Chapter 5: Planning the Invasion
Grizzlor slowly began to wake up. He moaned and asked, "What happened?" "That's what I'd like to know!" said an angry voice. Grizzlor turned and was stunned to see Hordak and his chief aide, Shadow Weaver. Shadow Weaver wore a long red robe and hood so her face was not visible. The only parts of her body that could be seen were green, decayed hands and red eyes. She then spoke, "Catra found you outside the Fright Zone. You've been unconscious for hours." Hordak broke in saying, "Now tell us what happened. And where's Adora?" Grizzlor tried to think. Finally he said, "We followed two rebels to the Crystal Castle. I tried to enter. Next thing I know, energy comes from the Castle. Troopers explode and I get zapped. That's all I remember." Hordak then looked and, after a long pause, screamed, "Curses! All the legends of the Castle are true!" "But, Hordak," protested Shadow Weaver, "that doesn't explain Adora's disappearance." "There's another legend to the Castle," explained Hordak. "One that not many know of: any evil that does enter the castle was never evil on their own free will! Chances are Adora knows by now that she is not my daughter!" "So," said Shadow Weaver, "How do we get her back?" "We can't worry about that now," answered Hordak. "Shadow Weaver, gather everyone to the throne room." "Yes, mighty Hordak."
Later Hordak and his troops were in the throne room. Hordak was making a speech. "So that's how it is. We've lost Adora. She now knows who she really is. We may take her back one day, but not now. We've been planning our latest attack for the past few weeks. And despite Adora's loss, we cannot delay. Shadow Weaver?" The witch then spoke, "As we all know, the Kingdom of Brightmoon is protected by magic. We can't simply run in and take it over. However, if we can counter-attack its magic, we may be able to finally conquer the one great kingdom of Etheria that has evaded our capture." "So, how do we get in?" asked a woman dressed in red and black with a big scorpion's tail. "Simple, Scorpia," answered her leader. "We have a weapon in development that, with the right mix of science and magic, will be able to breach Brightmoon's defenses." With that, Manteena and Leech brought a large cannon into the room. "This is just the prototype for our new weapon," said Hordak. "But within the week, it will be ready. And then, when Brightmoon falls, those blasted rebels will have no choice but to surrender. And Etheria will finally be under ours!" He then let out an evil laugh. Gradually, his army joined in.