Chapter 12: Our World's About To Break
January 19th, 2013
Adora was in complete awe at how much the Avengers had gone through to throw her one hell of a birthday party. Tony had ordered a She-Ra Birthday Cake for her, There was a lot of Pizza ordered, and many friends and family members of the Avengers had attended. Adora was amazed at the sheer number of people who had turned up for the birthday. Even Nick Fury and Kyle had attended. This was the first time in years so many people had shown how much they care about her. Tony had even offered to bring out the 'good liquor,' until he was reminded she was only turning 18.
As Adora happily celebrated with her friends and new family, she was being introduced to several of the Avengers' friends and allies. As usual, she loved conversing with Pepper and Happy Hogan. Kyle was in pretty good spirits as well, and even had a few drinks in his system, which wound up being rather amusing for the night.
By the time the party was over, all the Avengers were sitting around the main room, and each had a gift to give Adora. A majority of the gifts were fairly simple. Natasha got Adora an entire box-set of the She-Ra series, Clint had got her a rather adorable Onesie based off of Swiftwind(He'd intended it as a joke, but Adora legitimately loved it), Bruce and Steve got her money mostly due to not knowing what she would want. The most interesting gifts would come from Thor and Tony.
Tony was first, handing Adora a box. "Here you go kiddo, I'm more than certain you're gonna really like this." he told her. She opened the box and her eyes widened at the glimpse of white fabric. As she unfolded it, she was shocked to see a new costume, tweaked slightly but it was definitely her design. "JARVIS showed me your costume plans. I made a few adjustments to make it more...practical. Pants instead of a skirt, no cape. And sorry but I HAD to add a tiara." He said with a chuckle.
Steve was laughing, "Wow, you're already acting like the rich uncle who spoils their niece."
Tony grinned. "Not even done yet. That's a strong fabric, won't tear or damage easily, plus I built in some armor padding and a tracking device in case you get in trouble. You're welcome." he boasted.
Adora grinned from ear to ear, "I love it Tony, thank you." she replied, putting it back in the box.
Next, Thor walked over with a much larger wrapped gift. "This one was a rather difficult gift to prepare, but I am confident you will enjoy it, Adora." he told her, handing it to her, as she unwrapped it, she was left shocked at what it was.
It was a sword. An Asgardian sword that resembled the Sword of Protection from the TV show, just with a different handle.
"I intended to have the smiths copy the blade exactly. The handle however, proved to be rather difficult. So I improvised." He explained. Adora's eyes ran the entire length of the longsword, Asgardian runes etched into its blade. The hilt was brilliant gold with wing shapes running up the side of the blade and another pair jutting out to form a guard for her hands. Embedded in the center of the hilt was a gemstone. "It took some convincing as well, but father enchanted the blade so only you, and those you deem worthy, can wield it."
"It's...beautiful. Thank you so much Thor. I already know what to name it." She said, setting it down gently. "The Sword of Protection."
Tony piped up, "As long as it isn't trademarked, but I'm sure it'll be fine."
Natasha sat next to Adora and put an arm around her. "Anything to say Birthday girl?" she asked with a warm smile.
Adora smiled and looked around the room at her team, her friends. "I...I'm at a loss for words guys." She began. "This...this was one of the best days of my life. Honestly. I've never celebrated like this, and I'm frankly amazed at how much you've all done for me." She looked around the room again, at everyone's smiling faces. "Being here, with you all, being an Avenger...is the greatest decision I've ever made in my life. Thank you. Thank you all so much! Steve may be my dad, but...far as I'm concerned you're all my family."
The Avengers all proceeded to finish out the night by watching She-Ra together with her, finishing off the Pizza and cake as they did so.
Three Days Later, Unknown Location:
Catra was starting to grow VERY impatient with waiting on Emily's work. She had Santos breathing down her neck to get Adora back, and Emily seemed to be playing more than actually building. Then again it was rather hard to tell with her sometimes. "Emily are you fucking done yet?!" She yelled out, her tail going stiff and fur standing on end.
"You can't rush genius!" Emily replied, still welding the final touches on her creations. "Besides, yes I am."
Catra sighed in relief. "It's about time, what did you get?" she asked, walking into the workshop. As she entered, her eyes widened at the sight of the machines Emily had built. There were about five of them, standing at about 9 feet tall. They were large spherical robots with a single eye, standing atop four spider-like legs. They were painted an olive green and Catra could just tell they had many slots for various weapons and gadgets. "You made ALL THIS out of the scavenged tech I gave you?!" she said in complete disbelief.
"Yup!" Emily cheered, sitting atop one of them. "I call them the Emily 2.0 units. They have plasma cannons similar to the alien guns you gave me, energy nets, Tasers, and various little gadget to help us capture Adora. Also they're pretty durable, Chitauri metal is incredibly strong!" the hyper genius explained, and Catra could swear she was hugging the robot.
Catra was simultaneously impressed and infuriated. If Emily succeeded in bringing Adora back, her mother would never let her hear the end of it. If she didn't, Odds were good Catra would still take the blame. She had to think of something, and fast. That's when a sinister grin came to her face. She knew exactly what she needed to do. "Well… you've outdone yourself. Gonna warn you though they'd better be good." Catra began, turning away from her. "They're gonna be going up against the Avengers. Also...there's Doctor Santos to consider."
Emily looked at her confused. "What do you mean?" she asked.
Catra approached Emily, gently and absentmindedly stroking her hair. "Well, considering how poorly she reacts when I screw up, and how much stake she's putting in your plan...if things go badly, you might be in even worse trouble." She explained. "Not helped by the fact that unlike me, there's no familial ties keeping her from...no I don't want to think about it." As she heard a nervous whimper coming from Emily, she knew she had her hook, line, and sinker.
"Oh no, what do you recommend?" Emily asked, worried.
"Well, If your robots are as good as you say you won't have a problem." Catra responded, before getting a grim face. "However I think you oughta really consider an exit strategy, an escape plan in case things go wrong." She gave Emily her most concerned look she could muster.
Emily was already worried by Catra's words, and nodded rapidly. "Y-yeah I think I will. In the meantime, I've got the Emily 2.0's cameras set up so we can watch when they fight the Avengers." She explained, trying to put on a brave face. Catra nodded and walked with Emily, barely hiding her catlike grin at her successful plot. "Now we need to discuss the perfect time to strike. Preferably when Adora is either alone-"
"OR we can get a more effective test by attacking the Tower directly." Catra said with a smirk. "Think about it, if your robots beat all the Avengers at once, Santos will be so proud of you." she grinned widely. "Imagine it, you drag Adora back here AND kill the Avengers. Maybe you'll become her second in command. Or her favourite soldier." The Smile on Emily's face proved to Catra she won. No matter what happens now, she would have a means of getting Emily away from here, and taking over the hunt for Adora. Though a part of her did admit she was genuinely wanting the little ball of energy somewhere safe. Having her escape would simultaneously remove a threat, protect the girl, and screw over her mother. No matter what, Catra wins.
Several More Days Later, Avengers Tower:
"The Punisher?" Thor suggested, as the Avengers were gathered together to discuss possible names for Adora once again most of them enjoying Coffee or a drink.
"God no! What kind of nutcase uses such an edgy name?" Adora replied, polishing her brand new sword and wearing her brand new uniform, breaking it in.
"Power Princess." Suggested Tony.
"Too corny." Adora replied, groaning.
"Warrior in White." Thor suggested.
"Too Long, sounds weird." Adora replied. "Super Girl? The child I saved in New York called me that."
"I dunno Adora," Steve said, "Sounds a little generic for you."
"True, true. Anyone got other ideas?" She asked.
"Lady Smash? Lord knows you can punch REALLY hard." Bruce suggested.
"Bruce I think that's more your terrain." Adora laughed, giving him a light punch on the arm and sipping her coffee.
Tony just sighed. "Well this is going literally nowhere. What do you guys say we discuss something else." he said, downing his shot of whiskey. "I'm putting together a little charity thing soon."
Natasha raised her eyebrow. "Really now?"
"And what's that, Stark?" Clint asked.
"A sort of ball. I know I know here me out." he said. "All ticket sales go to the various Charities that Stark Enterprises supports. We get people to attend the party by promising a chance to meet us. The Avengers." he explained. Everyone kinda just gave each other a look. "Come on, it'll also be a nice relaxing time for us all right?"
Bruce chuckled. "I'll stay in the lab if that's fine with you all."
Natasha nodded, "Still it'd be nice for a lot of us. Including Adora. She needs to be more social."
Adora went red in the face, "Thanks 'mom,' Appreciate it..."
Steve also chuckled. "Well how does this sound, as your Father I'm asking you nicely to join the party so you can socialize and relax for once."
Adora groaned, "I guess I don't have a choice do I. Alright alright I'll go." she finally conceded laughing. As the Avengers talked, They were completely unaware of the danger slowly creeping up the side of the tower. Bruce walked himself over to the window and looked over New York.
"The Damage is still pretty bad huh, even a year later." he commented, looking at the various construction sites all over New York.
"I've been trying to help with that.." Tony commented. "Stark Industries has set up a division for cleaning up after massive battles like this. I call them Damage Control."
Bruce shoo his head with a chuckle, "Ever the Philanthropist Tony." As he looked out, he noticed something below the window. "What the hell is-"
Bruce was cut off as one of Emily's spherical robots crashed through the window, right into him and threw him across the room. The Avengers all quickly got to their feet, Adora grabbhind her sword and Thor calling Mjolnir. The rest of her robots slowly filed into the room. "JARVIS! Deploy now!" Tony yelled, his armor deploying quickly as everyone else ran to grab their equipment.
Adora ran over to check on Bruce, who was already beginning to go green. "Guy's we've got a code Green." she yelled out, before one of the robots shot a tether around her and began dragging her towards it. "Let me go you tin can!" She yelled, punching it, and barely even denting it even with her enhanced strength.
Tony Flew around the room firing his repulsers at the machines. "Man these things are tough, JARVIS scan what they're made out of." he said, as Steve rushed in with his shield and Clint grabbed his bow.
JARVIS scanned the robots and put the results over the Penthouse speaker system. "Bad news I'm afraid, it would appear these machines are built from Chitauri technology."
Adora barely managed to cut herself free from the robot and yelled in surprise. "Are you serious?!" she yelled leaping back. "Who the hell managed to whip these up so fast!?" She prepared her sword, right in time for Hulk to finally join the battle and smash one of the Robots flat. "At least they still break. Good going Hulk."
Steve was fighting with another robot, deflecting its shots with his shield while Natasha was shooting at it from the side, and Clint readied an explosive Arrow. "Keep it distracted, willing to bet that big red eye is a weak spot." he said. Steve slide under the robot and delivered a strike to its leg and Natasha rolled aside, to let the already unbalanced robot turn towards Clint, who planted an explosive arrow directly into its eye and blew it apart with ease. "Aim for the eyes everyone!"
Thor slammed a robot out the window and carried it into the sky, barely avoiding its shots and wincing when it started striking with its legs. Flying up high he held Mjolnir to the sky and called down lightning. The Lightning passed through him and into the Robot he was holding, completely frying its circuitry.
As the remaining robots continued to fight with the Avengers, one of them approached Adora and began to beep in an odd pattern. "Okay this one's beeping a lot should I be worried?!" Adora said in a panic.
Tony caught the beeping and began running it through his suit's scanners. "Looks like Morse code…. Huh, that's odd. It's saying 'Hey, Adora.'" he said.
Adora then groaned. "Are you FUCKING serious?! Of course Catra was behind this!" she yelled out, charging the robot and slicing its legs off with her sword. "Wow this thing really IS well crafted." she commented, cleaving open the back of the robot. "Though...if the Followers are behind this….Oh I should have realized. GUYS! I know where they came from!"
"Enlighten us please." Clint said, yanking another arrow out of one of them.
"There was this girl in the Followers base. Genius Robotics prodigy, Emily Dryll. The Followers probably got their hands on Chitauri tech and Santos made her guild them some weapons." she explained as Hulk tore a Robot in half.
"Great, I've been outdone by a teenager. I'm deeply hurt." Tony quipped, firing a chest beam through another.
Within moments only one Robot remained, Adora leapt onto the front of it and looked it dead in the eye, noticing the Camera inside it. "Hey Catra..." She growled, punching clean through the eye and putting the last Robot down.
Everyone finally had a chance to breathe as the last Robot fell. "Right...never thought I'd need to call Damage control on Avengers Tower..." Tony deadpanned as Natasha began working to calm down the Hulk.
Followers of Inperatio HQ, Monitoring Room:
Catra sighed in irritation as the robots complete fell apart. Meanwhile Emily was freaking out and clearly hurt by watching her wonderful creations get destroyed. "I really thought they could handle the Avengers..." she moped, sitting down and pouting.
"Well, it didn't work. I really hope you have a backup plan. Doctor Santos isn't gonna be happy." Catra commented, running her hands through her mane and groaning.
"I did." Emily said with a cheery smile before beginning to type something into a gadget on her wrist.
"What...what the hell is that?" Catra asked, looking at the device in confusion.
"Teleporter! I built it from scrap left over from the Emily 2.0 models." Emily cheerily said, before walking over and giving Catra a hug, causing her to freeze up. "Thanks for looking out for me, and warning me to have an escape plan. You're a good friend Catra."
Catra was stunned, and honestly felt somewhat guilty considering she had only been manipulating Emily, but still she eventually returned the hug. "Are you absolutely sure this is safe?" she asked, with genuine concern.
"Not a clue! It'll be fun to test it." Emily said, causing Catra's eyes to widen. "Eh I'm sure it'll be fine. MY stuff always works." She said to calm down the kitten, before backing away and readying the device. "See you around Catra!" In a bright flash, Emily was gone, with no way of tracking her.
Catra took a moment to catch her breath and compose herself before grinning. At that moment, Santos walked in. "Catra, Emily, I came to check on your progress….where is Emily?" she asked, looking around the room. Catra was nervous seeing she was STILL wearing the damn mask, but put on a brave face.
"I don't know. I came to check on the progress myself." She lied through her teeth, pointing at their monitors. "When I showed up, the robots were junked and Emily was gone, there's no trace of her. I think she ran away." Santos let out a growl and turned to leave the room. "However. I think I know a good way to hit Adora right where it hurts, mother."
"Enlighten me."
Catra grinned and rewinded the footage to when the robots were nearing Avengers Tower. "I was going through the footage of the battle, and came across this interesting little tidbit." She replayed when the robots picked up Tony discussing the Charity ball, and Santos tilted her head, before grinning under her mask.
"Are you suggesting what I think you are, Catra? This seems to be rather intelligent for you." she commented.
Catra brushed aside the snide remark and nodded. "I'm gonna need something fancy to wear, and some money for a ticket~"
To Be Continued…
WHEW, been a while hasn't it? What was that, over a damn month? I am sorry for the long wait for this chapter. I've been really focused on The Super Friends Squad, as well as trying to slow down on my story output to prevent myself from burning out. Also not gonna lie, the Birthday scene was a bitch and a half to write, considering I had to figure out what everyone would get Adora.
Note by the way this is NOT the last we will be seeing of Emily Dryll. Oh I have plans for her, but not until the MCU's Phase 3. With this Chapter however we begin the Shadow Weaver arc of this story. It's also honestly really fun writing Adora interacting with the other Avengers.
I think we ALL know what the next chapter will be a reference to, right?
Also I am SO sorry if I offended any Punisher fans with the comment about his name. Someone suggested it as a potential Adora name and I just couldn't resist making a joke of it. I don't like the Punisher myself but if you do, that's totally fine. I know someone who actually considers him their favourite Marvel Comics Character.
This is also as good a time as any to mention I will not be covering any of the Netflix or Disney+ shows, nor will I be touching Agents of SHIELD. This will be purely movies only, and even then the story will definitively end after Endgame
I do not own She-Ra or the MCU.
PLEASE refrain from She-Ra spoilers, but if you enjoyed, leave a review and let me know. I always love to hear feedback on my work.
NEXT TIME: Party Crasher