Chapter 30: Walking Tall
Around ten minutes before Void and Night Moon assaulted the Communications Center…
In the main communications hub, a few Horde soldiers and technicians were barricading the door using desks, filing cabinets; basically, anything they could find. They were trying to buy enough time so that they could send out a distress signal to any nearby Horde outposts. Their message began as a request for reinforcements, but soon they realized that Elberon was lost. They then adjusted the message to warn the outposts to fortify their positions and set up sentries to warn of any potential besiegement.
Once the message was relayed to all nearby outposts, the remaining techs and soldiers looked to the superior officer in the room:
...Dragstor.
"Sir?" One of the soldiers began as he walked over to Dragstor. Around the time Brittni left Elberon to go see Oracle, one of the medical engineers managed to fit Dragstor with a powered exoframe that managed to connect his nerves to the mechanical actuators and servos on the frame. This allowed him to walk; and not too soon, as the only reason he was able to escape from the medical center was this device. The only problem, however, was that the device was still in its alpha stages and required a substantial amount of power. Dragstor basically had enough power to lead his men to the comm center, and maybe a quick walk around the block. At any rate, Dragstor, standing near the FM transmitter just finished sending the message, then turned to the soldier.
"Speak freely," Dragstor muttered. The soldier nodded.
"Well, sir, we were all wondering what our next move is. All local radio chatter has gone completely silent, and the rest of the evacuation transports are no longer in communication range… I'm pretty sure that we're alone here, sir." The soldier said, unnerved. Dragstor said nothing for a few moments but began to walk towards the barricade. He put his hand on it, sighed, then turned to the rest of the group.
"We know nothing of this enemy we're fighting. They're more tactical and barbaric than the Rebellion, so it's no wonder they caught us by surprise. What I want now more than anything is to find out who they are and what their objectives are. To that end, I will stay back to figure out what that is. I guarantee that they'll be coming to the comm center soon. They'll be coming for two reasons: One, to sever any potential call for reinforcements or distress… guess they failed there. Secondly, they'll most likely use this place to contact their superiors. I'm going to stay behind to find out who that is." Dragstor explained.
The soldiers and techs looked around at each other and began to talk excitedly. Dragstor put up his hand to calm them.
"But, sir… the Horde needs you." One of the soldiers protested. To this, Dragstor simply shook his head and chuckled.
"Soldier, I've dedicated my life to the advancement of the Horde. I've lived the best life I could have imagined. I'm a relic at this point… besides, this powered exoskeleton has just enough voltage to make one last stand." Dragstor explained. Although everyone in the room did not want to believe it, it nevertheless was true. Dragstor then continued,
"The rest of you can escape through the roof. I'm going to be here to record everything. That way we can find out just who we're dealing with. Once it's recorded, I'll send the transmission, via a hotspot. At the moment, I can't get a direct transmission to the Fright Zone. However, in the desk under the FM transmitter, there's a device that will allow you to wirelessly download the recording. I'll need at least one of you to stay on the rooftop and get the recording. Once you have it, get out of here as fast as you can. On foot, it'll be tricky, but if you head West, you'll be able to meet a woman that can help you. Her name is Oracle." Dragstor continued to explain.
The soldiers and techs continued to gaze at Dragstor with unsurety and slight confusion. He just explained a lot, and they were trying to wrap their heads around all of what Dragstor said. Right as the group was digesting everything Dragstor had explained, they heard a not too distant explosion, most likely coming from the outside of the comm center.
"They're in the building. You have to move! Now, who's taking the device?" Dragstor demanded.
"I'll do it, Captain Dragstor!" One of the soldiers shouted as she grabbed the device from inside the desk. Dragstor nodded.
"Well done. Alright, now all of you, get out of here!" Dragstor shouted. As he shouted that, the group heard muttered chatter from the next room followed by an attempt to open the door.
"Ma'am! We found the main communications room, but it's locked and possibly barricaded!" A Night Moon soldier yelled. Dragstor looked to the rest of the group and motioned for them to get onto the roof. They all nodded and began scrambling up the ladder that lead to the roof. The soldier that took the device gave one last salute to Dragstor.
"God speed, sir…" She said, somberly. Dragstor nodded and saluted back. The hatch to the roof was then shut, and the soldiers began welding it shut with their energy batons. Dragstor in the meantime activated the recording device and set up the hotspot. Once that was done he saw that a spark began drawing a line through the door. The Night Moons were trying to cut through the door using a blow torch.
In response, Dragstor equipped himself with a rail driving rifle. It was a break-action weapon that would fire caseless slugs of pure uranium that would pierce even a tank. Dragstor aimed his weapon at the door and squeezed the trigger. The slug flew out of the rifle's barrel at a velocity of 4500 km/hr, piercing the door and sending the victim of its shot flying into- and plastering against the wall. In response to this defense, a barrage of laser fire began soaring through the door towards Dragstor. Dragstor dove to the ground as the lasers flew above him, charring the wall behind him. Dragstor then heard another voice.
"Careful, you fools! You'll damage the comm equipment!" An older, feminine voice declared. Dragstor did not give them a chance to recuperate from his attack. He loaded another slug into the rifle, and fired it, blasting a perfectly round hole in the wall where his shot went. Growls and grunts were heard in response and the older feminine voice screeched.
"That's it! Set the explosives!" The voice said. A few moments later, Dragstor started hearing a beep, indicating a countdown timer.
"Oh, no…" Dragstor muttered. He picked himself up and was about to run for cover when the battery in his exoskeleton gave out. He cried out in pain as his limbs lost their strength and he fell flat on his face. Dragstor grunted and groaned, but realized the time was ticking faster. He then started using what strength he had in his arms to start pulling himself towards cover. Once the countdown started beeping in quick succession, he knew he had only seconds left. There was a rather large locker that he would be able to fit into. He reached the locker and grabbed the edges to pick himself up. He then grabbed the top shelf of the locker and with all the adrenaline and strength left in his body, pulled himself up, then sealed himself in the locker.
3...
2...
1…
BOOM. The explosive charge blasted the door and the barricade sending splinters and chunks of wood and steel flying around the room. A few seconds later, a Night Moon squadron swarmed in, wafting away the dust and debris, looking for any survivors. One of the soldiers went up to the locker that was holding Dragstor and carefully started opening it. Once Dragstor noticed the door start to open, he shoved it, causing it to smack the soldier in the face. Dragstor started falling over, with his exoskeleton's power completely giving out. He fell onto the soldier that he had hit with the locker door and simultaneously grabbed onto him and flipped him over; Dragstor being on the bottom and the soldier being on top of him. Once they were both on the ground, a few other Night Moon soldiers began firing their lasers, attempting to hit Dragstor, but instead only hit the soldier that was on top of him.
Once they ceased fire, Dragstor pushed the soldier on top of him away and readied his rail driving rifle. He was still on his back and faced away from the soldiers, but he was able to fire the rail driver without looking and successfully fired the slug right between one of the Night Moon soldiers' eyes. The other soldier growled and aimed his rifle at Dragstor. As the soldier squeezed the trigger, a gloved hand pushed the rifle up, causing it to fire at the ceiling and crack it. The soldier looked over to see Void shaking her head at him.
Dragstor managed to turn himself ninety degrees towards Void. Behind her was a multitude of soldiers aiming their rifles at him. To this, Dragstor simply smirked and even began laughing. Void slowly walked towards him, the heel of her boots clicking loudly as she moved towards him. She knelt down to him and smirked behind her mask.
"Night Moon, search the rest of this building. Make sure that no more of Hordak's lackeys get away." Void commanded. The soldiers nodded and made their way out of the room. It was just Void and Dragstor now. The two masked figures stared at each other. Although they could not see the eyes of each other, there was still an unspoken modicum of respect towards one another.
"Night Moon, huh?" Dragstor rasped out. He chuckled a bit then added, "Haven't heard of you. But, I knew it couldn't be the Rebellion; you were actually able to perform a successful attack." Dragstor said facetiously.
There were very few things that could amuse Void, but that sarcasm that Dragstor just quipped made her smirk.
"Well, I'm happy to see somebody that can appreciate those that have a talent for war." Void replied. Dragstor nodded, still on his back.
"Now, I have to know, why did you attack Elberon?" Dragstor inquired. Void slowly picked herself up until she was fully standing and began pacing around Dragstor.
"Mostly because we needed a headquarters, but what I really wanted was this communications center. I heard that Elberon has one of the few deep range transmitters that would allow anyone using it to send a message clear across the planet." Void explained.
"You slaughtered an entire town just to get to the communication center?" Dragstor demanded. Void stopped moving for a moment, then peered atop Dragstor.
"...No, that was just for personal fun. Well, and Princess Glimmer wanted revenge against the Horde for what they did." Void explained. Dragstor chuckled upon hearing that.
"So, the little princess does have a backbone. How rich. But… there's something specific you wanted to use the deep range transmitter for. What is it?" Dragstor demanded. Void let out a chuckle that evolved into a laughing uproar.
"I'd guess that you're trying to get information for your precious 'Horde.' Hmph… The Horde. You have no idea what's coming for you… But I'll tell you what. For your curiosity, I'll tell you exactly who I am and who I represent..." Void said cryptically. She then knelt down next to Dragstor again and whispered something in his ear.
What Void revealed to Dragstor was inaudible to the recorder. What could be determined, however, is that the eyes underneath Dragstor's mask became wider than the circumference of the world. He began shuddering.
"No… there's no way, how could-" Dragstor began before Void quietly shushed him.
"Now, my dear Horde officer, I have just one offer for you. You seem to be a rational and capable warrior who's wasting his potential with the Horde. How would you like to make your mark on the world under the Night Moon banner?" Void offered. Dragstor scoffed.
"I'd rather die," Dragstor said, bluntly. These would be the last words he would declare, as the moment he finished his declaration, Void shoved a kunai into his neck. Dragstor started coughing out blood that filled up his mask. He started choking, grabbing his neck, desperate for air. Void simply watched him apathetically as he quickly lost blood. Before long, between the neck wound and choking on blood, Dragstor's life ceased to exist… and the secrets Void disclosed to him would remain a mystery…
...Or would they?
Meanwhile, back in the forest near Elberon…
As Brittni's necklace began illuminating, a radiant beam of life began projecting from the crystal that was held by the necklace. Out of the light came a magical hologram which revealed Oracle, sitting in her armchair.
"Ah! What is that?!" Bow exclaimed, reaching for his bow. Brittni put her hand on his shoulder and turned her head to him.
"I told you, it's my mother," Brittni said, smiling. Bow switched glances between Brittni and Oracle.
"Oh, uh, it's, uh, nice to meet you… Brittni's mom." Bow said, kindly. Oracle giggled in response.
"Ah, Bow, you always have been the most cheerful lad. Trust me, your fathers would be proud of you." Oracle said, smiling. Bow blinked his eyes a few times, confused. Oracle then added, "and by the way, you can tell them that you're a soldier for the Rebellion, and not attending that made up boarding school. They'll accept you no matter what." Oracle finished, winking at Bow. Once she made that declaration, Bow's jaw and heart seemed to drop simultaneously. He began stammering with his words as he switched glances and pointed at Oracle.
"I- She- But- How?" Bow sputtered out. Brittni giggled as she stood up.
"It's a long story, Bow," Brittni said. She then turned to Oracle and continued, "Mom… I'm sure you already know, but Elberon is lost…" Oracle nodded her head.
"Yes… Sadly I've already seen the destruction…" Oracle said somberly as she looked away and sighed. She then turned her head back to Brittni and continued, "but, I'm afraid there is no time to mourn. I'm sorry, but time is of the essence and I have tasks for each of you… starting with you, Adora."
Brittni and Bow looked at each other, then looked over Oracle's shoulder and saw Adora leaning against a tree, wide awake.
"H...How did you know I was awake-" Adora began before being interrupted by Brittni.
"She's an oracle, hence her name: Oracle," Brittni said. Adora blinked her eyes, and Brittni pointed at her, continuing, "and how long have you been awake?!" Brittni demanded. Adora looked away and sighed.
"The whole time… I'm sorry, I just… I figured you'd be more open to talking to Bow than me since things are kind of… tense between us." Adora admitted. Brittni grumbled for a brief moment. Adora was not wrong in that assumption; as Brittni would have been more reluctant to converse about the various things she talked with Bow about to Adora. Regardless, what's done was done, and the only important concerns were the tasks at hand. Brittni looked to Oracle who nudged her head to the back, signaling for Brittni to go over to Adora and forgive her. Perhaps it was a familial intuition, but that's at least what Brittni believed Oracle was saying in her silent communication.
Obeying the hushed implication, Brittni went over to Adora and held out her hand. Adora eyed Brittni with gratitude and happily took her hand. Once Adora was standing face to face with Brittni; (at least, kind of face-to-face. After all, Brittni was 5'0, while Adora had eight or nine inches,) the two stared at each other. For an elongated few moments, neither of them said anything, but for some reason, the enmity and bitterness between them seemed to begin to fade. Finally, Brittni spoke.
"I'm sorry about Glimmer." Brittni said, offering sympathy. A tear or two began streaming down Adora's face, and she wiped it away.
"Yeah… me too." Adora said with a sigh. She then added, "But thank you… and, I… I'm sorry about Viktor." Brittni nodded.
"Heh, I'm glad to know that two opposing factions can still show sympathy towards each other." Brittni said, half-joking. Adora chuckled a little bit then just gazed at Brittni. At that moment, Adora wanted nothing more than to wrap Brittni in a hug and just let her know just how sorry she was for leaving her and the Horde. She restrained herself, however, thinking that would just anger Brittni. Little did Adora know, however, Brittni felt the opposite way.
Brittni stepped to Adora, wrapped her in a hug and squeezed tight. Adora was taken completely by surprise by this action; in particular when she felt Brittni's tears seep into her sleeve where her shoulder was. Adora then embraced Brittni back and felt not only the physical but emotional warmth. Through this simple action, the two former friends were now reunited through the saving grace of penitence and forgiveness. Bow quickly joined in on the hug, to which, the two girls happily accepted. After a few minutes, the three broke up the hug and started laughing. They then all looked to Oracle who merely smiled warmly at them.
"Oh, uh, sorry, Mom. We didn't mean to waste time." Brittni said, apologetically. Oracle stood up from her chair.
"Reforging a broken friendship will never be a waste of time." Oracle assured them, "forgiveness is an integral part to create and maintain peace on Etheria." The three nodded at Oracle to which she grinned. Her grin was short-lived, however, as she put on a more serious countenance.
"Now, then, listen closely. I have specific objectives for all of you to do..."
Meanwhile, back at the Fright Zone…
Despite Brett having no experience in regards to romance, he wanted to give Entrapta some kind of a genuine date. He brought her back to his quarters and ended up making her tiny pancakes; as they were the only food that he knew how to make tiny portions of. Brett even brought in the buttering robot so he could demonstrate its one directive. As the bot buttered her pancakes, Entrapta clapped her hands in delight.
"How genius!" Entrapta bubbled, "a bot designed to help with an incredibly menial task! That helps us save time for more research!" Brett chuckled as he sat across from Entrapta, barely nibbling on his pancakes. Entrapta, in the meanwhile, was consuming the tiny, golden, fluff discs by the dozens. Brett was pretty astonished.
"I have to ask, you're demolishing through those pancakes like you haven't eaten in days… I hope it's not too intrusive to ask, but what's so special about tiny food?" Brett inquired, Entrapta stopped midway with a forked pancake headed straight for her mouth. She closed her mouth and put the pancake on the plate.
"Oh... um. I, uh. Well, I just find tiny food comforting." Entrapta said awkwardly. Brett's cheeks blushed.
"Oh, great move, Brett. Why would you ask something so awkward?!" Brett thought to himself. He then spoke aloud.
"Oh, right. Sorry, I guess I was just curious. Don't get me wrong, I think it's totally cool. Yeah, I mean, hey, maybe I should try eating tiny food." Brett said all jumbly. Entrapta smiled and started giggling.
"Oh, great job, Brett. Can't you shut up for just a minute?!" Brett again thought to himself. He cleared his throat and decided to switch the topic.
"So, uh, anyway. What do you think about the Fright Zone?" Brett inquired. Entrapta put her hands on the table and used her hair to move her face close to Brett's.
"Oh, my goodness! It has been absolutely wonderful here! I have been able to perform my research more efficiently with all of the technology that the Horde has at its disposal! It's been absolutely amazing!" Entrapta said, her eyes glowing with jubilance. She then placed herself back in her seat and continued munching her pancakes.
Brett smiled, acknowledging her happiness, but in the back of his head, he was confused. After all, she was a little too quick to join up with the Horde, almost as if she did not have any true loyalty other than those that could provide her what she wanted. Nevertheless, Brett shook his head, trying to get that thought out of his head.
"Well, hey, I'm glad you're here," Brett said smiling. He then swallowed hard and reached his right hand over and put it on top of Entrapta's free hand. Once he did that, she looked up at Brett with a surprised expression. Brett shuddered vocally and quickly retracted his hand.
"S...sorry." Brett said, embarrassed. Entrapta used one of her hair strands to grab his hand and put it back on top of her hand.
"I also find this comforting." Entrapta said, happily. The two smiled at each other for a few moments that seemed eternal. Brett swallowed hard again and began lifting himself up and reaching his head towards Entrapta. She began blushing, knowing exactly what he was about to do. He was within inches of laying a kiss on Entrapta when all of a sudden, the communication terminal began blaring. Entrapta and Brett both gasped as the sudden noise. Brett let out an exaggerated groan.
"Well, somebody better be dying." He muttered as he walked over to the monitor and patched the transmission through. To his shock and joy, the face on the monitor was none other than his twin sister.
"Brittni! Oh, man, it is great to see you! Where have you been?!" Brett inquired excitedly. Brittni let out a relieved sigh.
"It's good to see you too, Brett." Brittni said with a smile. The smile quickly faded, however, as Brittni went to business, "I wish this were under more pleasant circumstances, but I can't talk long." Brett cocked his eyebrow.
"Where are you even? Are you still at Elberon?" Brett inquired.
"Not exactly… Elberon was… attacked by some group called Night Moon. I managed to escape with a couple others into the nearby woods, but… Listen, I'll explain more about that later. Right now, you and I need to get to a place called, 'Dryl.' You know where that is?" Brittni inquired. Entrapta quickly beamed up.
"Oh! You're talking about my home? That's great!" Entrapta said all bubbly. She then had a blank stare then scratched her chin, "why do we need to go there?" Brittni looked behind Brett and noticed Entrapta. She cocked her eyebrow then inquired:
"Whoa, Brett, did you get a girlfriend?" Brittni teased. Brett's cheeks blushed an even brighter red.
"Wha- Hey! Didn't you have something important to tell us?!" Brett demanded. Brittni couldn't help but stifle a chuckle. She then turned her attention to Entrapta.
"Dryl is your home?" Brittni inquired.
"Sure is!" Entrapta beamed, then added, "by the way, my name's Entrapta!" Entrapta said smiling and holding her hand out as though for Brittni to shake it. Brittni switched glances between Entrapta's hand and her peppy countenance. Playing along, Brittni held out her hand and pretended to shake hands with Entrapta. This actually amused Brittni, and both girls giggled.
"Anyway," Brittni continued, "We got word that Night Moon's next attack is going to be at, and we need to fortify its defenses." Brittni explained. Entrapta's joyful countenance suddenly turned into a frown.
"They're going to attack my home…?" Entrapta inquired. Brittni nodded.
"If it means saving Entrapta's home, we'll do it," Brett said, determined. Entrapta looked at Brett and smiled, gratefully.
"Thank you, Brett…" Entrapta said, more serious than she'd ever sounded before. Brett nodded then turned back to Brittni.
"I'll requisition a contingent of men and grab a transport. Then we can pick you up and head to Dryl. Sound good?" Brett inquired. Brittni nodded.
"Sounds great. Thanks, Brett." Brittni said, she then added, "I'm sending you the coordinates.
"Be safe, Brittni," Brett advised.
"Of course! Good to meet you Entrapta!" Brittni said.
"You, too!" Entrapta said. And with that, the transmission shut off. Brett let out an elongated sigh.
"Yeesh, there's just no breaks around here…" Brett said, turning to Entrapta. He then added, "sorry, that the moment was kind of ruin-" Brett began before being interrupted by lips being pressed against his. Entrapta had used her hair to wrap around him and pull him close, passionately kissing him. For a brief moment, he was shocked, but soon the warm pleasure that came from Entrapta's kiss filled his bosom with a burning aura that made him feel like he had just won the lottery. The two passionately kissed for only a few seconds, but those few seconds were some of the best that either had felt before.
When the two finally broke apart, the warmth continued to remain both in their lips and their diaphragms. The two stared at each other and began chuckling almost nervously.
"That was…" Entrapta began.
"...Fascinating?" Brett finished. Entrapta giggled and leaped onto Brett and-
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Meanwhile, back at Elberon…
The city was completely conquered at this point. Anyone loyal to the Horde either died or managed to escape. Glimmer waltzed around the town and gazed in awe at the destruction that had been sewn across the city. There was still a great deal of buildings that were untouched by the attack, so rebuilding would not be too extensive.
It was not that long ago that she was in the reverse position, trying to defend the town. Now that she was able to retake it, she felt nothing but pride and satisfaction. Void had just exited the communications center and saw Glimmer coming up the road with some Night Moon soldiers behind her.
"Ah, Glimmer, I trust that you were able to handle the rest of the Horde and Rebel soldiers?" Void inquired. Glimmer glared at her in response.
"I did just fine… without your help." Glimmer snapped. Void folded her arms and stared at Glimmer through her mask.
"That's good because I won't always be there to help you. I'm glad you're able to handle yourself." Void remarked. Glimmer let out a scoff.
"Never mind. Where did you go anyway?" Glimmer demanded.
"I was merely making sure that the Horde was not allowed to send a distress call to any local outposts. After all, we don't want the Horde attempting to take back Elberon so quickly, now do we?" Void explained. Glimmer let out a low groan but then slowly nodded her head.
"Right. Well, I'm just glad we retook this place. The Horde's left us a good amount of resources and weapons. We should be able to defend this place." Glimmer surmised as she looked around at the landscape. Void smirked under her mask.
"Indeed…" Void began walking over to Glimmer and putting her hand on her shoulder. Void's tone then became more serious, "now, it's still a bit early to celebrate. We need to gather all the resources we need and get back underground. Although you did supplement my army with your followers, we still don't have the manpower to remain in control of Elberon for long." Void explained. Glimmer pulled her shoulder away from Void and scoffed angrily.
"What? We're not going to stay?! We put in all that work for nothing?!" Glimmer demanded.
"Not nothing, dear. You managed to slake your thirst for revenge, didn't you?" Void challenged. Glimmer shuddered for a moment then slowly nodded. Void continued, "not just that, but we also managed to strike a major blow to the Horde, steal their weapons, armor, food, medicine. This is definitely a major victory." Void declared. Glimmer looked down and let out a groan.
"All that's true… but I still feel we should stay here." Glimmer replied. Void let out a sigh to the chagrin of Glimmer. Glimmer then thought of an idea: "wait, you said that we don't have the manpower to hold Elberon, right?" Glimmer inquired.
"Not right now… but did you have something in mind?" Void inquired. Glimmer grinned devilishly.
"The Kingdom of Snows…"
