Don’t sneak up on me if you intend to touch me>>

The slew of emotions that DH’s ears flicked through was impressive, but ended with hope, despite them still being blue with embarrassment. 4-1 felt their own ears flick -happy- but they got up and went over to DH’s screen before any comment could be made 

<<now, what is the problem here>>

It was hours later before 4-1 realized that they had simply said that DH’s quirk didn’t bother him, and had in fact not asked to not be touched

———

Clones were not designed to desire touch from other clones, nor to seek it out- not even the platonic touches and embraces that seemed so common among his own Etherian troops. It hadn’t been forbidden or punished necessarily, not in an official way.It was considered below the dignity of a clone. Base. Deviant. He hadn’t realized how much it was stigmatized until just this moment, with Entrapta on his lap and wrapping him in her hair. Everyone else just gave at worst looks of confusion. It now amazed him as he looked back how deviant seeking touches had been. 

 No. Not just that. Being different in any way was deviant. Wanting to be touched just added an extra layer of shame for how animalistic it seemed to most of them at the time. 

He relaxed a little when he realized that, though his ears were still tilted down and blue every time someone looked at him for too long. Years of conditioning would take a while to work though. It did seem that his defect at the very least made him want to seek out touch himself - at least once he bonded to Entrapta. Or, was his ability to bond to a mate part of his flaw, and wanting to be touched was a part of that? Questions for another day - it was unimportant now.

Just before the old abandoned mine shaft in the middle of the dead zone, they stood in a circle, and prepared to teleport. Imp was on Hordak’s shoulder, holding onto his neck tightly and clearly not looking forward to teleporting. Entrapta took Hordak’s right hand in her left, and Perfuma’s in her right. They had to form a circle, apparently, to ensure they all teleported together.

To his left, Hordak felt someone grab his wrist. He turned, and saw Frosta, her tiny hand around his wrist as she reached out and took Mermista’s hand as they closed the circle. He let a confused frown overtake his face for just a moment before he felt something like static flow over him. He took a breath, and closed his eyes. 

He did not like teleporting, and he doubted that he’d like it more with Shadow Weaver and Glimmer ruling the magic that would teleport him. The static increased, he felt like the world shifted under his feet, and then they disappeared from the dead zone. 

Chapter Text

Hordak wasn’t certain if it was  because of the much further distance he was being teleported this time, or if it was because of  Shadow Weaver’s influence over the magic that teleported him but when they poofed into the storage room Hordak had to immediately  put his hand out to steady himself- he was suddenly dizzy, and his vision blurred.  

He could hear just fine though, and cursed under his breath. There was shouting, a sudden clattering. Combat, he figured.  They weren’t alone there.

“Sir? What. What’s going on?” a familiar voice said. 

His vision cleared, and he was not prepared for what he saw. 

The Third basement storage room had changed a lot since he had last been here.  All the boxes had been pushed up to one side, and door at the far end was bolted shut. Scattered around the storage room was what looked like little bunks  made from old boxes, with ragged blankets hung over them. 

 The voice that had asked him what was going on was Scorpia. She stood  in front of a handful of other soldiers, all of whom he recognized. Kyle and rogelio were to one side of her, holding out tasers at the sudden invasion. Lonnie was at the other side, holding a  metal rod. Behind them were two non-combatant Horde personnel that he recognized; A tall, humanoid lynx with a belly named Luk who managed the Horde kitchens, and Mel, a short, middle-aged etherian woman  with white hair pulled back into a tight bun who worked in the medical bay. 

“Lord Hordak!” Scorpia looked from him, to the princesses, then saw Entrapta and squealed. She dropped her taser and ran up to her,  just stopping short of grabbing her in a hug. 

“I was so worried about you!” She said. Her eyes filled with tears, “I thought. I was so worried you’d be dead, and I felt.. I mean…” She looked to the side, frowning, “I… I should have stopped her.”  She finally said. 

“A long, thick strand of hair reached up and settled on Scorpia’s shoulder, “I know.” She said. “Hordak told me you helped him. You saved his life!” 

Scorpia smiled, then looked at the other princesses, her eyes lingering on Adora for a moment before moving on. “So..”

Hordak turned and looked. The princesses were ready to fight. Hordak held a hand up to them. 

“ I don’t think we need to fight here.” He said. He turned to his former troops, “Am I wrong? Are you working for Horde Prime?”

“... Sir? You’re no longer our commanding officer, right?” Lonnie asked. Hordak gave a quick nod. She frowned, dropped the metal rod, and crossed her arms angrily, “Well then…. Fuck that guy!” 

Hordak felt his brows raise in surprise. “I… See.” He said slowly. “What happened  here then?”

“After you were taken away, he made Catra his second in command-“

Hordak knit his brows together, his ears twitching in confusion, “Not a clone then?”

“No sir. He was apparently impressed with Catra. But then he started… Well, there were problems. Things weren’t running as he wanted them to-“ 

“Yeah.” Scorpia said with a  nervous laugh, “Man. I thought you were strict. Strict doesn’t cover it with Prime. If it’s not perfect, it’s garbage.” 

Hordak felt his ears droop a little, but shook it off. ‘Imperfection is  beautiful’ he thought to himself. 

“So. Yeah. He was displeased with things, and …. Catra started throwing people under the tank.” Lonnie finished

“Yeah. It actually started with Jacob.” Kyle said. “Him and me. I was working in security, and Prime wanted-“ 

“He wanted all the footage from your sanctum, sir.” Jacob said. He had just come into their small shelter from a sliding panel in the wall. He had a stocky build,  a red beard, but somehow, blonde hair. “But it all mysteriously got deleted. Prime didn’t like that.” 

Hordak took a sudden sharp breath, his ears flicking down sharply, “You  had recordings in my sanctum?!” He snapped. 

“Yes? I mean, there were cameras there before I started working for you, sir.” He tilted his head, “You didn’t know about them.”

Hordak had vague memories of the old head of security, and his orders to put up surveillance all over the Fright Zone. 

Hordak glanced at Entrapta, who was also bright red. He took a deep breath to calm himself. Now was not the time to get distracted. “ Right. Why did he want that?”

“No idea, sir. He would not divulge that information to me. But when I couldn’t give him what he wanted, he said that I would be replaced. Apparently, “Replaced” to him means-“

“You’re replaced after you’ve been disposed of.” Hordak finished, his voice deadpan. 

“Yeah. So… that’s how  me and Jacob got in trouble. So that wasn’t Catra’s fault.”

“But  she did blame me when those drones that he sent into the Whispering Woods all got wrecked.” Lonnie said. “He demanded that I be ‘replaced’ as well. Scorpia got us all down here though. She was helping who she could… but then Catra caught her, and …”

Scorpia glanced off to the side with what had to be the saddest expression Hordak had ever seen. 

“Well.. I mean, she did her job..” Scorpia said.

“Stop defending her!” Lonnie snapped, “She’s...  She’s changed, man. It’s like she just doesn’t care about people anymore… Just her position.” 

Scorpia shook her head, but didn’t argue.  “But yeah… I got Jacob and Kyle out of the holding cell first, and  while we can’t leave yet without getting caught, Jacob said that there’s no security down in this storage room. So we camped out here.” She frowned, “It seems to be a bad oversight... I mean, clearly, since you all got in through here.” She frowned, “How did you all know that this  place didn’t have cameras and stuff?”

“Hordak told us.” Frosta said quickly. 

Scorpia looked from Frosta, to Hordak’s blue ears, to Entrapta’s red face, then flushed, “Right. Well, He knows the Fright Zone best!”  She said. 

Behind him, he heard Mermistas nearly contained snicker.

“I don’t get it.” Frosta said, frowning at Mermista. “What’s so funny.”

“Nothing.” Hordak hissed. His eyes flicked to his force captains, and he remembered suddenly that most of the people standing before him had, at one point or another, gotten some form of confirmation that his relationship with Entrapta was less than professional.  Frosta, much like Scorpia did, looked from Entrapta to Hordak, then her eyes lit up with realization. 

“Oh.” She said, uncaring and deadpan. “They were acting weird and kissing and stuff in this place.” 

Scorpia, Perhaps feeling bad for Hordak, raised  her claws in a placating matter, “Well, it’s not like it’s a secret anymore. I mean, even before the thing with Horde Prime, everyone already kinda knew-”

Lonnie jabbed Scorpia  in the ribs, “Shut up.” She hissed. 

Perfuma, who had been hovering around Frosta  in case the conversation went to something a child shouldn’t hear, suddenly looked up, surprised, “They were public about it in the Fright Zone?” She asked, shocked, “I mean, that doesn’t seem -” 

“We were  not.” Hordak hissed, his fists clenched as he let his eyes dart from face to face of the people in front of them, his embarrassed expression now focused into one of anger. Not that being angry at this moment could do anything, He was no longer their leader, but he hoped he could still put  fear in their hearts. 

He could. 

Kyle instantly paled, and backed away, “I didn’t say anything sir! None of us did.” He gestured frantically to the others, “I mean, everyone already knew, even before the rumours about the lu-

“Stop.” Hordak hissed. 

Glimmer was the one who spoke up this time. 

“So,” She said in an amused, haughty tone, “They can’t keep secrets.” 

Scorpia rubbed the back of her head gently, and gave an apologetic laugh as she glanced at Hordak, “heh… worst kept secret in the Fright Zone?”

“So.. you all knew?” Entrapta said, red faced. 

“And that we did is the best kept secret in the Fright Zone.” Lonnie said firmly. 

Scorpia glanced sheepishly at Hordak, “I mean, It’s  not really our fault.” She protested, “When you look at Entrapta  you get this look on your face-”

“Oh god.” Mermista said, feigning disgust, “That look where he looks like he’s melting on the inside?”

Scorpia  gave a squeal, and clapped her claws together, “You noticed it too!!” 

Hordak looked down, pinching the bridge of his nose as he gave a heavy, defeated sigh. This was his life now. 

“Can we not?” He said, exasperated, “If we get this mission done successfully, you can all talk about Entrapta and myself as much as you want.” 

“What’s the mission sir?” Scorpia said, standing suddenly to attention

Hordak glanced up at his former force troops and personnel. “You’re not my soldiers anymore.’ 

“We’re not.” Lonnie agreed, “But as I said before, Fuck Prime. If you’re here to cause some trouble-” 

Hordak suppressed a grin, “discord and recovery.” Hordak said, “I need to get some  equipment from my sanctum, my files…” He trailed off as he caught the look on Scorpias’ face. “What?”

“Ah. well. Sir. that might be hard.” 

“Why.”

“Prime took everything.” She said. “All the computer files were first. Most of the actual stuff was  thrown out- it was damaged, but everything else in your quarters and your sanctum was taken.” 

“Where.” 

“The files were taken to Prime himself, personal articles were  thrown in storage after examination, and any useful machines and stuff were taken to  that weird lab-ship that he landed-”

Hordak took a step forward. He could feel his ears flex outwards in excitement, “Lab-ship?”

“Yeah, he landed this big thing  on the south side of the Fright Zone.”

Hordak was silent for a few moments, his mind racing through probabilities, opportunities, and taking into account the new assistance he had. “Alright.” He said,  mild excitement evident in his voice, “Change of plans. We’re stealing the lab-ship.” 

“Hey!” Glimmer said, taking a step forward, “I thought you said stealth was an important part of -” 

“It is! But you have no idea the tech that’s available in that thing! The most modern, advanced technology in the universe at my fingertips, all the best D.N.A modification technology, report and studies far more recent than I’ve had access to in decades, surgical tools,  advanced robotics-”

“Ugh..  ok ok.” Glimmer said  as she took a step back, “Ok. Yeah.  I don’t think I could stop you OR Entrapta.” She glanced at Entrapta, whose hair was all puffed out in excitement. “Does that mean we don’t need the armor then?”

“No.” Hordak said firmly, “No, We still need the armor. I think  we can take the ship without letting him realize it’s gone for a bit.” He turned to Jacob, “Do you still have access to the security files.”

“Of course.” Jacob said as thought he had been suddenly insulted, “I created a backdoor for myself, in case it ever got taken over. I have all the same access as I had before all this happened… It’s just more troublesome to pick through now. 

Hordak nodded, “Alright.”  he turned to the princesses, “For the most part, your roles stay unchanged. We’ll get the armor, set up  the radio, and then you cause as much subtle damage and chaos as possible-”

“Yeah, that won’t be hard.” Mel muttered, “Strangely, some  strong sedatives were slipped into the ration bars. Remaining troops for the most part are… Less than productive and attentive.” 

“Except for Horde’s Primes troops.” Luk cut in, “They don’t eat the food we provide.” 

“No, I imagine not. They’d prefer to eat their own rations.” Hordak grinned. This was perfect - Chaos was already  starting to root it’s way into the Fright Zone, and he hadn’t had to raise a finger. His former troops were drugged,  which would make navigation and stealth easier. Yes, Prime’s troops were still fine, but there were fewer of them in the Fright Zone, and it was unlikely that Prime would have them on simple guard duty. 

Hordak turned to Jacob, “Can you find the clips showing the ship, and find out how often it’s been accessed since Prime landed.”  If it was being used frequently then Hordak wouldn’t be able to steal it, but it was likely that he brought the ship just in case it was needed, and perhaps knowing that he wouldn’t be able to access his main  supplies right away once he got here. 

Jacob nodded and immediately took out a data pad and got to work. Hordak turned to  his former troops, “Do you still have your armor?” He asked. They nodded. “Good.”

“And.. uh.. If we help you.. Will you get us out of the Fright Zone afterwards?” Scorpia asked. She glanced up at  Hordak, then looked to Glimmer, “I mean, you don’t have to take us anywhere in particular, just… out.” 

Glimmer seemed a little taken aback at this request, then looked to Adora before looking back to the troops. 

“I’m.. I’m sure we can help you.” She said, looking away. 

“That’s odd ” Hordak thought, but he didn’t have time to think about why Glimmer was so agreeable to helping them when he seemed to hold such animosity towards him despite what he’d already done to  protect them. Questions for later, perhaps. “Then get anything you’re taking with you put together before we go into this properly.” He said, “In case we have to make a very fast escape.” He turned to Entrapta, “You go get the armor, I’ll set up the radio.”

“I’ll stay in contact  with my data pad until the radio signal is  set up. The wireless on these things aren’t as secure as they could be, and they’re loud.  I’ll just ping back with Y for good, N for bad.” 

Hordak nodded. “And no unnecessary risks.” He said. 

Entrapta gave him a  sharp look, then nodded. 

“You sure it’s good to go on your own?” Glimmer asked as she went up to  Entrapta, reaching out to put a hand on her shoulder. 

Entrapta twisted away from her hands, and put her mask down, and without saying anything took off into the vents overhead.  She stared after her as his former troops went to gather up their things while the other princesses were going over a map that Entrapta had given to Bow.  Hordak took out his own data pad, a small transistor, and got to work.

Glimmer growled, “I don’t know why she’s so mad at me.” She muttered. She didn’t intend for anyone to hear her, but because Hordak was relatively close, and because his ears were so sensitive, he heard her clearly. 

“Because you keep throwing our relationship into question? keep trying to convince her to stay away from  me? “ he said, his voice low so others wouldn’t hear. He was a little surprised at himself, but he was irritated by  how she was upsetting Entrapta.

Glimmer turned on Hordak, her face red from behind overheard, “I hardly think that that’s something to be angry at.” She  snapped. 

“It is.” Hordak said deadpan. “And really, I don’t blame her.  You put me under a truth spell. You’ve seen Entrapta and I together.  Entrapta has suffered multiple ‘girl talks’ presumably mostly about me,  AND you know about the chemical monogamy thing. I don’t know why you’re still trying to seperate us.” 

“Because you’re Hordak.” She snapped, “With everything you’ve done, I find it hard to believe that you could-”

“No.” Hordak said, deadpan as he started fixing some wires that came loose. He frowned, and  dug into his pocket for a mini soldering pen. “No. No, that’s not it. If that were the case, you’d not have been so quick to start trusting Shadow Weaver, and she already betrayed your side once before. Now would you have agreed to help my former troops.“ He shook his head, “No. I won’t believe that it’s because I’m the former lord of the Horde.”  He looked over at her, “So what is it. Really.”

“I told you.”

“I despise being lied to.” 

“You’re going to hurt her!”

“I would never. I don’t even know if I’m capable, not now.”

She frowned at him, looking angry, like she was about to  slap him, then he saw a shift in her face. Subtle, but he couldn’t place it. 

“You might,” She insisted, “and if you do, it’s all my fault!” 

Hordak nearly dropped his soldering gun at that. His eyes went wide in confusion. 

“Excuse you? How would anything like that possibly be your fault?”

“I never said we should go back to see if there was a chance to help her. When we found out she was alive, we didn’t go after her. We should have gone back. We thought she was dead, but she wasn’t and we should have gone back-” great, there were tears welling in her eyes, “I should have insisted that we find the body-” Tears were spilling over now, “and it was my fault for not listening to Adora in the first place at the Princess Prom  and being so obessessed over Bow and his date, if I hadn’t been so stupid I never would have gotten captured, they never would have had to come after me and Bow, and she’d never have been left behind in the first place!” She put her hands to her face, a choked sob escaping from her mouth. 

Hordak felt his stomach drop. Ah. Guilt. A powerful motivator. He remembered how he felt when he was worried that Entrapta might be dead on Beast Island.  If she had been, he would have blamed himself, and what would he have done now. 

“If you hurt her, if she gets hurt because she’s in love with you, it’s all my fault.”

Hordak felt his ears flick  down as he glanced around at the others. If they heard them speaking - which he sure they could since Glimer had gotten quite loud at the end there, but they were pretending not to - then  looked to Glimmer. “Come here.” He said, shifting aside a little, “I need you to hold the wire in place while I fix this.” 

Slowly, Glimmer walked close to him as though he might swipe at her at any second. She knelt down, and took the wire  he was gesturing to. 

“I’m not going to hurt her.”  Hordak said in a low whisper. 

“You could.. You could break her heart. She’s never been like this before, and -”

“I don’t think I could do that either.” He frowned as he worked on the broken wires, his ears burning blue.  He couldn't believe he was about to tell Glimmer this, but if it meant she stopped being so much trouble...

“Do you remember what.. Light Hope said. Chemical Monogamy?”

“Yes, but -”

“No.. No  listen.” He frowned, “Entrapta is ….. Embedded in my mind. The thought of physically hurting her makes me sick to my stomach. The idea of ..”  He hesitated, wondering why he was telling her this.”The idea of losing her, the idea that she might change her mind, as you put it.. Do you have any idea the absolute terror that put into me?”

“But… “ Hordak turned to her, and raised a brow, waiting for her to continue. “But… you’re Hordak.” 

“I am.” He agreed. “And I would do anything for Entrapta. Even if she looked at me, abject disgust and horror and hate in her eyes, and  told me she never wanted to see me again, I’d… I’d go away.”

“... I didn’t think you could get more pale than you are.” Glimmer commented, staring at him wide eyed. “Your face just looked like it drained.”

“Well ,as I said, the idea  of losing her is a difficult one for me to handle.”  He fixed the wire, and nodded to glimmer, who let it go. “She’s  the only good thing that’s happened to me since I landed here.I don’t doubt she could do better, but  she seems content with me. And you said you’ve never seen her like this before.” He shrugged, feeling his ears burn, “Maybe  us bring together is one good thing that happened because you left her behind.” He closed the radio, and turned it on. There was static, but at least now it was powered up. “Maybe  you can feel responsible for something good happening from it all.”

Glimer looked at Hordak, her eyes wide with surprise. She was silent for several long moments before she said, “You’re…. Surprisingly insightful.” 

“I’ve been spending a lot of time lately in my own head. Figuring things out. I suppose it’s given me some insight. 

Glimmer didn’t respond. She watched him fiddling with the controls on the radio, trying to get the right signal. After a moment, she got up wordlessly and went over to  Bow and the others to look over the map, leaving him to try to distract himself with needlessly tinkering their radio signal for better quality while he tried not to worry too much about Entrapta. 

Chapter Text

Hordak, Adora, Frosta, and Kyle were walking down the hallway  leading towards the the storage room where his things were kept. The hallway was quiet and empty, apparently there seemed to be no need to have anyone on guard down here. Their footsteps echoed  around them in the relative silence. 

Idly, Hordak pressed the com button in the wrist of the armor  that had managed to fit over his armor. A buzz of static rang. Through his ears as the communication system  bypassed the main Horde lines, and worked through the signal Hordak had set up himself. He winced at the feedback until the line cleared. 

“Entrapta.” He said clearly into the mic, “Status?”

“Still  on my way  to the electrical panel.”  Her voice echoed back after a moment. “Me and Bow and Lonnie are still in the vents.  We saw one person on guard duty as we passed an open vent, but they didn’t seem to be working very hard.  Unless they were dreaming that they were working hard.” 

“Keep  me updated.” He said back. He glanced at the others with him. He wanted to say more,  to urge her to be safe, but it was an open line, and everyone could hear him. 

Another buzz of static in his ear. This time, Mermista’s voice echoed through the line. “Hordak.” She said in her deadpan  voice, “I don’t think she needs to keep you updated. You’ve checked up on her 4 times in the last 8 minutes.” 

Unless you  activated your mic, you wouldn’t be heard on the line, but judging by the shaking of Adora and Frosta’s shoulders  next to him, he figured the rest of the princesses found this amusing. Kyle probably found it amusing as well, but he had been rigid with fear since Hordak told him he was going to storage with him. 

Entrapta’s voice came back on. “It’s actually been four times in the last 7 minutes and 32 seconds.” She said matter-of-factly, “But that’s fine. If he’s checking on me, I know he’s safe. Otherwise he wouldn’t be able to check on me!” 

Under his helmet, Hordak felt his ears burn. “I am just checking in becuase you’re in a precarious situation!” He insisted, “you weren’t able to use any armor.” It  had been decided that Entrapta didn’t have to wear the armor because she needed her hair to be free so she could move around easily, and even if they were able to find armor that would allow her hair to be free, that would give her away. 

So no armor for Entrapta. It made Hordak feel uneasy. The idea that if anything happened, if she fell out of the vents, if she had to. Go into the halls for any reason, if she was seen by anyone, she’d be endangered. It made him feel sick to his stomach, and caused his breath to quicken. 

“Hey, I’m in a precarious position,” Mermista said into the mic, “Where’s my check-in?” 

A muted growl as his ears twitched. He narrowed his eyes, and turned on the mic, “You’re doing ok wading  in the sewers, waste high in-“

“Sir?” Kyle spoke up, his voice shaking, “We’re here.” 

Hordak hadn’t noticed that they had already reached the storage area. The plain metal door  in the wall stood before them, the number 2 painted on it in red. He took the Keycard that Jacob had procured for them all- a dummy card, he had called it, and scanned it over the card reader. The door slid  open, and they walked on in. The room had rows and rows of shelves along wide corridors that reached well to the back of the. Room. A forklift was parked near the entrance so that heavier things could be stacked or retrieved higher up on the shelves. Hordak had no intention of using that.  He didn’t want the noise to alert anyone who might be passing by outside.  

“Force Ca-... Scorpia.” He said into the mic, “2H4-8-HDS is the ID number for  my things. Confirm.” 

“Confirmed, Sir.” She said back into the mic. “Packed  and stacked it myself.” 

Hordak looked down the rows. Storage. Room 2. Isle h. He walked down the isle until he got to the fourth set of shelves, and looked up  There, on the 8th shelf was a grey storage box with “HDS”- apparently stood for HorDak Sanctum- printed on the side in neat, mechanical painting.  He hadn’t realized he had been clenching his jaw, or that his ears had been pinned back with worry. He had expected something to go wrong, and so far, nothing had. So far, this had all been very easy. He hoped it was because of the chaos that the others had caused beforehand, or because they were short manpower because of Catra. 

A part of him was positive he was being led into a trap. A part of him was sure that it couldn’t be this easy. This was Prime. Prime was bigger than he was, smarter than he was,  generally better than he was. Hordak himself was just a failed clone, a bad imitation. Hord-Ak. A mistake of the Horde. He was sure that Horde Prime was watching him, knew that he was in  the Fright Zone, and had anticipated every move that he had made so far. He was just waiting, and biding his time. 

The alternative was that  Scorpia had managed to fool Prime. That Hordak had managed to  deceive him with his continued existence. 

He reached up to take the box… and found that he was just a little too short.  His fingertips brushed frustratingly against the edge of the box, unable to grab any purchase. With a frown, he pushed himself up on his toes, and tried to grasp an edge, the underside of the box, anything.

He couldn’t. He sighed and looked up at the box  with his hands on his hips. He really didn’t want to use the forklift, just in case. Entrapta was on the other side of the Fright Zone, so  he wouldn’t call her to help him get something down off a shelf like he normally would, and he wasn’t entirely sure that the shelving would  take it if he tried to climb up to get it. 

“Can’t reach?”  Frosta asked. Hordak didn’t answer, he just growled in response.

“Why not use that forklift back there?” Frosta asked. 

“Because of the noise.” Adora cut in. “If someone hears it outside,  they might come in to check. We could probably talk our way out of it, but it’s better to not take the risk.”

Not for the first time, Hordak was very glad to have Adora around. He was glad that there was at least one other person who understood what he was doing, why he was taking precautions,  and who understood the necessity of tactics. Someone he wouldn't have to explain himself to over and over and over. 

Soldiers. Trained soldiers. Not Princesses playing rebel, not children. 

“I have an idea!” Frosta said. Hordak was about to turn around to ask what, but before he could she had already jumped  into his leg, and was climbing up him using the gaps in the armor to pull herself further up. He gave a startled curse in his own language as she did this. 

“What are you doing.” He snapped. 

“If I get up on your shoulders, I can get the box. Obviously.”  She got onto his back, and nearly fell but Adora was behind her,  helping her to his shoulders. She tried to stand up, but shook a little, and settled for sitting on his shoulders as she reached up and gently started to drag the box to the edge.  Hordak lifted his hands up to hold the bottom of the box, to take a little of the weight off as she pulled the box forward. 

As the box came free of the shelf, the weight shifted. Hordak could hardly keep it in place  with his upraised hands, Frosta couldn’t manage the weight on her own. The box teetered forward. Hordak pushed back in an attempt to  right the sudden shift of the weight. They swayed backwards, and Hordak started to lose his balance. He acted quickly, pulling the box down and shrugging Frosta off his shoulders as  he fell down, the box landing heavily on his chest and knocking his breath from his lungs as Frosta went flying, only to be caught by Adora who was standing by just in case. 

Hordak’s vision blurred as he gasped for breath. This box was a lot heavier than he expected it to be. 

“Sir! Are you ok?” He heard Kyle ask him  over his gasps and coughs. Hordak managed a  nod as he pushed the box off of him an onto the floor as he slowly sat up. 

Frosta  jumped down from Adora’s arms, and ran up to him, “I’m so sorry, I -“

“Got the box down.” Hordak said, his voice still a little raspy, “it’s fine.” He   Knelt down next to the box, and was about to open it, but hesitated. He felt his ears flick under his helmet. He looked at the others. “That probably made a lot of noise.” He said quickly, “go and check if anyone is coming. The lot of you. I need to check to make sure everything is here.” 

They went off, thankfully without question. He  didn’t actually think that anyone had heard them - it was possible, but unlikely-  but he did want to be on his own as he checked the box. If all his personal things were in there, there were likely a few things that he didn’t want anyone else to see.  

He pried open the seal on the box, and looked inside. There were two cardboard boxes - one which had been hidden under  their bed when he and Entrapta had shared a room in the fright zone, and another that seemed to contain his notes, and harddrives holding some of his work. He had been worried that Prime might have taken them all, and kept this for himself. 

“Scorpia.” He said into the mic, “You said you packed all this up?”

“Uh.. yes sir.” She said.  

Feeling his ears burn, he glanced at the box with his personal things in it. That wasn’t what he intended to ask about. “Do you know if Prime looked at any of this? Specifically the harddrives and disks.” 

“As far as I know, he went through everything.” 

Hordak had made some minor discoveries  and scientific progress on his own since he had ended up  on Etheria, and knowing that Prime likely knew his advances was important. These were things he couldn’t use to surprise Prime in the future. There was also some early work that Entrapta had shown him about integrating First Ones tech to  their own tech, so he could assume that Prime now knew about their work on the first ones tech. 

He glanced again at the other box, and felt a hot flush of shame run through his body. He also knew, clearly, about his other ‘research projects’ with Entrapta. He opened the box, and peeked inside. There was his  harness, which he would insist was his backup harness - a strappy thing meant to be worn directly on his skin, and which could be worn under his clothing. It was easier to rest in, more comfortable, and while it had no strength enhancements, did  ease his pain and made it easier to move. They had used it for other things in the Fright Zone, but now it would be a good backup harness in case his armor actually shorted out because of the irregular First Ones Gem that powered it. 

 He glanced, confirmed the  presence of the other things inside, was very grateful that he had a helmet on so that  nobody would see his flushed ears, and Then he sealed the box back up. He took a deep breath, and tried to resign himself to the fact that, best case scenario, Horde Prime and Scorpia knew some of the more….. intimate and private details of his relationship. Worst case, everyone in the  Fright Zone did. 

He promised himself that if he felt he had to, he could freak  out about that later, when he was back in Bright Moon with Entrapta. Right now, they still had work to do. 

The others came back just as he was sealing up the box. “Do you have everything you need in there.” Adora asked, looking at the box.

“Everything I expected to find.” He said. “Some of my more recent work was still on my personal computers in my sanctum. Prime  likely has them uploaded to his own computers now.” 

“So that’s a wash then.” She said. Hordak shook his head. 

“Not necessarily.’ He said. “Once we get to the  ship we need, I can likely get into Horde Prime’s computer from there. The Horde computers on his ship are all linked to  his main database on his private ship. Once we get out of range I can’t access it, but if I download everything to the computer ... maybe put it on one of  the drives in the box here, then I can pull what I need at my leisure.” 

“Alright.” Adora said with a nod. “Do we bring that box back to storage first-“

“No.” Hordak  said, “We take it with us. A few guards carrying a storage box through the Fright Zone won’t be suspicious.” We will get spotted, but so long as we don’t run,  and don’t draw attention to ourselves, we’ll be fine.” He frowned, looked to the each, then to Kyle, “If anyone stops us, you’ll be speaking for us.” 

Even under the armor, Hordak could see Kyle’s shoulders tense up. “Why me!” He asked, a hint of frantic panic in his voice. 

“Because of that.” He said, gesturing to Kyle, “You sound scared. Passive. Harmless. Nobody is likely to question you.  My voice is going to sound like a clone’s voice regardless, and they’ll wonder why a clone is in armor like this. Frosta sounds like a child-“

“Hey, I do not-“

“Because she -is- a child, and while for some reason Bright Moon sees fit to send literal  children into the field-“ He couldn’t keep the bitterness and rage out of his voice here, “-cadets  here don’t end up in armor until they’re at least 18.” He gestured to Adora, “And she’s been in combat too much against the Horde.  There’s too great a risk that her voice will be recognized.” 

Kyle stammered for a moment, then nodded as he stood at a salute. Hordak made a mental note that this one needed to learn to be more assertive. In his mind, he was already wondering if assertiveness training would be a necessity in the Horde when he remembered that he wasn’t in charge anymore. 

A hiss of static in his ear, a buzz of feedback before Entrapta’s voice came over the speaker,   Sounding slightly worried. “Hordak?” She said. 

Hordak felt his ears pin back in alarm. He turned on his mic. “Yes. I’m here. What’s wrong. Were you seen? Are you caught? Are you ok? Do you need assis-“

“I’m fine!” Entrapta said over the mic, “Just I hadn’t heard from you in several minutes, and I was starting to get worried.” 

Hordak frowned as he felt his ears droop. Adora and Frosta’s shoulders shook slightly. 

“I’ve acquired my things in storage.” He said deadpan into the mic, “We’re heading to the ship now. I’ll keep you updated.” 

Chapter Text

The truth was that Hordak missed aesthetics of the Fright Zone. The darker colors were easier on his eyes, and while he had indeed developed an appreciation for certain levels of comfort and certain arguably “cute” things, they were an afterthought in his mind. The grand, opulent designs of Bright Moon, the tall windows, the needless fountains, and the statuary that seemed to be part of the architecture was almost smothering in it’s forced beauty. He had gotten used to it, but walking across the Fright Zone reminded him of the simple practicality of efficient design.

He was never one for needless opulence. Even when he was Prime’s second in command, his own quarters had been simple- the luxury was derived from privacy, and the beauty came from one sleek window facing out into space, the stars, the planets, the free-floating paintings that were the nebuli which they often passed. 

He felt far more comfortable now in this plain hallway af dull greys and the green lights than he had in his and Entrapta’s new room/prison in BrightMoon. The only thing that made his new living situation better was Entrapta’s presence. BrightMoon could keep it’s grand flowery designs, he’d take this practical industrial design any day. 

But maybe when this was all over, he’d get a softer bed. Maybe have a few baths installed. Big ones with lots of bubbles for Entrapta. 

They headed down the hallways unbothered - they were just a small group of soldiers carrying a storage case which was so common that it was easy for the other soldiers that crossed their path to ignore them. When they finally ran into the first group of clones, Hordak was leading Adora, Kyle, and Frosta around a corner. They were very close to where they had to exit to get to the proper landing pad, and Hordak almost stumbled to a stop as his eyes fell on a group of clones in the middle of a large corridor, several of which were kneeling down with two vanguards stood over them. The vanguards still wore their white robes, their mid-length white capes, and they still wore their helmets - which Hordak felt was odd- Helmets made communication difficult, and they were often uncomfortable because of how expressive and mobile their ears were when they spoke. These chrome helmets did not look like they had enough space inside to accommodate much ear movement. The eyes of the helmets were formed to look roughly like their eyes, and the hint of pointed ears stood out from the edges. 

In combat, they had their heads covered. When Prime had landed, the helms were kept on to seem impressive. Why would they have them on now? Hordak found it disconcerting.

He held his arm out, stopping the others behind him,. They clustered around him, looking to the clones ahead. He heard a gasp from Adora before she whispered to him, “What happened to their ears??”

Hordak had been paying attention to the helmets on the vanguard. He hadn’t taken note of the other clones on the ground. They were servants, and thus meant to be overlooked. They were wearing only thin white shifts with Prime’s insignia on their chests, and they looked more or less like Hordak did, save for their white hair, the lack of black around their eyes and-

When he saw it, he felt a chill go through his body, and he suddenly understood why the vanguard had their helmets on still. Each of the lesser servants had their ears entirely sliced off. A twisted blue half moon scar marred the sides of their heads as they stared forward, emotionless, like robots.

From the helmets that the vanguard wore, he could assume they probably had the same alteration done to them. A simple slice of surgical steel through skin, muscle, and cartilage had robbed them of most of their ability to emote. Hordak had taught himself to be more emotive with his face since landing on Etheria and even to a point before that when he was playing the diplomat, but before that and certainly for the clones before them, the subtle and not-so-subtle movements of their ears were how they expressed themselves, how they added tone and intention to their language. It was how they could connect- in as much as clones did connect.

He felt sick. He felt his breath quicken. He felt dizzy. Why where their ears removed. Was that done to every clone now? When had it been done? 

He hardly noticed as one of the vanguards raised a very long, thin skewer towards one of the servants. The glint of light reflecting off the narrow surgical tool drew his attention to it and he moved, managing to block Frosta’s view as the Vanguard took one of the servants’ heads, tilted it forward, and quickly slid the precise surgical metal into the skin just above the neck. There was no sound, save for several gasps immediately around him as the metal pierced into the servants brain and ended his life.

The first time he saw this, Hordak hadn’t expected the sudden finality. He had seen death, he had seen people die in combat. This was different though, it was like a switch suddenly flicked off  and that first time it had left him feeling more disturbed than if they had died in a bloody, screaming cacophony. 

Shaking, Hordak managed to push the others back down the hallway, signaling for them to be quiet. The death of the clones- that was normal, or at the very least he was used to it, even if he didn’t like it. The ears was a different thing. The subtleties of their language lost, degraded to imperatives and statements of fact alone, their ability to emote naturally removed and thrown away, creating a wall, a barrier between the minds of each individual. 

He had felt that isolation when he first came to Etheria. Cut off from his own people, around individuals who couldn’t understand his language, his ear movements, it felt like he had a mask on at all times, and caused a lot of trouble in his early days. He couldn’t start to describe the profound feeling of loneliness, or separation and isolation that he felt before he learned how to use tone properly in other languages - not something he’d bothered with before - and how to twist and contort his face to be expressive. 

Hordak didn’t realize he was being spoken to at first. It was only when he felt someone grab his arm that he realized that Adora had been speaking to him, that he realized that his body was still shaking, his ears twitching like mad beneath his own helmet, his breathing rapid and shallow. He stopped and forced himself to take a few long and deep breaths before he turned to Adora, trying to get his mind to catch up to what he had been saying. 

“Hordak? What was that?” 

“Their ears.” He said, hearing the tense and strained distortion of his voice “They sliced off-” 

“No. I mean, yes. But what did they do to them! Were they being punished, is that how Prime-” 

With his mind swirling he was only half able to contain the burst of manic laughter that was building up inside him. “Oh no.” He said. “No. That wasn’t punishment. If they were being punished he’d make sure it hurt.” 

“They got stabbed in the brain!” Kyle cut in, his own voice pitched and tense. “That seems painful to me!” He suddenly took a step back, as though he only just remembered that he was speaking to Hordak.

“It was a precision stab to the medulla oblongata of my species.” Hordak said, letting the scientific part of his mind take over for the moment, “A little pinch in the back of the head, then everything shuts down. I’m not saying it didn’t hurt, but it likely didn’t hurt for long.” 

“But why!” Adora exclaimed. Hordak could only shrug.

“If I had to guess?” He ventured, “I imagine that it’s likely they fell sick from the atmosphere. It’s rather dense for my species, and can cause some problems. They weren’t executed, they were put down.” 

“But… but they weren’t dead! You didn’t die from-” 

Hordak sighed, shrugged off her hand, and kept walking. They followed, looking at him for answers. He figured he should give them what they wanted. They needed to know how Prime functioned, the brutal efficiency and cold resource management that was part of the culture of the Horde.

“Medical treatment likely exists that would have saved them.” He said. “But they were servants - easily replaced. Clearly, it was decided that the cost of giving them treatment was greater than the cost of replacing them, so they were put down.” 

“Wait… what?” Frosta said slowly. “They just… they killed them because they were sick?” 

”Efficiency.” Hordak stated. “If they were soldiers or generals, the value of their experience and training would have been added to their overall value, and potentially they would have been given medical assistance. Once the cost of the treatment outweighs the value of the clone, they’re put down. That’s just how Prime’s Horde works.” 

“.... but we had excellent medical care in the Horde” Adora said. Hordak nodded. 

“We did indeed. You had excellent medical care in -my- Horde.” 

“So let me get this straight!” Frosta said, her little voice sounding angry and indignant as she ran ahead and stood in front of Hordak with her little fists at her hips, “So, You said you were a general. His right hand man! You’re saying if you were sick enough, he’d have just killed you too?”

Hordak looked down at her, silent for a long moment. 

“I was sick enough.” He said softly, his voice deadpan, “That’s how I ended up here.” 

Silence. They were staring at him, and it made him uncomfortable. In the silence his mind went back to their ears, sliced off and discarded. He decided that no matter how embarrassing he might have found the various twitches and flicks and blushes of his ears, he’d never ever wish he could just remove them ever again. He’d go back to Brightmoon and straight up ASK Entrapta to rub his ears. He’d be glad when she started calling them cute. 

“But…” Adora said quietly, “They were executed, you-” 

“I am a trained soldier.” He said simply, “My last hours could have been spent doing something useful- dying in combat for Prime. Dying with honor and dignity.” He gestured down the hallway, “They were servants. They would have caused more trouble in combat that anything else. Would have cost extra lives because of inexperience and lack of training. I was sent to the front lines to fight, and die in combat for the glory of the Horde.” He shrugged, and walked around Frosta and continued down the hallway, “Apparently, I couldn’t even do that right.” 

------

Hordak figured that it was likely stress that triggered their defect, or at the very least that it was stress that had made it noticeable. Dull aches in the  pit of their stomach, a sudden increase in their breathing without any reason, a dull pounding of their eight-chambered heart that turned their heartbeat from it’s steady  rhythmic beat to an almost frantic hum, and chest pain. It always got worse during moments of stress. 

It was the attack on Sol-Victor-3 that made everything escalate though. Hordak, who at this time was Horde-Alpha was actually overseeing the conquering of several planets across 4 solar systems. They had 5 underlings  who were on location, taking their orders and implementing them while Alpha themself was on the mothership, organizing strategy. Sol-Victor-3 was being the most troublesome of the planets, so they had delegated that planet to what they considered to be their most capable and trustworthy underling. 

Alpha had honestly expected  a message of surrender from the planet when DH called him on his screen. Alpha had, unfortunately been in a meeting with Prime when they called. They excused themselves, and went just outside the meeting room. 

-Anxiety-Concern-fear- <<We have a problem.>> DH said simply, but the way  their ears were twitching told Alpha that “problem” was likely an understatement. 

-attention- worry- <<What kind of problem>>

-fear- <<The inhabitants are threatening to explode the core of the planet if we don’t retreat in one of their days. Approximately 12 Universal hours>>

-concern-pensive-Surprise <<they would not. It’s a bluff>>

-fear-anxiety-shame <<they may. They are backed into a corner. These people are spiteful - often if captured they will go to great lengths to end themselves  to keep what they perceive to be the enemy from getting anything from them. If they believe they are losing.>> -impressed- respect- Frustration <<I believe that they would destroy their own planet to keep its resources from us.>>

A vicious curse passed through  Alpha’s lips, getting them a very surprised ear quaver from DH. The resources were the most important part of that planet, and Prime would find its loss a colossal failure.  Prime would also find retreat a colossal failure, and worse- a show of weakness. 

Alpha hadn’t heard Prime approach him as they considered their next action.  They were so deep in thought that they didn’t even notice Prime until Prime spoke. 

-Curiosity- <<A problem?>> Prime asked. Alpha  cut communication with HD before he relayed the information they had been given. Prime quietly considered the situation, ears twitching, thoughtful, pensive, plotting. 

-annoyed- <<use the sonic device.>>

Alpha felt their own ears twitch rapidly. 

-Horror- appalled- surprised- <<Impossible. We have troops on the ground. Not only would that cut off communications, but it would shatter their inner ears. They’d be defenseless to attack.>>

-pensive- << How many troops do we have on the planet>>

-thoughtful- hopeful << 248>> They replied. They had started with 250, the planet’s population was advanced, but  low, and only two soldiers had died thus far.  

-Thoughtful- <<What’s the predicted fatality rate of our own troops>>

That was a harder thing to calculate. Half of their troops were currently in active combat. Another quarter were  very close to combat zones, but hidden. They considered how the enemy might react when they noticed all the clones suddenly fall down with extreme vertigo, and the potential intelligence they may  have had. 

-worried- disapproving- <<I’d say at least 60%. Probably closer to 75%, but we could see up to 90%->>

Prime’s ears were still with indifference, <<Use it.>>

-horror- <<Sir, it->>

<<Max casualty rate of 223. A small price to pay for  the resources of that planet. The Sonic device will disrupt any  plans they have to detonate their planet, and it’ll deactivate their electronics long enough for us to send a bigger contingency. When it’s done, return with 1000 soldiers and demand immediate surrender.>>

-hopeful- <<A  retreat would->>

-angry- <<no>> the moment Prime’s ears pinned back in anger, Alpha felt themselves recoil and back away. There was fear, yes, but something deeper inside, that made  their stomach churn, that made their heart beat and their breathing increase. 

<<We cannot risk being seen as weak.>> Prime stated. Prime turned to go back to the meeting room. 

<<D-....70H67 is  planetside.>> they said carefully, <<Their capabilities  in combat are->>

-annoyance- <<Impressive, but not singularly unique.>> Prime replied, <<Do as I say>>

Prime left. Alpha went back to  their screen, and got DH back on the line. 

-concern- << Orders?>> DH asked. 

Hold position, fortify defenses. Prepare for incoming sonic. Was what they should have said. They weren’t sure if DH was in a position to fortify defenses, but it would be something at least.

They opened their mouths to give the ordered, stammered for a moment, then stopped. Their heart was racing, their chest hurt. What was this? Prime was obviously correct - in the grand scheme of things, even if it was a 100% fatality for them, their own  soldiers were easily replaced, and the resources on that planet were unique. It’s value far outweighed that of their soldiers. 

-confusion- <<Retreat>> they found themselves saying. << regroup on Sol-Victor-3-Luna-2. Await orders.>> -concern- << Retreat fast.>>

-worry-confusion <<What’s wrong>>

-worry- << Prime wishes to use the sonic device without delay. Get off the planet before it’s used.>>

They cut the communication,  and turned to go back into the meeting room, but their stomach hurt strangely. Their heart was still beating too hard. They had disobeyed a direct order. Why? What would they say to prime? They couldn’t lie they- 

Alpha stepped into the meeting room, and saw Prime already on  their own screen, speaking to their weapons department. 

-compliance- << Understood Lord Prime. We will engage the sonic device immediately.>>

-irritation- <<Very good. Await further instructions momentarily.>> 

The screen went blank. Alpha stood  in the doorway, frozen with horror as they stared at  Prime’s back, their ears down in fear.

-Irritation- << Do you  mind telling me why you disobeyed orders?>> Prime  said. 

-Fear- sorrow- desperation- << We have good soldiers on that planet!>> -anger- << It’s a waste to just let them die like that!>>

<< You think I’ve not calculated their lives into my decision? Useful  soldiers, yes, but not more useful than the planet, and an intact reputation. They are all disposable.>>

-Anger- Rage- <<They. Are. Not.>> Alpha felt that pit of pain in their stomach, like they had swallowed hot rocks. Their heart was beating too fast. They were struggling to keep their breathing at a steady rate, <<They are good soldiers, and DH is a great leader->>

Prime’s ears went suddenly still <<DH?>>

-Shame- <<Apologies. 70H67>>

-Disdain-Amusement-curiousity << I never debated Their capabilities, But tell me what makes them more valuable than the resources on that planet, and my reputation?>>

-Anger-Rage-desperation- <<The resources -cannot- be unique. Their must be more somewhere else in the universe. Your reputation will be immediately fixed with our counter strike. My soldiers cannot be brought back to life>>

-confusion- amusement- <<No, but they can be replaced. They are not special special resources. They’re mass produced biological  soldiers>>

Not special resources. Mass produced. Hundreds of their soldiers writhing in pain as the enemy bore down on them.  Their heart hurt. They couldn’t breath. They felt the strength leave their legs as they went down to one knee as they gasped for air, hands  pressing in the center of their chest. 

Something is wrong , Alpha thought. 

With still, indifferent ears, Prime observed him for several long moments until  Alpha finally fell to the side, their vision blurring from hyperventilation. 

Finally, Prime reached for their call  button. A beep, followed by Prime’s voice, << Send medical to meeting room 405>>

Alpha looked up,  hoping Prime would help them. They were in so much pain, they were so confused. What was wrong with them?

Prime said nothing. Their ears bent and flicked, - Disappointment- disgust-

Chapter Text

Hordak’s breath wasn’t calming down. He hung back a little, letting Kyle lead the way, grateful that he wasn’t the only one who knew the layout of the Fright Zone. He was grateful to be lagging behind the rest of them; the others had been looking at him funny, and he was certain that his heavy breathing was obvious, despite the armor. 

There was static in his helmet. Glimmer’s voice came through their radio. “You’ve all been really quiet.” she said, “Is everyone alright?”

“Sewers are getting clogged up pretty good.” Mermista responded. “Hordak, what did you feed the Horde anyway.” 

Hordak had heard her, but his mind wasn’t really paying attention. 

“Hordak?” Entrapta’s voice ran out. That brought his mind to attention, and he noticed for the first time that Adora was looking back at him as they walked on. He turned on his radio. 

“Ration bars.” He said shortly. “Specially designed, has every nutrient you could possibly need. Synthesized by-”

“Ok. Just making a joke. Didn’t need a science lecture.” Mermista said with a groan. 

“Adora.” It was Glimmer again, “Everything going well with you guys?”

She looked up at Hordak again, then turned on her mic, “Yeah. we had to take a detour, so we’re taking longer to get to the landing bay. We should be there soon.” 

“How are we getting the ship out of there without it being noticed?” Glimmer asked. 

There was silence over the line. For some reason it didn’t occur to Hordak that he should have the answer, it didn’t occur to him that he should say something. 

He just needed his breathing to slow down.

It was Kyle who spoke up, surprisingly. “Uh. Well. If you need to make a ship disappear, we could do what we did with the transport we smuggled Hordak to Beast Island on.” He said, “If we can switch the location, have the lab ship designated as something mundane, like a refueling ship, we can take the refueling ship, and nobody will see it logged out and  think it’s strange, right?” 

“Jacob, you can do that, right?” Lonnie asked. 

“Already working on it.” Jacob said. 

“Hordak?” It was Entrapta’s voice, questioning, an unmistakable hint of worry in her tone, “Let us know when you get to the ship?” 

“Yes. Of course.” 

The static background of the radio cut off. 

“We’ll get there soon as long as we don’t run into any more clones.” Kyle said. 

Hordak’s armor had been doing well since the repairs. Last time it had glitched out had been at the Crystal Castle. This time, he felt it a few seconds before the pain hit, giving him enough time to drop the storage case in his arms before he fell to his knees with a strangled cry as pain ran through him. 

Everyone stopped. 

“Wha- What happened?” Kyle said, running up to him, taking out his taser, “Are we attacked. “

“No.” Hordak managed to growl, “My armor glitched. It’ll be fine.” He pushed himself against the wall, sat, and allowed himself long, deep breaths.

At least now he had an excuse to stop and let his breathing calm down. 

“The armor?” Kyle asked, panicked, “Will ours-” 

“No.” Hordak said, “No. Not the Horde armor. My armor.” 

“Well just take it off.” Frosta said as she ran up to them, “Do you really need two sets of armor?” 

“Yes.” He said. He didn’t want to explain. He didn’t want to explain how his damned, degrading, defective body was slowly falling apart without the armor. 

“Why?”

“H-hey!” Kyle said, “If you need a second for your armor to reset, why don’t .. uh.” He turned to Frosta, “Why don’t you and I scout up ahead?” 

Hordak nodded, but didn’t respond. He was focused on taking long, deep breaths. 

That was enough of a distraction for Frosta. Looked up at him and said, “Yes! Let’s do it! And If I see any clones-” She formed an icy fist over her armor, “I’ll crush their arm-bones!” She ran off down the hall, with Kyle running after her. 

Hordak remembered that Kyle had, on that day when Kyle and Scorpia had gotten him to Beast Island, seen him without his armor on. Even if he didn't know what was wrong with him, he knew how frail he was without his armor. He hated that anyone knew, but at least Kyle was helping now. 

Adora leaned against the wall, her arms crossed as she looked around, appearing every bit to be a lazy grunt on guard duty. “So..” She said slowly. “You gonna be ok?”

“The pain will pass in a moment.” He stated between breaths. 

“I don’t mean that.” She said, “You’ve been…not yourself since -” 

“I’m fine.” 

There was a moment of silence between them. Hordak thought she was willing to drop it and let him catch his breath. 

He was wrong. 

“You know.” She said, “It was pretty common knowledge among the cadets that the worst thing we could do to you  was to lie to you.” She said. “I guess that’s because you’re awful at it yourself?”

He didn’t respond. In truth, he was an awful liar. Among clones, there was no lying, the ears gave away any attempt at deception right away so he didn’t feel too awful that she had so easily seen through his deception. 

Ears. Clones. His breathing picked up. 

“.. if you’re injured.” She said carefully, “With the sword, I can probably-” 

He shook his head. “Not unless you think it can fix a defect in my DNA. 

“I’m not sure?” She said. She watched him as his breathing started to slow. 

“What..Lor-.. Hordak. Can I ask something?” She said. He nodded. “Back there. With the clones-” His breathing picked up- “You .. when we left, that they were just killed didn’t seem to phase you at all. You just talked about their ears.” 

He nodded, trying to keep his breath from accelerating again. 

“Why? Why was that so much more important?”

He took a while to respond. He didn’t know how he could properly explain this to her. He tried to control his whirling thoughts, the sight of the expressionless clones, the scars on their heads where their ears should have been was lingering in his head. He wasn’t sure he could properly explained how disconcerting an earless clone looked to him. 

“Do you recall.” He finally said slowly, “When we saw that Light Hope. When she spoke to me in my language, she projected ears as well?” 

“Yeah.. you said it was essential to your language.” 

“It’s more than that.” he finally said. “Among clone- Among my race. Chilacians, the ears have a variety of subtle movements. They add tone, inflection, and more complex meaning to the language-” 

“What?”

Hordak frowned, “To simplify.” He said shortly, “Without the use of ear movements, the language is blunt. Commands, and statements of fact.” he hesitated as he considered how to describe it more fully, or if he should even bother. “As well, there’s no means in the language to make statements of feelings. Those are portrayed through the ears.”

Adora stood upright and turned to him. “Wait.. you mean-” 

“On top of that.” He continued, “I… I am an exception. I forced myself to learn facial gestures when I was still under Prime, when I had to deal with diplomatic issues. I have been among people for decades whose faces are expressive and as such, Certain… ticks have become habit. But for most of my kind, for most of the clones…. There would be no need. The faces would remain more or less expressionless.” 

“...shit.” She finally said, “It’s like… it’s like someone gagged them and cut off their faces.” she frowned, “Wait.. it didn’t look like that had just happened-”

“No. The scar tissue was well healed over.” 

“Then it wasn’t punishment. You said they weren’t being punished, so why would they do that?”

He had been so caught up in what had been done that he hadn’t considered the why of it. He leaned forward, thinking. 

Why had their ears been cut off?

“Sir- Uh.. Hordak?” 

“I don’t know.” He finally said. “I’m sure I could come up with some theories, but I don’t know.” 

“But you were his second in command!” She insisted, “You must have some idea why he’d-”

“No.” He said. “I don’t. He’s made .. alterations before, but that’s always been to improve our natural bodies-”

“What do you mean?” She asked.

“I doubt you want the technicalities.” he snapped. Honestly, even if she wanted them, he didn’t want to go through it all. He didn’t want to reveal how defective he was. “That I can hold my breath for so long, for example. That I need so little to eat, that I need so little rest. There’s a variety of tweaks he’s made to strengthen the Horde. To make his soldiers perfection. He’s even performed such alterations on himself.” 

“Right. You said he has a backup body?” 

Hordak nodded. “Yes. He’s perfected a means to transfer a mind, memories, and consciousness into a new body. He builds the new body, and transfers himself into it before discarding the old one. I.. was positive that I had the ability to replicate the process, but never got the chance to test my theories.” 

“Wait..” She said softly. “Wait.. Was THAT what the creepy jars in your sanctum were??” 

Hordak felt his ears twitch under his helmet. “Jars?” 

“You know. The weird green things with the monsters floating in them. Were you trying to -” 

“Clone a new body. Yes.” He admitted. He didn’t see the need to hide that information. “But I could not isolate my defect, and any attempt I made to alter fragments of what I thought was the defective DNA was met with failure.” 

“... Is Imp a… like.. Is he what you’d have looked like as a baby?”

He frowned as he felt his ears flick down. “More or less.” He admitted. “But he wasn’t meant to be a replacement, just a primary test. I did not alter his DNA.”

“.. But he’s been around longer than I can remember! Shouldn’t he have… you know.. Grown?”

“It… was not a perfect replication. As I said, I never perfected it. Imp was the closest I got to a living clone.” He clenched his fist as all the failed experiments ran through his mind. “Imp, for some reason, does not grow…. I’ll not bore you with the technical aspects.” Entrapta had enjoyed the explanation; the stunted glands that rested in the head, and their minimal hormone production had been fascinating to her. 

He doubted Adora would be interested. 

There was a silence between them, and Hordak realized that his breathing had slowed. He pulled himself up to his feet, testing the movements of his arms and spine. There didn’t seem to be any lasting issues with the armor. 

“Sir… Hordak, I-” 

The sound of footsteps interrupted her. From around a corner, Frosta ran down the hall towards them. A moment later, a staggering and gasping Kyle followed her. 

“Where does she have the energy.” He gasped as he approached them.

Frosta ran up to Hordak, “We made it all the way to the exit to the landing place.” She said quickly, “And there was nobody the whole way! If we hurry, we’ll get there in no time!” 

Hordak nodded, and picked the storage crate back up. He wasn’t sure what Adora had been about to say, but he was glad that she had been interrupted. He remembered how Scorpia and Kyle had looked at him when they got him out of his damaged and disabled armor. Horror and pity. The horror he could take. 

The pity, he could not.

------

The lab ship was inconspicuous enough as it was. It was just a plain white ship with green tinted, mirrored windows. It had limited speed capabilities, no weaponry, and while it may have had the tech needed to, say, repair a damaged portal, it did not have the ability to power a portal on it’s own. When Hordak got to it, he realized that this one was likely an older model - it didn’t match the appearance of the newer, sleek chrome fighter-pods that were landed near it, and there was obvious damage to the port side which must have been suffered during landing in Etheria. All that explained why nobody had come to the ship since they landed - it would not be leaving Etheria. It was scrap. Junk. Broken. 

To Hordak it was the most beautiful piece of machinery he’d laid eyes on in a very very long time. 

“This looks like junk.” Frosta said next to him. He didn’t take his eyes off the ship. 

“This ‘junk’ holds the mysteries of the universe inside it. Technology beyond your comprehension, bio-tech, medicine, robotics, not to mention every scientific journal that’s been produced in the wider universe up to the point it came to Etheria.” He reached out and rested his hand on the side of the ship just over the panel that would open the door. For the moment, the earless clones were forgotten. 

There was a sudden buzz of static. Frosta’s voice echoed over their radio line. “We got to the ship.” She said, “But I think Entrapta’s going to be angry.” 

Hordak turned around confused as he looked at Frosta. Entrapta’s voice echoed over the line, “Why?? What did he do? Is he hurt?”

He managed to see Adora’s shoulders shake slightly as she suppressed laughter. Oddly, he didn’t care. He was already thrilled that he had this ship, hearing her voice, hearing concern in her voice, concern for him? His ears flicked down and warmed up, and his chest felt like it might burst. 

“Because the way he’s talking about this thing, I think he has a new girlfriend.” 

A chuckle ran over the line. Hordak felt his ears burn as he growled and opened up the panel. He took a chance on an older passcode and was rewarded by the beep of the door as it swished open. 

“Well.” Entrapta said, laughter still in her voice, “I can hardly blame him for that. So long as he shares with me.” 

Chapter Text

Though the outside of the lab ship was dirty and battered, the inside had been kept as clean and sterile as Hordak would have expected of the Horde. Rows of cupboards were magnetically sealed, all the supplies hidden behind the blank doors. He had no doubt that everything behind those doors were sorted alphabetically, neatly, and carefully. Drawers were under the sterile white counters, filled - he knew- with tools for experimentation, research, and if necessary, surgery. Overhead, the white ceiling’s brilliance was broken only by the tiny nozzles that would, with the press of a button, activate a sanitizing mist in case of contamination, or a spray of fire retardant chemicals if necessary. All the fun stuff was hidden away, and to Hordak, every closed door or drawer was a present waiting to be opened. 

Hordak wanted to run around and open up everything. He wanted to pull everything apart, and see what he had to play with, the new advances, new technology, the old technology that he’d be missing for so long. He wanted to take this whole ship right to Entrapta immediately. He wanted to see her hair puff up in excitement, her eyes grow big, and sparkle with anticipation. 

It took an incredible amount of will power to simply stalk over to the main computer, sit down on the computer chair - so comfortable. Ergonomic, the perfect height, padding in all the right places for his anatomy - and hit the power button. 

“Get in.” He said to the others, “Close the door.” He said without looking. He turned on his receiver. 

“We’re in the lab-”

“Oh!! Tell me all about it! Does you have the 3D Printers you told me about that time? The genetic synthesizers? The- “

“Entrapta, when we get this back to Brightmoon, you and I are going to spend hours pulling this thing apart and cataloguing every. Single. Piece of tech it has.” He hesitated, and glanced under the now fully booted and ready to work computer. “But yes, it does seem to have a 3D printer.” 

There was a pitched squeal of excitement. Painful, but also, music to his ears, “Oooh, I have so much I want to make, the first thing I’m going to make is-”

“Later, I promise.” Hordak said quickly, feeling his ears flick. He leaned forward- the last clone to use this computer still had his I.D on the screen, but the password wasn’t there. He pulled out the keyboard and started typing rapidly, trying to figure out the password. “How is the work with the electrical sabotage?"

“Oh! It’s done. Sorta. Almost. I mean, I could make everything blow now, BUT, I figured out a way to hook up the electrical systems to my data pad, so once this is done, I can make this cause all kinds of problems. I can make it all glitch at once, OR I can make it glitch over time and cause a bunch of little problems over time. I figured that would be less obvious than a big explosion… Though I would like to see what some of this would do if it did happen to explode” 

Hordak felt his ears tilt up, and a smile grace his face. “Excellent.” He said. “You’re brilliant; as always.” 

He heard someone behind him give an “Aww.” and his ears burned suddenly. He cleared his throat, and turned the radio on again. 

“Princess Mermista- “

“Mermista is fine.” Her deadpan voice echoed back. 

“ Mermista Then. How’s work in the sewers?”

“It’s all gone to shit.” 

Hordak sat upright in his chair, put a hand to his helmet. “What’s happened? Are you compromised, and do we need to evacuate?”

There were several long moments of silence over the radio. Finally, “Hordak. I’m in the sewers. Making a mess of the plumbing... It’s a joke.” 

He gave a deep sigh, resting his face in one hand. “Everything is going well then, I can assume?” 

“Yeah.. they’re not going to have a good time-” 

The voice of the Fright Zone’s former chief, Luk, came over the radio. “Especially since I snuck into the systems for the drinking water and accidently dropped some raw chicken that I just stole from the freezers into the water reservoirs.”

“You did what?” Hordak asked, confused, “Wait. How did you get to the water reservoirs?”

“Sir, we found ways to sneak around the Fright Zone undetected in the time we’ve been hiding.” Jacob’s said over the line. “It’s not ideal, and - no offense- you and Scopria couldn't manage it.”

“OK.. that makes sense.” Hordak said carefully. “But… why chicken in the water?”

There was a cacophony of voices over the radio suddenly, a shrill pitch of feedback that hurt Hordak’s ears and made everyone else cry out. 

“It makes most Etherians sick.” Luk said again. After a moment, he added, “In a way that will tax our already damaged sewage system. It’ll be messy.” 

Hordak was very glad he wouldn’t be around for that. “I see. Very good. Jacob?”

“I’ve switched the location of the Lab ship and an old carrier. I’ve not seen anyone approach it since it was parked, so I don’t think it’ll be noticed any time soon.” 

“Excellent. Mermista, take your group back to Queen Glimmer. Entrapta, check in when you have the electronics finished up.” 

“So. I have a question.” Glimmer asked, her voice echoing over the static, “Am I teleporting us all to the Lab ship thing before teleporting back to the dead zone, or-” 

“Once everyone is done and accounted for, you’ll teleport back to the dead zone with everyone but me, Adora, Frosta, and Kyle.” He glanced over at the flight controls at the front of the ship. They were a little different than what he was used to, but the Horde interface was easy for him to recognize. He’d be able to fly this back to the dead zone no problem. “I’ll fly the ship to the dead zone. After we’ve regrouped, we’ll head back to Bright Moon.” 

Behind him, Kyle groaned, “I’m still not positive they won’t just throw us into the prisons.” 

The computer chimed as one of the passwords worked and brought him to the main screen. “Bright Moon doesn’t have prisons.” Hordak said as the various systems booted up. He started working his way to the shared files, shared computers, looking for Prime’s computer. “They have modified guest bedrooms. With balconies.” 

“... That doesn’t sound secure.” Kyle said slowly. 

“I know!” Adora chimed in, “And they don’t have showers, they-” 

“Wait, what? They don’t shower?”

“They only have baths! There’s fountains in a bunch of the rooms, little mini-waterfalls, but they’re just meant to look pretty, not to drink from or bathe under or-”

“That…. That seems incredibly wasteful!”

“It is.” Hordak agreed as he found Prime’s shared computer. A part of him said the same thing it had said earlier, ‘ too easy’ but he ignored it for the time. What were the chances that Horde Prime had an alert on these files? He had no reason to have an alert - All these computers displayed their language, Chilician, which wasn’t exactly shared with anyone else for security reasons. Horde Prime believed Hordak himself to be dead, and clones simply didn’t rebel and break into his personal files. 

He tried to open Prime’s files. Password protected, of course. And while the computer in the ship allowed him multiple tries to get the password right, he had no doubt that after a few tries to Prime’s computer, he’d be locked out, and Prime would be alerted.

Hordak decided to try the stupid easy method. Could he make a copy of Prime’s computer files, save it to the Lab ships database, and simply try to access it later on? He attempted, but the computer beeped angrily at him, a dialogue box popping up. 

“That didn’t sound good.” Adora said. She had been in the process of explaining how the beds in Bright Moon were too soft to sleep on. Hordak disagreed that they were -too- soft, but they were needlessly soft.

“The computer demands administrator credentials to make a copy of higher level password protected files.” He said as he rested his fingertips back on the keyboard. 

“So… we’re out of luck?”

“Not at all.” Hordak said, “I used to be an administrator.” 

“And your password still works?: Kyle asked, his brows shooting up on his face in surprise, “That seems like a bad security flaw.” 

“It would be.” Hordak said as he gave the computer the password for Prime Alpha, “But the passwords are assigned through rank, not person to person, and if you lose your rank, you’re generally either not able to access Horde computers anymore, or you’ve been executed.” 

The computer chimed, and started making it’s copy. It would take a while for it to copy over - Hordak wasn’t just getting HIS files, he was getting everything. Most of what was in Prime’s computer wouldn’t be important to him right now, but he could sort through the needless files once he got back to Bright Moon.

“Sir?” 

Hordak looked up from the screen towards Adora who was looking in horrified fascination at something that looked like a mechanical spider with a long needle protruding from it’s underbelly. “What’s -this-?”

=============

Horde Alpha’s heart started to beat rapidly again, but the med-droid that was sitting on their arm picked up the change in their heart rate and quickly injected them with some kind of drug with a thin needle that slid easily and painlessly into their skin. Moments passed, and the dull fog that Horde Alpha had been floating in for the last day returned. They relaxed on the flat med bed that they had been set in earlier with their heart pounding, struggling to catch their breath. 

They didn’t like being drugged, but this was better than the pain, gasping. It had been humiliating when they were brought in. They hardly knew where they were , and they had been crying from frustration and pain. 

They had hardly even been able to think. They felt as though they had been drowning in a chaotic whirlpool of thoughts and worries, clutching out and trying to just grab one thing to focus on - and failing. 

The drugs helps. They didn’t know why but  everytime their mind seemed to clear that same feeling crept over them. The chaos  in their head returned. Their breathing increased. their heart felt like it was trying to escape their chest. Even on the drugs, they still had that feeling in their stomach. They could only compare it to having swallowed a hot rock that was burning its way through flesh.

Something was very wrong. 

Were it not for the fact that they were Horde Alpha, they’d be worried. There was something seriously wrong with them, and even a higher ranking clone would be in danger of being scrapped. But not Horde Alpha. Not the left hand general. 

Not them. They were important. They were successful, smart, and Intelligent. They had been the only one to come close to matching wits with Horde Prime, offering ideas and viewpoints they hadn’t considered. They would not be thrown away.

Deep in a drug haze, they heard a com screen signal in. Or was it out? Was someone calling in or out? Did it matter? Communication would happen. 

<<Status report.>> the voice of Horde Prime said over a speaker. Horde Alpha felt a surge of hope. The disgust that Horde Prime had shown earlier as they had been on the ground, gasping, that was to be expected. That would be all in the past once they were fixed. Once whatever was wrong with them was repaired. Once they were back to normal and doing their duty, Horde Alpha was certain that they would never see that look on Prime’s face ever again.

<<Horde Alpha isn’t eating.>> The voice of the medic said back in a crisp, indifferent tone. <<Complaints of stomach problems. Supplied nutrients intravenously.>> They didn’t recall that, but as they turned their heavy head to their right arm they did in fact see a line feeding something blue into their bodies. <<Primary analysis suggests multiple superficial erosions in the stomach lining. Medication has been intravenously, and within days symptoms should elevate.>>

<<And the other symptoms>>

<<Source unclear. Permission to perform a full examination?>>

A full examination would include a variety of scans, blood tests, DNA tests, and exploratory surgery if everything else brought no answers. They wondered how long they would take to recover after all that. 

<<Unnecessary.>>Primes voice cut back through, <<Get the hordak healthy enough for combat, and send it to the front lines>>

Hordak.

It. 

The spider on their arm picked up a sudden increase of heart rate, and hesitated for a moment before it went back to observation. Too close to the last injection. No more drugs for Horde Alpha

No. Not Horde Alpha. Hordak. Hoooooord-ak. Garbage. Mistake. Failure. Dispose at soonest convenience. Hordak.

They didn’t notice the communication cut off, but the medic came over to their bed, and took the bot off their arm. No point in wasting the good drugs on a hordak. They watched as something was put into the tube that feeding nutrients into their bloodstream. They didn’t know what it was, but they were certain it had something to do with Primes order to send  them- 

-Send the hordak-

To the front lines. It was wasteful. Wouldn’t it be better to just let them starve? Why waste the resources to send them out into the front lines?

And why. What was wrong with them. Why were they being thrown away.