Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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So the Horde was evil. Wow- who would have thought? Catra and every other soldier, yes- they knew of this already. Adora though? Certainly not. Not while she’d been stuck living in her pink, delusional cloud.

And her apparently now ex-best friend had already warned her back in Thaymor of this. But no, Adora. Let’s listen to good ol’ Shadow Weaver instead because she always told the truth. Catra was the liar, remember? That’s what her commanding officer made her believe.

Adora groaned. Today was such an insightful day to be reckoned with. 

The universe did take pity on her to be finally gifted with the truth. No, scratch that. To finally accept the truth.

It had been hard to swallow that her one true home was actually not the place she’d credited it to be. Restorers of peace, they said. Fighting for Etheria’s unity, they said. 

That was all but trash talk. And Adora had eaten each single lie and invested her whole life in a parade. At least, she’d served as a laugh show for the ones needing some joy in the miserable lives they carried on.

The tired blonde trod with heavy, slow steps back to her barracks. Her whole body was sore. Muscles aching as her joints scraped with one another. The uneasy smile of Scorpia still lingered in her mind. A soothing reminder that at least someone in this messed up rabbit hole had the guts to be human. And treat others as such.

There was also her squad. Lonnie, Kyle and Rogelio, while more close with each other, they at least had never treated her with disrespect as the rest. Sadly, she had lost the hint of familiarity she had with them ever since she’d been promoted as force captain. And that was Adora’s fault as she’d let Catra’s absence influence her and make her obsessed to get her back no matter if her friend at that time had screamed that she didn’t want to return. 

Thinking more about it, her main fault was actually letting Shadow Weaver mess with her head and grow distant from everything and everyone.

Become the perfect soldier, to sum up. Adora didn’t want to be the perfect soldier. To carry the title of the golden girl. Not anymore at least.. even if she still churned for the approval and admiration she gained from it.

She should have seen the signs. Notice them! There were red flags everywhere since the moment she could remember herself as a child. Her squad had tried to make her be wary. Catra always shared her displeasure with Shadow Weaver’s ambitions. If one could call them that.

No wonder she’d left. Sure, the Horde was evil, she got that now, don’t get Adora wrong. But the mistreatment Catra got only doubled the odds to have her defect. Sure, her friend could have told Adora earlier of what the Horde was doing instead of letting her carry on with her fantasy, that would have been nice of Catra. However, Adora should have wanted out from the Horde the moment Catra’s punishments tripled at the age of eight. 

Yeah. A very long long time ago she should have grabbed Catra, her squad and defected. 

That didn’t mean she would have them joining the princesses. She was still cautious of them. Sure, they were trying to defend their homes from what she’d gathered but that didn’t make the bedtime stories of them not true. 

Okay, maybe Catra didn’t seem to be having issues with them at all. But Catra was strong! She would tear down any princess who wanted to harm her before she let them touch even one tuft of her main. 

Then again there was the other thing. That Catra was a princess herself. Adora still had a hard time processing that. Even if three weeks had passed since the appearance of She-ra.

After today’s revelation, Adora realized that She-ra was actually a force to protect Etheria. She no longer believed the false conspiracy of She-ra absorbing the energy of a host to bend Etheria under her will. And the cherry on the top, that she wiped out of existence the host in the process, a.k.a Catra. Looking at it as an outsider for once, that scenario was perfectly crafted to have Adora hate She-ra and be mad with Catra’s safety. 

Shadow Weaver played her well. 

If Catra had been there when being told the lie, she would have laughed and label their mentor’s excuse a SW’s trashtalk. 

Adora’s lips slightly quirked up at the silly thought. The blonde felt compelled to incorporate the magicat’s antics if she wanted to fight back Shadow Weaver’s influence over her -despite that being easier said than done-. Catra was always the best judge of people out of the two of them.

Adora missed her. The nostalgic feeling she’d tuck in the back of her head when she saw her friend today in Salineas sprouting out and lingering in her mind faster than she could hold it. She can’t believe that she had been bent over heels to hurt her friend in order to bring her back to a place where they hurt her. Both physically and mentally. That was anything but what a best friend did. 

The lump in her throat tightened. Adora had already thrown in a trash can her old taser. She wanted nothing to do with it. The mere thought that she’d already tased Catra more than three times was making her inside out churn in disgust with herself.

Two laughing cadets passed by her. The one boy with brown hair slightly stumbled on her. The duo paused at their tracks to see who they bumped into only to remain frozen when their eyes met the badge pinned in Adora’s bright red jacket. Terror washed their faces. 

For a moment Adora saw in the kids’ faces herself and Catra when young cadets. In her position, she imagined Shadow Weaver standing menacingly in front of the youngsters. It was too familiar. This whole scene. The only difference was that the blue haired boy with onyx bangs covering his eyes stepped forward and put a comforting hand on his friend’s shoulder.

The action was silent, but the message was clear and loud as day. If they were to be chastised for mistreating a force captain then they would both be taking up any punishment that it was due. They were on this together.

Adora felt her eyes stinging and watering. The realisation that she had not stuck up to Catra when it really mattered hitting her stronger than the time she’d crushed into a tree with the skiff she’d borrowed -yes, she’d still borrowed that thing- as Catra’s screams pierced her heart when falling off the vehicle. The mistreatment they’d both gotten from Shadow Weaver, mostly Catra though, now finally out in the open without the excuses and upfronts. 

Stars. She’d been a terrible friend. And as gullible as ever. She wanted nothing more than to wail and break down. But that would have to wait.

Maybe- maybe she could still do something right. 

Adora sent the trembling kids a gentle smile. One that she’d almost forgotten to master after three weeks without Catra in the Horde. She ushered them off with a wave of her hand, “It’s alright, cadets. Proceed with the rest of the evening as it is to your liking, but stick to your schedules tomorrow.”

The cadets in question tilted their heads. As they filtered through the order or more like permission huge, bright grins covered up their faces. Adora forced a small chuckle and lifted a finger in her mouth. The kids parroted her movement, making funny shush sounds before leaving in muffled giggles and definitely taking a corner that didn’t lead to the training grounds.

After all, a force captain’s allowance of having a day off was above your every day instructor’s word. 

Adora’s smile fell off once the kids vanished off view. She already got the nerves of what would happen if they were caught playing by Shadow Weaver. She would be as bad as she was to Catra, because of course Adora never did wrong. 

Not like Adora didn’t get punished however. She just got.. a different type of scolding. Her punishments usually were diffused. Silent when they occurred. She didn’t like discussing them with anyone, not really. Not even Catra knew what they held in content and for the matter no one was supposed to as the golden child shouldn’t have any flaws.

Either way, she’d still gotten it way better than Catra.

The blonde sighed and carried on with her parting. A new firmed feeling settled at the pit of her stomach however, her eyes now flashing with new found determination and courage.

This time she would be brave. This time she’d stand up when she saw wrong. She’d lost her chance with Catra but maybe she could still right her mistake. For instance, if the two cadets from earlier were to be found she’d take full responsibility of excusing them from their duties -as she’d done so either way-, with the addition however of stepping up for the cadets’ right to feel like kids every once in a while.

Besides, it was widely known that cadets’ activity doubled by expecting a treatment for their hard work. 

Adora nodded at the guards guarding the force captain barracks. They in return saluted in respect -yes, as force captain she was credited with esteem but only when she brought victory to the Horde-. Despite failing to take over Thaymor, Shadow Weaver had planted to everyone’s mind that her first mission that came with her promotion had been one of their greatest successes as it provoked the awakening of the ancient hero of Etheria; She-ra, which meant that the rebellion pulled out their last winning card.

In other words, her mentor fed every soldier’s ego and there– her failure was hidden under the rug like mere dust. 

Despite not feeling well with it, Adora didn’t intervene on correcting the situation. To admit that the Horde was actually endangering its winning position by not exterminating She-ra would put Catra in danger. On the contrary, Adora would maintain things as they had. That secured her place as force captain for the two weeks ahead before she’d be bound to invest in a new plan.

A plan that bore good results to the Horde.

So she had time. Time to actually not get herself mixed with Etheria’s destruction. Adora wanted to bring unity to Etheria. Not destroy it. And as much as she’d like to defect, to throw all her work worth of years of discipline and self-control, even if it dearly pained her, she’d figured it wouldn’t benefit her. Not in the slightest.

To bring down a mighty foe you had to be from the inside to know when they’d strike. And this is exactly what Adora would be doing. She would monitor behaviours, schemes, weaponry routes, learn more about the propaganda she had been forced to believe as the truth and stay passive. But not too passive enough as to be caught on her inactiveness. Because Adora was always doing something.

For now she would be taking a week off with the excuse that she’d got sick today at Salineas, when trying to keep their ship floating which was partly true- she’d tried her best not to let their ship drown only for a mother’s shriek to startle her when her kids got almost blasted by one of their canons. The same twisted feeling in her gut that she’d gotten back in Thaymor had resurfaced and plagued her body. And that had been enough to let her get distracted and not see the blazing ship of the rebellion crushing theirs. 

The rest was history. Once in the Horde, she’d instantly break into the Horde’s database and scavenge its files on Salineas. And then the ones in Thaymor. All the destructive missions of civilian villages and captures of innocents had flashed in her eyes. It felt like she’d been thrown a couple of hard bricks. Suddenly everything made much more sense. 

Thus how Adora discovered the real nature of the Horde. She’d lie low for the next few days, trying to also accept fully that her home was not as saintly as she marvelled it to be. And do absolutely nothing to help it achieve victory. No planning, no files to analyse, no scouting readings. Zilch. 

Just deep breaths, not lash out to anyone in the Horde that she knows what they’re really doing and try to decipher what was true and what was not.

Adora would not be played like a fool again.

Once at her room, the blonde threw her covers on herself and planted her face in the stiff pillow. Her feet were cold. She tried warming them up by hugging her knees and pressing them to her stomach but to no avail. They were still cold.

First her best friend left her -no, she’d left the Horde, but a traitorous part of her did tell her that she left because of Adora too even if she didn’t understand exactly the reason-. And now everything she’d believed in since getting rescued as an infant was all but a lie.

Adora burst into sobs. She didn’t try pushing them down. Not anymore. The three weeks had been a nightmare.

She’d try her best to stop the Horde’s plans. She just needed a moment. Everything would turn out alright. And Catra would be finally safe.

And Adora would be watching from afar her friend’s happiness.

No longer would she persuade Catra to join the Horde. 

Even if it tore her to be apart from her. 

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Chapter Text

~1~

“Augh!”

An anguished shout came out of the Black Garnet’s chamber. The thud that followed brought sheer silence. Only the faint crackling of lightning and the plumbing system gave the setting a sense of livingness. Albeit it was far from reassuring. 

The heavy door of the chamber grunted as someone opened it. Hesitantly. A blonde peeked slowly inside, blue eyes taking into the still scene before them. 

At the fallen form of the Horde’s malicious commander Adora sped inside.

“Shadow Weaver!” she called out. Kneeling down, Adora reached to her commanding officer only for the older woman to hiss and swat the sweaty hands. With a groan, Shadow Weaver tilted her head to the floor and she passed out coldly. 

Adora remained in position for the following two minutes. Watching her mentor’s breathing pattern being shallow but repetitive, the blonde gradually stood up. Her face dropped the concern it previously held. Instead, Adora felt repulsed with herself. 

Try as she might, she still cared for the wicked sorcereress. At least, she now didn’t excuse her actions.

Taking into account the state of her mentor, Adora could only assume that she failed on her objective.

Shadow Weaver herself couldn’t get Catra back.

It was ironic how the woman who had once wanted the magicat out of her sight, disposed of, now fought tooth and nail to regain her.

Adora glanced at Shadow Weaver. Her fingers fidgeted as she tapped her left foot, urging her to call for the medics. Her eyes however showed merely apathy. Adora breathed out of her nose. 

No. She was no more Shadow Weaver’s loyal lackey. The woman fought and lost fairly. She’d have no help from Adora when she could help it.

The blonde let out a dry chuckle. It was funny how a few weeks ago she’d jumped at this opportunity to prove herself to her mentor. She’d made massive improvement since she’d learnt the truth. It wasn’t easy. Not at all. It was still rough at times not to carry out orders with her best demonstration. But Adora could see herself slowly walking out from some unhealthy patterns.

Catra had been right. She was a people’s pleaser. Much to her dismay.

Adora proceeded to walk towards the cauldron of the witch. There she saw Catra with her two new friends, -Glimmer and Bow?- if she recalled correctly.

A stab pinched her heart. While she was bliss that Catra was getting the treatment she deserved, that didn’t mean she wasn’t sad that she wasn’t beside her. That she wasn’t one of the reasons for her current happiness.

Adora sighed and shook her head. Well, she could at least help retain Catra’s safety. And not just in mere words this time. That was enough for her. Should be enough for her.

She felt a wave of sassiness taking hold of her tongue. Cockiness spread like an infection. Adora decided she liked this one feeling. If only it made her feel better with herself. Better than the mess she became when she weeped.

For a moment her brain worked against her heart. Her eyes narrowed in concentration. She soon grinned.

Chasing down Catra was pointless. Not when she didn’t want to be caught.

To get Catra you had to set bait. And make her believe that she could get away with it upon setting it.

“Oh, dear commanding officer,” she spared a look at Shadow Weaver before her eyes landed on the cauldron once more. “If you want to get through Catra–” Adora began and gently moved her fingers to get a close lookup on Bow. Then Glimmer. 

The blonde gave a pensive smile, “–you have to tackle what she appreciates the most. Even if she doesn’t admit it to herself.” 

She paused. Did she just suggest a plan against Catra? No she– Adora groaned. Yes, she did. Curse the many years of planning sessions with Shadow Weaver! Curse her need to be a good soldier.

Adora slapped the contents of the cauldron and the image of Catra lounging with the two rebels vanished. She pressed her lips tight and quietly excused herself out of the room. 

She wished Shadow Weaver a slow recovery. What a bad influence she was..

… … …

“Is everyone in position?” 

“Yes, cap’! We’re all set.”

“I still don’t want to be here–”

“Kyle, shush! No one asked.” 

“But I’m freezing!” 

“Augh.. please end my suffering..”

“Don’t worry, you guys. Once we get back home, not only will we be warm, but we will celebrate over the contraband we bring with Adora too. Right, boss?” 

Adora jolted her wicker bag, “Affirmitive.” That nice, old lady from the woods had gifted it to her when she’d attempted to well.. get to Brightmoon and whisk Catra herself. Before the expedition in Salineas. Because she’d been that sure that her friend was being held against her will and brainwashed. 

The blonde cringed with her past self. But at the same time she got where old Adora came from. Thankfully, -or not, Adora wasn’t certain- the woods had prevented her from finding the palace of the enemy and had instead led her to a crammed and odd cottage where a granny was busying herself scolding someone. Upon seeing her, she’d begun scolding Adora. Or Mara. Adora didn’t know what to make of it so she’d let it slide when she corrected the lady for the fourth time and it still fell to deaf ears.

Regardless, the old lady, Razz, after hitting her once with her broom, had been kind enough. Weird, but kind. While she still didn’t get why she awaited Cy’ra to bring sugar and Mara to come help her with a pie of all things, Adora had spent a nice evening with her. She’d even helped her with tidying up the woman’s cot -though she had a haunch that Razz made a mess again the moment she’d left-. 

As a token of appreciation, Razz had insisted on giving her a weird shaped container. She later on learnt from Scorpia that the container was a bag. A wickered one to be precise which made the process of making it even harder. Adora needed a moment to process things at the reveal. No one, apart from Catra, had ever gifted her anything. Usually, Adora had to be of use to earn something -and no, the cleaning up was barely any help-. So gaining anything without pushing herself to her limits was weird. Refreshing even ?

Still, Adora felt guilt crawling at her. If she met Razz again she’d be sure to prove herself for the gift. She’d work extra hard as a way to compensate her.

But right now, she could use the bag for something good. Scorpia had reassured her that taking food that most luckily would end up in the trash was not stealing. With a heavy heart Adora condoned that she would get as much contraband for the squad as possible. Everyone had been thrilled to hear that. It made Adora regret less her decisions. 

After the guards of the Snow Kingdom deemed the two force captains non-threatable and weaponless they allowed them permission to pass. They pushed the double doors to take in the sight of the throne room. 

It was gorgeous, the view greeting them out beating each and every fantasy they might have had.

Tall, icy crafted pillars set on various spots in the grand room. Crystals perched on the ceiling’s corners shone in different shades, illuminating the dance floor. The orchestra was jamming to the civil chatter and light-hearted jokes. The delicacies of the evening stood out the most to the blonde. They looked as if they’d come from another realm. 

Overall, this was the opposite of the Fright Zone. The temperature was the most striking difference. While the horde soldiers were used to boiled weather from the armoury factories’ smokes, built beside the cadets’ designated house facilities, here it was extremely cold. To the point you envied the animals’ thick fur.

Even if Adora felt mostly fine, she couldn’t blame Kyle’s complaining. Thank the stars the guards of the estate wore coats. That way, Adora could stay calm and not be greeted with a frozen Kyle and a freaked out Lonnie when back from the prom

While still in awe with the new environment, Adora let herself be pulled inside by Scorpia. The scorpioni appeared to be engrossed with the setting too, albeit she was no doubt more excited to participate in the event. Even if nervous that she didn’t exactly match the other princesses it was evident she’d be dying to give the prom a go.

Meanwhile, Adora’s awe faded to be replaced by trepidation. Anxiety crawled at her. Stars, what was she doing here again? 

Right. Shadow Weaver told her -no, demanded her- to attend as Scorpia’s plus one. While Adora fathomed that she had to keep up pretenses and declare she was with the Horde, willing to serve it, that didn’t mean she wanted to participate in a prom of all things! Filled to the brim with princess -who, yes, they weren’t as awful as she’d first thought, Scorpia being a great example of this, but that didn’t deter her from feeling uncomfortable and intimidated to hang around them-.

It was still debatable whether all princesses cared for Etheria’s unity.

Adora took a deep breath. She and Scorpia were climbing the stairs to greet the hostess. It had taken hours to go through the invitation’s rules, but Adora had managed. She made sure that nothing would pass past her and she’d make great research on the kingdom’s princess, digging into each and every Horde file. Also, she and Scorpia had practiced all kinds of bows, settling for the ones to show the utmost respect without scarring their dignity.

They were ready. Adora was ready. 

And then she could carry on with her evening sulking in a corner? That was a good plan. 

Adora knew that they’d actually come to the prom to wreck it. Shadow Weaver had instructed them as such before sending them off. But of course Adora wouldn’t do as such. Now even more as she took into the joy in everyone’s faces. Even if she slightly envied all the grins she was met with.

A small part of her did rebel. Telling her that all these high ranked people should be actually stuck in their respective battle rooms, organising missions to fight back the Horde. Not just party. 

But wasn’t the princess prom every ten years? How many chances did these people get to relax when the Horde was breathing down their neck? Surely, they deserved a happy occasion. Nevertheless one that happened each decade.

Such thoughts reminded why Adora was this on her own. She didn’t need to relax. Not when she had just started. She wasn’t going to stop till the Horde was stopped. Period.

Which is why the heat bombs Lonnie had sent Kyle retrieve were stripped of their fierce warmth and less destructive. It was the most difficult thing Adora had to do. Act. Convince the mechanics of the supply route to minimize the force of the bombs’ explosion with the excuse that the loud sound would be utterly obnoxious and would lead her squad to disorientation, becoming easier to get caught by the rebellion. 

While at first the men didn’t agree with her plea, the stern frown they’d received, mixed perfectly with the threat, that they would be sent to Shadow Weaver personally, if the mission failed, were enough to persuade them. Adora couldn’t stop smiling behind their back on how she’d finally made a good act! 

She had wanted to share her achievement with Catra when.. 

She remembered that she wasn’t there.

Whatever. Catra was safe where she was. That’s all that mattered. And Adora was managing without her. Somehow.. She had to. There was no other way. Not one that could keep Catra out of harm’s way and Adora not crumbling inside.

Adora focused on the present. The pair reached the altar and dropped to a bow. “Revered hostess,” Scorpia greeted sophistically -which sounded perfectly delivered and one that HAD to impress the princesses. Adora was a proud teacher-. Adora counted under her breath to three and they rose. They were met with the image of a child, perched high on an icy throne.

For a moment the blood in Adora’s head burnt, affecting the rational side of her mind. 

She then realised. The reports on the princess never specified her age. But Adora hadn’t thought she would be met with a child!

Adora gasped. “That’s Princess Frosta? She’s only–” Scorpia grabbed the blonde tightly to give a squeezy grin. The music stopped and the crowd turned their heads to take into the commotion. 

Frosta raised an eyebrow as if challenging the force captain to continue her statement. “I’m only what?” she asked in a monotone tone, reserved only for royalty. 

Scorpia chuckled nervously, firmly keeping Adora in a side-hug. The blonde’s eyes widened as she caught whiff on what she had been about to exclaim. She pressed her mouth shut. Scorpia glanced at her, seeking for help. Adora didn’t trust her mouth.

Frosta expected a reply. Scorpia took the lead, her chuckles dimming a note, “Uhh, you’re– you see, oh gosh, ehh, lemme think, uhh- only- only half warm, yeah, only half warm than what your reputation persists. You look cold! Way too cold! In a good way– because.. because it matches your kingdom and powers! Of course! That’s what my dear colleague meant, uhh, no ?” Scorpia paused as Adora shook her head hard. 

Calling someone cold was NOT a good thing.

Then again calling Frosta a child in front of everyone would have been way worse.

Adora felt like turning to a paddle. Scorpia beside her gulped.

Surprisingly, Frosta’s mood didn’t worsen. In comparison she looked quite satisfied with the answer she got. “As a monarch I pursue to be addressed with as much prudence and respect as any other solemn governor despite my young age. I worked hard to be standing where I am. Your observation, Lady Adora, would stand miraculously correct.” 

Adora and Scorpia let go of one another. Adora cleared her throat, “W-Why, thank you, Princess Frosta.” She inwardly sighed out of relief. She took a step forward, bowing her head as she did, “We’re here tonight in this ball which is hosted under its ancient rules and in your gracious land. It is an honour for both of us to be attending your ceremony.” 

Frosta opened her mouth to deliver them off, when a sparkling figure popped up beside the duo of force captains. 

“Princess Frosta! They’re from the Horde. You can’t let them stay–” Glimmer declared and again the attention was brought upon the throne. Adora stifled the urge to let her eye twitch. Instead she pushed one strand of hair behind her ear.

Ohh, trust her, if Shadow Weaver hadn’t set her up, Adora would have very much stayed out of this prom thing.  

A second figure walked up the icy altar, their moves as sly as ever. A tail brushing just barely coyly on the freezing floor. Catra emerged, setting herself next to Glimmer, giggling as she did so, “When I said stop sulking in the suite and instead get to be the gremlin you were born to be, I definitely didn’t mean that. But it’s a start.” 

Adora perked up at Catra’s intrude. She was by no means prepared to see what she saw.

The magicat was dressed in a fine, silky, onyx-maroon suit. Her mask still perched on her face, but going strongly with the set Catra had picked. Bright, fuchsia cuffs adorned her forearms, showcasing a set of familiar brown stripes and lean muscles. Her usually wild main was tonight kept in a low right-side ponytail, whilst her iconic, gray tuffs remained in place looking polished. The black tie was undone -purposely, knowing Catra- showing just the slightest chest tuft and black socks covered her well-trained feet, though her claws were still in full view.

Overall, Catra was captivating. Adora gulped. She suddenly felt undressed in her red dress.

She felt Scorpia beside her freezing as well. Her cheeks were red. Adora sensed her own face warming up. So it wasn’t just her, huh? Catra had to definitely be doing something to make them feel unwell! Yes, that’s it.

But why did that sadden her? Did the scorpioni perhaps feel spiders in her stomach too? Adora had thought that it was a thing only she and Catra shared. Why did Scorpia having the spiders too felt like a violation instead of relief that she wasn’t in fact coming down with an illness?

Catra’s eyes landed on her. Adora knew right away that she was screwed. 

“Hey, Adoraa~ Fancy meeting you here,” Catra smirked and crossed her arms. Her tail lashed behind her. A sign that she was agitated. Agitated about what? Adora used to read Catra like an open book. 

Now though? 

She pushed those thoughts aside. Trying to keep her cool, she rolled her eyes, “Catra..”.

Scorpia looked at the two. Adora paid her no mind. She instead watched Glimmer in her own purple short dress getting madder by each passing second. 

Finally Frosta addressed the princess of Brightmoon. “And why would I not let them stay?” she breathed that question with criticism layered underneath it. 

Glimmer gritted her teeth, “Because they must be up to something! The Horde is always here ready to cause destruction.”

Scorpia looked like a kicked puppy. Adora tried hard to restrain herself from tackling the infuriating princess. Scorpia was the only person in the Horde not looking for destruction. She was merely a victim to it since her family had given her up to Hordak.

Adora though? While not abiding with the Horde she was still there. Given a choice to leave and yet was still willing to eat dirt in the mouth. Even if she was doing that for the right reasons that still didn’t make her a saint.

So excuse her if she didn’t want Scorpia’s name on anyone’s mouth. Especially in Glimmer’s. 

Catra sauntered to Glimmer. She leaned on her as she put an arm on her shoulder. “Oh, Sparkles, relax. Scorps here is with Adora. Do you really think that goody two shoes of a soldier would ever not abide by rules?” 

Catra shot a suggestive glance at the blonde. That felt like a straight verbal attack. Adora averted her gaze, shame crawling inside her, but she didn’t show it. Instead she firmly restated, “We’re not here to steer trouble. Princess Scorpia was given an invitation to join the princess prom and I joined her as her plus one. Our reason for attending is not different from the rest of this event’s participants.”

Glimmer groaned. She opened her mouth to throw her next wave of accusations. Frosta raised her hand, stopping her. The hostess frowned at Glimmer, “Princess Glimmer. As I assume you know, if you’d read your invitation thoroughly, all princesses of Etheria plus their plus ones are welcomed to enjoy the princess prom with no discrimination or judgement. If you feel violated by a presence you are more than free and welcomed to walk out. But till this night ends, Princess Scorpia and Lady Adora are humble guests of mine and will be staying. Have I made myself clear?”.

No one dared to make a remark. Adora and Scorpia were left speechless by the strong speech. Catra herself appeared to be eyeing the princess with a new found interest even if she’d taken a tiny step back. They all waited with bated breath for the result of this interaction.

Glimmer in lieu blinked in shock. “But–” she tried to counterattack, but Catra shook her head. Glimmer sighed and gave in as she crossed her arms and glanced at the floor with guilt, “Crystal clear. Forgive my intrusion, Princess Frosta.”

Adora was shocked at how Glimmer’s volume decreased in an instance. Today was not her day. Adora sympathised. 

“Good,” Frosta replied and let herself relax her stance. “You may all proceed with enjoying the festivities. Leave conflicts at the door,” she gave one last pointy look at Glimmer and then shooed them away. 

The pair of duos walked down the stairs. Glimmer’s fists tightened. She glared at Adora, “You may have fooled everyone, but you aren’t fooling me. I will be watching you, horde scum.”

She spitted and turned on her heel to probably burst in peace. Catra spared the force captains a look, eyeing their locked arms just for a second more before she whistled her way out, following Glimmer.

That left Scorpia and Adora alone. 

“What was that..?” Scorpia brought a pincer in front of them and whispered. Adora shook her head, the absence of Catra already making her sad. “No idea. Best we stick out of it,” she had enough drama already on her plate.

Scorpia nodded. For a moment they remained in perfect silence, watching the rest of the party flowing.

In the end Scorpia did pitch one last thought, “The sparkling princess’ threat is a bluff or will she be really watching you?” 

Adora gave it some thought. She surprisingly ended up chuckling. “I think she is just not having a good day. Which is good. That means she is distracted more than usual.”

She stretched a bit and sighed in content. The dress was wearing her out. The gleam in her eyes was still there. Adora’s mind raced and she addressed the scorpioni, who was eyeing her with curiosity, with a calculating look. “Either way, if she has her eyes on me that leaves you in the clear to do the job,” blue eyes locked with the red gems on Scorpia’s belt. They looked oh so innocent.

That little act would spite the princess so badly.

Adora caught quick on her act. She breathed through her nostrils and let an irritated grumble. She did it again, didn’t she? Stars, she needed to somehow snap out of the soldier moto. Also, it was too immature of her to antagonise with a princess that clearly needed more time to grow out of her baby phase. 

Adora put her hands on her hips. Her face now a grimace. Right. She wasn’t exactly here to wreck the ball, but she also wasn’t planning on giving herself away. The bombs with the new adjustments didn’t pose a threat, but they would still scare the participants. If they carried the plan now, the prom would end rather sooner.

Adora was fighting for the safety of Etheria, but somehow she found caring for a stupid ball too. Hurray.

Now how would she convince Scorpia to postpone their plan? 

Thankfully, Adora didn’t need to test her acting skills once more.

Scorpia scratched her neck at the mention of the plan, “Oh, right. Yeah.. the plan,” she parroted with obvious disdain. It was clear she didn’t want to ruin the happy occasion too. 

Which was exactly what Adora needed! Scorpia not wanting to abide by the plan without having to persuade her. Luck was finally on her side?

It was ridiculous when you put more thought to it. Force captains, high elites, sent to disrupt a.. what had Scorpia called it? Ah, a party. That didn’t sound like an advantageous move. In fact it would only provoke the enemy side. The rebellion would instantly tighten the security in their borders. The guard patrols would double in size even. At least in the kingdoms that had guards.

Seriously, what was Shadow Weaver thinking? Also bringing chaos to a party would not have Catra come back willingly in the Horde. Did her mentor believe that Catra would be furious for such stunt? On the contrary, she would be joining them if she didn’t have fun at the prom.

No, Catra needed other methods to be caught. Adora knew so. She’d suggested one already. One she was regretting deeply and wouldn’t be sharing to anyone anytime soon.

Something didn’t match her subordinate’s orders. They were lacking their usual tact and cruelty.

Adora marched to her.. partner in crime- colleague? –friend would be a big word, one that she wasn’t ready to face but it did match and patted Scorpia’s back. “Hey. We still have time till we have to ka-boom this place,” she emphasized on the ka-boom part with an explosion sound effect. Scorpia stared. Adora was quick to add, brushing the loose strand of hair aside, “Why don’t we enjoy ourselves?” 

Scorpia’s face regained its glow, “Really?”.

Adora smiled warmly. She was doing it more lately with her squadron and co-captain. It felt right. “Yes. I mean Shadow Weaver said she wants this mission to be a success. She never specified when it needed to be executed.”

Technically, the success of a mission would include the speed of its conclusion, but Adora didn’t need to bring that up. As much as her consciousness told her to take back her statement and carry out Shadow Weaver’s orders, Adora shushed it and tucked it under the rug so as not to bother her.

Scorpia’s grin was worth this sacrifice. 

The scorpioni hugged the blonde tight. Adora felt the air of her lungs leaving her. She stuttered, “S-Scorpia..”.

Scorpia gasped and released the poor force captain. “Right! Sorry. I forgot not to apply too much pressure and ask before hugging you,” she remorsely chuckled. Adora steadied her breath. It was in check now. 

She wasn’t used to such close body contact. But as she spent more time with Scorpia these past few days she didn’t seem to mind it. This specific moment Adora felt bold. 

“It’s alright, Scorpia. Go have fun and mingle. Shoo,” Adora elbowed playfully the scorpioni who nodded frantically and sped off to the dance floor.

Adora’s smile didn’t disappear once Scorpia left but it did thin. Great. She was alone. With orders on hold, a party filled with people who wanted to out her and an empty basket. 

Oh. She’d forgotten about that.

Adora eyed the buffet table. Her stomach rumbled. It’d been a whole day since she’d last eaten. The preparation of this undercover quest had been driving Adora insane. But now that it was in motion, Adora didn’t find herself feeling guilty over filling her stomach. The buffet was large. And the guests appeared alright after digesting the colourful contraband.

The blonde spared a look at her basket. Then at the buffet. It was a bee-line.

Adora cut the distance.

… … …

Adora was in heaven.

There was no other explanation. Either she hit her head hard and was now delusional or she somehow died and she transferred to the greatest place in Etheria. 

This food in the Kingdom of Snows was anything but the tasteless ration bars back in the Fright Zone. Here colour had texture, flavour, frosting layers or spicy tints. It was nothing that Adora had experienced before.

Sure, she’d known of contraband before this, but she had never dared to try. Too afraid to disobey orders as a cadet and too strict on herself once force captain. Adora should not let herself enjoy the benefits that came with her promotion. She had been there to serve the Horde and not have a good time.

How much Adora wanted to slap old Adora. This was euphoria. 

After she had given half of the appetisers a test drive Adora had been quick to fill her basket with goodies for the rest of her squadron; Lonnie and Kyle who currently guarded the doors of the palace’s throne room and Rogelio who had been sick to join them and was currently hidden in a closet only Adora’s squad and herself knew.

The reptile’s mood would lift when he saw the loot they brought back. 

Adora couldn’t wait.

For now she continued eating like there was no tomorrow, bluntly ignoring everyone else’s stares. They could mind their own business. Adora was minding hers just fine.

She had no idea how each treat was called, but she favoured each and every one. She found herself favouring a specific food that was too soft on the inside and crusty on the outside. It was definitely sweet as she tasted the sugar under the smooth brown topping that she licked with her tongue out of her lips and the colourful tiny sticks melted in her throat with delight.

Adora finished her last bite of a white squishy thing drenched in a yellow sticky glue of sorts and her eyes wandered upon the last remaining dishes she hadn’t tried. Shame there were a few left. That meant she would not have an excuse to stay more in this ball.

Oddly enough just tasting contraband had been a great pass of time.

If you ignored the fact that alongside it Adora had been spying on Catra. 

She was so close after the passage of one whole week and a half! Could you blame Adora for wanting to stare at her while she could? Especially in that suit she wore.

Catra was always beautiful but tonight? She was a catch! Adora knew when to appreciate a good set-up. 

But why did her grip on the food tighten when she saw others admiring Catra? She should be happy for her, shouldn’t she? She had dozens of fans like she should.

Adora did miss the time however when her vote of confidence was enough for Catra’s smile to lighten up a room.

Adora took in the rest of the ballroom. Turned out Glimmer’s threat on watching her had been indeed just her tongue doing the talk and not her brain as the princess of Brightmoon had not made an appearance after the fiasco with Frosta. On the other hand, Bow was like the spotlight of the event, talking to every guest. Strange how these two weren’t attached to the hip like they were used to.

She wasn’t going to comment on how Catra and her were the same case. Nope. Different story.

Speaking of her, Catra had been surprisingly absent too for the most part. Sure Adora kept track of her but only caught glimpses. The magicat would periodically walk up to Bow to talk back and forth before disappearing in the shadows again. Each time Catra appeared, Adora’s eyes lingered on her. 

Was it her or was she feeling hotter than usual? Did Scorpia already put the bombs in action? The blonde turned around to spot the scorpioni only to find her mesmerized by a waterfall. 

Kind to think of it.. what was a waterfall doing here? Did people out of the Fright Zone bathe in public? For what other reason would a waterfall be there? Adora felt weird. And grossed. She cocked her head back to the buffet only for something to tickle her left side.

Adora moved violently forward to grab the first utensil she got to attack her assaulter, but the familiar raspy giggle put her on hold. Blue eyes met a pair of heterochromic ones. Catra smirked and put a hand on her hip.

“Woah, tiger. Hold it now. We’re on neutral ground. Surely, you wouldn’t want to anger the hostess by attacking an innocent,” Adora frowned and put down the fork she’d grabbed. Slowly. Without breaking eye contact with the other woman.

She crossed her arms and leaned on the table. “What do you want, Catra?”

Catra rolled her eyes, hands put in her pockets, “Always straight to the point. You’re no fun, ‘dors.”

Adora’s shoulders slightly loosened at the mention of the nickname. It had been so long since she’d heard Catra calling her like that. Justified however. This was actually the first time they were speaking in person since Adora had accepted the Horde as it was. The organization aiming to conquer Etheria rather than unite it. Yada yada. Old story by now.

Adora sighed and uncrossed her arms. “My apologies. I am not accustomed to big events such as this. I admit I’m kind of.. stiff.”

Catra spared the blonde a look. She was a trembling mess when watching the crowd from afar. “No kidding.. you look to be on the verge of a breakdown,” the magicat declared. Adora almost damaged her neck by how fast she turned herself at Catra’s direction, “Excuse me?”.

“You heard me, dummy. You’re ready to cry your heart out,” Catra carried on, smirking.

Adora tilted her chin up, “I don’t feel like crying.”

Catra laughed, “Sure. Your eyes tell a different story though.”

Instantly the blonde checked her eyes to see if they were indeed watering. When in fact they weren’t she glared at Catra who had doubled herself in laughter.

“Ha, ha. Very funny..” Adora sarcastically responded to which Catra wheezed. The blonde stifled the quirks of her mouth to tilte upward, but she was failing miserably. 

“Aw, so you still smile,” Catra said when once collecting herself. Adora felt her face again flashing. She hadn’t taken a jacket to cover her arms and back and now here were the side effects. Maybe she was indeed getting sick. 

Adora tried to scowl, but Catra’s hands had found her mouth and were dragging her lips on a persistent smile. Adora tried to bat the magicat’s fingers off. “I’m doing you a favour, princess. You look better when smiling. Leave the frowning to the experts,” Catra snickered and when Adora tried to bite one of her fingers she yelped and let her go.

The blonde massaged her mouth once it was free. She was now certain that her flu had gotten worse. Adora should definitely back away if she didn’t want Catra to catch what she had. A word however of Catra’s made her pause. 

“Princess? Who are you calling a princess?” 

Catra sighed in an adoring manner -one that Adora didn’t quite understand- and shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know. How about the imaginary person beside you?” when Adora flipped her head to the side, Catra added in exasperation, “Obviously you, ‘dors.”

Adora’s heart skipped a beat. Her stomach churned with a feeling she couldn’t decipher.

“Huh. Last time I checked you were the princess here.” 

Catra would retort if not for the music to subside in volume and Frosta to be called upon her throne. “As per the known tradition that binds this ball, I now announce the start of tonight’s first dance.”

Shrieks and cheers followed suit. People instantly sped in the ballroom as the orchestra dipped and came up melodious as ever with an infamous waltz. Couples swayed side by side. The lights now soft, tracked each attendant and followed the participants as they danced with vigor. 

Adora found Scorpia nearby admiring the scene unfolding. Her wistful gaze made it evident how bad she wanted to join, but she was most luckily afraid due to her being.. different from the rest. Not only by affiliation but by species too.

The blonde would have honestly tried to lift up the scorpioni’s mood by maybe suggesting that they danced together. However, even if she had read by a handful the steps of the waltz, Adora couldn’t bring herself to enter the dancefloor. It was threatening enough to be within so many people. Dancing alongside them, as she tried not to miss the slightest step, would be catastrophic. Not only for her but for everyone else too. 

Adora would ruin the ball! 

So she would stay tucked where she was. Maybe she could ask Scorpia if she wanted to dance with Lonnie, -yeah, Lonnie, good idea-, when back in the Fright Zone. Even if alone in a room, Adora was a terrible dancer. She was glad that Shadow Weaver didn’t include dancing in her training agenda. That wouldn’t have ended up good. 

A tug in her hand brought her out of her terror. It was as if someone was testing how glued were her feet on the floor. One slightly more powerful tug proved that she was not putting as much effort as she should have and next thing Adora knew, it was Catra leading her to the dancing bodies.

No!! 

Adora tried to pull back, but Catra’s grip was strong. Stronger than what she remembered it to be. Should she be concerned? The magicat led them to the center of the room. Now Adora was certain she would faint.

“Catra–” she tried to pull away again. The number of bodies already gave her the creeps. Catra’s fingers interlocked with hers. Adora met Catra’s eyes. 

“I got you. Please. Stay.”

Adora stayed in place against her better judgement. A new song began to play. The two hit it off right away. They put their left hand behind their back and grabbed each other by the right. They began circling each other.

Adora focused on her steps. Catra chuckled in front of her as the blonde mistepped the next two sets. “Eyes on me, ‘dors. Trust me, it’s better that way,” she advised and blue eyes found hers.

They fell off as if they were in a trance. They soon interlocked both hands and found themselves closer to each other. Catra genuinely laughed. Oh, how Adora had missed that laugh. It was beautiful. And soothing to her ears and heart.

The girls broke apart. While Adora already knew that this was gonna happen she still got startled when Glimmer grabbed her hands and angrily glared at her. 

“I don’t know what game you’re playing with Catra, but I’m not letting you again break her heart.”

Adora quirked an eyebrow. Break Catra’s heart? What was the squeaky girl blabbering about? Was she referring to Thaymor? When Adora had turned down Catra’s request to leave the Horde? No, that couldn’t be.

See, Adora was oblivious to a lot of things. But she knew how to read some situations. And one of them was the moment Catra had asked her to turn her back on the Horde. 

The thing there was that– Catra hadn’t asked Adora to come with her. Only to just abandon her only home. While Adora wasn’t sure that Catra hadn’t wanted her by her side she had some suspicions. A gnawing feeling. That. Or it was her low self-esteem talking. Either way Adora was certain that Catra wasn’t devastated that she didn’t join her. 

She had been a bad friend after all. 

So no. Adora couldn’t comprehend what Glimmer was talking about. Adora twirled Glimmer and scoffed, “You’re spluttering nonsense. Whatever trick you’re trying to play, it won’t work on me.” 

Glimmer gasped in offense. Then she took one good look at Adora and gasped again.

“Wait– is that one of my dresses?!” she yelled and Adora’s eyes widened in shock. 

What?

Before she could get answers she was met with a tall, platinum haired girl dressed in a soft pink cocktail dress. Flowers draped her wavy hair and adorned the layers of her garment. She was a sight to behold. A true, fresh flower. However Adora was more mesmerised by a previous magicat’s entrance.

The flower girl interlocked hands with her and they circled each other before Adora grabbed her and pushed her up so now she was in mid air. 

“Hey. Would you perhaps have seen a black haired, tan boy with a cropped top? It’s been a while since I’ve seen him and I’m worried so I am really asking anyone,” the girl asked. Adora’s brain was automatically put in motion. She then recalled where she was and who she was talking to and she shut her brain.

This was the princess of Plumeria. A princess. She was dancing with yet another one. Just her luck. But she seemed strangely enough nice. And she was searching for.. Bow? Who else had the right mind to expose their stomach in such a freezing place? 

Kind to think of it, it had been a while since Adora had seen him.

She gave the other girl a timid smile, restraining herself from dropping the princess and running away, as she shook her head and let ehh, Perfuma, right, gently down. “Sorry. I didn’t catch sight of him. I hope you can find him though,” she politely replied. Perfuma, even if worried, gave her a smile of her own. Just as she realised who Adora was and her face paled they swapped again partners.

It was starting to get dizzy.

Thankfully a familiar weight settled on her chest. An elegant purr vibrated through her. Catra gave a sly grin as Adora grabbed the magicat’s hands from behind. The blonde raised an eyebrow.

“You know, I hadn’t thought I would have fun tonight. At all. However..”

Adora yelped in shock when Catra broke from her embrace. In a flash Catra had grabbed Adora’s right hand and left side and dashed them straight to the floor, dipping the force captain. Adora almost lost her balance. Her hands found salvation in the magicat’s neck, wrapping them tight as not to fall.

They stayed like that. Looking at each other. Catra was ethereal under the flash of lights. Her smile tugged on her lips with as much mischief as gentleness too. Adora was caught off guard. 

She’d never seen Catra so soft before. She looked good. Adora admitted she liked seeing Catra relaxed, having a good time. 

She then recalled their position and Adora couldn’t help but flash once more. Catra holding her like this had chills running down her spine. But also, she felt flattered. Or more like flustered? 

Wait- why would she be flustered? No, Adora wasn’t making any sense. Her brain wasn’t functioning properly. 

Catra pulled them upwards. Instead of putting distance however she kept one hand on the blonde’s arm. She gave her infamous laugh. “Oh, man, that was a blast! What do you think, ‘dors?” 

Adora tried to speak. She opened her mouth then closed it. She couldn’t put her thoughts in words. Catra laughed again. This time fondly. Adora felt her heart aching. It’d been so long. Catra and her. Spending quality time with each other. And at a place with witnesses. That one was new.

Catra didn’t seem to mind. For a moment it didn’t matter on which sides they were. For a moment they were just Adora and Catra. Catra and Adora. A force to be reckoned with. A bond that could never break.

Adora hoped that Catra felt the same. The connection. Maybe then Adora could mend their relationship. Perhaps Catra would give Adora a second chance to prove herself to be a better friend than she had been.

Maybe if forgiven, Adora.. Adora would leave the Horde. Maybe join the rebellion? To be with Catra. Maybe she had read the room wrong and the magicat did want her with her, just didn’t admit it.

Then she remembered her squadron and Scorpia. Shadow Weaver being after Catra’s demise even more fiercely should her golden child defect. Adora couldn’t. Couldn’t have what she yearned for. She had to do what was right. And in the long run Catra would understand.

If only she could talk to Catra freely about it. The two of them seemed to be doing better now. They communicated for once without arguing. Maybe Adora could share her plan with her. She would greatly value Catra’s insight. And it would be great to have someone acknowledging that she was in fact not with the bad guys. 

Adora rubbed her arm. She took a deep breath. Catra beat her to it . She still wasn’t done with teasing her.

“You know. When Glimmer said you stole her dress, I didn’t believe her. But seeing it better now, you sure did! It fits you better. Better than it did me,” Catra squeezed Adora’s arm, winking at her. Adora spared a look at her dress, then looked at Catra. She tilted her head, puzzled.

“It’s whose dress?!” Adora exclaimed with shock, suddenly recalling how her interaction with Glimmer had concluded. Catra realised that the blonde hadn’t known at all where she got the dress and burst again in laughter.

Adora, despite being embarrassed at the reveal, could forever listen to Catra laughing.

Oh, she was going to kill Lonnie and the rest back at the Fright Zone. They’d said to her that they had found it dumped in a closed clothing store back at Erelandia. Not in the closet of the princess of Brightmoon. 

She hadn’t wanted to wear it at first, preferring her regular clothes or her uniform, but Lonnie had threatened her to burn her jacket if she didn’t comply, Rogelio and Kyle agreeing with her. Her right sleeve barely escaped the flames. 

So here she was. Wearing Glimmer’s dress with some modifications of course to fit her. Adora facepalmed. 

“My sincerest apologies. I was told an entire different story about this garment,” she mumbled. Catra kicked her hand. “Why apologize? I just told you, you’re rocking this outfit.”

Adora was left speechless. “Sorry-! I mean, no- wait, that’s not it- you just said not to apologise so uhh, thank you?” Catra snickered. Adora punched her arm slightly. 

Blue eyes wolfed down Catra’s suit once more. Suddenly a memory flashed in her mind. A memory that held the same suit. No. Adora now remembered. She knew this set! Catra and her had whisked it away as a former force captain had taken the shoe and his former possessions were to be destroyed. Just before the janitor had grabbed the article of clothing, Catra had stolen it. 

At that time the magicat didn’t fit in the suit. It was too big. But now..

Now it fitted her perfectly.

Last time she’d checked however that suit was hidden near the sewers back in the Fright Zone..

And Catra was wearing said suit. 

Adora gasped as it clicked her. “You sneaked in the Fright Zone..” she frowned at Catra who let go of Adora and took a step back. She glanced anywhere but Adora, “Yeah.. so? Don’t make it too much of a deal.

Adora wanted nothing more than to berate Catra. What was she thinking? Going back in the Fright Zone with the possibility of running into Shadow Weaver? Or running into anyone for the matter. Everyone knew that she was She-ra. The moment they’d discovered her, the Fright Zone would have become an arena of slaughter.

Adora just freaked out by the mere possibility. 

She was set to scold, but bit her tongue. Adora almost forgot her place. Catra thought that Adora wanted her to come back. Not the opposite. So saying something among the lines ‘how reckless of you to intrude to the enemy’s base’ would not settle right.

Unless Adora shared with Catra that she acknowledged the cruelty of the Horde. Now it would be a good time to do so.

Catra appeared however distressed at the revelation. Her tail swayed faster than usual behind her. No. That hadn’t been Adora’s intention. She had to fix it. Adora’s lips parted, “You look stunning.” 

Catra’s eyes widened. Adora couldn’t believe what she just said. She cursed herself. Now was not the time to indulge in her silly fantasies no matter how wonderful Catra was. The magicat though, even if startled, lost her stiffness. She gave Adora a sincere smile, “Thx..” 

Adora could get lost in that smile.

The two stared at one another. It felt at peace. 

Unfortunately it was then that Catra decided to test the waters, “Hey.. I know you probably aren’t the one to ask, but Sparkles won’t stop being a nuisance if I don’t interrogate you–” 

Adora’s stomach dropped. Interrogate her? 

Catra didn’t catch the change of the blonde’s mood. She continued, “I know it’s silly considering you don’t break rules. That’s just your nature. Anyways, have your eyes caught Bow anywhere? He’s been missing for a while and Glimmer is certain that you have something to do with it.”

Oh. So that was the case.

Adora hummed. Okay, fair accusation even if it stung. She was with the Horde. But it was as Catra said. Adora didn’t break etiquette. Even if she’d wanted to she would feel guilty till no means. She felt relieved that Catra didn’t believe that she had anything to do with the archer’s absence.

Albeit this all started to sound familiar..

That meant Catra was still somewhat trusting her? Still clinging on to the familiarity they had.

Adora shook her head and responded firmly, “Princess Perfuma asked me the same question earlier. My answer is the same. I haven’t seen the tech-master since he’d left the centre of the venue.”

Catra heaved a sigh. Her smile grew in size. 

Then Adora’s com beeped and Kyle’s peppy voice beamed at full volume, “Adora! You’ll never guess who we caught!” 

Catra’s smile fell immediately. She’d heard the intercom. “Caught who?” Catra hissed. Adora was caught off guard

No. Don’t tell her– 

 *BOOM!!!* 

The whole palace shook. The guests began screaming and running to all different directions, trying to cover themselves from the crystals that fell. Frosta with her royal guards were instantly on the run, desperate to maintain order to protect everyone.

Adora cussed silently. Scorpia had put the bombs. Why? She hadn’t given the order. And why wasn’t the bombs’ power reduced down to 75% like she’d ordered? Also, was the room melting? 

Her plan to hijack her mentor’s own plan stood as a failure. The bombs were as deadly as they were originally requested. 

Adora felt the urge to help the terrified participants but since the bombs were in action she had to leave before her squadron was found. The blonde turned to leave but a hand grabbed firmly her shoulder. 

Catra glared at her. “Is this your doing?!” 

Not the Horde’s, hers. She thought it was Adora’s fault that the palace was falling apart.

Partly it was, but no. Adora didn’t concede with the used weaponry. This was anything but her plan. 

This was Shadow Weaver, no doubt. The memory in the garnet’s chamber hit Adora like a tank. 

Shadow Weaver must have heard Adora or had a shadow spy eavesdrop on her. This hadn’t been a mission to get Catra. This had been a test. A test of loyalty to her mentor.

One that Adora failed since the sorceress must have discovered the tinkered assets and replaced them again with the proper ones. Adora had lost before she’d started. 

Yet the plan was executed as it should have. So there was still a way to cover up her mistake. That didn’t make Adora feel better as the shouts of innocents rang in her ears.

The knife pierced into her had a double edge. Because not only did Adora succeed on her mission, but also her relationship with Catra was yet again shattering in front of her.

After the events back in Thaymor and Salineas, Catra was quick to expect betrayal from Adora. That much said her face.

This was unfair. Adora wanted to scream that she wasn’t at fault. But she couldn’t. It was clear that the situation didn’t vouch for her and going against the Horde now was a death wish. Not when they had most luckily captured Bow. 

Fate was cruel. Why out of all her plans the one she didn’t want to execute was the one being carried out in front of her eyes?

Adora couldn’t let Shadow Weaver hurt him. Or hurt Catra, because she would be going after Bow, no doubt. Like she always did for Adora when they were cadets.

Adora couldn’t let Catra get more hurt than she already had. So she chose the lesser of two evils again.

She shoved Catra to the side. Then fast as a bolt, she pulled out the orange pin that adorned her ponytail and shot it at a huge crystal chunk that had it fell just in front of Catra. The magicat rolled out of the way just in case. Adora could never hurt her however.

Catra shot up instantly. Her face scrunched in astonishment and betrayal. Adora was going to get used to that face. It was right here that she lost her only chance to open up to Catra.

She would be doing this alone. Just as originally planned.

Adora pressed her lips in a thin line. “Return to the Horde,” the line felt stiff in her mouth. She opted for something more genuine, lest she wanted to screw her act further. She had never been a good liar. 

“Come home,” she pleadedly offered, saying what oblivious and idiotic Adora would say. 

A part of her wanted Catra to come back. This time she would protect her. And they would both fix the Horde from the inside. 

But that was utopian. Before they fixed the Horde, Catra would get even more hurt. Moreover she would be stripped of the freedom she’d gained the past weeks. 

Catra didn’t belong in the Horde. Adora did. And she vowed to see it destroyed.

Adora watched with a blank stare, Catra narrowing her eyes. “You already know my answer, captain.” 

No nicknames. No fond tone. Not even her name. Just pure venom.

Adora deserved it. Even if she wanted to cry.

She turned her back to Catra. Her next words came as a choke. Her face disgusted with her tongue. “You’re misguided, Catra. I shall make you see reason,” Adora concluded. It was a miracle she managed this sentence without a stutter. She began walking out. 

Catra’s shouts gritted her ears as the blonde put distance between them, “Adora! This isn’t just about what you want! Learn to let go for once!” 

Adora stopped. She turned back to look at Catra who was trying to break free from the ice, clawing slowly her way out. 

That last sentence had hit a nerve. Adora for the first time replied genuinely- in a low, husky voice, eyes darker, missing their usual gleam, “It’s never been about what I want.” 

Catra shot her a glare with disbelief painted on it. Adora was glad to get this one out of her chest.

But perhaps Catra was right to call her out on letting her go. It was the one thing Adora could never do. No matter how hard she may try.

Adora ignored Catra’s yells and ran out before the guards seized her. A few tears ran at her cheeks but she paid them no mind. She tapped on her com and got in line with her squadron.

“Lonnie. Do you copy?” 

Lonnie responded, “Loud and clear, cap’! Figured out who we have in our hands yet?”.

Adora gave a laugh, but it held no mirth at all, “The tech-master?”.

Lonnie was quiet for a bit. “How..? Oh, shoot, wait-!”

Adora cut another corner. She tapped again at her com. This time with an inch of anxiousness, “Lonnie? Lonnie, do you hear me?”.

Lonnie came back. She sounded unsure, “Ehh.. make those two captives.”

Adora paused. She took a deep breath, preparing herself. “Who?”

“The princess of Brightmoon?” Kyle replied, he himself was nervous.

Great. There she went. With zero effort her plan was a success. What a joy..

Adora groaned, “Really..?”.

Lonnie was quick to justify them, “Hey, cut us some slack, she was asking for it!”

Adora dragged a hand on her face. If not then, surely now Catra was going to tear her to pieces.

Glimmer was right to be wary of Adora.

If she hadn’t broken the magicat’s heart back at Thaymor then she definitely did it now..

“Hey, boss.. about the contraband.” 

Adora groaned even more. She’d forgotten the basket! 

But she couldn’t just turn back now. “Sorry, Kyle. Lost it when the bombs got activated.”

“Ohh..” Kyle mourned the loss of food. Adora couldn’t do much unfortunately, even if she herself would later be devastated at the loss.

The loss of Catra was even harder however.

Adora stood now on an outside platform as she’d jumped from pieces of the ceilings that were magically restored to lift herself up. Her sandals squeezed at the implemented force. She almost made it to the edge when claws glistened beside her and her cheek got clawed. She tumbled on the ground. 

Adora’s eyes fluttered open to see Catra about to lunge at her. The blonde pulled herself up and dodged barely. Catra then elbowed Adora in her back. Adora groaned. She didn’t want to harm the magicat so she was mostly rolling out of her way. That put her on a clear disadvantage. 

Catra then made a mistake. She suspected Adora to remain in position when she actually moved the very last second at the side. The magicat would have dropped from the platform hadn’t it been for Adora to make a run for her. 

Adora grabbed Catra’s waist. Tugging the suit closer to her, Adora pulled Catra near her. They were now face to face. Their noses almost touching. 

The platform gave away and the girls fell. Adora screamed. They were definitely done for. Catra got out of her jacket a whip. Adora blinked. Catra had a weapon at the ball the entire time ?! Somehow that didn’t seem far-fetched. The magicat grabbed the blonde’s hand and threw her whip as a lasso to grab on the icy tip of what used to be a solid structure.

Catra tried to keep her breath under control. Adora marvelled at how Catra had acted fast.

She was.. so heroic.

Catra then bared her fangs at Adora. “Give me one good reason why I should not let you fall?” 

Adora gave this a hard thought. She came up with nothing. “I don’t have..” She didn’t. Not unless she revealed everything. But then again she wouldn’t be believed. Not after taking things too far.

Catra growled under her breath. “You’re unbelievable! Whatever. I’m going to get us up and then I don’t want to see your face for a while. Got it clear?”

Adora focused on their interlocked hands. For a moment she felt touched.

Then she heard Scorpia on her com. 

‘i don’t want to see your face for a while,’ echoed in Adora’s mind. She might as well abide by Catra’s wish.

She slowly let go of her grip. Catra incredulously stared at her, “What do you think you’re doing?”

Adora answered monotonically, her expression sullen. “A favour. You rescued me. But you still want me out of your sight. Think of it as a repayment for old time’s sake.”

Catra struggled to keep on holding Adora. “Are you nuts?! Or is brain damage contagious now?” 

Adora chuckled. Even if she whole-heartedly admired the sheer will of Catra’s, trying to save them both, Adora was sure she wouldn’t last longer. The whip wouldn’t sustain for long both their weights. 

“So long, Catra,” Adora yanked her hand off of Catra’s and let herself fall. Catra’s eyes turned to pinpricks. 

“Adora!!” 

Adora hated seeing Catra that frightened. 

The sound of whirring evaded her ears. She kept on falling for a few more seconds before she hit the skiff’s floor harshly. She winced as her ribs fractured with one another. 

That had not been a successful landing.

Adora rubbed her head and scooped over the place. Scorpia was driving the skiff as Lonnie and Kyle took care of two unconscious rebels; Bow and Glimmer. They had been both stunned by Scorpia’s sleeping venom, no doubt. 

The young force captain walked towards the skiff’s panels, standing next to a sleeping Bow. Soon enough the skiff accelerated and found itself out of the pit it had been hiding. Out in the air now, the skiff stopped to spot the still hanging magicat. Catra locked eyes with Adora. Then she spotted Glimmer and Bow and fear paralyzed her only for a second before it faded to growing rage.

Adora wanted to say that they would be safe. That she would not let Shadow Weaver or anyone touch them.

She could just hand Bow and Glimmer to Catra but her squadron and Scorpia wouldn’t appreciate that. Not after the effort they pulled to capture the hostages. Adora would have to let them escape incognito.

Instead she crossed her arms and mouthed.

‘We’re even.’ 

With that the skiff flew away. Adora was certain that Catra would be able to get back safe in solid ground. She was Catra after all. 

Adora let her tired body press on the floor. She was exhausted. Scorpia after putting the skiff on autopilot rushed to Adora to check on her. She reassured the scorpioni that she was alright. Just in need of a bandaid where Catra had clawed her and some rest.

She soon found Razz’s basket in the storage cup filled to the brim with the contraband she had packed. Scorpia had kept it as a surprise, admitting she’d grab it when Adora had given her the signal to put the bombs in action.

Adora asked in bewilderment, “When did I signal you to plant the bombs?” 

Scorpia scratched the back of her neck, “Uhh, before you joined Catra on the dancefloor? I saw you, you blinked, which was the signal, and I left in a hurry. But I grabbed the basket on my way out since you were kinda occupied.”

Oh. 

She’d blinked while staring at Scorpia. And she didn’t take notice of it. How fun.

Adora flashed red. That’s it. She was taking super special pills to fight off whatever cold she had. She was sick of all that needless warmth.

While Lonnie and Kyle devoured some of the food while keeping some aside for the victory party and Rogelio, Adora noticed how distant Scorpia became after mentioning her dance with Catra. It felt hypocritical of her to suggest she danced with Lonnie when she herself had ended up dancing with everyone else. Even if that had been without her consent. She still went out of her way and danced. 

Adora owed Scorpia some fun.

She nudged the scorpioni. “Hey. You didn’t get the chance to dance back at the prom with the plan and all hanging on your shoulders, which mind you, you did great–” she kind of wanted not to give credit for destroying the ball, but these had been their orders, so as an execution Scorpia’s effort deserved to be reckoned with respect.

Scorpia blushed. Adora seriously hoped that the illness they caught at the ball didn’t get worse. She coughed in her palm. “So I thought, how about you and I dance a bit back at the Fright Zone? Once our shifts end? I could bring an old radio which I definitely borrowed– and–” Adora stopped when Scorpia looked at the verge of crying. She sighed, letting a smile cover her face.

“Bring it on, big bug,” Scorpia launched at Adora and hugged her. Albeit gentler than last time.

As they drew nearer back to their base, Scorpia whispered at Adora. “Does.. does this make us friends?” 

Adora eyed the night sky. The images of Catra left hanging for her life still fresh in her mind. Adora didn’t think she could be a good friend in general. That didn’t mean she couldn’t at least try. Or let others be the judge.

Everything however was moving too fast. She needed some time. “Maybe.. I’m not sure I am ready yet to open up,” she mumbled. Before Scorpia could respond, Adora squeezed one of her pincers. 

“That doesn’t mean we can’t be. Just–” Scorpia nodded in understanding. She smiled, “That’s good enough for me.” 

Adora heaved a sigh and let herself rest on Scorpia. She didn’t sleep however. Bow and Glimmer served as a reminder that this night held bitterness in it.