Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 25

Previously: Queen Marlena wanted her son back home, immediately. Man-At-Arms was quickly working on a portal key that would send some of the Masters of the Universe to Etheria to bring prince Adam back home... Members of the Great Rebellion were slightly torn about this large pulsating cocoon that Perfuma stole from the Horde Labs. Votes were made and the cocoon was banished from Bright Moon! Perfuma was sad... Adora had an interesting dinner with Sea Hawk, and though he didn't end up with egg on his face, there was some veggies and gravy sopping him up like a biscuit... Hordak was a busy little bee, adding to the Horde ranks. Due to the arrival of She-Ra, Hordak has been wanting to continue instilling fear into the people of Etheria. Hordak also got some help from a device created by Entrapta. The ruthless leader of the Horde accessed some memories from the undead Double Trouble... While talking with Kowl, Adora found some important information regarding her brother. A plan was set to visit Peekablue, the Rebellion's watchful friend with special sight over Etheria!

And now...

Adora's Search for Honor

Part 2

Chapter 25

Somewhere on Etheria, Prince Adam wakes up to find himself in a small room. Rubbing his eyes, the prince looks around. The walls are wooden. There are no windows, but there is a door that is wide open. A woman enters the room and sits next to him on the small bed. Her hair is made up of silver strands. Adam remarks that her hair looks like metal. Her skin is ghostly pale, but her eyes have a haunting glow that is part inky purple and part deep blue. "You are awake. You've been sleeping for awhile."

"I have?" Adam asks. He recalls the last few weeks of his life. Running away from the Fright Zone, trying to catch up to the Rebels... "How did I end up here?" Adam looks around, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The woman adjusts the gown she is wearing before continuing, "I had travelled into town, but I couldn't stay long. I can never stay away for long. As I was leaving there was a problem with some Horde Troopers."

Adam remembers, "Yes! I was running trying to find a place to hide." The woman smiles, "You were also very weak. I saw that you needed some help, so I did what I could. After that I took you home with me. You've been sleeping for the last few days, waking for food every now and then. Were you a prisoner?"

Explaining some of his ordeal, Adam does his best to share the major points. The woman listens intently. "You have certainly been getting your rest here. You are safe Adam." He looks at her blankly. She seems to know so much about him, but he knows nothing about her, "What is your name?"

She looks at him, searching for an answer, "I do not know my name." Asking more questions, Adam tries to learn about this odd woman. "I have lived in this small cabin for a very long time. I do not require a name. I am merely here to help make sure you regain your strength. So go back to sleep, I will take care of you... And hopefully whoever is searching for you... Will find you..." The prince rests his eyes, falling into a nice sleep.

***

Being lazy in her room, Catra rolls around on her bed slowly waking up from a cat nap. With a day off from any Horde duties, Catra wants nothing more than to stay in her room alone. Turning on her side, Catra opens her eyes. Adora is laying next to her. "Why are you here?" Catra quietly asks as Adora responds, "You know why I am here."

Catra whispers, "I hate you so much." Adora lays there smiling. Reaching out to graze her hand across Catra's face, Adora smiles, "But hate only goes so far..." Grimacing Catra continues to look at Adora, "You aren't even real. I killed you and if I could, I'd do it again." They look into each other's eyes. A past so rich flows between them. Catra knows nothing but her hatred, which fuels those feelings further.

"Am I crazy? What is happening to me?" Catra asks thinking of so much. Her power over magic. The possible connection she has with Shadow Weaver. Her intense yearning for any connection with another soul, which is joined with the disgust at wanting to rely on anyone for anything. Adora smiles, "You know all this Catra."

"I wish Bow was here. He'd help me." The admission surprises Catra. Did I just say that? She wonders. Adora slightly melts, "He could help you, couldn't he?" Something becomes unsettling. The fire returns to her eyes and Catra screams, "I don't need his help!!!" In a quick reflex Catra rakes her nails across Adora's face, ripping into flesh. After three swipes Catra looks on in horror as Adora's face is a bloody mess. Shaking, Catra turns over in her bed facing the wall. She hopes Adora is gone, but she can feel her scarred bloody eyes staring at her. Don't turn around. Don't turn around. I can feel her looking at me... Catra can't return to sleep.

***

Peekablue is perched on her gilded seat in the Sun Tower. She is staring at the main doors to the tower. Having already "seen" her visitors with her magical feathers, Peekablue is fully prepared. Eventually the main doors open. Sitting still and remaining calm, Peekablue slightly gasps as she sets her sights on Hordak, Entrapta, Grizzlor, and Mantenna. A gaggle of Horde Troopers stand guard outside the tower.

Hordak walks towards the gilded seat and snorts, "I don't know that we have ever officially met. I am Hordak, leader of the Horde." Peekablue stares at the monster before her, "I know who you are." Snorting at her reply, Hordak opens his arms wide, "Everyone knows who I am. The interesting thing is who you are: Peekablue, faithful watcher over Etheria. For a moment I will forget having seen you fight with the Rebels at Castle Chill some time ago. Instead I am more curious about you, and your role on Etheria. This Sun Tower is interesting to me, do you know the reason for this building? Why it was constructed?"

Peekablue lies, "I have no idea." Turning to look back at his Hordesmen, Hordak snorts, "She has no idea." His voice changing, Hordak leans into Peekablue's face, "I'm not a fool. How dare you try and take me for one. This building, the Sun Tower, is special. Long ago it was able to communicate with the powerful sisters of the stars. In conjunction with the Lunar Tower, Etherians could call upon them for help. I've yet to find the Lunar Tower but I have been collecting special artifacts to aid in my communications..."

Gasping at his knowledge, Peekablue whispers, "What do you want with the Star Sisters?" Hordak grins again, "They are protecting something I want very badly." Trying to compose herself, Peekablue shakes her head, "This tower no longer works. I cannot help you." In the background Entrapta makes a groan. She hates it when people try to struggle against the Horde.

"The tower may not work, but there are other ways to amplify the connection to the cosmos above. I already have the Ice Diamond. I need the Eye of Fire. You know something about that, don't you?" Hordak places his arms on Peekablue's chair, trapping her from moving anywhere else. She squirms, "The Eye of Fire is a relic. I do not possess it."

"But you can find it. I've done my homework on you. I know all about your powers..." Hordak looks over at Entrapta. Ever since he saw Double Trouble's memories, Hordak has been waiting for the chance to meet Peekablue, "I want you to join the Horde. We could use your unique talents to find out what is occurring on Etheria at any given moment. Join us."

"No. I will never bend to your macabre control over this planet." Peekablue jumps as Hordak slams his hands on her gilded seat. "Damn you! Do not make this difficult." Sneering, Hordak turns to look at Entrapta, "Take care of her."

Entrapta glides towards Peekablue. One of her movable ponytails reaches out, grabbing hold of Peekablue's ankle. Wipping her into the air, Entrapta flings Peekablue into a column. Screaming in pain, Peekablue feels herself being lifted in the air. Entrapta flips her around and wraps the second ponytail around Peekablue's neck. Dangling in the air, Peekablue struggles to free herself. She is losing. Trying to focus and concentrate, Peekablue is very close to giving in.

Suddenly the main doors are thrust open and a voice shouts, "I think it time you get a hair cut!" Noticing She-Ra entering the Sun Tower, Peekablue smiles as the Princess of Power throws an axe towards Entrapta. The blade slices the pony tail in half, freeing Peekablue. Screaming in agony as electric sparks radiate from her hair, Entrapta glares at She-Ra, "Oh someone just get rid of her already!!!"

Bow, Sea Hawk, Mermista, and Frosta rush in behind She-Ra to help fight off the Horde. Hordak groans and turns his arm into a cannon. Peekablue gets up dusting herself off. She is glad to see her friends. Bow begins shooting off arrows as Mantenna and Grizzlor rush Frosta. Sea Hawk and Mermista try to stop Entrapta. The tricky golden beauty gets a jolt as Mermista tosses some water at Entrapta's electrically damaged ponytail. She-Ra heads towards Peekablue, but finds herself to late.

Hordak grabs hold of Peekablue, "Sorry She-Ra, I need her more than you!" Blasting a hole into the wall, Hordak rushes out of the Sun Tower. Peekablue screams, trying to fight her way free. The Horde quickly falls back. She-Ra tries to stop them, but can't. Sea Hawk calls out that they can chase Hordak in his ship. Thinking about the last run in they had with the Horde, She-Ra shakes her head, "No. I don't want to risk anyone getting hurt. Let's head back to Bright Moon. We'll develop a better plan." Mermista looks at her friend, "But they took Peekablue. We can't let them get away She-Ra." Nodding, She-Ra goes on, "Mermista I agree with you, but I have a feeling Hordak is not going to hurt her. I can't have us lose any more life. I refuse to have a repeat of the arena. Come on, let's hurry back home." As everyone enters the ship, She-Ra quietly cries to herself, I had really hoped to have help on finding my brother...

While the ship is in the air heading towards Bright Moon, Mermista and Frosta talk to the side. Ever since the vote on the cocoon, Frosta has been chilly towards Mermista. "What is going on, you haven't talked to me. Is our friendship alright?" Mermista asks looking at Frosta awaiting a response. Frosta glares, "I suppose our friendship is alright. I just never thought my friend would vote against me. I really thought I could count on you darling."

Mermista shakes her head, "What does that matter? You won either way Frosta. The cocoon is gone. Friendships can still exist even if two friends don't agree on something." Frosta groans, "Mermista, you make it sound like I was wanting to win some silly contest. I was trying to stand up and defend my new miserable home. I was wanting to make sure we were all safe!" Mermista nods, "I know. And I was of the impression that the cocoon was of no danger. We merely had a difference of opinion, it doesn't mean we have to lose our friendship. I don't want you to not speak to me." Frosta shrugs her shoulders and makes a noise under her breath. Mermista knows when to leave enough alone and walks away. Frosta just needs some space.

Bow is off to the side writing some notes down on a sheet of music. She-Ra approaches him, "Are you alright?" Bow looks up at her, "As alright as I can be. I'm just writing some music, trying to get my mind off of what just happened. I really wanted us to have Peekablue join us, to be safe. And to help Adora find her brother." She-Ra nods, "You really care about her." Bow does and it pains She-Ra to be in the situation she is in. She wants to talk to him so badly. Bow stands up to take a break, "I just hope Adora will handle the news well. I know this will hurt her. We all promised we'd get answers." He walks away as Sea Hawk approaches.

The pirate looks at She-Ra, something seems different about her, "Did you change your clothes?" She-Ra blankly stares at him, "Excuse me?" Sea Hawk shakes his head, her skirt is longer, a different cut. He finds that odd, "Oh never mind. Just a silly observation. We'll be at Bright Moon soon. It was nice of you to join us on the flight to the Sun Tower." She-Ra agrees, "I just wish it had turned out differently." The two continue to talk, "Why was Hordak even there? I thought the Sun Tower was a hidden secret?" Sea Hawk asks trying to make sense of things. She-Ra wonders the same thing, "That is very interesting. He was there with a purpose, but where did he get his information from?" She-Ra wonders this among many other things...

***

Inside Bright Moon people are busy working to complete banners and other decorations for the Night of the Glitterbugs. The celebration is very close at hand and the citizens of Bright Moon are hard at work to finish the overall look for the night. In the courtyard, Glimmer, Perfuma, Madame Razz, and Kowl are working on some flower columns. The columns will be set out around the castle to be hopefully lit up by the Glitterbugs. Perfuma thinks it will be fantastic. "I want the Glitterbugs to stop and smell the flowers when they come out!"

Glimmer smiles, "I'm glad we are all working together on this." Perfuma dances around some flowers, "Why wouldn't we?" Shrugging while thinking about the past few days, Glimmer goes on, "Well, ya know, the whole cocoon thing. I thought you'd be upset at me for wanting it gone." Madame Razz and Kowl work furiously on a batch of roses. Perfuma pauses and looks at everything around them, "Glimmer... I am not mad at you. It was not an easy situation to be in. You went with your feelings. It is OK." The two friends smile and continue working on the columns.

The conversation shifts to Perfuma dating Minwu. Perfuma is in love, "I feel like he is opening me up to so many new experiences. I am smelling new things. Tasting new things. I feel like love has brought me onto a new plane of existence." Glimmer can't help but feel slightly jealous, but she smiles, "Don't let Frosta hear you talking like that. She may gag." They laugh and Perfuma shrugs, "Frosta gags over everything."

Madame Razz notices Sea Hawk's ship arriving. "They've returned. I hope everything is alright." The witchy woman excuses herself. Perfuma does the same, "I'll be right back. I'm going to find Minwu, will you be here?" Glimmer nods. Kowl and her both decide to stick around working on the flowers. Glimmer looks over at Kowl, "Do you think they found out any answers?" Kowl flits about, "I sure hope so."

***

Making her way into Adora's room, Madame Razz whispers, "Dearie, are you back yet? Dearie?" Razz fumbles around the room hoping that She-Ra has returned and is now Adora. "Psst. Adora? Dearie?" Razz heads into the restroom and looks out at the open window, "Oh I hope you return soon."

As she is about to leave, Razz hears some footsteps out in the hall, heading inside the room. A voice soon follows, "Adora? Are you in there?" It is Bow. Madame Razz's eyes pop wide open. She quickly runs to the bathroom and slams the door shut while rushing to lock it. Bow runs inside the room and heads to the bathroom door, "Adora? Are you in there? Are you alright?"


Razz panics and looks around the room. Altering her voice to sound sick, Razz gurgles and burps, "Oh dear... Oh! I mean! Bow! Yes, Bow!"

Hearing the odd voice, Bow scrunches his face, "Adora? Is that you?" Razz continues in an awkward groaning voice, "Ohhh Bow. Yes, I'm just feeling sooo sick." Razz pretends to make upset sounding noises. She is frantic and tries her best to sound like she is throwing up. She just sounds really weird. Bow goes on, "Would you like me to get you some medicine? You sound terrible."

"Ohhh I just feel sooo sick. I think I ate something really bad..." Razz is feeling loopy just thinking about it all. Bow nods, "Well I am not wanting to disrupt you. And I am not here to talk about any matters between us... romantically..." The mere mention of the word 'romantically' freaks Razz out and she makes even more sickly sounds. At this point Adora arrives by the window, ready to sneak into her room. She takes one look at Madame Razz and is not quite sure what to do.

Madame Razz quickly motions for Adora to hurry inside. Bow continues talking, "I do really need to talk to you though, about something else. We got back from our trip to the Sand Tower. Umm, I guess I will wait though until you are feeling better... but I really want to tell you how it turned out..." Madame Razz motions for Adora to hurry inside and end all this, "Let me out of here dearie!" Adora grins, some of this is slightly comical. Scooching Razz towards the window, Adora lightly lifts the witch outside. Madame Razz looks back, "Dearie, I can't keep this up! Now look sick!" Adora nods, heading back to Bow.

Bow listens as everything seems quiet. He turns to walk away, thinking he will talk to Adora later. He doesn't want to bother her. Suddenly the sound of the door unlocking stops him in his tracks. He turns as Adora exits the bathroom. Her hair in disarray and face looking flush, he smiles, "Even while sick you are still so beautiful." Adora looks up, "Not sure what to say about that. Sorry for any strange noises. How was the trip to the Sun Tower, did She-Ra help out at all?"

Lowering his head, Bow tells Adora the truth, that Peekablue is now in the hands of the Horde and they still have no idea where Adora's brother is. Of course Adora knows this, but now that she is not She-Ra, she can really feel the loss and despair at the recent events. "Oh Bow, what are we going to do?" She tries not to cry, but finds it impossible not to. Her brother is somewhere, lost, on Etheria. Bow hugs her. "We'll find him Adora." Wiping her eyes, Adora smiles, "Yes. We will."

Back outside in the courtyard, Glimmer and Kowl continue to work on the displays and columns. Madame Razz approaches huffing and puffing. "Are you alright Madame Razz?" Glimmer asks looking over at Kowl. Madame Razz fiddles with her hat, "Dearie, don't even go there!" Kowl rolls his eyes, "She's always been a tad dramatic." Glimmer chuckles and Madame Razz groans, "Oh don't you start with me Kowl! Glimmer, we need more roses. This column looks malnourished. Hurry dearie, we got a celebration to put together!"

"Ok, ok!" Glimmer laughs and heads towards some immaculate rose bushes. Picking through the roses, Glimmer can hear Madame Razz and Kowl whispering about something. Trying to listen and not paying much attention to the roses, Glimmer's hand trails across something slimy. "What?" Speaking to no one in particular, Glimmer peers through the bushes. Hidden underneath the roses is a large gray bumpy mass. Something doesn't feel well in Glimmer's stomach.

The princess motions for Kowl and Razz to help her. They can't make out what it is, but eventually they carefully pull it out from the bushes. It is a cocoon. "Is that what I think it is?" Kowl asks. Madame Razz nods and Glimmer whispers, "I thought Perfuma got rid of it. Is this another one?" Madame Razz looks over the cocoon. Something is moving on the inside. The witchy woman looks at her friends, "I'm only aware of the one cocoon. I think there was only one..." Glimmer looks closer at the movement. In a flash something presses against the gray bumpy flesh-like material. The outline of a terrified face presses against the material looking at the Rebels. All Glimmer can do is scream...

Inside the healing bay, Perfuma and Minwu are off to the side, sneaking a few kisses. "I love this, I am so excited and happy Minwu! Being next to you is riveting." Her heart is beating fast. Minwu finds it difficult to contain himself, "I want to experience everything with you Perfuma. I have never felt this way before, about anyone. For so long I wanted to stand by my duties as a healer, to do nothing but save lives. Perfuma, you have saved my life. I am blissfully happy." Perfuma holds his face into her hands. She looks at him, studies his eyes, and then kisses him deeply. Her heart is beating so fast. And then they hear the screams.

Footsteps are quickly rushing through the healing bay, Netossa is calling out for them, "Minwu! Perfuma! Come quick, to the courtyard. Something has happened." Minwu breaks away, worry setting in his eyes, "Is it an attack?" Perfuma shakes her head. She knows the source of the screams. "They found it." She whispers and rushes off, Minwu closely behind.

Everyone is gathered in the courtyard. Mermista, Glimmer, Madame Razz, and Kowl are in one section. Adora and Angella are looking over the cocoon. Sea Hawk and Bow are off to the side looking on at the heaving cocoon. "It seems to be breathing, or something." Bow looks over at Sea Hawk. They have never seen such a thing. Frosta is standing to the side as well, her arms crossed and a look of anger etched on her face. Netossa, Perfuma, and Minwu soon rush in.

Frosta turns, looking at Perfuma. The icy empress rushes up to the flower maiden. Raising a quick hand, Frosta slaps Perfuma across the face, "You stupid girl! What have you done to us?!" Perfuma guides her hands to her face, the slap hurt, but she is also upset at what is happening. Netossa and Minwu look on and notice the cocoon. Frosta shakes Perfuma, "Why is that thing here!? Why!?" Perfuma is shaking, everyone is looking at her. Blinking back tears Perfuma chokes out, "I couldn't do it. I couldn't get rid of it. It needs our love! It needs our support! I snuck the cocoon back inside Bright Moon. I made it look like it was gone..." They all hang their heads. The cocoon is contracting faster, whatever is inside is ready to come out.

"Well darling, you've just doomed us all, but I'll fix it." Frosta drops her left arm to her side, forming a blade of ice from her palm. She marches towards the cocoon. Perfuma shouts, "What are you doing! Stop, Frosta, stop!" Everyone looks on in horror, time moves too slow. Perfuma settles herself, finding a way to communicate with the ground. Vines and roots reach up from the dirt and grass, grabbing hold of Frosta. She can't move, "Darling, that won't stop me." Frosta begins freezing the vines and roots, trying to destroy them.

Perfuma shakes and concentrates her communication harder, the frozen vines and roots pull Frosta to the ground. Sharp thorns begin to grow on the vines. Made up of ice, the thorns cut into Frosta. Writhing in pain, Frosta screams. Minwu looks over at Perfuma, "Stop this Perfuma! Please!" Mermista rushes towards Frosta and looks over at Perfuma, "You're going to really hurt her! Perfuma!" Realizing that she is about to do the unthinkable, Perfuma shakes away and loses the communication with the vines and roots. Frosta is bleeding and sits up. Looking at the damage, Perfuma covers a hand over her mouth, "Oh, no. I'm so sorry Frosta. I didn't mean... I'm so sorry..."

Adora looks at everyone, "Wait, look. The cocoon." Everyone looks on in disbelief as the cocoon makes a strange ripping sound. A hand slides through the gray material. Another hand slides out too. Gripping the opening with both hands, the gray material starts to tear open. Parts become liquefied. A strange smell wafts the area. No one can take their eyes off of the experience.

Soon they are looking at a body emerge from the cocoon. Laying on the ground and covered in the gooey gray liquid, Adora is the first to notice giant wings underneath the body. While laying on the ground, the body arches upward with a slight scream piercing everyone's ears. Some liquid slides across a pair of exposed breasts. Glimmer gasps, "It's a woman!" The cocoon woman is breathing, trying to pay attention to her surroundings. Perfuma smiles, "And she seems to be alright." The flower maiden was thinking the new guest would be hurting.

Lifting her head up, the cocoon woman looks around slightly nervous and scared. Sitting on the ground, the woman tries to get up. Stumbling for a little bit, the woman fully stands up. Trying to shake some of the gray goo off of her, everyone looks on at her nude form. Something is off as the group stares in shock. Between her legs is what looks like an appendage. It appears she has skin on her body, but the area between her legs is insectoid like in nature. Sea Hawk is the first to comment. Trying to make a joke, he smirks, "I've never seen a woman look quite like that..."

Adora groans, "Don't be a jerk. Can someone help me cover her up?" Bow nods, removing his cape, "Here Adora." Adora and Glimmer help to cover her up while Minwu rushes off to get a room ready in the healing bay. Madame Razz and Kowl move out of the way as the mysterious cocoon woman is led through the group. Mermista joins in to help Adora and Glimmer. Angella looks on, wondering how this newest situation should be handled. Netossa stands with Bow and Sea Hawk, they all look on in curiosity. Frosta and Perfuma watch the woman being led off to the healing bay. Frosta spits out, "Well darling, looks like all you rescued from the Horde Labs was a freak of nature. Good job Perfuma." Frosta slowly walks away to attend to her minor wounds. Perfuma stares off in the distance.

In the healing bay Mermista is gathering some water to wash the gray goo off the woman. Glimmer gasps, "Look at these wings, they are beautiful!" There is a pretty pattern across the wings that looks faded. The woman is silent and quietly shaking. Adora asks, "Can you speak? Are you alright?" Mermista and Glimmer begin washing her. "Her hair is so long. My goodness she is special, isn't she?" Glimmer nods and looks at their new guest, "Don't worry, we aren't going to hurt you."

Perfuma walks into the room as they are cleaning the newly hatched being. Adora walks towards the flower maiden, "Have you seen anything like this? I've never heard of someone being this... unique." Shaking her head, Perfuma whispers, "I don't know. What have I done? Did I do the right thing bringing her here?" Adora grabs hold of her friend's hands, "Perfuma, don't worry. I don't think this person is going to harm us. If anything you saved her life by sneaking her back in." Mermista and Glimmer look at each other, "Will it be alright to wash her... down there?" Glimmer asks. Mermista nods, "I don't see why not..."

As they clean the woman, she starts to shake more. A brightly colored dye begins to seep out of her body from any orifice. Glimmer jumps back, "I didn't do it! I was just washing her!" Adora and Perfuma rush over. Mermista looks towards Adora, "Is this a trap?" Adora shakes her head, hoping this dye is not poisoning them. Perfuma smiles, "Look! The dye! It is giving her color." Sure enough the dye is seeping into the woman's wings, making them bright and colorful. The patterns seem to come alive. Her hair develops a very gorgeous shade of purple to it. Her nipples blush as much as her cheeks. Her eyes look around the room trying to understand what is going on. The only thing that remains the same is the insectoid like appendage between her legs.

Adora takes a deep breath, "Alright, I think everything is going to be ok. Let's dry her off and take her to a room." They dress her in a customary uniform for those who are being treated in the healing bay. A small robe of thin material is snugly wrapped around the woman's waist. Minwu is waiting for them in a new bare room.

Mermista and Glimmer exit as Minwu works on finding out some answers to their mysterious guest. Adora and Perfuma stick around. Utilizing the power of magic, Minwu can catch glimpses of her insides. He can also capture her energy levels. Minwu looks at his friends. "She is interesting. Parts of her are human, like you or I, but then there are parts of her that seem different. The wings are the most obvious, as well as the visible area between her legs... but even parts of her insides are inhuman. They look like exaggerated parts of an insect of some kind. I've never seen an insect with this body make up though. Her energy levels are also interesting. It appears that she is incredibly strong, we would probably have to test the levels at a later date though."

"Is she going to be alright Minwu?" Perfuma asks. That is what she wants to know the most. Minwu ignores her and instead looks over at Adora, "I think so." He looks down at the woman trying to look over a few more areas. He wants to see if she has any blood, for testing purposes, but the woman quickly launches up and pins Minwu against the wall. In almost an instant, the woman nearly snaps his neck, but Perfuma rushes to his side. She whispers to the woman, "Don't hurt him! He is here to help you. We all are. Please, ease yourself. No one is going to hurt you." The woman looks at Perfuma, she is scared. Adora looks at them all, "I think we know more about her energy levels. Maybe she needs to lay down? This may be too much for her. For all of us." Perfuma and Minwu nod. Guiding the her to a bed, Perfuma motions for the new being to rest some, "I know you have been in the cocoon for awhile, but this is a safe place. Rest some, I'll be right here." The woman looks at Perfuma and continues to shake. A crooked smile soon forms and the woman hugs Perfuma. The flower maiden smiles, "I think she knows who I am..."

Adora can see that everything is going to be alright. She heads off towards her room. There has been too much excitement for one day. She slips out through her window to become She-Ra again. She needs to be free for a little while.

Back inside the healing bay, Perfuma pulls Minwu out into the hall, "Minwu thank you." The healer looks at his lady love, "For what? Why should you thank me?" Stepping back, Perfuma looks at Minwu, "What is that about?" Crossing his arms, Minwu shakes his head, "You took it upon yourself to bring that cocoon back here. You hid this thing from all of us, which I could slightly understand, except that you kept your actions from me. Why would you do that?" Standing up in her own defense, Perfuma explains, "Minwu, I had no choice. I didn't want to send that woman down a damn river! I snuck her back in and I just felt it was better to leave everyone out of it."

Sad and hurt, Minwu breaks away from a potential embrace from Perfuma, "I love you Perfuma. But you didn't trust me with this. That really hurts." Minwu walks away to tend to the other people in the healing bay. Perfuma whispers after him, "Minwu, please don't be upset with me! I trust you, more than you know!" He turns the corner, and Perfuma whispers, "I love you too."

***

Inside the Fright Zone, Peekablue is shown to her special quarters. Catra slinks around trying to figure out what is going on. Shadow Weaver explains, "Hordak gathered some information from Double Trouble's dead memories. We have a very powerful person in our midst. That woman in there, she can see." Catra groans, "We all can see, what is the big deal?" Shadow Weaver rasps, "She can see much better than any of us. She is going to unlock many secrets for us..."

In another area, Hordak is looking over Multi Bot and Leech. They are working on a large pair of metal wings. "Hurry this along, I want them installed immediately. They had better be done when I return." Leech looks at Hordak, "Where are you going mighty Hordak?" Snorting a reply, Hordak spits out, "None of your blasted business! Handle these orders. That is all I ask..."

***

She-Ra lands in the heart of a village by a nice flowing fountain. The townspeople come rushing out of their homes and businesses. "She-Ra!" The crowd lights up as She-Ra delivers them food and a few trinkets for the children. She also asks questions. Important questions, like, "Have any of you seen a man with blonde hair in danger? This man was a prisoner of the Horde. I am looking for him, he is a good man." Everyone listens and tries to help. In the distance, a woman with shiny silver hair looks on, silently...

***

Time moves on, as the night falls upon parts of Etheria, namely Bright Moon. Most everyone is retired in their rooms, awaiting a new day that will bring forth their special celebration for the Glitterbugs. Glimmer is excited, feeling hopeful, which she has not felt for awhile now. Hopeful. Frosta is nursing her pain and ego. Adora is back from her trip as She-Ra. She is sleeping, thinking of her brother. Mermista is restless, trying to understand the days events. Madame Razz is resting over a stack of documents, Kowl is with her and still reading the documents. Sea Hawk is drunk asleep, dead to the world. Bow is writing music, with Adora heavily on his mind. Angella is enjoying the quietness from such a long day of mayhem. Netossa is in her room, thinking of Spinnerella, wishing that she'll wake...

Somehow the wishes reach the dancer. Laying in her bed in the healing bay, Spinnerella stirs. Her eyes slowly open. The act surprises her. She has been awaiting this moment. Opening her mouth to say something, Spinnerella recoils from the pain of a dry throat. Turning to her side, she spots a pitcher of water and a glass. Moving is odd and slightly painful. With all the concentration and strength she can muster, Spinnerella slowly sits up. Reaching out for the glass and taking long sips, Spinnerella smiles to herself. She is awake, back with the rest of the world.

Sliding her feet off the side of her bed, Spinnerella prepares to take her first steps. She is not sure where she is or how she got there, but she recalls voices. People have been looking after her. "N-n-ne-to-ss-a." She remembers, her dear friend, someone who is the closest person to being her sister, is there. I've heard her voice, I know it. With full determination Spinnerella prepares to find her friend, to reunite after so much horror.

Stepping off the bed, Spinnerella loses her footing and slides to the floor. Her feet are weak, at least that is her first thought, until she realizes that there is a mass of liquid on the floor around her. She crawls on the liquid, trying not to slip. It feels thick in certain areas and also has a strong smell to it. There is a dim light spilling into the room from the hallway. Rounding the bed Spinnerella looks down and notices a man on the floor. Looking at his clothing, she can tell that he is a healer. Blood is all around them. She can do nothing but scream...

Next time!

Hordak makes a special visit to an old apprentice...
The Night of the Glitterbugs begins...