Conquer

by The Swordslinger

ON HIATUS AND EDITING DUE TO SEASON 3. Once, a young man could have become a hero. He grew up knowing what heroes could represent for the good and bad of the people. And yet, he believed in his best friend, Adora, even after she became one herself. But he chose a darker path to sow. Where there is light, there is also dark. Gray, Smartass Naruto. Harem.

10. Trust a sinner?

I OWN NOTHING

Rereading last chapter, I noticed some mistakes I made which I'll now try to fix as I go on. Believe it or not, those mistakes gave me some ideas.

POLL ALERT: A new poll is out for possible additions to the harem. Scorpia, Perfuma, Entrapta, Catra and Adora are officially in. Choose who else is in and out. DO NOT WORRY, this will be treated mostly as an extra thing and will not slow down the main plot. I want to flesh out these characters, after all.

X-X-X-X-X

Adora, Catra, Glimmer and Bow were finally at ease as they prepared themselves to leave Mystacor on the nearest floating platform off to the Whispering Woods. However, things took a drastic turn. Inside her own chambers was Castaspella, sighing deeply as she rubbed the surface of a large oval mirror. To her side was a portrait of Micah, proudly holding his staff and smiling proudly as she stood by his side.

"You were such an idealist, I'm glad Glimmer learned from you." She smiled softly, "She's really grown, has more friends, and isn't giving up...I'm half as proud as I know you'd be."

"I..." Castaspella's mood changed when Queen Angella's image appeared on the magical mirror, "I...have urgent news."

The high sorceress glared, "You dare call me like this, unannounced, after all you-"

Her angry tirade was cut short by a remorseful but determined queen, "Listen to me, Glimmer's in danger!" that shut Castaspella as the queen clasped her hands in worry, sorrow on her face, "You have every right to hate me. I will hold nothing against it. However, you could try to understand what is happening now-"

"Just like when Micah walked to his death!?" Castaspella wasn't going to let that go.

"Please!" Angella clenched her hands with such strength her nails slowly dug into her palms, "For Glimmer, we need to talk like we used to!"

Castaspella took a deep breath but nodded, "Alright... You've got a couple minutes before I run in to check on her."

"I sent my guards to contact her as well as another party, one of them is...someone to look out for." Angella's words confused the sorceress.

"Didn't you want to talk about Glimmer?" she asked cautiously but angrily, showing her obvious animosity towards her sister-in-law.

"It concerns her as much as it concerns Micah and...the Book of Sol." Castaspella's eyes widened in shock as Angella forced herself to be firm, "A man calling himself Yami arrived, claimed to be a peddler of potential as he spoke of the Book of Grey. He's the one who came to me with information regarding the new Horde's Enforcer looking for Glimmer."

"And you sent your guards ahead and him to look for her?" Castaspella tried to make sense, "Why warn me, then?"

"It's to see if he is worthy of our trust, but also if he has information on the Book of Sol." Queen Angella made sense immediately, "I sent Spinnerella and Netossa with him to assess his character and try to find the book, and now I want to ask of you to keep Glimmer safe. This man managed to singlehandedly rescue Princess Perfuma from the Horde."

"Did...Did he get the book from them, then?" Castaspella asked.

"It is a possibility, but I need to make sure he isn't tricking us and that my daughter, your niece our Glimmer is safe." Angella was no longer a queen, she was a concerned mother who kneeled before a woman in a display of love for her child, "Please, do not let your guard down. This Yami gave us information about anti-magic fields. How much that is true remains to be seen."

Castaspella nodded, "So, you're playing like you want to trust him without doing so."

"For our sake and that of those Micah gave everything for, we can't afford to let our guards down." Angella replied.

Her sister-in-law started pacing back and forth, venom in her voice and cold hatred in her eyes aimed at the queen, "You...had the only person I loved as much as life itself taken from me. Micah was by your side, I was alone in this floating island. He gave you a child who I barely saw. And now, after the sins you committed, you beg..." clenching her hands, the sorceress gave a sigh and looked at the monarch with an expression of sorrow but understanding, "You should've known I would trade my life for Glimmer regardless of what you said or did."

A fresh tear welled in Angella's eyes as she gave the other woman a sincere smile, "Thank you."

"I'll have the guards inform them, I just hope Spinnerella and Netossa keep him busy enough." The sorceress said.

"I didn't have to hint at them, they knew, but..." the queen paused, worrying the other woman.

"How...dangerous is this guy?" she asked curiously.

"It's a mystery for sure, and yet Spinnerella seems to see a strong connection between him and the wind element. Perhaps...you should let him in and see what this could unravel." Queen Angella didn't like to be a gambler, but it was a time to observe and play a long game. Once all the cards were on the table, they would make their move.

"I see, so you mean...our link to the skies." Castaspella got a nod.

"Be careful." The queen pleaded.

"Don't worry...and..." the sorceress sighed again, "It was...hard for me to lose Micah, as it was for you, I know. This mirror was my only way to talk to him when he was at your palace, but to see you use it... I guess you must have gone through a lot." The two women felt an awkward pause, years of grief had affected them greatly.

"I wish we could talk like this more often, but I shall leave you now. I've caused you enough pain." And with that, the call ended.

Once again, Castaspella sighed, "Micah...what is the right thing to do?"

X-X-X-X-X

In the middle of Whispering Woods, Spinnerella was cautious, "He's really full of tricks." She told her lover, who nodded back.

"Come along, lassies, weather's wonderful." Naruto cheered in his Yami persona, hefting a stick on his shoulder, still acting like it was a sword. However, the two princesses looked exhausted. It wasn't that they'd been walking for hours without stopping. Following him had a purpose which had amused him and put them to the test.

"Very well, then!" Spinnerella spun in place, summoning a tornado around her which forced the disguised Naruto to raise his arms in defense. "Now Netossa!"

"Got you now!" the dark-skinned tomboy shouted and launched an energy web, which Naruto swatted aside with his stick, letting the air current carry him upwards, "Spinnerella, he's yours!" she said as the youth got flung high into the air but didn't look concerned or tired. The wind princess threw her arms forward, a wind blast with the left followed by a sphere of raging gales with the right.

"Not bad, getting the hang of this, I see." He chortled and used his stick to dispel the wind attacks, landing softly on a tree branch. Pointing the unusual wooden weapon at them, he spoke, "Alright, I think that'll be enough for a morning session. Nice try, though." His words irked Netossa, who snapped.

"Aren't we supposed to take that stick from you at all costs!?" her question had Naruto snickering.

"Come on, lassie, I'm not ending this unfairly or for an ulterior motive, it's for our safety." He landed on the ground right in front of her just as Spinnerella floated down to her blue-haired lover's side, "I've heard a couple tales of Horde soldiers around these parts looking for the hidden city of Mystacor. We better keep a low profile if we go further to not give them a lead."

"How did you know?" Spinnerella asked curiously, "Just how many secrets do you have?"

"Enough to keep myself alive." He retorted with a chuckle after seeing their questioning stares, a stern one on Netossa's face and a concerned one for Spinnerella. "Oi, I'm sure if someone says they don't have any secrets I can show you a liar. All I'm here for is She-Ra's potential. The Horde's a pain to her keister and mine, too. Meaning, we're all working for a common goal."

"How common remains to be seen." Netossa had every right to not trust him.

"Fair enough, lassie." The youth said and used some random string to tie his stick to his hip as if it were a sword, "I'll follow your lead now." He bowed, making a pose to tell them to pass, which they did. After the fight, the odd group walked almost leisurely. As they moved forward, things were getting interesting in Mystacor.

Glimmer had met her aunt with a confused expression, "I'm sorry, Spinnerella and Netossa are coming to back us up?"

Castaspella nodded, "Yes, and they're accompanied by an odd young man." The sorceress clasped her hands anxiously, "Apparently, he wants to see you, mostly Adora. Of course, I'd recommend caution and to act as if you never heard this from me. Just...be on your toes."

Bow hummed for a bit, "Still, I never saw those two in battle, I'm surprised they'd be here to fight if things got hairy."

"Another sign the guy's bad news." Glimmer said. "Ugh, I knew that Yami guy was suspicious."

"I don't know, something about him seemed...genuine." Adora stated.

Catra ruffled her long messy hair before replying, "Adora, you're free to take offense when I say you are one of the worst judges of characters."

"I-I know, but I'd rather not treat everyone like they don't deserve a chance after everything that's happened." The blonde blushed hotly, "Shadow Weaver showed me what someone beyond salvation is like." She didn't like how she learned such a thing, but it was necessary.

Catra shrugged, "If you're that certain, I'll be a betting woman. If he does something good to earn our trust, I'm allowed to bother Pinkie freely."

"Hey, why am I getting roped in for!?" the princess snapped, stomping her foot on the floor.

"You're the most fun to annoy, so I wanna win something worth betting." Then, the cat girl smirked at the pink-head, "Unless, of course you don't have the thick skin to deal with it."

"Fine!" Glimmer put her face inches from Catra, standing right in front of her and on the tips of her toes, "If he's too suspicious and we have to keep our guard up, you'll do something you hate." She put her finger on Catra's chest, "You'll wear a dress from now on when not in combat."

"You...!" Catra hissed, taking a step back. The smug smirk Glimmer gave her then had her bare her sharp teeth. It was no secret Catra was tomboyish and would rather wear pants – both in real life and in an actual relationship with Adora -, so Glimmer figured making her do something girly would hit her ego. However, Catra didn't back down, "Fine, you're on, Pinkie."

Adora breathed, feeling at ease, "In that case, I'll prepare for the worst but hope for the best. Yami has to show he's a good guy for Catra to win, right?"

"Of course." The feline warrior and plump princess replied in unison.

Bow arched a brow, "I'm surprised by how well they're getting along."

"It's just like the silly bets Micah and I made as kids." Castaspella commented.

"Milady." One of the robed guards told Castaspella, whispering to her.

"Everyone, they're here." She said and guided them to the entrance to Mystacor.

Following closely, they saw the unhooded Naruto in his fake redhead persona of Yami, Catra grinning at him, "You're not a princess, I assume."

Cheeky as he was, he had to keep a façade, "Quite the eye you got there, lassie. Name's Yami, random peddler of goods for heroes at a challenging but not unfair price."

"It's been a while since we last saw each other, what brought you?" Adora asked calmly.

Naruto smiled at her and the others, "Surprised to see my face for a change?"

"Um, yeah, I expected you to be older...with a beard." Bow answered, "And I didn't peg you as a redhead, more like a blond, really."

"Huh, first time hearing that." Naruto hummed and ruffled his falsely colored hair.

"And he's been a pain." Netossa growled, arms-crossed.

Spinnerella hugged her arm into her ample assets, calming her slightly, "Come on, we should at least say hi." She nodded to Castaspella, who nodded back.

"I'll arrange everything for a proper talk." The high sorceress started, "I must say...it's not like I expected to see you." Both princesses didn't look her in the eye after that. Glimmer had a feeling what it was about, a sad look on her face mixing with pity. Of course, Castaspella wouldn't be on the best of terms with two of the princesses who her brother died for.

"I'd like to say something first." Naruto started and walked to Glimmer as he rummaged through his hooded poncho, "Believe me when I say it's a long story, lassie, but you deserve this."

"Wha-dad's book!?" Glimmer exclaimed as she was handed the Book of Sol, eyes wide in shock. Castaspella gasped with a hand to her mouth, tears pulling the corners of her eyes. Glimmer fell to her knees, tears of her own running down her cheeks as she hugged the book to her chest. Bow ran to her side, rubbing her back with concern while Adora was utterly confused.

Catra had to keep her act, "Start talking." She said and put her claws inches from his face.

"I wish I could, but I'll be kind to you." He sat down cross-legged and pulled out a flask of lemonade, "I'll wait here patiently for you to take that in. You can keep me in your sights and I'll wait for us to talk. If you're willing to lock me up, though... Can I at least get a proper meal? It's been a long day walking."

Glimmer was outside reality, eyes blank until her mind was rebooted, "N-no, stay, I'll...we need to talk!" she wiped her tears off and was helped up by Adora and Bow.

"Little pink lassie, you're not thinking straight, and I'm doing this to also check your blond lassie friend's potential." He nodded to Adora with a small smile, "I don't mind waiting for you to take it in. You can leave a couple guards to see I make no mess."

Adora stepped forward, "I have a lot of questions that need answering now." She glared at him, "I don't know what you're planning, but you can't just shrug it off."

"Surely, I'll answer, but your pink friend needs time to relax, lassie." Naruto replied with his whole willpower focused on not grinning as Catra approached him.

"Hey, is there a proper prison cell?" Catra asked the guards, grabbing the disguised Naruto by the collar of his poncho.

Even if she was acting, he liked when she was forward, 'Missed me, I see.'

X-X-X-X-X

Catra violently slammed Naruto's back to a wall and jumped. His hands went to her waist as her legs locked around his, her hands on the back of his head and her lips mashing furiously on his. Guards couldn't hear or see them after Catra locked the door with her tail, which swayed happily as warm tongues explored oral caverns. Her body tingled as Naruto's hands snaked under her shirt and up her back, feeling her warm and lightly scarred back. Years of fighting weren't kind to anyone. As she bruised his lips with hers, nibbling his bottom lip lightly, one of her hands threw off his poncho, revealing the shirtless sculpted body she liked. A second was all Naruto needed to pull up her shirt, Catra aiding him by lifting up her arms to reveal her nude upper body to him before resuming their kissing.

Grinning with a hot pant, she spoke, "Consider this a reward, I still want Adora and you for my first."

"You're tearing me apart." He said back to his usual self, having done so after their first kiss. A small smile remained on his face, but he couldn't deny he was disappointed. Still, the idea of both his favorite girls with him for such passion motivated him greatly, "Fine, but I call the shots now."

"Yes, sir." She grinned back and let him kiss the crook of her neck, her back arching to press her breasts into his chest. "Ah! I...I just lost a bet thanks to you, I'll – Oh! – have to wear a dress, but... I will tell you what I want you...to do to make it up...TO ME!" he nibbled her weak point, her body shuddering as he teased a sensitive spot between her neck and left shoulder.

He snickered as she was rarely submissive, "Well should we-" A buzzing noise made Catra's ears stand up like lightning rods.

"GAH! WHAT THE-Oh for the love of...!" she dug into Naruto's pocket and hold a familiar communication device to her face.

"What is it?" Scorpia blinked at her tone, noticing Naruto rolling his shoulders in the background, "Did I interrupt something?"

"'Did I interrupt something?' No sh-crap! So, what do you need!?" Catra asked, Entrapta poking her head over Scorpia's shoulder.

"I made a harness for Scorpia! I can ride on her back and give her instructions now!" Scorpia leaned forward, unintentionally making Catra's eyes snap to the swaying goods on the engineer's chest. Entrapta slid off and was snatched up by Scorpia's arms, holding the tiny crazy scientist by the armpits while her tail broke the harness off of her.

"We're trying to tell her about not making me into her personal transport. She's a bit stubborn, but that's okay!" Scorpia said cheerfully.

Entrapta only puffed her cheeks up in a pout, "If you were a robot you'd be happy for me to ride you…"

Putting aside the more…interesting implications of that statement, Catra rolled her eyes, "Okay, okay. So, what do you need?"

"We were bonding through the social equivalent of trading which is called shopping on a nearby village." Entrapta started, "Apparently, news of the fake persona of Yami has reached them."

"You went shopping?" Naruto asked with some trouble as he looked at Scorpia.

"I had to wear a cloak, but I had fun." She said, giddy, "I didn't know there was such good food. I even took a challenge and didn't pay after breaking a record for eating hotdogs."

"Yup, all thirty-seven hotdogs looked delicious." Entrapta added, licking her lips, "I did love the tiny bite-sized ones-"

"Get to the point, please." Catra was physically and mentally exhausted, pinching the bridge of her nose before going to get her shirt, tossing the device to Naruto.

"Oh yeah, people have talked about you chasing your alter-ego Yami and are wondering who's stronger." Entrapta added, "So, we had a wonderful idea. One which could lead you to get the Book of Grey so much easier if it does exist, which it must if you haven't called us after such a long time."

Chortling through his nose, Naruto smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, I swear I'll make it up to you."

"You look like you had fun with them." Catra commented, arms-crossed with a slight frown.

"Jealous?" he asked and smiled softly, "Because you seemed really concerned for Pinkie when you first talked to me."

"Well, she's got a butt I wish to play with, but you've been fooling around." She started.

Entrapta chimed in, "Worry not, as appealing as the idea of being the object of a proper male specimen's affection is, I fear Naruto's too much for me. Based on his biological constitution, I fear I wouldn't be able to bring as powerful an offspring as he could with you or the scorpion humanoid specimen Scorpia."

Catra arched a brow, confusion all over her face, "Shorter words, please."

"I'm afraid I couldn't give him babies as powerful as you could." Entrapta said slowly. "Also, Scorpia's a better contender than me for future children."

"Oh, I wouldn't mind a date, but I can respect another woman's claim." the previously mentioned scorpion woman added with a respectful smile and a wave.

"We really went off-topic." Naruto reminded them, "So, Catra, are you calm?"

"Yeah, just remember who will get all your firsts." She said with some feral possession flaring inside behind her smile.

"Dully noted." He replied and held up the device, "Girls?"

"It's simple, really." Scorpia started, "The villagers pointed out the Horde's Enforcer must be pretty mad and that seeing him put down by Yami would be fun. I saw kids drawing possible fights and I joined them." A wide smile spread as she pulled her notepad with a depiction of Naruto in his usual Horde gear and peddler disguise battling, "What do you think? Did I add the proper shadow for the eyes?"

"To sum it up." Entrapta said, eyeing Catra, worried she was lost again, "Fake a fight between your fake self and your true self. Win as Yami. Then, get everyone's trust."

"Or you could destroy all of them and get both books with ease!" Scorpia cheered.

"Both are tempting options." Naruto smirked, then turned to Catra, "What say you?"

"Well, I can see why you'd keep them around..." the cat-girl replied.

"Of course, we'd like to spend time with you!" Scorpia added.

Entrapta nodded, giggling as she pressed her fingers together, "Indeed, I still wish to analyze your bone structure and try this pedicure and manicure rituals I've heard from in the village."

Awkwardly, Catra gave them a smile, "I'll...save it for when I'm back with the Horde. For now, we need to work things out."

"Yeah, ideas are welcomed since I'll be changing my original plan a lot." Naruto said and sat down.

X-X-X-X-X

"You two get around or travel much then?" Naruto as Yami sat with his legs crossed, sitting atop a tree-branch while Spinnerella and Netossa sat below him.

Spinnerella had Netossa's head on her lap, her eyes closed due to the beauty of the scenery. He held out an arm, a flock of bird's gently laying across the surface of his hand, and privately marveled at the fact that the simple creatures so attuned to sensing negative intent could see good in him. One flew past his head as Netossa below opened one eye.

"Not much, no. But I can admire a guy who spends his days on the road. You must've seen a lot of stuff out there." She said while the faux-redhead leaned against the back of the tree, a grin stealing its way across his face and a cool breeze blowing gently over his hair.

"Aye lassie. I've seen so much. I want to see everything this world has to offer. Did either of you ever put thought to the notion that you could just leave your responsibilities behind and see the world together?" He was probing, and for once, Netossa felt like answering him.

Spinnerella surprised her lover by answering, "No, I don't think we could ever do that… As much as I want to see the world with my love, I don't… We don't think it'd be correct." her eyes opened as a gentle breeze sent by her let him know she wanted to speak for them. In front of them, a river gently burbled, the sound of fresh and pure water bringing tranquility to their minds, something altogether too rare to enjoy.

"There you are." Adora said and approached the false persona. Naruto got off the branch, leaping down over three stories in the air, a cushion of wind appearing beneath him and softening his jump. He reached out with one hand, Netossa clasping it and standing up with his aid. Spinnerella was given Netossa's hand in turn and helped up herself.

Bowing his head, he asked, "Am I going back to the cell or-" Catra stopped him, standing right behind Adora.

"You're not off the hook." The cat-girl narrowed her eyes, "Don't think you are."

"Glimmer wants to thank you." Adora said, eyes as stern as her friend's.

"Ah, the pink lassie? She humbles me." he chortled and walked to them, ready to follow.

"I only let you out because you've proved to not be a threat, yet." Catra bared her sharp teeth, a hand on her hip.

"So, while I want to trust you, I also need to keep my guard up." Adora added.

He chortled, rubbing the back of his neck before gripping and tearing a branch from the tree, "Of course. While I am fond of being playful by nature, I respect King Micah enough to grant his only daughter peace of mind. Then again, talk is cheap as they say, right?"

"Get moving." Catra growled and he did as told, followed by the three princesses and the double-agent.

Once at the beach, where Glimmer sat with her knees on her small chest, she turned, "Why do you want the Book of Grey?" the princess asked him bluntly with puffy eyes.

Naruto crossed his arms and stared up at the sky, giving her a soft chuckle, "Because I want the world to understand a simple thing." He turned around, giving her a sad smile as he walked with her, "That heroes don't die even when they're killed. That Book holds within it the deepest thoughts and opinions of King Micah. It is the Shadow to the Book of Sol."

She bit her lip, looking away and clutching her arm, "…you think my dad was like that too, huh? I-I get it, n-not everyone would trust in him or me."

Naruto held up a hand, shocking her further, "I never said I do. A hero and their ideals can and do stand up to vulgar masses trying to pull them down out of spite and envy."

Adora looked at him, taking in his words with her blue eyes glimmering bright, "What if putting all their hopes on me is a mistake?" Hiding his hand behind his back, Naruto clenched it tightly, feeling so much shame and anguish about the con he was pulling that for a brief second, he showed sadness.

"Give up, then." He said with a shrug, "If you want to show this world that heroes don't exist, do nothing. But I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe you'd just twiddle your thumbs. King Micah didn't, after all. There is no way I'd leave such a good man's will sullied by the Horde."

Glimmer looked hopeful, her voice making him feel guilt again, "Y-you think so? My dad wasn't crazy. He wasn't a fool. Not like the other nobles said before mom stopped those rumors. D-dad was a hero! A real hero!" a genuine smile crept across his face, he had half a mind to pat her head, another to get to the point.

"Every time you feel that heroes don't exist, slap yourself, you fight alongside one every day." He slowly rose a hand, pointing right at Adora. "And now, I would like to see if you're ready for my wares, lassie. I am a peddler for heroes. Taking that book from the Horde's Enforcer was the least I could."

"Thank you." Glimmer replied with a smile, "We can return to Bright Moon tomorrow...I need some rest."

"Understood." Everyone said.

X-X-X-X-X

"Is everyone here?" Glimmer asked Adora, Bow and Spinnerella in her own quarters. Netossa had just closed the door after making sure no one else was around.

"I'm guessing this isn't a sleepover." Bow commented, then turned to the other princesses, "You haven't really been in the know much, so please take our word on this."

"Regarding our suspicions on Yami, I'm guessing he's the topic." Spinnerella assumed.

Glimmer put her hands behind her back, "Even if he's read the whole Book of Sol, the way he and Naruto talk, their points of view... They seem too alike."

"Wait, wait, wait, explain now." Netossa spoke up, confused.

"This is the part where you've got to trust us." Bow replied, "See, we've faced the Horde's Enforcer for a while. He's manipulative and tricky. However, he has some strong points of view regarding heroes."

"It's been bothering me the more I hear him speak despite the different voices and way of speaking." Adora said, "I've known Naruto for most of my life. Whenever Yami speaks, it's like I'm listening to my old friend before I joined you. Glimmer, you've noticed it too, right?"

"More like I can't believe he'd learn so many things about the book in a few days." The plump princess answered, "Dad wasn't a fool. If this Yami knows of mom's book, he must have studied it for long."

"And Catra suddenly locking him up and letting him out..." Bow added, "Do you think Kurama's behind this or maybe Hordak?"

"No, but yes on both." Adora answered slowly, gripping her sword, "All that interest in the sword, the book, and potential. Something big is driving him forward."

"It's also making him slip up." Bow pointed out, "He's so interested in this item that as he works around to get to it, he's slipping."

"So..." Netossa groaned, "You think Yami could be Naruto in disguise?"

"They look nothing alike, and I haven't heard or seen him do anything to be in two places at once." Adora confessed.

"Maybe he's had help." Spinnerella pointed out, "Didn't Entrapta join him? She could've created something to aid him in this trickery."

"Or Kurama taught him it." Bow said, "Adora told us he learnt special abilities from that voice which not even Hordak knows about."

"So, we're fighting a seriously strong guy who's holding back and playing us for fiddles." Netossa bared her teeth, then punched her fist, "Good...because I want payback. I will flip this table over him, throw his sick twisted game right on his face, and then-"

"Breathe, darling." The purple princess rubbed her back, barely soothing her.

"It's not a bad idea...in principle." Glimmer noted, "Right now, we need to take everything he says with a massive amount of salt. Also..." she shut her eyes but continued speaking, "...Catra will have to be kept on a constant watch." Adora jumped up to argue, but the pink-head was firm, "Adora, please! What if she's still under Kurama's control!?"

That shut the blonde's mouth, her fists clenching as she felt powerless yet again, "Dammit..." she slumped face down on the bed, punching the pillow, "Dammit, I just...I just want my friends! Not fakes!" she cried, hot tears crossing her cheeks and dampening the sheets and pillows.

"Listen." Bow started, sitting beside her and rubbing her back, "I know for a fact you love them, but if you don't think rationally, you'll only hurt yourself more."

"Agreed, which is why-" Glimmer was cut off by a knock on the door, "Oh no, she's coming."

Catra had arrived and grunted as she stood before a guard, "Hey, are you gonna let me in or what?"

Said armored woman nodded politely, "Sorry, but since the high sorceress' niece rests here after the last attack, we're doubling our security. I hope you don't mind."

"Catra, what's up?" Glimmer asked after teleporting outside, knowing Adora would be in too much distress to talk directly.

"I...came to keep my part of the bargain." The cat-girl huffed, cross-armed and with a sourly expression, "Just...make it quick and painless."

"Oh, that?" Glimmer rubbed the back of her head, "I've...gotten a lot of what Yami's told me in mind, so I forgot."

"What have you been pondering on, Pinkie?" the feline warrior asked with a hand on her hip.

"I do believe there is good in him." She spoke of both Naruto and Yami, "But his goals...overwhelm me. I don't even know what he wants from all of this, but I can tell it's big."

"Sounds like you got a crush." Catra teased with a smirk, getting the plump girl to blush hotly.

"Oh shush, you're the one staring at my butt." She glared at that.

"Hey, I appreciate cute girls, as does Adora. Too bad there's only one guy we're into." She sighed at that.

"And I want to help him, too." Glimmer said truthfully, "First, we need to know what to do."

"I know it'll be fun." Catra said with a wink, "So...do we call it a draw?"

Glimmer smirked, "Not a chance, I know the perfect night gown for you."

"Ugh, I shouldn't have pushed my luck."

X-X-X-X-X

And that's my rap!

POLL INFORMATION: Glimmer, Frosta, Mermista, Netossa and Spinnerella are the princesses I'm on the fence about. So, I'll see if I can expand a few things on them with Naruto having a relationship to flesh them out or flesh them out without romance. Your choice. There are YES and NO options, meaning if a princess gets mostly a NO she's out. However, this means that a lot of people would have to vote NO quite a lot. Again, this'll be up to you.

I apologize if some of you are mad at this, but hey, this is an extra thing. It won't change the progress or a few ideas I've had, I'm putting it as an aside.

Perhaps I'll even make omakes of the princesses who get the most YES votes.

Anyway, a few words from The Lord Of Pages:

Beta's Notes: Hiya gang, we're glad everyone is liking this story and how it's progressing. A lot of the stuff that bugs us about She-Ra is how sugary sweet it is. Everything works out for Adora because she's the hero. Catra is bad because she doesn't accept Adora's offer to join her. Hordak is bad because he's an evil jerk who hates all the beauties of Bright Moon.

I don't care that they claim this to be for 'kids' because this story has examples of A. Explicit lesbianism. B. Actual involved storytelling that goes past the scope of a kid's cartoon. And C. Outright insinuations of death, murder, betrayal, and so on.

This series deserves a good deconstruction because dammit but Catra deserves better. She deserves a better series and I can assure you how her story will go in season 2. Catra will do X bad thing and reject redemption or Adora will do B good thing and redeem her and Catra will spend her time atoning. We wanted to do something better, and that's what we're doing here.

Now this beta's note has gotten too long so if it's edited a bit, you'll know it's for a good cause. Until next chapter, farewell, so long, until we meet again!

Swordslinger out!