I OWN NOTHING

You know I don't care much about anything but writing for the sake of having some fun. What better way to do that than fleshing out my crazy ideas?

X-X-X-X-X

"Is this necessary?"

"For the umpteenth time, yes." An exasperated Glimmer answered to Catra, whose hands were tied together with rope. "Mom will freak out if she sees you free!"

"At least loosen them up!" Catra hissed. Like a true war-prisoner, she couldn't do anything that her captors deemed too suspicious, a problem if it weren't for Adora.

Said blonde sighed, "Sorry, but we're going to need a lot of explaining to do if we are to convince the queen to let you in. Even I have trouble believing this." She stood near her feline friend, "Queen Angella and the guards weren't welcoming with me, so you'll need to behave."

"Can I not?" Catra groaned, "After everything that went down, talking to some queen is the last thing on my mind."

Bow, the one holding the rope, asked "So, can you tell us what happened?"

"I told you." She huffed with an angry snarl. "I…I had no choice but to…" she growled.

"If things got as…out of hand as she said, it must have been a lot." Adora put both hands on her friend's shoulders, "It's going to be alright, either as She-Ra or myself, I'm getting Naruto back."

"Don't think it'll be easy…" Catra said sadly, "I never thought I'd have to do all this just to be with you…"

"It'll be fine, I swear." Adora tried to reassure her, "Bright Moon's a great place, you'll love it." She promised, "I…I really wished to show it to you and Naruto before…"

There was a chance, and the brunette took it with a sly grin, "Before we had to kick your butts?" Catra teased.

Adora smirked, "I'd say I was doing pretty well to have you two forced to fight me together."

"Hah, you wish you could say that without your fancy sword." Catra smirked, how she missed talks like the one she was having.

"Oh really, who got promoted first?" the blonde retorted.

"Shadow Weaver's favoritism doesn't count, and you know it." The brunette shot back.

"Hey, don't we have important matters to address?" Glimmer cut them off, "Like, can we really believe this…voice or whatever possessed him? Kurama, was it?"

Catra sighed, "It calls itself a kitsune, a powerful magical beast, it says." She huffed, "It explained to Naruto how Shadow Weaver used everyone because it already knew people who thought like her and Hordak. A little handy, but when Naruto saw how I got kicked around by that witch, he stopped ignoring it."

"Was it always inside him?" Bow asked. "How does that even work?"

Catra shrugged, "Apparently, Naruto's father had to in order to save their village. Kurama went on a rampage under the influence of someone Hordak has been keeping an eye on. Some guy called Madara..." then, she remembered something that put her on edge, "Kurama ended up killing Naruto's parents, but ended up sealed in Naruto to keep everyone safe."

"What!?" everyone asked, Bow first, "Y-You mean there's someone as bad or possibly worse than Hordak!? How does that work!?"

"Long-story short: Naruto's world is full of people strong enough to give him competition."

Everyone went quiet, Adora humming, "Possibly why he was always tasked to train under Shadow Weaver and his eyes..." she then recalled something, "What of his parents? Kurama said..."

A pained boy's face flashed in Catra's eyes, making her relive the urge to hug the boy as she heavily said, "Dead, something you can blame on Madara." Her claws popped out as she recalled how badly she wanted to destroy the man while hugging one of her favorite blondes, "Ever since then, that kitsune has trained Naruto to resist mind-manipulation of any kind."

"So, everyone has an agenda." Bow said, "What could have even brought someone's dad to pair their kid with some kit-soon?"

"Kitsune." Adora corrected him, then turned to Catra, "But...he has a point in asking." Catra let out a heavy sigh, feeling tired.

"His father wanted to let the village know so they would treat him like a big hero by thinking a dying man's wishes would work." She looked down sadly, "Can you imagine what would have happened?"

"Hey, he saved a village, it's worthy of respect." Bow pointed out.

"But those people lost their loved ones when Kurama destroyed the place." Catra added, "And suddenly, it's put in a boy, a weak vessel which they could easily take revenge on… Sadly, many people like him lived in his world, and they were either turned into perfect soldiers or became a reminder of those who perished. I guess you can imagine what would have happened."

Glimmer felt sick, "But he didn't ask for it." She said weakly.

"Did you ask to be a princess? Did Adora ask for the sword? Did I ask to be Shadow Weaver's stress ball?" the cat girl shot back.

"I never would have imagined such things could happen…" Adora gasped, "Why didn't you two tell me?"

"He already did, but you didn't believe it." Catra said, "Perhaps that's how it used us and why it chose me and not you to be with Naruto."

Uneasy and nervous, Bow asked, "Does it plan on…you know, possessing your babies…?"

Glimmer shuddered at the thought, "Don't even suggest that!"

Catra groaned at the display while Adora looked at her, "So…"

"No, Kurama could see how pure you are and how much Naruto cares for you." Catra sighed and looked away, "It used our weaknesses to make them strengths as it said. Anger was the strength behind my claws. Naruto's naivety molded him to believe in bigger goals than he could have ever dreamed of. But you would have rejected it, Adora."

The blonde felt truly powerless, "If I had known, I would have, I could have even stopped Naruto from…" an uncomfortable silence surrounded them.

"Did he…hurt Perfuma?" Bow asked concerned for the slender girl.

"He didn't and wouldn't do so." Catra replied.

"Still, this is something mom won't like to hear about…" Glimmer thought out loud.

"Just make sure we're not followed." Catra said, earning three questioning looks, "Shadow Weaver has eyes on you, Adora."

"Oh no…" the blonde gasped, "Do you think she-"

"No problem, Bright Moon has defenses to spare against any dark magic." Bow exclaimed with a beaming smile, "Like-OW!" he yelped when Glimmer stomped his foot.

"Not so loud, she could be watching!" she harshly whispered through clenched teeth.

Catra grinned as they turned their backs to her, 'This is too easy.'

Later, the group finally reached the castle, large, bright and colorful. Waiting for them by the entrance was Queen Angella, a very tall slender woman with a mature face, pink skin, very long pink hair, and a pair of wings. She possessed womanly curves, showing where her daughter got her own shapely bottom. Everything about her said she took rules seriously.

"I've heard the news." The monarch started, walking to them.

Glimmer felt pathetic, eyes downcast, "Mom, we-" she was hugged tenderly by her mother.

"I'm just glad you're fine…" she breathed out in relief. Pulling back, she looked at the others, "I've sent some representatives to help Perfuma's subjects in this time of need. The forest is healing now that the Horde and their machinery have left it. However, it's not going as swiftly as it would with her help."

"I promise, we'll get Princess Perfuma back, but we need help, we need the other princesses…" Glimmer told her as seriously as she could.

"Understood, but first…" she narrowed her eyes at Catra, who flinched, "Guards, take away this prisoner to-"

"No, she's on our side!" Adora shouted, standing beside her. "Her name's Catra, she was with me, and has just escaped the control of something even worse than the Horde!"

"And she's been through a lot." Glimmer struggled to speak, waving her hands, "I-I'm not sure I can believe it either, but…" she groaned as she put her arms to her sides as if holding something, like she was trying to grip the right answer before she continued, "For the benefit of the doubt, we gave her a chance."

"If you wish to take responsibility for her actions…" Queen Angella's eyes narrowed on the cat girl despite talking to her daughter. "I can understand Adora, for she is She-Ra, a savior we've waited for many years. I wish we had more reason to believe this sudden transformation." Catra did her best to not glare, thus she pouted tiredly at the monarch.

Seeing the bad vibes, the feline warrior's best friend stepped in, "We will keep her safe." Adora swore with a hand on her chest.

"Let's listen to your story, then." The queen said uneasy on the inside but stoic on the outside.

Catra turned, then cut through the rope, "Hey, give me a second!" she hissed as the guards were about to rush her, reaching to her back, "I'll take a minute, and close your eyes." She told Bow as she reached to her back, showing her flexibility by grabbing the lower part of her shirt and lifting it to show the seal on her shoulder. The archer did as told, using both hands to cover his vision.

"Is that a tattoo?" Queen Angella asked when seeing the seal.

"It's more than that, it is the mark of that thing worse than the Horde." Catra's answer had the queen curious, so she made her way to the cat girl with her guards close by. Putting a hand over the whirlpool mark, she traced a finger on it. Suddenly, red chakra flared in contact with her skin, giving the two a sharp pain where they were touched, "Ah, careful!" Catra hissed.

Queen Angella held her hand, gasping in shock and horror, "I-I've never seen nor felt such foul, malicious energy! It's as if a life source had been turned into evil intent…"

"I knew it, you two were under something's control!" Adora didn't know whether to be relieved or horrified.

Catra pulled down her shirt, hissing, "And it's not pretty…" after breathing to calm herself and ignore the pain, she continued, "Kurama knows these seals are useful to control others. They can seal evil or even be used in order to make others give in to their darkest side."

"How did you break free, then?" Queen Angella asked.

"I had to…to cut down Naruto, the one who Kurama is inside…" Catra ground her teeth at the memory. "That's all I want to say…" The queen didn't believe it, but the pain the girl was in felt too genuine for it to be faked. Part of her thought it wise to question her further, but the girl seemed to have been through enough.

Still, "Then, I'm afraid I cannot trust you like that."

Adora's heart turned into stone, "But Your Majesty, she-"

"You I trust because of Glimmer, Adora." The woman icily told her, "Your friend still has that seal on her."

"Don't assume you know what I'm here for!" Catra hissed, "I want to make sure Naruto wins over whatever he is dealing with! It was horrible to have to hurt someone who made me happy through the worst…" every bone in her body shook with rage. It wasn't fully faked, she despised having to harm the blond.

However, Adora had an idea, "The sword…" she pulled out her broadsword, "Did the sword break Kurama's hold over you, Catra?" she felt awed at the idea.

"Possibly…" Bow whispered, "Perfuma said legends spoke of its healing powers…"

"Then…" Catra widened her eyes when the sword was put on her face, "Turn around and lift your shirt again."

"Wait, I could've looked already?" Bow asked.

"Peek and you'll never see again!" Catra hissed but once again did as told.

"Let's do this…" Adora said seriously, lifting the sword.

And Catra couldn't contain herself, "You know, I never thought you'd tell me to do this with an audience."

"D-don't make this any harder than it is!" Adora blushed bright red as she shouted at her.

Adora looked at the seal closely. It was pitch black and had a strange squiggly curling style resembling an inverted spiral, closer inspection made it out to be a stylized fox. With the very end of the spiral being the fox's tail, and the beginning being its head. When she placed a hand on it, it glowed a bright red and emitted heat, making her withdraw in shock.

All of that was a fancy illusion. The actual seal's meaning was nothing more than a basic heat containment seal, with Naruto's particular artistic expression used to complete it. The seal served nothing more than to be used as a way to trick Adora. Although Naruto had, to further the trickery, adjusted it so it would agitate Catra and make her surlier than her usual.

The agitation worked simply, it made her constantly suffer through the effects of her heat without the rampant horniness or need to mate. "Get it off me Adora! C'mon!" Her claws popped out and she had to embed them in her thigh. Her moodiness had skyrocketed, and her body was burning up with irritation and anger.

"Alright, don't blame me if this goes wrong..." Adora changed quickly, aimed her sword at the seal, and focused. Light emanated from the sword and hit the seal directly, getting Catra to hiss and fall flat on her face! "Oh my goodness, Catra! I didn't mean to do that!" the blonde ran to help her while the cat girl closed her eyes shut.

Red chakra flowed out of her body as she rested. "Hey…" Catra grunted, enjoying the feeling of Adora's arms cradling her, "I thought you…were too cool for hugs."

A relieved smile crept over Adora's face, "Glad to have you back, is all…"

A pang of guilt hit Catra, but she knew what had to be done, "I'm not really sorry for being such a pain to you."

Adora giggled, and the queen felt conflicted but more at ease, "Adora, am I right to believe you'll keep her safe and within your watch?" then she narrowed her eyes, "Because should she just so much as sneeze in a way I deem suspicious, she shall be kept in a different room. And it won't be comfortable, trust me."

"I get the hint…" Catra groaned.

"So, can I look now?" Bow asked at last, still covering his eyes.

X-X-X-X-X

At Horde HQ, in a special, dark prison cell…

"What to do with you?" Shadow Weaver asked the prisoner, whose hands were cuffed together, and her feet shackled to the ground. "Powerless and at our mercy, this puts a smile on my face."

"I assure you that I shall not aid you on destroying the forest or harming others." Perfuma said as the witch circled around her.

Then, she grabbed the blonde by the chin from behind, "Ah, defiance, that's a good sign that this should be interesting. Just remember those shackles nullify your use of magic. However, I've got some use for you." She heard a knock at her door, which she opened with a simple wave of her hand. "Just who I wanted to see."

"You…" Perfuma recognized the outfit, but not the face, "You're…the man from the forest, right? Oddly handsome, too."

"Indeed, at least on the first account. Big thanks for the compliment." Naruto chuckled without his collar or hood hiding his face, merrily grinning at her, "Sorry if the accommodations aren't to your liking, we didn't have time to dust it. Complain if you feel like this place needs some clean-"

"Enough, boy." The witch growled at him. "After that incident with Adora becoming that princess, I will not allow you to fool around when she's in the Resistance's side."

"Come on, I think I earned the right for a few jokes, I've captured a princess." The sly captain said with a large grin.

"Your merits are mine." She hissed, "All your training, me. All your tricks, me. All those ways in which you think on your feet, me. Now, show some respect and think on what you are here for." She leaned over him due to her natural tall stature, looking deep into his eyes. Naruto kept down a growl and didn't let his charming grin falter as he waved dismissively.

"Fine, I just got what I needed out of my system." He walked to Perfuma and examined her, "Do you want me to date her?"

"Boy…!" the witch snapped while Perfuma blushed.

He snickered, "Sorry, couldn't resist."

"Find if your power can be used on her," Shadow Weaver left, "and don't make me wait."

"As you wish." He saluted, only to wave dismissively once she turned, surprising the slender girl slightly.

"Excuse me, but why would you attack me?" Perfuma asked, "Why take me? My people posed no threat, so you have no use for using me."

"Do I really have to repeat myself?" Naruto asked, turning around with both arms behind his back, "I'm the bad guy." He raised his hands, mimicking himself menacing the air before him, "I do all things no one has done before because something needs to change, and a hero needs to be tested. Or just because I'm greedy, a complete psychopath, or bored, your pick." He shrugged at the end.

Perfuma bit her bottom lip, "Why do you call yourself that?"

"From your point of view, I'm the villain." Naruto retorted, pointing at her without facing the princess, then he brought the finger near his head, pointing up, "Ergo, all I do is reprehensible and yaddah, yaddah, bad and unfair." He sighed at the end, "Then again, to the victor goes the spoils, and whoever wins in the end is right and just and oh so great. Isn't that how the story goes?"

Perfuma stared at him in confusion, "What are you talking about?"

"Think of it this way," he pointed at her face yet again without facing her, "you win. Good, you're worthy of writing about in your kingdom's history and legends. Me? I get forgotten and branded the monster that brave and powerful Princess Perfuma defeated!" he kept a peppy tone. "Instant bestseller and a story to make everyone look up to you."

"But you won, so I'm the monster." She said with a frown.

"Ah, that look doesn't suit you." He finally turned to her. "Listen, sweetie, you are a love, you really are." He leaned forward to be face to face with her, both hands still behind his back. "But that's war, isn't it? Any battle has the loser as that, a loser. The one who's wrong and should be treated as trash… No one really thinks about losers, do they? As in, what if they were right?"

His words grew surprisingly angry, stunning her briefly, "I…I understand your logic, but it's just… So sad and horrible. How can you keep such a smile and be so cynical?"

"Years here do that to anyone." He answered with a shrug and his arms still behind his back, "Anyway…" he turned and waved his hands around, "Heroes, villains, nothing but those who conquer. The Horde wins, and the future will have you princesses as the bad guys. You princesses win, and we're labelled as the worst scum of any world and lifetime."

"That's what makes you unhappy?" she asked, "But life has so many things to enjoy. Music, the world around you, the people in it… Sure, it's all passing, it won't last long, but my people and I cherish the moments we live in. So, why do you have to look at things so bleakly?"

"Someone has to." He replied simply with a sigh and a shrug, "Really, that's it. However…" he turned to her and smiled widely, "I didn't go through the trouble of convincing Shadow Weaver you have a power that I could use for nothing. I also didn't argue that it could be used for the Horde and to capture Adora easier just to brag to you…"

Perfuma's eyes widened, "Who…What are you…?" she didn't know if she was talking to a human or a being from another realm of existence.

"Do you want this story to end so black and white?" he asked her sincerely, "Would you keep up the whole charade that this world is just so bright, colorful and delightful if you understood the other side?" he extended his hand to her, "Or do you want to see there are some shades of gray between everything? Because I am sure there's more than these princesses and the Horde out there."

Perfuma was tempted to listen to him, but couldn't, "You're still a member of the Horde and my kidnapper…" her eyes shifted, taking in his features for any lie.

"True, but who says I can't be more?" he retorted, "Not a mindless conqueror…" he paused, then shrugged, "Alright, I wouldn't mind the conquering, but I'd give diplomacy a try."

"You kidnapped me." She reminded him again with an adorable pout, making resisting a joke too hard.

"Would you believe it was because I had to? It is my job." He offered with a smile.

And she with a frown, "No, you… Why do you think I'd trust you?"

"Do you want to see your forest whither and die?" he retorted, "Or would you like me to help keep it alive?"

"I…" she gasped, unable to believe him, but unsure if she should dismiss that.

"Anyway, this trick will lose its power about now…" he started, sighing as he turned to a paper tag on the door, "Tch, I need more practice for this silence tags…"

"Shadow Weaver didn't hear us?" she asked, confused, "Why keep this from her?"

"Do you want her to know of this and tell Hordak?" he retorted. "And if you want proof that it works, here's another." He placed another tag on her forehead, to which she tried to tell him to take it off…only to hear silence, "Pretty good, isn't it?" he retrieved it and then turned to the door, "Can you keep up a good act?"

"I…" she started, her mind flooded with doubt. However… "I have no other option, do I?" she asked sadly, hanging her head down.

"You could tell Shadow Weaver about this and get me killed." He chortled at the shock and horror on her face, "Hey, I thought you wanted options."

Perfuma felt confused, but she could see there was more to it than first appearances, "Alright, I will listen to you, as long as you can keep your word."

"For the ones I care for, always."

X-X-X-X-X

"This is your bed…?" Catra asked on all fours on the floor like the cat she was, glaring at the mountain of softness and velvety blankets that was Adora's sleeping sanctuary. She poked it, then glared harder, "It's so big and fluffy and…colorful. Also, why does it have to feel like I could sink into it if I get on?" she huffed and kept poking it.

"I know, right?" Adora exclaimed and patted the mattress, "The first time I tried to sleep here, I had to do it alone, too!"

"You sleep alone?" Catra gasped in surprise.

"Is that really so weird at the Horde's place?" Glimmer asked from the doorway, observing Catra cautiously.

"Yeah, the only ones with rooms to themselves are Force Captains, Shadow Weaver and Hordak." Adora answered.

Catra nodded, "Which is odd, why would you want to sleep without someone who could at least shout in the middle of a night attack and alert the others?"

"And it saves so much space without needing to fill every corner with things you don't need." Adora added, "It is easier to have books here, yes, but the library was good enough."

Catra then gained a catty grin, "Also, sharing sleeping quarters meant you had me to warm your feet."

"It helped a lot on cold nights…" Adora nodded at that.

Glimmer groaned, "Anyway, sleep well, tomorrow there's a meeting and I want you two there looking presentable." She tried to be firm and commanding, "This is going to be big. If we want to make this alliance work and get back Princess Perfuma, there's one place to go to keep our defenses strong and have more territory than the Horde."

"Do tell." Catra purred on the bed.

"Tomorrow, tonight you will sleep-" Glimmer started, then gasped, "Not there!"

"Hey, I sleep where it's comfy and Adora's feet are the comfiest." Catra frowned at the pink-head.

"We already arranged a room for you, there's no need for-" the princess argued, but Adora patted her shoulder to calm her down.

"Glimmer, it's alright. I can take care of myself, but I won't need to with Catra back as herself." She tried to smile reassuringly, but Glimmer kept the frown. "Okay, how does it sound if we all sleep in the same place and you can keep watch if she tries anything funny?" she asked hopeful that it would appease the smaller, plump girl.

Glimmer wanted to retort, but she could recognize a good idea when it was in front of her, "You…alright, fine, if it's to make sure she keeps her claws to herself."

"Jealous I am back with Adora?" Catra taunted, though if that was the case…

"N-no!" the princess squeaked with a glare and a deep blush, "I'm still not trusting you after everything you pulled."

"But you know it's Kurama pulling the strings." Adora argued.

"Sure, but it still doesn't mean mom will trust her easily, so I have to make sure she can trust her." Glimmer replied, "Listen, just try to behave according to her rules. Everything should be easier once they have at least one chance to see there's no problem like with She-Ra."

"So, that Amazon version of you is She-Ra." Catra stated more than asked, "How does that happen?"

"It's quite…hard to put into words." Adora answered, "Most of this I haven't figured out, and if I get answers then I get more questions than before."

"Short version: magic sword turns you into sexy warrior goddess, right?" Catra had a sly smirk to put Naruto's foxy one to shame.

"Pretty much…" Glimmer groaned again, she felt that the sexual tension could only be dealt with by using a diamond cutter. "Anyway, if it can give us all some peace of mind, I'll arrange something. Just keep your claws to yourself like I said." The princess grumbled as she turned to leave.

Catra had the perfect joke, but Adora halted her, "Teasing me is okay, but during this you should keep any jokes about others to yourself."

"Fine…" the cat-girl groaned.

X-X-X-X-X

Next morning, Catra followed Adora to a meeting room, all the while smiling nonchalantly as the guards eyed her cautiously. Glimmer frowned deeply, trying to remain firm while the cat girl's tail swished happily. Adora looked like she had a better sleep than before since her feet were warm at night, unaware that Glimmer's light blush was from enjoying the warmth at her feet, too.

"Slept well?" Catra asked, trying not to sound teasing even if she was, "It feels good to have some feet nearby warming me up, cozy and not too invasive."

"Focus on the task at hand." Glimmer scolded her, "Now…" she pushed up her chest and walked forward into the meeting hall. Once inside, Catra watched where Adora sat before grinning. Leaping like the feline she was, she used the top of the chair like a perch while crouched like a lioness protecting her territory, meaning Adora.

"Hey, you can't-" Bow started from his seat near Adora's.

Catra smirked, "I could get another chair, but I prefer this over any seat."

"Please, don't do this now!" Glimmer exclaimed, understandably furious.

"Don't what…?" Queen Angella started, then stared in silent displeasure of what Catra was doing.

Adora chuckled nervously when the queen's gaze was cast on her, "She's…not really bothering anyone, is she?"

Closing her eyes tightly, the queen asked, "Why is she here when I was told this would be about a mission?"

"To test her." Glimmer answered, "Now, once everyone's here, I shall explain."

After two more princesses Catra didn't bother remembering or even trying to register their names, Glimmer explained how the group needed to go find some princess called Mermista. Everything seemed fine for a while, but there was a problem when she started to talk about the water. How important the entrance was, she understood, but the fact they had to travel by boat…

"Wait, isn't Bright Moon connected to the place?" she asked, nervously staring at the holographic map. "Can't we just find another way to get her?"

"Bright Moon doesn't have a navy, Princess Mermista provides that service and that is why we need to get a boat." Glimmer said firmly in her business mode.

"What about sending an invitation?" Catra nearly whimpered.

"It would defeat the purpose of a diplomatic alliance if we don't put the effort to go there." Glimmer frowned at her.

"No, no, no, wait…" Catra chuckled awkwardly, "Um, air-ships should work, right?"

"And give ourselves on a silver platter to the Horde?" Glimmer shot back, "No, we need to get a boat without any sign it's related to Bright Moon to get there unnoticed. We'd pass as regular sailors, contact the princess, and be back without drawing too much attention from them."

"Catra, is something the matter?" Adora asked deeply concerned for her friend's mental well-being.

"I'll be fine…" the cat girl resigned herself to her fate, having too much to do to really make a fuss about it.

"Best of luck, everyone." Queen Angella told them, "With Mermista at our side and the aid of future princesses, we may stand a chance to defeat the Horde and save Princess Perfuma."

"And also keep Naruto at bay…" Bow added. "The least we have to deal with him the better, that guy's dangerous."

"I know, but we will get him back, too." Adora said with a determined smile.

Speaking of said blond…

"Alright, that's going to be there for a very long time."

Naruto stood bare-chested in a locker room after his bandages were taken off. Pink marked his skin where Catra slashed him. Currently, he was preparing himself. Dusting his repaired attire and checking and pocketing as many knives as he could in his pouches. Once said and done, he was ready to leave without caring about the scar which Kurama commented about.

"You sure are a fine piece of work." The kitsune said, "Letting one of them harm you willingly, and here I thought you'd be the dominant one."

'Teasing, seriously?' he questioned with an inward and outward smirk as he pulled up his collar's zipper and put on the hood, 'You are adorable when jealous.'

"I am looking after you, no one would want to lose their freedom." Kurama told him with a chuckle.

'And since Catra and Adora are out, you want to play.' He chortled and then stopped. He found himself in a sewer, a closed gate leading to a pair of giant red eyes and a fanged smirk. It was a mindscape in which a conversation wouldn't be heard, so he could say out loud, "Please, we went through this. Get everyone in place, overthrow the Horde, and enjoy life."

"Your little deal won't be without risks. I didn't teach you that seal for nothing." The kitsune told him.

Naruto shrugged casually, "Yes, you're teaching me stuff Shadow Weaver can't brag about. All because you need me as much as I need you."

"Fair enough, but if you die, you're taking me with you, something I don't look forward to."

"Which won't happen, trust me." For once, he gave the kitsune some slack, "Tell you what, after we do our part, I'm finding a way to let you out of this cage."

"Remember that's our deal." The kitsune's shadow made his grin terrifying. "If you want my power, you shall give yours truly one thing and one thing only: freedom."

Naruto smiled and snickered, "Again, you're adorable when jealous." Then he shrugged, "Can you blame me for liking them?"

"I'd say it's in your bloodline to like dangerous women." Kurama chortled, "Speaking of which, watch yourself."

Before he could ask, Scorpia's voice returned him to the real world, "Are you sure you're fine?" she fidgeted with her claws, "I can always go and-"

"It's fine, I can walk it off." He waved off dismissively, "Listen, you are a love, but you don't need to worry."

"But I want to worry." Scorpia argued, then hugged him into her robust body, "Here, just talk to me. If you're keeping anything in, let it out." One of her claws gently brushed his hair while his face was pressed on her breasts, feeling the flesh barely contained under the wraps. "It's okay to talk, you shouldn't keep this bottled up. This isn't something to ignore, it could harm you."

"Ugh...I'm in pain..." Naruto grunted, Scorpia was no delicate flower. She popped a few vertebrae into place, but he feared they'd pop out of his body if she continued.

"Look at you, finally being honest." It was the first time he cursed his collar and hood for hiding his face. "Just let it out. I know you three were close, but you can rely on me."

Patting her back for release, he groaned out a, "I'm...having...trouble..." he wanted to say the word breathing, but he lost all air in his lungs to pronounce it.

"No worries, I knew you were a big softy." She patted his head soothing and affectionately. Finally, she unglued his face from many odd men's fantasy and held him up like a pup by the armpits. Due to his already average stature and her being towering by nature, his feet dangled off the floor. At the very least she gave him room to breathe and didn't let him collapse like a corpse.

Kurama chuckled at his misfortune, "Remember what I said of your genes favoring dangerous women? Case and point."

"Anyway, I want you to know I'll be there for you." Scorpia continued, beaming, "Don't worry either, if there's something I can do to help you get Catra and Adora back, I'll be there for you." She was too endearing for him to be mad, although his back would beg to differ. However, an idea crept into his head at what she said and what it could imply.

He gasped at the start, "Say…Scorpia, first, I'd prefer if you let me hug you rather than hugging me." his back agreed, "Second, how well can you keep a secret?"

"If a friend asks me, I will keep it hidden even from Lord Hordak himself." She confessed, then used one of her claws to cup her mouth as best as possible, "But don't tell anyone I said that."

"Stop, whatever you're planning, it won't work." Kurama grumbled, "Catra was at least smart, this one makes Adora look self-aware."

'Fond of me and jealous of her, aren't you?' he couldn't contain himself, "See, I need your help with something, but you can't tell anyone about it."

"Sure, what is it?" Scorpia was so gullible it almost felt wrong to use her.

Almost, "Here's the deal, and only four people are supposed to know this. Lord Hordak, Shadow Weaver, and I are in on this."

"Alright, top priority." Scorpia nodded with a determined stare. "My lips are sealed, and my claws and tail are at your disposal."

"I'll tell you more, but please let my feet touch the ground first."

"Sorry!" the large girl smiled sheepishly and did as requested.

Dusting himself first, he returned to his smiling self, "How do you feel about sailing?"

Her eyes sparkled.

X-X-X-X-X

And that's my rap!

Next chapter is facing Mermista for Naruto and having some fun in the sea with Scorpia. For Catra, not so much. However, here we see more of his philosophy. He has been taught well by Shadow Weaver about a Jinchuuriki's life, so much to the point he's more than self-aware. Knowledge is power, and he is getting more than knowledge from Kurama.

Swordslinger out!