Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 31

She-Ra Saturday is here! There were quite a few things I wanted to post before this chapter, but that will have to wait for next week! For now let's enjoy an all new Adora's Search for Honor!

Previously: The Rebels took to the Crystal Falls for swim and rest. Things were going smoothly, until Huntara dropped in. Swooping off with She-Ra, the rest of the Rebels fought against a few members of the Horde. Eventually the threats were resolved. The Horde goes back to the Fright Zone, while Huntara focuses her anger at her original target. While trying to stop Hordak for all his misdeeds, Huntara falls prey to the Trapdoor... Catra is still searching for answers about her birth. Will curiosity kill the cat? The Rebels are also gearing up for a rescue attempt in the Fright Zone. This will be their 347th rescue this year... He-Man is still lost somewhere on Etheria, though the Masters are looking for him... Double Trouble was killed and reanimated as a zombie by Shadow Weaver and Hordak. Now she flies around Etheria on Storm, Catra's old horse. Storm now has large metal wings fused to his body and Double Trouble has taken on the appearance of She-Ra, if only to strike a little fear into the hearts of the citizens of Etheria... Hordak is also looking for a few artifacts to awaken the Star Sisters, he already has the Ice Diamond, but he needs the Eye of Fire next... As a newly freed man, Skeletor has been going about laying waste to Eternia and slowly gaining control. He actually likes this new found sense of freedom... And now...

Adora's Search for Honor

Part 2

Chapter 31

In deep space, Hordak visits the supreme leader of the Horde: Horde Prime. Floating on Horde World, Hordak is in a most foul mood. He is still reeling from Horde Prime's audacity at sending a prisoner, Huntara, to Etheria to kill him. Hordak looks up at the massive robotic exo-skeleton housing Horde Prime's true form. He snorts, "Your plan to be rid of me did not work. You've now lost a prisoner."

Horde Prime bellows with low beams of light, "It would appear though that my plan worked either way. I am growing tired of your slow nature. I require the magic energy from Etheria, I am growing weaker Hordak. If I didn't know better I would say you are trying to kill me."

Hordak wishes that were the case, "You know I can't kill you. Even though you deserve it. I will never understand my sister's blindness in picking such an awful mate." Horde Prime chuckles with a robotic sneer, "She wanted to keep her place at the top. To do that she needed a king. I was happy to deliver. And with her gone, you made a promise to make sure I survived the effects of that techno organic virus. Time is making you slow Hordak. Maybe I should find someone to take your place?"

As if on cue, which is probably the case, a portal opens up. Hordak looks over and growls in annoyance. Skeletor walks through, "What is the meaning of this! Why am I being called forth?" He looks around and notices who is in his company. "If it isn't the dreadful stone face."

Hordak snorts, "Shut up bone brain." Horde Prime bellows, slamming a large robotic hand to the ground, "Enough! You two are both trying my patience. What is the status of Eternia and the quest for magic energy Skeletor?" Crossing his arms and smiling, Skeletor thinks about all he has accomplished so far, "Eternia is mine. The Palace of Eternos is in shambles. Any of the Masters that are still free are running scared. It will be only a matter of time before Grayskull is under my control. Your magic energy will be here shortly." Skeletor holds his breath, knowing full well that what he says is a lie. The only person who will be gaining control of all the magic and secrets of Grayskull will be Skeletor. He longs for the day when he will be done with the Horde.

Horde Prime is oblivious, all he can hear is the notion that they have seemingly won, "Wonderful news Skeletor. If only Hordak could do as well as you. It appears that the apprentice is finally succeeding over his master." Skeletor nods, glaring at Hordak.

The news infuriates Hordak, "I could be done if I hadn't had to deal with a deranged warrior from the planet Silax. Sending Huntara to speed things along backfired Horde Prime. You may be the supreme ruler, but I am the rightful ruler of the Horde. And this game won't go on forever. I'll get you your magic energy. But things will be changing." Before Horde Prime has time to react, Hordak teleports back to Etheria. Skeletor looks over at Horde Prime, "Sometimes the help just gets too entitled." Overstaying his welcome, Skeletor quickly leaves before upsetting Horde Prime. Besides, Skeletor is having too much fun on Eternia. He is finally winning a war that has long been a dream, finally come true.

Alone, Horde Prime summons forth help from General Romeo. Walking quickly into the room, the man among monsters looks towards Horde Prime, "Yes supreme leader of the Horde?" Romeo stands patiently, awaiting orders. Horde Prime glows, "Prepare the ships. I want you travelling to Etheria. If Hordak has done anything correctly, the time will be at hand soon. Etheria will soon be drained of its magical energy. The planet will decay. Its people will have to struggle to find a way of surviving. By then we will be long gone, and the Horde will simply move on to the next one." General Romeo nods in agreement, "I will make the preparations." Romeo turns to leave, thinking about what this new world will be like when the ship lands...

***

Inside the Bright Moon castle, the main Rebels begin their own preparations to embark on the latest rescue at the Fright Zone. Adora is ready to save Peekablue, as her special vision will hopefully find Adora's brother. As she is moving some crates with items of food for the Rebellions, Adora notices Netossa rushing by. "Hey Netossa!" Netossa waves but then continues running off.

Something is wrong, and Netossa is very worried. She was going to meet Spinnerella for a fun breakfast before the Rebels went off to save Peekablue. Only her friend never showed up. Netossa is highly concerned. Weaving her way through the castle, Netossa slams open the door to the bedroom that she shares with Spinnerella, "Spinna? Are you here? You never showed up for breakfast..." Looking around the room, the captivating beauty sighs. Netossa cannot find Spinnerella. She notices something though; a letter by the bed.

Reading it to herself, Netossa feels her heart sink. Dropping the piece of paper, she simply runs. Past the other rooms. Past her friends. She just runs. Nearly colliding with Bow, Netossa slips to the ground. "Tossa? I'm sorry, I didn't see you!" Standing up, Netossa shakes a little, "I am sorry, I was running. I have to go." She turns but Bow stops her, "Wait. I thought you were going to help us with Peekablue. We are going to leave soon..."

Looking crestfallen by her duties, Netossa hangs her head, "I can't help. I have to go." Bow is confused and presses for more answers, as Netossa explains, "Spinnerella is gone. She left a note. Bow, she isn't fully healed." Though maybe she is... Netossa isn't sure, she just knows that her friend is wandering around Etheria, trying to make it back home. She hugs Bow, "I will be fine, just please let everyone know. I am so sorry I can't help." Bow shakes his head, "No, don't worry. Everyone will understand. Do you need any help?" Feeling calm amid all the nerves, Netossa smiles, "No, I should be fine. I just need to find her, before something happens..." And like that she is gone, the shimmer of her blue cape flowing as she runs out of the Whispering Woods.

Adora continues moving some crates, unaware at what is going on with Netossa. While attending to her work, Adora notices Sea Hawk approaching her. "Need any help with those crates?" Adora lifts a box, "Nope, but thanks for asking. And thanks for delivering some food. Your crew has done a wonderful job gathering supplies for the Rebellion."

Sea Hawk nods, "That's just what we do. Happy to help." Adora pauses from her work and looks at him. She knows something has changed with him, if ever so slightly. "Will you be joining us to the Fright Zone Hawk?" The pirate quickly looks down, kicking at the ground, "Nah darlin. My crew and I have another job to do. I'm sure you will save your friend." Adora nods, "Yes. I am sure we will."

"Speaking of a friend, are we good?" The pirate looks at her. Feeling his gaze, Adora's heart beats fast for no reason that she can even try to explain. "Of course we are friends. So long as we're not tripping over each other with our feet." Sea Hawk quickly adds with a grin, "Or lips."

Rolling her eyes Adora goes back to work, "That was something that friends don't do." Sea Hawk shakes his head, "I can't get a break." Adora removes some food from the crate, "There is no break. You took it upon yourself to kiss me." Raising his hand up, the pirate sighs, "Wait a minute, we kissed each other." Shaking her head, Adora packs some food for the Rebel's mission, "You caught me off guard, which wasn't very gentlemanly."

"Well I am a pirate. Either way I felt something and I haven't been able to stop thinking about you." The blunt honesty stops Adora from everything she is doing. Sea Hawk continues, "And if you can tell me that you had absolutely no feeling at all, than I will stop bugging you. I just don't know what it is about you Adora..." He wants to say that she is almost as perfect as She-Ra, but he is working on how he talks to women. That may not be the right thing to say Hawk, he tells himself. Adora listens to what he has to say, like how he really enjoys being around her and how the kiss they shared further cemented that feeling. Then it is her turn, "I won't lie to you Hawk. The kiss was... nice... though I don't know why I should be telling you that."

Sea Hawk isn't sure what she could mean, "Well it is nice to hear Adora. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that felt something..." Adora cuts him off, "Yes, well, I don't know what you expect from me. It is one thing to admit that, but what are you hoping will happen next? I'm not going to sleep with you now." Shaking his head, Sea Hawk goes on, "Wait a second. I never said you would, I was thinking more along the lines of just spending time together." He motions around the area, "Ya know, when we aren't trying to save the world. I'd like to just share my time with you."

His intentions seem honest, but now it is time for her to be honest. "Sea Hawk, as nice as that sounds... I can't. I'm in love with someone else." And just like that, the pirate feels his heart crack for the first time. All the women that he has been with and all the times he has done the heart cracking, he never expected to feel this. "Oh." That is all he can say. He wants to go on, to say more. But Adora picks up another crate, "Listen, maybe we can talk later on, but I really need to get the rest of these crates moved. We leave soon." She begins to walk away and turns, "Good luck with your job." She turns, unsure if she should say more. But she does not want to break away from her duties. After all, rescuing her friend is more important. Sea Hawk can do nothing but watch her walk away.

***

In another area of Etheria, three Masters of the Universe trek across a grassy field. The three are searching for Prince Adam's signal. Clamp Champ, Stratos, and Roboto feel they are getting close, but after their recent events involving a mad corpse-like woman and a few problems with some Horde Troopers in two other towns, the Masters are not sure that they will ever find Adam.

Roboto chirps a read out. He is going over a tissue sample of the woman they fought off when they arrived on Etheria. The townspeople were calling her She-Ra. "Something is surely strange about the sample. My readings tell me that the woman we fought was dead." While fixing his rocket pack, Stratos pauses, "That is impossible. The woman we fought was very much alive." Roboto chirps and beeps some more data, "These findings are accurate. They do not lie Stratos."

Clamp Champ interrupts, "We are in another world gentlemen. There is no telling what trickery lurks about. We must only be concerned about finding Adam. Once we have, we will leave this place. Let us hope we do not have to come across that wicked creature ever again. The one they call She-Ra." The three spot an expansive forest ahead.

Another round of beeping noises emit from somewhere on Roboto. He pauses briefly, "His signal has been moving so much, but it always goes back to this one spot. Over there, in that forest." The three heroic warriors look towards the looming change of land. Stratos looks around, "This will be difficult." Clamp Champ nods, "True. But we are Masters of the Universe. Now let's go find the Prince." They head towards the trees, unsure of what they will be facing. They have their strength and friendship, which should get them along nicely...

***

Netossa is running blindly. Away from the Whispering Woods, she is trying to remember the best way to head to her home town of Midlaria. She is out of breath, but hears strange sounds all around. There is a loud piercing wail in the sky. "That does not sound good. Oh Spinnerella, where are you?" She keeps walking, careful of her surroundings. She can hear the wails of some strange creature in the sky. The screams get louder.

Looking up at the sky, Netossa stands still. For some strange reason she swears that the air grows deathly cold. "Something is very wrong." Heading away from the trail she is on, Netossa finds cover under some bushes. Trying her best to conceal herself, Netossa shivers as the air grows cold and a strange smell fills the air. "It smells like death." She whispers. The wailing screams grow louder. Suddenly sounds she has never heard before pierce through the sky. Carefully, Netossa looks up and shudders in horror. A strange looking woman is flying on a winged horse. A horse with metal wings.

Closing her eyes briefly, Netossa hopes that when she opens them, the creature in the sky will be gone. The unthinkable happens as the horse and woman land on the trail near her. Netossa cannot breathe, nor can she feel her own skin; it is crawling off of her.

Peering through the brush, Netossa cannot make out much. Only that the woman walks funny, like the bones in her body do not work. The smell around the woman is intense, like rotted flesh. Netossa tries to get a look at her face. She wants to see who this person is, something feels oddly familiar... Suddenly the strange woman hops on the horse and lets out another piercing scream before quickly taking off in the air. With a heart that can't stop beating in fear, Netossa slowly stands up. The smell is gone, as is the cold. "What was that?" She can only think of her dear friend. Her sister. "Please Spinnerella, be safe." She runs off, avoiding the main trail, begging for safety. Instead she finds herself in a trap. After taking a few steps, something grabs hold of her foot. A net. Lifting her high up, Netossa finds herself caught in a net. Finding a way to move around in her confinement, Netossa swings herself, doing her best to be free, "I know how to maneuver just fine!" She shouts in joy, as she feels the net loosen. Soon though, Netossa swings the net into a tree. Not exactly her plan of action. The blow is enough to rattle her senses, and all she can do is sleep...

***

Inside Bright Moon, Glimmer visits her mother, Queen Angella. The Rebels are about to leave, and the princess wants to visit with her mother. Angella is sitting at her throne, reading over the same documents and letters, trying to find information on the magical Star Sisters. "Mother." Glimmer causes Angella to break from her reading, "Yes Glimmer?"

"We will be leaving soon." Glimmer walks up to hug her mother. Angella whispers, "Be careful my dear." Nodding, Glimmer smiles, "Of course." Turning to leave, Glimmer realizes she has more to say, "I know things have been strange since the Pyre attack. I was upset with you for the manner in which you took with those who were bitten. I am sorry." Glimmer thinks about her mother's actions and realizes she should be honest, "But I am not sorry. Not at all. Those people should not have been locked up like they had done something wrong. And I do not wish to argue with you, but mother, I feel you must know my position. I feel like you are a different person since your return."

Nodding while understanding, Angella listens. She knows where her daughter is coming from, but life is more complicated than that, "I understand Glimmer. But please understand where I am coming from. I was a prisoner by the Pyres for so long. I did not want to put those people in the cells, but I could not have them be a danger. One day you will be queen, and you will know that choices will need to be made that are not easy. There comes a time when our ideals are shaken, but my love for this kingdom has never wavered." There are tears in her eyes. She looks at her daughter, a rift still between them. Angella has missed so much while she was held captive by the Pyres. There are flashes when she looks at Glimmer and sees her little girl. Then there are times, like now, when Angella stares across at her daughter and realizes that before her is a young woman who is finding her way in the world. She couldn't be more proud, "Glimmer. I love you. And I am so proud of you."

"Oh mother." Glimmer rushes towards Angella. The angelic queen whispers in Glimmer's ear, "Your father would be proud too." Glimmer nods, tears streaming down her face. "I miss him so." Angella agrees and takes another look at her daughter, "He is with us, even if his body is long gone." Glimmer nods. They hug each other one more time, and then Glimmer leaves. She joins the rest of the Rebels who make their way out of the Whispering Woods. They head towards the Fright Zone. To save Peekablue...

***

In another part of Etheria, Sea Hawk and his crew make their way into a very small village. Sea Hawk is fulfilling a job. A secret job that he has told no one about, at least his friends of the Great Rebellion. This job is for Hordak. Sea Hawk hopes it will be the last one, but since the pirate needs fuel for his ship and is unwilling to give up the mighty vessel, he is still under Hordak's thumb. The pirates walk through the village, eyeing the people around them. Some of the people have fair skin. Other people have darker skin, like Netossa. And then there are some people with light green skin that shimmers in the sun light. He notices some people are huddled, making clothing.

Sea Hawk avoids staring at the small children who are hiding behind their mothers and fathers. They must think the pirates a strange group to be inside their village. Hawk is hoping this will be easy. The last thing he wants is for things to get ugly. A woman approaches, with light green skin. Her hair is piled on top of her head, the color a light purple. She is older and seems to know a great deal about the village. "Welcome to Midlaria."

The pirates say hello as the woman calmly asks what they are doing there. Sea Hawk steps forward, "We were told you had an item here. One that I have been looking for. Do you have the Eye of Fire?" He stands tall, hoping the job can be easy. The woman shakes her head, "No one can have that. It belongs to Midlaria. To Etheria."

Shaking his head, Sea Hawk speaks up, "I'm sorry, but I will need to be taking that item from you. Now where is it?" The woman looks around, a few villagers are approaching the pirates, ready to fight if they must. Sea Hawk looks around, "Listen lady, don't make this difficult. We just came here for the Eye of Fire. Point me in its direction and we will be gone. No need for anything terrible to happen." The woman shakes her head, "Sorry. You can't." She backs away.

In a quick moment, she signals for the villagers to fight. The pirates find themselves busy defending themselves from a group of highly angered men and women armed and ready to protect their home. Sea Hawk breaks away and chases after the woman. In her fear to have nothing happen to the Eye of Fire, she leads him right to its location. Sea Hawk grabs her by the hands, "Stop this now! Just give me what I came here for!"

The woman spits in his face, "You dare take this? You dare? You do not know what you are dealing with!" Sea Hawk curses and grabs the woman by the arm, squeezing tightly, he growls, "I'm done with this, lady! I will do what I must for the Eye of Fire. Now show it to me!" She is shaking. He doesn't even know her name. In all her years on Etheria, she never felt this time would come.

A small child breaks away from her parents. She is crying at all the madness around her. Running towards Sea Hawk and the older woman, she screams to get his attention. Sea Hawk notices the older woman panic, "No! Mia! No!"

Tugging on Sea Hawk's leg, the little Mia points to a small wodden trunk. Letting go of the older woman, Sea Hawk heads towards the trunk that looks like a special table. The woman screams, "Don't! Don't go over there!" Sea Hawk does not listen. This is not easy for him, but he has a job to do. The trunk is bear, but he can sense something... Smashing the top of the wood, a red glow is revealed.

The older woman drops to her knees screaming and crying. "Leave it alone! Leave us alone!" Sea Hawk grabs the large red jewel, flames burning on the inside. "The Eye of Fire." He takes it out of the trunk. Placing it in his care, he turns to see the woman convulsing on the floor. Her eyes are rolled into the back of her head. Sea Hawk notices that the fighting has stopped. The villagers are distraught. They rush to her. Mia looks on in horror. Her eyes wide in terror, what did I do? Sea Hawk hangs his head. He wants to help, but he knows that is not wise. Motioning for his crew to hurry, the pirates rush out of Midlaria. The only thing they can hear are the mournful cries of the villagers. The hop onto his ship and head off.

Sea Hawk's crew member Lir barks out, "Shit Hawk! What was that about?" Sea Hawk is sailing the ship in the air, "I am not sure." Lir hangs his head, "You do realize that was Netossa's home, don't you?" Sea Hawk remains stoic, "I didn't want to think about it." Lir shakes his head, "What is the matter with you? How can you keep doing this?"

Shaking his head, Sea Hawk groans, "It is not easy Lir." Lir spits some brownish liquid from his mouth, "The fuck it is! Let Hordak go! Shove your foot up his ass and be gone." Sea Hawk glares, "I said it is not easy! I'm not giving up my ship! This is the only tie I have to my family. It is my freedom. Hordak controls the fuel on Etheria, asshole. I will do what I must to make sure I can still roam the sky and sail the seas, carrying on my name. My family." Lir looks out across the open sky, "Your family is all but dead Hawk. You are all you have, except you have so much more."

Flying the ship faster, and clenching his fist, Sea Hawk barks, "And what does that mean?" Lir feels a shiver go down his spine. Ignoring the sudden chill, Lir continues, "You have the chance for a new family. The Great Rebellion has welcomed you, shit... all of us, in their arms. You don't need this ship anymore. You have something better, down there. In the Whispering Woods." Sea Hawk is fighting against so much internally; the sense of freedom with his ship and what he thinks to be monotony by staying in one place, like Bright Moon in the Whispering Woods. "No Lir. I can't stay content down there forever. My real home is going to be in the open air, flying free. Or sailing the seas, searching for my next adventure. I can't give that up. It is all I know."

Hanging his head low, Lir sighs, "There is a great more out there. It is all there for you. For you." Sea Hawk ignores him and continues flying the ship. Their next stop is the Fright Zone to drop off the Eye of Fire for Hordak, though that may need to wait. Sea Hawk does not want to arrive at the same time as the Great Rebellion. He does not want to explain his situation. His eyes water as he thinks about his actions. His heart beats so fast, he hopes the old woman from Midlaria is well. He whispers to himself, "I am so sorry."

Suddenly the air grows cold and the pirates hear a strange wailing scream. Sea Hawk looks around, "The heck is that?" He screams for the pirates to be on their toes. Suddenly they experience some grayish clouds. He can see lightening below them, "Just a storm crew! Prepare accordingly!"

"Wait Hawk! Look!" A crew member calls out, pointing into the dark clouds. Sea Hawk can't see anything, until there is a flash of silver in the air. "Are those wings?" Hawk asks. The crew work hard to get the ship moving, Lir approaches Sea Hawk, "We need to get out of here."

They all hear the screams. Something flies around the ship, circling it maddeningly. "Crew! Prepare to fight this thing off!" The screeches and screams pierce the air, reverberating to the pirate's very core. Sea Hawk notices that there is a woman flying around on a horse. "I've seen that horse!" Sea Hawk says, trying to recall the images from his past. In a manner of seconds, the woman lands the horse on the ship. The horse's metal wings fold down. Lir squints his eyes, "That looks like..."

Sea Hawk remembers, "That horse. I've seen that horse in the Fright Zone. Storm. But the woman, she looks like She-Ra." The woman slides off Storm, her body twisting in a strange way. No one knows, but they are looking at Double Trouble. She hisses and screams at the crew. Her hunger is intense, but they are ready for her. The smell is putrid. Sea Hawk asks Lir to take over the ship. He rushes down towards the woman, "She-Ra?" He shakes his head in a stupor, "No. You aren't She-Ra. Who are you?" Zombie Double Trouble screams again. Snapping her neck back, she quickly glides onto Storm and bolts off the ship. Sea Hawk rushes to take another look, but she is gone. A crew member asks what just happened, and Sea Hawk stands there in silence. Finally he says, "I'm not sure, but let's be careful from here on out..."

***

The Rebels make their way towards the Fright Zone. Adora and Bow travel in the front as Flutterina flies ahead keeping the team aware of what is in store for them. Mermista and Frosta follow slightly behind while Glimmer and Perfuma round up the end. Flutterina is looking forward to her trip to the Fright Zone. Not only is she wanting to help save Peekablue, but she is hoping to come across the Horde Labs. She wants to find out some answers to the experiments that created her. Glimmer and Perfuma miss Netossa, but they also hope that their friend will find Spinnerella. Mermista and Frosta are mostly silent. After the events at the Crystal Falls, Frosta is slightly annoyed that Mermista would just give up and allow her life to be sacrificed to save She-Ra.

"Come on darling, Octavia had a knife to your neck! And you were just ready to become fish food, all so that She-Ra wouldn't have to walk away with that Huntara woman? My goodness, She-Ra is the most powerful woman in the universe. She can handle herself. Mermista, what is wrong with you?" Frosta demands. Mermista listens, and sighs, "I just didn't want anyone to get hurt. If that meant Octavia slitting my throat, than so be it." Groaning, Frosta mutters, "That is ridiculous. Don't ever do that again. You are my closest friend out of this motley bunch. If you are not with us, well, I just can't handle that." Mermista smiles and assures the icy empress that she will not be going anywhere.

Slightly ahead, Bow and Adora talk. They have been discussing various things on their trip to the Fright Zone, and for awhile, there has been no tension between them. It is like before, when they were younger. "Bow, play me a song. My song..." Adora says wanting to hear some music. Bow shakes his head, "I can't do that Adora." Looking over at Bow, Adora raises an eyebrow, "I thought you were going to write a song for me, and play it?"

Bow nods, "I know. But with everything that has happened recently, I haven't really had the time. Among other things." Adora hangs her head, she knows letting him down gently for reasons he could not understand hurt him. Adora whispers, "Bow, please don't hold that against me. You know how I feel..." He listens and sighs, "I know. It just isn't the right time for you. Or whatever reason you had. So I will write your song one day. And I will play it for you when the time is right. For now though," Bow produces his harp, "I have another song I can play." Adora smiles. She wonders what her song will finally sound like when Bow has written it, but for now she is content to just hear him play. They all are. The Rebels are heading into danger. Soon there will be no music, but for now they listen to Bow play. Along with the listening, they also hope that this mission will go by safely. They've never gotten over losing Double Trouble, and they can't imagine losing anyone else. The group continues to travel, the tall sharp outline of the Fright Zone getting closer and closer.

***

Netossa wakes up, with a throbbing headache. She is no longer in the net. Sitting up, she finds herself in a bed. Looking around, the captivating beauty finds herself in a cold and dank room. Standing up and carefully walking towards the door, Netossa tries to open it. "Oh my. It is locked." A voice calls out from the shadows, "I have it locked for a reason." Netossa turns to the voice. "Hello? Where am I?"

"You are in my room." Modulok comes out of the shadows. Netossa places her body against the door, wishing she could just melt and slide away. "What is going on?" Her heart fills with dread. Modulok walks towards her, a different number of limbs on his body than the last time they saw each other. Netossa shudders at that memory. The last time she saw Modulok he had two heads and many arms and legs protruding from his body. The creature before her looks slightly different, there is only one head. Two arms, and four legs. Modulok grins, "I knew we'd see each other again. You fell right into my trap, and then into my arms as I cut the net down. Your head was slightly bleeding, but I took care of it."

Netossa is feeling delirious, "You talk? How can you talk?" Modulok looks at her, a smile spreading across his face, "Oh you didn't know? I'm a changed man. Gone is the barbaric monster from before. That beast has gone offline. I am civilized now." She looks on in horror, how can he be civilized? He nearly killed me. "I know what you must be thinking Netossa, but please do not be scared. I am not going to hurt you. If anything, I brought you here to worship you. I have never seen someone as graceful and beautiful like you. I want to love you, like I know you will love me. It is the civilized thing to do. Don't you think?" Netossa shakes her head and can do nothing but scream. Her screams echo throughout the Fright Zone. She is living in her worst nightmare.

Next time!
The rescue officially begins!
Can Peekablue be saved in time?
Catra also has a secret in her room...

Toy Chest Tuesday! Spectra vs. Aurora!

Toy companies often compete with each other when particular toy lines catch on with the masses. This usually gives way to some suspicious looking toy lines that almost seem doppelganger-ish in their appearance. Who could forget Golden Girl riding on the coattails of She-Ra's popularity? Or Barbie and the Rockers trying to rock out like Jem? Even the Battletoads in all their antithesis to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles still couldn't escape some similarities. (Though I really do wish Battletoads had seen some figures released.)

Of course this whole toy doppelganger issue can even span decades (Voltron and Power Rangers anyone?) and can also happen in the present toy climate. Monster High rules all ghouls, but Bratzillaz are really working hard to be head of the class. So the doppelganger thing really got me thinking about this week's Toy Chest. Sometimes toy doppelgangers compete in such a way it is really hard to figure out which one is better. Clearly in some cases, it is obvious about the superiority (She-Ra will always trump Golden Girl, no matter what they say) but every now and then two similar toy lines make it very difficult to figure out which one was cooler. So today's Toy Chest is a special edition of toy vs. toy! Spectra vs. Aurora!

We'll start with the Spectra line since it was released first. Mattel introduced the Spectra line in 1986. They were lacy and spacy! Spectra dolls were modeled after Barbie, but their bodies were fully articulated and covered in vac metal. I am totally having a vac metal moment it would seem. Anyways the only section that was not covered in vac metal were the doll's heads. Each character had a unique hair color and made up face. Let's check out some pictures!

Spectra

The tag line for Spectra was that they were Lacy... Spacy... Out-of-this-world! Not only did these dolls have vac metal bodies, but they were also wearing a lot of shimmering lace! Spectra was the main character, but we will be looking at AstraGold, the greatest party giver in the galaxy. That title alone is out of this world.

The back of the box featured all kinds of fun stuff. At the top of the box was the Spectra story, with the dolls below, and the other extra items to collect as well. I love the silver on the box, it really pops against the pictures of the items. So there were four Spectra females and one male. The male looks a little like a futuristic Rio from Jem.

The basic synopsis for Spectra was pretty cool, and I'm surprised there hasn't been a sitcom yet. Spectra and her teen friends are from the planet Shimmeron. They want to go to Earth and show the Earth teens how it is really done. As a result, the Shimmerons also hope to learn a thing or two about teen life, which they do by way of skateboards, hot dogs, rock music, and shopping malls. Personally if I was a teen alien, I am not sure I would want to travel to Earth. Real teen Earth life is not like Clueless, ok? Anyways AstraGold is like the party goddess of the galaxy. (This may be one of the reasons why I own this particular Spectra doll.) Her parties are always a hit, and that just makes me like her more.

From left to right we have UltraViolet, StylaBlue, Spectra herself, Tom Comet, and AstraGold. These dolls were basically MoonDreamers grown up. And since they were wanting to learn more about teen Earth culture, I can only think that Madonna's Like a Virgin left a big influence on their style. Spectra looks like she is ready to roll around on a stage at the MTV Video Music Awards. Also, StylaBlue would make the perfect custom for a Netossa doll, wouldn't she?

Fans were able to collect more than just Spectra and her friends. There were Space Magics Accessories. A pet named Spark Dog. And the Buffatron Bed. No, the Buffatron Bed is not some strange device from 50 Shades of Grey. The play set doubles as a place to rest Spectra's head while also buffing all that vac metal. It is like a spa, for Shimmerons.

I had heavily contemplated removing AstraGold from her packaging, but I just couldn't take her off the card. I just felt like it'd be sacrilege to do something to such a rare item. Anyways, the exciting thing about Spectra was all the articulation. Unlike Earth teen Barbie, Spectra and friends could be moved and posed in all kinds of directions. Due to all this articulation, along with the flat feet, Spectra dolls could stand on their own. AstraGold came with ballet flats and a hair pick. Her outfit also consisted of lace leggings under a lacy shiny skirt and top.

AstraGold's face had a futuristic look with bright eye shadow and some fun shapes on her cheeks. A lacy ribbon was in her hair. Her golden locks also had shimmery fibers woven in. The other really cool thing about these dolls was the unique colors used for the vac metal. Each doll had their specific colors. AstraGold had a golden metal look to go with her hair.

Each doll also came with a little bio card. One side was a picture while the other was the bio.

AstraGold's bio really just goes on and on about how much of a party planner she is. There is also some instructional dance moves for the Shimmeron Shuffle, the dance style that all the cool Shimmerons are doing. So I actually tried the Shimmeron Shuffle in my living room, and I don't think I'd be invited back to any parties if I was dancing like that. Guess Tom Comet won't be asking me to dance. Darn. Space chips 'n dip are also AstraGold's favorite food. I really want to know what that means. It sounds really good. 

Aside from the bio card, there was also a little product booklet that came with the dolls.

There is a longer bio about Shimmeron before the items are addressed. Spectra is the leader, as if the title didn't give that away. As leader, that is really where her personality ends. The other characters seem to have bigger roles and more importance, like AstraGold and her parties.

Rio, err, I mean Tom Comet is pretty cool. He is a fan of sports and is also a Mr. Fix-it. The device in his hand is a Shimmeron game player, and was something you had to purchase separately. Spark Dog is Spectra's pet. He can also sniff out fun from far away. I love how the dog looks more like R2D2 and parts from a car wash. I even believe there were sets where Spectra and Spark Dog could be purchased together.

The three friends all had their own roles. UltraViolet was the beauty queen, ready to dispense beauty tips. We already know who AstraGold is. And StylaBlue was the fashion space-setter, helping all the Earth teens look like... Madonna circa 1984. In some ways it all makes sense, you just have to go with it. Actually the areas of expertise that Spectra and her friends had, really helped reflect aspects of teen culture. I just wonder though what a line like this would look like now.

Space Magics accessories were sold separately. The items brought some of that Shimmeron magic to Earth. The Body Buffer helps keep Shimmeron metal polished while the Fashion Selector picks out a new lacy outfit to wear. The other items are the Game Player, and the Party Planner. Both are required for the ultimate party. The Game Player livened the mood up with games to play while the Party Planner helped decide which activity the Shimmerons and Earth teens would be doing during the festivities. It all seems so '50s squeaky clean. And I have a theory about that later on.

The Buffatron Bed was a very interesting play set. Basically a vanity and bed, the play set helped keep the Spectra dolls polished and ready for the next party. The mattress was furry and hot pink, while the lacy canopy really seemed spacey for that time.

Spectra fans could also mail-in the above photo for a Shimmeron Travel Kit. I have never seen what the Travel Kit came with, but I have read that it was basic stuff, like a map, stickers, and a letter from Spectra among a few other things.

This picture described the buffer accessory as well as preparing the Spectra fan for all the out-of-this-world fashions that could also be purchased separately. Before we discuss fashions, can I just say how strange (in the best sense) this line was? I mean a buffing accessory? Getting your vac metal body buffed before a party? This was not your average doll line. It was a bit out-of-this-world odd.

There were a decent number of Spectra fashions to purchase. Each one featured lace and shimmery accents. Each outfit was for a common Earth-like experience, but each outfit really seemed futuristic with just a dash of '80s charm. Tom Cat's tuxedo is probably the least futuristic out of the bunch, but they all seem a bit over the top.

 

Aurora

 

Released in 1987 right after Spectra, Aurora was made by Tonka. The concept was highly similar, except instead of coming from space, Aurora and friends came from the future. The Future Looks Beautiful! In the future, everyone has vac metal bodies and regular heads with splashes of color for hair. It is nice to know though that in the future we will all be wearing shimmery and lacy outfits too! Guess those Shimmerons really end up leaving a lasting impression on Earth.

The back of the box shows off the other dolls to collect from Aurora. There were only four dolls to collect in the series. Aurora was the main character, but we will be looking at Lustra.

The back of the box not only showed off the dolls themselves, but also the exciting reasons as to why one should buy Aurora dolls. Aurora was the main character. There was also Crysta. The poses for the dolls were important, because they really showed off how the dolls could be posed. This was different from the Spectra box.

Mirra and Lustra rounded up the other two Aurora dolls. Like Spectra dolls, the names for these dolls was very closely tied to the concept and theme.

The premise for Aurora was more basic than Spectra. Aurora and her friends come from the future to bestow high fashions to those in the present. There is really no other reason for the time travelling. Forget going back in time to deliver cures for diseases or to see what was on store shelves in the '80s. No. Aurora just wants to drop off some futuristic fashions. Actually, wouldn't it be funny if in the future people travel back in time to donate their clothes? Like in the future there is no Good Will or Salvation Army or other like-minded organizations. Instead future generations must travel back in time to get rid of their clothes. I'm smelling a reboot.

Looking at the lovely Lustra, there are certainly some similarities between these dolls and Mattel's Spectra line. The vac metal is there. The shiny outfits are also there along with the poseability. So there were some similarities, as well as some differences. Spectra had more lace and outrageous makeup, while the Aurora doll's faces were bare and their hair did not have any shimmery fibers. There was also another difference...

The future is so bright, Lustra's gotta wear shades. Or does she? Do not blink, the Aurora dolls did have gem stones for eyes. Like the Twinkle-Eyed My Little Ponies, Aurora and her friends each had their own specially colored gemstone eyes. Lustra's were purple, and this was something that really stood out for the dolls.

Like Spectra, Aurora also came with a little booklet of items.

The dolls were really all about the fashion.

Aurora is the golden girl of tomorrow. The booklet really seemed like a mini fashion magazine. One thing that I would have liked to seen with this line was more diversity. There were only four dolls and they were all white. I would have liked some extra dolls with some other skin colors. And maybe a male character too. I am always curious to see how doll lines treat the male characters.

Mirra took hold of the blue color spectrum, however notice the little bio themes. Each doll is devoid of personality, they are basically just models. This is interesting because the charm found in Spectra is gone, but the concept for Aurora really seems like a high end fashion magazine. Almost like these dolls would be found in a collectible store instead of toy stores. They also had an anime feel to them.

Out of all the Aurora dolls, I think Lustra is the coolest. Her dress is very interesting and different. She almost looks like she'd be friends with Judy Jetson or something. Which she very well could be. Without any real sense of who these dolls are, the owner in a way, can really create a whole interesting and unique back story. Like maybe Lustra is friends with Judy Jetson, and she travels to the past to donate her old club clothes so that the clothes don't pile up and add to the Future's pollution problems. Or maybe the shimmery clothes can't bio degrade, so Lustra ends up donating them to the past to lessen her chromatic footprint, which in turn causes the pollution to build up in the first place, thus causing the future to be unable to handle it all. Now that is a fun back story. Fashion kills.

Finally we have Crysta, who in my opinion would make a great custom Glimmer doll, barring the whole gemstone eye thing. Finally there is a bio that shows some semblance of story. Crysta's date is going to be dazzled by her and the outfit. That sounds interesting until you realize that in order to dazzle the attention of a man, you will have to wait for someone in the future to donate their old clothes to you. I mean that is a long wait. Especially when that time travelling donator of fashion might not even show up!

The booklet ends up changing from the dolls, to the fashion sets that can be purchased separately. The future of fashion is beautiful! There are space parties to attend and an actual time travel suit. It looks a little Tin Man-esque, but I love the whole sci-fi element used for this doll line.

Other outfits to choose from involved a ballet outfit and some golden pants for a futuristic night on the town. The ballet look is pretty cool. Like the back of the box, these images also show off all the different ways that these dolls can be posed.

The final two outfits to purchase were a nice glamorous coat and short dress for the evening as well as a pant suit for lunch. With all these outfits to wear, it was a shame that no play sets were made for these dolls. It seemed like there were plenty of things for these dolls to do in the future.

The future wouldn't be bright for these dolls though. Both Spectra and Aurora did not last long on shelves. Spectra lasted slightly longer due to being released in 1986 along with some play sets that went through till 1987. The dolls were popular, however around that time there was also a flood of other popular dolls on the market. As such some doll lines fell by the wayside.

 

However, there was something special about Spectra and Aurora. As I mentioned earlier, there was a bigger theme about both of these lines that didn't really come from space or the future. If anything, these lines seemed to come from the past. If you really look these two lines over, they have a very 1950s and early '60s vibe. For example the whole teen party planning and wholesome American fun from Spectra reminds me of those Hollywood teen movies from the '50s. And the "Future is Beautiful" motto from Aurora is also reminiscent of the ideas that were going on during those decades. Like the whole, "home of tomorrow" or something. There were so many new things happening culturally in the '50s and '60s that had this, "the future is here" vibe that I really felt from both doll lines, though mostly with Aurora. This idea of the look of the future, or the idea of hope that the future is going to be beautiful and amazing. I just feel like that was such a trait marked by the '50s and early '60s. So even though both lines have space age and futuristic qualities, there is something kitschy too. Of course if we look at the late '80s, there were certain toylines that looked back to that '50s charm. (Pee Wee's Playhouse for example.) Every decade ends up looking back at the past to get excited over things. For awhile now folks have been looking back at the '80s for ideas and nostalgia, and if you close your eyes you can even hear the '90s getting a comeback as well. So during the '80s, I think there were certain aspects of the '50s and '60s that got played out in toy lines, among other places as well. If that makes sense.

 

This brings me to the biggest issue at hand. Spectra vs. Aurora. Which one is the better toy line? I'm not sure I can say. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. I love the theme and storyline from Spectra but I think the Aurora dolls are prettier. Either way, they both utilized the vac metal process for some cool looking dolls, so I am going to say they both win. They were cool dolls and really showed off the range of items that could be found on the toy aisles in the late '80s.

 

That is about it for Toy Chest Tuesday! So what do you think? Did you like Spectra or Aurora more? Leave a comment and let me know. I hope you are all doing well, and as always, keep it here! There will be all kinds of fun stuff coming up. Until next time!

Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 30

She-Ra Saturday is back! Catra is totally jealous.

Previously: The Rebels got over a vicious attack by the Pyres, but are dealing with a few problems. Namely the search for Adam, Adora's brother, and the kidnapping of Peekablue by Hordak... Catra is searching for answers to her birth... Huntara, a warrior from Silax that was a prisoner on Horde World, has now been set on a new course of action; kill She-Ra and Hordak will let her go back to her home world... Peekablue is trying her best to get used to being a prisoner in the Fright Zone, however members of the Horde, including new member Scorpia, are not making it easy...

Adora's Search for Honor

Part 2

Chapter 30

Peekablue can do nothing but scream. She is racing down a dank hall in the Fright Zone. Being chased by Entrapta and Scorpia, the poor green haired friend to the Rebellion is clutching her chest. With a heart pounding as fast as it can, Peekablue turns, heading towards her cell. Entrapta can't stop laughing, "Come back! Let us braid your hair!" Scorpia snaps her pinchers and gleefully taunts, "And let us clip those magical feathers!!!"

Peekablue continues to scream as Entrapta and Scorpia crumple against the wall laughing hysterically. Sliding into her cell door, Peekablue yells for a Horde Trooper to lock her up. Her recent taste at walking around the Fright Zone has become to much for Peekablue to handle. Hordak had given her a free pass. "I just wanted to eat something! I only wanted to feel free for a few moments!" She backs away as Scorpia emerges, sliding a pincher across the cell bars, "Well look at this? The little birdy flew back into her cage." Entrapta walks in behind the newest member of the Horde, "Oh leave her alone Scorpia. Hordak would be livid if we hurt her. After all, we were just having fun. Right Peekablue?"

Scorpia sneers, "Yeah, we won't make you extra pretty just yet. But I'd watch your back if I were you!" She snaps her pincers in a fast manner as her tail tries to whip through the cell. Peekablue cowers even further. Eventually Entrapta and Scorpia walk away as Peekablue feels her heart beat a little bit slower. Sitting in the cell in the darkness, she can only hope that the door stays locked. There is no need for her to leave, no matter how many times Hordak says she can to grab some lunch or fresh air. "There is nothing fresh about the Fright Zone." She stammers, trying to shake off the horrors of her current living environment.

Her mind drifts to her friends. Fanning her feathers out from her back, Peekablue closes her eyes and prepares to peek in on how the members of the Rebellion are faring on Etheria. Unknown to Peekablue, someone is watching her in the shadows...

***

Inside Bright Moon, Adora works with Angella and the main Rebels over plans to save Peekablue. There is a great deal riding on this mission, because Peekablue is the only one capable of finding Adora's brother on Etheria. A great deal of ideas and information is shared between everyone. Bow works with Mermista on a map into the Fright Zone. Sea Hawk sits to the side, sharpening a small knife. Perfuma, Serina, and Glimmer gather a list of items that they will need. Kowl and Madame Razz flit in and out of the room, helping when they can. Netossa and Frosta are busy sewing a net together of razor sharp fibers. Feeling exhausted, Frosta rubs her eyes, "I grow so tired of having to rescue someone. When are we going to finish this?" Angella places a document on a table, "We shouldn't go now. People are still on edge from the Pyre attack, and I should stay here. Those who were bitten are slowly overcoming the intense cravings. If we are going to do this, we must be at our fighting best."

Mermista looks up from a working map, "Well ever since Perfuma found those wild plants, they have helped those who were bitten." The mer-maiden looks towards Perfuma and smiles. Frosta continues working with Netossa. Stretching, Frosta sighs, "I think we should rest a bit before skipping into the Fright Zone."

"We'll get plenty of sleep before heading out Frosta." Adora says, feeling her face flush as she notices Sea Hawk staring at her. Looking away, Adora listens to Frosta moan, "I'm not referring to sleep darling. I'm talking about rest and relaxation. I've lost my home, and with it, my ice spa. I think we should take a trip to the Crystal Falls. Only for a short while."

The idea sounds nice, but it doesn't sit well with everyone. "Is that really a good idea?" Glimmer asks, raising the important question of haste in saving their friend. Frosta rolls her eyes, "When will we have time to just have some fun? Hmm? I for one would be at my fighting best if I could at least lounge by the water with a nice drink first." Mermista casually says, "If we were to go, it would give me the chance to see how things have been at the Falls. I could also gather some extra sea tonics in case anyone were to get wounded."

Frosta grins, "Perfect darling! See Adora? This idea sounds better by the minute." Frosta nudges Netossa, trying to get her to agree with her. "It would be refreshing." Netossa says calmly. Perfuma shakes her head, not feeling up to much anything. Mermista squeezes her hand, "I know things have been rough for you lately, but maybe it would be good to just get away, if only for a short while..." Perfuma still shakes her head. Mermista tilts her head, smiling at her friend, "I'll let you decorate the Crystal Falls any way you want."

Quickly looking up at Mermista, Perfuma can't hide a smile. "You'd really do that? Give me free reign with flower choice and everything?" Mermista nods. Grinning and clapping her hands, Perfuma jumps up, "Ok. This could work. And in all reality getting away would be nice. Too much doom and gloom can be so damaging!" Bow smiles to himself as everyone begins to explore their sunny dispositions, "Could I come too?" Perfuma nods, "Of course Bow, you're one of the girls! We'll have so much fun!"

The sentence causes Bow to shrink back a little bit. Mermista notices this and feels slightly embarrassed for him. The statement is certainly something the archer does not want to hear. He does not want to be seen as 'one of the girls', especially in front of Adora. Sea Hawk grins placing his knife on the table, "Don't worry Bow. I'll go too, since it's just us girls." He grins, slightly puffing his chest some. For some reason he wants to impress Adora, though he'd never admit to anyone, and truth be told, he isn't sure why he wants to impress her in the first place. Until he remembers that kiss.

Looking on at every one's growing excitement over a trip to the Crystal Falls, Serina sits back. A bit of fear rattles its way through her system. She is trying to get used to these new friends, and being in a social environment involving fun and frivolity is too new of a concept for her to handle. The group soon disperses though to get ready. A trip to the Falls can occur really quick before they begin the mission to save Peekablue. Angella plans on staying behind, as does Adora. Kowl and Madame Razz agree. "But Madame Razz, it would do you some good to enjoy the water." Glimmer says. Madame Razz rolls her eyes, "Dearie. When you are an old woman like me, the sun and water is the last place you want to be near."

Once the room is clear, Netossa rushes to her room to see Spinnerella. "Spinna! Spinna! I have wonderful news!" Sitting in a chair, facing the window, Spinnerella turns, "What?" Netossa explains that they are all going to the Crystal Falls, "Do you think you would be up for that? It would do you some good." Spinnerella snaps at her friend, "My legs still hurt. They are sore. I want to go home. When are we going back home?"

Netossa looks down, "We can't leave just yet. You aren't fully healed..." Spinnerella clenches her fists, "I am well enough! I want to go home! This is not my home. This is a castle of horrors! We are not safe here!" Gliding next to her friend, Netossa reaches out to her, "My dear sister, no where is safe. We live in dreadful times. The Horde will stop at nothing until we have all been squashed under their foot. I assure you, once the time is right, we will go back home." Spinnerella does not believe her. She refuses to go anywhere, "I don't care to be around people I do not even know." Netossa steps back, "These people have helped you. They care about you..." Spinnerella turns away from Netossa, continuing to stare out the window. She wants to be left alone. Netossa leaves and gets ready for the Crystal Falls...

The day is still shining bright as the Rebels make their way to the Crystal Falls. Mermista leads the way. Frosta and Netossa discuss Spinnerella's behavior. "Darling, she's been through a lot. I'd be a bitch too if I woke up to a bloody nightmare." Bow walks with Glimmer. He is mostly quiet, though the two have worked on speaking to one another. She is slowly getting over him, and it feels good. Sea Hawk walks alone, wishing Adora was there. He likes the group, but he can't stop thinking of their kiss. She could be the one to change me entirely, he thinks and shakes at the gravity of that thought. Perfuma and Serina follow up the group. Perfuma observes all the nature around her, and though her thoughts are on the loss of Minwu, she is glad to be visiting the Crystal Falls. She does notice though that Serina seems odd, "Everything ok Serina?" The woman with the large wings nods, "Yes. I am fine."

The Crystal Falls are stunning. A waterfall splashes into a large opening that forms into a river. Mermista smiles at the large shells and other decorations she uses to liven up the place. "Mermista, this place is beautiful!" Netossa exclaims. Having never seen anything like this, Netossa looks around. "We can change over there." Mermista points to a partition of rocks to the side of the waterfall. The women head to the area together. Sea Hawk quickly follows. Mermista stops and points towards an area of trees, "Hawk, you and Bow can go change in the trees. There should be a clearing." Sea Hawk pauses, "I thought I was one of the girls." Frosta grimaces, "Don't be a little shit darling. It is tacky."

Bow heads towards the clearing as Sea Hawk follows producing a pair of binoculars. As Bow begins to remove his armor, the sun glistens across his chest. The warmth feels good. He notices that Sea Hawk is trying to view something, "What are you doing?" Sea Hawk sighs, "Trying to get a good view." Bow soon realizes what Sea Hawk is doing, the pirate is trying to look in on the women. Stomping towards the pirate, Bow grabs the binoculars from him. "Hey! I was using those."

"You may be a slave to your own desires, but I am not going to watch you feast on my friends." Bow tosses the lenses to the ground. The pirate groans, "Aww man. Don't act so silly. I couldn't see anything anyway." Sea Hawk prepares to remove his shirt. He is ready to jump into the water, "What's your deal anyway? You must be the luckiest man on Etheria. You are surrounded by gorgeous women. Do you even know the resources that are at your disposal?"

Shaking his head, Bow goes on, "No one is at my disposal. I'm not here to use anyone pirate." There is anger and annoyance in his tone. Bow cares about those women, and know matter what they may think of him, he will look out for them no matter what. Sea Hawk raises his hands, "Alright. I get it. You are Mr. Upstanding. You don't like me much do you?" Staring at the pirate, Bow shakes his head, "I don't know you enough. But I can see this much, I don't care much for you one bit." The pirate nods, "That just might make two of us." They continue changing and soon all Sea Hawk can think about is what the women are up to.

On the other side of the Crystal Falls, the female Rebels are all in various stages of undress. They are getting into attire made for swimming. Frosta is in a light blue strapless one piece. She is snapping it in the back. "As much as I love the Crystal Falls, this heat is a bit much for me." Perfuma is braiding her hair before slipping into her swimming one piece, "Maybe you should visit the Kingdom of Snows soon?" Frosta turns, "What for darling? There is nothing there for me."

Shrugging, Perfuma suits up, "It's still your home Frosta, no matter what's there." Mermista and Glimmer both agree. Serina listens and observes. She is standing there, in her clothes staring at her new friends in their various states of undress. They may all have their own unique features, but there are certain parts that they all share. This fills Serina with dread as she looks down at her light purple skirt made up of petals. Anxiety builds as she contemplates removing her clothes and having her friends stare at her and the insectoid appendage between her legs. She does not want to be judged, and though they have seen her nude when she came out of the cocoon, things are different now.

She feels her skin growing hot. The stress of the situation is creeping up her back, spreading out across her scalp. Her hair feels like it is on fire. Serina can feel her wings flutter quickly. Glimmer looks over, "Serina? Are you going to go swimming with us? Why don't you change?" Serina shakes her head, "I have. To go." Turning away from the women, Serina rushes away. Frosta looks at Mermista, "Perfuma really should have left her in that cocoon in the Horde lab. Just odd." Everyone gives Frosta a look.

"Let me go get her." Perfuma says fastening a flower into her hair, keeping the intricate braid together. "Serina!" Perfuma rushes off, catching the sight of Serina's large wings fluttering. "Serina! Wait! Where are you going?" Perfuma communicates with the ground and causes some vines to lift her up, getting her closer to Serina. The two women end up colliding into one another. "Serina! Stop running, please! I am so confused. Why are you running?"

Sitting on the ground, her wings fluttering quickly, Serina cries out, "I am too different! I don't belong here." They talk for a little bit. Serina explains how uncomfortable she feels knowing that her body is different from the other women. "Look at me. Perfuma. I'm half insect. Half woman. I am. Different."

Perfuma hugs her friend, "Serina, stop this. It doesn't matter what is between your legs or what is on your back. No one here is going to be mean. We are all friends. I saved you from the Horde Labs because I knew that you had been hurt enough. Look at you! You are an incredibly strong and beautiful woman. We all have our hang ups. We all have our own problems, but don't let any of that deter you from making friends." They smile at each other. Perfuma stands up, looping her arm through Serina's arm, "Listen, let's have some fun. We'll decorate. And dance!" Perfuma smiles as Serina nods, "That sounds. Nice." Perfuma nods. They both walk back towards the Crystal Falls and Perfuma asks a question, "Do you remember anything before coming out of the cocoon?"

Serina isn't sure she can remember, "I don't know. At. All. Just that. I had a name. It was. Serina." Perfuma stops. An idea comes to her, "We really need to get you a new name. You are a new person now. Serina is nice, but you don't even know who Serina really is. What do you think?" Serina nods, but isn't sure what she could call herself. As they walk, Perfuma keeps hearing Serina's wings flutter. "Maybe the name is right here, with us!" Serina pauses and looks around, "The grass? Or. Water?" Perfuma smiles and claps her hands, "No! It's on you! Your wings! They flutter. Flutterina! That's it! Your new name! What do you think?"

The winged woman smiles, feeling slightly better. She doesn't know who she was before, but she knows who she can be now. "Flutterina. I like. It." The two friends smile and rush to the Crystal Falls.

A surprise awaits them. Perfuma screams, "She-Ra! What are you doing here?!" Everyone is gathered around She-Ra. Swiftwind is by the water, drinking some up. She-Ra looks at her friends, "I went to Bright Moon, and Adora told me that you were all here. I thought I'd drop by." Perfuma jumps, "Oh it is so nice to see you!" She-Ra smiles and talks with everyone.

The day is wonderful. Bow makes a few beverages that Frosta helps keep frosty. Netossa floats in the water, wishing Spinnerella had joined them. Bow soon plays some music as Perfuma twirls around dancing and growing flowers every which way. Flutterina helps with the decorating. Mermista watches on and can only hope that the Crystal Falls isn't overrun with too many flowers.

Glimmer and Frosta rest on some rocks, looking out across the water. "See Glimmer, isn't this just nice?" Glimmer nods, "Yes. It is nice." The icy Empress checks Glimmer out, "You should sit with your back arched more. Stick your chest out. Bow would appreciate it." Glimmer shakes her head, "Frosta, give it up. I'm not going to be using a tip from your book of rules. If you must know, I am getting over Bow." Caught off guard, Frosta is glad to hear it, "Good for you darling."

Rolling over, Glimmer asks Frosta a question, "For someone that knows so much about men, I never seem to see you with one. Why is that?" Frosta's eyes briefly widen in surprise, "Well aren't you getting brave with your new found independence. If you must know, I am highly picky. After you have sampled the dull offerings on Etheria, you slightly lose hope. I am holding out for a magnificent man, darling. I don't know who he is, but trust me, once I find him... I will know." Glimmer listens and knows that Frosta is very serious.

She-Ra walks by the waterfall and listens to Bow's music. She smiles as she looks at her friends. They deserve this. We have all been put through so much, She-Ra thinks. Her memories shift to Double Trouble. It is a shame you are not with us, but we will always remember you dear friend, she silently says. Suddenly She-Ra turns as Sea Hawk approaches. They make a small amount of chit chat. The pirate says something that makes her blush out of embarrassment.

"Are you forward with every woman you talk to?" She-Ra crosses her arms, raising an eye brow. Sea Hawk walks up to her, taking in her glowing beauty, "Only the special ones."

"Why do I get the feeling they are all special?" She-Ra slides past him and continues to look out at the Crystal Falls. Sea Hawk hangs his head, "I'm not sure I know what is the matter with me. I usually am much smoother..."

"You are?" She-Ra asks, trying not to laugh at that image. Sea Hawk nods, "You are stunning. And I know we would have fun, but for some reason, I just feel goofy trying to flirt with you." Feeling overwhelmed, She-Ra shakes her head, "I wouldn't call that flirting Sea Hawk. I'm not sure what is going on with you, but maybe the sun is getting to your head?"

He feels like he has been caught. Or is this feeling something else? "No, my head is fine. I just don't want to feel like I'm missing out on any, umm, potential opportunities." She-Ra looks at this man before her, and she only sort of understands what he is talking about, "You don't really know how to be yourself around people, do you? Especially women?"

Scratching the back of his head, Sea Hawk slightly grins, "I guess you got me. I've been getting used to a lot of things around here. Making friends with women has never been my thing. But someone is slowly changing that, just don't tell anyone." Her eyes grow wide, now she is really curious to know what he means, "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."

Thinking of his other secrets, namely the ice diamond he stole from Frosta and the strings Hordak has over him, Sea Hawk thinks about She-Ra. He doesn't really know much about her. "Do you have any secrets?" The question stuns her for a second, "I might. After all, I fly around on a winged unicorn. If there isn't some mystery about me, I must not be doing my job correctly..." They both laugh.

The laughter trickles down the waterfall towards Bow. He stops playing his harp and looks up at She-Ra and Sea Hawk. A strange wave of jealousy washes over him. He isn't certain why he is feeling that way, but something about the pirate does not sit well with him. Swimming up to the rock he is on, Mermista breaks into his thoughts, "Bow, you stopped playing. You still with us?" Bow shakes his head, "Sorry Mermista." He won't start up again, which clues Mermista into something. "Hey, how 'bout we go for a swim? I can take you somewhere very pretty."

Bow looks down at Mermista, floating in the water. She is in her element, and he can't help but smile. She is stunning. "Sure. What do you want to show me?" She guides him into the water, "When we go under, I'll put an air bubble around your head, so you can breathe. We'll be under for a little while." The bit of information raises a caution towards Bow, but he throws it to the wind. He trusts Mermista, and besides, he wants to get away.

Mermista calls out to Perfuma that they will return, and the two go underwater. Mermista uses her powers to create a bubble around Bow's head. Motioning for him to follow, the mermaid swims towards the base of the waterfall. Her legs already forming into her tail. There is an opening below that leads into a long tunnel. Bow follows closely and soon begins to realize where they are going.

As the swim further into the tunnel, Bow can see an opening up ahead. Once free, they are both in a large cavern like structure. A massive undersea kingdom sits before them. Mermista smiles and swims towards the buildings. Bow follows and marvels at the towers and empty buildings. He feels like he is flying over a city. He can't believe that a group of people once lived here, underwater.

They swim closer and even travel through some of the empty buildings. Bow looks at various artifacts. It looks as if people were living their lives, and then were just gone in a flash. Every possession was left behind. Eventually they make it to an area that rises up to a room with an air pocket. Bow loses the bubble. Mermista smiles, "Welcome to Salineas. Or what's left of it." Bow looks around, "Mermista, this place is beautiful. Is this where you come to when you travel to the Crystal Falls by yourself?"

She nods. Bow is amazed, "Has anyone else seen all this?" Mermista shakes her head, "No. I have only shown you." He feels honored, "But why?" Shrugging at her friend, Mermista isn't sure. "You looked like you were in pain. You are a dear friend Bow, and I just wanted to do something to help you feel better." Bow understands and feels grateful that he is being given this experience.

They talk. He learns about how Mermista found this place. How she learned that her entire family and kingdom were gone, destroyed by the Horde. "I often wonder what my life would have been like had my family lived. I wonder so many things." Bow asks what else she thinks about.

"I think of love. I like to imagine that if the kingdom had survived, that maybe there would have been some mer-man destined to be with me. Or something. That sounds so silly." Mermista covers her face in her hands, completely surprised to be sharing her thoughts with anyone. Bow doesn't understand why that is silly.

Mermista looks at her friend, "I have gone my whole life never really knowing what love is. I've never been the one to have that special connection with someone. And maybe there are some of us that aren't meant to experience that."

"You aren't making sense Mermista." Bow is wanting to know more, to understand. She sits next to him, swinging her tail in the water, "Well let's see. It's like you and Adora. There has always been a special connection between the two of you. The same with Perfuma. She may have bad luck with men, but there is always someone ready to fall for her. Of course Frosta, well... She invented the term man-eater. I've just never had that power, to call forth the attention of a man. To love me. To want me. Maybe there is something wrong with me..."

Bow looks at his friend and lifts her face to his, "Don't say that at all Mermista. What could be wrong with you? Mermista, you are always perceptive and aware of other's feelings. You also know so much about the seas and have such a rich knowledge of the various areas on Etheria. You are also so incredibly stunning. If things were different..." Mermista shakes her head, "Don't say that. Your heart belongs to Adora, that has been as clear as the bluest of seas."

Looking at the walls around him, Bow shrugs, "I'm not so sure anymore. Adora and I haven't been as close. There's been too much between us. I think she is scared." They talk some more about his love for Adora and how they experienced a setback with Glimmer and Adora's own issues with love. Mermista understands, "Bow, you are my friend, but Adora has been through a great deal. I could understand why she maybe wouldn't want to join you in that way..." Bow nods, understanding perfectly well the truth. Or at least what he thinks is the truth. They continue to talk and even laugh a little.

"Oh Bow, I love talking to you. We have been friends for a very long time, you know?" Bow nods, "A long time. Guess that makes me one of the perfect girls." He rolls his eyes, recalling what Perfuma said earlier. Mermista tilts her head, "I knew that bothered you. Perfuma didn't mean anything by it."

"I know, it just bugs me. I am my own man. And when I am seen as one of the girls... well... I don't even know why that should bother me. I keep excellent company. You are all the best people I could ever hope to meet. I just feel so..." Mermista helps him out, "Undesirable?"

"Yes. If I'm seen as one of the girls, than that means that I am just a friend. Some silly friend. How is Adora going to truly fall for me if I'm..." He lingers the statement in the air. It makes him think of Sea Hawk and how the pirate can be lewd and yet it works. Maybe not on everyone, but clearly Sea Hawk's abrasive way with women strikes some chord. "Maybe I should be more like Sea Hawk. Maybe that would change up my image..." Mermista chuckles at the idea, "Don't you dare change a thing about you Bow. You are perfectly fine. I look at you, and I can see why Adora has cared for you so. Let her work out what she needs to work out, believe me, you are more than just a special friend." He smiles. They soon realize that some time has gone by.

Jumping into the water, Mermista puts another bubble over Bow's head. They travel out through the abandoned kingdom and travel towards the tunnel. Bow can't stop thinking about Adora. He loves her so much. He just wishes things could be different. Mermista is swimming ahead, lost in her own world. She doesn't notice though that the bubble around Bow's head pops. He doesn't panic at first, but soon realizes that he won't be able to hold his breath the rest of the way.

Thrashing about and starting to panic, Bow makes noises trying to get Mermista's attention. Swimming up ahead, she turns at the noise. Her heart sinks as she sees Bow struggling. Swimming as fast as she can, the mermaid reaches Bow in time. He needs air badly, so she does the quickest thing she can. Placing her mouth over his, she breathes air into him. Their bodies are next to each other. Holding on, she can feel him begin to harden against her tail. Breathing the air into his mouth, their tongues lightly touch. Neither know what is going on, but Bow suddenly feels very alive. Breaking away, Mermista looks at him to make sure he is safe. He nods, and she creates another bubble around his head. They swim back, both thinking about the shared moment.

As they pass through the tunnel, they pop their heads up under the waterfall. "That was..." Bow says looking over at Mermista. She looks at him, "That was nothing, do not worry. I was just saving you. Anything else that happened was just by circumstance. Don't worry. It won't change anything. You love Adora." Bow looks sad, he wonders what all he might be missing out on in this life. He shakes those thoughts away, "I do love her. But I also care about our friendship and don't want you to be hurt in any way. I apologize."

"For what? Nearly dying? Oh Bow, never worry about being called one of the girls. You are still such a guy. I will be fine." The kiss, if it could even be called that, was nothing to derail their friendship or his feelings for Adora. It was just a brief moment between two people. Though Mermista does feel like there is still so much for her to experience in this life. She wants to live and find all that is possible for herself. They both swim out of the waterfall and rejoin the group.

Perfuma calls out, "I thought you'd never get back!" Mermista smiles and then pauses. There are tons of flowers, "Wow. You have certainly done a lot of decorating." Perfuma nods, proud of her work. She-Ra walks by Bow, "How was your swim?" His heart suddenly starts to beat very fast, he can't explain it, but he feels just the slightest bit guilty, "It was nice."

Frosta looks up, "It is getting so hot! Let's head back." Netossa shakes her head, "It feels like we just got here." Mermista smiles, glad that everyone is having such a nice time. However something quickly changes. She isn't sure if it is the air or the strange look on Flutterina's face. But suddenly a figure jumps down from the waterfall, flipping over rocks and landing right behind Mermista.

A lean and muscular woman with light purple skin and a white mohawk grabs Mermista from behind and draws a knife to her throat. Perfuma screams in terror. Bow and She-Ra stand on guard. Frosta and Glimmer cover their mouths. Netossa looks up, trying to figure out what is happening. Sea Hawk looks on, getting ready to grab hold of his knife. Flutterina's wings move rapidly, she is ready to attack. The stranger barks out, "No one make sudden moves. I will kill her."

She-Ra is calm, "We believe you. We are not going to move, but please, don't hurt her. Who are you?" The woman sneers, "I am Huntara. I am looking for the woman calling herself She-Ra. Where is she?" The Rebels all look at She-Ra. There is fear in their faces. Mermista can feel the blade against her neck. She is amazed how life can change in the blink of an eye. Huntara growls, "Well? Where is She-Ra?"

The princess of power steps forward, "I am She-Ra." Sneering and pressing the blade closer against Mermista's neck, Huntara goes on, "You don't look so special." She-Ra wants to know what is going on. Huntara continues, "I want you. We will make a trade. I will let your friend go, if you come with me." Mermista shouts, "Don't do this She-Ra!"

She-Ra remains calm, "What do you want with me?" Mermista can feel the blade slightly cutting into her flesh. Huntara snaps, "I mean to kill you warrior woman. So what will it be? You? Or your friend?" No one knows what is going on or how this is even happening. Mermista looks at her friends, "Let her kill me! She-Ra, you are Etheria's only hope. Don't give into her!"

Shaking her head, She-Ra agrees to Huntara's demand, "I will go with you, but let Mermista go. Now." She-Ra keeps her sword sheathed to show that she is going willingly. Bow hangs his head. Glimmer screams, "No! She-Ra!" Grinning, Huntara pushes Mermista into the water. Summoning forth a Horde jet sled, Huntara swoops She-Ra on board and the jet sled flies off. Bow races to grab an arrow, but it is too late. Huntara and She-Ra are gone.

Netossa looks around, "Who was that?" No one knows. Mermista holds onto her neck, "One thing is for sure, we need to follow them. We can't let this Huntara woman harm She-Ra." The Rebels agree and prepare to depart until some new visitors show up. Leech, Octavia, Scorpia, Entrapta, and Catra drop in from a flying Horde ship. They land in front of the Rebels. Entrapta looks around the Crystal Falls, "I'll be! Looks like Peekablue's vision really does work." Catra nods, pleased to see the Rebels, "We don't mean to crash this little party, but we have unfinished business." The feline purrs, "You know what to do Horde members. Attack!" The Horde charges towards the Rebels.

Zooming and zipping through the air, She-Ra bides her time as Huntara maneuvers the jet sled. The princess of power is not sure who Huntara is, but one thing seems to be certain, Huntara is not a member of the Horde. The jet sled approaches a massive clearing in a flat grassy area. She-Ra looks up at the sky, the sun is beginning to set. She can feel the sled slowing down. Acting quickly, She-Ra punches Huntara. Losing control, the jet sled spins dropping them both onto the ground.

Rolling up, She-Ra grabs her sword ready to fight. She can't see Huntara, until she feels her. Huntara is behind She-Ra, kicking her to the ground, "You will be no match for me. I am Huntara, the strongest warrior in all of Silax. In all of the galaxy. Your life will end here." The warrior produces two glowing sabres. Standing over She-Ra, Huntara points one towards her. Ready to attack, Huntara drives a sabre to the ground. She-Ra rolls out of the way. Jumping up, She-Ra grabs her sword, "This should be fun." The two women engage in a sword fight.

At first it would seem an unfair fight, Huntara wields both sabres with deadly accuracy. Slicing in the air, Huntara growls. This isn't going to be easy. They continue to fight, a flurry of sword attacks and kicks. She-Ra can do this all day, but she knows at some point this fight will have to end...

Back at the Crystal Falls, the Rebels find themselves incredibly busy. Glimmer is working to take quick care of Leech. He tries to grab her, hoping to drain her of powers. She jumps over a rock and releases a burst of light into his eyes. Octavia's tentacles hold knives, ready to cut flesh on Mermista and Sea Hawk. They try to stop her. A tentacle flings Mermista into the water. Sea Hawk looks at the Horde member, "Lady, I wouldn't mess with me. I'll be using those tentacles of yours as a delicacy to feed my crew." Octavia grins baring rows of jagged sharp teeth. Lunging towards the pirate, Octavia shoves him into the water. They begin to struggle, a tentacle wraps around his neck. He can't breathe.

Scorpia is scaring Perfuma, Flutterina, and Frosta. The Horde member snaps her pincers, "Let me give you just a lil pinch." She lunges towards Perfuma. "Eek!" Perfuma shouts and dodges out of the way. Flutterina swoops down from the air, punching Scorpia in the face. Scorpia turns to look at Flutterina, "I'm going to clip your wings!" Frosta tries to help, but finds herself struggling with Scorpia's tale. Netossa runs forward, diving into the water. Together with Mermista, they save Sea Hawk from Octavia. Dragging Octavia out, Netossa grabs a small sticky net from a pouch on her side. It slows the Horde member down.

Leech thrashes about, regaining his sight. He shoves Glimmer into a rock and looks at Netossa. Grabbing hold of a small grenade, he launches it towards Netossa. A red net is released from the grenade in the shape of a Horde bat. It misses Netossa. The captivating beauty looks at the net on the ground. She grins, "You call that a net?" Removing another net from her pouch, Netossa sweeps out a much larger blue net, "Now here's a net!" She launches it towards Leech. He shouts in defeat as the net weighs down on him.

Catra slinks up the rocks near the waterfall with Entrapta. Bow is after them both. "Get back here!" He takes aim with an arrow. Entrapta grabs the arrow with her hair, tossing it into the water. Catra grabs a rock and lunges it towards Bow. He slips and almost falls. "Catra, stop this!"

Giggling, the ferocious feline purrs, "Oh no Bow, things are just getting nice and warm!" Frosta looks up at the Horde members, "Let's make things a little cooler, hmm?" Using her powers over ice, Frosta causes the rocks to slick over with a chill. Catra and Entrapta soon start to struggle on the slippery rocks. "Entrapta, watch out!" Catra screeches as Entrapta slips. Tumbling down the rocks, Entrapta lands right on top of Octavia. Catra glares at the Rebels.

Screaming in anger, Catra jumps off the rocks, grabbing hold of Bow. "Come on Bow, die with me." Bow tries to struggle free, and he cries out as they hit the rocks sliding to the ground. The Rebels try to help. Bow is hurt slightly, but Catra jumps up, "You are all pathetic. Your time here is over." Catra shakes as magical energy summons around her fingers. Before anything else can be done, Mermista summons her own magic. A wave of water swirls up from the Crystal Falls, completely dousing the Horde Force Captain. Catra screams clenching her fists. "Go on, get out!" Mermista shouts as the beaten down Horde members scramble away. Everyone is out of breath, Perfuma checks on Bow. Mermista looks out in the distance, "We've got to get to She-Ra."

Out on the grassy field, She-Ra and Huntara are locked into battle. In one fell swoop, She-Ra breaks free and knees Huntara in the chest. Delivering one powerful punch, She-Ra gives it all she has. The blow knocks Huntara to the ground hard. The warrior from Silax trembles slightly. She realizes a few things, "This won't end. I underestimated you. I have lost and as such, you can kill me. I realize now Hordak put me in a trap. I was never going to win." She hangs her head, ready to be killed for her failure.

She-Ra stands tall and looks at this strange woman, "Please, stand up. I'm not going to kill you." Huntara keeps her head low, and shakes in disagreement, "You have clearly won. It is customary for a Silaxian warrior to sacrifice life at such a great loss." She-Ra gives Huntara a hand, "Yes, well, it is customary for an Etherian to help others. Please, stand up. I'm not going to hurt you."

Huntara gets up and holds onto She-Ra's hand. "Why won't you kill me?" She-Ra tilts her head, "I will do no such thing. Killing will not solve much of anything. Who are you exactly?" Huntara explains who she is and where she comes from. She also details how the Horde captured her planet and placed her as prisoner on Horde World. She-Ra learns many new things and listens intently, "So Horde Prime sent you to kill Hordak? But Hordak told you, if you killed me, you'd go back home?" Huntara nods. She-Ra goes on, "My new friend, I can assure you, Hordak would never follow his word. He is a monster that cannot be trusted."

"I see that now. But I must know, who are you She-Ra?" Huntara asks. The question is loaded for sure, and She-Ra thinks before speaking. "I am a protector of this world. I am striving to free Etheria from the evil forces of Hordak. Those people that were with me earlier, they are my friends; members of the Great Rebellion. You are very strong Huntara, you should join us. We could always use the extra help."

Thinking this over, Huntara soon shakes her head, "I wish you luck in your journey She-Ra. But I am here for Hordak. I will finish what I started, he will die at my hands." Huntara leans her head towards She-Ra, "Where I come from, this is a sign of respect and care. I am sorry for fighting you She-Ra. Please understand." Nodding and smiling, She-Ra hugs Huntara, "I do understand. And where I come from, this means a sign of friendship. If you change your mind..." Huntara breaks away, walking towards the Horde jet sled, "I won't She-Ra. I must destroy Hordak. Alone. It is just my way."

She-Ra understands. Huntara looks back at She-Ra, "He also has your Rebel friend. Peekablue." She-Ra nods, "Is she safe?" Huntara nods, "Somewhat. She is scared. But Hordak has plans for her, he is using her, and her powers. I would save her immediately if I were you." Huntara starts the sled and turns again, "She-Ra... this is more than just Hordak. There is an even bigger threat out there. You should be prepared. Having experienced a world crumble underneath the Horde already, I know what comes next. It hasn't even truly begun..." With that, Huntara zooms off. She-Ra watches Huntara fly off into the distance. "What does that mean?" She-Ra asks out loud.

Standing there on the grassy field, She-Ra looks up as Swiftwind descends, "Oh I knew you'd follow me here Swiftwind!" The unicorn nods, breathing hard. He communicates to She-Ra telepathically, explaining that they need to get back to the Rebels. She hops on and they fly off to the Crystal Falls. There is much that needs to be done. The time for resting is over...

***

Time passes by. The Horde members settle themselves into the Fright Zone and their regular duties. Leech's ego is bruised as he tells his friends what happened at the Crystal Falls. He is playing a game of cards with Mantenna, Grizzlor, and Modulok. They all have questions about who was there. Grizzlor groans, "Frosta was there? Oh, she is tough." Leech also discusses Netossa, "No, Frosta has nothing on this one Rebel. She threw a net on me!" Modulok lifts his head up, "A net? What did she look like?" Leech describes Netossa to Modulok, confused as to why the Horde member even cares. Modulok listens intently, he is sure Leech is describing the correct woman. Modulok slips his hand into the band of his metal loin garment. He produces a torn piece of shiny blue net with silver fibers woven in. He holds onto it tightly and grins to himself thinking of Netossa, you and I have unfinished business...

Peekablue sits in her cell, she closes her feathers. Having seen enough, she smiles. Her friends are going to rescue her. She will be free of this place soon. However, soon enough may be longer than she thought. Horde Troopers open her cell door and drag her out. Peekablue shakes, unsure what is happening next. They take her to Hordak's throne room. There is a strange contraption next to his throne. Hordak sits still, looking at Peekablue intently. He snorts, "Life is only what you make of it. And I want to make you an important part of my life. Your powers so far, have been annoying at best. However that changes now." He demands for the Troopers to put her into the contraption.

Tears stream down her face, they force her into a chair with these wire clips. Screaming in pain, the Horde Troopers slide her feathers out one by one. Hordak listens to Peekablue's pain, "My dear, this could have gone much easier, but you weren't giving me what I wanted. Now I am taking what I want." The wire clips hold each feather into place. Hordak presses a button that sends electric charges to each feather, sparking immense pain in Peekablue. However the sparks also trigger her powers. The magical eyes begin to blink erratically, producing images across the wall in front of her.

Hordak grins and holds onto a remote, "Thanks to Multi Bot, I have the perfect way to view what is going on around Etheria." Hordak can see a vision of townspeople running from an attack by Double Trouble. "Let's change the vision." He clicks a button, and a charge goes through Peekablue as a new scene appears from Peekablue's feathers. Hordak keeps clicking as a new sneak peek pops up. Peekablue is in pain, but she slowly becomes numb to it. Her eyes glaze over as she stares at the changing scenes before her. Hordak totally controls her. He won't stop until he finds what he is looking for...

Elsewhere in the Fright Zone, Catra is snooping through Shadow Weaver's books in Horror Hall. She is searching for something. Trying to be quiet, Catra eventually stumbles upon a book. "What is this?" Catra ponders and opens it up. It is the item she needs, a diary. She purrs, "Shadow Weaver kept a diary... How pathetic." Catra begins reading it over, searching for answers about her birth. There is a great deal of writing about a romance with Skeletor. Catra cringes at the love Shadow Weaver had for this person. She gets further along in the diary, but has to stop. There is buzzing alarms going off.

Catra slinks away rushing towards Hordak's throne room. Horde Troopers are being thrown about left and right. Rushing into the room, Catra spots Huntara. For some reason, Catra is glad to see her, surely this must mean that Huntara killed She-Ra. Catra is jealous that Huntara got to do the job, but in the end it doesn't truly matter. She-Ra is finally gone.

Huntara points a finger at Hordak, "I did not kill her. I came back to kill you!" Huntara screams, lunging towards Hordak. Catra shakes her head, realizing the many mistakes that Huntara is making. Hordak snorts, "Yes, please come closer Huntara." The warrior rushes, ready to drive her sabres into his chest, but suddenly she feels the ground open beneath her.

Opening a trap door under her, Hordak snorts in glee. Huntara screams as there is nothing for her to hold onto. She falls down the trap door, screaming with a trail of curses behind. Catra closes her eyes at what Huntara will soon be going through. The trap door closes and Hordak looks around him, "Such a shame. That warrior would have been a good addition to the Horde. Oh well, back to business as usual. Catra, tell the others that She-Ra still lives. More importantly, I've heard about what happened at the Crystal Falls. Next time, make sure the Horde isn't outnumbered. Don't disappoint me Catra." Hordak looks around at the damage and destruction by Huntara, "While you are at it, find someone to clean this mess up."

Nodding, Catra turns to leave. "Clean your own mess Hordak." Catra mutters and rushes off. If Huntara survives the fall from the trap door and the dungeon that follows, she will need help. Catra knows just where the Silaxian warrior will end up. Sneaking her way through the Fright Zone, Catra heads to the end of a dungeon. She simply waits for what happens next.

Up next!

It's back to the Fright Zone!