Adora's POV
I'll never get used to existing in the Fright Zone as She-Ra. Most people are still uncomfortable with the entire thing, knowing there's an actually powered princess within their walls. I was already on track to gaining respect from even my seniors before I got the sword. Now, some of the new recruits or younger cadets actively avoid me.
That's okay, though. I have the team, after all. The only person who hasn't changed their attitude towards me in the last months was Force Captain Octavia. I even see her now, leering as I roll a huge piece of First One's tech through the halls.
Maybe it's because I'm not She-Ra right now- I can't trust her after she got compromised. Catra was hit hard earlier. It wasn't just from the First One creatures- Entrapta since said they were Elementals- but from me. I hurt her directly as She-Ra, who knows what I could have done. So She-Ra is staying away for now. I know the sword is fine, logically, but I'm not taking that chance.
Entrapta is beside me, absolutely beaming about something to do with Hordak. I don't know what I missed when she went to enter Hordak's Sanctum- against Catra's, and by proxy, my orders- but she doesn't seem at all concerned. In fact, she seems elated. The way she's following me through the halls, as if her feet are barely touching the ground… Whatever she got involved with, she's invested.
The tech she found is a large disk, nearly four feet tall in diameter. Entrapta was more than happy to handle moving it herself as she easily could, but I need to speak to Hordak anyway. As soon as we reach the Sanctum door, Entrapta bounds ahead. I roll the tech over to a workbench and just lean it over.
"So the mission was a success?"
He isn't talking to me, he's too far away. But the way his voice carries, filling the entire room, it's hard to miss.
"Absolutely! There were only some minor hiccups, what with half our mining tech being wiped!" Entrapta shouts. Well, she isn't shouting, she's just speaking loudly.
"I care not for whatever the costs were. What matters is that we can get to work. Force Captain Adora, why are you here?" Hordak's voice is directed at me.
I stand straight and turn to face him. He's standing a few feet from me, peering down. His presence is as intimidating as always, but I'm not nervous this time. "Well, um, Lord Hordak… what's going on here?" I look around the room. There's a whole lot of tech laid about, and I can't say I understand the purpose at all.
"I don't remember you being a part of this project, Force Captain."
I frown a bit at this, thinking about this. Of course, it means the 'we' is for Entrapta and him. "How can I be the Second in Command if I'm not in the loop?" I feel something brush against my foot. In a slight panic, I look down to see Hordak's little imp friend, who I only ever saw once on a screen, back when Shadow Weaver was removed from the Black Garnet. The imp chuckles up at me, as if mocking me, before scurrying over to where Hordak is.
Hordak steps closer, closing the distance between him and I. The Imp climbs up to his shoulder. "There is no 'loop.' There is only what you need to know, and what you need to do. One of those requires a great deal of information. The other does not."
I take a deep breath. Finally, after all this time, at least someone finally said it. "Yeah, okay. Whatever. I was only here to drop off the tech."
"Then you are dismissed, Force Captain Adora." Hordak turns around, walking back towards Entrapta.
She seemed a little on edge, but now she just looks at him and smiles. Entrapta waves, "bye Adora, see you in a few nights for bowling."
"Yeah, bye." I answer. Leaving Hordak's Sanctum a lot more frustrated than I went in is exactly what I expected. Despite that, there's also this sense of calm. Hordak doesn't trust me, he's just trying to keep me where he can keep a close eye on me. I would try to watch me too, if the strongest person on Etheria was threatening the stability of everything.
Realistically, it's okay. Hordak can watch me all he wants. He might think he's ahead, but what could he actually do? I can't get cocky, I can't get overconfident. But I don't need to be worried about him, he's already worried about me.
Opening the door to my room, I see Catra is already inside. "Oh, hey Catra. I thought you were going to bed?"
Catra is sitting at a small table in the corner, looking over a few files I had piled up. She and Scorpia both started helping me with my workload solely so I was less over-occupied, it actually rounded out the schedules of the three of us. Although she rarely does any work here. She sets down the file, turning up to face me. "Hey, Adora."
I walk over to her. I don't have a second chair in here, so I just stand. "You okay?"
Catra stands up, she's actually pretty relaxed right now. Clearly exhausted though, but fine. "Yeah, of course. I told you on the boat, I'm taking that back."
I follow her eyes to my torso, and chuckle in understanding. "Yeah, yeah." I untie my jacket's strap, setting it on the table. The badge comes off next, and I set it with the strap. Finally, I pull my jacket off my shoulders and hand it to her. "You waited a long time to admit you wanted to steal it from me."
Catra just takes it, a slight smirk on her face. "Well, you know. You can just be She-Ra for the cold."
"Something tells me you're not cold right now." I tease her, as she puts it on.
Catra pushes against my shoulder. "I guess not. It's just a good jacket."
"You literally used to make fun of it for the pointed shoulders."
"I changed my mind."
"You know, the red of the jacket really clashes with your uniform's reds. There's like, four reds on you."
"Since when did you learn color theory?"
"I didn't. It's just obvious."
Catra shrugs. "Alright, alright. If it'll get you off my back, I'll look into getting something new. Maybe with more black?"
"Hey, I was kidding. But sure, why not?"
I laugh again, heading towards my dresser. "So, is that all you're here for?"
I don't hear her approaching me, but as she speaks, it's closer. "Maybe it is. Maybe I just wanted to spend the night."
"You know that's against protocol," I say, pretending to be stern.
"Well, it's been a bit. And it's not like we don't break protocol all the time."
I laugh more, looking down as I pull out some clothes to wear for the night. "I guess so, yeah. But… no, that isn't why you're here."
She walks up next to me, leaning against the dresser. "No, it isn't… are you okay?"
I saw it coming, but I still don't know how to answer her. "Yes. Not really, no. But also… not no. I don't know…"
"So start small." She says, repeating back the words I would always say to her when we were younger, as I slowly got her to talk to me instead of just pretending to be okay.
I sigh. Can't really go against my own advice. "I hurt you today."
"Adora," Catra places a hand on my shoulder, "my leg is going to be fine in a day or two. I'm barely limping, it just hurts. The roly-poly got me just as bad as you did."
All I can give in response to this is a shrug. She's right, but that doesn't really make it feel different. "I was so mad at Bow for a dumb cut or two during the Bright Moon stuff. And then I was so mad at them for what happened at Dryl… because no matter what we do, or where we go, it's always them. Their best forces against our best forces. But today… I just don't understand why they helped us."
It's not a lie. I don't get it. I've seen Glimmer's anger first hand, and she doesn't have an ounce of respect for us. Yet apparently, Catra and I were in danger because of the disk. Something that was Glimmer's fault. And she and the rebels helped to stop it.
Catra looks back over to me. "Don't get hung up on it, Adora. They tried the same shtick with me at Dryl. The rebels… aren't bad people, but that doesn't mean they're against pretending to be nice to get their way."
I think about it for a moment. She isn't wrong, they sure do love their sympathy. It's getting more and more difficult to be able to look at them and see a threat. They aren't dangerous, I am. But if that's the case then what are they?
"Yeah, I guess so…" I push back the doubt. It's late, and we both need sleep. "Are you staying anyway?"
Catra scratches her chin. "Hmm… yeah, why not."
A small smile creeps onto my face, it's easy to get excited about the little things. I only spent my whole life with her there to help each other sleep at night. "And last time you were so reluctant."
Catra shrugs. "You really think Hordak is gonna storm in here and demand I go back to my room?"
I chuckle a bit. "Yeah, I guess not."
I grab the night clothes I grabbed earlier back off my dresser, and head over to the bed.
"Adora?"
I pause. That didn't sound right. I turn back around. "What?"
Catra tilts her head. "What do you mean what?"
"You just-..." I look past her, at the door that is very much still closed. I really am losing it, aren't I? "Nevermind."
Catra shrugs it off, following after me. "Whatever you say, crazy."
Rolling my eyes, I turn back to the bed. I feel her staring at me, clearly thinking more about this than she's letting on… Then, her ear twitches. She looks up at the roof, eyes squinted.
"What is it?" I ask, following her gaze.
She looks around for a moment, then seems to relax. "Something in the rafters? I don't know."
"Catra, I'm not crazy-"
"Maybe it's a case where we both are," she chuckles, lightly punching my shoulder.
I turn to her and smirk. I move fast, going for her wrists. She's quicker, there's a blur. It takes a bit, but eventually we settle down after play-fighting for a few moments. Falling into bed and sleeping after is even easier.
"Adora… we need to speak to Razz." I hear the familiar but distant voice one more time, but by now, I'm sure it's just a dream.
Bow's POV
It's been a week since we got back from the Northern Reach, the mood has generally been a little better. Last Week, we set out north. This week, the threats were more frontline. The Horde renewed their offensives, but we think they're just trying to keep us spread thin, as it's been a stalemate.
"Unfortunately, most of the Princesses were not able to make the meeting this week." Angella says to the few other people in the room. Glimmer and I are there, as is General Julliet. The three of us always are. As for the rest of the alliance, we have attendance from Spinnerellla, Netossa, and Perfuma. The rest of the Princesses couldn't spare the time for this, too busy on the frontline. And Netossa and Spinnerella are only here because they just got back from Elberon. "Glimmer, would you fill in the alliance with the results from last week's mission?"
Glimmer nods, standing up and addressing everyone around the holo-table. "Last week, there was a mission to the Northern Reach. Frosta, Sea Hawk, Bow and I shut it down, but there was a small fight with She-Ra."
"A small fight?" Perfuma inquires.
"Yeah. We kind of… didn't fare too well. She wasn't herself. Entrapta has a disk, and… basically, she was angry. Our team was knocked under the ice, and when we got back topside She-Ra was gone from the digsite."
"She wasn't herself?" Spinnerella asks.
"The sword was infected by something Entrapta had. Who knows, maybe her brain is First One's tech, too? Because the bugs we fought after were." Glimmer says.
"I doubt it, Adora is still a person first and foremost." I argue.
"Yeah, and a stellar one at that." Netossa grimaces.
"I don't know, she actually really does care for Catra. And she was acting all weird for a moment or two before we broke the virus." Glimmer muses.
"You broke a virus?" Netossa asks. "How does that even work?"
"The virus was a localized disk-"
Perfuma cuts me off, "the important thing is that no one got hurt."
Spinerella thinks. "Maybe we should reconsider the angle on their team's operational efficiency. Maybe there is more going on there."
"I told you it wasn't conjecture!" Glimmer boasts.
Angella holds up a hand. "Conversations and remarks like this are not very productive to stopping the Horde. Listen, our supplier outpost from Alwyn has gone dark. Can we spare anyone?"
Spinerella and Netossa share a look. "I mean, we could go back out if needed." Spinerella offers.
I shake my head. "You two just got back from a week long operation. Glimmer and I will handle it."
"But if Alwyn is being threatened, it must be serious!" Perfuma thinks. She's spent a lot of time there, aiding with crop growth. "Unfortunately, I'm due to meet up with Mermista for a quick offensive south of Thaymor to push them out of that part of the woods, so I can't really head over there tonight."
"So the four of us should go?" Netossa offers.
Glimmer thinks about it. "It probably isn't a big deal, Alwyn is too far from the front lines to be threatened."
"And it's close to us," I point out. "How about Glimmer and I head down there, and we'll call if we need backup? I did manage to make my tracker-pad beefier, it can now connect to the inter-kingdom radio network. I can just call this table if anything goes wrong."
"Oh, you got past all the planetary interference?" Angella asks me.
"Entrapta managed it, I realized back during the, uh… failed liberation of Dryl. Catra called the Fright Zone from there. So using some salvaged tech, it's a lot easier to figure out how someone else did something than to figure out if that thing is possible from scratch. I know Entrapta's work better than anyone, I was able to figure it out."
Angella nods. "Okay. Bow and Glimmer, you two can go and investigate the lack of contact from Alwyn. Spinnerella and Netossa, you two are on standby. Perfuma, thank you for attending."
Perfuma smiles and bows her head slightly. "I still had an hour, I figured I'd want to stay as up to date as possible."
Glimmer insists that there's something going on with the Horde people, that Catra and Adora were both acting off towards the end, but I didn't get to deal with the aftermath that much. Mostly, it's just good to know for sure that Adora probably doesn't want us dead. The last real time we fought against She-Ra was at Bright-Moon.
It almost seemed like we're up against people who are talented and capable, but can't win due to not having their heart in it. Glimmer always called anyone who fought for the Horde heartless, and in a way I suppose she's right, even if Adora and Catra seem far from the typical cold, battle-hardened Horde soldier. Catra acts like she is when fighting, I've seen the snarls swipes when she stops holding back. I think they're both confused.
But it doesn't change how when fighting them, they're both like ticking time bombs. The hit I took at Bright Moon when that arrow ricocheted… I swear I can still feel it some days, even though I never broke anything. The fact is, fighting Adora is just walking on eggshells.
At least she's seen lenient the last few weeks. If she spent every day like she was at Bright Moon… well there might not still be a war.
At least there's no real chance of running into Adora right now. Yeah, she has access to the Whispering Woods somehow, despite being a Horde soldier, but Glimmer and I are all the way in Alwyn. It's far from Horde territory, which made it important for rebellion agriculture. Except, the town is empty today.
Alwyn was never my favorite town to visit. While the woods are my first home, they're a lot bigger than just the part I grew up in. This area is more unfamiliar to me, and the area where I lived was mostly without the ominous whispering. It's more pronounced here, which certainly doesn't help. Neither does the strange circumstances surrounding the place. Alwyn is well understood to be haunted, and the reports have increased in the last few months.
So far, it's been nothing but creepy. Strange noises, figures in the shadows just out of sight, not a single soul staying behind. There's nothing but bad vibes, although that hasn't exactly made it easy for Glimmer and I to locate what the actual problem is.
If Alfyn is haunted, there's no real hard evidence of it. Glimmer and I have been meandering from every rundown house to creepy off-road path between two buildings. Although, none of that counts as anything substantial. The only thing that really has us worried something else is going on, is that my tracker-pad is freaking out. It's glitching, and there are too many signals. So much for calling for backup, but it isn't like the Horde is here anyway.
Now, I'm looking at a stray branch brushing against a window. "Okay, creepy tapping is not a ghost trying to scare us. For the fifth time…" I step back, relaxing a bit.
Glimmer, besides me, runs the back of her hand across her forehead. "Phew, okay. One less spot to check, I guess."
"Yeah, we're on the right track." Hopefully, I can convince myself of that. But it sort of feels like we've been wandering aimlessly.
"I can't say I believe that," Glimmer echoes my thoughts.
"Oh, you wanted an easy mission?"
"Honestly? It would've been nice, for a change."
"Well, we need to stay on our toes."
"I don't think anyone has been off their toes since Princess Prom," Glimmer rightfully points out.
"You know, I think we might need to find time for another trip to Mystacor."
"Heh, yeah, if only we could go back to before Adora decided to try and raid Bright Moon, and we didn't need round the clock readiness in case she decides to try again, we could all go out for a spa day."
"I mean, we haven't exactly fought her since then." I joke, pressing the idea. Although, we both know that's not really something we can afford right now.
"Yeah, I'm starting to think that's because Catra doesn't want She-Ra fighting us." Glimmer thinks. "Even though every time I see them I'd want nothing more than to greet them with aggressive fist-to-face sparkles."
"And I'd like us to win too, but we sort of need to save our energy for when it counts. Bright Moon put me out of the fight for a long time, and the less we're out of the fight, the better."
"Exactly! So let's find these… ghosts… and get Bright Moon's supply town back up and run-"
There's another knocking noise from one of the houses around us. Glimmer and I both freak out. I draw my bow, looking for the source, as Glimmer's hands start to glow. My eyes scan out. Trying to pinpoint the noise is a little difficult over the whispers. Doesn't take too long though, as I see a window that isn't properly sealed. I start walking.
"What is it? A ghost?"
"Again, no." I say, closing the window and making sure it's properly latched. "Another… freaky coincidence."
Glimmer sighs, her hands stop glowing. "Oh, okay. Maybe we are overreacting."
"We'll find out soon. Let's just keep looking."
Adora's POV
Another week, more time to work. To plan, to micromanage other Force Captains, and to continuously train. She-Ra is difficult to manage, and now that I know there are things that I can't fight against, I need to be ready. I focus, drawing all my attention into the sword. I focus, willing myself to warp the matter into something else. Something new. I need to get better with She-Ra, I can't let my guard down and get compromised again. Catra got hurt because I wasn't fast enough when Glimmer pulled that disk out. It doesn't take too long, before the shape molds itself and takes on the form of… an unopenable box that slightly resembles a first aid kit?
"Ugh! It's useless, I can't get it!" I pout, lowering the exact opposite of a weapon.
"You must not allow yourself to grow frustrated over such things, Adora. I have never encouraged failure, but there is a difference between giving up, and not yet succeeding. Try again, and keep your thoughts centered." Shadow Weaver instructs me, stepping closer. She grabs my arm, lifting it up and the weapon with it.
I concentrate more, trying to reshape my sword-flute. Stay focused, Adora. She-Ra can still be a useful tool, I just need to stay focused… the sword-flute shifts yet again with a subtle glow, reforming into a simple bo staff. I can't exactly imagine the inner working parts of an extendable one, but when I can just reshape it to be smaller I don't really need to. I shift the balanced weapon in my grip, the only weapon I'm more familiar with than a sword, other than maybe a stun-baton.
"Good! You see, your powers are directly linked with your emotional state. When you allow yourself to become distracted, your intentions are getting shifted and warped." Shadow Weaver informs me, stepping back again and letting go of my wrist.
I sigh, looking down at her. It's still strange being taller than the sorceress. First, she was separated from the Black Garnet. And now, She-Ra allows me to literally tower over her. The women I was always nervous even looking up to…
"It's still Catra, isn't it?" She asks, the eyes on her mask narrowing slightly.
"No, I just can't allow myself to get all… weird… like that, again. I could've killed the whole team…"
"Hordak once told you it is your team's responsibility to watch themselves around you, did he not?"
"He did, and they did, but-"
Shadow Weaver surprisingly doesn't allow my thoughts to spiral. "-then you have nothing to worry about. Your team reacted to the situation accordingly, and accomplished your mission of obtaining the First One's tech, did they not?"
"They did…" I say, tightening my grip on my weapon. I will it back into the sword. Her words surprise me. I figured she of all people would scold me for being sloppy.
"You were faced with a new threat, and managed. That has always been the mission. Not swift victories, not untamed glory. We are fighting a war, Adora. This was never going to be a cake walk."
"I know. I know, and we're winning and pushing closer back to Bright Moon every day. Our lines are now in the woods, Entrapta's tech is allowing us to navigate it better, everything is looking up. The rebels' only big win was the river pass, there's just a lot on my mind."
"Then get it sorted out. Think when you're able to, act when you must. You cannot allow your doubts to corrupt your ability to decisively control your situation. You have always surprised me, Adora. And I know you will further. She-Ra is a gift, but you are not a competent soldier because of She-Ra. You are competent because you are able to think, get stuff done, and follow orders."
I nod, and put my sword on my back. I revert to my normal self. "I know how to stay focused. I'll get the mission done."
"I know, Adora. Keep your eyes on the true goal, the rebels won't keep managing to slink away. You just need to spend more time training, and less time bowling or buddying up with Catra. If you wish to protect her, you'll need to be ready."
I nod, turning to exit her chambers when I stall. My eyes narrow, I've grown up enough to know that she's testing me. But I'm not going to take the bait on Catra right now. "You sure seem to know a lot about She-Ra."
"I don't really," she says. "But I know magic and runestones. I know the importance of focus, of having a clear head when utilizing magic. The strongest sorcerers in Mystacor were always the ones most able to put their minds above their emotions."
I nod. Shadow Weaver has mentioned Mystacor before, back when we had Glimmer in this room. It feels like so long ago now. "Alright, well I need to get going. Thanks for the help, Shadow Weaver." I say, turning back for the exit.
"Any time, Adora." She says, dismissively.
I walk out into the halls, when I feel something almost like pressure in my head.
"Good, you're done. I know you can hear me, Adora. Meet me at the edge of the woods in an hour, we need to talk. You'll know where."
I turn around rapidly, my eyes narrowing as I can't seem to pinpoint the source of the voice. I try to place where I know it from, when it finally clicks. The weird voice I've been hearing off and on all weak, progressively getting clearer and more concise. The talking horse…
I frown. Swift Wind can just… communicate with me? I shudder a little, this was weird and confusing enough. Still, I should probably see what he wants. I resign myself to another conversation with the horse, and I head for the skiff bay.
It wasn't long ago I took this path, on my way to check up on Dryl. I don't admire the scenery this time, the last thing I need to deal with is crashing another skiff over this horse. I didn't tell everyone where I was going; how do you explain that you're going on a trip to the rebel-controlled woods in order to speak to a talking unicorn that may or may not be psychically linked to you? You don't.
It isn't that Etheria isn't pretty, or that some parts of the woods are rather nice, but I'm too close to where things get weird. And the closer to Bright Moon a Horde Squad goes, the weirder it gets. Not that it ever stopped me from reaching the Crystal Castle, and the partially regrown ones didn't stop me from… well, not reaching Dryl, but still using them as a shortcut until I got sidetracked. Either way, Swift Wind called for me. And if he can navigate the woods, I'm sure I can, too. Or, She-Ra can? Guess the mysterious morality-sense of the woods can't tell the difference.
I don't exactly know where I'm going, so I'm just taking the route I took last time. Maybe he's waiting where I first crashed… he wasn't exactly clear, and I don't know how to contact him back. It shouldn't take too long either way. I mean, Swift Wind would stick out sorely anywhere.
"Adora!" I hear his voice. Actually hear it this time, instead of the strange sensation of feeling it. I turn up and see him flying a bit above and behind me.
I squeeze the breaks on the skiff, successfully stopping without breaking it this time. "Hi, Swift Wind. What did you need?"
He lands next to the skiff and I, sliding a few inches forward as his momentum slows. "I sort of need to speak to you. Wanna go for a ride?"
I cross my arms immediately. "Are you going to tell me why?"
"Um, you promised to meet my friend."
"I said I'd think about it."
"Have you?" He asks, turning and trotting towards me. He gets uncomfortably close.
I place a hand on the side of the horse's face and push back gently. "Um, no. I mean, yes, and I can't say I'm interested. This woods friend is just going to be another person to tell me my destiny."
"Look, everyone is starting to say things and I think this would really be good. I mean, Light Hope is talking about strange energy readings, something someone in the Fright Zone is working on."
"Yeah, I noticed. Hordak and Entrapta blew out the power grid two days ago, and it took twelve hours to fix it. What do you know about it?"
"You don't know about it?" He asks back.
"I didn't say that!"
"But I feel your confusion." He leans closer again.
"Look, I-"
"I mean if I knew things, I'd tell you. Just saying. Ooh, I actually flew over a spooky abandoned like, half an hour ago? I'm not good with time. Anyway, I actually saw some people leaving, and some rebels heading over. I was gonna go say hi, but I didn't want to make it weird since it was-"
"Swift Wind?"
"Yeah?"
"What does this have to do with this person I need to meet?"
"Nothing! Come on. Let's go meet Razz. I'll drop you right back off here."
I sigh, turning aside. Which prompts Swift Wind to step even closer. I glare a bit, and push him back again. "No, look. The face that you went to Light Hope again is concerning enough to me. I don't trust her. So what does she have to do with Razz?"
"Well I mentioned Light Hope to Razz and she made a bit of a face of discomfort. But she isn't exactly… easy to get information out of. You should try. She knows things about She-Ra. The last She-Ra."
"The last… yeah, Light Hope mentioned her. Mar…"
"Mara." He says, the one thing he's said today that hasn't already confused me.
"Mara. Yeah. What do I need to know about Mara?"
"I don't know, but she's connected to whatever's been going on. There are strange things happening on Etheria ever since the planet went crazy and I got my wings and my voice. The Whispering Woods are whispering more in some places, Light Hope says the planet is at risk of going more out of balance, like, catastrophically bad. And Razz keeps calling you Mara!"
"So what, I'm supposed to trust a hologram that wants to enforce its idea of my destiny onto me, and someone in the woods named Razz who is, 'hard to get information out of?' You aren't exactly convincing me of much."
"Adora." Swift Wind makes a horse noise that sounds sort of like an expression of frustration. He presses his face against mine. "You've been tense and confused all week, and I already know you're curious. Come on, you promised."
"I did not- ugh! Fine, whatever."
Swift Wind rears slightly in excitement, before slightly lowering himself. "Get on then, let's go!"
He seems overly excited, but I can't deny I'm excited at the prospect of flying like that again. Half reluctantly, half intrigued, I climb onto his back.
"Ready?" Swift Wind asks me as he stands fully. However, he takes off before I can say yes. I know what to expect this time, but it still takes my breath away a little as I wrap my arms around his neck. Sitting on a horse doesn't seem as comforting as it would've if he still wore a saddle, but I'm going to assume he isn't a fan of those. So I hold on tight, and he soars through the woods.
"You know where you're going?" I ask, having to raise my voice a little for him to hear over the wind.
"Mostly!" Swift Wind announces with confidence. "It's usually in about the same spot, so it shouldn't be too hard to find!"
"Oh, how… reassuring." I think about his words.
The flying horse insists otherwise, "I can feel your doubt. I assure you, it is misplaced."
"Yeah, let's hurry up and find this Razz."
It isn't too long of a flight. A few twists and turns through the maze that is the Whispering Woods, and Swift Wind starts insisting more and more that he knows where we're going. I'm not truly doubtful, since he implied he's been speaking with this lady multiple times. However, I'm more so doubtful of what this conversation will actually accomplish.
Still, the little tree-cottage comes into view after only a few moments. Swift Wind lands in front of the cottage, proudly announcing, "I told you, here we are!"
I climb off of him, looking at the decrepit shack. "Someone lives here?"
"Yes!" He boasts, trotting forward and using his horn to push aside the fabric that acts as the cottage's door. "Razz, she's here!"
He steps aside, allowing a lady to step through. She seems old, wearing ragged clothes, bulky glasses, and she's bringing a broom out with her. "Hmm? Oh, hello Swift Wind, so nice of you to stop by again today."
"Well, this is my first time being here today but thank you!"
"Um, hello Razz. I'm… a friend of Swift Wind here, I think." I approach her, holding out my hand.
Razz squints at me, adjusting her glasses. "Oh, Mara! Of course you are. How are you, dearie? How long has it been?"
I look over at Swift Wind, who shrugs. "Um, Razz? I'm Adora. And… I've never met you before."
"Oh, don't be silly Mara You and Swift Wind here come to visit Madame Razz all the time."
I step closer to her, cautiously. "Are you okay ma'am?"
"Madame Razz is always okay, silly. It's always good to hear from you, dearie, it's been a while since we talked."
"Again, I don't know you. I was told you know me, but apparently Swift Wind was wrong."
Swift Wind perks up, taking a few steps closer. "I was not! Razz, tell Adora here that you know She-Ra."
"Why would she not know I know She-Ra? Of course you are She-Ra, you have the sword and the companion."
I rub the bridge of my nose. "You're still- okay, Razz, what can you tell me about Mara?"
"You always ask such silly questions." Razz steps closer, tapping my shoulder with a broom. "Oh, but…" Razz stops talking as she steps closer, as if inspecting me again. "Oh, now this is different."
"What, what are you talking about?"
"You aren't supposed to be wearing that, dearie. Why are you wearing that?"
My eyes follow hers, to the Force Captain badge over my shirt. "I'm sorry? It's my badge."
Razz scoffs at that, removing it from my shirt.
"Hey!" I try to grab it back, but she hits my forehead with the broom and steps back.
"She-Ra should not be fighting against Etheria! You aren't Mara, Mara would never turn against this planet!"
"I didn't- I never said I was Mara! I'm Adora. Now give the badge back." I straighten my posture, my eyes scanning her. She clearly isn't a threat, but I'm more worried about how Swift Wind whines to our side, looking agitated.
"Adora… no, you cannot be Adora either."
I blink at her, processing her words. "Wait, so you do know me?"
"I know She-Ra. I do not know you."
"Is she always like this?" I ask Swift Wind.
"Pretty much." He sighs, starting to pace slightly in the clearing in front of Razz's cottage.
I watch him for a moment, as he trots in a manner that implies he is cautious. My gaze shifts back over to the old lady. I swipe back my badge, putting it back on my shirt. "How do you know She-Ra?"
"Again with the silly questions. Why would Razz not know She-Ra? She-Ra saved Etheria!"
"Mara? I doubt it. Light Hope said Mara was compromised."
Razz perks up a little. "Light Hope? Oh, the mean ghost. I never liked her."
"I think I'd be inclined to agree…" I say quietly, crossing my arms. She definitely seems to know things. Light Hope being a ghost probably isn't far off given her transparent appearance. If so… this lady really does know Mara? "So, She-Ra is the savior of Etheria?"
"She was, before she disappeared. Mara took away the stars to save Etheria. She would be disappointed in you."
I scoff at her accusation. "And how would you know? You know nothing about me."
Razz turns to face me, stepping closer. "I know you more than enough, Adora. We have spoken many times, in many places, on many subjects. But it is not often I see you in this way: bitter over your own self-induced confusion." She taps the badge with the end of her broom. "I have seen you give into despair. Much more often, I have seen you embrace life and hope. Yet now… you are too scared to do either."
I smack away the broom. "No, you don't know me. This is the first time we've ever spoken. So don't act like you know me." I make my voice stern. This lady is crazy… yet she sounds so sure. I grab my right wrist with my left to stop the slight shaking that started. I need to hold strong.
"Adora…" Swift Wind murmurs from beside us. I ignore him.
Razz shakes her head. "The first for you. Not for me. I do know you. I know you have a choice to make. Unlike Swift Wind here, I know you'll make the right one."
"What?" I look at Swift Wind. "What does she mean?"
He steps back a little. "Look, Adora… I think we should talk about what you want to do. I mean, I can understand the whole 'liberation' thing. It's amicable, but… you know that's not what you're doing."
"You told me yourself exactly what I'm doing: I have people I need to watch out for."
"Adora, I know you well enough from our link to know that there's too much going on for this to just be about protecting people. You're more than upset, you're frustrated."
"Don't I have a right to be!?" I raise my voice, leaning forward and letting go of my wrist.
"I know you probably feel cornered between the rebels and your bosses, but-"
"No. I know what this is. I said it before, and I'll say it again. I'm not just going to be someone I'm not because you two, or the princesses, or Light Hope, or even Catra think I should be."
"You don't have to push back just because you're scared!" Swift Wind says, trying to push his point.
Razz shakes her head. "Oh, dearie. I have a pie to bake. I really do suggest you be careful, before you push away those you wish to protect." Razz turns around, heading into her cottage. "Later, Swift Wind and Mara."
"I'm not- ugh! Nevermind, good. I'm done here. I hope you're happy Swift Wind, because this was a waste of time."
Swift Wind sighs, looking down a bit. "You know what? I agree." He picks his head up, stepping closer. "You can always call if you need me."
"Yeah… thanks." I say dryly.
He exhales quickly, before turning around. "I'm gonna go now."
I sigh, turning around. This is going to be a fun walk.
"Okay… bye." Swift Wind says, taking off.
I pause, looking back over my shoulder. Maybe… no. I go back to walking. I don't need to listen to them. I definitely don't need Swift Wind.
I just need to keep going.
Bow's POV
"I'm so sorry, I have no idea why I did that?" Glimmer says sheepishly, rubbing her neck.
I take a deep breath, my heart calming down. I give her a smile to let her know it's fine. Well, her reaction is. The situation very much isn't fine, but only because it is? Every 'lead' is just another small scare that ends up not meaning anything at all. "It's okay. Maybe we just have to call it here, then?"
"Maybe…" She sighs. "Maybe it isn't haunted, and everyone's just scaring themselves like we are."
I put a hand to my chin, thinking. "But to drive away a whole town…"
"Yeah… I just feel like we're not making any progress here."
"Well, not everything needs to be about progress. I mean, the war has been a bit of a standstill since Bright Moon. Yeah, we're winning a bunch of small battles here and there, or avoiding conflict altogether, but not every part of the frontlines is so quiet. And we haven't been able to watch everywhere."
Glimmer takes a deep breath. "Well it helps when your best friend is out of the fight, or when you're mostly relegated to recon missions at Dryl or surveillance all the way up in the Northern Reach."
"Is it bad Angella doesn't send us to the front lines? I mean, it isn't like the Horde sends their best to the woods. Hence, Adora's team also being up at the Northern Reach." I say.
Glimmer rolls her eyes, and turns to take a few steps through the abandoned town. "I get that, but I feel like we could really be making a difference if mom just let us go where we're needed."
"They have too many numbers. It's always been hit and retreat, it's the only way to deal with them. When they stretch thin, we disrupt. Or evacuate where they have a heavier presence." I follow after her. The wind is still blowing through the trees in an almost unnatural way. But it still helps to talk to remind ourselves that we're not alone in this creepy, maybe haunted town. So the conversation keeps moving.
"I still think we need to take the fight back to them. Actually start assembling the princesses more instead of just reacting."
"Well, our 'reacting' is certainly going a lot better than it was last year…"
"And since last year, all we have managed to do is maintain the status quo, constantly undoing all the problems that Adora is constantly causing for us!" Glimmer throws her hands in the air in aggravation, before crossing her arms.
"So you wanna switch up what's working? I know it's frustrating that we haven't gotten much done, but we can't do anything too drastic." I say, reaching out and placing my hand on her shoulder. "The horde isn't expanding. We already see the signs of their war machine faltering. I mean, look at how rarely they're sending out bot swarms. They wasted a lot of resources when the woods were frozen over, resources they can't just replace from nothing."
Glimmer crosses her arms over her chest, as her eyes scan over Alwyn. "They're sitting on the Dryl Mines, and the Fright Zone factories. And every time they take a new village, they get more people to force into their ranks. It doesn't matter how good we are, they're still endless even if they're stalling."
"I disagree, actually. Hordak only has so much to throw at us, we're still making this work. Look, it isn't useless. I- I thought it was for a bit too, after Bright Moon. You told me it wasn't, that I'm not. We can still turn this around."
Glimmer looks up at me. "You were just down about She-Ra, though…"
"Not really. It-... it's tough, Glimmer. She-Ra or not. I mean, even if She-Ra was on our side I doubt it would end the war in a day. So we just need to keep moving forward." I let go of her shoulder, smiling genuinely at her.
Glimmer looks up. Her smile is more forced, but she still gives one. "Well then, we should just start with this. Figure out why this place is so creepy. The Horde and Adora and everything else can wait."
I nod, then I see something big through the tree-line behind. It's fast, pale white, and definitely airborne. "Is that a spirit?"
"I believe the phrase is, 'that's the spirit!'" Glimmer emphasizes her words by bringing her hand out, then swinging it to the other side.
I turn her around and point to the white figure rustling behind the leaves, "No, a spirit! Or a ghost? Oh no, Alwyn's really haunted?"
The figure bursts through the tree line, coming straight for us. Glimmer and I both scream, pulling each other close and I close my eyes. We may have a lifetime experience of not freezing up, but against a ghost?
The figure lands in front of us, and then nothing. Glimmer and I stop screaming. I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I open my eyes to see Glimmer staring in horror in front of us. I blink, noticing it's not exactly a look of horror though. Almost like she's in awe.
I turn back to the creature and my eyes go wide. It's a horse! And not just any horse, but our horse! "Horsey?" I ask, looking over the horse's wings, and horn. He looks completely different.
"Um, actually, I'm Swift Wind." Swift Wind says, sounding annoyed.
This prompts another round of screaming for us. Glimmer keeps pointing, "he can talk!"
"Our horse can talk!"
Swift Winds snorts, seemingly annoyed. "I'm no one's horse, actually. I'm Swift Wind."
I'm left speechless, collecting my racing thoughts. There were few sightings of this Swift Wind since Bright Moon, except for at Plumeria and a stable house near the now reoccupied Thaymor. Bright Moon hasn't had the people to ensure the horse was okay. But he's here now? And talking? "You, you're okay?"
"You really can fly?" Glimmer asks, also enthralled in the seemingly magical horse.
"Yeah, yes, I'm okay. I've been living a very fulfilling life since gaining conscious thought. Eating hay, apples, freeing other horses from servitude…"
I share a look with Glimmer, as she raises an eyebrow. I look back. "You've just been… about?"
"No, I haven't. I've been doing things. Important things! But things are getting complicated." Swift Wind says, starting to pace in front of us.
"What do you mean?" Glimmer asks.
"I talked to Adora."
I tense up a bit, and I can see Glimmer become visibly agitated. "You… talked to Adora?"
Swift Wind nods. "Okay, I'm sort of She-Ra's steed. I'm supposed to help her, and-"
Glimmer interrupts, "help Adora? She's working to destroy Etheria!"
"I know! I can't help her. I tried to help her! I took her to see someone, in the woods."
"Adora's in the woods again?" I ask, tensing up.
"No! Well, yes. Kind of." Swift Wind keeps walking back and forth. "I tried to get someone to talk sense into Adora. To see what She-Ra is supposed to be. I know what she knows, but… I also spent my first conscious days with true, serene freedom. And my whole previous life was lived nearly completely peacefully in stables. Which would've been nice, if the stables were more like Inns and less like prisons but… sorry, off topic. The point is… I don't know if Adora can be reasoned with!"
"Actually, that's a lot of what I've been saying." Glimmer says, turning to me.
"Hey, it's not that simple!" I say defensively.
"I know," Swift Wind says. "Adora just wants to protect those she cares about. But she's been so twisted up by her limited life experience…"
"Yeah, I'm sure Adora is a very noble person." Glimmer says, crossing her arms.
"She thinks everyone is out to manipulate her!" Swift Wind says. "Probably because she has been her whole life…" he muses.
"What does that mean?" I ask.
"It means she's bitter and untrustworthy. She won't listen to Razz and I, she wouldn't listen to Light Hope, the only person she's listening to is someone she thinks she's defying."
"Light Hope?" I ask quietly. "It's been a long time since Glimmer and I talked to her…"
Swift Wind nods. "I'm pretty sure I was there the last time you were, but outside. Light Hope is freaking out about something involving spiking energy reading from the Fright Zone. I don't think she wanted to tell me, though, but she keeps saying we really need to stop Adora and it's making me conflicted because I'm supposed to be her loyal steed but I can't be loyal to that!" He says, speaking faster.
"Hey, calm down. It's okay. We've been working on ideas for a while." I say.
"Do you have anything?"
Glimmer sighs, "no."
"Then we need to figure out what's going on, and why Light Hope is freaking out!" Swift Wind says, anxiously.
"Okay, okay. Any ideas?"
Swift Wind shakes his head, but then perks up. "Mara! Razz and Light Hope keep talking about this Mara, someone important. Light Hope thinks something going on leads back to her. We need to find information about this Mara person!"
"Who's Mara?"
Swift Wind looks over at us and proudly announces, "I don't know! Something about the last She-Ra."
"The last…" my eyes go wide. "Wait, I can help us figure this out! I, uh… sort of know of a library that could contain loads of stuff about the First One's, and stuff on the She-Ra legends!"
Glimmer looks over, "really?"
I gulp. "Yeah! It's uh… I'll tell you later. Swift Wind, we're gonna work through this. How about you stick around Bright Moon? Glimmer and I will finish up here and then I can work on figuring out this Mara thing."
I can tell Glimmer is a little confused at my evasiveness, I can see her staring at me.
"Oh, what's going on here?" Swift Wind asks.
"This town is maybe haunted and Glimmer and I are trying to figure out why everyone left."
Swift Wind chuckles. "Oh, that's fair. You know, I was wondering why I was hearing things from that big pointy thing," he says, looking over at a monument, or spire.
"The big pointy-..." I turn, thinking. I start walking towards the spire. "Hearing things… whispers…" I look over the symbols, then down at the lines in the ground. I've seen these lines before…
"Bow, look out!" Glimmer teleports to my side, pulling me back. I stumble, catch my footing, and look up to see a few pale, wispy shapes around the spire.
"Ohh… I don't like ghosts!" Swift Wind whines.
I hold my hand out in a stop motion in front of Glimmer, and gently move her arm off of me. "Hang on, Glimmer, look at the ground. The patterns. They almost look like…"
"The Crystal Castle."
"First One's tech." I say, the same sentiment.
"Oh, I see it!" Swift Wind says, slowly moving forward.
I put my hand down, pulling out my tracker-pad. "So if my tracker-pad is acting up, making those ghosts-"
"-aren't ghosts at all." Glimmer finishes.
"It's a… beacon." I realize. I start walking towards it.
"A beacon for what?" Glimmer asks.
Swift Wind trots up between Glimmer and I. "Creepy noises?"
"I don't think so… it's like a message. That started up around the time the planet was off balance… the mess probably threw a bunch of old First One's tech off, and turned this on."
Glimmer excitedly perks up, "ooh, and the three moons of enchantment are nearing alignment this week, making all magic-"
"And tech powered by magic, which may not be entirely separate, again-"
"-stronger than they were originally!"
"That's why the townsfolk must've fled recently!"
"So… not creepy?" Swift Wind asks.
I affirm his question with, "I'm thinking not creepy."
Swift lets out a relieved sigh. "Okay, cool. Not that I was worried or anything. So, what, you just shut it down?"
"I'm… not sure how I'd do that."
Glimmer puts a hand to her chin, walking up towards the beacon. "Wow, these transmissions really do look like… people." She isn't wrong. The closer we get to the beacon, the more these things seem like…
"Holograms, from the beacon… then these… are First Ones?"
Glimmer nods. "I wouldn't be surprised. This must've been from before they left, a thousand years ago… in a way, they really are ghosts."
"Trying to get a message out… that will never be heard." I look down. It feels weird to pay respects to a group of people you'll never know, where there are probably no records of who they were. But it's still a bitter feeling.
"Well… let's just turn it off." Glimmer says.
"We can try. Too bad we can't read the First One's writing…"
Swift Wind turns to face me, but since he was standing between Glimmer and I he only manages to push his head against me. "Wait, you can't read this?"
"You can?"
He snorts slightly. "Duh, I can. That's how I can get into the Crystal Castle. How did you two manage it?"
"We- I-, you were there! Kind of. We went in as Adora left?"
"Oh yeah." Swift Wind turns to the beacon, approaching this. "Don't worry, it'll be easy." He leans his head forward, pressing his horn to the beacon. It turns off, the surrounding wisps of what were once people fading into nothingness.
"Bye…" Glimmer murmurs.
I pull out my tracker-pad, "hey, it works again! Uh, thanks for the help, Swift Wind. Sorry about the whole keeping you in a stable thing, I guess?"
"Ah, don't worry about it. You were cool, you fed me apples. The stable attendees that usually watched over me mostly gave me hay. Which is still good, but like, you can only eat so much hay without wanting an apple, you know?"
"I can't say I do, but I get the sentiment." I tell him.
"Well, it was nice meeting you two for the second first time. Good luck with the Mara research!"
"Take care, Swift Wind," Glimmer tells him.
Swift Wind gives a nod, then takes off up through the trees, into the night sky.
"... that was weird, right?" I ask Glimmer.
"Totally. Now let's get home."
I nod, turning down to my tracker-pad. "At least now, we'll have a map to… huh." I stare down at a strange signal. Whatever it is is so faint I can't trace it, but yet strong enough to be interfering with my tracker-pad.
"What is it?"
"I don't know, it's too weak of a signal, but it's being sent out by something strong, probably far away. Maybe I can figure it out back at Bright Moon?"
Glimmer takes a look at the screen and shrugs. "Yeah, probably for the best. And since I barely used any magic this time, it shouldn't take long to get home. We gotta tell my mom that we can tell the people it's safe to come back anyway." She puts her arm over my shoulders, smiling. And suddenly, we're not in Alwyn.
