Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 39

She-Ra Saturday is here! Better than ever! Today's chapter is the starting off point to the end! Everything is non-stop from here on out, so get ready She-Ra fans!

Previously: The Great Rebellion was busy taking care of their wounds. Angella was laid up in bed with problems stemming from her inability to feel her legs or wings. Madame Razz was also resting from her wounds by Hordak, and actually learned a great deal about Adora. Namely Adora's torn heart over feelings for Bow and Sea Hawk... Peekablue had an intense vision that was beyond her control. It involved the goings on with Eternia, and Peekablue made sure she got to the correct source. Upon knowing that his home was in trouble, Adam quickly left with the portal key without saying goodbye to anyone... Long simmering with anger and resentment at the course of her life, Catra was working towards her own goal at taking over Etheria. Her hatred for the Great Rebellion along with her growing hatred for Hordak has led her to start her own sisterhood. Together with Entrapta, Vampra, Scorpia, and Octavia; Catra is planning on creating her own new world... Hordak is feeling the pressure of Horde Prime to take over both Etheria and Eternia, but Hordak has grown tired of Horde Prime's orders. As such Hordak has been busy finding a trio of artifacts to call forth the all powerful Star Sisters, a power that he is hoping to exploit... Meanwhile, after the grave loss of Double Trouble (at the end of Part 1) She-Ra found out the horrible truth that Double Trouble was somehow still alive. (Thanks to the Horde) This new zombie Double Trouble was actually using her powers to look like She-Ra and cause all sorts of problems...

and now...

Adora's Search for Honor

Part 2

Chapter 39

The sounds of various screams echo throughout out a small village on the outskirts of the Fright Zone. Children are being dragged from homes by Horde Troopers. Families are frantically trying to escape while others are falling apart as they have given up on any hope of a heroic warrior to save them. For them, She-Ra is now a monster that consumes live flesh. Everyone is giving up.

Except for one family. Catra screams in fury as she bashes in a door to a small home made of worn stone and a thatched roof. Catra stares at an older man and woman. They cower back in fear. Catra thinks about her checklist and snaps, "Give me your daughter." The woman shakes, "We do not have a daughter." Catra strides up to the fearful woman. Hissing in anger, Catra plants her left hand over the woman's face and screeches, "Liar!" Shoving the woman to the floor, Catra strides past them and heads to a small room towards the back. With a twisted smile, Catra flips the bed over revealing a small trembling girl. Shaking her head in disbelief, Catra reaches down grabbing the child by a frail arm, "Come now, time to join the rest."

Dragging the little girl out of the hut, she screams in terror, "Mama! Papa! Nooo!" Catra screeches, "Shut up you brat! Shut up!" Catra struggles to lift the child up, but for a scrawny little thing, the kid struggles trying to free herself. Catra continues to drag the child towards a group of Horde Troopers.

As she walks away, Catra's face contorts into a new twist of anger as a familiar voice calls out from behind, "Let her go Catra." Her green eyes dazzle with evil. Catra purrs, "She-Ra!" Whipping her cape around, Catra faces her sworn enemy. The little girl is still in Catra's clutches. "I should have known you'd show up."

She-Ra nods and looks at the scene before her. "Catra, I didn't realize you were kidnapping children now." Catra smirks, "Hardly. I loathe having to deal with these brats, but Hordak is wanting to start a new generation for the Horde Academy. He wants to fill in more ranks for the future of the Horde."

"So you just barge into these villages and drag children away from their homes?" She-Ra asks. Catra grins, "We are dragging them to their new homes: The Fright Zone. Now do the smart thing and leave." She-Ra stands tall her blond hair flowing in the wind, "I will do no such thing. Let that girl go." Catra twists the girl's arm, "Don't push me She-Ra. These children ultimately mean nothing to me. I'll end her life right here. Just turn around and go!"

"Catra, you may be a lot of things, but a child killer is not one of them." She-Ra is concerned, but holding onto a shred of hope that Catra will do the right thing. Catra sneers. Her eyes gleam with just a hint of madness, "Who are you to think that you know me? You have no idea what I can do." Catra tightens her grip on the girl's arm. Kneeling down to look the child in the eye, Catra grins, "Have you ever thought about what happens after you die? It is a question no one has been able to answer on this world. But maybe you can find out for me..." It happens in a flash. Catra slashes her clawed right hand across the girl's face. Her flesh rips open as blood and screams pour out. Catra shoves the girl to the ground. Reaching for her sword, the jealous beauty prepares to drive her sword into the child's chest.

She-Ra bounds across the space between them and slams her body into Catra. Losing her sword, Catra and She-Ra both fight each other over the weapon. Villagers quickly rush to hold onto the screaming girl. Wailing in agony, she is carried into a small hut.

She-Ra grabs hold of Catra, "What is the matter with you!? Are you insane?!" Catra purrs, "I've never been more clear. Die She-Ra!" Catra bites into She-Ra's arm. Drawing back, She-Ra unleashes a punch that meets Catra's face. Biting her lower lip, Catra hurls herself towards She-Ra. A flurry of kicks and dodges commences. She-Ra swiftly turns, driving her elbow into Catra's side. Howling in pain, Catra artfully back flips away. As she is flipping backwards, Catra slides her mask down and quickly slides into her panther version.

In cat form, Catra leans back growling. Going in for a swipe, Catra smoothly lunges forward. She-Ra backs away as a net is tossed from overhead. Catra recoils in defeat as a large net surrounds her body. She-Ra looks over at her friend Netossa. "Thank you Netossa." Netossa nods and looks down at Catra, struggling to get away. "What of her?" Walking up to the cat, She-Ra slams the heel of her boot into the cat's head. Rendering Catra unconscious, She-Ra looks back at Netossa, "Alright. We've got a prisoner. Let's get her back to Bright Moon." Bow walks up to the rebels, "The Horde Troopers are taken care of, the children are returning to their homes."

She-Ra nods and turns at the sound of Glimmer's voice, "We've got one more prisoner." Glimmer walks up to the group with Mantenna. His arms are tied with a freeze ray aimed at his back by Glimmer. Mantenna shrilly panics, "You all won't get away with this!" She-Ra shakes her head, "But we are Mantenna. Don't make this difficult for you." She-Ra crosses her arms, "Take them both to Bright Moon. There should be cells for them. I'll follow, but I want to check on the girl."

Rushing to the hut, She-Ra is about to go inside, but is stopped by a female villager, "You can't go in. We know what you are capable of flesh eater." She-Ra stands back stunned, "I do not wish that girl harm. I want to make sure that she will be alright." The female villager is shaking, but trying to be strong, "You have done enough damage. We've all seen the horrors that you possess." She-Ra sighs, "I know what you are referring too, and you are misinformed. There is an impostor, posing as me, and engaging in horrific acts. Do I look like the monster that arrives on a horse with metal wings? I am only here to help, please, you must believe me." The villager's lower lip trembles, "She-Ra? Are you real?" She-Ra nods, "Yes. I am real. And I promise I will make sure nothing happens to this village again." The villager steps out of the way and let's She-Ra in the hut to help the little girl. Crying in relief that Etheria might still be saved after all, the villager whispers, "What is happening with this world?"

***

Across worlds, Adam finally makes his way into Castle Grayskull. His journey through the portal left him with many unexpected problems. The world around him is a nightmare. His enemy Skeletor is in total control. The only safe spot remaining on Eternia is the great and mysterious Castle Grayskull. Entering its dark and forbidding halls, Adam makes his way to the Sorceress. He finds her and Duncan. They smile in the most joyous of ways to see Adam.

After hugs are shared, Adam looks at the Sorceress and Duncan, "I was only gone a short time... how did it get so bad?" Duncan looks worn, "We didn't have He-Man. Although I suspect that the Evil Warriors had help. They were mostly all locked up. It makes no sense that only a few would be able to free them." Adam nods, "So Skeletor is free and taking the Eternos Palace as his new home. Where are my parents?" The Sorceress looks sad, "They were prisoners in the palace. Luckily when Clamp Champ, Stratos, and Roboto returned from Etheria, things changed. Roboto managed to bring the King and Queen here."

Adam is grateful, "Where are they? I must see them at once." Duncan nods and tells Adam to follow him. The Sorceress stands there in sadness, "I hope you will be ready for what you find Adam." Her mind drifts to Adora. Now that one twin is on Eternia and the other Etheria, Sorceress wonders if the lines of telepathic communication will be open again.

Rushing with Duncan, Adam cannot wait to see his parents. There is much that needs to be said and Adam wants to also make things right by ridding Eternia of Skeletor once and for all. Duncan leads Adam into a room that is doubling as a bedroom. Marlena is sitting by a small window writing in a journal. She looks up and stares at her son. Her face melts as she realizes that Adam is home.

"Adam? Adam?" Marlena rushes to her son, embracing him tightly. She doesn't want to let him go, so she squeezes him that much tighter. Adam hugs her back but whispers, "I can't breathe. Mom, I can't breathe." Marlena let's him go and grabs hold of his face, "I'm sorry. I just am so happy to see you. I thought you'd never get back here." Duncan interrupts the moment, "I will leave you to your reunion." Marlena smiles, "Thank you Duncan." Looking back at her son, Marlena pauses, "Wait. Did you bring your sister?" She looks around, hoping to see her long lost daughter appear.

Adam hangs his head, "No. I did not bring her back. She is still on Etheria. I left as quick as I could once I knew there was a problem. But mom, we found each other. My sister is alive and well." Tears well up in Marlena's eyes. She takes in a deep breath and holds it. This is news she thought she'd never hear. Slowly letting the air out of her lungs, Marlena's chin trembles, "You found her?" Adam nods, "Yes, sort of. More like she found me. It is a long story, but Adora is alive and she is thrilled to meet you and dad. Where is my father?"

A funny look crosses over Marlena's eyes. So many emotions are washing over her. She grabs hold of Adam's hand, "Adam. There is something you need to know... Let me show you." Confused and on guard, Adam walks with his mother to a secluded room in Grayskull. "What is going on?" He asks as they walk towards a bed under a shimmering fading blue light. His father, King Randor, is laying on the bed with eyes closed.

Marlena wipes her eyes, "Your father is not doing well. He fought against Skeletor, and was badly injured. An infection settled into the wounds. We were prisoners in our own home, and Skeletor would not offer any medicine. But now we are here, and the Sorceress has been trying to help." Adam kneels down by his father, "Is he going to be alright?" Marlena walks next to Adam and places her hands on his shoulders, "I hope so. It is all I can hope for. Now that you are back, maybe he will get better."

"I should have been here." Adam curses out loud. Marlena shakes her head, "Do not talk like that Adam. You were on a very important mission. No one knew that Skeletor would break free in your absence. What matters now is that we just be strong for your father." Adam nods, "We will be strong for him and I will make sure that He-Man stops Skeletor. Once and for all."

***

Back on Etheria, two new prisoners sit in their respective cells inside Castle Bright Moon. Mantenna observes Glimmer sitting across from Catra's cell with arms folded, "You aren't going to escape Catra. So stop being bothersome and just answer the questions." Catra glares at the princess, "I won't answer a thing from you. How is your mother? Still cripple?" A momentary wave of sadness mixed with anger crosses over Glimmer's face. She remains calm though, "I know what you are doing, and I will not give into it. Say what you want, I still find you to be pathetic. Now will either of you tell me what Hordak has planned next?" Glimmer looks at Catra and Mantenna.

Turning back, Glimmer sighs, "Don't make this difficult for yourselves. You are both prisoners of the Great Rebellion, and nothing is going to save you now." Glimmer stands there in all seriousness while Catra rolls her eyes, "The more you speak the more I want to rip into your throat." Glimmer raises an eyebrow, brushing her pink hair behind her ears, "I'd like to see you try Catra. I really would. Because after everything you've done to the people I care about, I think I'd rip into your throat first!" She screams the last part, completely fed up with everything.

Grinning from ear to ear, Catra slinks to the bars of her cell, "Well look at this. The purrfect princess of Bright Moon is talking so tough. I'd love to play, just let me out." Glimmer glares at Catra and turns as Adora enters the cell block. "No one is going to let you out Catra. Everything alright Glimmer?"

Glimmer nods, "Fine. I'm not really getting anywhere with either of them." Adora nods and they both talk. Offering to take over with the questioning, Adora steps out of the way so Glimmer can leave. Catra purrs out another insult to Glimmer one last time. The pink haired princess holds her head high, ignoring the comment.

Turning to face the cells, Adora questions both Mantenna and Catra. "I understand that Hordak is starting the Horde Academy up again. What is next?" Mantenna is quiet. He simply sits on the floor, his bug eyes intently focused on Catra and Adora. He knows something will happen between them both, most likely something terrible.

"Now why would we say anything to you Adora? Just because you have us locked in here, it doesn't mean much. After all Adora, why would I ever help you?" The two women stare at each other. Adora knows this is going to be difficult, but she must try. "Catra, don't make this a challenge. You are locked up and won't be going anywhere. Just help us." Seething in rage, Catra's green eyes dazzle in the dimly lit room, "I would rather rot in here for an eternity than ever help you."

Completely lost, Adora shakes her head in sadness, "What happened to you? How did you become this hateful person? I don't understand..." Catra's eyes widen in anger, "You don't understand? You? You! You, are the one responsible! You!" Catra points a finger through the bars. There is so much on her mind, so much has occurred between them. Adora stands there in shock, "Me? How am I responsible for you being such a hateful woman. Look at yourself Catra! What did I ever do to you?"

Catra rattles the bars, "You did everything to me! Everything!" Adora is lost and unaware of what her actions are in this sordid drama. On the other hand Catra remembers it all. The kiss and near death experience. The jealousy mixed with love and hatred for even wanting to be in love, so much is clawing its way through Catra's mind, that she is slipping into madness.

Adora is getting angry as well, "I did everything to you? Are you insane? You tried to kill me! Catra! You threw me off a blasted mountain! What has gotten into you? They told me what you did to that little girl. You clawed her face. She nearly died! Catra, you have got to stop this."

With eyes mad, Catra stands tall with a huge smirk on her face, "Well look at this. Look at you. Wise Adora. So full of honor and decency. You may have the Rebels fooled, but you can't fool me. I remember. I remember exactly what you've done, the actions you took when you were a part of the Horde. You can stand there and act as if you are so full of honor, but you and I both know that you should be behind these bars with me. Tell me something Adora, do the screams of those you've harmed keep you up at night?"

Glaring at Catra, Adora raises her voice, "I may have done terrible things, but I was unaware of the true nature of the Horde..." Catra cackles with a quick purr, "Excuses Adora. I'm hearing excuses." Adora shakes her head furiously. Mantenna is watching as his eyes get bigger. Adora sighs, "I'm not making excuses. I know that I will always live with the horrible things I did when I was the Horde Force Captain. But the difference here Catra, is that I am striving and searching to be a better person. I am aware of more. I know that what I did was wrong. The Horde is wrong Catra. I am going to make sure that we can all be free in this world. I will strive to free Etheria from the evil forces of Hordak. So keep spouting your hatred, it won't change what I am hoping and searching for..." Adora's words leave an impact on Catra.

With clenched fists, Catra screams and rattles the bars. Reaching out to grab hold of Adora, Catra screeches, "You think you are so perfect! I've got news for you Adora! You are all going to pay. Each and every one of you! When I am done with Etheria, nothing will ever be the same!" She tries to take a swipe at Adora, but Adora steps back. Mantenna continues to watch, shock and awe spreading across his face. Catra continues trying to reach out at Adora. Shaking her head in sadness, Adora simply walks away.

Exiting the cell block, Adora has tears in her eyes as she listens to the twisted screams of Catra. "I don't understand. What has happened to her?" Adora says aloud and rushes off. She feels the need to get away, and that is just what she does. Gathering her noble steed, Adora and Spirit ride off towards Skydancer Mountain and the Crystal Castle.

***

On Eternia, Adam learns more about what he has missed since being away. After finding out who is able to help the forces of good, Adam looks for the one person he knows will help him feel better. Stepping away from a conversation with Clamp Champ and Roboto, Adam travels towards what he hopes is Teela's room. It has been a long time since so many people have found themselves living in Grayskull, that it is a bit strange to find out every one's new living situations.

However, once he steps in the doorway and notices her, his heart just melts. He can't hold back. Rushing towards Teela, he plants his lips across her lips, kissing her in a sweeping gesture. Pulling back, Teela catches her breath, and then decks him in the face. Stepping back in pain, Adam shakes his head, "What was that for?"

Teela glares at him, "I know about it all. How could you?" Rubbing his jaw, Adam looks on in confusion, "How could I what? I don't understand." Teela shakes her head in disbelief, "How long were you going to do this to me? Did you enjoy taking me for a fool?" She goes in for another punch, but Adam tries to hold her back, "Teela, stop this. Talk to me, what did I do?"

"What did you do? You lied to me! I have been a fool Adam. Or do I call you He-Man?" Her eyes study him, looking for an explanation. Adam stands there as the walls start to crumble around him. "Shit." He can't say anything else.

"That's all you've got Adam? Really? When were you going to tell me? After I slept with you, or after I slept with you as He-Man?" She wants answers, and Adam tries to explain, "I know I should have told you, but I never expected that things would get so complicated." He pleads with her and Teela can only shake her head, "I felt so terrible. I truly believed that I was an awful person. I thought I was cheating on you. I was so torn Adam! I had feelings for you both, but you are one in the same! How could you do this to me?" Adam reaches out to hug her, "Teela, I didn't mean for it to be like this. Who told you?"

"I figured it out on my own, though I wish you had told me. But yes, I figured it out on my own. So much has happened since you were gone. I missed you so much." Adam is hurting for her, "What happened to you?" Throwing her hands in the air, Teela sighs, "Where do I begin? I found out my mother was the Sorceress. I dragged my uncle out of obscurity to see if he was possibly my father, and now he is fighting for his life. Skeletor became free and drove us all out of the palace. And of course there is you and your secret."

Adam hangs his head, "I never meant for this to happen Teela. Believe me when I say that. I didn't know what to do either. I felt bad for what I was doing to you, but it is just confusing. It was only a few kisses, I would have told you the truth." They stand there in silence. Teela wants to run to him, but she can't. So much has happened to her. This is just something she no longer wants to deal with. "We need to be focusing on other things right now Adam. Skeletor will be planning another attack on Grayskull soon enough. We all need to create a new plan."

"Well what about us? Teela, while I was gone, I couldn't wait to get home. I met my sister. And the way I envisioned it was that I'd come home and I would introduce her to my family and to the woman that I love. I love you Teela. I am sorry that things got so..." Teela fights back tears and interrupts him, "I think we should end this." Adam is stunned, "What?"

Her heart is beating so fast, and she isn't truly sure she is making the right decision, but she is hurt. "I am happy that you met your sister Adam. I am. But I can't do this. I can't love you. Not after everything. Don't you see? This whole time I would defend you or grow annoyed with you because I thought you were some irresponsible cowardly prince. But you were none of those things. I don't even know who you are. I just can't do this, it's too much." She reaches out and touches his face with her hands, "Adam. You couldn't even trust me with who you are. Me, your best friend." Tears are forming, but before she can show him a crinkle in her emotions, Teela casually wipes her eyes and composes herself, "We have more pressing concerns. Skeletor needs to be stopped. We have to work on a new plan. I'll be with the rest of the Masters. Maybe He-Man can save us all now..." She leaves him alone. Standing in her room, Adam looks around. The weight of so much is on his shoulders. He simply wishes that this could all just be a dream. If only.

***

Sitting in the corner of her cell, Catra looks up as yet a new visitor approaches. Bow stands at the bars, looking sorry for her. She purrs, "Don't pity me Bow." The archer shakes his head, "I feel no pity for you." Standing up and stretching her body, Catra tilts her head as some of her jet black hair falls in her face, "Than why are you here?" Bow looks sad, "I wanted to see my old friend. We were all friends once. What happened?"

Catra slinks towards the bars, "I'll tell you what happened. We let the wrong people in. And now we are all suffering. But we don't have to suffer. Help me Bow." Their eyes meet, "Come on Bow. I've never truly wanted you out of my life. Let's leave this place. Don't you want to leave? We can start something new. I'll never look back at any of it." Bow shakes his head, "Leave what? This is my home. Catra, you've reached the end. You need to make a new story for yourself."

Holding her head high, Catra hisses, "I have my story." Her green eyes open into slits and Catra unleashes a wave of magical energy through the cell. All of her anger and hatred is pouring forth, striking Bow unexpectedly. Falling backwards, Bow lays unconscious on the ground. Mantenna is watching this all unfold. Catra reaches through the bars, taking hold of Bow. Pulling him close, she searches for any keys or items on him. Finding a small knife in his boot, Catra uses it to unlock the cell door keeping her a prisoner. Stepping free, Catra purrs, "As I said, I have my story. And it is just beginning."

She laughs to herself and thinks, foolish Rebels. You are all no might for my magic. Stepping over Bow's body, Catra turns to leave. Mantenna shrilly calls from behind, "Wait! What about me Catra? Let me out too!" Catra turns to look at her fellow Horde member, "Let yourself out Mantenna." Catra quickly exits the cell block as Mantenna's eyes bulge, "Wait! Catra! Come back!" He slumps to the ground, shocked that she is leaving him behind. It soon dawns on Mantenna, that no one will be saving him at all. He is on his own.

In another part of Etheria, Adora transforms into She-Ra. The princess of power enters into the Crystal Castle, searching for Light Hope. As she enters into the grand ballroom, She-Ra smiles at her friend. Light Hope's image glides towards her, the embers of light floating off his visage. "Something is troubling you She-Ra, what can I do for you?"

She-Ra explains the most recent set of events to him. "Everything is just out of control. My heart is heavy for the Great Rebellion. Angella may never be able to walk, and Madame Razz is just not the same. I also miss my brother terribly. He left without any warning, and I feel as if meeting him was but a dream. I don't know that anything is going to truly free Etheria from the Horde." Light Hope tilts his head, "But of course Etheria will be free from the Horde's oppression. We have you."

Looking away, She-Ra sighs, "I am nothing but the existence of a few words spoken by a woman who is damaged. How can I save Etheria? I once helped to spread this oppression." Light Hope reaches out to her, "Stop this. It does nothing to help. You must stop this. She-Ra, you have never been needed more. Others have tried to protect and save Etheria. We have all failed. When I was the protector of this world, I too had words to call upon to deliver my power. I even had Kowl to change into a soaring owl, flying me from adventure to adventure. We helped usher in a new peace that was short lived. And now that I am in-between worlds, I can only hope that you will finish this. She-Ra, you can end this suffering. You have the power." She-Ra looks at him. She had no idea the true nature of Kowl's connection to Light Hope. She thinks of Swiftwind and everyone else. Her mind races to her friends in the Great Rebellion. The same friends who have become her family. She thinks of her blood family, and her hopes to one day meet her parents. She thinks of the little girl who nearly died at the hands of Catra earlier. She thinks of other people on Etheria who are all wanting to live in a world of freedom. Then there is the love in her heart for that special person, her special friend... and just like that She-Ra believes with all her heart that she is going to stop the Horde. "I will free Etheria." She turns back to Light Hope, but he is not there. Smiling to herself, She-Ra rushes off full of resolve and urgency.

***

Time floats by on Etheria. Back in Bright Moon Glimmer and Frosta head down to the cell blocks to offer food to the prisoners. Frosta groans, "I honestly don't understand why we must feed them. We are already dealing with a food shortage, and now we have to worry about Catra and Mantenna getting nourishment? Honestly, Bright Moon runs things so ass backwards." Glimmer rolls her eyes, "Frosta, stop complaining. We will all be fine." As they step into the cell block, Glimmer steps back at the sight of Bow on the ground. "Bow!" She rushes to him, hoping he is alright. Feeling a bit dazed (and confused) Bow slowly opens his eyes, "What happened?"

Frosta points to the open cell door, "Catra happened. She's not here." Turning to look at Mantenna, Frosta snaps, "What happened? Where is she?" Mantenna sits there in silence. Glimmer sighs, "Mantenna! Please! What is going on?" Mantenna turns to the Rebels, "She used her magic, and picked her way out." Frosta looks surprised, "And she left you here?"

"I don't want to talk about her!" Mantenna shrilly cries. Glimmer looks at Bow, "Can you get up?" Bow nods, and carefully stands up. Glimmer motions to her friends, "Come on, everyone needs to know about this." The Rebels get ready to leave, but Mantenna stops them. Much is on his mind, and he is angry, "Wait! Not just yet." Frosta huffs, "What is it darling?" Mantenna isn't sure if he will regret this or not, but he just goes with it, "I know what Hordak is planning. I know about it all. And I'll tell you." Glimmer looks confused, "Why are you going to tell us this now?" Mantenna looks at his prison, "I have nothing else. No one is going to come for me and Catra left me here. What do I have to lose?" The Rebels stand there as Mantenna tells them everything they need to know.

***

Castaspella is ready to sit for a spell. Mystacor is peaceful and quiet, floating in the air yet anchored by the Four Chains of Magic. Each chain holds onto a corner of Mystacor, and without these chains some believe that Mystacor would just float away. Castaspella actually feels like she could float away. Being a high powered enchantress is not easy. Especially when she presides over one of the remaining free spaces on Etheria.

Her mind begins to play tricks on her as she enters her room to find Catra standing in there. Intently studying a small painting of Castaspella and her older sister. Catra is lost in thought. "What are you doing here Catra?" Castaspella looks on lost. Catra continues to stare at the picture. She slowly begins to speak, "I had to see for myself."

"See what? How did you get here?" Castaspella asks. Catra turns to look at Castaspella, "Many say only Mages can truly travel the Four Chains to Mystacor. Are you aware that I am able to enchant the magical arts?" Castaspella is very confused, "Is Hordak here?" Catra sighs, "No. But he will be."

Trying to remain calm, Castaspella continues, "Please hand me my canvas." Catra tilts her head, looking oddly at Castaspella. She holds the image up, "This is you. And your sister." Castaspella stands still. Catra purrs, "Her name was Incantatia." Castaspella stands there in shock, "How did you know that?" Shaking her head, Catra looks back at the painting, "I know because she is my mother."

"Impossible." Castaspella shakes her head. Catra sisgh, "Not entirely. I was told everything by Shadow Weaver, or Light Spinner as she used to be called. I know that Incantatia followed Shadow Weaver to the Fright Zone. She became a slave to the Horde, orders by Hordak. She eventually bore me through a doomed romance in the slave mines. She died giving birth to me."

Tears form in Castaspella's eyes, refusing to believe, Casta is painfully aware that this could be true, "What do you want Catra?" Catra stands there motionless, "I want a hug auntie. We are family." Casta laughs in nervousness, "Little girl, we will never be family. You are an evil nasty being who will find no solace here." Catra narrows her eyes, "Bad choices get people killed." Screaming, Catra rips the small painting in half. Casta steps back in sadness and prepares to fight as Catra lunges across the room.

***

Night is already under way over Mystacor, and changes are already underway. A group of Horde Troopers follow behind Grizzlor, Leech, and Hordak. The Horde leader knows something strange is going on. He has lost contact with Catra and Mantenna. He is also shocked that his arrival on Mystacor has been easy. No one seems to be around, the place is empty. Looking back at the Horde, Hordak snorts, "Stay here. Be on guard, I am going to talk to Castaspella."

He enters her throne room, fully expecting guards, mages, and other manners of force. This is all too easy. Hordak spies a shadowy figure at an ornate throne. "Castaspella, the Horde is here under full order to search Mystacor for the Lunar Stone. So far you have not posed any problems, and I would like for Mystacor to continue staying out of my way." A mysterious cackle echoes across the room. Hordak pauses, "Catra?"

Magical light slowly lights up the room as Hordak notices Catra sprawled out across Castaspella's throne. Off to the side is Casta's body, slumped against the wall. Hordak crosses his arms, "You were supposed to be gathering children for me. The Horde Academy is going to be delayed because of this." Catra sits still, "Your Horde Academy is over, much like you Hordak." Snorting in annoyance, Hordak folds his arms, "Really? So what is this all about?"

Catra stands up, drawing her sword, "This is about my chance to take what should be mine." Hordak sighs, "You are making no sense woman. Did you come here to help me find the Lunar Stone?" Catra snaps, "Screw your Lunar Stone! I came here for you. This is my rightful place. You enslaved my mother and ripped me from Shadow Weaver's hands. You placed me in the Horde Academy where you belittled me and treated me like garbage. And then you got rid of the one person that could have truly changed me..."

Hordak is growing impatient, "Oh you aren't making any sense. Who is your mother? What are you talking about? Step down from the throne Catra and help me find the Lunar Stone. I congratulate you for taking the initiative with Mystacor, but stop these theatrics." Catra points her sword at him, "What did you do with Huntara?" Hordak steps back, "Huntara? That warrior from Sylax? I dropped her down the trapdoor. I have no idea what happened to her after."

"LIES!" Catra screams. "You killed her!" She strides towards him with fury, "And now I am going to kill you!" She lunges at him, swiping at his chest. Completely surprised, Hordak is delayed from an attack. Catra slashes out with her sword again. He snorts, "I did not kill Huntara, but I will kill you if I must. No one treats Hordak this way!" His arms dissolve and transform into sharp blades.

The two engage in a bitter sword fight. Catra is finally free to unleash everything she has towards one of the people she hates most on Etheria. Using some of her magic, Catra poses quite the problem for Hordak. His plans are derailed. "Catra, this is not going to end well for you!" He slices into her cape, but she quickly turns planting a fist into his chest. Coming back for another punch, Catra knocks Hordak back. Sweeping his legs out from under him, Catra knocks Hordak to the ground. Delivering a concussive blast of magical energy into Hordak's skull, Catra kneels over him.

A bit woozy, Hordak tries to focus. He can't believe this is actually happening. Grabbing hold of her sword, Catra feels a smile of glee spread across her face as her green eyes light up like fire, "This day will forever be marked as the day that Hordak fell by the claws of CATRA!" She screams in joy as she drives her sword through Hordak's chest. Jolting up by the force of the wound, Hordak looks into her face. All he can see is her sharp grin and those dazzling green eyes...

Up Next!
Just be here next week for an all new She-Ra Saturday! I can't really say anything else!

Dorkette Book Club: Mega Man Robot Master Field Guide!

Remember when I said I had a great Dorkette Book Club to talk about? Well I am finally getting my lazy behind in gear and getting everything together! The Mega Man Robot Master Field Guide is the ultimate book for fans of the blue bomber. I personally have had a long love affair with Mega Man for ages. Mega Man 2 was the first Mega Man video game I played, and I was hooked. There was something so fun and exciting about the evil robot masters. As each new Mega Man game would get released, I found myself thrilled to see what crazy robot creations I'd be fighting against next.

When Mega Man 3 came out, Mega Man hysteria was reaching a fevered pitch. At least in my neighborhood. Snake Man was incredibly creepy cool and there was just so much mystery added to that third installment (hello Proto Man.) If the original Mega Man was more obscure for me and Mega Man 2 was seen as a super fun game, than Mega Man 3 fully cemented the idea that Mega Man was on the sort of status like Mario or Sonic. Everyone loves him and there is always hope for another sequel.

So though there may not be another sequel (that I know of) in the works, there is this really fun Robot Master Field Guide by Udon. Anytime Udon publishes a book, you know it is going to be good. They are responsible for all kinds of books that pay tribute to various Capcom video games. So here is the cover:

And the back:

This book covers pretty much every robot character (though not the minor level enemies) that has ever been introduced in the Mega Man universe. It covers the main list of games as well as the spin offs. Also each robot has details like, who was the robot's creator and what powers the particular robot possesses. And for a little over $10 this book packs an affordable punch.

There are some minor gripes. Each robot is listed alphabetically for example. I personally would have enjoyed the book to be broken down by video game. However I do understand why Udon made the book the way they did. Breaking it down by video game would have probably made the book longer and thus more expensive, but in the end the book is a great addition to any one's dorky shelves.

So why should this book be important to your reading list? Well it is nice to have all this information on the Mega Man robots. Some games (like Mega Man 9 & 10) never came with instruction booklets because they were offered online. So to get the details on these robot masters is really nice. Plus I missed out on owning Mega Man 5-7 on account that my old Nintendo stopped working. Let us not forget also, the awesomeness that is Splash Woman! I really hope that there are some more female robot masters to come in the next Mega Man sequel, whenever that might be. So Mega Man fans get it together and be sure to grab your copy of the Robot Master Field Guide!

And be sure to keep it here, because She-Ra Saturday is coming up and the next chapter in Adora's Search for Honor is going to be out of control good. Catra has some plans for a few folks on Etheria and I just can't help but wonder what will happen when Teela and Adam reunite. (I bet she has something to say about that whole Adam/He-Man thing.) Don't miss it!

Toy Chest Tuesday! Cherry Merry Muffin!

Toy Chest Tuesday is all new! Are you ready? I mean are you ready? Ya know this election season has made me really hungry. And really, not just the election. I mean we are in November. In a few weeks it will be Thanksgiving which will mean a lot of eating. So I thought what better way to embrace Toy Chest Tuesday whole heartedly than by checking out a delicious treat from the toy past! Cherry Merry Muffin was Mattel's rebuttal to Hasbro's Strawberry Shortcake. I being hungry for all toys had no problem embracing Cherry Merry Muffin. Or rather her friend, Chocolottie. Let's look!

Out in the late 80's until the early 90's, Cherry Merry Muffin dolls were a little taller than Strawberry Shortcake and her friends. They also were not as wild as Strawberry Shortcake. Cherry Merry and her merry friends all had natural hair colors and clothes that were prairie food chic. Thankfully they were scented and although there were no colorful pets, each doll came with a sweet smelling tray of muffins, comb, scented recipe card, and a hat for the doll that doubled as a bracelet for you! Oh, and can I just say that the font for Chocolottie's name looks like it was written by a drunken fool or a serial killer? It just looks off.

Anyways, here is a larger photo of Chocolottie. Her dress had cool chocolate accents and some fun shimmer sheen. I remember getting my first Chocolottie like it was yesterday. I was like 7 or so when these came out, and my best friend Kay-Kay and I loved to collect all the cute stuff. We were always talking toy talk and up to date on everything. So we both saved up our money to purchase our own Cherry Merry Muffin dolls. I was so excited. I don't know about you all, but when a toy line comes out like Cherry Merry Muffin, I tend to buy the doll that closely resembles me. So Chocolottie was the best doll that contained my features. I was a brunette (barring those few years in the late 90's and early 00's.) Our eyes were close to the same color. And we both smelled like chocolate. I mean this doll was practically me! Kay-Kay had gorgeous blond hair so she ended up with Cherry Merry and that was that! We got our CMM dolls and then we ended up at Burger King for lunch. After that I went home and watched Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom on VHS. I totally remember this like it was yesterday. It was such a great day. 

Let's also look at the side of packaging. Yummy treats with smiley faces jump up and down in a land made up of food. How good does that all look? I want to just have all these desserts in front of me.

Although here is the problem with putting faces and personalities on food. It becomes creepy, you know what I mean? Like who wants to eat the towering cake that has arms and legs? It is creepy. I used to feel bad for eating my McDonald's french fries. (I grew up with the Funny Fry Friends.) I'd eat them and be like, "They must be so terrified to find out who will be next in my grasp." I've since gotten over this hang up.

Here is the opposite side of the package. Similar dessert creatures bound all over the place in a land made of sweet treats. I don't know if it really shows in these pictures, but this doll's packaging was big. I mean it was very tall and wide. In our current economic toy times, toy companies would have shrunk the packaging size for sure.

The back of the card was pretty basic. There was a small bio about Cherry Merry Muffin, some drawings of the other dolls for purchase, and three brief photos depicting the awesomeness of Chocolottie.

The bio is super fun. Each character is given a little rhyme to explain their personality. I like how the only character that has anything to do with baking is Cherry Merry Muffin. The rest of the characters must do baking as a side thing. But check out these bios, they contain similar traits that have followed along many other doll lines. I must say though, the original Strawberry Shortcake dolls really did a good job of showcasing a wide range of personalities (plus they had old cranky people for villains.) It is all just fun to look at all these details in a toy line. I'm not alone in this, am I?

Ok here we have the dolls themselves. Each doll maintains the same theme that the dolls had throughout this line. There were also some play sets added too, though the play sets had far more going on than what was shown in the drawings. (As seen with the Wedding Cake 'n Party play set.) Chocolottie and Penny Peppermint are in this image.

Here is Cherry Merry Muffin herself, with crimped hair and a lot of pink. I had wanted a Cherry Merry, but I just couldn't escape my own issues with wanting Chocolottie. Greta Grape was the only doll of color in the line. I wish there had been more ethnicities represented in this line and other doll lines too. Ever since I saw Rainbow Brite as a kid, I always wanted multiple races to get representation in a toy/doll line. Another play set is also shown (Fancy Cake) and there is another CMM doll with what has got to be the most interesting name for a doll ever: Lily Vanilly. It doesn't get much more late 80's/early 90's than that.

Rounding out the rest of the lineup was the Cherry Surprise Bake Shop and Bubblegum Becky. There were also other lines and versions of these dolls too. Like the Strawberry Shortcake line, Cherry Merry had play sets, small pvc figures, and everything had sweet smells! The line actually lasted for a good number of years and even had somewhat of a spin off with Mattel's Peppermint Rose dolls. As for any future plans of Cherry Merry Muffin, I am not sure that Mattel will be baking up any new dolls. Though for awhile Mattel did have a Cherry Merry Muffin website online that featured recipes for baking. So who do you vote for? Strawberry Shortcake or Cherry Merry Muffin? I love them both, but Cherry Merry Muffin does hold a special place in my heart. More on that later though.

This final picture also showed off what was so cool about Chocolottie. The cake hat, brushable hair, and a tray of yummy smelling muffins. Oh goodness I loved that tray of muffins. I wish I had my original doll, but I believe I had actually donated her. Right before I became a teen, I went through this brief phase where I was like, "I've got to get rid of this stuff! I need to get interested in lip gloss and dating!" So I ended up donating a few things before quickly coming to my senses. I could have my lip gloss and toys too! (I'm a mess. Really.)

 

So I was really excited when I came across this Chocolottie on eBay about a year ago. They normally go for ridiculous amounts on the secondary market, but I managed to purchase this one for like $14.00, which was a huge surprise to me. And that just shows how some things get marked up badly. Anyways, after I purchased this it made me want to see how my old friend Kay-Kay was doing. I mean I hadn't spoken to her in years, but I never forgot our experience getting our Cherry Merry Muffin dolls. I mean she was my best friend when I was little. So I wanted to find her and just see how she was doing after all the time that had passed. Well sadly, my investigating found out that she had actually died a few years ago. I mean it is crazy how things can change. I wish I had gotten in touch with her sooner. It is just so weird how people grow up and friendships fade away, but there are so many wonderful memories that remain. I will forever remember her and in a way this post is for her. Ya know people sometimes think that collecting toys is silly and there is confusion about why a grown person would want to collect these trivial items. But there are many reasons why people collect. And that makes this Cherry Merry Muffin doll just that much more important to me. So enjoy this latest edition of Toy Chest Tuesday! Let me know your thoughts on Cherry Merry Muffin! I also hope you are all doing well. Until next time!

Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 38

She-Ra Saturday is here (again) and Part 2 is reaching the end! In just a few more chapters Part 2 will end and it will be one helluva ending!

Previously: Hordak and some of his Horde crashed into the Whispering Woods ready to take the Lunar Stone from Bright Moon. The Great Rebellion put up quite the fight, but not everyone walked away unscathed. Madame Razz was harmed with her own magic and Angella was thrown off Bright Moon... Across worlds, the Masters of the Universe were in an intense battle against Skeletor over Castle Grayskull. Fisto was badly injured, and may or may not be dead. There has also been a slew of other really cool things and personal growths for our favorite band of heroic women and men, but after 37 chapters, I think it best to start from the beginning this far in the game! Or just immerse yourself in one dorkette's love for all things She-Ra with this super fun fan fic.

And now...

Adora's Search for Honor

Part 2

Chapter 38

Propped up in her bed, Angella sits patiently as her daughter paces back and forth. A scowl spreads across Glimmer's face as she throws her hands high in the air, "How could you not let us know? I don't understand mother." Angella sighs, "Glimmer, there was nothing to say. Peekablue had come to me in confidence. She didn't want to worry anyone. All she had seen was Hordak talking about his plans. She knew nothing else of a date or method that Hordak would be using! What else should I have done Glimmer? I am the Queen of Bright Moon. My utmost importance was to get the Lunar Stone to safety."

Glimmer hangs her head, "What did they do to you in the Midnight Lair? Why would you only stop there? Why not let us know, so that we could be prepared?" Angella tilts her head, "Glimmer, we only knew that Hordak was talking about these plans. I took a simple precaution with the Lunar Stone and nothing else. Why would I want to create a commotion? The citizens of Bright Moon have been through enough..."

Turning with a pointed finger, Glimmer raises her voice, "Are you listening to yourself? Do you have any idea what is happening? People are leaving the Whispering Woods in droves! There have been two attacks in recent months and no one feels safe. People feel that they can take their chances anywhere now. There are those returning to their old towns and villages, while others are simply leaving to start anew. Mother, the Great Rebellion is falling apart."

Closing her eyes and trying to be strong, Angella sighs, "Everything will work out for the best Glimmer. It just will." Angella hopes her daughter can just believe. Glimmer has lost too much in this life and believing is not always easy, "What will work? Look at you mother. We are falling apart." Glimmer quickly leaves her mother's room and Angella simply sits in her bed with her head in her hands. She calls out to her deceased husband, Micah, for some sort of help. There is nothing but silence.

Outside in the hall, Glimmer rushes away trying to find a place to be alone. Instead she bumps into Bow. "Hey Glimmer." He looks at his friend and can see such sadness in her eyes, "How is your mom?" Shaking her head in defeat, Glimmer sighs, "Oh Bow, I don't know what to do. She still can't feel her legs or wings. And she just seems so different. I don't understand why Peekablue and her both kept Hordak's plans a secret from us. What's the point of Peekablue being able to 'look' in on events on Etheria, if only to keep it to herself?"

Bow nods, "I know you are upset. But we can't question all these things. The most important thing is that Angella is alive. She fell a long way. The Horde left. We have She-Ra on our side. Everything will work out." Glimmer throws her hands up, "That is what everyone says. It will all just work out. And in the mean time the Horde is just taking what they want. Well I am done with all of that. Something needs to change." Glimmer turns away from her friend and walks off to be alone. Bow stands there, marvelling at how far she has come. A voice calls out from behind Bow. "Not long ago she was pining away after you, and now look at her, determined and ready to change the world. Looks like Glimmer is ready to be a queen." Bow turns to hear the familiar voice of Mermista.

"You heard everything?" Bow asks. Mermista nods, "I couldn't help but hear. How is Angella?" Bow explains that she is the same. Mermista is saddened to hear that. She keeps hoping that Angella will have feeling in her legs and wings again. The two friends walk off heading to the dining hall to find something to eat.

In another part of Bright Moon, Adora is sitting by Madame Razz's bedside. The witchy old woman is still feeling weak from the events with Hordak. Roughly coughing and trying to stay still, Madame Razz looks over at Adora, "You don't have anything else to do dearie?"

Adora shakes her head, "Nope. I'm perfectly fine right here." Adora reaches out and squeezes the old woman's frail hands. Madame Razz cackles to the best of her ability, "This is the last place you need to be. You should be spending time with your brother. Or summoning She-Ra and getting rid of the Horde." Adora knows this would make the most sense, however there are other important things going on. "Madame Razz, you were injured. I have time for all those other things, but I just want to be here, looking over you. You gave us all a scare!"

"Your tellin me dearie! I don't think I've ever felt so much pain in my head before. I don't know what I was thinking trying to go up against Hordak on my own. I'm not some spring selkie ya know?" Adora smiles to herself, "No, you aren't. In fact, once Light Hope finds out about this, he will probably insist on seeing you..." Madame Razz's eyes nearly bug out of their sockets, "I told you dearie, I am too old a woman for that man to ever lay eyes on me again! I want him to think of me in my younger days, when this face wasn't so cracked and shallow."

Adora insists, "But Madame Razz, you both loved each other so. Surely he'd look past that?" Madame Razz sits up in her bed, "Adora, dearie, we did love each other very much. But it has been so long since we last saw each other, and in his new form... well... I just like to hold onto the great memories. Sometimes the memories is what gets you through..." They smile at each other and make some brief small talk, all of which involves the recent attack from the the Horde.

Madame Razz eventually coughs again shaking her head, "Dearie, enough of this gloom and doom. Talk to me about something else. Tell me what is new with you. I've sensed your heart has been heavy..." Adora sits there in awe, nothing can ever escape Madame Razz. "I don't even know what to say Madame Razz..."

The witchy woman gives a big toothy grin, "We can always start with the men in your life. I'm not dense dearie." With eyes wide open, Adora tries to cover her surprise. Where would she even begin? "I guess I am in a messy situation Madame Razz. I have found my heart in a confusing place. I care so strongly for Bow, he means the world to me. Our special friendship has carried me through so much and when I think of what we have already been through and experienced together... I just want to hold onto him forever. But..." Adora pauses to choose her words carefully. Madame Razz leans back and exasperates, "But?"

Adora shakes her head, surprised that she is talking about this, "But... I have found myself thinking of someone else too. I have developed an interest in Sea Hawk, which has completely caught me off guard because the man is a nuisance. He only thinks of himself. The way he views and treats women, I don't see how he hasn't been strangled by one of us yet. But beneath those things... I feel a kindred connection. There are things that haunt him just like there are things that haunt me. I want to know more about him. But I don't know why." She looks over at Madame Razz hoping for some wise answer. Anything at this point would be helpful. Madame Razz simply sighs, "You are certainly in a predicament dearie."

"I know! Oh Madame Razz I know." Adora shakes her head, "And the worst thing about all of this is that I feel so pathetic. I contain the secrets to become the most powerful woman in the universe. I have accomplished so many things to help this world... and yet I am completely lost over two men? I just feel so pathetic. I should be better then this..." The troubling situation is concerning for Adora. Madame Razz lightens the mood with a laugh, "Oh dearie, you are hardly the first nor the last to be involved with matters of the heart. You could single handedly rid Etheria of evil but that would still not make you immune to love and the complications that come with it. Don't let your feelings take away from who you are. You can still be the most powerful woman in the universe and still get caught up over two strapping young men. Dearie, what I wouldn't give for these old bones to have a bit of romance around here..."

They both laugh at the statement. Adora has tears in her eyes, "It's never too late Madame Razz. A great romance could still be brewing for you." Madame Razz nearly chokes on the thought, "Please dearie. Let's focus on the things that make the most sense in this world. I understand the position you have found yourself in, but eventually, something will need to change." Nodding in agreement, Adora sighs, "I know Madame Razz. I can't go on forever with these conflictions. I just don't know what I will do." Madame Razz reaches out to squeeze Adora's hands, "Listen dearie. It will make sense. Try not to dwell on it all. Just accept it all for it what is. You've got your mind and heart on two men and leave it be. It'll come to you." Adora nods, "Oh Madame Razz what would I do without you?"

The old witchy woman shrugs, "I have no clue dearie." They continue to sit there talking about various things. Madame Razz is wounded, but she is far from going down without a fight. The conversation eventually changes to another topic: the She-Ra doppelganger. Madame Razz wants to know what Adora thinks about that. Adora shakes her head, "Madame Razz, I do not even know what to say. I am afraid though, because I saw her. The doppelganger, her face changed. And when I saw that happen, I caught a glimpse of... Double Trouble." Madame Razz gasps, "But dearie, Spira was killed. You saw her die." Adora nods, "I know. Now I am just very confused, how can she be back? What happened to her?" The question lingers in the air, without an answer.

***

In another section of Bright Moon, Frosta finds herself looking for some peace and quiet. With the recent Horde attack and all the commotion that followed, Frosta is in desperate need to be alone. Sneaking into a small sitting room, Frosta smiles at the sight of a plush lounge chair. "Perfect!" She says aloud and prepares to lay back. "No one will be looking for me in here." Frosta goes to lay down and relax. A small window by the lounge lets in some light. Everything just feels cozy.

That all changes though once Frosta notices someone sitting in a corner of the room. Frosta screams in surprise, and screams again once she realizes who she is looking at, "Can't there just be one place where I see no one? I can't even sit in my room! And now this!" Frosta points at the person, "Peekablue, just leave darling!"

Stepping out of the corner, Peekablue looks at Frosta. The shy green haired woman stands there completely lost. Her lower lip trembles and before Frosta can do anything, Peekablue starts crying. Plopping herself on the lounge chair, Frosta drops her shoulders, "I just want to be alone. What is all this about?" Frosta motions to the tears running down Peekablue's face.

"I'm so sorry Frosta. I would have left had I 'seen' you coming. I've just been wanting to be alone too." Frosta tilts her head, "Because of all that time you've spent living alone in the Sun Tower?" Peekablue shakes her head, "No. I've actually gotten used to being around people. My shyness was changing, but I just feel like everyone hates me."

Frosta sits back with her arms crossed, "Oh you get used to that. Believe me darling, people don't always like me much some of the time either." Peekablue shakes her head and plops down right next to Frosta on the lounge chair. Frosta tries not to recoil from the violation of personal space. Peekablue sobs, "I don't want to be hated, especially for what I did. I didn't mean any harm." Frosta knows she will regret this, but she asks anyway, "Does this have to do with the Horde attack?"

Peekablue nods, "Yes. I never meant to keep anything from the Great Rebellion. I don't fully understand my powers. Sometimes if I focus on something I can see what is going on elsewhere. But other times these visions come to me and I do not know the context. I can't tell if it is something that is occurring in the moment or something that is yet to happen. So when I saw Hordak talking about invading the Whispering Woods, well, I didn't know what to do. That is such a big thing and I didn't want to create a panic."

Frosta agrees, "Of course darling. I seem to recall what happened the last time you told a group about one of your visions." Frosta is referring to the time that Peekablue saw into the future the death of a Rebel. Peekablue bites her lower lip, "It is hard to talk about my power. It is scary and hard to understand. But I never meant any harm to come to anyone. If I had understood Hordak's plans better, I would have done more. But Queen Angella wanted me to keep quiet and to just monitor things. I just feel like I messed up, and now everyone hates me. I started making all these friendships, and now everyone is going to hate me..."

The crying continues and Frosta looks on, unaware of what she should do. Slowly, Frosta places a hand on Peekablue's back. Doing her best to soothe, Frosta sighs, "No one is going to hate you, ok darling? I mean look at me. I find your weird vision magic to be highly bothersome, but I'm right here talking to you. All I wanted was to have some time to myself, and I could have very well thrown you out of this strange small room. But I didn't. And if I can sit here and talk to you, I know other people will still talk to you too. Things happen. Sometimes we don't make the best decisions. My goodness, I am notorious for making great errors in judgement. I actually let the love of my life help some stupid hapless twit with curly blond hair and bad eye shadow. You should have seen the way he looked at her!"

Peekablue stops crying and looks at Frosta in confusion, "What are you talking about?" Frosta looks at her stupidly, "He-Man. And I can't even recall the twit's name." Peekablue shakes her head, "I didn't know he was the love of your life." Frosta rolls her eyes, "Well of course he is darling. Don't you know anything? I thought you could 'see' things." Peekablue sits there, unsure what to say. Her tears are no longer flowing though. "Thank you. I think."

Frosta shrugs, "No problem." Peekablue stands up and readies herself to leave the room. She isn't sure what else to do. As she turns to leave, Frosta calls out, "Peekablue. Don't worry about anything. No one is going to hate you. And honestly, you aren't that bad." Smiling and feeling happy to hear that news, Peekablue waves and leaves Frosta alone. Maybe everything would be ok, Peekablue thinks. As she walks away from the room Peekablue feels a slight tremble course through her body. Her eyes twitch and she stumbles against the wall. Something is not right. She is seeing things and it is making her body feel weird. "I have to find him."

Outside Castle Bright Moon, Sea Hawk is working on his ship in a woodsy clearing. He is working hard and enjoying the silence. He notices Netossa soon approaching but keeps working. "Hawk?" Netossa climbs aboard the ship and looks at the pirate's work. "Everything ok?"

Sea Hawk is finishing up some patchwork on a side railing, "Suppose so. Just finishing some work on this ship. The Horde took us all by surprise and made sure to take some of my ship apart too." He knows Hordak did all of this on purpose. He can't say anything though. Netossa sighs, "Hordak made a huge mess of things. But you have been acting weird before we were attacked. Do you wanna talk about anything?"

The pirate drops one of his tools and sighs, "No 'Tossa. There's nothin to talk about. Only work." He is hoping she will just go away. But Netossa doesn't. Instead she joins him in fixing his ship. "You don't have to help me." Netossa smiles, "You are my friend. Look at all you have done for me. I want to help." They work in silence. Sea Hawk is grateful for the help, but he also feels terrible. If she only knew, he thinks.

As they are finishing up some work, Sea Hawk looks over at Netossa. "Have you been to your home since everything happened?" Netossa shakes her head, "No. Spinnerella and I have not been back. Ever since the village was attacked and the Eye of Fire was taken... I think it was easier for our village to just take their anger out on us. I don't know that we will ever be able to return..." The news is heavy on Sea Hawk. He is responsible for what happened in her village. He is responsible for a great deal. "Netossa..." He is going to tell her the truth. Finally the burden on his shoulders is going to be free, someone will finally know what he has been doing. All of it: still working for Hordak under blackmail, the destruction that he has been a part of. All of it.

But he just stands there. Netossa looks at him, "Yes?" Sea Hawk is about to speak, but stops. No one can know, no one can ever know the things he has done. They would never understand. Sea Hawk shakes his head, "Never mind 'Tossa. Thanks for helping me. You are a great friend." Netossa smiles and tilts her head, "Come on, let's see what's for lunch in the dining hall." They head off to Castle Bright Moon.

Inside the castle Peekablue is staggering towards a room. Throwing herself in the room, Peekablue stumbles towards an end table. "Prince Adam..." Adam turns to see Peekablue in his room. A trail of blood is streaming from nose. "Peekablue! Here, sit." He guides her to his bed, "What is going on? You are bleeding." Peekablue shakes her head, "I saw something. It was intense..."

Adam grabs some tissues and wipes her nose, "What did you see? Did someone do this to you?" Peekablue sighs, "No. I did this to me. It is my power. I can't control it. And this time I am going to do the right thing. Adam... I saw something. A vision." Adam asks for more details. Peekablue continues, "There was a battle in front of a castle. I've never seen this place before. But Clamp Champ and Stratos were in this vision. They were fighting against these beings that were led by a man with a skull for a face..." Adam's heart sinks, "That's Eternia. When did this vision occur?" Peekablue isn't sure, "I do not know if this has happened in the past or if it is happening right now. Or maybe the future... But it doesn't feel like the past."

"Was He-Man there?" Adam asks. Peekablue shakes her head, "No, I didn't see him. But come to think of it, this vision must be new, because why else would I be seeing something from the past? I only just met Clamp Champ and Stratos recently. If this place is your home Adam, something is wrong." Adam shakes his head, this is the last thing he needs to hear. "I have to go." Adam gets up going through a drawer for the portal key.

Peekablue panics, "Where are you going?" Adam looks back, "I have to go see what is happening on Eternia. If there is trouble..." Adam turns back, "Where is Adora?" Peekablue shrugs, "I am not sure." Adam rushes out, "There may not be time. Can you please let my sister know that I had to leave back home? I will return as fast as I can, but this is urgent. If Skeletor is loose on Eternia... Just please let my sister know I love her and I will be back." Adam rushes off with the portal key. Leaving Peekablue alone, she sits there hoping everything will be alright. What is the worst that could happen?

***

Inside the Fright Zone, Shadow Weaver works her way through Horror Hall. She grabs a magical book and heads to the far back where a special prisoner is being kept. Leaning over Huntara, Shadow Weaver rasps, "You look very good my dear." Huntara is motionless, her eyes wide open. Shadow Weaver has her in suspended animation.

Opening up the book and chanting a few spells, Shadow Weaver makes sure the suspended animation is still in place, "I wasn't sure quite what to do with you. Killing you would have been simple, but you are a very strong woman. I may still have some use for you. After all, taking you out has helped my ultimate plans."

Turning another page, Shadow Weaver cackles, "I couldn't have you and Catra run off to be happy. Not after everything I have been expecting from her. She is the perfect weapon to carry out my revenge. Hordak is going to pay for everything. Now... I just need to make a decision. What will happen to the strong willed Huntara?" Shadow Weaver pauses in silence, "What was that you said?" The mistress of dark magic cackles again and closes her magic book, "Perfect. I know exactly what I am going to do with you." Shadow Weaver waves her arms in the air conjuring smoke and magical energy. Shadow Weaver's laugh echoes throughout Horror Hall as her magic spell surrounds Huntara.

A ways away from Horror Hall, Hordak sits alone in his throne room. He recalls the past, thinking about his last moments with his sister. "You can't die. We will find a cure for this techno organic virus Annila."

"But I am dying brother. You will have to get along with Horde Prime. I chose him to be my king." Hordak shakes his head recalling the past. He calls out, "I wish you had never joined him in that union. For now, I am the one that must deal with Horde Prime..." Hordak sits in silence. He would never admit it openly, but he misses his sister. Many years and generations have passed, but that loss still effects him.

Catra slinks into the throne room and breaks Hordak away from his thoughts. "Mighty Hordak, the prisoners are doing well." Hordak snorts, "Very well. What of Vampra? I haven't seen her recently. How has she been enjoying her cell?" Catra angles her head with a glint in her green eyes, "Vampra is fine. Aging away against her wishes." Catra lies, Vampra is nowhere near the cell. Hordak sits back though, pleased and none the wiser.

Standing before Hordak with her arms crossed, Catra purrs, "Is there anything else Hordak?" The mighty leader of the Horde rubs his chin, "Yes, there is something else. The Horde is closing in on some important plans involving the Great Rebellion. I am hoping to acquire the Lunar Stone. I believed that the stone was in Castle Bright Moon."

Catra interrupts him, "Which is such a shame. I would have loved to join in on the attack against the Great Rebellion. I feel like I missed out on something big." Hordak nods, "Yes well, things are far from over. The Horde is going to attack a location that has long been ignored: Mystacor."

"Mystacor? Land of the Mages?" Catra smirks, "Why there?" Hordak sits there in silence. He pauses to grab hold of some food for his pet Imp. "Mystacor has been an important place to gain control on Etheria, however the Mages of Mystacor are not to be taken lightly. This will be dangerous, but I am counting on you Catra." The feline raises an eyebrow, "Me?" Hordak snorts, "Of course you. I am no fool Catra. I have seen your use of magic. It will be needed..." Catra stands tall with a smile on her face, of course her magic would come in handy...

***

Far away from Etheria, a large Horde ship flies through space. Corporal Romeo stands in the center of the control room. Horde Troopers are piloting the giant ship and Romeo is overlooking everything. A Horde Trooper walks up to Romeo, "Corporal Romeo, we will be arriving shortly." Romeo stands tall looking around him. "Just make sure we have everything ready. Horde Prime is tired of waiting, and now we are going to take what we want."

The Horde Trooper looks around, "Yes Corporal Romeo." The Horde Trooper exits the control room and walks down the hall to finish his other orders. Everyone is busy as they will be landing soon. The Horde Trooper walks past a room with a locked door. Inside the room is a body laying motionless on the floor. The body eventually stirs and rolls over; it is Sweet Bee. She opens her eyes and panics, she is in a strange place, "What is happening to me?" Continuing to lay there, Sweet Bee can only hope that she will be safe, though something tells her this is not the case. She is very much in danger...

Up Next!

Catra gets close to her family...
Prince Adam goes home...

Fish Out of Water

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope this day brings forth much candy eating goodness and a few scary stories or two. I was just recently scared by a co-worker. I tend to get lost in thought and before I know it, someone is walking up behind me to say something, which freaks me out and I scream and jump. All the good stuff.

But that is not want I want to talk about. As some of you may know, I went through a recent ordeal of trying to acquire a Pizzazz costume last week. That little recap can be found right here. So my best guy friend's birthday is around Halloween, and every year we have a blast celebrating his birthday. One thing he loves to do every year is attend this block party in Midtown USA. It is quite an interesting night, because all kinds of really cool people show up. There are shiny hipsters. Regular folks who want to get their drink on. Bad ass lesbians. Ghoulishly chic gay men. Costume enthusiasts. All kinds of people show up to this block party and it is just a lot of fun. Great people watching and there are always great costumes. Folks turn it out.

So my excitement involved actually getting the chance to wear my Pizzazz costume. Last year we did this whole steam punk thing, and I ended up looking like a silly bar wench. Not cute. So I was getting ready over the weekend, slipping into the costume. Wearing that iconic green sock on one leg and a garter on the other. I was loving it! I just knew my costume was going to kill it. I had this really awesome smokey eye that was like neon smokey eye for the Pizzazz of the 21st century! I was just loving it. My dream for the night was that I was going to come across a Jem or something.

However, it all went to hell in a hand basket the moment I took the Pizzazz wig out. Oh ya'll. Where do I even begin? My heart sank into a warm pool of mushy goo. That wig was a hot mess. It looked nothing like the picture on the package. The top part looked like it had been ironed and there were just strips of hair and then you would see the netting for the wig cap. It was like Pizzazz had gotten into a cat fight. And lost. Miserably. I didn't know what to do, but all I could scream was, "I can't walk out of the house with this on my head! I will be the laughing stock!" This was not supposed to be happening!

I had no other choice but to remove my Pizzazz costume and quickly change into something else (because I was already running late.) I was heartbroken. So I threw on a low cut bandage dress from Bebe and was off. (I totally kept the green sock and garter on though. Why not, right?)

So I felt like a total loser once I met up with my friends, because they were all, "I thought you were going as Pizzazz?" Or, "What are you supposed to be?" It was a mess. But there was going to be a High Heel Race and a Costume Contest, so I was totally ready to enjoy that and get a good laugh, anything to make the night eventful. So there I was, standing in the cold (in my haste, I forgot a jacket) in sky scraper stilettos just chatting with people and laughing at this drunk flight attendant. (Oh he was a hoot!)

Anyways, the hosts for the High Heel Race and Costume Show were these extravagant drag queens and they were trying to get people to sign up for the festivities. As we were all talking and awaiting everything, this group of people looked over at me and said, "Get up there! Sign up for the High Heel Race!" I wanted to laugh. First of all, I only run if I am being chased or there is a sale. Secondly, I was in 5 inch heels with a platform sole. Really? My goofy ass was going to enter into a High Heel Race? Please.

Then they said, "Girl, there is a cash prize!" How much? "A hundred dollars!" A hundred dollars!? That's a down payment on the new Castle Grayskull! I'll sign up for a hundred dollars! And that is just what I did. I stupidly signed myself up for a High Heel Race that I quickly found out was going to pit me against a bunch of drag queens and one guy dressed like the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland (the Tim Burton version.) I looked back like, "I gotta go. I can't do this." But damn that hundred dollars was calling my name! And not for nothing, I practically came out of the womb in heels, so this would be a piece of cake. Right?

So the race was about to begin, and this is why it is important to pay attention to the things that people say. There were going to be two races. The first race would be for the drag queens and the second race would be for anyone who was in a costume. I did not know this. So I headed towards the starting line with the drag queens.

As I was walking towards the starting line, this lovely old gay gentleman shouts out at me, "That's a fish! She's fish! She's cheating! We have a cheater! She's not supposed to race yet!" He was trying to get the crowd's attention. My heart stopped. All I could think was that an angry mob of gay men were going to come after me for trying to cheat at a race. So I looked at him like I was dumb and just kept going. Listen ya'll, a hundred dollars was at stake here ok? I had no other choice!

Well the starting line was something else. Every drag queen there had to be over six feet tall and all I could do was look up at everyone towering over me. At this point I really should have just given up. I mean what was I thinking? (I was thinking that I want that damn Castle Grayskull, and if anything the spirit of She-Ra would get me through this.)

One of the drag queens looked me up and down and gasped, "Hey wait a minute! No fair. You are used to being in heels!" I just tried to look innocent. I mean what the hell was I going to do? Then another drag queen spoke up, "I'm just letting you all know, I will push and shove." I was assuming that was a joke, but all I could think was Oh She-Ra get me through this! She-Ra, just get me through this! Not wanting to play the girl card, but I wanted to be like, "Hey, I know we are all ladies up here, but I am a real lady and I will not be getting hurt for this!"

So the countdown was set, and the starting line ribbon was yellow crime scene investigation tape. Really? This was not boding well for me. It was time. The countdown was done and we were off to the races. The crowd was screaming. I felt like the last kart in a game of Mario Kart. Everyone just took off like a bat out of hell. I tried to keep up, I really did.

Then it got crunk, because one of the contestants shoved (like she said she would) and a drag queen went down right in front of me. I screamed, "This just became an obstacle course!!!" I sidestepped the drag queen and was comforted with the fact that I would at least come in next to last place. Oh my goodness, that race was a mess. I couldn't run in five inch heels! Had this been a horror movie, Jason would have already gotten me. The saddest thing was that the fallen drag queen actually ended up passing me. F my life.

Once I finally rounded the damn corner (the track was a simple oval shape, think Baby Park on Mario Kart) and caught up to the finishing line, I thought that would be it. But no. I had to join the second race. So all I could think was, "Well the drag queens are done. It will just be me and the old Mad Hatter man. Surely I would win that! But the second race basically became the first race all over again, only with the inclusion of the Mad Hatter. By this point I could hardly breathe.

The countdown occurred yet again, and like before, everyone just took off. I personally do not understand how those drag queens could do it. I was so far behind, just completely behind. They could have lapped me had this been multiple laps. Anyways, I was ready to give up and forget the damn finish line, when all of a sudden, the crowd completely started cheering for me! I heard people scream, "Get it fish! Get it fish!" There were people standing there with their hands out, waving and high-fiving me on!

By this point I was mostly at a brisk trot, running had all but ended at the starting line. The crowd kept telling me, "You can do it!" And I kept shaking my head screaming, "But I can't! It's that damn McDonalds! I eat too many french fries!" Oh goodness it was a mess. I mean it is hard to run in 5 inch heels in a skin tight dress with a low cut in the front. I mean my top area was jiggly and bouncy. It was not cute. This was not Baywatch material, ok? I looked like a hot mess, and for what? I didn't even stand a chance against those drag queens. The Mad Hatter had given up right at the start. He was smart. But no one can say I didn't try. Right?

So anyways, after the High Heel Race debacle, I made it back to my friends. They were all laughing with me (or was it at me?) and really just in awe that I had actually tried to run like that in heels. One friend was like, "I've never seen you do anything physically active before! This was great!" I mean, I'm not that lazy people! Anyways, one sweet guy from the crowd came up to me and was like, "I just want you to know, I was rooting for you! I really wanted you to win, I always like rooting for the underdog." I smiled and simply said thanks. I am always the underdog. But at least I am the underdog in the cute shoes, even if I went home that night with a sore ankle and freezing cold skin.

I wish I could say I had some pictures to share of my awesome Pizzazz costume. But all I got for ya'll is my little story involving a fish out of water, trying to win some money so her She-Ra figures can have a home. A mess. Anyways, I hope you all have a very nice Halloween. Take care and keep it here! There are always really fun things just around the corner!

Toy Chest Tuesday! Scooby Doo!

Continuing with the theme of toys perfect for Halloween, I thought it best to check out some super cool Scooby Doo toys! Who didn't enjoy the old Scooby Doo cartoon? I loved that damn show with all its hokey glory. And don't even get me started on the old school Scooby Doo vitamins. I'd pop those like candy because they used to taste like candy. My mom would only dispense one at a time, because she knew better. Of course when I found myself staying the night with my grandmother or some other relative, I'd find ways to eat more. They were like SweetTarts, yet they also gave my anemic ass some much needed iron.

Anyways, I digress way too much. Back in 1999/2000 Equity toys released a really cool line of quite possibly the best Scooby Doo toys ever made. So let's check them out!

Scooby Doo

The first wave of figures featured a few versions of Scooby Doo as well as Shaggy and Velma. This version of Scooby Doo came with a box of Scooby snacks and some suction cup wall crawlers. The pieces attached to his paws, and they look really cute (though they don't work all that well.) Also just check out the articulation on this pooch! His legs, knees, waist, neck, and tail all feature articulation. Equity really made a great Scooby Doo toy.

Shaggy

Oh sweet Shaggy. The only reason I ever had a brief moment of dating stoners was due to this lovable guy in clothes that always made me think of my washing machine. When this line came out, there were tons of Shaggy figures on shelves. He came with a lantern and a mini ghoulish Scooby Doo character that glows in the dark! Oh the joys of toys that glow in the dark. Shaggy can hold the lantern and features very basic articulation, but all in all how great does that toy look? The face just looks like Shaggy!

Velma

Velma was another character that had an abundance of figures on shelves. She was actually my first purchase in this line and I remember geeking out to see such nice Scooby Doo items on shelves. I got her at Kay-Bee Toys in the mall, and I just loved that a really nice Scooby Doo toy line was out. She has the same articulation like Shaggy but came with a flash light and a different ghoulish mini glow in the dark "monster." Also, the lantern and flashlight both had glow in the dark paint on them, so the pieces could help the Mystery Gang maneuver through those dark mansions and abandoned warehouses with ease.

Fred

No one could rock an ascot like Fred. Released a year or so after the first line up, Fred was a part of a very rare and hard to find wave of the Scooby Doo toys. There were also some changes to the newer wave that he was a part of. Fred came with more articulation points (bendable elbows, hips, and knees) and instead of mini figures and pieces, he simply came with a scary clock. His figure was still pretty cool and really captured the cartoon character accurately. However, Fred was still my least favorite character. I don't know what it was about him, but he just irked me a little. Maybe it was the ascot.

Daphne

My favorite by far, Daphne had to also be the rarest one to find in stores. (At least in my parts.) When I saw her in Kay-Bee, I flipped out and ran to the register as fast as my feet could carry me. These Scooby Doo toys may have been sold in other stores, but I only seem to recall finding them in Kay-Bee. Good old Kay-Bee never let me down, until they folded. Anyways, Daphne had the updated articulation (bending at the knees and elbows, movable shoulder sockets) and was just the best. Of course she came with a vanity and necklace, but in my mind it was a stolen necklace that the Mystery Gang was trying to solve as part of a convoluted storyline. I would have preferred a cooler accessory, but at the end of the day I was just happy a nice Daphne figure had been released.

Scooby Doo may still be around in some form on toy shelves, but this was truly the best line ever for Scooby Doo. It had everything, nicely detailed figures that were a nice size at over 5 inches. They were just perfect, aside from the scarcity of the line. That must be my only real complaint. I disliked the way the figures had been released not to mention their numbers. My personal thoughts were that they had over produced for the first wave and as a result made smaller production numbers for the later waves. (There were also some villains made into the same scale as well.)

So there you have it folks! Some really cool Scooby Doo toys just in time for Halloween. It is hard to believe these toys came out over 10 years ago. But I hope you enjoy them! They can still be found loose on the secondary market for a decent price, but picking them up mint might cost you. Did anyone else collect these? Are there any fond Scooby Doo memories out there? Who else enjoyed gorging themselves on those old Scooby Doo vitamins before they changed the recipe to something more grody? I want to know! Anyways, take care everyone, and until next time!