Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 33

She-Ra Saturday is finally here! The best part of the week is ready to shock you with one character finding out more than she ever wanted to know...

Previously: Some members of the Great Rebellion infiltrated the Fright Zone (again) to save Peekablue. After being saved, Adora raced off to save her brother, Prince Adam... Catra was all set to start a new life with Huntara and be rid of her anger and hate for everything. That changed though once Catra found out that Adora was still alive (Catra had believed Adora dead from their bloody fight in Part 1.) To add salt to her wounds, Catra went back to her room to get a wounded Huntara so they could leave, only Huntara was gone... In other Catra news, the ferocious beauty was also trying to find the truth about her parentage. Once thought to be born from a prisoner in the Slave Mines in the Fright Zone, Catra now believes that she was the product of a torrid affair between Skeletor and Shadow Weaver... Before Netossa was kidnapped by a love crazed Modulok, she was on a quest to find her friend Spinnerella who ran off... Three Masters (Clamp Champ, Stratos, and Roboto) left a peaceful Eternia to find Prince Adam on Etheria. Unknown to them, chaos has reigned supreme as Skeletor has taken control of the Eternos Palace and has his sights set on Grayskull next...

And now...

 

Adora's Search for Honor

Part 2

Chapter 33

Queen Marlena is a prisoner in her own home. Walking through the hallways of the Eternos Palace, Marlena looks at the damage all around her. Skeletor's minions run about defacing property among other things. She wants to help an elderly man that is being assaulted by a Soldier for Skeletor, but she refrains. The Queen is being guided towards Skeletor's chambers by Beast Man. Any sudden movements could be harmful to Marlena, and what she is planning on telling Skeletor will already be dangerous enough.

Walking into the Palace throne room, Marlena shudders at how quickly Skeletor has made this place his home. Family paintings are tattered. Columns are scraped and shattered. Stains of unknown liquids are on the floor and walls. Marlena wishes this all a terrible dream. Instead her eyes narrow to Skeletor perched atop a throne decked out in skulls and other dreary items. Beast Man pushes the queen before Skeletor.

"Look at this. Marlena. Come for a little chat? Are your accommodations to your liking?" Skeletor sneers, while playing with a knife. Marlena composes herself, "How could they be? I am sleeping on a stone floor." Skeletor chuckles, his voice echoing in the room, "Now you know how the other half lives." Marlena grits her teeth, "The other half was living just fine when my husband was ruler of this palace."

Skeletor stops playing with the knife and looks at the queen with his emotionless skull face, "Not everyone was prosperous with your king. But that changes now; I am here. Ruling like only I know. Do you like what I've done with the place?" Opening his arms wide, Skeletor looks around at the throne room, "I like this new look more."

Marlena shakes her head, "It is just a building. I do not care what you do. I care more for my husband. Randor is dying, he requires help. His wounds are infected, please, I am begging you. Do something. He is your brother." Hoping for some semblance of compassion, Marlena pleads her case. Skeletor sits there emotionless. "Oh Marlena. Randor will die when I want him to die. And right now, I am not ready for him to die. I'm not ready."

"What does that mean? Can you be that sick?" Marlena stammers, looking on in shock. Skeletor laughs again, "Randor will die when I am ready for him to see all my great work. I want him to see this Palace in ruin. I want him to see the great Castle Grayskull crumble at my hands. I want him to see everyone he ever loved die. And only then will I allow his life to end, until then, I guess he will just have to live with his maladies." His eye sockets glow red.  Marlena refuses to believe this, "You can't hate Randor that much! Skeletor! He is your brother. No matter which mother you each came from, you are both family!"

The protestations annoy Skeletor, "Listen to your words Marlena. You don't see the bigger picture. I snuck into your children's room right after they were born and I was one half of the reason that your baby girl was taken from you. I held your son in my bare hands and was steps away from keeping him in Snake Mountain forever. They were my niece and nephew. They were only babies. Do you really expect me to care about Randor's life or my actions? Come now, I know there is a brain somewhere in that head of yours."

Standing up tall, Marlena focuses on remaining strong, "Do not mention my children to me. You are a bastard! And you will be stopped!" In a flash, Marlena takes off in front of the throne. Snatching the knife from Skeletor's hands, she prepares to stab him in his chest. She falters though. The queen has never taken a life, even one as evil as Skeletor.

All she can hear is his laughing, "Come on Marlena. Do it already!" Sneering, Skeletor grabs hold of her face and shoves her backwards. Falling to the ground, Marlena lays there. She feels defeated and hopeless. Skeletor looks down at her, "You are pathetic Marlena. I will never understand why Randor wanted to marry an alien. Beast Man! Take this miserable wretch back to her room. She will get no help from me." Beast Man roughly picks Marlena up and drags her away. Resting back on his throne, he summons forth Spikor.

"What is the fate of the Mer King?" Spikor shrugs, "Mer Man's last report was that King Mercier was still putting up a good fight, but without resources from the Eternos Palace, it will only be a matter of time before we control the oceans."

"Before I control the oceans. There is no 'we' Spikor. I am in charge. What about Grayskull?" Spikor continues, "Yes Skeletor. Grayskull. Well... Grayskull is proving to be a challenge. Trapjaw is gathering more soldiers though as we speak. Soon there should be some headway." Spikor stands there motionless, waiting for his next orders. Skeletor grins, "That is all. Fetch me Panthor though. I would like to get the ball moving on Grayskull. Tearing into that place will change things forever." Spikor nods and quickly leaves. Skeletor looks around, thrilled at the chaos around him.

***

Walking through the hallways of Castle Grayskull, Teela makes her way to Sy-Klone for news of the Masters fate. She is going stir crazy inside the Castle. Unable to leave per Man-At-Arm's orders, Teela wants to be doing something, anything, to help stop Skeletor.

Sy-Klone interrupts her thoughts, "Things aren't looking good Teela." The warrior goddess walks with Sy-Klone to a nearby slit of a window, "Look out there. Skeletor is amassing an army of all kinds of evil warriors just craving for a chance to get in here." Teela shudders at the numbers. "We are completely outnumbered. What about the rest of the Masters?"

"Some are still prisoners in the Palace. Your father is trying to round up as much help as possible. Right now the magic force fields from the Sorceress are holding up..." Sy-Klone tries to talk further, but Teela bangs her fists against the stone walls, "This is madness! Sy-Klone, we need to be out there fighting!" Sy-Klone hangs his head, "You know we can't leave here."

Rolling her eyes, Teela groans, "Yes I know. My father doesn't want me to be in trouble, but that is so stupid! Look outside! We are outnumbered more and more every day! What kind of fight are the remaining Masters going to have?" Teela knows exactly who they need, but she is actually shocked that He-Man is not there. "Has there been any sign of He-Man?" She asks hoping the answer has changed.

Sy-Klone shakes his head sadly, "No one has heard from He-Man. It is perplexing for sure. After Skeletor was captured and we were in peace, he went away. But now Eternia needs him and no one can find him." Teela thinks about this. Something is not adding up, "It is almost as if he isn't on Eternia..." Many thoughts are swirling in her mind, more so since being in the mysterious and magical Castle Grayskull. Teela cautiously poses a question to Sy-Klone, "Have you been hearing voices?" Sy-Klone twists his lips, "I don't think so. What do you mean by voices?"

Shrugging it off ever so slightly, Teela shares a little bit of her experiences, "I've just heard conversations throughout the castle. I haven't had a whole lot to do since we've been here, so I've been wandering around the hallways and rooms. And I hear these conversations, but no one is there. Sometimes I hear voices I am unable to identify, but other times I hear my father. Or the Sorceress. I even hear Adam and He-Man. Even Orko! It is the strangest thing."

"Well Orko is here in the castle, maybe he is performing some magic trick?" This could be a possibility, but Teela feels it is all connected to something else. "No. I've asked Orko and he has no idea what I am talking about. Sy-Klone, I feel like..." Teela is about to finish her thought when the Sorceress arrives. "Sy-Klone. Teela. It is nice to see you both. Any news Sy-Klone?"

Teela walks away as Sy-Klone shares the latest information about their fight against Skeletor and the Evil Warriors. Sy-Klone has been using his chest piece to relay secret messages through the airwaves with any Masters that are still free. Everyone is trying to gather resources and as much help as possible. Teela walks by another slit for a window and peers outside. Evil forces are mounting and there is nothing that can be done for now. "If what I think is true... than you have to hurry back Adam. I don't know how it is possible, but you have to hurry back." She thinks about other things, the implausibility of Adam and He-Man being one in the same. The kisses she has shared with them both. The voices she hears, the conversations swirling throughout Castle Grayskull. "I need answers... but now is not the time. For now we just have to find a way to survive." Teela walks away looking for Orko and Cringer. Her thoughts drift to the King and Queen. She wonders about other people and how they are surviving in a world that has truly descended into madness.

***

On Etheria, a world already used to madness, Angella and Madame Razz are waiting in the Whispering Woods for the return of her daughter and the other Rebels. "They should be back by now Madame Razz. I do not understand. Do you think something has gone awry?" Madame Razz shakes her head and adjusts her hat, "Dearie, there is no use thinking of things like that. We just need to continue to wait. They'll show up. I watched some of those kiddos when they were babes in the Horde Academy. They'll come back and Glimmer will be with them." The two women stand there and continue to wait. Their conversations drift to the work Kowl is doing with translating the old Etherian texts. Angella also addresses the changes among the Bright Moon people. They are becoming battle worn by the day, but she is glad that those who were bitten by the Pyres are seemingly faring better than they all thought.

Suddenly they hear some voices through the trees. Angella breathes a sigh of relief as she notices her daughter walking through the woods. Glimmer looks tired, but she smiles at her mother. Angella and Madame Razz look on feeling a little concerned as Frosta follows behind Glimmer with no one else. "What is this? Where is everyone?" Angella asks.

Glimmer sighs, "We saved Peekablue. Castaspella even met us and really helped us. But let's see... Netossa was somehow at the Fright Zone. I didn't quite catch her story..." Frosta breaks in, "Netossa was kidnapped. Luckily I found her." Angella and Madame Razz listen intently. Glimmer continues, "Yes. So Netossa was with us but left with Mermista. They were going to travel to find Spinnerella. Adora ran off to find her brother after Peekablue gave her his location from her magical vision."

Frosta crosses her arms, "Darling, that woman's magical vision is a mess. Apparently she saw three men in trouble and she decided to save them after looking like a delirious basket case." Madame Razz covers her mouth, "Dearie, please say someone went with the poor child." Frosta rolls her eyes, "Oh goodness, of course they did Madame Razz. Bow and Castaspella joined her." Frosta walks past the women and plops herself onto the ground. Normally the mere act of touching dirt would disgust her, but Frosta is completely exhausted.

Angella looks confused, "But wait, we're still missing people. What about Perfuma and Flutterina?" Glimmer is about to speak up but Frosta is first, "Ha. Well that is all a dreadful mess darling. Flutterina found out some answers to where she came from. She has spiraled into this emotional mess of fluttering wings and attitude. She waltzed off to be alone and Perfuma, always too helpful for her own good, followed after her. Which left Glimmer and I completely alone." Glimmer shakes her head, "It wasn't that bad. We made it back in one piece." Frosta rolls her eyes, "I suppose." She gets up. Dusting her skirt off, Frosta waves them all off, "You all feel free to stand around. I'm off to the spring. I need a shower and a drink. Though not in that order." They watch her walk away.

Glimmer sighs, "She's just upset because she couldn't find her Ice Diamond." Angella and Madame Razz nod in understanding. Angella comments that Frosta can always replace her jewelry. Madame Razz quickly brings up one point, "Normally I would agree, but Kowl has been reading a great deal about an Ice Diamond. Dearie, I hope we aren't dealing with the same one." The witchy woman walks off. Angella looks back at Glimmer, "There's always something going on here." Glimmer nods and hugs her mother tightly. "Glimmer, I am so glad you are back and safe. How are you doing?"

Pulling back Glimmer sighs, "Oh mother it was horrible. While we were trying to find Peekablue I came across Vampra." Angella groans, "Oh dear." Glimmer nods, "She was spiteful and hideous, but she said something... mother... she alluded to father being alive. And that she'd share that information if I let her out of her cell." Tears are in Glimmer's eyes and Angella's heart breaks, "Oh my dear daughter. How horrible. I am sorry that you had to hear such awful things."

"Do you think it could be true?" Glimmer asks with hope. Angella shakes her head, sadness sweeping over them, "My dear, your father is gone. We saw him die. There is no way he could ever come back. Curse that woman for saying something like that to you." Glimmer nods and wipes her eyes, "Well she is cursed rather well. She is a prisoner to her worst fear come true. Her true age and image will be reflected back at her for eternity." Angella and Glimmer walk off as Angella learns more of the Rebels harrowing adventure to the Fright Zone.

***

On the outskirts of the Whispering Woods, Perfuma finally catches up to Flutterina. Sitting by a tiny stream, Flutterina looks out across the environment. She is silent as Perfuma sits next to her. Flutterina wants to cry. Or yell. She isn't sure which she should do first. There are many thoughts and feelings racing through her mind. She knows what happened to her, how she came to be. All she can do though is just sit. Perfuma does the same. Together the two close friends just sit and experience the world around them. Perfuma reaches out and holds onto Flutterina's hand. Grabbing hold tight, Flutterina continues to sit there in silence. Perfuma sits too, knowing that Flutterina has someone to count on whenever she is ready.

***

Mermista and Netossa are a few steps from Netossa's home village Midlaria. "Thank you for taking me here Mermista." The mermaiden smiles, "Of course! It was pretty easy. I am glad we have Enchanta and the magi-swans." Mermista grazes Enchanta's neck. The graceful magi-swan helps the Rebels every now and then. Netossa nods, "We got here rather quickly. I hope that Spinnerella is already here." Mermista nods, "Yes of course. Hurry, check and see. I will wait just in case she shows up."

Netossa smiles and rushes into her home village. Instantly, something feels very strange, very different. The captivating beauty walks around, noticing that no one is standing outside their homes. Businesses and huts are closed. Netossa realizes it has been quite a long time since she has been home, "But surely things haven't changed that much?"

Looking towards the tiny home that Spinnerella grew up in, Netossa breathes a sigh of relief as her dear friend rushes out of the home. "Netossa!" The two friends run towards each other, "Spinnerella! Oh you are safe!" Spinnerella is shaking her head, "You have to go. We have to go." Netossa is confused, "I don't understand. You wanted to be back home."

The two women stop talking as Netossa's parents come rushing towards them. "Mama! Papa! We are back." Netossa cries out in joy, only to recoil as her mother slaps her across the face. "How dare you come back here!" Netossa rubs her face, the sting hitting hard. "I know it has been awhile, but we have been busy..."

Spinnerella tugs on Netossa, "No 'Tossa. That is not it. We need to go." Netossa shakes her head, "No. What is the meaning of this? Why would you hit me? What have we done?"

Netossa's mother screams as her father tries to hold her back, "You left! You left us and we were ATTACKED!!!" Netossa stares at her parents in horror, "Attacked?" Spinnerella whispers, "A group of men rushed in. Mama Tie Lo has never been the same since. They took her Eye of Fire." Netossa's heart sinks. Mama Tie Lo is the matriarch of Midlaria. She is everyones grandmother, mother, sister, and friend. She is the heart of the village. Netossa shakes her head, "Is she awake? I must see her."

Spinnerella is about to say something, but is interrupted by Netossa's mother, "You will not be allowed to see her. You wanted to leave for holiday. You were gone for so long! How could you leave your home and never come back?! You are selfish. Selfish!" Netossa stands back, "We never wanted to be gone for that long. Things happened that we couldn't control..." Netossa wants to explain what they have been through. The brutal attacks they endured. To share the journey that they were on. There would be no time for that.

Netossa wants to see Mama Tie Lo, but is taken away by Spinnerella. "What are you doing?! Spinnerella, this is our home!" The women head away from the village. Netossa looks back at her parents who stare at the women with anger in their eyes. Spinnerella whispers, "This is not our home anymore. I'm so sorry that I snuck off. I had no idea that Midlaria would be damaged so badly."

"I don't understand? Who did this? Who attacked Midlaria?" Netossa wants answers, she wants to make sense of what is happening. Spinnerella shakes her head, "I am not sure if it was Horde or someone else. But we weren't there and I feel that we are being punished for that. We left for our own amusement and we weren't there to help our families..." Listening, Netossa shakes her head in anger, "That is ridiculous! We have done nothing wrong!" The two women continue to talk heading towards Mermista.

The mermaiden looks at her two friends, "Oh no. Something doesn't look good." Netossa is holding back tears from the shock of her parent's behavior. "It is nothing Mermista. Just get us back to Bright Moon. Our new home." As they gather onto Enchanta, the women depart heading away. Down below, Netossa's parents watch the women fly away. Sadness and anger melting into one another as they head back to their broken shack in Midlaria.

***

Flying into the Crystal Castle, She-Ra and Prince Adam hop off Swiftwind and make their way inside the glorious castle. Adam looks around in amazement, "This place is something else. It feels similar to a place I go to on Eternia. Though I don't think I've ever seen pink crystal..." Adam looks at the walls and floor, taking everything in. She-Ra smiles, "Well... the Crystal Castle is made up of more than just pink. There are all kinds of colors. This structure is essentially the heart of Skydancer Mountain."

She-Ra heads into the grand room. She is wondering where Light Hope is at. She is also thinking of revealing her identity to Adam. Raising her sword aloft, She-Ra takes it all back. Takes away her supreme power. Specks of light leave her body, swirling away in a loud whoosh. The light and energy is whirling away from her, heading towards her raised sword. After the light show ends, Adora stands before Prince Adam.

"I am Adora..." She looks at him, taking in this whole moment.

"Are you..." He asks interrupting.

"...my brother." Adora smiles. They both smile. Adora feels tears begin to form in her eyes. Adam notices his eyes doing the same, "You are my sister. My sister." The hug each other, neither can believe they are finally meeting. Once worlds away, they are now inside the heart of a glorious mountain.

"I am sorry it took this long. I am so sorry. Once I knew of your existence I did everything in my power to find you." Adam says speaking from his heart. Adora nods wiping the tears from her eyes, "I can't believe you are here. Once I found out I had a family I couldn't help but think what it would be like. And now here you are, my brother! I have a brother!" She laughs with happiness. Adam nods, "Just wait. Our mother and father will be so thrilled to see you. This has been a long time coming. You will love Eternia."

Her happiness stalls ever so slightly, "Oh. Of course. I have called Etheria home for so long I forget that I was born elsewhere..." Adam nods, "Yes. You will love it on Eternia. We are experiencing the greatest moment of peace. There is much celebration. And there will be so many people waiting to meet you." Adora feels a tinge of sadness. Meeting new people will mean saying goodbye to those she has known her whole life. "I long for that moment, but my brother, I cannot leave Etheria at this moment. This world is under oppression by the Horde, and until those I care about are fully free to live their lives... I will not be leaving."

Adam stands there listening and realizing that as much as he wants to return home, Adora's home has been on Etheria. "Of course Adora. I can help you. We can do this together." Adora nods, "With the help of my friends and brother, we will surely rid this world of the Horde in no time."

Light Hope appears close by, catching the siblings off guard, "That sounds like a truly wonderful idea. She-Ra is the most powerful woman in the universe, and I think she will like teaming up with the most powerful man in the universe." Pointing towards a table with a gleaming sword on top, Light Hope smiles at Adam, "I believe that belongs to you." Light Hope motions for Adam to take what is his. The prince smiles as he takes hold of his power sword. "I have missed this."

Adora and Adam look at each other, aware of the other's secret. The two siblings both raise their swords aloft and Adam speaks, "By the power..." Then Adora speaks, "For the Honor..." Together they say, "Of Grayskull. WE HAVE THE POWER!!!!" A loud thunderous boom erupts from inside the Castle. Sparks of light rain from their swords swirling around both Adam and Adora. Together their transformation becomes a tremendous experience that resonates within in them and outward as well. Skydancer Mountain trembles slightly. The twins change and become He-Man and She-Ra. Light Hope looks on, a faint smile tracing his glowing face, "It would appear that the Horde has yet another reason to be worried..."

She-Ra and He-Man smile. "Well my brother, it is nice to meet you." He-Man nods, "Yes. This is when things change." She-Ra nods, "We are going to make the world a better place. We have the power." Light Hope smiles, "This is what we have been needing. Etheria has a chance thanks to She-Ra and He-Man. Now you both must hurry. There is much work to do."

She-Ra turns to Light Hope, "I can't thank you enough." Light Hope beams, "No need to thank me She-Ra. This was already in you. You have the power to achieve everything you have ever dreamed of. Now go. I will still be here. Fight for us all." She-Ra and He-Man turn to leave. "Well sister, where will we be going now?" She-Ra smiles, "I think the Whispering Woods is the best place to start first. There are a lot of people who will be looking forward to meeting you." They hop onto Swiftwind and take off, exiting the Crystal Castle and Skydancer Mountain. A surge of happiness runs through She-Ra's veins. She found her brother. Her family. The future is nothing but hopeful. As they fly away, they both learn from each other about the important people in their lives. He-Man discusses being Adam and his relationship with their parents. He talks about all he has learned from the Sorceress. He discusses his friends and his love for Teela. She-Ra does the same, detailing her past as a member of the Horde and the terrible things she did under a false life. She talks about her friends and the family she has created on Etheria and those they have lost. She stops short of discussing her feelings of love. That is one topic that is best left alone. For now.

***

Deep in the Fright Zone Sea Hawk meets with Hordak. The pirate is delivering an item, the Eye of Fire. The pirate tries his best to forget his actions while in Midlaria. "Here, I got it. Now are we done?" Hordak snorts, "Are you done needing fuel for your ship? Have you made your choices with what is important?" Sea Hawk is silent. Hordak grins, "I thought so. Now I must say, I didn't think you'd have it in you to find this." Hordak looks at the Eye of Fire and grins. He is getting very close to finding all the keys to unlocking the ultimate power. Hordak looks at Sea Hawk, "I have a new and very important mission for you. Really important."

Sea Hawk sighs, wanting nothing more than to be rid of Hordak. "What is it this time? Do I need to find some other random artifact?" The pirate listens as Hordak details a new plan, "No. I do not need a new artifact. I need knowledge. Specifically knowledge into the Whispering Woods." A line is drawn for the pirate, "I can't do that. I wouldn't even know where to start. That place has magical defenses, you'd never make it inside." Hordak slaps his hands against a table between them, "Now I happen to know an annoying wretch that was able to get her group of Pyres inside the Whispering Woods very simply." Sea Hawk shrugs, "A fluke? It can't be done."

Hordak shakes his head, "But I think it can be done. So you are going to tell me what you know of this place. The Great Rebellion has long had opportunities to welcome themselves into the Fright Zone whenever they like. How do you think that makes me feel? I want to make them know the meaning of payback. Besides, there is something special inside Castle Bright Moon. The last piece of my puzzle." Sea Hawk shakes his head, "I won't do it."

Snorting, Hordak motions for a Horde Trooper to enter the room. "Pirate, I don't mean to be bossy, but if I were you, I would do as I say. Or things will end in a sad way for one of your crew." Sea Hawk shakes his head, "I don't care for your threats." Sea Hawk says and prepares a beat down by Hordak.

"Hawk." Lir calls out. Sea Hawk turns to see his crew member with a gun pointed to his head. "Oh you've got to be kidding me..." Sea Hawk says. Hordak snorts, "You aren't that very smart pirate. You park your ship in the Fright Zone. Your crew is on board twiddling their thumbs awaiting your return. It is rather easy to find a nice bargaining chip, isn't it?" Lir looks at Sea Hawk, "Sorry Hawk. They asked for one of us, and I volunteered."

"It's okay Lir. Let him go Hordak, this is between us." Hordak nods, "I couldn't agree more. Now give me some answers about the Whispering Woods and your crew member will be fine." Lir shouts out, "Let them kill me Hawk! Don't say anything! They'll just end up killing us all anyway!" Hordak snorts, "Your crew member is pretty smart. I should ask him to join the Horde. I'm always looking for a few good men." Hordak laughs at his own private joke. Sea Hawk looks at Lir. No one will be dying today, and since Hawk firmly believes they are all doomed anyway, he relents. "Fine. Let him go and I will tell you what I know."

Lir is shocked, "Hawk?! What has gotten into you?" Sea Hawk turns to his friend and crew member, "Lir. It doesn't matter. The Horde rules this place. Their gonna wipe us out anyway, what is the difference?" Lir shakes his head, "You can't believe that..." Hordak pauses the group, "Very well. Good choice Sea Hawk." Hordak motions to the Horde Trooper, "Bring the short man back to the ship. Sea Hawk and I have some important things to talk about. Now start talking Hawk. Help me understand how I can surprise the Great Rebellion right where they live."

***

In another part of the Fright Zone, Catra visits Shadow Weaver inside Horror Hall. "Shadow Weaver! Where are you?" Catra screeches. Gliding down an aisle of old books and magical potions, Shadow Weaver calls out, "I'm right here child." Catra jumps into the dialogue, "Do you know if Hordak did anything to Huntara?" Shadow Weaver shrugs, "The warrior that was a prisoner on Horde World? No, I do not know a thing about her. Last I heard Hordak dropped her down the trapdoor." Catra clenches her fists, she is angry. How did Huntara just disappear?

Shadow Weaver sits at a table, mixing some potions, "Why do you care?" Catra blankly stares at something crawling on the wall, "No reason. It doesn't matter." Catra is about to leave, when Shadow Weaver stops her, "I know you have read my diary." Catra purrs, "And?"

Whispering, Shadow Weaver cackles, "I do not care that you read it. But I think you do. You are looking for answers, yes?" Catra crosses her arms, "You know this to be true." Nodding with her eyes lighting up, Shadow Weaver rasps, "I can give you answers Catra. I think you are at an important place to learn the truth about where you came from."

Her green eyes narrow on the mistress of dark magic, "Are you going to tell me everything?" Shadow Weaver nods, "I will reveal who your parents are..." Lifting her head high, Catra sidesteps a creepy crawler on the floor and sits across from Shadow Weaver, "Alright. Start." Catra wants to find Huntara, but pausing for this important information cannot be missed.

Shadow Weaver twirls her fingers as a cloud of smoke appears before them. "This story begins in the great Mystacor. I grew up a promising mage. My old name was Light Spinner. My life was dedicated to magic. I knew I would become the ultimate spell caster. There were many mages working and training very hard. As we went through our studies and abilities I began to notice that the process was flawed. I began to question many things, especially in terms of the Horde. They had arrived and been an interesting facet of life on Etheria. I found myself wanting to learn more about the Horde, but was highly advised against it."

Pausing, Shadow Weaver continues, "So I began to learn other things, not just about the Horde, but about dark magic. I was tired of hearing such disparaging remarks about dark magic. I took the powers into my own hands. I learned many new and wonderful things. But there were these two sisters. An older sister around my age, her name was Incantatia. Her younger sister was Castaspella. She was young and bright, wanting to be the best that she could be, but she was a brat. She turned on me and told the High Mages. I was banished from Mystacor."

Catra feels like there is more to the story, but instead the vixen is stuck on Castaspella, "You knew Castaspella?" Shadow Weaver nods, "To an extent. I was more familiar with her older sister, Incantatia. And when I left, Incantatia wanted to follow me. To join me on my adventures, but she was too weak. So I told her to leave me alone. She didn't and instead followed me on my journey to join the Horde. I became useful to Hordak with my proficiency in the dark arts. Incantatia was foolish and dim. She didn't know a decent spell to save her life. So she was placed in the slave mines. And I was given the royal treatment by the Horde. I worked hard to become an asset."

Shadow Weaver continues to weave her story, as Catra awaits for her moment to arrive in the story. Shadow Weaver rasps, "I fell in love." Pausing ever so slightly, as if she wants to add something else, Shadow Weaver continues, "Hordak had an apprentice. A man by the name of Skeletor. He was a troubled man, merged with a demon. Yet we fell in love amidst that. Our love grew and we began to see the Horde differently. We were no longer thrilled with taking orders. Together we wanted to serve out our orders, dish out our power. Our plan was to escape. This is when things changed..."

Catra jumps in growing irritation, "You became pregnant with me? I am the change that messed things up?" Shadow Weaver shakes her head, "Yes and no. Catra, I am sorry if you think I am your mother. I am not. Your mother was indeed a slave from the mines like you have been told. Incantatia escaped from the mines and found me. She was pregnant with you and due at any moment. She didn't want to raise a baby in the slave minds. She knew for you to have a life, she would need to find me. Incantatia may have always annoyed me, but in a way I did consider her a friend. So she died giving birth to you, and I took ward of you. Things happened so fast. Skeletor and I were going to leave with you, we were going to create our own powerful empire. Skeletor knew of a place that would give us immeasurable power. I was going to follow him anywhere." Shadow Weaver pauses and looks past Catra. The news hits Catra. She does not care for the mother who gave birth to her, that woman is long gone. Instead she holds onto another bit of information.

"You were both going to take care of me?" She asks, trying to understand how things went so wrong. Shadow Weaver nods, "We were. But like with most stories, things diverge. Plans change. Hordak ordered Skeletor to leave to another planet. Eternia. He had orders for Skeletor, and if Skeletor didn't follow those orders, he was going to be killed. So Skeletor left in order to be safe. And Hordak found out about you. He was trying to build upon his Horde Academy and needed more youth. He took you from me, against my wishes. Ripped you clean from my hands. That is how you were placed into the Horde. I tried to take you elsewhere. I suppose I have always hated Hordak for that, I sort of liked the idea of being free."

Catra feels her heart sink, "Hordak took me away from you? Away from a future of endless power and possibility?" Shadow Weaver nods, "Being in the Horde isn't always what it seems to be, but I know that you are aware of this. Just look at me, look at what the Horde has done to me." Shadow Weaver removes her cowl, revealing her true face to Catra. Trying not to recoil in horror, Catra looks on at the scarred and twisted face of a woman that was probably once beautiful. "What happened to you?" Catra asks. Shadow Weaver grins, "This is what happens when you are in the Horde. Using dark magic, trying my best to please Hordak, sometimes disobeying him... Well Hordak has a way of punishing a person..."

Thinking of her life and feeling so confused about her role in the Horde and questioning everything, Catra purrs, "I hate him. I hate Hordak." Shadow Weaver grins, "Yes. That is good. Hate can fuel so much Catra. Everything has been leading up to this point... You will know what to do. You have been learning how to use your powers. I have been teaching you to channel the magic ability you inherently possess. Why do you think Hordak has always treated you differently? He knew you were born from a slave. He knew what you meant to Skeletor and me. He hated you the moment he first laid eyes on you..." She looks on at Catra. There is so much hatred and rage boiling under Catra's skin.

Catra looks across at Shadow Weaver as the mistress of magic pulls her cowl back over her face. "What should I do now Shadow Weaver?" Catra is expecting some form of guidance. Shadow Weaver rasps, "You will know what to do my dear. Now run along Catra. You know the truth, and the truth can always find a way to set you free..." In an emotional daze, Catra gets up and walks away. Shadow Weaver leaves Catra with one last thing, "By the way Catra, I made a mistake earlier. I do seem to recall Hordak saying something about finding Huntara. This was after her fall down the trapdoor. Someone had bandaged her up. She was wandering around the Fright Zone, trying to escape. I think he may have disposed of her." Catra pauses, her heart sinking even more. I had bandaged Huntara, I had thought she was safe in my room, Catra shudders at what Hordak has now done to Huntara. Her hate for Hordak is soaring to even newer heights. With Adora being alive and with all of Hordak's actions, Catra's only goal is to find a way to level Etheria completely. Destruction for all.

As Catra leaves Horror Hall, Shadow Weaver goes back to work on her potions and magic spells. A noise is made, and Shadow Weaver looks up to see a ghostly image. "Oh don't look at me like that Incantatia. I only told your daughter a half truth." Shadow Weaver thinks back to the real truth. She remembers Incantatia begging for mercy and giving birth to Catra right in front of Shadow Weaver. "You never should have come to me baring a child you foolish woman. I can't help that the ultimate plan had been placed at my finger tips...

Shadow Weaver recalls the past. Rushing through the halls with a newborn baby Catra, Shadow Weaver races into Skeletor's room. "I know what this looks like, but I need help!" Shadow Weaver holds the baby towards Skeletor. Jumping up to avoid the mess, Skeletor screams, "Get that thing away from me? What is the matter with you? A baby?" Shadow Weaver explains, "An old friend just died giving birth to this thing. I don't know what to do with it!" Skeletor crosses his arms, "You will need to figure it out, because I am leaving for Eternia."

Stung by the statement, Shadow Weaver presses on, "But what of us? You know I won't be going with you. My mission is to stay on Etheria. I thought we were in love..." Skeletor laughs, "Really now? You think me of all people is going to stand true to my word? I have my own dreams to fulfill, and they are not on Etheria."

Back in the present, Shadow Weaver looks at Incantatia's ghost, "I didn't know I could feel such pain. He left me alone, and I had your baby to deal with. What was I going to do? I had grown to hate the Horde so much. Life had never been the same after Skeletor left it shattered. Hordak didn't really help either. So I did what needed to be done. I planted a seed, hoping it would eventually grow into the ultimate payback." Shadow Weaver recalls the past yet again...

"Mighty Hordak, I have found something that I think you will find useful." Shadow Weaver approaches Hordak's throne with a newborn baby. Hordak snorts, "What is that thing Shadow Weaver?" The mistress of magic looks down at the sleeping baby, "A slave from the mines gave birth to this thing. I thought you would like it; a new addition to the Horde Academy. Maybe she will be your brightest student..." Hordak looks at the baby, "Born from a slave? I doubt it Shadow Weaver. Take it away, send it to Madame Razz to take care of. The Horde has just delivered some newborns that will be entered into the Academy immediately." Shadow Weaver nods, leaving the throne room with the baby. Whispering to the baby, Shadow Weaver smiles, "You will become my ultimate weapon. I will get my revenge for every Hordesman that ever tried to cross my path. You are going to grow up in the most dire of conditions and I will turn you into my instrument of death." Entering the dark and depressing nursery, Shadow Weaver hands the baby to Madame Razz, the resident Horde nanny.

Shadow Weaver notices the old witchy woman holding a newborn baby with light golden hair. "Where did that one come from?" Madame Razz soothes the sleeping blond baby and calls out, "Quiet dearie. This baby travelled a long way. She came from Eternia." Madame Razz looks at the baby in Shadow Weaver's arms. "Come over here dearie, there aren't many empty cribs, these two will just have to share." Madame Razz places the blond baby into the crib first. Shadow Weaver does the same thing with baby Catra. Both babies sleep peacefully, sharing the same crib. Madame Razz sighs, "Oh dearie would you look at that? They look so sweet. A shame what they will be in store for when they grow older. This just isn't a safe world anymore."

Madam Razz walks away to tend to other work. Shadow Weaver looks on at the two sleeping babies. The wheels were set in motion...

Slipping back into the present Shadow Weaver shrugs off the ghostly visage. "I told Catra what I needed. Lies get things moving much faster Incantatia." Shadow Weaver glides through the aisles heading further towards the back of Horror Hall. There is something in a dark corner. Shadow Weaver approaches the area. Standing over a body, Shadow Weaver rasps, "The final lie though will make the perfect piece to the puzzle." Shadow Weaver talks to the body, "I just couldn't let Catra be happy. It would have ruined everything. After all the planning, after it all, I just couldn't let my plans slip through my fingers. You understand, don't you?" Shadow Weaver grins at the unconscious Huntara before her. "The end is at hand. My hand." Shadow Weaver rasps out a laugh as she calmly goes back to work. Changes were coming...

Up Next!

Will Adam go back to Eternia?
Will Frosta go back to the remains of Castle Chill?
Will we ever find out about Sweet Bee?

I don't know, but I do know this much... She-Ra Saturday will be the best yet next week!