This chapter got a bit too long. I'm sorry but also not sorry. Thank you to everyone who is reading so far!
Catra doesn't receive any more details other than to get up at sunrise in order to receive her itinerary and set off on her journey. She sneaks into Adora's room that night, pleased when Adora is still awake. Adora smiles warmly and welcomes her to curl up with her under the covers. Melog curls up in a ball to sleep peacefully on the ground next to them.
Adora nudges Catra awake early the next morning and the three of them head to the kitchen to pack some food. Adora shoves at least a dozen fruits and vegetables into her ruck sack, making Catra promise that she'll eat a minimum of two or three per day.
Once Adora's satisfied, they head to the castle entrance. Catra's still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, but Adora's wide awake, going through the ruck sack again to make sure she hasn't forgotten anything. Once they arrive, they pause on the landing in front of the steps for goodbyes. Adora kneels down to pet Melog on the head, her expression still serious. "Take care of her," she requests.
Melog purrs, Of course.
Adora can't hear the response, but the cute sound pushes a small smile onto her face as she rises to address Catra. Adora pulls out a large rolled scroll, one Catra hasn't seen before. She realizes that it's a map as Adora rolls it open with both hands.
"Okay, I've confirmed some stops for you and marked them in order." Adora holds out the map towards Catra, "Can you hold it open for me please?" She asks with a sheepish grin.
Catra complies and takes the map from Adora, their fingers brushing as she clasps her hands around each end and stretches her arms so it's taut. The map has a few dark circles drawn around cities, each with a number etched next to them. Catra identifies five marks, and it's easy to identify the projected travel route based off them.
Adora points at the city marked #1 with her now free hands. "You'll start at Salineas with Mermista," Adora points at each location as she continues to list them, "then Plumeria with Perfuma, Kingdom of Snows with Frosta, Dryl with Entrapta and Hordak, and then finally Erlandia before you return home. I let them know the general time frame you'd arrive. I planned about a day for each Kingdom, but if you want to spend a little extra time somewhere don't worry about it. Everyone is flexible."
Catra's impressed with how much work Adora did in just a day, though her heart sinks a little as she realizes she won't see her for at least a week. Also… didn't Adora leave something out from that explanation? "Uhh, who am I meeting in Erlandia?" Catra arches one eyebrow, it's unusual for Adora to forget a detail like that.
Adora blinks once, her grin getting bigger and a bead of sweat appearing on her forehead. "Ah, hahaha. Oh yeah! It's – it's a surprise!" Adora steps back so Catra can roll the map up. "You'll see when you get there, you'll like it, I promise!"
Catra collapses the map and stuffs it into her ruck sack, shooting her girlfriend a skeptical look. "Ooookkkayyy." Normally Catra would press further, but Adora put in so much effort for her, she can wait a couple days for the surprise. It'll be hard but somehow she'll manage.
With the map and food settled, it's time to go. Catra's not sure she's ready, anxiety pooling in her stomach. Weirdly enough, this time she's the one leaving. It doesn't feel any better to be on this side. She needs to be brave; this is her journey and this is the first step. She swallows deeply, pushing a forced smile onto her face. "Be safe Adora."
Adora places a hand onto her shoulder and squeezes gently, warmth flowing from her fingers and instantly soothing Catra's nerves. "Shouldn't I be the one saying that?" She jokes with a lopsided grin.
Catra's smile grows, genuine this time, "Nah, I'll be fine." Catra raises one hand to cradle Adora's chin, leaning in to catch her lips in a quick kiss. She holds for a moment and then backs away, tilting her head so their foreheads touch. "Bye idiot."
"Bye." Adora's voice comes out barely over a whisper, and a heartbeat later she steps back and out of Catra's arms. Catra immediately misses the warmth; but they've stood there for too long already.
Catra slides onto Melog's back and with a quiet command the two take off into the forest. She's careful to not look back, determined not to show weakness like she did with Scorpia the day prior.
Salineas is a few hours ride, and Catra would be lying if she said she isn't nervous. The last time she was in Salineas was when the Horde captured it just before Horde Prime's arrival. She's barely spoken with Mermista since then and hardly feels like the bad blood between them will just evaporate into thin air. She shakes her head to clear her thoughts. Regardless of the past, now it's the future, all she can do is try to make up for her previous actions. Adora set this up for her, and she's going to try her best!
Catra zones out for the rest of the journey, and before she knows it they're standing at the entrance to Salineas. She slips off Melog's back, reaching into her ruck sack to grab two pieces of fruit. She makes sure one is a pear, which she offers to Melog. It chows down happily and Catra eats as well. Only one more to meet her fruit quota for the day, she thinks to herself.
Once done, they head into town. Salineas looks mostly cleaned up, villagers bustling in a small flea market near the entrance and to and from docks that surround the Kingdom. Everything appears to be peaceful, which alleviates some of the guilt Catra felt on her way here, the city is certainly doing better than the shambles she left them in.
Catra avoids the crowds and locates the staircase leading to the town's castle, pleased to find it without drawing unwanted attention to herself. She climbs steadily, noting that the stairs are clear except for someone resting near the top. His posture is defeated and hunched, elbows resting on legs with his head in his hands.
Catra vaguely recognizes him as the annoying singer that always is hanging around with Mermista. As she gets closer, she can hear muffled sniffles with the occasional sob escaping from his hands. Oh boy, this will be interesting. What is his name again? She remembers one hundred of his bad jokes, but his name escapes her. Great going Catra.
She stops on the stairs in front of him, her shadow casting over his shrunk form. Melog was following her up to this point, and now steps up to join her on the step. It nuzzles against the back of the gloomy man's hands. Hello. It purrs.
The man peeks through his fingers, revealing bloodshot eyes. "Why hello there," he reaches out with one hand to scratch Melog behind the ears, the smallest grin pushing onto his face, "it's been a while my friend."
"Hey," Catra interrupts, her short patience flaring at him for not even noticing her. "Sorry to interrupt your brooding or whatever, but can we get by? We're here to see the Princess."
Catra's annoyance grows even further as the sailor stands up with a hasty apology, wiping his hands on his pants. "Oh yes! Mermista is expecting you! Oh, Mermista…" He turns to glance at the top of the steps, and when he turns back his expression has returned to one of extreme depression. "What have I done?"
At this point, Catra's about ready to push past him and go see Mermista herself. Her past self from the Horde certainly would. She takes one step, then stops with a small flick of her tail. She decided to better herself and tolerating Adora's friends is a part of that reform. She lowers her foot so she's standing on only one step again. "What happened?" She tries to sound patient, the way Adora always does when she's worried, hoping her usual sass isn't seeping into the question.
"Oh… the usual." His voice is sullen as he responds. "I burned down the SS-Sea Hawk the 8th." He turns to one side, his eyes gleaming, "it was my best boat burning to date!"
Sea Hawk… Sea Hawk. Is that his name? Catra vaguely remembers hearing the word once or twice before, and this guy was always jumping around during those times. She's not confident enough to test it right now, but takes a mental note to pay attention to those addressing him.
While she was pondering his name, Sea Hawk has continued to ramble on about his boat fire, going from excited, to passionate, to angry, then back to sad, all in the span of 30 seconds.
Sea Hawk motions dramatically towards the castle. "You should go without me. Mermista doesn't want to see me right now, it's just ahead at the top of the stairs."
Catra is honestly fine with that, this moody sailor has reached the end of her patience. She steps to the side so she can pass him, but only makes it two steps away before he once again calls out to her.
"Wait!" He pauses, one hand extended towards Catra, "I changed my mind, let me take you. Maybe if I show you the way she'll forgive me."
Catra's not so sure, but she holds her tongue. She doesn't remember the Princess of Salineas being the most forgiving of individuals, if anything she's the opposite. She really doesn't care though, bringing him along will probably be entertaining. "It's your funeral," she jokes, but steps to the side so he can pass.
"Indeed," Sea Hawk responds with a surprisingly serious tone. He starts climbing the steps without saying anything further. Catra gives Melog a look as they follow.
I like him.
Melog always sees the best in people, something Catra is envious of. She reaches over to pat its head, wordlessly acknowledging its comment.
Sea Hawk is already nearly at the top of the steps and it only takes about a minute for him to reach the top. A tall guard stands at the entrance, speared weapon in hand. As Sea Hawk approaches the entrance, the guard swings down the spear to cut off his path.
Maybe letting him come along wasn't the best idea after all. Catra hangs back and watches as Sea Hawk leans casually against the weapon and engages in small talk with the guard, assuring her that he is in fact welcome in the castle and isn't currently banned.
As they continue to chat, he motions over his shoulder. "I brought Catra by the way. You know, the person that Princess Mermista is waiting for."
That seems to do the trick as the guard finally relents and allows them into the castle. The guard does let Sea Hawk know that she'll be watching him, to which he responds with a wink.
Once inside, it's just a short walk to reach the throne room. Well, Catra's not sure if it's called that, but it looks very similar to the throne room in Brightmoon. The major difference is the color, the walls are sea-green blue instead of pink.
Mermista is lounging on her throne, a quart of double chocolate ice cream in one hand and a large spoon in the other. She doesn't seem to notice Catra at first, her eyes locking onto Sea Hawk. "UGHHH. Sea Hawk, why did you come back?" Mermista flicks some ice cream towards him using her spoon, her frown deepening when he sidesteps to dodge it. "I don't want you here," she grumbles.
Sea Hawk dances towards her with a gracious spin. "I know that you're mad, my love. I am simply delivering our visitor to you." Sea Hawk reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a single red rose. "By the way, I found this for you while I was out."
Catra wonders when he had time to pick that up, but that's a question for another time. At least his name is confirmed now.
Mermista rolls her eyes with an additional groan but accepts the flower. "This isn't enough to win me back…" She raises the flower to her nose and inhales deeply. "…but it's a good start, I guess." She turns to her guard and requests a vase. The guard exits the throne room, leaving the four of them alone for the moment. Mermista finally shifts her attention towards Catra. "You made good time."
Catra leans down to pat Melog on the head affectionately, "I got a lift from the best, it can run just as fast as any horse."
Mermista smiles when Melog purrs in response, its head pushing into Catra's touch. "Cute."
The guard returns with a slim foot tall vase in hand. She holds the vase out towards Mermista and with a quick thank you Mermista deposits the rose into its new home.
"Hopefully it'll live longer than MOST of the things you've interacted with." Mermista squints, her irk once again directed towards Sea Hawk.
Sea Hawk leans against one of the pillars lining the throne room, "Plants are much harder to kill." He raises one hand to runs his fingers through his hair. In Catra's opinion, his hair looked messy before and still does, but after a moment he seems satisfied and shoots Mermista a finger gun with a sly wink. "I am as well."
"Ughh, I hate you so much." Mermista uses her hands against the arms of the throne to stand up, eyes rolling as she does so. Catra watches in amusement as Mermista stomps past him, heading towards the entrance of the room. She motions for Catra to follow and says, "Let's go."
Sea Hawk is either not able to read the room or is being willfully ignorant because he chimes in, "Can I come?"
Mermista freezes mid step, spinning on her heels with fists clenched and eyes narrowed. She opens her mouth, presumably to give Sea Hawk a piece of her mind, but pauses when she sees Catra standing there. Catra assumes Mermista forgot she was in the room for a moment, but maybe seeing her reminded Mermista who her true enemies are. Or who they were at least.
Either way, Mermista's anger seems to temporarily subside. "Catra, what do you think? If he comes there's a 50% chance something will burn down." Mermista crosses her arms. "I'll leave it up to you."
Catra is surprised at being asked her opinion. It sends a warm and unexpected feeling through her whole body. Mermista should hate her, but she's including her in their conversation. Truth be told, she still doesn't really care if Sea Hawk comes or not. He seems entertaining and doesn't have as much of a grudge against her, but also takes up most of Mermista's attention. Those are actually all good things. Catra can't think of a single downside.
"I don't mind either way," she comments, "but if he stays here, doesn't that mean there's a 50% chance he'll burn down the castle?" She smiles mischievously, she can't miss the chance to stir the pot a little.
Mermista grimaces, probably imagining her castle as a pile of ash. "Fair point." She turns to address the subject of their conversation, still leaning against the pillar and fixing his hair again. "Alright Sea Hawk, you can come, but NO fires!"
"Pshh, you know I can't make any promises." Sea Hawk pushes off the pillar with a sly wink, his expression quickly turning into a wince when Mermista shoots him a death glare. "Alright, alright. No fires."
Catra thinks about making another joke but considering how Mermista looks about ready to throw someone off the roof, she decides to stay quiet.
The conversation reaches its natural ending and finally they're ready to leave. Mermista leads the way out of the throne room, Catra following behind her with Melog by her side. Sea Hawk stays a few paces behind them, probably wanting to be out of throwing range in case Mermista sees something small and sharp while they walk.
As they clear the castle entrance and return down the stairs she had come in on, Catra realizes she has no clue where they're going. Adora had instructed her to check in with Mermista, but hadn't given even a clue as to what she'd planned. Catra walks a little quicker so she's side by side with Mermista. "So… what're we doing today?"
Mermista turns her head to glance at her as they walk, her left eyebrow curling up from the question. She seems surprised that Catra doesn't know. "We're going sailing."
The answer takes Catra by surprise, "Sailing?" What could Adora think she can gain from going sailing? Cats aren't exactly creatures of the water.
Mermista is looking forward again as they continue to walk. She shrugs, "Adora asked us to show you something we're passionate about. It's kind of fun, I guess…" Mermista trails off as she turns suddenly, leading them through a narrow alley. At the end, it opens up to a vast beach with a dock on the nearest end.
Sea Hawk takes this moment to chime in. "I love sailing!" He chirps from behind them. "To be on the sea is to be free!"
Catra's not sure how this will really help her find her place in Etheria, but it is nice to get to know Adora's friends. They've been extremely friendly so far, even Mermista who by all means should despise her. It's a good feeling, to be welcomed in so warmly.
Mermista leads them down the beach to the dock where a small boat is tied down. "I picked this one so even if something does happen…" she gives Sea Hawk a pointed look, "…it won't be a big loss."
The boat is about 15 feet long with a tall mast standing in the center, the sail currently furled. Catra's seen many of these boats fighting the resistance and knows they can go quite fast.
Sea Hawk leaps aboard, greeting the ship with a few sung words and short dance. Catra ignores him, noticing that Melog didn't follow her up on the dock. She turns, finding it sitting at the base of the dock, tail curled around its paws.
I don't do water. It states as if it's a matter of fact.
"I don't blame you buddy." Catra turns back to the boat thoughtfully, her tail flicking back and forth as she thinks. "I guess you can just wait here for us?" She calls out to Mermista who is also aboard the ship now, "Is that fine?"
Mermista shrugs, "Sure that is fine. No one is using this dock but us." Mermista pauses. "Wait, this is just like Mer-Mysteries, the Boat That Drifted to Sea. In that book, Fernando stayed behind, and later he was found DEAD." Mermista places one hand on her chin and leans towards Melog. "What if the same thing happens here?! That would be… awful!"
Catra's not sure how to respond, she glances at Melog and it's just as confused.
I won't die. It assures her.
Catra looks to Sea Hawk for help, but he's busy adjusting the ropes and isn't paying them any attention. She turns back to Mermista. "Uhhhhh, I think Melog will be okay. There shouldn't be any danger, and worst case Melog can handle itself. It's an alien and can use magic."
"That's what they always say…" Mermista strokes her chin, "but fine, just stay here the whole time, and don't go into the light." She moves her hand to point her index finger directly at Melog. "I mean it."
With that decided, Catra boards the ship. Sea Hawk finally takes notice of them and excitingly grabs the rope attached to the dock, pulling it up so they can push away.
Catra stumbles when the boat rocks away from the dock, it lurches more than the steel Horde ships she's used to. She sits down to steady herself, happy when the boat rocks a little more gently as they move away from the shore.
As she sits, Mermista and Sea Hawk leap into action. A steering wheel stands just in front of the mast, and they take turns holding the steering wheel and also adjusting the ropes on the sail. Catra's surprised at the minimal communication, just some short shouts and arm motions, but the sail drops and soon they are clicking along at a consistent speed. Catra admits internally that she's pretty impressed, the rig onboard looks complicated but they made it look simple.
With the sail secured, Sea Hawk and Mermista join her near the front. Sea Hawk sits down near her and crosses his legs. "Are you alright?" He places one hand on her shoulder, causing Catra to flinch. She knows his intentions are well intended, but physical contact from people who aren't Adora still startles her. He hastily withdraws his hand upon noticing her reaction, "I'm sorry."
Has anyone ever apologized for touching her without permission? Catra can't think of a single moment prior to now. His response is touching. "It's ok, and yeah I'm fine, it's just a little rougher than I was expecting."
Sea Hawk leans back against his hands, head tilted towards the cloud filled sky. "Small boats like this usually rock more, and the bigger the boat gets the less you'll feel it."
"I was spoiled by the Horde ships I guess." Catra jokes.
"You could hardly tell you were on the ocean aboard one of those things." Mermista agrees, sitting down as well to join them. "I just realized we didn't even have you help with the sails, even though that's why you're here."
Catra honestly doesn't mind, "It's fine, watching you guys sail is interesting enough, I would probably mess up anyway." Catra glances out at the ocean as it zips past them. "It really is beautiful out here." Catra rises shakily to her feet and after a moment stabilizes and wobbles over to the boat wall so she can lean against it.
That reminds her, something Mermista said earlier piqued her interest. "Hey Mermista, earlier you mentioned Mer-Mysteries. Is that a book series?"
Mermista's reaction to Catra's question is far more extreme than she expected. Her jaw slacks, eyes widening in shock. "You've never heard of Mer-Mysteries?" She looks away and poses dramatically, "How could the Horde be so cruel not to provide such a basic human need?"
Catra's not sure she's ever heard a book series called a human basic need before, she's had a lot of firsts today. "Well, we were the 'evil' Horde so nothing should be too surprising."
"Monsters," Mermista retorts, her face twisting a moment later when she realizes her insinuation, "I mean, most were monsters."
Catra assures her with a short wave of her hand, "you're fine, we really were monsters. I was one for sure." Catra leans further over the side of this ship, holding out one hand to see if she can touch the water. Her fingers graze the surface and it's cool to the touch. "People change though, that's what I'm trying to do, I guess."
Sea Hawk shouts awwww loudly, joining her at the side of the ship. Mermista doesn't join in his noise making, but she does smile at the comment. A moment later she leans against the ship wall as well, on the other side of Sea Hawk. "I'll lend you the first Mer-Mysteries book so you can see for yourself. They're about murder, drama, adventure, and sometimes a little bit of love." Mermista sighs happily, "They're great."
"I'll give it a try," Catra agrees. She's never been much of a reader but her newly developing friendship skills are telling her to do everything she can. Plus, she might actually like them, who knows? Maybe Adora will read them too and they can talk about them together.
Sea Hawk leaves them to tend to the sails for a moment, so Catra takes the opportunity to change topics. "I, uh… had an idea. About the boat burning issue." Catra motions with her ears towards where Sea Hawk is happily untying and tying new knots. "If you want."
"Oh really?" Mermista leans in closer to Catra. "I'm interested, please tell me more."
"Do you still have Horde ships around?" Catra clears her throat, "you know, from when we captured Salineas."
Mermista responds with an eye roll. "No need to remind me that you captured my kingdom while we were distracted back in Brightmoon. But yes, we do have some captured ships in one of our docks."
Catra steps back from the side of the ship and points along the floor with her foot, "If you take the liner from the inside of those ships, you can use it along the decks of these. The inside of Horde ships are completely fireproof, and one Horde ship can probably line five of these smaller ones." Catra faces Mermista who's expression has turned thoughtful. "Even if Sea Hawk felt like striking a match, it wouldn't do anything."
Mermista nods slowly to herself. "Yes, that could work. Catra, you, are, a, GENIUS." Mermista pauses between each word for emphasis.
"Why is Catra a genius?" Sea Hawk asks curiously as he returns.
Mermista goes into detail explaining Catra's idea for the ships. Sea Hawk laughs nervously, his face paling a little. "I don't hate the idea, but what if I really want to light the boat on fire? Sometimes I just have to, you know how it is."
"We don't," Mermista speaks for both of them. "I even tried it that one time, let me tell you it wasn't worth it."
Sea Hawk frowns, "It might be my fate then, to never again set a boat aflame."
"That's righ…" Mermista freezes mid word, head tilting, "Wait, did you just give up?" Mermista's expression sinks into further confusion. "You never give up, this is very unlike you."
Sea Hawk takes the opportunity to grab her hands with his, holding them firmly between them. "If it will make you happy, you know I'll do anything. I admit I have some self-control issues around boats, but if Catra's idea works I will never set a boat alight again, for you." Sea Hawk draws Mermista's right hand up and places a gentle kiss on the back of it.
Catra suddenly feels like an intruder on an intimate moment. She watches as Mermista's face heats up red all the way to her ears, quickly looking down at the ship. "Well, maybe I can find you a super small boat every once in a while, so you don't miss out." She leans in for a kiss and Catra turns back towards the ocean to give them a bit more privacy. She follows the waves in the distance, only snapping out of it when she hears, "We're being rude to our guest," from Mermista.
Catra looks up, Sea Hawk is releasing Mermista's hands with a laugh and goes to tend to the sails. Catra shakes her head left and right and raises her hands to mimic the motion, "Nah, you guys are fine. Honestly, I'm used to this back in Brightmoon. Glimmer and Bow have been all over each other lately."
Mermista rejoins Catra at the side of the ship, "Oooh tell me more. I always knew they would get together."
Catra tells her about everything they've been up to since the defeat of Horde Prime, including dinner antics and the few times she's seen them making eye contact or touching when they think no one is watching. "They're cute together." Catra adds, "And uh, you guys are too."
Mermista thanks her with a light knock on the shoulder, then calls to Sea Hawk to start heading back to shore. They take the opportunity to show Catra a few knots, as well as how to lower and raise the sail.
It's a bit too much to remember, but Catra tries to follow along and soon they're back at the dock. Melog is waiting for them patiently, curled up in a cute ball. It unfurls and stretches as they tie the boat to the dock.
I lived!
Catra smiles, "Great job."
"Are you talking to me?" Sea Hawk asks as he knots the rope securing the boat in place. "If so, thank you! I did do a great job."
Mermista rolls her eyes as she steps out of the boat. "She was clearly talking to me."
Catra can't find it in herself to correct them. "I was actually talking to both of you." She gives them a toothy grin. "Thank you, seriously."
Mermista grins back, "Anytime Horde scum, but this party isn't over yet. You coming back to the castle for dinner?"
Catra finds herself surprised by their kindness for what must be the tenth time that day. She didn't expect to be invited back in for a meal, she was planning to camp outside the city with Melog and sleep in a tree. A warm meal and bed does sound much better. "That would be amazing." She agrees and Melog also grunts in agreement.
Sea Hawk steps between them, puppy dog eyes turned up to max. "What about me?" He asks in a pleading voice.
"Fiiiiine." Mermista tries to sound annoyed but Catra can identify the lightest of blushes on her cheeks, "You can come."
Sea Hawk shouts loudly for joy and runs down the dock, already hyping up the castle food and how excited he is to eat. Mermista exchanges an amused look with Catra before following. Catra takes a moment to scratch Melog behind the ears and thank it for waiting all afternoon.
After a few scratches, Melog stretches again and bounds after Mermista. Catra gives the boat one last glance before heading back towards the castle.