Chapter 23: Lost Glimmer of Hope

The trip to Elberon seemed quicker than the last time Brittni had traveled there. Now that there was a supply line that went directly there, she also felt safer. The only company Brittni had was a speechless dylamug, and a quiet-by-choice, driver. Since the dylamug was basically a human-shaped robot, and the driver had a door between the cargo hold and the drivers cab, Brittni didn't do much talking. This made her antsy because she had nobody to share her excitement with. She felt like a pot of emotions that was boiling over and she was struggling to keep them in. Nevertheless, despite the lack of conversation in the ride there, she was able to have a lot of time to think. Mostly, she thought about what she was going to say to Oracle. And Brittni did have a lot of questions.

"Where did Brett and I come from? Who was our father? Why didn't you just join the Horde with us? Do you support the Rebellion? How come your skin is blue?" Brittni pondered to herself. Soon enough, Brittni's thoughts were interrupted by the sight outside. Sure enough, she saw the walls of Elberon, mostly repaired. The tanks were also dug out, and the trenches were filled in. The transport arrived at the gate and was greeted by a guard. The driver handed over paperwork, and the transport was let in. Brittni looked around through the window. She was impressed by the reconstruction that the Horde did. It almost looked like there was never a battle here in the first place. Once they arrived at the supply station, the dylamug began unloading the supplies from the back. The driver stepped out and began stretching and barking orders at the dylamug to hurry up. Brittni rolled her eyes, wondering why he was in such a hurry. Brittni opened the side door of the transport and hopped out, stretching as well. She took a look at the supply station when she walked inside. It looked like a typical warehouse; shelves full of crates and tools, people running around carrying boxes. There were conveyor belts sorting all the different parcels and supplies according to different categories like food, medicine, weapons. Between the hustle and bustle of the different bots and workers sorting through the crates, a very familiar figure waded through the crowd, holding his arms out in a saunter, accompanied by two other Horde troopers.

"Ah, if it isn't one of the famous Observer Twins, Nurse Brittni. Come to give a couple of the troops a sponge bath?" Force Captain Viktor chiggered, facetiously. Brittni narrowed her eyes at him and folded her arms.

"Actually, Lord Hordak put me in charge of putting a catheter on you." Brittni said, seriously, though she was grinning devilishly. The two Horde troopers accompanying Viktor switched glances between the two, nervously. Suddenly both of them burst out laughing, holding their stomachs. The two Horde troopers took a step back from Viktor, confused. Brittni ran over and wrapped Viktor in a hug.

"Whoa, whoa! Easy there, Nurse. I'm not used to affection from a celebrity." Viktor said, chuckling and returning a one handed hug. Brittni rolled her eyes and let go.

"Wow, look at you, Viktor. Force Captain." Brittni said, eyeing his Force Captain badge. Viktor tapped the badge on his chest and winked. Brittni then remembered someone she had worried about so greatly.

"Dragstor…" Brittni began. Viktor shuddered upon hearing his name, "how is he?" Viktor scratched the back of his neck and sighed.

"He's alive…" Viktor muttered, looking down for a moment. He let out another sigh then looked back up, "but he's paralyzed from the waist down." Brittni gasped, holding a hand to her mouth. Her countenance changed into complete melancholy. She still felt guilty for what happened to him. Viktor took note of that and took a step towards her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, listen to me, Brittni. It's nobody's fault except the Rebellion." Brittni nodded, shaking a couple of tears out of her eyes. He then continued, "if it makes you feel better, we've been experimenting with cybernetics. Supposedly we've got some medical engineers that are researching a way to help him walk again. Some kinda machine that connects wires from his brain to his legs or something like that." Brittni's hope slowly came back upon hearing this and she smiled, wiping away her tears. Viktor smiled in affirmation.

"Anyway, it's late. I got quarters prepared for you in the barracks…" Viktor started.

"Wait." Brittni said. Viktor eyed her, intently. She continued, "can I… see Dragstor?" Brittni inquired. Viktor blinked a couple times.

"Ehhh… well…" Viktor started, mulling it over in his mind. Brittni stared at him wide-eyed, her eyes glossy. Viktor narrowed his eyes at her, "are you seriously doing puppy dog eyes? Ugh, alright, yeah, you can go see him. I'm sure the medical staff would be happy to see you anyway." Viktor said. A wide smile formed on Brittni's face. Viktor nodded to the two soldiers. The two soldiers escorted Brittni to the medical clinic in town. It started out as a medical tent, but during reconstruction, the Horde built a complete clinic. She walked through the doors into the clinic and spoke with the administrator who guided her to Dragstor's room. It had been so long since Brittni had seen Dragstor. Even though Dragstor's wound wasn't her fault, Brittni still wondered if she could have done something to save him from paralysis. That was the survivor's guilt in her. Nevertheless, she took a deep breath and stepped into the room. On a hospital bed, laid a large man in a patient gown, hooked up to numerous IV's. Brittni's eyes went wide when she saw what was atop the man's head. It was Dragstor's helmeted rebreather mask.

"Dragstor…?" Brittni inquired. A slight groan was muttered in reply. Without moving a muscle, Dragstor's deep and distorted voice came through the mouthpiece of the mask.

"Well, it's hard to mistake this helmet for anyone else." Dragstor said, chuckling. Brittni cocked her eyebrows.

"Humor? You've definitely changed." Brittni said, letting out a little chuckle. She then walked over to Dragstor and put her hand on his shoulder. With the little strength he had, he put his opposite hand on her hand.

"What can I say? I can't fight anymore, so I took to reading and humor." Dragstor said, chuckling. Brittni took a seat on a rolling chair then peered into Dragstor's mask.

"How are you?" Brittni inquired. Dragstor, slower than a snail stuck in glue, moved his head towards Brittni; his neck popping as it moved. Brittni bit her lower lip, already understanding what Dragstor was implying, "right, sorry, dumb question. I guess people ask that question so that the receiving person knows that the giving person cares?" Brittni said, grinning nervously. Dragstor stared for a few moments. Even though he was wearing a mask, Brittnt could tell that Dragstor's expression basically said, 'Brittni, shut up.' Instead, Dragstor's real words were more polite:

"That was a lot of words. I'll just say that I'm fine and I'm glad you care." Dragstor said, chuckling. He then turned his head back to facing the ceiling, inducing more neck pops. Dragstor coughed a few times through his mask then continued, "as flattered as I am that you're here, I don't think visiting me was the only item on your agenda. What brings you back to Elberon, Brittni?" Brittni thought about what information she was going to disclose.

"Well, long story short, I'm meeting with an informant that has information regarding the Rebellion. They live relatively close to Elberon." Brittni said.

"Mmm…" Dragstor muttered. He said nothing for a few moments then coughed out a slight chuckle, "by any chance is your informant blue skinned?" Brittni widened her eyes and choked on a gasp. Dragstor began laughing, which induced a coughing fit for a few moments. After he wheezed out the last of the cough he continued, "yeah, she had already reached out to me. Oracle, right? She told me you would be coming here." Dragstor said, continuing to stare at the ceiling. If there was such a thing as a mind literally being blown. The entire hospital room would be covered in Brittni's brains. Without much thought, Brittni stood up from the stool, the friction from her motion, causing the stool to fly against the counter behind her. She then put both of her hands on Dragstor's shoulders.

"You know about Oracle?! Did she talk to you?! How did she reach out to you?!" Brittni exclaimed, staring widely at Dragstor. Dragstor simply cough-laughed. Brittni took her hands off Dragstor but continued to stare intently at him.

"Well, it's like this, kid…" Dragstor began, "I was unconscious for quite a few days after the surgeons patched me up. When I came to and they told me I was paralyzed. In order to cope with that, I took to reading. At the castle of Elberon, I found a massive library. It was an enormous treasure trove of literary art. When the Specters first infiltrated a castle, I found a great deal of things to indulge myself with. There was a particular book series that I have been reading, entitled, 'Etheria: Past & Present. I've read through several volumes… but there was a particular volume, the fifth one that's significant. The fifth volume documented all of the kingdoms and their runestones. Bright Moon with their Moonstone, Plumeria with their Heart-Blossom, Brimstone Keep with their Searing Obsidian, et cetera. Anyway, I turned to a certain page and found out about a runestone I hadn't heard of before: The crystal ball. As far as I know, there's never been a kingdom that's claimed it. I don't even know how this book knew about it. But, I digress. As I was reading about it, I began feeling a strange sensation. Like… a magical energy was flowing through me. All of a sudden, I heard a voice. It scared me at first, but as it talked with me, I calmed down."

"The voice came from the picture of the crystal ball, huh?" Brittni inquired. Dragstor nodded.

"It sure did. Anyway, she explained who she was and explained everything about Horde Prime." Dragstor declared. Brittni shuddered upon hearing Horde Prime's name. Dragstor continued, "she said you were supposed to be here a while ago… but then she revealed to me that you were rendered unconscious from a wasp? Well, better late than never. At any rate, she wanted to speak with you tomorrow. I can show you where her home is on a map." Brittni was becoming more excited by the minute. She especially took comfort in the fact that there was somebody else that believed Oracle. Just to be sure, Brittni posed the question to Dragstor.

"Did you believe her?" Brittni inquired. Dragstor replied with a loud laugh and loud coughing.

"Ha! Absolutely not…" Dragstor said, quieting his laugh, "that is, until she predicted the Rebel's defense of Plumeria and Salineas. She then revealed Horde Prime and the fact that we would have to ally with the Rebellion to stave off his invasion." Dragstor said, shuddering and letting out a breathy groan, "I'm not sure what's more awful, fighting Horde Prime or being forced to ally with the Rebels…" Dragstor muttered. Brittni nodded.

"Believe me when I say, I understand exactly what you mean." Brittni claimed. Dragstor nodded.

"Well, at any rate, Brittni, as far as I'm concerned, I'm still your captain. So, I order you to get some sleep and meet with Oracle tomorrow. I'll make sure that you're able to go alone." Dragstor said, reassuringly. Brittni smiled and raised her hand in a salute.

"Right away, Captain." Brittni said, gratefully. Dragstor nodded and handed Brittni the map to Oracle.

"Alright, now get outta my room, kid, I need my beauty rest." Dragstor said, jokingly.

"Dragstor, you always wear a mask, what does 'beauty rest' matter?" Brittni said, laughing.

"Well, yeah. I wear the mask, 'cause this world ain't ready for my good looks. But that doesn't mean that I can't take care of myself." Dragstor said, laughing and coughing. Brittni widened her smile. She then started walking towards the exit of the room.

"Thank you, Dragstor." Brittni said. Dragstor simply held a thumbs up and immediately after, fell asleep.

Meanwhile, back at the Fright Zone, in the Black Garnet chamber…

The Black Garnet was normally a quiet place where Shadow Weaver could meditate and rejuvenate her powers, the only sound being the electrical currents circulating between Shadow Weaver's body and the Garnet itself. On this day, however, a sequence of moans, growls, and screams; all vociferated by none other than Princess Glimmer, pervaded the room. Across from the Black Garnet were two pylons holding power conduits that were generating reddish-black energy that had kept Glimmer restrained. Every attempt that Glimmer made to teleport or move out of the black energy was met with ever intensifying pain, the more she struggled. Shadow Weaver had just gotten off a video transmission with Hordak. He praised her for the capture of Glimmer and Bow despite Catra and her team doing all the work. Catra, upon hearing Shadow Weaver's acceptance of Hordak's praise left the chamber in a huff. The room now only consisted of Shadow Weaver and Glimmer. Despite the pain Glimmer kept receiving from her attempts of escaping the black energy, she continued to fight to get out of it. Shadow Weaver moved towards Glimmer a few feet away. Shadow Weaver then slowly moved her head, inches from Glimmer's.

"Try to relax, Princess. After all, don't you want to be presentable for your mother when she arrives to surrender herself?" Shadow Weaver said, malevolently.

"Don't talk about my mother…" Glimmer muttered, exhausted from her attempts to escape from the black energy. Shadow Weaver smirked under her mask.

"Perhaps you'd like to speak of your father? Brilliant mind. Easily the most talented sorcerer in all of Mystacor." Shadow Weaver declared while pulling her head back and looking away. She then added, "...and my favorite student.". Glimmer lifted her head up and glared at Shadow Weaver, too exhausted to lash out. Shadow Weaver ignored her and paced around the room, "you know, Micah was the one that actually helped me perform the Spell of Obtainment. In a way, you can thank him for making me what I am today." Glimmer gazed at Shadow Weaver with a mixed expression of anger and disbelief.

"That's not true! He would never agree to performing dark or evil magic!" Glimmer protested. Shadow Weaver began laughing maniacally. She then turned to Glimmer.

"You're right! Micah only agreed at first to perform the spell until he saw the full power that the spell would grant upon its summoner. It was working for the both of us, and we would have had the power to defeat any enemy." Shadow Weaver declared. Her tone then changed from excitable to more serious and condemning, "but Micah was afraid of the power. He was supposed to continue casting, but he became distracted. He was afraid of the… 'evil' that the spell contained. As much of a gifted and tenacious sorcerer he was, he was a coward. He was afraid of power." When Glimmer heard that, she glared more deeply and gritted her teeth, beginning to growl. Shadow Weaver then rushed over to Glimmer and peered closer to her face.

"He. Was. WEAK." Shadow Weaver shouted. Whatever possible fatigue and nerve that was holding Glimmer back suddenly snapped. Hearing that word, 'weak,' was so infuriating to Glimmer. But especially hearing Shadow Weaver speak that way regarding her father? Glimmer could not hold back her rage any longer. With every ounce of strength that she could use, she shrieked in anger and managed to push her right fist fast enough to punch Shadow Weaver right in the face, sending her flying several feet, onto the ground. The pain that accompanied Glimmers action caused her to writhe and shriek. The pain didn't last long. Suddenly her adrenaline kicked in and immediately healed her wounds. Although she couldn't move, she felt satisfied that she had managed to at least harm Shadow Weaver. Glimmer began feeling the darkness she had felt before. It was that same darkness that Glimmer was attempting so earnestly to blockade, but now seemed to be seeping through to her very soul.

"You… will… never win… I will… destroy… all of you…" Glimmer managed to choke out. Shadow Weaver groaned while she slowly picked herself up. She let out a little chuckle that evolved into her maniacal laughter.

"Very impressive, Princess…" Shadow Weaver said, sincerely, as she picked herself up, "that is the kind of boldness and vigor that I wanted in Micah. I'm glad to see that at least you have it." Shadow Weaver moved to Glimmer again who was too weak to continue fighting. Shadow Weaver held Glimmer's face.

"Ah, yes… I can feel it in you. The darkness. It's just waiting to take you over. I remember when I first felt the power envelope my very being." Shadow Weaver muttered. Glimmer slowly lifted her head up.

"I'm nothing like you…" Glimmer muttered. Shadow Weaver smirked.

"We'll see… I'm working on a very special spell right now. With this spell, you'll forget everything about the Rebellion. We will make you think that you had been raised in the Horde all along. And once you let the darkness envelope you, you will have power unimaginable. And then, we can rule Etheria, together." Shadow Weaver declared.

"She-Ra… will stop… you…" Glimmer muttered.

"There is no She-Ra! We have the sword. We have the power! And soon, both you and her will join the Horde and we will finally defeat the Rebellion!" Shadow Weaver declared. Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by a transmission. Shadow Weaver patched it through and activated the monitor, revealing Hordak.

"Lord Hordak, has there been an update from Queen Angella?" Shadow Weaver inquired. Hordak let out a breathy grunt.

"There has. A very surprising one, in fact. Apparently, Queen Angella has more backbone than I had anticipated…" Hordak said, looking away. He looked back and then added the damning statement that would finally send Glimmer over the edge:

"The Queen has rejected my terms. She has refused to surrender herself and the Rebellion… Get whatever information you have out of the Princess and get rid of her." Hordak commanded, ruthlessly.

It is difficult to describe just exactly how Glimmer felt as her mother's words escaped Hordak's mouth. A quagmire of emotions exploded in her heart and mind. Confusion, anguish, sadness, anger, fear. All of these emotions kept Glimmers tongue in check. She switched glances between Hordak and Shadow Weaver. As she kept her gaze on Hordak, a stream of tears began falling out of her eyes. She spoke in a soft, hurt voice when the next inquiry came out of her mouth.

"She… she's not coming for me? She's going to let me die…?" Glimmer inquired, no longer able to hold in her emotions. She began to sob uncontrollably and hung her head, feeling completely defeated. Shadow Weaver cruelly ignored Glimmer and turned to Hordak.

"Lord Hordak, she can yet be of use to us. I know of a way to use her powers to supplement our military." Shadow Weaver suggested. Hordak eyed Shadow Weaver suspiciously and rubbed his chin.

"And what exactly is your plan?" Hordak demanded. Shadow Weaver crowed.

"I will be able to erase her memories and replace them with those of a trained killer. She will become a powerful weapon to be utilized by you, my lord." Shadow Weaver explained. Hordak continued to rub his chin.

"I see… you have twenty-four hours to make your theory a reality. Do not disappoint me." Hordak said. His image then left the screen and the transmission was shut off. Without the conversation between Hordak and Shadow Weaver, the cries of Glimmer permeated the room. She had never felt this horrible before. It is as though at this moment that Glimmer felt she had nothing left to live for. She felt more alone than she had ever felt before. Her one last source of comfort and security, the person who was supposed to put Glimmer's needs above anything else, suddenly abandoned her. At least, that's the message that General Arya had convinced the Horde to believe. Shadow Weaver moved over to Glimmer, completely unphased by her emotions.

"Don't fret, Princess…" Shadow Weaver started, "soon enough, you won't remember any of this anyway…" Glimmer continued to sob, completely unable to control her despair.

Meanwhile, a day or so later, Brett had entered his quarters and visited with Keirnan for a time. Keirnan explained that she was sent, personally by Hordak, on a medical mission to Elberon… While this was happening, Adora and her team of Princesses; (and Sea Hawk,) infiltrated the Fright Zone with the intention of rescuing their friends…

"Huh, so Hordak sent her on the mission? He really has confidence in her abilities if he's sending her on a mission a couple days after she had just woken up…" Brett said, leaning against the couch and putting his feet up on the coffee table. Keirnan was cooking in the kitchen.

"Well, he certainly does value her worth. It's nice to see you two getting the validation you deserve." Keirnan replied, focusing on his cooking. Brett sighed when he heard Keirnan speak of validation. He was still a little bothered by what Shadow Weaver said. Even though Brett usually didn't seek validation; or care what people thought about him at all, Shadow Weaver declaring that he was a failure, actually hurt him. Brett said nothing, he just stared at the wall in front of him. Keirnan took note of the silence and turned to Brett, "hey, you okay?" Brett shook his head to snap back to reality and turned his head to Keirnan, smiling.

"Oh, yeah, sorry. Just kinda wish Brittni was back. Honestly, I haven't been able to just… hang out with her in weeks." Brett said. He then let out a scoff, followed by a chuckle, "look at me. I never thought I'd miss my sister so much."

"Ah, well you two have always been together. Being separated is pretty foreign to you two. Why, I remember when you were toddlers, you used to comfort each other by holding hands. Oh, you were adorable." Keirnan said, smiling and returning to his cooking.

"Oh, man, Keirnan, stop, you're gonna make me puke, man." Brett said, laughing. Keirnan joined in the laugh until suddenly, they both heard an alarm go off. A voice came over the loudspeakers.

"ATTENTION: THERE HAS BEEN A FRIGHT ZONE SECURITY BREACH. ALL TROOPS BEGIN SECURITY SWEEPS, IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL." The voice declared over the speakers. Brett and Keirnan looked at each other. Brett jumped up from the couch and ran into his room to put his armor on and holstered his laser pistol. As he exited his room, Keirnan handed Brett his helmet. Brett nodded and put the helmet on.

"Lock the door, Keirnan. I won't be long." Brett's radio-distorted voice came out of the helmet's mouthpiece. Keirnan nodded and wished Brett safety as he moved out of the room. He smirked as he knew exactly who had snuck in.

"...Adora." Brett muttered as he unholstered his laser pistol and began marching down the hallway to find his prey…

Meanwhile, the next morning at Elberon, Brittni makes her way to Oracle's home…

Brittni had slept that night in the troop barracks, waking up every hour or so from the excitement she felt from being able to see her mother. That, and dealing with an assemblage of other soldiers snoring near her. When she finally felt that she had had adequate sleep, she jumped out of her bed and threw her armor on. She was hoping to make her exit without the escort that Viktor assigned to her, but nevertheless, they, along with Viktor, were waiting at the gate.

"Viktor, I don't need babysitters! I can handle myself." Brittni protested. Viktor folded his arms.

"You know the rules, Brittni. Combat medics require an escort. Besides, you're heading into uncharted territory." Viktor assured her.

"Uncharted territory? Aren't you supposed to make a several square mile perimeter?" Brittni inquired, cocking an eyebrow at Viktor. Viktor scratched the back of his neck.

"Yeah… I'm still used to the whole Force Captain thing. Besides, the Rebels, as well as some bandits have been harassing our perimeters, so it hasn't been the easiest thing keeping this place locked down." Viktor admitted. Brittni groaned and smacked her forehead. She then walked up to Viktor and flicked his forehead.

"Ow. What the? Did you just flick my forehead?!" Viktor demanded. Brittni rolled her eyes and walked passed him.

"You two coming?" Brittni demanded as she walked towards the exit of the city. The two soldiers switched glances between each other, Brittni, and Viktor. Viktor put his head to his hand and started shaking it. Simultaneously, he waved his other hand, dismissing the two soldiers. The two soldiers then took off after Brittni. The trio walked out into the forested area of Elberon and began walking for about a half hour. Brittni studied the map extensively and was sure that they were on the right track. One of the soldiers kept asking,

"Are you sure you're going the right way?" While the other soldier would complain:

"Ugh, can we take a break? This is taking forever." These complaints and interruptions began testing Brittni's patience until she had just about had enough of their distractions. She manifested this frustration by squeezing the map, growling at the sky then turning to the soldiers.

"Would you two SHUT UP?!" Brittni shouted. Suddenly, her frustration turned to caution. She felt something near them. That something she felt manifested itself as a flurry of kunai knives flying towards her. With a split second reaction, Brittni narrowly dodged the kunai's flying at her feet by jumping back and landing on her knees. Just as this happened. A group of bandits jumped from the trees. Two of them landed behind the Horde soldiers and put their kunai at the soldiers' throats. Brittni could see that the bandits were dressed in black attire with masks. A second later, another bandit appeared behind Brittni with the intention of putting his kunai in her throat. Anticipating this tactic, Brittni dropped the map and grabbed the bandits hand holding the kunai and twisted it, causing him to scream and drop the kunai. Simultaneously, she spun with kunai in hand, and put it to the bandit's back. The bandit began panting nervously and held up his hands in surrender.

"You're going to want to drop your daggers." Brittni suggested, narrowing her eyes at the two bandits holding her escorts hostage. As she said this, another bandit jumped from the trees in front of her escort. This bandit dressed more ornamental than the others. She had long, jet black hair. Her attire consisted of a black bodysuit that covered every part of her body except her arms. The bodysuit also had a black flak jacket. Armoring her body were black, metal, kote gauntlets that covered her dark purple gloves. Finally, on her feet were black tabi boots, and her face, a mask. The mask was distinctive as it was in the fashion of Venetian and Pierrot masks. That is, it was adorned with silver and purple decorations in the baroque style. The mask also had purple colored lips, and large eye slits that revealed the bandits dark purple eyes. The most distinguishing feature of her was the purple tint to her skin, a little darker than Queen Angella's.

"They're actually called kunai…" The girl muttered, then added, "and you're the one that's going to want to drop yours. Oh, and surrender all of your possessions. We may even let you live." The bandit girl suggested, coldly. Brittni smirked.

"Over your dead body." Brittni replied, threateningly. The girl smirked and snapped her fingers giving her men a morbid order.

"Kill them all…"