Adora's Search for Honor Part 1: Chapter 20

Adora's Search for Honor
Part 1
Chapter 20

Previously: Frosta found herself homeless after a brutal battle at Castle Chill. Settling into life in the Whispering Woods has not been easy for the Empress. Perfuma found herself back at her home in the Whispering Woods after purging her body from the bloody brew shakes at the Crystal Castle. Sea Hawk and Netossa are new members of the Rebellion. Sea Hawk has also found himself in a bind, what with Hordak still pulling some strings and getting the pirate to do his bidding. Sea Hawk hates it, however he has no choice. Or does he? Prince Adam is a prisoner in the Fright Zone. Catra is a prisoner of her self. And Double Trouble recently became a prisoner after being caught as a double agent. Over on planet Eternia, Teela is on a search for her uncle Fisto, who may actually be her father...

Chapter 20

Inside Bright Moon, Frosta and Netossa sit at a large wooden table in the dining hall. Frosta is wearing a scarf around her neck and over her nose and mouth. Netossa is braiding some material together, carefully wrapping it around some bare wooden markers. The two have been silent working on honoring those who fell during the battle at Castle Chill.

Mermista eventually walks by, curious to see what they are up to, "Hello, what are you two doing?" Frosta mumbles under the scarf, "Finishing up some markers for meaningless graves." Netossa looks shocked, as Frosta continues, "Well come on darling, their bodies aren't even here. Such wonderful lives, utterly wasted." Sitting with the two women, Mermista looks at the work, "The lives aren't wasted. True, we weren't able to bury them in the Whispering Woods, but we will always hold on to the memories of the brave people who fought for your home."

Slamming a hand on the table, Frosta rolls her eyes, "I love you dearly Mermista, but what a crock. Chancellor Vivi had worked with my family for generations. He was an old man. Killed senselessly by the Horde. Netossa saw it all unfold. He never had a chance to fight." Frosta misses the man dearly, he was the closest person to her family history.

Reaching out to touch Frosta's hand, Mermista slowly speaks, "I'm truly sorry Frosta. I know this has been difficult, and what you are doing is wonderful. Honoring Vivi and everyone else is perfect, regardless if their bodies are here or buried under snow. That was my point, I was not trying to minimize your grief." Withdrawing her hand, Frosta mumbles, "My grief is just fine, darling."

Seeking to change the mood, Netossa jumps in, "Everything is very nice here. I have slowly become acquainted with the layout." Nodding and smiling, Mermista adds, "There is a lot to see. The Whispering Woods are a sanctuary of sorts for all of Etheria. People are always arriving for a safe place. We try to build as many bungalows in the trees that we can since there has not been much room in the castle. Bright Moon can only hold so much. I hope you have been enjoying your room?"

Netossa nods quickly, "Oh it is beautiful. I am thankfull to have a spot in Castle Bright Moon. I have truly enjoyed being here thus far." Frosta makes a slight grunting sound, "It is alright." Mermista smiles, "Frosta, you have a gorgeous room here. And by the by, why are you wearing a scarf over part of your face?" With eyes wide, Netossa jumps in again, "Don't bring that up!"

Frosta groans, "I have yet to get used to the smell. I don't know if it is the trees or the air, I just know the Kingdom of Snows never stunk quite like this place." Stifling a smile, Mermista looks at Netossa, "I have yet to really pick up on any smells. But I know I am glad that you are here Frosta. You too, Netossa." The three women continue to make small talk.

After bonding some, Mermista feels comfortable to ask a question, "Netossa, if you don't mind my asking, where are you from orginally?" Frosta works on a wooden marker as Netossa shares more of her own story, "I come from Midlaria." Mermista and Frosta both look at each other blankly, they have never heard of Midlaria. Netossa notices and speaks further, "Midlaria is a rather small town. We aren't known for much, though my family lives there."

Frosta and Mermista nod, they both think about the other small towns throughout Etheria. Those that have been destroyed by the Horde and those that remain innocent and untouched. Mermista does not know much about Netossa, only that Netossa had been at Castle Chill and a brief pirate on Sea Hawk's ship. "So how did you go from a small town to joining the ranks of Sea Hawk's crew while also meeting Frosta?" Frosta wonders this too. The icy Empress knows some things about Netossa's journey, though they never talk much about the details.

Netossa tells her story, "I grew up with a best friend. She was nicknamed Spinnerella. From a young age we both dreamed of leaving Midlaria to see all of Etheria. Nothing seemed more fun. Our parents were not thrilled about our plans, they did their best to forbid it. However after time went by, we found ourselves ready. We were going on holiday, to tour the world. Of course our tour took a brief respite in another small town that would be our home for a good while. We had such a great time, until the Horde arrived. It was pure madness..." Reliving the horrors of that night, Netossa shares her fears from the experience with her new friends.

Frosta is unable to work on the markers as Mermista and her both listen to Netossa's story, "Spinnerella and I were split apart. I tried to save her, to help. But all I could do was run. Like a coward." Netossa shudders at her actions and the massive beast that laid waste to the sea side village. Listening on in horror, Frosta says, "You did what you could. I am sure any of us would have done the same thing." Mermista adds, "After running, what did you do?"

Wiping her eyes free of tears, Netossa calmly states, "I found a way to survive. I went back, and there was nothing. I had hoped to see someone, anyone, but there was nothing. I do not know what became of Spinnerella." Mermista asks, "Do you think she went back to Midlaria?" Shaking her head, Netossa groans, "No. It would have been too long of a journey. And I refuse to go back home until I can at least have Spinnerella with me. If I walk back into my village and tell everyone that Spinnerella is gone... I just won't be able to do that. So that is my story. The wonderful town we stayed in was destroyed, Poft was no more. After that I had to survive, and one way of doing that was by being a stowaway on Sea Hawk's ship..."

Before Netossa can say anymore, Mermista interrupts her, "Wait, what was that Netossa?" Repeating what she said, Netossa speaks, "I became a stowaway on Sea Hawk's ship. I saw a chance to travel faster and I took it..." Shaking her head, Mermista persists, "No, you said something about Poft? Was that the name of the village you were at?" Netossa nods and explains that Spinnerella and her had been visiting the sea side village of Poft, before it was destroyed by the Horde. Curious about Mermista's response, Netossa inquires to know more.

Mermista looks on at Netossa, trying to figure things out, "I'm not sure, but I believe that some of the Poft survivors made it to the Whispering Woods awhile ago. I was away at the Crystal Falls at the time, but once I returned I do believe that there were some people fom Poft here."

Her heart is beating fast, Netossa whispers, "Was Spinnerella among them?" Frosta looks on at the two. Hanging her head low, Mermista says, "I'm not sure. I haven't really spoken to anyone from Poft." Unable to give up, Netossa stands up quickly, "Where would they be? Do you know if they are in a bungalow or the castle?" Sensing her urgency, Mermista quickly answers, "I am so sorry Netossa. I am not sure where the villagers from Poft are..." Frosta seems to recall something, "What about the healing bay?"

Mermista's eyes widen, "Oh that is right! There is someone from Poft in the healing bay. Minwu or Perfuma should be there, they have been looking after her regularly. The survivors from Poft said she liked to dance..." That is enough for Netossa. It's her, Spinnerella is alive, Netossa says to herself, quickly leaving her new friends for the healing bay.

Running through Bright Moon, Netossa passes people. Some stare while others try to move out of her way. The castle halls are awash in light. The sun shines brightly through the open windows. The rays reflect across the gleaming floors as Netossa's footsteps race across. Finally making it to the healing bay, Netossa nearly collides with Minwu. "Easy Netossa! Hold on, are you alright?" The healer does not know Netossa very well, so he is not sure what is going on.

Out of breath, Netossa explains, "I must see the woman from Poft. Which room is she in?" Minwu points down the hall, "Third door on the left." Before he can say anything else, Netossa races to the room. He goes after her, "Wait, Netossa, you need to understand..."

Netossa does not hear him. She runs into the room with tears streaming down her face. "Oh my, you are alive!" Netossa shouts with excitement as her eyes rest on Spinnerella. Propped up in a bed, Spinnerella has her eyes closed. Netossa stares at her friend, "Oh you are resting!" Netossa sits by the bed, not wanting to disturb her. I can't believe it, she is alive. She has been here this whole time, safe at Bright Moon, Netossa tells herself in relief.

Minwu walks into the room, "Netossa, there is something you need to know..." Netossa turns motioning for the healer to be quiet, "She is resting right now. I am so thrilled, this is my dear friend Spinnerella. I consider her my sister. You have no idea how happy I am." Netossa does not want to take her eyes off of her friend, though Netossa does not understand why Spinnerella has not woken up from all the noise.

Standing next to Netossa, Minwu apologizes, "There is something you need to know Netossa. Your friend has not woken up for some time now." Netossa does not understand. Doing his best, Minwu explains, "When she arrived, Spinnerella was unable to wake up. At first I feared she was dead, but her breathing and heart beat are faint. She is holding on. Unfortunately I have no idea how to wake her up."

Nothing makes sense for Netossa, "I don't understand. What can I do? How can she wake up?" Netossa looks at Spinnerella with a mixture of feelings washing over her. There is happiness along with utter sadness. After all this time, Netossa has been reunited with the closest person in her life. Only this important person is asleep for an indefinite amount of time. Looking around the room, Netossa notices all the flowers. She can feel the amount of love and care that has been brought into the space, "What is all this?" Minwu follows Netossa's gaze, "Perfuma has been watching over your friend. She brings fresh flowers every day. You actually just missed her. We have been taking care of Spinnerella to the best of our ability." Looking like a weight of sadness has crushed her shoulders, Netossa slumps, "I thank you so much. You have all been so wonderful. I'm just glad to know Spinnerella is here." Clasping her friend's hands, Netossa talks to Spinnerella, "I am here too, Spinnerella, and I won't be going anywhere."

***

In another part of Castle Bright Moon, Bow is awaiting a meeting with Perfuma in his room. Walking around, Bow thinks about what he will exactly be needing from his friend. Eventually Perfuma walks in full of smiles. Sitting in a chair by the window, Perfuma looks outside, "I love the smell of fresh air. The Crystal Castle was stunning, but there is nothing like being in your home."

Bow nods in agreement, "I take it everything is going well for you?" Continuing to stare outside, Perfuma says, "Yes, everything is fine." Aside from the nights where I dream in blood, Perfuma says, keeping that part to herself. Turning to look at Bow, Perfuma goes on, "I just left the sleeping beauty in the healing bay. I am so concerned she will never wake up. There is so much sadness around here Bow. When will it ever get better?"

Walking next to Perfuma, Bow touches her shoulder, "I am not sure. Just when the Rebellion makes strides against the Horde, we suffer some fall from grace. I hope though that we will see better days, which is why I will require your help." Tilting her head, Perfuma grins slightly, "Help with what?" Taking a breath, Bow continues, "Music. I need your music expertise. I am wanting to write a song for someone I care deeply about, and I am at a creative loss."

Jumping up with clapping hands, Perfuma grins, "Oh Bow! What joyous news! A love song, that is perfect! Divine even! I am happy to help with the creative process. It would mean the world to me. Oh Bow, I knew you two would develope something." Bow blushes slightly, "Well, I sure hope so." Sitting back down, Perfuma sighs, "So tell me, did you say something or did Glimmer? I kept telling Glimmer to just jump on in and say it..." Perfuma trails off as she catches the look on Bow's face. Something is wrong.

The blush beginning to fade from his cheeks, Bow scrunches his face, "Perfuma, what are you talking about?" It is Perfuma's turn to blush. Covering a hand over her mouth, Perfuma squeaks, "What just happened?" The realization of Perfuma's statement dawns on Bow, "I was referring to Adora. Why did you mention Glimmer?"

Closing her eyes shut while wishing for a do-over, Perfuma groans, "Oh I should have shut up. I shouldn't even be saying this right now. Glimmer has had feelings for you, I told her to say something awhile ago. I figured she would have by now..." Bow leans against the wall recalling the conversation he had with Glimmer the night of the celebration, "She was going to tell me... but I ended up telling her about my feelings for Adora. Oh I'm an idiot."

With eyes wide, Perfuma nods in agreement, "Yes. I would think so." Bow looks hurt, "Perfuma, how was I to know Glimmer cared for me?" Standing up, Perfuma crosses her arms, "But Bow, how could you not? I mean it may not have been completely blatant, but anyone with a set of eyes could see she likes you in some way special." Bow goes back to crossing the room back and forth, "Oh this is not good. I care about Glimmer, but not in that way. I love Adora, I always have." Perfuma smiles, "I know you have Bow."

Starting to panic slightly, Bow looks at his friend, "So what do I do now? Glimmer knows how I feel and is probably hurting. What do I do to make this better? Should I talk to Glimmer?" Perfuma pauses before answering, searching for something to say, "I think you are on your own with this one, Bow. I care about all parties involved, so I will be stepping away. Good luck!" Perfuma gives her friend a hug, before quickly exiting the room. She heads to the courtyard with her flowers, where it is safe and free of emotional dramas.

***

In far more scarier parts of Etheria, the prisoners of the Fright Zone begin to stir. Laying on the cold stone floor of a cell, Double Trouble rolls over. Slowly waking up, the rebel rubs her eyes feeling sand and dirt all over her. She realizes where she is at, and to her dismay her circumstances are no dream. She is awake in a living nightmare, "This is my life. I am a prisoner of the Horde." Unsure how many days she has been inside the cell, Double Trouble sits up. There are footsteps approaching.

Flames of light cast a dim glow across the long hallway of slave cells. Usually the prioners are left in complete darkness, unable to see anything. It must be time for a meal, Double Trouble says to herself, dreading the nasty remnants of scraps that the Horde passes off for food. Mantenna eventually makes it to her cell. The four legged insectoid Horde member tosses a tray of slop towards Double Trouble, "There you go. Enjoy." Mantenna starts to turn when Double Trouble jumps up, rattling the cell, "Mantenna, wait!"

Turning to look, Mantenna shrills, "What is it?" She has no other choice, so she begs, "Please let me out. Help me Mantenna." Walking closer to the cell, Mantenna chuckles, "Why would I help you, Spira?"

Her throat is painfully dry, but Double Trouble goes on, "Because, if you can free me we can leave this place together. We have worked together for a long time, have we not?" Mantenna nods, "Yes, you have always been very nice to me..." Double Trouble nods, smiling, "Yes. I think of you as a friend. I could take you with me, we could leave this place. You could join the Rebellion and be yourself. I know how Hordak strikes fear in you. I've seen it. He abuses you. All of us." Mantenna does not disagree with her. She speaks the truth, Hordak is a ruthless leader.

Feeling weak, Double Trouble still pleads, "Please Mantenna. Please. Hordak is going to kill me. Let's leave this place together. You could start over in a new place, it would be safe. You would have a better life..." Mantenna thinks about this, and then he remembers something, "Do you take me for a fool?" Double Trouble stares back, stammering, "No. No, of course not. Mantenna you are an amazing person." Mantenna's large bug eyes start to glow, "But I'm not a person, now am I? I'm a monster. At least that is what all your rebel friends will say. I don't look like you nor do I look like all of your pretty friends, frolicking in the woods. I am terrifying. Something to be abhorred. They would never embrace me as one of them..."

Double Trouble panics, "But that is not true Mantenna! There is plenty of room for everyone, regardless of how they look." Mantenna let's out a loud piercing cry as he bangs his hands against the cell, "Lies! I know what your kind is like. I grew up in a place where I was persecuted for looking unsual. I know the fear that people have in their hearts. I would never be embraced by the Great Rebellion." His hands are wrapped around the cell as Double Trouble reaches out, wrapping her hands around his, "That is not true. I am sure of it. Mantenna, you are blinded by your past. A life with us would be far better than the life you think is great here, with the Horde." For a moment, just a brief moment, Mantenna believes her. A lifetime of being surrounded by loving and caring people flashes before his eyes as he settles back into the present moment. He is a member of the Horde, that is the only life he knows. Quickly removing his hands, Mantenna spits out, "You are a traitor to the Horde. As such, you deserve whatever Hordak has planned for you. Good bye Spira." Mantenna walks off, though he leaves the lights on.

Sliding to the ground, Double Trouble begins to cry. What am I going to do, she asks herself. Across her cell, a voice calls out, "I thought he was my friend once too." Double Trouble looks out of her cell to the voice across and sees a familiar yet foreign face: the muscular man with blonde hair that came from no where, Double Trouble remembers him. She whispers, "I've seen you. You were at Catra's ceremony."

The man nods, "Yes, my name is Adam." Double Trouble nods, "My name is Spira, but they also call me Double Trouble. What are you doing here?" Adam looks at his new cellmate, "I came from another planet, searching for my sister. Landing here, I was tampered with, led to believe that this was my home and that people like Mantenna and the others were my friends. Luckily I recalled my past and who I am, only to find out that what I came here for is already gone."

Double Trouble looks sad, "I am sorry your arrival was met with such torment. I wish I had known what you were here for, I would have helped." Adam nods, "Yeah, well I have found out that my sister was murdered by a mad woman. Catra. I know that you know her." Double Trouble nods as many things become apparent to her. She is looking at Adora's brother. Adora's brother is on Etheria, looking for her! How is that possible! Double Trouble exclaims to herself. Nearly ready to let Adam know that his sister is very much alive, Double Trouble refrains. The walls in the Fright Zone have ears, and Double Trouble is not sure if she wants to announce that in their current predicament.

Instead Double Trouble shares about her own life and how she ended up in the cell across from Adam. The prince looks at his new friend and asks, "Did you know my sister?" The question is painful for the glamorous double agent, "Yes I did. We were friends. Very good friends. She was a brave woman. You would have been proud." Adam nods as tears fill his eyes, I will never get to meet her... Double Trouble hates herself even more. Lies have become an artform for her since she has become a master in her field of spying. This lie, though incredibly painful, is only meant to protect Adora, Double Trouble tells herself.

"Everything will be ok, Adam." Double Trouble says. The prince nods, "I don't see how, but it is nice to hear." Double Trouble agrees, "I understand. I don't know how we will get out of this place either." She finally understands that her life might go on in this cell until the very end. As if reading her thoughts, another voice calls out. This time, the voice is in a cell next to Double Trouble's. "You will both be fine, I know this." Doing her best to look out of her cell, Double Trouble mumbles, "I know you. Your voice, it sounds so familiar..." Before she can say anything else, the flames go out. They are all in darkness again. This time though, the darkness is not as scary...

*** 

In another part of the universe, far away from Etheria, another planet slowly turns. This world is closely tied to Etheria in many ways. A young warrior goddess is on her own journey, traveling to parts unkown. Teela slowly makes her way to her uncle's little shack in the mountains. Her travels have led her through the Evergreen Forest where she met many beautiful creatures. After that she fought for her life in the Vine Jungle. After facing an injury, Teela found herself on an odd trip back into time, learning more about Eternia's history. After returning to the present, Teela realized she had been hallucinating due to her injuries. After healing just enough, Teela kept moving until finding herself deep into the Mystic Mountains. Fully healed, the warrior goddess now currently stands in front of a door. Behind this door will be yet another journey. I hope I am prepared for this, Teela tells herself.

Knocking loudly, Teela patiently waits for her uncle to answer. She wonders what he will look like, I have not seen him in so long... Eventually the door opens and a tall man appears. The stench of alcohol on his breath is introduced to Teela first. She looks at a very ragged man, this is my uncle? Underneath an unkempt beard, a part opens exposing a mouth full of gray teeth, "Go away. Now." Fisto is about to close the door, before Teela interrupts, "Fisto? You are my uncle." Gruffing loudly, Fisto bellows, "I'm nobody's uncle. I don't care who you are, get out of my door frame and leave."

"I will not leave! My name is Teela. I am a member of the Royal Gaurd from the palace of Eternos. You are my uncle, your brother is Duncan, the current Man-At-Arms. Now please let me in, I have come a long way." Teela says all of this, quickly wondering if she even wants to walk into Fisto's shanty home. Fisto looks her up and down before spitting on his own floor, "I still don't care. But if you can go get me some dinner, I will entertain a conversation with you." He quickly slams the door in her face. Startling her backwards, Teela looks around the outside of the tiny place. Shaking her head, Teela turns walking off.

Behind a dirty window pane, Fisto watches her leave. Turning around, the tall man stumbles to a battered chair. Plopping down as dust flies everywhere, Fisto reaches for a large bottle. He chugs it, feeling the burning liquid warm his throat and gut. Time passes as he starts on a second large bottle. Eventually he hears footsteps at his door again.

Before he can get up to scare the visitor away, Teela kicks the door open. "What is this?" Fisto asks stumbling up, deeply annoyed that she came back. Charging into the small place, Teela drops a large dead animal on the floor, "I got you some dinner. I hope you know how to prepare it." Teela brushes past the drunken Fisto, pausing to look around the bare makeshift home. She turns to look at her uncle, "Oh, and I'm not going anywhere." Well I'll be damned, Fisto says to himself.

***

Between the worlds and in the darkness of space, a small ship is flying peacefully among the stars. Inside three crew members are wrapping up their own journey. At the pilot seat is Sweet Bee. Her co-pilots are Stingor and Honey Comb. They are members of the Hive, a floating celestial colony of human/bee hybrids. Their Hive was connected to five other Hives that were separated during a powerful solar storm. The crew has been scouting parts of the universe looking for the other Hives. Running low on fuel, they are looking to regroup at their Hive before searching out again.

"Drone 7, come in Drone 7. This is Sweet Bee. We are a few days away from the Hive. We were unable to find the other Hives, but we have been mapping out a course for next journey." Sweet Bee awaits the return of Drone 7 on her control board. A fuzzy crackly image appears of Drone 7 from the Hive, he smiles, "Glad to know you are all well Sweet Bee. The Hive looks forward to your return. See you soon." The screen closes as Sweet Bee sits back in her chair. She is the Hive's best pilot. After working hard for that distinction, Sweet Bee knows she does not have that many more missions left. Once someone makes it to the top, there is only one place left to go.

Behind her Stingor buzzes, "What are your plans once we return to the Hive?" Stingor awaits an answer as Sweet Bee thinks of a good one. She knows what will inevitably follow her response. Stingor has been wanting to take Sweet Bee on a date for a long while now, and Sweet Bee always pleasently declines his offer. Honey Comb joins in the conversation, "Just say yes Sweet Bee. End this madness, I beg of you." Honey Comb is a close friend of Sweet Bee. Together the three crew members of the Hive have been on many adventures together. They were trained in the same program and know each other all very well. Honey Comb has also grown tired of Stingor's attempts at a date with Sweet Bee.

Finally Sweet Bee is ready for her answer, "Ok. I will go on a date with you Stingor." A loud cheer rings out in the cabin as Stingor claps his hands. Honey Comb jokes, "Finally! We can now get back to work." Sweet Bee smiles. She isn't sure why she has taken this long to say yes to Stingor. The very happy Stingor grins, "This is the greatest cycle of my life." Sweet Bee shakes her head, "It is just a date." Honey Comb notices something on her screen. Stingor continues, "It is more than a date Sweet Bee. It will be a moment I have waited for my whole life." Stingor has never been able to shake off his feelings for Sweet Bee.

Honey Comb has to change the subject though, "As nice as it is to watch Stingor's love unfold, I need you both to look at the screen. We are approaching something." Sweet Bee breaks away from her thoughts and follows Honey Comb's announcement. They are approaching something. "What is it?" Stingor asks. They have no idea. Soon the item on their radar becomes visible through their window in the distance. "It is a large ship." Sweet Bee says. They have never come across something quite like this. The Hive's ship looks microscopic in comparison to the monstrosity that soon begins to move above them. "Honey Comb, put on our invisi-shield. We don't want any problems." Sweet Bee says. Looking further at the large ship, she notices a large red bat emblem on the bottom, "I wonder who they are..."

Before anyone can say another word, their screens light up, "Oh no! They're firing at us!" Honey Comb shouts. "Barriers up, Stingor turn on the thrusters, we need to get away from this thing!" Sweet Bee shouts as the back of their ship is struck my a blast. "Sweet Bee! We've been hit!" Honey Comb shrieks. Stingor has the thrusters ready, "Can we divert to another path Sweet Bee? We don't want this thing following us to the Hive." Sweet Bee nods, "Yes, let me see if there is another place we can land." A mini explosion rattles the ship, "We don't have much time! Honey Comb, get the barriers up now! Turn engine 2 off. We may have to float." Sweet Bee says as she scans their mapping system.

"Ok, there seems to be a planet about a couple days away. We should be able to get their with out wasting all of our fuel. We'll head there and let the Hive know what has happened." Sweet Bee says as the three crew members go about trying to salvage their ship. Hopefully they would make it to this new planet safely...

***

A few days have passed on Etheria. Adora is spending some time with Glimmer. They are both concerned about Double Trouble, "I thought she would have returned by now. She was going to let us know about this Doom Dispenser the Horde was building." Glimmer nods, "I know. This isn't like her to be gone. Usually she makes a brief visit to see how things are." The two women walk into Angella's throne room. Bow is already there helping Angella with some boxes. Adora senses a change with Glimmer as they all say hello. Something slowly begins to dawn on Adora as she notices the exhange between both Bow and Glimmer.

Looking at all the boxes, Adora asks, "What is this for?" Angella smiles, "We have some resources courtesy of Sea Hawk." Bow opens up another box, "The pirate came through, though there is another pick up that needs to be made." Angella explains that Sea Hawk could not get everything delivered at once. Listening, Adora decides to help, "I can go and retrieve the other boxes." Angella is thankful. Bow quickly agrees to help Adora. Glimmer looks as if she is going to be sick once she hears Bow. Everything makes perfect sense to Adora in that moment, Glimmer cares for Bow, but he cares for me instead. Oh dear. Rubbing her head in frustration, Adora gets a helpful diversion by way of Sea Hawk. The pirate enters into the throne room making sure everything is alright with the delivery. "Yes, thank you for helping us Sea Hawk." Angella nods. Glimmer nods too, but looks off in the distance.

Adora speaks up, "Care to join Bow and me to gather the rest of the shipment?" Bow covers his disappointment. He had hoped to go alone with Adora, to at least share with her his current concerns about Glimmer. Sea Hawk is more than happy to help, "Sure. We'll take my ship. That works out just fine since I can get the guy to load the boxes up faster." Bow mumbles to himself, "Sounds perfect."

Flying high in the sky, Sea Hawk's ship heads towards a small village near the Fright Zone. "I have a buddy that owns a bar in this town we are going to. Great place to get a drink, and even better spot to gather extra food and whatever supplies one might need. He always helps me. Doesn't believe in drinking the water, just the whiskey. Says it keeps him sane." Sea Hawk calls out to Adora. Looking out at the sky, Adora nods, "Sounds wonderful. I thank you for helping the Rebellion. Any extra supplies we can get really helps. I think I misjudged you Sea Hawk. I'm surprised at how generous you are." The pirate nods trying not to show any signs of his deceit and reassures aloud, I may be under Hordak's thumb, but I won't allow him to hurt the Rebellion. I promise.

Adora notices Bow off to the side, looking down below. She walks over to him, "Are you alright Bow?" The archer shrugs, "I guess. just a lot on my mind." Adora nods. Bow looks over at Adora, studying her face. I love her so much and too much time has gone by, Bow says silently. He looks at her, "Adora, we need to talk..." Catching her breath, Adora is not sure what to expect. She does care for Bow, there is no denying that. However time always seems to be in the wrong spot when this sort of conversation is about to take place. Suddenly Sea Hawk interrupts them, "Better hold on to something. We will land soon." Adora grabs hold of Bow's hand, "Later?" Giving out a half smile, Bow nods, "Yeah, later."

***

Back inside Castle Bright Moon, Angella is marveling at all the supplies they have. She is thankful for Sea Hawk. She is also concerned about her daughter. Getting ready to search for Glimmer, Angella is about to leave when a surprise visitor comes racing into the throne room. "Castaspella? What are you doing here?" Angella asks. With a look of terror on her face, Castaspella goes on, "Oh Angella, I hope I am not too late. We are in trouble."

***

Adora, Bow, and Sea Hawk all walk into the bar. After landing the ship a safe distance away, the rebels also put on some cloaks to conceal their identities. The bar is a seedy place full of all kinds of people. Ever since the underwater Horde facility was destroyed, many townspeople were regaining their wits. Many people were angry and wanting to fight the Horde while other people were miserable and ready to drown their sorrows for the world the lived in was awful. Some people thought it was better when they were being poisoned from the slime in the water. Apathy no longer existed, everyone was feeling the Horde's oppression.

Sliding up to the bar, Sea Hawk orders a drink for Adora, "Trust me, you will like this." Bow does his best not to be annoyed at Sea Hawk and sarcastically says, "Do I get one too?" Sea Hawk chuckles, "No my friend, this drink is only for someone special." Bow rolls his eyes. Adora looks down smiling to herself, and trying not to laugh. Sea Hawk knows how to lay it on a bit thick, she thinks. Looking at Bow and Adora, Sea Hawk motions behind the bar, "Ok, you two stay here and look out. I'm going to talk to the owner about the other boxes we need. We'll get everything loaded up and be gone in no time. Enjoy your drink Adora." Sea Hawk flashes a smile before heading off.

Once the drink arrives, Adora looks at it. "You aren't going to drink it are you?" Bow asks. Adora grins, "Maybe just a taste." The liquid is sweet and warms her throat as it travels. There is just a hint of alcohol. "Well?" Bow asks. "It is alright." Adora says placing the glass back down. The two friends sit at the bar, looking around at everyone. Bow tries to focus on the task at hand, though he can't help but think about Adora. Adora has many thoughts racing in her mind. The thoughts come to a halt though once something catches Adora's eye. A piece of paper is tacked to the far wall, "Bow, I'll be right back. I need to look at something."

Making her way through the crowd, Adora fills with dread as she gets closer to the tacked piece of paper. It is a flyer from the Horde. Adora quickly grabs the flyer and prepares to head back to Bow, when Horde Troopers suddenly swarm the bar. Bow looks across the place and his eyes meet Adora's. One last Horde member walks in: Catra. "No one is leaving this place! Everyone stay where they are," Catra purrs.

Adora retreats to the corners. She is not ready for Catra to know about her being very much alive. Bow keeps his eyes on Adora. She motions to him that she'll be alright. After all this time they still know how to communicate silently. They'll meet up out front and head to the ship.

Catra is stalking through the bar, "As Horde Force Captain, it is my duty to make sure that every business upholds the practices set forth by the Horde. I've been told that there have been some shady dealings in this bar with pirates. If anyone has any information, please step forward now." Bow tries to look down as Catra slowly approaches his vicinity.

Adora is very close to sneaking out of the bar, I have to turn into She-Ra. Bow is at the bar, still looking down. Catra approaches, "Well, what do we have here? A rebel." Bow looks up and stares right at Catra. Smirking ever so slightly, Catra motions to the Horde Troopers, "Kill everyone in here." Bow swoops out from under his cloak and aims an arrow right at Catra. She purrs, "Do it. Please Bow, do your best." Catra flips in the air missing Bow's shot. Chaos soon erupts in the bar as the patrons start to fight against the Horde Troopers. Before they would have calmly been slaughtered. With no more mind control, the townspeople are not going to die easily. Catra screams as she goes after Bow.

Outside, Adora races to a safe place in the back where no one can see her. "For the honor of Grayskull, I am... She-Ra!!!" Transforming into the princess of power, She-Ra races to the front of the bar. Horde Troopers are killng people at every turn. People are being thrown through windows. She-Ra tosses two Horde Troopers to the side. A third tries to fight her, but she drives her sword through his chest.

Bow is trying to escape Catra. Taking aim, Bow fires a few shock arrows at some Horde Troopers in his way. He trips up as Catra pounces. They both fall to the ground in front of the bar. Bow rolls over with Catra on top of him, "You can't escape me forever Bow. What do you say, join me. I will make it all the more worth it. I've learned a few things since our last encounter." Catra purrs as her hands travel down his chest towards his crotch. Bow spits out, "When will you ever learn Catra? I want nothing from you." Catra screams as Bow struggles to get her off of him. Slashing out, Catra cuts across his chestplate with her claws.

She-Ra jumps in planting a kick in Catra's chest. Falling backwards, Catra scurries up, "Oh. You." She-Ra glares at Catra, "We should stop running into each other." Catra screams again lunging for She-Ra. Dodging the attack, She-Ra plants another kick, this time to Catra's backside. The Force Captain lurches forward falling to the ground. "Hurry Bow, get to the ship." Bow looks around, "What about Adora?"

"I saw her already heading over there." She-Ra says as Bow bolts off. She-Ra races back through the bar trying to take care of as many Horde Troopers as possible. Catra dusts herself off and hurries after She-Ra, only she is gone. Catra curses out loud.

At the ships' location, Bow notices that Sea Hawk is near finished loading the boxes up. "We need to hurry." Bow shouts. Sea Hawk looks off in the direction of all the madness, "I figured something would happen. Where's Adora?" Getting on the ship, Bow looks around, "She-Ra arrived to help and told me that Adora was already heading here." Shrugging, Sea Hawk says, "I haven't seen her."

To the side, Adora approaches the two men, "I'm right here. We should probably go." Bow is relieved. Sea Hawk has everything ready to go and prepares the ship to depart, "Should we wait for She-Ra too?" Adora shakes her head, "She-Ra can take care of herself. I think most of the Horde Troopers were taken care of." The pirate nods and gets the ship up in the air.

As they quickly travel back to the Whispering Woods, Adora walks over to Bow, "I need you to see this Bow. It was tacked to a wall in the bar." Bow reads over the flyer, his face growing pale, "Is this real?" Adora nods, "I'm afraid so. Our friend is in trouble."

Inside Angella's throne room, Castaspella is nearing the end of her story, "After my mages told me what they saw in town, I rushed to Peekablue to make sure it was true. Angella, it is true. The Horde knows that Double Trouble is a spy. They have her prisoner and they are planning on executing her. They've invited the neighboring towns of the Fright Zone. Now that the Horde can no longer poison the people of Etheria, they are going to perform an execution on a member of the Great Rebellion. With the world watching, the Horde will instill that fear again and we will lose our friend."

Shaking her head and full of resolve, Angella says, "Call everyone together. We will rescue Double Trouble." Castaspella nods, "Yes, I think we have to. But there is one more thing Angella, it is about another prisoner in the Fright Zone. Peekablue saw him with her own eyes... it's Kowl. He has been down in the slave cells this whole time." Bracing herself against her throne, Angella shakes, "We've found him? Oh thankful news. We now know where he is. We'll make plans accordingly. We'll save Double Trouble and Kowl. The Horde will not win this time." Castaspella and Angella both rush off to gather their frineds.

Up next!

Be here for the final chapter that will draw an end to part 1 of Adora's Search for Honor!

    

June 2012 Heroic Hottie!

June is upon us. The year has been flying by way too quickly, but luckily for everyone each new month brings us the hottest plastic beefcake across all the land. This month features a rather interesting Heroic Hottie. Dear readers, I have never conducted quite an awkward interview as the one that you are about to read. So let's jump right on in, shall we? The June 2012 Heroic Hottie is: Roadblock!

There are two parts to this interview. Roadblock originally sat down with me on May 3rd 2012 to discuss a few things, namely his big starring role in G.I. Joe Retaliation!

Diary- So, you are the first G.I. Joe to be a Heroic Hottie, how does that feel?
Roadblock- Can you smell what the Roadblock is cookin?
Diary- Umm, no, not really. I didn't know that you like to cook.
Roadblock- It was an expression. Geesh. Anyway, I am very honored to be the June 2012 Heroic Hottie. Getting a title like that makes my job worth it.
Diary- Speaking of jobs, what are your thoughts on being in G.I. Joe Retaliation?
Roadblock- The best. It was incredibly badass to have a camera crew follow the Joes around, fighting to save the world.

Diary- And the world was saved. Can you give us any details about which members of Cobr-
Roadblock- Don't mention that word! That group of evil miscreants is to remain nameless at all times. Saying their name aloud could allow them to slither into your heart. Just know that the badguys get their asses handed to them. The cameras captured it all.
Diary- Saving the world must take a lot of strength. What do you do to stay in shape?
Roadblock- I work on cars. I wrestle snakes. I also have a great body sculptor.

Diary- What do you hope fans will get out of Retaliation?
Roadblock- A good summer flick. Some think this movie is all fake, but I assure you, fans will be living for this movie. The movie is so real it will reach out and lay the smack down on ya.
Diary- Oh, so will there be 3D added to the screens?
Roadblock- No. Why would the studio do that?
Diary- If you could star in any other summer movie, which one would it be?
Roadblock- Probably Magic Mike. Just look at my body. I'm built like a rock. I would've been perfect for that movie. Channing Tatum would have had nothing on me!

Diary- Do you ever get mistaken for any other Joe?
Roadblock- No, not really the Joes, but I was confused for a tan, beefed up version of Dr. Mindbender. That only happened once. That person has now learned better.
Diary- Anything else you'd like to add?
Roadblock- Sure. Thank you Miss M and DiaryofaDorkette for naming me the June 2012 Heroic Hottie. Now go out and see G.I. Joe Retaliation on June 29th! I promise, this movie will make 2012 forever known as the year of the ninja!

Normally that would be the conclusion to most interviews for a Heroic Hottie. However a few weeks after the original interview with Roadblock took place, the world was shocked to hear that G.I. Joe Retaliation would be pushed back to March 2013 (Or so fans everywhere hope.) Thankfully Roadblock was willing to give a follow up interview to DiaryofaDorkette as well as finishing out his photoshoot! Read on dorky folk!

Diary- With the recent news that the studio has decided to push the release of G.I. Joe Retaliation to March 29th 2013 (fingers crossed) are there any thoughts going through your mind that you'd like to share?
Roadblock- I just feel at a loss right now. This all just came out of left field. We've been promoting the film heavily and now we just have to play the waiting game.
Diary- Can you comment on what went wrong?
Roadblock- I can't. It wouldn't be safe to say right now.
Diary- Safe? You make it sound like there is some sort of foul play going on.
Roadblock- No, not at all. The studio just wants to convert the film to 3D.
Diary- That is interesting. Well Roadblock, lucky for us, DiaryofaDorkette has an investigative reporter as part of the crew. April O'Neil is new to the site, she is on loan to us from Channel 6 News. She did some digging and found out that the original studio that owned the film was recently bought out by a start up film company by the name of Hiss Studios. Any comments?
Roadblock- This is the first I have heard of this, there should probably be a better investigation just to make sure...
Diary- Is it possible that Cobra is responsible for all this?
Roadblock- I told you never to say that word! Great. Now I need to think about this, maybe contact the other Joes. A movie release shouldn't be this annoying... (after this statement Roadblock went into the Tebow, or was just wanting to concentrate and wipe his eyes from all the studio drama.)

Editor's note: at this point during the interview and photoshoot, someone blasted in and demanded full attention.

Diary- Excuse me! You can't just walk into a closed set! We were conducting an interview!
Cobra Commander- I don't care! Do you have any idea who I am? I am Cobra Commander. Leader of COBRA!!!
Diary- I realize who you are, but what are you doing here?
C.C.- I heard this little interview was happening and I thought I'd drop on in. I actually have a bone to pick with you lady.
Diary- Oh really? And what would that be?
C.C.- I've been reading your little lame excuse for a blog, and month after month I have to endure your objectification over Heroic Hotties. What about me? Where is my title for Heroic Hottie? I am Cobra Commander, am I not hot enough?
Diary- You are not a hero. Listen you little miserable man, the Heroic Hottie is a special title designated for heroes!
C.C.- Well that changes, starting now. From now on, I will be the June 2012 Heroic hottie.
Diary- Or... I could just create an award for hot villains. I could call it... Bodacious Badguys.
C.C.- Trashy. What are you trying to do, deter people from reading your lousy site? Listen up chick, let's change up this location. Snap some photos of my fine self and give me a proper interview.

And that is what happened...

Diary- So what was it like starring in G.I. Joe Retaliation? You actually look different from the first G.I. Joe film.
C.C. First of all, what a lousy name for a film. I would've preferred something better. Secondly, as Cobra Commander, I have many looks.
Diary- (in reference to the title) Well let me guess, the movie should have had your name in it? How obvious coming from the likes of you.
C.C.- Watch that mouth she-devil!
Diary- Or what? You'll toss me in the Cobra Arena of Sport?



C.C.- COBRA! I don't know how you can call this an interview. Lousy. Just lousy.
Diary- What are your thoughts on the movie being moved for a 2013 release?
C.C.- I love it. It gives the new studio plenty of time to change some things. Did you know that the G.I. Joe action figure heroes have it in their contracts that they have to win in every movie and/or TV episode that is made? It disgusts me.
Diary- Interesting. Do you know anything about the sudden appearance of Hiss Studios?
C.C.- Why no, of course not. I'm just the mere leader of Cobra. It's not like I'm trying to rule the world or anything.
Diary- If you had control to make any changes to the movie, what would they be?
C.C.- Easy. To make Cobra win of course.

Diary- What do you think of the new location for your special photo shoot?
C.C.- (After pausing to look around Snake Mountain) Eh. It's ok. I think the original owners were trying too hard. That large green snake isn't even real!
Diary- Are you the owner of Hiss Studios?
C.C.- I won't even dignify that with a response! How dare you try to trick me with your awful questions.
Diary- Fair enough. Final question, and then we can finally be done with each other. What's it like being the Heroic Hottie for June?
C.C.- I'll be honest, it's not what I thought it'd be. It's better! COBRA!!!

There you have it. A very interesting Heroic Hottie. It seems the battle between good and evil will be going on for some time to come.

Enjoy the images of hotness and be sure to see G.I. Joe Retaliation out in theaters ????

Also be sure to check out more DiaryofaDorkette this weekend. Adora's Search for Honor Part 1: Chapter 20 will be out on Saturday or Sunday. It is not to be missed and will feature a POP fave that has not been mentioned yet!   

Toy Chest Tuesday! Double Trouble

Toy Chest Tuesday is finally ready to begin. I enjoy this time of the week for many reasons. For one I get to actually remember some of the stuff that I have in my archival room. (This Toy Chest is one I could never forget owning though!) Secondly I realize that pretty much every toy I have owned from a child to the present day always has some sort of story attached to it. There are wonderful memories tied to every toy. Hopefully this will all aid me in my prevention of dementia when I gracefully turn 96 years young. I will more than likely have cybernetic parts keeping my raggedy body together, but I will be doing it in style.

Speaking of style, let's look at another stylish addition to the Princess of Power toyline from Mattel. This is not the first time a POP action doll has made an appearance on Toy Chest. The faithfull reader knows that many POP gals have already been colorfully discussed on this blog. Now the spotlight is ready to shine on Double Trouble, the glamorous double agent! Let's look at some photos!

Released in 1984 by Mattel, Double Trouble was a part of the 1st series of POP toys. She came on the standard Series 1 card, with She-Ra riding Swiftwind in the background. I still can't help but smile when I see this packaging. The shades of purples and pinks with some golds mixed in just made me so happy. I would go to Toysrus and just stare at the shelf display of all the POP characters. It was truly magical.

Anyways Double Trouble was the "green" character. Each POP character from the first wave had a specific color scheme. (i.e. Frosta had a lot of blue, She-Ra wore white, Castaspella had some yellows and oranges...) This was a theme for many toylines at the time, like Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite. The concept is also used for many toylines in the present. There is just something fun about each character wearing a specific color.

Other items that were packaged with Double Trouble included a removeable cape and skirt as well as the mini-comic titled Journey to Mizar. Unlike the other POP toys, Double Trouble did not have a great deal of rooted hair. She only came with a large ponytail. I can't help but wonder if Madonna stole Double Trouble's look for the Blonde Ambition tour. I really hope I'm not that only one that has ever thought that.

There was a reason though for Double Trouble's ponytail and unique green helmet. She had an action feature! If we flip the toy package over we can see exactly what made her such a big deal. Like Man-E-Faces from the Masters of the Universe toyline, Double Trouble was able to switch her face. By turning the dial on her back, Double Trouble could go from a sweet fresh faced Rebel, to a bold evil Horde-look. (I always enjoyed the evil face more than the goody-two-shoes one.)

The back of the package shows what the two faces look like. The "sweet" one has that dewy look, or maybe it's Maybelline. The "evil" face just has some bold unkempt eyebrows and heavy eye shadow. The artwork for the two heads was very cool. The drawings actually captured what the toy looked like. I would actually bust out my old Double Trouble to show real pictures of the two heads, but I fear switching her head would result in a catastrophic turn of events that would leave me entirely devastated. (And Double Trouble in real toy trouble.)

Either way the rest of the package featured the fantastic characters from Wave 1. Click here for a fun run down on this series. Again, the artwork was always fun. This toyline was truly magical and helped inspire a great deal of my imagination.

For some added factoid goodness, Double Trouble was a very unsual toy. She never appeared in the She-Ra cartoon and was only ever really mentioned in some of the Golden Books, mini-comics, and coloring books. This does not happen often for toylines. Usually a toyline that is based off of a cartoon or movie will feature toys that are in the show. Since Double Trouble never factored into the old cartoon, I have often wondered what her storyline would have been like. Hence why it was important for me to include her in my She-Ra fanfiction, Adora's Search for Honor. Being a double agent is not as glamorous as it seems. (If you haven't been reading the fanfiction yet, give it a shot. It isn't some great masterpiece of literary wonderment, but it is a lot of fun.)

One final little bit of information about Double Trouble and the POP toyline involves the reuse of parts. It is common knowledge that the reason the MOTU and POP toylines were so successful for Mattel was that most of the figures reused the same sculpted parts. For example, Double Trouble and Sweet Bee share the same leg and boot sculpts, they just have different paint jobs. Catra and Sweet Bee also share the same bodice. However, the reuse of shared parts was used far more with the MOTU toyline than with the POP toyline.

This is yet another reason why POP was such a special line. Each action doll was given special detail. Some parts may have been reused for different characters, but each toy had unique clothing and rooted hair to go with the painted faces and other sculpted parts. (No other POP gal dared to wear Frosta's thigh high boots, ok?) Double Trouble was also one of the more unique sculpts for the line. That green helmet was made just for her. (It was never reused for any other character.) This all may be old news for POP fans, but I just find it fascinating at the amount of work that was put into the POP toyline. POP may not have had as many figures as the MOTU line, but POP did have a lot of heart and quality. I hope to see more of that on display with the 4 Horsemen sculpting and designing more POP characters for the new Masters of the Universe Classics line!

So that is about it for this week's Toy Chest Tuesday! I hope you all enjoyed looking back on Double Trouble. I also realize I owe you all a Dorkette Book Club post from last week, I was a bit behind to say the least. I will deliver though. A new month is also approaching, so you all know what that means! (insert catchy theme song for a new Heroic Hottie) So keep it here!

Adora's Search for Honor Part 1: Chapter 19

Adora’s Search for Honor

Part 1

Chapter 19

Previously: Where to begin? A huge battle went down for Castle Chill. Sadly Frosta’s home sort of melted. She was also almost killed by Hordak but fought him off. Sea Hawk and his crew of pirates also helped the Rebels fight against the Horde. He also joined the Great Rebellion, even though he still has the ice diamond that he promised to get for Hordak. Catra finally met up with She-Ra. (It’s safe to say that Catra hates the Princess of Power) After all was said and done the heroes prepared to head back to the Whispering Woods as She-Ra flew off from the rest of the group to take care of some business, which is where we will begin…

Chapter 19

She-Ra takes a few steps inside the Crystal Castle. Flying from Castle Chill has left her slightly exhausted, but before she heads back to the Whispering Woods, She-Ra wants to bring a guest along. Looking around, She-Ra finds herself in good company as Light Hope glides across the floor, “Hello She-Ra. What brings you here?”

Smiling warmly, She-Ra says, “I am looking for Perfuma.” As if on cue, Perfuma descends the grand staircase. The flower maiden is pleased to see her friend, “She-Ra! What a nice surprise!” She-Ra smiles, It is good to see Perfuma. Ever since the events in the Midnight Lair, no one has really seen Perfuma. She-Ra took Perfuma to the Crystal Castle for safe keeping. After being bitten by a Pyre, Perfuma had intense cravings for blood. Away from any human contact, Perfuma hopefully found a way to overcome her desire for the red stuff.




Light Hope looks over at Perfuma, “Do you feel well enough to leave, Perfuma?” She-Ra is not sure what Perfuma has gone through, but she can tell that her friend has formed a close friendship with Light Hope. Smiling, Perfuma says, “Yes. I am ready. I just need to get a few things and say some goodbyes.” Hurrying back up the stairs, Perfuma disappears. She-Ra looks at Light hope, “Goodbyes?”




Beaming pure light, the once protector of Etheria smiles, “Perfuma has found herself quite a home away from home here. The Twiggets have enjoyed her company.” Nodding, She-Ra is curious, “And how has Perfuma been? Do you think she is ready to be around other people?” Pausing to answer, Light Hope goes on, “I do not feel it best to divulge what she went through here, but I do believe she is not a danger to others. Let me be clear though She-Ra, Perfuma may have to struggle with cravings for a long time to come. She has a handle on it now, but it may not always be the case.” Shuddering at the mere thought of her friend dealing with such a horrible process, She-Ra says, “We will all be looking out for her.”




A few moments pass and Perfuma eventually walks down the staircase again. The spritely Twiggets linger behind her. All three call out their goodbyes. On the main floor, Perfuma looks back at them, “Goodbye!” Turning to look at Light Hope, Perfuma smiles, “Oh Light Hope. Thank you for helping me.”




Light Hope smiles as light dances off his frame, “My dear, it was a pleasure helping and getting to know you. I hope you know that your presence is welcome here anytime.” She-Ra looks on at the two. Perfuma thinks of something else to say, “I will be back to visit. In the mean time though, do make sure the flowers continue to grow.” Tossing back a laugh, Light Hope looks at She-Ra, “Perfuma certainly has a way with plants. I don’t think this castle has seen so many flowers before. I will do my best to make sure they shine.” Perfuma nods matter-of-factly. She-Ra looks at Perfuma, “Are you ready?” Taking another look around the castle, Perfuma responds to She-Ra, “Yes. Let’s go home.”




Flying high in the air, Perfuma and She-Ra sit atop Swiftwind. Enjoying the sense of openness, Perfuma shares with She-Ra some of her stories from the Crystal Castle, “And She-Ra you would never believe what the poor Twiggets have been through! They were hunted down, but it just means so much to me that they wanted to talk to me about their journey. They were so shy at first!” Focusing on the flight, She-Ra is also listening, “I’ve never heard them talk. They have always been shy around me.” Perfuma goes on, “Well after I grew some lovely flowers on this little balcony, they really just hung around me! It was very nice.” She-Ra can’t help but notice that Perfuma talks like she has been on holiday, “Perfuma, how are you feeling? Do you want to talk about what you went through at all?”




The tone immediately changes. Perfuma is silent for what feels like an eternity. She-Ra wonders if she should have been silent. Finally Perfuma speaks, “I think I am fine. I can’t talk about what I went through though She-Ra. I just can’t.” Shuddering at the past few days, Perfuma wants to think of the happier moments and not the intense pain that came with cravings for fresh blood. Or the red tinged fantasies involving Perfuma’s teeth tearing into everyone she knows. Perfuma wants to think of the new forms of life she helped to create with the flowers at the Crystal Castle. Instead Perfuma starts to choke back tears. She just wants to feel like her old self.




She-Ra can’t see Perfuma, but she can hear her starting to cry. Oh I have upset her, that was never my intention, She-Ra tells herself. Trying to think of something to say, She-Ra softly speaks, “Perfuma, I’m sorry I asked that. If you don’t want to discuss anything, you don’t have to. That is your choice. Just know that there are a lot of people that are rooting for you. We are all here for you, ok?” She-Ra can feel Perfuma’s arms tightly wrap around her waist. Perfuma whispers, “Thank you She-Ra.” After a few moments, Perfuma composes herself, “So, what all have I missed since my stay in the Crystal Castle?” Looking back, She-Ra smiles, “Where should I begin?” As She-Ra rattles off the recent adventures of the Great Rebellion, they prepare to land in the Whispering Woods.




Hidden safely in the Whispering Woods is the glorious Castle Bright Moon. Members of the Rebellion go about their evening. Some people are working on various projects while others find time to rest and enjoy a nice meal before turning in for the night. Other people discuss the assault on Castle Chill and how the Empress Frosta was nearly killed. Some Rebels are hopeful that the Rebellion will win the fight against the Horde, while others whisper that they may all be doomed.




Inside a healing room and resting on a bed each, two friends begin to catch up. Frosta and Mermista were both injured in different battles against the Horde. Frosta peers out of the only open window in the room, looking at the last rays of the day shining away into night. Minwu, a powerful healer, is looking over the two ladies. Frosta rolls over in her bed, “Darling, fetch me something sweet please.”




Minwu pauses, “Empress Frosta, you just arrived to Bright Moon. I have not fully gone over all your wounds from the assault at Chill. I would like to make sure you are alright.” Frosta sits up, brushing him off, “Does it look like I’m dying? Please, a little dessert would go a long way. Now that I am… homeless… I would at least like to enjoy something to quell my hunger.”




Looking over at the unfolding mess, Mermista smiles, “You might as well do as she asks Minwu. She won’t stop until she gets her way.” Frosta looks over at her friend, “Finally, someone understands. Now go Minwu. And bring something for Mermista too. She looks like she could use a meal.” Minwu shrugs, exiting quickly. Frosta makes him nervous.




“I think you scared him sufficiently.” Mermista calls out. Frosta rolls her eyes, “Oh darling, he’ll be fine. Now tell me, what is that smell?” Ever since her arrival at Bright Moon, Frosta has been unable to shake a particular scent. Mermista looks around the room sniffing, “I don’t really smell anything Frosta. I think it is in your head.”

“Rubbish! I smell something. It is going to drive me crazy.” Frosta looks around the room, trying to figure the mystery out. Mermista notices the marks on Frosta’s neck, “Does that hurt? What happened?” Frosta runs her fingers across her neck, recalling Hordak’s hands as he tried to strangle her, “Oh this is nothing a draped scarf won’t fix. I am fine. Hordak thought he had me, but I got the last laugh. Honestly, I don’t know why the Horde even bothers. More importantly, who turned you into a pin cushion?”

Mermista looks down at her knife wounds, “Some Horde member calling herself Octavia. I thought I was alright, though I guess I had lost more blood than I thought. I’ve just been feeling woozy.” Frosta starts to chuckle. “Did I say something funny?” Mermista asks bordering on being hurt. Frosta shakes her head, as the chuckles turn into laughs, “Just look at us darling! Disasters in the glorious making.” Mermista looks at her friend and starts to laugh too. They both look disheveled and a mess. “There was a time neither of us would have been caught dead looking like this!” Mermista laughs out.

They continue to laugh until their sides hurt. Actually it is more than just their sides. Their laughter becomes infectious and uncontrollable. The lively laughter between the two changes though as Frosta’s eyes meet Mermista’s. They both nearly died. Frosta watched her home crumble away. Her lip trembles, “It’s all gone Mermista. My home. It’s gone.” Frosta breaks down. Mermista stumbles out of her bed and hugs her friend, “Frosta, it will be ok. You are alive, that is the most important thing. We will help you rebuild.” Mermista gets out of her bed and sits next to Frosta. The two friends hug each other.      

Through the tears and laughter, Frosta thanks Mermista, “What would I do without you Mermista? You are my best friend.” Mermista smiles, “As you are mine. Oh Frosta, how did our world ever become such a mess?” They are both weary and worn down. Soon Minwu brings in gifts of colorful confections.

Upon walking into the room, Minwu pauses as he stares at Frosta and Mermista sitting together on a bed, “Umm. I have brought the desserts.” He does not know what is going on. Frosta blankly stares at the healer, “Well put the treats down darling. They aren’t going to eat themselves.” Frosta looks at Mermista, shaking her head, “I mean really.” Mermista is glad to see Frosta back to her normal icy self. They both start laughing again. Minwu turns to leave and whispers aloud, “Women.”

Inside a newly furnished room inside Castle Bright Moon, Netossa gets comfortable in her new living space. Glimmer and Bow had brought Netossa to the room, helping her to settle in. She marvels at the space and how nice everything is. There is a plush bed with a small table to the side. There are a few book shelves as well as an old cushiony chair. Next to the door is a tall mirror. Suddenly she finds herself in company with Sea Hawk. He walks in the room taking everything in, "This place is different from Castle Chill, huh? Feels a lot warmer." Netossa smiles, "Yes much warmer. It is also better than an airship with smelly men too." Sea Hawk pretends to be hurt.

Netossa walks by an open window, taking in the night air, "And how is your room?" Sea Hawk shrugs, "Don't know yet. My crew and I are actually getting ready to leave." Turning to look at Sea Hawk, Netossa throws up a hand, "Wait. You just got here, why are you leaving?" Netossa is not happy with this bit of news. Her friendship with the pirate has become an important one for her. Sea Hawk grins, "Now 'Tossa, no reason to go and miss me yet." Netossa raises an eyebrow as if to say, don’t be so smug. Sea Hawk continues, "I will be back. There has been word of some resources on the outskirts of the Fright Zone. With a new influx of people to Bright Moon, I think it best to bring in more food. Every little bit helps, right?"


"That is nice of you Sea Hawk. I still can't believe you came back." Netossa is in shock that the pirate had a change of heart. Sea Hawk nods, "I don't think my crew would have forgiven me. It may not seem like I always have my priorities together, but I knew I needed to come back." Thinking of how bad things were in Castle Chill, Netossa shudders, "I'm glad you came back. Things were pretty scary for awhile." Sea Hawk nods, knowing there is much that he is leaving out.


The two talk for a little while longer. Sea Hawk asks if Netossa has seen the rest of the castle. "I would love to see everything Sea Hawk. Bright Moon seems like a wonderful place. However, I think I will rest some before I become familiar with my surroundings. Fighting against the Horde can take a great deal of energy out of you." Netossa says eyeing the bed in her room. She wants nothing more than to hop in and fall asleep under the covers. Sea Hawk understands and says goodbye. The pirate heads out of her room, preparing to leave.


After being dropped off by She-Ra, Perfuma greets Angella inside Bright Moon. "Oh Angella, it is nice to be back!" Perfuma exclaims, giving a hug to the queen of Bright Moon. Angella looks Perfuma over, "And how are you doing? I trust that everything is well?" Perfuma smiles showing no trace of the horrors she has endured, "I am lovely. There is so much that I am ready to just jump right into! I need to see how my flowers are doing. I would love to throw some sort of party. By the way, where is everyone?" Perfuma asks looking around the main hall of Bright Moon. I wasn't planning for a parade, but I had at least hoped to see some of my friends. I hope they aren’t scared of me, Perfuma thinks to herself.


As if reading Perfuma’s mind, Angella says, "With everything that we have all been through, I think everyone is taking some time to rest. Believe me though when I say this, we have all missed you Perfuma." Perfuma hugs Angella, trying to think of the brighter side of things, "Oh yes, I know. Even She-Ra is tired. She just dropped me off and then flew away. I’ll say hello to everyone tomorrow.” Angella nods reaching out to hug Perfuma again, “I will see you tomorrow morning Perfuma. Have a good night.”


Perfuma watches Angella head off towards her quarters. Perfuma whispers to herself, “I can’t sleep though…” Walking through Bright Moon, Perfuma heads to the healing bay. She has to see the sleeping survivor from Poft. Walking into the room, Perfuma can see that Minwu is already there. He is sleeping in a chair. There are flowers in the room. Tears fill her eyes; they remembered to have flowers for the sleeping Poft survivor. Perfuma stands next to the sleeping beauty, the dancer, and says to her, “I am so sorry for the way I was. I never would have hurt you.” Recalling her hunger and desire to rip into the dancer’s body, Perfuma makes a vow that she will not hurt anyone.


In another part of Bright Moon, Spira is quietly walking through a back way to her room. After the events at Castle Chill, Spira found a way to sneak off back to the Whispering Woods. She is tired and has a few important things to take care of before returning to the Fright Zone. Quietly walking down the hall to her room, Spira pauses. She can hear the sound of crying coming from Glimmer’s room.


Slowly approaching the door, Spira knocks. She can hear Glimmer composing herself. The door creaks open, Glimmer focuses her eyes on her cousin, “Spira? Come on in.” Spira walks in, explaining that she came back home for a little rest, “I really wanted to sleep in my own bed tonight.”


Glimmer nods, “I can understand that. I’m glad you are here.” The two sit down on the floor discussing the recent events. They also drift to their childhood and how close they were. Glimmer smiles, “This is so nice, getting the chance to bond. I feel like we don’t do that enough.” Spira agrees, “Yes, well, bouncing all over the place has put a damper on family. I do agree though, it is nice to just spend time with you.” There is a brief pause before Spira talks again, “If you don’t mind my asking Glimmer, why were you crying? I could hear you in the hall just now.”


With eyes wide in embarrassment, Glimmer looks down at the floor, “I didn’t think anyone would hear me.” Trying to look at Glimmer’s face, Spira goes on, “I’m sure no one else heard you, I just happened to be walking towards my room. Is everything ok?” Looking up at her cousin, Glimmer lets out a sigh, “I’ve just been really sad. Now that all the fighting has taken a momentary pause, I just started thinking about the current state of my life.” Before Spira can say anything else, Glimmer launches into a summary of her broken heart and Bow, “It just hurts. I really thought Bow would like me. I almost told him how I felt, but he likes someone else. It is just depressing. I really thought he liked me in that way.”


Doing her best to listen with an open mind, Spira can’t help but find the emotional drama a bit annoying. Snapping ever so slightly, Spira says, “Sounds pretty tough. I’m sure you’ll be fine though.” Oblivious to the change in Spira’s tone, Glimmer nods, “I’ll be fine eventually. I just don’t want it to hurt this much. You know what I mean?” Spira fervently shakes her head, “No, no. I don’t know what you mean Glimmer. I’m sorry, but I have no clue. I don’t get many opportunities to develop crushes on anyone. I get to look forward to going back to the Fright Zone, alone, with a group of villainous monsters at every turn. I wish my problems were as simple as a broken heart.”


Glimmer pauses, “Wait a minute Spira, I don’t like that you have to go to the Fright Zone. I wish you didn’t have to spy at all. If I could have taken your place back then, I would have, in a heartbeat.” Spira wants to laugh at the statement, “That’s an easy thing to say.” Hearing the tone in Spira’s voice, Glimmer asks, “What does that mean?” Spira finds herself getting angry, “It means you are full of it. You are a princess Glimmer. Even if you had wanted to be a double agent, no one would have let that happen. You have to continue the line. It is easy to say you’d take my place, because you know it would never happen.”


Dropping her mouth in shock, Glimmer protests, “I disagree! How could you say something like that? I hate that you are all alone in your work against the Horde. I want you to be here safe with us. More importantly, I have been through horrendous experiences. I don’t care if I am a princess, I would be able to make those choices.” Spira nods, “Right, which is why the only choice you can moan about is the fact that Bow doesn’t like you. Look at yourself Glimmer! You are one of the bravest women I know, and yet you want to sob because a boy doesn’t like you? I’ve seen you face down monsters. You are better than this. Who cares that Bow doesn’t like you. Move on, you are better than all of it!”


With arms crossed, Glimmer spits out, “So what are you saying? I have to be focused on the important things only? I know the world we live in is shitty. We are oppressed. People are losing their homes, their lives. Should I be more like you? Bitter and hardened by the horrible things I have done? I can’t help that I also have feelings. I should not have to apologize for being hurt, no matter how trivial it may be to you.” Both women are red in the face, they have never been this upset at each other.




Spira looks at her cousin and instantly hates having to fight with her, “Oh Glimmer, there is nothing wrong with being hurt over a broken heart. I’m sorry for being crude. I just am stressed and concerned about how we will survive. And I look at you… I see this strong willed woman and I don’t want to see you hurting like this, over Bow. No offense, I love Bow, but who cares if he likes you or not? You are pure shining light, don’t let anyone cause you to falter and dim.”




Glimmer knows her cousin is right, “I’m sorry too Spira. You are risking your life every time you step into the Fright Zone. I don’t know that I could do it. Or rather I really wouldn’t want to.” Spira smiles, “You could if you had no other choice. We are cousins; that bravery runs through both of us.” The two cousins hug each other. Glimmer asks, “Do you really have to go back Spira? Can’t you just stay here?” Spira shrugs, “I wish I could. I want nothing more than to give up being a double agent. However I have the ability to find where Kowl is and I must find out more about this Doom Dispenser that the Horde is building to destroy the Whispering Woods.” Glimmer hates the reality that they are in. Spira eventually gets up and heads to the door. Glimmer calls out, “Good night cousin.” Spira hugs Glimmer, “Good night.”




In a clearing off to the side of Bright Moon, Sea Hawk is almost finished with his preparations. His crew is about to start the ship. Before they leave though, a visitor approaches. Adora walks up to a very surprised Sea Hawk, “Wow, Adora, you are alive. I thought you were murdered!” Adora grins, “And I thought you worked for the Horde.” Sea Hawk walks up to her, “That was your job title darlin.’ I was always on contract.” Adora nods, “Right. So what are you doing joining the Rebellion and leaving so soon?”




Sea Hawk crosses his arms, “Is that how this whole Rebellion thing works? Everyone gets into each other’s business?” Adora shakes her head, “Only when there is a question of one’s loyalties.” Walking even closer to Adora, Sea Hawk half grins, “Haven’t you heard? My loyalties are to the Rebellion now. I’m sure you can understand that. Glad you are among the living Adora. You look as beautiful as ever.” The pirate smiles and Adora catches a whiff of his cologne. For some odd reason her heart flutters. Brushing that odd feeling away, Adora prepares for more questions. Before she can ask anything else, Sea Hawk turns. His ship is lifting off the ground. Waving with a wink, Sea Hawk grabs hold of a dangling ladder and the ship flies off. Adora stands there looking at him fly away…

*** 

In another darker part of Etheria, the Fright Zone is bustling with much activity. Locked in a section of cells, Prince Adam sits in darkness. After recalling his memories and trying to fight his way out, Adam was taken as a prisoner. Locked in a dank cold cell, the prince has had to keep himself company. The area he is in is reserved for the most important of prisoners. This is my life now, Adam says to himself. He wonders how he will escape.




He hears the sound of heels walking down the rows of cells. Someone wants a visit. Approaching his cell, Catra peers through the bars, “You fool. You had everything. Now how does it feel to be living in such wretched circumstances?” Adam chuckles, “This little space is great. I’d rather live in this dump than go on living some lie with the likes of you. I have my memories back. I know what real love is. I have people that care about me, and they will be here.”




Catra cackles a laugh. Purring through the bars, Catra taunts, “There are some memories that are missing though, correct? You have no memories of that annoying sister. That’s right; you never got to meet her. Such a shame. Don’t worry; when I killed her she wasn’t hurting. Much.” Adam jumps up rattling the bars, “Say another word about my sister…” Catra purrs, “Oh there are many things I can say about your sister. But what does it matter? She is dead. You traveled all this way, for nothing…” Adam shakes his head, “No not for nothing. Because when I get out of this cell, I will rip your head off your body.” Catra pretends to shiver, “So scary. I’ll be looking forward to it.” Catra laughs again before walking off. Her laughs echo down the hall.




Adam slumps to the ground, tears forming in his eyes. Could it be true? Have I missed the chance to meet my twin sister? I am so sorry I could not save you… Adam cries to himself. Suddenly a voice calls out from a cell next to Adam’s, “Young man, don’t listen to Catra. I know many things, one thing being this: never trust that jealous beauty.” Adam wishes he could see his cell-mate. The darkness forbids any visual contact, but Adam does say hello. The voice calls back, “It is nice to meet you. Now, what are you in here for?”




In another section of the Fright Zone, Hordak and Entrapta are involved in a private meeting. “What have you been finding out on her, Entrapta?” Hordak asks, feeding some scraps to his pet Imp. Entrapta looks on in disgust, “Not much really. I have talked and gotten close, and I have to say, I like becoming her friend. I don’t quite understand why you have asked me to be keeping tabs on Catra.” Hordak pauses from taking care of Imp, “There is no reason to fully understand anything I ask of you Entrapta. I will say this though; Catra is a bit… impulsive. I need her to be watched. I know her feeling towards the Horde is great, but I am not sure where her allegiance could ultimately be.”




Entrapta is full of questions, “Where else would her allegiance follow?” Hordak sits up, “Herself. Make no mistake, Catra believes in the Horde, but her own personal quests may lead her in any direction. I have told you this before, but I firmly believe she wanted Adora out of the way. So she distorted evidence to go in her favor. She knew I would be enraged at anyone who spies on the Horde. Catra’s hatred over Adora led to her murder. I was not finished with Adora. Now we are all suffering from Catra’s own selfish needs. So she must be watched, her motives might be harmful.” Entrapta tilts her head, “Are you saying that Catra could be the real spy?”




Snorting, Hordak brushes Imp away, “I’m not saying a thing. It is possible Catra could have created an environment for a double agent to exist so that she could create proof to justifiably kill Adora, but that is of no importance. It is all too late now. My intent is to ensure that the Horde operates seamlessly. We have a larger mission that must be accomplished. Anyone who deters that mission for any reason is expendable. So keep a close eye on Catra. There have been too many distractions as of late.” Entrapta does not agree with some of Hordak’s ideas, but she can agree on one thing, “I agree. There have been too many distractions going on around here Hordak. I think it is high time that our investigations start finding some answers soon.”

*** 

A new day begins in Castle Bright Moon. Spira is preparing for a visit with Queen Angella about her plans for returning to the Fright Zone. Spira wants nothing more than to stay inside her room. Adora taps on the open bedroom door, “Am I bothering you Spira?” Spira smiles, “Of course not! Come on in Adora.” The two catch up. “So you are going back to the Fright Zone?” Adora asks full of concern. Spira nods. Adora does not like this, “But why Spira? I understand that there is some more information that you need, but it is just too dangerous.” Spira laughs, “It has been dangerous since day one. I will be fine. I must admit though, it is harder now that you are no longer there.”




Adora shrugs, “I could always sneak in and help in the shadows?” Spira laughs, “Oh no. The Horde thinks you are dead. I think that should stay that way.” The two friends discuss their friendship. “It is almost over though Adora, I can feel it. I am so close to finding out where Kowl is, and if I can stop the construction of this Doom Dispenser, than it will have all been worth it. All of it.” Adora knows that Spira is also referring to the horrible acts that they have done as Horde members. “Do you think we will be forgiven for the things we have done Spira?” Adora asks. Spira shrugs, “I’m not sure Adora. I close my eyes at night and think of the terror we have inflicted on people. We may both have our own reasons, but those actions are still there. Nothing can be taken back.”




“I suppose. I hope the people we have hurt can forgive us. I wish I had known better.” Adora shakes her head thinking about all that has been wasted. Spira reminds Adora of all that has also been good in their lives, “We have our lives, our friendships. When the Horde is finally gone all those tough questions can be tackled then.” Adora thinks about that, “What will you do with your time when the Horde is finally gone?”




Pausing before answering, Spira carefully thinks, “There are many things I will do. The biggest one will be writing. I will finally finish writing a story I have been writing my whole life.” Adora has never heard this from Spira before, “You write? After all this time, I never knew that.” Spira blushes, “That is because I have never told anyone. I have always enjoyed writing, ever since I was a child.” Adora is so glad to know this, “Where are your stories? What do you write?” Spira takes a step back, “Whoa, hold on now! I have my stories here, at Bright Moon. I never write anywhere else, they are safe here. As for what I write about, I am too nervous to even share that right now.” Adora smiles, “Well I hope when this nightmare is over you have the courage to share your story with us Spira. I look forward to that.” Warmly smiling, Spira beams, “I just might do that Adora. Thank you for being interested.” Adora thanks Spira for sharing.




Together, Spira and Adora head towards Angella’s throne room. Spira looks at her friend, “You never said what you will do with your time Adora…” Looking over at her friend, Adora says, “I am going to finally meet my family. That is a reunion that is long overdue.”




Both women meet with Angella. Glimmer also joins the small group. Spira announces her plans for her return to the Fright Zone. Angella is not happy, “With the arrival of She-Ra, I am fully confident that we would be able to stop whatever this Doom Dispenser has for us. I want you here with us Spira, it is safer.” Spira understands, “Of course Queen Angella. However we still need Kowl. I firmly believe I will find him. As for She-Ra, I am aware of her strength, but we don’t know what we are dealing with in terms of the Doom Dispenser. I plan on finding it and dismantling it. That is the only way I will feel safe. I promise though, once my mission has been completed, I will return. Permanently.”




Footsteps enter into the throne room behind them. Frosta strides in with a scarf around her neck, “Darling, you have one other mission.” Everyone looks at Frosta. Spira rolls her eyes, “I’m not some short order cook Frosta.” Frosta shrugs, “I realize that darling. That is why we have Minwu.” Glimmer pipes up, “Actually, we have Minwu for healing purposes…” Frosta raises a hand, “I don’t care. I am missing my ice diamond. With all the commotion of my family home melting to the ground, I had forgotten that my ice diamond has been stolen.”




Crossing her arms, Spira bellows, “Frosta, I’m not going on a mission to recover some lost jewels.” Shaking her head, Frosta goes on, “The ice diamond is more than just a jewel darling. It may sound silly, but that diamond is mighty powerful. After I said good riddance to the pirates, I took a rather heavy nap. Once I awoke, that fur ball Grizzlor was looming over me. I have strong reason to believe that he stole my ice diamond. And since you will be in the Fright Zone, I would like you to see what you can find. This isn’t that difficult.” Adora is in disbelief, “I’m not sure Spira will have the time…” Spira speaks up, “That is fine.” Wanting to be done with the conversation, Spira speaks up, “I’ll do my best Frosta.” Looking back at everyone, Spira goes on, “If that is all, I will be gone. I will be back soon.” Spira says her goodbyes, leaving the group.




Frosta watches Spira leave and turns to look at Angella, “Alright, I have one more thing to say. Angella, do you smell anything strange? Your castle has this odd odor. At first I thought it was Mermista, but as I have been walking around, I have noticed that the smell is just everywhere.” Angella sits on her throne, trying to understand, “I don’t know what you mean. I can’t smell anything.” Frosta blankly looks at Adora and Glimmer, “Well?” Glimmer shrugs. Adora shakes her head. Throwing her hands up in the air, Frosta turns to leave.

*** 

Time passes on. In the Fright Zone, Hordak is at the cargo bay area, having a conversation with Sea Hawk. Hordak grins, “So nice to see you pirate. Do you finally have what I need?” Sea Hawk stands tall, hating every second of what he is about to do, “Yeah, I have it. Here.” Sea Hawk produces the ice diamond and hands it to Hordak. The pirate has no idea why the Horde leader has requested such a garish jewel, but Sea Hawk wants the rest of his coin from an earlier job. With the remaining amount of coin, Sea Hawk plans on helping the Rebellion with tons of supplies. Forgive me Empress, I didn’t want to steal from you, Sea Hawk says to himself. Though, he also reasons that Frosta must have plenty of other jewels at her disposal anyway. She probably won’t even realize it is gone, he mutters aloud.




Hordak is pleased to have the ice diamond, “This is wondrous. Here is the rest of your payment pirate.” Hordak promises and delivers a bag of coins for Hawk. Taking the bag from Hordak, Sea Hawk mentions, “Alright. That is it. I got what you want. I’m done now. You’ll have to find someone else to do your deliveries Hordak. I am through being on contract for the Horde.” Sea Hawk stands tall as Hordak laughs at him, “Oh that is truly funny pirate. You don’t get to say when you are finished with the Horde, and you are far from finished. I have more uses for you. If this is a problem, I can certainly find someone else to take your place. But remember pirate, your new place will not be pretty.” Hordak snaps his fingers as Grizzlor and Leech appear from the side.




Knocking Sea Hawk to the ground, the two Hordesmen pin him to the ground. Grizzlor holds a knife to his neck, “Do you want me to kill him Mighty Hordak?” Stepping in front of the laid out pirate, Hordak snorts, “That depends all on Sea Hawk. Come on Sea Hawk, what will it be?” Sea Hawk closes his eyes; he knew this would not be simple, “What do you want me to do?”


“Excellent. Teamwork is a great thing. Well Sea Hawk, since you wanted to help your new friends at Castle Chill earlier, how about from now on you help me with any information I need about them?” Hordak snorts out another loud laugh.

*** 

Inside the courtyard at Bright Moon, Perfuma is working on some flowers. The sun is shining brightly, and for a moment Perfuma has forgotten about her troubles. There is no sadness; just sweet smelling flowers. She is happy to be outside, under the sun, safe. Startling Perfuma out of her reverie, Glimmer taps the flower maiden’s shoulder. Perfuma turns and smiles from ear to ear. All of her friends are standing in the courtyard. One by one, they give Perfuma a hug offering words of encouragement. Bow tells her that they need to work on a special song for someone… Netossa introduces herself to Perfuma… Angella hugs Perfuma tightly… Adora has tears in her eyes, she cares about Perfuma and wants to share that she is She-Ra, and that she will do anything to help her friend, though she refrains… Madame Razz grins, producing some flowers and doing a fun impromptu dance with Perfuma… Mermista smiles and finally gives Perfuma free reign to landscape the Crystal Falls… Glimmer hugs Perfuma and shares a message from Spira as well as Peekablue and Castaspella who were unable to be there… Minwu kisses Perfuma on the cheek, catching the flower maiden off guard… Finally Frosta hugs Perfuma and asks her, “Darling, I have to ask. Do you smell that odor? I can’t get away from it and I am literally going insane.” Perfuma smiles, “Frosta, it is not an odor. You smell the scent of outside, of nature.” Gasping, Frosta groans, “Oh no. Living here is going to be worse than I thought.” Everyone laughs and Perfuma is thrilled to be loved by so many wonderful people.

***

Elsewhere inside the Fright Zone, Spira manages to walk through some passageways and back rooms. Studying over the blueprints of the Doom Dispenser, Spira actually believes she has found the location of the newly constructed Horde Weapon. I can’t believe how many things Hordak has going on all at once, Spira marvels aloud.




Entering a dimly lit room, Spira notices a large piece of canvas material covering a mass in the center of the room. Slowly walking towards the massive structure, Spira looks over the blueprints again. Destroying this device would not be simple, but Spira is confident that she can do it. Lifting her hands up, Spira takes hold of the canvas. She starts pulling it down, awaiting the vision of the mysterious Doom Dispenser.




Nothing is there. Spira steps back confused. There is nothing under the canvas. It was an illusion. Bright lights quickly flood the dimly lit room. The light is blinding. Spira tries to cover her eyes to see what is going on. She is not alone. Horde Troopers are lined against the walls. Hordak enters the room with Entrapta, Catra, and Shadow Weaver.




“Spira. What a surpise.” Hordak calls out approaching her. Spira is cautious, “Mighty Hordak. What is going on?” She can hear a sound of annoyance escape Catra’s lips. Hordak ignores everything and looks at Spira, “I’ll tell you what is going on Spira. I’m a bit unhappy.” Hordak shocks Spira with a gut punch, “I don’t like it when people try to fool me. It is so much better when I get to do the fooling.”




Spira doubles over in pain. This is it. I am caught, Spira shakes. “Did you think you’d make it all work Spira? I am the ruler of the Horde; I make sure this empire works.” Spira looks up at him, “I don’t know what you mean.”




Hordak’s eyes glow red. He grabs Spira by the hair, dragging her across the floor, “There is no Doom Dispenser Spira. It was all a hoax, a way to trap you. Thanks to Catra’s selfish ways, her ineptitude led me to work on finding the real double agent inside the Fright Zone. Adora was too simple to ever be a double agent. I’ve long suspected it was you, and now I have found the ultimate proof. Only a Rebel would have the audacity to come in here and destroy a machine bent on burning the Whispering Woods to a crisp. Good job though on fooling me for this long.” Hordak kicks Spira towards Entrapta and Catra, “Get that filthy piece of trash up. Take her to the cells; she is a prisoner of the Horde now.”




Spira looks at Catra, “Don’t let him do this.” Catra looks on in disgust, “No one will be able to help you now, traitor.” Spira is about to fight her way out, until she feels Entrapta’s hair wrap around her neck. Entrapta grins, “Now, now, now… there will be none of that.” Spira’s heart is beating all too fast. This was not part of the plan! Spira screams to herself. Catra grins, “Alright Double Trouble, let’s see how you like the Fright Zone now.” Spira is led to the slave cells, and the only thing she can think of is that she should have just stayed home…


As Spira is taken away, Shadow Weaver glides next to Hordak, “What are we going to do with her, mighty Hordak?” Looking at Spira being taken away, Hordak grins with glowing red eyes, “Very simple Weaver. The Horde is going to execute her.”




Up next!


Only two more chapters until the exciting end to part 1! I would say more, but what else is there to say? Be here next weekend for She-Ra Saturday!