Saturday, June 30, 2012

Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 23

She-Ra Saturday is a go!

Previously- Members of the Great Rebellion were all dealing with their own version of grief over the loss of Double Trouble aka Spira. Adora felt bad and wondered about her role in everything. She also was wondering about the appearance of a power sword that is similar to the one she was given in the Crystal Castle. She took off to get some answers from Light Hope. In other news, when the Rebels stormed the Fright Zone, Perfuma snuck off with a cocoon sample from the Winged Warrior project in the Horde Labs. No one else knew about this... Also Hordak strongarmed Shadow Weaver into bringing Double Trouble back from the dead. Shadow Weaver was not pleased as a monster has now been created...

Adora's Search for Honor
Part 2
Chapter 23

Hidden high atop Sky Dancer Mountain stands the Crystal Castle. Made up of sparkly crystals of all shapes and sizes, it is Etheria's hidden jem. Inside She-Ra visits with Light Hope, the once Etherian protector and now guardian of the castle. They are discussing everyone's grief over the loss of a dear friend. "She-Ra, you can't blame yourself for any of this. And you certainly do not deserve to be in her place either."

"Light Hope, I am not an innocent party in all this. I have done terrible things. Now my biggest fear is that I will lose everyone I love." She-Ra looks at her reflection in the crystal walls, she is sad. A past of actions weighing down on her, threatening to crush her, She-Ra turns to look else where. Light Hope glides by with flickers of light spreading off his body like embers of flame, "We have all done terrible things at one time or another. No one is free from imperfection. What matters most is what we do next. What will our actions be? You've chosen a new path. As She-Ra you are helping to free this world from its chains. Sadly there may be a few losses, but it was never going to be easy..."

She-Ra thinks about this statement and realizes that Light Hope speaks a certain truth. They are all facing oppression, every last Etherian, and fighting for freedom is never struggle free. "While I was on my way to see you, I stopped by a village. Ever since the events in the Fright Zone arena, people have been talking. They are all spreading the word that Etheria has a new savior. They all call for me, cheering She-Ra! She-Ra! They know that something is happening in this world."

Grinning Light Hope adds, "That is wonderful news She-Ra. I am glad that Etheria is beginning to hear of a new protector. It was only a matter of time. Wonderful things are going to happen with you here, please know that. And don't give up hope. No matter what your past has been it can't inform who you are forever." She-Ra realizes she has her own chains she must be set free from.

Her visits with Light Hope are always helpful. He is a wise soul, which reminds She-Ra of her other reason for visiting the Crystal Castle, "Light Hope, I need your help in understanding something." Asking what is needed of him, Light Hope listens to She-Ra's answer, "I am in possession of a power sword that is remarkably similar to my very own. I took it from Hordak and I have no idea how he came upon it."

The two walk to a nearby slab of crystal that doubles as a table. She-Ra places both swords down as Light Hope looks them over. "It would appear that these swords are practically identical, save for a few minor changes. Your sword has a jewel and this sword as a unique carving etched in the metal. What are your ideas She-Ra?" Closing her eyes before answering, She-Ra slowly speaks, "I have reason to think that this sword belongs to my brother. That Sorceress woman that used to visit me telepathically... she told me that I had been given the Sword of Protection and my borther the Sword of Power. I believe we are looking at those two swords."

Light Hope is curious, "That could be an explanation, but why would your brother's sword be on Etheria... unless... he is on Etheria too?" She-Ra nods glad that she is not alone in her thinking, "I believe it might be possible, though I have no understanding of why that would even be. Light Hope, have you been contacted at all by the Sorceress?" For awhile the Sorceress has been using her powers of telepathy to maintain a connection with the two of them.

"She-Ra, it has been a long time since the Sorceress contacted me." Nodding in agreement, She-Ra goes on, "I fear that my brother is somewhere on Etheria. Maybe that action alone severed the telepathic tie with the Sorceress and Eternia. Oh Light Hope, I'm not terribly sure of this..." Walking away, Light Hope turns, "We must investigate this further. I will do my best to find answers here in the castle, but my dear, you must hurry. Find someone to help you. Look around, talk to people. If your brother is indeed on Etheria, and you have his sword, well..." The thought hangs in the air. She-Ra nods, "He may be in grave trouble. I must hurry. Farewell Light Hope, until next time." Light Hope waves, "Of course."

Flying off on Swift Wind, She-Ra travels away from the Crystal Castle. Thinking to herself, She-Ra heads towards some towns on the outskirts of the Fright Zone. Landing in a safe spot, She-Ra surprises the townspeople. Everyone is excited to see her as she is to see them. She also searches for answers about her brother, though she is not sure where she should even begin.

***

The day is moving on slowly at Castle Bright Moon. Frosta is roaming the halls, trying to escape the endless chatter from others about the Night of the Glitterbug. "Why is everyone so excited over these glitterbugs?" Frosta asks aloud. After the events during breakfast earlier, everyone soon found themselves enthralled with talk of the glitterbugs. Frosta found the whole topic to be undesirable, "I really hate living here." Making her way through the castle halls, Frosta heads towards Perfuma's room. If anyone will be able to explain the glitterbug phenomenon it will be the flower maiden.

"Perfu-" Frosta almost calls out but stops. The icy empress can hear Perfuma talking to someone in her room. Eavesdropping ever so slightly, Frosta peers into the room and notices Perfuma alone. What is this about, Frosta asks herself. She can hear Perfuma talking in a soothing voice, "Don't worry, this is your new home now. You are going to be safe, I just wish you'd stop growing bigger. I can't keep you in here forever..." Frosta looks around Perfuma's room, searching for something out of the ordinary.

Until she sees it. Frosta's mouth drops open as her eyes rest upon a large gray cocoon resting on some blankets on the floor. I've never seen such a thing, Frosta says to herself. Every now and then Frosta notices something move underneath the grey cocoon skin. Covering a hand to her mouth, Frosta tries not to gag. Perfuma heads to the door, looking back at the cocoon, "Now don't worry! I'll be back later on. I'm going on a picnic. I sure hope you'll be alright..."

Frosta hurries out of the way as Perfuma leaves the room. Saying nothing, Frosta watches her friend walk off. "Something is not right." Frosta whispers.

***

In another part of Bright Moon, Glimmer is walking to her room. She is thinking of the words her mother told her earlier in the day. The princess knows she will have to get herself together and continue living her life, but she is not sure how to do that. She misses her cousin and can't imagine removing Spira's items from her now vacant living space. Glimmer is also trying to get over her feelings for a man. A man that is approaching her rather quickly, "Glimmer! Finally, I didn't think I'd see you today. I hoped you'd stop by the dining hall for breakfast, but no one had seen you."

Avoiding Bow's gaze, Glimmer says, "I just wanted to be alone." Bow completely understands, "I have been keeping to myself too as of late. I am glad to see you though, the Night of the Glitterbug is approaching soon. I know you enjoy this time of year."

This information is certainly true, Glimmer loves the glitterbugs, but she is not in a celebratory mood. "Leave me alone." Glimmer whispers as Bow asks her to repeat what she said. "I said leave me alone!" Glimmer shouts. Walking past Bow, the rebel princess continues along her way.

"Glimmer, please stop this. I know I was a jerk. I had no idea you cared for me like that. I am dense, I never should have shared my feelings about Adora. I'm just an idiot. Please talk to me. Let me fix this." Holding her breath with a fast beating heart, Glimmer turns pointing a finger, "You can't fix this! Don't you see? You can't fix this! I am the idiot."

Upset and wanting to help his friend, Bow makes things worse, "Glimmer, you are not an idiot." Crossing her arms, Glimmer puts up a brave front, "Oh really? Well let's see. All I want to do is run into your arms and have you tell me that everything is going to be ok. I've lost my cousin. I've been through so much in these past months with being a prisoner to the Horde. Saving my mom. I'm just spent. And I want you to comfort me."

Not understanding the problem Bow continues to bury the grave deeper, "I can comfort you Glimmer. Let me help you." Shaking her head, Glimmer groans, "Oh Bow! Don't you see? This whole time you have been a friend to me. I have misinterpreted your actions of kindness to mean something more. You were just being a friend, and I have fallen for you. I have to be the one to move past this. I do. There is nothing you can do. In fact your kindness is just making it worse. Leave me alone, I beg of you. I have to get past this myself." Turning away Glimmer runs off down the hall towards her room. Bow looks on feeling miserable. He hates seeing his friends hurt, especially when it involves him. "Oh Glimmer." Bow says to himself. Walking off in the opposite direction, the archer heads outside for some fresh air.

***

Outside in the courtyard area of Bright Moon, two young lovers are sitting on the ground enjoying a sunny lunch. Perfuma is eating some fruit while Minwu pours them both another glass of water, "It is a nice day out."

Looking up at the sky, Perfuma grins, "It is the perfect day. This has been so nice." A romance has been blossoming between the two. Perfuma never thought this would actually be occuring, but it is. I am so happy right now. Perfuma gets caught in her own thoughts as Minwu gathers her attention, "Perfuma, are you there?"

Blushing slightly, "Of course I am here! I could't imagine being anywhere else." The two continue to talk, addressing various topics. Grief is mentioned as well as some happy memories involving the rebels. Minwu is honored to be a part of the group. The conversation takes a sharp turn to darker subjects when Minwu pricks his finger handing a rose to Perfuma.

Her eyes focus intently on the few drops of blood that leave his finger. Minwu wipes the blood away and notices that Perfuma seems unsettled, "Perfuma? Do you want to talk about it?" Ever since the excursion into the Midnight Lair and the Pyre bite, Perfuma has been holding certain feelings from everyone else. "There is not much to say." Perfuma looks away, trying to think of other things, instead of Minwu's blood.

"You never really talk about your time at the Crystal Castle after you were bit. I know it must have been hard, but I care for you. Perfuma, you can talk to me about your ordeal." She knows that Minwu means well. However the conversation is painful. Where would she even start?

"The castle was gorgeous. I still can't believe She-Ra brought me there." Perfuma says recalling the beautiful pieces of crystal. "Is the castle her home or something?" Minwu asks.

"I'm not sure. I don't believe that She-Ra lives there, I've always thought of She-Ra as living everywhere. But I know that the residents who were there weren't in any danger from me. In fact the guardian of the castle, Light Hope, really knew a great deal about what I would be going through with being bitten by a Pyre. He told me that I would have these intense cravings for blood. He was right. Oh Minwu, it was awful." The healer reaches out to Perfuma as she falls into his arms. They hold each other as she pours her story out.

"I have never felt a hunger like that before. It was all I could think about. I imagined ripping into everyone I knew and drinking their blood. I felt like my insides were starved for food, I wasn't sure I was going to make it." Minwu listens carefully, "How did you get better?"

Hanging her head, Perfuma whispers, "The days went on and I found that my hunger wasn't killing me. I was able to eat regular food, and in time the craving for blood diminished. It was like it was in my head. I thought I was going to die if I didn't have blood, but I was alright. Of course evey now and then I have moments where I can taste that craving still. Like just now, when your finger was pricked on that rose... I saw those drops and I could feel something lighting up inside me, wanting it. Minwu, are you scared of me?"

Minwu lifts Perfuma's face to his, "No. I am not scared at all. I care for you and will be here for you, no matter what. I understand what happened to you may still cause a problem, but you haven't killed any one. You haven't drained someone of their blood. You are fighting this. I believe in you Perfuma. You won't become a Pyre, I just know it." Perfuma smiles, it is nice to hear such things. She really feels lucky to have his support.

Looking at him, studying his handsome eyes, Perfuma leans in for a kiss. There lips meet and the kiss is warm. The warmness spreads across her body. She feels worn yet so alive. Minwu feels dizzy and intoxicated. He can smell her fragrance in the air. The experience is heady and neither want it to end. They continue to kiss as the warmness grows. Separating for a brief moment, they both look at each other. Perfuma smiles resting her head on his shoulder. Minwu looks down at her long blonde hair taking this experience in. He is happy. Nothing could ever shatter this moment.

***

Still stalking the halls, Frosta finds herself in front of Glimmer's room. Unable to talk to Perfuma, Frosta hopes the princess can answer some questions. "Well darling, I am glad to see you in your room." Frosta walks in without an invitation. Sitting on a chaise lounge, Frosta looks over at Glimmer, "I've heard you won't leave Double Trouble's room. Sentimental as it is, you really must continue to live darling. Don't let this destroy you."

Ignoring Frosta's bluntness, Glimmer asks, "What are you doing here Frosta?" Sitting up, Frosta looks around the room. There is a lot of pink and cutesy items and trinkets on a shelf. Frosta thinks to herself, this looks like a child's room. Glimmer is a woman. "I was searching for Perfuma in the hopes that I could ask her a few questions, but she has been acting strange as of late. So I figured since this is your home, that you'd be perfect to answer my questions."

"Ok. What are your questions?" Glimmer sits back, slightly relieved to be distracted from her own issues. Frosta sits up, "What is a glitterbug? Everyone keeps talking about some special Night of the Glitterbugs. Am I going to want to be around for that? I still havent gotten used to the awful smell of outside in this place."

"Oh Frosta. The smell isn't that bad. To answer your question though, the glitterbugs are tiny little bugs. We can't see them in their entirety, they are too small. All we can make out with our eyes are tiny specks of light, like glitter." Frosta makes a face, "Riveting. I bet they get everywhere."

Shaking her head, Glimmer goes on, "Oh no. They live in the trees. They are why we call this area the Whispering Woods. Haven't you ever heard the whispering sounds in the woods? Or sometimes the faint sound of a hum or song?"

"No darling, I can't say that I have." Frosta crosses her arms. Glimmer smiles sadly, "Well that is a shame. The glitterbugs are what make the Whispering Woods so magical. They help keep evil out. And once in awhile on a special night when the moon is barely visible, they leave the trees and swirl around the woods. This special night is a big event, as we get to see a spectacular show of lights. The patterns they make are just stunning. And that is not counting the sounds and songs they make in their movement. Oh Frosta, it is just a magnificent night. No matter how sad and pathetic I feel right now, I will be there. I never miss it."

Letting out a sigh, Frosta groans, "I really miss my home. This place is too much." The two women look at each other. Glimmer is surprised, "I don't think you've ever been in my room. In fact I don't think we've ever really talked that much."

Frosta stands up, "There is a reason for that. This room is a bit silly, don't you think? What are you, five?" Frosta points to the shelf of trinkets, games, and other items. Glimmer defends herself, "Those are items that I grew up with. It is not silly. I enjoy holding on to those things."

Lifting up a shoulder and touching a tiny pink tiara that doubles as a toy ring, Frosta says, "Darling, I just don't see how a man is going to want to court you with a room like this." Stopping in her tracks, Glimmer asks, "What do you know about men Frosta?"

Surprised to hear such a thing, Frosta turns quickly, "I know plenty darling. I will have you know that numerous Etherian men have tried their hand at my heart. All have failed miserably. But I know plenty. Believe me, I could teach you a thing or two." Glimmer finds herself fascinated by this offer, "What kinds of things would you teach me?"

Tilting her head and observing Glimmer, Frosta goes on, "Well I would need to teach you a lot. I would say we could start with dyeing this pink hair another color, but I don't think we'd have enough time." Frosta reaches out to touch Glimmer's hair. Glimmer slaps her hand away, "There is nothing wrong with my hair. This is how my hair is. Deal with it! What could I do quickly though, in case I was wanting to get a guy to like me? I like someone, and I thought I could get over him. But I'm not sure how. I'm now thinking it might be easier to change his mind..."

Frosta interrupts her, "Darling, I don't need to hear your whole sob story. If you want a man's attention you only need to do one thing: dress more provocatively." Listening and expecting more Glimmer furrows her brow, "That's it?"

"Yes, that is it. My goodness Glimmer, didn't you learn anything growing up? Wear something revealing, and trust me, whoever you fancy will be unable to keep his eyes off of you. You'll have him eating out of the palm of your hand. Just don't bring him in here." Frosta motions around the room.

"I don't think I have any clothing like that." Glimmer says looking slightly hopeless. Frosta's eyes and entire head roll, "My, you really are five aren't you?"

"Ok! I'm sorry Frosta. In my attempt to fight off the Horde I missed the lesson on dressing to nab a man." Glimmer says, as Frosta snaps back, "Don't get flip with me darling. I'm trying to help you. Now let's go through your wardrobe and see what we can do. Besides I must vent further about Perfuma and this disgusting cocoon thing she has in her room." Glimmer's focus shifts slightly as Frosta addresses what she saw earlier in Perfuma's room.

***

The smells of the Fright Zone mingle together adding to the overall dank and vile conditions that the Horde members find themselves in. Every now and then a lone scream will travel through the halls. Hordak walks with confidence towards a small room made of stone. The floor is covered in sheets of metal. Awaiting him are Catra, Entrapta, and Multi Bot. The three are standing behind a table. Hordak snorts, "Hello my fellow Horde members. Isn't this such an exciting day?"

Catra blankly stares at Hordak, "Why are we here? Something is making a strange noise in the corner over there." Pointing to a spot covered in the shadows, Hordak peers over wondering if he can see the monster. Shadow Weaver eventually enters the room, "I trust no one has been harmed yet?"

Entrapta and Catra both look at each other, wondering what is going on. Hordak slams his hands together, "The Horde has taken some hits recently. That is going to change though. What do we do next Weaver?"

Highly uncomfortable, Shadow Weaver sighs while grabbing a bowl off the table. Entrapta peers over, "Are those bodily organs?" Rasping an answer, Shadow Weaver growls, "What do you think?" Tossing the remains towards the corner, the bloody parts slide across the floor. A guttural sound murmurs in the darkness as a woman lunges out taking hold of the gooey remains.

"Is that who I think it is?" Catra asks unable to look away. She is staring at Spira, or what used to be Spira. The woman before them is chained by the waist and ankles to a wall. She has limited space to move and her only focus is the chum on the floor.

"Yes Catra, that is indeed Spira: code name Double Trouble. Hardly a glamorous double agent, now isn't she?" Hordak snorts in glee. Spira grunts and gurgles, her skin appears pallor, but under certain light reveals to be a shade of decayed gray. Gone is the light from her eyes, instead a jet black as taken over. The whites of her eyes are a deep gray. Her long blonde ponytail is now black with streaks of white and gray woven in. Her clothing is the same as before, but the green shades have changed. A pale blue helmet, top, and boots are decorated with a blood red skirt and cape. Blazoned across her chest is a blood red Horde bat.

"You brought her back from the dead?" Catra asks slowly becoming disgusted that something so chaotic would be brought into this world. Hordak nods, "I asked Shadow Weaver to reanimate our fallen Horde member. Now we no longer have to worry about Spira double crossing us again. We will be doing the double crossing..."

Entrapta looks on, "Intriguing." They all look on as Spira finishes her makeshift meal. She pauses looking up towards the Horde members. She growls and hisses trying to lunge for them. "She's feisty, isn't she?" Hordak asks. Shadow Weaver rasps, "She is a monster."

Hordak walks up close to her, but not close enough, "We are all monsters Shadow Weaver. She doesn't talk though, why is that?"

"Mighty Hordak, gone is the spirit in that body. The reanimation process is not perfect. Only her body remains." Shadow Weaver says. Hordak turns to snort, "Well we need to find a way to control this wild beast."

"In order to quell her hunger, she will need knowledge." Shadow Weaver says calmly though she is seething on the inside. Always happy to help further the Horde cause, Shadow Weaver draws a line when it comes to something risky like this. Entrapta walks next to Hordak, peering at the creature before them. "How do we feed her knowledge?" Entrapta asks looking into Spira's blank empty eyes. She shudders slightly, making sure her hair does not move anywhere near Spira.

Grizzlor approaches the room, "Mighty Hordak, you have a visitor." Stepping away from the monster, Hordak grins, "Perfect timing. I will attend to our visitor. Grizzlor, go down to the mines. Fetch me a slave, particularly one who is not pulling his or her weight. We'll figure out how to feed knowledge to our newest member of the Horde."

Leaving the room Hordak travels to his throne room to talk to his visitor. "Sea Hawk! What a nice surprise."

Sea Hawk stands tall. Arms crossed and head tilted to the side Sea Hawk booms, "I'm here. Can we get this over with?" Taking his place on the large throne Hordak nods, "Sure. Tell me what you know. How are the rebels doing?"

Trying to hide his annoyance, Sea Hawk begins, "Everyone is still reeling from Spira's loss of life." This causes Hordak to laugh uncontrollably, further annoying Sea Hawk. "Alright pirate, what of my prisoner that they took. How is Kowl?"

Continuing, Sea Hawk grits his teeth, "To my understanding, Kowl is helping decipher old texts from Etherian's history." Hordak nods, "Good, good. Keep me informed of what they find from those old texts. What of my lab sample?" Shrugging with no idea, "Sorry Hordak, I haven't seen any cocoons inside Bright Moon."

Hordak slams his fists on the throne, "Damn it! I know that flighty Perfuma took my lab sample. Find it for me." The pirate is done taking orders, "I won't. I told you last time, I'm done with you. My contract is finished. I won't gather information for you or anything else Hordak."

"Such a pity." Hordak looks up at his pet Imp nesting above, "They always bite the hand that feeds them, don't they?" Imp rolls over breathing a small stream of fire from his mouth. "Alright pirate. You could very well leave and never return. You could choose to end your contract, but what of your precious ship outside? Hmm? Do you think the pathetic rebels will have the fuel and energy required to keep that ship running?" Hordak grins. He has shut Sea Hawk up. "You see pirate, I know your kind. You crave the freedom of sailing the seas and roaming the air. Searching for treasure. Giving that up for a life in the woods would eventually grow dull. So the question is do you become the cookie cutter goodguy that sticks with the Rebellion? Or do you stick it to the Rebellion by helping me and ensuring you don't sell out your own ideals?"

"I believe in what the Rebellion stands for!" Sea Hawk shouts, feeling highly conflicted. "Oh I'm sure you do, but you believe in yourself more. Isn't that right?" Sea Hawk hangs his head low. Hordak grins, a glint in his red eyes. "I thought so. Look pirate, I'm not asking you to kill anyone. Just when you stop by here to refuel your ship, share a few tidbits with me. That is all. The Fright Zone has so much fuel to keep your ship flying for a long time. You can make nice with your new friends while also holding onto your own way of living. Not very difficult, now is it?" Sea Hawk leaves the throne room feeling like the biggest piece of garbage. I will get out from under his control, I will, Sea Hawk promises himself.

***

Walking back inside the small room, Hordak looks around, "Has Grizzlor returned?" Catra says no and inquires about the visitor. "Don't worry about the visitor Catra. Instead let us deal with our dearly re-parted Spira."

A few moments pass as Grizzlor walks into the room with a scared man. His skin is pale and drenched in sweat. "Here mighty Hordak. I brought a slave from the mines." Hordak grins, "Good."
Grizzlor brings the man near Spira. Hordak and Shadow Weaver both shout for Grizzlor to stop. It is too late, Spira lunges forward grabbing hold of the pale man. She grabs hold of his arm with her mouth, instantly tearing skin. Blood squirts everywhere as the man screams out loud.

"Get him over here now!" Hordak booms. Grizzlor zaps Spira with a laser gun. The undead beauty recoils back into the corner hissing and letting loose a howling whisper scream. Hordak looks at the mess of blood, "Let's treat this situation like we are civilized, shall we?"

Approaching the man, Hordak looks at him, "I must tell you, I appreciate everything you are about to do for Horde science." The man is shaking. In shock he starts to cry, "Please, please. Let me go. Let me go! Help! Help!" The man begins choking back tears as he screams for help. Catra and Entrapta look on. "Shh. I know you are in pain, but it won't hurt for much longer." Hordak motions for Multi Bot to approach, "Take care of this man. Remove his brain." The pale man panics and looks at the double headed robot, "What? No. No. Please, NOOOO!!!"

One of Multi Bot's arms opens up to reveal a circular blade. The pale man tries to struggle, but Grizzlor and Multi Bot are both holding him down. The man struggles and screams as the spinning blade begins cutting through skin and skull. A mass of blood is forming on the floor. The blade saws through the skull. Strange noises of death fill the air. Hordak looks over at Catra, Entrapta, and Shadow Weaver, "This is why I installed metal floors. The clean up goes by easier." Entrapta can't believe the mess that is being made, "Couldn't they have done this simpler Hordak?" In reply, Hordak snorts, "Science is never simple."

The man's screams eventually stop as he succumbs to death. Multi Bot looks at Hordak, "His brain is ready for removal mighty Hordak." Walking over, Hordak looks at the mess, "Excellent Multi Bot. Sprinkle a bit of slime on the brain. We have a monster to control."

Crossing her arms, Catra glares, "What will any of this be good for Hordak?" The ruthless Horde leader looks at the raven haired beauty, "Spira is more important to us undead. I have many plans for her. Did you know that Spira's inherent magical ability was to transform her appearance into just about anyone? I want to control that. In my hands I will have the perfect device to destroy the Rebellion. I'm going to transform her into my very own She-Ra." Shadow Weaver realizes the depths that Hordak is truly willing to go. Hordak continues, "Entrapta, I want you to get started creating a device that will also sift through Spira's memories. Her spirit may be gone, but hopefully traces of those memories still remain in the tissue. I want to access them somehow."

"Yes mighty Hordak, I will do that." Entrapta says. Grinning and looking back at Spira, Hordak claps, "Delightful. Now my fellow Horde members, let's watch our new monster enjoy the first supper." The brain is presented. Spira snarls and releases a howling whisper that turns into a thunderous scream. Wasting no time, the undead beauty takes hold of her meal. Hordak looks on and grins telling Grizzlor to get more. "More. More! Let us fill her hunger for knowledge!" A lone laugh fills the halls greeting the lone screams that occur throughout the Fright Zone.

***

A few days pass on Etheria. The rebels are gearing for the upcoming Night of the Glitterbug event. Passing through the crowd, Adora greets a few people. She promises to help set up a few banners later on. She continues heading to her room. Thinking of a way to help find her brother, Adora is uncertain what she will do. Passing Glimmer's room, Adora quickly stops herself. Staring at herself in a mirror, Glimmer adjusts a tiny skirt made up of streamers. Above the top rests a tiny piece of material that barely covers her breasts.

"Glimmer, would you like me to shut your door for you?" Adora asks catching her friend off guard. Glimmer jumps and as she does, the articles of clothing look as if they are going to fall apart, "Oh! Hi Adora. You can leave the door open."

"It's just that you seem partially clothed, so I was wanting to lend you some privacy." Having no clear idea what is going on, Adora is wondering what Glimmer is going through. "Oh Adora, this is my outfit. I was thinking of wearing it to the Night of the Glitterbug. Isn't it just fabulous?" Smiling trying to think of something nice to say, Adora simply shrugs, "It looks like the streamers will shine nice under the light... umm, Glimmer, are you doing alright? You haven't seemed like yourself lately."

Glimmer walks around to her wardrobe looking over more clothes. Each step she takes inches her more and more close to losing her top. Adora holds her breath. Glimmer begins folding other tiny articles of clothing. "Oh I'm fine Adora. Just fine. I've got a plan, this is all part of unveiling the new and improved Glimmer."

"Having a plan is always good. Why do you want to have a new unveiling of you?" Adora walks into the room shutting the door slightly. Glimmer shrugs, "Oh you know, I talked to Frosta. She helped give me some tips on getting a man's attention. I know Bow loves you, but I'm not going to give up. This new look is going to make him swoon. I'm sorry Adora, but I will fight for him."

Adora tilts her head, "Glimmer, I'm not going to fight you for Bow. Can we be honest with each other? I haven't known you long, but this does not seem like you." Glimmer stops folding the tiny pieces of clothing and takes everything in. Turning to look at herself in the mirror again, Glimmer finally realizes something. She plops onto her bed, "Oh Adora. What am I doing? I've never been in this situation before."

"What situation is that?" Adora asks looking at the rebel princess. Throwing her hands in the air Glimmer stammers, "I don't know what to do! I fell for Bow, and I know he doesn't feel the same way. In my mind I know this. I know it isn't going to work, but my heart isn't there yet. And I don't know what to do. I thought I could get over this. So what do I do instead? I come up with this idea to try and get Bow to eat out of the palm of my hand."

"Well Glimmer, men don't need to eat out of the palm of your hand. That is why we have plates. I know you are hurting, but you are better than all of this." Glimmer hears the words but she doesn't believe them. "Adora, I just don't know what is wrong with me. Why doesn't he like me? I mean I look at you, and you are so perfect! How could I compete?"

Shaking her head, Adora reaches out to Glimmer, "There is no reason to think of it as a competition. That is silly and belittles the both of us. I am not perfect Glimmer, not in the least. I can't even begin to tell you how I am the furthest thing from being perfect. I can't even tell good jokes." There is a pause. Adora shakes her head, "That was meant to be a joke. See what I mean?" Glimmer nods. Adora looks at her friend, "Glimmer, broken hearts are crappy. But it isn't because of something you did. Sometimes people fall for other people that don't feel the same way. It happens, you are not alone in this."

Glimmer shakes her head, "But how do I get over it? I want to feel like myself again." Adora picks up some of the tiny clothing, "First thing to do is not become some stranger, no matter how much of a stranger you feel. We all love Frosta, but not everyone is meant to wear these tiny outfits. I don't even think Frosta really wears this stuff." Glimmer chuckles, "That was funny." Adora grins.

"This will just take some time Glimmer. You are hurting and eventually you will be fine. Just don't compromise who you are because you think it will get you someone. I've seen you fight off the Horde. You are so brave, smart, and beautiful. You light the way for us. Remember that. Don't lose yourself in stuff that you'll look back on one day and laugh about. Trust me on that." Glimmer nods, "Thanks for talking to me Adora."

"I'm happy to, it is nice talking to you." The two pack away some of the clothing and continue to talk some more. Glimmer soon lets it slip about the cocoon in Perfuma's room. "Did Frosta tell anyone else Glimmer?" Shaking her head Glimmer goes on, "I don't think so. Why would she have that though? Where would it have come from?" Adora sits back, "We should probably talk to Angella about this."

***

After another lovely and intoxicating date with Minwu, Perfuma makes her way to her room. She is finding a way to move on from the horrors of her past. She is happy. Her cravings are under control. "I find myself dancing for no reason again." Perfuma sings out loud. Entering her room, Perfuma hopes that everything is well with the cocoon she took from the Horde Lab. She finds herself staring at Angella, Frosta, Adora, and Glimmer.

"Why are you all in my room?" Perfuma asks full of confusion. Adora looks apologetic, "I'm sorry we came into your room Perfuma." Frosta jumps in, "But we had an important reason darling." Perfuma looks around in a panic. Angella steps to the side and points to the cocoon, "Perfuma, what are you doing with this?" They all look down at the large cocoon on the floor. Something is moving and ripples underneath the gray material. Perfuma looks at everyone and whispers, "I can explain."

Up Next!

Some choices need to be made...
The Horde continues to build their ranks...
Someone makes Adora dinner. Let's hope it doesn't involve brains...




Thursday, June 28, 2012

New Jem dolls. High Class Jem Dolls.

So I'm busy trying to do some work and be a grown up, when all of a sudden my friend texts me and says, "OMG! Did you see the new Jem doll?" Stupidly I first thought he meant the custom Jem dolls I put together from the Swappable Barbie line. (I'm a vain sad mess.) My reply was, "Huh? Don't play with me." So he proceeded to send this to me, "Legit! Integritytoys.com."

Alright dorky folk, drum roll please Integritytoys.com has announced a partnership with Hasbro to bring Jem fans highly detailed collectible Jem dolls! Go to the site now! Read the news, look at the gallery of pictures to see the new Hollywood Jem doll! She looks fantastic.

Ok, you have seen the site right? Now let's talk for real. I am happy about these new dolls and curious to see what Integrity Toys will do with this property, but damn are they going to be pricey! The rate of these new Jem dolls are close to the amount of what you can pay for a mint one on Ebay. Give or take a few hundred.

I am very curious to know what this line holds for Jem. Is this part of a master plan to release a new Jem cartoon? Will Hasbro create a more affordable Jem line for stores? These are some questions I have folks. I may be very happy about this new collectible Jem line, but mama's gotta eat. So $125.00 for each Jem doll is a bit much. I'll do my best to collect, but I will also be happy if Jem gets a shot at retail too.

Enough of that though, let's all take a moment to just jump and scream over the excitement that there will finally be some new Jem dolls out. This has been far too long in the making, I am glad it is happening.

I am also so excited that this line is going to take a page out of the cartoon and really make dolls that follow an animated based look. I love it. I want to see more, and I'm guessing more will be revealed at this year's SDCC. This is some truly outrageous news folks! (I am dying to see what they do with Pizzazz.)

So what say you about the new Jem dolls? Please feel free to leave some comments!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Toy Chest Tuesday! Flipsiders

Alright toy fans it is time for an all new Toy Chest Tuesday! Today will feature a different type of toy that has not been discussed before on Toy Chest. I received an email from E. S. and he asked me a good question/request, he was wondering if I'd ever get to talking about old board game type toys. This got me thinking about Toy Chest Tuesday and ways I could explore the wonderful world of toys. I typically think of a toy as being an action figure or doll, but the world of toys is a very vast world. With so many possibilities to explore, I thought what better way than to share a set of my favorite games.

Today we will be looking at Flipsiders. Brought to us in 1987 by Milton Bradley, Flipsiders were little colorful cassettes that became travel sized or mini board games. Well I suppose some people could play with them in the car, but I never did. I always played with my Flipsiders in my room. Usually alone, but when I did play with a friend we would always forget the rules. So we'd basically make up our own rules on how to play.

There were many Flipsiders made in the late '80s and the line continued into the early '90s I believe. I mean, come on, fold out board games from a colorful cassette weren't going to stay on toy shelves forever. Anyways I had wanted to own all of them growing up, but sadly there would only be 4 in my collection. So let's look them over!

Checkered Flag

I never really cared much for racing games as race cars were not my thing, but the bright red plastic reminded me of cherry flavored Nerds. So it spoke to me on many levels.

As you can see, Flipsiders really did look like cassettes. The board was folded up inside while the spinner took the place of the tape reel. Each Flipsider had different spinners depending on the rules and set-up of the game. At the very top was a compartment for the little magnetic pawns that players used for the games. These magnetic pawns came in red, blue, green, and yellow I believe.

Here is the complete fold out for Checkered Flag. I honestly wish I had kept the instructions, because I have no clue about the rules. I can only guess that the goal was for two players to spin for a number to lead them down the race path. I am also guessing that something could happen that would involve the pawns going into the pit and missing a turn or something. This was the problem with me at the time, I didn't care for the rules so I just made up my own version of the game. Of course as I said, Checkered Flag was for mere decoration. I loved the bright red. On a side note there was an occasion where I placed a red and green Nerds candy up my nose. I kept breathing it upwards until I am guessing the candy went down the back of my throat. I would hate to think that some Nerds candy ended up lodged into my brain. Though that would actually explain a lot.

A larger photo of the board shows more details with the track. Cars are bumping into walls and sliding over oil. The board art does make the game look like fun. Of course that soon got old as pretending to drive a tiny magnetic pawn wasn't as fun as playing a video game like Rally X or R.C. Pro-Am.


Chopper Chase

Now this is where it becomes important for kids to stay in school. I grew up believing that the title to this Flipsider was "Copper Chase" instead of the accurate title of "Chopper Chase."

Chopper Chase utilized the pretty blue cassette casing with magenta spinners. One year I had asked for nothing but Flipsiders as my birthday gift. That was all I wanted, just oodles and oodles of Flipsiders so that I could have my very own brightly colored cassette collection. What I would do with all those Flipsiders was beyond me, but my hopes were probably something along the lines of, "I'll never be bored again with all my cool Flipsiders!" Be careful what you wish for, because Chopper Chase bored me to tears. I got Chopper Chase for my birthday (I believe most of my Flipsiders were birthday gifts) and at that time in my life I wasn't really interested in paying attention to the finer details, like, what the point or goal of the game was. Since I believed this game was "Copper Chase" I thought it was a fun spin on cops and robbers, where the goal was to chase the cops. 

I was wrong. This game made no sense to me and that was when I actually had the instructions. The board looks like a very intricate math equation. I was just lost. The only thing I understood was that the players were in the point of view from inside a helicopter.

I mean look at all that. Doesn't that look like a mess of a game? I say that, and watch Chopper Chase be the most popular Flipsider in toy history. If anyone remembers how to play this game, please comment down below.


Rock Tour

Now we are getting to the good stuff. I've always liked the idea of singing and being in a rock band (thank you Jem and Garbage) but I can't carry a tune to save my life. Rock Tour allowed me to dream big.

I loved this Flipsider because it was the same color of Pizzazz's hair. It was so gaudy and loud. The font for Rock Tour screamed that the player would have an awesome time playing this game. This game was out around the same time that Jem and the Holograms was on television, so I closely associated this game with the cartoon, even though they had nothing to do with each other.

Again, I have no clue what the rules were for this game. I really suck at chronicling toy history. But my guess was that the red and green players were on a world tour. The spinners helped move them along their global tour with the final stop being in New York.

Everything I learned about world geography came from Rock Tour. I learned that there were some cities not worth mentioning on a map. I also learned that everything could be connected with a giant purple bridge. Finally I learned that New York was a nice destination for everything. Which was important because I grew up with salsa commercials telling me that salsa from New York City was somehow tainted and bad. Good salsa must come from Texas the old commercials would say. It was all so confusing to me, because I believed that everyone's salsa was worth eating. So thank you Rock Tour for making me aware of the world on a global scale. It's not all about Texas. (But seriously, watch Dallas on TNT Wednesday nights. Check your local listings for times, and while you are at it, make a wish for Victoria Principal to make her return as Pam Ewing. Dallas misses her.)


Mall Madness

I bet you can't guess which Flipsider was my favorite. Ok, ok, I'll tell you...

Oh Mall Madness, how I loved thee. This game was worth owning for the pink plastic alone. I like to think of the mall as my second home growing up. We were a mall family. My brother and I would go to the mall every weekend. We'd even go sometimes during the week day before public schooling disrupted those plans. Needless to say the Mall Madness Flipsider was pure enjoyment.

Now don't get it twisted, this Mall Madness was based upon the original large sized board game of the same name. I had always dreamed of having full sized Mall Madness board game because I believed that if I owned a mall board that it would somehow open a portal to the actual mall, thereby granting me access to every store imaginable. This is why my parents never wanted me to own the full sized Mall Madness game. Their rule was, "We'll buy board games that the entire family can enjoy." (How could people not enjoy a game of Mall Madness?) So that meant my family owning games like Clue, Sorry, and Life. Playing Life at the age of 5 was awful. Just awful. (Nowadays I'll play the hell out of that game.)  

Anyways so the purpose of this game was simple, you start out with $200 and slide the spinner to lead in the direction of the various stores, where you spend, spend, spend and spend. Until you are broke. Is it sad that I knew what broke meant at 5?

I loved the layout of this board. It was a mall! This game actually taught me a valuable lesson in making sure to map out your surroundings. I use that tool to this very day when I find myself in a mall or any exciting store. I feel that when you have an idea of where to go, you maximize the damages. My favorite stores in Mall Madness were the record, jewelry, and arcade stores. I also loved the food section too. (Hello, my ass used to rip the pockets off my jeans. I loved the food court.) The Pet store was never that enticing. Remember when pet stores used to be in malls? That whole section of the mall would always have the worst smell. I am nauseated just thinking about it.

So here we have them all together. I wish I had collected more of these. There were so many! I seem to recall some teal, orange, and purple Flipsiders that I wanted so badly. Not to mention a few other ones that were in varying shades of pink. I didn't really play with the actual games that much, but there was something fun about owning these bright cassettes. I felt grown up. Like, "Hey check out my cool cassettes. They have no audio at all, just a board game. But I'm still cool." Ah Flipsiders. Hey, I still own these things but I couldn't even tell you where my old audio cassettes and mix tapes are. That's gotta stand for something right?

So that is about it for Flipsiders. Do you remember Flipsiders? What were some of your favorites? Do you remember the actual rules to any of them? Feel free to leave a comment below! Thanks for reading! Until next time.  




Saturday, June 23, 2012

Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 22

She-Ra Saturday continues with Adora's Search for Honor Part 2! Get ready for new adventures as She-Ra and her friends try to free Etheria from the Horde. This fanfiction is meant to honor and celebrate many aspects of She-Ra and He-Man, and since we live in a time where there is an awareness campaign for everything, I thought it best to show some awareness for the lesser known characters from She-Ra. So get ready, Part 2 will be exploring many great and different characters. It will all lead to what I hope will be a fantastic piece of She-Ra fanfiction. Enjoy.

Previously- Ok so let's be real, I tried to find a way to condense Part 1 into a nice brief summary, but Shiva help me, I can't do it. So I will do a recap from Chapter 21 and hope that works. Here's what you need to know. She-Ra and her friends were going to save Double Trouble from being executed by the Horde. See, Double Trouble aka Spira was a glamorous double agent and the Horde was not happy that a Rebel was spying on them. So there was this huge battle and sadly Double Trouble didn't make it. However Prince Adam (Adora's brother) found himself free, though he has no direction in life or where he'll be going. On Eternia Teela reached her own journey to her uncle Fisto's shack of a home. She's searching for Maury Povich-sized answers on who her daddy is. Sweet Bee and her co-pilots Stingor and Honey Comb were shot down in space by some huge Horde Ship. They crash landed on some planet. And as the dark arts would have it, Hordak ordered Shadow Weaver to reanimate a dead Double Trouble. Trouble squared indeed. Oh! And let's not forget about the jealous beauty Catra. She's dealing with some major issues and subscriptions all on account that she thinks she killed Adora. (There's more, but as with anything in life, it is all very complicated. Until it just isn't.)

Adora's Search for Honor
Part 2
Chapter 22

The cold is the first thing that brings Sweet Bee into an awareness that reality is still moving without her and that if she wants to survive she'll sit up and check on her co-pilots. Looking around at the damage to the ship, Sweet Bee removes her helmet as a cascade of blonde curls tumble out. Before they had crashed, Sweet Bee had noticed that the air was breathable on their screen panel. The Hive had equipped their ship with the best technology known to their species.

"Stingor? Honey Comb? We made it." Sweet Bee says, slowly standing out of her chair. Parts of the ship are missing. The sunlight from outside is shining through. Then there is the cold. "Goodness, it is freezing! Aren't you both cold?" Awaiting a response, Sweet Bee turns to see Stingor slumped over in his seat. "Oh dear. Stingor?" Lifting her co-pilot up, Sweet Bee recoils in horror. He is dead. Some of the ship's equipment had gone through his back. His wings were broken and lifeless.

"Oh no! Stingor!" This is not real. Please, this can't be real. Sweet Bee cries. We were looking forward to so much.

Turning her attention to Honey Comb, Sweet Bee's heart sinks. Honey Comb's head is laying on top of her control panel desk. Sparks fly off the desk station every few seconds. "Honey Comb? Can you hear me?" Sweet Bee shakes her friend. Honey Comb is eerily still "I suppose you cannot. Oh my dear friends. I am so sorry." Sweet Bee staggers up, looking for a way to escape. She suddenly desires very much to be away from the ship. With a spinning head, Sweet Bee crawls out from the wreckage and throws up on a blanket of ice. Her bile practically glows amidst the sparkling white ice.

Trying to regain a sense of composure, Sweet Bee looks around. She finds herself in an icy land. Spotting a structure in the distance, Sweet Bee returns inside the ship to gather as many supplies as she can find. She contemplates what to do with her co-pilots, but soon realizes there is not much. The cold is getting worse, I cannot die like this. They would not want that for me. Giving one last look to her fallen co-pilots, Sweet Bee says silent farewells.

Heading back outside, Sweet Bee stretches her wings. Buzzing about, Sweet Bee flies towards the structure she saw in the distance. As she makes her way there she wonders about the ship that shot them down. I've never seen a ship like that, and with a large red bat symbol too... Who were they?

Once at the structure, Sweet Bee gasps, "This looked like a building of some sort." She looks around and notices large broken blocks of ice. "Was there a battle of some kind?" Sweet Bee looks around. Her heart sinks because she realizes that whoever once lived in this area was no longer there.

Refusing to give up, Sweet Bee eventually stumbles upon a latched door in all the destruction. Struggling at first, but finally taking it off, Sweet Bee opens the door peering inside down a flight of stairs, "Is anyone there? My name is Sweet Bee, I am a member of the Hive. I come in peace." There is no response just more silence. The coldness is getting worse and Sweet Bee realizes that this place may have to be her shelter.

She walks down the stairs, closing the door behind her. Sweet Bee pulls out her laser gun just in case she comes across any problems. What she does come across though is an underground room full of various items. She notices gorgeous and detailed furniture. There are beautiful items of clothing and jewels. "Oh dear. These are someone's items." Sweet Bee stumbles upon a large painting of what looks like a family. There is an older man and woman standing and in the middle of them both is a woman with long blue hair. Her features are striking and Sweet Bee wonders who she is. "Was this your home?" Sweet asks aloud, hoping for an answer. Any answer would do, because without an answer, Sweet Bee realizes she is alone, in a frozen tomb.

***
High above the clouds, She-Ra screams for joy as Swiftwind breezes through the air. "That is right Swifty! Fly faster! Faster!" She-Ra feels the wind in her air, this is what freedom must feel like. Pure freedom from the Horde, from everything. "I never want to land." She-Ra looks out in front of her and sees nothing but the sky. It is the most beautiful sight to behold.

Suddenly She-Ra notices something in the distance. Squinting, She-Ra observes a gray winged horse flying towards her. "Swifty, I've seen that horse before, but from where?"

Swiftwind telepathically communicates with She-Ra <We should be careful>

Nodding in agreement, She-Ra and Swiftwind fly closer to the winged gray horse. Everything becomes slow. The two flying horses are going to glide right by each other. She-Ra can see a woman on the gray winged horse. The woman looks exactly like She-Ra, but different. "Swiftwind!" She-Ra screams as her eyes look directly into her doppelganger's. She-Ra is face to face with a version of herself that is made up of gray decayed flesh. The fake She-Ra gurgles and utters a horrific sound while swinging a sword towards the real Princess of Power. She-Ra screams again and jolts up in her bed as Adora.

"It was just a dream!" Adora's heart is beating so fast. Just a dream. A horrible dream. Rubbing her eyes, Adora feels a wave of sadness wash over her. "I won't be getting anymore sleep tonight." Stretching up out of her bed, Adora throws on a long purple robe and makes her way to the dining area of Castle Bright Moon.

The castle is quiet as most everyone is asleep. There are a few gaurds out on patrol, but the women and men sworn to protect Bright Moon at night are too busy walking the grounds to notice Adora. Quietly making her way into the kitchen, Adora grabs some tea leaves from a cupboard.

A voice calls out. "Dearie, what are you doing?" Adora jumps as she sees Madame Razz sitting at a table in the corner. "Madame Razz! I can't take much more scares for tonight." Adora drops the tea leaves on the counter and slumps to the ground. Tears start to form around her eyes.

"Oh Adora, I'm sorry dearie. I never meant to frighten you. Bad night?" Madame Razz gets up and grabs hold of the tea leaves. Adora nods, "Yes. A bad night indeed." Adora looks at Madame Razz preparing to make some tea, "Madame Razz, I can make my own tea."

Shushing Adora, Madame Razz goes on, "No, no, no dearie. Go sit at the table. Rest some. I may be an old witchy woman, but I am still capable of making some tea. Besides, I want some too! This is the good stuff!" Adora cracks a smile. It occurs to Adora that this is the first time she has smiled since Double Trouble was killed. That had been three weeks ago.

"Now tell me dearie, what has you troubled so?" Madame Razz sits with Adora. The weight of the world is always on that girl's shoulders, it just isn't right, Razz thinks to herself. Adora shrugs, wiping her eyes, "I just miss Double Trouble. I still can't believe she is gone. I wish I could have done more, I just feel so... I mean... I am She-Ra. I'm supposed to make sure things like this never happen."

Grabbing hold of Adora's hands, Madame Razz whispers, "Now you listen here, there are some things that will be out of your control. It don't matter how powerful you are, there will always be things just out of your reach." Refusing to believe that, Adora challenges that notion, "Then why do I have the powers that I do, if I can't save everyone? I never should have let Spira go back to the Fright Zone on her own. She had been dreading that so much, I should have found a way to go with her. Or something! Madame Razz! She pushed me out of the way. She saved me! Oh my, she saved me! Why?" Adora begins to cry. If she could trade places with her departed friend, she would.

"Stop that talk dearie. Just stop it! No one should have lost their life, but it happened. There is nothing you can do but honor Spira. Remember her and find a way to continue fighting for her. Fighting for all of us." Adora listens to Madame Razz's words and knows the old woman is right, but it all just hurts so much. Madame Razz pours them both some tea and they take their times sipping in silence.

"Now Adora, I know we are all hurting about losing Spira, but it looks like there are many things weighing on your shoulders. What is happening?" Sitting there, the two of them alone in the kitchen, Adora shares some of her concerns and questions. Starting with the appearance of a second power sword that is similar to the one she owns, Adora has no idea where it came from. Or even why Hordak had it.

Tilting her head, Madame Razz looks from beneath her hat, "Sounds like you need a trip to see Light Hope. He might be able to help you. It is interesting though that there would be a second sword just like your's. If Hordak had it, there must have been an important reason. I trust Light Hope though, he'll help you dearie." With the mention of Light Hope, Adora wonders something else, "What is your connection to Light Hope Madame Razz? I feel like there have been hints of a connection, but nothing has ever been confirmed."

"Ho ho! Now that is the perfect way to rattle an old woman's bones! My connection with Light Hope... I knew this would be brought up at some point." Pausing to recall the past, Madame Razz fondly remembers an important relationship, "Before Light Hope became the being he is now, he was very real. Very human. He was a protector of Etheria. We were also once very much in love, goodness dearie, I have not talked about this in so long. I hope my old mind can get it correctly."

Proceeding to tell her story, Madame Razz details growing up with Light Hope. Their love was so strong, their hearts beated as one. Together with her magical talents and his ability to bring people together, they helped save Etheria on numerous occassions. "Of course the day eventually came when we weren't going to win. Light Hope fell in battle, against old Hordak."

"That must have been terrible Madame Razz, what happened?" Adora asks, completely enthralled with the story. This new side of Razz, is one that Adora never knew existed. Clearing her throat, Madame Razz continues, "He was gone. I knew he wasn't gone forever of course, no, no. He became something else, something greater. His spirit, it was in between worlds living high atop Skydancer Mountain. Of course without him the world went into darkness. No one was able to fully challenge Hordak. I found myself a job watching over all the little ones in the Horde Academy. Always hoping that Light Hope was watching over me somehow. I think he was, I helped take care of you afterall..."

"Oh Madame Razz..." Adora says shedding a few tears. "You will have to fly with me to see him at the Crystal Castle. Madame Razz, he looks glorious. I know he would love to see you..."

Madame Razz chuckles, "Oh dearie, I don't think so. I don't think he'd care to see an old witchy woman who talks to her broom. No, sometimes things must stay in the past with a nice rose colored haze. But do tell him I said hello!" Madame Razz smiles. The two continue sipping their tea and discussing past experiences and memories.

Thinking of the great love between Madame Razz and Light Hope, Adora wonders about her own feelings with Bow. She loves him, this much is true, however it never feels like the right time to talk to Bow about where they stand. Or even how to act on the feelings. There is too much hanging in the air, how can Adora start something with a man she cares for?

After they finish the tea, Adora says her goodnights to Madame Razz. The two head to their rooms where Adora tries her best to fall asleep. At some point she finds a way to get through the rest of the night.

***
The morning arrives shining glorious rays of sun through Castle Bright Moon. Most everyone is heading to the dining hall to gather for breakfast. Queen Angella walks in the opposite direction with a tray of food. The winged Queen travels to Spira's old room. Knocking on the door, Angella enters noticing Glimmer laying on Spira's bed. Her heart sinks at the sight of her daughter, so lost and so sad.

"Glimmer, I have brought something for you to eat." Placing the tray on a table, Angella takes a seat next to Glimmer. "I'm not very hungry mother." Angella nods and softly says, "But you need to eat something. And maybe take a walk, you can't stay in your cousin's room forever."

Sitting up on the bed, Glimmer looks around the room, "I don't want to leave here. I miss her mother, I miss her so much." Angella hugs Glimmer tightly, "I know my dear daughter, I know. But she is gone and she would want us to think of her differently. This is not how she would want us to be..."

Glimmer is in a daze, "Time just moves, faster by the day. We were just children, playing in the Whispering Woods, sharing our toys and games. Enjoying every moment. We didn't have that closeness at the end. Not at all. But we were going to. Oh mother, we were going to find a way to stay close..." Glimmer tries to hold it together, but her bottom lip trembles ever so slightly. That is enough for her face to crumble. Crying into her mother's shoulder, Angella soothes the pain that her daughter is going through.

Eventually Glimmer is calm enough and even starts taking a few bites of breakfast. Angella is glad to see this, "I'm glad you are eating. Glimmer, we have much work to do still. We can't lose steam with our fight, I know this is sad, but please my dear... find a way to go on. Don't give into this desperation." Glimmer understands this, but it is not easy. Glimmer lost her father at a young age, and as tough as that was, the loss of her cousin is even greater. This is Glimmer's first experience of adult grief, grief that she saw first hand. Glimmer shudders at the memory of the crossbow arrow going through Spira's chest...

"Now Glimmer, I must be honest with you. We can't keep Spira's room like this forever. We will have to move her things at some point... With so many people arriving for refuge in the Whispering Woods, we will need any extra space possible..." Glimmer jumps up shrieking, "No! We can't change things! This room is her room, we can't just give it to someone else! I won't have it! Get out! How dare you try and change things!" Glimmer throws herself back on the bed trying to shut the world out. Angella is at a loss of what to do. She stands up and leaves the tray of food behind.

In another part of the Castle a group is sitting in the dining hall. Perfuma, Minwu, Mermista, and Frosta are sitting at a table trying to finish breakfast. The conversation drifts to various topics, but it always comes right back to the loss of Spira. Perfuma looks down at her plate, "I miss her so much." Mermista nods in agreement.

Frosta looks slightly bored and groans, "I am so tired of this talk. It is a shame really, but I'm surprised no one has brought the obvious up. That crackpot Peekablue told us all that one of us was going to die. Doesn't anyone seem to remember that? Had we really thought about it, it would have just made sense that Spira would have been the one! She was constantly risking her life as a spy. I'm actually shocked it didn't happen sooner, she was playing with fire."

No one knows how to respond which feeds the idea for Frosta to continue talking, "I mean honestly, she may have annoyed me at times, but I am sad. No one should have to die like that. Though that is just how it is some times. She was a casualty. Besides, as I said, her fate was already set after that bird brain woman had a fit..." Mermista speaks up, "Shut up Frosta! Just shut up! Do you ever just shut up?!"

Everyone at the table stops in their tracks. No one has ever seen Mermista like this. Frosta's eyes are wide open. Perfuma and Minwu look the other way, thinking of a way to fix this. It is too late, Mermista takes off, quickly leaving the dining hall. Sitting there in shock, Frosta composes herself. "Well." Perfuma looks fearful and wants to help Mermista, but Frosta speaks again, "Don't worry darling. I'll go talk to her." Frosta gets up as Minwu looks over at Perfuma, "Will they be alright?" Perfuma nods, "Yes, I doubt they'll kill each other."

Racing after Mermista, Frosta runs down the hall trying to find the direction that Mermista ran to. "Where did she go?" Frosta asks out loud and turns as the sound of crying is heard in between two columns. "Mermista, is that you?" Frosta calls out, walking towards the sound.

"Go away Frosta, please. I can't handle anymore..." Frosta ignores her friend. Looking down Frosta sees Mermista sitting on the floor with her knees to her chest. Frosta squats to the ground and slowly takes a seat on the marbled floor, "I hope you know how much I love you darling, because I don't sit on the floor for just anyone." Mermista looks over at the sight of Frosta sitting on a floor that other's have walked on. The sight is slightly funny.

"Ok, I can handle a laugh." Frosta says. Composing herself Mermista looks at her friend, "I'm sorry I told you to shut up." Frosta cocks her head to the side, "Three times. You told me to shut up three times..." Mermista rolls her eyes, "Oh you know I am sorry."

"I know, I'm just giving you a hard time. I sounded pretty harsh, I just don't know how to handle all this sadness Mermista." Nodding in agreement Mermista whispers, "I feel terrible." Frosta shrugs, "Well darling, in all truthfulness, I probably did need to shut up."

Shaking her head, Mermista continues, "No, I'm not talking about that. I feel terrible because as sad as I am that Spira is gone, I am also a bit relieved. I hadn't forgotten the premonition that Peekablue told us... about one of us dying... and I was so worried. Full of dread and not knowing. Who would it be? Would it be me? I just feel terrible. Because either way, we have lost someone. But I am also happy that I am alive. This is just awful."

Grabbing hold of Mermista's hands Frosta sighs, "Oh darling, don't feel awful. I'm sure you aren't the only one feeling that way. You're just talking about it." Mermista listens to her friend, "Yes, but Frosta, I've never told anyone this. I don't think I would have either. I just have been so emotional."

"Darling, we're all emotional. We lost someone. And some of us may be relieved that Peekablue's glimpes into the future had not befallen ourselves. It is perfectly alright to sit with those two very different feelings. We are only human Mermista. Well, I am very close to perfection, but even I would say that you are not alone in your feelings. I know I am glad to be alive. When that miserable Hordak had his hands around my throat, I thought I was going to die. I had no doubt that the premonition would be for me too, but it wasn't. So for me I am going to make sure that I live. I want to see Etheria a free world. I want to rebuild Castle Chill. I want to see all of my friends happy. We will do that. Imperfections and all."

Mermista smiles, "Listen to you, the voice of reason." Frosta smirks, "I know darling! Who would have thought?" Raising an eyebrow, Frosta looks at her friend, "You want to go back into the dining hall? I think you just about terrified poor Perfuma." Mermista looks embarrassed, "Oh I did? Oh goodness I feel bad." Getting up off the floor, Frosta dusts off her legs, "Don't worry about it. Just let her make over Crystal Falls with some new flowers or something, I'm sure that will make her feel better." They both laugh at the thought. Mermista chuckles, "That is all Perfuma needs. Another decorating project." The two women walk back towards the dining hall smiling. They are ready for the day.

Inside the healing bay, Netossa is visiting Spinnerella. Brushing her close friend's hair, Netossa relays a story, hoping her friend will awake, "Spinnerella, you would have been so proud of me. When the Hordesman opened the gate and that beast named Modulok came out... the same beast that destroyed the town we were visiting... I faced him head on. I looked at my fear in the face and fought for everything I had in me. So you see my dear sister, you are safe now. There is no reason for you to still be sleeping. Please wake up, please."

Netossa continues brushing Spinnerella's long purple hair with hot pink highlights, "Everyone is so nice here. I have really become friends with actual members of the Great Rebellion, which makes us Rebels too. Right? If you can hear me then you already know Perfuma and Minwu. They have looked after you every day. Perfuma also knows so much about flowers. She always makes me laugh. Madame Razz makes me laugh too, she is this kind old woman. She reminds me of the perfect grandmother. Queen Angella and Princess Glimmer are so regal. They have such a beautiful castle that they have also left open for all of us. They have let me stay in a beautiful room."

Thinking about her other friends, Netossa speaks more hoping that her voice will guide Spinnerella back, "So many wonderful people... I don't know much about Castaspella, but she is a mage from Mystacor. She is visiting Bright Moon right now. I also am in awe of her hypnotizing beauty. Sea Hawk is around every now and then, he was the pirate who helped me search for you. He's a bit jagged on the edges, but inside he is all heart. Of course Bow is just all heart. Bow is a kind and brave man, he also plays the best music. I can just imagine you dancing to his music Spinnerella. Frosta also helped me, she opened her home to me before it was destroyed. She's a bit cold, in more ways than one, but she is incredibly nice. Just like Mermista, who is shy and quiet at times... but there is a graceful elegance to her."

No one knows why Spinnerella is still sleeping, but it worries Netossa, "Oh it is just magical here Spinnerella. We rescued a talking owl at the Fright Zone. His name is Kowl. He's an old owl that knows a great deal. I can't forget Adora! I've been told she was a Horde Force Captain once, but I could never imagine her having a mean bone in her body. She knew Spira, who was also called Double Trouble. I feel bad for her my dear sister. She was the one that died recently. I did not know her that well, but it has been very evident that many loved her. It was a horrific day when she died. No one was able to save her. But I do think there is someone that can save us. My dear sister there is a woman named She-Ra. No one really knows where she came from, but she is pure light. I've never seen anyone like her. She is so strong in more ways than one. I can't quite explain it, but I feel like she is going to save us. Oh please Spinnerella, wake up. You are missing so much already, we need you. I need you. I need to know that we will go back to our village together. To see our families. Please wake up..."  Netossa continues brushing, trying not to cry. Too many tears have been shed and Netossa is ready for something to celebrate. If only Spinnerella could wake up...

***

Inside Queen Angella's throne room, Castaspella and Kowl are busy looking over some documents. Queen Angella walks in looking defeated. Looking up from her work, Castaspella looks at Angella, "Are you alright? How is Glimmer?"

Angella shrugs, "She is upset. I don't know how to reach her or to calm her. Spira's death has hit all of us, but it has completely shattered Glimmer. I want to do something, but I don't know what to do. Before I was kidnapped and held in the Midnight Lair, Glimmer was younger. I was able to know exactly what to do with raising her, but now that I am back my daughter is grown. I am not sure how to comfort this new person."

Castaspella feels for her friend, "Angella, don't worry. Everything will work out. Glimmer will be ok. She has you now. Just be there for her whenever she is ready." Angella appreciates that, "I'm glad Glimmer has all of us. Even you Kowl." Both women look down at the light pink owl with large ears that double as wings. Kowl smiles, "And I am ever so pleased to be back here my Queen. That dank Horde prison left much to be desired." The three begin their work. They have been pouring over old texts and documents detailing much of Etheria's history. Kowl knows how to read the older texts and is helping to unlock old Etherian mysteries.

"What exactly are we hoping to gain by going through all this material?" Castaspella asks. Angella pauses from her reading, "I'm not sure exactly. Before Kowl and I were taken in by the Horde we had stumbled upon an old story. It was about three magical sisters that could help the cosmos rain down upon Etheria during great times of sadness to wipe away evil. I'm not sure if this story was real or just a myth, but I feel that we need to see if they are real."

Kowl perks up, "You can bet that if they do exist, Hordak has already been looking for them. He wants the magical energy of this planet. Those three sisters may help him with that need, though I don't know why exactly. There are so many questions. These three sisters date back to the possible beginnings of Etheria itself. I believe all of that information is in these documents." Kowl continues to read. Castaspella looks on with Angella. Hopefully we can find something of help, Castaspella thinks. The three go back to work on the old documents.

***

Outside in the courtyard, Bow is playing his harp next to Adora's steed Spirit. The archer is playing a song for Spira. It is a song he has been working on since her death. I've been trying to write the perfect song for Adora, but sadly, this one came to me easier, Bow thinks as his fingers bring the music into a sad refrain. Normally one to be a part of the crowd, Bow is comfortable being alone. His company with Spirit is perfect.

Suddenly Adora approaches the area walking towards Spirit. She looks at Bow, catching him off guard. The music stops. "That was a haunting song Bow, but it sounds beautiful." Adora stands before him. His eyes can't leave her, she is the most beautiful person. Just standing there his heart feels as if it will burst through his chest. He has loved her his whole life. "I wrote it for Spira. My own personal way to pay respects to her."

Nodding, Adora can't help but feel touched by her friend's actions, "You've done a fantastic job. I know Spira would have loved it." Bow places his harp down and moves out of Adora's way, "Going somewhere Adora?"

"Yes, I have to leave for a little while. I will be back though." Adora prepares to hop on Spirit. Bow looks on, "Would you like some company? I could accompany you. I would actually like to talk to you..." Adora stops him. Where she is going, Bow cannot. "I'm sorry Bow, but I must be alone. I know we need to talk, I have not forgotten. But I just have to be alone right now..." Adora wishes she could leave with Bow, but she does not want him or anyone else to see her transform into She-Ra.

Bow looks crestfallen. "I understand. We'll talk later." Adora nods, "Of course." She grazes a hand across his cheek. Bow turns out of the way. Picking his harp up, Bow continues playing the song for Spira as Adora rides off on Spirit. Once Adora is in safe distance, she raises her sword aloft and says, "For the Honor of Grayskull. I am She-Ra!!!" She can feel the sparks leave the sword. Every transformation brings her more in tune with her power sword and her body. The sparks of light swirl around her. The feeling is electrifying and never grows old. In mere moments, She-Ra emerges. As Spirit is transformed into Swift Wind, She-Ra jumps on and they fly off to the Crystal Castle...

***
Across Etheria in the dastardly halls of the Fright Zone, Shadow Weaver enters Hordak's throne room. The magical woman grimaces as she catches Hordak cooing at his pet dragon, Imp. "Mighty Hordak, should I come back later?" Hordak sits up snorting, "Stay. Come closer, say hello to Imp." The little dragon looks over at Shadow Weaver, expecting to be petted. Shadow Weaver reaches out to touch the dragon and recoils. She hates Hordak's pet. Imp squeals back at her before flying to his little nesting area above the throne.

Hordak snorts again, "Don't be scared Shadow Weaver. He is just a mere baby." Her yellow eyes squint as Shadow Weaver rasps, "I'm not fond of babies Hordak." Getting down to business, Hordak asks about the reanimation of Spira, "Did it work?"

Shadow Weaver snarls a response, "Yes mighty Hordak. The magic reanimated her, but I must tell you, we have created a monster." Hordak stands up walking past the witch, "I'll be the judge of that Weaver. Where is she?"

Explaining the nature of Spira's new confines, Hordak grins, "You have her chained to a wall? Is she that dangerous?" Shadow Weaver sighs, "I told you she would not be the same. We tampered with magic in a chaotic way. We have created something that cannot be controlled." Hordak turns to look at his fellow Horde member, "Oh Shadow Weaver, everyone can be controlled. You just need to find out their breaking point. Now let's go see our little monster, hmm?" Hordak leaves the throne room as Shadow Weaver looks on. "You have no idea what you are in for..." Shadow Weaver spits out, "Mighty Hordak."

Up next!

Perfuma has a Fright Zone souvenir that she is keeping secret...
She-Ra might find some important answers at the Crystal Castle...      
Double Trouble gets a whole new makeover...

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

A Flock of Flamingoes

Ok I usually just stick to the dorky topics of life, but every now and then an experience occurs in life that just must be shared. I went through one of the most stressful nights I have ever been through. At least within the past 3 months. This story involves my family. (Don't all stressful stories involve family?)

So there are two things you need to know about my family.

1. We shudder and freak out over Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. We'll watch the movie on a loop because we love it, yet it also terrifies us. Birds in general freak us out. I'd even be willing to say that most animals fall in that category of freak out.

2. My family and I are highly dramatic. Give us the least bit of drama and we run with it. Here is an example. Back in the day when the original 90210 was on, I found myself smitten with the storyline involving Kelly Taylor and that stalker girl getting burned in a housefire. Anyone remember that? Essentially the 90210 gang was at a house party and a fire broke out. Kelly and some stalker girl were locked in a bathroom and suffered some minor disfigurement among other issues. I loved that storyline.

So one day my cousins were over, playing with my brother and me at our parent's house. My mom was in the kitchen getting some snacks together. Well she was making popcorn and the bag burned badly. Smoke was flowing from the kitchen, we were told to scramble out of the house for fresh air.

Well I took that moment to become highly dramatic. While everyone ran outside I ran into the bathroom screaming at the top of my lungs. I put towels on the floor and threw water at the door. I was doing my best to relive that 90210 episode for all it was worth. It was sad and tragic. Everyone thought I was off my rocker while I just wanted to be Kelly Taylor. Even though Brenda Walsh was always my favorite. That is just one of the examples of how dramatic things can get with my family.

Anyways, so let us look at what transpired last night-

My husband (J.) and I had my mom and aunt over for dinner. My dad was away from home so we thought it would be nice to have a fun dinner to liven up the beginning of the week. Everything was just great. Dinner was good. The conversation was full of laughs. My mom was a little nervous to go back home to an empty house, but my dad would be back the next day so everything would be alright.

Anyways the night ended, my aunt quickly left and before my mom said her goodbyes she asked, "Didn't your aunt seem funny tonight?" I had noticed nothing out of the usual, but my mom insisted that something was off. Either way she shrugged it off and headed home to a dark empty house. I wanted her to call me as soon as she got home.

So some time went by. I got out of my work clothes and into comfy stuff. (The kinda stuff I'd never be caught out in public in.) J. was watching some random car show on television. The night seemed like it was winding down nicely. Until I got a phone call from my brother.

"M, have you heard from mom?" My brother sounded worried. I started to feel a little nervous. I told him that mom had just left. Then he dropped this ditty on me, "I just got off the phone with her and she says there are hundreds of birds in her front yard." I couldn't understand what he had just said. My brother went on, starting off serious and then dissolving into laughter, "Mom is freaking out because there are hundreds of plastic pink flamingoes in her yard. How much wine did she have to drink at your house?"

I couldn't understand, it didn't make sense. "She only had water, we didn't even open a bottle of wine. Hold on, mom is calling on the other line, let me speak to her." I clicked over to talk. Before I could say a word my mom was on the verge of hysterics, "M! M! I don't know what to do! They're everywhere!"

"Mom, slow down, what is going on?" I asked, hoping she'd make some sense. Choking back fear my mom explained, "I pulled into the driveway and my headlights shined across all this pink in my front yard! There are hundreds of pink flamingoes. I am so scared. I don't know where they came from, I can't get out of my car!"

Shaking my head I calmly told her, "Call the police. Mom, listen to me, hang up the phone and call the police. I'm scared for you." I didn't know what else to tell her! All I could think was that there was some sicko out there with a ton of pink flamingoes. My mom was hearing nothing, "I can't call the police! And tell them what? I have all these damn birds in my front yard! I hate birds! This is a nightmare, I am so scared. I can't get out of the car. I have to let you go."

I clicked over to my brother and was flipping out. Dad was gone and my brother lives on the Best Coast. I had no idea what to do. So I mustered up my inner She-Ra and looked for more presentable clothes to change into.

"What are you going to do M?" My brother asked. I wasn't sure, "Well someone has to go help her! There could be some random murderer in her house!" I told my brother to hold on as my mom called again. Clicking over my mom was on the verge of tears, "They are in my courtyard! They even put these damn birds in my courtyard! They also left some sign that says 'young life.' I can't breathe. I can't move." She hung up on me and I started to scream.

By this time my husband was on the internet trying to find an answer, he said, "Look, your mom just got flocked. By a youth group."

"What the hell does that mean?" All I could think was that my mom was about to be a casualty to some weird gang initiation. I was freaking out. J went on, "Some Christain Youth Groups do this thing, they call it flocking. They put pink flamingoes in your front yard for a fundraiser."

"Preposterous! That is just the dumbest thing I have ever heard!" I relayed the message to my brother. Neither of us were buying it. Why would a Christain youth group target our mother? Nothing made sense. So we did the only thing possible, we went down the list of our mortal enemies. I've racked up a lot of broken hearts so my fear was that some Brotherhood of Evil Ex-Boyfriends had been formed to take out the people I cared most about. My brother feared that some church group was after him for his affinity for old John Waters films. We were terrified.

I had to click over again as my mom called back, "They are asking for money." I was thinking for a ransom, "What?!" She sounded different this time. I spoke some more, "Mom, J just told me it is some youth group."

"Yes I know. They flocked me. The run out and put pink flamingoes in your front yard and ask for forty five dollars. You leave the money in an envelope and they pick everything up in the morning."

I was pissed. First of all who in the hell comes up with that idea for a fundraiser? Secondly, we all just about died of stress fractures. I thought my mom was going to be the big horrific story on the evening news. I could not take it. My heart was just pounding so fast.

So we did what we do best, we laughed uncontrollably. What else could we do? I clicked back over to my brother and relayed the new turn of events. We couldn't stop laughing because we thought people were after us. Paranoid much?

Then my mom called back one last time to tell me the shocking truth, "My sister was behind this! I told you that your aunt was acting funny tonight! She got me!"

After that I spoke to my brother and we could not stop laughing even more. We just couldn't. I mean what a hot damn mess. All my husband could do was say, "What did I marry into?"

Seriously though, that is one terrifying way to raise money. Talk about striking the fear of God into someone. A damn mess. Just a mess. That is all. Now go watch Dallas tonight on TNT.