AN: Thank you to those who favorited and followed the last chapter. If you enjoy this story please let me know by favoriting, following or leaving a review. I probably won't be able to upload this frequently again, I've decided to take advantage of the holiday to write up a storm.

"Adora never understood why people didn't seem to like Catra. Catra was everything the Horde idealized, strong, independent, and confident. Not to mention fast. And yet despite this everyone is so mean to her. Adora looks down at the small Cat girl asleep in her arms. Adora never realized how differently Shadoweaver treated the two of them. She frowns at the memory as she gently runs her fingers through Catra's course hair. The fact that she can't figure out how to make people be nicer to her friend tears at Adora's heart. One day she'll figure it out, until then I'll just have to be nice enough for everyone else."

Adora walks away from Shadoweaver's chambers feeling conflicted. On one hand the speech that she and Catra came up with worked perfectly, tomorrow the two of them as well as a small group of soldiers, were setting off to intercept the Etherian party said to be traveling with the sword. On the other hand Shadoweaver still refuses to promote Catra to Force Captain.

Still frustrated Adora decides to just drop it, "It's not like Catra cares about that stuff opens the door to her room, or really her and Catra's room. Neither of them even felt the need to express that they would be sharing it was just assumed after sharing a room and bed for most of their lives.

Catra is laying on the bed inspecting her claws when Adora walks in. She's on her feet in seconds, inspecting Adora. Shadoweaver neve punished her like she did Catra, but she couldn't help but worry anyway. "Well? Spit it out Adora, what did she say?"

Adora just stands still and let's Catra inspect her, "The two of us along with up to four cadets can leave as soon as tomorrow in pursuit of the Etherian party."

"All right." Catra takes a deep breath, "All right, were doing this we're really doing this. You know now that I think about it this is going to be our first real mission together. Better not slow me down Adora."

The girl in question rolls her eyes, "We'll see who slows who down. Besides I've already met Glimmer and Bow, once I get a chance to talk to them there won't be any fighting."

"Sure, sure." Catra leans back on the bed with her hands behind her head. "I mean if I was a rebel princess why wouldn't I give the magical sword to my enemy."

Catra grunts as a half-packed bag hits her in the chest. "I'm not doing all of your packing for you."

"But Adora." Catra's voice comes out in a whine as she pushes the bag onto the floor. "You're so good at packing. Can't you just do it for me?"

Adora's shadow looms over Catra, a vaguely amused smile on her face. "How about we make a deal? I'll pack for you, but in return you promise to be nice when we find Glimmer and Bow."

Catra grins up at Adora, "Can't make any promises." Adora holds up the nearly empty bag, "Ok, fine I'll play nice with your little Etherian friends. Don't forget to pack some snacks while you're at it."

The blond Force Captain rolls her eyes while slowly gathering everything that the two of them will need for the journey. Her brow creases as she thinks about what she'll say when she sees them again. Catra is probably right about how difficult this will end up being, at the least she won't be facing them alone this time.


The Force Captain and her second in command step off of their skiff along with the three soldier that make fill out their temporary squadron. While Adora gives orders to the rest of the squad, Catra takes the opportunity to step away and look around the base. Helmed guards stand at designated outposts, by the entrances and atop surveillance towers. There's a noticeable hum of machines that reminds her of the Fright Zone, but the sky is clear showing fluffy clouds. She stops and inhales deeply through her nose, the air smells almost sickly sweet. It's not like the musty stench of the Whispering woods or the acrid odor of the Fright Zone. She crinkles her nose already feeling like she might sneeze.

"You ok?"

Adora places a hand on Catra's shoulder, that she quickly shrugs off. "Yeah I'm fine. This place just smells weird. I don't like it."

Blue eyes focus on Catra's nose for a second before nodding, "Don't worry we won't be here long. Come on, base commander is ready to brief us."

The two of them make their way inside to the commander's quarters, a pristine Horde office, small and utilitarian. Sitting behind the desk, is the commander of this base: A tall man with tanned skin and dark hair, neatly combed back. "Captain Adora, Cadet Catra. Shadoweaver informed me of your impending arrival. I'm to whatever it takes to ensure you succeed. How can I help you?"

Catra rolls her eyes, oh great a brownnoser trying to earn points with Shadoweaver's favorite. Luckily, they already agreed Adora would do all the talking. "Thank you base commander. Have you been made aware of any odd visitors to Plumeria recently? We are operating under intel that a princess of Brightmoon may be in the area. Your base is located the closest to their main village."

The Base Commander scratches his chin for a second. "Hmm, I did have some scouts that reported odd lights in the previous nights patrol. It might be nothing but- "

Adora's face lights up. "Do you remember if the light was purple by any chance?"

"Actually yes," The commander shuffles through a few papers on his desk before handing one to Adora. "A copy of the account. Feel free to keep that if it helps."

Adora quickly scans the document before folding it into her pocket and nodding to the commander. "Thank you, I'll be sure to let Shadoweaver know how helpful you have been." Adora gives the base commander a quick salute before turning and walking out with Catra in tow.

As soon as they leave Catra let's out the groan she was holding in, "Man what a kiss up. He wasn't even subtle about it. So, what does that report say?" Catra snatches it from Adora's hand as soon as it's pulled from her pocket.

"The scouts saw several flashes of purple light coming from the forest last night. That's probably Glimmer, and if I had to guess Bow is with her too."

"And your sword?" Adora grins. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's grab our troops and move in."

"Actually, it's just us." Adora pauses outside of the temporary barracks that their unit was assigned to. "Remember we aren't trying to start a fight. Showing up with an entire squad is probably going to send Glimmer running, and she can teleport."

Catra rolls her eyes, "Of course she can, stupid princesses."

Adora can't help but agree slightly, it really isn't fair. "So grab what you need from your bag, I'm going to tell the troops to be ready to move out. Tomorrow night. Should give us enough time."

Catra shrugs as Adora enters the barracks, "now I remember why I let her do all the planning."


Plumeria, Catra decided, couldn't be all that bad. Sure, the smell bothered her nose, but the trees here are nothing like the Whispering woods. If they weren't trying to be stealthy she would probably be laughing at the top of her lungs, at how much fun it is to move from branch to branch, catching the odd vine here and there for extra distance. It reminds her of the Fright Zone scrapyards she and Adora would play in as kids.

"Catra, slow down!" The Force Cadet slows to a stop perching on a high branch at the sound of Adora's whisper yell. The blond, force captain was trying her best to keep up with Catra but they both knew that was impossible. It takes Adora half a minute to get to the base of the tree Catra is perched in. "I know you're having fun but, I just can't keep up with you." She stops to bend over and catch her breath.

Catra uses her claws to slowly slide down the bark of the tree, to right above Adora's head. "Some Force Captain you are. Just a little work out and you're already out of breath. If only Shadoweaver could see you now." A teasing grin works its way onto Catra's face.

Still out of breath, Adora looks up to her friend, "We've 'hah' been out here for an hour. You're insufferable."

"Yeah yeah, Catra you're so fast and cool. I've heard it a thousand times already. Are we almost there yet?"

Adora pulls out the map and takes studies it for a few seconds, "We should be just about there. Why don't you-"

"Do some scouting?" Catra grins, "Don't be surprised, you are text book. So predictable." Catra gracefully jumps grabbing a vine to swing onto a higher branch. Over her shoulder she calls. "And I already know not to do anything if I do see them."

As Catra leaps out of view Adora, sees the smug look on her face and rolls her eyes smiling slightly. "Well at least someone is having fun."

Catra lands on the upper branches of a tall tree overlooking the 'kingdom of Plumeria'. "Is this really a kingdom? It looks like there are thirty people here." She shakes her head, "Now where is Adora's little princess?"

She frowns slightly, the words leaving an unexpectedly bad taste in her mouth. Regardless her eyes scan the so-called kingdom and see a small gathering of maybe ten or so people near one of the edges. Checking to make sure no one is watching she maneuvers her way across the village using the many large trees to stay above the ground, taking care to not cast a shadow where someone might be looking, not that there seem to be any guards or anything like that. "Seriously how have we not conquered this kingdom already?"

She lands as close as she dares to the gathering of people, the bulk of them appear to be human and wearing loose fitting clothing and for some reason they almost all have flowers in their hair. These rebels really make no sense. Among them however are two people that don't quite match. A short girl with purple… everything, and a dark-skinned boy with her, a bow and arrow on his back.

Catra stares at them hard before scowling, no sword. If it's as big as Adora made it sound she would see it for sure. But if they didn't bring it why are they here? Silently Catra drops from the tree into the underbrush and crawls closer. The leaves tickle her nose, but she ignores it and presses on into hearing range. Although from here she can't see them through the thicket.

"-It will be fine I assure you. Leah you're in charge while I'm away."

"But princess without you we'll be defenseless!"

"I've already asked my mother to send support from Brightmoon they should be here soon."

"And besides Leah, I have to go. If there's even a chance I might be able to become She-Ra I must try."

"But Brightmoon is so far away, and the way is dangerous!"

"Don't worry ma'am. Glimmer and I will make sure that Perfuma makes it back without a scratch."

"And besides the two of us are princesses, I feel sorry for whatever tries to stop us."

Catra grins ignoring the tingling in her nose. The sword being in Brightmoon is a bit of an obstacle but not one they can't figure ou- "Achoo!"

"Who was that!"

Catra wipes her nose and surges to her feet forgoing stealth. "A new reason to hate flowers." Still she got what they needed, and if Adora can't even keep up with here there's not way these princesses can." She jumps into the branches of the closest tree and grabs a vine.

"There they are!"

"I've got them!"

Ha not likely, Catra goes to release the vine and jump out of sight when the vine sprouts additional tendrils that wrap around her arms. Cheating Princesses! She extends her claws and cuts her way out, before she can hit the ground a net sprung from an arrow lands around her. It won't be a problem with her claws.

"It's a Horde spy!" Catra is forced to close her eyes, as something very bright and very purple hits her in the face. The ground beneath her churns and roots rise up the wrap around her feet and legs. She raises a claw to slash down at them, when two vines come from no where to grab her arms.

She's able to open her eyes after a few seconds and can now see that she's surrounded by the previously gathered figures and is completely restrained. An annoyed eye twitches, "and now I see why we hate princesses."


It's nearing night as Adora approaches the edge of the kingdom she can already hear that the village is in an uproar. Just to be safe she put her jacket and force badge in her bag and left it hidden just outside the village. With everyone distracted it isn't too difficult to sneak near to one of the buildings where she can hear someone loudly speaking. "They caught a Horde spy here? And at the worst time." What are the odds that it isn't Catra?

"Yeah man, they had to knock her unconscious even tied up she managed to scratch Leah, when they were moving her to the Perfuma's tent." Yeah, that's Catra.

Adora peeks out at the villagers and see's that they're all dressed in light clothes with flowers in their hair. It's a small village, but they are all human so maybe she can use subterfuge to get to Catra. She looks up and spies a clothesline hung up between two treehouses. This is a really bad plan, but seeing as the alternative is going back to the base commander and ordering an assault.

A minute into the village and no one seems to be noticing the out of place Adora. She's currently wearing some light weight pants and a shawl over her normal clothing, that she borrowed from a clothesline. And to fit in she also let her hair down and threw a few flowers from the closest bush in.

Either her disguise is better than she thought, or these people really don't pay attention. Either way it appears to be working. She was wondering how to get close to the tent without drawing attention but upon seeing it relaxes. About half the village is hovering near the largest tent, its flaps are closed but it seems like they all are trying to eavesdrop on what's going on.

She joins them and can hear some familiar voices from inside. "Tell us why you're here!" Glimmer's voice, that good and bad? On the bright side they were looking for her, but she does really hate the Horde.

"I already told you." Catra's voice, "I came here to tell you that you look stupid wearing all purple."

"Do it again Perfuma!" Glimmer sounds increasingly angry. They wouldn't torture her, would they? Adora quickly looks around trying to find anyway to get her friend out of there.

"Wait no don't you dare!" Maybe she was wrong about the rebellion, that village might have been the exception, they could- "Achoo, achu!" Is Catra sneezing? "Get those things away from me you witch! A-achoo!" Never mind, but still she does have to get Catra out of there.

The Force Captain takes in the structure of the tent, the rope connected to the big tree seems like it's holding the central part up. She takes a step back from the crowd reaching her hand into her pocket, no one seems to notice. I've got two shots at this max, but then again if I miss, I probably don't deserve to be a captain anyway.

Adora focuses in on the support rope, and in a single motion draws the knife from her pocket and lets it fly. It soars on target and slices through most of the thick rope leaving only a few strands of fiber. No one in the crowd even notices. She keeps her eyes on the shredded rope as she starts to weave her way to the front of the crowd. 3. 2. 1.

The tent collapses and there are gasps and a few screams from the crowd as people start to move away. Adora pushes towards the tent, keeping her eyes out for- A flash of purple light and three figures appear outside of the tent, "What just happened Bow, Perfuma are you ok?" Adora hears them from behind as she dives into the collapsed tent.

With her still sneezing finding Catra isn't too hard. Adora slides her last knife out of her pocket and begins working on the ropes. "Chu! Adora is that you?"

"Yeah, it's not like I could just leave you here. How did you get captured?"

The rope snaps and Catra begins tearing herself out of the rope and off of the overturned chair. "It's not my fault, it was the stupid flowers, and the stupid cheating princess magic." Adora grabs Catra's hand and begins pulling them towards the other side of the tent away from the crowd. They both quickly navigate their way through the collapsed tent. And hide behind the large tree in the center of the village. Catra makes to run but Adora puts a hand on her chest and shakes her head.

"Glimmer the prisoner is still in there!"

There's a flash of purple light behind them as Glimmer teleports, Adora takes off running towards the tree line with Catra right behind.


"So, explain to me how exactly you got caught again?" the two of them are back at the base, Adora sent het troops out to join a patrol so that the two of them could be alone to debrief.

"I'm telling you it was the stupid flowers. They messed with my nose and gave me away, speaking of." Adora futilely tries to fend off Catra as the faster girl jumps onto her and starts grabbing at the flowers in her hair.

When she's finally done the cat girl throws them in a wastebasket while Adora grabs her hairband to return her hair to its usual state. "Was that really necessary?"

"Forget that, while I was there, I learned where your sword is." Adora perks up at this, when she first saw that Glimmer didn't have it, she'd assumed they were at a dead end. "Yeah, those rebels need to work on security or training or something. I heard some stuff before I got caught but they didn't even try and keep quiet around me afterwards. They're all idiots really."

Adora jabs Catra's shoulder impatiently. "Hurry up and spit it out. Where's the sword?"

Catra grimaces, "Ok bad news is, they're keeping it in Brightmoon Castle."

Of course they are, and if it was possible to sneak into there then they wouldn't even be at war anymore. "So that's it, we failed?"

"Not so fast, there is some good news." Catra gives Adora her natural toothy grin. "They don't have anyone to use the sword. They're trying to get the other princesses to see if any of them can use it but in the meantime. They're letting any girl in the kingdoms come to the castle and try. All we have to do is get you in there, She-Ra will bust us out. Easy."

Adora snorts, "Sure it is. There's no way we can get permission from Shadoweaver to head to castle Brightmoon."

"Then let's not ask." Catra grins, "after all, we did get permission to do anything we needed to right? It's all the same mission. Plus, if we get a chance to talk to the queen, we might be able to figure out what exactly we should do."

"Yeah, I guess we should leave tomorrow I'll figure out something to tell the troops we brought." Catra's right. She usually is, Adora leans back on the bunk with a troubled expression.

It isn't hard for Catra to figure out what's wrong with her. The feline girl takes her usual position curling up around Adora's knees and resting her head on her legs through the blanket. "I'm sorry I messed up your plan to talk with your princess friend."

Catra's voice pulls Adora from her thoughts, "What? That wasn't your fault. I mean you did get caught but only because I sent you to scout alone."

In the dark Adora can feel Catra shift over her legs, "Don't worry, when we get you that sword I'm sure you'll get a chance to work things out with them in the castle. Even if I have to force them to listen to you."

Typical Catra, worrying about Adora when she really didn't need to. Adora reaches down and runs a hand through Catra's course hair. What did she do to deserve a friend this good? "Thanks."