Chapter 1
The Smog of the Fright Zone rose up into the air as usual. Catra was standing on the highest perch, and below her. A large number of Horde soldiers marched forward, a parade of force and power. Tanks, soldiers, sciffs, the entire might of the Horde army gathered ready for the ultimate battle. One that will finally the Princesses and their so-called Rebellion once and for all.
Rebellion. Ha! A bit of hubris from a bunch of high and mighty princess The Horde didn't even control half of the planet, at least for now. Soon that will all change because of her. Then they would be a real rebellion, for they'll have nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide.
March.
March.
March
The Horde was probably the mightiest army that Etheria had ever seen and would ever see in its lifetime. Catra couldn't help but smirk as she gazed over at the force. This was her army. She was it's true Supreme Commander. Hordak was irrelevant at this point, despite him 'technically' leading the charge with his superweapon or whatever. She led this force, her genius, her vision, everything she had driven this force and more.
Hundreds if not thousands of Horde forces parading before her as they march off to the ships that would take them to what would hopefully be one of the greatest battles of war. All devised by her.
Salinesas would fall and with it, the last defense the Princesses had against the Horde forces.
Control the seas control Etheria
This was her plan. Her time to shine. As she once told Shadow Weaver back in her cell, she would be at the head of armor and lead the charge against all of Etheria and prove them all wrong.
Shadow Weaver
Adora.
All of them would finally know to respect and fear her power, and no one was going to stop her.
Be prepared Etheria
"Catra…
"CATRA!"
-000-
Etheria-Present Day
Catra blinked and turned and found herself no longer in the Fright Zone but on a very large Melog going through the woods. Behind Bow was giving her a concerned expression on her face.
"You okay Catra?" He asked, looking at her with a concerned expression.
"Yeah, sorry, I was just dreaming I guess" Catra's eyes drooped, she got up really early in the morning and was NOT a morning person at all.
"Bad dream?"
"No, more-more like a memory, I think, hard to say these days" she rubbed her forehead feeling a twinge of pain.
Catra took a deep breath, she tried centering herself like Perfuma had been teaching her as they neared the village. Bow was right behind her and the two of them were riding on Melog the whole time through the woods carrying a whole carriage of supplies.
The mission was simple, just some repair of a village, nothing bad really. Of course that village was Elberon, and Catra had a bit of a history with the place. Once using it as a staging ground to get Double Trouble to infiltrate the Princess Alliance while she prepared for the big offensive on Sealiness. The plan for the village was just to take the villagers hostage while Adora fought some robots and got electrocuted.
Pretty horrible, pretty horrible indeed.
Worse still, she could still see some of the scars left over from the war against the Etheria Horde. A few horde tanks still lay on the ground, broken and damaged, along with a dozen horde bots lying around. The only silver living was apparently some of the children who were using them as hiding places. Although Catra wondered what Entrapta and Emily would think seeing that.
"Hey, it's okay" Bow put a hand on her shoulder.
Oh and Bow had also been there too she was told.
Catra signed, "Yeah, but, well, you know, you were there".
"Well that was the past, and maybe they don't even remember" Bow replied, "These people have been through a lot with Horde Prime invaded, I'm sure they won't remember a hostage crisis".
"Well when you put it that way-" Catra muttered.
"We just need to make the supply drop and then we can rejoin Glimmer and Adora for the diplomatic dinner"
Slowly they began to approach Elberon.
Despite the nervousness, life for Catra had gotten a bit calm in the last few months. The whole Eternia adventure was long over. So far there had been no repercussions from it from Adora's insane evil uncle Skeletor. Of course now there was of course her mother, father and brother, who they had been in constant contact with. In fact they were supposed to be coming to Etheria for a diplomatic mission. Relationships with other planets.
Living the dream.
Though she did like Adora's family, there was still something she couldn't shake off. Perhaps it was a bit of jealousy at her finding a well off loving family, sure with an evil uncle, but they all seemed nice. They all even liked Catra more or less, although something told Catra that maybe Randor didn't trust her at best despite everything that happened.
However, that all felt secondary to approaching this one tiny village which Adora had said had made her a She-Ra cake. Catra wished she could have seen Adora's face when she said it. Bow had said it was adorable.
Catra frowned, remembering that she was close by, just plotting to kidnap the village. In fact she remembered. Horde Soldiers round them out, charging in, Bots everywhere. She was in the back organizing everything.
"I'm a monster," Catra muttered as all those bad memories came rushing back to her. She kidnapped this entire town just to get Adora's attention. How low could one get.
"Hey now don't think like that" Bow replied, "Sure what you did was bad, but your making up for it, monsters don't do that".
Catra signed, "Yeah, i guess...Let's get this over with".
"Beside's they also had to deal with Horde Prime too, what you did was small potatoes compared to him"
Catra didn't like turning her bad deeds into a competition but nodded all the same.
When they finally arrived, the village seemed to be quiet for the most part. Elberon people, those weird looking half-fairy folk who Catra never understood what they were just farmed or ran around being at peace. A few of the kids who saw Melog immediately ran up to them interested in the big cat creature.
Melog loved kids and was happy to play with them.
The place definitely seemed to be peaceful.
"Okay, okay hang on" Catra unhooked them from the supply cart so they could play.
"See, going well so far," Bow smiled.
Catra took a deep breath, "For now"
"Oh look the mayor"
A large blue looking fairy person came to Bow, she seemed quite cheery to see her again. Eyes widened to give him a hug.
"Welcome back to Elberon, we are so glad for the supplies Tech Master Bow, please thank Queen Glimmer for her generosity" The mayor said with joy in her voice.
Bow blushed with embarrassment, "Oh don't thank me, thank Catra, she organized the whole thing, so you guys should have plenty for the cold seasons".
"Catra?" The mayor's tone became harsher as she frowned, "As in Force Captain Catra of the Horde?"
The mood of the village changed instantly. All of them now whispered angrily to one another as Catar could tell that all eyes were on her.
"Why is she here?".
"Villain".
"She captured our village".
Even the kids playing with Melog looked nervous now stepping back or running away to there parents.
"Perhap it is best for you to finish delivering the supplies and go" The mayor said, her tone aggressive but reserved.
Bow looked like she wanted to argue but Catra held him back before nodding "Okay will get out of your hair"
They delivered the supplies as quickly as they possibly could. Bow and Catra take them off the cart and put them in the correct supply room inside the village. All the while the town folk gave them a suspicious look, not threatening but not as pleasing as they were before either.
As Catra put down another box, she noticed a little She-Ra doll on the ground and picked it up, noticing a kid seeming upset as she walked over to them.
"Here yuh go kid-" Catra handed her the doll.
The kid looked up at Catra and took the doll, but clecnched in fear knowing who she was "Y-You aren't gonna put us in the scary cage again are you?"
"Scary cage?" Catra took a moment until she realized what she was talking "What no, no kid I-"
The kid held onto the doll and ran off leaving Catra sitting there.
Catra took a deep breath, barely able to hold it together. She hated this feeling. Worse, she didn't want to manipulate them into feeling bad. This was her punishment, her consequence and she was going to take it .As far as she was concerned she had no right to feel bad for herself. This was her punishment for inflicting the pain on this village as she did every other village, town and Kingdom she had fought against when leading the Horde. It was her consequence, her burden to bar.
As far Catra was concerned, she was always doomed to be this, to be a monster.
Once they were done unloading the last of these supplies they headed out, getting a polite wave goodbye but nothing else.
"Hey it's okay" Bow said, trying to comfort her.
Catra glared at him, "Not it's not, what I've done to them will never go away Bow, I've scared them for life just like i've LITERALLY scared Adora"
A small flash of the Battle of Brightmoon entered her mind as it quickly dissipated
"Okay, so yeah, it sounds bad when you say it, but hey, you're helping NOW, you're changing, that's got to count for something right?"
Catra shrugged, "I'm not asking to be forgiven Bow, as far they're concerned they have a right to hate me for the rest of their lives, and I'm not going to force them or make them think otherwise"
"Well maybe you need to forgive yourself"
"I wish I could, I wish i could"
"Hey, at least when we get back there will be some visitors who I know appreciate you," Bow replied.
Catra grimace remembering who was coming, "Well, they shouldn't they really shouldn't"
-000-
"Still no sign of them," Adora said as she looked up at the sky with her binoculars, she could see a few twinkling stars even in the daytime. It never lost its luster the amount of vast open space that now filled the Etheria sky.
"Adora, you realize you don't have any binoculars right?" Glimmer asked in a dry tone.
Adora looked at her empty hands and blushed in embarrassment, "Oh right"
The people in question was Darla, soon to be coming with their first ever intergalactic diplomatic emissary from none other than Eternia, Adora's planet of origin. So essentially her mom was coming over to visit her today. Although technically it was an official meeting, the Queen apparently wanted an excuse to see her daughter sooner rather than later. Her father King Randor, the ruler of the planet, wanted to come along as well but there were pressing matters of state that needed to be dealt with.
"Too bad Catra isn't here" Adora sighed, her mood changing a bit as she looked down on the grass.
"Not like you had a good time during your last village supply run" Glimmer muttered looking around.
Adora clenched her first as her mood darkened, "Overheard someone say Catra wasn't good enough for me. I hate it when people say that, it makes me so mad"
"I know, i know" Glimmer gave Adora's back a gentle pat, "But hey, remember as long as you're happy, we're happy, and that's what matters".
Adora took a deep breath, she hated it though how some Etherians judged her decisions. She loved Catra, and if she wanted to spend the rest of her life with her. People who thought she shouldn't live with her, or that the relationship was toxic. None of that mattered to her. Their relationship was complicated yes, with history oh yes, ups and downs, understatement of the century but they were better together then miserable apart .She was happier than she had ever been and no one was going to tell her otherwise.
In a weird way Catra herself said she needed to be a bit more selfish. Well if this was her one selfish thought so be it. Adora wanted Catra, and she didn't care what the people of Etheria thought. It was better than living up to some undetermined moral system and being a hero all the time.
"Adora...Adora!" Glimmer shouted.
Adora blinked coming out of her thoughts, "Oh, sorry" she blushed with embarrassment.
"Man you look sleepy, have you been overworking again" Glimmer muttered.
"What, me ...n-no of course not" Adora laughed nervously.
"Catra mentioned you haven't been sleeping well"
"What! Of course I have, she's lying you know Catra-"
"Adora!"
"Okay, okay-" Adora sighed rubbing her eyes, "Just, just some bad dreams, that's all, let's just say the Eternia mission sparkled some bad memories"
You will be devoured by good
Adora shuddered as Skeletor's words echoed in her mind.
"It's fine" Adora lied, waving it aside, "It's fine"
Finally a small twinkle in the sky as the signs of a familiar first one ship began to appear closer towards Brightmoon, perhaps a bit faster than normal. Darla was here and she was coming in fast. The landing was a bit rough but safe. The doors opened, and a few feet could be heard until finally the first figure appeared. A small tiny creature in red with a blue scarf and witches hat.
"Hi!"
"Orko?" Adora seemed genuinely confused.
Orko, the Eternian royal jester and magician waved back and spoke in that high pitch voice of his, "Yep, I'm part of the Eterian delegation to Etheria, oh wow this place is so pretty, and I can really feel the magic here, even more then back home"
"H-hey Orko, um is the Queen here" Adora looked around.
"Oh yes, she's was having a chat with Hordak before landed"
Glimmer seemed taken aback "With, Hordak?
"Oh she and the King kicked it off with him and Entrapta, took a while to get going. They talked a lot, mostly about science stuff which I don't understand, I'm more of a magic person myself. Though Roboto seemed to be getting along with them too."
Orko's words spoke true as from the rampway Adora saw Queen Marlena her biological mother and the former lord of the Fright Zone Hordak seeming to be in conversation with one another, while another Eterian Roboto seemed to be joining them. What they were talking about was hard to decipher, however they seemed to be laughing and smiling.
"Well Hordak, I must say I find your thoughts on quantum mechanics quite fascinating" Marlena smiled.
Hordak nodded, "Well I have never met royalty outside of Entrapta that had interest in such scientific pursuits and engineering"
"Oh it's just a small hobby of mine, nothing to much" Marlena then looked over to Glimmer and Adora and beamed, "Adora, and Queen Glimmer" she bowed to her
"Your majesty" Glimmer bowed back, "Welcome to Etheria, you are our first ever foriegn visit" she paused, "Well first foreign visit that wasn't about space conquest"
"The honor is all mine," Marlena smiled.
Adora waved back, "Hello Marle- Mom" she was still not used to those words, "How are you? How are Rand, I mean dad and Adam"
"Oh they are fine, you know, same old, same old"
"Defending Grayskull for our evil uncle," Adora asked.
Marlena nodded, "Pretty much"
"Well Queen Marlena we are honored to have you here" Glimmer said as she clapped her hands together, "And we'll be hosting a dinner in your honor for coming, everyone is invited of coruse"
"Oh wonderful, I would love to try some Etherian food," She turned Hordak, "You and Entrapta should next to us at the banquet, we could continue or conversation on rocket fuel then"
Hordak seemed taken a back but bowed, "It would be a honor your majesty"
"Oh yeah, Roboto and I had a bunch of theories on the topic"
"Excellent, I can't wait for the lovely dinner"
-000-
After a brief tour, Adora showing her mother and the Eterians around, they decided to sit down for dinner. Glimmer hated formal dinners, and thankfully so did the Eterian Queen, so an informal one was thankfully on the cards. Well as informal as one could get when living in Brightmoon Castle. Where everything was formal. Even casuals still had a sense of class.
Guess she could thank her mother Angella for that, who was very much class and sophistication incarnate.
Glimmer sat at the head of the table, which was still weird, this was for so long her mother's seat. Now as Queen this is where she sat. King Micha joined them soon enough sitting next on her left side. Adora and Marlena sitting on the right hand side, an empty seat for Bow and Catra were left. They had still not arrived back yet.
Things seemed fine as Hordak and the Queen continued to speak about rocket engines and other spaceship things. Adora had no idea what they were talking about by the look she made but she tried to sound knowledgeable as best as she could.
"Oh yeah, ships, they uh, sure do fly and stuff" Adora smiled and nodded.
Glimmer couldn't help but chuckle, "Sure, Adora, i know you know alot about piloting"
Despite the chuckling Glimmer did wonder where Bow was, Adora too had a look that asked where Catra was as well. Finally that question was answered as the two arrived. Both seemed a bit out of sorts.
Glimmer noticed that Catra in particular seemed a bit off as she sat down to Adora and only gave a faint nod to Marlena
"Catra, good to see you again" Marlena said smiling
Catra gave a faint smile "It's good to see you two your highness"
"Please call me Marlena we're practically family"
Glimmer noticed Catra tempted up a bit as she said that.
"Of course your high- I mean Marlena"
"So, Adora how are you and Catra been doing since you've returned to Etheria"
Adora blushed, "Oh, we've been fine, just peachy, doing, girlfriend stuff"
"How lovely," Marlena smiled.
Glimmer felt something a bit of a twinge, something Marlena getting nosey about Adora love life made her feel, wanting, like she wanted someone to pry into her love life. But why? That would annoy her right?
"We've also you know been rebuilding villages, oh I managed to get several supplies to twenty different towns in just three days" Adora started listing stuff one after the other, "Oh and I rebuilt a dam…"
"Oh my" Marlena seemed a bit concerned, "Are you getting enough sleep"
Catra rolled her eyes, "It's Adora, she never sleeps, if it's not work it's something else like saving the universe or something"
"You get that from your father"
"And years of Shadow Weaver abuse" Catra muttered again, she seemed to be in a bad mood all around.
"I'm sure the power of She-Ra is a valuable one" Marlena replied smiling, "But I do hope you Adora are getting your rest as well"
Catra seemed to smirk, "Yeah, listen to your mom on this one"
Adora seemed taken aback by both of them, "I-I do, uh, y-yeah, um..."
Glimmer eyes twitched for a second as a rush of annoyance came over her only to quickly die down again. Why she wasn't sure. However hearing the word mom sparked something. Anger? Jealousy? No, why would she be jealous, it was wonderful Adora found her long lost family. That was part of her life she had wondered about.
Sure she no longer had a mother, war had taken her, but that shouldn't mean she should feel negative feelings toward Aora now right? Of course not. Glimmer just shook her head to get those thoughts out of her mind.
Back to the dinner.
"Well it looks like you girls are taking good care of each other"
Catra again had that look of something up, "Yeah well...I try" she sighed.
"How was the village aid trip?" Glimmer interrupted before Catra had to say anything else, looking at Bow.
"It was, it was um…" Bow seemed nervous now, something was.
"Fine!" Catra cut him off, "It was just fine"
Marlena nodded, "Excellent, and now that you two girls are here, I wanted to show you something interesting, I had a bit of a motive for coming to Etheria beyond establishing intergalactic trade" she pulled out something from her robes and put it on the table.
Everyone leaned in but Glimmer couldn't pick up what it was.
"It's a star chart," Bow replied, looking shocked.
Marlena nodded, "Yes, I special one, I have a large First One energy reading coming from a planet nearby, I was hoping for you and me to go explore it, some mother daughter bonding"
Glimmer flinched, something about that phrase made her feel off.
"Plus maybe some even MORE ancient First One tech" Entrapta beamed looking excited.
"And maybe learn about your origin"
Adora looked at Marlena confused, "But, but I thought I was Eterian and that was my origin?"
"You are, well half Eterian, remember I am a First One first and foremost" Marlena chuckled at her own pun.
Catra rolled her eyes, "Well, I know where she gets her bad jokes from"
"Hey" Adora gently punched Catra side, "I don't have bad jokes"
"Sure you dont'"
"I'd love for you to come as well Catra" Marlena replied smiling.
Catra seemed taken back as well now by this, putting her hand on her chest, "M-Me?"
"Of course, your practically family already, i'd love to know my daughters love"
"O-Oh i uh…" Catra stood up, "I'm sorry but, I'm really tired, apologize, maybe we can talk more in the morning. Sparkles''
"Oh, of course Catra" Glimmer said, seeming nervous, "Go ahead"
"Rest now" Marlena replied, "I hope you feel better"
"Thank you your maj-I mean Marlena" Catra gave Adora a look as she also looked worried before departing.
"Catra?"
"I'm fine Adora" Catra hissed before realizing she may have said a bit to angrily and sighed, "I'm fine...Really...Thank you"
With that Catra walked out, there was a brief moment of silence around the table.
"Excuse me" Glimmer stood up and walked out to the call and called out to Catra, "Hey wait up"
"I don't wanna talk about Sparkles" She grumped.
"What happened?" Glimmer asked, Catra was about to let go, she seemed limp.
"Nothing important"
Glimmer frowned, "It doesn't sound like it"
"Just, just a reminder of my own stupidity today, that's all"
Glimmer took a moment to realize what she was talking about before she frowned, "People from the war days?"
"Let's just see me in the village of Elberon have a bit of a history"
"Every village has history with the Horde Catra, but your doing such a good job helping, your making a difference"
"Am I?" Catra looked down rubbing her arm, "Those kids I kidnapped along with the village are gonna remember that for the rest of their lives. Heck I've done harm to you too, how do you even like me still"
Glimmer froze for a moment but took a deep breath, "Yes, and people are gonna remember Prime because I brought him here, we have to live with it, the best we can do is do better for those who won't remember anything"
Catra signed, "I hope your right Sparkles, but I need to go bed"
"Okay, good night Catra"
The Queen of Brightmoon just watched as her magicat friend headed home. As much as she hated to admit it, she hated seeing Catra in this state, sure she did a lot of bad, even to her, she did open the portal. However, something about trying to be better gave her hope for something better.
Suddenly a loud explosion came from back inside the dining hall, Glimmer rushed back to find the place a complete mess, everyone covered in pastry and other foodstuffs.
"W-What happened!" Glimmer shouted.
Orko was the one who gave a guilty look, "Uh, I wanted to perform a magic trick and well, whoops"
"Well I liked it" Entrapta declared, clapping her hands together.
Glimmer turned to see Marlena and Adora looking at one another, before both burst out laughing as a result. Despite the joyous bonding the Queen still wondered just why it was hard to see her best friend and her mother seem so happy.
-000-
Elberon
The village was at peace, calm, having a party, and just enjoying themselves. There was even a big She-Ra cake in the middle of a large table. These people sure did like to party.
Soon though the celebrations ended quickly as a large explosion came, and Horde Soldiers rushed the main hall, rounding up everyone they could get their hands on. The Elberon people screamed and wailed as they tried to get away only to be caught in the crossfire of Horde stun batons and dragged away in transport vechairs.
Supervising the operation was Force Captain Catra herself. A wicked grin on her face Something about the screams of these people gave her a certain joy. Knowing they would lead to Adora coming to the rescue and finally getting her CRUSHED once and the wall was even better. There terror was delicious to watch. Soon all Etheria will know what she was made of, and no one will dare think of her as weak again.
No one.
Not Shadow Weaver
Not Hordak
Not Adora!
No one, ever again!
Catra saw a little She-Ra doll on the ground and picked it up and looked at it for a moment, before crushing it in her hand, laughing as she did it as the head popped off. All she could was laugh, laugh as loud and madly as ever, the idea of watching it happen to the real Adora all the more sweet.
Etheria and victory would be her's.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Catra's eyes popped open finding herself now back in her bed at Brightmoon. She touched her head, her hair was short and there was no mask on her. She was NOT the Force Captain of the Horde.
Good.
Just a dream.
Or was it, was it a memory of the operation of Elberon during the war. Had Catra been that cruel back then. She didn't remember. Some of it was all a blur. Although I did remember what she did to Adora with the electrocution trap.
Catra then looked at Adora, sweet, innocent, perfect Adora. Not perfect in that everything went right, but perfect to her. Perfect for being an amazing person, who despite it all showed more kindness and love than one could ever give.
How was Catra so lucky that after everything her love for Adora was reciprocated back.
After….
Adora turned over and there was a pair of three scratches on her back, scratches Catra left.
Catra closed her eyes and got up, she needed to get out of here for a while and walk around. Melog got up and followed her standing close by.
"I'm okay"
Melog meowed back.
"No, well, I'll be okay, alright"
Melgo continued to follow Catra anwaywy as they walked down the halls of Brightmoon. It was good to get some fresh air and get away from it all. Just to have time to think. Although her mind started going to some dark places again.
"Meow"
"I'm not spiraling," Catra hissed.
"Meow"
"Okay I am little, but, come on buddy, you, you weren't there, you didn't see me when I was, when I was-"
"Was what?"
Catra jumped and turned around to see Queen Marlena walking, holding a plate of food in her hands, just some random snacks and a few other things. It was actually quite a lot of food considering they had dinner just earlier ao.
"Your- Marlena" Catra gave a bow anyway, "W-What are you doing up so late"
"Midnight Snacking, I tend to get hungry at night" She said as she started eating a few grapes.
Catar gave a faint smile, "Aw, I see"
"Going for a walk?"
"Y-Yeah"
"Oh my look at that view" Marlena looked out toward the window and walked up toward it, "Isn't it beautiful"
"Yeah-" Catra sighed looking out towards the beautiful lush Brightmoon view, the moon high causing the lake to twinkle a bit. It was beautiful. So much better than the dark smog of the Fright Zone.
"What's wrong" Marlena voice was quite soothing.
Catra blinked and saw Marlena giving her a concerned look, it was very Adora like, "Nothing" she muttered.
"Come on now, I didn't raise a child to know when someone isn't feeling down"
Catra smirked, "Mother intuition?"
"Yes" Marlena smirked
"Heh, never met a adult that had one sadly" Catra chuckled, "Maybe then I wouldn't be as messed up as I am" she clenched her first, trying to hold back the tears, "It's her fault, it's-it's my fault"
Catra felt a hand on her shoulder, and saw Marlena, however she didn't flinch or tug away, if anything like Adora it felt calming. But different as well, like, like she was safe right now, the affection was different, but a good difference.
"I'm sorry"
"Why?" I'm the one who hurt your daughters all those time during the war, I don't even know why you even want me along. I'm sure Adora or someone else told you everything that happened during the war"
Marlena nodded, "She did, she told me the story of two girls who because of miscommunication, abuse, and misfortune took a very long time to get to better places in life. But in the end, found themselves together again, maybe even stronger then when they left"
Catra blinked at her a few times unsure what to make of it, "That's not how i remember it"
"How do you remember it? '' Marlena asked calmly, still smiling, very like Perfuma.
"I remember me being a bitter idiot and hating Adora, wanting to hurt her, wanting to make her pay because I thought she abandoned me. Because she abandoned me..." Catra clenched her head, "No, no, don't think like that"
"Your feelings are valid Catra, everyone's are" Marlena replied, "And sometimes love and hate can easily get mixed when anger and other feelings come into the frey"
"Love and hate, heh, you act like they can be the same thing"
"In some cases one can feel both for a person when one's view of things is warped or just misplaced"
"How do you know?" Catra huffed, still looking out.
"I see in my husband every day" Marlens said as she stood next to Catra looking out in the moon, "I see a brother who loves his other brother very much, but hates what he has become, and must stop him, even if he doesn't want too"
I never hated you
Adora's words spoke clearly in Catra's mind. She was right to stop her obviously, she was hurting Etheria and other people. But the idea that Adora still might have cared even if during the height of the fighting. Something about that just made Catra realize how special Adora was even more and how undeserving of her she was.
"And with Skeletor?"
"I see a brother who lets his own ego, bitterness and perhap naivety get the best of him, he let his love for Randor get warped into something else" Marlena replied taking a deep breath, "But if i were to guess I would say Keldor does what he does less out of hate but because of love, he yearned to be his brother equal and while perhaps Randor thought so, I question how much of his own reality as true, of course I wasn't there so I'll never know
Catra flinched, "Heh, sounds a lot like me, makes me wonder why Adora even loves me in the first place. When I was just as bad as the scary Skeleton".
"No one deserves anything" Melog spoke now, clear as anything, "If Adora chooses to love you it's her choice, who decides what one deserves. You choose to be better, he does not".
Catra looked down at the cat smiling, "Thanks for trying to make me feel better buddy"
"Your Kyrtin friend must be a wise one" Marlena said, smiling back at Catra
"Yeah, they've been good to me" Catra gently patted Melgo's head who meowed in affection.
"If they can make you smile like that" Marlena smiled back at her, again with that motherly embrace, it was a odd feeling to have but still she had it "But while there are similarities yes, there are differences, you choose in the end to be selfless, and I think you are selfless Catra, far more than Keldor was, you defended Grayskull when you didn't have too"
Catra huffed, "I didn't do it for your planet I did it for Adora, nothing more"
"And you always defend Adora, again quite selflessly, i can tell you would risk everything for her" Marlena continued still smiling.
"Of course I will, I have to" Catra clutched her hands now trying to keep it together, "I spent SO long thinking Adora got everything she ever wanted, it wasn't until she came back, and how i saw her willing to sacrifice herself, did I realize she NEVER got anything she wanted" she started to heave now getting angry, "She always stood by my side, and probably wanted me to join the rebellion, but I was so stupid to realize that she wasn't abounding me, but i was also thinking she was leaving me for something better, when in reality it wasn't her choice. She didn't choose to be She-Ra, she didn't choose to be Shadow Weavers pawn, and she thinks she has to be the best"
"Shadow Weaver must have done great damage to both of you" Marlena said, sadness in her face nw.
"She did, Adora never gets to choose and she can easily be taken advantage of, and I need no, I want to protect her, like I promised, like we promised, she wants to protect me, but I really want to protect her, and do whatever it takes to do that"
There was now quiet between the two of them, Catra little speech must have been quite something to hear.
Marlena again may have smiled, "I may not have claim but she is still my daughter, and I am always happy to know that she has someone like you by her side, in fact I've never met a Thunderian just as bold as you, Catra"
Catra smiled, "Yeah...Wait, what did you call me?"
"Thunderian, is that not your species? Entrapta told me that Etheria is a melting pot of various alien species throughout the millennia, the latest of course being Horde Prime's clones"
"Uh, y-yeah?" Catra was confused, "B-But I'm a Magicat, or at least that's what the Horde doctors used to identify me as".
"Magicat? Interesting?" Marlena replied seeming unsure, "From where I come from, Thunderian were a old race of cat like warriors, although from last I heard there planet got destroyed millenia ago"
Catra blinked, "D-Destroyed ?"
"Yes, according to some old archives, attacked by a ancient evil long ago'
"H-Horde Prime?" Catra asked, voice shaking.
Marlena shook her head, "No, another ancient evil apparently? Though there name is long lost"
"Huh, great, more ancient evils, just what the universe needs-" Catra tapped her finger and for once in her life, a strange thought occurred, where did SHE come from, "Hey Marlena, wanna see where me and Adora grew up?"
"You mean-"
"Yeah, I think it's time you visited the Fright Zone"