Episode 5 Weight To Bare
Hordak's eyes shimmered with the faint flicker of the computer screen in front of him. The text upon the screen softly reflected in his eyes, which had finally returned to their deep crimson. His metallic finger tips clicked away at the keypad in front of him, mind combing over mountains of data. It was a multitude of information, data logs from primes vessels, cargo manifests, star charts, technology recovery reports, and more. His mind was in a deep fog, the numbers, letters, and other data points flowing over him like the tide of the sea.
From the hall behind him, Entrapta walked in, wiping her eyes of sleep. She took a moment to admire the space around them. It was a room converted inside one of primes control towers. What scientific equipment could be recovered had been brought in. They were not fully equipped-Entrapta would have really liked biochemical analyzer and a robotics table-but it would do for now. Their main job was collecting data, and studying prime's technology so that it would benefit Etheria as a whole.
"Good morning Hordak." she greeted, walking over to stand behind him. "Have you been up all night?"
"I took several injections of nutrients, and energizing proteins. I do not require sleep."
Entrapta frowned. "Okay, I know this is a bit hypocritical coming from me. But, you have to take a break from research. Even I took a four hour nap. Though, perhaps I should work on a normal sleep schedule." She pulled out her recording device. "Miscellaneous logs 556 try to work an 8 hour rotation of sleep into my studies." She quickly put the device away. "Anyway, the point is, you need rest."
"I am fine Entrapta." he insisted. "There is far too much work that needs to be done."
"Will you at least take a break to have some tiny breakfast?" She produced a plate topped with a stack of tiny pancakes. "For me?"
Hordak growled, and let out a long sigh. "Very well. But may I at least request normal sized nutrition?"
"You'll learn to love tiny food someday, but I will acquiesce."
Entrapta scurried off, humming to herself as she headed toward their small kitchen. She had converted several of Horde Prime's robots to be her chefs. They were even complete with little chef hats and aprons to complete the look. With a little hum she walked over to 'Julia' adjusting her settings so that she would make a normal size meal for Hordak. Once the changes were done, Entrapta turned them on with a clap of her hands, making Julia and 'Gordon' spring to life, quickly beginning to work on the pair's meal.
When Entrapta returned to the lab, she found Hordak still tapping away at his computer. Without warning she grabbed the back of his chair, and pulled it along, rolling it down the hall to the dining area. Hordak simply grumbled to himself, arms crossed as Entrapta situated him at the table, before patting him on the head. He blushed a little, letting out a soft grumble. which made Entrapta snicker. Gordon, and Julia soon arrived with their breakfast, a plate of pancakes, sausage and eggs. All of them tiny and in multitudes for Entrapta. She adored the tiny pancakes, flipping them into her mouth like little coins. Hordak looked down at his meal for a moment still not used to foods with actual flavor. After a bit of hesitation he took a bite of pancake and and hummed in satisfaction. He then dug in ravenously, shoveling mouthful after mouthful, and barely stopping to chew.
Entrapta pulled out her recorder. "Social enrichment log 14, add table manners to the to do for social norms."
As she put the device away, Hordak finished his meal and stood from his seat. "Thank you for the meal, Entrapta, I will return to work now."
Entrapta opened her mouth as Hordak headed out of the dining room, but her words caught in her throat. She sighed heavily, pulling out the device again.
"Social enrichment log 15. I am beginning to feel a strange sensation after an extended period of not properly interacting with Hordak. Perhaps I should consult someone about this phenomenon." She paused for a moment. "Addendum to log 15 I will take this chance to 'get some fresh air' as they call it."
Glimmer groaned as she looked over the mountains of scrolls and data reports. They were laid out in front of a massive map, which displayed the locations of her companions. As well as the locations of settlements, and roads between said settlements. It was honestly a logistic nightmare even with all the delegation she was doing. The reports on supplies of building materials alone made her eyes glaze over. Not to mention all the messages, and missives from the various merchants, mayors, and other leaders about creating trade routes or requesting meetings or some other political favor.
"I think If this goes on for much longer my brain is going to leak out of my ears." she groaned.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door, before King Micah entered the chamber. He was carrying a tray of fresh tea, and snacks. He gave his daughter an awkward smile, and moved toward the table, using his magic to make some space. Glimmer returned his soft smile, before taking one of the cups off the tray.
"I thought you could use a pick me up."
Glimmer sighed, letting the calming sensation flow through her body. "Aaah, yeah I needed that."
An awkward silence hung in the air between the two before King Micha spoke up. "Listen, Glimmer, about the other day at the celebration. I...I was out of line. That was not the time and place to bring up my grievances. I just..." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Its because of that monster that I lost so much time with you and your mother. I can't let that go."
Glimmer nodded, setting down her cup. "Its okay dad. You don't have to let it go. I just want us all to try and move on I suppose. If we linger in the past, we'll lose sight of the bright future in front of us. No one should feel guilty for still holding hatred for the horde." She gripped her cup. "I certainly still have mine. But, I'm trying to put them aside for a better Brightmoon, a better Etheria. Besides, I think if everyone knew that I made a mistake that nearly cost us our entire world, they would hate me too."
Micah frowned an pulled up a chair next to her. "I heard about that. When you tried to use the Heart Of Etheria. I can't judge you for that, truthfully because if I were in your position, I might have made the exact same decision."
"That doesn't make it right." Glimmer snapped back, slamming her fist on the table. Her body then sagged. "Sorry. I'm just don't want to try and gloss over my mistakes. That'd be too easy. I can't take the easy road anymore. As much as I want to."
Micah placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I know sweetheart. You're doing your best. I'm very proud of you. I don't fully agree with all your decisions but they are your decisions to make, not mine."
She sighed, and smiled at him. "I know Dad. But I do appreciate your advice. A good queen listens to those around them after all."
"Wise words, my Glimmer."
The two shared a brief moment of silence before there was another knock at the door. Glimmer groaned but beckoned them in all the same. A moment later Castaspella entered through the door and smiled.
"Oh, there you two are." she said, walking over. "I had a feeling you two were together." She looked between the two. "Oooh, did someone finally have a nice talk?"
"Yes, we did." Micah said, rolling his eyes at sister. "You haven't changed much since we were kids. Nosey as always."
"Well, forgive me for being worried about you two." she harrumphed, putting a hand to her chest in mock insult.
"Well, I certainly appreciate the worry auntie." Glimmer replied. "Would you like to join us for tea? I was just about to take a break from all this paperwork."
"Oh I'd be delighted." Castaspella answered, before taking a seat.
The three began to exchange pleasantries as Micah poured a cup for his sister. Once again, however, it didn't take long before they were interrupted once again. Glimmer simply rolled her eyes growling inwardly before beckoning them in with exasperation. The room suddenly went dead silent, as another Castaspella entered the room. Glimmer and Micah's eyes widened and they glanced between the two Castaspellas as they stared at each other. Eventually the Castaspella at the table let out a heavy sigh.
"Welp, looks like the jig is up." Her voice had become deeper, eyes changing to green. A flash of similarly green light surrounded her, leaving a tall green, reptilian humanoid in her place.
"Double Trouble." Glimmer growled, narrowing her eyes at him.
"The one and only." they smiled, taking a sip of their tea. "Ooh, you can brew a mean cup your majesty."
"What is the meaning of this?!" Castaspella roared, summoning a magical glyph.
"That's what I'd like to know." Micah added, glaring at them.
"Relax. I was just showing off my skills." Double Trouble assured. "Glimmer is more than familiar with my abilities, aren't you?"
"Get to the point Double Trouble. What do you want." Glimmer said, crossing her arms.
"Why, I want to be in your employ of course, your majesty." they answered, standing to their feet. "i think you could use someone of my talents. Someone adept at espionage and gathering information."
"You call that cheap parlor trick talent?" Castaspella scoffed.
"That cheap parlor trick was more than enough to fool your brother and Glimmer." they retorted, which made Castaspella growl in her throat. "I can do so much more though. Allow me to demonstrate." With a flash of green they transformed into Shadow Weaver. "A familiar face, is it not, my king?"
"A face that I never wished to see." he hissed, standing from his seat.
"Oh, my mistake. The perhaps you would prefer something a little more, comforting?"
Double Trouble stood back, and was once again wrapped in that emerald green light. They grew taller, skin transforming into lavender tone. Long flowing locks of purple, and light pink hair flowed down her shoulders and past her lower back. Gossamer angelic wings spread out from her back. Micah froze, as Glimmer and Castaspella stared in wide eyed shock.
"Is this better, my Micah~" The voice was oh so familiar, that gentle soothing tone that held a deep graceful presence. A presence that demanded attention and awe.
Micah's eyes rimmed with tears as he took a step forward. "Angella?"
"Yes dear, come. Let me hold you." the false Angella smiled.
Before Micah could take another step forward, Double Trouble was blasted by a bolt of arcane energy. They went flying back, slamming into the wall behind them. Micah, and Castaspella turned toward the source of blast, and saw Glimmer, her eyes burning with cold fury.
"if you don't want be blasted into a pile of ash, you will change back." she warned. "Now. I will not have you speak with my mother's voice for another instant!"
Double Trouble groaned in pain, and slipped back into their true form. "Alright, alright. Point taken. I did prove my skill though. Imagine the kind of chaos I could sow for your enemies hmm?"
Glimmer narrowed her eyes and formed a glyph, trapping Double Trouble in a magical barrier. Castaspella followed suit, creating a second layer around the first. Double Trouble simply shrugged and crossed their arms, waiting for the three to deliberate. Once she was sure the shapshifter couldn't escape, Glimmer turned to her father and approached. Gently she placed a hand on his shoulder which he quickly covered with his own.
"I'm alright. I...just wasn't ready is all." he assured.
"I don't think anyone could have been ready for that." Castaspella pointed out.
Micah nodded and the three moved to the other side of the room. "So, what should we do with them?"
"I say throw them out or imprison them in Mystacor." Castaspella suggested.
"They're very dangerous. They can't be allowed to roam free with that kind of power." Micah pointed out.
Glimmer hummed in thought for a moment. "Then I say we take their offer."
"Are you insane?" Castaspella exclaimed. "We can't trust them!"
"Exactly. They are dangerous and could cause all kinds of chaos but like they said we could use that to our advantage."
Micah shook his head. "I don't like it Glimmer. We can't assure they won't turn on us for the highest bidder."
Glimmer suddenly got a wicked idea. "No, but we could make it so they can't lie to us. I have an idea."
Double Trouble looked at their fingernails as they heard the hushed conversation from the across the room. Thanks to the barrier they couldn't really make out the details and with them huddled together they couldn't read lips either. They didn't have to wait too much longer before their meeting broke up and Glimmer approached.
"So, what's the deal, your majesty?" they asked, giving Glimmer a smug smile.
"We'll accept your offer, on one condition." Glimmer replied, holding up a finger.
"I was expecting more than just one but go on."
"We will only let you work for us if you are placed under a conditional truth spell. The spell will only work if you agree to it. But once its placed on you it will never be removed and you can never lie while in my or my father's presence."
Double Trouble's eyes widened a little. "Isn't that a bit drastic?"
"Its either that, or you spend the rest of your life locked in a magical cell on Mystacor." Glimmer replied crossing her arms.
"And what crime did I commit exactly?"
"Impersonating a member of the royal family." Micah answered with a cold edge to his voice.
Double Trouble laughed nervously and swallowed. "You know in hindsight that wasn't my smartest decision."
"That's an understatement." Castaspella said with a glare.
"What's it gonna be?" Glimmer asked.
After several moments of contemplation the changeling sighed. "Fine. I'll agree to this truth spell. But I had better be getting good benefits for working here."
The three ignored their comment, and Castaspella worked together with her brother. The two formed a complex glyph, modifying the existing truth spell. They spoke an incantation in unison before sending the glyph flying forward. It appeared on Double Trouble's tongue glowing with magical light before dissipating. Glimmer and Castaspella then dismissed their barriers as the queen walked forward.
"Welcome aboard." she said with a smug smile.
Catra groaned as she walked through the door to her and Adora's room. Melog followed right behind her, quickly moving toward a nice sunny spot to lay down. Catra had just returned from another away mission, dealing with the logistics of more repairs. It had been several days since she had been in Brightmoon proper and she was happy to be home. As she lay down on the bed that last word slowly sunk in. This was her home. This room, this castle, with Adora and all her friends new and old. It was her home, that thought was very alien but also strangely comforting.
After a few moments of laying on the sheets she stood up to go take a shower. Once clean she flopped back onto the bed and looked over at the very empty spot next to her. She sighed, and sulked for a few moments before moving over to the bookshelf. With some alone time, she decided to continue her investigation into the poetry Adora liked. The sappy romantic poetry that Catra did not like at all. Nope. Absolutely not. She took a moment to recall where she had left off and curled up in the bed, holding the book close.
'Oh you are my stars.
Your light brightens my world,
even on a moonless night.
You are the song of my heart.
Your voice is a melody,
that makes my entire soul dance.
My love for you is like a forge.
Even a moment of your presence,
keeps it stoked, and burning hotter than flame.
My desire to see you is deeper than the ocean.
You are like the endless river,
that flows into vast sea of my passion.
You are my infinty, my everything.'
Catra's sharp ears suddenly caught the sound of approaching footsteps. She jumped in surprise and quickly rushed over to put the book back in its place. It only took moments after that before Adora came bursting through the door, stretching her muscles. She seemed to immediately perk up when she saw Catra and the feline did the same. Adora practically sprinted over to Catra, nearly barreling her over as she grabbed her, picking her up in rough hug.
"Oh its so good to see you!" Adora exclaimed.
Catra blushed and tried to wiggle free. "Okay, okay. Its good to see you too, dummy." She couldn't help but gigle as the last few words fell from her lips.
Adora laughed in return and spun Catra before flopping onto the bed next to her. "So, how did things go? Tell me everything."
"They went fine." Catra said with a shrug, before sitting up. "Just ya know, lots of 'put those logs there' and 'no that stone goes two houses down'. That sort of thing." Her ears flattened and she took a moment sigh. "I...also ran into Lonnie, Kyle, and Rohelio."
Adora blinked in surprised and beamed. "Really? Were they okay? Where are they now?"
"Okay, okay one question at a time." Catra said, holding up both hands. "They seemed fine when we met. They've been traveling across Etheria in a horde transport unit since they left. It was probably sometime around when Etheria was pulled out of Despondos when they did. Me and Scorpia helped them fix up the thing after they had a run in with an elemental."
"Well, I'm glad to hear they're alright." Adora said with a smile. "Also, I'm very proud of you for helping them. I know that must have been a lot for you to ya know, confront them."
Catra sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Yeah. It was wierd though. They were nice to me? I mean, well, Kyle was nice to me and I think Rohelio was also being nice. Its hard to tell since I can only undersand half of what he says. Lonnie was not as forgiving. I don't really blame her. I kinda treated them like shit when I was still in charge of the horde."
Adora rubbed her back soothingly. "Hey, you can't keep beating yourself up like that. You're trying thats what matters."
"Lonnie said something similar before she left." Catra said, her eyes seeming lost. "But, I don't know how I feel about that. Its just wierd being forgiven or even like given a chance I guess." She let out a sigh and tried to shake off her negative thoughts. "Anyway, I appreciate the support."
"Anytime."
Catra then suddenly remembered something. "Oh right, I forgot to mention. Imp was there."
Adora quirked a brow. "Imp?"
"Yeah, they had him in like a little baby harness? It was weird. Also apparently Lonnie, Kyle and Rohelio are in relationship."
"Like, all three of them are in a relationship, together?"
Catra nodded. "Yeah, Scorpia told me it's something called polyamory. And when three or more people are all in relationship its called a polycule. Or something like that."
"Huh. Thats...a lot to unpack." Adora said blinking. "I never even considered the idea of being with more than one person."
"Yeah. I barely understand being with one person let alone two or three or more. Good for them though."
"Yeah. I'm happy for them."
Bow scanned over his data pad, looking over all the inventory for the technology gathered so far. It was mostly robots, and weapons, all of them either being moved to dismantling or repurposing. There was still some debate on what exactly should be done with all of it but some agreements had been found. Such as creating perimeter cannons around Brightmoon and arming guards with equipment that combined Etheria's magic and science. The latter was still in the development stages but the former was easy enough just repurpose from old horde tech. Bow considered taking a few choice items for his own personal use. He could never have too many tech arrows.
Entrapta walked into the room, looking around at the piles of crates. She was about to approach Bow but was quickly distracted by one of the many robots around the room. She had been experimenting on a few in her lab but she never got tired of marveling at their build. She took a quick log about using the same basic blueprint to create an advanced humanoid machine of her own.
Bow caught her movements out of the corner of his eye. "Entrapta? When did you get here?"
The scientist blinked and clicked off her recorder. "Oh just a moments ago. I was coming to talk to you but I got a teensy bit distracted by my thoughts on a personal project."
Bow chuckled a little. "I see. So, what did you wanna talk to me about?"
"I came to ask for some social advice. I am still learning about reading social cues and navigating the difficulties of friendship. I thought you might be one of the best people to ask for advice regarding the subject."
Bow teared up a little. "It makes me so happy to have someone come to me for advice." He took a moment to gather himself. "So, what did ya need?"
"Well you see I'm worried about Hordak." Entrapta began pressing her hair fingers together. "He's been working for long stretches without sleep. He only eats and drinks the minium amount required to sustain himself. I also don't think he's been outside once for over a week. Even I would get some fresh air every other day." She frowned deeply. "He also won't really talk to me or anyone really."
Bow hummed in thought, putting a hand to his chin. "Sounds like he's trying to avoid everyone by focusing on his work. After what happened at the festival I don't really blame him for feeling that way. Maybe he thinks the only way he can try and make things right is by working."
"But working himself to death isn't going to help anyone. He's just cutting himself off from people. Its not healthy." She let out a heavy sigh. "I should know."
Bow put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey its gonna be okay." He thought for a moment before an idea struck him. "Maybe a smaller social gathering would help him. The party might have been a bit much for someone who has never done anything resembling social events. He needs to be eased into it, feel comfortable and welcome."
"I see yes that makes sense. I'm not quite sure what constitutes a small social gathering though."
"A dinner party might work." Bow suggested. "With like four or five people. I can definitely come and I'll ask Glimmer."
"Oooh is this what is known as a double date? I've heard of those."
"I suppose." Bow shrugged.
"Then if I invite Catra and Adora it can be a triple date! Delightful!" Entrapta exclaimed, clapping her hands. "I'll have to make arrangements. Please inform me if Glimmer is amicable to this arrangment."
"Uuuh sure thing." Bow replied as Entrapta began to take her leave. "Why do I have a feeling this is going to be a very awkward dinner?" He paused for a moment. "And now I'm talking to myself. Again."
"Absolutley not." Catra hissed, eyes narrowed at Entrapta.
"Did I not offer the mathematically perfect amount of pleases?" Entrapta asked with a frown.
"You could say please to till I'm ancient and gray the answer is still no."
"Oh come on Catra don't be like that." Adora said moving in behind her and placing both her hands on her shoulders. "How can you say no to Entrapta's cute widdle face?"
"I've calculated that my endearing factor is higher than average."
Catra's ear flicked "I said no. Why in Etheria's name would I want to go to a dinner party with Hordak of all people?"
"Cause Entrapta is our friend and we want to help?" Adora offered with a smile.
Catra did not budge.
Adora then slipped past Catra whispering something Entrapta's ear. Catra quirked a brow as Adora gave a thumbs up. After taking a moment to clear her throat, she put on her best puppy dog eyes, Adora mirroring her.
"Pleeeeease won't you do it for us?" they cooed in unison.
Catra's eye twitched. "That's a dirty tactic and you know it." Adora somehow made her eyes sparkle. "Okay okay just lay off the puppy dog look! That thing should be considered a weapon of mass destruction."
"Told ya it would work." Adora grinned, high fiving Entrapta.
"I fail to see why we are doing this." Hordak remarked as Entrapta helped Gordon and Julia in the kitchen. "I should be working in my lab. Not wasting my time on this frivolous dinner party."
Entrapta put on the puppy dog eyes Adora taught her. "You're doing it for me."
"I despise this puppy dog eye technique." Hordak growled. "It is most effective."
Entrapta giggled, and patted his head. "Listen. We both agreed we would learn better social skills. You can't learn social skills if you aren't willing to engage in a social environment. So, we create a small controlled environment where any negative results can be kept to a minimum. Its just like starting small scale in an engineering project."
"I suppose." Hordak said after a moment of thought.
"Besides. I think you need this." Entrapta continued giving him a genuine smile. "As someone who spent most of their life cooped up in a lab with no real friends. I can say that actually engaging with people has been most enriching. After all if I never left my lab I would never have met you."
Hordak blushed at that and cleared his throat. "I see your point. If this really means hat much to you. I will try. Though I am still unsure what one does at a dinner party."
"Well as far as I understand its simply about eating good food and conversing with friends. We'll be learning together. It will be fun. We'll collect lots of social data."
There was suddenly a knock at the door and Entrapa clapped her hands excitedly. She quickly rushed over to answer, finding Bow, and Glimmer waiting for her. She gestured inside, and the two took a moment to take in the space. Entrapta had converted part of the control tower into a kitchen. Or rather what Entrapta thought was homey. All her pots and pans and other appliances had either been modified or made by Entrapta herself. There was even a small sign hanging on the wall that said 'Lab Sweet Lab.'" Gordon and Julia were nearby, finishing up some final touches.
"Please come in. Make yourselves comfy." Entrapta said, gesturing to the small sitting area adjacent to the kitchen.
"Wow, you really spruced this place up." Bow commented admiring the appliances. "Whats that do?"
"Oh this? Its a third prototype for something I like to call a 'cooling box'." Entrapta answered. "It keeps foods fresh for storage by creating an enclosed and chilled enviroment."
"Wow." Bow opened up the box, eyes widening when he saw massive icicles forming on the inside.
"I maaaaay have to tweak the temperature settings. But science is nothing without trial and error."
"Well, its still impressive." Bow laughed, before closing the fridge door. "Have you been working on anything like his, Hordak?"
"No. I have not had time for such things." Hordak answered, folding his arms behind his back. "I have been busy deciphering Prime's logs. Star charts, status reports, cargo and supply shipments and so on."
"That sounds like a lot, I don't envy you." Bow said. "It sounds like you could use another person to help."
"My skills are quite sufficient."
"Oookay then."
Glimmer cleared her throat and held up a box. "I hope you don't mind I brought a cake from the castle kitchens. Its chocolate with buttercream frosting. One of my favorites. I even had the cheff make a few cupcakes." She opened the box to reveal a round doucle layer cake surrounded by a ring of cupcakes.
"Oooh thats so thoughtful. You know how much I love tiny sweets!" Entrapta exclaimed, taking the box gratefully. "I'll just set it over here so we can have it after dinner."
Bow and Glimmer were left alone with Hordak for several long moments. The air was tense, neither party knowing what to say. All three were grateful when she returned with a tray of appetizers. Which included, spinach puffs, pigs in a blanket and finger sandwhiches. All tiny of course.
"Mmm these are really good." Bow commented, impressed. "Did you make these by yourself?"
"I can't take any credit. It was Gordon and Julia's work." Entrapta replied, stuffing a spinach puff in her mouth. "I just put in the recipes and programmed them."
"Well, I think you should still be proud of yourself." Glimmer said. "I'm sure it wasn't easy reprogramming death robots into chefs."
"Well it wasn't a success first try. They have had some glitches here and there. Especially when making tiny food."
"And this why I insisted you simply make normal sized portions." Hordak sighed, though he did seem to be enjoying the appetizers despite his grouchiness.
"The rest of the food is 'normal' size." she made air qoutes with her hair. "Appetizers should be tiny."
"So, Hordak has told us what he's been working on, what about you Entrapta?" Glimmer asked "I mean other than the stuff in the kitchen.'"
"Oh, lots of things. Mostly reverse engineering all of Prime's tech. Hordak and I even had some ideas on how to use it and some of Etheria's excess magic."
"How so?" Bow asked, sounding slightly concerned.
Entrapta gave Hordak a nudge and he sighed, rolling his eyes. "All the energy that had been built up in the heart of Etheria was years worth of all the planets magic. When it was released, the natural cycle began anew but now with far more energy, that now permeates the atmosphere."
"We think we can slowly gather this excess energy." Entrapta continued." And store it in batteries of sorts for use later."
"That does sound promising. It could be a renewable source of energy." Bow said, putting a hand to his chin thoughtfully.
"I think we should be careful how much we tamper with Etheria's magic." Glimmer warned. "But if it can be done safely, I definitely see the benefit."
"Its one of many research projects Hordak and I have in the works." Entrapta smiled. "But we haven't had time to get to the practical stages since we're still busy with the cleanup efforts."
"If you have anymore potentially dangerous ideas, please bring them up with me first." Glimmer smiled back nervously
There was another knock at the door, and Entrapta rushed off to answer. The doors slid open, revealing Adora and Catra. The blonde was quick to give Entrapta a hug, as Catra stood beside her, arms crossed and ears flicking with agitation. A quick elbow from Adora forced her to at least try and give some kind of friendly greeting. Entrapta ushered the pair inside and Adora practically bear hugged Bow and Glimmer.
"Oh, it feels like I hardly see you guys lately." Adora said, setting them down.
"Yeah well, there's a lot of work to be done." Bow said with a laugh.
"A lot of paperwork." Glimmer groaned. "I have learned more about trade routes in this past week than I have in my whole life."
"Maybe you should consider adding more people to the council." Adora suggested. "Like people whose job it is to take care of this sort of thing so you don't have to handle every detail."
Glimmer hummed in thought. "That's not a bad idea."
Catra stood off to the side, glancing in Hordak's direction. "Hordak."
"Catra." he replied tersely.
Before anything could start between the two Entrapta was quick to rush in with appetizers. Adora snatched up a handful, shoveling them into her face. Catra sighed, shaking her head, taking one of her own. She then leaned in close to Adora wiping up the crumbs on her face with a napkin. Glimmer and Bow watched the exchange with their patented, 'that is so cute,sparkly eyes' look. A quick glare from Catra, however made them quickly turn away, trying to look innocent.
There was a sudden ding from the kitchen. "Dinner's ready!" Entrapta exclaimed, clapping her hands together."Hordak, would you mind helping me get out the plates?"
Hordak sighed heavily. "Very well."
"Its weird to see Hordak domestic, right?" Bow commented once the two were out of earshot.
"Its weird to see him in an capacity other than mad." Catra said.
"Yebth whenthebther I sshaab himph hissh debault embotchion wassh mabd."
"Adora, please don't talk with your mouthful." Glimmer sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
Adora swallowed audibly. "Sorry, hehe."
The four guests were soon ushered into the dining room. There was enough seating for at least ten people. Laid out on one of the tables were plates and several serving dishes. The centerpiece seemed to be a small roast, on a bed of vegetables. There was also some bun shaped bread, a cheesy root vegetable dish and a two pitchers of tea and juice respectively. Everyone was soon seated next their respective partner. With Catra right across from Hordak much to both of their chagrin.
"This all looks great Entrapta." Bow commented, looking at the full spread.
"We didn't make everything. The rolls were from the bakery." Entrapta said, as everyone began to grab their servings. "Baking is very distinctly different from cooking it seems."
"Yes. I recall your first attempt exanded so much it nearly swallowed one of the robots." Hordak commented, pouring a cup of tea.
"I didn't know the ratio of yeast to flour was so important." Entrapta shrugged. "I'm still finding bits of dough in Gordon's machinery."
Glimmer noticed Catra glaring daggers at Hordak and cleared her throat. "So, Catra, I just got your report today. You've been doing great work."
Catra blinked, taking a moment to process the information. "Oh, um, thanks Sparkles. Its honestly a lot easier than managing supplies for the horde."
"You did have an aptitude for logistics Catra." said Hordak. "Once you actually discerned how our supply chains worked."
Catra's ear twitched in annoyance. "And you had an 'apptitude ' for delegating all the actual work to me while you sulked in your lab."
Hordak narrowed his eyes, as the two stared each other down. Adora was quick to grab Catra's shoulder, making the feline sigh and return her focus to her meal. Though she and Hordak occasionally glanced coldly at each other. Even Entrapta could sense the tension and offered everyone more drinks, trying to make polite conversation. Bow was thankfully their for the save.
"This roast is really good, my dads would probably love to have the recipe."
"Oh, I'll be sure to send you the files to your datapad." She noticed Hordak going for seconds and smiled. "It seems you're not the only one who likes it."
Hordak blushed a little, and cleared his throat. "Yes. Well, the dinner is...quite delectable."
Entrapta snickered, turning to the others. "He's still getting used to real food."
"Hah, that's not shocking considering the rations he used to make us eat!" Catra exclaimed.
"Those rations were made to have a sufficient amount of nutrition for the day." Hordak retorted.
"Yeah, and they tasted like chalk!"
"Except for the gray ones. those were the best." Adora sighed. "Is it a little weird that I'm kinda nostalgic for them?"
"I'd say more than a 'little' weird." said Catra.
"You should have been grateful for even that." Hordak said. "Finding any amount of nutrition in the wastes and the areas around the fright zone is a herculean task."
Catra scoffed. "Grateful? Oh yeah, I'm real grateful for the 'gifts' the great Hordak graced us with."
Hordak stood from his seat. "You did not offer any complaint about my Horde when you were commanding it and conquering Etheria!"
Catra stood up as well, hackles raised. "You mean while you were cooped up in your lab, working on your little portal to communicate with your brother Horde Prime?"
"The portal that you opened despite Entrapta's warnings!" He pointed an angry finger. "After you betrayed her and I, banishing Entrapta to beast island!"
"Well you know what, none of that would have happened if you had never come here!" she howled, tears ringing her eyes. "If you hadn't come here and orphaned countless children! Then turned them into child soldiers!"
The silence in the air was deafening. No one moved. No one even dared to breath in the seconds that ticked by. Finally, it was Hordak who broke the silence. His voice was so soft, and hollow. All the bluster and anger had been blown out of the man in front of Catra.
"You're right. What I have done to this world, its people." He looked to everyone at the table. "Everyone here. I carry great sins that can never be undone. I have been working tirelessly to make amends. Or at least make this world a better place then when I found it. Surely, you can understand that, of all people, Catra."
Catra's entire body sagged, anger now nothing but embers. "You're right. I can understand. I don't have the right to call out on any of the things you've done considering my track record. I-I'm sorry."
"I also apologize. We both bare the weight of our deeds." Hordak said somberly. "They weigh on me so greatly I think they may crush me. That is something we share in common."
"Yeah." Catra smiled humorlessly. Hordak then held out his hand and she shook it hesitantly.
"We've all made mistakes." Glimmer said, sniffling. Bow was quick to put a hand on het shoulder and she smiled. "But I meant what I said at the festival. I think we can all make a better Etheria if we keep moving forward."
Adora took Catra's hand. "Together."
Entrapta mirrored her, taking Hordak's own hand. "Together."
Bow raised his glass. "To a better Etheria."
Everyone raised their glasses, and offered a cheer. Dinner continued pleasantly, conversation finally seeming natural. However both Hordak and Catra still felt the shadows of their pasts looming over them. The weight of their actions seemed a little lighter for the moment. But they both knew they had much to shoulder. Sins weigh heavy on the soul.