Toy Chest Tuesday! Dino-Riders

Toy Chest is back! It just feels like yesterday since we dished on Shimmers. Before we do any toy talk, let me just say, my foot is better. I had a piece of glass or plastic in my foot that finally came out in what can only be described as a scene out of a horror movie. I actually think it was a piece of plastic, which is only appropriate given my affinity for anything toy related.

Anyways, today we are going to be bringing it back to 1988 with Tyco's Dino-Riders! Back in the day I only liked learning about two things in school. Planets and dinosaurs. Anything else was a total bore and hurt my brain cells. (I mean fractions? Really?) So when Dino-Riders came out I thought it was a cool show. That Tyco also released some of the female characters made it even cooler. The basic premise of Dino-Riders was that a group of humans and humanoids traveled back in time to the age of the dinosaur. The good guys wanted to chill with the dinosaurs while the baddies wanted to control them. Either way the poor dinosaurs ended up becoming every one's ride as battles between good and evil raged on until the Ice Age i.e. the toy's cancellation in 1990.

The toyline consisted of various dinosaur play sets that ranged from small sets to rather large ones. There were also 2 pack action figures of the characters. We will be looking at the two pack with Evil Rulon Skwirm and Heroic Dino-Rider Serena!

The action figure two packs came with a hero and a villain. Each figure was a few inches tall with limited articulation (shoulders, hips, knees, and neck.) The two packs only came with figures, there were no accessories. The card was also decorated with some cool Dino-Riders art. I always thought the artwork for these toys was top notch and really explained what the show was about.

A closer look shows off some colors and how much these figures resembled the old M.A.S.K. figures. These figures were also available in other sets with dinosaurs. However for those who only wanted a certain figure, these two packs were very helpful. Even if certain packs were hard to find.

Skwirm was an Evil Rulon. I am not sure what the story was on Skwirm, but there were all kinds of various Rulons. There were snake headed Rulons, like Skwirm, and other various Rulons with insect heads and even a shark group. They were cool and inventive as far as villains go.

Serena was one of the very few female characters from Dino-Riders. She was a healer and wore pink. She was also incredibly rare. I remember searching high and low for this two pack in stores. I so wanted her pink jump suit. I think in theory jump suits are a great idea, but then you realize that there is no extra flowy fabric to fall back on. Anyways Serena was a fun character even if Tyco had to go and make her so damn rare. (One of these days I'm going to post a rant on female figures always being so short packed.) Anyway, Serena could also be purchased with the giant Brontosaurus set from the second series of toys.

The back of the card featured a great deal of information. A majority of the Dino-Riders sets were at the top while the figure two packs were at the bottom.

Now I'm not about to type out all these long and complicated Dino names, but wasn't the line up impressive? There were so many different sets at varying price points to purchase. I secretly always wanted the Diplodocus set because that looked like a cool contraption on the dinosaur. It just seemed like such a cool idea to merge a play set on top of a dinosaur. Of course all those expectations would be raised with the Brontosaurus set. That thing was huge! 

This section of the figure packs really detailed the different characters on Dino-Riders. There were clearly some repaints, but Serena was not the only female character. There was also Ursus. I also liked Dedeye, the hammerhead shark Rulon character. As much as I adore mermaids, I also think sharks are super cool. Anyways these figures were a lot of fun. For those collecting the line, good luck. Most anything from this line is going to cost a pretty penny on sites like ebay and the like. Loose items will be easier to come by of course. I am also surprised that Dino-Riders has not had a come back. In a climate where everything has been given a second and even third chance I just find it odd that Dino-Riders has been MIA. The toyline lasted for three series and the cartoon only lasted for one. (That sounds like fuzzy math.) So maybe the world isn't really ready for a comeback... What do you think?

That is about it for Toy Chest Tuesday folks! Keep it here as I bring forth all the dorky awesomeness that I possibly can! I'm talking a cool new feature! I'm talking some shocking news in the world of toys! I'm talking one badass She-Ra Saturday! This and much more will be rolling out in the coming weeks!

Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 28

Previously: There was an epidemic of Pyres inside the Whispering Woods. Rolf killed Minwu, and nearly changed Perfuma, but the winged woman (Serina) saved the flower maiden. The rebels all put up a good fight, even Spinnerella got involved. Eventually Vampra and her minions were vanquished by Perfuma's powers with nature. The Pyres were sent all the way to the Fright Zone where Hordak was none to thrilled to see that the monsters were free from the Midnight Lair... Angella secretly worked with the Bright Moon guards to round up all the rebels who were bitten by the Pyres and put them in holding cells instead of being in the healing bay... Catra and Entrapta have become friends, but just how close they are remains to be seen... Horde Prime hurtled a test towards Etheria for Hordak... Prince Adam is still wandering around, lost as all get out... Teela wanted to know who was her daddy, and Man-At-Arms was busy finishing up a portal key for some of the Masters to head over to Etheria and find Prince Adam!!!

Adora's Search for Honor

Part 2

Chapter 28

Queen Angella stands over a table looking at old documents of Etheria's past. She is alone waiting for the arrival of Kowl. They are going to read over the handwritten passages that have managed to last over the flow of time. She is looking, searching, for something. The doors to the throne room open and the queen looks up as her daughter and Adora walk in. Angella greets them warmly.

"Mother, it is important that we talk." Glimmer earnestly says looking towards Adora for approval. Adora nods, "It has been a few days since the Pyres attacked, and there has been a great deal of questioning..." The young women look at Angella's face, they are searching for answers of some kind. Angella stands before them with a face that gives nothing away.

Glimmer walks closer to her mother, "Where are the victims? The ones who were bitten, they have family and friends that are looking for them. We have searched, they are not in the healing bay. They are not in their rooms or cabins. There was a group of people who were bitten. Mother, where are they?"

Taking a deep breath, Angella lets out a long sigh, "They are all safe. I have them in holding cells. A team of guards are looking after them." The answer is given matter-of-factly, a tone that surprises Glimmer and Adora. "Mother! You put them in holding cells? What was their crime? The holding cells are used for prisoners..."

Angella turns and walks to her throne. "No one has been held prisoner Glimmer. Have we forgotten what happens when one has been bitten by a Pyre? The cravings for blood, the potential for other innocent lives to be harmed, well, something needed to be done." Angella can see the looks of shock on their faces, "Please, do not look at me like that. You two have no idea what I went through as a real prisoner in the Midnight Lair. I know what happens to those who are bitten. My goodness, have we forgotten about Perfuma? No, I did what was best for this kingdom. You will be queen one day, you will then understand that there are times that call for difficult decisions."

"But mother! They are in holding cells, no one knows where these people are!" Glimmer shakes her head looking at Adora for help. Angella shakes her head, "I do not have them sleeping on stone floors Glimmer. I have outfitted the holding cells to make the experience comfortable for those who were bitten. Once the intensity of their cravings have subsided, then they will be free to go..."

Adora calmly interrupts the queen, "Angella, what happens when they are released? People will find out what has happened and they will possibly be furious that this was kept from them." Sitting on her throne and rubbing her head, Angella sighs, "What are you saying? What would you do?" Crossing her arms, Adora thinks before speaking, "I would be honest with the people. There are those who are already suspecting that something is not right, I think you should address the people of Bright Moon and calm any fears. Angella, this could get out of hand rather quickly."

Angella knows that Adora is right. "Oh I wish those blasted Pyres had never snuck in the Whispering Woods. Our lives would be so different right now." She pauses, "I will address the rebels, however, I will need Perfuma's help. She has been through this and she will be able to help explain. Find Perfuma, and we will address the people."

***

Outside in the courtyard, Perfuma looks over a mound of flowers. She waves her fingers in the air as more flowers sprout from the mound of blooms, "Oh Minwu, I wish it was different." She thinks about the ceremony they had for Minwu. Fond memories were spoken on his behalf. Perfuma smiles, "I think you would have been shy with all the attention that was paid to you. Oh Minwu, I hope you know how much I loved you..." The flower maiden hangs her head in sadness. She is not sure how much more she can take. "I miss being happy and care free..."

Perfuma feels someone approach from behind, she turns to see Adora. The two friends hug each other. "Oh Perfuma, how are you?" Adora looks at her friend blinking back tears, "I'm just tired Adora. I'm very tired." Nodding, Adora consoles her friend.

Eventually Perfuma listens to Adora address the growing concerns of the rebels and what is happening to those in the holding cell. "Of course I will help Angella address the crowd. They must know. Those who were bitten, they will need all the love and support they can get. They are on a journey that will have them questioning who they are, and craving everyone."

A crowd of people with mixed emotions gather round a makeshift stage. Angella and Perfuma are on the stage slightly above the crowd so as to see everyone. Frosta, Mermista, and Castaspella are to the side. Bow and Madame Razz are in the crowd. Glimmer and Adora are in the back, trying to show people where they can stand or sit. Kowl is flying about. Serina is looking on to the side, trying to fit in and finding it difficult with her large colorful wings, she notices a few people staring too much. Sea Hawk is passed out in his room, dead to the world. Netossa is sitting with Spinnerella inside the castle, they have a spot by a window looking down at the unfolding speech.

"My dear rebels, great people of Bright Moon. We have suffered many losses as of late, the most recent being the attack that occurred a few nights ago during the Night of the Glitterbugs celebration. As your Queen, I wish more had been done to prevent a disaster like this from occurring. It was not. We lost lives. We also have those who are injured." Angella is about to speak when someone from the crowd yells out, "Where are the injured?" Another voice shouts, "Where is my son? I want to see my son!" A murmur begins in the crowd. Angella looks at her friends, and realizes she must take the brunt of this.

"Please, everyone, let's remain calm. I have a great deal to explain. Those who have been injured are being taken care of, but due to the number of people and the extent of their injuries, the healing bay was no longer a safe place. As Queen of Bright Moon, I made the difficult decision to place them in the holding cells." She is quiet as the crowd erupts in raised voices demanding answers. "What gives you the right to lock your own people up!" An elderly man gruffs, "This is something the Horde would do! I thought we were better than that!"

"Please, please listen! Calm yourselves!" Angella shouts, still managing to command a crowd. "I know you are hurt and angry. I accept responsibility. But please, listen to me first. You all must understand that no one is a prisoner. The holding cells have been furnished to accommodate the injured." The voice of a woman shouts, "I want to see my husband!" Raising her hands in the air, Angella goes on, "The injured are trying to heal. You all must understand, they were bitten by Pyres. As of right now they are going through something that is painful. Believe me, I know this because I was a prisoner of those monsters for all that time in the Midnight Lair. Some of you may also know about what happened to Perfuma. She was bit recently, and I would like her to talk a little about her experience, so as to give you all a bigger picture at what we are dealing with." Angella looks over at Perfuma as if to say, "Are you ready?"

Perfuma isn't sure that she is ready, but she looks out at the crowd anyway and tells her story from the beginning. Of how Rolf left her to become a Pyre and how their reunion would leave her with a bite that only the death of another could cure. She is blunt about her cravings for blood and how that addiction nearly consumed her. The crowd is listening intently, at once amazed and then horrified at the experiences she is detailing. Perfuma remarks of the kindness from She-Ra and how being away from other people helped her work through the intense cravings. "It will pass. I have been bitten, but I have not given in to the craving. I refuse to harm someone only to turn into an ageless monster. I know that what Angella has done has not been easy to hear, but believe me, she did this to protect us all. Your loved ones will get better, but they must be safe. We all must be safe."

There are various mutterings in the crowd. Some are glad to know the truth. Others find it sad that Perfuma got special treatment in the Crystal Castle while so many others are in the holding cells. Another few are worried about their safety in the Whispering Woods. Angella tries to answer as many questions, "Look, Perfuma was able to get help inside the walls of the majestic Crystal Castle. But we can't expect She-Ra to gather everyone up there. Those who were bitten are getting remarkable treatment here. I assure you. In a few days it will be safe to visit the injured. As for overall safety, I am not exactly sure how the Pyres managed to sneak into the Whispering Woods undetected, but our defenses are still strong. They won't be getting in a second time. Please, I know things have been scary as of late. But we must stick together. I have always said this life will not be easy. Being a Rebel requires much sacrifice. We are fighting for freedom and that will not be given to us easily. We will prevail though. The Great Rebellion will not fall at the hands of the Horde, Pyres, or any other threat. Please stand with me rebels, this is our chance to fight back. For freedom." The crowd shifts. There are claps and shouts.

The people of Bright Moon are shaken, but they are not giving up. They will fight with their Queen. After all, they have She-Ra. Even in their despair, they still have a tremendous amount of hope on their side. Adora looks around the crowd and smiles.

***

The Fright Zone is a bustle of activity. The day is moving on and two particular members of the Horde are managing to take a break. Sitting in a lounge area in one of the Fright Zone Towers, Catra and Entrapta find time to mix a few drinks. Sipping a bubbly concoction Entrapta grins, "I don't know where you have found the time to do this, but you really know how to make a nice drink." Catra purrs, "I stole some recipes from a book in Horror Hall when Shadow Weaver was teaching me how to use magic. Believe me, with some of the things we deal with around here it is important to be knowledgeable in making nice distractions." She takes a sip, relishing the carbonation and taste of liquor.

"I have really enjoyed these little moments Catra. I feel like we are becoming friends." Entrapta is serious, there is no angle, which surprises the tricky golden beauty. Listening intently, Catra wants to admit the same thing, but she doesn't. Instead she asks a question that has been on her mind for some time, "Have you ever been intimate with someone Entrapta?"

Massaging her scalp that protects the cybernetic rods in her skull, Entrapta pauses, "Intimate? What do you mean?" Catra continues avoiding eye contact, "I mean physical intimacy. Sex. Have you encountered such experiences. How do you make sense of that?" Entrapta is quick to answer, "I don't make sense of it, because I do not require something so common. Catra, I have flown among the stars. I have helped to conquer entire galaxies. When one has achieved that level of power and experience, well... sex is nothing but an act of common fools thinking that they are reaching the pinnacle of something. They are merely reaching nothing."

"But what of those who have sex for fun? As a release?" Catra is trying to understand a concept that is unknown to her. Entrapta swirls her drink in her hand, "Oh Catra. Fun is watching an empire crumble. Fun is roaming the vast area of space. You will understand once we are done with this place." Catra wonders what Entrapta means by that.

Finishing her drink, Entrapta grins, "Now why are you asking such a great deal about sex? I'm intrigued. Have you been fantasizing about someone?" Her grin is hard to read for Catra. The jealous beauty is not sure how friendships work so Catra is unaware of Entrapta's intentions of the question. Is she mocking Catra? Is she really interested? Or will she judge? Catra remains silent. This only feeds Entrapta's curiosity, "Oh, there is someone! Let me guess, Bow? He seems important to you..." Entrapta studies Catra's face hoping for an answer. Catra is still silent. "Hm, is it someone in the Horde? Grizzlor perhaps?" The mere mention of Grizzlor causes Catra to nearly choke on her drink. Entrapta laughs, "I guess not."

Thinking of a plan to suss out any gossipy information, Entrapta smiles, "Since we are friends, we should do what friends normally do: share a secret. How about I tell you something that I have not told anyone, while you tell me something in return? We are friends, right?" Catra shrugs, "I suppose we are. You go first. What secret do you have?"

Laughing to herself, Entrapta thinks, you have no idea. Instead the devious woman grins, "I was originally told to spy on you. Orders from Hordak." The news rattles Catra. "Why would Hordak want you to spy on me?"

Crossing her legs, Entrapta smirks, "Because he thinks you are unpredictable. He wanted to make sure you weren't a danger to his plan." Catra is fuming, "He doesn't trust me? I have given my all for the Horde. What have you told him?" Catra wonders what Entrapta has on her, "How can I be your friend, if you have been spying on me?" There is a hint of evil brewing in Catra's eyes. Entrapta tries to be reassuring, "Catra, calm down. I never said anything bad about you. Honest. I have truly come to think of you as a friend..."

Catra snaps, "You murdered your own family. Why should I remotely think you would be looking out for me?"

"Because. If I truly disliked you, I would have told Hordak about the odd behavior you sometimes exhibit and you'd more than likely lose your title as Head Force Captain. Believe me, I am looking out for you. I am telling you this because I want to be honest. I don't usually care to have friends, but with you, I really do think of you as a friend." Entrapta sits there, hoping that Catra can believe her. Catra is confused by so much.

"Does Hordak not trust me? I don't understand." The two women look at each other. Entrapta lets out another sigh, "Well it looks like I will be divulging some more secrets. Have you ever wondered what the next plan is? Surely you are aware of why the Horde is here? Hordak is trying to funnel magic energy to Horde World."

Catra purrs, "Horde World? That sounds like a ridiculous place." Standing up and tapping her golden heels on the floor, Entrapta pours herself another drink, "Horde World is more than anything you could imagine Catra. It is home to Horde Prime, the supreme leader of the Horde. And once Hordak has taken what he needs from Etheria, we will leave. Hordak will want to know who should leave this place and continue on with the Horde. I have to say, not everyone will leave this place. I hope though, that you will get to join us. It is one thing to start out as a member of the Horde, but quite another to travel the universe."

"I have never heard this much information." Catra is suddenly curious about a great deal of things. "Who is Horde Prime? And what exactly is Horde World?" Smiling, Entrapta begins, "Horde World is a floating chunk of rock, but that is not the beginnings of the Horde. Many generations ago the Horde lived on their own planet, Hecca. They were a highly advanced civilization on the cutting edge of many advancements. No one had a need or want that couldn't be fulfilled. The Horde was actually a peaceful group. There was no disease. There was an abundance of magical energy that provided the perfect conditions for all the Horde. Hordak had an older sister, her name was Anilla."

Catra purrs, "Hordak has a sister?" Entrapta nods, "Yes, and when their parents died it was a slight race to become the ruler of the Horde. Anilla would be Queen if only she could find a King. If no such action was to occur, than the leadership would go directly to Hordak. Anilla ended up finding a king though, a member of the Horde named Heron. Anilla and Heron proceeded with a ceremony to unite them as king and queen. Hordak would not become the leader of the Horde. Needless to say Hordak despised Heron. Even more so when Heron began calling himself Horde Prime and labeling himself as the supreme leader of the entire Horde Empire."

Trying to keep up with the story, Catra awaits for the moment where things change, "So how did the Horde end up on a floating rock in space?" Entrapta smiles, "Pour me some more, and I will tell you..." Catra grabs a pitcher and fills Entrapta's glass. The story continues, "Hordak and Horde Prime never got along. Fundamentally they were two different people. They both had differing visions for how the Horde should continue to thrive. This annoyed Anilla, because she wanted her brother to get along with her king. Of course the petty discrepancies between the two would not matter in the end, because a group of space travellers would land on Heron. They would later be called the Space Invaders. At first the Horde had no idea what to make of these visitors. Horde Prime wanted to welcome them while Hordak was distrustful."

Entrapta pauses for effect, and to take a big sip of her drink, "Oh my goodness this drink is superb. Anyways, the Space Invaders left Heron upon realizing that they had essentially started a civil war. But before they left, they released a techno organic virus upon the Horde. People were dying left and right. Hordak and Horde Prime put aside their differences, especially after Anilla and Horde Prime became infected with the virus. Anilla died. Her dying wish was for her brother and king to work together, which is what happened. Hordak went about creating a massive cybernetic structure to house a sick Horde Prime in. Hordak also managed to create a free floating eco-system out of a chunk of Heron, thus Horde World was born. Only a select few were able to leave, and that is what happened. The Horde left their planet and flew among space, searching for magical energy to help fuel the floating chunk of rock as well as the structure that keeps Horde Prime alive."

Catra shakes her head, "So that is why the Horde takes magic energy from planets..." Entrapta nods, "Precisely. At first the Horde would travel and ask nicely, however when you begin to build a massive empire, sometimes asking for something becomes silly. Generations upon generations have come and gone, Hordak's attitude evolved. The Horde soon realized that descending upon a planet and taking it over would always yield the best results. Along with the largest amount of resources. This will all make sense once you leave this shitty planet. Believe me Catra, there are bigger things out there for you than being some Force Captain on Etheria."

They both sit there. The story sinks into Catra. Suddenly many things become clear. There is a reason for everything, isn't there? This whole time I thought Hordak was evil for the sake of being evil... but it became a part of his own personal evolution. What will be my evolution? Catra wonders. Bringing the topic back on track, Entrapta grins, "Alright, your turn. I've been telling you all kinds of secrets. Time for you to share. It is a part of bonding, isn't it?" Waiting with full curiosity, Entrapta hopes that Catra shares who she fantasizes about. There is something titillating about it, Entrapta isn't sure why.

Instead, Catra decides to share another secret, "I think Shadow Weaver is my mother." Almost dropping her glass, Entrapta laughs, "Did you just say you think Shadow Weaver is your mother? What would give you that idea?" Catra shrugs, "I am not sure. Shadow Weaver took a great interest in teaching me how to harness my own magical abilities. She also has alluded to knowing a great deal about my past. I feel as if she knows more about me than I know about myself."

Leaning back in her lounge chair, Entrapta folds her arms over her chest, "Well what are you going to do?" Catra thinks about that question. She is not sure, but eventually the ferocious beauty purrs, "I'll think of something..." Entrapta tilts her head, "Alright. Now, girl to girl, have you been intimate with someone before Catra?" The jealous beauty stares at her friend, her green eyes dazzle with the memory of a long ago kiss... "Once. Something happened once, but never again..." Catra does not look back, she will only look forward...

In another part of the Fright Zone, Hordak is trying to be calm with his latest prisoner: Peekablue. "What do you mean by seeing trouble?" He sits there looking across at the lovely Peekablue. She is not sure what is wrong with her senses, usually she can peek in on various events on Etheria and see everything rather clearly. "I'm so sorry Hordak, I do not see a specific thing, I just can see that trouble is coming. Please don't hurt me."

"You are far to valuable to harm, I just don't understand how you can see trouble yet see nothing at all. I need you to do better!" Hordak slams his fists on the table next to them. He calls out for Shadow Weaver.

The mistress of dark magic floats in, "Yes mighty Hordak?" The Horde leader asks for Shadow Weaver to change her image into Adam. With the wave of a hand, a cloud of smoke billows around Shadow Weaver, transforming her into the image of Prince Adam. "Now Peekablue, I need you to focus even more. This man is somewhere on Etheria, I need you to tell me where he is at..."

Peekablue does not want to do that, but she knows if she doesn't, she will be killed. She uses her powers of magical sight to reach out and find this man. She opens her eyes, "I can see him. He is right here." She looks towards the visage.

Hordak groans, "No you half wit! I know 'he' is here right now, that is really Shadow Weaver in disguise. I need you to find the real Adam! Fool!" Peekablue begins to shake, she can actually see the real Adam clearly, however she does not wish to say anything. She pretends to play dumb, which she can only hope she is doing well at. Hordak grows impatient, "Get her out of here. I am done with her for today." Shadow Weaver and a Horde Trooper pick the shy and scared woman up from her seat and prepare to take her to her cell. Before they exit, Hordak calls out, "I'd start being more helpful Peekablue. If you can't give me what I want, I will have no problem disposing of you. Believe me, those feathers would look good mounted on a wall."

The woman stands there shaking. Peekablue nods, "I understand." She is about to be led to her cell when alarms go off. She panics, "I didn't do anything." Hordak stands up furious, "These alarms have been going off with too much frequency. If this is another drop-in by more Pyres, I will be pissed." He storms out of the room, searching for the problem.

The problem is Huntara. She is laying waste to a number of Horde Troopers. "Get out of my way!" She screams and slams two Horde Troopers into a stone wall. Grabbing a freeze ray, Huntara takes aim at a few other Horde Troopers.

Mantenna, Grizzlor, and Scorpia rush in trying to stop the new threat. Mantenna shrills, "Where has she come from?!" Grizzlor raises his machete in the air for a quick swipe, but Huntara upper cuts him. Scorpia is up next swiping with her pinchers. The newly minted Horde member screeches and groans as she tries to fight. Scorpia's anger helps her slightly, until Huntara shoots her with the freeze ray.

Soon an audience has gathered around the scene. Catra and Entrapta are in the sideline observing the quick footed Huntara. Mantenna is soon thrown into a wall. Leech tries his best to drain the strong woman of her strength, but is quickly knocked out. Huntara stands among the members of the Horde, looking to see who her next match will be against.

Hordak walks towards the woman. Shadow Weaver and Peekablue quickly follow. Snorting Hordak grins, "Now what is this?" Huntara looks at Hordak and sneers, "I've been looking for you!" She races towards him ready to strike; ready to finally gather her revenge against the Horde.

But she does not get the chance. Before she can strike, Shadow Weaver magically summons two pieces of metal that fly together around Huntara's neck. The warrior woman struggles after feeling something beep around her neck. Not giving up she takes another step towards Hordak, only to feel an immense pain shoot into her head. She can't do anything, "What have you done to me?!" She screams.

Hordak motions towards her, "Well I can't talk to someone who is wanting to kill me, now can I? Don't worry, the collar around your neck won't kill you. Unless I want it to. Now tell me, who are you?" Knowing there is nothing she can do at the moment, Huntara spits out, "I am Huntara. From the Planet Silax. Or what is left of it. You and your Horde destroyed my people. I was taken prisoner by Horde Prime. I was set free and this is where I have landed. Searching for you, I will begin by destroying the Horde." She wails the cry of a warrior and rushes towards Hordak again. He snaps his fingers and a bolt of shocking energy is released from the collar around Huntara's neck. She falls to the floor howling in pain. "Stop fighting me warrior! I can send the right amount of energy to your brain, frying it to nothing. You seem very strong, but maybe not so bright. Why would Horde Prime send you here?"

Huntara coughs spitting blood on the floor, "Why don't you ask him?" Hordak turns to look at Shadow Weaver. He knows why Huntara is here. This is a message meant to say, hurry up, finish your job. Hordak knows Horde Prime all too well. "Hm. Everyone go back to what they are doing. Shadow Weaver, stay with me. We need to talk to our new friend." Shadow Weaver nods. Peekablue remains and is placed in the shadows. Catra observes Huntara before leaving. Her eyes glide over the light purple skin and strip of white hair on her head. Catra isn't sure why she is looking over Huntara so intently, but Huntara catches her.

Looking away, Catra rushes off with Entrapta. The other beaten members of the Horde slowly make their way to other parts of the Fright Zone. Hordak walks over to Huntara, "Horde Prime thinks he can get the best of me, but this test has not worked. You won't be killing me. Not at all." Huntara growls.

"Oh stop that Huntara. For a warrior such animations look foolish. You aren't going to stop me. I won't ask you to join the Horde, and I'm not going to imprison you either. You are very strong. So let's make a deal. I seem to recall the warriors from Silax. For a price, a Silax warrior would be willing to do just about anything..."

Kneeling on the ground, Huntara says calmly, "No amount of money will get me to do anything for you..."

"But what about your freedom?" Hordak asks. Huntara laughs, "Freedom? The only freedom I seek is destroying the Horde. I have nothing else. The Horde has taken everything." Crossing his arms, Hordak grins, "Or so you think. Shadow Weaver, see if you can show this warrior her people. She seems to think she does not have a home."

"Yes mighty Hordak." Shadow Weaver conjures a spell of smoke and mirrors, an image appears of the planet Silax. Huntara's humanity is shown before her eyes. The strong warrior gasps, unsure how she can see her home world. "What trick is this?"

"I assure you, this is no trick. I don't know what you have been told about Silax, but they are all still there. Your freedom can actually mean something. But it will come at a price." Huntara continues to look at the vision and spits, "How do I know to trust you?"

Hordak snorts, "You don't. I can kill you at any moment, but I believe in helping my fellow warrior. I want to see you return to your home, if only so you can be gone. I have a very busy schedule." Hordak laughs at his own joke. He continues, "There is a woman on this planet that I need you to track down. This should not be difficult because it is in your blood to hunt and track down a mark. I have been trying to stop this woman who is incredibly powerful. If you can stop her, and kill her, I will set you free. Not as a prisoner to Horde World, but a free person to Silax where you can reunite with those who are still alive. What do you say?"

The urge to fight Hordak no matter what is around her neck is strong for Huntara. She wants him gone, obliterated. But she can't help but believe that she will have her freedom. All she has to do is hunt some woman? This will be too easy, Huntara thinks. And if it is a trick, Huntara vows that she will kill Hordak no matter it takes. "I accept your proposition Hordak. I will hunt this woman down. What is her name?"

Hordak snorts, a glint of evil in his red eyes, "She-Ra." Huntara nods. Hordak motions for some Horde Troopers, "Take Huntara to a vacant room. She is a guest of the Horde. Find some time to rest. Eat something. Look around the Fright Zone. If you can trust me, I will trust you." Huntara thinks he is full of shit, but she plays along. Horde Prime made a mistake freeing me, she smiles to herself.

Shadow Weaver grabs hold of Peekablue and prepares to walk away, she turns to Hordak, "Are you really going to give Huntara her freedom?" Hordak snorts, "Of course not. But that warrior is strong. And if she can get rid of She-Ra, than it will have been worth it. Eventually one of my plans will stick. I will see She-Ra die. As for Horde Prime, I will drain this planet of its magical energy on my own time. He should know not to rush me. My sister made such a mistake betrothing herself to him. He'll pay though. Anyone who steps in my way will eventually pay..."

Peekablue listens to all of this and wants to cry. She is trapped in a nightmare. Shadow Weaver motions for her to keep moving, "Come now child. You have to return to your cell. I suppose you were right, trouble did just arrive on Etheria." They walk in darkness, the sounds of screams and groans echoing throughout the Fright Zone.

***

In another part of the galaxy, on Eternia, the current Man-At-Arms, Duncan, is debriefing three of his fellow Masters. Clamp Champ, Stratos, and Roboto are sitting in a lab looking at a portal key. "Does anyone have any questions on how this key will work?" Duncan asks looking at his friends. The portal key is finally finished and Clamp Champ will be leading a team to Etheria.

Clamp Champ looks at the key, "Nah Duncan. I think we got it. We just can't lose it. How will we find Adam though?" Duncan nods, "Yes, well Adam should have a tracking device on his family crest buckle. Hopefully it will be working."

Roboto speaks up, "I will be able to monitor any signs of the device." Duncan nods, "Great. And Stratos, your flight skills should hopefully come in handy while looking for Adam from above. I feel as if we have been over everything, are you ready?"

Stratos nods, "As ready as we can be. Hopefully this portal key will work." Clamp Champ nods, "Yes, I don't want to end up spliced into the time continuum. The missus would be devastated." Roboto's visor lighst up, "But Clamp Champ, you don't have a missus."

Clamp Champ laughs, "It was a joke Roboto. Alright gentlemen, are you ready?" The Masters nod. Duncan places them in the portal radius, "Good luck everyone. Hurry back." Clamp Champ nods, "We'll find Adam." He presses a button on the portal key. It releases beams of energy that create a swirling portal. The Masters stare into the portal. They have never seen something like this up close before. It is beautiful. "No time like the present." Stratos says and walks through. Roboto makes a gesture, "I would do a happy dance, but I am not sure what we will find on the other side." Clamp Champ nods, "Let's find out!" They jump through the portal and it quickly dissolves away.

Man-At-Arms looks on, still amazed that his friends were just there in front of him, and now they are gone. Hearing a slight sound, Man-At-Arms turns to face Teela. "Do you think they'll be alright?"

"I have to believe they will Teela. There is a great deal riding on this mission." He tries to smile at his daughter. Things have still been so strained between the two. He misses his daughter and her happiness. "Is there something you need Teela?"

She nods, "Yes there is actually. The time has come. I need your blood." He hangs his head, dreading the process that Teela is wanting to start. "Teela, I'm not sure that we will be able to look at our blood and see if there are any similarities or discrepancies."

Teela walks into the room looking around at everything, full of resolve, "We still need to try. Fisto is ready. I am ready. I will find out who my father is, so let's get this started already. I think I have waited long enough." Duncan knows she is right, but he dreads it. The results of this process could go either way. Regardless of what the truth is, nothing will ever be the same...

Up Next!

Lots of Horde!
Lots of Eternia!
Lots of crazy as the Champ searches for Prince Adam!

Toy Chest Thursday! Shimmers 2

Alright toy fans, now that I've had some time to catch up on a thing or two, how about we get to that Toy Chest? Close to a year ago I posted a Toy Chest on the old Kenner line called Shimmers, which can be found here. What I had shown was three loose Shimmers dolls. They were all perfect and fabulous, but sometimes loose toys just aren't enough. There is something fun about looking over a toy mint in the package. So I got real lucky. I mean real lucky. I've got a mint Shimmers doll for Toy Chest Thursday! This is a rare treat and I still can't believe I managed to snag one. (And no, I did not have to make a deal with Ursula the Sea Witch either!)

So the basic gimmick behind Shimmers was that each doll was a hybrid of a human and some sort of animal/creature. There was also a mom and baby in each set. The whole shimmer name was due to the awesome sparkly paint that was used for both mom and baby. Even the combs that came with the toy had a shimmery plastic look.

The mother and baby had names that were associated with what they were. Clover and Dapples were centaurs and I am not sure what their names have to do with being a centaur, though Clover and Dapples sound like something a centaur would eat. Maybe? Once the other names are seen, it will make sense. Also, aside from a comb, each mother Shimmer came with some sort of clothing accessory, like a cape, apron, or skirt.

One very cool thing about these dolls was the netting used to keep the rooted hair in place while in the plastic bubble. (I wonder if Netossa had anything to do with this? POP Humor!) Anyways Clover's hair seemed to have two colors, a light purple and some light pink. Some of the Shimmers dolls had streaked hair, while all had bodies with the color fade look. The use of color was truly one of the fun things about this short lived line. I also liked that when it applied, the mother Shimmers had rooted tails too. (Like with the deers and centaurs.)

Here we have little baby Dapples. I don't know if it is apparent in the picture, but the paint used on these toys was so sparkly and shimmery. I have always loved toys with glitter either in the plastic or part of the paint. I just love it. I also love that the glittery paint doesn't rub off when you touch it. Nothing is worse than messy glitter all over the place. It can get into your eyes! And we all know I don't need to be dealing with any other accidents.

Here is the comb. Kenner really did a wonderful job of giving each type of creature a specially themed comb. The centaurs had this comb with a flower and swirl of what looks like water. The mermaids had seashell combs while the deer had a comb with a flower design. The birds had a comb that looked like a feathered poinsettia. I have no idea what the combs looked like for the butterflies. 

The back of the card features a decent amount of Shimmers dolls to collect from the first and only series. (There was an un-produced second line, but sadly it never saw the shimmer of day.) There were two sets of creatures to collect, i.e. 2 different centaurs, 2 different mermaids, 2 different deers, etc. For example both mermaid sets featured the same sculpts, but different colors and names.

A brief poem was on the back of the card detailing what the scoop was on the Shimmers.

"In a secret land of fantasy live beautiful creatures, wild and free. Their delicate bodies glisten like pearl...part woodland animal, part beautiful girl. To most of us they can barely be seen at dusk and at dawn, and not in between. But to those lucky few who wish they could be like a horse in a meadow or a mermaid at sea, this secret land is always in sight, and beautiful Shimmers will always shine bright."

Well Shimmers didn't end up always shining bright. This poor toyline was gone in the blink of an eye. Sadly it is very difficult to come across a mint Shimmer for a decent price. There are a few on ebay, but they are over two hundred dollars. I was lucky to pick one up for sixteen bucks on a very rare ebay auction. I still can't believe I had such luck in that department. Anyways, let's check out the rest of the Shimmers lineup!

I had Deerlene and Doette as well as Seaquin and Splashy when I was little. Seaquin was my favorite because she was a pink mermaid. Two of my favorite things combined in one. These Shimmers also had names that really described the nature of what they were. Honestly, if the name Deerlene doesn't say, "I'm a deer" than there might be some problems in the Shimmering Forest.

Up next we see Clover and Dapples as well as a mermaid repaint, Marina and Flutter. I don't understand the baby mermaid being named Flutter, but whatever. I would have liked to own Marina with Flutter, however when I was young it just seemed silly to own the same figure with a different paint scheme. Having grown older I have learned that I am all about owning multiple versions of essentially the same figure. (I won't even say how many She-Ra Classics I own. Just go ahead and send me to the next taping of Hoarders please.)

Plume and Featherfluff were for the birds while Pepper and Pearl rounded up the other centaurs. I loved the shocking green hair on Plume. The '80s was the preeminent decade for girl toys having green hair. (Pizzazz, Peekablue, a Wee Wild Thing...) You just don't come across many female characters with green hair on the shelves these days. It is a lost art form that I wish would see a comeback. Don't you?

Wind Belle and Whispy were part of the butterflies. I was never that interested in collecting the butterfly sets. I guess I only had obsessive collecting habits for POP's Flutterina. Meadow and Fauna were the last of the deers, and goodness were they a bright yellow.  

The remaining birdy Shimmers were Sunstreak and Winglet. I had those two as well. I used to pretend that Sunstreak was the Sorceress before I actually got a Sorceress figure. And I have said it before, but it bears repeating, Winglet is the worst name in the entire universe for a little baby bird girl. Winglet sounds like a menu item at Buffalo Wild Wings. I can't help but think of Sunstreak going on crazy adventures to save her baby Winglet from being eaten by drunken frat guys in a place with booming sports programs. Oh, and Skylite and Glider were the last butterfly set.

I wish Kenner had stuck with the line for a little while longer. This toyline was very fun and inventive. The '80s was such a wonderful time for fantasy inspired creatures and toys. I suppose those elements exist in new toylines today, but I just feel like there was such an abundance of that back then. The idea for Shimmers actually grew out of an earlier Kenner line called See Wees, which were just mermaid figures with rooted hair (and babies!) So it would not have been crazy for the line to have continued. I guess the demand had waned. Oh well that is the way things go. Shimmers though gets to live on in my archival room and here, on Toy Chest! Also, for more Shimmers, check out the commercial from Youtube. I am loving that theme song! The animation for the dolls looks cool too.

So there ya go, a new Toy Chest Tuesday, on Thursday! My foot infection is getting better. I don't think I will need to have my foot cut on, which is good. Enjoy the pictures and if you remember Shimmers let me know! I loved this line and would love to hear your stories on why this was a fun toyline. Until next time folks!  

Toy Chest Tuesday! Delayed! (Boo!)

Oh dear readers. I went and did it. I had planned to post a brand new Toy Chest, but that will be ready on Thursday. Instead I had to deal with doctors and a bum foot today. Over the weekend I merely placed my sweet innocent feet into my house slippers and punctured the bottom of my foot on something. Do not adjust your screens, I did say house slippers and a punctured foot. I am highly aware that typing that sentence makes me sound incredibly old and boring.

I wish I could say that I punctured my foot in a raucous bar fight with a loser that was putting down She-Ra or something. But no. I had to puncture my foot by putting it in a freakin house slipper. What the hell. I still don't know what was in the house slipper or if the lil jerk is still in my foot.

Anyways the next day I could barely walk on it. I mean I wasn't even sure if there was still something in my foot or not, or what. I mean it didn't look bad, it just hurt. So then on Sunday everything was somewhat better. I could cautiously walk and I felt like everything was going to be ok. And then Monday reared its manic self and things didn't seem ok at all. Suddenly my foot wasn't hurting but there was this strange redness spreading out from the wound.

Flash forward to today. I'm on antibiotics that give me a major head and stomachache. I also got a tetanus shot, because I seriously couldn't remember my last one. The funny moment came when my doctor told me that I would need to wear closed toe comfortable shoes for the next few days, like tennis shoes. Um 90% of the shoes in my closet are torture devices. I don't own comfortable shoes. This should be interesting.

However let's all hope and cross our fingers that the infection goes away, because if it doesn't I have to have my foot cut open so any foreign bodies can be removed. Nice. At least I have some Nicki Minaj polish on my toes. My infected foot looks stylish.

Anyways let's talk toys. Thursday will see the reveal of a very very cool Toy Chest. I am looking forward to that. And to backtrack a bit from some toy news a few posts ago, the Masters of the Universe Classics line has the power for 2013! Subscriptions were bought up until the last minute and it looks like MOTUC fans will see a very nice full line for the next year. I am excited and have my fingers crossed that we will see a new Mermista! I would give my right foot for that! Err, on second thought...

Until next time!

Adora's Search for Honor Part 2: Chapter 27

Previously: Back in Part 1, Angella was being held captive by the vile and vicious Pyres. Led by Vampra, the Pyres were located in the Midnight Lair, exiled by Hordak. She-Ra and her friends dropped by saving Angella and enraging the Pyres in the process... Now on the Night of the Glitterbugs, Bright Moon seems to be besieged by the Pyres. Everyone is in their own minor predicaments while Vampra and her minions are thirsty for revenge...

And now...

Adora's Search for Honor

Part 2

Chapter 27

"What are you doing?!" Adora shouts while looking down at Sea Hawk. She is on top of him after they both took a tumble. The roguish pirate grins, "I don't know what you mean?" Adora quickly gets up dusting some dirt off her legs, "You kissed me!" Sitting up on the ground Sea Hawk can't help but chuckle, "I think we kissed each other princess." The pirate raises his arm awaiting Adora's help with getting up, Adora reaches to help him. She quickly pushes him back to the ground, "You are an ass! Get yourself up." Adora turns walking off towards Bright Moon.

Sea Hawk hurries up off the ground to catch up to Adora, "Hey, wait a minute Adora. What the hell was that about?" He reaches out to touch her and she quickly brushes him off, "I don't know where you get off thinking that you can just kiss me! Like I'm some item ready for your pleasure!" Adora keeps stomping through the woods making her way across the Whispering Woods. Sea Hawk is not understanding, "What the fuck Adora? If I'm not mistaken we both kissed each other and it felt damn good."

The problem for Adora is that Sea Hawk's statement is true, though she can't admit it, "Maybe it was good for you Sea Hawk, but I could care less. I have my own issues and problems to deal with in my life, I don't need you trying to screw things up." Sea Hawk is confused, "You aren't making any sense. Look I'm sorry for kissing you, I wasn't trying to be a dick. I just... wanted to. It won't happen again." Adora quickly turns around, "Good! Sounds perfect!" They both look at each other. Neither can explain the kiss nor the feeling they both experienced when it occurred. Adora is the first to break away from his gaze, because a loud scream pierces the air through the Whispering Woods. "That scream..." Adora says aloud and turns towards the sound. She runs off further into the Whispering Woods, heading towards the scream. Sea Hawk shouts out, "Wait up!" He runs after her, they head away from Bright Moon...

Inside Bright Moon, Angella stands tall in her throne room. She is blankly staring at Vampra, trying to make sense of what is happening. "You were exiled to the Midnight Lair, this isn't possible..." Angella grimaces as Vampra stands up, kicking the throne over, "And you my dear treat were supposed to stay with me for all of eternity. What was so wrong Angella, the food not good enough?"

"I was rescued. I did not belong there." Gritting her teeth, Angella continues to stare. Vampra smiles, exposing a row of sharp teeth, "That is right. Your little friends showed up making a mess of things. So I decided to find a way to escape the Midnight Lair too. Together with all of my minions, we are going to go about reclaiming this world."

Looking over her enemy, Angella notices that Vampra's face looks normal again. She must have regained a great amount of strength, Angella thinks. "Vampra, why come here though? Shouldn't you set your sights on Hordak and the Fright Zone? He controls Etheria. He put you in the Midnight Lair." The Pyre Leader twirls a lock of her blood red hair in her fingers. Smoothing a hand over her stringy black skirt, Vampra cackles, "Oh Hordak is going to pay for what he did to us. But you see my treat, I am not ready for him. I came here because I want to build an army. Oh, and what a glorious army it will be! So many Rebels tired of the oppression in their lives, ready to transcend their pathetic human condition into greatness. Perfection. We will feed on this planet forever."

Doom sets in Angella's heart. Of course. The Pyres are at Bright Moon to increase their numbers. "It all works out Angella. I get my numbers up to fight against Hordak all while getting my revenge for what you and your ilk did. Don't think I forgot what you and that bitch of a daughter did to me." Vampra trails a hand over her face, "I thought I'd never see my eternal youth return. Not to mention what She-Ra did to my good wing. I mean look at me! There is something you could do though. I so badly want to taste you..." Angella shudders at the thought. "You won't be anywhere near me Vampra."

Screams begin to break out in the castle. Angella turns her head at the sounds of terror and horror. Pyres are attacking the people of Bright Moon. Vampra grins, "Do you hear that Angella? That is the sound of new Pyres being born..." Angella's heart sinks. She turns to leave the throne room and help her people. Having other plans entirely, Vampra swoops across the room and grabs hold of Angella's shoulders. "Not so fast." Vampra quickly tosses Angella across the room. The Queen of Bright Moon slides on the floor colliding with a wooden bench. "Oh Angella, my treat, just where do you think you're off too? I told you I wanted a taste. Freedom has made you positively mouthwatering." Vampra lunges towards Angella, baring sharp teeth that threaten to destroy her...

Pandemonium sets outside on the castle grounds. Rebels are running every which way trying to avoid being bitten by the blood thirsty Pyres. Some are not lucky, while others wish they could just be bitten. Instead they lose their hold on life. Mermista, Castaspella, and Frosta are doing their best to prevent anymore carnage. "How have they gotten here?" Frosta calls out freezing a group of Pyres. Castaspella raises her arms in the air, enchanting the magic in the air to do her bidding. Lightening bolts rain down from the sky electrocuting a few Pyres. "My goodness they don't give up!"

"We have no idea how to kill them. The only thing we know is that light exposes their true age. We just have to hold them off and save anyone from being bitten!" Mermista calls out releasing a bubble over a Pyre's head. The bubble makes a tight seal like a helmet. Unable to bite, the Pyre struggles as the inside of the bubble fills with water. Mermista grins, glad she can manipulate water. Frosta looks past her friends, "Oh good, we have more help."

Bow races from the woods charging towards the crowd. With arrows drawn, Bow shoots off multiple spark arrows making direct hits with a number of Pyres. "Do we know how many?" Bow looks over at Mermista as she helps a few Bright Moon guards save a young girl from a Pyre attack. "No Bow. They just descended upon Bright Moon, but now we are just holding them off." The Rebels continue to fight...

Inside the castle, Netossa turns to leave her room. Looking back at Spinnerella, Netossa holds up a key, "I'm locking the room. I think they will need my help." Spinnerella looks at her friend, "Be careful!" Netossa locks the bedroom door and rushes down the hall. People are running into rooms and making sure the doors are locked. Two female Pyres rush into one room after a group of people and Netossa jumps in casting a net that traps them.

"Leave them alone!" Netossa drags the two Pyres into the hall. Some Bright Moon guards help in the fray. "We are under attack ma'am, please return to your room." Netossa looks at the guard and shakes her head, "You need all the help you can get." Racing down the hall Netossa picks up a sword from a fallen guard. She isn't sure what they are up against, but she will fight...

In another room in the castle, Perfuma is shackled to her bed. She is staring at her crazed ex Rolf. Baring his sharp teeth, the Pyre licks his lips, "Perfuma, I am so happy to see you again." Shaking her head and trying to find a way to be free, Perfuma sighs, "You aren't supposed to be here."

Rolf walks slowly towards her, "But I am. The Pyres have been here for awhile. And now that your boyfriend is out of the way, we can finally be together. Forever." Rolf crawls onto her bed, sliding over her legs and straddling her. She can't move, "What do you know of Minwu?"

"I know that no one can be with you, but me." Perfuma cries out, "Did you kill him? Oh Rolf, what did you do?" She is sobbing trying to free herself. Rolf isn't letting her go, "I had to Perfuma. You belong to me. I felt it so greatly when I bit you. Ever since then I can't stop feeling you flow through me. I want to eat your thoughts. I want to consume all of you and when I have spent myself of you, I will do it all over again."

He is mad, he is going to hurt me, Perfuma panics. "Now open wide Perfuma, I want you to have my body. I will share this meal with you, and we will be as one." Pulling out a knife, Rolf cuts his arm as drops of blood fly into her mouth. Perfuma tries to close her mouth, but he is holding it open. The blood tastes cold and bitter, yet the part of her that has been craving it likes the taste. Her addiction is being set free, the binds are loosening. "That's right Perfuma, give in. It tastes so good, doesn't it? Just wait until you take your first life, and become a full Pyre. We will have forever."

I don't want forever, she thinks. "No, please..." Perfuma struggles. Suddenly Rolf's knife is ripped out of his hands. In a moment that flashes by so quickly, Perfuma notices someone behind Rolf. The knife goes through his chest before he is tossed across the room. Rolf is stunned and Perfuma smiles. The winged woman from the cocoon is there, ready to help.

Rolf quickly jumps up and lunges towards the woman. She grunts, "Leave. Me. Alone." Her wings flutter quickly releasing a flurry of glittery light. The pieces hit Rolf hurting him badly. The light flecks eat away at his flesh and even travel into his mouth eating away the insides of his throat. Still, he fights. The woman uses her wings to fly backwards, dodging his attacks. Sweeping him to the floor, she rams her knee into his face. Perfuma looks on in awe.

Grabbing the Pyre in a flurry of kicks and punches, the winged woman twists his head around. Gurgling and trying to fight back, Rolf finds his face being dragged across the bedroom stone wall before collapsing on the floor. The woman rushes towards Perfuma and shatters the shackles. Finally free Perfuma looks at her friend, "Oh my goodness. Thank you!" The woman smiles, "You. Are. Welcome." The two women leave the room and observe all the chaos. "Oh poor Bright Moon! Come on, we need to help." Perfuma grabs hold of her friend's hand and they rush down the hall. Eventually they come across Netossa and the three fight their way through the castle. Helping when they can, the Rebels eventually make it outside to their friends...

Deep in the Whispering Woods Glimmer is screaming. A Pyre jumps out at her. "Go away!" Glimmer uses her light staff to release a burst of light. Then she runs. What is a Pyre doing in the Whispering Woods? Oh I have to hurry back to the castle, Glimmer panics. She hears sounds behind her and finds herself stuck.

Two Pyres step out in front of her while the one she just met runs up from behind. They hiss and growl. "Mistress Vampra will be happy when we bring your carcass to her." Glimmer gulps and let's out a piercing scream, "You'll have to catch me first!" She jumps in the air, grabbing a tree limb. Glimmer knows the woods. They have been her home her entire life.

Trying to escape, Glimmer shouts as a Pyre jumps up grabbing her by the ankle. Throwing her to the ground, Glimmer rolls over looking at the monsters. This is it, she thinks. Suddenly there is a swirl of light. One Pyre is taken down while the other two aren't sure what is going on. Glimmer smiles, "The Glitterbugs..."

The swirls of light continue to grow and quickly zoom furiously around the Pyres. The monsters try to fight the light, but it is of no use. The Glitterbugs swarm the Pyres so fast. The light chases away the eternal youth of the Pyres, exposing the Pyres to their true withered age. Glimmer watches in awe as the Glitterbugs essentially decimate the assailants, until they are sawed down to nothing. The Pyres are gone in an instant.

Standing up, Glimmer looks at the Glitterbugs, "You all saved me." They swirl in a pattern that seems to be communicating with her, "Can you help me?" Glimmer asks. She is glad to finally have a solution to the foul Pyres. The defense system of the Whispering Woods is going to make sure the Pyres never come back.

Preparing to head towards the castle, Glimmer jumps as Adora and Sea Hawk jump out at her. "Glimmer, are you alright?" Adora asks full of concern. Glimmer explains what she just went through and how the Rebellion has a fighting chance with the aid of the Glitterbugs. "Fantastic. We need to hurry to the castle. Sea Hawk and Glimmer, you two go on ahead, I'm going to see if there are anymore survivors in the woods."

"Are you sure?" Sea Hawk asks. Adora gives him a look that even Glimmer notices. I bet there's a story with all that, Glimmer thinks. "I will be fine, now hurry!" Adora exclaims. Glimmer and Sea Hawk run off with the Glitterbugs swirling behind.

Making sure the coast is clear, Adora raises her sword towards the night sky and says, "For the honor of Grayskull! I am... She-Ra!!!!"

***

The Rebels fight their way into the courtyard of Bright Moon. No one has seen Angella, but the Pyres all have them surrounded. Bow looks at his friends, hoping that everyone is alright. Madame Razz and Kowl are helping people to safety. Some have been bitten and Madame Razz hopes she can get them to the healing bay.

In the courtyard a Pyre tries to grab hold of Frosta, "Darling, I'm not your type!" She freezes the Pyre. Netossa and Perfuma try to hold on. They are very outnumbered and the Pyres are growing closer to attacking. It will be easy pickings. A few Pyres head in for a kill, but are suddenly distracted.

From a balcony above, Spinnerella screams and jumps into the air. Spinning gracefully with streams of ribbons around her wrists, the dancer twirls and spins in the air heading towards the courtyard. It is as if she is dancing in the air. Frosta looks on in disbelief, "Who is this?" Netossa grins, "That is my sister!"

Spinnerella twirls making a perfect landing on the ground. In a flurry of movement she wraps the ribbon around a few of the Pyres. The confines are tight and allow just enough room for the Rebels to have a fighting chance. "Things are back on Rebels!" Bow shouts as he draws another shock arrow.

Inside the throne room, Vampra and Angella are continuing to fight. "I will never give into the likes of you, Vampra!" Angella shouts as the two fly around the throne room. Finding a hidden panel in the wall, Angella grabs hold of a spiked club. She lashes out at Vampra, swooping for a direct hit. Vampra dodges the attack. "Don't fight me Angella, you can't win. I've been stalking this world long before your ancestors ever came into being. You won't be able to stop me!"

A voice calls out, "But with me, she just might be able to!" Angella turns and smiles,"She-Ra!" The Princess of Power jumps in the air tossing Vampra to the ground. The Pyre leader screams, clawing her way towards She-Ra, "You!!! I will kill you!"

She-Ra and Angella work together to fight against Vampra. Angella flies into the air, over Vampra's head, and plants a kick to her back. Vampra lurches forward as She-Ra turns to the side raising her sword in the air. With a quick slice of her sword, She-Ra cuts Vampra's remaining wing off. The mere act rocks Vampra to her core.

Screaming in agony Vampra stumbles to the ground. Getting up, Vampra grabs hold of a bench and throws it at Angella. The large wooden bench knocks Angella to the floor. She-Ra grabs hold of the enemy and they both collide into a nearby stained glass window. They tumble outside near the courtyard.

The Rebels notice what is going on. "Oh am I glad to see She-Ra!" Mermista says. The Pyres close in on everyone, with Rolf staggering into the middle. He is ready to end this. Glimmer and Sea Hawk quickly approach the sidelines. "Nobody hurts another person, or else!" Glimmer shouts and unleashes the Glitterbugs across the Pyres. Vampra looks at a losing battle and screams.

Together with Rolf they both try to stop Glimmer. Some Pyres are being destroyed into thin air, while a few rush to join Vampra and Rolf. He looks at Perfuma, with much hatred in his eyes. She-Ra helps Angella into the courtyard. They watch as the Glitterbugs make a dash towards the final Pyres.

"I don't think so." Vampra screams as her stringy cape with inky black material swoops around her body, creating a void that the Glitterbugs fall into. Glimmer screams, "Stop! Don't fly towards the Pyres!" She runs trying to stop the Glitterbugs.

Angella shouts for her daughter to stay away. Lunging towards Vampra, Glimmer makes contact with the black cape wrapped around Vampra. The princess of Bright Moon touches the inky void and looks inside. It is as if she is in another dimension. There is darkness but she can hear the sounds of deadly creatures coming for her.

Glimmer screams and can feel hands pulling her out, away from Vampra's cape. The Glitterbugs stop their assault and the remaining Pyres grin. The battle is not over and they still plan on winning this fight. "Alright my dear minions, let's eat!" Vampra hisses.

Perfuma starts to shake. It is already painful that she lost Minwu. She will not lose anyone else. Her communication with the planet echoes in her mind. She is searching and reaching, hoping the planet can hear her. Etheria does. Roots and vines reach up around the Pyres feet. Rolf looks down and instantly realizes what is going on. He glares at Perfuma and tries to reach for her.

"You will never have me Rolf." Perfuma concentrates and unleashes her power. The vines and roots grab hold and begin dragging Pyres into the ground. They scream and try to free themselves, but it is of no use. Rolf spits blood towards the flowermaiden before he is quickly taken under. The only one left is Vampra and she is holding on with everything she's got. Almost pulled under, Vampra's arms hold onto the ground.

Angella walks towards Vampra. The evil Pyre looks at Angella, "You haven't won. Far from it. Oh Angella, my treat, we have forever changed this place!" Vampra cackles loudly before the vines and roots of Etheria quickly take hold pulling Vampra under the ground. Perfuma is shaking with the amount of power running through her. She can feel the Pyres traveling under ground.

"Perfuma, what is going to happen to them?" She-Ra asks. Stumbling to the ground, Perfuma shakes, "They are being taken to a new home." Everyone takes an assessment of the damages. Glimmer is shaken up, but she is glad to see that the Glitterbugs are safe. Mermista, Frosta, and Castaspella try to help the injured. Angella looks at some guards and gives some secret orders, "Make sure that those who have been bitten are removed from the healing bay. I would like them to be taken to the holding cells. And please, let's keep that between us."

Netossa hugs Spinnerella, "You were so amazing!" Spinnerella weakly smiles, "That took a lot out of me." The two friends head back towards their room. Bow and She-Ra walk off into the woods looking for any remaining Pyres for survivors. Perfuma looks at her winged friend, "I'm so glad you can talk. Do you have a name?" The winged woman looks lost, "Don't. Remember. My past. They did say. Serina. Does not. Feel. Like. Me. Now." Perfuma hugs her, "Well we just need to make up something new. You can certainly flutter with those wings. You saved my life." Serina smiles, "You. Are. Friend." They walk off to check on Madame Razz and Kowl. Sea Hawk sticks around and surveys the damage, "Never a dull moment in this place..."

***

High atop one of the towers of the Fright Zone, Catra uses a long range telescope (dubbed the Catscope) to observe some activity that has been going on in the Whispering Woods. Entrapta is with her, "Anything interesting?" They both have lounge chairs out each with a night cap. Entrapta takes a sip from her glass and relishes the strong drink.

Catra turns and shrugs, "For a while it looked like the Whispering Woods was completely lit up." Taking a seat next, Catra reaches over for her drink too. She wonders what could be going on in the Whispering Woods. What are her old friends doing? Bitterness at the past crawls on her skin as she thinks about those times long ago. Tossing back a big sip from her glass, Catra feels warmer as those past thoughts drift away.

"Who cares about the Rebels right now anyway? I'm more interested to hear what you think about the new girl?" Entrapta asks leaning back in her chair as her healthy ponytail goes about fixing the damaged one from She-Ra. Nearly fixed, Entrapta misses the mobility of her deadly locks.

"Which new girl are you referring to Entrapta? The one with the feathers that Hordak just kidnapped for some odd reason? Or are you meaning the one with the pincher's and bad attitude? Everyone is calling her Scorpia. I don't have an opinion on either. I especially could care less for Scorpia. She seems so ungrateful." Catra purrs. Entrapta laughs a little, "Well come now Catra, the woman did go through a painful transformation. She doesn't even have hands anymore."

Snapping and shaking her head, Catra groans, "That is not my problem." Getting up from her seat, the ferocious vixen pours them both another drink. Plopping back down on her chair, Catra leans back, "I wish life could be like this all the time..."

"Why? Where would the fun in that be?" Entrapta asks looking quizzically at Catra. Shrugging, Catra sighs, "I don't know. It is nice to just relax, and get a nice buzz in the process." They sit in silence. Catra thinks about certain things, topics that she would like to talk about. However the fear of beginning those conversations is too much for her. I won't look like a fool, she thinks. But at some point she knows she will need to talk about the thoughts that are setting up a comfortable living space in her mind. She wants them gone.

Entrapta breaks the silence, "Have you heard the latest on Double Dead Trouble?" Catra shakes her head, "What?" Sitting up, Entrapta looks over at Catra to spread a bit of gossip, "Well, now that Hordak has found a way to control the undead beauty, his next plan of action involves giving her a means of transportation. Looks like your old horse Storm will be going through a new change..." Catra hears the rest and rushes off towards the Horde Labs.

Catra knows she shouldn't care about this, but Storm was her first horse. Before Clawdeen came into the picture, Storm was for Catra. The jealous beauty barges into the Horde Labs and finds Hordak working with Multi Bot and Leech. She growls, "What is going on?" Her gaze travels to the gray and silver horse with black hair named Storm. Multi Bot is surgically attaching metal wings to the horse.

Hordak turns, "Ah, Catra. So nice to see you. We are fixing Storm." Catra is rarely disgusted in this life, but she is bothered by what is happening to the horse. "You can't just do that! Why are you giving Storm wings!?"

Groaning in impatience, Hordak looks over at Catra, "Don't ask me questions. My plans will be revealed. Storm will be better this way. Just look and see what the Horde will be capable of." He motions for someone to come forward. Catra turns in the direction of a shadowy corner. Double Trouble slowly lurches forward, gurgling and moaning.

Catra takes a cautious step back, "Why is she not chained?" Hordak snorts, "Because. When given a balanced diet of brains and other various body parts, this little piece of chaos can actually be controlled very well. Here, watch this Catra." Hordak walks up towards Double Trouble, he grazes her cheek and whispers something into her ear. Suddenly the undead beauty tilts her head back and forth. The sound of her jawbone snaps.

Looking on in horror, Catra watches the make up of Double Trouble's face change. The bone structure crunches and slowly grinds into a new shape. A new face. "Is that?" Catra asks trying to make sense of what she is looking at.

Hordak steps back and marvels at his plans, "Yes. This is our ticket to regaining the terror and fear of Etherians everywhere. I've jokingly named this face, Fake-Ra." Catra stares at Double Trouble. It is not a perfect copy, but standing before Catra is a decayed looking version of She-Ra. Catra isn't sure who she hates more, the real She-Ra or this copy. "What is she going to do Hordak?" Catra purrs. Hordak grins, "You will just have to wait and see." He rubs Double Trouble's shoulders as Leech places a shiny silver tiara on her head. Catra turns and leaves, quickly distancing herself from the freak show.

Gliding past Horror Hall, Catra does not notice a conversation going on between Shadow Weaver and Peekablue. Sitting in a room full of magical books and spells, with a few creatures trapped in cages, Peekablue tries to remain calm. Shadow Weaver glides towards the feathered woman and rasps, "I want you to look again."

Biting her lower lip, Peekablue sighs, "I keep telling you, the only thing I can see right now is trouble heading towards the Fright Zone." Clenching her fists, Shadow Weaver screeches, "What kind of trouble!? What do you mean?!" Shaking her head and apologizing, Peekablue wants to cry but stays strong, "My powers don't always make sense. I can only tell you that I saw trouble. Trouble is heading to the Fright Zone." Shaking her head, Shadow Weaver sighs, "I think Hordak made a mistake taking you."

Suddenly alarms go off in the Fright Zone. Shadow Weaver looks up at the ceiling, the lights in Horror Hall begin to dim. "Come with me child, something is going on." Shadow Weaver grabs Peekablue and they travel through the Fright Zone. They can both hear Hordak cursing loudly. "This way." Shadow Weaver says dragging Peekablue with her.

Peekablue looks around the Fright Zone. The entire place scares her. As they walks down the halls though, Peekablue catches a familiar site down one of the halls. With the use of her powers, Peekablue can see that there are some flowers that have been growing on the dank cold stone walls. Perfuma must have done that, she thinks smiling to herself. The simple act that Perfuma did awhile ago, brings some comfort. Peekablue doesn't feel so alone.

Eventually Shadow Weaver finds Hordak in a storage room. "Sit here." Shadow Weaver orders Peekablue. Taking a seat, Peekablue notices that the ground seems to be messed up. There are people laying on the ground. Some are dazed while others are unconscious. "I don't believe this shit!" Hordak booms. Mantenna and Leech are there, trying to see how the people are.

Shadow Weaver rasps, "Mighty Hordak, what is this?" Hordak turns and snorts, "Pyres! Fucking Pyres! I locked those imbeciles in the Midnight Lair. And now here they are." He leans down to the ground, lifting a woman with bright red hair up from the floor. Peekablue knows her, she has seen the Pyre with her magical vision. Hordak sneers, "Vampra. How did you end up here?"

Vampra rolls her head and slowly opens her eyes. She spits in his face, "This is the last place I wanted to end up, but I had no choice." Hordak throws her to the ground. "Get her out of my sight. Put her in the deluxe special. That should teach her a lesson." Hordak steps over some other Pyres, "Take care of them, they'll make perfect slaves since they will truly work forever. And what do we have here?" Hordak spots Rolf on the ground. The Pyre is trying to get up, but can't move as Hordak picks him up, "Looks like you just can't escape the Horde my boy." Hordak studies him, "You should have just stayed with us. Now you will learn." Hordak looks over towards Shadow Weaver, "Take him to the Horde Labs. He wants to be a creature of the night. So we will make him a creature of the night." Rolf screams as he knows his fate will be worse than anything he could possibly experience...

***

Deep in space on Horde World, Horde Prime is speaking to the Horde Corporal Romeo. The Corporal does not look like a hybrid of some sort, he is actually human. "You summoned for me Horde Prime?" The massive structure that is clouded in smoke and machinery speaks, "Yes. I need you to release one of the Horde's prisoners. Prisoner #45." Romeo nods, "Where should I release #45?"

Horde Prime speaks, a slight echo in his voice, "Send the prisoner to Etheria." Romeo is slightly confused, "But Horde Prime, Hordak has not finished acquiring the magic energy from Etheria. Prisoner #45 is deadly, she will be bent on destroying him. I do not understand."

A techno-organic hand forms a fist dropping to the ground, "Hordak must learn! He has been taking far too long on this mission. He might be... too old for the job. Prisoner #45 will be his test. If the prisoner destroys Hordak then I will know that someone will need to replace him. If Hordak can stop #45, than I will know the mission is almost over."

Romeo nods, wondering if this is the best course of action, "When do you want me to do this?" Horde Prime chuckles, "Immediately."

Romeo turns to leave heading across the floating rock to the prison ward. The prison ward is sleek with clean lines and metal finishes. Each prison cell is capable of turning into a space pod in a moment's notice. Romeo walks down the corridor heading to #45. He looks through the window and spots the prisoner. She looks strong and menacing. Pressing an intercom button, Romeo startles her. "Prisoner #45, you have been ordered by Horde Prime to leave this ward. The escape pod will give a count down before releasing you into space."

The woman gets up in a rage. She is furious and tries to attack the cell door, "Lead me to him! I want to destroy Horde Prime!" Romeo shakes his head, "I'm sorry, your chance to harm Horde Prime will not come to pass. Instead you will be landing on Etheria, a planet occupied by the Horde. Good journey, Huntara." Her eyes widen at the sound of her name. She can't remember the last time someone called her by her name. Before she can say anything else, Romeo sets the course for the cell and releases it into space...

***

A new day dawns on Etheria. Villagers in a small town go about their work. The sun shines bright as a cart full of fruit rattles through the town delivering breakfast for those who don't have anything to eat. An old man with rosy cheeks pushes the cart and stops to talk to a family, "Here, take some of this for the children." The mother grabs some berries, "Oh thank you for being so generous Mr. Smith. Where have you gotten all this food from?" Mr. Smith smiles, "Ever since She-Ra, our lives have been so much better. She brings supplies to every town." The woman smiles, "Of course! I feel like she will free us all from the Horde. What was like before She-Ra?"

Mr. Smith nods and talks a little bit more to the family before moving his cart to the next home. As he is handing out food to the people, a commotion is made in the small town square. "She's here!" "She-Ra is visiting us!" People come out of their homes to catch a site of the the most powerful woman in the universe. Mr. Smith leaves his cart to join in the excitement.

A small crowd gathers before her. "She looks beautiful!" A woman in the crowd says. Mr. Smith squints his eyes, something is not right. The majestic woman lumbers off her horse, staggering a bit towards the crowd. Mr. Smith gazes at the Pegasus with giant metal wings. He looks at She-Ra and sees a face that doesn't seem quite right. He whispers, "This is a trap..."

Two children tug on their parent's shirts, "Momma, can we go say hi?" The mother looks down, "Of course! Say hello to your hero!" The children run towards She-Ra, with arms wide open. They don't see it, and why would they? Double Trouble gurgles and looks at the children running towards her. She shuffles her walk towards them, very hungry.

Mr. Smith looks on in horror, "Let me through! Let me through, those children are in danger!" He pushes through the crowd, stepping on toes. People are angry at his rude behavior. "Someone get the children!" The children are close, and their parents hear the noise coming from Mr. Smith. The crowd is confused.

Breaking through the crowd, Mr. Smith runs to the children. He isn't sure his old bones can make it in time, but he pushes himself. Grabbing hold of the children he pushes them away, "Run back to your mother and father! Now!" The children are scared and crying. People in the crowd are slightly angry that the old man would ruin the children's moment at meeting their hero.

Mr. Smith turns to look at the impostor. Her face is decaying. Mr. Smith asks, "What are you?" Double Trouble, with She-Ra's face, gurgles and groans. Her focus seems to be everywhere, until her black empty eyes focus on the old man. She let's out a loud piercing scream that sounds horrific. She lunges forward biting into the man's neck. He screams in agony as the undead beauty rips into his flesh. Falling to the ground, Mr. Smith lays there as Double Trouble begins feasting upon his body.

The crowd breaks out in screams. People run into their homes locking the doors while others take what they can and just leave town, hearing the screams in the distance. No one knows what is going on, but their hero is a monster.

Up Next!

More from the Horde!
The cavalry is coming!
Citizens of Bright Moon grow restless...