Chapter 13: Tormented and Attacked
Avengers Tower, February 12th 2013.
Adora groaned in both embarrassment and annoyance as she looked at the large dress Natasha had out in her hands. "Do I seriously have to wear this?" she asked, almost begging not to.
Natasha simply chuckled and lead her to a bedroom to change. "Yes Adora. This isn't going to be a military operation or a SHIELD assignment. This is a ball." She said, calmly. "You really need more experience trying to enjoy a normal life. Besides you'll look cute in this dress."
"Thanks Nat, that makes me feel loads better." Adora deadpanned. "Look All I'm saying is of all the Avengers are in one place with a lot of civilians around, it would be frighteningly easy for someone to try and ambush us. Explosives and such-" she started trying to explain before Natasha shushed her.
"Adora, nobody would be that stupid. Also I see that Knife you've tucked into the dress, you are not hiding a knife at the dance." She sternly stated. Adora sheepishly put the combat knife on the table. "I understand that our incident the other night has you concerned. But the building is going to be filled with SHIELD agents as well as most of us. Not to mention JARVIS has an eye on the entire building so nobody would even have a chance to plant explosives." Natasha explained, rubbing Adora's back to settle her. "Try to calm yourself Adora, relax. The last thing any of us want is for you to go ballistic in the middle of a Charity event."
"I know Nat, I know. I'm just worried because it's clear Catra knows where to find me now. What if she shows up?" Adora asked.
"If Catra shows up, then I won't let her out of my sight until the dance is over." Nat replied with a smile. "I don't care how good her hearing is. When I want to be invisible, I'm invisible."
Adora was honestly relieved to hear at least Natasha would have her back. "I'd like to think Catra wouldn't be stupid enough to try anything. But she was pretty angry with me before, she might not care." she explained, before heading into the other room to change into the dress. There was silence on the other side of the door before Adora piped up again. "Did you have to pick such a girly looking dress?" she asked, clearly flustered.
"What, thought it'd look good on you Adora. Admittedly it was also funny." Natasha admitted. "Besides, I made sure it wasn't too long or poofy. God forbid you let yourself look girly right."
"Shut up Nat..." Adora groaned, before coming out in her brand new dress. It was a red satin dress that was cut a bit lower than the knee, and was completely sleeveless as well. "Well? How is it?" she asked.
Natasha looked her over with a smile. "It suits you Adora. Though It's missing something." She commented, before pulling out a hairpin she had bough and putting it in her hair. "There we go."
Adora walked over to a mirror and looked herself over, a blush coming to her face. "I look ridiculous..." she commented under her breath with a groan.
"No, you look beautiful." Natasha replied, patting Adora on the back and giving her a caring smile. Adora sheepishly returned the smile.
"I just really hope nobody asks me to dance. I've been taking lessons in my spare time but I'd still look drunk."
Later that night, the Tower was beginning to fill up very quickly. Tony had been right on the mark when he said their presence would inspire more people to come around. Him donating 100% of the Ticket sales to various charities was also a good PR move for the Avengers.
Adora was honestly very nervous being in a room with so many people, much less so many people thanking her for saving their lives. She began to really feel like a hero at this point, a feeling she was more than willing to get used to. She was practically on top of the world despite her nervousness.
And then….two words made it all come crashing down. "Hey Adora~"
Adora stiffened up hearing the words she'd heard her whole life, the voice she was so accustomed to. Slowly, she turned around, and came face to face with her old friend, Catra. She was wearing a deep red Tuxedo, with a slightly lighter shade of red for an undershirt, and a messy, open tie. To Adora's surprise she couldn't see Catra's tail, and Catra was actually wearing shoes. Also, her fur was more smoothed down, making it obvious Catra was trying to hide her catlike features to blend in with the crowd easier.
"Catra? What are you doing here..." she growled.
Catra gave off her signature cackle, "What? It's a hell of a party, can't I come by to enjoy myself?" she snarked, walking closer. "Besides, it lets me get to see these friends you abandoned me for."
"I didn't Abandon you!" Adora replied, trying her best to keep calm. "I gave you a chance to run from that place, find a happier life, you didn't take it."
Catra yawned, "Blah blah blah keep talking Hairpoof. You left me with that bitch Santos, plain and simple." She commented, "Honestly I'm shocked you aren't giving me a nicer reception. I prettied myself up quite a bit. Even tried to make myself pass as human." she quipped as she tapped her foot on the ground annoyed. "These fucking shoes are killing my feet. Also my balance has been so outta whack from having to stuff my tail down my pant-leg. At least if anyone comments on the fur I can call it a skin condition." She then turned and began to walk away.
"I hope you aren't thinking of trying anything Catra. Most of the Avengers are here, you wouldn't get far if you decided to start something." Adora warned her friend who just brushed her off.
"How stupid do you think I am Adora?" Catra deadpanned as she headed for the snack table. Adora loosened her fists a bit and took a few deep breaths.
"Compose yourself Adora, we prepared for this..." Adora said as she shifted her head to speak into the collar of her dress. More specifically, the Stark Enterprises communicator weaved into the collar. "Guys it's Adora. She's here."
An Hour Earlier:
"-And that's my major concern." Adora finished, having explained her worries about Catra to the Avengers.
Tony leaned forward with a grin. "Don't worry yourself kid, we're not gonna let her cause you any grief."
"That's right," Steve said, "I'll be sure to keep an eye on her."
"Me too" added Natasha,
"We all will." Clint added as well.
"Well then!" Tony excitedly said, standing up. "I suppose I'd better whip up some communicators for our outfits then. Let us all keep track of your feline ex."
Adora flushed red. "Ex? We weren't dating…" she said.
Tony just chuckled. "Keep telling yourself that blondie."
As the Avengers got the report, they began to move to find Catra and make sure at least one of them had the feline in their sight at all times. Natasha was the first to notice her and spoke into her black gloves. "This is Romanov, found her. Going to make conversation."
Catra was looking over the display of various snack foods and tried one of the sushi rolls. Immediately she was floored by how much she enjoyed the taste, she'd never had something like that in the horde before. As she helped herself to another, Natasha walked up beside her with a glass of champagne. "Hello again, Catra was it?" she said quietly.
"Oh, it's you. The redhead. Where's Arrow Boy?" Catra asked in her usual sarcastyic tone.
"Natasha, Natasha Romanoff." Natasha replied, "Clint Barton's here too. Along with the rest of the Avengers. You intending to start trouble for Adora again?" She commented with a cold seriousness.
"What are you gonna do about it." Catra taunted with her smirk.
"Nothing." Natasha replied, sipping her drink and leaving Catra dumbfounded. "This is a charity event. I won't cause a scene here, and I know you won't try anything in front of all of us." Catra rolled her eyes before intending to leave. "Just wanted to have a talk with the woman Adora is begging SHIELD to save."
Catra stopped in her tracks and composed herself. "I don't need to be saved."
"We both know that isn't true." Natasha replied. "I know what you and Adora are going through. Children robbed of your childhood in service of an egomaniac, bred to do nothing but kill and fight for her."
Catra gritted her teeth in anger and wheeled around, pointing at Natasha. "You don't know fuck all about me and don't you DARE pretend to understand what my life is." she hissed.
"I don't need to pretend." Natasha replied. "Because I lived through something very similar, if not worse than you both in the Red Room. I understand you both far more than you know."
Catra growled but took a breath. "Tch, no wonder Adora took off to you guys first chance she got, you must be the BEST of friends." she quipped.
"No we aren't." Natasha responded, finishing her drink. "Adora is the more like daughter I never had, nor will I ever be able to have." Catra froze at those words. "And for her, I'm the mother she always wanted."
As Natasha spoke, flashes of her once loving mother went through Catra's mind. She always wondered what caused Lorraine to go from caring and loving to sadistic and psychotic. Still this wasn't the time or place to discuss this so she turned on her heel and began to leave. "Go to hell Romanoff." she hissed as she left in a huff, but her ears were drooping slightly.
Natasha lifted up her hand again and spoke into her glove. "Steve, she's headed towards you."
Steve was drinking with a few members of the US army who had come to the party when he got Natasha's message. "Alright guys, it was nice talking with you all. Take care." he said, standing up and scanning the room for Catra as the soldiers all happily said their goodbyes to their hero. He managed to catch sight of her looking at a few paintings with her hands in her pockets. He spoke into a communicator in his collar. "I've spotted her. How's Adora holding up?" he asked.
"She's holding together. She's with Tony right now." came the reply from Barton.
"Alright, I'm gonna go talk with Catra, I'll keep you updated." Steve replied, walking up behind her to engage her in conversation.
Catra was examining the painting, she didn't know a lot about art but what she was seeing did not impress her much. "So, you're Catra huh?" A voice chimed in behind her. She groaned realizing someone else from the Avengers had found her. What she didn't expect was turning around to see Captain fucking America standing behind her. "Steve Rogers, nice to meet you."
"Um...it is?" Catra questioned, "You do realize what I am right? Adora would have told you."
"She did. She told me you two were the closest of friends back in the day, and she would give anything to have you back." he replied, to her shock. "And to get you away from that hellhole they have you in."
Catra scoffed. "Again with the fucking 'save me.' I don't need to be saved, I need to bring Adora back." she commented.
Steve just shook his head. "Well I'm telling you this right now missy, you will not be taking my daughter anywhere." he replied, giving her a slight glare.
"Oh my god so even you adopted her?!" Catra exclaimed in exasperation.
"No, She was cloned from me, or did your boss not mention that." Steve explained, causing Catra's jaw to hit the floor.
"Fucking hell I can actually see the resemblance..." Catra commented in stunned disbelief before clearing her throat. "Well, you don't have to worry captain, I'm not gonna drag her out of this dance if that's what you're thinking."
"You're right." Steve said, a slight hint of warning in his voice. "You're not. We've got an eye on you Catra." Catra threw up her hands in annoyance and began walking somewhere else. "It's never too late Catra, you can still leave the Followers peacefully. We'll protect you." He called after her. His concern was met with a raised middle finger, and he rolled his eyes. "Adora did mention she was stubborn..." He spoke into his collar again. "Clint, you're up."
Some Time Later:
This day had not even remotely gone to Catra's plan. She was hoping to drive Adora insane by her very presence, and lead her to do something stupid out of paranoia. Instead, it was her who was losing her mind, constantly running into Adora's new friends and family, and being lectured each time. She was just leaning against the bar, waving off the bartender when he offered her a drink, and attempted to collect her thoughts. How was it that after everything they went through, Adora has come out on top? She had a Father, her mother figure actually loved her, and every single one of her colleagues respected her despite everything. Catra had to admit she was beginning to get very jealous and even more bitter at her old friend. Could she have had this life too if she had just listened and willingly surrendered to SHIELD? Thrown aside her entire life up to that point?
Regardless, in Catra's mind it was far too late for them to make up.
"Enjoying the party Kitty-cat?" came a familiar voice she'd heard frequently on the news and she let out a groan of further exasperation. Sure as can be, over sauntered Tony Stark, drink in hand, to lean on the bar next to her,
"Come to lecture me too Stark?" She groaned.
"Nope." he replied, sipping his drink. "Came to meet the cat-girl Adora never shuts up about." Catra's eyes were practically as wide as plates as she stared at Tony. "Heterochromia huh? That's neat."
"What you do mean she never shuts up about me?" Catra quietly asked.
"I mean she never shuts up about you. Almost every day, once a day it's 'Catra and I this,' And 'This one time me and Catra.' On and on." he replied, taking another swig. "Honestly you two should just make out already." he quipped.
Catra's fur stood on end. "EXCUSE me?!" she yelped.
Tony chuckled. "Look, it's painfully obvious you two are head over heels for each other, even if you don't realize it." he explained. "I mean really, you're even acting like a bitter ex-girlfriend."
Catra was trying her damnedest to not just claw his eyes out. "We were just friends. We grew up together. That's All." She replied through gritted teeth, barely hiding a blush.
"Uh-huh..." Tony deadpanned. "I'm just saying."
"Then stop saying things." Catra retorted.
"Nope, not in my vocabulary." Tony snarked with a smirk. "Look, We aren't the bad guys here. The Avengers are one big family for Adora and we want whats best for her, and her friends." he explained. Catra opened her mouth but he cut her off. "I'm not lecturing you, I'm just saying that your one lucky kitty to have a friend as loyal as Adora who's willing to do anything for you. Trust me Catra, you'll come around. And then we'll burst in trumpets blaring as the Avengers arrive to carry you to safety."
Catra shook her head. "God Stark do you just love listening to her voice." She quipped, although her voice began to waver a bit, as the talks she's been getting all day began to finally crack her tough, stubborn exterior. "I don't need your help, or hers." She growled, quickly disappearing into the crowd, her ears going flat as she took a moment to compose herself.
At that moment she noticed everyone was beginning to dance and got a smirk, heading off to seek out Adora in the crowd.
Adora was finally relaxed and enjoying herself at the party. From what her teammates had told her, they'd been keeping Catra busy, and she hadn't attempted anything destructive or villainous, which was good. They unfortunately were not as successful at convincing her to just stand down peacefully, which honestly didn't surprise Adora.
Suddenly, she felt a furry, gloved hand gripping her own and winced, turning around to see a smug pair of blue and gold eyes staring at her. "Well Adora, everyone's dancing. Shall we~?" the cat chuckled, and before Adora could answer, she felt herself being dragged to the Dance floor. Catra pulled her close and began to dance with her, Adora going reed with Embarrassment and worried about what she was planning to do. "You look tense Hair poof, what's the matter?" Catra said with a purr.
"You know what's wrong Catra. I know you're planning something. You wouldn't be here otherwise." Adora replied quietly, managing to regain her balance and play along, dancing with her slowly.
"Ooh, the blond ditz learned to dance? I'm impressed." Catra giggled. "Perks of running away with SHIELD I suppose."
"Shut up Catra." Adora bluntly stated as they spun around and softly stepped. "What do you want."
"Is it so wrong that I came to visit my best friend at a party? You wound me." Catra smugly quipped, spinning Adora.
"It is when you sent a bunch of killbots after me and the Avengers." came Adora's reply.
"Emily did a good job didn't she? I really hoped they'd have done the job but oh well." Catra replied with a shrug. "Luckily Emily wisely decided to jump ship before Santos could punish her."
"With your prodding I imagine?" Adora deadpanned.
"How'd you know?" Catra purred.
"A hunch. Besides, that just proves how smart she is. Unlike you she got out of there as soon as possible." Adora replied with a smug grin, prompting a slight growl from Catra.
"At least she told me she was leaving, and didn't just up and disappear leaving me with queen bitch for Four goddamn years!" Catra replied.
Adora shook her head, "I gave you SO many chances to come back with me." She replied, before deciding it wasn't worth trying to convince her anymore as they picked up the pace. "Look, I know you're planning something."
Catra smirked. "Maybe I am." She said, suddenly dipping Catra and leaning in close. "And If you ask me, it's working~" She tapped the side of her own head. "I've gotten back in your head Adora." She pulled Adora back to her feet and spun her again, reaching into her pocket and withdrawing something. As the two came back together, Catra slapped the paper into her hands. "Read it. Follow it. We're going to finish things between us." she whispered into Adora's ear as the two finally finished their dance. "See you around Adora." Catra chuckled out as she slipped into the crowd and left the party, leaving Adora standing on the dance floor in a cold sweat, holding her message. As Adora walked back to the Snack table, she read the note.
It was a set of co-ordinates, in a heavily forested part of the US.
Adora could only give a long sigh. "So much for relaxing..."
"You know it's a trap Adora!" Natasha told her, as Adora changed into her uniform and grabbed her sword.
"Natasha's right, you can't go alone!" Clint added in.
"I KNOW it's a trap. I'm going. This is something I have to do alone." Adora replied, heading for the Quinjet launchbay.
"Dammit Adora will you just listen to us?!" Steve yelled after her. She took a breath and turned around to face the worried Avengers.
"I know what I'm doing Dad. I have a plan." She explained, looking at the note Catra had given her. "You told me yourself, never give up on Catra. Well I don't plan to. There's zero chance of me managing to get through to her if you're all there. I need to speak to her alone."
Bruce shook his head. "And if she refuses to listen?"
"Then I'll MAKE her listen!" Adora replied. "I'll make us sit down and talk. This has gone on for too long." She climbed into the Quinjet and looked back at the others. "Don't worry, I have a plan. If things go how I hope, then you'll be the first ones to know."
Natasha and Steve stepped forward. "Adora...be careful alright?" Natasha said with a worried tone of voice.
"You make sure you come home young lady, you hear?" Steve added, slightly grinning.
"Oh I will Dad, Natasha." She replied, hitting the door button. "I made Catra a promise. It's long overdue that I keep it."
To Be Continued….
How the hell did this chapter come out so fast, wtf!? So, has anyone noticed the theming with this arc's titles?
That Ball plan didn't go as well for Catra as it did in canon now did it? Admittedly, I had been considering how her attempting to infiltrate the ball would go if Glimmer, Bow or even Frosta were half-competent in that episode. No offense to fans of the episode but man some of the characters in it bugged me. Still good though. Now with the AVENGERS present she sure as hell would not have anywhere near as much luck breaking Adora. Furthermore, if anything THEY would break HER.
Adora is now on her way to a big confrontation, one of the fights this arc and the entire story up to this point has been building up to.
I do not Own She-Ra or the MCU
No spoilers please, but I will happily accept feedback on this story. If you enjoyed, let me know. If you had issues, lemme know where I can improve but please be fair about it?
NEXT TIME: Memories of Who We Were.