A/N: I forgot to mention that I have a Q/A for reviews. So while it was not on purpose…..
Rosebud66: Thank you because that is exactly what I want. I want to make this accessible to She-ra fans who aren't really Star wars fans. That's why this is an AU and not in the normal star wars universe. That being said I am a huge SW fan so there will be a lot of jargon and references in here. I am trying to balance that out so if there is any confusion then point it out to me.
Sergeant Angie: Then here you go. Sorry for taking so long. This was supposed to come out in October but life happened. I hope you enjoy it, and the next chapter should be out a lot sooner.
Mara had been an agent of the Rebellion for most of her adult life. Since then she has been sent out on dangerous assignments constantly. She always faced incredible odds and had experienced things that most people in the known galaxy would not. Yet, this entire experience was new to her; the heat and slavery weren't brutal but it was nothing compared to the menial labor. Truly it was a test that she had not been prepared for.
"Please tell me that's the last stable." Mara almost begged Adora as she threw the now empty waste bucket in a corner.
"Yep. Last one for the day. I mean until it gets really dirty then they ask us to clean it again." Adora forced a smile.
Mara signed at this. She had been working with Adora for only a few hours, most of it being in the enclosed Eopie stalls, and she was already sick of this. To be fair she had somewhere important to be with a steep countdown. Mara felt anxious at the thought that Hordak had probably reached Etheria by now. She walked over to Adora and folded her arms in contemplation.
"Is this really what you do all day." Mara asked.
Adora looked mildly surprised at the question. "Well not this specifically. Just what I'm told to do. Don't worry you'll get used to it after awhile." Adora finished as she offered a kindly smile.
"I really doubt that." Mara sat down at a nearby wooden bench. "Also, that's not what I meant. Is this really all you do? Living as a slave in service to the needs of others?"
"That's kinda the point of being a slave isn't it. For better or for worse it's my life. I've never known anything else." Adora answered honestly.
"You were born into this?" Mara asked with a concerned expression.
"Not literally but as far as I can remember." Adora did not really look sad as she explained this but she held a far off expression. Seeing this Mara patted the seat next to her. Adora hesitated for a moment but figured it would be rude to not take the kind gesture. She continued speaking as she sat down.
"I never really knew my parents or where I came from. This is the only home I've ever really had with the only friends I've ever known. It's rough and sometimes not easy but that's just life." Adora shrugged.
"I'm so sorry, Adora." Mara felt the urge to apologize.
"There's really nothing to be sorry about. I want for nothing. If you work hard then master Ajul rewards you. Seems fair to me." Adora clarified.
"Adora, you can't really say anything about this is fair." Mara gestured to the collar on her own neck.
"Well yeah that sucks; those things hurt but it's only temporary. Come on…..um" Adora looked awkward.
"Mara." Mara helped. She did not feel insulted that Adora forgot her name. They had only met today.
"Right sorry. People say I can be a scatter brain sometimes." Adora said.
"That doesn't really help the case you're trying to build. About how "slavery is okay" as long as you work hard." Mara expressed sarcastically.
"Well come on I'm forgetful not stupid." Adora replied with a pout.
Before the conversation could continue any further, the two were stopped by a loud crash from outside. Adora was the first one up as Mara was quick to follow behind. They ran outside the stable to see a commotion further back in the compound. Adora went into a sprint followed by Mara as they ran past other workers who went to see the commotion. Noises of an animal roaring and a person yelling were identified as they got closer.
They came upon a metal round pen that was used to domesticate the rideable creatures in the compound. This was the source of the disturbance as a large dewback was trotting around the pen, and a human on the ground clutching his shoulder in pain. The girls could put the context clues together that he was a rider the dewback had thrown off. The dewback roared and stomped towards the hallen human. He tried to run away but was knocked away by the large creature. Dewbacks were not fast creatures but were still large beasts and this one was particularly aggressive as it assaulted the man who could not properly run away.
"It's gonna kill him." Adora ran through the gawking crowd to reach the round pen.
"No, Adora stop!" Mara chased after the blonde in the pen.
Adora ran to the downed man as the dewback was rounding back for another charge so she quickly shoved the person away but was hit in the side by the dewback. Adora winced as she tried to sit up then her eyes widened in surprise as the beast was going for her now. Adora rolled away from the dewback to evade it's path then jumped onto her feet to run. She caught up to the man again who was limping to the metal bar gate so she put his arm over her shoulder to help. Before they could make it, Adora turned to see the dewback charging at them both and would reach them before they could get out.
That would've happened if Mara had not jumped in the dewback's saddle then pulled the reins. The creature briefly stopped to try and shake it's new rider off, but Mara braced herself in the saddle. Adora took this opportunity to push the man over to the pen's edge so he could get out of the pen. Mara tightened her grip on the reins harder to try and move the dewback where she wanted in order to tire it out. The stead was growing tired until it reared on its hind legs; this motion caused the dewback to fall backwards along with Mara.
Adora saw she was thrown off so she rushed in to help the new girl. Mara was able to roll herself off the dewback's back before it fell so it would not fall on top of her. The beast got back up then began to run around the pen again to pick up momentum and charged Mara. Instead of running away Mara closed her eyes, raised her right hand palm forward, and reached out with her feelings. Adora saw this happening and a feeling told her to stop so she quit running to watch the event unfold.
Mara concentrated as she focused her emotions to connect with the Dewback; she was sharing feelings of calm and understanding. Before it crashed into her, the creature slowed to a stop just half a foot in front of Mara. Without even looking she could feel that this was working so she stepped closer to the creature. She put her head on the dewback's head then proceeded to pet it. Being connected with Mara, the dewback was now at peace as it nuzzled into her touch.
"Wow." Adora was almost speechless at the sight before her.
After people could tell that the situation was defused, a couple of wranglers who were noticeably absent when the stead was out of control now entered the pen. The dewback reluctantly departed from Mara as they pulled it away to go back to it's stall outside the pen. Mara smiled after the creature fondly before a sharp prick in the back of her neck shifted her focus. She looked around to see what set off her senses, but then noticed an object shining in the dirt. Mara picked up a dagger with inscriptions on it.
'A dagger? How did it get here? Did it fall off Adora? What was she doing with this?' Mara monologues as she felt an odd wave of nostalgia emanating from the weapon. Her eyes widened as she glanced at part of the inscription. 'Grayskull?!'
Mara turned to Adora as she ran up before pocketing the knife. Adora held a look of amazement until she saw the stern look Mara was giving her. Adora fidgeted with her sleeve under Mara's gaze as she assumed why she was receiving the glare. She was used to verbal scoldings so her first instinct was to explain.
"Look I know it was stupid to rush in but that guy needed help. Besides, it's technically my job right?" Adora reasoned.
"You and I need to have a serious talk. Now." Mara grabbed Adora's sleeve as she led her out of the pen.
"Hey let go! This is my favorite tunic, it's my only red one!" Adora exclaimed as Mara dragged her away from prying eyes.
Ajul's compound-Slave Bedchambers
While avoiding as many people as she could, Mara dragged Adora back to the room the slave girl had shown her earlier that day. She loosened her grip on Adora and the girl jerked her hand out of Mara's while giving a slight glare for the rudeness. Mara quickly looked around to see if anyone else was around before pulling out the dagger she found to a wide eyed Adora.
"Is this yours?" Mara questioned rhetorically.
"W-what? How did you-yes that's mine." Adora went to grab for it but Mara jerked it away.
"Do not lie to me." Mara demanded seriously.
"Give it back." Adora launched for Mara but she calmly sidestepped Adora who fell onto a nearby cot.
A grumpy Adora clumsily made her way off the cot before glaring at Mara. "Stealing isn't allowed y'know."
Mara ignored that comment to interrogate Adora. "Do you even know what this is?"
"I just told you it's my knife. You use it to cut things and it's the only thing I have so just hand it over." Adora pleaded as she held out her hand.
Mara did not give it back but her expression changed to one of confusion. "You mean you didn't steal this?"
"I've had that dagger for as long as I can remember ." Adora answered honestly.
Mara looked back at the dagger as though she was trying to confirm something. "So you don't know where it came from?"
"You tell me. You act like you know all about it, but that would be a first." Realizing she wasn't getting her knife back yet, Adora sat down on the disheveled cot. "Everytime I ask about it I get nothing. It's like it's not even real and yet that's the only thing I own."
Mara held an almost guilty expression on her face before sitting down next to Adora. She held out the dagger as if to give Adora a better view. Mara began tracing the flat of the blade with her other hand with such tender care that Adora knew this was important to Mara as well. She could tell by Mara's actions and the somber look she grew while gazing at the blade. It was like Mara understood this item more than Adora herself.
"Of course. No one would know what this is. That's because it's from my home; Eternia." Mara said nostalgically.
"Eternia? Is that like a homestead or…" Adora questioned honestly.
Mara couldn't help but chuckle at that. "It's a planet. I'm not surprised you haven't heard of it. Hasn't been occupied not long after The Clone Wars." Mara said.
"The Clone Wars?" Adora was very confused.
"You can't be serious?" Mara turned to Adroa with a raised brow.
"I grew up here and they don't exactly tell me about what's outside. Not sure why." Adora mused to herself.
"It was the war between the Galactic Republic, the Sith Empire, and the Horde." Mara explained.
Adora slowly blinked while nodding at Mara. Mara's jaw dropped as she recognized the glossed over expression in Adora's eyes. Adora had no context for what Mara was saying.
"Really?" Mara asked out of surprise. 'I know this girl says she hasn't seen much but this is getting ridiculous.'
Adora scratched her neck in embarrassment even though she did not understand why she should feel embarrassed. The way Mara was looking at Adora made her feel like a child who was asking stupid questions. She always considered herself an intelligent person, but she tried not to be offended by Mara since she clearly knew information Adora did not. Mara breathed through her nose before asking another question.
"So you don't know about the Horde? About how they've been ravaging planets for decades? Like what they did to my home?" Mara asked with a hint of sadness.
Adora looked shocked at this. "Wow. Wow, What?" Adora got up from the cot then began pacing. "You mean to tell me that off this dust ball there's some evil force called the Horde that's just destroying planets?!" She asked in a rising voice.
"That is the watered down version, yes." Mara nodded.
"Why?!" Adora asked with a mixture of confusion and terror.
"For natural resources mostly. Sometimes to make an example of what happens when a world doesn't fall in line. People in the core worlds get rich from this so they don't want to do anything while everyone else can't do anything. The mid rim is strictly policed by the Horde and the outer rim that has planets like this…..well they get the worst treatment." Mara explained with her head downcast.
"How the-" Adora looked genuinely horrified. "Isn't there anyone out there stopping them. That galactic thing and sithy empire or whatever they were called?" She asked dramatically.
"That's why The Clone Wars was such a big deal. I was only a child when they started but I know for a fact that by the end the previous ruling government, The Galactic Republic, and the potential rival, The Sith Empire, were both integrated into the Horde at the end of the war. Now the Horde controls most of the known galaxy. Even previously neutral worlds get put in their place…….like Eternia." Mara appeared lost after saying that but shook her head then developed a determined glare. "But it's not hopeless. There's been a Rebellion fighting back for a while. It's an uphill fight but there's still hope." Mara explained.
"Hope for what?" Adora questioned. After the horror Mara spoke of, Adora was surprised to hear how optimistic Mara sounded.
"Hope that things will get better. That even after everything we've lost we can take something back." Mara said with a firm stare at Adora.
"How do you know so much about this stuff." Adora ran her hands through her hair, but was careful to not undo her ponytail.
"This is just basic galactic history. It's actually kind of sad that you don't know it." Adora pouted at that comment but Mara continued. "Although I have more experience then most… being a part of the Rebellion and all." Mara took a leap of faith and revealed her affiliation.
"Are you for real? You're one of the good guys?" Adora asked with stars in her eyes. Even though Adora just learned about the Rebellion she became excited to find someone who was fighting the good fight.
"I guess I am." Mara answered with a smirk before furrowing her brows. "That's actually why I'm here. I wasn't lying when I told your master that my ship was shot down. I was on an important mission for the rebellion." She stood up. "That's why I have to escape."
"Time out. That's a really bad idea. Do you know how much trouble you'll get into with the master if you're caught?" Adora waved her arms in exaggeration,
"Do you know how much trouble we'll all be in if I don't escape?" Mara stepped closer to Adora. "If I don't complete my mission then the Horde can cause more damage than they already have. There's a bigger world outside of this compound Adora. There are more important issues, bigger places in amazing worlds." Mara grabbed a hold of Adora's hand. "You have to experience that."
Adora looked awkward at Mara's serious demeanor. "So what are you asking me?"
"I want you to come with me." Mara admitted.
"What?!" Adora jerked her hand out of Mara's. "I just met you today and you want me to come with you after dropping an exposition bomb on me?" Adora grew frantic again as she regarded Mara. "I can't-I can't do that. You may not like it here but this is my life. I can't just walk away because you say I should."
"Adora, listen to me. I was younger than you the last time I saw Eternia. Now during what may be the most important mission of my life I found someone who is carrying a piece of my home with her. I learned a long time ago that there is no such thing as luck or coincidence. Everything happens for a reason and I think our paths were meant to cross." Mara preached. She was convinced of what she was saying and her senses told her she was on the right path.
"What are you even talking about? Now you just sound crazy!" Adora exclaimed while placing her hands on the side of her own head in a squeezing motion.
"Please just listen to me." Mara brought out the dagger. "The inscription reads "For the Honor of Grayskull". I know you have no idea what that means but in my culture it's a big deal. The only way you could have this is if you're an Eternian."
"But-I-I don't-" Adora's mind was racing.
Adora held her head as the swarm of information the new girl gave to her felt overwhelming. Yesterday was like any other day. Today, she is being told things she never could have imagined. There is even the possibility that she might find out where she came from and while that was exciting the thought terrified her. It was so unbelievable that it was difficult to process for the humble slave girl.
Mara patted her shoulder in comfort."I'm sorry. I know this is overwhelming but haven't you ever wanted more than this? To live life the way you wanted not as others desired. If you come with me you take that choice and make it your own. I don't know what will happen but I can guarantee you will feel more fulfilled for it." Mara said this calmly as she handed the dagger back to Adora.
Adora slowly took the weapon to gaze at it. For the longest time, this weapon was a representation of her life: an enigma. Yet if this person was to be believed there was more to the story than she could ever hope for. Inside, Adora felt like she was burning as she began to question herself and what she really wanted.
'She could be lying. She could be making this all up for whatever reason. Yet, there's this feeling telling me otherwise. It's telling me to trust her like I know her. If I go with her who knows what will happen, but if I don't go I'll never find out and I could regret it.' Adora internalized her struggle.
Adora glanced at Mara. She was being patient as she waited for Adora's reply, but she knew that Mara would have to leave soon if her mission was that urgent. This would be her only chance to leave this planet and find herself. So she had to make a decision now and live with the consequences.
"I- I want to-"
"Adora!" Lonnie interrupted as she ran into the quarters. "Oh good. You found her."
"What's going on?" Mara asked.
"Apparently some folks want you new girl. Guys in some white armor and lots of blasters." Lonnie turned her head to the outside. "Hey she's in here." At her call the local guards came in and proceeded to cuff Mara.
Mara knew that it was a bad option to run with her slave collar on, but she still turned to Adora. "Adora it must be the Horde. You can't let them take me." The guards began to push her out of the room with Lonni following behind. "I know you're a good person. You'll make the right choice." Mara called out before she was out of sight.
Adora stood there in shock as Mara was escorted out. She looked down at her dagger in contemplation. Adora's head was still struggling with decisions but she knew one thing. If Mara had answers about her past then she could not allow the Horde to take her.
'I feel like I'm about to do something really stupid.' Adora thought to herself.
Etheria-Brightmoon
To say that Queen Angela was on edge would be an understatement. The Diathim had never had an easy time ruling a foreign planet since the death of her beloved king, but she tried her best to honor his legacy. His legacy being the planet that they ruled over and the daughter they raised on it. Currently both were under threat so despite her role never being easy this was Angela's most difficult and stressful hour. The queen contemplated this as she tried not to hang her head while sitting in her uncomfortable throne
The throne room of castle Brightmoon was currently occupied by the Queen whose throne was flanked by her elite spear wielding guard with her generals Netossa and Spinnerella facing her. They both appeared almost uncomfortable as Angella regarded them. Not because they had done anything wrong, but because they worried about their queen's state of mind. Angella then turned her head to address the two.
"You have always been an honest council Netossa and Spinnerella. So I ask you, as your Queen, to give me candir. Do you believe that open war is inevitable?" Queen Angella asked them.
Spinnerella looked to her partner who nodded her head in silent confirmation so Spinneralla addressed her Queen. "Your majesty, history shows that the Horde has open channels of diplomacy for uncontrolled worlds, but they usually become vassals regardless of process. What's worse is that it is only with planets in the mid rim. A planet on the very brink of the outer rim…... they will simply take it." Spinnerella answered her queen honestly.
Angella signed at this but kept her posture straight. "We can not afford a conflict. Not just Brightmoon but the whole planet. Yet I have also come to realize that secret weapon or no the Horde will wreak havoc."
Netossa spoke up, "It sounds like you have something in mind, your majesty?"
"Very observant. However, it's more of a hope than a plan." Angella stood from her throne to walk across the area. She stopped at a mural that depicted a tall, blonde haired woman wielding a giant sword.
Angella continued speaking. "With Bow being our connection to the rebel alliance, he has informed me that there are rumors. Rumors of miracles being performed, signs that the jedi may return, and of an agent of the rebellion going by the code name She-Ra is coming to our aid."
Netossa and Spinneralla looked at each other in confusion before Spinerella asked this. "Your majesty, the chances of an actual myth coming true are…...well the galaxy is full of mysteries but She-Ra is only a legend."
"Of course she is." Angella turned to them. "That being said, faith is a powerful thing. Ask yourselves this, what are the odds that a non-Etherian called She-ra is sent to come to our aid to save us from an ancient super weapon? It reminds me of the stories I use to tell Glimmer at bedtime." Angella walked closer to the two. "My race believes in a lot of…superstition. I was never much to rely on the old legends but I have become truly desperate."
"What is it that you require of us, your majesty?" Netossa inquired.
"Before I make my request I must know that you both are willing to do whatever it takes. You have both served me honorably and are fine examples of Brightmoon. I must now ask if the both of you are willingly to do what is necessary for what is about to happen." Angella questioned.
The two generals saluted. "We are at your service, your majesty." Spinnerella answered for the both of them.
Angella briefly smiled at the display before appearing more stern. "General Spinnerella, you will remain here to help for the inevitable attack on Castle Brightmoon, I need a strategist for the future. General Netossa, you will take Glimmer to Mystacor and retrieve a craft that will allow you safe passage offworld."
"Yes, your majesty." The two did not flinch at the request of their Queen to be separated; duty came first.
"I promise that when the time comes you two will see each other again. Netossa, Glimmer is my only heir so if anything should happen to me she needs to be protected. You will find She-Ra and then maybe we can plan a countermeasure." Angella explained.
"Princess Glimmer will be safe with me, your majesty." Netossa promised.
"I have faith in you Netossa. Now we must make preparations for-" Before Angella could finish, the holo projector in the room activated showing a very anxious guard.
"Your majesty! Please forgive the intrusion, but our sensors have indicated that several of the orbiting Horde vessels are entering the atmosphere." He spoke.
"That can't be. I thought we would have more time…" Angella spoke before she was interrupted again.
As she said this a large boom from far away resounded throughout the castle. The structure shook as the Queen and everyone else felt the vibrations of the force through their feet. It felt like a very brief aftershock of an earthquake, but they knew that was not the case. Everyone in the throne room rushed to the windows to look outside. Their faces were shocked as they saw a large plume of smoke coming from the whispering woods.
Looking past the smoke revealed a large crater that was so large it was now visible from The whispering woods. The forest was burning from the attack as animals of all different kinds ran away for safety. The citizens of Bright moon were looking outside of their homes to see the destruction. They along with the Queen looked up to see a Horde Star Destroyer visible in the atmosphere. Although at this distance they could not see the large cannon that was protruding from the belly of the ship; it was the weapon that had fired.
Before the hologram of the guard could speak it fizzled out as the connection was cut. In his place was the horrific figure of Lord Hordak. Everyone in the room was intimidated by the appearance of the Horde's top enforcer even if it was just in hologram form. Queen Angela hid her fear behind a stoic expression as she approached the hologram.
"Hordak. This is a peaceful planet and it is because of that we have tolerated your fleet's presence in our orbit. However, I will not stand by as you openly attack without provocation." Angella spoke sternly with anger in her voice.
Despite the Queen's words Hordak appeared reserved; he retained the hateful glare in his eyes as he spoke almost sarcastically to Angella. "Do not mind our poor aim. I meant that to only be a warning shot and not so close to your territory. However, my point is still made apparent."
"There is no need for this. If you want something then we can negotiate-"
"I will not negotiate with what rightfully belongs to the Horde." Hordak interrupted Angella. "You lost sovereignty of this planet the moment our emperor, Horde Prime set his sights on Etheria. Think of me not as a conqueror but as a messenger. All he sees shall be his; he sees all so, as far as I am concerned, Etheria and it's wealth now belongs to the Horde. There will be no diplomacy today, former Queen Angella." Hordak proclaimed with venom in his voice.
Angella's expression remained controlled even at Hordak's tyrannical rant. She clenched her fist as she spoke. "Etheria is my home. If you want it then I will make sure you go through hell to take it." She slammed her fist on the console to shut off the connection.
Angella's wings flared up as she turned to face her steadfast generals. "Spinnerella, help Netossa retrieve my daughter then organize an exodus to lead the civilians out of Brightmoon. Netossa, do as we discussed."
"My Queen, What about you?" Spinnerella asked worriedly.
"I will stay to form a defense with our forces. Hordak wants me alive or else the castle would be rubble by now. Essentially, I will be the diversion." Angella turned to her guards. "To me." She commanded as they marched out of the throne room to prepare for attack.
Glimmer and Bow
"What the hell was that?" Glimmer exclaimed as she and Bow ran outside to her room's balcony.
Bow looked nervous as he spotted the smoke from the woods. "A blast of that size can only come from a dreadnought."
"Or a Star Destroyer." Glimmer poked Bow's shoulder for him to look up at the ship in the sky.
"Those things should not have that kind of firepower. It must be modified." Bow's tinkerer mind thought out loud.
"I really hate being right." Glimmer mused to herself about predicting that the Horde would attack. Then, her eyes widened as she noticed something else. "What now?!"
They both gasped as they saw a large metal spire with a hollow rim around the top drop form the sky. It became ablaze as it broke from the atmosphere of the planet as it was falling and not descending like a normal vessel. The two braced themselves as the ground rumbled from the large impact that came from the force of the spire embedding itself into the earth close to their castle. A rush of dirt and debris was sent away by riding powerful shockwaves created by the impact of the object that was almost the size of the castle. Small structures and vegetation that was closest to the spire hand either been blown away or instantly decimated.
"Is that what I think it is?" Glimmer questioned Bow.
Bow looked afraid as he answered. "That came from a Droid command ship."
As he said this, the bottom portion of the spire began to open up. From it's depths, large metal racks extended outward that had dozens upon dozens of large white robots with green lights.Those lights flashed brightly as they all began to activate and drop from the racks. After landing they unfolded their crouched bodies to appear at least seven feet tall. They raised their right arms to show their wrists had blasters and rockets ready to fire. After roughly a platoon was activated, they began to march slowly in a five by five formation.
"Horde battle droids; those things are built tough. What's worse is that they are just meant to soften up defenses. The Horde stormtroopers will be here soon." Bow explained as he ran back inside to grab his equipment.
Bow strapped a DL-44 blaster pistol to his hip then slung a large bowcaster over his back. Then he grabbed a cloak and threw it at glimmer who barely caught it. Glimmer looked confused as Bow continued to supply himself with gear including putting on a satchel.
"What are you doing?" Glimmer asked.
"Do you not see that?! We are leaving now!" Bow grabbed Glimmer by the hand as they both ran out of the door.
"Bow let go!" Glimmer struggled in his grasp even while running. "I can't leave, I'm the Princess!"
"That's why we're leaving! We can talk more about this after we survive the immediate bad guy attack!" Bow exclaimed as they ran faster after feeling the structure shake from impacts coming outside.
It was a long run so they were out of breath when they made it outside but what they saw made the two fail to take another breath. Guards carrying blasters and other ordinance were running around trying to set up as many defenses as laser fire and rockets were being fired everywhere. The Horde battle droids had entered the city and were indiscriminately shooting any lifeform they could find. Overhead there were drop ships that were flying closer to the castle to land. The carriers were dodging blaster fire from large manual turrets set up around the castle but only a few were being shot down.
Bow quickly pushed Glimmer down as TIE fighters were flying in with the usual screeching sound their engines made. The fighters were firing on targets like the turrets and any threat that could shoot back. The area around Bow and Glimmer exploded from the green lasers as they destroyed much of the environment around them. Glimmer was in a daze as her ears were ringing and all she could smell was smoke so Bow helped her stand so they continued running. Her eyes stared in horror at the many motionless bodies of guards that were beginning to litter the area.
As they exited the main courtyard the bulky dropships were now landing as most of the turrets were down from the fighter run. The rectangular shaped ships opened in the front to reveal Horde Stormtroopers running out to fire at the defenders. These soldiers had full body white plastoid armor with full body black suits underneath; the red Sigil of the Horde was proudly displayed on their chesplates. Stormtroopers that had orange pauldrons on their right shoulders were identified as unit leaders as they ordered the grunts to get into cover from the blue laser fire coming from the speartips of the guards. While it was clear from the blaster fire that these troopers did not have very good aim (probably because of the helmets) along with brittle, mass produced armor they held large numbers and used pack tactics as they were already overwhelming the Brightmoon guards.
"Sprak! Not this way! Not this way!" Bow made Glimmer duck her head as they ran back around the courtyard to find another path.
While running they ducked to dodge many blaster bolts that sailed over their heads or hit the ground. Bow kept firing shots from his blaster that would occasionally down a trooper but more kept coming from the dropships. Bow briefly stopped running to reach into his snatchel and pull out a grenade like device. He threw it into the courtyard where it began to deploy smoke. Glimmer used her cloak to cover her face while Bow held his breath as they crossed over the reach the side entrance of the castle. It was good timing as the TIEs had come for another pass on the grounds; the ground was vibrating from the blasts as more debris was scattered.
Glimmer was panting now so she slowed down to talk to Bow. "W-what *huff* what are we doing back here?"
"I was hoping to get a shuttle but that's out of the question so we need a skiff. We might make it if we're careful." Bow explained as he tried pulling Glimmer who refused this time.
"Look around us!" Glimmer gestured with her hands. "We just can't run from this! My people are in trouble. My mom is…..Mom!" Gimmer's eyes widened in relaxation. "We have to find mom!"
"Glimmer we don't have time for this." Bow tried reasoning with his friend.
As they were talking their vision was blinded as a nearby wall exploded outward. Dust briefly covered the area before a squad of stormtroopers rushed in aiming their blasters at the duo. The two raised their hands into the air as the troopers began encircling them. The pauldron wearing leader got close to them before holding up a large tablet. He clicked it then it scanned the two before letting out a loud steady beeping noise.
"Priority targets Identified. Set weapons for stun." The unit leader ordered as they all switched their weapons.
Before anyone of them could stun the two, more blaster fire came in from the side to take out some troopers. They scrambled to defend themselves as the attackers had more accurate aim. What surprised the elite trooper was a guard coming in to skewer him through his armor with a spear. She then removed the tip to fire a laser out of the tip at another trooper. When the squad of five troopers were down. Netossa and Spinnerella came into view carrying E-11 blasters; these were standard issue for stormtroopers so they must have been taken from fallen enemies.
"Where have you two been! An attack from the Horde happens and you both decide to go running around the place!" Netossa yelled at them which was funny since Glimmer was the princess but it looked like she did not care.
"Thank the force you guys are here. We need to get to a skiff." Bow ignored her comment in favor of dealing with the situation.
"Good idea." Spinnerella commented. "If you hurry then you can make it into the whispering woods. The smoke from the fires should cover you."
"Stop with the leaving talk! We can't just leave." Glimmer argued.
"Sorry Princess. Queen's orders." Netossa barely explained she pulled along the struggling Glimmer.
At this time more troopers were marching through the hole to fire on them. "Go! I'll hold them off!" The guards exclaimed as she threw herself into the fray.
The others were forced to run as the guard covered their escape. She front kicked a trooper down then slashed across the chest of the other; the spear was strong enough that it broke through the armor and knocked him down. Then, slammed the pommel of the spear at the trooper on the ground which cracked open his helmet. The guard duck blaster fired as she spun her spear in a semi circle to knock away two troopers closest to her. She impaled another then held them up as blaster cover when charging at the larger group and firing blasts from her spear.
The guard killed three more stormtroopers until her arm was shot which made her drop the weapon and cover. The guard then ran up to another stormtrooper and yanked away their weapon before bashing them with the back of the blaster then using her good arm to fire rapidly at other enemies. She took down several more before receiving more blaster hits through her armor at her chest and shoulders. Her injuries were overwhelming as she fell to her knees then dropped the blaster. Breathing raggedly, she reached into her belt for a weapon, but was shot in the center of her chest before falling to the ground.
The stormtroopers approached her fallen form but they did not realize that she had already primed a thermal detonator in her hand. "For Brightmoon!" She cried out. It was too late for them as she and the Horde soldiers were consumed in a fiery explosion.
The group briefly stopped to look back at the sound of the close explosion. "Juliet." Spinnerella whispered sadly knowing that her friend was gone.
"Spinny. We're almost there." Netossa said in a comforting voice as they continued moving.
The group found themselves in a hanger that was filled with hover skiffs. Spinnerella immediately went to a console to turn one of them on and open the hangar doors. The sounds of the battle outside filled the area as the large hangar bay was now open. Bow jumped onto the activated skiff before it began to float.
Bow held his hand out to Glimmer. "Come on."
"How many times do I have to say we can't leave! Mom needs our help!" Glimmer exclaimed.
Then Glimmer was picked up and almost tossed onto the skiff by Netossa. "Queen Angela has given me strict orders to get you off world Princess. Regardless of how you feel I am honor bound to fulfil what may be my Queen's last wish." Netossa said in a commanding tone.
Bow helped up the fuming and teary eyed Glimmer. "It's gonna be okay Glimmer." He tried soothing her.
Spinnerella walked over to Netossa. "Go as fast as you can until you reach the woods. The smoke will hide you but it'll be harder to see. Also, cover your faces." Spinnerella advised.
Netossa smirked. "We'll be fine, love." She then dropped her expression. "You have to go now." It was a statement not a question.
"I have my own orders." Spinnerella agreed. "Please be safe, beloved." Spinnerella then cupped her wife's face before kissing her as a goodbye.
Netossa closed her eyes as her lips met her lover. The kiss was very rushed and even a little awkward due to the intense situation, but to them it was a blessing. It served as both a parting gift and a promise to return to each other. They separated then Netossa quickly climbed onto the skiff before she changed her mind about leaving her wife behind. She took the controls of the skiff then it began to move.
"For Brightmoon." Spinnerlla called out to Netossa.
"For Brightmoon." Netossa spoke softly as the skiff exited the hanger.
Spinerella watched her partner go as she wiped her face and turned away to face the conflict.
The skiff was widely moving as it dodged scattered debris and laser fire. Bow and Glimmer ducked to avoid laser bolts as Netossa had to remain standing to pilot the vehicle. Some stormtroopers stood in their way to fire at them, but Netoosaa sped up the skiff with a look of rage. Some troopers were fast enough to move out of the way but several were violently knocked away like flies by the high speeding craft; the impact had sent broken armor parts flying everywhere.
After that the skiff was on flat terrain and approaching the woods as it hovered over a large river. Glimmer and Bow turned to look back at the castle. At that moment, a TIE fighter crashed into a tower which caused it to fall away from the structure. This further damaged the already deteriorating castle as fractures and holes could be seen all around it. The surrounding city was aflame as many of the buildings were now on fire with large plumes of smoke that covered most of what was going on. The sounds of battle still let them now that the fighting had not stopped.
Netossa began to slow down as they entered the whispering woods which were also burning. Netossa covered her face with a cloth and handed one to Bow so they could be protected from the fumes. Glimmer still used her cloak to cover her face but now it appeared as though she was hiding in it. Bow was holding her as he could feel Glimmer shaking. Whether she was crying tears of frustration, anger, or sadness she did not know. Bow felt like Glimmer would burst if he asked so he kept quiet.
What Glimmer did know is that her home was taken away, and she may never get back what she has lost.
A/N: Honestly I was having trouble writing this chapter cuse I was struggling with how much exposition to dump. Adora is almost as clueless as canon Adora so there is still a lot of information she needs to learn from Mara next chapter. Y'know if they make it out of course.
As for Glimmer………….well she is gonna have to grow up fast.
The enemy designs are mostly the same as their canon looks. The battle droids look like Prime's horde bots from season 5 but with slightly different weapon arms. Stormtroopers look like how they do in the original movies, but with the horde logo. Basically why should I change what already works?
So that it's clear this AU version of the clone wars is very different from the canon one. I just kept the name because it's a war with clones in it that has the good guys lose at the end. Yes, I said clones so keep that in mind for later.
Also, A gold star to whoever knows who Juliet is. She is not an OC.
Happy Holidays!
Next Time: The Force
