Author's Notes:

So yeah, this is a short chapter, probs the shortest chapter out of this entire story. And the reason is… I gotta split the original chapters into two parts because it was really getting too long. So, this chapter and the next one used to be one huge chapter.

If you're worried about cliffhangers, don't be. In fact, I think it's better if we split up the chapters anyway. This chapter may sort of be a build up to the next one, but it can still stand on its own.

Plus, this chapter sort of "warns" you of what will come, so the next chapter shouldn't be too much of a shock.

PS, this is still the second day. Good lord.

Histories and Chemistries

IX

It had been six days since Shadow Weaver ordered her to convince Adora to get back to 'where she rightfully belonged', as the woman had said it.

… Coincidentally, it had also been six days since Catra did anything but - helping her with her princess duties and encouraging her to hang out with those other princesses and even getting on the princess' good side.

Shadow Weaver knew all about her stunts. That maniac had eyes and ears everywhere, after all.

And she knew Shadow Weaver knew all about her stunts.

And Shadow Weaver knew she knew Shadow Weaver knew all about her stunts.

Yeah, it was a game of cats and mouses. Only, no one really knew who was the cat and who was the mouse.

Catra wanted to be the cat so badly. She'd make a great cat. Not to mention she really hated mice.

… But that was wishful thinking.

Shadow Weaver was the cat. She always had been.

… And that was why Catra made sure she was poking all of the woman's buttons. All to spite her.

She made sure Adora had the best week ever, she made sure she had a good time and really enjoyed herself.

All to spite that witch.

Yeah.

Right.

There was no other reason other than spite.

… At least, that was what she kept telling herself, despite knowing that it wasn't anything close to the truth.

…

They were on their lunch break when it happened. Catra was minding her own business - not trying to get closer to Adora for once, when she saw the sight that made her almost wretch in disgust.

Shadow Weaver was there. In the cafeteria buzzing with children. And she was very obviously tailing Adora.

Catra gasped and abandoned her lunch tray when the woman outstretched her arm, wanting to touch the blonde who hadn't even noticed her being so close.

"Oh, no you fucking don't."

She ran - or rather squeezed herself against the crowd - catching up with Adora and quickly giving her a one-armed hug.

"Hey, Adora!" she said, still panting a little, grinning when the blonde pushed herself away from her, lecturing her to not surprise her like that in case she accidentally decked her in the face.

What Adora didn't realize was that Catra wasn't just giving her a surprise hug-attack.

No.

Far from it.

She was pulling her away from that witch who would bring nothing but danger.

For one brief moment, Catra made eye-contact with Shadow Weaver…

And she glared daggers at her, not caring how much power the woman had over The Horde and even the entire school.

She would never let that monster get closer to Adora. Never again.

Even if it cost her everything.

Speaking of, Shadow Weaver was still tailing them, even as Catra made them sit in the corner of the large room, away from all the crowds. That witch was surprisingly good at hiding, blending in with the crowd, far enough so no trained eye could spot her, but still close enough to be able to hear their conversation.

She grunted, burning with rage.

Fine. Two can play at that game.

So Catra did what she did best; spite the woman ever more.

"Hey, Adora."

"Yeah?"

"Do you know how much you fit in with The Princesses?"

Adora was, understandably, taken aback. But being the polite girl that she was - or probably because she was so used to Catra's wild antiques - she didn't question it. "O...kay."

"Because you really, really do belong there, okay?" Heh. She could feel Shadow Weaver's rage burning even with their distance. "Never try to quit being She-Ra, got it?"

"Y-yeah, um, are you feeling okay?" Adora wore that toothy, awkward smile of hers - the kind where she didn't know what was going on and trying to determine if she should do something about it.

Catra could only smile, touched at how much she fretted over her. "Yeah, I'm fine." She subtly glanced at her shoulder, finding that the witch was no longer there. The tension dropped immediately, and her muscles relaxed.

Crisis averted.

The situation was far lighter than it was a couple of seconds ago, and Catra found herself dragging Adora around, snapping a finger and saying, "Why don't we just go and grab a drink?"

"Wha-? Catra, I have class in ten minutes!"

"Eh, we'll make it." Even though they definitely wouldn't. "You're gonna be fine."

She didn't lie.

Adora would be fine.

Her, on the other hand…

To be Continued

Author's Notes:

So, yeah, this chapter reveals some things about Catra, seeing as how we're watching from her perspective.

All this time, she's been worrying herself to death, worrying about Shadow Weaver and The Horde.

It's implied that this wasn't the first time Catra led Adora away from Shadow Weaver's clutches.

I wanted to sort of show one of the reasons why Catra doesn't want Adora back in The Horde. That reason being Shadow Weaver and her evil, manipulative, abusive persona, just like in the show.

See ya~