Act I: Turning Darkness to Light; Chapter II: The Legend of Halfmoon
Catra has found her people, Adora is still out for the count, and the wayward heir to Halfmoon has finally been found. Not that anyone is truly the wiser to the events set into motion.
Royal Palace, Medical Wing, Halfmoon, Beneath The Whispering Woods
C'yra tucked a loose strand of hair back into her braid and nodded to the pair of guards. The armoured warriors of Halfmoon parted and C'yra opened the door.
The girl, brown skin and dark brunette hair, was well muscled and stood in front of the smallest of them. She ran her hands over his arms and checked his head. Behind the small blonde boy was the large lizard. The green scaled reptilian hovered, his yellow eyes trained on the boy. His jaws parted and a short snap and hiss echoed from between his sharp teeth.
"I can answer that for you." C'yra smirked as all three sets of eyes shot to her. Her lips turned downward as the girl and reptilian quickly closed ranks in front of the blonde and met her with tight expressions. "My apologies, I didn't mean to scare you all. I do however believe that you have some questions I can answer?"
"Why would we talk to Rebel Leaders?" The dark skinned girl narrowed her eyes and the muscles across her shoulders tensed. C'yra would have laughed if she wasn't acutely aware that Horde Cadets could be significantly dangerous, especially when threatened.
"I'm no rebel, just a survivor, as are my people. I don't mean you any harm, but I need to verify the story told to me by your other friend before I allow any of you to leave this room." The three turned and glanced at each other. A shared nod and The Reptilian snapped and growled.
"Rogelio, a wonderful name Cadet." C'yra turned her single eye onto the boy. He shuddered at her gaze until a green scaled hand fell on his shoulder.
"Cadet Kyle." She smiled and nodded at him. He seemed to loosen and his lips curled just the slightest bit upwards.
"Cadet Lonnie." Bit out the girl. C'yra inclined her head respectfully.
"Tell me Lonnie, Kyle, and Rogelio. Why were you out here?" She kept her voice gentle and soft; she didn't need to have a repeat of Catra's outburst and subsequent escape. Lonnie crossed her arms over her chest and huffed. Rogelio snapped and growled out an answer in his Reptilian speech. C'yra fought off her smile at his candour.
"You were out celebrating your promotion from Cadets. Wonderful. Are there more Horde soldiers in the area?" C'yra kept her arms loose at her sides and schooled her features and body. The kittens might have some idea of Magicat tells and she didn't want to upset them.
"No other soldiers… Shadow Weaver is going to kill us." Kyle dropped his head into his hands and a massive groan blasted from his mouth. C'yra's fur ruffled at the name and her tail lashed as her ears flickered. It was all she could to suppress how her eyes threatened to turn into tiny slits. The reaction was instant. Every single one of the kittens jumped back into defensive positions as C'yra huffed and puffed out her anger. She smoothed out her fur as she locked her wrath at The Witch in the back of her mind. Each of the kittens slowly lowered their stances and settled back into an almost relaxed military posture.
"Guess Shadow Weaver hasn't made a good impression on you lot?" Lonnie quirked an eyebrow at her. C'yra's lips pulled into a wry smile.
"Everyone here has lost something to The Horde, even myself. Shadow Weaver… She helped lead the attack on myself and my people. How long were you in The Woods for?"
"No more than five minutes or so. Adora let Catra have her time in the stupid place and now we're… well, wherever this is!" Lonnie growled and threw her arms up in frustration, her hands balled into fists and her glare could probably cut through metal if given the chance. "When I get my hands on that Cat I promise I'll wring her neck! She always does this! Every single time!"
C'yra found it easier to hold back and reign in her protective instincts. It no doubt helped that what had etched itself into Lonnie's features wasn't so different from what she'd wanted to do.
"You helped keep C-Catra alive, yes?" Everyone looked at her as she stumbled over the name. She caught Kyle and Rogelio as something passed between them.
"Yeah, not that she always did her best for Adora." Lonnie crossed her arms again, and her features settled back as her anger sank to a simmer.
"What do you know about the sword Adora found?" C'yra knew that this question was probably more important than any of the others. She needed to know if this was a trap. Lonnie groaned and held a hand to her forehead. Her hand fell down and she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"The girl can lead people in most combat exercises, often with minimal casualties or mistakes. Especially when we're down a person and have Kyle-"
"Hey." Rogelio hissed in agreement and flicked his tail.
"You know what I mean." Lonnie waved a hand at the other two and turned back to C'yra. "We crashed and she found it. She grabbed it and there was a massive flash of light… then she was out like she got hit by a tank."
"Alright. I'll take you to Catra and Adora now. Catra woke some time ago, and Adora is still receiving treatment and is unconscious." C'yra turned and rapped on the door. They'd decided on a more controlled system in case any of the cadets had pulled what Catra had last night. "Do you mind if we walk together? I'd like to learn more about Catra and this… Adora."
She-Ra's Apartments, Royal Palace, Halfmoon, Beneath The Whispering Woods
"So… what's wrong with my dummy this time?" Catra had her arms crossed, her hips and head cocked, as her tail swished ever so slightly behind her. The Healer, the same orange and greying furred Magicat. One of his ears appeared clipped and he was heavier set. Not that Catra had a good frame of reference, she'd only met soldiers and The Queen outside of this healer. He raised emerald green eyes to pin her with a look. Were Catra a lesser Magicat, she might've yelped at the hardness of his gaze. However his features softened and his lips fell downwards. He inclined his head towards a small pillow beside him. Catra stepped close and sank onto the seat.
"She will need time, her memories have been altered and erased by powerful mind magics. Recovery will be difficult, there will be a resurgence of memories over time. Thankfully The Sword of Protection was able to repair the vast majority of the damage, I'm simply just trying to reorder things as best as I can, and ease the addition of old erased memories." The Healer stopped, he turned to look at the kitten who hadn't spoken since he started. Catra's ears were pinned back and her pupils were slits.
"Her memories were altered and erased?" The question was nearly as quiet as a whisper, nothing the large ears of a Magicat couldn't hear, but the softness and hoarseness surprised him. Slowly he drew his full focus onto Catra. Her fur was ever so slightly puffed upwards and her claws were extended. Her knuckles were white as she knotted her leggings up in her hands. Her lips were pulled tight, and her eyes were solely on his patient.
"She will be okay," His mouth opened to continue but the doors opened and both turned to look at the newcomers. Catra wiped her arm over her face and schooled her expression as two Magicat guards stepped in. Lonnie, Rogelio, and Kyle came in next, every one of them perfectly fine. Last to enter was Queen C'yra who motioned for the doors to close behind her. Catra's gaze flicked over her friends, she double checked her initial assessment and confirmed they were fine. Catra looked at C'yra, her lips pulled tight and she gave the queen her best glare.
"You said you'd explain Adora's situation once we were all here. We're all here." C'yra raised an eyebrow at Catra but nodded. She stepped around, her back faced a wall and the trio of Horde cadets were between her and Catra and Adora. Catra's eyes narrowed at the move.
"So I did. The sword your friend, Adora, found is a powerful relic from a bygone time. It is known as The Sword of Protection, and it is wielded by a Princess of great power. We Magicats have a great history with the blade and its wielder, but there has not been a Princess of Power for… a very long time. The last Princess of Power died long before any of us were born." C'yra examined them all carefully, but none of them said a word, just watched her. "If The Sword of Protection has chosen Adora, properly chosen, then she is The Princess of Power, and things on Etheria will begin to change."
"That sounds vague and entirely improbable." Lonnie groused, she crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow at The Queen. Catra bared her teeth at the human.
"As improbable as everytime Adora quite literally broke a record for every other human in training? Or how she always seemed able to go further, faster, and harder than anyone else? Or maybe how my claws don't break her skin as easily as others? We all knew Shadow Weaver saw something special about Adora, that's why she was… the way she was… This might be it, the reason that Shadow Weaver treated Adora like a pet project, because she was… Adora was a Princess the whole time, and that meant she had more power than any of us… She was worth more…"
Lonnie's gaze softened and she looked over at Adora. Rogelio and Kyle shared a glance. Kyle walked closer to Adora and took his time to examine her.
"Is she okay?" Catra's mouth opened to speak, but C'yra was faster.
"She'll be okay given time, I still need to discuss long term treatment with her healer, but from what I understand The Sword attempted to help her, but for some reason it was incomplete. Adora's assigned Healer is doing his best to finish the work it started." C'yra shot a glance to Catra. Catra met her gaze, but closed her mouth. "I need to speak with Adora's healer out in the hall, I assume you all will be safe if I leave you here alone?"
"Yes." Catra ground her teeth and turned away from C'yra. She missed the crestfallen expression on The Queen's face. C'yra nodded and stepped out followed by The Healer. As soon as the guards slid out and the doors closed Rogelio released a set of snaps, hisses, and growls at Catra. "How many times do I have to tell you that I can't understand you Rogelio. I'm sorry but your snaps, growls, and hisses sound different every time, even when you're saying the same words!"
"He wants to know where we are." Kyle said as he walked over and started feeling the walls and tapestries hung there. Catra rolled her eyes, leave it to Kyle to ace Reptilian, but also somehow rub it in her face.
"We're somewhere near the centre of The Whispering Woods. That's all I know."
"Centre of The Whispering Woods! We only were in here for five minutes. No way you got us lost in that amount of time Catra." Lonnie spun on the Magicat girl. Catra hissed and her claws shot out.
"Don't blame me for this! We all know The Whispering Woods is weird. How was I supposed to know it could do something like that?"
"She's right Lonnie." Kyle had another tapestry pulled slightly from the wall; its sewn feature showed off a tall woman in white and gold armour with a red tail and burning red mane next to black ears. Each of the warrior goddess' eyes were a different colour, one an amber gold, and the other a sapphire blue. "The Whispering Woods has always been weird Lonnie, there's no way any of us could have predicted what it would do, or that it would do. Any other Horde squad could have been lost in the same mess as us."
"Shut up Kyle." Lonnie kept herself focused on Catra. "All I know is that Catra was driving, we crashed and now people who have to be the exact same species as her are all around us and we're in the heart of one of the most dangerous territories known to The Horde! To top it all off our leader is unconscious and our second might be compromised. So I think I have a damn right to call her ass out."
"Fuck you Lonnie!" Catra stood in an instant and put herself between Lonnie and Adora. Her claws fully extended and her eyes narrowed to slits. "I didn't plan some dastardly plan to steal us away from The Horde to people I don't even know! So stop calling me out! You're the one who always blames me first!"
"You puffed up little furry bi-" Rolegio's arm wrapped around Lonnie's head and cut off her speech. His snaps and growls were louder than Catra's hisses.
"Ro is telling the truth. We won't find out anything with the two of you at each other's throats." Kyle turned from his work on a different tapestry, this one held a darker skinned Human woman with large golden shoulder plates and a golden design on her white clad chest. The most notable difference from the other designs Catra has seen him studying was that this one had pants. "Catra, what do you know about Adora?"
This was probably the reason Kyle was here, with the squad, he was good at playing peacemaker. Catra shot him a wry grin and slowly lowered into spot next to Adora.
"The sword tried to fix what Shadow Weaver broke. Apparently she's been erasing and changing Adora's memories." Catra wouldn't meet any of their eyes. The silence fills the whole room as Catra started to shrink in on herself.
"Nice going Catra," Lonnie whispered loud enough for the Magicat to hear. Catra hissed as Rogelio smacked Lonnie's arm. "What?"
Catra rushed away and shoved Lonnie to the ground. She was out the door before Rogelio could reach her, and past the guards before they could grab her.
Healer's Office, Royal Palace, Halfmoon, Beneath The Whispering Woods
C'yra closed the door as she turned to face Ty'gar. The man was the best healer in Clan Yin'et. She took a seat across from him, a desk between them. He looked tired, there was a part of her that hated having to do this, ask him to work as much as he was… but this was a special case.
"So?" She prompted as he got a far away look in his eye and focused on something on his desk. He finally turned his head up and met her one good eye.
"My apologies, I haven't slept too well." He shifted around and shuffled a few of his papers together before grabbing a blank one and writing a few quick notes. "We're dealing with prolonged mystical, physical, and mental trauma and abuse. That's just scratching the surface…"
"What?" C'yra's heart shuddered inside her chest, is this what had been done to all Horde Cadets? How could The Horde do this to their soldiers? She fought back a hiss and kept herself as calm as she could.
"The Blonde," He shuffled through a few more papers than pulled out one that had been on his left the whole time. "Adora. Adora has suffered mystical memory alterations and erasures no doubt facilitated by powerful Mind Magics like what was a closely guarded secret of Mystacor. She also has dealt with mental, emotional, and physical abuse over the course of her life. Studies of her body via mystical readings suggest she is not human, but is in fact beyond human. It is possible that she is a First One."
"I'm sorry, first we're talking about abuse of a minor on a level I don't want to fathom, then Mystacor arts being in the hands of The Horde, and now ancient peoples who haven't been seen on Etheria since the time of the last She-Ra." C'yra really hoped this isn't what she thought it was. Ty'gar huffed and lowered his gaze.
"My Queen, we are dealing with the very real possibility that a First One now lays not but a few rooms from us. One which has spent her life abused by The Horde and turned into a proper soldier and weapon. We are talking about the fact that secret arts of magic studied and trained in the halls of hallowed Mystacor have fallen into enemy hands. We are talking about the winds of change C'yra." Ty'gar reached out and held his hand for her to grasp. C'yra took it. "I said that was just the tip of the claw. Did you really think I'd forget the girl I helped you birth?"
C'yra's breath caught in her throat as the old Magicat smirked at her. He squeezed her hand tightly. She could feel the sobs build inside her. She'd held hope that she was right, but to have another confirm it.
"Catra is your daughter. Adora is The Princess of Power. Both have returned to us in this time were I a religious cat I would swear upon The Stars that things are at a turning point. She definitely has your temperament by the way." He chuckled, released her hand and stood. "I would like to ask the kittens for permission to examine them for the same signs of mystical abuse. I don't doubt they've had the same mental, emotional, physical abuse as Adora. This is all so unprecedented, I don't think any of us could have seen this coming."
"Do you think… Do you think we can help them?" C'yra raised her face to catch him. There was a twinkle that sparkled in his eyes.
"I don't think we have a choice in the matter anymore. If we can't help them… I don't think anyone else can."
"Where should we star-" The door slammed open and a guard in black and gold armour pushed her way in.
"My apologies My Queen but Catra has escaped."
Training Section, Royal Palace, Halfmoon, Beneath The Whispering Woods
Catra stalked into the room, her ears swivelled towards the sounds of fighting as her tail swished from side to side in careful motion. Her eyes tracked the Magicats who fought with staffs and claws. Each swung and blocked with precision and speed. A black furred Magicat. He was broad shouldered and large. His body seemed to tower over her as he scrutinised the combat. His nose twitched and his golden eyes fixed on her.
"What are you doing here Horde?" He raised a hand, and the fight stopped. He pushed between the sparrers. With just the slightest flex her claws shot out. "Horde are not allowed to wander the palace. I should make certain you are returned to your room."
Catra's claws responded. Her fur puffed. A hiss built in her throat. Her eyes shrank to slits. She spread her feet and arms. Her tail lashed. The massive Magicat had nearly finished closing distance. Catra had shifted her weight. Ready to spin and take off.
"Da'reth!" The massive Magicat stopped short. Catra refused to look back at the new arrival. "If you insist on harassing the guests of The Queen, than I shall have you removed from duty."
He grumbled and brushed past, his voice as quiet as he could make its baritone. "You will never be what she wants. You can't be."
"Da'reth! You are relieved for the moment. Leave us."
"Yes, My-"
"Leave. Save your pleasantries for C'yra." The other two Magicats glanced behind Catra. Something happened and both shot away at full speed. Catra's ruffled fur shifted a fraction down at the scent that seemed mixed with C'yra's. She'd process that later. A white furred Magicat with faint black stripes and icy blue eyes came into view. She had a lithe build, and the gold trimmed and embroidered red dress, that left her shoulders bare, and a white sash-like skirt tied around her waist. Her left shoulder was a twisted mess of scars, it looked functional, but painful. "Hello Catra, is it?"
"Yes." She nodded and held out a hand.
"I bet being stuck in a room with one of your friends passed out probably hasn't been the most fun. I bet I can show you something you'll enjoy?" She raised a thin black eyebrow, her lips curled upwards into a toothless smirk. Catra's eyebrows pulled together as her gaze narrowed on her. The younger Magicat finally caught the gold and scarlet mask that framed the woman's face. It was similar, but not as ornate, as Queen C'yra's, but more so than her own.
"Why should I trust you?" The smirk pulled into pursed lips. The older Magicat paused and tapped her chin. Catra was about to hiss that she wasn't a kid.
"Because I could have reported you to Queen C'yra, or better let Da'reth take you back. Instead here I am risking whatever wrath The Queen might line up."
"In my experience that doesn't stop me getting punished." Catra noticed the way the Magicat's expression tugged, just barely.
"Well then I guess you'll just have to trust me, and see if I'm worth it. If not I can lead you back to your room." Catra knew this was a test, she just didn't know what for. Perhaps she could learn something, or maybe it was a setup?
"Fine, whatever." Catra rolled her eyes, but followed the Magicat woman.
Before long the pair had climbed stairs, the palace exterior, and a few walls. Here they were, in a turret that was older than the rest of the palace around it. There were claw marks, pillows, and even a few books hidden up here. It looked mostly untouched. The view though. Spread out before them inside a giant cavern was a city, lights flickered across the streets, but most of the light came from a massive crystal that hung from the centre of the cavern.
Catra felt… connected to it. Something in her soul pulled towards the giant crystal. Just like The Whispering Woods. It was an ache, a need, in her bones. She felt stronger, and more tired than she ever had in her entire life. The older Magicat smiled and looked out towards the crystal.
"Our Runestone, The Tiger's Eye. It grants the magical fire to only the Queen and Princesses of Halfmoon. The power of the sun in the palm of your hand." There was a wistful, and saddened lilt to her voice. Catra glanced at her. The older Magicat had water pooled in the corners of her eyes. "Such a heavy toll it holds, yet so much good it does. C'yra likes to come here and think. I thought you might enjoy it."
"Where are we, my friends and I?"
"You're in Halfmoon, the Queendom that lies beneath Etheria. Our legends say we were the first ruled land to come into existence. Older than even Brightmoon, which was our sister Kingdom." Catra raised an eyebrow at her.
"Was?" A chuckle escaped the older woman's lips.
"Yes. We have not held contact with Brightmoon since our surface capital was destroyed over a decade ago. Now the world above thinks that Magicats and Halfmoon are nothing but myth and legend."
"What do your legends say? What does it have to do with Adora?" The white furred Magicat paused, a look passed over her face, one that Catra couldn't discern.
"I'm afraid when it comes to legends you'll have to be more specific, we have many. And the blonde girl, I assume that is who you speak of when you say Adora? Is that her name?" Catra took on a thoughtfulness that she had no idea looked similar to C'yra.
"The legend of Halfmoon. And yes, what does any of this have to with Adora?" The Magicat turned back to the view of the city.
"Long ago, well before either of us or our more recent ancestors lived, there was a woman. A Magicat who looked shockingly similar to Queen C'yra if you can believe it. She was a strong warrior, and a kind ruler. Her people were at threat, within and without. She knew that scattered as they were there was little chance they'd survive divided. Not against so many foes, and not as long as they fought amongst themselves. She was C'yra The First. The very first queen of Halfmoon. She journeyed beneath the surface and found this place which called to her. She found The Tiger's Eye."
"Wait, you're saying that The Queen's ancient relative found the Runestone?" Catra wanted to hiss at the amused expression that tugged at the older woman's face.
"Yes. But not just any Runestone Catra. The first Runestone. Even to this day our Mages and Scholars still don't know the full power or extent of what The Tiger's Eye is capable of." She paused and smiled at Catra. "As I was saying. She found The Tiger's Eye, and claimed the power of the sun. The flames gave her strength, agility, and a power that no other Magicat could counter. C'yra I went out of her way to defeat the many enemies of Magicats. From lizardfolk to other dangerous Magicat tribes. She strove to create peace. In honour of that, she had Crescent City built. Its ruins lie directly above The Tiger's Eye. It's said that we built it here because it was directly beneath the constellation known as The Heart of Etheria. We Magicats believe that as long as we are here, surrounded by the magic of The Tiger's Eye and its power, we will always survive."
"Pretty story… I still don't see what that has to do with Adora." The white furred Magicat raised an eyebrow. Catra huffed but turned back to looking out towards the city.
"Well, you see that not too long after C'yra I had brought peace to The Whispering Woods and built Crescent City, the Magicats were besieged. Attacked by The First Ones. An even more ancient and technologically powerful race that journeyed across the stars. They found Etheria's magic potent and interesting, they'd only ever found a place similar to it once before. They sought to learn at first, but soon their scientific study became malicious and imperialistic. To help us defend ourselves, Etheria selected one of us. A woman, and granted her powers beyond what we could ever have imagined. Greater than even The Tiger's Eye. This champion helped C'yra I lead victory against The First One's military might. We let them keep their settlements over what is now The Crimson Wastes, and allowed them to continue their studies. But. Our Champion, our She-Ra, was lost in the final battle."
Catra stared, her body entirely still. She knew Adora, no this couldn't be Adora's fate. No.
"That's what you think? That Adora is another She-Ra?"
"Perhaps, nothing is certain though. I think it's time we go back though. C'yra will be worried about where you are." Catra followed the older Magicat back to the room in silence.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Mel'ody, and I'm always here if you want to talk. Or if you want to learn more about Halfmoon. You are a Magicat afterall, it's your heritage too." Catra let a small smile curl on her lips as she looked up at Mel'ody.
"Thanks."
"There you are!" Queen C'yra rushed down the hallway, but practically skidded to a stop as she caught sight of Mel'ody. "Mel-"
"Thank you Queen C'yra, Catra is wonderful to be around. Perhaps we can have a discussion though about Da'reth afterwards. Also I thought I should remind you that you have a meeting with the Council of Houses and The Senate Speakers soon."
"Of course." Queen C'yra glanced down at Catra. When she looked back up Mel'ody had already begun moving away. "Catra, you can't just run off like that. You might exacerbate any injuries you have internally, and there's also the risk that my guards haven't gotten the message yet. I don't want them to attack when they shouldn't be." Catra huffed and brushed off Queen C'yra's hand. She hated that she wanted the warmth.
"Whatever." Catra went into the room.
Throne Room, Royal Palace, Halfmoon, Beneath The Whispering Woods
C'yra swept into the room, followed closely by Mel'ody and a pair of her Royal Guards. Arrayed across the stands to her left and right were representatives of the different Houses and Clans of Halfmoon. Even The Senate Speakers had made certain to be on time. C'yra lowered herself gracefully into her throne as did Mel'ody.
"I do not wish to prolong this any further than I must. You have all no doubt heard the rumours of yet another Horde Incursion into The Whispering Woods. What you are unaware of is this. It was not a patrol of soldiers, or even a proper scouting force. It was a small squad of Cadets. They were injured in a Skiff crash, and we are offering them asylum at the very least until they recover from their injuries-"
"This is outrageous! Allowing Horde Soldiers, even Cadets, in Halfmoon is dangerous. How can we be certain they are not here to spy on us and gather critical information for The Horde to prepare another attack!" One of the Council Representatives rose, his eyes hardened on C'yra.
"Yes. We cannot allow them to stay, we should remove them from Halfmoon for the safety of our citizens."
"Agreed. If we don't act quickly we could endanger what peace we've found-"
"SILENCE!" C'yra shot to her feet. Every pair of eyes spun to her. The Queen stood tall, the raised throne putting her just above the stands for the Council Representatives. The sound died down and C'yra glared the last few mutters down. "If I may continue. There is more reason to keep them here. One is a Magicat, and the other… the other appears to be a First One."
Uproar rebounds throughout the whole of the chamber. Fire bursts across C'yra's fur and it grew to encompass nearly her entire form. The flickering drew the attention of the government representatives. The quiet that existed is only broken by the crackling of C'yra's flames.
"We will be helping them until we can determine what exactly it means that we have a First One and a Magicat who have been indoctrinated with The Horde." There was not a single mutter as everyone continued to watch her. "If anyone has anything they wish to convey do so now."
Chaos exploded in the chamber as C'yra lowered herself into her throne. She leaned towards Mel'ody.
"I'd like to hear from you about what happened with you, Catra, and Da'reth earlier. However I think it might be best if you go look after L'ucille." Mel'ody nodded and stood to leave as the Councilors and Speakers gathered together again to address her with their concerns.
"Darling, don't forget that you still have some soldiers to speak with." C'yra groaned and focused back onto the other members of her government.
"As soon as this is dealt with."
Main Military Courtyard, Royal Palace, Halfmoon, Beneath The Whispering Woods
C'yra tucked a loose strand of hair back into her braid and behind her mask. She stepped up to the small podium that looked out on the Palace's courtyard. Every single one of the soldiers from the patrol and military gate entrances stood stiff. Each stood with their deep maroon and gold trimmed armour. They'd been standing for the better part of eighteen hours. She could feel their exhaustion from here. It was deserved. One of them had felt selling their Clan and House out was worth whatever they could get. She would not stand idly by such treasonous actions. Twenty-three soldiers, of which she could already tell a few were flagging.
"At ease." Her voice echoed, and with that command each and every soldier dropped. "I will now explain the reason for your punishment. Less than twenty-four hours ago we received a group of Horde Cadets. One or more of you decided that this was information that The Council of Houses and Senate should have. You were right, but you did so without my expressed permission. You are all aware of the price for treason. I could have you all exiled from Halfmoon, or executed."
No one breathed. They were aware. House and Clan politics were a dangerous game, bringing it into the military was unacceptable. The most experience of Officers and military leaders were often removed from their Houses or Clans for that very reason.
"This would be a waste of coin from The Royal Coffers. It would be a waste of your potential. It would be a waste of my time. You have all wasted enough of my time in these precious moments." She paused. She noted the eyes that wouldn't meet hers. There were only five. "Only the one, or those, that sold this information to another House know who did it. I will make myself clear then. I will reward every member of this unit who was faithful to their chain of command, you will be given a new commission as either a part of the Royal Guard, or as members of The Honour Guard. However if those who betrayed this information do not come forward, I will dismiss the whole of this patrol and gate guard staff. You will all be remanded back to civilian status, and will be stripped of any accolades, ranks, or titles gained in the service. You have endangered Halfmoon and her people. Do what is right and step forward."
Of the five who had failed to meet her eyes. Two stepped forward. She focused her attention on them, and raised her eyebrow.
"My Queen. We two were the ones who filled out the report. We submitted it, and it is most likely that is how The Houses were able to find us." She nodded.
"Your attempts to hide and cover for your fellows is admirable. But I know it was neither of you two. Your three compatriots were the ones who sold off the information. Two came from smaller non-governing clans, and the last was once an Initiate of House S'rend. Step forward." The other three stepped forward. "For your failure to uphold the chain of command. For risking the safety of Halfmoon. For placing House politics of duty. You are hereby stripped of titles and accolades. You will be reduced to Infantry. As of this moment all three of you are on probation and will no longer be allowed to serve as members of The Halfmoon Guard, or Halfmoon Rangers. Not until you can prove I can trust you again."
All three nodded and to C'yra. They rose their hands and brushed from against their ears.
"You are dismissed. All others will report to the Royal Guard Quarters here on the Palace Grounds, once you have freshened up and rested. I will be by to speak with you at a later time." The three stepped free and marched away from the rest of the others. Twenty soldiers to add for Catra's Guard and Adora's. That should be enough. Now she had to speak with Mel'ody about whatever occurred with Da'reth and Catra. Why must all this headache fall upon her? It might be best to stop by the Cadets first before that though. She needed to speak with them sooner rather than later.
Alpha-9 Barracks, The Frightzone
The scarlet robed sorceress hissed into the room. She would convince Lonnie to skin Catra alive for this offence. How dare the squad embarrass her as such. Adora had convinced her they were ready, yet none of them had reported for the briefing for the attack on Thaymor. It was beyond disgraceful. It could ruin her image and her repore with Hordak if The Horde Lord were to learn of such a failure by his second in command. She could hear his angry grumbles now, how she couldn't succeed in keeping one of The Horde's most important hostages from becoming a proper frontline soldier. Hordak had only become more irritable and easy to anger as of late. The past decade hadn't treated him so well. A small smirk grew on her lips behind her scarlet mask, and the gem on the mask glimmered. He was ripe for the taking, and lordship for The Horde was a young man's game, or in her case, a young pawn's game. All she needed was for Adora to prove herself the most effective of Hordak's newest implements, and even the likes of Octavia and Vultak would be unable to stand against her. She'd have her control, the power she knew she deserved…
The raven harried woman stared at the well made, and empty bunks. There wasn't a single sign that anyone had slept in the room last night. The white lenses of her mask narrowed. With a wave of her hand, dark shadows coated the room. She focused on the magic that surrounded Adora. She could track the girl, wherever Catra had convinced Alpha-9 to go, she'd find them. Just a few Words of Power and her Shadow Spies tore themselves free of the furniture. Every bunk, except Catra's. The girl had been nothing but trouble, she'd find the mangy creature herself. However, instead of rushing off, like her Shadow Spies should have, the dark creations stayed stock still. A growl escaped her lips, but it stopped shortly after they failed to move. Her lenses widened… No…
A howl of anger reverberated into the hallway, and the pair of soldiers who'd been walking their patrol stopped dead. They turned to look towards the cadet barracks door. Another scream bellowed forth and they carefully stepped backwards, then rushed from the hallway. She tore the door open and slammed her communicator badge.
"Force Captains Scorpia, Octavia, and Force Commander Vultak! Report to me at once!" She stalked back towards her quarters. She could feel the ache in her bones, how it settled upon them like a weight. Her skin felt itchy and rough, like it needed to be torn off. She stepped into her room and placed a hand upon The Black Garnet. The massive Runestone flared with bright red lightning and her skin and bones returned to normal. The aches ceased, and even her teeth which had begun to hurt calmed. The doors hissed. She released the stone and turned.
Vultak stood on the right. His lean, but bulked-up form with its deep obsidian armour and bright red accents in Horde red stood out among the greens of the walls. Metal wings flexed as he pulled to full attention, his face hidden by a grey and black helmet with a pure red glowing visor. Vultak was, like herself, one of Hordak's first allies and warriors. The Vulture of Death, as his troops called him, was a successful aerial combat specialist. He had fought with and kept Queen Angella herself busy in the days of the First Princess Alliance. But for what he had in military stratagem, he lacked in logistics and training. Vultak couldn't handle raw recruits or manage The Horde's day-to-day functions. It was why she'd been given the rank of Force Leader, and not him. She was second in command and he would have to take what she gave him.
Next to him was the greenish blue skinned Octopod. Octavia was one of her first charges. She'd succeeded in becoming a massive bruiser who used her tentacles to great effect in melee combat. That said the woman was a blunt instrument, and thinking about her actions or their consequences often didn't factor in. Like trying to attack Adora and Catra. Her eye had been a small price compared to what Hordak would have done if he'd found out. Her Force Captain's badge was put over her eye, scars stretched over the skin, four of them, each a perfect match for Catra's claws. She wore a near standard Horde red combat bodysuit, armour plates attached at her chest, shoulders, and shins. Her tentacles laid at a resting position, strung out on the floor.
Last was The Horde's most loyal Force Captain, and its worst fighter. Which was saying something given she knew Cadet Kyle. Force Captain Scorpia was a big, brutish looking woman. She had a crimson exoskeleton and massive pincer claws to go with her shock of white hair. Scorpia's tail curled so the stinger was just visible over her shoulder plates. She wore a special bodysuit used for the Scorpioni People. Not that there were many left serving as soldiers in The Horde.
"You requested us, Shadow Weaver?" Vultak turned to face her.
"Yes. Squad Alpha-9 was recently promoted to combat status. They are now missing. I believe that Catra has convinced the squad to break protocol. Force Commander Vultak, inform your soldiers to keep an eye out for them. Force Captains Octavia and Scorpia. You will begin searching for the missing soldiers as soon as you can leave. Take a skiff and check The Whispering Woods first.
"Ma'am, all this for a missing group of recently graduated Cadets?" Octavia cocked her head to the side.
"Silence. Adora is an important member of The Horde, as are Lonnie and Rogelio. Those soldiers must be recovered and returned to active duty. I will not be questioned further. You have your orders." Shadow Weaver turned her back to the soldiers, and they filed out. She already had her spies scented to track the three. She needed this done, if not her plans were in jeopardy. She'd spent too long for Catra to ruin this.
| Thirteen Years Earlier |
Temporary Queen's Office 'Head Acolyte's Office', Temple of The Tiger's Eye, Beneath The Whispering Woods
C'yra groaned and dropped her head onto the desk. A few papers fluttered off at the vibration. The door creaked and the Magicat raised her head. Her white furred friend, Mel'ody, smiled at her. In her paws was a tray with multiple dishes.
"You know, I'm starting to think you have some belief that The Tiger's Eye will sustain your lives even if you don't eat food." C'yra huffed, but Mel'ody cleared space on the table and set the tray down. "You need to eat, I'm surprised Da'reth-"
"Stop." C'yra may have bags under her eyes and deep purple tissue there as well, but the fire that could cling to her fur had returned to her good eye. "I don't see Da'reth much any more. He's taken his role a little too seriously. He personally leads the fledgling Ranger Corps."
Mel'ody paused as she stared down at The Queen. Slowly she reached around and pulled the paper she was working on out of her way. C'yra raised a thin eyebrow and looked at the white furred woman.
"What, pray tell, are you doing?" Mel'ody looked like the picture of innocence.
"Well if the Ranger teams are out and no one except me is here to bother you, then you have a perfect time to eat." C'yra pushed the plate out of the way and grabbed another sheet.
"My work is never ending, do you see all of this Mel? I need to keep going." Mel'ody plucked the sheet from the desk and put it back on its corresponding stack. C'yra now fully looked at Mel'ody, her attention undivided.
"Well then, if your work is never ending, then I guess you can put it off a little bit to eat food." C'yra glared, opened her mouth to protest, but Mel'ody put the plate in front of her again. She closed her mouth and picked up the fork. "You need to keep up your strength My Queen."
"Don't you have something better to do than grab food for me? Last time I saw you you were putting incantations on the cavern walls. What's a Mage doing fetching me my food?" Mel'ody raised her eyebrow at C'yra.
"We're all pulling double duty or more around here, My Queen. If I must serve in multiple roles, I can promise that bringing you food is perhaps my easiest, if not my smoothest of tasks." C'yra simply looked back at the other Magicat.
"Oh, getting me to eat is a challenge is it?"
"You do tend to bury yourself in your work, My Queen." C'yra's glibness died down.
"I have to find her. She's out there somewhere." Mel'ody nodded. It'd been the same conversation since they totalled their dead and missing. The entire population of Halfmoon and Magicats throughout The Whipsering Woods had been cut by over forty percent. Force Commander Vultak had been efficient in his slaughter of Magicats, soldiers and civilians alike. Even now Mel'ody was still seeing new faces come through. The gates were being reworked to better hide the entrance to the caverns. Many had hoped the missing could be found and returned. Mel'ody knew it wouldn't last much longer.
"Any word from The Princess Alliance? From Queen Angella?" C'yra picked at her food as her eyes skimmed another report.
"No. Word on the surface is that The Magicats are gone, burnt to ash and scattered in the winds of the woods. We've done too good of a job hiding apparently. No one from The Alliance found any of our secret caverns. The Princess Alliance has shattered. We're alone. I doubt The Queen of Brightmoon would be able to spare us assistance even if she knew we existed. The Horde has begun to hammer Brightmoon and any remaining allied kingdoms." Mel'ody raised her head to meet The Queen, but the other woman still poured over reports and stabbed halfheartedly at her meal.
"So what will we do?" The words brought instant attention and Mel'ody found herself pinned by C'yra's gaze.
"We will survive, as we have always done. The Rangers are gathering anything they can from the ruins at the surface. I've already begun organising work crews. We'll expand these caverns and turn them into a fortress. We'll be safe until I can find her." Mel'ody nodded. She stood and picked up the tray.
"I'll let you get back to work then, I need to go make a Magic Transfer to one our Healers. Many of the Magicats who are coming in are injured, and I don't have the skills to treat them." C'yra nodded and waved the other woman out. Mel'ody paused when she saw Ar'ini on an intercept course. The younger Magicat smiled as they saw the missing plate from the tray.
"At least you got her to take it today."
"Any good news?" Ar'ini's face fell, and they shook their head side to side. "What about Da'reth, will he be making an appearance?"
"The Captain has informed me that to ensure the safety of The Queen and Halfmoon he must focus on protecting the woods. He'll do that by going out with and training The Ranger Corps." Mel'ody shook her head. The white furred Mage moved away and back into the temple proper, it was becoming a working governmental building by this point. She really hoped the Acolytes, Etheria, and the Moons didn't mind.
A/N:
I have no idea when people will see this chapter, or if they will. I hope everyone enjoyed reading and I'll see you in the next one. Chapter II! Holy shit. So just so everyone is aware this has a plan for about 10 Chapters, 11 if you include the Prologue. So this will be a big story. But this is only Act I, assuming I can maintain my focus… I know this isn't what I said it was going to be… but I haven't had a chance to do much writing so here is one of the chapters I had prewritten for a story.
-Six Out!
Update List:
- SatSWC Act I Turning Darkness to Light (You are Here)
- Time Itself
- Imperial Academy
- Something new?