Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 36

She-Ra Saturday is here! Join in the celebration, do something in She-Ra's honor! Fight the Horde!

Previously: Hordak has been looking for certain artifacts to unleash the Star Sisters. He is getting close to making his dreams come true... Adam and three of the Masters of the Universe have found safety with the Great Rebellion, though none of them are aware that back home on Eternia, Skeletor is reigning supreme... Catra has many reasons to be angry. First of all, Adora is very much alive. She found out the truth of her birth from Shadow Weaver, and she found out that her chance at a romance with Huntara was cut short by Hordak. Needless to say, she believes that Hordak is responsible for all of these things and is kinda wanting him to pay. Of course, the faithful reader knows that Shadow Weaver is actually manipulating the truth so that Catra will act out Shadow Weaver's own evil purposes. On a side note, since Incantatia is Castaspella's deceased older sister, and Catra's mother, that would mean that Catra is Castaspella's niece! I wonder if that juicy lil tidbit will make its way to the surface...  In other plot points of this She-Ra fan fiction, Flutterina found out the truth of her origin as well, and it is so upsetting for her that she has not talked to anyone about it, but I have a feeling that will change... With the help of She-Ra and He-Man, Sweet Bee was able to leave Etheria and head back to her Hive. This was a relief for Frosta who was quite annoyed at the looks He-Man was giving Sweet Bee, and not her. Oh Frosta!

And now...

Adora's Search for Honor

Part 2

Chapter 36

Castaspella is alone in a parlor room in Mystacor. Sunlight pours through the windows, shining brilliantly against her glowing skin. Her hair is impeccable. Heavy lashes look down across a small old painting. There are two women in the painting, one is a young Castaspella the other her older sister, Incantatia. With a heavy heart looking back at the past, Castaspella sighs, "What became of you sister? What troubles befell you due to your following Shadow Weaver to the Fright Zone?" The hypnotizing enchantress wonders if her sister is still alive. She often hopes that Incantatia is alive, though Castaspella is concerned that her sister never made it.

Tears brimming forth, Castaspella quickly places the small painting to the side as someone enters the parlor. "Castaspella? Am I interrupting?" Casta turns to smile at Queen Angella of Bright Moon, "Angella! What brings you to Mystacor?" Castaspella is not used to Angella dropping in for a visit.

Smiling with her wings behind her, Angella explains her appearance, "I know I am usually here for your infamous parties or memorable festivals, however this visit is of an urgent matter." Angella takes a seat across from Castaspella. Quickly pulling out a deep blue drawn bag, Angella pulls the bag down exposing a luminous oval shaped crystal. The rock is clear in some areas and hazy in others. Specks of reflective light shimmer and shine while a pretty shade of pink appears through out. Castaspella looks at the item and gasps, "Is that..."

Angella nods, "The Lunar Crystal. I brought it here for safe keeping. I fear that Hordak will be coming for it, and I want it somewhere safe." Castaspella shakes her head, "But Mystacor is not that safe." Angella disagrees, "Your neutrality with the Horde has put off any incoming invasions for the foreseeable future." Exasperated, Castaspella shakes her head, "Mystacor's neutrality means nothing. The time will come when Hordak sets his eyes on this place. It is only a matter of time. If anything, the Mages of Mystacor are the only reason that entire process has been delayed for this long."

"I understand Casta, but still, the Lunar Crystal would be safer here for the time being." Angella sits there before her friend, hoping for the least bit of help. Castaspella looks at the Lunar Crystal. There is so much of the past tied up with that chunk of rock, "Why would Hordak want the Lunar Crystal anyway?"

Angella explains, "Some of this you know. Before Kowl and I were taken prisoner by the Horde so many moons ago, we were both working on a few things. We wanted to find out if the Horde was poisoning the water supply, but more important than that, was the terrifying knowledge that Hordak was stealing certain ancient texts. Kowl was in the middle of decoding so many of these old texts and scripts, because only he can read them."

Castaspella nods, "Yes. Kowl's recent return to this work has been wonderful." Angella goes back to her story, "Yes, well in these old texts we found a connection to what was stolen by Hordak: The legend of the Star Sisters. You remember this story Castaspella, Etheria has long tried to call upon the Star Sisters. They were trapped in a shooting star by an evil sorceress, and if they could be called upon to land on Etheria, than the world would be protected by the ultimate power."

Castaspella takes over for the story from her own knowledge, "This is where the Sun and Lunar Tower come from. The Sun Tower would communicate to the Star Sisters during the day while the Lunar Tower would communicate at night, but what does that have to do with the Lunar Crystal?" Angella understands, "There is a great deal. Aside from the Sun and Lunar Towers, there were also three items on Etheria that would further enhance that communication, as well as maintaining the coordinates of a safe location should they land on Etheria. The Ice Diamond and Eye of Fire are two items, while the Lunar Crystal is the third. Casta, we are in trouble. Kowl has uncovered so much from these ancient texts. Bright Moon was once the Lunar Tower. It is already believed that Hordak has the Ice Diamond and Eye of Fire in his possession. The Lunar Crystal will be next."

Trying to understand fully, Castaspella asks, "But Angella, the legend of the Star Sisters is only a myth. It is a story to help enrich the lives of Etherians, a tale to give us hope for protection from evil. Hordak is a fool if he thinks that those three items will amount to anything. My goodness, we have She-Ra! There is no need for more protection." Angella sits back, "I understand Casta, but what if the Star Sisters aren't a myth? What if they are more than some proto-tale from Etherian lore? If the legend is real, I do not want Hordak to exploit the unlimited power from the sisters. Besides, if the legend is false, I still do not want him to possess all three items. These relics are steeped in Etheria's past. They are important and should not be taken. Frosta has been beside herself ever since the Ice Diamond was taken."

Slightly rolling her eyes, Castaspella grins, "Frosta is beside herself more times than not. But I do understand what you are saying Angella. I don't mind watching over the Lunar Crystal. Do you think Hordak would even be able to enter the Whispering Woods though?" Sighing with slight fear, Angella groans, "Under normal circumstances I would say no. However, we were attacked by the Pyres. Now I am not sure about much of anything. Hordak could very well find his way to Bright Moon." The two old friends sit looking at each other. The Lunar Crystal almost glows, casting a light between them.

"Angella, if you need anything, I am willing to help." Smiling at the thoughtfulness, Angella thanks her friend. They make a little bit of small talk until Angella realizes it is time to go, "I do need to be returning home. Thank you so much for keeping the Lunar Crystal safe." The two friends hug each other, and Castaspella looks on at Angella, "Since we don't know if the Star Sisters are a mere myth or not, are you going to do something about getting the other two items from Hordak?" Angella shrugs, "I would like to. If the legend is real could you just imagine? To have all that help and power... my goodness Casta, no one would ever hurt us again." Tilting her head in agreement, Castaspella sees Angella off. Looking away from Angella leaving, Castaspella whispers, "What is this world coming to?"

***

Inside the Whispering Woods at Bright Moon a few people are gathered around in the courtyard, preparing to say some goodbyes. Bow, Glimmer, and Perfuma stand with Madame Razz to the side. Mermista is sitting on the ground with Flutterina while Frosta is to the side hoping that He-Man will somehow make an appearance. Adora and Adam are standing with Clamp Champ, while Roboto and Kowl chat to the side. Clamp Champ turns to Prince Adam, "Are you sure you want to stay here Prince Adam?" Adam looks over at his sister, "Yes. I am sure. Just leave the portal key with me and I will return to Eternia shortly." Clamp Champ nods, "As you wish, this is your decision. I must admit, these past few days of rest and relaxation have been wonderful." Clamp Champ looks over at members of the Great Rebellion, so many people have become his friends. Netossa and Spinnerella arrive to say their goodbyes as well.

Roboto buzzes from the side, "I wish I could stay longer. There is so much to take note of on this planet. I also believe the colorful owl they call Kowl knows a great deal on philosophical meanings. I hope for more conversations in the future." Kowl is listening and nodding, "For being made up of metal and other inanimate parts, you are truly remarkable Roboto." The heroic mechanical warrior buzzes and chirps, "Thank you."

Stratos is going over a few supplies before the departure and brushes past Frosta. The icy empress growls, "Watch it! How many times have you bumped into me already?!" Stratos hangs his head, "I will miss many things from this world, you will not be one of them. I did not mean to be in your way." Frosta makes a face, "Can't you just leave already?" Stratos shakes his head, "I don't understand you..." Frosta turns away and looks at the entrance to the courtyard, fixing her hair, she sighs, "Well darling, don't stress that bird brain of yours, because you could never understand me." Frosta continues to look at the entrance of the courtyard.

Flutterina stares at Frosta in wonderment. Mermista smiles, "She's hoping with all her might that He-Man will show up." Flutterina nods and turns back to the matters at hand. Frosta focuses intently, hoping that He-Man shows up. She can't take much more. Spotting some movement, Frosta gasps in anticipation as someone rounds the corner into the courtyard. It is Peekablue. Frosta groans in annoyance. Peekablue walks to the Masters and wishes them a safe trip back to Eternia.

Clamp Champ opens a portal. The swirling pattern of magic is stunning and the group looks on in amazement. Clamp Champ turns to Adam, "Take good care of this portal key, it is your only way back home." The prince nods, "Please tell my mother and father that I am well. Tell them about Adora too. We will be home shortly."

Adora hears this and her heart stops. She doesn't want to think about leaving Etheria yet. She quickly hugs Roboto and Stratos and turns to Clamp Champ. "Thank you for coming all this way. It was a pleasure to meet you all, and please tell my parents... that I look forward to meeting them." There are tears in her eyes, and Adora hugs Clamp Champ tightly. These are people that have known her parents for so long, Adora can't believe she is so close to meeting her parents. Clamp Champ smiles, "It was wonderful to finally meet you too Princess Adora." Adora smiles, blushing, "Please Champ, just call me Adora." Clamp Champ nods and they hug one more time. Everyone watches the three Masters as they walk into the swirling portal.

In an instant the swirling portal closes in. The circle of light fades away and the rebels end up seeing the other side of the courtyard. The portal is gone and with it Clamp Champ, Roboto, and Stratos. Adam looks on. "They are gone." Adora looks over at her brother, "You'll be back home soon..." Adam nods, "Yes. You'll love it on Eternia Adora." Nodding in silence, Adora hopes that her brother is correct.

Adam hugs his sister and walks away to place the portal key in a safe place. Adora turns to chat with her friends. The rebels continue to mill about in the courtyard. Frosta grimaces in annoyance as Adam walks by. She continues to search for He-Man, "Why isn't he here?" Mermista walks by and shrugs, "Maybe he has other things to do?" Frosta shakes her head vehemently, "Darling, what on Etheria could He-Man possibly be doing that would be better than talking to me?" Mermista shrugs and with nothing else to say, simply walks off.

Looking at everyone, Adora notices that someone is missing. Excusing herself from the group, Adora searches for Sea Hawk. Walking through Bright Moon, Adora thinks about the three men who just left. She wonders what her parents will think when the Masters return. Will they be overjoyed to know that Adora is safe? Will they be upset that she isn't there? Will they understand that it might be hard for Adora to ever leave Etheria?

Those thoughts quickly leave her mind as Adora spots Sea Hawk in the dining hall. Eating alone, the pirate looks up at Adora and motions for her to join him. They sit and talk. Adora is curious as to why Hawk didn't say goodbye to the Masters. He shrugs, "I didn't really know them. I felt awkward being a part of the whole thing." Adora shakes her head, "But you are a part of the Rebellion. When are you going to realize you are among friends." Sea Hawk shrugs, "I don't know why I am like that." Though he actually does. The pressure he is experiencing from Hordak's manipulations and what Hawk has already done is... complicated. Sea Hawk can only hope that Hordak never finds a way inside the Whispering Woods.

They continue to talk. Adora shares her excitement over getting to know her brother. Sea Hawk explains that he is happy for her and all the good things that are going on around Bright Moon. The conversation eventually turns into another direction, as Sea Hawk asks, "Why do you love Bow?" Adora sits there in shock, "What?" Sea Hawk goes on, "Last time we talked about that kiss we shared, you mentioned you were in love with Bow. So tell me princess, why do you love that guy?" Adora leans back, the weight of the question pressing down on her, "We just have a special bond."

"So then why aren't you with him?" Sea Hawk asks. He wants to know what the deal is. Adora shakes her head, "It is just complicated. Bow and I have a connection, we just do." Sea Hawk asks to know what is so special about their connection. Adora turns her head to the side, unsure if she should talk about this. Throwing it all to the wind, Adora opens up to Sea Hawk, "I almost died. Actually, I've almost died a couple times, but this was the first time. I was younger, much younger. Something weird happens when you face death, I can't explain it, but an odd feeling washed over me. I had been on a mission with Catra. This was back when we were in the Horde Academy, training to become the strongest and best."

Adora thinks back to that time and can't believe it actually happened, "Hordak was testing us. We were supposed to find some old map. It was in a hidden temple under this empty village. We should have known it would be dangerous. There were these beasts and monstrous creatures charged with killing anyone that entered the temple. Catra and I fought together." Sea Hawk is surprised to hear such a thing. Adora nods, "I know. I was never Catra's favorite person, but we worked together. And then it just seemed like nothing would work, the temple began falling around us. We were bruised and battered. Then there was that moment, that feeling that washed over me. I thought I was going to die. I think I even kissed Catra in the moment."

Sea Hawk's eyes widen, "You did what?" Adora rolls her eyes, "Calm down. It wasn't like that. I was terrified and wanted nothing more than to feel close to another person. I think the kiss angered Catra even more because she just seemed completely at a loss. It was a scary moment, but we somehow survived." She pauses, recalling what happened next, "Afterwards I was exhausted. I wasn't sure how we had survived, but we did and I just wanted to kiss the ground, the sun and the moon. I couldn't believe it. Bow was so worried about me. He tended to my wounds. I didn't want to lose him," Adora shakes her head, "We made love. Our feelings for each other were so intense, and I wanted to hold onto him, to never let go."

Sea Hawk sits there in total shock, "You had sex with Bow?" Adora looks back aghast at his reaction, "Don't look at me like that! What? You get to sleep with anything that walks and it is alright, but I tell you that I slept with Bow, and I am somehow tainted?" Sea Hawk shakes his head, "Now wait a minute princess. I never said anything of the like. You gotta stop puttin words into my mouth. I'm just shocked because I never pegged ya for the type to actually go out and do it. I don't think you are tainted."

Adora sits up straight, "Well it wasn't like I was just giving it up. Bow and I have always had a special relationship, and that day changed things. I faced the loss of my life, and all I wanted was to feel connected to everything around me. I wanted to feel alive and loved." Sea Hawk nods, "I get it. So you have this special friendship with Bow. How do you explain us then?" Adora looks away, "I don't know. I don't know at all. You irk me with your attitude to just about everything. I find you to be a jerk at times, but there is something... I don't know what any of it means." This is the truth. Adora has no idea how to explain the matters of her heart.

Reaching out and grabbing hold of her hands, Sea Hawk smiles, "Listen princess, I don't know what it means either. And that is ok." He smiles at her. There is something about her, a spark that makes his insides feel warm. His feelings for her are growing by the day and that terrifies him. He can handle Adora not being ready to sort out the clutter in her mind and heart, because if she were to tell him she cared deeply for him... well, he knows there would be nothing to offer her but broken promises and lies sharp enough to cut through bone.

***

Outside in the courtyard, Perfuma and Flutterina are the only two left behind from the group. Flutterina is still sitting in the spot she was in earlier with Perfuma sitting next to her. Perfuma knows that something is wrong with Flutterina. Ever since Flutterina went to the Horde Labs and found the information detailing how she originated, there has been a sadness living on her face. Perfuma hopes she can be a good friend. "Flutterina, if you need to talk..." The winged woman looks at Perfuma, "I have. Nothing. To say."

Perfuma nods, "I understand. But ya know, sometimes bad things happen to us. And it can feel safe to keep it all bottled up, but sometimes confiding with someone can help. I know I've been through some terrifying ordeals, and I'm not even talking about the time I almost lost my flower garden!" Perfuma has a goofy grin on her face, she is trying to make Flutterina laugh. It is not working. Perfuma sighs and starts to get up. As she does this, Flutterina cries out, "Wait."

Losing her balance, Perfuma falls back to the ground. Flutterina looks over at her friend, "I can't talk. It makes. No. Sense." Perfuma nods, "Are you talking about what you found out in the Horde Lab?" Flutterina nods with tears in her eyes. Perfuma drops her head, "Flutterina, it's ok. You can talk. No one is going to judge you here, we aren't the grody Horde or anything!" Flutterina shakes her head, "I don't know. What. Grody. Is."

Perfuma shrugs it off, "Oh. I sometimes just say whatever. What did you find out?" They sit together in a growing silence, until Flutterina opens up. She shares her knowledge of how she came to be. "I read the. Forms." The lab forms of the Winged Warrior project were highly detailed. Flutterina continues to speak, of how her creation came to be from the joining of an insect cellular structure and the human cells of a female prisoner in the slave mines. "I don't. Remember. The two lives. Before." And she is glad she can't remember.

Flutterina knows that the insect was called a caterpillar, "The insect. Its cells. Were from. A father. Of the other. Insects. He lost. His family." Perfuma nods following along with the story. Flutterina then details how prisoners from the Horde were killed to be experimented on. Flutterina sobs because the slave woman used for the experiment did not even have a name. "I know. Nothing. Of who. She was. Or who. I am." Drooping her shoulders, Flutterina sighs, "I am. A freakish. Being. Am I. Even real?"

Perfuma puts an arm around her friend, "Hey now, don't say things like that. You are not freakish, in any way." Flutterina shouts in agony, "Look at. Me. I have. A strange. Body." she is referring to part of her being human and other parts being insectoid in nature. "My body. Is. In between." Flutterina thinks about the insectoid appendage between her legs, and it disgusts her. Sensing her friend's discomfort, Perfuma shakes her head, "It's ok. Flutterina, it is ok. Your body may not be like mine or other people's bodies, but that is ok. You are still a wonderful person, don't let this revelation define you."

"I don't. Know. Who. Or. What. I am." Flutterina feels confused. Is her personality connected to the insect or the human? Or are those connections to the former beings completely gone? Her whole body is throbbing in pain. Perfuma shakes her head, "It doesn't matter, none of it matters Flutterina. You are here now, and you can create a whole new persona. We should all be able to grow in our own way. In our own time. You be the creator of who you are. Don't let the information from the Horde Lab inform you of who or what you should be. Mourn for how you came to be if you must, but transcend it."

Flutterina listens and is comforted, "You. Are. Smart." Perfuma blushes, "I have my moments. Normally I'd say we just need to dance this out. But, I think a little more was called for." Flutterina smiles, "Dancing. Is fun." Perfuma nods, "I know! It can solve so much." The two friends giggle at everything. "Are you feeling better Flutterina?"

The insectoid woman nods, "I think. So. Thank you. Perfuma." The two friends hug each other. They both know that Flutterina will have much to think about, but the important thing is that Flutterina has a good friend. "I'm going. To take. A walk." Perfuma nods and watches Flutterina flutter off.

Standing in the courtyard, Perfuma jumps at the sound of a loud sigh. Perfuma turns and notices Frosta sitting behind some bushes, she is clutching a bottle. "Frosta? I didn't know you were still here?" Frosta groans, "I stepped away for a drink. I came back though. Good job with Flutterina. I usually take you for a ditsy blond, but goodness darling, aren't you suddenly full of such wisdom." Frosta stumbles a little bit. Perfuma steps back, "Frosta, are you drunk?"

Frosta drops the bottle to the ground and crosses her arms, "Maybe I am. What does it matter? I'm an empress. And a real bitch." Frosta snaps her words out in a slight slur. She slumps to the ground. "He isn't going to show up..." Perfuma bites her lower lip, she isn't use to being the voice of reason. "Who were you expecting?"

Frosta waves her hands in the air, "He-Man of course! Come now darling, who else would I be waiting this long for?!" Cautiously taking a seat next to Frosta, Perfuma sighs, "Was he supposed to be here?" Frosta shakes her head, "Oh how should I know? That damn man has been in my mind ever since I met him. Perfuma, he is just stunning. I am in love, though Mermista keeps telling me I am only in lust, and that it will pass. I think she is full of shit. Don't tell her I said that. She is such a dear friend." Frosta hiccups and curses herself, "I hate hiccups."

Perfuma sits there and tries to console her, "Well, maybe He-Man will show up another time?" Frosta shakes her head, "Oh it doesn't matter. I feel like such a fool." Perfuma nods wanting to agree, but decides against that, "Oh Frosta, you are so gorgeous and if you can't nab He-Man, well I guess there just isn't hope for any of us." Frosta glints her eyes, "What did you say? You want him too?" Perfuma's eyes open wide, "Eeep! No, I wasn't meaning that, don't get mad! I was referring to just love in general. I mean what hope do any of us have? You are Frosta! The ultimate sex symbol!"

Frosta nods to herself, "You know darling, people can say what they want about you, but I think you are incredibly smart. I am the ultimate sex symbol. And if He-Man can't figure that out, then screw him!" Frosta giggles and then screams out, "Screw him!" Perfuma is shocked, "Come on Frosta, I think you need to lay down." Frosta brushes Perfuma off, "I'm not going anywhere. He'll show up. I'm just going to rest my eyes here." Frosta lays back on the grass.

In total shock and awe, Perfuma sighs, "She really is drunk. The Frosta I know would never lay on grass." Creating a blanket of flowers, Perfuma covers Frosta up. "Good luck my friend." Perfuma whispers and exits the courtyard. Hearing a tune from somewhere, Perfuma can't help but start dancing down the halls of Bright Moon.

***

Inside the Fright Zone, Catra is alone in her room with Entrapta. The two friends are catching up. Catra is lost in the conversation though, her thoughts drifting to Huntara and then drifting to her knowledge about her birth mother. Her hatred for Hordak is reaching a point of no return. Twirling her hair around, Entrapta looks at Catra, "Are you with me Catra? You seem lost."

With her green eyes dripping in mischief, Catra purrs, "I am far from lost. In fact, I have never been more centered." Entrapta leans back in a chair, her golden armor shining brightly, "Interesting. I thought you'd be positively deranged with your arch enemy Adora being alive and well." Brushing the thought off, Catra grins, "Adora is the least of my worries right now. I have a bigger mouse to catch."

Leaning forward with evil in her eyes, Entrapta grins, "Oh, this sounds like fun. Who are we talking about? She-Ra? That muscle man that just showed up, oh what was his name?" Catra interrupts her friend, "His name was He-Man. I am not talking about either of them. I am talking about Hordak." Making a face, Entrapta laughs, "Hordak? Are you serious? Why would you be after him?" Entrapta studies Catra's face and realizes that her friend is being very serious.

Catra files her sharp nails, "I am tired of him. He has done his fair share of making my life a living nightmare. I am done serving him and the Horde. I want to completely level everything in Etheria. And then I want to rebuild this world, in my own vision. I want to live in an Etheria where there is no Horde ruled by Hordak or some stupid imbeciles running around forming the Great Rebellion. I want to rule this world myself, and it can only happen once Hordak is demolished. I'd like you to join me."

Entrapta's hair twirls around in the air, "Interesting." Catra continues filing her nails, "I need an answer Entrapta. Are you going to help me, or are you going to tell Hordak my plans? After all, you have worked with Hordak for such a long time." Arching an eyebrow, Entrapta grins, "This may be true, I have helped Hordak for so long. But I must say Catra, your plan sounds so much more delicious..." Catra nods, "Can you just imagine the possibilities?"

Clapping her hands in joy, Entrapta laughs, "Of course I can! We can create a new world! We'll need help though." Catra nods, "I know. I've already been thinking of others to join us. Namely Scorpia and Octavia, I also believe Shadow Weaver would be on board." Entrapta shakes her head in amazement, "Wow, this is like a sisterhorde of evil or something."

"Or something. Though I prefer there to not be any silly names to describe us. Where we will be going, there will be no need for labels like the Horde or the Great Rebellion. The world is going to be ours my dear friend." Catra purrs filing her nails even sharper. Entrapta high fives her friend. They both laugh at what they will be doing. "Are you sure about joining me?" Catra asks. Entrapta nods, "You forget what I did to my own family Catra. Hordak and I were once very close, but I always knew something was special about you. I'll join you." They both laugh in excitement. Etheria is changing, and both women are thrilled to be championing that change. 

***

Clamp Champ, Roboto, and Stratos arrive inside the Eternos Palace on Eternia. Immediately they can sense that something is not right. Looking around Man-At-Arm's lab, they each notice that the place is in shambles. Clamp Champ murmurs, "Gentlemen, Duncan would never keep his lab like this. We need to be careful." Robot buzzes and whirs, "My sensors are picking up a large amount of magical energy in the air."

The Masters carefully walk out of the lab and into the hall. They notice that the palace is in shambles. "What has happened here?" Stratos asks looking around. The Masters soon find themselves in danger as a group of Skeletor's ghoulish soldiers appear. "Stop! You three, are trespassing." Clamp Champ's heart sinks, "Oh this does not look good." The Masters brace for a fight. A melee commences as the Masters fight against the ghoulish soldiers who fight for the Evil Warriors. Clamp Champ swings the power clamp at a soldier, cracking his skull open. Stratos engages in hand to hand combat while Roboto releases some spinning blades from his chest. The blades tear into the flesh of a soldier.

More soldiers pour into the hall way, and the Masters retreat. They run through the palace trying to figure out what to do next. Clamp Champ shouts, "The prison cells. Let's head there now!" Before they can make it though, Stratos is nearly impaled by a ghoulish soldier. Stratos dodges the attack and is almost impaled again, but someone stabs the soldier from behind.

The Masters cheer out in excitement as the notice Queen Marlena from behind. Lowering her sword, Marlena gasps, "Oh I am thrilled to see you three!" Clamp Champ nods, "Queen Marlena, what is happening here?" Marlena quickly explains, "Skeletor got free. He has since been free taking the Palace as his own. Randor is badly wounded and we have been prisoners here. I am trying to free those who are in the holding cells." Stratos nods, "We will help you."

Marlena shakes her head, "No. I can handle this. You must get to Castle Grayskull. Skeletor has been mounting an army, Man-At-Arms is there with a few others. Hurry, they will need the help." Clamp Champ nods. Roboto chirps, "I will still remain with the Queen." Marlena wants to argue, but as more ghoulish soldiers come after them, she relents. The help will be appreciated. Before Clamp Champ and Stratos leave, Marlena asks, "Where is Adam?"

Clamp Champ sighs, "He stayed behind on Etheria. With your daughter." The words strike Marlena, tears instantly well up in her eyes, "My daughter?" Clamp Champ nods, "Yes my queen. She is alive. We found her. Adam and Adora will be on Eternia soon." Marlena feels her legs weaken, she wants to rejoice, "My daughter is alive? Oh my. My baby is alive." Roboto motions that they need to keep moving. Marlena nods and with new incentive to fight harder, they rush off away from Clamp Champ and Stratos. The two Masters rush out of the Palace and head to Castle Grayskull where an epic battle is already under way...

***

After flying through space at break neck speed, Sweet Bee finally makes it to her Hive. She is glad to be home, especially because her communication system did not work. She hopes that the Hive is ready for her. Landing the ship in the docking station, Sweet Bee hurries out to embrace her fellow Hive citizens. No one is there to greet her. This worries her. Sweet Bee walks through the docking station and can find no one. "What is going on?"

She continues to walk around the Hive, noticing that there is no one there. A strange feeling is in the pit of her stomach. In the main chamber of the Hive, Sweet Bee notices that there seems to have been a struggle of some sort. Her fingers trace across some holes and dents in a nearby wall. She continues to walk and screams as she feels a hand wrap around her ankle.

Dropping to the floor, Sweet Bee notices a friend. He motions for her to be quiet. "Drone 36, what is going on?" She gasps as she notices gashes and wounds across his body. His wings have been torn off and he is missing a leg, "Oh my, Drone 36, what happened to you?" Drone 36 whispers, "You have to escape. Now. You shouldn't be here." Sweet Bee explains what happened to her team, and how she fought so hard to come back home. Drone 36 cries out, "We no longer have a home. Not since they arrived..."

Sweet Bee is confused and asks to know more information. Drone 36 is fading away, but he chokes out, "We were under attack. They came from this large ship. There were so many, we didn't know what to do. They took most of the Hive, everyone else they killed." Sweet Bee shakes her head, "Who are they?" Drone 36 groans, "We don't know. They have these red symbols on their chests, and they are made of metal. Sweet Bee, it doesn't matter, you have to go. Some of them are still on this ship. Do you understand? These monsters are still on the ship!" Sweet Bee feels a chill wash over her. "Ok. I'm getting us out of her, come on." She goes to pick him up, but he stops her, "No. I can't go." Sweet Bee wants to help her friend, but it is too late. Drone 36's eyes glaze over and he looks at Sweet Bee blankly. She cries out, "No! No! I can't keep losing my friends."

Standing up, Sweet Bee wants to honor Drone 38, but she has no time for that. The clanking of multiple footsteps echoes down the chamber. Sweet Bee turns to the sound and trembles. A large group of Horde Trooper soldiers are making their way towards her. She isn't sure what to do, so she just runs as they take aim. Shots are fired and the chamber is ablaze in laser blasts...

***

The Whispering Woods are experiencing a sense of calm. Flutterina is walking through the woods alone. After her conversation with Perfuma, Flutterina is feeling slightly better. She still has no idea how she can create her own path and build her own self. She just feels lost and at odds with so much. As she walks through the Whispering Woods, she notices a flash to her side. A hulking hairy mass jumps out at her, slamming her into a tree.

Grunting in pain, Flutterina jumps up ready to fight. Instead she finds herself pinned against a tree. Leech quickly has her arms around the tree and is draining her of her strength. Grizzlor and Hordak step before her. Grizzlor grins, "Look Hordak, a member of the Great Rebellion." Leech adds, "She was actually meant to be a Winged Warrior."

Hordak nods and snorts, "Yes. This thing before me was supposed to be so much greater, now it is just some silly looking woman with such garish wings. Do as you wish to her." Hordak snorts and walks off towards Bright Moon.

Grizzlor stands in front of her, "What should we do to her Leech? How can we teach this Rebel that she is on the wrong side?" Leech gurgles, "You pick Grizzlor."

The hairy beast looks Flutterina up and down. "Let's see what we can work with." Grizzlor yanks Flutterina's skirt off exposing her nude form. She tries to struggle free but is too weak. He notices the dangling insectoid appendage between her legs, "Ha. Look at this Leech!" Continuing to drain her of her energy, Leech looks over Flutterina's shoulder, "What is that? Is she reall a 'he'? I don't get it."

Grizzlor pulls a machete from his back holster, "It doesn't matter what this thing is. We can fix it though." Leech looks on at Grizzlor, "Oh we're really gonna teach the Rebels a lesson!" Grizzlor stands over Flutterina. He quickly raises the machete in the air ready to strike. Before he does though, Flutterina feels her body erupt in anger. No one will ever hurt or gawk at her again. Feeling something quickly travel up her throat, Flutterina spits a wad of sticky glitter in Grizzlor's face. The Hordesman jumps back clutching his face. "AHHHH! AHHH! This burns!" Grizzlor is in pain as the sticky shards of glitter sear his flesh. There is a smell of burnt hair in the air. Leech let's go of Flutterina and helps his friend.

Letting out a loud scream, Flutterina slams her fists into Leech's back. The pain is enough to knock the wind out of him. Grizzlor is still struggling to get the spit off his face. Flutterina plants a swift kick into his stomach and then knees him under the chin. Both Leech and Grizzlor are on the ground writhing in pain. Picking her skirt up, Flutterina looks off in the direction of Hordak. She has no idea where the acidic glitter spit came from, but she is realizing that her unique and different body may not be so bad after all. Fluttering off into the air, Flutterina rushes to Bright Moon. Somehow the Horde made it into the Whispering Woods, and the Great Rebellion is in danger.

Up Next!

In two weeks!

Ambush at Bright Moon!
A battle royale at Grayskull!
Lives on both worlds will never be the same!