Chapter Two: The Search for the Crystal Castle
Near Etheria's Kingdom of Brightmoon lies the Whispering Woods. It is protected by magic and within these Woods resides a rebellion composed of natives who are trying to stand up to the Horde. They are led by a young princess named Glimmer, who can perform various tricks with her light powers, as well as a tall, muscular black man simply known as Clamp Champ. He is best known as a master of capture, though he is actually a man of many talents. He is a good doctor as well as a master of interrogation, not to mention and excellent armed and unarmed combatant. He's an inventor as well. These two, along with their small group of rebels are hoping that they can one day free Etheria from Hordak's tyranny.
But they are not fighting this day. Instead they are searching for something that could greatly aid them in defeating Hordak. Clamp Champ, Glimmer and a few other rebels were digging a hole for some reason. "Are you sure this is the right spot?" asks a young warrior known as Bow. "Positive," says Clamp Champ. "Just keep digging. We'll find it sooner or later." A few minutes later, he hits something. "I think I found it," says the rebel co-leader. He and Bow pulled a huge chest from the ground. Clamp Champ picks the lock and opens it. Inside is a worn out piece of paper. He takes it out and opens it up. "That's it. The map to the legendary Crystal Castle!," exclaims Glimmer. "Come. We must return to camp and put together a scout party. If we can reach the Crystal Castle, we may very well be able to figure out how to defeat the Horde. With that, they all leapt onto their horses and ran.
However, unbeknownst to our friends, is a masked panther hiding in the bushes. It growls and runs off.
The panther later returns to its masters. Before it reaches them, a young, blonde woman dressed in red and white yells, "Report, Catra!" Soon the panther lifts up its mask and changes into a dark-haired woman in a red outfit with a black cape. "They have found the map. They will begin searching for the Castle at any moment." The woman in red and white responds, "We must get that map. If they do find the Crystal Castle before we do, that could spell big trouble for the Horde. Grizzlor, ready the Trooper." "Yes, Captain Adora!", says the hairy beast known as Grizzlor.
The rebels were following the map. "So, Clamp Champ, tell us more about this Crystal Castle," says a woman in green. "Well, Double Trouble, legend has it that the Crystal Castle is home to an omnipotent being known as Light Hope. He is said to know Etheria's entire history and may be the only one who knows how we can defeat the Horde. Only people who fight for the side of good are allowed to enter. Any evil being is forbidden to enter." "Well, lets just hope the legends are true, because if they aren't, we're in deep trouble," says a bird-like creature flying alongside the rebels. "Oh, Kowl, you worry too much," says Glimmer. "That's easy for you to say, Glimmer," says Kowl.
They were walking through the woods until a voice yelled, "Attack!" It was Adora, Grizzlor, Catra, Manteena, Leech, and several robotic Troopers. A fight broke out. While the other rebels tried to fight the Horde, Glimmer said to Clamp Champ, "They must want the map!" Clamp Champ then responded, "Then, let's give it to them." "What?," asked Glimmer, obviously stunned. "Trust me," said Clamp Champ. He then stood up and yelled, "Halt!" The fighting instantly ceased. "I know you want the map. I'll give it to you if you call off your Troopers and retreat." Adora couldn't believe what she was hearing. Nevertheless, she said, "Cease attack. Catra, retrieve the map." Catra, in panther form did as she was told and took a piece of paper from Clamp Champ in her mouth. "You have chosen wisely today, rebels," said Adora. "Return to the Fright Zone!" And with that they left. "Clamp Champ, how could you! You're a traitor for giving them that map!", fumed Double Trouble with her evil face. Clamp Champ smiled and calmly asked, "Who said I did?" He then pulled out a small piece of paper. "Here's the real map. The one they took was just a piece of paper with a little message. But we need to hurry and get to the Castle. I suggest I go by myself." "Good idea," said Glimmer. "They're bound to figure out we've tricked them soon if they haven't already. Clamp Champ, proceed on the journey. Kowl, you go with him. If the Horde attacks, you can report back to camp."
Meanwhile back outside the Woods, the Horde were ready to celebrate their triumph. Adora announced, "Congratulations, troops. We have the map and can now proceed to the Crystal Castle. Catra?" Catra changed back to human form and handed the "map" to her Captain. Adora opened it up only to find that "Sucker" was written on it. She got mad in a hurry. "That cursed Clamp Champ! He tricked me! Grizzlor, you and some of the troops come with me. We're going to find and follow those rebels. Catra, return to the Fright Zone and tell Hordak that we're heading for the Crystal Castle. The Horde's final triumph shall come soon. Giddyup, Spirit." Her horse began to head back toward the Whispering Woods to try and find the rebels trail with Grizzlor and a dozen Troopers close behind.