I OWN NOTHING

I agree with many that the prom episode is a down point even with the overused prom scenario itself demanding low expectations already. Time to have fun.

X-X-X-X-X

Naruto laid on his back, his head on top of Scorpia's muscular thighs. She was cheerfully humming to herself while he stared at the dark sky of the Fright Zone, one hand raised up as if to clench something until he lowered it. After Hordak's anger at the escape of a princess, he had to keep it cool and ponder his next moves carefully. As he did so, he enjoyed Scorpia's warmth.

"Hey, think we're doing the right thing in the end?" he asked Scorpia, who put a claw to chin in thought.

"I'm not sure what's right or who's right, if we're the bad guys or the good guys, perspective counts for everything, or so I was told." She said and looked over the distance in the balcony the two found deserted. A rare treat, "You've made this question before in a different way. Why?"

Smiling softly, he stared into her and decided to be honest, "I just want to know if I'm really doing this for everyone's benefit or to live up to some kind of ideal. Who am I really trying to impress? My friends? Micah? Myself? The Horde's soldiers who I hope will support me? Or someone else?" he said, his eyes closing in thought.

Scorpia's cheerful tone reassured him, "Whatever you feel is best, I think that you're doing it for more than just yourself. You don't seem selfish, or at least not when you deal with me."

He stared up at her, her claw reaching out and very carefully moving through his hair, "Heh… Thanks Scorpia. I'm a little more certain now of who I'm supposed to be."

A bright childish grin spread on the scorpion woman's face, "That's the spirit! You can decide for yourself what kind of hero you want to be, or a villain, I'm not judging! Just make sure you're doing it for the sake of those you cherish, or something like that, right? Sorry, not so good with the pep-up speeches, but I'll do my best if you need me to!"

He got up and Scorpia raised with him before she rustled his hair with a bright grin, "You're really cute when you're confessing stuff, you know that?"

Her unashamed admissions brought a grin to his face, "You're not half bad yourself, Scorpia."

"Oh, you're just saying that." She blushed, but her wagging tail indicated the compliment was appreciated.

"I'm serious, and don't let anyone say otherwise." He kept a soft smile as he said that, getting her to gasp barely audibly with a harder blush.

"Thank you, you're...really nice. Before my family agreed to work with Hordak, all princesses kept their distance from me." she admitted, fiddling with her own claws.

Deeply breathing, he had to be honest, "Well, you do have a problem with personal space, even if you yourself don't like people touching your tail."

"But I'm a hugger by nature." She pouted adorably for a towering bulldozer of a woman.

"Let's work on it, though." He said with an awkwardly cocked eyebrow, "Small steps, you know?"

"Well, I wouldn't mind getting more people to hug back." She commented.

"Small steps first." He chuckled nervously, feeling himself sweat a bit.

And speaking of small, "There you are!" Entrapta popped out of a vent, giddy as she crawled out with her hair, "I've managed to decipher it!"

"And earned yourself more cookies." Naruto replied with a warm grin as he grabbed a small handheld device which the engineer handed him, "Alright, I think I get it now...slightly. So, can you two cover me while I look for the intruder?" he smiled slyly when mentioning the word intruder.

"You know it!" Scorpia saluted him. "We shall tell Lord Hordak you went after him by yourself and get Entrapta's servants to make you a cake to celebrate." Looking forward to the treat, she put a claw to her heart as if swearing an oath, "I chose the flavors and know you'll love it."

"Just make sure to get all the cool stuff!" Entrapta yelled out, poking her fingers with an excited grin, "Especially if it's another databank..."

"Remind me to bring you a nice gift, too." He said and was gone in a cloud of smoke.

"What'd be a better gift than First Ones' tech?" Entrapta asked herself, pulling out her recorder, "Personal data log. Entry 17: Subject Naruto keeps saying weird things, but he's still a reliable asset to my research, as well as a bringer of delicious baked goods. Promising a nice gift, I'm to question what could surpass that dango recipe he recommended."

"A kiss...?" a blushing Scorpia thought out loud.

Pink tinged Entrapta's cheeks but her smile didn't falter, "Conclusion: affection would be welcomed."

Chuckling nervously, Scorpia rubbed to the back of her head, "Eh, perhaps we're overthinking this, he already has interest in Catra and Adora..." her chuckles grew weaker.

Somehow, that just made Entrapta smile wider, "New study question: if the feline specimen known as Catra is willing to share him with her best friend, what can be done to earn such privilege? Note: investigate on said cat warrior to find common ground for proper and fair access to subject Naruto's affection."

"Well, I do like cats." Scorpia whispered timidly.

"Hypothesis: aid is required for my judgment alone wouldn't be enough. Thus, a partnership with the scorpion lady specimen Scorpia shall be more than welcomed." With that, Entrapta turned off her recorder, an intense enthusiasm radiating from her as she bounced on the balls of her feet, "So, is this the time we go shopping to become what people refer to as BFFs?"

"You bet!" Scorpia was about to hug her, but halted herself as she loomed over a wide-eyed pigtailed girl, "Oh, right, control my hugging..."

"Hmm...could I endure it as a way to prepare myself for possible physical activities?" Entrapta muttered and wrote it down on her notepad, "I shall test the theory later." Excitedly, she aimed a finger forward after putting her notepad safely in her overalls, "Now, to find good bonds through consumerism!"

X-X-X-X-X

"Enjoying the place?"

Shadow Weaver was shackled with familiar cuffs. Special trinkets which design she gave to Hordak to keep any possible princess captive locked in their prison. However, her attention jumped from the tightly shut magic seals on her wrists to Catra leaning on the doorframe of her cell. The place was average, but had guards keeping her in their sights at all times.

"Are you here to do what your parents couldn't?" the witch taunted, wishing she could show her a smile.

"It'd sting if I knew them to begin with." Catra shot back, though her usual smirk was gone, "And since you helped me grow strong enough to beat you, you could say I did."

"Don't lie," the witch growled.

"I'm here because I'm curious, as is she." Catra moved to the side, letting Adora in.

"My child..." the dark sorceress said weakly.

"Don't call me that." Adora demanded firmly, "Did you really think I could blindly love you for what you did to Catra as we grew up? All I want is to know why."

"Hehehe...it matters not. At least you're safe, strong, and I know you'll grow stronger." Shadow Weaver hugged herself, "Ah, but I couldn't keep your love. Try as I may, your eyes were focused on Naruto like I had planned, but also on...her..." she narrowed her eyes at Catra, who returned the glare.

"I'm strong because of those who helped me now." Adora shot back, "You lost not because I was She-Ra, but because I had Catra and Glimmer and we backed each other up."

"Indeed," Shadow Weaver chortled darkly, "your love for others. I was warned about it."

"By who?" Adora demanded firmer, "Tell me already. Your plan didn't even make sense. You had hostages, but you didn't use them."

"They were a lure, but also a test of your love." Shadow Weaver shuddered as her fingers twisted to grasp the air, "And I see how true the warning was. Your bonds to them is blinding you, weighing you down. It's a limit of your potential. However, I was to have your affection, I even let you keep a pet and chose the best guardian for you."

"Start making sense!" Catra snapped.

"No need..." Shadow Weaver let out a sigh, curling into a ball on her bed, "I may have failed, but in a way, I am free. I can see it now, how he will force you to fight, to go down the right path."

"Who's he? It's not Hordak, right?" Adora felt on edge. "Or is it Kurama?"

"Do know one thing...you and Naruto have a use, my child." The scar-faced sorceress chortled darkly, "And disposable as I am, I can rest easy knowing what'll happen."

Catra grew impatient, "Come on, enough being cryptic? Wouldn't it be better to tell them I still work with the Horde to confuse us?" Catra had had a contingency plan: should Shadow Weaver blow her cover, then she would simply point out how manipulative she was. Adora believed in her blindly, so she'd have her aid to convince the other. Underhanded, yes, but she never played fair.

"It serves me no purpose, just like your parents." The witch cackled, enjoying how Catra's nose flared.

Before she could punch her, Adora took her arm, "Let's go. We got enough."

"Not enough on your side, Adora." The witch warned her, "You're not strong alone, not powerful on your own. The sword grants you great power, yes, but you rely on those pests around you." She lied on her side, a curled up ghostly figure whose eyes took in Adora with need, "Unless you cast them aside, you'll never measure up to the monster sealed inside that boy you two care about."

"Explain." Adora said firmly, walking to the witch, "Do you know how to beat Kurama?" Shadow Weaver's eyes landed on her, tired but amused.

"That beast inside Naruto is not the issue, it's you who should be able to outmatch such a monster, and yet your potential is wasted because of these princesses."

"Leave her, she won't make any sense." Catra growled and Adora reluctantly did so.

Once out, the two sighed and walked through a hall to meet up with Glimmer, "So, odd question time." Adora started as they passed by some trees.

Catra mock-sighed, "I really wish you're going to talk about considering adding Pinkie for a fun night."

"N-no, enough jokes!" Adora huffed exhaustedly, "I...I wanted to ask about your line of you working with the Horde."

"I was trying to see if she had any plans to try to break us apart. Would you put it past her?" the cat girl didn't enjoy lying to Adora, but her goals required sacrifices.

Biting her bottom lip, the blonde shook her head, "No, it'd surprise me if she didn't say something more ridiculous at this point. But that whole thing about power..." reaching to her back, she pulled out the magic sword that started her new adventure, "It's...as if she knows something regarding this sword. Not everything, just...a piece. A shard of a much bigger picture."

"A third party, then." Catra added with a hand on her hip, "Perhaps we should investigate that sword."

"You're right, I've procrastinated enough." Adora nodded with determination as she sheathed the weapon, "All this time I wanted to get you two back, to see you and Naruto with me, but Shadow Weaver's right. I can't fight him as I am, and now that you're here, I have far more reasons to learn how the sword works."

"So, you'd fight the Horde blindly with a weapon you know nothing about just for us?" Catra asked with a grin, though not a cheeky one.

Adora gave her an embarrassed and genuinely apologetic smile, "I-I know what comes next, so tease me for being a fool. I'm...sorry I can't be better for-" her words died in her throat when being hugged by Catra, a warm, comforting embrace, "Hey, I thought you disliked being sappy." She mumbled warmly.

"I-I'm not..." Catra huffed, burying her face in Adora's shoulder, "I am...returning a favor."

Adora recalled what she told her feline friend after their battle with Shadow Weaver and affectionately returned the hug, "Thanks...I promise to be less of a mess."

"Mess or not, I want you to still be you." Catra pulled away, though she didn't keep her hands off Adora, placing them on her shoulders. Heat spread on the blonde's face as she stared at her friend's eyes, both their hearts racing. It was a sudden jolt of emotions after a vulnerable state of mind from the relief of defeating one of their greatest enemies combined with the mental ordeal that her secrets gave the two.

Thus, they inched closer, "Hey, are you coming or what?" Catra's tail shot up, all hairs standing on end while Adora gave a strange whimper when freezing from the shock. Glimmer had walked in on them to find a couple girls holding to pull their faces close. She gulped, "I'm...so, so, so sorry..." and let out a whimper of her own.

"It's...alright, we were just...talking, right?" Adora asked with a heavy blush.

"Yeah, right." Glimmer hastily said, giving Catra an idea.

Cheekily grinning, she asked, "Care to join? I think Adora would be up for more than just talking?"

"D-Don't say weird things!" Glimmer stomped her foot, but only made the other two girls laugh.

Adora thanked that, as it gave her more energy, 'It's time I get you back, Naruto...'

X-X-X-X-X

From the trees of the Whispering Woods, someone observed Glimmer's home, "So this is Bright Moon? It's a lot shinier than I thought."

Using his disguise as Yami and fully aware of what Entrapta told his clone, Naruto walked behind Perfuma. Charming as he tried to be, he had to admit having the princess at his side was a plus. It clicked the side of his childish mind, back when he dreamed of dethroning Hordak as a little kid, wear a crown, and get himself, Catra and Adora kickass gold statues. The castle before him made him thank to be a Horde Soldier.

Perfuma took a deep breath and leaned on his back, "You are the person I'm trusting my life and kingdom to. Please, tell me no one will get hurt."

"I made you a promise, and I'm not breaking it." He winked with his face uncovered briefly as he glanced at the large building. Pulling out a sketch by Entrapta, he held it for Perfuma to see, "Does this seem familiar or ring any bells?" he asked cautiously but saw his answer when the princess showed confusion.

"A chair?" obviously, she didn't know more than what he had assumed.

"It's supposed to be there." He explained, "All I need is someone who can read past the king's magic for me, which is where you come from. Sadly, since you don't know exactly what seat I'm looking for, we'll have to find it the old-fashioned way." Perfuma gave him a nod, only to gasp when she was carried bridal-style once again, "Hold on tight now, lassie." He said back to the Scottish accent.

"Y-yeah!" she gulped from feeling better how densely packed with muscle was his slim body. Two percent body fat and the proper built of a middleweight boxer condensed in an average teen's form. She was less thankful when he tapped a pressure point on her neck, making her eyes roll up and her body go slack. And then, changed his appearance with a quick hand-seal for a simple essential illusion.

"Now I see why Shadow Weaver didn't teach me this trick." He said as he pulled a strand of his hair with a smirk, "Alright, time to work."

"HALT! WHO GOES- Princess Perfuma!?"

One of the fearsome yet very strangely appealing female guards called out, before they caught sight of the young man walking towards them. He had made sure to affect the full force of the illusion. His face was covered in bruises, he was limping from a leg that had a heavy bruise over it hinting at it being broken but still usable, a bleeding scratch was over his face, and his beard was flecked with mud and gore.

"Help the princess, please… The Horde's new Enforcer… Naruto is…" he fell onto one knee, Perfuma rolling from his grasp before he collapsed onto his chest, "...after Princess Glimmer…" Using a technique called Sleep of False Death, he kept the illusion going while unconscious. When he woke up, he was in a large bed, soft humming making him turn his head. A very pretty nurse with curved ears, antlers, and a deer-tail was attending to something. She noticed him with practiced ease and gave a great heave of relief.

"Oh, thank Queen Angella you are fine…" she said as a red-haired version of Naruto without the whisker-like birthmarks sat up.

Otherwise, he looked exactly like himself but with feathery crimson hair, "Was having a great nap, milady." He yawned and rubbed the back of his head.

"Leaving to me all the work of keeping this illusion." Kurama growled at him.

'Hey, you want this plan to work, right?' he retorted and watched his bandaged arms, legs and torso.

"Don't push your luck." The kitsune growled warningly.

'I'll make it up to you, promise.' He said truthfully and without any mockery for once. He did owe him one, "So, has anyone given my message to the queen?"

"Um, yes." The deer woman nodded, "Now be patient, I shall go get her once I'm done with this check-up."

"No worries, I should thank you immensely." He told her with a warm grin. Shadow Weaver taught him well, and he wasn't bad looking, which gave him an edge with the fairer sex. Growing with Catra and Adora as well as growing fond of them aided him to see how well that worked. However, there was a part that made it all work, Kurama.

"Poor thing, you're not even interested, and you play her so easily." The kitsune chastised him near-mockingly.

'Weren't you the one who told me that the greatest tool is knowing others? Or did you forget you also taught me how people are to deceive without being tricked?' he stood up and let the nurse do her job, keeping a chuckle which tempted him to play with her. At least he had some morals, questionable as they were, "I assure you I'm fine, the queen needs to know of my warning."

"I thank you for your concern, but you'd do well to rest." Queen Angella said in all her glory, Naruto briefly eyed her as she walked in. "Thank you, you are dismissed." She told the nurse, who bowed politely before a quick retreat, leaving Naruto to admire some more of the queen's mature features.

'Too bad Pinkie didn't get the full package... Although I bet Catra has eyed that large derriere of hers given she got the shape from the queen.' He knew full well Catra fancied many girls, but he and Adora were her favorites. It was because of their bonds that he was the only male she liked, but she definitely shared some tastes of his with women. Mostly a love for easily embarrassed cuties.

"Now do tell, was that story of yours how you came to be here?" the queen asked, and he politely replied with a curt bow.

"Indeed, Your Majesty." He said and stood up, feeling extremely tiny when compared to her, "You may call me Yami. And, frankly speaking, I'm a traveler whose wares are potential. My forms are many, my skills have a hefty but reasonable if challenging price, and I do enjoy seeing true heroes like your late husband. May he rest in peace."

"Do not fool around." Said one of two princesses who followed the queen and who Naruto eyed carefully. "Your Highness, can you trust this man?"

"I believe it's best to give him the benefit of the doubt after all he's done." The queen said.

"Allow me to present you, Yami, right?" he nodded and didn't stop examining the princesses. "This is Spinnerella..." the one she spoke of had cascading light purple hair in a ponytail and soft, innocent features with lighter purple skin, "...and her lover Netossa." As for her companion, the one who spoke first, she was shorter and had a coffee-bean-dark complexion with light blue hair.

The tallest was a chubby and well-shaped young woman. She had large breasts with enough fat to spill over into someone's hands and have room to go. Her stomach was both plump and not overly chunky. Just the right amount of chub to make her beautiful, a classical Aphrodite figure of beauty. Meaty and plump also described her rear. Her skin-sight attire consisted of a stylish purple and pink leotard with light purple thighs and matching greaves. He had not seen many women with such a figure; Glimmer didn't have such balloon-sized goodness on her chest. And it sadly brought the attention of the other.

"Ahem..." Her companion whose arm she hugged to her arm to her ample bosom didn't hide her suspicion or animosity.

She was much more physically fit than the first with rippling six-pack abs, toned arms, and strong legs. Her thick succulent thighs could crush his head easily, and her head had been shaved on one side while the rest of her head was covered with a wild mane. A shame, he thought, he'd have loved to see her with a fancy side ponytail. Although she looked more stylish dressed in a short-sleeved full white shawl that covered her otherwise exposed shoulders. On her forearms were gray metal gauntlets with blue stars that matched her chest plate and boots. She also wore tight blue leggings.

"Sorry, you're making me jealous, Netossa." He playfully quipped, "Bluntly speaking, I've never seen a woman so full of charm as the one you're holding."

"Thank you, but please do know I am not easily swayed." The plump princess said with a kind, innocent tone. Her lover glared daggers at the blond for his playfulness. Obviously a woman with some complex if he had to guess. Possibly fun, but the pudgy and voluptuous princess did something he didn't expect, counter him with ease.

'Is it weird I wanted her to stammer or get mad?' Naruto felt distraught for a moment.

Kurama used his chance for payback, "Heh, seems like you've met a hermit. Bouncing back your comments like that...I like her."

"Don't play with him." The other girl said, "He's supposed to tell us something important, not act like a jester." Indeed, she would not hide her dislike of him.

'Well, I found a target.' He grinned inwardly in a cheeky manner, "Do forgive me, I'd rarely be as blunt. A testament to your companion's beauty." He somehow managed to overpower his instinctive need to grin at the shortest of the girls and stood straight-backed, "However, you do speak nothing but the truth. I came with a message of the new Horde Enforcer and his plans for Princess Glimmer."

"Explain in detail, if you would be so kind." The queen urged him.

"First of all, I do have a reward in mind." He warned her nonchalantly, a finger held up.

"Are you kidding me!?" the chocolate skinned princess sneered, "Are you lying to us just for a cheap stay or an easy fix of-"

"Sweetie, I think he would have taken it from us rather than give us back Perfuma." The purple one said.

"Too true, besides, it is the queen's choice." Naruto smiled softly, taunting the angered princess and successfully annoying her.

"Very well, name your price." Queen Angella nodded, not at all pleased but looking as stoic as any ruler should for negotiations.

"Knowledge." Naruto shrugged when they widened their eyes in puzzlement, "Do remember I am a seller of skills, a peddler of potential for heroes. However, I do have a price for that."

Queen Angella mulled over his words in her head, then clasped her hands in front of her stomach and walked to him, "You're going to have to show us our faith is not going to reap emptiness." She eyed him with no fear or intention of giving in easily to his claims.

"Fair enough, just a display of the goods." He chortled and pulled out one of Entrapta's recordings, "Please listen carefully."

"Log entry 47: development of new magic restraints. Field magic-nullifiers are still in progress and require too much energy. Possible test subjects would require a princess."

Naruto's original voice echoed out, "Why not use Pinkie? She could be fun... We could see how well she holds up." and after his past self said that, he turned off the recorder.

"Guards, contact my daughter and bring her immediately!" the queen exclaimed, her servants running off to fulfill their duty. Deeply inhaling first, she forced herself to remain calm before she faced the youth who had helpfully given her information.

"What do you wish to ask of me? Please, you've helped us tremendously, name anything, it's yours." Angella said with utmost gratitude, bringing a tinge of guilt to his chest.

He swallowed his inner shame and gave her a warm smile, "Nothing but information, Queen Angella. I wish to know if King Micah wrote any other books other than the Book of Sol." He asked her genuinely. Spinnerella gave a gasp of awe and turned to the queen and her fellow princess.

Netossa looked up at the ceiling with a genuine grin although it carried bitterness with it, "That man was the only guy I've ever respected. Losing him was the biggest shame we princesses have to live with. Knowing that a true Hero died with no one at his side just freakin' blows."

Spinnerella touched her lover's arm with a sad and guilty look, "We all hid back then, ran as, to our shame, he fought alone. King Micah was a man amongst men. A true hero and a better royal than we princesses ever could call ourselves…"

Queen Angella closed her eyes, breathing out through her nose and exhaling deep, "My husband, Mi… King Micah, wrote only one other book. The Book of Grey. In it, he told me he had transcribed the journey he completed with his dearest friend Keldor."

This Book of Grey was the clue to finding what he looked for, and he had to find a way to convince Angella to let him read it, "If I may be so bold-"

His question had clearly been anticipated by Angella and she swiped a hand down, "No. You may not. That book is in my possession and kept very safe. After the Book of Sol was stolen, I afforded no chances with the last link to my dear husband. If you want to take a look at that book, you will need to prove yourself more trustworthy than before. "

He went silent, seeming to consider her point. If he wanted to, he could reveal himself just now and then, force her to give it to him. But how was he to know if she didn't intend on lying or triggering a trap? Truth be told, the guilt he felt wouldn't leave him. For a man he respected as much as King Micah, targeting his wife and daughter had brought a foul taste to his mouth. He resolved then, much to Kurama's amusement, that he'd impress her and get the book the correct way. Through her willingly letting him look at it.

"Very well Queen Angella, might I inquire as to how I should go about proving my sincerity to you? If it's any task you need doing, I'll see it through, you have my word, hahaha." As the Yami persona spoke to her, giving her a humble nod, Angella reciprocated and gave him a soft nod before she turned her attention to her two companions.

"Spinnerella. Netossa. I have a humble request for you both. You've already done much for me, but I'd like to ask you for this favor." She respectfully inquired.

Netossa spoke for the two of them with a smirk, "You got a request, Angie? We're your girls."

Spinnerella gave a gasp and then an affronted stare, "She's a Queen, Netossa, we can't go about talking to a fellow royal so casually! It's Queen Angella!" By the way Angella set her eyes into a look of mild annoyance, the disguised Naruto got the idea that this was a common enough situation that she didn't bother getting angry or insulted anymore.

"Both of you." They went quiet after she announced, the two giving her a look of respect as did he, "Sir Yami, you will go with them to retrieve my daughter and her friends. Engage with Naruto if you must, but bringing my daughter home as your top priority. Do this and return them safely, and I will consider allowing you to read the Book of Grey as your reward."

He gave her a servile bow, extending one arm out in front of him with utmost respect, "Of course milady, I will do as you requested without hesitation, aye."

X-X-X-X-X

In the middle of a clearing near Mystacor, the odd group of three sat down.

"Ah, this place should be fine for a quick rest." Naruto adjusted his poncho's hood and scarf to keep his face hidden.

"Aren't you getting too cozy?" Netossa asked, her dislike not budging.

"Oh, am I making you nervous, lassie?" the blond-turned-redhead asked with a smirk under his disguise, "Can you blame yours truly? Never have I seen a woman so bountiful."

"Um, thanks, but what does bountiful mean?" Spinnerella asked with a tilt of her head, the picture of innocence.

"It means he likes your body..." Netossa growled.

"Again, could I be blamed?" Naruto chortled, struggling a bit to keep the Scottish accent, "Anyhoo, you make me curious, blue lassie. Talking to the queen so casually? You don't seem that much older than her, if I can be blunter than my usual self." He snickered a bit, relaxing his throat, "Guessing...I'd say you've confirmed a little theory of mine about you princesses aging."

"Hey, is that how you talk to-" Netossa started, but Spinnerella placed her hand on her shoulder.

"It's fine, he doesn't mean any ill will even if he's fond of teasing." She turned to the disguised youth and replied sincerely, "We are old, yes. Some princesses have the benefits of bloodlines with immortals like we do. Glimmer being the queen's daughter will age until a certain point."

"Oh, that's quite the sad tale." He commented, standing up and dusting his pants, "Way I see it, seeing her friends age would surely make her sad. Truly heartbreaking given how cute she is."

Netossa frowned, "Do you always talk of girls that way?"

He chuckled, "Only of the ones I am fond of teasing. Why? Would you like me to show you some affection?"

"Shut it!" the princess snarled with a blush.

"Alright then, question two." He said and gripped a stick, swinging it a few times like it was a sword, "How strong are ye?"

"We can fight, even if we choose not to, if that's what you mean." Netossa glared, feeling something off, as did Spinnerella.

Tracing his fingers on the stick's length, the hooded youth responded calmly, soothingly so, "Aye, true that, but I'm asking given the fact you could aid the queen's child, yet only did so once she asked. Why not take a bold step forward and help them from the start?" his words created an eerie atmosphere, the two princesses tensing up.

"Glimmer has She-Ra-" Spinnerella answered but was cut off.

"Yet when the Horde got the upper hand, you two had to lift a finger." He spoke merrily, peaceful and collected, but the wind princess felt something off.

Listening to him had been enough for the blue-haired princess, "We've had our reasons! We can't just rush in or-"

Placing a hand on her shoulder, Spinnerella whispered softly, "Netossa, his wind...it's like a sheathed blade. Moving in place, but ready to howl."

"Oh, so you can read me, lassie." He placed his left arm on his back, his right hand holding the stick with the tip downwards, "I may need to get you two cute nicknames."

"What're you trying to get to!?" Netossa snapped.

"I do respect King Micah, those who I don't see potential or a drive in, I couldn't care less." He shrugged without changing his pose much, "What can be said? I am a man who admires those who'd strive for greater goals than those life dealt them. So, how about I test you two?" he lifted the stick and aimed it at them, "Disarm yours truly, and I'll eat my words."

"You're on and going down!" Netossa exclaimed, doing as her name said and tossing an energy net at him...and saw the faux-redhead right in front of her, the stick inches from her neck. Gasping in shock with a cold sweat building up, she stared into his eyes from the shadows of his outfit. For a moment, it was like staring at a beast, until he had to leap back.

"Netossa!" Spinnerella exclaimed, gales of wind blasting the place Naruto had stood on, "Yami, what are you doing?!" she needed answers. Never had she felt a wind like the one he created. Not even her own love could be as connected to her element, yet there was never anyone she met who kept his heart so safe.

"Testing you two, lassie." He lifted his stick in a fencing position, "I am assessing what people King Micah gave his life for. I'm even holding back as to honor the fact he kept you two safe." And then, he brought his left hand to his forehead for a dramatic sigh, "Alas, I am disappointed. Who'd have thought you princesses just don't have the will to fight? And it's not one, but several of you. How...pitiable."

"You think I don't feel like crap!?" Netossa screamed, stomping towards him, "Every day we all remember we lost him! Every day I have to see Angie and think I couldn't do anything to keep her from crying countless nights! Every day I wish Glimmer could have seen how wonderful her dad really was! And every day... I...I...I wish I wasn't so useless against an army of murderers!"

Spinnerella hugged her when she saw streams of tears rolling down her lover's cheeks, "Sweetie, please, calm down! We couldn't have done much-"

"You could have." The fake-red-haired youth said, taking a step forward, "As you do now, giving a bold step forward." He aimed at Netossa and Spinnerella's feet, "Either because you are tired of your grief..." he aimed the stick to Netossa, and then to Spinnerella, "...or because you care for those you have here. You two dared step towards me when I could have attacked."

"What...kind of sick joke is...hic...this to you?" Netossa asked, sobbing while her lover rubbed her, the purple princess staring in worry at the odd warrior.

"None at all, it is for King Micah that I take this seriously." He held the stick up, "So, care to give another bold step towards me? Or do you want to wallow in the past?"

"Are you...really doing this to help us?" the wind user was cautious, she knew something was off, but he was genuine.

"Mostly myself, to be honest, but I did say I find you quite fetching." He chortled, irking Netossa until she saw his eyes. For a second, she could see a hurricane howling behind those eyes as the odd young man gave a serious answer, "However, I do admire what King Micah did and how good his teachings were. As a favor to him, I'll give you a sample of my wares: a lesson in facing the impossible."

Wiping her tears, Netossa asked, "What's the...catch?"

"None, I'd really rather see you two alive if we are to keep moving." he chortled and spun around the stick, dragging the tip on the floor before pointing it at the two, "Care for another sample, yes or no?"

Growling, Netossa readied another energy web in her hands as the wind howled around her lover, "You asked for it."

"Let's see what kind of man you are." Spinnerella added.

"Good, this should be fun." He chortled, looking forward to a decent warm up.

X-X-X-X-X

And that's my rap!

Shorter than others but setting everything for the next chapter. No princess prom, just a trip to do something more original. This is the part where everything that happens in season 2 or happened in the first one will take a backseat while I just go nuts. Of course, I expect everyone to do better than me. Guys, seriously, many of you could outdo me. I'm just a random idiot writing for fun with the writing savvy of an anchovy, half the charm and twice the stench. Guess that shows how flawed She-Ra was for this reboot.

I'm seriously, with no hyperbole, giving Netossa and Spinnerella more love in this one chapter than the show did in an entire season.

Swordslinger out!